Related
Hello XDA!
I opened a new thread hopefully to open a discussion about improvements I think are beneficial, my experience over the last 24 hours that a couple sticky edits would have saved me (and others) time.
My Story:
Yesterday (5/3) I saw I had around a 250 mb OTA. Excited (hoping for 4.2, assuming was the 4.1.2 that VZW released recently) I kick on WiFi, download and watch as it reboots and appears to install successfully. Time for work to end, grabbed phone off charger as it appeared to be rebooting after successful install, and ran out to catch train home.
Downstairs, at train stop, take a look at phone and heart sinks as it is in a fast splash screen loop, blinking the VZW Galaxy Note 2 screen for about 1 second in endless loop. As I had never seen before was thinking firmware update bricked it and I was looking at least until Tuesday before I'd have a working phone. Luckily, I was able to quickly see that I could still get into download mode, so knew I was (likely) going to be ok.
Get home and a Quick Robin, to the Internetz! later I'm browsing XDA and following the t=t=2024207 walkthu to restore stock. FYI, my device prior to the failed OTA was unrooted stock. At this point I'm not sure if it's going to restore, so I'm trying to do the true stock, no unlocked bootloader in case it has to be RMA'd. I've downloaded all my files, waited patiently for the slow hosting service for the FXZ(?) to download and am grinding through it and of course it fails at the system.img. Luckily, blessedly the awesome community here had released the image that included the unlocked bootloader which I was (after waiting to download, etc etc again) able to successfully get installed via Odin, booted up and working successfully.
So, while the first post section regarding restore to stock does indicate users with latest firmware "L4 OTA Only" shouldn't be attempting to use the Official VRAL I didn't think it applied to me. I would say that a fair amount of individuals looking to take the drastic step of a full restore to stock might be in a scenario like mine, where something significant has happened and likely confirming what OS/firmware/etc you are on might not be feasible. In my case, I assumed never rooted/unlocked vanilla device should be about as receptacle to an "official" restore as any. In this scenario, where a 100% for all devices stock recovery ("alternative") works, 'I feel that it should have been pushed harder than the official or at least blurbed with if you don't know what you are on, use this' While I understand that it is the "official" image, it has requirements for it to work. A co-worker had an ASUS TF300T that tried pushing a recovery image for ICS after he had upgraded to JB and it hard bricked his tablet, with ASUS wanting to charge him about 60% cost of the tablet to replace motherboard. That's heartbreaking, and I am sure since a hard brick wasn't a likely scenario here, why it wasn't mentioned.
Also: The download link for the Alternate Restore lists the file as: I605_VRALJB_Restore.tar.md5.xz which requires that it be unpacked using 7zip AND also that once extracted, it needs to be renamed to kick of the extra extension md5 in order for ODIN to see it properly as a PDA image file. (I605_VRALJB_Restore.tar.md5 ) Neither step is mentioned in the original post, and I had to read through to I believe the 11th page or so before realizing that was the problem. I'm sure with most of the people that are daily users of this forum knew automatically that these steps were required, but I would counter that a thread explaining how to restore Stock is one of the few threads that is likely to reach a larger, inexperienced demographic who would need to know such details.
Lastly, since (I thought) I had an unlocked bootloader, but otherwsie working phone again (Thank you, thank you thank you!) might as well get it rooted, and grab a ODEX'd stripped ROM with the OS release because getting the Software Update nag and not being able to complete or even brick my phone makes my OCD gland flex mightily. Was delighted to see an on-device APK root option which threw me back to the ease of z4root a few years ago with my Droid X. APK installs, and it roots so easily, like it had the functionality out of the box. I grab goo.im manager and install TWRP. Go to boot into custom recovery so I can install my sexy updated OS ROM and enjoy my fun device without all the yucky bloatware I've just ignored/dealt with for the last 2 months and I get the dreaded and in my opinion illegal "VZW unauthorized software" software brick.
