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Hi everyone
More than a question, I wanted to share some steps I plan to follow to apply the monthly system update and check I am on the right track. I had a Google Pixel 2 for a few months and I am learning more about the model every day.
Previously, I tried to follow different procedures found here on XDA such as applying OTA with boot images temporarily restored but I ended up with a bootloop not event TWRP could fix since all data was encrypted.
Objective:
Update the system to the latest Pixel 2 update (in this case Feb 2018) avoiding bootloops or bricks
Current Status:
Pixel 2 Walleye with Jan 2018 update
Rooted systemlessly with Magisk
No Magisk modules installed
/system modified since I have AdAway and other apps
No BusyBox installed
No Custom Recovery installed
Proposed steps:
Uninstall Magisk completely
Remove root apps from Device Admin (such as Greenify, Tasker, etc.)
Download latest factory image from Google
Extract the following from the image zip:
bootloader.img
radio.img
boot.img
dbto.img
cache.img
system.img
recovery.img
Restart phone into booloader
Fastboot bootloader.img
Reboot the bootloader
Fastboot the following commands in this order:
radio.img
boot.img
dbto.img
cache.img
system.img
recovery.img
Reboot phone
Install Magisk by patching boot
Re-run root apps (AdAway, etc.)
Renable root apps as Device Admin (Tasker, Greenify, etc.)
Is the above safe enough to avoid bootloop and also not lose apps and data installed?
I am aware any modifications to /system will be lost.
Have a look, let me know if on track, and if you want, give me your blessing.
Yesterday I used Dueces bootloop recovery script to update without losing anything.
I had magisk + TWRP installed
Download full update not OTA, extract to program tools directory or where you keep your goodies. Pull all factory update in folder with deuces recovery script.
From stk rooted ROM reboot bootloader,
Run dueces script from bootloader
After finished script No to format data
Reboot system when done.
From there you should be good to go, you will need to repatch but image in magisk and all that but i lost no data and had no issues
So I was on 1.171019.019 installed 1.172019.21 from fastboot with script and wiped nothing and lost nothing..
** My directions are probably incomplete so follow his instructions in his OP.
This has been discussed all over the place on the forums but you're over complicating the update process. Here's what you do:
Code:
Download the latest Pixel update
extract the update in your ADB folder on a computer
reboot to bootloader
look for the flash-all.bat and remove the -w at the bottom of that code, Save that file (the -w is what causes the device to be wiped)
run flash-all.bat
once that finishes you can fastboot boot twrp.img
it won't decrypt (Feb update broke TWRP decryption) but go read only and get into ADB Sideload mode
adb sideload kernel.zip
adb sideload magisk.zip
reboot
This is what I've done everytime (minus the adb sideload) and I have had zero issues. No loss of data being the biggest concern. Did this using the march update just yesterday and now I'm good to go.
It is worth saying when you start trying to flash (roms, kernels ect..) and you get a little crazy, Dueces Bootloop Recovery script is 100% something to have on deck if something /does/ go wrong.
nolimit78 said:
adb sideload kernel.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kernel.zip from where? The OTA? One you saved with TWRP on it?
I currently have TWRP and Magisk (default - nothing changed yet) installed on the February update. Is this going to be a monthly thing - flash the update, reinstall TWRP, reinstall Magisk? Not a complaint, just want to know what I'm doing. (Samsung, for all its faults, was a little easier after 6 years of not even having to look at what I was doing. I'll get comfortable with the Pixel, but this is my first update with TWRP and Magisk installed - it did the February update almost before I could read the screen.)
Rukbat said:
kernel.zip from where? The OTA? One you saved with TWRP on it?
I currently have TWRP and Magisk (default - nothing changed yet) installed on the February update. Is this going to be a monthly thing - flash the update, reinstall TWRP, reinstall Magisk? Not a complaint, just want to know what I'm doing. (Samsung, for all its faults, was a little easier after 6 years of not even having to look at what I was doing. I'll get comfortable with the Pixel, but this is my first update with TWRP and Magisk installed - it did the February update almost before I could read the screen.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kernel.zip is whatever kernel you'd like to use (flash or elemental) but it's not required. I just rename for shorter commands for ADB Yes, you've hit the nail on the head. If you're going to be stock/rooted, you'll have to do this every month to stay current.
And we're still waiting for Dees_Troy to figure out how to add decryption back to TWRP, so it's reinstall everything - including fingerprints - every month. Oh, well. (Hey, no pressure, Dees_Troy - I appreciate just having TWRP on this thing.)
Rukbat said:
And we're still waiting for Dees_Troy to figure out how to add decryption back to TWRP, so it's reinstall everything - including fingerprints - every month. Oh, well. (Hey, no pressure, Dees_Troy - I appreciate just having TWRP on this thing.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my process outline, you don't have to remove fingerprints.
To boot to TWRP to handle files that you already copied to the phone? TWRP doesn't decrypt the names any more, does it? So all you see is garbage (encrypted hash, I guess). If I want to restore a backup I have to remove the PIN, which seems to remove the fingerprints. Or are you saying to restore the PIN and the fingerprints are still active?
Rukbat said:
To boot to TWRP to handle files that you already copied to the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, this is only to apply the update and flash a custom kernel and magisk
Rukbat said:
TWRP doesn't decrypt the names any more, does it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it sure doesn't. This was caused by the Feb Update
Rukbat said:
If I want to restore a backup I have to remove the PIN, which seems to remove the fingerprints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, to do anything in TWRP (outside of ADB Sideloading) you'll need to remove the PIN.
And evidently something else. I removed the PIN, updated, and the phone's been sitting on the G screen for half an hour. So I rebooted to the bootloader, locked it, and now I'm flashing 021. I have a bad feeling that I'm going to be stuck.
---------- Post added at 05:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:10 PM ----------
As I feared. So I followed Google's instructions to flash the factory image. It went fine, until I got:
Created filesystem with 11/7389184 inodes and 511894/29553659 blocks
Erase successful, but not automatically formatting.
Can't determine partition type.
FAILED (remote: GetVar Variable Not found)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then it wrote the system, but
writing 'system'...
OKAY [ -0.000s]
sending sparse 'system' (524284 KB)...
FAILED (remote: No such partition.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It never reboots. If I reboot at that point, I get the recovery screen.
If I reboot into the bootloader and lock it, I get the bootloader with "ERROR: LoadImageAndAuth Failed: Load Error" at the bottom.
I was able to load twrp.img and use it to sideload twrp.zip, but that still doesn't get me back to Android. I tried b ooting into A and B and got the same result - TWRP.
What next? Is there a fix, or does this one have to be replaced also?
Rukbat said:
And evidently something else. I removed the PIN, updated, and the phone's been sitting on the G screen for half an hour. So I rebooted to the bootloader, locked it, and now I'm flashing 021. I have a bad feeling that I'm going to be stuck.
---------- Post added at 05:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:10 PM ----------
As I feared. So I followed Google's instructions to flash the factory image. It went fine, until I got:
Then it wrote the system, but
It never reboots. If I reboot at that point, I get the recovery screen.
If I reboot into the bootloader and lock it, I get the bootloader with "ERROR: LoadImageAndAuth Failed: Load Error" at the bottom.
I was able to load twrp.img and use it to sideload twrp.zip, but that still doesn't get me back to Android. I tried b ooting into A and B and got the same result - TWRP.
What next? Is there a fix, or does this one have to be replaced also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh my gosh. Stop sending your phone back.
Update your platform-tools. Change cables. Change ports. Use the search function.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
I'm not exactly new at this. Different cable, every USB port (including a 2.0 port, new download of both Google's driver and adb/fastboot, a new download of the firmware (and the sha256 is correct).
The next thing I'm going to try, as soon as I finish eating, is another computer. If that fails, and I'm pretty sure it will, I'll call Google tech support. Since it happened twice during an OTA, on two different phones, I may be able to get someone who knows how to feed the firmware into a nearly dead phone. I'm just looking for ideas I haven't had, when I post here. I'm about out of ideas. Again.
Evidently some computer manufacturers don't exactly build what they claim to build. My desktop has 2 USB 3.0 ports (which I already knew wouldn't work) and - supposedly - a USB 2.0 port. Flashing the firmware on the "2.0" port didn't work. Evidently it's not 2.0.
So I resurrected an old Windows 8.0 laptop. I think it has 0 cores running at 0MHz - it's SLOW! But it finally flashed the February update. Tomorrow (it's going on midnight here, and the phone is still downloading the last Google backup) I'll update to March.
Madness - but at least I have a working phone, and know how to get it working again if I need to (and have a few lifetimes to do it). And I have another laptop in the closet that actually works. That one gets resurrected next.
So what you're experiencing isn't new or an issue with your phone that you'd need to RMA the device. It's a learning curve because the A/B partitions are a completely different beast compared to older/other Android devices. Use Duece's Bootloop Recovery script to fix your problems. It'll work and you'll be good to go. Just be sure not to wipe. During my testing, I had to figure out all this myself and was /REALLY/ close to RMA'ing my device. But I continued to research and plugging away and found that that script helps users in your situation, as I've been in that very same situation myself.
No, it's a learning curve because, even though the USB ports on the back of the case are labeled 2.0, and have black plastic, they act like 3.0 ports with a Pixel 2. Doing exactly what both I and Google tech support did with the supposed 2.0 ports, on the aging laptop with real 2.0 ports, solved the "problem" that both Google and I were having. The phone was fine, what we were doing was right, the Acer desktop has a documentation error, and that was the only problem. (Even Google didn't seem to be aware of the USB 3.0/Pixel2 incompatibility, which many of the people in the Pixel 2 forums at XDA are.)
Follow the guide in my signature, it works, and you don't have to muck around with removing PINs and fingerprints.
