Flashed stock kernel, what went wrong? - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

To start, my device is fine (AFAIK ), and I'm inquiring for informational/learning purposes.
I was running franco kernel and wanted to flash the stock kernel again and these are the steps I took.
1) Flashed system.img first and then flashed boot.img second in fastboot
2) Reboot
3) System update was available, realized I flashed 4.4 files instead of 4.2 files so I accepted the update (I assume I should have just flashed the proper system.img and boot.img from 4.4.2)
4) After update I notice root was no longer working and upon launching SuperSU it told me there was an issue (didn't prompt to install/update)
5) Boot into recovery and I get the Android with a red '!', realize my recovery is borked and proceed to re-install TWRP from flashboot
6) TWRP successfully installed so I boot into TWRP and install the same SuperSU zip I used to originally install root
7) Boot back into my Nexus 5 and SuperSU isn't installed. I check the Play Store and see the app has the option to install (which verifies it wasn't installed)
8) Install SuperSU from Play Store, it requires an update which I do
9) I now have root and verified via FKU that I'm running stock kernel (which I then proceeded to uninstall FKU)
So, what happened with my root install via TWRP? It's the same zip I used to install my original root (which was only 1-2 weeks ago) and TWRP successfully installed the zip with no errors. Does anyone know what happened? Why wasn't SuperSU installed?
Also, on a side note, I'd appreciate if someone could verify I did this all correctly and properly recovered? AFAIK everything is running smooth, but if you notice I did a major mess and I should rectify it, I'd appreciate knowing. I'm new to rooting, so I did my best to recover, but I'm also a fan of reassurance.

1. all you had to do was flash the boot.img. that would have replaced franco kernel and no time nor data would of been lost. its a several second procedure.
2. you took an update. when you do that, you lose your custom recovery and root. its been that way since day 1 of android. theres so much info about that out there that you should have known that, its the most basic knowledge of the modding community. what im saying is there are no excuses
3. supersu got updated, and you were flashing an older version. you should have just grabbed it from the play store, installed the app, opened it, and updated the binaries. or, you can always get the most recent supersu here then flash it http://download.chainfire.eu/381/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.91.zip

simms22 said:
1. all you had to do was flash the boot.img. that would have replaced franco kernel and no time nor data would of been lost. its a several second procedure.
2. you took an update. when you do that, you lose your custom recovery and root. its been that way since day 1 of android. theres so much info about that out there that you should have known that, its the most basic knowledge of the modding community. what im saying is there are no excuses
3. supersu got updated, and you were flashing an older version. you should have just grabbed it from the play store, installed the app, opened it, and updated the binaries. or, you can always get the most recent supersu here then flash it http://download.chainfire.eu/381/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.91.zip
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Click to collapse
1. I was misinformed on this. The franco FAQ stated to flash the system.img and boot.img. Based on your response, I'm guessing the system.img is only required for devices other than the Nexus line?
2. I completely understand, and I realize it as soon as I accepted the update. I seen the update, jumped to accept as I'm accustomed to, and preceded to immediately facepalm.
3. So basically, if I understand correctly, I already had SuperSU installed and updated via the Play Store. When I attempted to flash my zip, I was flashing an older version (I was flashing 1.80, your link is up to 1.91). By flashing the older version, it messed with the install, hence why it was missing when I booted back into Android. This is is also why I had to re-install from the Play Store. Did I get that correctly?

alamarco said:
1. I was misinformed on this. The franco FAQ stated to flash the system.img and boot.img. Based on your response, I'm guessing the system.img is only required for devices other than the Nexus line?
2. I completely understand, and I realize it as soon as I accepted the update. I seen the update, jumped to accept as I'm accustomed to, and preceded to immediately facepalm.
3. So basically, if I understand correctly, I already had SuperSU installed and updated via the Play Store. When I attempted to flash my zip, I was flashing an older version (I was flashing 1.80, your link is up to 1.91). By flashing the older version, it messed with the install, hence why it was missing when I booted back into Android. This is is also why I had to re-install from the Play Store. Did I get that correctly?
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Click to collapse
1. flashing the system img would replace the rom itself. if franco kernel changes system files, then this would technically replace them. dirty flashing your rom would do the same. if franco kernel replaces system files, then it(or others based off franco kernel) is the only kernel i know of that does. anyways, i bet leaving whatever changes done to the system wouldnt hurt you if you left it. ill ask francisco if and what system files he changes
2.
3. right. or flash the newer zip.

