Database Users

[Guide] Hacking, customizing and managing Huawei Mate 9 - a comprehensive overview

Hi,
I received my dual-sim Huawei Mate 9 Europe version a few weeks back. I selected this as the natural choice after running Samsung Note 3 for several years. There was no other phone that quite fit the bill as this one -
Big screen
Excellent battery
Excellent performance
I am a reasonably advanced user of my android phones - keeping them rooted, unlocked, flashing different roms are just by my alley
However after tinkering around with this new baby, I realized that this is quite different than what I was used to with Note 3.
Never before had I to read so many different forum threads to gain a full understanding of how to do things that I could do very easily with my Note 3 earlier without the need to have an indepth knowledge - just copy the steps and execute was good enough to get what I wanted. i.e.
The bureacratic boot loader unlocking process (never had to deal with this before from Samsung)
Rooting
Flashing custom recovery
Flashing custom rom
Backing up and restoring the different partitions through custom recovery
Flashing stock rom in case things don't work out as expected with the new rom
etc. etc.
I have spent several days reading practically all the forum threads on Mate 9, in order to get a good overview of how to manage this awesome device.
I am usually prone to forgetting things. So I knew after a few weeks, there will be something else that will catch my fancy and whatever I have learnt about Huawei Mate 9 after investing so many days will have gone to waste and I would have to scour the threads again if I need to do something with my Mate 9.
So I started to write down a basic guide in a text file to act as a refresher capsule whenever I decide to open the hood again after a few months
I also wanted to share my summarized learning capsule back to the community, since I have learnt so many from the various threads and the experiences from so many people.
This prompted me to actually create an XDA account (even though I have been a voracious consumer of XDA for several years, but never created an account).
Just one last tip - if you are a new user of Mate 9 trying to understand all the concepts from scratch, then try to read this guide in its entirety. Some concepts are introduced in the beginning, which might be confusing at the start, but you will understand it well after it is covered again towards the later part of the guide. Once you have a good hang of the different concepts involved, then you can jump directly to the specific section for reference.
So enough background to this thread and now out with the content.
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Phone Information
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The Model number of my phone is MHA-L29. It is a dual sim phone hence L29 at the end.
Single sim version has model number MHA-L09 i.e. L09 at the end.
The firmware version that I am running is : MHA-L29C432B156
Here is the breakup of how to read this number or the naming convention
Naming convention
L29 = Dual sim
C432 = Europe region (there are other regions as well e.g. C636 for Asian and so on)
B156 = version (this is the actual version number of the firmware)
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How to best use the phone
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For best results in order to get the full power from the hood, you will use the phone with
bootloader is unlocked
phone is rooted
either Custom recovery of TWRP or Stock recovery will be on the phone depending on the situation.
For daily usage, keep stock recovery on your phone since in case of tough situations requiring unbricking etc. stock recovery is the best to have around.
You will also remove the crapware/bloatware. It is difficult to list all the bloatwares, since they differ based on the region.
Factory resets
Reset due to minor issues
In such situations, typically your data partition is messed up but other partition (system) is fine.
If you have software issues due to software which has been additionally installed or phone has become slow etc. then boot to recovery (stock recovery) and do a factory reset. If you are running custom recovery (TWRP), then first you will need to flash the stock recovery. Then do a factory reset through the stock recovery. This action will format the data partition and copy the necessary stuff from the system partition over.
Restart the system.
Reset due to major issues
In such situations, typically your data as well as system partition is messed up. This will typically happen in case you have software issues due to un-installation of core system applications (as a root user) which have resulted in them being removed from the system partition and now you cannot restore them by an ordinary factory reset (since factory reset does not modify/reset the system partition, it only resets the data partition).
This step also requires you to have initially backed-up the system partition using TWRP. If you haven't backed-up the system partition, then you can also extract the system partition by using Huawei Update Extractor tool on the stock firmware of your region and version, which will give you the image file of the system partition that can be used further below.
Steps -
If you are running stock recovery, then first you will need to flash custom recovery (TWRP).
Using TWRP wipe the system partition.
Reboot to recovery.
Format (not wipe) the data partition.
Reboot to recovery.
Wipe the dalvik cache and cache.
Now from the already backed up TWRP partition backups
(a) restore the system partition (or the system partition image file extracted using Huawei Update Extractor)
(b) restore the data partition.
Reboot to recovery.
Wipe the dalvik cache and cache.
Restart the system.
The above should be enough for full reset. An alternative to 7.(b) above is to flash the 2 zip files containing region specific and other related system applications (you might get "error 7", but that is normal).
Upgrades
You can continue to receive over the air (full or incremental) upgrades from huawei even in a rooted and bootloader unlocked phone.
However in order to apply the received updates, you will need stock recovery, as only stock recovery has the capabilities to install the received updates. Thus before applying any update, if you are running custom recovery (TWRP), then first you will need to flash the stock recovery.
Make sure you backup all your private data and do a full installation (instead of incremental). You can select to install the full package by clicking on the 3 dots on top right corner of update screen and selecting to download the full installation package.
After this process, do a full factory reset, so your system is fully reset and updated based on the latest version.
It might happen that after the update, bootloader is locked again and you have lost your root privileges. In that case follow the steps below for unlocking the bootloader and rooting the phone again.
Also after this step, do the below.
Download the new stock firmware from hwmt.ru (as below) and the related 2 zip files zip files containing region specific and other related system applications for the new version and back them up
Make a TWRP backup of all the partitions and and back them up.
This is necessary as you might need them for other activities e.g. flashing stock recovery of the new version, doing full factory resets etc.
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General information on Rooting / Bootloader unlocking / Firmware
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The device that you get from the factory is bootloader locked with a region specific firmware.
Partitions
The phone has several different partitions (e.g. boot, data, system etc.)
The "BOOT" partition contains the boot image which boots the system and reads from other partitions
The "DATA" partition contains the user private data (e.g. contacts etc.) and is encrypted by the boot partition (Android Nougat feature). When the Android operating system starts, the boot partition decrypts the data partition and then reads it. This is the reason why other "parallel" softwares like TWRP will not be able to read from data partition, since when they read it, then it is already encrypted. Due to this TWRP will be able to backup(clone) all the other partitions except for data partition, as data partition is encrypted on the first boot of a new system. The other way to backup the data partition is to make the backup before you have booted the system (which results in encryption of the partition).
You can do this by the following steps -> "format (not wipe)" the data partition through TWRP + reboot again to TWRP + flashing the 2 zip files containing region specific and other related system applications (you might get "error 7", but that is normal). After this immediately backup the data partition.
The "RECOVERY" partition contains the stock recovery which you can replace with custom recovery TWRP
The "RECOVERY2" partition contains the "Huawei eRecovery mode" and "Huawei updater mode"
Unlocking bootloader
You can unlock the bootloader with the help of unlocking code. You get this from Huawei. Read further below on how to go about it.
Rooting phone
In order to root the phone there are 2 ways
Old method
This requires you to patch your boot partition and replace the stock boot image (which encrypts the data partition), with a custom boot image which does not encrypt the data partition.
After this you format (not wipe) the data partition, so that it is replaced by an unencrypted data partition and then you root the system in which the root exploit is directly injected in the unencrypted data partition.
New method
This does not require you change your boot image. You basically just install the custom recovery TWRP and then root using the PHH super user zip file. Read further below on how to go about it.
Recovery
If you are rooting using the new method, then you will replace the stock recovery with TWRP.
The disadvantage of TWRP recovery is that it is only the Stock Recovery that has the capability to do a proper "Factory Reset" the phone. Basically when you do a factory reset, then you "format (not wipe)" the data partition. But Huawei firmwares, also have some region specific and other related system applications (e.g. themes, camera, system updates etc.), which are also installed on the data partition. The stock recovery recognizes this and does the factory reset carefully (either by removing everything except for necessary system applications OR by doing a complete format (not wipe) of data partition but then re-applying the necessary system applications). TWRP also can do a "factory reset", but TWRP will simply format the data partition dumbly and not take care of re-installing the necessary system applications on the data partition. If you happen to do a "factory reset" or format "data" partition through TWRP, then you will need to manually flash the zip files containing region specific and other related system applications. You can get those zip files (e.g. update_data_public.zip & update_hw_eu.zip) through the same routine for downloading stock firmware detailed below. When installing these zip files through TWRP, you might get "error 7", but that is normal and you can ignore it.
Stock recovery is also useful for managing OTA updates. Typically when you download firmware updates, then they boot to stock recovery for further processing.
Hence even if you have installed TWRP, you will need to flash stock recovery for factory resets or handling new firmware updates.
Thus as mentioned before, for regular daily usage, keep stock recovery on your phone.
In order to get the stock recovery image, you can extract the stock recovery image file by downloading the "update.zip" of the target firmware and extract the "UPDATE.APP" file and then running the "Huawei Update Extractor" tool on it. Commands to flash the obtained stock recovery image file are similar to the command to flash TWRP recovery below.
Note, when you run the "Huawei Update Extractor" on UPDATE.APP file, then you will see RECOVERY.img, as well RECOVERY2.img
RECOVERY refers to the stock recovery and RECOVERY2 refers to huawei eRecovery mode & huawei updater mode.
Stock firmware
Huawei has region based firmwares e.g. in my case, the region is europe (C432)
There are stock firmwares of each region. However except for 2 regions (C636 and AL00), all other stock firmwares cannot be directly flashed. This is by design from Huawei. Even though the stock firmwares are easily available for all regions, but it is only for these 2 regions that firmwares have the PACKAGE_TYPE token set to OFFLINE_UPDATE. The PACKAGE_TYPE tokens for other region's stock firmwares are set to ONLINE_UPDATE, which makes it not possible to flash those through Huawei Updater.
Thus if you are majorly messed up or bricked, then the only way out is to rebrand your phone to a C636 (i.e. changing the OEMINFO partition from C432 (europe) to C636) and then flash that stock firmware for C636.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/how-to/guide-rebrand-chinese-al00-mate9-to-t3554656
https://funkyhuawei.club/rebranding
In order to flash the C636 stock firmware, download the "update.zip" of the target firmware and extract the "UPDATE.APP" file into the "dload" folder created at the root of an external SD card and then starting the phone in a "Huawei Updater mode".
In order to get back to your region (C432), you will then have to use tools like "Firmware Finder" (FF), which spoof Huawei servers through DNS and network and make it possible for the updater to download and flash their stock firmwares thinking it is downloading it online from the huawei servers. You might not be able to update to the latest firmware using FF (since Huawei doesn't authenticate for latest versions sometimes), but you can try to update to an older version first and once that is sorted out, then you can update directly within system update settings to move to the latest update.
As a short-cut and if situation permits, you can also use FF, to directly flash your own region's firmware, without needing to go through the C636 route first.
However if that doesn't work, then flashing the C636 as described above is the only way out.
Also the eRecovery mode or recovery through hisuite only works if you are on a C636 region firmware.
Some useful links -
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/how-to/guide-rebrand-chinese-al00-mate9-to-t3554656
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/development/oeminfo-library-t3555353
https://funkyhuawei.club/rebranding
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/how-to/guide-rebrand-chinese-al00-mate9-to-t3554656/page5
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ma...urb175v1-0-t3575146/post71812906#post71812906
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=71804525&postcount=393
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ma...lost-ideas-t3561569/post71208272#post71208272
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/how-to/guide-installing-b138-using-firmware-t3557089
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FRP Lock (Factory Reset Protection)
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Sometimes during normal usage of the phone, if the phone detects some security anomaly, it would engage the FRP lock .
It has also been found that the phone enters FRP lock mode also when you do a "Reset to default" in the developer mode. So try to avoid doing that.
Basically what happens when you reset the developer mode is that the "OEM Unlock" setting goes back to disabled, and typically when OEM Unlock is disabled, then FRP lock is enabled. However if the bootloader is unlocked, then you will find that it is not possible to change the "OEM Unlock" setting in developer mode, because if bootloader is unlocked then this setting is greyed out and not possible to change.
In short ->
Bootloader is Locked -> "OEM Unlock" setting is greyed out
"OEM Unlock" is enabled -> FRP Lock is Unlocked
"OEM Unlock" is disabled -> FRP Lock is Locked
FRP lock is to prevent mis-use of the phone in case of theft. Since it requires you to enter your google sign-on information again after doing a factory reset before you can use the phone..
FRP lock disables entering any fastboot command, which is a big issue since it means you cannot do anything in bootloader mode i.e. no flashing another recovery, no lock/unlock OEM etc.
In order to check if your phone is FRP locked or not, enter the bootloader mode. Over there it will be mentioned "FRP Lock" or "FRP Unlock", the former indicating that the phone is FRP locked.
In such scenarios, the only way out of the FRP lock mode is to flash the stock firmware again (which means your phone will be restored to totally factory condition i.e. bootloader will be locked, phone will be unrooted).
At the point when the phone enters FRP Lock, if you happen to have stock recovery, then you have a better situation as compared to if you have custom recovery (TWRP).
This is because if you have stock recovery, then you can simply use FF to flash your region's stock firmware. However if you have TWRP, then you have to flash the C636 version (asian) using Huawei Updater mode and then move on to your region's stock firmware.
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Using Firmware Finder (FF)
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Firmware Finder basically spoofs the Huawei servers by using a local proxy server leading the phone to thinking that there is a firmware update available, and thus allowing you to flash the firmware you wish (with some restrictions of course).
Using Firmware Finder requires you to have stock recovery.
If you are trying to install European regional firmware from scratch, then start by installing version B138 through FF and then move to higher versions using normal system update (or if you are not getting prompted for a normal system update automatically, then of course update through FF.)
For getting the full version of B156 (2.2 GB) through FF, at the time of writing this it was not yet authenticated by Huawei, so if you try to download it you will get authentication error after the download is completed and being verified. Thus, you will instead need to download a partial update of 409 MB through FF (if you are moving from B138 to B156). If you are moving from B126 to B156 then you will need to download the partial update of 473 MB through FF. This will allow you to have B156 on your phone.
The limitation of FF is that it only allows you to install firmwares which are authenticated(approved) by Huawei. Thus in order to install the latest and greatest, you might not be able to use FF. In such cases you can use paid services such as FunkyHuawei which allows you to install even non authenticated(approved) latest and greatest Huawei firmwares.
Though personally, I feel that it is for a good reason that Huawei does not authenticate the latest and greatest since they are beta versions and it is not that big an issue to not have them on the phone.
FF has 2 APKs for the phone - one is the actual application and the second one is a proxy server. The usage is simple - you find the firmware to install using the main application and then send the selected firmware over to download through the proxy server application on the phone. You will also need to change your Wifi settings to add a local proxy server (localhost:8080) before trying to check through system update on availability of new firmware.
FF firmware download on the phone has 3 phases.
Phase 1
The first phase requires you to modify the wifi network config to have localhost and 8080 as proxy to go through the FF Proxy application, which will spoof the Huawei servers and allow the handshake to happen to download the right firmware.
Phase 2
Once the download has started, then move on to the second phase, in which you pause the download, and then once again modify the wifi network config to remove the proxy configuration and then resume the download. This will allow you to download the update at full speed without any proxy intervention
Phase 3
The third phase starts at the last phase of the download in which you pause the download at last remaining 1%. After that you turn off wifi and start mobile data and resume the download from there. This is good because after the download is complete, the firmware will be verified and a last authentication handshake will be done to huawei server, and this doesn't need to be spoofed or be through wifi. Instead it is better that it should be originating through your mobile network.
i.e. a spoofed connection is only required in the first phase of the download
After updating from FF, you will need to do a factory reset of the phone. Then proceed with normal installation, bootloader unlocking, custom recovery installation, rooting. If necessary also flash the 2 zip files containing region specific and other related system applications. After this revert back to stock recovery and do a factory reset again. After this the phone is fully clean and ready to use.
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How to download stock firmware
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Go to this site (replace the MHA-L29C432 part of the string at the end with the model number of your own Mate 9 device)
http://hwmt.ru/oth/HWFF/info/view.php?find_model=MHA-L29C432
In the "Тип" column, you should only filter by FULL (no OTA, as that update is only eligible for usage by a paid service called funkyhuawei)
Check that the link in the "Список изменений" column is almost the same as "Файл обновления" column. Only difference should be the last part which should be changelog.xml in former and update.zip in the latter.
Now using the link, change the last part of the link to filelist.xml
This will give the xml path with the details of the files as part of that version.
Example
Code:
<vendorInfo logfile="changelog.xml" name="common" package="update.zip" subpath=""/>
<vendorInfo logfile="" name="public" package="update_data_public.zip" subpath="public"/>
<vendorInfo logfile="" name="hw/eu" package="update_hw_eu.zip" subpath="hw/eu"/>
Now change the url to download the above 3 zip files using the subpath i.e
Code:
$URL/update.zip
$URL/public/update_data_public.zip
$URL/hw/eu/update_hw_eu.zip
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Information on entering the various modes on the phone
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Engineer mode
In a powered ON phone
enter the following on the dialler
*#*#2846579#*#*
Huawei Updater mode
In a powered OFF phone
hold volume up + volume down + power for a long time (around 10 seconds)
Recovery mode
In a powered OFF phone
hold volume up + power
In a powered ON phone
enter the following through the command line on computer
adb reboot recovery
Huawei eRecovery mode
In a powered OFF phone
power on the phone through the power button
at the prompt that "Your device has been unlocked and cannot be trusted", it will tell you to press the power up button for 3 seconds to enter the eRecovery mode
Download mode / Fastboot mode / Bootloader mode
In a powered OFF phone
keep the volume button pressed down
connect the USB cable to the computer and the phone
In a powered ON phone
enter the following through the command line on computer
adb reboot bootloader
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Information on using adb or fastboot commands on your phone
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Make sure that "Minimal ADB and Fastboot" program is installed on your computer
Make sure USB debugging is enabled in phone settings
Make sure all reasonable permissions have been allowed as per the developer options
Make sure that hisuite is installed (which will ensure that USB drivers are installed)
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Information on unlocking the bootloader
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Steps to obtain unlock code
Entry page for unlocking bootloader is
http://emui.huawei.com/en/
Then click on Download. And then click on "Unlock bootloader"
OR
Visit this page
https://emui.huawei.com/en/plugin/unlock/detail
Enter the required details on the form
Steps to unlock the bootloader
Make sure that USB Debugging is enabled on the phone and the phone has been verified to connect to the computer and phone has permanently accepted the RSA id and connected in debug mode.
Also make sure that "Enable OEM Unlock" has been enabled in the developer options.
Put the phone in "Download mode / Fastboot mode / Bootloader mode"
Enter the following commands
fastboot oem unlock $CODE
fastboot reboot
In the above command, replace $CODE with the actual code received from Huawei
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Information on installing custom recovery (TWRP)
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Copy the "twrp-3.0.2-2-hi3660.img" file to the "Minimal ADB and Fastboot" directory
Put the phone in "Download mode / Fastboot mode / Bootloader mode"
Enter the following commands
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.0.2-2-hi3660.img
fastboot reboot
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Information on rooting the phone
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Make sure that the version of TWRP installed is twrp-3.0.2-2-hi3660
Copy superuser-r275.zip into an external SD card
Boot into TWRP recovery mode and install the above zip file
Restart the phone in normal mode and install the "Superuser_2.0_Beta_9.apk" application
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Attachments referred in the guide
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https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B4pklpmVwGHqOWs3SlpWOEdUcUk

Top work ???

Good job...:good::good::good::good::good::good::good:

Nice. Thanks.

Good summary.
Add the supersu SuperSU-v2.79-MATE9-init.d_support.zip.
This is the method to get busybox and viper4android installed, for they use fix paths of supersu.
My device: Mate 9 supersu b156 Mediapad X2 GEM 701->703 B212 KangVIP (AJ mod)

Hi saurabhg9, I just starting reading you incredible Mate 9 summary guide and had to stop only to say that I simple love the way you explain everything, so simple, so clear, so useful... Thanks a lot for you to share your refreshing capsules, they are just the medicine my Mate 9 and I needed! :good::good::good:
Going back to continue the treatment!
Edit to ask for a little help... Recently I installed the L09C432B181 using Funky services and used it rooted by THIS method and all was going fine. Then I decided to give a try to RomAur but went back to stock restoring system and data. All well apart from root, so I rerooted flashing the 3 zips again but no way to get proper root back. It works but doesn't ask permission any more, the log is empty and it ask for binaries update in each boot. My main reason for root is to control the phone with gestures but only one of the commands of GMD app works.
I tried your 2.-Reset due to major issues using the twrp backup system and data without any result. Tried also the root superuser-r275.zip from the last section with no success either.
Tried as a last option spend another Funky credit in the B182 but always get the same "getting package info failed" error, what should be happening?
Any idea? Maybe extract a clean system and flashing it by adb (edit: tried but get "target reported max download size 471859200 bytes" error)?
Thanks again!

Thanks Peppus!
Sounds like you might need a clean start for your phone and do a "full reset".
In order to do that, I suggest doing a clean stock install of C432B138 using FF and then update to B156.
After that you could unlock the bootloader and root. This will atleast give you a clean base to start with for further experimenting depending on where you would like to go from there.

Epic work, but there are too many things which are absent and can cause mess up knowledge.
No info about MHA-AL00
No info how hard to unlock bootloader on MHA-AL00
No info what is difference between simple root and root with additional functional like dm-verity...
And more, and more....
P.s. I don't want to blame, cause I know that it is too hard to gather information from thousands threads.

5[Strogino] said:
Epic work, but there are too many things which are absent and can cause mess up knowledge.
No info about MHA-AL00
No info how hard to unlock bootloader on MHA-AL00
No info what is difference between simple root and root with additional functional like dm-verity...
And more, and more....
P.s. I don't want to blame, cause I know that it is too hard to gather information from thousands threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the feedback!
I really wish there was a "wiki" functionality at XDA, so guides such as these could be developed with the joint knowledge of its members.
Unfortunately, that is also reflecting above, where most of the content is based on my own personal experience and what I have learnt in past few days based from various threads. and what works for me.
If you could provide me the specific text to be updated above (in regards to the things that you mentioned above), I would gladly add it
I am sure lot of others, including me would benefit from such.
Cheers!
Saurabh

saurabhg9 said:
Thanks Peppus!
Sounds like you might need a clean start for your phone and do a "full reset".
In order to do that, I suggest doing a clean stock install of C432B138 using FF and then update to B156.
After that you could unlock the bootloader and root. This will atleast give you a clean base to start with for further experimenting depending on where you would like to go from there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, that is what Audioralf recommended me and I was trying to avoid but I think it is the only option I have now. Thanks for your interest :good:

Peppus said:
Hi, that is what Audioralf recommended me and I was trying to avoid but I think it is the only option I have now. Thanks for your interest :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes - clean scratch install is good!
I do mine at far lesser problems than yours

saurabhg9 said:
Yes - clean scratch install is good!
I do mine at far lesser problems than yours
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By the way, does anybody know which is the latest build installed in a L09C432? by Firmware Finder? Thanks!

My good guess would be for b138, since the version numbers for L29 and L09 are quite similar at least for the c432 region.
Try doing a FF install for L09C432B138. Then partial update using FF to 156, if you are not prompted by system update automatically

Hi,
Just updated the guide with some new information relating to -
* FRP Lock
* Using Firmware Finder
Also updated various miscellaneous parts of the guide with additional information and clarification.

hi
this guide is just awesome
top work
for the mate 9 beginners now all is crystal clear
thx for the guide and explenation
greetz benji

Benji1983 said:
hi
this guide is just awesome
top work
for the mate 9 beginners now all is crystal clear
thx for the guide and explenation
greetz benji
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Glad you found it useful.

Hi,
Thx for your awesome collection of how-to's and how everything works!!!!
Tried to start with all the stuff like you did, but some things were/are too strange for me, so i decided to wait until i found an "encyclopedia" like this :good:
Saved a lot of time i guess
So again thx for your great work. Appreciate that

saurabhg9 said:
...In order to get back to your region (C432), you will then have to use tools like "Firmware Finder" (FF), which spoof Huawei servers through DNS and network and make it possible for the updater to download and flash their stock firmwares thinking it is downloading it online from the huawei servers. You might not be able to update to the latest firmware using FF (since Huawei doesn't authenticate for latest versions sometimes), but you can try to update to an older version first and once that is sorted out, then you can update directly within system update settings to move to the latest update...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi saurabhg9, do you mean that you can rebrand to another region using Firmware Finder? I thought that you only can install the same region roms by it.
Thanks for the update!
Cheers!

Yes.
There are 2 steps to rebranding.
First step is to ensure that your oeminfo files match that of the targeted region. This can be easily done through twrp.
Second step is to flash that regions firmware using FF.
As mentioned in my guide, you might not be able to flash the bleeding edge versions (you need paid services i..e. funky for that). But if you keep things simple and reasonable then you can get the huawei approved ones of most of the regions (e.g. B156 through FF has been verified personally by me for Europe. I haven't tried higher versions since even this version is fairly new and good)

Also I have read that to flash C636, you do not even need to flash the oeminfo of that region (asia).
Haven't verified this personally but have read some guys do it successfully while they were trying to revive their messed up Europe (C432) phones and they had just placed the C636 UPDATE.APP in dload folder and installed it using the Huawei Updater Mode (3 button method)

Question about custom recoveries and bootloader relocking

Hello!
I have unlocked the bootloader of my Mate 10 lite and proceeded to flash TWRP and Magisk onto the device. But in doing so, I get an awful looking screen when I boot the device, so I thought I should relock the bootloader, now that TWRP has been flashed.
...I immediately regretted relocking the bootloader, as the system was inaccessible until I re-unlocked the bootloader and was able to access TWRP and the system again. So my question is, can you lock the bootloader with TWRP installed and still access the system?
Also, if I want to go back to full-stock, I have to download a stock ROM for the system from firmwarefinder and flash it with some tool, correct?

Tsun_Pooka said:
So my question is, can you lock the bootloader with TWRP installed and still access the system?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, it's impossible...
You can flash Stock ROM for the system from firmwarefinder (fullOTA-MF only!) using HwOTA, HuRupdater, Huawei Multi-tool (RUFI).
If You want to go back to full-stock with locked bootloader (not re-locked) , You have to flash Service ROM from dload (this process will erase all the data from your device!).

Tsun_Pooka said:
Hello!
I have unlocked the bootloader of my Mate 10 lite and proceeded to flash TWRP and Magisk onto the device. But in doing so, I get an awful looking screen when I boot the device, so I thought I should relock the bootloader, now that TWRP has been flashed.
...I immediately regretted relocking the bootloader, as the system was inaccessible until I re-unlocked the bootloader and was able to access TWRP and the system again. So my question is, can you lock the bootloader with TWRP installed and still access the system?
Also, if I want to go back to full-stock, I have to download a stock ROM for the system from firmwarefinder and flash it with some tool, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How you unlock the bootloader?

bozka1 said:
Unfortunately, it's impossible... If You want to go back to full-stock with locked bootloader (not re-locked) , You have to flash Service ROM from dload (this process will erase all the data from your device!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tips! By the way, what is dload? If it's a website, I cant find it (the fact that dload is short of "download" doesn't really help). I am now in need of that full-stock ROM.

Tsun_Pooka said:
By the way, what is dload?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-10/help/formatting-dload-method-t3815949/page2

Whew. I got the bootloader AND FRP locked on me, and now I don't have a usable system. So now, I have to rely on eRecovery to download a 3GBs package and hope all things go well...the problem is, I'd need to find a place that offers fast WiFi...my internet is terrible.
EDIT: Got the system back up thanks to eRecovery. I'm not sure if I want to root or install a custom recovery on the Lite. I've realized even more that I should cherish my older phone, my Samsung Galaxy Win. At least this one isn't complicated or protected by Fort KNOX.

When u play with custom roms, u appreciate the customization/optimizations offered by developers, thanks to them. But with the time, u always feel stock ROM was best for this n that reasons. Recent 2/3 times I was able to use Huru Updater to get back to Stock ROM and it worked well (needs TWRP installed, and you may need to switch to other TWRP if u get error from existing)
You seem to be a beginner, so I would suggest to get help from some friends who can do it for you. Or obviously u can try ur self again and again, and learn good things until something finally works for u. You were able to relock bootloader so it means u have the code for ur device for locking/unlocking, save this code on at least 2 different places (email, google drive, dropbox etc.). Then u can easily unlock ur device again, and install Stock ROM etc.

usman400 said:
When u play with custom roms, u appreciate the customization/optimizations offered by developers, thanks to them. But with the time, u always feel stock ROM was best for this n that reasons. Recent 2/3 times I was able to use Huru Updater to get back to Stock ROM and it worked well (needs TWRP installed, and you may need to switch to other TWRP if u get error from existing)
You seem to be a beginner, so I would suggest to get help from some friends who can do it for you. Or obviously u can try ur self again and again, and learn good things until something finally works for u. You were able to relock bootloader so it means u have the code for ur device for locking/unlocking, save this code on at least 2 different places (email, google drive, dropbox etc.). Then u can easily unlock ur device again, and install Stock ROM etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom ROMs are the best thing to happen to the Galaxy Win, even if the available choices all have their compromises. But with the M10 lite, I think it's better to stick with stock and mod it. And I'm not exactly a beginner, but rooting the Galaxy Win and modifying it was no hard ordeal. Or the Galaxy Grand for that matter, which I changed its ROM entirely. The Mate 10 lite however, oh dear (wipes sweat).
I've got the system back up and re-fitted it with TWRP and installed Magisk. And yet, when I try backing up the data partition with TWRP, I meet a peculiar error. Excerpt from recovery.log:
Code:
I:addFile '/data/misc/bluedroid' including root: 1
==> set selinux context: u:object_r:bluetooth_data_file:s0
found policy '/data/misc/bluedroid' - '1DK' - '3c2755a577289547'
I:addFile '/data/misc/bluedroid/K+hpne9pCUEHa,R422fJJA' including root: 1
==> set selinux context: u:object_r:bluetooth_data_file:s0
I:Error adding file '/data/misc/bluedroid/K+hpne9pCUEHa,R422fJJA' to '/external_sd/TWRP/BACKUPS/FFY5T18328016218/2019-06-08--20-21-17/data.f2fs.win000'
Error creating backup.
I:ERROR tarList for thread ID 0
Error creating backup.
I:InfoManager saving '/external_sd/TWRP/BACKUPS/FFY5T18328016218/2019-06-08--20-21-17/data.info'
createTarFork() process ended with ERROR: 255
Backup Failed. Cleaning Backup Folder.
I:Copying file /tmp/recovery.log to /external_sd/TWRP/BACKUPS/FFY5T18328016218/2019-06-08--20-21-17/recovery.log
I:Set page: 'action_complete'
I:operation_end - status=1
Searching on the internet, I found the solution was to delete the file that stops the operation from finishing. However, using MiXplorer with full root permissions, I...couldn't find the file...? There's only bt_config.bak, bt_config.conf and macbt. Nothing else. What the heck is up with all that?
I'd appreciate a solution to this.

Tsun_Pooka said:
Custom ROMs are the best thing to happen to the Galaxy Win, even if the available choices all have their compromises. But with the M10 lite, I think it's better to stick with stock and mod it. And I'm not exactly a beginner, but rooting the Galaxy Win and modifying it was no hard ordeal. Or the Galaxy Grand for that matter, which I changed its ROM entirely. The Mate 10 lite however, oh dear (wipes sweat).
I've got the system back up and re-fitted it with TWRP and installed Magisk. And yet, when I try backing up the data partition with TWRP, I meet a peculiar error. Excerpt from recovery.log:
Code:
I:addFile '/data/misc/bluedroid' including root: 1
==> set selinux context: u:object_r:bluetooth_data_file:s0
found policy '/data/misc/bluedroid' - '1DK' - '3c2755a577289547'
I:addFile '/data/misc/bluedroid/K+hpne9pCUEHa,R422fJJA' including root: 1
==> set selinux context: u:object_r:bluetooth_data_file:s0
I:Error adding file '/data/misc/bluedroid/K+hpne9pCUEHa,R422fJJA' to '/external_sd/TWRP/BACKUPS/FFY5T18328016218/2019-06-08--20-21-17/data.f2fs.win000'
Error creating backup.
I:ERROR tarList for thread ID 0
Error creating backup.
I:InfoManager saving '/external_sd/TWRP/BACKUPS/FFY5T18328016218/2019-06-08--20-21-17/data.info'
createTarFork() process ended with ERROR: 255
Backup Failed. Cleaning Backup Folder.
I:Copying file /tmp/recovery.log to /external_sd/TWRP/BACKUPS/FFY5T18328016218/2019-06-08--20-21-17/recovery.log
I:Set page: 'action_complete'
I:operation_end - status=1
Searching on the internet, I found the solution was to delete the file that stops the operation from finishing. However, using MiXplorer with full root permissions, I...couldn't find the file...? There's only bt_config.bak, bt_config.conf and macbt. Nothing else. What the heck is up with all that?
I'd appreciate a solution to this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am certainly not up to what u r indicating so cant suggest a solution, earlier in my reply, I was only
indicating my experience with custom ROMs. I havent yet come across a single custom ROM for mate 10
lite that has no problems. Earlier Galaxy S4 Mini, there was custom ROM which was awsome, not a single issue
But for mate 10 lite camera problem is most common. Stock camera app often doesnt work or partially
works, restart of the app etc. You can install open camera, but it does not give u best shots, and filters.
Other issues are already discussed in every custom ROM thread, so I had to come back to Stock ROM
with magisk to remove any system apps that I dont need plus other goodies that magisk offers u (modules)

Alright, so I am supposed to install 347, but I uhh...can't, because I don't think TWRP is able to do it. What am I supposed to do in order to carry out the update successfully?

