Develop Bugs

[Guide]Lenovo S5 K520: TWRP, Root and Decrypt data

Hello everyone, after struggling for a few hours I managed to finally disable force encryption in my phone (so that TWRP could backup the data partition).
I'd like to write a quick list of what I did in the form of a guide to unlocking the bootloader, installing TWRP and getting root with Magisk. I'm just a user, not a developer and this guide is brief, it's not a detailed tutorial and does not include trivial steps (like how to install drivers for your OS).
Warnings: Although small, there is always the chance this bricks your phone. I take no responsibilities.
This will factory reset your phone so back up everything before you start.
My phone is Lenovo S5 (K520) Global version (see screenshot) I don't know if this will work for other firmwares.
Prerequisites:
Install Phone, ADB and Fastboot drives. You can get ADB and Fastboot binaries from here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979
Download this archive:
http://www.mediafire.com/?4dcvzw1hdmzfn10
It contains all the files used in this guide.
Alternatively, download all the files used from their sources.
You will need an SD card or a USB flash drive with an OTG adapter.
Copy the following files to it:
A. "Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt_12.16.2018.zip"
(Downloaded from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3817389 )
B. "Magisk-v18.0.zip"
(Downloaded from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3473445 )
C. (optional) "\stock\boot.img"
(Downloaded from the global firmware @ 4pda)
If you chose to use Micro SD card, you can insert it now.
Note: I know there is a way to push these files directly to TWRP from PC through USB instead of using SD Card/Flash drive but I've never tried it.
Lets start:
1. Go to 'Settings>About phone' and tap on "Lenovo version" several times until developer options are enabled.
2. Go to 'Settings>System>Developer options' and enable "OEM unlocking" (Note: for me this option was greyed out and I had to connect to wifi and wait for a minute or two).
Optional: Enable "USB debugging" if you wish to enter fastboot via ADB.
3. Turn off the phone and press and hold 'Volume down'+'Power' buttons until you see "fastboot mode" on the phone screen (alternatively, don't turn off the phone and instead enter fastboot mode via ADB (adb.exe reboot bootloader)).
4. Connect the phone to the PC via USB and open a command prompt in the location that you installed fastboot binary to.
Type (after each command press enter):
Code:
fastboot devices
To verify that the phone is recognized. And if it is type:
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
Now on the phone LCD navigate to "Yes" with volume buttons and press power to select it.
Your phone will factory reset, this will take a few minutes. Let it finish.
5. Put the TWRP image in your fastboot path. I used "recovery-twrp-3.2.3-crn-seoul(v3.2.3-1).img" downloaded from this URL:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/lenovo-s5-k520-twrps-t3863860
But I included 2 more files that I found (I did not try them).
6. Enter fasboot mode again and type:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery recovery-twrp-3.2.3-crn-seoul(v3.2.3-1).img
(Substitute "recovery-twrp-3.2.3-crn-seoul(v3.2.3-1).img" with the recovery filename of you choice)
7. If successful, disconnect the USB cable and enter Recovery mode, do not turn off or reboot the phone because upon restart the phone will revert to stock recovery (I.E. delete TWRP).
To enter Recovery mode press and hold 'Volume down'+'Power' buttons until you see "fastboot mode" and from there choose "Recovery mode" with the volume buttons and confirm with the power button.
(Alternatively, you can try holding 'Volume up'+'Power' to directly enter Recovery mode but I found it a little finicky)
8. In TWRP, swipe to allow changes. Press cancel when asked for a password to decrypt data.
If you chose to use a USB flash drive with an OTG adapter, connect it and mount it (Mount>usb-otg).
9. Go to Wipe>format data, type "yes" and confirm (if you have any data like installed apps, contacts etc., it will be deleted).
10. Go to Install and install "Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt_12.16.2018.zip".
The files will be in (/external_sd/ or /usb-otg/).
11. Install "Magisk-v18.0.zip"
Important note: If you want to keep encryption (if you don't care if TWRP can't access /data/) and just obtain root, skip steps 9 and 10.
12. Reboot to system and wait for a few minutes for the initial setup.
If for some reason boot fails (nothing happens after 10 minutes) and you can still enter TWRP (hold 'Volume up'+'Power'), then you can revert the changes by restoring the stock boot image (TWRP>Install>Install image>boot.img - put a checkmark on "boot").
If this worked for you, please tell us by replying to this thread.

Thanks a lot man. This phone is a beast in quality/price when talking about hardware. Costs a bit more than 100€ and has the same hard than others at 180-200€ at least. Bad thing is software but with TWRP and root everything is possible . Just found what project treble is, amazing possibilities. Can't beliebe nobody replied yet to yor post. Its a great guide and you show all the sources from where your downloads come. As you said in another thread its better this way so people can trust your content more:
C4lculated said:
I also wanted to root but I didn't want to run a bunch of unknown programs (from XN Logos), so I managed to install TWRP and root with magisk. I wrote a guide on how to do it:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ge...ide-lenovo-s5-k520-twrp-root-decrypt-t3882402
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am yet waiting for my Lenovo S5 to arrive but I will give this guide a try. I was about to follow XN logos (stupdroid) guide/software but I prefer yours. Just one question... have you checked whether the TWRP v3.2.3 (latest) from dmilz make proper working backups? Can I trust that a full backup will be loaded correctly after installing any unofficial ROM, to go back to stock if necessary? I made once the mistake of relying a TWRP and later I found out that one was ok for flashing but didn't create working backups. I asked him also the same question, but I guess you also tried yourself to make a backup and restore from it using TWRP.
Next step will be to flash an Android 8.1 or 9 GSI rom (did I already say I'm amazed by GSI/project treble roms? just found about them last days). I will update you about my luck following your guide

does anyone enable lte bands, 4 and 28?

just bought this phone, currently on shipping..
I'll first try with twrp + aosp 9 GSI

Hi man, have you upgrade to gsi
acost91 said:
Thanks a lot man. This phone is a beast in quality/price when talking about hardware. Costs a bit more than 100€ and has the same hard than others at 180-200€ at least. Bad thing is software but with TWRP and root everything is possible . Just found what project treble is, amazing possibilities. Can't beliebe nobody replied yet to yor post. Its a great guide and you show all the sources from where your downloads come. As you said in another thread its better this way so people can trust your content more:
I am yet waiting for my Lenovo S5 to arrive but I will give this guide a try. I was about to follow XN logos (stupdroid) guide/software but I prefer yours. Just one question... have you checked whether the TWRP v3.2.3 (latest) from dmilz make proper working backups? Can I trust that a full backup will be loaded correctly after installing any unofficial ROM, to go back to stock if necessary? I made once the mistake of relying a TWRP and later I found out that one was ok for flashing but didn't create working backups. I asked him also the same question, but I guess you also tried yourself to make a backup and restore from it using TWRP.
Next step will be to flash an Android 8.1 or 9 GSI rom (did I already say I'm amazed by GSI/project treble roms? just found about them last days). I will update you about my luck following your guide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kindly drop the procedure am hitting brick with all the method i used .????????

Stock firmware lenovo k520
I have tried your method on ROM that is based on China and also globally, and TWRP was successfully installed, and I have also tried several Rom GSI, and only AOSP Extended is successful, but with Bluetooth bugs it cannot be turned on, if others want flash files and stock firmware for k520, just let me know, thanks.

Working on S5 Pro too?
Hi! Can it work on S5 Pro too? I really want to root this device and I don't find out a way to get this happening. Thanks!

Does this work for s5 pro l58041?
Thanks

B4ph0 said:
I have tried your method on ROM that is based on China and also globally, and TWRP was successfully installed, and I have also tried several Rom GSI, and only AOSP Extended is successful, but with Bluetooth bugs it cannot be turned on, if others want flash files and stock firmware for k520, just let me know, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! Sorry for offtopic!
Could you please PM me the link on AOSP extended image which you installed. Thank you!

Hello! Did somebody managed to install GCAM to Lenovo S5? I'm trying and I can;t do this, magisk modules are not loading...

so far I've used 2 alternative rom and works fine, aosp & octopus os, especially octopus os

I need some help..
Did anyone had lenovo s5 persist.img..
I lost my persist afer flashing global rom.208st via qfil..
I check the rom has no persist.img

Please visit to https://youtu.be/wbpV59kutJM for tutorial flash and upgrade Lenovo S5 in YouTube

hello guys, i always get into download mode,after press reboot system (twrp), any solution for my problem ?

has anyone achieved unlocking bands in this phone?

Please port miui 11 9.10.30 mi-room pie 9.0 redmi note 4x SD625 to lenovo S5.
https://megaroms.net/miui-11-9-10-30-stable-port-for-redmi-note-4-4x/
https://sourceforge.net/projects/miui-ports.whats-new.p/files/mido/miroom/

After unlocking bootloader, is there anyway to remove the hideous "software can't check for corruption" warning? Thanks.
---------- Post added at 01:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:39 AM ----------
Suryo75 said:
hello guys, i always get into download mode,after press reboot system (twrp), any solution for my problem ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This means no rom is installed in your phone. Either you accidentally wipe system in twrp, or the rom is corrupted.
Download the deodexed stock rom below and flash with twrp. Should fix your problem.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=13tRqo5eSpRiVJwKiA-iSj2GyIF353ATQ

jychung93 said:
After unlocking bootloader, is there anyway to remove the hideous "software can't check for corruption" warning? Thanks.
---------- Post added at 01:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:39 AM ----------
This means no rom is installed in your phone. Either you accidentally wipe system in twrp, or the rom is corrupted.
Download the deodexed stock rom below and flash with twrp. Should fix your problem.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=13tRqo5eSpRiVJwKiA-iSj2GyIF353ATQ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you i'll try

Could you plz make tutorial about getting back to stock unroot...thx

Twrp gone
Hello sir thank you for this wonderful tutorial,
But I have a problem , after booting to TWRP , then boot to system after that when I try to go back to recovery mode TWRP , twrp is gone , stock recovery back

LineageOS for Huawei Y9 2018 (FLA-LX2)

Looking for a way to install LineageOS for Huawei Y9 2018 (FLA-LX2)
I couldn't find my model under official site

harshan said:
Looking for a way to install LineageOS for Huawei Y9 2018 (FLA-LX2)
I couldn't find my model under official site
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopeless
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help/y9-2018-update-t3859859

Y9 2018 running Android 9 Custom ROM
(Havoc OS+MicroG)
Hi, so I landed on this forum a year ago, thinking that it would be impossible for me to one day unlock and tweak my Huawei Y9 2018.
Today everything works fine for me as I managed to install a custom ROM after unlocking the bootloader. I'll detail you step by step what I did, I'm new here so this is obviously not the only way, I'm just telling you what I did to make it work, and of course I am not responsible if anything wrong happens to your device, many times during the process I did things wrong and I bricked the phone, but you should always be able to come back to step 1 and restart fresh.
STEP ONE: INSTALL STOCK ANDROID 8 FIRMWARE (before June 2018 security patch)
For this step all you need is an SD card (and a computer if the phone is bricked).
Go to here and type in your phone model, I have the FLA-LX3 so I took this file which is at the bottom of the result list.
Afterthat extract the zip and copy the filed called update.APP to a folder called dload in your SD card.
Turn off your phone with the SD card placed inside and boot it from the SD card. To do that, you have to press volume up and power button at the same time for 5 seconds.
The installation should start and you will soon boot back in Android 8.0.0. Quickly reach the settings to check if you have successfully downgraded before June 2018. Otherwise the rest won't work. Finally, rename dload folder in your SD card to something else so that next time your phone won't try to install a system from the SD card.
STEP TWO: FIND YOUR BOOTLOADER CODE
If you already know your bootloader code, directly go to step 3.
This is a tricky part, as you already know there is no official way to get your bootloader code. There are different approaches to get the code. Both need a computer.
A free one can be found here but I didn't use it personally. It's a simple brute force attack to find the code, it can be extremely long so most probably not the best one.
A second option, which is most used is the DC-unlocker tool for Windows that will find the bootloader code in couple of seconds. You have to use 4 credits (4$) to perform the action "Huawei Qualcomm Read Bootloader Code (up to Android 8)". The tutorial can be found here
Once you know your code, save it everywhere !!!
STEP THREE: UNLOCK BOOTLOADER
For this step you will need a computer with ADB and Fastboot commands. (download the command line tool for Windows/Mac/linux from here)
Go to phone settings, activate OEM unlock and USB debugging (you might need a WiFi connection to enable OEM unlock). If you type adb devices in your shell you should see you device in the list.
Type adb reboot bootloader to enter fastboot mode.
If you type in fastboot devices you should see again your device in the list.
Type in fastboot oem unlock *paste your code here*
On our device confirm unlock and the device will reboot after a factory reset.
STEP FOUR: FIND THE RIGHT GENERIC SYSTEM IMAGE
There is no official custom ROM for Huawei Y9 2018 but the phone is compatible with Generic system images, which are universal ROMs (all listed here). To be sure quickly reach the browser to download Treble Check app from here. This app will tell you wether or not you can install GSI images on your phone. If Projet Treble is ticked then you are good to go. If Seamless updates is ticked then you have an A/B system, if not then you have an AONLY system. Finally the CPU Architecture tab should tell you if you are on ARM64 or something else.
The GSI rom I chose is Havoc OS, it is the most compatible for Huawei phones. It is an Android 9 rom built on top of Lineage OS and adds up some functionalities, fixes for Huawei phones, and signature spoofing for MicroG to work. Go to this link and choose the right Havoc version based on the Treble Check app.
STEP FIVE: INSTALL HAVOC OS
Once you downloaded the connect img file connect your phone again and enable USB debugging, type in adb reboot bootloader to enter fastboot, and enter fastboot flash system *GSI rom path*
Once done, unplug device from computer and reboot to eRecovery by holding power and volume up for 5 seconds (just like in step 1 so make sure no SD card with dload folder is placed inside the phone). Once in eRecovery perform a factory reset and after that hit reboot system. Your device should now boot with Havoc OS !
STEP SIX: install F-Droid MicroG and Aurora Store (Alternatives to Google ecosystem)
Go to the browser and install F-droid from their official site. Next add the MicroG repo to F-droid to install and activate all the replacements to Google services. You can finally install Aurora Store from F-droid which replaces the official Play Store.
That's it folks!

fepoulpa said:
Y9 2018 running Android 9 Custom ROM
(Havoc OS+MicroG)
Hi, so I landed on this forum a year ago, thinking that it would be impossible for me to one day unlock and tweak my Huawei Y9 2018.
Today everything works fine for me as I managed to install a custom ROM after unlocking the bootloader. I'll detail you step by step what I did, I'm new here so this is obviously not the only way, I'm just telling you what I did to make it work, and of course I am not responsible if anything wrong happens to your device, many times during the process I did things wrong and I bricked the phone, but you should always be able to come back to step 1 and restart fresh.
STEP ONE: INSTALL STOCK ANDROID 8 FIRMWARE (before June 2018 security patch)
For this step all you need is an SD card (and a computer if the phone is bricked).
Go to here and type in your phone model, I have the FLA-LX3 so I took this file which is at the bottom of the result list.
Afterthat extract the zip and copy the filed called update.APP to a folder called dload in your SD card.
Turn off your phone with the SD card placed inside and boot it from the SD card. To do that, you have to press volume up and power button at the same time for 5 seconds.
The installation should start and you will soon boot back in Android 8.0.0. Quickly reach the settings to check if you have successfully downgraded before June 2018. Otherwise the rest won't work. Finally, rename dload folder in your SD card to something else so that next time your phone won't try to install a system from the SD card.
STEP TWO: FIND YOUR BOOTLOADER CODE
If you already know your bootloader code, directly go to step 3.
This is a tricky part, as you already know there is no official way to get your bootloader code. There are different approaches to get the code. Both need a computer.
A free one can be found here but I didn't use it personally. It's a simple brute force attack to find the code, it can be extremely long so most probably not the best one.
A second option, which is most used is the DC-unlocker tool for Windows that will find the bootloader code in couple of seconds. You have to use 4 credits (4$) to perform the action "Huawei Qualcomm Read Bootloader Code (up to Android 8)". The tutorial can be found here
Once you know your code, save it everywhere !!!
STEP THREE: UNLOCK BOOTLOADER
For this step you will need a computer with ADB and Fastboot commands. (download the command line tool for Windows/Mac/linux from here)
Go to phone settings, activate OEM unlock and USB debugging (you might need a WiFi connection to enable OEM unlock). If you type adb devices in your shell you should see you device in the list.
Type adb reboot bootloader to enter fastboot mode.
If you type in fastboot devices you should see again your device in the list.
Type in fastboot oem unlock *paste your code here*
On our device confirm unlock and the device will reboot after a factory reset.
STEP FOUR: FIND THE RIGHT GENERIC SYSTEM IMAGE
There is no official custom ROM for Huawei Y9 2018 but the phone is compatible with Generic system images, which are universal ROMs (all listed here). To be sure quickly reach the browser to download Treble Check app from here. This app will tell you wether or not you can install GSI images on your phone. If Projet Treble is ticked then you are good to go. If Seamless updates is ticked then you have an A/B system, if not then you have an AONLY system. Finally the CPU Architecture tab should tell you if you are on ARM64 or something else.
The GSI rom I chose is Havoc OS, it is the most compatible for Huawei phones. It is an Android 9 rom built on top of Lineage OS and adds up some functionalities, fixes for Huawei phones, and signature spoofing for MicroG to work. Go to this link and choose the right Havoc version based on the Treble Check app.
STEP FIVE: INSTALL HAVOC OS
Once you downloaded the connect img file connect your phone again and enable USB debugging, type in adb reboot bootloader to enter fastboot, and enter fastboot flash system *GSI rom path*
Once done, unplug device from computer and reboot to eRecovery by holding power and volume up for 5 seconds (just like in step 1 so make sure no SD card with dload folder is placed inside the phone). Once in eRecovery perform a factory reset and after that hit reboot system. Your device should now boot with Havoc OS !
STEP SIX: install F-Droid MicroG and Aurora Store (Alternatives to Google ecosystem)
Go to the browser and install F-droid from their official site. Next add the MicroG repo to F-droid to install and activate all the replacements to Google services. You can finally install Aurora Store from F-droid which replaces the official Play Store.
That's it folks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there these steps seems easy enough.
But I had to ask why you chose android 9 and will higher versions work correctly?

