Develop Bugs

Troubleshooting Guide & FAQ: Updating stock ROM

Hi guys,
I saw many threads popping up in the Q & A section about applying updates on a stock rooted ROM. So i though it would be helpul if i shared my experiences and also clear some misconceptions.
This Thread mainly applies for those looking to upgrade from 2.09 to the recent 2.22/2.24 ! It may or may not work for any previous updates.
Q) My phone is rooted, Bootloader unlocked and CWM installed. How do i update to 2.22?
Ans.)
1) Backup your root using Voodoo OTA Rootkeeper.
2) Flash the stock recovery for your area using the All in one kit (or you can use the command line if you're familiar).
3) Download the update, click install, sit back and enjoy !
ITS that simple.
Q) What do i do if i cant find stock recovery for my latest version?
Ans) The recovery does not seem to have changed from version 1.56 to 2.09. You can flash the older recovery provided, you've checked your region is correct.
Q) Do i need to re-lock my bootloader for the update to take place?
Ans) NO! You don't need to re-lock anything. It updates perfectly fine with unlocked bootloader. Just flash Stock recovery !
Q) Do i lose my apps/settings/cache?
Ans) Since its an OTA from HTC, you retain everyhting!
Q) Will i lose my root if i update?
Ans) You will! Thats exactly why you're advised to backup your root.
Q) My updates fails with a red triangle and exclamation mark, what did i do wrong?
Ans) You need to understand that during the update, several stock apps are patched. If any of these STOCK APPS ( the ones that came with ya new phone) are uninstalled/frozen/meddled with, an error will pop up.
Q) How do i identify the cause of the error?
Ans) When the red triangle pops up, press the Volume UP, Volume DOWN and LOCK keys at the same time for a second and release. You should see the cause of your error. Try to restore/unfreeze the app thats causing the error. If that is not possible, try posting your error here to see if experts here can help.
All the stock recoveries can be found on this forum. If however u've a doubt, i'd be happy to help.
This guide is not perfect and may contain errors ( i've tried to make it complete to the best of my knowledge). I'm open to suggestions and questions

shubhamsizzles said:
Hi guys,
I saw many threads popping up in the Q & A section about applying updates on a stock rooted ROM. So i though it would be helpul if i shared my experiences and also clear some misconceptions.
This Thread mainly applies for those looking to upgrade from 2.09 to the recent 2.22/2.24 ! It may or may not work for any previous updates.
Q) My phone is rooted, Bootloader unlocked and CWM installed. How do i update to 2.22?
Ans.)
1) Backup your root using Voodoo OTA Rootkeeper.
2) Flash the stock recovery for your area using the All in one kit (or you can use the command line if you're familiar).
3) Download the update, click install, sit back and enjoy !
ITS that simple.
Q) What do i do if i cant find stock recovery for my latest version?
Ans) The recovery does not seem to have changed from version 1.56 to 2.09. You can flash the older recovery provided, you've checked your region is correct.
Q) Do i need to re-lock my bootloader for the update to take place?
Ans) NO! You don't need to re-lock anything. It updates perfectly fine with unlocked bootloader. Just flash Stock recovery !
Q) Do i lose my apps/settings/cache?
Ans) Since its an OTA from HTC, you retain everyhting!
Q) Will i lose my root if i update?
Ans) You will! Thats exactly why you're advised to backup your root.
Q) My updates fails with a red triangle and exclamation mark, what did i do wrong?
Ans) You need to understand that during the update, several stock apps are patched. If any of these STOCK APPS ( the ones that came with ya new phone) are uninstalled/frozen/meddled with, an error will pop up.
Q) How do i identify the cause of the error?
Ans) When the red triangle pops up, press the Volume UP, Volume DOWN and LOCK keys at the same time for a second and release. You should see the cause of your error. Try to restore/unfreeze the app thats causing the error. If that is not possible, try posting your error here to see if experts here can help.
All the stock recoveries can be found on this forum. If however u've a doubt, i'd be happy to help.
This guide is not perfect and may contain errors ( i've tried to make it complete to the best of my knowledge). I'm open to suggestions and questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for the super explanations - last two really helped me - at least I found the reason why my phone does not want to Updates.
I send thanks to your instructions displayed mistake - I phone from T-Mobile Czech and the application of course I deleted it - it is useless.
Do you know if this can be downloaded somewhere, possibly where I got all this ROM mentioned in the error? I deleted more applications, so it probably will want to install these
I watched a lot of the internet, but I found none.
Sorry for my English ...

Well, if you made a backup if the current Rom/apps, then just extract and install the apps. Or else, I think you can extract the app from ruu if your version. You'll have to do it for each of the apps you uninstalled. That's gonna be a hell of a job, if u ask me.
I think its better you stick to the current software, or of you really wanna update, reset your phone via ruu. And then update.
Sent from my HTC One V using xda app-developers app

Rooted M8 + Stock recovery

Ok, I rooted and S-offed my phone to install adaway and to remove some google blotware from my stock ROM. Then i put back stock recovery to have option of OTA update.
Question is, how can I know that OTA is working? When I had custom recovery I have tried search for updates to see is there any difference noticable. It searched for updates, the same it is searching now with stock. But, there is no any updates atm.
So, once when they actually come, how will I know is my phone seeing them?

cyberlord86 said:
Ok, I rooted and S-offed my phone to install adaway and to remove some google blotware from my stock ROM. Then i put back stock recovery to have option of OTA update.
Question is, how can I know that OTA is working? When I had custom recovery I have tried search for updates to see is there any difference noticable. It searched for updates, the same it is searching now with stock. But, there is no any updates atm.
So, once when they actually come, how will I know is my phone seeing them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question and I've been wondering the same myself. I welcome corrections on this but from my understanding, your bootloader must be relocked (tampered flag is OK AFAIK), and I don't think S-Off or On will matter (but likely will be returned to S-ON after OTA), and the recovery must be flashed to stock. Additionally, your Software/OS number should match the most recent update provided by your carrier which can be found on their support page (unable to link because <10 posts hehe).
Being rooted itself shouldn't be a problem as well from what I understand.
After doing something like the Dev bootloader unlock, the calculator and flashlight apps are removed - I wonder if the removal of those apps will cause OTA update issues or if it's just any alterations to the \system folder that is cause for concern?

Damn, you brought even more questions to the table. Bootloader relocked? I found on forums that only that stock recovery is important. Plus, now when you said, I checked fir calculator and flaslight. Both gone...
Plus, I had one small 2-3 sec long photo of my carrier during boot. It is gone to.
You said about OS number... it should match cause my ROM is stock.
And I have to update my phone asap when available cuz my carrier is having this well known bug with my phone: data connection is dcing with download arrow next to H letter that stops to light.

You don't need to relock bootloader to get OTA. Stock recovery and all the system apps should be present and you shouldn't be rooted.

uronfire said:
You don't need to relock bootloader to get OTA. Stock recovery and all the system apps should be present and you shouldn't be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if those system apps are: google kiosk, for example?
And, will I see those OTAs when they come without being able to install OR i will not be able to see them at all?

If you have a stock ROM and haven't messed with the CID or MID, you will get the notification.
To install the OTA, you need an unmodified ROM and stock boot loader.

BenPope said:
If you have a stock ROM and haven't messed with the CID or MID, you will get the notification.
To install the OTA, you need an unmodified ROM and stock boot loader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woops, I guess I was mostly wrong! Good to know. This means I also need to replace the flashlight and calculator apps as well?

Ok, prerequisites for OTA on rooted stock rom
1, it is fine to be rooted
2, it is fine to be s off
3, you must have stock recovery
4, you must have stock firmware
5, you must have completely stock rom (see above its fine to still be rooted) i.e no system apps removed, the rom must be as it was out of the box with all bloatware etc.
if you meet the above conditions, you should be able to get OTAs:good:
Only issue maybe that the ota breaks root i beleive, but once that's installed, you can reflash custom recovery and su binaries

exocetdj said:
Ok, prerequisites for OTA on rooted stock rom
1, it is fine to be rooted
2, it is fine to be s off
3, you must have stock recovery
4, you must have stock firmware
5, you must have completely stock rom (see above its fine to still be rooted) i.e no system apps removed, the rom must be as it was out of the box with all bloatware etc.
if you meet the above conditions, you should be able to get OTAs:good:
Only issue maybe that the ota breaks root i beleive, but once that's installed, you can reflash custom recovery and su binaries
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Few aps like calculator and flashlight gone away with the root, I was not the one who deleted them. I did not even know they will be deleted so I didn't backup them.
My only question is, since all other conditions are met, will my phone at least "see" that OTA update? And when that happens, I can do Factory reset in stock recovery (which i have) and with some luck deleted aps will be installed again.

cyberlord86 said:
Few aps like calculator and flashlight gone away with the root, I was not the one who deleted them. I did not even know they will be deleted so I didn't backup them.
My only question is, since all other conditions are met, will my phone at least "see" that OTA update? And when that happens, I can do Factory reset in stock recovery (which i have) and with some luck deleted aps will be installed again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have a stock backup??
if so just retsore that with a CUSTOM recovery, then flash your stock recovery and that should be all you need if the other conditions are satisfied. By restoring a stock backup you will have these missing apps. if you don't have a backup, check HERE
you will need the matching backup to your firmware (in fastboot type "fastboot getvar mainver" and it will let you know if you are unsure of your firmware number.
Oh and thank @Mr Hofs for his lovely backup collection

red triangle while trying to update OTA lollipop while on TWRP...

Hey guys, I was rooted but on my stock 4.4.2 Sense Rom. I wanted to flash the OTA lollipop update. I had TWRP so i could not update the OTA. So i found a video on youtube that said i had to...
1 - Replace custom recovery with stock recovery
2 - Process OTA Update
3 - Replace stock recovery with custom recovery
I was at step 2 and my htc one m8 is tmobile US and was T-MOB010 so i downloaded "stock+recovery+1.12.531.19+recovery" there was two different ones for me to choose from. There was that one and then "2.22.531.5" however i could not find that DL link. I then flashed the stock recovery thru ADB and rebooted my phone, and it started to update but then i got a red triangle. I saw a comment on the youtube video that said i needed to find the OTA update and transfer to my PC and find the "recovery.img" file and then extract that and flash that to my phone. I looked thru the entire zip file however there is a folder i could not access, the last one named "firmware" I try to extract but i get an error message saying "cannot open, file is invalid" The OTA update i found in my internal storage in download folder and it is named "OTA_M8_UL_L50_SENSE60_MR_TMOUS_4.20.531.4-3.32.531.2_release_420432xio08y7xuups2gkl" that's got to be it because that's the only thing that could be the update any help??
youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPPT5J8xG6w
Thread i was going off: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2701376

jfreshh330 said:
Hey guys, I was rooted but on my stock 4.4.2 Sense Rom. I wanted to flash the OTA lollipop update. I had TWRP so i could not update the OTA. So i found a video on youtube that said i had to...
1 - Replace custom recovery with stock recovery
2 - Process OTA Update
3 - Replace stock recovery with custom recovery
I was at step 2 and my htc one m8 is tmobile US and was T-MOB010 so i downloaded "stock+recovery+1.12.531.19+recovery" there was two different ones for me to choose from. There was that one and then "2.22.531.5" however i could not find that DL link. I then flashed the stock recovery thru ADB and rebooted my phone, and it started to update but then i got a red triangle. I saw a comment on the youtube video that said i needed to find the OTA update and transfer to my PC and find the "recovery.img" file and then extract that and flash that to my phone. I looked thru the entire zip file however there is a folder i could not access, the last one named "firmware" I try to extract but i get an error message saying "cannot open, file is invalid" The OTA update i found in my internal storage in download folder and it is named "OTA_M8_UL_L50_SENSE60_MR_TMOUS_4.20.531.4-3.32.531.2_release_420432xio08y7xuups2gkl" that's got to be it because that's the only thing that could be the update any help??
youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPPT5J8xG6w
Thread i was going off: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2701376
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like the stock recovery that you loaded wasn't a new enough version. To update to lollipop you need to install a lollipop or a 4.4.X stock recovery. If you install anything that was released prior to that you will get the red triangle deal.
So try and find one thats a little newer. Perhaps see if someone has posted the lollipop one for your carrier. You can use that one. Should be easy to find as it's the latest. Then the OTA should take just fine. Perhaps the other stock one you mentioned would work. You just need to find it. I'm on Rogers in Canada so I'm not too familiar with the T-Mobile files. As mentioned though, just make sure the stock recovery is from Android 4.4.X or 5.X.X and you will be fine.

flexfulton said:
It sounds like the stock recovery that you loaded wasn't a new enough version. To update to lollipop you need to install a lollipop or a 4.4.X stock recovery. If you install anything that was released prior to that you will get the red triange deal.
So try and find one that a little newer. Perhaps see if someone has posted the lollipop one for your carrier. You can use that one. Should be easy to find as it's the latest. Then the OTA should take just fine. Perhaps the other stock one you mentioned would work. You just need to find it. I'm on Rogers in Canada so I'm not too familiar with the AT&T files. As mentioned though, just make sure the stock recovery in from Android 4.4.X or 5.X.X and you will be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply! Is there a chance of bricking by trying to change out the stock recovery? Or would the worst that would happen is I get the red triangle. I mean obviously I'm not going to be flashing stock recoverys from different devices but u know.

jfreshh330 said:
Thank you for the reply! Is there a chance of bricking by trying to change out the stock recovery? Or would the worst that would happen is I get the red triangle. I mean obviously I'm not going to be flashing stock recoverys from different devices but u know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mentioned stripping out the recovery.img from the OTA update. This shouldn't be a problem. Not sure why it wouldn't let you access it. Perhaps you have a bad download?
Look around XDA a little more. You should be able to find the OTA you are looking for.
As for flashing a wrong branded stock recovery, I don't really want to say cause I'm not sure what would happen. Just to be safe I'd stick to your carrier's files but perhaps someone else can speak on that.
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:51 AM ----------
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2714456
That link will be of great help to you. Has the recovery you require (3.32.531.2 - I just downloaded it myself with no issues) and much discussion on the subject of OTA Lollipop updates etc for T-Mobile.
Let me know if you need anything else. If you still can't get it to work, those would be the guys to consult.
Happy flashing!

flexfulton said:
You mentioned stripping out the recovery.img from the OTA update. This shouldn't be a problem. Not sure why it wouldn't let you access it. Perhaps you have a bad download?
Look around XDA a little more. You should be able to find the OTA you are looking for.
As for flashing a wrong branded stock recovery, I don't really want to say cause I'm not sure what would happen. Just to be safe I'd stick to your carrier's files but perhaps someone else can speak on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I was going to try and download the official Rom off the HTC website. I've found the download link for the Rom. 4.16.1540.8 do you really think of I just use the recovery. IMG file it will work?

flexfulton said:
You mentioned stripping out the recovery.img from the OTA update. This shouldn't be a problem. Not sure why it wouldn't let you access it. Perhaps you have a bad download?
Look around XDA a little more. You should be able to find the OTA you are looking for.
As for flashing a wrong branded stock recovery, I don't really want to say cause I'm not sure what would happen. Just to be safe I'd stick to your carrier's files but perhaps someone else can speak on that.
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:51 AM ----------
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2714456
That link will be of great help to you. Has the recovery you require (3.32.531.2 - I just downloaded it myself with no issues) and much discussion on the subject of OTA Lollipop updates etc for T-Mobile.
Let me know if you need anything else. If you still can't get it to work, those would be the guys to consult.
Happy flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks so much!

jfreshh330 said:
So I was going to try and download the official Rom off the HTC website. I've found the download link for the Rom. 4.16.1540.8 do you really think of I just use the recovery. IMG file it will work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sideload the latest recovery as found in the thread I linked to above. Reboot and the OTA should take no problems. It was downloading and everything fine for you before but was unable to flash because of an outdated recovery you installed.
So my recommened method to update OTA, is to follow the first route you were taking but with the newest recovery.img file in place of what you used in step 1.
If you already have the OTA downloaded on your phone, you shouldn't have to download it again either. It should see that it's already downloaded ready to be installed.
---------- Post added at 08:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:13 AM ----------
jfreshh330 said:
Awesome thanks so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Let me know how it turns out for you.

If you don't mind wiping your personal data (you can of course back it up first,and restore later by a variety of methods) and setting up the phone again; it would be much easier to just update by RUU. Relocking the bootloader required if s-on.
The method of returning to stock ROM and recovery will work to update OTA. But its just a lot more potential pitfalls, as you have found (finding the right stock recovery, stock ROM, and even then there is no guarantee your data will be retained, although it should).

redpoint73 said:
If you don't mind wiping your personal data (you can of course back it up first,and restore later by a variety of methods) and setting up the phone again; it would be much easier to just update by RUU. Relocking the bootloader required if s-on.
The method of returning to stock ROM and recovery will work to update OTA. But its just a lot more potential pitfalls, as you have found (finding the right stock recovery, stock ROM, and even then there is no guarantee your data will be retained, although it should).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flash the stock recovery and let the OS do the OTA update there will be no issues. Relocking bootloaders etc sounds like a lot more work to me.
He is already on stock ROM and has the instructions to do the stock recovery OTA update so I think that's the best route. I provided him with the correct recovery so there should be no problems now.
Also I don't see how in any case doing an OTA would cause you to lose your data. People would have a S$%t fit if they lost data on OTA updates.

flexfulton said:
If you flash the stock recovery and let the OS do the OTA update there will be no issues. Relocking bootloaders etc sounds like a lot more work to me.
He is already on stock ROM and has the instructions to do the stock recovery OTA update so I think that's the best route. I provided him with the correct recovery so there should be no problems now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a matter of opinion which approach is easier or "best". I just gave it as another option.
Relocking the bootloader is a single fastboot command. Yes, the OP would then need to unlock the bootloader again after the RUU.
On the other hand, the OTA approach requires flashing stock recovery, then installing 3 OTA updates in order to get up to Lollipop (opposed to just a single RUU that would take the OP up to LP).
flexfulton said:
Also I don't see how in any case doing an OTA would cause you to lose your data. People would have a S$%t fit if they lost data on OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not "supposed" to happen. But I have seen it happen to folks, on more than a few occasions. And yes, those folk have a S$%t fit when it happens.
In any case, everyone should backup their data and be prepared to have to restore it (and its all that much easier on a phone that is already rooted). No data is immune from loss, even from day-to-day use, and all the more for a major system change like an OS update.

redpoint73 said:
Its a matter of opinion which approach is easier or "best". I just gave it as another option.
Relocking the bootloader is a single fastboot command. Yes, the OP would then need to unlock the bootloader again after the RUU.
On the other hand, the OTA approach requires flashing stock recovery, then installing 3 OTA updates in order to get up to Lollipop (opposed to just a single RUU that would take the OP up to LP).
Its not "supposed" to happen. But I have seen it happen to folks, on more than a few occasions. And yes, those folk have a S$%t fit when it happens.
In any case, everyone should backup their data and be prepared to have to restore it (and its all that much easier on a phone that is already rooted). No data is immune from loss, even from day-to-day use, and all the more for a major system change like an OS update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed backups are good.
Why 3 OTA updates? Is that a T-Mobile thing? I only had 1 when I made the jump on the Rogers network.

flexfulton said:
That link will be of great help to you. Has the recovery you require (3.32.531.2 - I just downloaded it myself with no issues) and much discussion on the subject of OTA Lollipop updates etc for T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OP is presently on Android 4.4.2, which is software number 1.xx. He will need a recovery corresponding to 1.xx software, as he seems to have already figured out, but its not working.
---------- Post added at 09:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 AM ----------
flexfulton said:
Agreed backups are good.
Why 3 OTA updates? Is that a T-Mobile thing? I only had 1 when I made the jump on the Rogers network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not just a T-Mob thing.
He is on Android 4.4.2 (software 1.x). Unless T-Mob skipped a software version (and I don't think they did) he needs to update in sequence to software 2.x, then 3.x, then finally up to the current 4.x.
OTAs need to be installed in sequence; opposed to RUUs which are complete factory images, so you can skip software numbers.
Not sure about Rogers. But my guess is that you only had to update from 4.4.4 to 5.0; or something to that effect.

redpoint73 said:
The OP is presently on Android 4.4.2, which is software number 1.xx. He will need a recovery corresponding to 1.xx software, as he seems to have already figured out, but its not working.
---------- Post added at 09:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 AM ----------
Not just a T-Mob thing.
He is on Android 4.4.2 (software 1.x). Unless T-Mob skipped a software version (and I don't think they did) he needs to update in sequence to software 2.x, then 3.x, then finally up to the current 4.x.
OTAs need to be installed in sequence; opposed to RUUs which are complete factory images, so you can skip software numbers.
Not sure about Rogers. But my guess is that you only had to update from 4.4.4 to 5.0; or something to that effect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes sense. I only had to go up one level. I figured that the carriers would package all of the older updates in with new one but apparently I'm wrong. I appologize.
I was trying to help out as I had the same issue when I went to update. I installed a recovery that was too old, determined that I needed to flash a recovery from either 4.4.X or lollipop and my OTA update was fine after that. Point being, I could go ahead and flash a newer recovery to get the OTA to download.
Anyway I applogize if I was in error in my help. No one else was helping and based on my own experiences it sounded like the same issue.

flexfulton said:
Makes sense. I only had to go up one level. I figured that the carriers would package all of the older updates in with new one but apparently I'm wrong. I appologize.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTAs will normally only allow you to install from the immediate previous version (you cannot skip a version). Sometimes they are complete packages; but often they are not. Sometimes the OTA just contains what has been changed; basically a "patch". And for that reason, the updates need to be installed sequentially. In fact, I've seen folks brick due to unwittingly installing partial firmware packages from OTAs (with s-off, which bypasses such safety checks).
flexfulton said:
Anyway I applogize if I was in error in my help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no need to apologize. As you are well aware, this is a self-supporting community that flourishes due to the contributions of its members. Your answers may not have been 100% correct. But it was well intended; and you answered to the best of your knowledge. At least you learned something and can pass it along now. I'm just a member who passes along what I've learned here also (don't have any specialized developer knowledge or anything); and I'm certainly not right all the time.

So the recovery 3.32.5312 will not work? And i apologize i am on 4.4.4 not 4.4.2

Bootloader Unlock and OTA

Hi I just wanted some confirmation that unlocking bootloader doesn't block me from getting OTA updates from Google, since I haven't gotten an OTA for the latest build yet (The May update). I'm hoping this is only cause I'm in India and it hasn't pushed to us yet. I've enrolled in the Android Beta Program to test if OTA is really broken (since it sends an OTA with the Android N image.)
I haven't modified anything, I tried flashing TWRP but it didn't stick cause I didn't know I had to go into the recovery and modify the system/boot, so I still have the stock android recovery.
Any confirmation will give me a lot of peace of mind, cause I value getting OTAs and not having to manually flash it. If it has indeed been broken, I want to know if relocking would fix it and if relocking would wipe data again. Thanks for your help
EDIT: Just got the OTA for the N preview, so I guess it's just a roll out thing then. Just want to leave this here for anyone else who's new to nexus devices and was wondering the same.

AnrgKrshn said:
Hi I just wanted some confirmation that unlocking bootloader doesn't block me from getting OTA updates from Google, since I haven't gotten an OTA for the latest build yet (The May update). I'm hoping this is only cause I'm in India and it hasn't pushed to us yet. I've enrolled in the Android Beta Program to test if OTA is really broken (since it sends an OTA with the Android N image.
I haven't modified anything, I tried flashing TWRP but it didn't stick cause I didn't know I had to go into the recovery and modify the system/boot, so I still have the stock android recovery.
Any confirmation will give me a lot of peace of mind, cause I value getting OTAs and not having to manually flash it. If it has indeed been broken, I want to know if relocking would fix it and if relocking would wipe data again. Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply having an unlocked bootloader won't stop you from receiving OTAs. I don't believe they've even began pushing the OTA for the May update.

brholt6 said:
Simply having an unlocked bootloader won't stop you from receiving OTAs. I don't believe they've even began pushing the OTA for the May update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just saw this after I posted my edit lol. Thanks for the confirmation

Will the ota work with systemless root?

94SupraTT said:
Will the ota work with systemless root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to flash stock boot and recovery images to receive it or alternatively use chainfires flashfire app.

OTA Update? How shall I do it when rooted and unlocked?

So I have a Verizon Pixel XL that has been unlocked, TWRP alpha installed, and rooted....
How shall I update my build? Should I even update the build?
My goal is to have the latest update running on my system (manually flashing or OTA I don't care) with an unlocked rooted Pixel XL that can broadcast wifi natively.
I have everthing down except the update piece. Any advice?

You have TWRP and root? How is that working? I was reading that SuperSu needs an update to work with it. Also many people who have taken the OTA (or even flash full system image) are getting stuck in the bouncing balls boot loop. I would hold off on updating. No real major changes as of yet.

Twrp is working fine but I have nothing to flash to test...????

networx2002 said:
Twrp is working fine but I have nothing to flash to test...????
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Yeah that is what I'm hinting at.... There is no updated ROM to work with TWRP yet that is updated to the latest Google Build

Root is working. I have twrp alpha 2. Root and elementalx 8 all installed. Although, im getting my daydream headset tomm. And when you install the app it tells you to check for updates. It says I have one. But if you look at the OTA updates NDE63 is the newest. Which im on. So I dn at this point. I guess i'll just roll with it for now. The dev that made purenexus that I ran on my nexus 6. Says hes working on it already and gets his on the 21st. So i'll just stick with what I have for now. I'm sure we'll see roms pretty soon

So, what is the proper/safe way to install an update without breaking anything? Losing root is not a concern since we can just reflash TWRP and SuperSU, but what's the process? Searching is not resulting in a guide that I can be 100% confident in.

I am rooted in my pixel XL. Can I accept OTA updates without losing root? If not, is there a developer/thread that has a safe update to flash? I am not on a custom ROM, I'm stock. Thanks

s1dest3pnate said:
So, what is the proper/safe way to install an update without breaking anything? Losing root is not a concern since we can just reflash TWRP and SuperSU, but what's the process? Searching is not resulting in a guide that I can be 100% confident in.
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jreink01 said:
I am rooted in my pixel XL. Can I accept OTA updates without losing root? If not, is there a developer/thread that has a safe update to flash? I am not on a custom ROM, I'm stock. Thanks
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Hit Google's Android OTA page, the file and directions are there to ADB sideload it. You will have to reroot and install TWRP if tou want that.

What i did was download the latest factory image from here from there I used this guide on post two section 8, installed the latest update, restored from cloud back up logged into all my apps (important if you use snapchat), reinstalled TWRP + Root + ElementalX and i was good to go, might seem like a little bit of work, but I've done it so many times I can get it done quickly now.

DeathSentinels said:
What i did was download the latest factory image from here from there I used this guide on post two section 8, installed the latest update, restored from cloud back up logged into all my apps (important if you use snapchat), reinstalled TWRP + Root + ElementalX and i was good to go, might seem like a little bit of work, but I've done it so many times I can get it done quickly now.
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If you edit the flash-all.bat file and take out the -w near the end you wont flash user data. So you can skip restoring your cloud backup and apps. Backup just to be safe though.

TonikJDK said:
Hit Google's Android OTA page, the file and directions are there to ADB sideload it. You will have to reroot and install TWRP if tou want that.
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Have a few more questions. If I do this procedure, is there the possibility that I won't be able to reroot with each update? If I do reroot and reinstall TWRP, is that like a factory reset where I will lose all my data? Back years ago when I would flash Roms, you could install a update without having to factory reset each time, Is this possible with the pixel with being stock? I would love to get the updates each month but don't want to do it if each time I have to reroot, reinstall TWRP and having all my data wiped. Thanks

jreink01 said:
Have a few more questions. If I do this procedure, is there the possibility that I won't be able to reroot with each update? If I do reroot and reinstall TWRP, is that like a factory reset where I will lose all my data? Back years ago when I would flash Roms, you could install a update without having to factory reset each time, Is this possible with the pixel with being stock? I would love to get the updates each month but don't want to do it if each time I have to reroot, reinstall TWRP and having all my data wiped. Thanks
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No, it won't stop you from re-rooting and it will not factory reset your phone. So each month you will not lose your data but you will have to reinstall TWRP and root.

TonikJDK said:
No, it won't stop you from re-rooting and it will not factory reset your phone. So each month you will not lose your data but you will have to reinstall TWRP and root.
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OK, thanks, that's good to know. When I lose root, will that mess with any of my apps that need root to work like titanium backup? Or will I just need to grant it user privileges again? I have never done this particular process before so I am a little weiry. Do you know of a step by step guide to do this? Sorry but I would feel more comfortable that way. Thanks for all you help and feedback, it's been years since I last went through the rooting, flashing process so, I guess I am being extra cautious. I have/am learning by the feedback you have given me.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I am rooted with TWRP RC1
i never sideloaded an OTA before, alway applied factory images. Too lazy, but tired of all the rework.
i folllowed,
https://9to5google.com/2016/12/05/how-to-sideload-android-7-1-1-nmf26o-onto-the-pixel/
no data loss.
just had to use fastboot to reinstall TWRP and reflash SUPERSU.
All is well.

If I choose to side load it, do I root and install TWRP the same way I did when I first did this, with ADB on my windows PC? And side loading will work with a new operating system (when it comes out) along with the monthly security updates? I just checked and my latest security update is from January. If I updated March's update, would that automatically have the February one with it?
---------- Post added at 02:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:02 AM ----------
TonikJDK said:
Hit Google's Android OTA page, the file and directions are there to ADB sideload it. You will have to reroot and install TWRP if tou want that.
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Click to collapse
I went to the Google page but all of the links are to 7.1.1 which I am currently on 7.1.2. Plus I am just looking for the security update that just dropped for March.

jreink01 said:
I went to the Google page but all of the links are to 7.1.1 which I am currently on 7.1.2. Plus I am just looking for the security update that just dropped for March.
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Ok, didn't know that.
You are on a different path. You wait on Google for updates. There might be, there might not be. Certainly 7.1.2 will go live and we will all be on the same path and then 7.1.2 will get monthly updates, but when that is we don't know.
So for now you stay where you are, or you flash back to 7.1.1. we can do that without data loss if you want.

TonikJDK said:
Ok, didn't know that.
You are on a different path. You wait on Google for updates. There might be, there might not be. Certainly 7.1.2 will go live and we will all be on the same path and then 7.1.2 will get monthly updates, but when that is we don't know.
So for now you stay where you are, or you flash back to 7.1.1. we can do that without data loss if you want.
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Yes, I am in the beta program, that's why I am on this version. So, I'm assuming the beta's don't get updates then? I have turned off automatic updates since I'm rooted. Would you recommend I turn that back on or no? If I'm correct, I can't take a OTA since I'm rooted so I was correct in turning off automatic updates then? I will probably stay on this version since the difference is improvement and bug fixes. So, when 7.1.2 rolls out to everyone, then I would assume that that version would show up on the Google page then?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk