I have a Nexus 5 32GB that's about 14 month old. Was running Lollipop 5.1 which was installed through OTA updates (4.44 >5.0 >5.01>5.1). The device is stock and unrooted.
One day, after powering the device up, it went into the boot screen and never managed to finsih the boot (for hours).
After reading extensively on this and other forums , here are the steps I tired , without success:
1. Go to bootloader and press Start
2.Go to bootloader , erase cache
3.Go to bootloader erase user data (factory reset).
I then tried to flash the factory image back. I tried all Lollipop versions from the google developers page of factory images.
starting with 5.1.0 (LMY47I) and going down. All flashing was completed successfully, but the problem remains.
Then I tried 4.4.4 (KTU84P) and the device finally booted up, but it was crippled: Most times It only sees a storage of 16GB , the phone does not recognize any cellular carriers, google play crashes, camera crashes, gallery crashes. An error states that "no external memory is available". Basically it was useless.
I took the phone to an LG lab. They said I need to replace the motherboard. Costs about 200$ !!
I was about to get a new phone , but decided to try one more google search for a fix.
This guide is for any poor soul in the same state.
This issue can be solved without replacing the motherboard for 200$.
The problem in my case was that the /persist partition was degraded, and could not mount.
I found out by trying to follow this guide: http://android.stackexchange.com/qu...dots-lollipop-screen-after-hard-factory-reset
I got as far as activating ADB Sideload when I got the error "cannot mount /persist".
This is a software problem.
Her's how to fix it (It's a long and detailed guide - but worth the result):
First, you must enable USB debugging mode , if it was not enabled (if it is enabled you can skip the first step of this guide) . The way to do that is to flash a stock image that will load, even if not fully working. In my case I could flash version 4.4x and get the phone to load. I am not aware of any other way to enable USB debugging, other than from within a working OS. If someone knows a way - please post it.
The easiest way I found to flash my phone is using Julian OS' script. You can download the stock image5.0 and 5.01 with the script from here:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=22367
You will need to adapt the 4.4x firmware to have the script flash it, but it's very easy, just a couple of files to rename.
When you open Julian's zip file you will see that he uses a script that flashes the firmware's images one by one. What I did was download the stock images from Google https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images , used winrar to extracrt all the files from the .tgz file to a folder, then unzip the only zip file there (image-hammerhead-xxxxx.zip) which contains 5 img files. I then renamed the radio-hammerhead-xxxxx.img to radio.img and bootloader-hammerhead-xxxx.img to bootloader.img. Now all the file names comply with Julian's script. From Julian's archive copy the files "From Bootloader.bat" and "fastboot.exe" to the folder where all the images you just renamed are.
Put the phone in bootloader mode (turn the phone off, press the Vol- and the power buttons). Once the the phone is in bootloader mode, connect it to the PC and run "From Bootloader.bat" and follow the onscreen instructions. In about 2 minutes, your phone will be flashed.
Turn the phone on, it should load the OS. Disregard all the error messages, and don't bother setting the phone up. If you skip wifi, and don't have a sim in the phone you can finish the basic setup quickly.
Next you need to get developer tools activated: Settings>about phone>Build number. Tap 7 times on the build number and this will unlock Developer tools. Go back to settings and the new Developer Tools and enable usb debugging. Approve any popups.
*** I am not aware of how to enable usb debugging if you cannot go into the settings. If non of the stock images loads for you, search for a way to get usb debugging working , or else you cannot continue. You need this for ADB to connect to the phone.****
Next, you need to have ADB on your PC, and it should be able to reach your phone. If you already have - then skip to the next step. If you don't - then here is how to get the latest version:
Go here and download the installer https://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html#Other
Install the file and when it's done run SDK manager. Choose only the first 2 tools (Android sdk tools and Platform tools), this will install the latest adb and fastboot tools. To make sure all is installed open a command prompt (Click Start, type cmd in the search and run cmd.exe) and type adb. You should see all the adb possible commands typed. Now you can test if your phone can be reached by adb: connect your phone (remember usb debugging must be on!) and type: adb devices. After a few seconds you should see something like this:
List of devices attached
024703f599cc8feb device
If you get this, it means you have usb debugging enabled and a proper usb driver installed and you can go to the next step . If there is no device in the list you need to install/update the USB driver:
You have to make sure that when you connect your phone with USB debugging on, you have 2 entries in Winodws Device manager:
Under Portable devices >Nexus 5 , and under Android device> Android composite ADB Interface.
If the second one is missing, ADB will not work and you can't continue. There are 2 ways to fix that :
1. You can install an Android driver called Universal Naked Driver 0.73 from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2386956. Unzip the file to a folder.
