Develop Bugs

Is this phone pretty much dead on launch as far as the dev community goes?

I got this phone mostly because the hardware specs were top notch and my old Zenfone 2 (Z00A) had amazing CM support and even an official bootloader unlock. The ZS570KL still has yet to get so much as a root. Going from CM to the bloated, ugly stock ROM hasn't been fun and I can't wait to get something better. I've prodded ASUS for info on a bootloader unlock and they have basically just said that they can't comment on a release date, or if it's even coming at all.
Is there any active development for this phone or is it just dead?

it's active, but what you see here, is all answered questions that we ask already, so there isn't much we can do , until we get from asus. And then alert every develop out there to start making custom roms for this phone.

I think many people like myself are waiting on the bootloader unlock before buying. If they are going to release it, it better be soon. Else they risk newer phones coming out that trump the specs of this phone that ARE developer friendly. This ship had almost sailed to be honest. What are they waiting for?

Rhokk said:
This ship had almost sailed to be honest.
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Yeah, I'm almost regretting buying it to be honest. I really expected it to be popular in the dev community especially given ASUS' history and that bootloader unlocks are already available for the non deluxe ZF3 and even the ZS550KL. The LG V20, the other phone I was heavily considering waiting for, came out almost a month after this phone already has some ROMs coming out.
This phone has amazing specs and design but is just let down so much by terrible firmware and a completely dead dev community. It's a shame.

Your absolutely correct. Such a shame that a beast of a phone goes quietly in the night. It would've been such an upgrade from my Nexus 6P.
My wild guess is that Asus will release our unlock around April-June when phones are starting to come out with the next snapdragon chipset and 6gig ram is all over the market. At that time, the qualities that make this special will be gone. I don't understand this logic at all.

I really like this phone but all the ways Asus tried to kill its success boggles my mind. The lack of an official bootloader when all their other models have one is just another nail in the coffin of an otherwise really good phone. I thought Asus had learned their lesson... guess not.
The 3 biggest reasons for failure in the dev community:
1. No Bootloader (yet)
2. Price
3. Availability

Its dumbfounding. Such a beautiful phone with amazing specs and Asus care absolutely zero about marketing this phone outside Asia. I had to buy it online because they decided not sell it in Canada. And even online the availability is limited to Taiwan only with every reseller getting it from there in short supply. I don't even think there is a north american model. Why not have faith in your brand? Asus said they didn't think the deluxe would do well in north america with all the competition so they abandoned it. They also thought the phone would not sell because its too expensive but then realized demand for it exceeded the supply and decided to increase production.

freestyla85 said:
Its dumbfounding. Such a beautiful phone with amazing specs and Asus care absolutely zero about marketing this phone outside Asia. I had to buy it online because they decided not sell it in Canada. And even online the availability is limited to Taiwan only with every reseller getting it from there in short supply. I don't even think there is a north american model. Why not have faith in your brand? Asus said they didn't think the deluxe would do well in north america with all the competition so they abandoned it. They also thought the phone would not sell because its too expensive but then realized demand for it exceeded the supply and decided to increase production.
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Seems like a surefire recipe for failure to me....
I have the SD821 versian, I had to pay through the teeth to get it then when it gets shown to others thet all want to know where to get it and how much it cost. Word of mouth is a great way to do business but the product MUST be available.

I had the subforum tab open to check up on this later, but I'm updating some software right now and noticed this post title... I still have the phone unopened in the box Amazon shipped it in. I guess this is Asus' loss releasing a phone during the only extended return period of the year. I've read a few negatives on the ZF3 Deluxe like low headphone volume and intermittent Bluetooth, but unlocking is what I want.
Since I have until the end of next month to return it to Amazon I figured I would pick up the OnePlus 3T and give it a try - free 15 day return period. I thought, what the heck - I paid more for the ZF3 so why not get the 128GB 3T? Added it to my cart and on the checkout page it gave an estimated date (was within 9 days). I wanted to see what I said the ETA would be on the 64GB model that was listed as shipping within 3 weeks and removed the 128GB model. Went to add the 128GB model back in less than a minute after checking the 64GB model...sold out and it's been like for the last 2 weeks. Talk about frustrating! I ended up ordering the 64GB model and figure I can just send it back to OnePlus when the 128GB's are back in but I'm afraid they still won't be available to order at the end of January. So here is this ZF3 D I don't think I really want. :/
jsheradin, you said the bootloader is unlocked for the other ZF3 models - any idea why not this version of the Deluxe?
If it made any sense, there would be no doubt Asus wanted the ZF3 to fail.