GUIDE: Install GSI Treble Roms on Honor 8X Max ARE-AL00

Hello Team,
Well, I wish that there was a special special section for the Honor 8X MAX, as there was so many things we can add to it, but well, let's post in this section
Most devices that came with Android 8.1 are likely to be Treble GSI compatible, so, the thng is that you just gotta find what Partition it uses.
For this device, it was kinda tricky as it was supposed to be A partition but I found out that it on EMUI 8 neither or AB worked, so after several tests, I found out that using any EMUI 9, we gotta use AB and not A, so I tried LOS 17.1 and worked like a charm but as TWRP is not the best for this device and I did not want to bother decrypt it, then root and install GAPPS, I preferred to install AOSP 10 from phhusson now and it works like a charm. The pros of this rom are that it is already "Rooted" and "Gapped", so I would highly recommend it :good:
Requirements::
* Unlocked Bootloader (Not explained here, so you need to use HCU Unlock and purchase a credit for that);
* Your Recovery has to be stock, so if you have TWRP, I recommend to reflash the stock one;
* Choose an ARM64 AB GSI Rom from here;
BUGS:
1. The device might show as not certified, so you won't be able to use any Google services until you register your device. Guide from Androidsage to help doing that;
2. Brightness seems to be at 50% when set at a maximum. This issue might be due to the Vendor Overlays (not a 100% sure though), I am investigating this, but I am using the device as it is and it is fine for me, until we find a solution for it.
Quick Guide:
1. Turn off your phone and then start it with Power and VOL+, until you see the message of the unlocked phone;
2. Wait until you see the Stock recovery not eRecovery;
3. Wipe and reset, Type "YES" and wait for wiping;
4. Plug the USB Cable to PC, reboot the phone while pressing VOL - ;
5. You should see the Android Fastboot now;
6. On Windows download ADB tools and Linux or Mac they can be added using terminal (You can find it easily by doing a simple search);
7. To make sure the phone is correctly connected, type in the CMD Line or Terminal: fastboot devices ;
8. You should see a series of numbers, so now you can flash by typing: fastboot flash system WHATEVERGSIIMAGEYOUCHOOSE.IMG ;
9. Wait about 2-3 minutes and then when the flash is finished, type: fastboot reboot ;
10. That's it! Your phone should now boot to your preferred GSI ROM with more or less everyhing working

riadtaihi said:
Hello Team,
Well, I wish that there was a special special section for the Honor 8X MAX, as there was so many things we can add to it, but well, let's post in this section
Most devices that came with Android 8.1 are likely to be Treble GSI compatible, so, the thng is that you just gotta find what Partition it uses.
For this device, it was kinda tricky as it was supposed to be A partition but I found out that it on EMUI 8 neither or AB worked, so after several tests, I found out that using any EMUI 9, we gotta use AB and not A, so I tried LOS 17.1 and worked like a charm but as TWRP is not the best for this device and I did not want to bother decrypt it, then root and install GAPPS, I preferred to install AOSP 10 from phhusson now and it works like a charm. The pros of this rom are that it is already "Rooted" and "Gapped", so I would highly recommend it :good:
Requirements::
* Unlocked Bootloader (Not explained here, so you need to use HCU Unlock and purchase a credit for that);
* Your Recovery has to be stock, so if you have TWRP, I recommend to reflash the stock one;
* Choose an ARM64 AB GSI Rom from here;
BUGS:
1. The device might show as not certified, so you won't be able to use any Google services until you register your device. Guide from Androidsage to help doing that;
2. Brightness seems to be at 50% when set at a maximum. This issue might be due to the Vendor Overlays (not a 100% sure though), I am investigating this, but I am using the device as it is and it is fine for me, until we find a solution for it.
Quick Guide:
1. Turn off your phone and then start it with Power and VOL+, until you see the message of the unlocked phone;
2. Wait until you see the Stock recovery not eRecovery;
3. Wipe and reset, Type "YES" and wait for wiping;
4. Plug the USB Cable to PC, reboot the phone while pressing VOL - ;
5. You should see the Android Fastboot now;
6. On Windows download ADB tools and Linux or Mac they can be added using terminal (You can find it easily by doing a simple search);
7. To make sure the phone is correctly connected, type in the CMD Line or Terminal: fastboot devices ;
8. You should see a series of numbers, so now you can flash by typing: fastboot flash system WHATEVERGSIIMAGEYOUCHOOSE.IMG ;
9. Wait about 2-3 minutes and then when the flash is finished, type: fastboot reboot ;
10. That's it! Your phone should now boot to your preferred GSI ROM with more or less everyhing working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Great job, very detailed.
I've faced a situation when trying to flash many GSI img's (Lineage 18, Pixel Exp+, AOSP). The recovery (stock then TWRP) returned "image is too large for the partition". I've ARE-AL00C (4/128) with unlocked BL. Is there any workaround ?

hatemelectr said:
Hi,
Great job, very detailed.
I've faced a situation when trying to flash many GSI img's (Lineage 18, Pixel Exp+, AOSP). The recovery (stock then TWRP) returned "image is too large for the partition". I've ARE-AL00C (4/128) with unlocked BL. Is there any workaround ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some images simply do not work, so you will need to check for other images simply.

Just install this one : https://github.com/phhusson/treble_...nload/v222/system-quack-arm64-ab-gapps.img.xz
root&gapps&backlight working
of course you'll need Device+ID.apk and register ID with Google but that's easy and simple

Device: Huawei 8x Max AR00
The Quack version works but sadly it is Android 10. I have found many Android 12L GSI roms that I would like to use but the brightness is an issue on all of them. Anyone know how to copy the Quack backlight vendor display and patch it to the newer GSI roms? Tried buildprop GSI wont boot (Crdroid, Lineage 19) Tried Dirty flashing, obviously didn't work. Can't seem to find the file containing the slider brightness limitations. Phherson gives rom backlight options and tried several combinations, and yes rebooted everytime none of them work. Any ideas?

riadtaihi said:
Hello Team,
Well, I wish that there was a special special section for the Honor 8X MAX, as there was so many things we can add to it, but well, let's post in this section
Most devices that came with Android 8.1 are likely to be Treble GSI compatible, so, the thng is that you just gotta find what Partition it uses.
For this device, it was kinda tricky as it was supposed to be A partition but I found out that it on EMUI 8 neither or AB worked, so after several tests, I found out that using any EMUI 9, we gotta use AB and not A, so I tried LOS 17.1 and worked like a charm but as TWRP is not the best for this device and I did not want to bother decrypt it, then root and install GAPPS, I preferred to install AOSP 10 from phhusson now and it works like a charm. The pros of this rom are that it is already "Rooted" and "Gapped", so I would highly recommend it :good:
Requirements::
* Unlocked Bootloader (Not explained here, so you need to use HCU Unlock and purchase a credit for that);
* Your Recovery has to be stock, so if you have TWRP, I recommend to reflash the stock one;
* Choose an ARM64 AB GSI Rom from here;
BUGS:
1. The device might show as not certified, so you won't be able to use any Google services until you register your device. Guide from Androidsage to help doing that;
2. Brightness seems to be at 50% when set at a maximum. This issue might be due to the Vendor Overlays (not a 100% sure though), I am investigating this, but I am using the device as it is and it is fine for me, until we find a solution for it.
Quick Guide:
1. Turn off your phone and then start it with Power and VOL+, until you see the message of the unlocked phone;
2. Wait until you see the Stock recovery not eRecovery;
3. Wipe and reset, Type "YES" and wait for wiping;
4. Plug the USB Cable to PC, reboot the phone while pressing VOL - ;
5. You should see the Android Fastboot now;
6. On Windows download ADB tools and Linux or Mac they can be added using terminal (You can find it easily by doing a simple search);
7. To make sure the phone is correctly connected, type in the CMD Line or Terminal: fastboot devices ;
8. You should see a series of numbers, so now you can flash by typing: fastboot flash system WHATEVERGSIIMAGEYOUCHOOSE.IMG ;
9. Wait about 2-3 minutes and then when the flash is finished, type: fastboot reboot ;
10. That's it! Your phone should now boot to your preferred GSI ROM with more or less everyhing working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After trying many different gai variants and versions I found they all have an issue with browsers. Both chrome and edge freeze after scrolling a bit. I'm wondering if this because the GSI uses too much storage space and cannot buffer? Tried to port GSI onto other partitions such as cust, prod didn't work. Even Magisk flashes successfully but does not appear in the rom. The a and b is confusing like EMUI uses both and the TWRP does not decrypt and no Verity commands don't work either. The havoc rom seems to work the best with gapps pico flashed.
~ Android 12 backlight issues had to revert to android 10
~ All GSI have the common browsers freezing. Have to use VIA browser (basic)
~ Magisk won't install have to port to ramdisk, but isn't that the TWRP recovery?

Hello, which one is the Qualcomm driver to be installed for sdm660?

[ROM][A51] HAVOC OS for Samsung Galaxy A51 [GSI]

