Develop Bugs

Bought Zenfone 2 Z00AD from AmazonUK... but OTA doesn't work

Right... so, I think I traced down why OTA doesn't work.
Namely, whenever I click on system update to search for update, it searches, but nothing happens.
Online I found that this is likely because a WW custom ROM was flashed... and so OTA doesn't work.
My phone is brand new (got it today actually), but 'stuck' on Android 5.0 (ugh).
So... I would like to ask for the recommended course of action so I can get either latest OTA, or just install a stable and up to date clean Android ROM (without all the Zen bloatware) that works.
Also, I'm relatively new with flashing this phone and there's tons of info on rooting, different CWM and TWRP's, etc.
Problem is, which ones to use?
How to determine if you're using the right one and avoid bricking the phone in the process?
My phone arrived with SuperSU... which would indicate it's been rooted (and I was able to install AdAway).
So bearing that in mind... what would you recommend?

Your phone should not be rooted when bought in a store. So it seems to be used before, and not correctly refurbished.
Anders
As there is no possibility to get evidence that you did not do that yourself, you can only hope to get a replacement from the vendor,or any warranty.
On the other side: the device is already rooted, so you can flash a 6.01 rom yourself.
Depending on the way the phone was rooted in the first place, OTA will not always work.
I did see an original rom surface recently. With that you can go original, Unrooted and locked, so the vendor will not be able to void your warranty claims.
Verstuurd vanaf mijn ASUS_Z00A met Tapatalk

Sorry for the late reply.
Was busy.
The phone was bought off Amazon UK, and no modifications to the device were done by me apart from installing my apps.
Trouble is, I don't know how to flash a new ROM onto this thing.
The forums are overflowing with information which is all over the place and it is extremely confusing.
Yes, I tried the search function and found some info, but it is all over the place.
I have to be able to figure out the original firmware apparently if I want to flash the CWM or TWRP... and in some cases, flashing TWRP can break the device it would seem (what's up with that?), and I cannot figure out the original firmware because the mobile was not delivered with one (a custom WW ROM was apparently flashed on top of I don't know which version), and I really do not know where to look for this.
So, I'm very confused.
There's too many threads to sift through and each seems to be giving its own unique information and a list of no no's which appear to contradict each other.
I could use some help in sorting through this 'mess' (well, 'mess' for me) so I could try at least flashing the original ROM and get OTA (for which I require concise instructions).
Also, something else seems to be happening... Asus Zentalk forums appear to refuse to load on my laptop for whatever reason.

Settings>About - will show you what rom you have.
I would recommend unlocking bootloader 1st as this seems to have helped me. If you have any recovery but stock or have a white splashscreen then this has already happened... I used the unofficial unlock tool to do this and thus my imei numbers stays off the "no warranty" list..
If you go to the pre-rooted rom thread you can download the newer stock roms. These also have the recovery, boot and droidboot.img files included with the .rar file of a system.img (unrar it of course)...
I believe it may also contain the flashtools, if not look at the CN to WW thread...
Using fastboot you can flash these onto your phone using commands -
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash fastboot droidboot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
Make sure, if do this the commands are correct. Copy and paste can be your enemy because if you use the same command and just overwrite your boot/droidboot or recovery every time you flash, it may result in a brick...
Good luck and happy flashing...
I seem to get OTA's pushed now..

Tnx.
Now that I look back, it doesn't seem too complicated.
My bootloader seems to already be unlocked though.
One other thing... about flashing that system.img
I think I stumbled upon similar instructions before, however, I couldn't find system.img file (everything else was accounted for).
Also, does the the procedure for flashing new ROM's or possibly just OTA's require repetition of ALL those commands, or just some?
Oh and I was able to access the stock recovery (which the seller said he used to flash the custom WW rom). Could I use it to update OTA's manually? And would I need to first unroot the mobile?

Installing stock/official ROM over Vendor ROM

Hi, a few questions:
1. Would it be safe to install using the Mi Max's built in updater, the official helium Chinese ROM (stable or developer) OVER a vendor ROM (global, unofficial ROM that came with my 64GB Mi Max)? The vendor/unofficial ROM that came with my 64GB Mi Max is Global Miui 7.3.14.0.0. I believe my Mi Max still has an unlocked bootloader and has not been rooted despite the vendor ROM. 2. If the installation is successful, would the installation retain Google playstore/Google apps and all other apps in their current state, or will all installed apps and all personal data be removed sort of like a factory reset?
3. If the installation is not successful, will it be a simple 'install failure' where the existing vendor ROM is retained and still fully functional, or will it result to a brick (device no longer usable/endless bootloop)?
Thanks in advance.

Good Day - Or Night
I had a similar problem and decided to unlock the boot loader and then proceeded to install the Miui 64 Chinese Dev ROM - Official complete with OTA Updates.
Here's a thread I made to describe that
http://en.miui.com/thread-336609-1-1.html
Now if you do an install on top of this - may or may not retain the Google apps - but more likely - you may run into permissions problems and unstable device.
So - in short I'd recommend - Unlock boot loader - Install ROM of Choice (Mi Max 64 and 128 do not have any International ROMs at this time - to the best of my knowledge and certainly no Miui 8 Official ROMs).
Sent from my MI MAX using Tapatalk

Just an update to my original post above...
The Global ROM for Mi Max Helium (64GB/128 GB; SD 652) had just been released, so I decided to download
the Global ROM for Mi Max Prime (Helium). The download link I used is found here:
http://en.miui.com/download-302.html#458
It turns out, it doesn't work when installed over vendor ROM's. I tried installing it on my Mi Max with the vendor ROM (Miui 7.3.14.0.0),
using the built in updater app in the Mi Max, but the phone just tells me 'Couldn't verify update package'.
Other times, it seems to install then reboots afterwards, giving you the false impression that the update is working. However, after
a seemingly 'stuck' reboot (seemed like a bootloop), it returns to your home screen as if nothing happened... You end up with
the same vendor ROM with everything untouched (nothing changed/deleted).
The only thing that did work for me was flashing the Global ROM helium image using Mi flash beta.
The procedure worked even with a locked bootloader (also, with phone not rooted).
Anyway, for those who do want to get rid of the vendor ROM on their Mi Max helium and install
the recently released Official Global ROM for the helium device, here's the link to the fastboot procedure using Miflash beta:
http://en.miui.com/thread-307139-1-1.html
You will need to select the correct Mi Max helium image files here:
http://en.miui.com/a-234.html
You will need to unzip the *.tgz file to get the *.tar file, then unzip again the *.tar file to get the
fully unzipped image directory. You then flash the entire unzipped image directory using Miflash beta.
This procedure works on my non-rooted Mi Max with locked bootloader. You just need to be careful though to flash
the correct image file directory or you'll have a bricked device. The Mi Max helium being mentioned here refers to the 64GB or 128GB version
with snapdragon 652 processor. It used to be called Mi Max Pro but it seems it is now officially called the Mi Max Prime.

i have mi max 3gb ram/32gb (sd650) model.would the above procedure work if i am on official global stable (7.5.6.0--MBCMIDE).i got the permission to unlock but am unable to,the process stops at 50% saying that the accounts dont match.earlier there was a mismatch in phone no,but i rectified that by resetting the device and applying for fresh permission with proper details,but still the prob persists.on reading multiple threads it seems that flashing the chinese developer rom would be my best bet.so is the process outlined above going to work if i want to flash chinese developer rom over my global stable rom,or is it better i go for global developer rom.in all these cases im talking about the fastboot roms.im not going to hardbrick my device am i ?,becoz the nearest xiaomi service centre is some 200kms away from where i live.i thought i would ask the experts here before i take the plunge lest i regret later for not having asked you guys first.plz kindly reply with your advices,im so anxious to flash the rr rom ever since i got the device a few days back,more so now that the 3g data bug is also squashed

You will not need to flash the global rom if you are already on official global rom as you stated. The MIUI8 update will be delivered via OTA if not at present, maybe in the coming days. Now if you are on official global rom and wish to flash other roms, I am not so sure it will not be risky if you have a locked bootloader. Maybe somebody else has experienced doing the same so let's hope the person will share it in this thread.
wingryder said:
i have mi max 3gb ram/32gb (sd650) model.would the above procedure work if i am on official global stable (7.5.6.0--MBCMIDE).i got the permission to unlock but am unable to,the process stops at 50% saying that the accounts dont match.earlier there was a mismatch in phone no,but i rectified that by resetting the device and applying for fresh permission with proper details,but still the prob persists.on reading multiple threads it seems that flashing the chinese developer rom would be my best bet.so is the process outlined above going to work if i want to flash chinese developer rom over my global stable rom,or is it better i go for global developer rom.in all these cases im talking about the fastboot roms.im not going to hardbrick my device am i ?,becoz the nearest xiaomi service centre is some 200kms away from where i live.i thought i would ask the experts here before i take the plunge lest i regret later for not having asked you guys first.plz kindly reply with your advices,im so anxious to flash the rr rom ever since i got the device a few days back,more so now that the 3g data bug is also squashed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

wingryder said:
i have mi max 3gb ram/32gb (sd650) model.would the above procedure work if i am on official global stable (7.5.6.0--MBCMIDE).i got the permission to unlock but am unable to,the process stops at 50% saying that the accounts dont match.earlier there was a mismatch in phone no,but i rectified that by resetting the device and applying for fresh permission with proper details,but still the prob persists.on reading multiple threads it seems that flashing the chinese developer rom would be my best bet.so is the process outlined above going to work if i want to flash chinese developer rom over my global stable rom,or is it better i go for global developer rom.in all these cases im talking about the fastboot roms.im not going to hardbrick my device am i ?,becoz the nearest xiaomi service centre is some 200kms away from where i live.i thought i would ask the experts here before i take the plunge lest i regret later for not having asked you guys first.plz kindly reply with your advices,im so anxious to flash the rr rom ever since i got the device a few days back,more so now that the 3g data bug is also squashed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've read, most people get the 50% error because they're not logged into the same Mi Account on their phone as well as the MiUnlock Tool. If you are logged in with the same account on the phone and the tool, then I'd suggest logging out of both, and then logging into the phone first, then the tool. This is what worked for me. If everything I've mentioned fails, you can use Doom Slayer's method to root and install the rom of your choice, which is posted right here .

thank you for responding guys,anyways i took a chance and flashed the fastboot developer rom thru edl method using miflash,the flash succeeded but to my dismay the unlock still fails at 50%.even after following all steps.it seems the only thing left is to try with the first account which got unlock permission,i have to apply for the micro sim on that number,since its a normal sim doing duty on my s advance.seems like i confused the xiaomi servers or something with multiple accounts.but eventhough i have multiple accounts i used the matching accounts on both the pc and mobile but no luck for me

wingryder said:
thank you for responding guys,anyways i took a chance and flashed the fastboot developer rom thru edl method using miflash,the flash succeeded but to my dismay the unlock still fails at 50%.even after following all steps.it seems the only thing left is to try with the first account which got unlock permission,i have to apply for the micro sim on that number,since its a normal sim doing duty on my s advance.seems like i confused the xiaomi servers or something with multiple accounts.but eventhough i have multiple accounts i used the matching accounts on both the pc and mobile but no luck for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure everything is okay on your PC's side as well, use the USB cable you got with your phone, install all the drivers, and if you're using Windows 10, disable Driver Signature Enforcement prior to installing the drivers. I used the Xiaomi Universal ADB Drivers. Also search for the Bootloader stuck at 50% tutorial posted by mitch002 on the MIUI forums and try that out, it's seemed to have worked for many.

I was having a hell of a time flashing anything over my Mi Max on a China vendor ROM. I followed these instructions exactly and it worked like a charm. From post #3 above: http://en.miui.com/thread-307139-1-1.html This does not unlock or root the device. If you're still looking to unlock, I can't be of assistance, but I wish you the best.

should i update before i install twrp ? a few newbie questions to rooting

so i got my new oneplus 5T as i heard it was one of the better phones for tinkering around. i installed ADB and unlocked the boat loader following this guide https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-5t/how-to/oneplus-5t-unlock-bootloader-flash-twrp-t3704592
i downloaded twrp-3.2.1-0-universal-codeworkx-dumpling.img but before i install it i was wandering if it be smarter to go
update-->install twrp--> backup ---> root with magisk --> backup
instead of
install twrp --> backup ---> root -- backup -- update via twrp (as i read normal updates no longer work once twrp is installed)
(normally to me that would be the smart order of doing things however i am aware that phone manufacturers usually don't like people rooting there phones and the process usually involves exploiting vulnerabilities so updating it may stop me from rooting) from what i read it also possible to download the updates separately and update via twrp after gaining root access but that seems like needless risk taking if it completely acceptable to update before installing twrp and rooting.
also i did a quick search but is there a difference between dumpling and blu spark? or is it just 2 different builds of twrp that dose the exact same job but is done by 2 different teams.

Dumpling is the code name OnePlus gave the phone. BlueSpark is the name of development software by a forum member. One has nothing to do with the other.
I prefer to update stock FW to the latest version before installing TWRP.

CZ Eddie said:
Dumpling is the code name OnePlus gave the phone. BlueSpark is the name of development software by a forum member. One has nothing to do with the other.
I prefer to update stock FW to the latest version before installing TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info. i ended up updating it first before installing twrp.

Question videos freezing and choppy.

I just installed crdroid and did my settings. Videos are unplayable and choppy. Preloaded videos, Recorded videos, Youtube, netflix etc. Please send help.

You flashed wrong firmware.

Andreasgbrv2 said:
You flashed wrong firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After updating my new Poco F3 to the latest MIUI (I think it was 13.0.7.0), unlocking bootloader and then installing LineageOS according to the official instructions,
I am experiencing the same issues: Laggy video playback, no audio, microphone not working.
Which partitions fall under what you call "firmware"? All of these listed here: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/alioth/fw_update ?
If that's the case I am wondering if it is necessary to downgrade to the 13.0.6.0 firmware (as I'm on 13.0.7.0) and especially if this is safe to do via fastboot or if I somehow trigger the anti-rollback protection?

N!ghty said:
After updating my new Poco F3 to the latest MIUI (I think it was 13.0.7.0), unlocking bootloader and then installing LineageOS according to the official instructions,
I am experiencing the same issues: Laggy video playback, no audio, microphone not working.
Which partitions fall under what you call "firmware"? All of these listed here: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/alioth/fw_update ?
If that's the case I am wondering if it is necessary to downgrade to the 13.0.6.0 firmware (as I'm on 13.0.7.0) and especially if this is safe to do via fastboot or if I somehow trigger the anti-rollback protection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your phone is EEA you cannot trigger ARB because all miui versions(include 12.0.1) have ARB index 1.On lineage forum at step one you have recommended firmware.P.s firmware it's not full system, it's justa a 150mb flashable zip.

Andreasgbrv2 said:
If your phone is EEA you cannot trigger ARB because all miui versions(include 12.0.1) have ARB index 1.On lineage forum at step one you have recommended firmware.P.s firmware it's not full system, it's justa a 150mb flashable zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it even possible to trigger ARB via fastboot flash?
I am not 100% sure if it's EEA or Global - I was trying to find out but don't know how. The packaging lists like 50 European countries so I guess its most likely EEA. Can anything happen if I flash the wrong firmware? I guess the system would probably just not boot or be unstable and I should always be able to just re-flash another one via fastboot..?
Could you please hint me at this ~150MB flashable zip? I can only find this page here: https://xiaomifirmwareupdater.com/firmware/alioth/ - but it only offers 13.0.7.0, which is what I have currently installed. The LineageOS wiki (https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/alioth/fw_update) only offers the full MIUI 13.0.6.0 ROM to manually extract the partitions from.

,you have commands to flash firmware in lineage wiki.You should run all commands to flash firmware(that will not install full system). That's why they give commands to you because they have custom lineage recovery.

I downgraded the firmware partitions manually as described on https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/alioth/fw_update to the version listed on said site and now everything works as expected

Question Steps to root

I have a WW version of ROG Phone 6. I have had it since mid-July.
Previously, I had ROG 2 but it died on me unexpectedly and I switched to Pixel 6, which was very underwhelming. I pre-ordered ROG 6 as soon as it became available.
I have not seen a concise guide to rooting ROG 6. I think it should be the same as ROG 2 but just in case, I read guide to rooting ROG 5.
Are the steps to rooting ROG 6 the same as ROG 5?
Asus ROG phone 5: unlock bootloader and root guide
Asus rog phone 5 guide note: you follow this guide on your own responsibility. also You should note that unlocking via the official Asus app will void warranty and blacklist the device for future otas. bootloader unlock: ! note that unlocking...
forum.xda-developers.com
Thank you!

I sure hope so. . . I cant find much material online but I'm going to try to just run this tool from asus https://rog.asus.com/phones/rog-phone-6-model/helpdesk_download/ and then flash magisk via recovery.
Sorry extract boot.img move it to phone, patch it with magisk and then run
Code:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
and that should do it. Although you may want/need to flash the official files first by running the flashall_AFT.cmd file.
Found this all on https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...e-6-can-be-used-for-cn-ww-converting.4474383/ and https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-guide-you-should-read.4474241/#post-87255303

It worked for me without even needing to flash the full firmware (you'd have to, to switch versions though) let me know if you need help. the guides I linked might be overkill.
Just
1.) Fully update on phone.
2.) Install apk to unlock bootloader from my first link
3.) reboot to fastboot and run the command I gave above. (after extracting the boot.img from payload.bin and patching it, although the last link includes one prepatched that may work)

leathan said:
It worked for me without even needing to flash the full firmware (you'd have to, to switch versions though) let me know if you need help. the guides I linked might be overkill.
Just
1.) Fully update on phone.
2.) Install apk to unlock bootloader from my first link
3.) reboot to fastboot and run the command I gave above. (after extracting the boot.img from payload.bin and patching it, although the last link includes one prepatched that may work)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for replying.
I read the guide about "flashall_AFT". I think the guy needed to do that because he was converting CN to WW. So, I think you are right in that the guide might be overkill since my phone is WW.
Thank you for taking time to outline the steps. The steps you outlined seems the same as for ROG 5. Glad to know that ASUS is consistent on this.
ROG 6 is the first phone that I ever pre-ordered. Usually, I buy phones when there are already guides on rooting. So, I am a bit nervous on rooting ROG 6 since there is not dedicated and concise guide yet.

ausaras said:
Thank you for replying.
I read the guide about "flashall_AFT". I think the guy needed to do that because he was converting CN to WW. So, I think you are right in that the guide might be overkill since my phone is WW.
Thank you for taking time to outline the steps. The steps you outlined seems the same as for ROG 5. Glad to know that ASUS is consistent on this.
ROG 6 is the first phone that I ever pre-ordered. Usually, I buy phones when there are already guides on rooting. So, I am a bit nervous on rooting ROG 6 since there is not dedicated and concise guide yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your good, just proceed as normal, I already got LSPosed, Zygisk+safteynet and all the goodies running. I see why you preordered this thing, its an absolute beast!! I am in love with it.
I wasn't even aware these phones existed but when I saw them and saw ASUS releases bootloader unlock publicly I instantly bought one as in general that's the main thing needed for rooting.
If you need any help It only took me about 15 minutes to root everything without using the guides at all as like you said it was pretty standard process. Like I said I extracted and patched the boot myself but just to potentially save time as I'm almost positive the patched image in the last link will work, and if it does not you can just reflash the one from the OTA.zip.
Good luck! (if you decide to root it will work fine)

leathan said:
Your good, just proceed as normal, I already got LSPosed, Zygisk+safteynet and all the goodies running. I see why you preordered this thing, its an absolute beast!! I am in love with it.
I wasn't even aware these phones existed but when I saw them and saw ASUS releases bootloader unlock publicly I instantly bought one as in general that's the main thing needed for rooting.
If you need any help It only took me about 15 minutes to root everything without using the guides at all as like you said it was pretty standard process. Like I said I extracted and patched the boot myself but just to potentially save time as I'm almost positive the patched image in the last link will work, and if it does not you can just reflash the one from the OTA.zip.
Good luck! (if you decide to root it will work fine)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted my phone over the weekend. It went well.
Now, I am wondering how to update firmware. I know I need to download the full firmware from ASUS website and then place it in the root directory.
Should I flash back the stock boot.img and then update firmware?
Or, just simply flash the firmware update and then go through the whole extract boot.img from firmware, patch in Magisk, and then flash patched boot.img in fastboot?

ausaras said:
I rooted my phone over the weekend. It went well.
Now, I am wondering how to update firmware. I know I need to download the full firmware from ASUS website and then place it in the root directory.
Should I flash back the stock boot.img and then update firmware?
Or, just simply flash the firmware update and then go through the whole extract boot.img from firmware, patch in Magisk, and then flash patched boot.img in fastboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be done. I just fully updated and then rooted and set up my phone.
The firmware flash would have been to swap over to CN or WW. If you do that then yes you would re-factory reset + re flash stock boot.img. Then afterwards repeat the boot.img patch to obtain root + repeat setting up your safteynetfix + any other magisk modules.

ausaras said:
I rooted my phone over the weekend. It went well.
Now, I am wondering how to update firmware. I know I need to download the full firmware from ASUS website and then place it in the root directory.
Should I flash back the stock boot.img and then update firmware?
Or, just simply flash the firmware update and then go through the whole extract boot.img from firmware, patch in Magisk, and then flash patched boot.img in fastboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I am sorry the last answer I gave you was just wrong. I totally forgot when we root we wont get automatic OTA updates. Which for me is a really good thing anyway. But to get the OTA updates we need to download the firmware files from ASUS website. The same place we downloaded the unlock app but its under firmware. Download every WW firmware and put them one by one in order from oldest to newest on the /sdcard and boot up and it will detect an update. I'm pretty sure we cannot just skip to the latest update like we can with custom rom otas so I am going in order.
I left root, and when done updating will again patch the boot.img and flash it over.
Over the weekend I helped a guy root and set up safteynet and if it helps others I might just write up a tutorial.
Cheers!

Hi! Thank you very much for sharing and helping. I have Tencent edition, from CN to WW, but a couple of things don't work properly:
- Android Auto does not communicate with my car (phone detected and bluetooth connected) bit app stops.
- Gboard voice dictation does not work (google assistant yes)
Country is WW. Safetynet passed. Play certified.
..I followed your guide.
I flashed the posted xda raw throuh fastboot and the the Magisk patched .img
When I tried TO apply latest updates (160) the Same message error appeared.
There is spmething strage (or are least I think It strage):
When I start in "fastboot" (black screen with capital text single line) my device isn'r recognized by PC. Then I switch to "recovery" and then to "fastboot" and a menu (several lines) with title "fastbootd" appears and the phone is recognized by PC (fastboot devices). If I choose bootloader the first screen appears.
I tried to reflash the raw but either the phone isn't recognized or a message appears on the cmd window showing "not rog 6" (more or less) and stops. But the phone is recognized everywhere as rog6...
I miss my broken rog2, it was much easier to root
Do you have any idea what's going on? Or when the twrp boot will be released so that I can brutally flash any zip?

i need fastboot driver for win 64

Anyone know if I root my phone following these instructions, will it factory reset or wipe my data partition? Sorry it's been a while since I rooted any phone, and I am excited about going this route

can anyone provide the patched boot image to have root? Tried looking and asking in other areas but no luck. Or is there a way to patch a bot image that contains root already?