Toki_Wartooth said:
jsheradin, you said the bootloader is unlocked for the other ZF3 models - any idea why not this version of the Deluxe?
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Yep, the unlock is available for everything but the 820 and 821 variants. I assume it's simply that these processors require a little more work to make an unlock utility for, but I'm just guessing at that point.

jsheradin said:
Yep, the unlock is available for everything but the 820 and 821 variants. I assume it's simply that these processors require a little more work to make an unlock utility for, but I'm just guessing at that point.
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Actually, the Deluxe 5.5" (ZS550kl) screen has an SD820 and it has the bootloader unlock app. It's just the 5.7" ones that don't.
If I had the SD820 in the 5.7" variant I might try to unlock but I have the SD821...

ultramag69 said:
Actually, the Deluxe 5.5" (ZS550kl) screen has an SD820 and it has the bootloader unlock app. It's just the 5.7" ones that don't.
If I had the SD820 in the 5.7" variant I might try to unlock but I have the SD821...
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Click to collapse
On Asus site it is said that the zs550kl as a Qualcomm s625 so be careful with what you write...
Sent from my ASUS_Z016D using XDA-Developers mobile app

jsheradin said:
Yep, the unlock is available for everything but the 820 and 821 variants. I assume it's simply that these processors require a little more work to make an unlock utility for, but I'm just guessing at that point.
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I love the phone only had it a week but so far i have had only 1 issue with the BT disconnecting from my gear S3. only reason i want to unlock is so i can use titanium backup, if there is a good back up without root please let me know.

ultramag69 said:
Actually, the Deluxe 5.5" (ZS550kl) screen has an SD820
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It does not. The ZS550KL has a single version and it is a snapdragon 625. It has the same processor as the non deluxe ZF3 (Z3520KL) which came out before the deluxes. They probably already made the unlock for the non deluxe and it required very little work to make it work for the 5.5 deluxe. The 820/821 versions did not have that luck and they likely have to make the unlock from scratch.

Hey, I agree with all on this thread. I have the Zen 2 deluxe SE with Cyangenmod and its a great phone. Purchased the Zen 3 but have yet to use it because I cannot root. I also read that Cyangenmod is no longer offering custom ROM or am I not understanding their changes? Does this mean the chances of a custom rom for Zen 3 is out? I also upgraded my wife's phone (S5) to the same Zen 3 deluxe (ZS570KL / 256gb hd / 6gb ram / 821 chip) and she hates it... calls keep dropping signal is low and it does not even say LTE. I did a speedtest comparison betwen her Zen 3 and my Zen 2 and it was faster. Hers is also disconnecting from cellular (AT&T) data and does not show 4G anymore along with no push notifications of emails.
Anyone else having these issues?

Joining in on the bandwagon to vent (really)... This was my # 1 phone to get in 2016, despite the lack of Quad HD screen (especially for the price), but Asus botched it BIG TIME! The price on the SD821 model, even more frustrating, the lack of availability, even during the holiday season, and of course, now announcing their new 2017 models, with no unlocked BLs or Root... what an opportunity missed! Would have been such a strong jab against the 3T, but they ruined it!

I bugged Asus again via email and received this response, again:
"Temporary we haven't got the accurate time the unlock tool would be released for this ZS570KL.
But we will transfer customers' wishes to the related department for further development.
Also please note that ASUS does not actually asssit with unlocking of the Android Bootloader. I must advise that you do so at your own risk, as once the boot loader is unloked it will void your warranty."
I'm just hoping there is an unofficial unlock at this point. The stock ROM seems to somehow get more buggy and slow day by day. Is anyone else having issues with the screen taking forever to turn on after using fingerprint/pressing the side button?

jsheradin said:
I bugged Asus again via email and received this response, again:
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Hey do you mind posting your email so I can send a similar one (I'm not sure what to say ) The squeaky wheel gets the oil after all

autoreleasepool said:
Hey do you mind posting your email so I can send a similar one (I'm not sure what to say ) The squeaky wheel gets the oil after all
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I used this form to submit it: https://vip.asus.com/VIP2/Services/QuestionForm/TechQuery?lang=en-us
I just said, "When can the bootloader unlock utility be expected to be released?"
They responded promptly yet disappointingly. Hopefully if enough of people ask they will finally get around to making/releasing it.
Does anybody know if there is unofficial unlock work being done?
If an unlock is ever made we just need to get someone who knows TWRP to build a recovery and ideally somebody from Lineage OS to start ROM support. I've built TWRP before for a different device and may be able to do the same for this phone but I wouldn't know where to begin to get a ROM working. I feel like no devs even know this device exists. :crying:

I just said, "When can the bootloader unlock utility be expected to be released?"
They responded promptly yet disappointingly. Hopefully if enough of people ask they will finally get around to making/releasing it.
Does anybody know if there is unofficial unlock work being done?
If an unlock is ever made we just need to get someone who knows TWRP to build a recovery and ideally somebody from Lineage OS to start ROM support. I've built TWRP before for a different device and may be able to do the same for this phone but I wouldn't know where to begin to get a ROM working. I feel like no devs even know this device exists. :crying:
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The biggest question we should all ask ourselves... "Why did ASUS build this phone in the first place if they didn't have a bootloader unlocker for it?"

G7 Unlocked (LG710ULM) Verizon/TWRP/MAGISK compatible?

