Database Users

[Q]Newbie to G2, verifying that I have what I need to start out.

Hi everyone. I'm coming over from Sammyville to the land of LG, on AT&T. From the reading I've been doing on these boards, I've decided that I'm going to root the phones right out of the gate, if only so that I can use the Xposed Framework (although I assume a custom ROM will be in the cards once I get sick of all the bloatware). I just want to ensure that I've managed to piece together the process so far.
1. Accept no OTA update
2. Install LG Drivers (non-verizon version)
3. Run IORoot, using steps here
4. Download and run Freegee app to bypass bootloader & install TWRP
5. Backup the EFS partition and save it somewhere, in case I bork everything afterwards
6. Don't accept any OTA
Is that the basic idea of the path of least resistance? As I understood it, accepting the OTA updates complicates installing a custom ROM later on?

ixijimixi said:
Hi everyone. I'm coming over from Sammyville to the land of LG, on AT&T. From the reading I've been doing on these boards, I've decided that I'm going to root the phones right out of the gate, if only so that I can use the Xposed Framework (although I assume a custom ROM will be in the cards once I get sick of all the bloatware). I just want to ensure that I've managed to piece together the process so far.
1. Accept no OTA update
2. Install LG Drivers (non-verizon version)
3. Run IORoot, using steps here
4. Download and run Freegee app to bypass bootloader & install TWRP
5. Backup the EFS partition and save it somewhere, in case I bork everything afterwards
6. Don't accept any OTA
Is that the basic idea of the path of least resistance? As I understood it, accepting the OTA updates complicates installing a custom ROM later on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted, then installed the OTA. Then but on twrp did a backup and then flashed a custom rom. I also backed up the original recovery and bootloader with flashify..

Universal drivers. Back up EFS first and foremost after IOroot and recovery(both zips in multiple copies and locations). Freege works, but I prefer flashify / Phil's CWM. Backup also original boot, recovery, and kernel. Freeze the updater app as not accidentally accept. You sir, have done your homework. Accepting the OTA can fail or "softbrick" the phone destroying recovery. Freezing works better than chance. These steps may be painstaking, but will save your ass in a mishap.

Updated to rooted OK4 keeping knox counter at 0

This morning I was able to update my rooted phone to OK4 from OD3 keeping root and my Knox counter at 0 using metalfan78's [ROM]OK4 Stock Rooted Zip, and stock partitions from the full tar. I was able to use Flashfire to create the stok partitions tar and flash them via Odin. I did this based on another thread I followed to update to OD3 to keep root and Knox at 0 a while back. So far everything seems to be working good for me, I dirty flashed and everything seems to have gone like taking an OTA update.
I got the ROM here and used the odexed version:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...rom-ok4-stock-rooted-zips-12-16-2015-t3272692
Stock partitions file is save to my google drive here, it contains everything from the full tar except the system and cache (not sure how well sharing like this will work):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw7_CzqViQzSSGZHSE1TS3loN1E/view?usp=sharing
Followed the instructions for the update to OD3 here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...w-to-update-to-g900pod3-5-0-keeproot-t3136932
Hopefully this will help someone get updated, or just provide stock partitions for other use.
If Knox is already tripped this probably isn't worth the effort
You MUST be rooted already for this to work.
Edit:
1. After a couple hours S Health stopped working about every 5 seconds, making it difficult to do anything. Clearing the data and signing back in seems to have fixed it.
2. Play store continuously fails to download app updates on WiFi or Mobil data.
3. Wiped and reinstalled the ROM with Flashfire on Jan 1. I have not had any issues since.

Thank ya for this post, it has actually been a while since I have updated my phone. I haven't had any issues with any of the apps thus far. It's been a little over 24 hours since I've updated. Also, I think my phone runs a lot smoother with the update than it use to. Also, I don't have any issues with the play store updating. I'll post issues if any occurs.

dave011182 said:
This morning I was able to update my rooted phone to OK4 from OD3 keeping root and my Knox counter at 0 using metalfan78's [ROM]OK4 Stock Rooted Zip, and stock partitions from the full tar. I was able to use Flashfire to create the stok partitions tar and flash them via Odin. I did this based on another thread I followed to update to OD3 to keep root and Knox at 0 a while back. So far everything seems to be working good for me, I dirty flashed and everything seems to have gone like taking an OTA update.
I got the ROM here and used the odexed version:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...rom-ok4-stock-rooted-zips-12-16-2015-t3272692
Stock partitions file is save to my google drive here, it contains everything from the full tar except the system and cache (not sure how well sharing like this will work):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw7_CzqViQzSSGZHSE1TS3loN1E/view?usp=sharing
Followed the instructions for the update to OD3 here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...w-to-update-to-g900pod3-5-0-keeproot-t3136932
Hopefully this will help someone get updated, or just provide stock partitions for other use.
If Knox is already tripped this probably isn't worth the effort
You MUST be rooted already for this to work.
Edit:
1. After a couple hours S Health stopped working about every 5 seconds, making it difficult to do anything. Clearing the data and signing back in seems to have fixed it.
2. Play store continuously fails to download app updates on WiFi or Mobil data.
3. Wiped and reinstalled the ROM with Flashfire on Jan 1. I have not had any issues since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed your instructions and everything went smoothly, but at least once a day I get a message saying: "Device must restart. Device will restart in 25 seconds.". Do you get this? Any suggestions on how to stop it from happening?

IMBigWillie said:
I followed your instructions and everything went smoothly, but at least once a day I get a message saying: "Device must restart. Device will restart in 25 seconds.". Do you get this? Any suggestions on how to stop it from happening?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for my delayed response.
I was having a random system reboot, and assumed it was from my bad habit of dirty flashing. I think what ultimately fixed it for me was using flashfire to flash the stock tar(as far as it recommended) and inject root. Metalfan recommend flashing via Oden and rooting before installing his rom, but that would have tripped kmix for sure. After flashing the stock tar via flashfire I had no data even on WiFi. I flashed Metalfan's rom to get me working again quickly and haven't had any random reboot issues recently. My knox counter is still at 0.
I'm sure I should recommend wiping data in this process but that's up to you. I can't say for sure that I did, then restored backed up data or not. I was pressed for time that morning, and needed my phone working.

dave011182 said:
Sorry for my delayed response.
I was having a random system reboot, and assumed it was from my bad habit of dirty flashing. I think what ultimately fixed it for me was using flashfire to flash the stock tar(as far as it recommended) and inject root. Metalfan recommend flashing via Oden and rooting before installing his rom, but that would have tripped kmix for sure. After flashing the stock tar via flashfire I had no data even on WiFi. I flashed Metalfan's rom to get me working again quickly and haven't had any random reboot issues recently. My knox counter is still at 0.
I'm sure I should recommend wiping data in this process but that's up to you. I can't say for sure that I did, then restored backed up data or not. I was pressed for time that morning, and needed my phone working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for getting back so soon! I actually did a clean flash and still am having the issue ... I will definitely try your method tonight!

IMBigWillie said:
Thanks for getting back so soon! I actually did a clean flash and still am having the issue ... I will definitely try your method tonight!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may also want to try using flashfire to create your own stock partitions tar to flash in this process to be sure my file on drive isn't somehow corrupted. If you used it in the first place. Use the flash firmware package option, wait for it to read the file partitions, then the download icon to create your partitions file. Use what's highlighted by default, create your file, and transfer it to your computer. Flash what is selected by default from the tar and reboot into download mode to flash the partitions file just created.
If all you want is stock root and your data works you shouldn't need to flash anything else at that point.

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

Alright so I apologize in advance if this thread has been posted a million times and believe me, I've spent the last 4-5 days combing through to make sure I could get every detail of this process done correctly. So I'm not just blindly asking for instructions on how to root my phone. Apologies also if I posted this in the wrong place.
For starters, I'm using Moto G4 Plus XT1641 6.0.1 Build Number MPJ24.139-23.3. My carrier is Koodo in Canada (unsure if that's important but I'll need to being it up again for another point). The files I downloaded were from a youtube tutorial and this includes ADB program, TWRP img 3.0.2.0, supersu zip 2.46 and Motorola Drivers 2.5.4, SOME of which I think may have been outdated versions.
So Saturday night I tried to root my phone with those files. I followed some more guides, I unlocked my bootloader and I think I mostly did everything right except for getting the right supersu version as I've seen up to version 2.82. I think this may have been my first mistake but maybe someone correct me if I'm wrong? My other mistake was not making a backup in TWRP. I'd read about possible wifi problems after rooting so I grabbed the elemental package and possibly even flashed that wrong. I can't even remember the steps of what I did but I'm sure it was all wrong.
Main point, after all that I didn't have ccell service, wifi, etc. The common problems that arise when you do it wrong. I ended up just taking my phone in and getting a new phone. Exact same one, same model. And this brings me to where I am now. I've downloaded some new files and I want to make sure that I've got everything right as to avoid misunderstanding some key parts to the process.
Minimal ADB and Fastboot 1.4.2, twrp-3.1.1-0-athene.img, SuperSU-v2.82-201705271822, Motorola Drivers 2.5.4, and lastly XT1641_ATHENE-TELUS_MPJ24.139-23.3_cid50_subsidy-TELUS_CFC.xml. Notice how that last one says Telus? It's the parent company of Koodo so I'm hoping I can use that as a failsafe.
I think I've covered all the key points so to sum up:
1. Did I use the wrong supersu zip version and could that be a reason why I had no wifi/cell service? Is that also possible because I may have flashed the wrong carrier athene file?
2. Are the files I have downloaded now the correct ones I need and up to date?
3. I'm following this guide. With the files I have downloaded, is it still a correct step by step process? Are there other guides that work better?(thats not a knock on the original guide I'm refering to). https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g4-plus/how-to/root-systemless-rooting-supersu-2-74-2-t3405772
I think I've got the right know how and tools to root my phone but I'm just nervous of doing what I did before again and would like some reassurance that I'm doing it right. I've just come from jailbreaks, the world of root is much different. I appreciate any help or tips you guys can throw me!

Hmm, that's odd how you lost radio signal when you rooted, did you obtain radio signal back after you unrooted?
A few things I noted:
1)You may wish to update your device to a newer build, you might get an OTA inviting you to update to MPJ24-139-63 (or 139-64), which was the latest Marshmallow build. Once you've rooted, you will not be able to install OTA updates until you have unrooted and restored the stock recovery (from the same build as you currently have). If you get an OTA notification for any build beginning with NPJ, that's for Nougat.
2)If you plan to stay on Marshmallow, you don't need the ElementalX kernel - a custom kernel like ElementalX is compulsory on Nougat, whereas Marshmallow is not as strict with regards to rooting.
3) I hope the carrier ROM is okay, though from other reports, flashing the incorrect ROM can corrupt device partitions, leaving with no IMEI/no service/no FP. We have possible ways of repairing that though.
The tools you've downloaded seem to be okay and Bender's guide is still okay - even though the tools they've used are out of date - so the general procedure would be (up to you if you've updated MM at this point):
Install adb on your computer.
Boot your device to the bootloader.
Flash TWRP 3.1.1 athene (either the offficial TWRP or an unofficial build from shreps or oadam11) as directed.
Reboot to recovery (to make sure the recovery sticks).
Back up all partitions on your device, make the name descriptive.
Make another backup of the boot partition - this contains your stock kernel, useful for switching root manager.
Once the backups have been made, flash SuperSU v2.82.
Wipe cache/Dalvik
Reboot.

echo92 said:
Hmm, that's odd how you lost radio signal when you rooted, did you obtain radio signal back after you unrooted?
A few things I noted:
1)You may wish to update your device to a newer build, you might get an OTA inviting you to update to MPJ24-139-63 (or 139-64), which was the latest Marshmallow build. Once you've rooted, you will not be able to install OTA updates until you have unrooted and restored the stock recovery (from the same build as you currently have). If you get an OTA notification for any build beginning with NPJ, that's for Nougat.
2)If you plan to stay on Marshmallow, you don't need the ElementalX kernel - a custom kernel like ElementalX is compulsory on Nougat, whereas Marshmallow is not as strict with regards to rooting.
3) I hope the carrier ROM is okay, though from other reports, flashing the incorrect ROM can corrupt device partitions, leaving with no IMEI/no service/no FP. We have possible ways of repairing that though.
The tools you've downloaded seem to be okay and Bender's guide is still okay - even though the tools they've used are out of date - so the general procedure would be (up to you if you've updated MM at this point):
Install adb on your computer.
Boot your device to the bootloader.
Flash TWRP 3.1.1 athene (either the offficial TWRP or an unofficial build from shreps or oadam11) as directed.
Reboot to recovery (to make sure the recovery sticks).
Back up all partitions on your device, make the name descriptive.
Make another backup of the boot partition - this contains your stock kernel, useful for switching root manager.
Once the backups have been made, flash SuperSU v2.82.
Wipe cache/Dalvik
Reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, it helps me feel a little more confident in what I'm doing. I didn't get my cell service back as I just took my phone into Koodo and they just gave me a new one. A few questions.
Are there some clear guides on how to recover from lost wifi and cell service? I've seen a few but it appears they all have different directions so as a newcomer to Android it does seems a bit confusing to what the right way to do it is. I'm also hoping someone can chime in on the Telus carrier IMG file as that seems to be my backup in case anything goes terribly wrong again. I'd hate to have to bring my phone back again a second time. Also, is it an easy process to make a backup of the kernel in TWRP? I've figured out how to make a backup of the normal partition, just hoping backing up the kernel is just as easy.
I think I'm near ready to take the root plunge in the coming days. It's good to see such a strong community here. Totally different from the jailbreak scene.

lemonlimejones said:
Thanks for the reply, it helps me feel a little more confident in what I'm doing. I didn't get my cell service back as I just took my phone into Koodo and they just gave me a new one. A few questions.
Are there some clear guides on how to recover from lost wifi and cell service? I've seen a few but it appears they all have different directions so as a newcomer to Android it does seems a bit confusing to what the right way to do it is. I'm also hoping someone can chime in on the Telus carrier IMG file as that seems to be my backup in case anything goes terribly wrong again. I'd hate to have to bring my phone back again a second time. Also, is it an easy process to make a backup of the kernel in TWRP? I've figured out how to make a backup of the normal partition, just hoping backing up the kernel is just as easy.
I think I'm near ready to take the root plunge in the coming days. It's good to see such a strong community here. Totally different from the jailbreak scene.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I'm not aware of any guides specifically dealing with lost Wi-Fi and lost mobile signal. There are a few posts where we've had some success in getting radios back, but it involves either hex editing https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72340548&postcount=98 or flashing hw, modem or fsg partitions from a working device (in this case, XT1641) The instances I've seen of lost Wi-Fi/mobile signal appear to have occurred during a stock ROM fastboot flash, but hoping someone can chime in as to whether it was just flashing the wrong region firmware or something else.
If you want to back up your kernel in TWRP:
Boot to TWRP
Tap 'Backup' on the main menu
Select only the 'boot' partition - this is the partition that contains your kernel (should be stock and clean if you've not rooted).
Rename the file to remind you it's your kernel.
Swipe to back up.
If you need to revert to this kernel, unroot first (depending on your root manager, you may have to boot and then unroot. I recall SuperSU unroots via the SuperSU app settings), then boot to TWRP.
Tap 'Restore' on the main menu
Navigate to your boot backup
Flash your boot backup
You should now have a clean stock kernel, so if you wish to switch root managers, you should be able to obtain root with your new root manager. We want a clean kernel (no modifications made) since uninstalling the old root may leave traces of root on your existing kernel, and thus may cause issues if you re-root with a different manager.
Good luck in rooting

echo92 said:
Hmm, I'm not aware of any guides specifically dealing with lost Wi-Fi and lost mobile signal. There are a few posts where we've had some success in getting radios back, but it involves either hex editing https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72340548&postcount=98 or flashing hw, modem or fsg partitions from a working device (in this case, XT1641) The instances I've seen of lost Wi-Fi/mobile signal appear to have occurred during a stock ROM fastboot flash, but hoping someone can chime in as to whether it was just flashing the wrong region firmware or something else.
If you want to back up your kernel in TWRP:
Boot to TWRP
Tap 'Backup' on the main menu
Select only the 'boot' partition - this is the partition that contains your kernel (should be stock and clean if you've not rooted).
Rename the file to remind you it's your kernel.
Swipe to back up.
If you need to revert to this kernel, unroot first (depending on your root manager, you may have to boot and then unroot. I recall SuperSU unroots via the SuperSU app settings), then boot to TWRP.
Tap 'Restore' on the main menu
Navigate to your boot backup
Flash your boot backup
You should now have a clean stock kernel, so if you wish to switch root managers, you should be able to obtain root with your new root manager. We want a clean kernel (no modifications made) since uninstalling the old root may leave traces of root on your existing kernel, and thus may cause issues if you re-root with a different manager.
Good luck in rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's perfect thank you so much. Am I right to assume that if I get into a jam then I can just restore/reflash my backups and I'll be back to normal?

To be safe, flash the ElementalX kernel before rooting.

reCoded said:
To be safe, flash the ElementalX kernel before rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See this is where I get confused, the guy above you said ElementalX isn't needed on Marshmallow but you say i should use it anyway? I've seen a few differing opinions on what should and shouldn't be done, just not sure which one is the right answer.

lemonlimejones said:
See this is where I get confused, the guy above you said ElementalX isn't needed on Marshmallow but you say i should use it anyway? I've seen a few differing opinions on what should and shouldn't be done, just not sure which one is the right answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ElementalX v0.07 is not required on Marshmallow (provided you are planning on staying on 6.0.1), you can root the stock ROM kernel. You may wish to flash the ElementalX kernel anyway as this custom kernel gives you more control and tuning options compared to the stock kernel. On stock Nougat, because the anti-rooting kernel security is much stricter and enforced (whereas on Marshmallow I don't think it's enforced), then you need ElementalX or vegito or a custom kernel to bypass the security, by in effect replacing the stock secure kernel with a kernel that doesn't have those restrictions. Without replacing the stock kernel on stock Nougat systems, you can run into a bootloop.
As an MM kernel as mentioned before has weaker security regarding rooting, it's up to you if you choose to root the stock kernel or ElementalX.
I've rooted MM (MPJ24.139-63) in the past with SuperSU (v2.79) and only used TWRP and SuperSU.
In response to your other post, the backups should get you out of a jam, since what you're doing should only affect the partitions you've backed up previously (they in theory shouldn't go anywhere near your modem, bootloader or critical firmware). Bear in mind that the TWRP backup if restored in full will revert your messages and data to that backup. You may wish to use Titanium Backup or other tools to take occasional snapshots of your apps data that you can restore should you have to roll back.

