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Alright, well I hope I haven't buggered up here.
I'm doing some work for a business that needs no less than 17 new smartphones for their sales team. They wanted something that had a decent sized screen, awesome battery, and fingerprint reader. I immediately thought of the Xioami Redmi Note 3 Pro. I showed them my Note 2 and they were impressed and said they would be keen on the Note 3 with the fingerprint reader for the price. I thought it was a no-brainer. I knew MIUI would confuse the existing sales team (they use Nexus 4's and 5's currently) so I figured CM12.1/CM13 would be the way to go, and I did notice that there was a bootloader unlock process required. I didn't think much of it at the time.
Now I realise there is a somewhat painful bootloader unlock code application process. Hmm. Would I experience difficulties getting unlock codes for this many devices? Luckily I only ordered one so far to test, but I am worried whether Xiaomi will be happy to hand out codes like candy. If they reject me, I'll be holding the bag and be required to get them a different phone, probably something like a Nexus 6p, which is more than three times the price and doesn't have as great battery life.
If anyone has some insight to this process and how it would play out if I tried to get a heap of codes that would be great.
Tell them to use MIUI.
Firstly, you shouldn't replace a stable STOCK ROM with a development AOSP ROM like CyanogenMod, which usually has undocumented bugs and issues. Companies usually prefer security and stability over "the look of vanilla android". I don't believe people cant learn to use MIUI. Why? Because MIUI is still android, just with CUTER icons and a different launcher. If you are so worried about the launcher, force all of them to use google now launcher or Nova Launcher. Confusion due to different launcher is never a good excuse to sacrifice security and stability.
Secondly, unlike MIUI, which pushes stable updates every 1 or 2 months for security patches, CyanogenMod updates are not guaranteed, worse still, CM updates are never extensively tested and are released almost every god damn day (along with randomly added experimental features/changes, which might suddenly break something, or randomly removed features/changes, which again, might break something). You can't expect them to update today, find out there's a bug, update again tomorrow, OMG BUG NOT FIXED ? Patch again the next day. OMG bootloop from bad update / bad flash? OMG OMG OMG ! What to do? OMG OMG OMG WTF Another bad flash? No signal, no wifi? What to do? Wait til next update? See the problem here? Not everyone knows what to do with a ROM that needs that much tinkering. Then, there's another problem, what if somehow the maintainer call it quits? The ROM gets abandoned. What happens then?
Conclusion, for work use, NEVER EVER flash AOSP ROMs or whatnots, always stick with stock for security, stability and support from the OEM. Also, it saves you the trouble when **** happens, imagine a bug causes the whole team to miss a meeting or screw up an email which causes business loss, the management would certainly like to know whose idea it was to unlock a secured bootloader, replace a stable MIUI stock ROM with an unstable ROM.
EDIT : Extra info : I am using CM13 now, it has a lot of weird bugs, like GPS not working for some devices (depends on region) and some people have random "no signal" issues, or no data, or sim not detected. And after flash, some of us needs to edit files it root directory to get capcitive buttons working again, otherwise menu key wont work properly. Some get random reboot. Some get bootloop after update. So on. Seriously, DO NOT FLASH FLASH CM FOR OFFICIAL WORK USE IF THE PEOPLE USING THEM ARE NOT TECH SAVVY PEOPLE WHO KNOWS HOW TO DO A LOT OF ANDROID ****.
I totally get where you're coming from, but I think you're overreacting and ROM stability or updates isn't the problem here. This isn't going to happen for a couple of months at least, and I would use one as my own device and make sure there isn't any bugs before giving it to anyone else. I'd be handling updates manually as well. You make it sound like stock ROMs don't have bugs either, and they get updated forever. Lol.
Really not sure I'm sold on MIUI though. It is quite a departure from AOSP. I tried it for a week and I couldn't really stomach it, but this was about a year ago now. I feel I'd get complains for sure. I also don't see development for CM13 stopping anytime soon either.
Even if I did use MIUI, I'd need to flash a modified stock ROM via fastboot, which again would require an unlocked bootloader. I sure as hell am not going to sit around and setup 17 phones by hand, so let's get back to the original question. Is getting bulk bootloader unlock codes a problem?
Bulk unlocking won't be a problem, since you only need to get the permission for a MIUI account.
Basically,when you get the permission, you can unlock any number of Mi phones linked to your account.
Although I would recommend sticking to the stock MIUI since it is much more stable and supported because in your use case, stability would be paramount.
Hire me too, and I'll unlock for them. :highfive:
Via mi tool and getting official authentication to get unlock code? Yes it's a problem because xiaomi will only allow to unlock one device per month using same mi account, you'll need different mi accounts to get codes at a time...
Also, it takes quite a long to get unlock code from xiaomi around 2-3 weeks, if unlocking is mandatory for you, I'd suggest you to manually unlock those devices.. search mi forum or Google, you'll get process to manually unlock your device...
But still, i don't think it'll be a good idea...
Unlocking device and installing custom rom for personal use or experiment? it's really good.
But for bulk or commercial use? I still don't think it'll be a good idea... best of luck anyways.. happy unlocking!
Alright, cool. I thought that would be the case - pretty annoying. Not keen on the manual unlock method, it seems like a good way to brick a device via an OTA update.
The only other way I could use MIUI is if:
- I could disable all the MI services such as Mi Account, Mi Message, Mi Cloud, and any other junk / optimiser apps that might be preloaded
- I could pre-load around 20 user apps (some which need to be pre-configured with data, such as launcher) that would be needed
- I could disable the stock launcher permanently and have it replaced with Nova launcher
- I could install some kind of AOSP theme
- I could improve the RAM utilisation somehow
If I could do all of that, and clone this configuration to 17 devices without unlocking the bootloader, then I might be able to stick with MIUI... otherwise it's gotta go, or I gotta pick a different phone.
Edit: Had another look at the unofficial unlock method. It appears that as long as you aren't on a MIUI base, it should be fine. Looks like I might not have to unlock official after all.
1. MIUI has bugs too, yes, but usually minor + documented. It doesnt break GPS nor does it randomly make major capabilities of the phone fail. This is where CM falls short, sometimes. You'll never know when CM will change something because they think it will work, which winds up giving you bugs or bootloops.
2. MIUI won't get updated forever, but it will certainly be supported for a longer time than other OEMs. Look at how many phones will be getting MIUI 8 soon. Also, let's not forget, CM won't be updated forever either. Sometimes, it even gets abandoned. Then there's the part about CM where some (well most, but i don't blame them) maintainers are like "logs or it didnt happen" when it comes to bug reporting, and there arent that much people using CM, so, less likely they will get logs. Some even give you the middle-finger by saying "can't reproduce LOLL you're on your own." ***By no means am i implying that the maintainer/developer for RN3 CM13 is an asshole.
3. Aside from launcher, MIUI is not that different from other "flavoured" android UIs like touchwiz or whatever-LG-calls-their-UI. Mainly, icons are different, that's about it. The "not sold on MIUI" is not really a solid reason to use a ROM that isnt stable/secure. Just change the launcher then, use themes. Humans can adapt. With time, users will adapt to it. The same goes to iOS-->Android or Android-->iOS, that's why it's not very common (but not exactly rare either) for users to switch, because within a week or two, they give up, swap back.
4. Flashing using MiFlash with locked BL you mean? Hmm, perhaps you could try using adb reboot edl. This sends the phone into emergency download mode (only for qualcomm version), which allows you to flash fastboot ROMs, but only STOCK fastboot ROMs. Never tried on a modified ROM version, but i don't think that would work.
Note : I am not advocating for/against MIUI nor am i here to argue with you. I am just trying to help you make a decision clearly. By looking at security and stability. Not by judging how lamely cute MIUI is (which i agree, looks childishly weird, it's like an iOS reject made out with touchWiz and gave birth to a mutated UI).
By the way, sometimes xiaomi ignores unlock requests, sometimes they reject them cuz you account doesnt have enough "posts". Plus, you'd need like 17 accounts. Personally, i would suggest getting another phone, one (or 17 ) that looks closer to Vanilla and is friendlier to the Open Source Community (which obviously, xiaomi isn't, they dont walk the talk) as this would greatly reduce bugs and problems on ROMs like CM, should you choose to go there. But at its price range, RN3 is just about the best. Other phones are like 2x more. The next best thing would be Nexus 5x. 6P is too expensive.
Why not suggest Nexus phones. I wouldn't use Xiaomi phones if I had to support them afterwards?
Price and battery life mainly. They're just so hard to beat for the money.
Good points. The thing that I really want to focus on is the user experience though. The extra "features" will definitely cause some headaches. Sure, they can adapt, but I'd probably have to train them which isn't what I want to do. I've setup devices with CM ROMs for people in the past with great success (setup quite a few K3 Notes earlier this year on CM12.1) as they have been cleaner, faster, and much easier to use than the stock ROM. I figured I could do the same thing on Xiaomi devices. I also want to create training videos for them and I was hoping that if I could use CM it would apply to those who still have Nexus devices as well since they will look and feel the same.
It's a classic case of awesome hardware (with snapdragon SOC) at an awesome price held back by irritating software. The K3 Note was similar until CM12.1 was stable - the stock ROM was really bad.
I'll have to think long and hard about whether I would want to continue or if I should just start looking at other devices. I just can't think of anything else under 250USD that will fit the bill.
Others have said you can only unlock one device a month per account.
Hi guys,
I'm sorry cause asking this, especially cause this question has been asked manytimes and I have read several subjects too, but I didn't strict answer I'm looking for.
I recently bought nexus 9 (WiFi only model) 16gigs,
I unlocked bootloader, I rooted the device and now I want to debloat it.
I'm in dilema weither I should just have it rooted and debloated on 7.1.1. android, or should I use some of the custom roms around.
I'm aiming to use tablet mainly for gaming. I have servral games I'd like to play listed:
Marvel Future Fight
DC Legends
Star Wars Galaxy Heroes
Star Wars Force arena
and few others but i take it that if those can run fine, all others would too.
Also can someone point me to a safelist of application that can be removed if answer to first question is to just leave it rooted and debloat.
Thank you a lot for help.
Cheers.
IrethTassartir said:
Hi guys,
I'm sorry cause asking this, especially cause this question has been asked manytimes and I have read several subjects too, but I didn't strict answer I'm looking for.
I recently bought nexus 9 (WiFi only model) 16gigs,
I unlocked bootloader, I rooted the device and now I want to debloat it.
I'm in dilema weither I should just have it rooted and debloated on 7.1.1. android, or should I use some of the custom roms around.
I'm aiming to use tablet mainly for gaming. I have servral games I'd like to play listed:
Marvel Future Fight
DC Legends
Star Wars Galaxy Heroes
Star Wars Force arena
and few others but i take it that if those can run fine, all others would too.
Also can someone point me to a safelist of application that can be removed if answer to first question is to just leave it rooted and debloat.
Thank you a lot for help.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the best performance, install a custom ROM. As for debloat, ... It's a Nexus, what bloat?
But if you want minimal, I would say flash slimrom and the smallest gapps package that fits your needs. Or go gapps free and use micro g instead.
Performance on stock is pretty bad (really bad), but a custom ROM will fix it for the n9. When I say bad on stock, I mean opening more than 1 tab in chrome, it has to reload the page every time switching between the two. Same with having a couple apps open.
Fortunately, most of the ROMs out there take care of all that.
madbat99 said:
For the best performance, install a custom ROM. As for debloat, ... It's a Nexus, what bloat?
But if you want minimal, I would say flash slimrom and the smallest gapps package that fits your needs. Or go gapps free and use micro g instead.
Performance on stock is pretty bad (really bad), but a custom ROM will fix it for the n9. When I say bad on stock, I mean opening more than 1 tab in chrome, it has to reload the page every time switching between the two. Same with having a couple apps open.
Fortunately, most of the ROMs out there take care of all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on latest Android 6 stock, unencrypted and Fire Ice kernel. its running fine and if use the chrome that comes with the stock and don't update it, it will run fine.
How would someone find official roms? I used pure nexus rom thinking that is official but i guess i was wrong. I not to big on roms knowing. They all looks the same to me I just care to be able to uninstall builtin apps i don't use and that everything works fine.
This one i use now had a problem common with nexus 9, white blocks and anoying skrechy sound, but i read somehwere it is fixed by unhoking battery, cleaning pins and putting it back together. I tried it and I didn't have problems since then. I drained battery to 2% no problem, before it was impossible. I have no idea was it ROM issue or what.
IrethTassartir said:
How would someone find official roms? I used pure nexus rom thinking that is official but i guess i was wrong. I not to big on roms knowing. They all looks the same to me I just care to be able to uninstall builtin apps i don't use and that everything works fine.
This one i use now had a problem common with nexus 9, white blocks and anoying skrechy sound, but i read somehwere it is fixed by unhoking battery, cleaning pins and putting it back together. I tried it and I didn't have problems since then. I drained battery to 2% no problem, before it was impossible. I have no idea was it ROM issue or what.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a common hardware issue for n9, not a ROM issue.
madbat99 said:
That's a common hardware issue for n9, not a ROM issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it's safe to say that it's fixed now. Everyone was talkin about disconnecting battery, and clean a bit and connecting again.
it seems such a easy troll solution to this "very anoying and hard problem that even HTC didn't solve", and i did it and it really did the job (knock on a wood ). I've been draining battery to the end for 3 days now, nothing ever like that happend ever again. before it wasn't even a day when i didn't experienced that problem.
IrethTassartir said:
But it's safe to say that it's fixed now. Everyone was talkin about disconnecting battery, and clean a bit and connecting again.
it seems such a easy troll solution to this "very anoying and hard problem that even HTC didn't solve", and i did it and it really did the job (knock on a wood ). I've been draining battery to the end for 3 days now, nothing ever like that happend ever again. before it wasn't even a day when i didn't experienced that problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear. That usually is the fix for that.
Please, just to confirm, is this "image-volantis-n9f27l" official ROM or it's custom ROM?
I also use this bootloader : "bootloader-flounder-3.50.0.0143" since other ones didn't work for me.
I was with support trying to solve issue of Device restarting every time I install new app or update app, and while trying to clear cache partition, it gone to my device not wanting to boot. so i had to factory reset, and it still won't start android in full. so i have to reflash ROM. I guess.
I'm kinda lost now cause i don't know what to do.
As said i just want for my device to be rooted so i can delete all apps i don't need and change launcher (deleting existing one - well i don't know if it's smart or not. i figure why having two launcers when i will use only one).
And i want to play games and use apps without it failing on me all the time.
Hey there, how are u doing?
I just got my Poco X3 NFC (was using Mi A3), and I kinda feel like pure android is really better to use in general than MIUI (at least for me). Wondering if it's better to change it now, since I don't have much on phone (less than 1 week) or just keep MIUI because 12.5 is about to get there.
Was checking the forum and found a lot of ROMs, but I don't really get if's not "the same" as MIUI, since it's an Android ROM with modifications based on... something they wanted to change. Most popular ROMs seem to be ArrowOS, Ressurection-Remix, and others non official ROMs (LineageOS have Android 11 already). I have NO IDEA what I should be looking in general, no idea what is Selinux, permissive, don't flash with some softwares, etc. Not sure if it affects how I will use it commonly tbh.
I mean, I usually use my phone to access social media, use a lot of spotify/youtube, and I probably will need to root to have a good Linux machine running there for my studies (actually using UserLand), that's why I'm wondering about ROMs. Battery is really important since I run a virtual machine imo.
So, what do u think? Should I change MIUI with another custom ROM or just keep it because XIAOMI upgrades it frequently? Would you recommend some ROM in specific? As I said, just want good battery life and QoL using my apps and Bluetooth connection (phones and smartwatch 24/7).
Never used custom ROMs tbh, but would give a shot. Always loved community based stuff
On Xiaomi you can always flash stock and relock bootloader if you need to unlike Samsung (thanks Knox /s)
ArrowOS is my recommendation. Well made ROM. You can also flash F1xy kernel if you want more fluidity with still good battery life.
Only thing is you don't have the features of stock MIUI camera and flashing ANX Camera on ArrowOS didn't worked for me. If you want that, you can use crDroid which has it built-in.
Flash it. It offers better performance, good battery life + it's nice & clean. You can notice it simply by doing basic tasks. Less frames are dropped.
For OTA, do dirty flash of ROM, but I prefer clean flash as it makes sure that there are no bugs related to dirty flashing + I'm starting clean. I do clean flash every time I notice that Device side changelog is changed. I'm using ArrowOS which has updates almost every day. crDroid updates often too. Like once in 7 day, but it's not the fixed schedule. NitrogenOS updates every 15 days-1 month.
NitrogenOS was my ROM before, it was good, but ArrowOS is just better. ArrowOS & basically other ROMs are based on newest sources while NitrogenOS is the only ROM right now that is still based on 12.0.3 firmware. ArrowOS has Enforcing seLinux unlike Nitrogen etc. These small things is what makes ArrowOS better ROM than others. Only crDroid can "fight" with it imo.
mGrilo said:
Hey there, how are u doing?
I just got my Poco X3 NFC (was using Mi A3), and I kinda feel like pure android is really better to use in general than MIUI (at least for me). Wondering if it's better to change it now, since I don't have much on phone (less than 1 week) or just keep MIUI because 12.5 is about to get there.
Was checking the forum and found a lot of ROMs, but I don't really get if's not "the same" as MIUI, since it's an Android ROM with modifications based on... something they wanted to change. Most popular ROMs seem to be ArrowOS, Ressurection-Remix, and others non official ROMs (LineageOS have Android 11 already). I have NO IDEA what I should be looking in general, no idea what is Selinux, permissive, don't flash with some softwares, etc. Not sure if it affects how I will use it commonly tbh.
I mean, I usually use my phone to access social media, use a lot of spotify/youtube, and I probably will need to root to have a good Linux machine running there for my studies (actually using UserLand), that's why I'm wondering about ROMs. Battery is really important since I run a virtual machine imo.
So, what do u think? Should I change MIUI with another custom ROM or just keep it because XIAOMI upgrades it frequently? Would you recommend some ROM in specific? As I said, just want good battery life and QoL using my apps and Bluetooth connection (phones and smartwatch 24/7).
Never used custom ROMs tbh, but would give a shot. Always loved community based stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I´ve had the phone for around 3 weeks now and it´s the first phone in years that I haven´t unlocked and installed custom Roms.
The reason is that my bank detects unlocked bootloader and I cannot use Google Pay which I use on a daily basis.
After debloating the phone and setting up the relevant apps so they don´t get shut down by the aggresive MIUI battery savings I am really satisfied. I also have a smartwatch connected 24/7 and I get around 8-9 hours SOT. Just normal usage, no gaming.
I also installed the MI Control Center from Play Store to customize the control center which is quite cool giving a bit of a customized look.
The only thing I am not to keen about is the fact that the Android security has not been updated since november 2020.
So far I am sticking with stock and looking forward to see what Miui 12.5 will be like.
geminis3 said:
On Xiaomi you can always flash stock and relock bootloader if you need to unlike Samsung (thanks Knox /s)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, it's like "try it, if u don't like it, just get MIUI back", right? Cool!
SkaboXD said:
ArrowOS is my recommendation. Well made ROM. You can also flash F1xy kernel if you want more fluidity with still good battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTA is the android updater? I'm kinda wants to update like I do with MIUI. Options > Updates > Update > Restart and Done
I don't use much cameras, just on my job tbh. As I said, just want a good battery to use my Linux on background (I already do it all day basically, I would say), and free ads (disabled all of them on MIUI, I think). Like, for example, installed Vanced YT on my Mi A3 in 5 minutes, while I reinstalled 3 times on POCO X3 and still can't log-on.
badadam said:
I´ve had the phone for around 3 weeks now and it´s the first phone in years that I haven´t unlocked and installed custom Roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if my bank do that... hope it doesn't. Yes, lot of apps are useless and uninstalled already.
I only "game" idle games, which means like 30 mins/day.
Still wondering if I should or not try a ROM. Probably will on weekend since I won't use it.
Oh, and BTW, my night mode is kinda buggy in a few apps, had to disable it on android and use in-app features. Not sure if it's MIUI problem, but never happened on my Mi A3.
badadam said:
The reason is that my bank detects unlocked bootloader and I cannot use Google Pay which I use on a daily basis.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using magisk hide for banking apps, I still get some random issues with some apps like not being able to register the fingerprint but overall I can use them all, the only app that really gives me any trouble is the sprint drive app.
My phone is arriving today. Do I really need to wait for unlocking the bootloader?
badadam said:
The reason is that my bank detects unlocked bootloader and I cannot use Google Pay which I use on a daily basis.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With ArrowOS you can use bank apps and google play...
These are enforcing builds. Safety net checks pass out of the box! No need to flash magisk modules, which might in turn break the integrity!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
zpower said:
With ArrowOS you can use bank apps and google play...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I wrote my bank in Denmark detects unlocked bootloaders. So there is no way I can use my bank apps as long as the bootloader is unlocked .
I had problems using ArrowOS on my Redmi Note 8T and called the help service in my bank. When I told him my phone model the helpdesk guy asked me right away if I had unlocked my bootloader which I "admitted" I did. Turns out that the guy knew eveything about custom Roms, unlocked bootloaders and rooted phones. He told me that most banks in Denmark put safety first and do anything to lock out devices with unlocked bootloaders even if Safetny passes without problems.
So I haven´t even tried unlocking the bootloader on my X3 NFC as I use my bank apps and Google Pay everyday.
And I am actually quite satsfied with stock MIUI after debloating and twirking. Looking forward to see how 12.5 will improve the phone.
badadam said:
Like I wrote my bank in Denmark detects unlocked bootloaders. So there is no way I can use my bank apps as long as the bootloader is unlocked .
I had problems using ArrowOS on my Redmi Note 8T and called the help service in my bank. When I told him my phone model the helpdesk guy asked me right away if I had unlocked my bootloader which I "admitted" I did. Turns out that the guy knew eveything about custom Roms, unlocked bootloaders and rooted phones. He told me that most banks in Denmark put safety first and do anything to lock out devices with unlocked bootloaders even if Safetny passes without problems.
So I haven´t even tried unlocking the bootloader on my X3 NFC as I use my bank apps and Google Pay everyday.
And I am actually quite satsfied with stock MIUI after debloating and twirking. Looking forward to see how 12.5 will improve the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, what a story. Thanks for sharing.
mGrilo said:
Hey there, how are u doing?
I just got my Poco X3 NFC (was using Mi A3), and I kinda feel like pure android is really better to use in general than MIUI (at least for me). Wondering if it's better to change it now, since I don't have much on phone (less than 1 week) or just keep MIUI because 12.5 is about to get there.
Was checking the forum and found a lot of ROMs, but I don't really get if's not "the same" as MIUI, since it's an Android ROM with modifications based on... something they wanted to change. Most popular ROMs seem to be ArrowOS, Ressurection-Remix, and others non official ROMs (LineageOS have Android 11 already). I have NO IDEA what I should be looking in general, no idea what is Selinux, permissive, don't flash with some softwares, etc. Not sure if it affects how I will use it commonly tbh.
I mean, I usually use my phone to access social media, use a lot of spotify/youtube, and I probably will need to root to have a good Linux machine running there for my studies (actually using UserLand), that's why I'm wondering about ROMs. Battery is really important since I run a virtual machine imo.
So, what do u think? Should I change MIUI with another custom ROM or just keep it because XIAOMI upgrades it frequently? Would you recommend some ROM in specific? As I said, just want good battery life and QoL using my apps and Bluetooth connection (phones and smartwatch 24/7).
Never used custom ROMs tbh, but would give a shot. Always loved community based stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The most sensible answer is if you must ask, you don't need it. You'll likely get over your head, screw up your phone, whine and cry for help, when no one can cuz you're not even sure what, how, when or where you went wrong and don't remember exactly what you did, you'll end up regretting the whole thing, wish you never came to this site in the first place cuz now you gotta $250 paperweight, with no way to get another one. Now your parents are super mad and pretending you don't exist, you've resorted to eating only peanut butter n jelly sandwiches for every meal.. All this cuz you wanted a custom rom... yup
Talysdaddy said:
The most sensible answer is if you must ask, you don't need it. You'll likely get over your head, screw up your phone, whine and cry for help, when no one can cuz you're not even sure what, how, when or where you went wrong and don't remember exactly what you did, you'll end up regretting the whole thing, wish you never came to this site in the first place cuz now you gotta $250 paperweight, with no way to get another one. Now your parents are super mad and pretending you don't exist, you've resorted to eating only peanut butter n jelly sandwiches for every meal.. All this cuz you wanted a custom rom... yup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh, not really. Wasn't everyone like this in the beginning? He'll learn with time if he's new, How about not scaring him?
Woolworm11 said:
My phone is arriving today. Do I really need to wait for unlocking the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, Xiaomi implemented a 168 hour wait time for unlocking bootloader in all new devices.
badadam said:
Like I wrote my bank in Denmark detects unlocked bootloaders. So there is no way I can use my bank apps as long as the bootloader is unlocked .
I had problems using ArrowOS on my Redmi Note 8T and called the help service in my bank. When I told him my phone model the helpdesk guy asked me right away if I had unlocked my bootloader which I "admitted" I did. Turns out that the guy knew eveything about custom Roms, unlocked bootloaders and rooted phones. He told me that most banks in Denmark put safety first and do anything to lock out devices with unlocked bootloaders even if Safetny passes without problems.
So I haven´t even tried unlocking the bootloader on my X3 NFC as I use my bank apps and Google Pay everyday.
And I am actually quite satsfied with stock MIUI after debloating and twirking. Looking forward to see how 12.5 will improve the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A couple of years ago or a bit more, I had a problem with a bank app here in Italy. It was possible to install it, it opened but was never able to login to my account with a "generic error". After calling the helpdesk, they did a check and informed me that the app didn't work for ROOTED PHONES...
One week after this call, my new account in another bank was active and fully operative so I moved all my money to the new bank.
If anyone would react in this way, this kind of abuses by banks will end very soon...
Communos said:
Eh, not really. Wasn't everyone like this in the beginning? He'll learn with time if he's new, How about not scaring him?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I wasn't like this in the beginning, like my first sentence says, if you have to ask, it probably isn't for you cuz it demonstrates a few lacking qualities that surely would make this difficult. No offense to OP but I'm being realistic, speaking of going back to the OPs question, he asks whether he should rock a custom rom or not. How can anyone realistically answer that for him? The only one that has that definite answer is the person asking it. No one here knows his skills, amount of knowledge, patience level, whether he can follow instructions or a tutorial well enough, whether he enjoys or tolerates reading, disposable cash, if he funks up a daily driver, can it be replaced, ect.... these are all key in learning and practicing installing roms. Going back to what I said originally if you must ask, meaning that you can't determine this for yourself, it's highly likely there's other things you can't do for yourself. Everyone here knows 99.9009% of this is done independently, reading these threads and trying things out. Plus 99.9999% of answers to questions pertaining to modding our devices are in these threads, yet so many fail to search instead go straight to the questions forum, create a new thread asking same question answered 5x already. So if someone comes here asking a question only they truly have answers to, are they likely to miracoulsly be independent suddenly or someone frequently needing assistance unable to perform tasks themselves? Once again back to my original post, "they've demonstrated this kind of work ethic already."
Yea I know my answer wasn't something some want to hear but I call it as I see it.
Hi,
I'm used to installing, testing and adapting custom roms for android. I even used to write one "minimoto" for the old Moto Droid series back when I had more time.
Nowadays, I'm a busy dad who can't spend lots of time testing things out, so I'm reaching out for help in finding a good, minimal, stable rom for my MI A3.
Don't care what version of android it is, just stability and minimalism/battery are all that matter.
So far I've tried
- CRDroid - fast, minimal, excellent battery life, but with no disrespect to the developers who are in the early stages with this port, it's got way too many bugs (like no GPS, website forms failing for weird reasons, busted playstore requiring manual fixes........).
- EvolutionX 6.22 - a weird mix of very fancy configurable UI elements, but missing apps like camera, and lots of bugs. Gallery doesn't work at all, phone hard locks apps like signal at least once a day, requiring a reboot. A bit slow, and again with no disrespect to the developers, too buggy for daily use.
Can anyone help me find something that just works, and has the minimal amount of services/apps pre-installed?
Failing that, any stable rom and I'll use ADB as root to remove the clag myself.
Thanks for your time,
Thingonaspring
Cool, you've tested those already.
Have you tried PixelExperience? (I've not tested yet, been waiting for someone else to do it )
Now testing pixelexperience, and it appears so far to be very solid.
Fast, has working GPS and camera, no gallery app, but installing google photos fixes that.
@thingonaspring be on the lookout for lack of updates, one of the maintainers declared the ROM as EOL'd but I'm not sure if someone else picked it up.
Checking back in. It's defintely pixel experience for the win.
29% battery use in a day, no crashes.
Admittedly I didn't use it much, but that's just a superb result.
pt8 said:
@thingonaspring be on the lookout for lack of updates, one of the maintainers declared the ROM as EOL'd but I'm not sure if someone else picked it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you on the lack of updates. As long as the security layer updates itself, I'm not inclined to worry too much.
I do wish I had enough time to maintain my own rom again. Maybe in a few years when the kid starts college......
@thingonaspring which one of the many PixelExperience versions did you test? How is testing going? My gf's Mi A3 stock has many bugs and I'd like to get a custom ROM on it for her. Is the process easy enough (bootloader unlock, recovery, flash)? Any guide you followed I could use too?
Good point, there's more than one pixelexperience. I used this one :-
[ROM][12][MI-A3] PixelExperience [AOSP] [Permissive]
[ROM][12][MI-A3] PixelExperience [AOSP] [Permissive] PixelExperience for MI-A3 [laurel-sprout] What is this? PixelExperience is an AOSP based ROM, with Google apps included and all Pixel goodies (launcher, wallpapers, icons, fonts, boot...
forum.xda-developers.com
There are still quirks to this rom, I had to switch off adaptive battery (the default) as I was missing loads of notifications from Signal app, and it's crashed once or twice requiring a reboot, but nothing as bad as I've seen from other MI A3 custom roms.
I had a bit of a journey figuring out the flashing process. It turns out the trick is to ignore the slot a/b stuff and just flash everything everywhere. So flash recovery to slot a+b, the flash the rom to slot a+b, and wipe the data partition (factory reset, all data lost). To guard against that, copy any data you can to SDCard, or better still a PC, before flashing.
See this question, and @heinhuiz excellent answer, for more info on how to flash a slot a/b system.
Confused by slot a/b and recoveries
Previous android phones I've used - and there have been a lot of them - have used TWRP for recovery, and that's allowed backup of system+data. You then flash a rom to test, decide it's not for you, restore the system+data, job done. The MI A3...
forum.xda-developers.com
TL;DR - it's not like twrp recovery on older phones. The recovery+kernel both occupy the boot partition, so it's more a case of flashing the recovery+kernel that ships with your chosen rom via fastboot, then using that new recovery to install the rom itself, from a zipfile on sdcard.
In this process having an a/b slot for the boot and system partitions is just an unnecessary confusion. Flash the a+b recovery both to the same version, then do the same with the new custom rom (flash A, reboot, flash B, reboot), then clear data and get on with your life.
thingonaspring said:
Checking back in. It's defintely pixel experience for the win.
29% battery use in a day, no crashes.
Admittedly I didn't use it much, but that's just a superb result.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had PixelExperience installed for a couple of days and it seems to chew through a LOT of battery. have had to leave it plugged in while at work. also hate the Camera Go app. missing a lot of features
thingonaspring said:
Hi,
I'm used to installing, testing and adapting custom roms for android. I even used to write one "minimoto" for the old Moto Droid series back when I had more time.
Nowadays, I'm a busy dad who can't spend lots of time testing things out, so I'm reaching out for help in finding a good, minimal, stable rom for my MI A3.
Don't care what version of android it is, just stability and minimalism/battery are all that matter.
So far I've tried
- CRDroid - fast, minimal, excellent battery life, but with no disrespect to the developers who are in the early stages with this port, it's got way too many bugs (like no GPS, website forms failing for weird reasons, busted playstore requiring manual fixes........).
- EvolutionX 6.22 - a weird mix of very fancy configurable UI elements, but missing apps like camera, and lots of bugs. Gallery doesn't work at all, phone hard locks apps like signal at least once a day, requiring a reboot. A bit slow, and again with no disrespect to the developers, too buggy for daily use.
Can anyone help me find something that just works, and has the minimal amount of services/apps pre-installed?
Failing that, any stable rom and I'll use ADB as root to remove the clag myself.
Thanks for your time,
Thingonaspring
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro, I'm using Corvus OS 12L. Can't believe this is more smoother and faster than stock rom. Best rom ever. Better than pixel experience it has no customisation, but the corvus has a lot.
couldn't find corvus, but I've settled on this now
[ROM][12.1][LAUREL_SPROUT] PixelPlusUI [OFFICIAL] [Twelve][AOSP]
* Your warranty is now void. * We are not responsible for anything that may happen to your phone by installing any custom ROMs and/or kernels. * You do it at your own risk and take the responsibility upon yourself and you are not to blame us or...
forum.xda-developers.com
And it's good. One tip, goto settings->battery and disable the pixel battery plan, just use the default one. Without that change I had apps hanging and deep-sleeping, causing me to miss messages from signal/whatsapp.
Battery is fine - I get 2 days out of it with no drama.
thingonaspring said:
Hi,
I'm used to installing, testing and adapting custom roms for android. I even used to write one "minimoto" for the old Moto Droid series back when I had more time.
Nowadays, I'm a busy dad who can't spend lots of time testing things out, so I'm reaching out for help in finding a good, minimal, stable rom for my MI A3.
Don't care what version of android it is, just stability and minimalism/battery are all that matter.
So far I've tried
- CRDroid - fast, minimal, excellent battery life, but with no disrespect to the developers who are in the early stages with this port, it's got way too many bugs (like no GPS, website forms failing for weird reasons, busted playstore requiring manual fixes........).
- EvolutionX 6.22 - a weird mix of very fancy configurable UI elements, but missing apps like camera, and lots of bugs. Gallery doesn't work at all, phone hard locks apps like signal at least once a day, requiring a reboot. A bit slow, and again with no disrespect to the developers, too buggy for daily use.
Can anyone help me find something that just works, and has the minimal amount of services/apps pre-installed?
Failing that, any stable rom and I'll use ADB as root to remove the clag myself.
Thank
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cherish OS A13. Best rom ever with lots of customization.
Right now I'm struggling really hard to find a new phone I want, and realistically none meet my standards due to low battery, or bad camera specs and software support. However I keep finding myself wanting the Xperia line of phones, and I strangely really want to get this phone but I hear and know of many cons already. Heating issues, and in a year or two it's going to lose software support right?
However would rooting it, or people who have rooted the phone solve the issues regarding the phone themselves? Like was the os optimized better for thermals, or is there a good line of custom roms that can securely update the phone that way instead? Was it worth it to go through the hassle, or is bricking a strong issue and unable to be dealt with.
Cuz honestly I just want a decent phone of 5000MAH, great camera, and good dual speakers tbh. It'd be cool if it'd come with a headphone jack too, and if micro sd was an option but honestly I only use about 80gb of storage anyway.
101% i love my with root
DanielMode said:
101% i love my with root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mind telling me what you did that fixed the stock flaws? I got my heart set on one of the Xperia phones lol. Tje 1V looks amazing but I wanna wait for the 5V at the same time too lol
5v wont be relased until september or maybe later.. they tend to follow yearly schedule
and if u like the notification LED better hurry caus i red some information about its no longer at the X1 V
and if this happens 8 bet same will happen at the X5 V
I haven't needed to fix any flaws really, but still rooted to remove bloat, block ads, access app data, improve privacy etc.
aricooperdavis said:
I haven't needed to fix any flaws really,crooted to remove bloat, block ads, access app data, improve privacy etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ShatteredSpider exactly this! I've done all that and tbh so far (4 months), have not an issue to shout about. Perhaps its by removing the bloat, thoough very little compared to some phones, having a rooted ad-blocker makes my phone run flawlessly so far without no crazy heat issues. Of course there have been some official updates, mostly security but they may have tinkered around with the initial heating issue too. Battery life is great, magisk+modules run perfectly and banking apps work fine too. So far, my best and easiest rooted phone experience so far with some great cameras/software, plus I've got Gcam/revanced running too as a plus. New phone sensor does sound great, not sure I need to jump to it, especially as gcam night images work pretty well for me and even for general snappy images.
@davestuarts Was there anything root-related that you had to do to get GCam working properly? I had a hard time with it initially though it did take pictures and then it stopped working entirely, possibly due to a system update.
opticron said:
@davestuarts Was there anything root-related that you had to do to get GCam working properly? I had a hard time with it initially though it did take pictures and then it stopped working entirely, possibly due to a system update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think Gcam technically requires root, there's nothing I can remember that suggests it, as I remember testing Gcam when I first had the phone and was untouche/not rooted.
I've had Gcam 8.1 installed since (with a profile) and it's been running fine, mostly photos and occasionally videos.
I've updated the rom about three times, though manually as it's rooted, but Gcam continues to work. I've tested other versions of Gcam but they either didn't work or crashed. That's all I can say. Any further questions, I'll try and answer if I know.
davestuarts said:
I don't think Gcam technically requires root, there's nothing I can remember that suggests it, as I remember testing Gcam when I first had the phone and was untouche/not rooted.
I've had Gcam 8.1 installed since (with a profile) and it's been running fine, mostly photos and occasionally videos.
I've updated the rom about three times, though manually as it's rooted, but Gcam continues to work. I've tested other versions of Gcam but they either didn't work or crashed. That's all I can say. Any further questions, I'll try and answer if I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oooo please send what kind of photos you take on the phone, i wanna see the quality!! To me it seems like the perfect mid tier phone, but I wanted to see the stock photos, pro photos and possible gcam but haven't reliably seen results only a few reviews. I also wanna try to work it into being a professional webcam when I'm home for motion tracking but afraid of bad quality?