I reinstalled the stock os .. unrooted .. And booted up my phone .. everything works perfectly ..but when I tried to update from December to Feb security update ..the phone got hard bricked ...I did the blank flash and got it working ...I didn't try to update again ...so I don't know whether I should update to September update or not .. someone please help
First thing, Motorola does NOT support downgrading. What you did was you flashed the December update over some custom ROM you were using which in turn downgraded your bootloader and gpt partitions. Then you took OTA again which bricked your device.
You should always make sure that when you flash the stock ROM, you only flash the latest version available on XDA, in this case the June security update(NPJS25.93-14-8).
In case you flash any previous build of stock ROM DON'T flash the bootloader and gpt partitions (just ignore those two fastboot commands).
So what should you do now?
The link to the June security update full fastboot ROM : https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/stock-rom-npjs25-93-14-4-march-1-t3608138
Flash this one using the scripts provided. Then take the September OTA. Things should go fine now if you follow the steps carefully.
Swapnanil said:
First thing, Motorola does NOT support downgrading. What you did was you flashed the December update over some custom ROM you were using which in turn downgraded your bootloader and gpt partitions. Then you took OTA again which bricked your device.
You should always make sure that when you flash the stock ROM, you only flash the latest version available on XDA, in this case the June security update(NPJS25.93-14-8).
In case you flash any previous build of stock ROM DON'T flash the bootloader and gpt partitions (just ignore those two fastboot commands).
So what should you do now?
The link to the June security update full fastboot ROM : https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/stock-rom-npjs25-93-14-4-march-1-t3608138
Flash this one using the scripts provided. Then take the September OTA. Things should go fine now if you follow the steps carefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you soo much ...I'll try this ?
I'd like to add a correction to what's been mentioned so far.
I agree that you likely hard bricked from flashing an older stock ROM than what you had on your device already. However, the act of downgrading your device may not cause a brick, but by downgrading you may not be able to flash an older GPT/bootloader as they detect a 'security version downgrade' and block you from flashing the older versions of the GPT/bootloader. However, as you were able to flash the system side of the firmware, then you'd have the mismatch of a newer bootloader (likely B1:06 from the June 2017 stock update?) and an older system from the December 2016 patch.
Now, when you accepted and downloaded the OTA, the OTA assumed that your device is fully patched to the December 2016 security level and was all on the same patch level, which by downgrading your device was not. OTAs appear to check if your system and OEM and other partitions are of the expected patch level and do not necessarily verify that your GPT and bootloader are matching too. Thus, when it attempted patching to upgrade your device to the March 2017 patch, it applied updates to your bootloader and thus corrupted your newer bootloader, leading to a hard brick.
That's a reason why downgrading and updating by OTA updates is so risky now. Therefore, if you've downgraded, do not update via OTA.
I agree with the suggestion that you should use the full fastboot ROM, (you may wish to omit the 'erase userdata' command) to ensure your device is fully flashed to the same patch level. We've now got the September 2017 fastboot ROM to flash too if you're unsure about taking OTA updates.
In future, verify what stock firmware you had on your device before you flashed a custom ROM, and ensure you flash the firmware of the same patch level.
echo92 said:
I'd like to add a correction to what's been mentioned so far.
I agree that you likely hard bricked from flashing an older stock ROM than what you had on your device already. However, the act of downgrading your device may not cause a brick, but by downgrading you may not be able to flash an older GPT/bootloader as they detect a 'security version downgrade' and block you from flashing the older versions of the GPT/bootloader. However, as you were able to flash the system side of the firmware, then you'd have the mismatch of a newer bootloader (likely B1:06 from the June 2017 stock update?) and an older system from the December 2016 patch.
Now, when you accepted and downloaded the OTA, the OTA assumed that your device is fully patched to the December 2016 security level and was all on the same patch level, which by downgrading your device was not. OTAs appear to check if your system and OEM and other partitions are of the expected patch level and do not necessarily verify that your GPT and bootloader are matching too. Thus, when it attempted patching to upgrade your device to the March 2017 patch, it applied updates to your bootloader and thus corrupted your newer bootloader, leading to a hard brick.
That's a reason why downgrading and updating by OTA updates is so risky now. Therefore, if you've downgraded, do not update via OTA.
I agree with the suggestion that you should use the full fastboot ROM, (you may wish to omit the 'erase userdata' command) to ensure your device is fully flashed to the same patch level. We've now got the September 2017 fastboot ROM to flash too if you're unsure about taking OTA updates.
In future, verify what stock firmware you had on your device before you flashed a custom ROM, and ensure you flash the firmware of the same patch level.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your help !!!!!!!
Hello, so basically when I was on the June update of my Moto G4 Plus, build NPJS25.93-14-8, software channel reteu, model XT1642 when I decided to unlock my bootloader and flash RR. Now I want to go back to the stock firmware for several reasons, but I have some questions about flashing it. I know how to flash it trough fastboot, but I have some other questions.
1. What are the risks if I flash it?
2. Can I just restore my twrp backup for the fully stock rom, flash the stock recovery and update to the last build through ota? will that work?
3. Will there appear other problems I have to worry about?
4. Can I just flash the June patch through fastboot so that I don't have to flash the updated modems, fsg, bootloader, etc. but instead update them through ota after flashing the stock firmware? Or will that cause bugs?
Thanks for the help and please don't throw hate at me, the last device that I hade with android had android 4.4 and a MediaTek chipset, then I switched to Windows Mobile till last year.
1) As long as you flash the same or newer stock firmware as the latest on your device, you should be okay.
As of writing, if you flash the June 2017, Sept 2017 or Dec 2017 stock firmwares (NPJS25.93-14-8, NPJS25.93-14-10 or NPJS25.93-14-13 respectively) then you shouldn't run into issues and be okay to take OTA updates provided you do a full flash. By a full flash, I mean flashing GPT, bootloader, system, OEM, DSP, modem and the erase steps. If you're flashing the NPJS25.93-14-8 firmware, flashing the same firmware should do nothing to your GPT, bootloader or modem, but is a good routine to ensure your device is clean.
As you're switching from RR to stock firmware, a data wipe/erase is recommended - you may be able to use Titanium Backup or another backup app to preserve your app data, then restore it after flashing the stock ROM (though ensure the backup is off your device). You will have to root your stock ROM to use Titanium Backup however.
The risks come when you flash stock firmware of an older patch level than the stock firmware currently on your device (custom ROMs do not matter in this regard) - strictly speaking, it's not the act of downgrading but attempting to take OTA updates whilst downgraded that causes hard bricks. In most cases, if not all, I've noted that a mismatch of the bootloader patch level and the system patch level are what cause issues for most users. You cannot downgrade bootloaders, so downgrading leads to the following situation:
Say you're on the June 2017 firmware:
June 2017 bootloader, June 2017 system (or RR).
You downgrade to Marshmallow or an earlier build of Nougat (say in this case Dec 2016 Nougat firmware):
June 2017 bootloader (bootloader will block downgrades with a security downgrade error), December 2016 firmware.
You try to take an OTA update. However, OTA updates are only designed for updating, and appear to assume (from looking at the script) your system patch level is the same as your bootloader. If you did not downgrade, this assumption would hold. However, as you've downgraded, you'll get this:
March/June 2017 bootloader *, March 2017 system.
Due to the OTA having authorisation to flash to your bootloader without prior checks, the older OTA corrupts your newer bootloader (as denoted by the *), leading to a hard brick. We do have a blankflash at the moment to help with this, though the easiest way to avoid this situation is to only flash firmware of the same or newer build that what is on your device. Motorola does not support downgrading and assumes the user takes responsibility for downgrading.
2)In theory yes. However, if TWRP was allowed to make modifications before you took the backup, the subsequent OTA might fail as your system partition would be detected as not read-only. Furthermore, you'd need a stock logo.bin, so if you've flashed a logo.bin to hide the bootloader unlocked warning, you'd have to pull that from the NPJS25.93-14-8 stock ROM. TWRP to my knowledge does not back that up.
3)As long as you take your time, and have not downgraded/hard bricked in the past, you should be okay. Ensure you back up as much data with Titanium Backup as previously mentioned, and ensure that you do a full flash, so your GPT, bootloader and system are at the same patch level. As mentioned previously, having your device on the same patch level should mean you have fewer issues with OTAs and stability.
4)I'm not sure what you mean by the June patch, do you mean the June OTA update, or do you mean the June stock ROM?
echo92 said:
1) As long as you flash the same or newer stock firmware as the latest on your device, you should be okay.
As of writing, if you flash the June 2017, Sept 2017 or Dec 2017 stock firmwares (NPJS25.93-14-8, NPJS25.93-14-10 or NPJS25.93-14-13 respectively) then you shouldn't run into issues and be okay to take OTA updates provided you do a full flash. By a full flash, I mean flashing GPT, bootloader, system, OEM, DSP, modem and the erase steps. If you're flashing the NPJS25.93-14-8 firmware, flashing the same firmware should do nothing to your GPT, bootloader or modem, but is a good routine to ensure your device is clean.
As you're switching from RR to stock firmware, a data wipe/erase is recommended - you may be able to use Titanium Backup or another backup app to preserve your app data, then restore it after flashing the stock ROM (though ensure the backup is off your device). You will have to root your stock ROM to use Titanium Backup however.
The risks come when you flash stock firmware of an older patch level than the stock firmware currently on your device (custom ROMs do not matter in this regard) - strictly speaking, it's not the act of downgrading but attempting to take OTA updates whilst downgraded that causes hard bricks. In most cases, if not all, I've noted that a mismatch of the bootloader patch level and the system patch level are what cause issues for most users. You cannot downgrade bootloaders, so downgrading leads to the following situation:
Say you're on the June 2017 firmware:
June 2017 bootloader, June 2017 system (or RR).
You downgrade to Marshmallow or an earlier build of Nougat (say in this case Dec 2016 Nougat firmware):
June 2017 bootloader (bootloader will block downgrades with a security downgrade error), December 2016 firmware.
You try to take an OTA update. However, OTA updates are only designed for updating, and appear to assume (from looking at the script) your system patch level is the same as your bootloader. If you did not downgrade, this assumption would hold. However, as you've downgraded, you'll get this:
March/June 2017 bootloader *, March 2017 system.
Due to the OTA having authorisation to flash to your bootloader without prior checks, the older OTA corrupts your newer bootloader (as denoted by the *), leading to a hard brick. We do have a blankflash at the moment to help with this, though the easiest way to avoid this situation is to only flash firmware of the same or newer build that what is on your device. Motorola does not support downgrading and assumes the user takes responsibility for downgrading.
2)In theory yes. However, if TWRP was allowed to make modifications before you took the backup, the subsequent OTA might fail as your system partition would be detected as not read-only. Furthermore, you'd need a stock logo.bin, so if you've flashed a logo.bin to hide the bootloader unlocked warning, you'd have to pull that from the NPJS25.93-14-8 stock ROM. TWRP to my knowledge does not back that up.
3)As long as you take your time, and have not downgraded/hard bricked in the past, you should be okay. Ensure you back up as much data with Titanium Backup as previously mentioned, and ensure that you do a full flash, so your GPT, bootloader and system are at the same patch level. As mentioned previously, having your device on the same patch level should mean you have fewer issues with OTAs and stability.
4)I'm not sure what you mean by the June patch, do you mean the June OTA update, or do you mean the June stock ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for taking your time and answering my silly questions. 4) I mean the June stock ROM. And I've forgotten...
5) If you relock the bootloader, will you be able to unlock it again? How exactly does this work? The device gets another ID that you use again on the Moto site? Or you unlock it with the key that you used the first time you unlocked?
6) I have seen people that flashed the stock firmware through fastboot without relocking the bootloader and the software status shown in bootloader mode changed from "Official" (like mine) to "Modified" and the phone would show "Your device has failed verification and may not boot propertly." instead of the one with the unlocked bootloader. Just like here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OQQn105Bp8 . Though I have seen that some of these packages on xda are "Signed by Moto". So the problem does not occur when flashing those images?
corlatemanuel said:
Thanks for taking your time and answering my silly questions. 4) I mean the June stock ROM. And I've forgotten...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have stock backup of current firmware, restore it and check build number in settings >about.
5) If you relock the bootloader, will you be able to unlock it again? How exactly does this work? The device gets another ID that you use again on the Moto site? Or you unlock it with the key that you used the first time you unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no benefits for relocking. if you want to lock you can, and it can be unlocked with same key.
6) I have seen people that flashed the stock firmware through fastboot without relocking the bootloader and the software status shown in bootloader mode changed from "Official" (like mine) to "Modified" and the phone would show "Your device has failed verification and may not boot propertly." instead of the one with the unlocked bootloader. Just like here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OQQn105Bp8 . Though I have seen that some of these packages on xda are "Signed by Moto". So the problem does not occur when flashing those images?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, that Modified status comes when you try to modify stock ROM, for various meaning, say installing mods in system (not in case of systemless), or if you try to remove/add apps to system/oem, when you change something in stock ROM, then you will get modified status. (Modification in custom ROM will not change it, only stock ROM does.)
So if you have official status right now, you don't need to worry about it.
Otherwise, to remove modified status,
You need to take OTA, (which can be dangerous as echo92 told you above.),
Bootloader relocking is not necessary to remove Modified, you can still take OTA and it will work..
> Flash June's patch (if you are 100% sure about current firmware)
> take OTA of September
Taking OTA makes it again official. (There was no update for bootloader in September patch, if not official again, December will make it..)
____Mdd said:
You have stock backup of current firmware, restore it and check build number in settings >about.
There are no benefits for relocking. if you want to lock you can, and it can be unlocked with same key.
Not true, that Modified status comes when you try to modify stock ROM, for various meaning, say installing mods in system (not in case of systemless), or if you try to remove/add apps to system/oem, when you change something in stock ROM, then you will get modified status. (Modification in custom ROM will not change it, only stock ROM does.)
So if you have official status right now, you don't need to worry about it.
Otherwise, to remove modified status,
You need to take OTA, (which can be dangerous as echo92 told you above.),
Bootloader relocking is not necessary to remove Modified, you can still take OTA and it will work..
> Flash June's patch (if you are 100% sure about current firmware)
> take OTA of September
Taking OTA makes it again official. (There was no update for bootloader in September patch, if not official again, December will make it..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok then, since I'm 100% sure that I was on NPJS5.93-14-8 I'll flash that firmware, but where exactly do I find the one that I need? Doesn't the region matter? I'm on XT1642, in Europe, on the software channel reteu. So which one package do I use? I found 2 of them on AFH from tywinlannister7. And also, quite many people flashed the wrong modem and got into trouble, from what I've seen on xda. So any precautions I should take in that matter?
P.S. I don't want to flash the December patch since it updates the bootloader and there is no blankflash for that version yet... Also can't find the September one.
corlatemanuel said:
Ok then, since I'm 100% sure that I was on NPJS5.93-14-8 I'll flash that firmware, but where exactly do I find the one that I need? Doesn't the region matter? I'm on XT1642, in Europe, on the software channel reteu. So which one package do I use? I found 2 of them on AFH from tywinlannister7. And also, quite many people flashed the wrong modem and got into trouble, from what I've seen on xda. So any precautions I should take in that matter?
P.S. I don't want to flash the December patch since it updates the bootloader and there is no blankflash for that version yet... Also can't find the September one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One by tywinlennister7, it is fine and confirmed working on different retails, (retin, retus, retla, many others.)
I have seen modem and other critical problems when one flashes old firmware (marshmallow roms), those all problems happened when old (MM) firmware is flashed.
You can take backup of all partitions by TWRP (fsg, data, system, boot, firmware, all options in shreps twrp), this all things can be helpful in case if something wrong happens, internal memory will be wiped so move them to external... Then flash....
About December, it's your wish to update or not.
If you are worried about blank-flash, then let me remind you again, you will need blank-flash only if you downgrade and take OTA. When you update to December's patch update, remove all older firmware on your computer and keep December's firmware zip only. If you need to flash stock, flash it, not other old..
List of Nougat firmware:
NPJS25.93-14-8 (June 2017) : https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=889764386195918175
This build appears to be targeted towards India, Brazil, EU and UK users, other territories may apply. This updates to NPJS25.93-14-10 (Sept 2017):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9tngVBGIajVQkQtLUUxR2NOTnc/edit
NPJS25.93-14-13 is the December 2017 update from NPJS25.93-14-10: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=745849072291698845
As ____Mdd has mentioned, the blankflash is only useful if you hard brick your device, and even then that usually only happens if you go flashing older firmware than what's on your device and then take an OTA update. If you don't downgrade, then you won't have a use for the blankflash normally.
If you want to be sure you're getting the right updates, you can flash the NPJS25.93-14-8 stock ROM, which should leave your device on the same patch level (if it was previously on NPJS25.93-14-8 and you're certain about that), then let the OTA updates download the correct patch. As your device firmware should all be on the same patch level, OTA updates should be okay. Bear in mind you may not receive the December 2017 OTA yet, as I've only seen it deployed to India/Mexico so far. It should be coming to EU soon if it's not arrived.
____Mdd said:
You can take backup of all partitions by TWRP (fsg, data, system, boot, firmware, all options in shreps twrp), this all things can be helpful in case if something wrong happens, internal memory will be wiped so move them to external... Then flash....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I was busy this week but I'm back with just a couple more questions:
Which partitions should I back up with the Partition Backup app and with TWRP? What format should I choose for the Partition Backup app?
Can I lock the bootloader after flashing and booting the stock ROM or do I have to do it while flashing?
I have restored my TWRP backup for NPJS5.93-14-8 and rooted it for the backup app. Is there any other helpful information about my device that I should share with you?
What should I install on my PC? I currently have mfastboot-v2 on my C:\ drive in the adb folder, should I install the Minimal ADB and Fastboot as I have seen people using it for the stock ROM flash? Also, do I need to install any drivers in particular?
echo92 said:
2)In theory yes. However, if TWRP was allowed to make modifications before you took the backup, the subsequent OTA might fail as your system partition would be detected as not read-only. Furthermore, you'd need a stock logo.bin, so if you've flashed a logo.bin to hide the bootloader unlocked warning, you'd have to pull that from the NPJS25.93-14-8 stock ROM. TWRP to my knowledge does not back that up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So If I use this guide and relock the bootloader would I be okay? https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/guide-sucsessfull-ota-update-rooting-t3472658
Also, relocking wipes Data and Internal Storage, right?
corlatemanuel said:
Ok, I was busy this week but I'm back with just a couple more questions:
Which partitions should I back up with the Partition Backup app and with TWRP? What format should I choose for the Partition Backup app?
Can I lock the bootloader after flashing and booting the stock ROM or do I have to do it while flashing?
I have restored my TWRP backup for NPJS5.93-14-8 and rooted it for the backup app. Is there any other helpful information about my device that I should share with you?
What should I install on my PC? I currently have mfastboot-v2 on my C:\ drive in the adb folder, should I install the Minimal ADB and Fastboot as I have seen people using it for the stock ROM flash? Also, do I need to install any drivers in particular?
So If I use this guide and relock the bootloader would I be okay? https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/guide-sucsessfull-ota-update-rooting-t3472658
Also, relocking wipes Data and Internal Storage, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) If you want to make a backup, I would make a backup with the standard TWRP partitions selected (should be all of them but without cache). I've not used the Partition Backup app so cannot comment as to which formats to use, but standard formats for system and cache should be ext4, and data as f2fs.
2)Generally if you want to lock your bootloader, you should flash the stock ROM first, then boot to the stock ROM. In Settings > Developer Options, you will want to turn on OEM unlocking. Then, you can re-lock your bootloader with a full flash of all the commands. For more info and things to be aware of, have a look at this post: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74971791&postcount=497 Be aware that if you choose to lock your bootloader, you may not be able to use backups of data you made as TWRP and backup apps may require an unlocked bootloader. Anything you kept on internal storage should be transferable back to your device though.
Re-locking likely wipes data and internal storage, so ensure you back up and keep the back ups off your device - on your computer is the best location - until you are done. Also, be warned that any SD cards you have formatted and adopted as internal storage will be unreadable and need erasing, unless you retain the encryption key. So if you have an adopted SD card, back that up too.
3)I would install Minimal ADB and fastboot (v1.4.2 or newer) as most of the newer guides are based on fastboot rather than mfastboot (which is Motorola's version of fastboot, if I recall). You may wish to have the Motorola device drivers installed too - https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/prod_detail/a_id/79106/p/30,75,27,
4)That guide is quite old, plus only restores your device back to a state where OTA updates would be possible (i.e. flashing stock recovery, system, OEM). That guide you linked will not re-lock your bootloader. If you want the commands to re-lock your device bootloader, this guide should help: https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/stock-rom-npjs25-93-14-4-march-1-t3608138 Again, heed the warnings I note in the above link.
echo92 said:
1) If you want to make a backup, I would make a backup with the standard TWRP partitions selected (should be all of them but without cache). I've not used the Partition Backup app so cannot comment as to which formats to use, but standard formats for system and cache should be ext4, and data as f2fs.
2)Generally if you want to lock your bootloader, you should flash the stock ROM first, then boot to the stock ROM. In Settings > Developer Options, you will want to turn on OEM unlocking. Then, you can re-lock your bootloader with a full flash of all the commands. For more info and things to be aware of, have a look at this post: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74971791&postcount=497 Be aware that if you choose to lock your bootloader, you may not be able to use backups of data you made as TWRP and backup apps may require an unlocked bootloader. Anything you kept on internal storage should be transferable back to your device though.
Re-locking likely wipes data and internal storage, so ensure you back up and keep the back ups off your device - on your computer is the best location - until you are done. Also, be warned that any SD cards you have formatted and adopted as internal storage will be unreadable and need erasing, unless you retain the encryption key. So if you have an adopted SD card, back that up too.
3)I would install Minimal ADB and fastboot (v1.4.2 or newer) as most of the newer guides are based on fastboot rather than mfastboot (which is Motorola's version of fastboot, if I recall). You may wish to have the Motorola device drivers installed too - https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/prod_detail/a_id/79106/p/30,75,27,
4)That guide is quite old, plus only restores your device back to a state where OTA updates would be possible (i.e. flashing stock recovery, system, OEM). That guide you linked will not re-lock your bootloader. If you want the commands to re-lock your device bootloader, this guide should help: https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/stock-rom-npjs25-93-14-4-march-1-t3608138 Again, heed the warnings I note in the above link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So shreps' twrp can also backup the modems? I am on the 64-bit twrp from lannister7 (too lazy to check his name ) and it doesn't show the modems in "Backup", it only shows firmware, fsg, hw and ol the other stuff. And also, I have to flash the firmware twice if I want to lock the bootloader? I can imagine some really bad situations if you flash it with the OEM lock command included, some sh*t happens, you get an error and the device gets bricked whilst also being locked, and not being able to unlock it because of the "OEM Unlocking" option not being accessible, since the device would be bricked. So if I understand correctly, the OEM lock begin and OEM lock commands fully wipe the device, even the system, causing the need to flash everything again? Or the OEM lock commands require you to flash the stock ROM again because of safety issues?
corlatemanuel said:
So shreps' twrp can also backup the modems? I am on the 64-bit twrp from lannister7 (too lazy to check his name ) and it doesn't show the modems in "Backup", it only shows firmware, fsg, hw and ol the other stuff. And also, I have to flash the firmware twice if I want to lock the bootloader? I can imagine some really bad situations if you flash it with the OEM lock command included, some sh*t happens, you get an error and the device gets bricked whilst also being locked, and not being able to unlock it because of the "OEM Unlocking" option not being accessible, since the device would be bricked. So if I understand correctly, the OEM lock begin and OEM lock commands fully wipe the device, even the system, causing the need to flash everything again? Or the OEM lock commands require you to flash the stock ROM again because of safety issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think shrep's TWRP backs up the modem, only the FSG partition (which appears to be half of the modem/baseband function). Modems are provided in the stock firmware anyhow.
Yes, you have to flash the firmware first (without OEM locking commands), then enable OEM unlocking in Settings>Developer Options, as I mentioned in the other post I wrote. Else, you may not be able to re-lock your bootloader. With OEM unlocking enabled, if a flash failed, you may still be able to unlock your bootloader and flash a custom ROM. Hence, this way gives you a way out, as you have OEM unlocking enabled, hence I recommending that you flash twice. After enabling OEM unlocking, then you flash fully with the OEM locking commands included.
Again, this is why I always say have plenty of time and do not rush this process, as this is critical to your device properly functioning, and to read up as much as you can on the pros and cons of the process.
The two OEM lock begin commands at the beginning of the locking command list will erase your device. Entering the first of those commands will prompt you and alert you to the fact your device is going to be erased. It only erases your data and likely your internal storage/cache, it should not erase any other partitions as they are usually not user modifiable.
If you are certain that your device is fully stock and at the same patch level, then you can use the OEM lock begin commands and OEM lock commands to lock your bootloader. However, if any of your device firmwares is not on the same patch level as your bootloader, you will likely have a boot failure as the firmware fails the bootloader verification checks (as the bootloader expects only firmware of the same patch level). Hence, I strongly recommend to re-flash the firmware to ensure you have clean stock firmware with matching patch levels.
Again, this process of re-locking your bootloader will mean no TWRP (no backups) or root or Titanium Backup.
echo92 said:
Don't think shrep's TWRP backs up the modem, only the FSG partition (which appears to be half of the modem/baseband function). Modems are provided in the stock firmware anyhow.
Yes, you have to flash the firmware first (without OEM locking commands), then enable OEM unlocking in Settings>Developer Options, as I mentioned in the other post I wrote. Else, you may not be able to re-lock your bootloader. With OEM unlocking enabled, if a flash failed, you may still be able to unlock your bootloader and flash a custom ROM. Hence, this way gives you a way out, as you have OEM unlocking enabled, hence I recommending that you flash twice. After enabling OEM unlocking, then you flash fully with the OEM locking commands included.
Again, this is why I always say have plenty of time and do not rush this process, as this is critical to your device properly functioning, and to read up as much as you can on the pros and cons of the process.
The two OEM lock begin commands at the beginning of the locking command list will erase your device. Entering the first of those commands will prompt you and alert you to the fact your device is going to be erased. It only erases your data and likely your internal storage/cache, it should not erase any other partitions as they are usually not user modifiable.
If you are certain that your device is fully stock and at the same patch level, then you can use the OEM lock begin commands and OEM lock commands to lock your bootloader. However, if any of your device firmwares is not on the same patch level as your bootloader, you will likely have a boot failure as the firmware fails the bootloader verification checks (as the bootloader expects only firmware of the same patch level). Hence, I strongly recommend to re-flash the firmware to ensure you have clean stock firmware with matching patch levels.
Again, this process of re-locking your bootloader will mean no TWRP (no backups) or root or Titanium Backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well how can I backup the modem, modemst1 and modemst2 partitions then? that app that I mentioned doesn't work, It doesn't backup anything, and the shreps TWRP doesn't include modem backup. Need help ASAP, everything else is ready except for the backup.
P.S. I'm really tired of my G4 Plus having the icon of a keyboard in This PC )
Edit: I'm dumb, just realised that the FSG IS the modemst1 and modemst2, right?
corlatemanuel said:
Well how can I backup the modem, modemst1 and modemst2 partitions then? that app that I mentioned doesn't work, It doesn't backup anything, and the shreps TWRP doesn't include modem backup. Need help ASAP, everything else is ready except for the backup.
P.S. I'm really tired of my G4 Plus having the icon of a keyboard in This PC )
Edit: I'm dumb, just realised that the FSG IS the modemst1 and modemst2, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me clarify my recent post of backup of modem,
All issue i have seen related to corrupted modems and HW partition are happened when one tried to flash older firmwares, those are marshmallow firmwares..
Till then, i have never seen any modem or corrupted hw partition while flashing latest firmwares..
Just make sure your downloaded firmware is latest or same as you have right now..
corlatemanuel said:
Well how can I backup the modem, modemst1 and modemst2 partitions then? that app that I mentioned doesn't work, It doesn't backup anything, and the shreps TWRP doesn't include modem backup. Need help ASAP, everything else is ready except for the backup.
P.S. I'm really tired of my G4 Plus having the icon of a keyboard in This PC )
Edit: I'm dumb, just realised that the FSG IS the modemst1 and modemst2, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As ____Mdd has mentioned, backups of modem is only required if you've flashed the wrong firmware at some point (due to the different variants of stock firmware). You've given us no indication of that.
modemst1 and modemst2 are, as I understand it, caches and temporary storage of details that are normally wiped during a stock ROM flash, and are then re-filled when the device reboots. FSG is different to modemst1 and modemst2 I think, being one part of the modem/baseband firmware.
As we've both mentioned, modem and FSG are both provided by the stock ROM (as NON-HLOS.bin and fsg.mbn).
I have made it! I've flashed the stock rom without any problem or error!
I want to thank you all because I wouldn't have been able to flash this without your help! I have also locked the bootloader, then I updated to September update and, shortly afterwards, to December update. Now, if I will ever flash custom ROMs again (which has a high probability) I will know how to restore to the stock ROM. So thanks, and I will leave the thread open if anyone will have the need of assistance with this process, or maybe I will have other questions in the future! So, for the third time, thanks for your valuable help guys!
I've just captured the Official OPP28.85-16 OTA for retail cedric and I'm posting it here. I'm on retbr channel but this will work on any retail device. If you're on another updated channel, I don't know what would happen if you installed this.
Notice that to install this YOU MUST be on NPPS25.137-93-2-5 to install these, since OTA's are not full firmwares like fastboot files, but instead they're patchings tailored to be applied upon a specific firmare - NPPS25.137-93-2-5 in this case.
Another particular detail is that the OTA file (gotten directly from my credric) lists the Blur Version as Blur_Version.25.361.10.cedric.retail.en.US, but curiously, the fastboot version for the same firmware ( which you can download here) lists it as Blur_Version.28.41.15.cedric.retail.en.US
Someone also reported in another thread that they just sideloaded this upon the Second Soak test. I wouldn't doubt it since this is what should happen to regular soak testers, but if you do it, DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK
I also won't post instructions on how to install this since they're already available here
Download
Gdrive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/149hrGFpuWUgAvJr02McYNwJVaqSvllYO/view?usp=sharing
That's it.
changelog?
Has anyone already tried it?
Since this is a (Delta) OTA Update that expects NPPS25.137-93-2-5 (Blur_Version.25.361.10) it should be correctly named "block_delta-ota-Blur_Version.25.361.10-28.41.15.cedric.retail.en.US" in my view.
Someone also reported in another thread that they just sideloaded this upon the Second Soak test.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on the 2nd soak test update OPP28.85-13.
Just tried to flash the update from SD card and ADB sideload.
Update failed due to wrong version.
E3002: Package expects build thumbprint of 8.1.0/OPP28.85-16/0400:user/release-keys or 7.0/NPPS25.137-93-2-5/10:user/release-keys; this device has 8.1.0/OPP28.85-13/789a:user/release-keys.
JoeDoe0 said:
Since this is a (Delta) OTA Update that expects NPPS25.137-93-2-5 (Blur_Version.25.361.10) it should be correctly named "block_delta-ota-Blur_Version.25.361.10-28.41.15.cedric.retail.en.US" in my view.
I'm on the 2nd soak test update OPP28.85-13.
Just tried to flash the update from SD card and ADB sideload.
Update failed due to wrong version.
E3002: Package expects build thumbprint of 8.1.0/OPP28.85-16/0400:user/release-keys or 7.0/NPPS25.137-93-2-5/10:user/release-keys; this device has 8.1.0/OPP28.85-13/789a:user/release-keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seems like it can be updated. from. soak test then, but I never heard nor did I find anything about OPP25. 85-16 build. maybe there was a third soak test and we don't know about it
Works perfect
Hi,
i used the above Image in Germany and i am now on Oreo 8.1
Everything works perfect. First i had a little bit trouble due to an old Version of ADB Tools, but after Update ADB to current Version the Update to Oreo took something around 30min.
Build 28.85-16
Oreo 8.1
Software Channel reteu
Patch Level 01.08.2018
bori321 said:
Hi,
i used the above Image in Germany and i am now on Oreo 8.1
Everything works perfect. First i had a little bit trouble due to an old Version of ADB Tools, but after Update ADB to current Version the Update to Oreo took something around 30min.
Build 28.85-16
Oreo 8.1
Software Channel reteu
Patch Level 01.08.2018
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On which version you were before update?
Firmware
Hi,
before update to Oreo i flashed NPPS25.137-93-2-5 Firmware and after that the Image from this thread.
Worked perfect.
Alex
I tried to post a Screenshot but it was not possible because i am a new member...
Update failed due to wrong version.
E3002: Package expects build thumbprint of 8.1.0/OPP28.85-16/0400:user/release-keys or 7.0/NPPS25.137-93-2-5/10:user/release-keys; this device has 8.1.0/OPP28.85-13/789a:user/release-keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
freeZbies said:
seems like it can be updated. from. soak test then, but I never heard nor did I find anything about OPP25. 85-16 build. maybe there was a third soak test and we don't know about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update fails from OPP28.85-13 since it expects either OPP28.85-16 which is the latest Oreo build (that I want to update to) or the latest Nougat NPPS25.137-93-2-5.
There is no OPP25. 85-16 build! I think you misread the error message.
BTW I updated from OPP28.85-13 to -16 using the full fastboot version and it worked out perfectly.
JoeDoe0 said:
Update fails from OPP28.85-13 since it expects either OPP28.85-16 which is the latest Oreo build (that I want to update to) or the latest Nougat NPPS25.137-93-2-5.
There is no OPP25. 85-16 build! I think you misread the error message.
BTW I updated from OPP28.85-13 to -16 using the full fastboot version and it worked out perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, I actually misread it, now I see it.
Anyways, flashing it from fastboot doesn't prove anything. but seems like Cedric can be upgraded from the soak test to final version using this ota. Idk because I used fastboot myself too, since I had already modified my system partition.
AsusZenFone3Deluxe said:
changelog?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seriously?
stop joking, Motorola doesn't release changelogs.
but I'll try:
updated from nougat to oreo?
duhhh
how is speaker quality in this build ?
because there is some issues in previous oreo builds
Speaker
Hi,
i would say that for my ears the speaker sounds better than it was with Nougat.
After a few days of testing everything works really good and i have not found anything not working or any problems.
Alex
bori321 said:
Hi,
before update to Oreo i flashed NPPS25.137-93-2-5 Firmware and after that the Image from this thread.
Worked perfect.
Alex
I tried to post a Screenshot but it was not possible because i am a new member...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how do you get back to NPPS25.137-93-2-5
I followed the steps from this Thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/g5/development/stock-upgrade-to-official-stock-oreo-8-t3823598
- Unlocked bootloader (don't know of this is necessary)
- back to NPPS25.137-93-2-5 via the commands from the thread i linked (without the lines:
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
)
- via ADB sideload with the Oreo download from this thread to Oreo.
Alex
ahmedAZ said:
how is speaker quality in this build ?
because there is some issues in previous oreo builds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my experience the quality is better than on previous oreo builds.
ahmedAZ said:
how do you get back to NPPS25.137-93-2-5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have an unlocked bootloader download NPPS25.137-93-2-5 Flashable Zip here and flash it with twrp
bori321 said:
I followed the steps from this Thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/g5/development/stock-upgrade-to-official-stock-oreo-8-t3823598
- Unlocked bootloader (don't know of this is necessary)
Alex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to flash official Motorola files there's no need to unlock the bootloader.
you've just unnecessarily voided your warranty
@freeZbies
Hey is that twrp stock rom (137-93-2-5) the only thing we need to flash before going for the ota ? Cause I've been told that we needed to be on a completely unmodified system partition in order to receive the ota. In that case just flashing twrp stock wouldn't be sufficient right?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/g5...o-official-stock-oreo-8-t3823598/post77713117
Chekm8Qc said:
@freeZbies
Hey is that twrp stock rom (137-93-2-5) the only thing we need to flash before going for the ota ? Cause I've been told that we needed to be on a completely unmodified system partition in order to receive the ota. In that case just flashing twrp stock wouldn't be sufficient right?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/g5...o-official-stock-oreo-8-t3823598/post77713117
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know if the twrp version would be valid. To apply an OTA, your system must matchbit by bit, so the most guaranteed way is to flash that firmware via fastboot, but you could try flashing the twrp version, and in case it works, you could post the results here.
just dont forget that if the ota fails youll soft brick ur phonr and will only be able to recover it via fastboot
freeZbies said:
I dont know if the twrp version would be valid. To apply an OTA, your system must match stick bit by bit, so the most guaranteed way is to flash that firmware via fastboot, but. you could try flashing the twrp version, and in case it. woeks you could post the results here.
just dont forget that if the ota fails youll soft brick ur phonr and will only be able to recover it via fastboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I'll keep that in mind
Being soft bricked,, wouldn't I be able to use twrp still? Like to flash a valid rom or one of my backups?
Anyways I can't really try it that way since the update hasn't come to me yet I'm on software channel Retca.
Edit : right I forgot that I could just use the official ota available here if I would like to test it.
Chekm8Qc said:
Thanks I'll keep that in mind
Being soft bricked,, wouldn't I be able to use twrp still? Like to flash a valid rom or one of my backups?
Anyways I can't really try it that way since the update hasn't come to me yet I'm on software channel Retca.
Edit : right I forgot that I could just use the official ota available here if I would like to test it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
being soft bricked doesnt necessarily mean you can recover it through twrp. OTA's are different of twrp flashables in that it modifies things beyond system partition. I've seen reports from people with other motorola devices who applied an OTA while having a modified system partition, and even though they were able to boot to twrp, flashing a custom Rom or restore a backup wouldn't make the phone boot. Their phones weren't hard bricked, but still they had to fastboot to recover their phones. Anyways, why don't you flash the Twrp flashable if, it's already available (considering you have an unlocked bootloader).
I'm case you have a locked bootloader you may fastboot without executing "fastboot erase userdata" in case you want to try. I did it without losing my data (although I was already in Opp 28.85-16)
but after all I really advice you to flash the twrp zip if u can
TL;DR
About two years back I upgraded from Marshmallow to Nougat then downgraded back to Marshmallow but didn't flash GPT or bootloader partitions (full details at the bottom)
I want to upgrade to the latest official stock firmware which I believe is this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/guide-moto-g4-g4-oreo-soak-test-update-t3871136
But I don't know where to begin.
If I backup my phone with TWRP can I restore back to it (Marhsmallow) if I decide I don't like Oreo?
Appreciate any help
History:
A while back I upgraded from Marshmallow to Nougat using this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/stock-rom-npjs25-93-14-4-march-1-t3608138
I then Flashed the June (2017) OTA update files
Xposed framework wasn't available for Nougat at the time so I downgraded back to Marshmallow; I believe I used the file XT1642_ATHENE_6.0.1_MPJ24.139-48_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip
I THINK I followed this downgrade guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/how-to-downgrade-nougat-to-marshmallow-t3487201
But I vaguely remember not flashing the GPT and bootloader partitions (based on the advice of the wonderful echo92 here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73031946&postcount=8) but I can't say for sure
I have a few backups from TWRP (https://imgur.com/a/QzgQNbh) from that time with this file structure: https://i.imgur.com/B2cxQvL.png
I blurred out the 10-character 0KB file - it seems unique but I can't remember what it's for
If you're wanting to downgrade back to Marshmallow at some point in the future, I would recommend you flash the TWRP flashable of OPJ28.111-22 https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/development/rom-oreo-8-1-0-soak-test-t3873367 This TWRP flashable should update your device mostly to Oreo, but not update your GPT/bootloader partitions (your GPT/bootloader would stay on the same version as you are now). Also, you should be able to roll back using your TWRP backup (though I do not know if you'll have issues with the Oreo modem on your Marshmallow device, so you might want to find the modem/fsg files too for Marshmallow)
We found out subsequently that downgrading firmware does not downgrade your GPT/bootloader (fastboot will complain of security downgrade errors otherwise). This poses a big problem when downgrading and using old OTA updates - old OTA updates corrupt your newer bootloader and hard brick your device. By not updating your GPT/bootloader further, you reduce the number of updates that can damage your device, but again, if you roll back to Marshmallow from your TWRP back up, make sure you do not use OTA updates at all.
you might want to find the modem/fsg files too for Marshmallow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not entirely sure what this means or how I do that.
