New to the Moto Z2 play, moved to this from a Z2 force on Verizon after the shattershield started peeling. Anyway, there seems to be a lot of conflicting information here, and i'm struggling to actually nail down the process for root. My bootloader is already unlocked, however between several different versions of TWRP, Retus based phones vs Albus, ability to unroot and update if the system is modified, rooting with or without disabling encryption, countless different variants with different procedures, etc. i'm a little overwhelmed. Can anyone point me in the right direction of rooting my device (hopefully) WITHOUT losing all my data?
StATicxTW0T said:
New to the Moto Z2 play, moved to this from a Z2 force on Verizon after the shattershield started peeling. Anyway, there seems to be a lot of conflicting information here, and i'm struggling to actually nail down the process for root. My bootloader is already unlocked, however between several different versions of TWRP, Retus based phones vs Albus, ability to unroot and update if the system is modified, rooting with or without disabling encryption, countless different variants with different procedures, etc. i'm a little overwhelmed. Can anyone point me in the right direction of rooting my device (hopefully) WITHOUT losing all my data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm about to buy the unlocked Moto Z2 Play from the Moto site (64GB variant... not sure of the model number) but have you checked out these threads?...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75098899&postcount=40
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z2-play/how-to/guide-resource-help-thread-t3627615/page3
allstar21369 said:
I'm about to buy the unlocked Moto Z2 Play from the Moto site (64GB variant... not sure of the model number) but have you checked out these threads?...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75098899&postcount=40
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z2-play/how-to/guide-resource-help-thread-t3627615/page3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did but they involve disabling encryption, which means having to wipe data everytime an update rolls around.
For those that see this in the future, I followed this guide, but used Magisk 13.3 and have working root, without having to wipe my data (bootloader already unlocked) https://gist.github.com/eexit/e6d5fc0984e1c7f25376d3dafa819792
StATicxTW0T said:
I did but they involve disabling encryption, which means having to wipe data everytime an update rolls around.
For those that see this in the future, I followed this guide, but used Magisk 13.3 and have working root, without having to wipe my data (bootloader already unlocked) https://gist.github.com/eexit/e6d5fc0984e1c7f25376d3dafa819792
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a rooted XT1710-01, also. If you are going to install Xposed and Gravity Box, I recommend not updating Magisk, above v14. After v15 and now v16, I have had issues with Automate It app and Tasker rules not working, until I uninstalled Xposed.
Downgrading Magisk versions requires flashing your stock ROM and basically starting over.
Motorola has not posted firmware for this model.
StATicxTW0T said:
I did but they involve disabling encryption, which means having to wipe data everytime an update rolls around.
For those that see this in the future, I followed this guide, but used Magisk 13.3 and have working root, without having to wipe my data (bootloader already unlocked) https://gist.github.com/eexit/e6d5fc0984e1c7f25376d3dafa819792
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So glad to see someone have it working and with a clear guide. I'm going to buy the phone this week.
StATicxTW0T said:
I did but they involve disabling encryption, which means having to wipe data everytime an update rolls around.
For those that see this in the future, I followed this guide, but used Magisk 13.3 and have working root, without having to wipe my data (bootloader already unlocked) https://gist.github.com/eexit/e6d5fc0984e1c7f25376d3dafa819792
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just wanted to let everyone know that the guide posted in that post worked for me perfectly. I had an XT1710-01 that I had unlocked the bootloader before but stopped there. Then I finally wanted to root it, and ran into everything the OP ran into - just so many different guides and versions of TWRP/Magisk not working with the Z2 Play, it was hard to nail down the exact versions of everything I needed and make sure I didn't flash an incompatible version or something. I found that same guide a few days ago as well but never did it until today, and can confirm it works. I already had my bootloader unlocked and just did the rooting portion and all my data was saved (but I wasn't too worried about my data honestly, it's all backed up anyway).
And a special thanks to OP for coming back and posting his solution. Nothing is more frustrating than searching for a problem online, finding a hit on your exact problem in a thread that was posted years ago, and then no solution is ever posted in that thread. So good job. :good:
Johmama said:
I just wanted to let everyone know that the guide posted in that post worked for me perfectly. I had an XT1710-01 that I had unlocked the bootloader before but stopped there. Then I finally wanted to root it, and ran into everything the OP ran into - just so many different guides and versions of TWRP/Magisk not working with the Z2 Play, it was hard to nail down the exact versions of everything I needed and make sure I didn't flash an incompatible version or something. I found that same guide a few days ago as well but never did it until today, and can confirm it works. I already had my bootloader unlocked and just did the rooting portion and all my data was saved (but I wasn't too worried about my data honestly, it's all backed up anyway).
And a special thanks to OP for coming back and posting his solution. Nothing is more frustrating than searching for a problem online, finding a hit on your exact problem in a thread that was posted years ago, and then no solution is ever posted in that thread. So good job. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just received my Z2 Play, unlocked the bootloader, and am about to flash the custom TWRP (albus_twrp.img) posted in the guide linked above... but the guide never says to "flash" TWRP, it just says to "boot" with TWRP and also "Enter your FBE password: it must work! (turn off screen and turn it back on if not responsive)"...
I'm not 100% sure what to do here. Should I boot TWRP first, do a full backup and then flash TWRP? I don't want to wipe it.
And what is this FBE (File-Based Encryption) password? I've never set one and don't want everything encrypted.
allstar21369 said:
I just received my Z2 Play, unlocked the bootloader, and am about to flash the custom TWRP (albus_twrp.img) posted in the guide linked above... but the guide never says to "flash" TWRP, it just says to "boot" with TWRP and also "Enter your FBE password: it must work! (turn off screen and turn it back on if not responsive)"...
I'm not 100% sure what to do here. Should I boot TWRP first, do a full backup and then flash TWRP? I don't want to wipe it.
And what is this FBE (File-Based Encryption) password? I've never set one and don't want everything encrypted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't flash TWRP on my phone. I think I tried it once and it failed for some reason, so I just followed the guide of booting into TWRP, backing up my phone, and pulling the backup. Should be okay for what I need, in case of a failure I will have a backup somewhere and can recover the device. But yes, I'd at least boot into TWRP, then backup your device like in that guide so you have a backup. Flashing it is up to you, I've always flashed a custom recovery but on this phone I'm keeping the original recovery so I can get an OTA. On my Nexus devices I don't care about OTA because I just flash ROMs all the time so it's no big deal.
The FBE password as far as I can tell is the 4 or 5 digit PIN number you are asked to input upon a fresh wipe of your device to set as a password. I have my phone set up to use my fingerprint to unlock the phone, and if that fails it will ask for my PIN, which is the same as the FBE of mine. I used that same number in TWRP when it asks for a password to unencrypt the data and it worked. As far as turning off encryption, I'm not sure if there's a way to do that. There could be, but to turn it off, it wipes your data as a security measure.
Johmama said:
so I just followed the guide of booting into TWRP, backing up my phone, and pulling the backup. Should be okay for what I need, in case of a failure I will have a backup somewhere and can recover the device. But yes, I'd at least boot into TWRP, then backup your device like in that guide so you have a backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I can't backup my ROM most likely because I don't have an FBE password. When I go to backup my ROM in TWRP it fails.
Johmama said:
The FBE password as far as I can tell is the 4 or 5 digit PIN number you are asked to input upon a fresh wipe of your device to set as a password. I have my phone set up to use my fingerprint to unlock the phone, and if that fails it will ask for my PIN, which is the same as the FBE of mine. I used that same number in TWRP when it asks for a password to unencrypt the data and it worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried entering my unlock code and the pin I created but neither worked for my FBE password. I don't ever remember being asked to enter a password when setting up my device. I suppose this means I'll have to wipe data and then setup an FBE password.
allstar21369 said:
I tried entering my unlock code and the pin I created but neither worked for my FBE password. I don't ever remember being asked to enter a password when setting up my device. I suppose this means I'll have to wipe data and then setup an FBE password.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it helps at all, the first time I tried it also didn't work for me and I did end up wiping my phone for other reasons before I came back and tried that guide again and it worked. I thought I set up the PIN they're talking about the first time around but I did have troubles in TWRP before the first wipe of my data. I would just boot up the phone regularly, plug it in to your computer, and try to grab any files you need and wipe it. I know that isn't the answer you're looking for, but it's all I can give I guess. Once you reset, hopefully they'll prompt you to make a PIN during the setup process and that should be the FBE password. Then follow the guide. I hope you get it man.
Oh, and to a note to you and everyone reading this, I booted to TWRP 3.2.1-0-albus and Magisk-v14.0. Dunno if it's just rumors or not but I heard the newer versions of Magisk might not work with the Z2 Play past version 14. Dunno if that's true but v14.0 worked for me.
Johmama said:
If it helps at all, the first time I tried it also didn't work for me and I did end up wiping my phone for other reasons before I came back and tried that guide again and it worked. I thought I set up the PIN they're talking about the first time around but I did have troubles in TWRP before the first wipe of my data. I would just boot up the phone regularly, plug it in to your computer, and try to grab any files you need and wipe it. I know that isn't the answer you're looking for, but it's all I can give I guess. Once you reset, hopefully they'll prompt you to make a PIN during the setup process and that should be the FBE password. Then follow the guide. I hope you get it man.
Oh, and to a note to you and everyone reading this, I booted to TWRP 3.2.1-0-albus and Magisk-v14.0. Dunno if it's just rumors or not but I heard the newer versions of Magisk might not work with the Z2 Play past version 14. Dunno if that's true but v14.0 worked for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. I just wiped and re-set up everything and still no FBE password was asked for OR works when I go into TWRP. I'm using TWRP 3.1.1-0... I suppose I'll try it all again using TWRP 3.2.1-0-albus after deleting data.
*Edit: I did exactly what I just said I was doing booted TWRP 3.2.1-0-albus instead of 3.1.1-0 and when I it booted up and asked me for a decryption password I entered the pin I set up previously and it has been stuck at the "Mount, Trying Decryption" screen for a long time... but it's not frozen. It says "Updating partition details... ...done
Unable to mount storage
Full SELinux support is present.
Data successfully decrypted, new block device: '/dev
/block/dm-0'
Updating partition details...
...done"
And the progress bar/thing at the bottom is still animated like it's working... no forward or back buttons or anything and turning off/on the screen hasn't done anything... not really sure what to do here... I don't want to unplug it and brick my phone or force it off...
*Edit 2:
I now have it all sorted out.
TWRP never finished trying to decrypt data so I long pressed the power button and eventually went here -> https://forum.xda-developers.com/z2-play/development/twrp-moto-z2-play-t3729531 , downloaded "twrp_albus_3.1.2_r18_64.img" and in adb used the command:
fastboot boot twrp_albus_3.1.2_r18_64.img
This TWRP looks a bit different than all of the others but it let me boot up and use my recently created PIN code to actually decrypt my data and make a full backup. After that I just installed Magisk (the latest one, 16.4) as indicated in this guide -> https://gist.github.com/eexit/e6d5fc0984e1c7f25376d3dafa819792 and everything is fine. I never even flashed TWRP, just booted it.
Just curious what you guys have done about getting OTA updates since you've rooted and installed Magisk.
Have @allstar21369 or @pizza_pablo had the chance to figure out the update process?
I'm currently trying to navigate the Magisk uninstall --> OTA update process and could use some insight if either of you guys have any to share.
joefuf said:
Just curious what you guys have done about getting OTA updates since you've rooted and installed Magisk.
Have @allstar21369 or @pizza_pablo had the chance to figure out the update process?
I'm currently trying to navigate the Magisk uninstall --> OTA update process and could use some insight if either of you guys have any to share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't want updates, especially the oreo "upgrade".
pizza_pablo said:
I didn't want updates, especially the oreo "upgrade".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, didn't even think about just sticking on what works... Did Oreo give people some issues?
Since this was Day 1 with the new phone, I was just trying to get up to speed and probably sit on one version until I had compatibility issues with something, but everything just works.
joefuf said:
Hmm, didn't even think about just sticking on what works... Did Oreo give people some issues?
Since this was Day 1 with the new phone, I was just trying to get up to speed and probably sit on one version until I had compatibility issues with something, but everything just works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oreo hasn't come to the phone, when I decided I didn't want it, mostly because of the white background in the Quick Settings and I didn't want any of the other "improvements".
With this setup, I accept the risks of not having the security updates.
Double - double \_0_/
pizza_pablo said:
Oreo hasn't come to the phone, when I decided I didn't want it, mostly because of the white background in the Quick Settings and I didn't want any of the other "improvements".
With this setup, I accept the risks of not having the security updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel exactly the same way. No benefits for me. I don't want the bright white interface and I would never use the "Picture in Picture" (or floating video) feature (and if I did want that there are a couple apps for Nougat that do it).
But If I do decide I want it and give upgrading a shot I'll definitely post it here.
pizza_pablo said:
Oreo hasn't come to the phone, when I decided I didn't want it, mostly because of the white background in the Quick Settings and I didn't want any of the other "improvements".
