Update: At the time of writing this, I completely forgot that I am running Linux Mint - Cinnamon 20.1 on my laptop, which connects the bluetooth with my phone just fine. However, it did NOT work when I booted into windows and tried it. I am not sure why this is, but just beware. I recommend that you look into it yourself and see if you can find a resolution that works for you if you aren't using a linux os.
Hi everyone, after using another guide on here by Marcos8760, I noticed that there were a lot of things missing from the steps layed out, and decided to create my own guide with every step that should be done to have a fully functional Razer 2 with Android 11 OS. I will be using a part of his guide in this tutorial, and the link to his if you want to check it out is: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/guide-android-11-gsi-with-gapps-and-root-magisk.4216117/
**DISCLAIMER**
First, I am not responsible for any bricked devices or errors that occur. This is completely at your own risk.
Second, this OS is NOT supported by Verizon. If you use Verizon then this will not be able to work on your phone.
Third, MAKE SURE that you have backed up all your files and data before doing this, again, I am not responsible
for you losing your data, because you will lose it if it isn't backed up, and I have warned you to do so.
Fourth, any commands will be in '' quotes, do not type these into your own cmd window, they are just to indicate what the commands are.
Last, This is not a troubleshooting guide, I am not covering how to fix errors, only simply how to install and get working with the Android 11 GSI. If there are errors please try to do research and resolve them on your own.
Before we begin anything, we need a few tools. These are the download links to all the files you will need to complete this process.
1. You will need a program such as WinRar, 7zip, or my personal fav, WinZip, to be able to extract these files, make sure you have one of these installed before proceeding.
2. We need to have a backup of the stock firmware in case of any kind of bootlooping or other bricking that might occur that you can revert back to. Extract this.
Link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cheryl-factory-images/aura-p-release-3201-user-full.zip
3. This is the link to the GSI we will be installing. If you want a rooted system, you need to download system-roar-arm64-ab-vndklite-gapps.img.xz file. This will allow you to install Magisk and enable Google's Play Protect which is what this guide will be about, of course you can choose your own, however you will have to figure out how to get play protect certified yourself. Extract This.
https://github.com/phhusson/treble_experimentations/releases
4. We need the kernel that allows TWRP to be installed, which is the file manager we will be using for some of the programs we need to install, as well as being able to boot the phone up during this process. Extract This.
https://github.com/francisrosario/a...load/4.0/TrinityKernel-kernel-r4-20200512.zip
5. This is a file system program used to write large scale data with much faster read and write speeds for Linux and Android systems alike. Here is a link to learn more about it: https://c.mi.com/thread-2487060-1-0.html
*DL link: https://arter97.com/browse/aura/f2fs/20190114/f2fs_fstab.zip
*Leave this as a zip file, you just simply need to save it.
6. Here is the link to the latest Magisk version. (Needed to root the device) Leave as zip file.
https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases/tag/v21.3
7. We need a program called VoLTE Fix-It. This is needed to enable your mobile network and data for LTE on this GSI.
*https://github.com/KhushrajRathod/VoLTE-Fix
*Just press the green 'Code' button and download as zip. Leave this as a zip file as well.
8. We need the Android ADB Driver to be able to enter commands to install everything.
https://developer.android.com/studio/run/win-usb Click download zip, accept agreement, and download and extract.
9. We need Android SDK Platform Tools to be able to run fastboot and adb commands. Extract this.
https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools
10. Lastly, (I promise), you need the Qualcomm Android USB Driver. The link explains why. Extract this and go through the setup and install.
https://gsmusbdrivers.com/download/android-qualcomm-usb-driver/
Now we can begin the process.
First, copy all of the files in the aura-p-release folder, and paste them into the platform tools folder where all of those files are. Then enable USB debugging on your phone. Go to settings, click on About Phone, scroll to bottom and tap "Build Number' 7 times. You are now in dev mode. Search in the search bar for usb debug, tap it, then enable it and select allow.
To install the Android ADB driver, right click on start (Windows icon in bottom left of task bar), select device manager. Then we need to go into fastboot mode. Hold both volume buttons and power button down, be patient, it takes a second. When the screen goes black immediately press and hold the Volume down button for at least 3-5 seconds until a screen comes up that has an option to 'Restart Bootloader' at the top. Now we can install the driver. You should have device manager open, an option called 'Other devices' should come up, with Android that has a yellow exclamation mark by it. If it doesn't, unplug and replug the phone's usb, and it should. Once that shows up, right click and select update driver. Select Browse computer, select Let me pick. Show All devices should be selected, if not, go ahead and do so, then click next. Select 'Have Disk', Select Android ADB Interface, click browse and go to the folder where you downloaded the ADB driver, then select 'android_winusb' and click ok. Click ok again, a warning will come up, you don't need to worry it is needed to install this OS, so go ahead and click yes. It should install, you can close out when it is finished.
Next, in file explorer open the folder with all of the platform tools and aura-p-release files. Erase what is in the address bar, and type 'cmd', press enter. This will open a command prompt window in this location. Now, type in the cmd window, 'fastboot devices' and a serial number should show up. If not, then you have done something wrong or missed a step and need to uninstall the driver and go back into fastboot mode and do it again, or refer to the last disclaimer I made. Now, if the serial number did show, we can proceed. First we need to unlock the bootloader (if it isn't already) to be able to root and install. Type in the cmd window 'fastboot flashing unlock' and press enter, a confirmation should pop up on the device, use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select and confirm. When thats done, type in 'fastboot flashing unlock_critical', again a confirmation should come up so just do the same.
We can get into the meat of the installation process now.
You should still be in fastboot mode. In the cmd window, type 'fastboot flash system' and drag and drop the system-roar file you downloaded and extracted in file explorer into the cmd window.
Your command will look a little something like this: fastboot flash system C:\Users\user\Desktop\system-roar-arm64-ab-gapps.img
The file path will be different depending on where you downloaded the image to.
Wait until it says complete or something similar like done and has no errors. Then, its time to flash the kernel. Navigate to the where you downloaded the TrinityKernel file, open it. There should be a .img filed simply called 'boot.img'. Go back to your cmd window, and we will be typing in: "fastboot flash boot" then drag and drop the boot.img file, like you did with the system file, again, wait until it says done or complete and has no errors.
After that is done, use the volume buttons to select restartt bootloader with your power button on your phone. When it reboots, go to recovery mode, check never show this screen, and swipe where it says to swipe. Go to the wipe menu and then tap on format data. Type yes and then press enter/ok. Go back to your computer and open file explorer.
Next, copy and paste the f2fs zip file using windows explorer into the Razer 2's internal storage.
Head back to your phone, and press install. Scroll down until you find the zip file and press it and install it. (ignore the errors that may or may not be there) After that go back to the TWRP home screen, button that looks like a house at the bottom in the middle, go to the reboot menu, then reboot into recovery. When it reboots, go to wipe menu, and tap on format data and type in "yes" and tap ok again. Click on "don't install" because you don't need the TWRP app on your phone.
Next we need to install magisk to enable google play protect cert and have a rooted system. Just do the exact same thing that you just did with the f2fs file, except do not format data this time.
Select mount and check all the boxes. Go back to home page and select install, scroll to magisk and swipe to install.
Now, this is where you have to make a big decision. Bluetooth on this rom is a fickle son of a gun. I have tried to make it work on a pc that doesn't have bluetooth software built into it for a very lengthy amount of time, trying all sorts of things. The only way I could get it to connect is by setting it as a device to control with my keyboard and mouse. Maybe you will have better luck, but I have confirmed that the bluetooth works on devices with already built in bluetooth software. It works perfectly on my laptop and in my car. So, if you want to proceed with this, then I will tell you, if not, you can skip over it.
Select advanced on the home menu, go to file manager, select vendor then overlay. delete BOTH the bluetoothcommon.apk and razeraurabluetooth.apk.
This step applies to those who skipped the bt part as well. Go back to home, select reboot and click system, when it reboots, select allow usb debugging, DO NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE. THIS IS CRITICAL. Go back to your cmd window and type "adb devices", a serial number should show, then type the following cmds in order: "adb root", "adb shell", "mount -o remount,rw /", "mv /bin/resetprop_phh /bin/phh-resetprop" - if this one gives an error saying its in use, don't worry, just do the next cmd, which is "phh-securize.sh"
If the 3rd cmd gave the error, the last cmd will ask if you want to confirm it, click y for yes for each option it gives, it should go thru and the device should reboot.
Now then, it may seem slow during set up, but set it up like normal. Everything should be well and good. after you finish setup, to enable better fps, go into settings, select phh settings, select misc features, scroll down to and click on 'force fps', select the last option to have 120fps, but you have to do it twice because for some reason it doesn't change to the very last option the first time.
Now, we have to setup your mobile network with volte, it is a program that allows LTE coverage from your carrier to enable data on custom gsi roms. Now, go to the volte fix it zip file in file explorer, copy paste to the phone's internal storage. Go into fastboot mode, select recovery, it will boot into twrp. Do the same thing as the other zip files, install then select and swipe. Now press home button and select reboot, click system. Go to phh settings, click ims features, check the boxes on the bottom 2 options, click on create ims apn, it wont do anything, then click install ims apk, when it is done a notification will pop up on the bottom that says to reboot, you may now reboot the phone. Once it is booted up, go to network and internet, select mobile network, change pref network type to lte, then enable volte. You should have full service of your mobile network.
There are a few last things. The default camera sucks, I've tested some from the play store, and YouCam is by far the best free camera you can get from there. 2nd, to enable the backlight on the Razer 2, download and install logo+ apk, grant it root perms, and you can select the effects and colors you want it to be. This should be everything to get you going on the gsi. If you want to do custom things like custom boot animations or alarm sounds or whatever, download either root browser or pay for root explorer on the play store, and you can look up how to do whatever you want and you can do it through one of those. There it is. Enjoy the new os and have fun with it!
**IF YOU DO RUN INTO A BOOTLOOP OR ANY SORT OF BRICKING, RETURN TO FASTBOOT MODE BY HOLDING POWER, AND HOLD VOL DOWN WHEN THE SCREEN TURNS BLACK. You can go into platform folder, find the flash_all.bat file, double click and it should bring the phone back to original stock, and you can start over. IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER ERRORS DURING THIS PROCESS PLEASE TRY TO FIND THE RESOLUTION YOURSELF. This is NOT a troubleshooting guide.**
Nice guide!
The link in Step 4 is broken.
hey i am attempting to install VOLTE because my data works just fine, but i cant make any calls from my phone. I get the error `mobile network is not available` but my data not connected to wifi works. Any ideas. I followed your instructions to a T. i am also on verizon RP2 on Havoc OS if that helps
Thank you Ahead of time!
Related
1/27/11 Update: Some members have commented that the MoDaCo Superboot method is easier, and although I haven't used it myself, it does look easier. If you want to go that route instead, you'll still need to unlock your bootloader, which means completing Steps 1-5 below. After that, you can go with the method given here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=927838
________________________________________________________
The following directions should let you root your Nexus S using an Intel Mac running OS 10.5 or 10.6. Thanks to Koush for providing the method and the recovery img, to ChainsDD for providing Superuser, and to Luxferro for providing a workaround for 2.3.1.
You should apply the 2.3.1 OTA update before obtaining root. Otherwise you'll have to do it over again after the update. If you installed a rooted/insecure boot image with the original instructions and now find yourself unable to upgrade to 2.3.1 (Status 7 error), one option is to use ROM Manager to restore the 2.3.1 Nandroid backup kindly provided by momohammed20 in this thread. From there, you will have stock 2.3.1 and can follow the steps below to obtain root again.
Warning: If you break your phone trying this, I am not responsible. I do not guarantee that the following is safe or that the steps are correct. Rooting your phone voids the warranty. I have no responsibility for anything that occurs as a result of your following these directions! I cannot provide any support nor guide you in undoing this process and restoring the phone to factory condition.
This process will wipe your phone. Ie, you will lose all your apps/data on your phone and have to reinstall them. It will also wipe your external storage, so back that up prior to proceeding if you want to keep anything.
1) Download the "androidsdk.zip" file from here: http://www.box.net/shared/ljhg8t5sjh
Unzip that file (if not already unzipped automatically upon download), and place the "androidsdk" folder on your Desktop. It has to be in this location for the rest of the steps to work.
2) On your phone, go to Menu>Settings>Applications. Select "Development" and check the box next to "USB debugging"
3) Connect the phone to your Mac via the USB cable
4) Open a Terminal window on your Mac (Applications>Utilities>Terminal), and copy/paste the following into the Terminal:
Code:
~/Desktop/androidsdk/platform-tools/adb reboot bootloader
Hit "Return" and wait for your phone to to reboot into Bootloader/Fastboot mode
5) If your Bootloader screen says "LOCK STATE - UNLOCKED" then skip to Step 6. If it says "LOCK STATE - LOCKED" then copy/paste the following into the Terminal:
Code:
~/Desktop/androidsdk/tools/fastboot oem unlock
Hit "Return" and on your phone will prompt you to confirm and warn you that you are going to lose everything. Confirm. At this point you will have an unlocked bootloader.
6) Copy/paste the following into the Terminal window:
Code:
~/Desktop/androidsdk/tools/fastboot flash recovery ~/Desktop/androidsdk/tools/recovery-clockwork-3.0.0.0-crespo.img
Hit "Return" again and wait for recovery to flash.
7) At this point you should still be in Bootloader/Fastboot mode. DO NOT REBOOT YOUR PHONE*. Press the "Volume Down" key until "RECOVERY" is highlighted, and press the "Power" key to select this option.
*Note: You must go to Recovery directly from Bootloader/Fastboot mode after Step 6 without rebooting your phone in between, or else your phone will replace ClockworkMod Recovery, hang at the "Google" splash screen requiring a battery pull, and you'll need to start again from Step 6.
For the following steps while in Recovery, use "Volume Down" to highlight a selection and "Power" to choose that selection:
8) Choose "mounts and storage"
9) Choose "mount USB storage". Your phone should now be mounted on the Mac as a Device called "NO NAME"
10) Look inside the "androidsdk" folder on your Desktop for a file called "su2361ef.zip", and using the Finder on your Mac, copy that file (without unzipping it) to the main directory of your mounted phone ("NO NAME").
11) Eject/unmount your phone in the Finder on your Mac.
12) On your phone, choose "Unmount"
13) Choose "mount /system"
14) Choose "+++++Go Back+++++"
15) Choose "install zip from sdcard"
16) Choose "choose zip from sdcard"
17) Choose "su2361ef.zip"
At this point you have root, but your phone will continue to replace ClockworkMod Recovery on reboot. To prevent this, do the following:
1) Reboot your phone, and download the app "Root Explorer" from the Market
2) Open Root Explorer and navigate to the "etc" directory.
3) Tap on the gray box that says "Mount R/W"
4) Tap and hold on the file "install-recovery.sh" and rename this file to "install-recovery.sh.old"
5) Download the app "ROM Manager"
6) Open ROM Manager and choose "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery". At this point you are all set .
---------------------------------------------
To re-lock your bootloader (Optional step):
1) With your phone connected and "USB Debugging" still enabled (which it will be unless you disabled it after the above), copy/paste the following to the Terminal:
Code:
~/Desktop/androidsdk/platform-tools/adb reboot bootloader
Hit "Return" and wait for your phone to to reboot into Bootloader/Fastboot mode
2) Copy/paste the following to the Terminal:
Code:
~/Desktop/androidsdk/tools/fastboot oem lock
Hit "Return".
Reboot your phone.
---------------------------------------------
Major thanks to Koush, ChainsDD, momohammed20, and Luxferro!
Your gonna need the recompiled fastboot. Then it makes it super easy.
So whats the advantage of having a rooted/insecure boot image as opposed to not? Sorry for the noob question
thanks x1,000,000
I would be lost without this, thanks a lot!!!
took me about 10-15 minutes
Didn't know I was going to lose all my data though, luckily I've only had it a few days and it all can be replaced
You freaking rock man! Thanks for this. Ill be rooting mine very soon.
I'm a little confused here...
About 1/5 of the way down on that page, find the link for "su-2.3.6.1-ef-signed.zip", which is the link for the Froyo version of Superuser. Control-click (right click) on that link and choose "Download Linked File As..." Save that file (called "su2361ef") to your desktop and then copy it to the main directory of your mounted phone ("NO NAME").
Am I to change the name of this file to "su2361ef" or leave it as is... "su-2.3.6.1-ef-signed.zip" than place it into my main directory?
Thanks
Help please.
I'm down to the final steps, but when I try to get into recovery mode I keep getting a little Android with an "!" over it.
What am I doing wrong? I've pulled the battery, and tried it over a few times, but I keep getting the same thing.
rashad1 said:
thanks x1,000,000
I would be lost without this, thanks a lot!!!
took me about 10-15 minutes
Didn't know I was going to lose all my data though, luckily I've only had it a few days and it all can be replaced
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it was helpful. You should have gotten a warning on your phone screen about losing the data in Step 10, and you could have turned back at that point. I've now edited the post above to make it clear there as well.
WilliamStern said:
I'm a little confused here...
About 1/5 of the way down on that page, find the link for "su-2.3.6.1-ef-signed.zip", which is the link for the Froyo version of Superuser. Control-click (right click) on that link and choose "Download Linked File As..." Save that file (called "su2361ef") to your desktop and then copy it to the main directory of your mounted phone ("NO NAME").
Am I to change the name of this file to "su2361ef" or leave it as is... "su-2.3.6.1-ef-signed.zip" than place it into my main directory?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I did it, the zip was already called "su2361ef". If yours is called "su-2.3.6.1-ef-signed.zip", I would leave it like that without renaming. Just remember the name so you can choose it in Step 21.
WilliamStern said:
Help please.
I'm down to the final steps, but when I try to get into recovery mode I keep getting a little Android with an "!" over it.
What am I doing wrong? I've pulled the battery, and tried it over a few times, but I keep getting the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which step were you at? I hope someone can help you. I don't have any expertise . I only shared the steps above because they worked for me.
Amin Sabet said:
When I did it, the zip was already called "su2361ef". If yours is called "su-2.3.6.1-ef-signed.zip", I would leave it like that without renaming. Just remember the name so you can choose it in Step 20.
Which step were you at? I hope someone can help you. I don't have any expertise . I only shared the steps above because they worked for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep getting the "!" above the little Android, but when press power button plus volume up I only get 4 options.
-reboot system now
-apply update from /sdcard
-wipe data/factory reset
-wipe cache partition
I'm not seeing any of the other options you mention above.
I WANT ROOT! lol
WilliamStern said:
I keep getting the "!" above the little Android, but when press power button plus volume up I only get 4 options.
-reboot system now
-apply update from /sdcard
-wipe data/factory reset
-wipe cache partition
I'm not seeing any of the other options you mention above.
I WANT ROOT! lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did not flash the clockworkmod recovery correctly. The Triangle with exclamation point is the stock recovery image.
Redo the step that says fastboot flash recovery etc..etc..
Sent from my Nexus S
How about a noob guide for windows also Not that I wont be able to figure out from other sources when I want to root for the first time. But a noob guide here will come handy as well ;-)
Err... I give up. I just can't seem to get anything to work. I've followed everything step by step and nothing. I think it's my bootloader that won't unlock?
WilliamStern said:
Err... I give up. I just can't seem to get anything to work. I've followed everything step by step and nothing. I think it's my bootloader that won't unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we can't help you much if you don't provide any detailed info other than you're not in the right recovery. Boot the phone on again and type this in terminal:
Code:
./adb reboot bootloader
check status of bootloader: LOCKED / UNLOCKED
and we go from there.
jroid said:
we can't help you much if you don't provide any detailed info other than you're not in the right recovery. Boot the phone on again and type this in terminal:
Code:
./adb reboot bootloader
check status of bootloader: LOCKED / UNLOCKED
and we go from there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is where I'm having an issue? Nothing seems to happen whenever I input a command into my terminal on my computer.
WilliamStern said:
I think this is where I'm having an issue? Nothing seems to happen whenever I input a command into my terminal on my computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What happens if you plug your phone into the USB and type adb devices?
Michael.B. said:
What happens if you plug your phone into the USB and type adb devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm new at all this, so I'm sorry.
this is what I get
-bash: adb: command not found
WilliamStern said:
I'm new at all this, so I'm sorry.
this is what I get
-bash: adb: command not found
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems like you have not installed adb yet. What OS are you on?
EDIT: Duh, looked at the thread title. I may not be of much help, but did you update your path directory to look at the correct folders?
Michael.B. said:
Seems like you have not installed adb yet. What OS are you on?
EDIT: Duh, looked at the thread title. I may not be of much help, but did you update your path directory to look at the correct folders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I did the updates.
I'm gonna try again from scratch. Thanks for the help.
William, what happens when you plug your phone into the Mac, open Terminal, and copy/paste the following command (don't forget to change "Amin" to the name of YOUR home directory):
Code:
/Users/Amin/Desktop/androidsdk/platform-tools/adb devices
Typing just "adb devices" won't work because we never set the path to adb, but the above code should work (and give you a list of connected devices, which would be just your Nexus represented as a number) if you correctly did Steps 1-4 above.
I rooted my phone this last Monday with great success, and have been happily flashing ROMs ever since. I have had a few friends/aquaintances asking me how to do this, so I thought I would post this here to help them, and hopefully a few others here.
Special thanks to evilecho. I just added a few “noob” steps to his amazing tutorial.
If installed, uninstall HTC Sync. This is very important!
Backup anything you need backed up off your phone. Most things on your phone will be safe but back everything up just to be sure.
Download SuperUser zip & Amon_RA’s recovery (if you don’t want to use the Clockwork Mod recover that ships with Revolutionary)
Note: Many people are advising that people new to rooting use Amon_RA’s recovery. Amon_RA’s recovery is very simple, reliable, and very solid and does everything you need to flash a new ROM, if you would like.
Copy both to your root of SD card
Download and install HTC Drivers
Download Revolutionary: S-OFF & Recovery Tool
Note: The download link is at the bottom of the page. You will need to enter your EVO’s Serial number which is located under the battery. Make sure you to copy/write down the beta key. You will need it later)
Copy the beta key to Notepad or a similar app
On your EVO:
Enable USB debugging mode: Go to Settings –> Applications –> Development –> check box for USB debugging [/INDENT]
Disable Fast boot: Go to Settings –> Power –> check box for Fast Boot
Connect your EVO to your PC with a USB cable - Select Charge Only
Unzip the Revolutionary tool and run it as admin (to run as admin, right click and select run as admin)
Open a command prompt (Start -> Run -> cmd)
Navigate to the folder where you unzipped the Revolutionary tool
Type revolutionary.exe
The tool will recognize your device
Enter/paste the beta key that you pasted into Notepad
Note: to paste into the command prompt, right click on the top bar of the window -> Edit -> Paste
The phone will fastboot twice
It will ask you if you want to install the Clockwork Mod recovery. Select Yes.
Note: Instructions to switch to Amon_RA to follow.
After Revolutionary is complete, boot into the bootloader (if not already there) by turning off the phone, then hold the power button and the down volume button for a few seconds. You should then see “Revolutionary” at the top, and “S-OFF”.
The phone should now ask you if you want to update the recovery (by recognizing the PC36IMG.zip file that we downloaded and copied to the SD card of the phone). Select yes. This will update your recovery to Amon_RA's.
Use the up and down arrow keys and choose “Recovery” by pushing the power button
Choose “Flash zip from sdcard”
Choose “Choose zip from sdcard”
Use the up arrow key to move you to the bottom of the list, then look for “su-2.3.6.3-efgh-signed.zip” and push the power button to select
Push the power button again to accept
You are now rooted!
At this point, I would recommend going to this awesome thread by sekigah84, which will walk you through creating a Nanroid backup and flashing ROMs. Enjoy!
As always, this will void your warranty and may possibly damage your phone. You and you alone are responsible for anything that you do. Everything contained in this thread is for informational purposes only.
If any of the amazing other readers/contributors here on XDA find any discrepancies here, please let me know!
Post One: Unlocking and Rooting
Post Two: Installing Roms / Kernels / Tweaks
Post Three: Panic Section / FAQ / Miscellaneous
Unlocking The Bootloader And Obtaining Root
*This part of the tutorial is geared towards Windows users. The MAC instructions are very similar, from what I understand. Install the package the same way. All ADB/Fastboot commands may need to start with "adb-mac" (no quotes) rather than "adb" (no quotes). Due to the vast amount of Linux distros available; instructions will vary for your device. Once ADB/Fastboot are set up all command will begin with "./adb" (no quotes) rather than "adb" (no quotes). Once ADB/Fastboot are set up; this guide is relevant to everyone.*
Time required:
20-40 minutes.
Setting up ADB for our device:
Download the AndroidSDK onto your computer.
Note: Google changes their mind every other week as to if this will be distributed as a .zip or an .exe. If you get an .zip file, simply extract the contents to your C:\ drive. For an .exe install it like you would any other program, but set the path directly to the C:\ drive when the installer asks.
Or...you can use this page to download the "ADB for Dummies AIO App."
This will automatically install ADB for you to your C:\ directory. It's very very simple this way.
If your platform-tools folder doesn't have a fastboot.exe, place this fastboot.exe file in your C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools (or possibly simply called tools, if you set up ADB ages ago) folder.
Now you have ADB installed! Congratulations.
Unlocking the Bootloader:
***NOTE***
This will perform a factory reset on your device. You will lose all applications. Even the data on your SD Card! I'd recommend making a Backup to your computer BEFORE performing this. There is a method for backing your data up, detailed HERE.
For the time being, there is a method available that will allow you to unlock your device (and root it) without losing your data.
For instructions, click HERE. Please note: this is a hack and isn't the "conventional" and "accepted" way of unlocking your bootloader on a nexus device. The wipe requirement is there for your safety, really, and I'm certain this will be patched in the upcoming releases.
Get the drivers:
Uninstall any previously attempted drivers if they don't work and move to the next.
Option One:
Navigate to the "Device Manager" (Control Panel > Device Manager) in Windows and Select the android device. Open the properties and select the "Install Driver" option. Pick the driver with "Install from disk." Ignore any warnings about the driver not being signed properly.
PDAnet's drivers may work if the above options don't. Simply install PDAnet (after uninstalling any previous attempted driver installations) to get the drivers.
While that is downloading, on your Nexus 4: turn USB debugging on.
To do so; you must first go to Settings>About>Build Number and click seven times.
The actual setting can then be found in Settings>Developer Options>USB Debugging
Once the drivers are installed, navigate to the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder on your computer.
Hold shift and right click. Select "Open Command Window Here."
Plug your phone into the computer. Now in this command window type:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
(Hit Enter)
Your phone should now boot into a screen with a green android with his chest exposed.
Type this:
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
(Hit Enter)
If your Command Prompt displays the message "waiting for device" your driver wasn't successfully installed.
Close the Command Prompt window and open Device manager while your phone is still plugged in. (Search for it using the search option).
Right Click the "Android" option and select Update Driver. Choose to "Browse My Computer" and "Let Me Pick From A List." Pick the Driver with the newest date and install it. Now retry the code above.
Your phone will ask if you want to unlock it. Select "Yes" by using the volume keys and use power to select it.
Now, navigate to "Recovery Mode" with the volume keys. Use power to select.
A screen with another Android will pop up. Press Volume Up and Power at the same time.
Select Factory Reset. This process may take a few minutes. Be patient and let it work.
Once finished, select "Reboot."
Your phone is now unlocked!
Obtaining Root Access and Custom Recovery:
Turn on USB Debugging.
To do so; you must first go to Settings>About>Build Number and click seven times.
The actual setting can then be found in Settings>Developer Options>USB Debugging
Download the following:
SuperSU (CWM .zip)
CWM (Pick the version for your device)
Place the recovery-clockwork-VERSIONNUMBER-mako.img file into your C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder.
Put the SuperSU.zip on your phone.
Open another Command Prompt if it isn't still open. (Navigate to C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools and shift + right click. Select "Open Command Window Here.")
With your phone plugged in type:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
(Hit Enter)
And wait for your phone to boot into the android again.
Now type:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery IMAGENAME.img
(Change the file name to the correct file name and Hit Enter)
Once that is finished: select the "Recovery Mode" option again on your phone.
You should get a new recovery menu here. Select "install zip from sd card" and "choose zip from sd card."
Find the SuperSU.zip that you transferred earlier and select "Yes" to installing.
Navigate back to "Reboot" and reboot your phone.
You're now rooted!
However, ClockworkMod Recovery won't continue to load after this.
To fix this, find "Rom Manager" from the market. (The free version is fine.) Use the "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery" option.
If your recovery still doesn't stick around after a reboot, you have another couple options. Find a file explorer that allows root access, such as Root Explorer. Use this program to rename /system/etc/install-recovery.sh to /system/etc/install-recovery.bak. You'll need to mount the system as r/w to do this. Root Explorer provides a button at the top to do so.
Or, you can do this completely manually by firing up ADB again and running a few commands:
Code:
adb shell
(Hit Enter)
Code:
su
(Hit Enter)
Code:
mount -o remount,rw -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 /system
(Hit Enter)
Code:
mv /system/etc/install-recovery.sh /system/etc/install-recovery.bak
(Hit Enter)
Congratulations!
Your phone is now unlocked, rooted, and has a custom recovery!
Continue reading the next posts for info on getting custom roms, kernels, tweaks, and more!
***I take no responsibility for what happens to your phone due to following this guide! That being said, not only am I sure you'll be fine...but there are an endless amount of users who would be glad to help if you need it.***
Thanks:
Google, for making Android a reality.
VanillaTbone, for the ADB AIO app.
Efrant, for posting about a bootloader locking utility without USB.
ClockworkMod team, for being a part of making our phones as awesome as they are.
The assorted developers, who continue to push out amazing material for us to use.
The awesome community, for endlessly supporting both Android itself and its users.
Installing Custom Roms Kernels and Tweaks
All of the instructions below require your bootloader to be unlocked. Please follow the guide above and return here when you're done.
Backing Your Files Up:
Time required:
15-25 minutes.
Making a Nandroid
The first thing you're going to want to do is back up your phone's entire system. This is done by making a "nandroid."
To do this, boot into ClockworkMod Recovery. To accomplish this: Turn your phone off. Once it is completely off: hold both volume buttons and the power button until the Android with his chest exposed is displayed. Navigate to the "Recovery Mode" option and select "backup."
This will take some time. Be patient and let it finish. This process is important! You should always have a recent nandroid available on your device.
Backing Your Data Up
Install Titanium Backup from the market.
Open Titanium Backup. A Superuser request should pop up. Allow it. Note: if Titanium Backup then says it failed to obtain root access; press the menu button and select more>reload application.
Press menu>batch. Select "Backup all User Apps." Select all and "Run the Batch Operation."
Let the process complete. This may take quite some time: depending on how many applications you have installed.
You can now backup your Text Messages, Bookmarks, and WiFi addresses with Titanium Backup as well.
Press Menu>Backup Data To XML to do so.
Backing Your Contacts Up
Note: This process may or not be useful to you. The Google servers should automatically import any contacts you have stored back whenever you install a new rom. Also note that Facebook/Google+/etc contacts will need to be synced again through their respective applications.
Open the Contacts application.
Press the Menu button.
Select import/export.
Export to storage.
Installing A Rom (Or Kernel/Radios/Tweaks/Themes/etc.)
Time Required:
5-10 minutes.
Note:
Follow the guide above about backing your phone up before attempting!
This guide will also work for flashing kernels/radios/themes/tweaks/etc. Simply ignore the part about wiping data and wipe whatever the thread says you should. You only need to restore data after a rom install.
Find a Rom You'd Like To Try:
Nexus 4 Original Development
Nexus 4 Development
Download the rom you'd like to try on your device.
Most roms also require you to install "gapps" as well.
You can find the correct ones for the rom you're using in the rom thread.
Make sure the Rom and Gapps are on your SD card.
Now, open Google Wallet (if you have it installed) and press Options>Settings>Reset Google Wallet. This will prevent the "Secure Element" errors some users have experienced.
Boot into ClockworkMod Recovery by turning your device completely off. Hold volume up, volume down, and power until the green Android with the open chest is displayed. Navigate to "Recovery Mode" with the volume buttons and select using the power button.
Remember to have a recent nandroid before continuing!
Navigate to "wipe data/factory reset" and select it. Select "yes."
Wait for the process to complete. This may take some time. Be patient!
Once complete: Navigate to "Install Zip from SD card" and "Choose zip from SD card."
Find the rom's .zip and install it. Once that completes install any applicable gapps' .zip.
Select the "Reboot" option.
Congratulations! Your phone should now boot into the custom rom!
Follow the prompts to re-activate your phone.
Restoring Your Applications / Contacts / Nandroid
Time Required:
5-15 minutes.
Restoring Your Applicaions
Install Titanium Backup. Note: you may want the pro key. If you have it, you won't have to manually click "install" on each application. The process is completely automated. Open Titanium Backup (grant root access. If titanium says it failed to obtain root access, press menu>more>reload application). Press menu>batch>restore missing apps with data. Now, here you have a choice to make. Do you want a completely clean install? Select "app only" and run the batch operation (Deselect Google Wallet first. We don't want to risk restoring wallet in any way. Install it manually through the Play Store.). Do you want all of your application data (saved games/settings/etc)? Select "app+data" and run the batch operation (Deselect Google Wallet first. We don't want to risk restoring wallet in any way. Install it manually through the Play Store.). This MAY cause you problems or it may not. Personally, I often restore application data and seldom run into any trouble. If you do find that restoring data caused problems, follow the guide above to re-install your rom and restore without data. This process will take some time. Be patient (I'd suggest turning your screen off so the screen doesn't burn, but that's just me.) It will vibrate upon completion.
