custom recovery for 7840 5.1 - Dell Venue

Since there seems to be no way of installing current (and future) patches from stock recovery when the device is rooted, it'd be good to know if someone has information about whether it's possible or not to develop a custom recovery. The old method using 5.02 droidboot won't work because the updates mess up the whole system if you use them. So since we have unlockable bootloaders in 5.1, could there be the possibility of compiling a permanent CWM?

since there seems no one to be working on it at the moment, i'll start a few tries myself and document the progress in this thread. Feel free to help or comment.
For now, i', stuck at unlocking the bootloader and still don't know why. "OEM unlock" was set in the developer options, rebooted to fastboot and tried "fastboot oem unlock". Results as attached. :\
I'll google a bit around and see if i can get it working....

What's the question - how to load the tethered CWM when you're running Lollipop 5.1? Because I can do that and provide insructions.

He's asking about a recovery that can be installed to the recovery partition, not just tethered.
It's possible, but we'd need somebody to build one. I tried one a while back from the Zenfone 2, but it didn't want to boot.

jumpup said:
What's the question - how to load the tethered CWM when you're running Lollipop 5.1? Because I can do that and provide insructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, it's not about the tethered one. The method booting tethered CWM won't work anymore once you installed the stagefright update. We'd need a 5.1 post-stagefright boot.img and system.img for that. And as the bootloader can be unlocked now, i think it might be the better solution to build a untethered CWM for the future.
@xBIGREDDx: do you have any good step by step instructions for setting up a build environment for that? The most things i found we not that complete. E.g. where to find the "vendor-specific files" and what they even are.

toxic_garden said:
no, it's not about the tethered one. The method booting tethered CWM won't work anymore once you installed the stagefright update. We'd need a 5.1 post-stagefright boot.img and system.img for that. And as the bootloader can be unlocked now, i think it might be the better solution to build a untethered CWM for the future.
@xBIGREDDx: do you have any good step by step instructions for setting up a build environment for that? The most things i found we not that complete. E.g. where to find the "vendor-specific files" and what they even are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a means of booting to tethered CWM after the Stagefright update. You must first flash the old 5.02 droidboot firmware via Intel Flash Utility (while in bootloader mode). Afterward, you can run the tethered CWM.
@xBIGREDDx made some instructions on this. Let me find it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64391058&postcount=16
This is not straightforward, but you *can* get to tethered CWM and root your 5.1 system. I did exactly this.

jumpup said:
There is a means of booting to tethered CWM after the Stagefright update. You must first flash the old 5.02 droidboot firmware via Intel Flash Utility (while in bootloader mode). Afterward, you can run the tethered CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that'S exactly the problem: if you flash the 5.02 droidboot over a system that applied the stagefright fix, you'll completely mess up the system. The fix contains a new boot.img and patches to the system.img, so even rolling back after super su to the stock 5.1 boot and system.img will get your tablet in a messed up state. If there'd be a way to dump the actual system and boot img without root, we could still use this method, but i don't know of one.

toxic_garden said:
that'S exactly the problem: if you flash the 5.02 droidboot over a system that applied the stagefright fix, you'll completely mess up the system. The fix contains a new boot.img and patches to the system.img, so even rolling back after super su to the stock 5.1 boot and system.img will get your tablet in a messed up state. If there'd be a way to dump the actual system and boot img without root, we could still use this method, but i don't know of one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*OH*! Now I understand. Could you post a screenshot of the build version with the Stagefright patch applied? I want to compare to mine. See attached.
Sent from my Venue 8 7840 using Tapatalk

jumpup said:
*OH*! Now I understand. Could you post a screenshot of the build version with the Stagefright patch applied? I want to compare to mine. See attached.
Sent from my Venue 8 7840 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's mine. Software version doesn't seem to be changed, but the kernel is different...

With my current Android installation, CWM does not seem to be able to back up the data partition which is unfortunate.
However, I have always used a multi-tiered backup system:
* Titanium Backup (FULL on Sunday, INCREMENTAL every other day)
* Online NAndroid Backup (One per week using CWM format)
Each app's backup data syncs to the home NAS and Dropbox once a week.
I thought I had the Stagefright fix already in place. That's why I wanted to compare build/version details with a device that has the fix installed.

jumpup said:
With my current Android installation, CWM does not seem to be able to back up the data partition which is unfortunate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, /data is encrypted, so CWM can't access it for backup.
And since the stagefright fix won't install when it recognizes the /system partition as "tempered" (which means e.g. having the superSU binaries installed), it's pretty hard to keep root. That's the trap we're in.
back to topic: i'm gonna boot my linux netbook today and see if i can get the "oem unlock" option working...

toxic_garden said:
Yeah, /data is encrypted, so CWM can't access it for backup.
And since the stagefright fix won't install when it recognizes the /system partition as "tempered" (which means e.g. having the superSU binaries installed), it's pretty hard to keep root. That's the trap we're in.
back to topic: i'm gonna boot my linux netbook today and see if i can get the "oem unlock" option working...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
D'oh. I should have remembered about the data encryption. Need more caffeine
If you need anything tested or confirmed in the field, I'd be glad to help.
Sent from my Venue 8 7840 using Tapatalk

toxic_garden said:
Here's mine. Software version doesn't seem to be changed, but the kernel is different...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The build number of a 5.1 install prior to Stagefright is different as well. Ends in 171200DEL instead of 173600DEL post-Stagefright patch.

jumpup said:
The build number of a 5.1 install prior to Stagefright is different as well. Ends in 171200DEL instead of 173600DEL post-Stagefright patch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oops you're right. Didn't even notice.
First steps forward: it seems like it's not possible to unlock the bootloader with installed sf-patch. No matter which version of fastboot i tried, i always got "FAILED: (some text i can't remember)". After downgrading to 5.1 stock firmware, unlock was possible. So as i now at least have the possibility to boot another recovery, i'll try setting up the build env. The Recovery Builder from CWM seems to be out of order at the moment.

toxic_garden said:
Here's mine. Software version doesn't seem to be changed, but the kernel is different...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I now have the Stagefright patch installed. Used the 5.02 droidboot temporarily to engage tethered CWM and install SuperSU. Reflashed 5.10 droidboot and firmware before proceeding. All is well. As you mentioned, it makes for a mixed 5.1 boot system, but I simply cannot live without root.
Here are the new build/version details:

After taking your advice and flashing the sg droidboot, my IWFI version is in line. I'll see if any system issues occur.

Is anyone still working on the 7840? Would be nice to have TWRP or CWM

I've been poking around on my 7840 on and off for a few weeks now. I seem to have verified that, after unlocking the bootloader, you can modify the boot and recovery partitions to your heart's content. However, any time I rebuild the kernel myself, I end up back at the "Dell" screen, frozen. Any other files are free game.
Assuming that the kernel needs to be signed using some tool I haven't figured out yet, I'm going to see if I can get a version of CWM working w/ the stock kernel. I tried dumping the version from the tethered recovery onto the recovery.img, but running it results in a black screen. I'll keep poking around though.

