Phone says its encrypted but is it really ? - Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC Questions & Answers

Default setup set a password for lock screen, phone says it is encrypted under settings but i doubt that.
It did not reboot for the encryption progress which might be fine given that it comes with pre generated keys.
However the phone boots immediately to sim pin enter and after unlock everyting is directly accessible. It boots way to fast to be encrypted IMHO.
I also had a simmilar bug with paranoid os (also android 10) where it said its encrypted but it was not, twrp did not ask for a password everything was accessible and it was the same boot process.
Usually with android encryption i first have to enter the password for decryption, phone continues with boot animation and then have to enter sim pin.
So i wonder is this a bug with android 10 or is it really encrypted.

Yes, Android will force encrypt by default. Your phone is actually encrypted using "default_password", and in MIUI, decryption keys are not changeable by setting another lock PIN/Password, like it normally would in any other Android versions. If you manage to tamper with the keys using third party tools, you will be locked out of your system. Typing password during boot will return an "incorrect password" message, even if you typed it corrrectly.
Xiaomi considers bootloader LOCKED devices to be safe enough, hence why they don't really care much about encrypting. If your phone's bootloader is unlocked, you might be worrying about your data/internal storage being easily decryptable by thieves or unwanted people (for example), and I understand that. There is not much you can do about changing the default decryption password, you might just wait for a custom ROM that supports encryption properly, like Pixel Experience.

It use FBE, not FDE, search about it

Okay thats interesting to know, so basically the encryption is worthless as anyone with physical access can just desolder the flash chip and read the whole content.
I quite like miui but thats a major reason for me to switch to a custom rom.

Worthless encryption then. This is plain obfuscation and no security concept.

Which custom ROM can I use for my Poco x3 with FDE?

POCO X3 NFC stuck at boot logo (has locked bootloader)
Question: if I do a recovery - "Wipe Data" - which will do a factory reset
After that, will I be able to use an undelete program to recover the files?
If default encryption is being used - but encryption password is always the same - won't the old data be recoverable using an undelete type program?
The intent here is for me to get the phone working again - but to salvage the data from the phone internal storage as much as I can (even if is just the files that were at top level and not app-specific folders etc.).

Related

Pattern lock and security issues

Many people heard about FBI fail with android pattern lock. I became interested in this situation and found that it's possible to connect my device to PC and explore files using ClockworkMod bootloader ability to mount USB storage. This is not good, but I found another vulnerability. You can enter to Download mode and again without pattern lock or any password protection flash new firmware. After this you can exec smartphone and see all internal memory (photos, videos or any your private data).
Clockworkmod developers should and option to set password or pattern lock to their bootloader. I believe that it is a realy necessary option. But what with download mode? Is it possible to set password or pattern lock before you enter it and PC will see device ready for flashing?
What you are really wanting is a Power On Password.... This would be the only way to implement what you want to do.
I have the Galaxy Nexus and you can encrypt the entire device just like you can do with other devices. Once you have encrypted the device you cannot mount the internal storage to flash a ROM in CWM. To un-encrypt it when you are running a custom ROM you have to flash stock firmware back and you loose all your data.
Please see this report.
http://homar.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-210.html
http://homar.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-341.html
http://homar.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-349.html
ZiT777 said:
Please see this report.
http://homar.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-210.html
http://homar.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-341.html
http://homar.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-349.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be nice to read this in english. Can't understand nothing.

[Q] phone encryption and watch unlock

does anyone know how the apps that disable the password are going to work on an encrypted phone and with L on the way encrption will be enabled by default so how with the bluetooth unlock work
mikeyb1216 said:
does anyone know how the apps that disable the password are going to work on an encrypted phone and with L on the way encrption will be enabled by default so how with the bluetooth unlock work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Encrypted devices require a password to unlock storage at boot. Without that, it can't boot as all the /data partition is locked.
It is this password that decrypts storage. From that point on, whilst booted, you simply have a normal password. The device is unencrypted at that point.
That said, no one knows what changes in encryption will be implemented with L
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

hide data partition in twrp

I have a unbranded android phone stuck on kitkat and will encrypt fine but have installed a custom rom marshmallow. This doesnt encrypt at all (green robot, reboot and nothing).
What i would like to do is to hide the data partition from twrp so if it gets lost no one can access data. Should be able to lock unlock from os that way i can atleast ensure data is safe. Ideally i would like to encrypt but it cannot find a custom rom with encryption. I cannot lock BL again as it hangs most likely i think cos it rooted. any info ?
I think you can't really hide a partition - really hide data in a partition, even if a dot is 1st character of name of a directory and/or file or the empty .nomedia file is present in a directory. But, if Android is rooted, there a quick and easy, non-desctructable method to make sure the data can’t be accessed without doing some effort. Useful to hide data from a layperson.
The method is simple: flip the 5th least significant bit of the partition ID. The 0x83 for Linux partitions becomes 0x93. Let’s say we want to hide the partition /dev/sdd1 we run in Terminal window
Code:
su
sfdisk --change-id /dev/sdd 1 93
Note: sfdisk is part of BusyBox
thats what im looking or, any chance theres an app for this ? using commands phone side is a bit tricky, an app could make like work of that. Still its good enough maybe.
Deleted member 1890170 said:
I think you can't really hide a partition - really hide data in a partition, even if a dot is 1st character of name of a directory and/or file or the empty .nomedia file is present in a directory. But, if Android is rooted, there a quick and easy, non-desctructable method to make sure the data can’t be accessed without doing some effort. Useful to hide data from a layperson.
The method is simple: flip the 5th least significant bit of the partition ID. The 0x83 for Linux partitions becomes 0x93. Let’s say we want to hide the partition /dev/sdd1 we run in Terminal window
Code:
su
sfdisk --change-id /dev/sdd 1 93
Note: sfdisk is part of BusyBox
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can i ask if re installin twrp make the data partition reappear ? if not then this is what i could do rather than encrypt. And do you have a more detailed guide on how to do the sfdisk thanks
androzer said:
I have a unbranded android phone stuck on kitkat and will encrypt fine but have installed a custom rom marshmallow. This doesnt encrypt at all (green robot, reboot and nothing).
What i would like to do is to hide the data partition from twrp so if it gets lost no one can access data. Should be able to lock unlock from os that way i can atleast ensure data is safe. Ideally i would like to encrypt but it cannot find a custom rom with encryption. I cannot lock BL again as it hangs most likely i think cos it rooted. any info ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP has the option to password lock TWRP.
Droidriven said:
TWRP has the option to password lock
Droidriven said:
TWRP has the option to password lock TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont think it has but even if it does whats the point ? you could reflash twrp writing over the password. But which twrp has this version or where is this option ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@nidowak653
No, flashing TWRP will not remove the password because the password is stored in data partition, not in recovery.
As far as I know, it is and has always been an option in TWRP.
Also, relocking bootloader would wipe all data on the device, defeating the purpose of trying to encrypt/protect your data.
You are aware that if your device is lost or stolen, you can go to your Google account online and use the "Find My Device" option to remotely wipe your device of all data.
Droidriven said:
@nidowak653
No, flashing TWRP will not remove the password because the password is stored in data partition, not in recovery.
As far as I know, it is and has always been an option in TWRP.
Also, relocking bootloader would wipe all data on the device, defeating the purpose of trying to encrypt/protect your data.
You are aware that if your device is lost or stolen, you can go to your Google account online and use the "Find My Device" option to remotely wipe your device of all data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i cannot find any option in twrp to lock the recovery with password, also read this
Why doesn't TWRP have password protection?
I’ve had people ask enough for a protected TWRP that I’m creating this page as a response so I don’t have to retype. If you’re seeing this page, you’re proba...
twrp.me
i only want encrypt to be able to use the fone for work purposes i dont really care about the data or the phone itself they can be replaced but havin encrypt means i can work on it.

[Xiaomi] How to unlock phone after forgetting the password.

Hello,
today it happened that I forgot a password to my phone. I've tried to restore it by logging in into my xiaomi account and my google account. Unfortunately it only offers to wipe my data, which I want to avoid at all costs.
I have Poco F2 Pro on MIUI 13
Is there known a bug which could in any way make me unable to log into my phone?
Please help me. I am really desperate. I beg you. If you need any information about this case and it's sensible to share it there, please ask.
people report similar on updates, but I don't think it's official known bug. however, there is gatekeeper in background which will deny correct password after too many attempts, timeout increases up to 1 trial per day. if something corrupted it might happen this deny is silent without notifying you.
so best what you can do for now is nothing, just wait for 24 hours and keep on charging.
perwell said:
Hello,
today it happened that I forgot a password to my phone. I've tried to restore it by logging in into my xiaomi account and my google account. Unfortunately it only offers to wipe my data, which I want to avoid at all costs.
I have Poco F2 Pro on MIUI 13
Is there known a bug which could in any way make me unable to log into my phone?
Please help me. I am really desperate. I beg you. If you need any information about this case and it's sensible to share it there, please ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you're decrypted you can delete your lockscreen in twrp if you're encrypted you'll need to remember your password otherwise it's wipe data
@jons99 if OP would have the availability to access lockdettings it would be also possible to backup data, right?
aIecxs said:
people report similar on updates, but I don't think it's official known bug. however, there is gatekeeper in background which will deny correct password after too many attempts, timeout increases up to 1 trial per day. if something corrupted it might happen this deny is silent without notifying you.
so best what you can do for now is nothing, just wait for 24 hours and keep on charging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be strange to ask again for password every 2 minutes and silently block out for the whole day. Actually it would rather bad for the actual users rather than unauthorized break in.
I've tried many times and I'm quite sure that I've typed the correct password at least once. Are there any options like blocking it through Xiaomi cloud and maybe it would ask to log into the account. I've tried changing the password but it still does not work (maybe it was made after too many attempts).
Does the password to phone change when it is changed to the Xiaomi account?
as stated above, it doesn't matter you typed the correct password
aIecxs said:
@jons99 if OP would have the availability to access lockdettings it would be also possible to backup data, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any one with working twrp can access the lockscreen file but if your device is encrypted you'll be locked out if you delete it
Poco F2 Pro on MIUI 13 /data/system/lockdettings.db is unencrypted despites /data partition is encrypted?
aIecxs said:
Poco F2 Pro on MIUI 13 /data/system/lockdettings.db is unencrypted despites /data partition is encrypted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if his data partition is encrypted then it doesn't matter deleting locksettings won't help
except for most Xiaomi devices encrypted with default_password where lockdettings.db can be deleted safely (if you would have access to decrypted /data partition, which would also allow you to backup /data)
aIecxs said:
except for most Xiaomi devices encrypted with default_password where lockdettings.db can be deleted safely (if you would have access to decrypted /data partition, which would also allow you to backup /data)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To access files I need to enable file transfers. Besides I also wouldn't want to risk bricking the phone.
as your bootloader is locked there is nothing you can do anyway... this was just side note question to @jons99
it's true that file-based encryption is tied to lock screen credentials, but MIUI 13 is insecure and implemented metadata encryption in a wrong way so that TWRP is able to decrypt without password, like it was common on full-disk encryption.
full-disk encryption requires decrypted partition first in order to access files on it, so the suggestion to delete locksettings.db is pointless as goal (access /data) would already achieved before. but I am curious about file-based encryption and metadata encryption leaves /data/system unencrypted. while it for sure would break file-based encryption, I am not quite sure this applies to MIUI weak metadata encryption too, if we delete locksettings.db
aIecxs said:
as your bootloader is locked there is nothing you can do anyway... this was just side note question to @jons99
it's true that file-based encryption is tied to lock screen credentials, but MIUI 13 is insecure and implemented metadata encryption in a wrong way so that TWRP is able to decrypt without password, like it was common on full-disk encryption.
full-disk encryption requires decrypted partition first in order to access files on it, so the suggestion to delete locksettings.db is pointless as goal (access /data) would already achieved before. but I am curious about file-based encryption and metadata encryption leaves /data/system unencrypted. while it for sure would break file-based encryption, I am not quite sure this applies to MIUI weak metadata encryption too, if we delete locksettings.db
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure xiaomi is using file based encryption and without the locksettings you won't be able to decrypt your data I mean the system will load but you won't be able to use it as it will show phone is starting message forever cause it won't be able to decrypt your data on the other hand I don't know much about xiaomi so I guess anything is possible
nope, actually it's metadata encryption (but I have never seen personally as I don't got such device in hands)
Code:
/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/userdata /data f2fs noatime,nosuid,nodev,reserve_root=32768,resgid=1065,fsync_mode=nobarrier,inlinecrypt,checkpoint_merge latemount,wait,formattable,fileencryption=ice,wrappedkey,keydirectory=/metadata/vold/metadata_encryption,quota,reservedsize=128M,sysfs_path=/sys/devices/platform/soc/1d84000.ufshc,checkpoint=fs
perwell said:
Hello,
today it happened that I forgot a password to my phone. I've tried to restore it by logging in into my xiaomi account and my google account. Unfortunately it only offers to wipe my data, which I want to avoid at all costs.
I have Poco F2 Pro on MIUI 13
Is there known a bug which could in any way make me unable to log into my phone?
Please help me. I am really desperate. I beg you. If you need any information about this case and it's sensible to share it there, please ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi my friend
Were you able to unlock your cell phone?
It just happened to me with a xiaomi redmi note 8 and every time I try, the device makes me wait 64 minutes.
SBUnlock said:
Hi my friend
Were you able to unlock your cell phone?
It just happened to me with a xiaomi redmi note 8 and every time I try, the device makes me wait 64 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you previously unlocked bootloader with Miflash Unlock Tool?
aIecxs said:
Did you previously unlocked bootloader with Miflash Unlock Tool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet
The truth is that I am new to this, when I investigated about Miflash Unlock Tool, I see that it is used to unlock bootloader, not to unlock cell phone security pattern.
I am right?
I need to unlock the security pattern of my cell phone
you can't unlock bootloader, it's too late. you are screwed. either give it back to the child for playing (hopefully one day it get unlocked) or factory reset phone. you can't break screen lock on locked bootloader no matter what encryption type used.
aIecxs said:
you can't unlock bootloader, it's too late. you are screwed. either give it back to the child for playing (hopefully one day it get unlocked) or factory reset phone. you can't break screen lock on locked bootloader no matter what encryption type used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU SO MUCH FRIEND,
Is there an android security option that after many failed attempts, blocks the correct pattern?
until now, theres still no solution to this bug

Factory reset didn't decrypt my Android. It's Android 11 [SOLVED]

Hello, My phone is new & fresh. Sometimes during playing games or heavy tasks, I see some lags. It's KG5K or Spark 8c model & Android 11. I noticed that my phone is already showing encrypted in 'Encryption & credentials'. I tapped on the Encrypted word but nothing comes to make it decrypt. I am a boy and a student. (Not a celebrity ) I don't want privacy or encrypted Android. I want to get highest performance from my phone. So factory reset it from 'Settings' app. But still showing encrypted. So I tried to get to the recovery mode to hard reset. I saw so many tutorials for the same model. Everywhere Volume + & Power button for this phone. I tried but can't get there. Anyway, after connecting another android via wireless adb. I commanded to go to recovery. Finally, I got there. And hard reset it.But I saw it's still encrypted . Any solution? I already lost so many app data because didn't create backup. PLEASE HELP ME DECRYPT IT. SO MY PHONE CAN BE MORE FAST!! AND LET ME USE IT ASAP. I DON'T WANT TO USE IT UNTIL I DECRYPT IT !!!!!!!!
Look inside here:
How to Decrypt an Encrypted Phone
If you have an encrypted phone, you may be wondering how to decrypt it. Answer for common questions about how to decrypt an encrypted phone.
innobytech.com
Thx. But it didn't work. They are talking about keys. Please note that I can't go through the 'encryption' button. Showing no option to disable it or to input keys. Android Device Manager also not showing Encrypt) Decrypt option. I bought it from official Tecno show room. Still if the phone is fake, how can I discover it? Or want to know if there is any way to check if my phone is really encrypted. I have doubt about that the 'setting's 'encryption' word is like a demo word just showing itself. HELP ME!!
To check Android's encryption state you may use ADB
Code:
adb devices
adb shell "getprop ro.crypto.state"
jwoegerbauer said:
To check Android's encryption state you may use ADB
Code:
adb devices
adb shell "getprop ro.crypto.state"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sir, I entered the command via wireless adb. It says "encrypted" . Please see the attached photo. I am afraid now. Help me decrypt it (specially via adb) Any command to do it? !. Please HELP ME!!
You can't remove encryption, AFAIK. Use the device with encryption.
FYI:
That happens when Android boots up
Sorry sir, but that's not a solution. I want to decrypt it. To make it faster. It's Android 11 and it's 2023. It's a modern age and nothing is impossible. (HAPPY NEW YEAR ) You can't leave it like that, sir. Thx.
You simply didn't understand it: encryption takes place when Android boots up, this is forced by Android kernel.
Flash a Custom ROM what doesn't encrypt Android.
It has 12+1 months warranty. So I don't want to install TWRP, root, Custom ROM, Customized Kerbal etc. Because, I'm a student and my exam will held within 4 month from now. Please sir assure me, as you said encryption or decryption happens when Android boots up. So it may take a while to boot up completely. I've no problem in it. Please sir tell me after it boots up is there any decryption process happens further. I meant is encryption/decryption happens only when it boots up and only for that moment. Or it continuously or Constantly run this encrypt/decrypt all the time (when the Android is powered on ) Hope ya understand . And Help to free me from this problem. Thx
lightinfo10 said:
It has 12+1 months warranty. So I don't want to install TWRP, root, Custom ROM, Customized Kerbal etc. Because, I'm a student and my exam will held within 4 month from now. Please sir assure me, as you said encryption or decryption happens when Android boots up. So it may take a while to boot up completely. I've no problem in it. Please sir tell me after it boots up is there any decryption process happens further. I meant is encryption/decryption happens only when it boots up and only for that moment. Or it continuously or Constantly run this encrypt/decrypt all the time (when the Android is powered on ) Hope ya understand . And Help to free me from this problem. Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then you can't decrypt. you need to format in twrp, reboot into twrp, and flash the decrypt file for your device.
Encryption is mandatory in Android 10 and up.
Factory Data Reset won't decrypt your device and will only regenerate new encryption keys.
The only way to decrypt your device is to unlock the bootloader, and flash no-encrypt in a custom recovery to prevent re-encrypting the flash memory.
Phones nowadays can't experience performance impact from encryption since they have a Dedicated AES engine implemented in hardware so that they can decrypt blocks in memory on-the-fly. You shouldn't really be decrypting your device as it is NOT RECOMMENDED.
Though if you really want to decrypt your device, some phones are decrypted by not using a lock screen as some phones require a lock screen so that they can get data from there to derive a secure encryption key.
Look, your phone doesn't slow down for encryption, the problem you have is that your phone is a low end device. Even if you manage to decrypt it, you won't see any difference except that if someone steals your phone, they will have every data you have. You need to optimize it, you may root it and delete system apps and things like that, when I want a boost in games, i temporary disable Google Play Services and Google Play, then the phone goes faster.
lightinfo10 said:
Hello, My phone is new & fresh. Sometimes during playing games or heavy tasks, I see some lags. It's KG5K or Spark 8c model & Android 11. I noticed that my phone is already showing encrypted in 'Encryption & credentials'. I tapped on the Encrypted word but nothing comes to make it decrypt. I am a boy and a student. (Not a celebrity ) I don't want privacy or encrypted Android. I want to get highest performance from my phone. So factory reset it from 'Settings' app. But still showing encrypted. So I tried to get to the recovery mode to hard reset. I saw so many tutorials for the same model. Everywhere Volume + & Power button for this phone. I tried but can't get there. Anyway, after connecting another android via wireless adb. I commanded to go to recovery. Finally, I got there. And hard reset it.But I saw it's still encrypted . Any solution? I already lost so many app data because didn't create backup. PLEASE HELP ME DECRYPT IT. SO MY PHONE CAN BE MORE FAST!! AND LET ME USE IT ASAP. I DON'T WANT TO USE IT UNTIL I DECRYPT IT !!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to you all ! I fully understood the situation. [SOLVED]

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