Is it safe to do system updates while rooted? - Huawei Mate 9 Questions & Answers

Hello everyone!
Today I got my Mate9 toyed around and then decided to root it. All went smooth as butter and everything is working perfectly.
Just about 1 hour ago, I see a notification saying that there is a system update available: later or restart now?
I am wondering, will this system update mess up my phone, since it is rooted, or not? I'd like to avoid any possible mess up for the time being

N3sh said:
Hello everyone!
Today I got my Mate9 toyed around and then decided to root it. All went smooth as butter and everything is working perfectly.
Just about 1 hour ago, I see a notification saying that there is a system update available: later or restart now?
I am wondering, will this system update mess up my phone, since it is rooted, or not? I'd like to avoid any possible mess up for the time being
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on how you rooted.
For a successful OTA install your device probably must meet the following criteria
HUAWEI stock recovery installed
unaltered /system, /product and /vendor partitions
So if you rooted with a "systemless" method (e.g. Magisk, recent SuperSU) and haven't done other installs/modifications that typically change /system you could try it. And you have to flash stock recovery (i.e. get rid of TWRP temporarily for the OTA install).

st_voss said:
Depends on how you rooted.
For a successful OTA install your device probably must meet the following criteria
HUAWEI stock recovery installed
unaltered /system, /product and /vendor partitions
So if you rooted with a "systemless" method (e.g. Magisk, recent SuperSU) and haven't done other installs/modifications that typically change /system you could try it. And you have to flash stock recovery (i.e. get rid of TWRP temporarily for the OTA install).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is what I did:
- Unlocked bootloader with Huawei code
- Installed new TWRP recovery
- Flashed supersu via adb (no SD card atm)
- Installed supersu apk
- Ta-da!
I actually checked the changelog of the new "update" and it is basically to restore the system back to before the change. Does it mean I am stuck with this version forever now?

N3sh said:
Here is what I did:
- Unlocked bootloader with Huawei code
- Installed new TWRP recovery
- Flashed supersu via adb (no SD card atm)
- Installed supersu apk
- Ta-da!
I actually checked the changelog of the new "update" and it is basically to restore the system back to before the change. Does it mean I am stuck with this version forever now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What supersu zip did you use?
And no you are not stuck with your version forever. But updating will probably require more than simply applying an OTA update.

st_voss said:
What supersu zip did you use?
And no you are not stuck with your version forever. But updating will probably require more than simply applying an OTA update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Followed this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/development/recovery-unofficial-twrp-huawei-mate-9-t3515617

N3sh said:
Followed this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/development/recovery-unofficial-twrp-huawei-mate-9-t3515617
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you are using Phh's superuser? I don't think that it's "systemless".
I would recommend a complete reinstall/update using https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/how-to/guide-mate-9-flash-update-package-t3593108 and using the lastest Magisk for rooting.

Mmm, I might just keep this until I have the need to reinstall. Thanks

It doesn't seem a system update allows you to skip it.
If the phone is rebooted, will it enter a loop or just fail the installation and carry on as normally?

I removed auto-download and rebooted, nothing different. Great

4thfloorcaveman said:
It doesn't seem a system update allows you to skip it.
If the phone is rebooted, will it enter a loop or just fail the installation and carry on as normally?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's (stock) recovery that installs an OTA. I don't know the mechanism that allows the recovery to find the OTA file (maybe the OTA file is copied to a directory where recovery is lookup for update files or some boot parameter is modified) but a normal reboot should not trigger an OTA install attempt.

Related

[q] OTA 5.0.1 on rooted shield

I am rooted on locked bootloader. My tablet just downloaded the 5.0.1 update. Has anyone flashed this yet and kept root? Not sure where the download is stored on the file system in case of sideloading or flashing from CWM. Thanks.
Hi. Inside the update ZIP there are some hash checks of the system partition, so what is needed is rebuilding ota update ZIP, which I can't do atm.
didn't work for me
Im 5.0 rooted with unlocked bootloader, using CWM.
After downloading, it restarted to cwm and installation failed. Didn't take a picture or write down the details; making a second attempt now, will report back. Did not lose root during install attempt.
Mine is failing because CWM seems to be telling it I'm still on Android 4.4.2.
same here
johndough247 said:
Im 5.0 rooted with unlocked bootloader, using CWM.
After downloading, it restarted to cwm and installation failed. Didn't take a picture or write down the details; making a second attempt now, will report back. Did not lose root during install attempt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same happend to me did you manage to fix it?!
wibimaster said:
The same happend to me did you manage to fix it?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until someone rebuilds the update to remove the checks you will keep getting an error.
Ok. Here is what I did on my locked bootloader shield:
1. Download the full 5.0.1 US LTE zip and SuperSU 2.40.
2. Entered CWM, flashed 5.0.1, then SuperSU, wipe cache partition, and reboot. Done.
Nothing to it. Only thing now, how do I remove the OTA notice I keep getting to update? It seems that the incremental update had downloaded and now it keeps prompting me to flash even though I manually updated with the full version. Anyone know how to get around this? Thanks.
EDIT: I used the command 'pm disable com.nvidia.ota' and so far seems to have fixed it.
bigcletus said:
Ok. Here is what I did on my locked bootloader shield:
1. Download the full 5.0.1 US LTE zip and SuperSU 2.40.
2. Entered CWM, flashed 5.0.1, then SuperSU, wipe cache partition, and reboot. Done.
Nothing to it. Only thing now, how do I remove the OTA notice I keep getting to update? It seems that the incremental update had downloaded and now it keeps prompting me to flash even though I manually updated with the full version. Anyone know how to get around this? Thanks.
EDIT: I used the command 'pm disable com.nvidia.ota' and so far seems to have fixed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, this is interesting! so this way you keep both the root and CWM?
which shield you have got?
bigcletus said:
Ok. Here is what I did on my locked bootloader shield:
1. Download the full 5.0.1 US LTE zip and SuperSU 2.40.
2. Entered CWM, flashed 5.0.1, then SuperSU, wipe cache partition, and reboot. Done.
Nothing to it. Only thing now, how do I remove the OTA notice I keep getting to update? It seems that the incremental update had downloaded and now it keeps prompting me to flash even though I manually updated with the full version. Anyone know how to get around this? Thanks.
EDIT: I used the command 'pm disable com.nvidia.ota' and so far seems to have fixed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the wifi 16 us or the 32 LTE us?

Moto G (1st gen) OTA to Lollipop fails

Hi folks, so, I received OTA update for my Moto G (XT1032).
Phone was rooted (I did unroot from SuperSU). Also, I've re-installed Stock recovery (to make sure) and wiped cache/dalvik.
But, update still fails.
I don't have much root-related soft (like Xposed etc) installed - so pretty sure this should not cause an issue.
But still, update fails.
Any ideas how to troubleshoot/make it work? Maybe installing OTA somehow from recovery (custom one, TWRP)?
Any comments - much appreciated. I guess I'm not alone in this, but still...
Thanks
Same problem here
Ulverinho said:
Hi folks, so, I received OTA update for my Moto G (XT1032).
Phone was rooted (I did unroot from SuperSU). Also, I've re-installed Stock recovery (to make sure) and wiped cache/dalvik.
But, update still fails.
I don't have much root-related soft (like Xposed etc) installed - so pretty sure this should not cause an issue.
But still, update fails.
Any ideas how to troubleshoot/make it work? Maybe installing OTA somehow from recovery (custom one, TWRP)?
Any comments - much appreciated. I guess I'm not alone in this, but still...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to install stock ROM again then update it via ota. Could also try flashing an ota update file via the official recovery of your phone.
A_Bunny said:
Have to install stock ROM again then update it via ota. Could also try flashing an ota update file via the official recovery of your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, my guess was the same. As per official recovery - I'll try adb sideload, but first time it couldn't find phone (all drivers installed and up-to-date).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g/help/driver-fastboot-falcon-s-t2820848
This error pops up - I can't find solution also...
Ulverinho said:
Yep, my guess was the same. As per official recovery - I'll try adb sideload, but first time it couldn't find phone (all drivers installed and up-to-date).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g/help/driver-fastboot-falcon-s-t2820848
This error pops up - I can't find solution also...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install the recovery with fastboot not adb.
A_Bunny said:
Install the recovery with fastboot not adb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I might misunderstood, but:
I have official recovery (fastboot is mode of it, I guess, when U press Power+volume key?)
I've read about adb sideload zip_name_of_OTA.zip
I don't know any other way to install OTA apart from let phone handle it OR adb sideload.
Ulverinho said:
Well, I might misunderstood, but:
I have official recovery (fastboot is mode of it, I guess, when U press Power+volume key?)
I've read about adb sideload zip_name_of_OTA.zip
I don't know any other way to install OTA apart from let phone handle it OR adb sideload.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just load it onto your phone before you flash it. Your ROM does work.
A_Bunny said:
Just load it onto your phone before you flash it. Your ROM does work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Load ZIP of OTA on SD Card and install it from Recovery? Will it work?
Ulverinho said:
Load ZIP of OTA on SD Card and install it from Recovery? Will it work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may work if it is the stock recovery.
A_Bunny said:
It may work if it is the stock recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got this, screenshot in attachment.
Fingerprints are wrong. In build.prop - I can see it's fine, fingerprint of current 4.4.4. - matches expected.
But as soon as update starts - it says that 4.4.2 is fingerprint of my OS. Bollocks.
Edited OTA zip, edited some metadata file...
Why it won't install on pretty clean phone - I can't understand...Previous installs of OTA went fine with root etc.
Ulverinho said:
Got this, screenshot in attachment.
Fingerprints are wrong. In build.prop - I can see it's fine, fingerprint of current 4.4.4. - matches expected.
But as soon as update starts - it says that 4.4.2 is fingerprint of my OS. Bollocks.
Edited OTA zip, edited some metadata file...
Why it won't install on pretty clean phone - I can't understand...Previous installs of OTA went fine with root etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the only thing I would recommend would be to install the stock system though fastboot manualy.
Ulverinho said:
Hi folks, so, I received OTA update for my Moto G (XT1032).
Phone was rooted (I did unroot from SuperSU). Also, I've re-installed Stock recovery (to make sure) and wiped cache/dalvik.
But, update still fails.
I don't have much root-related soft (like Xposed etc) installed - so pretty sure this should not cause an issue.
But still, update fails.
Any ideas how to troubleshoot/make it work? Maybe installing OTA somehow from recovery (custom one, TWRP)?
Any comments - much appreciated. I guess I'm not alone in this, but still...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i feel ya same thing here, than i tryed installing a stock lollipop from here via twrp witch ended up messing my phone with failing the procedure wondered around couldnt revert to stock since im a noob and didnt even backed up the rom,but at the and of the day thank god for the cm12.1 finally menaged to make my phone running again at least
Greetings, I have the same problem, it is the last screen that appears when you install the update, and then restarts it goes off the screen update error ...
To anyone having issues:
1. Make sure you're on completely stock 4.4.4 (Refer to http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g/development/rom-stock-motorola-rom-collection-t2854688 and use only untouched 4.4.4 version for your phone if you have to reflash before continuing)
2. Make sure you're on stock recovery (Refer to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2649763)
*Uninstall XPOSED if using it
3. I personally let update run on its own after reverting everything to stock.
fusionice said:
To anyone having issues:
1. Make sure you're on completely stock 4.4.4 (Refer to http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g/development/rom-stock-motorola-rom-collection-t2854688 and use only untouched 4.4.4 version for your phone if you have to reflash before continuing)
2. Make sure you're on stock recovery (Refer to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2649763)
*Uninstall XPOSED if using it
3. I personally let update run on its own after reverting everything to stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's the better way.
But I guess, I can install Stock 5.* straight away after wiping? Why bother about OTA, if there is ROM available?
fusionice said:
To anyone having issues:
1. Make sure you're on completely stock 4.4.4 (Refer to http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g/development/rom-stock-motorola-rom-collection-t2854688 and use only untouched 4.4.4 version for your phone if you have to reflash before continuing)
2. Make sure you're on stock recovery (Refer to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2649763)
*Uninstall XPOSED if using it
3. I personally let update run on its own after reverting everything to stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep.
The solution is backup data, restore stock last firmware using fastboot guide posted in this forum and not even update apps (cancel gmail registration and everything it asks when it first starts) ONLY update motorola update services so you can get the ota again an install it. If you have the ota downloaded you can flash it through recovery but using the last recovery version (.61) and of course last firmware version. If you guys flash it all through fastboot, it should install w/o any problems.

1.4 update for shield tabletk1,

New update arrive to me, unfortunately i can't flash cause my system partition was modified, anybody tried and flashed it for those on stock?
Edit: a little dismayed, july 1 security patch? Its almost the middle of September now
Same situation here. Can flash the ota.
I rooted and changed to twrp.
I think it's because of the recovery. Don't you?
Is there a way to flash back to the stock recovery without a complete flash to stock?
zagzag99 said:
Same situation here. Can flash the ota.
I rooted and changed to twrp.
I think it's because of the recovery. Don't you?
Is there a way to flash back to the stock recovery without a complete flash to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, im on stock recovery, but i must have made a mistake in one of my mods, i used systemless root and systemless xposed so system partition doesn't get touched but it errors in stock recovery, i was able to flash systemless root by booting twrp directly from fastboot and made sure to keep system as read only
thirdzcee said:
Nope, im on stock recovery, but i must have made a mistake in one of my mods, i used systemless root and systemless xposed so system partition doesn't get touched but it errors in stock recovery, i was able to flash systemless root by booting twrp directly from fastboot and made sure to keep system as read only
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had OTAs until 1.3
Then flashed TWRP
Now it fails claiming of fingerprints mismatch.
It expects sub reversion 726.6502 and somehow I'm on 700.6952
Is that how it fails at your end?
---------- Post added at 08:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:40 PM ----------
Is there a easy twrp flashable stock?
zagzag99 said:
Is there a easy twrp flashable stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, with the Full OTA. Settings -> About tablet -> System upgrade -> 3 dots (upper right) -> Advanced -> Check full upgrade. After flashing, you'll need to reflash TWRP and root.
zagzag99 said:
I had OTAs until 1.3
Then flashed TWRP
Now it fails claiming of fingerprints mismatch.
It expects sub reversion 726.6502 and somehow I'm on 700.6952
Is that how it fails at your end?
---------- Post added at 08:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:40 PM ----------
Is there a easy twrp flashable stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is a little different
Verifying update package...
I:comment is 1547 bytes; signature 1529 bytes from end
I:whole-file signature verified against RSA key 0
I:verify_file returned 0
Installing update...
sysutil: mmapped 4 ranges
Source: nvidia/sb_na_wf/shieldtablet:6.0.1/MRA58K/40827_726.6502:user/release-keys
Target: nvidia/sb_na_wf/shieldtablet:6.0.1/MRA58K/49349_766.5399:user/release-keys
Verifying current system...
contents of partition "/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/LNX" didn't match EMMC:/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/LNX:6707200:862bcf55773c989cdbbd825be96f070c7e2c3462:6715392:a817ba108d1571790ab6a6eb6750e1566dc0a32e
file "EMMC:/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/LNX:6707200:862bcf55773c989cdbbd825be96f070c7e2c3462:6715392:a817ba108d1571790ab6a6eb6750e1566dc0a32e" doesn't have any of expected sha1 sums; checking cache
failed to stat "/cache/saved.file": No such file or directory
failed to load cache file
script aborted: "EMMC:/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/LNX:6707200:862bcf55773c989cdbbd825be96f070c7e2c3462:6715392:a817ba108d1571790ab6a6eb6750e1566dc0a32e" has unexpected contents.
"EMMC:/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/LNX:6707200:862bcf55773c989cdbbd825be96f070c7e2c3462:6715392:a817ba108d1571790ab6a6eb6750e1566dc0a32e" has unexpected contents.
E:Error in @/cache/recovery/block.map
(Status 7)
Installation aborted.
I:Saving locale "en_US"
thirdzcee said:
Nope, im on stock recovery, but i must have made a mistake in one of my mods, i used systemless root and systemless xposed so system partition doesn't get touched but it errors in stock recovery, i was able to flash systemless root by booting twrp directly from fastboot and made sure to keep system as read only
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suspect it has to do with the fact that systemless root modifies the bootloader and the delta OTA checks that. Try uninstalling root from SuperSU (it does say uninstallation is required for OTA to proceed) and see if OTA proceeds.
Isira said:
Yes, with the Full OTA. Settings -> About tablet -> System upgrade -> 3 dots (upper right) -> Advanced -> Check full upgrade. After flashing, you'll need to reflash TWRP and root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, i just did the full ota flash... Waiting for the art pre compile of all my apps now.
Isira said:
I suspect it has to do with the fact that systemless root modifies the bootloader and the delta OTA checks that. Try uninstalling root from SuperSU (it does say uninstallation is required for OTA to proceed) and see if OTA proceeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, uninstalled magisk OTA went fine for me, now ill have to wait to go back home to root again, systemlessly
where is the OTA file located? I tried data/data/com.nvidia.ota/files/rom but it's not there.
*edit nvm, found it, under app_download folder and not the files/rom folder
Full OTA k1 1.4 for recovery
https://mega.nz/#!Q1VUVBrR!v40m3Q4s-rqcfCYQmEqIw0MzEJTI897Sd7ZousmhcKU
Hi folks, I'm having an issue with the update; I have rooted my Shield K1, have attempted to update to 1.4 using FlashFire app on Stock recovery, I have a 64GB Samsung EVO SD card and my storage was on adoptive. The update/flash started fine, but on reboot the error message "Unfortunately, Setup Wizard has stopped" comes up, I click OK and nothing happens. Does anyone know how I can rectify this issue please?
I found that by downloading the full image (which you can do via the built in updater on the tablet via Settings), I could use Flashfire to install and root it, no data lost. Didn't work with the smaller OTA file, but the full file worked flawless.
Thanks, but I can't get past the error message. I have seen another way to flash the update and have found out I did one of the steps wrong, if I can get it working again I'll post.
chewdiggy said:
Thanks, but I can't get past the error message. I have seen another way to flash the update and have found out I did one of the steps wrong, if I can get it working again I'll post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You tried wiping cache?
Isira said:
Yes, with the Full OTA. Settings -> About tablet -> System upgrade -> 3 dots (upper right) -> Advanced -> Check full upgrade. After flashing, you'll need to reflash TWRP and root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey mate what is the best version of supersu to flash?
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet K1 using Tapatalk
thirdzcee said:
You tried wiping cache?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have now wiped the cache and it is back to defaults. Thank you thirdzcee. Will not make that mistake again, I assure you.
robgee789 said:
Hey mate what is the best version of supersu to flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Flashfire, it'll do it all for you. (although it does appears to come with 2.76 instead of 2.78 of SuperSU, but updates itself anyway).
I have been having issues on my k1 since the 1.4 firmware I tried doing the toggle able system-less root and xposed but i lose touch and the tablet just doesn't work and i end up having to reinstall the 1.4 update at this point i'm sitting at fresh wiped tablet i dont yet.
I have narrowed my issues down to bad SD card as adopted storage.
i just downloaded the update by accident but i dont want to flash it because i have root and twrp so i moved the ota and restarted my tablet, but the notification is still there, any ideas on how to remove the notification?

Get March OTA without having to re-install Magisk/TWRP

I read some stuff about doing an OTA update with Magisk (v18) on my Pixel 3 (Feb 2019), but I still have a few questions about doing it. I'd rather avoid re-installing TWRP and Magisk from recovery again, and I'd like to be able to do this all without my computer if possible (see planned process below).
1. From what I've read, I should be able to restore a stock boot image to the inactive boot partition (from within Magisk Manager) , then install the Update (both steps 1 and 2), then reinstall Magisk Manager to the inactive boot partition.. And then reboot, and I should have the update, and keep TWRP and Magisk, right? (just looking for confirmation of the process)
2. I never provided a stock image to Magisk when I installed it originally, and I don't have one right now. How do I extract the boot image from the stock image on the Android website?
3. And do I need to indicate to Magisk that I have a boot image, or will it ask me when I go in to restore non-root?
4. Are OTA updates cumulative, or do I need to update the stock boot image each update?
Thanks!
madhattr999 said:
I read some stuff about doing an OTA update with Magisk (v18) on my Pixel 3 (Feb 2019), but I still have a few questions about doing it. I'd rather avoid re-installing TWRP and Magisk from recovery again, and I'd like to be able to do this all without my computer if possible (see planned process below).
1. From what I've read, I should be able to restore a stock boot image to the inactive boot partition (from within Magisk Manager) , then install the Update (both steps 1 and 2), then reinstall Magisk Manager to the inactive boot partition.. And then reboot, and I should have the update, and keep TWRP and Magisk, right? (just looking for confirmation of the process)
2. I never provided a stock image to Magisk when I installed it originally, and I don't have one right now. How do I extract the boot image from the stock image on the Android website?
3. And do I need to indicate to Magisk that I have a boot image, or will it ask me when I go in to restore non-root?
4. Are OTA updates cumulative, or do I need to update the stock boot image each update?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although what you described works for some devices it won't on the pixel. To update and have twrp and root you'll need a pc. If the ota would flash when you have twrp and root, it won't, it would overwrite twrp and the patched boot image. So you're back to needing a pc to get twrp and install magisk.
For your other questions, if you extract the factory image you'll find another zip file in there. That's were the image files are and you need to extract that zip. And, ota's are cumulative so you don't need install previous ones. But specifically to the boot image, a previous months boot image may or may not be the same as the current one, etc.
jd1639 said:
Although what you described works for some devices it won't on the pixel. To update and have twrp and root you'll need a pc. If the ota would flash when you have twrp and root, it won't, it would overwrite twrp and the patched boot image. So you're back to needing a pc to get twrp and install magisk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused then. Isn't the method I described specifically for a phone with two boot partitions?
The instructions I am trying to reference:
Devices with A/B Partitions
Due to the fact that these devices have two separate partitions, it is possible to have the OTA installed to the inactive slot and have Magisk Manager to install Magisk onto the updated partition. The out-of-the-box OTA installation works seamlessly and Magisk can be preserved after the installation.
After restoring stock boot image, apply OTAs as you normally would (Settings → System → System Update).
Wait for the installation to be fully done (both step 1 and step 2 of the OTA), do not press the restart button!! Instead, go to (Magisk Manager → Install → Install to Inactive Slot) and install Magisk to the slot that the OTA engine just updated.
After installation is done, press the reboot button in Magisk Manager. Under-the-hood Magisk Manager forces your device to switch to the updated slot, bypassing any possible post-OTA verifications.
After the reboot, your device should be fully updated, and most importantly, Magisk is still installed to the updated system!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
madhattr999 said:
I'm confused then. Isn't the method I described specifically for a phone with two boot partitions?
The instructions I am trying to reference:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is, but it doesn't work on the pixel. Google's security, probably the M chip, but I may be wrong, prevents it from working. In theory, magisk should be able to patch a boot image on your device and you shouldn't need the magisk zip but that doesn't work either. You can certainly try what you're describing but backup at least your data partition with twrp and have it off your device before you try. Get the contents of your internal sdcard to if you have stuff there you don't want to lose.
Most likely restoring the stock boot image and trying to install the ota will just not work, but you never know.
jd1639 said:
It is, but it doesn't work on the pixel. Google's security, probably the M chip, but I may be wrong, prevents it from working. In theory, magisk should be able to patch a boot image on your device and you shouldn't need the magisk zip but that doesn't work either. You can certainly try what you're describing but backup at least your data partition with twrp and have it off your device before you try. Get the contents of your internal sdcard to if you have stuff there you don't want to lose.
Most likely restoring the stock boot image and trying to install the ota will just not work, but you never know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll back up my files and try that.
Well, as far as I know twrp backups only work for data (with verity and all that). Always bootloop on a vendor or system restore. Back up your data a million times and go for it. Worse thing that happens is back to zero. Wait, you said no computer? Well, put it on a free cloud saving service, have your data backed up out there. Not advertizing for any service in particular, but backing up data is something everyone should be thinking about.
I am about to go for broke on this device for the 4th time. Non boot several times, flashing, flashing, building, flashing. I have the added benefit of figuring out if cell service works as the vendor.img always breaks it. Good times mate.
I might be missing something here, so please clarify if there is a way to "Get March OTA without having to re-install Magisk/TWRP", and how. Wondering about exactly that. Thank you.
madhattr999 said:
I'm confused then. Isn't the method I described specifically for a phone with two boot partitions?
The instructions I am trying to reference:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you have quoted works fine for me. I did both February and March update with this method on my P3 and no problems.
The only thing i noticed is that it takes more than 20 minutes to do step 2 of the instalation (optimizing apps)
But to be on the safe side, please backup.
Another thing: i don't have TWRP recovery, just Magisk root
fronten said:
I might be missing something here, so please clarify if there is a way to "Get March OTA without having to re-install Magisk/TWRP", and how. Wondering about exactly that. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to do so. Either side loading the OTA, or fastbooting the factory image, will still require you to install root and twrp. Which, really isn't a big deal at all :good:
Badger50 said:
There is no way to do so. Either side loading the OTA, or fastbooting the factory image, will still require you to install root and twrp. Which, really isn't a big deal at all :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the person above you said he was able to do it on both recent updates...
madhattr999 said:
But the person above you said he was able to do it on both recent updates...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He doesn't have twrp and if you do have twrp the ota won't work for sure. So you're welcome to try if you're only rooted, no twrp. But patching the boot image and installing it from magisk hasn't worked, but maybe it does now. Let us know.
dracushor87 said:
What you have quoted works fine for me. I did both February and March update with this method on my P3 and no problems.
The only thing i noticed is that it takes more than 20 minutes to do step 2 of the instalation (optimizing apps)
But to be on the safe side, please backup.
Another thing: i don't have TWRP recovery, just Magisk root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@dracushor87, can you confirm that the process described by @madhattr999 worked correctly? I have a Pixel 3, rooted with Magisk, without TWRP. I would like to apply the monthly updates as easily as possible: without wiping data, uninstall/reinstall Magisk, etc.
Specifically:
madhattr999 said:
1. From what I've read, I should be able to restore a stock boot image to the inactive boot partition (from within Magisk Manager) , then install the Update (both steps 1 and 2), then reinstall Magisk Manager to the inactive boot partition.. And then reboot, and I should have the update, and keep TWRP and Magisk, right? (just looking for confirmation of the process)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked through Magisk Manager, and don't see a way to "restore a stock boot image to the inactive boot partition".
In the installed state, I don't see any functions for patching or installing boot images within Magisk Manager.
timg11 said:
@dracushor87, can you confirm that the process described by @madhattr999 worked correctly? I have a Pixel 3, rooted with Magisk, without TWRP. I would like to apply the monthly updates as easily as possible: without wiping data, uninstall/reinstall Magisk, etc.
Specifically:
I looked through Magisk Manager, and don't see a way to "restore a stock boot image to the inactive boot partition".
In the installed state, I don't see any functions for patching or installing boot images within Magisk Manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, i confirm. Before you start, please check if there is an update available. If there is, restore image, update, reinstall magisk and then reboot. If you reboot without reinstalling magisk, you will lose root. To install on the inactive slot, just click install in magisk manager and then you will be asked what method to use. If what i said is unclear, just requote me
dracushor87 said:
Yes, i confirm. Before you start, please check if there is an update available. If there is, restore image, update, reinstall magisk and then reboot. If you reboot without reinstalling magisk, you will lose root. To install on the inactive slot, just click install in magisk manager and then you will be asked what method to use. If what i said is unclear, just requote me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Used this method after the May update finally arrived for me yesterday. Backed up everything just in case, but it worked flawlessly.

[Guide] Update and Retain Root

*Note* Some people have had success with this, while some others have not. You do this at your own risk.
Prerequisites:
Magisk Manager might need to be unhidden based on reports from some users.
Magisk needs to have a backup of stock boot.img.
Preserve AVB 2.0/dm-verity must be enabled. (Have gotten mixed reports on this it might or might not be needed)
Check the following post if you don't meet the prerequisites
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=81186247&postcount=73
Update Process
When phone detects update
1. Disable any desired Magisk modules, ex. Edxposed (I usually disable all modules just to be safe)
2. Reboot
3. In Magisk, select Uninstall, press Restore Images
4. Do NOT Reboot
5. Install OTA Update via Settings -> System -> System Updates
6. When prompted to reboot, Do NOT Reboot
7. In Magisk Manager press Install
8. Select Install to Inactive Slot
9. Reboot
10. Enable the Magisk modules one by one
In case of bootloop after enabling a module there are 2 ways that I know of on how to retain root and fix bootloop.
One requires ADB
While phone is stuck in bootloop, connect phone to PC and run this commands via ADB.
adb wait-for-device shell magisk --remove-modules
adb reboot
This will remove all modules and you should be able to boot.
The second way is via fastboot. More information in this thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/themes/magisk-modules-disabler-booting-magisk-t3990557
Some information that might help some people.
eg1122 said:
I know some users flash patched boot.img that someone else patched, thus bypassing the creation of a backup. I think choosing or not choosing to preserve avb 2.0/dm-verity also affects if phone will take OTA. I always preserve mine and always patch my own boot.img so I haven't ran into any issues. I'll just have to wait and see what happens on my end once I get the update. This reminds me of some issues some people where getting early on when rooting. Some people had to flash the patched boot.img to both a/b slots and some people didn't. Having both slots with a patched boot will also break the restoring of stock boot.img as Magisk only restores the active slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do it this way you'll be using the patched boot image from the previous update and not the current one.
airmaxx23 said:
If you do it this way you'll be using the patched boot image from the previous update and not the current one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it doesn't. When you select install to inactive slot it patches the newly installed boot.img that has been installed to the inactive slot. Only reason phone promts you to reboot after an update is to switch slots.
For whatever reason, whenever I would try to do Uninstall - Restore images (in step 3 of the OP), I would get a toast error saying "Stock backup does not exist"
I'm not sure why the expected backup files hadn't been created. I suspect it has to do with the process of manually patching the boot image whilst initially rooting, as suggested in this Git issue.
Anyway, I was ultimately able to work around this, and was eventually able to get Uninstall - Restore images to work.
I wrote about my workaround method here.
pdfruth said:
For whatever reason, whenever I would try to do Uninstall - Restore images (in step 3 of the OP), I would get a toast error saying "Stock backup does not exist"
I'm not sure why the expected backup files hadn't been created. I suspect it has to do with the process of manually patching the boot image whilst initially rooting, as suggested in this Git issue.
Anyway, I was ultimately able to work around this, and was eventually able to get Uninstall - Restore images to work.
I wrote about my workaround method here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, there needs to be a backed up stock boot img for this to work. Being able to restore images the way stated in the issue would solve this as you could just restore a stock boot.img then continue doing the steps.
So does this work for every update? Just do the steps and it works? Im a complete noob when it comes to this stuff i just follow the write ups and pray!
DemonicMurderer said:
So does this work for every update? Just do the steps and it works? Im a complete noob when it comes to this stuff i just follow the write ups and pray!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it has worked for me all the time. These are the exact steps recommended by topjohnwu, I just made them more readibly available to users. Here is a link to his tutorial.
