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Hello,
I recently hopped over from stock to Paranoid Android 4 Beta (0).
This is my first experience messing around with the backend of Android, but I did jailbreak my iPhone a few times, I'd hope that helps my comprehension of all of this.
I currently have the Paranoid OTA installed, and it's telling me there are new versions,
I've downloaded the files and they are on the phone, but whenever I install it restarts and nothing happens. It stays on the current version, I'm doing the
I've been ticking to Backup, wipe the data, cache and dalvik but not the systen.
When it boots back up (it's instant, I'm still on beta(0).
Any help or guidance is appreciated, sorry if this is the wrong place!
phntem said:
Hello,
I recently hopped over from stock to Paranoid Android 4 Beta (0).
This is my first experience messing around with the backend of Android, but I did jailbreak my iPhone a few times, I'd hope that helps my comprehension of all of this.
I currently have the Paranoid OTA installed, and it's telling me there are new versions,
I've downloaded the files and they are on the phone, but whenever I install it restarts and nothing happens. It stays on the current version, I'm doing the
I've been ticking to Backup, wipe the data, cache and dalvik but not the systen.
When it boots back up (it's instant, I'm still on beta(0).
Any help or guidance is appreciated, sorry if this is the wrong place!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I´m guessing you have a custom recovery installed?.
Get the latest paranoid update from HERE and the latest gapps from HERE.
Boot into recovery and flash ROM GAPPS and if necessary SuperSU and then reboot. Should work.
lichti1901 said:
I´m guessing you have a custom recovery installed?.
Get the latest paranoid update from [removed] and the latest gapps from [removed]
Boot into recovery and flash ROM GAPPS and if necessary SuperSU and then reboot. Should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there Litchi,
Thanks for posting.
I'm so bad at this stuff, I used the Nexus Root Toolkit by WugFresh. I really am a bit clueless on what custom recoveries have been installed. What I can tell you is that I have Paranoid Android 4 Beta with the corresponding GAPPS.
I tried doing Clockword Mod for backups but eventually just stopped trying, and used the backup provided in the toolkit (nandroid I think).
I installed the Paranoid OTA hoping that it would take care of me having to do it through my PC again since the drivers were such a mess last time.
Could you just provide a bit more detail as to the steps I'd need to take for that? I hate being so illiterate at this stuff.
Really appreciate any more help you can give! Thanks.
phntem said:
Hi there Litchi,
Thanks for posting.
I'm so bad at this stuff, I used the Nexus Root Toolkit by WugFresh. I really am a bit clueless on what custom recoveries have been installed. What I can tell you is that I have Paranoid Android 4 Beta with the corresponding GAPPS.
I tried doing Clockword Mod for backups but eventually just stopped trying, and used the backup provided in the toolkit (nandroid I think).
I installed the Paranoid OTA hoping that it would take care of me having to do it through my PC again since the drivers were such a mess last time.
Could you just provide a bit more detail as to the steps I'd need to take for that? I hate being so illiterate at this stuff.
Really appreciate any more help you can give! Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You really need to read the sticky at the top of this forum called [FAQ] [REF]★ All you need to know about Android | Read this before you post/root ! ★
It gives you all the information you need to know. We pretty much all here advise against using toolkits for the exact reason in your post, it leaves you knowing nothing about your system, what you have got or the knowledge to use it. These toolkits are seen as a shortcut, but please be aware, there are NO shortcuts
Please read through that thread a few times. Don't flash anything else until you understand the process, what you have got and how to use it. Please don't take this the wrong way but you are not ready to flash things yet. Even if you have already flashed something, there are holes in yoru knowledge that can have disastrous consequences.
rootSU said:
You really need to read the sticky at the top of this forum called [FAQ] [REF]★ All you need to know about Android | Read this before you post/root ! ★
It gives you all the information you need to know. We pretty much all here advise against using toolkits for the exact reason in your post, it leaves you knowing nothing about your system, what you have got or the knowledge to use it. These toolkits are seen as a shortcut, but please be aware, there are NO shortcuts
Please read through that thread a few times. Don't flash anything else until you understand the process, what you have got and how to use it. Please don't take this the wrong way but you are not ready to flash things yet. Even if you have already flashed something, there are holes in yoru knowledge that can have disastrous consequences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None taken,
Thanks for the help SU! I never really checked out this website, but I had seen the name around.
Appreciate the link.
Does anyone know why the Paranoid OTA application ITSELF isn't doing the work for me though?
phntem said:
None taken,
Thanks for the help SU! I never really checked out this website, but I had seen the name around.
Appreciate the link.
Does anyone know why the Paranoid OTA application ITSELF isn't doing the work for me though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may be an issue with the CWM recovery which is what I assume you have installed with the toolkit, as thats about standard...
In android, /sdcard on the nexus 5 isn't actually an /sdcard. /sdcard is actually /data/media/0 so whenever you are looking in what you think is in /sdcard, you're not... it's /data/media/0. It's been like this since 4.2 Jelly Bean, when multiuser support was added to android. The theory is there will be multiple /sdcards, for each user that logs in. The default user is use "0". With me so far?
Before multi-user support, /sdcard for devices with no physical sdcard, was simply /data/media. Now, CWM never bothered to update it's code to point to /data/media/0, so even today, basic CWM doesn't know the full location of your /sdcard. If the updater downloads the files to /sdcard (which it should), then tells CWM to look in /sdcard for the files to flash, the files cannot be seen because CWM is looking in the wrong place.
Essentially, you should look at ditching CWM and it's antiquated configuration in favour of Philz Recovery or TWRP. Both use /data/media/0 correctly as /sdcard
rootSU said:
It may be an issue with the CWM recovery which is what I assume you have installed with the toolkit, as thats about standard...
In android, /sdcard on the nexus 5 isn't actually an /sdcard. /sdcard is actually /data/media/0 so whenever you are looking in what you think is in /sdcard, you're not... it's /data/media/0. It's been like this since 4.2 Jelly Bean, when multiuser support was added to android. The theory is there will be multiple /sdcards, for each user that logs in. The default user is use "0". With me so far?
Before multi-user support, /sdcard for devices with no physical sdcard, was simply /data/media. Now, CWM never bothered to update it's code to point to /data/media/0, so even today, basic CWM doesn't know the full location of your /sdcard. If the updater downloads the files to /sdcard (which it should), then tells CWM to look in /sdcard for the files to flash, the files cannot be seen because CWM is looking in the wrong place.
Essentially, you should look at ditching CWM and it's antiquated configuration in favour of Philz Recovery or TWRP. Both use /data/media/0 correctly as /sdcard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks for the patience and information.
Should I unroot and go back to stock via the toolkit, essentially resetting it all?
That's about the last question I have for you,
Appreciate the help!
phntem said:
Awesome thanks for the patience and information.
Should I unroot and go back to stock via the toolkit, essentially resetting it all?
That's about the last question I have for you,
Appreciate the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. I would read that thread to understand the process and then download one of the alternative recoveries and get yourself to the point where you can fastboot flash the recovery
phntem said:
Awesome thanks for the patience and information.
Should I unroot and go back to stock via the toolkit, essentially resetting it all?
That's about the last question I have for you,
Appreciate the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please forget the toolkit!
The only thing you need is fastboot.
download TWRP or CWM recovery.img and flash it in fastboot. Boot into bootloader, connect the device with usb cable to PC, open cmd in windows and type following:
fastboot devices Enter ... that should give you a number, means your device is connected
fastboot flash recovery nameofrecovery.img Enter .... that will flash the recovery of your choice to your device. Then from bootloader you can select with volume up + down to boot to recovery. Do that - in recovery you can select what you want to do. Flash rom + gapps + supersu and you are ready to go.
Here is a good link for learning how to use fastboot. beginners-guide-on-how-to-setup-and-use-fastboot/
Learning fastboot is highly recommended - its the same what fastboot does, with 1 difference --> you know what you do
I was trying to find a custom recovery, or any recovery that will work on my lg realm. I boot recovery and it gives me a error message so im guessing its either wiped out or blocked...any ideas out there on how to correct or replace it
twtoned said:
I was trying to find a custom recovery, or any recovery that will work on my lg realm. I boot recovery and it gives me a error message so im guessing its either wiped out or blocked...any ideas out there on how to correct or replace it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking for one as well. I have not found one.