The author of that guide states you need to uninstall any driver that already exists. This proved tricky because Windows would not uninstall the Nexus 5 driver. I decided to install it on a PC that has no android driver.
When you connect the phone to a windows 7 pc for the first time it will search for a driver. I disconnected the internet and windows installed a generic driver. In device manager I saw Nexus 5 with a yellow triangle. I Right clicked on it > update driver software > Browse my computer for driver software and point to the folder you unzipped the driver. You will get a warning - allow the installation.
2. If that does not work or if you don't have another "virgin" PC try this:
Run SDK Manager, under Extras mark Google USB driver. You don't need anything else marked. Install the driver.
Now connect your phone to the PC in normal mode (not bootloader!) . Open device manager. You should have two entries: Portable devices >Nexus 5 and Android device > Android Composite ADB Interface
If the second one is missing, but the Nexus 5 is properly installed, Right click on the Nexus 5 device >Update driver software > Browse my computer for driver software >Let me pick from a list. Now make sure that "Show compatible Hardware" is ticked . You should now have an entry called "USB composite device". Choose that and let it install. When it's done, if you still have an an Unknown device >Nexus 5 and no Android Composite ADB Interface in device manager, then unplug the phone and reconnect it again . You should now have both devices installed.
If by chance this does not work, and you have a Nexus 5 with a yellow error , right click it>update software driver> Browse my computer.> and point it to the Universal Naked Driver folder or the SDK>Extras>Google USB driver folder and it should update so both devices appear (Nexus 5 and ADB).
Once adb can see your pohne go here, to read bitdomo's guide to fix the broken persist partition.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/general/guide-to-fix-persist-partition-t2821576
There are some prerequisites to getting this to work:
The first one is that the phone can be reached by ADB, this is why you needed the usb debugging mode to be turned on, and the proper usb driver installed.
Second, you need to install a custom recovery image. Don't worry, you will overwrite it later. The one I used is TWRP. Get the latest version from here:
http://techerrata.com/browse/twrp2/hammerhead
To install I recommend you copy Fastboot.exe and the TWRP file to an empty folder on your PC . Rename the TWRP file to "recovery.img". Open a command prompt in the folder (see here if you don't know how http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/how-open-windows-command-prompt-any-folder.htm) , in the black window type: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img and hit Enter. Wait a few seconds and it will finish.
Last, you need to root your device. There are many ways to do this. I did this very simply by downloading CF-Auto-Root from https://autoroot.chainfire.eu/ The file you need is this: https://download.chainfire.eu/363/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-hammerhead-hammerhead-nexus5.zip . Unzip it, put your phone in bootloader, run root-windows.bat.
Now you are prepaired... Follow the guide by bitdomo . Open a command prompt , and run the 2 commands bitdomo wrote. You will get a series of questions , type y followed by Enter until it's all done.
SInce you are still in bootloader mode, and a big START is at the top of the screen, click the power button to reboot. Now your oS 4.4x should load properly. Make sure everything is working.
I did not follow the steps for the wifi and BT fix , because they worked fine (and still do 4 months later) , but you can go ahead and do that too.
Now you can flash to the latest firmware 5.10 - download the file from the developer site I gave before, use Jason Os's script to flash the image, and lock the device. Done! Boot up the device and make sure it recognizes the right amount of RAM on your phone (16 or 32GB). If it does, then all is well .
When I first booted the device , I saw that it only recognized 16GB instead of 32GB. To solve this install TWRP again, go to Wipe>Format data . Then reboot the device and make sure you have 32GB.
If you like the stock recovery instead of TWRP you can use Fastboot to flash the original recovery.img.
Now you have a working Nexus 5 , v5.10.
Thanks to LyricWulf and bitdomo for their life saving guides. I hope this helps others in the same spot, and saves them 200$ .
stuck at unlock step
how u unlock nexus 5 when stuck booplop n cnt go to android screen?alrdy using ths step "fastboot oem unlock" when i reboot for unlock,stuck at bootloop n alrdy w8ing 24hr still bootloop cnt see android home screen...n i go to restart nexus5,n locked again... i just stuck on this place,cnt go to next step..pls help me
sry my englsh so bad
Thanks! Helped me to save my N5!
Do not need to exactly as it is posted but the directions is good!
Thanks again.
killian.1140 said:
how u unlock nexus 5 when stuck booplop n cnt go to android screen?alrdy using ths step "fastboot oem unlock" when i reboot for unlock,stuck at bootloop n alrdy w8ing 24hr still bootloop cnt see android home screen...n i go to restart nexus5,n locked again... i just stuck on this place,cnt go to next step..pls help me
sry my englsh so bad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what your problem is, but if you are stuck at the boot screen (with the colored dots spinning) you might have the smae problem I describe. You can try to go to bootloader and wipe the cache, if that does not help and you don't mind a wiping all your data do a factory reset. , Go to recovery mode (third option in bootloader), then press the powr and vol up buttons together several times until you get into recovery. Then choose what you want to wipe.
