Database Info

Apply Monthly System Update to Systemless Root ... REALITY CHECK!

Hi everyone
More than a question, I wanted to share some steps I plan to follow to apply the monthly system update and check I am on the right track. I had a Google Pixel 2 for a few months and I am learning more about the model every day.
Previously, I tried to follow different procedures found here on XDA such as applying OTA with boot images temporarily restored but I ended up with a bootloop not event TWRP could fix since all data was encrypted.
Objective:
Update the system to the latest Pixel 2 update (in this case Feb 2018) avoiding bootloops or bricks
Current Status:
Pixel 2 Walleye with Jan 2018 update
Rooted systemlessly with Magisk
No Magisk modules installed
/system modified since I have AdAway and other apps
No BusyBox installed
No Custom Recovery installed
Proposed steps:
Uninstall Magisk completely
Remove root apps from Device Admin (such as Greenify, Tasker, etc.)
Download latest factory image from Google
Extract the following from the image zip:
bootloader.img
radio.img
boot.img
dbto.img
cache.img
system.img
recovery.img​
Restart phone into booloader
Fastboot bootloader.img
Reboot the bootloader
Fastboot the following commands in this order:
radio.img
boot.img
dbto.img
cache.img
system.img
recovery.img​
Reboot phone
Install Magisk by patching boot
Re-run root apps (AdAway, etc.)
Renable root apps as Device Admin (Tasker, Greenify, etc.)
Is the above safe enough to avoid bootloop and also not lose apps and data installed?
I am aware any modifications to /system will be lost.
Have a look, let me know if on track, and if you want, give me your blessing.

Yesterday I used Dueces bootloop recovery script to update without losing anything.
I had magisk + TWRP installed
Download full update not OTA, extract to program tools directory or where you keep your goodies. Pull all factory update in folder with deuces recovery script.
From stk rooted ROM reboot bootloader,
Run dueces script from bootloader
After finished script No to format data
Reboot system when done.
From there you should be good to go, you will need to repatch but image in magisk and all that but i lost no data and had no issues
So I was on 1.171019.019 installed 1.172019.21 from fastboot with script and wiped nothing and lost nothing..
** My directions are probably incomplete so follow his instructions in his OP.

This has been discussed all over the place on the forums but you're over complicating the update process. Here's what you do:
Code:
Download the latest Pixel update
extract the update in your ADB folder on a computer
reboot to bootloader
look for the flash-all.bat and remove the -w at the bottom of that code, Save that file (the -w is what causes the device to be wiped)
run flash-all.bat
once that finishes you can fastboot boot twrp.img
it won't decrypt (Feb update broke TWRP decryption) but go read only and get into ADB Sideload mode
adb sideload kernel.zip
adb sideload magisk.zip
reboot
This is what I've done everytime (minus the adb sideload) and I have had zero issues. No loss of data being the biggest concern. Did this using the march update just yesterday and now I'm good to go.
It is worth saying when you start trying to flash (roms, kernels ect..) and you get a little crazy, Dueces Bootloop Recovery script is 100% something to have on deck if something /does/ go wrong.

nolimit78 said:
adb sideload kernel.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kernel.zip from where? The OTA? One you saved with TWRP on it?
I currently have TWRP and Magisk (default - nothing changed yet) installed on the February update. Is this going to be a monthly thing - flash the update, reinstall TWRP, reinstall Magisk? Not a complaint, just want to know what I'm doing. (Samsung, for all its faults, was a little easier after 6 years of not even having to look at what I was doing. I'll get comfortable with the Pixel, but this is my first update with TWRP and Magisk installed - it did the February update almost before I could read the screen.)

Rukbat said:
kernel.zip from where? The OTA? One you saved with TWRP on it?
I currently have TWRP and Magisk (default - nothing changed yet) installed on the February update. Is this going to be a monthly thing - flash the update, reinstall TWRP, reinstall Magisk? Not a complaint, just want to know what I'm doing. (Samsung, for all its faults, was a little easier after 6 years of not even having to look at what I was doing. I'll get comfortable with the Pixel, but this is my first update with TWRP and Magisk installed - it did the February update almost before I could read the screen.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kernel.zip is whatever kernel you'd like to use (flash or elemental) but it's not required. I just rename for shorter commands for ADB Yes, you've hit the nail on the head. If you're going to be stock/rooted, you'll have to do this every month to stay current.

And we're still waiting for Dees_Troy to figure out how to add decryption back to TWRP, so it's reinstall everything - including fingerprints - every month. Oh, well. (Hey, no pressure, Dees_Troy - I appreciate just having TWRP on this thing.)

Rukbat said:
And we're still waiting for Dees_Troy to figure out how to add decryption back to TWRP, so it's reinstall everything - including fingerprints - every month. Oh, well. (Hey, no pressure, Dees_Troy - I appreciate just having TWRP on this thing.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my process outline, you don't have to remove fingerprints.

To boot to TWRP to handle files that you already copied to the phone? TWRP doesn't decrypt the names any more, does it? So all you see is garbage (encrypted hash, I guess). If I want to restore a backup I have to remove the PIN, which seems to remove the fingerprints. Or are you saying to restore the PIN and the fingerprints are still active?

Rukbat said:
To boot to TWRP to handle files that you already copied to the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, this is only to apply the update and flash a custom kernel and magisk
Rukbat said:
TWRP doesn't decrypt the names any more, does it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it sure doesn't. This was caused by the Feb Update
Rukbat said:
If I want to restore a backup I have to remove the PIN, which seems to remove the fingerprints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, to do anything in TWRP (outside of ADB Sideloading) you'll need to remove the PIN.

And evidently something else. I removed the PIN, updated, and the phone's been sitting on the G screen for half an hour. So I rebooted to the bootloader, locked it, and now I'm flashing 021. I have a bad feeling that I'm going to be stuck.
---------- Post added at 05:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:10 PM ----------
As I feared. So I followed Google's instructions to flash the factory image. It went fine, until I got:
Created filesystem with 11/7389184 inodes and 511894/29553659 blocks
Erase successful, but not automatically formatting.
Can't determine partition type.
FAILED (remote: GetVar Variable Not found)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then it wrote the system, but
writing 'system'...
OKAY [ -0.000s]
sending sparse 'system' (524284 KB)...
FAILED (remote: No such partition.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It never reboots. If I reboot at that point, I get the recovery screen.
If I reboot into the bootloader and lock it, I get the bootloader with "ERROR: LoadImageAndAuth Failed: Load Error" at the bottom.
I was able to load twrp.img and use it to sideload twrp.zip, but that still doesn't get me back to Android. I tried b ooting into A and B and got the same result - TWRP.
What next? Is there a fix, or does this one have to be replaced also?

Rukbat said:
And evidently something else. I removed the PIN, updated, and the phone's been sitting on the G screen for half an hour. So I rebooted to the bootloader, locked it, and now I'm flashing 021. I have a bad feeling that I'm going to be stuck.
---------- Post added at 05:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:10 PM ----------
As I feared. So I followed Google's instructions to flash the factory image. It went fine, until I got:
Then it wrote the system, but
It never reboots. If I reboot at that point, I get the recovery screen.
If I reboot into the bootloader and lock it, I get the bootloader with "ERROR: LoadImageAndAuth Failed: Load Error" at the bottom.
I was able to load twrp.img and use it to sideload twrp.zip, but that still doesn't get me back to Android. I tried b ooting into A and B and got the same result - TWRP.
What next? Is there a fix, or does this one have to be replaced also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh my gosh. Stop sending your phone back.
Update your platform-tools. Change cables. Change ports. Use the search function.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

I'm not exactly new at this. Different cable, every USB port (including a 2.0 port, new download of both Google's driver and adb/fastboot, a new download of the firmware (and the sha256 is correct).
The next thing I'm going to try, as soon as I finish eating, is another computer. If that fails, and I'm pretty sure it will, I'll call Google tech support. Since it happened twice during an OTA, on two different phones, I may be able to get someone who knows how to feed the firmware into a nearly dead phone. I'm just looking for ideas I haven't had, when I post here. I'm about out of ideas. Again.

Evidently some computer manufacturers don't exactly build what they claim to build. My desktop has 2 USB 3.0 ports (which I already knew wouldn't work) and - supposedly - a USB 2.0 port. Flashing the firmware on the "2.0" port didn't work. Evidently it's not 2.0.
So I resurrected an old Windows 8.0 laptop. I think it has 0 cores running at 0MHz - it's SLOW! But it finally flashed the February update. Tomorrow (it's going on midnight here, and the phone is still downloading the last Google backup) I'll update to March.
Madness - but at least I have a working phone, and know how to get it working again if I need to (and have a few lifetimes to do it). And I have another laptop in the closet that actually works. That one gets resurrected next.

So what you're experiencing isn't new or an issue with your phone that you'd need to RMA the device. It's a learning curve because the A/B partitions are a completely different beast compared to older/other Android devices. Use Duece's Bootloop Recovery script to fix your problems. It'll work and you'll be good to go. Just be sure not to wipe. During my testing, I had to figure out all this myself and was /REALLY/ close to RMA'ing my device. But I continued to research and plugging away and found that that script helps users in your situation, as I've been in that very same situation myself.

No, it's a learning curve because, even though the USB ports on the back of the case are labeled 2.0, and have black plastic, they act like 3.0 ports with a Pixel 2. Doing exactly what both I and Google tech support did with the supposed 2.0 ports, on the aging laptop with real 2.0 ports, solved the "problem" that both Google and I were having. The phone was fine, what we were doing was right, the Acer desktop has a documentation error, and that was the only problem. (Even Google didn't seem to be aware of the USB 3.0/Pixel2 incompatibility, which many of the people in the Pixel 2 forums at XDA are.)

Follow the guide in my signature, it works, and you don't have to muck around with removing PINs and fingerprints.

Thanks for paying attention, but what really bothers me is having to remove the fingerprints in order to do a backup or restore in TWRP. I'm used to just booting to it and flashing a backup if I need it for some reason. If only Google would leave the fingerprint file alone when we went to None for the lock screen, just putting the PIN back would bring the fingerprints back. There's really no reason to delete that file. Maybe delete individual prints at the user's discretion (like changing passwords every once in a while), but not delete the whole thing just because I want to back up my current configuration.

What I do is uninstall Magisk. Then do the normal update from the update page in settings. After this I copy Magisk zip file to a usb drive. I boot into twrp using ADB. It doesn't decrypt but that doesn't matter. Use the USB as storage and install Magisk zip file through TWRP. Reboot and you are done updating with Magisk installed.

That sounds like an easy way of doing it, but doesn't the update balk at the patched boot file? Mine balked at something yesterday, which is what started all the mess yesterday. (Or does Magisk have a "remove and replace the boot file" button?)

nolimit78 said:
This has been discussed all over the place on the forums but you're over complicating the update process. Here's what you do:
Code:
Download the latest Pixel update
extract the update in your ADB folder on a computer
reboot to bootloader
look for the flash-all.bat and remove the -w at the bottom of that code, Save that file (the -w is what causes the device to be wiped)
run flash-all.bat
once that finishes you can fastboot boot twrp.img
it won't decrypt (Feb update broke TWRP decryption) but go read only and get into ADB Sideload mode
adb sideload kernel.zip
adb sideload magisk.zip
reboot
This is what I've done everytime (minus the adb sideload) and I have had zero issues. No loss of data being the biggest concern. Did this using the march update just yesterday and now I'm good to go.
It is worth saying when you start trying to flash (roms, kernels ect..) and you get a little crazy, Dueces Bootloop Recovery script is 100% something to have on deck if something /does/ go wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the feedback!
One question I had for a while: flashing the data.img wipes what? Doesn't it wipe the apps you have installed?

[GUIDE] STEP-BY-STEP Instructions to Install Monthly OTA updates on Rooted Essential

[GUIDE] NOOB-Friendly STEP-BY-STEP Instructions to Install Monthly OTA updates on Rooted Essential PH-1
Introduction: I know there are many threads already posted that answer how to install OTA on rooted devices but unfortunately they get lost in massive threads that are often not NOOB friendly. I do not claim to be an expert but I have spent a long time reading threads and found the method I will detail below the easiest for me to follow on a monthly basis. I will do my best to give credit where credit is due to the original authors but my apologies in advance if I miss anything.
Just to start the prerequisites I have are a Windows 10 PC, Essential PH-1, with Stock OS and stock unlocked Bootloader. I have tried using TWRP in the past but I found this method simpler. I don't know whether my instructions will work for you or not if you already have TWRP installed but I can let one of the experts respond and I will be happy to update the guide based on feedback.
Part 1 - Downloads
Start by downloading the following items and storing them locally on your PC if you don't have them already
Download the latest OTA Monthly build from here: https://www.essential.com/developer/current-builds Note: Just check off that you are looking for "Current Builds" and click "Submit Form" and then click "Download (OTA)" link beneath the newest release you want.
Download the newest stock boot image here from bmg1001's google drive Credit:bmg1001
(FIRST TIME ONLY) Download and install the Windows driver (if you don't already have on your computer) from here: https://storage.googleapis.com/essential-static/Essential-PH1-WindowsDrivers.exe
(FIRST TIME ONLY) Download ADB tool (if you don't have already on your computer) from here: https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html This link is directly from Essentials site here in their "Before Sideloading" section it is the link entitled "You'll need the latest ADB tool"
To continue you must have developer options USB Debugging enabled which I presume was already done previously if your phone is rooted but if not you must do so before proceeding.
To Enable Developer Options: Settings App> System> About Phone> Scroll Down to Bottom and tap 7 times on the "Build Number"
To Enable USB Debugging: Settings App> Developer Options> USB Debugging (Set to Enabled)
Part 2 - Sideload the OTA Update
DISCLAIMER: This method if done properly should not wipe any of your data, however I take no responsibility and it is always advisable to back up your data before proceeding with any updates if you wish. I will be honest that I have now done this several times and never had any issues.
Unzip the ADB tool (link above in downloads section is for "platform-tools") and save it to a folder easily accesible on your computer (for this demonstration I will use "C:\platform-tools")
Copy the OTA update file to your ADB folder i.e. "C:\platform-tools" and rename it "OTAupdate.zip" (it is not necessary to rename it, just makes this simpler for the guide)
Verify the checksum of the image. I use hashtab which allows you to right click on any file and click properties and see the hashes as a tab in the properties menu. The SHA-256 is listed right under the OTA download link just copy and paste it in to the hashtab to verify
Remove your PIN / Password before sideloading by going to Settings> Security & Location> Screen Lock> Set it to None (this probably isn't necessary I just do it as a precaution)
Plug Essential Phone into computer and make sure that it says USB Debugging Enabled
Open the folder "C:\platform-tools" in Windows File Explorer and hold shift and right click in the window and you select the option "Open Powershell window here" from the context menu (works in Windows 10 can't speak for earlier Windows versions). If you don't see it the first time Shift+right click on a different part of the empty white window and you should see it appear.
Verify your device is properly connected by typing
Code:
adb devices
and you should see your device listed
Type
Code:
adb reboot recovery
Note:If you're unable to use ADB to reboot into recovery, you can use the key combination for your device. While device is off to boot into Recovery mode, press and hold Volume-Up button while pushing Power button to boot.
Your device is now in Recovery mode. An Android logo with red exclamation mark should appear on screen. Hold the Power button, then press the Volume-Up button one time. When the menu appears, select Apply update from ADB.
Run the following command:
Code:
adb devices
Then check that your device shows up with “sideload” next to its name
Run the following command:
Code:
adb sideload OTAupdate.zip
where OTAupdate.zip is the name of the file you downloaded and verified
Once the update finishes, select Reboot system now to reboot your phone
At this point you should have a stock updated essential device but without root. The remainder of this guide will use Magisk to restore your device to root.
Part 3 - Re-root your Device with Magisk
Copy newest boot image from here that you downloaded earlier to a folder directly on your phone. I personally put it in my "Download" folder on my phone so I can find it easily
Open Magisk Manager and click Install>Install>Patch Boot Image
Select the boot image from step 1 and then let Magisk proceed in creating a patched image file
Copy the file "magisk_patched.img" file that Magisk just created from your device back to the computer and put it in the ADB folder "C:\platform-tools"
Plug in phone and open powershell same as before (shift+ right click> Open Powershell window here)
Type
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
to reboot your phone into fastboot
Confirm your phone is in fastboot by typing
Code:
fastboot devices
Then check that your device shows up with “fastboot” next to its name
Execute the command
Code:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
Restart your phone and you are done! Don't forget to put your phone PIN/Password back if you disabled security in the earlier step.
You should now have a successfully updated phone with full ROOT access with Magisk. I know that this guide seems like a lot of steps but it really goes very quickly, I just tried to be detailed and NOOB-Friendly.
Hope this helps all of my fellow XDA members!! Please share any and all feedback. Thanks!
Full credit goes to this thread for helping me with everything: [GUIDE] Rooting your Essential PH-1

The way I do *updates* is different (not the initial TWRP/ root).
I use the same Essential developer link as in part 1-1. I also have a copy of twrp-installer-mata-3.2.3-0 zip file on my device.
Boot to TWRP, and do a complete nandroid.
Then install the OTA file just like it's any other zip and when it's done, install the twrp-installer-mata-3.2.3-0 zip file. You can simply put them both into the flash queue before starting the flash.
This TWRP installer will install to both slots ensuring that the inactive slot has it installed. Wipe dalvik and then reboot to system which will be in the opposite slot from the one you started at.
The OTA will always flash to the inactive slot and the bootloader will switch to the slot the OTA was flashed to.
The initial boot takes a few minutes. Once I verify the ROM boots correctly, then I reboot to TWRP and flash Magisk. This ensures that Magisk get installed to the same slot that is now active.
I agree it's safer to remove screen pin, so far I have gotten away with never remembering to do that [emoji16]
If the flash fails, the bootloader should just switch you back to the original slot. I would expect that to boot fine, with one exception... The bootloader was changed between 8.1.1 and 9.0. So if you are going between major versions, the original slot will bootloop after the update.
One more note, a pet peeve of mine; when referencing a post that is older, make sure that you review the forums for changes. TWRP might have a required newer release, the methods that once worked may no longer work. If you are not sure or comfortable recovering, then don't be an early adopter. [emoji6]
"find somebody that you think is undeserving of your compassion and give it to them" - Christian Picciolini

ktmom said:
The way I do *updates* is different (not the initial TWRP/ root).
I use the same Essential developer link as in part 1-1. I also have a copy of twrp-installer-mata-3.2.3-0 zip file on my device.
Boot to TWRP, and do a complete nandroid.
Then install the OTA file just like it's any other zip and when it's done, install the twrp-installer-mata-3.2.3-0 zip file. You can simply put them both into the flash queue before starting the flash.
This TWRP installer will install to both slots ensuring that the inactive slot has it installed. Wipe dalvik and then reboot to system which will be in the opposite slot from the one you started at.
The OTA will always flash to the inactive slot and the bootloader will switch to the slot the OTA was flashed to.
The initial boot takes a few minutes. Once I verify the ROM boots correctly, then I reboot to TWRP and flash Magisk. This ensures that Magisk get installed to the same slot that is now active.
I agree it's safer to remove screen pin, so far I have gotten away with never remembering to do that [emoji16]
If the flash fails, the bootloader should just switch you back to the original slot. I would expect that to boot fine, with one exception... The bootloader was changed between 8.1.1 and 9.0. So if you are going between major versions, the original slot will bootloop after the update.
One more note, a pet peeve of mine; when referencing a post that is older, make sure that you review the forums for changes. TWRP might have a required newer release, the methods that once worked may no longer work. If you are not sure or comfortable recovering, then don't be an early adopter. [emoji6]
"find somebody that you think is undeserving of your compassion and give it to them" - Christian Picciolini
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you know i just finished writing my own guide to do it after i had trouble with the sticky posts. for me, magisk couldnt find the stock boot so i had to pretty much redo it. i did most things with back-to-stock and fastboot. but now i really wanna try your method through twrp. i been using the patched_twrp_magisk_stock.img images which have twrp and magisk in the same image. using your method, in twrp, could i flash the ota, the patched_twrp_magisk_stock.img, switch slots in twrp, flash patched_twrp_magisk_stock.img again, then switch back to the original slot and reboot system? thanks!
this thread has the patched_twrp_magisk_stock.img images
https://forum.xda-developers.com/essential-phone/development/stock-7-1-1-nmj20d-t3701681

@andypiznti
There's no need to manually switch slots. And no reason to flash the TWRP *installer* file twice. The first time it runs, it patches both slots.
IMHO, trying to control slots is what gets people into trouble.
I do pay attention to what slot I'm on before I start though. In TWRP, if you go to the reboot menu, it will tell you. But the way I flash, I stay on the slot I started with. The OTA will always flash to the opposite slot - which should be the inactive slot. Flashing the TWRP *installer* file just once, patches both slots.
Just wipe dalvik (and cache but there is no cache partition so it will error - just ignore the error) then reboot to system like we've done after custom ROMs for years.
The next boot, the bootloader knows to switch to the slot with the newest OS.
After a successful boot, when you return to TWRP, you'll see the slot is the opposite one from when you started. But you didn't need to do any slot switching.
Don't force things. Let the slots take care of themselves.
I also think, there is less likely to be trouble with Magisk and the boot.img, if you boot fully after an update, before returning to recovery to flash Magisk. Remember that both TWRP and Magisk are making changes to the boot.img.
Final thought, unless I seriously misunderstand Magisk, if you rooted using an all-in-one boot.img you won't have a back up of the "stock" boot.img to restore, making the Magisk uninstaller useless. The backup made when installing Magisk is stored on the data partition, not the boot partition. This is why the instructions in BTS tell you to flash the stock boot.img and provide a copy of it.
"find somebody that you think is undeserving of your compassion and give it to them" - Christian Picciolini

The beauty of my method in the OP is you don't need to worry at all about the correct "slots" like you have to with TWRP...

ktmom said:
@andypiznti
I also think, there is less likely to be trouble with Magisk and the boot.img, if you boot fully after an update, before returning to recovery to flash Magisk. Remember that both TWRP and Magisk are making changes to the boot.img.
Final thought, unless I seriously misunderstand Magisk, if you rooted using an all-in-one boot.img you won't have a back up of the "stock" boot.img to restore, making the Magisk uninstaller useless. The backup made when installing Magisk is stored on the data partition, not the boot partition. This is why the instructions in BTS tell you to flash the stock boot.img and provide a copy of it.
"find somebody that you think is undeserving of your compassion and give it to them" - Christian Picciolini
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok that answers a lot. thanks! the guide i made for myself had me flashing the stock image with bts. i was curious about the full boot after an update, i was thinking the same thing in that it might cause problems with magisk, but i also thought twrp would cause problems too. the reason i mentioned switching slots and flashing is the all-in-one img only flashes to one slot at a time, i believe.
heres my guide for reference, its kinda long. but these were the exact steps i followed and was successful. had to flash the img twice, kept rebooting into recovery if i didnt.
Applying OTA for Essential Phone when Magisk doesn't have stock boot
Boot to recovery with Magisk
Back up at least system and boot
Boot to bootloader with TWRP
Extract back to stock (BTS) for CURRENT INSTALLED VERSION, not the update BTS version
Once in bootloader, connect phone->old phone plug, SSD plug
Run flashallnowipe.bat, once bootloader reboots, select Start, unplug phone
Uninstall Magisk like a regular app
Do OTA->settings->advanced->system update
after reboot->reboot while holding volume down until in download/fastboot mode
***REMEMBER!! Flash on the opposite slot of the current slot
***so if im on slot a, flash slot b.
make sure to extract Essential_ADB_and_FASTBOOT.zip in BTS folder then->cmd-here.exe
fastboot getvar current-slot
***
fastboot flash boot_a dec_patched_twrp_magisk_stock.img
fastboot flash boot_b dec_patched_twrp_magisk_stock.img
***Switch to other slot
fastboot --set-active=a
fastboot --set-active=b
***Just to double check, REMEMBER!! Flash on the opposite slot of the current slot
fastboot getvar current-slot
***
fastboot flash boot_a dec_patched_twrp_magisk_stock.img
fastboot flash boot_b dec_patched_twrp_magisk_stock.img
***Switch back to orig slot
fastboot --set-active=a
fastboot --set-active=b
On the phone fastboot menu, select Start, unplug phone
Manager asks if you wanna install it, no, it downloads the wrong one, maybe works now?
Install Magisk Manager->https://github.com/ianmacd/MagiskBuilds
IT HAS TO BE THIS APK, Download any apk version from above github, install
when you open Manager, then download the newest apk, dont update image
Manager and Image update daily, ignore till next month OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

hssxda said:
The beauty of my method in the OP is you don't need to worry at all about the correct "slots" like you have to with TWRP...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what more I could do to make the point it's not necessary to worry about slots in TWRP.
@andypiznti. The all-in-one is Fastboot flashed to either slot one at a time. All of this makes life harder than it needs to be.
My post was suggesting an alternative. Use the OTA, no Fastboot, no PC just have the TWRP installer file I linked so you don't lose TWRP.
"find somebody that you think is undeserving of your compassion and give it to them" - Christian Picciolini

ktmom said:
I don't know what more I could do to make the point it's not necessary to work about slots in TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, all of your posts describing your method contains the word "slot" multiple times so it is obviously a relevant concern otherwise you wouldn't have mentioned it. My post did not contain the word even once...
I see no need to use TWRP. What advantage does it have?

ktmom said:
I don't know what more I could do to make the point it's not necessary to worry about slots in TWRP.
@andypiznti. The all-in-one is Fastboot flashed to either slot one at a time. All of this makes life harder than it needs to be.
My post was suggesting an alternative. Use the OTA, no Fastboot, no PC just have the TWRP installer file I linked so you don't lose TWRP.
"find somebody that you think is undeserving of your compassion and give it to them" - Christian Picciolini
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh yes, definitely doing that next time. thanks!! i found this post thats exactly your method in a little less words.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/es...1-1-nmj20d-t3701681/post78194778#post78194778

Jeebus...
We didn't like the other 15 goddamn threads with the same topic...
XDA is cancer

what works for me at the time to flash the patched image was
fastboot flash boot_a patched_boot.img
fastboot flash boot_b patched_boot.img
note: i am on pie
thanks for the guide.

Really helped lots, thank you.

January update is out, who might like to patch boot.img with TWRP and Magisk?

kma_29 said:
January update is out, who might like to patch boot.img with TWRP and Magisk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the stock room thread
"find somebody that you think is undeserving of your compassion and give it to them" - Christian Picciolini

OP, if you want to avoid having to sideload the whole OTA, you can have it done directly by your phone by flashing the stock boot image for the current version that you are one and then updating from the settings (or notification). Then just continue with flashing the rooted boot image for the new update. I feel like that is safer than both TWRP and sideloading the full OTA (in reference to keeping data safe).
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76828139&postcount=1264

morphius88 said:
OP, if you want to avoid having to sideload the whole OTA, you can have it done directly by your phone by flashing the stock boot image for the current version that you are one and then updating from the settings (or notification). Then just continue with flashing the rooted boot image for the new update. I feel like that is safer than both TWRP and sideloading the full OTA (in reference to keeping data safe).
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76828139&postcount=1264
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks

@bmg1001 are you still providing the stock boot images on your google drive. I am looking for the Feb stock boot image or can someone tell me how to get it. I tried extracting from the Feb OTA but did not see it listed in that zip

jionny said:
@bmg1001 are you still providing the stock boot images on your google drive. I am looking for the Feb stock boot image or can someone tell me how to get it. I tried extracting from the Feb OTA but did not see it listed in that zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I have it in the same Google Drive folder where the other month's images are posted.

bmg1001 said:
Yep, I have it in the same Google Drive folder where the other month's images are posted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry chalk that up to me not paying attention. I was looking for it after Jan but its actually the first one listed. Thanks!

bmg1001 said:
Yep, I have it in the same Google Drive folder where the other month's images are posted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi one more thing, this is my third time updating and rooting via this method. The last two times worked flawlessly however this time I did update the OTA but when I try to reroot and go to adb devices I see my phone listed then when I reboot recovery it does however when I try fastboot devices my phone does not show and nothing happens, any help will be appreciated

[UPDATE/KEEP ROOT GUIDE] APR 2021 (RQ2A.210405.005) "CORAL" Magisk/Stock Boot Images

IMPORTANT!! THESE FILES / THIS THREAD IS FOR PIXEL 4 XL "CORAL" ONLY, NOT PIXEL 4 "FLAME"!!
**IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO PATCH THE STOCK BOOT IMAGE YOURSELF, FROM YOUR OWN DEVICE, USING MAGISK MANAGER. WHILE THERE'S A GOOD CHANCE THE FILE I PROVIDED BELOW WILL BE IDENTICAL (USE A FILE HASH CHECKSUM TOOL IF YOU'RE CURIOUS), THERE IS ALSO A CHANCE THEY MAY HAVE SMALL, BUT SIGNIFICANT, VARIANCES**
Thanks for the info and link, @wrongway213
Link to @topjohnwu's post: twitter dot com /topjohnwu/status/1272136975022084097?s=19 (until I figure out how to stop new XDA from forcing the URL to embed a giant twitter posting in the middle of the post...)
ALL FILES BELOW ARE FOR "RQ2A.210405.005, Apr 2021"!
Magisk v22.0 Patched Boot Image: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=2188818919693776322
Factory Untouched Boot Image: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=2188818919693776321
Factory Untouched DTBO Image: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=2188818919693776320
----------------------------------------------
-------------UPDATE PROCESS BELOW-------------
----------------------------------------------​
EASY UPDATE / SEAMLESS KEEP-ROOT UPDATE PROCESS (using a PC - a very intuitive, effective, and relatively safe method).
** You can only follow this guide verbatim if coming EXACTLY from build "11.0.0 (RQ2A.210305.006, Mar 2021)". But the general idea is the same for other builds, you just need the correct files for your device.
coral-rq2a.210305.006-factory-dtbo.img: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=17248734326145746585
coral-rq2a.210305.006-factory-boot.img: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=17248734326145746583
April 2021 sideload OTA zip: https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip
DO NOT BOOT BACK INTO O/S UNTIL ALL STEPS ARE COMPLETED - THIS ENSURES EVERYTHING BOOTS BACK UP WITH MAGISK / EDXPOSED ALL RUNNING PROPERLY RIGHT AWAY
1. boot into bootloader
----------------
** I was on custom kernel, so I needed to flash BOTH the stock boot and dtbo images
2. fastboot flash boot coral-rq2a.210305.006-factory-boot.img
3. fastboot flash dtbo coral-rq2a.210305.006-factory-dtbo.img
......* these steps to restore stock recovery; dtbo.img also necessary for some kernel installations.
......* won't hurt to flash both anyway, so if you're unsure, go ahead and do both.
-----------------
4. use volume keys to change selection to boot to Recovery Mode
......- when you reach the android symbol with No Command, hold power button, tap volume up, in case you've forgotten
5. choose option "Apply update from ADB"
6. adb sideload coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip
7. Once the OTA sideload is done, Reboot to bootloader (you'll also notice it's now on the other slot after OTA flashed)
8. fastboot flash boot coral-rq2a.210405.005-magisk_patched-22.0.img
9. done, start the phone
(Optional - Flash custom kernel. If you had a custom kernel, you need to re-flash it)
This is a 100% seamless update that requires no additional / re-setup of any of my Magisk or EdXposed setups. All of the factory files can be found here https://developers.google.com/android/images. boot.img and dtbo.img are in their corresponding full Factory Image zips, and the ota zip is under Full OTA Images.
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------TROUBLESHOOTING-------------------
-------------------------------------------------​
Issues after updating?
If you end up unable to boot or bootlooping afterwards, you most likely have an old Magisk module that isn't playing nice with the new build. There are 2 main things you can do:
1. Flash the new factory untouched boot image. You will of course lose root, and all modules will be disabled. However, it should at least get you able to boot back up quickly and have a working phone if you're in a bind.
2. I would recommend checking Tulsadiver's thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-4-xl/how-to/magisk-modules-disabler-booting-magisk-t3990557
Instead of reverting to stock boot image, fastboot boot (NOT FLASH) Tulsadiver's boot image. This will boot your phone in Magisk Core-Only Mode, with all modules disabled but root retained. From here you can open Magisk Manager and disable suspect modules. Before rebooting, go to Magisk Manager's settings and disable Magisk Core-Only Mode. Once you disable the incompatible module, the phone should boot back up.
- See this post (or thread) for more tips / context / an example: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=82509691&postcount=16
Since Magisk v21.x, Core Only mode has been replaced by using Android's built-in Safe Mode. Booting into Safe Mode should essentially boot you back into your system but with all modules disabled (as well as Magisk Hide). Keep in mind that even after you reboot, modules will remain disabled, unless you re-enable them first. Also remember to re-enable Magisk Hide if you had it enabled before.
Please see @Didgeridoohan's guide for more details: https://www.didgeridoohan.com/magisk/MagiskModuleIssues#hn_Core_Only_Mode
It's also worth mentioning, his guide is extremely well-made and contains a lot of useful information that could benefit all Magisk users and modders. I highly recommend looking through it anyway!

@i5lee8bit - thanks, worked fine on my Pixel 4 XL. However, during the OTA process my console showed me following error message:
Code:
C:\Unified_Android_ToolKit\platform-tools_r30.0.4-windows\platform-tools> adb sideload C:\Temp\pics\coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip
serving: 'C:\Temp\pics\coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip' (~94%) adb: failed to read command: No error
The device itself showed something across the lines of exit error code 0.
Everything seems to be running ok so far. Do I have to worry about the OTA stopping to transfer at 94%?

niko26 said:
Code:
C:\Unified_Android_ToolKit\platform-tools_r30.0.4-windows\platform-tools> adb sideload C:\Temp\pics\coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip
serving: 'C:\Temp\pics\coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip' (~94%) adb: failed to read command: No error
The device itself showed something across the lines of exit error code 0.
Everything seems to be running ok so far. Do I have to worry about the OTA stopping to transfer at 94%?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you should update your platform tools to the latest version: it's v31.0.0 as of February 2021. Your log says you're running 30.0.4.

Hi. This first time happens to me when I reboot the phone the Root is gone and have to flash the magisk_patched again!! Please is there any suggestion on how I keep Root after reboot?

DinarQ8 said:
Hi. This first time happens to me when I reboot the phone the Root is gone and have to flash the magisk_patched again!! Please is there any suggestion on how I keep Root after reboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to re-root after each update. The method used to keep root when updating via OTA was removed from Magisk b/c it was causing problems on Pixels.

niko26 said:
@i5lee8bit - thanks, worked fine on my Pixel 4 XL. However, during the OTA process my console showed me following error message:
Code:
C:\Unified_Android_ToolKit\platform-tools_r30.0.4-windows\platform-tools> adb sideload C:\Temp\pics\coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip
serving: 'C:\Temp\pics\coral-ota-rq2a.210405.005-0d148a1d.zip' (~94%) adb: failed to read command: No error
The device itself showed something across the lines of exit error code 0.
Everything seems to be running ok so far. Do I have to worry about the OTA stopping to transfer at 94%?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like @Ghisy already said, definitely start with trying newest platform tools. I've had that error come up before but experienced no problems.. weird thing is it happened to my wife's Pixel 4, but not my Pixel 4 XL when I did the updates right after another. So used the same platform tools, PC, etc. Another thing to consider that may help you feel better is that some custom ROMs actually expect that to happen when installing their ROM as a sideload OTA, so could indeed be nothing to worry about.
If it really really worries you, you could always flash the full factory image with "-w" removed from the script file, and either replace the boot.img with the Magisk patched one (rename it first), or flash it separately later. But for now if everything is working normally and it indicates you're on April 2021, I wouldn't worry about it.
DinarQ8 said:
Hi. This first time happens to me when I reboot the phone the Root is gone and have to flash the magisk_patched again!! Please is there any suggestion on how I keep Root after reboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What @Lughnasadh said is certainly true; is this what you mean? Or the way I read your question, are you losing root between reboot despite flashing the Magisk patched boot image? Are you sure you flashed it? Are you doing fastboot flash boot (file.img) or doing fastboot boot (file.img)? Make sure you're actually flashing it, not just booting to it. If all else fails, try doing a complete uninstall of Magisk and then start over (hopefully won't be necessary). I've never heard of anyone having the problem you're having though, and it sounds more like you're fastboot booting to the Magisk patched image, and not actually fastboot flashing it...

i5lee8bit said:
Like @Ghisy already said, definitely start with trying newest platform tools. I've had that error come up before but experienced no problems.. weird thing is it happened to my wife's Pixel 4, but not my Pixel 4 XL when I did the updates right after another. So used the same platform tools, PC, etc. Another thing to consider that may help you feel better is that some custom ROMs actually expect that to happen when installing their ROM as a sideload OTA, so could indeed be nothing to worry about.
If it really really worries you, you could always flash the full factory image with "-w" removed from the script file, and either replace the boot.img with the Magisk patched one (rename it first), or flash it separately later. But for now if everything is working normally and it indicates you're on April 2021, I wouldn't worry about it.
What @Lughnasadh said is certainly true; is this what you mean? Or the way I read your question, are you losing root between reboot despite flashing the Magisk patched boot image? Are you sure you flashed it? Are you doing fastboot flash boot (file.img) or doing fastboot boot (file.img)? Make sure you're actually flashing it, not just booting to it. If all else fails, try doing a complete uninstall of Magisk and then start over (hopefully won't be necessary). I've never heard of anyone having the problem you're having though, and it sounds more like you're fastboot booting to the Magisk patched image, and not actually fastboot flashing it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohhh yes thanks to remember me i forgot to write FLASH i was only boot without flash. Thanks for all

im having an issue with getting root back. i followed the instructions and when its time to reboot to the system, i get the splash screen but it reboots back to the bootloader or itll reboot twice and send me to the OS but without Magisk. ive done the factory image thing and still the same thing. i need help

@i5lee8bit Good stuff as usual, updated fine over here! Thanks!
Does anyone know the update process for Magisk now that everything is unified? I used to update manager then patch the boot image again. Is it still the same process from Magisk 22 to 22.1 (today's update)?

Ghisy said:
@i5lee8bit Good stuff as usual, updated fine over here! Thanks!
Does anyone know the update process for Magisk now that everything is unified? I used to update manager then patch the boot image again. Is it still the same process from Magisk 22 to 22.1 (today's update)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are already rooted on Magisk 22.0, you should be able to just update the app to 22.1 and then do the direct install method to update root (I just did this and everything was fine using Beta channel). If you were unrooted and installing root for the first time (rather than updating), patching the boot image would be the way to go.

@Lughnasadh Yeah, I'm already rooted on v22. Just did the app update then direct install and it worked fine! I've been in the rooting game since the HTC Desire but the latest changes with Magisk confused me for a minute there!
Thanks

bluizzo said:
im having an issue with getting root back. i followed the instructions and when its time to reboot to the system, i get the splash screen but it reboots back to the bootloader or itll reboot twice and send me to the OS but without Magisk. ive done the factory image thing and still the same thing. i need help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey sorry, had a really busy week and haven't been on XDA in a few days. Did you get this resolved yet?
My first thought was you were probably bootlooping due to a Magisk (or Xposed) module that doesn't agree with the new firmware. Because that could cause a bootloop, kicking you back to bootloader and eventually forcing a safe mode boot, disabling all Magisk modules and MagiskHide... only problem with this is that afterwards, you should still have root, though with all modules and MagiskHide disabled (I'm more attuned to believe this was actually your case, not that you were "losing root" per se. When it boots back up, are you able to go into Magisk Manager and toggle your modules? Also, what does it say on the manager's home page under "Magisk" and "App" sections? (the parts titled "Installed"). You'll also want to make sure you're running / have installed Manager v22.0 (if flashing the Magisk patched image I provided in the OP; you can always update Magisk / Magisk Manager to v22.1 afterwards).
Sounds like you already tried flashing the 04-2021 full factory image too? Which would eliminate the possibility you maybe flashed the wrong boot / dtbo / or OTA files. If all else fails:
Re-flash full factory image (remove the -w flag in the script file - it sounds like you already did this so I'm assuming you know why) and it should boot unrooted - but you should be able to use the phone.
Make sure Magisk Manager version is 22.0 (i.e. same version as patched in the OP, though 22.1 would work fine too), and if not, grab it from topjohnwu's github and install it.
Reboot to bootloader and flash the Magisk patched boot image in OP (fastboot flash boot coral-rq2a.210405.005-magisk_patched-22.0.img).
Boot the phone. Hopefully you're done.
But if it bootloops, boot it in safe mode (this will disable all your modules as well as MagiskHide). Reboot again.
Open Magisk Manager and all modules should be disabled... time to test for the culprit!
Remember to re-enable MagiskHide, if you had it enabled before. It does not automatically re-enable like it did back in the pre-Magisk 21.0 days. Wow, this post ended up being a lot longer than I expected, and you might not even need the help anymore, lol (though I hope you did get it resolved sooner than later). But at least I can link to this as reference for future guides. Best of luck to you.
Lughnasadh said:
If you are already rooted on Magisk 22.0, you should be able to just update the app to 22.1 and then do the direct install method to update root (I just did this and everything was fine using Beta channel). If you were unrooted and installing root for the first time (rather than updating), patching the boot image would be the way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly as @Lughnasadh said, this is what I do too (except I'm using stable channel). Direct Install used to give me problems, but that was almost a year ago (a bit after I first got the phone last March), but it hasn't given me any problems since. Even in the very unlikely chance it did cause problems, you could always re-flash the patched boot image in the OP and then patch the stock boot image yourself using Magisk Manager and flash it.

