If I backup my system on tw recovery, and flash a new rom, will wiping my phone delete the tw recovery backup in case I have to restore my phone? Feel free to correct me on this, but to my understanding teamwin has it's own partition, and wiping does not mess with this partition?
matthewbhass said:
If I backup my system on tw recovery, and flash a new rom, will wiping my phone delete the tw recovery backup in case I have to restore my phone? Feel free to correct me on this, but to my understanding teamwin has it's own partition, and wiping does not mess with this partition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think TWRP backups are normally stored on your internal storage partition, so if you perform a (EDIT full factory reset doesnt wipe this, thanks Silesh) or wipe your internal storage, your backups will be erased too. The TWRP itself does install to the recovery partition (which will only be affected by a flash to the recovery, which a wipe will not perform), you're correct on that but the backups are held separately to that. You can copy your backups to another computer or SD card, I found my backup under /SDcard/TWRP/BACKUPS - you could either copy the folder with a root browser or use the ADB pull command (with the ADB terminal), though the TWRP backup may not show on a Windows desktop even if it's been copied correctly. However, if copied back to your phone, the TWRP backup should function.
Edit: thanks Silesh for correcting me, I was thinking of app data rather than user data!
echo92 said:
I think TWRP backups are normally stored on your internal storage partition, so if you perform a full factory reset or wipe your internal storage, your backups will be erased too. The TWRP itself does install to the recovery partition (which will only be affected by a flash to the recovery, which a wipe will not perform), you're correct on that but the backups are held separately to that. You can copy your backups to another computer or SD card, I found my backup under /SDcard/TWRP/BACKUPS - you could either copy the folder with a root browser or use the ADB pull command (with the ADB terminal), though the TWRP backup may not show on a Windows desktop even if it's been copied correctly. However, if copied back to your phone, the TWRP backup should function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying. I can't transfer files from my computer to my phone, but I have thought about using the ADB sideload option from recovery. Is there a way that I can move my backup from my phone to my computer (and to my phone from my computer) using the sideload option, just in case I need the backup? I refuse to flash a new ROM without access to my complete backup, lol.
Internal storage is not formatted during a normal wipe. You have to specifically go into the advanced wipe and select internal storage to wipe it completely. So there is no issue while flashing a new rom if you don't choose the advanced wipe option.
You could also create the twrp backup in your external sdcard. That way your backup stays even if you wipe your phone using a factory reset or by mistake.
Strange. What's the problem of making backups to external SD? The function is right there (as Silesh mentioned). BTW: the very last version of TWRP is able to make backups straight to pc. This needs to be done FROM a pc though. TWRP is capable to work with fastboot now (using special command though, or with this GUI for pc: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software-hacking/tool-twrp-backup-restore-tool-pc-t3572241 )
You can choose whether you want to use internal storage or SD card when making a backup. It doesn't matter which you choose as long as you (and I learned this the hard way) pay attention to what you are doing and DO NOT WIPE internal storage or your SD card. Advantages of SD card is you won't lose your backup if you decide to flash stock. Disadvantage: if your card craps out on you backup is lost unless you have copied to PC or saved on cloud.
My Solution
I solved my problem by using the pull command in adb. Now if I decide to flash a new ROM, I can push my TWRP recovery back to my phone using adb and then recover it in my TWRP recovery.. I also backup using adb backup which backs it up directly to my computer anyways.
I knew about storing my TWRP backup on an sd card, but I haven't made time to get one. . I recently switched to the Motorola G4 Plus after my iPhone 6s decided to turn off and not turn back on. I eventually grew tired of the iPhone anyways due to lack of accessibility and freedom. Back in the day I owned androids but never rooted one or had one that was rooted. I did jailbreak my 4th generation iPod a few years ago. But I went through an iPhone 5s, and upgraded to a 6s and had that for a few months. I eventually just switched back to android after the longest time and I can't say that I regret it.
My Moto G4 Plus has been an amazing phone. I've only had it for a few weeks now, but I rooted it the day after I got it . So I'm a bit of a noob in the rooting community, . Since then it's been a pretty smooth transition. I've only got root access and xposed framework as of now. I was thinking about flashing a ROM so I made backups just in case, but I don't plan on making any major changes to the kernel or flashing another ROM. I'm satisfied with the stock ROM since Motorola pretty much made it as minimal as possible. I would recommend this phone to anyone. It's the most solid phone I've had yet.
I have a few questions I'm new to the a/b partitions thing I've read the page on a/b partitions. But I'm still in the mud.
1 I'm on Verizon bootloader unlocked twrp 3.2.3-23 and magisk installed I have 9.0.11 installed twrp and magisk in slot a/b
now is it necessary to backup stock rom? If I install lets say crDroid in slot A install twrp installer I know twrp goes into both slots reboot back to recovery making sure I'm still in A install gapps and magisk reboot back to recovery making sure again I'm still in A slot then reboot to crDriod that should work yes?
2 Now If I wanted to go back to my stock rom witch is in B slot can I not reboot back to twrp and switch to slot B and go to stock?
Thanks guys this A/B partition is still clear as mudd
Making a back up is always recommend, but it's up to the user to decide if the want to or not. The down side is loosing all your data, so there is that.
The short answer to your 2nd question is no you can not dual boot ROMs on this device. I posed the same question in a different thread and you can read the explanation from Dark Nightmare here.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78375631&postcount=988
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
foamerman said:
I have a few questions I'm new to the a/b partitions thing I've read the page on a/b partitions. But I'm still in the mud.
1 I'm on Verizon bootloader unlocked twrp 3.2.3-23 and magisk installed I have 9.0.11 installed twrp and magisk in slot a/b
now is it necessary to backup stock rom? If I install lets say crDroid in slot A install twrp installer I know twrp goes into both slots reboot back to recovery making sure I'm still in A install gapps and magisk reboot back to recovery making sure again I'm still in A slot then reboot to crDriod that should work yes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm new to A/B as well but have been flashing quite a bit. Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong. From what I've observed, ROMs are designed to flash to the slot you're not using and, on reboot, switch slots. TWRP zip installer is designed to install to both slots. Magisk and Gapps, however, install to the current slot. This means you should flash the ROM (which flashes to the non-active system and boot partitions and possibly others), flash the TWRP installer (which installs to both boot partitions, including the one that was just flashed). Then reboot back into recovery (which will be the other slot that the ROM was installed to), and then install all the other zips needed (i.e., Gapps, Magisk, etc...).
Switching A/B partitions in the TWRP reboot menu also triggers the partition switch after reboot, if needed. It doesn't seem to immediately switch before a reboot however, even though it gives that impression.
foamerman said:
2 Now If I wanted to go back to my stock rom witch is in B slot can I not reboot back to twrp and switch to slot B and go to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The data partition, which contains user apps and system and user app data, is not slotted. Moving back and forth between slots that share a common ROM type and are close in version might not pose a problem. But A/B slotting wasn't designed for switching Roms back and forth. It was designed to try to ensure that there is always a valid bootable ROM without regard to use data (i.e., potentially, after a factory-reset). Don't expect to boot up an AOSP modded ROM using the data and apps from an OygenOS ROM. Do a backup of all partitions to be safe (with the exception of system and vendor since system_image and vendor_image give a bit-for-bit copy, instead of file-for-file copy). Copy the TWRP directory to a computer afterward, if possible. Make sure to wipe data if flashing a ROM of a different type, not just a different version (after flashing everything but before initial system boot).
phillymade said:
Making a back up is always recommend, but it's up to the user to decide if the want to or not. The down side is loosing all your data, so there is that.
The short answer to your 2nd question is no you can not dual boot ROMs on this device. I posed the same question in a different thread and you can read the explanation from Dark Nightmare here.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78375631&postcount=988
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nsane457 said:
I'm new to A/B as well but have been flashing quite a bit. Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong. From what I've observed, ROMs are designed to flash to the slot you're not using and, on reboot, switch slots. TWRP zip installer is designed to install to both slots. Magisk and Gapps, however, install to the current slot. This means you should flash the ROM (which flashes to the non-active system and boot partitions and possibly others), flash the TWRP installer (which installs to both boot partitions, including the one that was just flashed). Then reboot back into recovery (which will be the other slot that the ROM was installed to), and then install all the other zips needed (i.e., Gapps, Magisk, etc...).
Switching A/B partitions in the TWRP reboot menu also triggers the partition switch after reboot, if needed. It doesn't seem to immediately switch before a reboot however, even though it gives that impression.
The data partition, which contains user apps and system and user app data, is not slotted. Moving back and forth between slots that share a common ROM type and are close in version might not pose a problem. But A/B slotting wasn't designed for switching Roms back and forth. It was designed to try to ensure that there is always a valid bootable ROM without regard to use data (i.e., potentially, after a factory-reset). Don't expect to boot up an AOSP modded ROM using the data and apps from an OygenOS ROM. Do a backup of all partitions to be safe (with the exception of system and vendor since system_image and vendor_image give a bit-for-bit copy, instead of file-for-file copy). Copy the TWRP directory to a computer afterward, if possible. Make sure to wipe data if flashing a ROM of a different type, not just a different version (after flashing everything but before initial system boot).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I understand what you both are saying my understanding is that data is still there in both slots yes? so If I want to go back to my 9.0.11 stock rom I should be able to just reboot to twrp and select slot B and go back to to stock yes? guys I'm sorry this is my first A/B partition phone I'm just trying to figure it out
foamerman said:
OK I understand what you both are saying my understanding is that data is still there in both slots yes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as it isn't wiped, yes.
foamerman said:
so If I want to go back to my 9.0.11 stock rom I should be able to just reboot to twrp and select slot B and go back to to stock yes? guys I'm sorry this is my first A/B partition phone I'm just trying to figure it out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Except for the possible exception that both slots contain different versions of the same ROM, the data will work with one ROM but not the other.
When flashing a ROM in TWRP, just mke sure to make a nandroid backup first and follow the installation directions. If you have to switch back, you will need to flash the nandroid backup.
It is a pain and there are pitfalls. This phone is relatively new and this is the cost of flashing a custom ROM/bootloader.
No. Except for the possible exception that both slots contain different versions of the same ROM, the data will work with one ROM but not the other.
When flashing a ROM in TWRP, just mke sure to make a nandroid backup first and follow the installation directions. If you have to switch back, you will need to flash the nandroid backup.
It is a pain and there are pitfalls. This phone is relatively new and this is the cost of flashing a custom ROM/bootloader.[/QUOTE]
OK one more I think lol If I have 9.0.11 on my internal storage can I not go into slot A and wipe it and install it back on there and be OK?
foamerman said:
OK one more I think lol If I have 9.0.11 on my internal storage can I not go into slot A and wipe it and install it back on there and be OK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Internal storage is an encrypted folder in the data partition that is wiped separately from data. As long as you don't wipe internal storage for any reason it should be ok, in theory. But it's not in practice.
Most of the problem with this phone is maintaining encryption back and forth between ROMs. Honestly, if you can't afford to lose data, don't try to flash ROM's yet. I have had very little luck flashing back and forth and, after reflashing data, being able to avoid a bootloop. TWRP has only supported encryption on this phone for a month or so and IMHO it's not ready for prime time. I have relied on Titanium Backup and moved it's backup folder back and forth between my phone and computer.
Nsane457 said:
Internal storage is an encrypted folder in the data partition that is wiped separately from data. As long as you don't wipe internal storage for any reason it should be ok, in theory. But it's not in practice.
Most of the problem with this phone is maintaining encryption back and forth between ROMs. Honestly, if you can't afford to lose data, don't try to flash ROM's yet. I have had very little luck flashing back and forth and, after reflashing data, being able to avoid a bootloop. TWRP has only supported encryption on this phone for a month or so and IMHO it's not ready for prime time. I have relied on Titanium Backup and moved it's backup folder back and forth between my phone and computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the mud is starting to clear up a little. Yea I've been a little leery about trying to install roms yet. I have read all the post in the Recovery thread mauronofrio is getting a 6t soon so maybe he can figure it out. But again Thank you.
So, I've been reading ad nauseum on this topic with regards to flashing new ROMs on my 6t and getting locked out due to decryption.
Among other threads and places across the interweb, I've read all of these:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/search/forum/8259?query=Encryption
During my travels I've discovered that the s**t doesn't really hit the fan until "data" is wiped via TWRP. I see that the recommend process for flashing new ROMs goes like this:
Boot on twrp
Flash ROM
Flash twrp installer
Reboot to twrp
Factory reset
Reboot to system
Am I understanding this correctly that if I transpose steps 4 and 5, then I shall plan on losing all of my data, but if I reboot from TWRP (right back into TWRP) before step 5 (aka data wipe), I shouldn't loose my data?
Assuming that is correct, does it matter if I leave a lock screen password enabled before rebooting to TWRP from the soon-to-be replaced ROM? I ask this because removing the lock screen password did not seem to reduce my chances of encountering permananly encrypted data.
Thanks!
notorious.dds said:
So, I've been reading ad nauseum on this topic with regards to flashing new ROMs on my 6t and getting locked out due to decryption.
Among other threads and places across the interweb, I've read all of these:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/search/forum/8259?query=Encryption
During my travels I've discovered that the s**t doesn't really hit the fan until "data" is wiped via TWRP. I see that the recommend process for flashing new ROMs goes like this:
Boot on twrp
Flash ROM
Flash twrp installer
Reboot to twrp
Factory reset
Reboot to system
Am I understanding this correctly that if I transpose steps 4 and 5, then I shall plan on losing all of my data, but if I reboot from TWRP (right back into TWRP) before step 5 (aka data wipe), I shouldn't loose my data?
Assuming that is correct, does it matter if I leave a lock screen password enabled before rebooting to TWRP from the soon-to-be replaced ROM? I ask this because removing the lock screen password did not seem to reduce my chances of encountering permananly encrypted data.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. For the love of god. Someone please clear up how we can flash on the go. I don't always have access to a computer with Adb/fastboot.
Every time I try to switch roms, upon rebooting to TWRP, my folders encrypt. Then I have to format data and voila, no fricking ROM to flash and I'm stuck
idkwhothatis123 said:
Yes. For the love of god. Someone please clear up how we can flash on the go. I don't always have access to a computer with Adb/fastboot.
Every time I try to switch roms, upon rebooting to TWRP, my folders encrypt. Then I have to format data and voila, no fricking ROM to flash and I'm stuck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah A/B partition are a nuisance when it comes to flashing. I'd recommend you to do a clean flash of the ROM. Follow these steps.
1. Download the Latest Stable OOS from OnePlus's Website. Download the ROM ZIP of your Choice as well as the latest TWRP Installer. Transfer these to your phone and also copy them to a Laptop as you might have to Format Data.
2. Now Reboot to Recovery and flash OOS ZIP and TWRP Installer. Let it finish. Once it's done Reboot to Recovery from Within TWRP.
3. Again flash OOS and TWRP Installer. If for some reason your folders are messed up (as you posted in the image earlier) just go to Wipe and Format Data. And transfer the OOS and TWRP Installer to Internal and Flash them. Let it finish.
4. Once that's done, now again Reboot to Recovery and now flash ROM and TWRP Installer. After that's done, again Reboot to Recovery.
5. Again, flash ROM and TWRP Installer. Once done, Reboot to Recovery.
6. Now flash Gapps of your Choice. Stock are Recommend while anything above Nano will work. AROMA won't work. Once Gapps are flashed now go to Wipe and do a Factory Reset (Swipe to Factory Reset). Once that's Done, hit Reboot System and wait for the ROM to Load.
7. After the Initial Setup, Reboot to Recovery and flash Magisk and Custom Kernel if you want.
Personally I Format Data after flashing Gapps to get a "clean install". But that's not necessary. Also if you want to flash ROMs often I'd suggest investing in Swift Backup. It's an excellent app for Backups and can Backup almost Anything. Hope this helps.
This is what I do. Occasionally I get the Encrypted Folders but if followed correctly all is smooth. I can flash any ROM without Encryption. Except maybe stock OOS.
Thanks Mannan.
However, what I'm really looking for is someone to explain the following:
1. Which action or actions is it that triggers the phone to be encypted without a way to decrypt when flashing a new rom? My suspicion is that if the phone was encrypted while having been boot from slot A, then wiping data while in slot A results in data loss. By extension, rebooting into slot B and then wiping data allows slot B to now hold the encryption key. I'm sure this theory has got some errors, but it's the best I can come up with having no intrinsic knowledge on the topic.
2. Are there any means of mitigating data loss should the phone become encrypted? I.e. If possible, can I back up data (minus /data/media) and then restore that when I can't get access to /data/media?
With regards to question #1, I developed my "suspicion" after lossing ambition to test it. When I get my ambition back to fight this issue, I'll try again. I'm just getting sick of transfering 25+ gigs of data via adb every time the data gets encrypted and I can't get it decrypted.
notorious.dds said:
Thanks Mannan.
However, what I'm really looking for is someone to explain the following:
1. Which action or actions is it that triggers the phone to be encypted without a way to decrypt when flashing a new rom? My suspicion is that if the phone was encrypted while having been boot from slot A, then wiping data while in slot A results in data loss. By extension, rebooting into slot B and then wiping data allows slot B to now hold the encryption key. I'm sure this theory has got some errors, but it's the best I can come up with having no intrinsic knowledge on the topic.
2. Are there any means of mitigating data loss should the phone become encrypted? I.e. If possible, can I back up data (minus /data/media) and then restore that when I can't get access to /data/media?
With regards to question #1, I developed my "suspicion" after lossing ambition to test it. When I get my ambition back to fight this issue, I'll try again. I'm just getting sick of transfering 25+ gigs of data via adb every time the data encryption kicks in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not that far off, actually. And while I'm no developer I suspect that Encryption kicks in when
a). You flash stock OOS. No matter what ROM you are on, when you flash OOS it's possible you can get encrypted. I'm not sure about this but if a developer could confirm that'd be great. This one time, I flashed OOS Stable while on Beta and it Encrypted my Storage. So I had to retransfer with a computer to flash it the required two times. So basically avoid flashing OOS when on a Custom ROM. Even when switching ROMs.
b). Just as you said, when you Wipe Data within TWRP and then Reboot to TWRP it also Encrypts the Device. So I usually Wipe Data after flashing ROM & Gapps. Otherwise if you Wipe Data after flashing ROM it will Encrypt you.
And to answer that last Question the app I personally use is called Swift Backup. It's an amazing app and although it costs $5.49 it can Backup Apps and Data. It can also backup the Files in Android/obb. Give it a go.
Mannan Qamar said:
You're not that far off, actually. And while I'm no developer I suspect that Encryption kicks in when
a). You flash stock OOS. No matter what ROM you are on, when you flash OOS it's possible you can get encrypted. I'm not sure about this but if a developer could confirm that'd be great. This one time, I flashed OOS Stable while on Beta and it Encrypted my Storage. So I had to retransfer with a computer to flash it the required two times. So basically avoid flashing OOS when on a Custom ROM. Even when switching ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been fiddling around with OOS and The Pixel Experience (aka TPE) ROM. I've yet to need to flash OOS in order to loose my ability to decrypt. Flashing TPE screws everything up quite nicely as well. That said, I have gotten into the situation where TWRP (booted from either slot) has got everything encrypted. However, in one case, I was able to get the data back by recreating the boot_a partition as it existed before I wiped data. I think there may be something to be learned here. However, subsequent attempts to use this method have not been successful. In other words, I'm not sure what I actually learned.
Mannan Qamar said:
And to answer that last Question the app I personally use is called Swift Backup. It's an amazing app and although it costs $5.49 it can Backup Apps and Data. It can also backup the Files in Android/obb. Give it a go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still using Titanium Backup (paid version as well). It works quite well and I'm happy with it. That said, it's still a much bigger pain in the butt to restore vs performing a nandroid restore of the data. It's apples and oranges though. In order for the nandroid to provide any real value, you pretty much have to do right before need it... unless you never do anything on your phone. It also only works with the ROM from which it was created... obviously. Since my current nandroid backup of /data is > 22 gb, its fairly cumbersome.
notorious.dds said:
I've been fiddling around with OOS and The Pixel Experience (aka TPE) ROM. I've yet to need to flash OOS in order to loose my ability to decrypt. Flashing TPE screws everything up quite nicely as well. That said, I have gotten into the situation where TWRP (booted from either slot) has got everything encrypted. However, in one case, I was able to get the data back by recreating the boot_a partition as it existed before I wiped data. I think there may be something to be learned here. However, subsequent attempts to use this method have not been successful. In other words, I'm not sure what I actually learned.
I'm still using Titanium Backup (paid version as well). It works quite well and I'm happy with it. That said, it's still a much bigger pain in the butt to restore vs performing a nandroid restore of the data. It's apples and oranges though. In order for the nandroid to provide any real value, you pretty much have to do right before need it... unless you never do anything on your phone. It also only works with the ROM from which it was created... obviously. Since my current nandroid backup of /data is > 22 gb, its fairly cumbersome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno if it will work but when you get Encrypted try booting the TWRP image. Maybe that'll work.
Doesn't this problem occur with backups and restore from twrp as well?.... This A/B stuff I'm not used to but I'll keep reading and hopefully something in my brain will kick in lol...
Mannan Qamar said:
I dunno if it will work but when you get Encrypted try booting the TWRP image. Maybe that'll work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that I defintitely tried. No dice. However, I just backed up everthing and I'm about to start blowing the thing up with ROM flashes. Consider it a stress test. I'll report back.
What I've got so far...
Coming from OOS 9.0.14 running on slot B with a lock screen pattern enabled, I boot into TWRP on slot B.
I then flashed The Pixel Experiance ROM via it's .zip file. (The flash is then applied to slot A because it goes to the inactive slot).
Flashed the TWRP install .zip
Changed active slot to A
Reboot to recovery (aka TWRP) ... now in slot A.
wiped data (minus storage)
Flashed magisk
Reboot system
This got me into the new ROM with data intact. However, when rebooting to recovery (still slot A), it would ask for a pattern but yet wouldn't accept the pattern to decrypt. Rebooting back into Pixel Experience the data was decrypted. So, even the data would decrypt when booted into system, I could no longer get to the data from within TWRP. I then changed the lock pattern from within Pixel Experience and reboot to TWRP, it still couldn't decrypt the data. Rebooting back to system succeeded in that it actually boot, but I could no longer unlock the phone (stuck on "phone is starting"). My presumption at this point was that Pixel Experience could no longer decrypt the data.
I then:
Reboot to TWRP (slot A still)
Flashed OOS
Flashed TWRP
Set active slot to B
Reboot to recovery (aka TWRP)
wiped data (minus storage)
reboot to system
At this point OOS failed to boot and I was returned to TWRP. Data was still not able to be decrypted. I then did a factory reset plus wiped storage (aka data, dalvik, and internal storage) and tried to boot to system... still failed and sent me back to TWRP. This time, although data was empty, it was decrypted. I tried to reboot system again. It failed again and sent me back to TWRP.
So, at this point , I've wiped data and internal storage but I cannot get stock OOS to boot. So, I reboot to bootloader and executed:
Code:
fastboot -w
My understanding is that this should do the same this as performing a factory reset from within TWRP. However, rebooting to system succeeded this time.
So, the new questions are:
1. How is it that I can decrypt data when booted into Pixel Experience on slot A, but I cannot decrypt the data via TWRP?
2. If I removed the lock screen pattern from OOS before flashing PixelExperience, would I have been able to decrypt the data in both the ROM and within TWRP?
3. Why is factory resetting via fastboot effective when doing so in TWRP is not?
notorious.dds said:
What I've got so far...
Coming from OOS 9.0.14 running on slot B with a lock screen pattern enabled, I boot into TWRP on slot B.
I then flashed The Pixel Experiance ROM via it's .zip file. (The flash is then applied to slot A because it goes to the inactive slot).
Flashed the TWRP install .zip
Changed active slot to A
Reboot to recovery (aka TWRP) ... now in slot A.
wiped data (minus storage)
Flashed magisk
Reboot system
This got me into the new ROM with data intact. However, when rebooting to recovery (still slot A), it would ask for a pattern but yet wouldn't accept the pattern to decrypt. Rebooting back into Pixel Experience the data was decrypted. So, even the data would decrypt when booted into system, I could no longer get to the data from within TWRP. I then changed the lock pattern from within Pixel Experience and reboot to TWRP, it still couldn't decrypt the data. Rebooting back to system succeeded in that it actually boot, but I could no longer unlock the phone (stuck on "phone is starting"). My presumption at this point was that Pixel Experience could no longer decrypt the data.
I then:
Reboot to TWRP (slot A still)
Flashed OOS
Flashed TWRP
Set active slot to B
Reboot to recovery (aka TWRP)
wiped data (minus storage)
reboot to system
At this point OOS failed to boot and I was returned to TWRP. Data was still not able to be decrypted. I then did a factory reset plus wiped storage (aka data, dalvik, and internal storage) and tried to boot to system... still failed and sent me back to TWRP. This time, although data was empty, it was decrypted. I tried to reboot system again. It failed again and sent me back to TWRP.
So, at this point , I've wiped data and internal storage but I cannot get stock OOS to boot. So, I reboot to bootloader and executed:
My understanding is that this should do the same this as performing a factory reset from within TWRP. However, rebooting to system succeeded this time.
So, the new questions are:
1. How is it that I can decrypt data when booted into Pixel Experience on slot A, but I cannot decrypt the data via TWRP?
2. If I removed the lock screen pattern from OOS before flashing PixelExperience, would I have been able to decrypt the data in both the ROM and within TWRP?
3. Why is factory resetting via fastboot effective when doing so in TWRP is not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well starting from the way you flashed the ROM, the rule of thumb is that you NEVER manually change slots. Now since you are on stock follow the instructions I posted earlier to flash PE or any other ROM for that matter. I think when you manually set the slot it somehow messed up Decryption. Next, after flashing OOS from TWRP when you are on a Custom ROM, you must always Format Data. The command you ran via Fastboot (fastboot -w) does just that.
So I just flashed Bootleggers from Stock OpenBeta 11. These are the steps I followed. I was successfully able to flash and was able to keep my Data intact. These are the steps I followed.
Starting from OpenBeta 11 I flashed ROM (Bootleggers) and then TWRP Installer. Then go to Reboot and Select Recovery. Once in Recovery, again flash ROM and TWRP Installer. Once done, reboot to Recovery. Flash Gapps and then go to Wipe and do a Swipe to Fa Tory Reset. This will Delete all your Data except Internal Storage. This is a necessary step when flashing a ROM. Once done, reboot to System. After this I was able to boot up Successfully with my Internal Storage as it was before flashing. After that I restored my backup. Everything is working and I can enter and Decrypt TWRP without error.
This thread should be pined as a guide because instalation notes in ROM threads are so basic.
A couple of things come to mind reading this thread in reference to encryption
1) if security patches dont match on A/B, it seems to trigger a lockout with encryption. i may be wrong.
2) if internal storage isnt wiped, i.e.-if you use the "factory reset' option in twrp, your data is still there and that in itself post-flash can trigger encryption error as the data is still there.
I think about it like this, despite it being A/B partitions, the data is like a middle layer that isnt individualized to one partition or the other. so a trigger/failure for secure boot encrypts it all.
kitcostantino said:
A couple of things come to mind reading this thread in reference to encryption
1) if security patches dont match on A/B, it seems to trigger a lockout with encryption. i may be wrong.
2) if internal storage isnt wiped, i.e.-if you use the "factory reset' option in twrp, your data is still there and that in itself post-flash can trigger encryption error as the data is still there.
I think about it like this, despite it being A/B partitions, the data is like a middle layer that isnt individualized to one partition or the other. so a trigger/failure for secure boot encrypts it all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure, that if you flash anything with a security patch earlier than the one you're currently using your data will get encrypted.
Which is why it happens with going back to OOS from custom, because they're always late with security patches compared to custom roms.
The hardest thing for.me coming from an A only device (Axon 7) has been learning order of operations. as long as one flashes rom followed by twrp and then a reboot into recovery, followed by installing magisk, things usually go okay. Going from aosp to aosp went okay, but like you said moving from OOS to AOSP or vice versa always yielded encryption lock. maybe we could make a merged security patch or something of the sort to bridge the gap. im no dev, so im sure someone who knows more than i can tell us why that wouldnt work. it would be really cool for One Plus to gain a better foothold in custom OS before the majority of crack flashers and devs swear off. Dont get me wrong, OOS is amazing and i feel with the inherent features, is superior to any other stock rom, but android is all about choice.
i really and truly wish someone would make a version of TWRP that had a dual boot set up vs A/B. I have had devices (looking at you, Droid Bionic) that never had proper root/bl unlock and had amazing rom communities bc of safestrap/dual boot/etc. i am more than willing to give up internal storage space to duplicate/clone /data and anything else that is on both systems. i also wish recovery had its own partition again, but that one is beyond our control at this point as it resides in boot now.
Maybe its conceivable. Who knows.
I have no issues. I don't lose anything when I flash ROMs. I boot to twrp, factory reset(not wipe storage), flash ROM, flash twrp installer....boot ROM, reboot twrp, flash gapps, custom kernel. Then I factory reset again (not wipe storage) and then install magisk..done....no issues. It will fail boot once and then boot fine because of this process but only after you do this. So if you reboot later you are fine...I keep all my stuff
First off, I want to thank all of you who contributed to this thread. I'm defintely gaining a better understanding of some of the pitfalls associated with A/B devices and encryption. Thanks!
Mannan Qamar said:
Well starting from the way you flashed the ROM, the rule of thumb is that you NEVER manually change slots. Now since you are on stock follow the instructions I posted earlier to flash PE or any other ROM for that matter. I think when you manually set the slot it somehow messed up Decryption.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, my understand is that flashing a new ROM from within TWRP flashes it to the inactive slot. Therefore, my assumptions as to the reasoning behind rebooting from TWRP back into TWRP before wiping data were that:
Any modifiations made to the boot partition intended to affect the new ROM need to be made to the boot partition that shares the same slot as that of the new ROM, and
Wiping data while booted into image of TWRP which shares the same slot as the new ROM has some magical effect on preserving the ability to decrypt data vs wiping data while booted into the image of TWRP that resides in the slot of the ROM to be replaced.
It is these assumptions (combined with my execution of the basic recipe failing to prevent encryption lock-out) which led me to manually changing slots. I will say this... after flashing PE and TWRP.zip from within TWRP on slot B, simply rebooting to recovery brought me right back to TWRP on slot B. If PE is now on slot A, how does installing magisk, etc. do me any good while in slot B? Also, are my assumptions misguided as to the "why" rebooting to TWRP before installing magisk, wiping data, etc is necessary?
Mannan Qamar said:
Next, after flashing OOS from TWRP when you are on a Custom ROM, you must always Format Data. The command you ran via Fastboot (fastboot -w) does just that.
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Click to collapse
Lightbulb status: on
Thanks!
kitcostantino said:
If security patches dont match on A/B, it seems to trigger a lockout with encryption. i may be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this why in Mannan Qamar's earlier post he appears to be flashing the new ROM to BOTH slots before trying to boot into system?
ebproject said:
I'm pretty sure, that if you flash anything with a security patch earlier than the one you're currently using your data will get encrypted.
Which is why it happens with going back to OOS from custom, because they're always late with security patches compared to custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming that flashing OOS to BOTH slots as is mentioned earlier with regards to flashing a custom ROM won't help when going back to OOS given the old vs new issue. Has anyone verified that yet?
It's my understanding that the sure security patch is applied to the system partition, correct? Is part of that patch included in boot, or no?
jamescable said:
I have no issues. I don't lose anything when I flash ROMs. I boot to twrp, factory reset(not wipe storage), flash ROM, flash twrp installer....boot ROM, reboot twrp, flash gapps, custom kernel. Then I factory reset again (not wipe storage) and then install magisk..done....no issues. It will fail boot once and then boot fine because of this process but only after you do this. So if you reboot later you are fine...I keep all my stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I notice that the FIRST thing you do is "factory reset". That's definitely not standard with the install threads I've read. Hmmmmm, interesting.
Also, why do you boot the ROM before flashing gapps, and kernel? It seems unnecessary since you're just factory resetting again. I'm sure I'm missing something on this one.
notorious.dds said:
I notice that the FIRST thing you do is "factory reset". That's definitely not standard with the install threads I've read. Hmmmmm, interesting.
Also, why do you boot the ROM before flashing gapps, and kernel? It seems unnecessary since you're just factory resetting again. I'm sure I'm missing something on this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Booting to ROM solved the encryption issues
idkwhothatis123 said:
Yes. For the love of god. Someone please clear up how we can flash on the go. I don't always have access to a computer with Adb/fastboot.
Every time I try to switch roms, upon rebooting to TWRP, my folders encrypt. Then I have to format data and voila, no fricking ROM to flash and I'm stuck
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Click to collapse
If you stuck on encrypted storage ever, reboot to system and after you see the setup screen, reboot to recovery again. Voila, your storage is decrypted now.
It happened to me all the time when I flash OOS and this way I am able to decrypt my internal storage.