Im assuming the images are the whole set of files (bootloader, recovery, system, etc...) and the OTA file are just the ota that would come over the air normally to upgrade your phone?
They include the same stuff. OTAs dont wipe user data or require a locked bootloader.
joho5 said:
Im assuming the images are the whole set of files (bootloader, recovery, system, etc...) and the OTA file are just the ota that would come over the air normally to upgrade your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OTAs on the site are different than the OTAs you get over-the-air. The ones on the site are FULL OTAs that pretty much are the same size as the factory images, give or take. The ones you get over the air are differential OTAs that require you to be on the version the diffs were made from. These are usually much smaller in size than the FULL OTAs.
FULL OTAs have one advantage over factory images in that they can be installed without unlocking the bootloader. They also don't wipe the user partition, but factory images can be configured to not wipe as well.
Question, Is it possible to switch my Google Pixel 4a 5G from factory unlocked google firmware to Tmobile factory firmware? Also since the phone was purchased as a factory unlocked phone, would the unlock be retained after flashing a different firmware to it ?
Thanks
Carlos
Related
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
As the title states, I successfully sideloaded the most recent ota since I couldn't find a proper guide to flash the factory image (nor the proper image for that matter). Checking the kernel and what not everything appears to be stock, and I know I don't have root anymore or any of the apps that go with that.
This being said, will I be able to relock the bootloader? I need to return my phone to Verizon and want to make sure the phone is as factory as I can get so they don't get all up in my face about it.
or.....
Will the fact that my bootloader is unlocked but nothing else has been changed be acceptable to return the phone? Anyone know from experience?
Anthony825 said:
As the title states, I successfully sideloaded the most recent ota since I couldn't find a proper guide to flash the factory image (nor the proper image for that matter). Checking the kernel and what not everything appears to be stock, and I know I don't have root anymore or any of the apps that go with that.
This being said, will I be able to relock the bootloader? I need to return my phone to Verizon and want to make sure the phone is as factory as I can get so they don't get all up in my face about it.
or.....
Will the fact that my bootloader is unlocked but nothing else has been changed be acceptable to return the phone? Anyone know from experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt they'd care but the warning when turning the device one might. Anyways, I believe after a flash of the full factory image, you should be able to relock the bootloader.
Don't hold me liable for anything, but I'm almost certain that you just need to be running stock everything.
Sent from my Pixel XL
I couldn't do the factory image flash. Couldn't find exactly everything I needed and didn't want to chance guesswork. So I side loaded the most recent ota and it appears I'm stock everything....
Anthony825 said:
I couldn't do the factory image flash. Couldn't find exactly everything I needed and didn't want to chance guesswork. So I side loaded the most recent ota and it appears I'm stock everything....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, you ever managed to relock your bootloader? I'm thinking of doing it too since I may need to RMA mine as well.
I have a Verizon Pixel XL with unlocked bootloader, TWRP, and root on NHG47K. I have been updating it via sideloading the OTAs since I got the phone. I've seen on the forums that a lot of people flash the full factory image. I wanted to know what the difference was between sideloading the OTA vs flashing the full factory image?
There is not too much difference,
OTA is changing only what has been changed, size varies with 100 MB to 600 MB of more. But if you had some problems with unchanged partitions they may not fixed.
Factory image flashing has bigger size (latest is 1.8 GB), wiping your data by default (manually editing for non wipe is possible), mainly for fresh start even without wiping data.
Thanks for the info. Couple more questions:
1. Does sideloading just the OTA, flip the active slot?
2. Is there a way to check if the April OTA updated the bootloader as well. I'm guessing the May OTA does update the bootloader since applying it has broken TWRP and root for people.
savi0 said:
Thanks for the info. Couple more questions:
1. Does sideloading just the OTA, flip the active slot?
2. Is there a way to check if the April OTA updated the bootloader as well. I'm guessing the May OTA does update the bootloader since applying it has broken TWRP and root for people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
1 - OTA will install on the other slot.
2 - International April version has the same bootloader as March and earlier versions. There is an updated bootloader for Verizon, not the one that breaks Root/TWRP by the way. The May OTA does brake Root/TWRP.
Cheers...
5.1 said:
Hello,
1 - OTA will install on the other slot.
2 - International April version has the same bootloader as March and earlier versions. There is an updated bootloader for Verizon, not the one that breaks Root/TWRP by the way. The May OTA does brake Root/TWRP.
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To clarify your meaning... The May Verizon OTA does or does not break root?
sliding_billy said:
To clarify your meaning... The May Verizon OTA does or does not break root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
Every May releases break Root. It's a general security patch for Pixel devices (as far as I understand).
Cheers...
sliding_billy said:
To clarify your meaning... The May Verizon OTA does or does not break root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Applying the OTA or flashing a full factory image does "break" root and TWRP in the sense that you have to reflash TWRP and apply root again. Apparently the May factory image/OTA is applying a new bootloader which is not allowing the re-application of TWRP and root after flashing. Chainfire made a post detailing that it was due to the new May bootloader detecting an unsigned image, ie TWRP, and then not allowing it to boot.
Here is the link to that post: https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...signing-boot-images-android-verified-t3600606
savi0 said:
Applying the OTA or flashing a full factory image does "break" root and TWRP in the sense that you have to reflash TWRP and apply root again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
If you try to reinstall Root or TWRP after May OTA I think you are going to have a bad surprise. It's up to you...
savi0 said:
Apparently the May factory image/OTA is applying a new bootloader which is not allowing the re-application of TWRP and root after flashing. Chainfire made a post detailing that it was due to the new May bootloader detecting an unsigned image, ie TWRP, and then not allowing it to boot.
Here is the link to that post: https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...signing-boot-images-android-verified-t3600606
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First you say you have to reapply TWRP and Root and now you say it won't allow it... You shouldn't reinstall either TWRP or Root on May bootloader for the moment.
If you want those, flash the April bootloader as stated in other threads talking about the issue...
Cheers...
5.1 said:
First you say you have to reapply TWRP and Root and now you say it won't allow it... You shouldn't reinstall either TWRP or Root on May bootloader for the moment.
If you want those, flash the April bootloader as stated in other threads talking about the issue...
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I should have clarified that you are only able to apply TWRP and root to images and bootloaders that were released before the May updates.
You are absolutely right in that that I should not be installing TWRP or Root on the May bootloader because it'll result in bootloops.
savi0 said:
Sorry, I should have clarified that you are only able to apply TWRP and root to images and bootloaders that were released before the May updates.
You are absolutely right in that that I should not be installing TWRP or Root on the May bootloader because it'll result in bootloops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey,
As a workaround, you can flash April bootloader. It's not a big deal and works fine anyway.
Cheers...
5.1 said:
Hello,
Every May releases break Root. It's a general security patch for Pixel devices (as far as I understand).
Cheers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I assumed you meant (that the new BL was in all May builds), but your working sounded like maybe it was left out of the Verizon OTA build. I'm just waiting patiently for a TWRP/SU build that doesn't need me to mismatch the BL. It wasn't like there was any functional reason to upgrade in May.
sliding_billy said:
That's what I assumed you meant (that the new BL was in all May builds), but your working sounded like maybe it was left out of the Verizon OTA build. I'm just waiting patiently for a TWRP/SU build that doesn't need me to mismatch the BL. It wasn't like there was any functional reason to upgrade in May.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. A few posts above yours @savi0 pointed to a Chainfire posts relating the issue. You can also check the last posts from EX Kernel. flar2 posted a link to the latest security bulletin...
Normally, we won't have to wait too long to get back TWRP/Root.
Cheers...
sliding_billy said:
I'm just waiting patiently for a TWRP/SU build that doesn't need me to mismatch the BL. It wasn't like there was any functional reason to upgrade in May.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I have the Automatic system update option shut off, in the past my Pixel has used cellular data while remaining on the prior version after the update notification appears. I think the phone wasted about 1 GB the last time I didn't take an OTA update. That essentially means I can not take the update and possibly cause the phone to waste cellular data, shut off cellular data to avoid the usage while remaining on the prior version, or take the update. Actually I have seen a fourth option linked below, but that keeps my phone constantly awake and doesn't allow deep sleep, so I never tried the alteration long enough to see if it would avoid cellular data usage if the change was made before the OTA notification.
https://www.androidexplained.com/pixel-hide-ota-notification/
alluringreality said:
Although I have the Automatic system update option shut off, in the past my Pixel has used cellular data while remaining on the prior version after the update notification appears. I think the phone wasted about 1 GB the last time I didn't take an OTA update. That essentially means I can not take the update and possibly cause the phone to waste cellular data, shut off cellular data to avoid the usage while remaining on the prior version, or take the update. Actually I have seen a fourth option linked below, but that keeps my phone constantly awake and doesn't allow deep sleep, so I never tried the alteration long enough to see if it would avoid cellular data usage if the change was made before the OTA notification.
https://www.androidexplained.com/pixel-hide-ota-notification/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
I don't understand what you mean when you say:
alluringreality said:
That essentially means I can not take the update and possibly cause the phone to waste cellular data, shut off cellular data to avoid the usage while remaining on the prior version, or take the update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have issues, just sideload the latest OTA from Google here:
https://developers.google.com/android/ota
Instructions are available on this page.
Good luck...
alluringreality said:
Although I have the Automatic system update option shut off, in the past my Pixel has used cellular data while remaining on the prior version after the update notification appears. I think the phone wasted about 1 GB the last time I didn't take an OTA update. That essentially means I can not take the update and possibly cause the phone to waste cellular data, shut off cellular data to avoid the usage while remaining on the prior version, or take the update. Actually I have seen a fourth option linked below, but that keeps my phone constantly awake and doesn't allow deep sleep, so I never tried the alteration long enough to see if it would avoid cellular data usage if the change was made before the OTA notification.
https://www.androidexplained.com/pixel-hide-ota-notification/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been concerned about the system using data while waiting to update the phone, but I do not see that happening. I have automatic update turned off in dev settings as well as the google play services notification disables so as not to accidental click it. I see the update available if I look at the check for updates area in system, but it just is sitting at the download and install option there. I have checked my data use since the BL issue came about, and there is no data use besides normal.
Mainly I was just noting that not taking an update can potentially result in cellular data usage, in case anyone wasn't aware of the possible issue. The top items in my cellular data usage were the same as the images in the following thread when I avoided taking an OTA update.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/help/android-os-sucking-mobile-data-t3597680/
savi0 said:
Sorry, I should have clarified that you are only able to apply TWRP and root to images and bootloaders that were released before the May updates.
You are absolutely right in that that I should not be installing TWRP or Root on the May bootloader because it'll result in bootloops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will the factory images (May or after) lacking the "Verizon" designation lock my Bootloader if flashed to a Verizon Pixel XL (That currently has Unlocked BL and TWRP)?
Sorry, but this is getting Hella confusing.
I'm going to update TWRP, then planning on flashing Factory Image 8.1.0 (OPM1.171019.021, Mar 2018) https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/marlin-ota-nhg47q-73c108b9.zip
Do I need to worry about anything flashing this build?
Just trying to make sure I don't screw myself here, as I really NEED an unlocked Bootloader/ROOT... but I'm still running 7.1.1
Wish there was a forum for us with Verizon Pixels and Unlocked BL's...
PrettyPistol555 said:
Will the factory images (May or after) lacking the "Verizon" designation lock my Bootloader if flashed to a Verizon Pixel XL (That currently has Unlocked BL and TWRP)?
Sorry, but this is getting Hella confusing.
I'm going to update TWRP, then planning on flashing Factory Image 8.1.0 (OPM1.171019.021, Mar 2018) https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/marlin-ota-nhg47q-73c108b9.zip
Do I need to worry about anything flashing this build?
Just trying to make sure I don't screw myself here, as I really NEED an unlocked Bootloader/ROOT... but I'm still running 7.1.1
Wish there was a forum for us with Verizon Pixels and Unlocked BL's...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If OEM unlocking is toggled and your bootloader is unlocked, just assume it is a google version. Flashing a factory image can't lock your bootloader.
shagbag913 said:
If OEM unlocking is toggled and your bootloader is unlocked, just assume it is a google version. Flashing a factory image can't lock your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "OEM unlocking" setting is greyed out. And underneath it says "bootloader is already unlocked" (slider is to the left).
That is what you mean by "toggled", correct?
Thanks for the reply! I appreciate it greatly.
PrettyPistol555 said:
The "OEM unlocking" setting is greyed out. And underneath it says "bootloader is already unlocked" (slider is to the left).
That is what you mean by "toggled", correct?
Thanks for the reply! I appreciate it greatly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep.
I tried to unlock and root my phone, but I was unsuccessful at the rooting part. I now just want to return my pone to factory. I flashed the factory image (as well as bootloader / radio) of the latest Android 9.0 August security update. I can now rely on the system updates from this point forward, right?
I've read that after flashing images, you need to disable System Update, but I am thinking this is for outdated versions of Android so it doesn't try to apply an incompatible OTA?
Just wanted to confirm that I can use system updates again.
Greetings.
Let's say I accidentally DL'd the OTA from the OEM update screen. Where in my file system might I find the file? I read that it may expire and vanish. It's that true? Kind of afraid to reboot right now. Thanks in advance.
Pixel 2xl, rooted, Magisk, OEM 10, Aug. rev.
Even if the OTA did expire and vanish, and I have never heard that happening, Google makes full OTA images available at https://developers.google.com/android/ota in the Taimen section. As to where they are located, likely in the /data partition, but I have absolutely no clue where exactly they are.
I would simply reboot, as the system has most likely already applied the OTA and simply needs to finish completing the update.
So I had to reboot, now I lost root. Is there an easy way to get it back or do I have to wipe?? Thanks.
Boot - NOT install - TWRP using fastboot on the bootloader screen and flash a copy of Magisk you should have stored on your unit.
If you need detailed instructions we have a rooting guide on the forum that should help. Just make sure not to install TWRP or the unit will end up bootlooping, requiring you to flash the full firmware to fix it.