i5lee8bit said:
Hey sorry, had a really busy week and haven't been on XDA in a few days. Did you get this resolved yet?
My first thought was you were probably bootlooping due to a Magisk (or Xposed) module that doesn't agree with the new firmware. Because that could cause a bootloop, kicking you back to bootloader and eventually forcing a safe mode boot, disabling all Magisk modules and MagiskHide... only problem with this is that afterwards, you should still have root, though with all modules and MagiskHide disabled (I'm more attuned to believe this was actually your case, not that you were "losing root" per se. When it boots back up, are you able to go into Magisk Manager and toggle your modules? Also, what does it say on the manager's home page under "Magisk" and "App" sections? (the parts titled "Installed"). You'll also want to make sure you're running / have installed Manager v22.0 (if flashing the Magisk patched image I provided in the OP; you can always update Magisk / Magisk Manager to v22.1 afterwards).
Sounds like you already tried flashing the 04-2021 full factory image too? Which would eliminate the possibility you maybe flashed the wrong boot / dtbo / or OTA files. If all else fails:
Re-flash full factory image (remove the -w flag in the script file - it sounds like you already did this so I'm assuming you know why) and it should boot unrooted - but you should be able to use the phone.
Make sure Magisk Manager version is 22.0 (i.e. same version as patched in the OP, though 22.1 would work fine too), and if not, grab it from topjohnwu's github and install it.
Reboot to bootloader and flash the Magisk patched boot image in OP (fastboot flash boot coral-rq2a.210405.005-magisk_patched-22.0.img).
Boot the phone. Hopefully you're done.
But if it bootloops, boot it in safe mode (this will disable all your modules as well as MagiskHide). Reboot again.
Open Magisk Manager and all modules should be disabled... time to test for the culprit!
Remember to re-enable MagiskHide, if you had it enabled before. It does not automatically re-enable like it did back in the pre-Magisk 21.0 days. Wow, this post ended up being a lot longer than I expected, and you might not even need the help anymore, lol (though I hope you did get it resolved sooner than later). But at least I can link to this as reference for future guides. Best of luck to you.
Exactly as @Lughnasadh said, this is what I do too (except I'm using stable channel). Direct Install used to give me problems, but that was almost a year ago (a bit after I first got the phone last March), but it hasn't given me any problems since. Even in the very unlikely chance it did cause problems, you could always re-flash the patched boot image in the OP and then patch the stock boot image yourself using Magisk Manager and flash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, you're good fam. I ended up accidentally flashing the factory img and I'm back with root. Thank you for your help and the guides

How To Guide Rooting the Google Pixel 6a

Rooting the Pixel 6a is just about as easy as any other factory unlocked pixel, but because so many people have had issues with unlocking their bootloaders, I figured I'd post my exact personal steps I took when a Pixel 6a came into my tech shop to be rooted, and I discovered the current bug with Rooting
What You'll Need:
- June 2022 Firmware OTA Update Installed at least: Do this on device. Do Not download the OTA update from google's firmware website.
- ADB/Fastboot/Google Drivers for Windows: I use this to install- ADB 15sec Installer
- Magisk Manager APK: Github - Magisk Github Releases
- Firmware Matching Currently Installed: Google FW page - Google Official Firmware Downloads - you need this for the boot.img file
- A Windows Computer
- A USB-C cable to connect to your phone to the computer
OEM Unlock Bug
With early units sold by Google, they're shipping with a bug where OEM Unlock stays grayed out. Here's the only way I got around this issue
1.) Log out of any Google Account on the device
2.) Connect to Wifi, check for updates without your sim card in the device. There is a bug where it will potentially download the update for your carrier sim
3.) At minimum, you should get the June 2022 security patch update. Run the update and remember which update it is for when you download the firmware to get boot.img
4.) When the update is finished, Factory Reset your device either from settings or Android recovery
5.) Go through Android setup without sim card in, and don't connect to wifi, finish setup without logging into a google account or anything
6.) When setup is done, connect to wifi and put your sim back in.
7.) Pay attention in your notifications for "Preparing your Device" notification.
8.) When that notification pops up, enable Developer options (tap build number a bunch of times)
9.) OEM Unlock should be possible to enable now. Also enable USB Debugging
Pre-Root Setup
1.) Install Magisk Manager from Github
2.) Use 7zip (or any other ZIP opening program) to extract the boot.img from your firmware download from google
-- the boot.img is inside another zip file that's in the download from google. very easy to get
3.) Put the Boot.img on your phones internal storage
4.) Open Magisk Manager, and select your Boot.img from internal storage. Patch the boot.img to make it a rooted boot.img
5.) With your phone connected to the computer, move the magisk_patched.img from sdcard/downloads to your computer
6.) If USB debugging is properly enabled, now you can open CMD and reboot to bootloader with
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader
1.) With the device connected, OEM Unlock enabled, and booted to bootloader, you can unlock the bootloader with the following command
Code:
fastboot flashing unlock
-- If nothing changes on your phone screen, use Device Manager to make sure the device is recognized via google drivers: vid here on that - Quick Fastboot Drivers Install Tutorial
2.) On your phone, use the volume keys to select Unlock Bootloader, then hit the power button, device should reboot back to bootloader
3.) flash the boot partition with the magisk patched boot.img
Code:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
4.) Now you can reboot back into your device and you should be rooted!
Code:
fastboot reboot
Congrats! Now you're bootloader unlocked and rooted! GrapheneOS is already available if you want a degoogled rom, haven't seen another rom pop up yet
all done from there
updating your device when rooted
I do not have a pixel 6a specifically for this right now to confirm this will work, but on every other device with OTA's, this has been my process.
1.) Download your OTA using the system update part of Settings
2.) When it pops up and is ready to restart to finish installing the update, DO NOT CLICK RESTART IN SETTINGS/SYSTEM UPDATE
3.) Go to Magisk Manager, and select Install next to Magisk
4.) Select "Install to Inactive Slot (After OTA)
5.) When its done patching the boot partition, hit restart in Magisk
Your OTA Update is now rooted

To save time and effort here is the magisk patched boot.img for June 2022 patch level, Carrier Unlocked 6a from the Google Store. Make SURE you are on build SD2A.220601.003 before flashing!

To get the `OEM Unlock` option in Developer Options to work, it's simpler to just manually flash 12.1.0 (SD2A.220601.004, Jun 2022, Verizon, Verizon MVNOs) and then wipe.
Even though it's label as Verizon, it should work for all carriers.

Hello, if we have already unlocked the bootloader, we just have to do this: start cmd then fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img then restart the phone?

jejemc said:
Hello, if we have already unlocked the bootloader, we just have to do this: start cmd then fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img then restart the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, though I would probably fastboot boot first just to make sure it boots up ok. When it does you can reboot to recovery and flash it.

these instructions sound like "the usual process", but for the 6a isn’t there something to patch regarding vbmeta as well?
(never had a phone that "needed" this, but in my understanding it "should" be necessary with the 6a? won’t have time to try out myself before the weekend, just asking ..)

ctfrommn said:
Correct, though I would probably fastboot boot first just to make sure it boots up ok. When it does you can reboot to recovery and flash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here it is and does and works perfectly well thank you for everything.

Im starting work on my custom kernel now so hopefully MVK for Bluejay will be ready in the coming days/weeks.

Zaxx32 said:
To save time and effort here is the magisk patched boot.img for June 2022 patch level, Carrier Unlocked 6a from the Google Store. Make SURE you are on build SD2A.220601.003 before flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As this thread ages, not everyone will have the June 2022 update. That's why I suggested/put the steps in to do it themselves with matching firmware to what their device is on.
benji said:
To get the `OEM Unlock` option in Developer Options to work, it's simpler to just manually flash 12.1.0 (SD2A.220601.004, Jun 2022, Verizon, Verizon MVNOs) and then wipe.
Even though it's label as Verizon, it should work for all carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This DID NOT work for me. That's why I wrote this up the way I did.
jejemc said:
Hello, if we have already unlocked the bootloader, we just have to do this: start cmd then fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img then restart the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're bootloader is already unlocked, you just have to flash the patched magisk boot img, correct. I wrote this up for those having issue with not having the ability even if it is an unlocked from google device
frank93 said:
these instructions sound like "the usual process", but for the 6a isn’t there something to patch regarding vbmeta as well?
(never had a phone that "needed" this, but in my understanding it "should" be necessary with the 6a? won’t have time to try out myself before the weekend, just asking ..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, these are basically the usual steps. There's nothing regarding vbmeta flashing in this case of just rooting stock firmware. You only need to do that with ROMs (GSI's mainly)

KaptinBoxxi said:
3.) flash the boot partition with the magisk patched boot.img
Code:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a heads up. As already told by ctfrommn, it's always a better approach to first boot the magisk patched boot file. And if everything works well and good, you could then Direct Install it via Magisk.
Although directly flashing should also work, but its always better to be on the safer side.

KaptinBoxxi said:
Correct, these are basically the usual steps. There's nothing regarding vbmeta flashing in this case of just rooting stock firmware. You only need to do that with ROMs (GSI's mainly)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed your steps to a T. Still can't unlock. I'm convinced there is a fault with my device itself at this point.

stormcrank said:
I followed your steps to a T. Still can't unlock. I'm convinced there is a fault with my device itself at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they will warranty replace if it for sure fails still. Its a silly situation, but mistakes happen

binary**# said:
Just a heads up. As already told by ctfrommn, it's always a better approach to first boot the magisk patched boot file. And if everything works well and good, you could then Direct Install it via Magisk.
Although directly flashing should also work, but its always better to be on the safer side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may not be very active on XDA, but have been rooting and rom'ing devices since the palm pre, first android phone was the droid x. I've never heard of this step, its never been needed. Its an extra pointless step that is just tethered root. You don't need to do it. As long as you don't download a random Boot.img, like the one for some reason attached to a reply on this thread and get it yourself from the firmware matching your device OR flashing Magisk via TWRP/Lineage Recovery with adb sideload, there's no reason to fastboot boot the boot.img.

You may have never run into an issue flashing a boot image but I've built thousands of roms and kernels and have learned the hard way more than once to measure twice, cut once.
That said, as long as you're simply patching a stock boot.img it's likely not an issue.

Followed all steps, on SD2A.220601.003SD2A.220601.003. OEM unlock still greyed

Nice work, Kaptinboxxi. Everything worked fine. How should we handle updates after rooting? Will a security patch break root? If so, what is the best process to root it again?

Voxilli said:
Nice work, Kaptinboxxi. Everything worked fine. How should we handle updates after rooting? Will a security patch break root? If so, what is the best process to root it again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, each update will require reflashing a patched kernel for the new build.

You can also do the "Install to Inactive Slot" method in Magisk to update and keep root. This has been a bit of a hit and miss for some people on the Pixel 6 series, though. The misses may be in large part be due to people having modified their partitions or not restoring the necessary images while being on a custom kernel.
OTA Upgrade Guides
The Magic Mask for Android
topjohnwu.github.io

Lughnasadh said:
You can also do the "Install to Inactive Slot" method in Magisk to update and keep root.
OTA Upgrade Guides
The Magic Mask for Android
topjohnwu.github.io
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good call...I guess I've never messed with that as I flash so many kernels anyway.

Lughnasadh said:
You can also do the "Install to Inactive Slot" method in Magisk to update and keep root. This has been a bit of a hit and miss for some people on the Pixel 6 series, though. The misses may be in large part be due to people having modified their partitions or not restoring the necessary images while being on a custom kernel.
OTA Upgrade Guides
The Magic Mask for Android
topjohnwu.github.io
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I've done with my OnePlus 7T for the last three years. Any repercussions for doing it this way versus patching the kernel?

Question "Your device is corrupt" after November Update with Magisk OTA method.

I followed this guide exactly: https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/ota.html
Before starting the guide, I had a pretty new Pixel 7 Pro with the latest version of Magisk successfully installed (with bootloader UNLOCKED) and some small Magisk modules to tweak things (iOS emojis). I made sure to restore boot images and got the "restoration complete" toast message.
I saw the notification for the November update, downloaded and installed it. I did NOT reboot after that. I then went into the Magisk app and tapped "install to inactive slot (after OTA)" and rebooted from within the Magisk app.
My device rebooted, and showed me the bootloader unlocked screen, then showed me the "your device is corrupt" warning and said "press power button to continue". I pressed the power button and my device is now stuck on the Google logo.
Has this happened to anyone else? And is there any way to fix this (preferably without data loss)?

Pritster5 said:
I followed this guide exactly: https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/ota.html
Before starting the guide, I had a pretty new Pixel 7 Pro with the latest version of Magisk successfully installed (with bootloader UNLOCKED) and some small Magisk modules to tweak things (iOS emojis). I made sure to restore boot images and got the "restoration complete" toast message.
I saw the notification for the November update, downloaded and installed it. I did NOT reboot after that. I then went into the Magisk app and tapped "install to inactive slot (after OTA)" and rebooted from within the Magisk app.
My device rebooted, and showed me the bootloader unlocked screen, then showed me the "your device is corrupt" warning and said "press power button to continue". I pressed the power button and my device is now stuck on the Google logo.
Has this happened to anyone else? And is there any way to fix this (preferably without data loss)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That´s a bug within AVB. Unfortunately it can happen on Pixel 6 and 7 devices.
There´s one thing that can clear it:
I know this sounds a bit counter intuitive, but download october factory image, extract init_boot.img, flash it via fastboot on your device with nov firmware.
fastboot flash init_boot init_boot.img
Try to let it boot, if it fails or crashes go back to bootloader via long press power and volume down. (can take up to 30 seconds on p7pro)
If it boots already don´t forgot to flash init_boot from november firmware still.
Then download november factory image, extract init_boot.img, flash it via fastboot as well. This might get you out of the loop.
If you want you can use a magisk_patched init_boot.img as well so you´re rooted.
That last step should get you out of the corruption loop, as flashing outdated init_boot and then correct init_boot will somehow clear avb.
I´ll attach patched init_boot.img from november firmware TD1A.221105.001, Nov 2022 for you.

I see. Thank you so much for this info. I will try and report back my results. Has this bug been fixed in newer versions of Magisk or Android? I feel like it's a high priority bug given that it soft-bricks peoples devices.
EDIT: And does this process result in data loss?

Freak07 said:
That´s a bug within AVB. Unfortunately it can happen on Pixel 6 and 7 devices.
There´s one thing that can clear it:
I know this sounds a bit counter intuitive, but download october factory image, extract init_boot.img, flash it via fastboot on your device with nov firmware.
fastboot flash init_boot init_boot.img
Try to let it boot, if it fails or crashes go back to bootloader via long press power and volume down. (can take up to 30 seconds on p7pro)
If it boots already don´t forgot to flash init_boot from november firmware still.
Then download november factory image, extract init_boot.img, flash it via fastboot as well. This might get you out of the loop.
If you want you can use a magisk_patched init_boot.img as well so you´re rooted.
That last step should get you out of the corruption loop, as flashing outdated init_boot and then correct init_boot will somehow clear avb.
I´ll attach patched init_boot.img from november firmware TD1A.221105.001, Nov 2022 for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you're on our forum Freak!

Pritster5 said:
I see. Thank you so much for this info. I will try and report back my results. Has this bug been fixed in newer versions of Magisk or Android? I feel like it's a high priority bug given that it soft-bricks peoples devices.
EDIT: And does this process result in data loss?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remove "-w" from the flashall.bat, I believe that ensures you keep data.

I'm also a bit confused by this step: "flash it via fastboot on your device with nov firmware." Are you saying that I should flash october init_boot.img onto my phone, which already has the Nov firmware installed? Or do I have to merge the Oct init_boot.img into the Nov firmware (full factory image TD1A.221105.001)

Pritster5 said:
I'm also a bit confused by this step: "flash it via fastboot on your device with nov firmware." Are you saying that I should flash october init_boot.img onto my phone, which already has the Nov firmware installed? Or do I have to merge the Oct init_boot.img into the Nov firmware (full factory image TD1A.221105.001)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you flash the old outdated init_boot via fastboot on november firmware.
afterwards you flash back the correct one for november. that will hopefully clear the avb bug you´re experiencing.
You flash only this img, not anything else. do precisely the steps I described. you don´t have to flash the full firmware, as you already updated to november if I read your initial post correctly and OTA to november was successful.
Pritster5 said:
I see. Thank you so much for this info. I will try and report back my results. Has this bug been fixed in newer versions of Magisk or Android? I feel like it's a high priority bug given that it soft-bricks peoples devices.
EDIT: And does this process result in data loss?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no it has not been fixed.
no, with the steps detailed there´s no data loss.
I wouldn´t recommend updating your phone with the magisk flash to inactive slot method. That´s not working for most people on p6 and p7 devices.
Pain-N-Panic said:
Remove "-w" from the flashall.bat, I believe that ensures you keep data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the method I described doesn´t involve using that script. no data will be lost.

I then went into the Magisk app and tapped "install to inactive slot (after OTA)" and rebooted from within the Magisk app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you expect this to work for p7p? The Magisk code has not been updated yet to flash init_boot partition instead of boot partition on p7p. Of course, it will corrupt your boot partition.
Update Magisk using the method outlined in the main thread for OTA and Magisk: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-safetynet-all-relevant-links.4502805/page-61

Freak07 said:
yes, you flash the old outdated init_boot via fastboot on november firmware.
afterwards you flash back the correct one for november. that will hopefully clear the avb bug you´re experiencing.
You flash only this img, not anything else. do precisely the steps I described. you don´t have to flash the full firmware, as you already updated to november if I read your initial post correctly and OTA to november was successful.
no it has not been fixed.
no, with the steps detailed there´s no data loss.
I wouldn´t recommend updating your phone with the magisk flash to inactive slot method. That´s not working for most people on p6 and p7 devices.
the method I described doesn´t involve using that script. no data will be lost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
devsk said:
How do you expect this to work for p7p? The Magisk code has not been updated yet to flash init_boot partition instead of boot partition on p7p. Of course, it will corrupt your boot partition.
Update Magisk using the method outlined in the main thread for OTA and Magisk: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-safetynet-all-relevant-links.4502805/page-61
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If what @devsk states is true, you also need to flash back stock boot.img from november firmware via fastboot @Pritster5.
fastboot flash boot boot.img
Since magisk can patch init_boot.img´s, I assumed it would account for pixel 7 pro, having ramdisk inside init_boot instead of boot.img. It´s a bad design choice by magisk app to show this option to users on Pixel 7 pro in that case. :/ but even on pixel 6, the forums are full of people running into issues with that method.

devsk said:
How do you expect this to work for p7p? The Magisk code has not been updated yet to flash init_boot partition instead of boot partition on p7p. Of course, it will corrupt your boot partition.
Update Magisk using the method outlined in the main thread for OTA and Magisk: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-safetynet-all-relevant-links.4502805/page-61
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can I see what devices are supported for that method? I assumed that the guide worked for anyone with A/B partitioning. It would be helpful if there was a notice of this somewhere on the guide or any other obvious place.

The easiest way to recover is to follow that guide and flash the whole ROM (it will fix both the boot and init_boot partitions). *Make sure* to remove -w from the flash-all.bat or flash-all.sh, whichever one you are using. This part is important. "-w" command line argument wipes your data and you don't want that.
I just updated my p7p using this method this afternoon and it worked fine.

Pritster5 said:
Where can I see what devices are supported for that method? I assumed that the guide worked for anyone with A/B partitioning. It would be helpful if there was a notice of this somewhere on the guide or any other obvious place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That link is specifically for p7p

devsk said:
That link is specifically for p7p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I meant where can I see what devices support the Magisk "Install to inactive slot" guide.
You said "The Magisk code has not been updated yet to flash init_boot partition instead of boot partition on p7p. Of course, it will corrupt your boot partition."
How are you aware of this? Did you find this out by reading the code itself or was there a notice of this somewhere?

Pritster5 said:
Oh I meant where can I see what devices support the Magisk "Install to inactive slot" guide.
You said "The Magisk code has not been updated yet to flash init_boot partition instead of boot partition on p7p. Of course, it will corrupt your boot partition."
How are you aware of this? Did you find this out by reading the code itself or was there a notice of this somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, this got me thinking and I looked at the code. Looks like the magisk code (the bash function find_boot_image) seems to be doing the right thing by treating init_boot ahead of boot partition.
Do you have the logs from that run of "Install to inactive slot"?

devsk said:
Actually, this got me thinking and I looked at the code. Looks like the magisk code (the bash function find_boot_image) seems to be doing the right thing by treating init_boot ahead of boot partition.
Do you have the logs from that run of "Install to inactive slot"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe so, as I can only connect to my phone via PC over fastboot mode right now, so I'll have to check for logs after fixing my device.
One other question though, the guide you linked mentioned disabling magisk modules before flashing the factory image. I was never able to do that because I used the inactive slot guide which made no mention of it. Will the enabled magisk modules prevent me from using the guide you linked?
I am also unable to do this step as I can't transfer files from my pc to my p7p when I cant access the phone aside from fastboot mode: "Copy the init_boot.img from the PC to the phone's internal storage." Can I skip this step?
EDIT: Should I just use the Android flash tool instead if I don't have access to ADB? Or should I instead just follow Freak07's steps since his steps don't require adb access?

Pritster5 said:
I don't believe so, as I can only connect to my phone via PC over fastboot mode right now, so I'll have to check for logs after fixing my device.
One other question though, the guide you linked mentioned disabling magisk modules before flashing the factory image. I was never able to do that because I used the inactive slot guide which made no mention of it. Will the enabled magisk modules prevent me from using the guide you linked?
I am also unable to do this step as I can't transfer files from my pc to my p7p when I cant access the phone aside from fastboot mode: "Copy the init_boot.img from the PC to the phone's internal storage." Can I skip this step?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just restore your device by flashing the whole ROM. This will get rid of magisk and you should have no problem booting back into the system. You will have lost the root at that point. Once inside, transfer the init_boot.img into /sdcard and run magisk and ask it to patch that. Bring the patched file to your PC, and flash it to init_boot partition like the guide says. At that point, you should be able to boot back into the system and root should be good.
I did not disable Magisk modules and it worked fine. I have magiskhide props, shmiko, systemless hosts, zygisk - lsposed, universal safety net fix.
If you have trouble with Magisk modules, you can recover by booting into Safe Mode (restart and press down volume and keep it pressed). Magisk detects the Safe Mode and disables the modules. Done that many times.

Pritster5 said:
I don't believe so, as I can only connect to my phone via PC over fastboot mode right now, so I'll have to check for logs after fixing my device.
One other question though, the guide you linked mentioned disabling magisk modules before flashing the factory image. I was never able to do that because I used the inactive slot guide which made no mention of it. Will the enabled magisk modules prevent me from using the guide you linked?
I am also unable to do this step as I can't transfer files from my pc to my p7p when I cant access the phone aside from fastboot mode: "Copy the init_boot.img from the PC to the phone's internal storage." Can I skip this step?
EDIT: Should I just use the Android flash tool instead if I don't have access to ADB? Or should I instead just follow Freak07's steps since his steps don't require adb access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in the end it doesn´t matter how you do it.
Flashing the complete firmware with -w removed or using the web flasher might be easier as it´s kind of a one click solution.
However simply flashing entire november firmware, might not get you out of the avb corruption loop. It might but, but it might not depending on what went wrong. If it´s the bug that I think it is, avb gets cleared when flashing an older outdated init_boot.img.
You can try to just flash the entire nov firmware with any of the methods suggested. If it doesn´t clear the avb corruption bug, flash back older init_boot from oct firmware, followed by current init boot as I originally suggested.

Freak07 said:
That´s a bug within AVB. Unfortunately it can happen on Pixel 6 and 7 devices.
There´s one thing that can clear it:
I know this sounds a bit counter intuitive, but download october factory image, extract init_boot.img, flash it via fastboot on your device with nov firmware.
fastboot flash init_boot init_boot.img
Try to let it boot, if it fails or crashes go back to bootloader via long press power and volume down. (can take up to 30 seconds on p7pro)
If it boots already don´t forgot to flash init_boot from november firmware still.
Then download november factory image, extract init_boot.img, flash it via fastboot as well. This might get you out of the loop.
If you want you can use a magisk_patched init_boot.img as well so you´re rooted.
That last step should get you out of the corruption loop, as flashing outdated init_boot and then correct init_boot will somehow clear avb.
I´ll attach patched init_boot.img from november firmware TD1A.221105.001, Nov 2022 for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I did this part:
"I know this sounds a bit counter intuitive, but download october factory image, extract init_boot.img, flash it via fastboot on your device with nov firmware.
fastboot flash init_boot init_boot.img
Try to let it boot, if it fails or crashes go back to bootloader via long press power and volume down. (can take up to 30 seconds on p7pro)
If it boots already don´t forgot to flash init_boot from november firmware still."
And it works, however when I go to "About Phone" the build number is still the October version. Is this expected, given that I flashed the october init_boot.img onto a phone with November firmware? Or did my phone perhaps reboot into the older partition which the phone ran before switching to the inactive slot?
EDIT: Even after flashing the november init_boot.img after temporarily reverting to the october init_boot.img, it's still showing that I have build TD1A.220804.031 installed.

"followed by current init boot as I originally suggested."
Should I reboot back into fastboot mode again to do this?
Thank you guys so much for the help so far btw, I'm already back up and running and just need to finish the steps you mentioned.

@devsk Here are the logs you wanted: