Database Users

Any custom ROMs available yet for the H915 Canadian Version (Freedom Mobile)?

LTE band 66 service and OTA updating is disabled through the DirtySanta root exploit on the stock build when rooted. I was hoping that there would be a ROM or two for the Canadian version of this device. Need something relatively stable, with nightly updates, and with support for AWS 3/Band 66 connectivity
Any leads are are appreciated. Thanks!

Considering the 915 isn't even a supported device no. If someone has gotten the 915 please let me know.

Until FREEDOM Mobile allows the LG V20 LOCKED bootloader to be UNlocked, there will be no FREEDOM to have a custom ROM anytime soon
That is what I got the T-mobile version with the unlockable bootloader which works great on NON-freedom.
lumberguy1028 said:
LTE band 66 service and OTA updating is disabled through the DirtySanta root exploit on the stock build when rooted. I was hoping that there would be a ROM or two for the Canadian version of this device. Need something relatively stable, with nightly updates, and with support for AWS 3/Band 66 connectivity
Any leads are are appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Well i have a theory about getting root and signal on the 915 but it involves losing recovery afterwards. If anyone wants to discuss it let me know

markbencze said:
Well i have a theory about getting root and signal on the 915 but it involves losing recovery afterwards. If anyone wants to discuss it let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually very interested. I have the LGUP tool on Windows with Uppercut drivers installed, so I can unbrick my device even without recovery. Living without a rooted device is causing me extreme stress and trauma.

lumberguy1028 said:
Actually very interested. I have the LGUP tool on Windows with Uppercut drivers installed, so I can unbrick my device even without recovery. Living without a rooted device is causing me extreme stress and trauma.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so here's my theory.
Basically we can root and have twrp but the problem is that signal ceases to exist afterwards which we assume is caused by the bootloader. Someone posted that they fixed their signal issues using the hidden menu features. But they didn't elaborate if they were rooted at the time and that was the direct reason for losing it in the first place. Nor have they replied. So that part is unknown. It may or may not be an option. The other question I had was is it just wind users who lose signals or does it affect wind devices that are unlocked but being used on other networks like bell, etc.
Anyway those are the unknown things that I'd like some clarification on. But in the meantime here's a theory I have that may or may not work if the above signal fix doesn't work.
So if the above fixing signal doesn't work via that hidden menu then we should be able to confirm the bootloader is the issue. What that means is that we need to have stock bootloader in order for everything to work.
But you cannot have stock bootloader with twrp unless you've "bumped" your recovery which we cannot do.
So my theory was to follow the whole root method and once your phone is booted up with root and twrp you would extract the stock recovery and stock bootloader from the restore file. Then you would flash them via flashfire which I'm told can be done. I'm told that flashing the bootloader does wipe your device which would eliminate root since it's the systemless method. So in theory you'd be back to pure stock again. That's not what we want to have. So we would have to use an alternative root like phh's root method flashed instead of supersu from twrp during the initial root process here. My theory is that you would be restored to stock again but you would have root at least.
So you would at least be able to tinker just not flash stuff. But I believe you can flash a few things from flashfire and still have root for general tinkering or ad block etc.
Of course there is also the possibility that with the locked bootloader (stock) that your phone may not even boot due to new security features in 7.0
But like I said this is just a theory that may or may not work. I haven't had time to try it because I'm constantly busy working and testing themes but if I do ever get time I would consider trying it if we can confirm that we are able to 100% restore to stock. At least with that confirmation we know that if it doesn't work we can get back to how things were.
Hopefully that makes sense.

markbencze said:
Ok so here's my theory.
Basically we can root and have twrp but the problem is that signal ceases to exist afterwards which we assume is caused by the bootloader. Someone posted that they fixed their signal issues using the hidden menu features. But they didn't elaborate if they were rooted at the time and that was the direct reason for losing it in the first place. Nor have they replied. So that part is unknown. It may or may not be an option. The other question I had was is it just wind users who lose signals or does it affect wind devices that are unlocked but being used on other networks like bell, etc.
Anyway those are the unknown things that I'd like some clarification on. But in the meantime here's a theory I have that may or may not work if the above signal fix doesn't work.
So if the above fixing signal doesn't work via that hidden menu then we should be able to confirm the bootloader is the issue. What that means is that we need to have stock bootloader in order for everything to work.
But you cannot have stock bootloader with twrp unless you've "bumped" your recovery which we cannot do.
So my theory was to follow the whole root method and once your phone is booted up with root and twrp you would extract the stock recovery and stock bootloader from the restore file. Then you would flash them via flashfire which I'm told can be done. I'm told that flashing the bootloader does wipe your device which would eliminate root since it's the systemless method. So in theory you'd be back to pure stock again. That's not what we want to have. So we would have to use an alternative root like phh's root method flashed instead of supersu from twrp during the initial root process here. My theory is that you would be restored to stock again but you would have root at least.
So you would at least be able to tinker just not flash stuff. But I believe you can flash a few things from flashfire and still have root for general tinkering or ad block etc.
Of course there is also the possibility that with the locked bootloader (stock) that your phone may not even boot due to new security features in 7.0
But like I said this is just a theory that may or may not work. I haven't had time to try it because I'm constantly busy working and testing themes but if I do ever get time I would consider trying it if we can confirm that we are able to 100% restore to stock. At least with that confirmation we know that if it doesn't work we can get back to how things were.
Hopefully that makes sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not sure how much you followed with me but... In my attempts to find a return to stock method i reflashed my stock aboot(bootloader). This bricked me. There is no way to use the stock bootloader once its been replaced that i have found.

