Database Users

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

Axon 7 A2017U B29 Root, BL unlock, and TWRP

Can someone walk me through how to Unlock the bootloader, root, and install TWRP? I'm so confused. I tried to do the newbie way, even though I'm not a newbie, and I lost my B29 Stock Recovery and can't find the download for it.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

I haven't done it yet but I've done a lot of reading and this seems to me the best guide.
Head over to this link which is the TWRP thread. https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/recovery-official-twrp-zte-axon-7-t3515715
Once you're in there go to bootloader unlock section. Download all the necessary files and on the bottom of the guide there will be instructions link which will take you here https://build.nethunter.com/misc/axon7/INSTRUCTIONS.txt
Follow that and that should do it.
When i get a weekend off ill be using this method to get the Lineage OS 14.1 on my device.

Search, Read & Follow --CAREFULLY--.
It's been a while, but this worked great for me, starting from B29.
Goodluck
Let me tell you, this is the guide that should be pinned. It gives very easy/clear instructions on what you need to do to root/flash recovery and even going back to stock. Very well written and I wish I had seen it sooner. I was going to write a clear guide on this subject only to find.. it already existed.. --nolimit78

@amphi66 I am on 2017U B29 and want to unlock bootloader, install TWRP and root. I also read newbies thread. I am confused about one thing. which TWRP recovery image should I use? a2017u B27 http://d-h.st/kRgq or TWRP recovery 3.0.2-2 : http://d-h.st/dgWW ? There is no file for B29 on newbie's thread and in FAQ, the OP said B27 should work for B29. Which one did you use?
After reading, I also see some people said tenfar's tool is too dangerous and it may brick your phone. Some people also claimed the back up of TWRP recovery 3.0.2 provided on that thread has some bugs may cause you to loose your IMEI number when you do recovering. Do you have any issues? Thanks!
amphi66 said:
Search, Read & Follow --CAREFULLY--.
It's been a while, but this worked great for me, starting from B29.
Goodluck
Let me tell you, this is the guide that should be pinned. It gives very easy/clear instructions on what you need to do to root/flash recovery and even going back to stock. Very well written and I wish I had seen it sooner. I was going to write a clear guide on this subject only to find.. it already existed.. --nolimit78
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

greatzt said:
@amphi66 I am on 2017U B29 and want to unlock bootloader, install TWRP and root. I also read newbies thread. I am confused about one thing. which TWRP recovery image should I use? a2017u B27 http://d-h.st/kRgq or TWRP recovery 3.0.2-2 : http://d-h.st/dgWW ? There is no file for B29 on newbie's thread and in FAQ, the OP said B27 should work for B29. Which one did you use?
After reading, I also see some people said tenfar's tool is too dangerous and it may brick your phone. Some people also claimed the back up of TWRP recovery 3.0.2 provided on that thread has some bugs may cause you to loose your IMEI number when you do recovering. Do you have any issues? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was back last Nov, but I followed the guide, using the recommended files (was on B29, but used the B27 OK, then reflashed B29 at the end).
The warning involved backing up and then restoring the EFS partiton with tenfar's tool. DON'T! If you stick with system, data, and boot partitions you should be fine.
Good luck. You may want to check with @nolimit78. He has done this much more recently.

Yes, I agree with you @amphi66 that there is a lot of different places to get information about how to root/flash recovery for A2017U B29. Here's what I've done with two different A7's and both have worked each time.
1. Boot the phone to EDL Mode (Both Vol+Power on boot it'll quick flash the red notification light and then act like it's off.. it's not)
2. Use tenfar's tool to flash the recovery. (I renamed the updated TWRP img and named it "recovery". This used tenfar's tool to flash the updated TWRP on your device.
3. Once in TWRP, run the command (reboot disemmcwp and relaunch TWRP) and flash the package to use modifiable bootloader from B20.
4. Once that flashes now you can send the command in Fastboot "fastboot oem unlock" which will unlock the bootloader that doesn't trip anything notifying ZTE
5. At this point you can flash a B29 rom and have a grand ol' time. However, I would recommend using the LineageOS Rom that's available. Trumps everything else out there IMHO.
6. To do that You'll need to flash the Nougat Bootstacks for that rom to boot prior to flashing the Rom itself. I would recommend flashing the nougat bootstacks, reboot to TWRP, flash LineageOS, reboot.
Like I said, I've done with this with two different devices (Thanks ZTE) and both worked out just fine. I did this method with a device with b27 and b29, both ended up updated and flashed with CM/LineageOS with ZERO issues. This post here should also be pinned as the one true guide (THE KING OF THE NORTH) for unlocking/rooting a stock Axon 7. I spent probably about 4-5 hours working, trying to figure out how to get my device unlocked/rooted. However.. at the very end I wrote out instructions trying to help those who would come after me.. I searched the threads to make sure there wasn't already a thread out there.. and then.. it turns out there was.

