Re-Lock full back to stock A2017G device - ZTE Axon 7 Questions & Answers

Hello guys, I want to RMA my device and there need to know if it is possible to go to complete bone-full-stock back to the roots with my Ax7 A2017G?
Did anyone manage to do it?
I basically want to have stock BL, Recovery, System Bootstack etc.
Thanks in advance

I can now confirm that this guide here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/help/axon-7-a2017g-to-stock-lock-bootloader-t3551615
Works perfectly.
This makes it a very flash friendly device.
I tried out several Stock ROMs, you can run every software on pretty much any model provided you have the correct modem. Also LineageOS.
Unlocking the Bootloader is easy, Re-Locking for warranty is easy aswell.

Related

[Q] Converting my GT-I9505 into (almost) Google Edition

Hi guys, I have read a bit about rooting and flashing custom roms for the GSIV but being my first time (on this phone) I thought it would be better to ask for some help from you experts ^_^
I would like to convert my GSIV as close as possible to a Google Edition one, in the sense that I don't want to have a super custom ultra cool rom, I just want a stock-like one, stock kernel, maybe a few extra features, root, nothing special...
Now, is it possible to do that without voiding warranty, or at least with the possibility to turn back the phone in a warranty covered state?
Could you point me to one simple guide to do so and maybe suggest a rom suited to my needs? It can get a bit confusing, there's too much complicated stuff for a newbie!
Thank you in advance!
Yes, it is possible to convert the i9505 (almost) completely to a Google Play device (though you will not receive OTA updates, so you'll have to download them yourself). It's fairly easy once you have a custom recovery installed.
Though, warranty might be an issue. In many countries, it will be void once you root and install a recovery, though this does vary. This also increments a "counter" in the device, so even if you restore it to its original state, it is still possible to see that you have at some point modified the software (although there are methods to root the device without incrementing the counter, not to mention that many have managed to claim warranty despite this). That said, this will again differ based on your country.
Now, if you're still up for it, there are several guides online which can tell you how to root and install a recovery on the phone. If you're running the stock 4.4.2 firmware from Samsung, then you can follow this guide to root:
samsungsfour.com/tutorials/root-samsung-galaxy-gt-i9505-s4-running-on-android-4-4-2-kitkat.html
Thereafter, you can install a custom recovery from
gadgetsacademy.com/install-cwm-twrp-recovery-on-galaxy-s4-lte-i9505/
(These are just two of the links which you get after a Google search)
Note that you don't really need root for this, just the custom recovery. Though, having root is a nice addition if you want to back up your apps using Titanium Backup.
Once that is done, you can download a Google Play based ROM from here on XDA, such as
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2557353
or
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2544474
Just reboot into recovery, wipe data, and select the zip file from your sd-card/internal storage.
Though, remember to backup your apps/data first.
Takenoko_, thank you so much for the detailed answer, it has been really helpful! One question, if I understood correctly, it is possible to install a custom recovery WITHOUT rooting, so if I did this and then flashed a rooted ROM I should have root in the end, right?
That's right. As you'll be using Odin, root should, at least in theory, not be needed to install a custom recovery. You can instead gain this by flashing a pre-rooted ROM
Great, all done! Thank you!
No problem
yes you can
just install custom recovery, (philz i like)
then flash dandvh rom
done
it comes rooted
----------
sorry i forgot
in some cases, you need to update modems by flashing
or just update your s4 to 4.4.2 then flash the gpe rom

Please Point Me to The Right Direction

Hello the Wonderful and Fantastic Members of the XDA Community,
I'm in the process of researching on how to unlock bootloader, install magix and ultimately root the phone, and I hope that someone can point me to the right guides to accomplish these steps. I have been trying to figure it out but would feel much better if someone can point me to the right guide as opposed to me blindly guessing which guide I should follow. This is what I know so far:
1. I believe that in order to use Magix, I need to have a "Custom Recovery" which requires I unlock phone's "bootloader". But before I can do that, I need to have a stock system, which DrakenFX had gracious posted but I'm not too sure how to find. Can someone point me to the right forum to obtain the stock system image from DrakenFX and the guide to unlocking the bootloader for this phone? What are some precautions I should take prior to attempting to unlock the bootloader? And what do I need to do with the stock system if everything goes south with my attempt? I'm currently on A2017UV1.0.0B27 (after the latest update). Will the stock system work with that?
2. I believe that after I unlock the bootloader, I have to install the Custom Recovery, which I think I should use TWRP - is it compatible with magix? After I install TWRP, I need to use TWRP to "flash" magix onto my phone? How can I install TWRP and use it to flash magix? What are some of the precautions I need to take before my attempt to complete step 2?
3. I think after I installed the customer recovery and flash magix, rooting "should" be easier for me, but please point me to the appropriate guide to accomplish that.
Extra Question: I read in one of the forums that after I unlock the bootloader, I will no longer able to receive On The Air updates, how can I continue to receive these updates after bootloader is unlocked and what happens when ZTE roll out Android N for the Axon 7? Will I be able to update to that version?
Here are all the facts about my phone:
Model: ZTE A2017U
Android Version: 6.0.1
Kernel Version: 3.18.20
Build Number: A2017UV1.0.0B27
Thank you all so very much for your patience, understanding, and kind help, I'm forever grateful!
First flash TWRP by following this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/wip-axon-7-root-bootloader-unlokced-t3441204
Then unlock your bootloader by following this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165
I've never used Magisk before (I just stick with SuperSU), so I'll leave that part to someone else.
As for the extra question:
If you used ZTE's official bootloader unlock method (which required you to submit a form with your IMEI), you'll no longer get OTAs, but if you do it all unofficially (like these guides), you'll still get OTAs. HOWEVER, the OTAs will not install if you make changes to the device besides bootloader unlock. If you have a custom recovery it won't apply. If you have systemless root (which modifies the boot image) it won't apply. If you use Magisk (which modifies the boot image) it won't apply. If you make changes to /system it won't apply. So basically, besides having an unlocked bootloader, you have to be full and complete stock to install OTAs.
However, after an OTA comes out, I suspect that someone will make a TWRP-flashable version.
@xtermmin Thank you so much for your reply, I greatly appreciate it!
Quick question, Is there a way to install TWRP without having to root first? The reason I ask was according to Magix, it must be flashed prior to the system being rooted.
@xtermmin Thank you so much for your reply, I greatly appreciate it!
Quick question, Is there a way to install TWRP without having to root first? The reason I ask was according to Magix, it must be flashed prior to the system being rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to root to flash TWRP.

Upgrade to newer build after rooting with locked BL?

Some background on what I've done with the phone:
It came with B29 on it.
I used DrakenFX's BootStack and System files to downgrade it to B27
From there, I tried the steps in Tenfar's thread to root the phone without unlocking the boot loader.
I screwed something up along the way and after many hours, got my phone booting properly again and downgraded to B20.
From there, I followed the steps posted by mmamedov in tenfar's thread to actually get my phone rooted properly.
I'm pretty new to rooting and all this stuff since I'm jumping ship from iPhone, but I've done a bit of tinkering.
I don't quite understand where the "root" part resides and what updates would affect it.
Now, I'm on B20 but would like to upgrade to some of the newer versions. What are my options for doing that and would I have to wipe the phone to update?
Could I use the backup tool to flash the stock recovery instead of TWRP, and use the built in update through settings?
Or should I use TWRP and DrakenFX's newer BootStack/System files to update?
or something else?
Thanks
- Android Newbie
mozerxdaven said:
Some background on what I've done with the phone:
It came with B29 on it.
I used DrakenFX's BootStack and System files to downgrade it to B27
From there, I tried the steps in Tenfar's thread to root the phone without unlocking the boot loader.
I screwed something up along the way and after many hours, got my phone booting properly again and downgraded to B20.
From there, I followed the steps posted by mmamedov in tenfar's thread to actually get my phone rooted properly.
I'm pretty new to rooting and all this stuff since I'm jumping ship from iPhone, but I've done a bit of tinkering.
I don't quite understand where the "root" part resides and what updates would affect it.
Now, I'm on B20 but would like to upgrade to some of the newer versions. What are my options for doing that and would I have to wipe the phone to update?
Could I use the backup tool to flash the stock recovery instead of TWRP, and use the built in update through settings?
Or should I use TWRP and DrakenFX's newer BootStack/System files to update?
or something else?
Thanks
- Android Newbie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2 rooting makes the OTA from ZTE not work
I've been going through a similar learning curve as you I think.
I recommend @DrakenFX's nearly stock rom.
You will need to unlock the bootloader (I'm pretty certain) I believe that is covered and/or linked in the rom's page.
If it doesn't make sense keep reading until it does, is the advice I gave to myself.
I'm pretty new to certain parts of all the options involved in rooting and bootloaders etc. but I believe that the bootloader can be relocked if you don't get it officially unlocked and you do it yourself, I haven't confirmed that yet so don't take my word for it.
I ran into confusion when I unlocked and had driver issues with fastboot but I got there.
DrakenFX had a few posts that are really helpful. I used his B29 image and bootstack after I had TWRP installed.
He has another TWRP unlock zip that allows unlocking with ADB and then fastboot.
I ran into issues like I said and posted in his bootstack thread if you'd like to see if my problems might shed some light. My post didn't prompt any meaningful conversation but my driver issues sorted themselves out so I didn't have to pursue it much further.
Sorry for the lack of links but I hope this helps in some way.
Here's the ROM from DrakenFX that is close to stock B29, it looks like it will evolve into Nougat, can't wait for that.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/rom-zaxon-dmix7-stock-base-rom-t3495970

Bootloader and other questions.

