Theoretical root for SM-J320VPP? - Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) Questions & Answers

So it's been a while since discussion about this specific model, but I was wondering if it would be at all possible to root this with Magisk?
Since Magisk can apply root by patching boot image file, I figured it could technically be possible since in this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j3-2016/help/galaxy-j3-sm-j320vpp-configuring-cdma-t3414049
There is a link to a flashable ZIP to "access GSM" with this model phone, found here:
https://mega.nz/#!mtNEibLa!NmVJ7RM0fSDwXdD3CTKi0fVQgYdIMP6m8THRQLyJQRw
The interesting thing about it is that ZIP contains a boot.img file, so what I was wondering, would that the stock boot image file needed for Magisk?
There isn't much information about what's supplied in that ZIP nor have people mentioned it's use or anything, but I was wondering if it could at all be tested to possibly work. Or if whatever is in that ZIP is even the stock firmware.
I can't necessarily test it myself since I need my phone however, can anyone verify the contents of the ZIP or boot.img? It would be a pretty convenient if this was all it takes.

Without root I doubt you will be able to flash anything that isn't an official Samsung firmware update. And depending on which branding your device has,you may not even be able to flash firmware of any type whether it be an update or full firmware. Some carriers insist that Samsung fully lock down the bootloader thus completely crippling the device. U.S. carriers doing this are various. Especially if it is pre-paid. Best advice is to research any device before you purchase it. See if root has been achieved. If not and that device has been out for some time. Avoid it. Pick a device you know has gained root from among the choices offered by any carrier. It would seem you have one of the many locked bootloader turd phones put out by Verizon,Sprint,TRACTURD and so forth. Locked bootloader that won't recognize any flash that isn't signed. Odin or not the flash will fail. Time to flush that turd and find a better alternative.
Fivavoa said:
So it's been a while since discussion about this specific model, but I was wondering if it would be at all possible to root this with Magisk?
Since Magisk can apply root by patching boot image file, I figured it could technically be possible since in this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j3-2016/help/galaxy-j3-sm-j320vpp-configuring-cdma-t3414049
There is a link to a flashable ZIP to "access GSM" with this model phone, found here:
https://mega.nz/#!mtNEibLa!NmVJ7RM0fSDwXdD3CTKi0fVQgYdIMP6m8THRQLyJQRw
The interesting thing about it is that ZIP contains a boot.img file, so what I was wondering, would that the stock boot image file needed for Magisk?
There isn't much information about what's supplied in that ZIP nor have people mentioned it's use or anything, but I was wondering if it could at all be tested to possibly work. Or if whatever is in that ZIP is even the stock firmware.
I can't necessarily test it myself since I need my phone however, can anyone verify the contents of the ZIP or boot.img? It would be a pretty convenient if this was all it takes.
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Related

[Q] Read the Sticky, still can't flash stock or lollipop kernels

I wonder whether there is help for someone who thought he knew how to flash a kernel but apparently is deluded. I have the original nexus seven Wi-Fi tablet android version 4.3 build number JWR66V. The system still wants to update me to 4.3 because I ripped some files out of the cache directory to prevent OTA updates. I have both fastboot and adb. I have read the stickies about flashing.
The phone is rooted and the bootloader is unlocked. I use TWRP custom recovery, and it's a good thing, because I solidly bricked myself up just trying to get my lollipop. I know there are tools to root a nexus seven even with stock lollipop, so I thought I'd upgrade my phone to stock lollipop and then use one of those methods. I tried both the stock lollipop kernel and the one provided by chain fire, which I understand is rooted already. (I'm assuming upgrading to lollipop will lose me my root, unless I want to recover back to 4.3.)
I tried to do these things a couple of different ways. When I tried fast boot, I got the message "error: neither -p product specified nor ANDROID_PRODUCT_OUT set". There was a YouTube video suggesting how to deal with this error message. I'm pretty sure I followed the instructions but no go. (I was using the "flash all" command.) This was after I had put the file containing lollipop in the directory, both zipped and unzipped (so that I had an .img file instead of a zip file). I tried using both the zip file with all of the lollipop partitions and the system image file individually. No go. I also had a message that android-info.txt could not be found, even though it was in the same, working directory.
I could be wrong but I don't think you can install a complete updated kernel from a file on the device. I think that works only with update.zip.
I'm still thinking fastboot is my best bet, but there are dependencies apparently and I don't know what files to include in its directory. Then, am I wise to go to stock and then root, or should I simply flash the stock kernel already rooted? I assume that's what chainfire is providing, correct?
I notice the lollipop official ROM nor Chainfire’s supposedly-rooted image have any file named nakasi. I have only .img files, no .zip files.
I found a dozen sets of instructions on how to flash a kernel but something I need is missing from all of them. Does anyone know what it is or can anyone offer some helpful advice?
Thank you,
Leon M.