If that does not restore your phone you need to follow my guide. Probably your persist partion is degraded and needs to be fixed. If you follow my guide you will find out what your problem is.
Good luck
Or just read the stickies.
I had the same problem, and for me, simple NAND restore from TWRP recovery solved this issue. I recently made this NAND backup for no reason and it happens to be a very good move. Cheers
Thank you so much for this! You saved my phone!
volvoxxda said:
I had the same problem, and for me, simple NAND restore from TWRP recovery solved this issue. I recently made this NAND backup for no reason and it happens to be a very good move. Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But for that you have had to install TWRP in the first place...
Mine was stock.
Where is the backup saved?
Mine was rooted + TWRP recovery and I saved my backup on flash drive with TWRP's backup option. I was able to boot into boot menu (pwr + vol-) and it would let me to enter into TWRP only. For me it was enough to initiate a restore process..
volvoxxda said:
Mine was rooted + TWRP recovery and I saved my backup on flash drive with TWRP's backup option. I was able to boot into boot menu (pwr + vol-) and it would let me to enter into TWRP only. For me it was enough to initiate a restore process..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash drive? Do you mean the Nexus internal memory?
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"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
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External, like on this picture.
Final solution: power button micro tactile switch was faulty, causing boot loop from time to time. Replacing that little bastard solved this heartbreaking issue
volvoxxda said:
Final solution: power button micro tactile switch was faulty, causing boot loop from time to time. Replacing that little bastard solved this heartbreaking issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you just replace the button or did you have to replace something more?
Thanks
Just the button. You can DIY, it's easy.
worked
worked great. confusing in the start but got it working. Thanks for a life saving guide for nexus 5
incredible
Hi eross,
I registered and logged in just to say thank you for this amazing tutorial. I've been trying to repair my N5 for about 12 hours, and I was about to give up when I saw this post. You saved my Nexus!!
Thanks again. :victory::highfive::good:
eross said:
Not sure what your problem is, but if you are stuck at the boot screen (with the colored dots spinning) you might have the smae problem I describe. You can try to go to bootloader and wipe the cache, if that does not help and you don't mind a wiping all your data do a factory reset. , Go to recovery mode (third option in bootloader), then press the powr and vol up buttons together several times until you get into recovery. Then choose what you want to wipe.
If that does not restore your phone you need to follow my guide. Probably your persist partion is degraded and needs to be fixed. If you follow my guide you will find out what your problem is.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What if you cannot even get into recovery because it is missing?
Sent from my SM-G920T
ambervals6 said:
What if you cannot even get into recovery because it is missing?
Sent from my SM-G920T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try to download the stock firmware that's installed on your phone and flash the recovery img, or flash twrp recovery.
help
eross said:
This is a Nexus 5 32GB that's about 14 month old. Was running Lollipop 5.1 which was installed through OTA updates (4.44 >5.0 >5.01>5.1). The device is stock and unrooted.
Yesterday after powering the device up, it went into the boot screen and never managed to finsih the boot (for hours).
After reading extensively on this and other forums , here are the steps I tired , without success:
1. Go to bootloader and press Start
2.Go to bootloader , erase cache
3.Go to bootloader erase user data (factory reset).
I then tried to flash the factory image back. I tried all Lollipop versions from the google developers page of factory images. (can't post links yet...)
starting with 5.1.0 (LMY47I) and going down. All flashing was completed successfully, but the problem remains.
Then I tried 4.4.4 (KTU84P) and the device finally booted up, but it is crippled: Most times It only sees a storage of 16GB , the phone does not recognize any cellular carriers, google play crashes, camera crashes, gallery crashes. An error states that "no external memory is available". Basically it is useless.
I am wondering if it is a software or hardware problem. It appears as though part of the phone's memory is not functioning . Is there a way to check this? Is there a way to fix this?
Thanks
Edit: Just came back from an LG lab. Bad news. Need to replace the motherboard. Costs about 200$ !! Can't find anything cheaper on ebay. Guess it's time for a new phone
Edit #2 - SOLVED !!:laugh:
OK, this for any poor soul in the same state. This issue can be solved without replacing the motherboard for 200$.
The problem in my case was that the /persist partition was degraded, and could not mount. Here is how I found it out, and how I fixed it:
First, try to flash a stock image that will load, even if not fully working. You will need this later. In my case I could flash version 4.4x and get the phone to load.
The easiest way I found to flash my phone is using Julian OS' script. You can download the stock image5.0 and 5.01 with the script from here:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=22367
You will need to adapt the 4.4x firmware to have the script flash it, but it's very easy, just a couple of files to rename.
When you open Julian's zip file you will see that he uses a script that flashes the firmware's images one by one. What I did was download the stock images from Google https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images , used winrar to extracrt all the files from the .tgz file to a folder, then unzip the only zip file there (image-hammerhead-xxxxx.zip) which contains 5 img files. I then renamed the radio-hammerhead-xxxxx.img to radio.img and bootloader-hammerhead-xxxx.img to bootloader.img. Now all the file names comply with Julian's script. From Julian's archive copy the files "From Bootloader.bat" and "fastboot.exe" to the folder where all the images you just renamed are.
Put the phone in bootloader mode (turn the phone off, press the Vol- and the power buttons). Once the the phone is in bootloader mode, connect it to the PC and run "From Bootloader.bat" and follow the onscreen instructions. In about 2 minutes, your phone will be flashed.
Turn the phone on, if you are lucky it will load the OS. Disregard all the error messages, and don't bother setting the phone up. If you skip wifi, and don't have a sim in the phone you can finish the basic setup quickly.
Next you need to get developer tools activated: Settings>about phone>Build number. Tap 7 times on the build number and this will unlock Developer tools. Go back to settings and the new developer tools and enable usb debugging. Approve any popups.
I am not aware of how to enable usb debugging if you cannot go into the settings. If non of the stock images loads for you, search for a way to get usb debugging working , or else you cannot continue. You need this for ADB to connect to the phone.
Once this is done , boot the phone into debugging mode.
Read the guide here http://android.stackexchange.com/qu...dots-lollipop-screen-after-hard-factory-reset
I got as far as activating ADB Sideload when I got the error "cannot mount /persist". I then understood what the problem was. If you get the same error - you are in luck!
Then go here, to learn how to fix the broken persist partition.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/general/guide-to-fix-persist-partition-t2821576
There are some prerequisites to getting this to work.
The first one is that the phone can be reached by ADB, this is why you needed the usb debugging mode.
Second, you need to install a custom recover image. Don't worry, you will overwrite it later. The one I used is TWRP. Get the latest version from here:
http://techerrata.com/browse/twrp2/hammerhead
To install I recommend you copy Fastboot.exe and the TWRP file to an empty folder on your PC . Rename the TWRP file to "recovery.img". Open a command prompt in the folder (see here if you don't know how http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/how-open-windows-command-prompt-any-folder.htm) , in the black window type: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img and hit Enter. Wait a few seconds and it will finish.
Third, you need to install an Android driver called Universal Naked Driver 0.73 from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2386956. Unzip the file to a folder.
Since the author of that guide states you need to uninstall any driver that already exists, I decided to install it on a PC that has no android driver. When you connect the phone to a windows 7 pc for the first time it will search for a driver. I disconnected the internet and windows installed a generic driver. In device manager I saw Nexus 5 with a yellow triangle. I Right clicked on it > update driver software > Browse my computer for driver software and point to the folder you unzipped the driver. You will get a warning - allow the installation.
Last, you need to root your device. (I think this can also be done from within TWRP , but I am not sure how...) I did this very simply by downloading CF-Auto-Root from https://autoroot.chainfire.eu/ The file you need is this: https://download.chainfire.eu/363/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-hammerhead-hammerhead-nexus5.zip . Unzip it, put your phone in bootloader, run root-windows.bat.
Now you are prepaired... Follow the guide by bitdomo . Open a command prompt where adb.exe is located , and run the 2 commands bitdomo wrote. You will get a series of questions , type y followed by Enter until it's all done.
SInce you are still in bootloader mode, and a big START is at the top of the screen, click the power button to reboot. Now your oS 4.4x should load properly. Make sure everything is working.
Now you can flash to the latest firmware 5.10 - download the file from the developer site I gave before, use Jason Os's script to flash the image, and lock the device.
When I first booted the device , I saw that it only recognized 16GB instead of 32GB. To solve this install TWRP again, go to Wipe>Format data . Then reboot the device and make sure you have 32GB.
If you like the stock recovery instead of TWRP you can use Fastboot to flash the original recovery.img.
Now you have a working Nexus 5 , v5.10.
Thanks to LyricWulf and bitdomo for their life saving guides. I hope this helps others in the same spot, and saves them 200$ .
Addendum: According to bitdomo, installing a custom recovery like TWRP enables USB debugging by default even if the phone does not boot. I have not tried this myself, but this means you can foergo installing os 4.4x , and go straight to ADB and run the command that fixes the persist partition.
Go ahead and try it. It will save you a lot of time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My N5 has exact problem as yours even same errors of camera and playstorw crashing when i loaded older android version.. now im positive your instructions will help me but im having some trouble with your steps i do not know how to type comnands with ADB .. im truly novice and dont want to damage the phone more could you simplify the steps or make a video please? Thank you
Sorry, I can't make it any simpler than that. I can't make a video now because my phone is fixed. Adb is very simple, it's like an old DOS window where you type the text. I would follow Bitdomo's advice and start by installing TWRP. This will get you USB debugging, and you can run ADB and follow his instructions to fix the persist partition.
Here is some info from my recovery menu
Samsung/heroqlteuc/heroqlteatt
8.0.0/R16NW/G930AUCU4CRE4
user/release-keys
I have a stock AT&T Galaxy S7 G930a I think on Oreo. I broke the screen around April 2017 and haven't used it since then. I just repaired the screen but I cant remember my pattern unlock and I want avoid wiping/reset because I want the data on the phone. ADB Debugging is off, bootloader isnt unlocked, it's not rooted and it's on stock recovery. What are my options to get past the pattern unlock screen to recover data without wiping/reset?
Things I've tried
"Samsung Find My Phone" to unlock the screen and while my device is listed it cant connect to the phone.
"Where's my Android" - cant find the device most likely because I've updated my Google password since 2017 and I believe Google will log you out of any device using your old password.
Deleting gatekeeper/pattern/pin files through ADB shell wont work cause ADB Debugging is off
Dr. Fone PC Software - Galaxy S7 isnt listed as supported devices
If I have no option but to reset/wipe I'm willing to use file recovery software like EaseUs to recover my deleted phone data. I've used this software to recover data on a couple corrupted hard drives and it's a must have for me now. I dont know how well it works for phones and it requires root tho. Can this phone be rooted once I reset/wipe? If so, what are the steps I would need to take?
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated
Is there another google account linked to the device? Looking at your current situation, you probably don't have any choice to wipe the device.
This specific model you mentioned (G930A) is a US model & has a Snapdragon processor. Meaning that, the bootloader is locked and cannot be unlocked to install a custom recovery with root.
You probably can use this, but it requires a data wipe, so not really useful..
[LOCKED BOOTLOADER] Temporary TWRP 3.3.1 for Samsung Galaxy S7 (Snapdragon) G930XX
Team Win Recovery Project 3.x, or twrp3 for short, is a custom recovery built with ease of use and customization in mind. Its a fully touch driven user interface no more volume rocker or power buttons to mash. The GUI is also fully XML driven and...
forum.xda-developers.com
There is this but not sure if it would help you.
[Rom][ALL_CARRIERS_G930_CRF1][Stock_Oreo_Hybrid][Safestrap_Preinstalled]
This is for All Carriers. You Do Not Need To Be Rooted To Install This Rom You Must Be On Stock CRF1 Oreo Firmware Before Starting This Takes Some Patience To Install What Is Safestrap Safestrap is a Bootstrap / Recovery for locked bootloader...
forum.xda-developers.com
All the best!
riojosepha said:
Is there another google account linked to the device? Looking at your current situation, you probably don't have any choice to wipe the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, but I found this thread that I replied to the OP. How would I know what bootloader I'm on? It's said you need to be on V4
[Easy_Root/Unroot][Any_Oreo/Nougat_Firmware_V4_Bootloaders][Tmp_Twrp_Recovery] | XDA Developers Forums (xda-developers.com)
I guess you can root and install custom recovery somewhat but they require wipe. My question is at step 9 of the instructions. Here are the instructions below with my question.
"Instructions
1. Download S7_S7E_ROOT_UNROOT_ADB_TOOLS.7z and your model and version you want from above
2. Unzip S7_S7E_ROOT_UNROOT_ADB_TOOLS.7z to S7_S7E_ROOT_UNROOT_ADB_TOOLS folder
3. Unzip the Model/Version file you downloaded and copy the files to the S7_S7E_ROOT_UNROOT_ADB_TOOLS folder and place them in the Odin folder
4. Prepare your phone for a data wipe
5. Reboot your phone to download mode and flash the AP_ROOT_G93*.tar in the Odin AP slot and reboot your phone to recovery
6. Once phone is in recovery run the Setup.exe in the S7_S7E_ROOT_UNROOT_ADB_TOOLS folder
7. Now in the cmd window make sure your device is connected and choose Option (1) Launch TWRP
8. Your phone should launch TWRP leave phone plugged in and command window open on computer
9. Now In Twrp choose wipe and choose format data. Type yes in the box when it ask "
Now right before step 9 wipe and format, while I have TWRP open can I install Aroma File Manager zip or send adb commands to delete gatekeeper, pin, pattern unlock files, then reboot so I can get past my phones unlock pattern? This is all I'm trying to accomplish. I just want to confirm before I process because I don't want to wipe my data. 'm trying to recover pictures and videos from this phone.
