Database Users

Updating To MM from LP (Moto X Pure)

So I wanted to create a thread dedicated to performing this function. I know as someone who does this quite often, I like to have all my ducks in a row to ensure everything works perfectly. I'm not big on fragging my phone and then frantically trying to find a way to undo all the chaos. I do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions before doing anything.
On that note I would like to first thank all the amazing people on here, whether they be developers or just experienced Tech Guru's, everyone is always a big help. I take absolutely no credit for any of the awesomeness that can be found on XDA, I'm just creating a thread that I hope will help folks find everything in one place for this function. So here we go, I'm going to explain the way I did it, which is the way I have been doing stuff like this for years. I have a preferred method as it has always resulted in perfect flashes and no bricks, not even soft bricks. So I feel it works pretty well.
Just so it is understood, this is for the Moto X Pure, which has been bootloader unlocked and has TWRP and root installed. Also it should be noted that you need to have Developer Options enabled and USB Debugging enabled. You should also be familiar with the ADB process, to some extent, maybe you have at least heard of it.
Steps to follow:
1. Use Titanium Backup and backup all your User Apps, NOT SYSTEM APP's, system apps will not restore across updates and will most often corrupt your new install.
2. Make a Nandroid backup using TWRP, I backed up system, boot, data, and EFS, but I don't think EFS is necessary.
3. Make sure you have the Motorola Drivers installed, get them from here http://www.motorola.com/getmdmwin
4. Get Shawn5162's Restore to Stock Tool, I know others have said it's not necessary to perform a complete restore, but this is part of my process that I have always done, and it's always worked. Get it here by using one of the mirror's created by patt2k in post 6, and don't forget to thank him for the mirrors http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-style/development/windows-tool-moto-x-style-pure-edition-t3199905
5. Unzip Shawn5162's zip to a folder on your desktop, and before you move onto the next step, make sure you have backed up everything valuable on your phone, such as pictures, messages, etc..., because everything is going to be erased in the next step, except for the stuff on your MicroSD. I'm so anal, I even remove the MicroSD before flashing. Connect your phone to your computer using a USB and make sure you have USB debugging enabled under Developer Options.
6. Inside the folder you created run the FLASH-ALL.bat, which will reboot your device to the bootloader and begin the restore to stock flash. This will remove root and TWRP, but will not remove the fact you have an unlocked bootloader. Your phone will reboot when complete and should boot back into your system within a short period of time.
7. Once you are rebooted, you may need to do a little setup before you get the message that a System Update is available. DO NOT waste your time installing any apps, wait until you have full root on MM before doing any of that. Once the Update message appears, accept it and download the MM update file, then install it once it is finished downloading and asks if you want to install.
8. The update takes about 20 - 25 minutes so be patient. Once complete your phone will once again boot back to system, now you have MM in it's complete unrooted greatness.
9. Now go into settings, about phone, and tap on build number a bunch of times to enable Developer Options. Then go into developer options and enable USB Debugging.
10. Next download a bunch of stuff from the following links, if you desire to install TWRP and regain root.
TWRP 2.8.7.1 here https://dl.twrp.me/clark/twrp-2.8.7.1-clark.img
Modified Boot Image from here, required to perform systemless root , not sure about the Cowboy hat dude, but click on him, it will download the file.
SuperSU 2.52 from here https://download.chainfire.eu/743/SuperSU/BETA-SuperSU-v2.52.zip?retrieve_file=1
11. Next copy the modified boot file and SuperSU file directly to your internal or external SD on your phone, either works fine, although I prefer my External SD.
12. Next copy the TWRP file you downloaded into the same folder you made for Shawn5162's files. This folder has all the adb and fastboot files you need to perform the TWRP flash. Now hold shift and right click and choose open a command window here. Then ensure your device is detected by running the command adb devices, it should show your phones S/N and the word device. If it doesn't, you may need to look at your phone and respond to the prompt about allowing your computer to have access to adb. Try the command again after that. Then run the command adb reboot bootloader, which should reboot your phone to bootloader fastboot mode.
13. Once it fastboot mode run fastboot devices just to make sure your device is still detected, then run the command fastboot flash recovery twrp-2.8.7.1-clark.img. That will flash TWRP to your recovery partition. Then type the command fastboot reboot twrp-2.8.7.1-clark.img or use the volume rocker to toggle to recovery then select the power key to boot to it. Make sure you choose the slider at the bottom to allow modification. Once on the main screen you can choose reboot and then select recovery. This makes sure that you have booted to TWRP at least once, and ensures by rebooting to it, you can get back to it.
14. Now perform a Nandroid Backup, using the TWRP Backup option, of your completely stock MM system, data, boot, and EFS partitions. Enable compression if you like and store it to your External SD if you have one. This allows you to have an unrooted backup on your SD, which is good for future updates. After the Nandroid is complete now flash the modified boot image zip using the TWRP Install feature, and when it's complete, then flash the SuperSU zip file. After I always perform the option to erase Dalvik and Cache, I just think it is a good thing to do, it's probably placebo, but I do it anyhow.
15. Go back to TWRP Home and choose reboot and select system. Your device will reboot and you now have a fully updated and rooted Moto X Pure on MM.
Thanks go out to all the folks who have contributed to the many threads that contain this information. Special thanks to Shawn5162, DaMadOne, Chainfire, and Hashbang173 for their awesomeness. Hope this helps folks that are concerned about performing these procedures. I can say that it worked perfectly for me with no issues at all, but of course I take no responsibility if it doesn't work for you and causes your device to fail. Again these are similar steps I have taken in the past with other devices and I have never had a single brick, so hopefully it works for others as well.
Enjoy!!

I have a Moto X Pure as described with the bootloader unlocked and rooted. The popup message to upgrade to MM comes up constantly now - what happens if you just let it try to update?

I think I am in way over my head. I am receiving my phone Friday and was looking to unlock to root but from the looks of it, I will not be able to do that.
I've never unlocked & rooted a phone before. So all that looks like the bible to an uneducated man "me".

superkev72 said:
I have a Moto X Pure as described with the bootloader unlocked and rooted. The popup message to upgrade to MM comes up constantly now - what happens if you just let it try to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm not mistaken it will download to your phone but not be able to be installed because of an error

Is there no way to upgrade from LP to MM without a wipe?

superkev72 said:
Is there no way to upgrade from LP to MM without a wipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if you rooted already, you must reflash the original boot.img. Then update, and then restore your root. Read here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mot...t-moto-x-style-xt1572-br-marshmallow-t3259380
At the bottom of the post, you get the original file you need and it is mentioned here:
And enjoy!
Now you have a rooted MotoX Style Marshmallow. To apply any OTAs, you only need reflash stock boot.
K?

Why would you want to update without a wipe? You must like sluggish performance

i have no wifi after this

No WIFI either
I ended up with no WIFI after following these steps also.

is it true, we cannot downgrade from 601 to 6.0 or 5.1.1?

skimaniaz said:
I ended up with no WIFI after following these steps also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Anybody got a fix?

So the last three posts complain of no wifi yet people keep using this method?

The modified boot zip breaks the wifi. You can root by flashing superSU 2.62, I think, or any SuperSU zip that is specifically systemless.

ilovemeow said:
is it true, we cannot downgrade from 601 to 6.0 or 5.1.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true.

lafester said:
Not true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
coz i tried before, it fail in first 2 flash steps

Are you unlocked?

ilovemeow said:
coz i tried before, it fail in first 2 flash steps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The partition always fails. Just ignore it. You should be able to downgrade the bootloader. I have been able to so I don't know why you would be having issues with that unless your bootloader is locked/re-locked.
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA Labs

So is this safe or not?

lafester said:
Are you unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, it's unlocked, but currently fine for using android M at this moment

Help with Flashing a custom ROM ( absolute first time )

Hey guys, I wanted some help on flashing LineageOS 14.1 to my Axon 7 A2017G.
I've looked at a bunch of guides but they all seem outdated or way too confusing.
I tried to follow the guide under the "Axon 7 Toolkit " thread where there were some instructions on how to flash a rom for noobs and when going to test for fastboot, it says I don't have fastboot.
Tried to get fastboot by following some guide and using miflash but ended up doing something to my device where android asked for a password when i booted up, where as I didn't have a password and had to end up factory resetting my device. LOST ALL MY DATA
If someone could please give me a simple, easy to follow guide on how to unlock bootloader, and flash custom rom, I would be immensely grateful.
Also if there is a guide on how to restore back to stock rom and factory settings in case I need to send phone back to ZTE at any point that would also be helpful.
:good:

The toolkit guide is probably the easiest one.
Read the whole thread and try again.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

runninghamster said:
Hey guys, I wanted some help on flashing LineageOS 14.1 to my Axon 7 A2017G.
I've looked at a bunch of guides but they all seem outdated or way too confusing.
I tried to follow the guide under the "Axon 7 Toolkit " thread where there were some instructions on how to flash a rom for noobs and when going to test for fastboot, it says I don't have fastboot.
Tried to get fastboot by following some guide and using miflash but ended up doing something to my device where android asked for a password when i booted up, where as I didn't have a password and had to end up factory resetting my device. LOST ALL MY DATA
If someone could please give me a simple, easy to follow guide on how to unlock bootloader, and flash custom rom, I would be immensely grateful.
Also if there is a guide on how to restore back to stock rom and factory settings in case I need to send phone back to ZTE at any point that would also be helpful.
:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOSING ALL YOUR DATA will be something normal actually. If you want to go to LineageOS you will probably lose it a bunch of times...
Well it turns out the toolkit is not the easiest way. Do this:
You didn't seem to search. Use "Unlock bootloader easily" by WesTD. After that simply go to the LOS thread, and download the ROM, the Universal Bootloader, and the modem file for your phone (for the G). Get Magisk too. and GApps for arm64. ) Then enter TWRP, ensure that it's 3.2.1-0 or more, else update it (get the newer .img for ailsa_ii or axon7 and Install - Install image - Recovery partition). Format data, and make sure that it formatted with ext4 (it'll say -formatting with make-ext4fs or sth). flash the bootloader, then the modem, then ROM, then Magisk, then GApps. After that boot.

Choose an username... said:
LOSING ALL YOUR DATA will be something normal actually. If you want to go to LineageOS you will probably lose it a bunch of times...
Well it turns out the toolkit is not the easiest way. Do this:
You didn't seem to search. Use "Unlock bootloader easily" by WesTD. After that simply go to the LOS thread, and download the ROM, the Universal Bootloader, and the modem file for your phone (for the G). Get Magisk too. and GApps for arm64. ) Then enter TWRP, ensure that it's 3.2.1-0 or more, else update it (get the newer .img for ailsa_ii or axon7 and Install - Install image - Recovery partition). Format data, and make sure that it formatted with ext4 (it'll say -formatting with make-ext4fs or sth). flash the bootloader, then the modem, then ROM, then Magisk, then GApps. After that boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try this today, thank you for your time in typing this

runninghamster said:
I will try this today, thank you for your time in typing this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or try this tool to unlock your bootloader....way more advanced by the way thnx @djkuz
Just install the axon 7 drivers, this tool and....UNLOCK with ease :good:
Also all files to revert back to stock, flashing modem, recovery... etc are well discribed there. Just take a peek there...
Just another advice : do read all threads carefully, no matter what you're doing, do backup regularly and all will be OK :good:

raystef66 said:
Or try this tool to unlock your bootloader....way more advanced by the way thnx @djkuz
Just install the axon 7 drivers, this tool and....UNLOCK with ease :good:
Also all files to revert back to stock, flashing modem, recovery... etc are well discribed there. Just take a peek there...
Just another advice : do read all threads carefully, no matter what you're doing, do backup regularly and all will be OK :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much, will try today!

Choose an username... said:
LOSING ALL YOUR DATA will be something normal actually. If you want to go to LineageOS you will probably lose it a bunch of times...
Well it turns out the toolkit is not the easiest way. Do this:
You didn't seem to search. Use "Unlock bootloader easily" by WesTD. After that simply go to the LOS thread, and download the ROM, the Universal Bootloader, and the modem file for your phone (for the G). Get Magisk too. and GApps for arm64. ) Then enter TWRP, ensure that it's 3.2.1-0 or more, else update it (get the newer .img for ailsa_ii or axon7 and Install - Install image - Recovery partition). Format data, and make sure that it formatted with ext4 (it'll say -formatting with make-ext4fs or sth). flash the bootloader, then the modem, then ROM, then Magisk, then GApps. After that boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Followed your steps and managed to unlock the bootloader successfully. Afterwards I tried to flash TWRP using the Axon Toolkit and this error appears. Have 0 clue why. A little help please.
View attached >>>
EDIT: nevermind, tried to boot into recovery and twrp booted, not sure why the error appeared though. thanks for the help!

Root Failure on my C9 Pro in Android 8.0.0 Oreo

Hi guys. This is my first post on XDA.
Now I've got C9 Pro, and hours ago I just got it flashed with the latest Android 8.0.0 ROM, version: C9000ZHU1CRG9.
Also I managed to flash TWRP. Then I started doing the Root things with TWRP, as I had done on Android 7.1.1.
However, I did get issue while doing the Root on Android 8.0 --
Actually the SuperSU was flashed successfully, but after this, the phone kept restarting, failing to enter the OS.
I am definitely sure I did the Root with the right steps.
Also I tried different versions of SuperSU, still the issue existed.
Then I flashed Magisk instead, no use.
I even used other versions of TWRP, still no use!
......
Finally, I quitted, flashing the former Android 7.1.1 ROM.
I can't use a phone without Root, but I really want to experience Android 8.0.0.
Can someone offer me any solution?
Thanks a lot in advance!

there is a new twrp for oreo try it . it may fix your problem
---------- Post added at 12:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:56 AM ----------
Thanks to @travis82
Try this
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=77344461&postcount=131

aboyazan78 said:
there is a new twrp for oreo try it . it may fix your problem
---------- Post added at 12:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:56 AM ----------
Thanks to @travis82
Try this
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=77344461&postcount=131
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already tried the TWRP you introduced, no use, the issue still exists.

try the latest 3.2.3 and tell if it worked

I suggest to flash a clean oreo via odin then flash the latest twrp from @travis82 then do format data and wipe cache and data from twrp recovery
then install the latest magisk
hope u the best @jasonc417
keep updated

hatib237 said:
try the latest 3.2.3 and tell if it worked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know what, I already tried TWRP 3.2.3, but failed!:crying:

I have tried almost every combination ended up getting bootloop always except when I tried these;
1. Install stock firmware and csc (not home csc this will fully wipe the phone)
2. After finishing it enters to recovery and updates the system. Keep hold of pressing the volume down+home key to enter to download mode as soon as it finishes installing system update.
3. install twrp from here https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262903985796 (original thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/c9-pro/development/twrp-c9ltechn-t3646970 sometimes links can be dead. In that case you can find new link from that thread).
4. Keep holding of pressing Volume Up+Home key while installing twrp to boot into recovery as soon as the phone reboots.
5. While in recovery flash this SuperSU https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4164510&d=1496008012 (Located in this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4164510&d=1496008012 as "*** Xperia users, and others experiencing bootloops ***
Please use this version instead: "
Your phone should boot normally to setup screen.
After You finish setup you should see supersu icon and your phone should be rooted.
I haven't tested but if your phone is in working condition right now you can try from step 3 to not lose your data.
Good Luck -

Thanks for your method. I think I made it finally!
[email protected] said:
I have tried almost every combination ended up getting bootloop always except when I tried these;
1. Install stock firmware and csc (not home csc this will fully wipe the phone)
2. After finishing it enters to recovery and updates the system. Keep hold of pressing the volume down+home key to enter to download mode as soon as it finishes installing system update.
3. install twrp from here https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262903985796 (original thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/c9-pro/development/twrp-c9ltechn-t3646970 sometimes links can be dead. In that case you can find new link from that thread).
4. Keep holding of pressing Volume Up+Home key while installing twrp to boot into recovery as soon as the phone reboots.
5. While in recovery flash this SuperSU https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4164510&d=1496008012 (Located in this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4164510&d=1496008012 as "*** Xperia users, and others experiencing bootloops ***
Please use this version instead: "
Your phone should boot normally to setup screen.
After You finish setup you should see supersu icon and your phone should be rooted.
I haven't tested but if your phone is in working condition right now you can try from step 3 to not lose your data.
Good Luck -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

There is, however, one problem with the given TWRP:
Before flashing SuperSU, I did format, or exactly, mount /data.
But when the phone was rebooted again, /data resumed unmounted, resulting in failure in flashing other ZIPs (It said "unable to mount /system").
Then I got the phone rebooted, the terrible bootloop occurred again!
That is to say, we have to flash all ZIPs in one time after mounting /data without rebooting the phone, but sometimes this is not possible.
Now my phone has gone back again to Android 7.1.1, and I think I have to wait for an official TWRP that supports Android 8.0 thoroughly on C9 Pro!
[email protected] said:
I have tried almost every combination ended up getting bootloop always except when I tried these;
1. Install stock firmware and csc (not home csc this will fully wipe the phone)
2. After finishing it enters to recovery and updates the system. Keep hold of pressing the volume down+home key to enter to download mode as soon as it finishes installing system update.
3. install twrp from here https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262903985796 (original thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/c9-pro/development/twrp-c9ltechn-t3646970 sometimes links can be dead. In that case you can find new link from that thread).
4. Keep holding of pressing Volume Up+Home key while installing twrp to boot into recovery as soon as the phone reboots.
5. While in recovery flash this SuperSU https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4164510&d=1496008012 (Located in this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4164510&d=1496008012 as "*** Xperia users, and others experiencing bootloops ***
Please use this version instead: "
Your phone should boot normally to setup screen.
After You finish setup you should see supersu icon and your phone should be rooted.
I haven't tested but if your phone is in working condition right now you can try from step 3 to not lose your data.
Good Luck -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[email protected] said:
I have tried almost every combination ended up getting bootloop always except when I tried these;
1. Install stock firmware and csc (not home csc this will fully wipe the phone)
2. After finishing it enters to recovery and updates the system. Keep hold of pressing the volume down+home key to enter to download mode as soon as it finishes installing system update.
3. install twrp from here https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262903985796 (original thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/c9-pro/development/twrp-c9ltechn-t3646970 sometimes links can be dead. In that case you can find new link from that thread).
4. Keep holding of pressing Volume Up+Home key while installing twrp to boot into recovery as soon as the phone reboots.
5. While in recovery flash this SuperSU https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4164510&d=1496008012 (Located in this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4164510&d=1496008012 as "*** Xperia users, and others experiencing bootloops ***
Please use this version instead: "
Your phone should boot normally to setup screen.
After You finish setup you should see supersu icon and your phone should be rooted.
I haven't tested but if your phone is in working condition right now you can try from step 3 to not lose your data.
Good Luck -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried your guide & used Magisk v17.2 instead of SuperSU at step 5 & successfully resolved the bootloop problem, but I did encounter the problem of data not mounting even after flashing ashyx_dm-verity zip:
jasonc417 said:
There is, however, one problem with the given TWRP:
Before flashing SuperSU, I did format, or exactly, mount /data.
But when the phone was rebooted again, /data resumed unmounted, resulting in failure in flashing other ZIPs (It said "unable to mount /system").
Then I got the phone rebooted, the terrible bootloop occurred again!
That is to say, we have to flash all ZIPs in one time after mounting /data without rebooting the phone, but sometimes this is not possible.
Now my phone has gone back again to Android 7.1.1, and I think I have to wait for an official TWRP that supports Android 8.0 thoroughly on C9 Pro!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If anybody has a solution for this problem I'd be glad to here it

Follow those steps

shokolatha said:
I tried your guide & used Magisk v17.2 instead of SuperSU at step 5 & successfully resolved the bootloop problem, but I did encounter the problem of data not mounting even after flashing ashyx_dm-verity zip:
If anybody has a solution for this problem I'd be glad to here it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 days ago I flashed again the Android 8.0 ROM into my C9 Pro with Root successfully, through which I found the actual problem:
The given TWRP only supports the specific SuperSU zip, and while I flash other zip files, the bootloop occurs again. That's why I surrender flashing Xposed zip.

AL_IRAQI said:
Follow those steps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well done
I can confirm that I have enabled mounting data partition in TWRP after using your mentioned Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt_09.02.2018 zip file, Although I haven't followed your steps exactly
I have mentioned my steps in earlier reply.
Thanks

AL_IRAQI said:
Follow those steps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks first.
Well, I do have a question: can I flash other zip files, like Xposed, with your given TWRP without phone bootloop?
Thanks!

New thread with root guide on oreo (8.0) step by step with required files would be appreciable.

AL_IRAQI said:
Follow those steps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last night I tried this again following the steps, and finally the flash of Xposed and other 3rd-party zip were successfully!
Only one problem: an app named "Toggle Data" could not be run properly.
Again, thanks a lot!

How to do, C9 Pro with Root successfully?
jasonc417 said:
2 days ago I flashed again the Android 8.0 ROM into my C9 Pro with Root successfully, through which I found the actual problem:
The given TWRP only supports the specific SuperSU zip, and while I flash other zip files, the bootloop occurs again. That's why I surrender flashing Xposed zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain, how to root C9 Pro with Androis 8.0 ROM.
Thanks a lot.
Murat

[email protected] said:
Can you explain, how to root C9 Pro with Androis 8.0 ROM.
Thanks a lot.
Murat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to download and install travis's twrp after that format data , flash magisk 17.2 , flash dm verity and reboot
SM-C9000 cihazımdan Tapatalk kullanılarak gönderildi

YusufGKT said:
You need to download and install travis's twrp after that format data , flash magisk 17.2 , flash dm verity and reboot
SM-C9000 cihazımdan Tapatalk kullanılarak gönderildi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm, I don't want to format data. If find another way, better.
Thanks a lot,
Murat

[email protected] said:
Hmmm, I don't want to format data. If find another way, better.
Thanks a lot,
Murat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Twrp doesnt support samsung encryption so ypu need to flash dm verity and that needs format data
SM-C9000 cihazımdan Tapatalk kullanılarak gönderildi

Help Plz...Stock recovery missing and unable to install any recovery !

Thanks in advance......i'm so frustrated feel ripping my **** off.. being struggling with this for 3 days...
I was on official stock 7.0 nougat (generic russian), genesis kernel drmfix & Twrp for about a year with no issue. In fact that's my 1st and only attempt in flashing this phone. Decided to upgrade to 8.0. Big mistake!?!
Used Emma flash to flash the latest stock 8.0 release for my region, Asia. It booted up fine, all was well. I read that flashing stock will simply remove root and twrp. But i realized stock recovery was missing as well. And i can't restore any kind of recovery no matter what i tried. Suggestions please !
When i tried to enter recovery, the phone simply vibrated twice, and then 3 times quickly. If i continue holding the buttons, it goes into a loop of black screen and boot screen.
Tried flashing twrp via adb/fastboot. It appeared successful . No error messages. File size and time taken was also reported. But no recovery upon rebooting.
Fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
I can only flash roms using Emma, Flashtool ftf always fail with a 'no loader' found message.
Tried re-flashing mm, nougat and oreo via Emma. Phone runs well for all but again no stock recovery.
Don't know what else to do or what the problem is......
If i reflash to stock rom and relock boot loader without any recovery, it that dangerous?

Baron Zemo said:
Thanks in advance......i'm so frustrated feel ripping my **** off.. being struggling with this for 3 days...
I was on official stock 7.0 nougat (generic russian), genesis kernel drmfix & Twrp for about a year with no issue. In fact that's my 1st and only attempt in flashing this phone. Decided to upgrade to 8.0. Big mistake!?!
Used Emma flash to flash the latest stock 8.0 release for my region, Asia. It booted up fine, all was well. I read that flashing stock will simply remove root and twrp. But i realized stock recovery was missing as well. And i can't restore any kind of recovery no matter what i tried. Suggestions please !
When i tried to enter recovery, the phone simply vibrated twice, and then 3 times quickly. If i continue holding the buttons, it goes into a loop of black screen and boot screen.
Tried flashing twrp via adb/fastboot. It appeared successful . No error messages. File size and time taken was also reported. But no recovery upon rebooting.
Fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
I can only flash roms using Emma, Flashtool ftf always fail with a 'no loader' found message.
Tried re-flashing mm, nougat and oreo via Emma. Phone runs well for all but again no stock recovery.
Don't know what else to do or what the problem is......
If i reflash to stock rom and relock boot loader without any recovery, it that dangerous?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/x-compact/how-to/stock-8-0-root-recovery-t3747479
1. Download 'Modded boot img for 34.4.A.2.118' from that thread
2. Flash stock with Emma
3. Don't turn on the phone, go to fastboot and flash the boot img and TWRP img

levone1 said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/x-compact/how-to/stock-8-0-root-recovery-t3747479
1. Download 'Modded boot img for 34.4.A.2.118' from that thread
2. Flash stock with Emma
3. Don't turn on the phone, go to fastboot and flash the boot img and TWRP img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Thanks for the reply
1. Done
2. Which do i choose in Emma? Software update content (erases user content) or Firmware update versions.
Also must i choose the stock rom which must tally with boot img 34.4.A.2.118? ie. the rom version which ends with .118?
3. Fingers crossed.

Baron Zemo said:
Hi, Thanks for the reply
1. Done
2. Which do i choose in Emma? Software update content (erases user content) or Firmware update versions.
Also must i choose the stock rom which must tally with boot img 34.4.A.2.118? ie. the rom version which ends with .118?
3. Fingers crossed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, flash 118 fw. If you want to save data, back it up first.

levone1 said:
Yes, flash 118 fw. If you want to save data, back it up first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have given up I followed the instructions explicitly.
Tried flashing latest stock from different regions via Emma, Flashtool/xperifirm and ftfs from online depositories. Then flashed with the corresponding downloaded boot.img, then TWRP without any rebooting inbetween. Even created patched boot.img from extracted .elf files to try. There was no error messages or anything.
Recovery runs fine. But starting normally it either boot loops are stuck at Sony logo.
Is there any other way to get the drm restored? Can i root it via common methods and work my way from there?

Baron Zemo said:
I have given up I followed the instructions explicitly.
Tried flashing latest stock from different regions via Emma, Flashtool/xperifirm and ftfs from online depositories. Then flashed with the corresponding downloaded boot.img, then TWRP without any rebooting inbetween. Even created patched boot.img from extracted .elf files to try. There was no error messages or anything.
Recovery runs fine. But starting normally it either boot loops are stuck at Sony logo.
Is there any other way to get the drm restored? Can i root it via common methods and work my way from there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you full wipe before flashing, or when flashing, (check boxes in 'wipe' section)?

levone1 said:
Did you full wipe before flashing, or when flashing, (check boxes in 'wipe' section)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i use flash tool, i ticked all boxes under Wipe sin during stock rom flashing. All the rest (exclude sin & misc TAs) are unchecked. No other wiping during the process.
If i use Emma, there's no chance to wipe anything, it's auto flash stock rom, then flash boot.img, then flash Twrp, then reboot to a boot loop.
btw, i've tried latest twrp 3.2.3 and 3.2.1
Also, when i flash stock, is stock recovery supposed to return? Twrp just gets removed, and i don't have any recovery at all.
Am i cursed?

Baron Zemo said:
If i use flash tool, i ticked all boxes under Wipe sin during stock rom flashing. All the rest (exclude sin & misc TAs) are unchecked. No other wiping during the process.
If i use Emma, there's no chance to wipe anything, it's auto flash stock rom, then flash boot.img, then flash Twrp, then reboot to a boot loop.
btw, i've tried latest twrp 3.2.3 and 3.2.1
Also, when i flash stock, is stock recovery supposed to return? Twrp just gets removed, and i don't have any recovery at all.
Am i cursed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you can boot to Sony stock recovery. If you flash stock 118, then flash modded boot img and TWRP, and reboot, I don't know why it wouldn't work. Many have done it. Just to be sure -
1. To enter recovery, you power off, then press power and volume down together, until vibration.
2. First boot takes a while. Wait a good 10 minutes to be sure.

levone1 said:
I don't think you can boot to Sony stock recovery. If you flash stock 118, then flash modded boot img and TWRP, and reboot, I don't know why it wouldn't work. Many have done it. Just to be sure -
1. To enter recovery, you power off, then press power and volume down together, until vibration.
2. First boot takes a while. Wait a good 10 minutes to be sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's why it's so odd to me. Not the 1st time i'm doing this too. I would have waited even longer if it was stuck, but it was looping continuously back to the start.
I suspect could simply be a hardware fault developed. Anyway, i've given up. Probably best excuse to get a new phone
Many thanks for trying to help :good:

I haven't been able to get mine to reboot to recovery either, so i just boot recovery.img from fastboot anytime I want to mod. Kinda annoying but I haven't figured a way around it.

upgrade to Android Q & keep twrp and data

Ok here's what I did. To keep my data and twrp when upgrading from "P" to " Q".
1. I downloaded the OTA zip file.
2. Extracted it on your phone.
3. Edit the "Flash-all.bat" file
A. Delete "-w" from one of the last command lines.
B. Add "reboot-bootloader"
"fastboot boot twrp-3.2.3.1-marlin.img"
C. Hit "save"
C. Both the above command lines should be right
before the line "echo press any key to exit"
4. Add the twrp.img to the folder with the above extracted contents.
5. Edit "flash-all.sh" to read the same as you have just edited the "flash-all.bat" file. And then hit "save".
6. Compress the extracted file so as to create a .zip file again.
7. Move this .zip file to your PC.
8. Plug up your phone to your PC and make sure android debugging is active.
9. On your PC extract the .zip file you just created.
10. Make sure you have the twrp installer zip on your phone.
11. Go into the extracted .zip file and double click the "flash-all.bat" windows batch file and sit back and wait.
12. When it finishes it will boot up. 1 out 3 times I tried this it booted then immediately rebooted to the stock recovery with an error saying that my data may be corrupt and if I see this message again then perform a factory reset. And gave me to options "try again" and "factory reset". I clicked "try again". It then booted normally.
13. Power off your phone.
14. While holding vol down press and hold power button for a few seconds and then release the power button but NOT the vol down button. This will put you in bootloader mode.
15. Once in bootloader mode it will then boot twrp.
16. Once once twrp loads click install then navigate to the folder you put the twrp installer.zip and flash the installer. 17. Hit "reboot system"
18. Sit back and wait.
19. All your data will remain on the phone. All your settings stayed the same.
***********NOTICE ***********
1. YOUR BOOTLOADER MUST BE UNLOCKED. IF YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO DO THAT THEN YOU SHOULDNT BE ATTEMPTING THIS. ESPECIALLY IF YOU ASK ME HOW TO UNLOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER.
2. I TRIED THIS 3 DIFFERENT TIMES WITH THE SAME RESULTS. I will post pics of the step by step process later. Just wanted to go ahead and get this out there so those of you who know your way around an android could do it.
3. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS.
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU F'ING THIS UP AND NOT FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS TO A "T".
4. THIS IS RISKY BUT IF YOU FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY YOU SHOULD HAVE NO ISSUES.
Im also posting a pic of my about phone to show I am indeed on "Q" and that this worked for me.
Hope you enjoy
Be patient I'll have step by step screen shots posted in a little bit of the process. To maybe make it easier to understand.

Could this work for official android 10

Very nicely explained, thank you.
Please excuse me if this is a stupid question, but why not just extract and edit on your PC instead of on the phone then transfer to PC?

Did you try flashing magisk?
Thanks for letting us know latest twrp works. But did you try to get root @mattwheat ? I am too afraid to lose data so didn't flash magisk yet.

All I did was manually flash bootloader, radio, system and vendor and it kept all my data with working twrp and root (coming from pie custom rom).

sinkoo1979 said:
All I did was manually flash bootloader, radio, system and vendor and it kept all my data with working twrp and root (coming from pie custom rom).
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Click to collapse
So you didn't even wipe anything? You just booted into TWRP and manually flashed the files? I'm also on a 9 custom ROM and would love to know the best/safest way to make the move to 10

johnblundon said:
So you didn't even wipe anything? You just booted into TWRP and manually flashed the files? I'm also on a 9 custom ROM and would love to know the best/safest way to make the move to 10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no wipes
Flashed through fastboot.
Steps:
flash bootloader
reboot to bootloader
flash radio
reboot to bootloader
flash system
flash vendor
reboot to system
I was missing OTA function in settings.....
it work for me but can't guarantee it will work for everybody. Best way is to try it.
flashed q beta and went back to pie customs roms by flashing bootloader, radio, and vendor (before official q was released). Have to download all apps but internal storage stayed intact.

salpsuc said:
Very nicely explained, thank you.
Please excuse me if this is a stupid question, but why not just extract and edit on your PC instead of on the phone then transfer to PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. And sure you could do that I would imagine. May be easier but then I would be explaining a method I did not actually try. And that would suck if by chance some ones phone caused world's to collide. I would feel pretty bad about that. Unless the end result was Nancy pelosi shutting up and resigning.

rahil3108 said:
Thanks for letting us know latest twrp works. But did you try to get root @mattwheat ? I am too afraid to lose data so didn't flash magisk yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not have root after flashing twrp.... Seems like, looking back, that I tried and seems like it may have said "successful" but it didn't stick upon reboot. But I imagine it's neither here nor there cuz y'all prolly have root by now...