With this setup, I accept the risks of not having the security updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, very understandable. It really is superfluous to the general experience.
allstar21369 said:
I feel exactly the same way. No benefits for me. I don't want the bright white interface and I would never use the "Picture in Picture" (or floating video) feature (and if I did want that there are a couple apps for Nougat that do it).
But If I do decide I want it and give upgrading a shot I'll definitely post it here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you sir! Keep me posted. I'm posting everywhere right now to learn the new methods so I know if there ever comes a time. This is my first phone since my Motorola Droid 4. Back then it was one click root, install and run Safestrap apk to get custom recovery, boot into custom recovery and flash zips to your heart's content. I'm sure this will be as "simple" once I learn, but it's pretty daunting in prospect.
Any help is greatly appreciated, I have no experience with Google phones, I was years into Sony.
I have just bought a Pixel 2 XL from a local shop in Greece, and of course, I want to root it and be able to install custom roms etc.
I have a few questions that I am searching everywhere recently and I would really appreciate if someone can make it clear to me:
1) I have read that you have to buy your phone from Google so you are able to unlock it? Can someone explain this to me? (My phone is not a specific carrier) How do I know if I am able to unlock my bootloader?
2)I have flashed roms and kernels in the past on my Sony phones, however I haven't really messed with the bootloader other than just unlocking it in the beginning. So now on the Pixel 2 XL I am reading so much about the unlock_critical vs the normal unlock, and I can admit I cannot understand the difference. Why does someone want to flash a bootloader? ( I do not understand what does "flash a bootloader" mean)
What I want to be able to do is flash custom roms, flash factory images to revert back to stock whenever I want, flash custom kernel, flash stock kernel, make a nandroid backup with twrp and restore a nandroid backup with twrp. That is all I want to be able to do without facing any errors with the bootloader,so do I need the unlock_critical ? And why?
3)If I unlock the bootloader with any of the two ways, am I able to re-lock it like nothing has happened? For example if the screen has dead pixels for some reason and I want to send it back for warranty but the bootloader is unlocked, can I lock it without it being logged? Or once unlocked, there is no going back to the warranty by re-locking? On many Sony phones we could do that.
4)If I unlock the bootloader and install TWRP I read that I will not be able to receive official updates from settings any more (OTA):
"NOTE #1: If you have mounted /system as rw at any point (like in TWRP), you must upgrade using the factory image method. OTAs will fail because they cannot verify the integrity of the disk since its verity data has been changed."
My question is, if I flash a stock image, does that get fixed? ( so if I flash 8.1.0 stock manually, will I be able to get an official update e.g. 9.0.0 from settings?)
Or if I just grab the stock boot.img of my current version of android and flash it with fastboot, then will I be able to get official updates from settings normally again?
5)Can I do the following on this order? :
Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
Unlock the bootloader (either critical or normal, whatever works)
Boot into Fastboot
Boot the twrp image from fastboot to the device
Flash the twrp zip to the phone to install TWRP
Flash the magisk zip so I root the device
Reboot and everything works? (Or do I need a custom kernel for TWRP or Magisk to work?)
Is there any issue you see with the above plan of mine?
6) Before I tweak my device in any way, is it okay if I update the device fully? So can I install any update available (OTA) and then unlock the bootloader and root etc? Or do I have to be on a specific version and not on the latest?
7)I have read something about 2 different slots on some flashing forums here, slot a and slot b, but it is not clear to me what that is. Does anyone know what that is? At which point may I face this?
Thank you very much.
A quick and not complete response to get you going
Plan 5 seems solid, unlock the bootloader to allow custom stuff. At boot you will get a warning screen to let you know.
I forgot if I only unlocked the bootloader or also the critical, try it etc.
Personally I never had to tinker with the A/B slots, within TWRP you can choose which to use.
Before Magisk, I used to flash another recovery like cwm or twrp but it is not required. You must however boot to twrp.img to flash the magisk zip.
As far as I know it is indeed the altering of the /system folder that denies future OTA (when using factory image). A manual flash (of future OTA) is easy but may require altering (removing) a switch command in the install.bat file to remove the -w (wipe).
As to the custom kernels, I never noticed the need and am running the latest v10 image with only Magisk flashed to get root.
My main goal is to get rid of ads. I use AdAway.
To get that to work in v10 you need to enable systemless host module im the Magisk manager app (reboot after).
A final feedback; when you get to sideload and need to get to recovery you may get the screen 'no command' or so; press volume-up and click power or power->click volume.
Let us know if you worked it etc!
arismelachrinos said:
Any help is greatly appreciated, I have no experience with Google phones, I was years into Sony.
I have just bought a Pixel 2 XL from a local shop in Greece, and of course, I want to root it and be able to install custom roms etc.
I have a few questions that I am searching everywhere recently and I would really appreciate if someone can make it clear to me:
1) I have read that you have to buy your phone from Google so you are able to unlock it? Can someone explain this to me? (My phone is not a specific carrier) How do I know if I am able to unlock my bootloader?
2)I have flashed roms and kernels in the past on my Sony phones, however I haven't really messed with the bootloader other than just unlocking it in the beginning. So now on the Pixel 2 XL I am reading so much about the unlock_critical vs the normal unlock, and I can admit I cannot understand the difference. Why does someone want to flash a bootloader? ( I do not understand what does "flash a bootloader" mean)
What I want to be able to do is flash custom roms, flash factory images to revert back to stock whenever I want, flash custom kernel, flash stock kernel, make a nandroid backup with twrp and restore a nandroid backup with twrp. That is all I want to be able to do without facing any errors with the bootloader,so do I need the unlock_critical ? And why?
3)If I unlock the bootloader with any of the two ways, am I able to re-lock it like nothing has happened? For example if the screen has dead pixels for some reason and I want to send it back for warranty but the bootloader is unlocked, can I lock it without it being logged? Or once unlocked, there is no going back to the warranty by re-locking? On many Sony phones we could do that.
4)If I unlock the bootloader and install TWRP I read that I will not be able to receive official updates from settings any more (OTA):
"NOTE #1: If you have mounted /system as rw at any point (like in TWRP), you must upgrade using the factory image method. OTAs will fail because they cannot verify the integrity of the disk since its verity data has been changed."
My question is, if I flash a stock image, does that get fixed? ( so if I flash 8.1.0 stock manually, will I be able to get an official update e.g. 9.0.0 from settings?)
Or if I just grab the stock boot.img of my current version of android and flash it with fastboot, then will I be able to get official updates from settings normally again?
5)Can I do the following on this order? :
Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
Unlock the bootloader (either critical or normal, whatever works)
Boot into Fastboot
Boot the twrp image from fastboot to the device
Flash the twrp zip to the phone to install TWRP
Flash the magisk zip so I root the device
Reboot and everything works? (Or do I need a custom kernel for TWRP or Magisk to work?)
