Root Moto E(4) Plus "owens" - All Things Root Guide

[bcrichster]

***** Moto E4 Plus: All Things Root Guide *****
***** XT1775 METRO/T-MO *****
***** XT1776 SPRINT/BOOST/VM *****
***** Nougat 7.1.1 *****

Click the "Show" button below for a root warning / disclaimer:

Quick note / disclaimer: as always, you are ultimately responsible for any root-related activities on your phone.

You should understand not only the benefits of rooting, but also any possible consequences (voided warranty, boot-loops, bricking, etc.) that might occur as a result of your root-related actions.

AndroidForums.com / Phandroid.com, its owner, and staff are not liable for any root actions you might undertake as a result of information used from this site.

Reading, researching, understanding, and carefully following the published steps and instructions can go a long way towards helping to make your rooting efforts a successful one.

When you are installing any ROM, Kernel, Radio, or modification, VERIFY that it is compatible with your specific brand/model(and if applicable) carrier branded version of the device you are flashing. If you are not sure, ask for assistance.

General Information

• Root Terminology
• What is root or being rooted mean?
• You've went and rooted the phone. Now What???

Guides
** Rooting this Device **

1. Unlock Bootloader
2. Get zips for desired flashing needs
3. Flash TWRP recovery
4. Flash Magisk or SU (your choice)
5. Flash No-Verity.zip

** ROM FLASHING **

1. Select Wipe, then Advanced Wipe
2. Select cache, dalvik, data, system partitions and swipe to erase
3. Hit Home button below, choose Install
4. Select zips to flash in this order:

• ROM
• No-verity
• Optional SU (Magisk or SuperSu)
• Gapps

5. Swipe to flash
6. When finished, Wipe cache/davik
7. Reboot System

NOTICE:
When booting any ROM for the 1st time, it is ALWAYS best to leave the device alone for about 5-10mins after home screen is visible to allow the rest of the System finish expanding & catch up.

** Un-Rooting guide **

• Completely Back to stock: https://androidforums.com/threads/b...-to-stock-for-motorola-e4-plus-owens.1264881/
• 
  
• Motorola Stock Firmware for owens: https://firmware.center/firmware/Motorola/Moto E4 Plus/Stock/
• 
  
• https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/owens/official/Sprint/
  
• 
  
• removing apps guide / safe apps to remove:
• various how-to guides, etc.
• Moto E4 Plus (owens) mmcblk0 !!

RECOVERIES

• TWRP 3.2.2-0 - https://androidforums.com/threads/e4-plus-owens-qualcomm-twrp-recovery-v3-2-2-0.1262722/

ROMs
--- STOCK ROMs --

• See Completely Back to Stock FirmWare above

******************************************************************************

--- CUSTOM ---
** Nougat **

• AICP - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-aicp-v12-1-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1263593/
• AIM - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-aim-v2-5-7-1-2-for-motorola-e4-plus-owens.1264841/
• AOSP EXtended - https://androidforums.com/threads/r...ed-v4-6-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1280911/
• AOKP - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-aokp-v7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1261326/

• AOSiP - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-aosip-v6-3-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1261345/
• AquariOS - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-aquarios-v7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1281877/
• AtomicOS - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-atomicos-v1-5-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1273906/
• BlissROM - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-official-blissrom-v7-3-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1261367/
• CandyROM - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-candyrom-7-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1269161/
• Carbon - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-carbon-v5-1-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1268556/
• ColtOS - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-coltos-v1-4-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1281491/
• CrDroid - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-crdroid-v7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1281874/
• CypherOS - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-cypheros-v4-1-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1281547/
• DotOS - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-dotos-v1-2-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1281492/
• /e/ - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-e-v0-1-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1290368/
• Hexagon - https://androidforums.com/threads/r...om-v2-6-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1281875/
• IncipientOS - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-incipientos-v7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1284544/
• Legend - removed
• LineageOS - https://androidforums.com/threads/r...os-14-1-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1280966/
• MoKeeOS - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-mokeeos-v71-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1264831/
• NucleaROM - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-nuclearom-v7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1281548/
• OctOS - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-octos-v7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1269162/
• OrionOS - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-orionos-v3-0-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1273904/
  
• PAOSP - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-oms-paosp-for-owens.1280816/
• ResurrectionRemix - https://forum.xda-developers.com/mo...om-resurrection-remix-v5-8-5-moto-e4-t3759792
• Slim - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-slimrom-v2-0-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1273905/
• Tesla - https://plus.google.com/110729841336010057096/posts/Kek4fBVaozy
• TipsyOS - https://plus.google.com/110729841336010057096/posts/dUbvg12usxX
• UltraCAF - removed
• ValidusOS - https://plus.google.com/110729841336010057096/posts/9WX2HVuNcMr
• Vanir - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-vanir-v7-1-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1265191/
• ViperOS - https://androidforums.com/threads/r...-v3-1-1-7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1278468/
• XenonHD - https://androidforums.com/threads/rom-unofficial-xenonhd-v7-1-2-for-moto-e4-plus-owens.1284579/
  
  
  
  Themes

* TWRP Themes (Just Flash in TWRP) *

• TeamBliss!! - https://downloads.blissroms.com/BlissRoms/Oreo/twrp/
  
• https://androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=178045
• https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2373952
  • Remove TWRP theme - https://www.dropbox.com/s/2vb4s4wkoeshb7o/SOS-TWRP-theme-signed.zip

• • N/A
  • [HOW TO] Easy Theming
  • Theming tutorial
  • Ultimate Online Theming Kitchen
  
  
  
  Overclocking / Underclocking / Undervolting
  
  • overclocking / underclocking
  • undervolting
  • related apps
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Kernels
  
  • None as of yet
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Radios / Basebands
  
  • None as of yet
  • Boost Mobile device Sim unlocking
  • T-Mobile device Sim unlocking
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Tools & Utilities
  • Mint4Kitchen - Linux distro
  • ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
  • that's almost doublMD5 checksum verification
  • Titantium Backup / Titanium Backup Tutorial
  • Root Explorer
  • Odin / RUU / etc.
• Big Thanks to TeamMotorola Developers! ..they was nice enough to upload their tools for us.
  • 
    
  • MotorolaDeviceManager.exe
  
  
• Downloads
• Google Apps Package:
  • ~ http://opengapps.org/
• Android SDK
  • https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html
• Voicemail / VTT
  • Sprint/Boost Mobile - https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=746010030569964636
  • Flashable Sprint/Boost Mobile - https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=5862345805528040636

 

[hokiescoot]

Yes! So glad to see this and now I can purchase mine! Thanks bcrichster!!

Can't seem to click on the root guide and TWRP links though?

 

[The-Truth]

Yes! So glad to see this and now I can purchase mine! Thanks bcrichster!!

Can't seem to click on the root guide and TWRP links though?

Yup! Be on the Moto E4 soon!

 

[bcrichster]

Yes! So glad to see this and now I can purchase mine! Thanks bcrichster!!

Can't seem to click on the root guide and TWRP links though?

Not yet, got some more updating and threads to post for links to connect with, also have like 4 or 5 new ROMs (to make a thread for) as well

 

[imneveral0ne]

Awesome guide! Moved over from XDA since there seems to be just as much, if not more love over here.

 

[bcrichster]

Awesome guide! Moved over from XDA since there seems to be just as much, if not more love over here.

There's always love over here, XDA is Cold as hell. PLUS I can post and edit OP's at will.. If there's any problems, just shout out to our local Mods (@Unforgiven, @mikedt, @scary alien, @El Presidente) . These guys may bring a hammer down on occasion but ya definitely feel like you're dealing with real ppl (respect) instead of the other spot.. Big difference. Glad to see ya here!

 

[bcrichster]

OP updated with newer TWRP links and Themes! They look really look nice, you should check them out.. Everybody welcome @amarc78 , he's part of the reason we got a head start on these.. Stay tuned for more to come

 

[bcrichster]

OP Updated with AICP ROM

 

[koop1955]

OP Updated with AICP ROM

Well now! Ice Cold!

 

[hokiescoot]

So I bought a Boost Motorola E4 (not the plus) and have been working on root. From what I read it sounds like I need to get an unlock code for the boot loader from Motorola. Is this correct?

 

[bcrichster]

So I bought a Boost Motorola E4 (not the plus) and have been working on root. From what I read it sounds like I need to get an unlock code for the boot loader from Motorola. Is this correct?

Yes. Get familiar with Fastboot, will become your new friend. Listed in your Moto E4 Bootloader unlock thread, it's 100%. I will be posting links in our Root Guide today Just for that. I was originally gonna use original links from XDA but they got mad at me making links to other forums, so I may need to redo the whole Unlock & Rooting into a new thread that'll be usable for both Moto E4 (perry) & Moto E4 Plus (owens) devices..

- Unlock Bootloader

- Flash TWRP: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
(Linux use: sudo fastboot flash recovery recovery.img)

- Boot TWRP, factory reset + format data (to remove device encryption). Twice. Adjust Settings
(DO NOT use 'rm -rf' in Twrp on this device, OMG.. LMAO, trust me)

- Directly reboot into TWRP to set it

- Flash ROM (or ignore and stay Stock)

- Flash dm-verity_opt-encrypt.zip

- Flash Magisk or SU

- Wipe Cache/Dalvik

- Reboot

 

[ΔTTΔСΚ]

@bcrichster - Sorry to highjack.

Would you be open to building a straight AOSP/CAF ROM (w/Boost support)?

 

[bcrichster]

@bcrichster - Sorry to highjack.

Would you be open to building a straight AOSP/CAF ROM (w/Boost support)?

Umm BlissROM switched to AOSP-CAF at the beginning of Nougat, so there's that one. And yes, I'm interested in building more, just having difficulty getting sepolicy right for the owens tree to make others. That's my chief issue atm, sepolicy (SeLinux)

 

[ΔTTΔСΚ]

@bcrichster - Unfortunately Bliss, as many other ROMs, have to many "extra fearures" that I'm completely uninterested in. I perfer simple AOSP.

Good luck to you in getting everything worked out, thanks.

 

[bcrichster]

@bcrichster - Unfortunately Bliss, as many other ROMs, have to many 'extra fearures' that I'm completely uninterested in. I perfer simple AOSP.

Good luck to you in getting everything worked out, thanks.

Thank you.. Looks like Slim and Stock may be your best bet, atm. I'll look into Slim and OrionOS in the future, but Bliss-Caf is the Slimmest for now

 

[hokiescoot]

Yes. Get familiar with Fastboot, will become your new friend. Listed in your Moto E4 Bootloader unlock thread, it's 100%. I will be posting links in our Root Guide today Just for that. I was originally gonna use original links from XDA but they got mad at me making links to other forums, so I may need to redo the whole Unlock & Rooting into a new thread that'll be usable for both Moto E4 (perry) & Moto E4 Plus (owens) devices..

- Unlock Bootloader

- Flash TWRP: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
(Linux use: sudo fastboot flash recovery recovery.img)

- Boot TWRP, factory reset + format data (to remove device encryption). Twice. Adjust Settings
(DO NOT use 'rm -rf' in Twrp on this device, OMG.. LMAO, trust me)

- Directly reboot into TWRP to set it

- Flash ROM (or ignore and stay Stock)

- Flash dm-verity_opt-encrypt.zip

- Flash Magisk or SU

- Wipe Cache/Dalvik

- Reboot

Thanks for all this information. I've never rooted this way before. I did get into the phone menu with ADB, but it said oem was locked. Hopefully it is not too much of an ordeal to get the unlock code from Motorola. I bought this phone last Friday at Walmart and you can return prepaid phones there within 15 days. Hopefully I can get it working before then.

 

[imneveral0ne]

Thanks for all this information. I've never rooted this way before. I did get into the phone menu with ADB, but it said oem was locked. Hopefully it is not too much of an ordeal to get the unlock code from Motorola. I bought this phone last Friday at Walmart and you can return prepaid phones there within 15 days. Hopefully I can get it working before then.

This is only the second phone I've ever had to request an unlock from before, the other was an HTC. It's really not that hard, took a few extra minutes but it was all normal after that.

 

[bcrichster]

Thanks for all this information. I've never rooted this way before. I did get into the phone menu with ADB, but it said oem was locked. Hopefully it is not too much of an ordeal to get the unlock code from Motorola. I bought this phone last Friday at Walmart and you can return prepaid phones there within 15 days. Hopefully I can get it working before then.

@imneveral0ne is correct, just a cpl extra minutes needed.. The whole rooting process is like 5-10mins once ya have it down

 

[bcrichster]

2 new ROMs posted in OP, happy 4-20 !!!

 

[koop1955]

2 new ROMs posted in OP, happy 4-20 !!!

Dude, I can't keep up with you! And Happy 420 to you as well.
FWIW, I am currently running Lineage and have enjoyed it. Fingerprint is working (just saying) and I use Kernel Aduitor to maximize battery life.

 

[bcrichster]

prints works on mokee, gonna be retrying previous builds to see about working the print fixes.. no promises, but I'm trying

 

[imneveral0ne]

prints works on mokee, gonna be retrying previous builds to see about working the print fixes.. no promises, but I'm trying

You had me at fingerprints lol. Gonna flash this when I get home, thanks!

 

[bcrichster]

You had me at fingerprints lol. Gonna flash this when I get home, thanks!

Right on, Lol. Also added useful info and links to OP

 

[The-Truth]

Dude, I can't keep up with you! And Happy 420 to you as well.
FWIW, I am currently running Lineage and have enjoyed it. Fingerprint is working (just saying) and I use Kernel Aduitor to maximize battery life.

Lmao! Ya happy 4:20 my fellow androidians. n you iOS users awell hmmm!!.... Plz don't bring ur iOS phone in a 3 feet radius of my person plz. Sorry iOS users I'm HIGHLY allergic to Apple iOS phones lol. And hells ya buddy nobody can keep up with my boy bcrichster a.k.a The ROMinator! That's what I knicknaned him lol. Great dev has gotten good n like REAL fast. He built me my very first custom ROM J0lli Xp3r!m3nt 4.0.3 for the very unpopular zte concord 2! Taylored the damn thing JUS for me too like 5 days after he was sending me his lineup of one click no PC apks. I'm. The guys who brought us the no PC root by way of kingo and CWM IMG by My hero the great Hroark13 TY hroark! So ya all credit for the PC root n his CWM Recovery IMG I used to flash with rashr... Flashify would recognize kingos su, rashr did. So all I did was click root within Kongo root n flash hroarks cwm.IMG using rasher. But most all credit goes to him he built the CWM IMG for the zte concord 2 and PC root method to root it. I jus got locky and found the ONE one'click no PC apks to eliminate the need for a PC to root n flash cwm from you're device. But ya that's my mofo man. Keep up the good work bcrichsteRominator! I'll be on Owens here reaaaaal soon lookin forward to 'back n forthin' with all u Owens rooted super users. Especially when The ROMinator kicks ROMs out like no tomorrow! And will prop have us another ROM by tomorrow!

 

[bcrichster]

Lmao! Ya happy 4:20 my fellow androidians. n you iOS users awell hmmm!!.... Plz don't bring ur iOS phone in a 3 feet radius of my person plz. Sorry iOS users I'm HIGHLY allergic to Apple iOS phones lol. And hells ya buddy nobody can keep up with my boy bcrichster a.k.a The ROMinator! That's what I knicknaned him lol. Great dev has gotten good n like REAL fast. He built me my very first custom ROM J0lli Xp3r!m3nt 4.0.3 for the very unpopular zte concord 2! Taylored the damn thing JUS for me too like 5 days after he was sending me his lineup of one click no PC apks. I'm. The guys who brought us the no PC root by way of kingo and CWM IMG by My hero the great Hroark13 TY hroark! So ya all credit for the PC root n his CWM Recovery IMG I used to flash with rashr... Flashify would recognize kingos su, rashr did. So all I did was click root within Kongo root n flash hroarks cwm.IMG using rasher. But most all credit goes to him he built the CWM IMG for the zte concord 2 and PC root method to root it. I jus got locky and found the ONE one'click no PC apks to eliminate the need for a PC to root n flash cwm from you're device. But ya that's my mofo man. Keep up the good work bcrichsteRominator! I'll be on Owens here reaaaaal soon lookin forward to 'back n forthin' with all u Owens rooted super users. Especially when The ROMinator kicks ROMs out like no tomorrow! And will prop have us another ROM by tomorrow!

OP Updated with Vanir / Commotio ROM, these ones are pretty slim too..