[GUIDE] Modify your System partition WITHOUT Root - Nexus 6P General

Intro
This is a guide for people who want to make some modifications to config files, or other files, on System partition but do not want to root their phone or install custom recovery in order to keep OTAs and some apps, which don't play nicely with rooted phones, working. Examples of those config mods could be changing DPI or changing volume levels etc, which you would only do once and forget about it.
While root allows you to do those kinds of changes from within android, this methods would require a PC.
If you are familiar with temporary booting into a custom recovery, skip to step 5.
The usual i am not responsible for any of your actions / bricked phones disclaimer applies.
Prerequisites
- A working adb / fastboot environment. Please use Android SDK, if you installed your adb and fastboot using other tools, things might not work, so please just install SDK, install Google USB Driver from SDK manager, install Platform-Tools from SDK manager (should be installed by default) and then add your sdk platform-tools path to your PATH environment variable to have it available in cmd in every path.
- Unlocked bootloader
- TWRP image for you phone (.img) https://twrp.me/devices/huaweinexus6p.html
Follow the [GUIDE] Unlock/Root/Flash for Nexus 6P for that.
Instructions
Here is an example of modifying DPI. I prefer build.prop method of modifying DPI because using the adb wm density command usually caused some issues for me, but modifying via build.prop didn't.
1 - With you phone ON, connect it to the PC and make sure adb is working by running
Code:
adb devices
and making sure that device is listed
2 - Reboot into bootloader. and make sure fastboot is good to go too. Run commands one at a time:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot devices
3 - Place your TWRP image file in some easily accessible folder, for the sake of this example i will use C:\Mods.
4 - Temporary boot into TWRP (we are not flashing it here at all).
Code:
fastboot boot c:\Mods\twrp-2.8.7.0-angler.img
Here is where things may not work. If you don't see your phone boot into TWRP then either your adb / fastboot environment not setup correctly (installed via a tool instead of SDK) or your img file is corrupt.
One thing that works for me when TWRP refuses to boot is to restart cmd and issue the command again this closes and reopens adb/fastboot daemon.
5 - Once TWRP is up on your phone it may display a warning saying "TWRP has detected an unmounted system partition". Swipe to allow modifications at the bottom. This screen may not come up at all.
6 - Go to Mount >>> Tick System >>> Make sure "Only Mount System Read Only" is unticked >>> Press Back button
7 - Back on your PC check if your device is listed
Code:
adb devices
8 - Pull the file you need to modify from system partition to your PC. Please note the direction of the slashes:
Code:
adb pull /system/build.prop c:/Mods
9 - Now you should see build.prop in your c:\Mods folder. Use Notepad++ or something like that to edit the file. Find the line with lcd_density= and change it's value to whatever you need and save the file.
10 - Push the file back to your phone:
Code:
adb push c:/Mods/build.prop /system
11 - Reboot
Code:
adb reboot
12 - Profit.
Hope this will help anyone who is looking to do some mods without installing custom recovery and rooting your phone.
Cheers.

Would this work for adding the tethering bypass line in the build prop?

Yes it will. What's the line again I was looking for it the other day and couldn't find it...

Works are per OP's original post, tested and boosted the headphone volume without a problem.
Headphone path is /system/etc/mixer_paths.xml
So as per OP's example to pull: adb pull /system/etc/mixer_paths.xml c:/Mods
push: adb push c:/Mods/mixer_paths.xml /system/etc
I'm using the OP's "Mods" folder to demonstrate the file path but this may vary on your PC.

Can I use this to push SuperSU / etc to my device without having to permanently flash TWRP?

skrowl said:
Can I use this to push SuperSU / etc to my device without having to permanently flash TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can certainly push the files to system partition and they will retain there after reboot. So if you know which files have to be pushed for SuperSU then give that a go. It shouldn't break anything.
I haven't tried pushing SuperSU files to system partition before so I can't guarantee that OTAs will work after this. The only way to find out is to try it i guess...

Can you run nandroids?

not sure if it's allowed or not.. but with this can i push hosts file onto the phone as well for ad-blocking...?????

I will say thanks now and try it later. These are the type of tweaks I would like to make to my phone. Do you know if changing the DPI cause any stock applications to show up broken like they do on the Samsung phones?

NCguy said:
Can you run nandroids?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not sure what you mean?

rohit25 said:
not sure if it's allowed or not.. but with this can i push hosts file onto the phone as well for ad-blocking...?????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's on the system partition then I yes you can.

locolbd said:
I will say thanks now and try it later. These are the type of tweaks I would like to make to my phone. Do you know if changing the DPI cause any stock applications to show up broken like they do on the Samsung phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had a problem with changing DPI using this method on a nexus phone if that helps.

denk said:
Im not sure what you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you run nandroids backups from TWRP by just booting into it?

okay so after i did this i get the following during boot up
"Your device is corrupt. It can't be trusted and may not work properly". Does this mean i will not get Securty Updates any more? I saw i had an update before i performed this however, now i do not see that update notifications any more.

locolbd said:
okay so after i did this i get the following during boot up
"Your device is corrupt. It can't be trusted and may not work properly". Does this mean i will not get Securty Updates any more? I saw i had an update before i performed this however, now i do not see that update notifications any more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got this too when I flashed MOAB via adb sideload. I'm just wondering if the same warning appears with the adb push method. Also, the file's permissions don't need to be set after adb push?
My main concern is if Android Pay still works with the red triangle warning. Anyone?
FYI Flashing back to stock is no issue for me.