Is there any issue you see with the above plan of mine?
6) Before I tweak my device in any way, is it okay if I update the device fully? So can I install any update available (OTA) and then unlock the bootloader and root etc? Or do I have to be on a specific version and not on the latest?
7)I have read something about 2 different slots on some flashing forums here, slot a and slot b, but it is not clear to me what that is. Does anyone know what that is? At which point may I face this?
Thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) The reason for this is Google had an exclusivity contract to sell through the US cellular company, Verizon; much like the original Apple iPhone did (at first) with AT&T. And, for reasons that are most likely stupid, foolish, and unconvincing in its justifications, Verizon locks their device's bootloaders. So, not that it's "locked" or "unlocked" in terms of carriers, but more-so whether a device is "locked bootloader" or unlockable because it was purchased from Google (or elsewhere, but at least originally Google) and not from Verizon. If you're wondering further, getting it from Verizon would allow Verizon subscribers and customers to be able to "lease" and pay the Pixel off in increments with their usual cell phone bill; but it's not all too exclusive because Google offers to lease if you purchase from them also! The only caveat is you have to pass a credit check when leasing from Google; but, then again, you have to pass a credit check when signing up for a Verizon cell plan as well!
2) So, with my limited understanding between the difference between just a regular "unlock" and an "unlock_critical" is that it might be that a regular unlock allows you to get a R/W access (root access) to the various vital partitions (i.e. system, data [not to be confused with userdata], even boot to a degree) while unlock_critical allows you to straight modify and replace partitions (i.e. what would've been the recovery partition [but now there's no such thing and recovery just resides in the boot partition], the whole system & data partition to have/run custom ROMs, bootloading screen, etc.). But it all is rather convoluted that Google probably agreed and, so you can/should be aware, they updated things within the past few months (I'm guessing June or July) where they rid the need to "unlock_critical" and bootloaders that are newer than a certain point/month no longer needs that fastboot command to unlock the bootloader and everything else in order to flash custom anythings...
3) Okay, so here's a very tricky thing to this.... Technically, yes you can relock the bootloader as well as there have been many who have successfully done so; BUT there are so many more that have COMPLETELY and permanently bricked their device attempting to do so and most (if not all) the experts here would advise anyone to just leave well enough alone. But, if it is insisted and must be, the way to do it is to remove all Magisk modules (because, for whatever reason, these modules can survive a complete flashing of a Full Factory stock image), run a Full Factory image where the flash-all command is left intact (meaning “-w” is unedited; I’ll go more into this later), running it through the initial set up process, then (for good measure, this step might not be at all absolutely necessary) switch slots and run the flash-all command on the other slot, running the initial set up process again, then rebooting to Bootloader Mode and running the fastboot locking command, then unticking (if wished and insisted) unticking the OEM unlocking. Again, a word of warning, that so many have relocked the bootloader and unticked the OEM unlocking which allows the unlocking of the bootloader, then find that their device goes into a bootloop; and since they had just locked the bootloader in 2/all different ways, it leaves rescuing the device with all but the fewest options – usually because it’s forgotten in one way or another returning all of the device back to stock.
If anything, what has been said around these forums is that, if returning to Google, there hasn’t been an (proven) instance that Google refused to repair/replace it because it had its bootloader unlocked. But it’s usually for that fear or re-selling the device in which this is usually sought; but in most (if not all) cases (the experts here figure), having the bootloader unlocked would be refused or looked down upon.
4) So, most of what you assumed here is correct; but may be a bit misguided due to not knowing some things – which, of course, can be expected since you had just said you just moved to this device from a totally different manufacturer (Sony). If you are rooted (Magisk), there is absolutely no way you can update via the regular System Update from an OTA from within the Settings in the OS. And even having just an unlocked bootloader will cause OTAs to not work -- but there are conflicting reports stating differently, but I, personally, am under the understanding that even at that point you cannot.
But here’s the key thing; there really isn’t any reason to install updates by download and using OTAs anyways. Most (if not all) the experts here actually forego the OTAs and merely download the Full Factory stock images from Google’s Developers website and flash those. Here’s the reason; in the “olden days”, flashing a stock Full Factory image would erase absolutely everything and return the device to a complete factory state. But Google, in their “infinite wisdom”, allowed it to be possible to flash this but still withhold and save/keep all of one’s apps, settings, and data – essentially leaving both device data and userdata untouched! This is achieved by simply editing a batch file called “flash-all.bat” (or “flash-all.sh” for Linux and MacOS) and removing the 3 characters “-w” (3rd character would be a space “character”) from within its code. In this manner, OTAs can be considered a “dirty flash” because, while a Full Factory will completely overwrite (I could be wrong, but I believe it erases and formats it) the system, radio, bootloader, boot, etc., which would/should take care of any erroneous bugs or glitches, while OTA’s do not necessarily do this and just “modifies” the existing data; and therefore bugs and glitches may still remain being more on the root of things and/or OTAs would just modify “on top” or elsewhere where those glitches may reside.
And in either/both cases, one would still be required to reflash/reinstall everything root.
But, if insisted, there are multiple methods to achieve a state where you can run an OTA; either downloading an OTA image from Google and manually flashing it (“sideloading”), or unrooting temporarily to be able to use & download the regular System Updater (can be found HERE : https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/blob/master/docs/tutorials.md#ota-installation under the “Devices with A/B Partitions” which is my preferred method if I was to do this sort of thing, but I have never done this so I’m unsure if it even is successful in our device). I even wrote out an in-depth and step-by-step guide, but it is rather convoluted and was written in the beginnings of our taimen and there are most likely more updated methods now; but if you want to check it out, you can HERE.
But, to answer your questions directly; No, flashing the stock image will not allow you to user the stock System Updater; although there are conflicting reports, I am under the impression that anything other than a locked bootloader will allow the stock System Updater to work.
5)More correctly, you boot into “Bootloader Mode” to be able to use the “fastboot” commands. And no, you do not need to permanently flash a custom recovery (TWRP), a custom kernel, or anything else to achieve root – although I do highly recommend it – as you can temporarily boot into TWRP (by downloading the TWRP image file (*.img) and install Magisk in that manner – I do not suggest you root/install Magisk using the app. Other people have had success, but many (most?) have issues that you wouldn’t run into if you installed it via TWRP – but here’s a key thing; no matter what you intend to flash and install, unless you need to have root for it to already be installed, you should always flash Magisk last. Moreso, as the great Az Biker of ‘round thes’ parts greatly suggests, you should even reboot to bootloader after each and every flash separately. Explanation is, for whatever reason and even though many claim to be able to “detect” and modify their flash for an already modified boot and dtbo (where modifications must happen for root access), most don’t play well with Magisk and Magisk must modify the boot and dtbo after all other modifications or else problems can arise (or at least it has for me).
