Database Info

Best Method to Re-flash & Re-root Plus Have Internal Storage Working

Hey Guys -
I have had my A9 for about 2 months and love it. When I first purchased it, I rooted it using the method pinned to this forum which seemed to work well. Soon afterwards, I found out that when I inserted and tried to format an SD card as "internal", it wouldn't work and result in it showing as "corrupted." I soon found out that this seemed to be due to the root replacing the original boot.img which messes with encryption. Since the root was posted, SuperSU has been updated and that step has changed supposedly.
Now that I have some time, I want to fix this issue. Before doing so, I've read through many posts and think I have a plan. I wanted to post the steps I need to follow as I understood them to make sure my plan is correct and will result in not only being able to format an SD internally and be rooted, but also a working phone Below are the specs of my phone, the steps I think it may take to resolve, and a few questions I have after reading through numerous posts. Any help is appreciated!
Phone Specs
Some as currently listed in Settings
- HTC One A9
- AT&T USA
- Rooted / s-off
- Android 6.0 / Sense 7.0g
Software Number: 1.10.502.3
Kernel: 3.10.73-perf-g28d66e0
Baseband: [email protected]_29.05_F
Build: 1.10.502.3 CL635081 release keys
Android Security Patch Level: 2015-10-01
Steps to Fix
1. Backup any data desired (I have a nightly Titanium backup)
2. Download RUU for same version (1.10.502.3) from http://forum.xda-developers.com/one-a9/general/wip-ruu-htc-one-a9-t3240344
Should I use newer version or are those for different carriers?
3. Apply RUU (via embedded EXE or try to extract and apply using adb/fastboot)
4. Once phone is restored, make a backup of boot.img from phone just in case it's needed later
5. Install TWRP via adb/fastboot
6. Install SuperSU via TWRP
At this point (if I can make it to this point), test and see if the phone's rooted and I can format the SD internally. If so, great. If not, continue with the following steps...
7. Download & flash modded boot.img from A9 Root post
8. Install TWRP via adb / fastboot
9. Install SuperSU via TWRP
10. Flash original boot.img backed up in step #4 to my phone (since modded one was only needed initially to install SuperSU) So that encryption keys match and I may successfully format sd cards for internal use
My Questions
1. Are the steps above basically the process i need to perform or is there a better / easier way? I don't know if I could flash a common boot.img from an RUU or if it needs to be flashed to phone first for encryption purposes. Even if I can, I've tried to extract it from ruu.zip before and could not
2. Should I use an RUU for a newer version (over 1.10.502.3) or are those for different carriers and not work with my AT&T phone?
3. Does it make a difference if I install the RUU via embedded EXE or extract and apply using adb/fastboot?
4. What versions of TWRP & SuperSU should I use?
Any additional suggestions would be appreciated - I just want to get this resolved once and for all! - Thanks!

bzowk said:
Hey Guys -
I have had my A9 for about 2 months and love it. When I first purchased it, I rooted it using the method pinned to this forum which seemed to work well. Soon afterwards, I found out that when I inserted and tried to format an SD card as "internal", it wouldn't work and result in it showing as "corrupted." I soon found out that this seemed to be due to the root replacing the original boot.img which messes with encryption. Since the root was posted, SuperSU has been updated and that step has changed supposedly.
Now that I have some time, I want to fix this issue. Before doing so, I've read through many posts and think I have a plan. I wanted to post the steps I need to follow as I understood them to make sure my plan is correct and will result in not only being able to format an SD internally and be rooted, but also a working phone Below are the specs of my phone, the steps I think it may take to resolve, and a few questions I have after reading through numerous posts. Any help is appreciated!
Phone Specs
Some as currently listed in Settings
- HTC One A9
- AT&T USA
- Rooted / s-off
- Android 6.0 / Sense 7.0g
Software Number: 1.10.502.3
Kernel: 3.10.73-perf-g28d66e0
Baseband: [email protected]_29.05_F
Build: 1.10.502.3 CL635081 release keys
Android Security Patch Level: 2015-10-01
Steps to Fix
1. Backup any data desired (I have a nightly Titanium backup)
2. Download RUU for same version (1.10.502.3) from http://forum.xda-developers.com/one-a9/general/wip-ruu-htc-one-a9-t3240344
Should I use newer version or are those for different carriers?
3. Apply RUU (via embedded EXE or try to extract and apply using adb/fastboot)
4. Once phone is restored, make a backup of boot.img from phone just in case it's needed later
5. Install TWRP via adb/fastboot
6. Install SuperSU via TWRP
At this point (if I can make it to this point), test and see if the phone's rooted and I can format the SD internally. If so, great. If not, continue with the following steps...
7. Download & flash modded boot.img from A9 Root post
8. Install TWRP via adb / fastboot
9. Install SuperSU via TWRP
10. Flash original boot.img backed up in step #4 to my phone (since modded one was only needed initially to install SuperSU) So that encryption keys match and I may successfully format sd cards for internal use
My Questions
1. Are the steps above basically the process i need to perform or is there a better / easier way? I don't know if I could flash a common boot.img from an RUU or if it needs to be flashed to phone first for encryption purposes. Even if I can, I've tried to extract it from ruu.zip before and could not
2. Should I use an RUU for a newer version (over 1.10.502.3) or are those for different carriers and not work with my AT&T phone?
3. Does it make a difference if I install the RUU via embedded EXE or extract and apply using adb/fastboot?
4. What versions of TWRP & SuperSU should I use?
Any additional suggestions would be appreciated - I just want to get this resolved once and for all! - Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, this isn't Development.
Secondly, I explained to you how to fix this in the very root thread you linked several times.
Thirdly, there's a newer, official RUU from HTC right on their ROM Downloads website. I'd start by installing that (though I also have a recovery-flashable version of that ROM in my Base ROM thread).
Fourthly, with access to an official RUU, and my ROM decrypt script, you have access to the stock boot.img (which is also in the firmware zip in my Base ROM thread), which you can use as your baseline for restoring the verity key to the ramdisk, thereby allowing you to use adopted storage without any issues. Note however that I was only able to use adopted storage with the "forceencrypt" flag enabled.
Fifthly, you can't just restore the stock boot image (at least not if you want to stay rooted). You can be both rooted and encrypted, but you have to first make sure SuperSU is flashed and set up prior to allowing the device to be encrypted again (adopted storage only works with an encrypted device, and then you won't be able to access your storage with TWRP).

OK, OK - sorry.... It had been a while since posting and honestly forgot about that thread - my fault.
I decided to start fresh so have already restored the phone to HTC's latest RUU (1.27.502.5 ATT) as I already had it downloaded. I've also flashed TWRP 2.8.8.1 to the phone, but am obviously prompted to enter a password when I try to enter recovery. Based off what I've read, the steps below seem to be what I need to do so that I may be rooted + still have encryption for internal sd formatting. Is it correct (or close to it)
Using an Ubuntu 14.04 x86 VM...
1. Download & extract your decrypt script to a temp folder in linux vm
2. In Windows, run same RUU I applied and copy out rom.zip from %temp%
3. Rename "rom.zip" to "rom_a9.zip"
4. Copy rom_a9.zip to the ""place_rom_zip_here" folder of your extracted script in the vm
5. Run ./decrypt-htc and wait for script to complete to get img files
On Phone (Currently has same RUU installed + TWRP but not rooted)
6. Root phone using original method of flashing modded boot.img, install SuperSU, and get rooted
7. Once done and rooted, flash boot.img I extracted using your script above to phone via adb
Once that's done, it should be rooted + have encryption thus allowing me to use internal sd card, right? Sorry to be such a bother - just want to get this fixed and done with
Thanks!

bzowk said:
OK, OK - sorry.... It had been a while since posting and honestly forgot about that thread - my fault.
I decided to start fresh so have already restored the phone to HTC's latest RUU (1.27.502.5 ATT) as I already had it downloaded. I've also flashed TWRP 2.8.8.1 to the phone, but am obviously prompted to enter a password when I try to enter recovery. Based off what I've read, the steps below seem to be what I need to do so that I may be rooted + still have encryption for internal sd formatting. Is it correct (or close to it)
Using an Ubuntu 14.04 x86 VM...
1. Download & extract your decrypt script to a temp folder in linux vm
2. In Windows, run same RUU I applied and copy out rom.zip from %temp%
3. Rename "rom.zip" to "rom_a9.zip"
4. Copy rom_a9.zip to the ""place_rom_zip_here" folder of your extracted script in the vm
5. Run ./decrypt-htc and wait for script to complete to get img files
On Phone (Currently has same RUU installed + TWRP but not rooted)
6. Root phone using original method of flashing modded boot.img, install SuperSU, and get rooted
7. Once done and rooted, flash boot.img I extracted using your script above to phone via adb
Once that's done, it should be rooted + have encryption thus allowing me to use internal sd card, right? Sorry to be such a bother - just want to get this fixed and done with
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Re-read my post. If you flash the stock boot.img, you will no longer be rooted.
And as I said in the original thread, you need to pull the rooted boot.img and add the verity key from the stock one to it. Also you'll need to add the forceencrypt and verify flag back.
P.S. You also need to re-read the instructions in the decrypt thread. You don't have to rename anything anymore.

Good Afternoon -
OK - sorry to frustrate you, but I think I finally have it figured out. I started from scratch, re-read many posts, and took notes. I was a little confused on the last part so wanted to verify, please...
I've already unpacked the boot.img from the latest HTC A9 (AT&T) RUU and have the two folders. I restored the same RUU to my phone, flashed TWRP 2.8.8.1, backed up the boot.img, and unpacked it before realizing that I should have probably rooted it first.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but here's all I need to do to finish....
1. Download modified A9 boot.img from top of root thread
2. Flash modded boot.img using fastboot
3. Verify TWRP is still installed then use it to install SuperSU 2.67 (latest)
4. Back up boot partition just like I did before in TWRP
5. Unpack it on PC to create ramdisk and split_img folders
6. Copy verity_key from unpack of the actual RUU and overwrite one in rooted unpack
7. Edit the file fstab.qcom in the ramdisk folder of the rooted unpack in Notepad++ and add the "verify" flag after the wait flag on the fist uncommented line - save
8. Repack rooted boot.img
9. Flash phone with repacked boot.img using fastboot
10. Reboot & enjoy a rooted phone + encryption allowing sd internal formatting
Promise not to bug anymore if I can just get this resolved.
Thanks again for your assistance!
UPDATE
Hmm - was just prepping and went to download modded file from root thread's first post. Doesn't seem to have one that matches newest build of RUU I flashed - if I'm interpreting it correctly. Researching further, but if know of alternate method or another solution to get through steps 1 & 2 about (assuming they are correct), I'd appreciate it. Thanks

bzowk said:
Good Afternoon -
OK - sorry to frustrate you, but I think I finally have it figured out. I started from scratch, re-read many posts, and took notes. I was a little confused on the last part so wanted to verify, please...
I've already unpacked the boot.img from the latest HTC A9 (AT&T) RUU and have the two folders. I restored the same RUU to my phone, flashed TWRP 2.8.8.1, backed up the boot.img, and unpacked it before realizing that I should have probably rooted it first.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but here's all I need to do to finish....
1. Download modified A9 boot.img from top of root thread
2. Flash modded boot.img using fastboot
3. Verify TWRP is still installed then use it to install SuperSU 2.67 (latest)
4. Back up boot partition just like I did before in TWRP
5. Unpack it on PC to create ramdisk and split_img folders
6. Copy verity_key from unpack of the actual RUU and overwrite one in rooted unpack
7. Edit the file fstab.qcom in the ramdisk folder of the rooted unpack in Notepad++ and add the "verify" flag after the wait flag on the fist uncommented line - save
8. Repack rooted boot.img
9. Flash phone with repacked boot.img using fastboot
10. Reboot & enjoy a rooted phone + encryption allowing sd internal formatting
Promise not to bug anymore if I can just get this resolved.
Thanks again for your assistance!
UPDATE
Hmm - was just prepping and went to download modded file from root thread's first post. Doesn't seem to have one that matches newest build of RUU I flashed - if I'm interpreting it correctly. Researching further, but if know of alternate method or another solution to get through steps 1 & 2 about (assuming they are correct), I'd appreciate it. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need anything from that root thread. Everything there is deprecated (which I've said several times).
If you already have the stock boot.img unpacked and ready to go, all you have to do is flash SuperSU, then back up the rooted boot.img that you now have on your device thanks to SuperSU. Unpack that boot.emmc.win and add the verity_key from the stock ramdisk and replace the fstab.qcom with the one from the stock ramdisk. Repack, flash to your device via fastboot or TWRP, and your device will encrypt on that first boot and you'll be good to go.
Just to make sure - you did a Format Data in TWRP prior to flashing SuperSU, correct?

Captain_Throwback said:
You don't need anything from that root thread. Everything there is deprecated (which I've said several times).
If you already have the stock boot.img unpacked and ready to go, all you have to do is flash SuperSU, then back up the rooted boot.img that you now have on your device thanks to SuperSU. Unpack that boot.emmc.win and add the verity_key from the stock ramdisk and replace the fstab.qcom with the one from the stock ramdisk. Repack, flash to your device via fastboot or TWRP, and your device will encrypt on that first boot and you'll be good to go.
Just to make sure - you did a Format Data in TWRP prior to flashing SuperSU, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks -
Well, that's the thing... One of the two unpacked boot.img I have currently is wrong. The two I have are:
- One unpacked boot.img extracted from latest RUU using your script in linux
- One unpacked boot.img backed up from unrooted phone which only had TWRP flashed
That was part of my question. I know that the 2nd unpacked boot.img above is worthless as the phone needed to be rooted prior to me backing it up. The question for me is how to flash superSU onto the phone (which currently has the same latest RUU + TWRP 2.8.8.1 installed) if I can only access TWRP is a read-only mode as I'm prompted for password upon booting to recovery. That's why I brought up the legacy root method as I don't know of an alternative... unless SuperSU doesn't require write permissions to whatever TWRP has locked down currently.
Once I can root it, backup it's boot, and unpack it; I just need to literally copy & overwrite the "verity_key" and "fstab.qcom" files (assuming the only difference is the fstab.qcom I'm overwriting doesn't have the verify flag), repack, then flash back to phone via fastboot, right?
Thanks for your patience!

bzowk said:
Thanks -
Well, that's the thing... One of the two unpacked boot.img I have currently is wrong. The two I have are:
- One unpacked boot.img extracted from latest RUU using your script in linux
- One unpacked boot.img backed up from unrooted phone which only had TWRP flashed
That was part of my question. I know that the 2nd unpacked boot.img above is worthless as the phone needed to be rooted prior to me backing it up. The question for me is how to flash superSU onto the phone (which currently has the same latest RUU + TWRP 2.8.8.1 installed) if I can only access TWRP is a read-only mode as I'm prompted for password upon booting to recovery. That's why I brought up the legacy root method as I don't know of an alternative... unless SuperSU doesn't require write permissions to whatever TWRP has locked down currently.
Once I can root it, backup it's boot, and unpack it; I just need to literally copy & overwrite the "verity_key" and "fstab.qcom" files (assuming the only difference is the fstab.qcom I'm overwriting doesn't have the verify flag), repack, then flash back to phone via fastboot, right?
Thanks for your patience!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you Format Data in TWRP and reboot recovery, you can flash SuperSU and you will be rooted. You just have to back up the boot.img after flashing SuperSU on the unencrypted device to re-enable verity so that adopted storage will work.
P.S. And no, the verify flag isn't the only difference. As I also said earlier (I'm constantly repeating myself), the device must be encrypted for Adopted Storage to work, so the forceencrypt flag from the stock fstab must also be present. That's why it's easier just to replace the whole file. The problem you have at the end of the day is that, while you'll be rooted and be able to use adopted storage in Android, you still won't be able to access said storage (or /data) in TWRP.

Captain_Throwback said:
Once you Format Data in TWRP and reboot recovery, you can flash SuperSU and you will be rooted. You just have to back up the boot.img after flashing SuperSU on the unencrypted device to re-enable verity so that adopted storage will work.
P.S. And no, the verify flag isn't the only difference. As I also said earlier (I'm constantly repeating myself), the device must be encrypted for Adopted Storage to work, so the forceencrypt flag from the stock fstab must also be present. That's why it's easier just to replace the whole file. The problem you have at the end of the day is that, while you'll be rooted and be able to use adopted storage in Android, you still won't be able to access said storage (or /data) in TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great - Thanks!!
Just to make sure, below's my plan with a small question @ step #5. Does it get your stamp of approval?
Phone (A9) already had latest RUU restored (same RUU I ran against your script to pull boot.img from) and TWRP 2.8.8.1 flashed
1. Boot into TWRP & bypass initial screen prompting for password
2. Format Data
3. Reboot back into TWRP
4. Flash SuperSU 2.76 zip
5. Reboot to system then back to TWRP and backup boot partition? / Stay in TWRP and backup boot partition? / Reboot back into TWRP and backup boot partition?
6. Unpack backed up boot partition from phone
7. Copy "verity_key" & "fstab.qcom" files from ramdisk folder in unpacked RUU boot and paste into & overwrite same files in ramdisk folder of unpacked boot from rooted phone
8. Repack rooted phone boot (which includes both new files)
9. Flash newly packed boot.img to phone using fastboot
10. Enjoy
I really appreciate your help and patience with me!

bzowk said:
Great - Thanks!!
Just to make sure, below's my plan with a small question @ step #5. Does it get your stamp of approval?
Phone (A9) already had latest RUU restored (same RUU I ran against your script to pull boot.img from) and TWRP 2.8.8.1 flashed
1. Boot into TWRP & bypass initial screen prompting for password
2. Format Data
3. Reboot back into TWRP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good so far . . .
bzowk said:
4. Flash SuperSU 2.76 zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure this is just a typo, but that should be 2.67, not 76 (there is no 2.76).
bzowk said:
5. Reboot to system then back to TWRP and backup boot partition? / Stay in TWRP and backup boot partition? / Reboot back into TWRP and backup boot partition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bolded the correct one above (no need to leave TWRP as the necessary modifications have already been made).
bzowk said:
6. Unpack backed up boot partition from phone
7. Copy "verity_key" & "fstab.qcom" files from ramdisk folder in unpacked RUU boot and paste into & overwrite same files in ramdisk folder of unpacked boot from rooted phone
8. Repack rooted phone boot (which includes both new files)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks good . . .
bzowk said:
9. Flash newly packed boot.img to phone using fastboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP can also flash the new image, but fastboot is probably the most reliable way to do it.
bzowk said:
10. Enjoy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully . . . You'll likely get a reboot on the first boot (possible multiple reboots), as SuperSU needs a reboot to install the necessary files. Since your device will also encrypt on that initial boot, I'm not sure whether there will be a conflict or not.
bzowk said:
I really appreciate your help and patience with me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess we'll see if it all works out . . .

Thanks!
I proceeded by formatting data, booting directly back intoTWRP, flashing SuperSU, backing up the boot partition, then mounting and copying it over to my PC. The boot.img size was 65,536kb - the same size as the one I unpacked from the RUU. Once unpacked, it was missing the verity_key file and the fstab.qcom file was different + missing the verify flag.
I replaced those two files, then ran repackimg.bat which created image-new.img which I renamed to boot.img. Interesting, though, that this file was only 45,890kb. If it's a repack, shouldn't it be the same or similar? Anyways, the phone was still in TWRP (hadn't booted to system since before the format data) so booted it into bootloader directly and tried flashing boot using my new 45mb boot.img.
If failed - but - my phone was only at 17% power. Don't know if that's why it failed or not so it's charging right now while still in the bootloader. Below is what was echoed when I tried flashing it:
Code:
c:\adb>fastboot flash boot boot.img
target reported max download size of 800000000 bytes
sending 'boot' (45890 KB)...
OKAY [ 3.488s]
writing 'boot'...
(bootloader) HOSD CL#656287
FAILED (remote: 4 RU_BATTERY_LOW please connect charger (17% < 30%))
finished. total time: 4.506s
The reason I didn't boot to system is that I thought that was when the encryption might take place. Going to wait until above 30% power then try flashing again. Powered down to charge, but plan to boot straight back into bootloader to flash. If you see anything that stands out or that I need to do otherwise, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll report back what the result was after getting above 30%.
Thanks again!

bzowk said:
Thanks!
I proceeded by formatting data, booting directly back intoTWRP, flashing SuperSU, backing up the boot partition, then mounting and copying it over to my PC. The boot.img size was 65,536kb - the same size as the one I unpacked from the RUU. Once unpacked, it was missing the verity_key file and the fstab.qcom file was different + missing the verify flag.
I replaced those two files, then ran repackimg.bat which created image-new.img which I renamed to boot.img. Interesting, though, that this file was only 45,890kb. If it's a repack, shouldn't it be the same or similar? Anyways, the phone was still in TWRP (hadn't booted to system since before the format data) so booted it into bootloader directly and tried flashing boot using my new 45mb boot.img.
If failed - but - my phone was only at 17% power. Don't know if that's why it failed or not so it's charging right now while still in the bootloader. Below is what was echoed when I tried flashing it:
Code:
c:\adb>fastboot flash boot boot.img
target reported max download size of 800000000 bytes
sending 'boot' (45890 KB)...
OKAY [ 3.488s]
writing 'boot'...
(bootloader) HOSD CL#656287
FAILED (remote: 4 RU_BATTERY_LOW please connect charger (17% < 30%))
finished. total time: 4.506s
The reason I didn't boot to system is that I thought that was when the encryption might take place. Going to wait until above 30% power then try flashing again. Powered down to charge, but plan to boot straight back into bootloader to flash. If you see anything that stands out or that I need to do otherwise, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll report back what the result was after getting above 30%.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The repack is smaller because the backup uses "dd" to copy the entire block device. Not all that space is actually used after compression. That's nothing to worry about.
And these devices are very picky about flashing only when there's sufficient battery, so I'm sure that's the only reason it failed. TWRP, however, doesn't care how much battery you have, so you could always flash the new boot.img in recovery.

Captain_Throwback said:
The repack is smaller because the backup uses "dd" to copy the entire block device. Not all that space is actually used after compression. That's nothing to worry about.
And these devices are very picky about flashing only when there's sufficient battery, so I'm sure that's the only reason it failed. TWRP, however, doesn't care how much battery you have, so you could always flash the new boot.img in recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, hey, hey - think it worked!!
Once I got above 30%, I flashed without issue. I rebooted and was able to format an sd internally successfully, too. Now, I just need to verify it's rooted, but think it is. Thank you so much for your help! I'm going to write a guide for newbs like me to use in the future soon.
Thanks again!

bzowk said:
Hey, hey, hey - think it worked!!
Once I got above 30%, I flashed without issue. I rebooted and was able to format an sd internally successfully, too. Now, I just need to verify it's rooted, but think it is. Thank you so much for your help! I'm going to write a guide for newbs like me to use in the future soon.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your adopted storage doesn't show as corrupted, and you're able to open the SuperSU app in your app drawer and not get a message that no su binary is installed, you should be good to go .

bad topic

[GUIDE] [Q&A] [TREBLE] From Stock to Treble - everything you need to know!

Here I will share all the info you need to know about using Treble on the Mi A1. Everyone is more than welcome to ask questions and clarification here, I am happy to answer and will update this thread over time. Thanks!
Contents
0. Key Terms
1. Restoring to Stock
-- 1.1. Requirements
-- 1.2. Full-device backup
-- 1.3. Stock restore process
2. "Treblize" (repartition) the device
3. Your first Treble ROM install
4. Installing AIO's, GSI's, Vendors and More
-- 4.1. Install a Treble AIO
-- 4.2. Install a Treble GSI
-- 4.3. Install/update a Vendor Pack
-- 4.4. Install a non-Treble ROM
-- 4.5. Restore a TWRP backup
5. Mods and Extras [Gapps, Magisk, custom kernels, etc.]
6. FAQ and Troubleshooting
----------------------------------------------
0. Key Terms
Throughout your Treble adventures, you may see lots of new terms. Here I will explain them all. This is essential reading!
Treble
Treble is the broad term of a new Android architecture model of splitting the system into two partitions:
System: where the Android OS goes, i.e. Oreo or later operating system;
Vendor, where the device-specific files go, such as drivers.
Before Treble, both the Android OS and device-specific files would live together on system. See below for a more detailed description of Vendor.
"Treblizing"
May also be called Treble-enable, Treble-conversion or some variation of that. This is the process of converting a non-Treble device to a Treble-capable one, unofficially, by changing the partition map of the device. This involves shrinking an existing partition - such as userdata or system in the case of the Mi A1 - in order to create a new vendor partition - or two vendor partition in the case for our Mi A1, one for each slot. Treblizing is just the preparation stage - you still need an AIO installation (see AIO below) before you are actually able to use a Treble ROM.
Vendor
Also known as Vendor Pack or Vendor Image. In the context of Treble, this is a standalone vendor image (either as a ZIP or usually as an IMG) that can be flashed to your Treble-enabled device for it to be compatible with a Treble system/ROM. These are similar to a kernel in the way that they are flashed to their own partition on your device and are compatible with many Treble ROM's. They are also similar to a kernel in that they are made specifically for one device to provide the low-level functionality of the system. It mostly includes drivers, but can also include apps and overlays that are automatically added at runtime to the Android OS that's living on System.
Treble developers for the Mi A1 may release standalone "vendor.img" for use on other ROM's - usually GSI's (see description of GSI below) but they are also part of an AIO (see description of AIO below).
GSI
Stands for "Generic System Image". This concept, introduced and developed by @phhusson is the creation of a System image that is device-agnostic - that is, it is a ROM that is designed to work with an existing Treble device, as long as the device has a GSI-compatible Vendor and kernel installation. For devices with official Treble support, phhusson makes the effort to try and adapt his GSI system for compatibility - but for unofficial Treble device like the Mi A1, it's our (tissot developers) responsibility to make a Vendor/Kernel that is as GSI-compatible as possible.
AIO
Stands for "All In One". This is a Treble firmware that includes a Kernel, System and Vendor image in the one ROM ZIP. This provides an all-in-one Treble experience through a device-specific Treble ROM. AIO's are designed to work well with their own ROM but should also strive to be compatible with a GSI.
An explanatory chart of Key Terms
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Click here for full size image.
Ignore this spoiler (coded link to thumbnail because XDA thread edit breaks the IMG link)
Code:
https://img.xda-cdn.com/ic22y2zu5yi9EClrY11FS8FU5C0=/https%3A%2F%2Fimg.xda-cdn.com%2FU8u8IdA66PAFHOM4PsKNQbFHwSA%3D%2Fhttps%253A%252F%252Fimg.xda-cdn.com%252Fo1fMEJDyu5x7pv2B9KB323i8_IA%253D%252Fhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fthumbs2.imgbox.com%25252Fd7%25252Fc2%25252FDxa93pOz_t.png
----------------------------------------------
1. Restoring to Stock
For the sake of consistency, I highly recommend everybody revert to a clean stock state. This ensures that as many of us are coming from the same place to eliminate inconsistency with reported bugs. If you're impatient or experienced though, feel free to skip this - but if you have issues, be sure to try again from here before asking for help.
Note that this will also restore you to the stock partition map, i.e. before "Treblizing".
1.1. Requirements
Unlocked bootloader and EDL access/drivers. See FAQ at bottom of this post for details on EDL.
Modern fastboot binary - it needs the "--set-active" option. Check with fastboot --help to see if it's listed in the usage.
Latest/recent official firmware package. Recommended "V.9.5.10.0.ODHMIFA" only because it's what I used, if you're not sure - but anything newer should be fine too.
Recent MiFlash version. I used 7.4.25 which can be downloaded from here.
1.2. Full-device backup
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. While all this is relatively safe (as safe as device modding can be), I cannot be held responsible for any data loss or bricks. You can make a Low-Level backup with my tool here. You can use the "skip-systems-and-userdata" partition list to save time, since those can be backed up in TWRP anyway. This is here mostly as a failsafe.
Also backup your internal storage files. The Treblizing process may wipe your internal storage.
1.3. Stock restore process
Flash latest firmware (V.9.5.10.0.ODHMIFA at time of writing) in EDL mode with MiFlash. This will wipe your device (including Internal Storage) and restore stock partition map. This could take a while.
Optional: If Wifi is broken (you can check by booting ROM), flash the "tissot_images_V.9.5.10.0.ODHMIFA___persist-only" in MiFlash under EDL, attached. Just extract the ZIP and browse to the folder in MiFlash. You can replace the persist.img from official V.9.5.10.0.ODHMIFA or another ROM if you want to be sure it's genuine. Credits to @AlexAiS for discovering this.
Remember - you backed up your original persist.img in step 1 anyway, so this is not risky.
I am not sure how this works exactly. It seems MiFlash in EDL is able to re-build a MAC address while flashing the persist. I don't know where this MAC comes from though.
----------------------------------------------
2. "Treblize" (repartition) the device
If you looked at the chart, you'll know that this is just the first step. You will need to actually install an AIO ROM after this part. This is a ONE TIME PROCESS for getting Treble capability on your device.
Repartitioning is relatively painless ever since I created TWRP with Treble Manager. Read on for a walkthrough.
Fastboot boot to TWRP with mohancm's recovery img (i.e. recovery-3.2.1-1) if you don't already have TWRP installed. Do not get the installer - we're using the one with Treble Manager instead.
Install the latest TWRP with Treble Manager (v1.2 at time of writing, but of course latest version is best) then Reboot Recovery to actually load it. Be sure to read about TWRP with Treble Manager in that thread to understand how it works. If you have any questions specifically about the TWRP and Treble Manager, please ask in that thread.
Format Data in Wipe menu (to remove Stock encryption), then Reboot Recovery again (maybe not necessary but it can't hurt).
In TWRP, go to Advanced > Treble Manager and repartition the device by following the wizard. Userdata shrink is recommended, as per the in-menu description explaining this. Just try the Treble Manager and see yourself - it will ask you one last time before repartitioning so don't worry about it wiping without warning. Alternatively, you can just check the screenshots.
After finished it will reboot TWRP. You are now ready for installing a Treble AIO (and then a GSI, if desired), but be sure to still read on, especially the next section below (there is a known issue that you need to work around - otherwise a bootloop will occur).
----------------------------------------------
3. Your first Treble ROM install
THERE IS AN IMPORTANT STEP THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED HERE WHEN INSTALLING YOUR FIRST TREBLE ROM. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A BOOTLOOP.
Make a note of the current slot (in Reboot menu). If you followed this guide from Section 1, you should be in Slot A. If you're not, just swap any mention of Slot A and B in these steps.
Download a Treble AIO ROM (such as RR Treble Experimental) and flash in TWRP. This is required even if you want to use a GSI, since it has the required Vendor Pack and Kernel.
Immediately install TWRP with Treble Manager again, as you usually do, to re-inject TWRP into the new ROM boot image.
Reboot Recovery, NOT SYSTEM.
Confirm in Reboot menu that the device has successfully switched to Slot B. If it is still stuck in Slot A, this is a one-time bug that must be solved now - if you do not fix this then you will just bootloop.
If it is still stuck in Slot A, you must reboot to fastboot (make sure you have a current version, as explained in Section 1.1. "Requirements") and manually run the command:
Code:
fastboot --set-active=b
...after doing this once, slot switching should work fine in TWRP again. You should never have to do this again (unless you go back to stock then re-Treblize again).
In case you didn't know, all ROMs for our Seamless device actually install into the *other* slot that isn't currently active - that's why you always need to Reboot Recovery first before installing Magisk or Gapps and such.
I advise users from now on to keep an eye on their Slot switching whenever you install an AIO ROM to make sure it worked. If it happens again after these steps, please report it to me with as much details as possible (we're still trying to figure out this bug).
After following these steps, you should be able to flash Treble ROM's just as you would a normal ROM from now on. Your Treble transformation is complete. But read on for more help and walkthroughs if you need it.
----------------------------------------------
4. Installing AIO's, GSI's, Vendors and More
Assuming you followed Section 3 above, you are now ready to install anything as usual. But some users have expressed confusion about what they can and can't do from this point, so I will give you some example choices here.
4.1. Install a Treble AIO
At the time of writing this guide, currently the only Treble AIO is the RR Experimental build. If or when others come along, you can just install them like normal ROMs. We already did this in Section 3 above, but here is a simplified summary of that process:
Flash the AIO ROM in TWRP with Treble Manager 1.2+ - do NOT reboot
Immediately reflash TWRP with Treble Manager 1.2+ so you get the Treble-compatible TWRP back
Factory Reset if it's a different ROM, as you usually would in this case.
Make a note of which slot you are on right now
Reboot recovery
Make sure your device has now swapped to the other slot by checking the reboot menu. If it has not, you will need to repeat the fastboot --set=active step as explained in Section 3. (I don't know if this is necessary again - but I just want to warn users to be aware of this known bug)
Now that the slot has changed, you can install Gapps, Magisk and/or whatever other compatible additional mods you want.
4.2. Install a Treble GSI
You may remember from earlier that the Treble GSI's are just System images that use your existing Vendor and Kernel. We already have a Treble kernel and Vendor from an AIO (Section 3 or Section 4.1. above), so this is quite simple:
Download any GSI/Phh-Treble ROM's from the Treble-Enabled Device Development section and copy the IMG to device
Make sure your current slot is a Treble ROM slot (i.e. existing AIO or GSI working). Unlike AIO/ROM ZIP flashing, image flashing installs it to the CURRENT slot.
Flash the IMG to "System Image" in TWRP with Treble Manager 1.2+
Factory Reset if you're changing ROM's
Install any other mods (Gapps, GSI-compatible Magisk [i.e. 16.4 beta or later], etc.). You may need to boot the ROM once before installing any mods - this varies per GSI. Some existing mods may also be outright incompatible with the GSI.
Reboot
Note that since this is only a System image, there is no need to reinstall TWRP or Reboot Recovery.
4.3. Install/update a Vendor Pack
While you're on a current and working AIO or GSI slot, you can flash a vendor.img to update the driver/device level stuff for that ROM. This could be done to e.g. fix the Camera. This is useful if you're running a GSI.
Download a vendor.img from your AIO or Vendor Pack provider (e.g. RR AIO Experimental) and copy the IMG to device
Make sure your current slot is a Treble ROM slot (i.e. existing AIO or GSI working). Unlike AIO/ROM ZIP flashing, image flashing installs it to the CURRENT slot.
Optionally make a TWRP backup of Vendor (or more) if you want to be careful and it's your daily (I always do).
Flash the IMG to "Vendor Image" in TWRP with Treble Manager 1.2+
Reboot
Note that since this is only a System image, there is no need to reinstall TWRP, Reboot Recovery or install any Mods (Gapps, Magisk, etc) UNLESS it's a Vendor mod (as of time of writing, no Vendor mods exist yet).
4.4. Install a non-Treble ROM
This is simple, same as you're used to before Treblizing. But do note that this is only possible if you chose to resize Userdata when repartitiong with Treble Manager.
Download the ROM to your device
Optional - make sure the active slot is one with a Treble AIO/GSI ROM already - remember that ROM ZIPs install to the OTHER slot, not the currently active one; so this way you can easily switch back to the Treble ROM just by doing a Factory Reset (or TWRP restore of Data) and slot switch.
Factory reset
Install the ROM as per usual procedure (Install ZIP, reflash TWRP with Treble Manager 1.2+, reboot recovery to allow slot switch, install Gapps + Magisk + Mods, etc., reboot).
4.5. Restore a TWRP backup
There is nothing special about restoring a backup. Even if your backup was from a non-Treble ROM, you can restore that backup on a Treblized device. Obviously, though, any Treble ROM backup can only be restored on a Treblized device.
----------------------------------------------
5. Mods and Extras [Gapps, Magisk, custom kernels, etc.]
After you have confirmed that TWRP is booting in to the correct slot (see Section 3), you're ready to install other ROMs (see Section 4) followed by mods. I did briefly go over mods in Section 4, but I'll go into more detailed info about compatibility here.
Any usual Gapps should work fine, just as long as you flash after the slot is correctly set. Note that RR Camera (GCam) requires Gapps to be installed. I used Nano, they worked fine.
Also note that some GSI's will require you to boot the system first before installing Gapps.
Custom kernels must be marked Treble compatible for our device. Specifically (info for kernel developers) this means adding slotselect flag to vendor entry in DTB, and disabling dm-verity (so we can inject vendor changes to system).
It is reported that standard Magisk will work in RR Treble ROM, but it does NOT work on GSI. You need Magisk 16.4 beta or later for GSI's. Also see the FAQ section at the end for more info on the Magisk situation.
Some other ZIP's might need updating for Treble, really unsure. Experimentation is welcome. Just be sure you make TWRP backups before testing anything, of course!
--------------------------------
6. FAQ and Troubleshooting
Q) I get "cannot receive hello packet" in MiFlash
A) Just reboot EDL mode and try again. Usually only happens if you try to flash in EDL twice in a row. See the Low-level Backup/Restore/Unbrick toolkit thread for more info about EDL.
Q) How to Magisk with Treble? What is the TWRP and Magisk interaction?
A) Best to use Magisk 16.4 beta or later, it's reported as working on GSI's. Also note that Magisk is installed to the boot ramdisk (the same place as where TWRP goes) and this has the following implications:
Whenever you flash the TWRP installer, you will need to reinstall Magisk *after* you Reboot Recovery
TWRP installer will flash to BOTH slots, but Magisk will only flash to the CURRENT slot. So if you flash TWRP installer, it may erase any Magisk install on the inactive slot.
TWRP survival (in my recent TWRP builds) backs-up and restores the whole ramdisk. This will include Magisk, if it was already on the boot slot that it backs up.
Q) EDL mode? Eh?
A) EDL mode, or "Emergency DownLoad" mode, is a low-level mode for flashing devices. It is entered by the command:
Code:
fastboot oem edl
EDL mode is used to read/write to the eMMC more directly. It is used by this tool, as well as flashing with MiFlash.
Other important notes:
You will need good QDLoader drivers. These drivers gave me the best results.
You can exit EDL mode by holding Power button for ~10 seconds. Hold with VolDn to reboot into fastboot again, as one might expect.
Make sure you use a good USB-C cable.
Sometimes the flashing process can freeze. It will always report success when done. If it freezes, you need to reboot EDL mode. Try a different USB port or cable if you keep experiencing freezes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

can i use this persist.zip inorder to solve the wifi issue in stock rom as well as some of custom rom too?

parasnarkhede said:
can i use this persist.zip inorder to solve the wifi issue in stock rom as well as some of custom rom too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. Just flash a stock persist.img in EDL mode. But backup your original in case, it could erase or change your BT MAC too.

@CosmicDan thank you so much for your work on this. Quite impressive if you ask me.
Tell me just something, every time you talk about "...do this or that in EDL mode..." you mean that we have to use your backup/restore tool, right?
I'm sorry for the noob question but, despite I'm quite familiar with Android, this is my first time using a device that has "slots" and that needs to boot to TWRP in order to flash it... there's some differences from all devices I had in the past and that's making doubt some stuff.
So, anyway, I'm currently using official BETA leaked by Xiaomi (Oreo 8.1 - OPM1.171019.019.8.5.11) so do I really need to reflash stock as you suggest? I mean...it's stock, beta but stock and I've never flashed any other custom ROM (since I've read that by doing it I could have issues with WiFi after returning to stock). So, what do you think? Is it really necessary to reflash stock? My partitions are all the original ones...the only thing different is system, right?
Thank you for your time and work.

Typhus_ said:
@CosmicDan thank you so much for your work on this. Quite impressive if you ask me.
Tell me just something, every time you talk about "...do this or that in EDL mode..." you mean that we have to use your backup/restore tool, right?
I'm sorry for the noob question but, despite I'm quite familiar with Android, this is my first time using a device that has "slots" and that needs to boot to TWRP in order to flash it... there's some differences from all devices I had in the past and that's making doubt some stuff.
So, anyway, I'm currently using official BETA leaked by Xiaomi (Oreo 8.1 - OPM1.171019.019.8.5.11) so do I really need to reflash stock as you suggest? I mean...it's stock, beta but stock and I've never flashed any other custom ROM (since I've read that by doing it I could have issues with WiFi after returning to stock). So, what do you think? Is it really necessary to reflash stock? My partitions are all the original ones...the only thing different is system, right?
Thank you for your time and work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDL mode is like fastboot mode, but even lower-level.
You enter into it with:
Code:
fastboot oem edl
It is needed by my backup tool yes, but it's also used to flash in MiFlash.
Will update the guide and FAQ with this info.

How to flash the persist file attached in the op in mi flash ?
You mean replace it with the one in the stock rom fastboot files and flash the whole rom again via mi flash ?

Ahmed Al-Sayed said:
How to flash the persist file attached in the op in mi flash ?
You mean replace it with the one in the stock rom fastboot files and flash the whole rom again via mi flash ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just browse to the folder with MiFlash....

CosmicDan said:
Just browse to the folder with MiFlash....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, you mean choose only the persist.img file then mi flash will flash it automatically to the right partition ?

Ahmed Al-Sayed said:
Oh, you mean choose only the persist.img file then mi flash will flash it automatically to the right partition ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you don't choose the persist.img. You choose the folder. You can't even choose a file in MiFlash, it's a folder browse.
It's the exact same method of flashing anything in MiFlash

CosmicDan said:
No, you don't choose the persist.img. You choose the folder. You can't even choose a file in MiFlash, it's a folder browse.
It's the exact same method of flashing anything in MiFlash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which folder ?
The folder that i extracted the persist.img (attached in the op) in ? Or the srock rom folder after i replace the persist.img (attached in the op) with the one in the rom's folder and execute flash ?

Ahmed Al-Sayed said:
Which folder ?
The folder that i extracted the persist.img (attached in the op) in ? Or the srock rom folder after i replace the persist.img (attached in the op) with the one in the rom's folder and execute flash ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DONT REPLACE PERSIST IN STOCK FIRNWARE. That does LITERALLY nothing, the persist is already from stock ROM!
Just extract the persist-only ZIP, and select it in MiFlash! Don't insert extra steps that I never said!

CosmicDan said:
DONT REPLACE PERSIST IN STOCK FIRNWARE. That does LITERALLY nothing, the persist is already from stock ROM!
Just extract the persist-only ZIP, and select it in MiFlash! Don't insert extra steps that I never said!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks !

Dear sir,
I have few questions
1. Do we need any vendor image to flash with it?
2. How to revert back to stock rom (And erase vendor partition) from treble custom rom?
3. Can we revert back to stock partition map through mi flash tool in flastboot mode or edl mode?

Hopefully someone will make video soon, so that it becomes somewhat more easy to understand.

sudipta08sarkar said:
Dear sir,
I have few questions
1. Do we need any vendor image to flash with it?
2. How to revert back to stock rom (And erase vendor partition) from treble custom rom?
3. Can we revert back to stock partition map through mi flash tool in flastboot mode or edl mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I don't understand the question. The vendor image is part of the Treble ROM. You can get vendor from the RR Experimental thread for example.
2. By following Section 1.1.; Step 2 alone
3. By following Section 1.1.; Step 2 alone
CosmicDan said:
2. Flash latest firmware (V.9.5.10.0.ODHMIFA at time of writing) in EDL mode with MiFlash. This will wipe your device (including Internal Storage) and restore stock partition map. This could take a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Ritik99 said:
Hopefully someone will make video soon, so that it becomes somewhat more easy to understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or you could tell us what part you're having trouble with so I can make it more easy to understand?
I don't understand how a video would make it easier. You need to be able to understand the process - not just copy what some guy is telling you to do.

CosmicDan said:
1. I don't understand the question. The vendor image is part of the Treble ROM. You can get vendor from the RR Experimental thread for example.
2. By following Section 1.1.; Step 2 alone
3. By following Section 1.1.; Step 2 alone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I understand, but my query is, everytime I will flashing a new treble rom, will it flash vendor partition itself?

Congratulations, can't wait to test it on my a1.
One question, how about google play certified device status? Is still verified or not?
If i choose to shrink data partition, how much left for data? My a1 have 64 gb storage.

CosmicDan said:
Or you could tell us what part you're having trouble with so I can make it more easy to understand?
I don't understand how a video would make it easier. You need to be able to understand the process - not just copy what some guy is telling you to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup.. that what make people say "i do it the same as instruction and bricked my devices." It is because u just copy what other ppl do and dont know what exactly u do lol... Fir me, what in text is more worth.. because it explain everithing. And the video just a guidline of what u read.

sudipta08sarkar said:
Ok I understand, but my query is, everytime I will flashing a new treble rom, will it flash vendor partition itself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Well, depends.
RR Treble has Vendor included, because it needs it. GSI's are just a system image that use your existing vendor.
squallbayu said:
Congratulations, can't wait to test it on my a1.
One question, how about google play certified device status? Is still verified or not?
If i choose to shrink data partition, how much left for data? My a1 have 64 gb storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you.can tell me exactly what "Play Certified" actually is, then I might be able to answer that question.
The TWRP with Treble Manager tells you the size change.

[RECOVERY] Henk's TWRP Recovery

DISCLAIMER
Code:
The usual disclaimer with an extra warning, this recovery
WILL automatically modify your phone on first boot.
While this should be an entirely safe modification
it is always possible your phone is in a broken state
either on a software or hardware level causing further problems.
This recovery should under no circumstances be flashed
for the first time on a bricked phone
as the automatic changes might damage it further.
ONLY FLASH THIS ON A PHONE IN GOOD CONDITION!
By flashing this recovery you consent to a vendor partition
being created and to take full personal responsibility of any damage
the usage of this recovery may cause rather than blaming it on me.
ABOUT
This modified TWRP is the recovery image i have been using on my personal OnePlus 3T for the past month, with the increasing popularity of system-as-root roms and the issues this causes for older zip files (Such as Google Apps not flashing with wrong arm version errors) i have decided that it would be worth sharing with the community. This recovery image is a ramdisk modification of the TWRP supplied by the LineageOS Unofficial Treble Port Project (Similar to how SHRP is a ramdisk modification of existing TWRP images). Because this is not a source modification (and neither has TWRP been compiled from source) you can find the original source code in their topic. I hope this recovery will be useful to those who often flash multiple kinds of roms and want one recovery that does it all. It has been tested on the Oxygen OS 4, 5 and 9 firmwares and should have great compatibility with all of them.
Included Features
Automatic Vendor Partition Creation and full Treble support
WARNING: Because this recovery will automatically create the vendor partition it should exclusively be used on devices in good conditions. In the very rare case that bricks occur you can revert the change using the MSMDownloadTool (This can only be used on healthy hardware). If you are unsure about the condition of your device or if your device is currently in a bricked state it is best to use another recovery. I am not responsible for further damage to your phone.
Originally the TWRP image provided by the Treble project needs you to type in the 'treblize' command followed by manual reboots, I have automated this process. From the moment you first boot this recovery the vendor partition will automatically be created and the recovery reboots automatically in a new recovery session (This is not a crash and only happens once). If vendor partition has been detected you will be able to see /treblized as a directory on your phone (This is done in RAM and only visible during your recovery session). The vendor partition does not conflict in any way, you can use and pass safetynet on regular roms at will as it is invisible to a rom using a non treble kernel. Before flashing GSI roms please first flash a proper vendor partiton (This can be done by flashing the LineageOS treble rom the regular way).
/system and /system_root hybrid for maximum compatibility!
This is one of my main reasons for sharing this recovery publicly, i have modified the /etc/fstab file to be able to both mount to /system and to /system_root. This means that older zips that expect /system now work again without breaking compatibility with newer system as root or GSI roms. This is one recovery that can do it all! Inside the root folder you will find a flashable zip called Mount-System.zip. This can be used before incompatible zips to mount the /system partition correctly. This tool will automatically detect system-as-root if present and mount /system to /system_root/system, if not present it mounts /system to /system_root. You should prefer this method over the mounting options found in the menu, these should only be used for unmounting system. Keep in mind that by doing this you are messing around with scenario's the original developers have not foreseen and while flashing these previously broken zips is now possible you cause issues in your ROM. Always flash these previously incompatible zips with care and make a backup first! Do not use this Mount-System.zip to flash new roms, those are best flashed in an unmounted state. The same applies for Magisk and any other system-as-root compatible zips. If you are flashing regular roms my fstab changes will be enough and mount-system will not be needed.
Magisk + Magisk Manager on the ramdisk
In the / directory alongside the other zip files you will find Install-Magisk.zip and Manage-Magisk.zip, these can be used to both install and recovery from Magisk related issues. You no longer need to worry about keeping a copy of Magisk at hand after wiping the data or when you are in need of a downgrade, with this a copy of Magisk and a GUI management tool is always available to you directly from the recovery's root folder.
Persist Backup Tool
It is very important that you keep a spare backup of your persist partition, even the MSMDownloadTool will not be able to repair this as it is unique to your device. In addition devices with persist issues (Sensors, LTE, IMSEI, Wifi, not working / blank) should not use the MSMDownloadTool at all since it can leave you with an unbootable phone. Flash the Backup-Persist.zip file (Found in the recovery's root directory) to automatically create a copy of your persist partition stored on your sdcard so you can easily back this up to a secure location. Persist is even more important than backing up the EFS! An EFS backup alone will NOT recover your phone in the case of persist corruption!
Download
Modified Files
This project contains work from
TWRP Base Image and original Treblize scripts : The Unofficial LineageOS Treble Project
Install-Magisk.zip : Magisk
Manage-Magisk.zip : Magisk Manager Recovery Tool
Known issues
Before uploading i did extensive testing, in some scenario's i managed to cause a hard crash of the recovery image, this is not related to any of the included tweaks but seems to be an issue with flashing a rom when you have just formatted partitions. I advice to always reboot after a partition format or before flashing a system rom to ensure that everything is in a state it can be properly mounted. If you did trigger this white light crash do not fear, your device is not bricked (Unless whatever you flashed bricked it). You should be able to turn it off using the power button after which it will boot up just fine and you can try flashing again.
​

<deleted>

henk717 said:
Before uploading i did extensive testing, in some scenario's i managed to cause a hard crash of the recovery image, this is not related to any of the included tweaks but seems to be an issue with flashing a rom when you have just formatted partitions. I advice to always reboot after a partition format or before flashing a system rom to ensure that everything is in a state it can be properly mounted. If you did trigger this white light crash do not fear, your device is not bricked (Unless whatever you flashed bricked it). You should be able to turn it off using the power button after which it will boot up just fine and you can try flashing again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might not be restricted to just your recovery.
This happens to me on official TWRP as well, when I restore a system image from a backup. It gets stuck on a white light, and I have to hard reset it. The restore does seem to work though.

I flashed the backup persist but did not found the file it should create. Where is it located? Thanks in advance

It should be located in the main directory of your storage and be called persist.img.
However when i just did another test i noticed the zip gives a 255 error that does not happen on the zip on my gitlab.
I am unsure how this difference happened but generated a new img file where i tested and verified all the zip's manually, if you run into the 255 error please redownload and reflash.

[RECOVERY] - TeamWin Recovery Project [REDFIN] [OFFICIAL]

[RECOVERY] TWRP 3.6.0_11-0 - TeamWin Recovery Project
Introduction:
Team Win Recovery Project or TWRP for short, is a custom recovery built with ease of use and customization in mind. We started from the ground up by taking AOSP recovery and loading it with the standard recovery options, then added a lot of our own features. It's a fully touch driven user interface , no more volume rocker or power buttons to mash. The GUI is also fully XML driven and completely theme-able. You can change just about every aspect of the look and feel.
Key Features:
Touchscreen driven with real buttons and drag-to-scroll
XML-based GUI that allows full customization of the layout true theming!
Settings are saved to the sdcard and persist through reboots
Ability to choose which partitions to back up and which to restore
Ability to choose to compress backups now with pigz (multi-core processor support for faster compression times)
Onscreen keyboard
Easy selection of internal/external storage
In addition to the above new features, TWRP features a scripting engine that allows an app to send commands to the recovery for the recovery to perform during startup. We call this scripting engine OpenRecoveryScript. This engine will be put to use immediately in the GooManager app. GooManager will be able to install recoveries automatically for most supported devices. The app will also let you choose to install multiple zips from within Android, wipe, and run a backup.
We are looking for other talented developers, themers, and device maintainers if they are interested in helping with a free, open source project.
Source Code:
GitHub - https://github.com/TeamWin/android_bootable_recovery
Gerrit Instance - http://gerrit.twrp.me
If you have made your own TWRP build for an unsupported device, please let us know. We might add your build to the list of unofficial builds. Bear in mind that we are working hard to add more devices and we may add your device to our official build list later.
Device Config: https://github.com/bigbiff/android_device_google_redbull
GitHub - bigbiff/android_device_google_redfin
Contribute to bigbiff/android_device_google_redfin development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
If others thing don't work, please report the issue and let me know.
Download here:
Test9: https://build.twrp.me/test/redfin/twrp-3.5.0-0-test9-redfin.img
- fix cpu temperature display
- turn off openaes
- MTP: fix 100% CPU
- fix perms for last_log.gz
- one click flash option to keep twrp when updating boot in recovery - thanks @Nebrassy
You need to install a kernel with built-in touch drivers such as ElementX-P5.
First, install ElementX-P5, the use the install ramdisk recovery option in the Install menu to install the TWRP image.
https://build.twrp.me/test/redfin/twrp-3.5.0-0-test1-redfin.img
Please ignore the -10 in the version string when fastbooted into TWRP. I am hoping to get the a11 TWRP branch working in a10 trees.
Test 2: https://build.twrp.me/test/redfin/twrp-3.5.0-0-test2-redfin.img
Test 3: https://build.twrp.me/test/redfin/twrp-3.5.0-0-test3-redfin.img
Decryption and backup restore working. Tested with April Firmware.
Test 4: https://build.twrp.me/test/redfin/twrp-3.5.0-0-test4-redfin.img
Enable MTP. Fix /sdcard bind mount to /data/media/0
Test 5: https://build.twrp.me/test/redfin/twrp-3.5.0-0-test5-redfin.img
Add partitions: misc, boot and persist. Enable repacking into ramdisk. Tested with ElementX-P5.
Test 6: https://build.twrp.me/test/redfin/twrp-3.5.0-0-test6-redfin.img
Fix repacking twrp into recovery. You need to install a kernel with built-in touch drivers such as ElementX-P5.
First, install ElementX-P5, the use the install ramdisk recovery option in the Install menu to install the TWRP image.
Test 7: https://build.twrp.me/test/redfin/twrp-3.5.0-0-test7-redfin.img
Fix wiping Titan M chip. Fix decryption hanging on lineage-18.1 when booting TWRP.
Test 8: https://build.twrp.me/test/redfin/twrp-3.5.0-0-test8-redfin.img
Fix reboot to recovery from fastbootd.
http://twrp.me

Nice work!
Once the encryption element is fixed I will definitely be rocking this!!

Nice to see this, good job on working TWRP for this Device. Thank you.

Is there only the img build. No zip file? How to stay on twrp without zip?

This boots on a pixel 4a5g, but touch controls and adb do not seem to work. Do you think it would take a lot of code changes to enable it on the 4a 5g? The two phones share kernels for what it's worth.

Its possible to root android 12 with this?

Was able to boot to it on the pixel 5. Look forward to the progress! Thanks!

mistermojorizin said:
This boots on a pixel 4a5g, but touch controls and adb do not seem to work. Do you think it would take a lot of code changes to enable it on the 4a 5g? The two phones share kernels for what it's worth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide me a copy of dmesg?

gogixx said:
Is there only the img build. No zip file? How to stay on twrp without zip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a fastboot image only.

bigbiff said:
Can you provide me a copy of dmesg?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get a dmesg, I need to use ADB (which doesn't work while booted into TWRP). So would this capture the info you'd need - boot into TWRP, reboot by holding power button, get a dmesg when it boots?
EDIT: so I'm trying to get it this way but the dmesg.txt comes out blank for some reason

mistermojorizin said:
To get a dmesg, I need to use ADB (which doesn't work while booted into TWRP). So would this capture the info you'd need - boot into TWRP, reboot by holding power button, get a dmesg when it boots?
EDIT: so I'm trying to get it this way but the dmesg.txt comes out blank for some reason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately that would be from the android kernel. I didn't realize adb wasn't working for you. Are you using windows?

bigbiff said:
Unfortunately that would be from the android kernel. I didn't realize adb wasn't working for you. Are you using windows?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, windows 10, latest adb drivers. when it boots to TWRP it doesn't recognize that any adb devices are connected.
when booting to android though, I can access ADB without problems

bigbiff said:
This is a fastboot image only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
What's the proper installation process (how-to) to flash TWRP on the P5/redfin ?

unibombz said:
Thank you.
What's the proper installation process (how-to) to flash TWRP on the P5/redfin ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no flashing of it. You would just boot in to it via fastboot boot *twrpimgfile.img

VivisClone said:
There is no flashing of it. You would just boot in to it via fastboot boot *twrpimgfile.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for clarifying that it is not flashed to the recovery partition and only booted to when you need TWRP features via
Code:
fastboot boot twrp-3.5.0-0-test1-redfin.img

I was able to get touch working on the 4a5g using these commands:
fastboot flash boot twrp-3.5.0-0-test1-redfin.img
fastboot boot ProtonKernel-pixel5-v1.1.img
ADB Still didn't work. The log said couldn't mount storage. Under "mount" I could check every box except the last two (storage and external storage or sdcard I think).
the backup menu is very different looking than i'm used to. instead of being able to select which partitions to backup, there's only one option - "super (vendor, system, system ext...etc)" The only partition that's not listed there is the boot partition. Also, storage says 0mb . Not sure if it would have backed up anything.
Is it able to make backups on the Pixel 5? Can I get you any info (using the TWRP terminal or file manager mayber) to help development?

mistermojorizin said:
I was able to get touch working on the 4a5g using these commands:
fastboot flash boot twrp-3.5.0-0-test1-redfin.img
fastboot boot ProtonKernel-pixel5-v1.1.img
ADB Still didn't work. The log said couldn't mount storage. Under "mount" I could check every box except the last two (storage and external storage or sdcard I think).
the backup menu is very different looking than i'm used to. instead of being able to select which partitions to backup, there's only one option - "super (vendor, system, system ext...etc)" The only partition that's not listed there is the boot partition. Also, storage says 0mb . Not sure if it would have backed up anything.
Is it able to make backups on the Pixel 5? Can I get you any info (using the TWRP terminal or file manager mayber) to help development?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The super partition and other partitions you can backup as byte images. However most of these can be restored from the stock firmware. I am working on decryption right now. I am not sure what to do about adb unless you can pull logcat and dmesg for clues for the 4a5g.

Thanks for this TWRP image.
Side loading works.
TWRP does not read the internal storage... Any ideas?

vandyman said:
Thanks for this TWRP image.
Side loading works.
TWRP does not read the internal storage... Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. Encryption in A11 is Wip like Op specified.

Is there the ability to resize system partition?

How To Guide [Pixel 7 Pro] [TD1A.220804.031] Root guide + Extracted Images + How to

How to root:
You have two options for this, 1 is the recommended way and 2 is the lazy but works way.
Option 1 (RECOMMENDED):
Download the latest factory image from: https://developers.google.com/android/images#cheetah (at the time of writing this, it's TD1A.220804.031
Unlock bootloader (If you don't know how to do this, do not proceed further)
From the downloaded image file, extract the init_boot.img file and copy it to your phone (directory shouldn't matter)
Install the Magisk apk from: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/topjohnwu/magisk-files/canary/app-release.apk
Launch the app, select install, patch a file, select the init_boot file you placed in your phone
After it's done, it should place a file in your phone's download folder called magisk_patched-<VERSION>_<XYXYXYXYXY>.img
Copy that over to your PC and now boot to bootloader
Run the following commands from Powershell/commandline:
Code:
fastboot flash init_boot magisk_init_patched-25205_EfWOu.img
And then reboot, you'll be rooted
Option 2 (LAZY BUT WORKS):
I'm sharing my magisk patched init_boot from the TD1A.220804.031 build (post 73MB update). Instructions are:
Unlock bootloader (If you don't know how to do this, do not proceed further)
Boot to bootloader
Download the patched init_boot from: https://sourceforge.net/projects/ag.../magisk_init_patched-25205_EfWOu.img/download
Run the following commands from Powershell/commandline:
Code:
fastboot flash init_boot magisk_init_patched-25205_EfWOu.img
And then reboot, you'll be rooted
Install Magisk apk from here: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/topjohnwu/magisk-files/canary/app-release.apk
To get SafteyNet working:
Open the Magisk app
Open the settings from top right, Enable Zygisk
Reboot
Flash the MODIFIED SafteyNet fix module by @kdrag0n from the attached files on this thread from within Magisk Modules
Clear Play store data and you should be good!
Voila!
FASTBOOT IMAGES:
I'm sharing the stock extracted images of the TD1A.220804.031 build, should be a good reset point from fastboot incase any of you get stuck somehwere:
DO NOT MIRROR THIS PLEASE!!!!
VERIFY THE MD5 OF THE FILE AFTER DOWNLOADING!!!!!!!
Mirror 1 | Mirror 2
MD5: 43613f520697722840ded6a15eb27459
Massive shoutout to @Some_Random_Username for Mirror 1 and @akhilnarang for Mirror 2 since SourceForge was facing issues!
Now documentation on how to do it yourself (which I'd highly recommend since you should never trust any file given, always try to do it yourself!):
How to dump your own device:
1. Download a GSI which is userdebug/eng and equal/newer Security Patch of the current build on your device from any of the unofficial community builds here: https://github.com/phhusson/treble_experimentations/wiki/Generic-System-Image-(GSI)-list
2. Install the DSU Sideloader app from: https://github.com/VegaBobo/DSU-Sideloader/releases/latest
3. Follow instructions in the DSU sideloader app readme here: https://github.com/VegaBobo/DSU-Sideloader/blob/master/README.md
I'd recommend enabling the userdata toggle and typing 32GB as the size
4. Reboot into the DSU from the notification
5. When the device boots up, type the following in the terminal:
Code:
adb root
adb shell
mkdir -p /sdcard/dump
for file in /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/*; do
if [ "${file##*/}" != "userdata" ]
then
echo Dumping "${file##*/}"
dd if=$file of=/sdcard/dump/"${file##*/}".img
fi
done
6. Once the dump is done, you'll have files in /sdcard/dump/
7. Copy those over to a PC
8. Voila

A massive thanks to @AndyYan @Some_Random_Username for their help (well hand holding) throughout the entire process <3
Also thanks to @OmkarTheAndroid for the re-brush up of the Android basics I forgot

Reserved

Thanks!

Have you had any luck with SafetyNet yet? People on another thread are saying that even the Modded version by @Displax isn't working on P7P with Canary Magisk

I'd like to remind all that, 1) the DSU method requires some Android/shell knowledge to correctly carry out, and 2) you're discouraged from actually flashing/using those GSIs (TD-based Android 13 GSIs are still in early phase, and P7/P will almost certainly get proper, fully functional device-specific ROMs shortly anyway).

Thanks for the dump! Could you maybe mirror it yourself to be sure? At least until Google's facory images are up Sourceforge is incredibly slow for me (and probably for others too).

so looks like vendor_dlkm has been replaced by vendor_kernel_boot and the init_boot is just the first-stage init. This will be interesting moving forward with AVB and custom images. I will start working on something when source drops. I will likely need to have some testers to see how much this requires to get a custom image up and running.
EDIT: vendor_boot is actually the one that has been separated out a bit between vendor_boot (holding modules) and vendor_kernel_boot, which has some ramdisk stuff like the vendor_boot has on Pixel 6 devices.
Kernel now consists of 6 images. init_boot, vendor_boot, vendor_kernel_boot, vendor_dlkm, dtbo and boot.img

I downloaded the init_boot.img file then got a big problem bricked my pixel 7 oro

mrteii1 said:
I downloaded the init_boot.img file then got a big problem bricked my pixel 7 oro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is a soft brick, just flash the correct partition back using the stock image

Tahnks forbyour reply. How to get the stock image? Now it brickes. Im panicking

I think i'll hold fire on rooting until things are a little clearer. unlocking the bootloader in the usual fashion should be ok tho right?

whatsisnametake2 said:
I think i'll hold fire on rooting until things are a little clearer. unlocking the bootloader in the usual fashion should be ok tho right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, unlocking the bootloader is still the same and will wipe data.

Current SafetyNet Status (with modded universal SafetyNet Fix + Magisk Props):
Play Integrity API Checker:
MEETS_DEVICE_INTEGRITY: fail
MEETS_BASIC_INTEGRITY: pass
MEETS_STRONG_INTEGRITY: fail
YASNAC:
Basic integrity: pass
CTS profile match: fail
Edit: GPay does work on the Pixel Watch, even though it doesn't on the phone (when rooted).
Make sure to add your cards there if you're using the Pixel Watch and can't use GPay on your phone.

zetsumeikuro said:
Yes, unlocking the bootloader is still the same and will wipe data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can boot to recovery try a factory reset from there or you will have to power it off and wait until Google releases the image.

mrteii1 said:
Tahnks forbyour reply. How to get the stock image? Now it brickes. Im panicking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the OP, the part with:
"FASTBOOT IMAGES:
I'm sharing the stock extracted images of the TD1A.220804.031 build, should be a good reset point from fastboot incase any of you get stuck somehwere:
DO NOT MIRROR THIS PLEASE!!!!"

Misterxtc said:
If you can boot to recovery try a factory reset from there or you will have to power it off and wait until Google releases the image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
? unlocking is just going to do a data wipe/factory reset anyway. not sure why I would need the factory image for that? or to do an additional factory reset from recovery?

Misterxtc said:
If you can boot to recovery try a factory reset from there or you will have to power it off and wait until Google releases the image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you replied to the wrong user?

Hey everyone, a slight update on the website for the image dump, SourceForge was giving people incomplete files so @Some_Random_Username is generously hosting it on his servers <3
please verify the MD5 of the downloaded zip before trying to modify any parititons using the following commands:
On windows:
Code:
certutil -hashfile cheetah-TD1A.220804.031-compressed.zip MD5
On Linux/MacOS:
Code:
md5sum cheetah-TD1A.220804.031-compressed.zip
The MD5 should be: 43613f520697722840ded6a15eb27459

whatsisnametake2 said:
? unlocking is just going to do a data wipe/factory reset anyway. not sure why I would need the factory image for that? or to do an additional factory reset from recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking the reset would force it to boot off the other slot.