Develop Bugs

Thinking of rooting

I am thinking of rooting my daughter's fire. Before I do I would like to backup all of her app data. Is there a way to do this so I can restore all her saved games once I am finished rooting it?

Truthfully rooting is obsolete you can send twrp and fff to the kindle. Access recovery, create a backup,flash modaco straight over the stock image without wiping and its rooted with Google play and all her data still intact... Exactly what I did with my daughters..

Thepooch said:
Truthfully rooting is obsolete you can send twrp and fff to the kindle. Access recovery, create a backup,flash modaco straight over the stock image without wiping and its rooted with Google play and all her data still intact... Exactly what I did with my daughters..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I get twrp and fff from the Amazon App store?

No, but there's a small tool for installing it, check out this thread for installation guides, it's pretty simple: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1399889

After I use the tool will I be able to install custom ROMs? I would like to install either ICS or JB on her Fire.

Indirectly yes. You can use that tool to install TWRP. You can then use TWRP to backup your current system and install custom roms.

Before you get in over your head...
You seem like a pretty resonable person, so don't be naive to the complications that normally arise with those that attempt to "root/modify" their devices with the above mentioned utility. You are much better off doing a little research and trying to educate yourself in how this whole process works.
Find out what FFF is, what it does and how to use it. Find out what TWRP is, how it works and how to use it. Most of this stuff is easy to do and understand, but not if you don't know anything about it. Take a look around the forums and you'll see the large number of people who used the Kindle Fire Utility and ran into trouble with no idea of why or how to fix it. It would be beneficial and a lot less stressful for you if you had an idea of exactly what you were getting into.
At the top of this page is a sticky, titled "Before asking for troubleshooting help...". There are links in that thread, to many useful guides with a wealth of information to give you a great head start to keeping everything running smoothly. And don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand, just don't be ridiculous about it, because in the end, there is still no better education than experience.

I did find this thread. Is the tool basically an automated version of this?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1638452
I am a little informed on the rooting process as I have rooted my HTC Thunderbolt. I will do a little more research before I do anything to the fire. I don't want to mess up my daughters device and have her upset with me. Are there any good JB ROMs out there for daily driver use or are the only stables one out ICS?

mlott132 said:
I did find this thread. Is the tool basically an automated version of this?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1638452
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much, yes.
I am a little informed on the rooting process as I have rooted my HTC Thunderbolt. I will do a little more research before I do anything to the fire. I don't want to mess up my daughters device and have her upset with me. Are there any good JB ROMs out there for daily driver use or are the only stables one out ICS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Kindle Fire is very solid so it's extremely unlikely you will do anything to permanently "brick" it. Just be sure you are extremely careful installing a custom bootloader. The latest one can be flashed in recovery very safely, so I would skip that option if you decide to use the KFU. All it would take is a slight power surge, blue screen of death or accidentally pulling the USB cable out at the wrong time, and you'll be doing THIS to fix it. Believe me, it's not fun the first time around.
As for a good daily driver...most JB and ICS ROMs are rather stable, with minor quirks here and there, but they are still better than the stock OS any day IMO.

Will I lose all the saved app data during the initial rooting process? If so, is there a way to backup this information so that I will not lose her saved games?

you dont have to root you didn``t read my post very well you only need fff and twrp if you flash modaco you will be rooted and all your daughters data will be intact but this is only the case with modaco. most people who use kfu and select install permanent root with kfu have some type of failure as of recent. failing to push su binaries, failing to push superuser apk failing drivers that cant handle the quick change of fastboot, getting stuck in fastboot and the list goes on and on...

mlott132 said:
Will I lose all the saved app data during the initial rooting process?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. "Rooting" really only consists of adding two files. One that gives you actual root access (ownership) and one that keeps track of App permissions set by you.
The tricky thing is that you need temporary root access to get those files in place. This is where custom recovery comes in. Custom recoveries, like TWRP, come standard with root access, which will allow you to install and configure those two files. Custom recoveries go on their own partitions to replace their current, less effective stock counterparts, so no data capacity is lost in the process. With only those pieces of software in place, you would need to use the command line any time you want to access recovery, this is where a custom bootloader comes in. A custom bootloader will allow you to hold the power button at startup to access recovery on the fly.
The actual rooting process is unnecessary, especially if you intend to flash a custom ROM, because all custom ROMs these days are already pre-rooted. So, all you really have to do to get where you want, is get access to fastboot mode to flash a custom recovery (TWRP), push the desired ROM to your sdcard, wipe System & Factory Reset, install and reboot. The hardest part is getting the adb to work.
mlott132 said:
is there a way to backup this information so that I will not lose her saved games?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can make backups of everything in recovery and transfer it all to your computer.

Thepooch said:
you dont have to root you didn``t read my post very well you only need fff and twrp if you flash modaco you will be rooted and all your daughters data will be intact but this is only the case with modaco. most people who use kfu and select install permanent root with kfu have some type of failure as of recent. failing to push su binaries, failing to push superuser apk failing drivers that cant handle the quick change of fastboot, getting stuck in fastboot and the list goes on and on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I just sideload fff and twrp or when I flash modaco will it install these?

mlott132 said:
Do I just sideload fff and twrp or when I flash modaco will it install these?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25730650
Read through it to get a good understanding before attempting anything.

the actual act of putting twrp and fff is actually fairly straight forward the difficult thing is getting your drivers installed correctly. Rather than going first shot trying to either fastboot flash twrp and fff via command line or via kfu it is best to test your drivers to get a good idea of how they will act and if they will perform correctly. Instead of leaving your computer unable to detect the kindle in an undesirable state...
The kindle needs to enter fastboot to get at least part of the job and unfortunately with windows this sudden driver change tends to confuse it...
Side note: you go outside of modaco which you dont have to wipe when flashing to ICS or JB there will be data loss because a full wipe of everything but your sdcard contents will have to be wiped..

Well I finally pulled the trigger last night and unlocked my daughters fire. I ended up using kfu to install fff and twrp. Then flashed monaco ROM and all is well. Thanks everyone for their help in getting this done.:good:

Congrats! The modified fire is so much better than the stock.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2

[Root] [CWM] Samsung Galaxy Discover (SGH-730G) Tracfone Variant ONLY

THIS THREAD IS ONLY FOR THE SGH-730G VARIANT OF THE SAMSUNG DISCOVER. USE OF ANY OF THESE GUIDES AND METHODS FOR ANY OTHER VARIANT OF THE PHONE IS AT THE RISK OF THE USER
This thread is a guide on how to root and install CWM recovery on the Samsung Galaxy Discover (SGH-730G) which is the Tracfone (Net10, Straight Talk) variant of the device. These instructions are for Windows users only. If someone knows how to do it through Linux distro or Mac, please let me know and we will add those instructions to this post.
IMPORTANT: THIS GUIDE ASSUMES THAT YOU HAVE A PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF THE TOOLS AND TERMS USED. ROOTING YOUR DEVICE WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY! STOP NOW IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT! IF YOU PROCEED, FOLLOW ALL THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY. USE OF THIS GUIDE AND THESE TOOLS IS AT THE RISK OF THE USER! I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR NEGATIVE OUTCOMES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SOFT BRICK, HARD BRICK, EXPLODING BATTERIES, NUCLEAR WAR, GIANT SQUID PEOPLE, OR SPONTANEOUS JUSTIN BIEBER CONCERTS IN YOUR LIVING ROOM
***First let's get all the tools and files you will need to complete this process***
Samsung USB Drivers: Click HERE to download the USB drivers for the SGH-730G.
UnlockRoot Pro (Free Download) - Click HERE and scroll down to "UnlockRoot Pro" and click the "Free Download" button. *Note*: Your computer may tell you that this program is malicious. You may have to disable antivirus in order to download.
Odin3 v3.07 - Click HERE to download Odin. This program will be used to flash CWM recovery to your phone.
CWM Recovery (thanks to JohnnyGalto) - Click HERE to download CWM recovery for your phone.
***Now that you have all the tools downloaded let's get them installed and ready for use.***
1) Install the USB drivers (should be self-explanatory).
2) Click on UnlockRoot_downloader_by_UnlockRoot.exe to start the installation. You may have to grant it administrator privileges. I DO NOT RECOMMEND INSTALLING ANY OF THE SPECIAL OFFERS THAT FIRST COME UP WHEN YOU OPEN THE FILE. CLICK SKIP until the automatic download begins. This is the download for the program itself. Once that is finished, follow the instructions to install the program on your computer.
3) Extract Odin Files: I recommend creating a folder on the desktop named "Odin" simply for easy access. However, feel free to choose whatever directory you want. Simply extract all the files to a designated folder.
4) CWM Revovery Tar: Move this file into the same folder where you extracted Odin. This will make it easier to access in a little while.
***If you have followed all the instructions correctly, you are now ready to install CWM recovery and root your device! You will periodically see a yellow triangle on the Samsung boot logo screen throughout this process. But have no fear, we will take care of this later on.***
1) Put your phone into download mode by holding VOLUME DOWN + POWER. A warning screen about custom OS will appear. Press VOLUME UP to confirm this is what you want to do. You should then be showing a screen with the Android logo and the "Downloading... Do not turn off target!!" text.
2) Now connect your phone to the computer using the USB cable, and open Odin from the folder you extracted it to. If your phone is connected properly you should see something similar to "0:[COM10]" in the box under ID:COM in the upper left of the window.
**VERY IMPORTANT** MAKE SURE THE ONLY TWO BOXES CHECKED UNDER "OPTIONS" ARE AUTO REBOOT AND F. RESET TIME!! NO OTHER BOXES SHOULD BE CHECKED
3) Under "Files [Download]" click the PDA button. Navigate to where you placed the CWM tar file and click okay.It is important that you ONLY click "PDA" for this. If you have followed the directions carefully, Odin should check the MD5 sum of the file to verify validity. If the file comes back invalid or you get any errors, STOP, and report them in the thread.
4) Click "Start". DO NOT TURN OFF OR DISCONNECT YOUR PHONE DURING THIS PROCESS. If everything goes well, your phone will reboot automatically after install. To check if your install worked properly, follow the next instructions to boot into recovery and make a stock backup.
OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED SAFETY STEP BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ROOT (REQUIRES AN EXTERNAL MICRO SD CARD) - CWM recovery works without root permission. It is HIGHLY recommended that you make a complete backup of your stock image before proceeding. This will make it easier to recover from a soft brick, or to return your phone to stock in the future should you choose to do so. A)Power off your phone. To boot into recovery, hold VOLUME UP+POWER until the Samsung logo is displayed. After the logo displays, release the POWER button. Keep holding the VOLUME UP button until your phone boots into the CWM recovery screen. B) Using the volume keys to navigate the menu, scroll down to "backup and restore". Use the power button to select. C) Select backup using the power button. D) After your backup is complete, go back to the main menu and select "reboot system now".
5) Before using UnlockRoot Pro, go to your Settings menu and scroll down to "Developer Options". Be sure to select "USB debugging", "Allow mock locations", and just to avoid potential disaster, choose "Stay awake". After this is all done, you can go back and unselect these.
6) With USB debugging enabled on your phone, launch UnlockRoot (not the UnlockRoot PRO shortcut the program installs on the desktop). Click the big green "Root" button. **NOTE** During the process it will ask you if you want to install other apps. DO NOT INSTALL THEM. Once the program is finished, if all went well, you now have a rooted SGH-730G!
7) There are a number of apps available in the Play Store that check to see if you are rooted. Alternatively, this is how I check my devices. A) Download and install "Terminal Emulator" from the Play Store. This app is like using ADB on your phone. B) Once it is installed, open the app. Type in the command "su" (without the quotes) and hit enter. If rooting was successful, your phone should show a pop-up message asking you to grant it root privileges. Go ahead and say yes and rejoice in the fact you were successful. If you receive the error "permission denied", then the root was unsuccessful.
**Dealing with the pesky yellow triangle on the Samsung boot screen**
The yellow triangle on the Samsung boot screen is a visual warning that you are running custom software. To get rid of it, click the following thread link. "Triangle Away" is a paid app in the Play Store, but the awesome Chainfire has made it available in the forums. Read the thread carefully and follow all the instructions for using the app. Neither I, nor him, nor your pet are responsible for the misuse of the app. - http://forum.xda-developers.com/member.php?u=631273
THAT'S IT!!! If you followed all the directions carefully, you now have a rooted SGH-730G and the sky is the limit now. Currently there is no known custom roms for this device. However I am working on building a Stock+Root Deodexed version of the factory firmware, and will upload it when I can verify it is stable to be released. Following that, I will be developing a custom rom based on the stock firmware. But of course, if you have the experience and know-how, feel free to start developing your own roms for this phone. The more the merrier.
And as always, if you were successful using this guide, or it helped you in any way, please inflate my ego by clicking that thanks button.
I will try to answer as many questions as possible if you run into problems during the process, or if you have other questions about what you can do with this device now that it is rooted.
I CURRENTLY DO NOT KNOW OF A WAY TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE PHONE. IT'S A LITTLE BIT BEYOND MY SKILLS. I HAVE HOWEVER SEEN PEOPLE IN OTHER FORUMS GETTING PEOPLE TO DO IT USING REMOTE ACCESS TO THEIR COMPUTERS WITH THE PHONE PLUGGED IN TO IT. I DON'T KNOW ALL THE DETAILS ABOUT HOW IT WORKS, BUT COMMON SENSE TELLS ME THIS ISN'T A VERY TRUSTWORTHY THING TO BE DOING. IT'S TOTALLY UP TO YOU IF YOU REALLY TRUST A COMPLETE STRANGER TO HAVE VIRTUAL ACCESS TO YOUR COMPUTER AND YOUR PHONE. BE I'D BE WEARY.
:good: Thanks (in no particular order) to andronald for the original thread about the 730M variant of this device, Without that thread, this thread would not be possible. FitAmp for his contributions to the project over there, JohnnyGalto for the CWM recovery image, cshmitt for his help in getting me started working on a custom rom for this device. :good:

Soft Brick Recovery
SOFT BRICK RECOVERY FOR SGH-730G
Right now, I am working on a tar Odin flashable system image to make it easier to recover from a soft brick of the device. Once it is completed and tested, I will update this post to include a download of it.
***This post will help you recover from a soft brick or bootloop error on your SGH-730G after rooting. This quick guide assumes that you still have access to CWM recovery and/or are able to boot into download mode. (See OP for instructions on how to boot into recovery and download mode.)***
If you followed the instructions and recommendations in the previous post, then you should have made a backup of the stock image using CWM recovery. This is what you will use to help recover your phone so you can start the process again, or not, depending on how gutsy you feel.
IF YOU ARE STILL ABLE TO BOOT INTO CWM RECOVERY
1) Power off your device. You may have to pull the battery to do this if you are stuck with a bootloop or other booting issues.
2) Boot into CWM recovery (see OP for instructions)
3) Scroll down to "backup and restore"
4) Select restore
5) You should then see a restore point to select. The format is usually "YYYY-MM-DD.HOUR". The hour is usually in 24h format.
6) Select the file then select "Yes".
7) If everything works correctly, your stock backup should be restored and you should be able to boot your phone again.
**Note** If you lose root while restoring your stock backup, just use the guide in the OP to try again.
**If you cannot boot into CWM recovery after installation and making a backup.**
Try to reinstall the CWM recovery image using the instructions in the OP.
Again, as soon as it is ready, I will upload a tar that can be flashed through Odin to restore the factory image to your phone, and instructions on recovering and returning to stock will be posted here.
As always, if this helps you in any way, inflate my ego by clicking that thanks button.

Fun with the SGH-730G
So far there are a few fun things I have found work for this phone so far.
For those who may want overclock features, check out this thread. The reason I didn't include it in the OP is because I didn't have success in changing the max value for CPU speed. It stayed constant at 1000 and produced a little too much battery drain for my taste.
SetCPU - This app only works to change the minimum allowed CPU speed of the stock kernel. I run the "ondemand" settings with a minimum of 600MHz and max of 800Mhz. This has helped to reduce some lag from the stock speeds the kernel likes to run and doesn't produce a noticeable battery drain.
Seeder - The seeder lag reduction app makes a huge difference in smoothness of the device.
Xposed Framework: If you don't know what this is, search the XDA forums and you will be able to learn just about everything you want about it. So far I have tested features of the XBlast module and Xposed Additions. Center clock and clock color change, 4-way reboot menu with screenshot, Volume button tweaks, all from Xblast. Xposed Additions can be used to remap the buttons for different functions. I was able to remap the back key to kill the foreground app on long-press. Very useful to limit the amount of running apps in the background.
Notification Toggle - This nifty little app allows you to place toggles for wifi, mobile data, brightness, etc, in the notification dropdown screen. Saves a little time from having to navigate through the settings on the phone, and saves home screen space by not having to use the power widget.
Rom Toolbox - Some features may work, but it is better to have the rom deodexed to take full advantage. (A deodexed version of the stock rom will be available soon).
Auto Killer Memory Optimizer: This is a personal favorite of mine. I own the pro version which is well worth the money. It allows custom settings to optimize RAM usage and free up memory. Makes the phone so much smoother.
If you find any other fun mods that work with this phone, pleas share!

Thank you very much. Been waiting for this for a while. Again thanks.

Nomad692000 said:
Thank you very much. Been waiting for this for a while. Again thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My pleasure. I felt it was necessary to separate this phone version from the other versions to avoid confusion. I'll be (hopefully) updating the soft brick recovery in just a moment. Currently testing a new method. Glad you liked the thread. Stick around, things may start to get interesting soon

So far I haven't had any luck creating an Odin package of the factory system image. I have written to Tracfone to see if they could provide me with the factory image but I'm not going to have high hopes it will happen.
Hopefully this week I will be able to provide a deodexed and debloated version of the stock rom that will run a little faster and take up a little less space on the device.
A custom kernel is in the works for those interested in overclocking, though I think anything past the stock max speed will cause a good amount of battery drain.
Sent from my SGH-S730G

So you building a custom rom for the tracfone version (730G)?

(Dominix) said:
So you building a custom rom for the tracfone version (730G)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slowly but surely yes. Haven't gotten as much done this week as I had hoped but it is in the works.
Sent from my SGH-S730G

i need stock rom please
TheGeekyNimrod said:
Slowly but surely yes. Haven't gotten as much done this week as I had hoped but it is in the works.
Sent from my SGH-S730G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i mistakingly picked up the wrong phone..the discover and the centura are very similar....i accidently installed custom rom for the centura onto the discover...it is the 730g. i did not make a back up...do you have the stock rom and can you post or email it to me?? [email protected]
:crying:

j.nunez123 said:
i mistakingly picked up the wrong phone..the discover and the centura are very similar....i accidently installed custom rom for the centura onto the discover...it is the 730g. i did not make a back up...do you have the stock rom and can you post or email it to me?? [email protected]
:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now I do not have a copy of the stock rom. I'm still trying to create an Odin flashable of the basic system partition files, recovery, and boot. Wish I could help you. This is why it's always important to make a backup. You might can try one of the 730M Discover threads and see if someone can send you a back up of theirs, but keep in mind that is the Canadian version of the phone. I'm not quite sure what all of the differences in them are.

Based on what I have been able to find out, other than the tracfone custom boot screen and sound, the android on this phone is just stock android 4. No touchwiz (thank God and all that it holy) no bloatware extras, no nothing. So you could probably take the stock Android 4.0.4 I think it is and work from that.
Sent from my SGH-S730G using xda app-developers app

little trouble
Ive downloaded everyting just fine, but when I try and install the unlockroot it keeps telling me Better installer host has stopped working. Is that something on my end or something on theirs? because i cant seem to figure anything out about better installer and have never seen it before downloading this. You have any suggestions on what is causing this problem?

[sgh-s730g] Discover Straight talk PR Rooted
I will reccomend you to start over as it is in [Root] [CWM] Samgsung Galaxy Discover (SGH-730G) Tracfone Variant ONLYthread, which is in the first page. Do a factory reset if it can be done, and wipe all the catches. format your sd card and be patient, because i followed all the instructions and mine works fine. the only thing i haven't done is get rid of the yellow triangle but I'll doit later on because I'm Working to find the unlocking code for mine. Wish you luck and do be afraid. Just be Patient :good:

Cristiandando said:
I will reccomend you to start over as it is in [Root] [CWM] Samgsung Galaxy Discover (SGH-730G) Tracfone Variant ONLYthread, which is in the first page. Do a factory reset if it can be done, and wipe all the catches. format your sd card and be patient, because i followed all the instructions and mine works fine. the only thing i haven't done is get rid of the yellow triangle but I'll doit later on because I'm Working to find the unlocking code for mine. Wish you luck and do be afraid. Just be Patient :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am getting this error on my computer not on my cell phone, My cell is a discover from straight talk. when i downloaded unlockroot from their website onto my computer and go to run it it wont even install. just keeps saying better installer stopped working. Again this is on my computer not on my cell phone.

Uninstall then re-download UnlockRoot .. I had that problem first time I tried to run it. Also, there is the actual free program, amd another program file that pulls up an order and download program for the pro version. Maybe you clicked that one instead?
Sent from my SGH-S730G

I have a debloated, deodexed, zip aligned, rooted version of the stock rom completed. Working on the updater script which is being a pain in my ass. Soon as it is done and tested I'll post it.
I've been behind on it as my volunteer work and family obligations have been my primary focus. But it is something I still try to work on to give this phone a little boost.
Sent from my SGH-S730G

Here it's what you're looking for my Friend
pokesmot88 said:
I am getting this error on my computer not on my cell phone, My cell is a discover from straight talk. when i downloaded unlockroot from their website onto my computer and go to run it it wont even install. just keeps saying better installer stopped working. Again this is on my computer not on my cell phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Il' PM you the unlock root pro with the serial because I can't post it until I make 10 or more post. Download both items, install the software and then copy > paste the serial and start rooting your phone. Don't forguet to make a back up of your original not rooted rom and save it in your computer and sd card in case something goes wrong just restore it to it's original state.

TheGeekyNimrod said:
I have a debloated, deodexed, zip aligned, rooted version of the stock rom completed. Working on the updater script which is being a pain in my ass. Soon as it is done and tested I'll post it.
I've been behind on it as my volunteer work and family obligations have been my primary focus. But it is something I still try to work on to give this phone a little boost.
Sent from my SGH-S730G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a SGH-S730M that I bought unlocked off of ebay, and wound up giving it to my wife. After looking at the specs for the SGH-S730G it sounds like they are identical other than one being sold by Telus and the other being sold by net10. Is the SGH-730G unlocked by default? I'm interested in getting one to try my hand at modifying. One of my few key complaints about the SGH-S730M was that even though it didn't have the touchwiz launcher it still had the samsung style lock screen instead of the stock ICS lock screen. Would xposed or any of the other stuff you mentioned allow me to change that back to stock?
Also the battery issue you mentioned also seems to affect the S730M as well, it is more than a little annoying.

doctor_evil said:
I have a SGH-S730M that I bought unlocked off of ebay, and wound up giving it to my wife. After looking at the specs for the SGH-S730G it sounds like they are identical other than one being sold by Telus and the other being sold by net10. Is the SGH-730G unlocked by default? I'm interested in getting one to try my hand at modifying. One of my few key complaints about the SGH-S730M was that even though it didn't have the touchwiz launcher it still had the samsung style lock screen instead of the stock ICS lock screen. Would xposed or any of the other stuff you mentioned allow me to change that back to stock?
Also the battery issue you mentioned also seems to affect the S730M as well, it is more than a little annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are pretty much the same device yes. The 730G I bought was through StraightTalk so it wasn't unlocked. I'm sure you could find one unlocked on Ebay or maybe Swappa or something similar. I do hate the Samsung stock lockscreen too. Stock, Xposed won't do the AOSP lockscreen style. Once I have the deodexed working and ready it should. There is another way to bring it up, but it's a little beyond my experience, but also requires a deodexed system.

TheGeekyNimrod said:
They are pretty much the same device yes. The 730G I bought was through StraightTalk so it wasn't unlocked. I'm sure you could find one unlocked on Ebay or maybe Swappa or something similar. I do hate the Samsung stock lockscreen too. Stock, Xposed won't do the AOSP lockscreen style. Once I have the deodexed working and ready it should. There is another way to bring it up, but it's a little beyond my experience, but also requires a deodexed system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool I will be watching this thread for updates. I just bought a used SGH-730G that I am willing to do test flashes on the rom if you need a tester. I got it for a super super cheap price so I won't get upset if it gets bricked.

[Q&A] FireTV Boot Menu 1.0

Q&A for FireTV Boot Menu 1.0
Some developers prefer that questions remain separate from their main development thread to help keep things organized. Placing your question within this thread will increase its chances of being answered by a member of the community or by the developer.
Before posting, please use the forum search and read through the discussion thread for FireTV Boot Menu 1.0. If you can't find an answer, post it here, being sure to give as much information as possible (firmware version, steps to reproduce, logcat if available) so that you can get help.
Thanks for understanding and for helping to keep XDA neat and tidy!

Missed a step...
Well, as careful as I was trying to be, I managed to screw up the steps!
1) I have no way to block OTA updates via the router (I don't have access), but when I booted up the first time I was able to go into system settings and cancel the update it was downloading. Phew. Still on 51.1.0.1_user_510055620.
2) Sideload towelroot and SuperSU. Success.
4) Root and install BusyBox. Done.
3) Block OTA updates. Now I'm safe!
4) Unlock the bootloader and install CWM 6.0.5.1.4a. Version check. Verified.
5) Install 51.1.4.0_514006420 updated via CWM. Now we're making progress!
6) Install BusyBox again. I guess it wasn't included in "51.1.4.0_514006420 updated."
7) I see to update further, I need to install RBox Boot Menu, so I press forward. I was being SO careful. I verified md5sums, read back through the instructions, and tried to follow line-by-line. I finish installing RBox and reboot.
Success, I think, as RBox loads!! I watch the countdown go from 5 to 0, and then... well, nothing. It just sits there. I read back through the instructions and realize I missed one very crucial step. Yup, I missed copying the original boot.img to /system/boot/. So of course now, it just boots to RBox, but doesn't know where to go from there. And I can't do anything else about it tonight because I don't have a USB keyboard -- I did all the stuff above using ADB and recovery-input.
Sooo, I think all I have to do is hook up a USB keyboard, go into recovery (which I can't do right now with no way to select recovery in RBox), reflash "51.1.4.0_514006420 updated," and start over with the RBox install process -- this time making sure I don't miss any steps. Tomorrow I'll bring home a USB keyboard from work and hopefully have better success!

adgriffi said:
Well, as careful as I was trying to be, I managed to screw up the steps!
1) I have no way to block OTA updates via the router (I don't have access), but when I booted up the first time I was able to go into system settings and cancel the update it was downloading. Phew. Still on 51.1.0.1_user_510055620.
2) Sideload towelroot and SuperSU. Success.
4) Root and install BusyBox. Done.
3) Block OTA updates. Now I'm safe!
4) Unlock the bootloader and install CWM 6.0.5.1.4a. Version check. Verified.
5) Install 51.1.4.0_514006420 updated via CWM. Now we're making progress!
6) Install BusyBox again. I guess it wasn't included in "51.1.4.0_514006420 updated."
7) I see to update further, I need to install RBox Boot Menu, so I press forward. I was being SO careful. I verified md5sums, read back through the instructions, and tried to follow line-by-line. I finish installing RBox and reboot.
Success, I think, as RBox loads!! I watch the countdown go from 5 to 0, and then... well, nothing. It just sits there. I read back through the instructions and realize I missed one very crucial step. Yup, I missed copying the original boot.img to /system/boot/. So of course now, it just boots to RBox, but doesn't know where to go from there. And I can't do anything else about it tonight because I don't have a USB keyboard -- I did all the stuff above using ADB and recovery-input.
Sooo, I think all I have to do is hook up a USB keyboard, go into recovery (which I can't do right now with no way to select recovery in RBox), reflash "51.1.4.0_514006420 updated," and start over with the RBox install process -- this time making sure I don't miss any steps. Tomorrow I'll bring home a USB keyboard from work and hopefully have better success!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as bootmenu and recovery is working, you can just flash to 51.1.4.1 and it'll be fine.

