Setting up from scratch - Sony Xperia L

Hey guys. I would really appreciate it if someone could find the time to reply to my post and give me proper instructions. I want to set up my device from scratch using stock ROM. The problem is that I don't know the mechanics and the "proper order" of things to do in order to accomplish what I want. I would like to mention that a while ago I had UNLOCKED my bootloader so I am currently on unlocked bootloader mode.
So here it goes. What I would like to do with my device is:
1) Have stock SONY ROM (I don't like custom ones anymore) - I did this by flashing a GENERIC .ftf I found, using the latest version of Flashtool so this one is done.
2) I also completed rooting procedure. I downloaded this package which included an install.bat file , I ran it and after it finished my device was rooted. So this one is done as well.
Now what I need and I cannot find what to do (I would like your help and suggestions on that) is, a recovery and a custom kernel with native link2sd support.
How am I about to do that? Can someone point me with instructions as to how I can flash recovery and after that which custom kernel is good and supports link2sd?
Thanks in advance! :good:

Related

[Q] Rooting, unlocking & updating madness

Having been a member on this forum for years I must admit it has been incredible the wealth of information I've gained from it. I've had all sorts of phones/pdas and I'ved used this site to help me get the most out of it and to help m "tame" the device and stop rubbish from the vendors being installed on there when I don't want it.
A couple of years ago I got an HTC Desire. Great phone although limited memory. I was happy with it. Didn't bother to root it or anything. I then got a Motorola Xoom. Didn't bother rooting that either. I got myself an HTC Sensation now. I decided one day that I was going to unlock/root the thing to see if I could do it.
Somehow, I think I managed it. I haven't really noticed a difference but then I haven't put a custom rom on it. On all my old Windows mobiles I always had a custom rom.
Now, going back to the Xoom. It's an original Xoom. I bought it in May 2011. It is running Android 3.2 after Motorola sent out an update. All is good.
However, I would like to have ICS on it. This is where my problems begin. I've tried following so many different how-to's on how to do this unyet none so far have worked. So, either I'm completely stupid or, the guides are not easy to follow or the process (that is always touted as easy) is not very easy.
So I am asking for help. Here is what I understand are the steps that I need to acheive.
1. I need to unlock the device
2. I need to install a recovery image
3. I need to install ICS
Questions: I *think* I have done 1. How do I check? After what I believe is a convoluted process, I have installed the Android SDK. I have the drivers for the device on the [Windows 7 64bit] PC and I can see it listed when I type adb devices.
Why do I need to unlock the device? What does the act of unlocking it do? When I followed this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1242241
I got to step 3. I typed in the first command:
adb reboot bootloader
After much faffing around I found out from another site I needed USB Debugging enabled. Nobody told me this. No, it isn't obvious that I need this.
The boot screen appeared and gave a message at the top and then I typed in:
fastboot oem unlock
I followed the instructions on the screen. I unlocked the device. It took a while. When it rebooted I found I had to set the device back up again as if it was the first time I'd used it. "Great!" I am thinking, I've lost everything. Thankfully I backed up what I wanted so I am not bothered. Slowly the apps appeared to come back after it synched with Google. I'm assuming stuff gets backed up somewhere.
I typed:
fastboot reboot
It rebooted.I typed:
adb reboot bootloader
It rebooted into the bootloader. Now here is where things started to go off track. I typed the next command:
fastboot flash recovery recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm.img
I get this:
unknown partition 'recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm.img'
error: cannot determine image filename for 'recovery-Tiamat-R4c-100611-1150-cwm.img'
So what now?
I cannot believe the process to unlock and flash a rom is so unbelievably convoluted. I've read dozens of walkthroughs, how-to's and forums and each one seems to be very similar unyet there is always something different on there to what I get on my screen or something doesn't happen quite the same way.
Here is what I am trying to acheive:
I have Android 3.2 on my Xoom and I would like it to be ICS.
We'll assume that I am completely stupid and need serious handholding to get to ICS. Is there anyone that can help with these seemingly simple steps?
One thing I keep reading is about the recovery image file. Is this related to Cyanogenmod? I am assuming as it is called a recovery image file it helps you get back when things go wrong.
Thanks and much love to the person that takes up the reigns and helps me out here.
Hi!
If you are rooted already that's pretty easy. But if not, try using LordAIOTool to root (yea it's mine and I think it's worth a try). After you are rooted flash a new recovery - download from development section - after, rename the recovery to recovery.img and then use the following commands on adb, fastboot and this recovery folder (simultaneously)
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot reboot
Then after keep clicking the vol- after 2s of your tablet appears on Motorola logo. Then keep cycling until appears Android Recovery then press vol+
You are on recovery now, just select install zip from sdcard...
Good luck
Sent from my MZ601 using XDA Premium HD app
If you wanted your xoom rom'd, then you could try wesamothman's guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1717402 It is great for beginners and the experienced alike.
This is for the wifi only xoom MZ604. There is another guide by him i believe for the MZ602
Do I need to flash a new rom to get root on my MZ604? What is the easiest way to just root the stock 4.0.4 firmware? I have no desire for a different rom. I just want to root it.
Hey there.
If you don't want to flash a custom ROM and only want to root it, try this:
1) unlock your bootloader.
2) thru ADB, flash a recovery image.
3) thru Recovery, flash superuser flashable zip: http://www.4shared.com/zip/g3yzbrIa/...?cau2=403tNull
I ran the first couple of steps to unlocking. That is as far as I have got. As I said, I have tried so many of these walkthroughs and not one of them has all the steps. They all make an assumption somewhere along the line.
For example: xxlordxx replied with:
"If you are rooted already that's pretty easy".
I'm not, that is the problem.
Again:
1. adb reboot bootloader
2. fastboot flash recovery recovery.img <---- This didn't work and gave me the error I pointed out earlier and that is where it all stopped. Noone explains what to do when it goes wrong.
Anything passed this stage is irrelevant until I can sort out the problem above.
yosterwp, you mentioned wesamothmans guide. I will try that one as it looks a bit more "dummies guide-like" and it is for my exact device which is the MZ604 wifi only. I hadn't seen this one as it was only posted a couple of days ago
Just so I know, can someone anser these questions? I'm sure they're very simple but I don't know.
1. Do I need to unlock the Xoom to put ICS or a custom rom on it?
2. Is unlocking the same as setting s-off?
3. If not, what is the difference?
4. I assume the recovery img file is for recovering if things go wrong. Is that correct? Why isn't a recovery app on there for when OTA releases get pushed through? What else does the recovery do for me?
5. What is Cyanogenmod and do I need it or is this another custom rom?
6. There are so many custom roms out there. Everyone says to choose the one that is suited to me but I don't know which ones are suited to me. Does anyone know of a list of the custom ones that are around and why I'd choose one above the other? (I am assuming this is a long shot
Thanks for everything so far. I will let you know how I get on with wesamothmans guide.
Hi Snert.
Answering your queries:
1. Do I need to unlock the Xoom to put ICS or a custom rom on it?
yes.
2. Is unlocking the same as setting s-off?
I don't really understand what you mean by s-off... but unlocking is this: you unlock the bootloader that is considered as a security checkpoint of your device. It is locked by default. when it is unlocked, you can then install recovery image passing thru this checkpoint (allowed). without bootloader being unlocked, no rooting can be done. this is the very first step.
3. If not, what is the difference?
same as above
4. I assume the recovery img file is for recovering if things go wrong. Is that correct? Why isn't a recovery app on there for when OTA releases get pushed through? What else does the recovery do for me?
Recovery explanation details is here: http://www.androidcentral.com/what-recovery-android-z
5. What is Cyanogenmod and do I need it or is this another custom rom?
It is a different ROM based Firmware...
6. There are so many custom roms out there. Everyone says to choose the one that is suited to me but I don't know which ones are suited to me. Does anyone know of a list of the custom ones that are around and why I'd choose one above the other? (I am assuming this is a long shot
Go for the best custom ROM for your MZ604. It is from Team EOS.
Hope I answered your questions
wesamothman said:
Hi Snert.
Answering your queries:
1. Do I need to unlock the Xoom to put ICS or a custom rom on it?
yes.
2. Is unlocking the same as setting s-off?
I don't really understand what you mean by s-off... but unlocking is this: you unlock the bootloader that is considered as a security checkpoint of your device. It is locked by default. when it is unlocked, you can then install recovery image passing thru this checkpoint (allowed). without bootloader being unlocked, no rooting can be done. this is the very first step.
3. If not, what is the difference?
same as above
4. I assume the recovery img file is for recovering if things go wrong. Is that correct? Why isn't a recovery app on there for when OTA releases get pushed through? What else does the recovery do for me?
Recovery explanation details is here: http://www.androidcentral.com/what-recovery-android-z
5. What is Cyanogenmod and do I need it or is this another custom rom?
It is a different ROM based Firmware...
6. There are so many custom roms out there. Everyone says to choose the one that is suited to me but I don't know which ones are suited to me. Does anyone know of a list of the custom ones that are around and why I'd choose one above the other? (I am assuming this is a long shot
Go for the best custom ROM for your MZ604. It is from Team EOS.
Hope I answered your questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did
Much love!

[Q] Rooted with Recovery Now What???

I have an unlocked xperia z3 d6603 I bought brand new in january I believe. I just today rooted and installed recovery but am stuck on the 23.0A.2.93 tft rom which it shippped with. It would have normally been running unrooted the latest rom from sony which was just pushed out a couple months ago. I'm in california and need a rooted d6603 generic global rom, or even unrooted, and I can't seem to find the down link here. In xpreifirm 3.6a latest, I keep getting a java error so can't use that and I've already uninstalled and installed the latest 64bit java8 update 40. I was going to just flash it with the moonwalker rom but it days I need to be on a different tft altogether. Any help here would be appreciated. I have installed a firewall, changed dns servers, and uninstalled a few things using rom toolbox. Hoping to just update it to the recent tft or even better, a working custom rom which won't mess up the default phone capabilities. I'm on kitkat 4.4.4, at&t lte, rom 23.0.A.2.93
Again I need a rooted global generic 577 tft for a z3, a nonrooted one, or even better, a custom one I can just flash to it so I can get back to my life.
since you have a working recovery just flash this one 23-0-1-5-77-deodexed-zipaligned it's the latest KK
ps: I'm on AT&T in CA as well and running that firmware just fine for a while now, it's generic global so no worries...
awesome. THANKS. Gonna try it now. Been at it all day from like 10am to about 5 when I had to break
How do you flash a zip file
tweker said:
awesome. THANKS. Gonna try it now. Been at it all day from like 10am to about 5 when I had to break
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rebooted with TWRP in recovery mode, reset device (Wipe Data, Cache and Dalvik Cache), saw no way of flashing from recovery mode. Shut phone off. Plugged in in flash mode with the zip file in the firmwares folder and it was not recognized by flash tool. Where are the directions for flashing a zip?
Choose the second option in recovery
Install custom zip
I used NDR to reboot into recovery. The zip was on both internal and external at root. First time I selected the one from internal and it gave no errors. Wiped cache and rebooted and still on stock 93. Did the exact same thing again choosing zip on sd card and it still says 93. Third time I did it from sd card but no cache wipe. Still on23.0.A.2.93. WTF???
Where can I find a working ftf. NDR doesn't work for ****. BTW, phone is setup in dev mode with mock, airplane mode etc with supersu free working. I think
BTW, why in the hell does the thread with all the roms not have any current ones???? rooted or not
What for are you trying to flash? Please provide a link.
What does the recovery log say? It really helps if you tell us this.
FTF files are geberally not uploaded anymore as it is very easy to download any you want from the sony servers and create your own FTF using flashtool and Xperia firm.
Ps, it may be nice to watch your language. The issue is not NDR, it works fine.