KayKay919 said:
Nope, but I found this thread that I replied to the OP. How would I know what bootloader I'm on? It's said you need to be on V4
[Easy_Root/Unroot][Any_Oreo/Nougat_Firmware_V4_Bootloaders][Tmp_Twrp_Recovery] | XDA Developers Forums (xda-developers.com)
I guess you can root and install custom recovery somewhat but they require wipe. My question is at step 9 of the instructions. Here are the instructions below with my question.
"Instructions
1. Download S7_S7E_ROOT_UNROOT_ADB_TOOLS.7z and your model and version you want from above
2. Unzip S7_S7E_ROOT_UNROOT_ADB_TOOLS.7z to S7_S7E_ROOT_UNROOT_ADB_TOOLS folder
3. Unzip the Model/Version file you downloaded and copy the files to the S7_S7E_ROOT_UNROOT_ADB_TOOLS folder and place them in the Odin folder
4. Prepare your phone for a data wipe
5. Reboot your phone to download mode and flash the AP_ROOT_G93*.tar in the Odin AP slot and reboot your phone to recovery
6. Once phone is in recovery run the Setup.exe in the S7_S7E_ROOT_UNROOT_ADB_TOOLS folder
7. Now in the cmd window make sure your device is connected and choose Option (1) Launch TWRP
8. Your phone should launch TWRP leave phone plugged in and command window open on computer
9. Now In Twrp choose wipe and choose format data. Type yes in the box when it ask "
Now right before step 9 wipe and format, while I have TWRP open can I install Aroma File Manager zip or send adb commands to delete gatekeeper, pin, pattern unlock files, then reboot so I can get past my phones unlock pattern? This is all I'm trying to accomplish. I just want to confirm before I process because I don't want to wipe my data. 'm trying to recover pictures and videos from this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't install any aroma file manager, you can just plug your phone into your computer and then your data would be mounted onto your computer.
I hope everything goes well!
EDIT: You are on V4 or Binary 4 as noted in G930AUCU(4)CRE4 (the 4 meaning version 4 or binary 4)
This is NOT for the 2021 Moto 5G Stylus. This guide is exclusively for the Moto 5G Stylus 2022.
This tutorial is for people like me than just got the Moto 5G Stylus XT2211 (Factory Unlocked Mediatek Variant) running on stock Android 11. I got this phone literally Sunday brand new in the box from Best Buy (Yes, I took a Chance and copped it from them hoping it could be bootloader unlocked). This is a hand holding guide for the Noobs that really are intimidated by rooting their device, so even though there are other guides up, this one is for people like me that need every step explained.
Follow the following at your own risk! I am not responsible for any mishaps with your devices.
I've been rooting Motorola phones now for five years, so I'm pretty handy as a script kiddie (I know bad word) in doing it. I also was pretty active with my last phone over at the Moto One 5G Ace Forums, so here's to hoping my progress with these phones continues.
Thanks to Android 11 being System As Root with all these new super partitions running amuck (like Android 10), you cannot get Write access in the actual system files. So even when you achieve root, you can't do much without getting a script and accessing those partions. @lebigmac and @munjeni have been constantly working on that. Drop by their respective threads on R/W access and beta test his script so he can get more knowledge about how Moto phones work so we can have easy R/W access like Xiaomi and Huawei phones.
Introduction/Preparation
First, go and prepare by READING EVERYTHING. Very important. This is the Mediatek variant and NOT the Qualcomm variant. Flashing does make a difference between the two. Last thing you want to do is brick the device because you flashed the wrong firmware to the wrong processor, or you flashed other software for the other similar Moto One 5G Stylus (2021) and it bricked. This is the MILAN version.
Second, unlock the bootloader. All T-Mobile and their subsidiary variants can be unlocked by Motorola as well as International and Motorola factory variants; go to their bootloader official unlock site and follow their instructions, it's easy peasy. If you do it in firefox it may not go to the third step page and hang on the page where you put the long code in (follow instructions on page to get the unlock code you'll see what I'm talking about). It is HIGHLY ADVISABLE to do this in Firefox or Chrome (I used Firefox). And yes, you may have to request the code 3x to get it to send to your email depending on their server traffic. When you get it, follow Motorola's instructions for unlocking the bootloader in fastboot. It will show you that the bootloader is unlocked.
Make sure the code you're copying and pasting is correct. If it is incorrect it will not approve you for bootloading unlocking and not tell you the code was missing a letter/number. They are getting sneaky.
***IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT OEM UNLOCKING GREYED OUT***
If your OEM Unlock tab is greyed out in the Developer Options, just know that Motorola/Lenovo now have some weird timer on that to activate. I had to wait 3 days for mine to activate. Some report it takes longer. Others reported it was 3-4 days. I factory restored, reflashed the firmware, etc. day one just to make sure anything funky that could be put in there was clean and brand spanking new. Not saying you have to do this but there have been varying reports on Moto phones since 2020 about how long this takes. If you're not sure if yours can be bootloader unlocked, get the code from Moto. If it can it will email it to you and from ther ejust wait.
Verizon and ATT Variants CANNOT BE BOOTLOADER UNLOCKED.
***NOTES SO YOU DON'T FREAK OUT***
1. The Command Prompt will tell you it is locked and you will see "flashing unlocked" on the phone in fastboot once it is done.
2. The only way to restore the phone if something goes wrong is by flashing it via fastboot. The way to get to fastboot is turn the phone off and press Volume Down and Power. The Motorola tool will NOT work. That's normal.
3. You will see a cute message that you've unlocked the bootloader and that the phone software integrity is compromised when you boot the phone up every single time after the bootloader unlock. It will also say press the power button to pause. This is normal. Give it a minute, you havent broke it.
4. OEM Unlocking should already be activated and greyed out in the Developer Options once the bootloader is unlocked; you can't access it anymore and it will tell you if the bootloader is unlocked.
Files
You will need an SD card for root. You will also need other apks to successfully help you pull off root ready to install. Pull ALL the necessary files you will need.
1. Get Minimal ADB and Fastboot OR Tiny ADB and Fastboot (it's easier).
2. Download the Motorola Drivers from their site if yo don't already have them (if you run into problems you will have to uninstall and reinstall them through their utility which is found on PC here: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Motorola Shared\Mobile Drivers
3. Cpu-Z.apk (Very important, its hard to know your hardware without this).
4. Magisk v22.0.apk (They no longer have a separate Magisk Manager)
5. Root Explorer.apk (This software helps navigation better but you can use any Explorer of your choice).
6. Root Checker.apk
7. Stock Firmware XT2211-2_MILAN_RETUS_11_RRDE31.Q3-73-12_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_cid50_R2_CFC.xml (This is important if you mess up the boot image trying to root). You can get the firmware of your choice at Motorola Official Firmware For Milan.
8. Patience (and a good movie keeping you going).
As of now this device as no TWRP, so you have to do this the old fashioned way to root. And just so you know, I used Windows 10 for all of this.
Pre-Rooting
1. Make sure the phone is fully charged.
2. Make sure your sim card is REMOVED from the phone. Everytime you wipe the phone or do anything messing with the boot image the phone resets itself to factory settings, and tries to push an update. Just take the silver key thing and pop it out. You will have to push it back in and out in a second, but start with it out.
3. Make sure your wifi is OFF.
4. Make sure your SD is in and mountable and all files you need are on the card.
5. Make sure you Save boot.img to your SD Card from your firmware files. This is very important for root.
6. Make sure your developer options are activated.
7. Make sure your USB debugging is enabled AND you've given permissions for your computer to have administrative access with it enabled (more on this below).
8. Make sure to check CPU-Z for your hardware specs so you download the right files for the phone and avoid potential problems.
9. Make sure you manually set USB to Transfer files (no other option will work and by default its set to Charge this Device).
10. Make sure you have the STOCK CABLE that comes with the phone. Like most Motorolas this model is funky about using other cables.
11. Make sure you back up all your calls, texts, pics, etc. Flashing the firmware is the ultimate factory reset and you will lose all your files on the phone. SMS Restore is a good software to backup Calls and Text logs and it supports keeping MMS.
12. Make sure you have the internet. It is necessary for some steps.
Rooting
1. Make sure all the firmware files are extracted into your Minimal ADB and Fastboot folder (or whatever ADB folder you're using for this).
2. Open FlashFile.xml in Notepad. This is located among the firmware files you put in the Minimal ADB and Fastboot folder.
3. Cut, copy, and paste everything from the FlashFile that is shown and then paste it in an online Flash file Converter if you are flashing a fresh version of the stock firmware. I used Online Flash File Converter here. I recommend this just in case you're on a newer firmware - if not jump to Step 13.
4. Convert the text by pressing the bar below where you pasted the text. It may be in Spanish or Portuguese but is should say something like Cerar Commandos.
5. Copy the text by hitting the two pieces of paper icon in the corner after it's converted. Or just cut copy and paste manually.
6. Turn the phone completely OFF.
7. Plug your phone via USB cable into the computer.
8. Press Volume Down and Power to boot into fastboot mode. Do not use "adb reboot bootloader" as that command may or may not work and hang at "waiting for device" (it was iffy for me and it knocked off USB permissions BADLY).
9. Open up Minimal ADB and Fastboot (Make sure you don't have it set to open this as an administrator, it messes with permissions) Make sure your firmware files are in the Minimal ADB directory or it won't work.
10. Paste the contents of the flashfile converter into Minimal ADB and Fastboot. This should start the process of the flashing.
11. When the entire flash is complete, boot the phone and disconnect phone from the computer. Ignore the bootloader unlock error.
12. Wait. Sometimes this takes up to 3-5 minutes on a new flash. You should see the boot animation of Motorola.
13. Push your Sim Card back into the phone.
14. Start setting up your device on the screen. Sim Card must be in or it will give you a message your phone is Network Locked.
15. Once you make it to the Wifi Setup screen take the Sim back OUT the phone. Do not connect to Wifi.
16. Once you are done with setup, go to Settings>About phone.
17. Go all the way down to Build Number and press it until you unlock Developer Options.
18. Go to Settings>System>Advanced>Developer Options. Advanced is a pull down tab that will reveal Developer Options.
19. Disable Automatic System Updates. I know this is hard for some people, but a forced OTA update may cause problems and prohibit root.
20. Enable USB Debugging. Disable Verify bytecode of debuggable apps. Disable Verify apps over USB if it is highlighted. Exit.
21. Put your SD/Sim card back into the phone.
22. Go to the Files folder and install Magisk first, then Root Explorer and Root Checker.
23. Open Magisk. You will see Magisk and App. Hit Install by Magisk (a fingerprint looking icon is to its left).
24. Allow Magisk to access photos, media, and files if it asks.
25. Select option "Select and Patch A File."
26. It will take you to a screen where you can select your explorer to navigate to your SD card where you saved the boot.img. Go there and select it.
27. Magisk will save it as magisk_patched.img. Once you get it patched, find where it saved, make sure it's on your SD card and then turn off the phone.
28. Plug your phone via USB cable into the computer.
29. Press Volume Down and Power to boot into fastboot mode.
30. Open up a fresh Minimal ADB and Fastboot (Make sure you don't have it set to open this as an administrator, it messes with permissions) Make sure you transfer the magisk_patched.img that Magisk patched off your SD card into this folder.
31. Rename your original boot.img to "boot.img original" or whatever distinct name you want to give it in your Minimal ADB and Fastboot folder.
32. Rename your magisk_patched.img to boot.img.
33. In Minimal ADB and Fastboot type "fastboot flash boot boot.img" and hit enter.
34. If all goes well it should flash to the partition before it says done and in how many seconds.
35. When it is done, reboot phone by selecting START (keep pressing volume rockers until you see it, then press the power button).
36. Wait for the bootloader cannot be trusted screen to pass (may take a minute) and wait for the Hello Moto opening.
37. Open Root Checker and confirm root. You can uninstall it after confirmation if you like.
38. Open Root Explorer. A prompt asking you to grant permission should pop up.
Congrats. You should be rooted now.
***NOTES SO YOU DON'T FREAK OUT***
1. Do NOT flash someone else's patched boot image. It WILL NOT WORK. Do the work, find your firmware, and patch the boot image yourself. You're asking for bootloop hell if you do as your boot.img that Magisk patches needs to match that particular firmware you used.
2. While it hasn't happened to me, You may have followed everything perfect and it still bootlooped. Save yourself the frustration and just flash it over. See the next section on the proper way to flash so you don't lose your baseband, IMEI, or any other important stuff.
3. While you won't lose anything just flashing boot.img, you will lose everything having to flash ALL the firmware over. Keep backups of all your important stuff.
****Notes on Flashing The Stock Firmware if you have to****
In the event you bootloop and have to start from scratch, follow my guide on restoring the firmware on the phone. And don't worry - it won't relock the bootloader. You can find my guide here: The Complete Noob Guide to Flashing via Fastboot Factory Unlocked Moto 5G Stylus XT2211 [Mediatek Variant]
Hope this helps my fellow TMobile and subdiary acolytes and others. I'll be working on securing R/W access soon.
I will try and answer questions if I can or point you in the right direction.
Moderator Announcement This guide is only for the The Moto 5G Stylus (2022), and will be moved once the Administrators create a separate forum for this device.
-Regards: Badger50