Like most Android smartphones, the Verizon Moto X (2014) has also shipped with locked bootloader. While this is a reasonable security feature, it is also a problem for anyone who wants to install custom ROMs or customize their phone. For example, there is a very little chance to get Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for Verizon Moto X 2014, but if you want to update it to the Android 6 with custom ROM like CyanogenMod, unlocking the bootloader is a necessary.
Motorola now officially supports unlocking bootloader on Verizon Moto X 2014 (XT1096), which means you can now gain root access, install custom recovery and custom ROMs on it. However, to unlock the bootloader you need a specific authorization key provided by the manufacturer. Read on to know how to get it.
In this tutorial, we show you how to unlock Verizon Moto X 2014 (XT1096) bootloader. It requires ADB and Fastboot drivers on your PC [See for instruction] and latest Motorola drivers installed on the PC.
IMPORTANT: Before you get start, you must be careful to back up all of your apps and files because unlocking the bootloader will wipe the lot from your device. In addition, the process will void your device warranty, so proceed with caution.
Warning: Once you unlock the bootloader, you cannot revert your device back to factory state.
Unlock Verizon Moto X 2014 (XT1096) Bootloader Officially
1. First, boot Moto X 2014 (XT1096) into fastboot mode. To do so, switch off the phone, press Power + Volume Down buttons simultaneously for few seconds. Then connect your phone to your PC.
2. Go to Minimal ADB and fastboot installation directory (normally it will be at: C -> Program files -> Minimal ADB and fastboot) and open a command window there (Hold Shift key and right click and select ‘open command window here’)
3. In the command prompt window, issue the command to check your device is connected to your PC:
fastboot devices
[If your device is not listed, install proper driver for your phone and then proceed with next step]
4. If your device is listed, type the below command in the command prompt window and hit Enter key:
fastboot oem get_unlock_data
5. You will get a return string. Copy it.
[To copy the string, right in the command window, select Mark. Mark the text and press Ctrl+C to copy it. Save the text in Note pad]
6. Go to Motorola Site [HERE] and sign in using your Google account or Motorola ID. Scroll down the page and paste the copied string (you have just saved in the above step) in the field.
7. Click on ‘Can my device be unlocked?’ A “REQUEST UNLOCK KEY” button will appear at the bottom of page.
8. To get your unlock key, select the ‘I Agree’ option. (You will receive an email with your Unlock Key at the email address you used to log in there)
9. Now, copy the 20-character key that Motorola sent to you via email.
10. Make sure your device is still connected to your PC.
11. Then type the command:
fastboot oem unlock UNIQUE_KEY
[Replace ‘UNIQUE_KEY’ with the unlock code that you have got via email]
12. Then hit enter to start unlocking process. Wait for a while and soon you will see ‘Bootloader Unlocked’ warning on your Moto X 2014.
To confirm the unlock, restart the device in bootloader mode and you should see a line saying Device is Unlocked. You are now free to install your own ROM.
