• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Root ZTE ZMAX Pro (Z981) root discussion

Status
Not open for further replies.
Zte doesn't support fastboot on how should I put this gently, low cost devices. Ask yourself, has any other Zmax phone supported fastboot.?
 
For 6.0.1 and above, a modded boot.img, fastboot functionality are the only methods for obtaining root.
Oh I know, I have heard of attempted workarounds for a system root but do not know of any working, if KingRoot gets root done it will likely be system based so it still "possible" just not in existence since chainfire just moved to systemless root to get away from what would turned into a war with Google finding bugs to exploit then having them patched. Still if you have unfettered access to the system (yes I didn't think it would work either) you could just replace the system piece by piece till you had a KitKat OS under the assumption you knew how to develop a ROM and how to halt proceses in a way that would allow that without crashing, I know it is possible flashify(might not be the right project been some months since I used it) does just that. But don't ask me I've been messing with Android since 2010, but the most I know how to do is write normal apps and a basic modified stock ROM, I know nothing about developing a working exploit. Getting me pentesting your website though and well talk, :p
 
I'm not as smart in rooting phones as you guys honestly I just look for rooting apps I don't know how to add files or change them....but I've seen all the apps being used so far like kingroot, kingoroot,iroot,towelroot, but I haven't seen anyone try faramaroot I haven't tried because I really don't know what to do....hope this suggestion of faramaroot works
 
Sorry Supergear... That is NOT correct..
Walmart here on the West Coast.. now carries the Zmax Pro for $149.99 under the "Walmart-Family-Mobile" banner.. would have taken a pic of it but trust me.. they now have it as well.. just priced $110.00 higher than you can get it on MetroPCS if you buy and port a number.. :)
Is the tmo family mobile the same z981? Just curious if it has the same missing fastboot. The packaging in the YouTube vid says locked. This is my 1st ZTE. My history with past devices, the model number changes with different carriers. I figure this clears up compatibility issues and I'm hoping with a different model number comes different root results. I've noticed other devices released with Android 6.0.1 has fastboot OEM unlock, but no root and they seek any exploit to crack 6.0.1. Should we focus our efforts on reaching out to any dev on any forums like XDA that maybe having success with root on any device released with 6.0.1? Then with permission, modify files to root this device? It's just a theory so go easy on me..
 
So I chatted with ZTE today and it's not looking good for unlocking the bootloader. I know we've already kinda known this, but I wanted to find out for myself. I am not a developer in any way, shape or form, I just enjoy root and all things root. I could tell this guy was just giving canned responses but, anyway, here is the transcript:

chatAgent.png
Justin H.: “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.”
chatAgent.png
Justin H.: Hello, my name is Justin. How can I help you with the bootloader?
chatEndUserMessage.png
Erik S.: Hi Justin, I was hoping you could provide me with some assistance in unlocking the bootloader on my ZMAX Pro today.
chatAgent.png
Justin H.: We do not provide information for unlocking the bootloader on the Zmax pro.
chatEndUserMessage.png
Erik S.: Okay. Why is that?
chatAgent.png
Justin H.: It would void the warranty.
chatEndUserMessage.png
Erik S.: That's fine, I'm not concerned with the warranty. I am a developer and need access to the bootloader. If the bootloader is unlocked, barring any hardware issues I can fix any software related issues myself.
chatAgent.png
Justin H.: I understand, however we do not have information on how to unlock the bootloader on the device.
chatEndUserMessage.png
Erik S.: What about access to adb and fastboot?
chatAgent.png
Justin H.: It would be the same thing we do not have information for those items.
chatAgent.png
Justin H.: You can always search the internet for information on how to unlock the device.
chatEndUserMessage.png
Erik S.: Okay, someone at ZTE must have that information. Who would I need to speak with?
chatAgent.png
Justin H.: We do not have that information.
chatEndUserMessage.png
Erik S.: Someone does. You can't develop and mass produce Android devices without someone in your company knowing about the bootloader.
chatAgent.png
Justin H.: The best you can do is to go onto our Z community and see if anyone would be able to to give you that information.
chatAgent.png
Justin H.: Here is our z community page: https://community.zteusa.com/welcome
chatEndUserMessage.png
Erik S.: Lol. C'mon now, Justin. You know that effort is futile. Is there a way I can chat with or call your development team?
chatAgent.png
Justin H.: I understand that you are wanting to have us unlock your device.
chatEndUserMessage.png
Erik S.: Yes, sir.
Justin H.: We do not unlock the Zmax pro.
Justin H.: The only device currently that we are working on unlocking the bootloader for is the Axon 7.
Erik S.: You've mentioned that before. How can I get in touch with your development team?
Justin H.: You can post on the z community forum.
Erik S.: I'm sure the development team isn't very active there. There has to be a way to get in touch with your development team directly.
Justin H.: The development team is not readily available to talk to customers.
Erik S.: I understand if they're not readily available. They are very busy people. They can get in touch with me whenever they have the chance...
Justin H.: You can also see about emailing mobile@zte.com.cn to see if they can route your question to the development team.
Erik S.: Or if you guys want to swap my ZMAX Pro for an Axon 7. I am specifically working on an application that is having bugs with ZTE handsets in particular and need need access to the bootloader to pull the logs.
Justin H.: Since the Zmax Pro is a carrier device, you would need to return the device to MetroPCS and then order a Axon 7.
Erik S.: You've been an incredible help, Justin. Thank you so much for your insight.
Justin H.: Are there any other questions I can answer today?
Erik S.: Not at all. You have a stupendous day!!!
Justin H.: Thank you for choosing ZTE. Have a nice day and don't forget the short survey at the end of the chat. Just tap on disconnect at the top of the chat.
You have disconnected.

While it can't hurt to try to get info out of customer service, I wouldn't trust half their responses. This isn't the type of information they're trained to give, so you never know just how knowledgeable the representative really is. Their job is to answer basic questions about the phone. Stuff everyday users will run into. There is really no reason for them to know any more about the bootloader or root then people here. It isn't something that should come up for them to answer so there is no reason for them to be given any special information about it.
 
Mods please lock or close this thread. The last few posts haven't made any sense or its just repetitive stuff being asked. I think this thread should be locked until root or something comes along.
 
Hey! I Know You!!! :cool:

You're "THE MAN" that created the modified T.W.R.P. img that gave birth to the LG Stylo 2 Plus and brought it into the World of *ROOT* :)

Please... FOR THE LOVE OF _____ ... HELP US!!!
Do we need to chip in and buy you a device?
$100.00 + Tax and 3 months of service to cover your 90 day obligation to stay with MetroPCS ($30.00 plan) would materialize almost instantly here in the forums for you if you could work your magic for us..
What do you think? :cool:
Please check this bootloader unlock guide
http://www.stechguide.com/unlock-bootloader-of-zte-axon-7/
If it's working for your device , i will work on twrp for it :)
 
Hey guys, I'm officially in the waiting with you..my son bougth the Zmax Pro for me for my birthday. Thanks to Helium I've got everything transferred over to my satisfaction. I disabled every app that can be disabled..just don't disable the Google/Voice Search app or you will get bootloops. Had to factory reset. I tried it twice just to be sure. Loving the phone and it is good without root..but I still want root. :) One thing though..if anyone can help me..I've disabled the option 'Power button instantly locks' in Security settings and it still locks the screen. Also, Smart lock doesn't seem to work..at least not with my bluetooth.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom