help about /vendor - Xiaomi Mi A1 Questions & Answers

im having big problems about vendor. for start im giving some info:
device: mi a1 (tissot)
current os: lineage OS 17.1
root: yes
twrp: can install or use just booting .img
i unlocked my device and installed twrp. there is no problem.
i wanted flash lineage OS and i wiped my device. gives error about cannot mount /vendor
i installed treble supported twrp and installed lineage OS. flashed magisk. installed microg...
then i tried flash mapsv1.zip which is recommended for microg. then booom. another /vendor error.
now i can boot device. i can use everything except gps. google maps app cannot found location. yandex maps can found and i can use it until lock screen or going main screen (or another app). then it starts stopping everytime until i clen its data and cache. then again... in chrome when i open google maps and try found my location chrome stops.
i tried to change /vendor/etc/gps.conf. its still same.
what to do now guys? im worrying about if i try re-flash rom it doesnt flash and device bricked. any solution without re-flash rom? what causes to cannot mount /vendor after solved it?

What exactly did you wipe? I think you wiped vendor, or bumped your O.S. from an old firmware. However, wiping system, data and Dalvik was more than enough.
To solve this, the worst thing to do is trying to hook around. Just reflash the latest original firmware and start again.
Keep in mind that you might need to backup your stuff first.
Use adb pull and push commands in case your device is rebooting too much. Check if device works well this time.
Next, open adb access from device and reboot fastboot to reflash your custom recovery, then reboot recovery and wipe just these items. Finally, complete Rom flashing procedure, depending of your needs.

KaaMyA said:
What exactly did you wipe? I think you wiped vendor, or bumped your O.S. from an old firmware. However, wiping system, data and Dalvik was more than enough.
To solve this, the worst thing to do is trying to hook around. Just reflash the latest original firmware and start again.
Keep in mind that you might need to backup your stuff first.
Use adb pull and push commands in case your device is rebooting too much. Check if device works well this time.
Next, open adb access from device and reboot fastboot to reflash your custom recovery, then reboot recovery and wipe just these items. Finally, complete Rom flashing procedure, depending of your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dalvik cache , system, data, and cache. My device is not rebooting too much. Sory if i couldn't explain. Everything working fine except when an app tries use my location, app stops running, i cant flash anything right now.
İ thought anyone knows mapsv1.zip file(microg.org) and which files are replaced or added by this file when flash it. And can i do it manually? Btw i can read and write /vendor file with solid explorer
İf needed to re-flash rom thats ok but i think lineage OS was perfect for me until this error. And a last thing: can i backup my settings. (İ already took backup of everything in stock when unlocked bl)
Thank you for help
Edit: gps problems started when i tried flash mapsv1

ROM could be perfect, but what I doubt is how perfectly you followed the procedure. Again, better start from zero, being sure you have all the prerequisites (latest firmware included). My humble opinion.

KaaMyA said:
ROM could be perfect, but what I doubt is how perfectly you followed the procedure. Again, better start from zero, being sure you have all the prerequisites (latest firmware included). My humble opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okey ilk try it and share the result night. But is it possible to backup settings of phone?

Well, that's why in step 0 is always recommended to backup you phone. At this level you should have nothing in settings, since you wipe it all... However, that's better, that's the goal of a Clean Install after all. Each ROM has its own flavour and is not recomendable to overwrite these values from a backup, if you're changing ROMs. What you could do, was to backup your apps and some settings with a third app like Swift Backup, or older Titanium Backup, before starting it all, or else, making a complete backup from recovery, in case you end with a problem with newly installed ROM (recommendation here is disable any screen security lock before doing Backups).

KaaMyA said:
Well, that's why in step 0 is always recommended to backup you phone. At this level you should have nothing in settings, since you wipe it all... However, that's better, that's the goal of a Clean Install after all. Each ROM has its own flavour and is not recomendable to overwrite these values from a backup, if you're changing ROMs. What you could do, was to backup your apps and some settings with a third app like Swift Backup, or older Titanium Backup, before starting it all, or else, making a complete backup from recovery, in case you end with a problem with newly installed ROM (recommendation here is disable any screen security lock before doing Backups).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
İ did it all. Step by step. But i realized something. That errors doesnt matter on my device. Bcs when i flashing stock mi flash tool said failed but i booted system and everything working fine. İ installed persistent twrp. Same error. Then wiped. Same error but wipe completed. Than i flashed this zips single and booted everytime: lineage os, magisk, backup of migrate. Everytime it said cannot mount vendor but all of this apps and os and recovery working fine
Thank you for your helps
[Helping alone ]

Nurullah44 said:
İ did it all. Step by step. But i realized something. That errors doesnt matter on my device. Bcs when i flashing stock mi flash tool said failed but i booted system and everything working fine. İ installed persistent twrp. Same error. Then wiped. Same error but wipe completed. Than i flashed this zips single and booted everytime: lineage os, magisk, backup of migrate. Everytime it said cannot mount vendor but all of this apps and os and recovery working fine
Thank you for your helps
[Helping alone ]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you didn't treblized your device then its not a problem. I have this error too but that's because there is no vendor partition to mount. as been said by unipo:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi...-3-3-1-0-tissot-manager-t3976117/post81326153

portox said:
if you didn't treblized your device then its not a problem. I have this error too but that's because there is no vendor partition to mount. as been said by unipo:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi...-3-3-1-0-tissot-manager-t3976117/post81326153
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure? Bcs i can view and change /vendor in root path. Treblizing is updating and repairing system partitions right? İ am using treble support twrp, flashed stock rom via mi flash(said error but worked fine) then how to treblize a device? And is this required for anything(like a rom, an app)?

Related

restore from backup fails

Ok, so I have NEVER been able to successfully restore from a backup made using TWRP when the backup was of a Cyanogen based ROM.
I've tried selecting every box/option for the backup thus creating a big arse file and even those don't successfully install during a restore attempt.
The only backup I have the will successfully install is the one I made immediately after installing TWRP of the stock rom.
When I attempt to restore my CM13 rom it usually gets to around 10 to 14 percent complete and then suddenly just reboots and seems to be stuck on the boot loading image forever until my patience runs out and I flash back to stock.
Any ideas guys? I would LOVE to be able to restore one of my CM13 backups.
I'm on Nexus 6p using newest TWRP and had backed up a couple CM13 nightlies.
Currently running CM13 snapshot.
theinvid said:
Ok, so I have NEVER been able to successfully restore from a backup made using TWRP when the backup was of a Cyanogen based ROM.
I've tried selecting every box/option for the backup thus creating a big arse file and even those don't successfully install during a restore attempt.
The only backup I have the will successfully install is the one I made immediately after installing TWRP of the stock rom.
When I attempt to restore my CM13 rom it usually gets to around 10 to 14 percent complete and then suddenly just reboots and seems to be stuck on the boot loading image forever until my patience runs out and I flash back to stock.
Any ideas guys? I would LOVE to be able to restore one of my CM13 backups.
I'm on Nexus 6p using newest TWRP and had backed up a couple CM13 nightlies.
Currently running CM13 snapshot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you read my guide?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
You definitely shouldn't be selecting all options in the backup menu. You only need to select system, data, boot, and vendor. And obviously only restore those.
Heisenberg said:
Have you read my guide?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
You definitely shouldn't be selecting all options in the backup menu. You only need to select system, data, boot, and vendor. And obviously only restore those.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information. Ok I made a backup of only the 4 things listed...before I made the backup I made sure that I had NO security of any kind.
This time the backup got to 100% and then asked me to reboot the system. I was excited...thinking this had actually worked this time...only to find that it stays stuck io the GOOGLE plash screen...it never makes it to the boot animation.
The original stock backup still works...and in looking at that backup it only had 3 things backed up (no vendor).
Suggestions???
At this point a backup has failed once again and I'll have to spend hours getting it back the way I had it.
theinvid said:
Thanks for the information. Ok I made a backup of only the 4 things listed...before I made the backup I made sure that I had NO security of any kind.
This time the backup got to 100% and then asked me to reboot the system. I was excited...thinking this had actually worked this time...only to find that it stays stuck io the GOOGLE plash screen...it never makes it to the boot animation.
The original stock backup still works...and in looking at that backup it only had 3 things backed up (no vendor).
Suggestions???
At this point a backup has failed once again and I'll have to spend hours getting it back the way I had it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try restoring the backup without the vendor, but then you'll need to flash the appropriate vendor image to suit the ROM that you're restoring.
tried
Heisenberg said:
You could try restoring the backup without the vendor, but then you'll need to flash the appropriate vendor image to suit the ROM that you're restoring.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried that. it also failed.
Now things seem to be worse. I restore the original stock backup and then from there begin the process again of installing Cyanogenmod 13...only no matter what I do to install it...it gets stuck on the Google unlock screen.
I've tried.
Factory Reset - Install Just CM13 snapshot = fail
Factory Reset - Install CM13 snapshot and Gapps = fail
Factory Reset - Install CM13 snapshot and Gapps and Xposed and Vendor file fix thingy = Fail
a few other combinations all failing the same way.
A phone is worthless to me if I can't run CM13 I "NEED" to customize!!
Please help.
theinvid said:
tried that. it also failed.
Now things seem to be worse. I restore the original stock backup and then from there begin the process again of installing Cyanogenmod 13...only no matter what I do to install it...it gets stuck on the Google unlock screen.
I've tried.
Factory Reset - Install Just CM13 snapshot = fail
Factory Reset - Install CM13 snapshot and Gapps = fail
Factory Reset - Install CM13 snapshot and Gapps and Xposed and Vendor file fix thingy = Fail
a few other combinations all failing the same way.
A phone is worthless to me if I can't run CM13 I "NEED" to customize!!
Please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you flashing the appropriate vendor image for the ROM after you've flashed the ROM? When you say factory reset are you just choosing the factory reset option in TWRP? If so, you should instead go into the advanced wipe section and wipe system, data, cache, and dalvik cache. CM isn't the only ROM out there with customisation, there are other ROMs that have the same or more level of customisation available.
theinvid said:
tried that. it also failed.
Now things seem to be worse. I restore the original stock backup and then from there begin the process again of installing Cyanogenmod 13...only no matter what I do to install it...it gets stuck on the Google unlock screen.
I've tried.
Factory Reset - Install Just CM13 snapshot = fail
Factory Reset - Install CM13 snapshot and Gapps = fail
Factory Reset - Install CM13 snapshot and Gapps and Xposed and Vendor file fix thingy = Fail
a few other combinations all failing the same way.
A phone is worthless to me if I can't run CM13 I "NEED" to customize!!
Please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also simply tried a Factory Reset followed by reboot and that failed in the same way.
currently it would seem that Screw'd ROM is successfully installing. hmm
what's up with my CM13??
I hope I like this ROM
theinvid said:
currently it would seem that Screw'd ROM is successfully installing. hmm
what's up with my CM13??
I hope I like this ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't know, there's no reason it shouldn't install. You must be missing something, or perhaps the zip is corrupt, did you check the MD5?

[HELP!] TWRP createTarFork() error 255 when backing up data

I have installed FreedomOS on my OnePlus 5. I'm not sure if this is related to FreedomOS, but when I try to make a backup in TWRP with data, system, and boot, it has an error with createTarFork() shortly after it gets to backing up data. It also says 'read only filesystem' when I try to open Terminal from Advanced and run 'cd /data/media/0/TWRP/BACKUPS/bad7d639 && rm -rf backup-name'. What can I do to fix this and why is this happening?
EDIT: I have 32GB storage left
I had error 255 when restoring the data partition on my elephone p9000, for me it was because it was a bad data write and it was corrupt.
Pro4TLZZ said:
I had error 255 when restoring the data partition on my elephone p9000, for me it was because it was a bad data write and it was corrupt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What was corrupt? How did you fix it?
keeganjk said:
What was corrupt? How did you fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Something in the partition, so I didn't restore that
Pro4TLZZ said:
Something in the partition, so I didn't restore that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which partition? I just wiped my device and reinstalled FreedomOS.
keeganjk said:
Which partition? I just wiped my device and reinstalled FreedomOS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Userdata partition
Pro4TLZZ said:
Userdata partition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK.
Pro4TLZZ said:
Userdata partition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wiped my device and reinstalled FreedomOS, it still shows up with the same error.
keeganjk said:
I wiped my device and reinstalled FreedomOS, it still shows up with the same error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry I can't help you more
Hi guy, i had the problem, try to flash blue spark recovery and retry restore, if rom bootloops, try to dirty flash your rom
I just wiped and reinstalled OxygenOS http://downloads.oneplus.net/oneplus-5/oneplus_5_oxygenos_4.5.10/. Once I reconfigure all my settings, files, etc, I'm going to see if it works.
dago said:
Hi guy, i had the problem, try to flash blue spark recovery and retry restore, if rom bootloops, try to dirty flash your rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the difference between TWRP and bluspark TWRP?
dago said:
Hi guy, i had the problem, try to flash blue spark recovery and retry restore, if rom bootloops, try to dirty flash your rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't restore; I deleted all my backups in an attempt to free up space.
I think I found the solution!
1. Go to Wipe in TWRP, swipe to factory reset
2. Download:
OnePlus Recovery: http://oxygenos.oneplus.net.s3.amazonaws.com/OP5_recovery.img
OxygenOS: http://oxygenos.oneplus.net.s3.amaz...3_OTA_015_all_1708252353_e6d7756780064352.zip
3. Rename recovery image as recovery.img, boot phone into fastboot, plug into computer, run these commands on the computer:
fastboot devices
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot boot recovery.img
4. Open recovery on phone
5. Select Forgot Password, will wipe all leftover files in SD Card.
6. Boot back into recovery, select reload, select Install over ADB or Install Over USB or something similar and plug phone into computer.
7. Run 'adb sideload oxygen-os-filename' without quotes on computer.
8. Let it install OxygenOS, it may appear to be frozen at some points; it probobaly isn't, so don't shut it off or unplus USB.
9. Download Bluspark TWRP: https://forum.xda-developers.com/devdb/project/dl/?id=26601&task=get
9. Reboot into fastboot, plug into computer and run these commands on the computer:
fastboot devices
fastboot flash recovery bluspark-twrp-filename-location.img
fastboot boot bluspark-twrp-filename-location.img
10. Success (hopefully)
Oh. Wait. Now it has the same error when I try to make a backup. (I feel like it might be from installing https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software-hacking/kali-nethunter-magisk-t3676681, but they say it's unrelated). Doors anyone know why this is happening again?
the solution to this was to boot to your previous rom that u have made nandroid backup with and then setting up the same password/pin in settings > security. When you then boot into twrp it will ask you for the pin/password to decrypt your data partition and then you can flash the nandroid backup(you have to have the same password there). here it is obvious that you are trying to flash data partition that uses different encryption password (in case of stock rom there is non) and this obviously wont happen.
maybe another solution would be to connect externally usb and unmounting data partition and then restoring from usb...
I'm having the exact same issue, but trying to create a Nandroid, not restoring one. Happened on Codeworkx TWRP 20180414. I always remove my passwords, fingerprint, pattern, and face data before I backup, update, etc. since I'm encrypted to avoid issues, and it still happened. I flashed the latest blu_spark TWRP and got the exact same error in the same spot in the data partition backup.
Never had an issue like this before. I even tried saving the data partition separately and still got the same error. Very strange indeed.
All other partitions backup without issue.
I'm on xXx v10.5 w/ ElementalX v3.04, Encrypted
If anyone has any insight, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks much!
?
Need4Sneed said:
I'm having the exact same issue, but trying to create a Nandroid, not restoring one. Happened on Codeworkx TWRP 20180414. I always remove my passwords, fingerprint, pattern, and face data before I backup, update, etc. since I'm encrypted to avoid issues, and it still happened. I flashed the latest blu_spark TWRP and got the exact same error in the same spot in the data partition backup.
Never had an issue like this before. I even tried saving the data partition separately and still got the same error. Very strange indeed.
All other partitions backup without issue.
I'm on xXx v10.5 w/ ElementalX v3.04, Encrypted
If anyone has any insight, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks much!
?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me flashing normal oxygenos with magisk 16 and formatting data and trying to make it boot with the new flash and then rebooting into recovery and restoring made it work. I guess it has to do with the right filesystem having to be made first.
hi guys,
i've read all the thread in XDA related to ERROR 255, can't find anything to solve my problem trying to backup on TWRP ending with this error 255.?
I'm not using any parallel apps, not using Apps Locker, don't have any folder 999 (searched using Root Browser).
I've tried deleting all fingerprint, face unlock and screenlock as well.
No joy.
I'm using latest TWRP 3.2.2-1, OOS 5.1.7, Rooted.
Appreciate any help or sharing experience.

Axon 7 randomly stopped booting

Hi there, I have an Axon 7 with LineageOS that was working like a charm until I rebooted it today. It was in the normal lineage OS boot animation with the blue circle moving from right to left, except it never stopped. Now after trying a few more times, it just keeps playing the animation except the phone will vibrate slightly every several seconds. The phone is encrypted but that hasn't been a problem. When I reboot to TWRP, it says Unable to mount storage.
I tried wiping Cache and Dalvik / ART Cache, but this didn't help. Finally, I do have a backup from 7-20-2017 but I'd rather not have to go back to that...
Any recommendations?
Chrono7x said:
Hi there, I have an Axon 7 with LineageOS that was working like a charm until I rebooted it today. It was in the normal lineage OS boot animation with the blue circle moving from right to left, except it never stopped. Now after trying a few more times, it just keeps playing the animation except the phone will vibrate slightly every several seconds. The phone is encrypted but that hasn't been a problem. When I reboot to TWRP, it says Unable to mount storage.
I tried wiping Cache and Dalvik / ART Cache, but this didn't help. Finally, I do have a backup from 7-20-2017 but I'd rather not have to go back to that...
Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you can't see the internal storage from TWRP? I'm guessing encryption actually plays a part here. Formatting data is probably the best course of action, though you should flash magisk or superSu if you do, to get rid of encryption. But you obviously lose everything that's on the internal storage.
Maybe make a system and boot backup and clean flash Lineage. Like, wipe system and caches, then flash the bootloader, modem, LOS and whatever else you flash
Choose an username... said:
So you can't see the internal storage from TWRP? I'm guessing encryption actually plays a part here. Formatting data is probably the best course of action, though you should flash magisk or superSu if you do, to get rid of encryption. But you obviously lose everything that's on the internal storage.
Maybe make a system and boot backup and clean flash Lineage. Like, wipe system and caches, then flash the bootloader, modem, LOS and whatever else you flash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it easier to just use the backup I have currently? If so, what are the steps necessary for that (sorry for newb questions, haven't messed with it in a while)
EDIT: Also, TWRP claims decryption is successful when it is loading up.
Chrono7x said:
Is it easier to just use the backup I have currently? If so, what are the steps necessary for that (sorry for newb questions, haven't messed with it in a while)
EDIT: Also, TWRP claims decryption is successful when it is loading up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again. Can you see the internal storage?
Don't restore the backup. Your problem is basically either on /system (clean flash of the ROM will do) or on /data (complete format of data is needed). So try the non destructive one first
Choose an username... said:
Again. Can you see the internal storage?
Don't restore the backup. Your problem is basically either on /system (clean flash of the ROM will do) or on /data (complete format of data is needed). So try the non destructive one first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see any storage folder. So if I want to install the latest LOS and frankly just start from scratch, can I follow the guide here https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/axon7/install#installing-lineageos-from-recovery starting from "Installing LineageOS from recovery"? Will I still need to install something to wipe the encryption?
Chrono7x said:
I don't see any storage folder. So if I want to install the latest LOS and frankly just start from scratch, can I follow the guide here https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/axon7/install#installing-lineageos-from-recovery starting from "Installing LineageOS from recovery"? Will I still need to install something to wipe the encryption?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? No... That's for normal phones. How did you manage to install LOS without knowing that you need the univ. bootloader and modem?
So, you can't access the internal storage via the file manager on TWRP i'm guessing.
Wipe - Format data, after that flash the Universal bootloader, modem, LOS, Magisk, GApps. Magisk takes care of dm-verity and disables encryption. Don't try to uninstall it though or your internal storage will get encrypted as soon as you do. But if you want to change ROMs you can just fpash it before booting and it won't ger encrypted.

Stuck with a OP5 with no OS

Hi everyone,
I have been happy with the Marshmellow version the OS since I bought my phone when it came out (Unlocked, Encrypted). I have performed one update since I had the phone. Today, after seeing the latest posts after not being on this site for a year, I decided to make the move to upgrade to OOS 5.1.0!! Why not, nothing else going on this weekend. I upgrade TWRP to 3.2.1-1, I make a full backup, I follow the upgrade instructions... it fails with the continuous spinning balls on reboot. I Do some research... oh, it is "challenging" to upgrade but possible. No big deal, I will just restore my backup and try again at some other time. My backup restore fails Error 255, I try the fixeS I found such as unmounting data... No Luck). Can not restore the data partition. I guess I should have decrypted everything prior to backing up based on what I read later.
I at least backed up my SD card using adb prior to all this, so I decided to just reinstall ANY OS to get my phone running again for tonight. Well I have not had much luck. I downgraded TWRP to 3.2.1-0, I have tried installing:
OnePlus5Oxygen_23_OTA_033_all_1804110400_eb1766 - Originally installed with not errors but phone reboots back into TWRP after a failed 1st reboot. (I do get a "failed to mount /vendor")
lineage-15.1-20180423-nightly-cheeseburger-signed with Gapps (Gapps failed with I think a error 7)
I was messing with the data partition, wiped, formatted, etc. I am sure this is some of the issues. One other thing is that TWRP always boots to the "keep System Read only" I find this strange and had never seen before. I select to allow modification, but it seems like nothing changes on reboot.
At this point I would just like to get a stock OS image on the phone. IS there something I am missing?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-5/how-to/guide-mega-unbrick-guide-hard-bricked-t3698370
Sounds good, let me give it a try.
I've been thru this already. Here is the simplest way to get your 1+5 back to work, while having the latest LineageOS installed. It takes a bit of time and patience, but it works:
Using fastboot, reinstall TWRP 3.2.1-1 (or newer, if any)
Wipe all partitions, namely Dalvik/ART cache, Cache, System, Data and Internal storage
Sideload the latest OOS (version 5.10 or later, if any) with Android 8.1. This version will be OK for LineageOS 15.1 and you will no longer have that stupid error 7 when installing LOS 15.1
If OOS boots into recovery and asks for passwords or PIN or schema ... click on the "forgotten" link. OOS Recovery will then remove encryption and wipe out any data that was left.
Reboot phone, and start OOS session. Do not use any security stuff (PIN or schema or whatever) that would encrypt the phone. At least not now - If necessary, you will add it at the end of this whole process.
Once OOS is working, reboot to Bootloader. Since TWRP has been erased with OOS default recovery, you will have to reinstall it.
From TWRP, wipe Dalvik/ART cache, Cache, and Data partitions. This time, do not touch System or Internal storage
Sideload Lineage OS latest version. If you need to use Google Apps (e.g. Open Gapps), sideload it now before rebooting
Reboot (you might have to reboot twice, don't worry about that).
Once booted in LineageOS, do whatever you like - add accounts, root phone, etc.
Enjoy! (you may want to shout "Vive la France!", well ... don't hesitate!)
Sorry for my poor English. If anything here is unclear to you, please let me know.
I Have no idea what happened. I came home to start working on my phone, powered it up, and boom I have Android 8.1. Ok, Whatever...
Now I wonder if I should go for lineage or not.
kuhnto said:
Now I wonder if I should go for lineage or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends on how important privacy is to you. If you don't care, then stick to the original OnePlus firmware. If you do, then switch to LineageOS.

(Yet Another) Question on Encryption

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
Click to expand...
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.

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