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Sapphire ROM HowTo - request for info

I'm Linux & BSD literate, and used to administering servers, compiling programs and kernels from source. I've also managed to root and flash my Magic, following advice found here. What I'd like to do is gather up some info on how to build ROMs for the Sapphire platform.
I'm already poking around the Android Wiki FAQ and the Dream dev forum on this site. There's quite a bit of info there but some of it is out of date and I've not found much that's Sapphire-specific. I also plan to take apart the .zip files released by Haykuro and others and compare/diff configs to get a feel for things.
My intent is to put together enough info to allow anyone to pull apart a released ROM and replace the dialler, add some language support or some extra apps, maybe make some other simple changes.
What I need is any pointers on:
1. Sapphire-specific info.
2. Any danger of bricking my Magic by messing around with home-made ROMs.
3. Anything else that might be useful.
Hopefully I'll be able to put together a rudimentary HowTo for the wiki, which others can add some fine-tuning and extra info to.
Thanks for any input.

I think this is a very good idea!
It would simplify things if everybody would understand how exactly custom ROMs are created.
1 - Be aware that there are different Magic HW versions...
2 - I don't think you can brick your magic as long as you make backups via nandroid.
3 - A few things I think should be in the wiki :
- how to completely setup a linux environment and which applications you need to be able to build custom ROMs.
- Explain how the android OS is working, explain what boot, hboot, recovery, system is, how the partitions work, etc..
- What are test-keys, what is the difference with and release-keys.
- How to sign.
- How to dump the recovery.img, boot.img without having root access.
- What to change into the recovery.img and boot.img to get root.
- How create an update.zip
- How to make backups with nandroid and how to restore them..

Agreed think this would be a fantastic idea, unfortunately it seems like the people in the know are not willing to share any of their knowledge =o(
Do keep us up to date as to what you find by dissecting the ROMs, had a look the other day briefly but didn't have time to play yet,
Also waiting for info/confirmation that as long as you just flash bad roms its not possible to brick your phone only if you play with SPL's and such

fxn said:
Agreed think this would be a fantastic idea, unfortunately it seems like the people in the know are not willing to share any of their knowledge =o(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I'm sure the knowledge is scattered around the place - sharing is one thing, bothering to document is quite another!
The only thing I don't expect to find openly shared is traceable leaked material, and frankly I can live without that.

How to run the most stable rom avoid conflicts for newbies and skilled alike

The advice I provide is mainly for the stock 2.1 sense ui roms - 2.27.651.6 (+) but users will find the advice in here applies universally to several other rom builds, android versions, and problems many people will encounter as root - even if you follow dev directions for the rom...even if it is a final release...most of the info I posted is based off much testing, and, I have found the rom recommendations to be most stable for the recommended build 2.1 eclair build stock deoxed cdma sprint hero - again the advice, even apks I provide you may find useful for other roms you currently use). I cannot post large text due to spam regulations and since I am a new user so directions and info are attached in the word document. Trust me, this is a good read. I wish I had this advice when I first started modding my roms or even when I got good at it. Would have saved me days of time.
See attached ENJOY!
I attached one fix for the rom version as well as the circle battery mod which I think is awesome for ALL android phones. Kernals as well for the recommended 2.1 sense ui.
P.S.
Use the engineering boot flashable file at your own risk - it's optional - I happen to like it.
Also, if you brick your phone or you have problems with recovery - there is a way to fix this. Use the Unrevoked 3 for Windows on the hero (it is for the easy root) - this is not compatible yet - but go to load custom recovery and find your boot.img nandroid file which you may have trouble recovering from your current recovery or if you are having load up problems etc...this may get you temporarilly into the custom recovery for just enough time to use the proprietary recovery on the nand backup to recover your last most stable back up! This happens a lot to people who upgrade backup programs or alternate between them - read the document regarding recovery dos and don't. I also recommend reviewing some basic commands for adb shell and terminal programs.
Enjoy good luck. Comments or suggestions for improvements - re-wording is always appreciated - I'll see if I can modify as such and thank appropriate contributors. Oh and sorry for the typos
Cheers again,
Joe.

Hi,
Believe it or not, I read your whole Word doc. I am using ZenFX Lite ROM, which I like. I also tried the ZenROM.
Anyways, I'm run into the same problem. When I have JIT on, it always always locks and/or reboots when I use Google Navigation (turn by turn mode), or when I'm downloading about 3 or more apps at once from the Market. When JIT is off, I don't get reboots.
Can you confirm if you get this issue or not with JIT on with your solution?

[Q] So what is a ROM?

Hi, I am new to the world of smart phones and would like to learn more about them. I've been reading threads about people changing their ROMs and how it can affect future software updates.
I've done some searching w/ "what is a rom" and "stock rom" but the results are in techno-wiz-lingo that's right over my head.
I have two (pretty basic) questions regarding ROMs.
1. What is a rom?
and
2. If I use Titanium Backup (and install its corresponding busybox), does this change my ROM?
Sorry for the 4th-grader-noob questions. Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
John

We all were there sometime in past, so no problem.
1. A ROM is a part of a non-volatile non-"erasable" memory in phone that hold the operating system and main applications; you can compare it to a premade install of an operating system in a Desktop computer (for example: windows 7 and what manufacturer applications has installed), the difference is that you can't modifiy a ROM directly from inside the phone.
Now, smartphones comes also with premade install os the OS, that's called 'stock ROM', a ROM that come from the phone manufacturer; some people are able to extract ROMs from certain models and modify (kitchen) it, fixing bugs, adding new features, even upgrading main OS version, in short improving what came from the manufacturer that's called 'custom ROM' and that's what xda-developers is all about, in the several forums you will see sections where they talk about improving phone usability.
2. I have no much experience with Android but it seems that titanium backup can backup all your user data, so you can flash a custom ROM to your phone then restore you user data back to your phone, so you won't need to readd everything back at hand (usually when you flash a new ROM to your phone, everything is wiped out and the phone is left blank).
Hope that helps.

Thanks Drakh, that helps a lot! I did some more reading on wikipedia. Looks like I have a bit more to learn.

Thank you also Drakh. I have a lot to learn also.

[INFO, GUIDES & FAQ] One Stop Shop – MetroPCS Galaxy Core Prime – SM-G360T1

BOOKMARK THIS THREAD SO YOU CAN FIND IT AGAIN LATER
Credit & Shout Outs ​ ​ @ShinySide For Root via TrapKernel and TWRP!
@Koognod his SlimPickens ROM!
@bogarty For all his help, guides and advice to all! (A lot of the 2nd post stuff - coming tomorrow when I'm not tired and it's not 2 AM)
@TheDerekHarper Root, Video Tutorial​
If you’re new to android rooting, modding, TWRP, etc. read this..
Make sure your question has not been answered
Do you own research before asking
Be polite since everyone helping here is doing so Voluntarily
Drop a comment if something is missing, just be sure it’s for the SM-G360T1. Let’s Get Started!
YOUR WARRANTY IS GONE Not myself or the people who made these guides or files are responsible for you device
A great rule of thumb, what I always tell people is “Read twice, flash once”
What you will need
Drivers click on manuals and downloads
Odin
Backup all your stuff!
Root
Go over and flash TrapKernel. Follow all the instructions! A video tutorial was made by a very kind person here
TWRP
Go over and grab the Unofficial Recovery Unofficial TWRP SM-G360T1. The steps are as follows:​
Download TWRP
Open Odin
Place phone in download mode
Place TWRP in the AP slot
Click Start and wait until reboot is done.
Hold Volume up, Home button, and power button to enter TWRP.
You have flashed TWRP!
ROMs
​
[5.1.1][SM-G360T1]SlimPickins stock, rooted, de-(-bloated,-odexed,-knoxed),etc.
[SM-G360T & SM-G360T1][5.1.1] Monstro's Rom v3 Fastest and Lightest Rom 6/3/2016

So You didn’t read carefully & you broke something…. This might help
​If you broke boot or recovery try stock boot and stock recovery
Want to get rid of the “Security Notice – Unauthorized actions have been detected” go here
Wanna go back to stock? SM-G360T1 Stock ROM **This will not wipe your personal files
Wifi Calling issues? Check here and try Bogarty custom radio
​I’m rooted! So much room for activities! Where’s the fun?!?!​
Xposed (thanks @wanam for the guide/files)
How to install:
- Install Xposed Installer App
- Make a nandroid backup
- Copy the Xposed file and the uninstaller to your sdcard
- Flash "xposed-vxx-sdk22-tw-arm64-custom-build-by-wanam-xxxxxxxx.zip" through CWM recovery
- Reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DPI Changer​I changed my DPI to 220, why? More stuff fits into the screen Pretty safe to try, noob friendly. Try textdroider DPI in the play store. pretty straight forward app for changing DPI.
Viper4Android
I love music, I love listening to it and I love when it sounds amazing. Welcome to Viper4android. It is a highly configurable Sound EQ app for all android phones. It does not work for our phone unless you are rooted of course and follow the steps here. This guide is for the Galaxy S6 and works for most Samsung phones, including ours.
​
PLEASE READ:
I recommend apps root browser and titanium to complete the Viper4android setup.
Skip the steps about busybox and adaptsound 4.0
Do not use the alternative version, the standard version works fine for our phone.
Disable/Debloat System Apps
Use thisLink found by @bogarty to get more space or remove Samsung bloat from the phone.
Read @bogarty’s guide
Disable System Services
Warning! Not for beginners. You can also break stuff, make stuff crash, so only disable what you don’t use! If you’re confused or scared, turn around and leave now. Here is a starters guide for disabling services.
So you’re still reading? This can get give you amazing standby times and deep sleep, way better battery.
[ADVANCED] Drago’s guide to disabling system services:​I used the app Disable Service to disable all the services below. go into the "google play services" disable the following services containing the words below and enjoy better standby, screen on time and battery life! :good:
Contains word “.wear” can be disabled as that relates to android wear
Contains word “.analytics” Related to Google Analytics
Contains word “.Tapandpay” being that our phone doesn’t even have that, just a waste that it’s even on.
Contains word “.fitness” think this is obvious
Ends in word “fingerprintscannerintentservice” also very obvious
Contains word “.games” Play Games, I never use this
Contains word “.Heartbeatalarm” safe to disbale, phones don't have hearts
Contains word “.wearable” related to android wearable devices​Facts/Randomness​
MetroPCS Samsung Galaxy Core prime Specs – SM-G360T1​

Also Coming to a theater near you

Also maybe perhaps Coming to a theater near you

@drago10029
Do you know anything about the hidden menus on this phone(service,test etc.)? Thanks.

QuickGold said:
Do you know anything about the hidden menus on this phone(service,test etc.)? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not, and for some reason i wasn't notified of your post. i upgraded to a nexus 6p but can check that out a later tonight, that cool or have you moved on? lol

What are red lines in device tweaking? Or how to avoid bricking by mistake

Hi All!
I've recently got P40 Pro and I like it very much. Now I need some software to be installed - maps, chats, banking etc.
However almost all of these apps need Google services or HMS. I'll try to avoid using these frameworks by using MicroG and Aurora store.
My goal is to have some set of required apps and don't have bloatware (like Huawei AI apps).
So I also going to find browser, phone, file manager and others on F-droid and use them instead of pre-installed apps. And disable those via ADB.
There are tons of information I need to read to do that, and I'll surely will read.
BUT, most manuals have big disclaimer which says "Do everything on your own risk, you can brick the phone!". And that's what I definitely don't want to.
So my questions are - what is the set of safe operations? What predefined applications can be safely removed via ADB? How to make backup that will restore phone if something goes wrong?
I believe there should be some thread with same concerns, but I could not find it. If somebody could point me to it, I'll be very grateful! Thank you in advance!

The first and main thing is "Everything Do at your Own RISK" if you want to go through android modding or making changes in the system you should not fear from resetting or formatting the system first and other thing is that installation of any unstable or unsupported mod can brick your device to get recover from these situations you should have knowledge about adb and fastboot,oem unlock and bootloader,custom recovery,root,magisk and custom roms to get the full back of your android in current state needs root for root you have to unlock your bootloader and for unlocking bootloader you need fastboot tool or your device oficial bootloader unlocker tool then you can backup you droid by the most common tool titanium backup or simply by backu option in your custom recovery

I think having a fully capable ROM bootloader (EDL mode, MTK, Allwinner, RockChip...) is most important.
There are still times that your system is wedged and you'll need either ROM mode test points or flash disable.
That's when the boot chain is broken enough to not work, but not broken enough to be recognized as broken.
If things are totally broken it will go to ROM bootloader mode all by itself.

Thank you for your advises!
I could not find P40Pro in TWRP devices list, and AFAIK, to unlock bootloader it needs to be disassembled. Is that correct?
To get used to rooting, custom ROMs, flashing and things I'll better get some cheap used phone - this one is way pricey for savage experiments, especially when you're completely noob. So rooting isn't an option for me for now.
At the moment I 'm debloating phone with "adb shell pm disable-user" and following lists:
[GUIDE] EMUI 11 Complete Debloating Guide & Bloatware List
This de-bloating guide will help you start using EMUI 11 as clean as possible. Please list packages in the comments section that you know is a bloatware and I didn't include in the spreadsheet. This guide assumes that you're using Windows 10 as...
forum.xda-developers.com
P40 Pro debloating guide
Hey everyone, I've spent the last couples days going through all the installed packages, cross-referencing different debloating guides and testing my changes. I'm running the latest EMUI 10.1.0.158 (C636). RECOMMENDATIONS: if you can, follow...
forum.xda-developers.com
[GUIDE] List of bloatware on EMUI safe to remove
Hi all, i was working on a guide on the vast amount of packages that we find already installed on EMUI by default and safe to remove because i'm sure that it would be useful for users like me, users that doesn't like to have space occupied on...
forum.xda-developers.com
Next step - involve Android profiles to isolate spying apps, which I still need, from each other and from contact list
I also looking for decent replacement for buit-in file-management, phone, messaging and contacts apps. And, maybe, launcher, I don't know if it's needed and secure. So far I found:
Emerald Dialer | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
Make calls, view call log
f-droid.org
Silence | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
Encrypted SMS/MMS conversations made easy!
f-droid.org
Koler | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
uniquely stylized phone app with customizable features
f-droid.org
But haven't installed or tried yet. I'd gratefully accept recomendations for those app categories.

Dont waste your time. On this phones you cannot unlock the bootloader and definitely you cannot have access to the root. Also debloating is a non-sense: you can do more bad things than good things. The phone is powerful enough to not need debloating. It is not a Galaxy S2.