Back to the forums, see I need another stock 'alternative' restore to fix AND a little confused, but believe I need to run a "jailbreak" bootloader unlock (CASUAL ?t=2118348) Which I haven't done yet. I have all files downloaded, just paused to post my experiences here.
So, this was main reason for my post, as I can understand some of why walkthru is laid out the way it is above, but why not have this included as part of the stickied root walkthru? It's mentioned thusly:
section 1a is a old method and no longer needs to be used unless the end user wants root only. proceed to Adam Outler's "JAILBREAK" thread linked at the bottom of this section for rooting and unlocking bootloader so custom roms can be flashed!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't find the link it refers to at bottom of section? I ended up googling to find guide. ((t=202420)
if this is still a requirement for root, custom ROM/Recovery, I would have made this steps 1-x of the root guide. is it because another person authored it? It would be nice to be able to credit and quote, I know alot of what drives contributors is the 'Thanks" and Donations, be great if XDA admins could round table and find a solution that allows for a consolidated guide for each device and still give each contributor a way to get their +1's and plug donation/web/twitter handle url's
So, is my understanding incorrect of what is needed or do folks agree with me that current setup is not the most efficient way XDA community could be offering instructive guides on Root/Mods? It would be wonderful if XDA Mods upon announcement of devices, when creating the forum threads for device (Development, OG Development, General, etc etc) created a blank thread for the how to root et.al and then allowed it to be edited by the community as a Wiki. Or even if an individual created, allow that person to allow x amount of other community members to edit, add and adjust.
I see droidstyle created a thread about questions for softbrick, and I might have to look at the original sticky thread about how to stock restore, but it seems he/she might have better saturation if this info was included in the original post. The stickied How To recover stock is direct accessible from a google search. I doubt his Q&A thread is or definitely not going to be one of the highest page-ranked sites.
So, please let me know if I'm just out of my mind, off the mark. I will give myself a small escape clause based on the fact that I probably scored about 2 hours of sleep last night messing around trying to get the note running again. I am actually concerned that the instructions for Return to Stock/Root/Etc for the VZW i605 doesn't have the link to unlock bootloader via casual and am hoping that following that process before rooting/customrecovery/ROM is correct, and not going to be another BrickGate for me. I know as OS versions are updated and/or Big Red and Big Blue constantly push patches trying to lock people out of their phones that instructions change and methods break. As new directions are implemented it's easy to lose steps as edits occur on the fly.
Most importanly! I hope this thread comes across as constructive criticism/suggestions, I have nothing but the highest respect for this community and it's contributors. Even skewed, outdated and conflicting information is better than no information and I SUPER appreciate the hard work required to get it out to us. I am most definitely not expressing displeasure with my experience or the content, only using the threads I mentioned as examples of what I personally see as opportunity for improvements XDA could implement that would allow for easier dissemination of the information the community is sharing so unselfishly. I only open it for discussion, so that others like me can access the information quicker with less confusion. I read comments of disgust and exasperation as people are directed to search, rather than post, and they are right, the information is invariably there, and most often or not within the first 5 posts of a thread. But sometimes when a developer talks to another developer, the tiny and considered minor details are not mentioned because it's considered common knowledge, and thats where the noobs, soccer moms and Grandmas can get left scratching their heads trying to puzzle how you got from point a to b. (Stereotypes used for comedic effect, please take no offense) I believe it would save alot of people having to answer the same questions over and over again time and frustration and freeing them to focus their talents on making us the next epic ROM/Kernel/App
thanks for reading! Also, I'm not just drive-by b*tching, if anyone is interested, I would love to show a mock-up of the i605 guide these great contributors have created as I would compile it. I'm passionate about mobile technology and customization, sadly my talents don't lie in the creation of such, only the enjoyment of it. But I'm a hell of a document admin. I create wiki's and KB's/sharepoint admin for a living, and would love to contribute what I know in that way
Being newly interested in rooting and tweaking my devices (started with my S3) there are a lot of terms that are mentioned in customizing threads that I do not understand, and a lot of those threads don't have detailed instructions for someone that's new to tweaking. Is there one post somewhere on xda that lists terms, methods, etc for newcomers like me?
I don't trust any forum other than xda because I simply think its the best forum for tweaking, etc so I don't really trust links outside xda. I also know that the way some things need to be done is device specific.
I'm confused about how to "flash" something in "recovery' (such as removing the wifi notification thread), flashing a custom recovery, using Goomanager to flash, etc. Don't get me wrong; I can follow detailed instructions as long as they are there......but if they aren't, that leaves me and a great deal of newcomers in the dark.
Some of these things are done via the phone and some have to be done via PC....and many times there aren't detailed instructions so I'm unsure what I an supposed to do and don't want to brick a $700 device.
So....is this information contained in all separate posts throughout the forum? Or is there one thread per device that details it? Being as some of these things are device specific, I'm hesitant to even look in other device forums.
Thanks for reading, and any assistance is appreciated.
wolfgrrl said:
Being newly interested in rooting and tweaking my devices (started with my S3) there are a lot of terms that are mentioned in customizing threads that I do not understand, and a lot of those threads don't have detailed instructions for someone that's new to tweaking. Is there one post somewhere on xda that lists terms, methods, etc for newcomers like me?
I don't trust any forum other than xda because I simply think its the best forum for tweaking, etc so I don't really trust links outside xda. I also know that the way some things need to be done is device specific.
I'm confused about how to "flash" something in "recovery' (such as removing the wifi notification thread), flashing a custom recovery, using Goomanager to flash, etc. Don't get me wrong; I can follow detailed instructions as long as they are there......but if they aren't, that leaves me and a great deal of newcomers in the dark.
Some of these things are done via the phone and some have to be done via PC....and many times there aren't detailed instructions so I'm unsure what I an supposed to do and don't want to brick a $700 device.
So....is this information contained in all separate posts throughout the forum? Or is there one thread per device that details it? Being as some of these things are device specific, I'm hesitant to even look in other device forums.
Thanks for reading, and any assistance is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this can be a complex arena to play in. For the S4, you'll want to download Odin v3.07 and a copy of the stock ROM just in case you break something.
> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2289325
> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2189539
ROM = read-only memory - this is the part of your phone's internal storage you're not really supposed to be able to play with (like /system, or the phone's radio for example)
The act of "flashing" is writing data to ROM
Recovery just means that you should always be able to boot your device into this mode to RECOVER from a software problem; IE: flashing a bad ROM (IE: one that doesn't work and you can't start your phone anymore).
I don't really know a whole lot more than that, I just poke around and pretend like I do =)
OverkillSD said:
Well, this can be a complex arena to play in. For the S4, you'll want to download Odin v3.07 and a copy of the stock ROM just in case you break something.
> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2289325
> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2189539
ROM = read-only memory - this is the part of your phone's internal storage you're not really supposed to be able to play with (like /system, or the phone's radio for example)
The act of "flashing" is writing data to ROM
Recovery just means that you should always be able to boot your device into this mode to RECOVER from a software problem; IE: flashing a bad ROM (IE: one that doesn't work and you can't start your phone anymore).
I don't really know a whole lot more than that, I just poke around and pretend like I do =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks As I learn more, I think I'm going to make a post that contains everything I learn, so others have it all in one place.
Well, there's a LOT to learn...like I said; complex arena. So much so that there's no way to make a single post take you from newbie to knowledgeable newbie in one read.
Then there's Google;
"what is rom"
"what is flashing rom"
"what is recovery mode android"
Eliminates the need for said post
Plus, by the time you get it all written, it will have all changed ^_^
This a short list of frequently asked questions in this device forum and the answers often given as a response. It should serve as a starting point for gathering knowledge and finding solutions to many common problems. Please only post in this thread with feedback on how to improve this document.
1: Difference between "Development" and "Original Development"?
Some of you may know but for the New Members out there...
Here are the rough guidelines as to what should be placed in "Original Development":
*Official release of highly original and upstream custom ROMs (built from the ground up with significant original development within them).
*Official releases/development of such original ROMs, perhaps posted by the maintainer or their nominated person.
*A significant "first" in development for a device. This is something which took considerable time/effort and is generally accepted by developers to be non-trivial.
*Kernels which are built with beneficial changes that are not simply pulled from other kernels already available.
*Tools and utilities with a clear purpose, and which are well-made, and useful to users. They should have an element of originality, either in purpose or through significant improvement in the means of operation.
*Significant port of a ROM from one device to another, giving enhanced features or functionality to the users of the target device.
All other development work goes into "Android Development".
2: New to all this rooting and modding stuff where should I start?
[How to] Steps to shake the noob status. Thanks TonyStark
3: How can I suggest more topics for this device thread?
You can PM your suggestions to the appropriate Moderator.
4: I'm having troubles submitting my Unlock token at HTC Dev what can I do?
[Guide][How to] Submit HTC Unlock Token Thanks BD619
I know what you are thinking...EVERYONE knows how to do this, Not true I can't tell you how many times I have gotten a PM asking for help that is why I created this thread.
5: How do I root my phone?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...t-roms-kernels-recoveries-sprint-htc-t3069860
& Here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-one-m9/general/root-m9-tested-t3069288
6: What recoveries are available for my phone?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...t-roms-kernels-recoveries-sprint-htc-t3069860
TWRP : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=59745198&postcount=2 thanks to @captainthrowback
7: How can I enter bootloader mode & recovery mode?
To enter bootloader mode make sure your phone is turned off. Turn it back on while holding the 'volume down' button and you will successfully enter bootloader mode.
To enter recovery mode, you will need to enter the bootloader (as detailed above) then use the 'volume down' button to navigate to 'RECOVERY'. Press the power button to confirm your choice. You'll now be booted into your custom recovery..
REMEMBER: Your Bootloader Must be unlocked..
8: ADB. What is it?
Find out everything you need to know by reading the following thread - ADB Workshop and Guide for everyone.
Also I would suggest downloading Android-SDK and check for updates regularly
[GUIDE] Set up Android SDK (ADB) for Windows 8 / 8.1 / [ADB][Bootloader][Fastboot] Thanks bdorr1105
[TOOL] ADB, Fastboot and Drivers - 15 seconds ADB Installer. Thanks Snoop05
9: Should i backup my ROM before flashing anything else?
It is definitely a good idea because if you don't do a backup and then something goes wrong, it means that you'll lose all your apps, data etc. It just saves a lot of hassle..
You have the option to back up via HTC Backup in the Settings Portion of the phone. SETTINGS>Backup and Restore(or Reset)> Backup now. Or use TWRP Recovery to back up your Rom itself.
10: How can I S-OFF my device?
S-Off guide here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-one-m9/general/guide-s-off-m9-spr-t3086696 thanks to @solver404
11: I have a custom recovery installed but I can't boot into recovery...
Use the command - fastboot erase cache.
You should now be able to boot into recovery
12: I don't like Blinkfeed. Can I get rid of it?
You can use a third party launcher such as Apex,Nova,ect.
Or long press any screen and choose Add apps and widgets,then drag the blinkfeed screen to the top to remove.
One thing you can do, however, is to change Blinkfeed to a different screen so that it's out of the way and you won't have to see it as soon as you hit the Home button..
13: How would i be able to change my PRL?
14: How can I remove unwanted bloat?
15: I need to return my device back to stock?
Here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-one-m9/development/ruu-sprint-htc-one-m9-1-32-651-17-t3073355 thanks @OMJ
& here http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...t-roms-kernels-recoveries-sprint-htc-t3069860
16: Can I flash Roms from the HTC One(M9) International forums?
If they are in the Sprint section or say they have Sprint support you should be ok to flash (If it's not from the Sprint section please confirm in the thread it's Sprint compatible).
17: I just flashed a Rom and would like to see if i can flash a kernel with it.
Here you will find all the available kernels that are for your Sprint M9.
DO NOT FLASH A KERNEL IF IT STATES IT AS GSM OR NO SPRINT SUPPORT...
you could potentially Hard Brick your Device..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...t-roms-kernels-recoveries-sprint-htc-t3069860
18: HELP! I Can't Find Fastboot!
Fastboot is now "Download Mode" boot into download mode and you will now be able to execute Fastboot commands.
This is a wip more information will be added as time goes on!
Special Thanks to @BD619, @chubbslou, [MENTION=3041115]Sinistertensai, @Virus, @thicklizard, @Captainthrowback, [MENTION=2586080]andybones, @nickmilla15
Here is a great article that phandroid wrote up about what to do when you get your M9 enjoy!
http://phandroid.com/2015/04/02/htc-one-m9-first-things/
mammothjojo88 said:
Here is a great article that phandroid wrote up about what to do when you get your M9 enjoy!
http://phandroid.com/2015/04/02/htc-one-m9-first-things/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://phandroid.com/2015/04/03/htc-one-m9-tips/
my htc m9 has a problem it retrieves signal realy i can make and recieve calls but is written no service, i am on gsm tbilisi georgia, thanks
Good afternoon all,
For starters, please excuse any improper protocol with this post. Ironically, I am a programmer myself (C++, C#, JS, ASP.NET) but I am unaccustomed to posting on forums. Aside from one on StackOverflow and one on the MS Community help forums I am new to this. However, I am coming out of my cave as it occurs to me that learning, and possibly assisting, with Android development on such a level as this is of great interest to me; so I might as well start learning!
I decided to jump in with an old S4 (SCH-I545) to see if I could get that rooted. I was successful with the very useful tools on this site but now I am attempting to install Magisk (seems "system-less" is the new thing). I have come to conclude that I must install a new recovery on my device for this and it sounds like TWRP is the recommended choice for installing Magisk. Unfortunately, when attempting to flash the tar in the most recent version of Odin, I only get an error of "SECURE CHECK" failure.
My research on the threads seem to indicate that you cannot change the recovery software on that particular model (due to not being able to change the bootloader I think?). Anyway, I thought it was time to stop and confirm with the experts if something like Magisk can even be installed on the SCH-I545. Thank you for any advice you can offer.
References:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2398311
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2398311
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...tall-custom-recovery-twrp-verizon-s4-t3631776
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...tried-to-flash-twrp-rooted-galaxy-s4-t3547458
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292565
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-verizon/general/how-to-make-verizon-sch-i545-att-t3267687 (this last one is about changing the carrier but I thought it would be a good read to see if they had to do anything with the bootloader)
I'm new to forums, I apologize if this is all wrong and such. I was wondering if there is a way I can root a MetroPCS TCL IonX (T430W) running android 12 with magisk. I can't find anything for the IonX, it's all other variants of "Ion." I'm quite familiar with rooting and such, I'm just looking for the files, twrp or such. If you know where I can get them, please lemme know.
I'm sorry if this is in the wrong spot. I didn't see anything for TCL devices, I've never used forums before.
Hi! I don't see your particular device, but here (link below this paragraph) is where you can find all TCL devices we do have sections for. I am not knowledgeable about TCL, otherwise I'd help you myself, and these days on my Pixel, I don't even use TWRP to root - just Magisk, but I know this varies depending on the device and the files that are available. Hopefully, someone in one of the other TCL device sections can help you.
TCL
forum.xda-developers.com
If you ever get a different brand device, you can look for your device or your brand at the top level of the forum https://forum.xda-developers.com/. In the middle of the screen, there is All categories, which you can either expand to see a condensed copy of the brands and links to their sections, or click on it and it'll take you to a more expanded view of all brands we have forum sections for.
You can also use the following thread to request new device forums. There's no guarantee one would be created, but if there's enough demand, it might be.
*** New Device Forum Requests ***
Please post all your requests here. The forum admins choose new device forums carefully, based on several factors. There's no guarantee your device will have a forum created here, but feel free to posts your requests in this thread :) Please do...
forum.xda-developers.com
roirraW edor ehT said:
Hi! I don't see your particular device, but here (link below this paragraph) is where you can find all TCL devices we do have sections for. I am not knowledgeable about TCL, otherwise I'd help you myself, and these days on my Pixel, I don't even use TWRP to root - just Magisk, but I know this varies depending on the device and the files that are available. Hopefully, someone in one of the other TCL device sections can help you.
TCL
forum.xda-developers.com
If you ever get a different brand device, you can look for your device or your brand at the top level of the forum https://forum.xda-developers.com/. In the middle of the screen, there is All categories, which you can either expand to see a condensed copy of the brands and links to their sections, or click on it and it'll take you to a more expanded view of all brands we have forum sections for.
You can also use the following thread to request new device forums. There's no guarantee one would be created, but if there's enough demand, it might be.
*** New Device Forum Requests ***
Please post all your requests here. The forum admins choose new device forums carefully, based on several factors. There's no guarantee your device will have a forum created here, but feel free to posts your requests in this thread :) Please do...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, I'll see if I can get help. More or less, I need the firmware, I can do it if I have it. Thanks once again
DrAkuma said:
Thanks man, I'll see if I can get help. More or less, I need the firmware, I can do it if I have it. Thanks once again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome! I hope you can find it.
roirraW edor ehT said:
You're welcome! I hope you can find it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely looking. Thanks for the quick reply.
DrAkuma said:
I'm new to forums, I apologize if this is all wrong and such. I was wondering if there is a way I can root a MetroPCS TCL IonX (T430W) running android 12 with magisk. I can't find anything for the IonX, it's all other variants of "Ion." I'm quite familiar with rooting and such, I'm just looking for the files, twrp or such. If you know where I can get them, please lemme know.
I'm sorry if this is in the wrong spot. I didn't see anything for TCL devices, I've never used forums before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the T430W as well and after a month of trial and error I was able to get it rooted with magisk. I'll give you the quick summary of how I did it right now and once I get home from work I will try to get a more complete step by step guide for you.
1. Download and setup mtkclient by bkerler on github.
2. Enable usb debugging and oem unlock in developer options
3. Power off device
4. Open a terminal and mtk meta --metamode FASTBOOT
5. Plug phone up to computer. You should see the TCL logo and then black screen with fastboot mode in lower left corner.
6. fastboot flashing unlock and confirm on device with volume keys(WARNING this will erase your userdata)
7. Install LineageOS pre rooted GSI using DSU sideloader from github.
8. Either use a partition backup or adb shell then dd if=/dev/block/by-name/boot of=/sdcard/boot.img
9. Reboot to return to original system.
10. Patch boot image with magisk manager make sure the disable vbmeta option is selected.
11. Repeat steps 3 & 4
12. fastbooot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img {flash blank vbmeta image(I used the one from the google source page for DSU)}
13. fastboot flash boot /path/to/magisk_patched_img
14. Reboot and enjoy your rooted Ion X.
Or if you would like I can upload either the stock boot image or magisk patched image as long as you have done the UG67 OTA update.
We have no DA or AUTH files for SP Flash Tool and none of the current bypass methods work on our chipset, so whatever you do make sure you do not flash mmcblk0boot0 or mmcblk0boot1 as this will render your device hard bricked. The kernel source is available on sourceforge, I have gotten it to compile with no errors but haven't had a chance to test it yet. I'm working on getting TWRP or OFRP for our device compiled but haven't gotten very far. So far I haven't had any issues being rooted on the stock rom. I'm really glad that you posted this because I have been meaning to type up a guide as I believe being able to root your phone should be an option for everyone, but you posting this gave me the kick in the rear to actually do it.
Here is the stock boot and magisk patched boot image plus the blank vbmeta image