Database Users

[GUIDE] Root using Magisk, keep stock recovery for OTA

This is a guide for people who want a rooted MIUI. It will keep stock recovery and system partitions untouched to allow MIUI OTAs to install without problems. It will also pass Google's safety net test so bank apps keep working. The best of both worlds really
Requirements:
- Unlocked bootloader
- Windows PC
- fastboot (present in the miunlock app folder)
- Latest TWRP (download here)
- Latest Magisk (download here)
Steps:
- Install latest Magisk app
- Put latest Magisk zip on your device storage (SD)
- Shut down device
- put latest twrp.img in miunlock folder
- Connect phone to PC
- Press volume down and power button to boot to fastboot mode
- Open "Command Prompt" on your PC
- Type: (without quotes)
----- "cd C:\Users\[your name]\Desktop\miflash_unlock-en-2.3.803.10" . (or wherever the folder is)
----- "fastboot devices"
----- "fastboot boot twrp.img"
- In a few seconds, TWRP will boot on your phone. DO NOT swipe to make changes to system.
- In TWRP, flash the Magisk zip
Enjoy root
Disclaimer: I will not be help responsible for any damage or loss caused by following those steps.

Does it mean I can install TWRP and flash xposed etc and still have OTA updates?
What is the difference to this one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-4/how-to/red-wolf-install-twrp-root-device-t3708337
Best,
kn1g

kn1g said:
Does it mean I can install TWRP and flash xposed etc and still have OTA updates?
What is the difference to this one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-4/how-to/red-wolf-install-twrp-root-device-t3708337
Best,
kn1g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same as my question. Let say system partition won't touch by root, but twrp is installed over the Mi stock recovery. Will it install Eta?

This guide DOES NOT flash TWRP. Stock recovery remains so OTA updates work.
The only thing that is touched by this guide is the "Boot" partition to install magisk. You can restore stock "Boot" using magisk manager's uninstall option at any moment and be 100% stock again.

Ok, but is Xposed etc. possible?

kn1g said:
Ok, but is Xposed etc. possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven’t tried but should work.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-systemless-xposed-t3388268

It is really works! Thank you!

gonna check this cause i wanna root the phone but keep enjoying updates

I just rooted my Note 4 Qualcomm by this method, so far so good. Really easy and dummy-proof tutorial

I bump this because it worked. Quite easy, clean and fast. Thanx!

I already install latest TWRP for mido and latest magisk, but still I can not update my mido using OTA updater
Anyone can help me?

masri.razak said:
I already install latest TWRP for mido and latest magisk, but still I can not update my mido using OTA updater
Anyone can help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong...u need to boot twrp not to install. Read the OP for steps.

Dadovvv said:
Wrong...u need to boot twrp not to install. Read the OP for steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... That's I mean, boot TWRP using adb
After have TWRP, how can i get update via OTA?

it successfully worked for Redmi Note 4 global beta/stable MIUI9.2
even installed camera api 2 using magisk module

Just a quick question. I've TWRP right now with SuperSU. So I'll remove SuperSU, flash Magisk in TWRP. All good till now, but I'd want the stock recovery, a flash-able zip maybe. How can I get it? From where?
**[EDIT]**
Okay. One can get it from fastboot ROMs available at MIUI website (here), extract the pack and get recovery.img.

Installed successfully on miui 9.2.1.0 stable
Now when a new update for magisk is released, how should i update it??

I have two questions:
1. Why does the bootloader need to be unlocked and how can I do that?
2. What happens to Magisk if I install an OTA?
I'd like to keep the phone untouched but I need to change emojis and with Xposed I can use Youtube in background.

Giacomo_ITA said:
I have two questions:
1. Why does the bootloader need to be unlocked and how can I do that?
2. What happens to Magisk if I install an OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. sign on en.miui com and you can use xiaomi unlocker (after 72 hours)
2. two OTA updates and I had to reroot it
but it seems that it is not necessary, I can not post the link
google --> github magisk tips (it should be the first result)

Baxeisindi said:
1. sign on en.miui com and you can use xiaomi unlocker (after 72 hours)
2. two OTA updates and I had to reroot it
but it seems that it is not necessary, I can not post the link
google --> github magisk tips (it should be the first result)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean this?
When an OTA is available, please go to Magisk Manager → Uninstall → Restore Images. Do not reboot immediately or you will have Magisk uninstalled. This will restore your boot (or dtbo if available) back to 100% untouched stock images in order to pass verifications. This step is required before doing any of the following steps written below!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Giacomo_ITA said:
Do you mean this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I hope it works, anyway at the next update I will reroot it in a few minutes.

EngineerMode unroot?

back when engineermode exploit backdoor 'thing' whatever you want to call it, was still a thing i seized to opportunity to gain root access, however since then magisk hide has begun failing me and i would like to either find a way to update magisk from v14.0 safely, or to unroot completely (preferably without wiping) as this has started being problematic. I am on the latest oxygenOS update and i used this guide to root (i originaly linked it here but apparently i cant do that, it was on github, called OneplusRoot by a fella named aldur.)
If anyone can help id really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance

Since One Plus removed engineering mode I'm surprised you were able to update OOS and maintain the exploit. Why don't you just unlock your bootloader and root the proper way? Your phone won't melt if you do.

I would like to avoid wiping if possible. I too am surprised at the persistence of root after at least 3 OTAs. At this point I no longer really need root and would rather my phone run smoothly without some applications crashing or not running due to root.

bump?

gbesh said:
bump?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as your system boots, and you have root, install the latest magisk manager from the magisk thread, and it will prompt you to update. As long as you give magisk manager root access you should be able to do a "direct install" and reboot and should be up to date. Back up your data first though, I'm not responsible for your data loss (but this worked for me)
Same to unroot. Magisk has an uninstall option that should fully unroot you

manor7777 said:
As long as your system boots, and you have root, install the latest magisk manager from the magisk thread, and it will prompt you to update. As long as you give magisk manager root access you should be able to do a "direct install" and reboot and should be up to date. Back up your data first though, I'm not responsible for your data loss (but this worked for me)
Same to unroot. Magisk has an uninstall option that should fully unroot you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well my system doesn't boot with root. I have to manually mount something and start the magisk service.
Which is why I'm not sure how to update as I've been told the updated version has a different file structure that the one I'm on.

were you able to unroot? i think i am in the same boot right now, on 4.5.13 with magisk root by engineermode, if you were successful please tell me how

yohouse2 said:
were you able to unroot? i think i am in the same boot right now, on 4.5.13 with magisk root by engineermode, if you were successful please tell me how
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no unfortunately i am still waiting for a solution.

gbesh said:
no unfortunately i am still waiting for a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I ran out of options,I unlocked the bootloader (wiped the device), and the new system was unrooted, i then installed Nolimits rom based on OOS 5.1.2
I asked on another thread and another user told me that if you accepted the complete zip update of the OTA prompt the updated system would lose the root, but you wouldn't lose your data or apps, which is nice, but keep in mind you are more probable to have worse performance or battery than clean install

yohouse2 said:
When I ran out of options,I unlocked the bootloader (wiped the device), and the new system was unrooted, i then installed Nolimits rom based on OOS 5.1.2
I asked on another thread and another user told me that if you accepted the complete zip update of the OTA prompt the updated system would lose the root, but you wouldn't lose your data or apps, which is nice, but keep in mind you are more probable to have worse performance or battery than clean install
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm this is not the case, i have been updating as the updates roll out and i am now on 5.1.2 and still able to get root access through adb with a locked bootloader.

gbesh said:
I can confirm this is not the case, i have been updating as the updates roll out and i am now on 5.1.2 and still able to get root access through adb with a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the alternative is another thing i read but can't find, and honestly can't recommend unless you find in too, is that you can delete the apk and the magisk image(don't know which one, this is how bad i remember this), then rebooting would remove the root.

yohouse2 said:
Well the alternative is another thing i read but can't find, and honestly can't recommend unless you find in too, is that you can delete the apk and the magisk image(don't know which one, this is how bad i remember this), then rebooting would remove the root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After one of the recent updates, magisk hide started working again and my apps are no longer crashing. It is strange but i guess this situation has turned out favourably after all.

September Update is up now

Take a look here: https://developers.google.com/android/images
Download it now!!

Is anyone willing to try this to see if it works? I haven't gotten the update thru the Check for Update button in the system menu yet or I would try it. It never worked in the past but it seems they have updated this method to work w/ Magisk 17.0+. If i don't get the update by tomorrow evening, I will just install the factory image manually like i do every month.
Magisk OTA installation
Thanks in advance!

Duhman72 said:
Is anyone willing to try this to see if it works? I haven't gotten the update thru the Check for Update button in the system menu yet or I would try it. It never worked in the past but it seems they have updated this method to work w/ Magisk 17.0+. If i don't get the update by tomorrow evening, I will just install the factory image manually like i do every month.
Magisk OTA installation
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install manually and everything works perfect (Magisk 17.1, twrp 3.2.3-1)

ApoelEllhnwn said:
Install manually and everything works perfect (Magisk 17.1, twrp 3.2.3-1)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed the Pixel 2 Update manually (walleye-ppr2.180905.005-factory-4895938f.zip) using this guide.. Followed by twrp-3.2.3-1-walleye and Magisk 17.1. Everything seems to be working fine.

wish someone would make the factory images Flashable. All this needing a computer to update is getting old!

Duhman72 said:
Is anyone willing to try this to see if it works? I haven't gotten the update thru the Check for Update button in the system menu yet or I would try it. It never worked in the past but it seems they have updated this method to work w/ Magisk 17.0+. If i don't get the update by tomorrow evening, I will just install the factory image manually like i do every month.
Magisk OTA installation
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry I must not have been very clear. My ask was for someone to try the process detailed in the link I provided in my quote above. This is supposed to allow you to uninstall Magisk (don't reboot), take the OTA as you normally would on unrooted phone, and once it installs, apply Magisk to the new slot w/ the OTA installed, then reboot. No computer needed. As I stated above, I would do it, but have yet to get the update thru the Check System Update. I am well aware of how to install it manually, as I have done that process for every update. I just saw that the linked process was updated for Magisk 17.0+ and hoped it could be verified to work. Meaning this would simplify the monthly update process tremendously.

kolothuk said:
I installed the Pixel 2 Update manually (walleye-ppr2.180905.005-factory-4895938f.zip) using this guide.. Followed by twrp-3.2.3-1-walleye and Magisk 17.1. Everything seems to be working fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I'm following this guide to a T. But whenevever I push to install magisk, it fails.
Any idea?
flash-all
reboot to bootloader -> flashboot boot twrp -> push magisk to tmp -> push twrp.zip to tmp -> install magisk and it fails.

kittygotwet said:
Hey, I'm following this guide to a T. But whenevever I push to install magisk, it fails.
Any idea?
flash-all
reboot to bootloader -> flashboot boot twrp -> push magisk to tmp -> push twrp.zip to tmp -> install magisk and it fails.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just install the latest Magisk 17.1 zip in twrp. You don't need to push anything. It works fine for me.

davidisflash said:
Just install the latest Magisk 17.1 zip in twrp. You don't need to push anything. It works fine for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried doing that too and it's failing, my build number and the file I downloaded from Google to flash-all matches. I'm not sure what's going on.
installing from twrp is giving me an error 2.

kittygotwet said:
I tried doing that too and it's failing, my build number and the file I downloaded from Google to flash-all matches. I'm not sure what's going on.
installing from twrp is giving me an error 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using the latest twrp that was released end of August? I did and simply did fastboot boot <twrp image file>. Then right away in TWRP, instead of installing TWRP with the TWRP zip, I simply flashed the Magisk 17.1 zip. That's it. Done.

davidisflash said:
Are you using the latest twrp that was released end of August? I did and simply did fastboot boot <twrp image file>. Then right away in TWRP, instead of installing TWRP with the TWRP zip, I simply flashed the Magisk 17.1 zip. That's it. Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually figured it out. I had to use the Magisk uninstaller to remove any remaining Magisk, I guess, before I can reinstall. Now I just have another issue on the Pixel 2 9.0. Converting any user app to system app corrupts the phone.

Duhman72 said:
Is anyone willing to try this to see if it works? I haven't gotten the update thru the Check for Update button in the system menu yet or I would try it. It never worked in the past but it seems they have updated this method to work w/ Magisk 17.0+. If i don't get the update by tomorrow evening, I will just install the factory image manually like i do every month.
Magisk OTA installation
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try this guide as soon as the OTA is available.

I got another update today on my Pixel 2, which said: critical bug and performance fixes... I wonder what it is? The phone isn't as smooth after this and some glitches with youtube in landscape, there white nav bar appears, but I can't click 3 dots menu to adjust quality for example. I have to turn the phone in portrait and then do it.

razorsbk said:
I will try this guide as soon as the OTA is available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also still waiting for the Update ...is that normal to wait that long time?

No, it's not. Other manufacturers have released their patches via OTA.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

So you think we have to sideload the patch?

How can I add the latest security updates to my Pixel 2 running 8.1 without transitioning to 9.0?

Ashyford said:
How can I add the latest security updates to my Pixel 2 running 8.1 without transitioning to 9.0?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't. Google is no longer releasing OTAs for 8.1. Your best bet is to use a custom kernel such as FlashKernel, as I believe it is backwards compatible, and Nathan streamlines the security patches from both Google and the Linux kernel fork into his kernel.

Did anyone else got the OTA ? I'm still wainting

Installed TWRP, no access to sdcard

I've got my hands on this phone today. So I went on and unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP (with all in one tool).
But now when I want to root my phone through twrp, i can't access my files. I see the root folders, but when I go to /sdcard there are only a bunch of folder with random letters.
I don't know what's wrong. It is not asking for a password or anything.

Twrp has decryption issues currently. It's mentioned in the thread.
No need to install it yet, just boot to it.
If you're wanting to install magisk, just go into adb sideload in twrp and sideload magisk from your PC.

hartleyshc said:
Twrp has decryption issues currently. It's mentioned in the thread.
No need to install it yet, just boot to it.
If you're wanting to install magisk, just go into adb sideload in twrp and sideload magisk from your PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your quick reply!
Is it bad that it is already flashed permanent? Or do I need to flash original recovery again?
I'll try and sideload it. Haven't done that before.

bokkoman said:
I've got my hands on this phone today. So I went on and unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP (with all in one tool).
But now when I want to root my phone through twrp, i can't access my files. I see the root folders, but when I go to /sdcard there are only a bunch of folder with random letters.
I don't know what's wrong. It is not asking for a password or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The current TWRP has decryption issues as its based on the Oreo tree and encryption/decryption works differently on pie.
Here is a post i did so follow it for easy instructions.

Funk Wizard said:
The current TWRP has decryption issues as its based on the Oreo tree and encryption/decryption works differently on pie.
Here is a post i did so follow it for easy instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read in your post that you not recommend to flash twrp, but I already did. How do return to original recovery?

bokkoman said:
I read in your post that you not recommend to flash twrp, but I already did. How do return to original recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing to worry about. You can dirty flash the latest full zip from my update thread or just wait for the next OTA as and when it comes flash the full zip that will overwrite the recovery partition to stock. For now TWRP is basically useless so i did not recommend to flash the installer instead just boot in it sideload magisk or kernel if you need to and retain stock recovery.
Feel free to ask anything if you are still in doubt :fingers-crossed:

Funk Wizard said:
Nothing to worry about. You can dirty flash the latest full zip from my update thread or just wait for the next OTA as and when it comes flash the full zip that will overwrite the recovery partition to stock. For now TWRP is basically useless so i did not recommend to flash the installer instead just boot in it sideload magisk or kernel if you need to and retain stock recovery.
Feel free to ask anything if you are still in doubt :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info! I'll wait for an update.
When that update comes, can i just install it from the settings? Or would i have to manually download it and install it thru TWRP/sideload?
And i guess I lose root after i update so i would have to boot into twrp and install magisk again.

bokkoman said:
Thanks for the info! I'll wait for an update.
When that update comes, can i just install it from the settings? Or would i have to manually download it and install it thru TWRP/sideload?
And i guess I lose root after i update so i would have to boot into twrp and install magisk again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As and when the update comes, just let the system download and install the zip. It will auto download and install the full zip when it detects root/system modifications, just make sure you uninstall/deactivate all mods/magisk modules/ substratum overlays before you update. You can check for easy instruction on the third post of the update thread. I will update the thread as and when the OTA is released.
Also you guessed it right the update will unroot the device so you have to root it again so you can either do the same sideload way or just do it from the magisk manager - uninstall - install ota (do not reboot) - install magisk to second slot - reboot :good:
I will again update the detailed instructions for easy understanding and and when we have the update :good:
Just stay subscribed to the update thread :good:

BL unlock and Magisk, will OTA updates work?

Hi,
So I'm just step before unlocking Bootloader and flashing Magisk but the question is - will I be able to install OTA updates directly from android without triggering bootloop?

meciu99 said:
Hi,
So I'm just step before unlocking Bootloader and flashing Magisk but the question is - will I be able to install OTA updates directly from android without triggering bootloop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not 100% sure but I think once you obtain root OTAs won't get applied because you would have flashed custom recovery while getting root access.
Sent from my ONEPLUS 6T using XDA-Legacy App

meciu99 said:
Hi,
So I'm just step before unlocking Bootloader and flashing Magisk but the question is - will I be able to install OTA updates directly from android without triggering bootloop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
treetolber said:
I'm not 100% sure but I think once you obtain root OTAs won't get applied because you would have flashed custom recovery while getting root access.
Sent from my ONEPLUS 6T using XDA-Legacy App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just answered a similar question here and here
Alternatively follow the update thread for easy instructions :good:

Funk Wizard said:
Just answered a similar question here and here
Alternatively follow the update thread for easy instructions :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright so the full zip will be auto downloaded if there's something modified. Can it detect magisk and replace the boot image as well since it's not a system modification?

Is anyone having issues installing the OTA?
My device saw the update but when I hit install I get "Couldn't update installation problem" I have Magisk installed on the Tmobile oneplus 6T and I've tried to update after removing Magisk but it did not work, please advise.

taxi333 said:
Is anyone having issues installing the OTA?
My device saw the update but when I hit install I get "Couldn't update installation problem" I have Magisk installed on the Tmobile oneplus 6T and I've tried to update after removing Magisk but it did not work, please advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash full ota zip via sideload

taxi333 said:
Is anyone having issues installing the OTA?
My device saw the update but when I hit install I get "Couldn't update installation problem" I have Magisk installed on the Tmobile oneplus 6T and I've tried to update after removing Magisk but it did not work, please advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uninstall magisk and then try installing the OTA, if no go, flash the unmodified fastboot files and then try again.

H4X0R46 said:
Alright so the full zip will be auto downloaded if there's something modified. Can it detect magisk and replace the boot image as well since it's not a system modification?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you don't hide system updates in Magisk hide system will prompt and download full zip instead of incremental and upon flash the full zip it will replace the boot to stock boot.
taxi333 said:
Is anyone having issues installing the OTA?
My device saw the update but when I hit install I get "Couldn't update installation problem" I have Magisk installed on the Tmobile oneplus 6T and I've tried to update after removing Magisk but it did not work, please advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uninstall Magisk and download and install full zip, you may require t-mobile certitied full zip if the global does not work so make sure you download from the system instead of the links floating around which will be the global rom.