Related
So... I unlocked the bootloader, but I haven't found a way to get root yet. There's no TWRP available, and I can't find a useable boot image. I tried to copy boot_a and boot_b using dd in an ADB shell, but all I got was "permission denied". There don't seem to be any stock images available, so I'm not sure where to get a boot image until there's an OTA update, but even then I might not be able to pull it from the data partition without root. Argh.
Also, Motorola has kernel source at https://github.com/MotorolaMobilityLLC/kernel-msm, but the last commit was over 2 months ago, and I can't find a default config for racer.
https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/racer/official/
Firmware for device
Thanks for that. I also found Lenovo's support app at https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/downloads/ds101291 (Lenovo owns Motorola.) Too tired to mess with this now. I'll try it later.
You can retrieve full ROM and boot.img from LMSA using rescue mode.
You can run rescue to update the ROM, observe the download process, copy the .zip once it reached 100% as well as retrieve boot
Copy boot.img to phone and patch with Magisk Manager, and copy back to host computer
Flash the patched boot
Make sure ADB is up to date
adb reboot fastboot
fastboot flash boot patched_boot.img
Yup, it's working now. Thanks all.
I have successfully rooted mine and having adaway installed
Can you install stock android 10 or even android 11 now?
ROM updated
Since Motorola/Lenovo updated the Edge since this was first posted, I would like to add that coming across the boot image file is a bit more scarce than the original release version for the Edge. However, using Rescue and Smart Assistant, you can downoad the latest ROM version. You may now use the boot image file in the downloaded folder [ProgramData\Lenovo\Downloads\Roms] and use that for Magisk patching to attain root. However, since I am not sure how that EXACTLY works, I am worried about the resulting file size. Original file size is 101MB. Patched file size is 36MB. I am afraid to flash due to this. Another however, I use fastboot to boot the patched file directly and it DOES work, just unsure if there would be any problems with it if I FLASH it, instead. I believe I read in a related thread to Magisk and rooting, that it reduces the file size to remove unnecessary space now that it is patched? Can someone confirm how that works and if it is safe to flash? I really don't want to flash it, then come across a problem and have to flash stock boot image and end up running into some other problems all because I wanted to flash the patched file instead of using fastboot to boot every time I reboot. Thanks for any and all help, guys.
mingkee said:
I have successfully rooted mine and having adaway installed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get root?
zrex said:
How did you get root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Magisk patched boot flashing method
TOOLBOYNIN39 said:
Since Motorola/Lenovo updated the Edge since this was first posted, I would like to add that coming across the boot image file is a bit more scarce than the original release version for the Edge. However, using Rescue and Smart Assistant, you can downoad the latest ROM version. You may now use the boot image file in the downloaded folder [ProgramData\Lenovo\Downloads\Roms] and use that for Magisk patching to attain root. However, since I am not sure how that EXACTLY works, I am worried about the resulting file size. Original file size is 101MB. Patched file size is 36MB. I am afraid to flash due to this. Another however, I use fastboot to boot the patched file directly and it DOES work, just unsure if there would be any problems with it if I FLASH it, instead. I believe I read in a related thread to Magisk and rooting, that it reduces the file size to remove unnecessary space now that it is patched? Can someone confirm how that works and if it is safe to flash? I really don't want to flash it, then come across a problem and have to flash stock boot image and end up running into some other problems all because I wanted to flash the patched file instead of using fastboot to boot every time I reboot. Thanks for any and all help, guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, my patched boot image is smaller too, but it works. I'm guessing the patched image is either sparse or truncated.
Mogster2K said:
Yes, my patched boot image is smaller too, but it works. I'm guessing the patched image is either sparse or truncated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes all the sense in the world to me. I flashed it and have been running it for a few days now without issue. Have my usual setup with Magisk, Riru-core, Riru EdXposed, and then GravityBox in EdXposed for the free customization. Only thing I couldn't get was Xblast module. Not compatible at all with Android Q. Only thing I need now is make the nav bar black all the time. Can't do it with GB since it doesn't have an option for that. Xblast had one but... oh well. Phone works nice aside from the occasional app that isn't compatible with edge enable/disable.
minidude2012 said:
https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/racer/official/
Firmware for device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW! You're a life savor, thank you!
I unlocked my bootloader through moto and downloaded the rom through lmsa and patched the boot img with magisk, then tried to flash it using adb but it put my phone into a boot loop.. can anyone help me out? this phone seems like a pain the ass to root* compared to the last one ive done (about 2 years ago)
edit: i think i found out what i did wrong, not renaming the patch file back to how it should be. and i patch the boot.img correct? or patch the recovery.img? getting conflicting guides
Make sure you flash boot.img in fastbootd
I'm curious of people's opinions of rooting this phone?
I just got mine yesterday, and I don't think I've ever not used rooted android all the way back to my first Android Eclair device over a decade ago now.
But here I find myself worried I'll have some of the display issues so I'm hesitant to root my device or request an unlock code while I'm in the 2 week return window because of the wording of the agreement once the code is used. It very explicitly absolves Moto of every possible responsibility for hardware faults under a blanket accusation that by unlocking the phone I must have broken it. And while I have no doubt the wording would crumple in court or whatever, I don't really want to go to court over a cell phone.
I rooted both my "send-ins". I am on my third and just going to accept the light green haze at low light. I rooted my first two and sent them in within a total of a month. First phone was on day 17. 2nd was about 6 or 7 days. That one was a turn around since it displayed the haze during setup. This third one shows it as well but I don't feel like doing the return and setup all over again. You shouldn't have to worry about the agreement since Lenovo/Motorola is not looking into that as this is a known hardware/software issue from factory.
Does this forum include the edge 5G? I have the US model(6/ram, 256GB). Does twrp still have that builder? There used to be something, to that, don't know if that's continued.
reggjoo said:
Does this forum include the edge 5G? I have the US model(6/ram, 256GB). Does twrp still have that builder? There used to be something, to that, don't know if that's continued.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to be a little late, but I am unsure of your question. This forum IS "Motorola Edge 5G". There is a separate forum under the name of "Motorola Edge+ 5G" for the more expensive version. If you are looking for TWRP for this phone, there never was a release. At least none that I had ever seen around here. I was always on the lookout for one and never came across one. The "plus" version of the phone does have a TWRP, however. Maybe that is the phone you have or at least the one you are confusing the TWRP with?
Looks like I'm gonna get a free P2 from my son. It maybe has 1 update left before Google abandons it. When I get it I want to root and put Lineage on it, or maybe a different rom based on opinions provided.
I have some questions:
1- I'm looking for the simplest method to unlock the bootloader and root, as I am not the most knowledgable Android/Linux user. I'm familiar with adb, although best if I can follow a written script. I would appreciate a recommendation on which method posted on XDA. I've seen Deuces and Nathanchance's methods. They seem easy enough to follow along with.
2- I'm a little confused about the Pixel factory images that folks mention in their posts. I see that Google has images catalogued on their site for downloading. How do you choose which one to flash to the phone after bootloader/root process? Does it matter? I'm located in Canada if that makes a difference.
3- I have used TWRP and never used Magisk for loading roms. I also see from one of the bootloader unlock/root methods that TWRP may not be all that reliable. Would TWRP be good enough to flash the factory image with, or should I get familiar with Magisk?
4- Am I correct in thinking that the Google image is flashed first to get the phone up and running, followed by Lineage (and gapps), or an different rom that would be flashed thereafter with TWRP/Magisk?
5- If I screw up during the unlock/root is there a recovery method available?
Thanks for any help provided.
jjcdennis said:
Looks like I'm gonna get a free P2 from my son. It maybe has 1 update left before Google abandons it. When I get it I want to root and put Lineage on it, or maybe a different rom based on opinions provided.
I have some questions:
1- I'm looking for the simplest method to unlock the bootloader and root, as I am not the most knowledgable Android/Linux user. I'm familiar with adb, although best if I can follow a written script. I would appreciate a recommendation on which method posted on XDA. I've seen Deuces and Nathanchance's methods. They seem easy enough to follow along with.
2- I'm a little confused about the Pixel factory images that folks mention in their posts. I see that Google has images catalogued on their site for downloading. How do you choose which one to flash to the phone after bootloader/root process? Does it matter? I'm located in Canada if that makes a difference.
3- I have used TWRP and never used Magisk for loading roms. I also see from one of the bootloader unlock/root methods that TWRP may not be all that reliable. Would TWRP be good enough to flash the factory image with, or should I get familiar with Magisk?
4- Am I correct in thinking that the Google image is flashed first to get the phone up and running, followed by Lineage (and gapps), or an different rom that would be flashed thereafter with TWRP/Magisk?
5- If I screw up during the unlock/root is there a recovery method available?
Thanks for any help provided.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would appreciate some help...
Pixel 2 was updated to android 11, and will likely continue to to get monthly security updates until the release of android 12, so you should have about another year if staying stock.
As far as rooting, the xda guides as you mentioned are pretty straightforward and comprehensive.
Pixel factory images are the stock system images that are provided by google. They are what you would flash if you wanted to run a stock system, and also the means for 'resetting' the phone back to a factory state in the event of a screwup. On the site, you'll notice that google has each of the images organized by phone type (the Pixel 2 is walleye) and within each phone type is operating system version going from oldest at the top to newest at the bottom. Typically you'd want to flash the newest os version unless you have a special use case. There are also cases where a particular version is only for a particular carrier, in which case google will note it under the version number.
As far as flashing lineage, I'm not too sure. I run stock (rooted) on my P2, but lineage is it's own rom so would be flashed directly via twrp. I would image the lineage thread would have install instructions and q/a.
clcdev said:
Pixel 2 was updated to android 11, and will likely continue to to get monthly security updates until the release of android 12, so you should have about another year if staying stock.
As far as rooting, the xda guides as you mentioned are pretty straightforward and comprehensive.
Pixel factory images are the stock system images that are provided by google. They are what you would flash if you wanted to run a stock system, and also the means for 'resetting' the phone back to a factory state in the event of a screwup. On the site, you'll notice that google has each of the images organized by phone type (the Pixel 2 is walleye) and within each phone type is operating system version going from oldest at the top to newest at the bottom. Typically you'd want to flash the newest os version unless you have a special use case. There are also cases where a particular version is only for a particular carrier, in which case google will note it under the version number.
As far as flashing lineage, I'm not too sure. I run stock (rooted) on my P2, but lineage is it's own rom so would be flashed directly via twrp. I would image the lineage thread would have install instructions and q/a.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for the help.
My current OxygenOS is the latest "12" version which after the OTA, OnePlus has strangely removed from their support site. It has some issues I don't like as well as many others who have posted on the OP Community board. The inactive partition is corrupted and I'm not sure what happened except I was rooted and tried to use Magisk protocol to keep root, but I got a bootloop afterwards. I changed the active slot to the old slot and got the new "12" version running. The inactive slot is corrupted and I get a Qualcom error message.
I want to go back to the previous ver "11" or LineageOS 18.1. However, I cannot get anything to allow me to sideload to the inactive partition or any partition. If I use adb while the phone is in normal operation, I get adb to show devices so I know I have a link. However, I cannot do adb sideload from the normal booted phone. So I have to reboot it to recovery where it looses it's connection to the adb command on the PC. It sees the phone but says it is unauthorized. It is a loop where adb works while phone is booted but not when I am in recovery. I have USB debugging set on and have revoked usb debugging and reset the whole scenario many times to see if different sequences might work so that I can do a sideload. Nothing has gotten me past this yet. I have even tried the Oxygen Updater app but OxygenOS system update won't let you install a prior version if you have the current one.
Any suggestions. Thanks
zzjea said:
My current OxygenOS is the latest "12" version which after the OTA, OnePlus has strangely removed from their support site. It has some issues I don't like as well as many others who have posted on the OP Community board. The inactive partition is corrupted and I'm not sure what happened except I was rooted and tried to use Magisk protocol to keep root, but I got a bootloop afterwards. I changed the active slot to the old slot and got the new "12" version running. The inactive slot is corrupted and I get a Qualcom error message.
