Flashing stock recovery only - General Questions and Answers

Hi there, I'm having no luck finding a solution to my problem anywhere.
I'm using a Galaxy S7 running Oreo (I know, old school), and like many phones, it came with a bunch of apps that can't be uninstalled unless you have root access. So, I installed TWRP, and then Magisk v23, and then I installed a root uninstaller in order to remove the apps in question.
However, I use Revolut and an app for the bank I'm with, and so while my device is rooted, I am locked out of both.
What I want is to have the disable-only apps gone, and my device unrooted and back to normal so I can use Revolut and said banking app.
I believe uninstalling Magisk should unroot the device, but without Magisk installed, I can't boot into the system because of TWRP and the whole dm-verity thing. So, I want to replace TWRP with the stock recovery, which, if I'm correct, should achieve the desired outcome.
I downloaded the exact firmware for my phone from sammobile, and the recovery file can be extracted from it easily, but I don't really know how to go about flashing said file, or even if I can. Odin isn't working for me.
I tried flashing the whole "AP" file via Odin (the latest version), but that restored the device back to it's factory state, disable-only apps and all.
So can anyone help me with this? Or is what I want to do here even possible? I'd really appreciate some input / advice. Thanks!
P.S. maybe you can tell, but I'm kind of a noob, so apologies if I'm overlooking something obvious.

Android's recovery where it doesn't matter whether it's Stock or Custom can't be used to unroot Android if it got rooted by TWRP and/or Magisk this because phone's boot.img got tampered by those: you'ld have to completely re-flash phone's Stock ROM to get rid off of all modifications you applied so far.

Okay then, thanks for explaining.
Just to be clear, what you're saying is that it isn't possible to unroot a device and then restore just its stock recovery (to replace TWRP). You cannot undo modifications made to boot.img and therefore must re-flash the stock firmware?

What I do with unwanted system apps on other android phones is to remove the .apk from /system by booting into recovery and using the shell/adb with u**x commands (actually move them somewhere they can't be seen by the O/S with mv command).
Also when faced with dm-verity, Magisk just modified the boot.img
and changes fstab to take out verify from system mount & patches init and removed /verity_key.
I was able to uninstall Magisk (only phone mod was unlocked boot loader allowing custom boot over usb).

Related

stupid question.. but .. (TWRP & PingPong Root)

so I have an S6 G920I, and I am planning to root with Ping Pong, because I want to flash XtreoStos lite ROM
However I am aware I need TWRP recovery to flash ROM. so, my question is, after PingPong root, if I download like TWRP Manager to install latest TWRP, it won't trip KNOX right?
I have a SM-G925T, rooted with ping pong, tried to install recovery via TWRP Manager, but then ran into a boot loop and could not access recovery. My KNOX is currently tripped, but I believe that's due to redoing the TWRP install via Odin. Anyway, if you happen to run into a similar situation, I just opened a thread on my issues:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6/help/twrp-flash-boot-recovery-odin-fails-to-t3121733
Good luck!
ever0095 said:
I have a SM-G925T, rooted with ping pong, tried to install recovery via TWRP Manager, but then ran into a boot loop and could not access recovery. My KNOX is currently tripped, but I believe that's due to redoing the TWRP install via Odin. Anyway, if you happen to run into a similar situation, I just opened a thread on my issues:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6/help/twrp-flash-boot-recovery-odin-fails-to-t3121733
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you! I've decided to just root with Ping Pong and stick with rooted stock ODEXED ROM.
however, I believe to completely delete system apps from ODEX ROM, i'll need to delete the app via titanium backup AND deleted the .odex file in a file explorer. can anyone confirm this?
cos i've expereinced roted stock ROMs where after deleting system apps from titanium, a reboot actualy brings those apps back via "updated' on play store

[Q] why aren't there any Roma for our A9 ?