me2151 said:
Im not sure how much you followed with me but... In my attempts to find a return to stock method i reflashed my stock aboot(bootloader). This bricked me. There is no way to use the stock bootloader once its been replaced that i have found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clearing that up. So then my next question was did you attempt that signal fix method and were you using yours on wind or was it an unlocked wind used on another network?
here's the link to this signal fix https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=70328080&postcount=3
and here is a post about someone saying they used it to fix their signal but they wouldn't elaborate on anything else.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=70571563&postcount=12

markbencze said:
Thanks for clearing that up. So then my next question was did you attempt that signal fix method and were you using yours on wind or was it an unlocked wind used on another network?
here's the link to this signal fix https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=70328080&postcount=3
and here is a post about someone saying they used it to fix their signal but they wouldn't elaborate on anything else.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=70571563&postcount=12
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol Im the dirtysanta dev. I have a LS997. Not a 915.

me2151 said:
Lol Im the dirtysanta dev. I have a LS997. Not a 915.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I knew you had worked on ds. I wasn't sure however if you had a 915 or not. So then at this point it seems that if that signal fix is in fact valid that it is the only method to get things operational and I would presume it's a stretch given the user who posted about it doesn't seem to have any credibility to go by.

markbencze said:
Well I knew you had worked on ds. I wasn't sure however if you had a 915 or not. So then at this point it seems that if that signal fix is in fact valid that it is the only method to get things operational and I would presume it's a stretch given the user who posted about it doesn't seem to have any credibility to go by.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this. Yeah DirtySanta may have been developed for LS997, but it seems to work on H915 minus the modem issue.

lumberguy1028 said:
Thanks for this. Yeah DirtySanta may have been developed for LS997, but it seems to work on H915 minus the modem issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct but it's useless to use since the phone doesn't function properly afterwards. If there was a confirmed way to have data and signal working then that would be great but there is nothing confirmed to work yet.

I've just moved to a V20 from a Note 4. All my Note4 ROMS were T-Mobile versions. I believe Rogers/Fido phones are basically the same as T-Mobile, which uses freq. channel 66 as well.
Has anyone tried a T-Mobile (918) ROM on the 915 yet? Might just work...

no root yet for freedom????/

whats the method
whats the method to root the lg h915

diehard2013 said:
no root yet for freedom????/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 'Freedom' name becomes a bit ironic for the LG V20 H915 variant it seems. Not a lot of freedom when one can't unlock and root it. Just got one the other day as somehow my Note 4 stopped functioning as a phone, after a couple of months of fun running through loads of Lineage and other nightlies. Loved that phone, but I'll come to love the V20 I'm sure. Already like it a lot. But root seems essential. I haven't had an unrooted phone for more than a few hours in years. Adaway and just general user control of the file system seems essential. Getting rid of bloatware and such. I mean... I disabled a lot of that nonsense, but it's still there, existing in MY phone, which makes me mad. I want to dump a few custom notification sounds into root directories but can't. It's frustrating. So yeah, commenting to subscribe, and hoping a developer with a V20 in Canada decides to get excited enough to remedy the situation, whenever that becomes possible. Otherwise it seems I'll just have to get used to the odd ad and the other limitations.

GerardSamija said:
The 'Freedom' name becomes a bit ironic for the LG V20 H915 variant it seems. Not a lot of freedom when one can't unlock and root it. Just got one the other day as somehow my Note 4 stopped functioning as a phone, after a couple of months of fun running through loads of Lineage and other nightlies. Loved that phone, but I'll come to love the V20 I'm sure. Already like it a lot. But root seems essential. I haven't had an unrooted phone for more than a few hours in years. Adaway and just general user control of the file system seems essential. Getting rid of bloatware and such. I mean... I disabled a lot of that nonsense, but it's still there, existing in MY phone, which makes me mad. I want to dump a few custom notification sounds into root directories but can't. It's frustrating. So yeah, commenting to subscribe, and hoping a developer with a V20 in Canada decides to get excited enough to remedy the situation, whenever that becomes possible. Otherwise it seems I'll just have to get used to the odd ad and the other limitations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why Wouldent you just use the secret # in the hidden menu to change bands to get signial. Also you could try searching for exsisting bands that are near by, this dont require the hidden menu.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Not understanding what you are suggesting. I tried lots of hidden menu options to get the SIM recognized in the Note 4, but it appears the slot died on that phone. It just won't be a phone any more, no matter which ROM i flash.
If you mean the LG V20 I'm even more puzzled. How would changing hands help with rooting the phone?

GerardSamija said:
Not understanding what you are suggesting. I tried lots of hidden menu options to get the SIM recognized in the Note 4, but it appears the slot died on that phone. It just won't be a phone any more, no matter which ROM i flash.
If you mean the LG V20 I'm even more puzzled. How would changing hands help with rooting the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops my bad i was sleeping while i read that. You can fix your sim card reader just use a soder tool. Also there maybe a root for this phone but i don't think it is safe enough yet.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Best method to revert to Nougat from Oreo

Since the Oreo update, notifications from ALL play store apps are barely audible. Built in/system sounds are not effected. Have tried uninstalling/reinstalling apps, and a factory reset. Issue still persists. Like so low that I can't even hear them with the volume on max unless the phone is right next to my head.
Phone is not rooted and never has been. It is also NOT the Amazon variant, it is non carrier specific purchased from Walmart. Do I just need to follow a rooting guide for Oreo, then simply fastboot flash stock 7.0 & be sure to disable the update service afterwards? Do I need to worry about bootloader stuff or anything else? Or just flash the stock 7.0 image as is?

plastic_green_head said:
Since the Oreo update, notifications from ALL play store apps are barely audible. Built in/system sounds are not effected. Have tried uninstalling/reinstalling apps, and a factory reset. Issue still persists. Like so low that I can't even hear them with the volume on max unless the phone is right next to my head.
Phone is not rooted and never has been. It is also NOT the Amazon variant, it is non carrier specific purchased from Walmart. Do I just need to follow a rooting guide for Oreo, then simply fastboot flash stock 7.0 & be sure to disable the update service afterwards? Do I need to worry about bootloader stuff or anything else? Or just flash the stock 7.0 image as is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest that the only way to do it safely is to unlock and root, then do a clean flash of the TWRP flashable nougat builds.
If you go from Oreo to nougat you will lose your IMEI, unless you change ownership of specific files and folders in your persist partition. There's no way to do that without root.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/g5-plus/development/twrp-flashable-stock-builds-t3813351

NZedPred said:
I would suggest that the only way to do it safely is to unlock and root, then do a clean flash of the TWRP flashable nougat builds.
If you go from Oreo to nougat you will lose your IMEI, unless you change ownership of specific files and folders in your persist partition. There's no way to do that without root.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/g5-plus/development/twrp-flashable-stock-builds-t3813351
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. It looks like backing up my persist & ESF should eliminate any worries regarding loss of IMEI.

plastic_green_head said:
Thanks. It looks like backing up my persist & ESF should eliminate any worries regarding loss of IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if by backing up you mean backing up persist and efs on Oreo then u might have issues. I dont think Oreo backup would work on Nougat. There was a thread tho on this exact topic. So you need to leave out gpt and some other partition if u fastboot flash it. You cannot downgrade the bootloader. I'm sure u know that. Safer way would be to flash via TWRP.
GL:good:

debdeep98 said:
Well if by backing up you mean backing up persist and efs on Oreo then u might have issues. I dont think Oreo backup would work on Nougat. There was a thread tho on this exact topic. So you need to leave out gpt and some other partition if u fastboot flash it. You cannot downgrade the bootloader. I'm sure u know that. Safer way would be to flash via TWRP.
GL:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm. TWRP it is then. I have plenty of experience with TWRP, but I haven't flashed a phone in MANY years. One thing about the page you linked to. It states "An important note for those who have flashed custom Oreo roms. It is a frequent issue regarding Oreo roms that the device's IMEI is set to 0 in certain conditions."
So since my phone is on stock ota Oreo & not a custom Oreo rom... do I need to even worry about losing IMEI? Maybe I should ask in that thread?

plastic_green_head said:
Maybe I should ask in that thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that sounds good.

G6 Play: Pie Soak Test

Please mirror.
ui_print("Target: motorola/aljeter/aljeter:9/PPP29.41/b1fe5:user/release-keys");
Download
As far as I know, you must be on the Sept. patch. So, you must downgrade firmware first. It also appears to be for the Aljeter only, so I don't know if it'll work on the Jeter.
I am not responsible for any bricked devices.
1. Downgrade to OPP27.91-143 first.
2. Extract gpt_main0.bin from the ota zip and flash it in fastboot.
fastboot flash partition gpt_main0.bin
3. Reboot to recovery, and apply the OTA update from your sdcard.
4. Let the system restart. It'll take about 10min.

Could anyone verify?