Thanks for paying attention, but what really bothers me is having to remove the fingerprints in order to do a backup or restore in TWRP. I'm used to just booting to it and flashing a backup if I need it for some reason. If only Google would leave the fingerprint file alone when we went to None for the lock screen, just putting the PIN back would bring the fingerprints back. There's really no reason to delete that file. Maybe delete individual prints at the user's discretion (like changing passwords every once in a while), but not delete the whole thing just because I want to back up my current configuration.
What I do is uninstall Magisk. Then do the normal update from the update page in settings. After this I copy Magisk zip file to a usb drive. I boot into twrp using ADB. It doesn't decrypt but that doesn't matter. Use the USB as storage and install Magisk zip file through TWRP. Reboot and you are done updating with Magisk installed.
That sounds like an easy way of doing it, but doesn't the update balk at the patched boot file? Mine balked at something yesterday, which is what started all the mess yesterday. (Or does Magisk have a "remove and replace the boot file" button?)
nolimit78 said:
This has been discussed all over the place on the forums but you're over complicating the update process. Here's what you do:
Code:
Download the latest Pixel update
extract the update in your ADB folder on a computer
reboot to bootloader
look for the flash-all.bat and remove the -w at the bottom of that code, Save that file (the -w is what causes the device to be wiped)
run flash-all.bat
once that finishes you can fastboot boot twrp.img
it won't decrypt (Feb update broke TWRP decryption) but go read only and get into ADB Sideload mode
adb sideload kernel.zip
adb sideload magisk.zip
reboot
This is what I've done everytime (minus the adb sideload) and I have had zero issues. No loss of data being the biggest concern. Did this using the march update just yesterday and now I'm good to go.
It is worth saying when you start trying to flash (roms, kernels ect..) and you get a little crazy, Dueces Bootloop Recovery script is 100% something to have on deck if something /does/ go wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the feedback!
One question I had for a while: flashing the data.img wipes what? Doesn't it wipe the apps you have installed?
May 2020 QQ2A.200501.001.B2 "CORAL" Magisk-Patched Boot Img [+UPDATE/KEEP ROOT GUIDE]
Another month, another update. I'll keep churning out these patched / stock file uploads and easy noob-friendly update guides while guinea pigging the updates, so long as my area is still on lockdown and I'm not back to work yet, lol.
I've also installed and tested / verified that Kirisakura 4.2.0 is working great with this month's patch so far.
Also have EdXposed Canary 0.5.0.0 (4548) YAHFA installed. SafetyNet still passing as of now.
Magisk v20.4 Patched Boot Image: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=4349826312261796392
Factory Untouched Boot Image: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=4349826312261796399
THESE FILES ARE FOR 10.0.0 (QQ2A.200501.001.B2, May 2020, All carriers except TW) ONLY! PLEASE ONLY FLASH IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING!
If these files and/or guides are helpful, please drop a thanks and let me know. =)
EASY UPDATE / SEAMLESS KEEP-ROOT UPDATE PROCESS (using a PC - a very intuitive, effective, and relatively safe method).
** You can only follow this guide exactly if coming from build QQ2A.200405.005, Apr 2020. But the general idea is the same for other builds, you just need the correct files for your device.
coral-qq2a.200405.005-factory-dtbo.img: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=4349826312261796390
coral-qq2a.200405.005-factory-boot.img: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=4349826312261796391
May 2020 sideload OTA zip: https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/coral-ota-qq2a.200501.001.b2-8309f363.zip
I DID NOT BOOT BACK INTO O/S UNTIL ALL STEPS WERE COMPLETED - I DID THIS TO ENSURE EVERYTHING WOULD BOOT BACK UP WITH MAGISK / EDXPOSED ALL RUNNING PROPERLY RIGHT AWAY
1. boot into bootloader
----------------
** I was on custom kernel, so I needed to flash BOTH the stock boot and dtbo images
2. fastboot flash boot coral-qq2a.200405.005-factory-boot.img
3. fastboot flash dtbo coral-qq2a.200405.005-factory-dtbo.img
......* these steps to restore stock recovery; dtbo.img also necessary for some kernel installations
-----------------
4. use volume keys to change selection to boot to Recovery Mode
......- when you reach the android symbol with No Command, hold power button, tap volume up, in case you've forgotten
5. choose option "Apply update from ADB"
6. adb sideload coral-ota-qq2a.200501.001.b2-8309f363.zip
7. Once the OTA sideload is done, Reboot to bootloader (you'll also notice it's now on the other slot after OTA flashed)
8. fastboot flash boot coral-qq2a.200501.001.b2-magisk_patched-20.4.img
9. done, start the phone
(Optional - Flash custom kernel. If you had a custom kernel, you need to re-flash it. I've only personally tested with Kirisakura though.)
This was a 100% seamless update that required no additional / re-setup of any of my Magisk or EdXposed setups. All of the factory files can be found here https://developers.google.com/android/images. boot.img and dtbo.img are in their corresponding full Factory Image zips, and the ota zip is under Full OTA Images.
EDIT: Issues after updating?
If you end up unable to boot or bootlooping afterwards, you most likely have a module that isn't playing nice with the new build. There are 2 main things you can do:
1. Flash the new factory untouched boot image. You will of course lose root, and all modules will be disabled. However, it should at least get you able to boot back up quickly if you're in a bind.
2. I would recommend checking Tulsadiver's thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/how-to/magisk-modules-disabler-booting-magisk-t3990557
Instead of reverting to stock boot image, fastboot boot (NOT FLASH) Tulsadiver's boot image. This will boot your phone in Magisk Core-Only Mode, with all modules disabled but root retained. From here you can open Magisk Manager and disable suspect modules. Before rebooting, go to Magisk Manager's settings and disable Magisk Core-Only Mode. Once you disable the incompatible module, the phone should boot back up.
Worked like a charm, just like previous months. 3 minutes total once the factory image was downloaded. (I edit the flash-all and remove the -w) Thanks a bunch!
Perfect method. Thank you.
[email protected] said:
perfect method. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi good day...
With this method can i activate motionsense and always leave it active?
I belong to a country where the factory does not come active and i would like to have it, only i have read that every time the telephone is re-enabled.
In advance thanks for the help.
I just used this Magisk file and after it boots up past the G logo - All i get is a black screen. the only thing that I can do is hold the power button and reboot to same result. I had to revert to factory boot to restore with no root. What am I missing? PS I just used step 8 and 9...
I am on the May update already///
aaronc_98 said:
I just used this Magisk file and after it boots up past the G logo - All i get is a black screen. the only thing that I can do is hold the power button and reboot to same result. I had to revert to factory boot to restore with no root. What am I missing? PS I just used step 8 and 9...
I am on the May update already///
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems some of your previously installed modules/mods (using systemui) are interfering with the new update. I had the same issue a while back and eventually had to remove all Magisk modules and start afresh.
sidhaarthm said:
It seems some of your previously installed modules/mods (using systemui) are interfering with the new update. I had the same issue a while back and eventually had to remove all Magisk modules and start afresh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the thing though. I was not rooted and I had uninstalled Magisk for the last several months. So now I wanted to root again, and followed steps 8 and 9 after installing Mag Manager. Could the sysemui mods you are referring to be from many months ago before when I uninstalled Magisk/
aaronc_98 said:
That is the thing though. I was not rooted and I had uninstalled Magisk for the last several months. So now I wanted to root again, and followed steps 8 and 9 after installing Mag Manager. Could the sysemui mods you are referring to be from many months ago before when I uninstalled Magisk/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its' hard to say without knowing what is/was installed bud. In my case I had some mods that changed accent colours, fonts and clock positions etc. I learnt the hard way and always made sure that I remove such modules before upgrading. I just upgraded from April to May OTA and it all seems to have gone down well. Root restored, Face Unlock working and Kirisakura 4.5 flashed
sidhaarthm said:
Its' hard to say without knowing what is/was installed bud. In my case I had some mods that changed accent colours, fonts and clock positions etc. I learnt the hard way and always made sure that I remove such modules before upgrading. I just upgraded from April to May OTA and it all seems to have gone down well. Root restored, Face Unlock working and Kirisakura 4.5 flashed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok - does anyone have any idea hot to solve this problem given the situation? I also did the May OTA recently with no issues. would I need to download the whole factory image to solve? Any other ideas?
I just tried to install the patched img again with the same results - black screen
Thank you in advance for any help!
aaronc_98 said:
Ok - does anyone have any idea hot to solve this problem given the situation? I also did the May OTA recently with no issues. would I need to download the whole factory image to solve? Any other ideas?
I just tried to install the patched img again with the same results - black screen
Thank you in advance for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, hang on, let me find the steps I took to fix.
---------- Post added at 10:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:32 PM ----------
aaronc_98 said:
Ok - does anyone have any idea hot to solve this problem given the situation? I also did the May OTA recently with no issues. would I need to download the whole factory image to solve? Any other ideas?
I just tried to install the patched img again with the same results - black screen
Thank you in advance for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at this post - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=81926759&postcount=46
I had success following these instructions. There's some other posts I found on XDA where users had similar issue - this is the only way without having to fully wipe and restore.
Hope it helps!:good:
aaronc_98 said:
Ok - does anyone have any idea hot to solve this problem given the situation? I also did the May OTA recently with no issues. would I need to download the whole factory image to solve? Any other ideas?
I just tried to install the patched img again with the same results - black screen
Thank you in advance for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious, but are you fastbooting the patched.img via power shell or command prompt? And, are your platform-tools up to date, and are you using a USB A to C cable?
Badger50 said:
Just curious, but are you fastbooting the patched.img via power shell or command prompt? And, are your platform-tools up to date, and are you using a USB A to C cable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fastbooting from command prompt
Platform tools downloaded yesterday
Yes on the USB cable
---------- Post added at 10:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:41 PM ----------
sidhaarthm said:
Yes, hang on, let me find the steps I took to fix.
---------- Post added at 10:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:32 PM ----------
Look at this post - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=81926759&postcount=46
I had success following these instructions. There's some other posts I found on XDA where users had similar issue - this is the only way without having to fully wipe and restore.
Hope it helps!:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunatey, it does not look like it is working for me, when I open an abd shell and then type su nothing happens. What is supposed to happen? The curorsor just move down to the next line.
This is of course after fastbooting the patched img and have the system ui crash (black screen)
Try booting in Magisk Core-Only mode. If it boots, it probably was an old module causing the issue. Then you can open Magisk Manager and try disabling modules until you find the problematic one, and remove it.
See this thread for more info: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/how-to/magisk-modules-disabler-booting-magisk-t3990557
I haven't had to boot into Magisk core mode yet on this device so I can't help you much. But according to Tulsadiver (OP of that thread), I believe he said the April boot image works fine for May (see pg 13).
Good luck!
i5lee8bit said:
Try booting in Magisk Core-Only mode. If it boots, it probably was an old module causing the issue. Then you can open Magisk Manager and try disabling modules until you find the problematic one, and remove it.
See this thread for more info: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/how-to/magisk-modules-disabler-booting-magisk-t3990557
I haven't had to boot into Magisk core mode yet on this device so I can't help you much. But according to Tulsadiver (OP of that thread), I believe he said the April boot image works fine for May (see pg 13).
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I dont think that i can do this since it says you must be rooted for either method. The problem is that I am not rooted and have not been for some time, but now i am trying to root via magisk...
aaronc_98 said:
Unfortunately, I dont think that i can do this since it says you must be rooted for either method. The problem is that I am not rooted and have not been for some time, but now i am trying to root via magisk...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try flashing the May Magisk patched boot image (which will root the phone), then fastboot boot image-new.img (NOT FLASH), the image Tulsadiver shares in his OP: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=4349826312261766039 - don't worry the device says Pixel XL in AFH - he probably just uploaded it to an old folder of his. It's definitely the 4 XL core only boot image.
This should start up your phone rooted, but with all modules disabled.
Edit: also, I'm pretty sure he's referring to needing root in order to follow his processes and use those methods to generate the core-only boot image itself. However, he provides the bootable image for you luckily. Either way, I would still flash the May Magisk patched boot image first, otherwise when you reboot after booting core mode it'll just boot back into the existing boot file (in your case, stock). Also, I just tested for you, and that image-new.img works perfectly fine. I just tried it on my phone and it booted into core mode, exactly as if I did it through Magisk Manager. I also didn't need to use the additional script or delete the .disable_magisk file in the /cache folder - all I needed to do was uncheck core only mode in Magisk Manager. YMMV. I would also recommend installing Magisk Manager .apk before any of this to make your life easier.
So for you:
1. Install Magisk Manager if you haven't already - https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases/tag/manager-v7.5.1
2. Reboot into bootloader
3. fastboot flash boot coral-qq2a.200501.001.b2-magisk_patched-20.4.img
4. fastboot boot image-new.img
5. Hopefully the O/S loads, open Magisk Manager, disable offending modules.
6. In Magisk Manager, go to settings and uncheck "Magisk Core Only Mode" option.
7. Reboot.
i5lee8bit said:
Try flashing the May Magisk patched boot image (which will root the phone), then fastboot boot image-new.img (NOT FLASH), the image Tulsadiver shares in his OP: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=4349826312261766039 - don't worry the device says Pixel XL in AFH - he probably just uploaded it to an old folder of his. It's definitely the 4 XL core only boot image.
This should start up your phone rooted, but with all modules disabled.
Edit: also, I'm pretty sure he's referring to needing root in order to follow his processes and use those methods to generate the core-only boot image itself. However, he provides the bootable image for you luckily. Either way, I would still flash the May Magisk patched boot image first, otherwise when you reboot after booting core mode it'll just boot back into the existing boot file (in your case, stock). Also, I just tested for you, and that image-new.img works perfectly fine. I just tried it on my phone and it booted into core mode, exactly as if I did it through Magisk Manager. I also didn't need to use the additional script or delete the .disable_magisk file in the /cache folder - all I needed to do was uncheck core only mode in Magisk Manager. YMMV. I would also recommend installing Magisk Manager .apk before any of this to make your life easier.
So for you:
1. Install Magisk Manager if you haven't already - https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases/tag/manager-v7.5.1
2. Reboot into bootloader
3. fastboot flash boot coral-qq2a.200501.001.b2-magisk_patched-20.4.img
4. fastboot boot image-new.img
5. Hopefully the O/S loads, open Magisk Manager, disable offending modules.
6. In Magisk Manager, go to settings and uncheck "Magisk Core Only Mode" option.
7. Reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! You are my hero! Thank you for taking the time to explain this- everything is working as expected
aaronc_98 said:
Thank you! You are my hero! Thank you for taking the time to explain this- everything is working as expected
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it worked out for you. Make sure you thank Tulsadiver for his work too, his core-only guide is totally clutch
I'm gonna edit the OP for some basic steps in case of errors. Thanks for keeping us posted.
i5lee8bit said:
Another month, another update. I'll keep churning out these patched / stock file uploads and easy noob-friendly update guides while guinea pigging the updates, so long as my area is still on lockdown and I'm not back to work yet, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the patched kernel. I usually patch the kernel before I flash the update so I can boot with a patched kernel after the update. I was distracted and forgot. You saved me bunch of extra work!
Little hint from a Xperia 5 User.
use: fastboot --set-active=b
To change to the B System and repeat the Steps for the Kernel flashing. Magisk likes that to survive OTA Updates.
use: fastboot --set-active=a
To change back to the Primary System and boot up. Install Magisk Manager and You are good to go! System Images are flashing in both Slots without the need to do that. But Kernels have to be flashed in both Slots if they are changed. Figured that out by inspecting some Zips who are Magisk and Kernel related.
BR
---------- Post added at 16:44 ---------- Previous post was at 16:43 ----------
Little hint from a Xperia 5 User.
use: fastboot --set-active=b
To change to the B System and repeat the Steps for the Kernel flashing. Magisk likes that to survive OTA Updates.
use: fastboot --set-active=a
To change back to the Primary System and boot up. Install Magisk Manager and You are good to go! System Images are flashing in both Slots without the need to do that. But Kernels have to be flashed in both Slots if they are changed. Figured that out by inspecting some Zips who are Magisk and Kernel related.
BR
IMPORTANT!! THESE FILES / THIS THREAD IS FOR PIXEL 4 XL "CORAL" ONLY, NOT PIXEL 4 "FLAME"!!
**IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO PATCH THE STOCK BOOT IMAGE YOURSELF, FROM YOUR OWN DEVICE, USING MAGISK MANAGER. WHILE THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE THE FILE I PROVIDED BELOW WILL BE IDENTICAL (USE A FILE HASH CHECKSUM TOOL IF YOU'RE CURIOUS), THERE IS ALSO A CHANCE THEY MAY HAVE SMALL, BUT SIGNIFICANT, VARIANCES**
Thanks for the info and link, @wrongway213
Link to @topjohnwu's post: twitter dot com /topjohnwu/status/1272136975022084097?s=19 (until I figure out how to stop new XDA from forcing the URL to embed a giant twitter posting in the middle of the post...)
ALL FILES BELOW ARE FOR "RQ2A.210305.006, Mar 2021"!
Magisk v22.0 Patched Boot Image: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=17248734326145746586
Factory Untouched Boot Image: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=17248734326145746583
Factory Untouched DTBO Image: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=17248734326145746585
----------------------------------------------
-------------UPDATE PROCESS BELOW-------------
----------------------------------------------
EASY UPDATE / SEAMLESS KEEP-ROOT UPDATE PROCESS (using a PC - a very intuitive, effective, and relatively safe method).
** You can only follow this guide verbatim if coming EXACTLY from build "11.0.0 (RQ1A.210205.004, Feb 2021)". But the general idea is the same for other builds, you just need the correct files for your device.
coral-rq1a.210205.004-factory-dtbo.img: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=17248734326145727318
coral-rq1a.210205.004-factory-boot.img: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=17248734326145727317
March 2021 sideload OTA zip: https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/coral-ota-rq2a.210305.006-c7e59bf8.zip
DO NOT BOOT BACK INTO O/S UNTIL ALL STEPS ARE COMPLETED - THIS ENSURES EVERYTHING BOOTS BACK UP WITH MAGISK / EDXPOSED ALL RUNNING PROPERLY RIGHT AWAY
1. boot into bootloader
----------------
** I was on custom kernel, so I needed to flash BOTH the stock boot and dtbo images
2. fastboot flash boot coral-rq1a.210205.004-factory-boot.img
3. fastboot flash dtbo coral-rq1a.210205.004-factory-dtbo.img
......* these steps to restore stock recovery; dtbo.img also necessary for some kernel installations.
......* won't hurt to flash both anyway, so if you're unsure, go ahead and do both.
-----------------
4. use volume keys to change selection to boot to Recovery Mode
......- when you reach the android symbol with No Command, hold power button, tap volume up, in case you've forgotten
5. choose option "Apply update from ADB"
6. adb sideload coral-ota-rq2a.210305.006-c7e59bf8.zip
7. Once the OTA sideload is done, Reboot to bootloader (you'll also notice it's now on the other slot after OTA flashed)
8. fastboot flash boot coral-rq2a.210305.006-magisk_patched-22.0.img
9. done, start the phone
(Optional - Flash custom kernel. If you had a custom kernel, you need to re-flash it)
This is a 100% seamless update that requires no additional / re-setup of any of my Magisk or EdXposed setups. All of the factory files can be found here https://developers.google.com/android/images. boot.img and dtbo.img are in their corresponding full Factory Image zips, and the ota zip is under Full OTA Images.
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------TROUBLESHOOTING-------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Issues after updating?
If you end up unable to boot or bootlooping afterwards, you most likely have an old Magisk module that isn't playing nice with the new build. There are 2 main things you can do:
1. Flash the new factory untouched boot image. You will of course lose root, and all modules will be disabled. However, it should at least get you able to boot back up quickly and have a working phone if you're in a bind.
2. I would recommend checking Tulsadiver's thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/how-to/magisk-modules-disabler-booting-magisk-t3990557
Instead of reverting to stock boot image, fastboot boot (NOT FLASH) Tulsadiver's boot image. This will boot your phone in Magisk Core-Only Mode, with all modules disabled but root retained. From here you can open Magisk Manager and disable suspect modules. Before rebooting, go to Magisk Manager's settings and disable Magisk Core-Only Mode. Once you disable the incompatible module, the phone should boot back up.
- See this post (or thread) for more tips / context / an example: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=82509691&postcount=16
Since Magisk v21.x, Core Only mode has been replaced by using Android's built-in Safe Mode. Booting into Safe Mode should essentially boot you back into your system but with all modules disabled (as well as Magisk Hide). Keep in mind that even after you reboot, modules will remain disabled, unless you re-enable them first. Also remember to re-enable Magisk Hide if you had it enabled before.
Please see @Didgeridoohan's guide for more details: https://www.didgeridoohan.com/magisk/MagiskModuleIssues#hn_Core_Only_Mode
It's also worth mentioning, his guide is extremely well-made and contains a lot of useful information that could benefit all Magisk users and modders. I highly recommend looking through it anyway!
I've tried this but it keeps rebooting into fastboot mode with "no valid slot to boot". Also tried other kernels but can only boot to the unpached boot img.
neomasterpt said:
I've tried this but it keeps rebooting into fastboot mode with "no valid slot to boot". Also tried other kernels but can only boot to the unpached boot img.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try flashing the patched img to both slots?
Code:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img --slot all
worked like a charm. thanks
The update itself worked with your method. However since then my phone keeps freezing after I try to unlock it. Ergo it boots up normally, I see the start screen but when I try to unlock it by writing down my pin, the phone freezes and instandly restarts. I already tried booting to safemode and disabling all magisk modules, but it seems that this did not work.
This is my method works all the time.
patched boot.img via magisk
fastboot flash bootloader<bootloader.img>
fastboot reboot bootloader
fastboot flash radio<radio.img>
fastboot reboot bootloader
fastboot --skip-reboot update<image.zip>
fastboot reboot bootloader
fastboot flash boot<patchedboot.img>
fastboot reboot
neomasterpt said:
I've tried this but it keeps rebooting into fastboot mode with "no valid slot to boot". Also tried other kernels but can only boot to the unpached boot img.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get this sorted out?
Morgrain said:
The update itself worked with your method. However since then my phone keeps freezing after I try to unlock it. Ergo it boots up normally, I see the start screen but when I try to unlock it by writing down my pin, the phone freezes and instandly restarts. I already tried booting to safemode and disabling all magisk modules, but it seems that this did not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would try flashing the stock boot image and see if you can get in.
Maybe can also try flashing the full factory image with the -w removed in the script file. Just run stock first (don't replace the boot.img with the Magisk patched boot) to make sure it's not Magisk related.
I hate to bring potential bad news, but I had something similar happen, twice now. Though not exactly as described. Both times I had to full wipe too... First time, I woke up to my phone being completely out of space, and while I could unlock, I would only have a few seconds (seemingly random) to use the phone before it would freeze and reboot. I thought maybe it had to do with the phone running out of space at the time.
When it happened again a few months later, my phone had plenty of space. But like last time, phone would boot up, I would unlock, and then it would run like crap until eventually forced rebooting. Trying all combinations of stock / Magisk / modified boot images, flashing full firmware (with -w removed), rolling back to previous firmware... Nothing worked and eventually it just got stuck at the G logo. Had to full wipe at that point, but luckily I had backups of my important stuff.
First time happened on Android 10, second time happened on Android 11. Weird. There's actually a thread I read a while back with people describing the same issue, and ultimately seems like only a full wipe fixed it.
Oh and one last thing - for me, while I can't prove it, both times it happened shortly after I installed the Storage Isolation / Redirect (Riru) app / module... Didn't occur to me until later that maybe that somehow messed with some permissions related to System UI that even disabling the module later wouldn't fix. I use it on my other devices without issue, but I have since never installed it back on my P4XL and no problems in months. Also both times, Magisk Manager was also acting crazy, and I couldn't flash new modules or anything. It kept saying it didn't have storage permissions, even though it did, and no amount of uninstalling / reinstalling / etc would bring it back to a working state. Again why I somewhat suspect Storage Isolation was causing some weird stuff to happen...
But since it only happened to you after updating, hopefully it's something else, and hopefully going stock can maybe get you back running. Maybe one of the partitions failed to update or something, and flashing the full image can help. Just remember to remove the "-w" flag in the batch / shell file or it'll wipe your data!!!
Edit: oh, this is probably pretty important, were you already running Magisk v22.0? Magisk Manager is completely revamped in 22.0, and I wouldn't be surprised if you would have problems if running older Magisk Manager with Magisk 22.0. If you were still on 21.x and Manager 8.x, I would flash last months firmware (-w removed, blah blah), update to Magisk 22.0, and then run the OTA... Best of luck, I hope it all works out for you!
Booted my old ssd with windows 10 just to update from feb to march.
Everything fine so far using your files no idea whats wrong with my new Windows ssd tho lol
I'm also getting the "no valid slot to boot" both with the self patched boot image and the one posted here.
Tried this command "fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img --slot all" did not work.
Jesus1988 said:
Did you try flashing the patched img to both slots?
Code:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img --slot all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope! did not work!
I can boot with Cleanstate kernel also. Just not Magisk. also tried to patch cleanstate but the patched version wont boot.
neomasterpt said:
Nope! did not work!
I can boot with Cleanstate kernel also. Just not Magisk. also tried to patch cleanstate but the patched version wont boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you already on Magisk 22.0 before updating?
Either way, flash this month's factory dtbo and boot images to their respective partitions. See if you can boot. Could be working the way you described because another installation patched your dtbo and it needs to be reverted.
If you were on Magisk 21.x before updating, upgrade Magisk Manager (now just Magisk.apk) to 22.0. Make sure to follow all warnings on Magisk's changelog (if Magisk Manager app package was hidden before, unhide before updating).
Flash the Magisk 22.0 patched boot image. Flash either the one in the OP or patch it yourself using Magisk (Manager) 22.0. Boot the phone. If it works, flash kernel in EX / FR KM.
Also please let me know if you were on Magisk 22.0 or 21.x before updating. I wanna know if this could cause problems as I mentioned previously.
i5lee8bit said:
Were you already on Magisk 22.0 before updating?
Either way, flash this month's factory dtbo and boot images to their respective partitions. See if you can boot. Could be working the way you described because another installation patched your dtbo and it needs to be reverted.
If you were on Magisk 21.x before updating, upgrade Magisk Manager (now just Magisk.apk) to 22.0. Make sure to follow all warnings on Magisk's changelog (if Magisk Manager app package was hidden before, unhide before updating).
Flash the Magisk 22.0 patched boot image. Flash either the one in the OP or patch it yourself using Magisk (Manager) 22.0. Boot the phone. If it works, flash kernel in EX / FR KM.
Also please let me know if you were on Magisk 22.0 or 21.x before updating. I wanna know if this could cause problems as I mentioned previously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still does not work.
And yes I was on v22.
neomasterpt said:
Still does not work.
And yes I was on v22.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you can boot stock? Did you try booting in safe mode yet?
If you can't even boot to safe mode while Magisk patched boot is installed, as a last resort, and may be overkill because unfortunately I don't physically have access or know your whole setup, download the Feb 2021 full factory image. Flash it with the "-w" flag removed so you don't lose data. Install Magisk 22.0 apk, patch the stock boot file (for Feb 2021) and flash it. Hopefully it boots back to your previous state on Feb 2021 firmware before attempting upgrade.
Now we can try 2 different directions. Overkill version: open Magisk Manager and (complete) uninstall. Now take the OTA as per OP instructions and hopefully it boots now. You should be rooted but now with no modules installed.
Or, try disabling any potential modules that may be causing problems before updating again. Reboot once fully after disabling before doing upgrade. I would recommend disabling anything that targets SystemUI, as well as Ed/LS-posed. Or perhaps it could be an Xposed module itself.
Good luck.
I had to do a full wipe before getting root to work and boot. Probably due to something with Magisk updating to v.22
IMPORTANT!! THESE FILES / THIS THREAD IS FOR PIXEL 4 XL "CORAL" ONLY, NOT PIXEL 4 "FLAME"!!
**IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO PATCH THE STOCK BOOT IMAGE YOURSELF, FROM YOUR OWN DEVICE, USING MAGISK MANAGER. WHILE THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE THE FILE I PROVIDED BELOW WILL BE IDENTICAL (USE A FILE HASH CHECKSUM TOOL IF YOU'RE CURIOUS), THERE IS ALSO A CHANCE THEY MAY HAVE SMALL, BUT SIGNIFICANT, VARIANCES**
Thanks for the info and link, @wrongway213
Link to @topjohnwu's post: twitter dot com /topjohnwu/status/1272136975022084097?s=19 (until I figure out how to stop new XDA from forcing the URL to embed a giant twitter posting in the middle of the post...)
ALL FILES BELOW ARE FOR "RQ2A.210405.005, Apr 2021"!
Magisk v22.0 Patched Boot Image: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=2188818919693776322
Factory Untouched Boot Image: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=2188818919693776321
Factory Untouched DTBO Image: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=2188818919693776320
----------------------------------------------
-------------UPDATE PROCESS BELOW-------------
----------------------------------------------
EASY UPDATE / SEAMLESS KEEP-ROOT UPDATE PROCESS (using a PC - a very intuitive, effective, and relatively safe method).
** You can only follow this guide verbatim if coming EXACTLY from build "11.0.0 (RQ2A.210305.006, Mar 2021)". But the general idea is the same for other builds, you just need the correct files for your device.
coral-rq2a.210305.006-factory-dtbo.img: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=17248734326145746585
coral-rq2a.210305.006-factory-boot.img: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=17248734326145746583
April 2021 sideload OTA zip: https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip
DO NOT BOOT BACK INTO O/S UNTIL ALL STEPS ARE COMPLETED - THIS ENSURES EVERYTHING BOOTS BACK UP WITH MAGISK / EDXPOSED ALL RUNNING PROPERLY RIGHT AWAY
1. boot into bootloader
----------------
** I was on custom kernel, so I needed to flash BOTH the stock boot and dtbo images
2. fastboot flash boot coral-rq2a.210305.006-factory-boot.img
3. fastboot flash dtbo coral-rq2a.210305.006-factory-dtbo.img
......* these steps to restore stock recovery; dtbo.img also necessary for some kernel installations.
......* won't hurt to flash both anyway, so if you're unsure, go ahead and do both.
-----------------
4. use volume keys to change selection to boot to Recovery Mode
......- when you reach the android symbol with No Command, hold power button, tap volume up, in case you've forgotten
5. choose option "Apply update from ADB"
6. adb sideload coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip
7. Once the OTA sideload is done, Reboot to bootloader (you'll also notice it's now on the other slot after OTA flashed)
8. fastboot flash boot coral-rq2a.210405.005-magisk_patched-22.0.img
9. done, start the phone
(Optional - Flash custom kernel. If you had a custom kernel, you need to re-flash it)
This is a 100% seamless update that requires no additional / re-setup of any of my Magisk or EdXposed setups. All of the factory files can be found here https://developers.google.com/android/images. boot.img and dtbo.img are in their corresponding full Factory Image zips, and the ota zip is under Full OTA Images.
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------TROUBLESHOOTING-------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Issues after updating?
If you end up unable to boot or bootlooping afterwards, you most likely have an old Magisk module that isn't playing nice with the new build. There are 2 main things you can do:
1. Flash the new factory untouched boot image. You will of course lose root, and all modules will be disabled. However, it should at least get you able to boot back up quickly and have a working phone if you're in a bind.
2. I would recommend checking Tulsadiver's thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/how-to/magisk-modules-disabler-booting-magisk-t3990557
Instead of reverting to stock boot image, fastboot boot (NOT FLASH) Tulsadiver's boot image. This will boot your phone in Magisk Core-Only Mode, with all modules disabled but root retained. From here you can open Magisk Manager and disable suspect modules. Before rebooting, go to Magisk Manager's settings and disable Magisk Core-Only Mode. Once you disable the incompatible module, the phone should boot back up.
- See this post (or thread) for more tips / context / an example: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=82509691&postcount=16
Since Magisk v21.x, Core Only mode has been replaced by using Android's built-in Safe Mode. Booting into Safe Mode should essentially boot you back into your system but with all modules disabled (as well as Magisk Hide). Keep in mind that even after you reboot, modules will remain disabled, unless you re-enable them first. Also remember to re-enable Magisk Hide if you had it enabled before.
Please see @Didgeridoohan's guide for more details: https://www.didgeridoohan.com/magisk/MagiskModuleIssues#hn_Core_Only_Mode
It's also worth mentioning, his guide is extremely well-made and contains a lot of useful information that could benefit all Magisk users and modders. I highly recommend looking through it anyway!
@i5lee8bit - thanks, worked fine on my Pixel 4 XL. However, during the OTA process my console showed me following error message:
Code:
C:\Unified_Android_ToolKit\platform-tools_r30.0.4-windows\platform-tools> adb sideload C:\Temp\pics\coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip
serving: 'C:\Temp\pics\coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip' (~94%) adb: failed to read command: No error
The device itself showed something across the lines of exit error code 0.
Everything seems to be running ok so far. Do I have to worry about the OTA stopping to transfer at 94%?
niko26 said:
Code:
C:\Unified_Android_ToolKit\platform-tools_r30.0.4-windows\platform-tools> adb sideload C:\Temp\pics\coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip
serving: 'C:\Temp\pics\coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip' (~94%) adb: failed to read command: No error
The device itself showed something across the lines of exit error code 0.
Everything seems to be running ok so far. Do I have to worry about the OTA stopping to transfer at 94%?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you should update your platform tools to the latest version: it's v31.0.0 as of February 2021. Your log says you're running 30.0.4.
Hi. This first time happens to me when I reboot the phone the Root is gone and have to flash the magisk_patched again!! Please is there any suggestion on how I keep Root after reboot?
DinarQ8 said:
Hi. This first time happens to me when I reboot the phone the Root is gone and have to flash the magisk_patched again!! Please is there any suggestion on how I keep Root after reboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to re-root after each update. The method used to keep root when updating via OTA was removed from Magisk b/c it was causing problems on Pixels.
niko26 said:
@i5lee8bit - thanks, worked fine on my Pixel 4 XL. However, during the OTA process my console showed me following error message:
Code:
C:\Unified_Android_ToolKit\platform-tools_r30.0.4-windows\platform-tools> adb sideload C:\Temp\pics\coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip
serving: 'C:\Temp\pics\coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip' (~94%) adb: failed to read command: No error
The device itself showed something across the lines of exit error code 0.
Everything seems to be running ok so far. Do I have to worry about the OTA stopping to transfer at 94%?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like @Ghisy already said, definitely start with trying newest platform tools. I've had that error come up before but experienced no problems.. weird thing is it happened to my wife's Pixel 4, but not my Pixel 4 XL when I did the updates right after another. So used the same platform tools, PC, etc. Another thing to consider that may help you feel better is that some custom ROMs actually expect that to happen when installing their ROM as a sideload OTA, so could indeed be nothing to worry about.
If it really really worries you, you could always flash the full factory image with "-w" removed from the script file, and either replace the boot.img with the Magisk patched one (rename it first), or flash it separately later. But for now if everything is working normally and it indicates you're on April 2021, I wouldn't worry about it.
DinarQ8 said:
Hi. This first time happens to me when I reboot the phone the Root is gone and have to flash the magisk_patched again!! Please is there any suggestion on how I keep Root after reboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What @Lughnasadh said is certainly true; is this what you mean? Or the way I read your question, are you losing root between reboot despite flashing the Magisk patched boot image? Are you sure you flashed it? Are you doing fastboot flash boot (file.img) or doing fastboot boot (file.img)? Make sure you're actually flashing it, not just booting to it. If all else fails, try doing a complete uninstall of Magisk and then start over (hopefully won't be necessary). I've never heard of anyone having the problem you're having though, and it sounds more like you're fastboot booting to the Magisk patched image, and not actually fastboot flashing it...
i5lee8bit said:
Like @Ghisy already said, definitely start with trying newest platform tools. I've had that error come up before but experienced no problems.. weird thing is it happened to my wife's Pixel 4, but not my Pixel 4 XL when I did the updates right after another. So used the same platform tools, PC, etc. Another thing to consider that may help you feel better is that some custom ROMs actually expect that to happen when installing their ROM as a sideload OTA, so could indeed be nothing to worry about.
If it really really worries you, you could always flash the full factory image with "-w" removed from the script file, and either replace the boot.img with the Magisk patched one (rename it first), or flash it separately later. But for now if everything is working normally and it indicates you're on April 2021, I wouldn't worry about it.
What @Lughnasadh said is certainly true; is this what you mean? Or the way I read your question, are you losing root between reboot despite flashing the Magisk patched boot image? Are you sure you flashed it? Are you doing fastboot flash boot (file.img) or doing fastboot boot (file.img)? Make sure you're actually flashing it, not just booting to it. If all else fails, try doing a complete uninstall of Magisk and then start over (hopefully won't be necessary). I've never heard of anyone having the problem you're having though, and it sounds more like you're fastboot booting to the Magisk patched image, and not actually fastboot flashing it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohhh yes thanks to remember me i forgot to write FLASH i was only boot without flash. Thanks for all
im having an issue with getting root back. i followed the instructions and when its time to reboot to the system, i get the splash screen but it reboots back to the bootloader or itll reboot twice and send me to the OS but without Magisk. ive done the factory image thing and still the same thing. i need help
@i5lee8bit Good stuff as usual, updated fine over here! Thanks!
Does anyone know the update process for Magisk now that everything is unified? I used to update manager then patch the boot image again. Is it still the same process from Magisk 22 to 22.1 (today's update)?
Ghisy said:
@i5lee8bit Good stuff as usual, updated fine over here! Thanks!
Does anyone know the update process for Magisk now that everything is unified? I used to update manager then patch the boot image again. Is it still the same process from Magisk 22 to 22.1 (today's update)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are already rooted on Magisk 22.0, you should be able to just update the app to 22.1 and then do the direct install method to update root (I just did this and everything was fine using Beta channel). If you were unrooted and installing root for the first time (rather than updating), patching the boot image would be the way to go.
@Lughnasadh Yeah, I'm already rooted on v22. Just did the app update then direct install and it worked fine! I've been in the rooting game since the HTC Desire but the latest changes with Magisk confused me for a minute there!
Thanks
bluizzo said:
im having an issue with getting root back. i followed the instructions and when its time to reboot to the system, i get the splash screen but it reboots back to the bootloader or itll reboot twice and send me to the OS but without Magisk. ive done the factory image thing and still the same thing. i need help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey sorry, had a really busy week and haven't been on XDA in a few days. Did you get this resolved yet?