Besides the Cm (that has very low sound) why aren't there Roms for the A9 ?
This a copy/paste from somewhere in this forum, but I think its due to these reasons:
With the A9 (and the M9 prior to it), HTC has moved to a block-based OTA system. This means that even mounting system as read-write (as TWRP typically does during startup checks) will nullify the device's ability to take an OTA. Any other changes to the system partition will also cause an OTA to fail (even if that check is removed from the OTA zip) due to "unexpected contents."
Since the A9 has dm-verity enabled and forces encryption by default, root can only be achieved using the new "systemless" root methods. There are two currently working methods:
seSuperuser (this requires flashing only flashing a zip and installing an app from the Play Store)
SuperSU (automatically disables forced encryption & dm-verity, but requires a "Format Data" in TWRP)
There is also no way to take an OTA after you root. However, prior to rooting, you can take a fully untouched system image backup with TWRP, which can be used to restore a fully stock system to the device in order to take an OTA.
How do I backup stock recovery prior to flashing TWRP?
You can't. The "fastboot boot" command appears to be disabled on the A9's ABOOT, so TWRP must be fastboot flashed over stock recovery. The firmware zip included in the OTA will include a usable stock recovery image. That can be extracted and flashed after stock system is restored so that the OTA can be applied.
How do I restore stock system so that I can accept an OTA?
Check the "Mount system as read-only" box in the Mount menu.
Restore stock "System Image" backup (This will only work if you've made a System Image backup prior to making any modifications to /system).
Fastboot flash stock recovery (fastboot flash recovery recovery_signed.img)
NOTE: It is also possible to restore stock recovery via the TWRP GUI. Rename the stock recovery file to "recovery.emmc.win" and place in the backup folder with the stock system image. Recovery will then show as a restore option. MAKE SURE YOU REALLY WANT TO DO THIS, AS TWRP WILL BE GONE WHEN YOU REBOOT OUT OF RECOVERY!!
Reboot to system, install OTA.
What if I have an RUU? Do I need to worry about all this OTA nonsense?
Not if you don't care about losing all your data. If you're S-ON and have an RUU available for your exact variant (model ID and CID must match) and software number (main version must be the same or newer), then you can get back to a fully stock state by relocking (fastboot oem lock) and flashing an RUU. However, if you'd prefer to take an OTA to keep your data intact, the method stated above is how to do so. Or, you can just run a custom ROM and wait for your ROM chef to update their ROM to the latest software (though you'll still have to find a way to update your firmware if you're not S-OFF)
After I go through all this and successfully apply an OTA, how do I make sure I have a clean starting point again?
After the OTA is applied and TWRP is flashed, it will once again detect an untouched system, which will mount system read-only and allow you to make a fully stock backup and start the process over again, this time with the new base.
I think maybe it's because most of the devs have the m9 and are waiting for the M10 or whatever its called, the nexus also requires systemless root etc but has plenty of roms because lots of devs have purchased one, big question for me now that these devs know htc are making the new nexus is how popular the M10 will be?
Sent from my HTC One A9 using Tapatalk