Tsun_Pooka said:
Alright, so I am supposed to install 347, but I uhh...can't, because I don't think TWRP is able to do it. What am I supposed to do in order to carry out the update successfully?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash the stock erecovery whenever i root my phone i always stick with stock recovery not custom recovery(TWRP)
Theres another method to flash the stock recovery but... This is my method on how to flash stock recovery(erecovery)
PC ONLY!!! and MAKE SURE TO HAVE UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER AND FRP!!!
1.Download MultiTool from https://pro-teammt.ru/en/multi-tool-huawei-honor/
2.Make sure to install Huawei driver from the MultiTool
3.Download This File i provided Here https://mega.nz/#!nZxl2AwZ!6qRIIRbLK4Ub80dPMae4HQQ7e-O49_f2BZ8PhbuZTYM
4.Go to MultiTool and go to recovey Section an select file that you download earlier
5.Make sure to CONNECT USB CABLE TO YOR PC now Reboot your device into Bootloader mode by PRESSING VOLUME DOWN BUTTON and CONNECT THE CABLE TO YOUR PHONE
6.Now on the MultiTool click on Flash Recovery_Ramdisk andlet it flash...,
7.Now You Have The Stock Recovery Installed Now You Can Install Offical Firmware Update On Your Phone
8.All Done
I Hope I Help You

I will follow your guide later today or tomorrow! Thank you for the help!

Tsun_Pooka said:
I will follow your guide later today or tomorrow! Thank you for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Np

LoneWolfz said:
Np
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did your instructions today. All was going well up until installation of the new update. The first time, it rebooted when the progress bar was at 6%, then it rebooted again to the recovery, went up to 6% again before showing this screen:
Code:
Software install failed!
Failed to check the update files
Please download the package again
> Reboot system now
So I'm back to square one basically.
Also, I can't install updates to the built-in Huawei apps for some reason, even after flashing the stock recovery. I'm not sure what to do with both issues now...

Tsun_Pooka said:
I just did your instructions today. All was going well up until installation of the new update. The first time, it rebooted when the progress bar was at 6%, then it rebooted again to the recovery, went up to 6% again before showing this screen:
So I'm back to square one basically.
Also, I can't install updates to the built-in Huawei apps for some reason, even after flashing the stock recovery. I'm not sure what to do with both issues now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to download the update again
Usually when i tried to install new update(100+Mb) i will ended up what the code said but downloading a Full Update(3.49Gb) Fixed the problem
Just refresh the update in setting and install it

bozka1 said:
Unfortunately, it's impossible...
You can flash Stock ROM for the system from firmwarefinder (fullOTA-MF only!) using HwOTA, HuRupdater, Huawei Multi-tool (RUFI).
If You want to go back to full-stock with locked bootloader (not re-locked) , You have to flash Service ROM from dload (this process will erase all the data from your device!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But can you unlock the bootloader later on with the same code if you wanted or is this it?

Deathecho said:
But can you unlock the bootloader later on with the same code if you wanted or is this it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can use the same unlock code again.

LoneWolfz said:
Try to download the update again
Usually when i tried to install new update(100+Mb) i will ended up what the code said but downloading a Full Update(3.49Gb) Fixed the problem
Just refresh the update in setting and install it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The full update actually installed. Thanks for the tip!
I just still can't update my built-in Huawei apps.

Tsun_Pooka said:
The full update actually installed. Thanks for the tip!
I just still can't update my built-in Huawei apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Np

[SHARED][TWRP][UNOFFICIAL 4pda version] for Mi A2 (jasmine_sprout) by d4e8ede8f1f2

Since Official TWRP as of 2019-06-19 still does not support decryption of PIE /data partition, I decided, on behalf of developer of Unofficial TWRP 4pda version MOD EDIT: LINK REMOVED d4e8ede8f1f2 and with his approval, to present his project here.
The version being presented is a branch of Team's Win Recovery Project 3.x, based on Android One Pie kernel, and is licensed under the GPL (version 2) license agreement.
Neither developer nor OP creator (translator from Russian) are responsible for any harm to electronic devices or financial losses inflicted with improper usage of this software.
Proceed on your own risk.
Please get acquainted with Team Win Recovery terms and usage.
Sources:
OMNI TWRP repository..
TWRP Device configuration for Xiaomi Mi A2.
Developer forum (4pda, in Russian):
MOD EDIT: LINK REMOVED
Downloads (Google Drive):
TWRP 3.3.1-5 jasmine_sprout unofficial (2019-06-29)
Note 1: TWRP Image cannot be uploaded to local repository as a single archive due to xda limitations on file size, thus dev's Google Disk is used;
Note 2: This thread is somehow not thanked and thus is periodically drowning below other less-functional TWRP clones; do not hesitate to promote the product after successful usage, - it is for free.
Features :
1. Pie-based kernel with full decryption support for stock Androids 9 and 10:
- in case Mi A2 is not locked by PIN, password or graphic key, decryption and mounting of /data partition is made automatically,
- otherwise appropriate unlocking sequence is to be made by user in TWRP loaded into phone.
2. Slot (A/B) switching works.
3. MTP / ADB sideload and USB OTG read/write work.
4. All variants of MiA2 screen panels are correctly supported (no "black screen" bug).
5. In current version /system partition is mounted as "/system" (not as "/system_root") to comply with script of OpenGApps installer.
Usage Notes:
- Mi A2 must be fully unlocked to use TWRP; "Usb-debugging" must be switched on in phone; see Guides in this forum;
- ADB / fastboot must be properly installed and approved in phone; (see Platform tools, - r29.0.1 as of 2019-06-08, - and Guides in this forum);
- recommended booting sequence
Code:
adb devices -l
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot devices
fastboot boot twrp-3.3.x-x-jasmine_sprout-unofficial.img
1st command lists attached devices supporting ADB interface, and is used to check that phone is connected properly and that no other devices are connected. simultaneously, - read result in CMD. Most of ADB commands need "USB debugging" in ON state. If issued for the 1st time from this PC, will rise a prompt on phone, - need to approve.
2nd command reboots phone into bootloader, - wait till phone shows fastboot screen.
3rd command lists attached devices supporting fastboot interface., - read result in CMD and ensure it shows same signature as was displayed after 1st command in ADB.
4th command boots TWRP into phone.
Example 1 (pull camera photos directory):
1. boot into TWRP (do not forget to unlock TWRP and thus decrypt /data if phone is secured by PID or other method);
2. type "adb pull -a /sdcard/DCIM/" in CMD shell in platform-tools dir of PC - to save all photos to current dir.
Example 2 (pull current /boot image to PC ):
1. Boot into TWRP;
2. To learn which slot is active, see "Reboot" page in TWRP
(another way is to switch phone to bootloader mode and type "fastboot getvar current-slot" in CMD in platform-tools folder in PC).
3. in CMD shell in platform-tools dir of PC type:
- if active slot is A: "adb pull /dev/block/mmcblk0p62 ./boot_a.img";
- if active slot is B: "adb pull /dev/block/mmcblk0p63 ./boot_b.img";
Example 3 How to re-flash /persist partition using TWRP and ADB commands' script
How to install TWRP as permanent one:
As stock Mi A2 ROM comply to GSI A/B slots partitioning scheme, there is no /recovery partition, and thus no place for TWRP to be successfully flashed via fastboot (or MiFlash).
If you use "fastboot flash twrp-3.3.x-x-jasmine_sprout-unofficial.img" command, you will just substitute content of /boot_X partition with TWRP in current slot X, thus spoiling ROM, which is obviously not what you've intended.
If you want to embed TWRP into phone permanently instead of stock recovery:
- boot into TWRP, and then
- install "twrp-installer-3.3.1-5-jasmine_sprout-unofficial.zip" via booted TWRP;
- this installation will patch /boot image (similar to how MagiskManager patches /boot image to embed Magisk).
Custom ROMs usually have a custom recovery (mostly various TWRP builds) embedded into boot image from scratch, you may opt to substitute such with this one.
Update 2019.06.24:
Code of PBRP by @Manish4586, has been updated today to sources of TWRP fixes by MOD EDIT: DOWNLOAD LINK REMOVED
Update 2019.09.12:
I beg everybody (and 1st of all d4e8ede8f1f2) pardon for postponing update of this thread, since improved version 3.3.1-5 was available as of 2019.06.29.
Changes in 3.3.1-5:
1. new kernel v. 4.4.184 based on official MiA2 Pie kernel;
2. Merging with official TWRP code changes:
2.1. Fix compilation in android-9.0 repos.
2.2. Properly localized string instead of using English.
2.3. ext4crypt: support synthetic keys v3 on May update
Notes from d4e8ede8f1f2 on decryption in 3.3.1-5:
This version supports decryption of data partition encrypted in FBE (File-Based Encryption, introduced since Android 7) scheme only, as being used by stock MiA2 ROMs.
This {limitation} became deficiency since some custom ROMs, e.g. AEX, implemented older and stiffer FDE (Full Disk Encryption, introduced in Android 5) scheme.
One can check which encryption scheme is implemented in current ROM, for example, issuing ADB command: "adb shell getprop ro.crypto.type". Replied "file" means FBE, while "block" means FDE.

hii!
im at 3.2.3.0 with RR pie atm, may i just use the installer.zip after flashing my rom?
then setting the other slot and reboot recovery to there, installing opengapps and magisk, yeah?
i mean, without flashing the .img
ty!
Gesendet von meinem MI A2 mit Tapatalk

worked perfect, ty!!!
Gesendet von meinem Mi A2 mit Tapatalk

Is it possible to use this version of TWRP to encrypt my phone? Currently, I am using havoc OS. If I try to encrypt from system settings in the normal way it does not work (simply reboots with no change).
I was thinking perhaps I could flash stock OS, encrypt phone from system settings, flash your custom TWRP and then use it to flash custom OS. Hopefully that would maintain encryption and I would not have to wipe system and data and unencrypt?

As far as I know. no custom ROMs support encryption yet. Although your question in "Havoc OS" thread was not answered, you could use search in this thread, which would show you latest answer from OP on this issue: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=79826439&postcount=1347

Bonjour,
On wich partition do I install Recovery ?
I just want to flash PBR and magisk root on stock rom.

With stock ROM you cannot {flawlessly} flash TWRP, just boot into it via fastboot and make backups, pull system images (for example, pull current stock boot image to PC for patching it in Magisk in phone and thus getting root), etc., etc.
To install Magisk and get permanent root on stock you do not need TWRP at all, if you can fetch stock boot image downloading it from here or taking from stock ROM fastboot-image. Please carefully read Guides here on how to get root,
As for custom ROMs, these usually already have a TWRP in their boot images, but anyway go to the thread dedicated to selected custom ROM and carefully read OP instructions.
See IMPORTANT NOTICE added to OP

Aerobatic said:
With stock ROM you cannot {flawlessly} install TWRP, just boot into it via fastboot and make backups, pull system images (for example, pull current stock boot image to BB for patching it in Magisk in phone and thus getting root), etc., etc.
To install Magisk and get permanent root on stock you do not need TWRP at all, if you can fetch stock boot image downloading it from here or taking from stock ROM fastboot-image. Please carefully read Guides here on how to get root,
As for custom ROMs, these usually already have a TWRP in their boot images, but anyway go to the thread dedicated to selected custom ROM and carefully read OP instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Merci beaucoup for your answer.
If I have good understood ,Ishould not install custom recovery but I Can install magisk via adb sideload ?
I try Havoc rom but I had a lot of bugs ...

bancelin said:
... Can install magisk via adb sideload ?I try Havoc rom but I had a lot of bugs ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already written to you that TWRP is not needed to get root, and recommended to read Guides, Why should I (or anybody else) type here content of already published Guides?
Read this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a2/how-to/unlock-bootloader-n-root-magisk-easy-t3856800
Find (please be informed "Search this forum" in the upper right corner of the window really works in XDA) stock and/or patched boot image for the version of stock ROM you want to root. Images for 10.0.13.0 are here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80065352&postcount=7, stock boot image for patching with Magisk can also be taken (as I have already written) from corresponding stock fastboot image: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a2/how-to/fastboot-xiaomi-mi-a2-fastboot-images-t3824849.
Nobody will do your homework for you.

Updated header with info on and links to twrp-3.3.1-5-jasmine_sprout-unofficial

Aerobatic said:
Update 2019.09.12:
[...]
1. new kernel v. 4.4.184 based on official MiA2 Pie kernel;
2. Merging with official TWRP code changes:
2.1. Fix compilation in android-9.0 repos.
2.2. Properly localise string instead of using English.
2.3. ext4crypt: support synthetic keys v3 on May update
Notes from d4e8ede8f1f2 on decryption in 3.3.1-5:This version supports decryption of data partition encrypted in FBE (File-Based Encryption, introduced since Android 7) scheme only, as being used by stock MiA2 ROMs.
This {limitation} became deficiency since some custom ROMs, e.g. AEX, implemented older and stiffer FDE (Full Disk Encryption, introduced in Android 5) scheme.
One can check which encryption scheme is implemented in current ROM, for example, issuing ADB command: "adb shell getprop ro.crypto.type". Replied "file" means FBE, while "block" means FDE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am running AEX (v6.7) and my encryption scheme is "FDE". So I needed to run v4?
But neither v4 nor v5 works with this ROM.

MMN said:
.... So I needed to run v4?...(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, v5 is better than v4, except it still does not support legacy FBE encryption.
I meant that the developer of This TWRP just wrote comments on legacy FBE encryption while releasing 3.3.1-5, probably being asked by someone about this issue. As he have not released newer version in 4 months, probably nobody else asked him to. His 4pda-mail is in the 1st paragraph of OP, so you can try to ask him to help.

Aerobatic said:
No, v5 is better than v4, except it still does not support legacy FBE encryption.
I meant that the developer of This TWRP just wrote comments on legacy FBE encryption while releasing 3.3.1-5, probably being asked by someone about this issue. As he have not released newer version in 4 months, probably nobody else asked him to. His 4pda-mail is in the 1st paragraph of OP, so you can try to ask him to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer!
But maybe a demand is not necessary. Which ROM do you use? Stock or Custom?
Maybe my installation steps are wrong:
I currently installed AEX (Pie) with official TWRP installer (zip). After slot change, I installed GApps and Magisk.
If I encrypt my system (settings - security - encryption), then I can not access /data with official TWRP (because it can not decrypted).
If I flash your v4/v5-TWRP via "fastboot flash boot trwp-v4|v5.img" a decryption does not work also.
If my doing is correct, I will contact the developer at pda.

MMN said:
...Which ROM do you use? Stock or Custom? ... If my doing is correct, I will contact the developer at pda.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on rooted stock.
Yes, you can ask d4e8ede8f1f2. But IMHO, as it is obviously the problem of AEX (I mean, - using legacy encryption, - as usual problem of most of other custom ROMs is - not using any encryption at all), - you'd better search for solution in AEX-dedicated theads.

Aerobatic said:
Since Official TWRP as of 2019-06-19 still does not support decryption of PIE /data partition, I decided, on behalf of developer of Unofficcial TWRP 4pda version d4e8ede8f1f2 and with his approval, to present his project here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Aerobatic, I'm interested to find a way to backup my personal data, personal apps and their settings, etc. not so interested in Android and it's setting as much, then later be able to restore the backup onto the phone after a fresh install. Would I be able to use this version of TWRP to do that on Android Pie (Android One) for my Mi A2?
I've not found a solution yet to do this and it gets rather tedious to have to enter all the apps, settings, etc. from scratch each time.

nadia p. said:
Hello Aerobatic, I'm interested to find a way to backup my personal data, personal apps and their settings, etc. not so interested in Android and it's setting as much, then later be able to restore the backup onto the phone after a fresh install. Would I be able to use this version of TWRP to do that on Android Pie (Android One) for my Mi A2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried to backup /data to attached USB-OTG "drive"?

Aerobatic said:
Have you tried to backup /data to attached USB-OTG "drive"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never knew what a "USB-OTG" drive was until I looked it up. In the past I had a USB-micro to USB-B cable that I used on my previous Google/Nexus phone but I don't own one of these cables (USB-C to USB-B) to connect to Mi A2.
I was trying to see if there was a way to do this over wi-fi or bluetooth directly to a computer. Or somehow through ADB push/pull commands. But I've not found a good solution yet. I've just transferring the data manually from the phone to the computer for now. I'll look into purchasing one of the cables and trying to backup that way using your version of TWRP.

nadia p. said:
..I was trying to see if there was a way to do this over wi-fi or bluetooth directly to a computer. Or somehow through ADB push/pull commands...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After booting into TWRP you can try to "ADB root" and then pull. Or use 3rd part apps like MyPhoneExplorer.

Worked like a charm!

onimorza said:
Worked like a charm!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He-he, and still showing zero rating for the thread, and it will sink again below partially operative clones.... Do I need to attach something to OP?

Guide to flash realmeUI 2.0 beta builds [Global Variant Only]

DISCLAIMER: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT YOU DO​The only reason behind posting this guide is because now we have a way to fix device if any unusual things happen after flashing beta builds. Beginners & noobs who doesn't have any idea about flashing stuff should stay away.
PREREQUISITES:
1. Bootloader Unlocked Device
2. OrangeFox
3. Stable OZIP (Android 10 | realmeUI 1.0 | C35)
4. Beta ZIP (Android 11 | realmeUI 2.0 | F06)
5. Unofficial OrangeFox beta build (For realmeUI 2.0 A11 FW only)
6. realmeUI 2.0 stock recovery
7. A11 VBMETA
8. Patched VBMETA
PROCESS TO FLASH:
1. Just to be on safer side we are going to make sure everything is stock & all partitions are unmodified. So reflash latest Stable OZIP (C35) via OrangeFox.
2. Format data & reboot to System (This is optional but better to do it, we never know what might happen with realme device)
3. Reboot back to Bootloader if realmeUI 1.0 boots fine
4. Flash OrangeFox build which you used previously & also flash patched vbmeta (fastboot flash vbmeta patched_vbmeta.img)otherwise you get "Boot is destroyed........"
5. Boot into custom recovery & copy downloaded Beta ZIP
6. Flash the Beta ZIP & format data.
7. Reboot to System. realmeUI 2.0 should boot now.
COMMON ISSUES & FIXES:
1. Device stuck at white realme splash logo
Sol. Few people reported it booted when they flashed patched vbmeta so you can first try that. If doesn't work then you can flash A11 vbmeta (fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img) attached here & reboot to system
2. Device stuck at Yellow realme boot animation
Sol. If it's stuck for more than 2-3mins then reboot to bootloader & format data by executing fastboot erase userdata ., never do fastboot -w it's messing up data partition in A11 due to new changes introduced by realme
3. Stuck in bootloader (fastboot)
Sol. Flash the unofficial OrangeFox rescue build & boot into it, copy C35 OZIP to internal storage. Flash it & format data. Reboot to System. Wait for public realmeUI 2.0 release.
4. Unofficial OrangeFox beta build stuck at Ofox splash & display keeps blinking
Sol. This happens because Ofox can't decrypt realmeUI 2.0 data, only way to boot this ofox build properly is by formatting data, reboot back to bootloader. fastboot erase userdata
5. Device doesn't have realmeUI 2.0 Stock Recovery
Sol. Flash the attached stock recovery

reserved

Congrats! Will try now
EDIT: Works fine but just 2 hints.
1: Don't Use TWPR 3.5.0_9 or you will get Zip Treble Error
2: After you flash RUI 2.0 it's a MUST flash A11 VBMETA

Can i Flash on Locked Bootloader device via stock recovery or filemanager currently i am c 34 locked bootloader

bharatgsp said:
Can i Flash on Locked Bootloader device via stock recovery or filemanager currently i am c 34 locked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
na it doesn't work

ChromiumPD said:
Congrats! Will try now
EDIT: Works fine but just 2 hints.
1: Don't Use TWPR 3.5.0_9 or you will get Zip Treble Error
2: After you flash RUI 2.0 it's a MUST flash A11 VBMETA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right will update guide, thank you

What does the check look like that prevents the stock recovery from accepting to flash the beta build (if you try to upgrade from C.35)?

kurtextrem said:
What does the check look like that prevents the stock recovery from accepting to flash the beta build (if you try to upgrade from C.35)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock recovery only accepts signed OZIP/ZIP like the ones uploaded in their website, OTA updates we receive are signed with different certificate that's why installing those custom OZIPs fail if we do it manually.

It can't install on TWRP 3.4.0.0 -> Error this package is for RMX1931L1, this is a ""

Zippka224 said:
It can't install on TWRP 3.4.0.0 -> Error this package is for RMX1931L1, this is a ""
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
edited guide, use ofox only. TWRP doesn't seem to work for everyone.

Hi, first thanks for the post.
I would like to ask you if there is a way to revert back to c35 after?
Thank you in advance

4j17h said:
Stock recovery only accepts signed OZIP/ZIP like the ones uploaded in their website, OTA updates we receive are signed with different certificate that's why installing those custom OZIPs fail if we do it manually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I wonder how the software update works then? How does the software update "app" manage to flash those builds then?

Tierri said:
Hi, first thanks for the post.
I would like to ask you if there is a way to revert back to c35 after?
Thank you in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well there are two ways, we can use stock recovery to downgrade from beta builds to C34
Another way would be to flash unofficial Ofox build, copy C34 OZIP to internal storage & flash it.

kurtextrem said:
Thank you. I wonder how the software update works then? How does the software update "app" manage to flash those builds then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTA updater app is verifying the update & rebooting to stock recovery, so if we can figure out the same way we can install custom ozips via stock recovery too

How would you recommend to bring over apps & their settings to A11? After formatting data they'll be lost. Which backup method is able to restore them? Have you rooted it already?

Magisk?
Cool ! It works fine thank you.
but I noticed that the "Unofficial OrangeFox beta build" cant mount internal storage issue with following error : "could not mount /data and unable to find crypto footer"
So is there another way to Root my device without wiping data?

Hi
First Thank you for this post .
I want to restore a stock recovery UI 1.0 now i am using orangefox recovery on C.34
can i restore without format data or waiting UI 2.0 stable ??
Many Thanks

Hi,
I've followed the steps and no errors. After reboot, the system stucks at Realme white logo. How it's said on common issues, i've flashed then A11 vbmeta, and the same. Ive waited about 10minutes and it keeps there. I've tried flash the Ofox recovery again to repeat the process but now I can't get Ofox working. I can access fastboot and if I try reboot to recovery, it symply reboots to bootloader... What should I do? I also tried all the options in common issues but without success...
Thanks

tuga49 said:
Hi,
I've followed the steps and no errors. After reboot, the system stucks at Realme white logo. How it's said on common issues, i've flashed then A11 vbmeta, and the same. Ive waited about 10minutes and it keeps there. I've tried flash the Ofox recovery again to repeat the process but now I can't get Ofox working. I can access fastboot and if I try reboot to recovery, it symply reboots to bootloader... What should I do? I also tried all the options in common issues but without success...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try to install patched vbmeta its work form me

So for me I dirty flashed the f06.zip beta on c.35 in official [email protected]_1 release and flashed vbmetaA11 but it failed to then i flashed patched_vbmeta.img and voila it booted just fine and optimizing apps appeared.
Thanks very much to Original Poster we can now use Realme UI 2.0 because of him.
Thanks a lot once again

RUI 2.0 | F.14 | A11 | Easy Update from C.38 A10 | Magisk Root | Safetynet Fix | Global or India Variant |

~*~ Disclaimer: I'm not responsible if you destroy your device or break your warranty. Use at your own risk! ~*~
Easy way to update your Realme X2 Pro Global or India Variant from C.38 to F.14 (Android 10 to Android 11) [with Magisk root]
Update your Realme X2 Pro with C.38 download the file specific for your device IN/Global
Make sure the bootloader is unlocked. click here for Unlock Procedure​
Boot to recovery (power off device and then hold vol- and power together)​
Must check if this version is installed OrangeFox-R11.0_2-Beta-RMX1931
Download: OrangeFox @4j17h​
Install RUI 2.0 (F.11) with OrangeFox - Dont format anything
Download: RUI 2.0 (F.11) India​
Download: RUI 2.0 (F.11) Global/EU
------------------------------------------​
Download: RUI 2.0 (F.14) Zip (Region -Unknown)​
Download: RUI 2.0 (F.14) Global/EU​
Do not restart to System now if you need custom recovery.​
Install OrangeFox Beta img (RUI2.0) for Android 11 & select recovery partition.
Download: OrangeFox Beta RUI 2.0 for Android 11 Thanks @Jerry08, @4j17h​
Install Patched vbmeta img & select vbmeta partition.
[This step is essential to have recovery persistent by not getting replaced with stock recovery and also to avoid bootloop]
Code:
fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta patched_vbmeta.img
Download: Patched vbmeta​
If needed Stock Recovery -
Rich (BB code):
fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery_RUI2_A11.img
MUST Wipe DATA after 4 digit code in stock recovery
[Skip this step, Only Experimental for testing]
Install Magisk Canary - Rename apk to zip and flash with USB OTG (Optional only if root is required) ​
Reboot to System (May take 5-7 minutes to complete booting)​
Enjoy RUI 2.0 updated with all your apps and data intact. ​
Realme has restricted access of Data in Beta phase which means we cant access Data partition and most of files with OrangeFox.
Your "usrdata" partition or the standard sdcard folder having your Contents, photos, videos, files, songs etc will be accessible as you will use normally after restarting in RUI2.0.
Dont ask steps for Roll back to old version. Will lose all data and will be formatted when roll back.
Any issues, feel free to discuss and help out each other politely.

After read all bugs i am happy with android 10

anang1979 said:
After read all bugs i am happy with android 10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hell yeah, I'll happily stay on RUI 1 with that issues list lol

I am using RUI 2.0 F.10 as my daily driver for normal use. I find it to be good and only not having root is my current issue.
Games and other performance is fine, issues happen with extreme settings or over long time usage on battery.
No one actually needs to lock bootloader or need DRM L1 unless have to watch OTP (Netflix, prime,etc) in high resolution or HDR.

Sir Thanks Soo Much But For ur Keen And Kind Information Bootloader Is Currently Not Unlocking Due To Some Network Error If U Really A Developer Fix That ...... Everyone Will Appreciate U For That Believe Me..

hack-os said:
I am using RUI 2.0 F.10 as my daily driver for normal use. I find it to be good and only not having root is my current issue.
Games and other performance is fine, issues happen with extreme settings or over long time usage on battery.
No one actually needs to lock bootloader or need DRM L1 unless have to watch OTP (Netflix, prime,etc) in high resolution or HDR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, the only thing stopping me from updating now is that there is no root. Don't care about DRM.

Root I use for adaway and AccA. I have found temporary alternatives for them. Instead of adaway now I use adguard and enabled optimised night charging feature of Android 11 instead of AccA.
This open beta F.10 could be the preview of final stable release as informed by Realme
"The latest Open Beta version will be chosen as the stable version and rolled out to all users,there is no difference if you have already joined the Open Beta program." Source: Realme Support Forums.

hack-os said:
~*~ Disclaimer: I'm not responsible if you destroy your device or break your warranty. Use at your own risk! ~*~
Easy way to update your Realme X2 Pro Global or India Variant from C.37 to F.10 (Android 10 to Android 11) [will lose Magisk root]
Update your Realme X2 Pro with C.37 download the file specific for your device IN/Global
Make sure the bootloader is unlocked. click here for Unlock Procedure​
Boot to recovery (power off device and then hold vol- and power together)​
Must check if latest OrangeFox is installed [email protected]_1.zip
Download: OrangeFox Thanks @Jerry08, @4j17h​
Install RUI 2.0 Beta (F.10) with OrangeFox - Dont format anything
Download: RUI 2.0 Beta (F.10)​
Do not restart to System now if you need custom recovery.​
Skip this step if you dont want custom recovery
Install OrangeFox Beta img (RUI2.0) for Android 11 & select recovery partition.
Download: OrangeFox Beta RUI 2.0 for Android 11 Thanks @Jerry08, @4j17h​
Install Patched vbmeta img & select vbmeta partition.
[This step is essential to have recovery persistent by not getting replaced with stock recovery and also to avoid bootloop]
Download: Patched vbmeta​
[Skip this step, Only Experimental for testing]
Install Magisk Canary - Rename apk to zip and flash with USB OTG (Optional only if root is required) ​
Reboot to System (May take 5-7 minutes to complete booting)​
Enjoy RUI 2.0 updated with all your apps and data intact. ​
Realme has restricted access of Data in Beta phase which means we cant access Data partition and most of files with OrangeFox.
Your standard sdcard folder having your Contents, photos, videos, files, songs etc will be accessible as you will use normally after restarting in RUI2.0.
There are couple of issues with the current RUI 2.0 Beta.
No ROOT - installing Magisk is difficult and root doesn't work
Cant safely lock bootloader
Widewine DRM L3 due to bootloader unlock
Battery,Camera, Audio performance poor
General usage and Games performance will be average.
Need to report any bugs identified in open beta phase.
Dont ask steps for Roll back to old version. Will lose all data and will be formatted when roll back.
Any issues, feel free to discuss and help out each other politely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've followed exact same instructions and I'm now stuck in boot splash. not even boot animation.
First I updated from C32 to C37 and then I updated to RUI 2.0 accordingly. But now I'm stuck in Boot splash. BL is unlocked. Followed exact same instructions. Please help me out I have some very important personal data in storage

ImperoDroider said:
I've followed exact same instructions and I'm now stuck in boot splash. not even boot animation.
First I updated from C32 to C37 and then I updated to RUI 2.0 accordingly. But now I'm stuck in Boot splash. BL is unlocked. Followed exact same instructions. Please help me out I have some very important personal data in storage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed it!!!
Okay I think I've found the solution.
I never wanted custom recovery so I skipped flashing OFOX for RUI2 version.
But as I've mentioned above I was stuck in Realme, powered by android Spash screen and nothing more.
I have tried several things but nothing worked and then I did following steps and Voila! it worked.
1. Flashed ofox recovery for RUI 2.0 with fastboot.
2. flashed patched_vbmeta with following commad (use without quotes) "fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta patched_vbmeta.img"
3. executed "fastboot reboot" command in CMD fastboot.
Now I have a fully functional system and it took only 2 minutes for my first boot (data not wiped)
Thank you @hack-os for his amazing guide and anyone who stuck in splash like me, follow above steps and you'll be out

Hello, I am not a beta tester or part of open beta. Yesterday I just checked software update and there is no update. I just opened Realme Trail and I can see there is an optional update to RUI 2 and I said yes.
Today I got the update for RUI2 and I am from India.

ImperoDroider said:
Fixed it!!!
Okay I think I've found the solution.
I never wanted custom recovery so I skipped flashing OFOX for RUI2 version.
But as I've mentioned above I was stuck in Realme, powered by android Spash screen and nothing more.
I have tried several things but nothing worked and then I did following steps and Voila! it worked.
1. Flashed ofox recovery for RUI 2.0 with fastboot.
2. flashed patched_vbmeta with following commad (use without quotes) "fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta patched_vbmeta.img"
3. executed "fastboot reboot" command in CMD fastboot.
Now I have a fully functional system and it took only 2 minutes for my first boot (data not wiped)
Thank you @hack-os for his amazing guide and anyone who stuck in splash like me, follow above steps and you'll be out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Skipping custom recovery to have stock needs unpatched vbmeta. That why your boot got corrupted. Glad you fixed the issue with fastboot. The guide is mainly made to upgrade only with custom recovery and not using PC for fastboot.
You could still replace your recovery to stock recovery img in fastboot and flash RUI 2.0 A11 stock vbmeta
fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery_RUI2_A11.img
Could give it a try. Even i haven't tried this but that should work.

But I could not unlock the phone after the update. the phone became useless. all I can see on the phone screen is network icons and a strange lock symbol at the centre of the status bar on top of the screen. nothing worked, like hard reboot, wipe data in recovery but wipe data with format worked but I lost all data for which I am not ready.
finally, format the device from Recovery and could boot properly and experiencing RUI 2.0 with Android 11. there are no issues when compared to C37, it is working like a charm.

Does this work on locked bootloader and stock recovery?

Rahulfere1 said:
Does this work on locked bootloader and stock recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can update directly by flashing the zip given with your custom recovery.
This guide is only for unlocked bootloader and phones with orange fox as custom recovery with zip file.

satish.yarramsetti said:
But I could not unlock the phone after the update. the phone became useless. all I can see on the phone screen is network icons and a strange lock symbol at the centre of the status bar on top of the screen. nothing worked, like hard reboot, wipe data in recovery but wipe data with format worked but I lost all data for which I am not ready.
finally, format the device from Recovery and could boot properly and experiencing RUI 2.0 with Android 11. there are no issues when compared to C37, it is working like a charm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updating from c.37 to F.10 Rui 2.0 does not have any issues when the instructions are followed right. It's weired to get issues to unlock the screen after updating to Rui 2.0. Share any screenshots of the strange lock symbol if it was taken. Glad, you found a way fix your problem.

hack-os said:
Updating from c.37 to F.10 Rui 2.0 does not have any issues when the instructions are followed right. It's weired to get issues to unlock the screen after updating to Rui 2.0. Share any screenshots of the strange lock symbol if it was taken. Glad, you found a way fix your problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is strange. I did not do it manually from xda to follow instructions. I have received the update from Realme itself and the phone became unusable after the update until I format the device.

Rahulfere1 said:
Does this work on locked bootloader and stock recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, not related to this thread. we are getting officially from realme . go to settings, software update, trail, and register. you will get it in 24 hours. not sure if slots are full. somewhere I have seen there are 50,000 slots.

satish.yarramsetti said:
Yes, not related to this thread. we are getting officially from realme . go to settings, software update, trail, and register. you will get it in 24 hours. not sure if slots are full. somewhere I have seen there are 50,000 slots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may be getting it officially in India, but European and UK users have never had the option to take part in any of the beta programs.
My big worry is that when Realme eventually decide to include Europe in the rollout of the update then there is massive potential for all of the various online banking apps etc that are specific to each European country might not work, meaning that we'll have to stay on Android 10.

satish.yarramsetti said:
Yes, not related to this thread. we are getting officially from realme . go to settings, software update, trail, and register. you will get it in 24 hours. not sure if slots are full. somewhere I have seen there are 50,000 slots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same update is done here without wait or approval

Mod machine translation:
good evening anyone please try to install the rui 2.0 firmware on the European version with locked bootloader and stock recovery? Thanks for your answers
*****************************
bonsoir quelqu'un s'il vous plaît essayez d'installer le firmware rui 2.0 sur la version européenne avec bootloader verrouillé et récupération de stock? Merci pour vos réponses