Help Plz...Stock recovery missing and unable to install any recovery ! - Sony Xperia X Compact Questions & Answers

Thanks in advance......i'm so frustrated feel ripping my **** off.. being struggling with this for 3 days...
I was on official stock 7.0 nougat (generic russian), genesis kernel drmfix & Twrp for about a year with no issue. In fact that's my 1st and only attempt in flashing this phone. Decided to upgrade to 8.0. Big mistake!?!
Used Emma flash to flash the latest stock 8.0 release for my region, Asia. It booted up fine, all was well. I read that flashing stock will simply remove root and twrp. But i realized stock recovery was missing as well. And i can't restore any kind of recovery no matter what i tried. Suggestions please !
When i tried to enter recovery, the phone simply vibrated twice, and then 3 times quickly. If i continue holding the buttons, it goes into a loop of black screen and boot screen.
Tried flashing twrp via adb/fastboot. It appeared successful . No error messages. File size and time taken was also reported. But no recovery upon rebooting.
Fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
I can only flash roms using Emma, Flashtool ftf always fail with a 'no loader' found message.
Tried re-flashing mm, nougat and oreo via Emma. Phone runs well for all but again no stock recovery.
Don't know what else to do or what the problem is......
If i reflash to stock rom and relock boot loader without any recovery, it that dangerous?

Baron Zemo said:
Thanks in advance......i'm so frustrated feel ripping my **** off.. being struggling with this for 3 days...
I was on official stock 7.0 nougat (generic russian), genesis kernel drmfix & Twrp for about a year with no issue. In fact that's my 1st and only attempt in flashing this phone. Decided to upgrade to 8.0. Big mistake!?!
Used Emma flash to flash the latest stock 8.0 release for my region, Asia. It booted up fine, all was well. I read that flashing stock will simply remove root and twrp. But i realized stock recovery was missing as well. And i can't restore any kind of recovery no matter what i tried. Suggestions please !
When i tried to enter recovery, the phone simply vibrated twice, and then 3 times quickly. If i continue holding the buttons, it goes into a loop of black screen and boot screen.
Tried flashing twrp via adb/fastboot. It appeared successful . No error messages. File size and time taken was also reported. But no recovery upon rebooting.
Fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
I can only flash roms using Emma, Flashtool ftf always fail with a 'no loader' found message.
Tried re-flashing mm, nougat and oreo via Emma. Phone runs well for all but again no stock recovery.
Don't know what else to do or what the problem is......
If i reflash to stock rom and relock boot loader without any recovery, it that dangerous?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/x-compact/how-to/stock-8-0-root-recovery-t3747479
1. Download 'Modded boot img for 34.4.A.2.118' from that thread
2. Flash stock with Emma
3. Don't turn on the phone, go to fastboot and flash the boot img and TWRP img

levone1 said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/x-compact/how-to/stock-8-0-root-recovery-t3747479
1. Download 'Modded boot img for 34.4.A.2.118' from that thread
2. Flash stock with Emma
3. Don't turn on the phone, go to fastboot and flash the boot img and TWRP img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Thanks for the reply
1. Done
2. Which do i choose in Emma? Software update content (erases user content) or Firmware update versions.
Also must i choose the stock rom which must tally with boot img 34.4.A.2.118? ie. the rom version which ends with .118?
3. Fingers crossed.

Baron Zemo said:
Hi, Thanks for the reply
1. Done
2. Which do i choose in Emma? Software update content (erases user content) or Firmware update versions.
Also must i choose the stock rom which must tally with boot img 34.4.A.2.118? ie. the rom version which ends with .118?
3. Fingers crossed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, flash 118 fw. If you want to save data, back it up first.

levone1 said:
Yes, flash 118 fw. If you want to save data, back it up first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have given up I followed the instructions explicitly.
Tried flashing latest stock from different regions via Emma, Flashtool/xperifirm and ftfs from online depositories. Then flashed with the corresponding downloaded boot.img, then TWRP without any rebooting inbetween. Even created patched boot.img from extracted .elf files to try. There was no error messages or anything.
Recovery runs fine. But starting normally it either boot loops are stuck at Sony logo.
Is there any other way to get the drm restored? Can i root it via common methods and work my way from there?

Baron Zemo said:
I have given up I followed the instructions explicitly.
Tried flashing latest stock from different regions via Emma, Flashtool/xperifirm and ftfs from online depositories. Then flashed with the corresponding downloaded boot.img, then TWRP without any rebooting inbetween. Even created patched boot.img from extracted .elf files to try. There was no error messages or anything.
Recovery runs fine. But starting normally it either boot loops are stuck at Sony logo.
Is there any other way to get the drm restored? Can i root it via common methods and work my way from there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you full wipe before flashing, or when flashing, (check boxes in 'wipe' section)?

levone1 said:
Did you full wipe before flashing, or when flashing, (check boxes in 'wipe' section)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i use flash tool, i ticked all boxes under Wipe sin during stock rom flashing. All the rest (exclude sin & misc TAs) are unchecked. No other wiping during the process.
If i use Emma, there's no chance to wipe anything, it's auto flash stock rom, then flash boot.img, then flash Twrp, then reboot to a boot loop.
btw, i've tried latest twrp 3.2.3 and 3.2.1
Also, when i flash stock, is stock recovery supposed to return? Twrp just gets removed, and i don't have any recovery at all.
Am i cursed?

Baron Zemo said:
If i use flash tool, i ticked all boxes under Wipe sin during stock rom flashing. All the rest (exclude sin & misc TAs) are unchecked. No other wiping during the process.
If i use Emma, there's no chance to wipe anything, it's auto flash stock rom, then flash boot.img, then flash Twrp, then reboot to a boot loop.
btw, i've tried latest twrp 3.2.3 and 3.2.1
Also, when i flash stock, is stock recovery supposed to return? Twrp just gets removed, and i don't have any recovery at all.
Am i cursed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you can boot to Sony stock recovery. If you flash stock 118, then flash modded boot img and TWRP, and reboot, I don't know why it wouldn't work. Many have done it. Just to be sure -
1. To enter recovery, you power off, then press power and volume down together, until vibration.
2. First boot takes a while. Wait a good 10 minutes to be sure.

levone1 said:
I don't think you can boot to Sony stock recovery. If you flash stock 118, then flash modded boot img and TWRP, and reboot, I don't know why it wouldn't work. Many have done it. Just to be sure -
1. To enter recovery, you power off, then press power and volume down together, until vibration.
2. First boot takes a while. Wait a good 10 minutes to be sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's why it's so odd to me. Not the 1st time i'm doing this too. I would have waited even longer if it was stuck, but it was looping continuously back to the start.
I suspect could simply be a hardware fault developed. Anyway, i've given up. Probably best excuse to get a new phone
Many thanks for trying to help :good:

I haven't been able to get mine to reboot to recovery either, so i just boot recovery.img from fastboot anytime I want to mod. Kinda annoying but I haven't figured a way around it.

Related

Can I Ota update while rooted on stock firmware

I am currently on stock rom but rooted. An Ota update popped up can I update without bootloop
I would like to know the same thing
Naruto101 said:
I am currently on stock rom but rooted. An Ota update popped up can I update without bootloop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
stkman32 said:
I would like to know the same thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you can't take an OTA if you have any modifications to /system (root). Have a look at my guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
I got an 8MB update for the november patch. Being on TWRP and root i need to convert back to stock before i can have it leave me alone? Is there a way to flash the patch without doing that?
Thanks for answering my question
roughriduz said:
I got an 8MB update for the november patch. Being on TWRP and root i need to convert back to stock before i can have it leave me alone? Is there a way to flash the patch without doing that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No way around it, any modifications will cause the update to fail.
Heisenberg said:
No way around it, any modifications will cause the update to fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@amoeller had me flash the modified boot.img for MDB08M then flash the MDB08M system.img and vendor.img from the factory image. I rebooted bootloader, the booted to TWRP and re-flashed supersu. I am now on the November patch without having to remove TWRP and all works well. My user data was also untouched.
roughriduz said:
@amoeller had me flash the modified boot.img for MDB08M then flash the MDB08M system.img and vendor.img from the factory image. I rebooted bootloader, the booted to TWRP and re-flashed supersu. I am now on the November patch without having to remove TWRP and all works well. My user data was also untouched.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
User data should never be affected during an OTA anyway.
This is actually the first time I've unlocked a phones bootloader and stuck with the stock rom. I usually use some kind of popular rom with it's own built in OTA (CM/Viper One)
How often do you guys actually update your phones for OTA? It seems like a real hassle
GloriousGlory said:
This is actually the first time I've unlocked a phones bootloader and stuck with the stock rom. I usually use some kind of popular rom with it's own built in OTA (CM/Viper One)
How often do you guys actually update your phones for OTA? It seems like a real hassle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am rooted now so I'll wait a while before updating an ota until there's a big deal of info. However, in the past if I was sticking with stock there's usually at least one developer who posts the updates with root and stuff built in so you can easily flash with twrp. So I'm kind of waiting for that. That or cataclysm or another awesome rom that's close to stock.
GloriousGlory said:
This is actually the first time I've unlocked a phones bootloader and stuck with the stock rom. I usually use some kind of popular rom with it's own built in OTA (CM/Viper One)
How often do you guys actually update your phones for OTA? It seems like a real hassle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wait for factory image for that build and flash over the new images when they become available (provided that root can still be achieved). Some will do a clean wipe and start fresh with the new build and reload in their apps and user data, others will just dirty flash the updated system (and boot/bootloader or whatever else was changed too).
If you think about it, it really isn't all that different from taking an OTA, the difference is that we're applying the commands to flash instead of having it automated. It's not that big of a trade off in my book.
I have 2 questions...
What is the easiest way to make flashing updates a breeze if I have mods in /system partition? I have heard of "freezing" them. Or is the only option... to delete every mod and flash updates? If so, should I keep a note of every change I make to/system?
And last... Should I make a backup of any file i am replacing or overwriting in /system? And if so, do I have to put them back how they were before flashing an update?
Delete
If you're rooted then you need to download the full factory image, extract system and vendor and flash those. Reflash SuperSU.
roughriduz said:
@amoeller had me flash the modified boot.img for MDB08M then flash the MDB08M system.img and vendor.img from the factory image. I rebooted bootloader, the booted to TWRP and re-flashed supersu. I am now on the November patch without having to remove TWRP and all works well. My user data was also untouched.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s probably easier and quicker just to flash stock factory images separately instead of having to jump through hoops with OTAs. Like I told @roughriduz just flash the updated partition(s) that were updated like system.img, vendor.img, or whatever and just flash SuperSU in TWRP after.
The steps @roughriduz took was
1. Download and extract latest factory image.
2. Download matching modified boot.img for that build (For example MDB08M).
3. Flash system, vendor, and any other partitions (like radios, etc) with fastboot if they were updated in the OTA. Don’t bother to flash stock recovery because we’re not using an OTA. Flashing userdata.img is just like a factory reset.
4. Boot directly into TWRP and flash SuperSU.
5. Reboot and profit.
This method gives you the latest stock build rooted with TWRP while keeping your data because I hate having to redo my phone.
amoeller said:
It’s probably easier and quicker just to flash stock factory images separately instead of having to jump through hoops with OTAs. Like I told @roughriduz just flash the updated partition(s) that were updated like system.img, vendor.img, or whatever and just flash SuperSU in TWRP after.
The steps @roughriduz took was
1. Download and extract latest factory image.
2. Download matching modified boot.img for that build (For example MDB08M).
3. Flash system, vendor, and any other partitions (like radios, etc) with fastboot if they were updated in the OTA. Don’t bother to flash stock recovery because we’re not using an OTA. Flashing userdata.img is just like a factory reset.
4. Boot directly into TWRP and flash SuperSU.
5. Reboot and profit.
This method gives you the latest stock build rooted with TWRP while keeping your data because I hate having to redo my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A couple questions:
1. Step 1 refers to the latest factory image that contains the update, correct?
2. Step two refers to the boot.img that contains root?
3. At what point in this process do you flash the modified boot.img, before or after applying the other images?
Thanks for your help!
JimmyJunk said:
A couple questions:
1. Step 1 refers to the latest factory image that contains the update, correct?
2. Step two refers to the boot.img that contains root?
3. At what point in this process do you flash the modified boot.img, before or after applying the other images?
Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Latest factory image is the latest factory image from the nexus factory images page. It's not an update like ota, but rather the entire image they would return you to stock if all is flashed.
2. Flashing a modified boot does not give you root. You still have to flash SU, so saying the modified boot contains root isn't right.
3. I flash boot first unless there is an updated bootloader.
JimmyJunk said:
A couple questions:
1. Step 1 refers to the latest factory image that contains the update, correct?
2. Step two refers to the boot.img that contains root?
3. At what point in this process do you flash the modified boot.img, before or after applying the other images?
Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. This can be whatever the latest factory image is at the moment. It’s currently MDB08M. All the OTA does is update your phone to whatever build it was made for. Factory images already have previously released updates built into them. You can upgrade but avoid downgrading unless you want to factory reset your phone.
2. I’m referring to the boot.img without root by @mrRobinson found https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24269982086992320 although this process can be used for systemless root also. For systemless root you wouldn’t flash SuperSU in TWRP but instead sideload the SuperSU APK as per Chainfire’s instructions and use the matching systemless root boot.img
3. I don’t think it matters but as long as you have the matching modified boot.img with the system.img installed before you restart, you should be fine.
amoeller said:
It’s probably easier and quicker just to flash stock factory images separately instead of having to jump through hoops with OTAs. Like I told @roughriduz just flash the updated partition(s) that were updated like system.img, vendor.img, or whatever and just flash SuperSU in TWRP after.
The steps @roughriduz took was
1. Download and extract latest factory image.
2. Download matching modified boot.img for that build (For example MDB08M).
3. Flash system, vendor, and any other partitions (like radios, etc) with fastboot if they were updated in the OTA. Don’t bother to flash stock recovery because we’re not using an OTA. Flashing userdata.img is just like a factory reset.
4. Boot directly into TWRP and flash SuperSU.
5. Reboot and profit..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What the heck did I do wrong here? I just tried to apply the November OTA update to my MBD08K build, it didn't work, and now I am in the process of doing a full reset and rebuild of my phone (flash-all of factory images from Google)
Here are the notes I made as I attempted to follow the procedure in this thread:
Code:
- Download latest build for MBD08K from https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images?hl=en
- Extract boot.img, system.img, vendor.img to C:\adb (or wherever where adb and fastboot are
installed). You have to
- Right-click, open command window here
- Ensure USB debugging is enabled on phone (grant permissions on phone if you get the popup)
- In command prompt, "adb devices"
- Should see serial number and "device"
- type "adb reboot bootloader"
- Should get to bootloader screen with little android man lying down with hatch open
- type "fastboot devices" - should see your serial # again and "fastboot" beside it.
- type "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
- type "fastboot flash system system.img"
- type "fastboot flash vendor vendor.img"
- Use volume keys to boot into recovery (in my case TWRP)
- Swipe to allow modifications
- Install -> SuperSU.zip that you should have on your phone from last time.
- Reboot system
I saw a red "your phone is corrupt" scary message on startup... took a while to boot. Couldn't get past the dancing circles.
Interrupted boot, rebooted to fastboot, tried to flash old modified boot.img
Booted again, got encryption unsuccessful warning
Flashed most recent boot.img again, stuck booting forever
try again:
- flash system.img
- flash vendor.img
- flash boot.img (modified)
reboot to recovery - your device can't be checked for corruption (yellow warning instead of red)
- swipe to allow modifications
- reboot with TWRP, swipe to install SuperSU
- Encryption unsuccessful. Prompt to factory reset. Click OK. Boots through TWRP.
Give up, start flashing factory images.
EDIT: I might be the stupidest person alive. I think I should have been using the files for MDB08M. Arggghhhh. Someone please confirm I am an idiot.
Edit 2: Factory reset worked, I am at MDB08M. Now rooting again... grr. At least I backed up all my apps & settings to Google Drive with TB.
Edit 3: Rooted and restoring all apps with TB. If anyone has any insight into where I F'ed up I'd appreciate it.