Just keep these things in mind, but, for the most part, your “order” of things will do well enough. Again, just keep in mind that if you are going to install a custom recovery or kernel, try to do that before Magisk as well as if you can avoid it, don’t use the Magisk app to install or manually flash any boot.img if you can help it.
6)No, you don’t have to stick to a specific version; it might even be suggested to update it stock before doing anything. BUT (of course there is a caveat), consider this; many things (especially anything root and specifically TWRP) aren’t really “playing nice” with Android Q/10; so, if you update and go to the most up to date, but don’t wish to run into those glitches/bugs and wish to “hold off” (like I am, actually and for the same reasoning), then of course you should only go up to August (I believe that was the last before the upgrade to Q/10) Full Factory.
7) There are many great resources on the information on having the 2 different slots; I apologize if I can’t recall where I even saw them – other members (maybe an RC or Mod even) input a URL to read and I can’t for the life of me recall where it possibly could be. But, for the most part, you would really only run into identifying and manually changing to a specific one if you were attempting to rescue or deeply modify your device; I can say that me and the great @Az Biker have never felt the necessity to manually change or choose a certain, specific slot. And, my guess, is that, because the coding and flashing output when running the Full Factory states something about “system_other” or a “system_b”, but while the main system can be close to 3GB, the system_other is closer to 300MB, and that boot, dtbo, vendor, and something called lafb has a “_b” partition, I’m thinking it’s something as a safety or backup, maybe something like what used to be in old laptops a sort of RAM to help load things up faster. In any case, it seems that going from one to the other, a to b or vice-versa, doesn’t seem to be too key or much of a hassle, so….take that for what you will.
Alright…hopefully I was able to answer all your inquiries. And, if you have any more, please feel free to ask them…that’s what we’re all about here. And I know I can run on and get wordy, so thank you for bearing with me with all of this.
I mean, it’s really good to have a user/member who really does their research, reading, and due diligence before getting into their new device; there are so many instances here and in my own experience where the “…if I only knew that beforehand…” would be supremely helpful, and supremely easier on everyone else! So that’s to be commended and reinforced…!
Hope this helps and welcome to your Pixel and this taimen forum!
I really cannot thank you enough for your time. I truly appreciate it very much.
1) Very clear.
2) Do you happen to have a link or do you know how to check if my phone supports unlock_critical? How can I check if I have that newer bootloader? Or do you remember where did you learn this?
3) Thank you so much about that. Very clear aand you just saved my phone
4) Very clear.
5) Thank you for the info! Interesting, I was searching on how to root the device running Android 10 (I have fully updated and I really am not going back to Android 9 ), and I saw that you have to patch your boot.img with the Magisk app, and then flash it with fastboot. So first you get the factory image from google and you extract the boot.img and insert it to the phone. Then you load it into Magisk app and patch it. Then moving the patched to the PC, booting to bootloader and flash it on boot partition. This is the way I saw on how to get root working fine with Android 10, not sure if it is the best method or the worst.
6) What do you mean with "go up to August"? Do you mean that the "oldest" image I can flash is "9.0.0 (PQ3A.190801.002, Aug 2019)"? So one cannot go back to 8.0.0 and Google has done something to prevent us from doing that? Also, if I wanted to go back to that August image or any "compatible", the procedure is just to run the flash-all.bat file of that image?
I used to experement a lot with custom roms, custom kernels and mods with my Sony devices, but that was mainly because I wanted stock android and some more features. The thing is that I have almost anything I need with this device, with some minor wishes. So I can leave without flashing custom roms and kernels, but I wanted to just root and at least install Adaway(!!!!!! I cannot leave with those ads!!!!!!), Titanium Backup and some other similar root apps that don't really do any harm. Have you tried rooting Android 10 and it was unusable? Do you suggest that it is not really worth it? The thing is that I love Android 10, the gestures and all the features, and I could not go back to Android 9, even though I only used the phone for a week, I am used to it and really like the way it currently is.
7)Hmm okay so I should not really mess with that. Maybe as I saw online, when flashing stock or unrooting, it is best to flash the same thing to both a and b slots, seems a bit complicated but whatever
Thank you for being so helpful!!
arismelachrinos said:
I really cannot thank you enough for your time. I truly appreciate it very much.
1) Very clear.
2) Do you happen to have a link or do you know how to check if my phone supports unlock_critical? How can I check if I have that newer bootloader? Or do you remember where did you learn this?
3) Thank you so much about that. Very clear aand you just saved my phone
4) Very clear.
5) Thank you for the info! Interesting, I was searching on how to root the device running Android 10 (I have fully updated and I really am not going back to Android 9 ), and I saw that you have to patch your boot.img with the Magisk app, and then flash it with fastboot. So first you get the factory image from google and you extract the boot.img and insert it to the phone. Then you load it into Magisk app and patch it. Then moving the patched to the PC, booting to bootloader and flash it on boot partition. This is the way I saw on how to get root working fine with Android 10, not sure if it is the best method or the worst.
6) What do you mean with "go up to August"? Do you mean that the "oldest" image I can flash is "9.0.0 (PQ3A.190801.002, Aug 2019)"? So one cannot go back to 8.0.0 and Google has done something to prevent us from doing that? Also, if I wanted to go back to that August image or any "compatible", the procedure is just to run the flash-all.bat file of that image?
I used to experement a lot with custom roms, custom kernels and mods with my Sony devices, but that was mainly because I wanted stock android and some more features. The thing is that I have almost anything I need with this device, with some minor wishes. So I can leave without flashing custom roms and kernels, but I wanted to just root and at least install Adaway(!!!!!! I cannot leave with those ads!!!!!!), Titanium Backup and some other similar root apps that don't really do any harm. Have you tried rooting Android 10 and it was unusable? Do you suggest that it is not really worth it? The thing is that I love Android 10, the gestures and all the features, and I could not go back to Android 9, even though I only used the phone for a week, I am used to it and really like the way it currently is.
7)Hmm okay so I should not really mess with that. Maybe as I saw online, when flashing stock or unrooting, it is best to flash the same thing to both a and b slots, seems a bit complicated but whatever
Thank you for being so helpful!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s really my pleasure! And I’m just as thankful that you/anyone would even go through the trouble of reading all of that…!