NCguy said:
Can you run nandroids backups from TWRP by just booting into it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if you get the latest TWRP which supports decryption of data partition (where all your stuff is) you should be able to back it up.
Edit: backup works on nexus 5 with temporary TWRP boot. Sorry I'm still waiting for my 6p to arrive.

locolbd said:
okay so after i did this i get the following during boot up
"Your device is corrupt. It can't be trusted and may not work properly". Does this mean i will not get Securty Updates any more? I saw i had an update before i performed this however, now i do not see that update notifications any more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for trying it out! Sometimes OTA notifications take a little while to come up after reboot. But based on the warning Im afraid that they might be disabled now. It looks like it runs some sort of a check on the system partition to verify its legitimacy. So modifying files would be fine on it using this method but looks like adding them won't work.
TWRP just released their recovery with decryption support so you can just follow the standard procedure or just temporary booting into TWRP and rooting from there which works as well.

denk said:
I think if you get the latest TWRP which supports decryption of data partition (where all your stuff is) you should be able to back it up.
Edit: backup works on nexus 5 with temporary TWRP boot. Sorry I'm still waiting for my 6p to arrive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On your Nexus5 I assume you are also unrooted? And have you tried a Nandroid restore, booted TWRP, no root?

NCguy said:
On your Nexus5 I assume you are also unrooted? And have you tried a Nandroid restore, booted TWRP, no root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just ran a restore to test it for you. Works fine as well.
My N5 is unrooted.
.

denk said:
Just ran a restore to test it for you. Works fine as well.
My N5 is unrooted.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for that. I didn't unlock the bootloader. Ugh. Time to start over. To me nandroids alone make it worth the effort.

