Database Users

How to update the 2016 February OTA with systemless root?

I have TWRP, but I'm still on android 6.0, security patch November 1, 2015, system version 24.11.18.clark_retus and no xposed. I have systemless root, so does full remove root in SuperSU then flashing the right recovery.img work to take all the OTA's till now? The February TWRP flashable OTA thread no longer has a live link.

HelpMeXDA said:
I have TWRP, but I'm still on android 6.0, security patch November 1, 2015, system version 24.11.18.clark_retus and no xposed. I have systemless root, so does full remove root in SuperSU then flashing the right recovery.img work to take all the OTA's till now? The February TWRP flashable OTA thread no longer has a live link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This question is hard to answer... will it work? Maybe, we don't know. The problem is if you are rooted, you did it for a reason (or I would assume so) and you have made some changes to the /system partition over time. Doing a full unroot will not undo those changes. So if you do a full unroot, and fastboot the correct recovery image, then accept the OTA, the recovery is going start the OTA's installation script attempt to process it where it will start a checklist of items to verify, bootloader, boot image, system image, etc... the problem is we don't know what changes will cause the update to error out and which will allow it to apply.
To be honest, I don't think I have heard anyone say they have been able to successfully take this update without going back to pure stock, but ymmv.
The best thing to do would be to return to pure stock via the factory firmware images, we have a known good one of the May 2016 security update.

SafetyNet Check Fails on Recently Unrooted Phone

unrooted XT1644 (previously Magisk rooted)
bootloader unlocked
TWRP 3.1.1-0
ElementalX kernel 3.10.84
OS version: 7.0
Security patch level: June 1, 2017, firmware NPJ25.93-14.5
Baseband: M8952_70030.25.03.62R ATHENE_RETUSA_CUST
SafetyNet app failed "CTS profile" on unrooted Android. Oddly, my phone passed SafetyNet when I used Magisk. But after restoring my phone from a Nandroid backup taken before Magisk was flashed, it no longer passes. Might there be file directory remnants of Magisk that are affecting the SafetyNet result? Any troubleshooting steps appreciated.
There's now a September 1, 2017 OEM security OTA update waiting for me in my Notifications bar. I'm hopeful that the update will create a new system partition that'll get rid of what's causing the SafetyNet fail. Unfortunately a logo.bin TWRP flash fix made a change to my system partition settings that won't allow me to safely take an OTA update. The last time I flashed a security update was through the kindness of someone who provided a TWRP-flashable zip of the June 2017 NPJ25.93-14.5 OTA file. I'm hoping the same will eventually be provided for the September OTA update.

Same case with me too but I have model XT1643 (Indian Version), Build number: NPJS25.93.14-10.
Also, while booting up I still get bootloader unlocked warning and in Google Play Store it is showing Device Certification as Uncertified.
When I type fastboot oem lock in cmd bootloader slot count, bootloader slot suffixes and one more bootloader line all are showing not found.
And yes, in Bootloader Unlock warning it is showing 'ID: Bad key'
Other than this my device is working fine, IMEI numbers and Fingerprint sensor is working perfectly.
I followed guide by tywinlannister7: https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/stock-rom-npjs25-93-14-4-march-1-t3608138
Please can anyone tell how can I correct it.

Its the Elemental X kernel. If you don't have magisk installed, it trips the safetynet. I am using a XT1642, I experienced this about a year ago when I was first experimenting with custom firmware.

I downloaded the September 1, 2017 security patch update but would prefer to flash it via TWRP instead of letting the system install it. However I can't even determine where it was downloaded to and I can't access the root directory anymore. Is it safe to manually flash it on an unrooted system containing TWRP, ElementalX kernel and the logo.bin boot screen fix? I'm especially concerned about flashing it on a system that doesn't pass SafetyNet.

TCUofficial said:
Its the Elemental X kernel. If you don't have magisk installed, it trips the safetynet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for that essential information. I won't consider it a problem since the phone doesn't have NFC, so no Android Pay support anyway. However, I need some additional info before proceeding with the update.
Do I need to get rid of the ElementalX kernel and restore the original?
Do I need to undo the logo.bin bootloader unlock screen fix?
Do I need to get rid of TWRP before allowing the system to install the security patch?
Thanks.

Sorry to be redundant but I am pressed for an answer. Thanks in advance.
RE: downloaded but installed Moto G4+ September 1, 2017 security patch NPJS25.93-14-10.
- Can the patch be safely installed after TWRP has been flashed on the phone?
- Can the patch be safely installed after an ElementalX kernel has been flashed on the phone?

mel2000 said:
Can the patch be safely installed after TWRP has been flashed on the phone?
- Can the patch be safely installed after an ElementalX kernel has been flashed on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answer is NO to both your questions. You need a STOCK boot image and a stock recovery image to “patch” (by which I think you mean upgrade via an OTA) your phone.

mel2000 said:
Sorry to be redundant but I am pressed for an answer. Thanks in advance.
RE: downloaded but installed Moto G4+ September 1, 2017 security patch NPJS25.93-14-10.
- Can the patch be safely installed after TWRP has been flashed on the phone?
- Can the patch be safely installed after an ElementalX kernel has been flashed on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In addition to zeomal's reply, your device would also need an unmodified system partition (no root, readonly, so no TWRP modifications) else the OTA will fail too.
Furthermore, I don't think the update you've downloaded is suitable for US retail devices, and if flashed might stop you from receiving future OTA updates. If you want the stock NPJ25.93-14.5 full ROM to revert to: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=673368273298984458
Or the NPJ25.93-14.7 stock ROM: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=817906626617945295 Of course, either of these will reset your device to stock, erasing TWRP, root and ElementalX and most likely your data, so back up. However, they should permit you to take OTA updates. Flash only in fastboot.
If you've already installed NPJS25.93-14-10, then you won't likely get the OTA update if installed on US devices.
As for SafetyNet/ device uncertified, I recall that's likely due to an unlocked bootloader. Magisk has the ability to hide the bootloader unlocked status from Safetynet, hence why when you removed magisk, the Safetynet detection saw your unlocked bootloader and therefore trips Safetynet. An easy way to get Safetynet passed is to reflash ElementalX and magisk.

I want to thank both zeomal and echo92 for their prompt and clear responses. I will address related issues before I move on.
EDIT: Used OEM Flash.bat to reupdate to June 2017 NPJ25.93-14.5, then allowed NPJ25.93-14.7 to be installed from Moto. All went well with an unlocked bootloader. Didn't lose any apps.
- TWRP (gone)
- ElementalX (gone)
- Logo.bin fix (gone)
- SafetyNet (failed - due to unlocked bootloader)
Thanks again to all.

Need help updating to Oreo on rooted A1

Hi,
I had December patch running in Slot B beforing installing TWRP (in both partitions) and then installing Magisk in slot A.
So I am currently running November patch in this slot (rooted) with Dec patch in Slot B. (I get a December update notification rn cuz of that but after downloading it doesn't get installed)
How can I update to Oreo keeping the root and data?
Thank you in advance.

You will get stuck in a bootloop if you try to root Oreo with magisk when installing OTA. Just install ota and don't root using magisk. After booting oreo flash the patched boot image to get root access using magisk.

How can I root my Moto g4 plus correctly?

I tried all methods which are there on site but each time same and only problem is coming that is my phone is not getting rooted correctly I tried so many times but when I'll check with root checker it says it's not rooted but I successfully unlocked bootloader but I can't complely root it, can someone help me?

What device do you have and what ROM are you running?
If you're rooting on the stock Motorola ROM, do you have TWRP flashed/booted, then flashed ElementalX? Afterwards, what root managers are you using? You could try magisk 16 or 15.3. However, if you've previously used SuperSU or another root manager, you may have to re-flash the original stock kernel (then flash ElementalX then root) to remove any remainders of the old root managers, else they may interfere with magisk to the point of the root not being stable.

I have Moto g4 plus XT 1643 and I tried to root with by using twrp latest version and lineage os 14.1 athene. The was working fine but my phone is still showing that this device is not rooted

MsK96918 said:
I have Moto g4 plus XT 1643 and I tried to root with by using twrp latest version and lineage os 14.1 athene. The was working fine but my phone is still showing that this device is not rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What root manager are you using? The official Lineage OS (as of Jan 2017) does not come with a root manager, you must download and flash your own. You could either use the Lineage_SU_addon (you'd want the arm variant for 14.1) or magisk or SuperSU as a root manager.

I am new in this so I don't know that much details so can you help me by giving me link so that I can go through step by step and try to do what you are saying

MsK96918 said:
I am new in this so I don't know that much details so can you help me by giving me link so that I can go through step by step and try to do what you are saying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1)Download the Lineage SU addon (from here https://download.lineageos.org/extras - you want the arm 14.1 zip) OR magisk (from here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/official-magisk-v7-universal-systemless-t3473445 ) Only download one, please and if you want to switch, you ideally want to restore your backup or dirty flash the custom ROM to restore the Lineage kernel.
2)Reboot your device to TWRP.
3)In TWRP backup your device. Keep this backup safe.
4)In TWRP, go to 'Install' and flash the package you downloaded.
5)Wipe cache and Dalvik in TWRP after the flash.
6)Reboot.
7)Verify you have root.
You may also wish to browse the Lineage 14.1 thread for our device here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/development/rom-cyanogenmod-14-1-t3522101 Please use the search function by the page numbers to quickly search the thread for information

echo92 said:
1)Download the Lineage SU addon (from here https://download.lineageos.org/extras - you want the arm 14.1 zip) OR magisk (from here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/official-magisk-v7-universal-systemless-t3473445 ) Only download one, please and if you want to switch, you ideally want to restore your backup or dirty flash the custom ROM to restore the Lineage kernel.
2)Reboot your device to TWRP.
3)In TWRP backup your device. Keep this backup safe.
4)In TWRP, go to 'Install' and flash the package you downloaded.
5)Wipe cache and Dalvik in TWRP after the flash.
6)Reboot.
7)Verify you have root.
You may also wish to browse the Lineage 14.1 thread for our device here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/development/rom-cyanogenmod-14-1-t3522101 Please use the search function by the page numbers to quickly search the thread for information
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you bro i finally rooted my device correctly . It help alot thank you once again

Hi I'm new to XDA Forums, I was searching for posts about rooting my Moto g4 Plus. I would like to know Why we should flash a kernel before flashing SuperSU or Magisk ? Nb: I just only want the root access. Not in a plan to flash a custom rom. Thanks in Advance.

vinayroffl said:
Hi I'm new to XDA Forums, I was searching for posts about rooting my Moto g4 Plus. I would like to know Why we should flash a kernel before flashing SuperSU or Magisk ? Nb: I just only want the root access. Not in a plan to flash a custom rom. Thanks in Advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock Motorola kernel in stock Nougat ROMs appears to have anti rooting measures included (I think DM Verity?) If you attempt to root on this stock Nougat kernel, you'll likely soft brick/bootloop your device.
A custom kernel (e.g. elementalX v2.0.1 for stock) does not have these anti rooting defences, so it's safer to root with magisk. I would recommend magisk as super SU hasn't been updated in some time.
It appears that this need to flash a custom kernel before rooting applies to Nougat stock ROMs; marshmallow stock ROMs and the Oreo soak test stock ROM appear not to require a custom kernel.
As an aside, custom kernels and root are not necessary to flash custom ROMs. The only tools you require are an unlocked bootloader and the correct TWRP. The kernels included with these custom ROMs may also have anti rooting measures disabled, so it's safer to directly root without having to use a custom kernel.

Need instructions to install Magisk systemless root in S7 Edge running 8.0

Hi guys,
I have gone thru the forum to install Magisk systemless root in S7 Edge running 8.0 but have few questions.
1. Is TWRP mandatory to install Magisk for systemless root?
2. If above point is yes, then will the device be eligible for OTA even with TWRP recovery?
3. Please provide steps to install Magisk systemless root in S7 Edge running 8.0 latest October patch
Thanks in advance.

mpadhu said:
Hi guys,
I have gone thru the forum to install Magisk systemless root in S7 Edge running 8.0 but have few questions.
1. Is TWRP mandatory to install Magisk for systemless root?
2. If above point is yes, then will the device be eligible for OTA even with TWRP recovery?
3. Please provide steps to install Magisk systemless root in S7 Edge running 8.0 latest October patch
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go Here https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/guide-how-to-root-android-8-0-oreo-t3840271
1. U need TWRP for flashing Magisk.
2. When ur intentions are gaining root access, u should forgo OTA.
3. The above link has everything u need.

joeljose1001 said:
Go Here https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/guide-how-to-root-android-8-0-oreo-t3840271
1. U need TWRP for flashing Magisk.
2. When ur intentions are gaining root access, u should forgo OTA.
3. The above link has everything u need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your time and response. There is something called systemless root which will hide the root from the system and also allows official OTA updates.

mpadhu said:
Thank you for your time and response. There is something called systemless root which will hide the root from the system and also allows official OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I know, when you download an OTA and prompt your device to install it, your Android system performs a series of checksums to ensure that your /system, /boot, /recovery, and /vendor (or /OEM) partitions are unmodified from their original stock configuration.
The benefit of Magisk is that it does not modify the system partition, but while installing Magisk, the first thing it does is patch boot image. So you might have to restore the original boot image for the OTA to work.
Also, the OTA is designed to be installed via the stock recovery which has been overwritten with TWRP. So, I think u will face a problem there too.
I'm not saying that it's impossible to get an OTA update. It just might not be as easy as u r used to.

joeljose1001 said:
From what I know, when you download an OTA and prompt your device to install it, your Android system performs a series of checksums to ensure that your /system, /boot, /recovery, and /vendor (or /OEM) partitions are unmodified from their original stock configuration.
The benefit of Magisk is that it does not modify the system partition, but while installing Magisk, the first thing it does is patch boot image. So you might have to restore the original boot image for the OTA to work.
Also, the OTA is designed to be installed via the stock recovery which has been overwritten with TWRP. So, I think u will face a problem there too.
I'm not saying that it's impossible to get an OTA update. It just might not be as easy as u r used to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got your point. Thank you. I read that Magisk can be installed without root or even custom recovery.
The below is taken from the official Magisk thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/official-magisk-v7-universal-systemless-t3473445
How to download or extract the stock boot image file from my official ROM?
"Via Magisk Manager:
This method does not need root, and also does not require a custom recovery.
However, you MUST have a stock boot image dump beforehand, and you also have to be able to flash the patched boot image, either through fastboot/download mode or ODIN
Install the latest Magisk Manager
If you're planning to flash the patched boot image through ODIN, go to Settings > Update Settings > Patched Boot Output Format, and select .img.tar. For normal users leave it as the default .img
Press Install > Install > Patch Boot Image File, and select your stock boot image file
Magisk Manager will now patch your boot image, and store it in [Internal Storage]/Download/patched_boot.img[.tar]
Copy the patched boot image to your PC. If you can't find it via MTP, you can pull the file with ADB:
adb pull /sdcard/Download/patched_boot.img[.tar]
Flash the patched boot image to your device and reboot. Here is the command if using fastboot:
fastboot flash boot /path/to/patched_boot.img"