Are there any differences between these two methods? Just wondering because I want to clean install my Pixel 3. Do I have to unlock my Bootloader in order to flash a stock image?
Chippelchen said:
Are there any differences between these two methods? Just wondering because I want to clean install my Pixel 3. Do I have to unlock my Bootloader in order to flash a stock image?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you'll need to unlock the bootloader, which will wipe your phone, if you want to install factory images going forward. They are essentially the same firmware, however, an OTA through the settings menu will not wipe your device, whereas fastbooting a factor image will. Unless you know the work around that is
If you want to manually flash anything you have to unlock the bootloader.
Clean install with -w wipes the phone.
Dirty install without -w installs over the partitions retaining settings.
I dont do a dirty install often but I have never had an issue with Google images doing so.
Custom ROMS all day long dirty install cause problems.
I wouldnt recommend Dirty installs when a version upgrade occurs.
You don't have to unlock to flash a Google API, only a custom firmware. Unlock is only needed to flash the boot/bootloader image. I'm locked and can flash all but the latter.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
Related
Hi! So I'm looking to root my Nexus 5x following this guide. However, I can't find the modified boot.img for my build MMB29P. I have a brand new phone out of the box (my mic stopped working so this is a replacement) so I'd like to get this done in the next little while the phone has no data and I can wipe anything I need to without worry and use the restore afterwards. I also heard something about SuperSU being able to use stock boot.img or something of that nature, could someone clue me in? Thanks!
[GUIDE] Unlock/Root/Flash for Nexus 5X - Heisenberg's How-To Guide For Beginners
take a look at section 6
as an alternative there are some toolkits that may be more convenient to you (on-screen instructions and detailed faq/guides)
The latest version of SuperSU (v. 2.66 I believe) is automated for systems root. I actually used the SuperSU beta v. 2.62 to root. I just unlocked bootloader, flashed TWRP, and then flashed that version of SuperSU.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Sweet! Officially, unlocked, TWRP'd, rooted, and supersu'd So as far as upgrading? I grab the file from google officially and flash it via TWRP?
jkingaround said:
Sweet! Officially, unlocked, TWRP'd, rooted, and supersu'd So as far as upgrading? I grab the file from google officially and flash it via TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, an official image cannot be flashed like that. If you fastboot flash an image you will lose recovery and root. Update officially with a factory image and root afterwards or flash a custom rom plus vendor.img.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=43558
k.s.deviate said:
No, an official image cannot be flashed like that. If you fastboot flash an image you will lose recovery and root. Update officially with a factory image and root afterwards or flash a custom rom plus vendor.img.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even with systemless root?
When it comes to upgrading, there are a couple of routes you can take. Both involve downloading the official factory image ZIP first. Extract the contents, reboot into bootloader, and then you have option:
1. Edit the flash-all script (.bat for windows and .sh for Linux/Mac) by removing the -w option. Removing this option will prevent the upgrade from wiping user data. Once the option is removed, simply run the script to upgrade.
2. Flash the images individually. Sometimes certain things don't change like bootloader.img or radio.img. You should always flash boot.img, system.img, and vendor.img when updating. This is the route I take.
After flashing the images, you will need to reboot into Recovery mode and flash SuperSU. Then wipe cache and dalvik and reboot into system. If you use a custom kernel, you will need to reflash that as well after updating.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Ah makes sense. So I just need to reroot. Where do you get the "official" factory image? Have a link handy so I can bookmark it? Thanks!
Also anyway to remove the "warning" about unlocked bootloader that comes up on boot? I heard you need a custom kernel but I don't know the point of installing what (aka the benefits). Sorry for noob questions, but all the info is so scattered and hard to figure out.
jkingaround said:
Ah makes sense. So I just need to reroot. Where do you get the "official" factory image? Have a link handy so I can bookmark it? Thanks!
Also anyway to remove the "warning" about unlocked bootloader that comes up on boot? I heard you need a custom kernel but I don't know the point of installing what (aka the benefits). Sorry for noob questions, but all the info is so scattered and hard to figure out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google posts the official factory images on the developer site. Here is the link: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
AFAIK the boot warning can't be removed, but I may be wrong. It's nothing to worry about though.