Someone have the 5 files to unlock the bootloader 2017u on drive

Unlocking / Rooting 5.8.021S X727?

I have my X727 on 5.8.021S. The guides posted do not work for my device as I cannot unlock the bootloader. Am I out of luck if I want to mess with ROMs?
If I'm following things incorrectly, please advise.
Thanks!

Try this, https://forum.xda-developers.com/le-pro3/how-to/flashing-guide-roundup-leeco-le-pro-3-t3511901/page3
That is the only thing that worked for me, read thru the entire post, it mentions something about "steps on flashing aboot"....if you cant figure it out, do it the long way, intall the update for the Chinese version, then unlock the bootloader from there and install TWRP. best rom so far is Turbo is stock and all settings work as intended.

I was able to unlock bootloader and root with .21s. I had to flash aboot and one other file. Then I followed the guide for unlocking and rooting and it went fine.
I did the I the instructions at the end of this thread by thesing603
https://forum.xda-developers.com/le...-persistent-bootloader-unlock-t3500388/page20

Y'all are all seriously making this way too hard and doing way too many unnecessary steps. I've already rooted and unlocked two pro 3s on 21s. Basically just update to 21s, boot into bootloader, flash unlockable Chinese zl1 bootloader from 19s persistent unlock thread using aboot and xbl files, reboot bootloader, FLASH TWRP to recovery, then BOOT TWRP recovery, FORMAT/WIPE DATA PARTITION, then push SuperSU zip to phone storage. Install super su, clear cache/dalvik cache, and reboot system.
Phone will probably reboot twice during initial boot...THIS IS NORMAL. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes while It optimizes apps. Then setup phone as you like. boom , stock 21s with root, permanent unlock and TWRP.

I appreciate the comments. I was able to unlock using the two flashed files. While I'm here... What would be the return to locked and stock method?

xiton said:
I appreciate the comments. I was able to unlock using the two flashed files. While I'm here... What would be the return to locked and stock method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to return to locked you will simply boot into bootloader and flash the aboot and xbl from a legitimate , official OTA update such as 20s or 21s. Just like you did with the unlockable Chinese bootloader files. Except flashing the two files from an original x727 OTA update file reflashes the original locked bootloader.
As for going back to stock, once you've rooted the system, you'll have to reinstall the system partition via something like a TWRP backup. That's what I did. Simply flashed my original locked bootloader files, and restored a official .21s TWRP backup to get unrooted.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a side note, clicking "thanks" on the helpful posts is much more constructive than posting "thanks".

Noob ?
Ok, this might be a stupid question but I'm not really sure. In developer options, where it says OEM unlocked unlock Bootloader, is that having the Bootloader unlocked? I'm seeing comments about having to flash different files to unlock Bootloader. Can someone clarify this issue for me. I just bought the leeco Pro 3 today lex727

Levi81 said:
Ok, this might be a stupid question but I'm not really sure. In developer options, where it says OEM unlocked unlock Bootloader, is that having the Bootloader unlocked? I'm seeing comments about having to flash different files to unlock Bootloader. Can someone clarify this issue for me. I just bought the leeco Pro 3 today lex727
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trying to be rude. For real. But google is your friend on your question. And where you think i'll be rude is saying if you don't know what that button does in developer options you do NOT need to be customizing THIS device. It is NOT a fun phone to unbrick. We prepurchased the phone the day it was announced what 2 odd years ago? And I bricked the phone on the bootloader unlock. And I am seasoned well on android for 8 years now. And struggled.
Google.