My first thought was you were probably bootlooping due to a Magisk (or Xposed) module that doesn't agree with the new firmware. Because that could cause a bootloop, kicking you back to bootloader and eventually forcing a safe mode boot, disabling all Magisk modules and MagiskHide... only problem with this is that afterwards, you should still have root, though with all modules and MagiskHide disabled (I'm more attuned to believe this was actually your case, not that you were "losing root" per se. When it boots back up, are you able to go into Magisk Manager and toggle your modules? Also, what does it say on the manager's home page under "Magisk" and "App" sections? (the parts titled "Installed"). You'll also want to make sure you're running / have installed Manager v22.0 (if flashing the Magisk patched image I provided in the OP; you can always update Magisk / Magisk Manager to v22.1 afterwards).
Sounds like you already tried flashing the 04-2021 full factory image too? Which would eliminate the possibility you maybe flashed the wrong boot / dtbo / or OTA files. If all else fails:
Re-flash full factory image (remove the -w flag in the script file - it sounds like you already did this so I'm assuming you know why) and it should boot unrooted - but you should be able to use the phone.
Make sure Magisk Manager version is 22.0 (i.e. same version as patched in the OP, though 22.1 would work fine too), and if not, grab it from topjohnwu's github and install it.
Reboot to bootloader and flash the Magisk patched boot image in OP (fastboot flash boot coral-rq2a.210405.005-magisk_patched-22.0.img).
Boot the phone. Hopefully you're done.
But if it bootloops, boot it in safe mode (this will disable all your modules as well as MagiskHide). Reboot again.
Open Magisk Manager and all modules should be disabled... time to test for the culprit!
Remember to re-enable MagiskHide, if you had it enabled before. It does not automatically re-enable like it did back in the pre-Magisk 21.0 days. Wow, this post ended up being a lot longer than I expected, and you might not even need the help anymore, lol (though I hope you did get it resolved sooner than later). But at least I can link to this as reference for future guides. Best of luck to you.
Lughnasadh said:
If you are already rooted on Magisk 22.0, you should be able to just update the app to 22.1 and then do the direct install method to update root (I just did this and everything was fine using Beta channel). If you were unrooted and installing root for the first time (rather than updating), patching the boot image would be the way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly as @Lughnasadh said, this is what I do too (except I'm using stable channel). Direct Install used to give me problems, but that was almost a year ago (a bit after I first got the phone last March), but it hasn't given me any problems since. Even in the very unlikely chance it did cause problems, you could always re-flash the patched boot image in the OP and then patch the stock boot image yourself using Magisk Manager and flash it.
i5lee8bit said:
Hey sorry, had a really busy week and haven't been on XDA in a few days. Did you get this resolved yet?
My first thought was you were probably bootlooping due to a Magisk (or Xposed) module that doesn't agree with the new firmware. Because that could cause a bootloop, kicking you back to bootloader and eventually forcing a safe mode boot, disabling all Magisk modules and MagiskHide... only problem with this is that afterwards, you should still have root, though with all modules and MagiskHide disabled (I'm more attuned to believe this was actually your case, not that you were "losing root" per se. When it boots back up, are you able to go into Magisk Manager and toggle your modules? Also, what does it say on the manager's home page under "Magisk" and "App" sections? (the parts titled "Installed"). You'll also want to make sure you're running / have installed Manager v22.0 (if flashing the Magisk patched image I provided in the OP; you can always update Magisk / Magisk Manager to v22.1 afterwards).
Sounds like you already tried flashing the 04-2021 full factory image too? Which would eliminate the possibility you maybe flashed the wrong boot / dtbo / or OTA files. If all else fails:
Re-flash full factory image (remove the -w flag in the script file - it sounds like you already did this so I'm assuming you know why) and it should boot unrooted - but you should be able to use the phone.
Make sure Magisk Manager version is 22.0 (i.e. same version as patched in the OP, though 22.1 would work fine too), and if not, grab it from topjohnwu's github and install it.
Reboot to bootloader and flash the Magisk patched boot image in OP (fastboot flash boot coral-rq2a.210405.005-magisk_patched-22.0.img).
Boot the phone. Hopefully you're done.
But if it bootloops, boot it in safe mode (this will disable all your modules as well as MagiskHide). Reboot again.
Open Magisk Manager and all modules should be disabled... time to test for the culprit!
Remember to re-enable MagiskHide, if you had it enabled before. It does not automatically re-enable like it did back in the pre-Magisk 21.0 days. Wow, this post ended up being a lot longer than I expected, and you might not even need the help anymore, lol (though I hope you did get it resolved sooner than later). But at least I can link to this as reference for future guides. Best of luck to you.
Exactly as @Lughnasadh said, this is what I do too (except I'm using stable channel). Direct Install used to give me problems, but that was almost a year ago (a bit after I first got the phone last March), but it hasn't given me any problems since. Even in the very unlikely chance it did cause problems, you could always re-flash the patched boot image in the OP and then patch the stock boot image yourself using Magisk Manager and flash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, you're good fam. I ended up accidentally flashing the factory img and I'm back with root. Thank you for your help and the guides
I don't wanna risk the on device ota via restoring images through magisk again
Does the following check out?
I'd greatly appreciate if someone, perhaps @V0latyle could look over it, you already helped me a lot the last time.
Download ota, as well as firmware and check if boot.img got updated (or perhaps someone on an updated phone can check but idk how to even check your boot version)
Either patch new boot.img or keep the old one at hand if it didn't get updated
Disable all magisk modules and reboot
Go to magisk -> uninstall -> restore images and reboot
Go in sideload mode and sideload the ota
Reboot to system so the ota can complete
Turn off and boot again from magisk patched boot.img
Direct install through magisk and enable modules
Reboot so modules work and done
All those reboots might not be necessary but I don't know if f.e. magisk modules immediately stop affecting the system after disabling them or if a reboot is required to fully disable them, same with unrooting, even after restoring images the current system has still root so I might need to reboot before sideloading.
I know that technically I don't need to unroot at all for sideloading to work but I really want to make this as safe as it can get.
G5-User7080 said:
I don't wanna risk the on device ota via restoring images through magisk again
Does the following check out?
I'd greatly appreciate if someone, perhaps @V0latyle could look over it, you already helped me a lot the last time.
Download ota, as well as firmware and check if boot.img got updated (or perhaps someone on an updated phone can check but idk how to even check your boot version)
Either patch new boot.img or keep the old one at hand if it didn't get updated
Disable all magisk modules and reboot
Go to magisk -> uninstall -> restore images and reboot
Go in sideload mode and sideload the ota
Reboot to system so the ota can complete
Turn off and boot again from magisk patched boot.img
Direct install through magisk and enable modules
Reboot so modules work and done
All those reboots might not be necessary but I don't know if f.e. magisk modules immediately stop affecting the system after disabling them or if a reboot is required to fully disable them, same with unrooting, even after restoring images the current system has still root so I might need to reboot before sideloading.
I know that technically I don't need to unroot at all for sideloading to work but I really want to make this as safe as it can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to unroot or restore images. You can disable modules if you want. Just sideload the OTA, and live boot the old patched image, then perform Direct Install in Magisk.
By the way, instead of creating a new thread, you could have asked this question in an existing one...
V0latyle said:
By the way, instead of creating a new thread, you could have asked this question in an existing one...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps I could have, I am hoping that this way it might be easier to find for others than having to look somewhere on the 30th post of a thread that is about a bricked device after ota.
V0latyle said:
No need to unroot or restore images. You can disable modules if you want. Just sideload the OTA, and live boot the old patched image, then perform Direct Install in Magisk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mhh I see, I'm just a little scared of the ota process after what happened the last time so I wanna be like extra sure nothing can go wrong.
Doesn't help that I don't really understand what OTA's do exactly..
That I don't have to unroot when flashing factory makes sense as I'm just overwriting boot anyway.
Is an OTA the same thing essentially? Like is it basically a bunch or partitions in a zip that get flashed over whatever is there previously?
Meaning all things that could go wrong or get checked happen through the system update app rather than through the OTA itself?
Also you are saying "unroot or restore images", is that not the same thing?
And let's say boot gets updated and I live boot the older outdated image, does that not matter at all?
why do you wanna take the OTA route if you already downloaded the complete firmware package anyway? i’ll do a firmware flash (instead of OTA) without wiping each month and that’s it, i’ll even patch boot.img before flashing (and flash it directly together with the rest of the new firmware). works just fine.
frank93 said:
why do you wanna take the OTA route if you already downloaded the complete firmware package anyway? i’ll do a firmware flash (instead of OTA) without wiping each month and that’s it, i’ll even patch boot.img before flashing (and flash it directly together with the rest of the new firmware). works just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This sounds like the "Quick Method" mentioned here:
https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-install-ota-updates-keep-root-google-pixel-phone/
You're doing that?
frank93 said:
why do you wanna take the OTA route if you already downloaded the complete firmware package anyway? i’ll do a firmware flash (instead of OTA) without wiping each month and that’s it, i’ll even patch boot.img before flashing (and flash it directly together with the rest of the new firmware). works just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I understood sideloading OTA is the most safe and uncomplicated way
media-fort said:
This sounds like the "Quick Method" mentioned here:
https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-install-ota-updates-keep-root-google-pixel-phone/
You're doing that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, sounds like that’s "my way" of doing it. originally got this from a magisk-issue-comment here, basically it’s a "complete firmware flash with an already patched boot.img, no wipe", and that’s it. never done an OTA/sideload for years tbh.
G5-User7080 said:
Perhaps I could have, I am hoping that this way it might be easier to find for others than having to look somewhere on the 30th post of a thread that is about a bricked device after ota.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I had thought there were existing guides in this section, but either I was mistaken or they've been buried.
G5-User7080 said:
mhh I see, I'm just a little scared of the ota process after what happened the last time so I wanna be like extra sure nothing can go wrong.
Doesn't help that I don't really understand what OTA's do exactly..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe explaining it could help you. I'll do so in response to your questions below.
G5-User7080 said:
That I don't have to unroot when flashing factory makes sense as I'm just overwriting boot anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly.
G5-User7080 said:
Is an OTA the same thing essentially? Like is it basically a bunch or partitions in a zip that get flashed over whatever is there previously?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regardless of whether installed through system update or via sideload, the OTA package always installs to the other slot - if you're currently running on slot A, it installs to slot B, and vice versa. See A/B (Seamless) System Updates
G5-User7080 said:
Meaning all things that could go wrong or get checked happen through the system update app rather than through the OTA itself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTA through system update doesn't always seem to work for rooted users; some have suggested that it may be necessary to restore images in Magisk to pass verification checks in order for the update to succeed. Others, like me, don't bother with the OTA updates anymore because 1) OTA through system updates just don't seem to work and 2) Magisk patching inactive slot still seems to have issues. I personally prefer to use the factory images, but the OTA method is technically safer.
OTA sideload should always work, and AFAIK it doesn't matter what state your device is in. It overwrites whatever is on the currently inactive slot; there's no need to remove modules or restore images or unroot as the boot image gets overwritten with the new boot image.
G5-User7080 said:
Also you are saying "unroot or restore images", is that not the same thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they aren't.
When your device boots, it loads the contents of the /boot partition into memory - ramdisk and kernel. This remains in memory while the system is running.
Hence, if the boot image has been patched, you'll boot with root.
When you perform "Restore Images" in Magisk, this uses root access to restore the unpatched image to /boot. But, since the patched boot image was already loaded into RAM, you still have root.
If you reboot at this point, you'll lose root because the now unpatched boot image is loaded into memory.
G5-User7080 said:
And let's say boot gets updated and I live boot the older outdated image, does that not matter at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and no.
After an OTA update, you want to let the system boot with the new boot image. This is because the boot image has a signature that matches the system image; if these don't match, the update engine determines that the update was a failure, and will recycle you back to the original slot. So, the boot image that the system loads after the update has to be the new one. It doesn't matter if it's been patched or not - you could, for example, download the factory image, extract the boot image from it, patch the boot image in Magisk, then sideload the OTA, force your phone to boot into bootloader, and flash the new patched image.
Patching to inactive slot in Magisk is supposed to avoid all this, and can only be used if you update through system. It works like this:
You're rooted on the February release on slot A.
You restore images in Magisk, but do not reboot.
You install the OTA through system updates. This installs to slot B
When it prompts you to reboot to finish the update, instead you go back to Magisk and use Patch Inactive Slot - this uses root access to perform the Magisk patch on the new boot image in /boot_b
You then reboot, and the system switches to slot B, and loads with root because you patched the boot image.
However, this doesn't seem to be working for everyone. Some phones don't even "see" the OTA update is available for some reason.
Therefore, this is the method I recommend you use to install the OTA update:
Download the OTA update for your device from Pixel OTA Images
In Magisk, go to Reboot > Reboot to recovery
Once in recovery mode, hold Power and click Volume Up. Then, select "Apply update from ADB" and connect your phone to your computer.
On your PC, open a command line in your ADB Platform Tools folder, and type adb sideload <path to OTA zip> - to make this easier, just drag and drop the OTA zip into the command window.
Once the update completes, let your phone boot to system. You will not have root, so it won't matter if you didn't disable Magisk modules.
Let the system complete the post-update work (there's a notification with a gear icon) and get stabilized. Wait a few minutes.
Assuming you still have USB debugging enabled, use ADB to reboot to bootloader: adb reboot bootloader or you can just do it manually - reboot your device and hold Volume Down
You can now live boot an older patched boot image: fastboot boot <drag and drop patched boot image>
You should boot with root. Note: if your phone bootloops, see my note below)
In Magisk, go to Install > Direct Install. This uses the "temporary root" of the patched image you've loaded into memory to patch the new boot image
Reboot once more. You should now be on the new boot image with root.
If your phone boot loops, double check to make sure you're still on the latest update. You can check this in Settings > About, but it's also displayed on the notification windowshade under the Quick Settings tiles. Make sure this matches the OTA image you just installed. If it doesn't, this means that your device has recycled back to the "old" slot for some reason, and you'll have to start over.
If you want to play it safe, you can use this guide to extract the new boot.img from the OTA payload. You'd then patch this manually in Magisk, and after installing the update, you'd reboot to bootloader and flash to /boot.
If you still bootloop on the new boot image after patching, you probably need to disable Magisk modules. You can do this via command line:
adb --wait-for-device shell magisk -remove-images
frank93 said:
yes, sounds like that’s "my way" of doing it. originally got this from a magisk-issue-comment here, basically it’s a "complete firmware flash with an already patched boot.img, no wipe", and that’s it. never done an OTA/sideload for years tbh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, I tried this and it seems that my PC cannot write the image to the Pixel 6a?!
Do I have old ADB drivers or whats the reason for that?
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Edit:
Sry, I'm not involved here all the time. Figured it out myself. Reason for the failure were the freakin' platform_tools_r34. Switched to r33 and worked straight away..
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...el-7-pro-support-thread.4505287/post-88134573
V0latyle said:
Well, I had thought there were existing guides in this section, but either I was mistaken or they've been buried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not in the 6a forum as far as I'm aware, there might be more in the Pixel 6 forum, but I've already seen your guide that covers all kinds of methods.
V0latyle said:
the OTA package always installs to the other slot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't it make sense to restore the unrooted boot partition on the currently active slot given that OTA will switch me to the currently inactive slot?
So that after the OTA procedure I'm in the same situation as now, being on a rooted slot with having the original unrooted slot as sort of "backup".
V0latyle said:
there's no need to remove modules or restore images or unroot as the boot image gets overwritten with the new boot image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it was on the magisk ota guide but im not sure, that it said that it's important to disable all system modifying modules before attempting an update.
While all modules I use should by systemless,.. I think?.. I still think it's just easier to disable them all and re-enable them later, just to avoid trouble and make it easier to write in a guide, as in "just disable them and don't bother checking if theyre really all systemless".
V0latyle said:
After an OTA update, you want to let the system boot with the new boot image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that was my intention, let it boot normally without touching anything to complete the OTA.
Didn't know I would have to wait a few minutes after already being in the system tho to wait for the notification, I'll look out for that.
V0latyle said:
In Magisk, go to Reboot > Reboot to recovery
Once in recovery mode, hold Power and click Volume Up. Then, select "Apply update from ADB" and connect your phone to your computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this equivalent to the way you described in your Pixel 6 guide?
As in doing adb reboot sideload to go to sideload mode, followed by adb sideload ota.zip
V0latyle said:
If your phone boot loops, double check to make sure you're still on the latest update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it bootloops how would I even get back into system?
Why would it even bootloop, if there is a known cause can't I just avoid whatever is causing it to begin with?
I mean I don't assume I'll bootloop following the steps carefully but this time I'll post and wait for replies before just nuking everything like last time ^^
V0latyle said:
If you want to play it safe, you can use this guide to extract the new boot.img from the OTA payload.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'd prefer to make it as safe as possible.
Is the boot.img extracted from the OTA the same as the one from the according firmware?
Would be easier to just extract that on PC.
Oh and two more question that came to mind.
When restoring images through magisk it replaces the rooted boot partition with the stock one.
But root only disappears on next reboot.
So can I restore images and then directly do adb reboot sideload followed by doing the OTA?
Meaning I don't need to do one reboot back to system to sort of "complete the unrooting preocedure"?
Is that the same for magisk modules?
If I want to disable them just in case, do I need to reboot once after for them to like get removed from the system or are they instantly disabled the moment I press the "disable module" switch?
G5-User7080 said:
Not in the 6a forum as far as I'm aware, there might be more in the Pixel 6 forum, but I've already seen your guide that covers all kinds of methods.
Wouldn't it make sense to restore the unrooted boot partition on the currently active slot given that OTA will switch me to the currently inactive slot?
So that after the OTA procedure I'm in the same situation as now, being on a rooted slot with having the original unrooted slot as sort of "backup".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if you're going to sideload the OTA. There's no point to doing so.
G5-User7080 said:
I think it was on the magisk ota guide but im not sure, that it said that it's important to disable all system modifying modules before attempting an update.
While all modules I use should by systemless,.. I think?.. I still think it's just easier to disable them all and re-enable them later, just to avoid trouble and make it easier to write in a guide, as in "just disable them and don't bother checking if theyre really all systemless".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, this is the "safe" option. I just use MHPC + USNF mod + systemless hosts so I don't bother disabling, but those who use Xposed or other more "invasive" system mods might want to.
G5-User7080 said:
Yes, that was my intention, let it boot normally without touching anything to complete the OTA.
Didn't know I would have to wait a few minutes after already being in the system tho to wait for the notification, I'll look out for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is because it seems to take a few minutes for the system to "get happy" and decide that all is well, and if you live boot an older boot image before it does so, it will assume the update failed and recycle back to the old slot.
G5-User7080 said:
Is this equivalent to the way you described in your Pixel 6 guide?
As in doing adb reboot sideload to go to sideload mode, followed by adb sideload ota.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. The commands and the method is exactly the same for all Pixel devices. The only thing that is different are the files. Only the Pixel 7 / 7 Pro are slightly different in that we have to patch init_boot instead of boot.
G5-User7080 said:
If it bootloops how would I even get back into system?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the command I gave you: adb --wait-for-device shell magisk --remove-modules while booting
G5-User7080 said:
Why would it even bootloop, if there is a known cause can't I just avoid whatever is causing it to begin with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't a known cause, the exception being trying to boot an old boot image without letting the system complete the update post-reboot as described above
G5-User7080 said:
I mean I don't assume I'll bootloop following the steps carefully but this time I'll post and wait for replies before just nuking everything like last time ^^
Yes, I'd prefer to make it as safe as possible.
Is the boot.img extracted from the OTA the same as the one from the according firmware?
Would be easier to just extract that on PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. It's just packaged differently.
Since Payload Dumper requires Python, I've found it simpler to just use the factory image - although if you're at that point, you may as well just flash the factory image anyway.
G5-User7080 said:
Oh and two more question that came to mind.
When restoring images through magisk it replaces the rooted boot partition with the stock one.
But root only disappears on next reboot.
So can I restore images and then directly do adb reboot sideload followed by doing the OTA?
Meaning I don't need to do one reboot back to system to sort of "complete the unrooting preocedure"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never suggested you'd need to reboot after restoring images. Once you've restored the original boot image, that's what is in the boot partition. It takes effect immediately. What doesn't take immediate effect is what's currently running in memory, which is why I pointed out that upon a reboot, your device will load the unpatched image because that's what's in the partition. But, as I explained above, there's no point to restoring the original boot image if you're sideloading the OTA. The only time this ever appears to be necessary is when you're taking OTA through system update.
G5-User7080 said:
Is that the same for magisk modules?
If I want to disable them just in case, do I need to reboot once after for them to like get removed from the system or are they instantly disabled the moment I press the "disable module" switch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am honestly not sure about this one, but since we are talking about OTAs, the point is moot - when the update completes and the phone reboots, it's booting an unpatched boot image, meaning there's no way for the modules to load. It doesn't matter if you've made changes to system, either, because the system partition also has two slots - system_a and system_b
The only thing that MIGHT matter is when you boot the patched image, because if you haven't disabled modules, they will load during boot, and if one of them causes a bootloop for whatever reason....It still shouldn't matter because in this case, the device -should- try to boot the same slot again, and since you never patched the new boot image, it will boot without root.
V0latyle said:
I am honestly not sure about this one, but since we are talking about OTAs, the point is moot - when the update completes and the phone reboots, it's booting an unpatched boot image, meaning there's no way for the modules to load. It doesn't matter if you've made changes to system, either, because the system partition also has two slots - system_a and system_b
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea it seems like its the same as restoring images, it disables them but obviously they are already loaded for the current session and probably don't get "unloaded", they just won't load again from the next boot on, so I don't think there would be any need to reboot, except when you want to do something in system that requires modules to be disabled.
So it seems like we'll have to wait til like the 20th for the march update, so I'll just go straight for the april one.
Considering what you said, would this be the correct procedure, just to confirm?
Extract boot.img from factory image and patch it, then move it to pc.
In Magisk app, disable all modules.
On pc do adb reboot sideload and after rebooting in download mode adb sideload ota.zip
Choose "reboot system" from menu or use adb reboot... does that command work in download mode?
Let it reboot, unlock, wait for the update completed notification to appear.
Confirm that adb debugging is still enabled and the version number below quick tiles matches the update, then do adb reboot bootloader.
Live boot the new magisk patched boot.img with fastboot boot patched_boot.img.
Magisk app -> Install -> Direct Install, then re-enable all modules and reboot.
done
Additionally, I'm wondering what all the different "menus" are for.
Like first there is bootloader where you can flash partitions through the fastboot command and enter recovery or boot system.
Then there is the recovery that... doesn't really do anything when it's stock?
Then there is sideload or download mode that is accessed from the recovery.
Then there is adb fastboot, does that bring you to the fastbootd screen? I have no idea what that is for.
G5-User7080 said:
yea it seems like its the same as restoring images, it disables them but obviously they are already loaded for the current session and probably don't get "unloaded", they just won't load again from the next boot on, so I don't think there would be any need to reboot, except when you want to do something in system that requires modules to be disabled.
So it seems like we'll have to wait til like the 20th for the march update, so I'll just go straight for the april one.
Considering what you said, would this be the correct procedure, just to confirm?
Extract boot.img from factory image and patch it, then move it to pc.
In Magisk app, disable all modules.
On pc do adb reboot sideload and after rebooting in download mode adb sideload ota.zip
Choose "reboot system" from menu or use adb reboot... does that command work in download mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADB commands work in recovery mode, yes.
G5-User7080 said:
Let it reboot, unlock, wait for the update completed notification to appear.
Confirm that adb debugging is still enabled and the version number below quick tiles matches the update, then do adb reboot bootloader.
Live boot the new magisk patched boot.img with fastboot boot patched_boot.img.
Magisk app -> Install -> Direct Install, then re-enable all modules and reboot.
done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to download the factory image, why not just use Pixel Flasher to perform a factory flash? Contrary to popular belief, flashing the factory image itself does not wipe data. OTA updates are still the "safest" way but I've been using the factory image for a couple years now on my Pixel 5 and have never had a problem.
G5-User7080 said:
Additionally, I'm wondering what all the different "menus" are for.
Like first there is bootloader where you can flash partitions through the fastboot command and enter recovery or boot system.
Then there is the recovery that... doesn't really do anything when it's stock?
Then there is sideload or download mode that is accessed from the recovery.
Then there is adb fastboot, does that bring you to the fastbootd screen? I have no idea what that is for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader is used for flashing bootloader, modem, and boot.
Recovery mode is a small kernel in of itself that can perform functions that the bootloader can't, and provides a software interface to perform a "safe" recovery should the device stop working - like flashing an OTA.
Sideload mode is part of that recovery software interface - it allows you to serve OTA files over ADB
Fastbootd is "userspace fastboot" that allows advanced flashing functions.
More information on fastbootd
V0latyle said:
If you're going to download the factory image, why not just use Pixel Flasher to perform a factory flash? Contrary to popular belief, flashing the factory image itself does not wipe data. OTA updates are still the "safest" way but I've been using the factory image for a couple years now on my Pixel 5 and have never had a problem.
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cause I'd need to remove the -w from the update command in the flashall.bat as well as possibly add --skip-reboot
I can see the day coming when I simply forget doing that and wipe my device by accident.
Or when using pixel flasher I might just forget to untick the wipe option.
I want to use a method that ideally I only have to prepare once, say if I could just make a "flash factory without wipe" script that works every time, but due to changing version numbers I have to use the new script every time.
G5-User7080 said:
cause I'd need to remove the -w from the update command in the flashall.bat as well as possibly add --skip-reboot
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You don't have to use the script. Learn to do the commands manually. You don't have to skip reboot either, but if you want to flash a patched boot image, it helps.
G5-User7080 said:
I can see the day coming when I simply forget doing that and wipe my device by accident.
Or when using pixel flasher I might just forget to untick the wipe option.
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Pixel Flasher settings are persistent....
G5-User7080 said:
I want to use a method that ideally I only have to prepare once, say if I could just make a "flash factory without wipe" script that works every time, but due to changing version numbers I have to use the new script every time.
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You seem to misunderstand how flashing the factory image works. You don't have to use the script. Learn to use ADB and fastboot commands manually. You can follow my guide for the 6 Pro here; the commands are all the same.
Otherwise, you can use Pixel Flasher. All you have to do is set it up once, and the settings persist even after updates. This is what I've gone to as a means to simply free myself for other tasks while my phone is updating; I used to do it manually.
frank93 said:
yes, sounds like that’s "my way" of doing it. originally got this from a magisk-issue-comment here, basically it’s a "complete firmware flash with an already patched boot.img, no wipe", and that’s it. never done an OTA/sideload for years tbh.
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If you flash a full factory image via fastboot (without wiping the device in that process), is it safe and possible to leave your login information for screen unlock (password, fingerprint) installed before flashing?
And can I stay logged into my Google Account on the device before flashing as well?
I don't want to brick my device, therefore I've always deleted these Login infos before full flashing process.
But after each full flash, it's always very annoying to add all that info again, for each banking app, for Google pay and so on....
media-fort said:
If you flash a full factory image via fastboot (without wiping the device in that process), is it safe and possible to leave your login information for screen unlock (password, fingerprint) installed before flashing?
And can I stay logged into my Google Account on the device before flashing as well?
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i never logged out or deleted anything before flashing. it "feels" like an OTA, i just flash (without wipe) and after the next boot the device is ready to be used.
media-fort said:
If you flash a full factory image via fastboot (without wiping the device in that process), is it safe and possible to leave your login information for screen unlock (password, fingerprint) installed before flashing?
And can I stay logged into my Google Account on the device before flashing as well?
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Flashing a full firmware w/o wiping = OTA update. Since an OTA won't delete anything of your settings/data, a full firmware flash w/o wiping will do the same.
All settings, data and apps are stored on /userdata. When saying "without wiping", then it means "do not erase /userdata".
WoKoschekk said:
Flashing a full firmware w/o wiping = OTA update. Since an OTA won't delete anything of your settings/data, a full firmware flash w/o wiping will do the same.
All settings, data and apps are stored on /userdata. When saying "without wiping", then it means "do not erase /userdata".
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Almost, but not quite.
Flashing the full factory firmware installs it to the currently active slot and can be done regardless of what version you're already on; if you try to flash the system update alone, it'll complain if it doesn't see the right bootloader and radio version but you can use --force to get around that
Flashing the OTA installs it to the currently INACTIVE slot and can only be done when you're on an OLDER version.
V0latyle said:
Almost, but not quite.
Flashing the full factory firmware installs it to the currently active slot and can be done regardless of what version you're already on; if you try to flash the system update alone, it'll complain if it doesn't see the right bootloader and radio version but you can use --force to get around that
Flashing the OTA installs it to the currently INACTIVE slot and can only be done when you're on an OLDER version.
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yes, that's right. but regarding to the question
media-fort said:
is it safe and possible to leave your login information for screen unlock (password, fingerprint) installed before flashing?
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it doesn't matter which slot is active.