Database Users

[GUIDE] The Beginner's Guide to Rooting Galaxy S3 and installing your first ROM

The Galaxy S3 being my first android (or smartphone for that matter), I had a tough time trying to figure out how to root my phone, which methods to use and which ROM to install. So I've compiled this from other threads here on xda after 2 days of heavy reading, for other noobs like me
FOLLOW THIS GUIDE TO THE LETTER. DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING, PRESS ANYTHING, CHECK ANY BOXES UNLESS TOLD TO DO SO OR YOU WILL END UP WITH A 600$ BRICK
[/COLOR]Rooting
So what is rooting? Rooting basically gives you administrator privileges on your phone, allowing you to install a host of programs that allow you to, for e.g. use firewalls, remove bloatware, change themes, install improved kernels, install custom roms with improved boot and memory performance, the list is really endless.
ROOTING VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY
However, it IS possible to reverse the process and cover your tracks, should you need to claim warranty. Read on to find out how.
Here is some good prereading to help you understand the basic flashing process and apps involved, even if it was written for the S2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125282
Before we begin, its a good idea to note down the details under Settings -> About Phone, for future reference. Also note that under Status, if you root your phone, it changes to 'Modified'. This is, as stated before, reversible.
This guide is for the GT-I9300 Model. If your model number has a suffix (other than T) this may not work.
Step 1: Flashing CF-Root with Odin
This is an easy method to root your phone and I haven't needed to use any other. It comes with the added benefit of also installing Clockwork Mod and CWManager which we will use to make backups, flash our first ROM and cover our tracks. For those of you who want to install the newer clockworkmod touch look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1719744
Guide compiled from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
1. Install Samsung Kies and plug your phone into your PC via USB so that all the appropriate phone drivers are installed
2. Download and extract Odin3-vX.X.zip from the download link below
3. Download and extract CF-Root-SGS3-vX.X.zip ONCE (you will end up with CF-Root-SGS3-vX.X.tar
CF-Root for SGS3 v6.4:
http://download.chainfire.eu/196/CF-Root/SGS3/CF-Root-SGS3-v6.4.zip
4. Disconnect your phone from your computer, close Samsung Kies and any antivirus/firewall that may interrupt the flashing process
5. Run Odin, click PDA and navigate to your CF-Root-SGS3-vX.X.tar file
6. Power off your phone and then boot it into download mode (Hold Volume Down + Home + Power button until the screen fires up)
7. Note the warning and continue.
8. Connect the phone to your PC via USB and allow drivers to install.
9. Make sure 'Re-partition' is NOT checked in Odin
10. Click Start button and wait for android to boot
11. If you see a green 'PASS' message in Odin, everything went as intended. Done!
Step 2: Make a NANDroid Backup
This is a precautionary measure that backs up your phone's current state, should you have any problems with custom Roms. It is also a step in reversing the root process, should you need to claim warranty.
1. Power off your phone and boot into recovery mode (Hold Volume Up + Home + Power button untill the screen fires up). This starts up ClockworkMod.
2. Use Volume Up/Down to navigate and the Power button to select
3. Navigate to Backup/Restore->Backup and wait for backup to finish
4. Go back and select 'Reboot System Now'
5. Connect your phone to your computer and copy the backup folder from /sdcard/clockworkmod/backups/
6. Done! Now you can restore this backup by booting into recovery mode and hitting Restore!
Step 3: Installing your first ROM
After hunting for a good ROM that was fast and bloatware free, I ended up with the nightly build of the popular CyanogenMod 9 and I don't intend to go back!! I haven't had any problems with it whatsoever but if you prefer, you could instead install the RC version.
Note: The camera's flash feature cannot and will not work on any version of cyanogenmod until samsung releases source code for their camera.
Here's how to flash the ROM. This is also the basic method of installing any other ROM or kernel, though the ROM/kernel developer would give you more tailored instructions.
1. Download the desired version of CyanogenMod 9 from here:
http://get.cm/?device=i9300
2. Download Gapps from here. I used the 20120429 version. This may not be necessary for other roms.
http://goo.im/gapps
3. Copy both files to your phone's internal sd card
4. Boot into recovery mode
5. Select 'wipe/factory reset' and confirm
6. Select 'wipe cache partition' and confirm
7. Go to Advanced -> wipe dalvik cache and confirm.
Now we're ready to flash the ROM!
8. Select 'install zip from sd card'
9. Select 'install zip from internal sd card and navigate to the cyanogenmod file and confirm
10. When done, use the same method to install the gapps file
11. Do a wipe/factory reset again (needed for google calendar sync to work)
12. Go back and select 'Reboot system now'
13. The boot screen of the new ROM will show up. Wait about 10 seconds, remove the battery and put it back in.
14. Power on and setup your phone. Done!
More on CyanogenMod:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1714354
Step 4: Installing your modem
With CyanogenMod 9, people report that the first call made doesn't work, but every subsequent call will. If, however, you are still unable to make calls, you may have to install your phone's specific modem driver which you should have noted under Baseband version before we began (under Settings->About Phone).
1. Go here to download your specific modem and copy it to your phone's internal sd card:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1740061
In my case, it was XXLFB.
2. Boot into Recovery Mode
3. Install .zip from internal sdcard and navigate to your modem.zip file
4. Done!
Step 5: Covering your tracks
So your phone is broken and you need to claim warranty? Not with your rooted phone you don't! The S3 uses a flash counter that tells it how many times the phone has been flashed, and your rooted phone appears as 'modified' under status information. Here's how to cover your tracks.
1. Download your phone's stock firmware for your region from here and copy it to your phone
http://www.sammobile.com/firmware/?page=3
2. Download TriangleAway from the download link below or consider buying it from googleplay to support the hardworking developers, extract it and copy it to your phone:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114
3. Install TriangleAway by opening the .apk your phone's file explorer (Mine's ES File Explorer)
4. Run TriangleAway and select 'Reset Flash Counter'. Your phone will Reboot into a special mode. Reset the flash counter here and pull the battery immediately after reboot.
5. Boot into Recovery Mode and do a factory reset, cache wipe and dalvik cache wipe.
6. Flash the stock Firmware, reboot and setup the phone without any logins.
7. Check that Settings -> About Device -> Status is not 'Modified'
8. Done!
[
More on TriangleAway:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114
Optional: Upgrade to CM10
1. Make a Nandroid backup so you can restore if you dont like cm10/if its too buggy.
2. Download CyanogenMod 10, Gapps and your modem from here and copy it to your internal sd card:
http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager/device/i9300/developer/daniel.hillenbrand%40codeworkx.de?manifest=http%3A%2F%2Fdeveloper.clockworkmod.com%2Fdeveloper%2Fdaniel.hillenbrand%40codeworkx.de%2Fmanifest&name=codeworkx&deviceName=Samsung%20Galaxy%20S3
3. Boot into Recovery Mode and install cm10 then gapps then modem using 'install zip from sd card -> choose zip from internal sd card'
4. Do a factory reset/wipe then reboot
5. Done!
More on CyanogenMod 10:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1779578
Please point out any errors/suggestions so I can make the appropriate changes. Also report any issues for the benefit of other noobs out there
Admins: If my formatting is inappropriate I apologize but I'm by no means an expert at this
Credits:
Chainfire
Teamhacksung
willk22
UpInTheAir
and All contributors without whom none of this would be possible
Download

I'm afraid to root mine in case something goes wrong.

Thus is the best root guide I have read thank you so much , will do thus when cm10 is more everyday user friendly. Can not thank you enough.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Awesome guide mate.
I'm too big a wuss to flash a custom rom at the moment but this is pushing me to try it!

good thread man just moved from sgs2 to this and what an improvement! Cheers

I spent an entire day researching heavily before I was comfortable doing this and since everything is compiled here, I'm glad to see it having the same effect on you guys

Triangle Away is a payed app. Offered for free by chainfire on his thread for xda members. He specifically asked not to post it elsewhere. I think you are not permitted to attach it on other thread. At least ask for permission to do it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

Phil3759 said:
Triangle Away is a payed app. Offered for free by chainfire on his thread for xda members. He specifically asked not to post it elsewhere. I think you are not permitted to attach it on other thread. At least ask for permission to do it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have posted this thread only on xda and like chainfire believe it should be available for free. People won't buy the app unless theyve tried it and know it works. But since you complained I've removed the attachment and people will have to visit chainfire's thread in order to download it.
Thanks for feedback!

Use Clockworks Touch
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1719744
Can be found here

Updated to include clockwork touch option.

Awesome stuff jbonetwo :good:
Question though? Rooted & installed Cyanogen 9 as above, followed all steps all rebooted and set up phone as if 1st time user. Now I've lost all apps, contacts, messages etc and nothing has synced?
How can I get all contacts back? Not sure why it hasn't synced as I've linked my Gmail account and sync is on?
Please excuse an Android noob....

Updated with CM10 Instructions

FinGerS o FuDgE said:
Awesome stuff jbonetwo :good:
Question though? Rooted & installed Cyanogen 9 as above, followed all steps all rebooted and set up phone as if 1st time user. Now I've lost all apps, contacts, messages etc and nothing has synced?
How can I get all contacts back? Not sure why it hasn't synced as I've linked my Gmail account and sync is on?
Please excuse an Android noob....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will lose your apps when switching to a new rom. One good way to reinstall apps is with titanium backup pro (batch reinstall).
If you had your contacts sync;d with google, syncing with your google account on your new rom should (supposedly) restore your contacts. I didnt have to do this though since i added contacts after installing cm9.

Thank you for the guide, worked first time for me

[GUIDE - I9300/M440S] Yet Another Root/UnRoot Guide

Hello, as XDA has helped me when I first got into Android, I would like to show my appreciation and contribute back to XDA and because I see people bricking (even hardbricking) their S3 everyday.​
Samsung Galaxy S3 - GT-I9300 - SHW-M440S​
Standard Disclaimer​
I, XDA or anyone else is NOT responsible for whatever happens to you or your device by following this guide. If you have problems/issues, ask politely and XDA and myself will try our best to help you out. You will not receive help from me or XDA if you cannot type/speak in a proper manner with decent english. Happy Rooting Oh yeah, if your device is somehow wiped, it is not my problem, make a backup. This will void your warranty.​
What is and why ROOT?​By rooting your phone, essentially means to give yourself superuser/administrator access on it. This is being the highest level of administrator on the device. This allows you to change the interface of your phone. Once your phone is "rooted" you can install custom ROMs (they look alot like themes, just google the name and you'll see plenty of examples). You can also download applications that require ROOT for use on the device.
Tools Needed​The files are hosted on my server (for the sake of simplicity), on my domain and are CLEAN unedited files.
They are updated as updates come out.Ignore whatever warnings it throws at you.
Odin - http://xdadl.ft-gaming.net/Odin.zip
CWM Tar + SuperSU zip - http://xdadl.ft-gaming.net/CWM.tar + http://xdadl.ft-gaming.net/SuperSU.zip
OR
CF-Root by Chainfire - http://xdadl.ft-gaming.net/CF-Root-S3.tar
Triangle Away (Optional) -​
Let's get started​
Download all required files from the list above
Extract everything (except CF_Root/CWM Tar) - If you see recovery.img, then you've done something wrong.
Open up ODIN
Click PDA
Select the CWM.tar or CF-Root file
Check at least THREE times to make sure everything is on default - ESPECIALLY FOR RE-PARTIONING. Make sure it is NOT checked.
Connect your device in download mode ( Hold Home, Vol DOWN, and power with device initially off )
Check for "Added!!" in ODIN
Click Start (In ODIN, not the Windows Taskbar =.=)
Let it flash away, - DO NOT UNPLUG OR DO STUPID THINGS
Check which method you use and follow the next part.
If you used CF-ROOT, you are done. Just boot back up.
If you used the CWM.tar, follow "CWM.tar Rooting Method".
Optionally, use Triangle Away to reset the Custom Download Counter.
CWM.tar Rooting Method​
Copy SuperSU.zip on your SD-Card.
Go in CWM ( Hold Home, Vol UP, and power with device initially off )
Go to "flash update from zip"
Select your medium (internal or external SD)
Find SuperSU.zip
Click on it
Click Yes
Once done, reboot phone
Voila
[OPTIONAL] Triangle Away [OPTIONAL]​(Triangle Away XDA Thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114)
Install the app
Grant root access
Click reset counter
Follow on-screen instruction
Big Thanks To​
Chainfire - http://www.chainfire.eu - for creating Triangle Away + SuperSU
XDA Community - http://www.xda-developers.com - The community in general
ClockWorkMod Team - http://www.clockworkmod.com/ - ClockWorkMod Recovery

[ROOT][GUIDE][XSP]The Ultimate Noobs Guide to Rooting

THE ULTIMATE NOOBS GUIDE TO ROOTING​
Introduction
Hello there people!
I've always been a fan of helping others out and I thought this guide will be helpful to those who want to get started on rooting their device. I'm making this as sort of an updated thread to @DooMLoRD 's Amazing Guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2354704). I hope that you guys are positive towards this thread and not be ungrateful to the effort I've given to this thread. On another note, please, wait NO, YOU MUST THANK :good::good: the developers in their specific threads as a form of appreciation to their hardwork they've put into creating a more vibrant world for the Android Community! Enough chatter, let's get on with dis! :fingers-crossed:
Disclaimer
By following this guide, you are hereby responsible to anything that happens to your device. By rooting, you are essentially VOIDING your warranty but there is a way to regain your warranty though. If you follow this guide CORRECTLY, I can assure you that 80% of the time, you won't hit into problems.
Rooting
The term "root" in Android is defined as "Unlocking Higher Privelages to your Android Device". Rooting can also be compared to the User Account Controls in Windows PCs. Traditional rooting methods are usually what steers users away from actualy from rooting their device but the newly released app named; "TowelRoot" is an application developed by world-renowned hacker GeoHot which aims to simplify the rooting process to a click of a button. To root the Sony Xperia SP, the TowelRoot Application is able to quickly allow you to root your device in a click. Follow the steps below to root your device in a matter of seconds!
Go to Settings > Security > and check Unknown Sources ON to allow us to install third-party apps.
If needed, untick the Verify Application option
Access http://towelroot.com
Tap on the Lambda Sign [The Letter in the middle of the website]
Save the application that is downloaded [Application name: tr.apk ]
Install the TowelRoot Application
Once installation is completed, open the app
Tap on the Make it Ra1n Button and give it a maximum of 2 minutes to excecute the rooting process
Once Finished, the application should say that you are rooted!
If the Installation Fails, your phone will just simply reboot. If it does fail, you might want to turn to DoomLord's Easy Rooting Toolkit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2329208 or other sources
Install SuperSU by ChainsDD or ChainFire on the Play Store
Open the app and update its binary and you should be completed!
And DONE! It wasn't that complicated right? Although I think we exceeded that few seconds promise, you still got root access now!
BootLoader
There are some Xperia SP's that come with a LOCKED Bootloader. It is highly recommended to unlock your bootloader as it will give you much more opportunities to the Android World. DoomLord has the whole proccess covered in perfect detail so I rather you guys take a look at his amazing guide by clicking on the badass link that redirects to his awesome post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2354721
Recovery
The main aim of obtaining a recovery for your device is to have the ability to install Android MODS, ROMS and more on your device. The most trusted Recoveries in Android are; ClockworkMOD, Team Win Recovery Project [TWRP] and PHILZ Touch (A touch version of ClockworkMOD). To get all three recoveries follow the steps below!
Visit this site on your computer: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2649923
Download the ZIP File
Unzip the file to your most preffered location
Head to the About Phone Section in your Xperia SP Settings
Press on the Build Number multiple times until the notification that says, You are now a developer or You're Already a Developer pops up
Go back to the main page of your settings
Open the Developer Options Tab
Locate the USB Debugging Option and tick it
Click the button on the top right to enable the Developer Options
Go back to the main screen of your Xperia SP (Launcher)
Run the Install.bat file on your computer
Select Option 1 to start the installation process
A notification should pop up on your Xperia SP Screen. Click on Accept to allow the install to continue
Once done, the Installer should notify you that the installation is complete
How to access a Recovery
It is important to get used to used to using a Recovery as it will reduce the chance of you running into problems. Your phone should now have 3 recoveries but we'll use the most trusted recovery which is the ClockworkMOD Recovery. To access the recovery follow this steps:
Turn on your device
Upon showing the SONY Logo, press and hold the Camera Button until a set of lights appear
If done correctly, you should be able to access CWM Recovery
Installing a Custom ROM
A Custom ROM is a custom-made android developed by Developers around the world. It is important to follow the steps shown by the Developer to install the Custom ROM to your device. If not, you can start saying goodbye to your Android as it will get what is known as a soft-brick. Every person has their own preffered custom ROMs that they use be it VANIR; a ROM based off pure Android, CyanogenMOD; a ROM based off its own system modifications and even your own Sony ROMs being made better! Take a look at this list at the thread below to find your own custom ROMs .Be sure to follow the instructions given by the Developer! It is also recommended that you look at the thread closely to see if there are any bugs and also required specifications before installing the ROM of your choice.
Redirect yo' ass to the thread by clicking on this small ass link to my right mate : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2683688
Android Kernels
An Android Kernel is the 'Software' that your hardware looks to to get functions working. Android Kernels for the Xperia SP are bound to the Android System/ROM that you have installed on your phone. Some Custom ROMs have their own Kernel built into them so again, look closely at the instructions on their specific thread. The links below will redirect you to the Kernels that are made available for the Xperia SP
Kernel for Stock Sony Firmware:
DooMKernel V13: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2345567
Williams Kernel V5.1: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2750392
Stock .2.245 / .2.254 Kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2404452
Kernel for CyanogenMOD and MIUI ROMS:
Williams Kernel V4: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2764939
NayakKernel V1: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2581531
Installing MODS
Android Firmware generally gets shipped with bugs and issues that are mainly caused by phone manafacturers so it is wise to install MODs that help to improve your Android Experience even further. The list below shows you one of the most effective and great MODs that work on the Xperia SP. Check em' out mate! Follow the instructions to install the MODS to your device!
PurePerformancesX: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2360670
AdBlockPLUS: https://adblockplus.org/en/android
Backing Up your device
Sometimes we run into trouble so we will usually back up our devices either by the Cloud or by using a storage device. The most common way of backing up your device is by backing up a 'system image' of your device by using the application called NanDroid (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.h3r3t1c.onnandbup). Once installed, backup your device to your preferred storage device but we recommend backing it up to our good old SD Cards. Another way to backup your device is by creating a flashable zip of what YOU want to be backed up. This can be done through an all new application known as ZIPme by the famous (I think? ) JMRummyApps (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=zip.me). Choose what you want to be backed up with the app and store it in your SD Card.
Recovering your device
Its perfectly normal to soft-brick your device now and then but it is important to know how to recover your device from it! Here are 2 methods to recovering your poor Xperia SP to its original state(s).
1. By Recovery
So if you still have the custom recoveries installed on your device, you can simply use the backups that you made from the applications in the 'Backing Up your device section'. To use the backup to good use, make your way to the the Recovery of your device and follow the instructions below:
Factory Reset your device by clicking on the wipe data option on the menu
After wiping your device, go back to the main page by hitting the GO BACK button on the sceen
Hit the 'Install ZIp' option
Press Choose zip from SDCard1
Locate your NanDroid Backup
Hit Install and let the phone do its thing
Once completed, reboot device and you should have android back! If not, follow the next method to recover your device
1. By Flashtool
Flashtool is a utility that is able to flash (install) STOCK SONY Firmware to your device without a lot of hassle. Follow the steps below to get your ass more known to flashtool! :silly:
Download Flashtool to your computer here: http://www.flashtool.net/download.php
Once installed, download and install the drivers from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2635830
If you're running on the useless (just kidding) Windows 8/8.1, follow the steps on this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...bootloader-t2153261/post38878089#post38878089
Download your country-specific FTF (Firmware) File from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2311964
Launch the Flashtool Utility
Click on the Lightning Button (Install Button)
Click the FlashMode Option
Locate your downloaded Firmware by pressing the button with the 3dots on the top right hand corner of the window
Select the Firmware
Click Flash
Follow the On-screen instructions after that
Reboot Device
Wait for maximum of 10minutes for rebuilding of system files
The Stock Android should pop-up and you can repeat all of the steps mentioned above to reroot your device!
Warranty Recovery
Preparing your device to obtain worthy of the warranty you got with your device means following the steps in the 'Recovering Your Device' and flashing the Stock SONY Firmware via flashtool. To Lock your bootloader again, follow the steps provided by AndroidTeen.com (Just a random site I found that helped me lock my bootloader ) http://androidteen.com/sony-xperia-sp-how-to-relock-bootloader/
Further Assistance
The Xperia SP community is full of derps people. If you ever run into any problems and such, please do post a informative thread that includes all the information you can provide and your help question in THIS forum section. It is also recommended to ask your question in the specific thread of your problem (eg. Installing a recovery problems and enquiries should be posted on its specific thread). You can also alternatively request for assistance on this thread too.
Epilogue
Thank you for following me in the guide this far and I hope you've benefited from this guide or maybe even give you a good read! Support this guide by leaving a BLOODY, I meant Nicely crafted Thanks by hitting the Thanks button for the thread! Be sure to support all of the developers and sources cited in this guide! Hope to see you again in my next guide! (It's a gaming guide ) If you want to contribute to the guide in any-way, (BIG or small) do PM me @Furrydaus and i'll look into it!
Credito's
>/The Legend @DooMLoRD
>/The Bad-ass GeoHot
>/The Smart @dssmex
>/The Compiler @mrjraider
>/Kernel Crafter @karthiknayak94
>/Kernel Creator @pec0ra
>/The All-Mighty @Jeeko
Contributers
Thank you for helping out in the Guide! Big or Small! :good:
>/[MENTION]@adebnath[/MENTION]
If the Installation Fails, your phone will just simply reboot. If it does fail, you might want to turn to DoomLord's Easy Rooting Toolkit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2329208 or other sources
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Reserved
Changelog:
Added Alternatives to Rooting
Improved Grammar and Spelling of Guide
Added Contributers Section
Added more links to specific threads
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Can you please confirm TowelRoot is working with .207 stock rom?
Thanks.

adebnath said:
Can you please confirm TowelRoot is working with .207 stock rom?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TowelRoot should work on ALL Stock ROMs! Try it out! If it does fail, it will just reboot. Wow you just reminded me to add that statement in thanks! :good:

You know most of this intel can already be found here on the forum.
My rooting guide with towelroot, backing up the device, repairing it. Etc etc..
So I dont see the point of creating this guide?
~~ Regards

mrjraider said:
You know most of this intel can already be found here on the forum.
My rooting guide with towelroot, backing up the device, repairing it. Etc etc..
So I dont see the point of creating this guide?
~~ Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Well this seems to be a huge waste of time. I think i'll just leave it here on the forums to improve those seacrhing for this threads. Do you mind posting your thread link here? Would love to take a look at it

NayakKernel is for cm 11 based ROM [emoji6]

Furrydaus said:
Really? Well this seems to be a huge waste of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I was thinking.
For a device that's over a year old, it's quite normal that all the above has already been covered.
Anyway, it's not a bad idea to put all this "basic" information in one thread but I suggest you to post links to the individual threads.
That way people know where to post in case of questions or problems.

Gamm86 said:
Exactly what I was thinking.
For a device that's over a year old, it's quite normal that all the above has already been covered.
Anyway, it's not a bad idea to put all this "basic" information in one thread but I suggest you to post links to the individual threads.
That way people know where to post in case of questions or problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill update the thread to make it more comprehensive as soon as I can.

OP is now updated with more sweg!
Check le Changelog for details! :silly:

My anti-virus shows me that there is a trojan in the tr.apk can i ignore that?

71cosmo said:
My anti-virus shows me that there is a trojan in the tr.apk can i ignore that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Its totally safe except if you dont follow the steps I stated

Great guide Furrydaus :good:

When I press make it a ran, it ask for internet connection although it is connected
Any idea?

mn399 said:
When I press make it a ran, it ask for internet connection although it is connected
Any idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try redownloading towelroot
Sent from my Xperia SP using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

272
adebnath said:
Can you please confirm TowelRoot is working with .207 stock rom?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes It is working. I root my device using towel root with .207 update

[GUIDE] How to install Oxygen OS

ive been seeing enough and more posts asking about flashing OxygenOS. I'll try and explain in simple terms. read carefully and only then try it.
I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY IF YOU SPOIL YOUR DEVICES. YOU ARE DOING THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!
if you have a custom recovery skip to step 7
1. Your devices needs a custom recovery. to install one you need to be rooted. to root u need an unlocked bootloader. OnePlus claims that you wont loose warranty on rooting and unlocking so your safe there unless u do something wrong. so be cautious.
2.for unlocking rooting and flashing i recommend using Bacon Root Toolkit. even though i know to do it the Oldschool way. this is much more simple and u really cant go wrong with the toolkit its NoobFriendly. download the toolkit from the following link and install it along with the drivers. http://www.wugfresh.com/brt/
3. once installed choose the version of CM you are running. the toolkit will automatically download all required files. once in u will have to set up the drivers. the instructions for that are well explained in the toolkit please follow it there.
4. after the drivers are set up first u need to unlock. REMEMBER UNLOCKING WILL CLEAR ALL DATA!. so backup all required data.for the internal SD card u can connect the phone to the computer as an MTP device and copydata, for the apps you can backup using Helium and copy the helium folder to the computer. please do not post comments telling that you lost all data there is NO WAY to recover that data once you unlock.
5.press UNLOCK in the toolkit, it will guide you through the process. after unlock when you switch on the phone itll be as good as new you will have to go through the procedure of logging into google etc. once done head over to settings enable developer options and tick ADB. DONT FORGET TO DO THIS
6. Now you need to root your device. by default the toolkit uses SUPERSU to root and TWRP as custom recovery its perfectly fine unless you intend on changing it later on stick to these two. remember to tick CUSTOM RECOVERY under the root option. press root and follow the steps. it pretty much does everything u jut have to keep confirming.
7. Hoping that right now your rooted and have a custom recovery, if not please go through the previous steps.
now we need to download the oxygenOS head over to the forum and download or use this link https://oneplus.net/oxygenos, once downloaded check the size it should be 705MB incase its not the download again may be the download got corrupted.
8. IMPORTANT STEP FOR NEWBIES
once u download u have ONE .zip file named "oxygenos_1.0.0.zip" extract that file and u will get a folder named "oxygenos_1.0.0" leave it there DONT EXTRACT ANY FURTHER!. the folder will contain two files "oxygen_1.0.0_flashable.zip" "oxygen_1.0.0_flashable.md5" leave them as they are. preferably copy this folder containing the two files to the root of the phone. in simple terms put it in your phone memory without putting it into any other folder.
9. Now you have your files ready you need to head over to the recovery. two ways of doing it. you can go to settings developer options and tick advance reboot. now when u press reboot u get an option to reboot recovery and bootloader. choose recovery.
another way of getting to recovery is shut down the phone hold the buttons POWER+VOLUME DOWN once the phone comes on leave the power button and hold VOLUME DOWN till the recovery shows up.
10. Once your in TWRP u have an option to backup your rom. You could do this as a precaution if anything goes wrong u can restore from this backup file. fro backing up press backup and choose the partitions you want to backup and swipe to backup. the backup should be around 2-3gb i think. once backed up copy the file from the TWRP folder on your phone to the computer.
11. since you are changing the ROM completely you need to factory reset once before flashing. in TWRP press WIPE and swipe to factory reset. and go back to home dont reboot device.
12. FLASHING THE ROM: in TWRP press install in the list find the folder oxygenos_1.0.0. in that folder click on the file "oxygen_1.0.0_flashable.zip" and then swipe to flash. the flashing can take a while dont do anything while its in progress.
13.once flashed reboot system. the first reboot will take time let it happen do not get worried and try restarting just let it take its time it has to set up everything for u.
14. Now you should be having OXYGEN OS... use it appreciate it rather than criticizing it. incase u feel like customizing it try out XPOSED. though it is still in testing for L it shouldnt be too buggy. gravityBox is compatible with lollipop.
15. incase you feel like going back to CM.. head over to the toolkit connect the phone (remember to enable ADB) doesnt matter which build u set. press FLASH STOCK+UNROOT choose the CM build you want and let it do its work. follow the instructions.
some may point out that the toolkit has an option to flash the rom as well. yes it does but i wont dive into that now. this method is simple enough. but if u know how to do it that way u sure can
PS: KEEP YOU BATTERY FULLY CHARGED WHILE DOING ALL THIS. INCASE THE PHONE DIES WHILE FLASHING ITLL BE BRICKED.
please correct me if i went wrong anywhere.
hope this helps.

shoaib30 said:
ive been seeing enough and more .....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is absolutely no need for this thread - it's all been covered before. Flashing OOS is no different to any other custom ROM.
You text/formatting is abysmal. You recommend using the toolkit, WTF? This device is the easiest ever created for unlocking/rooting and using a toolkit is a BAD idea as if it goes wrong you will end up confused and not knowing what to do next. Anyone who can't unlock / root / flash TWRP on this device should not be attempting to install a custom ROM anyway.
What you have posted is actually more confusing for a 'noobie' than what is already out there, I'd suggest this thread should probably be deleted and people with questions can simply search and find the useful instructions which already exist.

SimonTS said:
There is absolutely no need for this thread - it's all been covered before. Flashing OOS is no different to any other custom ROM.
You text/formatting is abysmal. You recommend using the toolkit, WTF? This device is the easiest ever created for unlocking/rooting and using a toolkit is a BAD idea as if it goes wrong you will end up confused and not knowing what to do next. Anyone who can't unlock / root / flash TWRP on this device should not be attempting to install a custom ROM anyway.
What you have posted is actually more confusing for a 'noobie' than what is already out there, I'd suggest this thread should probably be deleted and people with questions can simply search and find the useful instructions which already exist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im sorry ill take it off. i had ppl asking me in person so i thought i can explain here and send the link to them. my bad

Please don't create duplicate threads. There are already threads open that cover this topic.
Thread closed.

{Noob Guide} Unlock Bootloader n Root with Magisk With Easy OTA Support ! {No Twrp}

* I'm not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards, thermonuclear war, or you getting fired because the alarm app failed.
* Please do some research if you have any concerns about features included in the products you find here before flashing it!
* YOU are choosing to make these modifications, and if you point the finger at me for messing up your device, I will laugh at you.
* Your warranty could be void if you tamper with any part of your device / software.
* Same statement for XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my first time posting here on xda if i miss some rules please let me know
Installing drivers & Preparing PC (Thanks to balazs312)
- Download this file and extract it
- Open and install "adb-setup-1.4.3.exe"
- When it is done, go to "Drivers" folder and start "miflash_unlock.exe"
- Click on the gear icon top right corner and click on "Check" next to "Click the button to install the drive"
- Do as the installer says
- Hopefully the drivers has been installed so we're done with it
NOW Unlock Bootloader (It will wipe ur data! so backup before doing it)
-Open the Settings app on ur phone
-Go to System.
-Tap on About phone.
-Scroll down and tap on Build number 7 times until it says you’re now a developer.
-Go back one page you should see “Developer options.” click it
-then you should see an “OEM unlocking” option. Enable it.
-Scroll down a bit until you see “USB debugging.” Enable it.
-Disable automatic updates
-now turn off your phone
-now turn on ur phone in fastboot mode by pressing volume down + power key in will boot in fastboot mode
- Download zip and extract it on your PC
- Open it and type "cmd" (without the quotations) in the file manager header where you see (This computer>somethingsomething>Mi A2 fastboot), don't be afraid just type it in, and hit enter and you'll enter into command prompt
- Now we are ready for action
- Type these commands one by one:
Code:
fastboot flashing unlock
fastboot flashing unlock_critical
done now pop up will show on your phone select unlock bootloader with volume key n power
it will reboot set up ur phone again
2. Installing Magisk
To Install Magisk you need patched boot image you can have one from here
{always use img that matches exactly to ur build no}
OR
{OPTIONAL}
you can make own boot img
download fastboot rom and get boot.img from there
or download untouched img from here
so now ur phone is unlocked download magisk manager and install it from HERE
copy that untouched boot image from ur pc to phone
open magisk manager >install >patch boot image select ur boot img u just transferred
magisk manager will create a patch image in same directory or download folder
Fastboot patch img
Now if u have created ur own patch img transfer it to pc from ur phone n put it in adb folder
or if u have simply downloaded the patch image copy it to adb folder
Open a fastboot command prompt on your pc.
Type "fastboot boot {patched boot image name}.img"
Your phone will reboot
Install the magisk apk.
Now open Magisk Manager app
Click Install, direct install. Wait for the process
And click reboot.
HOW TO APPLY OTA UPDATES
IMPORTANT: it will only work if you do not alter system yourself like build.prop (try altering system just using magisk modules)
{if u created ur own patch img}
When you know that a new OTA update is available and you want to install it, open Magisk Manager, and tap on "Uninstall" > "Restore Images"
{if u have not created ur own img put untouched downloaded build.img in magisk folder then}
When you know that a new OTA update is available and you want to install it, open Magisk Manager, and tap on "Uninstall" > "Restore Images"
Close Magisk Manager and go to "Settings" > "About Phone" > "System update" and install the OTA update. Dont Reboot
Open Magisk Manager again and tap on "Install" > "Install" > "Install to Inactive Slot" and after that you can tap on "Reboot".
alternatively
Magisk could alert you that it cannot restore the original boot.img when you trying to uninstall
To fix this, you can flash directly the untouched boot.img through fastboot
Code:
fastboot getvar current-slot
then you will get ur active slot it might be a or b
if its a then use
Code:
fastboot flash boot_a boot.img
If its b then use
Code:
fastboot flash boot_b boot.img
Now We Have Mi A2 Telegram Group get in if u want to help or need some help
OffTopic Group HERE
Development Group HERE

-reserved-

i have just created this account to reply here it
i used to read here alot but i dont reply here
as i found this thread has no reply but the best method i was searching for on internet for my mi a2
i just got my mi a2 was highly confused how to root because of a/b partition and no official twrp
i found this method among the best no confusion straight on point
and seriously a noob guide
thank you for the this !

geekh said:
i have just created this account to reply here it
i used to read here alot but i dont reply here
as i found this thread has no reply but the best method i was searching for on internet for my mi a2
i just got my mi a2 was highly confused how to root because of a/b partition and no official twrp
i found this method among the best no confusion straight on point
and seriously a noob guide
thank you for the this !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally think that there are at times some confusion. but it remains a more reliable method. (in terms of ease this method (https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a2/how-to/guide-2-minutes-magisk-installation-t3856980/amp/) is by far the fatest, try it after your next ota)

Atlas/ML said:
I personally think that there are at times some confusion. but it remains a reliable method. in terms of ease this method (https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a2/how-to/guide-2-minutes-magisk-installation-t3856980/amp/) is by far the easiest, try it after your next ota
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have just checked your linked thread first of all its wrong to promote your own thread like this
u are fishing people to come to your thread thats completely wrong and unprofessional you are on xda maintain some professionalism !
if someone wants to use your thread he/she will use it by themselves ,its visible to all !
and about your method i didnt wanted to use ur method i have looked into it you are using temp twrp method using unoffical twrp which i dont want to use thats personal preference i will wait for official twrp before flashing !
this method is best for me(noob here might be not as good as you but i know basic stuff) i can easily flash twrp permanenlty as soon as it is released without any further steps
Not everyone wants to use that temp twrp method
It is not fair to @Adinid who has taken so much time writing this great noob friendly thread
coming to his thread and telling people that ur thread is best or easiest is isnt good my friend !

in OTA part，"put untouched downloaded build.img in magisk folder"，This is invalid，I test it on V9.6.13，It always prompts that the backup image was not found.

geekh said:
I have just checked your linked thread first of all its wrong to promote your own thread like this
u are fishing people to come to your thread thats completely wrong and unprofessional you are on xda maintain some professionalism !
if someone wants to use your thread he/she will use it by themselves ,its visible to all !
and about your method i didnt wanted to use ur method i have looked into it you are using temp twrp method using unoffical twrp which i dont want to use thats personal preference i will wait for official twrp before flashing !
this method is best for me(noob here might be not as good as you but i know basic stuff) i can easily flash twrp permanenlty as soon as it is released without any further steps
Not everyone wants to use that temp twrp method
It is not fair to @Adinid who has taken so much time writing this great noob friendly thread
coming to his thread and telling people that ur thread is best or easiest is isnt good my friend !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally think that official twrp will never support boot, because At first glance the beta does'nt support it. So my method will be the simplest for a while.
As for the sharing of MY guide, it is a simpler and faster method. And it will allow more people to root their phone without following 50,000 steps and without fear of brick their phone ...
If @@Adinidhas a problem with sharing my guide, he can tell me privately on Telgram, and I'll delete it.
Have nice day,
Matteo

I don't really care which method people use to do one thing or another. It's up to them, whatever they feel most comfortable doing.
But, I do care when someone misuses the 'code' functionality box. It's not used for 'further description'... it's used for CODE... ie, actual code:
like: fastboot boot bootloader
like: adb shell setprop persist (etc)
It's meant to be something someone can copy and paste it to the command line, to avoid typing errors, not for 'further descriptions...'

Atlas/ML said:
I personally think that official twrp will never support boot, because At first glance the beta does'nt support it. So my method will be the simplest for a while.
As for the sharing of MY guide, it is a simpler and faster method. And it will allow more people to root their phone without following 50,000 steps and without fear of brick their phone ...
If @@Adinidhas a problem with sharing my guide, he can tell me privately on Telgram, and I'll delete it.
Have nice day,
Matteo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your Reply shows your arrogance and unprofessionalism nothing else
you think the method you have is best u dont want to even think that someone can have other method n others might prefer it
you are just boasting about your method as best n what not lol !
instead of accepting that you did wrong by sharing your thread here , you are trying pull down op thread by shamelessly telling people that op method might brick phone n needs 50k steps(that is completely NOT true ) when ur method CAN also brick it !
you both have given options to users its their pick which one they want to use !
I dont want to waste my time here to educate you about how to behave in public forum !
Just want to say calm down put ur arrogance on side,show some maturity and even please try to change ur attitude
you might be good but try to learn as it doesnt matter how good you are there is always someone who is better than you n others might prefer it more !
different people have diff use cases preferences always remember that
peace !

AsItLies said:
I don't really care which method people use to do one thing or another. It's up to them, whatever they feel most comfortable doing.
But, I do care when someone misuses the 'code' functionality box. It's not used for 'further description'... it's used for CODE... ie, actual code:
like: fastboot boot bootloader
like: adb shell setprop persist (etc)
It's meant to be something someone can copy and paste it to the command line, to avoid typing errors, not for 'further descriptions...'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your feedback sir, i have just started posting here as i wrote it in my initial post
my apologies will try to format it properly

tianma163 said:
in OTA part，"put untouched downloaded build.img in magisk folder"，This is invalid，I test it on V9.6.13，It always prompts that the backup image was not found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looking into it
till then i just added alternate method use that !

geekh said:
Your Reply shows your arrogance and unprofessionalism nothing else
you think the method you have is best u dont want to even think that someone can have other method n others might prefer it
you are just boasting about your method as best n what not lol !
instead of accepting that you did wrong by sharing your thread here , you are trying pull down op thread by shamelessly telling people that op method might brick phone n needs 50k steps(that is completely NOT true ) when ur method CAN also brick it !
you both have given options to users its their pick which one they want to use !
I dont want to waste my time here to educate you about how to behave in public forum !
Just want to say calm down put ur arrogance on side,show some maturity and even please try to change ur attitude
you might be good but try to learn as it doesnt matter how good you are there is always someone who is better than you n others might prefer it more !
different people have diff use cases preferences always remember that
peace !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why i add a warranty part lmao, and for brick not possible, because magisk support A/B, and Twrp is BOOT only. So after reboot it's gone.
I just say that my method is the simplest, not the better. As for the arrogance I only share my link for you to win time if needs after any ota, if you do not want to use it. You say that I lower his method, etc. I have already done one with these same methods, and I will soon hold a repo. You're totally wrong. No luck You judge me without knowing me and give me orders and I'm arrogant. OwO
As for the answers, personally I do not have anything to do with it, it makes go up this thread in the list, hoping that it has more visibility.
Matteo

If i enable camera2api does it count as altering system for ota?

Ajakazema said:
If i enable camera2api does it count as altering system for ota?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it depends on how you activated it. if you activate it using a magisk module it will be fine, if you activate it using an adb command it's a system modification. so it should alter the ota.

Ajakazema said:
If i enable camera2api does it count as altering system for ota?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if u do that by build.prop edit it will count for altering system
but if u use magisk module to do that it will not
let me know if u have any more confusion
happy to help !

I'm currently in august security patch, with an unlocked device + root (magisk) and i've altered the build.prop to enable cameraapi2. How can I update safely to the new october patch?
Thanks in advance

hugopg said:
I'm currently in august security patch, with an unlocked device + root (magisk) and i've altered the build.prop to enable cameraapi2. How can I update safely to the new october patch?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if u want everything clean u can flash fastboot rom
after uninstalling magisk through magisk manager
or just uninstall magisk then fastboot flash boot img
u can check it in my how to get ota part in my initial post (alternative method)
then apply ota
root again if u want
adinid

Adinid said:
if u want everything clean u can flash fastboot rom
after uninstalling magisk through magisk manager
or just uninstall magisk then fastboot flash boot img
u can check it in my how to get ota part in my initial post (alternative method)
then apply ota
root again if u want
adinid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for your fast reply!
In your post you said that the OTA can be done if I didn't altered the system.prop, but I did! So I would need to restore boot.img (through magisk, to remove root) and also flash system.img (to restore the prop)? Is that it?
Thanks

Atlas/ML said:
it depends on how you activated it. if you activate it using a magisk module it will be fine, if you activate it using an adb command it's a system modification. so it should alter the ota.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is COMPLETELY inaccurate information! YOU are setting a very bad precedent.
Magisk is a SYSTEMLESS root, which means what it does with system is HIDDEN (very hard to detect), but that does NOT mean it doesn't modify system!!
The ADB command to set the cam2api is a setprop persist command WHICH DOES NOT MODIFY SYSTEM! EVER!
PLEASE DO NOT SPREAD COMPLETELY INACCURATE INFORMATION!! YOU WILL BE MISLEADING POTENTIAL FUTURE OWNERS OF THIS DEVICE!!

AsItLies said:
This is COMPLETELY inaccurate information! YOU are setting a very bad precedent.
Magisk is a SYSTEMLESS root, which means what it does with system is HIDDEN (very hard to detect), but that does NOT mean it doesn't modify system!!
The ADB command to set the cam2api is a setprop persist command WHICH DOES NOT MODIFY SYSTEM! EVER!
PLEASE DO NOT SPREAD COMPLETELY INACCURATE INFORMATION!! YOU WILL BE MISLEADING POTENTIAL FUTURE OWNERS OF THIS DEVICE!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, first shut a up.
Next i never say that magisk doesn't modify system, i just say that if use magisk for enable it it's fine.
For the second information, my bad , i try but with the adb command ota failed so i'm not totally false.
Have a bad day,
Matteo