Database Users

[GUIDE] Everything Explained.

Before you go ahead and start unlocking, flashing and rooting, there are things you should know. This thread is a general guide that will serve to explain most of those things.​
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Table of Contents
A. The layers (Hardware, Firmware, Software)
B. Definitions
C. Troubleshooting Common Issues
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The Layers. How does everything come together?
Just like any other computing device there are 3 Layers to your phone. It helps to realize this prior to modifying your phone, so you are able to troubleshoot issues more effectively.
Layer 1 Hardware: The hardware layer is the physical components of your phone. That which you can touch, hold and see. This layer is the least likely to be modified unless you are a crazy super master level modder. Very few bother to mess with this layer so this layer tends to be the most stable with very little issues arising. The best way to make sure a problem is not related to the hardware layer, that is to say, a physical hardware problem where a physical component needs replacing, is to return all software and firmware to stock. This is typically done by running an RUU or manually reflashing stock firmware and software. There are instances where software or firmware modifications can affect the hardware. For example, if you overclock your CPU, the added heat could permanently damage the CPU and even other hardware components so be sure to take that into consideration.
Layer 2 Firmware: This layer is what allows the software to control the hardware in your phone, like a bridge between the two. There is firmware for just about every component of your phone, the camera, screen, radio, processor etc etc. This is the second least likely layer to be modified. S-Off is required to modify most, but not all, firmware files and rightfully so. Modifying firmware components can easily damage your phone if you do not understand what you're doing. In some cases a JTAGG repair can fix your phone from firmware modification damage, other times, only replacing physical components can repair the damage done. (Recovery and the kernel are technically part of the firmware layer but do not require S-Off to flash)
Layer 3 Software: The software layer consists of the "ROM" and applications on your phone. This is where most of the modification takes place and while modifying the software layer is the least likely to cause serious issues, it can still be dangerous. Flashing a ROM not intended for your device could easily put your phone into a bricked state. With SuperUser or Root access, software is capable of modifying the firmware layer of your device. It is up to you to decide what is safe and what's not safe. This is why rooting is not for everyone. How can you properly decide what is safe for your device without the proper knowledge?
Definitions
What is root?
Root, super user or su for short is a level of access giving you permission to read or write to folders, or partitions you could not have access to as a regular user. Think administrative access.
Consider a folder path “/sdcard/downloads/” If we break it down, “downloads” is a folder in “sdcard” and “sdcard” is one of the folders in “/” which is the “root” of the folder structure. As a regular user, one might not consider that folders other than sdcard exist in “/” as they are kind of hidden from us but rest assure they are there and this is typically where the android OS and firmware files are kept. Modifying these files can be extremely dangerous for your phone if you do not understand the modifications to the file you're making, and what steps you can take to recover from any issues you encounter.
What is an RUU?
RUU stands for ROM Update Utility. An RUU is used to reflash an existing firmware/software set or updated firmware/software set. An RUU will wipe everything and basically get your phone back to stock. Unless your phone is S-Off, you cannot run an RUU with an older firmware or software than those currently on your device. You can only run an RUU that matches your MID/CID unless you are S-Off and have SuperCID or have changed the MID/CID to match the carrier you are flashing. There may be differences in hardware/firmware between MIDs and CIDs so be mindful as this can lead to a brick. To properly run an RUU with S-On, you must also have stock recovery installed, the bootloader must be locked/relocked. BE VERY CAREFUL DOING THIS. It is not recommended to RUU or OTA after unlocking your bootloader unless you have to. If you are S-OFF you can RUU whether the bootloader is locked or not and if you are superCID, CID checks will be ignored so be sure to be mindful of the RUU you are running and that it will play nice with your phone.
What is an OTA?
OTA stands for Over The Air and implies an Over the air update distributed by your phone manufacturer, carrier or ROM developer. Unlike an RUU, an OTA will not typically wipe/factory reset your phone but can update your firmware and/or software set. To a apply a manufacturer/carrier released OTA you will need stock recovery and stock system apps installed. Your CID/MID must match that of the carrier/manufacturer your phone came from.
What is a ROM?
When the term ROM was first introduced it stood for Read Only Memory, however, most memory that claims to be Read Only nowadays is not like it was back then. Now a days it is not as complicated to write ROM as only permissions are in your way as opposed to the days when you were required to modify the hardware layer in some way to update the ROM chip. In this particular case, we are referring to the android software on your phone. Stock ROM would imply the manufacturer released ROM that came on your device when you purchased it. Custom ROMs are ROMs the are modified stock ROMs or ROMs built from android source code to. I think you get the idea. It's the device software or Operating System if you will. You should never flash a ROM that is not intended for the device you are flashing it to, this is very dangerous. Like, brick dangerous.
What is a nandroid backup?
A nandroid backup is a backup of your phone's current state. Like a snapshot or image of your phone's software. It includes the ROM currently flashed to your phone, the kernel, apps and settings. It does not include any firmware files other than the kernel and possibly the recovery. A nandroid is done with custom recovery and cannot be done with stock recovery. Taking a nandroid before you start messing with your phone is good practice. In fact, It's good practice to make nandroids before flashing a new ROM, or making any changes that may impact stability. This will ensure you always have a quick way to get back to having a usable phone. Obviously, a nandroid will not help in cases where you mess up firmware files like the radio firmware or hboot.
What is a kernel?
The kernel is the central point of an operating system. It contains the modules and settings necessary for the ROM or OS to work properly. Every Operating System has a kernel, including android. Just like ROMs there are custom kernels, with tweaks and the like that may improve or decrease performance/stability. Also, like ROMs, you should never flash a kernel not intended for your device. Very Dangerous!
What is a bootloader?
The bootloader is as the name implies, a device software/interface for handling boot operations it is contained within the hboot file. The bootloader screen has a few nifty features:
Gives you device information such as:
The bootloader state (locked, relocked or unlocked)
The Secureflag state (S-On or S-Off)
Your hboot and radio versions
Your Cid (only if you changed it)
Allows you to power down, reboot or boot your phone to android.
Allows you to factory reset your phone (Though should never really be used unless you are completely stock as you can properly factory reset in custom recovery)
Allows you access to the recovery
It gives you access to fastboot command operations you can send from your PC to your phone.
To boot to bootloader: Press and hold Power and volume up until the phone shuts off, then let go of power and volume up. Press and hold Volume down until your screen comes up in bootloader mode.
What is recovery?
Recovery is a software/User Interface that allows you to handle and make changes to your device, without having to boot the android OS. The stock M8 comes with a recovery that is quite limited but allows you to factory reset your phone and flash OTA updates which really is more than enough for the average user.
Those of us who want more from our phones, and modify them tend to flash custom recoveries with many extra features. I won't go into all the features they provide as the devs have websites, and you can visit them for more information. The two custom recoveries for the m8 include TWRP and Philz Touch. Both are very functional and choosing one is a matter of preference over anything else.
To flash a recovery image. Put the recovery image in your fastboot/adb folder and in the command prompt:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery recoveryfilename.img
You can find The latest:
TWRP for the M8 HERE
Philz Touch for the M8 HERE
To manually boot to recovery, boot to bootloader (Press and hold Power and volume up until the phone shuts off, then let go of power and volume up. Press and hold Volume down until your screen comes up in bootloader mode). Then select recovery in the bootloader menu.
What is S-Off/S-On?
This stands for Securewrite-on or Securewrite-Off. The name kind of gives some hints as to what it means. Having your bootloader unlocked, affords you the ability to to flash a custom recovery and custom roms as well as a custom kernel however, some people may need more. They may want to alter other system partitions. That is where S-Off comes in. It gives you full write access to all system partitons. It also forces a bypass for all security checks, such as those made by OTAs and RUUs, for CID and MID. S-Off is persistent. No matter if you RUU, OTA, Flash a ROM, Firmware, Factory Reset, S-Off will remain so until you use fastboot to reset the flag. I should say, if you don't know what you're doing, that is to say, if you are the type to follow instructions blindly on a thread, without much idea what is ACTUALLY Happening, what files you're modifying, you should not have S-Off. It should not concern you and that is that. S-Off can be dangerous. You have been warned.
What does a Factory Reset do?
A Factory Reset Clears the Cache, Dalvik Cache and Data Partitions. All settings will reset to default. User Apps (Apps you installed that did not com preinstalled with the ROM) will be removed. This will not restore your phone to when you purchased it. This will not relock your bootloader, Reset the S-Off flag, remove root, or downgrade your hboot. It merely affects the system and user settings and user apps.
What is fastboot?
Fastboot is a command line tool that allows you to manipulate certain parts of your phone from the bootloader. Your phone must be in fastboot mode and you must have the fastboot application and HTC drivers installed if you are on Windows. If you are on linux, the HTC driver is preinstalled.
Popular fastboot commands include:
Fatsboot devices (Lists devices connected for use with fastboot)
Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img (Flashes a recovery image)
Fastboot flash boot boot.img (Flashes a boot image)
Fastboot oem readcid (Shows the CID of the phone installed)
Fastboot oem writecid (Writes a new CID to your phone. Must be 8 Characters. Requires S-Off)
Fastboot oem rebootRUU (Puts the phone in RUU mode which is used for flashing firmwares and/or entire RUUs)
Fastboot reboot (Reboots your phone)
Fastboot reboot-bootloader (Reboots to bootloader)
Fastboot erase cache (Wipes the cache partition using fastboot. Good idea after flashing things via fastboot)
Fastboot help (Will list fastboot commands)
Fastboot boot imagefilename.img (Allows you to boot a recovery image or kernel image without actually flashing to your phone
allowing you one time access to the features without the headache of reflashing stock afterwards) Thanks to @garyd9 for suggesting I include this. Very convenient command.
What is ADB?
ADB is another command line tool used to manipulate your phone. The commands for ADB are way more extensive. ADB can only communicate with your phone while in a custom recovery or while the ROM is booted up with USB debugging turned on. The reason ADB is so much more extensive is because it allows you to remotely access your phone's terminal just like a linux terminal. You can use ADB to push or pull files to and from any partition (Some partitions will require S-Off), list devices, get a logcat, troubleshoot issues etc etc. For an extensive list of commands and how to use ADB I strongly suggest visiting http://developer.android.com/tools/help/adb.html
What is the CID?
CID stands for carrier ID. It's a string of letters and numbers, eight characters long that identify what carrier your phone is from. When you flash an OTA or RUU, The OTA or RUU checks for a few things, one of those things is the CID, to ensure you are flashing software intended for your device. Realistically, There's no hardware difference between the M8s (with the exception of CDMA vs GSM) so all firmwares/softwares should be compatible. With regards to radio firmware, your radio may function better with one firmware over another. There have been occasions with HTC where flashing an RUU or OTA with the wrong CID or SuperCID, while S-On would brick your phone. So try to be mindful of this and be careful.
Thanks to @garyd9 for suggesting I include this in my guide!
Some common CIDs include but are not limited to:
SuperCID: 11111111
HTC International: HTC__001
AT&T: CWS__001
ROGERS: ROGER001
VODAPHONE: VODAP001
T MOBILE: T-MOB010
TELESTRA: TELST001
Bell Canada: BM___001
What is a brick?
The term brick is sometimes thrown around a bit too casually. A brick is when your phone is no longer operable. It does not boot, there is no way to save it without resorting to Jtagg or replacing the nand chip or motherboard. If your phone powers on and something appears on your screen, your phone can almost always be saved. Be sure you know how to save your device before messing with your device.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
I flashed a ROM or Kernel and it's not booting! WHAT DO I DO!?
When this happens. There are actually a number of things to consider but first off, Hopefully you made a nandroid to restore from just in case the reason it doesn't boot is something not quickly or easily fixed.
1. Is the ROM you're flashing indeed intended for your device? ROMs you're flashing should be for the HTC One m8 International. You should not be flashing ROMs designed for the m8 Sprint or Verizon and should not be flashing ROMs designed for other models of phone. If the ROM you flashed is not for your device, best case scenario, it's not flashing properly. Worst case scenario, you have a brick. You will need to factory reset and wipe system then either flash a new ROM or restore a nandroid to get your phone up and running again.
2. Did you wipe Cache, Dalvik Cache, Data and System? (Don't wipe System for Kernel Install)
A factory reset will wipe all but system. You should wipe System manually in case the script for the ROM install does not do it or does it improperly. A factory reset is enough for a Kernel install. If you wiped system and just flashed a kernel, it's no doubt your phone is not booting.
* If you did not factory reset and wipe system, do so and then reflash your rom. It should then boot.
* If you wiped system to flash a kernel, you will need to reflash the rom, and then reflash your kernel again if you are flashing a custom kernel. (Note a GPE Kernel will not work on Sense and a Sense kernel will not work on GPE.
3. Did you matchup the Checksum? MD5 or SHA1 are usually posted on the ROM Download site/post. This allows you to check and make sure the integrity of the file you downloaded has been maintained. If The SHA1 or MD5 of the file you downloaded does not match what is posted, you have a corrupted file and should redownload. If you don't have a MD5 or SHA1 Checker, I suggest downloading one. Google MD5 or SHA1 Checker and you should find one. MD5 is most commonly used but it's up to the Dev as to which they post. Sometimes both. You only need to match one. (Linux comes with utilities for checking MD5/SHA1 called md5sum and/or sha1sum)
4. If you tried all these steps and it's still not booting, try another ROM. If no ROMs appear to be booting, you may be having an issue with your custom recovery. Redownload your recovery (Make sure it's the right one for your phone and check the checksum) Then reflash recovery, then use fastboot erase cache, boot to recovery and try flashing again.
5. If you tried all these and you're having issues, ask in the M8 Q&A!
I wiped everything and I don't have a ROM on my phone to flash! What do I do?
This is quite simple really.
Boot to recovery
Connect your phone to your PC
Make sure your ROM is on your PC and in your adb folder
Then use:
Code:
adb push romfilename.zip /sdcard/
Be patient, this could take a while, when it finishes you will get a confirmation with bytes in/bytes out.
Then flash.
Where can I go to find links to do all this cool stuff I want to do to my Phone!?!?!?!?
HERE!
Thank Yous!
Thanks to @garyd9
Thanks to @keithross39
This is a work in progress. I will be updating this as often as I can, trying to explain as much as I can for newer M8 owners who are not used to HTC or Android devices. If you have any suggestions for what I can put here, post here and let me know! Also, I'm not perfect, I make mistakes if I have/do make any, do not be shy! Let me know.
[08/18/2014] Partially updated and fixed spelling mistakes. More coming soon!

Hey fella, this is a good idea.
Thanks for taking the time to do this.
I am going to be getting the M8 in the near future, so reading up about the HTC specific stuff is really useful for me as I'm currently familiar with Samsung procedures and not a lot else. Most folks reading this should be familiar with the 'cross platform basics', so what you've covered so far should be enough........
But.....
Those (like me) who are getting an HTC device for the first time would probably benefit from more of a detailed description of the HTC side of things......maybe you could concentrate on expanding that information.......
Maybe you could include links to threads for s-off, rooting and/or anything else relevant?
Just my 2 cents worth....for what it's worth.....
Sent from my rooted debloated thingy

keithross39 said:
Hey fella, this is a good idea.
Thanks for taking the time to do this.
I am going to be getting the M8 in the near future, so reading up about the HTC specific stuff is really useful for me as I'm currently familiar with Samsung procedures and not a lot else. Most folks reading this should be familiar with the 'cross platform basics', so what you've covered so far should be enough........
But.....
Those (like me) who are getting an HTC device for the first time would probably benefit from more of a detailed description of the HTC side of things......maybe you could concentrate on expanding that information.......
Maybe you could include links to threads for s-off, rooting and/or anything else relevant?
Just my 2 cents worth....for what it's worth.....
Sent from my rooted debloated thingy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! I welcome all suggestions! I will do my best to incorporate your suggestions
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

Great idea, thanks. I've been wondering what S-Off is for weeks but didn't want the flaming for asking a noob question!
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Some possible additions:
What is "RUU"?
What is MID (model ID) along with a list of some common MID's
What is CID (carrier ID?) along with a list of some common CID's
How do the MID and CID relate to each other and how does the combination relate and/or interact with RUU. Related, of course, is the third part of the version number.

I was thinking of writing a guide myself, because I was so confused myself after coming from samsung, really nice.

Shebee said:
I was thinking of writing a guide myself, because I was so confused myself after coming from samsung, really nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol...ain't that the truth....
Sent from my rooted debloated thingy

Nice one

Very well done!
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

I'm one of those who also came from Samsung (S4).
This is really great and easy to understand. This should be sticky :victory:

While I think the OP uses the term "ROM" incorrectly (Read Only Memory), I'll admit that's just me being picky. Otherwise, a very useful post... I've requested it be made sticky.
Take care
Gary

garyd9 said:
While I think the OP uses the term "ROM" incorrectly (Read Only Memory), I'll admit that's just me being picky. Otherwise, a very useful post... I've requested it be made sticky.
Take care
Gary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not being picky at all! Feel free to suggest any corrections. I welcome criticism and corrections.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

exad said:
That's not being picky at all! Feel free to suggest any corrections. I welcome criticism and corrections.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. I'm one of those people who goes nuts when people want to install "ROM's" on their phone. I keep reminding them that if it was really "Read Only Memory", that they wouldn't be able to overwrite it. Ever.
I do understand, however, that it's one of the misused terms these days. I guess it's kind of like saying you are "dialing a phone number." (There aren't any dials on our phones anymore. I haven't even seen a working rotary dial phone in years...)
Anyway - I'll stop with my OT bantering. Once I get more familiar with HTC devices I'll probably have some good suggestions for your posts.
Take care
Gary

garyd9 said:
LOL. I'm one of those people who goes nuts when people want to install "ROM's" on their phone. I keep reminding them that if it was really "Read Only Memory", that they wouldn't be able to overwrite it. Ever.
I do understand, however, that it's one of the misused terms these days. I guess it's kind of like saying you are "dialing a phone number." (There aren't any dials on our phones anymore. I haven't even seen a working rotary dial phone in years...)
Anyway - I'll stop with my OT bantering. Once I get more familiar with HTC devices I'll probably have some good suggestions for your posts.
Take care
Gary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read only memory isn't a great name for it. If you've ever updated the bios on a pc, flashed a firmware update to a router, etc... you've written to read only memory. There are types that are truly read only but I can't think of a single practical example. And welcome to htc phones!
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

lampel said:
Read only memory isn't a great name for it. If you've ever updated the bios on a pc, flashed a firmware update to a router, etc... you've written to read only memory. There are types that are truly read only but I can't think of a single practical example. And welcome to htc phones!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm old enough to remember (clearly) when you couldn't update the BIOS on a PC - you had to physically replace the BIOS chip. (Usually, they were socketed to make replacement a bit easier.) That was ROM. Also, early game consoles used true ROM in cartridges.
As for current practical example: a simple CDROM (not CD/RW) is, of course, read only.

I agree that it's not the best name lol but that is what it stands for....
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

Added this to my index thread

Hi guys! I am planning to buy an htc one m8 but can someone please tell me the different models out there? I don't want to end up buying the wrong one. Also is the dev one worth spending the extra money over the international? And is it the same model as the international one? Thanks in advance. I didn't know where else to post this. I didn't wanted to start a new thread.

Karan and all other users, please post questions in Q&A. Only things that should be posted here are suggested additions to this thread.
Also thread has been updated and more to come!

Part on RUUs is wrong...
An RUU can be run at any point and in any state (so long as you can get to the bootloader) as it completely replaces the entire system so doesn't matter if you don't have the stock recovery as it replaces it during the update process. Also, if you're S-OFF it means you can flash any RUU for any phone, handy to go between branded and unbranded software. OK, there's a risk of trying to flash an RUU from another device but if you do that you're a bit dumb!!

LG G Stylo (T-Mobile/MetroPCS) ROOT (5.0.2 & 5.1.1 ) - TWRP Recovery - Unbrick Guide

LG G Stylo (T-Mobile/MetroPCS) ROOT (5.0.2 & 5.1.1 ) - TWRP Recovery - Unbrick Guide
DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK
WARRANTY IS NOW AVOID IF YOU PROCEED WITH ROOT AND TWRP
Windows Machine/OS Only
----------- Lets Proceed on to Rooting LP 5.1.1 (One Click Method) -----------​1- Click Here and Download LGGSTYLO_LP511_OneClickRoot.zip File
2- Click Here and Download LG USB Drivers ( Thanks @GameTheory. )
"NOTE: skip Drivers if you have them already install"
4- Enable USB Debugging via Developer Option.
5- Decompress LGGSTYLO_LP511_OneClickRoot.zip on Root C: drive for easy access or any convenient location.
6- Now lets head over where we decompress that zip file and just double " LG_Root_Script.bat "
7- LET the script run to FULL COMPLETION, Your Device will Reboot twice so be patient.
IF YOU HAVE YOU DEVICE WITH LOCKSCREEN CODE / SWIPE CODE NEED TO UNLOCK SCREEN ON EACH REBOOT FOR THE SCRIPT TO PROCEED
Check Image for the whole process - CLICK TO SHOW CONTENT
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
8- when the process say
Code:
ui_print - Done !
press Ctrl+C
press N then ENTER
( Check Image - CLICK TO SHOW CONTENT )
- And you are done your device is now Rooted
- Phone will Reset and you need to wait till phone is fully Rebooted to system it may take a few minutes so be patient.
NOW YOU CAN PROCEED TO FLASH CUSTOM RECOVERY (TWRP)
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THIS METHOD ONLY WORKS IF YOU ARE IN LP 5.0.2
----------- Lets Proceed on to Rooting LP 5.0.2 -----------
​
First of all Thank you @avicohh for LG One Click Root GUI/Script base on his Guide I Have successfully Rooted the Stylo using and Following some steps from there just adding some thing you may see in the progress of rooting:
Original LG One Click Root Guide and File Download -CLICK HERE-
After getting all necessary files this is what i did
1- Install LG drivers if they are not installed yet. (VERY IMPORTANT)
2- Download the LG One Click Script Root file above and extract to some folder. (double click on the 7z exe file)
3- Enable Usb debugging on your phone. (Go to Settings > General > About phone > Software information, tap Build number seven times and then go to Settings > Developer options and turn on Usb debugging) (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT STEP)
4- Connect your phone to pc. (it will install driver when connected just wait till is done)
5- Switch to MTP when drivers are full install
6- Double click on the LG Root Script.bat file (the Script will run)
7- Follow the instructions.
*Please leave your feedback if it worked for you
Many Many Thanks to @avicohhfor the LG One Click Root
P.S. I'm not a Dev. I just followed the original guide and the only thing i haven't install is Custom Recovery.
If you came across some Fail attend messages just wait a few more seconds, if that doesn't work try again in my case the first try work and 2 fail attends messages came up so just wait a few sec. if that happen
BE PREPARED. First boot can take a while!!! can stay on logo for up to 3 to 5 minutes or sometimes little more before it goes into Optimizing Apps. Have patience. Subsequent boots a pretty speedy.
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TWRP (Custom Recovery) for LG G Stylo T-Mobile (H631) and Metro (MS631) Variant ONLY
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- Download Custom Recovery File from TWRP 2.8.7.0 v10j Click HERE (Thank you @Unjustified Dev and @fix-this! )
After Rooting your device (T-Mobile or Metro Variant)​
1- Check -Enable OEM Unlock- under Developer Option (Skip this part if you are 5.0.2)
2- download Flashify from Google Play Store
3- Open Flashify.
4- Do a Stock Recovery Back-up (Recommended)
5- Flash Recovery Image.
6- Will ask to Reboot System and will take you to TWRP Custom Recovery.
7- Now you are done just Reboot System from Recovery or do a FULL BACK-UP
NOTE : This New TWRP (Custom Recovery) have the new fix (Showing Half Screen only) for the new LG G Stylo Hardware Panel.
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LG G Stylo Update Firmware | Unbrick Guide by @GameTheory.
IF YOU ARE USING @GameTheory. v10i UPDATE ZIP DON'T FLASH v10j UPDATE ZIP , I REPEAT DON'T FLASH v10j UPDATE ZIP YOU'LL END UP WITH BOOTLOOPS/SOFT BRICK
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Just Follow step from link below - Thank you @GameTheory.
http://androidcreations.weebly.com/lg-g-stylo.html
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Every KDZ Release for T-Mobile and Metro can be found here :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/read-trying-to-root-kdz-files-kdz-tmo-t3152531
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Full v10j Stock Restore / Update
Use this guide if you are on @GameTheory. v10i or want to deleted all trace of root and twrp (Back to Stock)​
Full v10j Stock Restore / Update
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i just picked up the tmob version yesterday, nice device. not the greatest screen ive had but not bad. im also rooted, we just need twrp so we can use xposed.

waiting on TWRP
As previously posted, I am also waiting on a conduit to get xposed installed.. a device without it and all the benefits it brings feels unreal to me..

i think we need to ask xda to make a dedicated section for this device. the battery life is unreal on this thing, my lcd has been on and in use for almost 10min and i have not dropped even 1%.

fix-this! said:
i think we need to ask xda to make a dedicated section for this device. the battery life is unreal on this thing, my lcd has been on and in use for almost 10min and i have not dropped even 1%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+100 on that (Battery life + dedicated section for the phone) i have to agree with the battery life pretty neat and i'm sure is because CPU is doesn't have higher clock and screen is not so power hunger, other thing i'm satisfied is the memory management no matter what i do i haven't seen going lower than 1gb of ram always i been having between 1.2gb to 1gb free never had that before so pretty neat and i do have a lot of apps install most of them run in the background,
How can be make a request about making a Dedicated Section for the LG G STYLO? where do i need to sign if that happen i'll be posting some Bootanimations for this phone porting some old ones i created for the G2 and probably making some new ones.

I am pretty impressed with the device. I just bought it for my wife, which she doesn't care what phone I give her as long as it doesn't break the bank. Not able to do that with any of the flagships. Decided to give it a try risking not having the dev support. Hopefully more people takes the risk so we can have custom roms to play for. (not sure if my wife would like that) LOL

Ah, good, a T-Mobile Stylo thread. I just posted my thoughts in the thread for the Boost (Sprint) version, but anyway, I'm mostly liking this phone (except that the camera app doesn't offer manual exposure controls). I'm not sure I'm going to root mine just yet (hell, I still haven't rooted my Avant!), but it's nice to see that a root is available.

i'll leave this here First Custom Boot Animation for the Stylo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP5EZfmE-oQ

This is really a Lollipop issue, rather than a problem with the phone itself, but I found that the Embware call blocker (which disappeared from Google Play, go figure) doesn't work on the Stylo. It turns out, most of the call blockers out there aren't working on Lollipop.
What I particularly want is a pickup/hangup type of block, so Rachel from Card Services can't even leave a voicemail. I had this capability with the Embware blocker on the KitKat-equipped Galaxy Avant, even before I got around to rooting it. It looks like Google tweaked Lollipop to prevent pickup/hangup blockers from working. #&^%$%^!!!
Extreme Call Blocker claims to work on L, but I'm wary of forking over the cash for it.
There is a built-in reject list under the Call Settings menu, but it's just a straight-to-voicemail reject. I don't want to waste my time deleting spam voicemails, though Visual Voicemail is at least quicker than calling in.
I suppose I could just call T-Mobile and see if they could turn off voicemail entirely. That would at least make the native call blocker useful.

Timberwolfhusky said:
,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i found this post to open a new phone section if we show support for the STYLO we may get a Section for it and people can just go there for Q&A, Themes,Dev work and so on, i know the Phone still brand new in everyone eyes but early support doesn't hurt
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1660354
P.S. @Timberwolfhusky you are the only person not in Boost Mobile thread so

I'm considering buying the Stylo. Is it going to get a lot of support or is it mostly about flagships G3/G4 these days?

guest_2011 said:
I'm considering buying the Stylo. Is it going to get a lot of support or is it mostly about flagships G3/G4 these days?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is to early to say it but i have seen a lot of activity and a lot of people are interested on this device, some user with the Zmax are going to be upgrading to the Stylo, we have a pretty good start phone is 100% Rootable as you can see on the 1st post and @fix-this! is working getting the TWRP (Custom Recovery) so i would say we are getting good support so far, Not a lot of support but good.
P.S. this Device is Brand new just got release.

I've also seen some articles that indicate that outside of North America, it's being marketed as the "G4 Stylus" - and also in the international market there's also a G4c model with similar specs; like the Stylo, it has a 720p screen, but it has a smaller form factor than the flagship G4, no stylus, and an 8MP camera.
The T-Mobile G Stylo seems to be the best of the bunch, though: double the RAM and double the storage of the Boost version. Having been a T-Mobile subscriber for a while now, I'm glad to see that they bumped up the specs. It also has the unlock app baked-in, so if you're eligible to unlock it, there's no need to call in or fumble around with unlock codes. I used the unlock app on my Avant before I bought the Stylo, and it worked smoothly and easily. If you're not eligible to permanently unlock it, you can still get a 30-day unlock for international travel.
I'm finding that I like this phone a LOT, in spite of the lack of manual camera settings and the Lollipop-related call blocker issues. The HDR mode seems to be able to handle backlit subjects well enough that the lack of manual exposure control isn't as big a deal as I was thinking it would be.
So far, battery life looks to be in the "outstanding to exceptional" range. It reminds me of the F3 in that respect, but this is a vastly better phone than the F3 could ever hope to be. At least somebody is listening when it comes to battery life!
I'm going to hold off on rooting mine for now, though, at least until I can SIM-unlock it. In any case, I've always been a bit cautious about modding my primary phone.

How's the battery life compared to the tmo zte zmax?(for those that had the zmax)
Also, does this have the "feature" that when the phone reaches certain temps it lowers and prevents you from turning up screen brightness?
Sent from my Z970 using XDA Free mobile app

Will it work (root guide) with Metropcs? I just ordered one. Is metro also the same model LG-H631? I see LS770 on the web, not sure if same phone or something else. Anybody tested USB OTG with Stylo?

Seems our bootloader is unlocked on the tmob version. Just waiting for twrp. The battery life is fantastic on the device. The 720p lcd isnt the greatest but isnt the worst ive used. It definitly is bright and vibrant and contributes to the outstanding battery life. Aosp roms will fly on this thing.

fix-this! said:
Seems our bootloader is unlocked on the tmob version. Just waiting for twrp. The battery life is fantastic on the device. The 720p lcd isnt the greatest but isnt the worst ive used. It definitly is bright and vibrant and contributes to the outstanding battery life. Aosp roms will fly on this thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it mean Metropcs version BL is also unlocked? Metro is owned by tmob.

guest_2011 said:
Does it mean Metropcs version BL is also unlocked? Metro is owned by tmob.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id say yes but i wont know for sure. If you can root like we can then its a good chance. We need a dev and our own forum section here.

Is it possible to unroot?

fix-this! said:
Id say yes but i wont know for sure. If you can root like we can then its a good chance. We need a dev and our own forum section here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree with you this phone needs his own section i'm sure will be good success from LG i have friend that have the Zmax and they are going to be getting the Stylo, we just need someone with the MetroPCS Variant to verified if is rootable the same way the T-mobile variant is.
guest_2011 said:
Is it possible to unroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the SU app have an Option to Unroot, i personally haven't try it but maybe someone else know if that works.... never had the need to unroot a phone so i have no idea about that

[SUPERGUIDE][P51xxP31xx] Installation Troubleshoot Guide

The SUPER Custom Rom Guide and Troubleshoot​
There came a new version, your droid got old school and there is no support from Samsung cause they have forgotten about you.
Service centers you looked upon, and to mention exorbitant fees plus service tax came along. Thank You ma'am. will see you around.
Your droid is lagging and hanging and Lo, stops working suddenly. Now you just want to try something new, cause you can't sell them or buy new.
You search on google,
find on Youtube,
Read between surveys and blogs,
tried it yourself,
sometimes got lucky sometimes got thorny.
Now you come to the XDA community. there is too much to absorb and you're kind a new, welcome to all of you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dealing with most of the trouble making bugs and useful insight into cornering them like a rat
1. Tab is Stuck on Charging Screen. Tab is not turning On, battery completely depleted/Not charging, Nothing is Working
2. Stuck On Samsung Logo Screen.
3. Stuck in a Boot Loop.
4. Stuck On Firmware Upgrade Encountered an Issue.
5. Bricked.​Explained in Post number 2
Well that would sum up for me and most of the users will agree that these are the cases that really needs attention and no cussing about how your droid lags and hangs, doesn't makes it to the lists So, by the end of this guide, I would hope and expect at least so much from users to at least have a better knowledge and general idea of how things work here. so users don't just go on saying HELP HELP I am a NooB, Please read and understand first, dude. Thank you I will try to make it simple even if you're not so cool.
A few words about me if you're interested
OH!! you clicked!! wow. well what should I say here. ahem, hello gorgeous. I am Sam So, unlikely,
So guys, I wasn't lucky enough to get everything organised at one thread and spend a lot of time finding a perfect place for everything I would want to, so I thought this would be worth a share. It took me almost a month to write this stuff. yeah I was bored to the core, so put in some fun stuff
along with most of my learning experience and knowledge gained here on XDA in this Guide over the span of 3 years, I would just read and experiment it myself, kind of guy, I wouldn't have dared to put up this guide sooner, but now after successfully solving most of the cases even other people hard bricks and trivial issues that I get to see everyday and keeping myself safe from hard bricks with still not knocked out by one. all thanks to this community this is my gift that I would like to give in return, and I am just someone who likes to get to the edge of the world, exactly, on a round globe. Thank You
Android Broken into 5 parts, Worth a Look
Well not exactly broken but explained in 5 parts ( There are more but I choose not to, thank me for that)
1. Boot section(bootloaders/kernel)
This is droid's heart(accept it), responsible for the droid's birth and keeping it alive, sleeping, waking up, slowdown and speedup, overall working of the system, it has impact on every part of the droid. mess up things here, and droid won't start up at all and will stop beating and malfunction. then you will need a pacemaker and CPR(J-TAG) to revive it or it will keep the brain in coma. yes pretty much like our heart.
2. System section
This is a droid's mind, Its the place where all main work and processes are happening, with rooting and flashing you get a licence to open that mind and analyse, read logs, stats. that brain, heart and all your body is producing, you can see it all and make changes in it, put few things from outside. clean it, format it, wipe it, make amend(patches). So, imagine all that happening in your mind and the idea of cleaning your brains for once, wiping the mind, giving new and fresh experiences(newer and updated files) new interface(new UI), affecting the overall performance and changing to a whole new perspective with which you look at things.
So Clear your mind about this and remove your bad experiences and upgrade it with new stable ones. err not the custom beta and alpha ones, cause then you will give your headaches and put them in depression.
3. Data
This place is the memories part, and everything is stored up here. Everything. some would be overtly stored(on sdcard) and some deep inside you(under system/data/data). now overtly ones are not a concern here but deeper ones are hard to forget and lingers in your system, these won't go well if your heart and mind changed or aren't supposed to be the same, or in trouble will they? (i know I am good at explaining this)
4. Cache
Well, this one is the dreams part. damn I am right just admit it now. they come from your memories, keep it or forget about it, that's unto you. sometimes it can interfere with your old memories when you get new ones. so if unknown problem persist, with your heart and mind working nicely please clear your dreams and look into some of the memories. otherwise get the mind checked first.
5. Recovery
This is the soul part, whenever your heart or mind or data or dreams are feeling lost, you connect to it and revive them accordingly, or contact ODIN.
I hope you had some fun in the above part and a very clear and better understanding, So now you know where things are going wrong​
The Beginning
Ensure your Charging Adapter, USB ports and your USB cable, are in good shape and working in accordance, Never depend on USB hubs or any USB port that is a faulty or slow performer, use original cables, or buy new ones, the cable does create problems in some cases. if you're sure that these are fine, then let it in charging for few hours to even a day. depending upon how fast the droid recovers.
So what do you do, when you have to go the custom way or solve your problems?
i. Press Power and Volume Up(right button) or
ii. Press Power and Volume Down(left button) or
iii.Press Power and Hold touch screen combinations.
iv. Press nicely and hold it for good few seconds there, no hurry, really.
v. Long press the power button, release the power button and, when you see a logo appear during boot-up, hold down both the volume up and volume down buttons. Continue holding the two buttons until the droid boots up with a safe mode indicator at the bottom-left corner of its screen.
vi. Plug it in PC with the USB.
vii. Remove the Battery blow air on it and pat a little and put it back inside.
So what happens after doing what I said above?
i. (a). The tab goes into download mode
ii (b). The tab goes into recovery mode
iii(c). the tab switch off/on again.
iv (d). Now the Combinations worked properly, beware cause many a times on droids this could be a seriously tricky part.
v (e). The tab goes into safe mode.
I know you got tired there holding the buttons and No you didn't had to press it so hard
vi (f). Your droid and PC responds and connects.
yeah, I know Nothing much of a Help, but it will make sense when it doesn't
vii(g).
this is an age old trick of which there is no proof of success, but it has been working since ages.
As long as you can enter download mode or recovery or safe mode you can walk the path of going custom and troubleshoot along the way. Piece of cake. Most of the ways including how to root, upgrades, lag free and better performance starts here
[if you're ready to take the plunge, remember there is no backing out.]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Choose your steps wisely here now, if possible just read the main points and see if you have done all those first. that will save your data in some case and in some save you from getting all messed up.
CORA, (CODE OF RECOVERING ANDROID)
For NON-ROOT USERS
Safe mode
Stock recovery
Download Mode
FOR ROOTED USERS
Custom recovery,
Nandroid BACKUP,
Download mode
Safe mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WITHOUT MODIFYING SYSTEM FOR HARDCORE STOCK USER
1. SAFE MODE
This mode generally helps when the problem is arising from 3rd party apps and is making your droid reboot again and again, lagging, hanging issues, so whatever is causing problem, if you can reach here, you can uninstall them clear their data and cache, and yes, free up some internal space too and backup your data from settings-backup as well. then factory reset if you want to.
2. STOCK RECOVERY WAY
You have never rooted your droid and you don't want to root and you don't want to move away from stock, well pressing the Power and Volume Down(left button) will take you there.
try to clear cache/data factory reset(will lose you data stored on internal droid) and yes it does solve few of the cases, even if it doesn't look so promising, it has solved, and will solve quiet a few issues. no chance of getting that data stored on internal., phone book, messages, chats.
3. THE DOWNLOAD MODE WAY
Flash a stock firmware Explained in post the download way.​
Code:
Now if you are already Rooted or want to Root to have a better option of saving your data, or reviving your droid
it's like performing a surgery on your body by yourself.
So be careful, you have been warned, Samsung voids the warranty,
and I don't give any Guarantees that these Instructions will work for all.
MODIFYING FOR PEOPLE WHO RISK IT
1. Getting Rooted
2. Custom recovery Way and (post number 4)
3. Download mode Way. (post number 5)
AND FOR THOSE WHO WILL BLAME ME
Seriously?
The most important and most essential part here is GETTING/HAVING a NANDROID BACKUP, the very FIRST THING that you MUST HAVE DID/DONE upon getting ROOTED. Make a Stable Clone guys.
You will need to get rooted and custom recovery to do that, not to forget enabling the USB Debugging Option from Settings->about device-> Build number-> press 7 times->back->developer->Enable USB Debugging and that's the beginning my friend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other threads with good post for the tab 2 series about rooting guides, containing firmware links, recoveries, Roms list, kernels, pretty much everything.
All about P51xx
All about P31xx
Latest Roms, Recoveries updated by Android-andi, the best developer around here
other droid users please look it up under your device thread tree, they will surely have a way, tailored and to the point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Getting Rooted is only advised if you're going to stay on stock rom, debloating the system and making changes yourself.
if you're going to install a custom rom, which would be generally rooted, so you can skip to getting a custom recovery first.
CF auto Root are better option for any device to get rooted rather than other options
CFauto-root GT-P3100
CF auto root for GT-P51xx
or you can visit the chainfire homepage for your device which contains the root file for almost every device.
ROOT FROM DEVICE WITHOUT PC
in cases where you can't use ODIN for rooting or you want root your droid and there is still no method explained for Root on XDA then using framaroot, towel root, baidu, kingo or any other app(they can root some sets of droid) is advised, without ODIN or in case you couldn't connect your tab to the PC with the USB, only then these apps are good ways to get root. after that you can use flashify app or other apps for same purpose that has the feature to flash .img files, you can also use Mobile Odin app which can pretty much work when you can't use Odin from Pc.
then you can download a copy of the custom recovery image.(recovery.img) browse in the app and let it do the installation for you. this is useful for droids which doesn't have that much support like we and others have here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Common Issues faced
If you have read about my explanation of android's partitions in the OP(Original Post above), you would know where exactly to look for the problems. Moving on,
For other Geeks
Please remind me if I missed few things, you see I have put up this Guide mostly of the files I have in my system partition,I might have missed few that were stored in data or cache partition
1. Tab is Stuck on Charging Screen. Tab is not turning On, battery completely depleted/Not charging, Nothing is Working​
Possibilities
* if the tab doesn't feels warm even after charging for a whole day,
F1. Battery dead,
F2. Circuit/Motherboard blown,
F3. Bad Charger/charging point
F4. No electricity
if it's getting warm and still not turning on
F5. Hardware buttons not working
F6. Motherboard needs replacement.
F7. Flashed a bootloader/kernel(along with a Rom/firmware), or something not meant for your device, which is the hard brick in this category please refer to case number 5. (process on post 2)
F8. Some Custom Roms have bugs that won't Charge, stay stuck on the battery icon, unless you remove the plug and turn on. always read before flashing a Rom, if there are no info, better ask the developer before you go flashing or post your Question in related thread where they would get noticed.
