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[Q] Restore nandroid backup

Hello Guys,
Since I totally bricked my old Nexus 5 16GB(KTU84P) I am going to get a new one. But I am thinking of getting the 32GB version this time.
Now before it got bricked I made a full nandroid back-up with the help of the Nexus Root Toolkit and TWRP.
Now here are a few (stupid) questions:
~Is it possible to restore a nandroid backup from one phone to another and even in this case a "different" version of the phone?
(I've skipped over this thread real fast http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=728266 which says it is possible for phones of the same model)
~If it is possible how should it be done?
~And well if the first question isn't possible, is there a way to read out out the created back-up files which TWRP created and manually restore them(preferable the data partition)
I hope you guys can help me out
Kind regards

Yes, you can do it. Just make sure you're not restoring the efs partition or you'll have another brick on your hands.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Also don't use toolkits next time. Please use the manual methods which are better, safer and teach you the basis you need to recover.
All guides and info threads can be found in general > sticky roll-up thread
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

When you run into issues, as many do after nandroid restoring from one device to another... Wiping and Flashing stock with fastboot is the Fix.
Thought I'd cover that up front. ?

jd1639 said:
Yes, you can do it. Just make sure you're not restoring the efs partition or you'll have another brick on your hands.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rootSU said:
Also don't use toolkits next time. Please use the manual methods which are better, safer and teach you the basis you need to recover.
All guides and info threads can be found in general > sticky roll-up thread
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey guys sorry I didn't answer immediately, but after I saw the posts I immediately ordered a new Nexus 5 (32GB this time). I got it delivered today and like you said I've done the unlocking, custom recovery and rooting manually this time instead of using a toolkit. Which was to be honest way easier than I thought but also way faster than using a toolkit.
But now I've kinda run into a other 'problem'
When I restore my previous made backup (the one from the bricked phone) I first of all only get the options to restore the 'system' partition and the 'data' partition (which is totally fine cause those are the only ones I actually need).
But when I restore the system partition a lot of apps crash on default(It is basically bricked then), and even when I just restore the data partition the same thing happens. (To be completely fair this problem might come from the fact that I used the MD5 verification option when I made the backup but I can't really remember that. but some of my backup files end with the .MD5 extension) Saying this I also used the restore option with check MD5 verification, but needless to say I get the message that they verifications don't match.
So here are a few questions again.
~Like I said before I only really care about the 'data' partition, Is there an option that I still can use TWRP to restore it properly?
~If the above is not possible is there a manual way to read out the made backup file using a program like 'Ext2Explore'(This crashes though when I open the file)
Or did I just completely screw up by checking the MD5 verification?
Once again kind regards
p.s. If the problem isn't clear tell me and and I'll try to explain it in a different way

You missed quote from post #4. ?
I believe that with a new device.... It should be a clean start. And I read post after post in different device sections of issues from restoring from other devices.
And so I never recommend it. It can, possibly, bring lots of issues.
But to each their own.
Good luck. ?

KJ said:
You missed quote from post #4. ?
I believe that with a new device.... It should be a clean start. And I read post after post in different device sections of issues from restoring from other devices.
And so I never recommend it. It can, possibly, bring lots of issues.
But to each their own.
Good luck. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohh right, sorry I completely read over your post my bad. But then again If I have to wipe the device wouldn't that totally remove the point of restoring the data partition ? or is the wipe command just for the system partition?

sambo940 said:
Ohh right, sorry I completely read over your post my bad. But then again If I have to wipe the device wouldn't that totally remove the point of restoring the data partition ? or is the wipe command just for the system partition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I'm getting at, is don't restore the data partition. You can try, but I often read of lots of issues doing it.
Yes, I implied wipe the device clean. Flash stock. Start fresh.
Now if you had a titanium backup of user apps on your pc... I'd say you'd have a much easier time restoring that to the new phone.
Just my 2 cents of course.

KJ said:
What I'm getting at, is don't restore the data partition. You can try, but I often read of lots of issues doing it.
Yes, I implied wipe the device clean. Flash stock. Start fresh.
Now if you had a titanium backup of user apps on your pc... I'd say you'd have a much easier time restoring that to the new phone.
Just my 2 cents of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made a clean start yes. Unfortunately I don't have a titanium backup and I get that storing the data partition to a other device isn't a good idea. But well I never had the intention of making a back up and restoring it to another device but unfortunately my other phone got completely bricked. And yes in hindsight I should have made backups in multiple ways.
But like I said I don't really care about the system(including the apps and app settings) it is literally all about the actual data (pictures and stuff), that is also the reason why I asked if there is a way to manually read/open the back-up files.

sambo940 said:
I made a clean start yes. Unfortunately I don't have a titanium backup and I get that storing the data partition to a other device isn't a good idea. But well I never had the intention of making a back up and restoring it to another device but unfortunately my other phone got completely bricked. And yes in hindsight I should have made backups in multiple ways.
But like I said I don't really care about the system(including the apps and app settings) it is literally all about the actual data (pictures and stuff), that is also the reason why I asked if there is a way to manually read/open the back-up files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The pictures are gone. A nandroid doesn't back those up or anything on the internal sdcard
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
The pictures are gone. A nandroid doesn't back those up or anything on the internal sdcard
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that certainly is a bummer, and also very misleading from the nexus toolkit. From now on I shall back-up my phone more properly and well stop using those darn toolkits,
Thank you for your time.

sambo940 said:
Well that certainly is a bummer, and also very misleading from the nexus toolkit. From now on I shall back-up my phone more properly and well stop using those darn toolkits,
Thank you for your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you make an adb backup in the tool kit? That would have your pics. But a flashable nandroid you flash in recovery would not.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

sambo940 said:
I made a clean start yes. Unfortunately I don't have a titanium backup and I get that storing the data partition to a other device isn't a good idea. But well I never had the intention of making a back up and restoring it to another device but unfortunately my other phone got completely bricked. And yes in hindsight I should have made backups in multiple ways.
But like I said I don't really care about the system(including the apps and app settings) it is literally all about the actual data (pictures and stuff), that is also the reason why I asked if there is a way to manually read/open the back-up files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would Nandroid Manager be what you're looking for? EDIT: as above, it won't find and restore any of your pictures/music, as a nandroid backup does not include any of these. There is a chance you find and restore your apps and settings if you so wish. I've used that app before.
Incidentally, I successfully transferred all of my data and ROM from one Nexus 5 to another (had to RMA)
The process I used is:
- Unlock bootloader, install custom recovery on new N5
- Nandroid backup on old N5
- Copy whole /sdcard partition from old to new N5. Basically, all files and folders on the 'root' of the drive when connected to PC. This included all photos, music and the nandroid backup itself.
- Restore nandroid backup on new N5 (only /system, /data and boot.img / kernel), as if you were restoring any nandroid backup really. Though do not restore efs partition as advised above (it wasn't backed up, but worth mentioning again anyway).
Took a while, but the ROM and settings were carried over successfully.

jd1639 said:
Did you make an adb backup in the tool kit? That would have your pics. But a flashable nandroid you flash in recovery would not.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I did not. And the ignorant person that I am just assumed that the nandroid backup would back up everything since the toolkit says "Make full Backups"
So well I guess I just have to accept the fact that I lost those things
eddiehk6 said:
Would Nandroid Manager be what you're looking for? EDIT: as above, it won't find and restore any of your pictures/music, as a nandroid backup does not include any of these. There is a chance you find and restore your apps and settings if you so wish. I've used that app before.
Incidentally, I successfully transferred all of my data and ROM from one Nexus 5 to another (had to RMA)
The process I used is:
- Unlock bootloader, install custom recovery on new N5
- Nandroid backup on old N5
- Copy whole /sdcard partition from old to new N5. Basically, all files and folders on the 'root' of the drive when connected to PC. This included all photos, music and the nandroid backup itself.
- Restore nandroid backup on new N5 (only /system, /data and boot.img / kernel), as if you were restoring any nandroid backup really. Though do not restore efs partition as advised above (it wasn't backed up, but worth mentioning again anyway).
Took a while, but the ROM and settings were carried over successfully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly what I was looking but I'll keep it in the back of my head in case something similar might happen in the future(lets hope not) Thanks.

Install Foldersync and set your sdcard to sync to a computer wirelessly
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

eddiehk6 said:
Would Nandroid Manager be what you're looking for? EDIT: as above, it won't find and restore any of your pictures/music, as a nandroid backup does not include any of these. There is a chance you find and restore your apps and settings if you so wish. I've used that app before.
Incidentally, I successfully transferred all of my data and ROM from one Nexus 5 to another (had to RMA)
The process I used is:
- Unlock bootloader, install custom recovery on new N5
- Nandroid backup on old N5
- Copy whole /sdcard partition from old to new N5. Basically, all files and folders on the 'root' of the drive when connected to PC. This included all photos, music and the nandroid backup itself.
- Restore nandroid backup on new N5 (only /system, /data and boot.img / kernel), as if you were restoring any nandroid backup really. Though do not restore efs partition as advised above (it wasn't backed up, but worth mentioning again anyway).
Took a while, but the ROM and settings were carried over successfully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am assuming that you used a tool like Android File Transfer.
So what I'm trying to do is the same thing, backup my entire old N5 32GB as I had also requested an RMA of the device. Is it accurate in stating that you want me to copy every folder that shows up on the AFT window (Note: I am using a MAC) and copy that onto a folder on my computer. Then copy over everything on the new device (bootloader unlocked, rooted, same TWRP version installed) and restore via the Nandroid backup from my old phone (which was also transferred as indicated above).

dcxgod said:
I am assuming that you used a tool like Android File Transfer.
So what I'm trying to do is the same thing, backup my entire old N5 32GB as I had also requested an RMA of the device. Is it accurate in stating that you want me to copy every folder that shows up on the AFT window (Note: I am using a MAC) and copy that onto a folder on my computer. Then copy over everything on the new device (bootloader unlocked, rooted, same TWRP version installed) and restore via the Nandroid backup from my old phone (which was also transferred as indicated above).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't use AFT, just plugged straight into PC, sorry no experience with Mac
Basically both phones were connected, and I copied the whole "/sdcard" straight from one phone to another, without making an initial copy to the PC
You want to replicate the same file structure

[XT1032] CM 12 - Flashing TWRP v2.8.6.0 has caused bootloop

Hello,
XT1032 CM 12 latest nightly (I think)
I flashed TWRP v2.8.6.0 using their manager app. I entered recovery mode and everything seemed to work fine. I made a NANDroid backup then rebooted. Unfortunately the device was then stuck at the bootlogo and kept looping. I can still access recovery and fastboot but for some reason adb doesn't see the device, nor can my device's data be access under Windows 7. I don't recall if I had USB debugging on or not. I would like to try to backup a few files to my computer (the backup for instance) but I am unable to since I can't use adb as the device is not recognized. MTP through TWRP doesn't seem to work either. I do have the Universal drive pack installed already on Windows.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

To start with, let's make sure the files you want still exist.
1. Boot into TWRP recovery
2. Go to "Mount" and check that your "Data" partition is selected
3. Go back and then go to "Advanced" and then to "File Manager"
4. Navigate around (maybe /sdcard/ ? Depends what you're looking for) and find the files you need
If you can't find your file, you'll need some more help. Let's say you do see your file. Do you have a USB-OTG cable? You could plug a USB drive into your phone and mount that. Then you could copy your file to that drive. If you don't have the cable you do have some other options, but let us know how far you get.
EDIT: I know I haven't addressed the problem of the bootloop at all. Many of those solutions involve wiping so we need to make sure you've backed up all the files you need first.

First of all thanks for the help. :good:
I've been trying to find a solution and in fact flashing CWM worked. I was able to adb pull all the files and make a backup.
I backed up the content of the sdcard. I tried restoring the CWM nandroid with data only so it did reinstall the apps but unfortunately all their data and settings are gone. Making a full restore just goes back to bricking. So I have the nandroid and the data manually backed up to a computer but no idea how to restore it.
I've tried pushing the nandroid back to /mnt/shell/emulated/clockworkmod/backup after an unsuccessful restore but now it doesn't even work. (protocol failure, the push command fails)
honestly at this point I think the best solution is just to make a clean install. In fact it would be a good idea to just reset the whole phone and start with a clean slate with CM13 including wiping system files and maybe manually restore some key files and configuration (I've got all the .com files of relevant apps)
Do you know how to do that? :laugh:

frustratedwhiteman said:
First of all thanks for the help. :good:
I've been trying to find a solution and in fact flashing CWM worked. I was able to adb pull all the files and make a backup.
I backed up the content of the sdcard. I tried restoring the CWM nandroid with data only so it did reinstall the apps but unfortunately all their data and settings are gone. Making a full restore just goes back to bricking. So I have the nandroid and the data manually backed up to a computer but no idea how to restore it.
I've tried pushing the nandroid back to /mnt/shell/emulated/clockworkmod/backup after an unsuccessful restore but now it doesn't even work. (protocol failure, the push command fails)
honestly at this point I think the best solution is just to make a clean install. In fact it would be a good idea to just reset the whole phone and start with a clean slate with CM13 including wiping system files and maybe manually restore some key files and configuration (I've got all the .com files of relevant apps)
Do you know how to do that? :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not really a Nandroid expert, but I can take a few shots in the dark. When you did your backup you got a TAR file for System and one for Data, etc., right? Then you convert those to IMGs? If you upgraded and then restored the system backup I can see why that would result in a boot loop. Restoring the data image shouldn't cause such problems though. Is this what you've tried so far? You're right, though. The safest method is to manually restore the data of just the apps where you need that data, and do it one at a time. This would allow you to pinpoint what is causing the issue. Of course, I may have no idea what I'm talking about. I've never actually needed to restore a Nandroid backup! Hopefully someone with more experience there will chime in.

I thought to hell with it I went and solved the issue by installing CM13
Thanks for taking the time to help and see you next time

Oneplus 6 bootloop after upgrade to 9.0.4 (+failed to restore the nandroid backup!)

So I have the OP6 for a while now. Everytime a new version released I download the new official zip file and then flash it with twrp. (follow this post - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76596833&postcount=3)
So I did it for 9.0.4, I first took nandroid backup, flash the new firmware, flash twrp, reboot to recovery, flash magisk. And then when I tried to reboot the system I got a message "Shutting down..." when the android system tried to load so I was stuck at bootlooping.
I thought that maybe something in the installation went wrong, so I might just get it restored. I did the restore using the latest twrp (v9.91) and now the system is completly corrupt, the phone no longer able to load anyhing (no oneplus loading screen with the rolling dot) and I when it boot to twrp it no longer can decrypt the filesystem (doesn't ask for my password).
I don't know I could I meesed this up, I did the same step every new upgrade. Apperiate any insight to my situasion.
What do you think caused this? Can I decrypt the files on my phone somehow and restore them?
Thank you in advanced.

b217260 said:
So I have the OP6 for a while now. Everytime a new version released I download the new official zip file and then flash it with twrp. (follow this post - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76596833&postcount=3)
So I did it for 9.0.4, I first took nandroid backup, flash the new firmware, flash twrp, reboot to recovery, flash magisk. And then when I tried to reboot the system I got a message "Shutting down..." when the android system tried to load so I was stuck at bootlooping.
I thought that maybe something in the installation went wrong, so I might just get it restored. I did the restore using the latest twrp (v9.91) and now the system is completly corrupt, the phone no longer able to load anyhing (no oneplus loading screen with the rolling dot) and I when it boot to twrp it no longer can decrypt the filesystem (doesn't ask for my password).
I don't know I could I meesed this up, I did the same step every new upgrade. Apperiate any insight to my situasion.
What do you think caused this? Can I decrypt the files on my phone somehow and restore them?
Thank you in advanced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok this is a giant pain in the backside but I have done this before and I know it works. Here is a step by step guide to restore.
1. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/rom-stock-fastboot-roms-oneplus-6-t3796665 go here and download the fastboot rom for the rom YOU HAD ON THE PHONE WHEN YOU MADE THE NANDROID BACKUP. Step by step on how to install it is there.
2. Install the rom and boot up the phone. Don't bother signing in to google or downloading apps or any of that. Just get through all the menus.
3. Install TWRP. Bluspark TWRP is recommended.
4. Install Magisk, but make sure IT IS THE SAME VERSION OF MAGISK AS WAS INSTALLED IN THE NANDROID BACKUP
5. Reboot to system and make sure the phone still works, then reboot to TWRP
6. Restore Nandroid backup.
I know this is a giant hassle, but it works every time. I haven't found a better way to restore a backup since this whole A/B partitioning started.

Thank you for making the time writing this, it is relief to hear that you figure this out. Will try this first in the morning.

I did a bad mistake running the flash-all.bat thinking it will only flash the partitions of the system.
Well it is all gone now...Dam if only I wait until the morning I might not made this mistake.

tabletalker7 said:
Ok this is a giant pain in the backside but I have done this before and I know it works. Here is a step by step guide to restore.
1. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/rom-stock-fastboot-roms-oneplus-6-t3796665 go here and download the fastboot rom for the rom YOU HAD ON THE PHONE WHEN YOU MADE THE NANDROID BACKUP. Step by step on how to install it is there.
2. Install the rom and boot up the phone. Don't bother signing in to google or downloading apps or any of that. Just get through all the menus.
3. Install TWRP. Bluspark TWRP is recommended.
4. Install Magisk, but make sure IT IS THE SAME VERSION OF MAGISK AS WAS INSTALLED IN THE NANDROID BACKUP
5. Reboot to system and make sure the phone still works, then reboot to TWRP
6. Restore Nandroid backup.
I know this is a giant hassle, but it works every time. I haven't found a better way to restore a backup since this whole A/B partitioning started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This guide can also be used to restore from other roms;

b217260 said:
I did a bad mistake running the flash-all.bat thinking it will only flash the partitions of the system.
Well it is all gone now...Dam if only I wait until the morning I might not made this mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you do?
---------- Post added at 02:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:13 PM ----------
petran07 said:
This guide can also be used to restore from other roms;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess so. I never had to use a backup to restore on a custom ROM yet.

tabletalker7 said:
What did you do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After extracting the stock zip flasher, there is file "flash-all.bat" on the root of the folder. (Guess I needed to use the "flash-all-partitions-fastboot.bat)
Thinking it will only flash the android system partitions I've run it and realize that my internal stoarge was formatted.
Really stupid mistake from my part, sorry for couldn't verify your guide.
Hoping that someone who read this in the future won't do my mistake.

b217260 said:
After extracting the stock zip flasher, there is file "flash-all.bat" on the root of the folder. (Guess I needed to use the "flash-all-partitions-fastboot.bat)
Thinking it will only flash the android system partitions I've run it and realize that my internal stoarge was formatted.
Really stupid mistake from my part, sorry for couldn't verify your guide.
Hoping that someone who read this in the future won't do my mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's my bad. I always store my backups on an SD card with my OTG card reader. I forget others don't think like I do sometimes

tabletalker7 said:
Ok this is a giant pain in the backside but I have done this before and I know it works. Here is a step by step guide to restore.
1. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/rom-stock-fastboot-roms-oneplus-6-t3796665 go here and download the fastboot rom for the rom YOU HAD ON THE PHONE WHEN YOU MADE THE NANDROID BACKUP. Step by step on how to install it is there.
2. Install the rom and boot up the phone. Don't bother signing in to google or downloading apps or any of that. Just get through all the menus.
3. Install TWRP. Bluspark TWRP is recommended.
4. Install Magisk, but make sure IT IS THE SAME VERSION OF MAGISK AS WAS INSTALLED IN THE NANDROID BACKUP
5. Reboot to system and make sure the phone still works, then reboot to TWRP
6. Restore Nandroid backup.
I know this is a giant hassle, but it works every time. I haven't found a better way to restore a backup since this whole A/B partitioning started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tabletalker7, can you please explain a little technical detail? If i follow your procedure, what is the difference from me just restoring boot, system and data from a Nandroid backup of a system that used to boot? What causes the restored system to no longer boot?
Because you seem to be suggesting a solution for the the problem I had. I normally do plenty of backups and play around with the system quite a lot, but Op6 burned me: I was unable to restore from a backup like I always did on other phones. I tried suggestions from other posters to no avail. So I set up a clean system from a fastboot rom and reinstalled everything from Titanium. I wonder, after I set pretty much identically, should I just risk and to once more try to restore from that Nandroid that was failing to restore (that only had system and data btw)? I'd greatly appreciate if you can enlighten.

b217260 said:
So I have the OP6 for a while now. Everytime a new version released I download the new official zip file and then flash it with twrp. (follow this post - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76596833&postcount=3)
So I did it for 9.0.4, I first took nandroid backup, flash the new firmware, flash twrp, reboot to recovery, flash magisk. And then when I tried to reboot the system I got a message "Shutting down..." when the android system tried to load so I was stuck at bootlooping.
I thought that maybe something in the installation went wrong, so I might just get it restored. I did the restore using the latest twrp (v9.91) and now the system is completly corrupt, the phone no longer able to load anyhing (no oneplus loading screen with the rolling dot) and I when it boot to twrp it no longer can decrypt the filesystem (doesn't ask for my password).
I don't know I could I meesed this up, I did the same step every new upgrade. Apperiate any insight to my situasion.
What do you think caused this? Can I decrypt the files on my phone somehow and restore them?
Thank you in advanced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had faced this many times. ...after trying diff options and failed Qualcome MSM method works perfectly.
Yep, You cant restore data i think as it being already formated as per knowd based on your steps above on diff posts

ahacker said:
tabletalker7, can you please explain a little technical detail? If i follow your procedure, what is the difference from me just restoring boot, system and data from a Nandroid backup of a system that used to boot? What causes the restored system to no longer boot?
Because you seem to be suggesting a solution for the the problem I had. I normally do plenty of backups and play around with the system quite a lot, but Op6 burned me: I was unable to restore from a backup like I always did on other phones. I tried suggestions from other posters to no avail. So I set up a clean system from a fastboot rom and reinstalled everything from Titanium. I wonder, after I set pretty much identically, should I just risk and to once more try to restore from that Nandroid that was failing to restore (that only had system and data btw)? I'd greatly appreciate if you can enlighten.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Changing Android security updates makes changes to phone encryption. It will make the data itself on the backup unreadable to the operating system. That is why people playing with many different custom ROMs had problems with data stored on their phones.
2. By using the fastboot rom you ensure that both partitions have the same operating system. A/B partitioning seems like a great idea on paper but it seems to be executed in the most horrible way possible.

tabletalker7 said:
1. Changing Android security updates makes changes to phone encryption. It will make the data itself on the backup unreadable to the operating system. That is why people playing with many different custom ROMs had problems with data stored on their phones.
2. By using the fastboot rom you ensure that both partitions have the same operating system. A/B partitioning seems like a great idea on paper but it seems to be executed in the most horrible way possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. It is plausible and I remeber seeing folder names to which random hex strings were appended (I did not see file contents though). But after last restores I verified that the folder names in /data/data folder were looking allright. Twrp apparently could decrypt the data partition, but the system would still not boot. If I were to encypr the data partition I'd use the whole partition as one encrypted block and not bother doing it on file or folder basis, which is more error-prone. Another sourse of doubt is that I never played with OS version upgrades nor with installing other roms.
Can you also please answer the following? Do you think I can try to restore my boot+system to a different slot and then come back to my original slot if my playing there is unsuccesfull? Being scared that restoring a previous state can fail is a major problem.

ahacker said:
Thanks a lot. It is plausible and I remeber seeing folder names to which random hex strings were appended (I did not see file contents though). But after last restores I verified that the folder names in /data/data folder were looking allright. Twrp apparently could decrypt the data partition, but the system would still not boot. If I were to encypr the data partition I'd use the whole partition as one encrypted block and not bother doing it on file or folder basis, which is more error-prone. Another sourse of doubt is that I never played with OS version upgrades nor with installing other roms.
Can you also please answer the following? Do you think I can try to restore my boot+system to a different slot and then come back to my original slot if my playing there is unsuccesfull? Being scared that restoring a previous state can fail is a major problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not recommend doing that. While you may have different roms on different partitions you only have one data partition. That is asking for trouble

tabletalker7 said:
I would not recommend doing that. While you may have different roms on different partitions you only have one data partition. That is asking for trouble
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would have data backed up, sure.
What bothers me is that an essential property of a digital automaton is that if you start it from the same state it will continue the same. Nandroid used to capture all that mattered for identical runs. It no longer does, something is missing, such as some encryption keys for data partition, as you seem to suggest. This bothers me.

ahacker said:
I would have data backed up, sure.
What bothers me is that an essential property of a digital automaton is that if you start it from the same state it will continue the same. Nandroid used to capture all that mattered for identical runs. It no longer does, something is missing, such as some encryption keys for data partition, as you seem to suggest. This bothers me.
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Click to collapse
What bothers you here are things I call "security". If the nandroid backup has the encryption keys to decrypt it, then the data is not secure.

tabletalker7 said:
What bothers you here are things I call "security". If the nandroid backup has the encryption keys to decrypt it, then the data is not secure.
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Click to collapse
Nandroid backups should be encrypted when created with a user supplied key. Twrp allowed this since ages ago. Not allowing the user to restore a backup is not a right substitution for this.

ahacker said:
Nandroid backups should be encrypted when created with a user supplied key. Twrp allowed this since ages ago. Not allowing the user to restore a backup is not a right substitution for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP didn't do this. Android didn't do this. Ya know, if this is anywhere near as horrible for you as you are making it sound, my advise for you would be to buy Apple products. Bottom line is a new feature was added to Android, and your backup does work.

tabletalker7 said:
TWRP didn't do this. Android didn't do this. Ya know, if this is anywhere near as horrible for you as you are making it sound, my advise for you would be to buy Apple products. Bottom line is a new feature was added to Android, and your backup does work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-It is as horrible as not being able to restore a full backup. No more, no less.
-Twrp has an ability to encrypt your backups, with your experience you must know this.
-You are suggesting someone to switch to iphone only because they point out that the things are wrong or dont add up.
-It is quite a common knowlege that you get good security out of encryption if you make things explicit and clear. And not how you may think it is. Cause you don't seem to know where the keys are stored for the data partition. Obviousely, because the phone eventually decrypts your data, the keys must be stored somewhere or derived from you swipe pattern.

tabletalker7 said:
Ok this is a giant pain in the backside but I have done this before and I know it works. Here is a step by step guide to restore.
1. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/rom-stock-fastboot-roms-oneplus-6-t3796665 go here and download the fastboot rom for the rom YOU HAD ON THE PHONE WHEN YOU MADE THE NANDROID BACKUP. Step by step on how to install it is there.
2. Install the rom and boot up the phone. Don't bother signing in to google or downloading apps or any of that. Just get through all the menus.
3. Install TWRP. Bluspark TWRP is recommended.
4. Install Magisk, but make sure IT IS THE SAME VERSION OF MAGISK AS WAS INSTALLED IN THE NANDROID BACKUP
5. Reboot to system and make sure the phone still works, then reboot to TWRP
6. Restore Nandroid backup.
I know this is a giant hassle, but it works every time. I haven't found a better way to restore a backup since this whole A/B partitioning started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Following these instructions seems to be the only way of restoring a nandroid backup (at least for my Op6 bought on AliExpress from China). Important: step 1 wipes your sdcard, so the backup you want to restore must be on otg usb stick.
After spending many hours I managed to restore a backup at least once. Fortunately for me I have no plans of upgarding Android and will likely forever stick with the following set:
1) 5.1.11-OREO-OnePlus6Oxygen_22_OTA_015_all_1808102118_770880-FASTBOOT.zip (found here)
2) twrp-3.2.3-x_blu_spark_v9.85_op6.img + twrp-3.2.3-x_blu_spark_v9.85_op6.zip (found here)
3) Magisk-v18.1.zip (found here)
My plan is to fully debloat the phone and then I will keep everything unchanged for years, because nowadays updates are more about twisting your arms than giving you usefull features. I almost got to that state, but one little glitch forced me to roll back and the whole hell with the Nandoid backups on Op6 started.
PS: It's very interesting what is really going on with this A/B system. There must be a storage where the encryption keys are stored (if it is the encryption that does prevent the phone from restoring. Which I doubt because Twrp sees the files fine). There also probbaly stored what slot is used. That information does not get captured by the Nandroid backup.

(Btw, It seems that blu_spark Twrp is really NOT encrypting your backups with the passwod you supply. Official Twrp does. I have plenty of old encypted backups, from wich I could not extract any personal data (/data/data folder) but yesterday I could extract my private information from a backup done by blu_spark Twrp. This is serious iussue. I'll double check and will post if confirmed.)
Not confirmed, I was looking at unencrypoted file.

How to backup my son's user data from our unrooted tablet where i am device owner

I'm trying to ensure my son's game and app data can be backed up from a tablet we both use so I can flash a rom (or even move to a new device). I am the owner of the tablet. He is connected to my google account with google family link. I have access to all passwords and pins. Device is not rooted.
As far as I can tell, I can't root the device without a factory reset (an older lenovo tablet, though I believe my overall goal is independent of device brand and model). That would obviously cost him his data. I can't use google's native backup and restore functionality I believe (as I think only the device owner can use that). I can't make him the device owner, without a factory reset (again, costing him his data). I can't get his data with titanium backup I believe (which i've used for myself in the past), since the device isn't rooted.
I'd appreciate any help on this. I've searched fruitlessly for quite some time.
Thanks!

You need to start mobile in recovery mode. You need sd card on mobile.
You will get option backup user data under recovery mode.
Those data backup on sd card.

Mobilelearner said:
You need to start mobile in recovery mode. You need sd card on mobile.
You will get option backup user data under recovery mode.
Those data backup on sd card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. It's just a stock tablet, no recovery is flashed yet (I'm assuming a recovery would wipe data for my device but I'll take a look) Or perhaps you are implying a stock recovery, which I'll check if one exists (android 7.x)

brady747 said:
Thanks for the reply. It's just a stock tablet, no recovery is flashed yet (I'm assuming a recovery would wipe data for my device but I'll take a look) Or perhaps you are implying a stock recovery, which I'll check if one exists (android 7.x)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ever since Android OS first saw the light of day, an Android device by default has had Stock Rcovery, unless it gets removed from device.
Hint: Use ADB to backup / restore apps & their data.

brady747 said:
Thanks for the reply. It's just a stock tablet, no recovery is flashed yet (I'm assuming a recovery would wipe data for my device but I'll take a look) Or perhaps you are implying a stock recovery, which I'll check if one exists (android 7.x)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use volume and power button to start mobile in recovery mode. Then you will get option of backup user data.

simple use adb its reliable fast and safest method you can use. even if you are new to this thing you just need a computer and copy paste commands from google to backup/restore app data.

Thank you all! I'm on it. Now, onto the fun of old products and adb/usb drivers.

Full phone backup with ROOT access

I'm looking for an app that will allow me to back up the entire contents of my phone to one single .zip file which I could then flash back if needed. It would be best if there was an app that could transfer the backup to my computer where I would store the individual backups. I should add that I have root access, but even so, I haven't found any application that backs up the entire system to a single file. I don't have a custom recovery, only the stock one. Is there any app for that? Ideally for Windows, where I would connect the phone with a cable and perform the backup setup from there.

CaptainFedora said:
I'm looking for an app that will allow me to back up the entire contents of my phone to one single .zip file which I could then flash back if needed. It would be best if there was an app that could transfer the backup to my computer where I would store the individual backups. I should add that I have root access, but even so, I haven't found any application that backs up the entire system to a single file. I don't have a custom recovery, only the stock one. Is there any app for that? Ideally for Windows, where I would connect the phone with a cable and perform the backup setup from there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are "the entire contents of your phone"? All partitions + personal data, apps and so on?

Oh yes, exactly. For a case like system update potentially messing up the device - (oh, I just realized that if my device would softbricked i would need to restore that image or zip file through the recovery anyway), so i guess without a custom recovery this isn't doable right?

CaptainFedora said:
Oh yes, exactly. For a case like system update potentially messing up the device - (oh, I just realized that if my device would softbricked i would need to restore that image or zip file through the recovery anyway), so i guess without a custom recovery this isn't doable right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as no custom ROM gets installed you only need a backup of your data. The remaining images are part of your firmware.
Without a custom recovery like TWRP you can backup your data only during the running system. Your stock recovery can't access /data as a filesystem, because it's not mounted. Also an entire image of that partition wouldn't be possible.

Now I learned something. Thank you. That'll do. Titanium Backup it is then.

CaptainFedora said:
Now I learned something. Thank you. That'll do. Titanium Backup it is then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup is outdated, I suggest NeoBackup (open source) or Swift Backup (closed source, you can't decrypt the backup on your own).

Thanks again!

TheNewHEROBRINE said:
Swift Backup (closed source, you can't decrypt the backup on your own).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't make any sense to encrypt MY own data. Swift Backup gets access to the data by Magisk and that's me. I don't need an app that makes my own data inaccessible for me without any reason.

CaptainFedora said:
I'm looking for an app that will allow me to back up the entire contents of my phone to one single .zip file which I could then flash back if needed. It would be best if there was an app that could transfer the backup to my computer where I would store the individual backups. I should add that I have root access, but even so, I haven't found any application that backs up the entire system to a single file. I don't have a custom recovery, only the stock one. Is there any app for that? Ideally for Windows, where I would connect the phone with a cable and perform the backup setup from there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can look at this thread for variants of backup software options.
Alternative to Titanium Backup?
Hey everyone, I've been using Titanium backup for a few weeks now but one thing irks me about it.. even though it successfully backs up my apps and I assume my data - when it comes to restoring the backup, it always re-installs the apps in a...
forum.xda-developers.com

WoKoschekk said:
It doesn't make any sense to encrypt MY own data. Swift Backup gets access to the data by Magisk and that's me. I don't need an app that makes my own data inaccessible for me without any reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the reason why I gave NeoBackup as an alternative, although it doesn't have all the features of Swift Backup like restoring SSAIDs.

TheNewHEROBRINE said:
That's the reason why I gave NeoBackup as an alternative
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Click to collapse
That seems to be a good alternative for Titanium Backup.