Advice on TW, TW Roms, Preferred Setups, and so on. - Verizon Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm an AOSPLOS Junkie who runs Resurrection Remix most of the time and CrDroidures the rest. I enjoy the speed, features more, tweaks most, and the fact that I can easilly run MicroG instead of google play services and other google crap if I choose not to easily.
I have never ran TW more than 3-5 hours when I bought the phone before I spent a night installing a custom AOSP/LOS based rom.
I did use The Phoenix 15.0 build for a couple weeks, and liked it, but it had too many features that I simply didn't have a need for. That still ran in the BG even though I didn't use them. There are also many features I don't use in my preferred roms but even though I don't enable most they don't run in the background. I still loved the rom and used TIBU to disable a lot of crap I didn't use.
I've seen a bunch of stock updated roms for my unlocked bootloaderd phone, but those would require tweaking, and with xposed available it wouln't be hard to lock it down. Can I use the theme store with MM stock roms, Samsung theme store that is, or even substratum?
So what do you guys and gals suggest I do.. I'm wanted to try TW again, because of the better camera, and a few other things, and to see how long I can make my aging battery last , I'm ordering a new one soon but haven't decided on original sized sammy brand name stock battery, or one of the extendeds that I've read about, the better ones being around 30 plus dollars.
One more question, My entire device is encrypted, with encrypt to boot setup, to install Phoenix for example, I'd have to go back to 3.0.0.0 or so TWRP to use the aroma installer, and I don't know how all this would affect encryption, I don't want to reformat anything. I guess that's why nandroids and so on are a good idea but I don't feel like backing up my 64GB SD card again, I just did that before encrypting.
I can disable the Pin to boot andn keep the lockscreen pin, and probably have no issue downgrading TWRP but I hope I don't have to reformat internal and external encrypted SD's to go back to TW.
Thanks a bunch about any and all recommendations.. THANKS
Griz

Still at the top and no replies.. Maybe I should post in the general android section since it mostly pertains to encryption.

Related

OP2 kernel problems, considering H2OS?

Hi all, I am new here. I was referred by a friend who knows more about this than I do. I think I understand how to get fastboot and TWRP, so that is taken care of already. Now the problem with my OP2 running OxygenOS latest version, everything stock, is that it freezes up after unlocking, and the whole phone is just terribly throttled at this slow speed for a long time. All inputs are extremely delayed, and touchscreen is nearly unusable after the lag begins. There are so far two temporary fixes I found: 1) reboot phone 2)wait it out/keep unlocking until it doesn't lag. I also have been unable to make a copy of my internal storage via USB, as it gives unspecified error during copying. And lastly, the screen dims on its own sometimes at random while anything related to auto-brightness should be off. Fortunately, I was able to make a hard copy of my internal storage thru some wifi file manager apps. Now my friend pointed out that my phone's issues could be related to a bad kernel. To remedy this, he told me it would be good to flash a new kernel onto my phone. I considered changing roms to CM, but apparently a lot of functionality is lost when doing this. He told me that I could retain Oxygen OS while flashing a new kernel, but I am not sure how to do this. I came across a post in the android dev section regarding hydrogen os, and I read that it performs better than Oxygen OS, but has minor issues of its own. I am interested in flashing this rom/kernel (I am not sure which is which). Here is the link in that section of the forum I found http://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-2/development/rom-h2os-hydrogen-os-ota-clean-stable-t3195636. I see it says that it is working on Indian OP2, and running stock rom and stock kernel. Does this mean that my north american OP2 won't be able to get this rom? Also if it is the stock kernel, does that mean it is the same kernel as the one currently installed on my phone? Anyways, if anyone knows about my phone's problems, or has a way to fix it let me hear it please. Thank you!
Tzheng456 said:
Hi all, I am new here. I was referred by a friend who knows more about this than I do. I think I understand how to get fastboot and TWRP, so that is taken care of already. Now the problem with my OP2 running OxygenOS latest version, everything stock, is that it freezes up after unlocking, and the whole phone is just terribly throttled at this slow speed for a long time. All inputs are extremely delayed, and touchscreen is nearly unusable after the lag begins. There are so far two temporary fixes I found: 1) reboot phone 2)wait it out/keep unlocking until it doesn't lag. I also have been unable to make a copy of my internal storage via USB, as it gives unspecified error during copying. And lastly, the screen dims on its own sometimes at random while anything related to auto-brightness should be off. Fortunately, I was able to make a hard copy of my internal storage thru some wifi file manager apps. Now my friend pointed out that my phone's issues could be related to a bad kernel. To remedy this, he told me it would be good to flash a new kernel onto my phone. I considered changing roms to CM, but apparently a lot of functionality is lost when doing this. He told me that I could retain Oxygen OS while flashing a new kernel, but I am not sure how to do this. I came across a post in the android dev section regarding hydrogen os, and I read that it performs better than Oxygen OS, but has minor issues of its own. I am interested in flashing this rom/kernel (I am not sure which is which). Here is the link in that section of the forum I found http://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-2/development/rom-h2os-hydrogen-os-ota-clean-stable-t3195636. I see it says that it is working on Indian OP2, and running stock rom and stock kernel. Does this mean that my north american OP2 won't be able to get this rom? Also if it is the stock kernel, does that mean it is the same kernel as the one currently installed on my phone? Anyways, if anyone knows about my phone's problems, or has a way to fix it let me hear it please. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same issue with O2. I changed kernels and the problems persisted. A also word the device and started from scratch through fastboot and the issues persisted. I ended up on hydrogen and I've never looked back. There is a flashable zip in that thread for the newest full version .11. Follow the steps wipe everything besides internal storage, flash the full v11 zip and boot the phone. After this reboot to recovery (power and volume down). Flash the gapps and super su zip if you want root. After this you should be able to add your Google account and be good to go. One thing I did was remove all Chinese apps and the stock launcher. I use trebuchet launcher from cm 12.1. Phone runs incredibly smooth now. I recently started running AK kernel as well. The oxygen version works with hydrogen. I have been averaging between 5 and 7 hours of SOT for battery with up to 8 if I'm just watching videos. Hope this helps. The ROM is a little simpler and the notifications settings are different. But you can set apps to have priority notifications and they function similar to oxygens notifications at that point. Everything is in the thread if you have any questions I'll try to help you.

What does Root/unlocking bootloader add currently to the OP5?

Hey,
Have got my OP5 for almost a week now and its superb imo! Now all my previous android phones I rooted, some early on, some when I had owned them for a year or so. What does it add in terms of functionality to the OP5 right now? OS is already fast AF, battery is amazing etc.
As far as I can tell not much besides a couple of OOS based custom ROM's and kernels. In terms of extra battery life or performance, you might get a very slight gain when flashing a custom ROM and kernel and mess with it's settings but for me so far the stock ROM and kernel give me everything I need in terms of battery life and performance.
The main reason I rooted was to get Adaway. Maybe in a couple of days I'll mess around with substratum and play around with a theme or two.
Same reasons for rooting any other Android device
I rooted for Titanium Backup and AdAway. Also for audio mod (Viper4ARISE). Another good reason is debloating, but with OOS there's not much bloat! If you plan on keeping the stock rom, it's still interesting to try other kernels.
Freedom... It's your phone you should have root access to it. In Samsung and other world - for debloting OS (does not need in OP5)... Ability to install hosts file - hate all those pesky ads sticking in your face goods you don't need/want etc.
So, I rooted my device today! But I can't get V4A to work, it freezes on driver installation for a while and then says its installed, I reboot and no driver is installed.. Also, where do you keep your Titanium backup? Doesnt a full wipe in TWRP erase the internal storage?
Exactly what I did right now, Adaway, Tit backup, kernel and substratum with a nice dark theme!
Agreed. I root my phones after any OS updates need installed after opening the box. In this case I was rooted 20 min after opening the box. I root because, well it's what you do with android right? Seriously, I root for Titanium Backup and adaway. Also for things like EX kernel since I can on the fly adjust max volume and vibration intensity. I can never notice/feel vibration on a phone out of the box, kind of annoying.
The stock ROM is just about what i need so no real need for my in the way of custom ROMs, at least not right now. Especially when I'm already getting 8.5 to 10 hours of SOT on med to heavy use.
Typically a wipe through TWRP will keep the data partition intact unless you select to wipe it explicitly. You can also just copy the Titanium Backup directory onto a PC or OTG drive if you are paranoid. I restored a number of apps + data from my old phone and it worked just fine.
Viper is fairly sensitive on how it's flashed and what order, etc. I had to re-read the installation instructions several times. There is another thread on Viper, it might be helpful: https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-5/help/viper-audio-t3627717
To install Pixel Launcher. Got way too used to it. Can't live without it.
Which Titanium Backup version are you using?
I have some issue with TB and root:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-5/help/apps-root-access-rooted-using-supersu-t3630528
The latest on the play store since I bought the pro key I just keep it up to date. I think 8.0.2

