Is it really worth it to unlock the bootloader? - Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro Questions & Answers

This is my primary device!
I've read various times on this forum that enabling the Camera 2 API and installing Google Camera makes the images a lot better. Ok, but for that I have to unlock the bootloader and for that I have to take backup of the entire data (my phone is almost full) and if something goes wrong I could solve that but will require some time.
But as most of you have unlocked bootloader, so I wanna ask you that is it really worth all that hassel? Also, I use my mobile camera a lot!
PS I don't wanna mod any other thing as I've gotten bored doing this for 6 years. Just Camera

I have just got the this device (literally) but I had unlocked my bootloader on my previous Moto G3 osprey. It is totally worth to unlock the bootloader.

By unlocking bootloader
1. You can get rid of the advertisements from apps using any adblocker, I prefer MOAAB.
2. You can remove the bloat from your phone.
3. Of course the google camera.

It depends on how you use your phone. If you're satisfied with the current camera setup, I don't think it's really worth going through the hassle. That said, if for some reason an update messes up your phone or some accident happens, you would really wish you had unlocked your bootloader before. I had to wait 360 hours (2 weeks) after I got my phone before I even started using it just so I could unlock my bootloader first

Unlocked bootloader, rooted and with custom ROM the phone is _yours_ - no one (read OEM) can mess with it but you. You're in control of your device. I would not use a device (even for free) where I couldn't have that feeling.

If your main concern is the camera, you can use Open Camera that will give your more features and better photos/videos.

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[Q] Incredible 2 camera death issues

This is a last-ditch effort to get some input before I go blow some money on a new phone. Hoping someone can help! It's possible that I haven't found an answer yet because what I'm doing is futile but I'll go through the story just in case...
Looks like quite a few internet people are having trouble with their HTC Incredible 2 cameras, and over Christmas I joined the fray. Upon launching camera or camcorder, I only see a black screen. The only thing I can think that could have prompted a camera failure was a short (<2ft) drop, but there’s no damage otherwise.
At first I tried but had no success with:
Restarting the phone
Clearing cache, clearing data, and/or force stop in Applications/Manage Applications/All/Camera/ (it’s running v3.00.000.120826.605 if that matters at all)
Restarting the phone in safe mode
Performing a factory reset
Unmounting SD card
Using diagnostic apps (some combination of doms diagnostic tools, androsensor, and msherlock) I’ve confirmed that although both front and rear cameras are recognized by the phone, accessing them for diagnosis freezes the diagnostic app. Strangely, the flash diagnostic tool freezes also, although the flashlight app works fine. Since I don’t think my drop could have busted both cameras and the flash at once, I guess there are two options: it DID wiggle loose a wire that does all the camera-related stuff, or it’s a software problem.
Since my warranty is a few months expired I figured I’d root the phone today, just to be double-dog sure it’s not something easily fixable. I followed http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931096, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1687590, used Android Commander to look at system files. On recommendation from http://androidforums.com/incredible-2-all-things-root/433350-camera-problem.html#post3361181, I tried to delete the current system/apps/HTCCamera.apk and replace with a different one; both one from http://www.teambamf.net/topic/1737-romgb-skyraider-zeus-13-inc2-update-11222011/ and also a standalone MiuiCamera.apk download were tried, but to no success.
I (attempt to) work with fortran77 during my day job so I can’t say I’m super happy to have blown a Saturday on yet more programming work. Unfortunately I’m a complete noob at this, and am not really sure how to further mess around with anything camera-related. It seems like the only thing I haven’t tried is to install a different ROM, but would it even be useful to do so? Have I missed anything? The Verizon agent I spoke to told me just to replace my phone, but since everything else works okay I wanted to be completely sure there wasn’t anything else I could do to fix the camera function. Does seem like I’m toast, though…
Thanks so much!
Excellent first post.
I have no idea how to help you. I would, However flash a ROM just to be sure. Tsm sense or andybonestock come to mind. It wouldn't hurt, you know?
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app
If that doesn't work try a aosp ROM like dkstunnas cm9 for a last ditch effort. I believe it interacts a Lil different with the camera then sense roms. Maybe
The camera is a replaceable part, so if you cant get it working a new one is less than $20.
Thanks for your suggestions!
I've learned a lot this week (like SMS Backup + should have been installed before the Verizon guy factory reset my phone...whoops, bye texts) and also tried to download "an app that uses the camera but not as a camera" as per http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=36239149&postcount=2 but that didn't work.
Looking at videos that take apart Dinc2's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk91u3aqGAQ) I think replacing the camera would be quite outside my comfort zone...also, since both cameras and the flash refuse to work, that seems like a bigger job than I could handle. Unless they're like xmas lights where one goes out and they all go out, but still. I've only soldered maybe once in my life...
On to ROM switching, then. I used this tutorial to guide me through: http://www.incredibleforum.com/forum/htc-incredible-hacks/5514-flashing-roms-tutorial.html#post49612.
I've seen some threads about asop camera weirdness so I figured I'd try the strange one (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1932573) first. But, after a few different tries, I couldn’t get it to work…just got stuck on the white htc screen. After 25 minutes of waiting, I pulled out the battery and did the power-voldown thing to get to a menu. Then did a clockworkmod restore and tried andybonestock (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1392516) instead, which was successful in booting but not successful in starting my camera (BOO, but who is surprised). Went back to the asop a few more times (aeroevan kernel v14 and v15) as I’m thinking it has the best shot at a camera back door, but I just couldn’t get it to flash. White screen every time. I thought about doing ViperINC (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1953899) just for some variety but it uses more things I’m not familiar with (twrp? aroma? boot.img?) and I’m feeling done with this for the day. In any case it was a long shot, and if one ROM flash and a bunch of data clearing didn’t help, probably nothing will.
Looking like I may use this phone as a backup VOIP in the apartment (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=34335798&postcount=20). Off to probably get an Incredible 4G LTE. Maybe all of the steps outlined in this thread will help someone with a less-severe camera issue…

[Q] First time smartphone owner, noob question?

