Hello everyone,
It's been a while since I've posted here, and I'm very very late to the party since HTC took its sweet time to bring the 10 to my country. Now I've finally got the phone (for entirely free through a corporate discount), and I'd like to do this properly, now. The key thing is that throughout all these steps, I want to maintain functionality of Android Pay. I have a few questions as well.
First, I'd like to S-OFF/unlock the bootloader. I tried entering bootloader mode (volume down + power keys) and noticed that there are a few new modes on this phone compared to my old M8, like Download Mode. What is it?
Next, I'd like to achieve systemless root - I understand this is entirely possible through the latest SuperSU.
Then, I would like systemless Xposed functionality. While searching around, I noticed a few new words thrown around like Magisk. What is it, and how do I get 'systemless Xposed'?
I'd like Adaway on my phone, and I believe it modifies the hosts file once again located in /system. Any way to work around this? Not to mention another couple of ad-blocking Xposed modules.
Next up, I'd like to install the AcoustiX audio mod. Not sure if that doesn't modify system files, once again.
Finally, I hope to remove some of the gapps like Play Music and Play Movies, and install the older HTC bundled apps.
Would any of the above conflict with Android Pay? How do I go about starting, and where do I look for more information for my questions (answers welcome too)?
Thanks in advance.
1. S-off, SunShine app or hardware solution like xtc2clip; why do you need S-off?
2. My SuperSU said systemless when it installed
3. http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-systemless-xposed-t3388268
4. Good question; I'm curious also
5. I never messed with audio stuff; sure that's better than what htc provides?
6. Titanium Backup
Okay, so first of all I have a Verizon variant. I unlocked the bootloader/s-off with sunshine. Apparently you don't need to unlock the bootloader when you have s-off. I don't know why or how that works... I unlocked the BL anyways. You'll have to wipe your data if you do that. Just read up on that bit.
After that, you can install TWRP and do a full backup. Make sure you save that somewhere.
If you screw something up I think you can just RUU back to a working state. I think...
As far as Magisk... It's amazing. It's essentially a way for developers to make any flashable zip type mod systemless. To the end user it works similar to Xposed. You flash the framework in recovery (it won't modify the system, that's the whole point) and then you have an app to manage the framework and all your mods.
For example I have a Magisk mod that replaces my HTC dialer and contacts with Google's dialer and contacts (like a nexus). If I want to go back I just uncheck the mod in the app and reboot. HTC apps are back.
If you don't need SuperSU specifically, root can be achieved directly through Magisk with phh's superuser mod for Magisk. So the process would be:
1) download Magisk zip
2) download Magisk manager app
3) download phh's superuser for Magisk (Magisk manager won't function without some type of su)
**All of these can be found through the Magisk XDA thread
4) reboot to recovery and flash Magisk zip THEN flash phh's superuser mod for Magisk
5) reboot to system and install the phh's superuser app from the play store
6)install the Magisk manager apk from earlier
7)from within the Magisk app you can install Xposed as a Magisk mod. It's in the repository. Just install it and reboot. Boom, Xposed. If you want to disable it just uncheck it and reboot. Magisk mods work like Xposed mods so you can disable the entirety of Xposed in the same way you could enable/disable individual Xposed mods before (this is really useful if you have apps like Snapchat that won't work if you have Xposed installed). Another note is that you need to use the material Xposed installer. The old Xposed installer don't support systemless i don't think.
But yeah, good luck. I've found that systemless is a better way to go. For me I just like it because it's more organized. I can disable and enable whatever I want. I will mention though, don't expect Android pay to work. Magisk used to be used to make Android pay work on rooted and Xposed phones. It's moved away from that. It can still be done but it's a constant battle and it's not worth it. I'm not sure if I answered all the questions because I'm on mobile and I can't see the rest of the thread while km typing but yeah.. good luck man. Magisk is a great tool.
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA Labs
Update: you can use SuperSU with Magisk but be careful with how it installs. I don't know how to force it to install systemlessly.
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA Labs
elite001mm said:
Apparently you don't need to unlock the bootloader when you have s-off. I don't know why or how that works...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-off unlocks the same partitions as unlocking the bootloader does...and then some (all?).
http://www.htcdev.com/bootloader/about_unlock_process
and
http://www.htcdev.com/bootloader/faq
Your device is shipped with Security on (S-ON) to protect your system software configuration (such as the bootloader, radio, boot, recovery, system and others). After you have unlocked the bootloader, however, you will have lifted the restrictions on boot, recovery and system. This means you can customize boot, recovery and system images on your phone as you desire. ... Security is left on to protect things like the radio, and SIM lock.
Security is on by default for good reasons. There are partitions such as hboot which controls access to all other partitions which if made fully accessible could compromise security and very possibly allow for irreversible changes that could render your device inoperable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rolo42 said:
S-off unlocks the same partitions as unlocking the bootloader does...and then some (all?).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-off + BL unlock means you can do whatever the hell you want (hboot, radios, CID, etc). So you need to know what you're doing before you flash something.
A simple bootloader unlock allows you to flash ROMs and kernels and recoveries.
These two things I understand... But...
------------------
What I don't understand is this (there's a post by jcase about it but I can't find it): When sunshine first came out for this phone, everyone was recommending to just perform s-off locked instead of s-off unlocked. I forget what the benefit was (I think it may have been avoiding the encryption corruption thing) but essentially from what I understood there was no downside to the locked bootloader.
Perhaps s-off just overrides everything but I didn't think that's how it worked. I've been away from HTC for a while and I'm not the most knowledgeable person anyways. I know enough not to break my phones but I remember back from the M8 days everyone wanted/needed s-off and the BL unlocked so I just went ahead and did that. I flash firmwares and radios and stuff so I didn't want to run into a roadblock in the future.
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA Labs
elite001mm said:
S-off + BL unlock means you can do whatever the hell you want (hboot, radios, CID, etc). So you need to know what you're doing before you flash something.
A simple bootloader unlock allows you to flash ROMs and kernels and recoveries.
These two things I understand... But...
------------------
What I don't understand is this (there's a post by jcase about it but I can't find it): When sunshine first came out for this phone, everyone was recommending to just perform s-off locked instead of s-off unlocked. I forget what the benefit was (I think it may have been avoiding the encryption corruption thing) but essentially from what I understood there was no downside to the locked bootloader.
Perhaps s-off just overrides everything but I didn't think that's how it worked. I've been away from HTC for a while and I'm not the most knowledgeable person anyways. I know enough not to break my phones but I remember back from the M8 days everyone wanted/needed s-off and the BL unlocked so I just went ahead and did that. I flash firmwares and radios and stuff so I didn't want to run into a roadblock in the future.
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-Off Unlocked = more restrictions.
S-Off Locked = less restrictions.
I know it's very backwards, but I believe that's the biggest advantage.
Personally, I changed my splash screen and flashed another hboot without the stupid red text on boot.
What about the newest Android Safety net issues around Unlocked bootloaders. If we setup our phone as S-off Locked, will it pass the safety net test? Ive read that the newest update is starting to fail on phones that aren't even rooted but have unlocked bootloader.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
SRSR333 said:
Would any of the above conflict with Android Pay? How do I go about starting, and where do I look for more information for my questions (answers welcome too)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got a brand new unlocked HTC 10 with unlocked bootloader, TWRP, S-OFF, root (through flashing the latest SuperSU), and xposed also. Android Pay no worky :/
Related
Hi,
So I'm new to these forums and have been browsing all of the rooting guides for my HTC M8. I am running official Marshmallow and really want to root my phone (again) as far I know I have unlocked boot loader. I had to factory reset my phone last year and never got round to re rooting, but now with marshmallow I wish to do so again.
My issue is I can't seem to understand the steps the guides are outlining. I download the links and try and open them, but nothing happens. Is there a step by step fluid guide in rooting my phone? As all the guides I have found have basically blown over my head. I used a toolkit in the past which did everything for me automatically. If no such post exists would someone be able to explain the steps in a simplified manner? (If possible)
Many thanks in advance to any who help
Optcpsi said:
as far I know I have unlocked boot loader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is easy to determine definitely. Boot into bootloader (if you don't know how, ask and I'll explain) and it will either say bootloader is: LOCKED, UNLOCKED or RELOCKED near the top of the screen.
Vomer's guide is dated at this point, but mostly still accurate for what you want to do (root MM); and its the best guide I know of: http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-one-m8/general/vomerguides-m8-bootldr-unlock-s-off-t2800727
If your bootloader is UNLOCKED, you can skip the whole section on unlocking it, and pick back up the guide again where it says CUSTOM RECOVERY. If the bootloader is LOCKED or RELOCKED, you'll need to do the section for unlocking the bootloader.
AFAIK, the only part of Steps 0 and 1 that is out of date, is the TWRP version. For MM, you should use TWRP 3.0. And somewhat obviously, the fastboot command to flash TWRP will need to have the corresponding file name; rather than the old version number given in the guide's example.
You'll also want to use SuperSU 2.76 (if the SuperSU version is too old, it will fail to root MM and leave you stuck with no boot). But the guide is already rigged to link to the latest stable version (not a particular version number), so presently it already links to 2.76.
Don't continue to Step 2 of the guide. Its not longer accurate, and not needed for root.
redpoint73 said:
This is easy to determine definitely. Boot into bootloader (if you don't know how, ask and I'll explain) and it will either say bootloader is: LOCKED, UNLOCKED or RELOCKED near the top of the screen.
Vomer's guide is dated at this point, but mostly still accurate for what you want to do (root MM); and its the best guide I know of: http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-one-m8/general/vomerguides-m8-bootldr-unlock-s-off-t2800727
If your bootloader is UNLOCKED, you can skip the whole section on unlocking it, and pick back up the guide again where it says CUSTOM RECOVERY. If the bootloader is LOCKED or RELOCKED, you'll need to do the section for unlocking the bootloader.
AFAIK, the only part of Steps 0 and 1 that is out of date, is the TWRP version. For MM, you should use TWRP 3.0. And somewhat obviously, the fastboot command to flash TWRP will need to have the corresponding file name; rather than the old version number given in the guide's example.
You'll also want to use SuperSU 2.76 (if the SuperSU version is too old, it will fail to root MM and leave you stuck with no boot). But the guide is already rigged to link to the latest stable version (not a particular version number), so presently it already links to 2.76.
Don't continue to Step 2 of the guide. Its not longer accurate, and not needed for root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting, couldn't find an up-to-date tutorial anywhere.
TWRP is asking to keep system read-only and I'm confused. If I allow modificaions, can I automatically never receive OTA updates again?
Will there even be another one for the M8/ will it get Nougat? Anyways, can I still root it with read-only?
Schmix said:
Thanks for posting, couldn't find an up-to-date tutorial anywhere.
TWRP is asking to keep system read-only and I'm confused. If I allow modificaions, can I automatically never receive OTA updates again?
Will there even be another one for the M8/ will it get Nougat? Anyways, can I still root it with read-only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to allow modifications for root. At least traditional root. Systemless root, I would think would work if you stay read only - but do the research especially if you don't know the difference between traditional root and systemless root.
You can't install OTA updates with a rooted device in any case, so that point is irrelevant.
If/when ever an OTA comes, you would need to return to stock never rooted ROM and stock recovery, in order to OTA update (there are guides on this forum). This would remove any modification by TWRP.
But that's mostly just FYI/academic. Its extremely unlikely we'll get an OTA update to Nougat. Your best bet for Nougat will be custom ROMs, anyway.
1. UNLOCK bootloader with HTC Dev site.
2. Flash latest twrp recovery
3. Flash Stable v2.65 SuperSU
4. Flash wp mod.
5. Update SuperSU on Play Store.
Latest SuperSU 2.76 zip kills Boomsound. Permissive zip can fix that.
Hey all,
so i have (hopefully) read all those "I'm new to HTC"-threads and an almost infinite amount of additional threads all around the internet and especially here on xda in the htc 10 forum. I think i have figured it out so far, coming from a Galaxy S5 it's quite confusing sometimes as there i would have to get my hands on odin, flash twrp and from there on everything is super easy.
CID/MID
The CID of my device (HTC__034) shows me my device is unbranded and the region is europe. This is like the CSC over at samsung where DBT would be an unbranded german device?
The MID is an identifier for the model, it's model specific and should be the same throughout all regions and carriers (read this on some german android wiki site). It's like SM-G900F over at samsung?
Bootloader
The bootloader is locked by default. To be able to install a custom recovery, root, flash custom roms, etc. pp. i need to unlock the bootloader either over at htcdev (where they will store the information about me unlocking the bootloader) or through sunshine which will also S-OFF my device. Once the bootloader is unlocked, no more OTA updates except installing them "by hand"
S-ON/S-OFF
S-OFF is not needed to flash custom roms, but i may be stuck on some firmware version if it won't get updated anymore. To change firmware version i would need to S-OFF my device.
Also, to flash a radio i would need S-OFF. Is this radio you are all talking about what the modem is over at samsung?
S-ON is default, S-OFF is a sunshine exclusive, XTC2Clip won't work here anymore
Custom recovery
unlock bootloader and if wanted, S-OFF, fastboot install twrp
Root
flash supersu, systemless supersu or magisk and systemless phhsuperuser through twrp
Flashing roms
unlocked bootloader and custom recovery needed, then just flash this baby
Nice work, due diligence is rare these days
You got it all very close, your shouldn't have any trouble.
don't worry about S off
create an account at the HTC Dev website
on Dev site, select unlock bootloader and follow step by step
once bootloader is unlocked, "fastboot flash recovery twrp.img"
reboot into recovery and CREATE FULL BACKUP... save it somewhere safe...
at this point you are safe and don't need to worry about bricking your phone!
you are also now done with the computer, from this point on you can switch roms as much as you like with just your phone.
to install rom, save file to your phone, wipe system, dalvik/cache, then install new file, all from within twrp
Let me know if you need any help
---------- Post added at 01:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:26 PM ----------
Also just to clarify, it is basically the same thing as your s5, but you are replacing Odin with fastboot and adding the one step of unlocking your bootloader first. Don't worry about rooting at first because most custom roms will have it already rooted, so installing the rom will also root... Good luck
S1CAR1US said:
You got it all very close, your shouldn't have any trouble.
don't worry about S off
create an account at the HTC Dev website
on Dev site, select unlock bootloader and follow step by step
once bootloader is unlocked, "fastboot flash recovery twrp.img"
reboot into recovery and CREATE FULL BACKUP... save it somewhere safe...
at this point you are safe and don't need to worry about bricking your phone!
you are also now done with the computer, from this point on you can switch roms as much as you like with just your phone.
to install rom, save file to your phone, wipe system, dalvik/cache, then install new file, all from within twrp
Let me know if you need any help
---------- Post added at 01:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:26 PM ----------
Also just to clarify, it is basically the same thing as your s5, but you are replacing Odin with fastboot and adding the one step of unlocking your bootloader first. Don't worry about rooting at first because most custom roms will have it already rooted, so installing the rom will also root... Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, thanks for the answer, just a few more questions^^
S-OFF + unlocked bootloader -> this is what i have on my S5 right now. enabling me to flash and/or **** up everything.
for example take a firmware (bootloader, modem, rom) for s7 and brick my s5 or repartition with a pitfile or whatsoever if i want to
i am able to up-/downgrade firmware from (if it's there) nougat down to marshmallow and back up to nougat
S-ON + unlocked bootloader -> will only give me the possibility to flash new system partition (aka rom), a custom recovery, gain root access and (read about this) flash a kernel. but this won't allow me to update firmware, so as long as i'm on mm, no nougat for me except i relock my bootloader and flash a nougat RUU (check for right MID and CID).
2.1 do i have this right (about the firmware up-/downgrades)?
2.2 the RUUs are basically stock firmware?
S-OFF + locked bootloader
what is up with this configuration? have read it gives me the same options as S-ON and bootloader unlocked?
S-OFF would also allow me to relock bootlader without relocked flag, so it looks as if i never unlocked the bootloader?
AOSP-roms
what configuration do i need to flash aosp roms as soon as there are mor than alpha/beta builds? is S-ON + unlocked bootloader sufficient?
peteter said:
First of all, thanks for the answer, just a few more questions^^
S-OFF + unlocked bootloader -> this is what i have on my S5 right now. enabling me to flash and/or **** up everything.
for example take a firmware (bootloader, modem, rom) for s7 and brick my s5 or repartition with a pitfile or whatsoever if i want to
i am able to up-/downgrade firmware from (if it's there) nougat down to marshmallow and back up to nougat
S-ON + unlocked bootloader -> will only give me the possibility to flash new system partition (aka rom), a custom recovery, gain root access and (read about this) flash a kernel. but this won't allow me to update firmware, so as long as i'm on mm, no nougat for me except i relock my bootloader and flash a nougat RUU (check for right MID and CID).
2.1 do i have this right (about the firmware up-/downgrades)?
2.2 the RUUs are basically stock firmware?
S-OFF + locked bootloader
what is up with this configuration? have read it gives me the same options as S-ON and bootloader unlocked?
S-OFF would also allow me to relock bootlader without relocked flag, so it looks as if i never unlocked the bootloader?
AOSP-roms
what configuration do i need to flash aosp roms as soon as there are mor than alpha/beta builds? is S-ON + unlocked bootloader sufficient?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best way is "S-OFF - LOCKED".
You have the same advantages as with "S-OFF - UNLOCKED", but with "S-OFF - LOCKED" you can go easily back to stock ("S-ON - LOCKED").
You can flash everything AND you can up-/ or downgrade your firmware. So AOSP roms are no problem for you
Never RELOCK your phone.
So the best way is: Unlock your phone with HTC Dev > Flash TWRP > Flash SuperSu > Install sunshine and choose inside the app "S-OFF - LOCKED".
If you want to go back to stock, just flash a RUU.zip and do the s-on command. Thats it.
But, if you still have a firmware version that's compatible with temp root, you don't need to unlock through HTC first. If you're going to spend the Sunshine money anyway, and if your FW version is compatible, go with Sunshine since the beginning.
Also, when you first run TWRP and it asks you if you want to make system writable, say NO. That way, you are able to backup everything untouched and get back to stock in case you want to take OTAs. There are guides that show you how to do it if you decide to stay stock + root/xposed.
Thank you all, so the way would be
download and install sunshine -> done
let sunshine run its tests (temproot etc) -> done and working
(from here on to be done)
pay 25$ and choose S-OFF + LOCKED -> done
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img -> done
i could also do this fastboot boot recovery twrp.img command and then also backup stock recovery? -> no longer available
boot up twrp, no to writable system -> done
nandroid backup (system image, boot) -> done
do what i want, flash custom-rom, aosp-rom, keep stock-rom, flash magisk and systemless phhsuperuser, flash supersu systemless or standard supersu, xposed and whatever makes me hit install in recovery -> done done done
also, never ever RELOCK in case i would S-OFF and UNLOCK
in case i missed something, please enlighten me else i'm of to gain freedom
dastinger said:
But, if you still have a firmware version that's compatible with temp root, you don't need to unlock through HTC first. If you're going to spend the Sunshine money anyway, and if your FW version is compatible, go with Sunshine since the beginning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I forgot the sunshine temproot. I got my phone from repair last week with latest firmware and it wasn't working. I had to use HTC Dev to unlock first.
peteter said:
Thank you all, so the way would be
download and install sunshine -> done
let sunshine run its tests (temproot etc) -> done and working
(from here on to be done)
pay 25$ and choose S-OFF + LOCKED
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
i could also do this fastboot boot recovery twrp.img command and then also backup stock recovery?
boot up twrp, no to writable system
nandroid backup
do what i want, flash custom-rom, aosp-rom, keep stock-rom, flash magisk and systemless phhsuperuser, flash supersu systemless or standard supersu, xposed and whatever makes me hit install in recovery
also, never ever RELOCK in case i would S-OFF and UNLOCK
in case i missed something, please enlighten me else i'm of to gain freedom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After your nandroid backup you have to reboot TWRP and allow writable system, or you can't flash anything a ROM
Not anything. You can still flash Magisk, Systemless Root, Systemless Xposed or a custom kernel. Basically, you can flash anything that doesn't mess with system. A ROM, for example, will need writable system ofc.
Once again, thanks a lot guys, installed twrp which is now asking me for a password. am i right that i have to enter my decrypt password?
EDIT: Just hit cancel worked
peteter said:
Once again, thanks a lot guys, installed twrp which is now asking me for a password. am i right that i have to enter my decrypt password?
EDIT: Just hit cancel worked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-10/how-to/psa-htc-10-s-off-s-lock-unlock-t3371264
I got OTA updates with S-OFF I understand it's the recovery that will block OTA. What I did was S-OFF and HTC DEV unlocked bootloader I have not changed either one since. What I was doing to get latest firmware(for US UNLOCKED or developer edition) was flash a stock pmewl RUU not modify it and take OTAs to get the latest firmware. If you have the m10h in the USA, your LTE is crippled. You may want to convert to TMOUS or US unlocked. LTE will turn on at that point, however you won't get the full AWS spectrum. I use WCDMA(3.5G or HSDPA+) exclusively, unless I'm somewhere it won't work, like southern Denver, even then it's crippled. I quickly came to the conclusion that I need a PME with full AWS spectrum. I did have the device converted to US unlocked and on nougat within hours, nougat at the time was not available for my device out of the box. Another thing I sometimes go into recovery and find if didn't mount data partition. Simply re-flashing encryption compatible TWRP fixes this. Either a backup or image flash from TWRP. Or re-flash TWRP using TWRP app or dd from a terminal.
From my experience, whenever TWRP asks for a password that means data did not mount! The latest TWRP from twrp.me the official one is working fine for me.
The only problems I had were in trying to return to a fully stock condition.
Which is useful to do in case you maybe sell the phone after upgrading or something. And it very much depends on where you got your phone on how successful that attempt will be. For instance, my contract allows me to upgrade every two years, but the CID they use (H3G__001), despite the phone basically being unlocked, is not supported anywhere in the form of RUU. I had to S-OFF in order to be able to change the CID to HTC__001 which is the WWE CID but you can also change a significant amount of other stuff.
The other thing that being S-OFF makes easy is updating or rolling back firmware versions and different revisions of android require different firmwares (for instance between Marshmallow and Nougat)
Although, some of it has the potential to brick your phone, which being S-ON prevents. So it depends just how far you want to go and if you'd rather have that saftey net. But beyond that, you do not need S-OFF to install and run custom roms, or recoveries, etc.
Good points. It is risky to S-OFF, last time I flashed a write value to the safety state of an HTC modem was the Evo 4g, locked to Virgin Mobile when I got it. I had to cut a small section of a wire from an ethernet cable after flashing the unlock binary. Using that cable to ground contact points(at the risk of bricking) I read how to bypass some safety and get into diag mode writing some hex value to something else using fastboot.
I got into Android(and Linux) by hacking the HTC Touch Pro 2 and a laptop to flash it with. That was a Microsoft Phone. Using Haret, and installing Android Donut system/kernel images on the sdcard, you could boot into the Android Linux kernel and everything was loaded. It was slow, no cellular connection, it booted as a proof of concept.
Unpractical for daily use, I just kept Windows with the earliest version of the Sense interface, compulsively flashing every new Energy ROM. Then came the HTC HD2, the last Microsoft Phone(before Windows Mobile), my first practical Android phone. Started off booting Froyo using the same sdcard install and Haret psuedo bootloader method. Dark Forces group eventually formatted the EEPROM of the HD2 using a Linux friendly file system and moved Android from the sdcard to the internal memory. Adopting Linux kernel and vendor sources from the HTC Desire, the XDA community hacked together a fringe device.
I had a few HD2s running Android on a foreign device. Even bricked a couple of them flashing European radios. Only to restore them by buying the same not bricked devices with busted screens on eBay.
You can do things with an HTC, not possible otherwise using other Armel hardware . I mean try writing low level binary states to the modem of an Nexus device, not only to re define the locality of where the device was manufactured to function, but even downgrade firmware versions and the respective security patches.
Won't happen, not without Jtag and a few years of bricking devices while you earn an unrequited masters in computer science, as I imagine the phreakers/developers behind Sunshine must have.
My point, if I have one, is the raw potential before the OP and the device we're taking about.
To even look up a device on XDA demands a degree of user autonomy not encouraged by many manufactures. Like those that resort exclusively to advertising and pandering to made for TV "group think" expectations and attitudes of what a device is capable of. Only what is most profitable to most manufactures will work easily on the device without risk of destruction.
End users intolerant of bloatware and advertising, or limiting personal driving, shopping, usage and locality data to services they chose or at least use and know about. Those are examples of what's outside the stock ROM box.
The communications service industry as a whole will lose profits if they don't buy the majority of these inherently open devices and tailor them to fit, for the most part, their ends. I mean yeah, KNOX is secure, and that's a great cover story to isolate open development. Groups of independent developers, builders, and users can take technology in a direction different and less predictable than what is otherwise a profitable direction.
I like to imagine this fora as a nail in the coffin of computer hardware and software development that unnecessarily limits experimentation and inflates security risks to homogenize those capable individuals under the same or similar payroll. Focusing them on profit over communal benefit, as if we can't have both.
I need some help and I've looked all over but the information is fragmented and there is too many unfamiliar acronyms used which make it incredibly difficult for some like myself to catch up. So for the benefit of others who may be new I wanted to get some additional guidance.
I got the Pixel XL Google Version
Objectives:
1. Root with the ability to hide root so other apps will work
2. Native Mobile Hotspot
3. The ability to easily receive android updates without having to reflash etc..
4. Stay close to stock if possible, but willing to explore other options as long as security is trusted, and has good
compatibility.
5. Security is a concern, I tried a rom in the past with a Galaxy S4 and swear it had a backdoor installed in the rom.
What do you guys recommend? And how do I go about doing it?
Thank you!
If security is truly a concern you will not unlock your bootloader and root your phone.
Otherwise it all depends on which version phone you have, Verizon or Google?
1. You need magisk root for that.
3. No updates when you are rooted
4.5. Never heard of any custom rom with a backdoor. That's absolutely bull****. More likely it was an app you installed.
Unlocked bootloader is a security issue, so better to stay on full stock.
Root is a big security issue so better stay on full stock.
Jokes aside the only security issue is your phone gets stolen or you install apps outside playstore.
If you stay encrypted and use a hard pattern with fingerprint you are fine and there is always the way to delete your phone when it gets stolen.
mikaole said:
1. You need magisk root for that.
3. No updates when you are rooted
4.5. Never heard of any custom rom with a backdoor. That's absolutely bull****. More likely it was an app you installed.
Unlocked bootloader is a security issue, so better to stay on full stock.
Root is a big security issue so better stay on full stock.
I have the Pixel XL - Google Version
Jokes aside the only security issue is your phone gets stolen or you install apps outside playstore.
If you stay encrypted and use a hard pattern with fingerprint you are fine and there is always the way to delete your phone when it gets stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My point about security really was that it's quite possible a ROM could have a backdoor. That a side..
Root is not a big security issue for me as long as the rom is trusted etc..
Shouldn't I be able to turn root off then be able to update and turn it back on again?
jadensmith said:
1. Root with the ability to hide root so other apps will work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible to root to one slot with SuperSU while the other slot remains unrooted, and then the phone can be switched between slots with TWRP or fastboot commands. Kernels have been posted with safetynet patches, to hide that the bootloader is unlocked, but I'm not sure if any are available with the software version on my phone's current slot. As noted, Magisk can also hide root and that the bootloader is unlocked, so it's probably less hassle than trying to root and hide using SuperSU.
3. The ability to easily receive android updates without having to reflash etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FlashFire can use the OTA to update and stay rooted with SuperSU. The past couple months I've used FlashFire to update my phone, and it seems quicker and easier than the sideloading and reinstalling process I had been using. I'm not aware of anything similar to FlashFire for Magisk users, so to me it seems like you would have to decide if 1 or 3 is more personally important.
jadensmith said:
Shouldn't I be able to turn root off then be able to update and turn it back on again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While reading I got the impression that I might be able to uninstall SuperSU and use the OTA update, but that didn't work with SuperSU the times I tried it, so I presume something SuperSU changed or something I did with root must have caused the update to fail. I haven't read the Magisk threads as much, yet I've seen that other SuperSU users also indicate that OTA updates no longer worked for them after rooting the phone.
alluringreality said:
It's possible to root to one slot with SuperSU while the other slot remains unrooted, and then the phone can be switched between slots with TWRP or fastboot commands. Kernels have been posted with safetynet patches, to hide that the bootloader is unlocked, but I'm not sure if any are available with the software version on my phone's current slot. As noted, Magisk can also hide root and that the bootloader is unlocked, so it's probably less hassle than trying to root and hide using SuperSU.
FlashFire can use the OTA to update and stay rooted with SuperSU. The past couple months I've used FlashFire to update my phone, and it seems quicker and easier than the sideloading and reinstalling process I had been using. I'm not aware of anything similar to FlashFire for Magisk users, so to me it seems like you would have to decide if 1 or 3 is more personally important.
That didn't work with SuperSU the times I tried it, so I presumed that something I did with root must have caused the update to fail to install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow thanks for the great reply! It's so refreshing!
What do you mean by root one slot?
The phone has two "slots" for Android. The basic idea is that you have two copies of Android on the phone that share the same user data. On a stock phone it's intended to allow for less noticeable updates, and it also can allow the phone to fall back to the previous software version if something goes wrong with an update. On the May update my phone did automatically switch between slots, due to what is discussed in the second link below. The first link below gives some information and additional links to discussion about the slots on these phones.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/1...-partition-changes-and-new-fastboot-commands/
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...signing-boot-images-android-verified-t3600606
Is it possible to keep stock or near stock and just have root with the ability to hide root, and hotspot?
That's all I really need. What would be the best way to to do this?
Hi,
I recently had to return my phone back to stock because of a warranty issue. (battery dying between 25% and 40%)
So chances are high that I will get the phone back with Marshmallow instead of Lollipop.
is there a guide or can anyone give some pointers how to root this device? After a bit of reading I still have a few specific questions, so maybe someone here can help.
A) What TWRP version will I need for the M8s on Marsmallow?
B) Will Magisk systemless root work on this device?
C) If the rooting has succeeded and I remove some bloatware apps from /system/vendor and /privapp and such. Will this trip the Google safety net? Or is safety net not yet applied to our M8s devices?
Thanks!
I don't personally have the M8s version specifically. But as the device forum sections for all the M8 versions in general are becoming pretty quiet; I'll try to help you to the best of my knowledge.
A) The TWRP recovery posted in this (M8s) forum section should work fine on Marshmallow. Looks like it's only updated to 2.8.6
B) Should work, yes. I would suggest the current stable Magisk version, which is 14.0
Backup your stock (unrooted) ROM before trying to root (as you always should - this is best practice and just good common sense). Then if anything goes wrong, you can easily restore to stock.
C) Not sure. But I can tell you on my current device (OnePlus 3T) that removing system (bloat) apps does not trip safety net.
Hi @redpoint73,
Thanks. That takes away some worries and gives me some confidence for giving it a third shot . Nandroid's don't work on the M8s unfortunately, I've tried this once since I botched something up during my first root attempt, put back the Nandroid and my Bluetooth was dead. (and probably more, but I didn't investigate it further back then.)
As in regards of removing bloat, since HTC has the S-on I was only able to remove the pre-installed apps from within TWRP (or else the apps were back after a reboot), so I guess this process remains the same?
Thanks so far and I'll report back my results in this topic. Now I first have to wait to see if they give me my warranty, since the bootloader said relocked and the firm I had to send it to is notorious for blaming factory faults on rooting of the phone. Fingers crossed!
Thijs_Rallye said:
As in regards of removing bloat, since HTC has the S-on I was only able to remove the pre-installed apps from within TWRP (or else the apps were back after a reboot), so I guess this process remains the same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be the same, yes.
The reason for this, is that the system is write-protected, even with root. On the M8, there is a kernel mod which disables the write protection (allows you to modify system while booted to OS), but I don't know if there is such a mod for the M8s. But if you were able to do it in TWRP, the same should apply on Marshmallow.
So I finally got my phone back, or well, to be accurate, I got another phone (albeit another M8s) back under warranty. I guess they f'd it up during repairs or something. And as expected my phone was upgraded to Marshmallow.
Anyhow, the more I read about Magisk and systemless rooting the more lost I seem to get lost. Is there somewhere a step by step guide for obtaining root on this phone?
Let me recap from what I've understood so far (SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2 and SOURCE 3)
1) Backup my boot partition, I am still searching how to accomplish this without rooting the phone first. Booting to TWRP without installing resulted in mangling some data in the boot partition, so unfortunately that is not an option. (blanks the OS version)
2) Boot to TWRP and flash the Magisk zip file. There should be an option somewhere in TWRP to enable systemless rooting.
3) ?
So if anyone knows if I am on the right (or wrong) track please let me know .
Thijs
Edit: I can't seem to get the phone boot TWRP for some reason (from my harddrive htc_fastboot boot twrp.img). This used to be possible on my old M8s which I had send in for repairs. Do I really have to flash it because I have no way of backing up the old original recovery .
Okay, since it is kinda dead in here let me bump this for anyone in the same situation. I've managed to install Magisk successfully. The steps involved
1) unlock bootloader
2) flash twrp (htc_fastboot flash recovery twrp.img) I've used the latest version from Captain Throwback which I've found in the OP of the Void_Zero Lineage OS thread.
3) boot the phone and copy magisk systemless root zip and the apk file to your internal storage Grab the uninstaller as well in the topic.
4) reboot to recovery (adb reboot bootloader)
5) flash the zip from within recovery
6) reboot the phone and install the Magisk app.
7) done
Use this guide on your own risk. It worked flawlessly for me but no guarantees .
Hi, my Mix2 arrived few days ago and I find MiUI quite nice, yet lacking few things. Those are easily available via xposed, hence I need to root. I'm also not so lucky in these matters so before I start to tinker with it I'd like to learn few things.
What are least dangerous ways to unlock and root phone? (heard sth about magisk, its quite new for me, haven't been rooting phones for couple years now) Is it good?
Suppose I succeed unlocking, rooting and flashing xposed, can I relock bootloader? I want that because ie AndroidPay needs that to work, and I haven't found any working rootcloack or similar (at least on Note2)
How reliable is 'the most official tool' for xiaomi flashing (from eu.xiaomi.com ?)? I mean can it bring back the dead or revert phone back to where I started, without any trace of tinkering?
As a new xiaomi owner are there any critical things I need to know?
Thanks!
If you flash magisk, which is the best thing ever btw, you won't have to relock bootloader to get Android pay working.
yeyeoke said:
If you flash magisk, which is the best thing ever btw, you won't have to relock bootloader to get Android pay working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I read about that and intend to use it. Though, there might be some issues with magisk and different versions. What features does it have?
So far, need to wait 3 days to unlock bootloader.
Mighty_Ahti said:
Thanks, I read about that and intend to use it. Though, there might be some issues with magisk and different versions.
So far, need to wait 3 days to unlock bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using magisk on my Note 3 Pro since release and I've never had an issue. Yes, I got my mix 2 today and I'm also waiting for 3 days..