Want to get as close to stock Android as possible without flashing a ROM

Hey guys,
I've only just delved into the realm of root (as of last week) but have dabbled in flashing different CSC and similar stuff via ODIN before. The advantages of having root access are unbelievable, but there's just a few things bugging me that I can't seem to do at the moment.
I am aware that Xposed Framework isn't currently (officially) supported on Nougat - I am running 7.0 - and so I will wait patiently for that. In the meanwhile, however, I have a real love for stock android, and while I find that I can get a lot of the system UI to look like stock Android, I can't for the life of me get the quick settings menu to appear how it appears on the Google Pixel and Pixel XL. Again, I know for people on Marshmellow they can use Xposed and their problems are sorted, or indeed flash a custom ROM, but the very few disadvantages of flashing a custom ROM are basically dealbreakers for me (namely extremely heavy usage of camera app which is quite bad in ROMs from what I've heard).
So my question is thus: Is there any way that I can achieve the look of the stock Android quick settings menu when I pull down my notifcations without flashing a custom ROM or waiting for Xposed to hit Nougat, and is there any way that I can change the colour of my notifications as I find it really annoying that I have a dark theme applied to my phone but all my notifications in my notification tray are white as all hell
Also, perhaps this is worth mentioning but my substratum app doesn't seem to have root access. When I install any sort of theme, I am only presented with the install or uninstall option, and I have seen usually there are more options than that. Also it's a dead giveaway that it doesn't have root access when substratum doesn't even appear in SuperSU.
Thanks guys

Rooting Galaxy S7 SM-G930T Oreo Help

I'm having trouble finding a root that works, unless I'm just doing something wrong. I have dev mode enabled with OEM unlocked and USB Debugging but it just keeps failing. I don't really want any custom features or roms at the moment, I'm fine with stock oreo. I just want to be able to move my apps onto the SD card and to use titanium backup to be able to properly back everything up. Though, I wouldn't be opposed to a custom rom as long as there's no major features that are missing like wifi calling n' such. I mainly want the phone to run smoother until I can replace it and using stock oreo feels pretty sluggish at times for no real reason and battery life sucks pretty bad, though that could just be a problem with the battery.
Baseband Version: G930TUVSBCTA2
Android Security Patch: December 1, 2019
Carrier: T-Mobile
Troika_Tigsky said:
I'm having trouble finding a root that works, unless I'm just doing something wrong. I have dev mode enabled with OEM unlocked and USB Debugging but it just keeps failing. I don't really want any custom features or roms at the moment, I'm fine with stock oreo. I just want to be able to move my apps onto the SD card and to use titanium backup to be able to properly back everything up. Though, I wouldn't be opposed to a custom rom as long as there's no major features that are missing like wifi calling n' such. I mainly want the phone to run smoother until I can replace it and using stock oreo feels pretty sluggish at times for no real reason and battery life sucks pretty bad, though that could just be a problem with the battery.
Baseband Version: G930TUVSBCTA2
Android Security Patch: December 1, 2019
Carrier: T-Mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same, I got this crappy update.
This might not be much help If you already known about this option since I'm in the same boat searching for the root solution on my device, but you could use Samsung's Smart Switch app to do the job somewhat.
Basically creates a manual backup on your phone to restore whatever you need it from it. Then you can just move to a newer phone & keep what was saved.
I'm unsure about deep drive of files being saved since I'm trying to do a recovery on my own.
As for the SD card you should be able to put them on It; if you selected the merge with internal memory card, but you have to keep the SD in for It to function right.
As for the battery & sluggish you could have less apps opened up, reduce screen brightness & reducing live notifications etc.
Replacing the battery will remove NFC function as well because it's attached to It.
Best of luck working with what is available.
Hey
You got a B Rev firmware, I think it's not possible to root from what I've read on other threads...
Did you manage to root it?? If so I'm interested in how

Moto G5 Plus custom ROM advice

Hello everyone!
I have a Moto G5 plus which still works quite well as my only phone, but I'm curious to experiment.
Seeing as official support and security updates have ended, I don't think I'm missing out on anything by leaving stock.
I'm looking for recommendations on which ROM to use, as well as any tips or advice you can give.
Top priorities:
Security and stability (as much as possible)
Connectivity (4G LTE, Wifi without any hiccups)
Bluetooth (support for as many audio codecs as possible, especially Aptx)
Camera should be fully functional
I can't think of any other priorities right now, but maybe narrows the field of options a bit.
I have never installed a ROM nor rooted a device, but I am a quick learner.
Also a quick question, is rooting the phone required? And even if it's not required, do I get any benefit from doing so?
Any input will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!!
Spektater said:
Hello everyone!
I have a Moto G5 plus which still works quite well as my only phone, but I'm curious to experiment.
Seeing as official support and security updates have ended, I don't think I'm missing out on anything by leaving stock.
I'm looking for recommendations on which ROM to use, as well as any tips or advice you can give.
Top priorities:
Security and stability (as much as possible)
Connectivity (4G LTE, Wifi without any hiccups)
Bluetooth (support for as many audio codecs as possible, especially Aptx)
Camera should be fully functional
I can't think of any other priorities right now, but maybe narrows the field of options a bit.
I have never installed a ROM nor rooted a device, but I am a quick learner.
Also a quick question, is rooting the phone required? And even if it's not required, do I get any benefit from doing so?
Any input will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello. I can only speak to LineageOS. I have tried others and had bugs that I could not live with. Most new ROMs may have them until they get some exposure and support. Motorola quit supporting the G5 Plus in the early part of 2019, I think. Seems like a lot of support for software in a lot of devices disappears in 2 years or so. GothicIV has been applying android security patches for this year, every month as google releases them.
I have never had any 4G LTE or wireless problems. I use a Verizon virtual mobile carrier.
Can't tell you about Bluetooth codecs, other than I use a plantronics bluetooth set and it works fine.
LineageOS has a built in no frills movie/still camera that works. But if you have google support, you can download the original motorola camera and it works fine. I also use the FV-5 still and FV-5 Cinema camera's out of the play store (paid app) and they work fine.
Rooting is not required, but it allows you to get to the operating system. In Linux (which android is based on) You have ordinary user privileges to install and remove apps. A super user can add/remove/delete files to the OS and change configuration files. When you root a phone, you are being elevated to super user (SU). A bunch of folks and google warn against this, its because they want you to use the system as they provided, like "look - but - dont touch", The concerns are valid, but if you are a linux user, you can make up your own mind. I feel their warnings are over rated, personally. Magisk , a common rooting program will only allow super user to programs you authorize to have super user access.
Basically, you have to unlock the boatloader - and that voids your warranty, but your probably out of that. I think motorola will only allow you to unlock the bootloader if you bought it retail. After unlocking the bootloader, install TWRP a program for backup and restore, which most everybody uses to install ROMs. A lot of ROMs require the memory to be un-encrypted to work, sometimes TWRP can do this, sometimes you need a SU and de-crypter helper program to do this.
Also, I cannot stress this more, after you install TWRP, back up the phone. The Persist and EFS files are individualized files for you phone. Basically radio calibrations and every phone is different.
I wrote a procedure for this, a PDF, its at http://s000.tinyupload.com/?file_id=30022986655137330218 . Its my documentation for future reference if something goes wrong. I have three Moto G5+ and all are on LineageOS.
Hope that helps.
Nivead said:
Hello. I can only speak to LineageOS. I have tried others and had bugs that I could not live with. Most new ROMs may have them until they get some exposure and support. Motorola quit supporting the G5 Plus in the early part of 2019, I think. Seems like a lot of support for software in a lot of devices disappears in 2 years or so. GothicIV has been applying android security patches for this year, every month as google releases them.
I have never had any 4G LTE or wireless problems. I use a Verizon virtual mobile carrier.
Can't tell you about Bluetooth codecs, other than I use a plantronics bluetooth set and it works fine.
LineageOS has a built in no frills movie/still camera that works. But if you have google support, you can download the original motorola camera and it works fine. I also use the FV-5 still and FV-5 Cinema camera's out of the play store (paid app) and they work fine.
Rooting is not required, but it allows you to get to the operating system. In Linux (which android is based on) You have ordinary user privileges to install and remove apps. A super user can add/remove/delete files to the OS and change configuration files. When you root a phone, you are being elevated to super user (SU). A bunch of folks and google warn against this, its because they want you to use the system as they provided, like "look - but - dont touch", The concerns are valid, but if you are a linux user, you can make up your own mind. I feel their warnings are over rated, personally. Magisk , a common rooting program will only allow super user to programs you authorize to have super user access.
Basically, you have to unlock the boatloader - and that voids your warranty, but your probably out of that. I think motorola will only allow you to unlock the bootloader if you bought it retail. After unlocking the bootloader, install TWRP a program for backup and restore, which most everybody uses to install ROMs. A lot of ROMs require the memory to be un-encrypted to work, sometimes TWRP can do this, sometimes you need a SU and de-crypter helper program to do this.
Also, I cannot stress this more, after you install TWRP, back up the phone. The Persist and EFS files are individualized files for you phone. Basically radio calibrations and every phone is different.
I wrote a procedure for this, a PDF, its at *link* . Its my documentation for future reference if something goes wrong. I have three Moto G5+ and all are on LineageOS.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Nivead!
I could not have hoped for a more detailed answer!!
Once I make up my mind, I will most definitely use your guide! The PDF was crystal clear! I thank you deeply for all the effort that you clearly put into helping others
I'm still in doubt due to an important difference; you used a 4gb RAM version, but mine is only 2gb RAM (XT1681)
I've heard that with only 2gb RAM, I should give up on Custom ROMs, and that I won't get better performance than Stock.
I was hoping that a custom rom, with optimizations taken from Android 9, 10 and 11, or even with user designed tweaks, could improve performance, even by a small margin, over the stock Android 8.1.
But I do understand 2gb is VERY low by today's standards, and that most custom roms are designed with double that RAM in mind.
Knowing that my device has only 2gb RAM total, would you still recommend LineageOS in my quest for a slight performance boost, or should I just do a clean install of regular old stock 8.1?
Thank you very much in advance for your time and kindness!
Spektater said:
Hello Nivead!
I could not have hoped for a more detailed answer!!
Once I make up my mind, I will most definitely use your guide! The PDF was crystal clear! I thank you deeply for all the effort that you clearly put into helping others
I'm still in doubt due to an important difference; you used a 4gb RAM version, but mine is only 2gb RAM (XT1681)
I've heard that with only 2gb RAM, I should give up on Custom ROMs, and that I won't get better performance than Stock.
I was hoping that a custom rom, with optimizations taken from Android 9, 10 and 11, or even with user designed tweaks, could improve performance, even by a small margin, over the stock Android 8.1.
But I do understand 2gb is VERY low by today's standards, and that most custom roms are designed with double that RAM in mind.
Knowing that my device has only 2gb RAM total, would you still recommend LineageOS in my quest for a slight performance boost, or should I just do a clean install of regular old stock 8.1?
Thank you very much in advance for your time and kindness!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I wrote the procedure, I was taking a phone back to LineageOS 15.1 . One should be able to substitute any ROM in place of the LineageOS and the procedure should still work. I have used LineageOS 14 (Vache), also LineageOS 16 (Coldhans) and LineageOS 17.1 (thread by Riyan65) and Pixel Experience AOSP (thread by ZjRDroid).
I do not know about the 2/4 GB performance issues/differences. I would research the forum threads on the ROM and see if problems were reported, and if the ROM requires a 4 GB memory. Also, bear in mind that memory works different in android/linux compared to windows.
I do not know if LineageOS would give you a performance boost. You would have to try it and see, I will say, that the google play store and its related apps put a performance drain on android. They are constantly checking in with google when you use the apps, and constantly looking for updates. That means battery is being used by the radio modems in the background. If you do not need playstore access, its a boost. Or you could use the nano gapps to have just play store access without all the other google apps the were installed by default in android 7/8.1.
I would not re-install stock moto 8.1 as a performance issue. I would do a factory erase, it should return the phone back to the state of when the phone was upgraded to stock 8.1. Bear in mind that all data, photos and apps you added will be erased. I would only re-install moto stock 8.1 if I was coming back from a ROM and going to a different ROM. Most ROMs start with stock moto 8.1 and just lay their code on top of it. So parts of the stock firmware gets over written and parts of it remain stock.
If you can afford to purchase a new phone - and do without your G5 plus, because you bricked it - I would try a ROM. If you can not do without your phone, I would leave it alone. I trashed one of my phones and it took me a day to recover it back to stock. That is one of the main reasons I wrote the procedure.
Sorry, I could not help some more...
Nivead said:
When I wrote the procedure, I was taking a phone back to LineageOS 15.1 . One should be able to substitute any ROM in place of the LineageOS and the procedure should still work. I have used LineageOS 14 (Vache), also LineageOS 16 (Coldhans) and LineageOS 17.1 (thread by Riyan65) and Pixel Experience AOSP (thread by ZjRDroid).
I do not know about the 2/4 GB performance issues/differences. I would research the forum threads on the ROM and see if problems were reported, and if the ROM requires a 4 GB memory. Also, bear in mind that memory works different in android/linux compared to windows.
I do not know if LineageOS would give you a performance boost. You would have to try it and see, I will say, that the google play store and its related apps put a performance drain on android. They are constantly checking in with google when you use the apps, and constantly looking for updates. That means battery is being used by the radio modems in the background. If you do not need playstore access, its a boost. Or you could use the nano gapps to have just play store access without all the other google apps the were installed by default in android 7/8.1.
I would not re-install stock moto 8.1 as a performance issue. I would do a factory erase, it should return the phone back to the state of when the phone was upgraded to stock 8.1. Bear in mind that all data, photos and apps you added will be erased. I would only re-install moto stock 8.1 if I was coming back from a ROM and going to a different ROM. Most ROMs start with stock moto 8.1 and just lay their code on top of it. So parts of the stock firmware gets over written and parts of it remain stock.
If you can afford to purchase a new phone - and do without your G5 plus, because you bricked it - I would try a ROM. If you can not do without your phone, I would leave it alone. I trashed one of my phones and it took me a day to recover it back to stock. That is one of the main reasons I wrote the procedure.
Sorry, I could not help some more...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all! You have been incredibly helpful and informative!
I could probably afford a new phone if it came to that, but I was hoping to improve the performance of the G5 Plus so that it could get me by for 1 or 2 more years, until 5G becomes more widespread and good cheap 5G phones become available.
Maybe I could try Lineage and see how it goes. I've heard that even if I brick it, it is usually reversible with some effort... how true do you feel this is?
If bricking is irreversible, maybe it is not worth the risk, as the phone still works quite well, and would be a nice gift for a friend when I decide to buy a new one.
And a final question, if I decide to try out a ROM, I can always go back to stock by doing a factory reset right?
Thank you very very much for all your patience!
Spektater said:
Not at all! You have been incredibly helpful and informative!
I could probably afford a new phone if it came to that, but I was hoping to improve the performance of the G5 Plus so that it could get me by for 1 or 2 more years, until 5G becomes more widespread and good cheap 5G phones become available.
Maybe I could try Lineage and see how it goes. I've heard that even if I brick it, it is usually reversible with some effort... how true do you feel this is?
If bricking is irreversible, maybe it is not worth the risk, as the phone still works quite well, and would be a nice gift for a friend when I decide to buy a new one.
And a final question, if I decide to try out a ROM, I can always go back to stock by doing a factory reset right?
Thank you very very much for all your patience!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also hanging on to my G5+'s as long as I can. 5G implementation has started, but its ways off for full coverage.
I asked about bricking, as it can happen if one does not follow procedures, or have a hardware failure. . Usually when a phone is bricked, its unrecoverable. Sometimes a professional may be able to recover the phone, they do this by opening the phone and making direct connections to the NAND memory. If they are able to communicate with the memory and the hardware is OK, they can reinstall an image of the operating system. If it boots, you have a operating phone. I just wanted to be clear, there is a risk.
If you put a ROM on the phone, its a new operating system. If it has problems, or does not boot, etc - you usually can "fastboot" the original moto 8.1 firmware and the phone should be OK.
If you put a new operating system on the phone and do a factory reset, you are still inside the new operating system - your just wiping it clean. In order to get back to the moto 8.1 stock firmware, you will either have to install backup image via TWRP - which does not always work - or - fastboot the original moto 8.1 firmware, which usually works.
Fastboot is a command in the Android Device Bridge terminal program. ADB is a command line terminal program that runs on your computer and is used to move firmware from the computer to the phone. Fastboot also has some maintenance and housekeeping commands.
My advice, is to read up on all the required tasks, so you know how things react. Also keep a log of what you did, so if something goes wrong, you can attempt to back track to the problem. XDA forums has a lot of info available on all the task required. Also if something goes wrong, you can stop and ask for help on the forum.
Nivead said:
I am also hanging on to my G5+'s as long as I can. 5G implementation has started, but its ways off for full coverage.
I asked about bricking, as it can happen if one does not follow procedures, or have a hardware failure. . Usually when a phone is bricked, its unrecoverable. Sometimes a professional may be able to recover the phone, they do this by opening the phone and making direct connections to the NAND memory. If they are able to communicate with the memory and the hardware is OK, they can reinstall an image of the operating system. If it boots, you have a operating phone. I just wanted to be clear, there is a risk.
If you put a ROM on the phone, its a new operating system. If it has problems, or does not boot, etc - you usually can "fastboot" the original moto 8.1 firmware and the phone should be OK.
If you put a new operating system on the phone and do a factory reset, you are still inside the new operating system - your just wiping it clean. In order to get back to the moto 8.1 stock firmware, you will either have to install backup image via TWRP - which does not always work - or - fastboot the original moto 8.1 firmware, which usually works.
Fastboot is a command in the Android Device Bridge terminal program. ADB is a command line terminal program that runs on your computer and is used to move firmware from the computer to the phone. Fastboot also has some maintenance and housekeeping commands.
My advice, is to read up on all the required tasks, so you know how things react. Also keep a log of what you did, so if something goes wrong, you can attempt to back track to the problem. XDA forums has a lot of info available on all the task required. Also if something goes wrong, you can stop and ask for help on the forum.
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Ok, I will definitely keep that in mind.
To say the truth, I'm still on the fence on whether to use a Custom Rom or not, as many people have told me I won't get better performance with any custom than I would with Stock. This appears to be especially true given the low RAM of my device (just 2 GB).
Regardless of what I end up doing, I would like to deeply thank you for all the time and dedication you put into your replies.
If everyone was as willing and helpful as you, the world would be a better place!
I too recommend LineageOS. I'm still running 15.1 (Oreo) on my 2GB G5. @gothicVI has a bunch of versions, with security updates, available here.
Zojak said:
I too recommend LineageOS. I'm still running 15.1 (Oreo) on my 2GB G5. @gothicVI has a bunch of versions, with security updates, available here.
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Well, two different opinions both recommending LineageOS definitely sounds appealing. I've heard ArrowOS is quite good as well. So many options!! I was hoping to get a ROM with Android 11 features, but maybe I'm aiming too high, considering its only a 2gb device
I tried PixelExperience and ArrowOS. Mainly to see if I could get gcam's nightsight to work with 2GB. Despite my attempts, with roms and tweaking system memory settings, I couldn't get nightsight working. So I went back to LOS 15.1 for the Xposed support. In 2019 I picked up a Moto G7+ (running LOS 17.1) and haven't touched my G5 much. Just flashing @gothicVI's security updates on it every so often.
Zojak said:
I tried PixelExperience and ArrowOS. Mainly to see if I could get gcam's nightsight to work with 2GB. Despite my attempts, with roms and tweaking system memory settings, I couldn't get nightsight working. So I went back to LOS 15.1 for the Xposed support. In 2019 I picked up a Moto G7+ (running LOS 17.1) and haven't touched my G5 much. Just flashing @gothicVI's security updates on it every so often.
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I see... I was really hoping to get a working GCam on a 2GB device, but I guess I'll have to give up on that. So you would recommend LOS over ArrowOS or DirtyUnicorns?
I'm sorry if I ask too many questions, there are so many options that a beginner like myself gets confused!
Thank you very much for all your help!
Well I haven't tried DirtyUnicorns. My time with ArrowOS was brief. I'd say try them all and see which you like best.
Google released GCam Go for low end devices. I haven't tried it but maybe it'll run better on our device.
Zojak said:
I tried PixelExperience and ArrowOS. Mainly to see if I could get gcam's nightsight to work with 2GB. Despite my attempts, with roms and tweaking system memory settings, I couldn't get nightsight working. So I went back to LOS 15.1 for the Xposed support. In 2019 I picked up a Moto G7+ (running LOS 17.1) and haven't touched my G5 much. Just flashing @gothicVI's security updates on it every so often.
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I see. Maybe a GCam Go port could give good results, it would be interesting to see some tests on that on this device.
I'll see which ROMs I end up trying, IF I gather the courage to try custom roms jaja.
Thank you very very much for all your help!
https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/f/changelog1447/
Neat. This version seems to work on my G5. Night mode too in the settings.
Zojak said:
https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/f/changelog1447/
Neat. This version seems to work on my G5. Night mode too in the settings.
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Will definitely keep that one in mind. Thank you!

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