Related

Build.prop mod, bricked

I was trying to modify build.prop to get Play Store to work which bricked the device. Tried factory reset and now it's totally not being recognized by the computer and ADB not working. Any solution or help.
Android Cowboy said:
I was trying to modify build.prop to get Play Store to work which bricked the device. Tried factory reset and now it's totally not being recognized by the computer and ADB not working. Any solution or help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2491057 Try this. It might at least get recognized in adb and then you can try factory reset in fastboot.
johnnydowngrief said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2491057 Try this. It might at least get recognized in adb and then you can try factory reset in fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't get into the safe mode either. I can get into recovery mode to factory reset but that's it. ADB still not recognized.
Android Cowboy said:
I can't get into the safe mode either. I can get into recovery mode to factory reset but that's it. ADB still not recognized.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then maybe this. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1379875 But I'm just guessing here. I dont want to spam this thread. Maybe someone more experienced can help you.
I did same thing. Strange but I COULD finally use adb, but only from the Android SDK base folder & only after uninstalling all devices & using USB deview to remove all adb, mtp & other android related USB devices.
So far, it looks like Amz actually keeps a partial firmware backup on the device, which they can use via mayday when things get really messed up. I would bet, they can also see system mods. It may even function automatically in some instances, I goofed mine pretty bad restore HD system files with TB & after a couple resets, it seemed it restored the system files.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
GSLEON3 said:
I did same thing. Strange but I COULD finally use adb, but only from the Android SDK base folder & only after uninstalling all devices & using USB deview to remove all adb, mtp & other android related USB devices.
So far, it looks like Amz actually keeps a partial firmware backup on the device, which they can use via mayday when things get really messed up. I would bet, they can also see system mods. It may even function automatically in some instances, I goofed mine pretty bad restore HD system files with TB & after a couple resets, it seemed it restored the system files.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try that. If I could just push a new build.prop to overwrite the old one I put probably be okay. How did restore system files using ADB.
GSLEON3 said:
I did same thing. Strange but I COULD finally use adb, but only from the Android SDK base folder & only after uninstalling all devices & using USB deview to remove all adb, mtp & other android related USB devices.
So far, it looks like Amz actually keeps a partial firmware backup on the device, which they can use via mayday when things get really messed up. I would bet, they can also see system mods. It may even function automatically in some instances, I goofed mine pretty bad restore HD system files with TB & after a couple resets, it seemed it restored the system files.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think you can pull a system.img for me in case I can get ADB working then I can try and flash. Lots of other people are bricking as well after root so it might be useful to many people. Thanks.
GSLEON3 said:
I did same thing. Strange but I COULD finally use adb, but only from the Android SDK base folder & only after uninstalling all devices & using USB deview to remove all adb, mtp & other android related USB devices.
So far, it looks like Amz actually keeps a partial firmware backup on the device, which they can use via mayday when things get really messed up. I would bet, they can also see system mods. It may even function automatically in some instances, I goofed mine pretty bad restore HD system files with TB & after a couple resets, it seemed it restored the system files.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That didn't work for me, I've also trying factory resetting again multiple times through recovery, but no dice.
I got my fastboot cable working, and was able to get the device recognized as "Qualcomm USB modem converter"
I opened a thread about it, any help is appreciated!
Android Cowboy said:
Do you think you can pull a system.img for me in case I can get ADB working then I can try and flash. Lots of other people are bricking as well after root so it might be useful to many people. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on the road right now, but I will see what I can do when I get home. You could try DL the firmware bin from Amazon. It is on their site & if you have ADB, pushing a file may be easiest, particularly since nobody has has any luck with flash or boot commands yet. At any rate, I'll do it as soon as I can, but seriously, start with just trying to push the build.prop so you still have SU & root level shell access.
GSLEON3 said:
I am on the road right now, but I will see what I can do when I get home. You could try DL the firmware bin from Amazon. It is on their site & if you have ADB, pushing a file may be easiest, particularly since nobody has has any luck with flash or boot commands yet. At any rate, I'll do it as soon as I can, but seriously, start with just trying to push the build.prop so you still have SU & root level shell access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even with the fastboot cable ADB/fastboot is not working. The Kindle finally gets recognized but as a Qualacomm device and can't find the right drivers that can make it recognize ADB. I actually have a replacement coming today so I might just let this one go. I was hoping to figure it out so I could help others in the same situation. But the factory rest really messed this thing up and Amazon is not making it easy.
Android Cowboy said:
Even with the fastboot cable ADB/fastboot is not working. The Kindle finally gets recognized but as a Qualacomm device and can't find the right drivers that can make it recognize ADB. I actually have a replacement coming today so I might just let this one go. I was hoping to figure it out so I could help others in the same situation. But the factory rest really messed this thing up and Amazon is not making it easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try either of these drivers:
http://www.4shared.com/rar/kRIFBtGe/qualcomm_hsusb_device_drivers.html
http://drivers.softpedia.com/progDo...dows-7-x64-Windows-8-x64-Download-179130.html
So I actually had a similar thing happen today. build.prop mod caused my 7" to boot loop. It makes it to the first kindle screen and then the screen goes black. Based on what I've read I shouldn't try to factory reset it, because that will make it worse. I ordered a fastboot cable that should be in on Monday. Only issue is, I don't have much experience with fastboot. Would I be able to adb push a stock build.prop file to fix it if it's recognized by my computer?
S_transform said:
So I actually had a similar thing happen today. build.prop mod caused my 7" to boot loop. It makes it to the first kindle screen and then the screen goes black. Based on what I've read I shouldn't try to factory reset it, because that will make it worse. I ordered a fastboot cable that should be in on Monday. Only issue is, I don't have much experience with fastboot. Would I be able to adb push a stock build.prop file to fix it if it's recognized by my computer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you didn't factory reset, does it show up on adb devices at all while it's trying to boot ?
S_transform said:
So I actually had a similar thing happen today. build.prop mod caused my 7" to boot loop. It makes it to the first kindle screen and then the screen goes black. Based on what I've read I shouldn't try to factory reset it, because that will make it worse. I ordered a fastboot cable that should be in on Monday. Only issue is, I don't have much experience with fastboot. Would I be able to adb push a stock build.prop file to fix it if it's recognized by my computer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to use adb with root to push a new build.prop file. That's your best bet for recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
So currently its not showing up on adb while its booting, but that's probably because I haven't updated adb in a while. I'm going to update when I get home from work and report back.
EDIT: So I update ADB, which isn't recognizing it, but oddly enough, my computer can see it even after the screen shuts off as an android device. My only guess then is I'm missing a driver or something. Any suggestions?
Android Cowboy said:
Try to use adb with root to push a new build.prop file. That's your best bet for recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I finally got ADB to recognize the device, and I can adb shell and everything, but its saying I don't have permission to adb push /system/build.prop. Also I thought that was where build.prop was located but I can't find it in adb shell. I have tried su and it hangs up, like its asking supersu for permission and I can't respond. What can I do?
S_transform said:
So I finally got ADB to recognize the device, and I can adb shell and everything, but its saying I don't have permission to adb push /system/build.prop. Also I thought that was where build.prop was located but I can't find it in adb shell. I have tried su and it hangs up, like its asking supersu for permission and I can't respond. What can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try adb root to reload it with root permission. Otherwise you'll need to chmod to make the system RW so you can push the build.prop file. And yes it's in the system folder. If you have the Android SDK then you can use the file manager in Monitor.bat file under "tool" folder to see to see all the files.
Android Cowboy said:
Try adb root to reload it with root permission. Otherwise you'll need to chmod to make the system RW so you can push the build.prop file. And yes it's in the system folder. If you have the Android SDK then you can use the file manager in Monitor.bat file under "tool" folder to see to see all the files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I try adb root it tells me I can't do that on consumer devices or something like that. what would the chmod command be? I dont think I've used it before. Also thank you so much for helping me.
S_transform said:
When I try adb root it tells me I can't do that on consumer devices or something like that. what would the chmod command be? I dont think I've used it before. Also thank you so much for helping me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you ADB shell, are you seeing a "#" which means you are rooted. I'm not the world's expert on ADB but this should help. Once you are shell and rooted you can just chmod 644 or 777 on /system and see if that works. http://gizbeat.com/2103/how-to-change-file-permissions-through-adb/

