[closed] 4.4.4 Downgrade Possibility

[DarkWolffe]

Okay, I have to ask. Has anyone successfully downgraded a 4.4.4 KitKat Moto X (2013) to a previous firmware version?

I have the XT1058 "ghost" if that matters.

 

[nhizzat]

Seriously? This has only been covered nearly everyday since 4.4.2 became available. In other words, the answers are out there if you simply open your eyes or search.

 

[himanshunegi1987]

No not possible to downgrade from 4.4.4

 

[Darth]

Yes, but for every one that claim they did.... 10 others have bricked.

And the ones that say they downgraded OK, may be in for a bad surprise next time they take an ota.

So, don't... Unless you are able to replace it if you need to. ?

 

[DarkWolffe]

Yes, but for every one that claim they did.... 10 others have bricked.

And the ones that say they downgraded OK, may be in for a bad surprise next time they take an ota.

So, don't... Unless you are able to replace it if you need to. ?

This is the info I wanted. Thanks.

 

[yzy9952]

Hi, my phone is xt1056, BL unlocked, I was fully flashed (enabled all the options in the xml file) the ghost_sprint-user-4.4.4-KXA21.12-L1.28-28-release-keys-cid9.xml with rsd to upgrade 4.4.4 once.
Then I fully flashed my xt1056 with the xt1060 rom (VZW_XT1060_4.4.2-KXA20.16-1.25.2_CFC_1FF.xml) in rsd. Now the phone is 4.4.2 and no signal, but it is 4.4.2, I can get my SPC with the app SPCUtility.apk.
After get my SPC, I was fully flashed the xt1056 (ghost_sprint-user-4.4.4-KXA21.12-L1.28-28-release-keys-cid9.xml with rsd to upgrade 4.4.4) again and works well (need to unlock the network again).

 

[DarkWolffe]

It really doesn't help me that you have the Sprint version. The AT&T bootloader can't be unlocked. At least not to my knowledge.

 

[Darth]

Downgrading with an unlocked bootloader is no different than locked... Extremely dangerous.

And the poster above who downgraded, then upgraded again... I would not take any OTA's going forward. Or you might get an unfortunate surprise.

 

[KidJoe]

It really doesn't help me that you have the Sprint version. The AT&T bootloader can't be unlocked. At least not to my knowledge.

If you have 4.4.4 on an ATT device, right its bootloader can not be unlocked at this point.

As for flashing, as many have said IT IS NOT SAFE to downgrade, unlocked and locked bootloader included.

There are parts that are included with 4.4.2 and up that prevent downgrading. Because of this, under certain circumstances when trying to downgrade (like from 4.4.2 to 4.4 or lower, or 4.4.4 to 4.4.2 or lower), you could either brick your phone, or set it up to brick in the future when you take an upgrade.

In the case of some who have bricked by downgrading, flashing the latest (4.4.4 currently) SBF via mFastboot commands, with a few extra steps, has been enough to revive the phone. Other times, not.

For as many stories you might see of "its safe" or "I've done it", a future OTA will likely get them. Plus there are many more who have created "I bricked when trying to downgrade, HELP!!" threads.

A few Examples of bricked while downgrading:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/xt-1053-to4-4-4-to-4-4-3-prob-wit-t2967182
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/expert-opinion-to-stock-t2944721
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/totally-bricked-t2952064
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/load-os-moto-x-t2942785
(keep looking in the Q&A section, or General section, you'll see lots more of them!)

And why do you think this thread exists? -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/how-to-resurrecting-bricked-moto-x-t2629057

I'll quote myself from another thread (in reply to someone that had an Unlocked bootloader)...

The moto x is not a nexus device. Unlike gaining S-off on an HTC phone, unlocking the bootloader on a moto x doesn't disable its security checks.

You can't downgrade got.bin and motoboot.img, or their internal components due to the phone's security checks.

People try downgrade by skipping those, BUT too often people brick when attempting this, or taking an OTA update in this state.

When you have mismatched parts on the phone, things don't work (like the issue of going settings-> security kicking you out) and you are at risk for bricking.

Again, this info applies whether you have an unlocked or locked bootloader.

So it is suggested you just stick with what is on your phone once you get on 4.4.2 or newer.

 

[DarkWolffe]

If you have 4.4.4 on an ATT device, right its bootloader can not be unlocked at this point.

As for flashing, as many have said IT IS NOT SAFE to downgrade, unlocked and locked bootloader included.

There are parts that are included with 4.4.2 and up that prevent downgrading. Because of this, under certain circumstances when trying to downgrade (like from 4.4.2 to 4.4 or lower, or 4.4.4 to 4.4.2 or lower), you could either brick your phone, or set it up to brick in the future when you take an upgrade.

In the case of some who have bricked by downgrading, flashing the latest (4.4.4 currently) SBF via mFastboot commands, with a few extra steps, has been enough to revive the phone. Other times, not.

For as many stories you might see of "its safe" or "I've done it", a future OTA will likely get them. Plus there are many more who have created "I bricked when trying to downgrade, HELP!!" threads.

A few Examples of bricked while downgrading:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/xt-1053-to4-4-4-to-4-4-3-prob-wit-t2967182
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/expert-opinion-to-stock-t2944721
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/totally-bricked-t2952064
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/load-os-moto-x-t2942785
(keep looking in the Q&A section, or General section, you'll see lots more of them!)

And why do you think this thread exists? -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/how-to-resurrecting-bricked-moto-x-t2629057

I'll quote myself from another thread (in reply to someone that had an Unlocked bootloader)...
Again, this info applies whether you have an unlocked or locked bootloader.

So it is suggested you just stick with what is on your phone once you get on 4.4.2 or newer.

Perfect answer. Thank you for the clarity.