Recovery is actually preinstalled
I found this just tooling around. Use your favorite file browser, I used
Total commander. /system/vender/itson
The zip file is there. Hope this helps. (Rooted LG ls620)
Could you explain in a little better detail on what you mean Enigmatic177... I'm pulling my hair out Hehe
If anyone makes or finds a working recovery please post it.
Itson is a zip file that was installed after last update it has the basics to unlock the boot loader. I unpacked it used Rom toolbox pro rebooted to RECOVERY did regular reboot system upgraded.
A couple if bit mapp errors 11111. Then I basically flashed CWM.
Before you do this the partitions change from ext2-ext4. I'd advise
Backing them up.
LG Realm & exceed 2 TWRP recovery/fastboot files
No computer needed!!!
Lg realm & exceed 2 twrp custom recovery/fastboot downloade
All you need to do is follow the steps in the read me and you will have the recovery or fast boot to do as you please! Make sure u do a backup!!!!!!
I spent countless hours trying to do this and i finaly got it to work
Now all we need is them roms please make some if you can wold like cm12!
Sorry for not spacing the link im a newb so i cant post links yethttps://mega.co.nz/#!FVQ0GSaI!525LBPtwo696CvZrjY032tKkfS7aaURG-xATm2uzWhw
TWRP recovery help L620 LG Realm
hello I followed the steps in the read me file and i succeeded in installing twrp although im having troubles booting up to my system os. when i power on my device it takes me straight to twrp. i have a feeling i might of missed a step. i tried creating a backup but i cant because i noticed my screen turns off fast. do you think you might know what might be the problem why i cant boot up to my os? thanks!
I think i know what seems to be the problem. I think i might have accidentally replaced the boot img with the twrp recovery img. i did not make a backup before this happened. is there anything i can do to make my phone boot up to its normal image? thanks
Nope. It is officially a paperweight and no one I know of has access to the stock ROM either.
Sent from my LGLS620 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Hey
Has anybody found a custom rom?
Finally. Easy as pie
Ok, I downloaded an image (w5c_twrp_bumped.img)
put that img on the root of my sd card
downloaded Rashr from the google play store
opened rashr and tapped 'recovery from storage', navigated to external sd and tapped the image and tapped
ýes please'
flashed it. after the flash the phone rebooted into the twrp recovery.
then just rebooted back into the system
worked perfectly.
im new here im not allowed to post outside links yet, just google "w5c_twrp_bumped.img" should take you to a link for a download of that recovery
i got twrp now as a custom recovery. on my lg realm.
That_One_Person760 said:
hello I followed the steps in the read me file and i succeeded in installing twrp although im having troubles booting up to my system os. when i power on my device it takes me straight to twrp. i have a feeling i might of missed a step. i tried creating a backup but i cant because i noticed my screen turns off fast. do you think you might know what might be the problem why i cant boot up to my os? thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have the bumped recovery so all i can say if u messed up is to flash a stock rom u can find on google i had to re flash mine a few times messing with root
right on, thanks for the info. I had no problems at all. it all fell in place like i was hoping. The Realm is the easiest device Iv ever rooted, flashed, and messed with. Well, as far as rooting and flashing a custom recovery. dunno bout roms though. Im sure its simple?
The_android_Modder said:
No computer needed!!!
Lg realm & exceed 2 twrp custom recovery/fastboot downloade
All you need to do is follow the steps in the read me and you will have the recovery or fast boot to do as you please! Make sure u do a backup!!!!!!
I spent countless hours trying to do this and i finaly got it to work
Now all we need is them roms please make some if you can wold like cm12!
Sorry for not spacing the link im a newb so i cant post links yethttps://mega.co.nz/#!FVQ0GSaI!525LBPtwo696CvZrjY032tKkfS7aaURG-xATm2uzWhw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I grabbed and extracted this. I used Flashify to simply flash the recovery (w5c_twrp_bumped.img) and it works like a dream on my LG Realm.
OTOH, trying the same on an Exceed 2 gets me TWRP, but it cannot mount much of anything and the backup fails. After failing, it tells me "No OS found, continue?" I continue and get the message "Appears your device has no Root, install now?' I am absolutely certain I have root, or wouldn't even be able to run Flashify, so I continue and it simply boots into the OS just fine. Perhaps the readme isn't complete, as I see the following file in the extracted folder (resources.zip) with no explanation of why it's there. It "appears" to be a flash-able zip that installs "itson" (whatever THAT is). Note that the Realm has this in the /system/vendor/itson, yet the Exceed 2 doesn't.
Have you actually used this on an Exceed 2? And if so, what am I missing here?
The_android_Modder said:
No computer needed!!!
Lg realm & exceed 2 twrp custom recovery/fastboot downloade
All you need to do is follow the steps in the read me and you will have the recovery or fast boot to do as you please! Make sure u do a backup!!!!!!
I spent countless hours trying to do this and i finaly got it to work
Now all we need is them roms please make some if you can wold like cm12!
Sorry for not spacing the link im a newb so i cant post links yethttps://mega.co.nz/#!FVQ0GSaI!525LBPtwo696CvZrjY032tKkfS7aaURG-xATm2uzWhw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link is DEAD. Any chance you can reupload this file? I can't make heads or tails of some of this thread and I don't want to destroy this phone. Thanks!!!
petermg said:
Link is DEAD. Any chance you can reupload this file? I can't make heads or tails of some of this thread and I don't want to destroy this phone. Thanks!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll do you one better. Just forget about the post you replied to, as it's convoluted as hell. Install TWRP 2.8.6 from here. Ignore the big red warning about the Realm, as he evidently hasn't updated the OP. You can view my notes regarding the Realm in this reply. Tested several times and verified working better than anything else available. Easiest recovery to install I've ever dealt with (all done with an .apk). The option to access via cold boot (battery pull procedure) is something to behold
Be sure to thank the developer, even if you need to create an account to do so. Very VERY nice work!
fathergweedo said:
I'll do you one better. Just forget about the post you replied to, as it's convoluted as hell. Install TWRP 2.8.6 from here. Ignore the big red warning about the Realm, as he evidently hasn't updated the OP. You can view my notes regarding the Realm in this reply. Tested several times and verified working better than anything else available. Easiest recovery to install I've ever dealt with (all done with an .apk). The option to access via cold boot (battery pull procedure) is something to behold
Be sure to thank the developer, even if you need to create an account to do so. Very VERY nice work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Before you replied I installed the version 2.8.5 from here:
http://androidforums.com/threads/twrp-2-8-5-0-for-realm-ls620-and-exceed-2-vs450pp.908704/
Is 2.8.6 better? Looks like the 2.8.5 can't be booted into via key combo from power off? Are there any other differences? I just used the Rashr flash tool from the market to flash 2.8.5. Worked flawlessly. This is actually my mom's phone and it wanted to do a system upgrade but I wanted to back it up first so that's the reason I wanted a recovery.
Pretty cool though, this recovery installs just via an APK!!!? That's amazing!
I'm tempted to install this on her phone next time she comes over... it should be fine right?
Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!
petermg said:
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Before you replied I installed the version 2.8.5 from here:
http://androidforums.com/threads/twrp-2-8-5-0-for-realm-ls620-and-exceed-2-vs450pp.908704/
Is 2.8.6 better? Looks like the 2.8.5 can't be booted into via key combo from power off? Are there any other differences? I just used the Rashr flash tool from the market to flash 2.8.5. Worked flawlessly. This is actually my mom's phone and it wanted to do a system upgrade but I wanted to back it up first so that's the reason I wanted a recovery.
Pretty cool though, this recovery installs just via an APK!!!? That's amazing!
I'm tempted to install this on her phone next time she comes over... it should be fine right?
Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That one will cold boot with the battery pull procedure too. A little further down that thread you'll see I modded it to work correctly with the Exceed 2 in addition to the Realm. I like the 2.8.6 better if only that the dates of the backup are correct now. The 286.apk will work fine and overwrite your current recovery. If you leave it installed, you can always open it and reboot to recovery from within the app. If I have more time I'll post a screenshot, but running late for work. I think the screen dimming/timeout issue was fixed as well, but I haven't verified that. I normally disable that in TWRP anyway, as I like to monitor what it's doing during a backup/restore in case of errors.
fathergweedo said:
That one will cold boot with the battery pull procedure too. A little further down that thread you'll see I modded it to work correctly with the Exceed 2 in addition to the Realm. I like the 2.8.6 better if only that the dates of the backup are correct now. The 286.apk will work fine and overwrite your current recovery. If you leave it installed, you can always open it and reboot to recovery from within the app. If I have more time I'll post a screenshot, but running late for work. I think the screen dimming/timeout issue was fixed as well, but I haven't verified that. I normally disable that in TWRP anyway, as I like to monitor what it's doing during a backup/restore in case of errors.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANKS!!!! I'll make it a point to flash that to my mom's phone next time I get the chance!
Hey guys!
To start, I want to say what an amazing place XDA is and how much information and knowledge you can get from here and how awesome the moderators are. I don't think I could ever find another amazing and/or helpful community such as those found here! Thanks to all who have helped me out with my Android issues!
Now to my issue and I apologize ahead of time if there is another thread (or related thread) found in the forum.
As the title states, I have a 2013 Motorola Moto G XT1031 Boost Mobile device. I had upgraded it to Lollipop 5.0.2 or 5.1 when it came out (I can't remember which one it was) and I had then decided to root it. I can say that I believe I was successful in rooting the device because I was able to install Supersu and use RootChecker to verify the install. Everything was going okay until i decided to research and eventually install a custom recovery and attempt to install a custom ROM. Well, let's just say that the recovery install was a bust...
In doing my research for a custom recovery, I found that TWRP had a custom recovery for my phone and apparently for my firmware via TWRP's app on the Play Store. So, I searched for my device in their in-app search for a custom recovery, downloaded it and installed it from the app. Now, my gut told me that this probably wouldn't work and that I should probably be installing a custom recovery via CLI. Nope. I didn't do this. Instead, like I said, I installed a custom recovery from the app itself. That screwed things up for me. I have no idea if it was the install, but my phone began to act incredibly strange. When in the TWRP recovery, my screen had this line that would continuously scroll from top to bottom. It wasn't a completely solid line, but it was transparent, almost like an empty thermometer glass stick was going down the screen. It was weird and not normal. I figured the phone's software was partially broken. It only did this in the TWRP recovery. Nowhere else did this happen. It was slightly annoying.
Later on I decided to install a custom ROM. Again, I did the necessary research to find out if there were any ROMs available for my phone (using XDA of course and others) and found that there were a few out there. So, I downloaded one (wish I could remember which one) and attempted to install it...keyword there. After attempting the install, my phone would not boot. Like at all. Dead. So back to the drawing board I went to try and reverse the damage. Using XDA (ironically) and a plethora of other sites, I tried to resurrect my phone and bring it back to life. After countless hours of trying and trying and trying and more and more research, I just gave up. The phone is dead. Great. $170 spent on a phone to break it a year later.
It's been roughly 4-5 months since I have attempted to redo the process and after another minor attempt, somehow I was able to remove the root completely, including the custom recovery and ROM. I don't know what the heck I did, but it worked....sort of. The phone is now stuck in a bootloop on the logo and sometimes the "bootloader has been unlocked" screen when try and factory reset the phone from the default recovery. When trying to reinstall the stock firmware, I read everywhere that I need the phone to have USB-debugging set and to have this and that. I have this and that installed on my PC, but obviously cannot enable USB-debugging which is needed for ADB and fastboot to recognize my device.
So, my question for anyone who would like to help me out is this: what are my options? Is the phone recoverable? Is there any way I can get ADB/fastboot to see my device and finally install the stock firmware on the phone? I have the proper drivers installed and ADB/fastboot are on my PC. Any help would be amazing, even if you have to tell me to junk it.
blckdragn22 said:
When trying to reinstall the stock firmware, I read everywhere that I need the phone to have USB-debugging set
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is incorrect, where did you read that? To reinstall the stock firmware using fastboot, you must be able to boot to the bootloader menu only.
I heard this from a few websites actually, although I could never find a situational fix for my phone. I am trying to restore back to Lollipop without a custom recovery, because within the past hour I found out TWRP was never fully removed when I tried booting into recovery from the AP Fastboot menu when doing to power+vol down option. The TWRP logo shows for about 10 seconds and then the phone tries booting normally, showing the unlocked bootloader warning.
So, yes I can boot into the bootloader menu all day long with no problems. It's just an selection I make doesn't get me anywhere. My question I guess now is: how do I go about reinstalling stock firmware via the bootloader menu. I have Minimal ADB and Fastboot installed on my PC. If I need the full ADB, I can download that. And of course I'd need the firmware, too.
You can find stock firmware images in this thread, there's also a link to an installation guide there:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g/general/index-moto-g-falcon-factory-firmware-t3110795
_that said:
You can find stock firmware images in this thread, there's also a link to an installation guide there:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g/general/index-moto-g-falcon-factory-firmware-t3110795
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread had the firmware I was looking for thank you. I believe I have the flashing stock firmware process down, I hope. I'l refer to the guide if I need help. Thank you so much!
_that said:
You can find stock firmware images in this thread, there's also a link to an installation guide there:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g/general/index-moto-g-falcon-factory-firmware-t3110795
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am trying to follow the steps listed here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2542219&page=35 and for some reason I cannot run any of the commands pertaining to the sparsechunks. This is what I get:
Is there anything you could tell me about that?
Edit: I was able to figure what the issue was when trying to write the sparsechunks. I had to insert a "." after 'sparsechunk' because that is how the file is named in the folder. However, now I am getting a new error, but it takes place on the phone screen. Every time I attempt to write a sparsechunk, it will initiate the process of doing so, but on the phone I'll get what appears to be an error saying, "Image is too large" in pink lettering. Why does this happen? Each sparsechunk file is at least 4MB less than the max-sparse-size according to the ADB and my phone, which is set to 256MB. Is there any way to change that?
blckdragn22 said:
However, now I am getting a new error, but it takes place on the phone screen. Every time I attempt to write a sparsechunk, it will initiate the process of doing so, but on the phone I'll get what appears to be an error saying, "Image is too large" in pink lettering. Why does this happen? Each sparsechunk file is at least 4MB less than the max-sparse-size according to the ADB and my phone, which is set to 256MB. Is there any way to change that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check which sparsechunk files you have and make sure you flash all of them in ascending order. If it still fails, copy/paste the contents of your command prompt window (no screenshots please).
_that said:
Check which sparsechunk files you have and make sure you flash all of them in ascending order. If it still fails, copy/paste the contents of your command prompt window (no screenshots please).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try that. There was a ...sparsechunks.0 as well apart from sparsechunks.1, sparsechunks.2 and sparsechunks.3. Shall I include that, too?
And adding the screenshot was an amateur mistake. My bad.
@_that this worked like a charm. Phone is 100% working ans usable now. Incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!
It seems no matter how much this topic gets discussed, people still use old methods and they either fail, or they break something like WiFi, Mobile Data, infinite bootloop, or getting stuck on the boot logo... THIS DOESN'T HAVE TO HAPPEN and it IS repairable, usually without reflashing the entire image. The problem comes from using an old method, outdated SuperSU, or incorrect method. This guide will help you correct most issues, or help you to flash root correctly the FIRST time.
I have written rooting guides for multiple Moto device, and I have owned many Moto devices as well, so I have some idea what I am saying and I have tested these methods extensively, they work.
------------------------
This guide covers ALL Moto X 2015 models that can be bootloader unlocked and have TWRP available, it doesn't matter if it is the XT1575 or XT1572, the method is identical (untested on Chinese XT1570, but it should work). In fact, this method will work on all 2015 and 2016 series Moto phones running Marshmallow, including the Moto E, X, G3, G4, and Z with the appropriate TWRP image.