Root workaround in h440n running marshmallow?

Hi! A couple of days ago I found FlashFire from chainfire and saw G4 users used to flash roms with it while they didn't have their bootloader unlocked, so I was wondering if it is possible to install roms using it.
According to their website it isn't recommended for unlocked bootloaders but since I have a spare h440 board I've been trying to flash a stock MM rom using rooted LP for preserve root at upgrading, I think it might be possible but unfortunately while flashing the system.img I made using our poland MM kdz use 2.76gb and my system partition stand about 2.4gb so when it hits 2.4 an error alert is prompt and the phone stays unusable till I flash a new kdz using lg flash tool.
I think I'm missing something while making my system.img, I used WindowsLGFirmwareExtract to obtain the dz file and DZFileTools too obtain BINS files and then WindowsLGFirmwareExtract to merge them again into a .img file. Any suggestions?
not yet
spirytusek said:
not yet
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Click to collapse
no suggestion? I mean thing was flashing my system.img, it's just bigger than the available space so I think it's possible but I just don't know how to create correctly a system.img from a stock rom kdz file if we manage to create a smaller we might be able to inject supersu while flashing using flashfire
bootloader unlock must first
I'm not very keen to this kind of things, unlocking and making custom roms, but I think that some guy try to do the same thing and ended up with a hard brick.
This is the link to what he tried http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=67408204&postcount=1407
Wish I could help you more but I'm just an ignorant u.u
Hello. On Lollipop, the ROOT is being written on the system partition. If you upgrade to Marshmallow with any way, you replace th LP system with the MM one. It is being overwritten. So, ROOT is lost, together with the LP system. There is a way to write ROOT on the MM system partition, but STILL, it is not working, because the bootloader of MM checks if there has been a modification, like ROOT (dm_verity). So, the only way to root MM for now is to have an unlocked bootloader.

Second time trying to root phone and I want to make sure I've got this 100%

Alright so I apologize in advance if this thread has been posted a million times and believe me, I've spent the last 4-5 days combing through to make sure I could get every detail of this process done correctly. So I'm not just blindly asking for instructions on how to root my phone. Apologies also if I posted this in the wrong place.
For starters, I'm using Moto G4 Plus XT1641 6.0.1 Build Number MPJ24.139-23.3. My carrier is Koodo in Canada (unsure if that's important but I'll need to being it up again for another point). The files I downloaded were from a youtube tutorial and this includes ADB program, TWRP img 3.0.2.0, supersu zip 2.46 and Motorola Drivers 2.5.4, SOME of which I think may have been outdated versions.
So Saturday night I tried to root my phone with those files. I followed some more guides, I unlocked my bootloader and I think I mostly did everything right except for getting the right supersu version as I've seen up to version 2.82. I think this may have been my first mistake but maybe someone correct me if I'm wrong? My other mistake was not making a backup in TWRP. I'd read about possible wifi problems after rooting so I grabbed the elemental package and possibly even flashed that wrong. I can't even remember the steps of what I did but I'm sure it was all wrong.
Main point, after all that I didn't have ccell service, wifi, etc. The common problems that arise when you do it wrong. I ended up just taking my phone in and getting a new phone. Exact same one, same model. And this brings me to where I am now. I've downloaded some new files and I want to make sure that I've got everything right as to avoid misunderstanding some key parts to the process.
Minimal ADB and Fastboot 1.4.2, twrp-3.1.1-0-athene.img, SuperSU-v2.82-201705271822, Motorola Drivers 2.5.4, and lastly XT1641_ATHENE-TELUS_MPJ24.139-23.3_cid50_subsidy-TELUS_CFC.xml. Notice how that last one says Telus? It's the parent company of Koodo so I'm hoping I can use that as a failsafe.
I think I've covered all the key points so to sum up:
1. Did I use the wrong supersu zip version and could that be a reason why I had no wifi/cell service? Is that also possible because I may have flashed the wrong carrier athene file?
2. Are the files I have downloaded now the correct ones I need and up to date?
3. I'm following this guide. With the files I have downloaded, is it still a correct step by step process? Are there other guides that work better?(thats not a knock on the original guide I'm refering to). https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/root-systemless-rooting-supersu-2-74-2-t3405772
I think I've got the right know how and tools to root my phone but I'm just nervous of doing what I did before again and would like some reassurance that I'm doing it right. I've just come from jailbreaks, the world of root is much different. I appreciate any help or tips you guys can throw me!
Hmm, that's odd how you lost radio signal when you rooted, did you obtain radio signal back after you unrooted?
A few things I noted:
1)You may wish to update your device to a newer build, you might get an OTA inviting you to update to MPJ24-139-63 (or 139-64), which was the latest Marshmallow build. Once you've rooted, you will not be able to install OTA updates until you have unrooted and restored the stock recovery (from the same build as you currently have). If you get an OTA notification for any build beginning with NPJ, that's for Nougat.
2)If you plan to stay on Marshmallow, you don't need the ElementalX kernel - a custom kernel like ElementalX is compulsory on Nougat, whereas Marshmallow is not as strict with regards to rooting.
3) I hope the carrier ROM is okay, though from other reports, flashing the incorrect ROM can corrupt device partitions, leaving with no IMEI/no service/no FP. We have possible ways of repairing that though.
The tools you've downloaded seem to be okay and Bender's guide is still okay - even though the tools they've used are out of date - so the general procedure would be (up to you if you've updated MM at this point):
Install adb on your computer.
Boot your device to the bootloader.
Flash TWRP 3.1.1 athene (either the offficial TWRP or an unofficial build from shreps or oadam11) as directed.
Reboot to recovery (to make sure the recovery sticks).
Back up all partitions on your device, make the name descriptive.
Make another backup of the boot partition - this contains your stock kernel, useful for switching root manager.
Once the backups have been made, flash SuperSU v2.82.
Wipe cache/Dalvik
Reboot.
echo92 said:
Hmm, that's odd how you lost radio signal when you rooted, did you obtain radio signal back after you unrooted?
A few things I noted:
1)You may wish to update your device to a newer build, you might get an OTA inviting you to update to MPJ24-139-63 (or 139-64), which was the latest Marshmallow build. Once you've rooted, you will not be able to install OTA updates until you have unrooted and restored the stock recovery (from the same build as you currently have). If you get an OTA notification for any build beginning with NPJ, that's for Nougat.
2)If you plan to stay on Marshmallow, you don't need the ElementalX kernel - a custom kernel like ElementalX is compulsory on Nougat, whereas Marshmallow is not as strict with regards to rooting.
3) I hope the carrier ROM is okay, though from other reports, flashing the incorrect ROM can corrupt device partitions, leaving with no IMEI/no service/no FP. We have possible ways of repairing that though.
The tools you've downloaded seem to be okay and Bender's guide is still okay - even though the tools they've used are out of date - so the general procedure would be (up to you if you've updated MM at this point):
Install adb on your computer.
Boot your device to the bootloader.
Flash TWRP 3.1.1 athene (either the offficial TWRP or an unofficial build from shreps or oadam11) as directed.
Reboot to recovery (to make sure the recovery sticks).
Back up all partitions on your device, make the name descriptive.
Make another backup of the boot partition - this contains your stock kernel, useful for switching root manager.
Once the backups have been made, flash SuperSU v2.82.
Wipe cache/Dalvik
Reboot.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, it helps me feel a little more confident in what I'm doing. I didn't get my cell service back as I just took my phone into Koodo and they just gave me a new one. A few questions.
Are there some clear guides on how to recover from lost wifi and cell service? I've seen a few but it appears they all have different directions so as a newcomer to Android it does seems a bit confusing to what the right way to do it is. I'm also hoping someone can chime in on the Telus carrier IMG file as that seems to be my backup in case anything goes terribly wrong again. I'd hate to have to bring my phone back again a second time. Also, is it an easy process to make a backup of the kernel in TWRP? I've figured out how to make a backup of the normal partition, just hoping backing up the kernel is just as easy.
I think I'm near ready to take the root plunge in the coming days. It's good to see such a strong community here. Totally different from the jailbreak scene.
lemonlimejones said:
Thanks for the reply, it helps me feel a little more confident in what I'm doing. I didn't get my cell service back as I just took my phone into Koodo and they just gave me a new one. A few questions.
Are there some clear guides on how to recover from lost wifi and cell service? I've seen a few but it appears they all have different directions so as a newcomer to Android it does seems a bit confusing to what the right way to do it is. I'm also hoping someone can chime in on the Telus carrier IMG file as that seems to be my backup in case anything goes terribly wrong again. I'd hate to have to bring my phone back again a second time. Also, is it an easy process to make a backup of the kernel in TWRP? I've figured out how to make a backup of the normal partition, just hoping backing up the kernel is just as easy.
I think I'm near ready to take the root plunge in the coming days. It's good to see such a strong community here. Totally different from the jailbreak scene.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I'm not aware of any guides specifically dealing with lost Wi-Fi and lost mobile signal. There are a few posts where we've had some success in getting radios back, but it involves either hex editing https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72340548&postcount=98 or flashing hw, modem or fsg partitions from a working device (in this case, XT1641) The instances I've seen of lost Wi-Fi/mobile signal appear to have occurred during a stock ROM fastboot flash, but hoping someone can chime in as to whether it was just flashing the wrong region firmware or something else.
If you want to back up your kernel in TWRP:
Boot to TWRP
Tap 'Backup' on the main menu
Select only the 'boot' partition - this is the partition that contains your kernel (should be stock and clean if you've not rooted).
Rename the file to remind you it's your kernel.
Swipe to back up.
If you need to revert to this kernel, unroot first (depending on your root manager, you may have to boot and then unroot. I recall SuperSU unroots via the SuperSU app settings), then boot to TWRP.
Tap 'Restore' on the main menu
Navigate to your boot backup
Flash your boot backup
You should now have a clean stock kernel, so if you wish to switch root managers, you should be able to obtain root with your new root manager. We want a clean kernel (no modifications made) since uninstalling the old root may leave traces of root on your existing kernel, and thus may cause issues if you re-root with a different manager.
Good luck in rooting
echo92 said:
Hmm, I'm not aware of any guides specifically dealing with lost Wi-Fi and lost mobile signal. There are a few posts where we've had some success in getting radios back, but it involves either hex editing https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72340548&postcount=98 or flashing hw, modem or fsg partitions from a working device (in this case, XT1641) The instances I've seen of lost Wi-Fi/mobile signal appear to have occurred during a stock ROM fastboot flash, but hoping someone can chime in as to whether it was just flashing the wrong region firmware or something else.
If you want to back up your kernel in TWRP:
Boot to TWRP
Tap 'Backup' on the main menu
Select only the 'boot' partition - this is the partition that contains your kernel (should be stock and clean if you've not rooted).
Rename the file to remind you it's your kernel.
Swipe to back up.
If you need to revert to this kernel, unroot first (depending on your root manager, you may have to boot and then unroot. I recall SuperSU unroots via the SuperSU app settings), then boot to TWRP.
Tap 'Restore' on the main menu
Navigate to your boot backup
