Related
Update March 8 2017: As you can probably tell, this is very old. I have not worked on the device in several months and I have no idea if these methods are still safe. Please proceed with caution. I will be using one of these on a daily basis in the near future, so I probably will get back into development, and hope to release new content for the phone to help out the community. Please accept this as an official warning that the following is probably out of date and that you should be very careful should you decide to try it. The original post in it's entirety is spoilered below. You have been warned.
Update: A new update was released for the Prime model, V6.6, which replaces the preloader and completely breaks SPFT. If you unlocked your bootloader (so you can use fastboot) in any capacity before taking that update, there may be hope for you yet, but as of right now V6.6 is unsupported. Update: If you used this method to safely* take* the V6.6* update*, this will still work.
Update: I just checked the stats, and this has been downloaded more than 3 thousand times. I never thought my humble little conversion guide would help out so many people. I have also added a new mirror at [REDACTED], so anyone in North America who was having trouble with the Europe mirror, give that one a shot. It should be faster! I have updated all links in the guide to use the new North America mirror, and added a separate Europe mirror link after each link.
Hello! This is a tutorial for converting the Amazon Prime Edition BLU R1 HD to the OEM BLU version. This will overwrite the relevant partitions on your Amazon version of the device with the non-Amazon version. The physical model number on your device will still be a tell (obviously), but besides that, there will be no way to tell your device apart from the regular model! You can also use this method to convert non-Prime to Prime version, and undo OTAs or system modifications. This will restore a 100% out of the box image from either edition on your device.
This will work if you have software version...
V12
V6.1
V6.4
V6.5
SAFE V6.6 FROM THIS THREAD
This will NOT work on software version...
V6.6
The V6.6 update brought a new preloader that breaks our ability to use SPFT. I am currently working on ways to reverse the damage, but as of right now, there is no way to convert (or downgrade) from software V6.6
You can use this on any 16/2 R1 HD with supported software version to...
Convert to the non-Prime OEM version
Convert to the Prime version
Remove ads (via conversion to non-Prime version)
Unroot
Downgrade to V6.1
Downgrade to V12
Undo system alterations/tampers
Restore the system image to the way it was when you first opened the box
Unbrick a device (if bricked because of bad system/recovery/boot image)
There are a handful of reports about this working flawlessly on the 8/1 model as well. I have not personally tested this, so there is still some risk factor.
This only overwrites the system, recovery, and boot partitions. Any other partitions that have been altered will not be restored. In most cases, other partitions should not have been altered, so this is not a concern. I have a full system backup of all partitions, but there is currently evidence to suggest that it is not safe to flash all of the partitions, so I will not release that backup until more is known.
You *should* be able to safely pull this off without wiping your data. This does not require your phone to be rooted or have any other modifications. You can pull it straight out of the box and do this process! If your phone is rooted, you'll lose it. This will make your phone EXACTLY like the non-Prime version comes out of the box! You can also convert a non-Prime device (or a converted Prime device back) to a Prime device using the same method, but I'm not exactly sure why you would want to. I did this all on Linux, but the Windows should work fine too as long as you have drivers dealt with. If you don't have drivers dealt with, I'm not your guy. I'll just tell you to use a better operating system. You'll also need an archive program that can deal with tar.gz files, because that's how my computer zipped them.
And the standard disclaimer: If this bricks your phone or makes it become sentient and plot with other sentient phones to murder your entire family, it's not my fault. That's all on you, buddy.
Ok, without further ado, on to the tutorial!
First, you need these things. Some of the files are quire large, so it might take a while to download:
You'll need the latest version of Smart Phone Flash Tools, or SPFT for short. You can download that from this site, or from [REDACTED]. Please use the latest version for your OS.
You'll need to download the system image. If you're converting to the non-Prime version, [REDACTED]. If you're converting to the Prime version, [REDACTED]
You need the scatter file. This will tell SPFT where the partitions are. This is the same for both variants, so just download [REDACTED]
Once you have those things, you can start actually flashing your phone:
Power your phone completely OFF! This will not work if your phone is powered on. SPFT writes directly to the phone's memory, bypassing all security measures the phone has, so it requires the phone to be completely OFF to get safe and exclusive access to the memory. DO NOT PLUG IN YOUR PHONE YET!
Extract SPFT into a folder on your computer. If you can't figure out how to do that, please stop tinkering with your phone. It's only a matter of time until you break something.
Extract the system image into the same folder you put SPFT in. The three files (boot.img, recovery.img, system.img) should be in the same folder as all the other SPFT files, including the binaries.
Run SPFT. On Windows, simply double clicking the SPFT executable should do the trick. On Linux, you must run the flash_tool.sh script as root. Open a terminal emulator, cd to the SPFT folder, and run `sudo ./flash_tool.sh`. If you recieve an error about permissions, run `chmod +x flash_tool.sh` and try the first command again.
Go to the Download tab in SPFT and click the Scatter-loading button on the far right side. DO NOT click the Download Agent button. When the file picker dialog pops up, find and open the r1hd-spft-scatter.txt file you downloaded earlier.
You should see a list of partitions. Only three of them (boot, recovery, system) should be checked, and the location should point to the files you extracted from the tar.gz file earlier. If this is not the case, double-click the location block of the boot, recovery, and system partitions, and select the boot.img, recovery.img, and system.img files from your filesystem respectively. After selecting the files, the boxes should check themselves.
From the dropdown in the upper left of the partition list, make sure Download Only is selected. Any other option could damage your device.
Click the Download button in the upper left.
While your phone is OFF, plug it into your computer with a data safe USB cable. The cable that came in the box from the factory is ideal, but any good quality cable will work just fine.
SPFT should start overwriting your phone. If you receive an error from SPFT, unplug your phone, close SPFT, and repeat steps 4 through 9. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, after which you should see a window with a large green checkmark. Once you see that window, you can safely unplug your phone and start it up. You're all done!
And as a bonus, I've also included a guide for unlocking the bootloader, getting custom recovery, and rooting the device after you've done this in post #2. That makes this your one stop shop for getting a brand new Prime phone out of the box!!
HUGE THANKS TO @mrmazak FOR THEORIZING THIS METHOD AND GETTING ME THE NON-PRIME SYSTEM IMAGE TO USE!
As always, if you have any questions, just ask in a thread reply or send me a private message on XDA. And by the way, hit the Thanks button in the lower right corner of the post if my guide helps you. It motivates me to keep this up to date and write more helpful guides. If you feel like giving me even more motivation and help fund future development, [REDACTED].
{OUTDATED}[GUIDE][OEM][Stock] Bootloader Unlock, TWRP, and root!
Update March 8 2017: As you can probably tell, this is very old. I have not worked on the device in several months and I have no idea if these methods are still safe. Please proceed with caution. I will be using one of these on a daily basis in the near future, so I probably will get back into development, and hope to release new content for the phone to help out the community. Please accept this as an official warning that the following is probably out of date and that you should be very careful should you decide to try it. The original post in it's entirety is spoilered below. You have been warned.
Ok, now you've converted your brand new Prime phone to the non-Prime version. How do you unlock this sucker? The conversion process actually unlocks the standard unlock method from the factory, so it's VERY simple! No hoops to jump through or anything. You'll need adb and fastboot. You can get those as part of the official Android developer kit, your distro's repos (on Linux) or Homebrew (on Mac). Of course, this guide works for the normal non-converted non-Prime version as well. This WILL wipe your phone, so make sure you back up any important data before doing this.
This guide is for the OEM (non-Prime) version. If you have the Prime version, convert it to OEM using the guide above BEFORE doing this guide.
The standard disclaimer from above still applies.
This guide is broken up into two parts. Unlocking the bootloader, and rooting the phone. If you are preparing to install Magisk, do the bootloader unlock, skip the rooting part and move on to the Magisk guide. You do not need the files above if you are only unlocking the bootloader. If your bootloader is already unlocked, skip the bootloader unlocking part and skip to rooting the phone. If you are preparing to install Magisk and your bootloader is already unlocked, you shouldn't be here. Also please note that the bootloader can sometimes re-lock itself after completing a conversion/restore from the guide above, especially to/from the Prime version, so if you're not sure, play it safe and re-unlock your bootloader.
Part 1 - Unlocking the bootloader:
Boot up your phone. If you haven't already gone through the initial setup process, go through it. The bootloader unlock process will wipe your phone, so skip as many questions as possible so you don't waste your time.
Open the Settings app, go to About device, fine the Build number (it's toward the bottom), and tap on it 8-10 times (until it says you are now a developer. If it says there's no need and you're already a developer, you can skip to the next step)
Go back to the main Settings menu. You should see a new option where About device used to be, Developer options! Click on it.
Toward the top of the long list of developer options, there is an option called "OEM unlocking". If it's switched off, switch it on. If it's switched on, switch it off and back on again. You may get a warning saying that device protection features won't work. Click Enable and proceed. You may also be prompted to enter your password/PIN/pattern lock if you have one.
Scroll down a little bit to reveal USB debugging. Switch it on if it's not already.
Connect your phone to your computer using a data safe cable. Do not disconnect it until the very end.
On your computer, open a terminal emulator (or Command Prompt with ADB access) and run `adb reboot bootloader`. If you get a message complaining about keys or authorization, check your phone. There should be a window asking for permission for your computer to access the device. Allow it and run the command again.
Your phone will reboot into fastboot mode.
On your computer, run `fastboot oem unlock`. On the phone you will get a warning message talking about the implications of unlocking the bootloader. Press Volume Up to accept them. If everything goes smoothly, your bootloader should now be unlocked. You're not ready to flash quite yet! Flashing at this stage WILL brick your phone, so it's important that you continue following the guide carefully.
On your computer, run `fastboot reboot`. Your phone should reboot anywhere from 3 to 5 times. If it reboots more than that, your phone is bricked and you need to start again by following the guide above again.
Once Android starts up again, you should see the setup wizard. Your bootloader is now unlocked!
Part 2 - rooting the phone:
BEFORE YOU PROCEED: If you want your phone to be encrypted AND rooted, it's important that you unlock the bootloader using the steps above first, then use the encryption APK to encrypt your phone BEFORE installing TWRP and rooting your device. This device is an exception to the general rule of flashing TWRP first and then rooting afterwards. Repeat, if you want your phone encrypted and rooted, unlock the bootloader FIRST, then encrypt SECOND, then flash TWRP THIRD, and root your phone LAST.
This is the guide for rooting the actual phone. You must unlock the bootloader using the steps above before doing this part.
First, you'll need these things on your computer.
The TWRP image for the R1 HD. You can download [REDACTED]).
A copy of the latest SuperSU zip from Chainfire. You can get it from the official forum post, or Chainfire's website.
Linux Users: On Linux, you must add `sudo` to the beginning of all fastboot commands, because most Linux distributions will not give you enough access to the hardware without being root.
And finally, the guide:
Hold Volume Up and Power until the phone turns on with the boot menu. Once the boot menu appears, use the volume keys to scroll to [Fastboot Mode] and press the power button to select it. It's the middle option.
On your computer, cd to the folder where you downloaded twrp-3.0.2-1-r1hd-lopestom.img and do `fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.0.2-1-r1hd-lopestom.img`.
On your computer, do `fastboot boot twrp-3.0.2-1-r1hd-lopestom.img`.