[SOLVED] Passing SafetyNet

I've been using an E6653 for the last few months with the Customized UK firmware (32.2.A.0.253). I was initially using it unmodified with Android Pay, then about a month ago Magisk was developed that allowed you to use root and Xposed and still pass SafetyNet checks so I could still use Android Pay. Due to the cat and mouse game with Google, I didn't think having root/Xposed was worth it any more so I decided to flash the stock ROM again which should have wiped everything. I've reflashed the firmware 3 times, but I can't seem to pass SafetyNet checks anymore.
In addition to flashing the stock firmware with Flashtool, is there something else I should be doing? Any help would be appreciated.
Devo7v said:
I've been using an E6653 for the last few months with the Customized UK firmware (32.2.A.0.253). I was initially using it unmodified with Android Pay, then about a month ago Magisk was developed that allowed you to use root and Xposed and still pass SafetyNet checks so I could still use Android Pay. Due to the cat and mouse game with Google, I didn't think having root/Xposed was worth it any more so I decided to flash the stock ROM again which should have wiped everything. I've reflashed the firmware 3 times, but I can't seem to pass SafetyNet checks anymore.
In addition to flashing the stock firmware with Flashtool, is there something else I should be doing? Any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the answer to my own question. Apparently Google updated SafetyNet yesterday to detect an unlocked bootloader. If you have an unlocked bootloader then your device fails SafetyNet checks. I guess I'm never going to be able to use AndroidPay.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/587ss9/psa_android_safetynet_now_tripped_by_unlocking/
Hi,
Noobish question but do you mind telling me how you got magisk installed?
I'm rooted, unlocked bootloader and restored DRM keys bu honestly, that was hectic.
Should I simply flash the lastest FTF from flash tools and then install TWRP then flash Magisk, OR do I have to go into much more steps such as create boot img etc. Also, will I lose my DRM keys? how would I replace them? If u don't mind, just give me bullets of the step, I think i can manage to find the files.
I'm really looking for clarity and assurance. As clear as the forums are, or supposed to be, I find it noisy and sometimes it's hard to filter through all the dialogues.
Devo7v said:
I found the answer to my own question. Apparently Google updated SafetyNet yesterday to detect an unlocked bootloader. If you have an unlocked bootloader then your device fails SafetyNet checks. I guess I'm never going to be able to use AndroidPay.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/587ss9/psa_android_safetynet_now_tripped_by_unlocking/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
inteltecra1700 said:
Hi,
Noobish question but do you mind telling me how you got magisk installed?
I'm rooted, unlocked bootloader and restored DRM keys bu honestly, that was hectic.
Should I simply flash the lastest FTF from flash tools and then install TWRP then flash Magisk, OR do I have to go into much more steps such as create boot img etc. Also, will I lose my DRM keys? how would I replace them? If u don't mind, just give me bullets of the step, I think i can manage to find the files.
I'm really looking for clarity and assurance. As clear as the forums are, or supposed to be, I find it noisy and sometimes it's hard to filter through all the dialogues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you're on a fully functioning stock ROM with an unlocked bootloader. If that is the case, then it's pretty easy to get Magisk up and running. The first thing you need to do is get TWRP on your phone, to do that you need to flash a kernel that supports entering TWRP recovery from boot. There are a few kernels that allow you to do that, I am using AndroPlus v38. There is a newer version of AndroPlus, but there have been mixed reports of being able to enter TWRP.
To Flash a new Kernel and TWRP:
Download the latest kernel from https://kernel.andro.plus/ and place the <boot.img> within the zip file in the same folder with the fastboot.exe
Download the version of TWRP from https://dl.myself5.de/ and place the <recovery.img> in the same folder with the fastboot.exe
In the the folder with fastboot.exe, shift+right click and run cmd as admin
Reboot phone in to fastboot mode (hold down the volume up while plugging in usb)
Once the phone is detected type 'Fastboot devices' to make sure you device is detected.
If it's detected flash the kernel by typing the following command 'Fastboot flash boot <boot.img>' (without <>)
Then type 'Fastboot flash recovery <recovery.img>' (without <>)
Once done flashing type 'Fastboot reboot', and make sure you press volume up when the yellow led is showing
Once you've made sure that you can enter TWRP, things will be much easier from here on out. To get Magisk up and running:
Head over to the official Magisk thread and download both the Magisk Manager v2.1 apk and the Magisk v8 zip file to your phone (http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/official-magisk-v7-universal-systemless-t3473445)
Reboot your phone and enter TWRP by pressing the volume up key when the yellow led is showing
Flash the Magisk v8 zip file. This will patch Magisk into your kernel (boot.img), so if you ever want to get rid of Magisk and it's mods, just reflash your kernel either by using Fastboot or by flashing the kernel zip file through TWRP.
Once Magisk has been successfully flashed, reboot your phone
When you phone has booted up install the Magisk Manager v2.1 apk that you downloaded earlier. If everything went right, the Magisk Manager should show that everything is installed and up to date.
I hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions.
When I used to above procedure I get an error 'Response payload validation failed'. I have searched a lot in the internet and have seen a lot of people with the same bug. But I couldn't find a solution to this problem. Any ideas?
piet3r said:
When I used to above procedure I get an error 'Response payload validation failed'. I have searched a lot in the internet and have seen a lot of people with the same bug. But I couldn't find a solution to this problem. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google has added more checks to SafetyNet and the procedure above no longer works. The issue is the AndroPlus kernel does not pass SafetyNet so anything you do after that will pass either. Maybe @AndroPlus will get some time to look into it and add some fixes. In the meantime I need to find another kernel that will pass SafetyNet, but I haven't had time to try.
Maybe you could try some other kernels and let us know if you find anything that works.

On H83010i, bootloader unlocked not rooted. Want H83020f rooted

I have successfully unlocked the bootloader my H83010i version.
I started down the path to root my device using H83010d tot file but stopped because I didn't know if when I upgrade to android 7.0 versions if I would lose root?
Therefore what is the easiest way to get to H83020f rooted?
How do I go from H83010i to H83020f and be rooted?
I have rooted a lot of samsung galaxy phones but this is my first LG so I am struggling a bit to understand how to upgrade. I assume if I do an OTA update it will install the latest version? I checked for system updates and it just said there is an update and to start downloading it but I don't know which update version that is?
Please advise.
Thanks in advance.
buyslake said:
I have successfully unlocked the bootloader my H83010i version.
I started down the path to root my device using H83010d tot file but stopped because I didn't know if when I upgrade to android 7.0 versions if I would lose root?
Therefore what is the easiest way to get to H83020f rooted?
How do I go from H83010i to H83020f and be rooted?
I have rooted a lot of samsung galaxy phones but this is my first LG so I am struggling a bit to understand how to upgrade. I assume if I do an OTA update it will install the latest version? I checked for system updates and it just said there is an update and to start downloading it but I don't know which update version that is?
Please advise.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, no need to use 10D tot file anymore. Download and install 20A kdz front autoprime located here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-lg-g5/development/stock-h830-20a-rom-flashable-zips-imgs-t3511294
Once that's installed, set up your system and then follow the following guide to get TWRP an root:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-lg-g5/development/root-h830-running-30a-nougat-t3524322
After you have TWRP and root download the flashable 20F zip and install from TWRP (make sure to delete recovery from boot.p file after installing and also flash root). Here's the link to 20F:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-lg-g5/development/stock-h830-20f-rom-flashable-zips-imgs-t3592855
If you follow all of that, you will be on stock 20F, rooted and with TWRP. After that, I recommend checking out the following custom kernel and installing that and using magisk instead of SuperSU. Kernel located here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-lg-g5/development/jan-17-2017-20c-deodexed-kernels-t3539611
Hopefully that helps, if you need more help just ask.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write me this great information. I have a question about the (make sure to delete recovery from boot.p file after installing and also flash root). ???????? Is this explained clearly somewhere? I don't know what I should do.
buyslake said:
Thanks so much for taking the time to write me this great information. I have a question about the (make sure to delete recovery from boot.p file after installing and also flash root). ???????? Is this explained clearly somewhere? I don't know what I should do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After flashing the 20F version from TWRP, it creates a recovery from boot.p file in the system directory. If you don't delete this file before rebooting, you will lose TWRP. So, after doing the recowvery method to get root and TWRP and then after you flash the 20F from TWRP, after it's done flashing go to main menu of TWRP, click on mount, check system, go back to main menu, click advanced, click file manager and go-to system directory and click on the recovery from boot.p file and then delete. Now you can reboot without losing TWRP. Then you can flash SuperSU or magisk for root
Your Device software cannot be checked for corruption. Lock the bootloader
Thanks for the fast responses. After many hours of studying the posts and I finally got my LG G5 running on H830_20F_DeOdexed rom withh Asgard version 4.5 kernal and rooted with SuperSU v2.74.
However I keep getting the "your device software cannot be checked for corruption. lock the bootloader message upon starting up. see attachment
Does everyone get that message? Or is there a way to remove it?
I thought the Asgard kernal said it got rid of that?
buyslake said:
Thanks for the fast responses. After many hours of studying the posts and I finally got my LG G5 running on H830_20F_DeOdexed rom withh Asgard version 4.5 kernal and rooted with SuperSU v2.74.
However I keep getting the "your device software cannot be checked for corruption. lock the bootloader message upon starting up. see attachment
Does everyone get that message? Or is there a way to remove it?
I thought the Asgard kernal said it got rid of that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll always have that message, no current way around it. Asgard kennel will allow you to pass safety net if you use magisk instead of SuperSU for root as it hides that the bootloader is unlocked from the system.
Where is Magisk?
jeffsga88 said:
You'll always have that message, no current way around it. Asgard kennel will allow you to pass safety net if you use magisk instead of SuperSU for root as it hides that the bootloader is unlocked from the system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying that boot up message will not be there if I switch to Magisk?
I tried to find magisk but I was unable to locate the install file and instructions on how to change from SuperSU to magisk. Do you know the link to it?
buyslake said:
Are you saying that boot up message will not be there if I switch to Magisk?
I tried to find magisk but I was unable to locate the install file and instructions on how to change from SuperSU to magisk. Do you know the link to it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. I said currently there is no way to get rid of that message unless you lock the bootloader and you can't do that after modifying the system (i.e. installing TWRP and root). I said magisk will allow you to pass safety net. All that does is allow you to use apps that won't work with root / unlocked bootloader. If you don't use apps like Android pay or other apps that don't work when rooted, it really isn't necessary to switch from SuperSU to magisk. Anyways, if you're interested in magisk use Google (or XDA search) and search magisk XDA.

No way to OTA when rooted, correct?

It's been a while since I've visited.
I plan to root with magisk and keep the stock recovery (boot to TWRP to install magisk). In such a scenario, it would still not be possible to update with a normal OTA, as the update process would see the device as compromised, even with a system-less root method. Is this accurate?
floepie said:
It's been a while since I've visited.
I plan to root with magisk and keep the stock recovery (boot to TWRP to install magisk). In such a scenario, it would still not be possible to update with a normal OTA, as the update process would see the device as compromised, even with a system-less root method. Is this accurate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, as Magisk still changes something.
On my Nexus 5X it was possible to download the OTA and save it on a computer, then go to Magisk Manager, restore stock boot.img, reboot to (stock) recovery, sideload OTA via ADB, reboot to bootloader, boot TWRP via fastboot, flash Magisk and then boot your updated phone.
As I didn't test this on my Pixel 2 yet, I can not guarantee, that it works this way. Make sure, you have backups of everything!
That seems like a bunch of extra work to get the OTA. I would use the system image (downloaded from google) and apply it (removing the -w). Once applied then fastboot boot twrp.img to install magisk.
nolimit78 said:
That seems like a bunch of extra work to get the OTA. I would use the system image (downloaded from google) and apply it (removing the -w). Once applied then fastboot boot twrp.img to install magisk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose this is what most people do, but it still seems like a pain to keep root. Maybe I will see if I can go rootless for as long as I can stand to see the ads. I really don't know what else I would need for root access for these days. After a bit of hiatus with the iphone, I've grown a bit lazy lately.
My suggestion involves 2.5 steps. It's far less painful than trying to use the OTA. That's what I do and I'm systemless rooted with Magisk.
I used to do the whole system image thing, until I realized that even with the hassle of patching the boot image with Magisk, applying the OTA update is likely faster.
nolimit78 said:
That seems like a bunch of extra work to get the OTA. I would use the system image (downloaded from google) and apply it (removing the -w). Once applied then fastboot boot twrp.img to install magisk.
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Click to collapse

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