Database Develop

[Q] General questions about ROMs and the rooting how-to

Hi, many thanks for the great and detailed how-to. However, I think it may lack some answers to a few important questions that people who come from other phones could ask. Until now, I've been used to rooting and flashing my Galaxy Nexus which appears to be rather different from the methods on this phone. Anyway here goes: I just got my Z3 Compact. I'm willing to give the stock UI a try, especially because it has some very nice features (noise removal on camera, STAMINA mode) and a clean enough look, however I need root and don't want to put up with some of the preinstalled apps. I can then either create my own pre-rooted image or flash a custom, stock-based ROM w/ root such as SLiM. Here are my questions:
Based on the how-to, if I want to install a custom ROM such as SLiM, at which step do I need to flash it? In particular, that ROM requires "root and recovery", does that really mean that I first have to root a stock ROM and install a new pre-rooted ROM + recovery, and only then flash SLiM from recovery, or can I install it during the various stages of the how-to?
I was used to TWRP recovery remaining on my Galaxy Nexus for pretty much all its life. I don't understand: why are there so many different recoveries for the Xperia phones and why do you apparently need to flash them so often? Can't you put one there and never touch it again? Why do they sometimes come with the ROM?
Why do some custom ROMs have requirements to be running a specific version of the firmware to be installed? Can't they just be flashed from recovery? Oh and btw, is there a difference between a ROM and a "firmware" as far as Xperia-specific vocabulary goes?
Putting those questions into words, I realize I may be missing something crucial about these phones that ties recovery, ROM and kernel together in a way I'm not used to. If there is any documentation about how these general concepts work on Sony phones, I'd be happy to read it!
Thanks in advance.

Answering myself, hoping it can be helpful to people who are new to the Z3C and wondering about the same questions:
SLiM is a complete ROM, it only requires "Root and Recovery" to mean that it must be flashed from recovery -- and recovery must be installed from root anyway.
If you want to install SLiM on your first root, you must follow the how-to down to the point where you've downgraded, rooted and installed XZDualRecovery. After that you're good to go, you can wipe everything (or not) and flash SLiM.
There aren't in fact that many recoveries. Basically, the CWM recovery and its derivatives (PhilZ Touch) and TWRP. Both have different UIs and a few different extras in the way they manage backups, but they really serve the same purpose.
And then, there are things like XZDualRecovery, which includes both standard recoveries and allows to choose between them. Why include both? I don't know -- it may be related to CM ROMs needing their own recovery or just user preference --. Anyway, I suppose what makes XZDualRecovery the standard on Z2+ Xperia phones is its ease of install and the fact that it works out of the box.
Now, you need to reflash XZDualRecovery after installing a new ROM. There's a part of it that resides in the system partition and you'll lose it when you flash a new ROM; that's a big difference from what I was used to on the GNex, and many custom ROMs already include the necessary files. Be sure to check that before you flash, though.
I was mistaken, no ROM comes with a "previous ROM" requirement. Some packages (debloat releases such as serajr's for example) require an already present and rooted ROM to be installed, as they don't contain the whole system + data. They are not complete ROMs and must be flashed onto an existing, rooted ROM of the same version.
There is no real difference between ROM and "firmware", the latter is mostly what Sony uses to describe their flashable tool format releases while the former is more often used to describe custom releases. As a consequence, you'll more often see Sony's stock .FTF files described as "firmwares", and custom flashable .zip files as "ROMs".
In the end, here is what I ended up doing yesterday to my new Orange FR Z3C:
Follow the how-to to:
install the PC drivers;
downgrade to 23.0.A.2.93 stock firmware;
root the phone;
install XZDualRecovery;
Download Pandemic's pre-rooted stock 5.1.1 rom (23.4.A.0.546), reboot to recovery and flash it;
Download serajr's debloated, pre-rooted system and flash it;
Download and flash RICDefeat just to be safe;
Download and flash/install the Xposed framework and serajr's Xperia Xposed, although right now I only use it for its ability to load custom icon packs.
Huge thanks to everyone involved in the development of these tools, apps and ROMs.

I'm rooted and have Xposed : what should i do when there is an OTA update ?

Hi,
So i have a Moto G 2 XT-1068 with Android 5.0.2 and system version 22.21.28.titan_retaildsds.retaildsdsall.ex.03 reteu.
I rooted it and installed Xposed.
Since some days, my phone notify me that there is a new (official) update avalaible :
22.56.3.en.03
My first reflex was to post in the Xposed forum :
I have a Motorola Moto G 2nd edition (2014 XT-1068) with Android 5.0.2 and these xposed versions installed :
XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4.apk
xposed-v75-sdk21-arm-1
This morning, my phone notify me that there is a newsoftware update available :
22.56.3.en.03
Can i update ?
Will Xposed still running or do i have anything to do before or after update ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then :
Yes i'm rooted (i didn't know i could install exposed without root ?!) and i ask the question to rooted users : what is the recommended behavior to have when we are rooted and there is an official update like this one ? Should i ignore it ? Should i wait ? Should i update (with one of your solutions) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and this is the reply i had :
You'll have to ask how an OTA works for that in your device forum.
For Google Android (untouched by OEM) in Kitkat, OTA used to check each important file individually and if one was modified, OTA would fail. This did not check all existing files or added files such as root, so as long as you uninstalled Xposed properly (restoring the original app_process files etc) then an OTA would be fine.
Since Lollipop, OTA checks the /system partition as a single item so any modification in any file, or any additional file will make the OTA fail. In which case, the only way to update would be to flash a stock ROM.
You will need to find out in your device forum which of these applies to your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this is it, i make a post in this Moto G 2014 forum

Doing the OTA will most likely delete the XposedBridge.jar so you will have to flash it again.
Else the Xposed app will still be available but the Framework won't be installed.
If it doesn't update because the /system partition has been modified, you'll have to flash the whole rom to update.

Ok, so i can try without risk ?
And what about my root ?

nonobio said:
Ok, so i can try without risk ?
And what about my root ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root will be gone too. You'll have to root it again by flashing SuperSu Zip though a custom recovery. (TWRP)

Restore the nandroid backup of the stock system you made in TWRP before you rooted.
You also need the stock recovery for the OTA to install.
You made a backup of your system before you rooted, right?

Hi
TheKill69 said:
Root will be gone too. You'll have to root it again by flashing SuperSu Zip though a custom recovery. (TWRP)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok.
Seriously said:
Restore the nandroid backup of the stock system you made in TWRP before you rooted.
You also need the stock recovery for the OTA to install.
You made a backup of your system before you rooted, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm note sure i made a backup before i rooted cause i'm note sure i knew i could install recovery without root but i checked my backup plan and my oldest backup is post root
So, what do you recommand when there is OTA like this ? Should i ignore them ?
It seems to be a hard process (flash stock recovery and root again and not sure if it will be possible anyway, is it ?) for maybe a little update ?
Maybe i should wait for the next big OTA like Android 6, then be sure that a new rooting process exist before update, and also be sure that Xposed will be supported ?
So if i ignore this 22.56.3.en.03, will i be notifyed for others newer OTA (like Android 6 for instance) ?
Thanks

nonobio said:
Hi
Ok.
I'm note sure i made a backup before i rooted cause i'm note sure i knew i could install recovery without root but i checked my backup plan and my oldest backup is post root
So, what do you recommand when there is OTA like this ? Should i ignore them ?
It seems to be a hard process (flash stock recovery and root again and not sure if it will be possible anyway, is it ?) for maybe a little update ?
Maybe i should wait for the next big OTA like Android 6, then be sure that a new rooting process exist before update, and also be sure that Xposed will be supported ?
So if i ignore this 22.56.3.en.03, will i be notifyed for others newer OTA (like Android 6 for instance) ?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might have to flash the whole stock firmware back to get the stock recovery. Big waste of time.
Then rooting back means using CF Auto Root Commands again..
You have to update to it though if you want Android 6.0.
Since it won't be soon, you rather go for CM13 once it gets really stable.
Also by the way, Xposed is already supported on MM.

Thanks for these precisions.
So if i can resume : a custom rom is easier for enjoy Android updates than just Xposed.

Hi,
Can you confirm :
For someone searching advanced features like customize status bar, quick settings, shutdown menu, hardware buttons, etc : customs roms and "stock rom + exposed" are two solutions. BUT, for someone searching these same advanced features but also keep his device up to date : custom rom is really a better solution. Isn't?
I was happy when i discovered xposed as it seemed to be a easier process that flashing a custom rom, but i didn't know that i couldn't update easily..
So, what is the advantage to use xposed instead of custom rom?

Hi,
I am always thinking if i will update my stock rooted xposed rom, or if i will install a custom rom prerooted like Cyanogen mod (o have easier future updates).
i have some questions :
1- Is it possible to install xposed and modules on a custom rom like cyanogen mod ? I think yes but can you confirm ?
I know that CM come with inbuilt tweaks but i discover some great xposed module i would continue to use, even if i install CM.
2-If i keep my stock rooted xposed rom, and don't make this "little" Android 5 OTA update, will be i notified for "Android 6" ?
(i don't want to lose my time to reflash my rom, reroot mydevice, etc.., just for a little update, but i could do that for a more important update like Android 6...
3- We are agree that if i flash a custom rom like CM, it will resolve my "ota update" problem, cause there won't be "Motorola OTA" anymore, but there will be CM updates easy to make, isn't ? If yes, what could be the advantage to use stock rom rooted + xposed vs custom rom + xposed ?
Thanks

Rooting questions + How can i convert to stock to get ota updates ?

So i am super new to modifying android devices so i would like to know a few things.
What is a recovery / stock recovery ?
What is a rom ?
What is S-OFF, what can i do with it, and how do i achieve it ?
How can i revert everything so i can update it or where can i find the packages to update it ?

DaftHacker said:
So i am super new to modifying android devices so i would like to know a few things.
What is a recovery / stock recovery ?
What is a rom ?
What is S-OFF, what can i do with it, and how do i achieve it ?
How can i revert everything so i can update it or where can i find the packages to update it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A custom recovery is like a "hub" that lets you control your system without fully booting your phone. You can flash zips, manage files, install apps, etc...
A ROM is a package designed specifically for a device that changes the look, features, customisability and more it. Example: HTC phones use the "Sense" ROM. This has custom features like BlinkFeed, HTC Lockscreen, Different look and feel. Samsung phones use TouchWiz, a bubble-like fun looking blue ROM. This is why even if 2 devices have Android 6.0.0, one can look one way, and the other completely different.
S-OFF BASICALLY means that the /system partition can be written and modified, allowing tons of customization options. (pretty much a full root) You can achieve it a number of different ways, but most used is a tool called Unrevoked. (Look it up, it's a pretty huge topic)

Magisk and Bootloader

Hi,
I am very new to this android world so my queries might feel stupid. Actually i m here after 3 years and that is very long period in this world. I know about rooting(super Su), bootloader and recovery (stock,CM and TWRP) . Recently read about Magisk and got some queries. Hope you will help me out. These are not device specific but need to learn.
What i read/study i found these readings...
1. Magisk roots device systemlessly (does not touch system partition) so one can get OTA updates easily.
2.To install and run Magisk one needs to unlock the bootloader .
3.(Device Specific) My redmi MI Flash tool says,If you unlock the bootloader , you wont get OTA updates.
4.I have previously rooted my galaxy Y and uninstalled system apps. If i delete sys apps from magisk,still can we say that we are not touching system.
So all statements are true? or some? or none ?
Here my device is redmi 3s (6.0.1- MIUI 9.6.1.0 Global Stable).All these queries are just in relation to OTA system updates. Nothing related to warranty.
Thanking You

Yes.
Yes.
Don't know about Xiaomi, but I've never had issues with OTA on a device with an unlocked bootloader (I've mainly used different Google and Oneplus devices). Someone with a Xiaomi is gonna have to chime in on this one.
As long as you use Magisk's debloating feature of replacing files or directories with empty ones, you're good. The actual /system partition won't be touched. Use a module like the Debloater module by @veez21, or make a debloater module yourself.

Didgeridoohan said:
Don't know about Xiaomi, but I've never had issues with OTA on a device with an unlocked bootloader (I've mainly used different Google and Oneplus devices). Someone with a Xiaomi is gonna have to chime in on this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, Thank You.
You get OTA system updates for your STOCK ROM ?

inwell said:
Ahh, Thank You.
You get OTA system updates for your STOCK ROM ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. But, having both Magisk and a custom recovery (an OTA won't install with a modified boot image and a custom recovery installed) I always find it easier to download the update and flash it manually. But, like I said, I have no idea if this is true for Xiaomi.

1. Ok. i also heared that when you update your device,you lose root...not true ? Or you need to root again ?
2.In normal stock device,we get update notification and we downlaod then restart (as per convenience)device to update.
If i remove some system apps from my rooted device and unroot the device,manage to get stock recovery back ,will the OTA update system treat my device as Stock-untouched? And install updates just as stock device will do ?
3. Is boot.img and bootloader are same things? Coz i read that for re locking boot loader you need to flash boot.img from stock software. (But Some procedures just use fastboot and relock oem command-they wont use boot.img,dont know why )
I read that unrooting,restoring stock recovery and locking bootloader again is more difficult/complicated than the rooting procedure
Some one should come up with solution just like Windows Restore .If you want to go back to everything STOCK,just use that feature same as done to Restore Windows in its previous state.

Any update that also updates the boot image (which means pretty much all) will remove root. But, that's just a simple case of reflashing Magisk right after applying the update.
If you've touched /system in any way, removing system apps or even just mounting the /system partition read-write, an OTA will fail. To be able update with an OTA your /system and /vendor partitions need to be untouched and you need to have the stock boot image and stock recovery installed. If your device doesn't conform to this the OTA will fail.
Boot image and bootloader are not the same thing. That you can read up on all over the internet, so I won't go into details. If you have done any kind of modifications on your device, I suggest you leave your bootloader unlocked. It's to easy to mess things up otherwise.
Going back to full stock is usually just a matter of flashing a full factory image/firmware package/stock ROM. Quite easy... Of course, some manufacturers make it harder than others.

Didgeridoohan said:
Boot image and bootloader are not the same thing. That you can read up on all over the internet, so I won't go into details. If you have done any kind of modifications on your device, I suggest you leave your bootloader unlocked. It's to easy to mess things up otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. As you say the two are different , but can you explain in simple words (terms) that how they both are related/linked/connected? Coz as i read some forums/posts i get to read
1. To relock/lock bootloader you need to flash boot.img which suggests these (terms) are linked/connected.
2. but same time some forums/post suggest no img file flashing but just a fastboot command(s) to relock bootloader. In this case it seems they are not linked/connected.
And if the above 2 statements are true and device specific then how the bootloader and boot image are linked and not linked in diff devices? what changes are made so that in some cases these are linked and in some not
Sorry for asking too much. But you were really very kind to help me out.Thank you once again

I'm not 100% accurate (and someone will hopefully come I'm and correct me if needed), but basically the bootloader checks that everything is alright and then starts up your device. After that the boot image (ramdisk and kernel) takes over. Ramdisk basically makes sure all the partitions are mounted, and the kernel is exactly what it sounds like. The core of the OS, making sure that everything is working as it should.
This is of course a huge over-simplification, so if you want more you'll have to search around (and there are tons of resources around the web).
The main reason I can think of right at the moment for wanting to flash a boot image before locking the bootloader is that it's generally a good idea to have your device fully stock and functional before doing so. After you've locked the bootloader there might not be any going back if things start acting up and you could end up with a nice paperweight.
Questions are good. That's how you learn. I do believe that you'd be much better of searching around the internet for your answers. They've been put out there many, many times.

Ok.Thank you very much.I will learn more ...

How to upgrade rooted SM-T719 from Android 6.0.1 to Android 7 or 8

Hi,
about 2 years ago I rooted my S2 Galaxy Tab (T719) and now I would like to upgrade from Android 6.0.1 to Android version to 7 or 8. I have googled for instructions on how to upgrade a rooted S2 Tab but did not find anything useful (most info is on OTA upgrades which no longer works on rooted devices). Could someone please post step-by-step instructions (please bear in mind that I only ever deal with this kind of thing once every 2-3 years so I do not have much experience). I have TWRP v 3.0.2 installed (do I need to update this as well?) and the tablet is not encrypted (so hopefully I won't have to wipe the system partition and re-install all the app?!?). Thanks.
I also noticed that there is now a huge variety of ROMs out there. How can one know which ones are trustworthy? The main reason I rooted the tablet was to be able to increase privacy (control app permissions with XPrivacy). So I do not want to install some custom ROM that maybe contains spyware or other compromising features. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Given my motivation (privacy) for rooting, would it maybe be better to go back to Stock ROMs (i.e. non rooted) and simply control web access via netguard (by preventing net access for some apps, they may still spy on my contacts, location, or email but cannot phone home to transmit the information)? At least I would still get OTA updates because being excluded from the OTA channel also poses a security risk in itself I suppose. Ok so any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance!

There is no official Android 8 for our device. If you want 8 or 9 you have to install a custom ROM like LuK1337's LineageOS port. It is as safe as LineageOS is by itself on any device. Only problem you might have then is that calling is not possible anymore for now, but LTE works. If you want to use LOS, you HAVE to format data because it's not compatible at all. If you wanna stay on official Android you might keep it. Installing is done by flashing the official firmware with the correct country code over Odin. This will remove TWRP at first so you have to reflash it by Odin afterwards. For firmware download I always use: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/general/tool-samfirm-samsung-firmware-t2988647 and Odin is found by google. If you wanna got the way to LOS you have to do all the steps I mentioned before too anyways to have a recent Modem firmware and bootloader. In that case you just have to flash LOS and OpenGAPPS by TWRP and delete /data aka Factory reset.
Regardless what you do, after ODIN is done, you HAVE TO boot into TWRP immediately to keep it from being removed by official firmware. While you are in there anyways you can install magisk to keep it from encrypting /data

Many thanks emuandco. So I guess I will stick with the Android 7 as I do not want to reformat the tablet and reinstall all the apps. I have started to download the Android 7 stock ROM, but it is taking quite long so in the meantime just to confirm, the steps to follow are:
1- use odin to flash the stock ROM (no steps required prior to this? I simply overwrite the existing ROM? I suppose that I will loose root then and need to re-root the device using the standard procedure as explained here: http://www.samsungsfour.com/tutoria...nougat-7-0-using-cf-auto-root-all-models.html ?)
2- use odin to flash TWRP (I will need the newest version I guess and cannot use the same as for Android 6?)
3- boot into recovery mode to ensure that TWRP does not get overwritten
4- done
Is this correct? Do I then need to reinstall Xposed, SuperSU and Xprivacy or will they be preserved?
Thanks again!
P.S.: BTW, I also found these instructions: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-s2/development/twrp-3-0-2-1-galaxy-tab-s22016-sm-t713-t3390627 which are slightly different from http://www.samsungsfour.com/tutoria...nougat-7-0-using-cf-auto-root-all-models.html and require a wipe of the data partition. Does this mean that for an update to Android 7 I definitely do need to wipe the data partition? If this is the case then this would be a major disadvantage of rooting in the first place and maybe I simply flash the stock ROM and do not root at all but go the "netguard" route as mentioned in my original message?

I never used the official Firmware that much. Fist thing I did was going on LuK1337's nerves to get a port of LOS for it up and running So no clue if Samsung manages to keep /data but I guess so. Yeah, looks fine what you list there. You COMPLETELY overwrite ANY modification in kernel or /system, so reflash your mods and root (Magisk). I always recommend to uase the MOST recent TWRP. (https://dl.twrp.me/gts28velte/ should be it in your case).
Ah and looking at your manuals... Check OEM unlock just to be rather safe than sorry if things go mad.

emuandco said:
I never used the official Firmware that much. Fist thing I did was going on LuK1337's nerves to get a port of LOS for it up and running So no clue if Samsung manages to keep /data but I guess so. Yeah, looks fine what you list there. You COMPLETELY overwrite ANY modification in kernel or /system, so reflash your mods and root (Magisk). I always recommend to uase the MOST recent TWRP. (https://dl.twrp.me/gts28velte/ should be it in your case).
Ah and looking at your manuals... Check OEM unlock just to be rather safe than sorry if things go mad.
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