Database Develop

HTC VIVID Super User Problems....

So I am a new person and therefor can not post this in the development thread under the forum where I feel it would belong with the other root related questions.... So i followed the SUPER GUIDE to root my phone (Thank you so much Slapshot and PirateGhost, I was beginning to regret not getting a skyrocket until I found your thread). My super user is running into an issue I can not seem to fix.....
Maybe this is simple or maybe I really messed something up....
Basically none of my apps have root anymore (they did at one point and to my knowledge I change nothing...)
When I go to the Super User app to update my binaries and hopefully get any issues resolved I am greeted by the following error message in the update log: "Failed to find currently installed SU binary. Update cannot continue"
Is there a resolution for this? I have not found anyone even running into the same issue on the Vivid.....
A little nervous.... I didnt have near this many issues rooting my ATRIX and modding the living daylights out of that.

Have you checked with Root Checker Basic to see if you even have Root? If you didn't follow the Super Guide step by step your phone could have relocked after you turned your phone off/on.
If it still fails to update you could try SuperUser Update Fixer.

Yes I have check with root checker.
This may be a dumb question but how do I uninstall Superuser? When I go to the typical application management it does not give me the option. I have done an install again to overwrite the files and nothing changed there.
I followed the instructions step by step (though obviously I messed up somewhere...)
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using XDA App

Kraizk said:
So I am a new person and therefor can not post this in the development thread under the forum where I feel it would belong with the other root related questions.... So i followed the SUPER GUIDE to root my phone (Thank you so much Slapshot and PirateGhost, I was beginning to regret not getting a skyrocket until I found your thread). My super user is running into an issue I can not seem to fix.....
Maybe this is simple or maybe I really messed something up....
Basically none of my apps have root anymore (they did at one point and to my knowledge I change nothing...)
When I go to the Super User app to update my binaries and hopefully get any issues resolved I am greeted by the following error message in the update log: "Failed to find currently installed SU binary. Update cannot continue"
Is there a resolution for this? I have not found anyone even running into the same issue on the Vivid.....
A little nervous.... I didnt have near this many issues rooting my ATRIX and modding the living daylights out of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting... maybe your root didn't stick. We had a little trouble with that before but pirateghost fixed the CWM ROOT zip. You have a working CWM Recovery, correct?
In the superguide, I have a second option for root in case the first doesn't work. In your case, go ahead and try the second option. The one involving the supertool. That should get you perm root. If that doesn't even work, then we might have to put you back to stock and go at it again.
EDIT: BEFORE TRYING THE SUPERTOOL, try flashing the new CWM ROOT VER2 zip from CWM recovery and see if root sticks.

Slapshot, thank you for checking the General Thread, I really do appreciate that. I have tried both methods multiple times since the root failure seeing as so many people said they had to run the methods multiple times to make them stick (this admittedly may be part of the issue). The most recent one has been the CWM ROOT VER2. Still no dice. Is there a method to remove and re install super user? Or am I reading into the error too literally and instead I just basically do not have root.

Kraizk said:
Slapshot, thank you for checking the General Thread, I really do appreciate that. I have tried both methods multiple times since the root failure seeing as so many people said they had to run the methods multiple times to make them stick (this admittedly may be part of the issue). The most recent one has been the CWM ROOT VER2. Still no dice. Is there a method to remove and re install super user? Or am I reading into the error too literally and instead I just basically do not have root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. At this point I think you may just not have root... but first, go ahead and go into bootloader (power off, then power on while holding power and vol down). Does your device say unlocked?

*Just a clarification*
You have to unroot your phone to get rid of it Idk why I put uninstall/reinstall earlier...still out there from last night I guess.

slapshot30 said:
No problem. At this point I think you may just not have root... but first, go ahead and go into bootloader (power off, then power on while holding power and vol down). Does your device say unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the device still says unlocked. That was one of the first things I checked... Haha....
As I said ive flashed the rooted CWM and it says it went over successfully.
If i use the Zerg exploit it still seems to go over successfully (I realize this has a tenancy to mess with internal storage and only provide a temp root but i do not even get that temp root).
How would I unroot my device? Do you mean flash to stock and relock my boot loader?
As I said I have flashed several devices in the past (Atrix, eee pad transformer, HTC Inspire, HTC DINC, SAMSUNG GALAXY S T-Mobile) but I am not completely up to date on all of the technical terms...

Kraizk said:
Yes the device still says unlocked. That was one of the first things I checked... Haha....
As I said ive flashed the rooted CWM and it says it went over successfully.
If i use the Zerg exploit it still seems to go over successfully (I realize this has a tenancy to mess with internal storage and only provide a temp root but i do not even get that temp root).
How would I unroot my device? Do you mean flash to stock and relock my boot loader?
As I said I have flashed several devices in the past (Atrix, eee pad transformer, HTC Inspire, HTC DINC, SAMSUNG GALAXY S T-Mobile) but I am not completely up to date on all of the technical terms...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I mean relock the bootloader and back to stock rom, then try again. Do you know how to get back to stock?

slapshot30 said:
Yes, I mean relock the bootloader and back to stock rom, then try again. Do you know how to get back to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually that one I do not know how to do... I realize this is probably somewhat annoying because I am sure you have said how to do it before.... Some help would be greatly appreciated

Kraizk said:
actually that one I do not know how to do... I realize this is probably somewhat annoying because I am sure you have said how to do it before.... Some help would be greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't told anyone how to do it surprisingly, and I'm more than happy to help . I was honestly thinking about adding reverting back to stock to the superguide, and I think I just may do that. Here is the link. Pirateghost is the man.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20821226&postcount=4

Thank you for this and all of your help, people like you and ghostpirate are why i still feel like I can turn to the XDA community. I will try this firs thing in the morning and give an update on how things went. I would try it tonight but lets be honest, its the 1st of the year and the last thing I need to be doing is messing with technology.....

Kraizk said:
Thank you for this and all of your help, people like you and ghostpirate are why i still feel like I can turn to the XDA community. I will try this firs thing in the morning and give an update on how things went. I would try it tonight but lets be honest, its the 1st of the year and the last thing I need to be doing is messing with technology.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's no problem, this isn't a dumb question or easy issue by any means. If the method I directed to you doesn't work, let me know. There is another way to do it without all the code.

slapshot30 said:
I haven't told anyone how to do it surprisingly, and I'm more than happy to help . I was honestly thinking about adding reverting back to stock to the superguide, and I think I just may do that. Here is the link. Pirateghost is the man.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20821226&postcount=4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked perfectly. I flashed it back to stock using the thread you linked me to. Then I did the CWM Root method and so far so good. I appreciate all of your help

Nice, I'm glad you were able to get everything working.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda premium

FireTV Partial Bootloader Unlock

Well it's a little early for Christmas... but here is a special gift. This will allow the bootloader to load things from boot or recovery without them needing to be patched. This is not a full unlock and will not enable fastboot boot or fastboot flash. Obviously this will only work if you are rooted.
As usual, this WILL void your warranty and I am NOT responsible for anything you do with this. Using this tool won't brick your Fire TV, but doing stupid things afterwards might. I will stress here that flashing something bad to boot is a guaranteed way to brick because if the kernel can't boot you have no way to get back to recovery. For testing kernels, it's best to flash recovery to the boot partition and the new kernel to test to the recovery partition.
To use:
Downgrade: You must first downgrade to 51.1.0.2. If you already have CWM installed, you can skip this.
adb push aftv-unlock /data/local/tmp/
adb shell
chmod 755 /data/local/tmp/aftv-unlock
su
/data/local/tmp/aftv-unlock unlock
Afterwards you should see this message:
Code:
Attempting to unlock...
All done!
If not, something went wrong. If for whatever reason you want to relock the bootloader, you can use this command:
Code:
/data/local/tmp/aftv-unlock lock
You can download it here.

WOW, just WOW, awesome work rbox!
I was definitely not expecting this.

rbox said:
Well it's a little early for Christmas... but here is a special gift. This will allow the bootloader to load things from boot or recovery without them needing to be patched. This is not a full unlock and will not enable fastboot boot or fastboot flash. Obviously this will only work if you are rooted.
As usual, this WILL void your warranty and I am NOT responsible for anything you do with this. Using this tool won't brick your Fire TV, but doing stupid things afterwards might. I will stress here that flashing something bad to boot is a guaranteed way to brick because if the kernel can't boot you have no way to get back to recovery. For testing kernels, it's best to flash recovery to the boot partition and the new kernel to test to the recovery partition.
To use:
Downgrade: You must first downgrade to 51.1.0.2. If you already have CWM installed, you can skip this.
adb push aftv-unlock /data/local/tmp/
adb shell
chmod 755 /data/local/tmp/aftv-unlock
su
/data/local/tmp/aftv-unlock unlock
Afterwards you should see this message:
Code:
Attempting to unlock...
All done!
If not, something went wrong. If for whatever reason you want to relock the bootloader, you can use this command:
Code:
/data/local/tmp/aftv-unlock lock
You can download it here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats to you
And Merry Christmas to us FTV users!
BTW, could you please tell me the console messages for lock failure and unlock failure? (may they never occur)

..

JJ-KwiK said:
Awesome!
Thanks man!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe we can get some real mods for this device now. different roms and what not.
just ran the unlock and it worked like a charm

Rbox do you know if the bootloader can boot from usb?

Does this require a minimal CWM version of yours?
I installed your Recovery (CWM) - on all 4 of my AFTVs - when you first released it ..
I've not had any reason to upgrade to the latest versions.... I'm just using the heck outta the AFTV as it is built, with all the nice rooted options. I really don't need anything else yet, so ...
with that said " can I just install this unlock-lock feature? "

Truly amazing. Can't wait for full fledged android on this.

Nice to see this, but it doesn't help much when you have a Fire TV with a non-rootable firmware.

jmandawg said:
Rbox do you know if the bootloader can boot from usb?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader will only boot from the boot partition or the recovery partition on the mmc. But I'm working on a boot menu that will allow you to easily boot additional kernels which can then load your os from wherever you want.
toe-rag said:
I installed your Recovery (CWM) - on all 4 of my AFTVs - when you first released it ..
I've not had any reason to upgrade to the latest versions.... I'm just using the heck outta the AFTV as it is built, with all the nice rooted options. I really don't need anything else yet, so ...
with that said " can I just install this unlock-lock feature? "
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. This is independent of anything. The only dependence is the latest version of CWM requires it.

I installed ccm when you first released it then upgraded to the latest firmware the other night. Thanks a lot btw! But, can I assume (as a novice) this is not something I need to do right now. What I mean is is this just for people that want to experiment with new kernels or is there some advantage I'm missing? Thanks again and sorry if my question is a little too basic for this thread. I'm just genuinely curious.

KLit75 said:
I installed ccm when you first released it then upgraded to the latest firmware the other night. Thanks a lot btw! But, can I assume (as a novice) this is not something I need to do right now. What I mean is is this just for people that want to experiment with new kernels or is there some advantage I'm missing? Thanks again and sorry if my question is a little too basic for this thread. I'm just genuinely curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't care about updating your CWM version, or using any of the other cool things I'll release in the future that needs it, then no. You don't need to do this.

Thanks for the response. I did, in fact just update cwm and am running your latest fw update. I guess "need" isn't the right word. But if I unlock it tonight the cool stuff is still forthcoming.
Sorry just 2 questions:
1. Unlocking and keeping it unlocked indefinetly is ok?
And here's one that s on a slightly different subject...
2. I noticed updating with your fw saves my settings. Is there a safe way to factory restore using cwm without the risk of losing root?
That's actually the one I'm most interested in now. My aftv has been having issues that are hard to troubleshoot. An option to factory restore would be great. I mostly use it for xbmc so the only thing I care about losing is root. Thanks.

KLit75 said:
Thanks for the response. I did, in fact just update cwm and am running your latest fw update. I guess "need" isn't the right word. But if I unlock it tonight the cool stuff is still forthcoming.
Sorry just 2 questions:
1. Unlocking and keeping it unlocked indefinetly is ok?
And here's one that s on a slightly different subject...
2. I noticed updating with your fw saves my settings. Is there a safe way to factory restore using cwm without the risk of losing root?
That's actually the one I'm most interested in now. My aftv has been having issues that are hard to troubleshoot. An option to factory restore would be great. I mostly use it for xbmc so the only thing I care about losing is root. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course keeping it locked is fine... i wouldn't have released the tool if it wasn't.
As I've stated in MANY OTHER THREADS... factory reset in CWM is perfectly fine and has nothing to do with root.

rbox said:
If you don't care about updating your CWM version, or using any of the other cool things I'll release in the future that needs it, then no. You don't need to do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great. Thanks again

Thanks for this! Was very happy that the AFTV i ordered from eBay was rootable.
at the risk of being "that guy", can someone explain to a relative dummy like me the future potential with an unlocked bootloader? are we talking maybe an Android TV rom down the road? .. Apologies in advance

Hi, I unlocked the bootloader and it was successfully. Thank you rbox

barrist said:
Thanks for this! Was very happy that the AFTV i ordered from eBay was rootable.
at the risk of being "that guy", can someone explain to a relative dummy like me the future potential with an unlocked bootloader? are we talking maybe an Android TV rom down the road? .. Apologies in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing that people couldn't already do with my old CWM. Custom ROMs and whatnot has been possible for a while. This just makes things a little easier because kernels don't need to be patched.

Yea! Install failed yesterday. I've had SU problems I think. Couldn't get the # prompt. Reinstalled latest ROM and SL'd SU from the store. The Unlock finally took. Thanks.

nice, thanks rbox, you rock.

Easy to follow Root Steps for Stock Android 6.0?

Hi Everyone
I have recently returned my Nexus 6 back to stock from Rooted 5.1.X roms by manually flashing the official google Marshmallow images. Now that 6.0 Roms are making their way out, I would like to get back to having the ability to flash the different roms. However, I am a little confused on how to successfully and easily accomplish the root and TWRP install process. I see that some of the new 6.0 ROMS say they are rooted, but I am confused on what that means.
Does anyone have a link or steps with links that you can provide so I can get my Nexus 6 ready to have custom roms flashed?
Thanks in advance!

TPADroid said:
Hi Everyone
I have recently returned my Nexus 6 back to stock from Rooted 5.1.X roms by manually flashing the official google Marshmallow images. Now that 6.0 Roms are making their way out, I would like to get back to having the ability to flash the different roms. However, I am a little confused on how to successfully and easily accomplish the root and TWRP install process. I see that some of the new 6.0 ROMS say they are rooted, but I am confused on what that means.
Does anyone have a link or steps with links that you can provide so I can get my Nexus 6 ready to have custom roms flashed?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First this does not belong in the Development sections, moved here. Secondly please read the Forum Rules on posting...thanks.

Thank you for moving to the appropriate location.

as it is for every nexus, regardless of what android version youre on..
1. unlock your bootloader
2. fastboot flash twrp recovery
3. flash the latest supersu in twrp recovery
4. reboot with root
on marshmallow, with the stock rom, you will also want to flash a custom kernel with as well.

Well you need an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery to flash custom roms.
1. Make sure that you have OEM unlock ticked in dev options
2. Use fastboot oem unlock command to unlock bootloader (this will wipe your phone completely, make a backup before doing this)
3. Use fastboot to flash twrp recovery
4. If you would like to keep stock rom and have root then you need to flash root script from chainfire or install custom rom with root already built in
5. Download and flash any rom of your choice (You can use adb sideload to sideload roms instead of having to copy them to the phone to flash)
Here is a good place to start to learn how http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/how-to-nexus-6-one-beginners-guide-t2948481

simms22 said:
as it is for every nexus, regardless of what android version youre on..
1. unlock your bootloader
2. fastboot flash twrp recovery
3. flash the latest supersu in twrp recovery
4. reboot with root
on marshmallow, with the stock rom, you will also want to flash a custom kernel with as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Simms
When you are referring to unlocking the bootloader, it seems pretty self explanatory, from the google search...but I have seen where there are new boot.img files to apply via adb....is this unlocking the bootloader in 6.0? Or am I making this more complicated than it really needs to be. It seems that most ROMS now have an embedded Kernel...so I would flash one immediately #3. The one ROM I would like to try first is Chroma on 6.0.
Getting TWRP installed, I completely get and every step after that one...its the modified boot.img files I have seen, that is confusing me.
Thanks!

TPADroid said:
Thank you Simms
When you are referring to unlocking the bootloader, it seems pretty self explanatory, from the google search...but I have seen where there are new boot.img files to apply via adb....is this unlocking the bootloader in 6.0? Or am I making this more complicated than it really needs to be. It seems that most ROMS now have an embedded Kernel...so I would flash one immediately #3. The one ROM I would like to try first is Chroma on 6.0.
Getting TWRP installed, I completely get and every step after that one...its the modified boot.img files I have seen, that is confusing me.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The boot.img files that your referring to are probably to un-encrypt your phone. I personally don't but other always have. Supposed to make it faster although i haven't been bothered by it being slow.
To unlock the bootloader all you have to do is used fastboot oem unlock via fastboot while your phone is in the bootloader mode.

You don't need a custom kernel anymore thanks to Chainfire. Just use the Nexus root kit. Be sure to change the root settings in the NRK to approve beta SuperSu by Chainfire as stated in wugfresh Google+ post in step 3.
plus.google.com/u/0/113329792100896065459/posts/93WR63UHuEp[

mbiscuits said:
You don't need a custom kernel anymore thanks to Chainfire. Just use the Nexus root kit. Be sure to change the root settings in the NRK to approve beta SuperSu by Chainfire as stated in wugfresh Google+ post in step 3.
plus.google.com/u/0/113329792100896065459/posts/93WR63UHuEp[
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no more kernel then, cool. but this is not a good idea to tell a newbie to use a toolkit, as he wont learn a single thing about , ever. and root toolkits mess up on occasion. they mess up enough to make a newbie think they bricked their phone. sure, chances are that everything will be fine, but the op will come out of it learning absolutely nothing, when the proper way is very easy and faster.
---------- Post added at 12:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:20 PM ----------
TPADroid said:
Thank you Simms
When you are referring to unlocking the bootloader, it seems pretty self explanatory, from the google search...but I have seen where there are new boot.img files to apply via adb....is this unlocking the bootloader in 6.0? Or am I making this more complicated than it really needs to be. It seems that most ROMS now have an embedded Kernel...so I would flash one immediately #3. The one ROM I would like to try first is Chroma on 6.0.
Getting TWRP installed, I completely get and every step after that one...its the modified boot.img files I have seen, that is confusing me.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats a kernel thatll let you unencrypt, if you want.

simms22 said:
no more kernel then, cool. but this is not a good idea to tell a newbie to use a toolkit, as he wont learn a single thing about , ever. and root toolkits mess up on occasion. they mess up enough to make a newbie think they bricked their phone. sure, chances are that everything will be fine, but the op will come out of it learning absolutely nothing, when the proper way is very easy and faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He did say easy and it doesn't get any easier than the toolkit. But if you want to do it manually follow the easy to read instructions found here: androidmarvel.com/index.php/2015/10/15/402/

mbiscuits said:
He did say easy and it doesn't get any easier than the toolkit. But if you want to do it manually follow the easy to read instructions found here: androidmarvel.com/index.php/2015/10/15/402/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sure, the manual way is MUCH easier than the toolkit. is it hard typing fastboot oem unlock? is it hard typing fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img? well, thats it. i just unlocked my bootloader and flashed the recovery.

simms22 said:
sure, the manual way is MUCH easier than the toolkit. is it hard typing fastboot oem unlock? is it hard typing fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img? well, thats it. i just unlocked my bootloader and flashed the recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you IF you know what you are doing and have everything setup. However that didn't seem to be the case which is why I recommended the toolkit.

mbiscuits said:
I agree with you IF you know what you are doing and have everything setup. However that didn't seem to be the case which is why I recommended the toolkit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which is why i always recommend that someone new root their phone the proper way the first time, to learn how to do it, and to learn a general way to fix your phone in case you mess up. after the first time, use toolkits all you want. but the learning how to do it properly is a very important.

TPADroid said:
Thank you Simms
When you are referring to unlocking the bootloader, it seems pretty self explanatory, from the google search...but I have seen where there are new boot.img files to apply via adb....is this unlocking the bootloader in 6.0? Or am I making this more complicated than it really needs to be. It seems that most ROMS now have an embedded Kernel...so I would flash one immediately #3. The one ROM I would like to try first is Chroma on 6.0.
Getting TWRP installed, I completely get and every step after that one...its the modified boot.img files I have seen, that is confusing me.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That modified img allows for root because you cant just flash SU on the stock one (not yet anyway). Unlocking the bootloader is something different.

simms22 said:
sure, the manual way is MUCH easier than the toolkit. is it hard typing fastboot oem unlock? is it hard typing fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img? well, thats it. i just unlocked my bootloader and flashed the recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anybody knows where is the correct toolkit?

cpugeeker said:
Anybody knows where is the correct toolkit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in my opening, there is no 'correct" toolkit.

Jnewell05 said:
Well you need an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery to flash custom roms.
1. Make sure that you have OEM unlock ticked in dev options
2. Use fastboot oem unlock command to unlock bootloader (this will wipe your phone completely, make a backup before doing this)
3. Use fastboot to flash twrp recovery
4. If you would like to keep stock rom and have root then you need to flash root script from chainfire or install custom rom with root already built in
5. Download and flash any rom of your choice (You can use adb sideload to sideload roms instead of having to copy them to the phone to flash)
Here is a good place to start to learn how http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/how-to-nexus-6-one-beginners-guide-t2948481
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for all of this information. So far I'm stuck on step 2. I'm about a year into owning this phone and don't want to lose everything. One of the main reasons I want to root is to use titanium backup. However, you say to be sure to back up your phone. How do you recommend doing this.

jtmartin22 said:
Hey thanks for all of this information. So far I'm stuck on step 2. I'm about a year into owning this phone and don't want to lose everything. One of the main reasons I want to root is to use titanium backup. However, you say to be sure to back up your phone. How do you recommend doing this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you haven't rooted for over a year why do it now? There are sure to be updates to how to root on the Nexus 6 and since I don't use my nexus 6 very much I hate to steer you in the wrong direction, as to backup information. I recently got the android 7.0 update and I haven't really had a chance to check it out yet. But I bet there are dozens of ways to backup if you would search Google.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

jtmartin22 said:
Hey thanks for all of this information. So far I'm stuck on step 2. I'm about a year into owning this phone and don't want to lose everything. One of the main reasons I want to root is to use titanium backup. However, you say to be sure to back up your phone. How do you recommend doing this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By unlocking the phone you lose everything. That's why when buying a Nexus phone, the first step should be unlocking the bootloader.
But if you want to root it anyway, then you should copy all your media and camera files to your computer. Then if you unlock it, you'll only lose some app settings. Most apps save to the cloud anyway. You can backup your text messages, and Google backups a lot of data like wallpapers or WiFi passwords. Also it will reinstall all your use apps, and since Marshmallow it will restore some app data, but that's far from consistent. For that you really need TB.

istperson said:
By unlocking the phone you lose everything. That's why when buying a Nexus phone, the first step should be unlocking the bootloader.
But if you want to root it anyway, then you should copy all your media and camera files to your computer. Then if you unlock it, you'll only lose some app settings. Most apps save to the cloud anyway. You can backup your text messages, and Google backups a lot of data like wallpapers or WiFi passwords. Also it will reinstall all your use apps, and since Marshmallow it will restore some app data, but that's far from consistent. For that you really need TB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much!!!!

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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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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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
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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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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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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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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).
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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
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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.
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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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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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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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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.
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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.

Unroot without computer

So, I had an issue with the charging port on my Nexus 6 and Motorola is sending out a replacement phone. This is actually the second time this has happened. Anyway, the last time it happened, I was able to get a USB connection and unroot the phone and wipe everything before sending it back to Motorola. This time however, one of the pins on the USB connection has broken and I believe it is one that is used for data transfer and my PC won't recognize the device. I know how to unroot with a computer connection, but I was wondering if anyone knew how to unroot without a computer? I'm still able to move files on and off the phone via wifi, cell and Bluetooth. Thanks in advance for any help.

There's a full unroot option in SuperSU, afterwords you can flash stock rom, not sure how you will get the bootloader locked though

Ok, I found the option in SuperSU for the full unroot. Thanks for that. Now to figure out how to lock the bootloader...

cmorin543 said:
Ok, I found the option in SuperSU for the full unroot. Thanks for that. Now to figure out how to lock the bootloader...
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Are you already on stock ROM?

I'm currently running PureNexus - the replacement phone is set to arrive tomorrow, so I'm trying to plan ahead since Motorola only allows so many days to receive the old phone before they keep my $500 deposit...

cmorin543 said:
I'm currently running PureNexus - the replacement phone is set to arrive tomorrow, so I'm trying to plan ahead since Motorola only allows so many days to receive the old phone before they keep my $500 deposit...
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I don't know how you'll be able to flash the stock ROM tbh without fastboot as well as relocking the bootloader. Maybe it would be possible to setup a SSH connection to your phone and send the fastboot commands through there? Not sure, not a pro at this, maybe someone else can lean in here and help you out

Do you have twrp installed, you can copy a stock image over and flash it with twrp. If not, box it up and cross your fingers. I doubt you will have any trouble. Everyone worries about this but never seen anyone say they got denied.
Google The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. It says manufacturers can't deny warranty unless they can show what you did caused the issue. This is a physical issue, obviously you didn't.
Link to use twrp to flash.
http://www.droidviews.com/now-flash-image-files-using-twrp-2-8-4-0/

Yes, I have TWRP installed. If I can't find another way, I'll flash a stock rom over it and hope for the best. Thanks!!

Couldn't you just take the beta program update and it will take it back to stock?

brando21 said:
Couldn't you just take the beta program update and it will take it back to stock?
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No because he has twrp installed, it's will fail
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Than maybe I had done something different about a week ago or so. I was on stock rooted with twrp took the update and I'm positive that it flashed stock recovery over twrp. I'm now unrooted with stock recovery. I did not use the computer or manually flashed anything in twrp

brando21 said:
Than maybe I had done something different about a week ago or so. I was on stock rooted with twrp took the update and I'm positive that it flashed stock recovery over twrp. I'm now unrooted with stock recovery. I did not use the computer or manually flashed anything in twrp
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I can verify that when I first joined the beta program I successfully took the OTA with TWRP and it rebooted to stock recovery.

So what your saying is I should be able to flash a stock rom with twrp and take an ota update and it should go back to the stock bootloader? Will this also relock the bootloader as well?

From what I know it will take everything back to stock except relocking the bootloader. For that you need to fastboot lock the device. What I have read through several sites is that having an unlocked bootloader it will not affect warranty fixes or replacements..