Blocked on "Please lock the bootloader" screen A2017G

Hi guys,
First, English isn't my first language so, sorry if it hurts your eyes :/
Second, I'm new to TWRP / root etc... (since yesterday) and I don't fully understand the exact meening of all words like flash / rom etc...
So: I'm actually blocked in the "Your device can't be checked for corruption. Please lock the bootloader". Apparently it's a normal screen now, when we boot we always see this. OK ( at least that's what I read)
My volume keys aren't doing anything and I can't access my phone anymore.
I can access TWRP if I want.
Thx for responding :good:
Adb & fastboot still recognize your device ?
If yes flash twrp as recovery with fastboot and boot into it with fastboot.
coremania said:
Adb & fastboot still recognize your device ?
If yes flash twrp as recovery with fastboot and boot into it with fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I know if ADB recognize my phone?
I can access TWRP so I don't need to flash it again ? Is there a difference between just flash TWRP and flash TWRP with fastboot ?
Sry, my bad, i miss read that you can access twrp, sry, I thought you can't, what happens if you flash a rom, which twrp is installed, what were your steps that you end stuck on bootloader message ?
Edit: if your issue is that you don't know how to start flashing, read the Los thread and follow the op.
Instructions:
1. Install the Universal bootloader and your model specific modem.Failure to do so will not allow flashing the ROM!
2. Update recovery [Recommended -> Official TWRP for Axon7
3. Factory reset if coming from another ROM.
4. Install ROM
5. Install GApps (optionally) [Recommended -> Open GApps (arm64) (7.1) 2017-02-01 or Newer
Download all files from the thread and put them on to your microsdcard, if your twrp is up to date you don't have to do this again. Flash the zip files in the order of the instructions, just press install at twrp and choose the zips, you can add multiple and flash them together.
Man, trust me, I'm not a lazy man and all I want is to have my phone back even if it's stock
I don't understand what you're trying to make me do, sincerely
If you can give me a link where I can have a guide steps by steps or make this guide for me that would be the best thing of my day...
... I really need to wait wtf
update: I wipe all my phone data
I no longer have TWRP installed but the "basic" android recovery
(with those option when you start it:
Reboot system now
reboot to bootloader
apply update from adb
.
.
.
Power OFF)
I'm such a **** wtf
I really don't know your issue, except you seem not to read enough. What guide you want ? How I flash a custom rom to my phone ? How to use twrp ?Why you unlocked your bootloader ? How did you manage to have the stock recovery back ?
I have to guess what you want and what you already did . If you need a guide, here are severals in the guide section.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to
TheGreatNarchy said:
... I really need to wait wtf
update: I wipe all my phone data
I no longer have TWRP installed but the "basic" android recovery
(with those option when you start it:
Reboot system now
reboot to bootloader
apply update from adb
.
.
.
Power OFF)
I'm such a **** wtf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you are stuck with stock recovery and not TWRP? If so I would find a guide to "flash" or install TWRP in what is called EDL mode.
If you can do that, you then need to:
boot directly into TWRP and wipe dalvik, system, data, and cache.
Then install universal boot loader and modem for your device. (A2017G)
Next install latest TWRP img found on https://TWRP.me
And lastly reboot into recovery again and install Rom (version of Android you want to try) and any other modifications you want (kernel, gapps, magisk, etc.)
If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask. Good luck!
JTruj1ll0923 said:
So you are stuck with stock recovery and not TWRP? If so I would find a guide to "flash" or install TWRP in what is called EDL mode.
If you can do that, you then need to:
boot directly into TWRP and wipe dalvik, system, data, and cache.
Then install universal boot loader and modem for your device. (A2017G)
Next install latest TWRP img found on https://TWRP.me
And lastly reboot into recovery again and install Rom (version of Android you want to try) and any other modifications you want (kernel, gapps, magisk, etc.)
If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? You can flash the ROM after flashing the universal bootloader, then also flash TWRP via itself, and you'll stay on the latest...
Rebooting without a ROM is bad. just bad. even rebooting to recovery. that's how i got my dfu brick
Choose an username... said:
What? You can flash the ROM after flashing the universal bootloader, then also flash TWRP via itself, and you'll stay on the latest...
Rebooting without a ROM is bad. just bad. even rebooting to recovery. that's how i got my dfu brick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not 100% sure what you are saying. But yeah, sure. Flash the Rom after the universal bootloader and modem. Then flash twrp. Then reboot.
If you think that is better for OP then that works. I haven't ever had the problem of rebooting to recovery without a rom installed but you're right that it probably is safer.
I only suggested that because the TWRP that comes with the real old universal bootloader on LOS thread is also very old. So, flashing a rom with the new version I thought would be best to avoid errors. Thanks!
JTruj1ll0923 said:
I am not 100% sure what you are saying. But yeah, sure. Flash the Rom after the universal bootloader and modem. Then flash twrp. Then reboot.
If you think that is better for OP then that works. I haven't ever had the problem of rebooting to recovery without a rom installed but you're right that it probably is safer.
I only suggested that because the TWRP that comes with the real old universal bootloader on LOS thread is also very old. So, flashing a rom with the new version I thought would be best to avoid errors. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is, after you flash the universal bootloader, the TWRP on the sd gets replaced. but the TWRP that you are using is loaded in RAM. So even if you install a TWRP version you'll stay in the version you flashed before until you reboot. If you install the universal bootloader and then install the TWRP img you'll keep everything as-is on the next reboot. I discourage rebooting without a system especially on a G because any interruption might lock the phone in DFU. On an a2017U that wouldn't be a problem because the phone boots into edl if any software error is present

Help with soft brick

Hi guys,
I got the ASUS Zenfone 3 Zoom and started playing with it. Unfortunately I managed to soft brick it and somehow I can't go back to stock. Here are all the things I did. I would be happy to get any ideas what to try next:
1. unlocked the bootloader - using asus's official unlock tool
2. flashed twrp recovery - twrp-3.2.1-0-Z01H-20180304.img, using:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
3. updated asus's firmware to the latest official one:
copying UL-Z01H-WW-71.60.139.30.zip onto internal memory
android detects the update and applying it using android
4. Enabling lock pattern at boot (from android settings). Correct pattern required even when booting into recovery
5. Installing supersu via twrp:
adb reboot recovery
installing supersu
wiping caches (the cache partition cannot be wiped)
6. SuperSu working (tested via android)
7. Reading about Magisk. Trying to install magisk via twrp. Magisk's installer complained that the system is not vanilla (due to SuperSu modifications). Have to uninstall SuperSu to return to previous state.
8. Tried uninstalling SuperSu from the program itself (in android). The uninstaller got stuck. The phone become unresponsive and had to reboot.
9. Found a script packaged as an executable zip (to be installed via twrp) that will uninstall SuperSu and return system to pristine state (SuperSu makes a backup of the files it changes before installation) - UPDATE-unSU-signed.zip. Uninstallation worked.
10. Magisk installation still complained about the bootloader. Then things started to go wrong. I unpacked the latest firware UL-Z01H-WW-71.60.139.30.zip, took out boot.img and tried to flash just the bootloader
fastboot flash boot boot.img
11. Upon reboot the phone got stuck at the ASUS logo. Reboot into recovery and into fastboot still works (soft brick). Still shows unlock pattern at boot.
12. I tried flashing the original firmware using TWRP (install a zip). However the installation threw some errors. Unsuccessful.
13. I've tried flashing the system.img from the original firware using fastboot but still it's stuck at the ASUS logo at boot.
fastboot flash system system.img
Here I am stuck. I've read that TWRP cannot install properly the ASUS official firmware but if you flash the original recovery, it can probably flash it properly. Another thing that I think might explain why I cannot get out of the soft brick is that I've enabled the lock pattern at boot, which effectively encrypted some parts of the phone and I have a strong feeling this interferes with the boot process. I will look for a script/installable zip (via twrp) that can remove the lock.
I really need ideas/suggestions before I make something that will turn my phone into a hard brick. Thanks.
What you need to do is flash stock MM recovery from bootloader using "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img"
Since it came with MM preloaded you'll have to install the ROM using stock recovery via adb. It'll take a while, but after that you should upgrade to the latest MM update.
After that, update to any Nougat patch update you wish to receive, because I still haven't figured out yet how to apply them all with @shakalaca's recovery images.
Once you're done, you can install twrp again and flash magisk.
Good luck and hope this helped you
Thanks
+)KEV1N(+ said:
What you need to do is flash stock MM recovery from bootloader using "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img"
Since it came with MM preloaded you'll have to install the ROM using stock recovery via adb. It'll take a while, but after that you should upgrade to the latest MM update.
After that, update to any Nougat patch update you wish to receive, because I still haven't figured out yet how to apply them all with @shakalaca's recovery images.
Once you're done, you can install twrp again and flash magisk.
Good luck and hope this helped you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
I tried to find a stock recovery images but unsuccessful. Can you tell me where to get it from?
Here's a link to Shakalaca's recovery images.
In the Old folder you'll find MM stock recoveries.
https://mega.nz/#F!p90wgAaY!l1JbJilmAUEKTKWu43pT9w!I89QgZpK
Flash 11.40.86.75 recovery
Boot into recovery
Flash 11.40.86.75 stock rom via adb (it'll take a while)
Once it's done, boot into Android.
Download your respective region's latest MM rom.
Send it to your micro sd.
Install it once Android detects the update file.
(It won't work with custom recovery. I tried every recovery Shakalaca has and only those two seem to work)
Once on the latest MM rom install any nougat patch update you wish to apply, because once you have a nougat rom, you can't boot stock recovery. (As far as my testings went)
So if I were you, I'd go for any update after the zenui 4.0 update since it's a bit better looking imo.
After that final update you can flash TWRP to root your phone. I prefer using magisk, since it doesn't modify the system files.
All you need to do is flash magisk and that's it. No need for SuperSU or anything else. And by any means, do NOT wipe your cache partition once you flash TWRP, otherwise you'll get stuck on the Asus logo during boot.
If you wish to retain the "certified" status in google play store's device certification, do NOT go into the play store before installing magisk. Also, don't delete play store data, otherwise you'll lose your previous purchases.
This post was longer than I initially thought it'd be, but I guess this sums it up pretty well.
Good luck
+)KEV1N(+ said:
Here's a link to Shakalaca's recovery images.
In the Old folder you'll find MM stock recoveries.
-- [link] removed due to XDA regulations
Flash 11.40.86.75 recovery
Boot into recovery
Flash 11.40.86.75 stock rom via adb (it'll take a while)
Once it's done, boot into Android.
Download your respective region's latest MM rom.
Send it to your micro sd.
Install it once Android detects the update file.
(It won't work with custom recovery. I tried every recovery Shakalaca has and only those two seem to work)
Once on the latest MM rom install any nougat patch update you wish to apply, because once you have a nougat rom, you can't boot stock recovery. (As far as my testings went)
So if I were you, I'd go for any update after the zenui 4.0 update since it's a bit better looking imo.
After that final update you can flash TWRP to root your phone. I prefer using magisk, since it doesn't modify the system files.
All you need to do is flash magisk and that's it. No need for SuperSU or anything else. And by any means, do NOT wipe your cache partition once you flash TWRP, otherwise you'll get stuck on the Asus logo during boot.
If you wish to retain the "certified" status in google play store's device certification, do NOT go into the play store before installing magisk. Also, don't delete play store data, otherwise you'll lose your previous purchases.
This post was longer than I initially thought it'd be, but I guess this sums it up pretty well.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I managed to flash 11.40.86.75 and stock ROM using your instructions. I will look now into updating and applying magisk. Just a final question. You mentioned to install Nougat patch update and not a full firmware, but my phone came preloaded with Nougat. Will this be a problem? I installed stock 71.60.139.30 and it worked fine (i was able to boot into twrp).
mollonado said:
Thanks, I managed to flash 11.40.86.75 and stock ROM using your instructions. I will look now into updating and applying magisk. Just a final question. You mentioned to install Nougat patch update and not a full firmware, but my phone came preloaded with Nougat. Will this be a problem? I installed stock 71.60.139.30 and it worked fine (i was able to boot into twrp).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I misread your comment. I'm updating to the latest ROM and installing TWRP. Thanks for the help.
mollonado said:
Sorry I misread your comment. I'm updating to the latest ROM and installing TWRP. Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to help!
---------- Post added at 01:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:30 PM ----------
mollonado said:
