Database Users

apply OTA to rooted phone?

i have an unlocked rooted but otherwise stock G4P and it has an OTA but fails to install. Is there a full ROM I can apply which won't wipe? Or some other way which is not involving a full wipe?

nigelhealy said:
i have an unlocked rooted but otherwise stock G4P and it has an OTA but fails to install. Is there a full ROM I can apply which won't wipe? Or some other way which is not involving a full wipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried, failed, and eventually gave up. I haven't had the motivation to do a full wipe/flash, but I tried everything else I could think of before giving up.

hp420 said:
I tried, failed, and eventually gave up. I haven't had the motivation to do a full wipe/flash, but I tried everything else I could think of before giving up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you tryied reinstall the full stock rom & recovery (through Fastboot) without wipe?

rafaelrgi said:
Did you tryied reinstall the full stock rom & recovery (through Fastboot) without wipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a twrp backup of my system partition, which I restored, then fastboot flashed the stock kernel, and wiped caches. Safetynet passed, but the ota would not flash. It said there was an unexpected change in the system, or something to that affect.
I'm not aware of any true, untouched flashable rom zip available. I suppose it wouldn't take long to make one, I just didn't have one available to me.

hp420 said:
I had a twrp backup of my system partition, which I restored, then fastboot flashed the stock kernel, and wiped caches. Safetynet passed, but the ota would not flash. It said there was an unexpected change in the system, or something to that affect.
I'm not aware of any true, untouched flashable rom zip available. I suppose it wouldn't take long to make one, I just didn't have one available to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To install the OTA update the stock recovery is required, and Twrp is a custom recovery.... after restore the backup you should reinstall the stock recovery before apply the OTA.

rafaelrgi said:
To install the OTA update the stock recovery is required, and Twrp is a custom recovery.... after restore the backup you should reinstall the stock recovery before apply the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, didn't see you were asking about fastboot. no, I didn't flash the factory image. I didn't want to go that far and didn't really care enough to do a full wipe

Have you tried Magisk? Could potentially work

hp420 said:
I had a twrp backup of my system partition, which I restored, then fastboot flashed the stock kernel, and wiped caches. Safetynet passed, but the ota would not flash. It said there was an unexpected change in the system, or something to that affect.
I'm not aware of any true, untouched flashable rom zip available. I suppose it wouldn't take long to make one, I just didn't have one available to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A TWRP backup restore doesn't fix the issue. You have to reflash SYSTEM , BOOT(if modified), RECOVERY(if modified), and OEM through fastboot. That is a "block flash," instead of TWRP, which is "file based restore."

apply OTA to rooted phone
Could someone please give me this zip ota moto g4 play I need this file since I thank you.

VR25 said:
A TWRP backup restore doesn't fix the issue. You have to reflash SYSTEM , BOOT(if modified), RECOVERY(if modified), and OEM through fastboot. That is a "block flash," instead of TWRP, which is "file based restore."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about other partitions :
gpt, bootloader, adspso, modem
Must they be restored ?
Just after OTA, is it possible to make a raw image backup with TWRP in R/O mode ?

hamelg said:
What about other partitions :
gpt, bootloader, adspso, modem
Must they be restored ?
Just after OTA, is it possible to make a raw image backup with TWRP in R/O mode ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You only need to restore SYSTEM, OEM, BOOT AND RECOVERY images. That's all you'll ever need. NEVER touch other partitions, unless you are upgrading.
To make RAW image backups of SYSTEM and OEM partitions, use terminal in TWRP
Or "adb shell" from your computer (running as root)
adb shell
ls -al /dev/block/platform/soc/7824900.sdhci/by-name
This command will give you the names of the SYSTEM and OEM partitions of your device, Moto G4 Plus. For example, for Moto Z Play (my device), they are mmcblk0p53 and mmcblk0p51 respectively.
So, the commands would be (again, that's an example for MOTO Z PLAY):
Backup
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p53 of=/sdcard/system.img
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p51 of=/sdcard/oem.img
Restore
dd if=/sdcard/system.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p53
dd if=/sdcard/oem.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p51

Thanks much VR25.
With your help, I have successfully applied the latest OTA

hamelg said:
Thanks much VR25.
With your help, I have successfully applied the latest OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confused. The VR25 guidance is when you had taken a full backup when stock, how to restore back to stock to then apply the OTA. You are describing how to apply the OTA on a rooted device without a pre-rooted backup?

You don't need backups to apply the latest OTA.
Get the stock corresponding to your device.
flash LOGO, SYSTEM, OEM, BOOT AND RECOVERY images.
Apply November OTA
Apply February OTA
I did that without wiping my data.
If you want to avoid reset to stock & apply all OTAs, you must have a binary backup of system partition, not a file based backup (see comment #8).
I asked about this issue here :
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72029402&postcount=55

hamelg said:
You don't need backups to apply the latest OTA.
Get the stock corresponding to your device.
flash LOGO, SYSTEM, OEM, BOOT AND RECOVERY images.
Apply November OTA
Apply February OTA
I did that without wiping my data.
If you want to avoid reset to stock & apply all OTAs, you must have a binary backup of system partition, not a file based backup (see comment #8).
I asked about this issue here :
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72029402&postcount=55
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where is the stock for my device
Where is the OTA for my device
My device is the USA unlocked G4P XT1607

nigelhealy said:
Where is the stock for my device
Where is the OTA for my device
My device is the USA unlocked G4P XT1607
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly this question, but then the XT1602. Flashed the stock parts, but no message of an OTA and they are nowhere to be found. Or does anyone have latest stock version full ROM?

TheEvilVirus said:
Exactly this question, but then the XT1602. Flashed the stock parts, but no message of an OTA and they are nowhere to be found. Or does anyone have latest stock version full ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, others were just saying too high a level to not actually helpful. As I did this last week I'll tell you now is as step by step as I can to actually try to be helpful.
Firstly you need to know you will wipe data, there's no avoiding it, that I could find so backup everything, that can be a mix of TWRP backup of data to SDCARD external, USB OTG, or Titanium backup to online / SD / OTG. In my case I prefer to simply install everything and configure everything from scratch.
Follow this guide to return to stock.
In my case I'm on Ubuntu Linux desktop, fastboot got a "no permissions" type message so I had to sudo in front.
The stock for your device, well look at your device Status page now before you start, Settings -> About Phone -> it says Software Channel "retus" so when I go to the list of ROMs in the above guide go to mirrors.lolinet.com - firmware - moto - harpia - official - then I went to Retus, you'd go to a different one probably.
Note these are old stock ROMs I think from September so there have been one or two updates since then.
Follow the step by step guide, basically lots of fastboot commands.
The step where it says fastboot oem lock it bawks and say fastboot oem lock begin and that will do another wipe, so given a later fastboot oem unlock would do a 3rd wipe I didn't do the oem lock, I left mine unlocked and that worked fine.
Let it boot, setup, you will then be in an old stock ROM, then if it doesn't offer to do an update, go into Settings, System Updates, and trigger it to look. It will then download and apply a stock OTA ontop of the stock ROM. In my case it was 1 OTA, 1 update, then that that complete. You then are on stock current ROMs.
Then root and whatever you want.
But note, to get to the impending N OTA, you'll probably have to right back to the top here because your rooted Moto G4 Play will likely refuse the future OTA as the system is modified, so you'd have to repeat, return to an old stock ROM and then let it go through the 1 or 2 or 3 OTAs to get to that future release.
Hence you'd be doing the return to stock twice.
If the mirrors could be updated to newer stocks it would bypass the OTA. My other phone - the OnePlus3T they offer mirrors of full ROMs, they are far easier to use because if you are rooted you download the full ROM not just the delta incremental of the change of the OTA, and then you can flash in recovery the full ROM and it ignores the system state, and no wiping of data. The fact the mirror site is out of date is causing the need to wipe so the OTAs work on an unmodified system.
Fortunately I have multiple phones so I can use another for the few hours this all takes.

works great, I just flash it and without wiping data
hamelg said:
You don't need backups to apply the latest OTA.
Get the stock corresponding to your device.
flash LOGO, SYSTEM, OEM, BOOT AND RECOVERY images.
Apply November OTA
Apply February OTA
I did that without wiping my data.
If you want to avoid reset to stock & apply all OTAs, you must have a binary backup of system partition, not a file based backup (see comment #8).
I asked about this issue here :
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72029402&postcount=55
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
works great and finally my phone can upgrade the OTA updates:laugh::good:

VR25 said:
To make RAW image backups of SYSTEM and OEM partitions, use terminal in TWRP
Or "adb shell" from your computer (running as root)
...
Restore
dd if=/sdcard/system.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p53
dd if=/sdcard/oem.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p51
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is time to apply the may OTA MPIS24.241-15.3-21.
I restored the vanilla system.img MPIS24.241-15.3-16 with dd, but it didn't work. The OTA failed with the error "system partition has unexpected content" because the sha1sum was incorrect.
Here is the solution :
Before restoring with dd, you must check "Mount System partition read only" is enable in the MOUNT menu of TWRP.
With TWRP 3.1, you need no more to use dd. Now, the feature "system image backup" is available

[DEC 2017 to JAN 2018 Update] How I updated successfully

UPDATE:
In the thread @Pianobeats and @Telperion have successfully updated with less steps.
They flashed the newest Jan update flash-all without removing Magisk, Kernel, or TWRP. This eliminates the need to flash the current security update you are on and reduces the number of steps dramatically.
Clarification:
In the factory image zip you'll drill down through the files until you find flash-all.
Open that in a text editor.
Near the end you'll find "-w"
Delete it and save the flash-all.
This will make it so the update does not wipe your device.
_______________________​
I felt adventurous and decided to try updating.
I updated to latest adb & fastboot from here: SDK Platform Tools Release Notes
At first I tried using the Magisk Uninstaller Zip; it did not work.
In bootloader, I used the DEC 2017 flash-all (-w removed). This worked to get me out of the bootloader and Magisk was uninstalled.
I recommend just uninstalling Magisk from the app.
EDIT: On my second Pixel 2 ( I have two), uninstalling Magisk from the app did not work.
It stuck me into the same error in the bootloader as my first phone.
Flash-all (-w removed) worked to return me to the system.
No need to flash stock boot or dtbo.
In cmd window:
Code:
adb devices
Verify serial number (working adb & fastboot)
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
Cycle through to recovery.
Once in recovery hold PWR and press volume up once
Volume down to highlight "Apply update from ADB"
Code:
adb sideload <walleye-ota-opm1.171019.013.zip>
NOTE: Go to the where you saved the OTA zip "walleye-ota-opm1.171019.013". On the top menu you should see "copy path" or alternatively you can right click > properties > Location. Copy that string (IE "C:\Users\you\desktop\...")
Type: adb sideload and *Ctrl +v* to paste (Much easier)​
I rebooted to bootloader; I verified the change from boot slot b to boot slot a.
After boot > Notification: Android System - "Finishing Android Update..."
System is sluggish. Probable background processes.
Code:
adb reboot
Significantly longer reboot at Google Icon with Progress bar than normal (about 4 full minutes)
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
Code:
fastboot boot "twrp-3.2.1-0-walleye.img"
NOTE: Go to the where you saved the OTA zip "twrp-3.2.1-0-walleye.img". On the top menu you should see "copy path" or alternatively you can right click > properties > Location. Copy that string (IE "C:\Users\you\desktop\...")
Type: fastboot boot and *Ctrl +v* to paste (Much easier)​
TWRP > Install > twrp-pixel2-installer-walleye-3.2.1-0.ZIP
Wipe cache > Reboot system
Code:
adb reboot recovery
TWRP > Install > Snoke R1
Wipe cache > Reboot system
Code:
adb reboot recovery
TWRP > Install > Magisk V15.2
Wipe cache > Reboot system
After reboot > "Android is starting" for a half second
NOTES:​
Magisk = V15.2
ctsProfile: true
basicIntegrity: true
(Screen shot attached)
Viper4Android 2.5.0.4 = Installed and Processing properly (Screen shot attached)
Magisk Notification > DTBO Patched, please reboot > "Android System internal problem pop up"
(No, this does not affect anything.)
Also, this proves that even after mounting /system via TWRP OTAs are still usable.
NOTES #2:​
I have two Pixel 2 phones.
One for work and one for personal.
I performed the above on my personal, though havrt not had the time to update my work phone.
An OTA pushed to your device will not work on phones that have TWRP, Magisk, custom Kernel.
Screen shots attached.

Diesel_Jeremiah said:
I felt adventurous and decided to try updating.
I updated to latest adb & fastboot from here: SDK Platform Tools Release Notes
At first I tried using the Magisk Uninstaller Zip; it did not work.
In bootloader, I used the DEC 2017 flash-all (-w removed). This worked to get me out of the bootloader and Magisk was uninstalled.
I recommend just uninstalling Magisk from the app.
In cmd window:
Verify serial number (working adb & fastboot)
Cycle through to recovery.
Once in recovery hold PWR and press volume up once
Volume down to highlight "Apply update from ADB"
NOTE: Go to the where you saved the OTA zip "walleye-ota-opm1.171019.013". On the top menu you should see "copy path" or alternatively you can right click > properties > Location. Copy that string (IE "C:\Users\you\desktop\...")
Type: adb sideload and *Ctrl +v* to paste (Much easier)
I rebooted to bootloader; changed from boot slot b to boot slot a
After boot > Notification: Android System - "Finishing Android Update..."
System is sluggish. Probable background processes.
Significantly longer reboot at Google Icon with Progress bar than normal (about 4 full minutes)
NOTE: Go to the where you saved the OTA zip "twrp-3.2.1-0-walleye.img". On the top menu you should see "copy path" or alternatively you can right click > properties > Location. Copy that string (IE "C:\Users\you\desktop\...")
Type: fastboot boot and *Ctrl +v* to paste (Much easier)
TWRP > Install > twrp-pixel2-installer-walleye-3.2.1-0.ZIP
Wipe cache > Reboot system
TWRP > Install > Snoke R1
Wipe cache > Reboot system
TWRP > Install > Magisk V15.2
Wipe cache > Reboot system
After reboot > "Android is starting" for a half second
NOTES:
Magisk = V15.2
ctsProfile: true
basicIntegrity: true
(Screen shot attached)
Viper4Android 2.5.0.4 = Installed and Processing properly (Screen shot attached)
Magisk Notification > DTBO Patched, please reboot > "Android System internal problem pop up"
(No, this does not affect anything.)
Also, this proves that even after mounting /system via TWRP OTAs are still usable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you on a Verizon branded one? Or Google Store came unlocked?

Google unlocked with Verizon SIM.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Thanks a ton for this tutorial. This is my first Google device and I'm really worried that I'm going to mess something up. I came from an HTC 10 which seemed so much easier to navigate around and flash on. I plan on using your method tomorrow morning once I have all of the related files downloaded and some quality time to spare.
I have the same set up as you. Google bought with a Verizon Sim. I currently have TWRP and Magisk 15.2 installed so I think your instructions should apply to me perfectly.
Thanks again.

jascolli said:
Thanks a ton for this tutorial. This is my first Google device and I'm really worried that I'm going to mess something up. I came from an HTC 10 which seemed so much easier to navigate around and flash on. I plan on using your method tomorrow morning once I have all of the related files downloaded and some quality time to spare.
I have the same set up as you. Google bought with a Verizon Sim. I currently have TWRP and Magisk 15.2 installed so I think your instructions should apply to me perfectly.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best thing to do is download the factory image and remove -w from flash-all. (removing -w keeps your device from wiping)
This gives you something to fall back on if all else fails.
Ensure you use the flash-all for your current build & security patch.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Diesel_Jeremiah said:
Best thing to do is download the factory image and remove -w from flash-all. (removing -w keeps your device from wiping)
This gives you something to fall back on if all else fails.
Ensure you use the flash-all for your current build & security patch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does flashing the factory image replace the kernel too?

doublej713 said:
Does flashing the factory image replace the kernel too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Diesel_Jeremiah said:
Yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I flash-all with the -w included, is that basically a factory reset? Also, does that flash both slots and/or do you need to flash both slots?

doublej713 said:
If I flash-all with the -w included, is that basically a factory reset? Also, does that flash both slots and/or do you need to flash both slots?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you do not remove the -w, it will reset your device.
It flashes both slots A & B.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Diesel_Jeremiah said:
Yes, if you do not remove the -w, it will reset your device.
It flashes both slots A & B.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last question, if I'm willing to lose all my data, can I just flash the latest factory image? This is my first pixel device, and while all of this seems the same as other phones, the terminology seems to be a little different.

doublej713 said:
Last question, if I'm willing to lose all my data, can I just flash the latest factory image? This is my first pixel device, and while all of this seems the same as other phones, the terminology seems to be a little different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Edited original post with Note #2.
OTAs will not work on modified phones.
Screenshots added.

I'm kind of new so here are some questions.
So the first step is essentially getting rid of Magisk by flashing the December patch by using the "flash-all.bat" batch file, right? This is essentially unrooting your phone.
Then you sideloaded the January OTA. But it says that you switched from Boot Slot B to Boot Slot A. Is there a reason for that?
Also is Snoke R1 a custom kernel? If we're not installing a custom kernel we just skip that step right?
Sorry for all the questions. You're the only person who actually made a proper guide. Thanks!

Pianobeats said:
I'm kind of new so here are some questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome, and questions are always ok.
Pianobeats said:
So the first step is essentially getting rid of Magisk by flashing the December patch by using the "flash-all.bat" batch file, right? This is essentially unrooting your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are mostly correct. OTA cannot verify the system with Magisk installed. OTA cannot install without the stock recovery.
Flash-all is returning your system boot & dtbo, and returning the stock recovery.
This must happen so when the new OTA verifies the system it will meet all of the checks.
Pianobeats said:
Then you sideloaded the January OTA. But it says that you switched from Boot Slot B to Boot Slot A. Is there a reason for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will update the OP to say I verified the boot slot switched.
Before you start, your phone will be on Boot slot B or slot A.
Google improved the OTA system; there are two boot slots. When the OTA is installed, it installs first on the non-booting slot. Once it's complete, your phone switches the boot slot until the next OTA it will switch again. So, it will go A to B, or B to A, depending on the current slot. This makes the transition to new OTA easier and faster.
Pianobeats said:
Also is Snoke R1 a custom kernel? If we're not installing a custom kernel we just skip that step right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Snoke kernel is a custom kernel. R1 is the build for 8.1
If you do not want a custom kernel, yes you will skip it.
Alternatively, you will have to use Magisk patched boot method with the Stock boot image.
Look here if that's what you want to do: [GUIDE] Unlock/Flash/Root for the Pixel 2 (walleye) - Post 127
Steps and process are the same for patching the stock boot.
Pianobeats said:
Sorry for all the questions. You're the only person who actually made a proper guide. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good:

Diesel_Jeremiah said:
Welcome, and questions are always ok.
You are mostly correct. OTA cannot verify the system with Magisk installed. OTA cannot install without the stock recovery.
Flash-all is returning your system boot & dtbo, and returning the stock recovery.
This must happen so when the new OTA verifies the system it will meet all of the checks.
I will update the OP to say I verified the boot slot switched.
Before you start, your phone will be on Boot slot B or slot A.
Google improved the OTA system; there are two boot slots. When the OTA is installed, it installs first on the non-booting slot. Once it's complete, your phone switches the boot slot until the next OTA it will switch again. So, it will go A to B, or B to A, depending on the current slot. This makes the transition to new OTA easier and faster.
The Snoke kernel is a custom kernel. R1 is the build for 8.1
If you do not want a custom kernel, yes you will skip it.
Alternatively, you will have to use Magisk patched boot method with the Stock boot image.
Look here if that's what you want to do: [GUIDE] Unlock/Flash/Root for the Pixel 2 (walleye) - Post 127
Steps and process are the same for patching the stock boot.
:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on december version, what if i download january factory image and flash this with flash-all (without -W) on my pixel 2? I am rooted , no twrp and using flash kernel.
Is this important to flash december factory image again before flashing updating to newer one ?
I want to keep my data and settings.
Billion THX for your great help, i am really learning a lot here.

Daandofreak said:
I am on december version, what if i download january factory image and flash this with flash-all (without -W) on my pixel 2? I am rooted , no twrp and using flash kernel.
Is this important to flash december factory image again before flashing updating to newer one ?
I want to keep my data and settings.
Billion THX for your great help, i am really learning a lot here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not try to go straight to the JAN update. I needed to use flash-all to restore stock recovery because of TWRP.
Safest:
Either flash the DEC from flash-all (without -w) or fastboot flash boot & dtbo.
Then you should be successful updating from DEC to JAN.
Guinea pig:
Flash the JAN flash-all (without -w) and see what happens.
I have not tried this (because TWRP).
Removing the -w in the factory image keeps data and settings.
OTAs will keep data and settings.
OTAs are the best way to update.

If you're going to flash a factory image, you're better off just flashing the January factory image (sans -w) and getting it all done in one step. That's the method I used, and it worked just fine and kept my data intact. OTA's are flashed with ADB commands from the stock recovery, factory images are flashed through the bootloader, so TWRP doesn't interfere at all.
You'll of course still need to boot the TWRP and flash the TWRP zip afterwards, but the preceding steps are much easier.

Telperion said:
If you're going to flash a factory image, you're better off just flashing the January factory image (sans -w) and getting it all done in one step. That's the method I used, and it worked just fine and kept my data intact. OTA's are flashed with ADB commands from the stock recovery, factory images are flashed through the bootloader, so TWRP doesn't interfere at all.
You'll of course still need to boot TWRP and re-flash the zip afterwards, but the preceding steps are much easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your saying: Flash Jan factory image (-w removed) on top of Dec will not require removal of TWRP and won't break anything?

Diesel_Jeremiah said:
So your saying: Flash Jan factory image (-w removed) on top of Dec will not require removal of TWRP and won't break anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
The recovery is part of the boot image, so the only time you'd need to remove TWRP is if you're trying to flash something that requires the stock recovery. OTA's require the stock recovery; factory system images don't, they flash a stock boot and dtbo as part of the flashing process.
The one caveat is that for Verizon users, there may be a possibility that flashing a factory image complete with updated bootloader may re-lock the bootloader on them. But for everyone else, it's fine. Even the Verizon users could just extract the factory image and flash the components in the script, minus the bootloader:
Code:
[STRIKE]fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-walleye-mw8998-002.0066.00.img[/STRIKE]
[STRIKE]fastboot reboot bootloader[/STRIKE]
fastboot flash radio radio-walleye-g8998-00164-1710262031.img
fastboot reboot bootloader
fastboot update image-walleye-opm1.171019.013.zip

Can someone explain in more detail how to remove the "w" from the factory image? TIA

[How-To] Applying Monthly Security Patches if you're Rooted (Magisk)

So, since once a month I find myself having to click a bunch of links and read how to do a bunch of commands, I wanted to create a thread that (rather generically) explains how to manually flash the OTA monthly updates if you're rooted with Magisk. So, minimally, here's a thread for me to review every month... if it helps you all out, all the better!
Pre-requisites:
Download Latest OTA zip file from Google.
Obtain the STOCK boot.img (required) and dtbo.img (optional) of the System ROM you are currently running. This can be done if you already have the full System Image file downloaded, downloading it currently, or just obtaining the stock boot and dtbo image files elsewhere. (NOTE: This can be skipped if you successfully uninstall Magisk BEFORE you start the process and choose to restore the Stock images in the uninstall process.)
Download Latest Magisk Zip file
Download latest TWRP recovery image
If applicable, have latest USB drivers, adb/fastboot/ files etc.
Preparation:
1) Extract or open the Full Image file and locate the boot.img and dtbo.img files. You will want these on your PC in the platform-tools folder (I usually put the Month name at the beginning, ex. - Jan_boot.img). Again, you can skip if you successfully uninstall Magisk prior to all of this.
2) Copy your OTA zip file to the platform-tools folder, again naming it after the month helps (ex. - Feb_Pixel2XL_OTA.zip)
3) Put your TWRP recovery in platform-tools folder.
4) Place the latest Magisk zip on your Pixel's internal storage (what used to be the SDCard on phones so equipped).
Commands:
1) From PC, open command prompt and change directory to your platform-tools folder.
2) If your phone is on, "adb reboot bootloader" If powered off, press power and Vol Down button to get to Bootloader. Plug your phone into your PC.
3) [If Magisk is not uninstalled first] Command: fastboot flash boot {Name_of_boot.img File}
4) [If Magisk is not uninstalled first] Command: fastboot flash dtbo {Name_of_dtbo.img File}
5) On your phone, hit Vol Down until you see Recovery, then press power button.
6) Once in recovery mode, press power and Vol Up to bring up menu
7) Scroll to item: "Apply update from ADB" and press power
8) Command: adb sideload {Name_of_OTA.zip file}
9) After the OTA finishes flashing, exit recovery back into the Bootloader
10) Command: fastboot boot {twrp_filename.img}
11) Install Magisk Zip file (and any other Zip files you want installed... Kernels, etc.) within TWRP
Then after flashing your zip files, reboot to system and you should be all set.
I believe everything above is correct, but if I've made a glaring mistake, please let me know. I also realize there may be other methods to this madness, but this is what works for me.

With this method do you have to worry about removing your password from your phone before you try to go into twrp?

uofirob said:
With this method do you have to worry about removing your password from your phone before you try to go into twrp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Mine is set to pin, which I had to put in and it let me finish.

Sweet. I'll give this method a try tonight!
WorldOfJohnboy said:
Yes. Mine is set to pin, which I had to put in and it let me finish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thank you for this. Just to be clear in step 2 under prerequisites you say more on this later. Then in step 1 for preparation you prefix your boot and dtbo with Jan xx.img. I get what your saying, but for the newer noobs they may get confused. Maybe reword to say, extract or open the factory image your currently using or the previous months image. Obviously you do this first so that you can sideload the ota. I don't mean any disrespect.

I believe you also need remove the -w from the end of the .bat file after you extract the OTA; otherwise, all of your data will be wiped.
But great job of getting all this info in one place!

So I did this, and now I'm bootlooping. I guess I'll re-flash the Jan factory image and wait a little longer... **UPDATE** I fixed the bootloop by re-trying the process again (after re-verifying the MD5 hash on the update.zip. I rebooted after installing the update,
but before the TWRP flash to install MAGISK. Maybe this allowed the "update"
to finish processing. I also had to remove the pin from my lock screen in order to allow me to get into twrp. After rebooting into the system and removing the pin, I adb reboot bootloader and then flashed twrp. Thanks for the guide!
---------- Post added at 07:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:50 AM ----------
PuffDaddy_d said:
I believe you also need remove the -w from the end of the .bat file after you extract the OTA; otherwise, all of your data will be wiped.
But great job of getting all this info in one place!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to remove the -w from the .bat file since you aren't using it at all to do the update. That is only if you're flashing your factory image.

Fe Mike said:
Thank you for this. Just to be clear in step 2 under prerequisites you say more on this later. Then in step 1 for preparation you prefix your boot and dtbo with Jan xx.img. I get what your saying, but for the newer noobs they may get confused. Maybe reword to say, extract or open the factory image your currently using or the previous months image. Obviously you do this first so that you can sideload the ota. I don't mean any disrespect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I changed some wording under prerequisite...

I agree with everything on this guide...
just teasing...
I'm actually glad you created this thread...I wanted to create one also and try and help out as much as I could, but I don't have the cahones and didn' t think I had experience enough to start a "guide" thread :silly:

I mean no disrespect, but this seems awful complicated compared to just flashing the full image with the removed (-w). Especially since your downloading it anyway. I do that then boot the TWRP image and flash the TWRP zip. Reboot into recovery and flash kernel and magisk and reboot system. Again I'm asking for clarity, not dumping on you. Great write up btw!

CyberpodS2 said:
I mean no disrespect, but this seems awful complicated compared to just flashing the full image with the removed (-w). Especially since your downloading it anyway. I do that then boot the TWRP image and flash the TWRP zip. Reboot into recovery and flash kernel and magisk and reboot system. Again I'm asking for clarity, not dumping on you. Great write up btw!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well...I can't speak for the OP, but I wrote my extremely similar identical one because, for whatever reason, many users would choose OTAs over flashing full factory images. I/me & you understand the benefits of the factory images over the OTAs; especially understanding the process you must go through to install the OTAs as-of-current is almost the same as flashing the factory images anyways...
But if I were to give a possible explanation to their reasoning is that, like many of them, I come from a non-Google phone (S5 for me), and OTA's were simpler, takes less bandwidth (which still remains true today), they were significantly simpler to install vs. factory images, and with a lot of popular phones you only flash factory images to recover your phone; i.e. muniz_ri's OTA's for the S5 and FlashFire were loads simpler than flashing a whole factory image. But, again, understanding the difference for Pixel 2 and Oreo's OTA & factory images (or the small difference thereof), it's probably better to do a few extra steps and/or downloads to do the whole image than sideloading an OTA.
In the end, this is for people who insist for OTA updates most likely because that's how they are familiar (and therefore more comfortable) with; whether it being explained to them or not...
Cheers!:good:

Fair enough, thanks for the input!

CyberpodS2 said:
I mean no disrespect, but this seems awful complicated compared to just flashing the full image with the removed (-w). Especially since your downloading it anyway. I do that then boot the TWRP image and flash the TWRP zip. Reboot into recovery and flash kernel and magisk and reboot system. Again I'm asking for clarity, not dumping on you. Great write up btw!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may seem awful complicated, but to be honest, to me is less complicated than having to edit a script file (which if you forget to do, will lose all of your data). Also, though the steps I wrote out seem like a lot more if you were to write out a process using the full image, it actually works out to be almost the same number of steps.
Lastly, as someone else hinted at, the OTA file size is smaller. The only full image you need is what you are currently running (which in most cases I have on my phone in case the sh__ hits the fan with my phone), not the new full image. (To be even more precise, you only need the boot.img and dtbo.img from the full image file--there may be places to get just those two files out there.)
As I put in the last sentence, I realize there are other methods to this madness, this is basically what works for me. I wanted to get it in writing so I wouldn't forget this down the road, and if it helps anyone here, just icing on the cake. Clearly I'm no Dev and not forcing anyone to perform the updates this way!

WorldOfJohnboy said:
It may seem awful complicated, but to be honest, to me is less complicated than having to edit a script file (which if you forget to do, will lose all of your data). Also, though the steps I wrote out seem like a lot more if you were to write out a process using the full image, it actually works out to be almost the same number of steps.
Lastly, as someone else hinted at, the OTA file size is smaller. The only full image you need is what you are currently running (which in most cases I have on my phone in case the sh__ hits the fan with my phone), not the new full image. (To be even more precise, you only need the boot.img and dtbo.img from the full image file--there may be places to get just those two files out there.)
As I put in the last sentence, I realize there are other methods to this madness, this is basically what works for me. I wanted to get it in writing so I wouldn't forget this down the road, and if it helps anyone here, just icing on the cake. Clearly I'm no Dev and not forcing anyone to perform the updates this way!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey bud, wonder I I could pick your brain just a little. When doing monthly Google updates, are most of their proprietary files located in the boot, dtbo, and vendor images?? Your posts have intrigued me a little, and are very well written BTW. My reasoning is this. On my old 6p, about all we needed to do was flash the new vendor, and of course the bootloader and radio if there were any worthwhile improvements. Would the same possibly apply to the P2XL?? I'm just wondering because, now that we're starting to see custom roms, if this would be a viable option, and simplify the updating process. Thank again for your great write up ??

Badger50 said:
Hey bud, wonder I I could pick your brain just a little. When doing monthly Google updates, are most of their proprietary files located in the boot, dtbo, and vendor images?? Your posts have intrigued me a little, and are very well written BTW. My reasoning is this. On my old 6p, about all we needed to do was flash the new vendor, and of course the bootloader and radio if there were any worthwhile improvements. Would the same possibly apply to the P2XL?? I'm just wondering because, now that we're starting to see custom roms, if this would be a viable option, and simplify the updating process. Thank again for your great write up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be perfectly honest with you, I haven't taken a dive to see what is in the OTA files and would imagine that it varies depending on the monthly updates.... that said, the only reason why I have stated to re-flash the stock boot.img is because if you are rooted with Magisk, it takes the stock boot.img and modifies it. In order to take an OTA sideload, you need to be on stock boot.img and stock recovery. dtbo is only in my process because there was one time when I tried to sideload and my dtbo wasn't stock (or corrupt). You may not need to flash the stock dtbo.img, but it doesn't hurt to do so.

WorldOfJohnboy said:
I'll be perfectly honest with you, I haven't taken a dive to see what is in the OTA files and would imagine that it varies depending on the monthly updates.... that said, the only reason why I have stated to re-flash the stock boot.img is because if you are rooted with Magisk, it takes the stock boot.img and modifies it. In order to take an OTA sideload, you need to be on stock boot.img and stock recovery. dtbo is only in my process because there was one time when I tried to sideload and my dtbo wasn't stock (or corrupt). You may not need to flash the stock dtbo.img, but it doesn't hurt to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really happy to see our device has graduated to this level of discussion, instead of the random guessing and 14 different "possible" routes to a solution. Lol
Custom roms abound, once TWRP gets squared away and someone master's the art of turning monthly updates into zip installs we'll pretty much be there!
Btw OP, great write up... Clear and precise!

I do not understand the purpose for downloading the full system image and then flashing only the OTA zip - what am I missing? There is a widely distributed method for performing monthly OTA updates by uninstalling Magisk, updating OTA normally, then flashing Magisk again - seems much simpler, any reason why it would not work?

Brenneke said:
I do not understand the purpose for downloading the full system image and then flashing only the OTA zip - what am I missing? There is a widely distributed method for performing monthly OTA updates by uninstalling Magisk, updating OTA normally, then flashing Magisk again - seems much simpler, any reason why it would not work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloading the full system image is not required. You only need the Stock versions of boot.img (required) and dtbo.img (optional) of the ROM version your phone is currently running. I actually keep a full system image on my phone in case something goes awry.
I'm going to update the OP to more clearly state that you only need the stock boot.img file--how you obtain it is up to you. Uninstalling Magisk will do the same exact thing, however I tried to do that a couple of months ago and it created more issues for me than if I had just flashed the stock boot.img in the first place.

WorldOfJohnboy said:
Downloading the full system image is not required. You only need the Stock versions of boot.img (required) and dtbo.img (optional) of the ROM version your phone is currently running. I actually keep a full system image on my phone in case something goes awry.
I'm going to update the OP to more clearly state that you only need the stock boot.img file--how you obtain it is up to you. Uninstalling Magisk will do the same exact thing, however I tried to do that a couple of months ago and it created more issues for me than if I had just flashed the stock boot.img in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not tried the uninstall Magisk method but plan to do so at next update. What kind of issues did it create for you?
Thanks.

Brenneke said:
I have not tried the uninstall Magisk method but plan to do so at next update. What kind of issues did it create for you?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some reason, I don't think it restored the correct (or not corrupted) boot.img version. Then, there were remnants of the Magisk APK and other files so I ended up having to do a full TiBu of my apps and flashed (with wipe) a full System image. It may have been something I did or just my bad luck, but I prefer not to chance it and instead manually flash the Stock image as my "guide" here states.

Help with soft brick

Hi guys,
I got the ASUS Zenfone 3 Zoom and started playing with it. Unfortunately I managed to soft brick it and somehow I can't go back to stock. Here are all the things I did. I would be happy to get any ideas what to try next:
1. unlocked the bootloader - using asus's official unlock tool
2. flashed twrp recovery - twrp-3.2.1-0-Z01H-20180304.img, using:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
3. updated asus's firmware to the latest official one:
copying UL-Z01H-WW-71.60.139.30.zip onto internal memory
android detects the update and applying it using android
4. Enabling lock pattern at boot (from android settings). Correct pattern required even when booting into recovery
5. Installing supersu via twrp:
adb reboot recovery
installing supersu
wiping caches (the cache partition cannot be wiped)
6. SuperSu working (tested via android)
7. Reading about Magisk. Trying to install magisk via twrp. Magisk's installer complained that the system is not vanilla (due to SuperSu modifications). Have to uninstall SuperSu to return to previous state.
8. Tried uninstalling SuperSu from the program itself (in android). The uninstaller got stuck. The phone become unresponsive and had to reboot.
9. Found a script packaged as an executable zip (to be installed via twrp) that will uninstall SuperSu and return system to pristine state (SuperSu makes a backup of the files it changes before installation) - UPDATE-unSU-signed.zip. Uninstallation worked.
10. Magisk installation still complained about the bootloader. Then things started to go wrong. I unpacked the latest firware UL-Z01H-WW-71.60.139.30.zip, took out boot.img and tried to flash just the bootloader
fastboot flash boot boot.img
11. Upon reboot the phone got stuck at the ASUS logo. Reboot into recovery and into fastboot still works (soft brick). Still shows unlock pattern at boot.
12. I tried flashing the original firmware using TWRP (install a zip). However the installation threw some errors. Unsuccessful.
13. I've tried flashing the system.img from the original firware using fastboot but still it's stuck at the ASUS logo at boot.
fastboot flash system system.img
Here I am stuck. I've read that TWRP cannot install properly the ASUS official firmware but if you flash the original recovery, it can probably flash it properly. Another thing that I think might explain why I cannot get out of the soft brick is that I've enabled the lock pattern at boot, which effectively encrypted some parts of the phone and I have a strong feeling this interferes with the boot process. I will look for a script/installable zip (via twrp) that can remove the lock.
I really need ideas/suggestions before I make something that will turn my phone into a hard brick. Thanks.

What you need to do is flash stock MM recovery from bootloader using "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img"
Since it came with MM preloaded you'll have to install the ROM using stock recovery via adb. It'll take a while, but after that you should upgrade to the latest MM update.
After that, update to any Nougat patch update you wish to receive, because I still haven't figured out yet how to apply them all with @shakalaca's recovery images.
Once you're done, you can install twrp again and flash magisk.
Good luck and hope this helped you

Thanks
+)KEV1N(+ said:
What you need to do is flash stock MM recovery from bootloader using "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img"
Since it came with MM preloaded you'll have to install the ROM using stock recovery via adb. It'll take a while, but after that you should upgrade to the latest MM update.
After that, update to any Nougat patch update you wish to receive, because I still haven't figured out yet how to apply them all with @shakalaca's recovery images.
Once you're done, you can install twrp again and flash magisk.
Good luck and hope this helped you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
I tried to find a stock recovery images but unsuccessful. Can you tell me where to get it from?

Here's a link to Shakalaca's recovery images.
In the Old folder you'll find MM stock recoveries.
https://mega.nz/#F!p90wgAaY!l1JbJilmAUEKTKWu43pT9w!I89QgZpK
Flash 11.40.86.75 recovery
Boot into recovery
Flash 11.40.86.75 stock rom via adb (it'll take a while)
Once it's done, boot into Android.
Download your respective region's latest MM rom.
Send it to your micro sd.
Install it once Android detects the update file.
(It won't work with custom recovery. I tried every recovery Shakalaca has and only those two seem to work)
Once on the latest MM rom install any nougat patch update you wish to apply, because once you have a nougat rom, you can't boot stock recovery. (As far as my testings went)
So if I were you, I'd go for any update after the zenui 4.0 update since it's a bit better looking imo.
After that final update you can flash TWRP to root your phone. I prefer using magisk, since it doesn't modify the system files.
All you need to do is flash magisk and that's it. No need for SuperSU or anything else. And by any means, do NOT wipe your cache partition once you flash TWRP, otherwise you'll get stuck on the Asus logo during boot.
If you wish to retain the "certified" status in google play store's device certification, do NOT go into the play store before installing magisk. Also, don't delete play store data, otherwise you'll lose your previous purchases.
This post was longer than I initially thought it'd be, but I guess this sums it up pretty well.
Good luck

+)KEV1N(+ said:
Here's a link to Shakalaca's recovery images.
In the Old folder you'll find MM stock recoveries.
-- [link] removed due to XDA regulations
Flash 11.40.86.75 recovery
Boot into recovery
Flash 11.40.86.75 stock rom via adb (it'll take a while)
Once it's done, boot into Android.
Download your respective region's latest MM rom.
Send it to your micro sd.
Install it once Android detects the update file.
(It won't work with custom recovery. I tried every recovery Shakalaca has and only those two seem to work)
Once on the latest MM rom install any nougat patch update you wish to apply, because once you have a nougat rom, you can't boot stock recovery. (As far as my testings went)
So if I were you, I'd go for any update after the zenui 4.0 update since it's a bit better looking imo.
After that final update you can flash TWRP to root your phone. I prefer using magisk, since it doesn't modify the system files.
All you need to do is flash magisk and that's it. No need for SuperSU or anything else. And by any means, do NOT wipe your cache partition once you flash TWRP, otherwise you'll get stuck on the Asus logo during boot.
If you wish to retain the "certified" status in google play store's device certification, do NOT go into the play store before installing magisk. Also, don't delete play store data, otherwise you'll lose your previous purchases.
This post was longer than I initially thought it'd be, but I guess this sums it up pretty well.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I managed to flash 11.40.86.75 and stock ROM using your instructions. I will look now into updating and applying magisk. Just a final question. You mentioned to install Nougat patch update and not a full firmware, but my phone came preloaded with Nougat. Will this be a problem? I installed stock 71.60.139.30 and it worked fine (i was able to boot into twrp).

mollonado said:
Thanks, I managed to flash 11.40.86.75 and stock ROM using your instructions. I will look now into updating and applying magisk. Just a final question. You mentioned to install Nougat patch update and not a full firmware, but my phone came preloaded with Nougat. Will this be a problem? I installed stock 71.60.139.30 and it worked fine (i was able to boot into twrp).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I misread your comment. I'm updating to the latest ROM and installing TWRP. Thanks for the help.

mollonado said:
Sorry I misread your comment. I'm updating to the latest ROM and installing TWRP. Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to help!
---------- Post added at 01:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:30 PM ----------
mollonado said:
Thanks, I managed to flash 11.40.86.75 and stock ROM using your instructions. I will look now into updating and applying magisk. Just a final question. You mentioned to install Nougat patch update and not a full firmware, but my phone came preloaded with Nougat. Will this be a problem? I installed stock 71.60.139.30 and it worked fine (i was able to boot into twrp).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It came preloaded with Nougat? Interesting.

+)KEV1N(+ said:
Glad to help!
---------- Post added at 01:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:30 PM ----------
It came preloaded with Nougat? Interesting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I managed to flash stock ROM - 71.60.139.30, but after that I can't flash twrp - twrp-3.2.1-0-Z01H-20180304.img. I tried with:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
but when I try to boot into recovery with:
adb reboot recovery
it goes into the stock recovery. Is there something I missed? Do I need to downgrade to flash TWRP?

mollonado said:
Hi I managed to flash stock ROM - 71.60.139.30, but after that I can't flash twrp - twrp-3.2.1-0-Z01H-20180304.img. I tried with:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
but when I try to boot into recovery with:
adb reboot recovery
it goes into the stock recovery. Is there something I missed? Do I need to downgrade to flash TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick question: which of these warnings do you get when you boot?
https://www.androidauthority.com/go...rrupted-and-modified-android-software-629180/
Also, did you try power cycling to get it to boot?
And since the version number made such a large jump, I believe they must have changed something internally with the latest update and that it's probably going to be one of the last Nougat updates before Oreo (which was delayed until June).
I still need to update to that version to check it out, but I might reset soon since I was waiting for Oreo to reset.

+)KEV1N(+ said:
Quick question: which of these warnings do you get when you boot?
https://www.androidauthority.com/go...rrupted-and-modified-android-software-629180/
Also, did you try power cycling to get it to boot?
And since the version number made such a large jump, I believe they must have changed something internally with the latest update and that it's probably going to be one of the last Nougat updates before Oreo (which was delayed until June).
I still need to update to that version to check it out, but I might reset soon since I was waiting for Oreo to reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Orange warning. It looks a bit different but the wording is the same. Yes, i tried powercycling and still I boot into the stock recovery. What can I do now? Is it possible to downgrade? I am not sure if I boot into stock recovery if it will let me flash an older stock ROM.

mollonado said:
I have the Orange warning. It looks a bit different but the wording is the same. Yes, i tried powercycling and still I boot into the stock recovery. What can I do now? Is it possible to downgrade? I am not sure if I boot into stock recovery if it will let me flash an older stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read here - https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/twrp-101-install-best-custom-recovery-for-android-0179547/
that once you flash twrp Android upon next reboot might overwrite it with the stock recovery. Is that possible?

mollonado said:
I read here - https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/twrp-101-install-best-custom-recovery-for-android-0179547/
that once you flash twrp Android upon next reboot might overwrite it with the stock recovery. Is that possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, how did you flash TWRP exactly? Using that guide? Or flashed through bootloader?
And to answer your question: yes, it happens sometimes.

+)KEV1N(+ said:
So, how did you flash TWRP exactly? Using that guide? Or flashed through bootloader?
And to answer your question: yes, it happens sometimes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I managed to get around it by directly booting into TWRP from fastboot. Yes, apparently unless I flash some TWRP files to the system partition upon next reboot, the recovery will return to stock. Anyway, I managed to install Magisk and Exposed framework and have been poking with those two for the last couple of days.
The youtube vanced app is great, but I found something that worries me. I can't login to facebook/twitter. I checked and the reason is I can't connect to the facebook.com or twitter.com https sites (even over chrome). I think either:
- I've installed some module which is messing with that
- my rooted phone is hacked
I've installed a module that is meant as ad blocker, that updates the hosts file. However I removed all modules and the problem remains. I really don't wanna start all over again just to check. And even if I reflash and it works, I will not know what caused it and how to fix it myself next time. Do you have any ideas on how to figure out what the problem is?
Regards,

mollonado said:
Hi, I managed to get around it by directly booting into TWRP from fastboot. Yes, apparently unless I flash some TWRP files to the system partition upon next reboot, the recovery will return to stock. Anyway, I managed to install Magisk and Exposed framework and have been poking with those two for the last couple of days.
The youtube vanced app is great, but I found something that worries me. I can't login to facebook/twitter. I checked and the reason is I can't connect to the facebook.com or twitter.com https sites (even over chrome). I think either:
- I've installed some module which is messing with that
- my rooted phone is hacked
I've installed a module that is meant as ad blocker, that updates the hosts file. However I removed all modules and the problem remains. I really don't wanna start all over again just to check. And even if I reflash and it works, I will not know what caused it and how to fix it myself next time. Do you have any ideas on how to figure out what the problem is?
Regards,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, my apologies for this late reply (Been superbusy with school and internship assignments)
Secondly, and that is why I only use magisk. Because once you mess with the host file, depending on what module you install, it can range from tripping safetynet to bootlooping.
So quick question, is it still in this state right now since 9 days ago?
Greetings,
Kevin

+)KEV1N(+ said:
Here's a link to Shakalaca's recovery images.
In the Old folder you'll find MM stock recoveries.
https://mega.nz/#F!p90wgAaY!l1JbJilmAUEKTKWu43pT9w!I89QgZpK
Flash 11.40.86.75 recovery
Boot into recovery
Flash 11.40.86.75 stock rom via adb (it'll take a while)
Once it's done, boot into Android.
Download your respective region's latest MM rom.
Send it to your micro sd.
Install it once Android detects the update file.
(It won't work with custom recovery. I tried every recovery Shakalaca has and only those two seem to work)
Once on the latest MM rom install any nougat patch update you wish to apply, because once you have a nougat rom, you can't boot stock recovery. (As far as my testings went)
So if I were you, I'd go for any update after the zenui 4.0 update since it's a bit better looking imo.
After that final update you can flash TWRP to root your phone. I prefer using magisk, since it doesn't modify the system files.
All you need to do is flash magisk and that's it. No need for SuperSU or anything else. And by any means, do NOT wipe your cache partition once you flash TWRP, otherwise you'll get stuck on the Asus logo during boot.
If you wish to retain the "certified" status in google play store's device certification, do NOT go into the play store before installing magisk. Also, don't delete play store data, otherwise you'll lose your previous purchases.
This post was longer than I initially thought it'd be, but I guess this sums it up pretty well.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made a mistake and could not install recovery stock, I followed what you wrote in the beginning install MM recovery and so I did a hard reset and I was able to install the most current recovery stock and installed ROM Oreo, Thanks. Sorry, I'm on google translator.

Help Plz...Stock recovery missing and unable to install any recovery !

Thanks in advance......i'm so frustrated feel ripping my **** off.. being struggling with this for 3 days...
I was on official stock 7.0 nougat (generic russian), genesis kernel drmfix & Twrp for about a year with no issue. In fact that's my 1st and only attempt in flashing this phone. Decided to upgrade to 8.0. Big mistake!?!
Used Emma flash to flash the latest stock 8.0 release for my region, Asia. It booted up fine, all was well. I read that flashing stock will simply remove root and twrp. But i realized stock recovery was missing as well. And i can't restore any kind of recovery no matter what i tried. Suggestions please !
When i tried to enter recovery, the phone simply vibrated twice, and then 3 times quickly. If i continue holding the buttons, it goes into a loop of black screen and boot screen.
Tried flashing twrp via adb/fastboot. It appeared successful . No error messages. File size and time taken was also reported. But no recovery upon rebooting.
Fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
I can only flash roms using Emma, Flashtool ftf always fail with a 'no loader' found message.
Tried re-flashing mm, nougat and oreo via Emma. Phone runs well for all but again no stock recovery.
Don't know what else to do or what the problem is......
If i reflash to stock rom and relock boot loader without any recovery, it that dangerous?

Baron Zemo said:
Thanks in advance......i'm so frustrated feel ripping my **** off.. being struggling with this for 3 days...
I was on official stock 7.0 nougat (generic russian), genesis kernel drmfix & Twrp for about a year with no issue. In fact that's my 1st and only attempt in flashing this phone. Decided to upgrade to 8.0. Big mistake!?!
Used Emma flash to flash the latest stock 8.0 release for my region, Asia. It booted up fine, all was well. I read that flashing stock will simply remove root and twrp. But i realized stock recovery was missing as well. And i can't restore any kind of recovery no matter what i tried. Suggestions please !
When i tried to enter recovery, the phone simply vibrated twice, and then 3 times quickly. If i continue holding the buttons, it goes into a loop of black screen and boot screen.
Tried flashing twrp via adb/fastboot. It appeared successful . No error messages. File size and time taken was also reported. But no recovery upon rebooting.
Fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
I can only flash roms using Emma, Flashtool ftf always fail with a 'no loader' found message.
Tried re-flashing mm, nougat and oreo via Emma. Phone runs well for all but again no stock recovery.
Don't know what else to do or what the problem is......
If i reflash to stock rom and relock boot loader without any recovery, it that dangerous?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/x-compact/how-to/stock-8-0-root-recovery-t3747479
1. Download 'Modded boot img for 34.4.A.2.118' from that thread
2. Flash stock with Emma
3. Don't turn on the phone, go to fastboot and flash the boot img and TWRP img

levone1 said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/x-compact/how-to/stock-8-0-root-recovery-t3747479
1. Download 'Modded boot img for 34.4.A.2.118' from that thread
2. Flash stock with Emma
3. Don't turn on the phone, go to fastboot and flash the boot img and TWRP img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Thanks for the reply
1. Done
2. Which do i choose in Emma? Software update content (erases user content) or Firmware update versions.
Also must i choose the stock rom which must tally with boot img 34.4.A.2.118? ie. the rom version which ends with .118?
3. Fingers crossed.

Baron Zemo said:
Hi, Thanks for the reply
1. Done
2. Which do i choose in Emma? Software update content (erases user content) or Firmware update versions.
Also must i choose the stock rom which must tally with boot img 34.4.A.2.118? ie. the rom version which ends with .118?
3. Fingers crossed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, flash 118 fw. If you want to save data, back it up first.

levone1 said:
Yes, flash 118 fw. If you want to save data, back it up first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have given up I followed the instructions explicitly.
Tried flashing latest stock from different regions via Emma, Flashtool/xperifirm and ftfs from online depositories. Then flashed with the corresponding downloaded boot.img, then TWRP without any rebooting inbetween. Even created patched boot.img from extracted .elf files to try. There was no error messages or anything.
Recovery runs fine. But starting normally it either boot loops are stuck at Sony logo.
Is there any other way to get the drm restored? Can i root it via common methods and work my way from there?

Baron Zemo said:
I have given up I followed the instructions explicitly.
Tried flashing latest stock from different regions via Emma, Flashtool/xperifirm and ftfs from online depositories. Then flashed with the corresponding downloaded boot.img, then TWRP without any rebooting inbetween. Even created patched boot.img from extracted .elf files to try. There was no error messages or anything.
Recovery runs fine. But starting normally it either boot loops are stuck at Sony logo.
Is there any other way to get the drm restored? Can i root it via common methods and work my way from there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you full wipe before flashing, or when flashing, (check boxes in 'wipe' section)?

levone1 said:
Did you full wipe before flashing, or when flashing, (check boxes in 'wipe' section)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i use flash tool, i ticked all boxes under Wipe sin during stock rom flashing. All the rest (exclude sin & misc TAs) are unchecked. No other wiping during the process.
If i use Emma, there's no chance to wipe anything, it's auto flash stock rom, then flash boot.img, then flash Twrp, then reboot to a boot loop.
btw, i've tried latest twrp 3.2.3 and 3.2.1
Also, when i flash stock, is stock recovery supposed to return? Twrp just gets removed, and i don't have any recovery at all.
Am i cursed?

Baron Zemo said:
If i use flash tool, i ticked all boxes under Wipe sin during stock rom flashing. All the rest (exclude sin & misc TAs) are unchecked. No other wiping during the process.
If i use Emma, there's no chance to wipe anything, it's auto flash stock rom, then flash boot.img, then flash Twrp, then reboot to a boot loop.
btw, i've tried latest twrp 3.2.3 and 3.2.1
Also, when i flash stock, is stock recovery supposed to return? Twrp just gets removed, and i don't have any recovery at all.
Am i cursed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you can boot to Sony stock recovery. If you flash stock 118, then flash modded boot img and TWRP, and reboot, I don't know why it wouldn't work. Many have done it. Just to be sure -
1. To enter recovery, you power off, then press power and volume down together, until vibration.
2. First boot takes a while. Wait a good 10 minutes to be sure.

levone1 said:
I don't think you can boot to Sony stock recovery. If you flash stock 118, then flash modded boot img and TWRP, and reboot, I don't know why it wouldn't work. Many have done it. Just to be sure -
1. To enter recovery, you power off, then press power and volume down together, until vibration.
2. First boot takes a while. Wait a good 10 minutes to be sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's why it's so odd to me. Not the 1st time i'm doing this too. I would have waited even longer if it was stuck, but it was looping continuously back to the start.
I suspect could simply be a hardware fault developed. Anyway, i've given up. Probably best excuse to get a new phone
Many thanks for trying to help :good:

I haven't been able to get mine to reboot to recovery either, so i just boot recovery.img from fastboot anytime I want to mod. Kinda annoying but I haven't figured a way around it.