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N00b tutorial: Flashing EOS3 to MZ604 Xoom (Wifi)

Hi all.
A few days ago I entered the Xoom forum asking about how to modify an "unaltered" Spanish/European Xoom (Wifi Only, MZ604) running stock Android Honeycomb (3.2) and flash a custom ROM with Android 4.1.1 (JellyBean), so that I don't have to wait Motorola to release the updates (still in Honeycomb in Europe, while in US they're enjoying JB), and to enjoy the extras that custom ROMs offer (root, overclocking, etc).
Xda users "wesamothman" and "Cubanluke88" answered quickly to my question and this allowed me to unlock my Xoom bootloader, install TWRP Recovery and flash EOS3 ROM (JellyBean for Xoom from TEAM EOS). The results are awesome; the change from Honeycomb to Jellybean, plus the totally stable overclocking at 1.2 and even 1.4 Ghz is worth the fact that you void the Xoom warranty by doing this procedure. It's like having a brand new tablet.
As I found some problems/mistakes in the procedure I was given, I've created a new "Guide for Noobs" (based on wesamothman's) so that anybody can reproduce the same steps and convert an European Xoom (Wifi Model, MZ604) into a modern EOS3-powered Xoom.
NOTE: I initially wrote this tutorial using the EOS-RECOVERY-6.IMG as the CWM Recovery software to install in the Recovery Partition. The recommended recovery software now is TWRP so I've updated the tutorial replacing the download links and filename.img to flash. The procedure remains the same, although I really tested and executed it with eos-recovery-6, not with TWRP. Anyway, it is supposed to be flashed and work the same way than I initially described it.
NOTE THAT THIS PROCEDURE IS FOR EOS3 - (EOS NIGHTLY <= v155).
EOS4 (nightly >= v156) requires a slightly different procedure!!!
Please, remember that by unlocking the bootloader (and flashing non official software) you're voiding the device warranty and that I'm not responsible of any damage that your device can suffer. I'm just explaining how I did the unlocking+flashing to convert my SLOW XOOM in a fully working JellyBean system. Remember also that this procedure is for WIFI ONLY Xooms. 3g xooms need a different rom/procedure.
So, sumarizing, that's what we are going to do:
a.- Unlock the "bootloader" of the Motorola Xoom so that we can "install" custom software in both the "recovery" and the "data" partitions. Please notice that by unlocking the bootloader you void the device warranty.
b.- Flash TWRP software into the recovery partition, (I was flashing EOS-Recovery-v6 software initially but now is deprecated and TWRP must be used) so that we can launch this software pressing a combination of keys during power-on. This software will allow us to make full backup/restore of the device memory, and to install any ROM (EOS2, EOS3, cyanogenmod, EDGE, etc) in the system. Thanks to this recovery we are safe against problems in the O.S. (even if we break it), because we can always recover from backup or flash a new ROM (including the "stock" ROM, I mean, the ROM shipped oficially with the device) and solve the situation.
c.- Once recovery is installed, do a NANDROID backup of the NAND of our device, to have a copy of the "stock" system.
d.- From Recovery, flash the desired ROM (EOS3 in my case) and the Google Apps applications (they can't be included inside the ROM for legal reasons, so they are flashed separately) to the "data" particion.
e.- Restart and enjoy our new system (you can also made another NANDROID backup to save this "working point" for the future).
Steps a). and b). need a working computer with Linux, Windows or Mac. After doing b).- you can do everything from the Xoom itself and you don't need the computer anymore. After doing b)., you'll be able to download ROM images directly under your Xoom in the uSD card and reflash any new ROM directly rebooting the tablet into recovery-mode.
Steps a) and b) can be done from Linux, Windows and Mac. Although I have Linux in my laptop, I found that almost all the tutorials in Internet explain the procedure under Windows so I installed temporary a Windows system to do the "PC dependant" steps, because I didn't want to experiment with the "risky" actions in both steps.
So, let's start with the "PC dependant" actions, which includes steps a). and b).
I'll try to update the thread with screenshots in the future, as I didn't take photos/screenshots of the procedure, I'll check images.google.com to find something that fits the text, and add the later to the tutorial if they are really needed.
PART 1 .- HOW TO INSTALL TWRP RECOVERY:
Here we are going to unlock our Xoom and install a custom recovery software into the recovery partition. The recovery software is launched when you start your Xoom in recovery mode, and this is achieved by pushing Power, VolUP and VolDown key combinations when you power-on the tablet (we'll see how later).
So we'll replace the original "recovery" software by a custom one that allows us to flash NON OFFICIAL software to the data partition.
To do that, first we have to download all the required software in the Xoom enternal uSD card and prepare our PC system to recognize and work with the Xoom. We have to download:
Get the Motorola USB drivers for your system: http://developer.motorola.com/docstools/USB_Drivers/ . This step is only needed under Windows, so that the Windows System recognizes the Xoom and the Android SDK binaries (adb and fastboot) can send data to the tablet. Check that you're downloading the right drivers (32 or 64 bits) for your 32 or 64 bits System, and install them. If the Android SDK in your Linux system can recognize the Xoom, you're ready to use Linux also to do the following steps.
Download and Install in your PC the lastest JavaSE JDK from Oracle's website: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html.
Download and install the Android SDK for your system: http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html .
Download the EOS v155 ROM and GoogleAPPS for that version. My final choose was EOS3 ROM Wingray (Jellybean for Xoom), and installed v155 from the nightly compilations (which is the latest nightly in Android 4.1, being v156+ Android 4.2). "Nightly" means that as the software is still not "final version" (it's still in development) a new version is released almost everyday, correcting bugs or adding new features. I personally didn't found any bug in v155 but you can check the EOS3 thread in XDA to check that the latest version has no bugs reported by people in that thread.
ROM: http://goo.im/devs/teameos/roms/eos3/nightlies/wingray/ (as of date September-2012 - I recommend v141 )
GAPPS: Latest: http://teameos.org/gapps/wingray (I used http://goo.im/devs/teameos/roms/eos3/gapps/gapps-jb-20120802-eos-signed.zip for v155).
EOS3 THREAD: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1764751
And the most important, download TWRP the "recovery software" that will allow you to work without the need of the PC (I was using Team Eos Recovery 6 initially, but now is deprecated and TWRP must be used):
Team Win Recovery Project 2.x, (TWRP): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1782235
You should download the IMG file (example: R.A.H.v3_TWRPv2.5.0.img). Check that the size of the downloaded file matches the size that is shown in the above link. This is the most important file because it will allow to install the recovery system and it's CRITICAL that the file is not corrupted..
Steps:
a.- Install in your PC the Android SDK, open Windows' cmd, enter the android-sdk folder and run:
Code:
tools\android.bat update sdk
Now select "Android SDK Tools", "Android SDK platform-tools", and Extras/"Google USB Driver". Click on "Install packages".
This will download and install the packages needed so that we can access the Xoom from the PC for "flashing" data purposes; mainly "adb" and "fastboot". Adb allows us to work with the xoom started in the Android System, and fastboot allows us to work with the xoom started in fastboot mode, which is the mode we'll use to "flash" the recovery software.
b.- Enable USB debugging in the XOOM (in settings, development), so that we can use adb with the tablet.
c.- Install the Motorola USB drivers for your laptop (32 or 64 bits, check it in the Windows system properties).
d.- Plug the Xoom to your PC.
e.- Execute cmd and enter the android-sdk/platform-tools folder.
Run "adb devices". You should see that the system identifies your Xoom with a long numbers+letters string. If you get an empty "List of devices attached", then you must enter the control-panel -> devices and "Fix problem with device" over the MZ60x device, so that the system can bind the right USB drivers we installed to that concrete device.
After a While, Windows will fix it and re-executing "adb devices" will show a message like:
Code:
List of devices attached
037887sda897xz device
(the digits string will vary according to your device)
Now, with your xoom working under the Android OS, do:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
With the above, you'll enter fastboot mode without needing to press any key in the startup. Fastboot mode is a special bootmode in the xoom that allows the PC to send data to the Xoom and "write" to Recovery and Data partitions. You can also enter that mode starting the Xoom with "Power+Volume Up" pressed simultaneously.
Now your Xoom will show the Motorola logo and the words "Fastboot protocol...". If you need to stop now for any reason, you can abandon this mode safely and reboot the tablet with "Power+VolUP+VolDown" for a few seconds.
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(Photo: fastboot mode, taken from google images)
But let's continue.... If you now do:
Code:
fastboot devices
You should get a string like
Code:
List of devices attached
037887sda897xz fastboot
If you don't see that string (and you see and error about device not found), you have to "fix/repair" the usb drivers again in the Windows ControlPanel / Devices. Now you'll see a "FASTBOOT" device instead of the MZ60x you repaired before (that's why we have to repair/fix again the device, because Windows see it as a different device while in fastboot mode).
After repairing it, unplug and plug the USB cable (still in fastboot mode) and repeat the command:
Code:
fastboot devices
Now it will work and you'll see the device recognized by "fastboot".
Issue the following command to unlock the Xoom (you'll void the warranty). If you don't unlock the xoom, data and recovery partitions will be "read only" and you can't send the "new software" to them.
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
Follow the Xoom's onscreen instructions to unlock the bootloader. You have to use VolDown to move through options and VolUP to accept an option. The device will ask you twice if you are sure that you want to unlock the device and void the warranty, and then it will make a "factory reset" of the O.S. .
The xoom will reboot and your old android OS will show, but now with a factory reset. Select language, time, etc. Enable again "USB debugging" and execute in the PC:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
(to start again the tablet in fastboot mode)
Now copy the recovery file (the name may vary, with something like R.A.H.v3_TWRPv2.5.0.img) to the android-sdk/platform-tools/ folder with name "recovery.img" and execute:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
You will see something like:
Code:
C:\Users\sromero\Desktop\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools>
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
sending 'recovery' (XXXXX KB)...
OKAY [ 0.499s]
writing 'recovery'...
OKAY [ 1.014s]
finished. total time: 1.529s
Check in the xoom's screen that the file was correctly written and execute:
Code:
fastboot reboot
Now disconnect the USB cable and enter recovery mode with:
- When the Motorola logo appears, tap Volume Down (not press, tap) repeteadly until "Android Recovery" is displayed in the screen.
- In this moment, pressing Volume Up will send you to Recovery Mode.
- If you press by mistake again Volume Down, you'll enter DRS mode. You can leave it with VolUP+VolDown+Power and try again (Xoom is powered off).
And you'll start the TWRP Recovery recovery system. If you see the standard Android recovery system instead of TWRP recovery, you can repeat the above "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img". You don't have to unlock the bootloader again, just flash the recovery software and reboot again in recovery mode with "fastboot reboot" and "adb reboot recovery".
(Photo: my Xoom in EOS6 recovery mode, TWRP is different, with better controls and more features )
You can start recovery mode also manually by powering on the Xoom and when the motorola logo appears, wait 3 seconds and press VolUp.
Now, you have your device unlocked and recovery installed. Now, you are SAFE because you can do nandroid backups and restores and can put any ROM in your system and go back with a backup or flash another different rom.
PART 2 .- HOW TO USE TWRP RECOVERY
How to enter in recovery mode:
A.- Manually:
- Turn Xoom off.
- Press Power to turn Xoom on.
- When the Motorola logo appears, tap Volume Down (not press, tap) repeteadly until "Android Recovery" is displayed in the screen.
- In this moment, pressing Volume Up will send you to Recovery Mode.
- If you press by mistake again Volume Down, you'll enter DRS mode. You can leave it with VolUP+VolDown+Power and try again (Xoom is powered off).
b.- From "adb" in a PC system with Android running on the tablet connected to that PC:
Executing "adb reboot recovery"
c.- With a custom ROM, selecting "reboot" will ask you if you want a normal reboot or a recovery-reboot.
How to use recovery mode:
Use the Volume Up and Volume Down keys to move between options and Power button to select an Option:
Code:
Up -> VolumeUp button
Down -> VolumeDown button
Select -> POWER button
Available options for a basic CWM / recovery are:
Reboot system now -> exit Recovery mode.
install zip from sdcard -> allows to install ZIPs to data partitions such as ROMs.
wipe data/factory reset -> delete all the contents in the data partition (needed before flashing a ROM)
wipe cache partition -> delete cache partition.
backup and restore -> allows doing "nandroid" backups and restore of our system (FULL MEMORY BACKUPS).
mounts and storage -> allows to mount aditional media to save/read data.
advanced -> extra options.
(Photo: Nandroid backup)
NOTE: TWRP is newer than the OLD EOS-recovery-6, the above capture and options may differ.
PART 3 .- HOW TO INSTALL EOS3 ROM:
Now we've installed recovery, so we don't need the PC anymore. We can enter in recovery mode at any moment and do backup/restores, flash new roms, flash updates, etc.
To install EOS3 ROM (or any other "full install" -not update- ROM, do):
Start the Xoom in recovery mode.
Backup/restore -> backup the current system to our external SD.
Wipe data/factory reset -> remove partition contents
Wipe cache -> delete the cache
Advanced -> Wipe Dalvik Cache
Advanced -> Wipe Battery Stats
Install ZIP from SDCARD -> /sources/ -> the eos3 rom .zip file.
Install ZIP from SDCARD -> /sources/ -> the gapps .zip file.
Reboot
Install gmail, youtube, etc from Market (not included anymore in gapps).
Enjoy your new rom!
PART 4 .- HOW TO UPDATE EOS3 ROM or install a new different ROM:
Start the Xoom in recovery mode.
Backup/restore -> backup the current system to our external SD.
Wipe data/factory reset -> remove partition contents
Wipe cache -> delete the cache
Advanced -> Wipe Dalvik Cache
Advanced -> Wipe Battery Stats
Install ZIP from SDCARD -> /sources/ -> the new rom .zip file.
Install ZIP from SDCARD -> /sources/ -> the gapps .zip file.
Reboot
Enjoy your new rom!
I hope this can help people to unlock their xooms.
Thanks to "wesamothman" and "Cubanluke88" for the initial support given and specially to EOS Team and the people that created ClockWorkMod for sharing their time, work and knowledge with us. They've converted my "slow xoom" in a very powerfull and fully functional tablet.

Couldn't expect less from you. Super great guide...
Sent from my MZ601 using Tapatalk 2

Post reserved for updates in case the initial post gets too large...

I wish all new Android users would do the level of research the OP did prior to making his initial question thread. We guided you a bit but if I remember right, your first post showed quite well that you had done your homework. If more people committed themselves to understanding what they're doing prior to doing it, I'd imagine there'd be a lot less "bricks" in the android world. Great work dude and nice job entering the forums with a bang.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2

Thanks for your words...
In this thread I've tried not only to give a procedure (the forums and lots of websites are full of procedures) but also explain the concepts themselves (oem unlock, adb, fastboot, recovery mode, gapps, etc).
"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime".
Thanks.
--
Sent from my Xoom with EOS3 ROM using Tapatalk 2

Updated with some pictures

Updated with links to v141...

eos 6 recovery.img not available
the recovery image file is not available in the link..could you update the link. Thank You !
Great tutorial

kakrikakri said:
the recovery image file is not available in the link..could you update the link. Thank You !
Great tutorial
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi.
According to this URL, EOS6 RECOVERY.IMG has been deprecated:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1604014
Now you can use Team Win Recovery Project 2.2, (TWRP):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1782235
Flashing is almost similar to EOS6 recovery method described above, just check the last link.

NoP_Compiler said:
Hi.
According to this URL, EOS6 RECOVERY.IMG has been deprecated:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1604014
Now you can use Team Win Recovery Project 2.2, (TWRP):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1782235
Flashing is almost similar to EOS6 recovery method described above, just check the last link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow that was a quick reply.. THANKS (Y)

kakrikakri said:
wow that was a quick reply.. THANKS (Y)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyway, I have the eos-recovery-r6.img.zip file in my desktop, I can send you via email if you want to use it instead of TWRP (but you should not, as Team Eos recommends their new recovery system).
I'm going myself to update to TWRP this evening (they have a .zip file that you can flash from an existing recovery like my current "EOS6 recovery").

Same method for stock ics?
Sorry I am a bit paranoid..but will this same unlocking bootloader and flashing recovery method work for stock ics on my xoom?
Thanks !

Help !!! In a lot of trouble
I flashed the twrp recovery and then it rebooted..everything was perfect till that point
then i rebooted into recovery..and when i selected to install zip from usb drive..it said mount to sdcard failed (at this point the roms were downloaded in my internal storage) and it does not detect any zip files.
I tried putting the zip files on a proper micro sdcard and then rebooted into recovery..but still no luck.. it just says it failed to mount sdcard.
Special note:- and btw.. when i reboot into recovery and after pressing the vol up button there is a droid icon on my screen, but no 'recovery' menu shows up.. then i pressed volup+power button, this action popped up the list of menus of the recovery screen... (do u think this might be a problem?)
please help me i am panicking here..is there anyway i can flash a different recovery..like the eos recovery or the cmw?
HELP !!!!

kakrikakri said:
I flashed the twrp recovery and then it rebooted..everything was perfect till that point
then i rebooted into recovery..and when i selected to install zip from usb drive..it said mount to sdcard failed (at this point the roms were downloaded in my internal storage) and it does not detect any zip files.
I tried putting the zip files on a proper micro sdcard and then rebooted into recovery..but still no luck.. it just says it failed to mount sdcard.
Special note:- and btw.. when i reboot into recovery and after pressing the vol up button there is a droid icon on my screen, but no 'recovery' menu shows up.. then i pressed volup+power button, this action popped up the list of menus of the recovery screen... (do u think this might be a problem?)
please help me i am panicking here..is there anyway i can flash a different recovery..like the eos recovery or the cmw?
HELP !!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Twrp recovery doesnt mount external sdcard by default, you need to mount it first thru recovery. Just go to mounts and check the box to mount external sdcard

wesamothman said:
Twrp recovery doesnt mount external sdcard by default, you need to mount it first thru recovery. Just go to mounts and check the box to mount external sdcard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry i panicked.. I think its working fine now..i flashed a wrong recovery it seems.
May i ask ! if we are installing the eos 3 rom for the first time, does it take very long to boot the very first time?
because i my xoom is booting up after installing, and the eos logo is on display for more than 10-15 mins.. is it supposed to take this long?

kakrikakri said:
I am sorry i panicked.. I think its working fine now..i flashed a wrong recovery it seems.
May i ask ! if we are installing the eos 3 rom for the first time, does it take very long to boot the very first time?
because i my xoom is booting up after installing, and the eos logo is on display for more than 10-15 mins.. is it supposed to take this long?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First time ROM flashing is longer than normal booting, like 5 min ,
If you got stuck in boot loop, reboot into recovery using the power and sound keys combination and clear cache and dalvik and reboot again

kakrikakri said:
I am sorry i panicked.. I think its working fine now..i flashed a wrong recovery it seems.
May i ask ! if we are installing the eos 3 rom for the first time, does it take very long to boot the very first time?
because i my xoom is booting up after installing, and the eos logo is on display for more than 10-15 mins.. is it supposed to take this long?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you finally succeded "booting" EOS3?

NoP_Compiler said:
Did you finally succeded "booting" EOS3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it did and it works perfectly
Thank you NoP_Compiler and wesamothman
Sent from my Xoom using xda app-developers app

Just to say thanks for 1 of the best tutorials I have ever found,from stock ICS to eos 3 wingray nightly 151 in less than 20 mins. Only prob I had was android SDK wouldn't find x64 java on win had to install 32bit version on top but only hiccup

dead android in step 2
Hi,
Thanks for the great tutorial.
I got thru Step 1, using the image "openrecovery-twrp-2.3.1.0-wingray.img"
In Step 2, when I enter in recovery mode, I get a screen with a "dead droid" image.
Any idea about what I might be missing?
thanks!

[GUIDE] Unlock/Root/Flash for Moto X Style/Pure

[SIZE=+3]Heisenberg's How-To Guide For Beginners[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=+2]Moto X Pure[/SIZE]​
[SIZE=+1]Intro[/SIZE]
This thread will serve as a location for basic how-to guides for the Moto X Pure. I'm going to start off with a couple of the more obvious ones and go from there. If anyone has any suggestions for additions please feel free to let me know.
[size=+1]Prerequisites[/size]:
You'll need a working adb/fastboot environment on your PC to get through some of these guides. Go here to download the Android SDK, which will give you most updated version of adb and fastboot. Scroll to the bottom of the page and find Other Download Options>SDK Tools Only, and grab the right version for your OS. While it's downloading create a folder in C:\ called SDK (C:\SDK). Once you've downloaded the zip you can extract it into your C:\SDK folder. Navigate to C:\SDK\android-sdk-windows and open SDK Manager.exe. In SDK Manager you need to install the following packages:
Tools> Android SDK Tools, Android SDK Platform-tools
Extras> Android Support Library
Once you have installed those, inside C:\SDK you should see some new folders, one of them will be called platform-tools, within that folder you should see fastboot.exe and adb.exe. I'll refer to this as your fastboot folder/directory or working folder/directory during this guide. To make sure adb is correctly installed, open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (hold shift + right click, select open command prompt here) and issue this command:
Code:
adb version
If it returns a version number for Android Debug Bridge then you're good to go.
You'll find Motorla drivers here, download it and install, then reboot your PC.
You can test adb by connecting your device to your PC while booted into Android (making sure that adb/usb debugging is enabled in Settings>Developer Options) with the screen unlocked and issuing this command:
Code:
adb devices
It should return your device serial number, if so, adb is working.
You can test fastboot by connecting your device to your PC while booted into fastboot mode (power + volume down) and issuing this command:
Code:
fastboot devices
It should return your device serial number, if so, fastboot is working.
By attempting any of the processes listed this thread you accept full responsibility for your actions. I will not be held responsible if your device stops working, catches on fire, or turns into a hipster and claims to have been modified before it was cool.
[SIZE=+1]Index[/SIZE]
How To Unlock Your Bootloader
How To Install A Custom Recovery On Your Device
How To Make A Nandroid Backup With TWRP Recovery
How To Root Your Stock Rom
How To Install A ROM with TWRP Recovery
How To Install A Custom Kernel With TWRP Recovery
How To Make Sure You Can Pretty Much Always Recover From An Accidentally Wiped System
[SIZE=+1]1. How To Unlock Your Bootloader[/SIZE]
Go into About Phone in Settings, click on Build Number 7 or 8 times until it says you have enabled Developer Options. Go back to Settings and enter the newly opened Developer Options section, scroll and click on the Enable OEM Unlock option.
Power off your phone then boot into fastboot mode (power + volume down).
Connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here).
Check your fastboot connection by issuing this command:
Code:
fastboot devices
It should return your device serial number, if not you need to make sure your drivers are installed correctly.​
Once you've confirmed your fastboot connection issue this command:
Code:
fastboot oem get_unlock_data
It should return something like this:
Code:
(bootloader) 0A40040192024205#4C4D3556313230
(bootloader) 30373731363031303332323239#BD00
(bootloader) 8A672BA4746C2CE02328A2AC0C39F95
(bootloader) 1A3E5#1F53280002000000000000000
(bootloader) 0000000
Copy that code (with no spaces between the characters) and paste it somewhere for safekeeping, you'll use it in a minute.
Go to the Motorola bootloader unlocking page. You'll need to create an account with Motorola if you don't already have one. Once you're signed in you can scroll down to step 6 and paste the above code into the text field and hit the “can my device be unlocked” button.
Read the terms and conditions and accept them if you agree (you can't continue unless you accept).
Click the “request unlock key” button and an email with your unlock token will be sent to the email account that you signed up with.
Once you have retrieved the token from the email you can use it within the following command to unlock your bootloader:
Code:
fastboot oem unlock xxxxxxxxxx
(Replace the xxxxxxxx with your unique unlock token)​
Your bootloader is now unlocked!
Reboot with this command:
Code:
fastboot reboot
It's now safe to disconnect your usb cable.
Please note: this will erase all user data from your device, it is best to do this before you really start using the device and installing apps or putting data on the internal storage
[SIZE=+1]2. How To Install A Custom Recovery On Your Device[/SIZE]
Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader.
Download the recovery of your choice, here's TWRP.
Make sure you check the md5 to verify its integrity (where possible).
Place the file in your fastboot folder (this is where fastboot.exe is located on your PC).
Put the phone in fastboot mode and connect it to your PC via usb cable.
Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (shift + right click, select open command prompt here), and enter the following commands:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery <filename>.img
(Replace <filename> with the actual filename of the recovery, the recovery filename in the command will change depending on which recovery you're flashing)
Wait for the recovery to flash, it'll only take a few seconds, you'll get a finished message in your command prompt window once it's done.
It's now safe to disconnect your usb cable.
Don't reboot the phone normally, use the volume buttons to highlight recovery and press the power button to select it. This will stop the stock OS from patching it with the stock recovery in boot. Once you've booted into TWRP like this once, you can reboot normally.
[SIZE=+1]3. How To Make A Nandroid Backup With TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]
Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader, TWRP recovery.
A nandroid backup is a very important thing to have before installing any custom software on your device. It's basically a backup of your stock system that you can fall back on if anything goes wrong or if you just want your stock ROM back. You can also use the backup tool to create a backup of your favourite ROM set up exactly the way you like it. The backup you create can be easily restored using the restore tool in TWRP recovery.
All you need to do is enter TWRP recovery, select the backup option from the TWRP home screen, check the system/data/boot boxes, and swipe to backup. The process will take a few minutes.
[SIZE=+1]4. How To Root Your Stock Rom[/SIZE]
Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader, TWRP recovery.
Please note: this method is only valid for Lollipop, do not use this method on Marshmallow. You can find a systemless root method for Marshmallow here, big thanks to @ivcarlos!
Download SuperSU to your phone.
Boot into TWRP recovery.
Select the install option from the TWRP home screen.
Navigate to where you have SuperSU stored on your sd card and select it.
Swipe to install.
Once you've installed SuperSU you'll have an option to wipe cache/dalvik and an option to reboot system. Wipe the cache/dalvik, hit the back button, and hit the reboot system button. That's it.
[SIZE=+1]5. How To Install A ROM with TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]
Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader, TWRP recovery.
Installing a ROM is a pretty straight forward and easy process. Before you install anything you should make a nandroid backup (instructions above).
Download a ROM and appropriate Gapps package and place on your device.
Boot into your custom recovery.
Perform a full wipe.
Select the wipe option from the TWRP home screen.
Select advanced wipe.
Check the system, data, cache, and dalvik cache options.
Swipe to wipe.
Install the ROM.
Select the install option from the TWRP home screen.
Navigate to where you have the ROM zip stored on your sd card and select it.
Swipe to install.
Most ROMs will run an installer script at this point but some ROMs have what is called an Aroma Installer which allow you to choose some install options before the script runs.​
You will also need to install the appropriate gapps package directly after installing the ROM.
Once you've installed all necessary zips you'll have an option to wipe cache/dalvik and an option to reboot system. Wipe the cache/dalvik, hit the back button, and hit the reboot system button.
[SIZE=+1]6. How To Install A Custom Kernel With TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]
Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader, TWRP recovery.
A custom kernel can open up a new level of control over your device, such as overclocking/underclocking, undervolting, changing governors, changing I/O schedulers, adjusting colour calibrations, adjusting sound calibrations, and many other options.
Download a kernel that is compatible with your current ROM.
Check the md5 to verify its integrity.
Enter TWRP recovery.
Select the install option from the TWRP home screen.
Navigate to the kernel and select it.
Swipe to install.
You'll have an option to wipe cache/dalvik and an option to reboot system. Wipe the cache/dalvik, hit the back button, and hit the reboot system button.
Once your phone has booted up you can use a kernel tuning app to change governors, I/O scheduler, clock speed, and other options. Some of the popular kernel apps are Kernel Auditor, Trickster Mod, No Frills, Kernel Tuner, and many more.
[SIZE=+1]7. How To Make Sure You Can Pretty Much Always Recover From An Accidentally Wiped System[/SIZE]
Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader, TWRP recovery.
There may come a time when you accidentally wipe your OS while trying to perform a basic cache wipe in recovery. Don't laugh, it can happen to the best of us. The best way to insure yourself against being stuck in recovery is to keep a ROM zip or a TWRP/CWM backup (a nandroid backup) on your sd card at all times.
This solution seems like common sense but apparently there are quite a few people out there who don't store a ROM or backup on their phone. You might think it's easy to just mount the OTG storage and copy a ROM across to your phone from your PC (which is definitely an option), but there's always a chance that you won't be near your HDD or sd card at the time, or it won't recognise your phone properly. Basically you need to insure yourself against Murphy's law.
Donate To Me

This will be very helpful to many thanks for taking the time to put this together!
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Thank you so much for taking the time on the guide. There will be many who will use it in the years to come! I'm just about at the verge of needing to root so I can get some insight into my battery life woes

This is much appreciated. All I did on my LG G2 was root as I did not see any roms that interested me since the bootloader is locked. I haven't used TWRP in a couple of years, so all this will help me clear the old cobwebs in my head.

