Root ZTE ZMAX Pro (Z981) "off topic" root discussion

[mhrf90]

Not gonna lie I got this phone thinking how absolutely amazing it'd be once rooted and how I'd stick to it at least three years (I switched from an LG L70 lol). That being said, as a lifetime low end device owner I'm still more than happy with this beast, root or not. Cant complain for the price. Haven't lost my hope yet though! I trust the guys here can make it happen

 

[cyanidekid]

ZTE claims this. Wtf

 

[che_edgar]

I say we bug them until they do offer them. It's a really big community that wants it anyways maybe we can get it.

 

[cyanidekid]

I say we bug them until they do offer them. It's a really big community that wants it anyways maybe we can get it.

I just emailed them twice today lol. We all should

 

[Powduh]

What are you implying?

I'm implying that if enough people voice their opinion on wanting to be able to unlock the bootloader of these phones, eventually ZTE MAY listen.



On another note. This would be my 50th email to devicesupport@zteusa.com:

My name is Carl Parker. I, along with many, many others, have purchased ZMAX Pro phones through different carriers (T-Mobile, and Metro PCS). We have all been looking for ways to unlock the bootloader of these devices so we can adjust them to our liking. This would be a formal request that you (ZTE USA) either give us the means to do this, or point us in the right direction for the way to accomplish it. In doing so you'll be saving money in the long run, from people sending in "paperweight" ZMAX Pro devices because they've managed to somehow corrupt the system integrity of their phone trying to find their own way about it. While you may not have this happening yet, I'm sure you will, as this phone is very popular among the people who can't afford $700+ to buy a new phone every upgrade, or just want to buy their phone outright. THESE PHONES WE ARE TRYING TO UNLOCK ARE PAID FOR, MEANING THEY NO LONGER BELONG. TO ZTE USA, OR THE CARRIER OF WHICH THEY HAVE SERVICE, AND AS SUCH WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO WITH THESE AS WE PLEASE, AND NOT HAVE TO RISK POTENTIALLY MESSING UP A PERFECTLY GOOD PHONE TRYING TO FIND WAYS TO GET ROOT.

 

[che_edgar]

Let's start posting at their z-community thing also.

 

[Powduh]

Let's start posting at their z-community thing also.

Been there too...lol

 

[Powduh]

ZTE's response to me:

Dear Valued ZTE Customer,



Thanks for contacting ZTE.



We understand your concern and we are sorry to inform you that ZTE dose not provide the bootloader unlock code to the customers.



Should there be any further assistance required, please do not hesitate to contact us.



Best Regards!

So I replied:


That's not true. You have a bootloader unlock on your website for the axon. Just because we can't afford a high end device doesn't mean we should be left out in the cold when it comes to these things. I understand you do not wish for people to mess up their devices, but we have paid for these, by law we own them, and should be able to do as we wish with our property, however because of a stupid bootloader, and lack of fastboot, we cannot. You are not being to costumer friendly by doing this, and then lying and saying you don't offer it to customers when the axon has it on YOUR website. I, as well as others are ready to dump ZTE completely if this is not accomplished. Why should I fork out the money for a device I can't do anything with? This phone, after the bad taste that other ZTE phones have given me, and your lack of actually meeting my needs, will be my last ZTE purchase. EVEN HTC HAS A SITE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO UNLOCK YOUR DEVICE'S BOOTLOADER ONCE PAID FOR. All we're asking is that you guys at least do the same. Otherwise, you'll end up losing a lot of business from the community of "real developers" who spend their time fixing the bugs you release devices, updates, and operating systems with.

 

[JIMMYHENDRIX]

Everyone go like and comment on my post so they can see it https://community.zteusa.com/message/79033

 

[Powduh]

Everyone go like and comment on my post so they can see it https://community.zteusa.com/message/79033

Liked, and replied.

 

[RAIDER W]

I think I'm picking up a nexus 6p

I ordered a zte axon mini for $199 its on sale hope the pro gets nought or root tho

I've Spent The Last Several Hours Plotting My Course..
After reading a ton over on XDA.. and watching review after review on youtube.. my course has become Quite Clear.. OP3T for me I just have to resist ordering it now.. I want to let Uncle Sam pay for it since it's tax time..
After seeing this: I can wait another 30 to 45 days.. It will be worth it..

P.S.
Just went over to the ZTE-USA website and added my 2 cents worth of complaining to the Give us Bootloader Access thread..

 

[joshua molina]

I was leaning for OP3 a while back but I wasn't sure how often they release a new model

 

[DMedina559]

So i just finished live chatting with a zte rep right now and he says they provided a way to unlock the Axon 7 bootloader due to high customer demand, so if we keep demanding it they'll listen, he also pretty much confirmed the ZMAx Pro is getting Nougat
Chat:

Spoiler

James M.: “Thank you for contacting ZTE’s Chat customer service, we appreciate your business and value our relationship. At the end of this session you will receive a brief three question satisfaction survey on the support you received. Please take the time to provide your feedback on your experience today. Thank you.”

James M.: Good afternoon Zack! My name is James.

Zack: Hello James, I was wondering if itd be possible to provide away to unlock the ZMax Pro Bootloader like with the Axon &

James M.: I'm very happy you chatted in today about unlocked the ZMAX Pro bootloader. Due to customer demand, the Axon 7 Modification team is working on an update that would allow the bootloader to be unlocked.

Zack: Yes i am aware of that but nothing has been mentioned about providing a way to unlock the zmax pros bootloader

James M.: Yes, we are also waiting for information about whether they will unlock the bootloader.

James M.: https://community.zteusa.com/message/75413

James M.: Here is a link to a recent post in our Z Community about it. However, none of our ZTE liasons in the Community have answered.

Zack: Thank you for the link, there is also another thread here: https://community.zteusa.com/thread/14118 that has a lot more request of upset customers about the decision of locking us out the bootloader

James M.: Yes, I was about to send that one too. But I feel like I have pointed you to where you can find the information you need about this.

James M.: I hope they will accommodate you soon. We are expecting a Nougat update for Axon 7 first, then hopefully they will roll several things into the Nougat update for the ZMAX Pro?

Zack: would it be possible for a future update to allow access to the bootloader to allow unlock or for a tool similar to the Axon 7's to unlock the bootloader

James M.: Yes, I believe so.

Zack: thank you for the info, i really hope zte allows the zmax pros bootloader to be unlocked or it will be my last zte device

James M.: Can you do me a small favor please?

When you select Disconnect above the chat window, 3 questions about your experience with me today will follow. I really appreciate your feedback.

James M.: You are very welcome.

James M.: I do too.

James M.: Thank you for contacting ZTE. Have a blessed day!

Zack Medina: thank you, have a nice day

James M.: You too!

James M.: Thank you so much!

You have disconnected

 

[viperdink]

Bs/ unless it cost them more money due to a program error in man hours or resources they're sellin phones which is their bussiness.

 

[phillyman]

I also contacted them through chat, here is what they said:
Welcome


Live Help
Live Assistance

Thank you for contacting ZTE's Chat customer service, we appreciate your business and value our relationship.

Status: Connected
Wanda C. (Listening)
Wanda C.: “Thank you for contacting ZTE’s Chat customer service, we appreciate your business and value our relationship. At the end of this session you will receive a brief three question satisfaction survey on the support you received. Please take the time to provide your feedback on your experience today. Thank you.”
Wanda C.: Hello Wayne, my name is Wanda. What Forum are you referring to?

Wanda C.: Are you there, Wayne?

Wayne Dellmyer: Hi Wanda, I'm referring to the ZMAX forums. It is the one about the ZMAX pro bootloader problem. Could you please see if someone from ZTE could give us answer on it. Thanks I really appreciate it.
Wanda C.: Sure. Let me see if I can get an answer for you. Wanda C.: Then you can post it possibly.
Wanda C.: I only have a statement about the bootloader for the Axon line, only.
Wanda C.: This is it: “The bootloader unlock feature was removed until we could develop a better method of bootloader unlocking. At this time there is no ETA on when that will happen. For more information and/or conversation on the topic, please, visit https://community.zteusa.com/welcome .”
Wanda C.: I'm not sure if that addresses your question.
Wanda C.: I can ask my supervisor, if there is anymore update.
Wayne Dellmyer: OK sounds great. I'm part of a big community on Android forums and there are over 67 pages and and over 500 posts on the matter. We would really appreciate some effort to get a solution to this problem because it will not go away. They already came out with a unlock for the axon 7.
Wanda C.: Ok.
Wanda C.: Are you part of the ZTEUSA Community?
Wayne Dellmyer: Yes I am
Wanda C.: Ok. That is where you might get the updates. Again at this time there is no ETA for the update.
Wanda C.: Is there anything else I can assist you with?
Wayne Dellmyer: OK I will post your answer on the 2 forums. This the only phone that ever had no bootloader access and no fastboot. This is a really big issue and there are a lot of upset customers. Please bring this to ZTE attention and could you try and have a ZTE member answer the question on the forum. Thank you for your time.
Wanda C.: You can also contact the following person:https://community.zteusa.com/people/sshasan
Wanda C.: He may be able to assist you further.
Wanda C.: We have no control over the forum, per my supervisor.
Wayne Dellmyer: OK I understand, thank you for trying to help as much as possible. I really appreciate it.
Wanda C.: I will relay your concern to the necessary people.
Wayne Dellmyer: Thanks
Wanda C.: Is there anything else I can assist you with?
Wanda C.: Thank you for contacting ZTE. We appreciate your business. Please remember to take the survey by selecting "Disconnect" from the options above. I appreciate your feedback, about the service I have provided for you. Have a wonderful day!


Type your message here, then click Send or press <Enter>

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It is currently Tuesday, Jan. 03, 2017 01:21 PM CST

We need to harass them about this issue and let them know we are serious about and are not going away. I will try contacting the person she referred to a little later on.

 

[RAIDER W]

So i just finished live chatting with a zte rep right now and he says they provided a way to unlock the Axon 7 bootloader due to high customer demand, so if we keep demanding it they'll listen, he also pretty much confirmed the ZMAx Pro is getting Nougat

I Have A Lovely Bridge Overlooking The Water That I Would Love To Sell You...
That's a simple little 59MB script that is used to unlock the A7..

1. http://www.stechguide.com/unlock-bootloader-of-zte-axon-7/

They could modify that script on their lunch break to work on the MaxPro and release it tomorrow in an update..
It would not effect One Thing with either the PCS or T-Mobile variant..
Except give us the ability to remove those carrier's bloatware.. maybe that is the force behind not modifying the existing script maybe not.. but they certainly CAN give us the same option without much effort.. they just don't want to.. that's why it's the OnePlus 3T for me.. I'd rather give OnePlus my $400.00 than give it to ZTE for the Axon 7 on principal alone.
The 3T brings so much to the table even without root..MaxPro GREAT low end phone for $39/$99 but that's about it.. you get what you pay for.. period.. ZTE is telling us that with how they treat the A7 vs MaxPro.. and in the end.. I guess they are right.

 

[Jon Greenwood]

This is what I got so far, and yes I am a Metro owner as well as the owner of CPR Cell Phone Repair -

Cicely A.: “Thank you for contacting ZTE’s Chat customer service, we appreciate your business and value our relationship. At the end of this session you will receive a brief three question satisfaction survey on the support you received. Please take the time to provide your feedback on your experience today. Thank you.”
Cicely A.: Hello, my name is Cicely.
Cicely A.: I'll be more than happy to provide you with additional information.
Cicely A.: Are you with T-Mobile or Metro PCS?
Jon Greenwood: Hi Cicely my name is Jon, I am a member of multiple online Android forums and the owner of seven MetroPCS stores in New England. (RI,MA) I am having tons of problems with your phone due to a locked bootloader. Customers have paid their hard working money for the phone, and in return cannot do as they please. I have gotten over 100 RMAs in the past month due to this issue.
Cicely A.: I definitely understand your concern and how frustrating that can be.
Cicely A.: Unfortunately, there is no unlock method available at this time to unlock the bootloader on this device. I do apologize.
Jon Greenwood: People are trying to flash updates etc. and their phones are now bricked. and since fastboot and recovery are not present, there is no way to fix it. I have been a ZTE customer since day 1 and am outraged that my OWN hard earned money was spent on six of these for me and my family and we cannot even fix the problems that YOU guys couldnt fix before shipping out, simply because of no ADB access.
Cicely A.: I understand your concern Mr. Greenwood.
Jon Greenwood: Well, how come the Axon has one and it's $499 ? Are customers being punished because they spent only $41-149 on a ZPRO
Jon Greenwood: ?? I appreciate all you do Cicely, but this is unreal.
Cicely A.: Unfortunately, there is no unlock method available at this time to unlock the bootloader on this device.
Jon Greenwood: There are 800 pages on two different forums regarding this.
Jon Greenwood: Thousands of people have signed a petition online for the FCC to step in and press charges.
Cicely A.: The bootloader unlock feature was removed from the Axon until we could develop a better method of bootloader unlocking. At this time there is no ETA on when that will happen. For more information and/or conversation on the topic, please, visit https://community.zteusa.com/welcome .”
Jon Greenwood: As a member of those communities online, and a signer of that petition, I just want you to understand and to pass up the line that you have lost literally thousands of customers because of this, and turned a GREAT phone into a BRICK.
Jon Greenwood: I am a moderator on ZCOM
Jon Greenwood: and that is not true,
Jon Greenwood: the axon 7 had an official bootloader released two days ago via OTA
Cicely A.: Mr. Greenwood, I definitely understand your concern.
Jon Greenwood: that unlocked EVERYONES
Cicely A.: Unfortunately, there is no unlock method available at this time.
Jon Greenwood: you no longer need to submit via a claim to unlock
Cicely A.: There is no additional information that I can provide to you at this time if it's not available.
Jon Greenwood: well you need to work on one and figure it out ASAP, I am losing customers because of this, and YOU GUYS arelosing $$ and customers by the minute
Cicely A.: I do apologize.
Jon Greenwood: i understand maam,
Cicely A.: Did you perhaps have any other questions for me today?
Jon Greenwood: Yeah, where I can send back my phones and promo materials from ZTE
Jon Greenwood: I have about 20k worth of product from you guys i don't want anymore
Jon Greenwood: I want nothing to do with a company that thinks themselves to be Apple and lock people's devices down, AFTER THEY PAID FOR THEM.
Cicely A.: Do you have a sales person that handles that?
Jon Greenwood: No, i own the place and deal with ZTE directly. All of my locations will be removing our ZTE branding.
Cicely A.: I'm sorry to hear that sir.
Jon Greenwood: We do not work with/ sell products from dictator-like companies.
Cicely A.: If you would like for me to check on how you can return the merchandise, I'll be more than happy to.
Jon Greenwood: I will contact my sales contact with ZTE USA and perform a return on all ZTE products, I appreciate your time Cicely. TO better preserve your own job, i would see to it that this is fixed VERY quickly.
Jon Greenwood: I appreciate your time maam.
Cicely A.: Ok, No problem.
Cicely A.: Did you need any additional assistance Mr. Greenwood?
Jon Greenwood: No thank you miss.

 

[Spec2nirvash]

Bs/ unless it cost them more money due to a program error in man hours or resources they're sellin phones which is their bussiness.

They'll figure it out eventually...

I'm willing to bet ZTE has a special cue card for MetroPCS customers

 

[messi2050]

I just contacted them too , i think that we need more to contact them so they give priority to our request.
[Status: Connected

James M. (Listening)

James M.: “Thank you for contacting ZTE’s Chat customer service, we appreciate your business and value our relationship. At the end of this session you will receive a brief three question satisfaction survey on the support you received. Please take the time to provide your feedback on your experience today. Thank you.”

James M.: Good afternoon Le! My name is James.

Le Mess: Good afternoon james

James M.: I can completely understand wanting to have the Bootloader unlocked on a device.

James M.: At this time we are waiting for our R&D and Modification teams to provide us with an update that can allow the bootloader to be unlocked.

Le Mess: Is there an estimated time for this update ?

James M.: If you would like to make a post for some information from them directly, feel free to make one in our Z Community Forum:
https://community.zteusa.com/

James M.: We have not been given one.

Le Mess: Ok thanks for this informtion
]

 

[Jon Greenwood]

I have an idea, let me keep pressing Metro Devs to get the signing keys for in-store purposes. We have an option to put our own .apks in the setup script to make the branding store specific. I wonder if those keys are the same as the master signing keys? Any idea Messi? I have access to those.

 

[GrifterGrifts]

My live chat

 

[RAIDER W]

I tried almost everything and every workaround (according to my knowledge ) with no luck.. , I'm facing a similar situation on the lg stylo 2 where lg has removed fastboot after some new ota updates on this device also those who still on old builds (who still have access to fastboot) and already flashed twrp cannot make any modification coz of the locked bootloader so a bootloader unlock will be a must to make modification or just wait for the king root team to crack it up & then i will try to make it permanent root...

Messi...
On Behalf Of Everyone Here..... THANK YOU!!! for giving it your best shot..

Mr Greenwood.. the ball bounces to your court now..( )
Anything you can provide for the community of course is Much Appreciated...

But.. it looks like ( for those that are sticking with the ZMP ) you are at the mercy of ZTE's discretion as it pertains to a Bootloader Unlock script..

It's still a killer phone for less than $100.00.
I'm know I'm going to continue to use it until I can swing the OnePlus 3T.. root or no root.

 

[enesha]

This is what I got so far, and yes I am a Metro owner as well as the owner of CPR Cell Phone Repair -
Jon Greenwood: No thank you miss.

It's good that we're engaging with the company, I'm sure, but I doubt it helps to be hyperbolic and over state things. Stating we have no adb access (you should know we do as a dealer, it's fastboot and unlocked boot loader) and that somehow not being able to root or flash (which I desperately want to do) is somehow bricking otherwise fine machines is just puffing. In my experience when people start with that, they end up being ignored. Calling them dictator type and sky falling w/o bootloader unlock just shuts down the conversation. Besides she is just customer support, and probably does not have any access to anything, doubt even cust requests through that channel really go anywhere. I've worked CS for isp's and satellite tv and other places. They answer questions but have no control over anything. I'd be more interested in the conversation you were going to have with your distributor contact. Now that channel might get some attention from the company.... Although with the line in several posts here that they removed the bootloader unlock from the Axion line for some reason, perhaps they have no intent on help.

Pity too, I bought the Pro (knowing there was no root yet) because I loved the original zmax and I seem to recall they were more helpful then. Ah well. Always check the root status online before you purchase

 

[enesha]

I just contacted them too , i think that we need more to contact them so they give priority to our request.
[Status: Connected

James M. (Listening)

James M.: “Thank you for contacting ZTE’s Chat customer service, we appreciate your business and value our relationship. At the end of this session you will receive a brief three question satisfaction survey on the support you received. Please take the time to provide your feedback on your experience today. Thank you.”

James M.: Good afternoon Le! My name is James.

Le Mess: Good afternoon james

James M.: I can completely understand wanting to have the Bootloader unlocked on a device.

James M.: At this time we are waiting for our R&D and Modification teams to provide us with an update that can allow the bootloader to be unlocked.

Le Mess: Is there an estimated time for this update ?

James M.: If you would like to make a post for some information from them directly, feel free to make one in our Z Community Forum:
https://community.zteusa.com/

James M.: We have not been given one.

Le Mess: Ok thanks for this informtion
]

We have to be careful about getting our hopes up too high. Again these are just low level CS people. Things like "Waiting for our R&D" are just lines. They really know nothing in the grand scheme of things. Higher ups keep you in the dark until really the last second. I've been told to give out party line before saying something may or may not happen, then the next day get an update from above telling me they are now doing or offering whatever we were told yesterday didn't exist.

Maybe they will see chat volume, but I wouldn't put too much stock into parsing what the agent says.

 

[DMedina559]

Here's another conversation I had with their email support this time

Spoiler

Me: Hello, I have a ZTE ZMAX pro along with many others, and would like to request a method to unlock the devices bootloader. By law we own these devices and deserve to unlock them upon request. I and many others would appreciate if you (ZTE USA) consider releasing an update or tool to unlock the device's bootloader like what has been done with the Axon 7. Many are upset over the dession of locking us out of our own devices, myself included. I, along with many others, have vowed to not buy another ZTE device because of this decision. So please take this into consideration.
https://community.zteusa.com/thread/14118
http://androidforums.com/index.php?threads/1055354/
these links is of a lot of upset customers requesting that ZTE realeses a method to unlock the device's bootloader.
Thank you for your time.

ZTE: Dear valued ZTE Customer
Thank you for contacting ZTE.
We really apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.
We are really sorry to inform you that rooting the device will void the manufacturer's warranty on the device.
Being the manufacturer's we do not support rooting.
Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Best Regards!

Me: Yes I am aware of the risk of rooting androids. But please do not lie to me, that is unethical and proves you don't care much for your customers. ZTE has supported unlocking bootloaders by releasing a way to unlock the Axon 7's bootloader, and there are many customers that have the ZMax pro that wish for the same thing for the ZMax Pro. All we're asking is to provide a way to unlock the bootloader or a way to access fastboot mode. There was a update file for the Axon 7 that allowed fastboot access so we know that ZTE is fully capable of allowing us to access and unlock the device bootloader. By denying us access to fastboot mode ZTE is hurting their sales and upsetting a lot of their customers. And even making them decide to not choose another ZTE device for their next phone. So please take this into consideration.

I wonder, can we can just delete the extra files in that zip for the Axon 7 and just flash it like that