I have XT1642_ATHENE_6.0.1_MPJ24.139-48_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip which contains NON-HLOS.bin and fsg.mbn which I believe are the modem/baseband firmware. I don't really know what to do with them though.
Since I can flash the firmware (zip) directly on the device (and the lack of a recovery.img in the zip) I assume that TWRP stays intact and remains the default recovery?
So, as I understand it, my steps are simply:
Flash TWRP-athene-8.1.0-OPJ28.111-22.zip in TWRP
Flash Magisk stable in TWRP
We found out subsequently that downgrading firmware does not downgrade your GPT/bootloader (fastboot will complain of security downgrade errors otherwise). This poses a big problem when downgrading and using old OTA updates - old OTA updates corrupt your newer bootloader and hard brick your device. By not updating your GPT/bootloader further, you reduce the number of updates that can damage your device, but again, if you roll back to Marshmallow from your TWRP back up, make sure you do not use OTA updates at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first part lost me a bit. Are you just saying, "Do not use OTA updates."?
Oh, and thank you very much for the help
tekwarfare said:
Not entirely sure what this means or how I do that.
I have XT1642_ATHENE_6.0.1_MPJ24.139-48_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip which contains NON-HLOS.bin and fsg.mbn which I believe are the modem/baseband firmware. I don't really know what to do with them though.
Since I can flash the firmware (zip) directly on the device (and the lack of a recovery.img in the zip) I assume that TWRP stays intact and remains the default recovery?
So, as I understand it, my steps are simply:
Flash TWRP-athene-8.1.0-OPJ28.111-22.zip in TWRP
Flash Magisk stable in TWRP
The first part lost me a bit. Are you just saying, "Do not use OTA updates."?
Oh, and thank you very much for the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Pretty much - keep the non-HLOS.bin, and FSG images from your fastboot zip handy. The TWRP flashable of the Oreo firmware contains the modem updates, whilst your TWRP backup likely does not have the modem partition. Thus, if you do downgrade and you get signal issues (don't know of anyone who downgraded from Oreo to Marshmallow, you'd be one of the first) you might have to flash the non-HLOS.bin and FSG via fastboot to downgrade your modem back to Marshmallow. The fastboot commands would be:
Code:
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
Failing that, you could flash this 64 bit TWRP and back up your EFS from both your Marshmallow and Oreo firmwares: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mo...t/recovery-team-win-recovery-project-t3842903 Then if you do have signal issues, you could try to restore your EFS. Or check out this guide if you have IMEI issues: https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/guide-moto-g4-plus-imei0-issue-t3859068
2)With the TWRP flashable - yes, your TWRP should stay intact and those steps sound good. Backup your existing installation beforehand.
3)If you downgrade your device stock Motorola firmware, do not use OTA updates. Else, you may hard brick your device.
Failing that, you could flash this 64 bit TWRP and back up your EFS from both your Marshmallow and Oreo firmwares: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mot...oject-t3842903
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got TWRP 3.1.1-0, that looks like it has new features including the ability to do EFS backups now so I'm fine to overwrite my existing Recovery with the one you linked?
I see there's apps that can do EFS backups too. Why TWRP over them?
Thank you very much for your help with this
tekwarfare said:
I've got TWRP 3.1.1-0, that looks like it has new features including the ability to do EFS backups now so I'm fine to overwrite my existing Recovery with the one you linked?
I see there's apps that can do EFS backups too. Why TWRP over them?
Thank you very much for your help with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be okay to overwrite your existing TWRP with the 64 bit version - you can either install in TWRP or flash TWRP via fastboot.
Alternatively, if you want to keep TWRP 3.1.1, then you can boot the 64 bit TWRP from fastboot (using the fastboot command 'fastboot boot <name of TWRP>', without quotes and where <name of TWRP> is the full file name of the 64 bit TWRP, without the arrows), then back up your EFS with the 64 bit TWRP. When you next reboot, you should still have your TWRP 3.1.1.
Not used those apps, so I can't comment, be up to you which approach to use. I've seen members use this TWRP for EFS backup without issue.
Do I need to wipe before flashing this?
Notes for myself in the future:
Updated my phones recovery partition to TWRP 3.2.3-0:
Installed MotorolaDeviceManager_2.5.4.exe
Copied recovery.img to the same directory as fastboot.exe and ran the line:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
I did a factory reset in TWRP
Downloaded and copied the zip across a few times but I'm just getting "zip signature verification failed".
tekwarfare said:
I did a factory reset in TWRP
Downloaded and copied the zip across a few times but I'm just getting "zip signature verification failed".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, which TWRP zip did you download? You could always go into TWRP settings and turn off signature verification.
Not sure if you needed to do a factory reset, though always useful when updating (hope you had a backup).
TWRP-athene-8.1.0-OPJ28.111-22.zip like you said. It's the one where AFH is crossed out but GDrive is up
Edit: I disabled zip signature verification (even though I didn't want to) and installed it. Setting things up so will see what works and what doesn't.
Thank you very much for the help
tekwarfare said:
TWRP-athene-8.1.0-OPJ28.111-22.zip like you said. It's the one where AFH is crossed out but GDrive is up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the right zip - I'd double check the download went okay, though under TWRP settings there should be an option to turn off zip verification. After that, the zip should flash okay.
Installing magisk via TWRP aslo failed the zip signature verification (just disabled the verification to install things from now on)
Managed to get a few things up and running like ViperFX.
Xposed is constantly causing bootloops (soft brick) and I can't seem to fix it. I managed to get EdXposed working with Sand Hook but it slows the system down noticeably; all I want is gravitybox.