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[Q]How to receive an OTA update without losing root?

For the Nexus 5, how can I install an OTA update without losing root?
I believe there are different ways to do this, Can some share what works? With or without a custom recovery installed. Thanks.
(For this who haven't heard, an update is rumored for 11/13, FWIW)

pseudoware said:
For the Nexus 5, how can I install an OTA update without losing root?
I believe there are different ways to do this, Can some share what works? With or without a custom recovery installed. Thanks.
(For this who haven't heard, an update is rumored for 11/13, FWIW)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check if OTA Rootkeeper https://play.google.com/store/search?q=ota rootkeeper is 4.4 compatible or maybe a similar app. If it isn`t rerooting with CF Auto Root will take 2 minutes bro.
-Edit- enable root survival mode after installing a OTA if you use superSU in the superSU settings menu

.... i'm sorry, but i have to ask why bother with the OTA updates if one has a custom recovery installed? can almost bet money on someone having a flashable image here of the stock ROM within hours of one being released.

elementaldragon said:
.... i'm sorry, but i have to ask why bother with the OTA updates if one has a custom recovery installed? can almost bet money on someone having a flashable image here of the stock ROM within hours of one being released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but some are still on the stock rom, recovery and kernel and only want root.

pseudoware said:
For the Nexus 5, how can I install an OTA update without losing root?
I believe there are different ways to do this, Can some share what works? With or without a custom recovery installed. Thanks.
(For this who haven't heard, an update is rumored for 11/13, FWIW)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who cares when it's so easy to root.

Thanks for the replies. Which N5 sub-forum is the most likely place where someone would post the updated flashable stock image, when available?

pseudoware said:
Thanks for the replies. Which N5 sub-forum is the most likely place where someone would post the updated flashable stock image, when available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chuck this out in the general forum, it's stikied. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=46290762

jd1639 said:
Who cares when it's so easy to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But wouldn't one lose their data if they used CF-Auto Root again?
When I did the process, it wiped my phone.
Or is it that once the bootloader is unlocked it never wipes the phone again? Meaning it's just a simple matter of running CF auto root after OTA update and nothing else will be changed?

Still have the doubt
I know this information has to be somewhere in this forum, but I have searched and haven't found it. The question is, if I install an update with TWRP, will I lose root as well? If so, is there a way to get it back without wiping everything?
I think the answer is in what the previous post says, that once the bootloader is unlocked, there is no forced wipe anymore. I'm not sure, though.
Actually, the only thing I want is to be able to update to stock unaltered ROMs without losing root (and without a full wipe, of course), I don't care if I have to flash it manually or if I have to install TWRP or if it's ok with OTAs.
Thanks.

[Q] Can you OTA update a Nexus 5 and keep root?

Ok so I just recently got my hands on a Nexus 5 which I rooted with CF Auto Root and relocked the bootloader with Bootunlocker for security (I'm guessing I should unlock before the update). I see reports surfacing of a possible 4.4.3 update in the near future. So before that happens I want to figure out the best practice for updating a N5 with CF Auto Root. It stands to reason I'll do a full backup so that's a given.
I'm not new to rooting. Done it a few times. Just haven't had a device that gets regular OTAs in my country so it hasn't come up.
Is there a way to update so that root is preserved? Obviously I'd like to keep the process as simple as possible but if I have to work from scratch it's not the end of the world.
As I understand it, you can do normal OTA as long as it's stock but you lose root. In that case, does the OTA relock the bootloader or will it stay unlocked? Which then basically means a new root which wipes the device.
Or perhaps it's better to ask what the best procedure for updating a stock Nexus 5 with CF Auto Root.

Everything that you have ever wanted to know about OTA can be found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/general/info-nexus-5-ota-help-desk-t2523217

Ah thanks. Appreciate it.

generally no, after ota you lose root. but there are apps that will save your root so that you keep root after an update.

I've been looking at Survival Mode in Super SU and RootKeeper but there seems to be some question as to their success.

Reaper1242 said:
I've been looking at Survival Mode in Super SU and RootKeeper but there seems to be some question as to their success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ive never used any since i dont ota, i update my custom rom as soon as its updated, but ive heard of success with rootkeeper. but it doesnt matter, it literally takes 3 minutes to root a nexus the right way(via fastboot).

Yea, I should use fastboot in future.

