Database Users

Nexus 7 Bricked??/Broken

Nexus 7 was rooted,unlocked bootloader and was running paranoid anroid 3.90+ i think . i plugged it into the computer to get a new rom using nexus root toolkit v1.7.2. i was asked to update a few things, so i clicked yes. i then tried to flash stock + unroot and chose 4.3 cause i wanted to try the new OS. but i guess something happened because when i turned my nexus 7 back on i was stuck on the load screen (GOOGLE image with a unlocked lock) i could cycle thru a few options using volume keys (start,recovery,power off) .all of them seemed useless as they would just bring me back to where i was.when clicking start "booting failed" come up on the upper left side. when trying to flash stock +unroot using NRT i get up to the sending "bootloader" part and my nexus 7 just freezes, how do i fix this. please and thanks

download the factory image from the google factory image and extract the archive.
try flashing the bootloader manualy with fastboot.
locate your fastboot binary and copy the bootloader image to that directory.
open a commandline in that directory and type
fastboot flash bootloader name-of-bootloader.img
after that you can try to flash the whole factory image with the flash-all.sh script.

Simple
dieselmonkeyy said:
i could cycle thru a few options using volume keys (start,recovery,power off) .all of them seemed useless as they would just bring me back to where i was.when clicking start "booting failed" come up on the upper left side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot failed??? That's a bad flash of the stock ROM. I had the same problem at my first attempt trying to flash Stock ROM, but don't worry! Let's do this:
WARNING: Before you continue you are accepting that I'm not responsible of anything can happen to your Nexus and your battery is fully charged.
When you download the stock ROM you have to uncompress the zip file. You will find the bootloader and another zip.
Uncompress that zip file, put fastboot program, the bootloader and the files together.
Then start your Nexus into bootloader mode, connect it to your PC, open a console (cmd for Windows, Terminal for Linux and Mac OS X) and type this:
fastboot erase boot
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase recovery
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase userdata
WARNING: Your Nexus is FULLY EMPTY!!! Don't reboot it because it can get a full brick (It will not turn on any more).
Now type this:
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-grouper-X.XX.img
NOTE: Replace X.XX with your version.
Now type:
fastboot reboot-bootloader
Your Nexus will reboot.
Type this:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash cache cache.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img #Will take a very long time. DON'T INTERRUPT THE PROCESS!!!!!
fastboot flash userdata userdata.img
Now reboot again with:
fastboot reboot-bootloader
Re-unlock bootloader to get a full wipe:
fastboot oem lock
Reboot again:
fastboot reboot-bootloader
And then unlock the bootloader:
fastboot oem unlock
Press "Yes" to the petition screen and reboot:
fastboot reboot
Ready the Nexus!
I had the same problem and I did this.
I hope I can help you.
Sorry for my bad English. I'm from Argentina and I'm learning.
Well,
Good luck!

MlucianoEze said:
Boot failed??? That's a bad flash of the stock ROM. I had the same problem at my first attempt trying to flash Stock ROM, but don't worry! Let's do this:
WARNING: Before you continue you are accepting that I'm not responsible of anything can happen to your Nexus and your battery is fully charged.
When you download the stock ROM you have to uncompress the zip file. You will find the bootloader and another zip.
Uncompress that zip file, put fastboot program, the bootloader and the files together.
Then start your Nexus into bootloader mode, connect it to your PC, open a console (cmd for Windows, Terminal for Linux and Mac OS X) and type this:
fastboot erase boot
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase recovery
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase userdata
WARNING: Your Nexus is FULLY EMPTY!!! Don't reboot it because it can get a full brick (It will not turn on any more).
Now type this:
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-grouper-X.XX.img
NOTE: Replace X.XX with your version.
Now type:
fastboot reboot-bootloader
Your Nexus will reboot.
Type this:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash cache cache.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img #Will take a very long time. DON'T INTERRUPT THE PROCESS!!!!!
fastboot flash userdata userdata.img
Now reboot again with:
fastboot reboot-bootloader
Re-unlock bootloader to get a full wipe:
fastboot oem lock
Reboot again:
fastboot reboot-bootloader
And then unlock the bootloader:
fastboot oem unlock
Press "Yes" to the petition screen and reboot:
fastboot reboot
Ready the Nexus!
I had the same problem and I did this.
I hope I can help you.
Sorry for my bad English. I'm from Argentina and I'm learning.
Well,
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do i type into cmd inorder to be able to type
fastboot erase boot
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase recovery
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase userdata
and get it to work. im a noob . thanks in advance

You have to be in the folder with fastboot inside else those commands will not work.
It will be easier if you put the images extracted from the zip into the zip together with the fastboot program.
If you don't understand yet I'll try to be more specific.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

dieselmonkeyy said:
what do i type into cmd inorder to be able to type
fastboot erase boot
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase recovery
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase userdata
and get it to work. im a noob . thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be intimidating... and the so-called tool-kits don't help you learn
I assume you are using Windows.
follow the unzip instructions from the previous poster. (not quoted here). note the directory.
find the directory containing your android tools... ADB.exe and FASTBOOT.exe.
transfer your unzipped files to this directory. Open your CMD prompt window and change to this directory if necessary.
plug in your Nexus.
type fastboot device at the prompt. MAKE SURE YOUR NEXUS 7 is listed (serial number)
proceed with the complete instructions from the previous poster.
that should do it.

YES!!!
thanks alot for the instructions, it worked!!! i hope people use ur instructions as reference if they have the same problem. THANKS ALOT!!!

dieselmonkeyy said:
thanks alot for the instructions, it worked!!! i hope people use ur instructions as reference if they have the same problem. THANKS ALOT!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad the problem is solved. Do not forget to click the THANKS button.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Hello. My brother's Nex 7 is also has this issue. I cannot follow any of the steps as it gets stuck on erasing any of the partitions. I tried erasing those partitions in any order and they still get stuck. His device was stock and bootloader locked too. When I try to unlock the bootloader, it gets stuck as well at the erasing userdata part. I suspect a bad memory chip. Anyone else experience this?

Yes, mine is sticking on the (bootloader) erasing userdata on bootloader unlock as well.
It also sticks on any fastboot ERASE command.
Factory reset had a bunch of errors and no longer comes up. none of the FLASH commands work because the BOOTLOADER is locked.
And since it freezes on the unlocking bootloader commands I believe I am screwed.
This was a factory installed, never flashed, unlocked or rooted Nexus 7 wifi 2nd gen. After installing the 4.4.2 that popped up it loaded once then crashed and never loaded again
I have tried every tool I can find. They all stick on the erase part.

jophisdrazin said:
Yes, mine is sticking on the (bootloader) erasing userdata on bootloader unlock as well.
It also sticks on any fastboot ERASE command.
Factory reset had a bunch of errors and no longer comes up. none of the FLASH commands work because the BOOTLOADER is locked.
And since it freezes on the unlocking bootloader commands I believe I am screwed.
This was a factory installed, never flashed, unlocked or rooted Nexus 7 wifi 2nd gen. After installing the 4.4.2 that popped up it loaded once then crashed and never loaded again
I have tried every tool I can find. They all stick on the erase part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Send your device for repair. My brother did so. My suspicions were correct. A faulty chip. They replaced the whole board, according to my brother.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[Q] Kitkat big mess, bootloop only! Any help?

Hi there,
I think I screwed in such a fashioned manner that I did not spot any spot to better expose my issue.
I run a Nexus 4 root which used to run fine with 4.3.
I did ota to Nexus 4.4 failure.
Then I did Efrant guide (without step 10) to go 4.4, it worked.
fastboot devices
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-mako-makoz20i.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash radio radio-mako-m9615a-cefwmazm-2.0.1700.84.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash system system44.img
fastboot flash boot boot44.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery44.img
fastboot format cache
fastboot reboot
I had really bad experience with kitkat. No notification, sms history gone, home virtual button not working (only blipping), same for the top right notification menu.
Well I thought going to 4.3 would be best.
I did 4.3 through the same steps with different archives and boot loop at the X.
Then I tried a 4.2.2 but I did a huge mistake, I did it with Nexus 7 files. After sweating a bit I got it back in fastboot mode.
Then I tried 4.3 occam and 4.4 occam. Bootloop, old style and new one.
Now I can try 4.2.2 or 4.4 with fastboot flash userdata userdata.img
Any clue?
Edit: From Efrants:
Note that some users indicate that they can't get past the X on boot. If this happens to you, reboot into the bootloader and select recovery. Then, when you see the Android with the red exclamation mark, hold power and press volume up to take you to the menu. Wipe cache. If that still doesn't work, boot back into recovery and do a factory reset (this will obviously delete all your data & files in /sdcard...).
I can go to the red exclamation mark.
Than all the combinations I do just reboot me. What is the trick? Power on then volume up? Power on and volume up at the same time? How long should I press?

Try this
Get proper files for let's say 4.3 mako
fastboot erase system -w
fastboot erase boot
fastboot erase recovery
fastboot flash radio radio.img
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
The bootloader and radio being from stock ota from Google, recovery stable custom one
fastboot reboot-bootloader
Make sure all matches
Boot to recovery
Flash ROM of choice, use a 4.3, maybe slimbean
May need to sideload the ROM though
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

demkantor said:
Try this
Get proper files for let's say 4.3 mako
fastboot erase system -w
fastboot erase boot
fastboot erase recovery
fastboot flash radio radio.img
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
The bootloader and radio being from stock ota from Google, recovery stable custom one
fastboot reboot-bootloader
Make sure all matches
Boot to recovery
Flash ROM of choice, use a 4.3, maybe slimbean
May need to sideload the ROM though
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I get the idea. By flashing the ROM of your choice what do you mean, flashing an OTA zip? I know how tosideload, just trying to understand what to flash.
I am about to try to flash a recovery (twrp) to wipe cache.
I tried and added system and boot.
/!\ fastboot erase system -w Erase all userdata I wanted to do that as a last option... Well now it is done...
The phone is now properly booting a 4.2.2 I will see tonight if I can get it to 4.3 or 4.4

ROM of choice is ROM of your choice, hence the recommendation for slimbean but only a recommendation
The fastboot erase system -w will cover wiping cache, but yeh still download and install the twrp image
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

demkantor said:
ROM of choice is ROM of your choice, hence the recommendation for slimbean but only a recommendation
The fastboot erase system -w will cover wiping cache, but yeh still download and install the twrp image
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well thanks for your help.
I think that my first install of 4.4 was messy. I really suspect that I installed bad radio and or bootloader. Thank you google for giving same name to different versions. Or may be I got some corrupted stuff on userdata?
When I went back to 4.3 I dont know what went wrong, maybe only that cache issue?
Then messing with the nakasi img (call me stupid) could not do any good.
I took too much confidence in messing the previous upgrades and recovering without loosing personnal data...
Now I have a fresh start to think about it...

I've got one question and one question only: how do I install 4.3 again on my nexus 4 again. I have NEVER rooted or flashed my phone. Would really really appreciate all the help I can get.

omairanwar said:
I've got one question and one question only: how do I install 4.3 again on my nexus 4 again. I have NEVER rooted or flashed my phone. Would really really appreciate all the help I can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
reboot to recovery
flash rom of choice
There are many guides on rooting and fastboot, i would suggest staying away from any toolkit
as if you would like to learn, you wont from a toolkit.
the above take minuets and is far from a difficult task, its a nexus, its meant to be easy.
peek your nose around the forum a bit, you have any issues or are unsure just ask and id be glad to help

Warning: Update to LRX21Q fails when rooted.

Hi all,
on my Nexus 9, update to LRX21Q failed: After reboot, the android icon was shown with "error" below.
I suppose, update failed as my system is rooted with the method Chainfire posted in the development forum.
After an additional reboot, the previous firmware is still shown. The system does not offer the update anymore but claims to be up-to-date.
Any hints? Thanks in advance.

Maybe it's the modified kernel from Chainfire. Try to get back to the stock kernel and try again.

Download the factory image, flash recovery, boot, system & vendor.
Your software will be updated and you won't lose any data. You will lose root however.

I got the same error from OTA with no root. Only had 9 for 2 days, got OTA rite out of box no issue.
Yesterday for new build i get little error android icon upon reboot/install.

Obviously, something that is being changed by the "root" process is being checked DURING the update process. Probably a checksum on the boot partition. If it doesn't match, it bails on the update.
The likely reason for this is they acknowledge that you don't want to lose your root.
All it means is that you need to do the update manually.
It may be possible for a modified recovery to bypass this check, or possibly even be made to auto-root new boot images.

Thanks, guys. Will try as suggest above and post results.
Update: worked perfectly, needed to root again though.

StuMcBill said:
Download the factory image, flash recovery, boot, system & vendor.
Your software will be updated and you won't lose any data. You will lose root however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
has anyone tried this? i would like to update without losing data...

Flash through fastboot and you will be fine. Thats what I did then rerooted with CF autoroot

mk92595 said:
Flash through fastboot and you will be fine. Thats what I did then rerooted with CF autoroot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the fastboot command for the img? Do you flash as boot, system, etc?

zeebone said:
What's the fastboot command for the img? Do you flash as boot, system, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
Fastboot reboot-bootloader
Fastboot flash system system.img
Fastboot reboot-bootloader
Fastboot flash boot boot.img
Fastboot reboot-bootloader
Fastboot flash vender vendor.img
Fastboot reboot-bootloader
Fastboot erase cache
Fastboot flash cache cache.img
Fastboot reboot
Not sure if I forgot one but I think thats all of them

mk92595 said:
Fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
Fastboot reboot-bootloader
Fastboot flash system system.img
Fastboot reboot-bootloader
Fastboot flash boot boot.img
Fastboot reboot-bootloader
Fastboot flash vender vendor.img
Fastboot reboot-bootloader
Fastboot erase cache
Fastboot flash cache cache.img
Fastboot reboot
Not sure if I forgot one but I think thats all of them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should there be a - sign between reboot and bootloader .. And is fastboot flash vender or vendor... Just making sure .

pantmunu said:
Should there be a - sign between reboot and bootloader .. And is fastboot flash vender or vendor... Just making sure .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there should be a - sign and vendor. Sorry i'm not home so I don't have the files near me.

mk92595 said:
Yes there should be a - sign and vendor. Sorry i'm not home so I don't have the files near me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you sir .

Where can i find the images for download. Thx

Google for nexus factory image.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Premium HD app

Update failed on me too. Completely stock

UPDATE:
Apparently *some* devices didn't get the recovery updated with the last update (LRX21L).
The new update (LRX21Q) requires the newer version of the recovery to install.
Google really messed up the launch of the Nexus 9 with all the HW/SW quality control issues
Serious f#ck-up from Google really

Interesting thing I noticed: I restored factory images manually in order to unroot and the OTA was no longer available. I verified I was still running on L. I manually installed the update and it went in just fine.
Now waiting on the root package to be updated for the Q kernel. You can re-root but you will be running on the L kernel, not the Q kernel.

maarten08 said:
Update failed on me too. Completely stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My too fck Google

Mine failed and Im not even rooted
And im not sure if it did the update as its not showing a new one. Im on L

[Tutorial] Restore Nexus 9 to Stock

I have a defective device and in preparing to return it, I locked the bootloader and found a nasty little message at the top of the screen when booting:
Code:
This is a development device not intended for production use.
I was afraid that the N9 was like the N5 & 7 with the "tamper" flag, but after some digging (and advice from others out here), I decided to restore the factory image to see if that would overwrite the image. Yes! No more big fat red "I unlocked my bootloader and may have voided my warranty" message.
I can't take credit for this, but I thought I would consolidate everything I was finding in the Q&A threads into one spot, so I put this little tutorial together. Thank you @Pilz, @jd1639 & @PhilDX for your various posts.
Step 1 - Prepare your system
[Windows]
Since your bootloader is unlocked, you probably already have ADB and fastboot, but if not, grab the SDK from here, unzip and add the "platform-tools" directory to your PATH statement
If your drivers are set up properly and your device has Android debugging enabled, connect USB and execute `adb devices` from a command prompt you should see your device listed
Download the factory image for "volantis" here
The image is double zipped, so unzip, untar, then unzip the image-volantis-lrx21q.zip file into the same directory that contains the bootloader*.img file
Step 2 - Unlock bootloader
If you locked your bootloader, unlock again:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
Step 3 - Flash stock image
The flash-all.bat script is broken, so you have to do it by hand:
Open a command prompt
cd into the directory where you unzipped the factory image files
Code:
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-flounder-3.43.0.0114.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase recovery
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase boot
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase vendor
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash cache cache.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
Before rebooting, relock the bootloader:
Code:
fastboot oem lock
Your N9 will reboot and do another factory reset (even though an oem lock is not supposed to).

Typo: fastboot oem unlock

hirndurst said:
Typo: fastboot oem unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaha! Thanks.

always good to know! thanks!

Just a question, I'm still a beginner at adb fastboot flashing.
But doesn't the oem unlocking and subsequent oem lock, erase everything anyway, so are the erase commands still required?

AjunNg said:
Just a question, I'm still a beginner at adb fastboot flashing.
But doesn't the oem unlocking and subsequent oem lock, erase everything anyway, so are the erase commands still required?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The erase commands are required. I believe that a factory reset only clears userdata (and probably cache). You need to run the others to clear those partitions to make room for the factory images. Each of those commands run pretty quick anyway.

DarthSudo said:
The erase commands are required. I believe that a factory reset only clears userdata (and probably cache). You need to run the others to clear those partitions to make room for the factory images. Each of those commands run pretty quick anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could also use fastboot -w instead of the erases
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

Thanks for this thread. Great guide.

jd1639 said:
You could also use fastboot -w instead of the erases
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to the fastboot "help", -w only formats userdata and cache, does it actually format the other partitions as well? This wouldn't be the first time the documentation is wrong...
Code:
-w erase userdata and cache (and format
if supported by partition type)

Thanks for this. I RMA'd my Nexus 9 and sending it back tomorrow

DarthSudo said:
According to the fastboot "help", -w only formats userdata and cache, does it actually format the other partitions as well? This wouldn't be the first time the documentation is wrong...
Code:
-w erase userdata and cache (and format
if supported by partition type)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It only formats userdata and cache. But you don't need to erase the other partitions
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

AjunNg said:
Just a question, I'm still a beginner at adb fastboot flashing.
But doesn't the oem unlocking and subsequent oem lock, erase everything anyway, so are the erase commands still required?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jd1639 said:
You could also use fastboot -w instead of the erases
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jd1639 said:
It only formats userdata and cache. But you don't need to erase the other partitions
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You guys are all right. I looked back at some of my notes and I've flashed plenty of devices w/o formatting the other partitions first. Just userdata and cache. Thanks!

Hey guys, just wanted to thank you for the fixed "script". This is now my flash-stock.sh script I use whenever I need to flash a nexus device as the one delivered by google just doesn't work (reboot loop due to crashing apps on startup or "missing system.img").
Works perfect and I always like to not dirty but rather make a clean flash as it just reduces the number of possible faults .
Cheers
Creamy

Just got my N9. First thing I did was to apply all updates, then unlock bootloader, boot into TWRP and make a system image. Then I flashed TWRP and rooted. Now if I want to take an OTA update, all I have to do restore the system image and flash the stock recovery, right? Am I missing anything? Thx.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

bruce7373 said:
Just got my N9. First thing I did was to apply all updates, then unlock bootloader, boot into TWRP and make a system image. Then I flashed TWRP and rooted. Now if I want to take an OTA update, all I have to do restore the system image and flash the stock recovery, right? Am I missing anything? Thx.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OTA will run a check and will fail if the image isn't basically stock. For you, just do a full unroot in the SuperSU app (under Settings), then you need to replace TWRP with the stock recovery from fastboot:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
Reboot then take the OTA.
Of course, you will need to install TWRP and re-root again after the OTA...

DarthSudo said:
The OTA will run a check and will fail if the image isn't basically stock. For you, just do a full unroot in the SuperSU app (under Settings), then you need to replace TWRP with the stock recovery from fastboot:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
Reboot then take the OTA.
Of course, you will need to install TWRP and re-root again after the OTA...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx, that seems simple enough. But I made the initial system (stock) backup before I rooted. That's why I was thinking restoring that would work. I just wasn't sure about the recovery, whether the restore would put the stock recovery back or not.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

DarthSudo said:
I have a defective device and in preparing to return it, I locked to bootloader and found a nasty little message at the top of the screen when booting:
Code:
This is a development device not intended for production use.
Your N9 will reboot and do another factory reset (even though an oem lock is not supposed to).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
is there a way to get rid of that red message if your bootloader is locked and you cannot boot into OS?
Thanks!

EDIT* Nevermind

Hey. Sorry for reviving this thread.
I installed Remix OS on my N9 and (after discovering that performance is horrible, with ~80% RAM usage on idle) after a reboot, Remix OS won't get past it's boot splash. I am attempting to flash my device back to stock.
I never touched the bootloader (never did any 'fastboot flash bootloader ...' or anything), so it it still necessary to flash the bootloader image, or can I just flash the system.img, boot.img, vendor.img etc.?

The bootloader had never changed so there is no reason to flash it.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

Unable to update OTA since repair - alternatives?

Hi all,
To cut a long story short, around the time MM was being released I cracked my display and broke the digitiser. Before sending the phone off for repair I got the update notification -.- but sent it away without updating as I couldn't accept it. Phone returned and working but no OTA notification, factory reset a few times, sim out and try again, all the usual tricks. They flashed my phone in the factory (came back wiped) and for some reason this firmware isn't getting the OTA update.
So after persevering with Lollipop (and cracking the display again, and fixing it myself this time) I'm getting Marshmallow one way or another. I just would like to know the best way.
I'd rather keep everything as stock as possible (in terms of bootloaders and rooting) and my current plan was to flash TWRP and try running a MM OTA file. I'm just looking to verify this would work and if so, any pitfalls (future OTAs) or things that could go horribly wrong by doing something idiotic.
I'm on an EU XT1572 so I'm assuming a general EU OTA file will work?
Thanks in advance for any assistance,
Phil

clarkey586 said:
Hi all,
To cut a long story short, around the time MM was being released I cracked my display and broke the digitiser. Before sending the phone off for repair I got the update notification -.- but sent it away without updating as I couldn't accept it. Phone returned and working but no OTA notification, factory reset a few times, sim out and try again, all the usual tricks. They flashed my phone in the factory (came back wiped) and for some reason this firmware isn't getting the OTA update.
So after persevering with Lollipop (and cracking the display again, and fixing it myself this time) I'm getting Marshmallow one way or another. I just would like to know the best way.
I'd rather keep everything as stock as possible (in terms of bootloaders and rooting) and my current plan was to flash TWRP and try running a MM OTA file. I'm just looking to verify this would work and if so, any pitfalls (future OTAs) or things that could go horribly wrong by doing something idiotic.
I'm on an EU XT1572 so I'm assuming a general EU OTA file will work?
Thanks in advance for any assistance,
Phil
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy-peasy.
*NOTE - Using TWRP to flash the OTA.zip IS NOT an option, it WILL fail. You can however use the stock recovery and ADB sideload it.. but the following is how I would probably do it. It's also easier IMO.
I'm assuming your bootloader is unlocked since you were talking about using TWRP so grab the WHOLE 6.0 firmware for your phone (I'm guessing your're RETEU so -> XT1572_CLARK_RETEU_6.0_MPHS24.49-18-3_cid7_subsidy-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip - It's 1.3GB in size) and then reboot the phone into the bootloader (Fastboot mode) and use the files in it to flash everything (this process will wipe the phone so backup anything important first) with fastboot and you will be on a clean completely stock 6.0 with the february patch.
Code:
fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
fastboot flash logo logo.bin
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.3
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.5
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.6
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.7
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.8
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot reboot
Standalone Fastboot & adb installer - LINK
WHOLE Firmware - LINK
Good luck! If your bootloader is not already unlocked and you don't want to unlock it there is still hope.. it will just be a bit different process by using the OTA zips and the stock recovery.. let me know if you MUST go down this route.. it's a bit more of a PITA IMO.
EDIT* If terminal commands are not your thing you can also try using RSDLite.(Official Moto tool). but I've not personally tried it with my Moto X Pure... I like the terminal

DaMadOne said:
Easy-peasy.
*NOTE - Using TWRP to flash the OTA.zip IS NOT an option, it WILL fail. You can however use the stock recovery and ADB sideload it.. but the following is how I would probably do it. It's also easier IMO.
I'm assuming your bootloader is unlocked since you were talking about using TWRP so grab the WHOLE 6.0 firmware for your phone (I'm guessing your're RETEU so -> XT1572_CLARK_RETEU_6.0_MPHS24.49-18-3_cid7_subsidy-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip - It's 1.3GB in size) and then reboot the phone into the bootloader (Fastboot mode) and use the files in it to flash everything (this process will wipe the phone so backup anything important first) with fastboot and you will be on a clean completely stock 6.0 with the february patch.
Code:
fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
fastboot flash logo logo.bin
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.3
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.5
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.6
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.7
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.8
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot reboot
Standalone Fastboot & adb installer - LINK
WHOLE Firmware - LINK
Good luck! If your bootloader is not already unlocked and you don't want to unlock it there is still hope.. it will just be a bit different process by using the OTA zips and the stock recovery.. let me know if you MUST go down this route.. it's a bit more of a PITA IMO.
EDIT* If terminal commands are not your thing you can also try using RSDLite.(Official Moto tool). but I've not personally tried it with my Moto X Pure... I like the terminal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a million.
I've not unlocked my bootloader, but I don't think it should be a problem there's plenty of tutorials etc for that.
Ideally, I'd not like to wipe my phone but alas it looks like that's going to be the case and I'll trust your advice rather than looking for a lazy way out haha. Is there any way to back up everything (even just apps, etc) without root though?
Cheers :good:

clarkey586 said:
Thanks a million.
I've not unlocked my bootloader, but I don't think it should be a problem there's plenty of tutorials etc for that.
Ideally, I'd not like to wipe my phone but alas it looks like that's going to be the case and I'll trust your advice rather than looking for a lazy way out haha. Is there any way to back up everything (even just apps, etc) without root though?
Cheers :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, your warranty is void at this point anyways so why not just unlock it! I root and use TiBu.. so I've not tested other backup methods but I'm pretty sure there are backup apps on the playstore that don't require root you could try.
BUT, the step "fastboot erase userdata" is what erases your installed apps/setting and personal files, etc. Really you can just SKIP that step and you SHOULD be ok. Then your apps and settings will be there when you boot 6.0. I was just providing instructions for a fully clean flash. I would say you have a 98% chance it will be just fine though if you don't erase userdata.
EDIT* oh and IIRC you will probably get an error or weird msg with the gpt.bin part of the flash.. ignore it..
EDIT 2* Here is one such app that doesn't look like it requires root. If you go this route make sure you copy everything over to your PC after using the backup app if you are going to run the "fastboot erase userdata" command.
GOOD LUCK!
---------- Post added at 06:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:07 PM ----------
Just out of curiosity.. I've just read some posts on here about people getting their phones back from repair and their bootloader says "Device is ENGINEERING" instead of "Device is LOCKED" or "Device is UNLOCKED".
What does yours say? I'm mainly just wondering if it being in ENGINEERING mode is why you are not getting the OTA...

DaMadOne said:
Yea, your warranty is void at this point anyways so why not just unlock it! I root and use TiBu.. so I've not tested other backup methods but I'm pretty sure there are backup apps on the playstore that don't require root you could try.
BUT, the step "fastboot erase userdata" is what erases your installed apps/setting and personal files, etc. Really you can just SKIP that step and you SHOULD be ok. Then your apps and settings will be there when you boot 6.0. I was just providing instructions for a fully clean flash. I would say you have a 98% chance it will be just fine though if you don't erase userdata.
EDIT* oh and IIRC you will probably get an error or weird msg with the gpt.bin part of the flash.. ignore it..
EDIT 2* .... is one such app that doesn't look like it requires root. If you go this route make sure you copy everything over to your PC after using the backup app if you are going to run the "fastboot erase userdata" command.
GOOD LUCK!
---------- Post added at 06:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:07 PM ----------
Just out of curiosity.. I've just read some posts on here about people getting their phones back from repair and their bootloader says "Device is ENGINEERING" instead of "Device is LOCKED" or "Device is UNLOCKED".
What does yours say? I'm mainly just wondering if it being in ENGINEERING mode is why you are not getting the OTA...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha suppose you're right! Sure I'll probably just wipe my device in the end, be nice to have a clean go at MM haha.
The bootloader status was indeed locked so I don't know what's causing the issue?
Anyway, thanks a million for the help I'll update if/when all goes well :good:

Despite my best efforts, it seems to have been in vain. I'm getting an error when trying to unlock the bootloader (something along the lines of no backup available, please try again) which is common to people who have sent their phone in for repair.
I'm just wondering if I could flash the firmware regardless of bootloader (Odin maybe?) At this point I'm happy to root suit and boot I'm just a bit sick of moto at this stage so want to be able to control my phone haha.
Any help much appreciated

clarkey586 said:
Despite my best efforts, it seems to have been in vain. I'm getting an error when trying to unlock the bootloader (something along the lines of no backup available, please try again) which is common to people who have sent their phone in for repair.
I'm just wondering if I could flash the firmware regardless of bootloader (Odin maybe?) At this point I'm happy to root suit and boot I'm just a bit sick of moto at this stage so want to be able to control my phone haha.
Any help much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin is for Samsung. Moto has RSDLite. But if your bootloader is locked the firmware package must be signed by Moto and I don't thing the ones floating around the web are.
So this is the point where it seems you're stuck with the (possibly) more PITA way. What you need to do is find the OTA zip that goes from 5.1.1 -> 6.0 and use the stock recovery to flash that with ADB. Boot to stock recovery, press button sequence to get the menu (I THINK at the fallen android dude you hold vol up for a few seconds then hit the power button while still holding it.. it's something like that to get the actual useful menu) then towards the bottom is an update via ADB, plug phone into pc via usb and select that and then in terminal do "adb sideload <OTA_file>.zip" and it will flash the OTA, assuming your device passes it's check it will feel like it's taking forever. This method won't wipe your phone either.
EDIT* HERE is a post with a link to the EU OTA and much better instructions than mine You can flash it with adb sideload or like that post says by copying it to your phone before booting the recovery and flashing it.
And then.. assuming you get to 6.0 using that OTA hopefully you can trigger the february OTA to auto download. If not... HERE is a link to a post with the february OTA zip for your phone. Flash it the same as last one.
If flashing the OTA with a locked bootloader and stock recovery doesn't work I'm afraid you're either stuck or your phone is on a return path to Moto again.

DaMadOne said:
Odin is for Samsung. Moto has RSDLite. But if your bootloader is locked the firmware package must be signed by Moto and I don't thing the ones floating around the web are.
So this is the point where it seems you're stuck with the (possibly) more PITA way. What you need to do is find the OTA zip that goes from 5.1.1 -> 6.0 and use the stock recovery to flash that with ADB. Boot to stock recovery, press button sequence to get the menu (I THINK at the fallen android dude you hold vol up for a few seconds then hit the power button while still holding it.. it's something like that to get the actual useful menu) then towards the bottom is an update via ADB, plug phone into pc via usb and select that and then in terminal do "adb sideload <OTA_file>.zip" and it will flash the OTA, assuming your device passes it's check it will feel like it's taking forever. This method won't wipe your phone either.
EDIT* HERE is a post with a link to the EU OTA and much better instructions than mine You can flash it with adb sideload or like that post says by copying it to your phone before booting the recovery and flashing it.
And then.. assuming you get to 6.0 using that OTA hopefully you can trigger the february OTA to auto download. If not... HERE is a link to a post with the february OTA zip for your phone. Flash it the same as last one.
If flashing the OTA with a locked bootloader and stock recovery doesn't work I'm afraid you're either stuck or your phone is on a return path to Moto again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah sure I'll give that a go! Just checking if there are any precautions I should be taking for this? Don't want to brick the phone without the ability to flash it back to life again!

clarkey586 said:
Ah sure I'll give that a go! Just checking if there are any precautions I should be taking for this? Don't want to brick the phone without the ability to flash it back to life again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be fine. The OTA zip is going to check all of the files it is going to patch first and only upgrade if everything passes. If it finds ANYTHING amiss... it will refuse to flash it. If it refuses to flash it your only hope is to send it to Moto unfortunately.

DaMadOne said:
You should be fine. The OTA zip is going to check all of the files it is going to patch first and only upgrade if everything passes. If it finds ANYTHING amiss... it will refuse to flash it. If it refuses to flash it your only hope is to send it to Moto unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You, my friend, are a hero.
That seems to have done the trick with no issues (going to see if I can potentially unlock the bootloader now) and I'm finally on MM haha. Seems I have to perform the Feb security update separately too for some reason but I'm not too worried about doing things manually.
Sent you a small token of my appreciation, have a pint on me
Thanks once again

clarkey586 said:
You, my friend, are a hero.
That seems to have done the trick with no issues (going to see if I can potentially unlock the bootloader now) and I'm finally on MM haha. Seems I have to perform the Feb security update separately too for some reason but I'm not too worried about doing things manually.
Sent you a small token of my appreciation, have a pint on me
Thanks once again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet! Thanks for the pint! Glad you're updated now. Did it end up giving you the OTA for the February patch or did you have to use the 2nd OTA?

DaMadOne said:
Sweet! Thanks for the pint! Glad you're updated now. Did it end up giving you the OTA for the February patch or did you have to use the 2nd OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had to use the 2nd OTA.zip but I didn't really try any of the remove sim card stuff or waiting long. No unlockable bootloader either but I'm satisfied for the moment haha.