I want to go back to the previous ver "11" or LineageOS 18.1. However, I cannot get anything to allow me to sideload to the inactive partition or any partition. If I use adb while the phone is in normal operation, I get adb to show devices so I know I have a link. However, I cannot do adb sideload from the normal booted phone. So I have to reboot it to recovery where it looses it's connection to the adb command on the PC. It sees the phone but says it is unauthorized. It is a loop where adb works while phone is booted but not when I am in recovery. I have USB debugging set on and have revoked usb debugging and reset the whole scenario many times to see if different sequences might work so that I can do a sideload. Nothing has gotten me past this yet. I have even tried the Oxygen Updater app but OxygenOS system update won't let you install a prior version if you have the current one.
Any suggestions. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried to sideload OOS 11 using Los recovery, but it doesn't work. And, since OOS recovery doesn't support sideloading I'd say that sideloading isn't an option.
However, using payload dumper and fastbootd may be an option. I would have tried this but I'm on 12 and there's no full install zip. But you're going back to 11 so this is a possibility.
But I wouldn't make these changes in the current working slot - don't break what's working.
I'm also not sure whether to use the OOS recovery for the fastbootd stuff or use one from a custom rom.
As you can gather, I've not done this. So you have to work out the details yourself and be prepared to be a guinea pig for the process.
If you do go down this path I'd be very interested in the outcome.
Of course, you could always use the MSM tool to go back to an older version.
Since there is no TWRP for OP8T and recovery is non-existent on it, how is anyone installing ROMs on this device. I have just jumped from my original purchase of OnePlus One that still works except for the power button (it is current with LineageOS 18.1 and rooted), to the OP8T over a month ago and a lot has changed since the OPO. I have looked up fastbootd but still don't understand the differences. Comments about installing ROMS are made all over this forum but most assume you know how to do it. I have gotten spoiled with TWRP on the OPO and can flash a new ROM in around a minute almost with my eyes closed. This is getting confusing. I successfully rooted this OP8T after I got it and that was a very touchy thing having to jump through a bunch of hoops to get it done. I was surprised that it worked after all the steps that were required. It used to be that there was info on how to do this kind of thing on this forum, but now it seems that most everyone thinks you should already know the basics. Well the basics are part of my problem right now. A and B slots are new to me and I think I understand that but have not seen an explanation of how that all works when loading ROMS. I have a working phone at the moment in the active slot, but the "other" slot is corrupted. I tried to duplicate the active slot to the inactive slot and of course I can't get adb to work.... Isn't anyone else having these issues? I will look into the MSM tool again.
If you know where the info is that I'm looking for is, please give me the links. Thanks
zzjea said:
Since there is no TWRP for OP8T and recovery is non-existent on it, how is anyone installing ROMs on this device. I have just jumped from my original purchase of OnePlus One that still works except for the power button (it is current with LineageOS 18.1 and rooted), to the OP8T over a month ago and a lot has changed since the OPO. I have looked up fastbootd but still don't understand the differences. Comments about installing ROMS are made all over this forum but most assume you know how to do it. I have gotten spoiled with TWRP on the OPO and can flash a new ROM in around a minute almost with my eyes closed. This is getting confusing. I successfully rooted this OP8T after I got it and that was a very touchy thing having to jump through a bunch of hoops to get it done. I was surprised that it worked after all the steps that were required. It used to be that there was info on how to do this kind of thing on this forum, but now it seems that most everyone thinks you should already know the basics. Well the basics are part of my problem right now. A and B slots are new to me and I think I understand that but have not seen an explanation of how that all works when loading ROMS. I have a working phone at the moment in the active slot, but the "other" slot is corrupted. I tried to duplicate the active slot to the inactive slot and of course I can't get adb to work.... Isn't anyone else having these issues? I will look into the MSM tool again.
If you know where the info is that I'm looking for is, please give me the links. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I presume that A and B slots are partitions
Code:
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 16 1970-01-03 04:30 /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/boot_a -> /dev/block/sde11
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 16 1970-01-03 04:30 /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/boot_b -> /dev/block/sde35
So try using MSM tool to restore them or find a copy of that partition from a working phone and flash on yours.
Maybe this can help you as well.
zzjea said:
Since there is no TWRP for OP8T and recovery is non-existent on it, how is anyone installing ROMs on this device. I have just jumped from my original purchase of OnePlus One that still works except for the power button (it is current with LineageOS 18.1 and rooted), to the OP8T over a month ago and a lot has changed since the OPO. I have looked up fastbootd but still don't understand the differences. Comments about installing ROMS are made all over this forum but most assume you know how to do it. I have gotten spoiled with TWRP on the OPO and can flash a new ROM in around a minute almost with my eyes closed. This is getting confusing. I successfully rooted this OP8T after I got it and that was a very touchy thing having to jump through a bunch of hoops to get it done. I was surprised that it worked after all the steps that were required. It used to be that there was info on how to do this kind of thing on this forum, but now it seems that most everyone thinks you should already know the basics. Well the basics are part of my problem right now. A and B slots are new to me and I think I understand that but have not seen an explanation of how that all works when loading ROMS. I have a working phone at the moment in the active slot, but the "other" slot is corrupted. I tried to duplicate the active slot to the inactive slot and of course I can't get adb to work.... Isn't anyone else having these issues? I will look into the MSM tool again.
If you know where the info is that I'm looking for is, please give me the links. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's some information that I found helpful:
A/B (Seamless) System Updates | Android Open Source Project
source.android.com
Dynamic Partitions | Android Open Source Project
source.android.com
Implementing Dynamic Partitions | Android Open Source Project
source.android.com
Moving Fastboot to Userspace | Android Open Source Project
source.android.com
Here's a couple of ways to get one partition to look like another one:
1. The Los pre-installation instructions have instructions on how to sync the partitions. Note: it doesn't sync boot, dtbo, or vbmeta.
2. If you're rooted you can copy one partition to the other using
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/by-name/xxxx_(active-slot) of=/dev/block/by-name/xxxx_(inactive-slot)
For example:
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/by-name/boot_b of=/dev/block/by-name/boot_a
Note that you can find out which is the active slot using getprop ro.boot.slot_suffix
I've written a shell script based on the Los zip in 1. (see attachment) that will do all partitions - use at your own risk. Don't run it unless you understand what it's doing.
** PLEASE DO YOUR PART AND READ / SEARCH / RESEARCH BEFORE POSTING AND/OR ATTEMPTING ANY MODIFICATIONS TO YOUR DEVICE. THIS GUIDE ASSUMES YOU ALREADY KNOW HOW TO OR HAVE ALREADY UNLOCKED YOUR BOOTLOADER, ALREADY ROOTED YOUR DEVICE, HOW TO FIX KG STATE ISSUES, HOW TO USE ODIN, 7-ZIP, LZ4 TOOL, ETC. THIS POST IS SIMPLY MY OBSERVATIONS AND STEPS TO UPDATE THE FIRMWARE WHILE ROOTED WITH MAGISK, WITHOUT LOSING DATA / REQUIRING A WIPE. MODIFYING YOUR DEVICE COMES WITH INHERENT RISKS, AND IT'S NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY IF YOU LOSE YOUR DATA. THE STEPS I SHARE HAVE WORKED WITHOUT FAIL FOR ME, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU MAY NOT RUN INTO PROBLEMS. BACKUP YOUR DATA.**
The reason I decided to write up this guide is because of the extremely large amount of misinformation, as well as general noob-ness (no offense to anyone, just my observations to be completely honest), that I seem to come across when it comes to the Samsung sub-forums around here. I've seen many people state that updating the firmware on this particular device (Galaxy Tab S6 LITE) will REQUIRE a data wipe, which is simply not true in my experience. However, I will admit that the procedure is extremely bass ackwards when it comes to this particular device, so maybe that's why people have been claiming this.
This guide only applies to stock Samsung firmware users.
Spoiler: Boring Backstory (click to read):
I ditched Samsung a long time ago, after the Galaxy S5 (not TAB, but the phone) days, when they really started locking up the bootloaders on the USA variants. Only T-Mobile was excluded on that particular model, but from what I understand, pretty much all Snapdragons since then have been completely locked down, across all carriers. So first of all, F*CK Samsung for being dickholes. Other than that, I recently decided I wanted to start using an Android tablet again, so at first I bought a Galaxy Tab S6 Lite several months ago. Eventually I got the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, after hearing (and it's true) that the S7 series tablets actually kept Widevine L1 status after unlocking bootloader / rooting. Heck yeah.
Anyway, my Tab S6 Lite just gathered dust over the last few months, but now that I'm donating it to a friend of mine who's in school, I reloaded it with stock firmware, but rooted and heavily modified (he's an art student, so having all the stock Samsung / S-Pen integrations will be very useful for him). I finally decided to take some rough notes (written and mental, lol) about the process of updating the firmware WITHOUT losing data. As in updating your device as if like taking a standard OTA, but needing to do it manually because we're rooted and modified.
Unfortunately, like I said this device is freaking weird. Not sure if it's because it's Exynos (it's my first Exy device) or what, but it doesn't follow the same procedure as I've been used to back in the Galaxy phone days, other Tabs I've come across, nor with the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus I now own... Which is to literally follow the instructions as the creator of Magisk himself, @topjohnwu, published on his Github (see the Samsung section): https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/install.html
But following those official Magisk instructions will result in this particular device not being able to boot, and you will need to wipe and start over. tl;dr - normally for sammy devices, you need to patch the full AP file in Magisk Manager and flash that in the AP slot in Odin because it also patches vbmeta to work around AVB. But for this device, this doesn't seem to be the case. At least in my experience.
Spoiler: Technical Rantings; Still Worth A Read IMO (click to read):
For some reason, on this particular device, you can't just patch the entire AP file. That will result in your device not booting, and eventually requiring a clean (wipe it all) Odin flash. Instead you need to flash the full, unmodified AP file (which normally would screw you over and is completely advised against), and then some extra steps... Anyway, I've outlined those steps below, as well as some preparation you'll need to do beforehand, which really just involves patching the boot image itself and placing in a .tar archive, which I would hope you already know how to do to be perfectly honest.
Not sure WTF is going on, as on other Samsung devices, you want to patch the entire AP file because Magisk will also automatically patch the vbmeta image thus working around AVB restrictions. It's really freaking weird to me because normally failing to patch vbmeta should normally result in inability to boot and subsequent SOL situation where you need to wipe... but with this device, it's ass backwards. And Magisk does indeed patch the vbmeta image when patching the full AP for this device... Why instead you need to skip patching the full AP file and flash just the patched boot image separately (thus skipping patching vbmeta) makes little sense to me. Not sure why this tablet is different, but again I'm not usually a huge fan of Samsung anyway so I really don't give AF. But they make the best Android tablets, so now that I've recently bought them (though I won't have this model S6 Lite for much longer), well I wanted to share with you guys; here are my working update instructions for the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, without losing data. At least it works for me.
FOLLOW THIS GUIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK! AND BACKUP YOUR CRAP BEFORE ATTEMPTING, JUST IN CASE.
I'm not responsible for any problems you incur, etc. etc. blah blah.
(BTW, this is for the SM-P610 - WiFi USA version. Not tested on LTE, and if you try on LTE, you'll also have a CP file to flash, fyi. I have no experience with the LTE model either). This guide assumes you already have your bootloader unlocked, know how to use Odin, aren't a complete noob, and can at least restore back to stock if crap goes sideways.
Below are some bonus resources anyway, to hopefully clear up some silly questions before they come up.
* Please thank the devs and OP's of these posts if you find them helpful and/or use their tools. It's the least you can do! *
[FRIJA] USE THIS TO DOWNLOAD THE LATEST FIRMWARE: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tool-frija-samsung-firmware-downloader-checker.3910584/
[ODIN *PATCHED*] I RECOMMEND VERSION "Odin3 v3.14.1_3B_PatcheD": https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/patched-odin-3-13-1.3762572/
[LZ4 TOOL] DECRYPTS LZ4 EXTENSION'D FILES: https://github.com/lz4/lz4/releases
[BL WARNING TEXT REMOVAL] TO REMOVE UGLY WARNING TEXT AT BOOT: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...tock-firmwares-modded-bl-warningtext.4195829/
* Please thank the devs and OP's of these posts if you find them helpful and/or use their tools. It's the least you can do! *
***************************** STEPS TO UPDATE FIRMWARE: *****************************
Use Frija (download thread provided above), or download firmware from somewhere like samfw.com
Open / unzip the firmware, and then open the AP archive and pull boot.img.lz4.
Using LZ4 tool (download thread provided above), decrypt boot.img.lz4 to boot.img
* you can just simply drag and drop the boot.img.lz4 file over the lz4.exe binary in Windows explorer
Copy boot.img to your tablet. Open Magisk (Manager) and patch the file.
Copy the Magisk Patched boot file back to your PC. Rename it as boot.img
Create .tar file (tar file name doesn't matter) containing ONLY boot.img - do not use compression (if using 7-Zip, add the boot.img to archive, select archive format as "tar", and use compression level as "Store"). While the .tar file name doesn't matter, IT SHOULD ONLY CONTAIN A SINGLE FILE - boot.img
Reboot to download mode. Hook up your tablet to your PC.
**IT MAY GET SCARY HERE ON SOME STEPS, BUT CONTINUE FOLLOWING THIS EXACTLY**
(Use Odin3 v3.14.1_3B_PatcheD, link provided above)
Flash new stock firmware, using BL / AP / HOME_CSC (must use HOME_CSC to not wipe data, DO NOT USE THE REGULAR CSC FILE OR IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY WIPE). If you have LTE version, also flash the CP file in CP slot. WiFi version does not have CP file.
Using default Odin options is fine (F. Reset Time, Auto Reboot). In fact, I would recommend it for the sake of following this guide.
It'll be scary, but it will reboot a few times and eventually boot into recovery mode. Don't interrupt the process and let it eventually settle on its own into recovery mode (after a few seemingly failed boot attempts).
It'll make you think you're screwed and must factory wipe the device. DON'T FREAK OUT. Options will be:
Try again
Factory data reset
View recovery logs
While USB cable is still plugged into the tablet and computer, select Try again (tap power button, but don't hold the button down) and then immediately hold down volume up and down at the same time so that and until it goes back to download mode. As prompted, press volume up to continue.
Using Odin, flash ONLY the magisk patched boot image tar file (uncheck BL / CSC boxes if Odin is still open from before). Also you can flash the modified bootloader splash tar as well at this time, might as well kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Again, you can just leave default options enabled (F. Reset Time, Auto Reboot).
Again, this will be very scary. It won't boot to system, but rather bootloader again. Probably an error at the bottom, something like "failed to load locales from the resource files" / "failed to compare" / whatever. However, the normal recovery options should now be available.
YOU WILL ONLY WIPE CACHE PARTITION (scroll down to "Wipe cache partition", and then confirm yes. Then select "Reboot system now".
It will take a while to boot, but this time you should eventually get to the lone "SAMSUNG" boot logo (this is a great sign), and then eventually get the "Tablet is updating..." box which shows the progress as it re-optimizes all of your apps.
That's it, and once it finishes optimizing your apps, should continue to load to your lockscreen! If so, congratulations, you've now updated to the latest firmware while retaining root without losing your data!
**********************************************************
Even with a heavily modified tablet, this has worked over several months, including the jump from A10 to A11. SafetyNet still passes (using kdrag0n's module), YouTube Vanced (my module), LSposed with Firefds kit and GravityBox R, and a bunch of other Magisk modules.
I'm very much aware you can save time by tweaking the above process, but this was the very safest exact procedure I could think of, so I recommend following it exactly as I wrote above.
Good luck, I hope it works for you, and enjoy your tablets!
just in case
and another
Damn, thanks dude. I'd just about given up clean flashing and thought I'll give your suggestion a go and it worked like a Boss! Im using the LTE version and not a single hiccup. Thank you for saving me a huge hassle. Only things i didn't follow was use frija, paid$2.99 and got the firmware. Everything else was exactly what you did. Worked man! Thank you so much again.
If anyone wants the latest. ACR firmware for SM-P615, lemme know and I'll share my drive link with you.
Cheers! Kudos. On latest may update now.
Didn't do the 2 birds one stone thing, was scared. I'm gonna do that later. Again, just to clarify, i run Magisk only for and root level file brousing, does it really matter if i don't pass the test? Everything runs as it should, just curious if there was a benefit to it.
Thanks a lot for this detailed guide!
It worked perfectly on my Galaxy tab S7, I updated it successfully with magisk already installed.
didnt work for me on the CUH2 update
sunmybun said:
didnt work for me on the CUH2 update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually just tried it and it does still work for CUH2. I am happy for this firmware as I was having a weird system reboot every time I unlock with PIN.
shattacrew said:
I actually just tried it and it does still work for CUH2. I am happy for this firmware as I was having a weird system reboot every time I unlock with PIN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it mightve not worked for me because i decrypted my data partition by factory reset and disabling the system to encrypt and check the partition before booting.
one of the tablets is encrypted and is using the KOO firmware, and the updating steps doesnt work either.
Ive flashed the tablets that were originally XAR firmware to KOO firmware.
im giving my inputs with my situation.
if anyone can find a way for my situtation, let me know =)
So I haven't updated my rooted tablet since the September 2020 update. Can I still jump to the latest version and still root or do I need to do some additional steps first?
still hasnt worked for me. I even went back to the tablet being encrypted.
for people who updated to DUL9 and rooted. please tell me the steps because it doesnt work for me
Can you specify the process of creating the TAR file? I patched the boot file from AP in Magisk already.
I used WinRar to make a .zip containing boot.img, then renamed it from AP-SLOT.zip to AP-SLOT.tar. Don't know if that's acceptable. I also used the "Store" compression method.
Afterwards what slot in Odin do you upload the .tar file to? I tried the AP slot but it hangs at "File analysis.....". It seems like it want a .tar.md5 file
TheCoryGuy said:
Can you specify the process of creating the TAR file? I patched the boot file from AP in Magisk already.
I used WinRar to make a .zip containing boot.img, then renamed it from AP-SLOT.zip to AP-SLOT.tar. Don't know if that's acceptable. I also used the "Store" compression method.
Afterwards what slot in Odin do you upload the .tar file to? I tried the AP slot but it hangs at "File analysis.....". It seems like it want a .tar.md5 file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you cant just rename from zip to tar. you have to use a diff program like 7zip to make into .tar
Great instruction. Everything is up and running and that stupid splash screen is gone. Great job, @i5lee8bit.
Late for the party...
I've found a python utility to download Samsung firmware at full speed.
It's quite easy to use:
SamLoader
[Tool] Samloader (SamFirm / Frija replacement)
Hello, I recently wanted to download some firmware for my Samsung device, but I realized that there is no 100% open source program to do so. In fact, all the tools that claim to do so require a library that is packed by Themida (so it is...
forum.xda-developers.com
Thank you @i5lee8bit this worked like a charm.
One question though, using a patched Odin is a not a requirement, is it?
Thank you @eddiefive for samloader link.
I just completed this to upgrade to Android 13 on my Tab S6 Lite. It worked perfectly. Thanks so much. I'm always amazed at the community support here.
awtompson said:
I just completed this to upgrade to Android 13 on my Tab S6 Lite. It worked perfectly. Thanks so much. I'm always amazed at the community support here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had successfully used this method to update to Android 12 (SM-P610_2_20221024120141_tk8omuwosv_fac)
I just tried updating to Android 13 (SM-P610_3_20230118120131_f9h5nltlpa_fac) and after wiping the cache step and rebooting to system, it goes into bootloop.
I tried twice, and in fact I re-downloaded everything and did all the steps just in case there was any corruption in any step or I missed something. Same thing. bootloop.
Had to re-apply Android 12 to recover the tablet.
I used Odin3 v3.14.1_3B_PatcheD
Any ideas?
badabing2003 said:
I had successfully used this method to update to Android 12 (SM-P610_2_20221024120141_tk8omuwosv_fac)
I just tried updating to Android 13 (SM-P610_3_20230118120131_f9h5nltlpa_fac) and after wiping the cache step and rebooting to system, it goes into bootloop.
I tried twice, and in fact I re-downloaded everything and did all the steps just in case there was any corruption in any step or I missed something. Same thing. bootloop.
Had to re-apply Android 12 to recover the tablet.
I used Odin3 v3.14.1_3B_PatcheD
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really. I did not use the patched Odin but I don't think that'st the problem. The boot after wiping cache did take long time, but no boot loops. The trickiest part is getting it to reboot into download mode after the "Try again" step. Wish I could be more help.
awtompson said:
Not really. I did not use the patched Odin but I don't think that'st the problem. The boot after wiping cache did take long time, but no boot loops. The trickiest part is getting it to reboot into download mode after the "Try again" step. Wish I could be more help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, rebooting to download was easy for me, but the damn thing almost immediately would go into bootloop after the wipe, no long wait.
UPDATE: You can now get root on the Android 10 Umidigi A7 Pro using magisk.zip v25.2 (25200).
See post 10 for more info
----------
to cut to the chase, i have this Umidigi A7 Pro [128gb, global, non-eea rom] that im trying to root. ive hit a snag with Magisk patching.
at this point, and after much tribulation finding correct drivers, i have managed to get the bootloader unlocked [orange state notice at boot] via fastboot commands on the windows 10 box. device successfully boots to stock, un-rooted rom
then...
ive installed the latest Magisk Manager,
copied the original boot image from the stock rom over to the device,
ran the patch operation on magisk
copied patched boot file back over to pc.
load up smart phone flash tool and the stock rom,
selected the patched boot file in the flash tool > boot
pushed to device
ENDS with error notice on flash tool. device goes into bootloop.
resolve by flashing back all of the unmodified stock rom.
multiple attempts, same results
from what ive gathered, there may be an issue with the later versions of Magisk that have a problem patching the file correctly. word is that v20.2 and lower have worked with this device.
so at this point, im trying to install a downgraded version of Magisk. when i install an older version of magisk manager, it want to update the manager, and install magisk newest version. in settings, ive seen a custom update channel option, but i cant find the right input to make that point to an older version. IF thats even the right path to take?
ive been rooting devices for over ten years, but in the past few, i kinda fell out of the game since the newer devices have most of the features i used to have to root/rom to have. but now, im wanting to focus more on secuity and privacy, so im back at it. only to find things have changed substantially. so im well versed in the field, just rusty, and needing a crash course on magisk in general, and specific advice on this umidigi.
for picking it up on sale for $70 brand new from the manufacturer (summer 2021), its a solid device. on par with with same-year samsung A series, but half the cost and twice the storage. the Umi doesnt have an oled screen like the samsungs, but it does have a metal frame and glass back. also came with a decent phone case and preinstalled screen cover. 4g unlocked dual sim slots work with t-mobile over old sprint tower nearby, and their gsm towers in other areas. handles a 128gb sd card without problems. cameras are very similar to a samsung a20, but the umidigi includes an added marco lens, which is nice.
once i get this thing hammered out, ill try to compose a concise how-to and upload the files. looking around online, theres a lot of bad or outdated info for this device. ive had to hodge-podge the bootloader unlock from various guides for this and other umidigi models.
thanks in advance everyone!
[reserved]
earlier today i managed to find a link for magisk canary. i dont have the device near me atm, but i believe the manager is v7.5 and magisk itself is v19.X. the output patch file comes out named differently with the older version (newer version appends a unique string behind the name). however, same results as before. boot loop.
one positive note tho: the patched boot file completes with a big green check rather than the runtime error, or whatever it was previously.
i tried pushing the patched boot file over fastboot and via the flash tool. same results regardless.
re-flashed the stock boot image and phone is back up and running. still no root though.
still leaning strongly toward it being a magisk problem, but ive seen mention of disabling some security features dealing with individual partitions, but that was on other umidigi models, so ill have to research further if nothing else pans out
found this tut mentioning vbmeta. otherwise, same process that ive been using with no success. figure its worth a shot. ill post back with results
rooting the umidigi a7 pro (magisk)
rooting the umidigi a7 pro (magisk). GitHub Gist: instantly share code, notes, and snippets.
gist.github.com
This guide is for advince users only! better guide comming soon on XDA (I have test this on my own umidigi a7 pro )In order to root your umidigi a7 pro you need to: 1) download device FW --> https://community.umidigi.com/forum.php?mod=forumdisplay&fid=235 (DO NOT download the EEA verison if you are not in Europe!) 2) download sp flash tool in case you brick you phone. --> https://spflashtool.com/ 3) unlock your bootloader --> https://www.getdroidtips.com/unlock-bootloader-umidigi-a5-pro-2/ 2) flash this vbmeta.img file with fastboot in bootloader mode. --> https://mega.nz/file/dnAS3AhD#g5PnSg-0UKFvyhZSZ8Em6gKO2Do7avaUepPmsH75-Bg cmd: fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img 3) extract the boot.img from fw.7z file and patch it with magisk 4) flash your patched_boot.img in bootloader mode cmd: fastboot flash boot boot.img enjoy your rooted phone!!!
nope, the vbmeta thing didnt help. bootloop. i tried using the patch from the latest magisk, and the patch from the older version of magisk. same across the board.
double b26 said:
to cut to the chase, i have this Umidigi A7 Pro [128gb, global, non-eea rom] that im trying to root. ive hit a snag with Magisk patching.
at this point, and after much tribulation finding correct drivers, i have managed to get the bootloader unlocked [orange state notice at boot] via fastboot commands on the windows 10 box. device successfully boots to stock, un-rooted rom
then...
ive installed the latest Magisk Manager,
copied the original boot image from the stock rom over to the device,
ran the patch operation on magisk
copied patched boot file back over to pc.
load up smart phone flash tool and the stock rom,
selected the patched boot file in the flash tool > boot
pushed to device
ENDS with error notice on flash tool. device goes into bootloop.
resolve by flashing back all of the unmodified stock rom.
multiple attempts, same results
from what ive gathered, there may be an issue with the later versions of Magisk that have a problem patching the file correctly. word is that v20.2 and lower have worked with this device.
so at this point, im trying to install a downgraded version of Magisk. when i install an older version of magisk manager, it want to update the manager, and install magisk newest version. in settings, ive seen a custom update channel option, but i cant find the right input to make that point to an older version. IF thats even the right path to take?
ive been rooting devices for over ten years, but in the past few, i kinda fell out of the game since the newer devices have most of the features i used to have to root/rom to have. but now, im wanting to focus more on secuity and privacy, so im back at it. only to find things have changed substantially. so im well versed in the field, just rusty, and needing a crash course on magisk in general, and specific advice on this umidigi.
for picking it up on sale for $70 brand new from the manufacturer (summer 2021), its a solid device. on par with with same-year samsung A series, but half the cost and twice the storage. the Umi doesnt have an oled screen like the samsungs, but it does have a metal frame and glass back. also came with a decent phone case and preinstalled screen cover. 4g unlocked dual sim slots work with t-mobile over old sprint tower nearby, and their gsm towers in other areas. handles a 128gb sd card without problems. cameras are very similar to a samsung a20, but the umidigi includes an added marco lens, which is nice.
once i get this thing hammered out, ill try to compose a concise how-to and upload the files. looking around online, theres a lot of bad or outdated info for this device. ive had to hodge-podge the bootloader unlock from various guides for this and other umidigi models.
thanks in advance everyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to see I'm not the only one seriously interested in modding this phone. Although, now it belongs to my partner because her Huawei was not playing well with what she was using it for - playing a couple of games and messaging. It had started to slow down. Anyways, to get back to the Umidigi. I had looked at modding it and to be honest it seemed to be more hassle than it was worth and I think I couldn't get the thing rooted. I could connect to my laptop (it's honeslty much easier using Linux and installing ADB and Fastboot there) as Linux does not have the same issues with drivers that Windows has. Everything I do is through Linux...
So, in the end and because I now don't have the phone, whenever I need added peace of mind with a phone I try very hard to not install my Google account on the phone. I can install apks using APKPure for the few additional apps that may not be on the Stock ROM or not initialized through Play Store.
I'm afraid I can't help with Magisk though. The couple of times I've tried to work with it has not worked and I simply do all work through Linux and either push or sideload stuff or use a microSD. Often using TWRP but not always.
Cheers... hope you have some luck with what you are trying to achieve.
[RESOURCES]
magisk download archive
Download Latest Magisk zip v23.0 and Magisk Manager 8.0.7 and Root your phone
On this page, we will share the full instructions to download and install Magisk zip on your Android Phone. This tutorial is also for the newbies/noobs
www.getdroidtips.com
19deke55 said:
Glad to see I'm not the only one seriously interested in modding this phone. Although, now it belongs to my partner because her Huawei was not playing well with what she was using it for - playing a couple of games and messaging. It had started to slow down. Anyways, to get back to the Umidigi. I had looked at modding it and to be honest it seemed to be more hassle than it was worth and I think I couldn't get the thing rooted. I could connect to my laptop (it's honeslty much easier using Linux and installing ADB and Fastboot there) as Linux does not have the same issues with drivers that Windows has. Everything I do is through Linux...
So, in the end and because I now don't have the phone, whenever I need added peace of mind with a phone I try very hard to not install my Google account on the phone. I can install apks using APKPure for the few additional apps that may not be on the Stock ROM or not initialized through Play Store.
I'm afraid I can't help with Magisk though. The couple of times I've tried to work with it has not worked and I simply do all work through Linux and either push or sideload stuff or use a microSD. Often using TWRP but not always.
Cheers... hope you have some luck with what you are trying to achieve.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the driver issue was a bit of a hassle to sort out, but partially due to my sub-standard hughesnet satellite connection being sooo sloooooow. everything takes ridiculously long time.
> thus far, ive managed to get drivers and all that to mesh.
> bootloader unlock was straightforward... a few command lines
> from there, it should be a simple process of sideloading the magisk manager apk. within the manager, select [install] magisk zip, select [patch file] option from popup, point it to the [boot file] u pull from the stock rom image (now on your device storage)
> move the magisk patched boot file to the computer, run the flash tool, flash the patched boot, reboot and verify root <<OR>> push via fastboot
rather than reboot, i get boot loop. LOL
everything goes thru successfully, but just not working out. ive read around and seen talk of there being issues with magisk itself, and the patch file it outputs. something about using an older version, perhaps it has to be a specific one, will allow successful root. i gotta see if i can find that, and go from there.
magisk, from my understanding, serves the same purpose as super user or superSU. but also has some added benefits that are needed with modern system security, and the ability to install 'modules' from the magisk zip. sounds like it may be similar to xposed framework, if you know that. anyway, check the link i posted in previous post if you want to know more. apparently its the new big thing in root.
also, i guess TWRP is only partially functional on the Umidigi A7 Pro. im not sure exactly how or what. i just decided i would try the newer method since it seems like the way things are headed
if i can get this thing sorted out, ill bundle up the files and post up a package for people to grab. the way people talk, the same process can be used for several umidigi devices, and basically the same process for all (most?) mediatek chipped devices. MTK chipsets
also worth mentioning there is a pre rooted rom floating around, here on xda, i believe. cant recall the name of it off hand tho. however its a GSI rom (i think theyre called). my understanding is that GSI is like a one-sized-fits-all build method, where as long as the device meet preset criteria, the rom will run. that doesnt mean it will run well on every device tho, from what ive read. but, worst case scenario, its another avenue to consider.
double b26 said:
the driver issue was a bit of a hassle to sort out, but partially due to my sub-standard hughesnet satellite connection being sooo sloooooow. everything takes ridiculously long time.
> thus far, ive managed to get drivers and all that to mesh.
> bootloader unlock was straightforward... a few command lines
> from there, it should be a simple process of sideloading the magisk manager apk. within the manager, select [install] magisk zip, select [patch file] option from popup, point it to the [boot file] u pull from the stock rom image (now on your device storage)
> move the magisk patched boot file to the computer, run the flash tool, flash the patched boot, reboot and verify root <<OR>> push via fastboot
rather than reboot, i get boot loop. LOL
everything goes thru successfully, but just not working out. ive read around and seen talk of there being issues with magisk itself, and the patch file it outputs. something about using an older version, perhaps it has to be a specific one, will allow successful root. i gotta see if i can find that, and go from there.
magisk, from my understanding, serves the same purpose as super user or superSU. but also has some added benefits that are needed with modern system security, and the ability to install 'modules' from the magisk zip. sounds like it may be similar to xposed framework, if you know that. anyway, check the link i posted in previous post if you want to know more. apparently its the new big thing in root.
also, i guess TWRP is only partially functional on the Umidigi A7 Pro. im not sure exactly how or what. i just decided i would try the newer method since it seems like the way things are headed
if i can get this thing sorted out, ill bundle up the files and post up a package for people to grab. the way people talk, the same process can be used for several umidigi devices, and basically the same process for all (most?) mediatek chipped devices. MTK chipsets
also worth mentioning there is a pre rooted rom floating around, here on xda, i believe. cant recall the name of it off hand tho. however its a GSI rom (i think theyre called). my understanding is that GSI is like a one-sized-fits-all build method, where as long as the device meet preset criteria, the rom will run. that doesnt mean it will run well on every device tho, from what ive read. but, worst case scenario, its another avenue to consider.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. The Mediatek side of things is interesting as I have at least one Lenovo tablet that uses them and the Kindle Fire tablet I have also. Such a pain that manufacturers have went down the road of locking bootloaders the way they have. It used to be so easy to install ROMs. Oh well. C'est la vie.
Thanks for the info. I can't see me touching the Umidigi now for a couple of years. It would be more than my life's worth, lol. I'll copy the contents of your post for future reference.
Have a nice day. Hope you have success with your efforts and that your satellite connection improves.
I GOT ROOT !!
Sorry, I forgot to update this thread...
Bottom line is that there was a bug in magisk. It has since been repaired, and root procedure works 'as advertised' using magisk.zip v25.2 (25200)
After having no luck, I gave up. A few months later I tried again after reading about how magisk had a recent bug fix that sounded like it might have been the problem for this Umidigi. So, I grabbed a new build of magisk .zip, followed the tutorial, and it worked as expected. Pretty simple, once you have the resources ready. Not to mention, a windows 10 pc is all you need to get it done.
---------
My Metro by T-Mobile plan is no-cap-LTE, but doesn't have a hotspot allotment. I'm using a 'hotspot unlocker' magisk module to give me access to the hotspot. I believe it stops reporting hotspot activity back to the ISP, but I'm not sure. Regardless, I use a lot of hotspot data every month, but not a peep from the provider.
In conjunction with that, I'm running "VPN Hotspot" to tunnel hotspot traffic thru my phone's VPN connection. Otherwise, tethered data bypasses the VPN. The app is on play store and requires root.
I'm using the phones hotspot to serve data across to an old dd wrt router I have set as a repeater bridge. It runs a virtual wifi network, and other devices sign into that network. From there, behind the router, it operates as a normal home wifi network. Smart TVs, Chromecast, and all your tablet apps work as expected.
----------
I'm also running a few other modules, like viper audio. So far, so good. Really can't complain for a cheap device. It even gets decent battery life when serving data. About 10% per hour, avg running, but can go further if not running a VPN and close background apps .
---------
I'll look on the PC and see if I can compile a list of software, drivers, etc that were needed.