lemonlimejones said:
See this is where I get confused, the guy above you said ElementalX isn't needed on Marshmallow but you say i should use it anyway? I've seen a few differing opinions on what should and shouldn't be done, just not sure which one is the right answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on Nougat, then you should use ElementalX. If you're on Marshmallow, you don't need it.

echo92 said:
ElementalX v0.07 is not required on Marshmallow (provided you are planning on staying on 6.0.1), you can root the stock ROM kernel. You may wish to flash the ElementalX kernel anyway as this custom kernel gives you more control and tuning options compared to the stock kernel. On stock Nougat, because the anti-rooting kernel security is much stricter and enforced (whereas on Marshmallow I don't think it's enforced), then you need ElementalX or vegito or a custom kernel to bypass the security, by in effect replacing the stock secure kernel with a kernel that doesn't have those restrictions. Without replacing the stock kernel on stock Nougat systems, you can run into a bootloop.
As an MM kernel as mentioned before has weaker security regarding rooting, it's up to you if you choose to root the stock kernel or ElementalX.
I've rooted MM (MPJ24.139-63) in the past with SuperSU (v2.79) and only used TWRP and SuperSU.
In response to your other post, the backups should get you out of a jam, since what you're doing should only affect the partitions you've backed up previously (they in theory shouldn't go anywhere near your modem, bootloader or critical firmware). Bear in mind that the TWRP backup if restored in full will revert your messages and data to that backup. You may wish to use Titanium Backup or other tools to take occasional snapshots of your apps data that you can restore should you have to roll back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right on, I think I feel comfortable with this now! One more question though, with newer versions of SuperSU is it still necessary to make the command echo systemless=true or was that mostly for older versions? Also if that part is needed, should I run SuperSU from the data folder in TWRP?

lemonlimejones said:
Right on, I think I feel comfortable with this now! One more question though, with newer versions of SuperSU is it still necessary to make the command echo systemless=true or was that mostly for older versions? Also if that part is needed, should I run SuperSU from the data folder in TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 'echo systemless=true', as I understand it, isn't required on SuperSU 2.79 or newer, so if you're flashing 2.82, you should be able to flash as is without having to run the command too Also makes uninstalling easier!

Noob Questions: Firmware,Bootloader, root.

Hi, i just got the moto g5 plus, i always have phones that from the moment i bought them they wouldn recive any updates, so i realy didnt care if unlocking the bootloader installing new recoverys will affect the OTA updates. So i have a couple of questions.
1- first i want to at least have a stock firmware just in case, but i cant figure out which one should i download from here
firmware.center/firmware/Motorola/Moto%20G5%20Plus/Stock/
Before i always use sammobile.com and it was really easy to found a stock firmware from Argentina. My compilation number is: npns25.137-15-11 this means that i suppose to download that one XT1681-XT1683_POTTER_BRASIL_LATAM_MEXICO_7.0_NPN25.137-15_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip ?
2- it is possible to unlock the bootloader and root your phone without installing a new recovery? i was reading some post and when you change your recovery or you modify something the OTA update will stop working. they are some methods like the magisk but they seem i little bit too complex for me and i don't want to do it every time that a new update is available.
thanks for the help, and sorry for my English i am from Argentina.

1. yes, but any build will flash and run, so it doesn't really matter that much...
2. Nope. You need to flash TWRP in order to root. This is because the stock recovery will only flash signed images... You can use Magisk, after backing up a stock build. Anytime there is an OTA, just restore to that system image, Flash the original recovery via fastboot, and then take the OTA. Once you have it, flash TWRP again, and restore to your other build. Or just run a custom room like Lineage or RR, and this whole thing isn't really an issue anymore.

Karlinski said:
1. yes, but any build will flash and run, so it doesn't really matter that much...
2. Nope. You need to flash TWRP in order to root. This is because the stock recovery will only flash signed images... You can use Magisk, after backing up a stock build. Anytime there is an OTA, just restore to that system image, Flash the original recovery via fastboot, and then take the OTA. Once you have it, flash TWRP again, and restore to your other build. Or just run a custom room like Lineage or RR, and this whole thing isn't really an issue anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i know i had a samsung galaxy s3 until now, and i always have cyanogen, slimrom or now lineage, but this is the first device that i have one that will get updates (at least 1 more :S) and i want to seize that
i will start downloading that file just in case
1- ok so unlocking the bootloader doesn't affect updates only when you modify files? when the update is installing is basically comparing the files that you have with the ones that you suppose to have and if there is something different it will fail? its something like that?
2-dumb question how do you do a full backup in the stock recovery there is no option no do a nandroid backup or it will appear after i just unlock the bootloader?

Downgrading bootloader version

Does anyone know about this ?
The last version of the firmware that got OTA'ed to my phone is POTTER_RETAIL_7.0_NPNS25.137-93-8.
The only twrp backup of the firmware I have is while it was on POTTER_RETAIL_7.0_NPNS25.137-93-4.
When I tried to flash the phone with v 93-4 using fastboot, I got denied because of the version being older than that of the bootloader. But the problem is that I was able to erase prior to attempting writing ...
I need to re-install a stock rom in the phone, but POTTER_RETAIL_7.0_NPNS25.137-93-8 cannbot be found anywhere yet.
I though about twrp-flashing the phone with my 93-4 backup, but I am hesitant, I fear bricking the phone.
Is there any alternative to patience while waiting for POTTER_RETAIL_7.0_NPNS25.137-93-8_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip eventually appearing somewhere ?
Or, in other words, knowing that the last OTA to my phone installed v 93-8, is there any way to flash POTTER_RETAIL_7.0_NPNS25.137-35-5_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip for instance ?

CanadianGixxerman said:
I though about twrp-flashing the phone with my 93-4 backup, but I am hesitant, I fear bricking the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An older version (your twrp backup) will work with a newer bootloader, however you can't do any OTAs. An OTA will try to apply the same changes to the bootloader that were already made, resulting in a hard brick - though the OTA would fail anyway since you don't have an intact /oem partition. You will have a functional phone, and you can get back on track after 93-8 images or Oreo are released.
I know because I'm in a similar situation. I wanted to update from 93-4 to 93-8, and I had an intact /system image backup, but /oem was mounted before so I had to flash it via fastboot. Little did I know it was from the wrong channel (retus instead of reteu), resulting in the OTA updating everything except for oem and messing stuff up, so I just flashed a 93-4 twrp backup. Everything works, patiently waiting for Oreo.

bazinga137 said:
I just flashed a 93-4 twrp backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious. Did you have a full system image backup through twrp or just the system partition? I have a twrp backup of 93-8 stock boot, logo, oem, recovery, and system PARTITIONS which I thought would allow me to restore and take ota. However, since doing that I've read that system needs to be the full IMAGE backup through twrp. Confused so I haven't restored to take the 93-10 update which I got notification of yesterday.

craigl14 said:
Just curious. Did you have a full system image backup through twrp or just the system partition? I have a twrp backup of 93-8 stock boot, logo, oem, recovery, and system PARTITIONS which I thought would allow me to restore and take ota. However, since doing that I've read that system needs to be the full IMAGE backup through twrp. Confused so I haven't restored to take the 93-10 update which I got notification of yesterday.
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Honestly, I am not sure. I did a twrp back up with the default selected partitions. But it turned out that this backup is not reliable. The phone does boot up on it, but suffers from applications crashes all over. Last I discovered is that the phone itself was not working for a phone, meaning making receiving calls is not possible.

craigl14 said:
Just curious. Did you have a full system image backup through twrp or just the system partition? I have a twrp backup of 93-8 stock boot, logo, oem, recovery, and system PARTITIONS which I thought would allow me to restore and take ota. However, since doing that I've read that system needs to be the full IMAGE backup through twrp. Confused so I haven't restored to take the 93-10 update which I got notification of yesterday.
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It needs to be an image backup for OTAs. Unlike a regular backup, image backups are block-by block pristine copies, and restoring them preserves dm-verity and all /system checks. On the other hand the /oem partition cannot be backed up as an image (I asked GtrCraft, the official maintainer of twrp for some moto devices), and since OTAs also check if /oem has been tampered with, the update fails.
Updates will only pass if /oem has never been mounted, and you have a system image backup.

bazinga137 said:
It needs to be an image backup for OTAs. Unlike a regular backup, image backups are block-by block pristine copies, and restoring them preserves dm-verity and all /system checks. On the other hand the /oem partition cannot be backed up as an image (I asked GtrCraft, the official maintainer of twrp for some moto devices), and since OTAs also check if /oem has been tampered with, the update fails.
Updates will only pass if /oem has never been mounted, and you have a system image backup.
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Dumb question...How do I know if the oem partition is tampered with or has never been mounted? I am rooted with elementalx kernel and supersu. TWRP partition stock backup made immediately after taking 93-8 update and before flashing twrp, rooting, etc. I know I am hosed without the system IMAGE as far as ota's go, but I'm just trying to learn.

I'm in the same boat. Pretty much stuck on 93-8 forever until a new full image is released somewhere. I might just move onto a custom Oreo rom.

dunderball said:
I'm in the same boat. Pretty much stuck on 93-8 forever until a new full image is released somewhere. I might just move onto a custom Oreo rom.
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Well, I did that. I have tried a few cutom roms : Pixel Exprerience, Resurection Remix, AOSP extended, AOSiP and Dirty Unicorns. The latter and AOSiP are those I find the most reliable. Avoid PE and RR, too buggy, AOSP-E has issues with SIM/SDcard here.
But I will want to go back to stock moto rom when I can (ie : full 93-8 load fastboot flashable is released).
If moto had been quicker to release Oreo AND fix the wifi bug, I would not have given up on retus.

I guess I have an even more fundamental dumb question than my twrp restore issue and maybe it belongs in another thread. Aside from advanced excel formulas, I have no programming experience of any kind, let alone android. However, it seems to me that if I have a full firmware package for 93-4 (which I do) and a "blur" ota update file that takes it to 93-8 (which I do), I should be able to create a full 93-8 firmware package file myself from those two files without waiting on the file hosting sites. Maybe this is way too advanced a process but it seems to me this is 1+2=3 variety.

craigl14 said:
I guess I have an even more fundamental dumb question than my twrp restore issue and maybe it belongs in another thread. Aside from advanced excel formulas, I have no programming experience of any kind, let alone android. However, it seems to me that if I have a full firmware package for 93-4 (which I do) and a "blur" ota update file that takes it to 93-8 (which I do), I should be able to create a full 93-8 firmware package file myself from those two files without waiting on the file hosting sites. Maybe this is way too advanced a process but it seems to me this is 1+2=3 variety.
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Your device now being at 93-8 is what's in the way. It seems like you can restore your twrp 93-4 on it, but you won't be able to relock the BL, hence OTA will not work.

CanadianGixxerman said:
Your device now being at 93-8 is what's in the way. It seems like you can restore your twrp 93-4 on it, but you won't be able to relock the BL, hence OTA will not work.
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Sorry for the confusion. My restore issue is with the fact that I did not make a full system image twrp backup of stock 93-8. If I had, I would be able to restore and take ota's (assuming the oem issue doesn't interfere which I don't know about).
My last question is more fundamental and broader. There are quite a few people waiting on firmware updates. It just seems to me that if I have a full firmware package and an update package for that firmware, I should be able to create a newly updated full firmware package independent of what happens to be on my phone at any one time. Again, maybe really stupid and way beyond my capabilities.

I'm on a slightly same boat as OP, but I don't have my backup since I thought it was on my SD and wiped my phone, with the backup only there. I was on 93-8 when I wiped. Would getting a 93-4 backup work?
This question might of been answered but I did not see it when I read through this thread.

craigl14 said:
Sorry for the confusion. My restore issue is with the fact that I did not make a full system image twrp backup of stock 93-8. If I had, I would be able to restore and take ota's (assuming the oem issue doesn't interfere which I don't know about).
My last question is more fundamental and broader. There are quite a few people waiting on firmware updates. It just seems to me that if I have a full firmware package and an update package for that firmware, I should be able to create a newly updated full firmware package independent of what happens to be on my phone at any one time. Again, maybe really stupid and way beyond my capabilities.
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I took a full backup of my system image through twrp, and I was on 93-8. I'll upload it when I have time and you can give it a try.

CanadianGixxerman said:
[...] but you won't be able to relock the BL, hence OTA will not work.
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Why would you need to relock the BL to take an OTA?
craigl14 said:
My last question is more fundamental and broader. There are quite a few people waiting on firmware updates. It just seems to me that if I have a full firmware package and an update package for that firmware, I should be able to create a newly updated full firmware package independent of what happens to be on my phone at any one time. Again, maybe really stupid and way beyond my capabilities.
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Sadly you can't apply an OTA to the firmware images, if that's what you're thinking. They need to be signed by moto to be flashable through fastboot. And if you'd want to provide someone with a twrp backup of a firmware higher than theirs, their bootloader would need to be updated too, via an OTA.

bazinga137 said:
if that's what you're thinking.
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Thanks. That's exactly my question. So the answer is that Motorola controls the process. Makes sense. Any thoughts on my oem mounting question?

craigl14 said:
Thanks. That's exactly my question. So the answer is that Motorola controls the process. Makes sense. Any thoughts on my oem mounting question?
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I really can't think of a way of checking the mount count of Android partitions, and I haven't found anything online.
I discovered the mount counter thingy when sweeping through logs of a failed OTA. I'm really not sure where the OTA script reads it from.

craigl14 said:
Sorry for the confusion. My restore issue is with the fact that I did not make a full system image twrp backup of stock 93-8. If I had, I would be able to restore and take ota's (assuming the oem issue doesn't interfere which I don't know about).
My last question is more fundamental and broader. There are quite a few people waiting on firmware updates. It just seems to me that if I have a full firmware package and an update package for that firmware, I should be able to create a newly updated full firmware package independent of what happens to be on my phone at any one time. Again, maybe really stupid and way beyond my capabilities.
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I made a full backup of 93-8, but still i can't lock bootloader. We need complete firmware, until then, Lineage OS is the answer.
---------- Post added at 11:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:52 PM ----------
bazinga137 said:
Why would you need to relock the BL to take an OTA?
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No idea, i saw this first time now on Motorola. On any other manufacturers i could lock bootloader, and even get OTA updates just by flashing stock recovery and having unlocked bootloader was not a problem.

If your device was formally updated to NPNS25.137-93-8 (March 2018 security patch), then you could try to flash the NPNS25.137-93-4 (Jan 2018 security patch) update again as you previously tried (link to the Jan 2018 stock firmware for EU/US and Asia devices: https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/potter/official/RETAIL/ ). You may wish to ignore the security downgrade errors (you cannot downgrade bootloaders anyway, presumably to prevent you opening security vulnerabilities) when you flash, which should just be for GPT and bootloader. You may also see 'image signed with bad key' for recovery and boot as well, but verify those partitions, and the other partitions report [OKAY] after flashing. That way, you should have a NPNS25.137-93-4 system, with a NPNS25.137-93-8 bootloader, and when you boot you should have a device reporting with fully stock NPNS25.137-93-4. The next OTA you should receive is the NPNS25.137-93-8 OTA and then the NPNS25.137-93-10 April 2018 security patch OTA, which should bring you up to the latest stock firmware.
By reflashing the NPNS25.137-93-4 firmware, this should also restore your OEM partition to being untampered (read only status?), as should your system partition (which should be read only, I recall that swiping to allow modifications in TWRP sets your system partition to read-write, which causes the OTA to fail).
Normally, I would advise against downgrading and using OTA updates, as this is a prime way of hard bricking. However, in this case you are downgrading your device firmware to the firmware directly preceding the newest firmware you had (i.e. downgrading to NPNS25.137-93-4 from NPNS25.137-93-8), with the next OTA being NPNS25.137-93-8, which brings you back up to the build you had, this may be safe. To your device, you are flashing the same bootloader from the NPNS25.137-93-8 OTA as currently on your device, which should not hard brick.
If you previously had stock NPNS25.137-93-10, then I cannot recommend this procedure as you'll be downgrading two firmware versions (and you'll have to wait for newer stock firmware to be leaked), else if you try flashing NPNS25.137-93-4 onto the April 2018 firmware and try using OTA updates, you may hard brick and have a pricey paperweight. I also do not know if this will work by cross-flashing from the NPN25.137-92 series of updates either.
Of course, as the NPNS25.137-93-4 firmware is older than your bootloader, you will not be able to re-lock your bootloader (you'll need a newer firmware, probably the April 2018 or newer security patch stock firmware), but being back on full stock, you should be eligible for OTAs provided you only downgraded from NPNS25.137-93-8 (and that March 2018 security patch was the latest stock firmware on your device).
If you are truly concerned about hard bricking, then I would follow other member's suggestions in this thread and stay with TWRP flashables of the stock ROM, as they do not usually affect the bootloader.
Any questions or comments before you perform this procedure, please ask.

bazinga137 said:
I really can't think of a way of checking the mount count of Android partitions, and I haven't found anything online.
I discovered the mount counter thingy when sweeping through logs of a failed OTA. I'm really not sure where the OTA script reads it from.
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Thanks. Weird. Sorry for hijacking this thread. But if my process were to take OTA after which it reboots, then IMMEDIATELY reboot into bootloader, fastboot BOOT into twrp (not flash it) and take a backup of boot, logo, oem, recovery and system (FULL IMAGE), how would that change oem?

CanadianGixxerman said:
Well, I did that. I have tried a few cutom roms : Pixel Exprerience, Resurection Remix, AOSP extended, AOSiP and Dirty Unicorns. The latter and AOSiP are those I find the most reliable. Avoid PE and RR, too buggy, AOSP-E has issues with SIM/SDcard here.
But I will want to go back to stock moto rom when I can (ie : full 93-8 load fastboot flashable is released).
If moto had been quicker to release Oreo AND fix the wifi bug, I would not have given up on retus.
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What's buggy about PE? I was just about to try it...