Hey everyone!
So I've browsed on XDA forums for a few weeks now whilst deciding on the perfect smartphone for me, and decided on the HTC One X.
I've powered on, created accounts and synced all accounts on my One X, but there are some problems I've been having (NOTE: I bought this phone eBay refurbished and the Vodafone intro comes up every time I reboot the phone, oh and there are two Vodafone apps already installed, which I can't delete as well).
Anyway the problem is that I've heard that Jellybean on the HTC One X is already available in most countries (especially unlocked devices), but I have updated up to Sense 4.1 so far and it says that there are no more software updates?!
I live in Australia and the phone is unlocked (from Vodafone apparently) so why no Jellybean update?
Another problem I'm having is that the device is all around too hot most of the time (not warm, but really hot), but so far I've only used it while it's charging (even if the screen is turned off the phone is still hot whilst charging). Is this normal?
I've also heard of rooting, and was wondering for the HTC One X is it really complicated? (I've jailbroken iOS devices previously).
Last of all sometimes there are some touchscreen problems (e.g. I'm tapping multitask button and I have to swipe really hard to delete an app running in the background).
Thanks guys!
So far the phone is great, beautiful design, the screen makes me drool (a bit creepy I know) and it seems like android so far is awesome!
My HTC One X from Virgin mobile in Australia did an other the air (OTA) update to JB awhile back and just today did another update.
Yes, mine runs hot, not always, but often enough, especially after charging.
Touchscreen problems, can't comment as it's kinda subjective, but haven't heard any complaints about it (try a quick search and see what comes up)
Before you unlock your bootloader and try rooting the phone, please heed all the warning regarding creating backups of everything! Also, consider that your backup might be invaluable to others who are not on jellybean yet, depending on your phone's region, a nandroid backup (backup using Clockworkmod recovery tool) that is not jellybean could be an absolute life saver for someone out there.
I also highly recommend that you find the RUU that currently works with your stock ROM, and then the RUU version that should work with the jellybean update that it sounds like you plan on getting.
1. get the HTC windows drivers (assuming you are using windows)
2. get the fastboot files into a folder of your choice on your computer (lots of "all in one toolkits" out there include them)
3. hold power+vol down until the bootloader screen appears
4. use vol keys to navigate to fastboot and the power button to select it
5. plug into your computer via usb
6. with the windows folder open, hold shift then right click and "open a command window here"
7. type fastboot getvar all
this should give you a long list of variables, copy past them to a notepad file for future reference (saved my butt more than once)
with these variables you should be able to search the forums for the necessary recovery tools and versions that you require
Now go ahead and decide if you want to unlock the bootloader (allows you to use fastboot to push files to the phone manually) and get root access (for example, by pushing SuperSu files to the phone manually), or whatever.
CaptainPrice said:
Hey everyone!
So I've browsed on XDA forums for a few weeks now whilst deciding on the perfect smartphone for me, and decided on the HTC One X.
I've powered on, created accounts and synced all accounts on my One X, but there are some problems I've been having (NOTE: I bought this phone eBay refurbished and the Vodafone intro comes up every time I reboot the phone, oh and there are two Vodafone apps already installed, which I can't delete as well).
Anyway the problem is that I've heard that Jellybean on the HTC One X is already available in most countries (especially unlocked devices), but I have updated up to Sense 4.1 so far and it says that there are no more software updates?!
I live in Australia and the phone is unlocked (from Vodafone apparently) so why no Jellybean update?
Another problem I'm having is that the device is all around too hot most of the time (not warm, but really hot), but so far I've only used it while it's charging (even if the screen is turned off the phone is still hot whilst charging). Is this normal?
I've also heard of rooting, and was wondering for the HTC One X is it really complicated? (I've jailbroken iOS devices previously).
Last of all sometimes there are some touchscreen problems (e.g. I'm tapping multitask button and I have to swipe really hard to delete an app running in the background).
Thanks guys!
So far the phone is great, beautiful design, the screen makes me drool (a bit creepy I know) and it seems like android so far is awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There should be an update. My Vodafone HOX was updated a few weeks ago.
I also noticed my hox gets quite warm particularly when gaming or using the camera for extended periods. From what I recall heat is normal with this phone. I just a case and mostly ignored it lol.
I havent rooted my hox in a while but from memory it is very easy. The method I used last using the all in one toolkit to flash clockworkmod recovery then flash the SU.zip. The process may have changed since then, but it was quite easy.
I'm not 100% sure what you mean by swiping hard lol but I wouldnt worry about apps running in the background too much. I never clear mine and the phone runs smooth.
Hi there,
Regarding the touchscreen issues - maybe you could try recalibrating the screen? (settings - display - G-Sensor calibration). I'm not sure whether this would have any effect, but it's worth trying.
My One X also is warm after charging.
After I relocked etc. and got the JB update (then relocked and rooted), my battery life is pretty good - currently at 45% after 1 day, 13 hours using internet a lot (keeping track of the premier league transfers in the UK!), playing games, and standard, SMS/calls.
Re. the updates: did you try manually checking for updates? sometimes a couple of manual updates will make the phone see the small pre-JB update, then the big JB update follows.
As the previous post says, rooting is easy - just get the all in one kit. Once rooted, you can get rid of the Vodafone stock apps either by physically deleting them, or using a rom cleaner app (I made a backup, then moved the apps I figured I didn't want to a folder on my SD card, rebooted to check I hadn't killed my phone, then deleted them from their temporary folder. Then I got rid of the Vodafone splash screens).
I'm still pretty much a n00b though...
@sneesh
G-sensor has nothing to do with the screen.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
TToivanen said:
@sneesh
G-sensor has nothing to do with the screen.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah...I did look at it on mine and wasn't too sure...

[Q] Sim Free and need to root

Hi XDA-Peeps,
Just to give you a bit of background, i'm an ex apple i phone user, so i had never had the freedom of what Android can give you on a device. I live in the UK and bought the LG G3 sim free last month, and for the first few weeks i have been impressed, simply because on iOS i feel like your hands are tied.
However, after the honeymoon period was over i started noticing really bad issues with the phone, which in my eyes, genuinely takes away the every day use of some of the best features of the phone.
First of all i would like to mention that this LG G3 was purchased as a UK Sim Free Unlocked phone with the following build
Model: LG-D855
Software: 4.4.2
BaseBand: MPSS.DI.2.0.1.c1.13-00009-M8974AAAAAANPZM-1.01701338.5067.1
Kernal: 3.4.0
Build: KVT49L.A1412000029
Software: V10l-EUR-XX
Issues i've found so far.
1) the phone is so slow and laggy its painful, i've only got LG and Google software and maybe about 5 other apps, nothing to warrent this sort of speed, i've even restored and booted in safe mode to no avail. the graphics are laggy, the animations are sluggish and the screen refresh rate is slow, my sons iPod Touch games make this thing look silly.
2) The stock camera is not performing as it should because when i take a picture the lag means the subject has moved of i've missed the moment as the software takes ages to load.
3) the stock video camera is misleading as it built into the Camera viewfinder, but the minute you press record, the light from the sensor drops and you are left with a very low light unnatural video, then you press stop, and the sensor apply's the ISO settings and you have a well lit viewfinder again.
there are other things which i can live with but i wanted to shout about the top three...I have seen this phone working at its full potential wow!, thats what made me buy it. LG have said "update the software" which i have according to their software center, but has not done anything noticeable.
before i restored the phone to factory i did try a few setting in the engineer menu to do with temp sensors and animation settings and also enabled ARM which made it worse.
I know a hell of a lot of people have rooted their way out of these issues to make the phone perform at its full potential, and thats what i want to do, but i'm limited as i do not have a PC or Laptop. I've looked into STUMP ROOT but i get an error saying "Deviced Patched" or something like that.
i have found fixes for the camera issues as well but they all require rooting..
can anyone help, i do love this phone but these three things are making it painful.
Without access to a pc or laptop, you will find it hard.
You could use PurpleDrake to root (in the Development section). Or you could flash a .KDZ file in order to be using a firmware which you can root using STUMP or PurpleDrake.
Without such access, you have a problem.
Not much to say. You have somehow get in possession of PC. When you get, root the phone. Use Purple Drake method, you need one minute to do it.
DelBoy said:
Not much to say. You have somehow get in possession of PC. When you get, root the phone. Use Purple Drake method, you need one minute to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great news, so i only need a machine for short time, nothing i have to keep going back to.
So i gather on this forum we have many tutorials for rooting / purple drake.
is there a way to get this to Lollipop in these routes, because i imagine that LG will just GUI the thing up and it will not be as fluid as stock, which is ultimately what i'm after
Lollipop cant be rooted at the moment. If you want Lollipop ROM you will have to flash some prerooted ROM.
All links can be found in link n my signature (FAQ).