Once TWRP boots up, dismiss the prompt about mounting the system, go to Reboot, then choose Recovery. Your device will reboot back into TWRP. I know this step seems odd, but just trust me.
Make a backup if you want. It's not a bad idea, but seeing how you just unlocked your bootloader so your data is gone and we have the images in case you somehow brick the system, I doubt you actually need it.
In TWRP, go to Advanced, then ADB Sideload. Slide the confirmation slider all the way to the right to confirm.
On your computer, cd to the folder where you downloaded SuperSU and run `adb sideload [SuperSU-zip-name.zip]`, replacing the last argument with the name of the SuperSU zip you downloaded, of course. If your computer says "waiting for device" for a long time, cancel with Ctrl+C, run `adb kill-server`, then run the first command again but with `sudo` in front this time.
Reboot the phone. If everything worked correctly, you should now have a rooted phone with SuperSU, bootloader unlocked, and custom recovery! Yay for cheap phones!
As always, if you have any questions, just ask in a thread reply or send me a private message on XDA. And by the way, hit the Thanks button in the lower right corner of the post if my guide helps you. It motivates me to keep this up to date and write more helpful guides. If you feel like giving me even more motivation and help fund future development, [REDACTED].
reserved 3
reserved 4
reserved 5
Can you verify the image you uploaded for the non-Prime version? I'm getting unexpected EOF errors when extracting in Windows using 7Zip and TarTool, and I'm also getting an "operation not permitted" error when extracting using the built in Archive Utility in OS X.
abs0lute said:
Can you verify the image you uploaded for the non-Prime version? I'm getting unexpected EOF errors when extracting in Windows using 7Zip and TarTool, and I'm also getting an "operation not permitted" error when extracting using the built in Archive Utility in OS X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's because the image isn't fully uploaded. My internet is very slow, so it's taking a while to upload. Sorry about that. I was hoping it would be finished by the time I finished writing this, but alas, nope. I will have all files uploaded by tomorrow, along with .md5 files so you can verify the checksums, so come back then. Again, sorry. I guess I should have posted this _after_ I got those uploaded. Oh! And I have North America mirrors coming within the next couple months. It seems a little oxy-moronic to host files for a US only device on an EU server, but unfortunately, servers in the US are significantly more expensive.
ColtonDRG said:
Yeah, that's because the image isn't fully uploaded. My internet is very slow, so it's taking a while to upload. Sorry about that. I was hoping it would be finished by the time I finished writing this, but alas, nope. I will have all files uploaded by tomorrow, along with .md5 files so you can verify the checksums, so come back then. Again, sorry. I guess I should have posted this _after_ I got those uploaded. Oh! And I have North America mirrors coming within the next couple months. It seems a little oxy-moronic to host files for a US only device on an EU server, but unfortunately, servers in the US are significantly more expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem - thanks for your work on this!
abs0lute said:
No problem - thanks for your work on this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just finished uploading the non-Prime version. I will start the other upload before sleeping and update the post removing the warning when I awaken, assuming everything has gone well. You're free to attempt a non-Prime conversion now. Just don't do it the other way around yet.
Sent from my LG G4 using XDA Labs
Can't wait to give this a shot. Well, at least after someone else reports success first...
followed post 1 convert to non prime steps on windows, did not do the bootloader unlock steps.
phone booted up ok, followed by android is upgrading x of 37.
phone working and no ad's on lock screen
the amazon apps are still there but appear to be disabled, causing errors at first boot.
disabled or uninstall the apps. - used cleanmaster
everything seems ok now
Hello, I have now finished uploading the files, so you can now safely flash away! Enjoy! @abs0lute
bupkis said:
Can't wait to give this a shot. Well, at least after someone else reports success first...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I report success. Of course I did everything in the guide here before posting it. I'm not irresponsible. It's completely safe. I just finished uploading the files, so please go ahead and give it a shot.
ColtonDRG said:
I report success. Of course I did everything in the guide here before posting it. I'm not irresponsible. It's completely safe. I just finished uploading the files, so please go ahead and give it a shot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, away we go! :laugh:
When I try to download the scatter file it just opens the file in a new browser window.
>nevermind, figured it out...success!
...on to bootloader unlock, TWRP, root...
bupkis said:
...
When I try to download the scatter file it just opens the file in a new browser window.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's a problem with my server configuration. I'll fix it later. For now, you can save the file by opening it in a browser window and pressing Ctrl+S
I have completed the process successfully-TWRP, root, no ads but do still have all the Amazon apps so something is screwy but not the end of the world.
bupkis said:
I have completed the process successfully-TWRP, root, no ads but do still have all the Amazon apps so something is screwy but not the end of the world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, it's not screwy. The non-Amazon version does include a lot of the Amazon apps. You can uninstall some of them the normal way (they're pre-installed user apps), and others you can either disable or uninstall using your favourite system app remover.
Anyone else missing Encrypt section in Settings > Security after converting to non-prime?
When I try to load the scatter, SPFT says "Error: Initializing scatter file failed. Please check the name of scatter file which you load is legal." I downloaded it from both the primary link and your mirror, same error. Any ideas? Thanks.
EDIT: Looks like I downloaded the oldest version, not the newest version of SPFT. Whoops! I'll leave my mistake on here to help others who may assume the first link is the right one.
notfix said:
Anyone else missing Encrypt section in Settings > Security after converting to non-prime?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is missing. How peculiar. I will attempt to implement a workaround in a little bit. Sorry about that.
Update: The Encryption activity exists on the phone, we just can't get to it from the settings menu. You can launch it by manually launching com.android.settings.Settings$CryptKeeperSettingsActivity using your preferred method for launching arbitrary activities. I will release an app that will launch this activity for you ASAP!
***UPDATE***
Thanks to reply, I have now successfully done everything I set out to do, and created follow-up guide!
You can find it HERE
Original Post below:
Hello Everyone!
I'd like to start off saying I used to have a Nexus 4, with TWRP and Lollipop-based CyanogenMod. I was able to install this all by myself, and keep both TWRP and the ROM updated. I also flashed custom radio to unlock the LTE capability on that phone. My tool of choice to help customize the phone was Nexus Root toolkit.
I was able to follow guides posted long ago on these forums, to do what I wanted with the Nexus 4 back in 2013/2014, but it seems I'm not so capable these days. I've hit such a roadblock with lack of root and constant stutters/slowdowns with everyday use on my current device, the Axon 7, that I must get away from the stock software. I heard it was not so easy with other devices, and while a few devs have posted wonderful guides for users, it's just not enough for a true beginner like me. From skimming guides posted, it seems like devs already expect you to have installed custom recovery, or unlocked bootloader. Then when I try to do these things, so I can move onto custom ROM, it seems the guides are out of date or just not step-by-step enough for me to use, and I don't want to take a risk and brick my device trying things that I'm not sure about. I'm a power user through and through, but not so up-to-date or knowledgeable enough to be able to follow the guides already on the forums. Consider me 1 out of 5 on tech level for Android software.
Here's the model/software already on my device: Stock everything, from bootloader and recovery, to ROM.
Model: A2017U, Nougat 7.0 on B15 ROM
What I still need clarification on:
with my device already running on nougat, do I need to install the nougat universal bootloader/radio I saw in earlier guides?
will LineageOS have any downgrades in regard to audio quality, on either the headphone output or speakers?
will my ROM of choice have Daydream VR support? if not what would be needed?
this is not a big deal, but do I need a special app or entire custom ROM if I'm interested in a temporary unroot to use apps like Android Pay?
Here's what I want on my device: TWRP, LineageOS with root.
If anyone, expert users and devs alike, could reply with current known-good info about the following, I and a lot of other users would be eternally grateful:
unlocking the bootloader, installing TWRP, and LineageOS, in a stupidly long but simple step-by-step process.
Quick follow-up info:
What I can do so far: download current LineageOS nightly, correct version of root .zip, and TWRP from official websites
NO, I'm not good with using ADB on Windows to get things done. I had to ask a friend to help me install it on windows, the guide he sent was much easier than the one i was using, and he still had to walk me through how to use it once installed to help me unlock bootloader/root on another device, Zenphone Zoom if anyone is interested.
PLEASE, don't link me to other guides for any part of this process, if the steps are thorough and relevant, please copy here, of course with all due credit given to original poster.
Feel free to let me know if more info about my knowledge level or device is needed to help you work on my request.
Thanks for reading, here's to several years more of everyone enjoying this wonderful device!
ok there is three real steps, but it can be aheadache, mainly because you didn't unlock before going to nougat.
Step 1. Downgrade to B29 Marshmallow - go here https://www.zteusa.com/axon-7/ and on the support tab in software updates is a full B29 software package. Download it, unzip it once, then put the update.zip file on your SD card.
- on the phone, in developers options, turn on OEM unlocking (it is needed to flash from sd card)
- boot phone to recovery, choose update from sd card, pick the update.zip from the sdcard, the phone will flash the B29 software. It is a bit slow, let it do what it needs to do.
Step 2. Unlock phone and install TWRP - go here https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/edl-emergency-dl-mode-twrp-unlock-t3553514 download the miflash program, fastboot unlock program, and twrp for B29.
- instructions are all there, just do what it says.
Step 3, Install LineageOS - https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/unofficial-lineageos-14-1-zte-axon-7-t3545679 very straight forward. Don't forget to install first the bootloader, then the rom, then gapps.
What makes this so hard is not being easily able to unlock in nougat. Most of us here unlocked way before marshmallow
No need to downgrade to b29.
lafester said:
No need to downgrade to b29.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking this too. Should be as simple as the steps below
1) Flash signed twrp using axonroot tool - this pry's open the door
2) Using twrp, flash fastboot (b20_fbop or something?) - opens door wider
3) Enable usb debugging and oem unlocking in developer options
4) reboot to fastboot/bootloader mode
5) fastboot oem unlock - door is now wide open
Done.
gpz1100 said:
I was thinking this too. Should be as simple as the steps below
1) Flash signed twrp using axonroot tool - this pry's open the door
2) Using twrp, flash fastboot (b20_fbop or something?) - opens door wider
3) Enable usb debugging and oem unlocking in developer options
4) reboot to fastboot/bootloader mode
5) fastboot oem unlock - door is now wide open
Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that a "should work" or "does work" because I'm trying to root and install LOS also on stock non rooted nougat Axon 7 and so far I've gotten nowhere and no one seems to be able to give me a list that says Yes this works
Help needed
I followed the instructions and is apparently in a boot loop. Initially it was working but now it is not. I can't even wipe the device to start from scratch. Is there another ROM available to try?
kingoftheafro said:
Is that a "should work" or "does work" because I'm trying to root and install LOS also on stock non rooted nougat Axon 7 and so far I've gotten nowhere and no one seems to be able to give me a list that says Yes this works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly the reason I made my post, I need concrete answers not guesses. Glad to see someone else needs the same answers
kaiso said:
I followed the instructions and is apparently in a boot loop. Initially it was working but now it is not. I can't even wipe the device to start from scratch. Is there another ROM available to try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you downgrade to Marshmallow B29 first or skip this step?
[email protected] said:
This is exactly the reason I made my post, I need concrete answers not guesses. Glad to see someone else needs the same answers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm praying that someone will compile the information spread about into 3 guides that are model specific so people like us won't rack our heads trying to figure out what on earth to do.
[email protected] said:
Hello Everyone!
Model: A2017U, Nougat 7.0 on B15 ROM
What I still need clarification on:
1with my device already running on nougat, do I need to install the nougat universal bootloader/radio I saw in earlier guides?
2will LineageOS have any downgrades in regard to audio quality, on either the headphone output or speakers?
3will my ROM of choice have Daydream VR support? if not what would be needed?
4this is not a big deal, but do I need a special app or entire custom ROM if I'm interested in a temporary unroot to use apps like Android Pay?
Here's what I want on my device: TWRP, LineageOS with root.
If anyone, expert users and devs alike, could reply with current known-good info about the following, I and a lot of other users would be eternally grateful:
unlocking the bootloader, installing TWRP, and LineageOS, in a stupidly long but simple step-by-step process.
Quick follow-up info:
What I can do so far: download current LineageOS nightly, correct version of root .zip, and TWRP from official websites
5NO, I'm not good with using ADB on Windows to get things done. I had to ask a friend to help me install it on windows, the guide he sent was much easier than the one i was using, and he still had to walk me through
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I've edited your post to clear some of the clutter and numbered everything so I can answer everything.
1. No, bootloader updates are only for users who haven't updated to B15 (through official means)
2. Only audio issues are with the front facing speakers. The way they sound is if you turn them up to 100% and then push it even higher to like 140%. So if you keep it at about 71% they sound normal. Check this guide here to get even better quality on overall sound (headphones, speakers)
3.B15 and LOS both work with Daydream. I currently use LOS with my Daydream headset currently.
4.Magisk with this kernel here. Currently have fully functioning Android Pay with LOS.
5. This is a big problem. If you're not comfortable with ADB you should maybe rethink messing with this phone. EDL mode (which is how I flash TWRP and subsequently the B20 bootloader to unlock) is very similar to ADB and the tools needed to flash in EDL can brick your device. Learning how to use ADB isn't bad but it's good as a fallback so you're not relying on strangers to help you out in a pinch (which most will, I just like having the ability to do things mostly myself).
---------- Post added at 10:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:55 AM ----------
nolimit78 said:
I'll keep on saying this as much as I need to, I get where you're coming from. There's a lot of data about the correct way of doing things. Best thing to do is read and search. When I got my phone B29 was the new hotness and there was a bunch of older data floating around that I had to sift through. But I did it, I sifted and found my own way and combined two different methods to get my phone rooted and flashed with LOS. Honestly, the trial and error, the searching, the sifting is totally worthwhile because while this device is /DIFFERENT/ compared to methods for HTC and Samsung products, it's not harder. It's better to get yourself properly antiquated to the device you plan on flashing/hacking/rooting because there is /always/ a chance for bricking. Then another thread will be created asking for help to unbrick. Take the time, read now, read everything, understand your device, then push forward.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I quoted this because this thread is like the third I've seen in the last couple days. But to offer some help, this is the guide that I've followed with two phones one running B29 stock and one running B15 Stock. It remains the same because of the use of EDL. It's also good in case you want to go back to complete stock (which at the time was speculated would brick your device) but I read between the lines and discovered that it's just not a big deal. Once you get TWRP installed, make sure your Data partition is EXT4, flash LOS, flash GApps and you're good to go.
The hardest part of the process, is getting your drivers to be recognized properly for the EDL flashing tool to work. Anti-Virus softwares tend to throw false positives with tools like the EDL Flashing tool. I installed a fresh copy of Windows 7 JUST to have a flashing station ready JIC. Once I did that, smooth sailing.
nolimit78 said:
Ok, I've edited your post to clear some of the clutter and numbered everything so I can answer everything.
1. No, bootloader updates are only for users who haven't updated to B15 (through official means)
2. Only audio issues are with the front facing speakers. The way they sound is if you turn them up to 100% and then push it even higher to like 140%. So if you keep it at about 71% they sound normal. Check this guide here to get even better quality on overall sound (headphones, speakers)
3.B15 and LOS both work with Daydream. I currently use LOS with my Daydream headset currently.
4.Magisk with this kernel here. Currently have fully functioning Android Pay with LOS.
5. This is a big problem. If you're not comfortable with ADB you should maybe rethink messing with this phone. EDL mode (which is how I flash TWRP and subsequently the B20 bootloader to unlock) is very similar to ADB and the tools needed to flash in EDL can brick your device. Learning how to use ADB isn't bad but it's good as a fallback so you're not relying on strangers to help you out in a pinch (which most will, I just like having the ability to do things mostly myself).
---------- Post added at 10:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:55 AM ----------
I quoted this because this thread is like the third I've seen in the last couple days. But to offer some help, this is the guide that I've followed with two phones one running B29 stock and one running B15 Stock. It remains the same because of the use of EDL. It's also good in case you want to go back to complete stock (which at the time was speculated would brick your device) but I read between the lines and discovered that it's just not a big deal. Once you get TWRP installed, make sure your Data partition is EXT4, flash LOS, flash GApps and you're good to go.
The hardest part of the process, is getting your drivers to be recognized properly for the EDL flashing tool to work. Anti-Virus softwares tend to throw false positives with tools like the EDL Flashing tool. I installed a fresh copy of Windows 7 JUST to have a flashing station ready JIC. Once I did that, smooth sailing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already used EDL mode from that page to put a fresh copy of stock nougat to, among other things, reduce the potential issues upgrading causes. So all I should have to do is flash B15-NEW_TWRP (Nougat) from that page and then fastboot unlock?
from there reset data/cache, flash custom ROM.
flash gapps
reboot, install apps.
?????
KyJelly69 said:
I've already used EDL mode from that page to put a fresh copy of stock nougat to, among other things, reduce the potential issues upgrading causes. So all I should have to do is flash B15-NEW_TWRP (Nougat) from that page and then fastboot unlock?
from there reset data/cache, flash custom ROM.
flash gapps
reboot, install apps.
?????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup.
kingoftheafro said:
Is that a "should work" or "does work" because I'm trying to root and install LOS also on stock non rooted nougat Axon 7 and so far I've gotten nowhere and no one seems to be able to give me a list that says Yes this works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In case you still need all this, I made a new guide after successfully doing everything:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/complete-guide-to-unlocking-installing-t3561128
[email protected] said:
In case you still need all this, I made a new guide after successfully doing everything:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/complete-guide-to-unlocking-installing-t3561128
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the guide, but I managed to get everything done without having to downagrade from Nougat. I was having issues with my Windows variant recognizing my phone after drivers were installed so I used Linux Mint 18.1 and everything went smooth as a whistle. I think the mods should pin your thread post.
I followed the rootjunkie YouTube videos, worked perfectly and the files were all available.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
Preamble
Hello, all.
Soooo I've never posted on this forum before. I've mainly leeched the invaluable info for my personal gain. I'm sure many a googler has come here trying to figure out how to root their phone. And I'm sure many a "swimmer" in Schitz Creek has come here via Google to figure out how to save their device from what had been perceived as an upgrade. I'm speaking, of course, of trying to root/unlock a phone and finding said phone "bricked".
Well, it’s time to give back.
Because yesterday, I was neck deep in Schitz Creek. After a series of dumb decisions and a lack of knowledge, I bricked the phone I’d bought for my wife’s birthday. I was just trying to be able to delete the Asus bloatware and install titanium backup and greenify. By the way, since when did Facebook become a system app? How is this a thing? Anyways, my wife deserves better battery life. And it’s fun to feel like Cyber MacGuyver by rooting a phone. But the situation went awry. My wife kept telling me that everything was going to be alright, but I know the limitations of my knowledge.
Brief aside: I'm decently computer/phone savvy, but I would, in no way, consider myself an advanced user. Sure, to my family, I'm a computer wizard. But that doesn't mean a whole lot. To them, opening up a command prompt in Windows is seen as an act of magic. And I haven't had my planeswalker spark yet. However, I have successfully rooted, and in most cases unlocked the bootloader, for several phones (HTC desire, Galaxy S3 [three different models over three years], Asus Zenfone 5, LG G4 [once pre-motherboard-death and once post (after a downgrade)], and now the ZE552KL). So I know how to at least fumble my way around adb, fastboot, odin, and various recoveries. As long as you’re at this level, or willing to learn, then you should be able to follow these instructions. End aside.
Mistakes not to make
Let’s get down to brass tacks. I made two big mistakes that you shouldn’t make. Both mistakes stemmed from the basic mistake of using a root method other than this one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone-3/help/guide-how-to-root-zenfone-3-ze552kl-t3471524
The problem with not using this EXACT method is that some of the files/programs which you need to use have specific versions which will ensure an easypeasy root. Honestly, if you properly follow the instructions in the above post, you will most likely not run into any problems. The only addition I can make is that instead of steps 6 and 7, you might find it easier to install SuperSU.zip through TWRP instead of pushing and sideloading.
Mistake 1: Not using the proper TWRP file and SuperSU file
For some reason, there are multiple versions of these files. Your SuperSU file should be 4.8MB. Using the wrong SuperSU will break the dm-verity. Your TWRP should NOT be the latest experimental version. It should be the one from November or earlier of 2016. Using the wrong TWRP will leave you unable to use the touchscreen. Trust me. I know from experience.
Mistake 2: KEEP TWRP READ ONLY
Disabling read only has no current benefits. It will just break the dm-verity. Your device will still be able to be written to if you keep TWRP read only. I have no idea why it’s called “read only”.
How to unbrick the phone
I’m sure some of you skipped straight to here. While I can’t blame you, please at least read the above paragraph. It will help you.
First I will describe the situation the phone was in, and then I will explain how I saved it. Before I continue, I want to give a big shout out to Niemer. Without their helpful post, I would’ve had no idea what to do. Thanks!
Situation the phone was in
--TWRP could not be used because the touchscreen wasn’t working.
--The dm-verity was messed up (i.e. “not started in enforcing mode").
Before you look at the solutions, make sure that your phone shows up in the windows device manager as an ADB device/ASUS ADB device/ADB composite device/etc. no matter which step you’re in. Google it to figure out how if you don’t already know.
The solution
Part 1 - Create and flash a system image which will restore your dm-verity
step 1. download the latest system “update” from the asus drivers website. I have a WW version of the phone, so I downloaded “WW_V13.20.10.152”. It’s a 1.76GB file, so be patient. I haven’t tested this method with other versions of the phone, but they should work in theory.
step 2. go into the updater script file (META_INF → com → google → android → updater-script). Open it with notepad ++.
step 3. delete from the beginning of the file up until the line “ui_print("Target: asus/WW_Phone/ASUS_Z012D:6.0.1/MMB29P/13.20.10.152-20161222:user/release-keys");”
The code that you are deleting checks to make sure that your phone is the proper model. But there is a good chance that it will mistakenly identify your phone as a phony. So we need to get rid of this code.
step 4. save the updater-script file
step 5. create a copy of the modified system update zip file. You should now have two 1.76GB files (or maybe slightly different if your phone is a CN, JP, or other model. Once again, I have a WW version of the phone). Name one of the files “realupdate.zip” and name the other “dmsaver.zip”. The names aren’t actually important.
step 6. enter dmsaver.zip. delete these four files: file_contexts, system.new.dat, system.patch.dat, and system.transfer.list. Exit out of the file. It should now be about 60MB.
step 7. turn on your ZE552KL and enter fastboot mode
step 8. in a cmd screen from your main folder (i.e. the one with adb, fastboot, and all the other files, including the ones you just created), type in the command “fastboot flash system dmsaver.zip”
step 9. if successful, you have just restored the dm-verity. You should now no longer get that sinister red text which has been ruining all your fun.
Part 2 - Install a proper version of TWRP
(This is only important if your version of TWRP won’t let you do anything because you can’t use your touch screen)
Download the version of TWRP that is included in the how-to-root post I linked to above. Also, you can download the oldest version (NOT the newest) from a sharing website which is linked to in a post on the ASUS website. It’s not in english though. Flash it to your phone in fastboot mode using the “fastboot flash recovery” command. Make sure you turn your phone off before turning it back on, or your recovery might not activate correctly.
Part 3 - Install a new version of your system.
Go into TWRP and install the zip file “realupdate.zip” that you created in Part 1 - step 5.
Part 4 - Root your phone
Follow the instructions in the link I posted earlier. It comes from this website, so you know it’s good. This time, though, you probably don’t need to unlock the bootloader
Part 5 - Breathe a sigh of relief
Parting words
I really hope this guide can be of assistance to you. The full procedure for fixing “my” phone wasn’t really recorded anywhere (although once again, big shout out to Niemer for their post). I went through hundreds of iterations of seemingly random fastboot, recovery, and adb actions before everything worked out. Because of this, I feel quite fortunate to have saved the phone, and I really wanted to give back. This community has been super helpful to me over the last seven years, and this is my chance to reciprocate. I sincerely hope that this post will help you.
I hope I didn’t forget anything. I have a sneaking suspicion that I did. In any event, if you have any questions, please post them, and I’ll try to be of assistance. Happy rooting!
thank you man but i start Part1 step8 "fastboot flash system dmsaver.zip" it's successful then i go into TWRP and install the zip file “realupdate.zip” dm-verity show again.
Thank again.
Raw firmware
I have the same issue. My phone was branded "tim italy". When i bought it, I flashed the WW version via asus flash tool, and I'm currently able to update till the last M version, which is the ......152.
If i try to update to Android N, my phone will not boot, giving me the corruption message and shutting down after 10 seconds. I also tried to perform the dm restore procedure; the dm error disappeared but the system is stuck on the Asus boot screen
I believe that the only solution is to flash a Nougat RAW firmware via asus Flash tool. Does Anyone have a download link for the N version ?
thank you, you helped me, now im on N
I guess the version matters then. So be careful with which firmware you download/install. If anyone has success with other versions, please share how you did it
I am stuck on Step 8. i put the 2 zips in where my adb and fastboot is located, and then proceed to type 'fastboot flash system...' and then it wont let me flash, any help?
Device Locked
When I flash the dmsaver.zip, receive the error "FAILED (remote: not allowed in locked state)". Apparently this with the bootloader locked, but I already unlocked before. Someone can help me unlock the bootloader again?
Further hyperlinks & solution ideas
Check out my solution and Ideas in those in links I posted in this thread at 4th of septembre 2017:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ze...-zenfone-3-zoom-ze553kl-t3657239#post73661437
The hyperlinks in my post might also be useful, I hope.
Would be glad about your feedback, if it helped! :good:
how do you update the script file ..can u just post the file that u made somehow or email it or attach it to a message?
cant get it to work followed the instructions still getinf error code 7 trying to install lineage os
If you have lineage OS version not is a zip file but all the images (boot.img, system.img, ...) then you could try to flash the images through ADB...
if someone have the no verity issue, can you try a method for me please?
it consists on:
re-flash the rom kernel via fastboot
and run:
Code:
fastboot oem reset-dm-verity
Followed all the steps and twrp still has no touch function.
Tried all different twrp versions.
OS Version is a key
Hi everybody that has the same issue, I hope you read that so you can fix your problem.
So what I did was downloading old version of OS that autor mentioned "WW-13.20.10.152". It is necessary to download this version even if there are more newer versions. Then follow tutorial and you should be fine.
So again, thanks OP for posting this. You helped me a lot!
Hi,
I have recently upgraded from S2 i9100 phone to Huawei P9 Lite. Am loving it as a mid-range phone. I just don't require spending 4 figures on a portable device.
But, I am off-track. like most people here, I am not happy with the stringent restriction Android manufacturers put on phone hardware. I bet they wouldn't be satisfied with having their corporate computers having no full backup capabilities. I had rooted my prior device, but have not yet completed it on this device. Not sure if I will. I only wanted full Nandroid backups. I'm happy with this ROM. It may change, if I need more room, due to minimal internal storage.
I have learned how to achieve this, using ADB commands. I'm not a PC whizz; definitely not a device one. To date, I have unlocked the bootloader, & installed TWRP.
The questions I have are:
1) I cannot seem to boot to TWRP via the phone buttons. I can only achieve this via ADB commands. What am I doing wrong? Everytime it boots into the EMUI recovery. My first
attempt at installing TWRP had ended in failure. Or so I thought. It probably was installed properly. I hadn't thought to try booting into recovery with ADB tools. Which leads me
to my second question.
2) Using the great little programme, Firmware Finder, I found the hard-to-locate firmware for my phone -VNS-L22C706B130. As I live in New Zealand, it wasn't readily available to
download form anywhere I could find in-browser. I downloaded the relevant update.app file. The plan was to revert back to a total original state, then try again. When I extracted this to a dload folder, & copied to my SD card, I used the manual update method: power with volume+&-. It updated the phone, relocking the bootloader. However, it didn't complete a full stock ROM restore. My existing phone setup was still with all the apps & settings intact. Again...not sure what went wrong. Not an issue. But if I DO decide to restore to the original stock ROM, I need to understand exactly where I went wrong. Is the update.app file the only one required for a complete ROM restore.
Please, keep any answers in basic language. I do have some difficulty understanding some of the explanations on threads I have looked at. Thanks in advance.
Hey guys,
I was using TWRP + Lineage 15.1 ROM on my Fire HD 8 (2018 - 8th Gen) but decided to return to stock ROM and get rid of it.
As I didn't find any guidance anywhere I've tried to sideload the original stock ROM through TWRP even I didn't really think that was a good idea. I upladed the file (update-kindle-Fire_HD8_8th_Gen-PS7315_user_1958_0018354775684.bin - perhaps not the correct file anyway ) which resulted in boot loop. I now cannot access TWRP. Does anyone please have a link with instructions how to unbrick my device or even better with instructions to directly flash the stock ROM for 8th Gen please? I only keep finding links for older devices.
Many thanks guys.
ertech said:
Hey guys,
I was using TWRP + Lineage 15.1 ROM on my Fire HD 8 (2018 - 8th Gen) but decided to return to stock ROM and get rid of it.
As I didn't find any guidance anywhere I've tried to sideload the original stock ROM through TWRP even I didn't really think that was a good idea. I upladed the file (update-kindle-Fire_HD8_8th_Gen-PS7315_user_1958_0018354775684.bin - perhaps not the correct file anyway ) which resulted in boot loop. I now cannot access TWRP. Does anyone please have a link with instructions how to unbrick my device or even better with instructions to directly flash the stock ROM for 8th Gen please? I only keep finding links for older devices.
Many thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems that the bootloader files for OS 6 (TZ and LK) are incompatible with OS 7.3.1.5. I found that you could not even shut down the tablet when it was bootlooping: holding the power button down for >30 seconds did nothing. To stop it you need to open the tablet and disconnect the battery.
You will need to copy a version of OS 6 onto a micro SD card (change the file extension from '.bin' to '.zip'). Insert the micro SD, after reconnecting the battery and putting the rear shell back on. You should be able to boot into recovery (TWRP) with the left volume button/ power button. Wipe system and data then flash the OS 6 zip.
Locate the newer thread for unlocking the HD 8/ 8th gen. tablet (amonet-3) and download the latest amonet version (currently 3.0.1) and the 'return to stock' zip, then follow the instructions in that thread to return to stock. Essentially you unzip the two downloads, merge, and run the return to stock script. From TWRP you boot the tablet into hacked fastboot mode and the script will restore stock boot and recovery images (unpatched). After a reboot you should be able to enter standard Amazon recovery mode. If you then ADB sideload the OS 7.3.1.5 software you will eventually boot into OS 7 (Pie).
Link to 'amonet-3' thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80166353&postcount=1
@MontysEvilTwin I haven't updated mine to 7.x release but wanted to see if you have been able to successfully unlock and root on newer firmware?
I'm guessing as you said bootloader files for OS 6 (TZ and LK) are incompatible, its not going to work?
madman said:
@MontysEvilTwin I haven't updated mine to 7.x release but wanted to see if you have been able to successfully unlock and root on newer firmware?
I'm guessing as you said bootloader files for OS 6 (TZ and LK) are incompatible, its not going to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had no luck unlocking the Karnak (or Mustang). I think there a couple of issues. The unlock doesn't work with the OS 7.3.1.5 bootloaders, you get a bootloop. I expected this as it is only the very first version of the Karnak LK file (OS 6.3.0.0) that has the necessary vulnerability for a full unlock. However if you use a modified version of Amonet to flash the OS 7.3.1.5 PL and TZ plus the OS 6.3.0.0 LK you get a bootloop, even without unlocking and unpatched stock boot and recovery images. It may not be impossible, I am hoping that the unlock authors (@xyz` and @k4y0z) will take a look at some point.
Thank you very much @MontysEvilTwin for your response and great explanation. Opening the device, disconnecting the battery and taking all these steps just to flash the stock ROM and selling it for a few pounds is probably way more effort than what it's worth. I'll probably just sell the case and hand the device for a safe disposal. It might be perhaps worth it to create a separate topic with a step by step walkthrough to safely revert a rooted device with TWRP & custom ROM back to Stock ROM for less advanced users like me? (I appreciate what I attempted to do was a bit stupid, just saying it would be useful having this explained somewhere...)
As I'm not going to use "Karnak" any more I'd like to thank everyone here for all their contributions as you made my experience with my device significantly better and also to thank everyone who found time to answer my questions. I just wanted to say that you're doing an amazing thing and making people like me happy. :good:
ertech said:
Thank you very much @MontysEvilTwin for your response and great explanation. Opening the device, disconnecting the battery and taking all these steps just to flash the stock ROM and selling it for a few pounds is probably way more effort than what it's worth. I'll probably just sell the case and hand the device for a safe disposal. It might be perhaps worth it to create a separate topic with a step by step walkthrough to safely revert a rooted device with TWRP & custom ROM back to Stock ROM for less advanced users like me? (I appreciate what I attempted to do was a bit stupid, just saying it would be useful having this explained somewhere...)
As I'm not going to use "Karnak" any more I'd like to thank everyone here for all their contributions as you made my experience with my device significantly better and also to thank everyone who found time to answer my questions. I just wanted to say that you're doing an amazing thing and making people like me happy. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, if you just want to unbrick it is quite easy. If you have the latest TWRP (you will have if you unlocked with amonet version-3 for thIs tablet) it is likely that your bootloaders are unchanged. To get out of the bootloop you can either disconnect the battery or let it run down. Then you should be able to boot into recovery. From there you can flash a backup of your previous OS, or wipe system and data and reflash a stock OS 6 update.