Thanks, I managed to flash 11.40.86.75 and stock ROM using your instructions. I will look now into updating and applying magisk. Just a final question. You mentioned to install Nougat patch update and not a full firmware, but my phone came preloaded with Nougat. Will this be a problem? I installed stock 71.60.139.30 and it worked fine (i was able to boot into twrp).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It came preloaded with Nougat? Interesting.
+)KEV1N(+ said:
Glad to help!
---------- Post added at 01:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:30 PM ----------
It came preloaded with Nougat? Interesting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I managed to flash stock ROM - 71.60.139.30, but after that I can't flash twrp - twrp-3.2.1-0-Z01H-20180304.img. I tried with:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
but when I try to boot into recovery with:
adb reboot recovery
it goes into the stock recovery. Is there something I missed? Do I need to downgrade to flash TWRP?
mollonado said:
Hi I managed to flash stock ROM - 71.60.139.30, but after that I can't flash twrp - twrp-3.2.1-0-Z01H-20180304.img. I tried with:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
but when I try to boot into recovery with:
adb reboot recovery
it goes into the stock recovery. Is there something I missed? Do I need to downgrade to flash TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick question: which of these warnings do you get when you boot?
https://www.androidauthority.com/go...rrupted-and-modified-android-software-629180/
Also, did you try power cycling to get it to boot?
And since the version number made such a large jump, I believe they must have changed something internally with the latest update and that it's probably going to be one of the last Nougat updates before Oreo (which was delayed until June).
I still need to update to that version to check it out, but I might reset soon since I was waiting for Oreo to reset.
+)KEV1N(+ said:
Quick question: which of these warnings do you get when you boot?
https://www.androidauthority.com/go...rrupted-and-modified-android-software-629180/
Also, did you try power cycling to get it to boot?
And since the version number made such a large jump, I believe they must have changed something internally with the latest update and that it's probably going to be one of the last Nougat updates before Oreo (which was delayed until June).
I still need to update to that version to check it out, but I might reset soon since I was waiting for Oreo to reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Orange warning. It looks a bit different but the wording is the same. Yes, i tried powercycling and still I boot into the stock recovery. What can I do now? Is it possible to downgrade? I am not sure if I boot into stock recovery if it will let me flash an older stock ROM.
mollonado said:
I have the Orange warning. It looks a bit different but the wording is the same. Yes, i tried powercycling and still I boot into the stock recovery. What can I do now? Is it possible to downgrade? I am not sure if I boot into stock recovery if it will let me flash an older stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read here - https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/twrp-101-install-best-custom-recovery-for-android-0179547/
that once you flash twrp Android upon next reboot might overwrite it with the stock recovery. Is that possible?
mollonado said:
I read here - https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/twrp-101-install-best-custom-recovery-for-android-0179547/
that once you flash twrp Android upon next reboot might overwrite it with the stock recovery. Is that possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, how did you flash TWRP exactly? Using that guide? Or flashed through bootloader?
And to answer your question: yes, it happens sometimes.
+)KEV1N(+ said:
So, how did you flash TWRP exactly? Using that guide? Or flashed through bootloader?
And to answer your question: yes, it happens sometimes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I managed to get around it by directly booting into TWRP from fastboot. Yes, apparently unless I flash some TWRP files to the system partition upon next reboot, the recovery will return to stock. Anyway, I managed to install Magisk and Exposed framework and have been poking with those two for the last couple of days.
The youtube vanced app is great, but I found something that worries me. I can't login to facebook/twitter. I checked and the reason is I can't connect to the facebook.com or twitter.com https sites (even over chrome). I think either:
- I've installed some module which is messing with that
- my rooted phone is hacked
I've installed a module that is meant as ad blocker, that updates the hosts file. However I removed all modules and the problem remains. I really don't wanna start all over again just to check. And even if I reflash and it works, I will not know what caused it and how to fix it myself next time. Do you have any ideas on how to figure out what the problem is?
Regards,
mollonado said:
Hi, I managed to get around it by directly booting into TWRP from fastboot. Yes, apparently unless I flash some TWRP files to the system partition upon next reboot, the recovery will return to stock. Anyway, I managed to install Magisk and Exposed framework and have been poking with those two for the last couple of days.
The youtube vanced app is great, but I found something that worries me. I can't login to facebook/twitter. I checked and the reason is I can't connect to the facebook.com or twitter.com https sites (even over chrome). I think either:
- I've installed some module which is messing with that
- my rooted phone is hacked
I've installed a module that is meant as ad blocker, that updates the hosts file. However I removed all modules and the problem remains. I really don't wanna start all over again just to check. And even if I reflash and it works, I will not know what caused it and how to fix it myself next time. Do you have any ideas on how to figure out what the problem is?
Regards,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, my apologies for this late reply (Been superbusy with school and internship assignments)
Secondly, and that is why I only use magisk. Because once you mess with the host file, depending on what module you install, it can range from tripping safetynet to bootlooping.
So quick question, is it still in this state right now since 9 days ago?
Greetings,
Kevin
+)KEV1N(+ said:
Here's a link to Shakalaca's recovery images.
In the Old folder you'll find MM stock recoveries.
https://mega.nz/#F!p90wgAaY!l1JbJilmAUEKTKWu43pT9w!I89QgZpK
Flash 11.40.86.75 recovery
Boot into recovery
Flash 11.40.86.75 stock rom via adb (it'll take a while)
Once it's done, boot into Android.
Download your respective region's latest MM rom.
Send it to your micro sd.
Install it once Android detects the update file.
(It won't work with custom recovery. I tried every recovery Shakalaca has and only those two seem to work)
Once on the latest MM rom install any nougat patch update you wish to apply, because once you have a nougat rom, you can't boot stock recovery. (As far as my testings went)
So if I were you, I'd go for any update after the zenui 4.0 update since it's a bit better looking imo.
After that final update you can flash TWRP to root your phone. I prefer using magisk, since it doesn't modify the system files.
All you need to do is flash magisk and that's it. No need for SuperSU or anything else. And by any means, do NOT wipe your cache partition once you flash TWRP, otherwise you'll get stuck on the Asus logo during boot.
If you wish to retain the "certified" status in google play store's device certification, do NOT go into the play store before installing magisk. Also, don't delete play store data, otherwise you'll lose your previous purchases.
This post was longer than I initially thought it'd be, but I guess this sums it up pretty well.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made a mistake and could not install recovery stock, I followed what you wrote in the beginning install MM recovery and so I did a hard reset and I was able to install the most current recovery stock and installed ROM Oreo, Thanks. Sorry, I'm on google translator.

I've screwed my Zenfone 3 Max (ZC520TL), need recovery.img

I have screwed my phone big time. It has been screwed for a while and I've been searching for methods to fix it. So awhile back when I didn't know about the sheer amount of models of this phone there are, I tried to flash TWRP. The image was not for my model and my recovery is screwed. I figured that it was no big deal, the phone worked just fine. Not long afterwards, I was goofing with Xposed modules. One of these broke Asus's ZenUI or something, because the phone boots up and Systemui.apk immediately crashes and won't stop. It's just a black screen with the error message box. There is a repair option that pops up in the dialogue box after a while, but it does nothing. I've tried remote wipe with Google services, but my location services are off and I can't turn them on. I've tried Xposed safe mode, but it won't engage. USB debugging is off and I can't enable it or USB mass storage mode, because there is a prompt that I can't tap. I can't get into recovery, because it just goes right to the boot logo. Fastboot works, but I can't flash a new firmware with it, because the bootloader is locked. Does anyone have any suggestions or even a backup of the original recovery.img for the US model? ASUS provides the system but not recovery.img and their support staff gets angry if you ask for it. The root of the issue is Systemui.apk. Since I can't just replace that, I have to restore, and I don't have a way to restore Android to factory settings.
Unofficial bootloader unlock followed by flashing twrp or stock recovery if you can find it. Twrp will allow you to mount your sdcard if you want to try just replacing systemui.apk, otherwise both recoveries can flash back the stock Rom. You might be able to get away with dirty flashing your current rom if replacing the APK doesn't work.
wang1chung said:
Unofficial bootloader unlock followed by flashing twrp or stock recovery if you can find it. Twrp will allow you to mount your sdcard if you want to try just replacing systemui.apk, otherwise both recoveries can flash back the stock Rom. You might be able to get away with dirty flashing your current rom if replacing the APK doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the thing, though. There is no twrp available. There is no stock recovery available. I can't unlock the bootloader, because ASUS never released a working method to do it. I am screwed.
Have you tried to dirty flash the same firmware version you have via Asus flash tool?
wang1chung said:
Have you tried to dirty flash the same firmware version you have via Asus flash tool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about the delay, but ASUS flash tool doesn't recognize the phone, either in system or fastboot modes. That tool doesn't seem to work with fastboot. Basically I have to do some trickery with fastboot but there isn't much available to do with it.
Sorry, it's not Asus flash tool, it's sp flash tool.
Check out this guide.
wang1chung said:
Sorry, it's not Asus flash tool, it's sp flash tool.
Check out this guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this. Have the official firmware but need a scatter file. The one in the firmware zip is deemed invalid because it is missing a lot of the required data I suppose. If only I had made a backup of everything while the phone was still working...

Cannot boot into TWRP from phone, only from PC using fastboot boot ..

Yep, its 2021 and I just have set up a new XC Kugo - bootloader unlocked, TWRP.img flashed as well manually via fastboot as well as using the flashable Zip. Can boot into bootloader either manually (Vol+) or the reboot menu (Lineage 14.1), but cannot reboot into recovery from the phone. Flashed the latest Kugo TWRP 3.4.0, but still no way to boot into recovery from phone, the only way is to use the PC and $>fastboot boot twrp.img. That works fine. The strange thing: when I change settings in TWRP, it obviously saves them on the phone, as they are set, when I boot into TWRP using fastboot. Also pressing Vol+ when the violett light comes on during boot process will not call up TWRP (nor does the reboot menu of course) it just commences with normal boot process and starts Lineage.
Is there a bug in my bootloader? Can it be fixed?
I remember from this thread:
[stock 8.0][Unlocked bl][34.4.A.2.19; ...32; ...85] Root and Recovery (3 clicks)
Thanks to serajr here - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75505302&postcount=2973 Go directly to that post and give thanks. You need: Stock O ftf (best to use Flashtool/Xperifirm) Modded boot img for 34.4.A.2.19 -...
forum.xda-developers.com
that I had to flash a costumized boot.img when setting up TWRP for the first time. Maybe that's the step you are missing. Fingers crossed!
Thanks very much. I indeed did not flash a customized boot.img... :-(
The big question is: can I do that still? And: will that work with my lineage or woould I have to go back to Sony stockrom Android 6.0 then?
LBsys said:
Thanks very much. I indeed did not flash a customized boot.img... :-(
The big question is: can I do that still? And: will that work with my lineage or woould I have to go back to Sony stockrom Android 6.0 then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea, sadly. Afaik (!, no guarantees) flashing a seperate boot.img does only work well with Treble ROMs. But I really am not sure about that.
I'd recommend starting from zero again, that is, going back to stock. That's at least how I'd do it.
Spaceoid said:
No idea, sadly. Afaik (!, no guarantees) flashing a seperate boot.img does only work well with Treble ROMs. But I really am not sure about that.
I'd recommend starting from zero again, that is, going back to stock. That's at least how I'd do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem solved, pressed the wrong key (Vol+ instead of Vol-). Still booting into recovery from boot menu doesn't work, but that's ok ;-)

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