Related

[Q] Nexus devices - updating with root

Hi all
Background: I'm no stranger to modding devices in general but I'm not an expert in Android modding. Just a tinkerer.
I love my Nexus 10 but it's feeling a little unloved after my attempt to update it to 4.4 KitKat. Until recently I was running:
Android 4.3 (JWR66Y build)
Rooted using the Nexus Tool Kit
SuperSU
Storage encryption using the built-in cryptfs functionality
TWRP recovery
The device automatically downloaded the KOT49H (4.4.2) OTA update. I went to the XDA IRC channel on Freenode and asked in there if it'd be OK to let it install. They said yes, it'll be fine but I might need to re-root. I let it install. It soft-bricked it. All I got was the KitKat boot animation.
I went into Fastboot, wiped and flashed the KOT49H stock build to the device. I don't have root and the device is fresh as a daisy (apart from having TWRP recovery still).
What I wanted to know is why the device became bricked. Judging by the other / threads / I found in the forum there seems to be some disagreement as to the actual process and even possibility of installing the OTA delta updates.
Can someone clarify why the device became bricked and help with avoiding such issues in future? I have a freshly updated device and I'd like to know what steps I should take to avoid having to wipe the tablet each time I want an OS update.
Thank you in advance
New Years Eve
NYE was a bad time to post! Bump?
DijitalJB said:
NYE was a bad time to post! Bump?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTA updates will not work if you have a custom recovery installed (TWRP). You could have pulled the OTA update zip out of cache and moved it to storage and used TWRP to "Install" it or download it yourself and install it with TWRP. It's odd that it was bricked because normally it will just fail and throw an error (has unexpected contents). I know that if it fails while installing the update with TWRP, it will tell you what file or app in the system caused the problem. An OTA update will normally only work if you have the stock recovery and nothing in the system has been modified. Basically, the update will check to see if anything has been modified that is going to be updated. A major update like from 4.3 to 4.4 everything pretty much gets updated. A minor update like from 4.4.1 to 4.4.2 not a lot got updated so you might get away with some files being modified. Also... if you flash everything in the factory image Except the userdata image you will not lose your settings and user apps. If you want to install the OTA with TWRP and have modified the system or kernel you can just flash the system.img or boot.img so that the OTA will work. Make sense?
Flashing system.img and boot.img only
wantabe said:
...if you flash everything in the factory image except the userdata image you will not lose your settings and user apps. If you want to install the OTA with TWRP and have modified the system or kernel you can just flash the system.img or boot.img so that the OTA will work....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you wantabe. That does make sense, yes. I've found the section of the Nexus Root Toolkit that will allow me to flash the individual images, and I've dissected the build archive from Google and found where those .img files are, which is cool.
My only follow up question is: when I first boot will the system do any kind of checking/upgrading of the existing userdata to make sure it's compatible? Is this automatic? I ask because I recall the update process involving something like this when I went from 4.0 to 4.1 on my phone.
Thanks in advance
DijitalJB said:
Thank you wantabe. That does make sense, yes. I've found the section of the Nexus Root Toolkit that will allow me to flash the individual images, and I've dissected the build archive from Google and found where those .img files are, which is cool.
My only follow up question is: when I first boot will the system do any kind of checking/upgrading of the existing userdata to make sure it's compatible? Is this automatic? I ask because I recall the update process involving something like this when I went from 4.0 to 4.1 on my phone.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you boot? No. When you update it will check the system not the userdata.

Will there ever be a more simple way to unlock bootloader Thor 13.3.2.4

I am on rooted Thor with 13.3.2.4, with the Nexus Rom installed via safestrap. I have been reading all the threads on unlocking the bootloader and find all of the steps to be very scary. I would like to wait until there was some kind of "toolkit" for this rather than having to first downgrade and then use python through adb etc which I am somewhat uncomfortable with. Will there ever be such a simpler solution?
The bootloader unlock procedure is a no brainer, can't mess up anything there. Downgrading is a little risky, but you're on 3.2.4, thus you can even use the rollback images for Safestrap, take a look at this thread (page 1 is about 3.2.5/3.2.6 users who can NOT use the downgrade images). I'm afraid it won't get any easier than that.
If you don't want to use Python, just execute the adb commands to get your ID and serial (post them here, or PM me if you don't want anyone to see them), I'll create the .unlock file for you then. Downgrading and (actual) unlocking are tasks you have to do yourself though.
I think I might try it this weekend. Thanks for the help.
Cl4ncy said:
The bootloader unlock procedure is a no brainer, can't mess up anything there. Downgrading is a little risky, but you're on 3.2.4, thus you can even use the rollback images for Safestrap, take a look at this thread (page 1 is about 3.2.5/3.2.6 users who can NOT use the downgrade images). I'm afraid it won't get any easier than that.
If you don't want to use Python, just execute the adb commands to get your ID and serial (post them here, or PM me if you don't want anyone to see them), I'll create the .unlock file for you then. Downgrading and (actual) unlocking are tasks you have to do yourself though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have successfully downgraded to 13.3.1.0, but I am confused about how to install TWRP. Since I have not enabled wifi and registered, I can't install flashify or cwm, or even install a file explorer apk to access my storage, and I don't know how to get the twrp.img file (which I guess I can only install via adb?) Where do I get the correct twrp.img file? I'm kind of stuck....
kbs24 said:
I have successfully downgraded to 13.3.1.0, but I am confused about how to install TWRP. Since I have not enabled wifi and registered, I can't install flashify or cwm, or even install a file explorer apk to access my storage, and I don't know how to get the twrp.img file (which I guess I can only install via adb?) Where do I get the correct twrp.img file? I'm kind of stuck....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am by no means an expert but I just went through this process myself yesterday and it was relatively simple. Check this thread. It has a number of helpful posts in it, including my questions from yesterday.
The correct TWRP image is here. Just follow the instructions in that thread. It's super simple if you use the minimal adb and fastboot linked by Cl4ncy in the first thread I linked. If you have any other questions I'll do my best to help you.
kbs24 said:
I have successfully downgraded to 13.3.1.0, but I am confused about how to install TWRP. Since I have not enabled wifi and registered, I can't install flashify or cwm, or even install a file explorer apk to access my storage, and I don't know how to get the twrp.img file (which I guess I can only install via adb?) Where do I get the correct twrp.img file? I'm kind of stuck....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the late reply, @muunkin pointed you in the right direction already.
Be sure to (re-)root 3.1.0 and disable OTA via HDX ToolKit, and enable USB debugging in Fire OS, hope you installed minimal adb and fastboot, then copy the TWRP image for your HDX (Thor = 7", Apollo = 8.9") to the root of the sdcard (which is the directory you'll see in Explorer after connecting the HDX to your PC, i.e. don't open another directory), open a DOS box, change dir to the adb directory (enter cd\adb) and enter the commands mentioned in the TWRP thread. This will flash the TWRP image to the recovery parition.
Do a backup of your Fire OS in TWRP before you flash any custom ROM, and copy it to your PC, also look for the TWRP backup of the stock recovery (I think TWRP does a backup somewhere), and move that to your PC as well.
In case you don't know how to access TWRP: with the HDX powered off, you press and hold volume up, then press and hold the power button, release both when the grey Kindle Fire logo appears on screen. Some ROMs (e.g. CM12) offer the advanced reboot in developer options, this will add options to reboot into recovery, bootloader or a soft (quick) reboot to the power menu.
Cl4ncy said:
Sorry for the late reply, @muunkin pointed you in the right direction already.
Be sure to (re-)root 3.1.0 and disable OTA via HDX ToolKit, and enable USB debugging in Fire OS, hope you installed minimal adb and fastboot, then copy the TWRP image for your HDX (Thor = 7", Apollo = 8.9") to the root of the sdcard (which is the directory you'll see in Explorer after connecting the HDX to your PC, i.e. don't open another directory), open a DOS box, change dir to the adb directory (enter cd\adb) and enter the commands mentioned in the TWRP thread. This will flash the TWRP image to the recovery parition.
Do a backup of your Fire OS in TWRP before you flash any custom ROM, and copy it to your PC, also look for the TWRP backup of the stock recovery (I think TWRP does a backup somewhere), and move that to your PC as well.
In case you don't know how to access TWRP: with the HDX powered off, you press and hold volume up, then press and hold the power button, release both when the grey Kindle Fire logo appears on screen. Some ROMs (e.g. CM12) offer the advanced reboot in developer options, this will add options to reboot into recovery, bootloader or a soft (quick) reboot to the power menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you both @muunkin and @Cl4ncy for guiding me through this. It is clear now that I have to flash TWRP via adb. Unfortunately I did, however, last night briefly turn on wifi in order to get es file explorer, and very quickly the OS ugraded itself to 13.3.2.3. Then, stupidly, I decided to go back to Nexus rom 2.0.2, which I did by reinstalling safestrap. And, Nexus rom is installed on the Stock Rom slot, and I did NOT backup the 13.3.2.3 stock rom. SO, since I am on Nexus rom, do I understand correctly that I need to begin again by downgrading to 13.3.1.0? Right? (After printing out all of these threads and printing out a lot of it and carefully reading, it looks to me like if I had stayed on stock 13.3.2.3 I would not have had to downgrade.....but too late now anyway.) I do have the minimal adb and fastboot installed, and my device is recognized, so eventually this will work I'm pretty sure. I appreciate the help!
kbs24 said:
Thank you both @muunkin and @Cl4ncy for guiding me through this. It is clear now that I have to flash TWRP via adb. Unfortunately I did, however, last night briefly turn on wifi in order to get es file explorer, and very quickly the OS ugraded itself to 13.3.2.3. Then, stupidly, I decided to go back to Nexus rom 2.0.2, which I did by reinstalling safestrap. And, Nexus rom is installed on the Stock Rom slot, and I did NOT backup the 13.3.2.3 stock rom. SO, since I am on Nexus rom, do I understand correctly that I need to begin again by downgrading to 13.3.1.0? Right? (After printing out all of these threads and printing out a lot of it and carefully reading, it looks to me like if I had stayed on stock 13.3.2.3 I would not have had to downgrade.....but too late now anyway.) I do have the minimal adb and fastboot installed, and my device is recognized, so eventually this will work I'm pretty sure. I appreciate the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, 13.3.2.3 is ok for both TWRP and unlocking the bootloader, i.e. no need to flash 3.1.0 again - a firmware below 3.2.4 is enough.
Cl4ncy said:
No, 13.3.2.3 is ok for both TWRP and unlocking the bootloader, i.e. no need to flash 3.1.0 again - a firmware below 3.2.4 is enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if I am not running on the stock rom? I can adb install TWRP while on Nexus rom?
kbs24 said:
Even if I am not running on the stock rom? I can adb install TWRP while on Nexus rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, I'm not exactly sure about this - @ggow's answer here seems to point out that you really have to do it all over again.
Why did you install Safestrap again anyway? ADB-flashing TWRP and unlocking the bootloader before you install a custom ROM would've been the next steps. Also I told you to create a backup of your stock slot before you flash any custom ROM, didn't I?
Cl4ncy said:
Hm, I'm not exactly sure about this - @ggow's answer here seems to point out that you really have to do it all over again.
Why did you install Safestrap again anyway? ADB-flashing TWRP and unlocking the bootloader before you install a custom ROM would've been the next steps. Also I told you to create a backup of your stock slot before you flash any custom ROM, didn't I?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you sure did, and that's why I said "stupidly" about me putting safestrap back and nexus rom. I was overanxious and acted impulsively, not having a recovery installed was freaking me out. Bad habit. About doing the backup, there did not appear to be enough room on the internal storage. Sorry. We'll start over no problem. Again thanks.
kbs24 said:
Yes you sure did, and that's why I said "stupidly" about me putting safestrap back and nexus rom. I was overanxious and acted impulsively, not having a recovery installed was freaking me out. Bad habit. About doing the backup, there did not appear to be enough room on the internal storage. Sorry. We'll start over no problem. Again thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also not sure how to do this now. You don't have any Safestrap 3.2.3 Fire OS backup to restore, you shouldn't use the 3.2.4 rollback image, as you're not on 3.2.4, so what do you want to flash to the stock slot now? Or did I miss anything?
Cl4ncy said:
I'm also not sure how to do this now. You don't have any Safestrap 3.2.3 Fire OS backup to restore, you shouldn't use the 3.2.4 rollback image, as you're not on 3.2.4, so what do you want to flash to the stock slot now? Or did I miss anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to look for a stock 3.2.3 to flash. If can't find, I do have a backup of stock 3.2.4 on the card which I would flash, thus requiring the downgrade.
kbs24 said:
I was going to look for a stock 3.2.3 to flash. If can't find, I do have a backup of stock 3.2.4 on the card which I would flash, thus requiring the downgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't seen a 3.2.3 Safestrap flashable Image, good luck. Regarding the 3.2.4 backup I'm not sure whether it works with the 3.2.3 bootloader.
Cl4ncy said:
I haven't seen a 3.2.3 Safestrap flashable Image, good luck. Regarding the 3.2.4 backup I'm not sure whether it works with the 3.2.3 bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I am probably screwed. But we'll see. I'm pretty sure I understand what the process should be at least.
kbs24 said:
Yeah, I am probably screwed. But we'll see. I'm pretty sure I understand what the process should be at least.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how far you got with this but you *should* be able to flash TWRP from Nexus provided the version of FireOS was 3.2.3.2 or lower prior to the installation of Safestrap v3. The customized version of twrp leverages a vulnerability in the HDX bootloader that is installed with FireOS. Neither Safestrap nor Nexus mess with the bootloader so the prerequisites should remain intact. I say should as interactions are complex - further complicated by a fussy device with limited recovery capability should something go wrong. To the best of my knowledge no one has attempted a twrp flash from Nexus while Safestrap v3 is installed.
Thoughts:
- grab flashify from the play store or here; make a backup of your current recovery environment (this step will also help to familiarize you with flashify)
- download the HDX customized version of twrp (here); use ES File Explorer to verify MD5
- use flashify to install twrp (can also be done via adb commands as shown in the twrp op)
Options:
- unlock the bootloader before attempting other remedial steps. Unlocking is a frustrating but low/no risk activity that yields substantially improved recovery capabilities once completed. Yep - you can do this without twrp (unlocking before flashing twrp is the recommended path according to several devs - although I prefer the opposite).
[-or-]
- flash 3.1.0 from here to the stock slot and then attempt to remove Safestrap v3. If successful you can proceed with flashing twrp unlocking, etc in the normal manner. As with any flash there is a risk something will go wrong or FireOS will not start up properly. To help mitigate the latter suggest installing a fallback version of Nexus v2 in a secondary slot. Don't forget to remove this slot before uninstalling SS.
The above is only an outline. Give it some thought and post any questions BEFORE taking action. I also suggest you let this post sit for a few days in case some of the rational is fatally flawed. Lots of smart people in the community who will jump in if my guidance is misdirected (which it has been shown to be on occasion). Don't risk a brick by acting too quickly. Proper preparation is essential for a successful outcome.
Sorry for sounding like your mum ... :angel:
Davey126 said:
Not sure how far you got with this but you *should* be able to flash TWRP from Nexus provided the version of FireOS was 3.2.3.2 or lower prior to the installation of Safestrap v3. The customized version of twrp leverages a vulnerability in the HDX bootloader that is installed with FireOS. Neither Safestrap nor Nexus mess with the bootloader so the prerequisites should remain intact. I say should as interactions are complex - further complicated by a fussy device with limited recovery capability should something go wrong. To the best of my knowledge no one has attempted a twrp flash from Nexus while Safestrap v3 is installed.
Thoughts:
- grab flashify from the play store or here; make a backup of your current recovery environment (this step will also help to familiarize you with flashify)
- download the HDX customized version of twrp (here); use ES File Explorer to verify MD5
- use flashify to install twrp (can also be done via adb commands as shown in the twrp op)
Options:
- unlock the bootloader before attempting other remedial steps. Unlocking is a frustrating but low/no risk activity that yields substantially improved recovery capabilities once completed. Yep - you can do this without twrp (unlocking before flashing twrp is the recommended path according to several devs - although I prefer the opposite).
[-or-]
- flash 3.1.0 from here to the stock slot and then attempt to remove Safestrap v3. If successful you can proceed with flashing twrp unlocking, etc in the normal manner. As with any flash there is a risk something will go wrong or FireOS will not start up properly. To help mitigate the latter suggest installing a fallback version of Nexus v2 in a secondary slot. Don't forget to remove this slot before uninstalling SS.
The above is only an outline. Give it some thought and post any questions BEFORE taking action. I also suggest you let this post sit for a few days in case some of the rational is fatally flawed. Lots of smart people in the community who will jump in if my guidance is misdirected (which it has been shown to be on occasion). Don't risk a brick by acting too quickly. Proper preparation is essential for a successful outcome.
Sorry for sounding like your mum ... :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input. I am still on the nexus rom, but I am fairly sure that Safestrap was installed while on 13.3.2.4. Is there a way to tell? It is safestrap 3.75, based on twrp 2.7.
I had some time today to work on this, and after looking over the ideas from all of you (thank you very much!) it seemed that my only option is to restore my backup which will get me back to the Nexus 2.0.2 rom. So I did this successfully. Being on Nexus rom, I was then able to use the 13.3.2.4 rollback file to get back to 13.3.0.9. Then ran into trouble......the system update to 13.3.1.0 was not successful. the .bin file was located, but all that happened was a "validating update file" followed by forced reboot. I remain stuck on 13.3.0.9. There are threads discussing editing build.prop but I know I did not have to do this when I first did a rollback a few days ago. Not sure whether to give up or maybe someone has another idea how to get the system to use that .bin file? Should I turn on wifi and wait for an ota or is that too risky, will it jump me all the way up to the most current build? Will it maybe go incrementally?
kbs24 said:
Thanks for your input. I am still on the nexus rom, but I am fairly sure that Safestrap was installed while on 13.3.2.4. Is there a way to tell? It is safestrap 3.75, based on twrp 2.7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Also as you suggested, I did try flashing the zip 3.1.0 and it did not work, never rebooted successfully. So went back again to 3.0.9.)
kbs24 said:
I had some time today to work on this, and after looking over the ideas from all of you (thank you very much!) it seemed that my only option is to restore my backup which will get me back to the Nexus 2.0.2 rom. So I did this successfully. Being on Nexus rom, I was then able to use the 13.3.2.4 rollback file to get back to 13.3.0.9. Then ran into trouble......the system update to 13.3.1.0 was not successful. the .bin file was located, but all that happened was a "validating update file" followed by forced reboot. I remain stuck on 13.3.0.9. There are threads discussing editing build.prop but I know I did not have to do this when I first did a rollback a few days ago. Not sure whether to give up or maybe someone has another idea how to get the system to use that .bin file? Should I turn on wifi and wait for an ota or is that too risky, will it jump me all the way up to the most current build? Will it maybe go incrementally?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you were able to make some progress. I believe you could have flashed twrp from Nexus as I believe you successfully downgraded/upgraded to 13.3.2.3 which would then be the base version when you reininstalled Safestrap. But you found another path which is just fine.
It is possible the 13.3.1.0 is invalid (possibly corrupt). You can use ES File Explorer to validate the MD5 (c49c0363de4d8dfa5c87c1bdb88aa2ba) or download a fresh copy here. You can also upgrade directly to 13.3.2.3 instead of hopscotching through 13.3.1.0 and then applying the 13.2.3.3 bootloader update.
I strongly suggest you NOT connect to WiFi as it is unpredictable if/when you will receive at OTA and what version will be downloaded. Options for getting files onto you device:
- use HDX toolkit to root and block OTA on 13.3.0.9; you can then enable WiFi
- tether your device and drop files into "Internal Storage"
- use 'adb push' to transfer files
You should not need to mess with build.prop as the 3.2.4->3.0.9 rollback should have handed that. It's quite easy to brick your device if you get any of the edits or permissions wrong.

Have TWRP but not root HDX 8.9 3rd gen

I got a new Motherboard and daughterboard in my HDX Apollo. I was able to get TWRP on it, but it keeps saying i dont appear to have root. I tried installing the latest supersu but it apparently didnt work. Anyway, i have realized that i just keep getting myself into trouble playing with root. All i want is to get my 3rd gen back to 4.5.5.1 fire os and wait for the fire os 5 update for it(hopefully) Any help on how i can do that? Ive tried downloading the latest Kindle update for apollo, renaming the .bin to update.zip and transferring it over and installing it but it never boots further than the 'kindle' screen.
Thanks for your help, sorry to be a pain
If you're on Fire OS 4.x you don't have TWRP, but Safestrap v4. After what you've done, do you still have access to Safestrap? Installing an amazon update with Safestrap installed, or even just rooted could easily mess up the device, i.e. brick it.
I don't think it's fire os 4x then. It does boot into the twrp interface and is fully functional but when you go to reboot into a different recovery it says something like "it appears you do not have root. Would you like to install supersu?" Even if I say yes it acts like it installs but apparently doesn't. I can post pics later
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
Cl4ncy said:
If you're on Fire OS 4.x you don't have TWRP, but Safestrap v4. After what you've done, do you still have access to Safestrap? Installing an amazon update with Safestrap installed, or even just rooted could easily mess up the device, i.e. brick it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh and I'm not sure what the new board had on it. It never fully booted. That's why I installed twrp. Thanks for the reply though!
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
mhuck0625 said:
I don't think it's fire os 4x then. It does boot into the twrp interface and is fully functional but when you go to reboot into a different recovery it says something like "it appears you do not have root. Would you like to install supersu?" Even if I say yes it acts like it installs but apparently doesn't. I can post pics later
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mhuck0625 said:
Oh and I'm not sure what the new board had on it. It never fully booted. That's why I installed twrp. Thanks for the reply though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- how did you "install" TWRP (method)?
- how are you accessing TWRP - just pressing the power button or some key combination (yes, it's important)?
- does a graphic vaguely resembling Frankenstein appear when you power up the device?
Davey126 said:
- how did you "install" TWRP (method)?
- how are you accessing TWRP - just pressing the power button or some key combination (yes, it's important)?
- does a graphic vaguely resembling Frankenstein appear when you power up the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed TWRP using the method instructed here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/kin...-to-unbrick-kindle-fire-hdx-firmware-t3277197
When i want to get to TWRP i press and hold Power + Vol UP until it rebootes into the Teamwin screen and TWRP. It is version 2.8.7.0 now(the instructions got 2.8.5.0 installed then i upgraded)
I dont remember what the graphic looked like when booting into TWRP but i know it said TeamWin. I can check when i get it charged back up enough to turn on. Ive had it sitting unplugged for days and the battery ran dead. I hope this is enough info to help get me pointed in the right direction. Thanks!
Ok, if it's the real TWRP which it seems to be, Safestrap has no TeamWin logo at boot, I'd suggest you leave it be. Currently you can use all available ROMs, so if there'll be a future version of Fire OS you could use a TWRP flashable version of it. I doubt there will be a Fire OS 5 update for the "old" Thor/Apollo line though.
You would destroy the possibilities you currently have by updating to Fire OS 4.5.5.1.
Meanwhile you can unlock your bootloader (if you haven't already), and update TWRP to 3.0.0-1 (requires unlocked bootloader).
Don't I need root though? How can I unlock my bootloader from the stage I'm at now? I'm just a bit afraid of proceeding in case I brick it again
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
Cl4ncy said:
Ok, if it's the real TWRP which it seems to be, Safestrap has no TeamWin logo at boot, I'd suggest you leave it be. Currently you can use all available ROMs, so if there'll be a future version of Fire OS you could use a TWRP flashable version of it. I doubt there will be a Fire OS 5 update for the "old" Thor/Apollo line though.
You would destroy the possibilities you currently have by updating to Fire OS 4.5.5.1.
Meanwhile you can unlock your bootloader (if you haven't already), and update TWRP to 3.0.0-1 (requires unlocked bootloader).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't I need root though? How can I unlock my bootloader from the stage I'm at now? I'm just a bit afraid of proceeding in case I brick it again
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
There's no risk in unlocking, the bootloader either unlocks or it errors/fails. Try the one-click-solution first (might require the PDANet drivers). It's recommended to update the bootloader to 3.2.3.2 (do it only, if the unlock worked ok).
TWRP can be updated from TWRP itself, so I'd recommend doing it that way. Just be sure to flash the TWRP image to the recovery partition.
Cl4ncy said:
There's no risk in unlocking, the bootloader either unlocks or it errors/fails. Try the one-click-solution first (might require the PDANet drivers). It's recommended to update the bootloader to 3.2.3.2 (do it only, if the unlock worked ok).
TWRP can be updated from TWRP itself, so I'd recommend doing it that way. Just be sure to flash the TWRP image to the recovery partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried 1-Click. In both Linux(Ubuntu 16.04) and Windows(10.1 x64) i get an error saying ADB is not enabled on the device. Ive tried booting into fastboot(with fastboot cable) tried using the regular cable and booting into TWRP. Any combination of boot modes and cables i can think of wont work. Where should i go from here?
Thanks
mhuck0625 said:
Don't I need root though? How can I unlock my bootloader from the stage I'm at now? I'm just a bit afraid of proceeding in case I brick it again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is irrelevant at this stage as nothing has been flashed to the system partition (where ROMs live).
Davey126 said:
Root is irrelevant at this stage as nothing has been flashed to the system partition (where ROMs live).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so i will need root to install ROMs then? How do i solve my problem unlocking the bootloader?
mhuck0625 said:
Tried 1-Click. In both Linux(Ubuntu 16.04) and Windows(10.1 x64) i get an error saying ADB is not enabled on the device. Ive tried booting into fastboot(with fastboot cable) tried using the regular cable and booting into TWRP. Any combination of boot modes and cables i can think of wont work. Where should i go from here?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lack of a functioning ROM could prove problematic if ADB is not enabled. I do not recall if the version of TWRP you installed provides native support for MTP which is essential for moving files onto the device. You may need to go the manual route to unlock bootloader which still requires tethered access but only at the fastboot level.
Nearing the edge of my pay grade on this topic; looking for others with more recent experience to jump in...
Davey126 said:
Lack of a functioning ROM could prove problematic if ADB is not enabled. I do not recall if the version of TWRP you installed provides native support for MTP which is essential for moving files onto the device. You may need to go the manual route to unlock bootloader which still requires tethered access but only at the fastboot level.
Nearing the edge of my pay grade on this topic; looking for others with more recent experience to jump in...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have mtp access and can transfer files easily. Should I try installing a Rom to see if I get adb access? What's a good Rom to try
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA-Developers mobile app
Davey126 said:
Lack of a functioning ROM could prove problematic if ADB is not enabled. I do not recall if the version of TWRP you installed provides native support for MTP which is essential for moving files onto the device. You may need to go the manual route to unlock bootloader which still requires tethered access but only at the fastboot level.
Nearing the edge of my pay grade on this topic; looking for others with more recent experience to jump in...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious on one thing. Whenever i see a ROM to download it says i need to unlock the bootloader and have root before i can do that. In MY case i do NOT have either, yet i was able to flash a new recovery(TWRP) How is this possible? How would i go about installing a new ROM or unlocking the bootloader?
Is there a way to flash the stock recovery back so i can reinstall fireOS and start from scratch?
Is there a way to tell what bootloader i have from within TWRP?
I realize i probably should have done a little more reading before i started messing with it :/ I do appreciate all the help you have been able to provide so far!
mhuck0625 said:
I do have mtp access and can transfer files easily. Should I try installing a Rom to see if I get adb access? What's a good Rom to try
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mhuck0625 said:
Just curious on one thing. Whenever i see a ROM to download it says i need to unlock the bootloader and have root before i can do that. In MY case i do NOT have either, yet i was able to flash a new recovery(TWRP) How is this possible? How would i go about installing a new ROM or unlocking the bootloader?
Is there a way to flash the stock recovery back so i can reinstall fireOS and start from scratch?
Is there a way to tell what bootloader i have from within TWRP?
I realize i probably should have done a little more reading before i started messing with it :/ I do appreciate all the help you have been able to provide so far!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- traveling; response will be brief
- suggest flashing cm11 as it does not require an unlocked bootloader nor GAaps for basic functionality
- include SuperSU in flash package to secure root
- follow flashing directions in cm11 OP
- report back results; will go from there
Davey126 said:
- traveling; response will be brief
- suggest flashing cm11 as it does not require an unlocked bootloader nor GAaps for basic functionality
- include SuperSU in flash package to secure root
- follow flashing directions in cm11 OP
- report back results; will go from there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloaded CM11 and installed via this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/kin...-cm-11-safestrap-20150628-unofficial-t3145547
Copied it as well as the latest SuperSu(v2.65) to the Kindle Fire
Went to Install, saw both Zip files. Selected them(CM11 first, then Supersu second) Swipe to install, rebooted and nothing came up. Rebooted into TWRP and repeated the process after wiping dalvik/cache. Still nothing
mhuck0625 said:
Downloaded CM11 and installed via this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/kin...-cm-11-safestrap-20150628-unofficial-t3145547
Copied it as well as the latest SuperSu(v2.65) to the Kindle Fire
Went to Install, saw both Zip files. Selected them(CM11 first, then Supersu second) Swipe to install, rebooted and nothing came up. Rebooted into TWRP and repeated the process after wiping dalvik/cache. Still nothing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes sense. Likely no kernel. Will probably need to install a full version of FireOS for underlying components. Need to have a think about which build to maximize results, minimize rework. More later....
Davey126 said:
Makes sense. Likely no kernel. Will probably need to install a full version of FireOS for underlying components. Need to have a think about which build to maximize results, minimize rework. More later....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have no idea how much i appreciate the help!
I look forward to hearing what you come up with!!
I would be happy just going straight back to full fire os - Stock EVERYTHING and not even worrying about running another OS. I just want to have a usable tablet again!

Trying to port TWRP to 7.2 - Help needed

I might have found a quick and dirty Method to Port TWRP to the newest 7.2 shield experience. It's not guaranteed, but it's a chance im going to try. But as I didn't upgraded my own shield yet, I need some files from someone who has rooted his shield already.
1. Is an recovery.img
2. The build.prop
If I can get hands on these files I might be able to bring up a testing version asap
Enough. Seriously.....
Keep it clean, and on-topic... The rules are there for a reason. Don't remember them? HERE you go.
Adromir said:
I might have found a quick and dirty Method to Port TWRP to the newest 7.2 shield experience. It's not guaranteed, but it's a chance im going to try. But as I didn't upgraded my own shield yet, I need some files from someone who has rooted his shield already.
1. Is an recovery.img
2. The build.prop
If I can get hands on these files I might be able to bring up a testing version asap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want the files
Then can you please update your Sheild tv to the latest firmware for us 7.2.2
An back up the recovery.img
An back up your build.prob
Because I can't help you! I refuse!
Thx again have a great day
i hope you can port the twrp to nvidia sheild tv thx
Foster_e (Shield TV 2015 16GB) - 7.2.2 (30.7.130.7)
recovery.img + build.prop
https://drive.google.com/open?id=18E_u8as1E9dstmRtRwPb97hALdmsrdsc
The recovery is dumped directly from
Code:
/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/SOS -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p16
No offense but quick and dirty does not do it on the new kernel.
You can port as much as you like and it might work for the older models but certainly not for the 2017 model.
And if you have no clue how to get the required files by simply exctracting the firmware files that you can download then I wonder how you will be able to actually modify the recovery image.
People with quite some experience tried and failed, so unless you compile TWRP from source he proper way it won't work (at least not on the 2017).
And even if compiled correctly there is no garantee it will be usable with the secure boot restrictions still in place.
You need a fully rooted device to fully use TWRP and you can not root the 7.2 in the simple way anymore.
Fully rooted the normal TWRP will work just fine.
Downunder35m said:
No offense but quick and dirty does not do it on the new kernel.
You can port as much as you like and it might work for the older models but certainly not for the 2017 model.
And if you have no clue how to get the required files by simply exctracting the firmware files that you can download then I wonder how you will be able to actually modify the recovery image.
People with quite some experience tried and failed, so unless you compile TWRP from source he proper way it won't work (at least not on the 2017).
And even if compiled correctly there is no garantee it will be usable with the secure boot restrictions still in place.
You need a fully rooted device to fully use TWRP and you can not root the 7.2 in the simple way anymore.
Fully rooted the normal TWRP will work just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I understand you correctly the only way that a recent version of TWRP would work on 7.21 and above are if you have a "rooted" developer image? I have stayed with 7.1 (rooted with a flashed TWRP recovery) My expectation is that Ill stay with it until a stable version is released.
Odd thing is every OTA notification I get refuses to install. It just boots to TWRP without updating. I even opted in for the 7.2.2 beta updates and the shield refuses to update. Kinda thankful as others seem to have so many issues, just not worth it until 7.3 is released perhaps?
Any decent update is worth applying.
But if you ask if it is worth it for those really needing full root access then the answer is no.
The cummunity behind the shield might not be as big as behing Samsung devices but I am sure something will be figured out sooner or later.
@Downunder35m : As I mentioned in a deleted Post, I know how to get these Files from the recovery images. But they are Still 7.2.1 and as 7.2.2 already I didn't see a point in starting with already Outdated Files.
What kind of Things have you been trying already? My Approach was, that maybe TWRP hangs itself, because it can't find the Vendor and system Partition. After unpacking the recovery.img i found out, that the partitions still get mounted, but not over over the fstab anymore but single commands in some init scripts. So my Idea was to patch the kernel of the recovery image with a proper fstab and then use that to build a twrp around it, with the modified boot image. But sadly the resulting TWRP exceeded the Partitionsize. But i didn't set up the Source Tree to compile correctly, because I assumed that with such a breaking approach nvidia did at least moved onward to Android 8.1 ..
A real life job sadly limits my time far more than what I would like.
So maybe my failures are of use to you...
Lets start with the basics:
(All for the 2017 model!)
Firstly, the bootloader has changed and now enforces basically everything Google has on offer.
This means you can not just boot into a custom recovery because the bootloader does not accept it as genuine.
Lets say you get around this problem by, dor example, compiling TWRP from source and with the not yet realesed NVidia 7.2 sources.
There might be other ways but right now I think we can't get around compiling it from scratch.
Once you are able to somehow properly boot into TWRP there is more problems:
A lot if not all special rights and permissions are now handled almost exclusively by the DTB, or to be precise the DTS, which is compiled during boot.
By default TWRP does not make any use of the DTB but instead relies only on the FSTAB configuration.
And since TWRP is not an authorised service, task or app the bootloader won't provide the required rights.
The system partition stays invisible, the vendor part locked and since TWRP is required to copy or store at least some things somewhere this is detected as a possible intrusion.
As that the bootloader now marks the entire system as compromised - the dreaded corrupted system message appears and the system fails to boot.
You could tweak the init files, get the complete FSTAB info from the plat - and nonplat_file_contexts and even fiddle with the rest.
Then you get this happy feeling of a booting TWRP, pull a backup and think all is fine.
That it until you try to reboot and nothing works anymore.
The backup is useless as firstly you can not write it back and secondly it will be encrypted or otherwise corrupt.
To be able to use TWRP ADBD must be able to run in root mode, this is not possible by default on a user or release build, which NVidia now provides as a "developer" firmware.
A bootloader set to enforce all SeLinux and DM-Verity funtions will not allow any vital modifications to any vital part of the system.
In theory you must first at least free the bootloader (we can not do that) or destroy the safety, like by using a modified DTB.
Then you must make sure that you modifiy the prop files so full ADB and ADBD rights are available where they are needed.
After that TRWP will run just fine but it creates a cricle that first needs to be broken somehow
No root rights means no TWRP, no TWRP means no mods to the system.
Magisk currently fails to help us as it does not make use of DTB features at this stage.
And if you ask me then messing with the DTB can backfire badly.
Unlike normal firmwares we won't get a DTB partition included in the boot image or kernel image.
So once the dTB is stuffed too much it will be hard to impossible to install a genuine or custom firmware.
Once Pie comes out this will be worse.
Here the DTB too will be protected and generated/checked during boot.
Unless NVidia wakes up and removes these restrictions from the developer firmwares we will be locked out until someone finds a way to restore full root rights.
Right now I am hopin they will still release the full sources one day.
With a massive effors one could then just compile a normal userdebug firmware and all is fine once more.
Any luck yet? I upgraded one of my Shield TV to 7.2.2 from 7.2.1 dev root and want to install Magisk....
Thanks!
Here you go TWRP recovery for Shield TV 2017 running 7.2.3
UPDATE: Boots but not working correctly so removed links
leezaal said:
Here you go TWRP recovery for Shield TV 2017 running 7.2.3
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=6006931924117905072
---------- Post added at 07:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:05 PM ----------
Here you go TWRP recovery for Shield TV 2017 running 7.2.3
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=6006931924117905072
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every time i open recovery it works, but after trying to reboot it bootloops at nvidia. I flash-all and it works again until i enter recovery (then botloops again on reboot). Am i missing something? (shield 2017 7.2.3 dev edition)
Here's twrp 3.3.1-0 for Shield TV. It seems to work properly on my shield pro running 7.2.3, I was able to flash magisk with it, but I don't have the 2017 model to test on. Please let me know how it works and report any errors in as detailed a manner as possible. As ever, this is experimental and you flash at your own risk :good:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BCfXg9pUpFm_3sPXp_nEwBlkNU9nelkg/view?usp=sharing
rootfan said:
Here's twrp 3.3.1-0 for Shield TV. It seems to work properly on my shield pro running 7.2.3, I was able to flash magisk with it, but I don't have the 2017 model to test on. Please let me know how it works and report any errors in as detailed a manner as possible. As ever, this is experimental and you flash at your own risk :good:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1REnehReTaA5BamUBDe8XmBMyZG6zQkFB/view?usp=sharing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is always the bug for 4k screen display?
rootfan said:
Here's twrp 3.3.1-0 for Shield TV. It seems to work properly on my shield pro running 7.2.3, I was able to flash magisk with it, but I don't have the 2017 model to test on. Please let me know how it works and report any errors in as detailed a manner as possible. As ever, this is experimental and you flash at your own risk :good:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1REnehReTaA5BamUBDe8XmBMyZG6zQkFB/view?usp=sharing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks i renamed this to recovery.img and renamed magisk boot img to boot.img reflashed both as part of the whole 7.2.3 dev OS shield tv 2017 image.
booted into TWRP via adb from my pc it loads up fine on my LG 43" 4k tv no problem rebooted and got back into 7.2.3 also without any issues
UPDATE: TWRP will not let me wipe system / data or anything else or mount any partitions in order to wipe before trying to install anything making this sadly kinda useless right now
twrp seems complicated to be functional lately, the same on my mi max 3, but orange Fox might be better on Shield
leezaal said:
UPDATE: TWRP will not let me wipe system / data or anything else or mount any partitions in order to wipe before trying to install anything making this sadly kinda useless right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that makes sense because I was overwriting the emmc fstab with the sata one. I've updated my original post with a link to a new twrp that should have this problem fixed. If you're still having issues please click on the menu button to the right of the home button in twrp and tell me what the log says. Do this when first booting into twrp before doing anything else. It should say something like the following with no mounting complaints if everything is working right.
Shield Debug: Hardware variant is darcy
Shield Debug: Using emmc fstab
Shield Debug: Found required fstab
rootfan said:
Well that makes sense because I was overwriting the emmc fstab with the sata one. I've updated my original post with a link to a new twrp that should have this problem fixed. If you're still having issues please click on the menu button to the right of the home button in twrp and tell me what the log says. Do this when first booting into twrp before doing anything else. It should say something like the following with no mounting complaints if everything is working right.
Shield Debug: Hardware variant is darcy
Shield Debug: Using emmc fstab
Shield Debug: Found required fstab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the great feedback will DL the updated TWRP and give it a go will report back shortly
UPDATE: 100% working ! Amazing work all partitions mount etc no problem FULLY working TWRP on my 4k TV too