I waaaaaaaaaant this phone, if it's Verizon compatible, works properly with their bands, AND is TWRP/Magisk-able, then this is finally the perfect phone I've been looking for since my old V10 died. (The HTC U11 was... until I found out the specs lied and it did not work with verizon)
So..... can I have the US unlocked LG710ULM, or one of the other models, fully working** on Verizon, rooted with recovery?
**fully working, meaning all VZW bands, no connectivity/call/sms issues, and ideally VoIP/VoWiFi

christiebunny said:
I waaaaaaaaaant this phone, if it's Verizon compatible, works properly with their bands, AND is TWRP/Magisk-able, then this is finally the perfect phone I've been looking for since my old V10 died. (The HTC U11 was... until I found out the specs lied and it did not work with verizon)
So..... can I have the US unlocked LG710ULM, or one of the other models, fully working** on Verizon, rooted with recovery?
**fully working, meaning all VZW bands, no connectivity/call/sms issues, and ideally VoIP/VoWiFi
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Click to collapse
In all fairness youre asking about a phone thats been released 3 days in the wild [emoji4]
LG makes it fairly clear the phone supports all bands in one device. Although not Verizon, I have full services running on ATT with VoLTE, WiFiCalling, HDVoice and VVM. Unlike my previous HTC devices where we had to spoof imei's to activate services, this one turned on like butter. Since VZW carries a G7, the ULM IMEI should activate all features on your plan.
We do not currently have bootloader unlocking on the ULM (yet), nor do we have TWRP for this version. There are not KDZ files to crossflash for this version that i know of.
As for root, oddly for myself its not as urgent as previous devices. The blaotware is almost non-existent and aside ad blocking and a few more convenient features, there isnt a mission critical need for me on this handset.
Ive not owned an LG before, looooonnnnggg time HTC guy. To me, this device is a much more refined user experience than HTC sense. A lot of things i would have rooted to fix dont need it on the G7. Honestly im a bit shocked. I dont like vanilla android but this LG UI is pretty good. Few sense features i miss like secure messaging, but i can totally live without them. The G7 hardware design is more thought through than HTC, its a remarkable, unremarkable phone. Oh and the display has to be the best LCD ive ever used IRL. 15w fast wireless charging is also a bonus.
TLR - very impressed with the phone. Full carrier services on ATT. UI is better than others. Too soon for root but hopeful for sometime in the near future.
Unless your use case absolutely requires root now, get the phone. I was hesitant but this has turned out to be the best phone ive ever owned.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

datafoo said:
In all fairness youre asking about a phone thats been released 3 days in the wild [emoji4]
Unfortunately, being good on AT&T doesn't guarantee it'll be good on Verizon-- but it's hopeful. And I could have sworn I'd read it was released LAST month, been out a month or so by now
well, either way, I won't be able to get it until next month, anyways, so hopefully by then there'll be at least some indication someone's going to be rooting it.
Thanks!
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christiebunny said:
datafoo said:
In all fairness youre asking about a phone thats been released 3 days in the wild [emoji4]
Unfortunately, being good on AT&T doesn't guarantee it'll be good on Verizon-- but it's hopeful. And I could have sworn I'd read it was released LAST month, been out a month or so by now
well, either way, I won't be able to get it until next month, anyways, so hopefully by then there'll be at least some indication someone's going to be rooting it.
Thanks!
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The phone was released in early June but the ULM model didn't start shipping to anyone until July 11th, hence a couple of days. It has only been physically available for 3 days. Devs cant root what isnt available [emoji4]
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk
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I also want to buy this version very much，but LG didn't add this device to the unlocked bootloader list.I am worried that this version does not support unlock bootloader.

datafoo said:
In all fairness youre asking about a phone thats been released 3 days in the wild [emoji4]
LG makes it fairly clear the phone supports all bands in one device. Although not Verizon, I have full services running on ATT with VoLTE, WiFiCalling, HDVoice and VVM. Unlike my previous HTC devices where we had to spoof imei's to activate services, this one turned on like butter. Since VZW carries a G7, the ULM IMEI should activate all features on your plan.
We do not currently have bootloader unlocking on the ULM (yet), nor do we have TWRP for this version. There are not KDZ files to crossflash for this version that i know of.
As for root, oddly for myself its not as urgent as previous devices. The blaotware is almost non-existent and aside ad blocking and a few more convenient features, there isnt a mission critical need for me on this handset.
Ive not owned an LG before, looooonnnnggg time HTC guy. To me, this device is a much more refined user experience than HTC sense. A lot of things i would have rooted to fix dont need it on the G7. Honestly im a bit shocked. I dont like vanilla android but this LG UI is pretty good. Few sense features i miss like secure messaging, but i can totally live without them. The G7 hardware design is more thought through than HTC, its a remarkable, unremarkable phone. Oh and the display has to be the best LCD ive ever used IRL. 15w fast wireless charging is also a bonus.
TLR - very impressed with the phone. Full carrier services on ATT. UI is better than others. Too soon for root but hopeful for sometime in the near future.
Unless your use case absolutely requires root now, get the phone. I was hesitant but this has turned out to be the best phone ive ever owned.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk
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Dude, thank you so much for this. I’ve been killing myself over buying this phone for a while now. I always root my phone to only: remove in app ads and from YouTube and remove useless bloatware. That’s literally why I’ve always rooted my phones. But now, this cleared it out a little. T-Mobile currently has a deal of get one and get the other one free. I’m gonna get two of them lol