Reaper1242 said:
As I understand it, you can do normal OTA as long as it's stock but you lose root. In that case, does the OTA relock the bootloader or will it stay unlocked? Which then basically means a new root which wipes the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock Android OS update will not relock the bootloader. So, once you apply the OTA.zip file in recovery, all you will need to do is reflash the SuperSU, and you are done.
(Note that depending on your system status, you may not be able to apply the OTA.zip directly - for instance, if you have updated/deleted system files etc, in which case, you will first need to go back to stock - refer to the link that @mistahseller provided for details about how to go back to stock)

jj14 said:
The stock Android OS update will not relock the bootloader. So, once you apply the OTA.zip file in recovery, all you will need to do is reflash the SuperSU, and you are done.
(Note that depending on your system status, you may not be able to apply the OTA.zip directly - for instance, if you have updated/deleted system files etc, in which case, you will first need to go back to stock - refer to the link that @mistahseller provided for details about how to go back to stock)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you would need to flash a custom recovery first, then supersu in your custom recovery.

Thanks everyone for the responses.You've made everything much clearer.

simms22 said:
you would need to flash a custom recovery first, then supersu in your custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. I assumed that op had installed a custom recovery when he rooted, but that is not always the case.

Ok so I'm going to sideload myself. Been a while so I just want to confirm the process so I don't screw up.
I'm using TWRP
Obviously I'll do a NANdroid and probably Titanium as well.
1) Unlock bootloader with Bootunlocker
2) Connect device to PC
3) Boot into TWRP recovery and go to Advanced > ADB Sideload
4) type adb sideload update.zip (or whatever I call the file)
5) reboot device and check if it's working
6) reboot to recovery and reflash superuser.zip
I think that's it. Is there anything else I need to be aware of? If I'm right it should then be updated, rooted and in the same state before I updated.

I am in the same situation. I am currently rooted with a unlocked boot loader. When 4.4.3 comes along I plan to upgrade it. I have only rooted and have CWM no custom ROM. I know o cannot perform a OTA update. So do I copy the update zip (4.4.3) and just flash in CWM? Is this correct, and if so do I lose root/ boot loader. Thanks. I have read the thread above but do not understand
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

dec1153 said:
I am in the same situation. I am currently rooted with a unlocked boot loader. When 4.4.3 comes along I plan to upgrade it. I have only rooted and have CWM no custom ROM. I know o cannot perform a OTA update. So do I copy the update zip (4.4.3) and just flash in CWM? Is this correct, and if so do I lose root/ boot loader. Thanks. I have read the thread above but do not understand
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash stock system.img and flash recovery.img and then do the update.zip from the stock recovery..
If you don't want to flash, then make sure you have removed all the modifications you have done to system apps. If you don't remember then I would certainly recommend flashing stock images...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Do I lose OTA if I root the device ?

Hi guys, as I cant stand the ads I'm thinking of rooting the device but I wonder if I can have OTA updates after this and if yes, do I have to re-root the phone after the updates?
thxxx

epivitor said:
Hi guys, as I cant stand the ads I'm thinking of rooting the device but I wonder if I can have OTA updates after this and if yes, do I have to re-root the phone after the updates?
thxxx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have non gpe device then yes root will deny ota.

No my device isnt the gpe.
How can I update my phone then ?

epivitor said:
No my device isnt the gpe.
How can I update my phone then ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flash stock rom
update via OTA
again root..
solved...

reversegear said:
flash stock rom
update via OTA
again root..
solved...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no other easier way to do this?
I had in mind something like download the update to the pc and apply it to the phone with usb connection. Isnt that possible. Could this method I thought brick the phone?

epivitor said:
There is no other easier way to do this?
I had in mind something like download the update to the pc and apply it to the phone with usb connection. Isnt that possible. Could this method I thought brick the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
afaik OTAs cannot be installed via PC
name itself says Over The Air

reversegear said:
afaik OTAs cannot be installed via PC
name itself says Over The Air
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanted to say if I get the OTA update from another source not over the air of course, could I flash it without porblem through usb cable?

epivitor said:
I wanted to say if I get the OTA update from another source not over the air of course, could I flash it without porblem through usb cable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no you cannot flash OTAs via PC

S0bes said:
If you have non gpe device then yes root will deny ota.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? My XT1032 is rooted since i bought it and I was still able to apply the February OTA. Didn't wait for it to reach my phone though - I've downloaded it here on XDA, then checked for updates.

