Im replacing my Pixel 6 Pro due to a bad accelerometer sensor. My phone is rooted with latest Magisk, has Kiri kernel installed as well. What's the most efficient way to prep the phone for a return to Google?
Official Google Android Flash Tool
and
Official Instructions for Locking/Unlocking the Bootloader
roirraW edor ehT said:
Official Google Android Flash Tool
and
Official Instructions for Locking/Unlocking the Bootloader
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So just running the flash tool will remove root, reset to factory default and return kernel to stock? After that just lock the bootloader and good to go?
Starzboy77 said:
So just running the flash tool will remove root, reset to factory default and return kernel to stock? After that just lock the bootloader and good to go?
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Yes. All of that.
Starzboy77 said:
So just running the flash tool will remove root, reset to factory default and return kernel to stock? After that just lock the bootloader and good to go?
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Click to collapse
If you like, for further explanation, flashing the 100% official stock ROM will both remove root and overwrite whatever kernel you currently have with the stock kernel that's included in the stock ROM. If you choose any option anywhere (on that official stock flashing site of Google's, or via any other method) to *not* factory reset the phone, sure you'd have any root-oriented apps still installed on your phone, but the phone wouldn't be rooted because the stock kernel is 100% official now.
There are many ways to do the same thing, but this is the safest and 100% sure method that it's all stock. i.e. my answering this way isn't dependent on anything you've possibly done to your phone - if you or someone had gone out of the way to modify the software of the phone even more than typically, this method would still completely overwrite any changes you've done, because you're flashing the completely stock ROM.
I haven't used the Official Google Android Flash Tool but countless others in this section alone have reported their situations on their phones being saved by this method - even when flashing the stock ROM in only a slightly more manual way via the official Platform Tools had failed to solve their issues: manually downloading the stock firmware, extracting it, and running the flash-all.bat file included (if on Windows). Since I haven't used it myself, I'm just going by memory of what others have reported about using it and I'm under the impression that it gives you the choice to wipe (factory reset) or not wipe your phone when it flashes it.
I wouldn't be surprised if by default it wipes, as that's what the flash-all.bat script from the manual full factory image zip file does by default.
Also, heads up. You never want to lock the bootloader unless you are 100% certain the phone is 100% stock. Ergo, why even though there are other methods to unroot and "return to stock", there is no good reason to use them unless you just don't have access to a computer, or a cable, or it's some kind of unroot emergency or some other circumstance that calls for more manual methods - which also leave a greater chance for accidental human error and can just plain brick your phone - although that might not matter since you're returning the phone.
roirraW edor ehT said:
If you like, for further explanation, flashing the 100% official stock ROM will both remove root and overwrite whatever kernel you currently have with the stock kernel that's included in the stock ROM. If you choose any option anywhere (on that official stock flashing site of Google's, or via any other method) to *not* factory reset the phone, sure you'd have any root-oriented apps still installed on your phone, but the phone wouldn't be rooted because the stock kernel is 100% official now.
There are many ways to do the same thing, but this is the safest and 100% sure method that it's all stock. i.e. my answering this way isn't dependent on anything you've possibly done to your phone - if you or someone had gone out of the way to modify the software of the phone even more than typically, this method would still completely overwrite any changes you've done, because you're flashing the completely stock ROM.
I haven't used the Official Google Android Flash Tool but countless others in this section alone have reported their situations on their phones being saved by this method - even when flashing the stock ROM in only a slightly more manual way via the official Platform Tools had failed to solve their issues: manually downloading the stock firmware, extracting it, and running the flash-all.bat file included (if on Windows). Since I haven't used it myself, I'm just going by memory of what others have reported about using it and I'm under the impression that it gives you the choice to wipe (factory reset) or not wipe your phone when it flashes it.
I wouldn't be surprised if by default it wipes, as that's what the flash-all.bat script from the manual full factory image zip file does by default.
Also, heads up. You never want to lock the bootloader unless you are 100% certain the phone is 100% stock. Ergo, why even though there are other methods to unroot and "return to stock", there is no good reason to use them unless you just don't have access to a computer, or a cable, or it's some kind of unroot emergency or some other circumstance that calls for more manual methods - which also leave a greater chance for accidental human error and can just plain brick your phone - although that might not matter since you're returning the phone.
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Thank you for the indepth explanation. Really appreciate it.
Just factory reset it so your data is wiped and send it back. Google has never cared about them being rooted when you return them.
TonikJDK said:
Just factory reset it so your data is wiped and send it back. Google has never cared about them being rooted when you return them.
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Is this accurate? Can anyone else confirm? What about having a different kernel? Does the bootloader have to be locked?
Starzboy77 said:
Is this accurate? Can anyone else confirm? What about having a different kernel? Does the bootloader have to be locked?
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As I said, you should not lock the bootloader unless the phone is 100% stock. To me, it doesn't matter what anyone else says about what Google cares about. If it were my phone, I'd restore it 100% stock too. 10 minutes of very little effort for some peace of mind. Rather than meh, they might not care, or meh you might be the unlucky exception. Why take the chance?
But it's your phone, your decision. No one else makes the decision for you.
roirraW edor ehT said:
As I said, you should not lock the bootloader unless the phone is 100% stock. To me, it doesn't matter what anyone else says about what Google cares about. If it were my phone, I'd restore it 100% stock too. 10 minutes of very little effort for some peace of mind. Rather than meh, they might not care, or meh you might be the unlucky exception. Why take the chance?
But it's your phone, your decision. No one else makes the decision for you.
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This to the millionth degree. and it also goes for when purchasing a used device or a refurbished device. Reflash Android. they make it so simple now that it can be done using another phone. No PC necessary.
Flash Tool changed the game 3 years ago for how easy the process is. Heck I just reflash my phone monthly because it's such great technology (kidding, not kidding?)
Related
Hello,
I would like to create a full stock backup, I do not care for applications or settings, the only thing I want is full non-rooter, current Gingerbread with ability to install possible upcoming OTA updates.
The reason for this is simple, I want to try out different ICS roms just for fun and then go back to original, HTC Sense 2.1 powered rom.
The question is: How do I do that? I know I can handle rooting the device and installing various things but how do I get back?
Thanks!
PS A link with instructions on how to do that would be nice, I tried searching the forums and Google but nothing legit came out.
If you have already rooted your phone and installed a recovery such as ClockworkMod or 4EXT, reboot into recovery and go to the "Backup" menu and make a full backup.
In the event of problems, you can do a full wipe or factory reset, and then go to the same backup/restore menu to restore your backup from the SD card.
But if the phone is Gingerbread (it is) I have to downgrade first, correct? To Froyo 2.2. So Basically that leaves me with a copy of 2.2 while my phone came with Gingerbread in the first place.
It basically shows that I've changed (downgraded) the software, doesn't it?
stranded.eu said:
But if the phone is Gingerbread (it is) I have to downgrade first, correct? To Froyo 2.2. So Basically that leaves me with a copy of 2.2 while my phone came with Gingerbread in the first place.
It basically shows that I've changed (downgraded) the software, doesn't it?
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If you have ALREADY rooted it, then there is no need to be downgrading back to an exploitable firmware when you've already exploited the phone. If all you're doing is installing a custom rom on an already rooted/unlocked phone then you need only flash the roms via recovery.
You would only have to downgrade the firmware if you for some reason decided to flash the original stock firmware, hboot, etc onto the phone.
But that's least as far as the backups go.
In terms of how to get the phone back to non-root/locked state there's a sticky/wiki for that, though I would find it to be a pain in the butt to have the phone rooted and unlocked and then have to go thru the process of locking it back up only to possibly risk bricking it. The more times you mess with the firmware/radio/hboot the more likely you are to brick it.
Just to make it all clear my phone is kinda new, was never rooted, that's why I'm asking. I still can't believe that HTC doesn't have an app like Xperia has, SEUS to be exact, you can fix any phone with one click. By saying fix I mean install the latest, official rom.
That's too bad there is no other way to root Desire Z.
stranded.eu said:
Just to make it all clear my phone is kinda new, was never rooted, that's why I'm asking. I still can't believe that HTC doesn't have an app like Xperia has, SEUS to be exact, you can fix any phone with one click. By saying fix I mean install the latest, official rom.
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If never rooted there's not much of a way to make a full backup first (since most backup tools like Titanium Backup requires root).
That's too bad there is no other way to root Desire Z.
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Well there is the HTCDev unlocker from HTC themselves, but you actually have better luck following something like cyanogenmod's wiki entry.
Something like this works quite well : http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/HTC_Vision
You just need to make sure to triple-check all the numbers and messages, someone accidentally skipping 2 or 3 steps multiple times is just asking for problems.
But once rooted (like for my G2 I followed the cyanogenmod steps, and then went another step by upgrading my radio to the latest, I just went with a different rom after being rooted) it's usually best to keep it that way even if you decide to just flash the stock rom (i.e.: still rooted and unlocked, but simply using the original software they provide you, which can be rooted simply by having the su binary and superuser app).
The voiding of warranty usually applies to software, i.e.: you bricked the phone as a result of flashing the wrong hboot. Where as if the screen or eMMC dies, it's a hardware failure and shouldn't be voided simply because the phone was rooted (unless of course they determined you fried your CPU by running the phone at 1.9Ghz constantly).
You could just download a full version of the G2 gingerbread rom from shipped-roms.com and flash that if you ever want/need to go back to stock gingerbread.
-Nipqer
I need to return my S3 as I've received my new one via insurance from ATT. The internal LCD is cracked and does not work - pitch black. So, I'm guessing it is best to flash it back to stock from KyanROM. Now I have a few questions:
Do I need to flash to stock for insurance purposes? I believe I found a youtube video that shows how to do a hard reset of data to wipe it clean (that way I know how many times to scroll). Should I do that before I flash to stock, or after?
I looked at this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33570269#post33570269 - and there are a few ATT stock roms. Which do I need, does it matter?
Since I am unable to see my display, would like to flash without tripping counter. Which is the preferred way to flash back to stock and keep counter at 0?
Let's start simple then.
Should I flash back to stock if returning phone for insurance (not warranty)?
Tough crowd! Whew! Haha..ok, well, I guess I'm going to give flashing to stock a go. Could someone help point me in the right direction as far as which ROM I need. I'll beg a lil too - PLEASE!
Follow this tutorial, you shouldn't need to worry about scrolling:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984717
OK, that looks like it'll restore factory settings. That'll work after I flash stock ROM. Can someone point out the proper ROM I should use?
You don't have to, read the entire thread. Kies downloads and installs the latest stock rom for your device, it detects from model and serial number.
You just have to plug it, follow the instructions and wait until it boots up stock unmodified.
vladeco said:
You don't have to, read the entire thread. Kies downloads and installs the latest stock rom for your device, it detects from model and serial number.
You just have to plug it, follow the instructions and wait until it boots up stock unmodified.
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I'll be honest, I only read the first post. I'll read through the rest. In the meantime, in case it doesn't mention this, do you know about flash counter? Mine currently is not tripped - does this keep the counter as unmodified? Also, last I remember Kies did not recognize my phone after I put custom ROM on there (kyanROM), so will that matter if trying to do it via Kies?
Hi Guys,
Not sure if much can be done, so before I flashed a rom for 5.1.1, I decided to flash the required, firmware 2.9.710.x, but before flashing that, I re-locked my bootloader, as I have s-on. Before that, I was trying to get the OTA to work but it didn't as I had mounted system as r/w. So I had stock recovery, s-on and relocked bootloader. After I flashed the firmware, I could not unlock the bootloader as there is some new developer setting that I am required to enable. BUT the I am still on old 5.0 ROM that will not boot anymore and is stuck on the splash screen - I've tried wipe cache and factory reset. I have an RUU for 1.32 which I cannot use because now I have 2.9.710.x firmware. I've also tried to sideload the OTA but that will not work because system was mounted r/w
Is there anything I can do to get it to work? I feel like I've tried all avenues, but if there is something you guys think I can do to make it work again, I'd be over the moon!
anshuashmeet said:
Hi Guys,
Not sure if much can be done, so before I flashed a rom for 5.1.1, I decided to flash the required, firmware 2.9.710.x, but before flashing that, I re-locked my bootloader, as I have s-on. Before that, I was trying to get the OTA to work but it didn't as I had mounted system as r/w. So I had stock recovery, s-on and relocked bootloader. After I flashed the firmware, I could not unlock the bootloader as there is some new developer setting that I am required to enable. BUT the I am still on old 5.0 ROM that will not boot anymore and is stuck on the splash screen - I've tried wipe cache and factory reset. I have an RUU for 1.32 which I cannot use because now I have 2.9.710.x firmware. I've also tried to sideload the OTA but that will not work because system was mounted r/w
Is there anything I can do to get it to work? I feel like I've tried all avenues, but if there is something you guys think I can do to make it work again, I'd be over the moon!
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Never relock if your phone is not 100 % stock. Otherwise it won't boot. Besides there are already numerous post written by people that made the same mistake as you did. Even if your phone could boot you wouldn't be able to enable the OEM Unlock option since it's not implemented in the 1.XX roms and by flashing the firmware you do not update your rom.
I guess the only possibility to recover your phone is using this RUU service.
Just because I'm curious: Why didn't you use one of the backups that are provided here?
Flippy498 said:
Never relock if your phone is not 100 % stock. Otherwise it won't boot. Besides there are already numerous post written by people that made the same mistake as you did. Even if your phone could boot you wouldn't be able to enable the OEM Unlock option since it's not implemented in the 1.XX roms and by flashing the firmware you do not update your rom.
I guess the only possibility to recover your phone is using this RUU service.
Just because I'm curious: Why didn't you use one of the backups that are provided here?
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Thanks for your reply!
I've submitted an enquiry form to them. Didn't know that service existed. Hopefully they have the RUU file that I need.
I did download the stock backup file from that link but I thought before I give it a go, I'll try and get an OTA and get an official update. That failed so I decided to flash the firmware before going to the latest rom. Forgetting I just locked my bootloader with stock recovery, completely unaware of this 5.1 developer option issue. My fault for not doing research, but I didn't know such issue could exist as for the last few years, I haven't had an issue like this. Normally issues occur if I flash a newer ROM without firmware so was trying to avoid that.
As the title states, I successfully sideloaded the most recent ota since I couldn't find a proper guide to flash the factory image (nor the proper image for that matter). Checking the kernel and what not everything appears to be stock, and I know I don't have root anymore or any of the apps that go with that.
This being said, will I be able to relock the bootloader? I need to return my phone to Verizon and want to make sure the phone is as factory as I can get so they don't get all up in my face about it.
or.....
Will the fact that my bootloader is unlocked but nothing else has been changed be acceptable to return the phone? Anyone know from experience?
Anthony825 said:
As the title states, I successfully sideloaded the most recent ota since I couldn't find a proper guide to flash the factory image (nor the proper image for that matter). Checking the kernel and what not everything appears to be stock, and I know I don't have root anymore or any of the apps that go with that.
This being said, will I be able to relock the bootloader? I need to return my phone to Verizon and want to make sure the phone is as factory as I can get so they don't get all up in my face about it.
or.....
Will the fact that my bootloader is unlocked but nothing else has been changed be acceptable to return the phone? Anyone know from experience?
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I doubt they'd care but the warning when turning the device one might. Anyways, I believe after a flash of the full factory image, you should be able to relock the bootloader.
Don't hold me liable for anything, but I'm almost certain that you just need to be running stock everything.
Sent from my Pixel XL
I couldn't do the factory image flash. Couldn't find exactly everything I needed and didn't want to chance guesswork. So I side loaded the most recent ota and it appears I'm stock everything....
Anthony825 said:
I couldn't do the factory image flash. Couldn't find exactly everything I needed and didn't want to chance guesswork. So I side loaded the most recent ota and it appears I'm stock everything....
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Hey man, you ever managed to relock your bootloader? I'm thinking of doing it too since I may need to RMA mine as well.
I know that a lot of people are gonna say to read several other similar threads, but having gone through all of that I still don't get it.
THE SITUATION:
My Samsung Galaxy Note 2 GT-n7100 is :
1) Stock Android 4.1.2 Rooted
2) Modified with Xposed
3) TWRP (Latest, updated regularly)
4) Never been updated ever. Like never ever.
THE A-HOLE PROBLEM:
I honestly never bothered to flash anything on my note 2, since I have all the stuffs working perfectly as it is. Until the god-damn son of a gun WIFI started acting like a sissy she-dog. The problem is that the WIFI keeps on disconnecting itself and reconnecting itself automatically, wierdly enough, only when an app tries to access it. I hope everyone can understand how horrible it is, especially when you are talking dirty to your girlfriend over a whatsapp call and it keeps dropping, just like my errection.
All jokes aside, this has been driving me mad. In-case you need the details, here is what I did to solve my annoying problem :
1) Factory reset.
2) Reboot.
3) Phone works fine. Wifi works fine. Does not disconnect or reconnect. Seems like problem solved.
Then, the camel-crap happens.
4) Open Google play store, it updates. Play services updated. Need it to access the google services.
5) Open any internet enabled app.
6) Wifi switches on/off automatcally.
7) I tear my gonads off.
Side-Note : I also turned off the wifi power saving mode using *#0011#. I also made all the necessary changes in the wifi settings menu.
THE QUESTION:
Since I have never updated, my bootloader, etc are still stock. I read a thread that if I dont update the bootloader, future flashing will not work. I have no earthly clue so as to what the heck am I supposed to do.
I need some simple directions, to the point if possible. I have taken a full nandroid backup, just to be safe.
I think only a CFW now can solve this weird problem of mine. So, any help will be appreciated.
Newer roms require up-to-date bootloaders and modems. The easiest way to update both would be to flash the latest stock ROM from sammobile.com in Odin. Make sure you back up your data before flashing.
audit13 said:
Newer roms require up-to-date bootloaders and modems. The easiest way to update both would be to flash the latest stock ROM from sammobile.com in Odin. Make sure you back up your data before flashing.
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Okay. But, what about the filthy Knox ? Also, what about my root? Also, what about Knox ? Hmm, I wrote knox twice. Now, thrice.
Simply put, knox is poo. I dont want that. So, how do I get the latest knick-knacks without knox. Is it possible to flash the latest bootloader, modem etc.
Sorry for using "noobish". I hate that language too, but when it comes to 40k phones, I get a bit nervous. Hope you can help. Or someone else.
Regards,
TheBasterd.
If you flash the latest bootloader, you'll get Knox.
Personally, I have never found Knox to interfere with flashing custom ROMs.
audit13 said:
If you flash the latest bootloader, you'll get Knox.
Personally, I have never found Knox to interfere with flashing custom ROMs.
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So, here is the thing. If I go here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-2/development/rom-resurrection-remix-5-6-0-t3278709 and downloaded the ROM, did all the stuff the ROM maker says and flash it.
Without the latest bootloader and other poo, you are saying that my flash will be unsuccessful ?
That ROM will probably need an updated bootloader and modem to connect to a cell network, detect a sim, and wifi.
If you want to, you can flash the ROM and see what happens.
audit13 said:
That ROM will probably need an updated bootloader and modem to connect to a cell network, detect a sim, and wifi.
If you want to, you can flash the ROM and see what happens.
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Hey audit, thanks for sticking around and helping me bro. I really appreciate that.
So, I took your advice and have put the ROM from Sammobile.com for the latest bootloader and the modem stuffs.
Hope that will work. Also, when I flash the ROm, wont I loose my root ?
Yes, you'll lose root but it doesn't matter if you don't intend to use a stock ROM.
audit13 said:
Yes, you'll lose root but it doesn't matter if you don't intend to use a stock ROM.
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Allright ! That was easy. Done and done. Thanks audit. (Thanks hitted)
Now, I will ensure a painless future for all noobs like me by making a tutorial. This thread can be marked as fixed. Thanks audiot bro.
It's great that you resolved the issue.
We're all here to help and learn from each other.