K-alz said:
Dude, thank you so much for this. I’ve been killing myself over buying this phone for a while now. I always root my phone to only: remove in app ads and from YouTube and remove useless bloatware. That’s literally why I’ve always rooted my phones. But now, this cleared it out a little. T-Mobile currently has a deal of get one and get the other one free. I’m gonna get two of them lol
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Click to collapse
BTW dns66 is a non root vpn app from fdroid that allows you to encrypt and choose your own dns server as well as ad blocking servers (because its rerouting only dns requests).
It is a lifesaver for adblocking and dns privacy. No root needed.
I went with substratum/andromedia/paid theme to clean up the LG look. Macrodroid with adb hack has given me back most of my automation. 3c toolbox allows me to backup apps/data without root but im sure there are other methods.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

datafoo said:
BTW dns66 is a non root vpn app from fdroid that allows you to encrypt and choose your own dns server as well as ad blocking servers (because its rerouting only dns requests).
It is a lifesaver for adblocking and dns privacy. No root needed.
I went with substratum/andromedia/paid theme to clean up the LG look. Macrodroid with adb hack has given me back most of my automation. 3c toolbox allows me to backup apps/data without root but im sure there are other methods.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
You know I’m gonna be DMing you soon, right? I wanna do whatever you did, but I’m a little rusty. I haven’t been in the forums for at least two years now. So be ready to guide an idiot through those things. Lmao
I’m getting those two phones TODAY. I’ve been using an iPhone and I’m about to have brain cancer. Finally pulling the trigger.

I'm also unfortunately stuck with Verizon as a carrier (work phone). I've been lucky to unlock all of my devices up to this point, but the current crop of phones it doesn't seem promising at all. I'm certainly not a flash-a-holic, but i do prefer to run custom roms and have full control over my device.
Came across this thread while doing research on the current offerings from Verizon and so far your post @datafoo is the most convincing to switch. I too have been an HTC guy for a while. I love my 10 running LeeDroid but the battery is finally starting to go. It's been a great work horse for the last 2 years though.
Just wanted to post and say thank you guys for your opinions on this phone. I'm going to poke around a bit more, but i think I'll be pulling the trigger later today. Really hope we do get unlocked boot loader at some point!!!
Void4ever

K-alz said:
You know I’m gonna be DMing you soon, right? I wanna do whatever you did, but I’m a little rusty. I haven’t been in the forums for at least two years now. So be ready to guide an idiot through those things. Lmao
I’m getting those two phones TODAY. I’ve been using an iPhone and I’m about to have brain cancer. Finally pulling the trigger.
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Click to collapse
Although I paid too much as an early adopter, the ULM unlocked version is on sale everywhere it seems, I don't regret it at all.
Feel free to hit me up, I'm a little slow to respond at times simply due to workload but i'll respond as time permits.
void4ever said:
I'm also unfortunately stuck with Verizon as a carrier (work phone). I've been lucky to unlock all of my devices up to this point, but the current crop of phones it doesn't seem promising at all. I'm certainly not a flash-a-holic, but i do prefer to run custom roms and have full control over my device.
Came across this thread while doing research on the current offerings from Verizon and so far your post @datafoo is the most convincing to switch. I too have been an HTC guy for a while. I love my 10 running LeeDroid but the battery is finally starting to go. It's been a great work horse for the last 2 years though.
Just wanted to post and say thank you guys for your opinions on this phone. I'm going to poke around a bit more, but i think I'll be pulling the trigger later today. Really hope we do get unlocked boot loader at some point!!!
Void4ever
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I felt like I needed to root my HTCs. I still don't feel a hard need to do it on this device. I would really like to see the unlocked bootloader and magisk on here but it's just not as mission critical on this version. Carrier models may have more bloatware and need it more but the ULM is pretty trim as it is.
I do like the stability of a non-rooted phone. No random reboots, predictable battery life. Get the ULM version as it should have all the bands for VZW and most all the bands for everyone else in case you switched carriers.
I'm still really happy with mine. The most remarkable, unremarkable phone I've ever owned.

I'm guessing no change yet, and not rootable, still?

christiebunny said:
I'm guessing no change yet, and not rootable, still?
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nope, not yet at least, we are working on options though

GROOVYJOSHCLARK said:
nope, not yet at least, we are working on options though
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OK, now?? I ordered a VZW version last night. Hoping to be able to root it one day.

Q7+ on metro pcs

By chance anyone pick this up and using it on metro pcs? I am looking at possibly getting this to replace a moto G5 plus.

q7 plus metro
cbarth3 said:
By chance anyone pick this up and using it on metro pcs? I am looking at possibly getting this to replace a moto G5 plus.
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I love it, I have had quite a few other devices.
S8+, Xperia XZ2, Moto Nexus 6, Zenfone 2 and zoom, LG nexus 5, LG g pro, G2, G3, G4, V10, Flex, Flex 2, Xperia Z ultra, Alcatel Idol 4 ,3 , 5S,
Feels Like a smaller LG G6,
Camera is only thing giving me few issues but that may be just me

bix2010 said:
I love it, I have had quite a few other devices.
S8+, Xperia XZ2, Moto Nexus 6, Zenfone 2 and zoom, LG nexus 5, LG g pro, G2, G3, G4, V10, Flex, Flex 2, Xperia Z ultra, Alcatel Idol 4 ,3 , 5S,
Feels Like a smaller LG G6,
Camera is only thing giving me few issues but that may be just me
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Click to collapse
That was precisely my first impression, that it was a smaller LG G6 but the camera was a bit lacking. The speaker is also lacking and gets tinny at higher volumes but I tend not to use the speaker unless I'm on speaker phone anyways. What drew me to the Q7+ was the price ($99 after port in from cricket) and the quad dac. Is it worth ~$329? I honestly don't think I'd pay full price for the phone but with port-in deals from Metro you can get it for next to nothing. The phone has a great display, great headphone quality, and decent cameras. For $99, if you decide you don't like it you can always return it or use it as a media device.

Wonder if it support bootloader unlock or is not unlockable similar to stylo 4

i95swervin said:
It doesn't appear to be able to be unlocked. The fastboot command oem unlock is disabled. You would need a unlock.bin and flash that to unlock. What confuses me is the lg q7 610 is not supported on the http://developer.lge.com website.
I just switched to metro and was hoping it was unlockable so I could start development for this device.
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Click to collapse
I see so it's similar to stylo 4.

Hey guys, I know it's been a while with this thread. I have the Metro PCS version of this. I was able to boot the phone into fastboot mode and run the "fastboot oem device-id" command which provides the "code" you need to provide to LG. Anyway I went onto LG's site and found that they need the IMEI number of your phone as well as the model and the "code" you get from fastboot.
Anyway when I entered all that information, the website throws back and error indicating that you can't do this on the LG Q7+ (model provided) and that you get 9 more tires until they lock your account.
So my question is if the "code" they provide to you MODEL SPECIFIC. Meaning, if you provide the model number and IMEI of a flagship phone, but you provide the "code" of an unqualified device (such as the LG Q7+). Would this work? It seems it could, not sure...
---------- Post added at 03:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:09 PM ----------
Okay I just answered this question. The Device-id has the physical device encoded within the ID, so no it's not possible.
So question, where is this information stored within the device id? Or maybe they have a list of device IDs...

Just a heads up, since i got it, i check the dev option didnt see the oem unlock, but after few update, i decided to do cache wipe, but its factory reset, maybe theres no recovery mode or i press yes twice, after everything up, unlock the dev option again just want to change the anination, but then i saw the oem unlock, i dont know maybe the update was unlock or cuz the fac reset, for now i have the latest update, i dont know if futrue update will block it, ima post screeny incase anyone need it, i didnt root the device yet, will do when i home.

@qvnsq, you, uh, seem quite confident that you can root the device. You know something the rest of us don't?
Just because OEM Unlock is there does not mean the device itself can be unlocked.
Moto G5S Plus XT1806, Validus 8.1.0, microG-NanoDroid, MultiROM, XDA Legacy

marcdw said:
@qvnsq, you, uh, seem quite confident that you can root the device. You know something the rest of us don't?
Just because OEM Unlock is there does not mean the device itself can be unlocked.
Moto G5S Plus XT1806, Validus 8.1.0, microG-NanoDroid, MultiROM, XDA Legacy
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Click to collapse
Roflmao, theres always a try, since i paid full price, and also i didnt said its rootable or whatsoever, i just post cuz i didnt have the oem unlock option , after i uodate and fac reset, seem u r on your period, and since u r seem to be impolite just to me nor called disrespect, to be honest i have most of the unlocking box before, octobus box ect, and u know what, its just for fun, not for any business. Whatelse u want me to say. Peace ofc.

qvnsq said:
Just a heads up, since i got it, i check the dev option didnt see the oem unlock, but after few update, i decided to do cache wipe, but its factory reset, maybe theres no recovery mode or i press yes twice, after everything up, unlock the dev option again just want to change the anination, but then i saw the oem unlock, i dont know maybe the update was unlock or cuz the fac reset, for now i have the latest update, i dont know if futrue update will block it, ima post screeny incase anyone need it, i didnt root the device yet, will do when i home.
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Click to collapse
Hope you find the way to root. I bought my q7+ from an official LG shop here in Brasil. It had a limited language option in OS, and I'm Norwegian, and it did not have my language. But I successfully changed to my language using an app, Wich normally use root, but I followed instructions for giving the app permission using ADB.

@qvnsq, sorry you got so offended. I didn't say anything negative or impolite or disrespectful to you so not sure what your on about. I saw the part where you implied you would root the device once you got home. Thus I was questioning whether or not "you knew something we did not".
*sigh* Must be that snowflake generation recently coined by The Roc. Easily offended or something.
Regardless, my apologies.
LG G3 D851, AOSPA-L ROM, Nebula Rev9.3 Kernel, microG (NoGapps), MultiROM, XDA Legacy

A problem I noticed with it today is it only has Widevine L3 which will prevent you from streaming at hd speeds even on wifi (sling,Netflix,prime video, etc) asked around and heard the TMobile version doesn't have this issue but not 100% sure

Androider767 said:
A problem I noticed with it today is it only has Widevine L3 which will prevent you from streaming at hd speeds even on wifi (sling,Netflix,prime video, etc) asked around and heard the TMobile version doesn't have this issue but not 100% sure
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You are right. Its listed in the metro pcs terms and conditions. It very cleary states that they monitor and regulate the bandwidth of all videos and tethering traffic because its high bandwidth activities, you dont realize it, but they reduce the resolution of most customers videos ALWAYS. Its part of their data maximizing program, and it applies to everyone. Im really bummed out that we cant root this phone, i hate that they take away all the amazing things these things can do just to make money. Its definitely gotten harder and harder to root devices, and it feels like the freedom of the internet is disappearing. It used to be open source to set up ipv6 gateways and get free internet. You still can, kinda, thru Hurricane electric, but you have to pass a bunch of tests (a couple anyway) in order to get the tunnel you need. I had a asus gaming labtop with a wimax card in it and i had set it up as a high speed internet gateway and guess what? I had internet EVERY WHERE. And i started out bummed about wimax never having any service providers. Now all of our phones provide it, and they are all high speed gateways too

Yeah but they can't control you when you're on WiFi... I don't know who's to blame for the DRM shortfall,LG or metro

Custom ROMs and encryption on the S20 Ultra.

Hey guys, I recently purchased a S20 Ultra and am finding it a great phone. However, I've come to realize they've removed the encryption on boot-up feature which I was really looking to use for privacy reasons. I went and asked on the live chat on the Samsung website, and they said it was removed and I would have to "use a third party app or rom" to be able to get back this feature.
I'm now looking into installing a custom ROM and haven't done for many years so I need a bit of help with this, is it just me being stupid, or is there no custom ROM's really released for the S20 Ultra yet? As I've not been able to find one whilst searching.
Also I was curious to if anyone knew a easier way or setting that I could activate that I might have not noticed to be able to activate boot up/start up encryption for the S20?
Thanks in advance
Cazzia

Cazzia said:
Hey guys, I recently purchased a S20 Ultra and am finding it a great phone. However, I've come to realize they've removed the encryption on boot-up feature which I was really looking to use for privacy reasons. I went and asked on the live chat on the Samsung website, and they said it was removed and I would have to "use a third party app or rom" to be able to get back this feature.
I'm now looking into installing a custom ROM and haven't done for many years so I need a bit of help with this, is it just me being stupid, or is there no custom ROM's really released for the S20 Ultra yet? As I've not been able to find one whilst searching.
Also I was curious to if anyone knew a easier way or setting that I could activate that I might have not noticed to be able to activate boot up/start up encryption for the S20?
Thanks in advance
Cazzia
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Hello mate,
No custom ROMs yet I'm afraid. I dont know whether this is a mixture of the crap Exynos variant, price or both. With the OnePlus 8 Pro just launched - i wouldnt hold out for much development for the S20 Ultra.
I believe the S20 line of devices have FBE (File Based Encryption). As such secure boot and the encryption option within settings has been removed.
Their was a guy in here claiming to have created a GSI (Generic System Image) that can be installed on any Google Project Treble device - S20 Ultra included. But His method of getting it installed made no sense whatsoever and he couldn't provide proof that it works and/or boots.
Sorry to "piss on your bonfire" (so to speak) but with the price being too high and the Exynos 990 being so bad - i cant see much development happening for this device. I may be wrong though....time will tell.
Best,
Speedy!!

speedyjay said:
Hello mate,
No custom ROMs yet I'm afraid. I dont know whether this is a mixture of the crap Exynos variant, price or both. With the OnePlus 8 Pro just launched - i wouldnt hold out for much development for the S20 Ultra.
I believe the S20 line of devices have FBE (File Based Encryption). As such secure boot and the encryption option within settings has been removed.
Their was a guy in here claiming to have created a GSI (Generic System Image) that can be installed on any Google Project Treble device - S20 Ultra included. But His method of getting it installed made no sense whatsoever and he couldn't provide proof that it works and/or boots.
Sorry to "piss on your bonfire" (so to speak) but with the price being too high and the Exynos 990 being so bad - i cant see much development happening for this device. I may be wrong though....time will tell.
Best,
Speedy!!
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Hey Speedy, thanks for your prompt reply!
Yeah I received the Exynos version from Three UK signing up for a contract, I haven't noticed a massive speed problem but then again I am coming from a Hawei P20 Pro lol. I was told however I was going to receive a snapdragon version from Three, so would you say it's worth putting up a fight to try get the other version?
And thanks for informing me of the current situation regarding custom roms and FBE, I'll have to take a look into that and see to just what extent that covers/what is protects and what (on startup or just generally at the lock screen). Or possibly see if there's any third party apps that are able to lock/encrypt app/app data untill a passcode is entered when opening the app (which would obvousily disable background usage for security reasons I guess, if such a app even exists.)

Cazzia said:
Hey Speedy, thanks for your prompt reply!
Yeah I received the Exynos version from Three UK signing up for a contract, I haven't noticed a massive speed problem but then again I am coming from a Hawei P20 Pro lol. I was told however I was going to receive a snapdragon version from Three, so would you say it's worth putting up a fight to try get the other version?
And thanks for informing me of the current situation regarding custom roms and FBE, I'll have to take a look into that and see to just what extent that covers/what is protects and what (on startup or just generally at the lock screen). Or possibly see if there's any third party apps that are able to lock/encrypt app/app data untill a passcode is entered when opening the app (which would obvousily disable background usage for security reasons I guess, if such a app even exists.)
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A snapdragon variant from Three UK? Is that even possible? Because the snapdragon variant is only sold the USA due a business deal between Qualcomm and Samsung in the early 90s - theirs a massive amount of hoohaa regarding this but long story short - Qualcomm said to Samsung "Yeah, you can use our products in your devices. As long as your sales dont directly compete with ours in our biggest markets" (Europe, Asia etc).
Mate, dont get me wrong - the S20 Ultra is a fantastic phone with solid specs. You'll be well off until your upgrade is due.
FBE is in place from the time your screen is off until you enter your pin/password/biometrics etc. Of course, that leaves the question of - Is FBE in place if no device security is in place? And to that i say I'm not sure my friend.
Is their any particular reason why you need encryption?

speedyjay said:
A snapdragon variant from Three UK? Is that even possible? Because the snapdragon variant is only sold the USA due a business deal between Qualcomm and Samsung in the early 90s - theirs a massive amount of hoohaa regarding this but long story short - Qualcomm said to Samsung "Yeah, you can use our products in your devices. As long as your sales dont directly compete with ours in our biggest markets" (Europe, Asia etc).
Mate, dont get me wrong - the S20 Ultra is a fantastic phone with solid specs. You'll be well off until your upgrade is due.
FBE is in place from the time your screen is off until you enter your pin/password/biometrics etc. Of course, that leaves the question of - Is FBE in place if no device security is in place? And to that i say I'm not sure my friend.
Is their any particular reason why you need encryption?
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Click to collapse
"A snapdragon variant from Three UK? Is that even possible?" Ahhh, this was something I was competently unaware of and just put my faith in they're live chat when they told me I was getting that variant, but I guess I got duped :cyclops:
I guess in terms on encryption, it's just the paranoid view of if I ever lost my phone the possibility of easily getting into my device to view private information and the new/easy software coming out these days to easily extract information from android phones etc. I know with the Pixel you can do boot up security and the older samsungs, just didn't know you couldn't on this one and didn't assume they'd remove such a feature as this is actually my first samsung
They have just told me I'm entitled to a 30 day no questions asked return, so I'm just considering this up to the other devices on they're site as I want to stay with Three because of they're awesome 5G network compared to a lot of others. I guess what I'm just thinking is should I keep a £78 a month phone contract for two years, when I was sold it as to come with a snapdragon processor (which is my own dumb ass fault for not checking I guess haha) The only other one I can see I would maybe swap to is a "Galaxy S10 Plus with Galaxy Watch" which they're doing for £56 a month, making it over £400 saving over 2 years, but there are a lot less features I guess on the S10 Plus than the S20 ultra, would be a bit of a downgrade I guess.

Cazzia said:
"A snapdragon variant from Three UK? Is that even possible?" Ahhh, this was something I was competently unaware of and just put my faith in they're live chat when they told me I was getting that variant, but I guess I got duped :cyclops:
I guess in terms on encryption, it's just the paranoid view of if I ever lost my phone the possibility of easily getting into my device to view private information and the new/easy software coming out these days to easily extract information from android phones etc. I know with the Pixel you can do boot up security and the older samsungs, just didn't know you couldn't on this one and didn't assume they'd remove such a feature as this is actually my first samsung
They have just told me I'm entitled to a 30 day no questions asked return, so I'm just considering this up to the other devices on they're site as I want to stay with Three because of they're awesome 5G network compared to a lot of others. I guess what I'm just thinking is should I keep a £78 a month phone contract for two years, when I was sold it as to come with a snapdragon processor (which is my own dumb ass fault for not checking I guess haha) The only other one I can see I would maybe swap to is a "Galaxy S10 Plus with Galaxy Watch" which they're doing for £56 a month, making it over £400 saving over 2 years, but there are a lot less features I guess on the S10 Plus than the S20 ultra, would be a bit of a downgrade I guess.
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I'm pretty sure a Snapdragon variant from a major UK retailer like Three, Vodafone etc is impossible buddy. I'm sorry.
In terms of extra security - their may be an option available to you. Its called Cerberus. It doesnt require root BUT offers more features if you have it.
Root is available for the S20 Ultra. Go here and take a look mate.
https://www.cerberusapp.com/

Question Will you be unlocking BL/Rooting

Just out of curiosity. I know in most cases it isn't needed anymore but I've been on phones with locked BLs for about 3 years now so I might end up unlocking mine just to tinker around a little bit. Assuming we will be able to of course.

Right now I would say no - don't see a reason to. But I don't even know if I'll get this phone for sure I love tinkering with phones though. So on second thought If I do buy it, then I'll probably end up unlocking & rooting it at some point.

Root ofc, but who would need custom ROMs on a Pixel with 5 years of software updates?

xLexip said:
Root ofc, but who would need custom ROMs on a Pixel with 5 years of software updates?
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True, I haven't been able to run a custom ROM in 3 or 4 years so I'm behind the times lol. Not sure if there are still any features left in ROMs that stock doesn't have. Some folks just like the feeling of being on something custom. But yeah, I can totally see people just rooting in current times for AdAway and stuff like that.

On this topic, any idea if we'll be able to root and unlock the bootloader since it'll be the new tensor chip? I'm asking because on Samsung devices I remember being able to unlock only the Exynos and not Snapdragon, and I may be asking something silly here. Thanks!

If possible to unlock new chip, then I will root this badboy! Happy Flashing

xLexip said:
Root ofc, but who would need custom ROMs on a Pixel with 5 years of software updates?
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5 years of security updates, not software

This time I've said no but if there is a healthy custom scene then it will be a consideration.
The trade off will be having to see what we lose in unlocking the bootloader and rooting.

DinarQ8 said:
5 years of security updates, not software
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Security updates are also software updates imo.
And Google doesn't just merge the android revisions, they still push some tweaks and fixes afaik.

I will not. I retired my 3XL this spring because I got a free Note 20 Ultra. So no root on it. The only thing I was rooting for was ad blocking and with Brave the few ads I get in apps don't bother me.
With Magisk Hide gone away I don't want to lose my banking apps and such.
FWIW I hate Sammy's software. Drives me crazy.

If the security chip somehow doesn't make it much harder, then sure I'll continue with AdAway and some free tethering. Otherwise, I've made my peace with it. Will grit my teeth and deal with these VPN ad blockers.

TonikJDK said:
I will not. I retired my 3XL this spring because I got a free Note 20 Ultra. So no root on it. The only thing I was rooting for was ad blocking and with Brave the few ads I get in apps don't bother me.
With Magisk Hide gone away I don't want to lose my banking apps and such.
FWIW I hate Sammy's software. Drives me crazy.
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I am in this same boat. I feel like I had a Google phone for years.. going from the Nexus line to Pixel and then have the 1XL, 2XL, 3XL and didn't continue to buy because they started making a mid-range device... well now they're back to making a high end phone, but I switched to the S21 Ultra.. Sammy software (One UI) I am not a fan of.. I do miss the simple and clean stock android software, but samsung/vzw has done a good job of getting me the monthly updates, the camera and phone in general is phenomenal.. will be hard to leave this phone especially with no magisk hide

TonikJDK said:
I will not. I retired my 3XL this spring because I got a free Note 20 Ultra. So no root on it. The only thing I was rooting for was ad blocking and with Brave the few ads I get in apps don't bother me.
With Magisk Hide gone away I don't want to lose my banking apps and such.
FWIW I hate Sammy's software. Drives me crazy.
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Yeah I've been running Sammy devices the last 3-4 years waiting on Google to put out something like the P6. I'm so ready to get back on the Pixel train.

batpoil said:
On this topic, any idea if we'll be able to root and unlock the bootloader since it'll be the new tensor chip? I'm asking because on Samsung devices I remember being able to unlock only the Exynos and not Snapdragon, and I may be asking something silly here. Thanks!
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If it can be unlocked/rooted, then I plan to buy. If not, I'll have to reconsider. I realize nowadays there's smaller need to flash, but it's kinda a hobby of mine and I like being able to tinker with my device

darbylonia said:
If it can be unlocked/rooted, then I plan to buy. If not, I'll have to reconsider. I realize nowadays there's smaller need to flash, but it's kinda a hobby of mine and I like being able to tinker with my device
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That's the XDA spirit!

znel52 said:
Just out of curiosity. I know in most cases it isn't needed anymore but I've been on phones with locked BLs for about 3 years now so I might end up unlocking mine just to tinker around a little bit. Assuming we will be able to of course.
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I love to tinker too! Kills the boredom.

batpoil said:
On this topic, any idea if we'll be able to root and unlock the bootloader since it'll be the new tensor chip? I'm asking because on Samsung devices I remember being able to unlock only the Exynos and not Snapdragon, and I may be asking something silly here. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is one hell of a good question. Totally forgotten about the new chip!!

The only reason why I have flashed all my pixels was ad blocking. Nowadays, do you think DNS blocking like dns.adguard.com is good enough to achieve the same result or hosts based blocking is still the king?
I'm using Firefox with ublock origin, so that takes care of the websites, so there's just apps that remain.
Of course now Google is using it's own chip and it remains to be seen if it's a good thing or bad. Some people say it's a good thing, because in theory Google can now provide longer support, since drivers have always been the main issue.
Also lately Google has been making noises about upstreaming Android kernel changes with the eventual goal of just straight up using mainline kernel and modulizing the drivers. That will open possibilities way beyond rooting, more ROM variety, etc.

BL unlocked and root before opening the box.
Under no circumstances I will own a phone (or a computer, for the shake of it) that sends any data to servers of Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, Amazon and the likes.
Cloud is just the marketing shiite to refer to someone else's computer.
Therefore I need root to remove all the crap, to do backups against my own computers, to have a proper firewall that blocks domains and IPs of unwanted servers, and so on.

To date,
Google has always allowed bootloader unlocking on their devices so I do hold out hope that they won't be making a change of tradition there.
They have been pushing OEMs and parts suppliers like Qualcomm to keep updated support for their products and part of that is contributing to providing source (AOSP). Further, as stated above, they are looking to eventually get on mainline Linux kernel if possible and have been going down that road for several years now.
Also let's not forget that Google makes it mandatory to release kernel sources for devices. It's just that not all OEMs comply and Google has never really enforced it for anyone else.
It's just my guess, but I think they will release all the sources and allow bootloader unlock. It would be a pretty massive change in rhetoric otherwise and massively hypocritical if they stopped now.