Develop Bugs

FAILED (remote: flash_cmds error!)

ZE551ML - 4gb ram
I encountered this error when flashing thru fastboot.
My phone came from no fastboot/recovery then flash firmware with xFSTK, was able to get fastboot.
Tried commands like;
fastboot flash fastboot droidboot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
none of this works, getting " FAILED (remote: flash_cmds error!) " error.
Images are from WW_ZE551ML_2.15.40.13_20150506 official rom.
tried the clear cache command it just escape out of fastboot mode.
Also tried Asus Flash tool but getting failed error.
I hope someone could help.

Try flash the raw for .13 in flashtools ...5 minutes after you get "xfstki"- 'success!' but leave your cable in fone. Hopefully you see it flash to fone in that time. When you do see it flash leave it a while
Then start the flashtools ..if you see small green then red text in fastboot...restart flashtools when until it goes 'sky blue and bigger bold text' you will then get success there
P's, can you put all the links for fwr dnx and ifwi and raw etc here for me for .13 should I need these again ..my pc crashed ugh!

Thanks for your reply,
I'm at work right now.
But I'll try this later.

[SOLVED] FAILED (remote: flash_cmds error!)
This guide help me out..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone2/general/guide-brick-soft-hard-bricked-zenfone-2-t3284256
Thanks XDA.

Thanks for that,glad you`re sorted out... pc restored now saved all the stuff for zenny , pheeeew !

@asus_abz May i know how did you get rid of "FAILED (remote: flash_cmds error!) " error."
I am trying to fix my hard bricked Zenfone 2 and the only thing that seems working is fastboot but i keep getting the above error message.
Thank you!

ulbx said:
@asus_abz May i know how did you get rid of "FAILED (remote: flash_cmds error!) " error."
I am trying to fix my hard bricked Zenfone 2 and the only thing that seems working is fastboot but i keep getting the above error message.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem here. Anyone got any experience on this? Tried the guide above. Getting this error message in CMD:
C:\adb>fastboot flash boot boot.img
target reported max download size of 536870912 bytes
sending 'boot' (12395 KB)...
OKAY [ 2.009s]
writing 'boot'...
FAILED (remote: flash_cmds error!
)
finished. total time: 4.831s
C:\adb>fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
target reported max download size of 536870912 bytes
sending 'recovery' (13967 KB)...
OKAY [ 2.082s]
writing 'recovery'...
FAILED (remote: flash_cmds error!
)
finished. total time: 4.917s
C:\adb>fastboot flash system system.img
error: cannot open 'system.img'
Asus Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) /MM Z00A_WW_4.21.40.134

Workaround Solution to the dreaded remote: flash_cmds error!
Osaci said:
Same problem here. Anyone got any experience on this? Tried the guide above. Getting this error message in CMD:
C:\adb>fastboot flash boot boot.img
target reported max download size of 536870912 bytes
sending 'boot' (12395 KB)...
OKAY [ 2.009s]
writing 'boot'...
FAILED (remote: flash_cmds error!
)
finished. total time: 4.831s
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was getting the exact same error after using xfstk-downloader_v1.7.0.exe to unbrick my Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML. Not seeing a reply to your post and after searching only to find unrelated posts. I took a whack at it and after a few hours, finally got my device to boot up again *insert Dr. Frankenstein's "It's Alive!" impersonation here*. My hypothesis was that it had to do with the partitioning being read incorrectly since it was the device reporting back issues with execution of the commands. In any case, here is how I got past it.
=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=--= If you want to go YOLO and skip to the answer, look for the HOT PINK
Legal Disclaimer: This is not a guide or tutorial. The following narrative may contain words or phrases commonly found in guides and tutorials found on forums.xda-developers.com such as "first," "then," and "make sure" which are used to portray the voice inside my head telling myself what to do, how to do it and what to expect and any references to taking steps as found in a guide or tutorial is purely coincidence. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events or actual results of the typed narrative or therein to differ materially from those indicated by such set instructions.
Okay okay All kidding aside, you know the drill, im not responsible, dont hold me liable, try at your own risk and it may or may not work for you.
Updated 07-30-17: Some of the source file links were reported as broken and an alternative source was found by and provided courtesy of @beachbouy Thanks beachbouy!
||What the brick? How it all began (Skippable) ||
The following events occurred on my Zenfone 2 : ZE551ML, originally with firmware LRX21V.WW-ASUS_Z00A-2.20.40.198_20160930_8756 which I foolishly and carelessly used the built-in system update to install the recently transferred firmware update file. after unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recovery, OEM software detected and offered to update for me so i then assumed, it probably detected that it would be compatible right? so i thought, WTH why not?....lol um yea, no. failed but I was having a YOLO moment and just had to do it anyways.
Lesson learned and happy to be alive to tell someone my story ;P.
|| Road to Recover and Encountering the "FAILED (remote: flash_cmds error!" (Skippable) ||
How I ultimately arrived at receiving this error (and for you to decide whether or not it may work for you):
My device was limp bricked where the screen didn't turn on and would only vibrate after holding the power button as an indication of life when beginning with the unbrick guide as previously posted by asus_abz within this thread (or otherwise found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone2/general/guide-brick-soft-hard-bricked-zenfone-2-t3284256)
In accordance with the guide, I was able to successfully use xfstk-downloader to get to the first checkpoint of success and arrived at the "not ..familiar ASUS screen but instead 4 color, just like some TV stations stop broadcasting on TV" Which means the device is working off of changes made with droidboot_dnx.img.POS_sign.bin, ifwi.bin, and dnx_fwr.bin
When attempting to use Asus FlashTool 1.0.0.14 to flash the .RAW image file, it would fail for reasons I fail to recall but otherwise...
Any attempts to use an elevated CMD prompt using the
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
^^^^^^^^^would resultin the remote:flash_cmds error!
|| `';~-=Resolving The Issue: Say Goodbye to flash_cmds error!=-~;'` ||​
If you don't already have it, downlaod the .RAW format firmware for your device from the aforementioned guide at the Asus Flasher section
Otherwise ZE551ML2.20.40.194 or ZE550ML 2.20.40.155 (direct link from guide but the one for 550 is broken)​
Open (EXTRACT) the .RAW image file with Winrar, 7zip or equivalent and extract the contants of the .RAW image file to your ADB directory
Start device in bootloader and connected with fastboot and run the following commands
Code:
fastboot oem erase_osip_header
fastboot oem start_partitioning
fastboot flash /tmp/partition.tbl partition.tbl
fastboot oem partition /tmp/partition.tbl
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase APD
fastboot erase ADF
fastboot erase cache
fastboot oem stop_partitioning
fastboot flash fastboot droidboot_sign.bin
Optionally (if you want to restore the full .RAW version)
Code:
fastboot flash ifwi ifwi.bin
Then seal the deal with
Code:
fastboot flash recovery recovery_sign.bin
fastboot format system
fastboot flash splashscreen splash_sign.bin
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash boot boot_sign.bin
fastboot reboot
Alternatively, you can flash your own recovery and whatnot because by now you should be able to successfully run the flash command for those partitions, but I would suggest flashing back to full stock first and then flash to custom. Personally, I flashed everything from the .RAW firmware except for recovery
Code:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
After the device restarts it might go through the updating android apps screen so expect a longer than usual boot up.
Optionally, you can include "fastboot erase data" if you needed to have a clean reinstall (such as coming from a different version of android) but I didn't bother because I didn't ever successsfully load another ROM and for me, by not wiping data, I was able to have it restored back to how I had it before I made any experimenting with restoring my backup from before the shaninagans.
I hope this helps anyone who may have had the same issue. Hit the Thanks if it does!

nucleare GOD BLESS YOU !!! you saved my fuc***d Zenfone 2 now i can send it back to ASUS becouse the camera keep on closing. Thank you

Marvelous stuff , this should be in a thread of its own for those with gpt trouble

nucleare said:
I was getting the exact same error after using ... to unbrick my Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML. ... Hit the Thanks if it does!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, you save me!

great guide OP
Sometimes you will need the following commands too
Make sure you type the correct name
Code:
fastboot flash dnx dnx_fwr_ann_a0-mofd_v1-ze551ml.bin
fastboot flash ifwi ifwi_ann_a0-mofd_v1-ze551ml.bin
fastboot flash fastboot droidboot.img
fastboot flash splashscreen splashscreen_ze551ml.img
fastboot flash token bom-token.bin

Hnk1 said:
Sometimes you will need the following commands too
Make sure you type the correct name
Code:
fastboot flash dnx dnx_fwr_ann_a0-mofd_v1-ze551ml.bin
fastboot flash ifwi ifwi_ann_a0-mofd_v1-ze551ml.bin
fastboot flash fastboot droidboot.img
fastboot flash splashscreen splashscreen_ze551ml.img
fastboot flash token bom-token.bin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks @Hnk1 for pointing that out! To be sure, (and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) if I'm not mistaken, the commands are going to depend if they're unbricking from a failed Lollipop to Marshmallow brick, or a Lollipop to Lollipop update brick, or essentially the last stable android file system build prior to the brick. And just to note in case someone finds this thread far in the future, the commands referenced the filenames that originated from the extracted downloads which had been linked to tutorials and were not changed. Therefore, if restoring using alternative RAW files, one would need to adjust the img/bin files accordingly.
~-`-`-`-`-~​
@Raul74 and @CrazyPhantomBR Thank you for the appreciation posts! It totally makes the time spent writing that all up worthwhile. And, I know that feeling of relief to see your device finally working again , so I am glad to have played a part in providing that experience for you guys

nucleare said:
I was getting the exact same error after using xfstk-downloader_v1.7.0.exe to unbrick my Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML. Not seeing a reply to your post and after searching only to find unrelated posts. I took a whack at it and after a few hours, finally got my device to boot up again *insert Dr. Frankenstein's "It's Alive!" impersonation here*. My hypothesis was that it had to do with the partitioning being read incorrectly since it was the device reporting back issues with execution of the commands. In any case, here is how I got past it.
=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=--= If you want to go YOLO and skip to the answer, look for the HOT PINK
Legal Disclaimer: This is not a guide or tutorial. The following narrative may contain words or phrases commonly found in guides and tutorials found on forums.xda-developers.com such as "first," "then," and "make sure" which are used to portray the voice inside my head telling myself what to do, how to do it and what to expect and any references to taking steps as found in a guide or tutorial is purely coincidence. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events or actual results of the typed narrative or therein to differ materially from those indicated by such set instructions.
Okay okay All kidding aside, you know the drill, im not responsible, dont hold me liable, try at your own risk and it may or may not work for you.
||What the brick? How it all began(Skippable) ||
The following events occurred on my Zenfone 2 : ZE551ML, originally with firmware LRX21V.WW-ASUS_Z00A-2.20.40.198_20160930_8756 which I foolishly and carelessly used the built-in system update to install the recently transferred firmware update file. after unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recovery, OEM software detected and offered to update for me so i then assumed, it probably detected that it would be compatible right? so i thought, WTH why not?....lol um yea, no. failed but I was having a YOLO moment and just had to do it anyways.
Lesson learned and happy to be alive to tell someone my story ;P.
|| Road to Recover and Encountering the "FAILED (remote: flash_cmds error!" (Skippable) ||
How I ultimately arrived at receiving this error (and for you to decide whether or not it may work for you):
My device was limp bricked where the screen didn't turn on and would only vibrate after holding the power button as an indication of life when beginning with the unbrick guide as previously posted by asus_abz within this thread (or otherwise found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone2/general/guide-brick-soft-hard-bricked-zenfone-2-t3284256)
When attempting to use Asus FlashTool 1.0.0.14 to flash the .RAW image file, it would fail for reasons I fail to recall but otherwise...
If you don't already have it, downlaod the .RAW format firmware for your device from the aforementioned guide at the Asus Flasher section
Otherwise ZE551ML2.20.40.194 or ZE550ML 2.20.40.155 (direct link from guide but the one for 550 is broken)
Start device in bootloader and connected with fastboot and run the following commands
Optionally (if you want to restore the full .RAW version)
Then seal the deal with
Alternatively, you can flash your own recovery and whatnot because by now you should be able to successfully run the flash command for those partitions, but I would suggest flashing back to full stock first and then flash to custom. Personally, I flashed everything from the .RAW firmware except for recovery
After the device restarts it might go through the updating android apps screen so expect a longer than usual boot up.
Optionally, you can include "fastboot erase data" if you needed to have a clean reinstall (such as coming from a different version of android) but I didn't bother because I didn't ever successsfully load another ROM and for me, by not wiping data, I was able to have it restored back to how I had it before I made any experimenting with restoring my backup from before the shaninagans.
I hope this helps anyone who may have had the same issue. Hit the Thanks if it does!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You rocked buddy :good:
---------- Post added at 06:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:45 PM ----------
Hnk1 said:
great guide OP
Sometimes you will need the following commands too
Make sure you type the correct name
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U 2 buddy...great work

nucleare said:
Code:
fastboot oem erase_osip_header
fastboot oem start_partitioning
fastboot flash /tmp/partition.tbl partition.tbl
fastboot oem partition /tmp/partition.tbl
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase APD
fastboot erase ADF
fastboot erase cache
fastboot oem stop_partitioning
fastboot flash fastboot droidboot_sign.bin
Code:
fastboot flash recovery recovery_sign.bin
fastboot format system
fastboot flash splashscreen splash_sign.bin
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash boot boot_sign.bin
fastboot reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where other post-xFSTK instructions left me hanging, this helped immensely. Thanks so much!

nucleare said:
I was getting the exact same error after using xfstk-downloader_v1.7.0.exe to unbrick my Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML. Not seeing a reply to your post and after searching only to find unrelated posts. I took a whack at it and after a few hours, finally got my device to boot up again *insert Dr. Frankenstein's "It's Alive!" impersonation here*. My hypothesis was that it had to do with the partitioning being read incorrectly since it was the device reporting back issues with execution of the commands. In any case, here is how I got past it.
=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=--= If you want to go YOLO and skip to the answer, look for the HOT PINK
Legal Disclaimer: This is not a guide or tutorial. The following narrative may contain words or phrases commonly found in guides and tutorials found on forums.xda-developers.com such as "first," "then," and "make sure" which are used to portray the voice inside my head telling myself what to do, how to do it and what to expect and any references to taking steps as found in a guide or tutorial is purely coincidence. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events or actual results of the typed narrative or therein to differ materially from those indicated by such set instructions.
Okay okay All kidding aside, you know the drill, im not responsible, dont hold me liable, try at your own risk and it may or may not work for you.
||What the brick? How it all began (Skippable) ||
The following events occurred on my Zenfone 2 : ZE551ML, originally with firmware LRX21V.WW-ASUS_Z00A-2.20.40.198_20160930_8756 which I foolishly and carelessly used the built-in system update to install the recently transferred firmware update file. after unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recovery, OEM software detected and offered to update for me so i then assumed, it probably detected that it would be compatible right? so i thought, WTH why not?....lol um yea, no. failed but I was having a YOLO moment and just had to do it anyways.
Lesson learned and happy to be alive to tell someone my story ;P.
|| Road to Recover and Encountering the "FAILED (remote: flash_cmds error!" (Skippable) ||
How I ultimately arrived at receiving this error (and for you to decide whether or not it may work for you):
My device was limp bricked where the screen didn't turn on and would only vibrate after holding the power button as an indication of life when beginning with the unbrick guide as previously posted by asus_abz within this thread (or otherwise found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone2/general/guide-brick-soft-hard-bricked-zenfone-2-t3284256)
In accordance with the guide, I was able to successfully use xfstk-downloader to get to the first checkpoint of success and arrived at the "not ..familiar ASUS screen but instead 4 color, just like some TV stations stop broadcasting on TV" Which means the device is working off of changes made with droidboot_dnx.img.POS_sign.bin, ifwi.bin, and dnx_fwr.bin
When attempting to use Asus FlashTool 1.0.0.14 to flash the .RAW image file, it would fail for reasons I fail to recall but otherwise...
Any attempts to use an elevated CMD prompt using the
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
^^^^^^^^^would resultin the remote:flash_cmds error!
|| `';~-=Resolving The Issue: Say Goodbye to flash_cmds error!=-~;'` ||​
If you don't already have it, downlaod the .RAW format firmware for your device from the aforementioned guide at the Asus Flasher section
Otherwise ZE551ML2.20.40.194 or ZE550ML 2.20.40.155 (direct link from guide but the one for 550 is broken)​
Open (EXTACT) the .RAW image file with Winrar or equivalent and extract the contants of the .RAW image file to your ADB directory
Start device in bootloader and connected with fastboot and run the following commands
Code:
fastboot oem erase_osip_header
fastboot oem start_partitioning
fastboot flash /tmp/partition.tbl partition.tbl
fastboot oem partition /tmp/partition.tbl
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase APD
fastboot erase ADF
fastboot erase cache
fastboot oem stop_partitioning
fastboot flash fastboot droidboot_sign.bin
Optionally (if you want to restore the full .RAW version)
Code:
fastboot flash ifwi ifwi.bin
Then seal the deal with
Code:
fastboot flash recovery recovery_sign.bin
fastboot format system
fastboot flash splashscreen splash_sign.bin
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash boot boot_sign.bin
fastboot reboot
Alternatively, you can flash your own recovery and whatnot because by now you should be able to successfully run the flash command for those partitions, but I would suggest flashing back to full stock first and then flash to custom. Personally, I flashed everything from the .RAW firmware except for recovery
Code:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
After the device restarts it might go through the updating android apps screen so expect a longer than usual boot up.
Optionally, you can include "fastboot erase data" if you needed to have a clean reinstall (such as coming from a different version of android) but I didn't bother because I didn't ever successsfully load another ROM and for me, by not wiping data, I was able to have it restored back to how I had it before I made any experimenting with restoring my backup from before the shaninagans.
I hope this helps anyone who may have had the same issue. Hit the Thanks if it does!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GOD bless you and your family for this tutorial )

nucleare said:
I was getting the exact same error after using xfstk-downloader_v1.7.0.exe to unbrick my Asus Zenfone 2 ZE551ML. Not seeing a reply to your post and after searching only to find unrelated posts. I took a whack at it and after a few hours, finally got my device to boot up again *insert Dr. Frankenstein's "It's Alive!" impersonation here*. My hypothesis was that it had to do with the partitioning being read incorrectly since it was the device reporting back issues with execution of the commands. In any case, here is how I got past it.
=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=--= If you want to go YOLO and skip to the answer, look for the HOT PINK
Legal Disclaimer: This is not a guide or tutorial. The following narrative may contain words or phrases commonly found in guides and tutorials found on forums.xda-developers.com such as "first," "then," and "make sure" which are used to portray the voice inside my head telling myself what to do, how to do it and what to expect and any references to taking steps as found in a guide or tutorial is purely coincidence. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events or actual results of the typed narrative or therein to differ materially from those indicated by such set instructions.
Okay okay All kidding aside, you know the drill, im not responsible, dont hold me liable, try at your own risk and it may or may not work for you.
||What the brick? How it all began (Skippable) ||
The following events occurred on my Zenfone 2 : ZE551ML, originally with firmware LRX21V.WW-ASUS_Z00A-2.20.40.198_20160930_8756 which I foolishly and carelessly used the built-in system update to install the recently transferred firmware update file. after unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recovery, OEM software detected and offered to update for me so i then assumed, it probably detected that it would be compatible right? so i thought, WTH why not?....lol um yea, no. failed but I was having a YOLO moment and just had to do it anyways.
Lesson learned and happy to be alive to tell someone my story ;P.
|| Road to Recover and Encountering the "FAILED (remote: flash_cmds error!" (Skippable) ||
How I ultimately arrived at receiving this error (and for you to decide whether or not it may work for you):
My device was limp bricked where the screen didn't turn on and would only vibrate after holding the power button as an indication of life when beginning with the unbrick guide as previously posted by asus_abz within this thread (or otherwise found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone2/general/guide-brick-soft-hard-bricked-zenfone-2-t3284256)
In accordance with the guide, I was able to successfully use xfstk-downloader to get to the first checkpoint of success and arrived at the "not ..familiar ASUS screen but instead 4 color, just like some TV stations stop broadcasting on TV" Which means the device is working off of changes made with droidboot_dnx.img.POS_sign.bin, ifwi.bin, and dnx_fwr.bin
When attempting to use Asus FlashTool 1.0.0.14 to flash the .RAW image file, it would fail for reasons I fail to recall but otherwise...
Any attempts to use an elevated CMD prompt using the
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
^^^^^^^^^would resultin the remote:flash_cmds error!
|| `';~-=Resolving The Issue: Say Goodbye to flash_cmds error!=-~;'` ||​
If you don't already have it, downlaod the .RAW format firmware for your device from the aforementioned guide at the Asus Flasher section
Otherwise ZE551ML2.20.40.194 or ZE550ML 2.20.40.155 (direct link from guide but the one for 550 is broken)​
Open (EXTACT) the .RAW image file with Winrar or equivalent and extract the contants of the .RAW image file to your ADB directory
Start device in bootloader and connected with fastboot and run the following commands
Code:
fastboot oem erase_osip_header
fastboot oem start_partitioning
fastboot flash /tmp/partition.tbl partition.tbl
fastboot oem partition /tmp/partition.tbl
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase APD
fastboot erase ADF
fastboot erase cache
fastboot oem stop_partitioning
fastboot flash fastboot droidboot_sign.bin
Optionally (if you want to restore the full .RAW version)
Code:
fastboot flash ifwi ifwi.bin
Then seal the deal with
Code:
fastboot flash recovery recovery_sign.bin
fastboot format system
fastboot flash splashscreen splash_sign.bin
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash boot boot_sign.bin
fastboot reboot
Alternatively, you can flash your own recovery and whatnot because by now you should be able to successfully run the flash command for those partitions, but I would suggest flashing back to full stock first and then flash to custom. Personally, I flashed everything from the .RAW firmware except for recovery
Code:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
After the device restarts it might go through the updating android apps screen so expect a longer than usual boot up.
Optionally, you can include "fastboot erase data" if you needed to have a clean reinstall (such as coming from a different version of android) but I didn't bother because I didn't ever successsfully load another ROM and for me, by not wiping data, I was able to have it restored back to how I had it before I made any experimenting with restoring my backup from before the shaninagans.
I hope this helps anyone who may have had the same issue. Hit the Thanks if it does!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This Must ba a Sticky Solved Topic Not Tried yet but All Text Blog Telling my Situation
Edit:14.02.2017 GOD bless you Man Working Like a Magic Pls Mods Stick This Solution...

thank you to all for the kind words and more glad to hear it helped you. Perhaps I should rewrite the "tutorial" in a more 'toned down' and chronologically-and-well-laid out manner to be considered for sticky
EDIT: **that is of course, if the MODs see it as a worthwhile effort/meaningful contribution since this can be seen /regarded as a more lengthy answer to a troubleshooting question.

To clarify additional commands:
Hnk1 said:
Sometimes you will need the following commands too
Make sure you type the correct name
Code:
fastboot flash dnx dnx_fwr_ann_a0-mofd_v1-ze551ml.bin
fastboot flash ifwi ifwi_ann_a0-mofd_v1-ze551ml.bin
fastboot flash fastboot droidboot.img
fastboot flash splashscreen splashscreen_ze551ml.img
fastboot flash token bom-token.bin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the future reference of any who stumble upon this page in the future, the aforementioned commands from @Hnk1 will apply to you if you did not use, or did not successfully flash already with, xfstk-downloader_v1.x.x to previously restore from no loading screen type brick to USB icon screen boot-loop type brick and more specifically stands in as an alternative method for flashing ifwi/dnx_fwr/droidboot/OSP as outlined in the program's (xFSTK's) Standard Operating Procedure Documentation PDF excerpt, which is commonly found with the filename "ZE550ML_ZE551ML_xFSTK_SOP.pdf" and included in many, if not all, current unbrick Zenfone methodologies.

Man, you are awesome!, i lost two fk.. days trying to do this with the asus flashtool, but no sucess, with your tip worked perfecly!.
I'm saving it offline in case somethink like it happens again, (probably will, since i love testing roms).

Flashing to stock Android NPD90G from TWRP error: "remote: unsupported command"

Flashing to stock Android NPD90G from TWRP error: "remote: unsupported command"
Fixed flashing error "remote: unsupported command" when flashing a Pixel C back to stock
I used TWRP and SuperSU to root and modify the buildprops to enable and get an early look at the windowing in Android N beta on my Pixel C release 5 ahead of time.
When Release 5 NPD90G was available I decided to flash back to stock from Developer Preview 4 NPD56N rooted with SuperSU and flashed with TWRP. I like root - I run Ubuntu and Win 7. I don't mind running a rooted device if it doesn't have all my work and financial data. When the final N release is out, the Pixel C will become my work machine. It's almost there.
I'm naturally paranoid. I change my long passwords frequently and use 2 factor authentication for everything. So if I can, I'll take a stock release. See my instructions for wiping Android devices: How to wipe an Android Phone: the paranoid editon
I could not flash the NPD90G stock bootloader because of an error "remote: unsupported command"
Here's how I fixed it.
Updated the SDK manager including SDK Tools and USB drivers.
With the Pixel C in recovery mode, {hold the power key and volume down}
In TWRP mount System and reboot to recovery
>ADB Shell.
From ADB Shell I ran
>fwtool vbnv write dev_boot_fastboot_full_cap 1 to reenable Fast boot.
Then I changed from TWRP to Fastboot mode {power button plus hold the volume up button}
>fastboot erase userdata
>fastboot erase boot
>fastboot erase cache
>fastboot erase recovery
>fastboot erase system
See Note 1. Below
>fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-dragon-google_smaug.7900.27.0.img
>fastboot reboot-bootloader
>fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-dragon-google_smaug.7900.27.0.img
>fastboot reboot-bootloader
Note 1.
The first time through I flashed the following line items which resulted in the resting robot Andi. I don't think I needed to do this, but if the above instructions don't work, run the following before continuing for {flash bootloader bootloader-dragon-google_smaug.7900.27.0.img}
>flash bootloader bootloader-dragon-google_smaug.7900.27.0.img
>fastboot reboot-bootloader
>fastboot reboot-bootloader
>fastboot flash system system.img
>fastboot flash boot boot.img
>fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
>fastboot flash cache cache.img

Twrp can't flash
The problem is that I can't boot into the twrp because when i try to flash it the answer is failed unsupported remote command

Tugio said:
The problem is that I can't boot into the twrp because when i try to flash it the answer is failed unsupported remote command
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When in fastboot mode, use:
Code:
fastboot boot twrp-local-file-on-computer.img

DanBUK said:
When in fastboot mode, use:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's nice of you to help a fellow XDA user. But I suspect he's already solved his problem of three months ago.....

Hi guys
I have the same problem:
- the bootloader is unlocked (Coreboot menu says so)
- fastboot says "secure: yes" but "unlocked: yes" too
- "fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability" returns "1"
- "fastboot flashing unlock" says that the bootloader is already unlocked
But I have no recovery and if I try to fastboot boot recovery.img it fails with signature verification error
Can I do something to unbrick the device?
Regards

lllopa said:
Hi guys
I have the same problem:
- the bootloader is unlocked (Coreboot menu says so)
- fastboot says "secure: yes" but "unlocked: yes" too
- "fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability" returns "1"
- "fastboot flashing unlock" says that the bootloader is already unlocked
But I have no recovery and if I try to fastboot boot recovery.img it fails with signature verification error
Can I do something to unbrick the device?
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My solution is very simple:
fastboot flashing lock
fastboot flashing unlock
fastboot reboot
And now let it boot.... and wait.
After the (failed) reboot check again: Now you can write all partitions... worked with my Pixel C

Make sure you have the latest version of fastboot and adb. I get these errors almost every month if I don't update.
https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html

@stevep2007, thank you so much! I've been dealing with this "remote: unsupported command" nonsense for days now after trying to revert back to an older Oreo version of Lineage. This did the trick!

How can I solve the problem when my Pixel C is not unlocked? My Pixel made an update and after installing the Update I got the green little man. Now I have no Chance to activate USB debugging etc. Its also not possible to install twrp.img
How can I go to ADB shell with locked bootloader? Or isn't it possible?
Fastboot devices shows me my tablet. ADB devices also show my tablet with "sideload".
But every try to flash my Pixel fails. I alway get the message .... remote: unknown command.......fastboot error: command failed
flash-all.bat showes that all "*.img are missing" error: command failed... unknown command etc.......
So any idea to get my Pixel working again? ADB shell would make it I think. But how with locked bootloader.

_Arne_ said:
My solution is very simple:
fastboot flashing lock
fastboot flashing unlock
fastboot reboot
And now let it boot.... and wait.
After the (failed) reboot check again: Now you can write all partitions... worked with my Pixel C
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This did it for me!! Thanks much. I also updated platform-tools at the same time, who knows which did it

_Arne_ said:
My solution is very simple:
fastboot flashing lock
fastboot flashing unlock
fastboot reboot
And now let it boot.... and wait.
After the (failed) reboot check again: Now you can write all partitions... worked with my Pixel C
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the scenario described by @llopa this solution does not work.
In that scenario there are no solutions

bernardomarx said:
In the scenario described by @llopa this solution does not work.
In that scenario there are no solutions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry replied incorrectly

Bad Key written in Bootloader warning screen.

I have unlocked bootloader. And flash the official recovery to get Naugat OTA but after updating. I am seeing "ID : bad key " instead of "ID : N/A" which is written in previous version of OS.
Any one know what it really meant.?

Try to boot in qcom or bp tools mode via menu fastboot, then restart the device. In my case, at the restart it shows "ID: N/A" Again. Another Theory is that you can get the "N/A" message after a hard reset o format data vía TWRP. I do both with the same results. Maybe a encryption mismatch.

GuzXT said:
Try to boot in qcom or bp tools mode via menu fastboot, then restart the device. In my case, at the restart it shows "ID: N/A" Again. Another Theory is that you can get the "N/A" message after a hard reset o format data vía TWRP. I do both with the same results. Maybe a encryption mismatch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried but still it shows bad key.. but it's ok until my device boots in system succesfully
.

GuzXT said:
Try to boot in qcom or bp tools mode via menu fastboot, then restart the device. In my case, at the restart it shows "ID: N/A" Again. Another Theory is that you can get the "N/A" message after a hard reset o format data vía TWRP. I do both with the same results. Maybe a encryption mismatch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has the same ID: N / A
unlocked bootloader on Android 7
Any ideas ?

S3V3N said:
Has the same ID: N / A
unlocked bootloader on Android 7
Any ideas ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure everyone has this with an unlocked bootloader.

ok thx

xxBrun0xx said:
Pretty sure everyone has this with an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
definitely not.

Am facing same problem. Bad boot image.. Looking for stock boot image

kdagia said:
Am facing same problem. Bad boot image.. Looking for stock boot image
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you find the solution iused twrp and i had no problem after installing the Russian ROM im getting this message

kdagia said:
Am facing same problem. Bad boot image.. Looking for stock boot image
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean bad boot image in the sense of it won't boot or just the warning screen every time you boot. If its the second one you can fix it (almost) completely by flashing a modified logo.bin. I got those in my signature second thread if you are searching for that. Would be strange if your boot image couldn't boot up.

G4liant said:
Do you mean bad boot image in the sense of it won't boot or just the warning screen every time you boot. If its the second one you can fix it (almost) completely by flashing a modified logo.bin. I got those in my signature second thread if you are searching for that. Would be strange if your boot image couldn't boot up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean 'bad key' instead of showing "N/A"

kdagia said:
I mean 'bad key' instead of showing "N/A"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to flash modified logo.bin ...That's it

Same, and cant seem to flash at all
I'm having the same trouble here.
The main problem is that it seems to be related to the impossibility to flash again or install new rom on the device.
When i try to follow the typical procedures on cmd, i get messages like:
>> writing 'partition'...
>> (bootloader) Security version downgrade
>> (bootloader) Image primary_gpt failed validation
>> (bootloader) Preflash validation failed
>> FAILED (remote failure)
And then I can't seem to move on to another rom (and relocking the device, as I wish to do after all this).
(when i said typical procedures is that i found on many places, such as the motorola official website, https :// motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/recovery-images#)
FLASH AND RELOCK YOUR DEVICE
After downloading the image for your device:
Make sure you have a Moto Pure Edition or a Developer Edition device.
Make sure you download the corresponding recovery image from the above portal.
To flash, put the phone in fastboot mode:
1. Power OFF your device
2. Then Power ON + Volume Down
Alternatively, you can reboot into fastboot mode if you have adb...adb reboot bootloader.
Next flash the images using fastboot:
$ fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
$ fastboot flash motoboot motoboot.img
$ fastboot reboot-bootloader
$ fastboot flash logo logo.bin
$ fastboot flash boot boot.img
$ fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
$ fastboot flash system system.img
$ fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
$ fastboot erase modemst1
$ fastboot erase modemst2
$ fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
$ fastboot reboot
You also have the option to erase all the data on your device with
$ fastboot erase userdata
$ fastboot erase cache
After performing this sequence, you can relock your device with
$ fastboot oem lock

[email protected] said:
I'm having the same trouble here.
The main problem is that it seems to be related to the impossibility to flash again or install new rom on the device.
When i try to follow the typical procedures on cmd, i get messages like:
>> writing 'partition'...
>> (bootloader) Security version downgrade
>> (bootloader) Image primary_gpt failed validation
>> (bootloader) Preflash validation failed
>> FAILED (remote failure)
And then I can't seem to move on to another rom (and relocking the device, as I wish to do after all this).
(when i said typical procedures is that i found on many places, such as the motorola official website, https :// motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/recovery-images#)
FLASH AND RELOCK YOUR DEVICE
After downloading the image for your device:
Make sure you have a Moto Pure Edition or a Developer Edition device.
Make sure you download the corresponding recovery image from the above portal.
To flash, put the phone in fastboot mode:
1. Power OFF your device
2. Then Power ON + Volume Down
Alternatively, you can reboot into fastboot mode if you have adb...adb reboot bootloader.
Next flash the images using fastboot:
$ fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
$ fastboot flash motoboot motoboot.img
$ fastboot reboot-bootloader
$ fastboot flash logo logo.bin
$ fastboot flash boot boot.img
$ fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
$ fastboot flash system system.img
$ fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
$ fastboot erase modemst1
$ fastboot erase modemst2
$ fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
$ fastboot reboot
You also have the option to erase all the data on your device with
$ fastboot erase userdata
$ fastboot erase cache
After performing this sequence, you can relock your device with
$ fastboot oem lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have exactly the same problem, has it been able to solve it?
How to solve it?

Same problem here
Can do nothing, phone always boots to fastboot no matter what I do/flash. It also states ID: bad key.

thoros1179 said:
Same problem here
Can do nothing, phone always boots to fastboot no matter what I do/flash. It also states ID: bad key.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try typing "fastboot oem fb_mode_clear" inside the bootloader.

device unable to boot Error - mdtp image is corrupted

Hi there,
I have a problem i was try to root my phone.
Now i dont have access to ADB but only fastboot works.
If i start my phone it goes on fastboot mode, and if i try "fast boot twrp-3.3.0-0-daisy.img" i get the error "device unable to boot Error - mdtp image is corrupted"
Can some one help me out, if tried to download the image again but without success..

You don't need twrp for root?!
I guess you need to get a fast boot ROM and flash it. Don't relock the bootloader. Don't flash data. Just all the other partitions.
Maybe even just flash that partition. My phone has a and b. Should just need to flash the current one.

a1291762 said:
You don't need twrp for root?!
I guess you need to get a fast boot ROM and flash it. Don't relock the bootloader. Don't flash data. Just all the other partitions.
Maybe even just flash that partition. My phone has a and b. Should just need to flash the current one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry im a little bit noob, but how it works:
flastboot flash a?

fastboot flash mdtp_a mdtp.img
That file is in the images folder after you extract the fastboot ROM.

Hi,
while having 15 years of Linux experience, I've just dropped into the same issue on my first hour of Android exploration. Currently no OS is installed and the phone boots into fastboot. Booting into twrp-3.3.1-dees_troy-daisy.img failes also with "Error - mdtp image is corrupted".
I've flashed mdtp.img from V10.0.12.0.PDLMIXM as described, but still I get the same error when booting into twrp-3.3.1-dees_troy-daisy.img . Is there somewere a documentation, how to proceed in such a case?
a1291762 said:
fastboot flash mdtp_a mdtp.img
That file is in the images folder after you extract the fastboot ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

mj2o said:
Hi,
while having 15 years of Linux experience, I've just dropped into the same issue on my first hour of Android exploration. Currently no OS is installed and the phone boots into fastboot. Booting into twrp-3.3.1-dees_troy-daisy.img failes also with "Error - mdtp image is corrupted".
I've flashed mdtp.img from V10.0.12.0.PDLMIXM as described, but still I get the same error when booting into twrp-3.3.1-dees_troy-daisy.img . Is there somewere a documentation, how to proceed in such a case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No OS installed is maybe cause the last rom that you flashed was not flashed in the right slot or correctly flashed.
Also the fastboot command mentioned here is to flash mdtp in "a" slot but you have to see first which is your active slot and then install it on it.

SubwayChamp said:
Also the fastboot command mentioned here is to flash mdtp in "a" slot but you have to see first which is your active slot and then install it on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've searched more for the reason and once got the response: FAILED (remote: partition table doesn't exist)
So it sounds I have to recreate the partition table. I haven't found any fastboot command to request the current partition status.

mj2o said:
I've searched more for the reason and once got the response: FAILED (remote: partition table doesn't exist)
So it sounds I have to recreate the partition table. I haven't found any fastboot command to request the current partition status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don´t think that exist a command to diagnose status of partitions but I´m sure that if you try to flash on an inactive slot then won´t work, ever an inactive slot will give you a fail.
Check your active slot by typing
Code:
fastboot getvar current-slot
and then flash it on the active slot using "mdtp_a" or "mdtp_b" but ONLY if the active slot is actually with all the system on it it´s mean that if you deleted all your system and any of both are actually with partitions running (no matter that with errors) then won´t work this way as you expect.

I have the same problem, what you have did to fix? please

Hi,
I've downloaded and flashed the factory image from miui.com. This way I have reset all my efforts and started all over. You find there the full rom and a flashing guide for the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite.

mj2o said:
Hi,
I've downloaded and flashed the factory image from miui.com. This way I have reset all my efforts and started all over. You find there the full rom and a flashing guide for the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi
same issue here @mj2o: Can you please provide a link to the site in English; it all in Chinese and I cannot read it
Thanks

mj2o said:
Hi,
I've downloaded and flashed the factory image from miui.com. This way I have reset all my efforts and started all over. You find there the full rom and a flashing guide for the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SubwayChamp said:
I don´t think that exist a command to diagnose status of partitions but I´m sure that if you try to flash on an inactive slot then won´t work, ever an inactive slot will give you a fail.
Check your active slot by typing
Code:
fastboot getvar current-slot
and then flash it on the active slot using "mdtp_a" or "mdtp_b" but ONLY if the active slot is actually with all the system on it it´s mean that if you deleted all your system and any of both are actually with partitions running (no matter that with errors) then won´t work this way as you expect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@mj2o;80151263:
Code:
fastboot getvar current-slot
returns -->
Code:
current-slot: INVALID
finished. total time: 0.008s
and
Code:
fastboot flash aboot aboot.img
returns -->
Code:
target reported max download size of 534773760 bytes
sending 'aboot' (1024 KB)...
OKAY [ 0.055s]
writing 'aboot'...
FAILED (remote: partition table doesn't exist)
finished. total time: 0.075s
please advise.

BenG7 said:
@mj2o;80151263:
Code:
fastboot getvar current-slot
returns -->
Code:
current-slot: INVALID
finished. total time: 0.008s
and
Code:
fastboot flash aboot aboot.img
returns -->
Code:
target reported max download size of 534773760 bytes
sending 'aboot' (1024 KB)...
OKAY [ 0.055s]
writing 'aboot'...
FAILED (remote: partition table doesn't exist)
finished. total time: 0.075s
please advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you want to flash the bootloader, what is the issue?

Hi @SubwayChamp
I wanted to flash LO16
Did a wpie data -yes format
Then a wipe system as instructed and now im stuck in fast boot.
Device unable to boot. Error - mdtp is corrupted

BenG7 said:
Hi @SubwayChamp
I wanted to flash LO16
Did a wpie data -yes format
Then a wipe system as instructed and now im stuck in fast boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your issue is related with mdtp partition then you should to install again this image through fastboot in both slots in order to can boot device again to recovery; use
Code:
fastboot flash mdtp_a mdtp.img
and
Code:
fastboot flash mdtp_b mdtp.img
(you will get the images from any of the full fastboot roms)
From there try again the steps recommended by OP in that thread to get that your device boots on LOS but this is other question concerning only to that thread

Thanks SubwayChamp,
Will try as advised and keep you updated.
I m going to look for the fastboot rom for my daisy.

SubwayChamp said:
If your issue is related with mdtp partition then you should to install again this image through fastboot in both slots in order to can boot device again to recovery; use
Code:
fastboot flash mdtp_a mdtp.img
and
Code:
fastboot flash mdtp_b mdtp.img
(you will get the images from any of the full fastboot roms)
From there try again the steps recommended by OP in that thread to get that your device boots on LOS but this is other question concerning only to that thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@SubwayChamp
dit it and when I
Code:
fastboot reboot
it boots straight back to fastboot.
What next? Mi a2 Lite stuck at Fastboot - No recovery, no nothing! Help ?
Thanks for your help!
[EDIT]
realised I can
Code:
fastboot boot twrp-daisy-3.3.1-0-offain.img
and I can flash the twrp-installer-daisy-3.3.1-0-offain.zip
but if I want to reboot; it says
Code:
No OS installed! Are you sure you wish to reboot?
so I went on with flashing lineageos 16
but at the end of the flash, I get
Code:
Failed to mount '/system' (permission denied)
please advise

BenG7 said:
If your issue is related with mdtp partition then you should to install again this image through fastboot in both slots in order to can boot device again to recovery; use and
@SubwayChamp
dit it and when I
it boots straight back to fastboot.
What next? Mi a2 Lite stuck at Fastboot - No recovery, no nothing! Help ?
Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your recovery is missed now cause when you flashed LOS was overwritten and device can't boot to system cause some step failed in the process.
If you flashed successfully mdtp images now follow the steps to boot to recovery and then follow those indicated to install LOS.

SubwayChamp said:
Your recovery is missed now cause when you flashed LOS was overwritten and device can't boot to system cause some step failed in the process.
If you flashed successfully mdtp images now follow the steps to boot to recovery and then follow those indicated to install LOS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks; this is what I did:
from TWRP I rebooted to recovery
it took me straight to fastboot again
so I
Code:
fastboot boot twrp-daisy-3.3.1-0-offain.img
again and mounted system partition then I flashed LOS
and the process went fine this time but when I rebooted to the system
it's back to fastboot again!

BenG7 said:
Thanks; this is what I did:
from TWRP I rebooted to recovery
it took me straight to fastboot again
so I
again and mounted system partition then I flashed LOS
and the process went fine this time but when I rebooted to the system
it's back to fastboot again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I tried to tell you: your issue concerning to this thread was solved.
Now you have an issue regarding how to flash and boot to system attempting to install LOS. TWRP is perfectly capable to mount/remount or unmount partitions if needed, no need an action from the user, this is not the reason why you are not booting but the method and steps is discussed more properly in the same thread.
From here you can take one of hese three routes:
- To insist with trying to flash LOS.
- Flash other rom or a previous known working rom.
- Return completely to stock by flashing a full global rom.
Just I could recommend that for the future when you flash a stock rom take a backup of the most important partitions (without userdata) this could avoid that you need to use EDL anymore.

[GUIDE] How to root your Asus Zenfone 6 without TWRP | Info about A/B

Hey guys and girls,
This is a bit of copy and paste for from my guide for the HTC U12+. I thought it might be helpful to people here too.
If you find mentions of the HTC U12+ please notify me and I will correct them.
I couldn´t find any guide on how to root the Asus Zenfone 6 without twrp yet, so I thought maybe it´s good to have one. It´s also useful for people who don´t like to boot/flash the recovery but want root access.
I also decided now to do a little write up about the A/B slot partition system.
General Information about the A/B slot partition system and seamless updates
Google firstly introduced seamless updates on the Pixel Phones and with it the A/B partition system.
So this means, contrary to non A/B devices, there are two copys of most partitions except userdata.
We have two system (system_a and system_b), two boot (boot_a and boot_b) and two vendor (vendor_a and vendor_b) partitions, amongst others (can be found further down in the partition list but let´s concentrate on these).
When booted in the OS, one slot is actively used and the other is "inactive".
The main advantage that emerges now is, that in case an OTA arrives the "inactive" partitions get updated, while the OS is running. That means while the actual OTA is happening you can use your phone just like you always do.
The following reboot will boot into the former "inactive" slot and use the seamless updated partitions. This happens seamless and just with a reboot. So OTAs are much faster!
If you are interested further here are some links:
https://www.xda-developers.com/list-android-devices-seamless-updates/
https://source.android.com/devices/tech/ota/ab/
https://source.android.com/devices/tech/ota/ab/ab_faqs
Here’s another writeup from the XDA portal!
https://www.xda-developers.com/how-...ess-updates-affect-custom-development-on-xda/
But here are a few tips and tricks:
How to reboot to bootloader to be able to use fastboot:
From booted OS with buttons: Press and hold power down until the screen goes black, then press and hold power and vol up to enter bootloader
non responding and the phone isn´t booting: press and hold power plus volume up to enter bootloader
From the OS or recovery via ADB (requires USB Debugging enabled in dev options):
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
How to get the active slot:
Code:
fastboot getvar current-slot
How to set the active slot:
A word of advice. If you don´t know what you´re doing you should probably not change slots. Because my U12+ only has a working A Slot. The B slot is without the first OTA or flashing a RUU unbootable.
Set active slot to a:
Code:
fastboot --set-active=a
Set active slot to b:
Code:
fastboot --set-active=b
How to extract the boot.img from a firmware.zip
1. Download the firmware zip from here : https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone-6-ZS630KL/HelpDesk_Download/
2. Follow the steps described here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/nokia-7-plus/how-to/guide-how-to-extract-payload-bin-ota-t3830962
3. Obtain your boot.img
How to root your phone without TWRP
Prerequisites:
- unlocked bootloader
- USB-Debugging in developer options enabled
- latest adb and fastboot binaries (can always be found here
- working adb and fastboot environment
- magisk-patched boot.img
How to:
1. Download the latest magisk manager from here and install it on your phone: https://github.com/topjohnwu/MagiskManager/releases
2. Get a boot.img that fits your current firmware. Look at the point above, how to extract it from an Asus firmware zip.
Important: if you decide to use a pre-patched boot.img (available below), download it and place it in your fastboot folder, then skip to step 11!
3. Copy the extracted boot.img to your phone
4. Open the magisk manager app and tap two times on install
5. Now choose patch boot.img file and select the previously extracted boot.img you copied to your phone in the upcoming file chooser
6. Wait for the boot.img to be patched
7. Now connect your phone to your pc and make sure usb debugging is enabled in developer options
8. Open up a terminal in your fastboot folder and make sure adb is working by typing
Code:
adb devices
into terminal which should return your serial number
9. Pull the patches boot.img to your fastboot folder via:
Code:
adb pull /sdcard/Download/magisk_patched.img
10. Reboot to bootloader:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
11. Flash the magisk patched boot.img:
Code:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
12. Congratulations you´re now rooted.
Pre-Magisk-Patched boot.imgs
Important: Make sure to download the correct version, that matches your firmware.
Downloads: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=295609

Is it possible to do this and still get OTA updates from ASUS?

sidamos77 said:
Is it possible to do this and still get OTA updates from ASUS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to unlock the bootloader for this which will prevent you from getting ota updates automatically from asus. But you can install updates manually.

Ok, great, thank you.

Remember, this will void your warranty (as per Asus' own definition). Sad, but true.
I would root it in an instant, but am hesitant due to warranty being void.

Any way to unofficially unlock the Bootloader?

vasra said:
Remember, this will void your warranty (as per Asus' own definition). Sad, but true.
I would root it in an instant, but am hesitant due to warranty being void.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Europe unlocking the bootloader and rooting doesn't legally void warranty. It was ruled this way a few years ago.

Freak07 said:
[...]
Pre-Magisk-Patched boot.imgs
Important: Make sure to download the correct version, that matches your firmware.
Downloads: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=295609
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The folder WW_PHONE-16.1210.1904.75-0 which is the firmware my device has, is empty. Do you still have the prepatched boot.img of that version ? ASUS doesn't have that version for download anymore.
Thanks in advance.
If not: how can I update manually since I do not get any OTA Updates with a locked Bootloader ?

GRöder said:
how can I update manually since I do not get any OTA Updates with a locked Bootloader ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://swedroid.se/forum/threads/snabba-fragor-snabba-svar-zenfone-6.165775/page-26#post-2433773
https://swedroid.se/forum/threads/snabba-fragor-snabba-svar-zenfone-6.165775/page-37#post-2442236
Use Translator.

I managed to update my device using the stock recovery. (There is a option like "apply update from sdcard") Now it is on the -133 Firmware, so I should've been able to use the existing, pre-patched boot of that firmware. When I tried to flash it, I got the following error:
Code:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
target reported max download size of 805306368 bytes
sending 'bootb' (47064 KB)...
OKAY [ 1.094s]
writing 'bootb'...
FAILED (remote: (bootb_b) No such partition)
finished. total time: 1.106s
the getvar command returns the following output:
Code:
fastboot getvar current-slot
current-slot: b
finished. total time: 0.009s
Do you have any advice for me ?
Edit:
After being curious and trying
Code:
fastboot flash boot_a magisk_patched.img
which worked, I tried to flash it at the active slot b explicitly:
Code:
fastboot flash boot_b magisk_patched.img
which worked, too. I'm having root, now.
The point is, to specify the partition precisely (e.g. with _a or _b).
Thank you for the guide, maybe you could add my findings to make it easier for others to root their devices, @Freak07 .

GRöder said:
I managed to update my device using the stock recovery. (There is a option like "apply update from sdcard") Now it is on the -133 Firmware, so I should've been able to use the existing, pre-patched boot of that firmware. When I tried to flash it, I got the following error:
the getvar command returns the following output:
Do you have any advice for me ?
Edit:
After being curious and trying which worked, I tried to flash it at the active slot b explicitly: which worked, too. I'm having root, now.
The point is, to specify the partition precisely (e.g. with _a or _b).
Thank you for the guide, maybe you could add my findings to make it easier for others to root their devices, @Freak07 .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you download the latest adb and fastboot binaries from the link I provided in the OP?
Or did you use already existing ones or from a toolkit/easy installer etc. from somewhere on xda?
To me it sounds you were using outdated binaries.
Fastboot flash boot boot.img detects the active slot automatically if you’re on the latest binaries. Did it like this on the zenfone like on all other A/B devices I’ve owned so far and it works just fine.

Freak07 said:
Did you download the latest adb and fastboot binaries from the link I provided in the OP?
Or did you use already existing ones or from a toolkit/easy installer etc. from somewhere on xda?
To me it sounds you were using outdated binaries.
Fastboot flash boot boot.img detects the active slot automatically if you’re on the latest binaries. Did it like this on the zenfone like on all other A/B devices I’ve owned so far and it works just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might have been the the point. In fact, I did download them, but I used (definately outdated, because on my pc since literally years) a minimal adb and fastboot installation.
I didn't think about it, as this is my first A/B device.
I won't try it now with the latest ones, because it worked and I don't want to destroy something (since we still dont have a working TWRP for backup & recovery) but I guess you're right, and the problem were the outdated binaries.
Thank you.

GRöder said:
If not: how can I update manually since I do not get any OTA Updates with a locked Bootloader ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the new Firmware from Asus and copy it to the root of sdcard. Unplug the usb cable or reboot or search for update in settings. It will find the update file and display a notification.

isthisadagger said:
Download the new Firmware from Asus and copy it to the root of sdcard. Unplug the usb cable or reboot or search for update in settings. It will find the update file and display a notification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In fact, I tried that before I tried the stock-recovery-method (found it at the ASUS FAQ-pages), but it didn't work, even after a reboot, no notification showed up.

GRöder said:
I managed to update my device using the stock recovery. (There is a option like "apply update from sdcard") Now it is on the -133 Firmware, so I should've been able to use the existing, pre-patched boot of that firmware. When I tried to flash it, I got the following error:
Code:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
target reported max download size of 805306368 bytes
sending 'bootb' (47064 KB)...
OKAY [ 1.094s]
writing 'bootb'...
FAILED (remote: (bootb_b) No such partition)
finished. total time: 1.106s
the getvar command returns the following output:
Code:
fastboot getvar current-slot
current-slot: b
finished. total time: 0.009s
Do you have any advice for me ?
Edit:
After being curious and trying
Code:
fastboot flash boot_a magisk_patched.img
which worked, I tried to flash it at the active slot b explicitly:
Code:
fastboot flash boot_b magisk_patched.img
which worked, too. I'm having root, now.
The point is, to specify the partition precisely (e.g. with _a or _b).
Thank you for the guide, maybe you could add my findings to make it easier for others to root their devices, @Freak07 .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry guy,
how you unlocked the bootloader ? for me official tool asus doens't work. error due to internet connection is the message.
please can you explain every step ? thanks

Ya how do we unlock the bootloader without asus knowing it

MirkoMirko9 said:
sorry guy,
how you unlocked the bootloader ? for me official tool asus doens't work. error due to internet connection is the message.
please can you explain every step ? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nikhil18 said:
Ya how do we unlock the bootloader without asus knowing it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the official app, while the device was connected to the internet. So yes, ASUS knows that I unlocked the device.
The device was still at the -75 firmware, when I did it.
 @MirkoMirko9 If you can live with asus knowing that you unlocked the device, try it again with active internet connection.
As far as I know, there is no other method yet.

unable to unlock bootloader with the official unlock device tool, it is showing network error although my network is alright. Any workaround?

QuazIqbal said:
unable to unlock bootloader with the official unlock device tool, it is showing network error although my network is alright. Any workaround?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=79817571&postcount=31

magisk_patched boot.img for .156 firmware is uploaded to the patched boot.imgs folder