Root/Unroot frustrations

I'd like to keep this simple. I tried rooting and not a single tutorial on here has ended with root privileges for various reasons. I'm done with it. I flashed stock firmware in hopes of removing any trace of files that may have been altered during the various root tutorials I followed, but Samsung Pass says the device is still rooted.
What do I need to do to return to 100% stock?
noxarcana said:
I'd like to keep this simple. I tried rooting and not a single tutorial on here has ended with root privileges for various reasons. I'm done with it. I flashed stock firmware in hopes of removing any trace of files that may have been altered during the various root tutorials I followed, but Samsung Pass says the device is still rooted.
What do I need to do to return to 100% stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you unlocked the bootloader. Try Relocking and flash the firmware again.
Weather that will work is anybodys guess.
Rooting is a pretty simple procedure I can't think of any reason it didn't work except user error.
This method works perfectly on T860.
***********************
https://forum-xda--developers-com.c...-to/root-guide-t860-root-twrp-method-t4095677
jhill110 said:
I assume you unlocked the bootloader. Try Relocking and flash the firmware again.
Weather that will work is anybodys guess.
Rooting is a pretty simple procedure I can't think of any reason it didn't work except user error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this isn't the first time I've rooted a device and I followed every step of every tutorial I found on here and, for some reason, it would not root. This is the first, and only, device I've had this much trouble with.
The tutorial for rooting without TWRP: I made the patched AP file and flashed it; however, I could not boot into recovery or download mode and it always stuck on the boot logo.
The tutorial for installing TWRP didn't have a link for the encryption disabler and the one I found did absolutely nothing and the folders in storage just showed as a string of numbers and letters.
Maybe, if someone could put together a full tutorial with the files being used within the tutorial, it would have worked.
noxarcana said:
Well, this isn't the first time I've rooted a device and I followed every step of every tutorial I found on here and, for some reason, it would not root. This is the first, and only, device I've had this much trouble with.
The tutorial for rooting without TWRP: I made the patched AP file and flashed it; however, I could not boot into recovery or download mode and it always stuck on the boot logo.
The tutorial for installing TWRP didn't have a link for the encryption disabler and the one I found did absolutely nothing and the folders in storage just showed as a string of numbers and letters.
Maybe, if someone could put together a full tutorial with the files being used within the tutorial, it would have worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get the bootloader unlocked?
Unlocking the bootloader:
https://www.getdroidtips.com/how-to...to_Unlock_Bootloader_on_Samsung_Galaxy_Tab_S6
To get to download mode it's volume up and volume down then plug your pc into device. NOT POWER AND VOLUME DOWN. This can be a pain in the back side.
If you do it this way you'll get the option unlock / lock bootloader or go to bootloader mode.
If you follow the instructions perfectly and then follow the instructions for rooting it will work.
Move on to root.
ROOTING :
https://forum-xda--developers-com.c...-to/root-guide-t860-root-twrp-method-t4095677
AP SLOT = PATCHED FILE
BL SLOT = BL FILE
CP SLOT = CP FILE (T865) NOT T860... T860 HAS NO CP FILE
CSC SLOT =HOME CSC FILE
DON'T forget to setup WiFi before installing magisk manager. ^^^^^^^^^
Install TWRP.
TWRP :
https://forum-xda--developers-com.c...b-s6/development/recovery-twrp-3-3-1-t3975587
I hope this helps you out.
If you have anymore questions just ask.
Disable DM VERITY ENCRIPTION DISABLER
PATCHED ODIN
jhill110 said:
Did you get the bootloader unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, bootloader unlock was easy. I'll give root another try with your steps in a couple of days when I'm off work. Sorry if I came across a bit aggressive in my previous posts; I have a tendency to do so even when I'm not frustrated.
This has been so frustrating to me because I know rooting is usually a simple process; as you said previously.
jhill110 said:
ROOTING :
https://forum-xda--developers-com.c...-to/root-guide-t860-root-twrp-method-t4095677
AP SLOT = PATCHED FILE
BL SLOT = BL FILE
CP SLOT = CP FILE (T865) NOT T860... T860 HAS NO CP FILE
CSC SLOT =HOME CSC FILE
DON'T forget to setup WiFi before installing magisk manager. ^^^^^^^^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, yea, I'm a bit late getting around to this. Sorry.
This is where things get hung up. Everything flashes just fine and I can even get into TWRP; however, when I try to boot the tablet i get the Galaxy Tab S6 screen, then the warning about the bootloader being unlocked, and back to the Galaxy Tab S6 screen but with a "unofficial software" warning....and repeat. It just boot loops and this is where I've since I started this thread.
Also, returning to stock doesn't completely remove root traces as I can't use Samsung Pass and I simply get a warning about the device seemingly being rooted even though it isn't.
If you installed TWRP, then you tripped Knox tripping Knox will permentally disable Samsung Pay as far as I'm aware. You'll never get it back, regardless of root or no root access.
Also, I'm not sure why you're installing TWRP AND trying to flash a Magisk patched OS. It's one or the other, you don't need to do both. Unless something has changed in Android 10?
If you're flashing TWRP, you just need to flash Magisk in TWRP(along with the other files!), no need to patch AP.
bartleby999 said:
If you installed TWRP, then you tripped Knox tripping Knox will permentally disable Samsung Pay as far as I'm aware. You'll never get it back, regardless of root or no root access.
Also, I'm not sure why you're installing TWRP AND trying to flash a Magisk patched OS. It's one or the other, you don't need to do both. Unless something has changed in Android 10?
If you're flashing TWRP, you just need to flash Magisk in TWRP(along with the other files!), no need to patch AP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not Samsung Pay, I couldn't care less about that, but Samsung Pass; I guess it looks for knox being tripped now too. That sucks, but I'll make do without it.
I was following the guides posted above. The root guide said to flash a Magisk patched OS and then there was a guide for installing TWRP. I never had this many issues or this much confusion with my 1st gen Tab S; maybe I just haven't kept as close of an eye on these things since I've been without a tablet for awhile before getting the Tab S6.
Anyway, for clarification, all I need to do is flash TWRP and then flash magisk from within TWRP? Or, just install the magisk apk after booting into Android?
noxarcana said:
Not Samsung Pay, I couldn't care less about that, but Samsung Pass; I guess it looks for knox being tripped now too. That sucks, but I'll make do without it.
I was following the guides posted above. The root guide said to flash a Magisk patched OS and then there was a guide for installing TWRP. I never had this many issues or this much confusion with my 1st gen Tab S; maybe I just haven't kept as close of an eye on these things since I've been without a tablet for awhile before getting the Tab S6.
Anyway, for clarification, all I need to do is flash TWRP and then flash magisk from within TWRP? Or, just install the magisk apk after booting into Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad for some reason I just read that as Samsung Pay. But yeah Samsung Pass also doesn't work with root, I'm not sure if that is permanent though as I've never used Samsung Pass, but did come across this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/general/rooting-roms/samsung-pass-knox-tripped-devices-t3687977 it is possible to get some components of Knox to function again, (I have a working Secure Folder) so might be worth taking a look.
As for you question...
You should give this thread a good read... https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s6/development/recovery-twrp-3-3-1-t3975587
Basic steps are... Unlock the bootloader and then boot into system and ensure it's unlocked in settings. You may need to connect to the web, I can't remember tbh
First you need to install TWRP, once that is done you need to reboot but YOU HAVE TO boot directly back into TWRP. You cannot boot into system, or TWRP will be overwritten by stock recovery and you'll need to start over again. Once TWRP is installed, boot into TWRP and format data then reboot recovery, flash Kernel then flash encryption disabler then unmount the system and flash Magisk 20.4 - Finally reboot to system.
I'd seriously and strongly suggest reading that TWRP thread to ensure things go smoothly.
bartleby999 said:
First you need to install TWRP, once that is done you need to reboot but YOU HAVE TO boot directly back into TWRP. You cannot boot into system, or TWRP will be overwritten by stock recovery and you'll need to start over again. Once TWRP is installed, boot into TWRP and format data then reboot recovery, flash Kernel then flash encryption disabler then unmount the system and flash Magisk 20.4 - Finally reboot to system.
I'd seriously and strongly suggest reading that TWRP thread to ensure things go smoothly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give those threads a thorough reading over tonight and tomorrow night while at work and then see if I can get this all sorted out Monday when I'm off. I remember Pass still working with root on the original Tab S so I'm hoping it hasn't changed.
Thanks for jumping in to try and help me with this. I'll update within a few days instead of months like my last update. ?
noxarcana said:
I'll give those threads a thorough reading over tonight and tomorrow night while at work and then see if I can get this all sorted out Monday when I'm off. I remember Pass still working with root on the original Tab S so I'm hoping it hasn't changed.
Thanks for jumping in to try and help me with this. I'll update within a few days instead of months like my last update. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has definitely changed. Pass doesn't work on my Tab S6 and I'm rooted, I guess Knox is now integrated with alot of Samsung apps now. Not sure if it's possible or not to get it working again though, I've never bothered to research it as I don't need it for anything - But as I said, I got Secure Folder working again, so there's some hope for Pass I guess - That first thread I linked looked promising, but I only skimmed it, because frankly I'm not interested.
If you need anymore help, report back -I'll try my best. Also, the TWRP thread I linked is full of helpful people. :good:
bartleby999 said:
It has definitely changed. Pass doesn't work on my Tab S6 and I'm rooted, I guess Knox is now integrated with alot of Samsung apps now. Not sure if it's possible or not to get it working again though, I've never bothered to research it as I don't need it for anything - But as I said, I got Secure Folder working again, so there's some hope for Pass I guess - That first thread I linked looked promising, but I only skimmed it, because frankly I'm not interested.
If you need anymore help, report back -I'll try my best. Also, the TWRP thread I linked is full of helpful people. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps I'm just not meant to have root with this device. Flashing that kernel causes Wifi not to work, but it does boot. Not flashing the kernel also booted, but I couldn't install Magisk Manager. Other than the bootloader still being unlocked, I'm back on stock firmware.
noxarcana said:
Perhaps I'm just not meant to have root with this device. Flashing that kernel causes Wifi not to work, but it does boot. Not flashing the kernel also booted, but I couldn't install Magisk Manager. Other than the bootloader still being unlocked, I'm back on stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What firmware are you running?
I remember seeing something about one of the newer Kernels effecting WIFI on Android 10. Assume you're running that?
If that's the case, give the TWRP thread a browse - You maybe able to find an older version of the Kernel that'll work - As far as I'm aware, an older Kernel than what you currently installed will work, but a newer version than currently installed will possibly cause bootloop.
I can't help much with Android 10 specific stuff as I'm still running Android 9 because it's stable.
bartleby999 said:
What firmware are you running?
I remember seeing something about one of the newer Kernels effecting WIFI on Android 10. Assume you're running that?
If that's the case, give the TWRP thread a browse - You maybe able to find an older version of the Kernel that'll work - As far as I'm aware, an older Kernel than what you currently installed will work, but a newer version than currently installed will possibly cause bootloop.
I can't help much with Android 10 specific stuff as I'm still running Android 9 because it's stable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am definitely on the latest Android 10 update so I'll see if I can find an earlier version that will work. I'll see what I can find out on the TWRP thread.
noxarcana said:
I am definitely on the latest Android 10 update so I'll see if I can find an earlier version that will work. I'll see what I can find out on the TWRP thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can't find an older Kernel (I'm not sure there is one for Android 10), it may be the case that you'll need to wait for the Kernel to be updated.
bartleby999 said:
If you can't find an older Kernel (I'm not sure there is one for Android 10), it may be the case that you'll need to wait for the Kernel to be updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, it looks like Samsung made some "wifi improvements" in OneUI 2.5 and that's causing some kernel issues preventing wifi from working. I think I could find a kernel fairly easily, but I think I'm just going to wait for a kernel update. If it never comes, I'll find an older kernel. Thanks for the help!

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