Figures it's for Aljeter. Makes me wonder if Jeter will get it at all.

yes it is for aljeter and is working fine

Spaceminer said:
Please mirror.
ui_print("Target: motorola/aljeter/aljeter:9/PPP29.41/b1fe5:user/release-keys");
Download
As far as I know, you must be on the Sept. patch. So, you must downgrade firmware first. It also appears to be for the Aljeter only, so I don't know if it'll work on the Jeter.
These installation steps need confirmation. I am not responsible for any bricked devices.
1. Downgrade to OPP27.91-143 first.
2. Extract gpt_main0.bin from the ota zip and flash it in fastboot.
fastboot flash partition gpt_main0.bin
3. Reboot to recovery, and apply the OTA update from your sdcard.
4. Let the system restart. It'll take about 10min.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tested and working on G6 Play do Brasil!

Up and running in UK. G6 Play XT1922-2, Carrier: ID Mobile (Carphone Warehouse), retgb.
Can't get root though, Magisk won't install for me in TWRP. Unable to mount storage or OEM. Not that fussed about that though.
Butter smooth, no glitches so far, no random reboots, battery life is great but still under observation.

Eddster3000 said:
Up and running in UK. G6 Play XT1922-2, Carrier: ID Mobile (Carphone Warehouse), retgb.
Can't get root though, Magisk won't install for me in TWRP. Unable to mount storage or OEM. Not that fussed about that though.
Butter smooth, no glitches so far, no random reboots, battery life is great but still under observation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a Pie/Magisk problem. Easy fix...
1. Format /data in TWRP using the "yes" option. Then reboot directly back into recovery.
2. Mount /vendor then flash the universal dm-verity disabler by zackptg5.
3. Reboot directly into recovery once more and flash Magisk.
4. Reboot normally, and install the Magisk manager app manually. Done.
(Magisk should disable encryption and verity, but I've never had it work %100 of the time for both. Hence the disabler.)

Spaceminer said:
That's a Pie/Magisk problem. Easy fix...
1. Format /data in TWRP using the "yes" option. Then reboot directly back into recovery.
2. Mount /vendor then flash the universal dm-verity disabler by zackptg5.
3. Reboot directly into recovery once more and flash Magisk.
4. Reboot normally, and install the Magisk manager app manually. Done.
(Magisk should disable encryption and verity, but I've never had it work %100 of the time for both. Hence the disabler.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks @Spaceminer !!!! I'll give it a go. I thought at first that I might need to make some sort of patched boot image and faff about quite a bit but your instructions are clear and straightforward.
I must say I'm impressed with the G6 Play. I had a Nexus 6P and a Pixel both of which died on me from physical and customisation fatigue. I could afford a flagship so got this to see be through and I haven't had one complaint yet.
The handful of Pie features and esthetics have been implemented well by Motorola and battery life is still epic on this device.
Edit: rooted and fully set up how I usually have my daily driver handset. Pie is so tasty!

Eddster3000 said:
Up and running in UK. G6 Play XT1922-2, Carrier: ID Mobile (Carphone Warehouse), retgb.
Can't get root though, Magisk won't install for me in TWRP. Unable to mount storage or OEM. Not that fussed about that though.
Butter smooth, no glitches so far, no random reboots, battery life is great but still under observation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ta for taking the plunge and testing mate! Was beginning to think we'd never get this thing, glad to know it works on the same model number as I've got
Now to figure out the exact detailed step-by-step to getting this going, considering I'm actually on the November update...

picopi said:
Ta for taking the plunge and testing mate! Was beginning to think we'd never get this thing, glad to know it works on the same model number as I've got
Now to figure out the exact detailed step-by-step to getting this going, considering I'm actually on the November update...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Op is a step by step. Literally. Downgrade to Sept = Flash the build specified. Except the bootloader etc.
Flash the gpt.bin from the new build, apply update.

madbat99 said:
Op is a step by step. Literally. Downgrade to Sept = Flash the build specified. Except the bootloader etc.
Flash the gpt.bin from the new build, apply update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well yeah, I know that much. I meant the extra stuff like unlocking bootloader and downgrading the firmware etc lol. Ta for the extra info, mind.
Extra questions though because despite being having novice experience of doing phone flashing stuff, I've never touched a soak test for official firmware before...but I'm guessing I'll have to move back to Oreo temporarily to get the official Pie update...? Or will it just shift up from this soak test version?

Anyone get this working with the xt1922-7?

Donavonn said:
Anyone get this working with the xt1922-7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No dice! The bootloader won't accept the gpt.bin. I think the recovery partition is the only thing that gets expanded though, so... I think if someone makes a back up of Pie in TWRP, then I can make it work on our phone. My idea is this.
1. Restore a Pie system backup using twrp, including the boot.img.
2. Use fastboot to flash the modem, oem.img, and vendor.img. Basically flash every part that isn't a patch file.
3. Hope that crap works.
I think that, or something similar would make it happen. I'll be the lab rat if someone wants to upload a system backup.

Spaceminer said:
No dice! The bootloader won't accept the gpt.bin. I think the recovery partition is the only thing that gets expanded though, so... I think if someone makes a back up of Pie in TWRP, then I can make it work on our phone. My idea is this.
1. Restore a Pie system backup using twrp, including the boot.img.
2. Use fastboot to flash the modem, oem.img, and vendor.img. Basically flash every part that isn't a patch file.
3. Hope that crap works.
I think that, or something similar would make it happen. I'll be the lab rat if someone wants to upload a system backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha yes! Someone get this guy a backup! Also, if it does work, the UI and everything can be changed to English, right?

Okay quick question, considering it was said "Flash the build specified except bootloader etc."; what is meant by "etc" here? Which parts of the older firmware should I avoid flashing. I know I gotta get in on that sparsechunk action but what about the other stuff like fsg, modem, boot etc? Sorry for asking what's probably a very obvious question but I don't wanna accidentally bugger my phone up trying to get this working

Donavonn said:
Haha yes! Someone get this guy a backup! Also, if it does work, the UI and everything can be changed to English, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it should be possible on the first setup. I think if it works, LTE probably won't without an APN edit. That's what happens when I flash xt1922-5 RETUS firmware anyways.

picopi said:
Okay quick question, considering it was said "Flash the build specified except bootloader etc."; what is meant by "etc" here? Which parts of the older firmware should I avoid flashing. I know I gotta get in on that sparsechunk action but what about the other stuff like fsg, modem, boot etc? Sorry for asking what's probably a very obvious question but I don't wanna accidentally bugger my phone up trying to get this working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash every part of the old firmware that you are able to. The bootloader and gpt.bin usually fail to flash if they are older than your current version. You should still try anyways. If they fail, just continue flashing the next items in line.

Spaceminer said:
Flash every part of the old firmware that you are able to. The bootloader and gpt.bin usually fail to flash if they are older than your current version. You should still try anyways. If they fail, just continue flashing the next items in line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Righto. Just to clarify, I'm gonna need to unlock my bootloader to make this downgrade happen, right?

picopi said:
Righto. Just to clarify, I'm gonna need to unlock my bootloader to make this downgrade happen, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Official firmware should flash without any issue on a locked bootloader. That's my understanding. I don't know if this is %100 accurate. Every Motorola I've ever had, I unlocked the bootloader immediately. So, I've never had to test this.

Spaceminer said:
Official firmware should flash without any issue on a locked bootloader. That's my understanding. I don't know if this is %100 accurate. Every Motorola I've ever had, I unlocked the bootloader immediately. So, I've never had to test this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Righto. In that case I'll report back with my findings, but yeah I'd imagine it should work fine as well. We'll see, fingers crossed.

Have you rooted your phone yet?

Hello,
I've been meaning to root my phone for a while now but I have a couple of questions.
Firstly, how have your experiences been? I see a lot of threads where people have bricked their phones which makes me fearful of doing the same. Is it really that difficult to root and install a new rom on this phone? Are there any guides that worked best for you? Any suggestions?
Also, how difficult is it to return back to stock? I see a lot of issues with IMEI and broken WiFi and what not.
Finally, the reason why I wish to root now is because the warranty is voided and I am bored of stock. I do prefer using AdAway over adguard because it works seamlessly and also, I'm having facing issues with the earpiece volume. Mi seems to have turned it down a bit and it's pretty low right now and from what I remember, custom kernels were able to crank it up a while back. Is that still the case?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

Ive rooted, unrooted, installed roms, and revert back to stock. So far, Ive only bricked my phone once when installing magisk (on oreo). Wifi issue is only present when you move from custom rom back to stock rom (sadly Ive ran into this and theres no way to fix it). IMEI issue is only present when youre downgrading from stock pie to oreo or nougat (which Ive also ran into, unfortunately). Unrooting is as easy as rooting, just flash the uninstaller zip, thats it. But however, DONT INSTALL TWRP ON PIE, youll get system is destroyed message (agian, Ive also ran into this, fml. Solved by flashing with mi flash). I hope you get the idea now.

what? i have twrp installed on pie (custom rom) and work like a charm!
i use cosmicdan twrp.

riccetto80 said:
what? i have twrp installed on pie (custom rom) and work like a charm!
i use cosmicdan twrp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh sorry, I meant stock pie

WhatzIt2Ya said:
Ive rooted, unrooted, installed roms, and revert back to stock. So far, Ive only bricked my phone once when installing magisk (on oreo). Wifi issue is only present when you move from custom rom back to stock rom (sadly Ive ran into this and theres no way to fix it). IMEI issue is only present when youre downgrading from stock pie to oreo or nougat (which Ive also ran into, unfortunately). Unrooting is as easy as rooting, just flash the uninstaller zip, thats it. But however, DONT INSTALL TWRP ON PIE, youll get system is destroyed message (agian, Ive also ran into this, fml. Solved by flashing with mi flash). I hope you get the idea now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't spread false truths. I have had pie custom ROM installed since it was available for our device and have never once had system is destroyed message. I think you mean you cannot flash twrp on STOCK pie, just hotboot it.
It has never been easier too root and flash custom roms.
Also if you ever want to go back to stock or may have to for any reason just stay with stock.
I don't see any need in going back to stock,custom roms are better. Imo.
Peace ✌?

cheffy11 said:
Don't spread false truths. I have had pie custom ROM installed since it was available for our device and have never once had system is destroyed message. I think you mean you cannot flash twrp on STOCK pie, just hotboot it.
It has never been easier too root and flash custom roms.
Also if you ever want to go back to stock or may have to for any reason just stay with stock.
I don't see any need in going back to stock,custom roms are better. Imo.
Peace ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried some custom roms and decided to go back to stock.
In order to go back I flashed the stock zip uploaded here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/development/twrp-stock-8-1-0-t3856328
worked like a charm. Also I was able to flash magisk by hotbooting twrp.

cheffy11 said:
Don't spread false truths. I have had pie custom ROM installed since it was available for our device and have never once had system is destroyed message. I think you mean you cannot flash twrp on STOCK pie, just hotboot it.
It has never been easier too root and flash custom roms.
Also if you ever want to go back to stock or may have to for any reason just stay with stock.
I don't see any need in going back to stock,custom roms are better. Imo.
Peace ✌?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open your eyes before commenting mate.

WhatzIt2Ya said:
Open your eyes before commenting mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough. I missed that. But stock is still whack. Custom all the way.

If you want to root, use custom ROMs. Don't use root with stock.

Mi A1 Downgrade from Pie to Oreo questions

EDIT 2: ISSUE SOLVED. Go to the bottom of this comment for how to get it done right. Credits to @rizkyxculture and @orma1
So I'm one of those people that just jumped onto the Pie release as soon as it came out, and realized only afterwards that it was by far the worst update I could've hoped for. It completely broke the focus on my GCam, (and added on top an absolutely crap UI that is in every way a downgrade from oreo's UI). I wasn't too depressed initally though, as I guessed I could easily downgrade to a previous stock version. Now after reading some posts here and there I realized that I cannot roll back my device thanks to some anti-rollback feature the Xiaomi gods implemented in Pie, and that rolling back results in a bootloop. I've seen some threads where they give a separate EFS file IIRC, but I'm quite skeptical about using it as it contains IMEI info that is unique to every device, so it might conflict with my own IMEI. Hence why I'm hesistant to flash my phone and probably face a repair bill involving a motherboard change as a consequence.
So my question is, what exactly should I do to safely revert back to Oreo (that absolutely guaranteed works, retaining IMEI and everything else), and if not, how can I fix GCam on this phone?
Aside from that I did check whether the anti-rollback feature was enabled or not using the commands, to be sure:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot getvar anti
and got the result:
anti:
Which makes me think it's just some dud. So am I good to just flash the oreo xiaomi stock rom using xiaomi flash tool by unlocking the bootloader first?
EDIT: I'm running the March 5 security patch.
EDIT 2: Sorry for necroing this thread, but just to clear things up a bit, from my own experience, and include and clarify what @orma1 said below in this thread so you don't have to scroll down. Before all this, make sure you have SYSTEM WIDE ADB AND FASTBOOT INSTALLED for simplicity's sake.
All credits go to @orma1 and @rizkyxculture for your amazing efforts into this <3. None of it is mine, so thank them in their respective comments/threads if you wish to.
1. REMOVE ALL PASSWORDS AND FINGERPRINTS BEFORE PROCEEDING WHILE IN PIE, and do CLEAN DATA WIPE (do not choose the relock bootloader in Mi Flash Tool).
2. Do everything in that guide sent, and at the end, where rizky mentions flashing November update after the TWRP restore, don't do it. Instead, re-flash the March update. Thanks @orma1 for your comment. If your phone just straight up boots like mine did, without bootlooping, just power it off and go to fastboot again. Link to guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/how-to/tutorial-downgrade-9-0-to-8-1-edl-imei-t3879624.
3. Once your phone boots normally, go to developer options, and uncheck the automatic system updates to prevent it from going to pie automatically later on. in the future. Install GCam at this stage if you wish (follow manual installation guide on XDA). Link: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75541654&postcount=98
4. After you've installed GCam (which is why you're probably doing all this in the first place, or not, regardless), chances are you still want to keep your warranty (and for security reasons) and therefore you should relock your bootloader, else the servicemen are just going to see that BIG warning at your phone's boot, and are likely revoke any warranty straight up. To do this, simply go back to fastboot and type the command below in Command Prompt and WHILE FIRMLY PRESSING AND HOLDING THE VOLUME DOWN BUTTON (or copy paste the line below WHILE FIRMLY PRESSING AND HOLDING THE VOLUME DOWN BUTTON):
fastboot oem lock
Once it says okay, type the following command:
fastboot reboot
Done. Now reboot, go to system update, and download and install the November update. Enjoy your still in warranty Mi A1 with Oreo and/or GCam (just make sure you uninstall the apk when giving it to the service center should you ever need to service it). Also, the power down button press prevents the auto data wipe function from activating. Have fun.
Also I have verified this works even on the April 2019 update. Just don't update any further, else I can't be sure.

Nafis-ul-Islam said:
So I'm one of those people that just jumped onto the Pie release as soon as it came out, and realized only afterwards that it was by far the worst update I could've hoped for. It completely broke the focus on my GCam, (and added on top an absolutely crap UI that is in every way a downgrade from oreo's UI). I wasn't too depressed initally though, as I guessed I could easily downgrade to a previous stock version. Now after reading some posts here and there I realized that I cannot roll back my device thanks to some anti-rollback feature the Xiaomi gods implemented in Pie, and that rolling back results in a bootloop. I've seen some threads where they give a separate EFS file IIRC, but I'm quite skeptical about using it as it contains IMEI info that is unique to every device, so it might conflict with my own IMEI. Hence why I'm hesistant to flash my phone and probably face a repair bill involving a motherboard change as a consequence.
So my question is, what exactly should I do to safely revert back to Oreo (that absolutely guaranteed works, retaining IMEI and everything else), and if not, how can I fix GCam on this phone?
Aside from that I did check whether the anti-rollback feature was enabled or not using the commands, to be sure:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot getvar anti
and got the result:
Anti:
Which makes me think it's just some dud. So am I good to just flash the oreo xiaomi stock rom using xiaomi flash tool by unlocking the bootloader first?
EDIT: I'm running the March 5 security patch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can't find documentation of anyone else successfully downgrading from Pie to Oreo with this specific device, then no one knows what is or isn't safe. In this case, you'll be taking a shot in the dark.
If you "can" find documentation of someone successfully downgrading, just do what they did.
Other than that, you'll have to blaze your own new trail.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk

Droidriven said:
If you can't find documentation of anyone else successfully downgrading from Pie to Oreo with this specific device, then no one knows what is or isn't safe. In this case, you'll be taking a shot in the dark.
If you "can" find documentation of someone successfully downgrading, just do what they did.
Other than that, you'll have to blaze your own new trail.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess I'll just stick to pie and bite the sand and live with it till someone gets a solid, working method...
As a second thought, if I make a backup of everything (system, boot, etc. etc.) in TWRP and then carry out the flashing process, will reflashing those backups restore my device in case of a brick?

Nafis-ul-Islam said:
So I'm one of those people that just jumped onto the Pie release as soon as it came out, and realized only afterwards that it was by far the worst update I could've hoped for. It completely broke the focus on my GCam, (and added on top an absolutely crap UI that is in every way a downgrade from oreo's UI). I wasn't too depressed initally though, as I guessed I could easily downgrade to a previous stock version. Now after reading some posts here and there I realized that I cannot roll back my device thanks to some anti-rollback feature the Xiaomi gods implemented in Pie, and that rolling back results in a bootloop. I've seen some threads where they give a separate EFS file IIRC, but I'm quite skeptical about using it as it contains IMEI info that is unique to every device, so it might conflict with my own IMEI. Hence why I'm hesistant to flash my phone and probably face a repair bill involving a motherboard change as a consequence.
So my question is, what exactly should I do to safely revert back to Oreo (that absolutely guaranteed works, retaining IMEI and everything else), and if not, how can I fix GCam on this phone?
Aside from that I did check whether the anti-rollback feature was enabled or not using the commands, to be sure:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot getvar anti
and got the result:
Anti:
Which makes me think it's just some dud. So am I good to just flash the oreo xiaomi stock rom using xiaomi flash tool by unlocking the bootloader first?
EDIT: I'm running the March 5 security patch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just flashing oreo from pie should cause IMEI loss.
I used the method from here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/how-to/tutorial-downgrade-9-0-to-8-1-edl-imei-t3879624
although I had to do his method a little differently.
also make sure if you can to backup your data as you can lose it in the process.
first of all, after oreo march update flash, my phone did boot but with no IMEI.
second of all, flashing November update after restoring IMEI caused bootloop, instead you need to flash march update again. afterwards your phone should boot with the correct IMEI (you can double check with the one on your phone's box) . worked for me with two Mi A1s.
after all of this I was able to update to 8.1 November update via system update in the settings.
and lastly I made sure to disable automatic system update from developer settings.
Good luck!

Wanted to post same question.
As you described, there is method for downgrade but you are restoring someone else EFS partition, for that i am skeptical too.
Should we just downgrade as usual to Oreo using Mi Flash Tool? Or that thread is the only way of downgrading to Oreo?
Will i backup my IMEI if i backup EFS partition trought TWRP (Running Lineage OS 16.0)

Meme :D said:
Wanted to post same question.
As you described, there is method for downgrade but you are restoring someone else EFS partition, for that i am skeptical too.
Should we just downgrade as usual to Oreo using Mi Flash Tool? Or that thread is the only way of downgrading to Oreo?
Will i backup my IMEI if i backup EFS partition trought TWRP (Running Lineage OS 16.0)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was skeptical at first too, but after using this method I compared the new IMEI to the one I have on the phone's box and they matched.
So this method restores your IMEI and not the IMEI of the one who created the backup.
Downgrade as usual resulted for me in lost IMEI (which means the phone is basically useless because the sim bluetooth and wifi don't work) so you shouldn't do it.
Using the method you talked about you restore boot and efs. boot will probably won't be the same as it's not the same android version and it is also a custom rom.
Anyways, using the method I sent should help you downgrade to stock oreo successfully with your IMEI.

orma1 said:
I was skeptical at first too, but after using this method I compared the new IMEI to the one I have on the phone's box and they matched.
So this method restores your IMEI and not the IMEI of the one who created the backup.
Downgrade as usual resulted for me in lost IMEI (which means the phone is basically useless because the sim bluetooth and wifi don't work) so you shouldn't do it.
Using the method you talked about you restore boot and efs. boot will probably won't be the same as it's not the same android version and it is also a custom rom.
Anyways, using the method I sent should help you downgrade to stock oreo successfully with your IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, will see about all this.

orma1 said:
I was skeptical at first too, but after using this method I compared the new IMEI to the one I have on the phone's box and they matched.
So this method restores your IMEI and not the IMEI of the one who created the backup.
Downgrade as usual resulted for me in lost IMEI (which means the phone is basically useless because the sim bluetooth and wifi don't work) so you shouldn't do it.
Using the method you talked about you restore boot and efs. boot will probably won't be the same as it's not the same android version and it is also a custom rom.
Anyways, using the method I sent should help you downgrade to stock oreo successfully with your IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for my delayed response firstly, I'm currently in the countryside and the network here is *God awful*. I'll definitely check this out when I get back home this Saturday hopefully. How did you back up though? Did you boot temporarily to TWRP in fastboot and then backup everything to an external storage?

Nafis-ul-Islam said:
Sorry for my delayed response firstly, I'm currently in the countryside and the network here is *God awful*. I'll definitely check this out when I get back home this Saturday hopefully. How did you back up though? Did you boot temporarily to TWRP in fastboot and then backup everything to an external storage?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the backup from this thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/how-to/tutorial-downgrade-9-0-to-8-1-edl-imei-t3879624
It's a backup of someone else's efs and boot patiotions. At first I thought too that restoring someone else's backup should result in me getting his IMEI.
But after trying to restore through this backup My IMEI changed from 0 to the one on my phone's original box meaning I got my own IMEI. the method there worked perfectly for me and now I am rocking 8.1 Oreo November update with Magisk and TWRP. the only thing is that following step 10 in the tutorial there resulted in a bootloop for me. Instead I followed the suggestion of one of the comments saying that instead of flashing November update after restoring IMEI you need to flash the same March update you flashed before. this time my phone booted with IMEI and I updated to 8.1 November through OTA.

Did you downgraded succesfully?

Meme :D said:
Did you downgraded succesfully?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to downgrade successfully following this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/how-to/tutorial-downgrade-9-0-to-8-1-edl-imei-t3879624
In step 10 you need to flash oreo march update again and not November update as mentioned as flashing November update caused me bootloop.
afterwards you can update to November update via System update in the settings.
besides this I followed the tutorial exactly and was able to downgrade two Mi A1s.

I have successfully downgraded my Mi A1 with this thread
"Tutorial Downgrade 9.0 to 8.1 No EDL, No IMEI Problem & No Signal Problem"
Also im a 14 Yr old nearly 15 on April 20.

I was afraid too, now I'm on Nougat )
Just follow this tutorial : https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/how-to/tutorial-downgrade-9-0-to-8-1-edl-imei-t3879624
Before doing anything, boot TWRP and create a full backup of your system, after that transfer it to your PC. Probably you don't need it but better safe than sorry.
After you will flash March firmware, your phone will boot but you will not have signal, it's okay. Thing is, you don't lose the IMEI, it's still there, but somehow you lose the signal. Boot TWRP again, create a backup of your boot and EFS, you will see TWRP folder in your phone, go there and you will see a backup. Remove your backup files and replace them with the one from the guide, then you can restore them without issues (you will see a modem error, ignore it). Restart and let it boot a bit, then go to bootloader again, flash March firmware again (don't flash the November one! ignore that from the guide) and the signal will be back. If you do this, I doubt you will lose your IMEI somehow. I never lost mine, it's the same from the box.
Good luck! Make sure you go in developer settings after and disable automatic updates or you will be back to Pie. I rooted my phone so it can't update.

Just flashed it now, and it's working perfectly as orma1 described. I can't thank you enough <3

Nafis-ul-Islam said:
Just flashed it now, and it's working perfectly as orma1 described. I can't thank you enough <3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm happy to help
but all the credit goes to rizkyxculture for finding this method and ibooth2004 for correcting us to flash March update again instead of the November one.

so glad i read this and got the courage to go back, now downloading november ota, pie on this device is so bad, and cant even use gcam.

Marcos OC said:
so glad i read this and got the courage to go back, now downloading november ota, pie on this device is so bad, and cant even use gcam.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree the system's performance on pie is horrible and also the mic volume is low which is very annoying.