Related
But... why?
Well, many people like and buy the Xperia line of devices currently on the market who previously owned a Samsung, LG or HTC. There are many differences in hardware, but most certainly in how Sony perceives the Android ecosystem and how it differs from the other major brands. This (noob) guide is meant to help people on the path to the Sony side I'm sure it contains lots of info which is even useful for the old timers
Things which differ a LOT from the other brands:
First and foremost: no recovery partition;
Second but not least: no download mode.
Sony has replaced the Android recovery partition with the FOTA kernel, which is meant to aid the device in rolling out OTA updates, which allow kernel updates without the risk of bricking the device. I hear you scream: "But wait, what about the recovery partition announcement by Sony themselves!?", well the answer is simple: that is meant for unlocked bootloader devices ONLY, as a part of their "Open Devices" program.
What is Flashmode, Flashtool and what are these FTF and SIN files I am reading about?
I'm going to quote @Androxyde here (it's a straight copy of his index page), as he is the maintainer of the tool:
Flashtool is a S1 flashing software that works for all Sony phones from X10 to Xperia Z Ultra. They all use the S1 protocol for flashing firmwares.
This program was originally made to flash sin files downloaded by SEUS/SUS or PC Companion.
Based on a command line tool written by @Bin4ry (Andreas Makris), I brought a user interface to sin files flashing.
We worked together to add more features to the tool such as rooting methods implementation or TA backup / restore.
Then I took the lead and got some advice and help from him occasionally on some features like rom cleaner or bootloader unlocking.
From time to time, sin files have been bundled into what is now well known FTF (Flash Tool Firmwares) and more features have been implemented.
But flashing firmwares is still the core of Flashtool (that is updated at least to follow Sony improvements around sin files) and the reason of its name.
Flashtool can also easily unlock the bootloader of the phone using the BLU icon as far as the bootloader of your phone is unlockable
The flashing feature as well as bootloader unlock feature are available whatever the phone is recognized or not by the application. What is only mandatory for flashing is to own the FTF file according to the device you want to flash it on.
Why should I use Flashtool?
Once bootloader unlocked, official sony tools do not work anymore.
Using official sony tools, you can only upgrade. No downgrade possible.
Using flashtool, you can choose what to flash and what not to flash. This said, many rooting scenarios are available implying kernel only downgrade to retrieve a patched rooting exploit and then flash back the right kernel.
You said unlocking bootloader?
This process gives you the opportunity to flash custom roms such as CyanogenMod ROMs.
I invite you to visit the FXP Project that brings CM and AOSP to xperia devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To complete this explanation, Sony devices know 2 bootloader based flash modes:
Flashmode (This is the S1 flash protocol @Androxyde wrote about)
Fastboot (This is the original, unmodified fastboot mode from Google)
In the past there was the Sony-Ericsson Update Software/Service (SEUS, later named SUS because Ericsson got removed from the name) which could update your device to the latest software or recover it from an inoperable state. PC Companion was less of a tool for updating and more of making backups, installing applications and managing the device storage. Sometime the past 3-4 years Sony merged the 2 programs, so if people on XDA or anywhere on the web talk about using PC Companion to restore their device, they are not wrong, they are simply using the latest version
Sony recently released their own package called 'flash tool' (to add to the confusion of noobs in the community), which deep down is a little easier to use and stripped down version of EMMA, which is a tool we mere mortals will probably never use as EMMA is the flash tool for Sony's repair shops and tech support. It's primary function is to allow owners of an unlocked bootloader device (or, 'open device' as Sony named it) to still use Sony firmwares and update their device, because as soon as you unlock the bootloader, the OTA updates will stop.
Things to remember on the files used by these tools:
An FTF file is basically not more then a ZIP archive containing multiple SIN files, you can open the FTF using 7z/WinZip/WinRar and look inside it.
A SIN file is a disk/partition image, which is encrypted by Sony. S1 (the bootloader) will check this encryption to make sure the image was not tampered with before it accepts it for flashing.
Fastboot flashing will always fail when the device is still in a locked bootloader state. For some models it is even disabled entirely or non-functional until you unlock the bootloader.
I am reading about the TA, what is it, why should I make a backup?
The TA partition (Trim Area) is a signed partition which holds various things which are unique to your device, like the device's IMEI, DRM keys and bootloader settings and configuration options. This partition can not be exchanged between devices, because it really is unique. If you would flash the TA backup from someone else it will cause a hard-brick rendering your device only useful as a paperweight...
When you unlock your bootloader you will lose all the DRM features on your device, this makes it valuable to have a backup of the unmodified version stowed away somewhere safe. You will need root level access to create that backup before unlocking. There is a tool called Backup TA which is widely used to create and restore backups of the TA partition. TWRP in XZDualRecovery can do the same.
When you restore the backup TA partition you made before unlocking the bootloader you will essentially re-lock the bootloader and restores the DRM keys. This process is (as far as we know up to now) undetectable by Sony's support staff, which makes it easy to restore the phone to stock for warranty driven support issues as unlocking your bootloader will void your warranty on the device (it is subject to local law though). That is why, for a lot of owners of a Sony device at least, it is considered to be the "Holy Grail" and is usually the reason for a lot of users to wait for a root exploit to be found before unlocking their bootloader.
Okay, I get it now. I would like to unlock my bootloader, how to proceed?
I'm not here to rewrite everything other people or Sony themselves can write just as well or even better, so I have a link for you:
http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/
Read it, it will teach you just about everything you need to know.
Once your bootloader is unlocked, your device will be much like a Nexus device when it comes to rooting, excluding the recovery partition, so that's why we flash or hotboot a custom kernel with a recovery, by using fastboot. If you are afraid of a terminal and typing commands, you can use a tool like QuickIMG or Flashtool to make your life easier.
Right, now I want root!
Well, if you have an 'open device', this is a lot easier then you think. Just remember that using root exploit kits is unnecessary and in some cases even risky as some packages do funky things or jeopardize your privacy.
Try to find a 'stock based' custom kernel. These are custom kernels built by the community to add features to the kernel but are meant to work with Sony's stock firmwares. I'm the maintainer of XZDualRecovery myself and created the Kernel Builder for the supported devices.
These custom kernels will NOT root your device (unless otherwise stated by the creator), but introduce a recovery to the boot process and with that you will be able to flash SuperSU to root your ROM.
But you just said Sony devices don't have a recovery partition, please... UN-confuse me!!
Yes, I did, and I'm right: there have been bright minds in the community who included a recovery in the boot image (the kernel partition) in the past and that way included a recovery on our Sony devices.
With the current 'open devices' policy from Sony, we now have:
Recovery stored inside the system partition, which is meant for locked bootloader devices (closed devices) because they can not run custom kernels;
Recovery stored in the boot image (for open devices);
Recovery stored on the FOTA partition, but with a trigger from the regular boot image at boot (also for open devices);
Recovery stored on the FOTA partition -renamed to recovery- together with an updated bootloader (for open devices, of course).
Hmm, okay... it's still confusing, but OK. My service menu says I'm rooted, but none of the root apps work properly, what gives?!
If you open the phone dialer app and on the keys see the letters below the digits, you can spell the word SERVICE. Type *#*#SERVICE#*#* and a service menu will pop up. Tap 'Service Info' and then 'Configuration'. Then you will see one of these lines there almost on the bottom of the list:
"Rooting status: unknown": it's probably unlocked, but it was unable to verify that;
"Rooting status: rooted": you have unlocked the bootloader;
"Unlock bootloader allowed: YES/NO": this tells you if the bootloader is (vendor-) locked or not, if it says NO, you're out of luck.
The rooting status there is not telling your system is rooted, it tells you your bootloader is and will allow custom rom/kernel flashing. Don't confuse these two.
I'm not allowed to unlock my bootloader But I still want root, can I?
In some cases you can. It depends on the bugs found in specific firmware versions which allow a root exploit to be developed.
From the 2015 range of Xperia devices Sony started using dm-verity, which causes a bootloop once the system partition is modified. This modification of the system partition will be required to include a SU binary in the system to obtain root, so until a dm-verity defeating option is found, locked bootloader root or recovery will not be possible.
For older models, check the device forums and the cross device development forums to check out the community rootkits available. Usually it will tell you what ROM version it is intended for. Be careful with rootkits/roottools though, some are also found to be introducing malware to your device or sending privacy sensitive data to the creators. Use common sense, if you have no valid use for the root user level, keep it off your phone. If you already have recovery, you can use that to modify or clean your device instead.
I have rooted my phone, but whenever I try to modify something on it it spontaneously reboots or I get a message 'Permission denied" when trying to remount the system partition R/W! Why is that?
Like all manufacturers, Sony tries to make it difficult (or downright impossible) to modify the Android base system they created. Because if you can, anyone or anything which obtains root access can. This is a serious security risk, because if it's malware which puts itself on the system partition and locks up your phone, the only way around this is to wipe your entire device and restore a stock ROM using PC Companion or Flashtool. Of course, they have their own proprietary software to protect as well, but security is the main objective here. The really sensitive bits are stored in the TA partition as I explained earlier.
Sony (-Ericsson) had a service called RIC, which in time moved partially in to a kernel feature. What it does is monitor if system is remounted writeable. This usually is a situation you want to avoid at all costs so RIC will deny you permission, cause a kernel panic OR simply reboots your device to get out of that state.
"Remount-Reboot fix", RICKiller, RICDefeat, and XZDualRecovery all (attempt to) disable this service or stop the kernel from acting on a remount of system.
Hard-bricks, Soft-bricks, bootloops??
They are simple to understand, really:
Hard-brick, TYPICALLY NOT RECOVERABLE: The bootloader stopped functioning, this can be caused by a bad flash/update or by restoring the wrong TA backup.
Soft-Brick, ALWAYS RECOVERABLE: the system partition is corrupted or just simply empty, this causes the device to stall at boot. A soft-brick can also make the screen remain off, because of a bad or missing kernel image.
Bootloops, ALWAYS RECOVERABLE: If the system gets powered up and then reboots during the start. This can be at the kernel splash screen or during the boot animation.
In case of a Soft-brick or Bootloop:
Use the installed recovery (if it still works), PC Companion, QuickIMG or Flashtool to restore your device to working order.
In case of a Hard-brick:
You can never recover from that state without physically opening your device and do some heavy duty engineering (JTagging) on it to flash back the correct bootloader/TA (read that link to see what it would take!). This is way too difficult for 98% of the community, which means that hard-bricking your device is typically the creation of a very expensive paper weight.
Please, be extremely careful when dealing with the TA partition.
*********************************************
I will be updating the above text for sure, if you feel anything is missing, please write a post in this thread with the text you wish to include. I want this to be a community driven guide and I know a lot, but I can't know everything
*********************************************
Extended the text some more to include ideas from:
@Klaos3000
@Yenkazu
Thanks for the suggestions/additions guys! :highfive:
As it concern the recovery, i think you can create a partition with EMMA.
Sent from Greece
kos25k said:
As it concern the recovery, i think you can create a partition with EMMA.
Sent from Greece
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please, re-read the first part...
Can I root my iPhone 6 with this guide?
That was a bad joke.
Very useful guide. We should probably educate people around here about what an unlocked bootloader actually means and what it let us do. I'm shocked by the number of people using Kingroot and other risky closed-sourced tools, especially the ones with an unlocked bootloader.
People of earth, if your bootloader is unlocked, it means that your device will be much like a Nexus device when it comes to rooting, sans the recovery partition, so that's why we flash or hotboot a custom kernel with a recovery, by using fastboot. If you're afraid of a terminal and commands, then you can use a tool like QuickIMG. After that, you simply flash SuperSU. That's it!
You can add something about TA Partition and RIC server. :3
Good thread btw
Yenkazu said:
You can add something about TA Partition and RIC server. :3
Good thread btw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say, give me a piece of text on the subject for the OP and I'll include it :good:
[NUT] said:
I'd say, give me a piece of text on the subject for the OP and I'll include it :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RIC, from your thread :3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...b-definitive-root-remount-reboot-fix-t2317432
But, it's kinda useless if people already use your DualRec, since it's already integrated xD
But more info didn't hurt (?)
TA Partition
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z/help/ta-partition-t2451186
Not really details, but user should know the impact of unlocking bootloader
Updated the OP to include info on the TA partition and RIC protection. Also included a part of the post by @Klaos3000, because it contained some useful info
Thanks guys :highfive:
Very usefull! :good: But for me 2-3 Weeks to late. I'm still quite new on Z3C and I collect all those info the old style
Without this thread you would need days to catch all dependencies - With this you would need approx. 10 min!
Very helpfull and good to link new user to...
And yes - I came form the Sammy side (of the moon ) and was a bit shocked what sony did with "open source android".
Not because of SystemUI ( I love it...) but because of all this "anti modding" stuff they build in.
Sticky? Sure - must be!
Updated the OP to include info on Hard-bricks, Soft-bricks and bootloops.
Please people, if you have anything to add to the OP, let me know!
As I said, I know a lot, but I can't know everything there is to know about Sony devices...
Good work (...as usual from your side) :good:
Very useful tutorial.
No need to write long explanations to Sony beginners anymore - just add a link from here.
Really Helpful
Brilliant.....Really it deserves place at (Sticky Threads).I think if you add minimum One Custom Kernel(for stock firmware)
of every devices..That would b very helpful to recover from Soft bricks.Then this thread will be an "ALL IN 1" thread.Its my Opinion after all...Brilliant work.
Need a little advice.
Hi,
I have a ZL with Locked bootloader and your ZL-lockeddualrecovery2.8.22 installed
I am on stock 5.0.2 now Rooted thanks to your awesome recovery.
Question is now I have your dual recovery would I be able to simply flash crDroid CM zip Thread Here and others like it or would I still need to unlock the bootloader Edit OP of ROM says it is required
So if I flashed the above would it replace your recovery with the boot.img in the zip
Sorry for the noob questions but I am new to Sony devices and still taking baby steps with this phone
I can unlock the bootloader no problem but I am more concerned about your recovery been replaced.
Thanks in advance :good:
bigrammy said:
Hi,
I have a ZL with Locked bootloader and your ZL-lockeddualrecovery2.8.22 installed
I am on stock 5.0.2 now Rooted thanks to your awesome recovery.
Question is now I have your dual recovery would I be able to simply flash crDroid CM zip Thread Here and others like it or would I still need to unlock the bootloader Edit OP of ROM says it is required
So if I flashed the above would it replace your recovery with the boot.img in the zip
Sorry for the noob questions but I am new to Sony devices and still taking baby steps with this phone
I can unlock the bootloader no problem but I am more concerned about your recovery been replaced.
Thanks in advance :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as your phone is locked, you only can flash stockroms and stock-kernels.
You also have to use recovery for stockrom, because you kernel is "untouchable" and recovery have to put in /data and /system partition and can't be put in kernel.
All other roms/kernels will end in errors while flashing.
If you have unlocked your BL, you can flash any rom and kernel you want, as long as your phone is supporting it.
Yes, by flashing a zip, your kernel will be replaced and in most cases they have a recovery in it.
By flashing a rom from another version or changing from stock-based roms to i.e. CM-roms or Omni and vice versa, you have to unpack the kernel (boot.img) by hand and flash (fastboot) this first, before you flash (after a reboot in recovery) the whole zip.
Otherwise it could end in bootloop.
Because of (i most cases) wiping /system, /data while installation, your stock-recovery will deleted too. This depends of the work of the installer in the zip file.
Btw... before unlocking your phone, backup your TA ( with FlashTool). This TA is unique and you may use it to lock your phone again later.
And... if your phone is unlocked - no fear of losing recovery. You always can flash another one with fastboot again.
Someone correct me, if i was wrong or forgot something.
@bigrammi, you can always try yo repack the CM kernel using my kernel builder, that way you will still have XZDualRecovery but then included in the boot image, so no risk of losing it...
akkufix said:
As long as your phone is locked, you only can flash stockroms and stock-kernels.
You also have to use recovery for stockrom, because you kernel is "untouchable" and recovery have to put in /data and /system partition and can't be put in kernel.
All other roms/kernels will end in errors while flashing.
If you have unlocked your BL, you can flash any rom and kernel you want, as long as your phone is supporting it.
Yes, by flashing a zip, your kernel will be replaced and in most cases they have a recovery in it.
By flashing a rom from another version or changing from stock-based roms to i.e. CM-roms or Omni and vice versa, you have to unpack the kernel (boot.img) by hand and flash (fastboot) this first, before you flash (after a reboot in recovery) the whole zip.
Otherwise it could end in bootloop.
Because of (i most cases) wiping /system, /data while installation, your stock-recovery will deleted too. This depends of the work of the installer in the zip file.
Btw... before unlocking your phone, backup your TA ( with FlashTool). This TA is unique and you may use it to lock your phone again later.
And... if your phone is unlocked - no fear of losing recovery. You always can flash another one with fastboot again.
Someone correct me, if i was wrong or forgot something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks yet again bro :highfive:
Wow these Sony Xperia's take some figuring out :laugh:
I think I have just about got my head around it all now
I have managed to get the TA backed up with TWRP and Flashtool so I should be safe now
I will have to unlock the bootloader just to stop it nagging me to upgrade :laugh:
@Nut Thanks bro I will take a look at your suggestion it's a little more complicated than what I am used to or should I say different.
bigrammy said:
[...]
@Nut Thanks bro I will take a look at your suggestion it's a little more complicated than what I am used to or should I say different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, i saw HTC M7 in your signature. If you were able to unlocked, s-off-ed, re-flashed firmware and rooted this beast - you don't need to have any fear about a Sony device.
[NUT] said:
@bigrammymi, you can always try yo repack the CM kernel using my kernel builder, that way you will still have XZDualRecovery but then included in the boot image, so no risk of losing it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi @Nut,
I thought I would take your advice and expected to download a tool to unpack everything and pick through the files and start editing init.rc etc etc :silly:
I had no idea this was a fully automated Online tool
I still can't quite believe it you're a genius!! :angel:
A BIG THANKS to All the Xperia dev's helpful community members and especially the tool creators XZDualRecovery, Flashtool, XperiFirm and PRFCreator etc you're all Awesome :highfive:
I fear I will become lazy with such great dev's :laugh:
bigrammy said:
Hi @Nut,
I thought I would take your advice and expected to download a tool to unpack everything and pick through the files and start editing init.rc etc etc :silly:
I had no idea this was a fully automated Online tool
I still can't quite believe it you're a genius!! :angel:
A BIG THANKS to All the Xperia dev's helpful community members and especially the tool creators XZDualRecovery, Flashtool, XperiFirm and PRFCreator etc you're all Awesome :highfive:
I fear I will become lazy with such great dev's :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, glad to have been of help to you
Hi, i have from a couple of day the ubuntu edition of pro 5, for various reason i want to run android on it and also make an image of system to give the opportunity for android users to get the ubuntu experience... any help?
- i have flashed the recovery from canonical (recovery-turbo) with unlocked ADB
- i can access to fastboot and to adb trough recovery
- i have make a map of partitions (ls -al /dev/block/platform/*/by-name)
- i have try to copy the system to sd card ( dd if=/dev/block/sda41 <--- system partition of=/media/F49C-xxxx <--- my sdcard) but it not find the sd
- on the side of android flash i think that the procedure on this post maybe ok http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...53&postcount=3 but the software (MultiUpgrade 4.8.5) fail to start
- ever for android flash, i have also think to put a complete update.zip to the root of device but the / folder is read only system.
Any help for both purpose are welcome
some news...
some news... i have successfuly install TWRP and maked a backup of system/data/boot if anyone want to play with backup or try to flash it i can upload it (it's a 5gb folder, tell me wich file hosting you want)
i have try after backup to flash the CM rom and some Flyme but i have always the same error: "could not find 'meta-inf/com/google/android/update-binary' in the zip file"
Any suggestion?
ps: if anyone has a TWRP backup of his pro 5 i can try to restore on my...
Hi,
I also got my Meizu Pro 5 Ubuntu Edition a couple of days ago, and even I expected it to be not-so-polished, I couldn't believe the number of features missing and the number of unresolved bugs. Being a long-term Linux/Ubuntu user I will (from now on) closely watch the development process, but meanwhile I would like to use my new phone.
If you make it to flash Flyme, please share the full process.
It would be great if we could go back-and-forth Android/Ubuntu to check the progress from time to time (as Nexus can)
Toroman said:
Hi,
I also got my Meizu Pro 5 Ubuntu Edition a couple of days ago, and even I expected it to be not-so-polished, I couldn't believe the number of features missing and the number of unresolved bugs. Being a long-term Linux/Ubuntu user I will (from now on) closely watch the development process, but meanwhile I would like to use my new phone.
If you make it to flash Flyme, please share the full process.
It would be great if we could go back-and-forth Android/Ubuntu to check the progress from time to time (as Nexus can)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As we find someone that want share his TWRP backup, i think that a deep wipe and a restore from backup work...
mobilezonerm said:
As we find someone that want share his TWRP backup, i think that a deep wipe and a restore from backup work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In this thread there is a link:
http :// forum.xda-developers. com/meizu-pro-5/development/rom-cyanogenmod12-1-temasek-unofficial-t3358744
http :// xep.8800.org/ pro5/
But also on the Canonical site:
https ://wiki.ubuntu. com/Touch/ Devices
(Sorry for the spaces the policy doesn't allow me to post urls yet.)
I somehow thought that we can use official Flyme download from the Meizu website and the official Ubuntu turbo image without the need of installing TWRP or anything - and flash both via USB.
Functionality with TWRP would be a plus.
Well I think you can. Press both Volume up + power button, that's the stock recovery where you can flash images from meizu. So you probably can get Flyme when you have Ubuntu, but when you want to go back I think you'll have to flash the ubuntu turbo recovery back through fastboot. I think you can go without TWRP.
Pleytos said:
Well I think you can. Press both Volume up + power button, that's the stock recovery where you can flash images from meizu. So you probably can get Flyme when you have Ubuntu, but when you want to go back I think you'll have to flash the ubuntu turbo recovery back through fastboot. I think you can go without TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the power + up gives (a kind of) recovery that shows a screen with the Ubuntu logo in the center - nothing else. I believe the android version has a different recovery?
Ah I never saw that screen. Yes Android/Flyme has a different screen: like this
You can try to to use the Ubuntu recovery to flash a Flyme Rom. I did it with TWRP, but never tried it with the Ubuntu recovery.
The Flyme Rom replaces the recovery and boots with both TWRP and the Flyme recovery, maybe even with a Ubuntu recovery (I can't image it to be that different.).
Edit:
You might want to back up your current recovery. I just flashed the recovery from Canonicals website, and its just the English/Chinese Flyme one.
just a moment... thank's Pleytos, but we need the TWRP backup folder... on yours link there are the CM rom and on the Canonica site there are only the update.zip....
Keep in mind, also the partitons are different on Pro 5 Ubuntu, for this the best is to have the entire backup of an android phone, both CM rom and Update.zip are not flashable by TWRP (i have try)
and Toroman the recovery that you see is the original recovery, if you flash the recovery on Canonical website you have the screen posted by Pleytos BUT with this recovery you obtain only the unlock of ADB in recovery and, as you can read from the screenshoot to make an update you have to put a "update.zip" on root directory of the phone that, unfortunally in ubuntu edition, is read-only file system... i have just unlock it from linux terminal with a "remount,rw" but if you try to copy update.zip (many versions) to root fonder there aren't space enough...
I've make lot of try in this day and i have find two possible solutions:
- flash a rom with MultiUpgrade 4.8.5 (official software used by Meizu, that not start because some token is missing)
as reported in a big russian forum
- make a total erase of internal memory and rewrite it with a image from android Pro 5 phone (TWRP Backup)
Pleytos, one answer, wich room have you flash via TWRP? (both Ciano and Flyme, wich version)
All done... guide in details:
- on windows install driver: Samsung_USB_Drivers_for_Mobile_Phones_1.5.9.0
- on linux: run from terminal "$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-sdk-team/ppa" and "$ sudo apt-get install phablet-tools"
- download from here (http://people.canonical.com/~plars/touch/recovery-turbo.img) the recovery image with unlocked ADB
- turn off the phone and turn on with volume down pressed to enter in fastboot mode
- in windows go to the folder where you have fastboot / in linux open the terminal and give "sudo -s"
- make a flash of recovery (fastboot flash recovery recovery-turbo.img)
- now download the TWRP recovery (i've used the 3.0.0 on this forum) and from terminal flash it (fastboot flash recovery "nomerecovery")
- now you have to copy first a CM rom on the phone or sd, before flash the CM rom erase completely the system partition, flash it whit TWRP and only after you are able to flash Flyme rom
keep in mind to make a full backup by TWRP and save it on external archive before operate. (it's less complicate for future restore and help you if something goes wrong)
if someone need the backup of Ubuntu for his phone, ask me...
Ubuntu Dump
mobilezonerm said:
if someone need the backup of Ubuntu for his phone, ask me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, can you provide me full Ubuntu dump? Im very interesting to install native Ubuntu touch on Meizu Pro 5. Share the link, for example, on Mega or Google Drive
Need you help
mobilezonerm said:
Hi, i have from a couple of day the ubuntu edition of pro 5, for various reason i want to run android on it and also make an image of system to give the opportunity for android users to get the ubuntu experience... any help?
- i have flashed the recovery from canonical (recovery-turbo) with unlocked ADB
- i can access to fastboot and to adb trough recovery
- i have make a map of partitions (ls -al /dev/block/platform/*/by-name)
- i have try to copy the system to sd card ( dd if=/dev/block/sda41 <--- system partition of=/media/F49C-xxxx <--- my sdcard) but it not find the sd
- on the side of android flash i think that the procedure on this post maybe ok http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...53&postcount=3 but the software (MultiUpgrade 4.8.5) fail to start
- ever for android flash, i have also think to put a complete update.zip to the root of device but the / folder is read only system.
Any help for both purpose are welcome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can any one help me remotely to install android on miuze pro 5 which coming with Ubuntu , i download every thing but lost with steps, or can you provide clear steps so i can follow
mobilezonerm said:
Pleytos, one answer, wich room have you flash via TWRP? (both Ciano and Flyme, wich version)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! I flashed CyanogenMod 12.1 from Faust93, AICP 12.1 Rom from Faust93, and Flyme 5.1.6.0G & Flyme 5.1.5.0G via TWRP, It worked for me. I haven't been able to go back to Ubuntu though. Ubuntu-device flash doesn't work for me.
I can also flash Flyme with the standard recovery/ Canonical recovery by putting it on /sdcard/
tamyou2020 said:
can any one help me remotely to install android on miuze pro 5 which coming with Ubuntu , i download every thing but lost with steps, or can you provide clear steps so i can follow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I can help you, are you running Ubuntu on your PC or Windows?
Before flashing Android, could you maybe help me with getting some Ubuntu files back? I can also help you through a chat or something if that is easier. Never mind I finally did it!I can still help you though, if you need me
Hi , Am running Ubuntu over windows ( virtual box ) we can go with team viewer , or if you want i can install Ubuntu in separate machine , Please let me know how we can communicate
Pleytos said:
Hi! I flashed CyanogenMod 12.1 from Faust93, AICP 12.1 Rom from Faust93, and Flyme 5.1.6.0G & Flyme 5.1.5.0G via TWRP, It worked for me. I haven't been able to go back to Ubuntu though. Ubuntu-device flash doesn't work for me.
I can also flash Flyme with the standard recovery/ Canonical recovery by putting it on /sdcard/
Yes I can help you, are you running Ubuntu on your PC or Windows?
Before flashing Android, could you maybe help me with getting some Ubuntu files back? I can also help you through a chat or something if that is easier. Never mind I finally did it!I can still help you though, if you need me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I've been away for some time, and I can see some nice progress in making Android work on the Ubuntu edition.
I might be repeating myself but it would be ideal if we (who own the Ubuntu edition) can go back and forth seamlessly. Unfortunately my flashing skills are buried in the ancient time of the HTC HD2 so I need some assistance (as probably more of us do). Here are some questions, I appreciate the effort and the help (assume I'm using Ubuntu on the desktop) (if something is easier in windows - please note). This would be a full circle:
1 Is it possible and how to make a COMPLETE backup of the Ubuntu edition phone (including the recovery and everything) to be able to get back to the factory condition (and using what tools/steps). I think I have read somewhere that OTA updates does not work with custom recovery or something similar.
2 after making the backup from question 1 - assume flashing official flyme to make it like a factory android device. (orig.recovery, OTA and so)
3 flash ubuntu back using backup provided with one.
I guess the ubuntu edition has the bootloader unlocked factory default.
Info on flashing CM or similar can than be like flashing it on original android - assuming (2) is working
As already said, just a remainder - Ubuntu recovery screen that came with the original phone is just ubuntu logo on the center on the screen - I don't know if it is important for any feature (OTA or something)
Best regards!
Also, looking around I have found this - seems interesting also
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Touch/DualBootInstallation
Toroman said:
Also, looking around I have found this - seems interesting also
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Touch/DualBootInstallation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually this is most interesting! I would love to buy this phone, ubuntu edition. But since it would be my primary device and ubuntu touch not quite there yet, I'm not. That page about dual boot seems outdated though. And it is about nexus devices
Being able to have dual boot with android or even as someone said above have a back up and every 2 months restore ubuntu and check the progress would be great.
Hello,
I am just new with Samsung smartphones, previously I was on some other devices such Nexus which are easier to mod.
I would like to tweak the kernel( I already got the sources) to add few things but I need for that eventually the ramdisk and the kernel image to make a boot image.
I wanted to download the latest firmware, hoping a default boot image was integrated in it and that I could unpack but I got issue and connection loss so I can't even take a look at it.
I think I will be able to get the boot image with the dd command but to do so I need to be in a mod recovery(such twrp) and currently I can't.
Thx u
Firstly you've created a voting thread. If this is a standard question I suggest in future you leave the options at default.
Why can't you use TWRP?
My build also supports raw image backup of the boot partition.
Sorry about creating wrong thread type
I have extended this feature to include BOOT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woot Yeah I didn't know about that!
So I can just get the current boot image, unpack it, replace with my kernel image, repack and done.
And then flash the boot image throw a zip install or your extended function.
Btw, I am was looking over the net but couldn't find an exact answer to this extra Q, is there any fastboot mode ? So I can just boot in a custom kernel image before flashing it.
Yep, just backup the boot partition using twrp.
Locate the boot image backup in the twrp backup folder.
Unpack it, make your mods, rename it boot.img, copy it to internal or external storage and flash it with TWRP using the INSTALL button.
Samsung devices dont have a fastboot mode.
@ashyx answered my questions, thx to him!
>Samsung devices dont have a fastboot mode.
My latest Samsung Tablet has a fastboot mode but it was manufactured around the end of 2012 ... So it is not quite recent
I've never known a Samsung device to use FASTBOOT, so that's news to me.
Samsung uses its own proprietary ODIN mode.
Which device is this?
Ahhah you gonna say I am half of a lier.
It was my nexus 10. Built by Samsung and running the 5250 exynos chip
Okay boys Just got this phone like a week ago. Used it to replace my Samsung that was acting up. Convinced my wife I needed it and then proceeded to toy with it.
I unlocked the bootloader, flashed custom recovery (TWRP latest), and rooted (Magisk latest) to stick recovery. I was running full stock 8.1.0 no custom ROM yet I was doing reading before I wan
ted to flash. Got to feeling comfortable so I got everything ready files downloaded USB hooked up and decided to be safe and make one more back up.
So thats what I did, I made a full TWRP backup, every single partition onto an external USB. So I am safe, right? Best to be safe... But that's when I rebooted from TWRP it boot looped.
So now I am currently stuck at boot. I get the warning screen about the unlocked bootloader then "Google" logo boot screen then a black screen and back to the start again. I knew that wasn't right, so I booted into fastboot with Power + Volume Down, cycled to recovery and selected it then... boot loop. No recovery. Hmmm... That's not good. But keep calm... did some research and found a few things. So i did this...
Heisenberg said:
FAQ can be found in post #3!
[SIZE=+1]10. How To Flash The Factory Images (And Return To Stock)[/SIZE]
Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1).
This section will explain how to return the phone to be like it was when it came out of the box. This will wipe everything from the phone. If you wish to flash the factory images without wiping your personal data from the internal storage please move on to the next section.
Go to Settings/Backup & Reset and perform a factory data reset. This will remove all of your user data from the device (apps, settings, photos, music, etc).
Download the appropriate factory images for your model here.
Unzip the angler-xxxxxx-factory-xxxxxxxx (x's replace variables) into a directory on your PC (for this guide we'll use C:\angler\).
Once unzipped you should have a folder named angler-xxxxxx (x's replace variables). Open it and move the following files to a new directory named C:\angler\images\:
bootloader-angler-angler-xx.xx.img
radio-angler-angler-xx.xx.img
(Please note that radio and bootloader naming changes from build to build so the filenames and below commands will change with them)
Within C:\angler\angler-xxxxxx\ you'll see another zip archive named image-angler-xxxxxx, unzip the contents of that zip into the C:\angler\images\ folder we created before. Now within C:\angler\images\ you should have the following files:
android-info.txt
boot.img
bootloader-angler-angler-xx.xx.img
cache.img (not present on Android 7.1.2 and above)
radio-angler-angler-xx.xx.img
recovery.img
system.img
userdata.img
vendor.img
Boot into the bootloader and connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here), enter these commands to flash:
Code:
fastboot flash bootloader C:\angler\images\bootloader-angler-angler-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash radio C:\angler\images\radio-angler-angler-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash boot C:\angler\images\boot.img
fastboot erase cache
(above command is unnecessary on Android 7.1.2 and above)
fastboot flash cache C:\angler\images\cache.img
(above command is unnecessary on Android 7.1.2 and above)
fastboot flash recovery C:\angler\images\recovery.img
fastboot flash system C:\angler\images\system.img
fastboot flash vendor C:\angler\images\vendor.img
On 7.1.2 and above you'll also need to boot into TWRP recovery and wipe cache and dalvik cache.
If you wish to you can also relock the bootloader with this command:
Code:
fastboot flashing lock
(This command will wipe all user data from the device)
Important: do not lock the bootloader unless you have first flashed the stock images. Locking the bootloader while you have a custom recovery installed can result in a brick. Please also note that the locking procedure will wipe all user data from the device.
Once all operations are complete you can reboot the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and that didnt work either so next I tried this
Train88 said:
Like other curious 6P users, I flashed the "full ota" zip to check out Nougat. Then I tried to restore my nandroid for Dirty Unicorns, and apparently TWRP 3.0.2-1 had a fatal flaw that borked the EFS backup. I tried literally everything I could think of, until I saw the process @be_vigilant did to revive his phone. I'm going to be using his process as the base for the guide, as well as linking you to my nandroid that has now helped two other people revive their device.
What you need:
*MMB29P factory image (although MTC20F also worked for someone).
Direct download link: https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/angler-mmb29m-factory-616cf265.zip
*My nandroid backup (its stock MMB29P, decrypted and rooted)
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24686679545612465
*TWRP recovery image (3.0.2-0 or one of the newer builds that fixed the EFS stuff)
https://dl.twrp.me/angler/
*Android SDK or at least platform-tools (for fastboot, adb, etc)
The Process:
1. Extract the factory image into the location where you have fastboot.exe (mine is C:\Android\sdk\platform-tools)
2. Extract the nandroid backup - doesn't matter where, I'll explain later
3. Make sure you are in bootloader mode, and run flash-all.bat from the factory image
4. Flash TWRP (fastboot flash recovery twrprecovery.img)
5. Boot into TWRP, and make a new nandroid backup. This step is just to create the TWRP backup folder on your device
6. Now go to wipe, advanced wipe, click on each partition one at a time, choose "Repair or Change File System", then select "Repair File System" - do this for dalvik/art, system, data, internal storage, and cache. It may not work for all of them, but its ok.
***you must mount data again in TWRP after doing this, or you will not be able to see anything***
7. Copy & paste my nandroid onto your device in the correct location (sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS/XXXXXX)
8. Restore my nandroid and try to boot.
9. If it still does not boot at this point, then you need to run these adb commands (while in TWRP) that @bogomil4e kindly reported to wipe the EFS partitions
adb shell dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/platform/soc.0/f9824900.sdhci/by-name/modemst1 bs=16384 -and-
adb shell dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/platform/soc.0/f9824900.sdhci/by-name/modemst2 bs=16384
Now you should be able to boot up and do anything you want again. Please do not mirror my nandroid or take advantage of it - I am making it available only for people to utilize as a way to unbrick their phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that didn't work either. To be clear I left my bootloader unlocked. Each process works as far as flashing all the files via fastboot. But if I try to reboot or boot recovery, stock or custom, I boot loop. I have been looking everywhere and I dont see a solution and was hoping to get some help.
edit: Now I have also tried this... Doesnt seem to be the bootloop of death.
XCnathan32 said:
Read First: This method is relatively drastic, and will hurt device performance some. You should only use this as a last resort, if the more basic methods of fixing a soft brick didn't work (e.g, factory reset, flash stock firmware, etc.)
*Update 8/22: Android O is working with 4 Cores now! Big thank you to @xls654 for finding out how to get Android O to work.
*Petition:
I made a petition for Google to officially release and sign modified boot.imgs, so that people with locked bootloaders can fix their devices too. Check it out here. (I apologize for dumbing it down so much, I wanted to make sure everyone could understand it)
*Changelog:
8/25 - EX kernel for Android O added.
8/22 - Android O DPR6 boot.img and source added.
8/16 - Started making this fix open-source, source code section added in OP. Also uploaded modified Franco and Flash kernel & source.
8/10 - Added PA 7.2.2 and DarkROM boot images.
8/08, 2nd change - Uploaded modified boot.img for firmware 48C.
8/08 - Updated EX kernel to version 4.1.2. This updated zip adds the CPU utilization patch to the init.elemntalx.rc, instead of removing the old init.angler.rc and copying the new init over. That should mean more compatibility with Roms/kernels that modify the init.angler.rc. I also modified the camera-daemon to use cpus 0-3 instead of 0-2, so hopefully this should make the a camera bit faster too.
8/07 - Added boot.img that only uses 1 core. Someone suggested I make a boot.img that only uses 1 core, just to see if it works for devices that didn't work with the 4 Core fix.
7/30 - Added universal EX zip, this zip should modify your kernel to use only 4 cores, and it should modify it to utilize all 4 cores. You can flash this over most ROMs and it should work. Also added a donation url, and this changelog.
7/29, 2nd change - Added Pure Nexus and PA dev version boot images, modified to use 4 cores, and utilize all 4.
7/29 - Updated this fix to greatly improve performance. Before this fix, the device was only using 1 core for foreground tasks, now it will use all 4 cores. Also revamped OP.
7/21 - Fix created, stock boot.img, TWRP image, and EX kernel modified to use 4 cores.
*What this fix does, and how to apply it:
The problem:
The problem with most of the devices in a BLOD, is that a hardware failure related to the BIG cluster has occurred. This fix remedies the problem by disabling the BIG cores. Unfortunately, this does mean that you will take a performance hit. However, I am continually working on ways to improve the device's performance.
The update: If anyone remembers device performance with the first fix, it was hurt a lot, however, after finding out that the device was only using 1 core for all foreground tasks, I modified the ramdisk to utilize all 4 cores more effectively, and it helps a lot.
Requirements: For this fix to work, you need:
A brain
A computer
A bootlooping 6P with an unlocked bootloader/OEM unlocking enabled
The modified files of your choice
Fastboot on your computer (preferably installed system wide). If you do not know what this is, or do not have it, look at this post. Answer yes to all of the prompts to install it.
How to apply the fix:
Boot your phone into bootloader (hold power and volume down).
Connect your phone to the computer.
Go to the folder where you have the modified files, then hold shift and right click in a blank space, click on "open command prompt here" in the menu that pops up.
In the command prompt: type "fastboot flash boot [name of the file here]" and then press enter. If you're flashing TWRP, replace boot with recovery. (Linux users, make sure you're running as root)
Edit: With the new EX zip, you shouldn't need to flash the boot.img anymore, you can just flash twrp, and then flash EX in twrp.
Boot up your phone, and hopefully it should work!
*If your phone is bootloader locked/OEM locked:
You can try to get your phone to boot long enough to enable OEM unlocking. Some users have reported success by freezing their phone for a bit, then booting it. Others have let their battery drain all the way, and then tried to boot their phone, but the most successful method seems to be heating up your phone (a lot).
If you do attempt any of these methods, make sure you have time and patience, as it will take a long time.
To enable OEM unlocking and unlock bootloader:
Go to settings.
Go to developer options, if you do not see that, go to "about phone", scroll to build number, and then tap it 7 times. You should now see developer options in settings.
Once you're in developer options, click on "OEM unlocking" and accept the prompt.
Now reboot your phone to bootloader, connect your phone to the computer, and type "fastboot flashing unlock" Your bootloader should now be unlocked.
*Downloads:
Boot.img from stock 6.17, 8.0 firmware: Download | Mirror. This Image is the from the first official release of Android O, and is modified to use 4 cores. It also disables forced encryption as a bonus. Thank you to @xls654 for figuring out how to get Android O to work.
Boot.img from stock 48C, 7.1.2 firmware: Download | Mirror. This Image is modified to use only 4 cores, and is modified to utilize the 4 cores more effectively. I have had multiple people say that first boot takes a while after flashing this, so just wait about 20 minutes before you declare something is wrong with it.
Boot.img from stock 48B, 7.1.2 firmware: Download |Mirror. This Image is modified to use only 4 cores, and is modified to utilize the 4 cores more effectively. I have had multiple people say that first boot takes a while after flashing this, so just wait about 20 minutes before you declare something is wrong with it.
TWRP version 3.1.1: Download | Mirror. This TWRP image is modified to use only 4 cores.
EX kernel version 5.03: Download | Mirror. EX kernel 5.03 works with android 8.0.0. This zip applies the 4 cores patch, but you will need to flash it over an already modified boot.img to work.
Elemental X kernel version 4.12, universal zip: Download | Mirror. This zip is EX kernel, modified to use only 4 cores. Update: I modified it to apply the CPU utilization patch too, so now this is a universal zip, flash it over almost any ROM, and you should now have the BIG cores disabled fix, and the little core utilization fix.
Flash kernel version 2.5: Download | Mirror. This zip is modified to use only 4 cores, and utilize all 4. Works with android 7.1.2. You can flash this over almost any ROM, including stock, and it should boot again.
Franco kernel r55: Download | Mirror. This zip is modified to use only 4 cores, and utilize all 4. Works with android 7.1.2. You can flash this over almost any ROM, including stock, and it should boot again.
You will most likely not need these images. It will be much easier, and much more universal to flash one of the custom kernel zips above ^^^
PA boot.img from PA version 7.2.2, build 8/10: Download | Mirror. Uses only 4 cores, and has core utilization patch.
PA boot.img from PA version 7.2.1: Download | Mirror. Boot.img from PA dev preview 7.2.1, uses only 4 cores, and is modified to utilize 4 cores more effectively. Flash it after you flash the PA zip, either with fastboot, or TWRP image flash.
Pure Nexus boot.img from Pure Nexus 7/25 build Download | Mirror. This image is modified to use only 4 cores, and it has a tweak to utilize the 4 cores more effectively. Flash it after you flash Pure Nexus, either with fastboot, or TWRP image flash.
DarkROM boot.img from 7/21 build: Download | Mirror. This image is modified to use only 4 cores, and has the utilization patch.
Boot.img modified to use only 1 Core. Some people were reporting that the 4 core images weren't working for them, someone suggested that I make a 1 core version to see if that helps at all. Edit: seems not to help unfortunately. Here it is: Download | Mirror
Unfortunately, I have not been able to get Android O working yet, but I am working on it right now.
If you have a favorite custom ROM or kernel you want to ported over to use 4 cores, let me know, and I'll put it up.
*Source code:
Flash kernel: source | Flash ramdisk/AK2: source.
Franco kernel: source | Franco ramdisk/AK2: source.
Android O boot.img: source.
p-0000000000000000000000000000007 (sorry that was my kitten)
*Tested custom ROMS/kernels
I have used Pure Nexus by flashing the modified EX zip over it, it has notably better performance than the stock ROM, and very good battery life. It's a clean, stable ROM, with plenty of good features that are actually useful.
I have also used Paranoid android dev preview, very good performance, definitely my favorite as of now. Battery life leaves something to be desired, but I have not tried a custom kernel yet. Also, 7.2.1 seemed smoother to me than 7.2.2.
If you have a custom ROM/kernel that worked for you, let me know and I'll put it up here.
*To improve performance slightly:
Flash a custom kernel. I will upload more kernels as I test more, so stay tuned.
Overclock the little cores. It can slightly help offset the lost performance, on my 6P, I have mine overclocked to 1632MHz, and it works perfectly for me. Edit: I actually recommend not overclocking. Many people have reported their Little cores failing, so I would go for longevity on this device, and keep it at stock clocks, or even underclock it. The speed difference you get from overclocking is negligible anyways.
Disable animations in developer options. Seriously, as soon as I found out about this tweak, I've used it on ever single device I've owned, it helps a ton.
Turn resolution down to 1080p. On a small screen, the difference in between 1080p and 1440p is not very noticable. To do this, first get root access, then download a terminal emulator. In the terminal, type "su" and grant it root access, then type "wm size 1080x1920", and finally, change the density "wm density 400". Personally, I like my density at 400, but you can expieriment with it. Lower density=Smaller items and text, Higher density=Bigger items and text. Also @Adithya FRK mentioned that you also want to put density in build.prop so apps display correctly. Change ro.sf.lcd_density=560 to your density, if you changed it.
*Credits:
@rchtk, His post here gave me the idea for how to modify the images.
@flar2, He built the Elemental X kernel for this device, I merely made a small modification to his kernel to use 4 cores. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit his work.
The TWRP development team, they built the TWRP recovery for this device, I merely made a small modification to their recovery to use 4 cores. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit their work.
@tr1gg3r.man, He made the the PA kernel, I just added a couple modifications. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit his work.
@BeansTown106, He made the Pure Nexus kernel, I just added a couple modifications. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit his work.
@Dark_Eyes_, He made the DarkROM kernel, I just added a couple modifications to it. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit his work.
@[U][COLOR="Purple"]The Flash[/COLOR][/U], He made The Flash kernel, I just made a couple modifications to it. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit his work. His posts have also helped me a lot with learning how to build a kernel from source, understanding how to use git more, etc. I recommend you check them out if you are interested in getting started with android development.
@[B]franciscofranco[/B], He made Franco kernel, I just made a couple modifications to it. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit his work.
@xls654, He found out how to get Android O working with 4 cores.
FAQs
What's the password for TWRP/Why is TWRP asking for a password? - In android 7.0, Google added forced encryption to the data partition. To get around this, click cancel when TWRP asks you for a password, and then factory reset the device. Then you can flash EX kernel/Magisk to disable forced encryption.
Why am I getting an error when I try to flash the images? - Your bootloader is probably not unlocked, try running the command "fastboot flashing unlock", If you get an error there too, then you will have to enable OEM unlocking before you can continue.
It's not working for me, how do I fix it? - My only advice for that is: "Flash the stock firmware for whatever version image you're trying to flash, then reflash the images again" If you're stuck on the boot animation, wait at least 20 minutes before you declare it's not working. If none of that works, chances are your device may have a different problem.
Does EX kernel have the new speed fix? - Yep, you can flash this over just about any ROM, and it should patch it to use only 4 cores, and use them well.
I would like to help as many people as I can, however, I am much more likely to be able to easily help you/reply to your post if you clearly state your problem and the steps you attempted to fix it. I will be much less likely to reply to posts such as "omggg i flashed the image and my phone won't boot helppp" Please read through post first, I did not spend time typing up this OP for no one to read it. If I can see that you read through the OP and have attempted all the steps, then I will be much more willing to help you.
I set up donations on my profile, for those of you who want to donate. I have spent countless hours modifying, flashing, testing, and helping, don't get me wrong, I love doing this and helping y'all out, but donations really keep me motivated to keep going, and donations also will help me fund new equipment and devices that will help further my android development. Every single donation is appreciated Donate to me here!
If this guide helped you, please click thanks, it means a lot to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please anybody if your willing to take a swing at helping me I would really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance!
Anybody have any insight?
Were you successful at returning to stock?
If not, I'm afraid you're suffering from the bootloop issue :'(
No i was not, but the standard 4 core fix isn't working for me either so I don't know what else to do.
I did something similar. Tried to update to latest may patch from custom rom. No sim found...so tried some radios..nothing. Thought I better get back to full stock. Similar to you tried the individual flashes and then the OTA as a whole. During that process I locked the bootloader. Now I get the yellow screen text says software isn't standard...then google logo...then the red text says os is corupt possibly...then google logo, forever. No loops it seems but just doesn't boot.
Anyone with thoughts?
i am on my 2nd 6p with the same problem after installing twrp. the first one i got operational by sideloading via twrp a factory img. to get the sideload to work i had to go back to android 6, 7 and 8 would not work. right now the google firmware site is not working, it has been out for a few days, so i have not been able to try it on the second 6p.
edit; now that i recall the factory img would not load after installing. i then went back to fastboot recovery and got the distress robot, twrp was of course gone. from there i did a factory reset which got me back to go and the long climb back to oreo.
Hello y'all,
I've noticed that on the Pixel 2 and on many other A/B devices, there is a twrp zip available that can be flashed after flashing the twrp image to boot and booting into recovery and flashing the stock boot image (like we do on the Essential) which patches the ramdisk in the stock boot.img to add twrp to it so that twrp can be permanently installed on the device.
If I could make something like this myself, I would have a long time ago, but unfortunately, it's over my head. Just curious why something like this has never been made for the Essential. Also, but much less important, TWRP 3.2.3-0 is about to be released (code is on GitHub), yet the latest available to us is version 3.2.1-1.
I know one of you smart devs could make the zip to install twrp to the ramdisk (and possibly build the latest version of twrp also) probably in almost no time at all. I love my Essential, but having to connect it to a PC just to get into TWRP is very irritating.
When one of you guys have the time, could you give it a try? I'd be happy to test whatever you come up with.
Much thanks!
starcms said:
Hello y'all,
I've noticed that on the Pixel 2 and on many other A/B devices, there is a twrp zip available that can be flashed after flashing the twrp image to boot and booting into recovery and flashing the stock boot image (like we do on the Essential) which patches the ramdisk in the stock boot.img to add twrp to it so that twrp can be permanently installed on the device.
If I could make something like this myself, I would have a long time ago, but unfortunately, it's over my head. Just curious why something like this has never been made for the Essential. Also, but much less important, TWRP 3.2.3-0 is about to be released (code is on GitHub), yet the latest available to us is version 3.2.1-1.
I know one of you smart devs could make the zip to install twrp to the ramdisk (and possibly build the latest version of twrp also) probably in almost no time at all. I love my Essential, but having to connect it to a PC just to get into TWRP is very irritating.
When one of you guys have the time, could you give it a try? I'd be happy to test whatever you come up with.
Much thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's definitely possible but I don't know how many Devs would want to take this up. I'm all for the idea, I really miss having TWRP permanently, but you kinda get used to the whole PC flashing thang.
I don't know how different the Pixel 2 is in comparison to the Essential phone, but they both share A/B partitions, so it wouldn't be too outlandish if someone were able to port something like this over to our Mata's down the road.
?
starcms said:
Hello y'all,
I've noticed that on the Pixel 2 and on many other A/B devices, there is a twrp zip available that can be flashed after flashing the twrp image to boot and booting into recovery and flashing the stock boot image (like we do on the Essential) which patches the ramdisk in the stock boot.img to add twrp to it so that twrp can be permanently installed on the device.
If I could make something like this myself, I would have a long time ago, but unfortunately, it's over my head. Just curious why something like this has never been made for the Essential. Also, but much less important, TWRP 3.2.3-0 is about to be released (code is on GitHub), yet the latest available to us is version 3.2.1-1.
I know one of you smart devs could make the zip to install twrp to the ramdisk (and possibly build the latest version of twrp also) probably in almost no time at all. I love my Essential, but having to connect it to a PC just to get into TWRP is very irritating.
When one of you guys have the time, could you give it a try? I'd be happy to test whatever you come up with.
Much thanks!
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MoistPicklez said:
It's definitely possible but I don't know how many Devs would want to take this up. I'm all for the idea, I really miss having TWRP permanently, but you kinda get used to the whole PC flashing thang.
I don't know how different the Pixel 2 is in comparison to the Essential phone, but they both share A/B partitions, so it wouldn't be too outlandish if someone were able to port something like this over to our Mata's down the road.
?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem lies in the way our touch driver is implemented. For lack of a better explanation, what good would it do to need to carry a type c mouse around to use twrp if touch doesn't work. Many many people have tried and failed getting touch to work on Oreo source, let alone P. That is why twrp resides on a nougat kernel meant for LOS. Someone I know even rewrote the driver in c, no go. It's gonna be tough sledding.
Does it have to be touch though? Could it be more old school clockworkmod recovery where you use the buttons or really like default recovery. I don't know enough about it but just a thought. You definitely get use to just downloading and flashing in twrp and it would be cool to find that with the PH-1.
Atleaset there is a way to use TWRP on the fly.
1) Root the phone the first time using the PC.
2) Copy the TWRP and boot.img(rooted) files to the Phone.
3) While booted and rooted, use apps like Rashr - Flash Tool or Flashify available on the playstore to flash TWRP and boot to it.
4) Once you are done using TWRP, flash the boot.img and boot to the phone.
Gundabolu SC said:
Atleaset there is a way to use TWRP on the fly.
1) Root the phone the first time using the PC.
2) Copy the TWRP and boot.img(rooted) files to the Phone.
3) While booted and rooted, use apps like Rashr - Flash Tool or Flashify available on the playstore to flash TWRP and boot to it.
4) Once you are done using TWRP, flash the boot.img and boot to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been waiting for someone to share this for 6 months.. thanks lol
aer0zer0 said:
The problem lies in the way our touch driver is implemented. For lack of a better explanation, what good would it do to need to carry a type c mouse around to use twrp if touch doesn't work. Many many people have tried and failed getting touch to work on Oreo source, let alone P. That is why twrp resides on a nougat kernel meant for LOS. Someone I know even rewrote the driver in c, no go. It's gonna be tough sledding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the explanation. Now I understand why it hasn't been done before.
But why the issue with touch in TWRP with an Oreo kernel in the first place? What's so special/different/difficult about the touch driver that the Essential uses? And why does it work fine with TWRP with a Nougat kernel? No other devices (to my knowledge) have this issue.
Edit: I wonder if since TWRP worked with the touch driver from the Nougat kernel, if it could work with the P kernel? Maybe whatever was changed in Oreo that prevented it from working has been fixed?
starcms said:
Thanks for the explanation. Now I understand why it hasn't been done before.
But why the issue with touch in TWRP with an Oreo kernel in the first place? What's so special/different/difficult about the touch driver that the Essential uses? And why does it work fine with TWRP with a Nougat kernel? No other devices (to my knowledge) have this issue.
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Click to collapse
Hbtp_daemon (touchscreen) doesn't work in twrp on 8.x and newer sources.
Hbtp_daemon runs in userspace iirc, which is the problem. So an entire driver needs to be hogged together in order to get twrp to work. same process that worked on N doesn't work now.
aer0zer0 said:
Hbtp_daemon (touchscreen) doesn't work in twrp on 8.x and newer sources.
Hbtp_daemon runs in userspace iirc, which is the problem. So an entire driver needs to be hogged together in order to get twrp to work. same process that worked on N doesn't work now.
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Not possible to use the driver in userspace after TWRP decrypts the device (userspace) using the default password (after any patterns or pins are removed from the lockscreen)?
Edit: And what the heck is the driver doing in userspace anyway? Shouldn't it be in /vendor? If the driver is in userspace, then how can the touchscreen work after a factory reset?
The new Lineage Recovery is not bad but I see no way to apply other zips like Magisk. Maybe it can be worked on and adapted. No touch , just button control.
galakanokis said:
The new Lineage Recovery is not bad but I see no way to apply other zips like Magisk. Maybe it can be worked on and adapted. No touch , just button control.
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Click to collapse
It doesn't after you lets say flash magisk and gapps they create a script in /system/addon....and when updatting lineage it runs the scripts in the addon folder which is how gapps and magisk get installed to the new updated system and boot.....first magisk and gapps have to be flashed in twrp....after that u shudnt need it on dirty flashes
galakanokis said:
The new Lineage Recovery is not bad but I see no way to apply other zips like Magisk. Maybe it can be worked on and adapted. No touch , just button control.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@aer0zer0
This seems like the easiest solution to getting TWRP working on the Oreo and P boot images and being able to keep it permanently installed in ramdisk. Make TWRP use the volume up/down keys for scrolling and the power key to select. If the touchscreen is soooo difficult to get working, forget it. If someone really wants to use the touchscreen, they can use the existing TWRP version built on the Nougat boot image.
galakanokis said:
The new Lineage Recovery is not bad but I see no way to apply other zips like Magisk. Maybe it can be worked on and adapted. No touch , just button control.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What can you do in Lineage recovery if you can't flash zips? Can you make backups? What else can you do? If you have it installed, could you attach a pic (assuming you have another phone/camera)?
Has anyone looked in the stock P kernel? I was poking around and noticed some twrp residual files. This was straight from the images zip from essential. I didn't touch it.Wth are they in there for? Could they have a better twrp on the back burner for kernel development purposes for Essential? It was in the ramdisk, ill look again tomorrow when I unpack the boot.img. it would make sense to have it in ramdisk, pixel 2 has it like that. Ill post screenshots after work. But, the conversation looks good folks, you are on to something. We could always bust out some phillz recovery, or clockwork mod.
starcms said:
What can you do in Lineage recovery if you can't flash zips? Can you make backups? What else can you do? If you have it installed, could you attach a pic (assuming you have another phone/camera)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say it is more stock-ish as far as recoverys go. It's a stock LOS recovery. You can factory reset, flash or sideload update.zips or signed zips no regular custom ROM zips or magisk. It is meant to run on LOS, it only runs on LOS actually and not made for the flashaholics out there. It's a good start though.
Sorry, out right now and no other phone/camera handy.
Gundabolu SC said:
Atleaset there is a way to use TWRP on the fly.
1) Root the phone the first time using the PC.
2) Copy the TWRP and boot.img(rooted) files to the Phone.
3) While booted and rooted, use apps like Rashr - Flash Tool or Flashify available on the playstore to flash TWRP and boot to it.
4) Once you are done using TWRP, flash the boot.img and boot to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to mention this works perfectly, tried it last night was able to get into TWRP and then back into my P Beta 3 with root, no issues. Thanks for this!
One could also theoretically copy a copy of the twrp boot. Img to the ex kernel manager backup file, and while booted into the system, hit restore kernel and since its in the boot partition it will flash it then reboot into recovery. Then from there flash your normal kernel and boot back to system/android.. i backup all my kernels after rooting them so after flashing otas, i can just flash my prerooted kernel and reboot without having to flash magisk
Edit. This works, i just did it, but u must make it reboot to bootloader to then tell it to reboot recovery. I dont know if flashify is the same
MoistPicklez said:
Just wanted to mention this works perfectly, tried it last night was able to get into TWRP and then back into my P Beta 3 with root, no issues. Thanks for this!
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Click to collapse
Hey, I'm just curious, before I try it, anyway when using flashify and selecting flash zip - does a recovery other than stock need to be present?
dirtyreturn said:
Hey, I'm just curious, before I try it, anyway when using flashify and selecting flash zip - does a recovery other than stock need to be present?
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Not sure what you mean by that but to be honest all I did was take the TWRP11.img, and flashed it to boot (kernel) using Rashr, Flashify didn't load up oddly, then reboot to bootloader, select Recovery and bam, there was TWRP. Then to get back I just flashed my boot.img, and Magisk and all my modules and everything were all good to go. No issues at all. ?
Edit: as long as you have TWRP.img, your boot.img, and Magisk, you can easily get to TWRP and back, just make sure you have the img's you need and boom we all got TWRP on the fly.
Wish I had tried this sooner.
MoistPicklez said:
Not sure what you mean by that but to be honest all I did was take the TWRP11.img, and flashed it to boot (kernel) using Rashr, Flashify didn't load up oddly, then reboot to bootloader, select Recovery and bam, there was TWRP. Then to get back I just flashed my boot.img, and Magisk and all my modules and everything were all good to go. No issues at all. ?
Edit: as long as you have TWRP.img, your boot.img, and Magisk, you can easily get to TWRP and back, just make sure you have the img's you need and boom we all got TWRP on the fly.
Wish I had tried this sooner.
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Click to collapse
Hey, Rashr doesn't support this device(phone). I get a reboot to recovery option and if I tap cancel the app just closes. Did the app identify what it needed to?
In Flashify there are 3 options ,Flash - kernel,boot, and zip. What I'm curious about is , when choosing just the zip option - would twrp first need to be flashed to the boot partition?