Please read completely and make sure you understand each step and how to do it, if you don't get something search the thread or ask an open question, no offense, but do not PM me with a question because you think it is too stupid to ask in public (we all started as noobs), or because you want me to hold your hand and do it for you, I will politely tell you no and ask you to post in the thread.
If you are coming here because you followed an old guide where you used a special boot.img file and now you have no service (WiFi and/or mobile data) and you don't have a TWRP backup to restore first, well, the RIGHT way to fix it is to reflash the current stock firmware image and start over... why? Because the various "help" people give to have you flash the radio files that match the kernel (ie. boot image) that was patched for the old style root method, has now put you in a mismatched firmware environment and could potentially brick on the next OTA. If you are in this situation and don't know for to properly fix it... go to the FAQ section in post #3 below (WIP-incomplete).
If came are coming here to root the first time, or you just thought you could flash SuperSU and reboot and now stuck in either a bootloop or stuck on the boot logo... Your in luck, read on, because we can fix that in a jiffy!
tl;dr version for advanced users: Skip to "How to do it" section to root, or "Do the prep" section to fix a bad root.
I am writing this tutorial because there are still lots of failed root attempts using older "standard" methods that do not work on this device. I also do not like the "one click" root methods, because they can and do fail (KingoRoot will brick a Moto X P/S, regardless of what it's web page says), and when they do people have no idea how to fix it. The manual way is not difficult, and it teaches you how to work on, fix, and use your device on a level above that of the average smartphone user.
I will only cover the details of rooting, the prerequisites are covered elsewhere in detail and I will link to reliable sources for the information. Specifics of the prerequisites are outside of the scope of this tutorial, but are open for discussion in this thread.
Prerequisites:
1) Device must have an unlocked bootloader. See Moto - Unlocking the Bootloader for more info.
NOTE: Performing this prerequisite will give you all the tools (fastboot) and drivers needed to continue, and wipe your device, meaning erase all your information and programs. Make sure to backup any important data first. This step will also permanently void your warranty once an unlock code has been issued by Moto, it doesn't matter if you even use it, your warranty is done.
2) You need to have TWRP installed or one-time booted via fastboot. CWM and other recoveries will NOT work at this time. See the official TWRP pages for clark here. I will NOT teach you how to use TWRP in this thread, if you are going to root you need to understand that your self, but if you get in a real bind I may knudge you in the right direction. I will tell you that there are two modes, flashed or booted, the later is much better if you plan to take an OTA later as long as you don't do something stupid like flash Xposed.
3) You need a copy of the latest STABLE SuperSU ZIP from Chainfire's site on the internal storage or SD card of your device, you can always fine the latest stable version here: https://download.chainfire.eu/supersu/ As of this posting update UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.82-20170528234214.zip (version 2.82) is the current stable version and it has been tested and verified to work.
NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, do not use a beta version for rooting Moto devices. SuperSU versions with even numbers are stable versions, while odd numbered versions are beta editions.
4) Reboot and start TWRP recovery, the method you use to do this doesn't matter (boot or flash).
5) Backup your device with TWRP to your SD card, even if you just unlocked and the phone is as blank as a printed page from a 1988 HP DeskJet printer with it's original cartridges still installed, backup... You will always have a good point to return to if the worst happens.
Do the prep:
Note that the hidden Do the prep section is ONLY for repairing a bad flash, SuperSU has been updated and as of version 2.79 the hidden section should no longer be needed for general purpose root on a working device, you just flash SuperSU. If you flashed an older version and are bootlooped, perform this section and continue.
Now, the procedure is the same whether you are trying to root the first time, or you did it the old way just flashing SuperSU and are now not able to boot...
In TWRP, when you have your backups and are ready to root, first go to Advanced and open the Terminal, in the terminal type this EXACTLY as shown:
Code:
echo SYSTEMLESS=true>>/data/.supersu
Now press ENTER (there is no confirmation returned). You can verify this worked correctly by entering 'cat /data/.supersu' in the terminal and see if it returns "SYSTEMLESS=true", if not, you did it wrong, try the echo command again. Now press exit/back and press the HOME key.
After you have successfully entered the command in the TWRP Terminal you may continue
How to do it:
Go to Install and select the SuperSU zip file you downloaded from Prerequisite #3 and swipe to flash it and reboot. No need to clear caches or anything else but you are welcome to if you wish. You can install SuperSU updates normally through the app going forward (as of this posting).
Why do I have to do this???
Again, this is somewhat dated information and only applies to fixing a bootlooping device when improperly rooted.
For whatever reason, the install script for SuperSU does not recognize that this device (like many others) requires a systemless root installation. By creating /data/.supersu in the TWRP recovery environment, the SuperSU install script parses the file and sees "SYSTEMLESS=true" and ignores what it auto-detects and forces a systemless root installation.
Hope this is helpful to someone!
As always, if this is the first time you have booted TWRP or attempted root... BACKUP IN TWRP FIRST!!! Once the system is modified, it cannot be undone (easily) and you will always have a known good starting place if the worst happens.
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for anything that happens... Your device, your responsibility, no matter what happens... Although all the information here has been tested and is known to work with no issues except where noted, things occasionally can and do go wrong and we cannot foresee every possible scenario or circumstance.
If you need assistance, we need detailed information about what what's going on and what you have tried to do... Please provide details including:
1) Device model number and Android version
2) TWRP version
3) SuperSU version
4) Output of 'cat /data/.supersu' from TWRP terminal
And a copy of recovery.log if possible, and any other pertinent information you can think of. Without specific information there is nothing that I can do to assist you and request for help may be ignored.
EDIT: Photos added showing what a proper command and flash should look like. Note that in picture 1 the exit command is not needed, you can just back out. In pictures 2 and 3 a proper flash of SuperSU is shown, note that system-less mode is specified and the boot image is patched, this is what should occur. It is normal for it to loop once or twice, but that is it, first boot could take 10 minutes plus.
NOTE: I no longer own this device, but will help where I can and will keep this thread open to assist users where ever possible, but I no longer have a device to test/verify things with.
Alternate Method #1
Some users have noted that the above method doesn't seem to work, we don't know why as it seems inconsistent but we can't pin it down specifically to user error, certain model number or build, or anything else, as it works 98% of the time...
But if the above method fails, the alternative is to download and copy to SD card or internal storage SuperSU 2.62-3 ßeta version available here and flash it through TWRP like normal.
Reserved - FAQ (oops, guess I already did that)
I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been procrastenating fixing my phone because of all the crappy methods. This one very easy to follow!
But still can't manage to get my WiFi working
I don't get it. But somehow my nandroid backup failed too, because it's only some 2.X MB big and I don't seem to recover anything....
So I guess I'll have to keep trying..
FYI:
1) Moto X Style 6.0
2) TWRP 3.0.2-0
3) Tried both 2.78 and 2.62. Currently running 2.62
4) SYSTEMLESS=true
Jorinde123 said:
I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been procrastenating fixing my phone because of all the crappy methods. This one very easy to follow!
But still can't manage to get my WiFi working
I don't get it. But somehow my nandroid backup failed too, because it's only some 2.X MB big and I don't seem to recover anything....
So I guess I'll have to keep trying..
FYI:
1) Moto X Style 6.0
2) TWRP 3.0.2-0
3) Tried both 2.78 and 2.62. Currently running 2.62
4) SYSTEMLESS=true
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Find the latest rom image for the version you have installed, and flash the radios with fastboot.
acejavelin said:
Find the latest rom image for the version you have installed, and flash the radios with fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your quick reply. Tried that, didn't work.. The ROM i'm currently running is MPH24.49-18 btw... I'm now trying it the hard way, just reverting everything step by step. But the first step (flashing gpt.bin) is already giving me the preflash error. This is going to be a lot harder than I thought and it's been too long since I've been flashing these things.
Used to flash my Moto Milestone and my Sony X10, can you imagine.
