Develop Bugs

[Q] Pre & Post root questions

Planning on rooting my P600 and after reading Hahahalalala's earlier post, will follow BeansTown106's instructions (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2490805).
It appears I need to flash from p600Autoroot.7z for v4.3 and CF-Auto-Root-lt03wifi-lt03wifixx-smp600.zip for v4.4? Please correct me if I'm wrong?!
On step 4, it says to "...flash the stock mj4 recovery provided". Planning on installing TWRP v2.7.1.0 - can I just do it here? Or do I need to do this step and afterwards install
TWRP (and flash Super SU)? I'm curious about the reason for flashing the stock recover and whether it's version specific...
Currently I'm at v4.3 (touchwiz) and haven't done the latest OTA yet (presumably it's v4.4.2). It'd be best to do the OTA update and then root, right? Reading the earlier post, it
appears this method works for v4.4...
While posting, also is it possible to downgrade back to v4.3 from v4.4? Not that I'm planning on it, but have read both yes and no on doing it and just wondered.
Thanks in advance and do advise if there's anything I should watch out for while doing this!!

wha2do said:
Planning on rooting my P600 and after reading Hahahalalala's earlier post, will follow BeansTown106's instructions (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2490805).
It appears I need to flash from p600Autoroot.7z for v4.3 and CF-Auto-Root-lt03wifi-lt03wifixx-smp600.zip for v4.4? Please correct me if I'm wrong?!
On step 4, it says to "...flash the stock mj4 recovery provided". Planning on installing TWRP v2.7.1.0 - can I just do it here? Or do I need to do this step and afterwards install
TWRP (and flash Super SU)? I'm curious about the reason for flashing the stock recover and whether it's version specific...
Currently I'm at v4.3 (touchwiz) and haven't done the latest OTA yet (presumably it's v4.4.2). It'd be best to do the OTA update and then root, right? Reading the earlier post, it
appears this method works for v4.4...
While posting, also is it possible to downgrade back to v4.3 from v4.4? Not that I'm planning on it, but have read both yes and no on doing it and just wondered.
Thanks in advance and do advise if there's anything I should watch out for while doing this!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) If you flash twrp then you can't do OTA any more
2) The root instruction would work but will trip the Knox and void warranty.
3) Not possible to downgrade back to 4.3
4) if you not use twrp but reflash stock recovery image then OTA would work but will wipe out root if you take the OTA upgrade what ever that maybe 4.4.3?

wha2do said:
Planning on rooting my P600 and after reading Hahahalalala's earlier post, will follow BeansTown106's instructions (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2490805).
It appears I need to flash from p600Autoroot.7z for v4.3 and CF-Auto-Root-lt03wifi-lt03wifixx-smp600.zip for v4.4? Please correct me if I'm wrong?!
On step 4, it says to "...flash the stock mj4 recovery provided". Planning on installing TWRP v2.7.1.0 - can I just do it here? Or do I need to do this step and afterwards install
TWRP (and flash Super SU)? I'm curious about the reason for flashing the stock recover and whether it's version specific...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used these full instructions for Kit-Kat: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2719750
One step in that is the CF-autoroot, but there are other steps as well. I just ignored the "To Flash New Update" part, but maybe you need it. I was already on the latest OTA before I started. Trips knox but I'm sure you knew that.

buhohitr said:
1) If you flash twrp then you can't do OTA any more
2) The root instruction would work but will trip the Knox and void warranty.
3) Not possible to downgrade back to 4.3
4) if you not use twrp but reflash stock recovery image then OTA would work but will wipe out root if you take the OTA upgrade what ever that maybe 4.4.3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) That's why I figured best to do the OTA first - just had other devices that didn't have root methods for the newest update & wanted to thought best to ask first!
2) I'm out of warranty (due to drop and repaired screen) so warranty is of no issue...but thanks for the warning
3) Thought that to be the case, but again hearing it may be possible and also can't. Don't foresee doing it, but was curious...
4) Plan on flashing the latest (CF-Auto-Root-lt03wifi-lt03wifixx-smp600.tar.md5) via odin, reboot, flash twrp v2.6.x as I hear 2.7.x may have a few issues. Only problems I've read are potential with Super SU - not sure if it's part of the root flash, needs to be flashed
separately, or just dl'd from Google Play Store? Guess will just flash root, see if app is there, if not try Play Store. If not, then go back and find the flashable SU dl.
Thanks!

deV14nt said:
I used these full instructions for Kit-Kat: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2719750
One step in that is the CF-autoroot, but there are other steps as well. I just ignored the "To Flash New Update" part, but maybe you need it. I was already on the latest OTA before I started. Trips knox but I'm sure you knew that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Yep, not concerned about warranty at this point... And figure will do the OTA and then root...
Actually latest posts appear to show some issues with SU when using CF-autoroot (maybe due to them being on kitkat?). Appears flashing CF-Auto-Root-lt03wifi-lt03wifixx-smp600.tar.md5 does the trick. Sounding like it's part
of the flash, and can then just flash twrp (figuring be safe with v2.6.x for now).
If not reading this right, anyone feel free to correct me before I "jump", lol!

wha2do said:
Thanks! Yep, not concerned about warranty at this point... And figure will do the OTA and then root...
Actually latest posts appear to show some issues with SU when using CF-autoroot (maybe due to them being on kitkat?). Appears flashing CF-Auto-Root-lt03wifi-lt03wifixx-smp600.tar.md5 does the trick. Sounding like it's part
of the flash, and can then just flash twrp (figuring be safe with v2.6.x for now).
If not reading this right, anyone feel free to correct me before I "jump", lol!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Su is fine with me after cf root.
In my signature is a guide to rooting with kitkat (second post)
Follow that and you'll be good : good:
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

wha2do said:
1) That's why I figured best to do the OTA first - just had other devices that didn't have root methods for the newest update & wanted to thought best to ask first!
2) I'm out of warranty (due to drop and repaired screen) so warranty is of no issue...but thanks for the warning
3) Thought that to be the case, but again hearing it may be possible and also can't. Don't foresee doing it, but was curious...
4) Plan on flashing the latest (CF-Auto-Root-lt03wifi-lt03wifixx-smp600.tar.md5) via odin, reboot, flash twrp v2.6.x as I hear 2.7.x may have a few issues. Only problems I've read are potential with Super SU - not sure if it's part of the root flash, needs to be flashed
separately, or just dl'd from Google Play Store? Guess will just flash root, see if app is there, if not try Play Store. If not, then go back and find the flashable SU dl.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you want TWRP 2.6.3.3. It won't work right with 2.7.x. Might as well flash the SuperSU. Most of the root apps worked fine but Viper4Androod did not find Busybox even after using the installer. Need to go back a version of V4A too due to bugs but it still didn't work. Tried freezing Knox apps that might be interfering but eventually just installed that MagazineUX ROM and now it works. Everything else should work easier.

22sl22 said:
Su is fine with me after cf root.
In my signature is a guide to rooting with kitkat (second post)
Follow that and you'll be good : good:
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - that was the post had been reading through - appears after the kitkat OTA, latest posts mentioned problems with SU when running the original CF-AUTO Root method (flashing autorootp600mj4.tar.md5). Wondering if flashing the "newer" CF-Auto-Root-lt03wifi-lt03wifixx-smp600.tar.md5
would be best. At this point feel confident either way!
deV14nt said:
Yeah you want TWRP 2.6.3.3. It won't work right with 2.7.x. Might as well flash the SuperSU. Most of the root apps worked fine but Viper4Androod did not find Busybox even after using the installer. Need to go back a version of V4A too due to bugs but it still didn't work. Tried freezing Knox apps that might be interfering but eventually just installed that MagazineUX ROM and now it works. Everything else should work easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, will be downloading TWRP v2.6.3.3 and flash it and SuperSU after rooting. After rooting, will be curious to see where I sit with superuser (sorry, reading the latest posts kind of muddy whether a SU app is already installed or not, lol)...
Thanks everyone for all the great input & help!!

Step by step update instructions please.

Hi. Thoroughly confused on how to update my phone since this Google signature nonsense started in May.
I have TWRP 3.1.0-0RC2 installed.
Running May 2017 build for Verizon NHG47L.
Super User 2.79 SR3.
Can someone please give a detailed set of instructions on how to properly update my phone to the current build.
Thanks.

defens23 said:
Hi. Thoroughly confused on how to update my phone since this Google signature nonsense started in May.
I have TWRP 3.1.0-0RC2 installed.
Running May 2017 build for Verizon NHG47L.
Super User 2.79 SR3.
Can someone please give a detailed set of instructions on how to properly update my phone to the current build.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You only needed the boot sig file for the May bootloader. It hasn't been necessary for the June or July bootloaders so the instructions should be the same as you already know but simpler because you don't need to flash the boot sig file at all.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/guide-updates-unlocked-bootloader-root-t3530088
this, I think, is what you want

y2grae said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/guide-updates-unlocked-bootloader-root-t3530088
this, I think, is what you want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That's what I was looking for. For some reason I lost TWRP and couldn't get it to stick. So I was just using the ADB sideload method. Now, for whatever reason, TWRP is back on my phone so I'd like to try to use TWRP to sideload the OTA. I've never done that before.
Thanks.

defens23 said:
Yes. That's what I was looking for. For some reason I lost TWRP and couldn't get it to stick. So I was just using the ADB sideload method. Now, for whatever reason, TWRP is back on my phone so I'd like to try to use TWRP to sideload the OTA. I've never done that before.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
order i did was
*fastboot boot twrp.img (i lost on last install)
flash twrp proper
reboot to recovery
flash ota
flash elemental 14 (i was on 12...!)
flash magisk
flash twrp again
boot into system
profit

Ota update for pixel 2 xl with magisk and twrp already installed

I am sure this has been asked and answered 100 times but for the life of me I can't find a definite answer. I have a Pixel 2 XL and it is rooted and I have Magisk and TWRP installed on it. I want to be able to install the OTA for this month, but I do not want to lose anything on the phone. I also would rather not lose Magisk or TWRP. Normally on my android phones I use ROMs and can just update through TWRP, but I want to stay on stock because I don't want to lose Active Edge. So can someone please help me by giving me step by step instructions or point me to instructions that are simple to follow so I can take the OTA?
I really appreciate the help.

I was having the same problem and was helped by some of the members here.. Best way is to flash the firmware after removing the -w from the flash all file. Then flash twrp and magisk.
Ota

Thanks for your help. I will try that.

magicmaker said:
Thanks for your help. I will try that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a quick little guide I made for updating monthly factory images. Hopefully it'll help you out :good:

Sorta related...
Are there any ROMS that come rooted so I don't have to go through the monthly process of backup/unroot/update/root/restore?
Would love to just flash a ROM update and be done.

rank78 said:
Sorta related...
Are there any ROMS that come rooted so I don't have to go through the monthly process of backup/unroot/update/root/restore?
Would love to just flash a ROM update and be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I'm aware of, but maybe some on the horizon...

Badger50 said:
Here's a quick little guide I made for updating monthly factory images. Hopefully it'll help you out :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, quick question
I am only able to do them steps above if I have done 'fastboot unlock_critical'? I have only done 'fastboot unlock'
Also I would need to boot into TWRP and flash a kernel + magisk to retain root?

You have to issue the "fastboot unlock_critical" command in order for the bootloader to update, since the bootloader is included in both factory images and full OTAs. Speaking of full OTA's, one of our recognized developers, @elliwigy, revealed (thread here) that it is possible to flash a full OTA image through TWRP, which eliminates the need to open the factory image and remove the -w flag from the last line. Flashing the OTA works because TWRP doesn't check signatures like the stock recovery. You will lose both root and TWRP upon reboot however, so you will still need to connect to a PC in order to reinstall TWRP so you can subsequently replace the stock Kernel with the Flash Kernel and then root.
I can verify this works, as I tried it with the May update.

Is there an easy way to update an unlocked/rooted Pixel 3a XL?

I unlocked my bootloader and rooted my Pixel 3a XL as soon as I got it. But I've been unable to install the OTA and security updates since (September 2019). I've been digging around in the forum trying to figure out how to load the updates. I was really hoping Flashfire would work, but it gives me errors - something about the root not being available or right... but my root works for everything else I've tried (maybe its an issue with Magisk)...
Anyway, I was hoping to find a simple way to install the updates. Help!
Thanks in advance,
Tom

Tom2112 said:
I unlocked my bootloader and rooted my Pixel 3a XL as soon as I got it. But I've been unable to install the OTA and security updates since (September 2019). I've been digging around in the forum trying to figure out how to load the updates. I was really hoping Flashfire would work, but it gives me errors - something about the root not being available or right... but my root works for everything else I've tried (maybe its an issue with Magisk)...
Anyway, I was hoping to find a simple way to install the updates. Help!
Thanks in advance,
Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have seen postings about people fastboot flashing back the original boot.img, then taking the ota then repatching the new boot image and flashing it via fastboot. Not as simple as you hoped i am sure but it works.
The other way is to download the full image, remove the -w option in the flashsall.bat and then run the modded flashall file. You then need to patch the new boot image as above and fastboot flash that to regain root. I have not found any other ways to get updates besides doing one of the 2 above every month

Thanks, adm1jtg! I appreciate the help.
Unfortunately, I tried the second method you mentioned on my own... but I missed the part about removing the -w from the flashall.bat. Faaaaaaaaaaaqqqqqqqq!!! And ended up wiping my phone.
But now I think I'll remember that -w trick! I love learning things the hard way. LOL
I'm still going to hold out hope that someone will come along and make an app like FlashFire to script the process for us.

Tom2112 said:
Thanks, adm1jtg! I appreciate the help.
Unfortunately, I tried the second method you mentioned on my own... but I missed the part about removing the -w from the flashall.bat. Faaaaaaaaaaaqqqqqqqq!!! And ended up wiping my phone.
But now I think I'll remember that -w trick! I love learning things the hard way. LOL
I'm still going to hold out hope that someone will come along and make an app like FlashFire to script the process for us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why wouldn't you just side load the OTA and be done with it?? Easy instructions where you'll download the OTA image. Easier than what your currently doing

thatsupnow said:
Why wouldn't you just side load the OTA and be done with it?? Easy instructions where you'll download the OTA image. Easier than what your currently doing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sideloading the ota would be a great option EXCEPT he said he was on a much older version... Like sept.
My understanding is that the ota for dec would only contain changes implemented for the month of December, this in this scenerio he would not get the patches for October and November with your method and i am not even sure if it would boot after that mismatch
It's really not saving much work if any over flashing the full version, and with the full version they're is no potential for bootloop due to missing some patches or updates. It's just much safer.

thatsupnow said:
Why wouldn't you just side load the OTA and be done with it?? Easy instructions where you'll download the OTA image. Easier than what your currently doing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um... prolly because I'm dumb... and maybe a little because I couldn't find instructions on how to do it properly. I don't suppose you happen to have a link to how to do the OTA sideload thing properly?

Tom2112 said:
Um... prolly because I'm dumb... and maybe a little because I couldn't find instructions on how to do it properly. I don't suppose you happen to have a link to how to do the OTA sideload thing properly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://developers.google.com/android/ota

The most simple way to update while keeping root would be to follow the instructions for "Devices with A/B Partitions" at the following link in the Magisk documentation:
https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/tutorials.html#ota-installation
Basically, Magisk allows you to restore the original boot image to the current partition so you can take the OTA when it arrives on your phone. Before rebooting you install Magisk to the inactive slot so that when the phone restarts you retain root without having to mess with Fastboot.

Delete Me!
Think all you have to do is click uninstall magisk, dont reboot... Take ota, but before reboot click install magisk/ install to empty slot...
Oops didnt see the reply above

OK, so when this month's security update came out, I tried to following the Magisk instructions (uninstall Magisk, restore stock boot, flash OTA, etc...) but when I went to uninstall Magisk and restore the stock boot, it tells me there is no stock boot image to restore! Dammit. Now what?

Tom2112 said:
OK, so when this month's security update came out, I tried to following the Magisk instructions (uninstall Magisk, restore stock boot, flash OTA, etc...) but when I went to uninstall Magisk and restore the stock boot, it tells me there is no stock boot image to restore! Dammit. Now what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should be a one time issue. One of the latest versions of Magisk changed the default location of the boot.img backup. They released it in December after most of us had already upgraded to the December Pixel update. This means we used the older version of Magisk when we installed the Dec update and it saved the backup to the old/original location. We then updated Magisk sometime later in December, but the Magisk update doesn't move the backup file to the new location (a poor execution from the Magisk team IMHO). Because we are now on the updated version, it expects the boot.img backup to be in the new location, but it is still in the old location and Magisk doesn't check that old location (again, a poor execution from the Magisk team IMHO).
To fix this you have several options.....
Option one is to find the original backup location that Magisk used for the boot.img and move it to the new backup location that Magisk uses. Unfortunately, I don't know where those backup locations are and didn't feel like researching it, so I used one of the other methods.
Option two is to "reinstall" Magisk (choose the patch file option and select the stock boot.img that may still on the phone from whatever the last update was (if you sideloaded the update and then had to rerooted the phone)- or download it from the applicable factory image and move it to the phone) to force Magisk to backup the current boot.img file to the new location. Stop after this initial step (ie you don't actually need to flash the patched file because it has already been done). Then you should be able to follow the normal Magisk update process to move to the January update.
That being said, I have horrible success being able to take the updates OTA (they usually fail) and usually end up sideloading the update. That is the final option - sideload the Jan update and then reroot the phone using the normal root method (ie getting Magisk to patch the stock boot.img file and then flashing the patched file).

Question Should I follow the update instructions or the install instructions for installing Magisk on a Samsung device after I uninstalled it by mistake?

I wasn't thinking clearly, didn't read the docs and uninstalled Magisk completely. I thought uninstalling it would allow me to get OTA updates, but since the bootloader is still unlocked I cannot get OTA updates even after removing Magisk. Afterwards, I read the article on Magisk regarding updates on Samsung devices: https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/install.html#upgrading-the-os
According to the instructions,
Installing Magisk for the first time REQUIRES a full data wipe (this is NOT counting the data wipe when unlocking bootloader).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not really installing Magisk for the first time, however I have removed it and want to get the latest firmware. Should I follow the "Install Instructions" or "Upgrading the OS" instructions? If I have to do a factory reset anyways (by following the first time install instructions), it would be better for me to just lock the bootloader again since I don't really need root anymore.
Device: Galaxy F62

PreKirt said:
I wasn't thinking clearly, didn't read the docs and uninstalled Magisk completely. I thought uninstalling it would allow me to get OTA updates, but since the bootloader is still unlocked I cannot get OTA updates even after removing Magisk. Afterwards, I read the article on Magisk regarding updates on Samsung devices: https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/install.html#upgrading-the-os
According to the instructions,
I am not really installing Magisk for the first time, however I have removed it and want to get the latest firmware. Should I follow the "Install Instructions" or "Upgrading the OS" instructions? If I have to do a factory reset anyways (by following the first time install instructions), it would be better for me to just lock the bootloader again since I don't really need root anymore.
Device: Galaxy F62
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread should provide the information you need.
Remember, XDA has many device specific forums with a plethora of information specific to your device.

V0latyle said:
This thread should provide the information you need.
Remember, XDA has many device specific forums with a plethora of information specific to your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It talks about how to install it for the first time, which requires a data wipe.... I am asking can I follow the update instructions on the official website

PreKirt said:
It talks about how to install it for the first time, which requires a data wipe.... I am asking can I follow the update instructions on the official website
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Magisk install guide you linked is quite clear - the only thing you should have to do is download your current firmware (unless you want to update), patch the AP file in Magisk, then flash the patched AP file via Odin.
AFAIK the only time you should need to wipe data is when you unlock the bootloader. Since yours is already unlocked, you don't need to worry about it. If the device does prompt you to factory reset after flashing the patched file, just select No; if this causes problems, just reflash the original unpatched AP file; you won't have root, but you shouldn't lose your data.
Regardless, you'll find more help in the F62 subforum. As a courtesy, I'll have your thread moved there.

PreKirt said:
I wasn't thinking clearly, didn't read the docs and uninstalled Magisk completely. I thought uninstalling it would allow me to get OTA updates, but since the bootloader is still unlocked I cannot get OTA updates even after removing Magisk. Afterwards, I read the article on Magisk regarding updates on Samsung devices: https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/install.html#upgrading-the-os
According to the instructions,
I am not really installing Magisk for the first time, however I have removed it and want to get the latest firmware. Should I follow the "Install Instructions" or "Upgrading the OS" instructions? If I have to do a factory reset anyways (by following the first time install instructions), it would be better for me to just lock the bootloader again since I don't really need root anymore.
Device: Galaxy F62
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay so what I understood is that you want to update to the latest firmware.
Two ways to do it: (backup your data first since both will basically erase data)
> If you want to stay on unlocked bootloader then flash latest stock firmware via odin. Then root it again via magisk if you want.
> If you want to keep getting ota updates, and do not plan to root it again, flash stock rom via odin and relock your bootloader..this will ensure that you get regular ota updates normally without having to flash new firmware via odin.
{Mod edit}
Goodluck!