Database Users

How should I update my phone's software if I have rooted it?

Hi, I'm new to rooting. A week ago or so I installed Pixel Experience Rom to my device but didn't liked it to much and my phone was constantly freezing for a second or so. I decided to go back to Oxygen OS with android 9 but keep the TWRP as my recovery and root my phone with Magisk.
Anyways today I got this notification saying that after phone downloads and install the software update my phone will reboot and unroot itself and I should back up my data. /a/DWgVyTK (imgur link)
After using my phone with root I liked it better this way. Anyways because I'm beginner level on this topic I don't know what should I do. I don't want to set up my phone again from the start after the update and I like root but I want my software to be latest as well. Is there any other way to install the update without deleting everything on phone?
Also if I download the latest software update can I flash it with TWRP without deleting anything on phone? Or back up my things with TWRP and install the software and use that back up to get everything back together again? Little bit help would be appreciated.

Ebeninyo said:
Hi, I'm new to rooting. A week ago or so I installed Pixel Experience Rom to my device but didn't liked it to much and my phone was constantly freezing for a second or so. I decided to go back to Oxygen OS with android 9 but keep the TWRP as my recovery and root my phone with Magisk.
Anyways today I got this notification saying that after phone downloads and install the software update my phone will reboot and unroot itself and I should back up my data. /a/DWgVyTK (imgur link)
After using my phone with root I liked it better this way. Anyways because I'm beginner level on this topic I don't know what should I do. I don't want to set up my phone again from the start after the update and I like root but I want my software to be latest as well. Is there any other way to install the update without deleting everything on phone?
Also if I download the latest software update can I flash it with TWRP without deleting anything on phone? Or back up my things with TWRP and install the software and use that back up to get everything back together again? Little bit help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Questions about your Oneplus 5:
What's your current OxygenOS version?
What's the version you want to install?
For OxygenOS Open Beta just follow instructions in the first post here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-5/how-to/official-oxygenos-beta-1-android-oreo-t3710003
For stable OxygenOS here in the first post
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-5/how-to/official-oxygenos-4-5-2-7-1-1-ota-t3627003
There's no need doing an ota update, cause rom files are mirrored on xda

strongst said:
Questions about your Oneplus 5:
What's your current OxygenOS version?
What's the version you want to install?
For OxygenOS Open Beta just follow instructions in the first post here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-5/how-to/official-oxygenos-beta-1-android-oreo-t3710003
For stable OxygenOS here in the first post
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-5/how-to/official-oxygenos-4-5-2-7-1-1-ota-t3627003
There's no need doing an ota update, cause rom files are mirrored on xda
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for answering. I tried dirty rom installing but twrp is not seeing my device's internal memory. I'm guessing that it's because oxygen os encrypts my phone when i enter the system after installation. It happened earlier as well when I tried to install oxygen os and root my phone and the time i tried to install pixel experience rom. I decided not to do clean installation as of now because I don't want to loose my data. (i certainly can get back everything on my phone but it usually takes few hours for that). Is there any other way to unencrypting the phone without wiping everything off?
My current oxygen os version is 9.0.2
I was trying to install 9.0.3.

Ebeninyo said:
Thank you very much for answering. I tried dirty rom installing but twrp is not seeing my device's internal memory. I'm guessing that it's because oxygen os encrypts my phone when i enter the system after installation. It happened earlier as well when I tried to install oxygen os and root my phone and the time i tried to install pixel experience rom. I decided not to do clean installation as of now because I don't want to loose my data. (i certainly can get back everything on my phone but it usually takes few hours for that). Is there any other way to unencrypting the phone without wiping everything off?
My current oxygen os version is 9.0.2
I was trying to install 9.0.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With which recovery and rom are you able to access your internal storage?

strongst said:
With which recovery and rom are you able to access your internal storage?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've only tried using TWRP as my recovery, Pixel experience rom and oxygen os rom. The thing is because upon entering the phone after flashing a rom you can't access the internal storage of the phone with TWRP because phone encrypts itself. That means I can't dirty flash it and need to wipe everything out with TWRP then reboot TWRP again and install new rom after that flash magisk and reboot to system and set everything up from the scratch.
When I started this thread I didn't knew how to dirty flash a rom. Now I know and realize the problem I'm having is phone's encryption.

UPDATE:
I have used this guide to disable encryption on my phone. (I tried putting the link to the guide but for some reason i can't. It was on Custom Droid about how to remove one plus 5's encryption) I wiped everything on my phone with TWRP, installed the new OTA with Oxygen OS 9.0.3, flashed the file they provided on the guide, started system, went through steps and checked my encryption status and it was still encrypted.
Entered recovery again and wiped everything once more. Installed Magisk entered my system. (I was wiping everything down because otherwise TWRP wasn't able to see my device's storage), went through all the steps again. Installed Magisk's apk. Checked my root status. Everything was okay but still my phone was encrypted. Downloaded latest version of the Magisk. Wiped everything down once more installed Magisk. Rebooted into my system to see my phone's encryption was still there. At this point I gave up and started restoring my apps, data and everything with it.
Now I can't update my software whenever I want because TWRP won't see my device's storage because of encryption. Basically dirty flashing isn't available for me.
Have you guys tried and find a solution for this? If so please let me know. I would highly appreciate it.

Ebeninyo said:
UPDATE:
I have used this guide to disable encryption on my phone. (I tried putting the link to the guide but for some reason i can't. It was on Custom Droid about how to remove one plus 5's encryption) I wiped everything on my phone with TWRP, installed the new OTA with Oxygen OS 9.0.3, flashed the file they provided on the guide, started system, went through steps and checked my encryption status and it was still encrypted.
Entered recovery again and wiped everything once more. Installed Magisk entered my system. (I was wiping everything down because otherwise TWRP wasn't able to see my device's storage), went through all the steps again. Installed Magisk's apk. Checked my root status. Everything was okay but still my phone was encrypted. Downloaded latest version of the Magisk. Wiped everything down once more installed Magisk. Rebooted into my system to see my phone's encryption was still there. At this point I gave up and started restoring my apps, data and everything with it.
Now I can't update my software whenever I want because TWRP won't see my device's storage because of encryption. Basically dirty flashing isn't available for me.
Have you guys tried and find a solution for this? If so please let me know. I would highly appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To prevent the OxygenOS to encrypt your phones storage you need to flash no verity patch before first boot(instructions). But coming from a custom rom requires to format internal storage, otherwise it won't work.

strongst said:
To prevent the OxygenOS to encrypt your phones storage you need to flash no verity patch before first boot(instructions). But coming from a custom rom requires to format internal storage, otherwise it won't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you be able link me that patch and instructions?

Ebeninyo said:
Can you be able link me that patch and instructions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already gave you the link to instructions how to flash stable oxygenOS in the 2nd post https://forum.xda-developers.com/on...xygenos-4-5-2-7-1-1-ota-t3627003/post72799040
Just follow the CLEAN FLASH INSTRUCTIONS and on the 2nd last step you flash that patch which prevents you from encrypted storage.

strongst said:
I already gave you the link to instructions how to flash stable oxygenOS in the 2nd post https://forum.xda-developers.com/on...xygenos-4-5-2-7-1-1-ota-t3627003/post72799040
Just follow the CLEAN FLASH INSTRUCTIONS and on the 2nd last step you flash that patch which prevents you from encrypted storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already tried the clean flash instructions. However I flashed the patch before magisk last time I tried it but it didn't work. Maybe because my order was wrong. Since I don't have much time right now. I'm going to try that once again tomorrow this time exactly like on the guide. I will let you know about the results.
Thank you very much again. I really appreciate your help.

Ebeninyo said:
I've already tried the clean flash instructions. However I flashed the patch before magisk last time I tried it but it didn't work. Maybe because my order was wrong. Since I don't have much time right now. I'm going to try that once again tomorrow this time exactly like on the guide. I will let you know about the results.
Thank you very much again. I really appreciate your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember to format the internal storage exactly written in the instructions and then flash the no verity patch, otherwise it will not work.

strongst said:
Remember to format the internal storage exactly written in the instructions and then flash the no verity patch, otherwise it will not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was looking for other threads in this sub section. I saw this thread. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-5/help/twrp-encryption-t3889161
I flashed codeworkx twrp like you said on that thread. Now I can decrypt the phone. TWRP asks me for screen password and when I entered it, it showed me the internal memory. Now I can see my device's internal memory from recovery without wiping out everything.
My previous TWRP was twrp-3.2.3-0-cheeseburger.img
Installed twrp-3.2.3-0-20181227-codeworkx-nocompatcheck-cheeseburger.img via twrp app on my phone like you said on that thread. Thank you very much again.

Ebeninyo said:
I was looking for other threads in this sub section. I saw this thread. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-5/help/twrp-encryption-t3889161
I flashed codeworkx twrp like you said on that thread. Now I can decrypt the phone. TWRP asks me for screen password and when I entered it, it showed me the internal memory. Now I can see my device's internal memory from recovery without wiping out everything.
My previous TWRP was twrp-3.2.3-0-cheeseburger.img
Installed twrp-3.2.3-0-20181227-codeworkx-nocompatcheck-cheeseburger.img via twrp app on my phone like you said on that thread. Thank you very much again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool:good:

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HMSS013 said:
Had my new OP5 rooted and almost everything was right in the world, but i flew too close to the sun by uninstalling a few apps I thought were expendable and eventually Google Play Services started crashing. When all troubleshooting failed I ended up flashing a fresh copy of OxygenOS (5.1.7) to my device, but every attempt to re-root the device has failed.
The first obstacle I ran into was that there was no access to Internal Storage in TWRP, I was able to fix that by Wipe > Format Data and then using Advanced Wipe to clean Dalvik/Cache/System/Data for good measure.
My next issue was that TWRP returned Error 7 when attempting to flash the stock OOS rom... after some digging I was able to clean the 'asserts' line from the updater-script file and now the rom will flash.
The headache has been getting the device re-rooted, and I feel like I've tried everything. I have to flash the SuperSU or Magisk zip (both fail to root the device) before reboot because the dm-verity encrypts on first boot and after that I can't access any storage to flash from internal memory. The three different dm-verity patches I've found don't prevent it. I also tried 'fastboot oem disable_dm_verity' to try and stop it but after talking with the device fastboot returns 'unknown command'.
My final effort to get around it was to flash a kernel that didn't force dm-verity (blu_spark kernel) but that returns Error 1: 'Unsupported Android Version' when I attempt to flash it.
I've tried dozens of variations on this, including a Lineage OS rom instead and also trying to sideload certain zips, but still no dice. Any and all help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which rom do you want to install?

HMSS013 said:
The first obstacle I ran into was that there was no access to Internal Storage in TWRP, I was able to fix that by Wipe > Format Data and then using Advanced Wipe to clean Dalvik/Cache/System/Data for good measure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, this one is because of your TWRP. Please flash Codework's TWRP and try that with it. It should solve your issue for sure. (same thing happened to me while I tried installing custom roms and every time I needed to wipe everything to see my internal storage again)
This guide can help you out with Error 7 on TWRP https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2522762
I do believe your this issue you're having caused by TWRP. Also after rooting the phone, install magisk app. (you don't need to install supersu, it comes with magisk). After rebooting into system reboot your phone again once more it should show up on magisk app that you've successfully rooted your phone. Remember after flashing magisk you need to reboot twice in order for phone to realize it. Please try the steps I told you and let me know.
Also you don't need to flash dm-verity patch at all.
Try clean flash instructions with Codework's TWRP and root it with latest Magisk.

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HMSS013 said:
I actually really like the Oreo version of OxygenOS, so when I had to resort to re-flashing to fix this mess I dug up one of the stock (5.1.7) roms, it served me well (assuming I can get it rooted, lol).
I'd be willing to move to Lineage if I absolutely have to, but if not, I'd really like to keep Oreo if at all possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For 5.1.7 try this twrp https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UlTftbe6wooAs4Fp0cjwXlOKmfQHgdfL/view?usp=drivesdk along with magisk 17.1.
Clean flash is recommended. If it didn't help, please list your steps again(detailed).
Don't use supersu and skip the other suggestions for now please.

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What's the REAL method to successfully install a working TWRP, root and custom ROM?

Hi All, I have been reading various threads here and searching on Google for finding a method that truly works for successfully installing a custom ROM, getting TWRP installed and rooting with Magisk. So far, all I have found are numerous and usually contradictory methods and about 7 or 8 different versions of TWRP (so which one is completely stable and working properly?). I have tried several methods over the past two weeks and none of them are working completely.
Sometimes, I'll get a version of TWRP installed, but then trying to reboot to recovery results in a "system has been destroyed" image. Or I'll succeed in getting a custom ROM installed, but Gapps will fail with error 20 or error 70 or there's not enough space on the system partition (and I'm just trying to install the Pico version). Even I double check that the Gapps version matches the ROM version I've used, but still get an error 20 displayed.
From what I had read on numerous threads, it seemed like CosmicDans TWRP would be the one I should go with. I downloaded both of his files (the fastboot image and the zipped installer) and fastboot his "boot-recovery.img" that was specifically for fastboot only and from that recovery, I installed his "TWRP-Installer-3.2.1-with-Tissot-Manager-2.5.zip". Everything appeared as if successfully installed as per the logs, but immediately upon attempting to reboot to recovery, I get the "system has been destroyed" image.
What I want to do is:
Get a working custom ROM (preferably Pie) installed
Install Gapps
Install a working TWRP (that will not display "system has been destroyed" whenever trying to boot to recovery)
Finally, install Magisk and root my phone
Can anyone suggest a site or link or a post somewhere that would explain everything correctly and is actually working? This has been a very frustrating experience. I'm almost sorry that I even bought the Mi A1. Never had any problems installing custom ROMs or rooting the OnePlus devices. All I'm left with currently is an expensive paperweight.
Thanks so much!
Cheers

From your description, I'm certain that you do this on a Pie stock rom right? the installer never work on Pie stock and will cause system destroy. Just hotboot TWRP. And for the Gapps, I think it's due to the time you install it. From my experience, install Gapps after rom and before Magisk usually work. Install after magisk or custom kernel will somehow cause the same issue that you described.
Oh, in case you want to install LineageOS, you have to come to the LOS16 thread and download the TWRP from there, it's the only TWRP that can install LOS16.

Never_Sm1le said:
From your description, I'm certain that you do this on a Pie stock rom right? the installer never work on Pie stock and will cause system destroy. Just hotboot TWRP. And for the Gapps, I think it's due to the time you install it. From my experience, install Gapps after rom and before Magisk usually work. Install after magisk or custom kernel will somehow cause the same issue that you described.
Oh, in case you want to install LineageOS, you have to come to the LOS16 thread and download the TWRP from there, it's the only TWRP that can install LOS16.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply. When I first started the process to change to a custom ROM, I was on stock Pie. But one of the times I was wiping the device after one more problem, I accidentally also wiped Internal Storage as well. I didn't have much there since I had already backed some things up in advance. Now it's virtually empty. The steps I take are:
1. Hotboot TWRP
2. Install Custom ROM
3. Hotboot TWRP again
4. Install Gapps
This is where I usually have some problem. It's the process of installing Gapps that creates some error.
I also did attempt to install LineageOS 16 using the TWRP recovery that was linked in the post. Follow the instructions precisely I believe and now when it's time to install Gapps, I get error 64. I can't understand why. I am attempting to install "open_gapps-arm64-9.0-nano". This should be compatible with the Mi A1 with LineageOS 16 from what I am able to tell.
No matter what TWRP version I use, no matter what custom ROM I try, no matter what steps I take, there is always some issue that prevents me from completing any installation. But the abundance of so many conflicting posts don't help either. One post will state to use a specific TWRP and certain steps; another post will suggest completely different steps using another TWRP; and yet another post will provide different steps still. In some instances, there will be steps listed in the script on the phone regarding the next steps after the ROM installation that are completely different then the steps provided in the post for that ROM in the forum.
It would just be tremendously helpful to get some instructions that actually do work. As of now, I'm about ready to dump this phone in the trash bin. It's horrible. I can't even tell if it might be decent eventually since I never can get anything installed.
Thanks again for your reply Never_Sm1le.
Cheers.

There is no permanent TWRP install for android 9 on MiA1 as far as i know.
Hotboot works just perfect.

Brianne8 said:
Thank you for your reply. When I first started the process to change to a custom ROM, I was on stock Pie. But one of the times I was wiping the device after one more problem, I accidentally also wiped Internal Storage as well. I didn't have much there since I had already backed some things up in advance. Now it's virtually empty. The steps I take are:
1. Hotboot TWRP
2. Install Custom ROM
3. Hotboot TWRP again
4. Install Gapps
This is where I usually have some problem. It's the process of installing Gapps that creates some error.
I also did attempt to install LineageOS 16 using the TWRP recovery that was linked in the post. Follow the instructions precisely I believe and now when it's time to install Gapps, I get error 64. I can't understand why. I am attempting to install "open_gapps-arm64-9.0-nano". This should be compatible with the Mi A1 with LineageOS 16 from what I am able to tell.
No matter what TWRP version I use, no matter what custom ROM I try, no matter what steps I take, there is always some issue that prevents me from completing any installation. But the abundance of so many conflicting posts don't help either. One post will state to use a specific TWRP and certain steps; another post will suggest completely different steps using another TWRP; and yet another post will provide different steps still. In some instances, there will be steps listed in the script on the phone regarding the next steps after the ROM installation that are completely different then the steps provided in the post for that ROM in the forum.
It would just be tremendously helpful to get some instructions that actually do work. As of now, I'm about ready to dump this phone in the trash bin. It's horrible. I can't even tell if it might be decent eventually since I never can get anything installed.
Thanks again for your reply Never_Sm1le.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your reply makes me want to stay on LOS 15.1 even more. So many weird problems happen in LOS 16

I followed all the instructions of Resurrection Remix and TWRP is installed and magisk works perfect.

Hello friend, I am currently on Lineage OS 16.0 with Magisk, Opengapps and TWRP installed. I can boot to recovery with no problems at all; in fact, I used the flashed TWRP to install Magisk.
Here are the steps I took:
Download the TWRP boot img and TWRP installer by CosmicDan (Link below)
Copy the custom rom ZIP, TWRP installer, Magisk installer and Gapps into your SD card
Reboot your device to bootloader
Boot into TWRP using
Code:
fastboot boot boot-recovery.img
do NOT flash via fastboot
Go to Wipe>Advanced Wipe and wipe System, Dalvik, Data, Internal Storage
Press the home button and proceed to flashing the custom rom ZIP
After flashing, reboot to BOOTLOADER then do step 4 again
Flash Gapps, TWRP Installer, then Magisk Installer. You should flash TWRP first before Magisk
Reboot to system and you're good to go
Note that if you are installing Lineage OS and wish to receive nightly OTA updates, having an installed TWRP as your recovery might result in a bootloop after updating. Also, if you want to manually flash the nightly update, you need to boot to the TWRP variant of @flex1911 as flashing lineage using other TWRP will result in an error. I suggest not installing TWRP when using Lineage OS.
(Source: [ROM][OFFICIAL] LineageOS 16.0 for Xiaomi Mi A1)
Regarding your problem with flashing, try to check which slot you are currently in by going to TWRP>Reboot. Keep in mind that when you install a rom, it will always be installed to the inactive slot. For example if you are in slot A, your rom will be installed in slot B. After rebooting, your current active slot will be where the rom is installed. When installing Gapps or any addons, check the slot first. However, when flashing TWRP installer, it will patch both boot_a and boot_b and this is the reason why you need to install twrp first before magisk as TWRP also modifies the boot image.
Download:
Bootable TWRP
TWRP Installer
(Both files by @CosmicDan)
Cheers mate!

rexendz said:
Here are the steps I took:
Download the TWRP boot img and TWRP installer by CosmicDan (Link below)
Copy the custom rom ZIP, TWRP installer, Magisk installer and Gapps into your SD card
Reboot your device to bootloader
Boot into TWRP using
Code:
fastboot boot boot-recovery.img
do NOT flash via fastboot
Go to Wipe>Advanced Wipe and wipe System, Dalvik, Data, Internal Storage
Press the home button and proceed to flashing the custom rom ZIP
After flashing, reboot to BOOTLOADER then do step 4 again
Flash Gapps, TWRP Installer, then Magisk Installer. You should flash TWRP first before Magisk
Reboot to system and you're good to go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the lengthy reply. However, those steps do not work as you have described. Since, if I wipe Internal Storage (as per your step 5), I just deleted all the files I copied previously in Step 2. What I did, was wipe everything, *then* copied all the files and tried to install. As soon as it try to install Gapps, I get Error 64 again. I am absolutely using "open_gapps-arm64-9.0-nano" and it always fails. I have attempted 11 or 12 times already, using different slots, using different dates of "open_gapps-arm64-9.0-nano" and ALWAYS Error 64. I don't know any other version of Gapps I should be trying. The arm64 versions never will work for me.
I give up. I'll just have to stick with stock ROM. No custom ROMs will work for me no matter which one I use or which version of TWRP I use. I already wasted too much of my life with this garbage phone.

ccalixtro said:
I followed all the instructions of Resurrection Remix and TWRP is installed and magisk works perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Which version of TWRP did you use? There's too many. I don't know which one is considered to be the right one.

Brianne8 said:
Thanks for the lengthy reply. However, those steps do not work as you have described. Since, if I wipe Internal Storage (as per your step 5), I just deleted all the files I copied previously in Step 2. What I did, was wipe everything, *then* copied all the files and tried to install. As soon as it try to install Gapps, I get Error 64 again. I am absolutely using "open_gapps-arm64-9.0-nano" and it always fails. I have attempted 11 or 12 times already, using different slots, using different dates of "open_gapps-arm64-9.0-nano" and ALWAYS Error 64. I don't know any other version of Gapps I should be trying. The arm64 versions never will work for me.
I give up. I'll just have to stick with stock ROM. No custom ROMs will work for me no matter which one I use or which version of TWRP I use. I already wasted too much of my life with this garbage phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Copy the files to your external SD card not internal storage. But if you don't have an ext SD card, don't wipe internal storage.
Also try to check if system is properly mounted when installing gapps.
May I ask what custom rom you are trying to install?
I suggest you try Pixel Experience as it already has a builtin Gapps so you dont have to flash opengapps.

OP6T brick, how to recover without data loss?

Hey folks, I somehow bricked my OP6T and I hope for help to recover without data loss.
OP6T
OxygenOS (stable, not the latest though, I guess it's 10.3.2)
TWRP Recovery (twrp-3.3.1-31-fajita-installer-mauronofrio.zip)
Rooted with Magisk (not the newest version, the one before)
How this happened...
I wanted to update Magisk from within the app via the recommended way. But the first click on the button did not start the installation, so I clicked again, few seconds later the first installation dialog appeared, installation ended with a positive result. Then the second installation dialog appeared and ended with an error.
I rebooted and it ended up with the bootloader screen. No recovery, no system booting up. The TWRP 3.3.1-31 did not start using this command:
Code:
sudo ./fastboot boot twrp-3.3.1-31-fajita-Q-mauronofrio.img
But TWRP finally started using the newer twrp-3.3.1-32-fajita-installer-mauronofrio.zip. However, neither slot a nor slot b will boot into system.
Booting system from slot a leads to bootloader, booting system from slot b ends up in a boot loop. Also, using the file manager within TWRP shows me encrypted directories and files. Now I am lost.
Is there a way to recover / unbrick without losing all the data?

Try restoring the stock boot image of whatever ROM you're using.
or You can use magisk patched img, instructions in magisk thread.
I read somewhere that you should not manually change the boot slots. The system decides when it must change the slot.

devilrulz4ever said:
Try restoring the stock boot image of whatever ROM you're using.
or You can use magisk patched img, instructions in magisk thread.
I read somewhere that you should not manually change the boot slots. The system decides when it must change the slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Restoring means losing data. This is what I wanted to avoid. I use stock OxygenOS, as mentioned above.
Since my system does not boot up, the system won't decide. Actually I hoped that things are not that bad and if I change the slot I maybe could have been lucky and system is booting up from that slot, but obviously nothing worked out yet.

benkxda said:
Restoring means losing data. This is what I wanted to avoid. I use stock OxygenOS, as mentioned above.
Since my system does not boot up, the system won't decide. Actually I hoped that things are not that bad and if I change the slot I maybe could have been lucky and system is booting up from that slot, but obviously nothing worked out yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you'll only replace the boot image your data will be safe. Boot and data are stored in different partitions.
You can use fastboot to do that or TWRP.
You will have to extract the boot image of OxygenOS before you can flash it. You'll need payload dumper to do that.
I suggest you google how to use it and all; check the guides section as well. If you need any more assistance then ask here.
Since the boot partition was corrupted it couldn't change the boot slot.

I think he means flash the same stock image you are currently running. This can fix many system issues with no data loss

devilrulz4ever said:
Since you'll only replace the boot image your data will be safe. Boot and data are stored in different partitions.
You can use fastboot to do that or TWRP.
You will have to extract the boot image of OxygenOS before you can flash it. You'll need payload dumper to do that.
I suggest you google how to use it and all; check the guides section as well. If you need any more assistance then ask here.
Since the boot partition was corrupted it couldn't change the boot slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bladestonez said:
I think he means flash the same stock image you are currently running. This can fix many system issues with no data loss
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys. For some reasons (???) the last attempt with TWRP (twrp-3.3.1-32-fajita-Q-mauronofrio.img) lead to access to all files via TWRP. So atm I create a complete backup of /sdcard pulling everything via adb, which kind of takes a lot of time due to USB 2. After that I push latest OOS ROM, TWRP and Magisk and give it a try. At least I get even not clouded data back.
Will keep you updated... please stay tuned. :fingers-crossed:

benkxda said:
Thanks guys. For some reasons (???) the last attempt with TWRP (twrp-3.3.1-32-fajita-Q-mauronofrio.img) lead to access to all files via TWRP. So atm I create a complete backup of /sdcard pulling everything via adb, which kind of takes a lot of time due to USB 2. After that I push latest OOS ROM, TWRP and Magisk and give it a try. At least I get even not clouded data back.
Will keep you updated... please stay tuned. :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup completed
pushed OOS ROM
TWRP and Magisk
dirty flashed ROM
rebooted to recovery
flashed Magisk
rebooted to system
That's basically it and everything works again. The most important step was, that for some reason TWRP let me access the decrypted file system. And then ADB is very helpful, brought my device back to live.
Thread will be closed shortly.

Thread closed at OP request

Boot Problem after Successful TWRP flash

Hi,
I'm sure someone else will have had my problem but I can't seem to find a straight forward solution.
I am wanting to upgrade my Samsung S7 Edge, SM-G935F Exynos, to the latest Lineage OS with Android 10 as Samsung are no longer supporting my phone. The phone is unlocked as supplied from Samsung.
I downloaded Odin v3.14 and successfully flashed TWRP 3.4.0.0 hero.2lte.img.tar. I activated Developer Options and OEM unlock before flashing.
I can enter TWRP but am unsure what I do regarding the Unmodified System Partition options on the 1st TWRP screen so I hit 'Keep Read Only' and then 'Reboot' only to find that the phone attempts to restart, I see the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge splash screen which then goes off and restarts again repeatedly, so I can't check if all my data etc. is ok on the phone. I did back up Whatsapp and made s Smart Switch backup too but forgot to do Samsung & Google account backups before the flashing.
I'm assuming I've missed something out in the flashing procedure but am not sure of exactly what. I have previously flashed and upgraded Galaxy S3, S3 Mini & a Tab2 10.1 using earlier TWRP versions so it's not that I'm a total beginner. I also tried to do a rom backup via TWRP but that failed and also a wipe Dalvik cache but that also failed.
Please advise:
1. what I've done wrong if anything?
2. Best way to restore the phone without losing existing data if possible perhaps with stock rom flashing? I could try the Smart Switch Emergency Software recovery & Initialisation but I understand that resets the phone to Factory settings loosing all data.
3. Procedure to flash Lineage rom that's 'idiot proofed'?
Thanks in advance.

rebgershon said:
Hi,
I'm sure someone else will have had my problem but I can't seem to find a straight forward solution.
I am wanting to upgrade my Samsung S7 Edge, SM-G935F Exynos, to the latest Lineage OS with Android 10 as Samsung are no longer supporting my phone. The phone is unlocked as supplied from Samsung.
I downloaded Odin v3.14 and successfully flashed TWRP 3.4.0.0 hero.2lte.img.tar. I activated Developer Options and OEM unlock before flashing.
I can enter TWRP but am unsure what I do regarding the Unmodified System Partition options on the 1st TWRP screen so I hit 'Keep Read Only' and then 'Reboot' only to find that the phone attempts to restart, I see the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge splash screen which then goes off and restarts again repeatedly, so I can't check if all my data etc. is ok on the phone. I did back up Whatsapp and made s Smart Switch backup too but forgot to do Samsung & Google account backups before the flashing.
I'm assuming I've missed something out in the flashing procedure but am not sure of exactly what. I have previously flashed and upgraded Galaxy S3, S3 Mini & a Tab2 10.1 using earlier TWRP versions so it's not that I'm a total beginner. I also tried to do a rom backup via TWRP but that failed and also a wipe Dalvik cache but that also failed.
Please advise:
1. what I've done wrong if anything?
2. Best way to restore the phone without losing existing data if possible perhaps with stock rom flashing? I could try the Smart Switch Emergency Software recovery & Initialisation but I understand that resets the phone to Factory settings loosing all data.
3. Procedure to flash Lineage rom that's 'idiot proofed'?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1] You didn't formatted /data and/or flashed magisk or supersu after booting into twrp first time.
Note that you need to format /data under wipe in twrp and type yes and then again reboot in twrp. This is necessary step to disable encryption. And after that flash magisk without any reboot or flash your required rom by following your respective rom thread.
Please note that keeping system read only will cause you to flash in systemless root mode like magisk or super su in systemless mode. There is no difference between normal root mode and systemless root mode except that you will need to allow system modifications in twrp in normal root which will in turn trigger dm verity check and you will need to flash no verity zip to make phone bootable when system modification method (normal root) is selected. Plus system modification will cause certain apps to detect root easily plus increasing complications like I said above. So just keep read only and flash magisk and you will get root in systemless mode without any cons !
Here, you said you're getting a verification screen after rebooting twrp..
This can be caused either by.
1. Not formatting /data after booting twrp for first time
2. Not flashing magisk after formatting /data
3. Enabling system modifications and not flashing no verity zips/magisk
4. Oem unlock is not enabled..
2] You cannot restore data if you didn't back it up before messing with it, or you made a titanium backup/twrp backup.
Smart switch cannot flash phone anymore ..
Yes, flashing stock firmware using home_csc in odin, will not delete data and may restore your phone, but no guarantee that it will work, you can try though. Thats why its strictly advised to do backup before messing your phone in anyway..
3. Pls refer or ask in your respective rom thread.
Sent from my hero2lte using XDA Labs

shah22 said:
1] You didn't formatted /data and/or flashed magisk or supersu after booting into twrp first time.
Note that you need to format /data under wipe in twrp and type yes and then again reboot in twrp. This is necessary step to disable encryption. And after that flash magisk without any reboot or flash your required rom by following your respective rom thread.
Please note that keeping system read only will cause you to flash in systemless root mode like magisk or super su in systemless mode. There is no difference between normal root mode and systemless root mode except that you will need to allow system modifications in twrp in normal root which will in turn trigger dm verity check and you will need to flash no verity zip to make phone bootable when system modification method (normal root) is selected. Plus system modification will cause certain apps to detect root easily plus increasing complications like I said above. So just keep read only and flash magisk and you will get root in systemless mode without any cons !
Here, you said you're getting a verification screen after rebooting twrp..
This can be caused either by.
1. Not formatting /data after booting twrp for first time
2. Not flashing magisk after formatting /data
3. Enabling system modifications and not flashing no verity zips/magisk
4. Oem unlock is not enabled..
2] You cannot restore data if you didn't back it up before messing with it, or you made a titanium backup/twrp backup.
Smart switch cannot flash phone anymore ..
Yes, flashing stock firmware using home_csc in odin, will not delete data and may restore your phone, but no guarantee that it will work, you can try though. Thats why its strictly advised to do backup before messing your phone in anyway..
3. Pls refer or ask in your respective rom thread.
Thanks for your reply Shah though I'm still a bit confused by it.
UnIock OEM was enabled as was USB debugging.
Fortunately, I was able to reflash the stock rom and phone is working again but what sort of backup are you indicating in part 2. above), NAND, Smartswitch or just back up to google, Samsung & Whatsapp accounts?
In 1). of your reply you say 'You didn't formatted /data and/or flashed magisk or supersu after booting into twrp first time.
Note that you need to format /data under wipe in twrp and type yes and then again reboot in twrp. This is necessary step to disable encryption. And after that flash magisk without any reboot or flash your required rom by following your respective rom thread.'
I thought that if I do format /data my data would be lost and I want to make a NAND backup of the existing rom and data before flashing/modifying but if that doesn't loose the data, I assume then the steps are as follows:
1. Flash TWRP with Odin
2. Boot into Recovery-TWRP
3. Tap on the Read Only button on the 1st TWRP screen
4. Format /data under wipe in TWRP and tap yes and then reboot in TWRP. - Do you mean reboot the phone into TWRP of just go back into the TWRP main menu & when do I make the NAND backup?
5. Flash magisk or supersu from SD card no reboot
6. Flash Lineage OS rom from SD card.
7. Reboot.
Please correct any errors above as I've now tried 3 times since my original post without success but always managed to reflash the stock rom to get me going again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

rebgershon said:
Thanks for your reply Shah though I'm still a bit confused by it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats why you read forums again and again and unless you are sure and know what you're doing, don't proceed with these things and read again.
rebgershon said:
UnIock OEM was enabled as was USB debugging.
Fortunately, I was able to reflash the stock rom and phone is working again but what sort of backup are you indicating in part 2. above), NAND, Smartswitch or just back up to google, Samsung & Whatsapp accounts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Upto you which backup you prefer, saving data on separate storage is the main goal as rooting and flashing custom rom would erase all your data from phone.
rebgershon said:
I thought that if I do format /data my data would be lost and I want to make a NAND backup of the existing rom and data before flashing/modifying but if that doesn't loose the data, I assume then the steps are as follows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you mean exactly ? What doesn't loose the data ? Flashing custom rom first time/rooting always erases your data and yes you need to backup before flashing/modifying.
rebgershon said:
1. Flash TWRP with Odin
2. Boot into Recovery-TWRP
3. Tap on the Read Only button on the 1st TWRP screen
4. Format /data under wipe in TWRP and tap yes and then reboot in TWRP. - Do you mean reboot the phone into TWRP of just go back into the TWRP main menu & when do I make the NAND backup?
5. Flash magisk or supersu from SD card no reboot
6. Flash Lineage OS rom from SD card.
7. Reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In step 4. Reboot again in twrp after formatting /data.
When do you make nand backup?? Lol, at this point your phone would have nothing to backup, you should have made a backup the first time you tried modifying your phone. Because flashing stock rom like you said you did many times, already formats the phone.
If you mean you want to backup your phone again, then you can't backup in twrp in this stage. Backup before flashing twrp through any means.
Step 5 is correct, I don't know about step 6. I never flashed lineage and have no experience about it. Pls refer lineage's respective rom thread for exact steps. Good luck
Sent from my hero2lte using XDA Labs

shah22 said:
Thats why you read forums again and again and unless you are sure and know what you're doing, don't proceed with these things and read again.
Upto you which backup you prefer, saving data on separate storage is the main goal as rooting and flashing custom rom would erase all your data from phone.
What you mean exactly ? What doesn't loose the data ? Flashing custom rom first time/rooting always erases your data and yes you need to backup before flashing/modifying.
In step 4. Reboot again in twrp after formatting /data.
When do you make nand backup?? Lol, at this point your phone would have nothing to backup, you should have made a backup the first time you tried modifying your phone. Because flashing stock rom like you said you did many times, already formats the phone.
If you mean you want to backup your phone again, then you can't backup in twrp in this stage. Backup before flashing twrp through any means.
Step 5 is correct, I don't know about step 6. I never flashed lineage and have no experience about it. Pls refer lineage's respective rom thread for exact steps. Good luck
Sent from my hero2lte using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again Shah for your reply/help.
I followed the instructions and got the lineage rom installed and Gapps but I don't think Gapps installed properly as I wasn't able to restore any of the saved data from my google account and it wouldn't allow me to add any other accounts except email so for now I've restored the stock rom and my data.
Is there another Android 10 rom you can recommend besides lineage that will have a similar appearance to Samsung?

rebgershon said:
Thanks again Shah for your reply/help.
I followed the instructions and got the lineage rom installed and Gapps but I don't think Gapps installed properly as I wasn't able to restore any of the saved data from my google account and it wouldn't allow me to add any other accounts except email so for now I've restored the stock rom and my data.
Is there another Android 10 rom you can recommend besides lineage that will have a similar appearance to Samsung?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't recommend any rom except a stock rooted debloated one.. (like Alexndr's devbase)
Reason : because full custom roms have a high chance to mess up your phone's efs and permanent soft brick issues.
But, I'm in love with infinity wallpapers, dark mode and android 10 in general like all others these days.. so if you really want samsung android 10 for S7 edge, then Floyd V4 is your best bet.. see on rom and software developer section of s7 edge to find floyd v4. Its a s9 android 10 one ui 2 port...
Personally, I'm using latest alexndr's devbase rom. Because I'm still paranoid about fully custom or ported roms
Alexndr's devbase is a full stock oreo - debloated rom. Which has option to root during flashing in twrp too. Its perfect for my needs.
But maybe soon, I will change to Floyd v4 to experience the future.. who knows
Sent from my Legendary Hero2LTE using Tapatalk

shah22 said:
I don't recommend any rom except a stock rooted debloated one.. (like Alexndr's devbase)
Reason : because full custom roms have a high chance to mess up your phone's efs and permanent soft brick issues.
But, I'm in love with infinity wallpapers, dark mode and android 10 in general like all others these days.. so if you really want samsung android 10 for S7 edge, then Floyd V4 is your best bet.. see on rom and software developer section of s7 edge to find floyd v4. Its a s9 android 10 one ui 2 port...
Personally, I'm using latest alexndr's devbase rom. Because I'm still paranoid about fully custom or ported roms
Alexndr's devbase is a full stock oreo - debloated rom. Which has option to root during flashing in twrp too. Its perfect for my needs.
But maybe soon, I will change to Floyd v4 to experience the future.. who knows
Shah,
Many thanks for the recommendation of the FloydQ rom.
I installed it yesterday after making all backups inc. Smartswitch.
Very easy to install both from flashing and Aroma installation viewpoints. Ran 1st time without a glitch and phone now thinks its an S9+ running Android 10 a la Samsung. I even managed to transfer my Smartswitch backup to my wife's old S7 Edge and then used Smartswitch to transfer from that phone to the 'S9+'.
Only glitch was logging into my Samsung account but sorted that as well so all in all very happy so far.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse