Backup and Restore - a Hybrid Method (Android 9) - Samsung Galaxy A20 Guides, News, & Discussion

I am developing this method because TWRP will not restore correctly ever since I upgraded my bootloader from U2 to U4.
Boot and Data will restore but System will not, so I do the following.
Backup
1. Use TWRP to backup Boot and Data and reboot
2. Use a root explorer to copy /system/app to external sd
3. Copy /system/priv-app to external sd
Debloat by deleting apps from these 2 backup files
Restore
1. Boot into TWRP and install system.img (extract from ap section of downloaded firmware for stock) or install UPie
2. Restore Boot and Data as usual
3. Go to Advanced - File Manager
4. Delete /system/system/app and /system/system/priv-app
5. Copy and paste backup app files to /system/system
6. Reboot
Note: TWRP has its own system which holds the ROM system as a sub directory.

If anyone can think of another system directory which I can backup and restore please let me know.

physwizz said:
I am developing this method because TWRP will not restore correctly ever since I upgraded my bootloader from U2 to U4.
Boot and Data will restore but System will not, so I do the following.
Backup
1. Use TWRP to backup boot and Data and reboot
2. Use a root explorer to copy /system/app to external sd
3. Copy /system/priv-app to external sd
Debloat by deleting apps from these 2 backup files
Restore
1. Boot into TWRP and install system.img
2. Restore boot and Data as usual
3. Go to Advanced - File Manager
4. Delete /system/system/app and /system/system/priv-app
5. Copy and paste backup app files
6. Reboot
Note: TWRP has its own system which holds the ROM system as a sub directory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great. I have issues that caused my settings app to show extra and weird options after a restore from TWRP in the past. But since then I've updated to a new TWRP but haven't done any restoring because of what the previous one did. Hope this works when I need it to.

Jeremy_J7 said:
This is great. I have issues that caused my settings app to show extra and weird options after a restore from TWinRP in the past. But since then I've updated to a new TWRP but haven't done any restoring because of what the previous one did. Hope this works when I need it to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the system settings are stored in /data
I'll add it to the list.

physwizz said:
I think the system settings are stored in /data
I'll add it to the list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Test it before you add to the list, can't be giving these people false information bro ?

Jeremy_J7 said:
Test it before you add to the list, can't be giving these people false information bro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True

I debloated from here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-a20/development/debloat-samsung-a20-variants-t4070957
Then I added the updated camera from Ultimate Pie.
My app folders are here
https://mega.nz/file/dtkkES5L#YfHwWC3rlswwYUeA_cdUESCMQo8rvq8k8n20N-oc-8w

Alright will take a look, is this bootloader specific?

Jeremy_J7 said:
Alright will take a look, is this bootloader specific?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure.
If it doesn't work it might reboot into recovery and then you need to copy and paste your own /app and /priv-app folders back in place.

@jajk
Try this

@physwizz My appetite for being screwed by Samsung and the dirty traps they lay is severely diminished. Since going to U4, I can't reliably get TWRP to work without triggering the evil red text screen of death.... I have been watching what is happening with the work on custom kernels and Ultimate Pie ROMs but definitive information on what is actually working reliably or not is very patchy..... one person will say "Yep, this definitely works" the other will say "nope can't even boot"... almost like some people don't even own this phone or have not actually tried what they are promoting or are unable to follow instructions properly....
So....starting from stock U4, I can root and install TWRP, magisk and dmverity no problems at all but after going back into the O.S and attempting to reboot into recovery a 2nd time....bang! Samsung screws me!!!! The question is.....is there a custom kernel for U4 and above that truly removes all of Samsung's dirty tricks (security features) and a custom ROM that also holds no hidden surprises?

jajk said:
@physwizz My appetite for being screwed by Samsung and the dirty traps they lay is severely diminished. Since going to U4, I can't reliably get TWRP to work without triggering the evil red text screen of death.... I have been watching what is happening with the work on custom kernels and Ultimate Pie ROMs but definitive information on what is actually working reliably or not is very patchy..... one person will say "Yep, this definitely works" the other will say "nope can't even boot"... almost like some people don't even own this phone or have not actually tried what they are promoting or are unable to follow instructions properly....
So....starting from stock U4, I can root and install TWRP, magisk and dmverity no problems at all but after going back into the O.S and attempting to reboot into recovery a 2nd time....bang! Samsung screws me!!!! The question is.....is there a custom kernel for U4 and above that truly removes all of Samsung's dirty tricks (security features) and a custom ROM that also holds no hidden surprises?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're talking about the red text that talks about 'official binaries' when booting after you flash TWRP (FRP LOCK) then there's a very easy fix.

@physwizz Yes the evil red text...but it is not after flashing TWRP, it is only if you try to go back into TWRP.
I already know of one easy fix... called don't buy Samsung. All this wouldn't be a problem if manufacturers could resist the temptation to "monetize" private data but that ain't going to happen anytime soon in this dog eat dog world.....

jajk said:
@physwizz Yes the evil red text...but it is not after flashing TWRP, it is only if you try to go back into TWRP.
I already know of one easy fix... called don't buy Samsung. All this wouldn't be a problem if manufacturers could resist the temptation to "monetize" private data but that ain't going to happen anytime soon in this dog eat dog world.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got that because i was using old data
solved by doing a clean install
The data was then good in future

@physwizz Went through the Samsung dance from scratch, installed UltimatePie4, rebooted into Ultimate Pie no problems, completed the initial setup.....rebooted and back to red text of death!!!
Yes, I did all the format /data etc.... it is not a procedural problem on my part but my phone has always given me more grief than you appear to have - something is different

jajk said:
@physwizz Went through the Samsung dance from scratch, installed UltimatePie4, rebooted into Ultimate Pie no problems, completed the initial setup.....rebooted and back to red text of death!!!
Yes, I did all the format /data etc.... it is not a procedural problem on my part but my phone has always given me more grief than you appear to have - something is different
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't restore old data?
Clean install?

@physwizz Did nothing but complete the initial setup after install and rebooted.....all started from a clean install of U4, then rooted and TWRP from your tar file, then installed new ROM with data freshly formatted i.e. absolutely no messing around with the stock ROM or custom ROM through the entire process and never getting to the point of rebooting into TWRP which triggered the previous red text of death.....

jajk said:
@physwizz Did nothing but complete the initial setup after install and rebooted.....all started from a clean install of U4, then rooted and TWRP from your tar file, then installed new ROM with data freshly formatted i.e. absolutely no messing around with the stock ROM or custom ROM through the entire process and never getting to the point of rebooting into TWRP which triggered the previous red text of death.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does red writing say?

@physwizz Writing says "You have just been screwed by Samsung yet again" or something about official binaries which is the same thing....

jajk said:
@physwizz Writing says "You have just been screwed by Samsung yet again" or something about official binaries which is the same thing....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had that twice
1. When I forced reboot before UPie was finished installing
2 when I didn't wipe caches , data and system before installing UPie
Could also be Samsung Conspiracy Theorist Detection Program (SCTDP) lol

Related

{TIP] Restoring TWRP backup after complete data wipe

Ok so I had a problem recently and found a solution which might help. I googled, looked in this and a bunch of other android forums and didn't find the solution I had, so maybe my way is not the best way to do it - but it solved my problem maybe it might help you.
When I flash a new rom with a different framework to the rom I'm currently on I take care to make a full TWRP back-up of my current system move that across to my PC, then proceed to wipe everything on my phone, data, system, factory reset and numerous cache and dalvik wipes. (I use the Awesome scripts superwipe and kernel cleaners which do the trick really well).
Anyway recently I installed a rom which really didn't work for me, so i wanted to get back to where I was before I installed it. I booted into TWRP cleaned the data, system factory reset wiped the caches. I mount my PC move my nandroid across to my SDcard and go to restore. But of course TWRP looks in the restore folder for the backup and I have wiped this so the file structure does not exist.
So after telling myself what an idiot I was for not remembering what the file system was, here's what I did:
1 - Stopped panicking!
2 - Ran the back-up utility in TWRP - this recreates the file structure for the back-ups and places a back-up of your empty system in the folder
3 - Move the original full back-up I placed in the empty SDcard into the file system next to the empty back-up I'd just created
4 - Go to restore and the full back-up is there. Swiped to restore it and my One S is back to it's old self
Lessons learnt: Don't panic - there is an answer. Just think about it.
Good luck!
Or you could just copy the whole twrp folder to your hdd. thats what I do anyway and restore without a problem.
Yep that would have prevented me ending up in that predicament for sure.
So would not flashing roms. The point of the post is really about what to do if you find yourself in that situation and the value of keeping a cool head and thinking through a solution rationally, using your own resources.
The way I see it is: it's my mess I got into it, how am I going to solve it....
Sent from my HTC One S using xda app-developers app
Lost my Backup
Good advice which I'm trying to follow but my TWRP Recovery cannot see the TWRP ROM Backups that I created with ROM Customizer which ROM Customizer has placed in the folder
/data/media/0/TWRP/Backups/4df1bd936aae7f4b
but when my Samsung Galaxy S3 i9300 is in Recovery Mode it is obviously looking somewhere else........I just can't figure out where because then I can just move the backup to where ?Recovery Mode is looking.
Anyone any ideas please?
matrixmainframe said:
Good advice which I'm trying to follow but my TWRP Recovery cannot see the TWRP ROM Backups that I created with ROM Customizer which ROM Customizer has placed in the folder
/data/media/0/TWRP/Backups/4df1bd936aae7f4b
but when my Samsung Galaxy S3 i9300 is in Recovery Mode it is obviously looking somewhere else........I just can't figure out where because then I can just move the backup to where ?Recovery Mode is looking.
Anyone any ideas please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do what the op says and do a backup and you will know where to put it.
Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2
Plz HELP!!!
ACtually im in deep deep trouble please i would be really grateful to the person who helps me. OK so last night i flashed cyanogen mod10 on my htc one x and when i did everything booted the boot.img and all i factory reseted from cm10 because it gave me the error that unfortunately android.process.phone has stopped nevertheless now everythings gone and no supersu root file is gone which is obvious that i dont have root now. Plz tell me how to go back to my factory settings with htc sense on it now i just want my phone back, i did another factory reset wiping off the rom but it says no OS installed and it gets stuck on htc quitly brilliant screen plz plz plz plz help me any one plz.
abdullah.imran2158 said:
ACtually im in deep deep trouble please i would be really grateful to the person who helps me. OK so last night i flashed cyanogen mod10 on my htc one x and when i did everything booted the boot.img and all i factory reseted from cm10 because it gave me the error that unfortunately android.process.phone has stopped nevertheless now everythings gone and no supersu root file is gone which is obvious that i dont have root now. Plz tell me how to go back to my factory settings with htc sense on it now i just want my phone back, i did another factory reset wiping off the rom but it says no OS installed and it gets stuck on htc quitly brilliant screen plz plz plz plz help me any one plz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. wrong forum, if you have a one x device
2. calm down
3. relock your bootloader (fastboot oem lock)
4. download and run latest ruu for your phone (search for a suitable one for your cid and carrier if you are branded)
5. you also can flash a custom sense based rom, which gives you sense back (viper one s or trickdroid or android revolution hd)
6. if you want to flash one of these,dont forget to flash the boot.img too
7. before flashing a rom, wipe system, data and cache 3xtimes to be sure you do a clean install
Thanks Man
ATSPerson said:
Ok so I had a problem recently and found a solution which might help. I googled, looked in this and a bunch of other android forums and didn't find the solution I had, so maybe my way is not the best way to do it - but it solved my problem maybe it might help you.
When I flash a new rom with a different framework to the rom I'm currently on I take care to make a full TWRP back-up of my current system move that across to my PC, then proceed to wipe everything on my phone, data, system, factory reset and numerous cache and dalvik wipes. (I use the Awesome scripts superwipe and kernel cleaners which do the trick really well).
Anyway recently I installed a rom which really didn't work for me, so i wanted to get back to where I was before I installed it. I booted into TWRP cleaned the data, system factory reset wiped the caches. I mount my PC move my nandroid across to my SDcard and go to restore. But of course TWRP looks in the restore folder for the backup and I have wiped this so the file structure does not exist.
So after telling myself what an idiot I was for not remembering what the file system was, here's what I did:
1 - Stopped panicking!
2 - Ran the back-up utility in TWRP - this recreates the file structure for the back-ups and places a back-up of your empty system in the folder
3 - Move the original full back-up I placed in the empty SDcard into the file system next to the empty back-up I'd just created
4 - Go to restore and the full back-up is there. Swiped to restore it and my One S is back to it's old self
Lessons learnt: Don't panic - there is an answer. Just think about it.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Man, been stuck in TWRP for about two hours now, thought I soft bricked my Droid Dna forever. I had a backup, and adb pushed it to the /sdcard directory, but it wouldn't show up in the restore section. This empty-backup method worked fine. Thanks, you saved me $400.:good:
Saved my HTC One!
ATSPerson said:
Ok so I had a problem recently and found a solution which might help. I googled, looked in this and a bunch of other android forums and didn't find the solution I had, so maybe my way is not the best way to do it - but it solved my problem maybe it might help you.
When I flash a new rom with a different framework to the rom I'm currently on I take care to make a full TWRP back-up of my current system move that across to my PC, then proceed to wipe everything on my phone, data, system, factory reset and numerous cache and dalvik wipes. (I use the Awesome scripts superwipe and kernel cleaners which do the trick really well).
Anyway recently I installed a rom which really didn't work for me, so i wanted to get back to where I was before I installed it. I booted into TWRP cleaned the data, system factory reset wiped the caches. I mount my PC move my nandroid across to my SDcard and go to restore. But of course TWRP looks in the restore folder for the backup and I have wiped this so the file structure does not exist.
So after telling myself what an idiot I was for not remembering what the file system was, here's what I did:
1 - Stopped panicking!
2 - Ran the back-up utility in TWRP - this recreates the file structure for the back-ups and places a back-up of your empty system in the folder
3 - Move the original full back-up I placed in the empty SDcard into the file system next to the empty back-up I'd just created
4 - Go to restore and the full back-up is there. Swiped to restore it and my One S is back to it's old self
Lessons learnt: Don't panic - there is an answer. Just think about it.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd just like to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU for this post! I had a major issue and thought I'd lost my 1-day old HTC One (M7). I wasn't so much panicking as I knew i'd find a way, but a cold sweat had started to break!
The biggest lesson I can take from this is simply this... MAKE SURE YOU BACKUP YOUR ORIGINAL ROM BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING! It's such an obvious thing, but without this simple step, I'd be in trouble right now as HTC haven't an RUU for my specific device yet (plus I'm on a Mac, making running .exe files more painful still)
What had happened was that as a result of a corporate email policy, I had to encrypt my device. I did this after flashing to a new ROM. Unfortunately after I had done so, the new ROM wasn't playing nicely with Exchange (using native HTC Mail app). Of course the issue here is that when you so into TWRP, you can't see the files to restore (because TWRP is opened before the device asks you for the passcode to decrypt... another learning!). To remove the encryption, I had no choice but to do a full format of the device, so I was basically left with a brick
Anyway, once again, thank you for this post, you just saved me AU$700!
Ok so, in not so many words, ur saying " to restore a nanBU":
1. Wipe: data factory reset/cache/ delvic
Wipe system (but not sure which one(s) cause I was used to cwm and it looks diff in twrp
2. Flash the Rom that the nanbu is based from
3. Flash the nanbu
4 reboot
It's this the correct way to restore a nanbu from a diff or upgraded rom?
So I had to do a complete restore of my default Samsung Note 2 Sprint L900 firmware after an unsuccessful Rom flash of Goodness Noteworthy 1.8.1 (numerous flashes and it wouldn't boot up past opening war video, just went to black screen and hung endlessly)
-OK so I then got back to root and installed TWRP 2.6 and I had already had several backup ROMS I saved to my computer. So I placed Goodness Noteworthy 1.7 in my backup folder in TWRP on my sdcard. I then reboot into TWRP recovery and go to restore and I can't see anything there. I have the sdcard mounted and checked and after clicking the restore button I'm not seeing anything. ? When I click install it see's everything on my sdcard ? I don't get it. What am I doing wrong.
---------- Post added at 01:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:42 PM ----------
cheyennemtn said:
So I had to do a complete restore of my default Samsung Note 2 Sprint L900 firmware after an unsuccessful Rom flash of Goodness Noteworthy 1.8.1 (numerous flashes and it wouldn't boot up past opening war video, just went to black screen and hung endlessly)
-OK so I then got back to root and installed TWRP 2.6 and I had already had several backup ROMS I saved to my computer. So I placed Goodness Noteworthy 1.7 in my backup folder in TWRP on my sdcard. I then reboot into TWRP recovery and go to restore and I can't see anything there. I have the sdcard mounted and checked and after clicking the restore button I'm not seeing anything. ? When I click install it see's everything on my sdcard ? I don't get it. What am I doing wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solved.. Copied my backup stock ROM from the TWRP folder on the phone and placed it on the SDcard, then I placed my Goodness Noteworthy 1.7 backup rom I had that I had on my computer and copied and placed that on the SDcard in the TWRP folder next to the Stock Rom backup I made. Booted back into recovery and clicked RESTORE and I was able to see both the backup rom and the Goodness Noteworthy ROM. I then wiped and did a restore and I'm back in business.
:good:
cheyennemtn said:
So I had to do a complete restore of my default Samsung Note 2 Sprint L900 firmware after an unsuccessful Rom flash of Goodness Noteworthy 1.8.1 (numerous flashes and it wouldn't boot up past opening war video, just went to black screen and hung endlessly)
-OK so I then got back to root and installed TWRP 2.6 and I had already had several backup ROMS I saved to my computer. So I placed Goodness Noteworthy 1.7 in my backup folder in TWRP on my sdcard. I then reboot into TWRP recovery and go to restore and I can't see anything there. I have the sdcard mounted and checked and after clicking the restore button I'm not seeing anything. ? When I click install it see's everything on my sdcard ? I don't get it. What am I doing wrong.
---------- Post added at 01:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:42 PM ----------
Solved.. Copied my backup stock ROM from the TWRP folder on the phone and placed it on the SDcard, then I placed my Goodness Noteworthy 1.7 backup rom I had that I had on my computer and copied and placed that on the SDcard in the TWRP folder next to the Stock Rom backup I made. Booted back into recovery and clicked RESTORE and I was able to see both the backup rom and the Goodness Noteworthy ROM. I then wiped and did a restore and I'm back in business.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Deleted comment
Hei guys,
Please help!!!! I tried to install MaximusHD 10.0.0 | JB 4.2.2 | Sense 5.0 on my HTC One s,i got storage issue. Now my sd card is just 48MB. I have installed TWRP v2.6.3.0 and i did backup before flashing room. I decided to do factory restore by TWRP and wiped OS from MY device.Now when i do backup i get failed error: not enough free space on storage. Total size of all data 203MB, available space 48 MB.I see my sd card on pc through TWRP, but i cannot make backup and even put any new rom into my sd card to flash it because of 48MB...Is it any chance to get back any OS on my HTC One s....?
This post might help
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=47744972.
Sent from my One S using xda app-developers app
StifflerServices said:
Ok so, in not so many words, ur saying " to restore a nanBU":
1. Wipe: data factory reset/cache/ delvic
Wipe system (but not sure which one(s) cause I was used to cwm and it looks diff in twrp
2. Flash the Rom that the nanbu is based from
3. Flash the nanbu
4 reboot
It's this the correct way to restore a nanbu from a diff or upgraded rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: oops, somehow thought this was a recent post. Never mind
Not really.
If you are S-off,
Restore Backup,
Wipe Caches
S-On
Restore Backup
Wipe Caches
(if the rom you were previously on had a different Boot.img you will need to fastboot your boot.img) In the backup
Assumes you are not trying to restore a backup to 2.15 if you were just on 2.16. You will need to RUU + factory reset/clear storage for that.
I'm sry not sure what "RUU" means... Probably will remember once u tell me I'm sure. But Ya I kinda just winged it, didn't flash the Rom to do the NanBU and all went fine, which is odd cause on my S2 w cwm it out me in a boot loop and had to start over, but I think TWRP may be a diff setup when restoring nanbu's. But either way it's always nice to know and find a "step by step" guide to restoring NanBU's from previous / updated / or different ROMs. For noobs that was one of the confusing things to do due to lack of that info in threads or utube vids out there.
Got a question. I've made my backup files but restore shows nothing but storage... No files to chose, no more options to restore. Is it normal?
Sent with my One S C2 Sense 5 using Taptalk
brilliant!
ATSPerson said:
So after telling myself what an idiot I was for not remembering what the file system was, here's what I did:
1 - Stopped panicking!
2 - Ran the back-up utility in TWRP - this recreates the file structure for the back-ups and places a back-up of your empty system in the folder
3 - Move the original full back-up I placed in the empty SDcard into the file system next to the empty back-up I'd just created
4 - Go to restore and the full back-up is there. Swiped to restore it and my One S is back to it's old self
Lessons learnt: Don't panic - there is an answer. Just think about it.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you my friend, are a genius! I have been so screwed trying all kind of crazy stuff the last few days.
Brilliant! May I suggest you run for Pres of the Colonies.
metropical said:
you my friend, are a genius! I have been so screwed trying all kind of crazy stuff the last few days.
Brilliant! May I suggest you run for Pres of the Colonies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From one Clash fan to another, thanks for the thanks ☺
¡La lucha continua!

need help - how to copy TWRP nandroid backup to device?

how to copy TWRP nandroid backup to device?
I need to restore and I don't know how to copy from my hdd to the phone.
The phone is not booting but I can get to twrp recovery.
Latest TWRP has MTP mode.
but it doesn't allow me to copy one of the backup files which is: data.ext4.win000 and it's 1.5GB
You'll need to give us more information.
Why did it fail? Why did your phone stop booting?
1. flashed bigxie_hammerhead_LRX21O-signed.zip
2. flashed CF-Auto-Root-hammerhead-hammerhead-nexus5
3. booted fine but still had apps like Ti backup & TWRP not working due to root permissions
4. Went to recovery and performed Fix permission.
5. stuck in boot loop
gil80 said:
but it doesn't allow me to copy one of the backup files which is: data.ext4.win000 and it's 1.5GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had the same problem with my motox 14 the way I found around it was to copy the file to a different fold and use twrp file explore to move it to the back up folder. That has worked for me and a few others try it out it will work.
how can you copy using twrp while in recovery? are you able to access your PC from recovery?
gil80 said:
1. flashed bigxie_hammerhead_LRX21O-signed.zip
2. flashed CF-Auto-Root-hammerhead-hammerhead-nexus5
3. booted fine but still had apps like Ti backup & TWRP not working due to root permissions
4. Went to recovery and performed Fix permission.
5. stuck in boot loop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need to factory reset then reflash the ROM
Fix permissions was not required here. You need titanium beta from his twitter feed.
ok i got the phone working and lost my data but I have it backed on PC.
I just see that 10GB is used but when I browse the phone using file explorer, the device is empty.... what??
Is it a known issue?
when the phone is connected to PC I see that 10GB is used but when I i browse the device it shows as empty
No. Do a full flash of userdata.img
Please explain
What would I achieve by flashing it?
gil80 said:
Please explain
What would I achieve by flashing it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A fix for your problem. I shouldn't really need to explain that.
Thanks!
I got it working now. Only need to figure out why it shows 16GB instead of 32 and why root permissions are not working
gil80 said:
Thanks!
I got it working now. Only need to figure out why it shows 16GB instead of 32 and why root permissions are not working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the answer in the 100 other threads about space say that you must wipe data and cache.
Root should be fine, but as already mentioned, not with official titanium release.
I already did a wipe data and cache. So I don't understand why I still get this but I'll try again.
The Ti Backup link in the twitter feed is no longer valid, but for example, ES file explorer and clean master and also TWRP app are not performing as if they are rooted.
I'll try to re-install CF-Auto-Root-hammerhead-hammerhead-nexus5
gil80 said:
I already did a wipe data and cache. So I don't understand why I still get this but I'll try again.
The Ti Backup link in the twitter feed is no longer valid, but for example, ES file explorer and clean master and also TWRP app are not performing as if they are rooted.
I'll try to re-install CF-Auto-Root-hammerhead-hammerhead-nexus5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ES doesn't work properly, correct. Not all apps have been updated to work with L yet either.
L is much more secure than KK. There are ways to root.
1) chain fire - makes small change in RAMdisk that allows sudaemon to work at boot
2)flash a permissive kernel - this lowers protection within selinux.
More apps work with the 2nd method, but still not all.
New titanium coming to play soon.
https://twitter.com/titaniumbackup

[FAQ] Flashing a custom ROM, Xposed framework, Recovery

Hey guys, I'm rather new to the world of customising Android devices. I just have SO MANY QUESTIONS right now. And I'm sure I'm not the only one, which is why I created this thread to help myself and other people.
Basically, I'll be asking a bunch of questions related to the topic, and this can help other people who are new to all this too.
So, I've got a rooted device. It's on lollipop 5.0, has an unlocked bootloader, TWRP recovery, and Xposed framework.
A few questions to start off with:
1) Can I flash multiple .zip/.img files one after another? Or do I need to always wipe my phone's cache after each flash?
2) Say I wanna update TWRP recovery. Do I have do something before flashing it? CAN I flash a newer version over the previous one?
3) Same question as 2) but for Xposed framework instead.
4) I have Xposed framework installed with some modules running on my phone. Should I disable these modules before updating my Xposed?
5) The latest version of Xposed is v86 as given here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811
Can v86 work for lollipop?
6) Similarly, can one download any TWRP version and flash it for their device? Or do each build have a different, specific version of TWRP?
7) Are the latest recovery mods and Xposed frameworks always guaranteed to be stable? Or is it safer to stay on the older ones? Which ones would you recommend?
8) Now, the custom ROMS. What are the necessary things to do before flashing one of these?
9) After flashing a custom ROM, can you flash another on top of it? Or do you have to restore back to your original stock ROM?
10) Does flashing and switching between custom ROMs cause any damage to the phone? Or is there any such potential?
11) Since backing up is a must, I'll ask some about that too. Which would you suggest to be the best backing up method?
12) Does creating a NANDroid backup or a backup from within custom recovery(TWRP in my case) equal to creating a backup of stock ROM?
13) Do I need to copy that backup into PC(to restore later), or will it be safe in my phone's memory after flashing a custom ROM?
I guess that's about it for now. Everyone, please answer if you have done these before. And of course, add your own questions too. This can save a lot of time for a lot of people. I could add more questions in if people request it.
**Answer mentioning the question number for simplicity of searching.
Answers!
1) Can I flash multiple .zip/.img files one after another? Or do I need to always wipe my phone's cache after each flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can, but it is more recommended to wipe cache and dalvik cache with each flash.
2) Say I wanna update TWRP recovery. Do I have do something before flashing it? CAN I flash a newer version over the previous one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to wipe dalvik cache and cache and just flash it normally. It might be stuck at 90% but a force reboot fixes it. It is because you are already in recovery. If it is stuck, leave it for 15 mins and come back. This is just to ensure that it really is stuck.
3) Same question as 2) but for Xposed framework instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, works, except you wont be stuck.
4) I have Xposed framework installed with some modules running on my phone. Should I disable these modules before updating my Xposed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need
5) The latest version of Xposed is v86 as given here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811
Can v86 work for lollipop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, just flash it via recovery
6) Similarly, can one download any TWRP version and flash it for their device? Or do each build have a different, specific version of TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Each build is different for each device, so for example, I can't flash a TWRP for s7 edge on my s4.
7) Are the latest recovery mods and Xposed frameworks always guaranteed to be stable? Or is it safer to stay on the older ones? Which ones would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In example, xposed and supersu framework and binary lets you choose if you want a stable file or a test one for developers. TWRP and other stuff have (what I know) different versions and as stated, these versions behave different on different device. During testing with my S4, I found that TWRP 2.8.7.0 is the most stable build for my device.
8) Now, the custom ROMS. What are the necessary things to do before flashing one of these?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make a nandroid backup of your whole device and back it up on you computer. Then wipe everything except your external sdcard and either store it on an sdcard or "adb sideload" it.
9) After flashing a custom ROM, can you flash another on top of it? Or do you have to restore back to your original stock ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not on top of it, you'll have to do as the answer to question 8, make a backup, wipe everything and then flash. No need to go back to stock ROM and then flash it
10) Does flashing and switching between custom ROMs cause any damage to the phone? Or is there any such potential?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is always the risk of bricking but as far as software, it is always revertable. As long as you have a backup of course.
11) Since backing up is a must, I'll ask some about that too. Which would you suggest to be the best backing up method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid backup is the best one.
12) Does creating a NANDroid backup or a backup from within custom recovery(TWRP in my case) equal to creating a backup of stock ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It creates a backup of your current state, lets say, you are in Cyanogenmod 13, making a Nandroid backup will backup everything on cyanogenmod so that if you flash another ROM and still want to go back, you'll have everything restored, including app data and apps.
13) Do I need to copy that backup into PC(to restore later), or will it be safe in my phone's memory after flashing a custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will take up a lot of space on your device (since it is a backup of your whole device) so it is recommended to copy it to your computer and remove it from the phone. But, as always, make sure you copy the whole "BACKUPS" folder because the folder inside that folder has your device ID and it is required by TWRP to have the folder the exact ID of your phone to prevent anything bad from happening (bricks).
Hope, I answered all the questions as you wanted and if you have a new question, post it here and I'll reply as soon as possible
Hey, thanks a lot for answering. It helps a lot.
A few other questions I have:
14) So if I were to get CM13, and then create a backup of it, and then get another rom, say ASOP, create a backup of that too, and then switch to yet another rom, say Resurrection Remix, create a backup of that too.
Now, is it possible for me to be able to SWITCH between multiple roms, with ALL my data saved individually on each rom perfectly the way I wanted?(of course, wipe cache and data before restoring the backup)
If so, then I could just keep Nandroids of my favorite roms, can keep switching between them, never having to flash and start from scratch ever again!
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
15) Since I don't have otg cable, nor an sd card reader, I'm gonna have to keep the nandroid on my sd. Which means a lot of space is needed.
Can this workaround be possible:
- I use TWRP to backup only system and boot data. I save this on sd card.
- I use Titanium backup to save only user app and data. I save this on PC.
So now, when my device crashes while flashing something, I can restore backup from TWRP(do I clear cache and data before this as well?), and once my system rom is back, I can copy titanium backup via USB and restore it.
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
16) Suppose I flashed CM13, and it's really buggy. Can I switch back to the previous rom whose nandroid I had just by restoring it? Is it really that simple?
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
ShinraTensei04 said:
Hey, thanks a lot for answering. It helps a lot.
A few other questions I have:
14) So if I were to get CM13, and then create a backup of it, and then get another rom, say ASOP, create a backup of that too, and then switch to yet another rom, say Resurrection Remix, create a backup of that too.
Now, is it possible for me to be able to SWITCH between multiple roms, with ALL my data saved individually on each rom perfectly the way I wanted?(of course, wipe cache and data before restoring the backup)
If so, then I could just keep Nandroids of my favorite roms, can keep switching between them, never having to flash and start from scratch ever again!
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
14) You can, but you would need tons of space.
Sent using a ks01lte (gt-i9506) running cm 13
---------- Post added at 05:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:56 AM ----------
ShinraTensei04 said:
15) Since I don't have otg cable, nor an sd card reader, I'm gonna have to keep the nandroid on my sd. Which means a lot of space is needed.
Can this workaround be possible:
- I use TWRP to backup only system and boot data. I save this on sd card.
- I use Titanium backup to save only user app and data. I save this on PC.
So now, when my device crashes while flashing something, I can restore backup from TWRP(do I clear cache and data before this as well?), and once my system rom is back, I can copy titanium backup via USB and restore it.
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not have to have an sdcard reader to view your sdcard on your PC. You know how when you make a backup it is stored in /sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS/CERIALNM/nameofbackup? Well, connect your phone to your pc and move the "backups" folder, then, when you need to restore it, add it to the twrp folder and restore it.
Sent using a ks01lte (gt-i9506) running cm 13
---------- Post added at 06:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:59 AM ----------
ShinraTensei04 said:
15) Since I don't have otg cable, nor an sd card reader, I'm gonna have to keep the nandroid on my sd. Which means a lot of space is needed.
Can this workaround be possible:
- I use TWRP to backup only system and boot data. I save this on sd card.
- I use Titanium backup to save only user app and data. I save this on PC.
