After reading about the other Moto Android Handsets that have been rooted, I decided to see what I could do to make the rooting process easier for everyone out there. I am not going to give you everything you need to do this because of legal reasons. Please see the disclaimer below.
DISCLAIMER: I, the author of this blog and/or any affiliated entity, am/are not responsible for any damage done to your device. Doing this procedure can ruin your device if not done properly so DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK…. Furthermore, some information such as file locations have been left out on purpose. The reason why is because this stuff is available for you to download already from sites such as Motorola.com and the Android community itself.
EDIT: If you would like to root your very own backflip mb300 Motus, then head over to Modmymobile.com register for an account and under the backflip android forums you will find a sticky on how to do it. Keep in mind that there is currently no ROM’s for you to be able to flash but you will have the ability to use apps which require root as well as modifying the file systems. Things are a lil bit hectic around here but I will keep everyone updated…
The first thing that you need to do is open the settings>applications>development and check USB debugging.
Goto http://developer.motorola.com/products/backflip/ and download the sdk and moto USB drivers. There is also the source code located at https://opensource.motorola.com/sf/frs/do/viewRelease/projects.backflip/frs.backflip_mb300_at_t_usa.rel12_1199 ….
With the source code you can go through it and set it up the way you want your rom to be (i.e. make the rooted rom).
Now for the fun stuff and what you have all been waiting for…
Package your compiled source into an update.zip file and copy it to your sd card.
Remembering the disclaimer above, Power off the Backflip (if it is still plugged into USB it will power on instantly so depress the camera button). Power on while holding the camera button. The cam button is one of the dual click varieties that has a half click and a full click. Make sure you press the button so it clicks all the way down to the second click.
You will be presented with two options. Press the Volume up key Verbose boot and Press Volume down key for recovery. On my Backflip the down is up and vice versa ( I know, right?). If you make a mistake you can pull the battery at this point and start over or just wait for it to boot normally. You will only have ten seconds before it boots normally. The Verbose boot puts you into a locked Fastboot session which shows a blue background. The recovery screen is black with a phone and exclamation icon in the center. Just wait about 20 seconds and you will be presented with a menu. Choose the sd card recovery method which will look for the update.zip file you created. Now this is where it gets hairy.
Hard Reset Process
- Power off the phone, press and hold camera button, press power button.
- Release the camera button when prompted (following the Batwings boot screen).
- Press the volume down button and wait for the “triangle !” screen.
- Open keyboard and press Alt L keys, then press Alt W keys.
- Wait for device to reboot
- After Factory Reset, Select “Register New Blur Account” during the setup process.
If you do not know what you are doing to create a rooted compile that has signed partitions then you will get a load error. This has happened to me but fortunately the flash just can not happen without those credentials. The source is your friend for this so good luck and code safe. One last hint… The source contains version specific info that needs to be addressed in your build of the rooted rom. Take a look around on the various websites that are attempting to root the backflip. The main problem is that the update process fails if the version is not greater in the update.zip than that is currently on the backflip. The source is your friend for this so good luck and code safe.
Below are the pictures of the boot loader process.
Fastboot Options
Security enabled for USB firmware upgrade on Fastboot
Initial Restore screen
Same as prev. Better image
Backflip restore menu
78 Comments
Now you should do another separate blog on how to mod the source or a walkthrough on a rom you created?
I will try and get more info posted. I want to stay on the safe side since I am a Moto developer and want to keep my membership. I will try to post as much as I can to get the ball rolling for everyone. BTW I am in college and have finals this week so stay tuned. Thanks for the reply.
hey i can really use some help with what i am trying to do if u can email me anytime soon i could really use the help. thank you
Awesome, can you post the image or the files we need? Under a different name so they can mess with your membership?
Jerry,
As we speak, I am getting the key files copied over. The one problem that everyone is going to have is the certificate. I really do not know how to get around that for everyone else. One thing I do need is some help from the community. Any volunteers?
Hi everyone,
There has been overwhelming interest in the root procedure for the Backflip. It can be done. AT&T has other reasons to lock there phones, not what you would think. Everything is contained in the source that you would need to make a rooted compile. You MUST have a Linux workstation. You can not make the compile on windows. I used Ubuntu 9.10. This is not going to be an RSD lite root but I have it from good sources that this method will also work if the .shx files are leaked. The update.zip file is packaged the same way as the the other moto droid phones. Take a look at the many how to’s on those sites for the instructions.
MAKEFILE is very very important.
what do you need? I am willing to help.
I need others that I can trust to publish my work. My reputation at Texas Instruments and Motorola ( I do not care about AT&T lol) is at stake. I am waiting on a cease and desist any day now…
i’ll help if you want me to, email me if you wanna. cheddarbob41 at rocketmail.com
cheddarbob41,
I will get with you via email later on this evening. Thanks
Feel free to email me as well. My room mate has the backflip and would love this info. I personally am running a rooted T-Mo G1 with Cyanogen Mod 5.0.7DS (2.1 Eclair). Android is supposed to be OPEN source, and should be up to the public as to what THEY wish to do with it.
pspfxr@gmail.com
Infared, I would love to help, email me at demonrz0@yaho.com, I have the entire workstation ready with multiple os’s to use if need be, thank you.
Nice info! Maybe you can help me out. I”m stuck on the initial white screen with the Moto logo….nothing will get me out of it. The 3 home buttons are non functional and the only way to shut if off is by removing the battery. Plugging in the cable does not seem to do anything either, the computer does not see it plugged in at all.
I’m all over the forums and no luck. Any info would be great..thx!
Milt
Try removing your sim card and sd card. I do not know what you did to get stuck at that point. A cold boot waits 10 seconds for boot loader cmds then it starts flashing the blur icon. You can do a factory reset by following the instructions in this blog. It is the last menu option on the restore screen. I would just wait a couple minutes to be sure that it is stuck at that screen.
I would be willing to help as well. ilromov at the gmail dot com
Please guys I would soo appreciate this. The device doesn’t even get the the “blur” part just stays stuck on Motorola. I can pull the battery to shut it off, reinsert the battery and hit power, the device vibrates for a quick second then all you see is white with the moto logo in the middle. I’ve left it like that for hours…nothing…..I put the SD card back in, left it without battery for hours at a time…still same story. I truly think this thing is seriously “bricked”. I’ve never had a phone bricked this hard….lol. Please send me any info to milton@pdagurus.com
not sure that this is the place to be asking for help with this, but goto this link:
http://www.backflipforums.com/forum/motorola-backflip-tech-issues-bug-reports/209-stuck-boot-screen.html
and read through that it will help you get it reset so it will boot properly.
Excellent to see – I was surprised it hadn’t been done before, with the source being available and all! One question – you mention that you need to select Register New Blur Account. Would it be possible to keep my current account, or does that really matter?
That is actually the Moto restore procedures. I would like to add that you have to touch the screen above the back key to unhide the menu. You can set up the same account. The root procedure has not been published by me yet. There is still some things left to publish.
I am willing to help with whatever you need. Just shoot me an email.
Still haven’t received any emails
Hey infared way to go! I’m not very skilled in linux and I have a pc
but I do have the backflip if you need any help just let me know, email me at rockemsockemrobots123@gmail.com or bressler.b@boldpress.net
Hey infrared, how exactly did you sign the update.zip? I’ve been unable to do it using various tools, and the testkey from the source.
hey i have a win 7, xp, linux, pc and will help with what i can. let me know… valdezpa09@gmail.com
@infrared
You said you need a Linux workstation to root the phone. Would it be okay if I installed Ubuntu as a virtual machine on my PC and do it that way? Sorry if this sounds like a noob question. I don’t know a lot about rooting or Linux.
I did install Ubuntu once with VMWare, but I remember it being painfully slow on my Desktop. Never tried it on my laptop.
I’m on the verge of returning my Backflip and switching to Verizon for the Droid. Not sure if I want to try rooting the Backflip considering not a lot of people have fiddled with it due to it’s unpopularity with the super geek crowd.
Unless you are proficient with *nix, I would suggest native install. Dev tools sometimes do not work correctly in vm…
Looks like my post got deleted. Since you need a Linux workstation, could I just install Ubuntu with VMWare on my computer? Will this work if I install Ubuntu as a virtual machine?
the post was not approved yet sorry…
@infrared
Okay, so no vm. Another dumb quesiton. The only other computer that has Linux is my Mac Mini. Can I try to root my Backflip using that or am I up a creek now?
Wow, maybe I have to spend one of these days turning one of my old defunct computers or laptops into a Linux workstation. Can I turn my old Vaio laptop from 2000 into a Linux workstation or is that just too old? It’s got a single processor that runs at 800 mhz.
Feel free to contact me to post anything you wish on my “website”.
Not really my website. Created just so you could have another place to post from via me. I promise I will be quick in updating!
That website was fake. Email me and I will send you the real website.
I too have access to a few of my own websites, lmk if i can do anything to help, i wouldnt be able to do any dev work, not my expertise but anything you need i can sure try bought a backflip the other day now i just wanna do some random stuff to it, also, if its rooted does this mean you could load a rom to allow like 2.1 or atleast un AT&T-ify the thing
So i noticed on Mar. 31st Moto released a new build of the software that is 13.27 at: https://opensource.motorola.com/sf/frs/do/viewRelease/projects.backflip/frs.backflip_mb300_at_t_usa.rel13_27?selectedTab=files .
If anyone could share with me a link to the update, id be most appreciative, ive been trying to work at this for two days and i really want my backflip to work to its potential.
Pointfivenine (at) gmail.com
Thanks again.
Infrared, any luck on more detailed information on the code modifications? I am extremely excited for this opportunity for the community. There are many of us who would love to see this project become public.
any updates for this? i think all US users are all tied into the same versions so something compiled would be universal for all US backflip users
I am willing to help with the android community to get my backflip rooted ,
I forced 3rd party apps on it with Droid explorer but I want it rooted to be true , also I havent rooted one before but I did already brick it once it took a factory reset to come back , at&t doesnt want it “open” because in short the deivce isnt power enough to handle all the apps available hence the force closes I keep getting with some apps. lastly the dont want any one tethering the data side since the iphone is already draining their 3G network . I see it this way , apple can share the network or die with it LETS GET BACKFLIP ROOTED FOR ALL !!! Infared Email me !
So will we ever get more info on how to do this ourselves, or since they are certs and secret keys etc. that you have from your job, we’re still SOL for rooting our own backflips?
hey thanks for the help…however is there any way you can do a video tutorial…on youtube…you will get a lots of hits..
I once was a guy that coulddo this. I have been out of the game for some time….
I’m looking for somebody to help me turn my backflip into a REAL android phone….in plain english.. j.ryan.reynolds at gmail dot com
Has anyone tried this on the TELUS Backflip in Canada?
I’m trying to see if it works, otherwise I’m just going to return it.
It was a compulsive purchase, but the only reason I’d keep it is if I can root it.
I’m sure I could dish out an extra $200 for the Milestone, but even that’s not a full root. -sigh- i do agree with a lot of the people though, you should make an entire post on how to root the source and how to build it from scratch. I’m sure there’s a lot of people that would appreciate it. May even donate….just a thought.
Someone please message and lead me on the right track to code that source so i can root this phone, if it is indeed able to.
Also, is there a way to put a fresh install of an android on the backflip and still use it with the carrier you are with?
HELP! PLZ!
Dale,
The ATT Backflip does not currently have a publicly released root method. I have published a new post to help those that want to compile their own roms. Stay tuned because there is progress being made. Hopefully we will not have to wait till the update.zip is released.
I need help with coding the ROM. If anyone could please help me I would appreciate it. email is j j rice 75 @ gmail . com
check out the new blog post on building from source
I have lost all faith in AT&T and Motorola in reference to getting this device rooted. I’m pending an HTC Incredible and no longer care about my backflip nor AT&T’s service since I’ve been loyal since Cingular. If anyone has compiled and need a tester, I offer my backflip for testing. Just contact me when you have something cooked up and I’ll provide any feedback needed.
The Incredible is pretty awesome. My bro n law picked one up. Verizon fucked me over years ago so I no longer do business with them. They will need to re think their 4g strategy though. If I were you I would wait until a wi-max or LTE device is released here in the states before your next android purchase.
Hi,
Does anyone know if I buy the Backflip unlocked will it come with the AT&T restrictions? I mean the Yahoo Search, restricted apps, AT&T Bloatware, etc? Or will it come clean directly from Motorola?
Thanks and I appreciate it.
Since the backflip is exclusive to ATT in the US you can only order it with ATT firmware loaded. You could buy a chinese motus and root it, then you would be able to run a modded rom. Although, I believe the GSM bands are different but I am not 100%.
Infrared, I have a unlocked China Backflip ME600 that I would like to root and put a US Rom on. I’m willing to use the phone to help out. Email me so we can talk. tripfoeya @ gmail.com
I would get with Scrilax_CZ over at M3 because he was the one to originally post the exploit for the ME600. From what I understand that device was released with a similar exploit as the cliq. But anyway I will shoot you an email.
please help!!! after i press volume up or volume down it either sits on the blue screen forever or the triangle with exclamation mark forever. i dont know what im doing wrong?
Once, you get to the triangle with the exclamation mark you can touch the screen on the lower corner above the return arrow soft key (the soft keys are the ones below the screen) this will un-hide the menu. Also if you get into the fast boot screen (probably the blue screen you refer), you can only remove the battery and reboot at that point. Hope this helps…
hokay so….. i downloaded all the sources into one zip file and named it update … i got past the triangle “!” screen (thank you for the help!) but now im stuck again . when i install the the update.zip from my sd card it says
–install from sdcard…
finding update package…
E.verification failed
installation aborted.
… i feel like im so close hahah
Nate,
you don’t just dl the source into the .zip and copy it over. head over to modmymoto them boys will give you a boost.
Can you please explain me how to do accomplish this coz after hitting the volume down key i see the phone with a triangle with exclamation but nothing really happens after that i wated for 20 mts not 20 sec…..wat next….if you really have nething here is my email srinivasmuthyala38@gmail.com
see your private email
Can someone give me a mirror for the source? I can’t download it from the provided link, it keeps freezing.
try using a different browser if that does not work I will try to host it on a file server.
You can kick off the root procedure by
1. making the update.zip file as listed above (this file is not signed and I have don’g know how to do this…can someone help with this part)
2. Copy update.zip to the add-in SD card
3. Make sure phone is off
4. Hold down Camera button and then hit and release the power button when screen turns on
5. Still holding Camera button wait to release until you see “Release Camera Key” on the screen
6. Release Camera button
7. Hit the “Down” Volume button
8. It will say you pressed the “Up” Volume button – this design only to confuse you
9. Wait about 15 secs to 1 minute for the screen to display Triangle symbol with “!” inside and the laying down in front
10. Press the very bottom right hand corner of the screen holding the phone in a vertical position
11. “Motorola system recovery” appears
12. Select “apply sdcard:update.zip [Alt+S]” and it will go through the notions
****This is where I get this message:
->pick 1
– Install from sdcard…
Finding update package…
Opening update package…
Verifying update package…
E:No signature (11 files)
E:Verification failed
Installation aborted.
Press Menu+Back to reboot
Can somebody help me with signing this update.zip file…once this step is done you gain root access to the phone and can install the rom.
I’m having the same problem. Did you ever figure it out?
I don’t own a smartphone, partially due to the fact that AT&T cripples their Android phones. If I could undo the crippling, I will probably buy one when my contract is up.
My questions is this:
Isn’t Android GPL (since it’s based on Linux), and therefore if AT&T has a problem with you publishing information about how to install modified software, can’t you just tell them to read the license? (and sick the EFF on them if they keep it up?)
Why all the secrecy? What right do they have to keep anything about this process off the Internet?
Surely THAT information isn’t a secret.
There really is not any secrets. Motorola and ATT agreed to have the firmware signed by certificates so that tampering would be harder. Motorola as far as I know have adhered to GPL by making the source available. Android is owned by Google and the source is also available for that. Everything but the keys are available. The firmware on the backflip is like this because Moto and ATT have a business need to do so. The complications of handing over these keys (Everyone I do not have the keys, I have a file signed by the keys) is the problem I have. If I were to release proprietary technology from Moto then a serious legal battle will ensue.
So is there anyway you can send me the compiled update.zip so I can root my own phone? From everything I’ve read, its impossible for me to do myself since I can’t sign it, correct?
I’d love to get this rooted and updated.
Thanks
Hey, I’m a total noob at the android firmware and I would like it VERY MUCH if you could send me a step by step guide with links to the files for this
You can email me at payton.gragg@gmail.com or text/call me at 919-265-8584
Thank you SO MUCH in advance.
I would recommend not providing your phone number in an open blog, such as this one. Just my 2 cents.
I have given that much thought. Although, it would not be hard to obtain it with the other publicly available information that is out there on myself. I have read many books on privacy and security. My synopsis on it all is that no matter who you are, someone somewhere has all the good deets on you stored away nicely updated….
if you email me the singed zip I will post it for people. Seems like the easy solution eh? I will handle the “legal” issues.
no can do sorry!
Hey Infrared,
It would be appreciated if you could send across the update.zip file..
My email address is raul.mosh@gmail.com
I own an unlocked version of Backflip with google as the search engine(if that helps knowing if it has the latest build).
I’m in india now & have purchased it from here.
I would adhere to the norms of legality, the file would be used ONLY by me i assure you.
I aint here for no social service
New software update today, does that help in anyway?
hey i would appreciate a compiled update.zip file as well please, thanks in advance,
my email is rcbelmont@gmail.com
Has it crossed anyones mind that maybe he wont give out the signed file because he doesnt actually have it? the pics above dont even show u that he has rooted his phone, it just shows he did a reboot with a file names “update.zip” which wont work cause it isnt signed, this guy may be one of the first to figure it out but he hasnt done anything to help anyone out.
man… are you just signing it with a dev cert? i dont even wanna start if im not gonna be able to finish but signing it with a dev cert isnt that hard. is that why you dont want to give others the signed file is cause it wont work on thier phone?
Ok, now that the whole jailbreaking/rooting thing has become legal here in the US, is there anyway you can release the method that you rooted or at least start pointing the rooting community in the direction of the way you did this? This would end alot of headaches and would GREATLY improve the backflip. You obviously have root, and we(the community) need it.
Is it true that I will lose all my files if i root my backflip? Please answer.
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