Thank you so much for this! Exactly the kind of information I need. Can I trouble you to maybe add one more section to your guide: What to do when there's an OTA update from the manufacturer (Motorola)? I have concerns like:
- Would being rooted prevent OTA updates? (Assuming stock ROM).
- Would I need to "unroot" the phone to get the update? If so, how to unroot the the phone?
- Is the process to root the phone again after the the update the same, or could it possibly change?
- Would I need to wait until root is confirmed for the new version before attempting to re-root?

You said to "Make sure you check the md5 to verify its integrity".
What does this mean and how would I do this?

Thanks again for the guide. I went through this for my own unlock and root, so added a couple of minor things that will help noobs (and me!)
1. Add info on opening developer options, enabling ADB devices, and enable OEM unlock (in options screen)
2. Move this part to the start of the OEM unlock section : )
Please note: this will erase all user data from your device, it is best to do this before you really start using the device and installing apps or putting data on the internal storage
3. Add instructions to copy SuperSU zip file to internal storage and then flash in recovery

elitemeat said:
You said to "Make sure you check the md5 to verify its integrity".
What does this mean and how would I do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download an MD5 checker. They give you the MD5 checksum and you can compare when you run the utility. Just do a google search for md5 checker.

Oops

emailrob said:
Thanks again for the guide. I went through this for my own unlock and root, so added a couple of minor things that will help noobs (and me!)
1. Add info on opening developer options, enabling ADB devices, and enable OEM unlock (in options screen)
2. Move this part to the start of the OEM unlock section : )
Please note: this will erase all user data from your device, it is best to do this before you really start using the device and installing apps or putting data on the internal storage
3. Add instructions to copy SuperSU zip file to internal storage and then flash in recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your suggestions.
1. This info has been added.
2. This section is in the same place in all of my guides, I see no problem (and have had no problems) with its location. Anyone following a guide should read it first before attempting it anyway.
3. I've added inductions to download the zip directly to the phone, less mess.

emailrob said:
Thanks again for the guide. I went through this for my own unlock and root, so added a couple of minor things that will help noobs (and me!)
1. Add info on opening developer options, enabling ADB devices, and enable OEM unlock (in options screen)
2. Move this part to the start of the OEM unlock section : )
Please note: this will erase all user data from your device, it is best to do this before you really start using the device and installing apps or putting data on the internal storage
3. Add instructions to copy SuperSU zip file to internal storage and then flash in recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is already covered here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-style/help/root-to-updates-t3200588

Oaklands said:
You can download an MD5 checker. They give you the MD5 checksum and you can compare when you run the utility. Just do a google search for md5 checker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on Windows, I highly recommend this one, I've been using it for ages: http://code.kliu.org/hashcheck/

I flashed SU and it didn't give me root, any suggestions?

mxpxboi said:
I flashed SU and it didn't give me root, any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you enabled root for apps (and adb if you wish) in Developer Options?

Heisenberg said:
Have you enabled root for apps (and adb if you wish) in Developer Options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see root for apps in Developer Options.

mxpxboi said:
I don't see root for apps in Developer Options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. I don't have this device yet (I have to jump through a few hoops to get it in my country), hopefully one of our other helpful members can lend a hand with your problem.

Heisenberg said:
Ok. I don't have this device yet (I have to jump through a few hoops to get it in my country), hopefully one of our other helpful members can lend a hand with your problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well thanks for your help anyway. I followed the steps to a tee, and no root. So I was a little confused.

mxpxboi said:
Well thanks for your help anyway. I followed the steps to a tee, and no root. So I was a little confused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a bit odd because this is definitely how to root this phone. Was the SuperSU flash successful in TWRP? Have you tried a second time?

Heisenberg said:
It's a bit odd because this is definitely how to root this phone. Was the SuperSU flash successful in TWRP? Have you tried a second time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It did flash successfully, I flashed the one it linked to UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.94.zip, I'm going to try the newest one BETA-SuperSU-v2.49.zip. I'll report back.
---------- Post added at 10:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:44 PM ----------
That worked, I would update your post with this link BETA-SuperSU-v2.49
Now if I can figure out how to remove the bootloader unlocked boot screen.
All root apps except Titanium Backup seem to be working for me.

mxpxboi said:
It did flash successfully, I flashed the one it linked to UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.94.zip, I'm going to try the newest one BETA-SuperSU-v2.49.zip. I'll report back.
---------- Post added at 10:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:44 PM ----------
That worked, I would update your post with this link BETA-SuperSU-v2.49
Now if I can figure out how to remove the bootloader unlocked boot screen.
All root apps except Titanium Backup seem to be working for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, I've updated the link. There's a thread discussing how to remove that boot screen in the q&a or general section. Not sure about your Titanium problem, if you have root access it should work.

Nextbook Ares 8A with Android 6.0.1 root solutions

UPDATE: Please read the updated information at the bottom of this post, on my new recommendation to use the easier method, SuperSU systemless, to patch your original boot.img. This is in my quick start guide at the end of it, also. You still need to read my info on getting setup, also.
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I have started this thread as a place to post a working root solution for this tablet.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Nextbook...-System/122137749?variantFieldId=actual_color
This is a great Android tablet for the price. It features an updated Intel Cherry Trail quad core 1.92 GHz processor, 1gb RAM, 16gb internal storage. and Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
UPDATE: There is a newer version of the tablet with a manufacturing sticker date of September, 2017. Despite retaining the 8A model number, it has a slower, ARM processor and Android Nougat 7.1.1. Although it is quite snappy, It shows much slower benchmarks in AnTuTu and has a much smaller battery, about half the size. Also the boxes are about 2/3 the thickness of the older, 6.0.1 tablets.
The chances of rooting it are very slim. My solution will not work for it. Fastboot mode appears to be disabled on this and one other Nougat tablet that I own. I am returning the one I tested.
UPDATE: I now have root, a custom TWRP recovery and modified boot images for the Android 6.0.1 version of this device.
I would like to thank @vampirefo for his TWRP and original boot images, for without his work, this would not be possible.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT HIM ABOUT THIS HE WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY SUPPORT FOR IT, THAT WILL BE PROVIDED BY ME AND OTHER GENEROUS FORUM MEMBERS.
I strongly recommend, though that you donate to him, in his signature, for all of his hard work on this, even if it is a small amount. I asked him twice about this and he never responded, so please donate to him.
His original boot.imgs are modified to remove encryption and make the kernel permissive.
I unpacked them and removed dm_verity to remove the failed verification message, on boot then repacked them.
FILES ARE UP ON ANDROID FILE HOST
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=197521
Choose the version of the tablet that you own. Go to settings, about tablet and scroll to the bottom and look at the first few numbers of the build number. For example: V1.2.0.
Do not use this on the 1.0.8 version of the tablet or you will loose sound, wifi and maybe bluetooth. If you have this version of the tablet and can provide me a twrp, backed up, original boot.img, I can modify it to work with your tablet. You can temp boot twrp, to do this (see below). As of yet no one has provided one to me for the 1.0.8 tablet version.
UPDATE 10/24/2017: I now have a I now have a 1.0.8 modified boot.img up on android file host:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=962021903579487577
Here is a twrp backup of the 1.2.0 rom, with userdata deleted to start fresh. It will boot to the Android setup screen. If you have any major, unexplained problems, I recommend starting fresh with this. It works great on either tablet version: 1.1.1 and 1.2.0.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=673368273298970542
UPDATE 12/15/2017: I have uploaded a pre-rooted TWRP backup of my original V1.1.1 tablet
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=235141
TO PREPARE YOUR DEVICE:
UPDATED 12/3/2017: I now have found a Version 2.1.5 of the tablet and have uploaded an unrooted, TWRP backed up version of it. It also contains the original recovery so do not check that box when flashing it in TWRP unless you intend to replace TWRP with the stock recovery
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=673791459329065002
This will be long and thorough, because I see so many people who have trouble with this because they don't have their computer setup properly from the get go.
This will help you get ready to be successful in applying this.
First and foremost, unlocking your bootloader will delete all userdata on the tablet so you need a good backup of important files. If you backup to an external sd card, I strongly recommend also copying the files to an external source such as your computer. You can do that through mtp or remove the card and place it in an sd card adapter and insert it into an sd card reader. I did not do this, even though I knew better and my sd card was corrupted in the process, so I lost the original twrp backup of the virgin, untouched system partition.
Secondly, if you are on windows you need the proper drivers for adb and fastboot installed on your system. Proper drivers are the number one issue I see with windows users. For this Intel device get them here:
https://software.intel.com/en-us/android/articles/intel-usb-driver-for-android-devices
Here are the steps to install adb and Intel drivers, in the proper order:
The best way to to set up adb and fastboot in windows is to install it system wide. Here is an installer to do this that works well:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979
Install process for 15 sec adb:
1. Run it (Require administrator privileges)
2. Press Y/Yes to install ADB and Fastboot
3. Press Y/Yes to install ADB system-wide
4. Press N/No to skip installing Drivers
5. 15 seconds passed - finished!
6. Now install the Intel drivers listed above and here, again:
https://software.intel.com/en-us/android/articles/intel-usb-driver-for-android-devices
Third, enable developer options by going to settings, about tablet, and tap on the build number seven times to enable it.
Then go to developer options and make sure usb debugging is enabled. watch on the tablet screen for a popup dialog the approve usb debugging. check the box to always allow for this computer and hit ok.
Now, with the proper drivers installed, adb and fastboot properly installed, You need to test that it is functioning properly. This is done with the tablet booted into Android. If you used the adb I recommended, go to my computer, C drive and open the newly created adb folder. Left click in an open area of the folder to select it. then shift right click to open a contextual menu, then select: open a command prompt here. Once the command window is open, type:
Code:
adb devices
and hit enter:
you should see the device serial number listed. I am now doing this from linux, so it may differ,slightly:
adb devices
List of devices attached
YFGV1216059870 device
Sometimes you get starting daemon on port... and you have to type it again to see the device listed. If you don't see this, then your drivers or adb/fastboot aren't properly installed.
If you see your device, then type:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
and hit enter. your device should now reboot to bootloader mode. once in bootloader mode, type:
Code:
fastboot devices
enter and you device should once again be listed.
the next step, is to unlock your bootloader. Warning: ALL OF YOUR USERDATA WILL BE DELETED, HENCE THE BACKUP CREATED EARLIER. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
It has come to my attention that this is not clear: after unlocking the bootloader, all userdata will be deleted, like doing a factory reset.
Go into developer options and select OEM unlocking. This does not unlock your bootloader, it only enables the ability to do it from a fastboot prompt.
Now jump to the Quick Start guide for updated instructions:
Older, system mode method hidden, please use the instructions in the Quick Start Guide
Now, while still booted into bootloader mode, type:
Code:
fastboot flashing unlock
and hit enter to unlock your bootloader. All data will be deleted and the tablet will be re-encrypted upon boot, without encryption option removed from the bootloader. Now type
Code:
fastboot reboot
t, to reboot the tablet and you should reboot to the android setup screen, You can set it up again if you want, but you will be deleting userdata later when you flash the modified boot.img, so keep this in mind.
So you may want to wait to unlock until I release twrp and the boot.img, so you can continue using the tablet.
UPDATE: The files are now live.
To summarize, the above steps are to prepare you for the next exciting adventure to come and to realize the full potential that a rooted device offers..................
To be continued.
THE FILES ARE NOW ON ANDROID FILE HOST. DOWNLOAD HERE:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=197521
Boot or flash TWRP Recovery and flash boot.img
These instructions are for Windows, for Linux you must type sudo before fastboot commands
Instructions: first make sure you read the instructions above to be sure you have the proper drivers and adb and fastboot are installed and tested before proceeding. Unlock your bootloader per above instructions. WARNING! DANGER WILL ROBINSON! THIS PROCEDURE WILL DELETE ALL USERDATA ON YOUR TABLET SO BE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP OF ANY IMPORTANT DATA.
First, unzip the files to a directory. I usually do it in C:\adb, and leave the SR2-SuperSU-v2.82-SYSTEMMODE.zip, zipped.
Now, left click in that folder in an empty spot, or where ever you unzipped it and select it. Now right click and choose open a command prompt here from the contextual menu. once the command window is open type
Code:
adb devices
, hit enter, to confirm your device is listed. Now type
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
and it should reboot to bootloader mode.
I recommend booting into twrp temp first so you can backup your original boot, recovery and system.
now:
Code:
fastboot boot Ares8A_recovery_twrp.img
enter and it should reboot to twrp temp. Don't choose read only after it boots. Once in twrp choose backup and hit select storage and choose micro sdcard. now swipe to backup. You can later install twrp permanently if you want to. To flash permanently:
From bootloader mode:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery Ares8A_recovery_twrp.img
UPDATE: See the the end of my updated quick start guide for updated info on a simpler method to patch your original boot.img with either systemless SuperSU or Magisk. I no longer recommend flashing my patched boot.imgs, but instructions are still provided here for historical reference and for the few who still want SuperSu in the unofficial, system mode.
I have hidden the older method here, but is still here for those who still want system mode SuperSU:
Now
Code:
fastboot flash boot Ares8A_111_boot.img
enter, for the 1.1.1 version, or
Code:
fastboot flash boot Ares8A_120_boot.img
enter, for the 1.2.0 version, to flash the appropriate boot.img
For the newer 2.1.5 version of the table:
Code:
fastboot flash boot unsigned-new.img
hit the enter key, to flash.
Next, again in bootloader mode issue:
Code:
fastboot format userdata
enter, and wait for a successful message in the command window and on the tablet. it will take a little while.
Next
Code:
fastboot format cache
enter, wait. Now
Code:
fastboot reboot
hit enter, and the tablet should reboot to the android setup screen where you can set it up. It will take some extra time to reboot, so be patient. You may see the boot animation for awhile. This will be booted unencrypted now without root. I recommend doing a backup again in twrp before rooting.
There has been some misunderstanding about the above. Your data is encrypted and will not be accessible it twrp, hence, the backup before you do anything with this tablet.
You must wipe the userdata, so a new, clean data partition can be created that is unencrypted. A factory reset is not enough. You will have problems if you don't format userdata in the above step to created a decrypted data partition.
Flashing SuperSu for root
For the v1.1.1 and v1.2.0 tablets:
Make sure you have the SR1-SuperSU-v2.82-SYSTEMMODE.zip on your ext sd card.
For the newer 2.1.5 you need a systemless version of SuperSU:
SuperSU-v2.82-201705271822.zip Get it at:
https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/supersu/download/zip/SuperSU-v2.82-201705271822.zip Copy it to your external SD card.
When flashed, this systemless version will also patch your boot image for sytemless mode.
Furthermore, to install SR1-SuperSU-v2.82-SYSTEMMODE.zip, or SuperSU-v2.82-201705271822.zip, either boot twrp temp again, from bootloader mode issue:
Code:
fastboot boot Ares8A_recovery_twrp.img
, or if you already have it installed permanently and you are booted normally, issue
Code:
adb reboot recovery
enter to boot to it.
Next hit the install button in twrp and choose SR1-SuperSU-v2.82-SYSTEMMODE.zip or SuperSU-v2.82-201705271822.zip and swipe to confirm flash. after it is complete, go back to the main menu and choose reboot system. I choose not to install the twrp app before reboot.
Once rebooted, open the supersu app, making sure the following are selected in settings enable superuser, default access prompt or grant, enable su during boot, trust system user and enable pro, then go back and enable full content in logging. Next download a root check app to confirm root.
congratulations you should now be rooted! Now download a desired app that requires root and test to confirm you have no problems with root.
If you want an app that makes it easy to reboot in the various modes, I recommend Simple Reboot by Francisco Franco. It works great with this device and android version.
I was using Easy Reboot [ROOT] by Simone Luconi with my older, ares 8 with 5.1.1 and it had worked well.
Apparently it is not compatible with this device or rom. when I rebooted to recovery with it, I was not able to mount my external sd card and the card was corrupted on reboot. That is why I don't have a virgin, unrooted, copy of my system image now.
Good luck!
Here is a quick start guide for the already initiated:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72970060&postcount=82
Here is a link to my post for some apps I personally find useful:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72995672&postcount=112
Please report successes and problems on this thread, not to @vampirefo.
Thanks

@vampirefo has a solution, but has not released it. I'm not sure if it needs more work or testing before release? He has been quiet in this regard. It is my hope that he will reply with more relevant information about this.
I and maybe others, would be willing to give a donation, if that would help.
Thanks

Bootloader unlocking
WARNING! UNLOCKING THE BOOTLOADER WILL DELETE ALL OF YOUR DATA!
DON'T DO THE UNLOCKING UNTIL WE CAN REMOVE ENCRYPTION AND HAVE TWRP FOR BACKUP. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
You can enable the ability for the bootloader to be unlocked with a setting in the developer options. Like I stated, it enables the ability to unlock it, but does not unlock it. On must use the command in adb, through a computer. make sure usb debugging is enabled in the developer options. In a command prompt issue adb devices to make sure your device is showing up. There will be a prompt on your tablet to allow this. Confirm this.
Now with the tablet off, boot into fastboot by hold the volume key down button and the power button at the same time. Also, you can type: adb reboot bootloader then hit enter to get into bootloader or fastboot mode.
Once in fastboot mode, open a command prompt in windows and type fastboot devices to confirm your device is still showing up. If my memory serves me correctly there will also be a security confirmation on the tablet, to approve.
To unlock the bootloader type: fastboot flashing unlock. All data will be deleted and (I believe,) the tablet will be re-encrypted upon boot, without encryption option removed from the bootloader.
I HAVE NOT TESTED THIS, AS I DON'T WANT TO DELETE DATA, UNTIL WE HAVE TWRP TO BACKUP AND ROOT.
6/7/2017 UPDATE: I HAVE UPDATED THE UNLOCK COMMAND. I HAVE UNLOCKED MY BOOTLOADER. AS I THOUGHT, ALL USER DATA IS DELETED (FACTORY RESET). I USED THE FIRST:
"fastboot flashing unlock" Unlocks the device. Allows flashing any
partition except bootloader-related
partitions
"flashing unlock_critical" Enables flashing bootloader-relate partitions.
all fastboot commands are listed by just typing fastboot, while booted into bootloader mode. My tablet is still running great with my bootloader unlocked. One more tiny step toward gaining root, however, there is still a long way to go.
Please post any additional info if I have something wrong, or left out any important steps.
Thanks

Geenify: How to grant permissions required by some features on non-root device?
I am currently using Greenify on my non-rooted device and it is working very well.
By using adb, one can grant it additional permission so it performs almost as well on an unrooted device. Here is a link for this:
https://greenify.uservoice.com/know...o-grant-permissions-required-by-some-features
I copied and pasted each command, one at a time, in the command prompt then hit enter, to enable each one.
In Greenify settings, I also have aggressive doze enabled, Automated hibernation enabled, Wakeup Tracker enabled and Quick action Notification enabled.

How to boot into stock recovery mode
To boot to the stock recovery through adb:
adb reboot recovery
You will see "no command" on the tablet.
Hold the power button and volume up for about 4sec then release the volume up, where you should go to the stock recovery screen.
You can also get to it without a computer. With the tablet shut down, hold the volume down power button until it boots to bootloader or fastboot mode.
Use the volume up or down button to toggle through the options: normal boot, restart bootloader, recovery mode, reboot, power off and ftm mode. Choose recovery and use the volume up and power button as before.
In addition you can get to the efi bootmanager by holding the volume up, power button when the device has been shutdown first.

adb security confirmation
Unlike my Nextbook Ares 8 with 5.1.1, with this newer tablet which has 6.0.1, I have to reaffirm the security prompt on the device each time, despite checking the box: "Always allow from this computer".
Maybe this is because of the tightened security in Android Marshmallow? I'm not sure.
If there is a way around this each time, please let me know
Thanks
UPDATE: After I unlocked the bootloader and the tablet was factory reset, I no longer have to re-approve each time after checking the box: "Always allow from this computer"

Would love to see some break throughs with this device aswell. Cheers to any one working in it.

Is this relevant? It would seem they are the same device. twitter.com/srsroot/status/846663673645010944?lang=en

Giftlift said:
Is this relevant? It would seem they are the same device. twitter.com/srsroot/status/846663673645010944?lang=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't try any of these one click root solutions. none work to my knowledge on android 6.01, (at least on this device) , and may install malware or pups on your host computer.

martyfender said:
Don't try any of these one click root solutions. none work to my knowledge on android 6.01, (at least on this device) , and may install malware or pups on your host computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good::good:

This requires a lot of work.
1. Google kernel source.
2. Build bootable kernel
3. Unlock bootloader
4. Boot kernel with 5.1 ramdisk.
5. Use adb to pull boot.img and recovery.img
6. Download TWRP source modify source for intel
7. Make device tree
8. Unpack recovery.img use that kernel in your TWRP.
9. Make boot.img permissive, remove encryption repack and flash.
10. Flash TWRP.
11. Flash system mode SuperSU for root.
Sent from my LIFE X8 using Tapatalk

vampirefo said:
This requires a lot of work.
1. Google kernel source.
2. Build bootable kernel
3. Unlock bootloader
4. Boot kernel with 5.1 ramdisk.
5. Use adb to pull boot.img and recovery.img
6. Download TWRP source modify source for intel
7. Make device tree
8. Unpack recovery.img use that kernel in your TWRP.
9. Make boot.img permissive, remove encryption repack and flash.
10. Flash TWRP.
11. Flash system mode SuperSU for root.
Sent from my LIFE X8 using Tapatalk
@vampirefo Thanks for taking the time to post this.
To familiarize myself with Linux, I created a persistent linux Mint 17.2 Mate 64 bit on a 32 gb usb thumb drive before I decide to commit my windows machine for a linux install.
I installed oracle jdk and android studio thinking this was the build environment needed to do this. the twrp compile forum makes no mention of what to do in this case. I must have been wrong? I don't think I need this to download and build android kernel sources and twrp source?
I'm now very doubtful about even tempting to do this. Yes, a lot of work just learning the basics of linux, let alone following the steps you give in your basic outline. I don't want to give up so easily, but the learning curve is steep.
So one just uses terminal commands to setup and download aosp and twrp git repositories and to make them? Also, is there any way to backup my device system, boot and recovery without root in linux or windows? I have used the adb pull command to backup the system directories to my windows computer, but don't know how to do it for other partitions, if possible.
I found this kernel building guide for arm and mediatek devices. would this be similar for Intel using the right repositories?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/guide-easy-kernel-building-tutorial-t3581057
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

martyfender said:
vampirefo said:
This requires a lot of work.
1. Google kernel source.
2. Build bootable kernel
3. Unlock bootloader
4. Boot kernel with 5.1 ramdisk.
5. Use adb to pull boot.img and recovery.img
6. Download TWRP source modify source for intel
7. Make device tree
8. Unpack recovery.img use that kernel in your TWRP.
9. Make boot.img permissive, remove encryption repack and flash.
10. Flash TWRP.
11. Flash system mode SuperSU for root.
Sent from my LIFE X8 using Tapatalk
@vampirefo Thanks for taking the time to post this.
To familiarize myself with Linux, I created a persistent linux Mint 17.2 Mate 64 bit on a 32 gb usb thumb drive before I decide to commit my windows machine for a linux install.
I installed oracle jdk and android studio thinking this was the build environment needed to do this. the twrp compile forum makes no mention of what to do in this case. I must have been wrong? I don't think I need this to download and build android kernel sources and twrp source?
I'm now very doubtful about even tempting to do this. Yes, a lot of work just learning the basics of linux, let alone following the steps you give in your basic outline. I don't want to give up so easily, but the learning curve is steep.
So one just uses terminal commands to setup and download aosp and twrp git repositories and to make them? Also, is there any way to backup my device system, boot and recovery without root in linux or windows? I have used the adb pull command to backup the system directories to my windows computer, but don't know how to do it for other partitions, if possible.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All work is done in terminal, root is required to make backups.
Sent from my LIFE X8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

vampirefo said:
martyfender said:
All work is done in terminal, root is required to make backups.
Sent from my LIFE X8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I could uninstall android studio. Should I also revert back to openjdk? I see it mentioned in google docs on setting up a build environment.
UPDATE: I think I have now setup properly. Reverted to openjdk 8
I downloaded this: git clone https://android.googlesource.com/platform/prebuilts/gcc/linux-x86/x86/x86_64-linux-android-4.8
I found this: https://github.com/CM-CHT/android_device_intel_cherrytrail-common Would this be useful?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

martyfender said:
vampirefo said:
So I could uninstall android studio. Should I also revert back to openjdk? I see it mentioned in google docs on setting up a build environment.
UPDATE: I think I have now setup properly. Reverted to openjdk 8
I downloaded this: git clone https://android.googlesource.com/platform/prebuilts/gcc/linux-x86/x86/x86_64-linux-android-4.8
I found this: https://github.com/CM-CHT/android_device_intel_cherrytrail-common Would this be useful?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No ideal, try it and see.
Sent from my LIFE X8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

What would it take to interest @vampirefo in rooting this tablet and providing a nice clean ROM for the Ares 8A???

cjhudson101 said:
What would it take to interest @vampirefo in rooting this tablet and providing a nice clean ROM for the Ares 8A???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me to root and provide TWRP recovery, I would need the tablet.
Sent from my Life Max using Tapatalk

vampirefo said:
For me to root and provide TWRP recovery, I would need the tablet.
Sent from my Life Max using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad, I guess I misunderstood one of your posts where you said you successfully rooted the tablet, but were withholding the method...
What if I sent you one?

cjhudson101 said:
My bad, I guess I misunderstood one of your posts where you said you successfully rooted the tablet, but were withholding the method...
What if I sent you one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't misread, I rooted my son's, he doesn't live near me, he is in college. He is using my laptop that I used, so all my source files are with him.
I need tablet to start over, I already know what to do but without tablet, I can't do it.
Sent from my Life Max using Tapatalk

Check your zip in the link, lets get vamp an 8a!
I just got one of these for $35, but now the closest walmart with it in stock is an hour away. Ill totaly send you one if I drive that way for any reason. Check your zip on brickseek ..... anyone?
slickdeals.net/f/10189248-nextbook-ares-8a-16gb-tablet-android-6-ymmv-35-bm?src=SiteSearchV2_SearchBarV2Algo1
it came with 6.0.1 on it

Pioneer XDP-300R Digital Audio Player - Root, TWRP Recovery, and Mods

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I've been successful at porting over TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) Recovery to the Pioneer XDP-300R Digital Audio Player! The recovery can be flashed directly over the stock recovery using Fastboot, or you can temporarily boot into it using fastboot.
First off, TWRP, replaces the stock recovery and allows users to backup and restore system, data, boot and other partitions on their player onto their storage or sdcards. It also can install superuser (root) access if you want that feature to allow editing and modifying of the system folder. That opens the door for additional mods.
You can also install Magisk, which is a systemless root feature that is a little safer since it does not touch your system folder, but instead patches the bootloader and then creates a layer above system that stores the mods and changes within the Magisk system in.
First off, I made system image, bootloader and recovery images of the stock 300R prior to going into this full swing. I had already rooted my device using Kingoroot but this is no longer needed and is much more safe now.
So you'll want to get the recovery first.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1diqQ8LE-yG4b-WZFB_OPcQp2rDUp9BbV
The link in my google drive will take you to a folder where I have backups of my images. The TWRP recovery is located in the Recovery folder, along with the stock Recovery image.
Tools Needed:
Android USB drivers for ADB and Fastboot
ADB and Fastboot
Terminal or Command Prompt
Some basic knowledge on how to use these tools
Pre-Installation:
In android, go to Settings, and turn on Developer Mode. To do this, click Settings, then Device Information, then scroll to Build Number. Tap this several times until you unlock Developer Options.
Now, go back to the Settings Menu and go to the new Developer Options menu. Check the OEM Unlocking option to allow the bootloader to be unlocked.
Installation of TWRP:
1. Download the TWRP image and place it in the same folder as ADB/Fastboot tools.
2. Open a terminal or cmd prompt window and go to the folder in (1)
Code:
EXAMPLE: cd /android
3. Turn off the 300R. Then hold next track (the button closest to SD slots) and press power and let go while holding the next track button. A Penguin will appear on screen. Then let go, and plug device into computer.
4. In terminal, check to see if fastboot works.
Code:
fastboot devices
5. If it does not show a device, check your drivers! If you see a device, let's go forward!
6. Now we will install the recovery.
First we need to unlock bootloader:
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
If you are nervous, and want to verify it works, you can do a temporary test by typing the command:
Code:
fastboot boot TWRP-XDP-300R.img
This will boot directly into the TWRP recovery and will go away when you restart. But you can see if it works this way and mounts each folder correctly.
If you're ready to take the plunge, use this command:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery TWRP-XDP-300R.img
7. Once it flashes, you can always reboot into recovery by powering off. Then holding PREV TRACK (button closest to power) and power on. It'll show the penguin, and then load recovery soon after.
8. Once you see the TWRP screen youre good to go! I recommend making a System, Data, and Boot backup immediately so you have it ready. I also have the stock recovery in the folder for backup purposes too!
Root Access
When you exit TWRP, you have the option of installing SuperUser (root) access. You're welcome to install or decline it. I recommend using Magisk at this point, by looking up Magisk Manager and loading that onto your device. It'll also provide root access along with other goodies like Xposed, some adblocking stuff, and if you like, Viper4Android, and other mods.
To first start the process of Magisk, you need to unlock the bootloader. Go into Fastboot mode again on the phone, as described above, and go to command prompt:
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
This command will unlock the bootloader. In the future, you can lock it by replacing unlock with lock: fastboot oem lock
Magisk only installs correctly when you use the magisk zip file that can be downloading through Magisk Manager. This zip file needs to be flashed in TWRP Recovery. Once you do that, it'll patch the bootloader and allow Magisk to work correctly. You can verify by opening Magisk Manager in Android, and seeing if it is activated.
Once activate, you can click the menu on the left side of the Manager app, and click DOWNLOADS to find a list of modules available for use. Not all are compatible with the older Android Lollipop that is on XDP-300R, so be careful of that.
Magisk Modules
Some modules I use are:
Xposed Framework - another modding system - see below
LKT - tweaks to the kernel for battery management
Magisk Manager for Recovery Mode - Recovery command line manager (seems buggy)
SafeMode4Magisk - Boots into safe mode for disabling bad modules
Swap Torpedo - Optimizes Swap files for RAM management
Youtube Vanced - Themes and removes ads from Youtube
Greenify - adds additional features to Greenify app
Xposed Framework (now systemless using Magisk!)
Some modules I use are:
Amplify - Standalone app that needs Xposed for disabling or reducing amount of system wakelocks and alarms which greatly save battery life
Greenify - Standalone app that hibernates unused apps to save battery life and uses Xposed for additional features
Youtube AdAway - Removes ads from Youtube
BUILD.PROP MODS
The Drive Link at the top of this page has my modified build.prop in it. You can replace your existing build.prop with this if you want. Make sure you make a backup just in case!
Diverting sound away from Android OS to the DAC:
Open up BUILD.PROP in /System in your android device and look for PCM Offload
There are two lines there, that start with audio.offload...
Remove the Hash in front of each of them if they are present and that's it!
it should read:
Code:
#PCM offload
audio.offload.pcm.16bit.enable=true
audio.offload.pcm.24bit.enable=true
Also verify that this is enabled:
Code:
av.offload.enable=true

Hi ! Thank your for your work ! There are a version for the XDP-100R please ?
(sorry for my bad english)

HI, I'm thankful for your development. But is there any chances to reflash the firmware if something goes wrong?

A few days ago on my xdp300r part of the system spilled out and actually are system applications. Nothing can be installed on it, is there any possibility of restoring the original state? Restarting and recovery mode unfortunately did not help.

Thanks alot. I needed this so bad. A long time after I bought XDP300R I can only dare to use superSU to get root access and that's it. And now xposed and magisk are possible, Thank you soo much.

Hi thanks. I managed it fine. I used su as majisk would not install. Luckily I followed your advice and made a backup(I don't usually bother). I installed your build.prop and the pioneer would not boot. I have restored using twrp and changed my own build.prop so alright now. Thanks.

HI GUYS.
I am trying to unlock my 300R.
When I execute 'fastboot oem unlock' I got DENIED message.
I am stuck. Is there any hope for my player?
Daniel

gavroche33 said:
HI GUYS.
I am trying to unlock my 300R.
When I execute 'fastboot oem unlock' I got DENIED message.
I am stuck. Is there any hope for my player?
Daniel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you enabled the OEM unlock in the developer setting?

I do not have option like that. My player was cleared from data, but it is still locked. I cannot OEM unlock it
Any other way?
Daniel

Grazie mille per il tuo lavoro

gavroche33 said:
I do not have option like that. My player was cleared from data, but it is still locked. I cannot OEM unlock it
Any other way?
Daniel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to setting, to Device Information, to Build Number. Tap 7 times. You get Developer Options
Back up go to Developer Iptions, select OEM Unlocking.
Re-do OEM unlocking as described in OP

Hi,
I tried to follow this tutorial but my device is not show I checked the drivers!
But still the same, is it possible to had any help ?

Since we already have an open bootloader, is there a chance to make a newer android, I propose version 9 because in newer ones you lose the ability to play some formats, it would certainly give a second life for this model

Dear XDA forum readers/members,
I have an issue with my Pioneer XDP-300R. At this stage I can only boot into it with the TWRP (TWRP-XDP-300R.img) image provided in the first post. I also have downloaded the recovery files, including the (stock?) system image (system-noxposed.img).
When I try to flash the same image from within TWRP, I can only select the "boot" or "recovery" partitions. In this screen, there is no option to boot towards a "system" partition.
If I boot from a ZIP file containing the system-noxposed.img file, I obtain either a different error which complains about a META-INF and binary not found? , or I obtain an error which (of course) writes there is too little space to write a system image in a boot or recovery partition.
My question(s) is/are: Is there any method to flash a system image towards the system partition from within TWRP, and/or how to solve the "unknown chunk type" error?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
EDIT: The issue has been solved, but there is another problem now. When the device would not boot TWRP anymore (as in: froze at TWRP logo) I decided to look at the partitions (with dd): Now, I had made the mistake of overwriting the very first boot partition, and now the device will not power up anymore. By all means and purposes, he is hard bricked now If there is anyone who would like to help, I'd be very grateful, assuming there are still options left.
Greetings from a new member in need of help

Bricked after Downgrade to Pie, adb not working, pls help

[cross-posted on OP7 Pro forum]
- Downgraded to Pie (from Android 10) using TWRP backup
- Boot stuck on screen below
- Selecting "Start", "Recovery mode" or "Restart bootloader" brings up the same screen
- When selecting "Start", Fastboot screen briefly flashes but the screen below immediately appears
- Selecting Power Off does work when unplugged
- Volume Up + Down + Power brings up the same screen
- adb does not see the device
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Any thoughts please?

I have been there. Dont worry I have the solution. You'll have to reset the phone though.
First install the latest Android Q firmware. and start your device.
Im new here, dont know if we can paste external links. But go to google and type "Oneplus 7 Downgrade Firmware". In the results, you will see a link from "getdroidtips.com" Just follow the steps from there and it will give you your android Pie back.
One thing. following those steps, you are installing stock OS that is not from a verified source. Myself being a paranoid, I installed this unverified OS, but once you install Pie back, you can reinstall any Pie OS you want. including the stock from oneplus website, which is what i did.
Good luck! let me know if you are still stuck.

akhilarora666 said:
type "Oneplus 7 Downgrade Firmware".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your encouraging message.
That article you mentioned says this:
copy the Rollback package to the phone’s internal storage.
Go to device Settings > System > System Updates > Tap on top right icon > Local upgrade > Select the installation zip package > upgrade > System upgrade completed to 100%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But as my screenshot shows, I am not able to boot, so how is that supposed to work?

who ah way said:
[cross-posted on OP7 Pro forum]
- Downgraded to Pie (from Android 10) using TWRP backup
- Boot stuck on screen below
- Selecting "Start", "Recovery mode" or "Restart bootloader" brings up the same screen
- When selecting "Start", Fastboot screen briefly flashes but the screen below immediately appears
- Selecting Power Off does work when unplugged
- Volume Up + Down + Power brings up the same screen
- adb does not see the device
Any thoughts please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
akhilarora666 said:
I have been there. Dont worry I have the solution. You'll have to reset the phone though.
First install the latest Android Q firmware. and start your device.
Im new here, dont know if we can paste external links. But go to google and type "Oneplus 7 Downgrade Firmware". In the results, you will see a link from "getdroidtips.com" Just follow the steps from there and it will give you your android Pie back.
One thing. following those steps, you are installing stock OS that is not from a verified source. Myself being a paranoid, I installed this unverified OS, but once you install Pie back, you can reinstall any Pie OS you want. including the stock from oneplus website, which is what i did.
Good luck! let me know if you are still stuck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not possible when you have no os anymore...
who ah way said:
Thank you for your encouraging message.
That article you mentioned says this:
But as my screenshot shows, I am not able to boot, so how is that supposed to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just stay on xda-developers, no need for suspicious off site downloads.
You can use fastboot roms: https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7/how-to/rom-stock-fastboot-roms-oneplus-7-t3937478
Or the unbrick tools: https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7/how-to/op7-unbrick-tool-to-restore-device-to-t3954325

who ah way said:
Thank you for your encouraging message.
That article you mentioned says this:
But as my screenshot shows, I am not able to boot, so how is that supposed to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case, I was stuck too. So i did "fastboot boot recovery.img" tried both android Q and android pie revocery. (version 70 and 65) (editied versions by mauronofrio) one of them worked. I got into the recovery. then installed the android Q stock firmware zip file. Thing is, i dont know why, but once you are on android Q, your phone stops supporting android PIE. Since you were on android Q once, you have to go back there. only then follow the external website i linked.
Like the other guy said, you can stick to XDA and try the unbrick tools. but for me they didnt work. So i followed that website. then everything was fine. Ofcourse its fishy. but once you are back on pie, you can reinstall any pie rom you want.

strongst said:
You can use fastboot roms: https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7/how-to/rom-stock-fastboot-roms-oneplus-7-t3937478
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@strongst the fastboot ROMs are only if you're able to see the fastboot screen, not the screen on my screenshot, right? With adb devices not seeing my device, will that work?
(Otherwise I'll look at the MSM download, seems like some Qualcomm drivers must be installed.)

who ah way said:
@strongst the fastboot ROMs are only if you're able to see the fastboot screen, not the screen on my screenshot, right? With adb devices not seeing my device, will that work?
(Otherwise I'll look at the MSM download, seems like some Qualcomm drivers must be installed.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your screenshot is the fastboot screen. Stated with: fastboot
If your device is not recognized, maybe you should check your adb drivers etc.

TL;DR OMG. It took all day but I have my phone back (fingers crossed):
- last version of Pie
- system and apps like I had them a month ago (thanks to old backup)
- lost all local files that were stored on the device (photos etc)
Thank you @strongst and everyone who made the tools.
Mmm hey, if you ever see someone like me on the forum who asks if it's safe to downgrade from 10 to 9 using TWRP please rush to jump in and tell them no no no.
Before I completely forget and in case someone else has the same problem, here are the useful steps (I think) of this really long day. Not including all the intermediate steps of failed installs and reboots.
- the phone was no longer showing on the computer's attached devices so had to install some drivers. Drivers were found on mega via Step 1 / 1 of this xda post.
- installing the drivers was a bit of a journey, they're unsigned so you have to enable something in Windows, I used Step 2 of this article which was linked in the above post. After rebooting into that special mode you have to go into device manager, right-click the device which had a strange name, select the cab file, then MS will want to upgrade the driver
- no luck seeing the device using the MSM method (option 2 of strongst's post) so I focused on his option 1, the fastboot tools:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/one...lus-7-t3937478
- downloaded the 9.5.8-GM57BA
- it doesn't work out of the box after unzipping, you have to unzip the zips within the zip and copy the bat and img files to the main folder of the tools
- tried several of the batch files then tried the "if you are badly bricked i recommend to use flash-all-partitions.bat"
- still wouldn't boot, got the Chinese recovery mode screen (vol up down power), from there followed the advice to do English -> Wipe data and cache -> Erase everything
- soon after that I think, the phone booted
- went back to study the original rooting guide
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7/how-to/guide-unlock-bootloader-flash-twrp-root-t3954559
- in particular, enable dev options, then enable usb debugging, advanced boot
- followed steps 8—15 of that guide, for twrp I used the original one I had used
fastboot boot twrp-3.3.1-52-guacamole-unified.img
then flashed versions that I knew were safe
twrp-3.3.1-52-guacamole-unified-installer.zip
Magisk-v19.3.zip
- boot, initial setup, didn't bother filling the google account yet
- boot to recovery, twrp didn't open (stock recovery), adb fastboot twrp again then re-flash twrp and magisk
- still had the latest OOS Pie update, copied to phone storage
OnePlus7Oxygen_14.E.14_OTA_014_all_1907280716_7e28877dd39949e3.zip
- reboot phone, system update, local upgrade
- after reboot, boot to recovery (long press power then select), run twrp, restored old twrp backup from usb
- at that stage my system from a month ago was restored, except files, photos and probably a few other bits and pieces
That's all I have for today, hope no one else needs to follow these steps!
Thank you again to strongst and those you made the tools.

who ah way said:
TL;DR OMG. It took all day but I have my phone back (fingers crossed):
- last version of Pie
- system and apps like I had them a month ago (thanks to old backup)
- lost all local files that were stored on the device (photos etc)
Thank you @strongst and everyone who made the tools.
Mmm hey, if you ever see someone like me on the forum who asks if it's safe to downgrade from 10 to 9 using TWRP please rush to jump in and tell them no no no.
Before I completely forget and in case someone else has the same problem, here are the useful steps (I think) of this really long day. Not including all the intermediate steps of failed installs and reboots.
- the phone was no longer showing on the computer's attached devices so had to install some drivers. Drivers were found on mega via Step 1 / 1 of this xda post.
- installing the drivers was a bit of a journey, they're unsigned so you have to enable something in Windows, I used Step 2 of this article which was linked in the above post. After rebooting into that special mode you have to go into device manager, right-click the device which had a strange name, select the cab file, then MS will want to upgrade the driver
- no luck seeing the device using the MSM method (option 2 of strongst's post) so I focused on his option 1, the fastboot tools:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/one...lus-7-t3937478
- downloaded the 9.5.8-GM57BA
- it doesn't work out of the box after unzipping, you have to unzip the zips within the zip and copy the bat and img files to the main folder of the tools
- tried several of the batch files then tried the "if you are badly bricked i recommend to use flash-all-partitions.bat"
- still wouldn't boot, got the Chinese recovery mode screen (vol up down power), from there followed the advice to do English -> Wipe data and cache -> Erase everything
- soon after that I think, the phone booted
- went back to study the original rooting guide
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7/how-to/guide-unlock-bootloader-flash-twrp-root-t3954559
- in particular, enable dev options, then enable usb debugging, advanced boot
- followed steps 8—15 of that guide, for twrp I used the original one I had used
fastboot boot twrp-3.3.1-52-guacamole-unified.img
then flashed versions that I knew were safe
twrp-3.3.1-52-guacamole-unified-installer.zip
Magisk-v19.3.zip
- boot, initial setup, didn't bother filling the google account yet
- boot to recovery, twrp didn't open (stock recovery), adb fastboot twrp again then re-flash twrp and magisk
- still had the latest OOS Pie update, copied to phone storage
OnePlus7Oxygen_14.E.14_OTA_014_all_1907280716_7e28877dd39949e3.zip
- reboot phone, system update, local upgrade
- after reboot, boot to recovery (long press power then select), run twrp, restored old twrp backup from usb
- at that stage my system from a month ago was restored, except files, photos and probably a few other bits and pieces
That's all I have for today, hope no one else needs to follow these steps!
Thank you again to strongst and those you made the tools.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same situation happened to me but due to wipe in twrp vendor image

who ah way said:
[cross-posted on OP7 Pro forum]
- Downgraded to Pie (from Android 10) using TWRP backup
- Boot stuck on screen below
- Selecting "Start", "Recovery mode" or "Restart bootloader" brings up the same screen
- When selecting "Start", Fastboot screen briefly flashes but the screen below immediately appears
- Selecting Power Off does work when unplugged
- Volume Up + Down + Power brings up the same screen
- adb does not see the device
Any thoughts please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You used a nandroid backup which is what resulted in the brick. Nandroid backups do not backup firmware
Anyway try
fastboot --set-active=a
Then reboot and see if it boots
Or try
fastboot --set-active=b
If that doesn't work download twrp and flash it to the boot partition
fastboot flash boot whatever
Reboot and you should have twrp
Which twrp to flash? The one for Q firmware. It's obvious
---------- Post added at 22:31 ---------- Previous post was at 22:25 ----------
who ah way said:
TL;DR OMG. It took all day but I have my phone back (fingers crossed):
- last version of Pie
- system and apps like I had them a month ago (thanks to old backup)
- lost all local files that were stored on the device (photos etc)
Thank you @strongst and everyone who made the tools.
Mmm hey, if you ever see someone like me on the forum who asks if it's safe to downgrade from 10 to 9 using TWRP please rush to jump in and tell them no no no.
Before I completely forget and in case someone else has the same problem, here are the useful steps (I think) of this really long day. Not including all the intermediate steps of failed installs and reboots.
- the phone was no longer showing on the computer's attached devices so had to install some drivers. Drivers were found on mega via Step 1 / 1 of this xda post.
- installing the drivers was a bit of a journey, they're unsigned so you have to enable something in Windows, I used Step 2 of this article which was linked in the above post. After rebooting into that special mode you have to go into device manager, right-click the device which had a strange name, select the cab file, then MS will want to upgrade the driver
- no luck seeing the device using the MSM method (option 2 of strongst's post) so I focused on his option 1, the fastboot tools:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/one...lus-7-t3937478
- downloaded the 9.5.8-GM57BA
- it doesn't work out of the box after unzipping, you have to unzip the zips within the zip and copy the bat and img files to the main folder of the tools
- tried several of the batch files then tried the "if you are badly bricked i recommend to use flash-all-partitions.bat"
- still wouldn't boot, got the Chinese recovery mode screen (vol up down power), from there followed the advice to do English -> Wipe data and cache -> Erase everything
- soon after that I think, the phone booted
- went back to study the original rooting guide
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7/how-to/guide-unlock-bootloader-flash-twrp-root-t3954559
- in particular, enable dev options, then enable usb debugging, advanced boot
- followed steps 8—15 of that guide, for twrp I used the original one I had used
fastboot boot twrp-3.3.1-52-guacamole-unified.img
then flashed versions that I knew were safe
twrp-3.3.1-52-guacamole-unified-installer.zip
Magisk-v19.3.zip
- boot, initial setup, didn't bother filling the google account yet
- boot to recovery, twrp didn't open (stock recovery), adb fastboot twrp again then re-flash twrp and magisk
- still had the latest OOS Pie update, copied to phone storage
OnePlus7Oxygen_14.E.14_OTA_014_all_1907280716_7e28877dd39949e3.zip
- reboot phone, system update, local upgrade
- after reboot, boot to recovery (long press power then select), run twrp, restored old twrp backup from usb
- at that stage my system from a month ago was restored, except files, photos and probably a few other bits and pieces
That's all I have for today, hope no one else needs to follow these steps!
Thank you again to strongst and those you made the tools.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not know how you formatted cache on a device that doesn't have a cache partition