You can now restore your Text Messages, Bookmarks, and WiFi addresses if you backed them up by pressing Menu>Restore Data From XML.
Note:
Overclocking/CPU tweaking applications should never be restored with data. Simply deselect it from the list.
Facebook/Haxsync/Google+ may have problems restoring your contacts when installed through Titanium Backup. Simply uninstall and reinstall through the market (and be sure to log in and select to sync your contacts again).
Also, if you have NFC Task Launcher successfully launching Tasker tasks with your stickers: they may not immediately work.
Through my testing, it's as simple to fix as uninstalling NFC Task Launcher and Tasker. Restore Tasker first. Then restore NFC task launcher.
Restoring Your Contacts
If google fails to restore your contacts (not facebook/haxsync/google+/etc) you may import them manually if you backed them up.
Open the contacts application and press menu>import/export>import from storage.
Restoring A Nandroid
If your phone is acting funny or won't boot...restore a nandroid from a previous rom or working set-up.
You may also use a Nandroid to switch back to a previous rom if you decide you don't like the one you're on.
Do this by booting into ClockworkMod Recovery (hold volume up, volume down, and power while your phone is off and navigate to "Recovery Mode").
Simply select "restore" and find the most recent (or relevant) backup.
This process will take some time. Be patient and let it complete! Once done, select "Reboot."
Note:
Nandroids are stored in the "clockworkmod" folder on your SD card. They take up quite a bit of space. ALWAYS have at least one recent one on your SD card. However, since these are huge files: you may like to delete old ones to save space. You must delete backups by booting into CWM and navigating to Backup and Restore>Delete.
Important Notes About Restoration
I outline the method of using Titanium Backup above for a reason. Restoring system applications and data is the most common cause of problems on custom roms. For this reason, always ONLY restore "missing applications" from "user applications" that were backed up when restoring onto a new rom. Every time you restore system data or applications a narwhal sodomizes your favorite childhood cartoon. This is FACT.
Installing Alternate Custom Recoveries
If you find a custom recovery (such as the touch-recovery options) that came as a .img file:
Use these instructions to flash. Plug your phone into the computer. Open up ADB. Move the .img to the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder.
Type the following:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
(Hit Enter)
You can also manually boot to the bootloader by powering off and holding volume down, volume up, power buttons until the green Android with his chest exposed is displayed.
Then type:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery FILENAME.img
(Replace the file name with whatever the .img is called and Hit Enter).
Wait for the process to complete and reboot.
***I take no responsibility for what happens to your phone due to following this guide! That being said, not only am I sure you'll be fine...but there are an endless amount of users who would be glad to help if you need it.***
Panic Section! (Something is Wrong)
Q: My phone won't boot!
A: The easiest option is to get into recovery and restore a nandroid using the above guide (pull battery to put phone in an off-state if needed).
However, more advanced options are available if you don't have a nandroid available (You're naughty).
Do you have another rom .zip available on your SD card? If so, simply use the above guide for installing a rom to get you booting again.
If not, you can download one on your PC. Boot into fastboot (the green Android with open chest menu). Navigate to recovery and select it with the power button.
Move the .zip to the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder.
Open ADB.
Change the NAMEOFZIP.zip below to the correct file name...and perform the action.
Code:
adb push NAMEOFZIP.zip /sdcard/NAMEOFZIP.zip
(Hit enter)
You may have to reboot recovery to get the file to show up. Now follow the guide above for flashing a rom to get you booting again.
Did you install a tweak that modified only a file or two on your phone? (Find this out by opening the .zip and looking in the folders (ignore META-INF). Good news! We MAY be able to recover you completely. If this doesn't work...you'll have to follow another method.
Get your phone into fastboot (the boot-menu that allows you to select recovery/reboot/etc). Navigate to Recovery. Start up ADB. Pull the files that were modified out of the stock rom's .zip (using whatever tweak you were installing as reference to find what was changed) that you're on into the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder. Now we're going to push these files onto your phone...replacing the tweaked ones and hopefully getting you booted again. Use this code, but change the values of the file name and where it should reside. This is only an example!
Code:
adb shell
(Hit Enter)
Code:
su
(Hit Enter)
Code:
mount -o remount,rw -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 /system
(Hit Enter)
This will mount your system so you can write to it.
Code:
exit
(Hit Enter)
This should exit shell and allow the use of adb commands again. You may need to type it a couple of times (until the #_ changes back to the platform_tools> prompt).
Code:
adb push framework-res.apk /system/framework/framework-res.apk
(Press enter after each file that you need to replace).
Note: This last option probably won't work. I'd just skip over it unless you're absolutely adamant about restoring your current setup and want to try everything possible.
Q: I want my SDcard files from my phone...but I'm in a situation where I need to flash stock images! This will erase my SD content. What can I do to save it?
A: Do you have a custom recovery installed? If not, download a custom recovery from post one in this guide and flash it using those instructions. You'll need to be in a custom recovery in order to obtain ADB access without booting your phone. Boot into recovery (With phone turned off: hold Power and Volume+ and Volume- until the bootloader pops up and navigate to "Recovery"). Run the command:
Code:
adb pull /sdcard/ /SDCARD/
(Hit Enter)
This will put all of your files into a folder called "SDCARD" in your C:\ drive. Keep in mind that this will take a LONG time. Maybe a couple of hours.
To restore once you're booting again:
Move the "SDCARD" folder you created from your C:\ drive to the platform-tools folder. *Then input:
Code:
adb push SDCARD /sdcard/
(Hit Enter)
Q: How do I make an "ADB Backup?"
A: An ADB Backup will backup your phones data (applications and their settings). Follow the guide HERE about ADB Backups.
Q: My phone gets really sluggish and often turns off or reboots on its own.
A: Without knowing anything about your situation...I'd say you either have severely bad data somewhere or some bad kernel tweaks. Use the rom install guide above, paying close attention to the part about backing up and restoring if you haven't already. In the case of a kernel problem, you're likely undervolting too low. Restore the stock kernel values and see if your problems subside.
Q: My phone screen won't turn on! This requires a battery pull to fix.
A: This is called a "Black Screen of Death" or BSOD. This is generally due to using a hotplug governor (one that turns cores off with the screen off) or possibly undervolting your device too low. Change governors or up your slots a bit.
Q: My phone is doing really weird things. Regardless of kernel/rom and even if I don't restore any data at all! Either that or I simply cannot boot up! My phone is possessed no matter what I do!
Download the stock IMAGES for your device and extract the files using 7-zip. Move all of the extracted files to your platform-tools folder. Open the flash-all.sh file with a text editor. Copy and paste the commands (one by one) and wait for each process to complete for continuing.
FAQ
Roms/Kernels
Q: What is the best rom?
A: The "best" rom is a matter of opinion. Do you like a certain customization and can't live without it? Use a rom that has that option.
Q: What is the best rom for battery life?
A: Roms themselves really shouldn't impact your battery all that much. They can have an impact, but if you're really looking for better battery I'd suggest swapping kernels or tweaking yours.
Q: What is the best rom for stability?
A: All of the roms out are "stable." They may have options that don't work correctly, but generally: this is user error. If you follow my advice on installing a rom, you'll end up with MUCH fewer bugs.
Q: What is the best kernel?
A: The best kernel is a matter of opinion. Some users may love one, while others swear by another. Find one you like and tweak it accordingly.
Q: How do I tweak a kernel for better battery?
A: Generally, you'll want to either change your governor and or undervolt and or underclock your kernel. This is done either by using SetCPU or similar apps, or with an option in your rom (usually labeled "performance" or something similar). Take note: extremely high/low voltages may cause instability. Never "set at boot" until you've thoroughly tested the options you've set. Testing includes low strain (like turning your screen off for an hour) and high strain (like playing a game for an hour) scenarios. To be extra safe: run the values for a couple days before setting them at boot. Follow the users ideas in the kernel's threads for some guidelines. However, remember that not all values will play nicely with all phones.
Miscellaneous
Q: Why isn't Google Wallet working at [store]?
A: I'm not sure if it's a Google Wallet problem, or a problem with the terminal. But I personally struggle to find a terminal that consistently works in my area. Something that has generally worked for me is to open wallet and go to Options>Reset Google Wallet. You must then re-add any cards you had.
Q: Does my ass look good in these shorts?
A: Yes.
Neat Ideas / How to Show Off the Nexus 4
-Get some NFC stickers. Tagstand has them available.
You can use these to make your phone perform certain tasks when you touch the sticker. Use NFC Task Launcher to define the tasks. These are capable of doing simple things like muting your volume to the more complex like turning on Tasker tasks that do things like auto-reply to text messages while you're at work.
-Do you have any suggestions? Submit them below!
***I take no responsibility for what happens to your phone due to following this guide! That being said, not only am I sure you'll be fine...but there are an endless amount of users who would be glad to help if you need it.***
ADB Backups:
SDcard backup:
Code:
adb pull /sdcard/ /sdcard/
(This will pull all of your sdcard contents to an "sdcard" folder in your C:\ directory)
Applications and their data:
Take note, that you'll need to be using CyanogenMod's method for setting up ADB to do this. The ADB AIO application installs an older SDK without this functionality. First, get your drivers installed (detailed in post one). Once you get ADB installed (post one), navigate to the C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools folder on your computer. Hold shift and right click. Select "Open Command Window Here."
Input this while your phone is turned on and USB Debugging is Enabled:
To do so; you must first go to Settings>About>Build Number and click seven times.
The actual setting can then be found in Settings>Developer Options>USB Debugging
Type this:
Code:
adb backup -apk -noshared -all -nosystem
(Hit Enter)
Your phone will ask for a password. Input one and remember it.
Once the process completes: continue with unlocking and rooting your phone.
Restoration:
Upon unlocking and rooting your phone: open up ADB again.
Enter this code:
Code:
adb restore backup.ab
(Hit Enter)
Input the password you saved to this file earlier, and wait for the restore to complete.
To restore your SDcard backup, first move the "sdcard" folder that was made in the backup process to your platform-tools folder.
Then run:
Code:
adb push sdcard /sdcard/
Do you have to install "ADB" ?
As far as like...clicking it and letting the windows installer install...no.
The exe file will read the commands in cmd without "installation."
Nice Work!
I've just added this guide to the Nexus 4 Complete Index
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Great work!!! nice and clean reading!
Can this guide include information on how to re-lock bootloader and unroot the device? Does this informaiton exist?
I need to RMA my phone due to dead pixels and I want to make sure I dont have any issues with the warranty.
jayluke said:
Can this guide include information on how to re-lock bootloader and unroot the device? Does this informaiton exist?
I need to RMA my phone due to dead pixels and I want to make sure I dont have any issues with the warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post 3.
fastboot oem lock
Locks the device.
How long is the first boot, after unlocking the bootloader, supposed to take? Mine's sitting there for quite a while already. (I had a lot of stuff installed, but still, this is really long.)
EDIT: When rebooting the custom recovery, you have to say "yes" to the message it gives you, something about keeping some recovery. I had originally said no because I didn't flash it, I just booted it once.
I just got my nexus yesterday, and this isnt the first phone that I have rooted.... however... my settings on the thing are extremely basic..
How do I enable usb debugging if I dont have the option in the settings?
Thanks
Chris
---------- Post added at 03:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 PM ----------
I just got my nexus yesterday, and this isnt the first phone that I have rooted.... however... my settings on the thing are extremely basic..
How do I enable usb debugging if I dont have the option in the settings?
Thanks
Chris
Edit: Got an app to enable it... still not in the menu though.
wizshaw said:
I just got my nexus yesterday, and this isnt the first phone that I have rooted.... however... my settings on the thing are extremely basic..
How do I enable usb debugging if I dont have the option in the settings?
Thanks
Chris
---------- Post added at 03:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 PM ----------
I just got my nexus yesterday, and this isnt the first phone that I have rooted.... however... my settings on the thing are extremely basic..
How do I enable usb debugging if I dont have the option in the settings?
Thanks
Chris
Edit: Got an app to enable it... still not in the menu though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh geeze!
I forgot.
Settings>about>version number I think...
Click 7 times to enable developer options.
Will update op soon.
Quick question: is there a reason the first post links to SuperSU version 0.98, when version 0.99 is the most recent? If version 0.99 has known issues with the Nexus 4, I don't want to use it on my device.
The 0.99 version came out after this guide was posted. I was offered to upgrade to the new version of supersu from 0.98 and so far no problem at all.
Does this work on the latest version of JB (4.2.1)?
When installing a new ROM it says to perform a factory reset through CWM, which will remove all apps and data but should keep all your pictures, videos, songs etc.
It doesn't mention to wipe the System partition as well. Is this not necessary when flashing ROMs on a Nexus?
Prior to owning the N4 I had the Galaxy S 2 and it was always stated in the OP instructions to wipe data/factory reset, wipe system, clear cache, clear dalvik and then flash ROM and Gapps.
However, I don't notice in any guides or instructions for N4 ROMS to wipe the system partition, just the data partition. Is there a reason for this or is it not necessary to wipe the system partition? Thanks. Great guide by the way.
Peace
thank u for ur effort
Chochiwpg said:
When installing a new ROM it says to perform a factory reset through CWM, which will remove all apps and data but should keep all your pictures, videos, songs etc.
It doesn't mention to wipe the System partition as well. Is this not necessary when flashing ROMs on a Nexus?
Prior to owning the N4 I had the Galaxy S 2 and it was always stated in the OP instructions to wipe data/factory reset, wipe system, clear cache, clear dalvik and then flash ROM and Gapps.
However, I don't notice in any guides or instructions for N4 ROMS to wipe the system partition, just the data partition. Is there a reason for this or is it not necessary to wipe the system partition? Thanks. Great guide by the way.
Peace
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually have a question along these lines.
I just came from a LG G2X so things were different for me whenever I flashed ROM's/kernels. For one thing, I had an external sd card so whenever CWM made it's backups, they went to that automatically and I didn't have to worry about wiping since everything was on the external. This phone doesn't have an external so where do the backups go? From the looks of the new CWM 6.0.2.0, the backups (and blobs now apparently) go to /data/media/clockworkmod. Well I guess my question here is if you have to wipe /data for installing new ROM's, how would I restore a backup because they would have been deleted off the /data partition. I tried adb pulling /data/media/clockworkmod to my computer but it won't go. Don't know if it's because that partition is mounted while the phone is in use or what. I tried the mount/umount command that OP listed but it won't work for me. Don't want to flash ANYTHING on this phone until I know for a fact I can get to the backups that I'm creating.
Alright all you legacy device lovers, lol, go get your HTC Mytouch 3G devices (probably all sapphire devices, haven't tried on others) that are stuck on that annoyingly persistent Google Sign-In screen outta of the junk drawer and get ready to get some use out of it. I've really only seen a few solutions, touching the four corners, lol, really? never seen that work but its everywhere so it must have at some point, and some other vague or ineffective methods. I have done this over and over just to make sure it wasn't some sorta fluke or lucky button press. That being said i no longer have the devices cause i was unlocking it for a friend that used too many wrong pin codes, so if you see some mistakes, plz let me know.
But first, let me cover my a**, lol
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY BRICK, BROKEN, EXPLODING, OR TRANSFORMING DEVICES.
USE THIS GUIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK. YOU ARE HENCEFORTH INFORMED.
LMAO, Alright now that's over with. I can say that, although seemingly complicated, if you mess this up then you should have left it in the junk drawer cause its pretty hard to mess it up. I will also include the steps taken to get custom recovery and cm6 on the device as well. The main thing is getting the right files.
It was running Android 1.6.
View attachment 2167592
These are the files you will need:
1.Rom Manager 2.5.0.4
2.Universal AndRoot 1.5.3
3.Root Explorer
4.Terminal Emulator
5.My html hack.View attachment html_hack.zipl
6.Cyanogenmod 6.1
7.Gapps zip
Put all these files at the root of your sdcard, extract html_hack.zip to the root of the sdcard and insert into phone..Also add at least one picture to the DCIM/Camera folder.
Alright, Now that you have the files lets start the fun stuff.
1. Of course power device on normally.
2. Once at the "Click the Android to start" screen, Press Emergency Dialer in the bottom left.
3. Dial the Test Screen Dialer Code. "*#*#4636#*#*".
4. Touch Phone Information at the top.
5. Press the Menu button when the Phone Info screen pops up and touch View Sim Address Book.
6. If you have contacts stored on your SIM Card, just touch any of them. If not add one by pressing menu i think.
7.When the edit contact screen comes up, click the image at the top left that is the image for the contact
8.The gallery will come up, press the menu button and touch Capture Image.
9.When the camera app opens, click the gallery shortcut in the top right corner.
10, Long press on any of the images in your gallery and touch Share on the right.
11.Press Messaging from the list that pops up.
12. In the Recipient field press any random 10 digit number and in the text field enter "Google.com"
13. Hit send, of course it will not send and give you some network unavailable message. now click "Google.com" in the message you just attempted to send, which will bring you to the Browser.