https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/tutorials.html#ota-installation
This work for the Verizon Pixel 4 XL???
SAMCR02018 said:
This work for the Verizon Pixel 4 XL???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you need to since your not rooted with a locked bootloader? Just take the OTA.
Badger50 said:
Why would you need to since your not rooted with a locked bootloader? Just take the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok the can the Verizon version get the BL unlocked?
SAMCR02018 said:
Ok the can the Verizon version get the BL unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Unless you got lucky and they sold you a google version by mistake.
SAMCR02018 said:
Ok the can the Verizon version get the BL unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a write up for that.
Does anybody know if this also work with a custom kernel? I thought removing root and let magisk install old (boot) image should reinstall stock boot.img (if magisk first was installed through fastboot with stock kernel). Then i can take ota, patch inactive slot with magisk and then reboot. After reboot i can install custom kernel again througj ex kernel manager app. Does anybody know if this works?
Donric13 said:
Does anybody know if this also work with a custom kernel? I thought removing root and let magisk install old (boot) image should reinstall stock boot.img (if magisk first was installed through fastboot with stock kernel). Then i can take ota, patch inactive slot with magisk and then reboot. After reboot i can install custom kernel again througj ex kernel manager app. Does anybody know if this works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this method works with custom kernel. Magisk removed custom kernel when it restores stock boot.img
When does the dec patch come out, on the 5th?
I just started the process then realized it wasn't out yet so I haven't rebooted. When I go to the step of installing to the inactive slot I get a warning that you should only do this after the ota update - does anyone know if I'll be OK to go ahead with it even though I haven't done the ota yet?
in_dmand said:
When does the dec patch come out, on the 5th?
I just started the process then realized it wasn't out yet so I haven't rebooted. When I go to the step of installing to the inactive slot I get a warning that you should only do this after the ota update - does anyone know if I'll be OK to go ahead with it even though I haven't done the ota yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't do it until the Dec ota comes out and that may be later today or sometime this week. Which is weird since all the other Pixels got it but hey it's Google
in_dmand said:
When does the dec patch come out, on the 5th?
I just started the process then realized it wasn't out yet so I haven't rebooted. When I go to the step of installing to the inactive slot I get a warning that you should only do this after the ota update - does anyone know if I'll be OK to go ahead with it even though I haven't done the ota yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since it's not out yet, just do a direct install in Magisk to re-install it
Thanks for this guide !
Does anyone know how to update and maintain root for manually updating using OTA files ? Usually the update takes a long time to reach my phone, so I update using OTA files.
mkpansare said:
Thanks for this guide !
Does anyone know how to update and maintain root for manually updating using OTA files ? Usually the update takes a long time to reach my phone, so I update using OTA files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other way I update is using full factory images. Once you download the zip, extract it and find and open (via Notepad++ or similar advanced text editor) the flash-all.bat or flash-all.sh (depends on your system), find this line
fastboot -w update
replace with
fastboot update
Basically remove the -w, this will prevent a factory reset (wipe) on your device. Once it is done you will need to patch new boot.img via magisk and flash the newly patched boot.img via fastboot.
Hope this helps!
ps. I recommend to always disable Magisk Modules before updating as they could cause FC
eg1122 said:
Since it's not out yet, just do a direct install in Magisk to re-install it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks that worked perfect... Was gonna be a long week without adblocker and lmt pie lol

Categories

Resources