backing up / restoring original firmware - Moto X Q&A

i'm about to root my moto x dev.
i want to keep a backup of the original firmware in case i want to go back.
does it make any difference that it is encrypted? i'm guessing no...
also, any good dumb proof steps? the main info thread only mentions restoring stock by downloading a firmware not using a backed up one.

gcbxda said:
i'm about to root my moto x dev.
i want to keep a backup of the original firmware in case i want to go back.
does it make any difference that it is encrypted? i'm guessing no...
also, any good dumb proof steps? the main info thread only mentions restoring stock by downloading a firmware not using a backed up one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting how? What version of android are you on? These are very important considerations to be able to make a recommendation.
Assuming you intend to unlock your bootloader, you can make a backup with TWRP Custom Recovery BEFORE you root.
If you are using the PIE exploit (only current root method for 4.4.2+), you cannot flash custom recovery. If this is the case, your only option to return to stock will be to flash the official SBF file for your carrier as listed in the "Return to Stock" thread. Not really important since the changes are lost upon reboot anyways.
Regardless, we need more details.
EDIT: Just saw you are using DEV edition.
Very easy!
FIRST: When you unlock your bootloader, it ERASES EVERYTHING. Save anything important first. You cannot make a backup until after you flash twrp, which you can only do AFTER you unlock the BL.
Additionally, according to this thread, it is impossible to backup an encrypted device. So after unlock, you are advised to not choose to encrypt, otherwise no backup can be made: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/moto-x-qa/twrp-device-encryption-t2711700
Once Unlocked, flash TWRP custom recovery with mfastboot:
mfastboot flash recovery twrpfilename.img
link to download twrp here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/development/recovery-twrp-official-support-moto-x-t2779637
then use fastboot to reboot into bootloader:
fastboot reboot-bootloader
now VOL DOWN to "recovery" and VOL UP to open it.
There is a BIG backup button. Use it.
Afterwards, click exit. When you do, it will tell you that you are not rooted and ask if you want to flash SuperSU Installer.
Say yes! Once rebooted, run SuperSU installer and it will root & install SuperSU for you. It will give you 2 options: Choose Play Store Option.
Good Luck

@gcbxda
Keep in mind, since unlocking the bootloader also does a factory reset and puts you back to "fresh out box" the backup you do once you flash TWRP on your phone, will be no different than "Stock Rom" (except TWRP recovery). So why not use the factory firmware to flash the phone back instead of restoring such a backup?
Oh, and keep in mind, if you do backup while in TWRP, you'll want to copy that back up file from the phone to the PC for storage. Future Factory Resets and such will likely wipe the X's internal /SDcard so the backup file would be lost.
Now if your intent is to unlock the bootloader, setup your phone the way you like it before rooting, back up, and then root.... I can see the value in that.

You can also use 'adb pull /sdcard c:\' to backup any files you have

Thanks everyone!
Backing up my stuff is good, but my main concern is going back to stock if I need (what if they release a kick ass moto watch and i need the OTA stock upgrade to use it?
Also, what if I do a backup of the partitions with ADB? ...man sometimes the android community pisses me off. everything must be packaged in a app or some GUI that hides all the information. ...just wasted 2 days reading xposed source to learn that all i had to do, instead of even installing xposed, was to edit a single sql value from 1 to 0... i'm all for the nice guis, but don't hide the actual steps like it is some black magic.
When i started this thread i was thinking of a backup more on the lines of: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2450045
anyway, if adb pull is not an option, my plan of action:
1. backup everything i want on the fake sdcard
2. copy the files out (either adb pull or rootbrowser to move sd files to a external pendrive on the USB OTG)
3. factory reset and/or root bootloader
4. install TWRP (this will be new, always liked classic no-touch CWM on my nexus)
5. backup stock roms
6. root/flash/etc
anyone can expand on item 5 with personal experiences? ideally if you ever did a successful back-to-stock restore

Stock
gcbxda said:
Thanks everyone!
Backing up my stuff is good, but my main concern is going back to stock if I need (what if they release a kick ass moto watch and i need the OTA stock upgrade to use it?
Also, what if I do a backup of the partitions with ADB? ...man sometimes the android community pisses me off. everything must be packaged in a app or some GUI that hides all the information. ...just wasted 2 days reading xposed source to learn that all i had to do, instead of even installing xposed, was to edit a single sql value from 1 to 0... i'm all for the nice guis, but don't hide the actual steps like it is some black magic.
When i started this thread i was thinking of a backup more on the lines of: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2450045
anyway, if adb pull is not an option, my plan of action:
1. backup everything i want on the fake sdcard
2. copy the files out (either adb pull or rootbrowser to move sd files to a external pendrive on the USB OTG)
3. factory reset and/or root bootloader
4. install TWRP (this will be new, always liked classic no-touch CWM on my nexus)
5. backup stock roms
6. root/flash/etc
anyone can expand on item 5 with personal experiences? ideally if you ever did a successful back-to-stock restore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
You can find all the stock roms here - - > http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0

MikeNaples said:
Hello,
You can find all the stock roms here - - > http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks. i also saw that motorola offer it themselves.. is this their own repository?
but regardless, it is always nice to already have your own handy

gcbxda said:
thanks. i also saw that motorola offer it themselves.. is this their own repository?
but regardless, it is always nice to already have your own handy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moto officially offers recovery images (full stock rom) for the GSM Dev/GSM Unlocked XT1053 and Verizon XT1060 by request on their web site here -> https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/recovery-images They are the most currently released rom only. You wont find older versions there.
SBF.Droid-Developers.org is neither owned, operated nor sponsored by Moto. They keep every version full stock roms (SBF files) they find. I'm not going to speculate how they come across them, but they have many SBF files that Moto hasn't officially released to the public too. i.e. Sprint, ATT, and other carriers.
---------- Post added at 07:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:01 AM ----------
gcbxda said:
Thanks everyone!
Backing up my stuff is good, but my main concern is going back to stock if I need (what if they release a kick ass moto watch and i need the OTA stock upgrade to use it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are ways to get back to stock to be able to take an OTA -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-ReturnToStock.html
gcbxda said:
Also, what if I do a backup of the partitions with ADB? ...
When i started this thread i was thinking of a backup more on the lines of: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2450045
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can certainly back up that way. But I haven't tried backing up that way and restoring, so I don't know.
gcbxda said:
anyway, if adb pull is not an option, my plan of action:
1. backup everything i want on the fake sdcard
2. copy the files out (either adb pull or rootbrowser to move sd files to a external pendrive on the USB OTG)
3. factory reset and/or root bootloader
4. install TWRP (this will be new, always liked classic no-touch CWM on my nexus)
5. backup stock roms
6. root/flash/etc
anyone can expand on item 5 with personal experiences? ideally if you ever did a successful back-to-stock restore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With my HTC Incredible and HTC Thunderbolt and Moto Droid, I did backups in CWM, and restores. It was mainly for when a new upgrade came out. I would backup my current device setup, apps, etc. Apply the update, and if I didn't like the update or had problems, I could revert to my pre-update backup, rather than flash a stock rom and have to set it up all over again, install all my apps, etc. But the HTC devices had S-OFF, so downgrading wasn't an issue.
With my Droid Bionic, the bootloader wasn't unlocked, so it wasn't an option. And there were issues with GPT.Bin and other items preventing downgrading roms, even when flashing official full SBF files.
I haven't really done this with my VZW Dev X, mostly due to the fact that while the bootloader is unlocked, its not unlocked as much as a Nexus device, or an HTC with S-Off, where you can downgrade and flash any parts no matter what. Security issues, things like GPT.BIN, MotoBoot, etc can still get in the way when trying to downgrade. So I never felt it worth the risk. Not to mention the limited space on the X, and time/effort to make the back up and move the file to the PC, and then getting it back on the phone should I ever need to restore it since there is no real SD card.
If your intent of backing up stock roms is so you can revert to stock, having the Moto SBF files available elevates most users concerns. When flashing the same version, there are ways to do it without losing your Apps/Data (like in the case of running 4.4.2 rooted and modded, but wanting to get back to stock to take the 4.4.3 OTA).
If you want to do a backup/restore inside TWRP, you can. I have read many posts from users who were successful. I just advise that you keep track of the version you back up, and only restore if the same Android version is still on your phone (i.e. only restore a 4.4.2 back up if 4.4.2 is on your phone, only restore a 4.4 back up if 4.4 is still on your phone, etc)

wait, what are the limitations i will have with a unlocked Dev device?
with my nexus and touchpad i often tried 4.3 roms and went back to 4 or 2.3 even...
i tried searching the terms you mentioned but it spawn all sort of threads with OP having some flashing problem and then pages of comments starting with "i think..."
I'm extremely confused now
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app

gcbxda said:
wait, what are the limitations i will have with a unlocked Dev device?
with my nexus and touchpad i often tried 4.3 roms and went back to 4 or 2.3 even...
i tried searching the terms you mentioned but it spawn all sort of threads with OP having some flashing problem and then pages of comments starting with "i think..."
I'm extremely confused now
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked or Locked Moto X... you have to be concerned when flashing backwards. The Security features on the X prevent downgrading certain components. Attempting to do so will brick or set you up to brick in the future.
Please see -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-Downgrade.htm
Short version... once you have 4.4.2 on your phone, do NOT attempt to downgrade.

KidJoe said:
Moto officially offers recovery images (full stock rom) for the GSM Dev/GSM Unlocked XT1053 and Verizon XT1060 by request on their web site here -> https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/recovery-images They are the most currently released rom only. You wont find older versions there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. looking back at that thread i whish i had went ahead and did all the backups on all OTA updates before each twrp/root and did not trust motorola to have my back.
I'm a moron. Bumping this as a lesson to others

Related

NEXUS 7 3G-"nakasig" - Jelly Bean/KitKat Discussions, Problems and Solutions

NEXUS 7 3G-"nakasig" - Jelly Bean/KitKat Discussions, Problems and Solutions
Hi Nexus 7 "Nakasig" users,
I would like to consider this thread as your one place to chat or anything else related to Jelly Bean on the NEXUS 7 - 3G
I need everyone help to keep this thread somewhat sane, report any trolling or flaming and don't respond to it.
Keep all your posts in this thread polite and make sure you follow The Forum Rules.
I request you to stop posting:
- 'Thanks this helped'
- 'Yeah Me too'
-'+1'
These kind of posts are useless instead use the thanks button to show your appreciation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For all your JB needs, go to:
==>[Index] All for NEXUS 7 - "Nakasig" - (GSM/HSPA+)
==>[GUIDE] Unlock and Root a Nexus 7 3G “Nakasig- Tilapia”
==> [GUIDE][BOOTLOADER][4.3] TILAPIA JWR66V - 4.23 Flash Image Instructions - UPDATE
==>[GUIDE]If you need some help for install SDK and ADB drivers in Win 7, you can use this guide which is really good and comprehensive for all of us
It will be better for you to find one thread where we can concentrate all discussions, problems and solutions for the Nexus 7 3G ​
It 's a tool which is very good if you want to buy a Google Nexus Devices :good:
Google Nexus Devices World Availability Checker
Top man!
Any one got a working recovery and supersu/superuser that works with 4.2?
Since I've heard people losing 3G and stuff when they rooted, and I kinda don't want to have to set my stuff up again
WarningHPB said:
Top man!
Any one got a working recovery and supersu/superuser that works with 4.2?
Since I've heard people losing 3G and stuff when they rooted, and I kinda don't want to have to set my stuff up again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've probably heard that from idiots who don't know what they are doing.
The latest version of TWRP works perfectly fine with 4.2 (3G and not). I'm using it on my 3G without any issues.
And the previous 'su' binaries and apk's should be fine. Neither of them should cause any problems with the 3G functionality as they have nothing to do with it. I installed custom recovery and rooted mine the day I got it. Everything is perfect.
Also, absolute worst case scenario, if you do screw something up, it's easy to revert without losing all of your data.
Hmm...I don't consider myself an idiot but did nothing more sinister than root and flash CWM and lost cellular data functionality completely at random two days later (unknown baseband). Had about 6 Android devices before this going back to HTC Hero, flashed all sorts, and never seen anything like it. Eventually had to flash factory image to get it back. Not especially helpful as inexplicable and not reproduced but worth saying nonetheless.
dave_uk said:
Hmm...I don't consider myself an idiot but did nothing more sinister than root and flash CWM and lost cellular data functionality completely at random two days later (unknown baseband). Had about 6 Android devices before this going back to HTC Hero, flashed all sorts, and never seen anything like it. Eventually had to flash factory image to get it back. Not especially helpful as inexplicable and not reproduced but worth saying nonetheless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, there seems to be a sporadic bug in JB on my GNex where on certain reboots it says Unknown Baseband and IMEI in the About menu, and then on the next reboot it's fine. I am wondering if that same bug is cropping up on the N7, and it's just coincidentally happening on some people's devices after rooting, but it goes away later. On my GNex this issue is particularly noticeable if I gave the phone a full reboot from inside software (e.g. using the app Easy Reboot). Whereas a power off / power on does not as frequently run into this issue.
I'm looking forward to getting mine Ordered today and it shipped today! I'm going to give my 16gb (bought in Aug for $249 so no price mod for me ) to either my GF or my daughter. lol
Sorry for the OT post.. I'm just excited. It will be nice to not have to tether my N7 to my phone. I just switched to the shared data plan on AT&T so it will only cost me $10 to add the N7 to my plan
Just fired up my 3g and will root it tomorrow, is there anything really different in rooting this thing vs the 16gb, anything I should watch out for?
kitsunisan said:
Just fired up my 3g and will root it tomorrow, is there anything really different in rooting this thing vs the 16gb, anything I should watch out for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they are identical from a rooting perspective. However, they do run slightly different versions of the image, so if you wind up flashing stock, use the right one.
so first my success, i have managed to get root and a TWRP recovery.
now my question in menus im seeing horizontal lines that move with the landscape. so as the phone rotates the screen, the lines also rotate. maybe its just the background design but it seems really awkward to me that they would intend from these lighter brighter lines to be there
if someone would do me a HUGE favor and get me a stock JVP15S recovery? i flashed over mine with CWM before i could back it up and now i have a 34mg OTA update i cant take because of the custom recovery image
death 90 said:
if someone would do me a HUGE favor and get me a stock JVP15S recovery? i flashed over mine with CWM before i could back it up and now i have a 34mg OTA update i cant take because of the custom recovery image
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure that you will find someone who can give you this file, cause it contains all personal data and apps.
death 90 said:
if someone would do me a HUGE favor and get me a stock JVP15S recovery? i flashed over mine with CWM before i could back it up and now i have a 34mg OTA update i cant take because of the custom recovery image
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have my N7 yet, but on most Androids the stock recovery images do not vary much or at all between minor upgrades, so any stock recovery should be fine. Try the recovery.img inside the JOP40C image straight from Google. https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images#nakasigjop40c
Worst case if the update still won't take, flash both system and boot from the stock image too (this will unroot you but so would the OTA, and you can fix that later), and then you'll be stock enough for OTAs to work the next time it prompts.
philos64 said:
I'm not sure that you will find someone who can give you this file, cause it contains all personal data and apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The recovery partition does not contain any personal data or apps. Everything personal is in /data.
philos64 said:
I'm not sure that you will find someone who can give you this file, cause it contains all personal data and apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im pretty sure the "recovery" partition doesn't contain any of those things. i don't want a stock rom, i need stock a recovery. twrp allows you to back up certain partitions such as boot, cache, and recovery
cmstlist said:
I don't have my N7 yet, but on most Androids the stock recovery images do not vary much or at all between minor upgrades, so any stock recovery should be fine. Try the recovery.img inside the JOP40C image straight from Google. https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images#nakasigjop40c
Worst case if the update still won't take, flash both system and boot from the stock image too (this will unroot you but so would the OTA, and you can fix that later), and then you'll be stock enough for OTAs to work the next time it prompts.
The recovery partition does not contain any personal data or apps. Everything personal is in /data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just downloaded that ill try flashing it now i downloaded the "Google Nexus 7 Toolkit" and while it didn't work for me, it did provide a JRo03d stock recovery which i flashed with fastboot and that recovery did not work. when you nexus 7 arrives i believe it would be possible to recover the stock recovery using "fastboot boot twrp-recovery", ALTHOUGH im not sure when you would execute the "backup recovery" if it would read the phones actual partition or the image you uploaded and booted on
cmstlist said:
The recovery partition does not contain any personal data or apps. Everything personal is in /data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for my quick answer, I haven't seen the "recovery.img". that's file system.zip or tar which contains apps and data for restore
And if you want the Factory image, go to the thread : [Index] All for NEXUS 7 - "nakasig" - (GSM/HSPA+) , it is on, ready for download
ya i grabbed it thanks. what i don't understand is what the 34mg update is for? any ideas? i uploaded two shots, one settings page showing the build mine shipped with and the other is just the update screen i got showing size. Im about to flash the stock ROM from google now. we'll see how goes
the 34mg update was "signed-nakasig-JOP40C-from-JVP15S". i was able to flash the recovery from the stock ROM JOP40C and use that to patch through android and avoid flashing usuing TWRP
death 90 said:
im pretty sure the "recovery" partition doesn't contain any of those things. i don't want a stock rom, i need stock a recovery. twrp allows you to back up certain partitions such as boot, cache, and recovery
i just downloaded that ill try flashing it now i downloaded the "Google Nexus 7 Toolkit" and while it didn't work for me, it did provide a JRo03d stock recovery which i flashed with fastboot and that recovery did not work. when you nexus 7 arrives i believe it would be possible to recover the stock recovery using "fastboot boot twrp-recovery", ALTHOUGH im not sure when you would execute the "backup recovery" if it would read the phones actual partition or the image you uploaded and booted on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly don't try toolkits. Just don't, because you don't know what commands or files they are really flashing, and especially because they were written for the wi-fi version. The stock recovery from the wi-fi version is not guaranteed to be compatible with the 3G version.
philos64 said:
Sorry for my quick answer, I haven't seen the "recovery.img". that's file system.zip or tar which contains apps and data for restore
And if you want the Factory image, go to the thread : [Index] All for NEXUS 7 - "nakasig" - (GSM/HSPA+) , it is on, ready for download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
System.img is also devoid of personal information because to the standard end user it is write-protected. All the personal stuff is in the data partition.
death 90 said:
the 34mg update was "signed-nakasig-JOP40C-from-JVP15S". i was able to flash the recovery from the stock ROM JOP40C and use that to patch through android and avoid flashing usuing TWRP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it worked out for you. I had a feeling it was just going to give you JOP40C anyway.
So, I have been trying to root my 3G tablet (JOP40C), but have no luck. I installed TWRP and unlocked just fine using the Google Nexus 7 ToolKit 3.2. When I use the toolkit to root it seems like it is doing everything fine, reboots, and I do not see any errors during the process. However, when I access Titanium backup, or Root Checker it cannot gain root access. I have tried all the options in the toolkit and nothing is working. Can anyone give me some pointers? Thanks!
spongers said:
So, I have been trying to root my 3G tablet (JOP40C), but have no luck. I installed TWRP and unlocked just fine using the Google Nexus 7 ToolKit 3.2. When I use the toolkit to root it seems like it is doing everything fine, reboots, and I do not see any errors during the process. However, when I access Titanium backup, or Root Checker it cannot gain root access. I have tried all the options in the toolkit and nothing is working. Can anyone give me some pointers? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes - Don't use a toolkit!
Since you already have a custom recovery, put the attached file on your sdcard and install it using TWRP. Then you should be good to go.

[Q]Can someone help a beginner root to get rid of ATT bloatware?

New to the forums and the rooting scene. From me researching, it seems I can get rid of the ATT bloatware on my HTC One by rooting the phone. I've never rooted a phone in my life, and the vast majority of the tutorials on the site assume a working knowledge of what the heck they're talking about (which I don't...).
I was able to follow the tutorial in this thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2182792) to successfully unlock the bootloader.
(1) What does unlocking the bootloader mean?
(2) When I unlocked the bootloader, my phone completely reset. Is that normal?
(3) The tutorial continues as if your phone didn't reset. Should I reboot back into the fastboot mode and plug back in to the comp to continue the tutorial?
(4) By unlocking the bootloader, will I receive OTAs from ATT?
(5) If I root, will I receive OTAs from ATT?
(6) If I root, how can I still use the stock OS and just get rid of the ATT bloatware?
(7) I see things talk about "NAND backups" before one should root. What are those?
(8) What are RUUs?
(9) What does "Odexed" and "De-Odexed" mean...?
Thanks in advance for the help. I want to learn this stuff and can't find any explicit answers in these forums. I don't want to damage this brand new awesome phone.
jumi1174 said:
New to the forums and the rooting scene. From me researching, it seems I can get rid of the ATT bloatware on my HTC One by rooting the phone. I've never rooted a phone in my life, and the vast majority of the tutorials on the site assume a working knowledge of what the heck they're talking about (which I don't...).
I was able to follow the tutorial in this thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...182792&page=21) to successfully unlock the bootloader.
(1) What does unlocking the bootloader mean?
(2) When I unlocked the bootloader, my phone completely reset. Is that normal?
(3) The tutorial continues as if your phone didn't reset. Should I reboot back into the fastboot mode and plug back in to the comp to continue the tutorial?
(4) By unlocking the bootloader, will I receive OTAs from ATT?
(5) If I root, will I receive OTAs from ATT?
(6) If I root, how can I still use the stock OS and just get rid of the ATT bloatware?
(7) I see things talk about "NAND backups" before one should root. What are those?
(8) What are RUUs?
(9) What does "Odexed" and "De-Odexed" mean...?
Thanks in advance for the help. I want to learn this stuff and can't find any explicit answers in these forums. I don't want to damage this brand new awesome phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would ike many of the same answers
experts help us!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRkAHw_GmIs&feature=youtube_gdata_player
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU7vi388dMk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Im still very new to all of this as well, but i wanted to share this toolkit with you just encase you havent seen it yet. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2183942 Its been a tremendous help to me, hopefully it will be to you.
As far as the AT&T bloatware is concerned, It was very easy to remove once i was rooted and had flashed a new ROM. Ive used both Titanium Backup, and Rom Toolkit Pro to remove the junk.
Best of luck with your devices, Ive had a great time learning with mine so far.
jumi1174 said:
New to the forums and the rooting scene. From me researching, it seems I can get rid of the ATT bloatware on my HTC One by rooting the phone. I've never rooted a phone in my life, and the vast majority of the tutorials on the site assume a working knowledge of what the heck they're talking about (which I don't...).
I was able to follow the tutorial in this thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...182792&page=21) to successfully unlock the bootloader.
(1) What does unlocking the bootloader mean?
(2) When I unlocked the bootloader, my phone completely reset. Is that normal?
(3) The tutorial continues as if your phone didn't reset. Should I reboot back into the fastboot mode and plug back in to the comp to continue the tutorial?
(4) By unlocking the bootloader, will I receive OTAs from ATT?
(5) If I root, will I receive OTAs from ATT?
(6) If I root, how can I still use the stock OS and just get rid of the ATT bloatware?
(7) I see things talk about "NAND backups" before one should root. What are those?
(8) What are RUUs?
(9) What does "Odexed" and "De-Odexed" mean...?
Thanks in advance for the help. I want to learn this stuff and can't find any explicit answers in these forums. I don't want to damage this brand new awesome phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery onto your device. It's a necessary step in the rooting process until s-off is obtained
2. This is 100% normal. It is strongly advised you backup everything before unlocking due to this.
3. The link in your post to that tutorial is broken so there is no way to see what you mean. Sorry.
4. You cannot receive OTA while the bootloader is unlocked. You would need to relock your bootloader to continue with an OTA update.
5. As of now, no due to having to unlock your bootloader. Please see answer 4.
6. You would need to flash a zip file in a custom recovery to debloat your phone. There are other ways but this is the best way for a very new user. Link to debloat zip: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2250403
7. Nandbackup or Nandroid are complete backups of your phone's firmware. It's recommended to have one good up to date backup so if something goes wrong on a new ROM you flashed, you can easily revert. Nandroids are created in custom recoveries like TWRP.
8. An RUU is a package for your phone that contains a set of stock images used to unroot your phone and return it to complete stock. It stands for ROM Update Utility.
9. Odexed is the default state of the stock ROM. What it means is that a separate .odex cache file is stored away from a system app. It allows the app to load faster as upon boot your phone loads these cache files into the Dalvik VM. When a developer De-Odexes a ROM it means they have taken away those cache files and instead compiled them within the system app. This, in theory is a bit slower, but only when you clear your Dalvik and cache from recovery, otherwise you will notice no difference. The reason a developer does this is it makes the system app easily modifiable and themable. In summary, Deodex equals easily modifiable, whereas odex means the app is more locked down.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Thanks RPelham,
I hate to piggyback on someone else's thread, but they may want the answer to my question as well.
Is it a good idea to clear system and Dalvik cache from within recovery every now and then? Im used to the PC world, where clearing cache from time to time helps keep things in order.
Snakemanc6 said:
Thanks RPelham,
I hate to piggyback on someone else's thread, but they may want the answer to my question as well.
Is it a good idea to clear system and Dalvik cache from within recovery every now and then? Im used to the PC world, where clearing cache from time to time helps keep things in order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You only need to clear Dalvik and Cache when flashing a new ROM, Kernel or basically any ZIP package. It won't serve any good purpose to randomly clear it. =)
Android has a great built in way of keeping your phone running great and killing any app that has not been recently used to keep everything running smooth.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
behrouz said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRkAHw_GmIs&feature=youtube_gdata_player
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU7vi388dMk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome videos, thanks!
RPelham said:
1. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery onto your device. It's a necessary step in the rooting process until s-off is obtained
2. This is 100% normal. It is strongly advised you backup everything before unlocking due to this.
3. The link in your post to that tutorial is broken so there is no way to see what you mean. Sorry.
4. You cannot receive OTA while the bootloader is unlocked. You would need to relock your bootloader to continue with an OTA update.
5. As of now, no due to having to unlock your bootloader. Please see answer 4.
6. You would need to flash a zip file in a custom recovery to debloat your phone. There are other ways but this is the best way for a very new user. Link to debloat zip: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2250403
7. Nandbackup or Nandroid are complete backups of your phone's firmware. It's recommended to have one good up to date backup so if something goes wrong on a new ROM you flashed, you can easily revert. Nandroids are created in custom recoveries like TWRP.
8. An RUU is a package for your phone that contains a set of stock images used to unroot your phone and return it to complete stock. It stands for ROM Update Utility.
9. Odexed is the default state of the stock ROM. What it means is that a separate .odex cache file is stored away from a system app. It allows the app to load faster as upon boot your phone loads these cache files into the Dalvik VM. When a developer De-Odexes a ROM it means they have taken away those cache files and instead compiled them within the system app. This, in theory is a bit slower, but only when you clear your Dalvik and cache from recovery, otherwise you will notice no difference. The reason a developer does this is it makes the system app easily modifiable and themable. In summary, Deodex equals easily modifiable, whereas odex means the app is more locked down.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the awesome reply!
This is the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2182792
Sorry it was dead, I'll edit my original post.
Another question if you don't mind (may be a stupid question), if I root, will I still be able to purchase apps from the play store without any trouble?
behrouz said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRkAHw_GmIs&feature=youtube_gdata_player
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU7vi388dMk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These videos are an absolute perfect example of how to unlock and root. Step by step. If you are new, this will be the perfect go to for help.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 12:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:31 AM ----------
jumi1174 said:
Another question if you don't mind (may be a stupid question), if I root, will I still be able to purchase apps from the play store without any trouble?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you absolutely can. The only thing Root is giving you is administration level access to your phone. Obtaining root gives you the ability to modify, remove or add core system files and gives apps a lot more functionality as they can integrate themselves into the system.
And to answer question 3:
Yes the phone resets after you unlock your bootloader and it boots back into your phone. Simply reboot back to your bootloader and enter fastboot mode to continue flashing your recovery.
After you flash the recovery, it will boot back into your phone again (once you select recovery from the bootloader menu for the first time after the flash). Don't be alarmed by this, just reboot once more, select your recovery option again and this time it will truely take you to recovery.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
RPelham said:
Yes, you absolutely can. The only thing Root is giving you is administration level access to your phone. Obtaining root gives you the ability to modify, remove or add core system files and gives apps a lot more functionality as they can integrate themselves into the system.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the help. One more if you don't mind (I appreciate your patience with helping a beginner like myself), will my phone be reset again when I root?
jumi1174 said:
Thanks for all the help. One more if you don't mind (I appreciate your patience with helping a beginner like myself), will my phone be reset again when I root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Once you unlocked your bootloader your phone will not reset unless you flash a custom ROM or specifically wipe your device. Rooting will retain all settings and apps.
P.s. I'm heading off for the night. I hope I answered everything for you and helped you obtain a better understanding over this whole process. Ill follow up tomorrow to see if everything worked out for you and answer any additional questions. =)
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
RPelham said:
No. Once you unlocked your bootloader your phone will not reset unless you flash a custom ROM or specifically wipe your device. Rooting will retain all settings and apps.
P.s. I'm heading off for the night. I hope I answered everything for you and helped you obtain a better understanding over this whole process. Ill follow up tomorrow to see if everything worked out for you and answer any additional questions. =)
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent! Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it! I'll edit this post if I have any more questions.
More questions:
(1) All the files on this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2207874
What is the purpose of all these different files? Should I be familiar with them and will I ever need to use them?
(2) This package: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2250403
I'm not exactly sure how to install it. Any advice or tips?
(3) The instructions for this ROM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2192324
-Download ROM
-Copy ROM to your sdcard
-Fullwipe in AROMA if you come from another ROM or base
-Flash the ROM
-Let the ROM boot (After a Fullwipe this takes some time)
-Enjoy TrickDroid
I understand the first 2 steps, but what does "Fullwipe in AROMA" mean?
(4) Difference between a ROM and a KERNEL?
(5) Are you familiar with Titanium Backup? I've tried reading their wiki, but I'm still not 100% sure what exactly it backs up and how that is different than the TWRP back up.
jumi1174 said:
Excellent! Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it! I'll edit this post if I have any more questions.
More questions:
(1) All the files on this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2207874
What is the purpose of all these different files? Should I be familiar with them?
(2) This package: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2250403
I'm not exactly sure how to install it. Any advice or tips?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi.
1) they are just ruu for many different carriers, countries, etc. There is a specific ruu for your device. That's why so many ruu there
2) no need for that. Just install titanium backup pro from play store after rooting and you can delete all bloatwares or freeze them. Which will also get rid of those unwanted apps from your phone.
---------- Post added at 03:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:03 AM ----------
RPelham said:
1. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery onto your device. It's a necessary step in the rooting process until s-off is obtained
7. Nandbackup or Nandroid are complete backups of your phone's firmware. It's recommended to have one good up to date backup so if something goes wrong on a new ROM you flashed, you can easily revert. Nandroids are created in custom recoveries like TWRP.
8. An RUU is a package for your phone that contains a set of stock images used to unroot your phone and return it to complete stock. It stands for ROM Update Utility.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello mate
I have 2 questions.
Number 7, how do I make backup of your rom if you still haven't installed custom recovery?
Number 8 to unroot my phone I can also use the nandroid backup instead of ruu right?
Edit: 1 more Lol. Sorry.
I asked many places but didn't get an answer for it.
Let's say I have custom ROM, and I need to relock boot loader and flash stock ruu to go back to stock in order to receive ota update. Does the ruu contains the stock recovery? Cuz I read somewhere that in order to get ota update I also needed to flash stock recovery?
Thanks a lot! I think I'm all set after this kkk
If anyone has an answer to this question I'd appreciate it very much. I've rooted many phones but all of them have had SD cards. The HTC One is lacking an SD Card so when I back up data/apks etc is there a spot on the phone's storage that doesn't get wiped when wiping from recovery to install new roms?
gotrandom said:
If anyone has an answer to this question I'd appreciate it very much. I've rooted many phones but all of them have had SD cards. The HTC One is lacking an SD Card so when I back up data/apks etc is there a spot on the phone's storage that doesn't get wiped when wiping from recovery to install new roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. All gets wiped. Backup on ur PC.
Uh oh. I just told him the opposite in another thread. I could swear I read that selecting a "wipe userdata" option in recovery would erase everything in the /data partition *except* whatever is below /data/media?
Did I get this wrong?
Sent from my PC36100 using xda app-developers app
Ive flashed a couple of different ROMs, and my media has not been erased when selecting "wipe user data". Im using CWM, if that's of any consequence.
Snakemanc6 said:
Ive flashed a couple of different ROMs, and my media has not been erased when selecting "wipe user data". Im using CWM, if that's of any consequence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry then. I saw a video on yt saying all would be deleted. I will try to find and post it here.
Edit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hvbwWTbZOU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
He was using TWRP, no idea if that makes a difference. Just passing on my experience, Im by no means well versed in all of this lol
Its great having such an active forum to learn from though :good:
ksarius said:
Hi.
1) they are just ruu for many different carriers, countries, etc. There is a specific ruu for your device. That's why so many ruu there
2) no need for that. Just install titanium backup pro from play store after rooting and you can delete all bloatwares or freeze them. Which will also get rid of those unwanted apps from your phone.
---------- Post added at 03:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:03 AM ----------
Hello mate
I have 2 questions.
Number 7, how do I make backup of your rom if you still haven't installed custom recovery?
Number 8 to unroot my phone I can also use the nandroid backup instead of ruu right?
Edit: 1 more Lol. Sorry.
I asked many places but didn't get an answer for it.
Let's say I have custom ROM, and I need to relock boot loader and flash stock ruu to go back to stock in order to receive ota update. Does the ruu contains the stock recovery? Cuz I read somewhere that in order to get ota update I also needed to flash stock recovery?
Thanks a lot! I think I'm all set after this kkk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not 100% sure as I do not use Titanium, if someone could check that would be great, but I don't think titanium can permanently remove bloat yet. Freeze, yes, remove I'm unsure.
Our device has not achieved s-off which means that the partition the system apps sit on is not accessible to be altered from within the ROM, only by recovery / adb.
7. To my knowledge you must have a custom recovery to make a nandroid. You can't make a complete one without it. And once you nandroid, that backup is specifically for that recovery. I.e. you fly use a cwm nandroid in twrp
8. As long as your nandroid was created before installing the root package, yes.
RUUs will reflash stock recovery.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 07:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:52 AM ----------
jumi1174 said:
Excellent! Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it! I'll edit this post if I have any more questions.
More questions:
(1) All the files on this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2207874
What is the purpose of all these different files? Should I be familiar with them and will I ever need to use them?
(2) This package: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2250403
I'm not exactly sure how to install it. Any advice or tips?
(3) The instructions for this ROM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2192324
-Download ROM
-Copy ROM to your sdcard
-Fullwipe in AROMA if you come from another ROM or base
-Flash the ROM
-Let the ROM boot (After a Fullwipe this takes some time)
-Enjoy TrickDroid
I understand the first 2 steps, but what does "Fullwipe in AROMA" mean?
(4) Difference between a ROM and a KERNEL?
(5) Are you familiar with Titanium Backup? I've tried reading their wiki, but I'm still not 100% sure what exactly it backs up and how that is different than the TWRP back up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 and 2 were answered above. I also elaborated on 2 above.
3. Aroma is an installation software made for recovery. It's a wizard that walks you through the ROM setup. You'll see an option for it while setting up the ROM
4. Kernel is the software that allows your hardware to communicate with your ROM as well as control boot screens, splash screens and overclocking and undervolting.
ROM is the phones operating system.
5. TWRP is a FULL backup, titanium is just an app, it can't backup 100% of everything like a recovery can. Titanium backs up your app and user data. Basically your settings and apps.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

[Q] Swapping nandroid from one Moto X VZW Dev Ed to another

So, I am a new happy owner of the Moto X VZW Dev Ed. However, Motorola was having a sale last week and said they couldn't give me a price match, but that I could reorder and ship back the other one (which is what I did).
Problem is, I've already updated the first one (I think there were three OTA updates I installed), unlocked and rooted it. Then installed a bunch of stuff, disabled a lot of stuff, etc... I really don't want to do this twice!
My question is if I make a nandroid backup using TWRP (with all options turned on), what is the minimal amount of work I'd have to do to transfer everything to the new phone?
I guess since nandroid backups do not include firmware, it's safest to complete the OTA updates on the replacement phone (unless I know for sure there were no firmware updates installed), unlock, root and lastly restore from the nandroid of the old phone?
etc6849 said:
So, I am a new happy owner of the Moto X VZW Dev Ed. However, Motorola was having a sale last week and said they couldn't give me a price match, but that I could reorder and ship back the other one (which is what I did).
Problem is, I've already updated the first one (I think there were three OTA updates I installed), unlocked and rooted it. Then installed a bunch of stuff, disabled a lot of stuff, etc... I really don't want to do this twice!
My question is if I make a nandroid backup using TWRP (with all options turned on), what is the minimal amount of work I'd have to do to transfer everything to the new phone?
I guess since nandroid backups do not include firmware, it's safest to complete the OTA updates on the replacement phone (unless I know for sure there were no firmware updates installed), unlock, root and lastly restore from the nandroid of the old phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would use Philz @hachamacha edition. See the RAZR HD section. If an OTA is needed YES do it first.
The problem is the data partition not the system. Due to your ESN and such.
Hachamacha may help you with some issues.
He is about to do a unified build to include his new X!
---------- Post added at 01:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:26 PM ----------
He just posted the unified
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52414440&postcount=78
Thanks, the ESN/IMEI is normally stored in the radio's firmware? Or are you saying there's some file somewhere that also contains that data?
etc6849 said:
Thanks, the ESN/IMEI is normally stored in the radio's firmware? Or are you saying there's some file somewhere that also contains that data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right data contains phone data. But you may find a way to patch those IDs. Not via *228, as that is for 3g only. Try a complete restore & if you have to wipe data you can.
I do not know what happens when data is loaded from another phone.
aviwdoowks said:
I would use Philz @hachamacha edition. See the RAZR HD section. If an OTA is needed YES do it first.
The problem is the data partition not the system. Due to your ESN and such.
Hachamacha may help you with some issues.
He is about to do a unified build to include his new X!
---------- Post added at 01:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:26 PM ----------
He just posted the unified
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52414440&postcount=78
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi aviwdoowks,
I haven't yet posted anything but an intention to post something (how convoluted is that?) ; I have some builds that're up to date, unified, etc, for the *dt versions, but since I can't test until I get one, I hate to dump it on people. If someone doesn't care, then PM me. I'll be around for a few hours today and tomorrow to respond. Just make sure you tell me what device you've got since I just started dev for about 9 or 10 devices today.
Cheers.
hachamacha said:
Hi aviwdoowks,
I haven't yet posted anything but an intention to post something (how convoluted is that?) ; I have some builds that're up to date, unified, etc, for the *dt versions, but since I can't test until I get one, I hate to dump it on people. If someone doesn't care, then PM me. I'll be around for a few hours today and tomorrow to respond. Just make sure you tell me what device you've got since I just started dev for about 9 or 10 devices today.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot get multi quote to work.
What do you think of the Op's restore question.
I thought you might come up with a way to restore data to a different X phone.
aviwdoowks said:
I cannot get multi quote to work.
What do you think of the Op's restore question.
I thought you might come up with a way to restore data to a different X phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Near as I can see (and I just tried multi-q for the first time), it is a myth I copied the original question down below and will look and see.
etc6849 said:
So, I am a new happy owner of the Moto X VZW Dev Ed. However, Motorola was having a sale last week and said they couldn't give me a price match, but that I could reorder and ship back the other one (which is what I did).
Problem is, I've already updated the first one (I think there were three OTA updates I installed), unlocked and rooted it. Then installed a bunch of stuff, disabled a lot of stuff, etc... I really don't want to do this twice!
My question is if I make a nandroid backup using TWRP (with all options turned on), what is the minimal amount of work I'd have to do to transfer everything to the new phone?
I guess since nandroid backups do not include firmware, it's safest to complete the OTA updates on the replacement phone (unless I know for sure there were no firmware updates installed), unlock, root and lastly restore from the nandroid of the old phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure I'm understanding. Was the first phone not a DE, rather an xt1060 or something like that? If so, which model was it? I'm also awaiting (few days) delivery of my first Moto X DE but have had no other one. Any factory unlockable phone I've had in the past is returned to a somewhat blank condition (/system and /data) as soon as you either a) lock or b) unlock using the Moto website so you'll of course, have to do that much and then slap on SuperSU (or whatever you like for root), busybox, etc.
Minimal amount of work? Stick to one recovery type because making backups is easy. If you want to use TWRP (which is a good recovery) to restore to the new phone, then do it. The easiest part of everything is changing recoveries once unlocked and rooted and you "KNOW" that TWRP can restore TWRP. Yes, Philz Touch can also restore TWRP, but when we build for phones new to us, sometimes, the git is in a state where maybe something isn't working, so why bother taking a chance on wasting all that time.
I've got Philz Touch latest version built for the msm8960dt (the motos/ultra/maxx/and others) but haven't looked into it since I've got no phone yet. My other possible suggestion would be to switch to Philz Touch as soon as I put up a pointer on it (or use an older one if you get your phone before). Stick it on your phone and make a new backup in CWM/Philz format. I'll go through the code and enable the /persist partition so you can get a backup of that. When you get the new DE, goto website, unlock, (which will probably just git rid of /data and /system), and if you want the least amount of guessing what is needed and not needed , just install the DE 4.4.2 image from the site so you'll have the firmware that is desired for that model phone. (radio and /firmware / persist stuff). Then boot to recovery and do the restore of the usual partitions. Use the .xml file in the .zip to figure out the order of the partition flashing for /firmware and radios and any other bits you want to flash. I would just create a batch file with 'fastboot flash 'partitionname' '{name}.img' statements in the exact order as in the .XML file and run it.
I don't know which (if anything but stock) ROM you've used and I'm not sure it matters which flavor it is, but it matters which version it was built from on the Moto so be sure it's apples to apples, since most the ROMs I've looked at seem to require the kernel from whatever was installed before. (the /lib/modules are also built to match that kernel as well and are a part of the /system of that ROM).
Everytime I've gone into a new phone situation and decided I was going to get away with a nandroid restore and voila , it always takes a bit of touch-up work, so pick one recovery, make the backups doing it, and do the restores to the DE using it rather than adding yet another variable. I can't think of one situation where I didn't have to at least use say Titanium Backup to restore the apps (I don't bother with data) because things rarely work out the same way. The other not-so-intuitive thing is that moving things from one phone to another (especially a nonDE to a DE) often bring up a new issue or more so expect to have to do a bit of work. Just be sure to make a good copy of the /sdcard/.. stuff that you need to keep (TitaniumBackup), and other data you need that nandroids don't care about, and back it up to your PC using adb. After you unlock, you can copy it to the target phone, and try the recovery. I really like Philz and I like TWRP as well, but I'd never tell someone they could move for sure from one phone to another without any problem. Best bet is using same recovery type on both ends though. Don't restore /persist or /firmware unless you're certain it's wiped. I mean that 4.4.2 image (.xml.zip) from the website has all the firmware you really want in it at it takes about 2 simple statements from adb to get it on the phone. That's pretty easy. Also, you never know. Might get lucky and a nandroid could be all you need but I'm not holding my breath on that.
Good luck.

Easiest way to "clone" locked device to a dev edition?

So I picked up a Dev Edition XT1060 on swappa so I can get ARUnchained running on it, and was wondering what's the easiest way to clone my current locked, stock, unrooted XT1060 to the new one? I've had varying levels of success in the past with the Moto "Migrate" app, ADB backup/restore from the command line, and Helium, but was wondering if there is anything better out there now.
Don't think so, not on an unrooted device. Best you can do is helium for user apps and data.
And in my opinion....that's as far as you want to go. Restoring anything system related to a new device is asking for problems. ?
Wade-0 said:
So I picked up a Dev Edition XT1060 on swappa so I can get ARUnchained running on it, and was wondering what's the easiest way to clone my current locked, stock, unrooted XT1060 to the new one? I've had varying levels of success in the past with the Moto "Migrate" app, ADB backup/restore from the command line, and Helium, but was wondering if there is anything better out there now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KJ is right if you are going to a different phone.
But if rooted only & going to the same phone, as in a boot unlock which wipes data. You can (I have not tested) use "Online back up" apk with root only. At least on paper it should work .
See my links below.
aviwdoowks said:
KJ is right if you are going to a different phone.
But if rooted only & going to the same phone, as in a boot unlock which wipes data. You can (I have not tested) use "Online back up" apk with root only. At least on paper it should work .
See my links below.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are identical system images, AFAIK, so there shouldn't be anything different in the system files, and the DevEd has already been unlocked by the previous owner. So I don't think I need any of that stuff transferred anyway, which should cut down on the time involved. I haven't played around with trying to restore an ADB backup from a different device, so I'm not sure if there's going to be any issues there. The only time I've used that method was to backup my device before using RSD to flash a different factory image, and even then it wasn't a very smooth operation. I guess I'll just have to try it and find out
Wade-0 said:
They are identical system images, AFAIK, so there shouldn't be anything different in the system files, and the DevEd has already been unlocked by the previous owner. So I don't think I need any of that stuff transferred anyway, which should cut down on the time involved. I haven't played around with trying to restore an ADB backup from a different device, so I'm not sure if there's going to be any issues there. The only time I've used that method was to backup my device before using RSD to flash a different factory image, and even then it wasn't a very smooth operation. I guess I'll just have to try it and find out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot nandroid data from one phone to another!! See my post in the x Philz thread.
aviwdoowks said:
You cannot nandroid data from one phone to another!! See my post in the x Philz thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wasn't aware I could even nandroid an unrooted phone.
Edit: I'm wondering if maybe you misunderstood what I was talking about with the ADB backup/restore. Here's more information: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-nexus/general/guide-phone-backup-unlock-root-t1420351
From my early experience with Carbon (which is now called Helium) it was basically the same thing as the ADB backup/restore function, Carbon was just a user friendly wrapper for it. But I could be way off on that point, it just seemed like it was doing exactly the same thing in the background.
Wade-0 said:
Wasn't aware I could even nandroid an unrooted phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only figure that on "paper" the online BACKUP should work with root only. Not restore, mind you, that needs custom recovery. Which one would have after the obligatory data wipe which moto enforces to unlock.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/fyi-online-nandroid-backup-ready-t2762382
OP is not rooted. So why confuse the matter. ?
aviwdoowks said:
I only figure that on "paper" the online BACKUP should work with root only. Not restore, mind you, that needs custom recovery. Which one would have after the obligatory data wipe which moto enforces to unlock.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/fyi-online-nandroid-backup-ready-t2762382
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my edited reply above. Also, the phone is already unlocked by the previous owner (bought it used on Swappa) so I only need to put custom recovery on it and root it, and whatever data transfer method I decide to use.
I thought I would post this also for those wanting a way to backup, while rooted, and then restore their nandroid when unlocked.

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)
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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?
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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.
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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.

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