Jorinde123 said:
Thanks for your quick reply. Tried that, didn't work.. The ROM i'm currently running is MPH24.49-18 btw... I'm now trying it the hard way, just reverting everything step by step. But the first step (flashing gpt.bin) is already giving me the preflash error. This is going to be a lot harder than I thought and it's been too long since I've been flashing these things.
Used to flash my Moto Milestone and my Sony X10, can you imagine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you are not on 49-18, if you were on the latest OTA for 6.0 you were on 49-18-4. Pre-flash validation failure confirms your using the wrong version. Look in my sig for the return to stock thread, there are links to current roms and discussion of the 'preflash validation error'.
Wasn't systemless method only intended for not altering the system partition in such way not to break compatibility with Android Pay and such apps that don't allow root?
Maybe I got it wrong when I first saw the appearance on the scene of systemless root. From what you are saying the auto detect it's supposed to detect with which method the device is compatible (not only detects if system was already modified? let's say like by TWRP).
I wasn't able to flash SuperSu newest stable versions either, all ended up stuck at boot, except for the 2.62 version (updatable later through playstore and binaries thorugh app via normal update). Honestly I haven't tried systemless as for me I through it was a waste (as said I through it wasn't meant for other purpose).
ATM I'm using CM's own root, but I will report as soon as I will try SU again. I never had problems with modem/wifi with SU, only that it didn't boot on newer stable builds.
Got the Moto X Pure a few days ago. It came with 6.0. This procedure works. Thank you!
ban.codrut said:
Wasn't systemless method only intended for not altering the system partition in such way not to break compatibility with Android Pay and such apps that don't allow root?
Maybe I got it wrong when I first saw the appearance on the scene of systemless root. From what you are saying the auto detect it's supposed to detect with which method the device is compatible (not only detects if system was already modified? let's say like by TWRP).
I wasn't able to flash SuperSu newest stable versions either, all ended up stuck at boot, except for the 2.62 version (updatable later through playstore and binaries thorugh app via normal update). Honestly I haven't tried systemless as for me I through it was a waste (as said I through it wasn't meant for other purpose).
ATM I'm using CM's own root, but I will report as soon as I will try SU again. I never had problems with modem/wifi with SU, only that it didn't boot on newer stable builds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, although that was one thing we thought we would gain (which we didn't), Systemless root is to get around Marshmallow security. Root is detected by SafetyNet API, and it detects pretty much any system modification, systemless or not
Currently Using TWRP 3.0.2.0 . Just unlocked bootloader and haven't done anything else . Recovery flash went well during the initial process of unlocking . Now Im trying to make a backup of the stock Rom , everytime I try to make one I keep getting failed at the end of the process ? Is this a known bug ? I have been doing google searches for the past hour and still unable to find anything to indicate anyone else is having this problem . Unless I didn't use the correct terms while searching . Any help would be appreciated
SouthernEvo said:
Currently Using TWRP 3.0.2.0 . Just unlocked bootloader and haven't done anything else . Recovery flash went well during the initial process of unlocking . Now Im trying to make a backup of the stock Rom , everytime I try to make one I keep getting failed at the end of the process ? Is this a known bug ? I have been doing google searches for the past hour and still unable to find anything to indicate anyone else is having this problem . Unless I didn't use the correct terms while searching . Any help would be appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not a known issue... Where are you storing the backup, internal storage or SD card?
acejavelin said:
It is not a known issue... Where are you storing the backup, internal storage or SD card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was backing up to the SD Card . Been messing with it and now its working for some weird reason . I appreciate your quick response though
I used windroid to unlock the bootloader and install twrp( don't reboot system but rather boot into recovery to make twrp stick) , from there I just flashed supersu and I was good to go. Many methods out there but this worked for me.
Thank you so much for this guide. I have to say, as a new Motorola user coming from Samsung phones exclusively, this whole process made me feel like a real noob again.
I made the switch from iOS to Android back when the Galaxy S2 came out because I grew tired of the jailbreak cat and mouse games on the iPhones and iPads. Learning to root and flash ROMs on all my subsequent Samsung devices was fairly simple and very enjoyable. This Moto X Pure though was a real tasker for me. I honestly never knew about the extra steps you had to take to unlock, twrp and root this phone. I really wish manufactures would help us make this much easier.
Anyway, thank you again for your help. I'll be seeing y'all around the forums as a new MXPE user!
acejavelin said:
No, although that was one thing we thought we would gain (which we didn't), Systemless root is to get around Marshmallow security. Root is detected by SafetyNet API, and it detects pretty much any system modification, systemless or not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for clarifying a misconception I had on systemless root
(I intentioned to reply to you earlier, but the mad busy week made me forget about my intent )
I'm going to try right now the latest stable with systemless method (rather than flashing the older version) on a full wiped clean stock to see if it works. (Even tho I see lots of feedbacks here inspiring me to believe it would)
In what order?
acejavelin said:
It seems no matter how much this topic gets discussed, people still use old methods and they either fail, or they break something like WiFi, Mobile Data, infinite bootloop, or getting stuck on the boot logo... THIS DOESN'T HAVE TO HAPPEN and it IS repairable, usually without reflashing the entire image. The problem comes from using an old method, outdated SuperSU, or incorrect method. This guide will help you correct most issues, or help you to flash root correctly the FIRST time.
I have written rooting guides for multiple Moto device, and I have owned many Moto devices as well, so I have some idea what I am saying and I have tested these methods extensively, they work.
------------------------
This guide covers ALL Moto X 2015 models that can be bootloader unlocked and have TWRP available, it doesn't matter if it is the XT1575 or XT1572, the method is identical (untested on Chinese XT1570, but it should work). In fact, this method will work on all 2015 and 2016 series Moto phones running Marshmallow, including the Moto E, X, G3, G4, and Z with the appropriate TWRP image.
Please read completely and make sure you understand each step and how to do it, if you don't get something search the thread or ask an open question, no offense, but do not PM me with a question because you think it is too stupid to ask in public (we all started as noobs), or because you want me to hold your hand and do it for you, I will politely tell you no and ask you to post in the thread.
If you are coming here because you followed an old guide where you used a special boot.img file and now you have no service (WiFi and/or mobile data) and you don't have a TWRP backup to restore first, well, the RIGHT way to fix it is to reflash the current stock firmware image and start over... why? Because the various "help" people give to have you flash the radio files that match the kernel (ie. boot image) that was patched for the old style root method, has now put you in a mismatched firmware environment and could potentially brick on the next OTA. If you are in this situation and don't know for to properly fix it... go to the FAQ section in post #3 below (WIP-incomplete).
If came are coming here to root the first time, or you just thought you could flash SuperSU and reboot and now stuck in either a bootloop or stuck on the boot logo... Your in luck, read on, because we can fix that in a jiffy!
tl;dr version for advanced users: Skip to "How to do it" section
I am writing this tutorial because there are still lots of failed root attempts using older "standard" methods that do not work on this device. I also do not like the "one click" root methods, because they can and do fail (KingoRoot will brick a Moto X P/S, regardless of what it's web page says), and when they do people have no idea how to fix it. The manual way is not difficult, and it teaches you how to work on, fix, and use your device on a level above that of the average smartphone user.
I will only cover the details of rooting, the prerequisites are covered elsewhere in detail and I will link to reliable sources for the information. Specifics of the prerequisites are outside of the scope of this tutorial, but are open for discussion in this thread.
Prerequisites:
1) Device must have an unlocked bootloader. See Moto - Unlocking the Bootloader for more info.
NOTE: Performing this prerequisite will give you all the tools (fastboot) and drivers needed to continue, and wipe your device, meaning erase all your information and programs. Make sure to backup any important data first. This step will also permanently void your warranty once an unlock code has been issued by Moto, it doesn't matter if you even use it, your warranty is done.
2) You need to have TWRP installed or one-time booted via fastboot. CWM and other recoveries will NOT work at this time. See the official TWRP pages for clark here. I will NOT teach you how to use TWRP in this thread, if you are going to root you need to understand that your self, but if you get in a real bind I may knudge you in the right direction. I will tell you that there are two modes, flashed or booted, the later is much better if you plan to take an OTA later as long as you don't do something stupid like flash Xposed.
3) You need a copy of the latest STABLE SuperSU ZIP from Chainfire's site on the internal storage or SD card of your device, you can always fine the latest stable version here: https://download.chainfire.eu/supersu/ As of this posting SR4-SuperSU-v2.78-SR4-20161115184928.zip is the current stable version and it has been tested and verified to work.
NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, do not use a beta version for rooting Moto devices. SuperSU versions with even numbers are stable versions, while odd numbered versions are beta editions.
4) Reboot and start TWRP recovery, the method you use to do this doesn't matter (boot or flash).
5) Backup your device with TWRP to your SD card, even if you just unlocked and the phone is as blank as a printed page from a 1988 HP DeskJet printer with it's original cartridges still installed, backup... You will always have a good point to return to if the worst happens.
How to do it:
Now, the procedure is the same whether you are trying to root the first time, or you did it the old way just flashing SuperSU and are now not able to boot...
In TWRP, go to Advanced and open the Terminal, in the terminal type this EXACTLY as shown:
Code:
echo SYSTEMLESS=true>>/data/.supersu
Now press enter (there is no confirmation returned), then exit and press the Home key. You can verify this worked correctly by entering 'cat /data/.supersu' and see if it returns "SYSTEMLESS=true", if not, you did it wrong, try the echo command again.
Go to Install and select the SuperSU zip file you downloaded from Prerequisite #3 and swipe to flash it and reboot. No need to clear caches or anything else but you are welcome to if you wish. You can install SuperSU updates normally through the app going forward (as of this posting).
Why do I have to do this???
For whatever reason, the install script for SuperSU does not recognize that this device (like many others) requires a systemless root installation. By creating /data/.supersu in the TWRP recovery environment, the SuperSU install script parses the file and sees "SYSTEMLESS=true" and ignores what it auto-detects and forces a systemless root installation.
Hope this is helpful to someone!
As always, if this is the first time you have booted TWRP or attempted root... BACKUP IN TWRP FIRST!!! Once the system is modified, it cannot be undone (easily) and you will always have a known good starting place if the worst happens.
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for anything that happens... Your device, your responsibility, no matter what happens... Although all the information here has been tested and is known to work with no issues except where noted, things occasionally can and do go wrong and we cannot foresee every possible scenario or circumstance.
If you need assistance, we need detailed information about what what's going on and what you have tried to do... Please provide details including:
1) Device model number and Android version
2) TWRP version
3) SuperSU version
4) Output of 'cat /data/.supersu' from TWRP terminal
And a copy of recovery.log if possible, and any other pertinent information you can think of. Without specific information there is nothing that I can do to assist you and request for help may be ignored.
EDIT: Photos added showing what a proper command and flash should look like. Note that in picture 1 the exit command is not needed, you can just back out. In pictures 2 and 3 a proper flash of SuperSU is shown, note that system-less mode is specified and the boot image is patched, this is what should occur. It is normal for it to loop once or twice, but that is it, first boot could take 10 minutes plus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really appreciate the help, but I have one question. Do I flash SuperSu and then type the command into the terminal, or do I type the terminal command first?
Thanks again for your help,
Matt
Iglooian said:
I really appreciate the help, but I have one question. Do I flash SuperSu and then type the command into the terminal, or do I type the terminal command first?
Thanks again for your help,
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, a little etiquette lesson, please don't quote long posts (especially the first post) for no reason, at the very least edit it down to only show the relevant parts so people don't have to scroll through a long meaningless quote.
And to answer your question, you enter the terminal command first, then install SuperSU, that is how it is ordered in the first post instructions. If you read the entire first post, it explains what the command does, and logic therefore lets you know it must be done first.
acejavelin said:
First, a little etiquette lesson, please don't quote long posts (especially the first post) for no reason, at the very least edit it down to only show the relevant parts so people don't have to scroll through a long meaningless quote.
And to answer your question, you enter the terminal command first, then install SuperSU, that is how it is ordered in the first post instructions. If you read the entire first post, it explains what the command does, and logic therefore lets you know it must be done first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, it was unclear what order I was supposed to do it in; we call that a clarifying question, but thanks anyway.
Iglooian said:
Actually, it was unclear what order I was supposed to do it in; we call that a clarifying question, but thanks anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough... I will edit the "How to do it" section to make it more clear.
Hello guys. I just bought a used Samsung Galaxy J5 (SM-J500FN) with android version 5.1.1. The previous owner told me that it is rooted. Nothing seems weird with the phone other than when i try to factory reset it it takes me to a "bios" kind window where i have to manually choose to delete all data (hard delete i think its called), that and when i normally turn on the phone, at the top left corner it says "set warranty bit kernel". I was just wondering how do i go about installing custom roms since its already rooted, and can i unblock the default carriers (T-mobile) block for other sim cards. When asked how he rooted it (what method was he using) he said he just used Odin. I dont know much about rooting so, whatever you can tell me as to the handling of the phone would be amazing. Any other guides to installing some custom roms and making the phone easier and faster ( i only want functionality, don't care much about the UI) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
luan96 said:
Hello guys. I just bought a used Samsung Galaxy J5 (SM-J500FN) with android version 5.1.1. The previous owner told me that it is rooted. Nothing seems weird with the phone other than when i try to factory reset it it takes me to a "bios" kind window where i have to manually choose to delete all data (hard delete i think its called), that and when i normally turn on the phone, at the top left corner it says "set warranty bit kernel". I was just wondering how do i go about installing custom roms since its already rooted, and can i unblock the default carriers (T-mobile) block for other sim cards. When asked how he rooted it (what method was he using) he said he just used Odin. I dont know much about rooting so, whatever you can tell me as to the handling of the phone would be amazing. Any other guides to installing some custom roms and making the phone easier and faster ( i only want functionality, don't care much about the UI) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For starters, I'd head over the J5 forum
Galaxy J5 Forums
Or here's a great post that includes a lot of stuff to get started on reading:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j5/how-to/galaxy-j5-root-twrp-roms-news-tips-t3620892
But the basics are: To flash a custom ROM, research what a custom recovery is, how to flash a custom recovery to your phone model and after that, flashing a custom ROM is as easy as loading the .zip file to your SD card and selecting it in the custom recovery.
I'd also research on how to flash to stock, as this is a life-saver in case you accidentally do something wrong. Pretty much you need to know how to flash via Odin (yes, learning how to use Odin is important to us Samsung users).
Don't worry though, it's not that big of a pain, Odin is pretty easy to learn
ShaDisNX255 said:
For starters, I'd head over the J5 forum
Galaxy J5 Forums
Or here's a great post that includes a lot of stuff to get started on reading:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j5/how-to/galaxy-j5-root-twrp-roms-news-tips-t3620892
But the basics are: To flash a custom ROM, research what a custom recovery is, how to flash a custom recovery to your phone model and after that, flashing a custom ROM is as easy as loading the .zip file to your SD card and selecting it in the custom recovery.
I'd also research on how to flash to stock, as this is a life-saver in case you accidentally do something wrong. Pretty much you need to know how to flash via Odin (yes, learning how to use Odin is important to us Samsung users).
Don't worry though, it's not that big of a pain, Odin is pretty easy to learn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I love about Samsung, as long as you have your ducks in a row, the files and tools are extremely easy to use, a 4 year old could do it.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
ShaDisNX255 said:
For starters, I'd head over the J5 forum
Galaxy J5 Forums
Or here's a great post that includes a lot of stuff to get started on reading:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j5/how-to/galaxy-j5-root-twrp-roms-news-tips-t3620892
But the basics are: To flash a custom ROM, research what a custom recovery is, how to flash a custom recovery to your phone model and after that, flashing a custom ROM is as easy as loading the .zip file to your SD card and selecting it in the custom recovery.
I'd also research on how to flash to stock, as this is a life-saver in case you accidentally do something wrong. Pretty much you need to know how to flash via Odin (yes, learning how to use Odin is important to us Samsung users).
Don't worry though, it's not that big of a pain, Odin is pretty easy to learn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, ill be sure to check them out. Although, i would like to do the entire process from the beginning (root it again myself since i have no idea what the previous owner has done) and then try to install custom roms and other cool features rooting offers. I read that the KNOX security on samsung phones can pose some problems, any thoughts on that ?
Thank you again for your response.
ShaDisNX255 said:
For starters, I'd head over the J5 forum
Galaxy J5 Forums
Or here's a great post that includes a lot of stuff to get started on reading:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j5/how-to/galaxy-j5-root-twrp-roms-news-tips-t3620892
But the basics are: To flash a custom ROM, research what a custom recovery is, how to flash a custom recovery to your phone model and after that, flashing a custom ROM is as easy as loading the .zip file to your SD card and selecting it in the custom recovery.
I'd also research on how to flash to stock, as this is a life-saver in case you accidentally do something wrong. Pretty much you need to know how to flash via Odin (yes, learning how to use Odin is important to us Samsung users).
Don't worry though, it's not that big of a pain, Odin is pretty easy to learn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, i use Linux so i hear the alternative to Odin is Heimdall, anyone have any experience with it, or should i just do it on a Windows PC?
luan96 said:
Also, i use Linux so i hear the alternative to Odin is Heimdall, anyone have any experience with it, or should i just do it on a Windows PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got no experience with Linux, sorry. SuperSU disables knox so there's nothing to worry about.
luan96 said:
Also, i use Linux so i hear the alternative to Odin is Heimdall, anyone have any experience with it, or should i just do it on a Windows PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're a Linux user and you have knowledge of using terminal commands then you should have no trouble setting up Hiemdall. Getting full USB functionality set up for the device in Hiemdall can be a pain if you aren't familiar with that kind of thing.
But, having a Windows PC will make a lot of things very simplified for you. A Windows/Linux dual boot system would be very handy to you if you can set that up. Then you could also use Kies/SmartSwitch if it ever comes to a point that you need it.
There are some handy rarely used instances with Linux when it comes to Samsung. They have no fastboot like other devices so only adb is usable. I think they primarily centered around Windows being the preferred OS to interact with their devices.
Droidriven said:
If you're a Linux user and you have knowledge of using terminal commands then you should have no trouble setting up Hiemdall. Getting full USB functionality set up for the device in Hiemdall can be a pain if you aren't familiar with that kind of thing.
But, having a Windows PC will make a lot of things very simplified for you. A Windows/Linux dual boot system would be very handy to you if you can set that up. Then you could also use Kies/SmartSwitch if it ever comes to a point that you need it.
There are some handy rarely used instances with Linux when it comes to Samsung. They have no fastboot like other devices so only adb is usable. I think they primarily centered around Windows being the preferred OS to interact with their devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the info. I already have a dual boot on my pc with windows. I am an experienced Linux user and setting up Hiemdall should not pose a problem, but i opted to go for Windows since as you said makes things simpler.
Still looking for guides and tutorials on how exactly the root process goes. Doing research, so i guess its going to be a late night. If you have any links or pages you can guide me to for my Samsung J5 it would be amazing. Right now am looking around this forum and wherever the links lead me.
Thank you again.
luan96 said:
Thank you for the info. I already have a dual boot on my pc with windows. I am an experienced Linux user and setting up Hiemdall should not pose a problem, but i opted to go for Windows since as you said makes things simpler.
Still looking for guides and tutorials on how exactly the root process goes. Doing research, so i guess its going to be a late night. If you have any links or pages you can guide me to for my Samsung J5 it would be amazing. Right now am looking around this forum and wherever the links lead me.
Thank you again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, just to make sure that you are not walking blindly into some potential traps.
1) download the root checker app from Playstore, use it to verify whether the device is actually rooted.
2) power the device off, wait 5 seconds, hold volume up+home+power, when it boots past the logo, let go. It should boot to recovery, tell me what you see. Does it say TWRP with grey buttons on a black screen? Or does it have an android lying on his back and have options listed?
3) verify whether or not the bootloader is unlocked or not on your specific device model number with your specific build number/android version, if it's locked it will create problems if you try to flash custom recovery. Though you can flash CF autoroot with locked bootloader.
Then I'll help find what you need to do what you are looking to do. It may be simpler than you think.
If he in fact used Odin and the device is rooted, he did one of three things.
1) flashed custom recovery(TWRP) via Odin then flashed SuperSU.zip to root, not possible with locked bootloader.
2) flashed CF auto root via Odin, potentially leaving stock recovery if your bootloader is locked.
3) flashed a pre-rooted stock firmware via Odin, not likely though.
The first 2 being more likely than the last one, the second one being the most likely if your bootloader is locked.
Edit: @luan96, edited for more information.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
@Droidriven Thank you for the info. After a rough night of research i realized what i need to do. According to root checker, my phone is not rooted, and the recovery seems to be stock. This is very weird, since the phone is obviously not just the stock version that came from T Mobile. Im guessing its probably a badly done root or one that was removed. Anyways, this is how i am planing to proceed:
1. Turn on OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging from developer versions
2. Download CM Autoroot for my specific phone ( i do not know what is the difference between "normal" root and autoroot, but autoroot seems to be simpler and offers the same thing. Please correct me if i am wrong, i would love to know how to do a manual root as well if it has more benefits).
3. Volume down+home+power to get to the download screen
4. Launch Odin that comes with the autoroot package
5. Plug my phone into the USB and wait for Odin to add it.
6. Select the autoroot md5 file from the folder and begin the flashing process
7. Hope for the best and that my phone is still functional when it auto reboots.
After this i should check with Root Checker weather its properly installed or not. If it is, and i see the SuperSU application i continue to installing the custom recovery ( through some research i found out that TWRP is the best choice for me). Installing the custom recovery should be as easy as auto rooting the device. I should download the files from an official website, and flash them using the same process i did for AutoRoot.
After that its mod heaven. With my understanding so far, TWRP lets me install custom roms, and other things i might need.
This is what i plan on doing as soon as im done with a little more research. If anyone has any tips, corrections or general information on what to expect or do please share.
Many thanks to every contributor on this thread.
luan96 said:
@Droidriven Thank you for the info. After a rough night of research i realized what i need to do. According to root checker, my phone is not rooted, and the recovery seems to be stock. This is very weird, since the phone is obviously not just the stock version that came from T Mobile. Im guessing its probably a badly done root or one that was removed. Anyways, this is how i am planing to proceed:
2. Download CM Autoroot for my specific phone ( i do not know what is the difference between "normal" root and autoroot, but autoroot seems to be simpler and offers the same thing. Please correct me if i am wrong, i would love to know how to do a manual root as well if it has more benefits).
3. Volume down+home+power to get to the download screen
4. Launch Odin that comes with the autoroot package
5. Plug my phone into the USB and wait for Odin to add it.
6. Select the autoroot md5 file from the folder and begin the flashing process
7. Hope for the best and that my phone is still functional when it auto reboots.
After this i should check with Root Checker weather its properly installed or not. If it is, and i see the SuperSU application i continue to installing the custom recovery ( through some research i found out that TWRP is the best choice for me). Installing the custom recovery should be as easy as auto rooting the device. I should download the files from an official website, and flash them using the same process i did for AutoRoot.
After that its mod heaven. With my understanding so far, TWRP lets me install custom roms, and other things i might need.
This is what i plan on doing as soon as im done with a little more research. If anyone has any tips, corrections or general information on what to expect or do please share.
Many thanks to every contributor on this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would recommend using the command line to flash the twrp instead of the GUI if you want a simple process in linux
Run a terminal as a superuser (sudo)
heimdall flash –RECOVERY filename.img
Do step 1 and 3 you gave before before doing this
Or just flash the twrp image using Odin
J500FN twrp
https://dl.twrp.me/j5nltexx/
-Hope- said:
I would recommend using the command line to flash the twrp instead of the GUI if you want a simple process in linux
Run a terminal as a superuser (sudo)
heimdall flash –RECOVERY filename.img
Do step 1 and 3 you gave before before doing this
Or just flash the twrp image using Odin
J500FN twrp
https://dl.twrp.me/j5nltexx/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to use Odin for this. Since I'm quite new to the rooting community I dont want to mess things up on the first try. I'd rather get comfortable with some standard stuff before I proceed to try different variations. Thank you for your input. Though I would still like to know if I should use cm auto root or do a manual root. The difference is not quite clear to me yet. Again, thank you for your input, it is appreciated.
luan96 said:
@Droidriven Thank you for the info. After a rough night of research i realized what i need to do. According to root checker, my phone is not rooted, and the recovery seems to be stock. This is very weird, since the phone is obviously not just the stock version that came from T Mobile. Im guessing its probably a badly done root or one that was removed. Anyways, this is how i am planing to proceed:
1. Turn on OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging from developer versions
2. Download CM Autoroot for my specific phone ( i do not know what is the difference between "normal" root and autoroot, but autoroot seems to be simpler and offers the same thing. Please correct me if i am wrong, i would love to know how to do a manual root as well if it has more benefits).
3. Volume down+home+power to get to the download screen
4. Launch Odin that comes with the autoroot package
5. Plug my phone into the USB and wait for Odin to add it.
6. Select the autoroot md5 file from the folder and begin the flashing process
7. Hope for the best and that my phone is still functional when it auto reboots.
After this i should check with Root Checker weather its properly installed or not. If it is, and i see the SuperSU application i continue to installing the custom recovery ( through some research i found out that TWRP is the best choice for me). Installing the custom recovery should be as easy as auto rooting the device. I should download the files from an official website, and flash them using the same process i did for AutoRoot.
After that its mod heaven. With my understanding so far, TWRP lets me install custom roms, and other things i might need.
This is what i plan on doing as soon as im done with a little more research. If anyone has any tips, corrections or general information on what to expect or do please share.
Many thanks to every contributor on this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing CF autoroot will simplify rooting, again, just make sure you have the correct autoroot for your specific model number and firmware, flashing the wrong one can softbrick or hardbrick your device, this would require flashing stock firmware via Odin to repair if softbricked and more serious methods to restore if hardbricked. There isn't much difference in effect with the different rooting methods. They all get the job done about equally.
Just make sure that you verify that your bootloader is in fact unlocked BEFORE you flash TWRP. As stated earlier, if it is locked, it will certainly cause issues and you'll have to restore stock recovery and/or stock firmware.
As long as your bootloader is unlocked then your outlined plan should be good to go.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
Droidriven said:
Flashing CF autoroot will simplify rooting, afain, just make sure you have the correct autoroot for your specific model number and firmware, flashing the wrong one can softbrick or hardbrick your device, this would require flashing stock firmware via Odin to repair if softbricked and more serious methods to restore if hardbricked. There isn't much difference in effect with the different rooting methods. They all get the job done about equally.
Just make sure that you verify that your bootloader is in fact unlocked BEFORE you flash TWRP. As stated earlier, if it is locked, it will certainly cause issues and you'll have to restore stock recovery and/or stock firmware.
As long as you're bootloader is unlocked then your outlined plan should be good to go.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, looks like i messed up somehow. I was fiddling around the recovery mode and Odin mode. Those were the only two screens i could view besides normal booting, so i was looking for any info.
Recovery Mode https://ibb.co/hotYZ5
Odin mode 1 https://ibb.co/nFfVE5
Once on the recovery mode, i selected "reboot to bootloader" hoping to find info if its locked or not. I got redirected to this screen
Odin Mode 2 https://ibb.co/kqhtZ5
And then i did what i think is the dumbest thing this year....i removed the batery and now when i try to turn on my phone -
Blocked https://ibb.co/kkOd1k
Please tell me i did not brick my phone without even trying to root it first. My understanding is that i accidentally wiped the current OS (softbrick?) and now i have to flash a new one and then continue with what i had planned. Or is this a small problem that can be fixed easier? Or a more serious one ? Good news tho maybe, i think that the bootloader is unlocked ?
Thank you @Droidriven for your info so far, you have been extremely helpful.
*EDIT* - Pictures didnt link correctly.
luan96 said:
Well, looks like i messed up somehow. I was fiddling around the recovery mode and Odin mode. Those were the only two screens i could view besides normal booting, so i was looking for any info.
Recovery Mode https://ibb.co/hotYZ5
Odin mode 1 https://ibb.co/nFfVE5
Once on the recovery mode, i selected "reboot to bootloader" hoping to find info if its locked or not. I got redirected to this screen
Odin Mode 2 https://ibb.co/kqhtZ5
And then i did what i think is the dumbest thing this year....i removed the batery and now when i try to turn on my phone -
Blocked https://ibb.co/kkOd1k
Please tell me i did not brick my phone without even trying to root it first. My understanding is that i accidentally wiped the current OS (softbrick?) and now i have to flash a new one and then continue with what i had planned. Or is this a small problem that can be fixed easier? Or a more serious one ? Good news tho maybe, i think that the bootloader is unlocked ?
Thank you @Droidriven for your info so far, you have been extremely helpful.
*EDIT* - Pictures didnt link correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks to me like they attempted to root the device but didn't do it correctly.
FRP can be a pain to deal with. Some can be bypassed easily, those that have trouble bypassing must sign in with the original owner's original Gmail and password used to activate the device.
The method of bypassing FRP varies from device to device.
Did you factory reset in recovery? If so, that's why you FRP blocked you.
If you have stock recovery then you should not have been able to wipe out the OS using stock recovery, typically, only custom recovery can do that, unless you did something accidentally that somehow corrupted/wiped your OS.
If the OS is gone, you'll have to flash your stock firmware via Odin and start over from the beginning.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
Droidriven said:
It looks to me like they attempted to root the device but didn't do it correctly.
FRP can be a pain to deal with. Some can be bypassed easily, those that have trouble bypassing must sign in with the original owner's original Gmail and password used to activate the device.
The method of bypassing FRP varies from device to device.
Did you factory reset in recovery? If so, that's why you FRP blocked you.
If you have stock recovery then you should not have been able to wipe out the OS using stock recovery, typically, only custom recovery can do that, unless you did something accidentally that somehow corrupted/wiped your OS.
If the OS is gone, you'll have to flash your stock firmware via Odin and start over from the beginning.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. At least its not just a paperweight. I'm installing new software on it with Kiesk 3 right now. Hope that works so i can do the rooting and TWRP install soon. I pressed "reboot to bootlader" to try and find out if its locked or not, but then it got me in download mode (without having to press up volume to contionue). After i turned off my phone by removing the battery, the OS was gone.
luan96 said:
Thank you. At least its not just a paperweight. I'm installing new software on it with Kiesk 3 right now. Hope that works so i can do the rooting and TWRP install soon. I pressed "reboot to bootlader" to try and find out if its locked or not, but then it got me in download mode (without having to press up volume to contionue). After i turned off my phone by removing the battery, the OS was gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get this restored with Kies?
Droidriven said:
Did you get this restored with Kies?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, i did. Worked like a charm, and even got the new 6.0.1 android on it. Also installed TWRP, and just finished installing Xposed Framework, now waiting for it to boot up ( i hear it takes some time). Seems all well so far. If any problems pop out ill be sure to post about it. Also thinking about making a new thread just to help newbies like me who really just want to remove some bloatware, and install some nice modules and not heavily mod the phone. You have been very helpful during this process. Many thanks to you ^-^ .
luan96 said:
Yes, i did. Worked like a charm, and even got the new 6.0.1 android on it. Also installed TWRP, and just finished installing Xposed Framework, now waiting for it to boot up ( i hear it takes some time). Seems all well so far. If any problems pop out ill be sure to post about it. Also thinking about making a new thread just to help newbies like me who really just want to remove some bloatware, and install some nice modules and not heavily mod the phone. You have been very helpful during this process. Many thanks to you ^-^ .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have issues with Xposed causing a bootloop, you can flash the Xposed uninstaller zip in TWRP to remove it, then troubleshoot why it bootlooped and try again.
Are you using the Touch wiz marshmallow Xposed framework?
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE