Newbie here with newbie questions - Motorola Droid Bionic

I come from the Samsung world. My SGS3 became physically non functional (broke screen including digitizer & LCD), so I bought a DROID Bionic off eBay to hold me over until contract renewal/upgrade time. It has the latest update on it.
I've been reading various threads and trying to figure out this new world, but I'm still a little confused. Or maybe just unsure of a few things and not sure what is still relevant information. A lot of the guide and how-to posts assume a knowledge of terminology that I don't have yet. I understand the concept of booting from different "slots" I SafeStrap, but I'm unsure quite how to get there.
Is Root required before installing SafeStrap?
Is the Motoshare method of rooting still the way to root? http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/16518-root-motoshare-2-old-bug-new-exploit/
Is that any different from Easy Root? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2256439
What is House Of Moto? I found instructions for installing it, but I still don't know what it is.
Once I have SafeStrap and a custom rom in one of the slots, will I be able to boot automatically from the rom of my choice? Or will I have to choose it from a boot menu each reboot?
I'll probably have more stupid questions.

HeathicusF said:
Is Root required before installing SafeStrap?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you need root to install SafeStrap.
Is the Motoshare method of rooting still the way to root? http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/16518-root-motoshare-2-old-bug-new-exploit/
Is that any different from Easy Root? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2256439
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Motoshare doesn't work on Windows. That "Easy Root" is just a small Linux virtual machine with Motoshare for those who are running Windows. There is also Safe Root, which works on a variety of devices up to Android 4.3, including the Bionic.
What is House Of Moto? I found instructions for installing it, but I still don't know what it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a collection of tools, though as far as I know the only useful one on it for the Bionic is the one for restoring your phone firmware without clearing your data if you mess something up.
Once I have SafeStrap and a custom rom in one of the slots, will I be able to boot automatically from the rom of my choice? Or will I have to choose it from a boot menu each reboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can pick which system to boot up by default, stock or one of the slots. You do need to go back into SafeStrap to change the current slot if you want to boot a different one - it doesn't give you a choice during boot.

ShadyDreamer said:
Yes, you can pick which system to boot up by default, stock or one of the slots. You do need to go back into SafeStrap to change the current slot if you want to boot a different one - it doesn't give you a choice during boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slight nitpick. At boot Safestrap gives you a 10 second window where you can hit a key to boot into safestrap instead of the "default" boot ROM. (or you can hit a key to boot the ROM without the wait)

kschang said:
Slight nitpick. At boot Safestrap gives you a 10 second window where you can hit a key to boot into safestrap instead of the "default" boot ROM. (or you can hit a key to boot the ROM without the wait)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you have to boot into Safestrap to change which will boot; it does not give you a choice to boot a different installed ROM during boot without waiting for Safestrap recovery to boot, changing which slot to boot, then rebooting - which was my point. I didn't mean that it doesn't give you any choices at all, just not a choice of which ROM slot during boot.

Related

Making Sure everything is OK

So, I would of already rooted my Droid 3, exept, that it did not have custom recovery. But I want to make sure that both of these are available
Rom Manager
Custom Recovery(Obviously)
Thanks for any response.
techno-update said:
So, I would of already rooted my Droid 3, exept, that it did not have custom recovery. But I want to make sure that both of these are available
Rom Manager
Custom Recovery(Obviously)
Thanks for any response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use Droid 3 Bootstrap or Safestrap as a custom recovery, IMO I see no reason to use ROM manager, as Safestrap (what I use) works perfectly..
Safestrap is better than normal Bootstrap because you can enable the "safe system" and install the system partition on the /preinstall directory (so you can leave your normal system intact) Although it depends on your phone model, if you're running a XT862 (Motorola Droid 3 - Verizon) then you're set. Other phone models have issues with safestrap.
-You might be able to use ROM Manager, but I would stick with Safestrap or Bootstrap because I KNOW that they work.
I like to use custom recovery though because it is easier/simpler and faster to do. I had it on my Droid Incredible. Just want to make sure it works right now. Though i will look at that. How would i apply it?
techno-update said:
I like to use custom recovery though because it is easier/simpler and faster to do. I had it on my Droid Incredible. Just want to make sure it works right now. Though i will look at that. How would i apply it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to find Safestrap via Hashcode's website, go to the [SELFKANG] Cyanogenmod 7 page in Android Development, and you will be able to find his website that has the file. It is an APK file, so you just install it and run the installation from the app. I have not used custom recovery through ROM Manager, because I don't think it's compatible, but you could try it out..
The Mods need to sticky kshen1's information thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1289611
-smc
somemadcaaant said:
The Mods need to sticky kshen1's information thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1289611
-smc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, so we do have it, can I flash it from Rom Manager?
techno-update said:
Okay, so we do have it, can I flash it from Rom Manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't think we can, rom manager flashes a version of the custom recovery to the bootloader which runs before the phone runs so that if you accidentally mess up your phone, you can easily restore it back to how it was before, and we don't have an unlocked bootloader, so by using the 2nd-init, we bypass needing to unlock the bootloader to be able to run custom ROMs (at least this is the way i understand it), so until they release a bootloader unlock, we're stuck using 2nd-init and bootstrap/safestrap to load up custom roms.....some roms you need to use safestrap and for some you need to use bootstrap, so you'd just have to check their instructions they give before the download link to make sure you're using the right one, using the wrong one can cause unforseen things to happen and can possibly brick your phone
Alright, I rooted, installed bootstrap recovery. Everything is good. Thanks guys.

[Q] Booting to Non-Stock Recovery Without Flashing It

Hey All,
I only recently picked up an XT-1060 (2013 Moto X, Dev Ed) that I plan to set up on my Verizon account. I have some experience with both the Nexus 7 (2012) and HTC's Android variants, and, for those platforms, there are technical advantages to booting to a non-stock recovery image directly from fastboot *without flashing that recovery image to the device*. I did a search of all the Moto X forums for such an alternative, and a cursory look didn't give me anything that jumped off the page regarding whether or not this was even possible.
Which brings me to my question: Assuming that I've already taken care of unlocking the bootloader, can I boot to a non-stock recovery on my new unlocked Moto X without flashing that recovery?
Many thanks!
cheers,
john
What do you mean by flashing?
You can fastboot twrp.img,which is a custom recovery.
Unfortunately, booting a custom recovery isn't possible on the Moto X. Why? I have no idea.
Just think of it as an extra later of security against an inadvertent OTA installation.
Thanks to you both for your kind replies.
nhizzat said:
Unfortunately, booting a custom recovery isn't possible on the Moto X. Why? I have no idea.
Just think of it as an extra later of security against an inadvertent OTA installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a bit of a disappointment. It means that I've got to strip out and save the stock recovery somewhere, then re-flash it to enable OTAs. I tend to stay on the "current-stock-plus-rooted" track. The only reason I need a custom recovery is (1) To root the device, and (2) To do nandroid backups from time to time (and possibly restores).
On devices that allow it, this means that I only need to boot the custom one occasionally, with the side benefit of being able to accept OTAs without problems. At least that's been the case for me so far.
Nicolae-Daniel said:
What do you mean by flashing?
You can fastboot twrp.img,which is a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This line doesn't make any sense to me. My typical scenarios are: If I'm trying to boot twrm, say, I'd issue: "fastboot boot twrp.img"; and, if I want to flash it, I'd use "fastboot flash recovery twrp.img". Day to day, the only thing I do with recovery is wipe the system cache, and I can do that with the stock recovery. *Sigh*
Regardless, thanks again you two...
cheers,
john
That's the approach I've always taken with my Nexus 7. All the functionality of flashing a custom recovery with one less variable to worry about.
jrredho said:
Thanks to you both for your kind replies.
This is a bit of a disappointment. It means that I've got to strip out and save the stock recovery somewhere, then re-flash it to enable OTAs. I tend to stay on the "current-stock-plus-rooted" track. The only reason I need a custom recovery is (1) To root the device, and (2) To do nandroid backups from time to time (and possibly restores).
On devices that allow it, this means that I only need to boot the custom one occasionally, with the side benefit of being able to accept OTAs without problems. At least that's been the case for me so far.
This line doesn't make any sense to me. My typical scenarios are: If I'm trying to boot twrm, say, I'd issue: "fastboot boot twrp.img"; and, if I want to flash it, I'd use "fastboot flash recovery twrp.img". Day to day, the only thing I do with recovery is wipe the system cache, and I can do that with the stock recovery. *Sigh*
Regardless, thanks again you two...
cheers,
john
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing you will have to play with stock and custom recoveries for that.
jrredho said:
It means that I've got to strip out and save the stock recovery somewhere, then re-flash it to enable OTAs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You always can take recovery.img from your official firmware zip archive and flash it anytime.
UPD: And i hope you know, that OTA will fail if you modify or remove pre-installed apps using root.
k3nny2k said:
You always can take recovery.img from your official firmware zip archive and flash it anytime.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and this is exactly what I'm trying to avoid!
k3nny2k said:
UPD: And i hope you know, that OTA will fail if you modify or remove pre-installed apps using root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do know that, yes. My plan is to leave the device largely stock. I just need nandroid backups, a handful of root-requiring apps, and tethering. These are the only reasons that I root. I also do not need moment-to-moment access to a custom recovery.
Anyway, thanks for keeping me on my toes!
cheers,
john

Easy to follow Root Steps for Stock Android 6.0?

Hi Everyone
I have recently returned my Nexus 6 back to stock from Rooted 5.1.X roms by manually flashing the official google Marshmallow images. Now that 6.0 Roms are making their way out, I would like to get back to having the ability to flash the different roms. However, I am a little confused on how to successfully and easily accomplish the root and TWRP install process. I see that some of the new 6.0 ROMS say they are rooted, but I am confused on what that means.
Does anyone have a link or steps with links that you can provide so I can get my Nexus 6 ready to have custom roms flashed?
Thanks in advance!
TPADroid said:
Hi Everyone
I have recently returned my Nexus 6 back to stock from Rooted 5.1.X roms by manually flashing the official google Marshmallow images. Now that 6.0 Roms are making their way out, I would like to get back to having the ability to flash the different roms. However, I am a little confused on how to successfully and easily accomplish the root and TWRP install process. I see that some of the new 6.0 ROMS say they are rooted, but I am confused on what that means.
Does anyone have a link or steps with links that you can provide so I can get my Nexus 6 ready to have custom roms flashed?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First this does not belong in the Development sections, moved here. Secondly please read the Forum Rules on posting...thanks.
Thank you for moving to the appropriate location.
as it is for every nexus, regardless of what android version youre on..
1. unlock your bootloader
2. fastboot flash twrp recovery
3. flash the latest supersu in twrp recovery
4. reboot with root
on marshmallow, with the stock rom, you will also want to flash a custom kernel with as well.
Well you need an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery to flash custom roms.
1. Make sure that you have OEM unlock ticked in dev options
2. Use fastboot oem unlock command to unlock bootloader (this will wipe your phone completely, make a backup before doing this)
3. Use fastboot to flash twrp recovery
4. If you would like to keep stock rom and have root then you need to flash root script from chainfire or install custom rom with root already built in
5. Download and flash any rom of your choice (You can use adb sideload to sideload roms instead of having to copy them to the phone to flash)
Here is a good place to start to learn how http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/how-to-nexus-6-one-beginners-guide-t2948481
simms22 said:
as it is for every nexus, regardless of what android version youre on..
1. unlock your bootloader
2. fastboot flash twrp recovery
3. flash the latest supersu in twrp recovery
4. reboot with root
on marshmallow, with the stock rom, you will also want to flash a custom kernel with as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Simms
When you are referring to unlocking the bootloader, it seems pretty self explanatory, from the google search...but I have seen where there are new boot.img files to apply via adb....is this unlocking the bootloader in 6.0? Or am I making this more complicated than it really needs to be. It seems that most ROMS now have an embedded Kernel...so I would flash one immediately #3. The one ROM I would like to try first is Chroma on 6.0.
Getting TWRP installed, I completely get and every step after that one...its the modified boot.img files I have seen, that is confusing me.
Thanks!
TPADroid said:
Thank you Simms
When you are referring to unlocking the bootloader, it seems pretty self explanatory, from the google search...but I have seen where there are new boot.img files to apply via adb....is this unlocking the bootloader in 6.0? Or am I making this more complicated than it really needs to be. It seems that most ROMS now have an embedded Kernel...so I would flash one immediately #3. The one ROM I would like to try first is Chroma on 6.0.
Getting TWRP installed, I completely get and every step after that one...its the modified boot.img files I have seen, that is confusing me.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The boot.img files that your referring to are probably to un-encrypt your phone. I personally don't but other always have. Supposed to make it faster although i haven't been bothered by it being slow.
To unlock the bootloader all you have to do is used fastboot oem unlock via fastboot while your phone is in the bootloader mode.
You don't need a custom kernel anymore thanks to Chainfire. Just use the Nexus root kit. Be sure to change the root settings in the NRK to approve beta SuperSu by Chainfire as stated in wugfresh Google+ post in step 3.
plus.google.com/u/0/113329792100896065459/posts/93WR63UHuEp[
mbiscuits said:
You don't need a custom kernel anymore thanks to Chainfire. Just use the Nexus root kit. Be sure to change the root settings in the NRK to approve beta SuperSu by Chainfire as stated in wugfresh Google+ post in step 3.
plus.google.com/u/0/113329792100896065459/posts/93WR63UHuEp[
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no more kernel then, cool. but this is not a good idea to tell a newbie to use a toolkit, as he wont learn a single thing about , ever. and root toolkits mess up on occasion. they mess up enough to make a newbie think they bricked their phone. sure, chances are that everything will be fine, but the op will come out of it learning absolutely nothing, when the proper way is very easy and faster.
---------- Post added at 12:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:20 PM ----------
TPADroid said:
Thank you Simms
When you are referring to unlocking the bootloader, it seems pretty self explanatory, from the google search...but I have seen where there are new boot.img files to apply via adb....is this unlocking the bootloader in 6.0? Or am I making this more complicated than it really needs to be. It seems that most ROMS now have an embedded Kernel...so I would flash one immediately #3. The one ROM I would like to try first is Chroma on 6.0.
Getting TWRP installed, I completely get and every step after that one...its the modified boot.img files I have seen, that is confusing me.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats a kernel thatll let you unencrypt, if you want.
simms22 said:
no more kernel then, cool. but this is not a good idea to tell a newbie to use a toolkit, as he wont learn a single thing about , ever. and root toolkits mess up on occasion. they mess up enough to make a newbie think they bricked their phone. sure, chances are that everything will be fine, but the op will come out of it learning absolutely nothing, when the proper way is very easy and faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He did say easy and it doesn't get any easier than the toolkit. But if you want to do it manually follow the easy to read instructions found here: androidmarvel.com/index.php/2015/10/15/402/
mbiscuits said:
He did say easy and it doesn't get any easier than the toolkit. But if you want to do it manually follow the easy to read instructions found here: androidmarvel.com/index.php/2015/10/15/402/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sure, the manual way is MUCH easier than the toolkit. is it hard typing fastboot oem unlock? is it hard typing fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img? well, thats it. i just unlocked my bootloader and flashed the recovery.
simms22 said:
sure, the manual way is MUCH easier than the toolkit. is it hard typing fastboot oem unlock? is it hard typing fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img? well, thats it. i just unlocked my bootloader and flashed the recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you IF you know what you are doing and have everything setup. However that didn't seem to be the case which is why I recommended the toolkit.
mbiscuits said:
I agree with you IF you know what you are doing and have everything setup. However that didn't seem to be the case which is why I recommended the toolkit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which is why i always recommend that someone new root their phone the proper way the first time, to learn how to do it, and to learn a general way to fix your phone in case you mess up. after the first time, use toolkits all you want. but the learning how to do it properly is a very important.
TPADroid said:
Thank you Simms
When you are referring to unlocking the bootloader, it seems pretty self explanatory, from the google search...but I have seen where there are new boot.img files to apply via adb....is this unlocking the bootloader in 6.0? Or am I making this more complicated than it really needs to be. It seems that most ROMS now have an embedded Kernel...so I would flash one immediately #3. The one ROM I would like to try first is Chroma on 6.0.
Getting TWRP installed, I completely get and every step after that one...its the modified boot.img files I have seen, that is confusing me.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That modified img allows for root because you cant just flash SU on the stock one (not yet anyway). Unlocking the bootloader is something different.
simms22 said:
sure, the manual way is MUCH easier than the toolkit. is it hard typing fastboot oem unlock? is it hard typing fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img? well, thats it. i just unlocked my bootloader and flashed the recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anybody knows where is the correct toolkit?
cpugeeker said:
Anybody knows where is the correct toolkit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in my opening, there is no 'correct" toolkit.
Jnewell05 said:
Well you need an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery to flash custom roms.
1. Make sure that you have OEM unlock ticked in dev options
2. Use fastboot oem unlock command to unlock bootloader (this will wipe your phone completely, make a backup before doing this)
3. Use fastboot to flash twrp recovery
4. If you would like to keep stock rom and have root then you need to flash root script from chainfire or install custom rom with root already built in
5. Download and flash any rom of your choice (You can use adb sideload to sideload roms instead of having to copy them to the phone to flash)
Here is a good place to start to learn how http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/how-to-nexus-6-one-beginners-guide-t2948481
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for all of this information. So far I'm stuck on step 2. I'm about a year into owning this phone and don't want to lose everything. One of the main reasons I want to root is to use titanium backup. However, you say to be sure to back up your phone. How do you recommend doing this.
jtmartin22 said:
Hey thanks for all of this information. So far I'm stuck on step 2. I'm about a year into owning this phone and don't want to lose everything. One of the main reasons I want to root is to use titanium backup. However, you say to be sure to back up your phone. How do you recommend doing this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you haven't rooted for over a year why do it now? There are sure to be updates to how to root on the Nexus 6 and since I don't use my nexus 6 very much I hate to steer you in the wrong direction, as to backup information. I recently got the android 7.0 update and I haven't really had a chance to check it out yet. But I bet there are dozens of ways to backup if you would search Google.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
jtmartin22 said:
Hey thanks for all of this information. So far I'm stuck on step 2. I'm about a year into owning this phone and don't want to lose everything. One of the main reasons I want to root is to use titanium backup. However, you say to be sure to back up your phone. How do you recommend doing this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By unlocking the phone you lose everything. That's why when buying a Nexus phone, the first step should be unlocking the bootloader.
But if you want to root it anyway, then you should copy all your media and camera files to your computer. Then if you unlock it, you'll only lose some app settings. Most apps save to the cloud anyway. You can backup your text messages, and Google backups a lot of data like wallpapers or WiFi passwords. Also it will reinstall all your use apps, and since Marshmallow it will restore some app data, but that's far from consistent. For that you really need TB.
istperson said:
By unlocking the phone you lose everything. That's why when buying a Nexus phone, the first step should be unlocking the bootloader.
But if you want to root it anyway, then you should copy all your media and camera files to your computer. Then if you unlock it, you'll only lose some app settings. Most apps save to the cloud anyway. You can backup your text messages, and Google backups a lot of data like wallpapers or WiFi passwords. Also it will reinstall all your use apps, and since Marshmallow it will restore some app data, but that's far from consistent. For that you really need TB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much!!!!

