Every device I've ever had has been bootloader-unlocked and rooted within hours of receiving it.
However, with the Nexus 6P, I didn't think the hassle of losing android pay and OTA updates was worth it since the device works so well as stock.
I've seen the posts about porting the Pixel-exclusive features to the 6P via build.prop edits. However, as far as I'm aware, changes to the system partition break both of the above.
Is there a way to modify system files like build.prop without breaking OTA updates and Android Pay?
chrispy_212 said:
Every device I've ever had has been bootloader-unlocked and rooted within hours of receiving it.
However, with the Nexus 6P, I didn't think the hassle of losing android pay and OTA updates was worth it since the device works so well as stock.
I've seen the posts about porting the Pixel-exclusive features to the 6P via build.prop edits. However, as far as I'm aware, changes to the system partition break both of the above.
Is there a way to modify system files like build.prop without breaking OTA updates and Android Pay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not just modification to the system partition alone. It has to be specific modifications.
build.prop may be one of those but, I have modified multiple files and that didn't kill safetynet checks.
I'm on the latest version, not rooted, custom recovery and kernel. I used the 2 zips and my AP worked with no issue. I bought something using a vending machine with no issue and have assistant working also.
Ok but, the question is: is there a way to edit build.prop without a custom recovery and flashing a zip?
Maybe through adb?
thegios said:
Ok but, the question is: is there a way to edit build.prop without a custom recovery and flashing a zip?
Maybe through adb?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. If you're stock, no root or custom recovery, then no. dm-verity will overwrite your changes on boot and your build.prop will be stock again.
Enabling Assistant via build.prop tweak won't break Android Pay (shouldn't, at least), but it will cause the OTA to fail, even with systemless root / mods.
Related
I'll start by saying here that I fully understand that what I'm saying may not apply to the international (non-GED) Xoom devices.
Maybe someone can shed some light on this. Why is it that every rooting method I see here seems to involve flashing some ZIP file that has a modified kernel or boot image? Seems pointless considering that, as with any other Google Experience Device, you can simply unlock your bootloader, flash Clockwork, and then flash the official Superuser.zip from androidsu.com and you're done. There's no unsecuring of the boot image, or anything. It just installs Superuser.apk, the su binary and changes the permissions on the binary.
Am I missing something here? Is there some advantage I'm not thinking of to using a custom boot image to obtain root on a Xoom?
No. Before when I first bought my xoom I just rooted it, no custom kernel or rom. Now I've used both and benefits alot. As for example some games people complain laggs, with custom kernel ya can over clock and fix some of this. Then custom roms allow ya to use features not enabled by Google on default. For example the wifi xoom can not connect ad-hoc networks like mobile hotspots. Roms include this unless you wanna do it the hard way. Another nifty feature is the USB OTG to attach hard drives which Google allows ya to do like mice and keyboards but not external drives.
oldblue910 said:
Seems pointless considering that, as with any other Google Experience Device, you can simply unlock your bootloader, flash Clockwork, and then flash the official Superuser.zip from androidsu.com and you're done. There's no unsecuring of the boot image, or anything. It just installs Superuser.apk, the su binary and changes the permissions on the binary.
Am I missing something here? Is there some advantage I'm not thinking of to using a custom boot image to obtain root on a Xoom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you ARE missing something. The process you outlined with other GED devices is identical to the Motorola XOOM root process as well.
1. You use "fastboot oem unlock" to unlock the bootloader. (This only unlocks the bootloader so you can flash custom ones, recoveries, etc. but does NOT modify the current bootloader in any way.)
2. Flash clockwork with fastboot as well.
3. Install the Universal XOOM rooting ZIP through clockwork.
4. Done.
How is this any different?
The Universal XOOM root ZIP can be found @ http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1242241 and does NOT contain any sort of modified Kernel or Boot image.
I don't know where you got your information from.
Sure it does. Take a look at the zip file (all those files in the kernel folder). Plus once it's done, stock recovery no longer auto flashes because something was changed in the boot image and the checksums don't match anymore.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Well, I stand corrected! Yeah, I don't know why it modifies the boot image either then. I'd have just thought flashing clockwork and installing the binary should be fine.
I guess you need to talk to solarnz or one of the other more experienced XOOM devs...
sodaboy581 said:
Well, I stand corrected! Yeah, I don't know why it modifies the boot image either then. I'd have just thought flashing clockwork and installing the binary should be fine.