Flash your boot backup
You should now have a clean stock kernel, so if you wish to switch root managers, you should be able to obtain root with your new root manager. We want a clean kernel (no modifications made) since uninstalling the old root may leave traces of root on your existing kernel, and thus may cause issues if you re-root with a different manager.
Good luck in rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's perfect thank you so much. Am I right to assume that if I get into a jam then I can just restore/reflash my backups and I'll be back to normal?
To be safe, flash the ElementalX kernel before rooting.
reCoded said:
To be safe, flash the ElementalX kernel before rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See this is where I get confused, the guy above you said ElementalX isn't needed on Marshmallow but you say i should use it anyway? I've seen a few differing opinions on what should and shouldn't be done, just not sure which one is the right answer.
lemonlimejones said:
See this is where I get confused, the guy above you said ElementalX isn't needed on Marshmallow but you say i should use it anyway? I've seen a few differing opinions on what should and shouldn't be done, just not sure which one is the right answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ElementalX v0.07 is not required on Marshmallow (provided you are planning on staying on 6.0.1), you can root the stock ROM kernel. You may wish to flash the ElementalX kernel anyway as this custom kernel gives you more control and tuning options compared to the stock kernel. On stock Nougat, because the anti-rooting kernel security is much stricter and enforced (whereas on Marshmallow I don't think it's enforced), then you need ElementalX or vegito or a custom kernel to bypass the security, by in effect replacing the stock secure kernel with a kernel that doesn't have those restrictions. Without replacing the stock kernel on stock Nougat systems, you can run into a bootloop.
As an MM kernel as mentioned before has weaker security regarding rooting, it's up to you if you choose to root the stock kernel or ElementalX.
I've rooted MM (MPJ24.139-63) in the past with SuperSU (v2.79) and only used TWRP and SuperSU.
In response to your other post, the backups should get you out of a jam, since what you're doing should only affect the partitions you've backed up previously (they in theory shouldn't go anywhere near your modem, bootloader or critical firmware). Bear in mind that the TWRP backup if restored in full will revert your messages and data to that backup. You may wish to use Titanium Backup or other tools to take occasional snapshots of your apps data that you can restore should you have to roll back.
lemonlimejones said:
See this is where I get confused, the guy above you said ElementalX isn't needed on Marshmallow but you say i should use it anyway? I've seen a few differing opinions on what should and shouldn't be done, just not sure which one is the right answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on Nougat, then you should use ElementalX. If you're on Marshmallow, you don't need it.
echo92 said:
ElementalX v0.07 is not required on Marshmallow (provided you are planning on staying on 6.0.1), you can root the stock ROM kernel. You may wish to flash the ElementalX kernel anyway as this custom kernel gives you more control and tuning options compared to the stock kernel. On stock Nougat, because the anti-rooting kernel security is much stricter and enforced (whereas on Marshmallow I don't think it's enforced), then you need ElementalX or vegito or a custom kernel to bypass the security, by in effect replacing the stock secure kernel with a kernel that doesn't have those restrictions. Without replacing the stock kernel on stock Nougat systems, you can run into a bootloop.
As an MM kernel as mentioned before has weaker security regarding rooting, it's up to you if you choose to root the stock kernel or ElementalX.
I've rooted MM (MPJ24.139-63) in the past with SuperSU (v2.79) and only used TWRP and SuperSU.
In response to your other post, the backups should get you out of a jam, since what you're doing should only affect the partitions you've backed up previously (they in theory shouldn't go anywhere near your modem, bootloader or critical firmware). Bear in mind that the TWRP backup if restored in full will revert your messages and data to that backup. You may wish to use Titanium Backup or other tools to take occasional snapshots of your apps data that you can restore should you have to roll back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right on, I think I feel comfortable with this now! One more question though, with newer versions of SuperSU is it still necessary to make the command echo systemless=true or was that mostly for older versions? Also if that part is needed, should I run SuperSU from the data folder in TWRP?
lemonlimejones said:
Right on, I think I feel comfortable with this now! One more question though, with newer versions of SuperSU is it still necessary to make the command echo systemless=true or was that mostly for older versions? Also if that part is needed, should I run SuperSU from the data folder in TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 'echo systemless=true', as I understand it, isn't required on SuperSU 2.79 or newer, so if you're flashing 2.82, you should be able to flash as is without having to run the command too Also makes uninstalling easier!

installing safestrap to nonrooted g955u1

I been searching with no real luck finding answers. Id like to install safestrap to my unmodified g955u1 system image without root like they are offering with pie and oreo. Im currently on a v1 bootloader and would kinda like to keep it that way. I inderstand i can root and ins t all but im trying to avoid root because i dont want to loose the regular abilities.
My main reason for any modifications are two reasons ..
One it would be nicw to have a custom recovery
Two.. For some reason i cant install anything in vr. It will download and attempt onstallation with a fail...
I also found a post that offers a zip that is said to create your own modified rom with use of but im un able to understan how i would use said zip or install files from this zip without a safestrap installed. Any advise would be highly appreciated.

Invalid zip file format while trying to update phone

I have a new Moto G7 from Google Fi. Following the instructions here https://www.the***********.com/install-twrp-root-moto-g7-plus-guide/ I successfully installed TWRP and rooted the phone. I then downloaded the most recent ROM from here, https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/river/official/FI/, specifically the file XT1962-1_RIVER_FI_9.0_PPOS29.114-134-2_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip, copied the file to a SD card in the phone, and rebooted to TWRP. When I tried to install this zip file, TWRP reported 'Invalid zip file format'.
The above method works just fine on my Pixel 3XL, so I assumed that this method would work on the G7 as well. Can you please suggest what may be going wrong, and more importantly, the best approach for applying this latest patch?
Thank you.
groston said:
I have a new Moto G7 from Google Fi. Following the instructions here https://www.the***********.com/install-twrp-root-moto-g7-plus-guide/ I successfully installed TWRP and rooted the phone. I then downloaded the most recent ROM from here, https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/river/official/FI/, specifically the file XT1962-1_RIVER_FI_9.0_PPOS29.114-134-2_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip, copied the file to a SD card in the phone, and rebooted to TWRP. When I tried to install this zip file, TWRP reported 'Invalid zip file format'.
The above method works just fine on my Pixel 3XL, so I assumed that this method would work on the G7 as well. Can you please suggest what may be going wrong, and more importantly, the best approach for applying this latest patch?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The official firmware cannot be installed with twrp. These are fastboot files not flashable otas.
Also flashing firmware removes twrp.
ptn107 - thank you. I was unable to find the appropriate OTA for my phone, any chance you can point me in the right direction?
groston said:
ptn107 - thank you. I was unable to find the appropriate OTA for my phone, any chance you can point me in the right direction?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTAs are not stored online like the firmware. The only way to get a flashable OTA is for another user to capture the download link during the upgrade process and share the link to the file. That user must:
- be using the same model device and for the same region
- be upgrading from the same version you are
- be upgrading to the same version you want
- they must have a rooted device
- be willing to do the work and share it
It is far far easier to just fastboot flash up to the version you want (if a file is available) and skip the step that erases your data.
You said you're on FI so this is the firmware you need. Directions are here.

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