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Intentional bootloader unlock restriction on some Motorola models
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my last fix broke smth which now be fixed
 
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Motorola Mobility}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Motorola Mobility (Motorola)}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Motorola Mobility (Motorola)}}
{{InfoboxCompany
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Motorola, Inc.
| Name = Motorola Mobility, Inc.
| Type = Public
| Type = Public
| Founded = 1928
| Founded = 1928
Line 8: Line 11:
}}
}}


Founded in 1928, and later sold to [[wikipedia:Lenovo|Lenovo]] in 2014, [[wikipedia:Motorola|Motorola]] is a US based company specializing in smartphones, tablets, and public safety equipment.
Founded in 1928, and later sold to [[wikipedia:Lenovo|Lenovo]] in 2014, [[wikipedia:Motorola|'''Motorola''']] Mobility (commonly known as Motorola) is a company specializing in smartphones, tablets, and public safety equipment.


==Incidents==
==Incidents==
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Two Senior MotoAgents have stated that the device needs to have an internet connection for one week following the purchase or a reset to allow the functionality of bootloader unlocking.<ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/moto-g52/OEM-unlock-option-greyed-out/m-p/5289637</ref><ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/motorola-one-5G-ACE/OEM-Unlock-option-greyed-out/m-p/5232007</ref>
Two Senior MotoAgents have stated that the device needs to have an internet connection for one week following the purchase or a reset to allow the functionality of bootloader unlocking.<ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/moto-g52/OEM-unlock-option-greyed-out/m-p/5289637</ref><ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/motorola-one-5G-ACE/OEM-Unlock-option-greyed-out/m-p/5232007</ref>
According to a post on Motorola's official forum from one of the Moto Agents, once the device reaches a certain age (no specific age is given), it becomes unable to get a key to unlock the bootloader.<ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/MOTOROLA-Android-Developer-Community/Your-device-does-not-qualify-for-bootloader-unlocking/m-p/5234690?page=3#6297769</ref>
Most E-series models, devices with Android GO pre-installed, some MTK models, Amazon Prime devices do not support the official bootloader unlock method.<ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/moto-e13/How-to-root-Moto-E13/m-p/5302949?page=1#6312054</ref>
====OEM devices====
There is a strong possibility that devices not created by Motorola's core development team but purchased from OEMs will not be able to be officially unlocked.<ref>https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/main/brands/motorola/README.md#unofficial-ways</ref><ref>https://github.com/orgs/moto-fogorow/discussions/1</ref>
For example, the Moto G24, G24 Power, E7 and E7 Power models manufactured by Tinno have a blocked bootloader unlock feature if the device is not a development device. Even if this lock can be bypassed, the bootloader will automatically lock after rebooting the device if it is not a development device.<ref>https://fogorow.fuckyoumoto.xyz/docs/dev/bootloader#official-way</ref>
The only way bypass it is to flash a [https://fogorow.fuckyoumoto.xyz/docs/modding/custom-bootloader custom ChouChou bootloader] specially ported for your device, that will disable this check.


====Intentional bootloader unlock restriction on some Motorola models====
====Intentional bootloader unlock restriction on some Motorola models====
On some smartphone models, bootloader unlocking is officially impossible.  
On some smartphone models, bootloader unlocking is officially impossible.  
For example, on the "Moto G13/G23/G24/G24 Power" models, the <code>fastboot oem get_unlock_data</code> command is missing.<ref>https://penangf.fuckyoumoto.xyz/docs/dev/bootloader/#official-unlocking-method</ref>
This command is necessary to obtain unique identifiers, which are then used to generate an unlock key. Besides, there are no officially documented alternative methods of getting the key on these phone models.
Notably, on more affordable devices with the same SoC, such as the Moto G31, bootloader unlocking was officially available.
For a long time, customers submitted requests on Motorola's official forum, asking for the ability to obtain an unlock key or an alternative method.<ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/moto-g13/Motorola-Moto-G13-G23-bootloader/m-p/5342278</ref><ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/MOTOROLA-Android-Developer-Community/How-to-unlock-bootloader-on-Motorola-moto-G23/m-p/5277660</ref><ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/MOTOROLA-Android-Developer-Community/Moto-G23-Bootloader-unlock-request/m-p/5319977</ref><ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/moto-g23/Moto-G23-%E2%80%93-Request-to-include-SID-Keys-in-next-OTA-Update/m-p/5344909</ref>
However, Motorola Agents either ignored these messages or responded with: ''"- This phone does not support bootloader unlocking"''.
Later, after numerous inquiries, Motorola issued a formal response: ''"- We will forward this information to the developers."'' However, no further action was taken.
Over time, a community of enthusiasts successfully unlocked the bootloader on Moto G13/G23 by decompiling the lk (Little Kernel, bootloader) partition, studying the key generation algorithm, and creating a key generator (keygen).<ref>https://penangf.fuckyoumoto.xyz/docs/dev/bootloader/#bootloader-unlock</ref><ref>https://penangf.fuckyoumoto.xyz/docs/dev/oem-key-algorithm</ref><ref>https://github.com/moto-penangf/fuckyoumoto/blob/main/oem_keygen.py</ref>
This proves that bootloader unlocking was originally intended to be possible, '''but Motorola deliberately concealed it from customers by refusing to provide the necessary keys.'''
====List of phones with bootloader unlocking disabled====
This not a complete list of models, in which bootloader cannot be unlocked officially:
*Moto E22i
*Moto E14
*Moto E13
*Moto E7 / E7 Power
*Moto G13 / G23
*Moto G24 / G24 Power
*Moto G22
==='''Live lock screen (2024)'''===
In late 2024, Motorola had installed an adware app called [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.taboola.mip Live lock screen] (from Taboola) for their recent devices under the guise of a "security update".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techissuestoday.com/motorola-lock-screen-ads-articles/|title=Motorola users noticing ads on lock screen after recent system updates|first=Dwayne|last=Cubbins|date=2024-11-21|work=Tech-Issues Today|access-date=2025-06-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250508185348/https://techissuestoday.com/motorola-lock-screen-ads-articles/|archive-date=2025-05-08|url-status=live}}</ref> This is installed as a system app and so cannot be deleted, with some speculating Motorola "might be looking for new revenue streams". Some users have found workarounds to removing the app from their phones involving the use of a computer's terminal.<ref name="Reddit">{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/motorola/comments/1h0klyj/remove_live_lock_screen_permanently_using_adb/|title=Remove Live lock screen permanently using ADB commands|author=u/Legal Literature1356|work=Reddit|date=2024-11-26|access-date=2025-06-18|archive-url=https://archive.ph/xYiUn|archive-date=2025-01-28|url-status=dead}}</ref><blockquote>1- Download adb files from given link and extract it in your PC (It also includes this video tutorial in Full HD format in case reddit compressed it here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/16cEtQFyLRfR216j7McXS4UpBIV4jcFPL/view?usp=drivesdk
2- Connect your phone to your PC using usb cable.
3- Tap multiple times in your phone build number until developer options in not unlock.
4- Enable Developer options and then USB debugging.


For example, on the "Moto G13/G23/G24/G24 Power" models, the <code>fastboot oem get_unlock_data</code> command is missing.<ref>https://penangf.fuckyoumoto.xyz/docs/dev/bootloader/#official-unlocking-method</ref>
5- Open "cmd-here" terminal files as admisstrator from that given folder and give these commands.
 
adb devices
 
adb shell
 
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.taboola.mip
 
6- Restart your phone.
 
''- u/Legal Literature1356''<ref name="Reddit" /></blockquote><blockquote>Not at all to detract from OP, but if you dont trust .rar files with .exes in them: You can use official sources for "andriod platform tools" from here https://developer.android.com/tools/releases/platform-tools and you dont need "cmd-here", (all it doesis opens a command prompt in the folder it sits in). instead, open command prompt as per usual ("cmd" in windows search does it), click on the address bar of whereever your andriod tools are, copy that, then use that as below.
 
cd C:\Users\Main\Desktop\New folder\platform-tools
 
adb devices
 
adb shell
 
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.taboola.mip


This command is necessary to obtain unique identifiers, which are then used to generate an unlock key. Besides, there are no officially documented alternative methods of getting the key on these phone models.
Other useful bits, my one had a different package name:


Notably, on more affordable devices with the same SoC, such as the Moto G31, bootloader unlocking was officially available.
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.taboola.ody


For a long time, customers submitted requests on Motorola's official forum, asking for the ability to obtain an unlock key or an alternative method. <ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/moto-g13/Motorola-Moto-G13-G23-bootloader/m-p/5342278</ref><ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/MOTOROLA-Android-Developer-Community/How-to-unlock-bootloader-on-Motorola-moto-G23/m-p/5277660</ref><ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/MOTOROLA-Android-Developer-Community/Moto-G23-Bootloader-unlock-request/m-p/5319977</ref><ref>https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/moto-g23/Moto-G23-%E2%80%93-Request-to-include-SID-Keys-in-next-OTA-Update/m-p/5344909</ref>
and this lists the packages in your phone, incase they have changed the name:  


However, Motorola Agents either ignored these messages or responded with: ''"- This phone does not support bootloader unlocking"''.
adb devices


Later, after numerous inquiries, Motorola issued a formal response: ''"- We will forward this information to the developers."'' However, no further action was taken.
adb shell


Over time, a community of enthusiasts successfully unlocked the bootloader on Moto G13/G23 by decompiling the lk (Little Kernel, bootloader) partition, studying the key generation algorithm, and creating a key generator (keygen). <ref>https://penangf.fuckyoumoto.xyz/docs/dev/bootloader/#bootloader-unlock</ref><ref>https://penangf.fuckyoumoto.xyz/docs/dev/oem-key-algorithm</ref><ref>https://github.com/moto-penangf/fuckyoumoto/blob/main/oem_keygen.py</ref>
adb shell pm list packages


This proves that bootloader unlocking was originally intended to be possible, '''but Motorola deliberately concealed it from customers by refusing to provide the necessary keys.'''
''- u/Etalon3141''<ref name="Reddit" /></blockquote>


==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Telecommunications companies]]
 
[[Category:Mobile phone manufacturers]]
[[Category:Motorola]]
[[Category:Motorola]]

Latest revision as of 17:01, 19 June 2025


Motorola
Basic information
Founded 1928
Type Public
Industry Electronics
Official website https://www.motorola.com


Founded in 1928, and later sold to Lenovo in 2014, Motorola Mobility (commonly known as Motorola) is a company specializing in smartphones, tablets, and public safety equipment.

Incidents[edit | edit source]

Bootloader Controversy[edit | edit source]

Motorola has made it against their Legal Agreements[1] to resell your phone, after unlocking the bootloader, sparking concerns over ownership. "Once you unlock the device, you can only use it for your personal use, and may not sell or otherwise transfer the device".[2]

They have also mentioned that unlocking your device voids the warranty. This means if the CPU, battery, or any other component unrelated to unlocking a device should stop functioning, it will not be covered under warranty.[2]

Two Senior MotoAgents have stated that the device needs to have an internet connection for one week following the purchase or a reset to allow the functionality of bootloader unlocking.[3][4]

According to a post on Motorola's official forum from one of the Moto Agents, once the device reaches a certain age (no specific age is given), it becomes unable to get a key to unlock the bootloader.[5]

Most E-series models, devices with Android GO pre-installed, some MTK models, Amazon Prime devices do not support the official bootloader unlock method.[6]

OEM devices[edit | edit source]

There is a strong possibility that devices not created by Motorola's core development team but purchased from OEMs will not be able to be officially unlocked.[7][8]

For example, the Moto G24, G24 Power, E7 and E7 Power models manufactured by Tinno have a blocked bootloader unlock feature if the device is not a development device. Even if this lock can be bypassed, the bootloader will automatically lock after rebooting the device if it is not a development device.[9]

The only way bypass it is to flash a custom ChouChou bootloader specially ported for your device, that will disable this check.

Intentional bootloader unlock restriction on some Motorola models[edit | edit source]

On some smartphone models, bootloader unlocking is officially impossible. For example, on the "Moto G13/G23/G24/G24 Power" models, the fastboot oem get_unlock_data command is missing.[10] This command is necessary to obtain unique identifiers, which are then used to generate an unlock key. Besides, there are no officially documented alternative methods of getting the key on these phone models. Notably, on more affordable devices with the same SoC, such as the Moto G31, bootloader unlocking was officially available.

For a long time, customers submitted requests on Motorola's official forum, asking for the ability to obtain an unlock key or an alternative method.[11][12][13][14] However, Motorola Agents either ignored these messages or responded with: "- This phone does not support bootloader unlocking". Later, after numerous inquiries, Motorola issued a formal response: "- We will forward this information to the developers." However, no further action was taken.

Over time, a community of enthusiasts successfully unlocked the bootloader on Moto G13/G23 by decompiling the lk (Little Kernel, bootloader) partition, studying the key generation algorithm, and creating a key generator (keygen).[15][16][17] This proves that bootloader unlocking was originally intended to be possible, but Motorola deliberately concealed it from customers by refusing to provide the necessary keys.

List of phones with bootloader unlocking disabled[edit | edit source]

This not a complete list of models, in which bootloader cannot be unlocked officially:

  • Moto E22i
  • Moto E14
  • Moto E13
  • Moto E7 / E7 Power
  • Moto G13 / G23
  • Moto G24 / G24 Power
  • Moto G22

Live lock screen (2024)[edit | edit source]

In late 2024, Motorola had installed an adware app called Live lock screen (from Taboola) for their recent devices under the guise of a "security update".[18] This is installed as a system app and so cannot be deleted, with some speculating Motorola "might be looking for new revenue streams". Some users have found workarounds to removing the app from their phones involving the use of a computer's terminal.[19]

1- Download adb files from given link and extract it in your PC (It also includes this video tutorial in Full HD format in case reddit compressed it here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/16cEtQFyLRfR216j7McXS4UpBIV4jcFPL/view?usp=drivesdk

2- Connect your phone to your PC using usb cable.

3- Tap multiple times in your phone build number until developer options in not unlock.

4- Enable Developer options and then USB debugging.

5- Open "cmd-here" terminal files as admisstrator from that given folder and give these commands.

adb devices

adb shell

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.taboola.mip

6- Restart your phone.

- u/Legal Literature1356[19]

Not at all to detract from OP, but if you dont trust .rar files with .exes in them: You can use official sources for "andriod platform tools" from here https://developer.android.com/tools/releases/platform-tools and you dont need "cmd-here", (all it doesis opens a command prompt in the folder it sits in). instead, open command prompt as per usual ("cmd" in windows search does it), click on the address bar of whereever your andriod tools are, copy that, then use that as below.

cd C:\Users\Main\Desktop\New folder\platform-tools

adb devices

adb shell

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.taboola.mip

Other useful bits, my one had a different package name:

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.taboola.ody

and this lists the packages in your phone, incase they have changed the name:

adb devices

adb shell

adb shell pm list packages

- u/Etalon3141[19]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ https://en-us.support.motorola.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://en-us.support.motorola.com/ci/fattach/get/741421/1385047216/redirect/1/filename/Boot_revised.pdf
  3. ↑ https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/moto-g52/OEM-unlock-option-greyed-out/m-p/5289637
  4. ↑ https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/motorola-one-5G-ACE/OEM-Unlock-option-greyed-out/m-p/5232007
  5. ↑ https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/MOTOROLA-Android-Developer-Community/Your-device-does-not-qualify-for-bootloader-unlocking/m-p/5234690?page=3#6297769
  6. ↑ https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/moto-e13/How-to-root-Moto-E13/m-p/5302949?page=1#6312054
  7. ↑ https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/main/brands/motorola/README.md#unofficial-ways
  8. ↑ https://github.com/orgs/moto-fogorow/discussions/1
  9. ↑ https://fogorow.fuckyoumoto.xyz/docs/dev/bootloader#official-way
  10. ↑ https://penangf.fuckyoumoto.xyz/docs/dev/bootloader/#official-unlocking-method
  11. ↑ https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/moto-g13/Motorola-Moto-G13-G23-bootloader/m-p/5342278
  12. ↑ https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/MOTOROLA-Android-Developer-Community/How-to-unlock-bootloader-on-Motorola-moto-G23/m-p/5277660
  13. ↑ https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/MOTOROLA-Android-Developer-Community/Moto-G23-Bootloader-unlock-request/m-p/5319977
  14. ↑ https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/moto-g23/Moto-G23-%E2%80%93-Request-to-include-SID-Keys-in-next-OTA-Update/m-p/5344909
  15. ↑ https://penangf.fuckyoumoto.xyz/docs/dev/bootloader/#bootloader-unlock
  16. ↑ https://penangf.fuckyoumoto.xyz/docs/dev/oem-key-algorithm
  17. ↑ https://github.com/moto-penangf/fuckyoumoto/blob/main/oem_keygen.py
  18. ↑ Cubbins, Dwayne (2024-11-21). "Motorola users noticing ads on lock screen after recent system updates". Tech-Issues Today. Archived from the original on 2025-05-08. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 u/Legal Literature1356 (2024-11-26). "Remove Live lock screen permanently using ADB commands". Reddit. Archived from the original on 2025-01-28. Retrieved 2025-06-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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