So now, when my device crashes while flashing something, I can restore backup from TWRP(do I clear cache and data before this as well?), and once my system rom is back, I can copy titanium backup via USB and restore it.
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, on the titanium backup part, not a bad idea... You can then copy the data and system or boot to your pc and bam.
Sent using a ks01lte (gt-i9506) running cm 13
What I meant was: Let's say I bricked my phone. Now, according to you, I place backup on pc. Okay. But now, how do I place this backup onto the sd on my phone when my pc can't even detect the phone(cuz it's dead yo). Doesn't this impose on me to keep the backup in sd(as I don't have reader or otg).
About the titanium, so you're saying I can do that? Backup only user apps+data and restore after restoring only system+boot.
Another question:
16) Can the backup of user apps+data made on, say, 'X' rom, be restored on 'Y' rom via titanium, on condition they are same Android version(suppose 5.0), without ANY chance of incompatibility. More importantly, can it have any chances of leading to a brick/bootloop.
* I read somewhere that if you backed up system apps of 'X' rom, then changed to 'Y' rom, and restored the system apps of 'X' rom onto 'Y' rom, it bricks the phone.(which is why I ask this question)
17) "Backing up 'system' in TWRP is completely different from backing up 'system' on titanium. This is because TWRP backs up entire system with system apps, while titanium only backs up the apps." This is true, right?
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
ShinraTensei04 said:
What I meant was: Let's say I bricked my phone. Now, according to you, I place backup on pc. Okay. But now, how do I place this backup onto the sd on my phone when my pc can't even detect the phone(cuz it's dead yo). Doesn't this impose on me to keep the backup in sd(as I don't have reader or otg).
About the titanium, so you're saying I can do that? Backup only user apps+data and restore after restoring only system+boot.
Another question:
16) Can the backup of user apps+data made on, say, 'X' rom, be restored on 'Y' rom via titanium, on condition they are same Android version(suppose 5.0), without ANY chance of incompatibility. More importantly, can it have any chances of leading to a brick/bootloop.
* I read somewhere that if you backed up system apps of 'X' rom, then changed to 'Y' rom, and restored the system apps of 'X' rom onto 'Y' rom, it bricks the phone.(which is why I ask this question)
17) "Backing up 'system' in TWRP is completely different from backing up 'system' on titanium. This is because TWRP backs up entire system with system apps, while titanium only backs up the apps." This is true, right?
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You adb sideload a functioning ROM and once you boot you copy the backup you can flash it via twrp. As for the second question, I have not tested it but it sounds possible.
16) You should not be in a bootloop if you backup like that, the fact that it is even the same android version is making it more likely to work and what I know, you can even switch the backup via phones. I don't use titanium because I always do nandroid backups.
17) Yup, that's true, twrp sees "system as the partition system while titanium sees it as the whole phones software, hence why it is called " system".
Thanks for asking these question and hopefully some day, you can teach others.
RAZERZDAHACKER said:
You adb sideload a functioning ROM and once you boot you copy the backup you can flash it via twrp. As for the second question, I have not tested it but it sounds possible.
16) You should not be in a bootloop if you backup like that, the fact that it is even the same android version is making it more likely to work and what I know, you can even switch the backup via phones. I don't use titanium because I always do nandroid backups.
17) Yup, that's true, twrp sees "system as the partition system while titanium sees it as the whole phones software, hence why it is called " system".
Thanks for asking these question and hopefully some day, you can teach others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm... so whenever I brick my phone, I MUST adb sideload to a working rom first, and only then restore the backup I made? Even if I already have a backup saved onto the sd card of my bricked phone? Can I not restore that via TWRP instead? I ask this because if I were to adb sideload first, I'd lose root, unlocked bootloader, and yes, TWRP. So, I'd have to get ALL that done again, and only then restore my backup.
18) Does restoring a backup I made(when I had root access, unlocked BL, custom recovery, xposed) RETAIN all that? Meaning after I restore to that backup, I will still have all that.
Thanks for answering, I'm learning quite a bit. And yeah, I'll make sure to help others with this information too.
ShinraTensei04 said:
Hm... so whenever I brick my phone, I MUST adb sideload to a working rom first, and only then restore the backup I made? Even if I already have a backup saved onto the sd card of my bricked phone? Can I not restore that via TWRP instead? I ask this because if I were to adb sideload first, I'd lose root, unlocked bootloader, and yes, TWRP. So, I'd have to get ALL that done again, and only then restore my backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't lose TWRP or unlocked bootloader, but I will try today by making backup of "cache" and flash it via my sdcard as soon as possible.
18) Does restoring a backup I made(when I had root access, unlocked BL, custom recovery, xposed) RETAIN all that? Meaning after I restore to that backup, I will still have all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, it makes a backup of every little part of the system (if you include cache and dalvik, I don't, but some do).
Thanks for answering, I'm learning quite a bit. And yeah, I'll make sure to help others with this information too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, made a backup of "cache and the flashing went fine, my hypothesis is that you have to make the backup on the sdcard and not on the phone and move it to the sdcard.
RAZERZDAHACKER said:
You won't lose TWRP or unlocked bootloader, but I will try today by making backup of "cache" and flash it via my sdcard as soon as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, when you adb sideload, you need to flash stock fastboot and recovery .img files(at least for my phone), and the bootloader does in fact get locked again, along with losing root. I know cuz I already have done adb sideloading before. So, doesn't that make flashing backup via sd card and TWRP without sideload the only thing I can do? I'm just trying to keep a backup without losing root, unlocked BL, TWRP, even if I gotta give up some space... Just wanna make sure it's safe to do it like that.
RAZERZDAHACKER said:
Yup, it makes a backup of every little part of the system (if you include cache and dalvik, I don't, but some do).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only have "System(1125 mb)", "Data(3480 mb)", and "Cache(0 mb)" listed in TWRP. My cache is 0 mb.... nothing to backup on there?
19) Do I have to unlink my linked apps before creating a Nandroid, or will creating one while linked allow me to retain the link even after wiping data and then restoring the Nandroid?
ShinraTensei04 said:
Actually, when you adb sideload, you need to flash stock fastboot and recovery .img files(at least for my phone), and the bootloader does in fact get locked again, along with losing root. I know cuz I already have done adb sideloading before. So, doesn't that make flashing backup via sd card and TWRP without sideload the only thing I can do? I'm just trying to keep a backup without losing root, unlocked BL, TWRP, even if I gotta give up some space... Just wanna make sure it's safe to do it like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You wont lose anything during a complete nandroid backup, and, apparently, some devices loose stuff during adb sideload.
I only have "System(1125 mb)", "Data(3480 mb)", and "Cache(0 mb)" listed in TWRP. My cache is 0 mb.... nothing to backup on there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing....... Yet.
19) Do I have to unlink my linked apps before creating a Nandroid, or will creating one while linked allow me to retain the link even after wiping data and then restoring the Nandroid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlink? What do you mean? (Not quoting Justin Bieber)
RAZERZDAHACKER said:
Unlink? What do you mean? (Not quoting Justin Bieber)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's this thing you can do where you move your apps from internal storage to sd card COMPLETElY, thereby saving a lot of space on internal memory. It works because a 'link' is created between the app+data(now in sd) back to it's internal location counterpart(where it would have been otherwise). This way, the apps and system think your apps are in internal, but in fact are in sd(you can see that more internal is free by checking space used up via any file manager though).
In order to do this, a second partition on the sd card is to be made with an ext2/ext4 format, and use a linking app( like Apps2sd).
ShinraTensei04 said:
There's this thing you can do where you move your apps from internal storage to sd card COMPLETElY, thereby saving a lot of space on internal memory. It works because a 'link' is created between the app+data(now in sd) back to it's internal location counterpart(where it would have been otherwise). This way, the apps and system think your apps are in internal, but in fact are in sd(you can see that more internal is free by checking space used up via any file manager though).
In order to do this, a second partition on the sd card is to be made with an ext2/ext4 format, and use a linking app( like Apps2sd).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I've used one of those, I first thought the app used the "MV" Unix command but yea you need a sec. Partition to do that on the sdcard, but you don't have to do that on your nandroid backup.
RAZERZDAHACKER said:
Yea I've used one of those, I first thought the app used the "MV" Unix command but yea you need a sec. Partition to do that on the sdcard, but you don't have to do that on your nandroid backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can I backup linked apps with their links' data saved, so when I install the linking app again, they can be relinked automatically?
Sent from my ASUS_T00J using XDA-Developers mobile app
Thanks for those questions and answers. I posted this before but appearantly in the wrong place. It seems to be quite right here. Thanks to helping people!
Hi XDA experts
I am newly registered in the forum, but experienced in modding (more or less). But I am (for now) strictly a user, not developer.
So far I got along very well, with my beloved Galaxy S4 jfltexx. I got from stock to rooted stock, from there to cm, instantly back to stock, used it for a long time and am just now on cm13 nightly, which is truly awesome!
It is so awesome that I would really like to help other people out, even if they have no idea about this. Meaning I wish to modify other peoples phones for them. However, when it comes to other peoples property I can't really fight my way through technical terms I don't understand anymore, hoping that the outcome will be as I wished. I pretty much know what most of all these technical terms mean, but I don't always understand how they are related to each other. I know, explaining this will take a while, but I would REALLY appreciate it if someone would take the time...
1) The bootloader, can it be replaced? What would be the purpose of that? UNLOCKING does not mean REPLACING, does it??
What do custom ROMs typically consist of? An entire working system? Parts of a working system? Sometimes this sometimes that?
I'm asking the question because I got the impression that some custom ROMs require the user to have a certain (usually stock) ROM in order to flash it. For example, if I had a Galaxy S6 edge running 5.1.1, could I upgrade to noble ROM Marshmallow?
I also have the feeling that the ROM or system or whatever is somewhat seperate from the kernel. What is this relation? Do custom ROMs not always come with a compatible kernel? Is there only one kernel compatible to the rest of the system, or is there a chance to run a system with a kernel not particularly designed for it? How to get a 'wrong' kernel?
Where to get stock ROMs and who provides them? If I wanted to upgrade from Lollipop to Marshmallow, but am rooted and don't get OTA updates, what do I do? Assuming that Nandroids are bound to a single device (e.g. MY phone) who can provide a stock ROM that runs on my device and how does he get it?
Can I run pure Android on any phone, or is it (always?) necessary to adjust it? I understand that my hardware buttons of the S4 would probably not work on pure Android, but the rest?
Is there ANY phone SOLD with open bootloader and root? A phone that actually wants its users to play with the system?
Thanks guys
NoBullsh1t said:
Thanks for those questions and answers. I posted this before but appearantly in the wrong place. It seems to be quite right here. Thanks to helping people!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It happnes alot that people post in wrong section
Hi XDA experts
I am newly registered in the forum, but experienced in modding (more or less). But I am (for now) strictly a user, not developer.
So far I got along very well, with my beloved Galaxy S4 jfltexx. I got from stock to rooted stock, from there to cm, instantly back to stock, used it for a long time and am just now on cm13 nightly, which is truly awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, kinda same, excpet im ks01lte but I moved from stock to rooted stock (5.1.1) then cm13, then stock + xposed 4.4.2 then cm11 and now back to cm13 nightly
It is so awesome that I would really like to help other people out, even if they have no idea about this. Meaning I wish to modify other peoples phones for them. However, when it comes to other peoples property I can't really fight my way through technical terms I don't understand anymore, hoping that the outcome will be as I wished. I pretty much know what most of all these technical terms mean, but I don't always understand how they are related to each other. I know, explaining this will take a while, but I would REALLY appreciate it if someone would take the time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) The bootloader, can it be replaced? What would be the purpose of that? UNLOCKING does not mean REPLACING, does it??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader can be replace, however, if you fail here, there is no comming back (you'll need a complete board replacement because the bootloader acts as a BIOS), the purpose of replacing it is various reasons, change of splash screen during boot etc. Some bootloaders are locked to only be able to flash certain ROMs (OEMs do this to not allow people to tinker with their devices) but it is nearly always un-lockable (except for some devices, I own an Acer tablet that has a locked bootloader that cant be un-locked) and no, unlocking it does not mean changing it.
What do custom ROMs typically consist of? An entire working system? Parts of a working system? Sometimes this sometimes that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, sometimes this sometimes that, in example, ported marshamllow touchwiz ROMs rely on some files in the stock ROM so the "update" doesn't take up much space.
I'm asking the question because I got the impression that some custom ROMs require the user to have a certain (usually stock) ROM in order to flash it. For example, if I had a Galaxy S6 edge running 5.1.1, could I upgrade to noble ROM Marshmallow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is because of the bootloader (again lol), from my experience with the s4, before flashing cm13, I had to go to 5.1.1 because of the bootloader was changed during the OTA, so as stated before, it only allowed a certain type of ROMs to be flashed.
I also have the feeling that the ROM or system or whatever is somewhat seperate from the kernel. What is this relation? Do custom ROMs not always come with a compatible kernel? Is there only one kernel compatible to the rest of the system, or is there a chance to run a system with a kernel not particularly designed for it? How to get a 'wrong' kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kernel tells the system what to do, some kernels are specified for battery optimization, so the kernel tells the cpu to slow down and save juice, while some other kernels offer the ability to overclock the device (mostly used on older devices to make it faster, but it drains more juice and can result into app crashing), the kernel, is not separated from the system, in fact, you can't even compile a ROM without a kernel. There is not only one kernel for lets say cm, you can flash another kernel, just make sure it is compatible with your android version. To get a wrong kernel, flash one that isn't for your device or android version.
Where to get stock ROMs and who provides them? If I wanted to upgrade from Lollipop to Marshmallow, but am rooted and don't get OTA updates, what do I do? Assuming that Nandroids are bound to a single device (e.g. MY phone) who can provide a stock ROM that runs on my device and how does he get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your OEM provides them, samsung has a website called sammobile and uploads all the stock ROMs there. If you want to upgrade, just flash it via recovery or in your case, odin (for samsung phones). To give your backup to someone else, the other person must have the exact same phones, in example, you (jfltexx) can't give it to me (ks01lte), I must have jfltexx and then (assuming you did the backup on twrp) I'd have to change the serial number to my device.
Can I run pure Android on any phone, or is it (always?) necessary to adjust it? I understand that my hardware buttons of the S4 would probably not work on pure Android, but the rest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your hardware buttons will work on pure android (aosp), I don't see why not, you said you are running cm13, that is altered pure android and it works fine, see pure android as cm withou all the features.
Is there ANY phone SOLD with open bootloader and root? A phone that actually wants its users to play with the system?
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few devices like that, one plus was a company that wanted to do that, it came with root, unlocked bootloader and cyanogenmod running, they separated unfortunatly and evolved to using "oxygen os" and does nor provide a un-locked bootloader but provides a simple tool to root and unlock. I don't know any companies that have unlocket bootloaders because they don't want the average consumer to mess up their device and blame it on the OEM.
"Can I run pure Android on any phone, or is it (always?) necessary to adjust it? I understand that my hardware buttons of the S4 would probably not work on pure Android, but the rest?
Your hardware buttons will work on pure android (aosp), I don't see why not, you said you are running cm13, that is altered pure android and it works fine, see pure android as cm withou all the features."
I mean is there like a website from google where I can dowoad a non device specific aosp and flash that to my S4 to make it run? Wouldn't there be for example drivers missing? Isn't that what I have to be greateful to Cyanogenmod for, making up to date android compatible with older devices?
---------- Post added at 07:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:42 PM ----------
So I can actually make a jfltexx Nandroid and install it on another jfltexx by easily changing the serial number???
NoBullsh1t said:
"Can I run pure Android on any phone, or is it (always?) necessary to adjust it? I understand that my hardware buttons of the S4 would probably not work on pure Android, but the rest?
Your hardware buttons will work on pure android (aosp), I don't see why not, you said you are running cm13, that is altered pure android and it works fine, see pure android as cm withou all the features."
I mean is there like a website from google where I can dowoad a non device specific aosp and flash that to my S4 to make it run? Wouldn't there be for example drivers missing? Isn't that what I have to be greateful to Cyanogenmod for, making up to date android compatible with older devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, be greatful, it is free, open source and full of active devs and memebers. I'm still not sure what you mean, do you mean on-screen navigation bar? Because you can change that in cyanogenmod settings.
---------- Post added at 07:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:42 PM ----------
So I can actually make a jfltexx Nandroid and install it on another jfltexx by easily changing the serial number???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, you know how your backup is located in /sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS/SERIALNO? The device you want to flash it to should make a backup of the tiniest partition (usually cache, it's 5mb) and youll get acces to the serial number, then you just swap it and delete the tiniest partition.

