So confused about the current ability to root an A2017U on B29 - ZTE Axon 7 Questions & Answers

It seems like everywhere there's circular logic in the steps to get from stock to root and at some point a tool which gets flagged as a trojan by 20 or so antivirus products is a part of the process.
step 1 - download and use tenfar's axon7backup.exe to make a backup
step 2 - download and use tenfar's axon7root.exe trojan. I guess you have to turn off any antivirus on your computer for it to work which makes no sense because I've never had to root an Android device with a utility flagged as Windows malware - which is even more suspect considering half of VirusTotal's scan engines detect malware. False positive? Really?
step 3 - flash tenfar's boot.img (I don't know which to use since only B27 is provided), maybe DrakenFX's StockSystem and BootStack but his notes say it requires TWRP recovery
step 4 - flash tenfar's unofficial TWRP recovery
step 5 - wipe everything 5 times.
step 6 - install SuperSu or PHH superuser
and then there are several other suggestions sprinkled in to install other files to unlock w/o an unlocked bootloader or something yet say you need TWRP... which requires an unlocked bootloader. It sounds like every suggestion ends up depending on this axon7root.exe file
I don't get it.
There's no way I'm using literally closed-source malware to root my phone. I also don't feel the response that tenfar's method is not malicious when he's not the one making that claim... it's just random users. It makes no sense.

The way to do it is just follow the guide but I'll do my best to answer what I can.
The trojan is because the tool is pretty much a rootkit for your phone. It is hacking the system and if you're not doing it yourself, well that's not good. I personally just went to defender and restored the file and told it to ignore it.
Back when you could officially unlock the phone, you had options. Since that isn't possible at the moment (I think?), you'll have to go through this sequence to get root or unlock. I recommend rooting without unlocking if you don't really care (no real reason to unlock at the moment other than Magisk or something).
You're not flashing the bootimg with twrp you flash it with the tool on your pc. Once you do have twrp it makes everything easier imo.
When you go through the steps in tenfar's root program you should end up with backups, twrp and root, however this is NOT POSSIBLE on B29, so you'll have to do it on B20 or B27.
Hope I helped, but you should really go and look over those threads again, they'll be a lot better than I am.

I understand why you're confused. When a phone is new, threads and guides are made as progress is made. Some are updated, some aren't, some methods become obsolete with updates, some don't. Right now, this is the most painless process for rooting your phone and it includes unlocking the bootloader (otherwise, you're going to be stuck with an encrypted data partition in TWRP and it will be inaccessible in recovery).
1.) Copy everything off your internal storage that you don't want to lose.
2.) Get all of the files you need from the steps below and put them on your microSD card.
3.) Flash TWRP (recovery) using the method in the OP (B27 file is fine). You don't need to flash the boot image.
4.) Unlock the bootloader (B27 is fine): http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165
5.) Flash B29: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2
This will leave you with an unlocked bootloader, a fully functioning TWRP (no data encryption issue), and rooted B29. You will not be able to receive OTAs.
Now, you say: "There's no way I'm using literally closed-source malware to root my phone. I also don't feel the response that tenfar's method is not malicious when he's not the one making that claim... it's just random users. It makes no sense."
If that's the case, this phone isn't for you. In fact, many phones with dev support on XDA aren't for you. In many cases, it requires a "malicious" tool to "break into" a phone that's locked down. I'm surprised you made it this far without realizing it.

thank you both
@rczrider perhaps I am suspicious because I have gotten this far without using methods which employ this behavior. If it was detected with an Android/Arm/Qualcomm signature that is a little more understanding but the heuristics point to a Win32 trojan.
I guess I've just rooted Nexus, LG, and Samsung devices and this is my first least unfriendly method I've come across :/
https://virustotal.com/en/file/070b...8ba19b57c66a9cc27b286d50/analysis/1478566368/
https://virustotal.com/en/file/4c47...70ee78db8fd3ebda2f54de31/analysis/1478567966/
Regardless, I'll go ahead and mark as answered even though it's not really answered. Plus, I don't know what is being exploited and if it is making a permanent lower-level vulnerability open for attack by doing it. That's the part that concerns me. I mean, I use Virtualbox to do this stuff just to keep my machine safe. But if it's a lower-level permanent backdoor that is what concerns me because it isn't explained in his thread.

I am so confused
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

Related

Titanium Backup, Recovery apps, and the noob

Noob for tablets. Got the nexus 10 for the family for christmas. Want to get it all setup before I turn it over to the wolves.
I love using TBpro on my Droid Bionic. I thought it would be good to have a solid backup program on the tablet, and since I have it on my smartphone I thought I would hang with what I've sorta know already.
Dont really understand what unlocked/locked means for a bootloader, and why the N10 needs that why many smartphone can be rooted without being unlocked.
I would love to hear some views on the purposes of apps like ClockWorkMod and TWRP and what they do and provide. Seems like they do perform backups and more. Why TBpro is likely just a backup app. What functions do these recovery apps have the make them "must have".
thanks for the time answering the tablet noob
TBPro requires Root access and to acquire root access you have to be able to modify the operating system. You can't do that until the bootloader is unlocked. Once unlocked, you then need to flash Custom Recovery (either CMW or TWRP) in order to to flash/install the the files required to install the root binaries. Other uses of recovery include making NAND/System Backups and installing custom roms. They are essential if you are into modding your device. I have an LG G2x that is rooted and has a custom rom (CM7.2) and a Custom Kernel (Faux123 v54), as well as Beats Audio for Gingerbread. I installed all of those via ClockworkMod. I followed ZedoMax's instructions to root my Nexus 10 and had only the initial bootloop issue after unlocking the bootloader. That was easy to fix but I couldn't get ClockWorkMod to stay installed so I flashed TWRP instead. Works great. Just follow this thread and watch the vids. Hope I helped some.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1997227
bg1906 said:
TBPro requires Root access and to acquire root access you have to be able to modify the operating system. You can't do that until the bootloader is unlocked. Once unlocked, you then need to flash Custom Recovery (either CMW or TWRP) in order to to flash/install the the files required to install the root binaries. Other uses of recovery include making NAND/System Backups and installing custom roms. They are essential if you are into modding your device. I have an LG G2x that is rooted and has a custom rom (CM7.2) and a Custom Kernel (Faux123 v54), as well as Beats Audio for Gingerbread. I installed all of those via ClockworkMod. I followed ZedoMax's instructions to root my Nexus 10 and had only the initial bootloop issue after unlocking the bootloader. That was easy to fix but I couldn't get ClockWorkMod to stay installed so I flashed TWRP instead. Works great. Just follow this thread and watch the vids. Hope I helped some.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1997227
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
After unlocking, and using CMW or TWRP. I can then "root" my device. ok. After rooting, I can use TBpro.
At this point, do I need to remain "unlocked" Does it matter? For the N10 will I receive OTA after being unlocked/rooted,
or do I need to be in another state?
jetguat said:
Thanks!
After unlocking, and using CMW or TWRP. I can then "root" my device. ok. After rooting, I can use TBpro.
At this point, do I need to remain "unlocked" Does it matter? For the N10 will I receive OTA after being unlocked/rooted,
or do I need to be in another state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes to all. Another option for you if you are not comfortable typing in the various commands is to use the Wufresh method. Watch the video by qbking777 here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2015467
bg1906 said:
Yes to all. Another option for you if you are not comfortable typing in the various commands is to use the Wufresh method. Watch the video by qbking777 here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2015467
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again. I did stumble across that site and was trying to compare that to the mskip Nexus root tool kit. That was had so many options and I didnt (yet) find the cliff note's version on what they all do and why you'd need to.
The GUI for Wufresh is simple. Do you use it? I read a little about the root and the root+custom recovery choices. Not entirely clear which is preferred, at least for me needs. And I've not got a warm fuzzy feeling about what state the N10 should be in, such that OTA updates still happen. Can they happen when unlocked+rooted+custom recovery but still stock ROM (without system mods)
The wugfresh version automates what the zedomax version does by hand. I did mine via the zedomax way.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
jetguat said:
Thanks again. I did stumble across that site and was trying to compare that to the mskip Nexus root tool kit. That was had so many options and I didnt (yet) find the cliff note's version on what they all do and why you'd need to.
The GUI for Wufresh is simple. Do you use it? I read a little about the root and the root+custom recovery choices. Not entirely clear which is preferred, at least for me needs. And I've not got a warm fuzzy feeling about what state the N10 should be in, such that OTA updates still happen. Can they happen when unlocked+rooted+custom recovery but still stock ROM (without system mods)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest using the Wugfresh method, definitely the simplest to use. And a great recovery is TWRP, it is very clear and easy to understand what it is that each menu contains.
Also with the OTA updates, it really depends on the size and type of update. If it is a fairly major one, like JB 4.1 to JB 4.2 then you will have to use the option in Wugfresh toolkit to 'unroot', then update. After the update you can simply reuse the toolkit to root again. Sometimes if the OTA is small it will simply install over the rooted device, but I wouldn't count on it. It definitely shouldn't discourage you from rooting though, its relatively simple to fix

[GUIDE] Rooting the OPX without unlocking the bootloader.

This method uses KINGROOT, no mingling with the bootloader.
STEP 1
Just google "kingroot" (kingroot.net) and dowload the latest apk, open the app and after the initial welcome screens click on the button in the bottom that says "TRY IT", give it some time 4-5 minutes.
Thats it, your device is rooted, just like that.
BENEFITS OF THIS METHOD.
Since you have not unlocked the bootloader once you choose to unroot the device(why would anyone ) no one will be able to tell if you actually rooted the device.
RECOMMENDED (Like seriously recommended)
Once you get the root access install the app "Partitions Backup" by the one and only "wanam" and backup the partitions highlighted in yellow(at least these three modem, modemst1 and modemst2) these are your devices efs partitions. They will be the only thing that will save a lot of trouble if you manage to corrupt your efs partitions(I've been there people, trust me not a pretty situation!:crying, copy these safely to your ext sd, computer, email yourself a compressed copy(this way The NSA will also get a copy which they off course never looked into, so now it's like completely safe).
One more optional thing is to uninstall the sister app of kingroot "PURIFY" its really an annoying little app(imo at least).
OTA
This method also disables ota updates.
So the only way to update is to dirty flash the base stock rom dump throught stock recovery(which i forgot to mention as a benefit you have not mingled with) and then go ahead and sequentially update your device and then eepeat the root process in the aforementioned manner.
If I've made any mistake please do correct me(my first thread, my first guide) , if you have anything to add please let it out.... Thanks for reading, and be kind to each other. :angel:
Will this wipe my device?
I'm going to close this thread based on the fact that there are multiple threads on this same topic, including an active thread that can be found linked below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-x/general/guide-root-oneplus-x-twrp-pc-t3251027

Rooting?

I'm new to xda and obviously I'm not a dev. I just want to root my Axon 7 so I can download root apps. I'm not tech savvy at all and I've created this thread because I have no idea what to do with this page : http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165 . Can anyone give a step by step tutorial on how to root my phone?
I feel so so out of place here... please don't scold me :x
inb4 banned cuz didn't read the rules or stickies
I'm running B29.
What version are you running? B20/B27/B29
If you are not tech savvy, do not attempt the root method. It's for advance user and too many people have bricked their phone already. Just read the threads and you will know what I mean.
S8ntsHaz3 said:
What version are you running? B20/B27/B29
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running B29.
And yes I can probably guess the amount of people who bricked their phones. But what if everything were to be laid out simple and I follow the directions in every respect? I'm not going to start rooting until I know what I'm doing. So don't worry. I'm stupid but I'm not THAT stupid.
No your fine lmao I started with this phone so we're pretty much same level. As to my understanding it is possible but I would wait just a bit for the b29 stuff to come out.
Don't worry, you're not the only one. I've been reading these tutorials and it's all gibberish, lol.... Every phone I have has been rooted within the first day, this phone I've had over 2 months, and I still can't get it. So you're not alone, lol...
There definitely needs to be some cleaning done on this forum, with far too many threads covering the same topics and many OPs being out of date.
Best rooting guide I found was buried in a thread, but is now also out of date if you're running B29.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68302434&postcount=157
It might help if you're still on B27. I used it, had root and bootloader still locked, updated to B29 for the security patch, and was able to keep TWRP but lost root. Having TWRP still allows me to flash all the Google pixel stuff though, which is nice
Bolandk said:
There definitely needs to be some cleaning done on this forum, with far too many threads covering the same topics and many OPs being out of date.
Best rooting guide I found was buried in a thread, but is now also out of date if you're running B29.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68302434&postcount=157
It might help if you're still on B27. I used it, had root and bootloader still locked, updated to B29 for the security patch, and was able to keep TWRP but lost root. Having TWRP still allows me to flash all the Google pixel stuff though, which is nice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking closely at this phone now myself...
I've seen the bootloader thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/wip-axon-7-root-bootloader-unlokced-t3441204
I'm only interest in this if I can successfully unlock the bootloader and stock root is possible...from what I've read, BOTH can be done. According to the root thread, the model I need (A2017G) is listed as unlockable, correct? What's the difference between a2017g B02 and B03??
RoOSTA
totalFX said:
I'm new to xda and obviously I'm not a dev. I just want to root my Axon 7 so I can download root apps. I'm not tech savvy at all and I've created this thread because I have no idea what to do with this page : http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165 . Can anyone give a step by step tutorial on how to root my phone?
I feel so so out of place here... please don't scold me :x
inb4 banned cuz didn't read the rules or stickies
I'm running B29.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I have read far too many of these questions here about root on B29 - so here goes.
1. Go to the ZTE website, download the stock B20, and install it.
2. http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/wip-axon-7-root-bootloader-unlokced-t3441204 use this to get TWRP installed on your phone - don't worry about root.
3. http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165 UNLOCK the bootloader
4. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2 flash boot file, system file, and SuperSU 2.65
Now please relax - anyone here with any dev skills whatsoever are neck deep in other projects (like CM13). B29 hasn't been out long and the only stock image we have from ZTE is B20, which doesn't give us a ton to work with
I also very new to android smartphone and I also feel so so out of place too.
I wish someone make a video how to root this axon 7 phone.
search around youtube jailbrake iPhone is so easy root samsung phone is so easy.... but root axon 7 nothing
I love axon 7 so much now but if I know it's so hard to root i'm just gonna buy samsung phone .
so F..... tired of this youtube ads
ads block is the only reason why I want to root
and that is the only reason why I jailbrake all my ideviese
For me, also with B29, the best and easy way was this from rczrider (thanx a lot). http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=69507226&postcount=766
But one issue after root: I have no access to system, i noticed that, as i install Gsam Battery Monitor root companion, that will install in priv-app but i was write protect. Also RootExplorer was not possible to copy/delete files in system, because write protect. How to change that?
tasar said:
For me, also with B29, the best and easy way was this from rczrider (thanx a lot). http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=69507226&postcount=766
But one issue after root: I have no access to system, i noticed that, as i install Gsam Battery Monitor root companion, that will install in priv-app but i was write protect. Also RootExplorer was not possible to copy/delete files in system, because write protect. How to change that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot to add a final step to that list. I've updated it and here's the new one:
Copy everything off your internal storage that you don't want to lose.
Get all of the files you need from the steps below and put them on your microSD card.
Flash TWRP (recovery) using the method in the OP (B27 file is fine). You don't need to flash the boot image.
Unlock the bootloader (B27 is fine): http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165
Flash B29: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2
Boot phone, set it up, whatever
*Reboot to TWRP, go to Advanced > Terminal and type: reboot disemmcwp
This will leave you with an unlocked bootloader, a fully functioning TWRP (no data encryption issue), and rooted B29. You will not be able to receive OTAs.
*This disables write protection and allows your changes (such as AdAway) to stick with reboot. You need to run this before your changes will stick. You don't have to use TWRP (you could also use a terminal emulator or ADB), but I find that since you have to reboot anyway, it's just as easy to do it in TWRP.
---------- Post added at 08:45 ---------- Previous post was at 08:02 ----------
In case anyone stumbles across this thread, here's a "Newbie's Guide to Unlocking and Rooting the Axon 7": http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/newbies-guide-to-unlocking-rooting-axon-t3496234
It will be updated as necessary and contains a step-by-step process with links to the appropriate threads.
So are they still releasing a new bootloader unlock tool? Or should I just go ahead and do these steps?
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
polar2792 said:
So are they still releasing a new bootloader unlock tool? Or should I just go ahead and do these steps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, ZTE still supports bootloader unlocking on the Axon 7. It is currently on hold, but yes, our understanding is that they will be releasing a new process (likely with Nougat).
I can't think of any reason not to unlock now because you can always re-lock if you want to. Who knows what the new process will entail.
rczrider said:
[*] *Reboot to TWRP, go to Advanced > Terminal and type: reboot disemmcwp
*This disables write protection and allows your changes (such as AdAway) to stick with reboot. You need to run this before your changes will stick. You don't have to use TWRP (you could also use a terminal emulator or ADB), but I find that since you have to reboot anyway, it's just as easy to do it in TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, reboot disemmcwp fixed my write access to /system
rczrider said:
Yes, ZTE still supports bootloader unlocking on the Axon 7. It is currently on hold, but yes, our understanding is that they will be releasing a new process (likely with Nougat).
I can't think of any reason not to unlock now because you can always re-lock if you want to. Who knows what the new process will entail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea well I was hoping the new tool wouldn't kill the warranty but that's wishful thinking, and after some thought I highly doubt that will happen. So time to unlock the bootloader,l and flash TWRP.....soon as I get off work in 9 hours.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
polar2792 said:
Yea well I was hoping the new tool wouldn't kill the warranty but that's wishful thinking, and after some thought I highly doubt that will happen. So time to unlock the bootloader,l and flash TWRP.....soon as I get off work in 9 hours.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think ZTE will eventually put out a bootloader unlock without killing the warranty. But, yeah, either way it's easy enough to do it on your own now.
rczrider said:
I forgot to add a final step to that list. I've updated it and here's the new one:
Copy everything off your internal storage that you don't want to lose.
Get all of the files you need from the steps below and put them on your microSD card.
Flash TWRP (recovery) using the method in the OP (B27 file is fine). You don't need to flash the boot image.
Unlock the bootloader (B27 is fine): http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-bootloader-stay-t3461165
Flash B29: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2
Boot phone, set it up, whatever
*Reboot to TWRP, go to Advanced > Terminal and type: reboot disemmcwp
This will leave you with an unlocked bootloader, a fully functioning TWRP (no data encryption issue), and rooted B29. You will not be able to receive OTAs.
*This disables write protection and allows your changes (such as AdAway) to stick with reboot. You need to run this before your changes will stick. You don't have to use TWRP (you could also use a terminal emulator or ADB), but I find that since you have to reboot anyway, it's just as easy to do it in TWRP.
---------- Post added at 08:45 ---------- Previous post was at 08:02 ----------
In case anyone stumbles across this thread, here's a "Newbie's Guide to Unlocking and Rooting the Axon 7": http://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/newbies-guide-to-unlocking-rooting-axon-t3496234
It will be updated as necessary and contains a step-by-step process with links to the appropriate threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you; thank you, THANK YOU!!!!! I tried for an hour or two, using both ADB and Terminal Emulator to apply this "reboot disemmcwp" fix, and I just couldn't get it to work (I'm on B29). Then, I saw your instructions to use TWRP and followed them, and it worked first time, like a charm!
Thanks again - I'm a very happy camper. You da' man, LOL!
Dennis

Relocking bootloader without bricking

Hey all.
So I've installed LineageOS just fine - the unlocking guides around here are mostly clear enough. Certainly not as easy as I've been used to for Nexus and OnePlus devices though! I've been using the 'official' TWRP 3.0.4.1 and not any of the other (now often links removed) unofficial versions.
I've also got my hands dirty with EDL mode and have totally reflashed a couple of times while playing around.
So on to my question. Basically I have an email client for work (Good for Enterprise) that detects unlocked bootloaders as 'root' (even though I'm not rooted), so I would like to relock my bootloader.
However, as soon as I use 'fastboot oem lock' it instantly bricks my phone. It goes straight into EDL mode, from which it cannot return. No bootloader, no recovery mode, no booting of system. Completely dead. All button combos attempted etc.. The only way back that I've found is to flash a whole new system image in EDL, and start over.
So, have I missed something (a signed recovery?) that makes this happen? Are there some verifications that the bootloader does while locked that fails because there's a custom system and recovery in place?
Is there anything I can do about this? Am I doomed to use stock for as long as I need to use this darned app?
Thanks very much!
Yes you need to be completely stock to lock BL.
Also if you want to stay unlocked, you can use MAGISK to hide root for your mailing app.
Thanks for the replies. I actually don't have, and never have had, root. So the only thing it can possibly be detecting is either the custom ROM itself (or rather, not a factory one from some list they maintain) or the unlocked bootloader. So I doubt MAGISK will work, because there's no root there to hide in the first place
(In case it wasn't obvious, we're talking about Good for Enterprise here).
The blackberry mobile device management system (earlier called GFE) doesnt care if bootloader is unlocked, it just checks whether you have a custom recovery (twrp) and that is enough to flag your system as rooted.

Root SM-J337A Samsung Galaxy Express Prime 3 (2018) Via Magisk Method

EDIT 3: It appears this device has a locked bootloader, which means that twrp wont work, and that device tree was a waste of time... I guess I'll just wait until someone or Samsung releases the firmware for Magisk.
EDIT 2: I have successfully built a device tree for this device using TWRPBuilder's script on github. Although it might not be fully complete, it is still a start. Note: I built using an android 8 release. Does the boardconfig.mk file still work for android 9????
I plan on comparing it with a different device tree to make sure nothing is blatantly wrong with it, but I'm not a developer so I don't know if that will help.
(Anyone willing to help me? If I could efficiently navigate the linux CLI I would probably be much faster...)
My current plan is to build TWRP for this device to back up the ROM so that I can use Magisk.
https://github.com/TwrpBuilder/twrpbuilder_tree_generator/blob/master/README.md
Link to device tree builder for those interested. Dont even ask how long it took me to realize I had to add the commands to the end of the java executive instead of typing TWRPBuilder -r recovery.img. command.
-------
EDIT: To those that read, Samsung has restrictions against downgrading apparently. Currently, the only way for root is by waiting for someone to share the official stock ROM. The first half of this method about getting the firmware Does Not Work I don't know about the rest...
-----
Hello everyone,
I would first like to say that I think this is a working method, but I want to double check with someone who has rooted before.
I have the above mentioned phone, and after a ton of research, have determined a path to rooting it through Magisk. I'm currently running Android Pie 9, on the latest stock firmware from att.
This phone does not have A/B partitioning, but has system-as-root and it will require a copy (and Magisk patched) ROM to root.
One of the main problems I have is not having the latest firmware for my device. (Don't tell me to look it up. Its non-existent on the web) I have found that Samsung's Smart Switch will allow you to obtain the official ROM.
However, to download the ROM, I have to have an outdated phone. The most recent update for my phone was to upgrade from Android 8.0 to 9.0.
I assume such an upgrade requires the whole ROM to be downloaded.
Is it possible to use an outdated ROM for my phone (Yes, I have one for android 8) and downgrade my OS so that I can then update from Smart Switch and get a copy of the current firmware to use with Magisk?
Edit: apparently Samsung has protections against downgrading. I tried samfirm but to no avail.
Anyone know of any compatible custom ROMs?
Will keep trying to root though...
I know many people will immediately say yes, but this phone is different.
There is no OEM unlock in Developer options (read more about this further!), and there is no fastboot. There is no TWRP for this phone either (some older threads on Magisk mentioned TWRP, so I am confused if I need it for rooting via Magisk)
I have discovered, that if you were to hold HOME + POWER + UP, on powerup, you can get to a warning about installing custom OSes and an option to continue.
I pressed continue.
Someone on the web said pressing up will wipe the phone, since it unlocks the bootloader.
My phone did not get wiped.
Is my phone's bootloader/OEM unlocked?
I want to know because I Think Magisk requires an unlocked bootloader.
If Magisk doesn't, I'm all good, and I am glad I can install custom OSes (not my goal, but will do if desperate)
If it does require it, I believe my hone already has an unlocked bootloader/OEM
One last note, does downgrading trip anything? I have no warranty, but I know there are other protections (like KNOX) that could affect the outcome.
(I've heard downgrading won't change anything)
Is there anything I need to turn off?
To Recap:
Downgrade OS
Update via Smart Switch to get stock ROM
Use Magisk to root my phone.
I'm simply asking if everything will turn out OK.
(Sorry for the exceedingly long post)
Thanks.
I don't have this phone but I wanted to have one, but after I realized there is no method to unlock it, you are out of luck I also have a phone laying around (Zte Avid Plus with android lolipop), I built a ROM and recovery for it but I realized there is no method to unlock the bootloader. The only method is to get your hands on the bootloader from this device and try and modify it and pray that it works. That is just how a lot budget devices are built nowadays. And that's sad. The thing is that there was a successor to the Zte Avid with the same specs but it ran Android Oreo. Meanwhile the Avid ran Lolipop. A method from manufacturers to always force us to buy new phones.

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