HELP: Rooting Essential PH-1 on android 9 - Essential Phone Questions & Answers

Guys, I'm at my wits end here. I don't know what to do. And it's driving me crazy.
After saving for 3 months, I got a used Essential Ph-1 from craigslist (for sprint). It came with Android 9, and a February 5, 2019 security patch.
All I want to do is to root the phone. And I have tried everything in my power to get it to work. It just does not. I have unlocked the bootloader, I'm seeing the device in adb and fastboot, but unable to sideload, or flash anything. I've been following different threads on here and youtube looking for directions, but my phone will just not do it.
Can someone please help me? I will send my phone over to you and pay you to have it done. I've tried almost everything to do it, and nothing works. I've even tried to flash android 8 and 7, it still doesn't do it. Someone please help me. I don't know what more i can do. Any guidance is appreciated.

Can someone please help me? I don't know what more to do. Please.

Can you temporarily boot to twrp?
Are you using fastboot.exe from the essential ph1 driver folder?

goofball2k said:
Can you temporarily boot to twrp?
Are you using fastboot.exe from the essential ph1 driver folder?
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Click to collapse
No. I can't sideload or boot into anything other than the android 9

I also bought my PH-1 on CL, but it was an open market version. I can only outline what I found on this forum, and what worked successfully for me... I assume you are on Windows. First off, make sure you install the drivers provided by Essential, and use adb/fastboot that comes with it (it gets installed and put into the system path when you install the drivers).
I didn't care about TWRP, so the only thing I needed was root. So, after unlocking bootloader (and also unlocking critical, as recommended), I simply followed the steps to install Magisk, which are really straightforward:
https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/install.html
Just use the "Boot Image Patching" section.
That's it. Works perfectly, and I just need to repeat the patching after OTA updates (there is a thread about this procedure specifically).
If fastboot flashing doesn't work for you for some weird reason, I don't have any good ideas about that, sorry! Sounds like you are able to get into the fastboot mode (since you are saying you can see your phone in the device list), so why it wouldn't let you flash is kinda baffling...

kt-Froggy said:
I also bought my PH-1 on CL, but it was an open market version. I can only outline what I found on this forum, and what worked successfully for me... I assume you are on Windows. First off, make sure you install the drivers provided by Essential, and use adb/fastboot that comes with it (it gets installed and put into the system path when you install the drivers).
I didn't care about TWRP, so the only thing I needed was root. So, after unlocking bootloader (and also unlocking critical, as recommended), I simply followed the steps to install Magisk, which are really straightforward:
https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/install.html
Just use the "Boot Image Patching" section.
That's it. Works perfectly, and I just need to repeat the patching after OTA updates (there is a thread about this procedure specifically).
If fastboot flashing doesn't work for you for some weird reason, I don't have any good ideas about that, sorry! Sounds like you are able to get into the fastboot mode (since you are saying you can see your phone in the device list), so why it wouldn't let you flash is kinda baffling...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that too. But it kept saying unable to unpack boot image | installation failed.
I tried it with the stock images from the Essential website, both the OTA and fastboot versions. I'm getting the error for both files.

I would suggest checking out the PH1 Dev telegram group https://t.me/EssentialPH1DEV . not only will you find pre rooted stock boot images along with ones with TWRP as well you will also find help flashing them if you need it. Hope this helps you out.

Thank you everyone for all your help. Special thanks to kt-Froggy. I got it to work. I had to change my usb port from 3 to 2 and i was able to get it to work!

Related

can someone please help?

I'm trying to update my wife's N7 to 4.3. She used a toolkit to root and has TWRP recovery. Everything else is stock. So first I downloaded the 4.3 update and attempted to flash, but immediately after choosing "install" I received a message the the flash failed. I thought maybe I got a bad download, so I rebooted the device and forced an OTA. The device downloaded the OTA, but then rebooted to TWRP and didn't install. Then I thought maybe I need to have stock recovery... So I unrooted, and installed stock recovery. I then forced the OTA again, downloaded, and began to install in stock recovery, and approximately halfway through it stopped and gave an error message. Then the device rebooted on it's own. I'm not sure what to do at this point. I was able to update to 4.3 on my N4 without any issues. Does anyone have a solution for me? Please let me know if there is some detail I left out. Thanks!
You can use fastboot to erase your current partitions then manually flash the 4.3 stock images.
I've never used fastboot before. Plus another problem now... I tried to flash the stock image via toolkit, now the device is stuck on the bootloader.
chrisbo4 said:
I've never used fastboot before. Plus another problem now... I tried to flash the stock image via toolkit, now the device is stuck on the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the bootloader or the boot animation? Big difference.
There was a recent change in fastboot that makes flashing the 4.3 images a little dicey if you're not using the latest fastboot executable, which I imagine could cause problems with various toolkits that bundle the executable.
Rirere said:
On the bootloader or the boot animation? Big difference.
There was a recent change in fastboot that makes flashing the 4.3 images a little dicey if you're not using the latest fastboot executable, which I imagine could cause problems with various toolkits that bundle the executable.
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Click to collapse
On the bootloader. I can't get past the google splash screen, but it overlays the bootloader screen. I just want to get back to stock, then upgrade to 4.3. I've tried to install adb on my computer, but couldn't get the computer to recognize the device.
chrisbo4 said:
On the bootloader. I can't get past the google splash screen, but it overlays the bootloader screen. I just want to get back to stock, then upgrade to 4.3. I've tried to install adb on my computer, but couldn't get the computer to recognize the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install this through device manager.
http://d-h.st/kDu
Username invalid said:
Install this through device manager.
http://d-h.st/kDu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, it's installed. I'm not sure what I should unzip though?
chrisbo4 said:
Okay, it's installed. I'm not sure what I should unzip though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can either flash stock images with fastboot or install TWRP then flash stock zip file.
chrisbo4 said:
I'm trying to update my wife's N7 to 4.3. She used a toolkit to root and has TWRP recovery. Everything else is stock. So first I downloaded the 4.3 update and attempted to flash, but immediately after choosing "install" I received a message the the flash failed. I thought maybe I got a bad download, so I rebooted the device and forced an OTA. The device downloaded the OTA, but then rebooted to TWRP and didn't install. Then I thought maybe I need to have stock recovery... So I unrooted, and installed stock recovery. I then forced the OTA again, downloaded, and began to install in stock recovery, and approximately halfway through it stopped and gave an error message. Then the device rebooted on it's own. I'm not sure what to do at this point. I was able to update to 4.3 on my N4 without any issues. Does anyone have a solution for me? Please let me know if there is some detail I left out. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all I do not intend to offend you. I am not lecturing. I just want to give you my opinion in order to try to help you.
In general to install an update the safest way is to have or re-install stock recovery prior to the installation of the update. There is no need to unroot for the stock recovery installation.
In your household you have Nexus products. It means that you will probably continue to acquire Nexus equipment. In this case, in the long run, you will be better off installing, learning, and using adb and fastboot methods. Toolkits are mostly a quick fix which works ...............or not. I am thinking that toolkits are useless in the sense that they do not bring knowledge and experience (in my area trash collection are Monday and Thursday:laugh.
The XDA forum is full of resources. It does not leave a stone unturned. Its a matter of reading, asking, and learning.
In your case, facing your problem, I would install adb through a program called "android-sdk- windows". Then I will take advantage of the experience and the knowledge of our forum members to install the JB 4.3 factory image.
here are two references among several:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1907796
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1781250
But it is a long way for a beginner - which I was 2-3 years ago - to go this route. But what a reward!
gunner1937 said:
First of all I do not intend to offend you. I am not lecturing. I just want to give you my opinion in order to try to help you.
In general to install an update the safest way is to have or re-install stock recovery prior to the installation of the update. There is no need to unroot for the stock recovery installation.
In your household you have Nexus products. It means that you will probably continue to acquire Nexus equipment. In this case, in the long run, you will be better off installing, learning, and using adb and fastboot methods. Toolkits are mostly a quick fix which works ...............or not. I am thinking that toolkits are useless in the sense that they do not bring knowledge and experience (in my area trash collection are Monday and Thursday:laugh.
The XDA forum is full of resources. It does not leave a stone unturned. Its a matter of reading, asking, and learning.
In your case, facing your problem, I would install adb through a program called "android-sdk- windows". Then I will take advantage of the experience and the knowledge of our forum members to install the JB 4.3 factory image.
here are two references among several:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1907796
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1781250
But it is a long way for a beginner - which I was 2-3 years ago - to go this route. But what a reward!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the information, and I'm not offended at all. I spent most of last night reading, and attempting to get adb running on my computer. I experienced issues getting drivers installed, and the computer recognizing the device. Also, trying to find the directories... I'll keep searching to see if I can get this figured out. Thank you again!
Thanks to everyone for helping me through this problem. After a lot of searching, research, reading, and video tutorials, I flashed stock images to the N7 via fastboot. I always thought that adb and fastboot was way too advanced for me (and it probably still is), but at least I got the basics down. Thank you all again.

Need Beginner's Guide, so Custom Rom can be installed

***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

Unbricking Zenfone 3 ZE552KL (dm-verity) AND mistakes not to make when rooting

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!

Need support on 7.1.2 for Y5 2017 mya-l22

I have successfully booted the rr 7.1.2 rom from 4pda on my device every thing seems very well except in performance its much slower than the stuck firmware , also i have check the antutu score and it get lower by 10k points , i have check the gpu with another app and the working percent was stuck at 0%
So if any one could help fixing the hwc , kernel , hw coding and decoding,, it will make the device fly again
fir1996 said:
I have successfully booted the rr 7.1.2 rom from 4pda on my device every thing seems very well except in performance its much slower than the stuck firmware , also i have check the antutu score and it get lower by 10k points , i have check the gpu with another app and the working percent was stuck at 0%
So if any one could help fixing the hwc , kernel , hw coding and decoding,, it will make the device fly again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been trying to get this room to work but failed everytime, because of the encryption.
Everytime I get decryption successful but something went wrong. As far as I understand the encryption should be disabled on this ROM completely, but I can't get it done. I tried reformatting data to ext4 but that didn't work.
Edit: The problem was that I was using Magisk as root solution. I tried with the provided SuperSU and it all worked.
My device runs well with rr. I only notice the performance issue on startup, right after but the phone is very slow.
I noticed that there is no swap memory use in this ROM, while in stock there was a deal memory partition.
I'll try to figure out if we can enable it in this ROM. That might improve performance.
JudgeDread11 said:
I have been trying to get this room to work but failed everytime, because of the encryption.
Everytime I get decryption successful but something went wrong. As far as I understand the encryption should be disabled on this ROM completely, but I can't get it done. I tried reformatting data to ext4 but that didn't work.
Edit: The problem was that I was using Magisk as root solution. I tried with the provided SuperSU and it all worked.
My device runs well with rr. I only notice the performance issue on startup, right after but the phone is very slow.
I noticed that there is no swap memory use in this ROM, while in stock there was a deal memory partition.
I'll try to figure out if we can enable it in this ROM. That might improve performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't mean to hijack this thread but im desperate. Im trying to root mt MYA L22 but can't seem to find the right instructions. Posted here two times but no one is replying. Could you tell me how you unlocked bootloader on your phone? I already have the code from Huawei website. I am stuck at the cmd prompt when i type "list adb devices" from a cmd prompt opened through the adb and fastboot folder that ive downloaded. It says adb devices attached but shows nothing after that, basically an empty list. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Dylan2232 said:
Don't mean to hijack this thread but im desperate. Im trying to root mt MYA L22 but can't seem to find the right instructions. Posted here two times but no one is replying. Could you tell me how you unlocked bootloader on your phone? I already have the code from Huawei website. I am stuck at the cmd prompt when i type "list adb devices" from a cmd prompt opened through the adb and fastboot folder that ive downloaded. It says adb devices attached but shows nothing after that, basically an empty list. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was a long time ago since I setup fastboot and ADB. I used this thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2277112&page=53
JudgeDread11 said:
It was a long time ago since I setup fastboot and ADB. I used this thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2277112&page=53
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went through that thread. I understand you rooted it but then started having problems? Like you couldn't download? Where you able to solve those problems? Now I am worried to root it.
Dylan2232 said:
I went through that thread. I understand you rooted it but then started having problems? Like you couldn't download? Where you able to solve those problems? Now I am worried to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure which post you saw, but I think my post on there were with an other device and yes, I have never bricked a device unrecoverable (yet).
That said, you will always be taking a risk when rooting or trying custom ROMS.
Then again if you never take risks you won't get anywhere. The question is how much are you willing to risk. In this case are you willing to risk your phone for the extra possibilities you might get when rooting it
First think you need to do before modifying anything is learning how to backup and restore.
JudgeDread11 said:
I'm not sure which post you saw, but I think my post on there were with an other device and yes, I have never bricked a device unrecoverable (yet).
That said, you will always be taking a risk when rooting or trying custom ROMS.
Then again if you never take risks you won't get anywhere. The question is how much are you willing to risk. In this case are you willing to risk your phone for the extra possibilities you might get when rooting it
First think you need to do before modifying any freething is learning how to backup and restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks JudgeDread. Yes, I've rooted several phones in my life time. I understand the risk, but I tend to research about that particular rooting method with my phone before going ahead and doing it. I feel like the rooting method for my phone is particularly more risky, not because of what I read but rather from what info I am NOT able to find. Did you have a Huwaei Y5 2017 MYA l22 that you rooted successfully without issues? Can you point me to the instructions? That thread is a bit confusing.
Dylan2232 said:
Thanks JudgeDread. Yes, I've rooted several phones in my life time. I understand the risk, but I tend to research about that particular rooting method with my phone before going ahead and doing it. I feel like the rooting method for my phone is particularly more risky, not because of what I read but rather from what info I am NOT able to find. Did you have a Huwaei Y5 2017 MYA l22 that you rooted successfully without issues? Can you point me to the instructions? That thread is a bit confusing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes exact same model, rooted and after several tries custom ROM.
I unlocked using the official method and then flashed TWRP in the recovery partition.
The difficulty was to get back into TWRP after rebooting. So I would advice to immediately install a root solution. I used Magisk. While root works without problem Magisk modules will only work if you use the f2fs workaround.
I am now running Resurrection remix (Android 7.1.2) without many issues. Only every now and then a forced close of the system UI.
It took some time to get it running. Because I used a different root solution the provided on the same page as the ROM. So on install use the provided SuperSU. After install you can change of you want.
Also the patches are needed. I still have bad videos on YouTube but haven't looked into the issue much yet.
hi , good news for Huawei y5 2017(MYA-L22) users.
Download latest lineage14.
visit to my blog.
cheers
https://p55novo.blogspot.com/2018/07...e-141-for.html
JudgeDread11 said:
Yes exact same model, rooted and after several tries custom ROM.
I unlocked using the official method and then flashed TWRP in the recovery partition.
The difficulty was to get back into TWRP after rebooting. So I would advice to immediately install a root solution. I used Magisk. While root works without problem Magisk modules will only work if you use the f2fs workaround.
I am now running Resurrection remix (Android 7.1.2) without many issues. Only every now and then a forced close of the system UI.
It took some time to get it running. Because I used a different root solution the provided on the same page as the ROM. So on install use the provided SuperSU. After install you can change of you want.
Also the patches are needed. I still have bad videos on YouTube but haven't looked into the issue much yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for replying. Unfortunately though, 80 percent of what you just said flew over my head
I am not an expert but I can follow instructions! Any step by step guide on how to root it? So far I've gotten the unlock code from Huawei. I downloaded the ADB and fast boot folder and launched from that folder the cmd prompt. I type in "list of ADB deviced" and below comes an empty list. Please share what you did.
Dylan2232 said:
Thanks again for replying. Unfortunately though, 80 percent of what you just said flew over my head
I am not an expert but I can follow instructions! Any step by step guide on how to root it? So far I've gotten the unlock code from Huawei. I downloaded the ADB and fast boot folder and launched from that folder the cmd prompt. I type in "list of ADB deviced" and below comes an empty list. Please share what you did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For rooting you need unlocked bootloader ( if you don't do ir then below won't work).
1)download the 4pda app from google play store and register an account .
2) download the TWRP.img file from 4pda website here is the link
https://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=823938&view=findpost&p=74424572
3) enable developer mode in your phone by going to setting about phone , tap 6 times on the build number.
4)go to developer mode and enable usb debugging and oem factory unlock .
5) go to your pc install adb here link https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979
6) now conect the phone to the pc and run cmd , type adb reboot bootloader . (Your device ahould restart and enter bootloader mode (white screen)).
7) now take the TWRP.img (must be copyied to desktop ) and type in cmd cd desktop.
8) type fastboot flash recovery TWRP.img (change the file name to TWRP ).
9) type fastboot reboot.
Now you have successfully install TWRP on your device.
Continue... If replied

After Pie: Bootloader unlocked & TWRP install didn't work

Hi,
I was really unhappy with Pie and tried to prepare my device for Oreo downgrade.
What I did was
- unlock bootloader
- tried to install TWRP
- mixed something up in that processs
- realized TWRP cannot be installed apparently on Pie right now
- MiFlash seems to be not working as well when trying to install stock rom (says flashing but nothing happens)
Well Pie is running right now, but when trying to lock the bootloader again for future updates, the phones is only showing a black screen.
After that I am trying to unlock bootloader again (fastboot oem unlock) and everything works again, except when I try to boot into recovery ("the system is destroyed" or something like that).
Trying to "hotboot" into TWRP currently is also not working, "unable to mount..." and after that automatically reboots into the system itself.
Any idea how I can either put a standard Pie installation with working recovery and locked bootloader on?
Or how I can maybe install Oreo instead? As I said, the MiFlash tool doesn't do anything (tells me "flashing" but actually doesn't do anything).
Thanks for your help!
cyrrel said:
Hi,
I was really unhappy with Pie and tried to prepare my device for Oreo downgrade.
What I did was
- unlock bootloader
- tried to install TWRP
- mixed something up in that processs
- realized TWRP cannot be installed apparently on Pie right now
- MiFlash seems to be not working as well when trying to install stock rom (says flashing but nothing happens)
Well Pie is running right now, but when trying to lock the bootloader again for future updates, the phones is only showing a black screen.
After that I am trying to unlock bootloader again (fastboot oem unlock) and everything works again, except when I try to boot into recovery ("the system is destroyed" or something like that).
Trying to "hotboot" into TWRP currently is also not working, "unable to mount..." and after that automatically reboots into the system itself.
Any idea how I can either put a standard Pie installation with working recovery and locked bootloader on?
Or how I can maybe install Oreo instead? As I said, the MiFlash tool doesn't do anything (tells me "flashing" but actually doesn't do anything).
Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/development/treble-twrp-installer-treble-manager-t3793637
Hi,
I somehow managed to put 8.1 on and everything is back to normal.
Thanks
cyrrel said:
Hi,
I somehow managed to put 8.1 on and everything is back to normal.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you explain us the procedures that you have followed to downgrade. It would be really helpful. i have tried this
method but it didn't work for me. i am facing IMEI 0/no signal issues using this method.
Thanks
well I have done a lot of stuff that made my phone not working anymore because using a wrong .img file and didn'T understand the tutorial (same link you have provided) fully.
But at the end it was quite close to the link you have sent, the MiFlash tool I needed for example to try like 10 times per step until it worked, maybe a bad cable - I don't know.
But finally it was working, after March update without network signal, but with /boot & /efs partitions and Nov fastboot image, it was working.
If you need any more detail for a specific step, you can of course ask and I can check if there was anything special I can remember
cyrrel said:
well I have done a lot of stuff that made my phone not working anymore because using a wrong .img file and didn'T understand the tutorial (same link you have provided) fully.
But at the end it was quite close to the link you have sent, the MiFlash tool I needed for example to try like 10 times per step until it worked, maybe a bad cable - I don't know.
But finally it was working, after March update without network signal, but with /boot & /efs partitions and Nov fastboot image, it was working.
If you need any more detail for a specific step, you can of course ask and I can check if there was anything special I can remember
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are your imei & mac same as original? won't the imei/mac get affected by restoring someone else efs?
I don't know about mac, but imei is ok

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