[HOW TO] How to Root 5.1 with (unlocked bootloader)

[KidJoe]

I've seen posts requesting "how to" and posts of problems attempting to root after installing the 5.1 OTA update. This post outlines the steps to root with an UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER.

NOTE: This will only work if your bootloader is already unlocked. It is based on -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/instructions-unlocking-rooting-dev-ed-t2649738 but slightly updated.

Don't know if your bootloader can be unlocked? see -> HERE

Requirements...

• the latest TWRP fastboot IMG file (Alternate Link) UPDATE: There is an issue with TWRP 2.8.7.0 (SEE THIS POST Thanks @jodaboda ). Please use TWRP 2.8.6.0 for now!
• the latest Installable ZIP of SuperSU (Alternate: http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu )
• You must have already installed the Motorola Drivers, ADB, Android Platform Tools, and mFastboot
• mFastboot (get from the previous link). NOTE: Stock fastboot that ships with the Android SDK/Platform tools will likely work, but Moto's fastboot is always suggested!
• Your battery has an 80% or greater charge!!
• MicroUSB Cable.
• Know how to start your phone into the Fastboot AP/Bootloader mode...
  • Unplug phone
  • Power down phone.
  • Hold Volume Down and Power
  • After a few seconds release Power, you should be in Fastboot AP menu on phone.

The steps...
NOTE: replace TWRP.IMG in the below steps, with the name of the file you downloaded!! Example: twrp-2.8.6.0-ghost.img

NOTE: failure to perform these steps EXACTLY as written can result in the apparence of the Android in distress (logo with Exclamation mark) with the caption "No Command" and the inability to enter recovery, OR it will enter STOCK recovery even though you have flashed TWRP!

1. Start the phone in Fastboot AP mode.
2. Connect your phone to PC via MicroUSB cable.
3. open a command prompt and change to the folder you downloaded your TWRP.IMG file.
4. type the following, pressing enter after each command, and wait for it to finish before going onto the next...
   mfastboot flash recovery TWRP.img
   mfastboot reboot-bootloader
5. Use the VOL DOWN Key to SCROLL to Recovery and VOL UP Key to select
6. The device should enter TWRP.
7. If your device is not rooted, TWRP may prompt you to root now or install SuperSU. Do it.
8. Use the menu options to Reboot to system.
9. You will likely be prompted to UPDATE SuperSU. Please update it, and reboot.

IF TWRP doesn't prompt you to root/install SuperSU.... (more exact instructions coming later...)

With your phone booted normally, connect it via USB cable to your PC.
Drag/Drop the SuperSU.zip you downloaded onto the phone's internal storage
Reboot the phone into TWRP
Use the menu option to install zip, navigate to and select the SuperSU zip.
Boot to System.

EDIT: 9-17-2015 edited first TWRP link.

 

[Vampirexox]

I've seen posts requesting "how to" and posts of problems attempting to root after installing the 5.1 OTA update. This post outlines the steps to root with an UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER.

NOTE: This will only work if your bootloader is already unlocked. It is based on -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/instructions-unlocking-rooting-dev-ed-t2649738 but slightly updated.

Don't know if your bootloader can be unlocked? see -> HERE

Requirements...

• the latest TWRP fastboot IMG file (Alternate Link)
• the latest Installable ZIP of SuperSU (Alternate: http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu )
• You must have already installed the Motorola Drivers, ADB, Android Platform Tools, and mFastboot
• mFastboot (get from the previous link). NOTE: Stock fastboot that ships with the Android SDK/Platform tools will likely work, but Moto's fastboot is always suggested!
• Your battery has an 80% or greater charge!!
• MicroUSB Cable.
• Know how to start your phone into the Fastboot AP/Bootloader mode...
  • Unplug phone
  • Power down phone.
  • Hold Volume Down and Power
  • After a few seconds release Power, you should be in Fastboot AP menu on phone.

The steps...
NOTE: replace TWRP.IMG in the below steps, with the name of the file you downloaded!! Example: twrp-2.8.6.0-ghost.img

NOTE: failure to perform these steps EXACTLY as written can result in the apparence of the Android in distress (logo with Exclamation mark) with the caption "No Command" and the inability to enter recovery, OR it will enter STOCK recovery even though you have flashed TWRP!

1. Start the phone in Fastboot AP mode.
2. Connect your phone to PC via MicroUSB cable.
3. open a command prompt and change to the folder you downloaded your TWRP.IMG file.
4. type the following, pressing enter after each command, and wait for it to finish before going onto the next...
   mfastboot flash recovery TWRP.img
   mfastboot reboot-bootloader
5. Use the VOL DOWN Key to SCROLL to Recovery and VOL UP Key to select
6. The device should enter TWRP.
7. If your device is not rooted, TWRP may prompt you to root now or install SuperSU. Do it.
8. Use the menu options to Reboot to system.
9. You will likely be prompted to UPDATE SuperSU. Please update it, and reboot.

IF TWRP doesn't prompt you to root/install SuperSU.... (more exact instructions coming later...)

With your phone booted normally, connect it via USB cable to your PC.
Drag/Drop the SuperSU.zip you downloaded onto the phone's internal storage
Reboot the phone into TWRP
Use the menu option to install zip, navigate to and select the SuperSU zip.
Boot to System.

I still haven't unlocked my Bootloader (being on 5.1). In the linked post it's been mentioned that "TWRP custom recovery for KitKat" - my question is, is there a TWRP Custom Recover for OTA 5.1 update? And I'm on XT1052, same procedure follows?

 

[jay_em]

Do you know where I can find mfastboot for Mac OSX?

 

[hugh a]

kidjoe, your a priceless resource!
i installed an older verison of twrp and had all the issues you speak off, installed 2.8.6 with success but would not root upon reboot, installed the super su zip in op via twrp, one last thing i had to enter the super su app and tap enable superuser and now all is good:good::good

 

[bazantik]

Thanks, worked like a charm

 

[kyzn]

Thanks.. It's been ages since I used I last used adb commands and flashed something. I couldn't figure out how to boot into recovery.

 

[KidJoe]

I still haven't unlocked my Bootloader (being on 5.1). In the linked post it's been mentioned that "TWRP custom recovery for KitKat" - my question is, is there a TWRP Custom Recover for OTA 5.1 update? And I'm on XT1052, same procedure follows?

twrp-2.8.6.0-ghost.img works on Lollipop too. (just used it last night on my sister-in-law's GSM Dev Edition XT1053 that got the lollipop update)

 

[glarepate]

Do you know where I can find mfastboot for Mac OSX?

Here is a copy on my Box 'drive':

https://app.box.com/s/5nlgy2avccupw4box8z2be50ezt4qn7p

EDIT: I just got an e-mail saying it had been downloaded. :good:

---------- Post added at 08:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:45 AM ----------

Thanks.. It's been ages since I used I last used adb commands and flashed something. I couldn't figure out how to boot into recovery.

EDIT: [If you are still running the stock Recovery] You can also use:

adb reboot recovery

When you see the horizontal robot hold the Volume Up key for 3 seconds and then tap Power and the Recovery Menu will display.

 

[ajsonofgod]

Thanx for this how-to. Everyone has been getting confused in root process for 5.1 although it is nearly same as 4.4.4.

Sent from my XT1052

 

[jodaboda]

I had to use twrp-2.8.6.0-ghost.img

twrp 2.8.7 would not "see" the SD card, and I couldn't install the SuperSU.zip

Thanks for the post!

 

[wksk]

I had to use twrp-2.8.6.0-ghost.img

twrp 2.8.7 would not "see" the SD card, and I couldn't install the SuperSU.zip

Thanks for the post!

I had the same issue with my XT1053. Following your advice did the trick. Not being able to modify my dpi since upgrading has been killing me. Its the only thing i really want root for. Thanks for everything both you and op!

 

[KidJoe]

I had to use twrp-2.8.6.0-ghost.img

twrp 2.8.7 would not "see" the SD card, and I couldn't install the SuperSU.zip

Thanks for the post!

Ahh... 2.8.7 wasn't out when I tried.. 2.8.6 was the latest at that time. Maybe there is a bug in 2.8.7 that will get fixed in future versions?

 

[Icon000]

Sunshine unlocked bootloader

Does anyone know if there are any issues resulting from a Sunshine unlocked bootloader? I saw one post that had a warning but it was a warning because there was no information at the time. Has this change?

 

[md07]

i installed TWRP successful, but after normal reset, TWRP is gone, it's only stock recovery (Android down image). Please help me. My phone is running 5.1 update OTA, unlocked bootloader

 

[KidJoe]

i installed TWRP successful, but after normal reset, TWRP is gone, it's only stock recovery (Android down image). Please help me. My phone is running 5.1 update OTA, unlocked bootloader

When you say "installed TWRP successful"... do you mean that fastboot didn't error? or that fastboot completed the install, you did a mfastboot reboot-bootloader, and tried entering TWRP but it still gave you the "dead android" image?

 

[djibril13]

Is there any unofficial way to unlock bootloader?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[SX86]

I can't get it to work on a friend's Moto X... I flash using mfastboot and upon rebooting, it goes into battery charging mode.

If I fully boot into Android, then reboot to recovery, I still get the "dead Android on his back" recovery. What's going on?!

 

[KidJoe]

Is there any unofficial way to unlock bootloader?

Sunshine... IF you're phone has never been upgraded to 4.4.4.

BUT if you can get unlock code from Moto, while it can void your warranty (depending on your local laws), that is FREE, and the best way.

 

[KidJoe]

I can't get it to work on a friend's Moto X... I flash using mfastboot and upon rebooting, it goes into battery charging mode.

If I fully boot into Android, then reboot to recovery, I still get the "dead Android on his back" recovery. What's going on?!

help me understand your situation...

You are doing.. Mfastboot flash recovery -> mfastboot reboot-bootloader -> you get battery charging screen rather than fasboot/bootloader menu/screen?

or ??

 

[hugh a]

I can't get it to work on a friend's Moto X... I flash using mfastboot and upon rebooting, it goes into battery charging mode.

If I fully boot into Android, then reboot to recovery, I still get the "dead Android on his back" recovery. What's going on?!

after flashing did you but to recovery befour booting system? with my experience i had to boot to recovery first befour system