Levi81 said:
Ok, this might be a stupid question but I'm not really sure. In developer options, where it says OEM unlocked unlock Bootloader, is that having the Bootloader unlocked? I'm seeing comments about having to flash different files to unlock Bootloader. Can someone clarify this issue for me. I just bought the leeco Pro 3 today lex727
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the answer that you need, https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75009966
You are fine to ask, especially when you can't find the answer. Plus, the steps for the X727 are very different than the steps for the X720. There are so many variations of the Le Pro 3 that a google search may cause further confusion.
Self aggrandizing answers are useless clutter.

TWRP links
Hey tsongming, thanks for posting some great info here. Do you have a copy of the following twrp img file in this link:
URL:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71566961&postcount=203
Link 404:
Put twrp.img from this zip (Download: TWRP) in your adb directory on your PC
I'm trying to follow your instructions step by step, but the link for twrp img appears to be dead.
I just bought my lepro 3 and am very excited to get a new rom on there!
tsongming said:
Here is the answer that you need, https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75009966
You are fine to ask, especially when you can't find the answer. Plus, the steps for the X727 are very different than the steps for the X720. There are so many variations of the Le Pro 3 that a google search may cause further confusion.
Self aggrandizing answers are useless clutter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

lifeofryley said:
Hey tsongming, thanks for posting some great info here. Do you have a copy of the following twrp img file in this link:
URL:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71566961&postcount=203
Link 404:
Put twrp.img from this zip (Download: TWRP) in your adb directory on your PC
I'm trying to follow your instructions step by step, but the link for twrp img appears to be dead.
I just bought my lepro 3 and am very excited to get a new rom on there!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, here you go : https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=962187416754456705
If you install a modern Rom , you will want to update to TWRP to the latest
which can be found here: https://dl.twrp.me/zl1/ ( twrp-3.2.3-1-zl1.img is the most recent )
you will also want Gapps Arm from here : https://opengapps.org/
And Magisk from Here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/official-magisk-v7-universal-systemless-t3473445

verizon s5 on pd1 mm rootable or not?

Hi all, I really need some help here. I am reading in some stickied tutorials that mm is not rootable, and on some others it says it may be rootable if your mmc begins with 15 and may be able to unlock bootloader. I don't know which to go by here. My sons phone is a verizon s5, on pd1 and has mmc number beginning with 15. I really want magisk in it as some apps we use simply don't work with straight root. I have scoured the internet in hopes of finding the info needed and came up with too many conflicting reports so I came back to ask the experts here. However, even the search function here still leads me to some conflicts. Can someone please link me to a tutorial that I can use to root his phone? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

tattmann said:
Can someone please link me to a tutorial that I can use to root his phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can only directly root PD1 (or any MM firmware) if the phone's bootloader is unlocked already.
SM-G900V's bootloader is locked by default, CID15 means that it can be unlocked.
In the case if rooting is possible (CID15) for Android 6.0 (PD1 is a 6.0 firmware) you'll need to:
1. Flash a firmware which allows direct rooting. Modern method is to flash COMBINATION firmware. This rooting has nothing to do with the future rooting of your PD1, this rooting is for unlocking the bootloader.
2. Gain root and install SafeStrap recovery.
3. Flash a MM (say, PD1) bootloader and unlock it.
4. Download stock PD1 firmware and remove the bootloader from it.
5. Flash this firmware with Odin.
The result of these operations will be a SM-G900V phone with stock PD1 firmware and unlocked bootloader. Now you can root your PD1.
6. Download TWRP from their site and flash it with Odin.
7. Download Magisk zip-file.
8. Flash Magisk zip-file with TWRP.

ok, lengthy process lol. Is ok, I will start looking for the files to download and get everything set up. Thank you for your time and for replying.
UPDATE: I got it. The phone is now on resurrection remix with twrp and magisk. Thank you for your help!