Develop Bugs

Does rooting only removes the ability for OTA updates?

Hey guys just received my n7 yesterday and am very pleased with this, however I have some questions.
Does rooting (only) removes your OTA updates access? I also own a Galaxy S4 (rooted) and I can't get OTA, it says it's modified, but I did flash a custom update on it and kernel. So if I just root my n7, and not flash anything, I will still get OTA's correct? I just want to use some apps which requires root access and not planning to flash a custom rooms or anything. Thanks for any help.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

Mine is always rooted, and I get all OTAs.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

You just need to have the stock recovery to receive OTAs.

Username invalid said:
You just need to have the stock recovery to receive OTAs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I have twrp installed, i won't receive them?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

Takes 10 seconds to reflash the stock recovery.

UPDATE: SuperSU-v1.55 added the fix for the OTA update issue, so this post is no longer necessary unless you are using an older version of SuperSU
This post also applies to JSS15Q update.
I actually went through and tested JWR66N rooted with SuperSU and the JSS15J OTA update. I expected it to work but it exited with an error.
Ironically the JSS15J OTA actually did patch every single file successfully but near the end while setting permissions, it came up with an error, so after reboot you'll actually be running with all JSS15J rom files, except your build will still say JWR66N, you'll still be running the JWR66N recovery, and you'll still be running the 3.05 bootloader.
I tracked down the issue and put together a fix for it. If you want, it is attached to this post. You just run it after installing SuperSU, so basically:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot boot twrp.img
within TWRP
install UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.51.zip (SuperSU v1.55 or greater incorporates the OTA fix)
install UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.55.zip
install UPDATE-SuperSU-ota.zip (can be chain installed, just make sure you choose to install it 2nd)
reboot
You'll need to redo these steps (both the installs) after you receive the OTA to preserve root and ability to receive future OTAs.
Also as others have mentioned it is best to be running stock recovery (which the above commands will allow you to do because twrp is never flashed on the tablet) I've attached the stock recovery for JSS15J in case someone needs it.
If you make ANY modifications or delete files from the stock ROM with your new root privileges, then you will greatly increase the chances of the OTA failing. Adding new files is normally fine.

Well shoot - now you have me worried. I did install TWRP, but never considered that would block OTAs. Do they attempt to install and fail?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

rmm200 said:
Well shoot - now you have me worried. I did install TWRP, but never considered that would block OTAs. Do they attempt to install and fail?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On some platforms, especially when flashing bootloaders and/or radios, the stock recovery pulls some funky maneuvers to get that done. Often custom recoveries are not privy to those maneuvers. Also sometimes custom recoveries will experiment with custom kernels which don't always have the bootloader and/or radio devices mapped the same as the stock kernel. This can lead to problems to.
Thus it is safest to use stock recovery to flash OTAs.
I have flashed the complete JSS15J OTA except for the bootloader part using TWRP and it works ok. All the ROM files are patched.
I just didn't feel like risking my tablet with the bootloader flash portion of JSS15J OTA using twrp. It might work fine. I just know from the past the potential for issues are higher in that section of the OTA flash.

Is it common for nice folk on here to upload a stock zip of say for example, 4.3.1 when it releases so that we can flash it through a custom recovery (e.g., TWRP, CWM etc.), without having to change our custom recoveries?

It was common on other platforms I've used, but I don't know about here.

Root will not prevent an OTA update from coming in and installing, and a custom recovery won't "block" (it just won't be able to complete the install of it automatically). I have been installing OTA updates on rooted Nexus devices with custom recoveries since the Nexus One, and assuming the new Nexus 7 works the same way, the following applies:
If you are running stock ROM, your deivce will receive the notification and download the update, even if rooted
If you are running stock recovery, the update will install automatically as normal
If you are running a custom recovery like CWM or TWRP, it will fail to install automatically but it will still have downloaded to the device and you can use the custom recovery to install it yourself (I've never had this fail)
If you have modified files in /system, the OTA update is pretty much guaranteed to fail regardless of which recovery you use
If you successfully install the OTA update, you will no longer have root, so flash SuperSU using a custom recovery after the OTA update installs
Also:
You can always look for the OTA zip URLs on XDA and just download the update yourself to flash if you don't want to wait for it to come to your device (this is what I always do)
You can flash factory images instead of the update, without losing data (see other threads for how)
If you want to keep stock recovery installed, you can always use fastboot to boot a custom recovery without flashing it, in case you ever need it
The above is accurate and correct as far as I'm aware from my own experience over the years with Nexus devices. I'm sure someone will be happy to correct me if anything is wrong Hope this helps.

phazerorg said:
Root will not prevent an OTA update from coming in and installing, and a custom recovery won't "block" (it just won't be able to complete the install of it automatically).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the same about root not blocking the OTA update install from being successful, but that was with years of using superuser.
With SuperSU (I am not sure which version introduced it) they set the immutable flag on a file in almost every OTA. I believe this is to support some OTA survival mode. This causes the OTA to fail in the section where it sets permissions. All the files are patched at that point, but the build.prop hasn't been modified to reflect the new version # and the bootloader and recovery haven't been flash.
You'll essentially be running JSS15J but your software will report it is on JWR66N, your bootloader wouldn't have been patched, and you would be running JWR66N recovery.

TheAltruistic said:
Is it common for nice folk on here to upload a stock zip of say for example, 4.3.1 when it releases so that we can flash it through a custom recovery (e.g., TWRP, CWM etc.), without having to change our custom recoveries?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes the ota update zip always gets posted so you can manually flash with a custom recovery...
just keep in mind you need to keep your files stock otherwise it might not work
Sent from my Nexus 7 2

nolook said:
yes the ota update zip always gets posted so you can manually flash with a custom recovery...
just keep in mind you need to keep your files stock otherwise it might not work
Sent from my Nexus 7 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say keep your files stock what does that mean exactly? I have titanium backup app installed would that be one of them? Thanks.

Mightym83 said:
When you say keep your files stock what does that mean exactly? I have titanium backup app installed would that be one of them? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium backup is an app, I assume with files he is targeting e. G. Config files.
Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013)

Mightym83 said:
When you say keep your files stock what does that mean exactly? I have titanium backup app installed would that be one of them? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It means don't modify or delete any files in /system
Don't remove a system app that shipped with the tablet. You can install a new version as that just hides the one in /system, but if you remove or modify the original, then the OTA will very likely fail (depending on how complex the OTA is)
Adding files is ok.

Alright, so here's my scenario. Hopefully someone can tell me what should happen:
I am running the stock ROM on my Nexus 7 (2013), but I have ClockWorkMod Recovery installed and I'm using Koush's Superuser app for root permissions. The only system file that I think I have changed is my hosts file because of Adaway. That is easily reverted, though.
So can I just download the OTA, install it manually from the custom recovery (flashing the update.zip file), and then re-flash Koush's superuser app back onto the device?
Will that go smoothly, and will the newer build number be accurately reflected in my About Phone afterward?
(that last part is just my OCD talking)

phazerorg said:
:
[*]If you are running a custom recovery like CWM or TWRP, it will fail to install automatically but it will still have downloaded to the device and you can use the custom recovery to install it yourself (I've never had this fail)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was very helpful, and this is the category i fall in. However, i have installed a kernel. does that change anything?
So basically what you are saying is this, with my current set up:
1 - i will get the update, it will download, but wont install. I should boot into TWRP and install the file that way. Correct? Where is the downloaded file stores?
2 - I can just wait for the download to be posted on here, and just install via twrp.
3 - either way, after installing it, i will lose root. I should then boot into twrp and flash supersu.
Correct?

Theoretically it could work. I believe the flash has worked with twrp.
Personally I always put stock recovery back to flash ota's though especially if there is a bootloader (or radio if you have a mobile version) because on some platforms they involve special procedures that may not be in the custom recovery.
On nexus it looks like it will work with custom recovery but it takes so little effort to put stock recovery back I just do it automatically.
Having said that, I've seen one person post it worked on twrp but haven't read an experience on cwm. Not saying it will or won't work.

If we are running the stock ROM, but have it rooted with the custom recovery, why cant we just use Wegfresh's nexus toolkit to Unroot and image using the updated IMG file?
Then go through and use it to recreate the root\custom recovery again?

SuperSU and Stock Recovery

is there away to install SuperSU when you have stock recovery? I'm thinking that we have to have either CWM/TWRP to install the zip. or am I having a brain fart on this.....
Thanks for whomever can clear my cobwebs..

You need a custom recovery (TWRP or CWM).

bkeaver said:
is there away to install SuperSU when you have stock recovery? I'm thinking that we have to have either CWM/TWRP to install the zip. or am I having a brain fart on this.....
Thanks for whomever can clear my cobwebs..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install it if you have the bootloader unlocked.
Use boot command instead of flash to boot into custom recovery and install su.
e.g
Fastboot boot twrp.img

uronfire said:
You can install it if you have the bootloader unlocked.
Use boot command instead of flash to boot into custom recovery and install su.
e.g
Fastboot boot twrp.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this.
However, why bother keeping stock recovery at all? Stock recovery is effectively neutered once rooted, as you can no longer install an OTA.

uronfire said:
You can install it if you have the bootloader unlocked.
Use boot command instead of flash to boot into custom recovery and install su.
e.g
Fastboot boot twrp.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks this worked :good:

so when I go into recovery now I get a image of a htc one with a red triangle and exclamation mark inside of it?? since I have never went into recovery on this phone before isn't it supposed to look like any other stock recovery??? and if this isn't right I have tried flashing the recovery already and still get the same result... can someone expand on this for me pls

bkeaver said:
so when I go into recovery now I get a image of a htc one with a red triangle and exclamation mark inside of it?? since I have never went into recovery on this phone before isn't it supposed to look like any other stock recovery??? and if this isn't right I have tried flashing the recovery already and still get the same result... can someone expand on this for me pls
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have stock recovery.

BenPope said:
You have stock recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so it doesn't give you flash update and wipe and all that anymore.. sorry like I said I have never went into recovery on this phone.. just making sure...

bkeaver said:
so it doesn't give you flash update and wipe and all that anymore.. sorry like I said I have never went into recovery on this phone.. just making sure...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you have to hold volume up and hit power or something.

ok I am good.. thank you... I'm putting everything back to stock because someone bought my phone and I just want to make sure everything is correct on it now.. thanks!!

redpoint73 said:
Yes, this.
However, why bother keeping stock recovery at all? Stock recovery is effectively neutered once rooted, as you can no longer install an OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i sold the phone and this is what they requested. I know the OTA wont work and I never keep stock recoveries on my phones but.... I guess they will find out for themselves

and btw thanks everyone for the help. I hit my thanks button but on my browser it it isn't showing it just to let you know....

bkeaver said:
i sold the phone and this is what they requested. I know the OTA wont work and I never keep stock recoveries on my phones but.... I guess they will find out for themselves
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like somebody that is a bit ill-informed. They want root, but they probably also want OTA (the 2 don't go together, IMO) and heard that you need stock recovery for OTA. I suppose they can change everything back that they modified with root, and unroot or hide root to install the OTA. But it just seems they are making life more complicated than it needs to be.
Also sounds like its a person that wants root, but not willing to do it themselves. But I suppose that's not really your problem!

Option to root and have ota is very easy :
Stock rom (unmodified but rooted)
Stock recovery
And you can ota. The ota will probably delete superuser but that's about it. The ota will not fail because its rooted as long as the stock rom/apps are unmodified

Mr Hofs said:
Option to root and have ota is very easy :
Stock rom (unmodified but rooted)
Stock recovery
And you can ota. The ota will probably delete superuser but that's about it. The ota will not fail because its rooted as long as the stock rom/apps are unmodified
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah this is what I did for them so who knows.. I've never tried it that way but i guess it would work like that

redpoint73 said:
Yes, this.
However, why bother keeping stock recovery at all? Stock recovery is effectively neutered once rooted, as you can no longer install an OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting doesn't affect ota's, at least not in my experience.

ashyx said:
Rooting doesn't affect ota's, at least not in my experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if absolutely nothing was changed with the stock ROM.
Its more my point there is little point to installing OTAs on a rooted device.

redpoint73 said:
Only if absolutely nothing was changed with the stock ROM.
Its more my point there is little point to installing OTAs on a rooted device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand that statement. I still run stock sense, but with a few additions that don't affect ota's. So I still get updates while having things configured the way I want. I can also run things that require root such as titanium backup and a few others.

ashyx said:
I don't understand that statement. I still run stock sense, but with a few additions that don't affect ota's. So I still get updates while having things configured the way I want. I can also run things that require root such as titanium backup and a few others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because once you accept an OTA, you will be unrooted. You will have to root again, either by installing custom recovery (than back to stock recovery so you can OTA) or the trick of booting custom recovery via adb to flash SU (as described here). Its just a lot of jumping through hoops with little added value.
On the other hand, if you have custom recovery installed, you can flash any of the array of stock rooted or awesome custom ROMs posted here. This includes stock rooted ROMs taken from OTA updates from lots of versions (often posted within days of the OTA starting to roll out), not just your carrier, so you can possibly get an update much faster than waiting for the OTA to roll out from your carrier (although that depends on what carrier version you have). You also don't have to constantly be worried "well, if I change this I won't get OTAs". You can do whatever the heck you want, and isn't that really the whole point of root?
Its just my opinion. And a lot of this may stem from the fact that I'm on AT&T, who are not only agonizingly slow about rolling out OTAs (sometimes 3-4 months or even later than other carriers on my past HTC device) and have even went to the effort to close exploits and prevent unlocking of bootloaders when rolling out new OTAs (on the One X EVITA). In fact there was even a bug (I assume it was a bug - others may accuse that it was intentional) where installing the Jellybean OTA with SuperCID and S-on bricked the phone.
As I said, its just an opinion. But there are many others on XDA that will agree that OTAs have no place on rooted Android devices.
And to be fair, I did cover myself and stated "there is little point" instead of "there is no point"

[Q] Rooted phone and want to install OTA update

The OTA 4.4.3 update is now available for my phone, but I've rooted it, and I've read the horror stories so I'm not going to blunder blindly into this
My rooting experience went a little poorly - I thought I was doing the right thing by backing everything up on the phone first, using Helium. Unfortunately Helium simply did the backup onto the internal storage itself, so it all got wiped during the process anyway.
Anyway, I got over that, but now I want to install the OTA 4.4.3 update. So here's the things I've done which I think are relevant:
1. Installed TWRP recovery, as required for rooting
2. Have flashed the SuperSU program for root
3. AFAIK I'm still on "stock" - I haven't gone out to find any special roms etc
4. Had to reinstall the calc and flashlight apps as they were missing after the whole exercise (so many I'm not on stock, or they would be there?)
5. I have installed Xposed Framework and the Sense 6 tweaks and GravityBox apps.
6. I tried to uninstall some system apps (Facebook, Twitter, things I don't use) with a root uninstaller program, but every time the phone reboots they re-appear, so I think I need s-off to do that properly?
7. I've 'Disabled' the weibo app through the standard app info button
I understand I have to go back to the "stock recovery" in order to do the OTA update, but is there anything else in the above list that I need to do anything about?
Will going back to the stock recovery mean I lose all of the content on my device again, and have to restore it from a backup? If I use the HTC backup app to back up all my phone data on the rooted 4.4.2 I'm running, can this then be restored onto the 4.4.3 version?
Also is the problem I mention in #6 solved by going s-off?

Lanthanide said:
The OTA 4.4.3 update is now available for my phone, but I've rooted it, and I've read the horror stories so I'm not going to blunder blindly into this
My rooting experience went a little poorly - I thought I was doing the right thing by backing everything up on the phone first, using Helium. Unfortunately Helium simply did the backup onto the internal storage itself, so it all got wiped during the process anyway.
Anyway, I got over that, but now I want to install the OTA 4.4.3 update. So here's the things I've done which I think are relevant:
1. Installed TWRP recovery, as required for rooting
2. Have flashed the SuperSU program for root
3. AFAIK I'm still on "stock" - I haven't gone out to find any special roms etc
4. Had to reinstall the calc and flashlight apps as they were missing after the whole exercise (so many I'm not on stock, or they would be there?)
5. I have installed Xposed Framework and the Sense 6 tweaks and GravityBox apps.
6. I tried to uninstall some system apps (Facebook, Twitter, things I don't use) with a root uninstaller program, but every time the phone reboots they re-appear, so I think I need s-off to do that properly?
7. I've 'Disabled' the weibo app through the standard app info button
I understand I have to go back to the "stock recovery" in order to do the OTA update, but is there anything else in the above list that I need to do anything about?
Will going back to the stock recovery mean I lose all of the content on my device again, and have to restore it from a backup? If I use the HTC backup app to back up all my phone data on the rooted 4.4.2 I'm running, can this then be restored onto the 4.4.3 version?
Also is the problem I mention in #6 solved by going s-off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing back stock recovery you won't loose anything. This just happens during the unlock process if done with HTCDev.
Good that you are not S-Off and FB, Twitter and so on are still installed, as otherwise you wouldn't be abled to perform the OTA. An OTA is only going to run if the whole system is unchanged.
Only thing that's quite likely going to happen, is that you root is lost after the OTA. Tthus you would have to flash TWRP and the SuperSu again, after the OTA.

HTCNerdYoda said:
Flashing back stock recovery you won't loose anything. This just happens during the unlock process if done with HTCDev.
Good that you are not S-Off and FB, Twitter and so on are still installed, as otherwise you wouldn't be abled to perform the OTA. An OTA is only going to run if the whole system is unchanged.
Only thing that's quite likely going to happen, is that you root is lost after the OTA. Tthus you would have to flash TWRP and the SuperSu again, after the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought it didn't matter if you were s/off or not, so long as recovery and OS were stock and CID matched (or were SuperCID).

bruce7373 said:
I thought it didn't matter if you were s/off or not, so long as recovery and OS were stock and CID matched (or were SuperCID).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter in general. But it matters in case that you used S-Off to uninstall system APPs Thus an OTA wouldn't succeed.
That's what I wanted to say in my post above
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

Wow found my answer already. Just to confirm. I'm in the same situation. Rooted. Installed twrp and su. Went to s-off with firewater but got the whelp message.
Got the OTA update in this morning. Tried installing it, went to my recovery so I tried to install it. It failed of course. Phone is still ok.
I'm just making sure I'll do this ok. Gotta go back to original recovery then install it or am I just better off going to a custom rom?
On my vivid, I used paranoid when it was available, used pacman for a bit. Also used the CyanogenMod. I know recommendation shouldn't be made but i know on my vivid there were lots of issues since there wasn't a specific team rolling out the roms but someone porting them from the specific team. Is there a team dedicated to this phone? If so are their roms leaps ahead of the ones ported over? Just looking at the downloads you can tell which one is the most popular, that doesn't always mean they are the best.
Thanks for any advice.

Yuskow said:
Wow found my answer already. Just to confirm. I'm in the same situation. Rooted. Installed twrp and su. Went to s-off with firewater but got the whelp message.
Got the OTA update in this morning. Tried installing it, went to my recovery so I tried to install it. It failed of course. Phone is still ok.
I'm just making sure I'll do this ok. Gotta go back to original recovery then install it or am I just better off going to a custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would revert to stock recovery and get me this OTA. And you need a 2.22.xxx FW for some of the custom ROMs currently available.
It's the fastest way to update your firmware anyway
Alternatively you could try to perform an S-Off using SunShine and paying 25$ for it, as I did to flash the newest FW.

HTCNerdYoda said:
I would revert to stock recovery and get me this OTA. And you need a 2.22.xxx FW for some of the custom ROMs currently available.
It's the fastest way to update your firmware anyway
Alternatively you could try to perform an S-Off using SunShine and paying 25$ for it, as I did to flash the newest FW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got my cid as bm 001
so i got the nandroid backup here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2701376
now i just do a restore under twrp?
is the s-off really worth it?

Yuskow said:
Got my cid as bm 001
so i got the nandroid backup here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2701376
now i just do a restore under twrp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as the ROM you are using is stock and you only routetd, you just need to flash stock recovery for the OTA to succeed.
Yuskow said:
is the s-off really worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well from my point of view: yes it is. Needed S-Off to debrand my One M8 and change CID to a WWE one. Well and additionally you can do a lot more if the security flag is on off (never without propper reading before doing it of course).

Yuskow said:
Wow found my answer already. Just to confirm. I'm in the same situation. Rooted. Installed twrp and su. Went to s-off with firewater but got the whelp message.
Got the OTA update in this morning. Tried installing it, went to my recovery so I tried to install it. It failed of course. Phone is still ok.
I'm just making sure I'll do this ok. Gotta go back to original recovery then install it or am I just better off going to a custom rom?
On my vivid, I used paranoid when it was available, used pacman for a bit. Also used the CyanogenMod. I know recommendation shouldn't be made but i know on my vivid there were lots of issues since there wasn't a specific team rolling out the roms but someone porting them from the specific team. Is there a team dedicated to this phone? If so are their roms leaps ahead of the ones ported over? Just looking at the downloads you can tell which one is the most popular, that doesn't always mean they are the best.
Thanks for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the Vivid as well and ended up with a 4.4.2 ROM which seemed to be the most current that was available at the time, but can't remember the name or the dev.
As for the M8, I've been on ARHD almost exclusively and think it's one of the best ROMs out there. I've tried Viper, MaximusHD, Renovate also, but always come back to ARHD.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2694917
---------- Post added at 07:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:33 AM ----------
HTCNerdYoda said:
As long as the ROM you are using is stock and you only routetd, you just need to flash stock recovery for the OTA to succeed.
Well from my point of view: yes it is. Needed S-Off to debrand my One M8 and change CID to a WWE one. Well and additionally you can do a lot more if the security flag is on off (never without propper reading before doing it of course).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the WWE edition and am currently with ATT. I'm considering their new update mainly to see if the new firmware/radio will give me better LTE speeds. The fw is 2.23 based. Will that be a problem if or when I return to ARHD which is on 2.22?

bruce7373 said:
I have the WWE edition and am currently with ATT. I'm considering their new update mainly to see if the new firmware/radio will give me better LTE speeds. The fw is 2.23 based. Will that be a problem if or when I return to ARHD which is on 2.22?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a really good question. Regarding ViperOne I could tell that running 1.8.0 (which was on 1.54.xx base) with 2.22.xxx FW worked flawlessly. So I would guess this should work just fine.
At least it's worth a try. Maybe better ask in the ROM thread.

Used arhd on my vivid for a bit. Must say it was an ok rom but lots of issues in general with all new roms on the vivid. Hardware too outdated. Maybe I'll give it a shot. Really leaning to a de-senced one.

HTCNerdYoda said:
Flashing back stock recovery you won't loose anything. This just happens during the unlock process if done with HTCDev.
Good that you are not S-Off and FB, Twitter and so on are still installed, as otherwise you wouldn't be abled to perform the OTA. An OTA is only going to run if the whole system is unchanged.
Only thing that's quite likely going to happen, is that you root is lost after the OTA. Tthus you would have to flash TWRP and the SuperSu again, after the OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, that's encouraging.
My CID is HTC__621 although I don't think I need that for just flashing back to stock recovery. My version is 1.54.709.12, so I downloaded the matching recovery from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2701376 and flashed it. I confirmed that the stock recovery was installed by booting to it and getting the red triangle etc.
Then I downloaded the OTA upgrade and told it to install. I didn't watch the installation progress, but eventually it went to the red triangle screen and finally rebooted. But I'm still on 1.54.709.12, so I take that to mean the OTA failed. When I go to system update, it checks and finds one available and offers to download it again, which I haven't done.
I'm wondering if 'disabling' the weibo program could have caused the update to fail? Or possibly I *did* actually uninstall a stock program or two that I mentioned at #6 and that's what's preventing the update?
Anyway, I made a complete nandroid backup on the external SD card before I flashed the recovery. It seems like the easiest approach now would be to flash a stock ROM for HTC__621 then do the OTA upgrade. After that, I could restore my HTC sync (the app) backup from the cloud, but if I wasn't happy with that I could recover the data portion of my nandroid backup?

Lanthanide said:
Ok, that's encouraging.
Anyway, I made a complete nandroid backup on the external SD card before I flashed the recovery. It seems like the easiest approach now would be to flash a stock ROM for HTC__621 then do the OTA upgrade. After that, I could restore my HTC sync (the app) backup from the cloud, but if I wasn't happy with that I could recover the data portion of my nandroid backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In fact you are right. The OTA fails as something on the system has been changed that's critical to the OTA.
So I would back up the data on the phone I need, download a stock nandroid backup for your CID, install with twrp, re-flash stock recovery and perform the OTA again.

HTCNerdYoda said:
In fact you are right. The OTA fails as something on the system has been changed that's critical to the OTA.
So I would back up the data on the phone I need, download a stock nandroid backup for your CID, install with twrp, re-flash stock recovery and perform the OTA again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I put on a stock nadroid backup for HTC__621, changed to stock recovery, but the OTA update is still failing at around the 30% mark.
Actually I've just noticed that the stock ROM I put on doesn't have the calc or flashlight apps, but when I originally bought the phone they were on there. I had subsequently installed them using the apps on this thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2699906
But maybe that is what is preventing me from doing the OTA now?
Edit: Right, so doing some more reading, it seems that HTC included these 'stock' apps in the /data directory instead of /system, so when doing the HTCDev install, they get wiped. But there was a note in that thread saying that for the One M7, they would actually do a hash of those apps too and if they weren't there the update would fail.
Someone linked to this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2703759 which says the APKs in the first one were from the M7, and these are from M8, and it also included another one called Seven Digital (yet another bloatware app I don't care about, hence why I didn't notice it was gone). Anyway I installed those 3 apps, but the OTA update still fails at around the 30% mark. I notice that the thread says preload APKs for 1.54.401.5, but my phone is running 1.54.709.12, so if they really are doing hashing for all of these apps, the update might be expectly a slightly different version and therefore fail the hash check?

Resolved!
Right, posting as new post because I solved it!
I searched through the collection thread and luckily found someone else who has HTC__621 who wanted to do the 4.4.3 upgrade as well. ckpv5 stepped in to lend a hand with this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54598052&postcount=1514
The TWRP stock ROM he posted there includes the flashlight and calculator app, as well as another one that looks like it was missing - WeChat. So now the OTA update has applied as expected. :highfive
I'll suggest Mr Hofs remove the existing nandroid backup for HTC__621 that he has there because it isn't complete.

Weirdly after all that was done, now that I have 4.4.3, the calc and flashlight apps are again missing; no sign of WeChat either. So I'll probably have to go through this whole performance again next time I want to OTA update?
Edit: More findings. In installing Xposed Framework on my phone, it can't do the 'classical' install because of S-on, instead it flashes it through recovery. So I suspect this could have been preventing the OTA update as well.

Lanthanide said:
Weirdly after all that was done, now that I have 4.4.3, the calc and flashlight apps are again missing; no sign of WeChat either. So I'll probably have to go through this whole performance again next time I want to OTA update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you relocked bootloader when you did the OTA update. So those files were deleted when you re-unlocked bootloader after OTA done.
There's a TWRP backup for the latest here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55097943&postcount=1744
Just a note : there is no need to relock bootloader to do OTA update.

ckpv5 said:
Because you relocked bootloader when you did the OTA update. So those files were deleted when you re-unlocked bootloader after OTA done.
There's a TWRP backup for the latest here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55097943&postcount=1744
Just a note : there is no need to relock bootloader to do OTA update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, at least there's an explanation for what happened, but I didn't at any point explicitly lock the bootloader. All I did was:
1. Flash TWRP recovery
2. Flash the ROM you provided
3. Boot the phone, going through the setup stuff to configure wifi etc
4. Booted to fastboot and flashed to stock recovery
5. Rebooted phone, downloaded and installed OTA update
6. Booted to fastboot and re-flashed TWRP, ran nandroid backup and then installed superSU when offered
At what point would the locking of the bootloader have occurred?

Lanthanide said:
At what point would the locking of the bootloader have occurred?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Re-unlocking bootloader is one scenario that may happen that remove the preload folder.
Restoring an old backup which doesn't have the preload folder is another scenario.
Anyway that is easily can be fix by pushing the preload folder from OTA zip to /data
then make a new backup for future OTA

ckpv5 said:
Re-unlocking bootloader is one scenario that may happen that remove the preload folder.
Restoring an old backup which doesn't have the preload folder is another scenario.
Anyway that is easily can be fix by pushing the preload folder from OTA zip to /data
then make a new backup for future OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, well like I said, I didn't explicitly choose the lock the bootloader at any point, and the nandroid backup that you created *did* have the extra apps in there (I confirmed their presence at step 3 in my sequence).
Note that I'm not trying to be argumentative, just explaining my experience in case this might help others in the future.

Ota 5.28.605.2 ota

Just got it on my htc one... for use on stock rom/stock recovery....
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23622183712466856
RUU coming too
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2867643

Can I use the zip u provided to update? I'm totally stock. S-on. On 4.4.2. And how to do it it's been years for me. Thought I needed a .pmg file?

rickyjohn said:
Can I use the zip u provided to update? I'm totally stock. S-on. On 4.4.2. And how to do it it's been years for me. Thought I needed a .pmg file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are s-on, you can't flash anything custom or stock. You will need to root and s-off first. Or you could take the ota if all you want is the update. If you want to get some customization on there...you should do some reading through the threads. Things are a bit different since a few years ago and this phone doesn't have an external sd card...
Sent from my Lunar Ecliptic One.

rickyjohn said:
Can I use the zip u provided to update? I'm totally stock. S-on. On 4.4.2. And how to do it it's been years for me. Thought I needed a .pmg file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First link is 100% stock and will work on stock recovery. Just place it on the phone storage or SD and boot to stock recovery. Choose the appropriate "apply update from" and then point to that file.
brymaster5000 said:
If you are s-on, you can't flash anything custom or stock. You will need to root and s-off first. Or you could take the ota if all you want is the update. If you want to get some customization on there...you should do some reading through the threads. Things are a bit different since a few years ago and this phone doesn't have an external sd card...
Sent from my Lunar Ecliptic One.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

every time i try to get into the recovery menu i just get a picture of the phone with a red triangle and exclamation point.

Any idea if towelroot works with this update? I noticed that the update notes on the vzw website says "Device root vulnerability issue has been resolved"
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

rickyjohn said:
every time i try to get into the recovery menu i just get a picture of the phone with a red triangle and exclamation point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is your stock recovery. Stock recovery is not meant to go into like custom ones. It's used for ota's, factory resets, and that's about it.
Sent from my Lunar Ecliptic One.

got "invalid operation" when trying to update with the zip file, it is on device storage, any ideas? does the zip need to be renamed?

rickyjohn said:
got "invalid operation" when trying to update with the zip file, it is on device storage, any ideas? does the zip need to be renamed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When flashing an OTA everything has to be bone stock. If you have stock tethering enabled, Xposed Framework installed, or files missing from /system/apps, it will fail.

That's a bummer. I'm totally stock. Just changed fonts, that's it. Guess it just won't go. thanks

I restored stock recovery and stock hotspot and the OTA still won't install properly -- I'm not sure what I'm missing. Is there any way to flash the OTA when rooted without wiping my phone?

Ovy13 said:
I restored stock recovery and stock hotspot and the OTA still won't install properly -- I'm not sure what I'm missing. Is there any way to flash the OTA when rooted without wiping my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2485319
Flash in trwp the full odex ROM. I don't know if updating via ota while rooted will work. I know unlock and s-off doesn't matter from personal experience.
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app

Uzephi said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2485319
Flash in trwp the full odex ROM. I don't know if updating via ota while rooted will work. I know unlock and s-off doesn't matter from personal experience.
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the past, simply restoring stock recovery, updating normally, and then flashing a custom recovery was enough. Doesn't seem to work this time, or there's simply some customization I've forgotten about.

If I'm not mistaken, just the presence of the su binary can be enough to abort an official ota. If you have the official OTA zip and attempt flashing through the stock recovery and it fails, the error message should give some indication of the problem. The script runs a check on the contents of /system and if anything is off it will fail.

pastorbennett said:
If I'm not mistaken, just the presence of the su binary can be enough to abort an official ota. If you have the official OTA zip and attempt flashing through the stock recovery and it fails, the error message should give some indication of the problem. The script runs a check on the contents of /system and if anything is off it will fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Su is fine. It simply won't work afterwords. Any other system changes will cause it to fail though.

dottat said:
Su is fine. It simply won't work afterwords. Any other system changes will cause it to fail though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I have TWRP, root, s-off, and XPosed installed. Verizon sent me the OTA update, but I need to return everything to stock before I do anything with the update? I'm a little dense here...

PiperCub49 said:
So I have TWRP, root, s-off, and XPosed installed. Verizon sent me the OTA update, but I need to return everything to stock before I do anything with the update? I'm a little dense here...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disable xposed. Flash stock recovery and take the ota. Then flash custom recovery via Fastboot and flash su.zip in Twrp.
Assuming of course you made no other /system mods other than root and xposed.

Help – I'm lost. New to HTC and quite confused about flashing/rooting/...

Hey there,
I've got my first HTC device some days ago (-> HTC 10), but coming from a Nexus 5 where things are handled differently, I'm currently quite confused on how all of this works with my HTC 10.
I'd like to apologize in advance if the following questions seem to be stupid or unnecessary, but I'd like to use my device to the fullest and therefore I need your help.
My device is not branded (as far as I can tell) and I've already unlocked it via the steps on htcdev.com + I've installed TWRP + SuperSU (thanks to my previous knowledge with my N5 this was somewhat easy).
Now I got my first OTA update and this is when things got complicated. Several questions popped up and I tried to answer them myself while looking over here, but after reading all those threads I'm even more confused than before :/
My questions are the following:
1) Is there any way to manually update your device with the newest OTA update WITHOUT losing any data? (see question 2)
2) Do I need a microSD card in order to do so? I've seen several YT videos where they did a backup of the current system, but there still was a data wipe after flashing, so why even bother doing a backup at all?
3) My device is unlocked but with S-ON. Do I need S-OFF after all? As far as I can tell I don't need this, but is there any scenario I'd probably need it? (see question 4)
4) I'm thinking about getting a custom rom (Leedroid seems to be pretty decent). Can you recommend any of those custom roms and do I need S-OFF in order to flash them?
5) S-OFF + Locked or S-OFF + Unlocked? What's the difference? Any issues with the warranty?
6) If I do use a custom rom (e.g. Leedroid), is there also a way to update it to further versions without losing any data?
7) Where do I get the latest firmware for manually updating my device? I've already found a thread for it (http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-10/how-to/stock-stock-collection-recovery-ruu-ota-t3359297), but my current firmware (1.90.401.5) or the one for the OTA update that already popped up (1.95.401.3) isn't listed over there. [EDIT: found my current firmware. Do I need to flash to it in order to do the OTA update?)
8) One last general question: as far as I understand it, unlocking your device is also the same as debranding it? I'm not sure if I'm mixing things up when reading about this. Is there any way to see if my device was branded before I did unlock/root it though?
I'm completely fine with losing my current data if that means that I can set it up my device in such a way that I can avoid any further data wipes when flasing/updating.
I'd be absolutely grateful if someone would answer those questions and help me to understand all of this.
Greetings,
makit_

1) Yes..you can apply the OTA manually, which won't flash the firmware image in the update but you can then find a no-wipe version of the new firmware on xda and flash it. Check out the faq in the twrp thread
2) for flashing firmware packages generally yes its better to have an SD card but I *think* it's possible to do it by issuing fastboot commands
3) s-off is needed if you wanna flash a new firmware I believe
4) you don't need S-off to flash a new ROM that's compatible with your firmware. Leedroid should work for you (this answer can be easily found by checking out each ROM thread and reading the Prerequisites section)
5) yes, most of the time you can "dirty flash" a new version of the same rom on top of the old one without wiping. If any issues pop up, or if it's a new base with large differences, then a wipe is needed. You can usually tell if a wipe is required by checking out what the developer says in the thread when a new updated is posted
6) I'm sure it's in a thread somewhere, you gotta search (I think sneakyghost's thread might have them)! And again you need S-off if you wanna flash firmwares

not an expert but here's my thoughts...
1) Is there any way to manually update your device with the newest OTA update WITHOUT losing any data? (see question 2) Yes. But if you want official update from HTC or your carrier via OTA you should be on stock. If you're on custom ROM, you can always dirty flash. But updating to a newer build, ROM dev sometimes recommend a full wipe
2) Do I need a microSD card in order to do so? I've seen several YT videos where they did a backup of the current system, but there still was a data wipe after flashing, so why even bother doing a backup at all?
SD card is not a requirement but is recommended since a full back-up size is ranging from 5gb-10gb maybe more depending in how many apps you installed. Backup is also recommended so you can always go back/restore your working ROM in case you messed up updating.
3) My device is unlocked but with S-ON. Do I need S-OFF after all? As far as I can tell I don't need this, but is there any scenario I'd probably need it? (see question 4). You need s-off mostly on updating your firmware or converting your device to other carrier or if you want to be unlocked. Right now you can flash any custom roms you like since we do not have a major update yet eg.1.x to 2.x. Once 2.x firmware is released, You can easily flash this firmware. But if you're S-ON, you can only update your firmware via official OTA from your carrier or if @Sneakyghost provide specific firmware for your carrier (matching cid and mid) in this thread else you're stock at 1.x firmware and ROMs that will only work on that specific firmware.
4) I'm thinking about getting a custom rom (Leedroid seems to be pretty decent). Can you recommend any of those custom roms and do I need S-OFF in order to flash them? See my answer in #3
5) S-OFF + Locked or S-OFF + Unlocked? What's the difference? Any issues with the warranty? If you're S-off you can always revert back to S-on and return to stock for warranty purposes.
6) If I do use a custom rom (e.g. Leedroid), is there also a way to update it to further versions without losing any data? Yes. see also #1
7) Where do I get the latest firmware for manually updating my device? I've already found a thread for it (http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-...u-ota-t3359297), but my current firmware (1.90.401.5) or the one for the OTA update that already popped up (1.95.401.3) isn't listed over there. [EDIT: found my current firmware. Do I need to flash to it in order to do the OTA update?)See @Sneakyghost thread linked in #3. Firmware updating can be done via OTA or via fastboot(firmware zip can be downloaded) or full RUU (updating both ROM and firmware).
8) One last general question: as far as I understand it, unlocking your device is also the same as debranding it? I'm not sure if I'm mixing things up when reading about this. Is there any way to see if my device was branded before I did unlock/root it though? I think you meant sim unlocking here?? Generally, "unlocking" mostly mentioned in xda refers to bootloader

Tarima said:
1) Yes..you can apply the OTA manually, which won't flash the firmware image in the update but you can then find a no-wipe version of the new firmware on xda and flash it. Check out the faq in the twrp thread
2) for flashing firmware packages generally yes its better to have an SD card but I *think* it's possible to do it by issuing fastboot commands
3) s-off is needed if you wanna flash a new firmware I believe
4) you don't need S-off to flash a new ROM that's compatible with your firmware. Leedroid should work for you (this answer can be easily found by checking out each ROM thread and reading the Prerequisites section)
5) yes, most of the time you can "dirty flash" a new version of the same rom on top of the old one without wiping. If any issues pop up, or if it's a new base with large differences, then a wipe is needed. You can usually tell if a wipe is required by checking out what the developer says in the thread when a new updated is posted
6) I'm sure it's in a thread somewhere, you gotta search (I think sneakyghost's thread might have them)! And again you need S-off if you wanna flash firmwares
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response! The numeration is wrong though as I edited my post while you were already typing your answers, but I figured it out nonetheless
–––––––––––––––––––––––
side_flip15 said:
1) Is there any way to manually update your device with the newest OTA update WITHOUT losing any data? (see question 2) Yes. But if you want official update from HTC or your carrier via OTA you should be on stock. If you're on custom ROM, you can always dirty flash. But updating to a newer build, ROM dev sometimes recommend a full wipe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When using a custom ROM, is it also possible to save your data so you can restore it after the full wipe?
side_flip15 said:
2) Do I need a microSD card in order to do so? I've seen several YT videos where they did a backup of the current system, but there still was a data wipe after flashing, so why even bother doing a backup at all?
SD card is not a requirement but is recommended since a full back-up size is ranging from 5gb-10gb maybe more depending in how many apps you installed. Backup is also recommended so you can always go back/restore your working ROM in case you messed up updating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I can tell, when doing a backup, you dont save your data 'partition' as it is encrypted anyways. Do I assume right that when doing a backup, I cannot restore my data I had before doing the flash?
side_flip15 said:
3) My device is unlocked but with S-ON. Do I need S-OFF after all? As far as I can tell I don't need this, but is there any scenario I'd probably need it? (see question 4). You need s-off mostly on updating your firmware or converting your device to other carrier or if you want to be unlocked. Right now you can flash any custom roms you like since we do not have a major update yet eg.1.x to 2.x. Once 2.x firmware is released, You can easily flash this firmware. But if you're S-ON, you can only update your firmware via official OTA from your carrier or if @Sneakyghost provide specific firmware for your carrier (matching cid and mid) in this thread else you're stock at 1.x firmware and ROMs that will only work on that specific firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already seen the sunshine thread which is about turning S-OFF. While it is possible to go back to S-ON, it was recommended to let your device stay in S-OFF. Is there a high risk in bricking your device when trying to go back to S-ON?
side_flip15 said:
4) I'm thinking about getting a custom rom (Leedroid seems to be pretty decent). Can you recommend any of those custom roms and do I need S-OFF in order to flash them? See my answer in #3
5) S-OFF + Locked or S-OFF + Unlocked? What's the difference? Any issues with the warranty? If you're S-off you can always revert back to S-on and return to stock for warranty purposes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, doing so will void your warranty. Won't they notice if I just revert it myself and then send it in for warranty?
side_flip15 said:
7) Where do I get the latest firmware for manually updating my device? I've already found a thread for it (http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-...u-ota-t3359297), but my current firmware (1.90.401.5) or the one for the OTA update that already popped up (1.95.401.3) isn't listed over there. [EDIT: found my current firmware. Do I need to flash to it in order to do the OTA update?)See @Sneakyghost thread linked in #3. Firmware updating can be done via OTA or via fastboot(firmware zip can be downloaded) or full RUU (updating both ROM and firmware).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry this might be a rather dumb question, but I always thought ROM and firmware are the same thing. Or is it that updating my device via OTA is updating my firmware, while installing something like Leedroid is altering my ROM?
Again, thanks for all your responses in advance! You're helping me out a lot!
Greetings,
makit_

When using a custom ROM, is it also possible to save your data so you can restore it after the full wipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its possible but there's possibility that you might have some issue. Not sure though, never done that. I always use titanium backup to restore my apps.
As far as I can tell, when doing a backup, you dont save your data 'partition' as it is encrypted anyways. Do I assume right that when doing a backup, I cannot restore my data I had before doing the flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Data partition can be backed up actually and can be restored.
I've already seen the sunshine thread which is about turning S-OFF. While it is possible to go back to S-ON, it was recommended to let your device stay in S-OFF. Is there a high risk in bricking your device when trying to go back to S-ON?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree. there is no sense in reverting back to s-on unless if it's for warranty purposes.
Is there a high risk in bricking your device when trying to go back to S-ON?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say NO. I never used sunshine to s-off. I am using a hardware s-off and I did not experience any issue going back to s-on.
As far as I know, doing so will void your warranty. Won't they notice if I just revert it myself and then send it in for warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the device itself, I don't think so as long as you return it in full stock state. But if I remember correctly HTC dev requires you to provide your imei when requesting for unlock token bin file used to unlock bootloader, So if your unlock you device via HTC dev they have your imei in their record. They know that you already unlocked your device and warranty is void already.
Sorry this might be a rather dumb question, but I always thought ROM and firmware are the same thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a look at this link. It provides you a complete explanation between ROM and Firmware.
Or is it that updating my device via OTA is updating my firmware, while installing something like Leedroid is altering my ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updating via official OTA usually updates ROM and firmware.
Installing a custom rom does not update firmware. Yes, it only alters ROM. But your ROM should always match your firmware at least the first digit of the firmware version (eg. 1.xx). For instance Android N (firmware veraion to be 2.x) arrives and LeeDroid updates its ROM to this, to be able to flash this latest custom rom, your firmware should also be at latest 2.x firmware else it will not boot. In this case, you need to update your firmware either via OTA, Fastboot or RUU.

makit_ said:
Thanks for your response! The numeration is wrong though as I edited my post while you were already typing your answers, but I figured it out nonetheless
–––––––––––––––––––––––
When using a custom ROM, is it also possible to save your data so you can restore it after the full wipe?
As far as I can tell, when doing a backup, you dont save your data 'partition' as it is encrypted anyways. Do I assume right that when doing a backup, I cannot restore my data I had before doing the flash?
I've already seen the sunshine thread which is about turning S-OFF. While it is possible to go back to S-ON, it was recommended to let your device stay in S-OFF. Is there a high risk in bricking your device when trying to go back to S-ON?
As far as I know, doing so will void your warranty. Won't they notice if I just revert it myself and then send it in for warranty?
Sorry this might be a rather dumb question, but I always thought ROM and firmware are the same thing. Or is it that updating my device via OTA is updating my firmware, while installing something like Leedroid is altering my ROM?
Again, thanks for all your responses in advance! You're helping me out a lot!
Greetings,
makit_
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a thing that iam also interested in. Iam also new to htc.
I think with firmware they mean bootloader. But nobody gave me a good answer till now...

side_flip15 said:
its possible but there's possibility that you might have some issue. Not sure though, never done that. I always use titanium backup to restore my apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that app by name, but never used it. Will take a look into it
side_flip15 said:
I would say NO. I never used sunshine to s-off. I am using a hardware s-off and I did not experience any issue going back to s-on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean like this? (found in another forum):
1. First step is to unlock bootloader:
a) If bootloader unlock is turned off on your phone, you need to turn it on first:
- Boot to Android OS and perform initial setup if necessary
- Go to Menu -> Developer settings and tick "Enable OEM unlock"
Run XTC 2 Tool and open "Bootloader unlock" tab, follow instructions to unlock your bootloader.
2. Reboot to download mode, open "HTC 10" tab and install twrp recovery, you can get it here:
[...]
or
[...]
3. Boot to Bootloader, and press "Reboot to recovery".
4. In "HTC 10" tab press "Do S-OFF button".
5. Wait for the process to finish. Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
side_flip15 said:
On the device itself, I don't think so as long as you return it in full stock state. But if I remember correctly HTC dev requires you to provide your imei when requesting for unlock token bin file used to unlock bootloader, So if your unlock you device via HTC dev they have your imei in their record. They know that you already unlocked your device and warranty is void already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've done it this way. Sucks. But maybe it's not this bad at all. As I'm trying to be safe anyway, I probably only need to make use of the warranty if I'd accidentally drop my device. Those cases are still valid for warranty as far as I can tell (extract from the htcdev.com site: 'Please understand that you will not be able to return your device to the original state and going forward your device may not be held covered under the warranty for all claims resulting from the unlocking of the bootloader.'). Do you also know anything about this?
side_flip15 said:
Take a look at [... ]this link[/URL]. It provides you a complete explanation between ROM and Firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, will look into it.
side_flip15 said:
Updating via official OTA usually updates ROM and firmware.
Installing a custom rom does not update firmware. Yes, it only alters ROM. But your ROM should always match your firmware at least the first digit of the firmware version (eg. 1.xx). For instance Android N (firmware veraion to be 2.x) arrives and LeeDroid updates its ROM to this, to be able to flash this latest custom rom, your firmware should also be at latest 2.x firmware else it will not boot. In this case, you need to update your firmware either via OTA, Fastboot or RUU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know. So in order to use the latest Leedroid and get rid of that OTA update notification, I should do the following:
1) Go back to stock (flash via RUU)
2) Hardware S-OFF (see above)
3) Flash latest OTA update
4) Custom Recovery again (TWRP) + Root (SuperSU)
5) Install latest Leedroid (have to read about it first, but afaik I have to install the zip of it via TWRP)
6) done
Is this correct or are there any mistakes?
And thanks a ton, you've helped me so much already!
Greetings,
makit_

makit_ said:
1) Is there any way to manually update your device with the newest OTA update WITHOUT losing any data? (see question 2)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are stock with only SU, then this is how I've gone about installing OTAs without wiping data:
1. Download ota (Settings>About>Software Updates) and move downloaded OTA from /data/data/com.htc.updater/files to sd card
2. In TWRP restore stock 'System Image' and 'Boot'
3. Reboot to Downloader
4. Flash stock recovery (fastboot.exe flash recovery xxx.img) --> can use current ota.zip > extract firmware.img from zip (if using 7zip -> rename .zip to .rar to extract fw)
5. Reboot to stock recovery
6. Install OTA in stock recovery
7. Reboot to Downloader
8. Reinstall TWRP (fastboot.exe flash recovery twrpxxx.img)
9. Backup stock 'System Image' and 'Boot'
10. In TWRP reflash SuperSu/Xposed/etc

yankee1390 said:
If you are stock with only SU, then this is how I've gone about installing OTAs without wiping data:
1. Download ota (Settings>About>Software Updates) and move downloaded OTA from /data/data/com.htc.updater/files to sd card
2. In TWRP restore stock 'System Image' and 'Boot'
3. Reboot to Downloader
4. Flash stock recovery (fastboot.exe flash recovery xxx.img) --> can use current ota.zip > extract firmware.img from zip (if using 7zip -> rename .zip to .rar to extract fw)
5. Reboot to stock recovery
6. Install OTA in stock recovery
7. Reboot to Downloader
8. Reinstall TWRP (fastboot.exe flash recovery twrpxxx.img)
9. Backup stock 'System Image' and 'Boot'
10. In TWRP reflash SuperSu/Xposed/etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This sounds very convenient and not far too different than what I was used to with my N5. Guess I'll give it a go! Already found a way to disable the HTC lock screen http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-10/help/disable-htc-10-lockscreen-t3418108 (which is annoying especially when using a different launcher as the lock screen background is still the one from the stock launcher). Only thing bugging me now is that BoomSound notification, but I guess I can live with that

makit_ said:
This sounds very convenient and not far too different than what I was used to with my N5. Guess I'll give it a go! Already found a way to disable the HTC lock screen http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-10/help/disable-htc-10-lockscreen-t3418108 (which is annoying especially when using a different launcher as the lock screen background is still the one from the stock launcher). Only thing bugging me now is that BoomSound notification, but I guess I can live with that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
may look at installing XPosed as they have a module "XNotifications" that lets you hide any type of notification

yankee1390 said:
may look at installing XPosed as they have a module "XNotifications" that lets you hide any type of notification
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will also look into this. I've used Xposed on my N5 but wasn't sure the HTC 10 is already fully supported (have read something about that, but those threads were already 3-4 months old). Thanks!

So I'm trying to do the step-by-step instructions from yankee1390 because I guess that's the easiest way for me to handle things. Now I've already got my first (and hopefully only) issue with it: I did no backup when I first installed TWRP and before I've rooted my device. So in order to accomplisch step 2) (restore stock system image + boot in TWRP), can I use the files from the RUU provided here -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-10/how-to/stock-stock-collection-recovery-ruu-ota-t3359297?
I've found the one matching my current firmware (1.90.401.5), so is it ok if I use those for step 2?
And by the way, I guess I have to do a backup after every OTA update (and before rooting) so I always have the right files for restoring, huh?
Greetings,
makit_
edit: may have found the solution to it Will update once I'm done.

makit_ said:
So I'm trying to do the step-by-step instructions from yankee1390 because I guess that's the easiest way for me to handle things. Now I've already got my first (and hopefully only) issue with it: I did no backup when I first installed TWRP and before I've rooted my device. So in order to accomplisch step 2) (restore stock system image + boot in TWRP), can I use the files from the RUU provided here -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-10/how-to/stock-stock-collection-recovery-ruu-ota-t3359297?
I've found the one matching my current firmware (1.90.401.5), so is it ok if I use those for step 2?
And by the way, I guess I have to do a backup after every OTA update (and before rooting) so I always have the right files for restoring, huh?
Greetings,
makit_
edit: may have found the solution to it Will update once I'm done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link didn't work on my app so can't confirm if that will work. However any TWRP stock backup that matches your current version should work. RUUs will wipe your data if you use them.
Definitely good idea to backup after each ota before modifying system partition to make next ota easier. Though usually someone on here can provide a backup if you don't get one.

I know that app by name, but never used it. Will take a look into it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i suggest you purchase a pro version. It's a really a must-have app
Do you mean like this? (found in another forum):
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. This is the process how to s-off using xtc2clip - A very handy tool that works almost every HTC devices. Support is great too.
Yeah, I've done it this way. Sucks. But maybe it's not this bad at all. As I'm trying to be safe anyway, I probably only need to make use of the warranty if I'd accidentally drop my device. Those cases are still valid for warranty as far as I can tell (extract from the htcdev.com site: 'Please understand that you will not be able to return your device to the original state and going forward your device may not be held covered under the warranty for all claims resulting from the unlocking of the bootloader.'). Do you also know anything about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. They might not know we can s-off. lol
Good to know. So in order to use the latest Leedroid and get rid of that OTA update notification
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean OTA notification from HTC, most of the custom ROMs already disabled that, I believe. And they provide you with their own OTA update (Not all, some do. Like ViperRom)
I should do the following:
1) Go back to stock (flash via RUU)
2) Hardware S-OFF (see above)
3) Flash latest OTA update
4) Custom Recovery again (TWRP) + Root (SuperSU)
5) Install latest Leedroid (have to read about it first, but afaik I have to install the zip of it via TWRP)
6) done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct but there is an easier way after you s-offed.
1. Download the latest firmware.zip, if you're not on the latest yet. Flash it via fastboot commands in download.
mode. Instruction is available in the link I provided earlier in @Sneakyghost firmware thread.
2. Flash TWRP.
3. Download your desired custom ROM (LeeDroid). This is in .zip file.
4. Reboot to recovery, wipe data/factory reset then flash the LeeDroid.zip. Just follow the instructions in aroma.
by the way, if you'll flash firmware.zip make you select the matching CID and MID of your device. You might end up bricking your device flashing a wrong firmware. If you can provide me your CID and MID, I'll link you to the correct firmware for your device. To do so, reboot to bootloader and type the following commands in cmd, remove your IMEI and SN and post the result here.
And thanks a ton, you've helped me so much already!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome.
---------- Post added at 02:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:44 AM ----------
I never done updating software via HTC official update. I don't know but for me I don't see any reason sticking to stock ROM. There are a lot of custom ROMs out there tweaked for better performance and battery life. They are also always updated to latest build.

side_flip15 said:
i suggest you purchase a pro version. It's a really a must-have app
Yes. This is the process how to s-off using xtc2clip - A very handy tool that works almost every HTC devices. Support is great too.
Yeah. They might not know we can s-off. lol
If you mean OTA notification from HTC, most of the custom ROMs already disabled that, I believe. And they provide you with their own OTA update (Not all, some do. Like ViperRom)
This is correct but there is an easier way after you s-offed.
1. Download the latest firmware.zip, if you're not on the latest yet. Flash it via fastboot commands in download.
mode. Instruction is available in the link I provided earlier in @Sneakyghost firmware thread.
2. Flash TWRP.
3. Download your desired custom ROM (LeeDroid). This is in .zip file.
4. Reboot to recovery, wipe data/factory reset then flash the LeeDroid.zip. Just follow the instructions in aroma.
by the way, if you'll flash firmware.zip make you select the matching CID and MID of your device. You might end up bricking your device flashing a wrong firmware. If you can provide me your CID and MID, I'll link you to the correct firmware for your device. To do so, reboot to bootloader and type the following commands in cmd, remove your IMEI and SN and post the result here.
You are welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all your help. I will look into it when I need it. For now I'll stick with stock (see below)
side_flip15 said:
I never done updating software via HTC official update. I don't know but for me I don't see any reason sticking to stock ROM. There are a lot of custom ROMs out there tweaked for better performance and battery life. They are also always updated to latest build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love using stock android, that's why I also loved using my Nexus 5. I used CyanogenMod with another device many years ago but I am willing to use a custom ROM for my HTC 10, but only after I already know how it feels with stock ROM. So I will stick with it for several weeks and see how it feels, and when I'm farmiliar with it, I will switch to a custom ROM So thanks a lot, you've given me a lot of information I will still need for further experimenting with my phone!

Piggybacking on this thread because my new-to-me HTC 10 is coming in the mail and I'm planning what to do with it. It is already bootloader unlocked and s-off. I would like to use Leedroid, ElementalX, Magisk, and Xposed.
I've never had an HTC device so I just want to make sure I'm doing this right. So I think this is what I need to do:
1) Flash TWRP via ADB
2) Flash SuperSU in TWRP
3) Flash everything else...Leedroid, ElementX, Xposed, Magisk. In that order? Can I flash them all at once (just keep adding zips to the TWRP list) or do I have to boot between each one?
Xposed is more important to me than a custom ROM, because I need to use Amplify and PowerNap to improve my battery life. Would it be better just to stay on stock instead of Leedroid?

@jrbmed08
TWRP is flashed via fastboot, not ADB.
No need to flash SuperSU via recovery since LeeDroid has root already.
You can flash everything at once.
Sent from my HTC 10

I love using stock android, that's why I also loved using my Nexus 5. I used CyanogenMod with another device many years ago but I am willing to use a custom ROM for my HTC 10, but only after I already know how it feels with stock ROM. So I will stick with it for several weeks and see how it feels, and when I'm farmiliar with it, I will switch to a custom ROM So thanks a lot, you've given me a lot of information I will still need for further experimenting with my phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I said stock ROM, i meant stock HTC ROM and it's not stock Android. It's a skinned android called HTC sense. . If you want a stock android to run in your HTC 10 you can flash a AOSP based custom ROM.

Magnum_Enforcer said:
@jrbmed08
TWRP is flashed via fastboot, not ADB.
No need to flash SuperSU via recovery since LeeDroid has root already.
You can flash everything at once.
Sent from my HTC 10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah yeah, sorry, fastboot is what I meant. Thank you! I haven't had an unlocked bootloader in quite a while (was using TWRP and Sony stock-based ROMs on a locked Z3c), so it will be interesting to flash kernels and such again.

d_Schizzo said:
Thats a thing that iam also interested in. Iam also new to htc.
I think with firmware they mean bootloader. But nobody gave me a good answer till now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not only bootloader, it contains everything. radio.img and any other thing. "low-lewel-stuff", kernel etc, recovery (if stock signed firmware, which is not modded/removed). there are many important things inside.
but firmware is meant for every device the same. it contains everything so that this device can run/work properly.