The V30+ is beautiful

The point of this post is to express how nice the phone is and help people on the fence considering buying this in 2019. During my research I saw many people struggling to decide.
Well the phone came in today. Still waiting on my Type C so I can actually change stuff on it.. but good news is it came shipped with 7.1.2.
Performs great, screen looks great. Tested with Sony MDR-v6 (63 ohm) and Beyerdynamic DT 770 (80 ohm) and sounds great. Don't have higher impedance headphones to test with. Wifi speeds 4x faster than what I get on my Nexus 5. I have 1Gbps down and 50 Mbps up internet and the router is a NETGEAR Nighthawk R7300. On the Nexus 5 over 5Ghz I get about 100 Mbps down and 50 up and on the V30+ I'm getting about 400 Mbps down and 50 up.
It had 21% charge out of the box and I was able to get it to 32% in 8 minutes on my old RAVPower pack ... new 15W charger is coming with the Type C cable shipment on Friday. That's much faster than my Nexus 5 would charge AND this battery is higher capacity. Battery life so far also seems amazing.
I found out the other night I can't run AnTuTu on Nexus 5 anymore.. that's sad. I did run it on the V30+ though. Possibly better score once I put on US998 instead of the Sprint garbage they loaded onto it but if anything I'm sure it's within margin of error anyways.
I bought the phone here and took advantage of an eBay coupon which gave me 15% off, ultimately dropping the price of the phone to $238.
Since I tested things in the diagnostic menu from the dialer (5689#*998#) as well as various functions throughout the phone everything seems to work fine so far. The communication between the seller and I was excellent and shipping was fast. The phone has 0 blemishes or scratches on it and 0 defects from what I've been able to test and observe so far. Without a SIM card I obviously can't test a few things but I doubt there will be issues. The point here is that the experience with this seller was great and they sent a legitimate device in condition as described.
The purpose of all this testing is to confirm the eBay seller, monstertechbids, sold me what was advertised...
What I tested:
Service Menu - Auto Test (including Proximity Sensor test)
Display Check Test (Also the one from AnTuTu which features more colors)
Motion Sensor Test
Loopback Test
Touch Draw Test - Manual
Tested front and rear cameras the normal way
Tested fingerprint reader the normal way
Tested FM tuner the normal way (WOW, haven't heard actual FM in so long lol)
Confirmed the normal way that vibration/sound works
Speaker and headphone jack/HiFi DAC tested the normal way
Tested NFC pairing with my Sony MDR-1RBT
Tested Bluetooth by connecting it to my headphones (Sony MDR-1RBT), computer (ASUS BT-400) and bluetooth speaker (Original Oontz Angle)
I can't test OTG/HDMI because I lack the necessary hardware and can't test the barometer because.. well.. I lack the ability to change air pressure.
It came in a bunch of bubble wrap inside a box and didn't have anything else (which was what was explained in the listing, so that's fine). It didn't have the little plastic on the screen that you peel off. Other than that, it looks like a brand new, out-of-the-box phone.
As far as default (at least on Nougat) ROM experience I love that it has restart option built in to the power button already. That's one of the main reasons I flash custom ROMs. There was never a way on the Nexus 5 for as long as I can remember to have that functionality without something deep like a ROM. An app shortcut wasn't good enough for me . Anyways, one thing that has bugged me so far is the app drawer having a scrolling left/right page system instead of the kind that just endlessly scrolls down but I know this can be changed with a launcher (and possibly with the built-in options but I haven't dug too far since I'm going to be switching the ROM anyway).
The other thing that bugs me, but I think I can adapt to, is the "CLEAR ALL" button to clear out apps. I had a button in my custom ROM on Nexus 5 (Nougat crDroid) for this but it was one I could set on the left or right and was a small circular button. The "CLEAR ALL" button is right where I tend to swipe naturally to remove a single app from the list so I end up hitting the button by mistake.
I think people who came from a Nexus 5 are the type of people who would buy this phone now, due to the great ratio of specs to price... which is arguably the main thing which made the Nexus 5 so appealing in the first place. The ratio is even larger here... you get so much for the money because this phone isn't meant to be so cheap. The Nexus 5 costed me $350 + tax/shipping in 2013 and this phone in 2018 costed me $238 total. It's been 5 years so tech tends to get cheaper to obtain, yes... but still.
Attached Images:
Image of AnTuTu result for LS998 Nougat posted. Will test again when US998 Oreo is flashed.
Image of GeekBench result for LS998 Nougat posted. Will test a gain when US998 Oreo is flashed.
Image of GeekBench result for Nexus 5 Nougat posted. Can't do AnTuTu because it doesn't support the phone anymore, sadly.
Image of SpeedTest by Ookla result on Nexus 5 Nougat crDroid and V30+ LS998 Nougat stock (I took one test immediately after the other but the new phone had the wrong time set).
Post-conversion benchmarks here
s0lidsneak said:
The point of this post is to express how nice the phone is and help people on the fence considering buying this in 2018. During my research I saw many people struggling to decide.
Well the phone came in today. Still waiting on my Type C so I can actually change stuff on it.. but good news is it came shipped with 7.1.2.
Performs great, screen looks great. Tested with Sony MDR-v6 (63 ohm) and Beyerdynamic DT 770 (80 ohm) and sounds great. Don't have higher impedance headphones to test with. Wifi speeds 4x faster than what I get on my Nexus 5. I have 1Gbps down and 50 Mbps up internet and the router is a NETGEAR Nighthawk R7300. On the Nexus 5 over 5Ghz I get about 100 Mbps down and 50 up and on the V30+ I'm getting about 400 Mbps down and 50 up.
It had 21% charge out of the box and I was able to get it to 32% in 8 minutes on my old RAVPower pack ... new 15W charger is coming with the Type C cable shipment on Friday. That's much faster than my Nexus 5 would charge AND this battery is higher capacity. Battery life so far also seems amazing.
I bought the phone here and took advantage of an eBay coupon which gave me 15% off, ultimately dropping the price of the phone to $238.
Since I tested things in the diagnostic menu from the dialer (5689#*998#) as well as various functions throughout the phone everything seems to work fine so far. The communication between the seller and I was excellent and shipping was fast. The phone has 0 blemishes or scratches on it and 0 defects from what I've been able to test and observe so far. Without a SIM card I obviously can't test a few things but I doubt there will be issues. The point here is that the experience with this seller was great and they sent a legitimate device in condition as described.
it looks like a brand new, out-of-the-box phone.
As far as default (at least on Nougat) ROM experience I love that it has restart option built in to the power button already. That's one of the main reasons I flash custom ROMs. There was never a way on the Nexus 5 for as long as I can remember to have that functionality without something deep like a ROM. An app shortcut wasn't good enough for me . Anyways, one thing that has bugged me so far is the app drawer having a scrolling left/right page system instead of the kind that just endlessly scrolls down but I know this can be changed with a launcher (and possibly with the built-in options but I haven't dug too far since I'm going to be switching the ROM anyway).
I think people who came from a Nexus 5 are the type of people who would buy this phone now, due to the great ratio of specs to price... which is arguably the main thing which made the Nexus 5 so appealing in the first place. The ratio is even larger here... you get so much for the money because this phone isn't meant to be so cheap. The Nexus 5 costed me $350 + tax/shipping in 2013 and this phone in 2018 costed me $238 total. It's been 5 years so tech tends to get cheaper to obtain, yes... but still.
[/LIST]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratulations on your new phone! You'll love it even better after updating to Oreo (better camera, other improvements) and rooting where you can flash or install various mods. You are right that this has AMAZING battery life.
I also owned two 2013 LG Nexus 5 (for me and my wife) and then owned three 2014 Moto Quark (a.k.a. Droid Turbo/Moto Turbo/Moto Maxx). I bought the Moto Quarks to replace the LG Nexus 5 as it was basically a "Moto Nexus 6" but in better 5.2" size. (Google had two Nexus 6 prototypes as late as mid-August 2014, and went with the larger size for actual Moto Nexus 6 while the smaller one became the Moto Quark. Any number in the Nexus phones was generation, not screen size.)
I loved the Nexus 5 and Moto Quark phones . The 5" Nexus 5 was cutting edge for its day with 1080p display, Qi wireless charging and latest Snapdragon and 2GB RAM. The 2014 Moto Quark added to that by going to 5.2" OLED 1440p QHD, Qi wireless charging, 64GB internal storage, latest Snapdragon and 3GB RAM! After keeping that for three years, for my next phone I didn't want to DOWNGRADE and lose features. I'm not going to give up Qi wireless charging and 1440p QHD after having those since 2013 and 2014! If I buy a phone, it's going to have premium features I can be proud of. (*cough* OnePlus)
I researched relentlessly through 2017, marking off about a dozen different phones as they failed to live up to my needs/expectations. LG G6 was one such phone. The LG V30 was not even on my radar when I started that thread in early 2017 -- but by the end of the year, I realized it was the perfect phone on my checklist. (Galaxy Note 8 came in close 2nd, but was too large for my taste.) As a result of that research, besides me and my wife NINE other people I know personally (relatives/friends) own this V30 phone.
Now, in early 2019 the V30 series is still about the best phone out there.
LG V30/V30+
1440P OLED (537 ppi)
Qi wireless charging
3.5mm headset jack
Quad DAC
IP68 dust/water resistance
rear camera OIS on normal lens - plus 120 degree wide angle lens
superfast fingerprint sensor
64GB (V30) or 128GB (V30+) internal storage
microSD port for additional storage
bootloader unlock and root
no notch
Show me another phone with all those features?
I have Settings screenshot suggestions with Google Photos link in that thread and my KDZ threads. Everyone has their own preferences, but there's so many deep (almost hidden) menus on this device it's easy to overlook some useful toggle (like the lock screen weather animations). And with root, I've been able to enable them all -- not just the two LG has as default.
I've also enabled call recorder and installed this excellent combination mod.
@s0lidsneak
Glad you are enjoying. Still a great phone for the money. Your only problem is that you should have been using it as early as may!
Regarding wifi speeds, my converted v30+ only sees ~150mbps download speeds. I'm also on gigabit internet with fast routers and wireless AC. I never really used the phone on nougat and I'm curious if it's a bug in the Oreo build for US998 that causes the slowdown. In fairness, I don't know who needs speed any faster than 150mbps anyways but it's always kind of annoyed me. Maybe there's a bug in the network stack on us998 Oreo.
ChazzMatt said:
Congratulations on your new phone! You'll love it even better after updating to Oreo (better camera, other improvements) and rooting where you can flash or install various mods. You are right that this has AMAZING battery life.
I also owned two 2013 LG Nexus 5 (for me and my wife) and then owned three 2014 Moto Quark (a.k.a. Droid Turbo/Moto Turbo/Moto Maxx). I bought the Moto Quarks to replace the LG Nexus 5 as it was basically a "Moto Nexus 6" but in better 5.2" size. (Google had two Nexus 6 prototypes as late as mid-August 2014, and went with the larger size for actual Moto Nexus 6 while the smaller one became the Moto Quark. Any number in the Nexus phones was generation, not screen size.)
I loved the Nexus 5 and Moto Quark phones . The 5" Nexus 5 was cutting edge for its day with 1080p display, Qi wireless charging and latest Snapdragon and 2GB RAM. The 2014 Moto Quark added to that by going to 5.2" OLED 1440p QHD, Qi wireless charging, 64GB internal storage, latest Snapdragon and 3GB RAM! After keeping that for three years, for my next phone I didn't want to DOWNGRADE and lose features. I'm not going to give up Qi wireless charging and 1440p QHD after having those since 2013 and 2014! If I buy a phone, it's going to have premium features I can be proud of. (*cough* OnePlus)
I researched relentlessly through 2017, marking off about a dozen different phones as they failed to live up to my needs/expectations. LG G6 was one such phone. The LG V30 was not even on my radar when I started that thread in early 2017 -- but by the end of the year, I realized it was the perfect phone on my checklist. (Galaxy Note 8 came in close 2nd, but was too large for my taste.) As a result of that research, besides me and my wife NINE other people I know personally (relatives/friends) own this V30 phone.
Now, in early 2019 the V30 series is still about the best phone out there.
LG V30/V30+
1440P OLED (537 ppi)
Qi wireless charging
3.5mm headset jack
Quad DAC
IP68 dust/water resistance
rear camera OIS on normal lens - plus 120 degree wide angle lens
superfast fingerprint sensor
64GB (V30) or 128GB (V30+) internal storage
microSD port for additional storage
bootloader unlock and root
no notch
Show me another phone with all those features?
I have Settings screenshot suggestions with Google Photos link in that thread and my KDZ threads. Everyone has their own preferences, but there's so many deep (almost hidden) menus on this device it's easy to overlook some useful toggle (like the lock screen weather animations). And with root, I've been able to enable them all -- not just the two LG has as default.
I've also enabled call recorder and installed this excellent combination mod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I was really blown away at how good the Nexus 5 was, especially at the price.. for that year. I'm not particularly very "into" smartphones but I knew enough to realize how good a deal it was... especially considering the priority Android updates and pure Android experience as well as the fact it worked on Sprint/T-Mobile/ATT.
I also always relentlessly research anything but more so for expensive/long-term purchases like a phone. I also came across the G6 first then found the V30 and realized there's no point in buying the G6 when the V30 exists .
I also really like the 537 ppi. I already thought the ppi was nice on the Nexus 5 but wow, this is even better. Qi charging is a big deal for me too. I don't want to hassle with finding a plug when I'm really tired, I just want to set the phone down on the nightstand. Additionally, before the Nexus 5 I Owned an LG Optimus Q (Straight Talk) and the USB port became damaged (unable to recognize a cable was attached) so I thought it would be nice to avoid having to connect and disconnect a cable so frequently. I don't think Volta cables were a thing back then either.
I'm not as big on cameras in phones as the average person which I understand is funny because I just bought a V30+ but I think without the cameras it's still a great phone for the price and it doesn't hurt having better camera abilities than the Nexus 5 had anyways so I'm fine with it. I actually think people are a bit too concerned when it comes to smartphone cameras, in general...
I agree the fingerprint sensor is fast but I don't really have anything to compare it to since I haven't ever used one before... but I did see some people comparing it in videos before I purchased.
The internal storage is great, coming from the Nexus 5 which had like 12-13 GB after ROM. I noticed the LS998 had 19.95 GB of "system storage" being taken up on the 128 GB but even then it's not a problem with how much space there is PLUS the fact it has the SD slot the N5 didn't have.
Bootloader unlock and root is a big deal to me as well. I don't like the concept of paying for a phone just to be told that I can't do what I want with it, especially something so common that many things depend on.
I'm indifferent on the notch as I've never used a phone with one in real life.
I'm not aware of another phone with that specific feature set combination or with many of those at this price. Plus it can be used on all networks, which I think is great, even if I dislike Sprint and T-Mo.
I did see your settings screenshots link before and I may check it out once I determine which email address I want to expose on Google =).
WOW that call recorder looks really cool. I like that it's built-in to the dialer. I've never seen anything like that. I bookmarked that page, thank you. All the usual options require setting them up to auto-record or digging through apps to find it and record and they tend to often be buggy or poor quality (from my experience). Speaking of that, glad I don't live in California anymore. Like you, I'm in a one party consent state ;D.
The Magisk Module looks interesting too, bookmarked.
I noticed some default setting was enabled in the phone to connect to random WiFi connections.. I thought that was a bit odd lol...
bacon612 said:
@s0lidsneak
Glad you are enjoying. Still a great phone for the money. Your only problem is that you should have been using it as early as may!
Regarding wifi speeds, my converted v30+ only sees ~150mbps download speeds. I'm also on gigabit internet with fast routers and wireless AC. I never really used the phone on nougat and I'm curious if it's a bug in the Oreo build for US998 that causes the slowdown. In fairness, I don't know who needs speed any faster than 150mbps anyways but it's always kind of annoyed me. Maybe there's a bug in the network stack on us998 Oreo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why May specifically?
You did connect to the 5 Ghz band right? I haven't tested 2.4 Ghz but 5 Ghz is faster with the drawback of reduced signal penetration. You seem like you know this, but just in-case. I'm also curious how things may or may not change when going to Oreo and also excited to finally get to try Oreo for the first time.
Regarding who needs what speeds, I've been saying for a while actually I find it silly that people care about extremely high network speeds from their carrier. If there were reasonable caps set to everyone's device I think it would be possible for these companies to offer better and/or cheaper service and/or advance things faster, allowing for an overall better experience sooner for consumers. I just don't see the reason people need THAT MUCH speed on a cellphone when things aren't even large enough to reach those speeds most, if not all of the time. Not to mention, depending on where they're downloading from they may not be able to even take advantage of such speeds.
s0lidsneak said:
Why May specifically?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's when the WTF bootloader unlock exploit was discovered. Until then only very few V30 could be rooted with an official LG bootloader unlock code -- which was difficult to get even for the two eligible models (lots of requirements: receipts from authorized retailer, IMEI and DEVICE ID which had to match LG database of eligible phones, registered LG account, etc.) I explained in the instructions.
WTF lets anyone unlock their bootloader, no need for permission from LG.
@ChazzMatt - I didn't know your "settings images" were just the normal settings.. for some reason I thought it was something else.. my mistake.. It's cool you posted it but I'll definitely look through those myself. I actually enjoy setting all the things up..
Anyways I made a log of everything I did (not a guide, just a documentation of any issues I ran into during this experience). Hopefully it's thorough and I missed nothing, but I was a bit distracted and going from room to room as well.. trying to get things working properly because I did have a few issues. However, all issues that I did have revolved around the inability for my computer to recognize the phone while the phone was in bootloader mode. I was able to successfully do everything from another computer. Trying different USB ports on my own PC (USB 2 and 3, front and rear panel) as well as the other identical cable that came with the one I ordered didn't work. I have no other Type C cables in my reach.
I noticed by the way that either Android 8 or Android 8 specifically for the V30 has Facebook and Instagram installed by default -- how disgusting
@forgiven90 - maybe this will help resolve whatever issues you had?
As a re-cap the phone I purchased was the LS998 V30+ from monstertechbids on eBay...
Powered OFF the phone
Held VOLUME UP and plugged in USB cable to enter download mode
ran LGUP from this post
Flashed US99810c_03_1216.kdz in PARTITION DL mode using LGUP
Clicked "Select All" then "OK" and clicked "Yes" on partition change warning
At this point I noticed the phone's screen was black and every 5 or so seconds for a brief moment (half a second or less) the well known "broken android" icon would appear and underneath in white text was "no command". I ignored this and proceeded.
Initiated master reset as explained here
Skipped everything possible for initial Android setup and confirmed software version of US99810c with security patch from December 1, 2017
Powered OFF the phone
Held VOLUME UP and plugged in USB cable
Flashed US99820b_03_0524.kdz in UPGRADE mode using LGUP
"Error: ox4, Not support cross model download LS998 to US998"
Closed LGUP and attempted to flash again thanks to this post
"Error: ox4, Not support cross model download LS998 to US998"
Closed LGUP, unplugged and REBOOT the phone (back to normal boot) using VOLUME DOWN and POWER keys (pressing/holding power didn't work)
Held VOLUME UP and plugged in USB cable to enter download mode THEN ran LGUP and attempted flash again
"Error: ox4, Not support cross model download LS998 to US998"
Flashed US99820b_03_0524.kdz in PARTITION DL mode using LGUP thanks to this post
Clicked "Select All" then "OK" which resulted in the successful flash of US99820b_03_0524.kdz
Maybe whether or not we must choose PARTITION DL rather than UPGRADE for a successful flash of Oreo US998 is dependent on which KDZ we choose to flash? (Again, I was using US99820b_03_0524.kdz)
Skipped everything possible for initial Android setup and confirmed software version of US99820b with security patch from May 1, 2018
Put the phone in Photo Transfer Mode after enabling developer menu, OEM unlock and USB debugging
"adb devices" confirms connection after allowing the computer through the phone's prompt
"adb reboot bootloader" successfully boots to bootloader
Here's where I run into issues.
"fastboot flash unlock new_unlock.bin" resulted in "< waiting for any device >"
Tried multiple USB2 and USB3 ports on the front and rear of my PC and the other identical cable that came in the mail today, which I ordered specifically for this phone
Was initially using my old, leftover installation of ADB (15 second installer here on XDA) but also tried removing adb from the environment variables (to ensure I was using the ones I was about to try instead of the one I had already installed years ago) and using Google Minimal ADB and Minimal XDA ADB.
My old ADB installation had a slightly different error (technically) of "< waiting for device >" (basically same thing)
None of these ADBs are able to list/see devices once the phone is in bootloader
Selected "Power Off" from phone and it left bootloader and did a normal boot instead of powering off
Confirmed OEM unlock and USB debugging is enabled and tried again but resulted in same error
Connected to another PC and allowed the PC on the phone for USB debugging
Successfully flashed new_unlock.bin and unlocked the bootloader
Due to distraction I forgot to type "fastboot reboot" and disconnected the phone or something, so I held power and volume down until the phone reboot
Skipped everything possible for initial Android setup and made sure OEM unlock was not available after enabling developer menu
"adb reboot bootloader"
"fastboot flash recovery twrp.img" (Using this version)
Resulted in this error: "FAILED (status read failed (Too many links))"
Tried another USB port and it successfully flashed TWRP to the recovery partition
"fastboot boot twrp.img" resulted in the phone booting into normal boot instead of TWRP
Tried using a boot to recovery app, forgetting IT REQUIRES ROOT :silly:
Got TWRP-3.2.3-7-default.img instead of the one I was using and tried flashing it to recovery partition and now it boots into TWRP just fine
Swiped to allow modifications then backed up system partition (I don't have a microSD so I transferred it through USB to the computer)
Factory Reset
"Wipe Data", "Format Data" then typed "yes" and proceeded
Got the mount errors mentioned in the instructions so I reboot to recovery via TWRP as instructed
Swiped to allow modifications then repeat step from 2 bullet points ago. Worked this time!
As instructed, reboot to recovery again. Swiped to allow modifications
Mounted the device to transfer the backup to the computer, but for some reason it booted into the normal boot mode so I switched it from Photo Transfer Mode to File Transfer Mode
Took the opportunity to place Magisk-v17.3.zip, no-verity-opt-encrypt-6.0.zip and lg-rctd-disabler-1.0.zip onto the device
Unlocked developer menu again and enabled USB debugging while also allowing the PC through phone's prompt
"adb reboot recovery" then swiped to allow modifications
Flashed Magisk, encryption disabler and root check disabler
Reboot to system
Installed a root checker and it required an update to Google Play Services to work, which I allowed and it still would not detect a rooted device
Ran Magisk and was invited by prompt to update Magisk Manager (I accepted) and update Magisk to version 18 (I declined)
Clicked on the SafetyNet Check and it was successful
Tried root check again and it successfully displayed as rooted, immediately
Great, now that's all done and hopefully people will see the potential issues by looking through that story of my journey converting the LS998 to US998, unlocking the bootloader, rooting the phone, etc...
@ChazzMatt
My questions:
Is it okay to allow the Magisk app to update Magisk to version 18?
Was it ever discovered how to remove or "remove by replacing with a blank image or something else" that nag screen about the bootloader being unlocked?
If I use LGUP to flash a KDZ I don't need to clear any caches or re-flash Magisk? This is important because I don't know why I can't access the phone in it's bootloader state on my PC and I can't always use that other PC.
I saw a post but can't find it anymore about how to remove the factory installed apps we don't want on the phone (I think it was via adb). Any idea on this?
For now I'm going to try to nandroid with TWRP and attempt a KDZ flash of the latest Oreo version via LGUP. After this I'll try putting in those Magisk modules for call recording and the other things.
EDIT: Well I tried using the reboot to recovery app and it presented me with the broken droid and "No command" text but this time it's not blinking on intermittently... it's stuck there. I tried using adb to reboot to recovery and it results in the same "No command" screen.
s0lidsneak said:
@ChazzMatt - I didn't know your "settings images" were just the normal settings.. for some reason I thought it was something else.. my mistake.. It's cool you posted it but I'll definitely look through those myself. I actually enjoy setting all the things up..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The settings are screenshots of MY settings on Nougat. The Oreo settings are similar, so I haven't taken the time to go through them again...yet.
1) they show all the settings choices, some of which may be hidden to the average person if they don't know there's sub-menus inside of sub-menus.
2) they show all my choices, which of course are BEST.
s0lidsneak said:
@ChazzMatt
My questions:
Is it okay to allow the Magisk app to update Magisk to version 18?
Was it ever discovered how to remove or "remove by replacing with a blank image or something else" that nag screen about the bootloader being unlocked?
If I use LGUP to flash a KDZ I don't need to clear any caches or re-flash Magisk? This is important because I don't know why I can't access the phone in it's bootloader state on my PC and I can't always use that other PC.
I saw a post but can't find it anymore about how to remove the factory installed apps we don't want on the phone (I think it was via adb). Any idea on this?
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Yes. In fact tonight, I finally edited WTF to recommend Magisk 18.
2) There is a way to replace the unlocked bootloader graphic using the "raw_resources" from another variant, but can be dangerous. Someone bricked their phone doing it. Just leave it be.
3) Uhmm... let's clarify. I think you are asking about stock firmware TWRP flashable zip, not stock KDZ? You can flash US998 20F stock firmware flashable zip via TWRP. It's the KDZ in TWRP flashable form. You do need to clear caches and re-flash Magisk before rebooting.
4) You can use Titanium Backup to freeze (recommended) or completely uninstall factory installed apps. In some cases you have to convert them from "system apps" to "user apps", then can remove them.
ChazzMatt said:
The settings are screenshots of MY settings on Nougat. The Oreo settings are similar, so I haven't taken the time to go through them again...yet.
1) they show all the settings choices, some of which may be hidden to the average person if they don't know there's sub-menus inside of sub-menus.
2) they show all my choices, which of course are BEST.
1) Yes. In fact tonight, I finally edited WTF to recommend Magisk 18.
2) There is a way to replace the unlocked bootloader graphic using the "raw_resources" from another variant, but can be dangerous. Someone bricked their phone doing it. Just leave it be.
3) Uhmm... let's clarify. I think you are asking about stock firmware TWRP flashable zip, not stock KDZ? You can flash US998 20F stock firmware flashable zip via TWRP. It's the KDZ in TWRP flashable form. You do need to clear caches and re-flash Magisk.
4) You can use Titanium Backup to freeze (recommended) or completely uninstall factory installed apps. In some cases you have to convert them from "system apps" to "user apps", then can remove them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was asking if I can avoid using TWRP and clearing cache by using the KDZ and flashing the latest OREO version via LGUP.
Right now though I'm stuck on the "No command" screen every time I try to get into TWRP.
s0lidsneak said:
I was asking if I can avoid using TWRP and clearing cache by using the KDZ and flashing the latest OREO version via LGUP.
Right now though I'm stuck on the "No command" screen every time I try to get into TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand that error message. You are not seeing the TWRP menu? You need TWRP. Maybe try to reinstall it? Be sure to swipe that you give it permission to be writable, to make changes to your system. Otherwise if you reboot without that, it's not really installed and you end back with stock recovery and you see the green android. I'm confused exactly what you are seeing.
Yes, you CAN install 20F the hard way -- through dev patched LGUP, but then you need to do exactly the same steps as before with the no root, no encryption files, and then Magisk. This is if you do not have TWRP installed.
Here's the change log for US99 20F.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78585952&postcount=358
ChazzMatt said:
I don't understand that error message. You are not seeing the TWRP menu? You need TWRP. Maybe try to reinstall it? Be sure to swipe that you give it permission to be writable, to make changes to your system. Otherwise if you reboot without that, it's not really installed and you end back with stock recovery and you see the green android. I'm confused exactly what you are seeing.
Yes, you CAN install 20F the hard way -- through dev patched LGUP, but then you need to do exactly the same steps as before with the no root, no encryption files, and then Magisk. This is if you do not have TWRP installed.
Here's the change log for US99 20F.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78585952&postcount=358
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it never boots to TWRP. I'll post a pic from my Nexus 5 of the screen for you.
TWRP was working fine and I haven't done anything on the phone besides confirm that root works. To flash TWRP I need to get access to that other computer or figure out why my computer can't see the phone when the phone is in it's bootloader. Unless there's some other way to install TWRP...
And okay, after I get TWRP working I'll be glad to use that to flash the latest Oreo version lol.
See attached picture of error. I can't get the camera to focus at all but the top thing is the typical green android with his compartment open and a red triangle symbol sticking out and the thing at the bottom is white text that says "No command"
s0lidsneak said:
No, it never boots to TWRP. I'll post a pic from my Nexus 5 of the screen for you.
TWRP was working fine and I haven't done anything on the phone besides confirm that root works. To flash TWRP I need to get access to that other computer or figure out why my computer can't see the phone when the phone is in it's bootloader. Unless there's some other way to install TWRP...
And okay, after I get TWRP working I'll be glad to use that to flash the latest Oreo version lol.
See attached picture of error. I can't get the camera to focus at all but the top thing is the typical green android with his compartment open and a red triangle symbol sticking out and the thing at the bottom is white text that says "No command"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you don't have TWRP installed on your phone. You've been booting to TWRP via the copy on your PC. Call it "temp" TWRP.
In the WTF INSTRUCTIONS, that's why there's a statement confirming TWRP is actually installed.
You're not the first this has happened with. Reinstall TWRP, boot to TWRP, make sure you've allowed it to be writable. Then rebooting TWRP from within TWRP menu.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
Yeah, you don't have TWRP installed on your phone. You've been booting to TWRP via the copy on your PC. Call it "temp" TWRP.
In the WTF INSTRUCTIONS, that's why there's a statement confirming TWRP is actually installed.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point, I didn't even catch that.. I mean that I didn't catch the fact I was only ever using it with the "boot" command in ADB.
Well then for whatever reason, it was failing to flash TWRP to the phone.
I'm removing everything for Android from Device Manager and USBDEVIEW and I'll try installing things fresh for the V30+ only and see if I can access the phone via ADB during bootloader state. EDIT: Yeah, still won't access phone during bootloader from ADB.
RESOLVED issue not being able to see the phone from fastboot
First you must boot into bootloader with cable connected via ADB. Next you need to install the USB driver from Google, found here by right-clicking the Android entry with the warning symbol on it in the Device Manager and clicking "Update Driver Software" then "Browse my computer", "Let me pick..", "Show All Devices..." then "Have Disk" and select the INF file from the google drivers.
I still can't get the phone to boot with the NEW TWRP which I linked a few posts up in the log of my journey, but the version ChazzMat linked (TWRP-3.2.3-7-default.img) works fine.
I'm picking up in the WTF guide where you leave off after booting into TWRP and will do all that stuff over again. Oddly, it didn't give me the option to swipe to allow modifications this time on first boot but after rebooting to recovery once again (due to mount errors) it did present the option.
After booting into Android, Magisk app claimed it wasn't installed for some reason and offered a download of version 18, which I just flashed. I downloaded it and went back into recovery (this time "adb reboot recovery" is working properly) and flashed it from TWRP once again as well as no-verity-opt-encrypt and lg-rctd-disabler.
Now I reboot into system again and Magisks properly reports that it is installed. Funny because how did the app get there if I didn't flash anything? Obviously I did. SafetyNet check works again too.
So finally I'll backup Android 8.0 with TWRP, Magisk, RCTD disabler and no verity opt in it's stock state then proceed to flashing the latest Oreo version via TWRP.
EDIT: US99820f and Magisk 18 successfully flashed. Is there any changelog for these different versions of Android we're adding?
s0lidsneak said:
EDIT: US99820f and Magisk 18 successfully flashed. Is there any changelog for these different versions of Android we're adding?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
change log:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78585952&postcount=358
s0lidsneak said:
Yes, I was really blown away at how good the Nexus 5 was, especially at the price.. for that year. I'm not particularly very "into" smartphones but I knew enough to realize how good a deal it was... especially considering the priority Android updates and pure Android experience as well as the fact it worked on Sprint/T-Mobile/ATT.
I also always relentlessly research anything but more so for expensive/long-term purchases like a phone. I also came across the G6 first then found the V30 and realized there's no point in buying the G6 when the V30 exists .
I also really like the 537 ppi. I already thought the ppi was nice on the Nexus 5 but wow, this is even better. Qi charging is a big deal for me too. I don't want to hassle with finding a plug when I'm really tired, I just want to set the phone down on the nightstand. Additionally, before the Nexus 5 I Owned an LG Optimus Q (Straight Talk) and the USB port became damaged (unable to recognize a cable was attached) so I thought it would be nice to avoid having to connect and disconnect a cable so frequently. I don't think Volta cables were a thing back then either.
I'm not as big on cameras in phones as the average person which I understand is funny because I just bought a V30+ but I think without the cameras it's still a great phone for the price and it doesn't hurt having better camera abilities than the Nexus 5 had anyways so I'm fine with it. I actually think people are a bit too concerned when it comes to smartphone cameras, in general...
I agree the fingerprint sensor is fast but I don't really have anything to compare it to since I haven't ever used one before... but I did see some people comparing it in videos before I purchased.
The internal storage is great, coming from the Nexus 5 which had like 12-13 GB after ROM. I noticed the LS998 had 19.95 GB of "system storage" being taken up on the 128 GB but even then it's not a problem with how much space there is PLUS the fact it has the SD slot the N5 didn't have.
Bootloader unlock and root is a big deal to me as well. I don't like the concept of paying for a phone just to be told that I can't do what I want with it, especially something so common that many things depend on.
I'm indifferent on the notch as I've never used a phone with one in real life.
I'm not aware of another phone with that specific feature set combination or with many of those at this price. Plus it can be used on all networks, which I think is great, even if I dislike Sprint and T-Mo.
I did see your settings screenshots link before and I may check it out once I determine which email address I want to expose on Google =).
WOW that call recorder looks really cool. I like that it's built-in to the dialer. I've never seen anything like that. I bookmarked that page, thank you. All the usual options require setting them up to auto-record or digging through apps to find it and record and they tend to often be buggy or poor quality (from my experience). Speaking of that, glad I don't live in California anymore. Like you, I'm in a one party consent state ;D.
The Magisk Module looks interesting too, bookmarked.
I noticed some default setting was enabled in the phone to connect to random WiFi connections.. I thought that was a bit odd lol...
Why May specifically?
You did connect to the 5 Ghz band right? I haven't tested 2.4 Ghz but 5 Ghz is faster with the drawback of reduced signal penetration. You seem like you know this, but just in-case. I'm also curious how things may or may not change when going to Oreo and also excited to finally get to try Oreo for the first time.
Regarding who needs what speeds, I've been saying for a while actually I find it silly that people care about extremely high network speeds from their carrier. If there were reasonable caps set to everyone's device I think it would be possible for these companies to offer better and/or cheaper service and/or advance things faster, allowing for an overall better experience sooner for consumers. I just don't see the reason people need THAT MUCH speed on a cellphone when things aren't even large enough to reach those speeds most, if not all of the time. Not to mention, depending on where they're downloading from they may not be able to even take advantage of such speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, im on 5GHz AC 1900MBPS capable router. The better halfs iPhone XS Max gets ~450mbps.
I am responding to this thread to add the the latest 'F' build for the US998 has increased my download speed to 250mbps. So, it seems that this is software related on LGs end. I guess we are slowly improving.
ChazzMatt said:
change log:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78585952&postcount=358
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see that you found that on LG's Korean site.. I get it now why there's no on-going changelog for past and future versions.
What I've done since last post:
Ran new benchmarks (going to make another reply so I can link directly to those in OP instead of making people read this huge reply)
Put on AdAway
Moved over all my authenticators from old phone (latest Blizzard Authenticator doesn't work for some reason but version 2.2.2 did)
Put on and customized Nova Launcher and an icon pack
Setup all Android settings that I could without a SIM
That AnxiousV30 module for Magisk didn't work (tried in TWRP as well)
Put on GCam, Google Dialer and Contacts, Google Sans & YouTube Vanced (everything seems to be working fine)
TiBackup requires purchase to freeze apps (I thought I remembered it going pay-to-use but maybe I just stopped using it in KitKat because it locked out features and I didn't want to/couldn't buy it)
Instead of TiBackup I just used ADB's shell to disable facebook, instagram, photos, play videos, play music, music widget, quick help, quick help services, google sheets & google slides, File Manager, LG Health, LG Mobile Switch, LG smartworld (yes, I backed them up)
I prefer MX Player and BlackPlayer for videos and music, respectively
Setup Battery Charge Limit to charge phone to 81% then stop, then start charging if phone goes below 51%. 81% instead of 80% because it reports as 1% under the amount I told it to stop at once it stops. The purpose of this is to prolong battery longevity.
Enabled all lockscreen weather effects
Added a Gboard theme pack
Added call recording version of stock phone app
Questions:
Screen protector recommendations?
Oreo seems to have removed Swype. Is that the case? If so, why lol?? Did people not like that or was Google just being Google? I've installed the Google keyboard for now but I'm wondering if there's a way to get that ".com" button back into the keyboard but keep everything else the same.
I would search for this but there are so many creative names people use for this so what I'd like is something that mimics the behavior of the notification LED on the Nexus 5. I want something that will, at the very least have a little dot on the screen that lights up and the ability to customize the color based on which app the notification came from as well as behavior such as blink, breathe, etc... Another interesting idea is to have a glow around the border of the screen as the notification light. The idea is to be able to see the phone's notification light at an extreme angle or across the room and know the origin of the notification without waking the phone.
On my Nexus 5 using 7.1.2 on crDroid I was able to set DND mode from the dragdown bar just like on this one. However, I was able to determine FOR HOW LONG I can set DND. I think this is a change from Nougat to Oreo, but I'm unsure. Is there a way I can do that? The Nexus 5 had options to set it until I turn it off, until my next alarm or until a specified amount of time (see attached image). I found an app called DND Timer, but it's in 24-hour time and must be run separately as an app (plus some other inconveniences).
Sometimes the phone doesn't request SU privileges. I have to manually enable certain apps in Magisk. It happened with TiBackup. Any ideas on what's going on here?
Is there a way to have more increments for volume sliders? This doesn't work.
Is there a way to add in a modified power button menu to have reboot to recovery and bootloader appear in addition to a regular restart or power off? I don't care if the skin is different on the options.
Is there a way to not have to enter the pattern unlock code on first unlock after a phone boot?
Is there a way to get notifications to wake the screen? Glimpse Notifications does this but causes the phone to often be unresponsive to unlock attempts.
How can I disable the camera shutter sound on the stock camera app? There's a Magisk module that doesn't work and another one that also disables the screenshot sound (which I want enabled).
How can I get a battery indicator number inside of a circle representing the charge level of the battery? I ONLY want the number inside the circle and for the circle to also be representative (like Cyanogenmod was) which is how my Nexus 5 was setup. I don't want multiple battery indicators, like what I've seen in apps that add a battery indicator. Will resolve this when I purchase Flat Style Bar Indicators.
Is there a way to hide the carrier label? Resolved with Flat Style Bar Indicators via Xposed.
I can't replace the LGInCallUI.apk through root browser because it says "Changing permissions was not successful. Please note that some file systems do not allow permission changes.". I also tried in TWRP but can't find the proper system directory using that. Asked for help in that thread. I installed File Explorer Root Browser and it worked flawlessly.
Any gallery app recommendations? I dislike the default gallery and dislike the "Photos" app. I may go back to Gallery KK if there's nothing good I can find. Nevermind, turns out you have to hit "delete" and then you're able to multi-select.. just a bit backwards compared to before.
Is there a way to disable the "share via" thing that searches for devices when I click the share icon? Oops, found that setting under "connected devices > sharing panel".
How can I hide the NFC logo at the top without disabling NFC? Used SystemUI Tuner for this.
How can I change clock position at the top, as well as whether to display date/seconds and how to display them as well as capitalization/size settings? I resolved this with Flat Style Bar Indicators via Xposed.
How do I remove screen sharing and file sharing from the quick settings menu? Found it in the settings menu of the quick settings menu.
What is "US GPS config" from the AnxiousV30 Magisk module? Figured it out, extracted gps.conf from module and replaced stock file then set perms to 644.
Since making this post I've tried dotOS and AOSPExtended and for various reasons like stability and features I disliked them. Went back to stock for now. This is only further encouraging me to want to do these edits manually. I don't need most of the features of those ROMs anyways. Though I don't really like having to have multiple apps to do these little things so I'm still interested in a ROM and may try dotOS again as well as some others.
Additionally, I found out I can't setup Google Pay due to Xposed... so I turned off Xposed and setup Google Pay but they said I have to go use my card or go to a bank physically to verify so I'll skip it for now. This is more reason to find a good ROM as my card expires soon anyways and I can do that later.
See OP for pre-conversion Nougat benchmarks.
See attached images for post-conversion Oreo benchmarks.
bacon612 said:
Yes, im on 5GHz AC 1900MBPS capable router. The better halfs iPhone XS Max gets ~450mbps.
I am responding to this thread to add the the latest 'F' build for the US998 has increased my download speed to 250mbps. So, it seems that this is software related on LGs end. I guess we are slowly improving.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder why you're getting 250 Mbps but I'm getting 400+. You said your wife/gf gets about 450 so I guess you have the speed available. I still get 400+ on Oreo, just like on Nougat before converting the phone.
Maybe QoS is in effect and hurting the LG?
ChazzMatt said:
The settings are screenshots of MY settings on Nougat. The Oreo settings are similar, so I haven't taken the time to go through them again...yet.
1) they show all the settings choices, some of which may be hidden to the average person if they don't know there's sub-menus inside of sub-menus.
2) they show all my choices, which of course are BEST.
1) Yes. In fact tonight, I finally edited WTF to recommend Magisk 18.
2) There is a way to replace the unlocked bootloader graphic using the "raw_resources" from another variant, but can be dangerous. Someone bricked their phone doing it. Just leave it be.
3) Uhmm... let's clarify. I think you are asking about stock firmware TWRP flashable zip, not stock KDZ? You can flash US998 20F stock firmware flashable zip via TWRP. It's the KDZ in TWRP flashable form. You do need to clear caches and re-flash Magisk before rebooting.
4) You can use Titanium Backup to freeze (recommended) or completely uninstall factory installed apps. In some cases you have to convert them from "system apps" to "user apps", then can remove them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey any reason why my sprint phone converted to US998 using US99820b_03_0524.kdz...its restarting itself in the first android setup. While im skipping all the setting it just reboots.
kventura said:
Hey any reason why my sprint phone converted to US998 using US99820b_03_0524.kdz...its restarting itself in the first android setup. While im skipping all the setting it just reboots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This question is not relevant to this thread. You should ask in the Frankenstein thread. I already answered you in the WTF thread, where you asked the same question.

Phone automatically goes to home screen,

I've been having an issue with my Z2 Force that I've never had with any of my other phones. For some reason, it acts like I'm hitting the home button, even when I'm not touching it. I could be using a web browser, the XBox app, or any other app and it will go back to whatever launcher I have set as default. It doesn't close the app, it just minimizes it. I've tried disabling the home button for navigating & use the touch buttons instead, and when that didn't work I tried doing a factory reset. Well, it's still doing it, and I'm to the point where I'm very tempted to try to use one of the rooting methods I was able to find online, one of which does mention the specific model of my Verizon variant (XT1789-01). I can live without root if needed, but this 'phantom home button pressing' thing is driving me nuts. Any help is appreciated, and thanks.
I have 4 Moto Z2 Force in my house, 2 of them (Android 9, Verizon version) have this same issue.
Eco0901 said:
I have 4 Moto Z2 Force in my house, 2 of them (Android 9, Verizon version) have this same issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still working on getting myself to go through with trying the root method I found. I think it'd work, but my main issue would be with making sure I can find a rooted ROM for the phone. Assuming the method works and I don't bork my phone, I'd still need a different ROM to install in order to determine if it's a hardware issue or software based. By the way, on the chance you're thinking of trying to remove the screen protector, be aware it is realllllllly stuck on there. I almost pulled my screen off, but I was able to remove it & was rewarded with a bunch of left over residue.
At any rate, if I do actually get myself to do the root thing, I'll be sure to post my results here.
will4958 said:
I'm still working on getting myself to go through with trying the root method I found. I think it'd work, but my main issue would be with making sure I can find a rooted ROM for the phone. Assuming the method works and I don't bork my phone, I'd still need a different ROM to install in order to determine if it's a hardware issue or software based. By the way, on the chance you're thinking of trying to remove the screen protector, be aware it is realllllllly stuck on there. I almost pulled my screen off, but I was able to remove it & was rewarded with a bunch of left over residue.
At any rate, if I do actually get myself to do the root thing, I'll be sure to post my results here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the ROM stock so isn't the root that cause the problem, but I hope you find the way, my only hope is on you, actually ):
Eco0901 said:
I use the ROM stock so isn't the root that cause the problem, but I hope you find the way, my only hope is on you, actually ):
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My concern is whether the root method I found is legit or not. The only reason why I want to attempt it is because the description mentions the specific model of my phone. All variants of the Z2 Force start with XT789-, but it's the number after the '-' you have to look for, and for Verizon users is '01'. Rooting the phone will let me install a different version of Android that should help me narrow down the cause of the glitch. Since your phone is doing the same thing mine is, it's more-than-likely not due to an app, so it has to be either the OS or a hardware thing.
Maybe a downgrade to 8.0 will make it, this bug is so annoying
Eco0901 said:
Maybe a downgrade to 8.0 will make it, this bug is so annoying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible that might work, but either way I still need to be able to root the thing and find a ROM made for the Verizon model. My phone has only been doing this for a couple weeks or so, but before that it would actually fully close certain apps (gsam Battery Monitor, RadioU, Taskbar, and some others). However, I more than less fixed that by setting the timers for those apps to 23 hrs.
How did you set the timers? That fixed the problem of minimizing the apps?
Eco0901 said:
How did you set the timers? That fixed the problem of minimizing the apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason why I tried setting timers on certain apps was because they were being killed automatically, this was before the 'phantom' home button thing. The following steps may/may not resolve your current issue, but you can try them if you'd like:
1. Go to Settings
2. Apps & notifications
3. Screen time
4. At the bottom, you'll see a few apps listed, and a an option to show all of your apps. Select 'Show all apps', then the app you want to set the timer for.
5. Next to each app you'll see a little hour glass. If it's empty, then there is currently not timer set. If you'd like to set a timer, tap the hour glass, then set your desired time.
Again, I did all this well before my phone started acting like I was hitting the home button in an effort to get it to stop closing my favorite apps. For the most part, it worked, but the automatic closing thing only started after the upgrade to Android 9. I did find a site where I could download a previous stock ROM, but without root it may/will re-update again. There's an app that let's you prevent updates, but the phone has to be rooted in order for the app to work. I can't really remember the name app right now, but I used to use it on my Note 4. I think there was also a way to do it through the command line in Windows (might've worked in Linux, too), or it might've been a combination of an app and the command line.
In any case, the root method I thought I'd found wasn't really all that instructive, and I need to make sure I can actually fully unlock the boot loader before attempting root. If I can't unlock it, then whatever root method I try won't stick. The auto home button thing, at least on my phone, seems to be random, though. Sometimes it'll be fairly soon after opening an app, other times the app will stay open for a good while before going back to the home screen.
Well, like I said, I have other 2 Moto Z2 Force but they are Sprint or whatever the carrier are. They don't have the phantom home button problem. But they are in Android 8. I actually don't have a problem on click the multitasking button to go back to the app but the problem is on the games and that stuff. So if I go back to Android 8 the system will update automatically to 9? I didn't know that, I thought that it was volunteer hahaha. Btw I don't even know how to downgrade since I'm not a moto user of all life. This is my first experience with a moto phone and it sucks. . Hahaha actually the home button problem happen.
Eco0901 said:
Well, like I said, I have other 2 Moto Z2 Force but they are Sprint or whatever the carrier are. They don't have the phantom home button problem. But they are in Android 8. I actually don't have a problem on click the multitasking button to go back to the app but the problem is on the games and that stuff. So if I go back to Android 8 the system will update automatically to 9? I didn't know that, I thought that it was volunteer hahaha. Btw I don't even know how to downgrade since I'm not a moto user of all life. This is my first experience with a moto phone and it sucks. . Hahaha actually the home button problem happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may not immediately update the OS after a downgrade, but you would get a notice there's an update available, even on a rooted phone. Since root only removes the barriers that're usually there to keep the less knowledgeable from hurting their phones, you'd still get any update notices a non-rooted phone would usually get. There is an app called NoBloat Free, and with it there are two files you'd be able to block that'd keep your phone from updating when you don't want it to. I'm not sure if the app is still in the Play Store or not, but I did use it on my Note 4, and it worked pretty well.
On a side note, I've had Opera open on my phone for a while now, and so far it hasn't gone back to the home screen yet. As for the phone itself, Moto phones are pretty good phones, my Z2 Force is my fourth phone from Moto (the other three being the RAZOR smartphone, Bionic, and the original RAZOR, which I sometimes miss). For all we know, our issue could be caused by a software glitch, hence my desire to root and test a different ROM.
Do you know how to downgrade to 8.0? I'll try it, it's a good phone and I didn't pay so much por this, that's why I'm not that angry. I won't root the phone since the games I play would kick me from the game. So just for make me sure I understand, do you reestablished the phone with a computer or from the same phone?
will4958 said:
My concern is whether the root method I found is legit or not. The only reason why I want to attempt it is because the description mentions the specific model of my phone. All variants of the Z2 Force start with XT789-, but it's the number after the '-' you have to look for, and for Verizon users is '01'. Rooting the phone will let me install a different version of Android that should help me narrow down the cause of the glitch. Since your phone is doing the same thing mine is, it's more-than-likely not due to an app, so it has to be either the OS or a hardware thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My man, I found something, I think it's a Verizon app's problem, there is a post in Reddit with more people having this problem, one of them leading to the conclusion that two apps of Verizon update recently. I don't know if that work. Btw I leave the link to that post. https://www.reddit.com/r/Moto_Z/com..._source=amp&utm_medium=&utm_content=post_body
Eco0901 said:
My man, I found something, I think it's a Verizon app's problem, there is a post in Reddit with more people having this problem, one of them leading to the conclusion that two apps of Verizon update recently. I don't know if that work. Btw I leave the link to that post. https://www.reddit.com/r/Moto_Z/com..._source=amp&utm_medium=&utm_content=post_body
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I may have finally given my phone the smack in the pants it needed to start behaving itself again. I followed the link you provided, and one of the comments suggested installing any updates for a couple Verizon apps and disabling them. Not sure if this would work on a non-Verizon phone or not, but I've had the XBox app open on my phone for over 20 minutes now, and so far it hasn't minimized yet. To be accurate, I even closed & reopened the app. The apps mentioned were Verizon App Manager & My Verizon Services. I was able to disable the first app, but not the second, and rebooted my phone after doing so.
If your phone isn't from Verizon, there may be a similar pair of apps you could try disabling, though I'd probably look it up first to be on the safe side.
Update: It's been almost two hours now and the app still hasn't closed. Now, to get the screen protector residue off my phone.

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