Restoring Pixel 3XL - Google Pixel 3 XL Questions & Answers

Hey there.
Not in the US, as such, no call screen. Have seen people with success in getting call screen after rooting and editing some libraries. Looking to do this.
In the event I stuff it up, how does one restore a Pixel back to full stock? - Have experience before with HTC (RUUs), but not with Pixel. Is there a regional / sub-set difference with the models?
Thanks!

The mod process HERE is very easy and only involves editing a few flags in an XML file. You simply save a copy of that file before you start to a safe location and then edit the original. If for some reason you want to revert any changes, you just use the copy to overwrite the modified file. To answer your overall question about re-setting to stock, all the information is available on the Google Development page HERE where all the stock system images are free to download.
I'd be interested to see how you get on with the mod, because there are reports of it working in the UK and Canada so far. There is supposedly a Magisk module to do this mod for you as well but I haven't looked for it yet. If you need help getting rooted there are sticky threads on how to do this.

Thanks for the comprehensive answer.
I was planning to give it a go yesterday, but I'm already on the December security patch, and I didnt see any instructions yet for December, so I erred on the side of caution and decided to wait until I found some success with the December patch before proceeding.

Related

[Q] Make a Stock Backup of Newly Purchased M9

I am very close to pulling the trigger on buying an M9. I have searched and searched both on here and with google on how to do a stock backup of a newly purchased M9, but everything posted is how to recover from a downloaded image.
Does anyone know a link or can give me a nudge as to where to find out how to make a stock nandroid backup of a newly purchased M9? Is it even possible? I would like to take an image that does not have root and will allow me to revert back to my original stock image and get OTA updates.
I am new to the android scene in the sense of flashing roms and tinkering. I usually just use stock settings, but android it getting way too bloated and way too invasive, especially with permissions. I really would like to tinker with some custom roms and some root software that strips bloat and controls network access and the like.
I have read tons on twrp and cwm and how to root this phone. I have the general gist, but I have not seen anthing on making a nandroid backup after initial purchase.
Thank you, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Galeleo said:
I am very close to pulling the trigger on buying an M9. I have searched and searched both on here and with google on how to do a stock backup of a newly purchased M9, but everything posted is how to recover from a downloaded image.
Does anyone know a link or can give me a nudge as to where to find out how to make a stock nandroid backup of a newly purchased M9? Is it even possible? I would like to take an image that does not have root and will allow me to revert back to my original stock image and get OTA updates.
I am new to the android scene in the sense of flashing roms and tinkering. I usually just use stock settings, but android it getting way too bloated and way too invasive, especially with permissions. I really would like to tinker with some custom roms and some root software that strips bloat and controls network access and the like.
I have read tons on twrp and cwm and how to root this phone. I have the general gist, but I have not seen anthing on making a nandroid backup after initial purchase.
Thank you, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
READ the TWRP thread, will tell you how to do it all, read it carefully and fully.
---------- Post added at 09:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:26 PM ----------
Galeleo said:
I am very close to pulling the trigger on buying an M9. I have searched and searched both on here and with google on how to do a stock backup of a newly purchased M9, but everything posted is how to recover from a downloaded image.
Does anyone know a link or can give me a nudge as to where to find out how to make a stock nandroid backup of a newly purchased M9? Is it even possible? I would like to take an image that does not have root and will allow me to revert back to my original stock image and get OTA updates.
I am new to the android scene in the sense of flashing roms and tinkering. I usually just use stock settings, but android it getting way too bloated and way too invasive, especially with permissions. I really would like to tinker with some custom roms and some root software that strips bloat and controls network access and the like.
I have read tons on twrp and cwm and how to root this phone. I have the general gist, but I have not seen anthing on making a nandroid backup after initial purchase.
Thank you, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
READ the TWRP thread, will tell you how to do it all, read it carefully and fully. the one by Captain_Throwback
+1, it's possible to return back to being able to take official OTAs, but you HAVE to nail it the first time The twrp thread will give you more information.
Kind Regards
TwinAdk

[FAQ][HELP THREAD][GUIDES LIST] Ask Any Question

Hello Everyone.
Good News for everyone. I have decided to maintain a help thread at HTC ONE M9 community in order to keep the threads for development/general section more clean and better organised. I have been noticing for a long time that whenever new users join, they still are not sure about the rules and thus mistakenly post in the wrong sections too often. If any senior member points it out to them, mostly it is either ignored or taken personally. Thus I have decided a combined help section would be very helpful to the community and the questions which are sometimes left unanswered and lost in question answer forums, that would not happen again for all of you.
I would be trying my best to personally answer all your questions and shall refer you to someone in case I feel someone else would be able to answer the same question in a more detailed way. Other users can feel free to answer as well if you think you can tackle the situation well and make sure while answering any question, you provide enough information to the users as well. You can easily link the users to posts if you think a question has been already answered.
REASONS I AM MAKING THIS
Lots of repetitive questions.
Same things told again and again
Threads remain clean
A simple reference to every important thread that you should visit in case you have a problem
WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO
Read the rules here XDA RULES BEFORE YOU POST
Idea of this thread is to help and to be helped. So ask any question you have in mind related to S6, Android, or anything at all as long as it is related to your device directly or indirectly.
Make sure you are precise with your information
Be Detailed
Do not repeat the same thing again and again
Use search button to find if your question has been asked before. Do not repeat your question if it is answered before.
WHAT INFORMATION YOU MUST PROVIDE
1.Your bootloader status if applicable
2. Rom name with complete baseband/date/version
3. Kernel name
4. Any Mods you are using
5.If you are using Custom Rom, your flashing style i.e dirty/clean or you wiped anything else in specific
6. If you used any guide, link to the guide
7. Root status
8. Your exact problem
9. Any method you tried that failed
10.Any other detail you think would be necessary
Make sure you provide as much details as possible. Things like my phone won't turn on please help would not be of any help to you or to the person answering. So please make sure you provide as much detail so we know exactly what is your problem and thus guide you in the right direction.
A sample would be something like this
Device: HTC ONE M9
ROM name: CM 12 dated 10th May
ROM version and base: 3.99-RC2
Build number: CM_M9-userdebug 4.3 JLS36G
kernel version and its settings: 3.4.0-myspecial.kernel.plus [email protected] #193
Rooted
Sabertooth Mod
I can not use my WIFI. Although i tried flashing Wifi modules but it does not work.
I flashed CM over Stock firmware version X.X.X.X.Y.Z
ETC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please remember "Give respect to others, others will respect you back!" in simple words, No abuse towards newbies/noobs will be tolerated here! So anyone found doing that would be reported.
Another important thing is MAKE SURE YOU THANK THE PERSON who helps you. This is to show your appreciation to someone who personally took his time to answer your question. He had been nice enough to do it for FREE and nothing else. A simple thank you to his post will go a long way. The questions would be answered more and the one who is answering would be happy to answer more questions. So it is a gain gain situation for all of you. Read my signature because most people take help for granted here. So be kind to others and HIT THANKS BUTTON A LOT.
HTC ONE M9 Guides
HTC One M9 - Snapdragon 810 - Information Collective Thread
ROOTING
[GUIDE] [NOOB Friendly] Root and Install TWRP on HTC One M9
[how to] lock/unlock your bootloader without htcdev(s-off required)
REPAIR /BRICKED/RETURN TO STOCK[/SIZE]
HTC ONE (M9) RUUs, OTAs, Stock TWRP Backups, Firmware & More Collection
[VIDEOS] ULTIMATE Guides S-Off, Root, Recovery, Roms
[GUIDE] Return to Stock for Canadian HTC One M9 (2015)
[how to] restore software status: original
[INTERNATIONAL]Unlock Your Bootloader!
[GUIDE] Return your M9 (WWE) to 100% Stock - S-OFF REQUIRED
How To Go Back To Stock with S On
GUIDES
HTC M9 Disassembly\Teadown- Easier than M7\M8!!!
[USER GUIDE] HTC One M9 User Guide
DRIVER GUIDES
OTHERS
MODS
[MOD] [HOW-TO] Create Your Own Splash Screens [S-OFF]
Colour Screen Settings
*** Make sure you download the correct STOCK ROM for your device. This guide can be used for S6 but is made for S3. Be wary
Please quote me if I have missed any important guide and you think it deserves to be here.
Some Requests to Users
Although every effort would be made to answer all your questions
but if you think your question has not been answered for more than 24 hours.
Please mention anyone from our team (when we have it) in your post by editing it.
Do NOT ask again. We will make sure that we personally answer your question.
Do NOT mention all of us, but if someone of us is busy, you can mention another user in next 24 hours. Please do not spam the threads or complain
if your question is not answered. Try to keep this thread as clean as possible because the more clean it is , it be more easier for you to find your answers by using the search button
Please use the search button often.
FAQ
Under Revision and Working on them
CONTRIBUTIONS
Do you want to help others ?
Help and get your name on this post
Hey all, I'm not sure if this is the correct forum, but here goes. I'm running the HTC M9 with VZW. This is my first Android, so I haven't rooted/unlocked/anything yet. I'm not even sure if I want to for the time being, since I don't currently have the time to troubleshoot any problems that might arise. Anyway, on to my question:
From what I have read, it seems VZW made HTC disable the FM radio, or at least didn't ship with the FM radio app. 3rd party apps like NextRadio don't work. I went and found an .apk for what I thought was the current version, but it doesn't work (as soon as I open it it crashes).
Is there either a stock APK, or a 3rd party app that will allow me to use the FM radio tuner, without rooting it? If not, what steps would I need to take to be able to use said app?
Again, my apologies for my ignorance in such matters. I'm fairly good with computers and even have some knowledge of troubleshooting Android devices, but I know absolutely zero about rooting/flashing/etc.
Many thanks all!
rafaelloaa said:
Hey all, I'm not sure if this is the correct forum, but here goes. I'm running the HTC M9 with VZW. This is my first Android, so I haven't rooted/unlocked/anything yet. I'm not even sure if I want to for the time being, since I don't currently have the time to troubleshoot any problems that might arise. Anyway, on to my question:
From what I have read, it seems VZW made HTC disable the FM radio, or at least didn't ship with the FM radio app. 3rd party apps like NextRadio don't work. I went and found an .apk for what I thought was the current version, but it doesn't work (as soon as I open it it crashes).
Is there either a stock APK, or a 3rd party app that will allow me to use the FM radio tuner, without rooting it? If not, what steps would I need to take to be able to use said app?
Again, my apologies for my ignorance in such matters. I'm fairly good with computers and even have some knowledge of troubleshooting Android devices, but I know absolutely zero about rooting/flashing/etc.
Many thanks all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello mate. You have chosen the correct forum.
I was comparing verizon HTC One M9 with International M9.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/vzw/...iceProdId=dev4120028&priceToggle=24#techspecs
http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_m9-6891.php.
If you see the specs, you'd find that Verizon has not listed radio at all. If it is verizon that is blocking the radio, it can be used through a mod/ root or using another app However, if it has not got a radio antenna inside, I'm afraid no amount of apps or mods would work.
Try this app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mikersmicros.fm_unlock
I hope this is enough. If you still got question, quote me and I'd be happy to help you out.
Mariborcan said:
Hello everyone!
I have a situation here ... I have quite massive battery drain from Google Play Services on my HTC One M9. I check with my gf Samsung Galaxy S6 and her G play services were about 1%. My were almost 50%... The only difference is I use LG G Watch R paired to my phone but I tried disconnecting it and still same... I use Google Fit and also tried disabling it but not much of a difference. There was about 10% less of drain when I put my location on battery save. But it is still over the ruff with that drain. My device is not rooted so I can't check battery wakes ... I kinda don't know what to do any more. Has any one had problem like this and how did you solve it?
I am thankful for any responses or ideas. (Sorry for bad English)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into Google play and uninstall updates. Do the same for google play services. Turn off google location services and keep location on low battery use (GPS only)
Read this guide as you'd be updating your apps manually. Make sure you note down version of google play services /google play. In case a new update comes, you can try and see if battery drain is fixed.
Quote me back with your results.
Guide
http://www.androidpit.com/how-to-disable-auto-intall-of-google-play-apps
parky169 said:
hi can anyone help me find a stock back up of three network rom or any back up that i can revert back to stock and enable ota as i want to sell my m9.i had a back up of my original image stored on my pc but due to hdd failure i can not access it.
any help is greatfully recieved.
i am s off with super cid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jamieunit said:
You can try a ruu, http://androidruu.com/?developer=M9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have made a giant thread for all information regarding STOCK backup/ reverting and more. Why don't you check the first three posts ?
xda23 said:
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it depends what you like to do with your phone. Do you root it as well or not.
I always like to root all my devices. Therefore, Titanium Backup is an app I can not live without.
SuperSu pro paid version is worth it for I like to support the developer who puts so much effort.
Mx Player Pro is also great for movies. BS Player is something I would recommend as well. I use both of them for videos
Next is Moon+Reader which is also great for reading books (PDF, EPUB, MOBI and lots of other files supported)
It is also wise to invest in OfficeSuite. It is also worth it.
CamScanner Pro is also worth it as you can scan documents from your phone!
I also like SD Maid Pro (root) to clear up cache / unused files.
Then , there are lots of games to play.
If you can tell me what kind of apps you are interested in, maybe I can shed some more light
onemanshow85 said:
Hey all, I got a few questions regarding installing a custom ROM
I just unlocked, flashed a custom recovery (TWRMP) and flash superuser.
1. Can't make a nandroid backup of the stock ROM, sais the backup size is 0 bytes, is this normal?
2. can't get into recovery the old fashion way (power + volume down), instead I use ADB. I fear when I try to flash and I get into bootloop for w/e reason, I can't get into recovery at all. How can I solve this?
3. is there a no sense ROM somewhere out there?
4. What is AROMA? is it a custom recovery?
thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the forum. Find all the guides in this forum in second post and I suggest you look at the first few posts as well.
1. No, 0 bytes is not normal at all
2. Sometimes, the normal keys do not work because a proper exploit has not been found till date and thus, they are using a work around for that. Give it time, a developer will soon come up with a proper fix.
3. yes, all roms based on AOSP and CM would be without HTC sense. Check in the development section of this device to see if there has been development. As for now, there have not been any but I am sure many would come up pretty soon. As a general rule, all roms based on stock usually come with Sense, while all custom roms based on CM/AOSP or themselves are Sense Free.
4. AROMA is basically a smart way to flash any recovery/kernel/ rom. Usually in Aroma, small details can be chosen to your likings (In case of kernel, you can select, its governors, mods, processor and GPU clockspeed, etc). So Aroma gives more choice over normal flash.
QUOTE ME BACK IN CASE YOU EXPECT A REPLY
Quadrider10 said:
I'm having this issue rite now, and reinstalling rom has not helped at all. What else can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a guide for all errors regarding Playstore. See if any of these help.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2733038
Are you using some kind of add blocker or apps which hack playstore ?
Have you tried downloading via data /another wifi.
I also suggest if you are rooted, go to device/etc and delete "hosts file" if clearing cache and data is not helping.
Sometimes removing your account and clearing data/cache and relogging in helps.
Quote me back if you still have a question
Hi!
I searched well but didn't found any information about this.
I want to unlock bootloader and S-OFF, but WITHOUT using HTCDev at all. I don't want that any info goes to them. Is there a method to do it at home without searching for people with "programmators" or "javacards"?
Do you know where the location of the screen off animation is please?
I don't mean the boot / shut down animation, i mean the animation which occurs when we lock the device, it used to be the CRT animation but it's been removed, what we have now is a fade animation, on the S6 this has been modified, i'd like to do the same with our M9's but i'm not sure of the location.
Cheers,
Evengard said:
Hi!
I searched well but didn't found any information about this.
I want to unlock bootloader and S-OFF, but WITHOUT using HTCDev at all. I don't want that any info goes to them. Is there a method to do it at home without searching for people with "programmators" or "javacards"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, actually unless a developer finds an exploit to S-OFF a device/ unlock bootloader without HTCDev, I do not think there is a way to do that. Currently I am not sure of any developer working on it and I am not much hopeful that someone would when it is already available officially.
In my experience, I have been using android for a long time now from 2009, unlocking a device does not make any difference . Every device I bought, I unlocked it using official tools provided by manufacturer and never regretted it.
Also, usually it is in terms that your warranty could be voided, however, usually first time you mess up your phone and take it for support, they warn you and reinstall the software for you. And mostly they do not give much damn about it. (That's how it happens in the UK)
dladz said:
Do you know where the location of the screen off animation is please?
I don't mean the boot / shut down animation, i mean the animation which occurs when we lock the device, it used to be the CRT animation but it's been removed, what we have now is a fade animation, on the S6 this has been modified, i'd like to do the same with our M9's but i'm not sure of the location.
Cheers,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I am not sure where it is exactly either. However, it could be that they have integrated in SystemUI or made an apk for individual effect.
If you are rooted, install any app by which you can see system apps, and look for any app that shows animation/effect/fade etc.
See if that helps, however , if it does not, I will research for you and get back but make sure you quote me ! Or you can use xposed to manually find/change the effect.
http://www.xda-developers.com/enable-custom-screen-on-and-off-animations-on-all-roms-with-xposed/
Good luck
Hnk1 said:
Actually I am not sure where it is exactly either. However, it could be that they have integrated in SystemUI or made an apk for individual effect.
If you are rooted, install any app by which you can see system apps, and look for any app that shows animation/effect/fade etc.
See if that helps, however , if it does not, I will research for you and get back but make sure you quote me ! Or you can use xposed to manually find/change the effect.
http://www.xda-developers.com/enable-custom-screen-on-and-off-animations-on-all-roms-with-xposed/
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers mate, i've actually went and installed an xposed module which enables this, i was trying to avoid that as I think xposed is a little heavy and is still an alpha build.
Will keep looking as i'd like to mod this myself without xposed.
PS: Haven't got any thanks left but will get you tomorrow cheers.
dladz said:
Cheers mate, i've actually went and installed an xposed module which enables this, i was trying to avoid that as I think xposed is a little heavy and is still an alpha build.
Will keep looking as i'd like to mod this myself without xposed.
PS: Haven't got any thanks left but will get you tomorrow cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't mention it mate. No trouble.
Glad I could be of help.
Ive see ROMs showing they need or require me to be on a certain firmware before using that ROM. How do I update the firmware? I thought that came with the ROM, as part of it. Some are requiring firmware I don't even see posted yet. If i were to install a firmware, will that change or wipe the current ROM? Also some require me to be s-off. I think, if read right, I need the $25 app to s-off? Correct? What is the reason to s-off? I've been running ROMs that don't require it, seem to work fine.
klloyd said:
Ive see ROMs showing they need or require me to be on a certain firmware before using that ROM. How do I update the firmware? I thought that came with the ROM, as part of it. Some are requiring firmware I don't even see posted yet. If i were to install a firmware, will that change or wipe the current ROM? Also some require me to be s-off. I think, if read right, I need the $25 app to s-off? Correct? What is the reason to s-off? I've been running ROMs that don't require it, seem to work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
honestly I am not sure of the $25 price for an app which is claiming to S off device.
If it is sunshine S off, I approve, else it could be a scam or the real thing.
I succesffully download the sunshine app for free but i didnot run it on my android so I am not sure!
There are few links you must see, how to unlock S for your device.
http://venomroms.com/sunshine-s-off-for-the-htc-one-m9-released/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKoWtOo5y8w
http://www.droidviews.com/s-off-htc-one-m9-using-sunshine-app/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=59838418&
As far as upgrading your STOCK ROM is concerned, Look at this guide. There are also some unofficial ways
http://www.htc.com/uk/support/htc-one-m9/howto/602178.html
S off is basically a lock on your device which prevents flashing custom Roms and modification to your device via scripts.
Quote me back if you still have a question
Hnk1 said:
honestly I am not sure of the $25 price for an app which is claiming to S off device. it could be a scam or could work, so I would be very careful about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Sunshine app is developed by a several XDA recognized developers. Read about it in the official thread. At the website they set up, they offer some information about themselves as well as some answers to frequently asked questions.
I haven't been around this device to speak knowledgeably about it's related hacks, but this seems legitimate.

Trying to keep root features without root. (Hotspot)

When going to Android 11 I'd like to keep my device unrooted.
The only things I want to keep is vanced (will install the version w/I magisk) and my Hotspot. I know there's some play store Hotspot apks but I can never get them to work.
Last update the build.prop edit no longer worked, but i found a zip that enabled it from XDA. Believe it needed to be flashed in magisk but not sure.
I intend to try and flash the 11 OTA and just remove -w, hoping I'll keep the Hotspot modification.
If it matters, my SO wanted me to get back into pokemon go and I can't play on a rooted device. Tried magisk hide but that didn't work.
Any advice would be appreciated, cheers.
AlPoo said:
When going to Android 11 I'd like to keep my device unrooted.
The only things I want to keep is vanced (will install the version w/I magisk) and my Hotspot. I know there's some play store Hotspot apks but I can never get them to work.
Last update the build.prop edit no longer worked, but i found a zip that enabled it from XDA. Believe it needed to be flashed in magisk but not sure.
I intend to try and flash the 11 OTA and just remove -w, hoping I'll keep the Hotspot modification.
If it matters, my SO wanted me to get back into pokemon go and I can't play on a rooted device. Tried magisk hide but that didn't work.
Any advice would be appreciated, cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't be able to keep any Magisk modifications without magisk. The way Magisk works is systemless so it needs to have the Magisk installed to mount the modules over the necessary directories. Also, for Pixels on Android Q and Android R you can't mount the system partitions to even modify them in the first place, so even if Magisk did directly modify the partitions they wouldn't work for devices with our logical partitions.
Pretty sure the way PoGo detects root is by searching for files/folders in your install storage called Magisk, twrp, or various other root names. So I'd suggest making sure those kinds of folders are cleaned out or renamed to something unrelated to root.
Also, Magisk doesn't support R yet so you won't be able to root yet even if you wanted to.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using XDA Labs
Skittles9823 said:
You won't be able to keep any Magisk modifications without magisk. The way Magisk works is systemless so it needs to have the Magisk installed to mount the modules over the necessary directories. Also, for Pixels on Android Q and Android R you can't mount the system partitions to even modify them in the first place, so even if Magisk did directly modify the partitions they wouldn't work for devices with our logical partitions.
Pretty sure the way PoGo detects root is by searching for files/folders in your install storage called Magisk, twrp, or various other root names. So I'd suggest making sure those kinds of folders are cleaned out or renamed to something unrelated to root.
Also, Magisk doesn't support R yet so you won't be able to root yet even if you wanted to.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah. So maybe I should keep the -w in the OTA to make sure to clean out some folder/files.
Didnt know R wasn't supported yet, kinda figured it wouldn't be since it just came out, but thanks for saving the hassle of finding out the hard way.
I've read going through threads here and saw that some people had lost root but kept some modifications after updating. Hoped that would have worked or there'd be able way without root out there that I was unaware of.
Anyway, thanks for the response!
AlPoo said:
Ah. So maybe I should keep the -w in the OTA to make sure to clean out some folder/files.
Didnt know R wasn't supported yet, kinda figured it wouldn't be since it just came out, but thanks for saving the hassle of finding out the hard way.
I've read going through threads here and saw that some people had lost root but kept some modifications after updating. Hoped that would have worked or there'd be able way without root out there that I was unaware of.
Anyway, thanks for the response!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I just installed PoGo real quick after checking my internal storage and renaming any file/folder with Magisk in the name to remove Magisk, and with Magisk hidden with a random package name and app name and PoGo hidden in magisk hide I was able to successfully log in without it detecting anything. So if you do wish to have modifications once Magisk supports R just make sure to keep an eye on your files/folder names and you should be all good :good:
As for the threads you've been reading, that's definitely curious. Do you know if they were pixel users? Or just people using a GSI or something?
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using XDA Labs
AlPoo said:
Ah. So maybe I should keep the -w in the OTA to make sure to clean out some folder/files.
Didnt know R wasn't supported yet, kinda figured it wouldn't be since it just came out, but thanks for saving the hassle of finding out the hard way.
I've read going through threads here and saw that some people had lost root but kept some modifications after updating. Hoped that would have worked or there'd be able way without root out there that I was unaware of.
Anyway, thanks for the response!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTA will not wipe your phone. I updated this way last night from Q, not rooted.
Just realize that the Android 11 developer release is not designed to be run as a "daily driver". It's a first alpha release and it is going to be full of bugs and incompatibilities.
There is zero reason to install this on anything but a spare phone that you develop on.
sic0048 said:
Just realize that the Android 11 developer release is not designed to be run as a "daily driver". It's a first alpha release and it is going to be full of bugs and incompatibilities.
There is zero reason to install this on anything but a spare phone that you develop on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
24 hours in. Absolutely zero issues so far.
poncespr said:
24 hours in. Absolutely zero issues so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the progress report....
My comment was directed mainly at the OP. Somehow I don't think he is Google's target audience for the developer build and I am afraid he will be the type that complains or begs for help when things don't work right.
That being said, I am also surprised that the release is running so well......
sic0048 said:
Thanks for the progress report....
My comment was directed mainly at the OP. Somehow I don't think he is Google's target audience for the developer build and I am afraid he will be the type that complains or begs for help when things don't work right.
That being said, I am also surprised that the release is running so well......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No disrespect. Just commenting on my experience.
I am also surprised. Only weird thing was asking to register my sim. I'm guessing it was looking for an esim. Other than that, not a single force close or slow down. But to be honest it doesn't look like a big update as the version number suggest. Feels more like a little spit and polish. Like this should be Android Q 10.1.
I myself gave up rooting. The only two reasons I was rooting were adaway and viper.
poncespr said:
.But to be honest it doesn't look like a big update as the version number suggest. Feels more like a little spit and polish. Like this should be Android Q 10.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As with most major android updates since Oreo. Most visible changes now are slight UI revisions and some new features.
However, there are a load of under the hood changes being made. Some for the better, some for the worse.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using XDA Labs
Not to thread hijack, (which is what i am going to do anyway, but being POLITE about it ?), can anyone point me to a Hotspot solution for Sprint, without root? All the other various methods/tricks i used in the past that worked, like manually editing the LTE APN etc, just aren't working on this 3aXL.

Unrooting S20 Plus

Hi all
Hope this is the correct area...
My hubby bought me a S20 plus for my birthday through a local dealer.
I noticed a few issues like not being able to use biometrics or install certain apps.
I've since found out the phone has been rooted.
I've tried to do a factory reset, but this hasn't helped.
I've downloaded root checker and it confirms the phone is rooted. I've downloaded SuperSU yet is won't work as ver 2.82 claims it's for an older Version of Android.
I've downloaded solid explorer to delete the root access files such as Busybox and SU however I cannot find these files in the system folder or the system/bin folder.
Can anyone advise on how I can unroot my phone? I am unable to install certain needed apps due to this.
Phone details below. Sorry am unable to upload pics.
UI Version = 1
Android Version = 10
Let me know if other info is needed.
I've even tried calling the Samsung Center and they are unable to assist...
Thanks all
Lee
Lee KZN said:
Hi all
Hope this is the correct area...
My hubby bought me a S20 plus for my birthday through a local dealer.
I noticed a few issues like not being able to use biometrics or install certain apps.
I've since found out the phone has been rooted.
I've tried to do a factory reset, but this hasn't helped.
I've downloaded root checker and it confirms the phone is rooted. I've downloaded SuperSU yet is won't work as ver 2.82 claims it's for an older Version of Android.
I've downloaded solid explorer to delete the root access files such as Busybox and SU however I cannot find these files in the system folder or the system/bin folder.
Can anyone advise on how I can unroot my phone? I am unable to install certain needed apps due to this.
Phone details below. Sorry am unable to upload pics.
UI Version = 1
Android Version = 10
Let me know if other info is needed.
I've even tried calling the Samsung Center and they are unable to assist...
Thanks all
Lee
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will need to get hold of the stock firmware from somewhere like Sammobile and flash back to stock using ODIN. There's tons of guides knocking about on here for the step by step. The damage is done though as far as any Knox related features go, it's like a fuse that blows when you root and you can never fix that.
Having said that, biometrics should have never been affected by rooting so that's a bit unusual. Flash stock and set up from scratch then go from there, could be faulty also
Thanks for the guidance Dave. I'll search the forums for the steps.
For clarity, when I say biometrics didn't work, it works allow me to record etc, but when I tried to enable it, like on my banking app, it wouldn't allow me. This is how I eventually figured out my phone was rooted. While I know the benefits of being rooted, a normal everyday user like myself, certainly won't benefit from it.
I've had a Samsung my entire life, and always saw the secured by knox logo... When you say damage has been done, does this mean that all my security in the device, such as my banking details etc, may be compromised?
Jees. I hope not. As this would really freak me out...
Ok so Finding the firmware wasn't to difficult. Sanmobile quite easy to navigate.
Just a query please... My phone base band version lists g985fxxu1atb2 however the closest I could find to this is G985FXXU1ATBM
Is this ok or does it have to be the exact same description?
Shoo. Lol. Really hope I'm going to be able to get this right **insert nervous smile emoticon here**
Lee KZN said:
Ok so Finding the firmware wasn't to difficult. Sanmobile quite easy to navigate.
Just a query please... My phone base band version lists g985fxxu1atb2 however the closest I could find to this is G985FXXU1ATBM
Is this ok or does it have to be the exact same description?
Shoo. Lol. Really hope I'm going to be able to get this right **insert nervous smile emoticon here**
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last letters are the region/operator of the Rom. Not necessarily has to be the exact description, the really important are the first that indicate model number.
Ok. So have downloaded Odin and am busy downloading the flash firmware.
May I please be so bold as to ask someone on here to please share a link tot he step by step guide that I will need to follow in order to flash my phone back to the original boot thingie :silly::silly::silly:
I have tried to search but seem to only come up with a nexus thread with no mention of Odin.
~Sorry to ask, but little overwhelmed LOL and want to make sure I do this properly and not screw up my phone.
REAL noob here, so apologies if I come across lazy and getting others to do the work, but am really grateful for the help.
Maybe I'm searching incorrectly???
I found this somehow....
Is this it?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s20/how-to/howto-root-s20-series-upgrade-firmware-t4079353
**fingers crossed**
Can you unlock your phone with biometrics? Im guessing only the banking apps don't work because it's rooted. If i remember correctly most banking apps and maybe Google pay(not sure about that) stop working after rooting because the phone is "compromised" and it's not safe. You have to hide your root status from these apps and they will work properly then. Maybe someone else can help you with that because i do not remember how to do it.
Hi Marto
Yes, biometrics does work, although not really good. But that's probably due to the hectic screen protector.
Correctly so, it's mostly the banking / payment apps that won't work, and I can't check or download any software updates... Although I belive this can also be done manually....
But wow, there's an app that hides the root status? That might be a whole lot easier than re flashing. Truthfully I'm Sh!tting myself at the thought of attempting this ????
Hi Marto
Yes, biometrics does work, although not really good. But that's probably due to the hectic screen protector.
Correctly so, it's mostly the banking / payment apps that won't work, and I can't check or download any software updates... Although I belive this can also be done manually....
But wow, there's an app that hides the root status? That might be a whole lot easier than re flashing. Truthfully I'm Sh!tting myself at the thought of attempting this ????
if the phone was bought as new, go back to the dealer and demand a new one that is not rooted.
could also be that your husband rooted the phone and installed software that keep tabs on what you do.

Question Struggling to root...

Hey all,
Hope someone can offer an insight here...
I've successfully managed to unlock the bootloader and at one point had rooted the October firmware, but I can't work out how to root the latest Nov firmware. I see a few sets of instructions but I'm struggling here...
I'm currently back on stock and so unsure how to update to the latest system update and then root that?
If someone could lead me to some detailed instructions I (and I'm sure many others!) would be highly grateful!
I'm a senior engineer, PC user since Windows 3.11, owned and rooted numerous Android phones over the years, wrote computer programs both for Big Data cloud solutions as well as embedded software for microcontrollers AND xdadevelopers tutorials still baffle me to this day. Unfortunately the way to comprehend what's going on is to:
a) lurk on multiple threads and try to piece it together
b) wait for somebody like you to create a simple step-by-step tutorial that doesn't assume high-degree of inside knowledge
Good luck. I'm receiving my Pixel 6 Pro so I'm in the same situation as you.
cd993 said:
Hey all,
Hope someone can offer an insight here...
I've successfully managed to unlock the bootloader and at one point had rooted the October firmware, but I can't work out how to root the latest Nov firmware. I see a few sets of instructions but I'm struggling here...
I'm currently back on stock and so unsure how to update to the latest system update and then root that?
If someone could lead me to some detailed instructions I (and I'm sure many others!) would be highly grateful!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guide for flashing Safetynet is a bit more foolproof now. For being rooted on Nov firmware, you would need to OTA to the .036 build first and use the unofficial user uploaded boot.img and vbmeta.img mentioned in my post.
Otherwise, you can root on .015 and wait for the .036 factory images to be uploaded, and wait until we work out how to update without wiping.
Working SafetyNet with Pixel 6 Pro Android 12
This is no longer using an Unofficial Magisk app, it's the official Canary and USNF 2.2.0 1. Download the latest Magisk Canary build 2. Patch the boot.img from the Factory Images in Magisk, you'll also need the vbmeta.img if you aren't already...
forum.xda-developers.com
RushPL said:
I'm a senior engineer, PC user since Windows 3.11, owned and rooted numerous Android phones over the years, wrote computer programs both for Big Data cloud solutions as well as embedded software for microcontrollers AND xdadevelopers tutorials still baffle me to this day. Unfortunately the way to comprehend what's going on is to:
a) lurk on multiple threads and try to piece it together
b) wait for somebody like you to create a simple step-by-step tutorial that doesn't assume high-degree of inside knowledge
Good luck. I'm receiving my Pixel 6 Pro so I'm in the same situation as you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly, that's the way XDA developed in the most recent years. A lot of developers have become "impatient", they rarely tolerate questions (which they consider unnecessary for reasons of their own) or consider everything that is not in their concise jargon offtopic and either ignore, flame or delete those.
The basics are not explained anymore, they expect everyone to work naturally with the tools at hand, most often or not "small" steps are left out (like clicking on something, or changing a menu), or they refer to "go look at that guide" - only then - that guide tells you (aswell) "for step 3, go look at that guide", because "everyone should know" - that way the rooting community is quite small and elitist; and it's hard for outsiders to come in (and potentially add something to the pool of stuff) simply because it's not a pleasant experience to "dive" into the world of Android customization. It's a sad development and only very few seem to be intend on breaking it.
Then we also have the problem of manufacturers trying to make this communities life harder, just take a look at Google and the constant war to have safetynet NOT trip, to give people the chance to use banking apps or GPay. It's a constant struggle and many "guides" get out of date pretty quickly - and most often or not, those are not kept up to date, or getting demolished by a mod team, so that also adds to the whole confusion, when people try to work with guides / community fixes that won't even work anymore.
cd993 said:
Hey all,
Hope someone can offer an insight here...
I've successfully managed to unlock the bootloader and at one point had rooted the October firmware, but I can't work out how to root the latest Nov firmware. I see a few sets of instructions but I'm struggling here...
I'm currently back on stock and so unsure how to update to the latest system update and then root that?
If someone could lead me to some detailed instructions I (and I'm sure many others!) would be highly grateful!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...irmware-sd1a-210817-036.4353807/post-85857811
I followed the instruction from this post to restore my P6P to preinstalled October firmware, then updated with November firmware OTA, then unlocked bootloader and root again. My phone works much better now.
I made a mistake of flashing the vbmeta and boot imgs of October firmware for rooting after updating November firmware OTA. I experienced some strange issues with my phone until I restored it with Official Google Android Flash Tool and start the whole rooting process again with the correct version of vbmeta and boot imgs.
Pekempy said:
My guide for flashing Safetynet is a bit more foolproof now. For being rooted on Nov firmware, you would need to OTA to the .036 build first and use the unofficial user uploaded boot.img and vbmeta.img mentioned in my post.
Otherwise, you can root on .015 and wait for the .036 factory images to be uploaded, and wait until we work out how to update without wiping.
Working SafetyNet with Pixel 6 Pro Android 12
This is no longer using an Unofficial Magisk app, it's the official Canary and USNF 2.2.0 1. Download the latest Magisk Canary build 2. Patch the boot.img from the Factory Images in Magisk, you'll also need the vbmeta.img if you aren't already...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for helping the poor newbies! With your updates I think I can comprehend what's going on. What's changed from my experience with rooting One Plus 6 is that I never had to patch boot images on the phone itself and this "vbmeta" is completely new to me as well.
Can I buy you a coffee via some donation?
RushPL said:
Thank you so much for helping the poor newbies! With your updates I think I can comprehend what's going on. What's changed from my experience with rooting One Plus 6 is that I never had to patch boot images on the phone itself and this "vbmeta" is completely new to me as well.
Can I buy you a coffee via some donation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need but thank you for offering.
The vbmeta is also new to me. I want to be clear, I've mostly compiled others' instructions (credited in the post) with my own experience, and tried to make it as easy to follow as I can
I was able to root successfully with working Safety Net! Thank you @Pekempy

Categories

Resources