Hello all.
Im a little bit confused about the bootloaders and their marriage with their standard ROMS.
I am in MM B13 in a 2017 unlocked using bkores toolkit and would like to check Nougat ROMS.
What happens if, from this MM unlocked state I flash an official Nougat for 2017? Is safe? Could I eventually flash a TWR to return to my "original and safe" state? Could I flash back an "official" MM B13 for example?
I am guessing that maintaining the phone in the unclocked area is safer than recover the lock. Is this true?
There is a "Universal bootloader" for Nougat ROMS. How "Universal" is this bootloader? Does this bootloader runs in MM?.
If I apply a SD "complete" update (being MM B13 or Nougat), do I relock the phone's bootloader?
If I upgrade fro MM to N, do I lost the possibility of flashing a custom recovery? (TWRP). This is a non go for me, as you cannot go back...
Hope you can answer these questions
Regards
jrotaetxe said:
Hello all.
Im a little bit confused about the bootloaders and their marriage with their standard ROMS.
I am in MM B13 in a 2017 unlocked using bkores toolkit and would like to check Nougat ROMS.
What happens if, from this MM unlocked state I flash an official Nougat for 2017? Is safe? Could I eventually flash a TWR to return to my "original and safe" state? Could I flash back an "official" MM B13 for example?
I am guessing that maintaining the phone in the unclocked area is safer than recover the lock. Is this true?
There is a "Universal bootloader" for Nougat ROMS. How "Universal" is this bootloader? Does this bootloader runs in MM?.
If I apply a SD "complete" update (being MM B13 or Nougat), do I relock the phone's bootloader?
If I upgrade fro MM to N, do I lost the possibility of flashing a custom recovery? (TWRP). This is a non go for me, as you cannot go back...
Hope you can answer these questions
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forget about the bootloader thing for now - it should be universal for MM and N. Not gonna relock itself.
-If you want to go back from a custom ROM (you'd have the A2017X_Universal_Bootloader, the ROM and the modem that goes with your device, plus a version of TWRP installed) what you would do, at least in A2017Gs and Us, is to flash a stock recovery zip to get the stock recovery. After that you reboot to the recovery, and you'll get to MiFavor's recovery. from there you would flash an official zip and every partition would be overwritten with what's on the zip. I suspect that ZTE packs every update with everything in it so that you can roll back, say, from Nougat to Marshmallow officialy, without messing everything up.
OR you can use MiFlash to reflash everything with a computer. Just download the full EDL file from 4PDA and flash, you'll get full stock (but still unlocked BL anyways)
So yeah, you CAN get back to full stock anytime.
-Don't just try to relock the bootloader. AFAIK if you relock it and you have root or TWRP or somesuch you can brick your device. I'd advise against trying to do that, but if you must, look at a guide or two at least.
-Yeah, pretty universal. I wonder why you'd want a custom MM ROM though. if you want to go back to stock MM it will get replaced by another one anyways.
-Already addressed, no
-I don't know the exact case with A2017 phones, but you said you cannot go back? You can. If you're on official N and want to roll back all you have to do is put an official MM zip on your SD or internal storage and go to Updates.
That being said, you still can use axon7tool on Nougat if it supports A2017 phones, which it should. You use EDL mode to flash the recovery. it is what I always do on my A2017G.
Choose an username... said:
Forget about the bootloader thing for now - it should be universal for MM and N. Not gonna relock itself.
....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So...
i) Bootloader unlocked is safer than locked and problems can arise if i try to relock.
ii) I can flash from SD every official thing published by ZTE if I flash previously ZTE recovery. (bootloader still unlocked). From that startpoint, I could reflash TWRP using fastboot or EDL. Once in TWRP, every ROM is flashable if partition compatible...
iii) I can stay with my unlocked bootloader with every MM or N. Important things are the modem and other stuff. N is not much different from MM and I like Xposed....
Big, big THANK YOU!!!!
jrotaetxe said:
So...
i) Bootloader unlocked is safer than locked and problems can arise if i try to relock.
ii) I can flash from SD every official thing published by ZTE if I flash previously ZTE recovery. (bootloader still unlocked). From that startpoint, I could reflash TWRP using fastboot or EDL. Once in TWRP, every ROM is flashable if partition compatible...
iii) I can stay with my unlocked bootloader with every MM or N. Important things are the modem and other stuff. N is not much different from MM and I like Xposed....
Big, big THANK YOU!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i)Yeah
ii)Every LOS-based ROM is flashable if you flash the Universal Bootloader and the corresponding modem for your device, except stock roms and maybe stock-based roms (not sure)
iii)Yeah
Thank you again, my annonimous friend.

Need help rooting my phone. Model: SM-C9000 c9ltechn, 8.0 oreo Samsung experience 9.0

First of all, I want to tell you that I'm not very familiar with rooting but have just a bit experience flashing custom roms, so please go easy on me.
I have done some research and found a couple things that I couldn't find answers for:
1) First one is that apparently you need your bootloader unlocked/ OEM unlocking enabled in developer options, however since I upgraded to Oreo in last August, that option disappeared. I've tried two methods for making it appear that I've found online (keeping phone up for 7 days straight and reverting time back) but none worked. I've read somewhere that if you downgrade to Nougat, enable it then re update to Oreo your bootloader will remain unlocked. So, can someone confirm this? Can you downgrade with a locked bootloader? And if so, can someone guide me through it? (Additional question: will the downgrade reset user data?)
2) After unlocking bootloader you need to flash TWRP but I have so many questions on that. First: I couldn't find a TWRP for oreo. Does it work regardless of os version? Second: I found a guide from XDA that is written long ago, and it says "make a full backup of your system, including EFS before flashing". How do you backup without flashing it tho? All guides are about using either a custom recovery or rooted app.
3) Do you really need TWRP? I mean, can't you flash Magisk via Odin/ADB directly, perhaps without unlocking bootloader? What happens if I use install command from ADB?
4) So does tripping knox fuse achieve anything other than killing the nonexistent system updates and samsung guarantee? I want to make sure Samsung health is going to operate.

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