Database Info

Alcatel One Touch Evolve 5020t

I know this phone is fairly new and I was able to root it, but I'm wondering if there is any news on a cwm recovery being developed for it. Thanks for any info!

Is it a difficult task to make a CWM for a new phone?

i need help, i mixed up the system apk`s
can somebody help me out. i just need the app folder from root access. help me. i dont want to buy another device just for take a back up from it
can someone upload the apk`s or the folder. sorry for bad english. i hope somebody help me out! :crying:

I know you can build a cwm recovery image for this phone with mtk droid root & tools. The only catch is I think the boot loader is locked because if you try to dump or write with sp flash tool it talks about having a secure baseband and the need for a authentication file to be able to do anything with the flash with sp flash tool. Mtk droid root & tools does ask to prepare the device by writing to the boot.img I think, but it also states the recovery needs to be flashed with sp flash tool. I'm unsure if by writting to the boot.img file it unlocks the baseband or not but if it doesnt unlock the device you could end up with a brick.

hound_dog_420 said:
I know you can build a cwm recovery image for this phone with mtk droid root & tools. The only catch is I think the boot loader is locked because if you try to dump or write with sp flash tool it talks about having a secure baseband and the need for a authentication file to be able to do anything with the flash with sp flash tool. Mtk droid root & tools does ask to prepare the device by writing to the boot.img I think, but it also states the recovery needs to be flashed with sp flash tool. I'm unsure if by writting to the boot.img file it unlocks the baseband or not but if it doesnt unlock the device you could end up with a brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A developer over at androidforums.com looked at it extensively and said it couldn't be done because the bootloader is locked. All we can do right now is root the phone.

No roms, but once root is acheived, you can install Xposed modules to get the feel of a custom rom. Gravitybox is awesome. I have:
* enabled the buttons to be illuminated when the screen is on (no more guessing where that blasted back key is)
* modified the statusbar
among a couple other minor changes. The only thing bothering me that I have been unsuccessful with as of yet is not being able to actually uninstall the factory bloatware even though root is acheived and TiBu runs fine. Other than that, this phone is damn good for what it is and what I need it for (my Nexus 7 is my workhorse and I just use this phone for **GASP**, phone stuff as well as an MP3/Podcast player thanks to it using microsd cards). It is sluggish and clunky, but it gets the job done and $50 for a brand new GSM phone off contract? Yes please. Not to mention that the Alcatel overlay is pretty unobtrusive when compared to Motoblur, Touchwiz or Sense.
(I only posted this long diatribe here because this thread is one of the top ones to show up when googling "root alcatel one touch evolve". Information for this phone is pretty scant but seems to be popular enough that some people will start looking for that info. If I need to delete this or make my own thread, I'll happily oblige).

hooah212002 said:
The only thing bothering me that I have been unsuccessful with as of yet is not being able to actually uninstall the factory bloatware even though root is acheived and TiBu runs fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted my wife's Alcatel One Touch Evolve for this purpose, but TB cannot uninstall bloatware system apps. Did any one find a work around to this?
__________________
Sent from my LIFE PLAY using Tapatalk Pro.

hooah212002 said:
No roms, but once root is acheived, you can install Xposed modules to get the feel of a custom rom. Gravitybox is awesome. I have:
* enabled the buttons to be illuminated when the screen is on (no more guessing where that blasted back key is)
* modified the statusbar
among a couple other minor changes. The only thing bothering me that I have been unsuccessful with as of yet is not being able to actually uninstall the factory bloatware even though root is acheived and TiBu runs fine. Other than that, this phone is damn good for what it is and what I need it for (my Nexus 7 is my workhorse and I just use this phone for **GASP**, phone stuff as well as an MP3/Podcast player thanks to it using microsd cards). It is sluggish and clunky, but it gets the job done and $50 for a brand new GSM phone off contract? Yes please. Not to mention that the Alcatel overlay is pretty unobtrusive when compared to Motoblur, Touchwiz or Sense.
(I only posted this long diatribe here because this thread is one of the top ones to show up when googling "root alcatel one touch evolve". Information for this phone is pretty scant but seems to be popular enough that some people will start looking for that info. If I need to delete this or make my own thread, I'll happily oblige).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you able to make a backup of the phone before installing GravityBox?

To those wondering...The reason that TB can't remove the bloatware is it isn't in the /system/app folder.
Use some other app like Root Explorer or whatever you like and go to /system/custpack/app/unremoveable.
that's where they all are.

MrPandroid said:
To those wondering...The reason that TB can't remove the bloatware is it isn't in the /system/app folder.
Use some other app like Root Explorer or whatever you like and go to /system/custpack/app/unremoveable.
that's where they all are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't find the custpack folder.

Sorry, I meant /custpack/app/unremoveable.
It's not under /system. I apologize. So /custpack/app/unremoveable

MrPandroid said:
Sorry, I meant /custpack/app/unremoveable.
It's not under /system. I apologize. So /custpack/app/unremoveable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clarifying!

You're welcome! Remove bloatware away!
personally i used ES File Explorer. Worked fine for me.
Obviously, be careful what you remove and such.

Can someone point me to the rooting instructions for this?
Typed on the Nexus

Mordy,
I used Cydia Impactor http://www.cydiaimpactor.com/ and once it said "done" i installed SuperSU and rebooted my phone. That was it.
Edit:
So I've had this phone roughly 2 weeks now. Rooted it on day one. Removed a LOT of crap. Replaced some apps (IE Chrome, stock messaging app, etc)
I have to say this is a decent little phone. Not bad for $40.

removing bloatware
hey so i was wondering if there was any other way to remove the bloatware ? if not what do i do once im in this folder where the system apps are can i just do a delete the apk files ? and will that uninstall all the data for that app? thanks alot

Hello,
anyone can provide boot and recovery for this phone? i have bricked my phone using mtkdroidtools.
Regards

hooah212002 said:
No roms, but once root is acheived, you can install Xposed modules to get the feel of a custom rom. Gravitybox is awesome. I have:
* enabled the buttons to be illuminated when the screen is on (no more guessing where that blasted back key is)
* modified the statusbar
among a couple other minor changes. The only thing bothering me that I have been unsuccessful with as of yet is not being able to actually uninstall the factory bloatware even though root is acheived and TiBu runs fine. Other than that, this phone is damn good for what it is and what I need it for (my Nexus 7 is my workhorse and I just use this phone for **GASP**, phone stuff as well as an MP3/Podcast player thanks to it using microsd cards). It is sluggish and clunky, but it gets the job done and $50 for a brand new GSM phone off contract? Yes please. Not to mention that the Alcatel overlay is pretty unobtrusive when compared to Motoblur, Touchwiz or Sense.
(I only posted this long diatribe here because this thread is one of the top ones to show up when googling "root alcatel one touch evolve". Information for this phone is pretty scant but seems to be popular enough that some people will start looking for that info. If I need to delete this or make my own thread, I'll happily oblige).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it is safe to install the xposed module?

Smarmylamb said:
So it is safe to install the xposed module?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed it without a problem.

D1358531 said:
I installed it without a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. Thanks

Beginner in need of help with rooting and some clarification on Magisk/TWRP/recovery

Hello all,
I got my Oneplus6 recently, for the first time using android. I've had an old iPhone for forever.
I like the phone but I'm so far not really happy with the android version (Oreo).
For example: I pick the dark theme from the settings, and my notification tray will stay bright white. I really don't like this. Then I went ahead to try a couple of apps to dim the screen more than the default will allow (it's too bright for my taste). They worked fine, untill I pulled down the notification tray. The contrast feels like staring directly into the sun!
After learning that google now apparently blocks overlays on the notification tray, I figured my only option is to root. Also I would like to use a systemwide adblock and YT Vanced, and maybe some other cool (beginner friendly) things that require a root. However, I would very much like to keep basic functionality, mobile signal, using banking apps, and so on. I don't watch netflix or amazon, only youtube and sometimes twitch, so the L1 and L3 things are not something I worry about.
For the past 5 days or so I've been reading these forums, reddit, and researching the web for information about unlocking,rooting and so on. But I still have a couple of questions, hopefully you experienced users can help a noobie out! I really want to learn.
Currently on these forums, as far as I can see, there are ways of rooting with Magisk and (unofficial) TWRP, the latter also making a custom recovery.
Is this TWRP custom recovery something I need, when I want to keep using OxygenOS? Keep in mind I'm only really looking to apply a black theme on it all, including that blasted notification tray.
If I go with the Magisk root ( https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/oneplus-6-magisk-root-oos-5-1-5-t3794440 ), do I still need a custom recovery? I think that is what TWRP is for. Say I want to remove my root and go back to factory default. Can I do that with the stock recovery?
Is it good to go with the guide I linked, or is it better to use the TWRP method described here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/oneplus-6-unlock-bootloader-flash-twrp-t3792643
What are the major differences between them?
Should I wait until an official TWRP is released and unlock/root then?
I'm sorry if these are very silly things to ask. Keep in mind I've only been using an android device for the first time, ever, since a couple of days. I'm okay with tinkering with it while following a guide to make sure I don't brick or anything. Also I've been looking for a complete beginner guide to unlocking and rooting, but all I can seem to find are very outdated guides.
Thank you for taking the time to read!

DampDeceiver said:
Hello all,
I got my Oneplus6 recently, for the first time using android. I've had an old iPhone for forever.
I like the phone but I'm so far not really happy with the android version (Oreo).
For example: I pick the dark theme from the settings, and my notification tray will stay bright white. I really don't like this. Then I went ahead to try a couple of apps to dim the screen more than the default will allow (it's too bright for my taste). They worked fine, untill I pulled down the notification tray. The contrast feels like staring directly into the sun!
After learning that google now apparently blocks overlays on the notification tray, I figured my only option is to root. Also I would like to use a systemwide adblock and YT Vanced, and maybe some other cool (beginner friendly) things that require a root. However, I would very much like to keep basic functionality, mobile signal, using banking apps, and so on. I don't watch netflix or amazon, only youtube and sometimes twitch, so the L1 and L3 things are not something I worry about.
For the past 5 days or so I've been reading these forums, reddit, and researching the web for information about unlocking,rooting and so on. But I still have a couple of questions, hopefully you experienced users can help a noobie out! I really want to learn.
Currently on these forums, as far as I can see, there are ways of rooting with Magisk and (unofficial) TWRP, the latter also making a custom recovery.
Is this TWRP custom recovery something I need, when I want to keep using OxygenOS? Keep in mind I'm only really looking to apply a black theme on it all, including that blasted notification tray.
If I go with the Magisk root ( https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/oneplus-6-magisk-root-oos-5-1-5-t3794440 ), do I still need a custom recovery? I think that is what TWRP is for. Say I want to remove my root and go back to factory default. Can I do that with the stock recovery?
Is it good to go with the guide I linked, or is it better to use the TWRP method described here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/oneplus-6-unlock-bootloader-flash-twrp-t3792643
What are the major differences between them?
Should I wait until an official TWRP is released and unlock/root then?
I'm sorry if these are very silly things to ask. Keep in mind I've only been using an android device for the first time, ever, since a couple of days. I'm okay with tinkering with it while following a guide to make sure I don't brick or anything. Also I've been looking for a complete beginner guide to unlocking and rooting, but all I can seem to find are very outdated guides.
Thank you for taking the time to read!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in the forums of how to unlock, root and install TWRP recovery. I actually enjoy system wide black themes so this is what I would recommend.
You need to unlock your bootloader if you had not done so already. In the forum I suggested, under the rooting section, you need to grab the bootable Magisk file. You will have to put your OP6 into fastboot mode and open up a command prompt and type- fastboot boot "name of img file" to boot using that img file.
All these instructions are in the forum regarding unlocking and rooting the device. If you are only interested in obtaining a system wide black theme while also keeping everything in good shape, you need to unlock your bootloader and root with Magisk. Do not worry about installing TWRP as you do not need this for your certain needs. After you root with Magisk, you can use an app call Adaway to block ads. To obtain a system wide black/dark theme, you need to go to the Google Play Store and download an app called "Substratum" after you obtain root. It will only work with root. Also download an app called "Swift Black". This is the theme you will be applying.
I would look at the forums again, the one I am talking about is up there at the top of the page when you look at the OP6 forums. It is clearly labeled for unlocking, rooting and installing TWRP recovery. You are only interested in unlocking your bootloader and installing Magisk, that's it. It has all the instructions you need. Once you are there, install the apps above from the Google Play Store and apply the theme using Substratum. Hope this helps!

DampDeceiver said:
Hello all,
I got my Oneplus6 recently, for the first time using android. I've had an old iPhone for forever.
I like the phone but I'm so far not really happy with the android version (Oreo).
For example: I pick the dark theme from the settings, and my notification tray will stay bright white. I really don't like this. Then I went ahead to try a couple of apps to dim the screen more than the default will allow (it's too bright for my taste). They worked fine, untill I pulled down the notification tray. The contrast feels like staring directly into the sun!
After learning that google now apparently blocks overlays on the notification tray, I figured my only option is to root. Also I would like to use a systemwide adblock and YT Vanced, and maybe some other cool (beginner friendly) things that require a root. However, I would very much like to keep basic functionality, mobile signal, using banking apps, and so on. I don't watch netflix or amazon, only youtube and sometimes twitch, so the L1 and L3 things are not something I worry about.
For the past 5 days or so I've been reading these forums, reddit, and researching the web for information about unlocking,rooting and so on. But I still have a couple of questions, hopefully you experienced users can help a noobie out! I really want to learn.
Currently on these forums, as far as I can see, there are ways of rooting with Magisk and (unofficial) TWRP, the latter also making a custom recovery.
Is this TWRP custom recovery something I need, when I want to keep using OxygenOS? Keep in mind I'm only really looking to apply a black theme on it all, including that blasted notification tray.
If I go with the Magisk root ( https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/oneplus-6-magisk-root-oos-5-1-5-t3794440 ), do I still need a custom recovery? I think that is what TWRP is for. Say I want to remove my root and go back to factory default. Can I do that with the stock recovery?
Is it good to go with the guide I linked, or is it better to use the TWRP method described here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/oneplus-6-unlock-bootloader-flash-twrp-t3792643
What are the major differences between them?
Should I wait until an official TWRP is released and unlock/root then?
I'm sorry if these are very silly things to ask. Keep in mind I've only been using an android device for the first time, ever, since a couple of days. I'm okay with tinkering with it while following a guide to make sure I don't brick or anything. Also I've been looking for a complete beginner guide to unlocking and rooting, but all I can seem to find are very outdated guides.
Thank you for taking the time to read!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you should totally root it!
This is how I did it!
Note u will break warranty, and unlocking bootloader will completely wipe ur phone(even the storage memory)
Download the following:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/on...ol-tool-one-driversunlocktwrpfactory-t3791316 (install this on computer)
and https://drive.google.com/open?id=15mXZz4OrwRGXz5JCKeYjwukQf0raWnOb
in your phone go to settings> about phone>Select "Build number" 4 times.
Then in Settings>Developer Options> turn on "OEM unlocking", "USB debugging" and for convenience "Advanced rooting".
Click reboot and Select "Bootloader"
Plug your phone to your computer and open the software you installed and click "check device" Then unlock, on your phone you will have to use volume buttons to go up and down and then the power button to select.
(Note, never relock with custom firmware or root on it, recommend u only lock it when 100% stock or u can permanently brick if something happens when ur rooted.)
Now on that software, you had click advanced options and click "Open a free terminal with adb and fastboot privileges".
Extract that zip file and move it to your desktop.
Type: cd "C:\Users\Bradley Gregory\Desktop" or if its in the folder: cd "C:\Users\Bradley Gregory\Desktop\All files for TWRP"
Then type: fastboot flash boot_a twrp.img , (Your using the same twrp.img)
Then again: fastboot flash boot_b twrp.img
After this look at your phone and use the volume buttons till it says recovery and press power button.
If it asks for a password type ur pin in from phone, and change language before pressing checkmark.
Then copy everything from that zip onto ur phone(when ur in the temporary recovery)
Then click install, find file location of where u put your stuff on. bottom right button click (img file) then click "boot.img" then select boot.
Now click the bottom right button to change back to zips.
Flash zips in this order
1. Flash TWRPWorkingInstaller.zip
2. Flash TWRP-BLUE-FIX.zip
3. Flash Root.zip or you will bootloop
after you can reboot your phone. Open magdisk app >settings and under update settings change update channel to beta. then you can go to the app home and install directly the new update.
(optional) in magisk select download and search busybox and click install
Hope this helps!
PM me for any questions!
(don't factory reset with custom boot. also in recovery, u can now make backups of your entire phone if error happens)
I recommend u download this file:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/rom-stock-fastboot-roms-oneplus-6-t3796665
if u ever hard brick this will wipe ur phone and make it normal again(wipes internal memory)

Personally, I would hold off on doing anything until we have an official twrp and more development. Right now, the solutions we've got are unforgiving. People are bricking their phones right and left because they missed a step, and the unbricking process is more involved than other android phones at the moment.
Also, before you do anything, I would take a moment to assess your computer literacy and comfort with mucking around in the system files of your devices. If you're used to things that "just work" like on iOS, you may not like what you find once you cross over into modding. If you do enjoy that kind of stuff, good, but the tradeoff for greater freedom is more work in keeping your phone updated and operational.

Don't do it!! Hold off,. I am an old hat, since 2005, and I spent the whole day yesterday fixing the brick that I turned my OnePlus 6 into. It's a pain and very easy to do.
Just wait two weeks.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk

Personally, I would hold off on doing anything until we have an official twrp and more development. Right now, the solutions we've got are unforgiving. People are bricking their phones right and left because they missed a step, and the unbricking process is more involved than other android phones at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree. I've been rooting and modding devices (mostly Oneplus) the last couple of years, but with the OP6 things have changed. A/B partitioning have made it somehow more complicated, at least compared to what I'm used to.
Personally I pulled the trigger anyway, i.e. not waiting for an official version of TWRP. I got TWRP and root with the method described in post 70 here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76633618&postcount=70
If and when you do that too I recommend you to install:
* Adaway (from XDA forum) to get rid of ads
* Substratum theme engine (from Play Store)
And then some Substratum themes:
* Ozone (from Play store) to theme Oneplus OS and apps
* Swift Black (from Play store) to theme other apps
And finally some Magisk modules:
* Youtube Vanced Magisk black themed (from Magisk repo) to get themed You tube, adfree and with picture-in-picture
* Viper4Android FX (from Magisk repo) to get much better audio
* OP_AlwaysOnDisplay_enabler (from OP5T XDA forum) to enable settings for Always On Display (if you want that)
https://www.xda-developers.com/enable-always-on-display-oneplus-6-oneplus-5-5t/
Is this TWRP custom recovery something I need, when I want to keep using OxygenOS? Keep in mind I'm only really looking to apply a black theme on it all, including that blasted notification tray.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I strongly recommend you to use a custom recovery (TWRP) if you root and install rooted apps. If you don't it will be difficult or impossible to recover if you get in trouble. For example, it is easy to uninstall Magisk modules or Substratum themes from the recovery in case they cause bootloops. And additionaly you can make full backups of your system in TWRP. A small hint for backups is to copy them to a safe place (computer or USB stick) in case you get into trouble with the internal storage on your phone.

The A/B partitioning has definitely made things more complicated, especially with respect to flashing. I've been rooting and modding here for 5+ years, and I'm taking it very slowly so far. Right now, you can't just fix things with a quick reflash of your rom. Even factory resets can brick you. This is not a phone for noobs at the moment.

iElvis said:
The A/B partitioning has definitely made things more complicated, especially with respect to flashing. I've been rooting and modding here for 5+ years, and I'm taking it very slowly so far. Right now, you can't just fix things with a quick reflash of your rom. Even factory resets can brick you. This is not a phone for noobs at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an unbrick tool and fastboot ROMs to recover, but u r right, u just can't screw around with things like we used to due to u need a computer avail even if u bootloop

That, and there are some conflicting instructions flying around and some disagreements amongst the devs about how to do things. I would not want to be starting out with rooting on this phone tbh.

I agree with most posts here.
I've been flashing ever since the HD2 back in the days. I've really spend alot of nights fixing my phones from hard/soft bricks, never actually really broke one though.
But untill there are some stable recovery/root methods, I wouldn't want to start my android rooting experience with this phone right now. As some said, wait a couple of weeks.

Thank you everyone for replying! You've been a great help.
I figure I will wait for the official TWRP and a guide to install it by that time.
Until then I'll keep a close eye on these forums to keep learning. Cheers!

All of these guys are spot on with advice. I too have been doing this for awhile, however this is my first A/B partition phone. You definitely want TWRP. I can't count how many times I've installed a root program or tweaked a system file and messed up my device. Recovery is your friend! Make backups often!! (Once you get TWRP installed of course)

I will wait for TWRP official for sure now, but one last question.
It is possible to unlock the bootloader (that wipes all my data) right now, and not root, right? So I will just unlock it for the future when TWRP official is released and I can root w/o losing all my data?
It's safe to follow a guide to just unlock the bootloader as of right now?
Thanks again! Very much appreciated!!

DampDeceiver said:
I will wait for TWRP official for sure now, but one last question.
It is possible to unlock the bootloader (that wipes all my data) right now, and not root, right? So I will just unlock it for the future when TWRP official is released and I can root w/o losing all my data?
It's safe to follow a guide to just unlock the bootloader as of right now?
Thanks again! Very much appreciated!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I did. Unlock the bootloader to save from data loss later, but no recovery or root until things are a little more understood.

DampDeceiver said:
I will wait for TWRP official for sure now, but one last question.
It is possible to unlock the bootloader (that wipes all my data) right now, and not root, right? So I will just unlock it for the future when TWRP official is released and I can root w/o losing all my data?
It's safe to follow a guide to just unlock the bootloader as of right now?
Thanks again! Very much appreciated!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can unlock your bootloader and not root. You're correct that it will erase your data, but once it's unlocked you will be ready to root once official twrp and magisk root comes out.
You'll want to use Magisk because it keeps you compatible with Safety net, has root hide and really good modules as well to add stuff.
If you want a dark theme for now you can download Andromeda from the Play store, and hen substratum. It doesn't need root just some commands from your pc and adb. However it is a few dollars, so if you don't want to pay for that then you can just wait to root. The theme you'll want is swift black, but I use ozone as well. Swift black for some apps to be black theme, but ozone to get a custom accent color and dark theme for OOS quick settings, settings app, etc.

NateDev said:
Yes, you can unlock your bootloader and not root. You're correct that it will erase your data, but once it's unlocked you will be ready to root once official twrp and magisk root comes out.
You'll want to use Magisk because it keeps you compatible with Safety net, has root hide and really good modules as well to add stuff.
If you want a dark theme for now you can download Andromeda from the Play store, and hen substratum. It doesn't need root just some commands from your pc and adb. However it is a few dollars, so if you don't want to pay for that then you can just wait to root. The theme you'll want is swift black, but I use ozone as well. Swift black for some apps to be black theme, but ozone to get a custom accent color and dark theme for OOS quick settings, settings app, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is what i was about to type, use andromeda from play store and use substratum to theme whatever you like.

Unlocking the bootloader is required if you want root and/or custom recovery(TWRP).
Custom recovery is optional and root does not depend on it, nor does custom recovery depend on root either. What custom recovery gives you are mainly two things:
1. More features than a stock recovery.
2. Able to flash unsigned zip.
So if neither of these two really means something to you then you can stay with stock recovery.
The root procedure could be a bit different depends on whether you use a customer recovery or not.
If you do, then the root procedure usually is just as simple as flash a Magisk installation zip.
If you do not use a custom recovery, stay on the stock recovery, then the root procedure is different because the stock recovery does not allow you to flash an unsigned zip. The procedure is:
1. Obtain the stock boot image.
2. Install Magisk Manager and use it to patch the boot image.
3. Boot the phone with the patched boot image(fastboot boot patched_boot.img command), thus you get a temporarily rooted phone. Temporarily means you lost root after reboot because the patched boot image is not actually written to the ROM of your phone.
4. Now on the (temporarily) rooted phone, you have all the power to install the root permanently, by Magisk Manager.

Any "Gotchas" to be aware of before rooting new OP7 via TWRP + Magisk?

EDIT
TL;DR: in this post lower on the thread I shared some of the things I learned in the process.
--
Original Post
Hi everyone,
My OP7 (non pro) is on the way. Really excited about it!
I'm trying to line up all the information and downloads in advance in order to root the device calmly when it arrives.
One thing I remember when I tried to root my last phone (Huawei P10) is that I rushed too much and ended up losing a lot of time. Also there were some "gotchas" that made it kind of hard with the particular version I had bought. In the end, after bricking and unbricking a couple of times, I gave up.
So, my question: with the OP7, are there any "Gotchas" I should be aware of, little subtleties that it would be better to know before starting?
If I follow the steps under Steps for unlocked bootloader with TWRP AND Root(Magisk) on this thread, should it just work?
(Don't have it in hand yet so don't have any version numbers, but in case that helps answer the question, here is the Amazon listing where I bought the phone.)
So far this is the list of files I have downloaded:
MagiskManager-v7.3.2.apk
twrp-3.3.1-52-guacamole-unified.img
Magisk-uninstaller-20190604.zip
Magisk-v19.3.zip
platform-tools_r29.0.2-windows.zip
twrp-3.3.1-52-guacamole-unified-installer.zip
OnePlus7Oxygen_14.E.14_OTA_014_all_1907280716_7e28877dd39949e3.zip
Should I download something else (for instance a system upgrade)?
Thank you in advance for any tips!

So don't do an over the air update afterwards even if the option is there. It put my phone in bootloop. Had to reinstall twrp afterwards.

swehes said:
So don't do an over the air update afterwards even if the option is there. It put my phone in bootloop. Had to reinstall twrp afterwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you are talking about. I did it 3 times and it worked perfectly.
1. Install OTA via Updater
2. install TWRP trough magisk
3. Install magisk to inactive slot
4. reboot
---------- Post added at 06:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:13 AM ----------
who ah way said:
Hi everyone,
My OP7 (non pro) is on the way. Really excited about it!
I'm trying to line up all the information and downloads in advance in order to root the device calmly when it arrives.
One thing I remember when I tried to root my last phone (Huawei P10) is that I rushed too much and ended up losing a lot of time. Also there were some "gotchas" that made it kind of hard with the particular version I had bought. In the end, after bricking and unbricking a couple of times, I gave up.
So, my question: with the OP7, are there any "Gotchas" I should be aware of, little subtleties that it would be better to know before starting?
If I follow the steps under Steps for unlocked bootloader with TWRP AND Root(Magisk) on this thread, should it just work?
(Don't have it in hand yet so don't have any version numbers, but in case that helps answer the question, here is the Amazon listing where I bought the phone.)
So far this is the list of files I have downloaded:
MagiskManager-v7.3.2.apk
twrp-3.3.1-52-guacamole-unified.img
Magisk-uninstaller-20190604.zip
Magisk-v19.3.zip
platform-tools_r29.0.2-windows.zip
twrp-3.3.1-52-guacamole-unified-installer.zip
OnePlus7Oxygen_14.E.14_OTA_014_all_1907280716_7e28877dd39949e3.zip
Should I download something else (for instance a system upgrade)?
Thank you in advance for any tips!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far it sounds good. But I have 2 tips.
1. Never lock Bootloader if phone isn't stock! You will 100% brick it.
2. If you flash twrp with twrp installer.zip you also need to flash magisk. It won't work that way if you don't flash magisk.

does rooting require unlocking bootloader? i dont want to unlock my phone's bootloader, but i want to try to root it.

jeromemo said:
does rooting require unlocking bootloader? i dont want to unlock my phone's bootloader, but i want to try to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root without unlock is impossible.

Hi everyone, thank you very much for your replies.
My plan is to root via TWRP + Magisk.
From the discussion, I am understanding that it is easier to update OxygenOS before rooting?
In other words, can I install 9.5.8 from August 8 then root?
I see that after root, there is also a guide (for the OP7 Pro, but guessing the process is same for OP7) to perform an OTA update via TWRP.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Kollachi said:
Never lock Bootloader if phone isn't stock! You will 100% brick it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Kollachi thank you for this tip. How can I be sure that the phone is stock?
In the original post, I linked to the Amazon listing I bought it from. It seems stock to me, but is there a way to double check?

who ah way said:
Hi everyone, thank you very much for your replies.
My plan is to root via TWRP + Magisk.
From the discussion, I am understanding that it is easier to update OxygenOS before rooting?
In other words, can I install 9.5.8 from August 8 then root?
I see that after root, there is also a guide (for the OP7 Pro, but guessing the process is same for OP7) to perform an OTA update via TWRP.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's possible to update first and than root.
---------- Post added at 09:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:09 AM ----------
who ah way said:
@Kollachi thank you for this tip. How can I be sure that the phone is stock?
In the original post, I linked to the Amazon listing I bought it from. It seems stock to me, but is there a way to double check?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fastboot oem device-info
That's the command to see phone is locked or not. I would check that first.
When I sold my OP7 I used MSMTOOL to be 100% sure phone is stock!

The root process was successful! Installed Magisk Manager. So far, so good.
One newbie question: with this kind of root (TWRP + Magisk), do I always have to use "Magisk Modules / Downloads" to install all Apps that have rooted features? I ask this because I read that Magisk is important to avoid tripping Google's "SafetyNet".
Or can I use any apps that used rooted features, such as Greenify, Titanium Backup, NotificationsOff, AdAway, etc?

who ah way said:
The root process was successful! Installed Magisk Manager. So far, so good.
One newbie question: with this kind of root (TWRP + Magisk), do I always have to use "Magisk Modules / Downloads" to install all Apps that have rooted features? I ask this because I read that Magisk is important to avoid tripping Google's "SafetyNet".
Or can I use any apps that used rooted features, such as Greenify, Titanium Backup, NotificationsOff, AdAway, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use any apps without the need being a magisk module.
They'll absolutely work.

Now that my setup is basically done, thought I'd come back and share the "gotchas" that I found during the process:
- after rooting, DO frequent backups with TWRP (like every hour of setup at the most) so you don't lose too much
- DO NOT install Pixel Netcut, that's what caused the one bootloop I got on the first install
- If installing Xposed inside Magisk watch out which one, I got a boot loop with one of the versions, from what I read edXposed is the one that works
- DO ask here if you're not sure… The community is super knowledgeable and friendly!

Is it worth rooting the OnePlus 7?

Hi All.
I've got a OP 7 Pro which for the most part, am loving it, except the camera (Messing with GCam ports atm).
I usually root my handsets for the usual de-bloat / custom rom reasons. The last OnePlus I had, I rooted and installed TWRP. Didn't have much success with custom roms so ended up running pretty much stock (but could no longer update OTA for some reason). Since OP don't put loads of bloatware on, I din't mind so much, although I do like to mess around. I really want to be able to do full nand backup which requires unlocked bootloader = all data gone. I can handle reinstalling apps etc but loosing Google Authenticator is a pain in he ass. Do you guys think it is worth rooting at all? Is there a full backup technique that doesn't rquire unlocking bootloader / loosing current data?
I'm not particualrtly hopeful but any suggestions would be appreciaed.
Thanks.

Answered numerous times already. Please use the search box. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7-pro/help/worth-rooting-days-gain-t3937894

Root is a good way to start the new year on XDA! ??

Love root!!!

Short answer, yes

I have lived fine without rooting for years.
Have not bricked my device once since I stopped rooting, but why ask here ? People come here just to root devices, try ROMs, Kernels, Mods ....... This place is biased and they will tell you rooting in great everytime

hallo dare said:
Answered numerous times already. Please use the search box. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7-pro/help/worth-rooting-days-gain-t3937894
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the thread you linked to. Nowhere do I see it discussing:
What all will be LOST by rooting besides Netflix 720P. (ie google pay etc and yes I know magisk has a "hide" feature but it fails on several common apps)
How the root can be accomplished without losing data or with a method to restore data lost from bootloader unlock.
Both questions were asked by the op in the original post.

Would like to know this too. I haven't rooted a device for many years, because I need the use of banking apps and Google Pay is my main (sometimes only) method of payment.
How reliable is custom kernels from hiding root?

famewolf said:
I read the thread you linked to. Nowhere do I see it discussing:
What all will be LOST by rooting besides Netflix 720P. (ie google pay etc and yes I know magisk has a "hide" feature but it fails on several common apps)
How the root can be accomplished without losing data or with a method to restore data lost from bootloader unlock.
Both questions were asked by the op in the original post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my OnePlus 7 Pro rooted just following the guides on here and my phone still has functioning Google Pay and full quality Netflix.
Pokemon Go was trickier to get it to not recognize the root, I had to setup Magisk Manager a specific way besides just hiding root from the app but other than that everything works great.

QuintonAjStevens said:
I have my OnePlus 7 Pro rooted just following the guides on here and my phone still has functioning Google Pay and full quality Netflix.
Pokemon Go was trickier to get it to not recognize the root, I had to setup Magisk Manager a specific way besides just hiding root from the app but other than that everything works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How u have hd quality on netflix?This is not possible because when u unlock bootloaded u lose drm for hd.

johnnyman25 said:
How u have hd quality on netflix?This is not possible because when u unlock bootloaded u lose drm for hd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoops. Didn't realize this was such a big problem. I assumed it was in full quality as I only tested it, but don't regularly use Netflix on my phone. After digging into the app it says I have Widevine L3 and can use only SD with no HDR.

Just bought a P3A, do I update prior to rooting

I will take delivery of a new Pixel 3a later this week. I will thoroughly read through “How to root the Pixel 3a with or without twrp & take OTA updates once rooted” and “How to Root Your Pixel 3a and Install Magisk (on Pie & Q) with or without TWRP”. But before unlocking bootloader and rooting should I accept all updates first during the initial setup?

MrTooPhone said:
I will take delivery of a new Pixel 3a later this week. I will thoroughly read through “How to root the Pixel 3a with or without twrp & take OTA updates once rooted” and “How to Root Your Pixel 3a and Install Magisk (on Pie & Q) with or without TWRP”. But before unlocking bootloader and rooting should I accept all updates first during the initial setup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes

bejunk said:
Yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. The little reading I have done so far, it sounds like you can not flash or boot TWRP in Android 10. Won't all the updates take me to 10? I will want to back up my ROMs.

MrTooPhone said:
Thanks. The little reading I have done so far, it sounds like you can not flash or boot TWRP in Android 10. Won't all the updates take me to 10? I will want to back up my ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, i forgot as i dont use TWRP anymore.
Yes TWRP only works on Android 9.
However you can't install it like in the past time. You can only boot it via fastboot. You need to do this everytime you want to use TWRP. However when i tried it in past times it did not work well afaik, a full backup did not work at all.
So yeah try it with Android 9 first.
But with all the google backups nowadays i dont have the need for a nandroid (twrp backup)...
Especially as you can just reflash the stock image with deleting /data.
Here is the main thread, i think it will be more helpfull than i am https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3a/development/twrp-3-3-1-pixel-3a-t3943413

The very first thing to do is minimal setup so you can enable developer settings and allow bootloader unlocking. That's a sticky setting, so then you can update, factory reset, etc. before actually unlocking the bootloader and rooting. Especially important if you're US/Verizon (don't put your SIM in until bootloader unlocking is enabled).

mike.s said:
The very first thing to do is minimal setup so you can enable developer settings and allow bootloader unlocking. That's a sticky setting, so then you can update, factory reset, etc. before actually unlocking the bootloader and rooting. Especially important if you're US/Verizon (don't put your SIM in until bootloader unlocking is enabled).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. So I read the two rooting threads I referenced above. I have always used TWRP in the past, but seeing it not supported in Android 10, I am considering skipping that. Do you think TWRP will support Android 10 in the future? I am a little nervous making changes without a backup. My plan would be to stick with a rooted stock at first than consider migrating to a custom ROM. Any recommendations are appreciated. Phone will be delivered tomorrow.

bejunk said:
But with all the google backups nowadays i dont have the need for a nandroid (twrp backup)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure what you mean by "google backups nowadays". Is it the availability of stock ROMs?

MrTooPhone said:
I am not sure what you mean by "google backups nowadays". Is it the availability of stock ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No , I think most people use a TWRP backup because it restores you to a specifiic point with all your apps, user settings and your data in those apps.
Thats why i used it in the past times. Setiing up a phone in the past could be really time consuming and frustrating.
But nowadays, if you use the google backup (in Settings > System > Backup) (and the whatsapp one for messages - thtas the only messenger i use, but every other popular messager has a backup feature now) setting up the phone takes maybe 10 mins when i flash the factory image, it even gets my homescreen layout and my wallpaper back, also my settings. Apps which support that also keep their settings.
In the past i allways had a custom rom, because stock rom sucked. But with the Pixel theres no reason for me to use a custom rom anymore.
About root, i rooted my phone since i first used android, ca. 2010. But now I really dont need it anymore, so i just keep things stock.
---------- Post added at 16:03 ---------- Previous post was at 15:50 ----------
MrTooPhone said:
Thanks. So I read the two rooting threads I referenced above. I have always used TWRP in the past, but seeing it not supported in Android 10, I am considering skipping that. Do you think TWRP will support Android 10 in the future? I am a little nervous making changes without a backup. My plan would be to stick with a rooted stock at first than consider migrating to a custom ROM. Any recommendations are appreciated. Phone will be delivered tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think TWRP will be supported in the futur on A10. Google locked up /system and some other partitions the TWRP team needs to find new solutions but there id not much hope.
Did you buy your phone unlocked? If yes, the worst part you should be worried about is losing you app data from some apps. You cant really brick your phone. In the worst case you just need to flash a factory image.
You should know that rooting your phone will probably break google pay and banking apps. May i ask what did you want use root for?
I dunno, I really like Lineage OS, but it just feels like a downgraded stock rom.. (I used it before all the time on all phones before getting a pixel).
Also, for every update (monthly) you need to patch your boot.img, flash it, and the apply the update. Its some work which i dont think is worth it anymore.

bejunk said:
May i ask what did you want use root for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed reply. I am coming from a MotoG3 (rooted stock), a 2015 era phone. So a lot has changed. I really have not seen a mid range phone I really liked, so I jumped on the P3a when I heard the news they were being discontinued.
I use root mainly for Adfree, SD-Maid, and Titanium Backup. I used to use Cerberus until the developer reneged on a lifetime subscription. I don't mess with the system apps much, but I do keep a few apps frozen except for the times when I seldom need them.

Magisk is the best way to root your phone as it still passes the SafetyNet check and google pay and banking apps continue to work. There is an excellent thread here on how to do it.
[Guide] How to root the Pixel 3a with or without twrp & take OTA updates once rooted
Every month, I "uninstall" magisk (which really just restores the original boot files) and sideload the latest update, then I install the magisk-patched boot.img and my phone is rooted again.
To be honest, I don't miss twrp at all. adb and fastboot are all that's needed. The backup in android 10 is perfectly sufficient.
This phone is practically impossible to brick. I love my Pixel 3a, except for the one problem I had when the bottom speaker died and I had to have it repaired under warranty at the local ubreakifix in less than an hour.

MrTooPhone said:
Thanks for the detailed reply. I am coming from a MotoG3 (rooted stock), a 2015 era phone. So a lot has changed. I really have not seen a mid range phone I really liked, so I jumped on the P3a when I heard the news they were being discontinued.
I use root mainly for Adfree, SD-Maid, and Titanium Backup. I used to use Cerberus until the developer reneged on a lifetime subscription. I don't mess with the system apps much, but I do keep a few apps frozen except for the times when I seldom need them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I had that phone too It was pretty good for its time. I even replaced the screen once, but its really complicated on that phone... To your needs:
Adfree: you can setup a custom DNS server (i think it was adguards one) in the settings menu which will block all ads, so no real need anymore for adaway or root for this. Just google a bit.
Titanium backup: I does not work so well is what i heard and like said nowadays most apps backup over Google backup. With Android11 it will get even harder as /data partition is even more protected now. Not really worth it imho.
Froze system apps: Pixel Android is really barebones. The few apps which i dont need (like Google Music/Video PixelBuds app etc) you can just disable them in the settings. This will freeze them, its like uninstalling them, they wont show up at all.
SD Maid is great but only rooting it for using it, is not worth it. You can clear the cache of the apps which hoard a lot of data by yourself. Also, when you uninatll an app, it asks you if you want to delete your userdata as well. The phone takes care of the rest.
Cerberus: If you keep your bootloader locked, when your phone gets stolen, nobody can access your phone. Even if they reflash it, on first boot it will ask to login to the gmail last time set up. Theres no workaroud. Google aslo has a find my device thingy, wher you can track or delete your device remotly.
I would suggest to use your phone unrooted for some time, and if you really need to root it for something, you can still do it.
Welcome to team Pixel, mate!
(sorry my grammer im to lazy to double check it...)

@bejunk Just a not to say thanks again. I took your advice and did not root. However, I did flash with GrapheneOS and then re-locked the bootloader. Time will tell if I like it.