rbox said:
As long as bootmenu and recovery is working, you can just flash to 51.1.4.1 and it'll be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Success! Thanks for the advice about not having to start over with RBox. Hooked up the keyboard (which worked flawlessly), installed the latest pre-rooted image and I'm back up and running!

few questions
hello,
Just so I will learn few things
When I power up the machine it start by loading from /boot partition, Then it decide whether to go to /recovery or /system ?
I saw somewhere that the /boot include the kernel and that the /system the OS ?
I saw from the guide that bootmenu is copied into the /boot
and that the original /boot to /system/boot.
Why do need to save the original /boot ?
I guess that the bootmenu does not include the kernel ?
If so - the pre-rooted roms include this /system/boot ?
also - installing a stock rom will fail because it doesn't built this way or will it also overwrite the /boot ?
Sorry for asking a lot - Interested in וnderstanding.
Thank you

Fire TV Menu 1.0 Question
I have the same issue this person this person has, would appreciate any thoughts or ideas, thanks:
After installing bootmenu I get stuck at the boot screen where the count runs to 0 and am unable to choose launch recovery.
The device does boot into the kernel automatically with no issues.
For some reason my keyboard doesn’t allow me to change it to recovery and I have tried several keyboards. However, if I do ctrl-alt-del the unit reboots so it seems the keyboard commands are working. Any way to recover from this?" Have tested with both pre-rooted 51.1.40 and 51.1.41

Today I installed the app following the instructions but after a reboot it won't go past the Amazon Logo. Does anyone have any tips on how to fix it?
I don't have ADB access to the device via the network have not tried via USB

Problem downloading firetv-bootmenu-1.0.img
No matter what i do this file wont' downlaod from mediafire. Can somene PLEASE upload it to another location. It should have a mirror anyways right? I've been attempting to download it for hours.
Thanks guys

FTV now goes to Wired network on reboot
I've got 2 FTVs that I've updated to the latest CWM, Boot Menu, and pre-rooted firmware. Everything works great except on reboot, sometimes instead of joining the wireless network, the units report that they can't find the network and show that they are wired, which they are not. Forgetting the wired network solves the problem only until the next reboot. Is it possible that the latest custom rom has wired as the default instead of wireless?
Thanks for all your great work.

Help needed after upgrade to 51.1.5.0_515030720

So, the other day i have started on rooting the AFTV of a friend of mine. i rooted mine a while ago and was comfortable enough to do it for someone else.
was following the AFTVnews.com guide (very well organized site and i would say a wiki for all aftv users). the initial version on the box was 51.1.0.1. have succesfuly rooted it, installed customer recovery, busybox, bootmenu, etc, all as per the guide. have upgraded it to 51.1.4.0_514006420 updated succesfuly as well again using aftvnews.com after which have installed the busybox again. now here the strange things happen. have decided to keep upgrading it to the latest version 51.1.5.0_515030720, according to the description i could upgrade straight to this version from 51.1.4.0_514006420. followed the same upgrade procedure and after the reboot in CWM i get the Amazon Fire TV logo and doesnt do anything, left it for about 10 min - nothing. power cycled it still the coloured logo. which means somehow it got software bricked.
started to google the ways of unbrick it and followed the procedure with the USB keyboard, it worked well for me. i got in to CWM recovery and did factory reset after which reboot. no luck, still showing the coloured logo.
got back in to recovery using the same USB keyboard method and did again factory reset after which decided to install the 51.1.4.0_514006420 updated custom ROM again which was already on my sdcard.
installed successfully, rebooted and started to configure the brand new aftv box - language, network, register, etc. after all this got on home screen, system to find out that it has the stock 51.1.4.0 version (51.1.4.0_user_514006420). what is interesting that the supersu is already there but without the option to launch it, only force stop, clear data and cash.
tried towelroot but obviously no luck, it sais your phone is not supported. so i guess that's it, no more root for me.
where the hell i missed it? i followed every step carefully.
and why in the first place after upgrade from 51.1.4.0_514006420 to 51.1.5.0_515030720 i got bricked?
please tell me there's still hope to root it.
Update: despite the fact that towelroot cant root my box anymore i was able to install busybox and kernel boot menu succesfuly and granted super user permissions. the adb shell shows as [email protected] something is not right, looks like a partial root to me.
please advise.
have attached below a few screen shots.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/development/prerooted-stock-images-t2882337
From the OP rbox:
"Starting with 51.1.4.1, these require FireTV Boot Menu. For the time being, you must update to 51.1.4.0 before updating to 51.1.4.1. Also, if you flashed 51.1.4.0, you must flash bootmenu afterwards. If you are already on 51.1.4.0, then you just need to flash bootmenu."

stutunaru said:
So, the other day i have started on rooting the AFTV of a friend of mine. i rooted mine a while ago and was comfortable enough to do it for someone else.
was following the AFTVnews.com guide (very well organized site and i would say a wiki for all aftv users). the initial version on the box was 51.1.0.1. have succesfuly rooted it, installed customer recovery, busybox, bootmenu, etc, all as per the guide. have upgraded it to 51.1.4.0_514006420 updated succesfuly as well again using aftvnews.com after which have installed the busybox again. now here the strange things happen. have decided to keep upgrading it to the latest version 51.1.5.0_515030720, according to the description i could upgrade straight to this version from 51.1.4.0_514006420. followed the same upgrade procedure and after the reboot in CWM i get the Amazon Fire TV logo and doesnt do anything, left it for about 10 min - nothing. power cycled it still the coloured logo. which means somehow it got software bricked.
started to google the ways of unbrick it and followed the procedure with the USB keyboard, it worked well for me. i got in to CWM recovery and did factory reset after which reboot. no luck, still showing the coloured logo.
got back in to recovery using the same USB keyboard method and did again factory reset after which decided to install the 51.1.4.0_514006420 updated custom ROM again which was already on my sdcard.
installed successfully, rebooted and started to configure the brand new aftv box - language, network, register, etc. after all this got on home screen, system to find out that it has the stock 51.1.4.0 version (51.1.4.0_user_514006420). what is interesting that the supersu is already there but without the option to launch it, only force stop, clear data and cash.
tried towelroot but obviously no luck, it sais your phone is not supported. so i guess that's it, no more root for me.
where the hell i missed it? i followed every step carefully.
and why in the first place after upgrade from 51.1.4.0_514006420 to 51.1.5.0_515030720 i got bricked?
please tell me there's still hope to root it.
Update: despite the fact that towelroot cant root my box anymore i was able to install busybox and kernel boot menu succesfuly and granted super user permissions. the adb shell shows as [email protected] something is not right, looks like a partial root to me.
please advise.
have attached below a few screen shots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You kinda lost me there...but here's what I know
I'm almost certain its not possible for you to have boot menu and cwm without fully functional root privs
[email protected] is what it should say (does it go straight to that after inputting shell? Do you get the # sign?) That means bootloader is fully unlocked.
Supersu on aftv doesn't open and allow you to configure but it works. Not sure why but that's the way its been for a long time.
I think you're all set but sort of skimmed your post. Maybe someone else has insights.

stutunaru said:
So, the other day i have started on rooting the AFTV of a friend of mine. i rooted mine a while ago and was comfortable enough to do it for someone else.
was following the AFTVnews.com guide (very well organized site and i would say a wiki for all aftv users). the initial version on the box was 51.1.0.1. have succesfuly rooted it, installed customer recovery, busybox, bootmenu, etc, all as per the guide. have upgraded it to 51.1.4.0_514006420 updated succesfuly as well again using aftvnews.com after which have installed the busybox again. now here the strange things happen. have decided to keep upgrading it to the latest version 51.1.5.0_515030720, according to the description i could upgrade straight to this version from 51.1.4.0_514006420. followed the same upgrade procedure and after the reboot in CWM i get the Amazon Fire TV logo and doesnt do anything, left it for about 10 min - nothing. power cycled it still the coloured logo. which means somehow it got software bricked.
started to google the ways of unbrick it and followed the procedure with the USB keyboard, it worked well for me. i got in to CWM recovery and did factory reset after which reboot. no luck, still showing the coloured logo.
got back in to recovery using the same USB keyboard method and did again factory reset after which decided to install the 51.1.4.0_514006420 updated custom ROM again which was already on my sdcard.
installed successfully, rebooted and started to configure the brand new aftv box - language, network, register, etc. after all this got on home screen, system to find out that it has the stock 51.1.4.0 version (51.1.4.0_user_514006420). what is interesting that the supersu is already there but without the option to launch it, only force stop, clear data and cash.
tried towelroot but obviously no luck, it sais your phone is not supported. so i guess that's it, no more root for me.
where the hell i missed it? i followed every step carefully.
and why in the first place after upgrade from 51.1.4.0_514006420 to 51.1.5.0_515030720 i got bricked?
please tell me there's still hope to root it.
Update: despite the fact that towelroot cant root my box anymore i was able to install busybox and kernel boot menu succesfuly and granted super user permissions. the adb shell shows as [email protected] something is not right, looks like a partial root to me.
please advise.
have attached below a few screen shots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you installed 51.1.4.0 AFTER installing the bootmenu. You're supposed to install 51.1.4.0 first, then the boot menu, then the latest ROM. It's a simple enough fix. Just follow the "Resetting with Recovery Mode" portion of my guide here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-unbrick-and-prevent-bricking-an-amazon-fire-tv/#toc3.2

AFTVnews.com said:
Sounds like you installed 51.1.4.0 AFTER installing the bootmenu. You're supposed to install 51.1.4.0 first, then the boot menu, then the latest ROM. It's a simple enough fix. Just follow the "Resetting with Recovery Mode" portion of my guide here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-unbrick-and-prevent-bricking-an-amazon-fire-tv/#toc3.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@AFTVnews.com here are two separate issues im trying to find explanation:
1. why after installing rooted 51.1.5.0 i got brisked even i was following the same guide as for 51.1.4.0. i think i haven’t missed anything in there.
2. during the recovery the only missed step was nr.2 (missed to wipe cash partition). the question is why as a result of flashing the rooted 51.1.4.0 i got the stock one? (51.1.4.0_user_514006420)?
and the bootmenu i have installed only after applied 51.1.4.0->BusyBox->bootloader.
all works as should except the towelroot and partially supersu. why partially supersu because it still does what should, grants permissions to application but i cant open it, cant remove it, cant update it.
should i go ahead and apply the last rooted release (51.1.5.0_515030720)?

KLit75 said:
You kinda lost me there...but here's what I know
I'm almost certain its not possible for you to have boot menu and cwm without fully functional root privs
[email protected] is what it should say (does it go straight to that after inputting shell? Do you get the # sign?) That means bootloader is fully unlocked.
Supersu on aftv doesn't open and allow you to configure but it works. Not sure why but that's the way its been for a long time.
I think you're all set but sort of skimmed your post. Maybe someone else has insights.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
according to AFTVnews.com the verification of unlocked bootloader was the adb shell. right after it i get [email protected]:/ #
http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-check-if-your-fire-tvs-bootloader-is-unlocked/

cd2022 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/development/prerooted-stock-images-t2882337
From the OP rbox:
"Starting with 51.1.4.1, these require FireTV Boot Menu. For the time being, you must update to 51.1.4.0 before updating to 51.1.4.1. Also, if you flashed 51.1.4.0, you must flash bootmenu afterwards. If you are already on 51.1.4.0, then you just need to flash bootmenu."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and i did flash the bootmenu after 51.1.4.0. the question is why after rooted 51.1.4.0 i got 51.1.4.0_user_514006420 which is stock ROM. also why if i have all tools mentioned for root on my aftv the towelroot says not supported?
is there anyway of starting allover again beeing on 51.1.4.0?
it's probably easier to do that then to troubleshoot why all these happened

stutunaru said:
and i did flash the bootmenu after 51.1.4.0. the question is why after rooted 51.1.4.0 i got 51.1.4.0_user_514006420 which is stock ROM. also why if i have all tools mentioned for root on my aftv the towelroot says not supported?
is there anyway of starting allover again beeing on 51.1.4.0?
it's probably easier to do that then to troubleshoot why all these happened
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rbox ROMs and the stock ROMs are named identically, as far as I know. As far as I know
Towel root probably sees the preroot fw as unsupported because the same version of stock is most definetly unsupported. I never tried because I am rooted so there was never a need.
You are rooted
You have unlocked the bootloader
Supersu is working
You have cwm
When I said you lost me there...I meant from reading your op I can't see anything that indicates you screwed up. In fact, I accidentally tried to flash a stock ROM when I was going through that long process but it won't flash. Rbox designed it to fail so we won't brick. So as far as I know there is no way to be running stock with a custom recovery and to have custom recovery you must be rooted. I could be missing something but I don't see what?
Have you tried flashing a more recent update?
***but don't just try it without ensuring prerequisites are met. Like many others I do things like root and unlocknjust once. There's a definite order to this that can't be overlooked.

Just grab the seeder.apk and try to enable it.
If it enables successfully,then you have root access.

stutunaru said:
and i did flash the bootmenu after 51.1.4.0. the question is why after rooted 51.1.4.0 i got 51.1.4.0_user_514006420 which is stock ROM. also why if i have all tools mentioned for root on my aftv the towelroot says not supported?
is there anyway of starting allover again beeing on 51.1.4.0?
it's probably easier to do that then to troubleshoot why all these happened
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The pre-rooted ROM and the stock software update report the exact same software version number when you look in the Fire TV's about section. Saying "i got 51.1.4.0_user_514006420 which is stock ROM" is silly since the pre-rooted ROM will also say 51.1.4.0_user_514006420. Also, SuperUser not launching is a known issue. It is that way for everyone using the SuperUser app that is included in the pre-rooted ROMs.
You bricked because you either did not install the boot menu or you messed up the boot menu installation. Simple as that.
If you're running 51.1.4.0 right now, then:
Install BusyBox
CAREFULLY install the boot menu
Test that the boot menu is working by restarting your Fire TV and using the boot menu to enter recovery
Then finally, install the latest pre-rooted ROM

AFTVnews.com said:
The pre-rooted ROM and the stock software update report the exact same software version number when you look in the Fire TV's about section. Saying "i got 51.1.4.0_user_514006420 which is stock ROM" is silly since the pre-rooted ROM will also say 51.1.4.0_user_514006420. Also, SuperUser not launching is a known issue. It is that way for everyone using the SuperUser app that is included in the pre-rooted ROMs.
You bricked because you either did not install the boot menu or you messed up the boot menu installation. Simple as that.
If you're running 51.1.4.0 right now, then:
Install BusyBox
CAREFULLY install the boot menu
Test that the boot menu is working by restarting your Fire TV and using the boot menu to enter recovery
Then finally, install the latest pre-rooted ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might be. i might've overlooked something during the process.
last night have applied the latest pre-rooted ROM and so far so good.
appreciate all your help folks.
:good::good::good:

[root] [ZS570KL] Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe fast rooting method. Despite TWRP

Not tested on nougat.
I use adb and fastboot , twrp, supersu.
Files We need:
TWRP: It's bogus, in my phone the screen flips upsidedown: Connect a mouse thru female usb or try to figure out how to tap in a rotated screen with a non rotated touch panel.
TWRP Download -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0XMYw0cbs_cdm5FZW1DQXl4MFU/view
SuperSU file - > https://download.chainfire.eu/1021/SuperSU/SR3-SuperSU-v2.79-SR3-20170114223742.zip?retrieve_file=1
For ADB access thru MAC:
1.- First of all we have to get open USB debug mode to get adb acces to the phone by going to Settings -> About -> Software Information -> Tap 7 times over Build number.
2.- After we get Developer options available we have to put the phone on usb debugging by goig to "Settings-> Developer Options" Activate USB Debugging.
3.- Install android platform-tools on your PC/Linux/MAC , in my case had work on MAC and no devices acces thru ADB on PC :silly: .
platform-tools -> http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...ble-without-full-sdk-android-studio-download/
Here you have the 3 options to download ADB and FASTBOOT
4.- Connect your phone to the PC (USB) and copy SuperSu to the root of your phone, a place that its easy too acces, cause TWRP, for the moment flips the screen.
5.- Copy TWRP3.0.XXX.zip to the folder where you have platform-tools installed.
6.- Reboot your phone to bootloader and in Linux could work too:
./adb reboot bootloader [./ is placed cause I don't put platform-tools on the my PATH]
After the boot, then we have to boot on TWRP
./fastboot boot twrp-3.0xxxx.zip (you don't flash anything) If you want to flash TWRP, at your awn risk, ./fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.0xxxx.zip".
Well, now you have to see TRWP on your phone screen.
My recomendation is to play a little bit with the flipped screen if you don't have a female USB to plug a mouse.
7.- Trying to make a complete backup of the phone could be a good practice to move on TWRP with the flipped screen . Tap backup option and make a Backup. Always recomended!
8.- After Backup, you can go to INSTALL SuperSU.zip file. "Install -> look for your SuperSU.zip file "
9.- Go to Playstore and install supersu app.
Now you can test your root, after reboot for example tryin to install some APP that requires root. Fast move:
./adb shell
su root
It has to appear a screen to grant root access to the phone.
10. Done!
Well I think thats my second post at all, hope can help someone to root the phone.
I placed In Questions and Answers cause XDA says want to protect us from SPAM.
Feel free to correct me anything.
Kronen_75

Your links do not work.

jnmacd said:
Your links do not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Links are corrected. Thanks!

You can also substitute Magisk instead of Supersu if you need to use any of the pay apps or have root sensitive apps...

Without the right Twrp, many benefits to rooting are missing such as removing stock rom applications. Seems without being able to boot to a recovery, even Titanium cannot remove apps because it needs to clean the dalvic.. Can't do it without a recovery
Sent from my ASUS_Z016D using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Download the right twrp here: https://mega.nz/#F!EkFF1CJD!C8o2wXMARW3YJFOipDttbA

You should change your title !!
Tested on nougat.
The variant ZS550KL can be rooted with same method on latest firmware with nougat

Very nice guide, Thank you. Could you please provide updated links to both TWRP and SuperSU. I am currently using TWRP 3.1.1-0 and it functions properly after hanging for approximately 45 seconds on boot. This may be due to the fact my phone is encrypted. I initially rooted without installing TWRP (fastboot boot twrp.img) but have since flashed it. Both ways work well. The posted version of SuperSU did result in root but caused me to lose cell service! The phone could "see" the sim card but not use it. Updating to SuperSU 2.82 solved that issue. This was all done on my finally rooted ZenFone 3 Deluxe Special Edition (Z016D)!!!

I unfortunately figured something out the other day. Using TWRP 3.1.1-0 I am able to install zip files, complete wipes, make & restore backups. The issues only arise after you restore your nandroid image. Everything works except for two things.
1. The ability to hear audio during phone calls. The phone is actually able to place calls but you are unable to hear or record any phone audio. Oddly enough I was able to play music and use voice dictation. It was only in-call audio that seemed to be affected.
2. If you have a pin set when you create your nandroid image your pin will no longer work once restored. You will be locked out of your own phone!!
Fortunately both are fairly easily resolved and keep TWRP relatively useful, although a bit bothersome!
To resolve the pin issue it is necessary to use the TWRP file manager or ADB to delete 5 files (listed below) and regain entrance to your phone. Once deleted simply reboot the phone and reset your pin. If you remove your pin before creating a backup this issue is averted completely.
/data/system/gatekeeper.pattern.key
/data/system/gatekeeper.password.key
/data/system/locksettings.db
/data/system/locksettings.db-wal
/data/system/locksettings.db-shm
To re-enable call audio use TWRP (install zip) to reflash the same version firmware from the Asus website over your current install without wiping. This will restore any system apps you may have removed but you should still have root and can easily remove them again. There will be two errors when performing the flash, which is why I believe root is retained but the system image will be reflashed. Reboot and enjoy
I sincerely hope I have not caused anyone any issues! Or that someone else finds this information useful. I have tested everything in this post at least three times. All testing was done on the most recent Android 7 firmware on my ZenFone 3 Deluxe Special Edition (SnapDragon 821/6/256).

Sandman45654 said:
I unfortunately figured something out the other day. Using TWRP 3.1.1-0 I am able to install zip files, complete wipes, make & restore backups. The issues only arise after you restore your nandroid image. Everything works except for two things.
1. The ability to hear audio during phone calls. The phone is actually able to place calls but you are unable to hear or record any phone audio. Oddly enough I was able to play music and use voice dictation. It was only in-call audio that seemed to be affected.
2. If you have a pin set when you create your nandroid image your pin will no longer work once restored. You will be locked out of your own phone!!
Fortunately both are fairly easily resolved and keep TWRP relatively useful, although a bit bothersome!
To resolve the pin issue it is necessary to use the TWRP file manager or ADB to delete 5 files (listed below) and regain entrance to your phone. Once deleted simply reboot the phone and reset your pin. If you remove your pin before creating a backup this issue is averted completely.
/data/system/gatekeeper.pattern.key
/data/system/gatekeeper.password.key
/data/system/locksettings.db
/data/system/locksettings.db-wal
/data/system/locksettings.db-shm
To re-enable call audio use TWRP (install zip) to reflash the same version firmware from the Asus website over your current install without wiping. This will restore any system apps you may have removed but you should still have root and can easily remove them again. There will be two errors when performing the flash, which is why I believe root is retained but the system image will be reflashed. Reboot and enjoy
I sincerely hope I have not caused anyone any issues! Or that someone else finds this information useful. I have tested everything in this post at least three times. All testing was done on the most recent Android 7 firmware on my ZenFone 3 Deluxe Special Edition (SnapDragon 821/6/256).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The second issue happens in all the phones/twrp.
It's possible to install the firmware from asus website with twrp?? To update i flash the stock recovery, install the firmware, then reflash twrp and supersu. Didn't know that! It updates successfully with twrp??

Thank you Ryder for confirming my suspicion that the pin issue may have been a more common one with TWRP. This is the first phone I actually cared enough about to use a pin. I was thrown for a loop when I first booted my fresh nandroid restore and the pin I know I've been using was incorrect!
As for installing firmware, with the two errors that occurred during I don't know that you would be able to do full scale upgrade to a higher version. To reinstall the system partition however it does seem to work quite well. I tested this part four times. To do so download the correct device/version firmware to the phones storage, click install, and select that file. After it completes I like to wipe both the cache and the dalvik cache before restarting the phone. The audio issue was unfortunately easily reproduced on my phone, but thankfully equally easy to resolve. This worked for me each time without fail.

Sandman45654 said:
Thank you Ryder for confirming my suspicion that the pin issue may have been a more common one with TWRP. This is the first phone I actually cared enough about to use a pin. I was thrown for a loop when I first booted my fresh nandroid restore and the pin I know I've been using was incorrect!
As for installing firmware, with the two errors that occurred during I don't know that you would be able to do full scale upgrade to a higher version. To reinstall the system partition however it does seem to work quite well. I tested this part four times. To do so download the correct device/version firmware to the phones storage, click install, and select that file. After it completes I like to wipe both the cache and the dalvik cache before restarting the phone. The audio issue was unfortunately easily reproduced on my phone, but thankfully equally easy to resolve. This worked for me each time without fail.
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You said that the two issues occurred when you restored the nandroid backup and to fix one of them by installing the zip firmware from asus website with twrp... I don't understand. I can install zip firmware with twrp or i have to flash the stock recovery and install with it? Errors may occur using the twrp? Sorry

Everything done in my post so far has been in TWRP. Honestly I didn't even back up the recovery image. TWRP seemed to work flawlessly so I bit bullet and flashed it.
On a sidenote I am currently testing the usability of FlahFire on this device. It appears to create a very nice fastboot installable recovery image! I have yet to restore the image however. I will post my findings here once I have thoroughly tested it.

Sandman45654 said:
Everything done in my post so far has been in TWRP. Honestly I didn't even back up the recovery image. TWRP seemed to work flawlessly so I bit bullet and flashed it.
On a sidenote I am currently testing the usability of FlahFire on this device. It appears to create a very nice fastboot installable recovery image! I have yet to restore the image however. I will post my findings here once I have thoroughly tested it.
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Ok. I'm interested in flashing zip firmware to update. Never tried that. I thought that firmware can be installed only with stock recovery. The stock recovery can be downloaded in an asus forum website

This is the first time I have flashed anything in almost a year. I got to thinking and this is the most success I have had was flashing a stock image with TWRP! I doubt it will perform a full flash. I believe the errors are most likely for the boot and recovery partitions. As a save my butt reflash the system partition it does work. It sounds like it's time to find some TWRP changelogs!

Sandman45654 said:
This is the first time I have flashed anything in almost a year. I got to thinking and this is the most success I have had was flashing a stock image with TWRP! I doubt it will perform a full flash. I believe the errors are most likely for the boot and recovery partitions. As a save my butt reflash the system partition it does work. It sounds like it's time to find some TWRP changelogs!
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I don't care about stock images... If i can't flash the zip with twrp to update successfully then i reflash the stock recovery and after the update root again with twrp and supersu. By the way, the zip firmare contains factory images? I thought it contains different kind of files

Ryder. said:
By the way, the zip firmare contains factory images? I thought it contains different kind of files
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I lack the knowledge to answer that with enough certainty to even call it an answer! This is my foray into the insides of this phone and I don't want to start posting my hunches.
What I do know is you can flash the system partition using TWRP. I have done it several times. Asus's zips run as a script based zip install. You are offered no options during install. When the script runs you will see two errors quickly scroll past.

Ryder. said:
Download the right twrp here: https://mega.nz/#F!EkFF1CJD!C8o2wXMARW3YJFOipDttbA
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Are you creating these TWRP builds? If so thank you very much! TWRP-3.1.1-0-Z016-20170826 seems to work flawlessly! No lag on boot and no known issues after restoring a backup unlike before.
I wanted to post my finding about FlashFire by Chainfire. I have had great success with the fastboot backup! It is the only option I have tested extensively however. I have been running the same fastboot restored phone since soon after my last post on this topic with no issues discovered.

Sandman45654 said:
Are you creating these TWRP builds? If so thank you very much! TWRP-3.1.1-0-Z016-20170826 seems to work flawlessly! No lag on boot and no known issues after restoring a backup unlike before.
I wanted to post my finding about FlashFire by Chainfire. I have had great success with the fastboot backup! It is the only option I have tested extensively however. I have been running the same fastboot restored phone since soon after my last post on this topic with no issues discovered.
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No. It's not me. It's another user which i don't remember the nickname

Ryder. said:
No. It's not me. It's another user which i don't remember the nickname
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Okay thank you. If you happen to find out/remember please let me know. I would like to give credit with my project and thank them for their hard work.