1) Thank you for the compliment
2)Usually, if your bootloader version is within a certain version – which you can find when in bootloader mode – then you either do or do not need unlock_critical. I can’t remember how many months prior to Android 10/Q, it was within 6 I believe, so any bootloader version from 5 or 6 months ago to now, and obviously if you’re on 10/Q, you would not need to run the command unlock_critical. But, if anything, you don’t have to have any fear of it, whether you need to or not, or don’t know your bootloader version, running the “fastboot flashing unlock_critical” when you don’t need to will just amount to a simple error and nothing bad will happen. And if it does end up doing something, well, then that’s a good thing. It almost amounts to unlock_critical-ing twice, the second on will just state that it’s already unlocked and that’s it.
If anything, I believe I found the resource here from the great Az Biker: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78908055&postcount=2843
If you are very curious, it should address much of what you’re seeking and/or at least point you to where you might find that information.
3) You’re very welcome. It really is a good thing that saves you in the future, and saves those who try to help some grief as well.
4) Thank you for the compliment.
5) I would say that the process you described is certainly doable, but is far from the best/easiest. From my experience helping many here on this forum, many bugs or things go wrong when loading the stock boot.img to the phone, having Magisk modify it, then getting the modified boot.img and successfully flashing it. More often than not, one ends up having a device turn into a boot loop and are usually forced to flash the stock boot.img and have to give it a number of tries.
The best way (subjectively) is to download the Magisk installation .zip. Then boot into TWRP (which doesn’t mean you have to replace the stock recovery since you can temporarily boot into it), and “Install” it using the .zip. Then everything is automated and done for you, if anything goes wrong you have an output log you can use to troubleshoot, but it seems best to leave it to the experts who created all this than us manually attempting to ourselves.
Oh and AFAIK this method still works on Android 10/Q as it has for Pie and Oreo.
6) I meant that, if you did not wish to update to 10/Q, then you shouldn’t do anything newer than from August’s security update/patch, since all the Full Factory images and updates are of 10/Q. But, if you go to Google’s Developers site, you’ll see that they pretty much list and make available all the Full Factory images ever published; to the point that there are some that go back to Oreo!
And everything you’ve said is understandable. And I kinda feel the same way. For me, in my humble opinion, it is supremely good idea to root and for whatever issues you get doing that, the returns are incalculable. It is most definitely worth it/rooting! The extra options and customizations and modifications all make it worth while and more! And, even if rooting gives the capability of rendering the device rather unusable, take confidence in that Google, in all their “infinite wisdom”, gave us “Bootloader Mode”…and pretty much, as long as you can get into Bootloader Mode and successfully connect to a computer, your phone would never be considered too far lost/gone. I’ve only witnessed that be opposite on less than a handful of cases.
But, most importantly, and if you have been in the rooting and ROMing game, you should well know this, but the most vital part of having root access is the ability to make the best backups! So, as long as you make sure to backup (Nandroid is best) and key times, running into some pitfalls here and there shouldn’t take you all the way out of the game….
7) Yeah…I mean, it is rather fascinating, and when up against an issue and you have an idea that deals with it, that’s when you can read up and learn about it and experiment I imagine. But for me and one of the great ones here in all of XDA, we’ve done all the custom ROM, custom recovery, custom kernel, Full Factory recover, root, Magisk modules, theming, Xposed, and countless other things, and all without the need to ever mess with manually or forcing an assignment between the two.
Again, it’s my pleasure. And if you any further questions or thoughts, bring them on! I’d be happy to address them…
Hope these are helpful….
arismelachrinos said:
I really cannot thank you enough for your time. I truly appreciate it very much.
1) Very clear.
2) Do you happen to have a link or do you know how to check if my phone supports unlock_critical? How can I check if I have that newer bootloader? Or do you remember where did you learn this?
3) Thank you so much about that. Very clear aand you just saved my phone
4) Very clear.
5) Thank you for the info! Interesting, I was searching on how to root the device running Android 10 (I have fully updated and I really am not going back to Android 9 ), and I saw that you have to patch your boot.img with the Magisk app, and then flash it with fastboot. So first you get the factory image from google and you extract the boot.img and insert it to the phone. Then you load it into Magisk app and patch it. Then moving the patched to the PC, booting to bootloader and flash it on boot partition. This is the way I saw on how to get root working fine with Android 10, not sure if it is the best method or the worst.
6) What do you mean with "go up to August"? Do you mean that the "oldest" image I can flash is "9.0.0 (PQ3A.190801.002, Aug 2019)"? So one cannot go back to 8.0.0 and Google has done something to prevent us from doing that? Also, if I wanted to go back to that August image or any "compatible", the procedure is just to run the flash-all.bat file of that image?
I used to experement a lot with custom roms, custom kernels and mods with my Sony devices, but that was mainly because I wanted stock android and some more features. The thing is that I have almost anything I need with this device, with some minor wishes. So I can leave without flashing custom roms and kernels, but I wanted to just root and at least install Adaway(!!!!!! I cannot leave with those ads!!!!!!), Titanium Backup and some other similar root apps that don't really do any harm. Have you tried rooting Android 10 and it was unusable? Do you suggest that it is not really worth it? The thing is that I love Android 10, the gestures and all the features, and I could not go back to Android 9, even though I only used the phone for a week, I am used to it and really like the way it currently is.
7)Hmm okay so I should not really mess with that. Maybe as I saw online, when flashing stock or unrooting, it is best to flash the same thing to both a and b slots, seems a bit complicated but whatever
Thank you for being so helpful!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As @simplepinoi177 said, I'm part of the community that just let's the factory image flash the slot it needs/wants to, and it's never once been an issue.
Look at it like this; some people prefer to simply copy/paste a link or block of text in the PC, some people prefer to CTRL + C then CTRL + V.... BOTH take you to the same end.
Plus, knowing me, the more I manually mess with Slot A vs Slot B, the more chance there is for me to screw something up
Best of luck with your 2 XL, it's a FICKLE device, but it's a really, really great device once you get it as you want it.
Thank you all very much! I am pretty busy these days so once I find some time I will do more research and root it.
@simplepinoi177
I am not sure if your paypal address works, I felt like buying you a coffee earlier, the least I could do with all the time you spent explaining
Oh forgot to ask some minor things,
to make a nandroid backup, I just send twrp.img via fastboot to the phone and boot into it and make it? And if I want to revert back I do the same and restore it?
Also if TWRP asks me the question about if I want to enable modification to the system, what do I answer? Either for the nandroid backup, the restore or for flashing magisk.zip? Do any of those require that enabled?
Lastly, I understood that just unlocking the bootloader alone can result in no OTAs. But, will I keep getting the security updates? I heared something about security updates that are frequently available from the playstore or something like that but I have the phone for less than a week and haven't gotten anything. No OTAs mean no security updates as well? Or they are irrelevant and I will keep getting those security updates once rooted?
arismelachrinos said:
Oh forgot to ask some minor things,
to make a nandroid backup, I just send twrp.img via fastboot to the phone and boot into it and make it? And if I want to revert back I do the same and restore it?