Having a custom kernel is not necessary, but there are benefits to using one. Custom kernels typically provide better battery life with same or improved performance. They can also make your device run cooler and use less memory. Custom kernels also allow for various tweaks such as change vibration intensty, screen DPI, headphone/speaker gain, etc. I personally use ElementalX with the Interactive Governor tweaks from the thread in the general forum, but I've read that Franco Kernel is very good as well and will probably try that out in the future.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
jkingaround said:
Sweet! Officially, unlocked, TWRP'd, rooted, and supersu'd So as far as upgrading? I grab the file from google officially and flash it via TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just pick a custom rom to try and follow OP instructions. Cataclysm seems to be a hit...
I have 5.01 and I want to update to 6.01. I want to wipe it clean. Got factory image from Google site.
What's the difference between the OTA and factory downloads?
I can just flash the factory in TWRP right? Will I lose root, or will TWRP ask if I want to keep root?
I still have boot loader unlocked.I just can't remember for the life of me, haven't done flashing etc in a few years.
Thanks!
So...not a single person can tell me if I lose root, or if TWRP will re-root?
Please?
N7 is no longer supported by Google and there will be no more OTA.
You can't flash the entire factory image directly from TWRP (but it is doable).
When you flash the factory image, you will lose root, TWRP and all your data.
NRT can simplify flashing, rooting and restoring TWRP.
You have unlocked boot loader
Just fastboot flash all as yiu want clean install
After that fastboot flash twrp
After that flash superSU
Done.
No need for any toolkit's, try to stay away of them and do it manually.
Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk
k23m said:
N7 is no longer supported by Google and there will be no more OTA.
You can't flash the entire factory image directly from TWRP (but it is doable).
When you flash the factory image, you will lose root, TWRP and all your data.
NRT can simplify flashing, rooting and restoring TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it isn't supported anymore. They still have the image's though.
Im just confused... Long time ago when I was really into all this, I just went to Googles page, downloaded the .zip and flashed it in TWRP. Now, the Google page is different and there isn't just 1 anymore. Can I just open the factory image and unzip the update part and flash that in TWRP?
The OTA files are only for updating from version to version correct? Can't go from what I'm on, 5.01 to the current 6.1 right? That's what I talking about and why I'm so confused now
Googles page used to have the OTA zip to update from prior newest to newest(5.0 to 5.01 for example) but than they also had the full OTA so you could do a 4.0 to 5.1 or whatever. Why they change the site? Which one do I use now to go from my 5.01 to current 6.1?
atifsh said:
You have unlocked boot loader
Just fastboot flash all as yiu want clean install
After that fastboot flash twrp
After that flash superSU
Done.
No need for any toolkit's, try to stay away of them and do it manually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the pronlem, normally yes I would do that no problem. I'm in the middle of upgrading my PC after had a surge or something and fried my ****.
That's why I want to do it via TWRP like I always did before. Every time TWRP asked if I wanted to retain root after updating also. So what in the world happened in the last year that It doesn't seem like I can now? Like I said above, I can't find a full update OTA on!y the incremental OTAs...
Syntax323 said:
I know it isn't supported anymore. They still have the image's though.
Im just confused... Long time ago when I was really into all this, I just went to Googles page, downloaded the .zip and flashed it in TWRP. Now, the Google page is different and there isn't just 1 anymore. Can I just open the factory image and unzip the update part and flash that in TWRP?
The OTA files are only for updating from version to version correct? Can't go from what I'm on, 5.01 to the current 6.1 right? That's what I talking about and why I'm so confused now
Googles page used to have the OTA zip to update from prior newest to newest(5.0 to 5.01 for example) but than they also had the full OTA so you could do a 4.0 to 5.1 or whatever. Why they change the site? Which one do I use now to go from my 5.01 to current 6.1?
That's the pronlem, normally yes I would do that no problem. I'm in the middle of upgrading my PC after had a surge or something and fried my ****.
That's why I want to do it via TWRP like I always did before. Every time TWRP asked if I wanted to retain root after updating also. So what in the world happened in the last year that It doesn't seem like I can now? Like I said above, I can't find a full update OTA on!y the incremental OTAs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok yes that's possible
If you have twrp already
Check development forum and choose one of the ROM.
Download it to your tablet plus gapps
Wipe system, cache and data leaving internal storage.
Flash ROM reboot, come back to twrp and flash gapps. ( Can do ROM + Gapps in one go)
Download SuperSU and flash to get root.
You can't flash stock image / OTA via twrp.
While you're doing all this try the 7.0 ROM its good enough now.
atifsh said:
Ok yes that's possible
If you have twrp already
Check development forum and choose one of the ROM.
Download it to your tablet plus gapps
Wipe system, cache and data leaving internal storage.
Flash ROM reboot, come back to twrp and flash gapps. ( Can do ROM + Gapps in one go)
Download SuperSU and flash to get root.
You can't flash stock image / OTA via twrp.
While you're doing all this try the 7.0 ROM its good enough now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh what happened??? Why can you not flash them with TWRP???
Thats what I used to do no problem. Not referring to custom roms either.
I am wanting stock rooted.
I used to download the update when one was released from Google's site, put the update.zip in main directory, go in recovery and flash update.zip. TWRP would ask me if I wanted to keep root, I say yes, reboot, update installs... than i'm on the new Android version still rooted.
How is that not possible now?
I am so annoyed... I never had to go through ADB or fastboot to update to latest. I did everything on my N7, it kept root for me and everything.
I feel so dumb right now its ridiculous lol
So than what way can I go about updating my N7 2013 Wifi, which I currently have 5.01. I am Rooted w/ unlocked bootloader.
What is the best way not using ADB, or a PC at all for that matter to update to the latest, 6.01. If possible, how can I keep root, if not i'm not worried about it, i'll just re-root myself.
I appreciate all the responses, sorry if i'm just being an idiot. I just know for a fact I never had to use ADB or my PC to update and keep root...
I'm not familiar with Stock OTA done with twrp (if that's even possible)
Already told you get a custom ROM, get the one mostly stock or if there's a stock ROM in zip format available.
In future you might need to update that bootloader of yours for newer ROMs
Sorry if this sounds harsh why are you so into keeping root as you can't do it again? It's simple as flashing SuperSU. Root method changed after 6 you cant have old methods with 6.
Best bet for you at the moment.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3219148
Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk
On OG Pixel XL, I used to be able to follow this guide to take OTA updates and retain Magisk/root:
https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/blob/master/docs/tips.md
It was the BEST! Super quick, small delta file download, one reboot and DONE. No PC needed, no full system image (1.6GB) download required.
But it hasn't worked with Pixel 2 XL (or maybe it's Magisk 15.x that broke this process?). Now any time I try this I get boot loops and end up having to download the full system image, flash-all.bat (remove -w) and then copy the boot.img, patch it in Magisk, and reflash via fastboot. I'd really love a way to be able to take OTA updates without having to get to a PC.
Is there an easier way?
I should mention the ONLY reason I use Magisk is to hide the fact I have an unlocked bootloader and allow things like Android Pay/Samsung Pay (which is broken with latest update anyway - detects Magisk). Any recommendations?
wy1d said:
On OG Pixel XL, I used to be able to follow this guide to take OTA updates and retain Magisk/root:
https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/blob/master/docs/tips.md
It was the BEST! Super quick, small delta file download, one reboot and DONE. No PC needed, no full system image (1.6GB) download required.
But it hasn't worked with Pixel 2 XL (or maybe it's Magisk 15.x that broke this process?). Now any time I try this I get boot loops and end up having to download the full system image, flash-all.bat (remove -w) and then copy the boot.img, patch it in Magisk, and reflash via fastboot. I'd really love a way to be able to take OTA updates without having to get to a PC.
Is there an easier way?
I should mention the ONLY reason I use Magisk is to hide the fact I have an unlocked bootloader and allow things like Android Pay/Samsung Pay (which is broken with latest update anyway - detects Magisk). Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure about your way anymore cuz I always install it with TW RP but if you don't need root and you're just wanting to hide your unlocked Bootloader you can just flash a custom kernel and be done with it.
mac796 said:
I'm not sure about your way anymore cuz I always install it with TW RP but if you don't need root and you're just wanting to hide your unlocked Bootloader you can just flash a custom kernel and be done with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey! Thanks for the quick reply. Wouldn't flashing a custom kernel be the same cat and mouse since the OTA would flash a new kernel? I'd need to have a mechanism for flashing the kernel which I'm guessing means TWRP.
I always ran a custom recovery before Pixel so I'm familiar with TWRP but having a custom recovery means you can't take OTA. What is your process for flashing the updates in TWRP? I thought you had to have a flashable .zip file specifically meant to be flashed in a custom recovery. Are you now able to flash system images from there? Do you just reflash Magisk after each time? I'm guessing that means you have to download the full 1.6G image since Google doesn't post the delta file?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
wy1d said:
Hey! Thanks for the quick reply. Wouldn't flashing a custom kernel be the same cat and mouse since the OTA would flash a new kernel? I'd need to have a mechanism for flashing the kernel which I'm guessing means TWRP.
I always ran a custom recovery before Pixel so I'm familiar with TWRP but having a custom recovery means you can't take OTA. What is your process for flashing the updates in TWRP? I thought you had to have a flashable .zip file specifically meant to be flashed in a custom recovery. Are you now able to flash system images from there? Do you just reflash Magisk after each time? I'm guessing that means you have to download the full 1.6G image since Google doesn't post the delta file?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always Flash the factory image I don't take the OTA. And then I fastboot the TWRP boot image and then install the twrp zip. After that you'd Flash the magisk zip inside TWRP. But if you're just looking to hide the bootloader you can fastboot the custom kernel on stock with no root I Believe In The Flash thread he has both files the fastboot and the Zips for TWrp. But yeah every month you want to flash an updated kernel. Nate actually keeps up on the security updates so he has a new ones quite often.
Edit. Yes so if you wanted to take the OTA I believe you would have to flash the factory boot image to wipe out that kernel and then you could take the following months OTA
mac796 said:
I always Flash the factory image I don't take the OTA. And then I fastboot the TWRP boot image and then install the twrp zip. After that you'd Flash the magisk zip inside TWRP. But if you're just looking to hide the bootloader you can fastboot the custom kernel on stock with no root I Believe In The Flash thread he has both files the fastboot and the Zips for TWrp. But yeah every month you want to flash an updated kernel. Nate actually keeps up on the security updates so he has a new ones quite often.
Edit. Yes so if you wanted to take the OTA I believe you would have to flash the factory boot image to wipe out that kernel and then you could take the following months OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you do the full download and flash it from your PC every month?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
wy1d said:
So you do the full download and flash it from your PC every month?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's how I do it I edit the flash all bat remove the - w
So it doesn't wipe your data. It's pretty much like taking the OTA the manual way. But if you don't want to do that. And just take the OTA and you installed TWRP or if you just installed a custom kernel with fastboot. You just fastboot Flash the boot image of the month you're on and then you should be able to take your new OTA. I'm fairly sure you can do it that way I haven't done it that way in a long time.
mac796 said:
Yeah that's how I do it I edit the flash all bat remove the - w
So it doesn't wipe your data. It's pretty much like taking the OTA the manual way. But if you don't want to do that. And just take the OTA and you installed TWRP or if you just installed a custom kernel with fastboot. You just fastboot Flash the boot image of the month you're on and then you should be able to take your new OTA. I'm fairly sure you can do it that way I haven't done it that way in a long time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really isn't any quicker than what I'm doing now. I was hoping for a way to do it without needing a PC and fastboot although it does sound like that might prevent having to download the whole factory image (assuming TWRP can extract / backup the stock boot image?).
Seems like Flashfire or something like that was able to do this before - flashing the new image without a PC.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
wy1d said:
That really isn't any quicker than what I'm doing now. I was hoping for a way to do it without needing a PC and fastboot although it does sound like that might prevent having to download the whole factory image (assuming TWRP can extract / backup the stock boot image?).
Seems like Flashfire or something like that was able to do this before - flashing the new image without a PC.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've always been told never install an OTA with Flashfire or TWRP, especially if it has a new updated bootloader. Because if something goes wrong you're done. But I know people do it all the time
There's even a warning in Flash fires directions about it
mac796 said:
I've always been told never install an OTA with Flashfire or TWRP, especially if it has a new updated bootloader. Because if something goes wrong you're done. But I know people do it all the time
There's even a warning in Flash fires directions about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Such a bummer the Magisk method doesn't work anymore. It's definitely the safest and most graceful.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
I am sure this has been asked and answered 100 times but for the life of me I can't find a definite answer. I have a Pixel 2 XL and it is rooted and I have Magisk and TWRP installed on it. I want to be able to install the OTA for this month, but I do not want to lose anything on the phone. I also would rather not lose Magisk or TWRP. Normally on my android phones I use ROMs and can just update through TWRP, but I want to stay on stock because I don't want to lose Active Edge. So can someone please help me by giving me step by step instructions or point me to instructions that are simple to follow so I can take the OTA?
I really appreciate the help.
I was having the same problem and was helped by some of the members here.. Best way is to flash the firmware after removing the -w from the flash all file. Then flash twrp and magisk.
Ota
Thanks for your help. I will try that.
magicmaker said:
Thanks for your help. I will try that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a quick little guide I made for updating monthly factory images. Hopefully it'll help you out :good:
Sorta related...
Are there any ROMS that come rooted so I don't have to go through the monthly process of backup/unroot/update/root/restore?
Would love to just flash a ROM update and be done.
rank78 said:
Sorta related...
Are there any ROMS that come rooted so I don't have to go through the monthly process of backup/unroot/update/root/restore?
Would love to just flash a ROM update and be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I'm aware of, but maybe some on the horizon...
Badger50 said:
Here's a quick little guide I made for updating monthly factory images. Hopefully it'll help you out :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, quick question
I am only able to do them steps above if I have done 'fastboot unlock_critical'? I have only done 'fastboot unlock'
Also I would need to boot into TWRP and flash a kernel + magisk to retain root?
You have to issue the "fastboot unlock_critical" command in order for the bootloader to update, since the bootloader is included in both factory images and full OTAs. Speaking of full OTA's, one of our recognized developers, @elliwigy, revealed (thread here) that it is possible to flash a full OTA image through TWRP, which eliminates the need to open the factory image and remove the -w flag from the last line. Flashing the OTA works because TWRP doesn't check signatures like the stock recovery. You will lose both root and TWRP upon reboot however, so you will still need to connect to a PC in order to reinstall TWRP so you can subsequently replace the stock Kernel with the Flash Kernel and then root.
I can verify this works, as I tried it with the May update.
I just recently found my old Pixel 3XL. What is the easiest way to get back to whatever a stock image is? It's got an unlocked boot loader and is on a very old rooted OS. Don't care about anything on it. Just want to get it back to a fresh stock install. Sorry, been out of the flashing game awhile. My brain defaults to back in the HTC Desire HD days and it's way different than then.
pside15 said:
I just recently found my old Pixel 3XL. What is the easiest way to get back to whatever a stock image is? It's got an unlocked boot loader and is on a very old rooted OS. Don't care about anything on it. Just want to get it back to a fresh stock install. Sorry, been out of the flashing game awhile. My brain defaults to back in the HTC Desire HD days and it's way different than then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the Android Flash Tool. Can start from bootloader mode. Since you're coming from custom firmware I'd recommend checking the Force flash all partitions and Wipe Data boxes. If you want to keep the bootloader unlocked make sure you uncheck the Lock bootloader box.
V0latyle said:
Use the Android Flash Tool. Can start from bootloader mode. Since you're coming from custom firmware I'd recommend checking the Force flash all partitions and Wipe Data boxes. If you want to keep the bootloader unlocked make sure you uncheck the Lock bootloader box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for the reply. I think it still has the original version of Android on it from when I got it. Looking forward to seeing how it runs on something newer.
V0latyle said:
Use the Android Flash Tool. Can start from bootloader mode. Since you're coming from custom firmware I'd recommend checking the Force flash all partitions and Wipe Data boxes. If you want to keep the bootloader unlocked make sure you uncheck the Lock bootloader box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can that Android Dirty flash an upgrade from 10 to 'anything'?
bmunday said:
can that Android Dirty flash an upgrade from 10 to 'anything'?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes