Hello the Wonderful and Fantastic Members of the XDA Community,
I'm in the process of researching on how to unlock bootloader, install magix and ultimately root the phone, and I hope that someone can point me to the right guides to accomplish these steps. I have been trying to figure it out but would feel much better if someone can point me to the right guide as opposed to me blindly guessing which guide I should follow. This is what I know so far:
1. I believe that in order to use Magix, I need to have a "Custom Recovery" which requires I unlock phone's "bootloader". But before I can do that, I need to have a stock system, which DrakenFX had gracious posted but I'm not too sure how to find. Can someone point me to the right forum to obtain the stock system image from DrakenFX and the guide to unlocking the bootloader for this phone? What are some precautions I should take prior to attempting to unlock the bootloader? And what do I need to do with the stock system if everything goes south with my attempt? I'm currently on A2017UV1.0.0B27 (after the latest update). Will the stock system work with that?
2. I believe that after I unlock the bootloader, I have to install the Custom Recovery, which I think I should use TWRP - is it compatible with magix? After I install TWRP, I need to use TWRP to "flash" magix onto my phone? How can I install TWRP and use it to flash magix? What are some of the precautions I need to take before my attempt to complete step 2?
3. I think after I installed the customer recovery and flash magix, rooting "should" be easier for me, but please point me to the appropriate guide to accomplish that.
Extra Question: I read in one of the forums that after I unlock the bootloader, I will no longer able to receive On The Air updates, how can I continue to receive these updates after bootloader is unlocked and what happens when ZTE roll out Android N for the Axon 7? Will I be able to update to that version?
Here are all the facts about my phone:
Model: ZTE A2017U
Android Version: 6.0.1
Kernel Version: 3.18.20
Build Number: A2017UV1.0.0B27
Thank you all so very much for your patience, understanding, and kind help, I'm forever grateful!
First flash TWRP by following this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/wip-axon-7-root-bootloader-unlokced-t3441204
Then unlock your bootloader by following this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165
I've never used Magisk before (I just stick with SuperSU), so I'll leave that part to someone else.
As for the extra question:
If you used ZTE's official bootloader unlock method (which required you to submit a form with your IMEI), you'll no longer get OTAs, but if you do it all unofficially (like these guides), you'll still get OTAs. HOWEVER, the OTAs will not install if you make changes to the device besides bootloader unlock. If you have a custom recovery it won't apply. If you have systemless root (which modifies the boot image) it won't apply. If you use Magisk (which modifies the boot image) it won't apply. If you make changes to /system it won't apply. So basically, besides having an unlocked bootloader, you have to be full and complete stock to install OTAs.
However, after an OTA comes out, I suspect that someone will make a TWRP-flashable version.
@xtermmin Thank you so much for your reply, I greatly appreciate it!
Quick question, Is there a way to install TWRP without having to root first? The reason I ask was according to Magix, it must be flashed prior to the system being rooted.
@xtermmin Thank you so much for your reply, I greatly appreciate it!
Quick question, Is there a way to install TWRP without having to root first? The reason I ask was according to Magix, it must be flashed prior to the system being rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to root to flash TWRP.
Related
Some background on what I've done with the phone:
It came with B29 on it.
I used DrakenFX's BootStack and System files to downgrade it to B27
From there, I tried the steps in Tenfar's thread to root the phone without unlocking the boot loader.
I screwed something up along the way and after many hours, got my phone booting properly again and downgraded to B20.
From there, I followed the steps posted by mmamedov in tenfar's thread to actually get my phone rooted properly.
I'm pretty new to rooting and all this stuff since I'm jumping ship from iPhone, but I've done a bit of tinkering.
I don't quite understand where the "root" part resides and what updates would affect it.
Now, I'm on B20 but would like to upgrade to some of the newer versions. What are my options for doing that and would I have to wipe the phone to update?
Could I use the backup tool to flash the stock recovery instead of TWRP, and use the built in update through settings?
Or should I use TWRP and DrakenFX's newer BootStack/System files to update?
or something else?
Thanks
- Android Newbie
mozerxdaven said:
Some background on what I've done with the phone:
It came with B29 on it.
I used DrakenFX's BootStack and System files to downgrade it to B27
From there, I tried the steps in Tenfar's thread to root the phone without unlocking the boot loader.
I screwed something up along the way and after many hours, got my phone booting properly again and downgraded to B20.
From there, I followed the steps posted by mmamedov in tenfar's thread to actually get my phone rooted properly.
I'm pretty new to rooting and all this stuff since I'm jumping ship from iPhone, but I've done a bit of tinkering.
I don't quite understand where the "root" part resides and what updates would affect it.
Now, I'm on B20 but would like to upgrade to some of the newer versions. What are my options for doing that and would I have to wipe the phone to update?
Could I use the backup tool to flash the stock recovery instead of TWRP, and use the built in update through settings?
Or should I use TWRP and DrakenFX's newer BootStack/System files to update?
or something else?
Thanks
- Android Newbie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2 rooting makes the OTA from ZTE not work
I've been going through a similar learning curve as you I think.
I recommend @DrakenFX's nearly stock rom.
You will need to unlock the bootloader (I'm pretty certain) I believe that is covered and/or linked in the rom's page.
If it doesn't make sense keep reading until it does, is the advice I gave to myself.
I'm pretty new to certain parts of all the options involved in rooting and bootloaders etc. but I believe that the bootloader can be relocked if you don't get it officially unlocked and you do it yourself, I haven't confirmed that yet so don't take my word for it.
I ran into confusion when I unlocked and had driver issues with fastboot but I got there.
DrakenFX had a few posts that are really helpful. I used his B29 image and bootstack after I had TWRP installed.
He has another TWRP unlock zip that allows unlocking with ADB and then fastboot.
I ran into issues like I said and posted in his bootstack thread if you'd like to see if my problems might shed some light. My post didn't prompt any meaningful conversation but my driver issues sorted themselves out so I didn't have to pursue it much further.
Sorry for the lack of links but I hope this helps in some way.
Here's the ROM from DrakenFX that is close to stock B29, it looks like it will evolve into Nougat, can't wait for that.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/rom-zaxon-dmix7-stock-base-rom-t3495970
Can someone walk me through how to Unlock the bootloader, root, and install TWRP? I'm so confused. I tried to do the newbie way, even though I'm not a newbie, and I lost my B29 Stock Recovery and can't find the download for it.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
I haven't done it yet but I've done a lot of reading and this seems to me the best guide.
Head over to this link which is the TWRP thread. https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/recovery-official-twrp-zte-axon-7-t3515715
Once you're in there go to bootloader unlock section. Download all the necessary files and on the bottom of the guide there will be instructions link which will take you here https://build.nethunter.com/misc/axon7/INSTRUCTIONS.txt
Follow that and that should do it.
When i get a weekend off ill be using this method to get the Lineage OS 14.1 on my device.
Search, Read & Follow --CAREFULLY--.
It's been a while, but this worked great for me, starting from B29.
Goodluck
Let me tell you, this is the guide that should be pinned. It gives very easy/clear instructions on what you need to do to root/flash recovery and even going back to stock. Very well written and I wish I had seen it sooner. I was going to write a clear guide on this subject only to find.. it already existed.. --nolimit78
@amphi66 I am on 2017U B29 and want to unlock bootloader, install TWRP and root. I also read newbies thread. I am confused about one thing. which TWRP recovery image should I use? a2017u B27 http://d-h.st/kRgq or TWRP recovery 3.0.2-2 : http://d-h.st/dgWW ? There is no file for B29 on newbie's thread and in FAQ, the OP said B27 should work for B29. Which one did you use?
After reading, I also see some people said tenfar's tool is too dangerous and it may brick your phone. Some people also claimed the back up of TWRP recovery 3.0.2 provided on that thread has some bugs may cause you to loose your IMEI number when you do recovering. Do you have any issues? Thanks!
amphi66 said:
Search, Read & Follow --CAREFULLY--.
It's been a while, but this worked great for me, starting from B29.
Goodluck
Let me tell you, this is the guide that should be pinned. It gives very easy/clear instructions on what you need to do to root/flash recovery and even going back to stock. Very well written and I wish I had seen it sooner. I was going to write a clear guide on this subject only to find.. it already existed.. --nolimit78
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
greatzt said:
@amphi66 I am on 2017U B29 and want to unlock bootloader, install TWRP and root. I also read newbies thread. I am confused about one thing. which TWRP recovery image should I use? a2017u B27 http://d-h.st/kRgq or TWRP recovery 3.0.2-2 : http://d-h.st/dgWW ? There is no file for B29 on newbie's thread and in FAQ, the OP said B27 should work for B29. Which one did you use?
After reading, I also see some people said tenfar's tool is too dangerous and it may brick your phone. Some people also claimed the back up of TWRP recovery 3.0.2 provided on that thread has some bugs may cause you to loose your IMEI number when you do recovering. Do you have any issues? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was back last Nov, but I followed the guide, using the recommended files (was on B29, but used the B27 OK, then reflashed B29 at the end).
The warning involved backing up and then restoring the EFS partiton with tenfar's tool. DON'T! If you stick with system, data, and boot partitions you should be fine.
Good luck. You may want to check with @nolimit78. He has done this much more recently.
Yes, I agree with you @amphi66 that there is a lot of different places to get information about how to root/flash recovery for A2017U B29. Here's what I've done with two different A7's and both have worked each time.
1. Boot the phone to EDL Mode (Both Vol+Power on boot it'll quick flash the red notification light and then act like it's off.. it's not)
2. Use tenfar's tool to flash the recovery. (I renamed the updated TWRP img and named it "recovery". This used tenfar's tool to flash the updated TWRP on your device.
3. Once in TWRP, run the command (reboot disemmcwp and relaunch TWRP) and flash the package to use modifiable bootloader from B20.
4. Once that flashes now you can send the command in Fastboot "fastboot oem unlock" which will unlock the bootloader that doesn't trip anything notifying ZTE
5. At this point you can flash a B29 rom and have a grand ol' time. However, I would recommend using the LineageOS Rom that's available. Trumps everything else out there IMHO.
6. To do that You'll need to flash the Nougat Bootstacks for that rom to boot prior to flashing the Rom itself. I would recommend flashing the nougat bootstacks, reboot to TWRP, flash LineageOS, reboot.
Like I said, I've done with this with two different devices (Thanks ZTE) and both worked out just fine. I did this method with a device with b27 and b29, both ended up updated and flashed with CM/LineageOS with ZERO issues. This post here should also be pinned as the one true guide (THE KING OF THE NORTH) for unlocking/rooting a stock Axon 7. I spent probably about 4-5 hours working, trying to figure out how to get my device unlocked/rooted. However.. at the very end I wrote out instructions trying to help those who would come after me.. I searched the threads to make sure there wasn't already a thread out there.. and then.. it turns out there was.
Someone have the 5 files to unlock the bootloader 2017u on drive
Hi all, I really need some help here. I am reading in some stickied tutorials that mm is not rootable, and on some others it says it may be rootable if your mmc begins with 15 and may be able to unlock bootloader. I don't know which to go by here. My sons phone is a verizon s5, on pd1 and has mmc number beginning with 15. I really want magisk in it as some apps we use simply don't work with straight root. I have scoured the internet in hopes of finding the info needed and came up with too many conflicting reports so I came back to ask the experts here. However, even the search function here still leads me to some conflicts. Can someone please link me to a tutorial that I can use to root his phone? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
tattmann said:
Can someone please link me to a tutorial that I can use to root his phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can only directly root PD1 (or any MM firmware) if the phone's bootloader is unlocked already.
SM-G900V's bootloader is locked by default, CID15 means that it can be unlocked.
In the case if rooting is possible (CID15) for Android 6.0 (PD1 is a 6.0 firmware) you'll need to:
1. Flash a firmware which allows direct rooting. Modern method is to flash COMBINATION firmware. This rooting has nothing to do with the future rooting of your PD1, this rooting is for unlocking the bootloader.
2. Gain root and install SafeStrap recovery.
3. Flash a MM (say, PD1) bootloader and unlock it.
4. Download stock PD1 firmware and remove the bootloader from it.
5. Flash this firmware with Odin.
The result of these operations will be a SM-G900V phone with stock PD1 firmware and unlocked bootloader. Now you can root your PD1.
6. Download TWRP from their site and flash it with Odin.
7. Download Magisk zip-file.
8. Flash Magisk zip-file with TWRP.
ok, lengthy process lol. Is ok, I will start looking for the files to download and get everything set up. Thank you for your time and for replying.
UPDATE: I got it. The phone is now on resurrection remix with twrp and magisk. Thank you for your help!
Before we get into anything, you need to know that I am completely new to rooting.
While browsing through different tutorials related to rooting, I found many saying that I needed to unlock the bootloader. Then, while browsing through forums related to the SM-T350, I found one user saying that unlocking the bootloader "doesn't exist." Does this mean the bootloader for the T350 is already unlocked?
Also, does flashing TWRP recovery root the device, or do I have other steps to go through?
My understanding is that I have to first install TWRP Recovery through Odin3, then proceed to flash a .tar file, like CF-auto-root, to gain root access. Is this correct?
More information:
Version: 7.1.1
Build Number: T350XXU1CQJ5
Security Patch Level: 07/01/2017
Maj. Procrastinator said:
Before we get into anything, you need to know that I am completely new to rooting.
While browsing through different tutorials related to rooting, I found many saying that I needed to unlock the bootloader. Then, while browsing through forums related to the SM-T350, I found one user saying that unlocking the bootloader "doesn't exist." Does this mean the bootloader for the T350 is already unlocked?
Also, does flashing TWRP recovery root the device, or do I have other steps to go through?
My understanding is that I have to first install TWRP Recovery through Odin3, then proceed to flash a .tar file, like CF-auto-root, to gain root access. Is this correct?
More information:
Version: 7.1.1
Build Number: T350XXU1CQJ5
Security Patch Level: 07/01/2017
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I'm new to this too so hopefully someone who really knows what they're doing will chime in. I have a P550 tablet and I I can tell you I have installed TWRP with Odin and it doesn't give you root. It's just a more robust recovery software. You have to flash something else to get root, I'm looking into other options like Magisk for that now but haven't pulled the trigger.
Did you ever get a answer through private message??
Maj. Procrastinator said:
Before we get into anything, you need to know that I am completely new to rooting.
While browsing through different tutorials related to rooting, I found many saying that I needed to unlock the bootloader. Then, while browsing through forums related to the SM-T350, I found one user saying that unlocking the bootloader "doesn't exist." Does this mean the bootloader for the T350 is already unlocked?
Also, does flashing TWRP recovery root the device, or do I have other steps to go through?
My understanding is that I have to first install TWRP Recovery through Odin3, then proceed to flash a .tar file, like CF-auto-root, to gain root access. Is this correct?
More information:
Version: 7.1.1
Build Number: T350XXU1CQJ5
Security Patch Level: 07/01/2017
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, I want to tell you that I'm not very familiar with rooting but have just a bit experience flashing custom roms, so please go easy on me.
I have done some research and found a couple things that I couldn't find answers for:
1) First one is that apparently you need your bootloader unlocked/ OEM unlocking enabled in developer options, however since I upgraded to Oreo in last August, that option disappeared. I've tried two methods for making it appear that I've found online (keeping phone up for 7 days straight and reverting time back) but none worked. I've read somewhere that if you downgrade to Nougat, enable it then re update to Oreo your bootloader will remain unlocked. So, can someone confirm this? Can you downgrade with a locked bootloader? And if so, can someone guide me through it? (Additional question: will the downgrade reset user data?)
2) After unlocking bootloader you need to flash TWRP but I have so many questions on that. First: I couldn't find a TWRP for oreo. Does it work regardless of os version? Second: I found a guide from XDA that is written long ago, and it says "make a full backup of your system, including EFS before flashing". How do you backup without flashing it tho? All guides are about using either a custom recovery or rooted app.
3) Do you really need TWRP? I mean, can't you flash Magisk via Odin/ADB directly, perhaps without unlocking bootloader? What happens if I use install command from ADB?
4) So does tripping knox fuse achieve anything other than killing the nonexistent system updates and samsung guarantee? I want to make sure Samsung health is going to operate.