I guess you need to talk to solarnz or one of the other more experienced XOOM devs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that's the thing...flashing just the binaries DOES work fine, at least on my Xoom. I wonder if it has something to do with the international non-GED Xooms...
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
You do need a modified initramfs to root properly.
an insecure boot.img is the most useful part of being rooted.
And with one of those you don't even need clockworkmod.
flash it with fastboot / reboot / adb remount and then just push su and superuser set suid on su (10 seconds total - far less hassle than messing with clockworkmod).
I am a little surprised no one figured out how to root before unlocking. Would sure be handy to do a titanium backup before unlocking ( which wipes everything !! ) That said, it is just a minor inconvenience. Copy some stuff to the PC and I am good to go.
oldblue910 said:
I'll start by saying here that I fully understand that what I'm saying may not apply to the international (non-GED) Xoom devices.
Maybe someone can shed some light on this. Why is it that every rooting method I see here seems to involve flashing some ZIP file that has a modified kernel or boot image? Seems pointless considering that, as with any other Google Experience Device, you can simply unlock your bootloader, flash Clockwork, and then flash the official Superuser.zip from androidsu.com and you're done. There's no unsecuring of the boot image, or anything. It just installs Superuser.apk, the su binary and changes the permissions on the binary.
Am I missing something here? Is there some advantage I'm not thinking of to using a custom boot image to obtain root on a Xoom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't _need_ to flash an insecure kernel image; there's multiple paths to root. If you don't have a version of CWM for the device, then running the system insecure may be the only way to do it. Running the system in insecure mode does give you the ability to run adb as root amongst other things, however (so you can do things like adb remount).
Yeah I can see needing the insecure image in the case of not having ClockworkMod or if you need those extra commands in ADB. I was more just curious if running an insecure image was somehow a better practice than just flashing the androidsu.com zip. I guess it's 6 of one or a half dozen of the other in the end.
Thanks for the explanation!
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
unrandomsam said:
an insecure boot.img is the most useful part of being rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose that depends on what you use root for, really. For instance, the ability to run adb as root means nothing to me really. I can count the number of times I've used adb on one hand. I more use root so I can take screenshots without hooking up to USB, and I also like having root access to the filesystem.
Plus, it seems that the insecure image is the reason why everyone says not to accept OTAs if you're running a rooted stock ROM. I've read horror stories of people accepting OTAs on a rooted stock ROM and ending up with bootloops and all kinds of other craptastic stuff. If you root with the boot image secure, you can accept OTAs and just re-root when it's done flashing.
Different strokes for different folks, right?
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
mobileweasel said:
I am a little surprised no one figured out how to root before unlocking. Would sure be handy to do a titanium backup before unlocking ( which wipes everything !! ) That said, it is just a minor inconvenience. Copy some stuff to the PC and I am good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
Most devices have temp root so you're able to run rooted app to fully backup before unlocking it. I've been holding off rooting on my wife's xoom because I don't want to wipe her saved data, but im really itching to mess with it, hehe. I heard with ICS you can do a full backup with adb, I believe you use the " adb backup" method.
The insecure boot image is need for two reasons.
1) without it you would not be able to adb mount the partitions while inside the Android os.
2) every time you boot into Android, a script it's ran to check for stock recovery and overwrite it, insecure boot images disable this (you can also disable by deleting the script files)
Sent from my Nexus S 4G
Anyone tried and confirmed working the old adb backup method that doesn't require root?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420351
Was hoping to use this method to backup before unlocking. I got into the usual problem of not wanting to unlock right away (in case issues etc.) then once I was comfortable with the unit too lazy to want to set up all up again from scratch....
Use helium. Backup each app individually. There are some apps that will Bork restore.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
bummer screw that for a joke then LOL
it will be awhile before I unlock as I'm waiting for the next OTA to deal with the multitouch/gps etc. (hopefully!) I'm hoping it includes some firmware fixes too that we may not be able to flash like a normal ROM.
wintermute000 said:
it will be awhile before I unlock as I'm waiting for the next OTA to deal with the multitouch/gps etc. (hopefully!) I'm hoping it includes some firmware fixes too that we may not be able to flash like a normal ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking doesn't prevent you from getting the OTAs.
If you want root to be compatible with OTAs, see this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44597339#post44597339
yeah I know that, I know I can reflash stock recovery and unroot etc. just too lazy to be bothered setting up all my apps losing saves etc. at this point short of mucking around with carbon. TBH if the multitouch issue is fixed or at least toned down there's not a lot of incentive to root for me aside from adblock.
I've got a hunch that the next OTA will involve firmware etc. so just reluctant to tinker until the stock base is 100%. Its not directly applicable as its a Nexus but in the past some other components e.g. HTC hboot, Moto (forgot the name) would get in the way of OTA if you unlocked the BL early.
wintermute000 said:
yeah I know that, I know I can reflash stock recovery and unroot etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My point is you don't need to unroot nor flash stock recovery (though it is safest to flash stock recovery)
The JSS15J OTA update will flash fine with root and twrp with just the small fix I referenced.
wintermute000 said:
I've got a hunch that the next OTA will involve firmware etc. so just reluctant to tinker until the stock base is 100%. Its not directly applicable as its a Nexus but in the past some other components e.g. HTC hboot, Moto (forgot the name) would get in the way of OTA if you unlocked the BL early.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JSS15J already included firmware updates, it updated aboot, sbl, tz, and rpm. Bootloader went from 3.05 to 3.14 and it flashed ok with root and twrp (though again, personally I suggest using stock recovery)
Also you don't need to install twrp persistently to root. I just boot into twrp one-time by using fastboot boot twrp.img to install the root files and leave stock recovery on the tablet.
With the one simple fix referenced above, you can have stock recovery, root, and be totally compatible with future OTAs, no need to revert anything. Of course after the OTA is successful, just re-run the SuperSU zip and the fix to set yourself up with root and await the next OTA.
On this nexus, you need to unlock even to do the official factory restore google published. The official images don't come with signatures.
To answer the question re adb bu, yes it works just fine.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
this is a thread for brainstorming and testing an upgrade path from 4.4.4 stock to 5.1 stock that retains root (that is all).
i'm assuming trying to flash a pre-rooted 5.1 system .img (if ever becomes available) using mofo is not going to work unless something changes [ie, how would you get the new modem, kernel, etc?]
idea 1:
a. use mofo to flash xt1254.system.21.44.12.quark_verizon.rooted.ext4.img (stock 4.4.4 with root baked in, no other system modifications).
b. next, manually flash the android 5.1 OTA patch .zip (whenever its public, or if any soak members are willing to test now)
c. question for a willing tester (realize once you go 5.1 you cant go back and might not ever see root again), does root remain or is it lost during the upgrade?
idea 2:
a. if the above system upgrade from 4.4.4 to 5.1 does work but root is lost (and there is no "OTA Keeper" type app in the image), could we bake in a 'backup' of root and a 'restore' app into the xt1254.system.21.44.12.quark_verizon.rooted.ext4.img and then could we again upgrade to 5.1 and 'restore' root on a temporary basis (better than never having root).
b. of course this is not ideal, but if that does work, then maybe someone could also bake into the base 4.4.4 image an app that auto-restores root quickly on every boot, for a virtual perm temporary root solution.
idea 3:
put your thinking cap on and please provide.
Idea 1 is a no go
PILLMUZIK3600 said:
Idea 1 is a no go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, bummer, thanks. sounds like we'll have to skip to idea 3.
but to confirm, does the 5.1 OTA patch not manually flash over a clean xt1254.system.21.44.12.quark_verizon.rooted.ext4.img ? OR it does, but root lost?
Doesn't flash at all
Has someone tried using Mofo that has taken the new update? I saw that the 2nd gen Moto X works with Mofo & 5.0 Lollipop, but not sure about 5.1.
I'm kind of confused. Can't we just modify the stock 5.1 image to have root? Or does mofo refuse to flash it?
PILLMUZIK3600 said:
Idea 1 is a no go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep also just tested option 1 fails on recovery-from-boot.sh or something like that basically one of the files that supersu changes to get root working.
Can you install the update on a rooted phone? Or do I need to go back to stock?
janitorjohnson said:
Can you install the update on a rooted phone? Or do I need to go back to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
back to stock. it will fail if rooted
Does anyone have a completely stock system image ?
Anyone tried kingroot?
Can't get back to stock for some reason ..rooted .. Can some one help me
One option that might work is to take a rooted system img and "copy" the contents of the ota into it - overwriting anything that was updated - this should leave the root files in the image and mofo should flash it - but the new kernel may not like the old bootloader. Or old radios. Or just being there in the first place. It may brick the phone or cause your microwave to explode.
hotrodwinston said:
One option that might work is to take a rooted system img and "copy" the contents of the ota into it - overwriting anything that was updated - this should leave the root files in the image and mofo should flash it - but the new kernel may not like the old bootloader. Or old radios. Or just being there in the first place. It may brick the phone or cause your microwave to explode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been trying to figure out this how do we keep root thing. so in the image is also the kernel? that part has been perplexing me and no one has yet tell me exactly that. if the kernal is in the image. because i know lollipop new kernal is needed. so i figured no matter what we would have ot get the OTA to receive the kernel then it would all depend on if mofo was still able to access whatever it access to overwrite the stock image.
but from what you say it seems. the kernel is included in the image so we flash a new image we flash a new kernel?
johnbravado said:
I have been trying to figure out this how do we keep root thing. so in the image is also the kernel? that part has been perplexing me and no one has yet tell me exactly that. if the kernal is in the image. because i know lollipop new kernal is needed. so i figured no matter what we would have ot get the OTA to receive the kernel then it would all depend on if mofo was still able to access whatever it access to overwrite the stock image.
but from what you say it seems. the kernel is included in the image so we flash a new image we flash a new kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, the system image is just the /system directory. At least that's what I can see when I mount the file in Linux.
So I think if we had a Lollipop image, we could just copy the Superuser.apk to /system/app, then that's all we need to get root... I hope.
neozen21 said:
As far as I know, the system image is just the /system directory. At least that's what I can see when I mount the file in Linux.
So I think if we had a Lollipop image, we could just copy the Superuser.apk to /system/app, then that's all we need to get root... I hope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think you would just look at the SuperSU.zip script file and then insert all required files as described in the script.
https://su.chainfire.eu
Tomsgt said:
yep also just tested option 1 fails on recovery-from-boot.sh or something like that basically one of the files that supersu changes to get root working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, so do we need to pull from non-modified stock 4.4.4, and try file by file, putting the file back into that .img, flash with mofo, then try manually applying the ota.zip.. until we have a working stock 4.4.4 .img that contains some way to restore root, that can be manually updated with the OTA.zip... or does using mofo automatically flag the system is modified and only path would be to revert fastboot a stock verizon img. questions...
PILLMUZIK3600 said:
Does anyone have a completely stock system image ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great question. can someone post a link to a completely stock 4.4.4 system image for Verizon Droid Turbo? if one doesn't exist, how is everyone reverting to stock to continue with OTA updates that has used mofo and/or CF's modified roms?
neozen21 said:
As far as I know, the system image is just the /system directory. At least that's what I can see when I mount the file in Linux.
So I think if we had a Lollipop image, we could just copy the Superuser.apk to /system/app, then that's all we need to get root... I hope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does mofo flash the modem/kernel, data, etc ? or is it only going to flash the system partition?
chip! said:
ok, so do we need to pull from non-modified stock 4.4.4, and try file by file, putting the file back into that .img, flash with mofo, then try manually applying the ota.zip.. until we have a working stock 4.4.4 .img that contains some way to restore root, that can be manually updated with the OTA.zip... or does using mofo automatically flag the system is modified and only path would be to revert fastboot a stock verizon img. questions...
great question. can someone post a link to a completely stock 4.4.4 system image for Verizon Droid Turbo? if one doesn't exist, how is everyone reverting to stock to continue with OTA updates that has used mofo and/or CF's modified roms?
mofo already said its not going to work on 5.1.. so we know you can only use mofo with droid turbo when the phone is still on 4.4.4. and i dont see how you can go 4.4.4 -> 5.1 from a 'system' partition .img alone. someone feel free to set the record straight, but it would be surprised if modem, kernel, etc are embedded on system partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All i can say to all of these questions right now is "PROCESSING". if you know me you will understand
Tomsgt said:
All i can say to all of these questions right now is "PROCESSING". if you know me you will understand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Faith age, boys.
Tomsgt said:
All i can say to all of these questions right now is "PROCESSING". if you know me you will understand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet can't wait
I have a question about OTA updates. So first off I am trying to move my company over to using the nexus 5x or 6p devices. I have unlocked the bootloader and edited the build.prop via booting to twrp temporly and mounting the /system partition to disable the carrier tethering checks. The problem is that since this partition has been modified the OTA updates will not install.
I am wondering what the easiest way to get updates on these devices is while keeping tethering capability.
cbytes said:
I have a question about OTA updates. So first off I am trying to move my company over to using the nexus 5x or 6p devices. I have unlocked the bootloader and edited the build.prop via booting to twrp temporly and mounting the /system partition to disable the carrier tethering checks. The problem is that since this partition has been modified the OTA updates will not install.
I am wondering what the easiest way to get updates on these devices is while keeping tethering capability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can't update vie OTA with a custom recovery(TWRP). If you want to update you can sideload the update or you can flash the factory images. both won't erase user data but make sure you go through the correct process.
cbytes said:
I have a question about OTA updates. So first off I am trying to move my company over to using the nexus 5x or 6p devices. I have unlocked the bootloader and edited the build.prop via booting to twrp temporly and mounting the /system partition to disable the carrier tethering checks. The problem is that since this partition has been modified the OTA updates will not install.
I am wondering what the easiest way to get updates on these devices is while keeping tethering capability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no way to have those modifications persist through an update. The easiest way to update is by flashing the factory images, I have detailed instructions in my guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
Recently I rooted my G5 plus and it worked really well for me. I didn't use SuperSU, instead, have Magisk installed. Unfortunately, now my phone isn't updating. What should I do to unroot it without much problem and without losing any data on my phone? And will it update if I unroot it?
It's a little more complicated than that... to bad there isn't a guide to doing it here somewhere... Hmmm....
https://forum.xda-developers.com/g5-plus/how-to/guide-complex-ota-update-magisk-rooted-t3688175
acejavelin said:
It's a little more complicated than that... to bad there isn't a guide to doing it here somewhere... Hmmm....
https://forum.xda-developers.com/g5-plus/how-to/guide-complex-ota-update-magisk-rooted-t3688175
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So like can't I simply unroot my phone and install the updates? Isn't there any easy way of uprooting?
dt.dragonborn said:
So like can't I simply unroot my phone and install the updates? Isn't there any easy way of uprooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is only part of the problem, TWRP is another big one.
OTA updates can only be installed on a purely stock device, the install script will check multiple things to verify the device is unmodified and in the correct state before applying, then it applies changes to specific files or partitions, they must be at a known starting condition before changes can be applied.
So, can you simply "unroot and install updates"? No, you must undo all changes to the device that are system related... Return the recovery, boot, and system partitions to their original state or any update will fail. Unrooting does not undo any changes, adds, or deletions you performed with root access, those actions are permanent.
Isn't there an easy way of unrooting? Sure, Magisk and SuperSU both have methods of removal, but that doesn't gain you what is needed to apply an OTA update.
I provided a link previously, that is what you need to do.
dt.dragonborn said:
Recently I rooted my G5 plus and it worked really well for me. I didn't use SuperSU, instead, have Magisk installed. Unfortunately, now my phone isn't updating. What should I do to unroot it without much problem and without losing any data on my phone? And will it update if I unroot it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which OTA(s) isn't installing?
Sent from my Moto G Plus (5th Gen) using XDA Labs
cdysthe said:
Which OTA(s) isn't installing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not much of a tech guy but the update says
New Version-NPN25.1 37-67
Improved audio in Video Capture
Data traffic improvements
acejavelin said:
Root is only part of the problem, TWRP is another big one.
OTA updates can only be installed on a purely stock device, the install script will check multiple things to verify the device is unmodified and in the correct state before applying, then it applies changes to specific files or partitions, they must be at a known starting condition before changes can be applied.
So, can you simply "unroot and install updates"? No, you must undo all changes to the device that are system related... Return the recovery, boot, and system partitions to their original state or any update will fail. Unrooting does not undo any changes, adds, or deletions you performed with root access, those actions are permanent.
Isn't there an easy way of unrooting? Sure, Magisk and SuperSU both have methods of removal, but that doesn't gain you what is needed to apply an OTA update.
I provided a link previously, that is what you need to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this. I unlocked the bootloader, and installed TWRP and Magisk to gain root. This worked fine. However, I decided I wanted to go back to complete stock yesterday. So I uninstalled Magisk and flashed stock firmware using ADB. My phone is now unrooted, has a locked bootloader, and is running stock firmware which is what I wanted. Once I get the phone to boot, almost everything functions normally. However, it seems as though I now do not have any recovery whatsoever (and I assume that's because I did not specifically replace TWRP with stock recovery). So when I boot my phone, it goes to the bootloader and stops. If I then hit "start" on the bootloader, the ROM loads up normally after that. f that were the only issue, I could live with it. But not being able to get to recovery is concerning. And I am not able to get OTAs at the moment.
So, I'll check the other thread you mentioned. I assume I will need to flash stock recovery in order to get where I need to be.
Thank you for the post!