2. Stuck On Samsung Logo Screen.​
This could be from various reasons generally not so serious ones mostly recoverable issues of which, some are
Flashed a incompatible Custom Rom zip or any other flashable zip containing files not meant for the exact device.
Flashed a kernel/ bootloader incompatible with the Rom, wrong kernel modules, messed up system lib files, (lucky enough to still not be in hard bricked section.)
Formatted system partition and there is no OS installed. (one of the silliest mistakes I have done)
Some other that I maybe forgetting just like I completely forgot about the above
Possible Solutions
Go to the stock recovery and wipe data/factory reset (this will make your precious data that you stored vanish, except data stored on SDcard) (explained further in post 3)
Get a working stable compatible kernel/Rom or flash stock firmware. (explained in post 2 and 3)
Download from a different source cause chances are the file got corrupted or infected while downloading or transferring. (post 3)
Find the file that is stopping the device from booting up, starting from the kernel, to the system files. duh?
Go to the custom recovery way.
Go to the download way
3. Stuck in a Boot Loop.​
Boot Loops are crazy and they will make you mad, they can hit you anytime for even little of tasks, Root or not root, either you are testing a new app, modifying/copying/editing/deleting/overwriting files in the system or data that don't even look so dangerous, just flashing some mod, GAPPS, or just updates rolled out by devs(nothing against them) this will surely hit you, no matter how focused and diligently you work. boot loops will make you do hula hoops.
Boot Loop is generally solved by
Hello? whatever you did that I mentioned above, just roll it back.
if you can't figure it out, well then
Remember the CORA order Quoted above in the first post? Read on
Safe Mode?
Go to recovery and clear cache then reboot.
Clear data/factory reset from stock recovery(data stored will be lost) (root users can skip this and directly go to 7)
No, Recovery?, You sure pressed the button nicely?
Flash a custom recovery image(recovery.tar) from Odin
Repeat from 1-3
Backup/Restore from Nandroid backup
Don't sit for the next exams without memorizing your lesson.
Cleared cache/dalvik cache?
Flash a Compatible Custom kernel
Find the stock replacement of the file/app you messed up from a firmware or a custom Rom, put it in a flashable zip and flash it (advance users)
Clear/data factory reset either from custom recovery. (*loses data)
Flash the Custom Rom, first dirty flash then clean flash.
Flash a Stock firmware from Odin. (loses data)
4. Stuck On Firmware Upgrade Encountered an Issue.​
Well this problems hits non-root users and root users too? why? because we wanted an update.
it was trying to upgrade and something got in between to make it stop
Battery/Power/Electricity - for non root users, the most common culprit would be the battery, seriously guys, please keep the battery in mind always. it's a very common mistake that cost many of users. For ODIN users, please see you have a uninterrupted supply of power to your device and you are using latest version along with Hi speed USB ports.
kies!!! I hate that thing and majority of others will support me here. I got rid of it the day I installed that thing on my PC.
interruption from the user side while the device was taking an upgrade. removed battery? fell down on the floor? no?
hardware issue, unlikely, rare I would say, in case the device did came out with a weak emmc card.
Bad/wrong firmware downloaded files.
In case you had a custom recovery and its still working, check the custom recovery way
I Know 1st didn't helped you,
Refer to the Download Mode way and get a custom recovery
Don't forget to clear cache, you do know that's where the device keeps the downloaded/image firmware file, and that's where it is installing/extracting from. the dream partition, no wonder you got errors. you got a nightmare now
try the download mode way
probably it's best that you either forget about the mobile, or give it to a service center for a J-TAG and get it repaired.
I knew you would look here, there is indeed a last ray of hope, explained at the last thing to do in download mode way
5. Bricked.​
There are 3 types of Bricks, Soft Hard and The Brick, That's it.
Soft brick
well you are safe and sound, you can even recover from custom recovery mode.
Hard brick
skynet has fallen, just like it infected the droid Arnold Schwarzenegger of the terminator version 3.0, the codes were injected into his heart making the brain dis balance and resulting in partial heart seizure and a coma, but he still had the cache and data part intact along with recovery, so it went there, restored a nandroid backup and went online again. BAM!! so easy. but why? I mean ours droid having reached version 6.0 can't recover from the same way? Where only hope here is a CPR or getting J-TAGGED? not to mention, which should be done by expert surgeons who would charge exorbitant . So, don't waste time with a jig or any other miracle to happen and please don't go on the droid with a shocking therapy. I am more of a practical guy and prefer professionalism.
The Brick
err, that's the solid one, put that on your heart, and forget about this droid and shell out money for a new one. : that's what the company wants to tell you here and that's the reason it doesn't want to put the nandroid on the stock recovery cause they want the blame on you and not them. shhh, keep it hidden, don't say I told you their secret
General Overview of the Next Options we have.
a. The Download Mode Way
Before going this way I would suggest you see the recovery mode way, if it's not working for you, then go ahead here.
You have four things that you can do (other's I never needed to venture upon)
1. Flash a Recovery -
In case you want to change or update a Recovery or fix/access a Recovery again, to root, complete backup from recovery(nandroid), install new custom Rom, install stock Rom, plenty of options here. Probably the safest option here cause you don't lose your data unless you do something wrong here as to format it. whether you root your tablet or not, install a custom Rom or stay on stock, everyone MUST have a custom recovery, I don't understand why Stock recovery can't have this option as well?
2. Flash a stock firmware package -
in case you are on stock recovery never rooted,
can't reach or can't flash anything using custom recovery,
bootloops(applied in all cases), want to revert back to stock factory state. tab system is behaving weirdly, virus and Trojans attacked or you just want to upgrade or change your droid firmware.
Note Using this method, will result in the loss of all your data stored on the device internal card.
3. Flashing a Bootloader
Generally these are included in every stock firmware pack. if you had a ICS(4.0.4) stock Rom, and the device got an Official JB(4.2.2) update. you must update to that firmware first before flashing any later custom Roms[from kk to M(6.0)], the version which never got released officially. flashing this part separately is very risky and done with utmost care, remember it's your droid heart. don't fool around with it.
3. Flash firmware with pit file -
Warning : this is some high level flashing, it will re partition your device along with the stock firmware. in cases where NOTHING ELSE on the whole Internet worked for you, and you have tried almost everything, only then choose this path with clear mind. make mistake in this, and your tab will virtually turn into a paperweight. if you're not sure you could handle it, please send it for the service centers. this is going to flash every part of the droid's body
4. Flash the 4 files with pit
This is the secret way, where miracles can happen even when there was no hope of recovering yourself.
b. The Recovery Mode Way
Stock recovery - Here You can clear cache, there is nothing much happening in clearing cache, just clearing some temporary files and making you feel like you have got some space cleared out. it's just files that you most probably already used.
data/factory reset and reboot. Easy and simple solution . that does solve some of the problems you face without modifying your device much. so those of you who are afraid to flashing things and ending up on some bigger mistake, you can give this a try, but keep in mind, you will lose all your data stored in the device.
there is apply update from recovery, but that seldom has use in an average android user's life nothing much of a recovery.
Go to download mode way of flashing a custom recovery
or
If you have rooted your tab somehow using framaroot, towel root, baidu or any other app, without ODIN in case you can't connect your tab to the PC with the USB, then you can use flashify app or Kernel Adiutor(the latest one) or any other apps that has the feature to flash img from inside the device OS. you can download a copy of the custom recovery image.(recovery.img) browse in the app and let it do the installation for you.
Custom recovery - Here you have many things that you can do depending upon which recovery and which version you choose. CWM is past, philz is ok, TWRP is awesome. most of the options are common in these 3, but some are really better and fast than the previous ones. we will discuss only one, my favorite TWRP(Respect for the legend CWM though), the process is common on all but twrp is more feature rich.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Important files you must have NANDROID BACKUP, STOCK FIRMWARE, PIT FILE, and 4 FILES FIRMWARE PACKAGE, GET them even before you need to search for them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Setting Up Everything
Before proceeding Always keep device battery fully charged and NEVER go flashing on low battery. Very Risky. Don't forget.
Always check the files that you are going to flash on your device. generally files will have device model mentioned in their filename.
Be Sure that you don't lose electricity or laptop on low battery while working. the device takes time to update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Things you need to Set up a 'Flashing Environment'
No, I am not going to talk about a flashy party setup ​
i. PC running Windows 7 and 8 (with 10 I haven't flashed anything yet, but it works.)
ii. A working data cable(some cables are bad and will not detect your device if you see unknown device better get a new one)
iii. Samsung USB Drivers it's much better than having samsung kies on your pc. I would personally suggest from my experience along with many people who have suffered from samsung kies, it's not worth the hassle. ODIN and KIES don't work alongside, so you will have to close.
iv. ODIN 3.10 (download plus instructions as well I used 1.85, 3.07, 3.09 All worked, and so will 3.10. if not, try different ones from Odin 1-85 to 3.07. these links have more step by step and detailed covering what I have left.
v. 7Zip better download this cause it can unpack most of the files.
Press and hold Power and Volume Up(right) button on your device for few good minutes until you see a download mode screen
Connect your USB cable to PC and press Up to Continue. sometimes there could be problem with the USB ports, you should check in all the ports available. avoid USB hubs or the front panel USB in case of PC, don't let a faulty port ruin this for you.
Problem/Failed with Odin? Refer to this thread Good Points here as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DOWNLOADING AND READING FILES
Believe it, this a very big problem that people tend to overlook
The file you need will look something like these
"P5100XXDMD1_P5100OJVDME1_P5100XXDLL2_EUR.tar.7z"
where
P5100 - Generally the first 5 letters/numbers means a device model number.
XXDMD1 this is PDA which will be 5 letters(much older devices)-6 letters denoting firmware build version.
OJVDME1 is CSC version these just contains regional wise APN, nothing much.
XXDLL2 is Modem version.
EUR is Country Code.
.7z means you need 7zip to extract this file.
Now see these 2 examples here
"S7562XXALJ4_S7562OXXALJ3_S7562XXLJ3_HUN.tar" and "S7562CZNUAMI2_S7562CCHUAMI2_CHU zip"
Sure it's S7562 device but wait the other one is S7562C !!! totally different device firmware. make mistake here and you are sure going to lose.
I Hope you can make out the difference now for every device now.
Now the real file that you need will always be inside a zip/tar/7z the correct format is "P5100XXDMD1_P5100OJVDME1_P5100XXDLL2.tar.md5 "
Remember to extract it and get the md5 file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are the known best sources
Enter and Download device model on sammobile
P5100 sammobile
P5110 sammobile
P5113 sammobile
P3100 sammobile
P3113 sammobile
*Bump Download firmwares available smart-gsm.net
Download firmwares available easy-firmware.com​The Only reason I am putting this here is while I was searching for genuine websites, I had a very hard time finding through sites that looks nothing else than scams and fakes and rarely had files that I needed and password protected. this websites has ads, but looks organized and for tab series, it had at-least all the firmwares downloading.
PHP:
Yes so, it will take time and require a good internet speed, there are other sites, but I don't recommend them unless they are from good source or sometimes the only option. Options are also available from GSMhosting site as well, its another good community but I feel XDA is much better. still if you have no options. you have to get it somehow. just stay away from the survey sites and bogus ones. specially the blogspot ones.