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

So I have the OP6 for a while now. Everytime a new version released I download the new official zip file and then flash it with twrp. (follow this post - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76596833&postcount=3)
So I did it for 9.0.4, I first took nandroid backup, flash the new firmware, flash twrp, reboot to recovery, flash magisk. And then when I tried to reboot the system I got a message "Shutting down..." when the android system tried to load so I was stuck at bootlooping.
I thought that maybe something in the installation went wrong, so I might just get it restored. I did the restore using the latest twrp (v9.91) and now the system is completly corrupt, the phone no longer able to load anyhing (no oneplus loading screen with the rolling dot) and I when it boot to twrp it no longer can decrypt the filesystem (doesn't ask for my password).
I don't know I could I meesed this up, I did the same step every new upgrade. Apperiate any insight to my situasion.
What do you think caused this? Can I decrypt the files on my phone somehow and restore them?
Thank you in advanced.
b217260 said:
So I have the OP6 for a while now. Everytime a new version released I download the new official zip file and then flash it with twrp. (follow this post - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76596833&postcount=3)
So I did it for 9.0.4, I first took nandroid backup, flash the new firmware, flash twrp, reboot to recovery, flash magisk. And then when I tried to reboot the system I got a message "Shutting down..." when the android system tried to load so I was stuck at bootlooping.
I thought that maybe something in the installation went wrong, so I might just get it restored. I did the restore using the latest twrp (v9.91) and now the system is completly corrupt, the phone no longer able to load anyhing (no oneplus loading screen with the rolling dot) and I when it boot to twrp it no longer can decrypt the filesystem (doesn't ask for my password).
I don't know I could I meesed this up, I did the same step every new upgrade. Apperiate any insight to my situasion.
What do you think caused this? Can I decrypt the files on my phone somehow and restore them?
Thank you in advanced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok this is a giant pain in the backside but I have done this before and I know it works. Here is a step by step guide to restore.
1. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/rom-stock-fastboot-roms-oneplus-6-t3796665 go here and download the fastboot rom for the rom YOU HAD ON THE PHONE WHEN YOU MADE THE NANDROID BACKUP. Step by step on how to install it is there.
2. Install the rom and boot up the phone. Don't bother signing in to google or downloading apps or any of that. Just get through all the menus.
3. Install TWRP. Bluspark TWRP is recommended.
4. Install Magisk, but make sure IT IS THE SAME VERSION OF MAGISK AS WAS INSTALLED IN THE NANDROID BACKUP
5. Reboot to system and make sure the phone still works, then reboot to TWRP
6. Restore Nandroid backup.
I know this is a giant hassle, but it works every time. I haven't found a better way to restore a backup since this whole A/B partitioning started.
Thank you for making the time writing this, it is relief to hear that you figure this out. Will try this first in the morning.
I did a bad mistake running the flash-all.bat thinking it will only flash the partitions of the system.
Well it is all gone now...Dam if only I wait until the morning I might not made this mistake.
tabletalker7 said:
Ok this is a giant pain in the backside but I have done this before and I know it works. Here is a step by step guide to restore.
1. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/rom-stock-fastboot-roms-oneplus-6-t3796665 go here and download the fastboot rom for the rom YOU HAD ON THE PHONE WHEN YOU MADE THE NANDROID BACKUP. Step by step on how to install it is there.
2. Install the rom and boot up the phone. Don't bother signing in to google or downloading apps or any of that. Just get through all the menus.
3. Install TWRP. Bluspark TWRP is recommended.
4. Install Magisk, but make sure IT IS THE SAME VERSION OF MAGISK AS WAS INSTALLED IN THE NANDROID BACKUP
5. Reboot to system and make sure the phone still works, then reboot to TWRP
6. Restore Nandroid backup.
I know this is a giant hassle, but it works every time. I haven't found a better way to restore a backup since this whole A/B partitioning started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This guide can also be used to restore from other roms;
b217260 said:
I did a bad mistake running the flash-all.bat thinking it will only flash the partitions of the system.
Well it is all gone now...Dam if only I wait until the morning I might not made this mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you do?
---------- Post added at 02:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:13 PM ----------
petran07 said:
This guide can also be used to restore from other roms;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess so. I never had to use a backup to restore on a custom ROM yet.
tabletalker7 said:
What did you do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After extracting the stock zip flasher, there is file "flash-all.bat" on the root of the folder. (Guess I needed to use the "flash-all-partitions-fastboot.bat)
Thinking it will only flash the android system partitions I've run it and realize that my internal stoarge was formatted.
Really stupid mistake from my part, sorry for couldn't verify your guide.
Hoping that someone who read this in the future won't do my mistake.
b217260 said:
After extracting the stock zip flasher, there is file "flash-all.bat" on the root of the folder. (Guess I needed to use the "flash-all-partitions-fastboot.bat)
Thinking it will only flash the android system partitions I've run it and realize that my internal stoarge was formatted.
Really stupid mistake from my part, sorry for couldn't verify your guide.
Hoping that someone who read this in the future won't do my mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's my bad. I always store my backups on an SD card with my OTG card reader. I forget others don't think like I do sometimes
tabletalker7 said:
Ok this is a giant pain in the backside but I have done this before and I know it works. Here is a step by step guide to restore.
1. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/rom-stock-fastboot-roms-oneplus-6-t3796665 go here and download the fastboot rom for the rom YOU HAD ON THE PHONE WHEN YOU MADE THE NANDROID BACKUP. Step by step on how to install it is there.
2. Install the rom and boot up the phone. Don't bother signing in to google or downloading apps or any of that. Just get through all the menus.
3. Install TWRP. Bluspark TWRP is recommended.
4. Install Magisk, but make sure IT IS THE SAME VERSION OF MAGISK AS WAS INSTALLED IN THE NANDROID BACKUP
5. Reboot to system and make sure the phone still works, then reboot to TWRP
6. Restore Nandroid backup.
I know this is a giant hassle, but it works every time. I haven't found a better way to restore a backup since this whole A/B partitioning started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tabletalker7, can you please explain a little technical detail? If i follow your procedure, what is the difference from me just restoring boot, system and data from a Nandroid backup of a system that used to boot? What causes the restored system to no longer boot?
Because you seem to be suggesting a solution for the the problem I had. I normally do plenty of backups and play around with the system quite a lot, but Op6 burned me: I was unable to restore from a backup like I always did on other phones. I tried suggestions from other posters to no avail. So I set up a clean system from a fastboot rom and reinstalled everything from Titanium. I wonder, after I set pretty much identically, should I just risk and to once more try to restore from that Nandroid that was failing to restore (that only had system and data btw)? I'd greatly appreciate if you can enlighten.
b217260 said:
So I have the OP6 for a while now. Everytime a new version released I download the new official zip file and then flash it with twrp. (follow this post - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76596833&postcount=3)
So I did it for 9.0.4, I first took nandroid backup, flash the new firmware, flash twrp, reboot to recovery, flash magisk. And then when I tried to reboot the system I got a message "Shutting down..." when the android system tried to load so I was stuck at bootlooping.
I thought that maybe something in the installation went wrong, so I might just get it restored. I did the restore using the latest twrp (v9.91) and now the system is completly corrupt, the phone no longer able to load anyhing (no oneplus loading screen with the rolling dot) and I when it boot to twrp it no longer can decrypt the filesystem (doesn't ask for my password).
I don't know I could I meesed this up, I did the same step every new upgrade. Apperiate any insight to my situasion.
What do you think caused this? Can I decrypt the files on my phone somehow and restore them?
Thank you in advanced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had faced this many times. ...after trying diff options and failed Qualcome MSM method works perfectly.
Yep, You cant restore data i think as it being already formated as per knowd based on your steps above on diff posts
ahacker said:
tabletalker7, can you please explain a little technical detail? If i follow your procedure, what is the difference from me just restoring boot, system and data from a Nandroid backup of a system that used to boot? What causes the restored system to no longer boot?
Because you seem to be suggesting a solution for the the problem I had. I normally do plenty of backups and play around with the system quite a lot, but Op6 burned me: I was unable to restore from a backup like I always did on other phones. I tried suggestions from other posters to no avail. So I set up a clean system from a fastboot rom and reinstalled everything from Titanium. I wonder, after I set pretty much identically, should I just risk and to once more try to restore from that Nandroid that was failing to restore (that only had system and data btw)? I'd greatly appreciate if you can enlighten.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Changing Android security updates makes changes to phone encryption. It will make the data itself on the backup unreadable to the operating system. That is why people playing with many different custom ROMs had problems with data stored on their phones.
2. By using the fastboot rom you ensure that both partitions have the same operating system. A/B partitioning seems like a great idea on paper but it seems to be executed in the most horrible way possible.
tabletalker7 said:
1. Changing Android security updates makes changes to phone encryption. It will make the data itself on the backup unreadable to the operating system. That is why people playing with many different custom ROMs had problems with data stored on their phones.
2. By using the fastboot rom you ensure that both partitions have the same operating system. A/B partitioning seems like a great idea on paper but it seems to be executed in the most horrible way possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. It is plausible and I remeber seeing folder names to which random hex strings were appended (I did not see file contents though). But after last restores I verified that the folder names in /data/data folder were looking allright. Twrp apparently could decrypt the data partition, but the system would still not boot. If I were to encypr the data partition I'd use the whole partition as one encrypted block and not bother doing it on file or folder basis, which is more error-prone. Another sourse of doubt is that I never played with OS version upgrades nor with installing other roms.
Can you also please answer the following? Do you think I can try to restore my boot+system to a different slot and then come back to my original slot if my playing there is unsuccesfull? Being scared that restoring a previous state can fail is a major problem.
ahacker said:
Thanks a lot. It is plausible and I remeber seeing folder names to which random hex strings were appended (I did not see file contents though). But after last restores I verified that the folder names in /data/data folder were looking allright. Twrp apparently could decrypt the data partition, but the system would still not boot. If I were to encypr the data partition I'd use the whole partition as one encrypted block and not bother doing it on file or folder basis, which is more error-prone. Another sourse of doubt is that I never played with OS version upgrades nor with installing other roms.
Can you also please answer the following? Do you think I can try to restore my boot+system to a different slot and then come back to my original slot if my playing there is unsuccesfull? Being scared that restoring a previous state can fail is a major problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not recommend doing that. While you may have different roms on different partitions you only have one data partition. That is asking for trouble
tabletalker7 said:
I would not recommend doing that. While you may have different roms on different partitions you only have one data partition. That is asking for trouble
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would have data backed up, sure.
What bothers me is that an essential property of a digital automaton is that if you start it from the same state it will continue the same. Nandroid used to capture all that mattered for identical runs. It no longer does, something is missing, such as some encryption keys for data partition, as you seem to suggest. This bothers me.
ahacker said:
I would have data backed up, sure.
What bothers me is that an essential property of a digital automaton is that if you start it from the same state it will continue the same. Nandroid used to capture all that mattered for identical runs. It no longer does, something is missing, such as some encryption keys for data partition, as you seem to suggest. This bothers me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What bothers you here are things I call "security". If the nandroid backup has the encryption keys to decrypt it, then the data is not secure.
tabletalker7 said:
What bothers you here are things I call "security". If the nandroid backup has the encryption keys to decrypt it, then the data is not secure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid backups should be encrypted when created with a user supplied key. Twrp allowed this since ages ago. Not allowing the user to restore a backup is not a right substitution for this.
ahacker said:
Nandroid backups should be encrypted when created with a user supplied key. Twrp allowed this since ages ago. Not allowing the user to restore a backup is not a right substitution for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP didn't do this. Android didn't do this. Ya know, if this is anywhere near as horrible for you as you are making it sound, my advise for you would be to buy Apple products. Bottom line is a new feature was added to Android, and your backup does work.
tabletalker7 said:
TWRP didn't do this. Android didn't do this. Ya know, if this is anywhere near as horrible for you as you are making it sound, my advise for you would be to buy Apple products. Bottom line is a new feature was added to Android, and your backup does work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-It is as horrible as not being able to restore a full backup. No more, no less.
-Twrp has an ability to encrypt your backups, with your experience you must know this.
-You are suggesting someone to switch to iphone only because they point out that the things are wrong or dont add up.
-It is quite a common knowlege that you get good security out of encryption if you make things explicit and clear. And not how you may think it is. Cause you don't seem to know where the keys are stored for the data partition. Obviousely, because the phone eventually decrypts your data, the keys must be stored somewhere or derived from you swipe pattern.
tabletalker7 said:
Ok this is a giant pain in the backside but I have done this before and I know it works. Here is a step by step guide to restore.
1. https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/rom-stock-fastboot-roms-oneplus-6-t3796665 go here and download the fastboot rom for the rom YOU HAD ON THE PHONE WHEN YOU MADE THE NANDROID BACKUP. Step by step on how to install it is there.
2. Install the rom and boot up the phone. Don't bother signing in to google or downloading apps or any of that. Just get through all the menus.
3. Install TWRP. Bluspark TWRP is recommended.
4. Install Magisk, but make sure IT IS THE SAME VERSION OF MAGISK AS WAS INSTALLED IN THE NANDROID BACKUP
5. Reboot to system and make sure the phone still works, then reboot to TWRP
6. Restore Nandroid backup.
I know this is a giant hassle, but it works every time. I haven't found a better way to restore a backup since this whole A/B partitioning started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Following these instructions seems to be the only way of restoring a nandroid backup (at least for my Op6 bought on AliExpress from China). Important: step 1 wipes your sdcard, so the backup you want to restore must be on otg usb stick.
After spending many hours I managed to restore a backup at least once. Fortunately for me I have no plans of upgarding Android and will likely forever stick with the following set:
1) 5.1.11-OREO-OnePlus6Oxygen_22_OTA_015_all_1808102118_770880-FASTBOOT.zip (found here)
2) twrp-3.2.3-x_blu_spark_v9.85_op6.img + twrp-3.2.3-x_blu_spark_v9.85_op6.zip (found here)
3) Magisk-v18.1.zip (found here)
My plan is to fully debloat the phone and then I will keep everything unchanged for years, because nowadays updates are more about twisting your arms than giving you usefull features. I almost got to that state, but one little glitch forced me to roll back and the whole hell with the Nandoid backups on Op6 started.
PS: It's very interesting what is really going on with this A/B system. There must be a storage where the encryption keys are stored (if it is the encryption that does prevent the phone from restoring. Which I doubt because Twrp sees the files fine). There also probbaly stored what slot is used. That information does not get captured by the Nandroid backup.
(Btw, It seems that blu_spark Twrp is really NOT encrypting your backups with the passwod you supply. Official Twrp does. I have plenty of old encypted backups, from wich I could not extract any personal data (/data/data folder) but yesterday I could extract my private information from a backup done by blu_spark Twrp. This is serious iussue. I'll double check and will post if confirmed.)
Not confirmed, I was looking at unencrypoted file.

[GUIDE] Easy decryption guide for GSI users

Step 0: introduction
Hello everyone. As you may or may not know, after unlocking, rebranding, updating and patching our P9's, we can now install a part of a big universe of brand new Treble ROMs into our devices. An example of that kind of ROMs is the OpenKirin team's AOSP-based ROMs, AndyYan's LineageOS or phhusson's Phh-Treble for a barebones pure Android experience.
But that experience so far is far from perfect. Aside from Q ROMs not booting yet on hi3650 devices like ours, some features may be missing such as camera support, GApps or [insert favorite mod here] which come in the form of flashable zips. A major problem now is that our phone's internal storage must always be encrypted at every ROM install. This poses some problems such as:
* Having to install Huawei's stock recovery every time you need to do a factory reset otherwise your brand new ROM is not booting when you wipe with TWRP.
* Not being able to flash ZIPs in TWRP from the internal storage.
* Having to install custom ROMs by flashing to /system through fastboot which is slow and can be interrupted
* On a fresh ROM boot, the phone takes extra time to encrypt and then on every subsequent boot it will take longer to boot.
Encryption brings extra security, but at the cost of usability and speed. Luckily for us, it can be disabled in favor of having a more traditional custom ROM + TWRP flashing workflow. This can be done by editing a fstab file in our device's vendor partition. Once the procedure is done you will be able to:
* do factory resets from TWRP without problems
* mount internal storage in TWRP and flash ZIPs without problems
* not need to juggle .img files to switch recoveries because everything will be possible from TWRP
Note: This effect is permanent. No need to do it again. You can also easily reverse it manually.
WARNING: YOUR INTERNAL STORAGE MUST BE WIPED CLEAN. BACKUP ANY IMPORTANT DATA TO AN EXTERNAL STORAGE BEFOREHAND. YOU WILL LOSE ALL YOUR FILES AND APPS.
Note: If you ever decide to reflash your stock EMUI firmware, remember that your device will be re-encrypted. If you get stuck at the boot logo after going back to EMUI from a decrypted device, reboot manually to recovery, do a factory reset in the stock recovery and try again.
Required:
* A backup of your important data
* A computer
* working Android install with root
* A working ADB/fastboot environment
* A USB-C cable with data connections
* Pretoriano80's TWRP for Treble-enabled Huawei P9
Your ROM, custom kernels and Magisk will survive the procedure. Don't worry about them.
Step 1: Modify the vendor fstab
Using MiXplorer, navigate to /vendor/etc. We're going to modify the fstab.f2fs.hi3650 file. Back it up in your SD card, because the internal storage will be wiped clean so if you mess the process up you don't want to lose it. Now open the original file with a text editor and edit it, go to the line that contains /data and change the forceencrypt word to encryptable.
Step 2: Flash TWRP
Through Fastboot, install Pretoriano80's TWRP. This is the best TWRP available for our device.
Code:
# fastboot flash recovery_ramdisk twrp.img
For the next step, we need to reboot to the recovery.
Code:
# fastboot reboot recovery
Step 3: Format internal storage
On TWRP, back your internal storage up if you haven't already. This is your last chance to do a backup.
After that, wipe your internal storage. Go to Wipe -> Format Data and confirm. The deed is done.
Now boot your system. ROMs should no longer push their encryption on you, and you can now mount the internal storage in TWRP.
Wattsensi said:
Step 2: Modify fstab and format /data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This part is confusing, how to modify fstab?
copy pasted a guide from other users. You shouldnt modify anything and the decryption is a one time story, it breaks after first use.
I tested it on my P9 Plus & it worked man, thank you so much <3
dkionline said:
copy pasted a guide from other users. You shouldnt modify anything and the decryption is a one time story, it breaks after first use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No, it doesn't. I tried switching between several "Open"Kirin ROMs and GSIs using a TWRP flash+factory reset workflow, it works well.
2. This entire forum is either sparse solutions spread in deep crevices or hacks from juggling files and editing words in text...surely the guides are so unique, reformatting /data after removing its forceencrypt attribute in /etc/fstab is so unique and special! I'm not trying to throw down zgfg's effort but again, that guide was confusing and required juggling three TWRP copies. I'm just trying to make anyone unfortunate enough to still need to have one of these devices to be able to lessen the pain in the behind that is working with ancient unmaintained Treble implementations, buggy sdcardfs drivers, obscure camera interfaces, broken audio routing and drivers, and secretive ROM cooks who won't share their secret fixes restricting the universe of good ROMs to their own proprietary ROMs that don't get updated, or get updated once every 6 months. Sadly I don't have the time or resources to set a build farm or cook my own ROMs (you probably already know, hundreds of GBs downloaded and 6GB+ of RAM used) Please don't be like this, I like your work.
md sabuj said:
This part is confusing, how to modify fstab?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With TWRP, mount /vendor. Then, use TWRP's ADB shell capabilities. Open a command prompt in your computer, and type 'adb shell' and enter. Then, navigate to /vendor/etc/, with the command 'cd /vendor/etc'. Then using vi or nano, edit the fstab.hi3650 file.
Look for the entry that starts with /data. Replace in the same line, 'forceencrypt' with 'encryptable'. Then save, wipe /data and reboot. Remember to investigate thoroughly for consequences and side effects on everything you do.
Btw, developing discussion and instructions from early 2019 about decrypting Data and Internal memory on P9 Oreo - decryption can be done also by use of TWRP instead of manually editing fstab:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/p9/how-to/emui-8-decryption-guide-wipe-t3906245
And a revised summary:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80029346&postcount=1843
They were not necessarily targeting GSI but (at that time) OpenKirin ROMs.
Also, doesn't matter if for EVA AL10, DL00, etc.
Also for stock EMUI 8, but to be able to fully use TWRP (nandroid backup, wiping Dalwik - it's on Data partition, installing zip or img files from Internal memory instead from SD card)
Btw, instead of Terminal and Vi editor (for most of nowadays users their parents were not born yet in the era of pre-WYSIWYG editors, and I doubt if 0.1% would be familiar to navigate with Vi to a particular line and to delete/replace or insert something), one can simply use standard tools like MiXPlorer (root explorer) with its integrated text editor.
In MiXPlorer choose Root, grant the root access, visually navigate to /vendor/etc, click on fstab.hi3650 file, open as Text and edit without frustrations like with Vi editor ?
zgfg said:
Btw, instead of Terminal and Vi editor (for most of nowadays users their parents were not born yet in the era of pre-WYSIWYG editors, and I doubt if 0.1% would be familiar to navigate with Vi to a particular line and to delete/replace or insert something), one can simply use standard tools like MiXPlorer (root explorer) with its integrated text editor.
In MiXPlorer choose Root, grant the root access, visually navigate to /vendor/etc, click on fstab.hi3650 file, open as Text and edit without frustrations like with Vi editor ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that, I revised and simplified the guide as much as possible.
btw, my P9 is now a secondary device meaning that I can experiment a little more on it. I can't build ROMs for now but will try to create a barebones kernel with useful features.
Wattsensi said:
Thanks for that, I revised and simplified the guide as much as possible.
btw, my P9 is now a secondary device meaning that I can experiment a little more on it. I can't build ROMs for now but will try to create a barebones kernel with useful features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have ECOKernel by @dkionline for Oreo
zgfg said:
You have ECOKernel by @dkionline for Oreo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I am using it right now and it's a good kernel but I'd like to add some more things like lower minimum brightness, voltage control for undervolting and AutoSMP hotplugging. It runs pretty hot and the IPS display backlight burns my eyes even on the lowest setting
Can I use this method to decrypt P9 installed EMUI8?
md sabuj said:
Can I use this method to decrypt P9 installed EMUI8?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@ant0nwax and me did use decrypted storage with b540, see the post #6 above:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=83386207&postcount=6
Specially, look at the second post linked there (post was in HWOTA7 thread):
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80029346&postcount=1843
There was one catch there (was written for b540):
zgfg said:
Reboot to TWRP and perform the following, in this order:
- Wipe, Swipe to factory reset (not Advanced Wipe, neither Format Data)
- Install three ZIPs (all ogether, in queue): update_data_full_public.zip (from b540 download), b540-update_full_EVA-AL10_all_cn.zip (from b540 download, but fixed by Tecalote to be flashable by TWRP) and Enable-Huawei-OTA.zip (from Tecalote's OP instructions)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I recall correctly after the long time ,(year and a half) - when you format Data you have to restore your b550 part that was installed to Data.
You must not use eRecovery bcs it would encrypt Data again.
Hence you must flash b550 by TWRP and there was a problem with that all_cn zip at that time, reporting me an error (cannot find now TWRP logs from that time to see what was the problem)
I discussed then with @Tecalote and he corrected me the script from the original update all_cn zip for b540 that TWRP was able to flash
As a result, we had EMUI 8, b540 with decrypted storage, giving to TWRP the full access to Data and Internal memory
It was also possible to go back to EMUI 8 with encrypted storage, basically by putting back stock Recovery, by installing latest firmware from eRecovery and by performing Factory reset with Wiping the cache
@Wattsensi: unfortunately, It doesn't work like this in my case. After switching to Chinese EMUI 8, I install Play Store, login to my Google Account and do Play Store things.
After modifying that file in Vendor, I go to recovery, wipe internal storage, wipe Data and restart.
At this moment, it's like after a factory reset, I have to start all over again, but I'm not encrypted.
Well, no matter what I do, I can't login to Google. I open Play Store, it tries to log me in ( the big circles started to spin), at that moment Play Store closes. I go to Accounts and try to login to my Google account from there, same thing. So, for me, Emui 8 is usable only before decryption.
I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong.
Nightwish1976 said:
@Wattsensi: unfortunately, It doesn't work like this in my case. After switching to Chinese EMUI 8, I install Play Store, login to my Google Account and do Play Store things.
After modifying that file in Vendor, I go to recovery, wipe internal storage, wipe Data and restart.
At this moment, it's like after a factory reset, I have to start all over again, but I'm not encrypted.
Well, no matter what I do, I can't login to Google. I open Play Store, it tries to log me in ( the big circles started to spin), at that moment Play Store closes. I go to Accounts and try to login to my Google account from there, same thing. So, for me, Emui 8 is usable only before decryption.
I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is indeed strange, and I do not recall the Chinese ROMs having Google services by default, you had to install GApps if I'm not wrong. Try flashing pico OpenGapps for 8.0 ARM64, wiping cache and doing a factory reset again. Sometimes GApps have issues when you don't flush the cache between fresh installs.
https://opengapps.org/
Nightwish1976 said:
Unfortunately, It doesn't work like this in my case. After switching to Chinese EMUI 8, I install Play Store, login to my Google Account and do Play Store things.
After modifying that file in Vendor, I go to recovery, wipe internal storage, wipe Data and restart.
At this moment, it's like after a factory reset, I have to start all over again, but I'm not encrypted.
Well, no matter what I do, I can't login to Google. I open Play Store, it tries to log me in ( the big circles started to spin), at that moment Play Store closes. I go to Accounts and try to login to my Google account from there, same thing. So, for me, Emui 8 is usable only before decryption.
I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wattsensi said:
This is indeed strange, and I do not recall the Chinese ROMs having Google services by default, you had to install GApps if I'm not wrong. Try flashing pico OpenGapps for 8.0 ARM64, wiping cache and doing a factory reset again. Sometimes GApps have issues when you don't flush the cache between fresh installs.
https://opengapps.org/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful. Chinese EMUI 8 does come with Google Play Services (OP posts in HWOTA7 thread) and one only needs to install Google Play app.
Google Play Services were also preinstalled for users who recently updated to b550.
Btw, you didn't write are you on Al10c00b550 or what, but you also wrote that you had Playstore working on EMUI 8 before decrypting and formatting Data
Anyway, before installing MicroG, Open GApps or something, inspect do you still have or not Google Play Services installed.
There are apps like Play Services Info to inspect if Google Play Services, Google Services Framework and Google Play Store are installed (and what are their versions).
E.g, use this app from ApkMirror (since you cannot look for them and install from Playstore):
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/weberdo/play-services-info/
(Not sure would it work installing Open GApps if stock Google Play Services are still beneath)
Thank you, guys gor your help. Yes, Ch EMUI comes with Google Play Services, one normally has to install only Google Play.
At the moment I'm just setting up my phone with the Lineage OS MicroG Pie ROM and I'm really enjoining it, but as soon as I decide to try something else, I'll put your suggestions to use.

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