Mighty_Ahti said:
Hi, my Mix2 arrived few days ago and I find MiUI quite nice, yet lacking few things. Those are easily available via xposed, hence I need to root. I'm also not so lucky in these matters so before I start to tinker with it I'd like to learn few things.
What are least dangerous ways to unlock and root phone? (heard sth about magisk, its quite new for me, haven't been rooting phones for couple years now) Is it good?
Suppose I succeed unlocking, rooting and flashing xposed, can I relock bootloader? I want that because ie AndroidPay needs that to work, and I haven't found any working rootcloack or similar (at least on Note2)
How reliable is 'the most official tool' for xiaomi flashing (from eu.xiaomi.com ?)? I mean can it bring back the dead or revert phone back to where I started, without any trace of tinkering?
As a new xiaomi owner are there any critical things I need to know?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's generally considered to be dangerous to relock a bootloader with anything other than perfectly stock/factory firmware installed. It may be ok to do this technically but it sort of "ties your hands" in some ways after making an unofficial modification and makes it a bit harder to recover from a botched situation.
You can have an unlocked bootloader and still use Android Pay. This can be achieved either with a ROM that is built to accomplish this (Epic ROM is an example of this) or by using Magisk, which allows root without any sort of SafetyNet trip in many cases. I don't believe there's *any* way to install Xposed and also use Android Pay or any other SafetyNet apps...the best alternative if you really want Xposed is to use Magisk and then install the Xposed Magisk module...you still can't pass SafetyNet with this setup but Magisk allows you to disable Xposed if you're willing to uncheck it in the Magisk Manager app and reboot the phone, after which time SafetyNet should pass ok...at least with this setup you'll be able to kind of have your cake and eat it too, though it's not ideal as you'll have to reboot if you want to change the status of Xposed.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-systemless-xposed-t3388268
Thank you for detailed answer. I didn't know that.
flyer_andy said:
the best alternative if you really want Xposed is to use Magisk and then install the Xposed Magisk module...you still can't pass SafetyNet with this setup but Magisk allows you to disable Xposed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried AndroidPay few times past few days and it didn't work at all. Perhaps terminals were not compatibile. So lets say I gave up on AndroidPay - can I use regular Xposed along with Magisk? Or does it have to be that module?
Mighty_Ahti said:
Thank you for detailed answer. I didn't know that.
I tried AndroidPay few times past few days and it didn't work at all. Perhaps terminals were not compatibile. So lets say I gave up on AndroidPay - can I use regular Xposed along with Magisk? Or does it have to be that module?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh! I think I may be able to help you with the Android Pay issue - my phone didn't work right with Android Pay until I made sure *all* Google apps' permissions were allowed via the Apps menu in Settings (along with "Autostart" via the security app)...and also toggled the NFC setting where it lets you select between "embedded secure element" and "HCE Wallet." It probably is on "HCE Wallet" but try toggling to "embedded secure element" and then back to "HCE Wallet" a couple of times. My Mix 2 would not make a terminal connection until I did this...it would just say "card read error." Seems like a firmware bug. Let me know if that helps!
But yeah if you don't want to use Android Pay then normal Xposed should be fine...you wouldn't need Magisk I don't think. Though, I'm not sure but I think the Magisk Xposed module probably functions the same as normal Xposed so I'm not sure there's an advantage in doing so. But of course it's all about personal preference!
Whoah, I'm still new to xiaomi/android7+ policies, where each app's permissions are reduced to bare minimum (messenger not being able to show notifications for example). I will definitely try this tomorrow.
So far I just managed to unlock BL, flash recovery and install magisk. SafetyNet checks ok. Will try xposed tomorrow after some payments ;D Thanks!
HCE wallet worked for me (I had it set to SIM wallet).
If I understand correctly here is the possible solution to xposed+magisk+androidPay.
I'd need phh's su binaries for that and keep crossing fingers for it to work on 7.1
I need to learn more about that stuff before I break something
So as I was expecting I experience troubles in installing Xposed.
I followed official way as in here And got bootloop.
I removed magisk stuff in recovery and fixed bootloop, then installed v89.0 (not .1) and also bootloop.
Im using SDK25, and miui 9 - 7.1.1 so it should be ok I think
Mighty_Ahti said:
So as I was expecting I experience troubles in installing Xposed.
I followed official way as in here And got bootloop.
I removed magisk stuff in recovery and fixed bootloop, then installed v89.0 (not .1) and also bootloop.
Im using SDK25, and miui 9 - 7.1.1 so it should be ok I think
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disable hooks from the xposed apps settings before flashing xposed
What hooks? I dont have any modules yet
Mighty_Ahti said:
What hooks? I dont have any modules yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a toggle in the settings under experimental, disable resource hooks
Boot took longer but it works. Thanks! Do I have to keep it on all the time ?
Mighty_Ahti said:
Boot took longer but it works. Thanks! Do I have to keep it on all the time ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, phone won't boot with it on. Don't think it makes much difference anyway
Hi @Mighty_Ahti, how much time was "longer"? it's been loading for over 5 minutes already. Thanks
Certainly below 5 minutes.