epivitor said:
There is no other easier way to do this?
I had in mind something like download the update to the pc and apply it to the phone with usb connection. Isnt that possible. Could this method I thought brick the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can install CWM.
Then make a full backup. You can move it on your pc or let it take space on your phone.
After that you can apply any patches via CWM or install root or whatsoever
When your phone will show the next update you should:
1) Boot into CWM and recover your backup. BUT! You should recover only part of it. The system part.
backup and restore -> advanced restore from /sdcard -> choose your backup -> restore system
2) wait till it complete.
Now you can delete your backup.
Reboot your phone (reboot system now)
After that you will see 2 messages and if you wanna be able to apply ota you have to make the right choises
Q: ROM may flash stock recovery on boot. Fix?
A: NO
Q: Root access is missing. Root device?
A:NO
After all that steps you'll get:
1) clear system part (which means no root, modified files etc)
2) default recovery

I've read "mixed" opinions about this; some say rooted devices lose updates and some say otherwise. I've also heard that if you flash ROM A on top of ROM B that's your original ROM, and you get signature errors you no more receive OTA updates. By the way, I was able to receive OTA updates on my Asia Retail XT1033 that was flashed to Retail UK XT1032. It would be cool if some senior member here shed some light on this subject.

knizmi said:
Really? My XT1032 is rooted since i bought it and I was still able to apply the February OTA. Didn't wait for it to reach my phone though - I've downloaded it here on XDA, then checked for updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, it can be so. I heard about the same situation from few people. But other still can not apply ota with root

S0bes said:
yes, it can be so. I heard about the same situation from few people. But other still can not apply ota with root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that people who have reported that they can't apply the OTA update had messed their /system partition in other ways than just rooting.
I've studied the update package and all it does is that it first checks if the files (and only those files) that are going to be updated are untampered with and if everything is allright, they are patched.
To sum it up - you can have extra files on your /system folder (like the su binary), but all of the updated files must be stock. The updater really doesn't care if su, xposed or other mods are present.

knizmi said:
I think that people who have reported that they can't apply the OTA update had messed their /system partition in other ways than just rooting.
I've studied the update package and all it does is that it first checks if the files (and only those files) that are going to be updated are untampered with and if everything is allright, they are patched.
To sum it up - you can have extra files on your /system folder (like the su binary), but all of the updated files must be stock. The updater really doesn't care if su, xposed or other mods are present.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a problem if some of the apps are disabled ? (not with titanium backup but through settings->apps->select the app ->disable)

epivitor said:
Is there a problem if some of the apps are disabled ? (not with titanium backup but through settings->apps->select the app ->disable)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, disabled apps are still where they are supposed to be. The OTA updater checks if the file is there (it is), if the fingerprint matches (it does) and then it patches the app even when it's disabled.

OTA Updates, Keep Root?

I just got the 4.4.4 OTA update and appear to have lost root, i'm sure i can re root again when i get home.
However i'm wondering what people recommend in keeping root when taking an OTA update.
Thanks for any advice.

InsaneNutter said:
I just got the 4.4.4 OTA update and appear to have lost root, i'm sure i can re root again when i get home.
However i'm wondering what people recommend in keeping root when taking an OTA update.
Thanks for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SuperSU has a "survival" mode you can check off. It basically tries to keep root after an update. Luckily its easy enough to re-root the One+.

theorioles33 said:
SuperSU has a "survival" mode you can check off. It basically tries to keep root after an update. Luckily its easy enough to re-root the One+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip, I purchased SuperSU Pro and enabled the feature. As you say though easily enough to re root if you have access to a PC.

InsaneNutter said:
Thanks for the tip, I purchased SuperSU Pro and enabled the feature. As you say though easily enough to re root if you have access to a PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its easy to re-root from your phone too, just flash SuperSU in recovery.

InsaneNutter said:
Thanks for the tip, I purchased SuperSU Pro and enabled the feature. As you say though easily enough to re root if you have access to a PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome!
zephiK said:
Its easy to re-root from your phone too, just flash SuperSU in recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 (no pun intended Lol)

InsaneNutter said:
Thanks for the tip, I purchased SuperSU Pro and enabled the feature. As you say though easily enough to re root if you have access to a PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need a pc at all, you boot back into recovery after the update and flash your SuperSU zip.
Transmitted via Bacon

timmaaa said:
You don't need a pc at all, you boot back into recovery after the update and flash your SuperSU zip.
Transmitted via Bacon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please tell where to find the SupetSU zip? Thanks in advance.
Send with my OPO using Tapatalk

HasseY said:
Could you please tell where to find the SupetSU zip? Thanks in advance.
Send with my OPO using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing you used a toolkit to unlock and root, right? If you haven't done it already, download SuperSU from here:
http://download.chainfire.eu/452/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.02.zip
Then you can flash it using the install menu in TWRP recovery.
Transmitted via Bacon

theorioles33 said:
SuperSU has a "survival" mode you can check off. It basically tries to keep root after an update. Luckily its easy enough to re-root the One+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have tried it successully?

TazZHD said:
Do you have tried it successully?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course it works. Also guys TWRP will try and reroot your phone a well after a flash if it detects you lost root. Not for nothing but some of you need to do more reading before you street messing with your phones and leave them toolkits alone.
This is not meant to be disrespectful or directed at anyone in general but informative.. Read Read Read

@playya alright mate got my one plus one now. unlocked bootloader installed twrp and flashed super su. disabled update cm recovery on update. then did update from 22r - 25r then did 25r - 30O and obviously 30O - 33r I didn't realise that the update cm recovery would not stick after each update. so ive now tried to reflash twrp but command line says writing recovery ok and finished but checked on phone and its not there? any ideas do I need to unlock bootloader again which I doubt. but not sure if flashing update would also relock?? cheers
---------- Post added at 10:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:43 AM ----------
nathlynn22 said:
@playya alright mate got my one plus one now. unlocked bootloader installed twrp and flashed super su. disabled update cm recovery on update. then did update from 22r - 25r then did 25r - 30O and obviously 30O - 33r I didn't realise that the update cm recovery would not stick after each update. so ive now tried to reflash twrp but command line says writing recovery ok and finished but checked on phone and its not there? any ideas do I need to unlock bootloader again which I doubt. but not sure if flashing update would also relock?? cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol ignore me something simple haha

Heisenberg said:
I'm guessing you used a toolkit to unlock and root, right? If you haven't done it already, download SuperSU from here:
http://download.chainfire.eu/452/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.02.zip
Then you can flash it using the install menu in TWRP recovery.
Transmitted via Bacon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been told that Oreo OTA will replace the recovery and get rid of root. Is this true?

BearOfXDA said:
I've been told that Oreo OTA will replace the recovery and get rid of root. Is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wooot?!!!

BearOfXDA said:
I've been told that Oreo OTA will replace the recovery and get rid of root. Is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have root and a custom recovery you shouldn't be taking an OTA in the first place.

Some Android newbie questions

Will be an apple to android convert when my zenfone comes. Been reading around to educate myself but have some questions that could use some insight.
1. Once you unlock the bootloader and root your phone, can you still get monthly/yearly or new android version updates in system updates in settings and update from there? If not, do you have to pretty much reset everything to factory defaults and then update it like that? And root all over again? Or is there any other way?
2. Will the phone be pretty much be "stock" after the factory reset?Working OTA updates and all? (Minus the unlocked bootloader)
3 Which up to date rooting method seems best? There's 2 methods that I can see but I can't tell which one is better.
a) https://forum.xda-developers.com/ze...uide-how-to-root-asus-zenfone-6-twrp-t3940168
b) https://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone-6-2019/how-to/simple-guide-to-root-device-twrp-t3956784
4. Is TWRP needed?
Thanks!

midnight3ow said:
Will be an apple to android convert when my zenfone comes. Been reading around to educate myself but have some questions that could use some insight.
1. Once you unlock the bootloader and root your phone, can you still get monthly/yearly or new android version updates in system updates in settings and update from there? If not, do you have to pretty much reset everything to factory defaults and then update it like that? And root all over again? Or is there any other way?
2. Will the phone be pretty much be "stock" after the factory reset?Working OTA updates and all? (Minus the unlocked bootloader)
3 Which up to date rooting method seems best? There's 2 methods that I can see but I can't tell which one is better.
a) https://forum.xda-developers.com/ze...uide-how-to-root-asus-zenfone-6-twrp-t3940168
b) https://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone-6-2019/how-to/simple-guide-to-root-device-twrp-t3956784
4. Is TWRP needed?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) No, once unlocked, no more OTAS. You can flash the update manually, no wipe needed, but you also need to flash Root and custom recovery again (2 minutes extra, no big deal).
2) Stock, no OTAS
3) They are pretty much the same, but the easiest (and safest) way is just to get a custom recovery and then flash the Magisk Zip
4) For normal method yes, for the ones you posted in 3), no.

papete said:
1) No, once unlocked, no more OTAS. You can flash the update manually, no wipe needed, but you also need to flash Root and custom recovery again (2 minutes extra, no big deal).
2) Stock, no OTAS
3) They are pretty much the same, but the easiest (and safest) way is just to get a custom recovery and then flash the Magisk Zip
4) For normal method yes, for the ones you posted in 3), no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply, but I need some clarification on a couple things.
1. I suppose I'll figure out once I get the phone but I'm anxious and don't know when the phone will arrive but how do you flash the update manually? I understand having to flashing root again but what do you mean flashing custom recovery again?
2. Where do you get a hold of the update for the phone? Is updating manually pretty much the same as resetting your phone to factory settings?
3. I can't seem to find the method you mention that is the easiest and safest way to root. Could you kindly lead me to that guide??

midnight3ow said:
Thank you for your reply, but I need some clarification on a couple things.
1. I suppose I'll figure out once I get the phone but I'm anxious and don't know when the phone will arrive but how do you flash the update manually? I understand having to flashing root again but what do you mean flashing custom recovery again?
2. Where do you get a hold of the update for the phone? Is updating manually pretty much the same as resetting your phone to factory settings?
3. I can't seem to find the method you mention that is the easiest and safest way to root. Could you kindly lead me to that guide??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) To flash manually you download the firmware from the Asus site, and use a recovery (stock or custom) to flash it. If you want root, you need a custom recovery to flash it, as stock recovery only flashes Asus Firmware. Whenever you flash a stock firmware, it "overwrites" the custom recovery with the stock recovery, so if you want/need a custom recovery, you need to flash it again. The same with root, stock flashed boot partition again, so you need to flash Magisk zip again so it can make the patch to boot to make root work.
2) I personally don't update that much, but you can check every once in a while https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone-6-ZS630KL/HelpDesk_Download/
You can update without factory reset, just flash the new firmware (+root if needed) and you are done, it is just like an OTA but done by yourself.
3) Follow this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ze...covery-unofficial-twrp-recovery-asus-t3937844

papete said:
1) To flash manually you download the firmware from the Asus site, and use a recovery (stock or custom) to flash it. If you want root, you need a custom recovery to flash it, as stock recovery only flashes Asus Firmware. Whenever you flash a stock firmware, it "overwrites" the custom recovery with the stock recovery, so if you want/need a custom recovery, you need to flash it again. The same with root, stock flashed boot partition again, so you need to flash Magisk zip again so it can make the patch to boot to make root work.
2) I personally don't update that much, but you can check every once in a while https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone-6-ZS630KL/HelpDesk_Download/
You can update without factory reset, just flash the new firmware (+root if needed) and you are done, it is just like an OTA but done by yourself.
3) Follow this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ze...covery-unofficial-twrp-recovery-asus-t3937844
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm grateful for all your thoughtful and clear responses.
When do you normally decide to update?
Do you lose any data from updating security update/firmware or rooting and installing custom recovery?
Also, I've been looking through that link you posted, and also seen another thread about another newer "official" TWRP version? What's the difference?Which one should I use?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ze...nt/tool-utility-twrp-3-3-1-0-teamwin-t3963876

midnight3ow said:
Will be an apple to android convert when my zenfone comes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So ZF6 will be your first Android phone ever?

_jis_ said:
So ZF6 will be your first Android phone ever?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will be! Excited and anxious at the same time.

midnight3ow said:
Yes it will be! Excited and anxious at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then please do yourself a favor and forgot about unlocking the bootloader and rooting your new phone.
Just learn how to use nearly stock Android with lightweight Android skin in its user-friendly and widely configurable form called ZenUI.
Trust me, there is no need for tinkering with root as an Android newbie when using ZF6.

_jis_ said:
Then please do yourself a favor and forgot about unlocking the bootloader and rooting your new phone.
Just learn how to use nearly stock Android with lightweight Android skin in its user-friendly and widely configurable form called ZenUI.
Trust me, there is no need for tinkering with root as an Android newbie when using ZF6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this, unless you want to achieve something specific that can only be done rooted, stay completely stock.

papete said:
unless you want to achieve something specific that can only be done rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But this hypothetical condition is impossible because Android newbie cannot even achieve basic Android tasks which doesn't require root at all so why complicate his upcoming long journey of gaining experience and knowledge yet by the rooting his device from the very beginning?