simms22 said:
1. flashing the system img would replace the rom itself. if franco kernel changes system files, then this would technically replace them. dirty flashing your rom would do the same. if franco kernel replaces system files, then it(or others based off franco kernel) is the only kernel i know of that does. anyways, i bet leaving whatever changes done to the system wouldnt hurt you if you left it. ill ask francisco if and what system files he changes
2.
3. right. or flash the newer zip.
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Click to collapse
Awesome, I appreciate your help and information. I now have a full grasp on what I did wrong so as to not make the same mistake next time. I screwed up this time, but no better time to learn than after a mistake.

I believe that flashing the Franco kernel does change a couple of system files as noted in the Franco kernel Learner Lounge
(aka FAQ)
"Return to stock romz
Franco's kernel changes these system files below, so to change them back you can remove the .bak extension, or fastboot system.IMG and boot.IMG from a factory image found https://developers.google.com/androi...s/images?csw=1 which is probably easier and faster.
Quote:
Originally Posted by franciscofranco View Post
1 - Rename /system/lib/hw/power.msm8974.so.bak to /system/lib/hw/power.msm8974.so
2 - Rename /system/bin/thermal-engine-hh-bak to /system/bin/thermal-engine-hh
3 - Reboot to the boot loader and flash stock Kernel by downloading the Nexus images and then fastboot flash boot boot.img
4 - If you're using those Moto X dalvik patches you gotta reflash stock system.img, just use the images you just downloaded from 2) and do fastboot flash system system.img
5 - ???
6 - Profit.
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Click to collapse

GooGooMuck said:
I believe that flashing the Franco kernel does change a couple of system files as noted in the Franco kernel Learner Lounge
(aka FAQ)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's where I originally got my information from and why I flashed the system.img. Everything else after that was my fault.

Related

[Q] How Do I Prep My Device For JB Installation?

OK, so the MotoDev team advised me to return my phone to stock before installing JB, which will be pushed to my phone tomorrow morning...
What do I need to insure my system won't crash?
I have an unlocked bootloader, and am rooted. I already did a factory reset on my device. Some system apps are gone though, as I have deleted them (mostly Google stuff though, nothing crucial). Will I be good to go? (And yes, I will save the SBF and post it, no worries, have a Dev Host account and will upload).
In order to get official OTA updates from Sprint I've always needed to do 2 things:
-Remove Root (eith via OTA Rootkeeper or stock kernel)
-Flash Stock Recovery (OTA has never worked for me w/ custom recovery)
I'd recommend wiping and flashing both stock images in the thread below via fastboot to avoid bootloops and other hassles.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1856456
hope things go well! :good:
hagforz said:
In order to get official OTA updates from Sprint I've always needed to do 2 things:
-Remove Root (eith via OTA Rootkeeper or stock kernel)
-Flash Stock Recovery (OTA has never worked for me w/ custom recovery)
I'd recommend wiping and flashing both stock images in the thread below via fastboot to avoid bootloops and other hassles.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1856456
hope things go well! :good:
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Click to collapse
Thank you, I will do exactly as you directed...hope things go well also, it's about damn time for JB!
Moto Q stock with Arrrghhh's kernel v.0.10
galacticservant said:
Thank you, I will do exactly as you directed...hope things go well also, it's about damn time for JB!
Moto Q stock with Arrrghhh's kernel v.0.10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to grab the update package and save it you should prevent it from being deleted. I know that twrp could not install asa14 OTA update when I got it so it was just hanging there in /cache along with md5 (or sha1, I can't remeber) checksum file.
I do not know if there are other ways of saving the update package nor if devs actually need it. But ASA14 got to my bootloader unlocked, gsm modded, rooted stock rom and after booting to recovery it just stayed there, no install happend (I installed it manually) because twrp did not pass the command properly or what ever the reason.
This update is coming from motorola directly, not sprint, right?
Anyway, perhaps someone can give you more accurate details. I personally would flash twrp and see if updated arrives. Because /cache is wiped by the update installer after installation. All automated process. After device boots to recovery it installs the package, wipes caches and reboots, if I am not mistaken.
I believe for the past updates we had the best luck by reverting the recovery back to stock as well. You have missing APKs that you removed so those will very likely be looked for by the update and will fail the update process if missing.
So if all goes well this should be the bare minimum I'd say for getting the update to work:
MAKE A BACKUP, don't want to have a bricked phone yeah? I mean you could have Jelly Bean on it finally... but still bricked...
Revert the recovery to stock if you installed TWRP or ClockworkMod, adb reboot bootloader | fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
Restore any and all apps you deleted from the stock image, either by restoring fully to stock or putting them back manually, wouldn't hurt to do another update check in the play store for them as well.
Temp unroot with OTA Rootkeeper
Download the update, reboot it, do a song and dance, ???, profit.
Now, you might try to restore root asap, it may or may not work, we won't know till we try.... I'm using Superuser 3.1.3 and on their website it claims its for arm devices 2.0-4.1 so maybe it'll work. Your bootloader should still be unlocked I'd imagine, so you can reflash your custom recovery and make a new backup.

Update Rooted Nexus

I am new to this. I have a rooted nexus 5. It is stock rooted with TRWP recovery. I don't have a custom ROM. When the newest update is available, am I safe to update?
ILowry282 said:
I am new to this. I have a rooted nexus 5. It is stock rooted with TRWP recovery. I don't have a custom ROM. When the newest update is available, am I safe to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since your post was made today, and the update was released yesterday I'm assuming you are thinking that you will be getting the update over the air? You won't. When you have a custom recovery (TWRP) you won't get OTA's.
But don't be disheartened, not in the LEAST. Unless you've removed or altered the default system apps (you would know if you did) all you have to do is download the update to your phone, boot into TWRP, flash the update, and let the phone reboot.
Due to how the OTA updates are rolled out, even if you had not loaded a custom recovery onto your phone, you might not have had it pushed to you for a couple of weeks.
Read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2523217
From what you have described you are "scenario 2". Proceed directly to step B. Like many people, I was also step B. It is easier than making toast.
So if I update that way will I lose my data and root? Also do I unzip the file or flash the zip file?
ILowry282 said:
So if I update that way will I lose my data and root? Also do I unzip the file or flash the zip file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you flash a custom ROM via TWRP it is generally recommended you do a clean wipe beforehand (and before doing that, obviously create a backup). There are cases where you can go straight to flashing without wiping, which is called a dirty flash. Although this is used when you're flashing an updated version of the ROM you're currently running. Following instructions under Section B won't cause you to lose data.
2. You won't lose root because ROMs will generally take this into account. However, if you do happen to lose root, just download and flash SuperSU and you're back on track.
3. Just flash the zip file.
ILowry282 said:
So if I update that way will I lose my data and root? Also do I unzip the file or flash the zip file?
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Click to collapse
The first part of the reply above is certainly correct, (the rest is also, but I'm just speaking to the first part of it) but I feel it is just going to confuse you.
You did not flash a custom ROM, you flashed a custom RECOVERY. Two different things. When you copy the update onto your phone, in the form that exists in the thread I linked earlier, it is not an entire image. It is an UPDATE to the stock image, which you are already using. As for your concern of losing root, it shouldn't be a concern. As was mentioned in the reply above mentioned, while you are in recovery you can simply just flash SU again.
In fact, I'd be willing to bet the file to flash SU is still on your phone.
As for me personally, I happened to have unlocked the pro version of SU (because why not...it's only $2.50 and I like the app) and just toggled the "survival mode" option. But even if I had not, it would have been a very small thing to loading SU again.
In short, don't worry about losing root. When you first rooted this phone, most of the steps involved were not in rooting the phone, but in unlocking the bootloader. Loading this update has nothing to do with that, so in your case, since you didn't flash a custom ROM (Such as CyanogenMod) and you didn't make any modifications to the system apps...quite literally all you have to do is copy the stuff onto your phone, load into TWRP, fire up the update, and either fire up SU, or have survival mode already enabled, and reboot the phone.
(and no, you don't have to unzip the file pasted in the thread, just copy it directly) The instructions in that thread are really simple, and that's probably giving you a bit of pause, but seriously, it really is that simple in your case, as it was mine.
So I updated but lost root. How do I flash SU?
ILowry282 said:
So I updated but lost root. How do I flash SU?
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Click to collapse
Do you still have custom recovery cwm or twrp? If so download su zip from either of those posts and flash in recovery if not you can flash recovery with adb or flashify and then flash su zip.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Worked perfect. Thanks

Marshmallow Root, am I missing something?

I was running CM 12.1 on my N5 and wanted to give stock 6.0 a try so I flashed the factory image using the meathod in this article.
'androiding.how/marshmallow-rom-nexus-5-recovery-flashable/'
Have no problems and everything seems to be normal. However, I did want root access so I was going to follow the method described in that article which mentioned using fastboot to load a new boot.img. All I had to do was boot into TWRP flash the hellscore Kernel, then flash Superuser SU2.46.
However all the threads on this forum suggest that rooting marshmallow should not be this easy and requires a new boot.img ect......Am I missing something?
Ridley78 said:
I was running CM 12.1 on my N5 and wanted to give stock 6.0 a try so I flashed the factory image using the meathod in this article.
'androiding.how/marshmallow-rom-nexus-5-recovery-flashable/'
Have no problems and everything seems to be normal. However, I did want root access so I was going to follow the method described in that article which mentioned using fastboot to load a new boot.img. All I had to do was boot into TWRP flash the hellscore Kernel, then flash Superuser SU2.46.
However all the threads on this forum suggest that rooting marshmallow should not be this easy and requires a new boot.img ect......Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is, u need a kernel built for M that allows root access, something like HellsGod, the kernel that is packaged with XtraSmooth. I'm on the Nexus 6 running M and this is what did to achieve root access, I flashed XtraSmooth ROM thru twrp, downloaded 6.0, extracted the system, bootloader, and radio from the factory image and flashed them using fastboot, then I booted back into twrp and flashed SuperSU v2.50, u don't wanna use 2.46, it will bootloop, now I'm on M, rooted and loving it
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 10:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:38 AM ----------
And it's always been that easy to root Nexus devices, that's what they're for, is primarily a developers phone, so they make it easy cut devs
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the input, however I am still unsure why you need to use fastboot to load the bootloader and radio? I downloaded the zip files and used TWRP and it worked with no issues? and I did not get stuck in a boot loop using SU2.46?
I guess I am wondering if the update I flashed from the posted article was infact a full version of Marshmallow or just the preview since I did not need to use fastboot, and SU2.46 worked fine? at this point I am under the assumtion I did not go back to full stock 6.0 when I flashed the update.
The kernel you flashed (also known as a boot.img) was modified to allow root. It is no more complicated than that. If you didn't have a nice twrp zip file to flash (hell's kernel) you could have used fastboot to flash the kernel(boot.img) instead. Also, because you used a rom that was packaged as nice twrp flashable zip file you didn't have to use fastboot to flash the bootloader and radio, etc...it was in that rom zip file. You can use 7-zip or winrar to browse it and you can see all the files that zip flashed for you if you want.
This is why a lot of times after a new version of android drops the Q&A gets loaded with people asking for a stock flashable zip of the roms. It's just an easy way to upgrade without having to use fastboot which seems to be difficult for a lot of people to grasp.
Marshmallow cannot be rooted without a modified kernel right now so maybe that's what people mean by it"s "hard" to root marshmallow? Who knows. I thought it was easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Awesome. That is kinda what I thought but I just wasn't sure. it seemed too easy. I know enough to follow steps with out bricking my phone, and how to get out of a bootloop, but some of the finer details are still greek to me. I appretiate your input.:good:
Evo_Shift said:
The kernel you flashed (also known as a boot.img) was modified to allow root. It is no more complicated than that. If you didn't have a nice twrp zip file to flash (hell's kernel) you could have used fastboot to flash the kernel(boot.img) instead. Also, because you used a rom that was packaged as nice twrp flashable zip file you didn't have to use fastboot to flash the bootloader and radio, etc...it was in that rom zip file. You can use 7-zip or winrar to browse it and you can see all the files that zip flashed for you if you want.
This is why a lot of times after a new version of android drops the Q&A gets loaded with people asking for a stock flashable zip of the roms. It's just an easy way to upgrade without having to use fastboot which seems to be difficult for a lot of people to grasp.
Marshmallow cannot be rooted without a modified kernel right now so maybe that's what people mean by it"s "hard" to root marshmallow? Who knows. I thought it was easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked at that site you linked and it is possible you are still using the old radio and bootloader. It seems they had separate zip files for those things. The old ones might work with marshmallow though, I am not sure. You can go into your settings and look to see if the radio you have is up to date. Did you flash both of those zips or just the rom? The current one is baseband version M8974A-2.0.50.2.27. If yours is older you could flash that bootloader/radio zip file they have on that site. However, if your phone is working properly and you get good signal and everything there is not really any need. (I honestly can't remember if the bootloader and radio files can be included in flashable rom zips since I always update that stuff using fastboot, lol. Now that I think of it I don't think radios are typically included when people develop roms. I am trying to think back to when I flashed cyanogenmod like over a year ago... Either way it seems you get the idea of what to do.)

Update Build W/O a Computer

Ok, let me start by saying that I'm fully capable of updating my phone with a computer, I'm just hoping there is a better way. So far every time I've downloaded a new firmware, update the flash-all.bat and run it, something will fail towards the end of the update and the only way I've been able to successfully update is by using one of those tool kits (forget which one, it's on my computer). I'm not that concerned about all of that with this thread. I'm wondering if there is a way to do it without a PC.
I'm on NMF26O (root, ElementalX, etc) and tried flashing Pure Nexus over the weekend. Since it's based on NMF26V, I kept receiving an error on boot about updating my vendor.img. So I downloaded that firmware, extracted it, and flashed the vendor.img in TWRP. That led to a plethora of other issues that I couldn't resolve by flashing the boot.img, reflashing the rom, ect. Several hours later I ended up flashing the boot.img and vendor.img for NMF26O, restoring my backup, re-installing Elemental, and rooting again.
Since these updates will be coming out every month, and roms will always be based on the latest update, I feel like I'll be pulling out the computer every month, downloading the updates, modifying the flash-all.bat, and running it through the tool, just to be able to update my rom. The first time I forget to update flash-all.bat, I'll lose the 60+ GB's I keep in internal storage. There has to be an easier way. TWRP is capable of flashing images. Has anyone been able to update without using a computer? I don't care if my radio is out dated, or something is mismatched as long as my phone works as intended.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Not sure why you ran into issues with PN. You need to be on the latest build NMF26U. You can flash the ROM via recovery. Then tku have to reboot once and go back to recovery and flash the V vendor image because the ROM is based on NMF26V. Each time a new ROM comes out on a new build you can flash in recovery.
If your talking about flashing stock OTAs via recovery that's not possible yet. No need to do this if you're going to be using custom ROMs though
aholeinthewor1d said:
Not sure why you ran into issues with PN. You need to be on the latest build NMF26U. You can flash the ROM via recovery. Then tku have to reboot once and go back to recovery and flash the V vendor image because the ROM is based on NMF26V. Each time a new ROM comes out on a new build you can flash in recovery.
If your talking about flashing stock OTAs via recovery that's not possible yet. No need to do this if you're going to be using custom ROMs though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on NMF26O. What's the difference between it and NMF26U and why would the vendor image from NMF26V work with NMF26U but not NMF26O?
Seems like all you would need is the /system from the rom, the vendor image, and maybe the boot image (or a custom kernel). I think I'm missing something here.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
If you install PN its based on NMF26V. So unless you are already on that then you would need to flash the ROM, reboot back to recovery, then flash the NMF26V vendor image.
I'll play devil's advocate here... Yeah there is an easier way, use your Pixel stock and take OTA's. Enjoy a phone that always works, with or without a laptop!
I understand my audience and realize this isn't a popular mantra here but I felt exactly like you did with my 6p and vendor images. I got to the point where I sacrifice root now just for my own sanity. My phone works for me, not the other way around.
What I do is side load the full OTA ( which you can get from the same place you get the factory images ). I only use the fastboot boot version of TWRP so that my stock recovery stays in place. Then all you have to do is boot into the stock recovery, adb side load the OTA file and re root. Then you're fully up to date without worries of your data being wiped :laugh:!
( Although if you look in the flash fire thread from Chainfire, he's working on a version that will let rooted pixels flash otas like normal ones :fingers-crossed: )
I think you guys are missing the point. I have no desire to ever be stock, which rules out the possibility for an OTA in any form.
What I'm trying to figure out is exactly what is necessary to make a custom rom (based on the latest OTA), work if flashed over an older build, without first somehow applying the full OTA. Or is it impossible?
On just about every other phone I've owned, we could piecemeal the files needed for minor updates, along with a custom rom. The only time we'd have to flash a full update is for major updates ( 4 to 5 to 6, etc).
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Ok, I figured it out. Just download the OTA.zip (not the full firmware), flash in TWRP, immediately flash TWRP again, and reboot.
I'm now on nmf26u.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
Ok, I figured it out. Just download the OTA.zip (not the full firmware), flash in TWRP, immediately flash TWRP again, and reboot.
I'm now on nmf26u.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think we can just flash OTAs in twrp yet. Haven't heard of Antone doing it. There is a beta Flashfire out that I guess works to flash updates. J have it but haven't needed to try it cause I'm running PN and DU
aholeinthewor1d said:
I don't think we can just flash OTAs in twrp yet. Haven't heard of Antone doing it. There is a beta Flashfire out that I guess works to flash updates. J have it but haven't needed to try it cause I'm running PN and DU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done it several times tonight. Went from O to U to V, flashed Pure Nexus, screwed up the rom, restored to O, then O flashed back to U and V.
Just flash it like a rom in TWRP RC1. Make sure you flash TWRP again before rebooting if you want to keep it.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Need help updating from rooted 5.1.1

I have a Shield Tablet (post battery fire exchange) and I would like to update it to the newest firmware/os... It is currently rooted, running BitO-Kernel, and stock nvidia rom. I did all the rooting and flashing on this tablet originally, but I never kept it up to date with newer updates. I heard on this forum awhile back that it's not just as simple as flashing a new rom, something about having to flash some other system stuff first or some partition or something. Basically I'm looking for a guide on how to update a Shield Tablet from rooted 5.1.1 to the newest OS version avalible. I tried sreaching the forum, but I couldn't find what I was looking for (maybe I'm not using the right search keyworks).
Agreed, that it is typically best to keep devices updated with the whole OTA update, which include firmware, modems, and whatever other partitions (not always flashed with custom ROMs). Although I'm not sure if there is much changed in those partitions between 5.1.s and 5.2.
That is the original Shield tablet (not the K1) right?
If so, I think you can just download the full OTA zip, and flash in TWRP: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72501806&postcount=35
Then root (flash Magisk or SuperSU) right away before rebooting, if you want to keep TWRP. If you don't root, the update will cause TWRP to be replaced with stock recovery.
Another option, if you made a backup of the stock ROM before installing custom ROM (I suggest always doing that) you can restore it, and should get the OTA notification. Then you should be able to just download and update that way. Again, root before rebooting, if you want to retain TWRP.
If all the above fail, you can download the recovery OS, and flash all the components using fastboot, as described in the supplied instructions:
https://developer.nvidia.com/gameworksdownload#?search=SHIELD%20Tablet%20wifi&tx=$additional,shield
redpoint73 said:
Agreed, that it is typically best to keep devices updated with the whole OTA update, which include firmware, modems, and whatever other partitions (not always flashed with custom ROMs). Although I'm not sure if there is much changed in those partitions between 5.1.s and 5.2.
That is the original Shield tablet (not the K1) right?
If so, I think you can just download the full OTA zip, and flash in TWRP: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72501806&postcount=35
Then root (flash Magisk or SuperSU) right away before rebooting, if you want to keep TWRP. If you don't root, the update will cause TWRP to be replaced with stock recovery.
Another option, if you made a backup of the stock ROM before installing custom ROM (I suggest always doing that) you can restore it, and should get the OTA notification. Then you should be able to just download and update that way. Again, root before rebooting, if you want to retain TWRP.
If all the above fail, you can download the recovery OS, and flash all the components using fastboot, as described in the supplied instructions:
https://developer.nvidia.com/gameworksdownload#?search=SHIELD Tablet wifi&tx=$additional,shield
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I appreciate the help! Yes it's an original tablet (not the k1). It's currently rooted with the Bit-O kernel running over the stock Nvidia 5.1.1 os (also has twrp on it as well). I'd like to keep root. I'll have to do some more search to see if I can find the old thread where I was told it's more difficult the a simple flash, I remember it was explained fairly clearly, I just can remember exactly what that was lol.
EDIT: found the original post where I was asking about this from last year, the issue revolves around the Staging Blob which I've never worked with before and know nothing about it (usually just ROMs and kernel flashes and occasionally radio images).
https://forum.xda-developers.com/shield-tablet/help/how-update-rooted-shield-tablet-to-t3355436
bluegizmo83 said:
It's currently rooted with the Bit-O kernel running over the stock Nvidia 5.1.1 os (also has twrp on it as well). I'd like to keep root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't be able to update the OS and keep root. Which is pretty typical when updating most Android devices (root will be lost). But for the 1st and 2nd options I gave (flashing the OTA zips in TWRP), it's easy to just root the device again. Just have your preferred root zip (Magisk or SuperSU) on the phone when you update. Then after the update (before rebooting to OS) while still in TWRP, just flash the root zip. Then you will be rooted, and TWRP will not be wiped (replaced by stock recovery).
3rd option (flash Recoveyr OS in fastboot), getting root again is a few more steps, but still not that hard. After flashing all the components, reboot and verify everything is working. Then go to fastboot again, flash TWRP. Then boot into TWRP, and flash the root file (Magisk or SuperSU).
For any of the options 1-3, if you want to then flash your custom kernel again after rooting, you are free to do so. I'd probably verify the stock OS is working. Then boot to TWRP, make a backup of the stock kernel & ROM, then flash your desired kernel.
bluegizmo83 said:
I'll have to do some more search to see if I can find the old thread where I was told it's more difficult the a simple flash, I remember it was explained fairly clearly, I just can remember exactly what that was lol.
EDIT: found the original post where I was asking about this from last year, the issue revolves around the Staging Blob which I've never worked with before and know nothing about it (usually just ROMs and kernel flashes and occasionally radio images).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the 3rd option (flash Recovery OS in fastboot), if you go to the link then click the desired version 5.2, it will expand, and you will see Downloads for the Windows or Linux files, and instructions below that. Click on "instructions" and you will see there are steps to extraxt various components, than flash each one individually using fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash userdata userdata.img
fastboot flash staging blob
If you do the other methods (flash OTA zip with TWRP) I believe all these components are included, and just flash automatically.
redpoint73 said:
You won't be able to update the OS and keep root. Which is pretty typical when updating most Android devices (root will be lost). But for the 1st and 2nd options I gave (flashing the OTA zips in TWRP), it's easy to just root the device again. Just have your preferred root zip (Magisk or SuperSU) on the phone when you update. Then after the update (before rebooting to OS) while still in TWRP, just flash the root zip. Then you will be rooted, and TWRP will not be wiped (replaced by stock recovery).
3rd option (flash Recoveyr OS in fastboot), getting root again is a few more steps, but still not that hard. After flashing all the components, reboot and verify everything is working. Then go to fastboot again, flash TWRP. Then boot into TWRP, and flash the root file (Magisk or SuperSU).
For any of the options 1-3, if you want to then flash your custom kernel again after rooting, you are free to do so. I'd probably verify the stock OS is working. Then boot to TWRP, make a backup of the stock kernel & ROM, then flash your desired kernel.
On the 3rd option (flash Recovery OS in fastboot), if you go to the link then click the desired version 5.2, it will expand, and you will see Downloads for the Windows or Linux files, and instructions below that. Click on "instructions" and you will see there are steps to extraxt various components, than flash each one individually using fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash userdata userdata.img
fastboot flash staging blob
If you do the other methods (flash OTA zip with TWRP) I believe all these components are included, and just flash automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh ok thanks! I'll definitely try to flash that 5.2 OTA zip from twrp and see if that works. After that, I should be able to flash any current update (like 6.0) also, correct? And I assume I need to flash 5.2 first before flashing 6.0 (or whatever the most current shield tablet OTA is), correct?
bluegizmo83 said:
Oh ok thanks! I'll definitely try to flash that 5.2 OTA zip from twrp and see if that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure it's how I updated to 5.2 (then rooted), and probably the easiest of the options. It's been a busy last couple months, so it's all a little blurry!
bluegizmo83 said:
After that, I should be able to flash any current update (like 6.0) also, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
bluegizmo83 said:
And I assume I need to flash 5.2 first before flashing 6.0 (or whatever the most current shield tablet OTA is), correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not 100% sure. It's a full OTA zip, not an incremental update. So in those cases (full OTA) it may not need the preceding update installed. But again, I'm not sure.
redpoint73 said:
Pretty sure it's how I updated to 5.2 (then rooted), and probably the easiest of the options. It's been a busy last couple months, so it's all a little blurry!.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks again, I appreciate all the help! One last question I promise lol. Do I need to wipe anything in twrp before I flash an OTA zip? In the past I've been told wipes are not required for incremental updates (like 5.0 to 5.1 to 5.2) but they are usually recommended for larger os revisions like 5.0 to 6.0, does that still hold true?
bluegizmo83 said:
One last question I promise lol. Do I need to wipe anything in twrp before I flash an OTA zip? In the past I've been told wipes are not required for incremental updates (like 5.0 to 5.1 to 5.2) but they are usually recommended for larger os revisions like 5.0 to 6.0, does that still hold true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say that is still true. Don't think you need to wipe anything (except cache and Dalvik - which I usually wipe when flashing anything), and I don't think I did either. Make a TWRP backup, in case anything goes wrong, as well as any other backups of apps, data, etc. (such as Titanium)..
Ask all the questions you like. It's fun to help, although I may not necessarily always know the answer!
redpoint73 said:
I would say that is still true. Don't think you need to wipe anything (except cache and Dalvik - which I usually wipe when flashing anything), and I don't think I did either. Make a TWRP backup, in case anything goes wrong, as well as any other backups of apps, data, etc. (such as Titanium)..
Ask all the questions you like. It's fun to help, although I may not necessarily always know the answer!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks. I did just think of one more question, its not 100% related to flashing though... On my shield tablet, I have a 128gb SDcard in it, and I use Folder Mount to move all my large apps and games to the SDcard. Do these backup through TWRP if I check every box (I don't think it does cause there isn't a check box to backup the sdcard)? Would titanium backup work better to backup and restore these large apps & games that were moved with Folder Mount?
bluegizmo83 said:
Ok thanks. I did just think of one more question, its not 100% related to flashing though... On my shield tablet, I have a 128gb SDcard in it, and I use Folder Mount to move all my large apps and games to the SDcard. Do these backup through TWRP if I check every box (I don't think it does cause there isn't a check box to backup the sdcard)? Would titanium backup work better to backup and restore these large apps & games that were moved with Folder Mount?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't backup internal storage or SD card in TWRP.
I don't personally use anything like Folder Mount. I would think as long as the folders are where they are supposed to be, and the data for Folder Mount is preserved/migrated properly, then it will all still work as it did before the update. If you are really paranoid, you can make a copy of the folders on your SD card to your computer as a "backup".
redpoint73 said:
You can't backup internal storage or SD card in TWRP.
I don't personally use anything like Folder Mount. I would think as long as the folders are where they are supposed to be, and the data for Folder Mount is preserved/migrated properly, then it will all still work as it did before the update. If you are really paranoid, you can make a copy of the folders on your SD card to your computer as a "backup".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just noticed on that download link you posted earlier, that Nvidia lists the newest update as 5.2.0, but that is actually Android os version 7.0. Earlier when I said on was on 5.1.1 I meant Android os 5.1.1 (as in Lollipop), not shield os version 5.1 (which is Nougat). Sorry if that wasn't clear in the beginning. Does that effect any of your original advise? Just thought I should double-check that.
bluegizmo83 said:
I just noticed on that download link you posted earlier, that Nvidia lists the newest update as 5.2.0, but that is actually Android os version 7.0. Earlier when I said on was on 5.1.1 I meant Android os 5.1.1 (as in Lollipop), not shield os version 5.1 (which is Nougat). Sorry if that wasn't clear in the beginning. Does that effect any of your original advise? Just thought I should double-check that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if it matters with the OTA. My feeling is, that it won't matter, and it will still install.
My guess is that in the worst case, the OTA fails, and you have to resort to flashing the recovery OS version.

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