[Q] bricked or not

Hello all. hdx 7 was running the original version of safestrap and gapps on the very first firmware. accidently wiped internal and now can only boot to safestrap no abd so bricked or not and by the way i already read like damm near all the threrads i could find so dont accuse me of being a lazy no good non reasearching az mf thanx
jamesh1979 said:
Hello all. hdx 7 was running the original version of safestrap and gapps on the very first firmware. accidently wiped internal and now can only boot to safestrap no abd so bricked or not and by the way i already read like damm near all the threrads i could find so dont accuse me of being a lazy no good non reasearching az mf thanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, if I understand you correctly, you wiped internal storage of your sdcard, so no backups to restore for safestrap.
But when wiping happened, you were on activated extra rom slot? So now safestrap cant boot there, because with internal storage you deleted image files for rom slots...
If you can boot into safestrap, can you switch to stock rom? And boot into it? If yes, and Fireos start normally, then nothing is lost, reinstall safestrap, you should have adb access, and do whatever you want to do next...
Did you disabled OTA updates on stock rom? If not, turn off wifi as fast as you can, when you boot into Fireos, so it cant update to nonrootable FW.
thats whats wierd i was on rom slot one but it wiped even my stock img as far as i can tell because it wont let me switch to it , and yes disabled ota with toolkit like a year ago and all was fine?
jamesh1979 said:
thats whats wierd i was on rom slot one but it wiped even my stock img as far as i can tell because it wont let me switch to it , and yes disabled ota with toolkit like a year ago and all was fine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I installed safestrap on my working kindle, so I can check what else was deleted in the wiping, unfortunately there was a little config file where safestrap stored which slot was last active. This file no longer exist, so safestrap dont know from what to switch where.
The only thing we can try (AFAIK) requires working adb connection and it must be working from safestrap, so you can use adb sideload feature - so enter safestrap and connect kindle to your pc or laptop. Then start cmd window or terminal if you using linux, and try:
adb devices
it should return:
list of devices attached
xxxxxxxxx recovery
if you can achieve this, we can try with sideloading, if not I am sorry, dont know what else to do - actually there is one thing you can try - with working adb access you can recreate directory structure needed for safestrap config file and push it there (I will attach it later), then restart and see if it boot to stock rom
edit:
I was able connect through adb from windows to running safestrap, so it is possible (at least kindle is recognized in "adb devices")
ok guys i got the pc to see the kindle in recovery via adb!!! so what now push a rom to internal storage and flash it and then reinstall safestrap to get stock slot available or what????
jamesh1979 said:
ok guys i got the pc to see the kindle in recovery via adb!!! so what now push a rom to internal storage and flash it and then reinstall safestrap to get stock slot available or what????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great!
Now download this 13.3.1.0 (Kindle HDX 7") update - pure amazon FireOS so OTA updates enabled - do not connect to wifi/register your kindle if you want root and use of custom recovery after flashing this
A. Now, since I am not expert for adb installing pushing repairing etc., read this thread [HOWTO] Unbrick your device, especially this post (shows similar symptoms as your current problem)
B. If that for whatever reason wont work, you can try sideload update-kindle-13.3.1.0_user_310079820.bin (rename .bin to .zip before sideloading) through safestrap recovery, but because Safestrap is "only" TWRP based, I cant guarantee that this will work either (it should, but this is one way ticket, your working safestrap recovery will be destroyed in the process of update):
0. connect kindle to pc/laptop
1. enter Safestrap, tap Advanced -> ADB Sideload -> Swipe slider to start Sideload
2. on pc/laptop open cmd/terminal, type adb devices, you should see:
List of devices attached
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX sideload
3. type adb sideload update-kindle-13.3.1.0_user_310079820.zip
4. You will see a progress bar in the command prompt indicating that the Zip file is being copied to the device. Once the file is transferred, the Zip is automatically installed on your device.
C. You can consider also recreating deleted folder containing slot config file for Safestrap (active_slot file attached below (file is in archive, you need extract it)) through adb shell:
0. connect kindle to pc/laptop
1. enter Safestrap
2. on pc/laptop open cmd/terminal, type adb devices, you should see:
List of devices attached
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX recovery
3. type adb shell
4. type mkdir -p data/media/safestrap/rom-slot1
5. type exit
6. type adb push active_slot data/media/safestrap
7. reboot/reboot into recovery and see if you can switch/boot to stock rom (which is still there, otherwise safestrap will not be accessible)
C variant is a really long-shot, but relatively harmless (or maybe not who knows, I am not expert)
OK fingers crossed, I hope something will work, but things can go wrong, unfortunatelly from my side all above is just a theory, adb commands should works, I tested them all (except sideload), works on my side...
Thanx a lot guys I got I t back in action thanx for all the help
jamesh1979 said:
Thanx a lot guys I got I t back in action thanx for all the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to share which method you use to recover your kindle?
anyone here? lol

difficulty pulling build.prop using twrp - trying to get miracast to work.

Hi there, i've been trying to make some changes to my build.prop (mainly enable miracast...can't believe they would disable it!) and i've had a rather challenging time.
I am now stuck on how to pull the actual build.prop...when i enter the command i get a long list of ADB definitions but no file - at least not that i could find. I tried a few times, including directing the file to be saved on an empty drive in case i could not see it.
I have unlocked my boatloader and installed TWRP. Mounted the system then gone back and entered the commands in ADB....and i don't seem to be having any success. Any help would be appreciated.
thanks
m
Why not just edit it within the built in editors in most file explorers? I use Solid Explorer and it allows me to edit at will within the app itself, no pushing or pulling. Of course I back up my current one before doing anything to it
Tower1972 said:
Why not just edit it within the built in editors in most file explorers? I use Solid Explorer and it allows me to edit at will within the app itself, no pushing or pulling. Of course I back up my current one before doing anything to it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm not rooted...and i've read that you don't get OTA updates...and it's happened to me more than once that i have an issue with the phone, and i can't get service because it's rooted...
and i guess i thought it was too much trouble to get rooted, make the changes, and then unroot...but i could be wrong at this point?!
You won't get OTA with twrp either. You need stock recovery.
so i bit the bullet and rooted my phone...i was able to get the build.prop editor to work (at first i did not have busybox which it seems helps apps to realize you have root). So now when i go to unable Casting, i can turn it on from the top right of the cast screen, and my tv appears. I can select it and it starts to sync up...then the mircosoft display adapter shows that it's also trying to sync...and then it times out it seems. I've checked it with my tablet and my wife's phone...both work.
any suggestions?
I understand Miracast no longer works in Nougat. I'm still on MM with my 6P and it works, but if you're on 7, you may have lost that feature.
What about WUGS toolkit? Do you need to re rooted for that...ifnot thats what I always use to edit the prop. So much easier as it has most edits you'll make and you just choose.
you never needed to root i edit build.prop like this all the time
1. boot to twrp recovery
2. go to mounts and select system
3. adb pull /system/build.prop
4. make edits
5. adb push build.prop /system/
idk if your edit will work but thats how to do it without root and for some of the other things said in this topic you can ota in twrp but it will fail if modify anything like you just did

[GUIDE] Access locked AXON 7: How to clear the lockscreen security settings

I have been experimenting with flashing, etc. and somehow the lockscreen were corrupted and the pattern I was using was not longer valid. I had the fingerprint already setup so I could enter using the rear sensor, but having a corrupted lockscreen is annoying. THis method requires TWRP custom recovery. It is compatible with locked bootloaders and doesn't modify the stock boot or system. It is also compatible with all the AAXON 7 models.
If you have the stock ROM and need TWRP and ADB interface:
A. Setup ADB interface in your PC and device drivers. and connect your terminal to the PC.
B. Setup axon7tool in your computer. Enter into EDL mode by running the command "adb reboot edl" in the command prompt. The terminal will seen to be off.
C. Disable the antivirus and then backup your recovery image using axon7tool running "axon7tool -r recovery". Save the created file in a safe place.
D. Flash tenfar's signed TWRP as a new recovery using axon7tool. It will reboot to system again.
E. Open the command prompt and run:
Code:
adb devices
adb reboot recovery
1. In TWRP , and with the ADB interface properly installed run these the commands from your computer:
Code:
adb devices
adb shell mv /data/system/locksettings.db locksettings.db.old
adb reboot
Now the system will allow you to pass lockscreen without security. In that case you do not need to apply the rest of the steps. Should you continue experimenting issues with the lockscreen, then you should apply the full procedure. Just add the following 2 steps:
2. Open the command prompt and run:
Code:
adb devices
adb reboot recovery
3. When TWRP had fully loaded, run in the command prompt the following commands:
Code:
adb devices
adb shell mv /data/system/gatekeeper.pattern.key gatekeeper.pattern.key.old
adb shell mv /data/system/locksettings.db locksettings.db.old
adb shell mv /data/system/gatekeeper.password.key gatekeeper.password.key.old
adb shell mv /data/system/locksettings.db-shm locksettings.db-shm.old
adb shell mv /data/system/locksettings.db-wal locksettings.db-wal.old
adb reboot
If you want to restore the stock recovery, you just need to rename the recovery-backup.bin file created in step C back to recovery.bin and run the command "axon7tool -w recovery". after that you can enable your antivirus software again. axon7tool can't connect with some antivirus software. I will be editing this OP with links to the procedures required for each step. All of them are in this forums.
Enjoy
@Oki
To fix either " Wrong Pattern " , " Wrong Pin " users only need to delete " /data/system/locksettings.db " from either Terminal/File Explorer with root or TWRP File explorer then Reboot and you'll be good to go .
DrakenFX said:
@Oki
To fix either " Wrong Pattern " , " Wrong Pin " users only need to delete " /data/system/locksettings.db " from either Terminal/File Explorer with root or TWRP File explorer then Reboot and you'll be good to go .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure! but this guide is intended for people with the stock, unrooted, blocked bootloader who want to remain with a pure stock experience. Usually people without experience rooting devices. This is why I will edit the guide to add all the details to every step.
Could I do this with a pin as well? I restored a backup and it corrupted my password and I have to use the fingerprint on the back to get in.
twilighttony said:
Could I do this with a pin as well? I restored a backup and it corrupted my password and I have to use the fingerprint on the back to get in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the procedure deletes everything. If you have problems just do the same also with:
gatekeeper.password.key
locksettings.db-shm
locksettings.db-wal
I have updated the OP just to describe the full procedure.
I had this problem earlier today of having the PIN corrupted, but I have it set to require the pin on the first boot.
I fixed it by removing all files ending in ".key" in /system. Not really sure how this compares to removing locksettings.db. Afterward, I put my password back using Google's device manager.
Of course, I am rooted with twrp, so this comes after setting that up.
Masterjuggler said:
I had this problem earlier today of having the PIN corrupted, but I have it set to require the pin on the first boot.
I fixed it by removing all files ending in ".key" in /system. Not really sure how this compares to removing locksettings.db. Afterward, I put my password back using Google's device manager.
Of course, I am rooted with twrp, so this comes after setting that up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem of this method is that it only works if the bootloader is unlocked and the phone has the No-verify patch installed.
When you say "No-verify patch," are you talking about removing Google license verification from apps (via an app such as lucky-patcher for instance)? AFAIK that is on a per-app basis and wouldn't affect something like the lockscreen password.
So if the phone has those prerequisites (unlocked, No-verify, TWRP), is there a difference between removing the ".key" files and the locksettings.db? I am not entirely sure what the different files contain, and don't seem to be able to find this information through Google, though I may just not be searching the right set of keywords.
Masterjuggler said:
When you say "No-verify patch," are you talking about removing Google license verification from apps (via an app such as lucky-patcher for instance)? AFAIK that is on a per-app basis and wouldn't affect something like the lockscreen password.
So if the phone has those prerequisites (unlocked, No-verify, TWRP), is there a difference between removing the ".key" files and the locksettings.db? I am not entirely sure what the different files contain, and don't seem to be able to find this information through Google, though I may just not be searching the right set of keywords.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No-Verify is an additional security system implementend in the kernel. When No-Verify is active, it checks for the signature of the system partition. If the system was modified, then the system won't boot. This is why after unlocking the bootloader you have to apply No-Verify Patch or any package with the integrated patch such as SuperSU. As you can see, it has nothing to do with the app signature or the lockscreen at all.
The method presented in the OP is valid for most Android phones, and the only prerequisite is to have TWRP installed. It is safe and a lot more recommended than patching the system partition. Patching system or kernel should always be your last resort. usually deleting locksettings.db is enough, and it is a general method that works for almost any locking method.
On B25 and have followed all instructions. Seems this method no longer works :/

[NEWBIE GUIDE] How to Unlock Bootloader/Root and install Addons FireStick 4k

None of this is my work and all recognition goes to the awesome developers that made this possible, I will link their guides in here with some minor notes for newbies like me that may had some issues trying to unlock and root the Fire Stick (FS) 4K
DISCLAIMER: BE WARNED THAT YOU HAVE TO OPEN YOUR FIRE STICK AND IT WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY, THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART AND NEITHER THE DEVELOPERS OR MYSELF ARE RESPONSIBLE IF YOU BRICK YOUR DEVICE OR VOID YOUR WARRANTY
Ok, now let's begin:
UPDATE: Per Sus_i, this makes perfect sense:
"Since the exploit can't be patched, it's in my opinion the best to do the setup at the beginning, pair the remote, then update to the latest over fireOS. That way you avoid a pending update nag setup screen after doing the exploit. Then enable ADB and unknown sources. After kamakiri I would flash only magisk.zip + sideload the manager app with adb... and avoid any prerooted rom flashing until there is an update to a somewhat higher version (and the current 6.2.6.8v1 has that contact manufacturer error screen)."
First very important, I wish I would have known this before but make sure you have a Laptop and a Monitor to Connect the FS to, so basically the USB Power cable from the FS connect it to your laptop and connect the HDMI portion to a monitor or TV
I also strongly recommend to have your FS deregistered before continuing as this will prevent your FS from automatically updating after rooting
In order to unlock the bootloader follow "THIS GUIDE"
I made a quick video on how to open your device and how to Short it using Aluminum Foil:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4I6ifBLWJ4
Process is pretty self explanitory, make a USB ISO from the image provided on that thread, boot into it and open terminal, make sure you put the file he provides on a RW location, my mistake was that I put it inside a RO folder and it would not load the script, so I mounted the kamakiri-mantis-v1.2.zip unto the /mnt directory of the usb and I was able to run the script successfully, make sure to run the commands quickly as the first time that I it finished the ./bootrom-step.sh script and I left it sitting for 10 minutes to grab a bite, I couldn't run the second script and had to start all over. After the second ./fastboot-step.sh script, your device will be on the TWRP recovery, now on the same terminal page or a new one enter these commands:
Code:
adb devices
adb shell
exit
You should see your device's serial number from the first command with "device" to the right of it and the second command will basically put you inside the device's directory assuming you have established a successful connection. The last command just put you back to your starting point, now open the firefox browser on the FireOS USB and navigate to the URL below
Download the Pre-Rooted Image from "HERE" This image contains Magisk already so you don't have to worry about installing it separately, the image is larger than the available partition on this USB so this is a good time to either get a second USB or if you want to download the file to your local hdd and pull them from there its up to you, then run these commands:
Code:
adb push <your download location you decided earlier here>/mantis-6.2.6.8-rooted_r1.zip / sdcard/
adb reboot recovery
adb shell
twrp install /sdcard/mantis-6.2.6.8-rooted_r1.zip
twrp wipe cache
twrp wipe dalvik
reboot -p
This basically installs the pre-rooted image to your device, after the last command, you should see on your monitor the Fire Stick Reboot and boot to the Amazon GUI Splash Screen, now very important if you followed my previous instructions of deregistering your device before performing all these steps, it should bring you up to the Amazon Initial Setup Screen, now what you want to do is do the following commands before continuing on terminal:
Code:
adb devices *you should see something your screen where the FS is connected to, click accept or enter can't remember*
Now it should show you in terminal your serial number and "device" next to it, meaning you can run adb commands in which you will run the following to disable OTA updates:
Code:
adb shell
su *after this command you should see something again on your screen, click the check the box "Always Remember" and click ok" *
if "su" was successful, you should see something like this:
mantis:/ $ su
mantis:/ # *the hash means you're running as root, if you don't have a "#" you are not running as root"
Than continue with these commands and should get the following results:
pm disable com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2
***Package com.amazon.tv.forcedotaupdater.v2 new state: disabled***
pm disable com.amazon.device.software.ota
***Package om.amazon.device.software.ota new state: disabled***
pm disable com.amazon.device.software.ota.override
***Package com.amazon.device.software.ota.override new state: disabled***
After running all these commands exit adb and continue with the normal Amazon Setup including adding your amazon account. After you get to the screen where you can see all the apps, open a new web page browser in firefox and download "This Add-On" , this one is less than 200MB so it should fit on the Fire OS USB, so I would download it and copy it to /mnt for ease of access, go back to terminal and type this:
Code:
adb devices
adb push <your download location you decided earlier here>/AFTV-MM-1.7-6.2.6.8.zip/ sdcard/
adb reboot recovery *it will boot into TWRP*
adb shell
twrp install /sdcard/AFTV-MM-1.7-6.2.6.8.zip
twrp wipe cache
twrp wipe dalvik
reboot -p
Your device will reboot and if everything went smoothly, you should have a rooted amazon fire stick 4k, Congrats :good:
Nice guide
Here are a few thoughts from me...
It's important to use the latest kamakiri. The mentioned prerooted 6.2.6.5 is probably a downgrade. A few sticks needs an update of the TZ in order to play prime video. The TZ update is only in the v1.2 Kamakiri or in the 6.2.6.6 prerooted.
Edit: S̵i̵n̵c̵e̵ ̵t̵h̵e̵ ̵e̵x̵p̵l̵o̵i̵t̵ ̵c̵a̵n̵'̵t̵ ̵b̵e̵ ̵p̵a̵t̵c̵h̵e̵d̵,̵ ̵i̵t̵'̵s̵ ̵i̵n̵ ̵m̵y̵ ̵o̵p̵i̵n̵i̵o̵n̵ ̵t̵h̵e̵ ̵b̵e̵s̵t̵ ̵t̵o̵ ̵d̵o̵ ̵t̵h̵e̵ ̵s̵e̵t̵u̵p̵ ̵a̵t̵ ̵t̵h̵e̵ ̵b̵e̵g̵i̵n̵n̵i̵n̵g̵,̵ ̵p̵a̵i̵r̵ ̵t̵h̵e̵ ̵r̵e̵m̵o̵t̵e̵,̵ ̵t̵h̵e̵n̵ ̵u̵p̵d̵a̵t̵e̵ ̵t̵o̵ ̵t̵h̵e̵ ̵l̵a̵t̵e̵s̵t̵ ̵o̵v̵e̵r̵ ̵f̵i̵r̵e̵O̵S̵.̵ ̵T̵h̵a̵t̵ ̵w̵a̵y̵ ̵y̵o̵u̵ ̵a̵v̵o̵i̵d̵ ̵a̵ ̵p̵e̵n̵d̵i̵n̵g̵ ̵u̵p̵d̵a̵t̵e̵ ̵n̵a̵g̵ ̵s̵e̵t̵u̵p̵ ̵s̵c̵r̵e̵e̵n̵ ̵a̵f̵t̵e̵r̵ ̵d̵o̵i̵n̵g̵ ̵t̵h̵e̵ ̵e̵x̵p̵l̵o̵i̵t̵.̵ ̵T̵h̵e̵n̵ ̵e̵n̵a̵b̵l̵e̵ ̵A̵D̵B̵ ̵a̵n̵d̵ ̵u̵n̵k̵n̵o̵w̵n̵ ̵s̵o̵u̵r̵c̵e̵s̵.̵ ̵ After kamakiri I would flash only magisk.zip + sideload the manager app with adb... and avoid any prerooted rom flashing until there is an update to a somewhat higher version (and the current 6.2.6.8v1 has that contact manufacturer error screen).
Edit: Update: meanwhile, the fix for the mentioned 'contact manufacturer' error is known...
Take a look here and here.
Edit/Update: Due to efuses (blocking the bootrom access), it isn't recommended to do any update infront of the unlock...
Sus_i said:
Nice guide
Here are a few thoughts from me...
It's important to use the latest kamakiri. The mentioned prerooted 6.2.6.5 is probably a downgrade. A few sticks needs an update of the TZ in order to play prime video. The TZ update is only in the v1.2 Kamakiri or in the 6.2.6.6 prerooted.
Since the exploit can't be patched, it's in my opinion the best to do the setup at the beginning, pair the remote, then update to the latest over fireOS. That way you avoid a pending update nag setup screen after doing the exploit. Then enable ADB and unknown sources. After kamakiri I would flash only magisk.zip + sideload the manager app with adb... and avoid any prerooted rom flashing until there is an update to a somewhat higher version (and the current 6.2.6.8v1 has that contact manufacturer error screen).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ops Typo let me edit it, I meant to put 6.2.6.8 on the command lol, and aaaa I see I didn't know the exploit couldn't be patched great info, so than yes I will revise my instructions thank so much
UPDATE: I just checked my FS and I'm on 6.2.6.8v1 and didn't receive contact the manufacturer, is it because I sideloaded the manager app after?
nandroidint said:
UPDATE: I just checked my FS and I'm on 6.2.6.8v1 and didn't receive contact the manufacturer, is it because I sideloaded the manager app after?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. If I remember correct, it has something to do with flashing, i.e. the vendor partition wasn't flashed propperly.
Maybe you flashed not the prerooted!? With the Kamakiri TWRP version is flashing full ota update packages (renamed to zip) also possible... and in the prerooted thread is such a full 6.2.6.8 ota linked.
Edit: Could be that this error is prime video related, idk. rbox said he looks into it soon...
Just for clarification: The prerooted rom is a perfect thing since years.
My suggestion 'avoid any rom flashing' from my last post is just an attempt to keep it simple for beginners.
By the way, if the stick gets all updates in front of the unlock, it makes no sense to update it after the unlock again (unless addon.d support is needed).
I hope that has become clear I very much appreciate all the prerooted stuff
thanx for the tut nandroidint this is exactly what I needed, I wasn't sure how to do the shorting so the video helped out a lot now I'm ready to do this. But I'm sorta a noob when it comes to android so I got few questions tho, 1) what are the main benefits in rooting the fIrestick 4K 2) are there different roms to install? 3) are there root only .apks? 4)also one main thing I would like to be able to do is spoofing the Mac address any idea if that's possible?
5)Oh and lastly what OTB cable do you recommend? sorry for all the questions ?
'std::bad_alloc'
After running the adb push of the manthis.zip Im getting terminate called after throwing an instance of 'std::bad_alloc'.... What Im I doing wrong?
i gave root can i remove amazon services
i dont want google launcher jsut remove services
Sooo there’s no way to expand the storage? Even after rooted? Just bought an otg cable ?
Can I please get some support guys ? previous questions I don’t need answered I found someone on twitter who explained a few things but can someone please answer this.
Hello, after root i got massage on screen
: android system
There is na internal problem with Your device. Contact Your manufacturer for detalis.
And when im trying to register in Amazon it bringing me back to pairing screen, farest i can go it is wifi connection.
Did i brick my Stick?
davinci2798 said:
Hello, after root i got massage on screen
: android system
There is na internal problem with Your device. Contact Your manufacturer for detalis.
And when im trying to register in Amazon it bringing me back to pairing screen, farest i can go it is wifi connection.
Did i brick my Stick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you deregister before rooting like the tut says? This is why I’ve been hesitant on rooting because of the lack of support on this forum
Yep, it was new Stick, out from box. Not registered at all. I managed massage, but still comminng to pairing screen.
itsyaboy said:
Sooo there’s no way to expand the storage? Even after rooted? Just bought an otg cable
Can I please get some support guys previous questions I don’t need answered I found someone on twitter who explained a few things but can someone please answer this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use adoptable storage on 4K stick with Add-Ons installed and activated AFTV-XM Xposed Module. It brings adoptable storage support to Settings UI.
tsynik said:
You can use adoptable storage on 4K stick with Add-Ons installed and activated AFTV-XM Xposed Module. It brings adoptable storage support to Settings UI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! That’s awesome thanx for the info and reply.
davinci2798 said:
Yep, it was new Stick, out from box. Not registered at all. I managed massage, but still comminng to pairing screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey so have you figured out what was the problem yet? If so could u explain how you managed to fix it? I’m going to root sometime this week and would hate to run into this issue.
USB drive for storage
itsyaboy said:
Sooo there’s no way to expand the storage? Even after rooted? Just bought an otg cable
Can I please get some support guys previous questions I don’t need answered I found someone on twitter who explained a few things but can someone please answer this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, You can use a USB drive for App loading and Movie storage.
See Troypoint.com for good video.
I suggest a single USB OTG Cable and a USB HUB for your drive.
Then you can add a Keyboard and Mouse which make it MUCH easier to type commands.
Good Luck
How might one do this on a Mac?
Thanks
gogorman said:
How might one do this on a Mac?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do what? The only thing u can do on the MacOS is to create the bootable iso usb, you can follow these steps to do so https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.le...-on-an-apple-mac-os-x-from-an-iso?hs_amp=true
After your create the bootable usb just reboot and hold down option and select the bootable usb, once in open up Firefox and download the kamakiri-mantis-v1 and open a terminal window and change the directory to where u have the kamakiri folder, in terminal type cd then just drop in the kamakiri and hit enter. From there u can just follow the tut, FYI the bootable usb you create is a Linux OS so that’s how you can do it on a Mac, you just can’t do the rooting on MacOS, just clarifying Incase that was your question.
Sorry I haven't rooted phones in a while and am trying to root my fire stick 4k. Can we get some pictures tutorial pretty please
Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk
Step by step instructions would be great?
chinkster said:
Sorry I haven't rooted phones in a while and am trying to root my fire stick 4k. Can we get some pictures tutorial pretty please
Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love that too, I have rooted with Unix before but that was on a Drone(Solo).
I understand about creating a bootable USB drive and booting my PC/Mac by changing the bios to boot first off the USB as step 1.
Step 2 is loading software onto the USB while booted under Unix/Linux???
Step 3 How do you then connect to the firestick?
When do you plug the firestick into the tv and when do you short out the jumper??
I know to some of you these sound very basic but it would be helpful for those of us just learning this environment.
Thanks in advance...
RPM99 said:
I would love that too, I have rooted with Unix before but that was on a Drone(Solo).
I understand about creating a bootable USB drive and booting my PC/Mac by changing the bios to boot first off the USB as step 1.
Step 2 is loading software onto the USB while booted under Unix/Linux???
Step 3 How do you then connect to the firestick?
When do you plug the firestick into the tv and when do you short out the jumper??
I know to some of you these sound very basic but it would be helpful for those of us just learning this environment.
Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link he provided explains all that https://forum.xda-developers.com/fire-tv/orig-development/unlock-fire-tv-stick-4k-mantis-t3978459 all except for when to connect to the tv, but I assume it’s after running the kamakiri script, btw it’s not software, you just download the kamakiri mantis while in the Linux usb os, open a terminal and change the directory of the terminal to the kamakiri folder in order to run the ./bootrom-step.sh and ./fastboot-step.sh commands
Edit: just follow the main guide from the link above then read this guide after, that’s the best way to understand it.

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