Related
Just wondering if there is a mechanism for running a custom post install script after flashing a rom, specifically CM.
There are things that I always do after I flash a rom and it would be nice to be able to do these as a part of the flashing process, so I don't forget. For example, symlinking /system/etc/hosts to /data/data/hosts. I also would like to remove the videos app as it serves no purpose since the 3D gallery displays my videos in it.
It would be awesome if I could have a script on the SD card that would just get executed right before reboot after the rom was flashed.
A bit less elegant than what you're suggesting, but I just made an update.zip to do that symlinking. Have to apply it with ROM Manager after flashing (so an extra reboot when flashing a new rom), but it beats booting into recovery and doing it by adb.
Link if anyone is interested: http://oysteivi.tihlde.org/adfree-symlink.zip
With this flashed, the "adfree android" app seems to work nicely when I tick "symlink from /data/data/hosts".
Didn't feel a need to remove the videos app, but it should be easy to add it in there. Just add something like this to the update-script in the zip:
delete SYSTEM:app/Videos.apk
(untested, and you'll have to replace "Videos" with the actual apk name. I'm too lazy to check what it is )
This is pretty much what I was looking for, thanks a lot!
Hi there,
Thanks a lot, due to this zipfile I finally got adfree working appropriately.
zorro
I recently bought a Galaxy Mini 2, and the first thing I wanted to do was modding it!
But I couldn't do it on an odexed ROM, currently available ROMs are only the 4.x builds by TheWhisp and some tweaked ones I don't like, and xUltimate throws errors.
Also, the stock ROM contains 100+ packages to deodex, so I couldn't do it by hand quickly.
I wrote this script to do it for me. I'm not really experienced, and I don't know how far this can be from being optimized, clean and readable, but it works, and it should work for any device and ROM if used correctly.
This script deodexes all the apk and jar packages for system apps and framework, then zipaligns them for better memory optimization (memory consumption is a half of what's normally used on stock ROM). After that, it writes an updater-script and packages everything in a shiny flashable zip to use in recovery.
WARNING: Might cause boot-loops or force-closes. It's recommended to check that the cwm_deodex.zip file contains the .apk and .jar files and pick some random APKs and JARs to check that they contain the classes.dex file in their root. The APKs from framework should not contain the classes.dex, while the JARs should. It's also recommended to do a backup before flashing the deodex package, in case the cwm_restore.zip fails.
HOW TO USE:
Extract the attached zip wherever you want.
Pull all the files from /system/app and /system/framework from your phone and put them respectively in the directories"app_odexed", and "framework_odexed" (they're located under the extracted directory).
Check the API level for your device's Android version (if you don't know, check this). In deodex_app.sh and deodex_framework.sh there are four lines (two in deodex_app.sh and two in deodex_framework.sh) which begin in "java -jar baksmali.jar" and "java -jar smali.jar". Those lines contain an option "-a", followed by a number (by default "10"): you should change that number to your API level. If you are on ICS or later, you can just delete the "-a" option and the consecutive number.
Open a terminal in the directory where the deodex.sh file is and type "./deodex.sh", then you can have a coffee (or more, depending on how many files to deodex are there).
When you come back, you should find the cwm_deodex.zip waiting to be pushed to your device and flashed, and a cwm_restore.zip to flash if you need to restore the previous odexed files.
Notes:
The script doesn't stop on errors.
The cwm_restore.zip package doesn't really odex your ROM: it restores the odexed files you pulled from your device before deodexing. So yes, your ROM will get back to it's previous odexed state, but that package won't odex any ROM.
Changes:
-v1.1: Scripts and binaries moved to a "tools" subdirectory; now also creates a flashable zip to restore the old odexed files; reduced the amount of screen output.
-v1: Initial.
If you can suggest any correction to the script, please do it.
Also, since English is not my language, feel more-than-free to point out if there's something wrong or unclear in the post .
Great work
Could you write such a script for odexing too ?
Sent from my BL-S5570 using xda app-developers app
May be... But I don't see any benefits in an odexed ROM. It's just quicker when booting the first time.
Gspin96 said:
May be... But I don't see any benefits in an odexed ROM. It's just quicker when booting the first time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The .odex file is kept in memory ...so higher ram usage but apps open a lot faster as they are already in memory ....also your internal memory is almost completely empty so you don't need to use sd-ext....
Sent from my GT-S5570 using Tapatalk 2
hsay said:
The .odex file is kept in memory ...so higher ram usage but apps open a lot faster as they are already in memory ....also your internal memory is almost completely empty so you don't need to use sd-ext....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a quote from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39393263
R_a_z_v_a_n said:
Advanteges & Disadvantages
The advantage of deodexing is in modification possibilities. This is most widely used in custom ROMs and themes. A developer building a custom ROM would almost always choose to deodex the ROM package first, since that would not only allow him to modify various APKs, but also leave room for post-install theming.
On the other hand, since the .odex files were supposed to quickly build the dalvik cache, removing them would mean longer initial boot times. However, this is true only for the first ever boot after deodexing, since the cache would still get built over time as applications are used. Longer boot times may only be seen again if the dalvik cache is wiped for some reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, keeping things in memory is an Android feature: if an app ran once, it is then kept in memory until you use a task killer (which is not recommended, as Android then would have to reload the app in RAM, slowing down and draining battery) or the system gets out-of-memory.
It's more correct to say that odex files are, ready to be loaded in RAM, because the Dalvik Machine doesn't need to optimize them. However, after the DM optimizes them on the first boot, they're kept in the dalvik cache, as ready to be loaded as an odexed app would be.
Anyway, for who wants to re-odex, there's an easy solution: you can use Titanium backup (menu->Integrate sys Dalvik into ROM).
Gspin96 said:
Anyway, for who wants to re-odex, there's an easy solution: you can use Titanium backup (menu->Integrate sys Dalvik into ROM).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not odexing ...its just an alternative.
Sent from my GT-S5570 using Tapatalk 2
Did you try? I did. It does indeed create the .odex files you want in /system/app.
Gspin96 said:
Did you try? I did. It does indeed create the .odex files you want in /system/app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stand corrected ...
But does it odex the framework files and other things?
Sent from my GT-S5570 using Tapatalk 2
I was editing that post because i saw that framework was not odexed.
Hell, I had found a link to a to a re-odexing script/tutorial here on xda in the galaxy 3 (not galaxy s3) forum, but I had to go leaving that post unedited.
I'll add a link to that tutorial on first post as soon as I'm on my PC again.
Thanks.
EDIT: this is the tut: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1402233
Gspin96 said:
I was editing that post because i saw that framework was not odexed.
Hell, I had found a link to a to a re-odexing script/tutorial here on xda in the galaxy 3 (not galaxy s3) forum, but I had to go leaving that post unedited.
I'll add a link to that tutorial on first post as soon as I'm on my PC again.
Thanks.
EDIT: this is the tut: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1402233
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Btw even universal odex script by matrixdj96 works good and its here in the mini Dev section and bro hope no hard feelings.
Sent from my GT-S5570 using Tapatalk 2
I didn't see that script, it looks good (I won't try it, I'm going to mod framework).
bro hope no hard feelings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, man. I've been feeling attacked somehow, but I know I shouldn't have.
New update: now it's a bit (really, just a very little bit) cleaner and also creates a .zip flashable which restores your ROM to its previous state (usually odexed, if it wasn't odexed, then you wouldn't have used the script).
THIS PROJECT IS NO LONGER SUPPORTED.
# MagicGApps
## Copyright (C) 2017-2018, VR25 @ xda-developers
### License: GPL v3+
---
#### DISCLAIMER
This software is provided as is, in the hope that it will be useful, but without any warranty. Always read/reread this reference prior to installing/upgrading. While no cats have been harmed, I assume no responsibility under anything which might go wrong due to the use/misuse of it.
A copy of the GNU General Public License, version 3 or newer ships with every build. Please, read it prior to using, modifying and/or sharing any part of this work.
To prevent fraud, DO NOT mirror any link associated with this project.
---
#### DESCRIPTION
- This module installs a regular open_gapps-* zip (except aroma variant) systemlessly. When it's disabled, Google Play Services are automatically disabled on the next boot as well. This prevents continuous, disturbing gms crashes.
---
#### PRE-REQUISITES
- Any open_gapps-* zip, except aroma variant
- Custom recovery
- Magisk
---
#### SETUP STEPS
0. Make sure an open_gapps-* zip (except aroma variant) exists somewhere in /sdcard or /external_sd directories or subdirectories (max directory depth must be 3 -- i.e., /sdcard/Download/OpenGApps).
1. Optional -- run `touch /data/r` to
reinstall open_gapps-* zip (or `touch
/data/u` to uninstall the module).
2. Optional -- set up a gapps-config.txt file (removal lists work as pseudo-removal lists -- systemless debloat).
3. Install from custom recovery (i.e., TWRP).
---
#### LINKS
- [Facebook Support Page](https://facebook.com/VR25-at-xda-developers-258150974794782)
- [Git Repository](https://github.com/Magisk-Modules-Repo/MagicGApps)
- [XDA Thread](https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/module-systemless-beansgapps-mini-7-1-x-t3611362)
- [webview_packages: fix incorrect signatures]( https://github.com/LineageOS/android_vendor_cm/commit/a3a76f5d1cc233ad8024ffdc74bb3a786e1605c3)
---
#### LATEST CHANGES
**2018.9.23 (201809230)**
- Max OpenGApps search directory depth set to 3 for faster speed.
- Support for latest Magisk versions
- Updated documentation
- Use /dev/urandom over /dev/random.
- Use Magisk imgtool over make_ext4fs and resize2fs.
**2018.8.12 (201808120)**
- Added GMS Manager script -- automatically enables/disables Google Play Services when MagicGApps is enabled/disabled; self-remove when MagicGApps is uninstalled
- Updated module description
**2018.8.11 (201808110)**
- Fixed GApps runtime permission issues
- Fixed "make_ext4fs not found" (devices running Android P)
- Let Open GApps installer use the real /persist
- Major optimizations & cosmetic changes
- Removed `gp` executable
- Updated documentation
Archive
Reserved
++Reserved++
Hey! thanks for all your Magisk mods, I noticed you posted a few in the Collection of Magisk Mods v2 thread.
I'm curious about this one though. What is it for? No offense, I just don't understand why you'd need or want Beans core Gapps to be systemless.
Especially since A) they usually always occupy that space on /system, 2) the /system partition has plenty of room for the mini Gapps (and often much larger packages) after clean installing a ROM, and thirdly I thought the whole point of Magisk and systemlessness was to have an intact and "normal" /system.
Being able to hide root is one of the coolest things about Magisk, closely followed by installing modules "systemlessly", where they don't actually take up space on your system partition but act like they do.
In essence, I think my point is that I assumed Magisk systemlessness is designed for quite the opposite purpose of this mod. Why have empty room on your system partition (where the Gapps usually reside) AND have the ability to use systemless mods -- which inherently don't utilize the system partition, by design?
tl;dr:
If you're using Magisk for "systemlessness", why leave unused space on the system partition? If the Gapps are stored on /data, you have less usable space on the device.
Again, I mean no offense. The more I think about it the less sense it makes to me. Please explain why you made this and what its advantages are! I would love to understand.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
borxnx said:
Hey! thanks for all your Magisk mods, I noticed you posted a few in the Collection of Magisk Mods v2 thread.
I'm curious about this one though. What is it for? No offense, I just don't understand why you'd need or want Beans core Gapps to be systemless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of, thanks for the questioning. I thought somebody would feel confused at some point... and here we go. I just added my reasoning to the main post. You'll love it at best and like it at worst. Guaranteed.
Sorry for OT but, how do you make backup for magisk.img? ?
xkhen0017 said:
Sorry for OT but, how do you make backup for magisk.img? ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The file is located in /data. Use a file manager with root access to copy it to a desired location for future use. I personally use TWRP's built in file manager.
No offense. Some people prefer the Nova launcher instead of the Pixel launcher, so I hope you don't add the pixel launcher
Dope concept and module. Will I be able to manually update Gapps from the Nightly updates, or do I have to wait for you to push from your end?
aocboe said:
No offense. Some people prefer the Nova launcher instead of the Pixel launcher, so I hope you don't add the pixel launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your suggestion. I'll add Nova Launcher in the next version. Now I remember it is actually better than Pixel Launcher anyway.
Mecca EL said:
Dope concept and module. Will I be able to manually update Gapps from the Nightly updates, or do I have to wait for you to push from your end?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You either wait or just integrate app updates into system, systemlessly using Titanium Backup. That's the magic of this. However, to be honest, I'm more into it for the other modifications, since apps are updated from Pay Store anyway. Although they aren't integrated into Magisk automatically, you don't really need to worry about that too much.
Two questions:
First, can I just install this module instead of flashing gapps?
Second, can I add app I want systemized to the zip and install it?
Breno Spangler said:
Two questions:
First, can I just install this module instead of flashing gapps?
Second, can I add app I want systemized to the zip and install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One answer for both: yes.
Note: some apps may not work as system apps, unless you include libraries with them (extra space -- wasteful)
This includes some user apps. I'm open for suggestions.
Edit: I'm working on a script to batch install user apps added to the zip.
Edit 2: @Breno Spangler, the script is ready! Download
Just add your apps to the /data/app folder, remove the PLACEHOLDER file, enjoy.
Can i update the module just by installing new version or do i need to uninstall the old version first? I'm asking because i know that name changes can make software go crazy.
Shished said:
Can i update the module just by installing new version or do i need to uninstall the old version first? I'm asking because i know that name changes can make software go crazy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you're right about name changes. This name won't change anytime soon without notice. I did change it at first without notice though.
Anyway, only flash without removing the previous version if the names match.
VR25 said:
Thanks for your suggestion. I'll add Nova Launcher in the next version. Now I remember it is actually better than Pixel Launcher anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got nova launcher as default launcher on my rom. Won't it conflict if I install this module? Doesn't it better if you remove it and we can use any launcher we want?
khnoizer said:
I got nova launcher as default launcher on my rom. Won't it conflict if I install this module? Doesn't it better if you remove it and we can use any browser we want without added launcher if we don't use it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it may conflict. You can open the zip, go to system/priv-app directory, and delete NovaLauncher folder.
I'll evaluate your suggestion for the next version.
Edit: @khnoizer, module updated. Check the new info in the main post.
VR25 said:
Yes it may conflict. You can open the zip, go to system/priv-app directory, and delete NovaLauncher folder.
I'll evaluate your suggestion for the next version.
Edit: @khnoizer, module updated. Check the new info in the main post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice
stupid question: If flash a ROM that already has GAPPS bundled, that would cause a conflict with this module? Does one or the other win or do things just break.
Root Explorer & AutoRun Receiver modification How to? (Going from SuperSu to Magisk)
I'm old school, using SuperSu, looking at a new phone will have to use Magisk. I understand it is systemless still unsure if i can do what I did prior with SuperSu like running root explorer and making changes to the system partition files does not appear to be as simple as it was with SuperSu. A thread mentioned that a module is needed. Can someone explain to me in detail what is required to make a change to a system file and if my understanding is correct I can't just fire up Root Explorer and make the changes on the fly?
This also ties to other apps like AutoRun which I use to manage all the receivers for all the apps and system apps. How can this be achieved with Magisk which is systemless root?
SuperSU is systemless root, just as Magisk is... What most get confused about is that Magisk also can do systemless system modifications.
The only time you would run into any trouble would be if you have a Magisk module mounting the same file(s) you want to edit manually. Other than that it shouldn't be any different. It's just root by different names...
You only need to use modules if you want to do systemless modifications (which has a few advantages, like being easy to revert, sticking across system updates, etc).
..
Didgeridoohan said:
SuperSU is systemless root, just as Magisk is... What most get confused about is that Magisk also can do systemless system modifications.
The only time you would run into any trouble would be if you have a Magisk module mounting the same file(s) you want to edit manually. Other than that it shouldn't be any different. It's just root by different names...
You only need to use modules if you want to do systemless modifications (which has a few advantages, like being easy to revert, sticking across system updates, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that explanation, coming from SuperSu and reading the different threads and articles really does cause confusion.
So if I understand correctly, if I buy an S10, root it per the instructions i can use Root Explorer and Autorun & AdAway for example to make changes to system files and it will behave the same as SuperSu on older platforms?
You mentioned the benefits of systemless modifications is easy to revert, i guess for those that don't document changes or make a backup this is a benefit but i do both so it wouldn't make much sense for me.
But you touched on something important about sticking across system updates. If I manually edit the system files like I do in SuperSu, doesn't that render system updates obsolete because the phone is now rooted and system files have been modified and OTA updates no longer work? I assume by updates you mean manual updates and not OTA so I just want to confirm.
Another question regarding manually changing system files how does that affect SafetyNet checks and Magisk ability to Hide root from banking apps. Would these still work if I use root explorer, AutoRun & Adaway for example?
Thanks a lot
Correct, I'm talking about manual updates, not OTA (which won't work with a modified /system).
Most system edits you do will still make it possible to pass SafetyNet, but that all depends on what kind of edit you do. I don't have an example of any kind of edit that would trigger it though, so generally you should be safe.
There's actually another very good reason to start doing systemless modifications... From what @topjohnwu has been telling me it's actually going to be impossible to do manual modifications of /system starting from Android Q. I'm not even going to pretend to understand it all, but that's what he's apparently found while looking into rooting the Pixel 3/3XL on Q. It might not happen on all devices updating to Q (and knowing Samsung they'll likely come up with some sort of hybrid solution of their own), but that seems to be the future of Android modding.
arf8 said:
Thanks for that explanation, coming from SuperSu and reading the different threads and articles really does cause confusion.
So if I understand correctly, if I buy an S10, root it per the instructions i can use Root Explorer and Autorun & AdAway for example to make changes to system files and it will behave the same as SuperSu on older platforms?
You mentioned the benefits of systemless modifications is easy to revert, i guess for those that don't document changes or make a backup this is a benefit but i do both so it wouldn't make much sense for me.
But you touched on something important about sticking across system updates. If I manually edit the system files like I do in SuperSu, doesn't that render system updates obsolete because the phone is now rooted and system files have been modified and OTA updates no longer work? I assume by updates you mean manual updates and not OTA so I just want to confirm.
Another question regarding manually changing system files how does that affect SafetyNet checks and Magisk ability to Hide root from banking apps. Would these still work if I use root explorer, AutoRun & Adaway for example?
Thanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Generally speaking if you touch (actual) system files you'll not pass SafetyNet anymore. Neither will be able to do OTA updates. Besides that you'll have to reapply all your changes if you update system manually.
That's where Magisk comes. During boot Magisk builds a new system and apply the changes (with modules) that you want on it, not touching the actual device system files. This is the "systemless" concept.
For instance on Magisk there's an option (a module) that will let edit hosts file systemless. That way you can use AdAway without problems, its hosts file will be replacing Magisk system hosts, but not the actual device system hosts.
In a nut shell and simple words it is this way:
device boots.
Magisk gets the actual system and clone it.
Magisk apply the changes you want - modules that you have installed or manually written on appropriate folder - to this system clone only.
You never touch actual device system.
Magisk this way can hide whole root and system changes to Google and other apps.
You can update OTA or manually with no worries. All your changes will be always reapplied by Magisk over whatever actual system you have.
If you want to change system files ( systemless) you can:
write a module and add it to Magisk Manager app
or with a file manager manually put some files on a specific folder of Magisk (same place that modules do)
or use some of the already available modules that let's you do some generic stuff (for instance edit props, debloat, systemize apps,...)
But if you really want to change your actual system (NOT systemless) sure you can. You can do that under recovery. Or you can do that with regular root file manager on a specific Magisk folder that is a link (mirror) to actual system.
All those folders and how to deal with them are explained on Magisk Github readme. Search there for file structure.
Didgeridoohan said:
SuperSU is systemless root, just as Magisk is... What most get confused about is that Magisk also can do systemless system modifications.
The only time you would run into any trouble would be if you have a Magisk module mounting the same file(s) you want to edit manually. Other than that it shouldn't be any different. It's just root by different names...
You only need to use modules if you want to do systemless modifications (which has a few advantages, like being easy to revert, sticking across system updates, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didgeridoohan said:
Correct, I'm talking about manual updates, not OTA (which won't work with a modified /system).
Most system edits you do will still make it possible to pass SafetyNet, but that all depends on what kind of edit you do. I don't have an example of any kind of edit that would trigger it though, so generally you should be safe.
There's actually another very good reason to start doing systemless modifications... From what @topjohnwu has been telling me it's actually going to be impossible to do manual modifications of /system starting from Android Q. I'm not even going to pretend to understand it all, but that's what he's apparently found while looking into rooting the Pixel 3/3XL on Q. It might not happen on all devices updating to Q (and knowing Samsung they'll likely come up with some sort of hybrid solution of their own), but that seems to be the future of Android modding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again, very useful information.
The edits will be to XML files to tweak and mod the usual CSC open up hidden features, etc so hopefully that does not trigger SafetyNet.
I did read a little about Q on and Pixel 3. I believe he achieved root on Pixel 2. If this is the case it is a sad day for those of us who like to do mods the old fashion way.
With respect to doing these mods via systemless, i understand that modules have to be created. I assume this is a straight forward process? I've never dabbled in Magisk or its modules, if i want to make a simple change to an XML file is there a tutorial on how to do so and how the modules have to be loaded?
Thanks
arf8 said:
With respect to doing these mods via systemless, i understand that modules have to be created. I assume this is a straight forward process? I've never dabbled in Magisk or its modules, if i want to make a simple change to an XML file is there a tutorial on how to do so and how the modules have to be loaded?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's quite easy to make modules, yes. @topjohnwu has it laid out pretty well in the docs:
https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/guides.html
And it's all pretty well explained in the template files as well:
https://github.com/topjohnwu/magisk-module-installer
Basically you place the files in the same directory structure as you'd find them on your device's /system partition and Magisk will do the rest. And, this community is generally very helpful so if you ever need help getting a module together it's just a matter of asking. :good:
wilsonhlacerda said:
Generally speaking if you touch (actual) system files you'll not pass SafetyNet anymore. Neither will be able to do OTA updates. Besides that you'll have to reapply all your changes if you update system manually.
That's where Magisk comes. During boot Magisk builds a new system and apply the changes (with modules) that you want on it, not touching the actual device system files. This is the "systemless" concept.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought based on the response from Didgeridoohan that touching some system files does not trigger safetynet?
wilsonhlacerda said:
For instance on Magisk there's an option (a module) that will let edit hosts file systemless. That way you can use AdAway without problems, its hosts file will be replacing Magisk system hosts, but not the actual device system hosts.
In a nut shell and simple words it is this way:
device boots.
Magisk gets the actual system and clone it.
Magisk apply the changes you want - modules that you have installed or manually written on appropriate folder - to this system clone only.
You never touch actual device system.
Magisk this way can hide whole root and system changes to Google and other apps.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks this makes sense, but how does one create a module for an application that modifies countless files. I get AdAway modifies the hosts file and changing xml files is easy enough to change because you know what file changed. But for a program like AutoRun Manager which changes countless program receivers, how do you make a module out of that? The application itself modifies countless files based on the changes made in the application. I don't assume everything can be done through a Systemless module or am I wrong?
wilsonhlacerda said:
You can update OTA or manually with no worries. All your changes will be always reapplied by Magisk over whatever actual system you have.
If you want to change system files ( systemless) you can:
write a module and add it to Magisk Manager app
or with a file manager manually put some files on a specific folder of Magisk (same place that modules do)
or use some of the already available modules that let's you do some generic stuff (for instance edit props, debloat, systemize apps,...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understand on the updates if changes are done via systemless.
So if i copy a system file and place it in the specific folder of Magisk is there more required to make this a module. You will have to excuse my Magisk ignorance. I'll have to look at those modules to see how they made them and see if i can apply the same to the mods I want to do on single files but the bigger issue is on applications itself that modify multiple files like Autorun, Tasker, VPN clients etc.
wilsonhlacerda said:
But if you really want to change your actual system (NOT systemless) sure you can. You can do that under recovery. Or you can do that with regular root file manager on a specific Magisk folder that is a link (mirror) to actual system.
All those folders and how to deal with them are explained on Magisk Github readme. Search there for file structure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I read through the readme at Github but I had more questions than answers.
Didgeridoohan said:
It's quite easy to make modules, yes. @topjohnwu has it laid out pretty well in the docs:
https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/guides.html
And it's all pretty well explained in the template files as well:
https://github.com/topjohnwu/magisk-module-installer
Basically you place the files in the same directory structure as you'd find them on your device's /system partition and Magisk will do the rest. And, this community is generally very helpful so if you ever need help getting a module together it's just a matter of asking. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will have to keep reading and looking at examples to make sure I understand. It seems pretty easy the way you put it by copying the file in the same directory structure but it seems like there is more to it than that?
My question is how do you apply systemless changes when it is not just a single file for example AutoRun manager that manages the Receivers of every single application in the phone which could be hundreds including system files. How do you make a module or systemless change at this point? Perhaps I should stick with what I know from the SuperSu days and let the application do its job and not upgrade to Q. Mind you I'm on a rooted S6edge with SuperSu on PingPong exploit so I'm very familiar with this phones file systems and documented all my changes but I also rely on many applications to do the changes through their front end.
arf8 said:
I will have to keep reading and looking at examples to make sure I understand. It seems pretty easy the way you put it by copying the file in the same directory structure but it seems like there is more to it than that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's basically it. Put the files in the proper place in the zip, flash it in the Manager or recovery and you're good to go. Or, you could even do it manually while booted by creating the module directory under /data/adb/modules_update. There you can then place the module.prop file (so that the module is recognised by the Manager) and a /system (and/or /system/vendor) directory where you put all the files you want to replace with your own. Reboot, and voila.
My question is how do you apply systemless changes when it is not just a single file for example AutoRun manager that manages the Receivers of every single application in the phone which could be hundreds including system files. How do you make a module or systemless change at this point? Perhaps I should stick with what I know from the SuperSu days and let the application do its job and not upgrade to Q. Mind you I'm on a rooted S6edge with SuperSu on PingPong exploit so I'm very familiar with this phones file systems and documented all my changes but I also rely on many applications to do the changes through their front end.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the app in question actually edit the system and/or vendor partitions? Or is it simply updating system settings that are found elsewhere? If it's the latter it doesn't really matter...
Didgeridoohan said:
No, that's basically it. Put the files in the proper place in the zip, flash it in the Manager or recovery and you're good to go. Or, you could even do it manually while booted by creating the module directory under /data/adb/modules_update. There you can then place the module.prop file (so that the module is recognised by the Manager) and a /system (and/or /system/vendor) directory where you put all the files you want to replace with your own. Reboot, and voila.
Does the app in question actually edit the system and/or vendor partitions? Or is it simply updating system settings that are found elsewhere? If it's the latter it doesn't really matter...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds very simple the way you put it. I looked for some examples on XDA to see if I understand the changes but what threw me off for example on this one below is that the changes are being made to the build.prop file but I don't see a build.prop in any of the folders? instead there is a system.prop?
https://github.com/Magisk-Modules-Grave/voenabler
That is a great question, i don't know to be honest, I do know the app does require root to function in making changes to system files so lets assume the former instead of the latter. Does that mean Magisk can no longer "hide root" if this app is used?
How about Ti backup or more specifically flash fire? Currently I have flashfire backups for any major change I make so if something goes south i recover the entire phone using this tool. Its a beautiful tool for creating snapshots and full recovery, no config needed. I don't suppose it will work any longer with systemless option?
This is just my ignorance as I read more I have more questions, but supersu for example exploited vulnerabilities to achieve root. Is Magisk actually exploiting any vulnerabilities or simply taking advantage of the fact the bootloader is unlocked and therefore it mimics various system partitions to give you a faux root? I'm trying to understand if there is no actual vulnerability to exploit like PingPong in Lollipop for example how can I make changes manually to the system files using Root Explorer? On my S6 Edge it has a locked bootloader, but I still have root access with SuperSu via an exploit, I don't think this is possible with Magisk b/c the bootloader is locked so is Magisk really root?
thanks again for your patience but I'm sure this will come up for anyone doing from SuperSu to Magisk
arf8 said:
It sounds very simple the way you put it. I looked for some examples on XDA to see if I understand the changes but what threw me off for example on this one below is that the changes are being made to the build.prop file but I don't see a build.prop in any of the folders? instead there is a system.prop?
https://github.com/Magisk-Modules-Grave/voenabler
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whenever Magisk changes a prop value that you normally would find in build.prop it doesn't actually alter the file, but instead loads a new value in the old ones place. That's done with the resetprop tool and Magisk reads the system.prop file during boot to load the new values.
That is a great question, i don't know to be honest, I do know the app does require root to function in making changes to system files so lets assume the former instead of the latter. Does that mean Magisk can no longer "hide root" if this app is used?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As mentioned earlier, it's all a matter of what kind of edits you make... But any edit that's not been done through Magisk cannot be hidden by MagiskHide.
How about Ti backup or more specifically flash fire? Currently I have flashfire backups for any major change I make so if something goes south i recover the entire phone using this tool. Its a beautiful tool for creating snapshots and full recovery, no config needed. I don't suppose it will work any longer with systemless option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a very real chance that Flashfire will not work. This is simply because it is practically abandoned and as far as I know @Chainfire has no interest in spending the considerable effort it would take to get it up to speed with the current Android situation.
This is just my ignorance as I read more I have more questions, but supersu for example exploited vulnerabilities to achieve root. Is Magisk actually exploiting any vulnerabilities or simply taking advantage of the fact the bootloader is unlocked and therefore it mimics various system partitions to give you a faux root? I'm trying to understand if there is no actual vulnerability to exploit like PingPong in Lollipop for example how can I make changes manually to the system files using Root Explorer? On my S6 Edge it has a locked bootloader, but I still have root access with SuperSu via an exploit, I don't think this is possible with Magisk b/c the bootloader is locked so is Magisk really root?
thanks again for your patience but I'm sure this will come up for anyone doing from SuperSu to Magisk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Magisk does not use any exploits and you will have to unlock your bootloader to install it. There is nothing faux about MagiskSU. It's just as real as any other root solution you'll find out there...
Didgeridoohan said:
Whenever Magisk changes a prop value that you normally would find in build.prop it doesn't actually alter the file, but instead loads a new value in the old ones place. That's done with the resetprop tool and Magisk reads the system.prop file during boot to load the new values.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes sense, i was looking for build.prop
As mentioned earlier, it's all a matter of what kind of edits you make... But any edit that's not been done through Magisk cannot be hidden by MagiskHide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
understand
There's a very real chance that Flashfire will not work. This is simply because it is practically abandoned and as far as I know @Chainfire has no interest in spending the considerable effort it would take to get it up to speed with the current Android situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is probably the most disheartening to hear as I'm not sure what other alternative there is to make a complete snapshot. I assume TWRP but i'm not familiar enough with it and it does not work with the S10.
Magisk does not use any exploits and you will have to unlock your bootloader to install it. There is nothing faux about MagiskSU. It's just as real as any other root solution you'll find out there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again my ignorance is getting the better of me here so bear with me. SuperSu used the PingPong kernel exploit in Lollipop to achieve root, regardless if it had a locked/unlocked bootloader. How does Magisk actually achieve root on the S10 and provide elevated privileges if it is not exploiting a known vulnerability? Or is it exploiting a vulnerability? Is my assumption not correct that because the bootloader is unlocked, it is simply (over simplifying) make a copy of the system partitions and than gives you the impression you have root?
Very enlightening information.
Upon further reading, it looks like Magisk zip contains the su binary which gives you root access without having to exploit a vulnerability so it only works with unlocked bootloader.
arf8 said:
Again my ignorance is getting the better of me here so bear with me. SuperSu used the PingPong kernel exploit in Lollipop to achieve root, regardless if it had a locked/unlocked bootloader. How does Magisk actually achieve root on the S10 and provide elevated privileges if it is not exploiting a known vulnerability? Or is it exploiting a vulnerability? Is my assumption not correct that because the bootloader is unlocked, it is simply (over simplifying) make a copy of the system partitions and than gives you the impression you have root?
Very enlightening information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
arf8 said:
Upon further reading, it looks like Magisk zip contains the su binary which gives you root access without having to exploit a vulnerability so it only works with unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mornin'.
Correctamundo... No exploits, no vulnerabilities, just old-fashioned root.
Besides the su binary, Magisk also needs to modify the boot image, or in the S10's and some other modern devices case the recovery image. That's why we need to have the bootloader unlocked, to flash the modified file to the boot/recovery partition.
Didgeridoohan said:
Whenever Magisk changes a prop value that you normally would find in build.prop it doesn't actually alter the file, but instead loads a new value in the old ones place. That's done with the resetprop tool and Magisk reads the system.prop file during boot to load the new values.
As mentioned earlier, it's all a matter of what kind of edits you make... But any edit that's not been done through Magisk cannot be hidden by MagiskHide.
There's a very real chance that Flashfire will not work. This is simply because it is practically abandoned and as far as I know @Chainfire has no interest in spending the considerable effort it would take to get it up to speed with the current Android situation.
Magisk does not use any exploits and you will have to unlock your bootloader to install it. There is nothing faux about MagiskSU. It's just as real as any other root solution you'll find out there...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didgeridoohan said:
Mornin'.
Correctamundo... No exploits, no vulnerabilities, just old-fashioned root.
Besides the su binary, Magisk also needs to modify the boot image, or in the S10's and some other modern devices case the recovery image. That's why we need to have the bootloader unlocked, to flash the modified file to the boot/recovery partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks as usual for the confirmation.
To summarize & correct me if I'm wrong, but the take away for anyone else coming from SuperSu to Magisk who read this thread, is that you will still be able to modify the system files the same old fashion way with apps like Root Explorer, caveat pre-Q (upcoming Android OS), but you give up the ability to Hide Root, which is one the key features what Magisk is known for. Otherwise you can go the modules route which is "systemless" and maintain the ability to hide root.
Does that sound right?
For those like me who are used to the old fashion way of tweaking it will take some getting used to modules and creating them. The problem or issue becomes older style apps which can't be adopted to modules is where the issue arises for systemless conversion. I learned a lot so I appreciate your feedback. If you ask me some of this info should be sticky'd somewhere.
You've almost got it... Even with most old-fashioned system modifications you should be able to hide root. The problem arises if you do some kind of edit that apps looking for root usually look for, like installing Busybox. But that specific case shouldn't be an issue, since there's a Busybox module available in the Magisk repo.
Actually, many if the things you'd normally edit after having rooted can be done through Magisk modules already available.
Debloating - use Debloater.
Systemising apps - use App Systemizer.
Editing build.prop and other prop values- use MagiskHide Props Config.
Hosts adblocking - use the built-in systemless hosts module (Manager settings) and AdAway (or your hosts editor of choice).
Etc...
Thanks, I do have busybox installed so I will use the Module for sure and all the other modules you mentioned. The concern is applications themselves like AutoRun for example and I'm sure more. But good to know the option is there to manually make changes like the old fashion way if you are not concerned about hiding or passing safetynet. I personally don't have anything I want to hide, using this method will trip knox so samsung pay on the phone is out the door. Setting up Samsung Pay on a Gear watch is a different story so that will be beneficial.
In regards to adblocking, are you saying you can use the built-in systemless hosts module and also install the Adaway apk like you normally would? Does it require a modified version of the Adaway app or the regular apk for F-Droid for example will work fine?
One final question since we touched on this earlier. Since FlashFire will not work and TWRP is not an option. What is an alternative for taking a complete snapshot of your phone for backup and recovery?
arf8 said:
In regards to adblocking, are you saying you can use the built-in systemless hosts module and also install the Adaway apk like you normally would? Does it require a modified version of the Adaway app or the regular apk for F-Droid for example will work fine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. Enable the option in the Magisk Manager and reboot. After that Adaway (the regular one from F-Droid) will not touch /system.
One final question since we touched on this earlier. Since FlashFire will not work and TWRP is not an option. What is an alternative for taking a complete snapshot of your phone for backup and recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming you mean to get the Exynos version of the S10 (since you won't be able to unlock the bootloader otherwise), so: https://twrp.me/samsung/samsunggalaxys10.html
But, I'm not the right person to ask about full snapshot backups... I never do that (haven't for years), but instead make sure that any important data (photos, etc) always is backed up to the cloud. The rest is easy to set up again after a reset (and a reset is good to do once in a while).
In the past couple years, magisk has come a long ways to the point that it's the de-facto root solution. I have been developing and maintaining the Unity template for the past couple years but it's now reached a point where there's no longer a need for it - it's simply not worth the effort anymore. There are very few use cases where someone would want to stay rootless and still install a bunch of mods and every other root solution is pretty much deprecated at this point. So I switched gears from Unity to a magisk only template.
Consider this the spiritual successor of the Unity Template
So what is Magisk Module Template Extended (MMT-Ex)?
MMT-Ex is just as the name describes - it's the magisk module template but with the best features of Unity added to it
What does this mean?
This means that MMT-Ex is an easy way to make a magisk module regardless of how basic or advanced it is.
Where do I start?
Follow the readme on the main repo here and you'll be setup in no time
Questions?
Post them here, I'll try to help out when I have the chance but hopefully you won't have any
So much for the smooth release. Small bug fix pushed
@Zackptg5 I write here since there's no issue section in the repo, but there are two uninstall.sh files, one in common and the other one in the main directory, I think that's a bit confusing.
My ideas would be:
-merge the two files;
- rename the one in common in remove.sh , MMT-exuninstall.sh or similar names
MarcAnt01 said:
@Zackptg5 I write here since there's no issue section in the repo, but there are two uninstall.sh files, one in common and the other one in the main directory, I think that's a bit confusing.
My ideas would be:
-merge the two files;
- rename the one in common in remove.sh , MMT-exuninstall.sh or similar names
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could do a better drop explaining things in the wiki
The one in root gets copied as is to modpath and will uninstall any files outside modpath if removed via magisk manager
The one in common is like the old unity_uninstall one. The only reason I had the common ones named unity_whatever back in the day is because one of the past magisk module templates unzipped everything with the -j option (ignores directories) and so files would overwrite each other if they had the same name
I disabled issues on most of my repos because noobs would post stupid stuff on it so I redirected all support to here instead
Zackptg5 said:
I could do a better drop explaining things in the wiki
The one in root gets copied as is to modpath and will uninstall any files outside modpath if removed via magisk manager
The one in common is like the old unity_uninstall one. The only reason I had the common ones named unity_whatever back in the day is because one of the past magisk module templates unzipped everything with the -j option (ignores directories) and so files would overwrite each other if they had the same name
I disabled issues on most of my repos because noobs would post stupid stuff on it so I redirected all support to here instead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far so good here.
@Zackptg5 it appears system.prop and sepolicy.rule still need to be placed in the root of the mod, and not in common in order to propagate on-device.
Which is fine, as i know thats how to fix it. But wasnt sure if that was your intent, it sounds like you want everything running script-wise out of common (which makes sense). Attached my magisk log, and my mod has a new sepolicy.rule and system.prop. I tried this the way i maentioned above and every loads as it should.
Hello, if I develop a Module with your template, I will be able to install it on my device. But I don't think it will be accepted as a valid module submission here (https://github.com/Magisk-Modules-Repo/submission/issues) because it does not respect the new module format.
Can you confirm?
aer0zer0 said:
@Zackptg5 it appears system.prop and sepolicy.rule still need to be placed in the root of the mod, and not in common in order to propagate on-device.
Which is fine, as i know thats how to fix it. But wasnt sure if that was your intent, it sounds like you want everything running script-wise out of common (which makes sense). Attached my magisk log, and my mod has a new sepolicy.rule and system.prop. I tried this the way i maentioned above and every loads as it should.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Common folder scripts should copy over but I've seen this issue in another module. I'll look into it later this week when I'm off work
lapwat said:
Hello, if I develop a Module with your template, I will be able to install it on my device. But I don't think it will be accepted as a valid module submission here (https://github.com/Magisk-Modules-Repo/submission/issues) because it does not respect the new module format.
Can you confirm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mmtex is the new template with some modifications so you shouldn't have any problems there
DELETED
lapwat said:
I don't understand because on the Developer Guides there isn't any common folder anymore: https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/guides.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's on of the modifications I made although there appears to be a bug with it that I'll need to work out
Zackptg5 said:
That's on of the modifications I made although there appears to be a bug with it that I'll need to work out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was to guess it would be something in lines 208-214 of the functions.sh. but I'm way to stoned to be of any actual assistance.
Edit: Clearly too stoned. I meant to reply to the system.prop not being applied when in common not what I actually replied to lol
Found the problem real quick. Seems I mixed up Unity with MMT-Ex logic:
The main boot scripts and such (service.sh, post-fs-data.sh, sepolicy.rule, and system.prop) should all be in root of installer like with regular template. Any extras can go into common. I'll push an update to the wiki on that shortly
Zackptg5 said:
Found the problem real quick. Seems I mixed up Unity with MMT-Ex logic:
The main boot scripts and such (service.sh, post-fs-data.sh, sepolicy.rule, and system.prop) should all be in root of installer like with regular template. Any extras can go into common. I'll push an update to the wiki on that shortly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my second guess!
Zackptg5 said:
Found the problem real quick. Seems I mixed up Unity with MMT-Ex logic:
The main boot scripts and such (service.sh, post-fs-data.sh, sepolicy.rule, and system.prop) should all be in root of installer like with regular template. Any extras can go into common. I'll push an update to the wiki on that shortly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that did the trick, much appreciated.
Updated MMT-Ex to v1.1! Been pushing some fixes for a while now and I feel like it's good to go for the next version. See the wiki for changelog: https://github.com/Zackptg5/MMT-Extended/wiki/Changelog
Subscribed. Appreciate your efforts!
Minimun Magisk version?
panchogg said:
Minimun Magisk version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It follows official magisk template so 19 is minimum currently
MMT-Ex has been updated to v1.2! I anticipate this being the last update for a while unless something comes up - think I got it at a good state.
Changelog can be found same place as always: https://github.com/Zackptg5/MMT-Extended/wiki/Changelog
Some notable changes are:
MMT-Ex now has the same behavior as mainstream magisk module template - it always uninstalls/installs Furthermore, to simplify things, it'll only work in magisk manager. If you flash it in TWRP, it'll trigger automatic removal - this was kept in as a save from a module causing a bootloop
common/uninstall and upgrade scripts are gone now - no need for them anymore. There are very few instances where you'd need custom uninstall logic now since MMT-Ex handles all file removal automatically but if you do have something, you can place it in the TOP of the uninstall file at root of installer
ORIGVEN variable is gone - turns out that original vendor is always $ORIGDIR/vendor so you can just use that
Zackptg5 said:
MMT-Ex has been updated to v1.2! I anticipate this being the last update for a while unless something comes up - think I got it at a good state.
Changelog can be found same place as always: https://github.com/Zackptg5/MMT-Extended/wiki/Changelog
Some notable changes are:
MMT-Ex now has the same behavior as mainstream magisk module template - it always uninstalls/installs Furthermore, to simplify things, it'll only work in magisk manager. If you flash it in TWRP, it'll trigger automatic removal - this was kept in as a save from a module causing a bootloop
common/uninstall and upgrade scripts are gone now - no need for them anymore. There are very few instances where you'd need custom uninstall logic now since MMT-Ex handles all file removal automatically but if you do have something, you can place it in the TOP of the uninstall file at root of installer
ORIGVEN variable is gone - turns out that original vendor is always $ORIGDIR/vendor so you can just use that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Took you a while to find a proper avatar..