Hey Guys,
Before you dive in, irrespective of your reading speed read this carefully and slowly for better understanding but if you cannot focus and read it slowly then you better give up music for a few weeks.
About the Device
Before you jump in and get your hands dirty.. you should know that what you will be installing is Generic System Image, It is not specifically made for your device so if you are going to install some other GSI other than this, you might face some issues.
If you are a beginner, you should Go Through Project Treble, just for the sake of knowledge.
Also Galaxy A51 has A/B partition and Supports Project Treble though remember that Treble Devices are not same as A/B devices and Vice Versa.
Things You’ll Need
A Computer (not an iPad)
Internet [requirement around 6 gigs (4.8 gigs optional, for downloading stock Firmware, Highly Recommended)]
Samsung Galaxy A51 (will not work on A50)
Patience and a madcap attitude.
Resources
Download Odin from the link given below and extract it in a folder.
https://odindownload.com/download/Odin3_v3.13.3.zip
Adb and Fastboot Drivers
https://gsmusbdrivers.com/download/adb-fastboot-drivers/#
Samsung Drivers
https://developer.samsung.com/mobile/file/68b2dc40-3833-4a8b-b58e-32f7aca25c00
Havoc OS GSI
Havoc-OS - Browse /arm64-ab at SourceForge.net
Don’t forget to check that there is “arm64” and “ab” written on the name of the file
Other option is with Gapps (it means the rom will come with Google Play services built in
otherwise it is Vanilla Android.
GSI Flasher
(It is used for converting your img file into flashable Zip)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J8OlI2CCXpvAJ5FhFlR2b_y58eHQERGs/view?usp=sharing
Extract it you’ll find three folders gsi, META-INF, scripts, keep all of them inside the GSI
Flasher extracted folder.
Twerp Recovery
twrp-a51-3.5.0_10-1_ianmacd.tar | by androidhowto for Utilities (androidfilehost.com)
Do not use any other in this case you might get mounting errors.
Encryption Disabler
Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt_03.04.2020.zip | by androidhowto for Utilities (androidfilehost.com)
Its Show time
1. Go to settings and go to about phone, tap build number 7 times and a dialog will appear, you are now a developer.
2. Go to additional setting or search developer options in the settings search bar
3. Once in the developer settings find OEM unlock and turn in on, scroll down and also turn on USB debugging, your phone will ask the permission for accessing the data by your computer.
4. Turn off your device. Get a usb cable and connect it to your computer.
5. While phone is off first press Volume UP and Volume Down together, and then then insert the usb cable into the phone while holding the buttons wait for two seconds. a blue screen will come up telling you about consequences and life choices.
6. Long press the Volume Up Button and a new blue screen will show up asking you for unlocking the bootloader. Press Volume Up to confirm. You device will erase everything and reset itself ( Don’t forget to take backup of your Data).
7. After the setup screen appears skip everything in the setup and enable developers option and enable USB debugging in the developer options.
8. Turn off your device again and Repeat step 5.
9. Press Volume up for entering the download mode
10. Now in your computer, Install Odin and open Odin.exe you’ll find your device as comm: xx
Now click on the AP button and select the twerp you downloaded.
Press start and twerp will be installed in your device. Your device will reboot don’t let it boot to one ui, press all three buttons together and hold, as soon as the screen goes black release only the volume down button. Keep holding the Volume UP and power buttons for 3 seconds and then release, you find yourself in twerp. If you miss it repeat the process again but don’t let it boot to One Ui.
In twerp press wipe => format data =>type yes. Press home button and again go to wipe advanced select Data, Cache and Dalvik and swipe to clear.
Press home again. Go to reboot and select recovery, twerp wil reboot. Once it reboots transfer the encryption disabler to your phone and in twerp press install select the storage, sdcard or internal storage, where you have stored the file, select it and swipe to install.
Now in your computer extract the Havoc os image and rename it as “system.img”.
Extract the GSI flasher, copy system.img and paste it in the gsi folder of the GSI Flasher.
Select gsi, Meta-inf, scripts and compress them into a zip and transfer into the phone.
Now in twerp Press install, select the zip file and swipe to install. Also install Gapps or Magisk if you want (though normal magisk will have problem try install phh_magisk, discussed later).
Reboot and KABLAMO You have installed Havoc OS.
Bugs
A small random issue in Auto Brightness
If you root with magisk and install modules, after you reboot your phone will get into a bootloop. Use Phh_Magisk but I aint sure if it’ll work or not Your call madcap.
NONE OF THE FILES IN THIS TUTORIAL HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH ME. If SOMETIHING HAPPENS I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE. ONLY DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Troubleshooting.
If you find errors in twerp, such as unable to mount vendor or system_root, or data. Then you got to install the stock One Ui Back again, therefore it is highly recommended to keep with yourself the stock firmware. You will need It. And it is 4.78 gigs. You can download it from
Model : SM-A515F - Galaxy A51 — Samfrew.com
To reinstall the stock firmware first extract it and the open odin and repeat steps 8 and 9, once your device is detected in Odin press the respective buttons and select the respective files such as for BL button select the file With BL in the name. Do it for buttons, BL, AP(once you select the file it will take long for it load into odin so do not panic and let it load, it might become unresponsive but use patience and wait.)CP , CSC. Click on start and you’ll have ONE Ui back on your device.
To Lock the bootloader repeat steps 5 and 6.
If you still want more stability and Control You can install a different Kernel NDataX from (@Hendamanu) https://forum.xda-developers.com/m/hendramanu.11224917/

I'd like you to please correct the title and write GSI instead of custom rom as both are different things and the title can be considered misleading.

Yillié said:
I'd like you to please correct the title and write GSI instead of custom rom as both are different things and the title can be considered misleading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, my bad.. changed it.

GrandmaGotGuns said:
Oh, my bad.. changed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot

Is stable? Does the fingerprint on the screen work?

LichtEstarossx said:
Is stable? Does the fingerprint on the screen work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its Stable and yes fingerprint works as well. Battery life is also good almost 9 hours of screen on time for my device.

GrandmaGotGuns said:
Its Stable and yes fingerprint works as well. Battery life is also good almost 9 hours of screen on time for my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try to test it although another question arose, the encryption works in the twrp or is it to disable the dm verity?

LichtEstarossx said:
I will try to test it although another question arose, the encryption works in the twrp or is it to disable the dm verity?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to flash disable dm verity before flashing the gsi.. one ui encrypts the data.

I'll soon update this for Android 11 (R)

I did all the steps correctly (started oneui before), but now it won't start the system, is there any way to fix it?

LichtEstarossx said:
I did all the steps correctly (started oneui before), but now it won't start the system, is there any way to fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What android version are you at?

GrandmaGotGuns said:
What android version are you at?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had android 10
one ui 2.5
although it is rare that the gsi does not work

LichtEstarossx said:
I had android 10
one ui 2.5
although it is rare that the gsi does not work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using the same gsi mentioned above then it should work. Not all GSIs will run on your device. Did you successfully install twerp?

GrandmaGotGuns said:
If you are using the same gsi mentioned above then it should work. Not all GSIs will run on your device. Did you successfully install twerp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use havoc 3.8 vanilla arm64 ab
and I tried phh aosp but it didn't work

LichtEstarossx said:
use havoc 3.8 vanilla arm64 ab
and I tried phh aosp but it didn't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Model : SM-A515F - Galaxy A51 — Samfrew.com
Model : SM-A515F | Samsung Firmware Database
samfrew.com
Upgrade to android 11, first install one ui 3 from the site above. I'll update it for Android 11 [R].

GrandmaGotGuns said:
Model : SM-A515F - Galaxy A51 — Samfrew.com
Model : SM-A515F | Samsung Firmware Database
samfrew.com
Upgrade to android 11, first install one ui 3 from the site above. I'll update it for Android 11 [R].
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for now reinstall oneui 2.5, I will try to compile orangefox for android 10, and about the brightness bug in the gsi I know how to correct it, if there is any way to contact you to talk about it, say so

LichtEstarossx said:
for now reinstall oneui 2.5, I will try to compile orangefox for android 10, and about the brightness bug in the gsi I know how to correct it, if there is any way to contact you to talk about it, say so
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are talking about gsi fix then im not sure that it'll work. I tried patching other gsi's for specifically efor xynos but the success rate is 50%. Sure let's talk here

GrandmaGotGuns said:
If you are talking about gsi fix then im not sure that it'll work. I tried patching other gsi's for specifically efor xynos but the success rate is 50%. Sure let's talk here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I say is not a patch, it is one of the phh oberlays for aosp gsi, after I have time I will try to make one, but that overlay would only be for the a51, not for another Samsung
If it is about gsi I am relatively knowledgeable about that, although as far as I know it was not necessary to use this zip to enter gsi, I think the super partition must be modified to install gsi

LichtEstarossx said:
What I say is not a patch, it is one of the phh oberlays for aosp gsi, after I have time I will try to make one, but that overlay would only be for the a51, not for another Samsung
If it is about gsi I am relatively knowledgeable about that, although as far as I know it was not necessary to use this zip to enter gsi, I think the super partition must be modified to install gsi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I attach my telegram username in case you need something more specific.
(nicopizza) Add the @

Can someone plz assist........I got the rom installed on issues
Root chkr says I'm rooted but substratum says I'm not Magisk I don't think I have the patch img. for it..... plz can someone hlp

[Update] Black/broken screen - gaining root possible?

Hello everyone,
so on the last day of my vacation, my OP7t fell on the ground an the display is broken. The screen is black and no touch is recognized anymore.
I tried to save my data but neither Windows nor Linux will show the drives. I orderd three USB-C docks with HDMI but on each of the docks. all I can see is the lock screen and no mouse or keyboard is recognized.
ADB is enabled but neither my Win10 nor my Linux machines are authorized (still wonder why). The Bootloader is unlocked, and I can boot into fastboot. OS is Lineage 18.1, magisk is installed but root is gone due an OTA update and no patched boot.img.
UPDATED:
I managed it to enable ADB in recovery but (most probably because of missing root) I can't see much or nearly no Data within the Folders DATA and so on.
As I mentioned I lost root because of an ota-update I made. So my idea is to flash the patched boot.img now to gain root. As I recall this wont lead to data loss or whipe. The Problem is I dont know which iteration of the LOS 18.1 Rom was installed via ota.
Is there a fastboot or adb recovery comand to get the ROM version. If so I could download it, patch it on another android, and flash it on my OP7t. After that I could use adb pull to save my files.
Any help is apreciated,
greetings flex0