Database Users

Towelroot Discussion Thread

Most of us were talking about Towelroot over in Jcase's PIE thread or over in collinjames' thread, but I think it's time it deserves it's own thread.
UPDATE:
@iKrYpToNiTe made the awesome TowelPieRoot which makes this method easier to use. You can still use this thread to root your phone, but I will be using his method from now on. Happy rooting!
Important Links:
Geohot's original post.
Towelroot's Homepage
Mod Strings
What is Towelroot?
Towelroot is a rooting method for most android phones, and it uses an apk to obtain root (dead simple too, push one button, no need for other tools and workarounds). (source)
Why do we use Towelroot in conjunction with PIE?
PIE nor Towelroot disables write protection. Both of them offer a temporary root that has to be applied after a reboot. The advantage to Towelroot is that it is an APK that sits on device, so unlike PIE, Towelroot can be run later, non-tethered to a PC, should you have to power off/on. So you use PIE first while tethered and initially rooting, then Towelroot allows you to continue rooting "on the go" in the future without needing a PC.
How does it work with the Moto X?
It works the same as PIE. It gives root access but the device is still write protected. It is also temporary and must be reapplied after a reboot. However, a soft/hot reboot can keep the root access, due to soft/hot reboots only rebooting the graphical Android shell.
What does it work on?
XT1049 - Republic Wireless, not confirmed, should work.
XT1052 - European
XT1053 -T-Mobile US, not confirmed, should work.
XT1055 - US Cellular, not confirmed, should work.
XT1056 - Sprint, not confirmed, should work.
XT1058 - AT&T, Rogers, Claro, Movistar, Vivo, Oi, TIM
XT1060 - Verizon
How do I use this tool?
Remember to apply PIE first!
1. On your device, go to here.It will start to download the .apk
3. On your device, go to Settings>Security>Unknown Sources and tick the box.
4. Run the downloaded apk, tr3.apk
5. Press "welcome to towelroot" 3 times.
6. Replace the last 0 with a 1, due to modstrings.
7. make it ra1n
Your device should now be rooted and you should be able to use apps such as Greenify and Titanium Backup.
Some applications that should work with root, might not work with this method.
Some people have experimented with using Superuser apps, but I have not seen a consistent method to use one.
How are we keeping root after reboots?
We aren't rebooting! Seriously, we soft/hot reboot which allows us to keep root after a graphical reboot. And even if you do reboot, you can always reapply the root with Towelroot. You just need to make sure you have applied jcase's PIE before hand.
Xposed:
jpond83 posted up some instructions in the PIE thread about how to get Xposed to work:
Make sure you have installed PIE before you try to use Xposed or it will NOT work. View jcase's PIE thread for more details.
jpond83 said:
1) install towelroot. Xposed installer, Busybox installer, power menu
2)run towelroot, click "welcome to towelroot", replace 0 with 1, make it rain.
3) run xposed and click install
4) run busybox installer and click install
5) run power menu and click "hot reboot"
6) enjoy root without using a PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Current problems/bugs
Some users have problems with soft/hot rebooting. Reapply PIE.
Random reboots.
Warning about using this exploit
Myself or anyone that has helped develop this are not responsible for anything that occurs to your phone by using this method.
As for this thread, feel free to post your experiences with this tool or any supplements to add.

I'm glad this finally has a dedicated thread. Good job OP

I finally got it working. When I installed SuperSU it was lagging. But I kept it off. I even have hkthememanager running with KitKat all white settings from the nexus forum.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Free mobile app

The softboot/hot boot issue comes from not having busybox installed.

jpond83 said:
The softboot/hot boot issue comes from not having busybox installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've installed 3 different Busybox installers:
Busybox by Stephen (Stericson)
Busybox Installer by JRummy Apps Inc.
Busybox X by Robert Nediyakalaparambil [root]
The first and the third one said they installed successfully, but the second one did not.
Even after 2 installations succeeding, I was still unable to soft/hot reboot.
Any ideas?

I use busybox installer with the blue icon. Never had a issue with softboot as long as I install everything in the order I stated in the other thread.

jpond83 said:
I use busybox installer with the blue icon. Never had a issue with softboot as long as I install everything in the order I stated in the other thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guessing that is the Busybox Installer , I just get this when I try to install it. I have root access, but Busybox is not installing.
But when I use Busybox by Stephen, it says it installs correctly, and my Busybox checker says it does too, but Power Menu still won't Hot Reboot.

Have you ran pie root before? It needs to be ran on the device once before for it to work.

jpond83 said:
Have you ran pie root before? It needs to be ran on the device once before for it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Replying the PIE exploit has seemed to fix it. Thank you.
Should I add to the original post that you need to install PIE?

dier325 said:
Replying the PIE exploit has seemed to fix it. Thank you.
Should I add to the original post that you need to install PIE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, its a must. It should only need to be ran once. After that you should never need it again unless you factory reset.

jpond83 said:
Have you ran pie root before? It needs to be ran on the device once before for it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so you need to use PIE to make stuff work under towelroot work on the X?
If so, why not just stick with PIE? Why add towelroot?

KidJoe said:
Wait, so you need to use PIE to make stuff work under towelroot work on the X?
If so, why not just stick with PIE? Why add towelroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read??? You only need to use pie once. After that you can reboot your phone as much as you want and just root with towelroot.

KidJoe said:
Wait, so you need to use PIE to make stuff work under towelroot work on the X?
If so, why not just stick with PIE? Why add towelroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Towelroot can work just by itself, but PIE adds some functionality that allows for easier softbooting.

jpond83 said:
Did you read??? You only need to use pie once. After that you can reboot your phone as much as you want and just root with towelroot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry that it bothers you so much that I have a question I'm asking. But if you must know, YES I READ. I've read this thread, the PIE thread, and Does Towel Root have any potential in the Motorola field?
And if you can read, you would know that you didn't even answer my question of "why use both?". Instead you just sort of flaming me for asking something and said pie only needs to be run once which is already stated very clearly in what I quoted.
What I'm getting at with my question is something that is implied, but not stated.....
It is understood that since neither PIE nor Towelroot disables write protection on locked bootloaders, if you root with either PIE or Towelroot, you need to re-root after power off/on (or "hard" reboot as some are calling it). It appears the advantage to Towelroot is that it is an APK that sits on device, so unlike PIE, Towelroot can be run later, non-tethered to a PC, should you have to power off/on. So you use PIE first while tethered and initially rooting, then whatever it does allows Towelroot APK to continue working properly when "on the go" in the future without needing a PC.
If that is truly the case, then I think that should be highlighted better, and @dier325 should add it to the OP as many are missing that bit of information. It would also cut out some of the frustration by those encountering issues when running PIE again, after they had to power off/on. (as they could use PIE when first setting up, then towelroot if they lose root while away from their PC).
But it does beg a few more questions (at least by someone who is READING all of this, but not using either PIE or TowelRoot)...
Is PIE needed once before Towelroot only if you want Xposed? Or is it always needed once if you ever plan on using Towelroot? (i.e. Are there any cases where Towelroot alone works? like if you only want to block ads or tether. Or must you have used PIE once already, if you want to make use of Towelroot to root at all?)
Must it be done in a certain order? I.e. if you've used towelroot and realized you forgot PIE, can you just run PIE and be good? or must you reboot, use PIE, then use Towelroot again?
What changes are made by PIE that survive power off/on and enable Towelroot to work when trying to use Xposed?
If this information is accurate, can Geohot and Jcase work together on a single solution, and possibly single on device solution for the X?

KidJoe said:
It is understood that since neither PIE nor Towelroot disables write protection on locked bootloaders, if you root with either PIE or Towelroot, you need to re-root after power off/on (or "hard" reboot as some are calling it). It appears the advantage to Towelroot is that it is an APK that sits on device, so unlike PIE, Towelroot can be run later, non-tethered to a PC, should you have to power off/on. So you use PIE first while tethered and initially rooting, then whatever it does allows Towelroot APK to continue working properly when "on the go" in the future without needing a PC.
If that is truly the case, then I think that should be highlighted better, and @dier325 should add it to the OP as many are missing that bit of information. It would also cut out some of the frustration by those encountering issues when running PIE again, after they had to power off/on. (as they could use PIE when first setting up, then towelroot if they lose root while away from their PC).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a great explanation of why we are using both. I will add a paragraph to the OP that paraphrases what you just said.
KidJoe said:
Is PIE needed once before Towelroot only if you want Xposed? Or is it always needed once if you ever plan on using Towelroot? (i.e. Are there any cases where Towelroot alone works? like if you only want to block ads or tether. Or must you have used PIE once already, if you want to make use of Towelroot to root at all?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Towelroot alone works, but we've found that some applications (i.e. Xposed, Busybox) don't work unless you have PIE. Using them together allows us to use them.
KidJoe said:
[*]Must it be done in a certain order? I.e. if you've used towelroot and realized you forgot PIE, can you just run PIE and be good? or must you reboot, use PIE, then use Towelroot again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The method of each one must be done in order but it does not matter which one you apply first to the device. In fact I just had Towelroot running on my device and then applied PIE allowing for Xposed to work.
KidJoe said:
[*]What changes are made by PIE that survive power off/on and enable Towelroot to work when trying to use Xposed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PIE allows us to keep Busybox installed on the device which allows us to Soft/hot reboot.
KidJoe said:
[*]If this information is accurate, can Geohot and Jcase work together on a single solution, and possibly single on device solution for the X?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to remind everyone that there are very few of us who are using both of these methods together currently. It is fine for these questions to be brought up for the uninitiated. As for them working together, I think Jcase stated that he wants to move away from the X, as well as I think he is on holiday due to his current signature. I don't know about Geohot but some people have created a thread over in the Moto G forum raising some money to buy the device for him after he said he would try to work on it if he had one.

I have jcases pie root on my x and g and i either always soft boot in xposed framework and keep phone on airplane mode when not in use and charge when necessary

KidJoe said:
If that is truly the case, then I think that should be highlighted better, and @dier325 should add it to the OP as many are missing that bit of information. It would also cut out some of the frustration by those encountering issues when running PIE again, after they had to power off/on. (as they could use PIE when first setting up, then towelroot if they lose root while away from their PC).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have added another section to the OP explaining the situation.
cell2011 said:
I have jcases pie root on my x and g and i either always soft boot in xposed framework and keep phone on airplane mode when not in use and charge when necessary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding them together allows you to root without having to use a PC if you do reboot your device, say it dies.

Thanks guys for clearing this up. I think Towel root should be renamed to something less middle east reference and it would be welcomed more.

So basically if we want more functionality with our root, we should do PIE first? I clicked over onto the PIE page but didn't really how it's done. I have towelroot down, but it seems PIE is a good idea to use in combo with towel root. I could be missing something though cause I'm in the XDA app at work.
I do understand though that PIE is a one time thing and we should just use towel root thereafter when we reboot and need to reroot again.
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Free mobile app

Using PIE in conjunction with Towelroot allows you to use apps such as Xposed.
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA-FORUM, powered by appyet.com

If Phone is Rooted and At A Store You Want to Use Google Pay..

If you have rooted your N6P and you are at a store and want to use Google Pay, is there a way of quickly (on the fly as it were ) unrooting the phone,, making purchase and then rerooting?

Go into SuperSU. Uncheck Enable Superuser. Add your cards. Turn root back on and you're good to go. It appears the only caveat to root is that you're unable to add payment methods. You should be able to pay.

Cares said:
Go into SuperSU. Uncheck Enable Superuser. Add your cards. Turn root back on and you're good to go. It appears the only caveat to root is that you're unable to add payment methods. You should be able to pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you actually tested this at a terminal? Everything I've read says root or custom roms will not work with Android Pay. You can unroot and add the cards, but it will still not function at a POS terminal. I am yet to find someone that can confirm it works the way you mentioned. Everyone agrees that you can add the cards... but that's where the functionality stops.

Tried this method on my Nexus 6. It knows I'm rooted, even if I've disabled SU entirely and rebooted.

Have a search about, at least one of two people have confirmed that they have paid with root disabled, but only if the system partition hasn't been changed

So how do you ensure the system partition is not changed?

kboya said:
Have a search about, at least one of two people have confirmed that they have paid with root disabled, but only if the system partition hasn't been changed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pardon my ignorance here... but doesn't rooting the device modify the system partition? If not... maybe that's the difference with the other threads I've seen. Everyone was using custom roms as far as I know. I'd like to be able to root so I can use adblocker and still use Android Pay. I can live without a custom rom on stock android... but I really miss adblocker.

teknomar7 said:
Have you actually tested this at a terminal? Everything I've read says root or custom roms will not work with Android Pay. You can unroot and add the cards, but it will still not function at a POS terminal. I am yet to find someone that can confirm it works the way you mentioned. Everyone agrees that you can add the cards... but that's where the functionality stops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just added my cards. I'll test it out later today. Need to find a store that takes Android Pay

teknomar7 said:
Pardon my ignorance here... but doesn't rooting the device modify the system partition? If not... maybe that's the difference with the other threads I've seen. Everyone was using custom roms as far as I know. I'd like to be able to root so I can use adblocker and still use Android Pay. I can live without a custom rom on stock android... but I really miss adblocker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a root without changing system. As I said, have a search about. I read it earlier today or perhaps yesterday. There's a thread about the root without system.

Thanks... found the link.
http://www.xda-developers.com/chainfire-releases-root-for-android-6-0-without-modifying-system/

cool, no worries.

So I can confirm that Android Pay will not let you add cards while rooted, but it will let you complete a payment at a terminal while root in SuperSU is enabled. So once you have your payments setup, you can root and use Android Pay.
I own a store with a terminal that accepts Android Pay and have tested it a few different ways over the past 2 days. Every way worked. Unrooted, root simply disabled, root enabled.
The only thing root does is makes it so you can't add a card.
And I have regular root, not the new systemless root.

ArkAngel06 said:
So I can confirm that Android Pay will not let you add cards while rooted, but it will let you complete a payment at a terminal while root in SuperSU is enabled. So once you have your payments setup, you can root and use Android Pay.
I own a store with a terminal that accepts Android Pay and have tested it a few different ways over the past 2 days. Every way worked. Unrooted, root simply disabled, root enabled.
The only thing root does is makes it so you can't add a card.
And I have regular root, not the new systemless root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you still pay after a reboot? Thanks.

It works. I wish the misinformation would simply stop. It has worked on devices in the past, it works on devices now and it will most likely work on devices in the future. We had threads before launch how root would disable bank apps, fingerprint sensor, android pay etc and it is all simply untrue.
It works.

boxcar8028 said:
Can you still pay after a reboot? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, I'll have to try tomorrow.

Was this explanation debunked, then?
http://www.xda-developers.com/googl...-with-root-and-android-pay-in-the-xda-forums/

You
Aridon said:
It works. I wish the misinformation would simply stop. It has worked on devices in the past, it works on devices now and it will most likely work on devices in the future. We had threads before launch how root would disable bank apps, fingerprint sensor, android pay etc and it is all simply untrue.
It works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but Google stated that Android Pay can't be used with root. So of course there will some question to it.
source
And root absolutely does effect Android Pay. However if seems only while adding payment methods, and nothing once they are added.

What Google is using to determine if the device has been tampered with: https://koz.io/inside-safetynet/
Its definitely an interesting and pretty secure setup. Since it seems to happen real-time, maybe they turned off the "su_files" check and thats why Android Pay works on rooted devices now.

boxcar8028 said:
Can you still pay after a reboot? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So tried it again today after rebooting with root enabled and it does not work. So there you go. Android Pay does not work while rooted, period.
It does work with root simply disabled in the SuperSu app and then a reboot.
Maybe the new systemless root, though chainfire said if it does work, it was unintentional and Google will probably patch it.

ArkAngel06 said:
So tried it again today after rebooting with root enabled and it does not work. So there you go. Android Pay does not work while rooted, period.
It does work with root simply disabled in the SuperSu app and then a reboot.
Maybe the new systemless root, though chainfire said if it does work, it was unintentional and Google will probably patch it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct. If you try to pay, after adding your cards and re rooting, it will fail.
You must disable root again to pay. You can reenable after.

Magisk

Has anyone tried Magisk (http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/mod-magisk-v1-universal-systemless-t3432382) on the A7 yet? I'd love to be able to root and still have ability to use Android Pay.

tdgillihan said:
Has anyone tried Magisk (http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/mod-magisk-v1-universal-systemless-t3432382) on the A7 yet? I'd love to be able to root and still have ability to use Android Pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was wondering about this too. Not entirely confident about what things to reflash in case things go wrong otherwise wouldve tried this.

So just took a risk and tried it and the phh's SuperUser didn't provide root. Might have to do something with how the latest SuperSU doesn't work either?

reddrago said:
So just took a risk and tried it and the phh's SuperUser didn't provide root. Might have to do something with how the latest SuperSU doesn't work either?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chinese A2017 it worked... But I used the super user app as suggested by Tenfar on his rooting guide...

tdgillihan said:
Has anyone tried Magisk (http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/mod-magisk-v1-universal-systemless-t3432382) on the A7 yet? I'd love to be able to root and still have ability to use Android Pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried it on my Moto X Play. Magisk and Xposed have no influence on Android Pay. But rooting (Phh's SU with Magisk) caused SafetyNet test turned red. It looks like Google suceeded to eliminate any coexistence between root and AP.

piskr said:
I've tried it on my Moto X Play. Magisk and Xposed have no influence on Android Pay. But rooting (Phh's SU with Magisk) caused SafetyNet test turned red. It looks like Google suceeded to eliminate any coexistence between root and AP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try using AP or check with SafetyNet after flipping the switch in Magisk to show it as unrooted?

tdgillihan said:
Did you try using AP or check with SafetyNet after flipping the switch in Magisk to show it as unrooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just ran SafetyNet and reverted to unrooted after. As far as I know failing with SafetyNet means that AP won't work.

ultramag69 said:
Chinese A2017 it worked... But I used the super user app as suggested by Tenfar on his rooting guide...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Hmmm, that's weird. Have you confirmed root and have you tried AP?
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.

piskr said:
Just ran SafetyNet and reverted to unrooted after. As far as I know failing with SafetyNet means that AP won't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The whole point of this is that you flip the switch and you're temp unrooted for whatever duration you chose. 5min is default I think. If you didn't try that then you never really checked to see if it would work before dumping it.
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.

tdgillihan said:
The whole point of this is that you flip the switch and you're temp unrooted for whatever duration you chose. 5min is default I think. If you didn't try that then you never really checked to see if it would work before dumping it.
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks, I'll find the time to try it again. But temporally unroot with Chainfire superSU didn't help. I used superSU without Magisk though, it was systemless and it worked with AP in the beginning. Seems that AP checked only system changes then. It worked till recently when Google obviously cut off AP from rooted phones.

piskr said:
Ok, thanks, I'll find the time to try it again. But temporally unroot with Chainfire superSU didn't help. I used superSU without Magisk though, it was systemless and it worked with AP in the beginning. Seems that AP checked only system changes then. It worked till recently when Google obviously cut off AP from rooted phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're running a custom ROM it may or may not work. Some are saying it does and others not. But if we're talking about the A7 here that'll be stock for now.
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.

tdgillihan said:
Really? Hmmm, that's weird. Have you confirmed root and have you tried AP?
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using apps that require root, have the sd card fix done so EVERYTHING can use the sd card, file managers can't usually move or delete files on unrooted device, use clocksync so I have accurate time and have titanium backup installed. Haven't played with titanium backup but everything else works brilliantly...
Used Root Checker by joeykrim and it confirmed root...
It is phh's SuperUser app on playstore. Seems to work fine...

ultramag69 said:
I'm using apps that require root, have the sd card fix done so EVERYTHING can use the sd card, file managers can't usually move or delete files on unrooted device, use clocksync so I have accurate time and have titanium backup installed. Haven't played with titanium backup but everything else works brilliantly...
Used Root Checker by joeykrim and it confirmed root...
It is phh's SuperUser app on playstore. Seems to work fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, are you saying that the su in tenfars locked bl root is phh's? I didn't know that. That's good, then when he gets it working for the 2017u this should work on it as well.
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.

tdgillihan said:
Wait, are you saying that the su in tenfars locked bl root is phh's? I didn't know that. That's good, then when he gets it working for the 2017u this should work on it as well.
Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know , I just downloaded the root manager Tenfars recommended from play store...
It works fine...

Are there any new reports on this subject? I have been able to successfully install Magisk and PHH SU on a Nexus 6P , but using the identical procedure on my Axon 7 (U) does not work. I am puzzled.

Magisk installs fine (busybox is detected) on A2017U but root + Magisk does not work. Going to keep testing some options and methods and I'll let you know.
SuperSU fails during install after extract.
phh-superuser install completes but no root.

lokissmile said:
Magisk installs fine (busybox is detected) on A2017U but root + Magisk does not work. Going to keep testing some options and methods and I'll let you know.
SuperSU fails during install after extract.
phh-superuser install completes but no root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No luck so far, my gut thinks it's an issue with the kernel / boot.img patch. Sorry guys I'm going to keep banging on this one but it might take me a bit as I don't have a linux box up right now. Can someone that has a Chinese model get me a copy of the patched boot.img?

lokissmile said:
No luck so far, my gut thinks it's an issue with the kernel / boot.img patch. Sorry guys I'm going to keep banging on this one but it might take me a bit as I don't have a linux box up right now. Can someone that has a Chinese model get me a copy of the patched boot.img?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's my thought too, since magisk seems not to create a log in /cache as it should and doesn't reaveal itself via logcat it looks like it doesn't realy get executed.
The guys in the common magisk were not realy able to help, guess we have to dig more into the init.rc script / boot.img patch. But might be that it get's fixed with v7 anyway, hope @topjohnwu is able to get it done quickly (or maybe has some ideas he how to debug it more, i didn't get an answer from him in the common, probably way too crowded magisk thread - goddamn pokemongo!)

Subscribing. Would like to get this working as well.

Edit: I've gone ahead and opened up a thread so it is easy to find: http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-installing-magisk-systemless-phhs-t3524270
We're up to Magisk V9 now and it still doesn't work. I'm almost certain it has to do with the execution of the patched boot.img, due to the write-protected /system partition. I finally got it working by using the the method in the guide I posted.

Google assistant

Has anyone received Google Assistant on their phones yet? Just curious.

Yep. You can force it with a build.prop edit. It worked for me, but I think there are mixed reports. Root required.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71272192&postcount=1520

I'm surprised to hear some people still don't have GA natively. I'm a long time HTC user, but I just bought my 10 last Fri. it's pretty sweet. although, I must say, I still REALLY like my One M8.

SilverZero said:
Yep. You can force it with a build.prop edit. It worked for me, but I think there are mixed reports. Root required.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71272192&postcount=1520
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked my bootloader Saturday but I'm reluctant to root because I don't want to lose Android Pay. If I can modify some the build.prop for Google Assistant and get wi-fi hotspot then reboot so I can use Android pay then I might.

misfiremind said:
I unlocked my bootloader Saturday but I'm reluctant to root because I don't want to lose Android Pay. If I can modify some the build.prop for Google Assistant and get wi-fi hotspot then reboot so I can use Android pay then I might.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm S-ON, unlocked bootloader, newest N firmware and latest Bad Boyz ROM (full version with MagiskSU, not SuperSU) and I have Android Pay working just fine. No reboot necessary, just use Magisk Manager to hide Magisk from Android Pay.

SilverZero said:
I'm S-ON, unlocked bootloader, newest N firmware and latest Bad Boyz ROM (full version with MagiskSU, not SuperSU) and I have Android Pay working just fine. No reboot necessary, just use Magisk Manager to hide Magisk from Android Pay.
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Click to collapse
I know, but I've rooted and messed with custom ROMs on every phone I've had and I'm kind of tired of messing with that stuff. Really I think the best thing I could do is buy a Pixel. I'm tired of the different phone manufacturers and their bloated ROMs and the constant problems that custom ROMs have. At least for right now. Thanks though. I'll keep it in mind if I ever feel like jacking with that stuff again.

"OK Google" Always on!!??
So has anyone else noticed this?
The attached screenshot shows the settings for the "ok google" always listening feature. I know this feature is useful to launch google from any screen or even when the screen is off but I do not want this on for privacy reasons. I was always able to disable it on Marshmallow but now with N even when i turn it off it turns back on.
How to try to reproduce:
Turn off the feature
Exit the settings menu
Go back to the Ok google settings and see if its enabled again.
Is this happening to anyone else!?

misfiremind said:
I unlocked my bootloader Saturday but I'm reluctant to root because I don't want to lose Android Pay. If I can modify some the build.prop for Google Assistant and get wi-fi hotspot then reboot so I can use Android pay then I might.
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Click to collapse
hate to be the bearer of bad news but SafetyNet will fail w/ a unlocked bootloader
misfiremind said:
I know, but I've rooted and messed with custom ROMs on every phone I've had and I'm kind of tired of messing with that stuff. Really I think the best thing I could do is buy a Pixel. I'm tired of the different phone manufacturers and their bloated ROMs and the constant problems that custom ROMs have. At least for right now. Thanks though. I'll keep it in mind if I ever feel like jacking with that stuff again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you must not be familar w/ Magisk....the "magic" of magisk can modify the phone w/o actually modifying /system, so technically u have a stock device but custom at the same time...plus magisk hide allows AP to work & pass SafetyNet
my Magisk ROM has all the mods & bloatware removed just like my custom ROM...

deakelem said:
So has anyone else noticed this?
The attached screenshot shows the settings for the "ok google" always listening feature. I know this feature is useful to launch google from any screen or even when the screen is off but I do not want this on for privacy reasons. I was always able to disable it on Marshmallow but now with N even when i turn it off it turns back on.
How to try to reproduce:
Turn off the feature
Exit the settings menu
Go back to the Ok google settings and see if its enabled again.
Is this happening to anyone else!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is from my Bolt, so it may be different, but I can disable just fine...

OMJ said:
hate to be the bearer of bad news but SafetyNet will fail w/ a unlocked bootloader
you must not be familar w/ Magisk....the "magic" of magisk can modify the phone w/o actually modifying /system, so technically u have a stock device but custom at the same time...plus magisk hide allows AP to work & pass SafetyNet
my Magisk ROM has all the mods & bloatware removed just like my custom ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't even try after unlocking because I'm still waiting for my bank to support Android Pay, but I just checked and your right. I'm blocked from Android Pay. Might as well figure out how to root and install a ROM this weekend. ? And no, I have no idea what Magisk is, but I guess I'll have to figure it out.

deakelem said:
So has anyone else noticed this?
The attached screenshot shows the settings for the "ok google" always listening feature. I know this feature is useful to launch google from any screen or even when the screen is off but I do not want this on for privacy reasons. I was always able to disable it on Marshmallow but now with N even when i turn it off it turns back on.
How to try to reproduce:
Turn off the feature
Exit the settings menu
Go back to the Ok google settings and see if its enabled again.
Is this happening to anyone else!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine seems to work fine. Have you tried clearing the Google App data? I had an issue with a couple of apps after the Nougat update and had to clear the data and uninstall then reinstall the apps to get them working correctly.

misfiremind said:
Mine seems to work fine. Have you tried clearing the Google App data? I had an issue with a couple of apps after the Nougat update and had to clear the data and uninstall then reinstall the apps to get them working correctly.
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Click to collapse
Ill try that but I flashed N using the RUU and then clean installed OMJ's badboys rom so no app data would have been there during M to N
---------- Post added at 02:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:14 PM ----------
OMJ said:
this is from my Bolt, so it may be different, but I can disable just fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats strange, i dont have all those menu entries... could be cause I have work email on my phone via activesync which restricts certain security and lockscreen options.

OMJ said:
hate to be the bearer of bad news but SafetyNet will fail w/ a unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused . . . My bootloader is unlocked, has been since I got my 10 last summer, and I just used Android Pay this weekend, and Magisk Manager says I'm currently passing SafetyNet. Android Pay is checked in Magisk Hide.
Are you saying that unlocking the bootloader alone will cause SafetyNet to fail, but Magisk Hide will then allow it again?

SilverZero said:
I'm confused . . . My bootloader is unlocked, has been since I got my 10 last summer, and I just used Android Pay this weekend, and Magisk Manager says I'm currently passing SafetyNet. Android Pay is checked in Magisk Hide.
Are you saying that unlocking the bootloader alone will cause SafetyNet to fail, but Magisk Hide will then allow it again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, merely having the bootloader unlocked even w/ 100% stock ROM, safetynet will fail....the beauty of magisk is that it hides it

I think at this point I'd rather relock my bootloader and go back to using my Galaxy S4 while I try to sell my HTC 10 and then put that money towards a Pixel. Anybody wanna buy a phone? ?

It's here! I literally just this minute got Google Assistant!

OMJ said:
hate to be the bearer of bad news but SafetyNet will fail w/ a unlocked bootloader
you must not be familar w/ Magisk....the "magic" of magisk can modify the phone w/o actually modifying /system, so technically u have a stock device but custom at the same time...plus magisk hide allows AP to work & pass SafetyNet
my Magisk ROM has all the mods & bloatware removed just like my custom ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I am going to give this a shot. I am running your stock rooted with TWRP while S-on. Can I just install your Magisk Full Rom and go from there or is that too easy to believe? Thanks OMJ!

OMJ said:
hate to be the bearer of bad news but SafetyNet will fail w/ a unlocked bootloader
you must not be familar w/ Magisk....the "magic" of magisk can modify the phone w/o actually modifying /system, so technically u have a stock device but custom at the same time...plus magisk hide allows AP to work & pass SafetyNet
my Magisk ROM has all the mods & bloatware removed just like my custom ROM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is magisk a ROM or more of a mod? And what is magisk su? I'm going to try and get my phone rooted this weekend but I can't find a tutorial thread, it seems to be scattered everywhere. It seems like I fastboot TWRP, flash SuperSU, flash magisk then install magisk manager from Google Play?

misfiremind said:
I didn't even try after unlocking because I'm still waiting for my bank to support Android Pay, but I just checked and your right. I'm blocked from Android Pay. Might as well figure out how to root and install a ROM this weekend. ? And no, I have no idea what Magisk is, but I guess I'll have to figure it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im running viper due to lack of cm/aosp st the moment.. so i have magisk but i have no idea what it is or how to use it. very little instruction out there.

Has anyone been successful in editing their build.prop file to activate (or deactivate) Google Assistant? I actually want to deactivate Google Assistant but I can't seem save changes to my build.prop file.
I have root on stock ROM.
Set SE Linux to permissive.
Tried using Root Explorer and build.prop Editor. Both give me an error message stating it can't save the build.prop file.
Suggestions?

Android Pay can't be used with an unlocked bootloader?

I just received the OP5 yesterday and unlocked the bootloader. I got the "Android Pay can't be used on this device" message when I try to add a credit card on android pay. Does anyone know if I need twrp and magisk installed in order for android pay to work?

dslreports said:
I just received the OP5 yesterday and unlocked the bootloader. I got the "Android Pay can't be used on this device" message when I try to add a credit card on android pay. Does anyone know if I need twrp and magisk installed in order for android pay to work?
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Click to collapse
in theory according to posts ive seen for other devices you need magisks latest beta version.

dslreports said:
I just received the OP5 yesterday and unlocked the bootloader. I got the "Android Pay can't be used on this device" message when I try to add a credit card on android pay. Does anyone know if I need twrp and magisk installed in order for android pay to work?
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Click to collapse
Check by Playstore>settings... you're probably uncertified...
EDIT: You need magisk to pass the safetynet...

Correct. It says uncerified for me. The only thing i did was unlock bootloader. Sigh. I guess i have to twrp and magisk. Thanks.

dslreports said:
Correct. It says uncerified for me. The only thing i did was unlock bootloader. Sigh. I guess i have to twrp and magisk. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually deleting Play Store data and cache fixes the "uncertified" issue. It did with my OnePlus 3/3T. It didn't work for me with the OnePlus 5 however.

EVR_PR said:
Usually deleting Play Store data and cache fixes the "uncertified" issue. It did with my OnePlus 3/3T. It didn't work for me with the OnePlus 5 however.
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Click to collapse
It won't unless you either 1) Use magisk as mentioned or 2) use a custom kernel with SafeyNet patches.
When you unlock your bootloader, the prop (which you can read using a terminal emulator and typing getprop) has a flag called verifiedbootstate. If it returns anything but green SafeyNet will fail.
Sent from my OnePlus 3T using XDA Labs

U need to flash latest magisk and pass the safetynet to make Androidpay to work.

this is probably a stupid question but it's been a while since ive used android ... can you use android pay if you don't unlock the boot loader?

gameofdroness said:
this is probably a stupid question but it's been a while since ive used android ... can you use android pay if you don't unlock the boot loader?
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Click to collapse
Of course..why not...

HatRiGt said:
U need to flash latest magisk and pass the safetynet to make Androidpay to work.
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Click to collapse
I've flashed v. 13 (https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/beta-magisk-v13-0-0980cb6-t3618589) and worked as a charm!

I have both the newest version of Magisk and the manager, but I'm still failing safetynet, do I need to manually hide something else in magisk hide? Any help is greatly appreciated

oowaymike said:
I have both the newest version of Magisk and the manager, but I'm still failing safetynet, do I need to manually hide something else in magisk hide? Any help is greatly appreciated
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Click to collapse
Try the latest stable version of Magisk. It worked for me a few days ago while the beta wasn't (beta is working for me lately though).
You might want to reflash stock boot partition before flashing Magisk, I don't know if it will make a difference...

yubimusubi said:
Try the latest stable version of Magisk. It worked for me a few days ago while the beta wasn't (beta is working for me lately though).
You might want to reflash stock boot partition before flashing Magisk, I don't know if it will make a difference...
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestions. I tried the stable version with no luck as well. I'll wait for the next beta version, and if that doesn't do the trick ill try reflashing the stock partition. If anyone finds a custom kernel that gets around safety net I'd really appreciate it.

dslreports said:
Correct. It says uncerified for me. The only thing i did was unlock bootloader. Sigh. I guess i have to twrp and magisk. Thanks.
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Click to collapse
I'm curious to know why one would unlock the bootloader if not at least to install custom recovery and root.

Eric214 said:
I'm curious to know why one would unlock the bootloader if not at least to install custom recovery and root.
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Click to collapse
I don't know if this is OP'S reason, but you can boot TWRP without actually installing it... So you can take nandroid backups of an otherwise stock device.
Also, unlocking bootloader wipes your phone, so if you want it stock for now but think you might root in the future you won't have to deal with that...
TBH though, SafetyNet is working as advertised by failing an unlocked bootloader. We like to have our cake and eat it too.