Database Users

MOTOACTV ROMs

Rooting and updating your MotoActv is about to get significantly easier! No more waiting games for developers to update their ROMs or tools when Motorola pushes a new OTA; now you can do it yourself! I honestly have not seen these types of files ANYWHERE else, so I had to create these myself (with quite a bit of help from [mbm]). But enough blabbing, here are the files and how to use them:
(Note: all these methods assume we have full fastboot access! -- Which we still have at this point)
- Stock Images:
These are not just mere update.zips that you might be accustomed to elsewhere in Android. Nor are these mere fxzs that you might be accustomed to elsewhere with newer Motorola devices. They are in fact both and more. There are 3 main ways to flash these files onto your device, giving you options based on what OS you run and how comfortable you are flashing files to your device.
1) FXZ:
- Operating System: Windows
- Requires: RSD Lite with FXZ Support
- Instructions: Simply load up the file as any standard fxz (it is very straight-forward)
2) Recovery:
- Operating System: Anything that can mount your device
- Requires: The ability to get into recovery
- Instructions: Place the file on the sdcard, boot into recovery, flash as normal
- Note: Recovery does not wipe your device, it is suggested that you do so before flashing stock images
3) Fastboot:
- Operating System: Windows/Linux/Mac
- Instructions (Windows): Unpack the zip, run flash-all.bat (if it fails, run as administrator)
- Instructions (Linux/Mac): Unpack the zip, run flash-all.sh (it should already have proper permissions)
Miscellaneous Images:
These miscellaneous images are nothing you haven't seen before at this point, but their purposes are new, so they too require explanation.
1) AnyRoot:
AnyRoot is based on koush's AnyKernel in the sense that it unpacks and repacks the boot.img on the fly. However, as the name suggests, AnyKernel is meant for kernels, while AnyRoot, actually roots the device on the fly. This will work on any MotoActv device. It is flashed as a normal update.zip and everything is done in the background so you won't noticed much. However, for ease of access, the stock and rooted boot.img is exported to your sdcard in /sdcard/recovery/. Also note, that if you happen to flash AnyRoot over an already rooted device, nothing will happen as it has built-in error checking.
2) rebootRecovery:
rebootRecovery is another fxz type zip, the same as the stock and rooted images, except it can't be flashed in recovery (would be a little redundant don't you think?). This flashes a specially made misc.img by [mbm] that tells the device to reboot into recovery from boot. This means you can flash AnyRoot on any stock device.
How Tos / FAQs:
Now that you know what the files do, I can explain in short steps how to use these files to get what you want:
1) How to Return the Device to Stock?
- flash a stock image using any of the 3 methods
- you can now update via Motocast if you so wish
2) How to Root a Stock Device?
- update your device via Motocast to the latest version (suggested)
- place AnyRoot on your sdcard
- boot into fastboot, and flash rebootRecovery using either of the 2 methods
- flash AnyRoot in recovery
- reboot
3) How do I update my Rooted Device?
- flash a stock image using any of the 3 methods
- update your device via Motocast to the latest version
- place AnyRoot on your sdcard
- boot into fastboot, and flash rebootRecovery using either of the 2 methods
- flash AnyRoot in recovery
- reboot
Q: After using rebootRecovery I can't get out of recovery!?
A: You are using an old recovery that doesn't clear the 'reboot-recovery' command; use the newer recovery: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/5849675/android/f100/CWMR5x_F100_recoveryB2.img
Q: What do these ROM offer over other custom ROMs?
A: Nothing, they are simply stock images, but you can upgrade with them.
Q: How much battery should I have when I flash?
A: Performing any kind of these flashes will drain at least 10% of your battery, I wouldn't suggest you flash below 60% ESPECIALLY IF YOU FLASH rebootRecovery!
Q: What happens if I flash a 16gb zip on my 8gb or visa-versa?
A: Don't freak, it will still boot, but it's not the best thing in the world to do, just go back and flash the correct model zip.
Q: Can I extract the images from your zips and flash them my own way?
A: yep (couldn't really think of anything else to say)
Q: I manually flashed the stock-boot.img from AnyRoot, and now I can't update. Why?!
A: The boot.imgs need to be truncated before they can be flashed to correctly work with Motorola's updates, just use the stock images.
Q: What's next?
A: HyprActv -- What's this?
Stock Images (w/ md5sums):
8gb-NA: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/5849675/android/f100/MA_1710_8GB_NA.zip (5e228bf56a67aced012c8cbb2d7f7c76)
16gb-NA: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/5849675/android/f100/MA_1710_16GB_NA.zip (21b067dc629f7ccd18b43799d8d5fb17)
8gb-EU: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/5849675/android/f100/MA_1710_8GB_EU.zip (5b79a46d87728303fc2c920eec71c2e8)
Miscellaneous Images (w/ md5sums:
AnyRoot: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/5849675/android/f100/MA_AnyRoot.zip (2f867b006da42865ef861094db0eb6e6)
Reboot Recovery: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/5849675/android/f100/MA_RebootRecovery.zip (1623c9c61462db9bb20b55bc8f1144aa)
Mirror (thanks Iownox!): http://www.androtransfer.com/?developer=lownox&folder=MotoACTV

This is Reserved.

I rooted and flashed in recovery (the stock 4.55.97 and the the rooted version 4.55.97) and I stay on 4.55.78 no matter what! The flashes go through successfully... But nothing has changed and the System version still says 4.55.78... But like I said, the flashes both completed! I did a factory reset... and the updater-script wipes system, so what could be my issue?

Moose8106 said:
I rooted and flashed in recovery (the stock 4.55.97 and the the rooted version 4.55.97) and I stay on 4.55.78 no matter what! The flashes go through successfully... But nothing has changed and the System version still says 4.55.78... But like I said, the flashes both completed! I did a factory reset... and the updater-script wipes system, so what could be my issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you flashed that old boot.img. Do you have the battery percentage in the status bar? According to TheEndGame7 that is another surefire way to tell if you are on 4.55.97, if you used any of the root tools, it's possible that they automatically flash the old boot.img.

CEnnis91 said:
It sounds like you flashed that old boot.img. Do you have the battery percentage in the status bar? According to TheEndGame7 that is another surefire way to tell if you are on 4.55.97, if you used any of the root tools, it's possible that they automatically flash the old boot.img.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I did flash the old boot.img (root tools :O ). I'll try flashing the modified boot img again. Thanks! I had no idea the root tool took me back to the old boot img

Moose8106 said:
I think I did flash the old boot.img (root tools :O ). I'll try flashing the modified boot img again. Thanks! I had no idea the root tool took me back to the old boot img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, any and all tools that exist so far will need to be updated.

I wiped data / cache and used recovery (b) to install the rooted-4.55.97 zip and didn't have any luck either. I did not use the root tools to flash. Also wiped dalvik cache after and fastboot -w for fun.

innovatelife said:
I wiped data / cache and used recovery (b) to install the rooted-4.55.97 zip and didn't have any luck either. I did not use the root tools to flash. Also wiped dalvik cache after and fastboot -w for fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you end up doing any restore of some kind after you flashed?

Update
There are "new" instructions that might fix the issue where the rooted 4.55.97 appears to not flash. Simply wipe the boot.img image before you flash. And don't use the root tools until they are updated.
Also, if you have success, please post it. Usually "Thanks, it works" is annoying, but in this case where I don't have the device, I need to make sure this is working on some level.

I formated everything from recovery, now I got stuck with Moto logo with no animation when it starts, how to get out of this?
NA

Is there any mirrors for the download of these roms? the dropbox links are down

NORCALkID said:
Is there any mirrors for the download of these roms? the dropbox links are down
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They were pulled, they're not working. There has been some form of mis-communication when I did my testing. I am not working on these until I can get the device from utkanos. Check Update 2, in the initial post.

Success
CEnnis91
I was lucky the second time, first time I succeeded to upgrade to rooted 4.55.97 but for some reason I didn't get the battery percentage on the status bar but all other issues are OK and status indicated version number 4.55.97, I repeated flash from recovery but after wiping and remounting all folders, this time for stock 4.55.97
Now I'm on stock 4.55.97 with battery percent on status bar and syncing from my mac.
thanks CEnnis91
NA

I went into recovery>mounts, and didn't see any wipe for boot. I took a shot at system since I had already wiped cache and data. Didn't seem to help either. Tried 'fastboot erase boot" and re-flashed. No go. Couldn't start back up the device at all. Tried flashing the latest rooted image using "fastboot flash boot boot.img". No go.
I messed around trying to get the device to boot back up for a while, but it won't even charge right. Only charges long enough to kick off the Motorola 'M', and that is it. On attempts at loading fastboot, I just keep getting an error saying that the battery is low. I know I can only blame myself for this. No fastboot access and no adb access. All attempts at resetting the device have failed.
Before I attempted all of this, my battery was full. Unfortunately, wouldn't charge anymore even plugged into the wall. Any ideas?
Hopefully nobody else makes my mistake.

Man I can't wait till this is perfect, you guys are fricken awesome. I raped your thanks buttons op lol
MoPhoACTV Initiative

Will be working on this tonight. I just found out how to make the flash script clear cache and dalvik for you, pre-install. That'll probably save some headache, but it works only in edify format. Not sure what the stock recovery uses...
Anyways, I'm home!

ClearD said:
Will be working on this tonight. I just found out how to make the flash script clear cache and dalvik for you, pre-install. That'll probably save some headache, but it works only in edify format. Not sure what the stock recovery uses...
Anyways, I'm home!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All recoveries will now use edify, amend is old and depreciated, you will only find that on old devices.

Corrupt Kernel...
innovatelife said:
I went into recovery>mounts, and didn't see any wipe for boot. I took a shot at system since I had already wiped cache and data. Didn't seem to help either. Tried 'fastboot erase boot" and re-flashed. No go. Couldn't start back up the device at all. Tried flashing the latest rooted image using "fastboot flash boot boot.img". No go.
I messed around trying to get the device to boot back up for a while, but it won't even charge right. Only charges long enough to kick off the Motorola 'M', and that is it. On attempts at loading fastboot, I just keep getting an error saying that the battery is low. I know I can only blame myself for this. No fastboot access and no adb access. All attempts at resetting the device have failed.
Before I attempted all of this, my battery was full. Unfortunately, wouldn't charge anymore even plugged into the wall. Any ideas?
Hopefully nobody else makes my mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a classical case of a corrupt Kernel. Not that the images are corrupt, but somewhere along your update, your boot.img did not install the kernel properly and now you have a broken power manager within kernel.
What I would do is the following:
Hook your watch to the charger and let the M sign show up.
Even if it hangs on the M, leave your watch hooked over night.
Try downloading an older image and use fastboot to erase everything and then flash everything back again. This should return your watch to a working state again.
You may then choose to customize it as you see fit.

Root tool > "return to stock"
Sent from my HTC Inspire 4G using XDA-funded carrier pigeons

simx said:
CEnnis91
I was lucky the second time, first time I succeeded to upgrade to rooted 4.55.97 but for some reason I didn't get the battery percentage on the status bar but all other issues are OK and status indicated version number 4.55.97, I repeated flash from recovery but after wiping and remounting all folders, this time for stock 4.55.97
Now I'm on stock 4.55.97 with battery percent on status bar and syncing from my mac.
thanks CEnnis91
NA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm about to try this.. but it's making me think... Do you think the updater-script doesn't correctly format system? Think about it... our devices say 4.55.97 (mine changed to that after a reboot or two), and we only had partial features... sounds like something isn't wiping correctly.

Manual OTA Update process step-by-step (Stock/Rooted/Xposed)

For stock rooted/TWRP users, this is a step-by-step process of manually updating your Moto involving flashing stock firmware, updating, and restoring TWRP, root, and apps afterwards.
Benefits:
**It's really simple- once you get familiar with this process, you can do it fairly quickly.
**Take the time to read through and get everything set up and you'll be set for future updates.
**No begging the internet for flashable zips.
Preface:
So my situation is i'm running stock, bootloader unlocked, rooted, and xposed on my US XT1540 2GB Moto G. I went through the process this morning of updating to the new 23.46.4 update. Thought I'd share what I did for anyone out there wanting to update with questions ; hopefully some can be answered here. I'm familiar with flashing firmware files from my previous Moto X's '13 & '14 so trust me it's not a big deal to flash back stock firmware to update. This process should be applicable to any variant of the Moto G and and to any future updates as well, not just the one mentioned here as of 09/19/15. Just be mindful of your phone's version and use the appropriate firmware.
1) BACKUP
First, make sure everything worth keeping is on your microSD. Flashing stock firmware will wipe your phones internal memory so pictures, music, downloads, SMS, etc need to migrate. Also make sure you have SuperSU and Xposed on your microSD for re-installation. This might be obvious for some and you might have everything going to your microSD (sdcard1, EXTsdcard) already, but one thing you might miss is Titanium Backup...
Save apps in Titanium to microSD: Menu>Preferences>Backup folder location>Click to change>Ext. SD card>Create a new folder>Use current folder
Nandroid in TWRP to microSD: toward the bottom click on "Storage: Internal storage" and choose "Micro SDcard"
If you're super smart, after making that backup you'll copy that to your pc.
2) DOWNLOADS
Get the most recent firmware for your device from lost101's firmware thread (thank him threads like this are so helpful)- http://forum.xda-developers.com/2015-moto-g/general/index-moto-g-factory-firmware-images-t3169639
Download and install the drivers for you phone, I believe the generic android driver will work but you can also get them from Motorola Device Manager: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/88481
Download mini-sdk.zip, attached to the the bottom of this post. Useful light weight sdk containing adb & fastboot which should cover all your flashing needs. If you're not developing apps, full blown android sdk is bloatware
3) SETTING UP ADB/FASTBOOT
Enable USB debugging in Developer options
Extract mini-sdk.zip to a folder. Extract and add the contents of your firmware to that folder.
Open a cmd prompt on the mini-sdk folder (shift + right click, "Open Command Window Here")
Let's verify that adb sees the device:
Code:
adb devices
Should see "XXserial#XX device". If you get "offline", be sure to check your phone for the adb authorization dialog.
We're ready to flash firmware so reboot into fastboot:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
4) STOCK FIRMWARE INSTALLATION
Once phone is in fastboot, enter the following commands in the cmd prompt (open on the mini-sdk folder containing the firmware files) one at a time. Let the current flash command finish before entering the next, especially at the img_sparsechunck steps because they take a 10-15 sec each. Also make sure all of the filenames match what you have; substitute accordingly.
Code:
fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
fastboot flash logo logo.bin
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.3
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.5
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot reboot
5) UPDATE
When you reboot, if you don't get prompted for update check for it- About phone>System updates
Download & install update
When update is finished and phone boots back up, enable Android debugging in developer options.
6) FLASH BACK TWRP/ROOT/XPOSED
Place TWRP img file in mini-sdk folder. Boot back into fastboot and flash TWRP.
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
Code:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-osprey-2.8.7-test1.img
Vol up/down in bootloader to boot recovery.
Once in recovery flash Supersu & xposed (optional of course) from your microSD and reboot.
Install Titanium from play store, go back into preferences and point to backup folder on the microSD and restore apps.
When xposed and modules are reinstalled through Titanium, you will need to reboot to enable. After that you'll need to tweak your preferences in system options like notifications or display, but any settings in modules (like gravity box) will be restored as long as you backed up app+data in TB. Easier than a custom rom clean flash in that aspect.
So that's it, with that you should be back up and running. Let me know if I missed some steps or if you have questions about the process.
*****
BTW, Installing xposed from scratch for those confused on what files to do what with: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=3034811
Flash this one in recovery: xposed-v74-sdk22-arm.zip (or most current)
Install this apk after you reboot: XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4.apk (or most current)

Please Delete

agleroy said:
Thanks for the guide. Still gonna wait for a flashable zip though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're better than that. Trying to empower you here...

Please Delete

Hey, could you use normal/dark colors? Reading light yellow and blue is difficult, even when highlighting it with a cursor. Thanks!

a.cid said:
Hey, could you use normal/dark colors? Reading light yellow and blue is difficult, even when highlighting it with a cursor. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took all the color out and tweaked it a bit. I was using the dark theme and everything looked pretty good, but when I switched to the light theme... yeah annoying.

I'm still trying to decide if I want/need to root, and/or install a custom ROM on this phone. I have always done so on past phones, but this phone runs so well I don't want to mess it up, and I'm not sure the few features I'm missing warrant messing with things.
Thank you the tutorial though. I will certainly keep it for reference.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app

Why does every single guide say to erase the userdata partition??? This is totally unnecessary. Instead, boot into twrp and wipe your userdata. The difference is in your internal storage. If you follow the guide you wipe your internal storage in the very last command. My way, you just do a factory reset on the data partition which doesn't wipe the storage
Also, flashing stock recovery is an unnecessary step when it's being immediately replaced by twrp again.
Selmak said:
I'm still trying to decide if I want/need to root, and/or install a custom ROM on this phone. I have always done so on past phones, but this phone runs so well I don't want to mess it up, and I'm not sure the few features I'm missing warrant messing with things.
Thank you the tutorial though. I will certainly keep it for reference.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This isn't a custom rom...it's the official motorola firmware update

Thanks for this guide , it's good to know, but I would have to wait for a flasheable UPDATE.zip because my phone's configuration (XT1543, dual sim, 16gb storage, 1gb ram) doesn't have a stock firmware download link in the main thread... and also I don't want to reinstall my apps , haha.

If it works like the other 2 generations of moto g, and at least with the first moto x (all from my personal experience) just skip the erase userdata part and you'll keep your personnal data.
Ota update will go smoothly, no need to restore anything afterwards except root and recovery, indeed.
A backup is always a good thing, sure just in case, but i never used mine on all the ota's I installed on those 3 phones (moto g 2013 16gb, moto g 2014 and moto x 2013)
I don't own a moto g 2015 but my gf does, a 16gb/2gb ram one, she just got it so she installed the update before rooting. If nobody tries it before I'll try it with the next update .

cannot access filehost to get xt1541 5.1.1 any alternative link?

after I updated to 6.0 my computer is not recognising the device? any solutions?

Please add "fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.6" to the top post. This could prevent idiots from sitting in a boot loop for an hour, while they try furiously to find a way out, an error in the download, revert to a previous firmware... Yeah, that was stressful.

Is this the same for the XT1548 virgin mobile 1G of ram and 8G of memory. I understand that it's probably not the same file I just don't really want to wait for the flashable .Zip. But I also don't want to mess up my only device as of now.

Hey i need help....my xt1550 is unlocked and running on stock 6.0 right now......i have installed custom ROMs and rooted the device before.....but now its unrooted and running stock but iam still not able to recieve ota updates.......why?

csumanth16 said:
Hey i need help....my xt1550 is unlocked and running on stock 6.0 right now......i have installed custom ROMs and rooted the device before.....but now its unrooted and running stock but iam still not able to recieve ota updates.......why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have stock recovery and an update touched /boot and /system partition, you can take an OTA update. If you have TWRP, root, or other modification in the mentioned areas you cannot take an OTA update.
Having an unlocked bootloader only is not relevant.

What if you unrooted, a rooted stock recovery device, is it safe to take an OTA?
acejavelin said:
If you have stock recovery and an update touched /boot and /system partition, you can take an OTA update. If you have TWRP, root, or other modification in the mentioned areas you cannot take an OTA update.
Having an unlocked bootloader only is not relevant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

MrTooPhone said:
What if you unrooted, a rooted stock recovery device, is it safe to take an OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No... If your rooted the /boot partition has been modified.

acejavelin said:
No... If your rooted the /boot partition has been modified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And does it remain notably changed even after going through a full unroot via SuperSU?

MrTooPhone said:
And does it remain notably changed even after going through a full unroot via SuperSU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, doing a full unroot will return the original /boot partition, but be aware this will not undo any changes you made to /system with root access (such as debloating or Xposed modules), and even if you undo those changes, the Android system has already marked the /system partition as tampered so a check will fail.

Updating To MM from LP (Moto X Pure)

So I wanted to create a thread dedicated to performing this function. I know as someone who does this quite often, I like to have all my ducks in a row to ensure everything works perfectly. I'm not big on fragging my phone and then frantically trying to find a way to undo all the chaos. I do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions before doing anything.
On that note I would like to first thank all the amazing people on here, whether they be developers or just experienced Tech Guru's, everyone is always a big help. I take absolutely no credit for any of the awesomeness that can be found on XDA, I'm just creating a thread that I hope will help folks find everything in one place for this function. So here we go, I'm going to explain the way I did it, which is the way I have been doing stuff like this for years. I have a preferred method as it has always resulted in perfect flashes and no bricks, not even soft bricks. So I feel it works pretty well.
Just so it is understood, this is for the Moto X Pure, which has been bootloader unlocked and has TWRP and root installed. Also it should be noted that you need to have Developer Options enabled and USB Debugging enabled. You should also be familiar with the ADB process, to some extent, maybe you have at least heard of it.
Steps to follow:
1. Use Titanium Backup and backup all your User Apps, NOT SYSTEM APP's, system apps will not restore across updates and will most often corrupt your new install.
2. Make a Nandroid backup using TWRP, I backed up system, boot, data, and EFS, but I don't think EFS is necessary.
3. Make sure you have the Motorola Drivers installed, get them from here http://www.motorola.com/getmdmwin
4. Get Shawn5162's Restore to Stock Tool, I know others have said it's not necessary to perform a complete restore, but this is part of my process that I have always done, and it's always worked. Get it here by using one of the mirror's created by patt2k in post 6, and don't forget to thank him for the mirrors http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-style/development/windows-tool-moto-x-style-pure-edition-t3199905
5. Unzip Shawn5162's zip to a folder on your desktop, and before you move onto the next step, make sure you have backed up everything valuable on your phone, such as pictures, messages, etc..., because everything is going to be erased in the next step, except for the stuff on your MicroSD. I'm so anal, I even remove the MicroSD before flashing. Connect your phone to your computer using a USB and make sure you have USB debugging enabled under Developer Options.
6. Inside the folder you created run the FLASH-ALL.bat, which will reboot your device to the bootloader and begin the restore to stock flash. This will remove root and TWRP, but will not remove the fact you have an unlocked bootloader. Your phone will reboot when complete and should boot back into your system within a short period of time.
7. Once you are rebooted, you may need to do a little setup before you get the message that a System Update is available. DO NOT waste your time installing any apps, wait until you have full root on MM before doing any of that. Once the Update message appears, accept it and download the MM update file, then install it once it is finished downloading and asks if you want to install.
8. The update takes about 20 - 25 minutes so be patient. Once complete your phone will once again boot back to system, now you have MM in it's complete unrooted greatness.
9. Now go into settings, about phone, and tap on build number a bunch of times to enable Developer Options. Then go into developer options and enable USB Debugging.
10. Next download a bunch of stuff from the following links, if you desire to install TWRP and regain root.
TWRP 2.8.7.1 here https://dl.twrp.me/clark/twrp-2.8.7.1-clark.img
Modified Boot Image from here, required to perform systemless root , not sure about the Cowboy hat dude, but click on him, it will download the file.
SuperSU 2.52 from here https://download.chainfire.eu/743/SuperSU/BETA-SuperSU-v2.52.zip?retrieve_file=1
11. Next copy the modified boot file and SuperSU file directly to your internal or external SD on your phone, either works fine, although I prefer my External SD.
12. Next copy the TWRP file you downloaded into the same folder you made for Shawn5162's files. This folder has all the adb and fastboot files you need to perform the TWRP flash. Now hold shift and right click and choose open a command window here. Then ensure your device is detected by running the command adb devices, it should show your phones S/N and the word device. If it doesn't, you may need to look at your phone and respond to the prompt about allowing your computer to have access to adb. Try the command again after that. Then run the command adb reboot bootloader, which should reboot your phone to bootloader fastboot mode.
13. Once it fastboot mode run fastboot devices just to make sure your device is still detected, then run the command fastboot flash recovery twrp-2.8.7.1-clark.img. That will flash TWRP to your recovery partition. Then type the command fastboot reboot twrp-2.8.7.1-clark.img or use the volume rocker to toggle to recovery then select the power key to boot to it. Make sure you choose the slider at the bottom to allow modification. Once on the main screen you can choose reboot and then select recovery. This makes sure that you have booted to TWRP at least once, and ensures by rebooting to it, you can get back to it.
14. Now perform a Nandroid Backup, using the TWRP Backup option, of your completely stock MM system, data, boot, and EFS partitions. Enable compression if you like and store it to your External SD if you have one. This allows you to have an unrooted backup on your SD, which is good for future updates. After the Nandroid is complete now flash the modified boot image zip using the TWRP Install feature, and when it's complete, then flash the SuperSU zip file. After I always perform the option to erase Dalvik and Cache, I just think it is a good thing to do, it's probably placebo, but I do it anyhow.
15. Go back to TWRP Home and choose reboot and select system. Your device will reboot and you now have a fully updated and rooted Moto X Pure on MM.
Thanks go out to all the folks who have contributed to the many threads that contain this information. Special thanks to Shawn5162, DaMadOne, Chainfire, and Hashbang173 for their awesomeness. Hope this helps folks that are concerned about performing these procedures. I can say that it worked perfectly for me with no issues at all, but of course I take no responsibility if it doesn't work for you and causes your device to fail. Again these are similar steps I have taken in the past with other devices and I have never had a single brick, so hopefully it works for others as well.
Enjoy!!

I have a Moto X Pure as described with the bootloader unlocked and rooted. The popup message to upgrade to MM comes up constantly now - what happens if you just let it try to update?

I think I am in way over my head. I am receiving my phone Friday and was looking to unlock to root but from the looks of it, I will not be able to do that.
I've never unlocked & rooted a phone before. So all that looks like the bible to an uneducated man "me".

superkev72 said:
I have a Moto X Pure as described with the bootloader unlocked and rooted. The popup message to upgrade to MM comes up constantly now - what happens if you just let it try to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm not mistaken it will download to your phone but not be able to be installed because of an error

Is there no way to upgrade from LP to MM without a wipe?

superkev72 said:
Is there no way to upgrade from LP to MM without a wipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if you rooted already, you must reflash the original boot.img. Then update, and then restore your root. Read here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mot...t-moto-x-style-xt1572-br-marshmallow-t3259380
At the bottom of the post, you get the original file you need and it is mentioned here:
And enjoy!
Now you have a rooted MotoX Style Marshmallow. To apply any OTAs, you only need reflash stock boot.
K?

Why would you want to update without a wipe? You must like sluggish performance

i have no wifi after this

No WIFI either
I ended up with no WIFI after following these steps also.

is it true, we cannot downgrade from 601 to 6.0 or 5.1.1?

skimaniaz said:
I ended up with no WIFI after following these steps also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Anybody got a fix?

So the last three posts complain of no wifi yet people keep using this method?

The modified boot zip breaks the wifi. You can root by flashing superSU 2.62, I think, or any SuperSU zip that is specifically systemless.

ilovemeow said:
is it true, we cannot downgrade from 601 to 6.0 or 5.1.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true.

lafester said:
Not true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
coz i tried before, it fail in first 2 flash steps

Are you unlocked?

ilovemeow said:
coz i tried before, it fail in first 2 flash steps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The partition always fails. Just ignore it. You should be able to downgrade the bootloader. I have been able to so I don't know why you would be having issues with that unless your bootloader is locked/re-locked.
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA Labs

So is this safe or not?

lafester said:
Are you unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, it's unlocked, but currently fine for using android M at this moment

[How-To] Applying Monthly Security Patches if you're Rooted (Magisk)

So, since once a month I find myself having to click a bunch of links and read how to do a bunch of commands, I wanted to create a thread that (rather generically) explains how to manually flash the OTA monthly updates if you're rooted with Magisk. So, minimally, here's a thread for me to review every month... if it helps you all out, all the better!
Pre-requisites:
Download Latest OTA zip file from Google.
Obtain the STOCK boot.img (required) and dtbo.img (optional) of the System ROM you are currently running. This can be done if you already have the full System Image file downloaded, downloading it currently, or just obtaining the stock boot and dtbo image files elsewhere. (NOTE: This can be skipped if you successfully uninstall Magisk BEFORE you start the process and choose to restore the Stock images in the uninstall process.)
Download Latest Magisk Zip file
Download latest TWRP recovery image
If applicable, have latest USB drivers, adb/fastboot/ files etc.
Preparation:
1) Extract or open the Full Image file and locate the boot.img and dtbo.img files. You will want these on your PC in the platform-tools folder (I usually put the Month name at the beginning, ex. - Jan_boot.img). Again, you can skip if you successfully uninstall Magisk prior to all of this.
2) Copy your OTA zip file to the platform-tools folder, again naming it after the month helps (ex. - Feb_Pixel2XL_OTA.zip)
3) Put your TWRP recovery in platform-tools folder.
4) Place the latest Magisk zip on your Pixel's internal storage (what used to be the SDCard on phones so equipped).
Commands:
1) From PC, open command prompt and change directory to your platform-tools folder.
2) If your phone is on, "adb reboot bootloader" If powered off, press power and Vol Down button to get to Bootloader. Plug your phone into your PC.
3) [If Magisk is not uninstalled first] Command: fastboot flash boot {Name_of_boot.img File}
4) [If Magisk is not uninstalled first] Command: fastboot flash dtbo {Name_of_dtbo.img File}
5) On your phone, hit Vol Down until you see Recovery, then press power button.
6) Once in recovery mode, press power and Vol Up to bring up menu
7) Scroll to item: "Apply update from ADB" and press power
8) Command: adb sideload {Name_of_OTA.zip file}
9) After the OTA finishes flashing, exit recovery back into the Bootloader
10) Command: fastboot boot {twrp_filename.img}
11) Install Magisk Zip file (and any other Zip files you want installed... Kernels, etc.) within TWRP
Then after flashing your zip files, reboot to system and you should be all set.
I believe everything above is correct, but if I've made a glaring mistake, please let me know. I also realize there may be other methods to this madness, but this is what works for me.

With this method do you have to worry about removing your password from your phone before you try to go into twrp?

uofirob said:
With this method do you have to worry about removing your password from your phone before you try to go into twrp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Mine is set to pin, which I had to put in and it let me finish.

Sweet. I'll give this method a try tonight!
WorldOfJohnboy said:
Yes. Mine is set to pin, which I had to put in and it let me finish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thank you for this. Just to be clear in step 2 under prerequisites you say more on this later. Then in step 1 for preparation you prefix your boot and dtbo with Jan xx.img. I get what your saying, but for the newer noobs they may get confused. Maybe reword to say, extract or open the factory image your currently using or the previous months image. Obviously you do this first so that you can sideload the ota. I don't mean any disrespect.

I believe you also need remove the -w from the end of the .bat file after you extract the OTA; otherwise, all of your data will be wiped.
But great job of getting all this info in one place!

So I did this, and now I'm bootlooping. I guess I'll re-flash the Jan factory image and wait a little longer... **UPDATE** I fixed the bootloop by re-trying the process again (after re-verifying the MD5 hash on the update.zip. I rebooted after installing the update,
but before the TWRP flash to install MAGISK. Maybe this allowed the "update"
to finish processing. I also had to remove the pin from my lock screen in order to allow me to get into twrp. After rebooting into the system and removing the pin, I adb reboot bootloader and then flashed twrp. Thanks for the guide!
---------- Post added at 07:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:50 AM ----------
PuffDaddy_d said:
I believe you also need remove the -w from the end of the .bat file after you extract the OTA; otherwise, all of your data will be wiped.
But great job of getting all this info in one place!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to remove the -w from the .bat file since you aren't using it at all to do the update. That is only if you're flashing your factory image.

Fe Mike said:
Thank you for this. Just to be clear in step 2 under prerequisites you say more on this later. Then in step 1 for preparation you prefix your boot and dtbo with Jan xx.img. I get what your saying, but for the newer noobs they may get confused. Maybe reword to say, extract or open the factory image your currently using or the previous months image. Obviously you do this first so that you can sideload the ota. I don't mean any disrespect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I changed some wording under prerequisite...

I agree with everything on this guide...
just teasing...
I'm actually glad you created this thread...I wanted to create one also and try and help out as much as I could, but I don't have the cahones and didn' t think I had experience enough to start a "guide" thread :silly:

I mean no disrespect, but this seems awful complicated compared to just flashing the full image with the removed (-w). Especially since your downloading it anyway. I do that then boot the TWRP image and flash the TWRP zip. Reboot into recovery and flash kernel and magisk and reboot system. Again I'm asking for clarity, not dumping on you. Great write up btw!

CyberpodS2 said:
I mean no disrespect, but this seems awful complicated compared to just flashing the full image with the removed (-w). Especially since your downloading it anyway. I do that then boot the TWRP image and flash the TWRP zip. Reboot into recovery and flash kernel and magisk and reboot system. Again I'm asking for clarity, not dumping on you. Great write up btw!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well...I can't speak for the OP, but I wrote my extremely similar identical one because, for whatever reason, many users would choose OTAs over flashing full factory images. I/me & you understand the benefits of the factory images over the OTAs; especially understanding the process you must go through to install the OTAs as-of-current is almost the same as flashing the factory images anyways...
But if I were to give a possible explanation to their reasoning is that, like many of them, I come from a non-Google phone (S5 for me), and OTA's were simpler, takes less bandwidth (which still remains true today), they were significantly simpler to install vs. factory images, and with a lot of popular phones you only flash factory images to recover your phone; i.e. muniz_ri's OTA's for the S5 and FlashFire were loads simpler than flashing a whole factory image. But, again, understanding the difference for Pixel 2 and Oreo's OTA & factory images (or the small difference thereof), it's probably better to do a few extra steps and/or downloads to do the whole image than sideloading an OTA.
In the end, this is for people who insist for OTA updates most likely because that's how they are familiar (and therefore more comfortable) with; whether it being explained to them or not...
Cheers!:good:

Fair enough, thanks for the input!

CyberpodS2 said:
I mean no disrespect, but this seems awful complicated compared to just flashing the full image with the removed (-w). Especially since your downloading it anyway. I do that then boot the TWRP image and flash the TWRP zip. Reboot into recovery and flash kernel and magisk and reboot system. Again I'm asking for clarity, not dumping on you. Great write up btw!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may seem awful complicated, but to be honest, to me is less complicated than having to edit a script file (which if you forget to do, will lose all of your data). Also, though the steps I wrote out seem like a lot more if you were to write out a process using the full image, it actually works out to be almost the same number of steps.
Lastly, as someone else hinted at, the OTA file size is smaller. The only full image you need is what you are currently running (which in most cases I have on my phone in case the sh__ hits the fan with my phone), not the new full image. (To be even more precise, you only need the boot.img and dtbo.img from the full image file--there may be places to get just those two files out there.)
As I put in the last sentence, I realize there are other methods to this madness, this is basically what works for me. I wanted to get it in writing so I wouldn't forget this down the road, and if it helps anyone here, just icing on the cake. Clearly I'm no Dev and not forcing anyone to perform the updates this way!

WorldOfJohnboy said:
It may seem awful complicated, but to be honest, to me is less complicated than having to edit a script file (which if you forget to do, will lose all of your data). Also, though the steps I wrote out seem like a lot more if you were to write out a process using the full image, it actually works out to be almost the same number of steps.
Lastly, as someone else hinted at, the OTA file size is smaller. The only full image you need is what you are currently running (which in most cases I have on my phone in case the sh__ hits the fan with my phone), not the new full image. (To be even more precise, you only need the boot.img and dtbo.img from the full image file--there may be places to get just those two files out there.)
As I put in the last sentence, I realize there are other methods to this madness, this is basically what works for me. I wanted to get it in writing so I wouldn't forget this down the road, and if it helps anyone here, just icing on the cake. Clearly I'm no Dev and not forcing anyone to perform the updates this way!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey bud, wonder I I could pick your brain just a little. When doing monthly Google updates, are most of their proprietary files located in the boot, dtbo, and vendor images?? Your posts have intrigued me a little, and are very well written BTW. My reasoning is this. On my old 6p, about all we needed to do was flash the new vendor, and of course the bootloader and radio if there were any worthwhile improvements. Would the same possibly apply to the P2XL?? I'm just wondering because, now that we're starting to see custom roms, if this would be a viable option, and simplify the updating process. Thank again for your great write up ??

Badger50 said:
Hey bud, wonder I I could pick your brain just a little. When doing monthly Google updates, are most of their proprietary files located in the boot, dtbo, and vendor images?? Your posts have intrigued me a little, and are very well written BTW. My reasoning is this. On my old 6p, about all we needed to do was flash the new vendor, and of course the bootloader and radio if there were any worthwhile improvements. Would the same possibly apply to the P2XL?? I'm just wondering because, now that we're starting to see custom roms, if this would be a viable option, and simplify the updating process. Thank again for your great write up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be perfectly honest with you, I haven't taken a dive to see what is in the OTA files and would imagine that it varies depending on the monthly updates.... that said, the only reason why I have stated to re-flash the stock boot.img is because if you are rooted with Magisk, it takes the stock boot.img and modifies it. In order to take an OTA sideload, you need to be on stock boot.img and stock recovery. dtbo is only in my process because there was one time when I tried to sideload and my dtbo wasn't stock (or corrupt). You may not need to flash the stock dtbo.img, but it doesn't hurt to do so.

WorldOfJohnboy said:
I'll be perfectly honest with you, I haven't taken a dive to see what is in the OTA files and would imagine that it varies depending on the monthly updates.... that said, the only reason why I have stated to re-flash the stock boot.img is because if you are rooted with Magisk, it takes the stock boot.img and modifies it. In order to take an OTA sideload, you need to be on stock boot.img and stock recovery. dtbo is only in my process because there was one time when I tried to sideload and my dtbo wasn't stock (or corrupt). You may not need to flash the stock dtbo.img, but it doesn't hurt to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really happy to see our device has graduated to this level of discussion, instead of the random guessing and 14 different "possible" routes to a solution. Lol
Custom roms abound, once TWRP gets squared away and someone master's the art of turning monthly updates into zip installs we'll pretty much be there!
Btw OP, great write up... Clear and precise!

I do not understand the purpose for downloading the full system image and then flashing only the OTA zip - what am I missing? There is a widely distributed method for performing monthly OTA updates by uninstalling Magisk, updating OTA normally, then flashing Magisk again - seems much simpler, any reason why it would not work?

Brenneke said:
I do not understand the purpose for downloading the full system image and then flashing only the OTA zip - what am I missing? There is a widely distributed method for performing monthly OTA updates by uninstalling Magisk, updating OTA normally, then flashing Magisk again - seems much simpler, any reason why it would not work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloading the full system image is not required. You only need the Stock versions of boot.img (required) and dtbo.img (optional) of the ROM version your phone is currently running. I actually keep a full system image on my phone in case something goes awry.
I'm going to update the OP to more clearly state that you only need the stock boot.img file--how you obtain it is up to you. Uninstalling Magisk will do the same exact thing, however I tried to do that a couple of months ago and it created more issues for me than if I had just flashed the stock boot.img in the first place.

WorldOfJohnboy said:
Downloading the full system image is not required. You only need the Stock versions of boot.img (required) and dtbo.img (optional) of the ROM version your phone is currently running. I actually keep a full system image on my phone in case something goes awry.
I'm going to update the OP to more clearly state that you only need the stock boot.img file--how you obtain it is up to you. Uninstalling Magisk will do the same exact thing, however I tried to do that a couple of months ago and it created more issues for me than if I had just flashed the stock boot.img in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not tried the uninstall Magisk method but plan to do so at next update. What kind of issues did it create for you?
Thanks.

Brenneke said:
I have not tried the uninstall Magisk method but plan to do so at next update. What kind of issues did it create for you?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some reason, I don't think it restored the correct (or not corrupted) boot.img version. Then, there were remnants of the Magisk APK and other files so I ended up having to do a full TiBu of my apps and flashed (with wipe) a full System image. It may have been something I did or just my bad luck, but I prefer not to chance it and instead manually flash the Stock image as my "guide" here states.

Boot loop even after stock recovery! My bacon is cooked!

Okay boys Just got this phone like a week ago. Used it to replace my Samsung that was acting up. Convinced my wife I needed it and then proceeded to toy with it.
I unlocked the bootloader, flashed custom recovery (TWRP latest), and rooted (Magisk latest) to stick recovery. I was running full stock 8.1.0 no custom ROM yet I was doing reading before I wan
ted to flash. Got to feeling comfortable so I got everything ready files downloaded USB hooked up and decided to be safe and make one more back up.
So thats what I did, I made a full TWRP backup, every single partition onto an external USB. So I am safe, right? Best to be safe... But that's when I rebooted from TWRP it boot looped.
So now I am currently stuck at boot. I get the warning screen about the unlocked bootloader then "Google" logo boot screen then a black screen and back to the start again. I knew that wasn't right, so I booted into fastboot with Power + Volume Down, cycled to recovery and selected it then... boot loop. No recovery. Hmmm... That's not good. But keep calm... did some research and found a few things. So i did this...
Heisenberg said:
FAQ can be found in post #3!
[SIZE=+1]10. How To Flash The Factory Images (And Return To Stock)[/SIZE]
Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1).
This section will explain how to return the phone to be like it was when it came out of the box. This will wipe everything from the phone. If you wish to flash the factory images without wiping your personal data from the internal storage please move on to the next section.
Go to Settings/Backup & Reset and perform a factory data reset. This will remove all of your user data from the device (apps, settings, photos, music, etc).
Download the appropriate factory images for your model here.
Unzip the angler-xxxxxx-factory-xxxxxxxx (x's replace variables) into a directory on your PC (for this guide we'll use C:\angler\).
Once unzipped you should have a folder named angler-xxxxxx (x's replace variables). Open it and move the following files to a new directory named C:\angler\images\:
bootloader-angler-angler-xx.xx.img
radio-angler-angler-xx.xx.img
(Please note that radio and bootloader naming changes from build to build so the filenames and below commands will change with them)
Within C:\angler\angler-xxxxxx\ you'll see another zip archive named image-angler-xxxxxx, unzip the contents of that zip into the C:\angler\images\ folder we created before. Now within C:\angler\images\ you should have the following files:
android-info.txt
boot.img
bootloader-angler-angler-xx.xx.img
cache.img (not present on Android 7.1.2 and above)
radio-angler-angler-xx.xx.img
recovery.img
system.img
userdata.img
vendor.img
Boot into the bootloader and connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here), enter these commands to flash:
Code:
fastboot flash bootloader C:\angler\images\bootloader-angler-angler-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash radio C:\angler\images\radio-angler-angler-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash boot C:\angler\images\boot.img
fastboot erase cache
(above command is unnecessary on Android 7.1.2 and above)
fastboot flash cache C:\angler\images\cache.img
(above command is unnecessary on Android 7.1.2 and above)
fastboot flash recovery C:\angler\images\recovery.img
fastboot flash system C:\angler\images\system.img
fastboot flash vendor C:\angler\images\vendor.img
On 7.1.2 and above you'll also need to boot into TWRP recovery and wipe cache and dalvik cache.
If you wish to you can also relock the bootloader with this command:
Code:
fastboot flashing lock
(This command will wipe all user data from the device)
Important: do not lock the bootloader unless you have first flashed the stock images. Locking the bootloader while you have a custom recovery installed can result in a brick. Please also note that the locking procedure will wipe all user data from the device.
Once all operations are complete you can reboot the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and that didnt work either so next I tried this
Train88 said:
Like other curious 6P users, I flashed the "full ota" zip to check out Nougat. Then I tried to restore my nandroid for Dirty Unicorns, and apparently TWRP 3.0.2-1 had a fatal flaw that borked the EFS backup. I tried literally everything I could think of, until I saw the process @be_vigilant did to revive his phone. I'm going to be using his process as the base for the guide, as well as linking you to my nandroid that has now helped two other people revive their device.
What you need:
*MMB29P factory image (although MTC20F also worked for someone).
Direct download link: https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/angler-mmb29m-factory-616cf265.zip
*My nandroid backup (its stock MMB29P, decrypted and rooted)
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24686679545612465
*TWRP recovery image (3.0.2-0 or one of the newer builds that fixed the EFS stuff)
https://dl.twrp.me/angler/
*Android SDK or at least platform-tools (for fastboot, adb, etc)
The Process:
1. Extract the factory image into the location where you have fastboot.exe (mine is C:\Android\sdk\platform-tools)
2. Extract the nandroid backup - doesn't matter where, I'll explain later
3. Make sure you are in bootloader mode, and run flash-all.bat from the factory image
4. Flash TWRP (fastboot flash recovery twrprecovery.img)
5. Boot into TWRP, and make a new nandroid backup. This step is just to create the TWRP backup folder on your device
6. Now go to wipe, advanced wipe, click on each partition one at a time, choose "Repair or Change File System", then select "Repair File System" - do this for dalvik/art, system, data, internal storage, and cache. It may not work for all of them, but its ok.
***you must mount data again in TWRP after doing this, or you will not be able to see anything***
7. Copy & paste my nandroid onto your device in the correct location (sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS/XXXXXX)
8. Restore my nandroid and try to boot.
9. If it still does not boot at this point, then you need to run these adb commands (while in TWRP) that @bogomil4e kindly reported to wipe the EFS partitions
adb shell dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/platform/soc.0/f9824900.sdhci/by-name/modemst1 bs=16384 -and-
adb shell dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/platform/soc.0/f9824900.sdhci/by-name/modemst2 bs=16384
Now you should be able to boot up and do anything you want again. Please do not mirror my nandroid or take advantage of it - I am making it available only for people to utilize as a way to unbrick their phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that didn't work either. To be clear I left my bootloader unlocked. Each process works as far as flashing all the files via fastboot. But if I try to reboot or boot recovery, stock or custom, I boot loop. I have been looking everywhere and I dont see a solution and was hoping to get some help.
edit: Now I have also tried this... Doesnt seem to be the bootloop of death.
XCnathan32 said:
Read First: This method is relatively drastic, and will hurt device performance some. You should only use this as a last resort, if the more basic methods of fixing a soft brick didn't work (e.g, factory reset, flash stock firmware, etc.)​
*Update 8/22: Android O is working with 4 Cores now! Big thank you to @xls654 for finding out how to get Android O to work.
*Petition:
I made a petition for Google to officially release and sign modified boot.imgs, so that people with locked bootloaders can fix their devices too. Check it out here. (I apologize for dumbing it down so much, I wanted to make sure everyone could understand it)
*Changelog:
8/25 - EX kernel for Android O added.
8/22 - Android O DPR6 boot.img and source added.
8/16 - Started making this fix open-source, source code section added in OP. Also uploaded modified Franco and Flash kernel & source.
8/10 - Added PA 7.2.2 and DarkROM boot images.
8/08, 2nd change - Uploaded modified boot.img for firmware 48C.
8/08 - Updated EX kernel to version 4.1.2. This updated zip adds the CPU utilization patch to the init.elemntalx.rc, instead of removing the old init.angler.rc and copying the new init over. That should mean more compatibility with Roms/kernels that modify the init.angler.rc. I also modified the camera-daemon to use cpus 0-3 instead of 0-2, so hopefully this should make the a camera bit faster too.
8/07 - Added boot.img that only uses 1 core. Someone suggested I make a boot.img that only uses 1 core, just to see if it works for devices that didn't work with the 4 Core fix.
7/30 - Added universal EX zip, this zip should modify your kernel to use only 4 cores, and it should modify it to utilize all 4 cores. You can flash this over most ROMs and it should work. Also added a donation url, and this changelog.
7/29, 2nd change - Added Pure Nexus and PA dev version boot images, modified to use 4 cores, and utilize all 4.
7/29 - Updated this fix to greatly improve performance. Before this fix, the device was only using 1 core for foreground tasks, now it will use all 4 cores. Also revamped OP.
7/21 - Fix created, stock boot.img, TWRP image, and EX kernel modified to use 4 cores.
*What this fix does, and how to apply it:
The problem:
The problem with most of the devices in a BLOD, is that a hardware failure related to the BIG cluster has occurred. This fix remedies the problem by disabling the BIG cores. Unfortunately, this does mean that you will take a performance hit. However, I am continually working on ways to improve the device's performance.
The update: If anyone remembers device performance with the first fix, it was hurt a lot, however, after finding out that the device was only using 1 core for all foreground tasks, I modified the ramdisk to utilize all 4 cores more effectively, and it helps a lot.
Requirements: For this fix to work, you need:
A brain
A computer
A bootlooping 6P with an unlocked bootloader/OEM unlocking enabled
The modified files of your choice
Fastboot on your computer (preferably installed system wide). If you do not know what this is, or do not have it, look at this post. Answer yes to all of the prompts to install it.
How to apply the fix:
Boot your phone into bootloader (hold power and volume down).
Connect your phone to the computer.
Go to the folder where you have the modified files, then hold shift and right click in a blank space, click on "open command prompt here" in the menu that pops up.
In the command prompt: type "fastboot flash boot [name of the file here]" and then press enter. If you're flashing TWRP, replace boot with recovery. (Linux users, make sure you're running as root)
Edit: With the new EX zip, you shouldn't need to flash the boot.img anymore, you can just flash twrp, and then flash EX in twrp.
Boot up your phone, and hopefully it should work!
*If your phone is bootloader locked/OEM locked:
You can try to get your phone to boot long enough to enable OEM unlocking. Some users have reported success by freezing their phone for a bit, then booting it. Others have let their battery drain all the way, and then tried to boot their phone, but the most successful method seems to be heating up your phone (a lot).
If you do attempt any of these methods, make sure you have time and patience, as it will take a long time.
To enable OEM unlocking and unlock bootloader:
Go to settings.
Go to developer options, if you do not see that, go to "about phone", scroll to build number, and then tap it 7 times. You should now see developer options in settings.
Once you're in developer options, click on "OEM unlocking" and accept the prompt.
Now reboot your phone to bootloader, connect your phone to the computer, and type "fastboot flashing unlock" Your bootloader should now be unlocked.
*Downloads:
Boot.img from stock 6.17, 8.0 firmware: Download | Mirror. This Image is the from the first official release of Android O, and is modified to use 4 cores. It also disables forced encryption as a bonus. Thank you to @xls654 for figuring out how to get Android O to work.
Boot.img from stock 48C, 7.1.2 firmware: Download | Mirror. This Image is modified to use only 4 cores, and is modified to utilize the 4 cores more effectively. I have had multiple people say that first boot takes a while after flashing this, so just wait about 20 minutes before you declare something is wrong with it.
Boot.img from stock 48B, 7.1.2 firmware: Download |Mirror. This Image is modified to use only 4 cores, and is modified to utilize the 4 cores more effectively. I have had multiple people say that first boot takes a while after flashing this, so just wait about 20 minutes before you declare something is wrong with it.
TWRP version 3.1.1: Download | Mirror. This TWRP image is modified to use only 4 cores.
EX kernel version 5.03: Download | Mirror. EX kernel 5.03 works with android 8.0.0. This zip applies the 4 cores patch, but you will need to flash it over an already modified boot.img to work.
Elemental X kernel version 4.12, universal zip: Download | Mirror. This zip is EX kernel, modified to use only 4 cores. Update: I modified it to apply the CPU utilization patch too, so now this is a universal zip, flash it over almost any ROM, and you should now have the BIG cores disabled fix, and the little core utilization fix.
Flash kernel version 2.5: Download | Mirror. This zip is modified to use only 4 cores, and utilize all 4. Works with android 7.1.2. You can flash this over almost any ROM, including stock, and it should boot again.
Franco kernel r55: Download | Mirror. This zip is modified to use only 4 cores, and utilize all 4. Works with android 7.1.2. You can flash this over almost any ROM, including stock, and it should boot again.
You will most likely not need these images. It will be much easier, and much more universal to flash one of the custom kernel zips above ^^^
PA boot.img from PA version 7.2.2, build 8/10: Download | Mirror. Uses only 4 cores, and has core utilization patch.
PA boot.img from PA version 7.2.1: Download | Mirror. Boot.img from PA dev preview 7.2.1, uses only 4 cores, and is modified to utilize 4 cores more effectively. Flash it after you flash the PA zip, either with fastboot, or TWRP image flash.
Pure Nexus boot.img from Pure Nexus 7/25 build Download | Mirror. This image is modified to use only 4 cores, and it has a tweak to utilize the 4 cores more effectively. Flash it after you flash Pure Nexus, either with fastboot, or TWRP image flash.
DarkROM boot.img from 7/21 build: Download | Mirror. This image is modified to use only 4 cores, and has the utilization patch.
Boot.img modified to use only 1 Core. Some people were reporting that the 4 core images weren't working for them, someone suggested that I make a 1 core version to see if that helps at all. Edit: seems not to help unfortunately. Here it is: Download | Mirror
Unfortunately, I have not been able to get Android O working yet, but I am working on it right now.
If you have a favorite custom ROM or kernel you want to ported over to use 4 cores, let me know, and I'll put it up.
*Source code:
Flash kernel: source | Flash ramdisk/AK2: source.
Franco kernel: source | Franco ramdisk/AK2: source.
Android O boot.img: source.
p-0000000000000000000000000000007 (sorry that was my kitten)
*Tested custom ROMS/kernels
I have used Pure Nexus by flashing the modified EX zip over it, it has notably better performance than the stock ROM, and very good battery life. It's a clean, stable ROM, with plenty of good features that are actually useful.
I have also used Paranoid android dev preview, very good performance, definitely my favorite as of now. Battery life leaves something to be desired, but I have not tried a custom kernel yet. Also, 7.2.1 seemed smoother to me than 7.2.2.
If you have a custom ROM/kernel that worked for you, let me know and I'll put it up here.
*To improve performance slightly:
Flash a custom kernel. I will upload more kernels as I test more, so stay tuned.
Overclock the little cores. It can slightly help offset the lost performance, on my 6P, I have mine overclocked to 1632MHz, and it works perfectly for me. Edit: I actually recommend not overclocking. Many people have reported their Little cores failing, so I would go for longevity on this device, and keep it at stock clocks, or even underclock it. The speed difference you get from overclocking is negligible anyways.
Disable animations in developer options. Seriously, as soon as I found out about this tweak, I've used it on ever single device I've owned, it helps a ton.
Turn resolution down to 1080p. On a small screen, the difference in between 1080p and 1440p is not very noticable. To do this, first get root access, then download a terminal emulator. In the terminal, type "su" and grant it root access, then type "wm size 1080x1920", and finally, change the density "wm density 400". Personally, I like my density at 400, but you can expieriment with it. Lower density=Smaller items and text, Higher density=Bigger items and text. Also @Adithya FRK mentioned that you also want to put density in build.prop so apps display correctly. Change ro.sf.lcd_density=560 to your density, if you changed it.
*Credits:
@rchtk, His post here gave me the idea for how to modify the images.
@flar2, He built the Elemental X kernel for this device, I merely made a small modification to his kernel to use 4 cores. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit his work.
The TWRP development team, they built the TWRP recovery for this device, I merely made a small modification to their recovery to use 4 cores. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit their work.
@tr1gg3r.man, He made the the PA kernel, I just added a couple modifications. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit his work.
@BeansTown106, He made the Pure Nexus kernel, I just added a couple modifications. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit his work.
@Dark_Eyes_, He made the DarkROM kernel, I just added a couple modifications to it. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit his work.
@[U][COLOR="Purple"]The Flash[/COLOR][/U], He made The Flash kernel, I just made a couple modifications to it. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit his work. His posts have also helped me a lot with learning how to build a kernel from source, understanding how to use git more, etc. I recommend you check them out if you are interested in getting started with android development.
@[B]franciscofranco[/B], He made Franco kernel, I just made a couple modifications to it. In no way am I trying to steal and/or discredit his work.
@xls654, He found out how to get Android O working with 4 cores.
FAQs
What's the password for TWRP/Why is TWRP asking for a password? - In android 7.0, Google added forced encryption to the data partition. To get around this, click cancel when TWRP asks you for a password, and then factory reset the device. Then you can flash EX kernel/Magisk to disable forced encryption.
Why am I getting an error when I try to flash the images? - Your bootloader is probably not unlocked, try running the command "fastboot flashing unlock", If you get an error there too, then you will have to enable OEM unlocking before you can continue.
It's not working for me, how do I fix it? - My only advice for that is: "Flash the stock firmware for whatever version image you're trying to flash, then reflash the images again" If you're stuck on the boot animation, wait at least 20 minutes before you declare it's not working. If none of that works, chances are your device may have a different problem.
Does EX kernel have the new speed fix? - Yep, you can flash this over just about any ROM, and it should patch it to use only 4 cores, and use them well.
I would like to help as many people as I can, however, I am much more likely to be able to easily help you/reply to your post if you clearly state your problem and the steps you attempted to fix it. I will be much less likely to reply to posts such as "omggg i flashed the image and my phone won't boot helppp" Please read through post first, I did not spend time typing up this OP for no one to read it. If I can see that you read through the OP and have attempted all the steps, then I will be much more willing to help you.
I set up donations on my profile, for those of you who want to donate. I have spent countless hours modifying, flashing, testing, and helping, don't get me wrong, I love doing this and helping y'all out, but donations really keep me motivated to keep going, and donations also will help me fund new equipment and devices that will help further my android development. Every single donation is appreciated Donate to me here!
If this guide helped you, please click thanks, it means a lot to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please anybody if your willing to take a swing at helping me I would really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance!

Anybody have any insight?

Were you successful at returning to stock?
If not, I'm afraid you're suffering from the bootloop issue :'(

No i was not, but the standard 4 core fix isn't working for me either so I don't know what else to do.

I did something similar. Tried to update to latest may patch from custom rom. No sim found...so tried some radios..nothing. Thought I better get back to full stock. Similar to you tried the individual flashes and then the OTA as a whole. During that process I locked the bootloader. Now I get the yellow screen text says software isn't standard...then google logo...then the red text says os is corupt possibly...then google logo, forever. No loops it seems but just doesn't boot.
Anyone with thoughts?

i am on my 2nd 6p with the same problem after installing twrp. the first one i got operational by sideloading via twrp a factory img. to get the sideload to work i had to go back to android 6, 7 and 8 would not work. right now the google firmware site is not working, it has been out for a few days, so i have not been able to try it on the second 6p.
edit; now that i recall the factory img would not load after installing. i then went back to fastboot recovery and got the distress robot, twrp was of course gone. from there i did a factory reset which got me back to go and the long climb back to oreo.