Won't boot into recovery

Hello. I have unlocked bootloader successfully (it says "unlocked" at screen and also "tampered"). I have all the fastboot/adb software on my windows pc and can communicate with the phone. I flash recovery via fastboot and it is successful...includes a "recovery" option under bootloader options but it just flashes a disclaimer screen and quickly goes back to bootloader screen. Without custom recovery I cannot root this phone which is my goal. I have tried to reflash other recovery images, including cmw and twrp - I believe cmw is on it now but it won't open.
Hoping someone can assist me with this.
Thank you
belowHeights00 said:
Hello. I have unlocked bootloader successfully (it says "unlocked" at screen and also "tampered"). I have all the fastboot/adb software on my windows pc and can communicate with the phone. I flash recovery via fastboot and it is successful...includes a "recovery" option under bootloader options but it just flashes a disclaimer screen and quickly goes back to bootloader screen. Without custom recovery I cannot root this phone which is my goal. I have tried to reflash other recovery images, including cmw and twrp - I believe cmw is on it now but it won't open.
Hoping someone can assist me with this.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reflash whichever recovery you plan to use then remove the battery and put it back in then hold the volume down button and then press and hold the power button at the same time and the phone should then boot to recovery. Make a backup after so you have something to fall back on just in case.
MrMike2182 said:
Reflash whichever recovery you plan to use then remove the battery and put it back in then hold the volume down button and then press and hold the power button at the same time and the phone should then boot to recovery. Make a backup after so you have something to fall back on just in case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! I just now gave that a shot but it had no effect.
belowHeights00 said:
Thanks for the reply! I just now gave that a shot but it had no effect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you actually holding both buttons down at the same time until the screen turns on? Don't let them go hold them both down until your screen lights up. Then select recovery but if it doesn't work then try below.
Try flashing this version of twrp https://twrp.me/devices/htcdesire510usa32bit.html ... If you're not in the USA I need to know.
Flashing twrp didn't change anything unfortunately. I recently tried re-locking my bootloader and attempted to flash stock images back to the phone but when I press "yes" to the question about voiding the warranty before unlocking the bootloader again...the disclaimer just flashes and the phone won't let it.
Also, I cannot seem to restore it to stock through the menu...nor the bootloader screen.
So now I have "tampered" and "Relocked" banners on top of bootloader screen.
One the upside, the phone itself works fine (I currently only use it for wifi).
Only thing I can think of is I originally flashed a corrupt recovery img (or incompatible version).
Hoping you or someone else has any ideas as to how to get this thing working again. I'd be happy with reverting completly back to stock and starting the process over..
belowHeights00 said:
Flashing twrp didn't change anything unfortunately. I recently tried re-locking my bootloader and attempted to flash stock images back to the phone but when I press "yes" to the question about voiding the warranty before unlocking the bootloader again...the disclaimer just flashes and the phone won't let it.
Also, I cannot seem to restore it to stock through the menu...nor the bootloader screen.
So now I have "tampered" and "Relocked" banners on top of bootloader screen.
One the upside, the phone itself works fine (I currently only use it for wifi).
Only thing I can think of is I originally flashed a corrupt recovery img (or incompatible version).
Hoping you or someone else has any ideas as to how to get this thing working again. I'd be happy with reverting completly back to stock and starting the process over..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What service provider are you using?
Don't toss the unlock code you got from HTC you're gonna need the very first one you got keep it forever.
I'm using Boost but I think I figured it out. It ended up being a corrupt download of cmw. I actually used an ruu to get back stock and now the whole process went smoothly. Just looking for a rom that fits...got any recommendations in that area?
belowHeights00 said:
I'm using Boost but I think I figured it out. It ended up being a corrupt download of cmw. I actually used an ruu to get back stock and now the whole process went smoothly. Just looking for a rom that fits...got any recommendations in that area?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really since everyone has their own tastes but I'd advise you to create a backup in your recovery so you can use it in case something goes wrong. Currently me and a friend are working on CM13/12..
MrMike2182 said:
Not really since everyone has their own tastes but I'd advise you to create a backup in your recovery so you can use it in case something goes wrong. Currently me and a friend are working on CM13/12..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny enough I never made a backup before and constantly have to re-locate stock images due to soft bricking. I now am making backups so as not to go through that again.
I have a question perhaps you could answer -- if I install a rom that doesn't include any additional tweaks such as extended personaliation options in settings (transitions, etc, etc.)..is there a mod I can flash to achieve that?
belowHeights00 said:
Funny enough I never made a backup before and constantly have to re-locate stock images due to soft bricking. I now am making backups so as not to go through that again.
I have a question perhaps you could answer -- if I install a rom that doesn't include any additional tweaks such as extended personaliation options in settings (transitions, etc, etc.)..is there a mod I can flash to achieve that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For extended personalizing other than developer options, I'd use Xposed.
MrMike2182 said:
Not really since everyone has their own tastes but I'd advise you to create a backup in your recovery so you can use it in case something goes wrong. Currently me and a friend are working on CM13/12..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How have you started working on that, i gthink i should join too. Are you working on the USA model or UK? (X86 or X64)
Zubagy said:
How have you started working on that, i gthink i should join too. Are you working on the USA model or UK? (X86 or X64)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The USA model because myself and rb don't have the EU phone to even test anything on it.. We still have a lot of booting problems right now. I'd say if you wanted to help I'd have to ask what you know about building roms from source? Have you done it before?
P.S: There's already a CM-12.1 available for the EU model although it does have some issues.. You should read about it if you want to try it..
MrMike2182 said:
The USA model because myself and rb don't have the EU phone to even test anything on it.. We still have a lot of booting problems right now. I'd say if you wanted to help I'd have to ask what you know about building roms from source? Have you done it before?
P.S: There's already a CM-12.1 available for the EU model although it does have some issues.. You should read about it if you want to try it..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, But perhaps it time to learn
Zubagy said:
Not really, But perhaps it time to learn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty cool and fun once you get the hang of making things and seeing them function right, and the other thing is... You'll need a pretty decent computer to compile/build with and it'll need to have at least 4GB ram (more is better) and about 50 to 100 GB hard drive space for building your rom plus the CM source code needs to be on your system too...
MrMike2182 said:
It's pretty cool and fun once you get the hang of making things and seeing them function right, and the other thing is... You'll need a pretty decent computer to compile/build with and it'll need to have at least 4GB ram (more is better) and about 50 to 100 GB hard drive space for building your rom plus the CM source code needs to be on your system too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess then am good to go, are those the only requirements....... i dont have any source code though
Zubagy said:
I guess then am good to go, are those the only requirements....... i dont have any source code though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well how fast is your internet? By the way.. I'm using a Linux operating system... What are you using? It cannot be done on Windows unless you use a VM.
Hey, I also faced this problem but I find the solution and successfully flash twrp
Hey, I also faced this problem but I find the solution and successfully flash tarp recovery.
belowHeights00 said:
Hello. I have unlocked bootloader successfully (it says "unlocked" at screen and also "tampered"). I have all the fastboot/adb software on my windows pc and can communicate with the phone. I flash recovery via fastboot and it is successful...includes a "recovery" option under bootloader options but it just flashes a disclaimer screen and quickly goes back to bootloader screen. Without custom recovery I cannot root this phone which is my goal. I have tried to reflash other recovery images, including cmw and twrp - I believe cmw is on it now but it won't open.
Hoping someone can assist me with this.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MrMike2182 said:
Well how fast is your internet? By the way.. I'm using a Linux operating system... What are you using? It cannot be done on Windows unless you use a VM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the delay, yes.... i am using vm ware... my net is not that fast... but it can get things done.

Boot-loader Flashing vs. using Flashfire

(originally posted in the flashfire threads, but it was suggested I post here)
My apologies if this has already been covered (I could not find an answer in searching)
I appreciate that it can be dangerous to use flashfire to flash the bootloader partition and that one should use fastboot. My question is:
If I download a FW package and the bootloader has changed, what happens if I flash to the kernel, system, cache, vendor etc... and do not flash to bootloader and radio? Will the flash fail; will the phone soft brick; will nothing happen and I can go merrily along?
The question derives from this: If the phone can become unusable with a mismatched bootload and radio to the rest of the images, it would require to unpack the package and check for a version prior to flashing other partitions (so I assume). If I go that far, would it not be easier to not use flashfire and simply manually flash the required files when updates are available?
Thanks
N6, unlocked and rooted (previously always updating latest patches and rerooting myself (using TWRP), but wishing to try flashire)
RLBL said:
(originally posted in the flashfire threads, but it was suggested I post here)
My apologies if this has already been covered (I could not find an answer in searching)
I appreciate that it can be dangerous to use flashfire to flash the bootloader partition and that one should use fastboot. My question is:
If I download a FW package and the bootloader has changed, what happens if I flash to the kernel, system, cache, vendor etc... and do not flash to bootloader and radio? Will the flash fail; will the phone soft brick; will nothing happen and I can go merrily along?
The question derives from this: If the phone can become unusable with a mismatched bootload and radio to the rest of the images, it would require to unpack the package and check for a version prior to flashing other partitions (so I assume). If I go that far, would it not be easier to not use flashfire and simply manually flash the required files when updates are available?
Thanks
N6, unlocked and rooted (previously always updating latest patches and rerooting myself (using TWRP), but wishing to try flashire)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is really rare that a bootloader flash is required, and a radio update is never required. if you dont flash them, then you just dont flash them, thats all.
I'd add that going to a major update you'll want to pay close attention. The bootloader probably will need updating. e.g. lollipop to MM, the bootloader had to be updated.
The radio is optional and often with trial and error, you'll find a particular one that for your hardware, in your area, you get the best signal. There is a thread with N6 flashable radios here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3066052.
Had you posted that you had an N6 in your original post, I'd have helped you, because that's what I use
ktmom said:
I'd add that going to a major update you'll want to pay close attention. The bootloader probably will need updating. e.g. lollipop to MM, the bootloader had to be updated.
The radio is optional and often with trial and error, you'll find a particular one that for your hardware, in your area, you get the best signal. There is a thread with N6 flashable radios.
Had you posted that you had an N6 in your original post, I'd have helped you, because that's what I use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
both mm a lollipop, i never updated my bootloader. i did update it after mm though.
ktmom said:
I'd add that going to a major update you'll want to pay close attention. The bootloader probably will need updating. e.g. lollipop to MM, the bootloader had to be updated.
The radio is optional and often with trial and error, you'll find a particular one that for your hardware, in your area, you get the best signal. There is a thread with N6 flashable radios here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3066052.
Had you posted that you had an N6 in your original post, I'd have helped you, because that's what I use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh That looks interesting. My Cellular signal sucks even though I am supposedly close to some towers. I am going to try using flashfire with these (hope I don't brick myself lol)
So I assume that when N comes out officially and I need to change bootloaders, I would do so via fasboot, then afterwards I can the the updates via fashfire.
RLBL said:
Oh That looks interesting. My Cellular signal sucks even though I am supposedly close to some towers. I am going to try using flashfire with these (hope I don't brick myself lol)
So I assume that when N comes out officially and I need to change bootloaders, I would do so via fasboot, then afterwards I can the the updates via fashfire.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all the radios, and bootloaders, are available in flashable zip for here on xda as well. to flash via twrp recovery
simms22 said:
all the radios, and bootloaders, are available in flashable zip for here on xda as well. to flash via twrp recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool... But I only used TWRP to flash the SU binaries to root. Now that I am rooted, I figured I could simply go back to stock recovery* and use flashfire going forward.
* I figured that because I had no other use for for a custom recovery presently, I may as well stay completely stock and rooted. Furthermore, from my understanding (which can be wrong) I no longer need a custom recovery to flash/install anything, as flashfire can do it all. Of course that brings one to ask "why am I rooted if I am staying stock?". I root my device so I can simulate a power button press without cancelling smart lock operations (either through tasker shell keyevent, gravity screen, or nova prime swipe gesture). I like not having to use the buttons on my phone
Why get rid of custom recovery? Just leave it and keep a backup on hand, then when there is an issue with basically anything you can just restore your backup instead of freaking out and running here using caps and exclamation marks asking how to fix.
scryan said:
Why get rid of custom recovery? Just leave it and keep a backup on hand, then when there is an issue with basically anything you can just restore your backup instead of freaking out and running here using caps and exclamation marks asking how to fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 - why use a custom recovery if I do not need to (serious question, not being confrontational - see below)
2 - I totally know how to flash to whatever I want without using any toolkits (and ofc using a custom recovery)
3 - Why would one assume that one panics? (just because I have a low post count and admittedly an Android noob - N6 1st phone - does not mean I am an idiot)
4 - Considering I am not using custom ROMs and staying stock, I would think the likelihood of things going wrong is low (could be totally wrong there lol but I have done everything myself manually since the get go (never even taken an OTA for my upgrades), and never had 1 issue as of yet. This post was a general question in nature. It was not posted because I needed something to be fixed)
If I do not need it, why have it: I am experimenting to see if I can use FF completely stock (and rooted). Please provide some rationale as to why I should keep a custom recovery so I can evaluate (you may be 100% right). The point is: from my understanding one can use FF without a custom recovery so why not try... so far, so good.
On backups: be aware (not that you should care, but you did comment)... I have nothing on my phone that requires backing up at that... I can completely wipe the phone and it only takes time to do a google restore and I am back to where I am (been there, done that. Annoying for time though lol but I have no data on the phone safe from tasker profiles which are on my google drive and easily restored).
And what happens when you flash a bootloader and something screws up? You can't fix it from the stock recovery menu, now can you. So what not have something useful on the recovery partition for that 1 and 1000 chance something goes wrong.... Just my opinion, being I've been flashing phones since the first Android device was released on T-Mobile. The g1 (still have and still flash Roms
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
RLBL said:
1 - why use a custom recovery if I do not need to (serious question, not being confrontational - see below)
2 - I totally know how to flash to whatever I want without using any toolkits (and ofc using a custom recovery)
3 - Why would one assume that one panics? (just because I have a low post count and admittedly an Android noob - N6 1st phone - does not mean I am an idiot)
4 - Considering I am not using custom ROMs and staying stock, I would think the likelihood of things going wrong is low (could be totally wrong there lol but I have done everything myself manually since the get go (never even taken an OTA for my upgrades), and never had 1 issue as of yet. This post was a general question in nature. It was not posted because I needed something to be fixed)
If I do not need it, why have it: I am experimenting to see if I can use FF completely stock (and rooted). Please provide some rationale as to why I should keep a custom recovery so I can evaluate (you may be 100% right). The point is: from my understanding one can use FF without a custom recovery so why not try... so far, so good.
On backups: be aware (not that you should care, but you did comment)... I have nothing on my phone that requires backing up at that... I can completely wipe the phone and it only takes time to do a google restore and I am back to where I am (been there, done that. Annoying for time though lol but I have no data on the phone safe from tasker profiles which are on my google drive and easily restored).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. the only one important thing about having twrp installed.. backups and restores. before dlashing or changing anything, i akways create a backup in twrp. if something doesnt work out, you can always restore your backup, as ive done many many times. its a quicky fix it.
31ken31 said:
And what happens when you flash a bootloader and something screws up? You can't fix it from the stock recovery menu, now can you. So what not have something useful on the recovery partition for that 1 and 1000 chance something goes wrong.... Just my opinion, being I've been flashing phones since the first Android device was released on T-Mobile. The g1 (still have and still flash Roms
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that was the whole point of my post was it not? What happens if you DON'T flash a bootloader while using FF (but in the case where it did change)? And like I said, in the 1/1000 chance that something does go wrong and I did not have a backup: Flash the complete package via adb? Like I said, I have nothing to backup, thus nothing to recover. Not saying I shouldn't, just saying I don't. I only used TWRP to gain root access, nothing more (no custom ROMs, kernels, optimizations, anything on my phone...not even local app data saves - I am one of those old farts who uses their phone as a PDA with phone capabilities and that is it. All "data" is cloud based for calendar info etc.)
It was a relatively simple (general) question around some experimentation I am doing to see if it would work if one was completely stock (safe from root); did not think it would turn in an philosophical argument on whether or not one should use a stock recovery (which I have been using a custom up until yesterday, but was thinking about putting it back on this evening anyways, just because)
Anyways, got my answer... thx
simms22 said:
1. the only one important thing about having twrp installed.. backups and restores. before dlashing or changing anything, i akways create a backup in twrp. if something doesnt work out, you can always restore your backup, as ive done many many times. its a quicky fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!... Obviously when I do venture into more with the phone I will do that. Currently it is a work and personal device so the only thing I do is flash Google stock builds instead of waiting for OTAs. Not saying I should not have a backup, but I don't. Only once after the 1st flash I re-locked the bootloader (as per instructions). What I waste of time; but it did show me that in a non-efficient disaster recovery, I can get everything back to where I was.
A restore would have been efficient, but I have found that I really have nothing to back up.. yet.
I guess a (off-topic) question I have for you is: What and Why did things not work out? In my case where I am only flashing stock loads (not waiting for OTAs), what could one anticipate going wrong that a re-flash could not recover from, but a restore could? Example a write corruption of a partition and the only thing I can do is boot into recovery as my PC cannot see the phone via adb? Can something like that happen?
Backing up system is what saves your a**
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
31ken31 said:
Backing up system is what saves your a**
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool... but... what if you are stock? Save my ass from what? Will a (re)flash of stock binaries not suffice?
Look I appreciate I am sounding argumentative, but I am curious to understand what can happen and why. I can understand the "need" to do it if customizing a device etc... but I am very curious as to why if you are stock:
example:
A stock user unlocks his bootloader so they can flash files straight from google be it OTAs or the complete package. It is not listed anywhere to have a custom recovery in their instructions which would lead one to believe it is not required if flashing said files... I assume something could go wrong of course and the most efficient way is to do a restore from backup... but I also assume one could simply re-flash and start over.
I am not devaluating the merits of a custom recovery; I was just curious if one could use (easily) flash fire without one - and one can. The purpose of the question was two-fold:
- because I was flashing stock, then reflashing twrp to get root I found the process longer than it needed to be so I thought I could use flashfire and have it do it for me.
- then I realized that flashing re-roots as well so I did not need to flash the custom recovery to obtain root. I thought "hey what if I accidentally checked "recovery" and accidentally went back to stock. No harm done as I can move on and still be rooted.
Not sure my butt needs saving to ask. You may be doing something that having backups is a good and safe idea... what if you are not? No harm in still using a custom of course, but it was just a question (I ask such questions so I know in advance why something happened and what to do so I do not come running to forums in all caps as someone else said lol)
off topic: If one has nothing to backup, what is there to restore?
RLBL said:
cool... but... what if you are stock? Save my ass from what? Will a (re)flash of stock binaries not suffice?
Look I appreciate I am sounding argumentative, but I am curious to understand what can happen and why. I can understand the "need" to do it if customizing a device etc... but I am very curious as to why if you are stock:
example:
A stock user unlocks his bootloader so they can flash files straight from google be it OTAs or the complete package. It is not listed anywhere to have a custom recovery in their instructions which would lead one to believe it is not required if flashing said files... I assume something could go wrong of course and the most efficient way is to do a restore from backup... but I also assume one could simply re-flash and start over.
I am not devaluating the merits of a custom recovery; I was just curious if one could use (easily) flash fire without one - and one can. The purpose of the question was two-fold:
- because I was flashing stock, then reflashing twrp to get root I found the process longer than it needed to be so I thought I could use flashfire and have it do it for me.
- then I realized that flashing re-roots as well so I did not need to flash the custom recovery to obtain root. I thought "hey what if I accidentally checked "recovery" and accidentally went back to stock. No harm done as I can move on and still be rooted.
Not sure my butt needs saving to ask. You may be doing something that having backups is a good and safe idea... what if you are not? No harm in still using a custom of course, but it was just a question (I ask such questions so I know in advance why something happened and what to do so I do not come running to forums in all caps as someone else said lol)
off topic: If one has nothing to backup, what is there to restore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its all a matter of choice, period.
flashing stock, you dont need to do anything. flashing different mods, custom roms, gapps, or supersu, you need to use twrp recovery. you can even flash twrp to be permenant or flash twrp for a one time use. if you are flashing custom roms/mods regularly, its convieniant to have twrp, if your not it doesnt matter. but the one thing twrp is great for is backing up, in case. and you dont need many back ups, just one recent backup. so you can back up, then get rid of twrp until needed again. anyways, its all a personal choice, and thats all it is. for me, flashing twrp then leaving it makes sense, since ill never ever do anything stock. for you, you have your own needs and wants.
simms22 said:
its all a matter of choice, period.
flashing stock, you dont need to do anything. flashing different mods, custom roms, gapps, or supersu, you need to use twrp recovery. you can even flash twrp to be permenant or flash twrp for a one time use. if you are flashing custom roms/mods regularly, its convieniant to have twrp, if your not it doesnt matter. but the one thing twrp is great for is backing up, in case. and you dont need many back ups, just one recent backup. so you can back up, then get rid of twrp until needed again. anyways, its all a personal choice, and thats all it is. for me, flashing twrp then leaving it makes sense, since ill never ever do anything stock. for you, you have your own needs and wants.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for answering the question.
I figure when this phone (or whichever phone) is not my daily driver and no longer linked to sensitive stuff I will start venturing into the domain of custom ROMs and Kernels.
RLBL said:
Thank you for answering the question.
I figure when this phone (or whichever phone) is not my daily driver and no longer linked to sensitive stuff I will start venturing into the domain of custom ROMs and Kernels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
custom recoveries just make things easier for you, overall, to do stuff. but kernels, that could be the bomb. but you will need to learn about how to use governors/schedulers to make any kind of headways. for example, i use a completely different governor/scheduler(ondemand/deadline) than any other nexus kernel, and i feel that my way makes my phone much better/faster than any other setup. and thats whats important to me
Update: test passed (I knew it would)
With a stock recovery, I was able to use flashfire and upgrade to the latest update and re-root.

Categories

Resources