I'm using D6603_23.0.1.A.5.77_deodex.zip from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/development/deodex-23-0-1-5-77-deodexed-zipaligned-t3015178 on top of D6603_23.0.A.2.93_Generic_20GLOBAL.ftf which was rooted and dual recovered. I have flashed the above 5.77 zip file like 5 times from recovery mode and still on 93. This last time I noticed I had no file mgr. Installed es, mounted system rw like it says to do after root, reflashed the 77 deodexed zip, wiped dalvik and cache, reupdated supersu zip in recovery, rebooted, and stil on93. What am I doing wrong? Is there not a dern ftf file I can use instead? OR, should and could I just wait for another official update?
tweker said:
I'm using D6603_23.0.1.A.5.77_deodex.zip from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/development/deodex-23-0-1-5-77-deodexed-zipaligned-t3015178 on top of D6603_23.0.A.2.93_Generic_20GLOBAL.ftf which was rooted and dual recovered. I have flashed the above 5.77 zip file like 5 times from recovery mode and still on 93. This last time I noticed I had no file mgr. Installed es, mounted system rw like it says to do after root, reflashed the 77 deodexed zip, wiped dalvik and cache, reupdated supersu zip in recovery, rebooted, and stil on93. What am I doing wrong? Is there not a dern ftf file I can use instead? OR, should and could I just wait for another official update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not a ROM file, it does not contain a ROM. It just deodex's your system files if you are on that firmware.
And, No, there is not a FTF you can flash that is rooted. FTF files have to be completely stock as we cannot sign them with Sony's keys as we do not know them. The only way to flash something rooted is via recovery
Post#2 told me I could flash the zip over and it would work. No wonder it doesn't work because it doesn't do anything. I don't want to unlock boot because I may fail official updates. I really just want to update to a working global generic 77 rooted dual recovered system. So basically even if I had the official 77, unrooted, I still couldn't use (nor root) it right? Thanks for the help. I at least know to go another route.
tweker said:
Post#2 told me I could flash the zip over and it would work. No wonder it doesn't work because it doesn't do anything. I don't want to unlock boot because I may fail official updates. I really just want to update to a working global generic 77 rooted dual recovered system. So basically even if I had the official 77, unrooted, I still couldn't use (nor root) it right? Thanks for the help. I at least know to go another route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post #2 is wrong. Also the thread stated in the first line that a requirement for that to work is that you are already on .77 firmware.
There is no need to unlock your boot.
Just flash a .77 prerooted ROM.
If you cannot find one then make one yourself. Follow the guide in the thread called PRFCreator (Just google it)
Once you have the files downloaded it takes 7 minutes and it is all automated for you
Thank You Very Much. At present I have access to two pc's. One is my roomies (win8.1) and mine (win7). My roomies has some sort of java issue and xperifirm fails right when you click the file you want. Tried fixing java didn't work. Mine is wireless, dns disabled, mac changed, hosts file, and tiny wall fw. Experifrm says no net access even though it works fine. Tried a cable and for the life of me got the same error (couldn't quite reconfigure it to work correctly-pita). If I ever get the file I will do the prfcreator magic, and I'm assuming, flash it through ndr tools in recovery mode. In the mean, I might request an xda user in another thread to grab one for me and post it. Should help lots of people not just me. Again, thank you for your help, saved a lot of hair pulling.
tweker said:
Thank You Very Much. At present I have access to two pc's. One is my roomies (win8.1) and mine (win7). My roomies has some sort of java issue and xperifirm fails right when you click the file you want. Tried fixing java didn't work. Mine is wireless, dns disabled, mac changed, hosts file, and tiny wall fw. Experifrm says no net access even though it works fine. Tried a cable and for the life of me got the same error (couldn't quite reconfigure it to work correctly-pita). If I ever get the file I will do the prfcreator magic, and I'm assuming, flash it through ndr tools in recovery mode. In the mean, I might request an xda user in another thread to grab one for me and post it. Should help lots of people not just me. Again, thank you for your help, saved a lot of hair pulling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about the confusion, indeed the first link that I provided was just a patch to deodex your room (I always use deodex so I can mod my rom)....anyway you can use this one it's a generic prerooted .77 from the z3 android development section in this forum, then you can patch it with the other one if you have the need to...just follow the instructions in this link and you should be on your way
Again sorry about that first post, I rooted my phone the minute root was available on locked bootloader so it's been some time now
I have been to that link. The only one I can see that says generic global is the 23.0.A.2.93 one. The others say, Generic_DE, Generic_NCB, or Generic_AU. Which looks to me like Deutch, Generic Nordic?, and Australian? Since I speak english and am nowhere near any of those places, I did not touch them. Which one is safe to use and will there be any post config for my locale and radios?? Plus I have no clue what the purpose is of de-odexing the file system (flashing that zip) does. I still have read write issues with apk's I install when I tell them to use my 128gb sd card. I did recover my setup prior to the zip flash you pointed me to which I still have-thank you.
tweker said:
I have been to that link. The only one I can see that says generic global is the 23.0.A.2.93 one. The others say, Generic_DE, Generic_NCB, or Generic_AU. Which looks to me like Deutch, Generic Nordic?, and Australian? Since I speak english and am nowhere near any of those places, I did not touch them. Which one is safe to use and will there be any post config for my locale and radios?? Plus I have no clue what the purpose is of de-odexing the file system (flashing that zip) does. I still have read write issues with apk's I install when I tell them to use my 128gb sd card. I did recover my setup prior to the zip flash you pointed me to which I still have-thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) its called a FTF file not a TFT file. It's a FlashTool File.
2) your sd write card issues are a feature of KK, and nothing to do with any error or bug to do with your phone. Just Google KK write to sd card to read more about it and how to circumnavigate this issue that was deliberately introduced by Google.
3) i have read some of the advice you have banded about in several of the thread here. Some of it is just plain wrong. Although not dangerous to anyones device it may be worth reading and learning a bit more first.
4) please stick to asking questions in just one thread, there is no need to ask in several thread because the first time you did not get an immediate answer
5) you can safely flash a FTF from any region as long as it is for the same model you have. Especially as you are only going to be on that version for a few minutes whilst you root them immediately upgrade.
Ok, great. I'll grab the de one. As for not trying to help; I put down what worked for me. If I don't know everything I can still give input with the little I know. That's how people learn, myself incl. I just got my pc running not two weeks ago so a little overwhelmed with having just rooted as well. Thanks very much for all your help.
tweker said:
Ok, great. I'll grab the de one. As for not trying to help; I put down what worked for me. If I don't know everything I can still give input with the little I know. That's how people learn, myself incl. I just got my pc running not two weeks ago so a little overwhelmed with having just rooted as well. Thanks very much for all your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. I did not mean to imply that you should not help, only that you should be sure that what you are saying is in fact correct information.
We do all have to learn, but its hard to learn when incorrect information is posted and stated as "fact"
Greg
From install to booted took 4 min. Just had to update supersu and remove a few things. This is awesome! NDR Utils is worth paying for. Now I can finally encrypt my phone. TYSM

Update on How to Root from Scratch, (Backup TA, Unlock Bootloader, then Recovery)

First off, i'm sorry if the title is misleading and/or belong in the wrong part of this forum.
So, I'm late to the party, just got myself a Z5 E6653 and when I look for guides on how to obtain root they kind of out-of-date. So i'm here to make sure the path I choose to follow will be the correct one as I dont want to lose my TA partition. As far as I know, according to this guide to back up my TA partition I have to downgrade to Lollipop, but I found something interesting about backing up TA partition on Marshmallow using dirtycow method (sorry Nougat users).
So, the steps I'm proposed is, if my device is already on stock MM unrooted, locked bootloader.
1. Go here Sony cross-devices development and download file called backupTA_v2.zip this shouldnt makes us need to downgrade
2. Run the BackupTA.cmd file if you're on windows
3. There will be errors about dirtycow failed but the script automatically retry, me myself got screen-full of retries before the script actually backed up my TA partition and you'll be presented with .imgfile called TA_devicemodel_somenumbers_timestamp.img about 2MB in size (am i correct so far? this is why i want to make sure this will work)
4. Save your file in a very secure place.
That concludes the Backup TA part of rooting process am I on the right path so far?
To get unlocked bootloader according to this :
Given that you have downloaded flashtool and installed the drivers in the \drivers folder in flashtool installation
!!THIS WILL WIPE ALL DATA!!
1. Click the BLU button at top then open Sony developer website
2. Select device and follow instruction until you get a key
3. Paste the key to flashtool
4. THAT'S IT?
Now after this we can use fastboot command to flash kernel and the kernel includes recovery.
Are these steps correct so far?
I might as well add these here.
To get kernel and recovery up and running, I'll be taking androplus kernel for example, I'm assuming it works with stock ROM.
1. Get the kernel .zip here at Androplus homepage
2. And download latest TWRP recovery from androplus download page, at this time of writing it should be TWRP-3.0.2.2-e6653.img
3. Notice that it's in .zip format which we cannot use yet since we don't have custom recovery.
4. Open the zip file you just downloaded and you should see boot.img That's your brand new shining kernel, extract it outside put it in a folder along with your favorite fastboot.exe file
5. Go to fastboot, as far as I know you go to fastboot by turning off the device -> hold volume down then plug USB cable. (see note)
6. First, according to Androplus page, flash the kernel first using the command
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
7. Then the recovery
Code:
fastboot flash recovery TWRP-3.0.2.2-E6653.img
8. Reboot by unplugging the USB cable
Note: some interesting thing I found while trying to enter fastboot or flashmode that it might not work if your USB port is powered How to tell if your port is powered? I'm not sure. You will have to change port and hope for the best ^_^
Yes. Explained many times. Not hard to do.. 4-5 minutes then WHOLA!
sceryavuz said:
Yes. Explained many times. Not hard to do.. 4-5 minutes then WHOLA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahaha, sorry. Those guides are "old" in android way of changing things very fast, and I haven't seen a guide which includes backup TA partition on marshmallow so I wasn't sure it'd work correctly. Now that I know it worked, I can proceed to unlock my bootloader.
Any tips or Kernel/Rom I should use for first time flash?
webslasher said:
Ahaha, sorry. Those guides are "old" in android way of changing things very fast, and I haven't seen a guide which includes backup TA partition on marshmallow so I wasn't sure it'd work correctly. Now that I know it worked, I can proceed to unlock my bootloader.
Any tips or Kernel/Rom I should use for first time flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LineageOS, CarbonROM, eXistenZ, SunKernel..
Dear both,
I was just doing quite the same, so it was nice to read the short summary. Honestly, I'm doing these "Flash ROM stuff" very rarely, so I'm not 100% confident how to bring back those DRM/TA. I recorded it - the device came with Android LP 5.11, so this was easy done by iovyroot.
Anyway, I have the TA-backup - so I'm also going to unlock the Boot Loader now. :good:
Good to know I spend a day on reading so many related stuff, and it could be done in 4-5 min
sceryavuz said:
LineageOS, CarbonROM, eXistenZ, SunKernel..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try Existenz as I want to keep it stock looking, thanks!
bosquarid said:
Dear both,
I was just doing quite the same, so it was nice to read the short summary. Honestly, I'm doing these "Flash ROM stuff" very rarely, so I'm not 100% confident how to bring back those DRM/TA. I recorded it - the device came with Android LP 5.11, so this was easy done by iovyroot.
Anyway, I have the TA-backup - so I'm also going to unlock the Boot Loader now. :good:
Good to know I spend a day on reading so many related stuff, and it could be done in 4-5 min
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad to find someone that is going to go through these procedures too! I will also proceed to unlock my bootloader what rom and kernel do you plan to flash?
Hi, thanks for this. I just got the Z5 today so my first port of call was coming here and finding out how to root it. I previously had the Z2 and Z2 tablet which I rooted last year with the help of the members here, I hope the process for this isn't too different for this one. I think I forget more than I remember so the guide is helpful.

Already rooted Samsung J5 - general inquiry

Hello guys. I just bought a used Samsung Galaxy J5 (SM-J500FN) with android version 5.1.1. The previous owner told me that it is rooted. Nothing seems weird with the phone other than when i try to factory reset it it takes me to a "bios" kind window where i have to manually choose to delete all data (hard delete i think its called), that and when i normally turn on the phone, at the top left corner it says "set warranty bit kernel". I was just wondering how do i go about installing custom roms since its already rooted, and can i unblock the default carriers (T-mobile) block for other sim cards. When asked how he rooted it (what method was he using) he said he just used Odin. I dont know much about rooting so, whatever you can tell me as to the handling of the phone would be amazing. Any other guides to installing some custom roms and making the phone easier and faster ( i only want functionality, don't care much about the UI) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
luan96 said:
Hello guys. I just bought a used Samsung Galaxy J5 (SM-J500FN) with android version 5.1.1. The previous owner told me that it is rooted. Nothing seems weird with the phone other than when i try to factory reset it it takes me to a "bios" kind window where i have to manually choose to delete all data (hard delete i think its called), that and when i normally turn on the phone, at the top left corner it says "set warranty bit kernel". I was just wondering how do i go about installing custom roms since its already rooted, and can i unblock the default carriers (T-mobile) block for other sim cards. When asked how he rooted it (what method was he using) he said he just used Odin. I dont know much about rooting so, whatever you can tell me as to the handling of the phone would be amazing. Any other guides to installing some custom roms and making the phone easier and faster ( i only want functionality, don't care much about the UI) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For starters, I'd head over the J5 forum
Galaxy J5 Forums
Or here's a great post that includes a lot of stuff to get started on reading:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j5/how-to/galaxy-j5-root-twrp-roms-news-tips-t3620892
But the basics are: To flash a custom ROM, research what a custom recovery is, how to flash a custom recovery to your phone model and after that, flashing a custom ROM is as easy as loading the .zip file to your SD card and selecting it in the custom recovery.
I'd also research on how to flash to stock, as this is a life-saver in case you accidentally do something wrong. Pretty much you need to know how to flash via Odin (yes, learning how to use Odin is important to us Samsung users).
Don't worry though, it's not that big of a pain, Odin is pretty easy to learn
ShaDisNX255 said:
For starters, I'd head over the J5 forum
Galaxy J5 Forums
Or here's a great post that includes a lot of stuff to get started on reading:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j5/how-to/galaxy-j5-root-twrp-roms-news-tips-t3620892
But the basics are: To flash a custom ROM, research what a custom recovery is, how to flash a custom recovery to your phone model and after that, flashing a custom ROM is as easy as loading the .zip file to your SD card and selecting it in the custom recovery.
I'd also research on how to flash to stock, as this is a life-saver in case you accidentally do something wrong. Pretty much you need to know how to flash via Odin (yes, learning how to use Odin is important to us Samsung users).
Don't worry though, it's not that big of a pain, Odin is pretty easy to learn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I love about Samsung, as long as you have your ducks in a row, the files and tools are extremely easy to use, a 4 year old could do it.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
ShaDisNX255 said:
For starters, I'd head over the J5 forum
Galaxy J5 Forums
Or here's a great post that includes a lot of stuff to get started on reading:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j5/how-to/galaxy-j5-root-twrp-roms-news-tips-t3620892
But the basics are: To flash a custom ROM, research what a custom recovery is, how to flash a custom recovery to your phone model and after that, flashing a custom ROM is as easy as loading the .zip file to your SD card and selecting it in the custom recovery.
I'd also research on how to flash to stock, as this is a life-saver in case you accidentally do something wrong. Pretty much you need to know how to flash via Odin (yes, learning how to use Odin is important to us Samsung users).
Don't worry though, it's not that big of a pain, Odin is pretty easy to learn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, ill be sure to check them out. Although, i would like to do the entire process from the beginning (root it again myself since i have no idea what the previous owner has done) and then try to install custom roms and other cool features rooting offers. I read that the KNOX security on samsung phones can pose some problems, any thoughts on that ?
Thank you again for your response.
ShaDisNX255 said:
For starters, I'd head over the J5 forum
Galaxy J5 Forums
Or here's a great post that includes a lot of stuff to get started on reading:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j5/how-to/galaxy-j5-root-twrp-roms-news-tips-t3620892
But the basics are: To flash a custom ROM, research what a custom recovery is, how to flash a custom recovery to your phone model and after that, flashing a custom ROM is as easy as loading the .zip file to your SD card and selecting it in the custom recovery.
I'd also research on how to flash to stock, as this is a life-saver in case you accidentally do something wrong. Pretty much you need to know how to flash via Odin (yes, learning how to use Odin is important to us Samsung users).
Don't worry though, it's not that big of a pain, Odin is pretty easy to learn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, i use Linux so i hear the alternative to Odin is Heimdall, anyone have any experience with it, or should i just do it on a Windows PC?
luan96 said:
Also, i use Linux so i hear the alternative to Odin is Heimdall, anyone have any experience with it, or should i just do it on a Windows PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got no experience with Linux, sorry. SuperSU disables knox so there's nothing to worry about.
luan96 said:
Also, i use Linux so i hear the alternative to Odin is Heimdall, anyone have any experience with it, or should i just do it on a Windows PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're a Linux user and you have knowledge of using terminal commands then you should have no trouble setting up Hiemdall. Getting full USB functionality set up for the device in Hiemdall can be a pain if you aren't familiar with that kind of thing.
But, having a Windows PC will make a lot of things very simplified for you. A Windows/Linux dual boot system would be very handy to you if you can set that up. Then you could also use Kies/SmartSwitch if it ever comes to a point that you need it.
There are some handy rarely used instances with Linux when it comes to Samsung. They have no fastboot like other devices so only adb is usable. I think they primarily centered around Windows being the preferred OS to interact with their devices.
Droidriven said:
If you're a Linux user and you have knowledge of using terminal commands then you should have no trouble setting up Hiemdall. Getting full USB functionality set up for the device in Hiemdall can be a pain if you aren't familiar with that kind of thing.
But, having a Windows PC will make a lot of things very simplified for you. A Windows/Linux dual boot system would be very handy to you if you can set that up. Then you could also use Kies/SmartSwitch if it ever comes to a point that you need it.
There are some handy rarely used instances with Linux when it comes to Samsung. They have no fastboot like other devices so only adb is usable. I think they primarily centered around Windows being the preferred OS to interact with their devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the info. I already have a dual boot on my pc with windows. I am an experienced Linux user and setting up Hiemdall should not pose a problem, but i opted to go for Windows since as you said makes things simpler.
Still looking for guides and tutorials on how exactly the root process goes. Doing research, so i guess its going to be a late night. If you have any links or pages you can guide me to for my Samsung J5 it would be amazing. Right now am looking around this forum and wherever the links lead me.
Thank you again.
luan96 said:
Thank you for the info. I already have a dual boot on my pc with windows. I am an experienced Linux user and setting up Hiemdall should not pose a problem, but i opted to go for Windows since as you said makes things simpler.
Still looking for guides and tutorials on how exactly the root process goes. Doing research, so i guess its going to be a late night. If you have any links or pages you can guide me to for my Samsung J5 it would be amazing. Right now am looking around this forum and wherever the links lead me.
Thank you again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, just to make sure that you are not walking blindly into some potential traps.
1) download the root checker app from Playstore, use it to verify whether the device is actually rooted.
2) power the device off, wait 5 seconds, hold volume up+home+power, when it boots past the logo, let go. It should boot to recovery, tell me what you see. Does it say TWRP with grey buttons on a black screen? Or does it have an android lying on his back and have options listed?
3) verify whether or not the bootloader is unlocked or not on your specific device model number with your specific build number/android version, if it's locked it will create problems if you try to flash custom recovery. Though you can flash CF autoroot with locked bootloader.
Then I'll help find what you need to do what you are looking to do. It may be simpler than you think.
If he in fact used Odin and the device is rooted, he did one of three things.
1) flashed custom recovery(TWRP) via Odin then flashed SuperSU.zip to root, not possible with locked bootloader.
2) flashed CF auto root via Odin, potentially leaving stock recovery if your bootloader is locked.
3) flashed a pre-rooted stock firmware via Odin, not likely though.
The first 2 being more likely than the last one, the second one being the most likely if your bootloader is locked.
Edit: @luan96, edited for more information.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
@Droidriven Thank you for the info. After a rough night of research i realized what i need to do. According to root checker, my phone is not rooted, and the recovery seems to be stock. This is very weird, since the phone is obviously not just the stock version that came from T Mobile. Im guessing its probably a badly done root or one that was removed. Anyways, this is how i am planing to proceed:
1. Turn on OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging from developer versions
2. Download CM Autoroot for my specific phone ( i do not know what is the difference between "normal" root and autoroot, but autoroot seems to be simpler and offers the same thing. Please correct me if i am wrong, i would love to know how to do a manual root as well if it has more benefits).
3. Volume down+home+power to get to the download screen
4. Launch Odin that comes with the autoroot package
5. Plug my phone into the USB and wait for Odin to add it.
6. Select the autoroot md5 file from the folder and begin the flashing process
7. Hope for the best and that my phone is still functional when it auto reboots.
After this i should check with Root Checker weather its properly installed or not. If it is, and i see the SuperSU application i continue to installing the custom recovery ( through some research i found out that TWRP is the best choice for me). Installing the custom recovery should be as easy as auto rooting the device. I should download the files from an official website, and flash them using the same process i did for AutoRoot.
After that its mod heaven. With my understanding so far, TWRP lets me install custom roms, and other things i might need.
This is what i plan on doing as soon as im done with a little more research. If anyone has any tips, corrections or general information on what to expect or do please share.
Many thanks to every contributor on this thread.
luan96 said:
@Droidriven Thank you for the info. After a rough night of research i realized what i need to do. According to root checker, my phone is not rooted, and the recovery seems to be stock. This is very weird, since the phone is obviously not just the stock version that came from T Mobile. Im guessing its probably a badly done root or one that was removed. Anyways, this is how i am planing to proceed:
2. Download CM Autoroot for my specific phone ( i do not know what is the difference between "normal" root and autoroot, but autoroot seems to be simpler and offers the same thing. Please correct me if i am wrong, i would love to know how to do a manual root as well if it has more benefits).
3. Volume down+home+power to get to the download screen
4. Launch Odin that comes with the autoroot package
5. Plug my phone into the USB and wait for Odin to add it.
6. Select the autoroot md5 file from the folder and begin the flashing process
7. Hope for the best and that my phone is still functional when it auto reboots.
After this i should check with Root Checker weather its properly installed or not. If it is, and i see the SuperSU application i continue to installing the custom recovery ( through some research i found out that TWRP is the best choice for me). Installing the custom recovery should be as easy as auto rooting the device. I should download the files from an official website, and flash them using the same process i did for AutoRoot.
After that its mod heaven. With my understanding so far, TWRP lets me install custom roms, and other things i might need.
This is what i plan on doing as soon as im done with a little more research. If anyone has any tips, corrections or general information on what to expect or do please share.
Many thanks to every contributor on this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend using the command line to flash the twrp instead of the GUI if you want a simple process in linux
Run a terminal as a superuser (sudo)
heimdall flash –RECOVERY filename.img
Do step 1 and 3 you gave before before doing this
Or just flash the twrp image using Odin
J500FN twrp
https://dl.twrp.me/j5nltexx/
-Hope- said:
I would recommend using the command line to flash the twrp instead of the GUI if you want a simple process in linux
Run a terminal as a superuser (sudo)
heimdall flash –RECOVERY filename.img
Do step 1 and 3 you gave before before doing this
Or just flash the twrp image using Odin
J500FN twrp
https://dl.twrp.me/j5nltexx/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to use Odin for this. Since I'm quite new to the rooting community I dont want to mess things up on the first try. I'd rather get comfortable with some standard stuff before I proceed to try different variations. Thank you for your input. Though I would still like to know if I should use cm auto root or do a manual root. The difference is not quite clear to me yet. Again, thank you for your input, it is appreciated.
luan96 said:
@Droidriven Thank you for the info. After a rough night of research i realized what i need to do. According to root checker, my phone is not rooted, and the recovery seems to be stock. This is very weird, since the phone is obviously not just the stock version that came from T Mobile. Im guessing its probably a badly done root or one that was removed. Anyways, this is how i am planing to proceed:
1. Turn on OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging from developer versions
2. Download CM Autoroot for my specific phone ( i do not know what is the difference between "normal" root and autoroot, but autoroot seems to be simpler and offers the same thing. Please correct me if i am wrong, i would love to know how to do a manual root as well if it has more benefits).
3. Volume down+home+power to get to the download screen
4. Launch Odin that comes with the autoroot package
5. Plug my phone into the USB and wait for Odin to add it.
6. Select the autoroot md5 file from the folder and begin the flashing process
7. Hope for the best and that my phone is still functional when it auto reboots.
After this i should check with Root Checker weather its properly installed or not. If it is, and i see the SuperSU application i continue to installing the custom recovery ( through some research i found out that TWRP is the best choice for me). Installing the custom recovery should be as easy as auto rooting the device. I should download the files from an official website, and flash them using the same process i did for AutoRoot.
After that its mod heaven. With my understanding so far, TWRP lets me install custom roms, and other things i might need.
This is what i plan on doing as soon as im done with a little more research. If anyone has any tips, corrections or general information on what to expect or do please share.
Many thanks to every contributor on this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing CF autoroot will simplify rooting, again, just make sure you have the correct autoroot for your specific model number and firmware, flashing the wrong one can softbrick or hardbrick your device, this would require flashing stock firmware via Odin to repair if softbricked and more serious methods to restore if hardbricked. There isn't much difference in effect with the different rooting methods. They all get the job done about equally.
Just make sure that you verify that your bootloader is in fact unlocked BEFORE you flash TWRP. As stated earlier, if it is locked, it will certainly cause issues and you'll have to restore stock recovery and/or stock firmware.
As long as your bootloader is unlocked then your outlined plan should be good to go.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
Droidriven said:
Flashing CF autoroot will simplify rooting, afain, just make sure you have the correct autoroot for your specific model number and firmware, flashing the wrong one can softbrick or hardbrick your device, this would require flashing stock firmware via Odin to repair if softbricked and more serious methods to restore if hardbricked. There isn't much difference in effect with the different rooting methods. They all get the job done about equally.
Just make sure that you verify that your bootloader is in fact unlocked BEFORE you flash TWRP. As stated earlier, if it is locked, it will certainly cause issues and you'll have to restore stock recovery and/or stock firmware.
As long as you're bootloader is unlocked then your outlined plan should be good to go.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, looks like i messed up somehow. I was fiddling around the recovery mode and Odin mode. Those were the only two screens i could view besides normal booting, so i was looking for any info.
Recovery Mode https://ibb.co/hotYZ5
Odin mode 1 https://ibb.co/nFfVE5
Once on the recovery mode, i selected "reboot to bootloader" hoping to find info if its locked or not. I got redirected to this screen
Odin Mode 2 https://ibb.co/kqhtZ5
And then i did what i think is the dumbest thing this year....i removed the batery and now when i try to turn on my phone -
Blocked https://ibb.co/kkOd1k
Please tell me i did not brick my phone without even trying to root it first. My understanding is that i accidentally wiped the current OS (softbrick?) and now i have to flash a new one and then continue with what i had planned. Or is this a small problem that can be fixed easier? Or a more serious one ? Good news tho maybe, i think that the bootloader is unlocked ?
Thank you @Droidriven for your info so far, you have been extremely helpful.
*EDIT* - Pictures didnt link correctly.
luan96 said:
Well, looks like i messed up somehow. I was fiddling around the recovery mode and Odin mode. Those were the only two screens i could view besides normal booting, so i was looking for any info.
Recovery Mode https://ibb.co/hotYZ5
Odin mode 1 https://ibb.co/nFfVE5
Once on the recovery mode, i selected "reboot to bootloader" hoping to find info if its locked or not. I got redirected to this screen
Odin Mode 2 https://ibb.co/kqhtZ5
And then i did what i think is the dumbest thing this year....i removed the batery and now when i try to turn on my phone -
Blocked https://ibb.co/kkOd1k
Please tell me i did not brick my phone without even trying to root it first. My understanding is that i accidentally wiped the current OS (softbrick?) and now i have to flash a new one and then continue with what i had planned. Or is this a small problem that can be fixed easier? Or a more serious one ? Good news tho maybe, i think that the bootloader is unlocked ?
Thank you @Droidriven for your info so far, you have been extremely helpful.
*EDIT* - Pictures didnt link correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks to me like they attempted to root the device but didn't do it correctly.
FRP can be a pain to deal with. Some can be bypassed easily, those that have trouble bypassing must sign in with the original owner's original Gmail and password used to activate the device.
The method of bypassing FRP varies from device to device.
Did you factory reset in recovery? If so, that's why you FRP blocked you.
If you have stock recovery then you should not have been able to wipe out the OS using stock recovery, typically, only custom recovery can do that, unless you did something accidentally that somehow corrupted/wiped your OS.
If the OS is gone, you'll have to flash your stock firmware via Odin and start over from the beginning.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
Droidriven said:
It looks to me like they attempted to root the device but didn't do it correctly.
FRP can be a pain to deal with. Some can be bypassed easily, those that have trouble bypassing must sign in with the original owner's original Gmail and password used to activate the device.
The method of bypassing FRP varies from device to device.
Did you factory reset in recovery? If so, that's why you FRP blocked you.
If you have stock recovery then you should not have been able to wipe out the OS using stock recovery, typically, only custom recovery can do that, unless you did something accidentally that somehow corrupted/wiped your OS.
If the OS is gone, you'll have to flash your stock firmware via Odin and start over from the beginning.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. At least its not just a paperweight. I'm installing new software on it with Kiesk 3 right now. Hope that works so i can do the rooting and TWRP install soon. I pressed "reboot to bootlader" to try and find out if its locked or not, but then it got me in download mode (without having to press up volume to contionue). After i turned off my phone by removing the battery, the OS was gone.
luan96 said:
Thank you. At least its not just a paperweight. I'm installing new software on it with Kiesk 3 right now. Hope that works so i can do the rooting and TWRP install soon. I pressed "reboot to bootlader" to try and find out if its locked or not, but then it got me in download mode (without having to press up volume to contionue). After i turned off my phone by removing the battery, the OS was gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get this restored with Kies?
Droidriven said:
Did you get this restored with Kies?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, i did. Worked like a charm, and even got the new 6.0.1 android on it. Also installed TWRP, and just finished installing Xposed Framework, now waiting for it to boot up ( i hear it takes some time). Seems all well so far. If any problems pop out ill be sure to post about it. Also thinking about making a new thread just to help newbies like me who really just want to remove some bloatware, and install some nice modules and not heavily mod the phone. You have been very helpful during this process. Many thanks to you ^-^ .
luan96 said:
Yes, i did. Worked like a charm, and even got the new 6.0.1 android on it. Also installed TWRP, and just finished installing Xposed Framework, now waiting for it to boot up ( i hear it takes some time). Seems all well so far. If any problems pop out ill be sure to post about it. Also thinking about making a new thread just to help newbies like me who really just want to remove some bloatware, and install some nice modules and not heavily mod the phone. You have been very helpful during this process. Many thanks to you ^-^ .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have issues with Xposed causing a bootloop, you can flash the Xposed uninstaller zip in TWRP to remove it, then troubleshoot why it bootlooped and try again.
Are you using the Touch wiz marshmallow Xposed framework?
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE

Need Guru to Discuss Rooting in general with me

I'm fed up with people on this forum. I keep trying to engage people in a discussion, a conversation to explain some things to me and No one seems willing. It's like there are No Rooting gurus that can answer my simple questions. On a forum full of Android developers, I'm very disappointed, I thought i'd get tons of help. If you read this, Please consider staying to have a discussion/conversation with me.
Preface to The Discussion:
I have used both Android and Linux in the past, I know what Super User is, I use it in Zorin 12 Linux and own a rooted (kingroot) android tablet. I am trying to get information on rooting my Figo Atrium phone by trying to understand Rooting better in general. perhaps this discussion will make since to you and together you can help me find a way to root my phone - But I Must have a back and forth or I'll never understand this. - I know there are many exploits to root a phone used by tools like kingroot. I know these exploits are many and varied depending on your phone's CPU architecture, and software and not all root tools with work with my device. . I know the bootloader has to be unlocked and one must have USB Debugging enabled in Developer Options. I know some phone manufacturers make tools that help you root your phone (MTK Droid Tools) So far, none of these tools can root my phone.
Let's Start The Discussion Here:
I was able to not root but my Upgrade my phone from Lollipop to Marshmallow. I did this using SP Flash Tool and these instructions (which were badly translated and which as you can see by the comments in the video, I had to correct due to bad translation) See this video and comments by me to understand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEIJM2YjNzE - I used SP Flash Tool and a Rom Figo provided. After I figured out the botched instructions, I was able to upgrade my device with no problems.
Question 1: Isn't this essentially the same process that is used for Rooting? It proves my bootloader is unlocked and the phone does have the ability to flash a new Rom. <- Based on That, doesn't it seem to you that my phone would be in fact Rootable?
If you think so, tell me why, if you think Not, tell me why.
Question 2: If you think So, then: Someone suggested to me that using a tool like Magisk or SuperSU may be able to root my device. Does this seem likely to you based on what I've told you so far? No one in the SuperSU sub forum can answer this question.
If you think No, then we'll discuss this more. I'll wait for your replies. Thank you.
Rooting is, simply said, placing a 'su' binary in the system folder. SU means switch user, when you give that command you're instructing Android to give you root user privileage. OEM's don't want that to happen so they won't include it in their ROMs. Tools like supersu are made to copy that 'su' file to the system partition. There are a lot of ways to explain this, I'm just giving you something quick and easy to understand.
Now regarding your questions;
1) Flashing anything requires the bootloader to be unlocked on most phones. BUT MTK phones don't. (Except some HTC phones). SP Flash Tool can flash any partition without needing to unlock. It's dangerous security wise, but this means its also easier to root.
Infact all MTK phones are rootable. So don't worry about that.
2) How to root? The best way to root is with supersu. (You can also try magisk if you want to use Android Pay).
You need a custom recovery like TWRP first.
I found one here which is for your same CPU. https://www.needrom.com/download/twrp-recovery-13/
^I am just giving you a link to recovery which uses the same CPU so It may or may not work. PLEASE take a backup of your original recovery before doing anything.
Now download SuperSU zip file from here https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/supersu/download/zip/SuperSU-v2.82-201705271822.zip
Don't open it, just keep it in your sd card.
Flash the recovery using SP Flash Tool (check only the recovery box and select this file). Now unplug the phone and press Volume Up+Power Button to boot into recovery.
Then if it says swipe to allow modifications, swipe.
Now goto Install->Select the Supersu.zip file you downloaded->Swipe and reboot.
That's it! You're rooted!
Thanks.. again, you've answered things others couldn't. Much appreciated.
You say, " You need a custom recovery like TWRP first.
I found one here which is for your same CPU. https://www.needrom.com/download/twrp-recovery-13/
^I am just giving you a link to recovery which uses the same CPU so It may or may not work. PLEASE take a backup of your original recovery before doing anything."
Lets say Twrp doesn't work. What is this for, just to re-flash your original rom in case twrp fails at making a backup? ( I assume the tool makes your installed rom flashable in case the root doesn't work and you need to revert back to your original system) I have the SP Tool and the Rom for Marshmallow that works with my device from Figo. Can I use that if Twrp fails - or am I not understanding what twrp is used for? Just checking before I start this. Otherwise, I'll try to follow your instructions to the letter and see what happens.
Still Looking ?
STILL Looking? IF so, a few thoughts .... It is a nice phone for the price. The newer version eventually coming out looks even nicer, and for now, it is still my backup phone to my Figo Gravity. Discovered Figos when I got totally fed up with BLU phones.
ONE - If you have upgraded your Atrium to Marshmallow, as I did, none of the rooting methods that worked on Lollipop will work, so forget about them.
TWO - Down in Developer Settings you need to make sure OEM unlocking is allowed.
THREE - ASSUMING you have a TWRP build that will work, it is pretty simple. Take the ROM image that FIGO sent you and replace the "recovery.img" file with the TWRP (re-name it recovery.img and save the old one as recovery.old JUST IN CASE) file. It will be much larger than the factory ROM recovery image and that's fine. The scatter table, if you read hex addresses, provides for enough space to do this. Flash ONLY the recovery (TWRP) image, and be sure to DOWNLOAD ONLY with the SP FLASH tool. If uncertain, DO NOT PROCEED. It can be a real pain in the arse to re-do things if you accidentally format or upgrade things you didn't mean to. ASSUMING that worked, you can boot into TWRP by holding down the power / volume buttons (I assume you are familiar with this sequence).
FOUR - it is entirely possible that the next time you boot the thing normally, TWRP will be blown away. Happened to me a few times. There is some setting down in the boot image that causes this and I will have to dig up my notes to see exactly what the heck it was. It required taking apart the boot image - I used Carliv - fixing the one setting, and then re-packing and re-flashing it, BUT, you can ALWAYS keep replacing the TWRP image as needed. Inconvenient, but better than a sharp stick in the eye.
FIVE - when booted into TWRP, you should be able to flash SU, which will give you root, and it should STAY rooted after that unless and until you uninstall SU. FLASHIFY is STRONGLY recommended as a VERY useful app for rooted devices. TWRP, if you are unfamiliar with it, is SO MUCH MORE than just a recovery replacement. Handiest whole device backup there is. Has saved my bacon on several devices through numerous acts of personal stupidity. :crying:
SIX - IF ALL ELSE FAILS, you can ALWAYS revert to the factory image ROM. Just DOWNLOAD ONLY rather than Upgrade and DO NOT Format.

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