Database Users

Please Point Me to The Right Direction

Hello the Wonderful and Fantastic Members of the XDA Community,
I'm in the process of researching on how to unlock bootloader, install magix and ultimately root the phone, and I hope that someone can point me to the right guides to accomplish these steps. I have been trying to figure it out but would feel much better if someone can point me to the right guide as opposed to me blindly guessing which guide I should follow. This is what I know so far:
1. I believe that in order to use Magix, I need to have a "Custom Recovery" which requires I unlock phone's "bootloader". But before I can do that, I need to have a stock system, which DrakenFX had gracious posted but I'm not too sure how to find. Can someone point me to the right forum to obtain the stock system image from DrakenFX and the guide to unlocking the bootloader for this phone? What are some precautions I should take prior to attempting to unlock the bootloader? And what do I need to do with the stock system if everything goes south with my attempt? I'm currently on A2017UV1.0.0B27 (after the latest update). Will the stock system work with that?
2. I believe that after I unlock the bootloader, I have to install the Custom Recovery, which I think I should use TWRP - is it compatible with magix? After I install TWRP, I need to use TWRP to "flash" magix onto my phone? How can I install TWRP and use it to flash magix? What are some of the precautions I need to take before my attempt to complete step 2?
3. I think after I installed the customer recovery and flash magix, rooting "should" be easier for me, but please point me to the appropriate guide to accomplish that.
Extra Question: I read in one of the forums that after I unlock the bootloader, I will no longer able to receive On The Air updates, how can I continue to receive these updates after bootloader is unlocked and what happens when ZTE roll out Android N for the Axon 7? Will I be able to update to that version?
Here are all the facts about my phone:
Model: ZTE A2017U
Android Version: 6.0.1
Kernel Version: 3.18.20
Build Number: A2017UV1.0.0B27
Thank you all so very much for your patience, understanding, and kind help, I'm forever grateful!

First flash TWRP by following this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/wip-axon-7-root-bootloader-unlokced-t3441204
Then unlock your bootloader by following this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165
I've never used Magisk before (I just stick with SuperSU), so I'll leave that part to someone else.
As for the extra question:
If you used ZTE's official bootloader unlock method (which required you to submit a form with your IMEI), you'll no longer get OTAs, but if you do it all unofficially (like these guides), you'll still get OTAs. HOWEVER, the OTAs will not install if you make changes to the device besides bootloader unlock. If you have a custom recovery it won't apply. If you have systemless root (which modifies the boot image) it won't apply. If you use Magisk (which modifies the boot image) it won't apply. If you make changes to /system it won't apply. So basically, besides having an unlocked bootloader, you have to be full and complete stock to install OTAs.
However, after an OTA comes out, I suspect that someone will make a TWRP-flashable version.

@xtermmin Thank you so much for your reply, I greatly appreciate it!
Quick question, Is there a way to install TWRP without having to root first? The reason I ask was according to Magix, it must be flashed prior to the system being rooted.

@xtermmin Thank you so much for your reply, I greatly appreciate it!
Quick question, Is there a way to install TWRP without having to root first? The reason I ask was according to Magix, it must be flashed prior to the system being rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to root to flash TWRP.

Upgrade to newer build after rooting with locked BL?

Some background on what I've done with the phone:
It came with B29 on it.
I used DrakenFX's BootStack and System files to downgrade it to B27
From there, I tried the steps in Tenfar's thread to root the phone without unlocking the boot loader.
I screwed something up along the way and after many hours, got my phone booting properly again and downgraded to B20.
From there, I followed the steps posted by mmamedov in tenfar's thread to actually get my phone rooted properly.
I'm pretty new to rooting and all this stuff since I'm jumping ship from iPhone, but I've done a bit of tinkering.
I don't quite understand where the "root" part resides and what updates would affect it.
Now, I'm on B20 but would like to upgrade to some of the newer versions. What are my options for doing that and would I have to wipe the phone to update?
Could I use the backup tool to flash the stock recovery instead of TWRP, and use the built in update through settings?
Or should I use TWRP and DrakenFX's newer BootStack/System files to update?
or something else?
Thanks
- Android Newbie

mozerxdaven said:
Some background on what I've done with the phone:
It came with B29 on it.
I used DrakenFX's BootStack and System files to downgrade it to B27
From there, I tried the steps in Tenfar's thread to root the phone without unlocking the boot loader.
I screwed something up along the way and after many hours, got my phone booting properly again and downgraded to B20.
From there, I followed the steps posted by mmamedov in tenfar's thread to actually get my phone rooted properly.
I'm pretty new to rooting and all this stuff since I'm jumping ship from iPhone, but I've done a bit of tinkering.
I don't quite understand where the "root" part resides and what updates would affect it.
Now, I'm on B20 but would like to upgrade to some of the newer versions. What are my options for doing that and would I have to wipe the phone to update?
Could I use the backup tool to flash the stock recovery instead of TWRP, and use the built in update through settings?
Or should I use TWRP and DrakenFX's newer BootStack/System files to update?
or something else?
Thanks
- Android Newbie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2 rooting makes the OTA from ZTE not work

I've been going through a similar learning curve as you I think.
I recommend @DrakenFX's nearly stock rom.
You will need to unlock the bootloader (I'm pretty certain) I believe that is covered and/or linked in the rom's page.
If it doesn't make sense keep reading until it does, is the advice I gave to myself.
I'm pretty new to certain parts of all the options involved in rooting and bootloaders etc. but I believe that the bootloader can be relocked if you don't get it officially unlocked and you do it yourself, I haven't confirmed that yet so don't take my word for it.
I ran into confusion when I unlocked and had driver issues with fastboot but I got there.
DrakenFX had a few posts that are really helpful. I used his B29 image and bootstack after I had TWRP installed.
He has another TWRP unlock zip that allows unlocking with ADB and then fastboot.
I ran into issues like I said and posted in his bootstack thread if you'd like to see if my problems might shed some light. My post didn't prompt any meaningful conversation but my driver issues sorted themselves out so I didn't have to pursue it much further.
Sorry for the lack of links but I hope this helps in some way.
Here's the ROM from DrakenFX that is close to stock B29, it looks like it will evolve into Nougat, can't wait for that.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/rom-zaxon-dmix7-stock-base-rom-t3495970

Axon 7 A2017U B29 Root, BL unlock, and TWRP

Can someone walk me through how to Unlock the bootloader, root, and install TWRP? I'm so confused. I tried to do the newbie way, even though I'm not a newbie, and I lost my B29 Stock Recovery and can't find the download for it.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

I haven't done it yet but I've done a lot of reading and this seems to me the best guide.
Head over to this link which is the TWRP thread. https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/recovery-official-twrp-zte-axon-7-t3515715
Once you're in there go to bootloader unlock section. Download all the necessary files and on the bottom of the guide there will be instructions link which will take you here https://build.nethunter.com/misc/axon7/INSTRUCTIONS.txt
Follow that and that should do it.
When i get a weekend off ill be using this method to get the Lineage OS 14.1 on my device.

Search, Read & Follow --CAREFULLY--.
It's been a while, but this worked great for me, starting from B29.
Goodluck
Let me tell you, this is the guide that should be pinned. It gives very easy/clear instructions on what you need to do to root/flash recovery and even going back to stock. Very well written and I wish I had seen it sooner. I was going to write a clear guide on this subject only to find.. it already existed.. --nolimit78

@amphi66 I am on 2017U B29 and want to unlock bootloader, install TWRP and root. I also read newbies thread. I am confused about one thing. which TWRP recovery image should I use? a2017u B27 http://d-h.st/kRgq or TWRP recovery 3.0.2-2 : http://d-h.st/dgWW ? There is no file for B29 on newbie's thread and in FAQ, the OP said B27 should work for B29. Which one did you use?
After reading, I also see some people said tenfar's tool is too dangerous and it may brick your phone. Some people also claimed the back up of TWRP recovery 3.0.2 provided on that thread has some bugs may cause you to loose your IMEI number when you do recovering. Do you have any issues? Thanks!
amphi66 said:
Search, Read & Follow --CAREFULLY--.
It's been a while, but this worked great for me, starting from B29.
Goodluck
Let me tell you, this is the guide that should be pinned. It gives very easy/clear instructions on what you need to do to root/flash recovery and even going back to stock. Very well written and I wish I had seen it sooner. I was going to write a clear guide on this subject only to find.. it already existed.. --nolimit78
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

greatzt said:
@amphi66 I am on 2017U B29 and want to unlock bootloader, install TWRP and root. I also read newbies thread. I am confused about one thing. which TWRP recovery image should I use? a2017u B27 http://d-h.st/kRgq or TWRP recovery 3.0.2-2 : http://d-h.st/dgWW ? There is no file for B29 on newbie's thread and in FAQ, the OP said B27 should work for B29. Which one did you use?
After reading, I also see some people said tenfar's tool is too dangerous and it may brick your phone. Some people also claimed the back up of TWRP recovery 3.0.2 provided on that thread has some bugs may cause you to loose your IMEI number when you do recovering. Do you have any issues? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was back last Nov, but I followed the guide, using the recommended files (was on B29, but used the B27 OK, then reflashed B29 at the end).
The warning involved backing up and then restoring the EFS partiton with tenfar's tool. DON'T! If you stick with system, data, and boot partitions you should be fine.
Good luck. You may want to check with @nolimit78. He has done this much more recently.

Yes, I agree with you @amphi66 that there is a lot of different places to get information about how to root/flash recovery for A2017U B29. Here's what I've done with two different A7's and both have worked each time.
1. Boot the phone to EDL Mode (Both Vol+Power on boot it'll quick flash the red notification light and then act like it's off.. it's not)
2. Use tenfar's tool to flash the recovery. (I renamed the updated TWRP img and named it "recovery". This used tenfar's tool to flash the updated TWRP on your device.
3. Once in TWRP, run the command (reboot disemmcwp and relaunch TWRP) and flash the package to use modifiable bootloader from B20.
4. Once that flashes now you can send the command in Fastboot "fastboot oem unlock" which will unlock the bootloader that doesn't trip anything notifying ZTE
5. At this point you can flash a B29 rom and have a grand ol' time. However, I would recommend using the LineageOS Rom that's available. Trumps everything else out there IMHO.
6. To do that You'll need to flash the Nougat Bootstacks for that rom to boot prior to flashing the Rom itself. I would recommend flashing the nougat bootstacks, reboot to TWRP, flash LineageOS, reboot.
Like I said, I've done with this with two different devices (Thanks ZTE) and both worked out just fine. I did this method with a device with b27 and b29, both ended up updated and flashed with CM/LineageOS with ZERO issues. This post here should also be pinned as the one true guide (THE KING OF THE NORTH) for unlocking/rooting a stock Axon 7. I spent probably about 4-5 hours working, trying to figure out how to get my device unlocked/rooted. However.. at the very end I wrote out instructions trying to help those who would come after me.. I searched the threads to make sure there wasn't already a thread out there.. and then.. it turns out there was.

Someone have the 5 files to unlock the bootloader 2017u on drive

Looking to root SM-T350, but I'm not sure about how to go about doing it

Before we get into anything, you need to know that I am completely new to rooting.
While browsing through different tutorials related to rooting, I found many saying that I needed to unlock the bootloader. Then, while browsing through forums related to the SM-T350, I found one user saying that unlocking the bootloader "doesn't exist." Does this mean the bootloader for the T350 is already unlocked?
Also, does flashing TWRP recovery root the device, or do I have other steps to go through?
My understanding is that I have to first install TWRP Recovery through Odin3, then proceed to flash a .tar file, like CF-auto-root, to gain root access. Is this correct?
More information:
Version: 7.1.1
Build Number: T350XXU1CQJ5
Security Patch Level: 07/01/2017

Maj. Procrastinator said:
Before we get into anything, you need to know that I am completely new to rooting.
While browsing through different tutorials related to rooting, I found many saying that I needed to unlock the bootloader. Then, while browsing through forums related to the SM-T350, I found one user saying that unlocking the bootloader "doesn't exist." Does this mean the bootloader for the T350 is already unlocked?
Also, does flashing TWRP recovery root the device, or do I have other steps to go through?
My understanding is that I have to first install TWRP Recovery through Odin3, then proceed to flash a .tar file, like CF-auto-root, to gain root access. Is this correct?
More information:
Version: 7.1.1
Build Number: T350XXU1CQJ5
Security Patch Level: 07/01/2017
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I'm new to this too so hopefully someone who really knows what they're doing will chime in. I have a P550 tablet and I I can tell you I have installed TWRP with Odin and it doesn't give you root. It's just a more robust recovery software. You have to flash something else to get root, I'm looking into other options like Magisk for that now but haven't pulled the trigger.

Did you ever get a answer through private message??
Maj. Procrastinator said:
Before we get into anything, you need to know that I am completely new to rooting.
While browsing through different tutorials related to rooting, I found many saying that I needed to unlock the bootloader. Then, while browsing through forums related to the SM-T350, I found one user saying that unlocking the bootloader "doesn't exist." Does this mean the bootloader for the T350 is already unlocked?
Also, does flashing TWRP recovery root the device, or do I have other steps to go through?
My understanding is that I have to first install TWRP Recovery through Odin3, then proceed to flash a .tar file, like CF-auto-root, to gain root access. Is this correct?
More information:
Version: 7.1.1
Build Number: T350XXU1CQJ5
Security Patch Level: 07/01/2017
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Downgrading from Pie(pixel exp) to Stock.

Hello Everyone!
I am a total noob. I have rooted many phone but never once reversed the process. Plus with stock moto being 32bit and customs being 64 it is even more complicated for me. And plus all this post about lost IMIE numbers and lost GPT makes me scared.
If i may, can I get step by step guide to relock my bootloader and get OTAs.
I have read most of the tutorials here but couldnt get the confidence to move forward(they all sound a little different)
I have moto G5 plus XT1686 indian version 4Gb/32GB currently running PE 9.0 (GTRCraft). I dont remember which version I had when I unlocked the bootloader. I do have a backup of my persist/efs.
I did see one tutorial but it is for 8.1.0 to stock and IDK if that works for me.
Thanks in advance.

reganEZ said:
Hello Everyone!
I am a total noob. I have rooted many phone but never once reversed the process. Plus with stock moto being 32bit and customs being 64 it is even more complicated for me. And plus all this post about lost IMIE numbers and lost GPT makes me scared.
If i may, can I get step by step guide to relock my bootloader and get OTAs.
I have read most of the tutorials here but couldnt get the confidence to move forward(they all sound a little different)
I have moto G5 plus XT1686 indian version 4Gb/32GB currently running PE 9.0 (GTRCraft). I dont remember which version I had when I unlocked the bootloader. I do have a backup of my persist/efs.
I did see one tutorial but it is for 8.1.0 to stock and IDK if that works for me.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wipe everything from twrp and then use LMSA OR manually flash the stock ROM and then go for bootloader lock procedure. Then you are done. And you won't lose any IMEI or Persist, so you will be safe.

riyan65 said:
Just wipe everything from twrp and then use LMSA OR manually flash the stock ROM and then go for bootloader lock procedure. Then you are done. And you won't lose any IMEI or Persist, so you will be safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So just download a TWRP flashable 8.1.0 rom and i m good?

reganEZ said:
So just download a TWRP flashable 8.1.0 rom and i m good?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, download a fastboot flashable ROM, with a TWRP flashable you won't be able to apply OTAs:
https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/potter/official/RETAIL/
Use OPSS28.85-17-4 if you're in the US or OPSS28.85-13-3 for the rest of the world.
Follow the available tutorials for flashing that firmware and after that for relocking the BL (almost the same commands). Make sure you have Minimal ADB & Fastboot
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=746010030569952951
and Motorola drivers
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0WGdtNWubBJYnlDcWRBZXltanc/view
installed on your PC.
For the fastboot commands you can use this flashall.bat:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zfh67uzfle9hsco/flashallO.bat?dl=0

Wolfcity said:
No, download a fastboot flashable ROM, with a TWRP flashable you won't be able to apply OTAs:
https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/potter/official/RETAIL/
Use OPSS28.85-17-4 if you're in the US or OPSS28.85-13-3 for the rest of the world.
Follow the available tutorials for flashing that firmware and after that for relocking the BL (almost the same commands). Make sure you have Minimal ADB & Fastboot
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=746010030569952951
and Motorola drivers
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0WGdtNWubBJYnlDcWRBZXltanc/view
installed on your PC.
For the fastboot commands you can use this flashall.bat:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zfh67uzfle9hsco/flashallO.bat?dl=0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ATTENTION:
You will need the appropriate version of the firmware according to your device version
You need the same or later version of firmware that you have when you unlock your BL
Example: If when you unlock your bl you was on NPNS25.137-33-11 you need the same (or later) complete firmware because you can't downgrade.
This is a part of the bootloader locking tutorial here on XDA. Does this make a difference?

reganEZ said:
ATTENTION:
You will need the appropriate version of the firmware according to your device version
You need the same or later version of firmware that you have when you unlock your BL
Example: If when you unlock your bl you was on NPNS25.137-33-11 you need the same (or later) complete firmware because you can't downgrade.
This is a part of the bootloader locking tutorial here on XDA. Does this make a difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ i tried the method and it says "slot not found" error

reganEZ said:
ATTENTION:
You will need the appropriate version of the firmware according to your device version
You need the same or later version of firmware that you have when you unlock your BL
Example: If when you unlock your bl you was on NPNS25.137-33-11 you need the same (or later) complete firmware because you can't downgrade.
This is a part of the bootloader locking tutorial here on XDA. Does this make a difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to use the firmware you were on before you changed to a custom ROM or a newer one.
Never use an older one, downgrading can brick your device.
reganEZ said:
+ i tried the method and it says "slot not found" error
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "slot not found" error is normal, it's related to A/B devices with more than one recovery slot like Pixel phones. The commands should work nevertheless. Ignore the message.

I reloaded my G5 Plus with POTTER_RETAIL_7.0_NPNS25.137-93-4_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip sucessfuly. However, I was not able to relock the bootloader :
C:\Moto potter>fastboot oem lock
...
(bootloader) Still require signed boot.img
It got OTA'ed to Oreo 8.1 latter on, but still bootloader unlocked.
I just went through the flashing process to POTTER_RETAIL_8.1.0_OPSS28.85-17-4, same damned thing.
Everything works fine, excpet for Netflix that can't be installed no more and my bank software who keeps complaining.
I just dunno what to do to relock, any advice ?

Wolfcity said:
You have to use the firmware you were on before you changed to a custom ROM or a newer one.
Never use an older one, downgrading can brick your device.
The "slot not found" error is normal, it's related to A/B devices with more than one recovery slot like Pixel phones. The commands should work nevertheless. Ignore the message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, Thank you for your reply.
I understand I cannot use an older firmware. I remember I unlocked my BL when I was in 7.0 itself, but when I installed the Arrow 9.0, I flashed the 8.1 firmware zip to get the NFC and Fingerprint working. So now my ro.build fingerprint doesnt tell me which firmware build i am on it just says "8.1"
I am confused what to do. Should I download the latest 8.1 moto rom and flash it? I tried the TWRP flashable rom but the phone just goes upto Hello Moto bootscreen and then bootloops.
I erased everything and flashed PE 9.0 again.

reganEZ said:
Hello, Thank you for your reply.
.....Should I download the latest 8.1 moto rom and flash it?.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I would do. If you flash the latest firmware it can't be older as the one you're originally coming from.
Follow my previous post:
Wolfcity said:
No, download a fastboot flashable ROM, with a TWRP flashable you won't be able to apply OTAs:
https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/potter/official/RETAIL/
Use OPSS28.85-17-4 if you're in the US or OPSS28.85-13-3 for the rest of the world.
Follow the available tutorials for flashing that firmware and after that for relocking the BL (almost the same commands). Make sure you have Minimal ADB & Fastboot
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=746010030569952951
and Motorola drivers
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0WGdtNWubBJYnlDcWRBZXltanc/view
installed on your PC.
For the fastboot commands you can use this flashall.bat:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zfh67uzfle9hsco/flashallO.batflashallO.bat?dl=0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Wolfcity said:
That's what I would do. If you flash the latest firmware it can't be older as the one you're originally coming from.
Follow my previous post:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Sir, i was on OPSS28.85-13-5 when i flashed custom rom. The link you provided lists OPSS28.85-13-3 as the latest firmware. Should i install that? I am from India if that helps. Help please.

MrAshuBrar said:
Hello Sir, i was on OPSS28.85-13-5 when i flashed custom rom. The link you provided lists OPSS28.85-13-3 as the latest firmware. Should i install that? I am from India if that helps. Help please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take this one:
85-13-5
https://forum.xda-developers.com/g5-plus/how-to/official-oreo-coming-soon-t3779098/post78844908

CanadianGixxerman said:
I reloaded my G5 Plus with POTTER_RETAIL_7.0_NPNS25.137-93-4_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip sucessfuly. However, I was not able to relock the bootloader :
C:\Moto potter>fastboot oem lock
...
(bootloader) Still require signed boot.img
It got OTA'ed to Oreo 8.1 latter on, but still bootloader unlocked.
I just went through the flashing process to POTTER_RETAIL_8.1.0_OPSS28.85-17-4, same damned thing.
Everything works fine, excpet for Netflix that can't be installed no more and my bank software who keeps complaining.
I just dunno what to do to relock, any advice ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash all the system files while locking. (0-8). Older locking guides have only 0-4. Newer firmware has 9 system files.

Wolfcity said:
Take this one:
85-13-5
https://forum.xda-developers.com/g5-plus/how-to/official-oreo-coming-soon-t3779098/post78844908
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much ?