Also if TWRP asks me the question about if I want to enable modification to the system, what do I answer? Either for the nandroid backup, the restore or for flashing magisk.zip? Do any of those require that enabled?
Lastly, I understood that just unlocking the bootloader alone can result in no OTAs. But, will I keep getting the security updates? I heared something about security updates that are frequently available from the playstore or something like that but I have the phone for less than a week and haven't gotten anything. No OTAs mean no security updates as well? Or they are irrelevant and I will keep getting those security updates once rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, about booting TWRP...
You can temporarily boot into TWRP just the one time if you wish. If you are using the newest version of TWRP (for the Pixel 2), they actually give an option to flash and replace the recovery with TWRP from within their recovery environment; I'm guessing they use the temporarily booted twrp.img to install. In any case, you can find the option in the Install section. In any case, it's up to you whether you install it as your custom recovery, but it's easy enough to restore it back to stock recovery either by manually flashing the stock boot.img (and maybe dtbo.img for good measure, as I'm unsure...) and/or if you update your device via a Full Factory (or even a downloaded OTA) image, as that will update and replace the boot partition regardless...
So, about the alert for enabling modification to the system; In the past, I had always enabled it. Of course you would want to have r/w and mounting capabilities towards the device's system and data partitions. But keep this in mind...until the TWRP team updates the latest version, there is no write capabilities/permissions. It will pull up an error that it either can't mount or doesn't write -- For this reason, I'm holding off so I don't have firsthand experience... -- but installing and flashing and backing up from within TWRP does work even if it spits up some errors. What you should be careful about is if/when it asks to install it as a "system service" or something, as general consensus says at no circumstance should you do this as it "forks" up many other things while at it.
But, to answer your question directly, I'm unsure whether you can or cannot install Magisk root or restoring without enabling this "modification" capability, but I say it can't hurt.....
As for your inquiries on OTAs, as I understand it (so anyone please correct me if I'm wrong), but the monthly security updates come with the OTAs (also monthly, so I believe they may be one in the same). I'm unsure about the whole seeing the security updates on the Play Store or something like that, but I highly doubt that is the case. Conventional knowledge says that you can only get these either from the stock System Updater or if you download them yourself and either sideload or "flash-all" it. That's why many (most) experts will download the Full Factory image every month (usually first Monday of the month) and we have this whole step-by-step process in updating platform-tools, unregistering Magisk modules and screenlocks/fingerprints, running the flash-all, temporarily booting TWRP, installing all custom modifications (Magisk last), rebooting after each and every flash/install, then going back into the OS and resetting up the screenlock/fingerprints and Magisk modules. As it would be nice if we could simply and always use the stock System Updater, but in any case, one would need to re-install all the custom modifications anyways. So, it is one of the sacrifices/compromises having a rooted Pixel 2….
But it is peculiar that you haven’t gotten any alert (unless you inadvertently updated to the latest already), for it still should alert you that there is an update available, and usually, if you have unlocked your bootloader, while it’s downloading and attempting to install, it will throw up an error; but everything would look like normal up to that point. But, then again, Google notifying updates on their various devices are intermittent at best. It would be simpler and best if you just keep it in mind that there’s usually the monthly update on/after the first Monday of the month and do what we all do and have to manually install the updates to keep most up to date.
If there’s anything else, you know you can ask…
Good luck and hope this helps…!
I'm on 10 with an unlocked bootloader, 1st gen Pixel. I still get security updates. Twrp doesn't mount /system or /vendor, so I take system/vendor IMAGE backups with no issue. Not sure if I'll get updates still after unrooting. I've always flashed factory after rooting. Theoretically it should return to stock if you flash the Magisk uninstaller. The boot image (boot + recovery + base system) will be restored. You should then be able to get OTA updates. They will be installed to the OTHER slot, so if the phone fails to boot (3 times?) it will switch back to the first slot. If you have issues and want to go back, you can manually switch slots in fastboot or go into twrp, tap reboot, tap the other slot, then reboot system. It will show a message that the slot has changed. You can of course always check the active slot in fastboot to make sure. If you want to roll back an OTA update, reboot to twrp, change the active slot, then reboot system, and it should boot to the older version. Make sure to turn off automatic updates or else it will redownload the same update again. I believe I've lost twrp by installing an OTA update, which installs to the inactive slot, which overwrites recovery, and then boots to that slot. Meaning if you don't have a pc to switch slots in fastboot, you can't go back to the first slot which still has twrp. The command is fastboot set_active, something like that. Quick google search.. No pc means no restore if something goes wrong while you're away from a computer. The only way I know of to change slots at that point is to hard reset 3 times, which will trigger the phone to switch slots. ALWAYS reboot after flashing bootloader/radio. I'm decently sure that the bootloader has to match the system, so if you install lineage Pie, you need to flash the bootloader/radio from Pie or the phone won't boot. Flash bootloader, reboot, flash radio, reboot, flash matching rom. It is technically possible to have dual boot, where one slot is lineage and the other is stock, as long as they're the same Android versions. Lineage Pie/stock Pie for example, because the bootloader won't match if you flash Lineage Oreo/stock Pie. Keep in mind OTAs will overwrite twrp with stock recovery, so if you reboot, you might lose access to twrp, and I don't know of a way to OTA and reboot on the same slot. I don't know if there is an app or command for this, WHICH WOULD BE REALLY FREAKING NICE. Also, when restoring boot from twrp, I always reflash twrp to make sure. It will install to both slots. You can keep a copy of twrp on your data partition. To reflash twrp from within twrp, Install > Select Image > find twrp.img > flash to RAMDISK. If you flash to boot, it will overwrite system, and leave you with only twrp. When installing in older twrp's, I believe it will install to the same slot. With newer twrp's that specifically support Treble, it will flash to the other slot. Don't quote me on that. Due to the single data partition, there's a chance Lineage will have issues with stock data. I've never seen it though. I've dirty flashed a couple times with few issues. I think I've even dirty flashed different OS versions. If you get app crashes, open that app's info, delete its storage/cache, and reopen the app. Most of the app data is the same across versions anyway. The Pixel is a complete pain in the ass when coming from non Treble phones. Sorry if this is repeated info, the posts above are LONG lol. Hope this helps.
Edit- not sure if relevant to you, but I get bootloops when flashing twrp to the ramdisk. There should be an option in twrp to fix it. I always do this after flashing twrp this way.
I got a used LG G3 D852 yesterday, it's the first unlocked phone I've had. I know my way around a PC pretty well, but I'm nearly a complete luddite when it comes to phones specifically, so I was surprised when the phone wouldn't allow me to update its Android version from 6 to a newer one. I started looking into how to update the OS manually, and then ended up in a rabbit trail of bootloader unlocking, device rooting, custom ROM flashing, etc. I'm fully capable of reading a tutorial and following it, but I can't seem to figure out where I should even start with the process. Also, given that LG's website discontinued the official bootloader unlocking service, I'm not sure it's even possible to do anymore.
All I'd really like is for the phone's OS to be updated. Is that possible anymore, and if it is, what do I do first in that whole process?
KelpTheGreat said:
I got a used LG G3 D852 yesterday, it's the first unlocked phone I've had. I know my way around a PC pretty well, but I'm nearly a complete luddite when it comes to phones specifically, so I was surprised when the phone wouldn't allow me to update its Android version from 6 to a newer one. I started looking into how to update the OS manually, and then ended up in a rabbit trail of bootloader unlocking, device rooting, custom ROM flashing, etc. I'm fully capable of reading a tutorial and following it, but I can't seem to figure out where I should even start with the process. Also, given that LG's website discontinued the official bootloader unlocking service, I'm not sure it's even possible to do anymore.
All I'd really like is for the phone's OS to be updated. Is that possible anymore, and if it is, what do I do first in that whole process?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. search for kingroot, kingoroot, whatever, download and install the apk, follow the app’s instructions to root your phone
KingRoot (Android)
Root your Android device in a matter of seconds
kingroot.en.uptodown.com
2. search and download and install flashify apk on phone
and download this TWRP in .img format
[RECOVERY] Unofficial TWRP for LG G3 (Discontinued)
/* * Your warranty is now void. * * I am not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards, * thermonuclear war, or you getting fired because the alarm app failed. Please * do some research if you have any concerns about features included...
forum.xda-developers.com
in flashify click install recovery from phone storage and select your twrp img and grant root access and after installing it will ask you to click reboot to recovery, press yes, you will now in TWRP mode, swipe to allow modifications
3. download your LineageOS zip on computer depending on model
LineageOS Downloads
download.lineageos.org
then download your opengapps google apps package
The Open GApps Project
OpenGApps.org offers information and pre-built packages of The Open GApps Project. The Open GApps Project is an open-source effort to script the automatic generation of up-to-date Google Apps packages. All Android versions and platforms supported.
opengapps.org
use ARM (not arm64) , android 11, pico
transfer to phone with USB
press wipe in twrp mode then factory reset (backup your data first!) the confirm
then press install then find your lineageos zip
swipe to flash
after complete press back, press install again, find opengapps package, and swipe to flash
then after complete press back, reboot, uncheck install twrp app and install as system app, reboot system
All right, thanks for the list of steps I need. I'll give it my best shot, if you don't hear from me again in this thread then assume everything went well!
Edit: I've run into a snag right away. In the description of the KingRoot link you provided, it says that the "operating system [must be] between Android 4.2.2 and Android 5.1." My phone is Android 6. Is that an error in the description, and it will actually work to root Android 6, or should I search for another root apk like kingoroot that specifically says it works with Android 6?
KelpTheGreat said:
All right, thanks for the list of steps I need. I'll give it my best shot, if you don't hear from me again in this thread then assume everything went well!
Edit: I've run into a snag right away. In the description of the KingRoot link you provided, it says that the "operating system [must be] between Android 4.2.2 and Android 5.1." My phone is Android 6. Is that an error in the description, and it will actually work to root Android 6, or should I search for another root apk like kingoroot that specifically says it works with Android 6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe yes maybe no just try
you can also try kingoroot and many others until one eventually work
I don't think I'm going to use Kingoroot, as Malwarebytes flagged it as malware and quarantined it, and checking the file through VirusTotal confirms that it's not a safe file.
Reading the official xda guide here says that none of these root programs are recommended, so I'll follow their guide and see how that goes.
Okay... to install and use Magisk, the rooting method recommended by XDA, it says that the phone must have an unlocked bootloader first. On that same page it says to search on the forums for a specific method for your device to unlock its bootloader. This is the only bootloader unlocking guide I can find for the LG G3, and it says that to use this method, the device must be rooted first.
I can't root without an unlocked bootloader, I can't unlock the bootloader without rooting? Now what?
I found another bootloader unlocking guide. Now my problem is that even though I've installed ADB and Fastboot, ADB isn't recognizing that my phone's connected. The phone itself says that USB debugging is connected and available, and my computer detects that the phone is connected, but ADP can't see that it's connected.
EDIT: Solved that problem by switching the phone's USB connection from MTP to PTP. Now ADB is correctly showing the phone.
any problems so far
LR7875 said:
any problems so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't been able to work on it for a few days, will probably be able to do so later this week. Thanks for checking in!
Double posted accidentally, ignore this
Hey, I am still planning on working on this. Life's just slammed me hard lately and I haven't been able to spend time on it.
One problem I'm having that's probably unrelated to the whole unlocking thing is that I can't get the phone to connect to mobile data. I can make calls and texts, but it won't connect to mobile data. I tried the SIM card in another phone and it works, so it must be some issue with this particular phone and connecting to data. I'll have to do some troubleshooting for that before I proceed with unlocking; I don't want to waste time on unlocking the phone if it won't work with data at all.
KelpTheGreat said:
Hey, I am still planning on working on this. Life's just slammed me hard lately and I haven't been able to spend time on it.
One problem I'm having that's probably unrelated to the whole unlocking thing is that I can't get the phone to connect to mobile data. I can make calls and texts, but it won't connect to mobile data. I tried the SIM card in another phone and it works, so it must be some issue with this particular phone and connecting to data. I'll have to do some troubleshooting for that before I proceed with unlocking; I don't want to waste time on unlocking the phone if it won't work with data at all.
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tried factory reset?
even if that don't work you can still proceed as it may be an issue in stock firmware and can be fixed by a custom firmware lineageos etc, I mean you couldn't conclude that it's mobile data is kaput and throw in trash because of this before you even tried a custom firmware
LR7875 said:
tried factory reset?
even if that don't work you can still proceed as it may be an issue in stock firmware and can be fixed by a custom firmware lineageos etc, I mean you couldn't conclude that it's mobile data is kaput and throw in trash because of this before you even tried a custom firmware
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Click to collapse
Yeah, you're probably right. I'll go ahead with the process and hope that it connects to mobile data after I get it all done. If it doesn't work then at least I'll have learned how to do it, and I'll have a pretty decent custom phone that I can just use on wi-fi.
I'll try getting back to working on this as soon as I can... which probably won't be as soon as I'd like to... =P