The term S-Off (Security Off) is commonly used in HTC devices. But a lot of people are still being confused by this term. They often associate it to rooting and unlocking of bootloader. That is why this article is going to explain more further what exactly it is, the differences of it to other concepts mentioned and what its benefits and drawbacks are.
To start, you must know that most of the manufactured HTC devices are initially S-On (Security On). This means they are blocked from modifying anything from your system (NAND partitions like the recovery, radio, bootloader, etc). Well, you actually can, but it would not be permanent. Once reboot occurs, everything you configured will be restored to its factory condition.
Some example of turned on security limitations are; being restrained from flashing zip files in bootloader mode that are not digitally signed by HTC itself. Also, updating custom ROMs and firmware are not allowed too.
So now, having S-Off would is the other way around. It lets you control just about everything on your phone. Each NAND partition is open for your own configuring and modifying.
Misconceptions
First, having it does not mean you are already rooted. You would still need to undergo process for that.
Next, having it still does not mean your bootloader would be also unlocked because unlocking would mean allowing you to configure not all the partitions but only the selected partitions (recovery and boot) that lets you install custom recovery, which could also let you install custom ROMs and flash apps that makes you rooted
Benefits
You can customize everything! You will not undergo any security checks and block anything. You can flash anything, install anything even if they are not digitally signed. You can change your Model ID and Carrier ID too!
Drawbacks
You do not need it anyway, unless you are a developer. As what is mentioned above, you don’t have to worry because you can still root even with S-On as long as you are unlocked.
And also because it is very open and unrestricted, a little error from installing incompatible things could cause bricking. For example, when you are flashing in Fastboot and you accidentally typed a misspelled command and entered it, hello brick. Most of the partitions are very sensitive. This means even though there is just a very slight corruption, this could cause you to damage the whole system. Since you are restriction-free, your system would just take anything you are going to do to it. So, inputting a wrong command would still be accepted, but that could really cause corruption. It would be prevented if restriction is on.
Now, if you still want a full control, and is comfortable with yourself with taking extra care with everything, you can follow the very simple 6-step process below on how to turn to S-Off. You will just need a working PC or laptop and an internet connection.
Reminders:
1. This is tutorial is for HTC One only.
2. You must be rooted.
3. You take responsibility over your phone and not this article.
Step 1:
Follow this process on How to Enable USB Debugging.
Step 2:
Disable Fastboot. Do this by going to Settings > Power > Fastboot. Uncheck the box beside.
Step 3:
Remove your screen lock. To make sure, go back again to Settings > Security > Screen lock. Under it should be ‘None’.
Step 4:
Update drivers on PC by downloading and installing HTC USB Drivers. Connect to PC, it should be recognized.
Step 5:
Extract the Android SDK zip file (preferred on Desktop for organization). Enter the extracted folder and go to sdk > platform-tools. Open a command window by holding down Shift key and right clicking the mouse. Now, select the said task.
To check if ADB works, and your device is properly connected, enter
adb devices
Something will appear on device so just allow, then type the command again
A list should appear with HTC one recognized.
Step 6:
Extract the Rumrunner tool and run sojo.exe as administrator. All you need to type in the command window that will open is ‘Yes’ when you are prompted to. You will see the window with running texts, and your device reboot a lot of times, so just let them be. A SuperSU notification will also appear asking a permission for ADB shell writing, so just grant it. Now wait for the Rumrunner tool to finish. In the end, it should state that you are successful in turning your phone to S-Off.
Goodbye restrictions now for HTC One! You can now have the power to fully take over it. But you should always remember to be extra cautious on every move you’ll do to it. As what Spiderman said, ‘‘With great power comes great responsibility’’.
For a video on the whole process, check below: