yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Questions and Answers] Planterz:
If someone wants to write up a FAQ or device guide or whatever, I'd be happy to add it to the original post. Obviously writing it all myself isn't something I'm interested in doing.

A better idea might be to start a new "Development and Discussion" thread, with said FAQ/guide in the OP, which I'll link to in the first post in this thread, then ask that this thread be locked down. The person who starts that thread should be someone willing to be the custodian of FAQ/Guide in the first post (like, perhaps, someone who actually owns the phone). This thread hasn't been "mine" for a long time now.

This has certainly been one crazy thread. It started with me - only because noone else had - asking for anybody's opinions of this phone, on behalf of a friend. 2300 posts later (probably 2400 if you count the ones that got "cleaned") and I think it has kinda run full circle. No closer to root, everybody just scratching their heads wondering what to do - what they can do. Believe it or not, 2300+ posts, and I've read every one, although I unsubscribed a few weeks ago (the constant notifications were keeping me awake).

As for me, I ordered a OnePlus One on Tuesday. Already have some ROMs and kernels downloaded and ready to flash. Good luck with the ZMAX.
[General Questions and Answers] monark88:
I've been closesly watching this thread... Hoping for a root or some progress..

I have a ZTE but not a zMax, but similar set up, locked boot loader, towel root fails, the like.

I would like a new thread focused on development, and definitely not so off topic.

I was hopeful when i found how active this thread is, and then it degraded...
[General Questions and Answers] ubigred:
Start date: 9-28-2014

Current date: 3-12-2015

Progress: 0
[General Questions and Answers] Lesharoturbo:
Untrue. We have made progress. Not one of the current root methods out there ( that are publicly available) seem to work. That is progress! I put progress at about 40%. Maybe less.
[General Questions and Answers] 4NDROID4LIFE:
If [MENTION=2376614]jcase[/MENTION] has root why isn't he sharing? Has there been any proof? I don't get why he won't share his exploit.
[General Questions and Answers] Lesharoturbo:
Mostly because people keep bugging him by contacting him directly. Read back in the thread to understand the issue. He has nothing to prove.
[General Questions and Answers] johnb380:
[MENTION=2376614]jcase[/MENTION] already stated that in its current state his method of root is non transferable and unusable for any other phones. It's the way he went about it that is difficult and it is not possible to do on any phone that is not in his hands. Some exploits are difficult to reproduce that's just a fact. And he also stated that to make it user friendly, well say, and incorporate it in his app would take a month or more of work which is time and effort that he is not willing to put forth for a phone he cares nothing about.

And I'm sure the rude and degrading posts didn't help in persuading him to help us at all!

At least that is what I got out of his posts a week or so ago when he stated that he obtained root. But I am obviously inferring some of the above but I believe I'm correct in my assumptions.

Also most of you think that root is this one click easy method of exploiting the phone to obtain root and it can be yet not always is.

And all of you calling for a new thread will get the same result as this thread. This phone, this community does not have anyone that remotely knows what they are doing or even where to start in obtaining root functions for the Zmax. So I really don't see a need for another thread as you will just be starting over and end up going through all of the same exact things this thread has already gone though. Until we get a true DEVELOPER to get to work on this thing we won't be achieving root. And to believe other wise is just an exercise in futility. This thread is a general help thread and that's all it will ever be, plain and simple.

Sometimes the truth hurts but someone has to say this stuff because the level of fantasy and hope here is just not realistic.

Because Flat out you guys, whomever it was, that pissed off [MENTION=2376614]jcase[/MENTION] and the one guy who actually believed a CSR that ZTE was gonna unlock the bootloader to this phone, those are the people that screwed this whole thread and all its followers over! So be sure to thank them when you get mad about no root everyone!
[General Questions and Answers] Meep70:
Not to mention being tagged in many of the posts--still--even after clearly washing his hands.
[General Questions and Answers] jcase:
I've been dealing with serious medical issues, ive even ended up in the hospital because of them. I release things on my own time, and since they are my own no one is entitled to them. What i have for the ZTE is working but it is not in a release state, would still require a few hours of work to get it into that state that just anyone could run it and get root. I don't have the energy, nor at this point the care to do it when people are rude.

Instead of understanding that I am dealing with things more serious and important than a phone in life, people wanted to be rude. Last time people wanted to be rude while waiting for me to get stuff done was the Sony Z1s, my response was to send the details to Sony, and get myself on their security "hall of fame". I have no reason to release things when it stops being fun for me, as it did in this case. I did release it, after about 8 months or so, long after Sony patched it.

Proof? What proof do you want? Video/photo of root checker? I could patch the apk and fake that. Dump of something? Its well known i have emmc read/write hardware, I could just hook the phone up and dump everything, or even install su through that! The only valid proof is a proof of concept, period, and im not releasing that.
[General Questions and Answers] John Laurinaitis:
Sorry for not wanting to see if you guys said this yet but... Now that the open source is out for the ZMAX (Z970), is there nothing we can do with that?
[General Questions and Answers] johnb380:
Its been out and that doesn't help in the least with root. That helps in building Rom and kernels depending on if it's kernel source or Aosp source. Which well never get Rom source for this phone so. Unless I'm wrong and don't know about the latter.

But either way it doesn't help for root M8!
[General Questions and Answers] dongarritas:
So sorry about your health troubles brother....And even more sorry for the immature, rude and disparaging remarks, demands, and sense of entitlement that way too many people have posted. I honestly don't understand why the moderators have even allowed this thread to continue. Perhaps the low price of this device has attracted those of low character rarely seen ,or tolerated in other forums. I truly hope for your speedy recovery, as that is what is most important. I'TS JUST A DAMN PHONE PEOPLE!
[General Questions and Answers] :
Look after you [MENTION=2376614]jcase[/MENTION] !!

Hope everything is alright!?

This thread giving me Moto X bootloader flashbacks. :silly:
[General Questions and Answers] biledigger:
@jcase

I wish you the best in your struggles and recovery mate. I've dealt with medical issues myself and am still doing so 3 years later. My suggestion is relax and try your best to heal up and get your body back into tip top shape. Get well soon [MENTION=2376614]jcase[/MENTION] and get back into actions of life. Take care mate.
[General Questions and Answers] ubigred:
GREAT post. Reality.
[General Questions and Answers] therealduckie:
I have started formatting the new FAQ/Guide thread. I am going to go through every page of this thread for all the root options people tried, all the helpful advice, etc and add it to that thread's lead post. I will post it here once it is "live".

Cheers and thanks
[General Questions and Answers] StevCano:
I just purchased this phone and I gotta admit I like it a lot especially for the price it just sucks that there is no root available at the moment. I really appreciate anything that any devs can do to bring root to the zte zmax. and I am willing to donate as i am sure many othere are so don't let other people discourage you from doing what you do best
[General Questions and Answers] therealduckie:
Here is the preliminary page: http://xdaforums.com/general/general/zte-zmax-z970-guide-faq-discussion-t3053066

I have to leave for a bit to deal with family. I will be back late tonight to add more content, but this should be a good start.

Cheers and thanks!
[General Questions and Answers] totlth:
Has anyone tried the Qualcomm route? Just wondering cuz that's which way I'm heading.
[General Questions and Answers] 4NDROID4LIFE:
OK didn't know about medical issues sorry. Hope you're doing OK. I had it wrong I thought you were rubbing it in people's noses that you had root and Cuz some people said dumb things to you that you were going to let the rest suffer. Take your time. If you release something that's great. I plan to get this phone as a backup to my g3 Cuz of band 12 support
[General Questions and Answers] mdabeezy:
Bye bye. Zmax! Hello LG G3 (D851)
[General Questions and Answers] mingolianbeef:
ZTE ZMAX Discussion Thread FAQ!

[MENTION=5749364]Planterz[/MENTION]

TL; DR for those that don't want to read: Use common sense in this thread.

FAQ (Please add to OP if it qualifies)

1. Do We Have Root/Bootloader Unlock/Kernel Source

No, No Yes

2. I'm a noob, don't flame me, do we have root...

WHO LOST MY FLAMETHROWER!!! (Comedic Relief), but no... we don't... neee-oooo-bbbb

3. Maybe we can ask [Dev name here for help]...

If you manage to find a dev that hasn't scanned the thread (usually for information about progress on development, only to find that other recruited devs have been flamed to smithereens by entitled know-it-alls), please, by all means, have them pay this device a visit!

4. What if we used the root app/exploit from [Phone/Tablet/Device Name Here]?

Nine times out of ten, if it's on the internet, it's been tried. Anything American, Chinese, Russian, German and alien has been run on this device in an attempt to root, ALL without success.

5. What if we set up a root bounty?

Already been tried, no bites

6. What if we petition ZTE?

Already been done... a hundred times... it took us months just to get kernel source. They have made it clear that cooperating with us in terms of bootloader unlocking and root are not something they are interested in.

7. This guy made me cry when he said something that hurt my feelings...

Get over it

8. I don't give a [explicit] about that [explicit] son of a [explicit] that is keeping root from us, stupid [explicit]...

All of our representatives are currently assisting other customers. Care meter: 0%... 1%... 2%... it appears our servers are experiencing technical difficulties with your request for us to care... goodbye.

9. I'm a dev (with no posts on XDA) that's super good at rooting and stuff, I'm here to save the day!

Put up or shut up (I mean that nicely). The adolescents in this thread don't take nicely to being led on and tend to become very disrespectful very quickly.

10. Have you seen this website that says it can root our device.

If it was true, there wouldn't be a thread discussing root. "The Unlockr" and "Unlock-bootloader.org" or something have verified spam links that do NOT root the device.

For all of you that were like me and thought "I Used to use The Unlockr back in the day, it's legit!" It used to be, it's just a click bait ad farm now that generates money off of its reputation, now.

11. I don't have all the experience in the world, but I'm willing to do the research it takes to root the device.

We welcome you.

12. [Dev name here] said he rooted this device, maybe if we sweet talk him, he'll release it...

Please don't start up this discussion...

13. FLLAAAMMMEEE WAAARRRR!!!!!

Fire extinguisher beats flame war. Go back to your cave... troll.

14. What if I have questions?

BEFORE YOU ASK IT IN THIS THREAD!!!! Google it, search on XDA, search within this thread, and read this FAQ. If it doesn't come up, then you ask your question. :)

15. If feel like something should be added to this FAQ.

Please consult the OP. I am simply providing the foundation.
[General Questions and Answers] thereal_antiHackmasta:
This sums up perfectly what has gone on in this thread. Thanks for getting us backbone track.
[General Questions and Answers] 4NDROID4LIFE:
Yeah I'm loving my d850. Currently running cm12 with a bomb over clock kernel.

Sent from my D850 T-Mobile SIM
[General Questions and Answers] mdabeezy:
I'm about to purpledrake this bish... [MENTION=2376614]jcase[/MENTION] thanks for your talents in purpledrake and everywhere else in the scene... We appreciate your hard work mang!
[General Questions and Answers] King Ice:
I have personally had and android phone since the T-Mobile Samsung Vibrant. I've also had the Galaxy s 2, 3, 4, Galaxy S relay 4g, Note 2, 3, my touch 4g, lg my touch, and now the Zmax. All of them were rooted. I understand rooting just fine and couldn't remember my old account so I made a new in order to post. I personally am not new to this scene by far. So not everyone coming here are new, majority, maybe.
[General Questions and Answers] totlth:
Forgive me for possible dumb question. I'm just and older dude and I was wondering what purpledrake is? Googled it but no help for me.
[General Questions and Answers] johnb380:
WOW JUST WOW... SERIOUSLY... THIS MESSAGE IS FOR WHOMEVER IT CONCERNS, NOT ANYONE ELSE,

SOME ONE is so butt hurt by my earlier POSTING, AKA the TRUTH, that they are sending me vulgar and intimidating hangouts messages.

Lmmfao! Really bro? You really have that little to do in your life?

That is really funny and pathetic idk who Don Dbag or Dan Droopynuts is but he just got put in his place.

I apologize to all the respectful and non aholish people here that have to read this. But before you message me WITH SOME BS KNOW THAT I'M A GROWN MAN AND I HAVE AN OPINION OF MY OWN AND A FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT TO SAY WHATEVER I WANNA SAY. AND If you don't like IT you go cry to your mommy not me! Cuz I don't wanna hear it! Mmm Kay!

THANK YOU!

(NOW BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING! )
[General Questions and Answers] totlth:
Don't forget I asked about purpledrake first. Anyone?
[General Questions and Answers] :
Hmmmm...... I may move this thread to off topic? :silly:

Guys, as said many times, many places.... Don't feed the trolls!

Enough of the flame wars. And sorry, but rants about off-site happenings is definitely very off-topic.

Let's keep things constructive and simply ignore or report anything you feel should be ignored or reported.

Do we have a deal? There's not much to talk about root wise at the moment.... Let's not turn on each other cause we're bored. Again, honestly... Off topic threads aren't generally allowed outside of the off topic section.... Or battleground threads. ;)

Thanks for your understanding..... I have apple pie to get back to.

Darth

Forum Moderator
[General Questions and Answers] Planterz:
Actually, I was about to update my OP with links to the new thread, and ask that this thread be closed.
[General Questions and Answers] mingolianbeef:
Don't feel bad man. I'm 20 and an avid hip-hop music lover and have absolutely no idea what "purpledrake" is lol.

If I had to guess, it's "chopped and screwed" drake music lmao (a form of music by canadian rap artist drake in which the pitch and tempo are severely slowered and mixed in a choppy fashion. Very popular amongst weed heads and people who drink "lean" lol)
[General Questions and Answers] :
:D I was thinking of messaging you about the same idea. Good call I think. :good:

Members, please move to this new thread,

http://xdaforums.com/general/general/zte-zmax-z970-guide-faq-discussion-t3053066

Let's try to keep the new thread clean. :o

Thread Closed at OP request.
[General Questions and Answers] disco_dan:
frameroot

I'm sure someone's tried Frameroot, right?
[General Questions and Answers] mezkal24:
Yes, no go.
[General Questions and Answers] michael_ta315:
alright, how much for root? IM PAYING.
[General Questions and Answers] KCoATX:
I'd also be willing to assist with payment. I wouldn't want the entire burden on you.
[General Questions and Answers] ubigred:
I don't think root is ever coming to this device.

Sent from my SGNote 3
[General Questions and Answers] nikkdotcom:
I'm all for paying. I can contribute $50.
[General Questions and Answers] Vyrus69:
Keep requesting for our own thread, that will help get more Devs on this device:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1660354&page=1622
[General Questions and Answers] supernugget:
I'm in for 20
[General Questions and Answers] buckeyeguy337:
zte zmax

T mobiles Zte zmax has huge potential. Also coming to metro pcs. Would pay for root!
[General Questions and Answers] QuickNET Tech:
Try these one click methods

I want root for this device but am not getting it for ≈ 1 month.

I found a list of one click roots that may not have been tried yet:confused: and I haven't heard of most of them but they might work (most, if not, all require a pc (I think)).

I hope that at one works or at least this phone gets root within a month.

http : // www . itsaboutmobile . com / 2013 /10/ android-rooting-software . html ?m=1

GOOD LUCK!

(new mem. = no links, sorry just remove spaces)
[General Questions and Answers] domo325:
Any good looking cases out there for this phone? Tried ebay, amazon and even alibaba, but no luck. =(
[General Questions and Answers] stinkbud:
There is a hybrid case in amazon for about $6, it is available already. I received it Thursday, works and feels like any other hybrid.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00O...15452702&qid=1415452702&sr=8-1&sr=8-1&sr=8-1
[General Questions and Answers] QuickNET Tech:
Question from a soon to be owner

This phone has been out for about 1.5 months and I am curious if the battery life has decreased after about that long.

I always get a phone with a removable back so battery deterioration is no issue and this is the best I have found for the money, but the non-removable back worries me.

Any and all help is appreciated.

Quickdraw996
[General Questions and Answers] Planterz:
A lithium ion battery can lose upwards of 20% of its original capacity after ~500 cycles, the number most consider to be a battery's "life span". A large battery and slower drain mean not only will the battery last longer in a day-to-day sense, but will last longer in terms of overall lifetime/durability. With how long the battery seems to be lasting on the ZMAX, you should easily get 1.5 years of heavy use, or even 2 years of moderate use before you get to that up-to-20%-less point.
[General Questions and Answers] QuickNET Tech:
I'm starting to question quality...

Such a GREAT PHONE for such a LOW PRICE make me question the build quality. As I've said this will probably be my next phone but with ZTE's track record (I've heard they've gotten better) I fear that they have cut corners somewhere.

Thenn again I had similar worries when I bought my sero 7 pro (really cheap tablet, great specs and feature set).

Maybe I'm worrying too much.

Thanks for the speedy reply.

Quickdraw996
[General Questions and Answers] asrr62:
Build quality is pretty good. I've had some problems with Motorola phones and this is way better quality than that of my droid x2 and droid razr I've bought in the past. electronics are usually hit or miss. its just a fact of life that they are using slaves in china to make the phones, and thats most brands.
[General Questions and Answers] michael_ta315:
lol talking about built quality, yesterday got into a big fight with the honey boo boo, threw my zte across the room like a frisbee, hit the wall, left a half an inch deep mark. Landed on the carpet. Phone showed ZERO mark.

This thing is pretty solid.

either that or my wall is really soft.. hmm
[General Questions and Answers] jsteal55:
Your wall is not soft I dropped my zmax 3x out my lap in a FedEx van hit the ground and it only has a very small mark you can hardly see on the side of it this thing is strong
[General Questions and Answers] Christopherlh84:
I bought a case off ebay really liking it so far. Also the batter on this phone is awsome. Hope to find a root for it soon.
[General Questions and Answers] QuickNET Tech:
I know it's a little far out there but could a senior member contact chainfire (me being new I doubt he'll ever recieve a message or respond) to see what files we would have to send him to get this phone rooted. The thread (they also dont have a forum yet) for the new samsung galaxy avant was where we are at now and they sent him a few device specific files (honestly can't remember which ones) and he got the avant rooted in no time.

I don't have this phone YET so I can't do it but whoever can will be much appreciated.
[General Questions and Answers] Planterz:
Chainfire is a wizard with Samsung devices, but his Autoroot method only works on them because it works an exploit through Odin (a proprietary Samsung tool). It works with Nexuses too, but that's because a Nexus is a Nexus. But the ZTE ZMAX is neither a Samsung nor works with Odin. I'm not saying the man couldn't do the job, but he'd need the device in hand, and a lot of time he'd probably rather spend doing something else.
[General Questions and Answers] QuickNET Tech:
Well some one has to know someone

(also thanks for the info, didn't know that about chainfire, all I knew was he was one of the best)
[General Questions and Answers] loner6996:
Well money is a great motivator.
[General Questions and Answers] asrr62:
There's also the legendary hashcode. That guy is awesome. He works around the bootloaders for anything. He did the kindle fire and does a lot of Verizon phones that are really locked down as much as possible.
[General Questions and Answers] IBeMe:
just got metro pcs

has 4.4.4

everything great!
[General Questions and Answers] michael_ta315:
you mean 4.4.2?
[General Questions and Answers] IBeMe:
4.4.4
[General Questions and Answers] epeets:
There is currently only 4.4.2 on the ZMAX so unless you have another device that's the version of kit kat you're rocking. Screenshot please if you're indeed on 4.4.4.
[General Questions and Answers] IBeMe:
it's 4.4.4 metro PCS build

don't know how to do a screenshot
[General Questions and Answers] IBeMe:
if this works, screenshot
[General Questions and Answers] JoePUNK:
Ok. Ive been trying to figure this out for too darn long now. The dolby digital plus doesnt seem to work when using any bluetooth device.

Anyone know how to get this to work?
[General Questions and Answers] nikkdotcom:
How the bloody hell did that happen?!? 4.4.4 on Metro, but not T-Mobile. The Metro community will eventually get it rooted.
[General Questions and Answers] Planterz:
No kidding. The Galaxy Light on MetroPCS has 4.4.2, while us with the T-Mobile version are still stuck on 4.2.2. I've thought about switching from T-Mo to Metro and saving a few bucks since it's all the same (and I'm not on any payment plan). But maybe a better reason to switch would be to get software updates...
[General Questions and Answers] michael_ta315:
ya if this metropcs gets lollipop imma flip..
[General Questions and Answers] jvs60:
Are there any good apps that will wake the phone without pressing the power button?
[General Questions and Answers] T3mpr1x:
Is it really that big of a deal though? I mean, I understand if we never got an update to Lollipop, which would suck...But what're the differences between 4.4.2 and 4.4.4?
[General Questions and Answers] michael_ta315:
as far as my knowledge goes it would require root.
[General Questions and Answers] Vyrus69:
Mainly background and system stuff, nothing too different on the front end.

Over on the Android forums there are quite a few dedicated Metro devs, so hopefully one of them gets root for us soon, I expect within a few weeks. This phone is too good to NOT have root.
[General Questions and Answers] Qiangong2:
What about 360 root? I haven't seen anyone try it yet.

Link: shuaji. 360. cn/root/

:)
[General Questions and Answers] mezkal24:
Just tried and it did not work. :(