Custom ROM questions (no Google Apps) - Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers

Hey, all! I am very new here, although I always use this forum as reference, including for my previous smartphones: Xpera Z3 Dual and Galaxy S3.
But now I have a Pixel 2 XL (taimen) with the latest stock ROM (February 9, 2019 Android 9 Pie). I want a Custom ROM with no Google apps included whatsoever, could somebody help me out and give some directions? I have spent hours trying to flash a CarbonROM with no success. I don't want root, I just don't want Google Apps. A few questions:
- Is unlocking the bootloader mandatory to flash any Custom ROM?
- If I am on Android 9 Pie and the custom ROM is based on 8 Oreo, is it mandatory to flash the Oreo factory image from Google? If so, can I do it by simply using the OTA sideloading? I couldn't flash with the fastboot script.
- Is TWRP mandatory in this case? Is root mandatory?
I am really thankful for this community and appreciate any help you can give me.

abbluiz said:
- Is unlocking the bootloader mandatory to flash any Custom ROM?
- If I am on Android 9 Pie and the custom ROM is based on 8 Oreo, is it mandatory to flash the Oreo factory image from Google? If so, can I do it by simply using the OTA sideloading? I couldn't flash with the fastboot script.
- Is TWRP mandatory in this case? Is root mandatory?
I am really thankful for this community and appreciate any help you can give me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Yes
- Yes; No
- Yes, for flashing custom rom. Root is not mandatory.

Related

Need step by step guide to flash pixel experience rom

I am new to this device and I want to flash pixel experience rom,
Bootloader is not unlocked, I need step by step guide to flash pixel experience rom (if possible with links)
Dextor69 said:
I am new to this device and I want to flash pixel experience rom,
Bootloader is not unlocked, I need step by step guide to flash pixel experience rom (if possible with links)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am trying to list the steps. I may have missed some, so wait for others to reply also.
Installing Chinese ZUI 3.5.xx and then OTA to latest build (for getting latest baseband)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lenovo-zuk-z2/how-to/rom-zui-3-5-243st-z2-plus-z2-t3745636
Unlocking bootloader plus installing TWRP:- https://forum.xda-developers.com/lenovo-zuk-z2/how-to/z2-z2-plus-bootloader-unlock-twrp-t3615283
Treble ROM vs Non Treble ROM process (depending on ROM type you need to format your phone and TWRP selection)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lenovo-zuk-z2/how-to/z2plus-treble-roms-flashing-reverting-t3778287
Pixel is a full treble ROM with latest release!!
Last, the easiest part, downloading the PE ROM flashing/installing via TWRP
NaXal said:
I am trying to list the steps. I may have missed some, so wait for others to reply also.
Installing Chinese ZUI 3.5.xx and then OTA to latest build (for getting latest baseband)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lenovo-zuk-z2/how-to/rom-zui-3-5-243st-z2-plus-z2-t3745636
Unlocking bootloader plus installing TWRP:- https://forum.xda-developers.com/lenovo-zuk-z2/how-to/z2-z2-plus-bootloader-unlock-twrp-t3615283
Treble ROM vs Non Treble ROM process (depending on ROM type you need to format your phone and TWRP selection)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lenovo-zuk-z2/how-to/z2plus-treble-roms-flashing-reverting-t3778287
Pixel is a full treble ROM with latest release!!
Last, the easiest part, downloading the PE ROM flashing/installing via TWRP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Somehow i managed to flash jaguar rom,will soon flash pixel exp after update

[newbie] Few questions before going full custom

Hello!
I currently have completely stock and BL locked M1803E7SG 3/32, on MIUI 10.3.1.0 Stable Pie.
Tomorrow is my big day, timer in MIUI unlocker will finaly allow me to completely mod my device.
I did some modding a long time ago on Xperia X10/Xperia Play (old 2.3.3 Gingerbread times), but many things changed nowadays, so I have few questions:
1) Firmware - is it something like low-level SoC driver pack included in official releases? Back in a day nothing like that was updated/changed. I have latest stable Pie so that point shouldn't be a problem beacuse I will flash Pie FW compatible ROM, just want to confirm my understanding there.
2) ARB - as far as I'm concerned, this thing has no meaning if I'll flash Pie AOSP ROM over stock Pie MIUI right?
3) Kernels - again, back in a day kernels were completely separate from ROMs itself, do modern ROMs require kernel flash when going from official MIUI to AOSP-based ROM? Or is AOSP-compatible kernel already included in ROM .zip?
I want to use this one:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-5-pro/development/rom-cosp-t3891988
Another thing about kernels, I want to use latest PureCAF, do i need to flash it before ROM .zip or after?
So my path should be like that:
Official MIUI Pie + stock kernel + locked BL
1. Unlock BL via official Xiaomi tool
2. Flash latest TWRP thru fastboot, boot into it, flash Lazyflasher thru TWRP
3. Perform a wipe (dalvik, system, cache, data)
4. Flash ROM .zip thru TWRP, flash Gapps.
5. Flash PureCaf .zip thru TWRP again
6. Reboot into clean&fast new phone?
Oxynium said:
Hello!
I currently have completely stock and BL locked M1803E7SG 3/32, on MIUI 10.3.1.0 Stable Pie.
Tomorrow is my big day, timer in MIUI unlocker will finaly allow me to completely mod my device.
I did some modding a long time ago on Xperia X10/Xperia Play (old 2.3.3 Gingerbread times), but many things changed nowadays, so I have few questions:
1) Firmware - is it something like low-level SoC driver pack included in official releases? Back in a day nothing like that was updated/changed. I have latest stable Pie so that point shouldn't be a problem beacuse I will flash Pie FW compatible ROM, just want to confirm my understanding there.
2) ARB - as far as I'm concerned, this thing has no meaning if I'll flash Pie AOSP ROM over stock Pie MIUI right?
3) Kernels - again, back in a day kernels were completely separate from ROMs itself, do modern ROMs require kernel flash when going from official MIUI to AOSP-based ROM? Or is AOSP-compatible kernel already included in ROM .zip?
I want to use this one:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-5-pro/development/rom-cosp-t3891988
Another thing about kernels, I want to use latest PureCAF, do i need to flash it before ROM .zip or after?
So my path should be like that:
Official MIUI Pie + stock kernel + locked BL
1. Unlock BL via official Xiaomi tool
2. Flash latest TWRP thru fastboot, boot into it, flash Lazyflasher thru TWRP
3. Perform a wipe (dalvik, system, cache, data)
4. Flash ROM .zip thru TWRP, flash Gapps.
5. Flash PureCaf .zip thru TWRP again
6. Reboot into clean&fast new phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Don't care about that driver, the only thing you need to pay attention is the rom based on oreo or pie fw. The other thing you need to know is if the custom recovery compatible with pie fw or not, i recommend latest OrangeFox R10 RC3.1 as it's unified for both oreo and pie fw.
2. ARB has almost no meaning now, old arb3 fw is just too outdated and not recommended to use as lots of roms now moving on to pie fw which makes this even more meaningless now.
3. No, compatible kernel is now included in the rom zip itself, although you can choose to flash another custom kernel based on your taste for better performance or battery backup, noted that some kernel only supports aosp, some only for miui, some for both and some only supports pie/oreo fw.
4. Your step is right, but you'll need to flash dummy.img (just google whyred dummy.img) before you can flash other in fastboot, Orangefox doesn't require lazyflasher, TWRP does. For Gapps, read careful if the rom already includes it or not (Pixel Experience for example), miui based like xiaomi.eu doesn't need it too, custom kernel is flashed after rom.
sushuguru said:
1. Don't care about that driver, the only thing you need to pay attention is the rom based on oreo or pie fw. The other thing you need to know is if the custom recovery compatible with pie fw or not, i recommend latest OrangeFox R10 RC3.1 as it's unified for both oreo and pie fw.
2. ARB has almost no meaning now, old arb3 fw is just too outdated and not recommended to use as lots of roms now moving on to pie fw which makes this even more meaningless now.
3. No, compatible kernel is now included in the rom zip itself, although you can choose to flash another custom kernel based on your taste for better performance or battery backup, noted that some kernel only supports aosp, some only for miui, some for both and some only supports pie/oreo fw.
4. Your step is right, but you'll need to flash dummy.img (just google whyred dummy.img) before you can flash other in fastboot, Orangefox doesn't require lazyflasher, TWRP does. For Gapps, read careful if the rom already includes it or not (Pixel Experience for example), miui based like xiaomi.eu doesn't need it too, custom kernel is flashed after rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi where can I download the RC10 version of orangefox? Looking in the development thread, the source forge page has RC9 as the latest.
Sent from my Redmi Note 5 using Tapatalk
gsmyth said:
Hi where can I download the RC10 version of orangefox? Looking in the development thread, the source forge page has RC9 as the latest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://files.orangefox.website/OrangeFox Beta/whyred/
sushuguru said:
https://files.orangefox.website/OrangeFox Beta/whyred/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Can you please guide me as well? I'm on same boat as OP.
I have to unlock BL and install custom ROM. I'm on MIUI 10.0.6.0 Oreo (Indian whyred).
I can just follow this thread right?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-5-pro/how-to/one-xiaomi-redmi-note-5-whyred-unlock-t3778049
And I want to install Pixel Experience ROM. And what's about this fw-less ROM!
So, for PE Pie ROM, I just install the other recovery (Orangefox) instead of twrp. Everything else is same right.
1. Unlock BL from the main thread
2.Install Orangefox recovery
3.Flash ROM
Thanks

Stock Android 10, I want to flash HavocOS 3.6 GSI with Android 10

Hello there, I have a fully-compatible treble Motorola One Action (not rooted, no twrp, bootloader was not unlocked[yet])
I was wondering, can I flash a GSI ROM with Android 10, having already Android 10?
Looked on Android Devs site, no answer for this question.
I have to mention that my device has AB partitions.
Please help me!
AlphaCoder64 said:
Hello there, I have a fully-compatible treble Motorola One Action (not rooted, no twrp, bootloader was not unlocked[yet])
I was wondering, can I flash a GSI ROM with Android 10, having already Android 10?
Looked on Android Devs site, no answer for this question.
I have to mention that my device has AB partitions.
Please help me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Project Treble is independent from the android version as long as your device comes with minimum Android 8 out of the box (cause with Android 8 Project Treble was introduced).
Of course your current Stock will be replaced. And you need a unlocked bootloader to boot a GSI (which probably will lead to a wipe of your data so backup it first).
AlphaCoder64 said:
Hello there, I have a fully-compatible treble Motorola One Action (not rooted, no twrp, bootloader was not unlocked[yet])
I was wondering, can I flash a GSI ROM with Android 10, having already Android 10?
Looked on Android Devs site, no answer for this question.
I have to mention that my device has AB partitions.
Please help me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding to the post by the other user, it's VERY recommended to:
Install Twrp (whatever is latest)
Use Twrp to flash "permissiver v4 or v5" (Google it )

Redmi Note 8 Custom Firmware Beginner Question

Hey dear xda-dev people,
i have bought a used redmi note 8 pro. And because i want a safe and secure smartphone i would appreciate it that the OS has no google software on it. I read that theres only an unofficial lineage os which is currently not updated anymore. What else custom firmwares are safe, do regulary get updated and doesn't have any google tools? I thought about crDroid.
How do I install custom firmwares and stuff? I'm not a complete beginner - i know adb fastboot etc. but I read that there should be a special situation with the Redmi note 8 pro. I just enabled the dev mode. My device has 128 gb and is actually running on global MIUI-Version 12.0.2. Stabil. The android version is 10QP1A.190711.020.
Can you please help me and spread your knowledge?
Greets,
newbie922
Seems you didn't even search for it...
Here is a full guide. Flash TWRP > Do a full backup > Install any ROM you want, you can find some of the ROMs here.
I searched for it but i was pretty unsure because i read that a brick can happen very easily with this phone. thanks a lot for your answer!
The phone is now succesfully unlocked. Is the
"5. LR Team TWRP" really the correct twrp for my actual android (10QP1A.190711.020) and miui version (Version 12.0.2). Stabil.
Then I will try to flash it and report. Should I Install something like an antibricktool first?
@newbie922 Do you want to install CFW or nom-CFW custom ROM?
I want to install a cfw without google apps. Also a non cfw with no google apps would be great!
Do you have something which you can recommend? Regulary updates would be cool.
newbie922 said:
cfw without google apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Resurrection Remix (latest build requires CFW 2.1)
newbie922 said:
Also a non cfw with no google apps would be great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mabye Havoc OS?
That sounds good. I already read about this both firmwares. But question now is if it's safe to install the LR Team TWRP with my actual android and MIUI-Version. After i succesfully installed twrp I can install the resurrection remix or the havoc os?
Data Encryption is still possible with both of the firmwares?
newbie922 said:
After i succesfully installed twrp I can install the resurrection remix or the havoc os?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For Resurrection Remix - follow method #1 from Megathread https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/guide-info-psa-redmi-note-8-pro-megathread-cfw.4056527/
For non-CFW ROM - first of all - install TWRP 3.5.1 Unified.
So you mean this twrp for example? https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-black-twrp-3-5-1-v2-unified-begonia.4241633/
Concerning the megathread it's not possible to just install a cfw afterwards by flashing it? I have to downgrade to A9 etc. etc.
newbie922 said:
So you mean this twrp for example? https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-black-twrp-3-5-1-v2-unified-begonia.4241633/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For example.
Here's official TWRP for Note 8 Pro
Download TWRP for begonia
Download TWRP Open Recovery for begonia
eu.dl.twrp.me
newbie922 said:
I have to downgrade to A9 etc. etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, get yourself down to business

Question Downgrade?

Hello, am new to pixel device... My previous device was Xiaomi Mi 11 , my device carne with A13 !my question is there any way to downgrade to A12 I want to flash derfest A12 my fav ROM .. thx in advance
Hello, welcome to Pixel land.
First, in order to flash a factory image, you'd have to unlock your bootloader. If you don't know already, click the yellow How To Guide quick filter at the top of the list of threads in this section and you'll find 3-4 threads that tell how. I also have a link in my signature below - you can use the link for the Pixel 7 Pro - the instructions to unlock the bootloader are the same, and the OP of my Pixel 7 Pro thread is much better organized than my one for the Pixel 6 Pro, in my opinion.
After that, the only way you can downgrade (and have everything working, and not brick your phone is to use one of the two Android 12 Developer Support images for Pixel. There's an Android 12.0 build from February and an Android 12.1 build from July. They will never receive updates, however.
You can always manually flash a Pixel 6 Pro stable Factory Image to re-upgrade at a later date, or use the Official Google Android Flash Tool (OEM Unlocking needs to be toggled on - you may not have to manually unlock the bootloader - the "site" will do that on its own) to re-upgrade.
Any of the stable Android 12 builds at that factory image link should not be flashed because the Android 13 bootloader cannot be downgraded to an Android 12 bootloader, and if you flash everything from 12 Stable but the bootloader, it'll appear to work at first, but it truly won't work correctly - it will not be useable.
If you unlock the bootloader, you should also make sure the Android 13 bootloader is flashed to your inactive slot as well, to avoid the possibility of accidentally bricking your new phone.
Thanks for the fast reply sir much appreciated .. I got the idea ... My device stock unlocked and rooted .. now my question is if I flashed the July A12.1 developer ... Can I flash custom ROM based on A12.1 like derpfest etc ... Sorry I mixed up things here little harder than xiaomi
Antidote03 said:
Thanks for the fast reply sir much appreciated .. I got the idea ... My device stock unlocked and rooted .. now my question is if I flashed the July A12.1 developer ... Can I flash custom ROM based on A12.1 like derpfest etc ... Sorry I mixed up things here little harder than xiaomi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome. I don't fool around with custom ROMs except on my 6-year-old or more phones, so I can't answer that question. Part of the best things about having Pixels is the software features Google starts off exclusively on the Pixel stock ROMs.

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