14. long press the menu button, and in the text field type "content://com.android.htmlfileprovider/sdcard/html_hack.html"
15. Now click the Root explorer link and it'll show a warning about unknown sources, click Settings.
16. Touch the Unknown Sources checkbox and while you are there click Development and enable USB Debugging.
17. click back to the web browser and click Root Explorer again and Install.
18. Once installed open Root Explorer.
19. Browse to your sdcard and click the Universal Androot file and install.
20. Once installed open the app, make sure android 1.5/1.6 Superuser is selected and click the Root button.
21. Now click back till you get to the browser again and install Root Explorer again and open.
22. This time though you should see the superuser dialog pop up. Of course click Allow.
23. Again browse to your sdcard and install Terminal Emulator, and open it. Allow superuser.
24. Alright now for the awesome part, in terminal emulator type:
Code:
su
am start -a android.intent.MAIN -n com.android.settings/.Settings
Which should open the settings menu.
25. Now navigate to the Wireless menu and enable WIFI and select a WIFI connection.
Thats the bypass. alot of steps right, lol, but it works.
26. Now press the back button all the way back to the "Click the Android to start" screen and procede with activation.
alright Now you are in your phone.
27. Go to the stock Market app and download Busybox by Stephen and install the app. Install busybox from the app.
28. Now go back to root explorer and browse to the sdcard and install Rom Manager. Open it and Allow superuser.
29. now click Install Clockworkmod Recovery and select the appropriate device. This will probably kick you back to the home screen.
30. Open Rom Manager again and reboot into recovery.
31. From CWM Recovery select install zip from sdcard and select the Cyanogenmod 6 zip file. Let this complete then reboot. This will of course take a while.
32. Once booted back up click the android then skip and skip. Then confirm the location stuff.
33. Open Rom Manager again and reboot into recovery and pick install zip from sdcard and select the gapps zip and install.
34 Once it's finished, reboot and you are all set. Root, Busybox, CWM Recovery and cm6 with google apps is yours. Congrats.
Buddhaja
YOUR WARRANTY IS NOW VOID! I am not responsible for anything that could happen, dead sd card, bricked phones, you name it. You chose to install this software and you face the risk of any bugs that may affect you. This is just a warning incase anything goes wrong
ISSUE: FASTBOOT Might not work on windows 10 version 2004, a solution is to use a Linux virtual machine to use fastboot commands. Test it out first as you might be lucky and it could work for you.
A complete guide on how to either just root the razer phone 2 and/or install a gsi with everything working.
The sections are: Basics - Installing TWRP - Rooting - Installing a GSI + Root - Passing safety net to use baking apps, certain games etc.
Basics: (You will have to factory reset if you have not unlocked your bootloader before)
Download this and this file, un zip them both and move them to a known directory such as C:\ADB
Then on your phone, go into developer options and enable OEM/Bootloader unlocking, and after that reboot into the bootloader by holding POWER + VOL DOWN and plug the phone into your pc (I recommend you connect it to a USB 2.0 port, as USB 3.0 might give you issues with the fastboot commands)
Then we need to install bootloader drivers onto our phone, so open device manager, click the drop down menu next to Android Device, right click on Android and select Update Driver, then select Browse my computer for driver software, Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer, Show all devices, Have disk and navigate to your folder where you extracted the .zips (in my case C:\ADB) and open the usb_driver folder and select android_winusb.inf. In the next menu select Android Bootloader Interface, proceed through the warning and install it.
To unlock the bootloader open a cmd window in the directory of your platform-tools folder, which in my case would be C:\ADB\platform-tools (type cd C:\ADB\platform-tools in cmd) and run two commands: fastboot flashing unlock (after each one select yes on your phone and let it reboot - it might take a while) and fastboot flashing unlock_critical
To install the arter97 kernel/TWRP: (keep your phone in the Bootloader and plugged into the pc)
Download both the .zip and .img file from this link (i am using r12 intentionally as it causes less issues) and download this zip file as well
Move both .zip files onto your phones SD CARD (important) and rename the .img file on your PC to Boot.img and place it into your platform-tools folder (C:\ADB\platform-tools in my case)
Open a command prompt window and like before change the directory to the platform-tools folder, then run two commands: fastboot flash boot_a boot.img and fastboot flash boot_b boot.img
Now using the volume keys select the Recovery Mode option in the bootloader and press the power key to select it, if it asks for a decryption password cancel it, and if it asks to allow system modifications swipe to allow it
Go to the Install section and navigate to external_sd and navigate to the arter-r12.zip you installed, then click it and swipe to flash, after that flash the f2fs zip and after it's complete back out to the main menu, click reboot and select recovery
Once you are back in recovery, go to Wipe and select Format Data (this will not erase your sd card if it is set as external storage) and type yes
If you don't want to root then to reboot to system go into Reboot and select System, TWRP will ask you if you want to install their special app, DO NOT INSTALL IT, CLICK ON DO NOT INSTALL.
Now you are ready to proceed to the next step(s) (these are short now don't worry)
To just root and stay on the stock ROM:
Download magisk 20.1 (works better) from here and move it onto your phone sd card by going to the main TWRP menu, selecting Mount then SD card and you should be able to transfer the file onto the sd card directly from your PC
Then simply flash the magisk 20.1 zip in TWRP as we did before and you can now reboot system (make sure to not install the TWRP app)
Magisk Manager will prompt you to update magisk, DONT do it. You can however install the latest magisk manager update
To install a GSI and Root: (lineageOS is what i have linked here, however this is not the only one you can use, make sure you NEED gapps before flashing it incase they are included anywhere)
Firstly, to have bluetooth working go to Mount and select Vendor, go back, select Advanced then File Manager then navigate to /vendor/overlay/ and delete both BluetoothResCommon.apk and RazerAuraBluetoothRes.apk
Then download the latest arm-64-bvN .img file from here, unzip it on your computer and move the .img file to your phone. If you also want gapps (google apps) download this file and move it onto your SD card as well
Now, head to the TWRP Install section, at the bottom select Install Image, select the downloaded lineageOS (or your own gsi) .img file, in the next screen select System Image and swipe to flash it.
Once it has flashed back out to the main screen and click on Wipe, then select Advanced Wipe, then select System, Repair or change file system, and finally press Resize and swipe to do it, if it fails then re do this step
Then go back into the Install section and flash the opengapps zip file and after that the magisk zip file
Now you can reboot to system (might take a couple minutes) and set up the phone.
If you notice it is running slowly go into settings > Phh treble settings (might have to force close app once for it to appear) > Misc Settings > Force FPS > and select the 120.00001 at the bottom (top numbers are 1080p and bottom numbers are 1440p)
Finally, to pass safetynet:
Head into magisk manager, go to its settings and enable Hide Magisk, then call it Manager and allow it to reinstall itself, after that enable Magisk Hide in the settings aswell (hide your banking apps with this or any game that wont boot due to ROOT)
Then go into the magisk downloads section and search for the ArCore module, install this, reboot and your safetynet will pass on a gsi
This is my first xda post so my formatting may be bad but i hope it can help some people if you have any questions drop a comment and please like the post if it helped you for more people to see it.
Have a good day
Usyless said:
YOUR WARRANTY IS NOW VOID! I am not responsible for anything that could happen, dead sd card, bricked phones, you name it. You chose to install this software and you face the risk of any bugs that may affect you. This is just a warning incase anything goes wrong
A complete guide on how to either just root the razer phone 2 and/or install a gsi with everything working.
The sections are: Basics - Installing TWRP - Rooting - Installing a GSI + Root - Passing safety net to use baking apps, certain games etc.
Basics: (You will have to factory reset if you have not unlocked your bootloader before)
Download this and this file, un zip them both and move them to a known directory such as C:\ADB
Then on your phone, go into developer options and enable OEM/Bootloader unlocking, and after that reboot into the bootloader by holding POWER + VOL DOWN and plug the phone into your pc (I recommend you connect it to a USB 2.0 port)
Then we need to install bootloader drivers onto our phone, so open device manager, click the drop down menu next to Android Device, right click on Android and select Update Driver, then select Browse my computer for driver software, Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer, Show all devices, Have disk and navigate to your folder where you extracted the .zips (in my case C:\ADB) and open the usb_driver folder and select android_winusb.inf. In the next menu select Android Bootloader Interface, proceed through the warning and install it.
To unlock the bootloader open a cmd window in the directory of your platform-tools folder, which in my case would be C:\ADB\platform-tools (type cd C:\ADB\platform-tools in cmd) and run two commands: fastboot flashing unlock (after each one select yes on your phone and let it reboot - it might take a while) and fastboot flashing unlock_critical
To install the arter97 kernel/TWRP: (keep your phone in the Bootloader and plugged into the pc)
Download both the .zip and .img file from this link (i am using r12 intentionally as it causes less issues) and download this zip file as well
Move both .zip files onto your phones SD CARD (important) and rename the .img file on your PC to Boot.img and place it into your platform-tools folder (C:\ADB\platform-tools in my case)
Open a command prompt window and like before change the directory to the platform-tools folder, then run two commands: fastboot flash boot_a boot.img and fastboot flash boot_b boot.img
Now using the volume keys select the Recovery Mode option in the bootloader and press the power key to select it, if it asks for a decryption password cancel it, and if it asks to allow system modifications swipe to allow it
Go to the Install section and navigate to external_sd and navigate to the arter-r12.zip you installed, then click it and swipe to flash, after that flash the f2fs zip and after it's complete back out to the main menu, click reboot and select recovery
Once you are back in recovery, go to Wipe and select Format Data (this will not erase your sd card if it is set as external storage) and type yes
If you don't want to root then to reboot to system go into Reboot and select System, TWRP will ask you if you want to install their special app, DO NOT INSTALL IT, CLICK ON DO NOT INSTALL.
Now you are ready to proceed to the next step(s) (these are short now don't worry)
To just root and stay on the stock ROM:
Download magisk 20.1 (works better) from here and move it onto your phone sd card by going to the main TWRP menu, selecting Mount then SD card and you should be able to transfer the file onto the sd card directly from your PC
Then simply flash the magisk 20.1 zip in TWRP as we did before and you can now reboot system (make sure to not install the TWRP app)
Magisk Manager will prompt you to update magisk, DONT do it. You can however install the latest magisk manager update
To install a GSI and Root: (lineageOS is what i have linked here, however this is not the only one you can use, make sure you NEED gapps before flashing it incase they are included anywhere)
Firstly, to have bluetooth working go to Mount and select Vendor, go back, select Advanced then File Manager then navigate to /vendor/overlay/ and delete both BluetoothResCommon.apk and RazerAuraBluetoothRes.apk
Then download the latest arm-64-bvN .img file from here, unzip it on your computer and move the .img file to your phone. If you also want gapps (google apps) download this file and move it onto your SD card as well
Now, head to the TWRP Install section, at the bottom select Install Image, select the downloaded lineageOS (or your own gsi) .img file, in the next screen select System Image and swipe to flash it.
Once it has flashed back out to the main screen and click on Wipe, then select Advanced Wipe, then select System, Repair or change file system, and finally press Resize and swipe to do it, if it fails then re do this step
Then go back into the Install section and flash the opengapps zip file and after that the magisk zip file
Now you can reboot to system (might take a couple minutes) and set up the phone.
If you notice it is running slowly go into settings > Phh treble settings (might have to force close app once for it to appear) > Misc Settings > Force FPS > and select the 120.00001 at the bottom (top numbers are 1080p and bottom numbers are 1440p)
Finally, to pass safetynet:
Head into magisk manager, go to its settings and enable Hide Magisk, then call it Manager and allow it to reinstall itself, after that enable Magisk Hide in the settings aswell (hide your banking apps with this or any game that wont boot due to ROOT)
Then go into the magisk downloads section and search for the ArCore module, install this, reboot and your safetynet will pass on a gsi
This is my first xda post so my formatting may be bad but i hope it can help some people if you have any questions drop a comment and please like the post if it helped you for more people to see it.
Have a good day
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you excellent post just what I needed.
eedwin101 said:
Thank you excellent post just what I needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad it helped you
Usyless said:
I'm glad it helped you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't mind what other GSI ROMs have you tried that worked well with this phone I am particularly interested in the Google pixel Android 11. Thanks again you have extended the life of this phone for me.
eedwin101 said:
If you don't mind what other GSI ROMs have you tried that worked well with this phone I am particularly interested in the Google pixel Android 11. Thanks again you have extended the life of this phone for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that phhussons AOSP works on this phone with no issues aswell, you might have to use securize to get safety net to pass tho.
android 11 will boot on this phone however iirc you won't be able to hear and other people won't hear you in phone calls.
havoc gsis I believe works but I haven't tested it and I have only heard of one person using it.
BLISS/LOSQ/CAOS don't work on this phone at all.
and after that I don't think there really is many more GSIs that work as they just won't boot for bizarre reasons
How about text messaging. Currently i have not been able to get SMS to work with any GSI on Android 10. Are you able to send and receive text messages? Did you have to do anything to get it working? If so, let me know because i have been having a heck of a time with it.
_Sherrif said:
How about text messaging. Currently i have not been able to get SMS to work with any GSI on Android 10. Are you able to send and receive text messages? Did you have to do anything to get it working? If so, let me know because i have been having a heck of a time with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh this issue... are you on T-Mobile by any chance as if you are there is no fix yet and you will have to wait for official lineageOS.
I am on three (UK) and everything works perfectly.
Usyless said:
oh this issue... are you on T-Mobile by any chance as if you are there is no fix yet and you will have to wait for official lineageOS.
I am on three (UK) and everything works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No AT&T.
_Sherrif said:
No AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you might be able to use this fix (it's a magisk module) as it is made for AT&T https://t.me/razer_phone/14202
its called a volte fix but it should help with sms, if it doesn't work you can just remove the module, reboot then delete some qualcomm.ims app (should be shown in your app list)
_Sherrif said:
No AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or you could try this: https://t.me/razer_phone/12949
install instructions shown in the message
Usyless said:
you might be able to use this fix (it's a magisk module) as it is made for AT&T https://t.me/razer_phone/14202
its called a volte fix but it should help with sms, if it doesn't work you can just remove the module, reboot then delete some qualcomm.ims app (should be shown in your app list)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aight! Definitely worth a try. Tried everything else.
Thank you!
Thanks!! Excellente guide, very important your note : "I recommend you connect it to a USB 2.0 port", with usb 3 doesn't work bootloader commands.
frannet said:
Thanks!! Excellente guide, very important your note : "I recommend you connect it to a USB 2.0 port", with usb 3 doesn't work bootloader commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
It doesn't necessarily not work with usb 3.0, for some people (and for me) it works with a usb 3.0 port however for a lot of people they have issues with it.
I will add it tho.
Usyless said:
Thanks
It doesn't necessarily not work with usb 3.0, for some people (and for me) it works with a usb 3.0 port however for a lot of people they have issues with it.
I will add it tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's strange. With my razer blade it has not worked (usb 3) but with a Dell Precision with a one port usb 2, work fine. I was going crazy.
frannet said:
It's strange. With my razer blade it has not worked (usb 3) but with a Dell Precision with a one port usb 2, work fine. I was going crazy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I remember I helped somebody else root their phone and it didn't work with their razer blade either, they had to use some very old laptop.
Usyless said:
Yeah I remember I helped somebody else root their phone and it didn't work with their razer blade either, they had to use some very old laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys, sorry for the off-topic, is available the dark mode for razer menu? i can't find it
frannet said:
Guys, sorry for the off-topic, is available the dark mode for razer menu? i can't find it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean razer menu? if you mean settings then it's a MAYBE.
on a gsi, dark mode is available
on stock android 9 it is possible. you need to use smali patcher to enable signature spoofing and then use swift theme installer alpha (substratum themes won't theme the settings)(you need to contact the developer to get the alpha version as others wont work)
Usyless said:
What do you mean razer menu? if you mean settings then it's a MAYBE.
on a gsi, dark mode is available
on stock android 9 it is possible. you need to use smali patcher to enable signature spoofing and then use swift theme installer alpha (substratum themes won't theme the settings)(you need to contact the developer to get the alpha version as others wont work)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I talk about the settings menu. I thought dark mode was available for all android versions ??
frannet said:
Yeah I talk about the settings menu. I thought dark mode was available for all android versions ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah tbh idek, all the android fanboys were saying at how long it took apple to make a dark mode but it was implemented in android 10 later than ios 12 I swear ?
but as you are rooted you should be able to get a dark mode, just do as I said with smali patcher and the swift installer alpha
i
Usyless said:
yeah tbh idek, all the android fanboys were saying at how long it took apple to make a dark mode but it was implemented in android 10 later than ios 12 I swear ?
but as you are rooted you should be able to get a dark mode, just do as I said with smali patcher and the swift installer alpha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaha, yeah, If I'm honest, dark mode in iOS work fine, very fine, normally I use my iPhone 11 and I play with android devices for.. for play with the OS and develoment OS, and as second andriods phone for maybe.... I go to check the gsi mode, thanks guy!!