Recovery Mode Way
Recovering from a custom recovery
Important Part​Creating Nandroid Backup - This is the most important thing that you will ever need, and will always regret not having it when you chose this path, should be the first priority.
Getting Inside
Switch off the device
Let it completely shutdown
Hold Power and Volume Down(left button)
This is how it looks saw that backup button? yes that is where you tap first (other recoveries will have different looks, but same "backup" and
This is where you do it . by tapping again or navigating through the volume up and down button in case of older recoveries this would not at all be same, this is the most latest feature rich recovery.
Those Running CWM older builds, won't find the options to select boot, system cache and data and instead there will be just "backup" and backup to external.
CWM by default will Backup boot, system, data, cache partitions. Philz will also do it. But TWRP has better features. although they do the same. You just select system, boot, data and cache. that would be all to recover using nandroid backup.
Now here it depends on what you are trying to do and what would you like to recover from, also depends on what you are comfortable with doing and how much space you can spare. if you have a lot, I would say skip this step and backup all for once.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not Noob Friendly
if you have that same custom Rom zip that you would like to restore the backup of, then there is no need to copy/backup /system partition again, it will save you some space. so you can skip it in that case for TWRP.
if you're only going to modify device kernel - backup boot. or just data if you already have the custom Rom with kernel.
other than that twrp offers what CWM lacked, skip md5 generation during backup well this is a good option and saves some time while backup, on restoring you can also enable or disable it. the purpose of this is simple, md5 is like a security/seal on your backup file, so you don't mess up anything while restoring it on your device. after all you never know when a virus might attack or you might put the wrong files on it. if you are sure about your talents, you can skip it or else it's better to let it generate and verify while restore. CWM has this setup as default.
Now you have one? GREAT! GENIUS!! Now whenever you encounter a problem make sure you can use it like a BOSS.
Restore Nandroid Backup​
Enter recovery mode by Pressing Power and Volume Down(left button),
you reach the main screen,
you see a "restore" option and tap it,
you will see folders name starting with the date you made a nandroid backup,
you recognize which one you want by the date and information listed there, and select it. CWM only offered dates, but twrp even offers more detailed info including OS version and Rom name. one more reason I suggest you to use twrp.
In case you want only data to be restored, then you choose advanced restore and check the data and restore. but before doing this part make sure you are not restoring conflicting data or system or kernel with incompatible versions.
you can't restore a data backup from a Jellybean Rom and put it on a custom Rom based on Lollipop, neither a kernel from Lollipop to jellybean.
Data should only be recovered on the same Rom you took the backup from.
In case the custom Rom developer rolls an update of the same fixing issues,(not some major changes) then you can in some cases think of getting this worked out smoothly. This is called a "dirty flash". which is the reason why sometimes users experience problems running certain Roms, even when they are good and stable Roms. So before complaining to devs make sure you follow the clean install method.
Note: System and data most of the times will cause problems. Kernels are not meant at all to play with. they are the biggest source of bricks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
​
Wiping Part - Steer Clear the problems away
this is where wipe takes place[PIC]
here are the wipes options on a custom recovery
Factory reset - Wipes cache, dalvik, data/ excluding your media part on the internal drive.(your pics, videos are safe)
this will generally clear you problems if they are not some big issues. but you will lose the apps and contacts messages stored.
Advanced wipe - Format system
you can try to do this first if you don't want to lose your data while troubleshooting.
format system if you're facing issues with the files on system partition, but remember to install the same Rom you had earlier. if you had stock, you will need a stock Rom zip not to forget keeping the file ready beforehand on the external SD card.
Beware while navigating in advance wipe menu, never wipe in a hurry, never drink and wipe, never take eyes off here, cause you might end up touching external SD card, USB-OTG, internal storage and lose your precious data
Format data - this wipes the data partition
problems arising from the data partition side could be solved here, but you lose your precious data on the internal and get rid of the bad, virus, trojans, trouble making apps.​
How to perform A CLEAN INSTALL when you are going to update to a new Rom?
Factory Reset and Format System, Format CACHE
or
Format /System, Format /Data, Format /Cache, WIPE Dalvik Cache, Factory Reset.
This will Surely Solve Some Great & Average Problems of Day to Day Flashing.[/B]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's a Dirty Flash then?
Format System, without Deleting Data partition. before doing this, please do a nandroid backup in case you mess things up. if not, format system again and flash the Rom that was initially running with that data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now Comes the Installing part
Installing Menu​
You download a copy of a custom Rom or stock Rom, after following the developer's thread, reading through it's bugs and reviews. you don't want a unstable or alpha Roms.
There would be installing process explained on that thread follow it and always make sure that inside the zip file it contains a meta-inf and system folder with boot.img) always look inside before going to flash, don't trust me, don't trust anyone. although
if you tried to flash a firmware zip file containing a .img file, without Meta-Inf folder, it won't flash. cause the custom recovery needs instructions from updater-script. Now, I know this was mostly going on like this before, but now with latest custom recoveries, (twrp) you can even flash .img files without needing a zip.
You perform a Clean Install wipe stated in the wipe section above
Reboot to Recovery(Don't select reboot to system, there is no system after clean wipe)
You browse through the files list and external storage,
Find that zip file and
Swipe or press or touch to flash it.
You wait for it to complete the process then
You can wipe/cache/dalvik and reboot or you just reboot. depends on what you choose "clean install" or "dirty install".
You want to report any errors while flashing? you are free to do so on the Rom thread, don't expect me to solve those cases.
If all went well, reboot to system and your tab should be up running again. if not refer to the Download mode Way.

The Download Mode Way
The Download Mode Way
1. FLASH A CUSTOM RECOVERY
Find the recoveries in their respective threads. For P51xx and P31xx Recovery thread others can look in their respective device sections, XDA has development thread of most of the Samsung devices and people do post there.
it should look like this on your address bar
"http forum.xda-developers.com / galaxy-tab-2 / general"
xda website /__ (devicename)/ (sub-forum)
(development) OR (/general) section
You can always google it too.
remember you will need a recovery.md5 that will be inside a zip file extract from it.
Always check whats in the archive then go the recovery mode way, it should be .md5
Sorry I have not put up detailed step by step process here because my guide is covering a lot of things already and this is something each device specific, refer to this For General step by step instructions with pictures, this has very detailed process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
​
2 FLASH A STOCK FIRMWARE
These package contains files needed to update or revert to the same position where it was shipped to your country along with your android device. you can find all Samsung device firmwares released from all parts of the world, and yes, you can flash firmwares of other country/regions from the sammobile site just stay away from the carrier specific firmwares(unless you are on one) that should be used for the same specific carriers device only they are married to the carrier company and probably won't let you have your own ways with others.
You should also remember not to downgrade a stock firmware once you have upgraded, that will surely create problems​
Run Odin as administrator
Browse PDA/AP and find the firmware .md5 file
This is how you should see on your ODIN screen. always be very very careful to uncheck the Re-partition. it's unchecked by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Code:
The yellow column/(Blue for other versions) means
your device is detected by the PC.
If it's not lit, you have messed up USB drivers
still not uninstalled kies Completely or
not connected the device properly.
try changing to different USB Ports.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Press Start
Wait for the process to complete and let the device reboot from download mode
Remove cable when you see PASS written with green above the Yellow/Blue com port.
PHP:
Most Problems are solved here when you see success/PASS.
Except one The emmc bug. Replace the internal emmc, or J-TAG or
mysteriously something else done by professionals.
[*]if it shows failed, see if you can go to recovery mode and clear data, check Mount/Unmount System, data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if it still says failed, the downloaded file is corrupted, wrong Odin version(try with different Odin versions) you have flashed wrong device files which has messed up the partition table of your device. refer to other ways.
Threads with good post for the tab 2 series these contains firmware links, guides, recoveries, Roms list, kernels pretty much everything.
All about P51xx
All about P31xx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3. FLASH A BOOTLOADER
First ask yourself why you would want to do this?
Be extra careful with this part, if you have already flashed a updated firmware, you don't need this part.
Those who are using old stock firmware, please flash a stock last updated firmware. you won't need to do this.
Those who did not follow the above two, so it's now unto you, this a risky thing, you have been advised you are going further yourself
Those who are experiencing problems that are not solved even after most of my other instructions here, then it's onto you to decide you want to try this too or not. this could solve problems when device is in serious condition, after all it's the heart partition and remember no downgrades in this once you upgrade. thats it. this could seriously create problems, including bringing back the emmc issue as well.
Refer to this DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS to FLASH A BOOTLOADER for SAMSUNG TAB 2 SERIES follow safely by @Joery360 other users please be careful with these files and don't go on flashing others files? okay. Great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4. FLASH FIRMWARE WITH PIT FILE
Wait!! You are sure that you want to try this part? this is the point of no return. Whatever happens to your device by following this guide, good or bad, it's your own responsibility. You can't blame me for it. so be sensible, if you're not sure please let this be done by someone who has the experience of dealing with this kind of stuff.
Now pit files are some serious files, they contain information about your device partition and they help flash erase and rewrite files on their correct partition, so better not take a wrong file, sometimes you have the same device but different internal space, so don't end up choosing a pit file for a 8 GB variant on your 16 GB variant of device, in that case your device will end up using 8gb only, or worse if it's other device, it might never boot up again.
Always remember don't flash pit files ever without a firmware file in place.
Download Pit files for Samsung tab 2 p51xx p31xx series
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Run Odin as administrator
Browse PDA and find the firmware .md5 file
Browse Pit and select the pit file (reminder : file confirmed?)
Make Sure Re-partition is checked cause we are using Pit File to re partition again
Never flash a Pit file without a firmware placed in PDA/AP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Press Start
Wait for the process to complete and let the device reboot from download mode
Remove cable when you see PASS written with green above the Yellow/Blue com port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if it shows failed while flashing, you did used correct files, right? after this if there is still a download mode running on your device. try the special case files.
this has happened with me on a unknown MTK device, the pit file was slightly different from the original one on device, so it failed, but that was at the start before it could flash. I did somehow managed to flash that different pit file, just lost some disk space. cause I used a lower variant pit but it got the device running up again.
The device takes a long time to boot while it's updating firmware, so you are required to have sufficiently charged battery, Take no chances here.
if even after a successful flash with Odin, you face problems, then that's a emmc bug case. motherboard replacement or emmc replacement, or tab replacement. nothing else.
5. FLASH PIT WITH 4 FILES FIRMWARE
Find the repair firmware files at this Website
it has the 4 files for most of the devices including the Tab 2 series
Instructions for using these 4 files, however please note that the only difference would be the ODIN versions, cause device needs specific ODIN version, some can flash all.
this is the only way, that I have seen working for numerous devices and it is most successful one among all options to recover an almost bricked device, on which you have tried everything.
For other devices
Find them here
​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

you'll find these buttons on every post.
it's better to notify a user when you're asking that user a question or use @username of the user for mentioning in your post, that will give in a notification for you.

I think there could be more, i know it's already lengthy but who knows?

Newbie seeks informations

Hi.. Im new here with this device i read almost every single post here but there are quite a few things that I don't get it..
What is bootloader? Should i unlock it before rooting the device? And recovery here is in Chinese so shall i get TWRP instead? Also about the flashing Roms issue that erase imei and SN.. why would that happen? And How can i take a backup for these in case i lose them.. Some people mentioned SN writing tools but some people says its not working so im abit confused.. And has anyone noticed that the flashlight of the mobile is actually yellow that affects camera's captures? I would be really grateful if someone helps

1. What is a Bootloader?
Hboot, or we may call it Boot-loader, is like BIOS to windows. It is the first thing that runs when you boot up your Android device. It packages the instructions to boot operating system kernel and most of them are specifically designed to run their own debugging or modification environment.
Every Android phone has a boot-loader that instructs the operating system kernel to boot normally. But you need to understand one thing here that as Android OS is an open source OS and is available on a variety of different hardware, every manufacturer has their own version of bootloader specific for the hardware present in it’s environment.
2. Should you unlock it before rooting the device?
It solely depends on you whether you want to unlock it or not. Unlocking bootloader will give you access to installing custom recoveries on your phone and also you can use custom kernels to boost up phone's performance or simply get more battery juice. Since our K4 note doesn't have any custom kernels so good luck with that.
Warning: Unlocking Boot-loader voids phone's warranty​
3. Why does IMEI/SN erases while flashing ROM's
People don't read the tutorial properly. They blame the OP instead when they do something wrong and loose their IMEI/SN.
What basically happens is, when flashing ROM's through SP flash tools, They should flash it in "DOWNLOAD" mode only and not in "Format ALL" mode. People who all lost their IMEI basically did this mistake.
4. How to Backup and Restore your IMEI/SN (NVRAM)
All the device specific details such as IMEI, SN, MAC addresses are stored in a partition called as NVRAM. So backing it up will indirectly be referring to backing up your IMEI/SN. Here is how you can do it.. LINK
5. How to install Recovery?
if you are on Marshmallow then you will be able to install recovery through this thread. LINK
6. Yellow Flashilight problem?
This bug is introduced in Android V6.0 that is marshmallow. Actually this is not truly a bug. Unlike on Lollipop which had only one LED light enabled during Camera operations, Lenovo decided to enable both of the LED's (That is white and yellow) to give the images a more true LIVELY appeal.
But terming this as bug here because nobody liked it and users were pissed off straightaway. Hopefully, Lenovo will fix it soon.
Hit Thanks if i helped..​

Krishnas096 said:
1. What is a Bootloader?
Hboot, or we may call it Boot-loader, is like BIOS to windows. It is the first thing that runs when you boot up your Android device. It packages the instructions to boot operating system kernel and most of them are specifically designed to run their own debugging or modification environment.
Every Android phone has a boot-loader that instructs the operating system kernel to boot normally. But you need to understand one thing here that as Android OS is an open source OS and is available on a variety of different hardware, every manufacturer has their own version of bootloader specific for the hardware present in it’s environment.
2. Should you unlock it before rooting the device?
It solely depends on you whether you want to unlock it or not. Unlocking bootloader will give you access to installing custom recoveries on your phone and also you can use custom kernels to boost up phone's performance or simply get more battery juice. Since our K4 note doesn't have any custom kernels so good luck with that.
Warning: Unlocking Boot-loader voids phone's warranty​
3. Why does IMEI/SN erases while flashing ROM's
People don't read the tutorial properly. They blame the OP instead when they do something wrong and loose their IMEI/SN.
What basically happens is, when flashing ROM's through SP flash tools, They should flash it in "DOWNLOAD" mode only and not in "Format ALL" mode. People who all lost their IMEI basically did this mistake.
4. How to Backup and Restore your IMEI/SN (NVRAM)
All the device specific details such as IMEI, SN, MAC addresses are stored in a partition called as NVRAM. So backing it up will indirectly be referring to backing up your IMEI/SN. Here is how you can do it.. LINK
5. How to install Recovery?
if you are on Marshmallow then you will be able to install recovery through this thread. LINK
6. Yellow Flashilight problem?
This bug is introduced in Android V6.0 that is marshmallow. Actually this is not truly a bug. Unlike on Lollipop which had only one LED light enabled during Camera operations, Lenovo decided to enable both of the LED's (That is white and yellow) to give the images a more true LIVELY appeal.
But terming this as bug here because nobody liked it and users were pissed off straightaway. Hopefully, Lenovo will fix it soon.
Hit Thanks if i helped..​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahaaaaa Thanks Alot now it get it all.. Hope they fix that soon.. And i read that some devs here is willing to make a custom kernel i guess.. thanks again and sorry for wasting ur time.. Btw have u noticed that the sound on headset and Bluetooth is also abit lower than other devices?

Lenovo A7010 - CM13.0 Android 6.0 on lenovo-forums.ru

unlock boot loader US996

Is this do-able with out unlock.bin??
I've tried using adb/fastboot. ADB reports the device OK; fastboot can't see the device.
I've tried all manner of drivers to load........ I know there are separate drivers for adb and fastboot.
This is driving me nuts.
Finally, are there different SUB-variants of the 996?? One generic and one US Sprint??
Thanks

You must use dirtysanta to root
[Guide][Tutorial] Root TWRP LG V20 using Dirtysanta[Most Variants][Noobfriendly]
Good day, Here's the modified dirtysanta method to root LG V20 and install TWRP. This guide will help you in rooting your device with much easier situation. Before you begin: (Your phone's internal storage will be wiped or simply formatted or...
forum.xda-developers.com

ROMSG said:
You must use dirtysanta to root
[Guide][Tutorial] Root TWRP LG V20 using Dirtysanta[Most Variants][Noobfriendly]
Good day, Here's the modified dirtysanta method to root LG V20 and install TWRP. This guide will help you in rooting your device with much easier situation. Before you begin: (Your phone's internal storage will be wiped or simply formatted or...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only issue with that response: The DirtySanta thread you link to lists the following devices, admonishing that any others will get bricked:
- Verizon (VS995)
- Sprint (LS997)
- ATT (H910)
- Korean(F800L)
- USS996 (BPT, UCL)
- Canadian (H915)
Unless there's a typo in it, the USS996 is NOT the same as the US996. The US996 is a carrier unlocked US variant. The other US996 is locked to US Cellular. A bit of clarity is necessary here...

Graf_Eberstein said:
The only issue with that response: The DirtySanta thread you link to lists the following devices, admonishing that any others will get bricked:
- Verizon (VS995)
- Sprint (LS997)
- ATT (H910)
- Korean(F800L)
- USS996 (BPT, UCL)
- Canadian (H915)
Unless there's a typo in it, the USS996 is NOT the same as the US996. The US996 is a carrier unlocked US variant. The other US996 is locked to US Cellular. A bit of clarity is necessary here...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found this some of the Links are broken.
V20 [H915|US996] DirtyElf Bootloader Unlock and Root guide
Firmware
US99610f_00_1205.kdz
usb drivers for windows
Terminal Emulator for Android "f-droid Download APK at bottom of page"
Before you flash the KDZ to downgrade your firwmare make a DUMP backup of ALL files first it will have your EFS and that's very very important it has your IMEI number. You don't need to dump system or cache.

Darnrain1 said:
I found this some of the Links are broken.
V20 [H915|US996] DirtyElf Bootloader Unlock and Root guide
Firmware
US99610f_00_1205.kdz
usb drivers for windows
Terminal Emulator for Android "f-droid Download APK at bottom of page"
Before you flash the KDZ to downgrade your firwmare make a DUMP backup of ALL files first it will have your EFS and that's very very important it has your IMEI number. You don't need to dump system or cache.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I am looking that over. One question I do have for you: Is that dump backup needed for anything beyond the EFS to get the IMEI? Asking only because I was able to extract the IMEI already. I'm not physically working on this till the weekend, so I'm going to read up/download stuff in the interim and go from there. If I end up with questions (and I just might from the bit I've read so far*), I'll append this post or reply to it.
* This is an example of where the uncertainty sets in: "For official US996 model owners that do not want to void their warranty, follow the Dirtysanta Sprint(LS997) method but make sure to flash a US996 Stock rom instead." I'm assuming "official" applies to an actual V20 model US996, regardless of carrier/unlock status. I'm extrapolating that the H915 is an US996 with a differently configured kernel. Since the LS997 is only mentioned separately, is the 997 a CDMA version of the (GSM) 996?
LTE is inferred, GSM is for distinction, so I'm assuming the 915 and 996 are GSM devices. I also know Sprint is/was a CDMA carrier. CDMA hardware would infer different modules would be loaded by the kernel, than for GSM, and could therefore hang or brick the device. At least that's where the rail line used by my train of thought takes me. Or, does the difference between CDMA and GSM versions not matter?
You are correct about the broken links: Tilde88's US996 100% Stock deODEXEd Rom, which is listed in the linked article, is a bad link. I did some fairly general "looking" for that ROM elsewhere, found a couple of articles when Google-searching, but haven't had a chance to check those out (that will have to wait until tomorrow). If it turns out that there is no alternate link to the ROM, are there any other ways of getting it, short of looping @Tilde88 in?

Graf_Eberstein said:
Thank you! I am looking that over. One question I do have for you: Is that dump backup needed for anything beyond the EFS to get the IMEI? Asking only because I was able to extract the IMEI already. I'm not physically working on this till the weekend, so I'm going to read up/download stuff in the interim and go from there. If I end up with questions (and I just might from the bit I've read so far*), I'll append this post or reply to it.
* This is an example of where the uncertainty sets in: "For official US996 model owners that do not want to void their warranty, follow the Dirtysanta Sprint(LS997) method but make sure to flash a US996 Stock rom instead." I'm assuming "official" applies to an actual V20 model US996, regardless of carrier/unlock status. I'm extrapolating that the H915 is an US996 with a differently configured kernel. Since the LS997 is only mentioned separately, is the 997 a CDMA version of the (GSM) 996?
LTE is inferred, GSM is for distinction, so I'm assuming the 915 and 996 are GSM devices. I also know Sprint is/was a CDMA carrier. CDMA hardware would infer different modules would be loaded by the kernel, than for GSM, and could therefore hang or brick the device. At least that's where the rail line used by my train of thought takes me. Or, does the difference between CDMA and GSM versions not matter?
You are correct about the broken links: Tilde88's US996 100% Stock deODEXEd Rom, which is listed in the linked article, is a bad link. Since I haven't gotten past the first post yet, I'm going to see if I can find that elsewhere and report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes downgrading your firmware to root your phone will corrupt your EFS on the phone and you have to restore it to get cell service working again or to bring back your IMEI number.
There are four files that are your EFS.
With the phone powered off, hold the down vol and plug in usb to computer to restore EFS.
fastboot flash fsg fsg_COM6
fastboot flash misc misc_COM6
fastboot flash modemst1 modemst1_COM6
fastboot flash modemst2 modemst2_COM6
fastboot reboot

Darnrain1 said:
Sometimes downgrading your firmware to root your phone will corrupt your EFS on the phone and you have to restore it to get cell service working again or to bring back your IMEI number.
There are four files that are your EFS.
With the phone powered off, hold the down vol and plug in usb to computer to restore EFS.
fastboot flash fsg fsg_COM6
fastboot flash misc misc_COM6
fastboot flash modemst1 modemst1_COM6
fastboot flash modemst2 modemst2_COM6
fastboot reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
FYI, I just amended my prior response (above) re. the ROM as well.

Graf_Eberstein said:
Thank you.
FYI, I just amended my prior response (above) re. the ROM as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your welcome,
Stock Oreo Rom, flash in order But there are a lot more roms for the Lgv20 you can look around if you want.
LG V20 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Developm
US996 DIrtysanta Rom
ezV2020 kernel for Oreo link
Magisk-v21.4.zip
Latest version of twrp link

Darnrain1 said:
I found this some of the Links are broken.
V20 [H915|US996] DirtyElf Bootloader Unlock and Root guide
Firmware
US99610f_00_1205.kdz
usb drivers for windows
Terminal Emulator for Android "f-droid Download APK at bottom of page"
Before you flash the KDZ to downgrade your firwmare make a DUMP backup of ALL files first it will have your EFS and that's very very important it has your IMEI number. You don't need to dump system or cache.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I finally got to where I'm able to run that dump backup. I've been at it for the better part of 8 man hours, and it keeps crashing. Finally got everything backed up except SYSTEM IMAGE. Whenever I try to back up that segment, the backup crashes. You said I don't need to do this against CACHE, which I get. There's both a SYSTEM and a SYSTEM IMAGE, so now I'm wondering if you meant the latter instead of the former... If not, how do I get past this obstacle?
FWIW, I'm writing to an otherwise empty, brand new 32 GB Class 10 card. Initially I was using a surplus 16 GB card, then realized that I was coming up around 4 GB short, and pegged the failure on that. But the same happens on the larger card. In case it matters, the backup gets to about 60% before failing...

Graf_Eberstein said:
Ok, so I finally got to where I'm able to run that dump backup. I've been at it for the better part of 8 man hours, and it keeps crashing. Finally got everything backed up except SYSTEM IMAGE. Whenever I try to back up that segment, the backup crashes. You said I don't need to do this against CACHE, which I get. There's both a SYSTEM and a SYSTEM IMAGE, so now I'm wondering if you meant the latter instead of the former... If not, how do I get past this obstacle?
FWIW, I'm writing to an otherwise empty, brand new 32 GB Class 10 card. Initially I was using a surplus 16 GB card, then realized that I was coming up around 4 GB short, and pegged the failure on that. But the same happens on the larger card. In case it matters, the backup gets to about 60% before failing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is rooted great.
DUMP backup with LGUP. Might not be to late. Just hold vol up and plug in usb to phone and computer. Go into LGUP and choose DUMP all files. You don't need to dump system or cache. This will save all the files on your computer. Back the files up like google drive or something.
Take battery out and put back in. Then you want to boot into twrp and do a format.
Then your ready to install an OS on your phone. Why don't you check out my rom I made it's stock Oreo debloated. There are some good guides on there also you can follow. link
If you need any more help just ask. I don't mind.

I just wanted to thank you for the guidance to date. Great news: After many fits, starts, wrong turns, interruptions, and muckups both real and imagined, my V20 now has Oreo Lemondrop installed, and I presume it is also rooted.
With the initial hurdle overcome, it's time for new questions (see photos for the first three):
* The device reports no S/N. Normal?
* The OS reports no kernel version. Normal?
* The device still boots to the red triangle before loading Lemondrop. I was under the impression that would go away now, or am I wrong?
* A lot of games and other crud is being installed by Mobile Services Manager. Is that because I missed something?
The latter may not matter much: I'm going to move the SIM from my regular phone to the V20 to see if it will make/receive calls. If it does, it'll get a SIM of its own, so I can use it as a second line. If it doesn't work (I've seen posts about bands not working, etc), I'll be done with it altogether.
However, should the phone work, what'll make this whole enterprise a complete success, will be to install a more current Android release; I'm expecting 10 or 11, but would be tickled if it's 12 or 13. But first things first...

Graf_Eberstein said:
I just wanted to thank you for the guidance to date. Great news: After many fits, starts, wrong turns, interruptions, and muckups both real and imagined, my V20 now has Oreo Lemondrop installed, and I presume it is also rooted.
With the initial hurdle overcome, it's time for new questions (see photos for the first three):
* The device reports no S/N. Normal?
* The OS reports no kernel version. Normal?
* The device still boots to the red triangle before loading Lemondrop. I was under the impression that would go away now, or am I wrong?
* A lot of games and other crud is being installed by Mobile Services Manager. Is that because I missed something?
The latter may not matter much: I'm going to move the SIM from my regular phone to the V20 to see if it will make/receive calls. If it does, it'll get a SIM of its own, so I can use it as a second line. If it doesn't work (I've seen posts about bands not working, etc), I'll be done with it altogether.
However, should the phone work, what'll make this whole enterprise a complete success, will be to install a more current Android release; I'm expecting 10 or 11, but would be tickled if it's 12 or 13. But first things first...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah no SN and no Kernel is normal. It's also normal to have the boot screen come up, it's because your phone is rooted now.
I have to run Oreo because LTE is not working in crDroid or Lineage os. There are proprietary drivers that are in Oreo to make LTE work and they are not in any other android os. But if all you need is 4G then maybe another os would work for you. In the USA they did away with 4G only LTE now. So I thought I would make the Lemon Drop rom, if I have to use Oreo why not make it fast. Plus most everything works in Lemon Drop. Like second screen and so on. I have used crDroid before it's good I will link the files for you.
Update: I found and removed Mobile Services Manager in the latest version of Auto_Debloat. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
crDroid 11 just format and flash in twrp reboot.
also flash Magisk-v21.4.zip so you can have root.
you may have to flash twrp also I am not sure, it's been awhile before I install crDroid. You can always flash twrp in fastboot mode if you have to.
Take Care.

Darnrain1 said:
Yeah no SN and no Kernel is normal. It's also normal to have the boot screen come up, it's because your phone is rooted now.
I have to run Oreo because LTE is not working in crDroid or Lineage os. There are proprietary drivers that are in Oreo to make LTE work and they are not in any other android os. But if all you need is 4G then maybe another os would work for you. In the USA they did away with 4G only LTE now. So I thought I would make the Lemon Drop rom, if I have to use Oreo why not make it fast. Plus most everything works in Lemon Drop. Like second screen and so on. I have used crDroid before it's good I will link the files for you.
Update: I found and removed Mobile Services Manager in the latest version of Auto_Debloat. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
crDroid 11 just format and flash in twrp reboot.
also flash Magisk-v21.4.zip so you can have root.
you may have to flash twrp also I am not sure, it's been awhile before I install crDroid. You can always flash twrp in fastboot mode if you have to.
Take Care.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you again, and you're welcome for the bit on the Mobile Services Manager. My apologies for the lag in responding too; real life got in the way for a bit there. I'll look into your suggestion as I get a chance and will report back.

Graf_Eberstein said:
Thank you again, and you're welcome for the bit on the Mobile Services Manager. My apologies for the lag in responding too; real life got in the way for a bit there. I'll look into your suggestion as I get a chance and will report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a problem. Because I only have an H910 I didn't get all the bloatware on other lgv20 phones. But that Mobile Services Manager is a huge bloatware that installs more bloatware. So I thought I would try and find it and remove it in the latest version. You can update Auto_Debloat and it should get rid of that Mobile Services Manager for you. All you have to do is just flash the new version in twrp and reboot.