Systemless root (Android 6.0) - Method for easy future OTA updates - SuperSU

I am looking for an easy way to be able to receive OTA updates after rooting with the 'systemless' root method, the steps I mention below assume that the system partition remains untouched after rooting. I have searched and not found a clear answer on this.
Would I be correct in assuming that this procedure should work to receive an OTA update and keep stock recovery after rooting?
Start with completely stock Android 6.0
fastboot boot twrp-recovery.img (boot TWRP, NOT flash, to maintain stock recovery after rooting)
Flash systemless root with TWRP
OTA arrives (Android 6.0.1 for example)
fastboot flash boot boot.img (with stock 6.0 kernel, root lost)
Accept & install OTA update
Success?
So unless I am missing something, this method would leave the system in a stock, unrooted state after the OTA is installed, and could be repeated for future updates. Anybody have any experience with this yet?

Sounds like it will work, but why mess with the ota? More work and risk honestly.
Since you're already using fastboot just flash the newest boot and system.img. Then flash/boot twrp and flash su like you'd need to do anyway. Done. You don't lose anything flashing system.

yosmokinman said:
Sounds like it will work, but why mess with the ota? More work and risk honestly.
Since you're already using fastboot just flash the newest boot and system.img. Then flash/boot twrp and flash su like you'd need to do anyway. Done. You don't lose anything flashing system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true, kind of just wondering/gathering information. It just seemed like with the new root method, OTA would be possible and less risky than before.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

@quakeaz there is one step missing on your guide. After boot.img you also have to flash stock recovery.img. From Lollipop, Google is also checking installed recovery, and for successful OTA, it has to be stock as well.
Otherwise, your guide should work, I've done same thing with my Nexus 5 and 7 for like last 3 months.

Srandista said:
@quakeaz there is one step missing on your guide. After boot.img you also have to flash stock recovery.img. From Lollipop, Google is also checking installed recovery, and for successful OTA, it has to be stock as well.
Otherwise, your guide should work, I've done same thing with my Nexus 5 and 7 for like last 3 months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply, but I intentionally left that step out, due to step 2 in my list. By only booting TWRP, instead of flashing, I assume stock recovery will remain after rooting.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

quakeaz said:
Thanks for your reply, but I intentionally left that step out, due to step 2 in my list. By only booting TWRP, instead of flashing, I assume stock recovery will remain after rooting.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, sorry, I overlooked that.
Since I have flashed TWRP instead of stock recovery, I'm going by same process as you write, just reflash stock recovery. And can confirm, that the process is indeed working (no need to install system.img, as with previous system-based SuperSU).

Sounds good!
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

quakeaz said:
I am looking for an easy way to be able to receive OTA updates after rooting with the 'systemless' root method, the steps I mention below assume that the system partition remains untouched after rooting. I have searched and not found a clear answer on this.
Would I be correct in assuming that this procedure should work to receive an OTA update and keep stock recovery after rooting?
Start with completely stock Android 6.0
fastboot boot twrp-recovery.img (boot TWRP, NOT flash, to maintain stock recovery after rooting)
Flash systemless root with TWRP
OTA arrives (Android 6.0.1 for example)
fastboot flash boot boot.img (with stock 6.0 kernel, root lost)
Accept & install OTA update
Success?
So unless I am missing something, this method would leave the system in a stock, unrooted state after the OTA is installed, and could be repeated for future updates. Anybody have any experience with this yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instead of fastboot flashing boot.img, you can use "Settings --> Full Unroot" in SuperSU. During SuperSU systemless flash, your old boot image is backed up. Among other things, the full unroot option will restore the backup, assuming it hasn't been lost due to a factory reset and whatnot.
On many firmwares, this procedure also restores stock recovery. This requires that both the firmware supports recreating the recovery from the boot image plus a patch file (most do), and that TWRP did not remove said patch file (which some versions do).
That being said, if you're using fastboot anyway, flashing boot, recovery, system and vendor manually is always the safest thing before an OTA.

Thanks for the info. So I take it while using systemless root, installing ota without unrooting is a big nono? The January ota just downloaded and is asking me to install, should I do it manually?

Chainfire said:
Instead of fastboot flashing boot.img, you can use "Settings --> Full Unroot" in SuperSU. During SuperSU systemless flash, your old boot image is backed up. Among other things, the full unroot option will restore the backup, assuming it hasn't been lost due to a factory reset and whatnot.
On many firmwares, this procedure also restores stock recovery. This requires that both the firmware supports recreating the recovery from the boot image plus a patch file (most do), and that TWRP did not remove said patch file (which some versions do).
That being said, if you're using fastboot anyway, flashing boot, recovery, system and vendor manually is always the safest thing before an OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this thread and the procedure. I tried myself to avoid as much as possible to use a computer for super easy OTA update. But there is always one obligatory step: to root the phone.
Phone systemless rooted (2.66) - TWRP installed - OTA arrives.
In SuperSu app : Fully unroot
Install OTA - success
Fastboot boot (or install) TWRP
Flash superSu 2.66.zip
And that's it!
My question is the following: Does it exist a possibility to load on step 3. something that could flash superSu.zip from within the phone, no computer required?
Maybe FlashFire? I guess not, for it needs root and the point is to flash a rooting zip... You see the loop there...
Would it be theoreticaly possible at all?

Judim said:
Maybe FlashFire? I guess not, for it needs root and the point is to flash a rooting zip... You see the loop there...
Would it be theoreticaly possible at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this is one of the use-cases of FlashFire. I just haven't finished updating it to 6.0 yet.

Oh nice!
I didn't know it cause I never had the chance to try out FlashFire.
Thanks so much for everything you do for the Android community!
Cheers!

Srandista said:
Ah, sorry, I overlooked that.
Since I have flashed TWRP instead of stock recovery, I'm going by same process as you write, just reflash stock recovery. And can confirm, that the process is indeed working (no need to install system.img, as with previous system-based SuperSU).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mine fail here. i previously got systemless root 2.62, blu spark kernel and twrp. fastboot flash stock boot and recovery. reboot to update and it fail. any idea why?

ShanxRoux said:
mine fail here. i previously got systemless root 2.62, blu spark kernel and twrp. fastboot flash stock boot and recovery. reboot to update and it fail. any idea why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you modify system?
Try flashing system, boot, and recovery.
Then try again.

Hi, I have a Oneplus One and today has been released an OTA, so I tried the method. I have COS13 JK (latest full rom) firmware, with systemless 2.84beta supersu and twrp.
The only apps that have root access are AdAway and Greenify (without mods to system apps). No Busybox installed.
I reverted via fastboot to original JK boot.img and recovery.img, and restored, via Adaway, the original hosts file, then I applied the OTA via stock Cyano Recovery, but update failed ("system partition has unexpected contents" error).
Why?
Thanks.

you have to unroot first from the app.Revert to original boot. and then flash
Sent from my ASUS_Z00LD using Tapatalk

caldent said:
you have to unroot first from the app.Revert to original boot. and then flash
Sent from my ASUS_Z00LD using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried: no way to install OTA, I had to wait for the full rom, and dirty flashed it via TWRP without a problem.
Then I rerooted.
Bye!

ok i seem to be getting the run around on where i need to be to ask my question(s)
i am very interested in systemless root....
that being said i am clueless and all info i am findingis just super confusing me.
if someone could humor a noob to systemless rooting that would be greatly appreciated!!
i recently bought 2 new phone for my household, both are the lg tribute hd (also called lg x style)
one click root and pc method of kingoroot etc dont work... i cant locate a twrp or a cwm for this model easily by searching so i am assuming there isnt one (maybe someone could located or help to build one?)- or maybe im not tech smart enough and i can use any?(i dont think so)
model is lg ls675,android 6.0.1, kernel version 3.10.49, build # MXB48T, software is ls676zv3
main reason at the moment for trying to get root is to remove bloatware and to be able to wifi tether without limitations buy the provider, on ther phone that i have obtained root on i used an app called WIFI Tether Router which works beautifully but requires root...
please help as this is how we use our computer with internet and its beneficial all the way around especially to get rid of bloatware and keep device running smoothly...
thanks again for any help. greatly appreciated.
if im not in the right thread please kindly direct me to the correct one. thanks

Related

[Q] Lollipop 5.0.2 update root access?

I have a rooted XT1068 and there is an official OTA update to 5.0.2, should I install it? Do I lose my root access?
egwktm said:
I have a rooted XT1068 and there is an official OTA update to 5.0.2, should I install it? Do I lose my root access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to "Full unroot" in SuperSU settings and restore the stock recovery. Otherwise OTA will fail. After the OTA is installed, You can easily return to TWRP and flash SuperSU.
okay thanks! also instead of twrp could I use chainfire again?
Unfortunately, i tried to install OTA and now every time i turn on my phone it reboots and tries to install 5.02 only to get an error and it stays at twrp menu. So what can i do now?
lol after many reboots phone decided to tell me that update was unsuccessful so it works again.
more details pls for a beginner
I made the same mistake trying to flash OTA 5.02 over rooted device 4.4.4 . I got out of the loop by moving the download zip from system/cache to external sd...
just wanting to make sure I do all the right things and in order:
so in Super SU I go the FULL UNROOT
how do I then restore stock recovery?
Once I I have restored it what are the steps for the zip and install via stock recovery?
sorry about the boring questions - it's still a bit of a jungle for a beginner
egwktm said:
okay thanks! also instead of twrp could I use chainfire again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure. But why? Twrp is superior in every aspect. It's like deliberately crippling your toaster so that only one slice fits.
Will I be able to install ota updates with stock recovery and after unroot if I do changes to /system?
dpdp73 said:
Will I be able to install ota updates with stock recovery and after unroot if I do changes to /system?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
doppelhelix said:
Sure. But why? Twrp is superior in every aspect. It's like deliberately crippling your toaster so that only one slice fits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice imagination.
But why do I often read that TWRP will be overwritten by Lollipop with custom recovery when rebooting the phone? Some people therefore recommend the Chainfire CF-Auto-Root instead.
So after unlocking bootloader can I flash TWRP in fastboot mode and superSU afterwards without those kind of problems?
Wolfcity said:
Nice imagination.
But why do I often read that TWRP will be overwritten by Lollipop with custom recovery when rebooting the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a "feature" introduced by google for their nexus. I will quote the twrp website:
The stock ROM will automatically replace TWRP with the stock recovery. To prevent the stock ROM from replacing TWRP, boot TWRP, go to the mount menu and mount system, press the home button, then press Advanced ->File Manager. Browse to /system and select the file named recovery-from-boot.p then choose to rename the file to recovery-from-boot.bak
Or you flash the SuperSU.zip. That will prevent the override too.
doppelhelix said:
It's a "feature" introduced by google for their nexus. I will quote the twrp website:
The stock ROM will automatically replace TWRP with the stock recovery. To prevent the stock ROM from replacing TWRP, boot TWRP, go to the mount menu and mount system, press the home button, then press Advanced ->File Manager. Browse to /system and select the file named recovery-from-boot.p then choose to rename the file to recovery-from-boot.bak
Or you flash the SuperSU.zip. That will prevent the override too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx a lot for your explantion.
This was one of the things that irritated me right from the start when I was checking out the possibilities of custom recovery/root within 5.0.
I heard about the file-renaming thing but didnĀ“t realize that superSu will do the job too and that it is a Nexus "feature" at all.
Helped me very much!

[Q] OTA Updates on Rooted XT1095 (Stock Recovery)

I recently followed this guide to root my XT1095. All I did was unlock my bootloader and boot the image...I did not (intentionally) alter my recovery, nor did I install a custom ROM. Will I still receive OTA update notifications and, if so, are they safe to apply?
Dan Again said:
I recently followed this guide to root my XT1095. All I did was unlock my bootloader and boot the image...I did not (intentionally) alter my recovery, nor did I install a custom ROM. Will I still receive OTA update notifications and, if so, are they safe to apply?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are running a custom recovery TWRP for example, I doubt that you will get OTA updates. I believe you need the stock recovery to be able to install OTA updates.
grneyez said:
If you are running a custom recovery TWRP for example, I doubt that you will get OTA updates. I believe you need the stock recovery to be able to install OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a little confused by your response. As I said in my original question, I did not (intentionally) alter my recovery. Did the method that I used achieve root alter my recovery for me?
If you did not install a custom recovery than you should be able to get OTA updates. Check to see what recovery you have.
Dan Again said:
I'm a little confused by your response. As I said in my original question, I did not (intentionally) alter my recovery. Did the method that I used achieve root alter my recovery for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you don't make any changes to /system, you *should* be good to go for updates. If you didn't intentionally flash a custom recovery then you still have the stock one.
If you're rooted OTAs won't work. In KitKat and lower they just performed checksums on each file before updating, so the altered root files were left untouched and the update installed. In Lollipop and up (at least for Nexus devices), it does a total checksum and if /system has been altered in any way (including for root) OTA's won't install.
grneyez said:
If you did not install a custom recovery than you should be able to get OTA updates. Check to see what recovery you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the responses, guys. I booted into recovery and saw this, so I think my recovery is still stock. One quick question: when I boot into fastboot and select "Recovery", I get a dead Android and a "No Command" prompt - I had to follow these steps to actually get there. Why is that?
I'd like to try out Xposed now that it's available for my device, and I see that requires a custom recovery. If I install a custom recovery (TWRP, for instance) and use it to flash Xposed, can I then revert back to stock recovery and continue to receive OTA updates?
Dan Again said:
Thanks for all the responses, guys. I booted into recovery and saw this, so I think my recovery is still stock. One quick question: when I boot into fastboot and select "Recovery", I get a dead Android and a "No Command" prompt - I had to follow these steps to actually get there. Why is that?
I'd like to try out Xposed now that it's available for my device, and I see that requires a custom recovery. If I install a custom recovery (TWRP, for instance) and use it to flash Xposed, can I then revert back to stock recovery and continue to receive OTA updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you modified your system with Xposed you won't be able to install OTA updates. Even if you return yo stock recovery.
To install an OTA you need three things. 1. Unaltered system, 2.no root and 3. stock recovery
juliospinoza said:
If you modified your system with Xposed you won't be able to install OTA updates. Even if you return yo stock recovery.
To install an OTA you need three things. 1. Unaltered system, 2.no root and 3. stock recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough. So let's say that I install a custom recovery and then Xposed. Will there be a way that I can manually upgrade to new stock OS versions as they come out for my phone?
Dan Again said:
Fair enough. So let's say that I install a custom recovery and then Xposed. Will there be a way that I can manually upgrade to new stock OS versions as they come out for my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always flash a ROM or custom ROM via fast boot, but you will loss all your settings, apps etc because you are flashing an entire new system... The OTA only patches
The only way back is to flash your stock ROM if you can get a hold of it.
floepie said:
The only way back is to flash your stock ROM if you can get a hold of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, funny story - this weekend I accidentally wiped my OS and had to flash stock ROM to get back up and running. See: here. Good resource for others who might be looking for Moto X 2014 stock Lollipop firmware...definitely saved that on my computer
juliospinoza said:
If you modified your system with Xposed you won't be able to install OTA updates. Even if you return yo stock recovery.
To install an OTA you need three things. 1. Unaltered system, 2.no root and 3. stock recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't there any way to uninstall Xposed, revert back to original recovery and remove root--all in order to install OTA without completely loosing user data and apps installed?
yurkennis said:
Isn't there any way to uninstall Xposed, revert back to original recovery and remove root--all in order to install OTA without completely loosing user data and apps installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes
just flash via fastboot
1. recovery (stock)
2. system
if your phone is 5.0 xt1095 and you didn't flash modems you should be able to receive OTA.
Repeat of Question
I'm not sure I completely understand what I need to do to get updated to 5.1. I have an XT1095 that I only rooted, no custom recovery. I downloaded the OTA for 5.1 last night and tried to update. Got an error and it did not update. A quick google search seems to state, as well as earlier in this thread, that I can not update if I am rooted. I would prefer not completely start over on my phone (wipe) and would like to just apply the update. Can I just "unroot" my phone and apply the update or do I have to go back to the beginning (with a stock recovery) before the update will take?
I know enough about all this to have followed the directions to accomplish the root about 7 months ago. Since then not played with any system files! The only reason I rooted was so I could use the full capabilities of Greenify. Any opinions on that would be appreciated as well. Thanks!
jhworth8 said:
I'm not sure I completely understand what I need to do to get updated to 5.1. I have an XT1095 that I only rooted, no custom recovery. I downloaded the OTA for 5.1 last night and tried to update. Got an error and it did not update. A quick google search seems to state, as well as earlier in this thread, that I can not update if I am rooted. I would prefer not completely start over on my phone (wipe) and would like to just apply the update. Can I just "unroot" my phone and apply the update or do I have to go back to the beginning (with a stock recovery) before the update will take?
I know enough about all this to have followed the directions to accomplish the root about 7 months ago. Since then not played with any system files! The only reason I rooted was so I could use the full capabilities of Greenify. Any opinions on that would be appreciated as well. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try reading, the post literally before yours tells you what to do, lol.
Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk
AGISCI said:
Try reading, the post literally before yours tells you what to do, lol.
Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I take it that flashing the recovery and the system.img files to the phone will not erase all the apps, photos, music, etc.?
summit15 said:
I take it that flashing the recovery and the system.img files to the phone will not erase all the apps, photos, music, etc.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, it won't erase those things.
Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk
so if i am just rooted, and custom recovery, could I unroot (via supersu app) and flash stock recovery and be good to go? or am i missing something?
yamahakid said:
so if i am just rooted, and custom recovery, could I unroot (via supersu app) and flash stock recovery and be good to go? or am i missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's more difficult with Lollipop: updates now "look for" a completely stock unmodified unrooted system. So you'll have to flash a stock image of the current build and then take the OTA.

[Q] 5.1.1 stock update: Re-root and Unencrypt Q's

Many of you have heard by now that 5.1.1 is out, and we should receive an update soon on our stock rom Nexus 6. I just bought a Nexus 6 64gb, XT1103, and it is running the stock rom, rooted, and un-encrypted. I'm wondering if we'll lose root and un-encrypt if we take the update, and loose data if we re-unencrypt. What have your experiences been on the stock rom 5.1 update?
bovineyard said:
Many of you have heard by now that 5.1.1 is out, and we should receive an update soon on our stock rom Nexus 6. I just bought a Nexus 6 64gb, XT1103, and it is running the stock rom, rooted, and un-encrypted. I'm wondering if we'll lose root and un-encrypt if we take the update, and loose data if we re-unencrypt. What have your experiences been on the stock rom 5.1 update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While the update will download, it will not install with root and an unencrypted kernel.
IF you want to take the OTA, then you will need to fastboot flash the boot.img and system.img from the factory image. Boot.img will encrypt your kernel, but you will not loose data (but you will have to factory reset, again, if you want to unencrypt, which will wipe data). Flashing the system.img will remove root and flash stock recovery.
cam30era said:
While the update will download, it will not install with root and an unencrypted kernel.
IF you want to take the OTA, then you will need to fastboot flash the boot.img and system.img from the factory image. Boot.img will encrypt your kernel, but you will not loose data (but you will have to factory reset, again, if you want to unencrypt, which will wipe data). Flashing the system.img will remove root and flash stock recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think with root but encrypted will do the update
HitNrun_ said:
i think with root but encrypted will do the update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, not on Lollipop. Kitkat and before, yes. Not anymore.
cam30era said:
Nope, not on Lollipop. Kitkat and before, yes. Not anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so unroot and encypted will do the trick? what about the bootloader, will it work with unlocked or should it be relocked too?
5.1.1 is NOT officially out for the nexus 6. it is in aosp though. thats two differing things. stock is on 5.1.
HitNrun_ said:
so unroot and encypted will do the trick? what about the bootloader, will it work with unlocked or should it be relocked too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OTA package only looks at system.img and boot.img. Of course you need stock recovery to install it. And the "unroot" option inside SuperSU is insufficient. It leaves some traces around that will prevent the OTA from loading. Flash the stock system.img.
And afterwards, when unencrypting, you'll have to fastboot format userdata. Which will wipe your SDcard again.
HitNrun_ said:
so unroot and encypted will do the trick? what about the bootloader, will it work with unlocked or should it be relocked too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader status has no effect on the OTA.
I have rooted, but encrypted 5.1, and got OTA5 5.1.1, I am on custom recovery,
should I flash stock recovery before flashing? plus, after installing, I will need to regain root access right? my data/apps will stay intact right?
ibraheeemz said:
I have rooted, but encrypted 5.1, and got OTA5 5.1.1, I am on custom recovery,
should I flash stock recovery before flashing? plus, after installing, I will need to regain root access right? my data/apps will stay intact right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As it says above, you cannot FLASH the update if you are rooted, even with a stock recovery.
You will have to flash the system.img and boot.img of the Stock factory image. IF the full factory image of the version you want is available here: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
...download it, extract the system and boot.img and fastboot flash them. Job done. If the version you need is only available in an OTA file, you'll need to flash the system and boot of the expected version (i.e. the one you're on now) AND flash the recovery to accept the OTA
danarama said:
As it says above, you cannot receive the update if you are rooted, even with a stock recovery.
You will have to flash the system.img and boot.img of the Stock factory image. IF the full factory image of the version you want is available here: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
...download it, extract the system and boot.img and fastboot flash them. Job done. If the version you need is only available in an OTA file, you'll need to flash the system and boot of the expected version (i.e. the one you're on now) AND flash the recovery to accept the OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using a custom recovery, on a rooted but STOCK 5.1, and I already got OTA, I downloaded it as well, but needed to make sure before upgrading, that it doesn't cause data lose if I move to stock recovery, and want to regain root after flashing 5.1.1,
anyway, i flashed stock recovery, then proceeded with the update, it tried flashing but showed "error" at the android screen, so, I don't whats missing, as I was using stock 5.1, just unlocked it, rooted it, and flashed customer recovery,
ibraheeemz said:
I am using a custom recovery, on a rooted but STOCK 5.1, and I already got OTA, I downloaded it as well, but needed to make sure before upgrading, that it doesn't cause data lose if I move to stock recovery, and want to regain root after flashing 5.1.1,
anyway, i flashed stock recovery, then proceeded with the update, it tried flashing but showed "error" at the android screen, so, I don't whats missing, as I was using stock 5.1, just unlocked it, rooted it, and flashed customer recovery,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I said receive, I meant flash. You cannot FLASH the update if you are rooted. Period. Read my post again but substitute the word receive for flash.
danarama said:
When I said receive, I meant flash. You cannot FLASH the update if you are rooted. Period. Read my post again but substitute the word receive for flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
got it, but still looking for the answer, will I loose data after flashing system.img? or while regaining root after 5.1.1 update?
ibraheeemz said:
got it, but still looking for the answer, will I loose data after flashing system.img? or while regaining root after 5.1.1 update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Only factory reset or unlocking the bootloader loses data. System.img is the rom, flashing to /system. Boot.img is the kernel, flashing to /boot. if you flash these separately, userdata.img is not flashed to /data, so your /data partition remains in tact.
root doesn't touch /data either. Just /system
HitNrun_ said:
i think with root but encrypted will do the update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you get root while leaving it encrypted?
Arfyness said:
How do you get root while leaving it encrypted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No OTA update will flash with any mods to system, boot, or recovery. No way, no how.
Evolution_Tech said:
No OTA update will flash with any mods to system, boot, or recovery. No way, no how.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeahhh I get that now. It's got to verify that what's already there matches what it's supposed to be updating.
I'm looking here because I'm on Fi now, and there are more implications there than I realized before. Not that those matter too much, I do want stock. Just trying to see how I can stay current, be rooted, and not break Fi. Thankfully it's a Nexus device so it's not throwing up insane device restrictions blocking root access.
I want to be able to update system and boot, as they come available, with a recovery like TWRP or CWM. Then reapply SuperSU flash after that. What I'm not sure of is whether I can even do that. I'm fuzzy on the whole " encrypted device" thing. Does that apply to the images at https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images#shamu
Would I be hosed if I took the system and boot images and flash those to update from one version to the next?
Arfyness said:
Yeahhh I get that now. It's got to verify that what's already there matches what it's supposed to be updating.
I'm looking here because I'm on Fi now, and there are more implications there than I realized before. Not that those matter too much, I do want stock. Just trying to see how I can stay current, be rooted, and not break Fi. Thankfully it's a Nexus device so it's not throwing up insane device restrictions blocking root access.
I want to be able to update system and boot, as they come available, with a recovery like TWRP or CWM. Then reapply SuperSU flash after that. What I'm not sure of is whether I can even do that. I'm fuzzy on the whole " encrypted device" thing. Does that apply to the images at https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images#shamu
Would I be hosed if I took the system and boot images and flash those to update from one version to the next?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You absolutely can, it's just that if you wish to decrypt, you'll have to format data. I've had this device, since launch and I'm still encrypted. Not an issue for me. But you can just flash, individually, everything but userdata and keep your data intact, each time a new image becomes available. Then just flash TWRP and then SuoerSu from TWRP. If you've unencrypted, OTA won't flash. You can always update manually.
edit - this was a duplicate. i can't delete it.
Evolution_Tech said:
You absolutely can, it's just that if you wish to decrypt, you'll have to format data. I've had this device, since launch and I'm still encrypted. Not an issue for me. But you can just flash, individually, everything but userdata and keep your data intact, each time a new image becomes available. Then just flash TWRP and then SuoerSu from TWRP. If you've unencrypted, OTA won't flash. You can always update manually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oohhh, wait, so flash from fastboot, except flash SuperSU from TWRP? (update.zip style?) Is only the data partition encrypted then? If that's the case why are folks decrypting? Unlocking the bootloader requires it, but what is that required for?
And thank you loads BTW! I'm so far behind! I'm coming off 3 years of rooted, stable SGS3 stock, last updated to 4.1.2. There were no further stock updates that I wanted, (too many bugs) and everything was working so I left well enough alone.
(I probably would have messed about with CM and other roms, if I had not initially bricked the thing trying to put TWRP on... and had to send it for somebody to JTAG reprogram it. Thought about it several times, but never wanted to chance it again.)
Thanks again!

LMY48I update error

Hey.
My N6 got an error after I tried to update. I saw somewhere that installing the update on a rooted device (stock everything, just root) would be successful but it would remove root. Tried and got the error message with the android guy and a warning sign or something like that just with the "error" text, no more. I unrooted and rebooted, after some time the update prompted again and tried, same result.
I did some searches and just a few people have commented this issue, no answers yet.
Any ideas?
OscarBrito said:
Hey.
My N6 got an error after I tried to update. I saw somewhere that installing the update on a rooted device (stock everything, just root) would be successful but it would remove root. Tried and got the error message with the android guy and a warning sign or something like that just with the "error" text, no more. I unrooted and rebooted, after some time the update prompted again and tried, same result.
I did some searches and just a few people have commented this issue, no answers yet.
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has to be completely stock. No root, custom kernel or recovery. How did you unroot. Have to flash factory image to remove root. Can't just remove the app. Forget OTAs if you are gonna root. Have to reflash factory image anyway so might as well just flash the updated image.
KingRoot
prdog1 said:
Has to be completely stock. No root, custom kernel or recovery. How did you unroot. Have to flash factory image to remove root. Can't just remove the app. Forget OTAs if you are gonna root. Have to reflash factory image anyway so might as well just flash the updated image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did with King Root, that thing works like a charm, Here's the thread. It has an option to remove root, the root manager disappeared, I rebooted and checked with a root checker and it says that I'm not rooted, still I get the error message when trying to update.
OscarBrito said:
I did with King Root, that thing works like a charm, Here's the thread. It has an option to remove root, the root manager disappeared, I rebooted and checked with a root checker and it says that I'm not rooted, still I get the error message when trying to update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your system is still modified. Even if remove the files the partition has been modified. If you have custom recovery or kernel it also won't flash. Have to flash back to stock so might as well just fastboot the updated factory image.
OscarBrito said:
I did with King Root, that thing works like a charm, Here's the thread. It has an option to remove root, the root manager disappeared, I rebooted and checked with a root checker and it says that I'm not rooted, still I get the error message when trying to update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of the unroot options put things back to 100% stock. They just remove root. The only way to remove all traces is to fastboot flash the system.img
If you're going to run rooted, forget about OTA and learn about fastboot.
General > sticky roll-up > adb and fastboot
Reset
prdog1 said:
Your system is still modified. Even if remove the files the partition has been modified. If you have custom recovery or kernel it also won't flash. Have to flash back to stock so might as well just fastboot the updated factory image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I backup, do a factory data reset and then do the update? Then root again and restore my stuff.
OscarBrito said:
Can I backup, do a factory data reset and then do the update? Then root again and restore my stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Have to flash stock image as posted above.
prdog1 said:
Nope. Have to flash stock image as posted above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang. I don't like to mess with flashing and custom recoveries but I guess now I most.
I'm looking at Flashify. Download the stock image with the patch already on it and flash it that way. Do you recommend doing it that way?
Another thing, Any good and simple backup tool? I just want to skip the part where I need to configure everything again.
OscarBrito said:
Dang. I don't like to mess with flashing and custom recoveries but I guess now I most.
I'm looking at Flashify. Download the stock image with the patch already on it and flash it that way. Do you recommend doing it that way?
Another thing, Any good and simple backup tool? I just want to skip the part where I need to configure everything again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash the stock image with flashify. Use fastboot as I have already advised.
Titanium backup is a great backup app, but you won't wipe the device if you only flash the system.img, boot.img and radio.img
danarama said:
You can't flash the stock image with flashify. Use fastboot as I have already advised.
Titanium backup is a great backup app, but you won't wipe the device if you only flash the system.img, boot.img and radio.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for so many questions mate, but I run linux and for reasons I try to avoid getting into my W8 partition.
OscarBrito said:
Sorry for so many questions mate, but I run linux and for reasons I try to avoid getting into my W8 partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fastboot works with Linux also.
OscarBrito said:
Sorry for so many questions mate, but I run linux and for reasons I try to avoid getting into my W8 partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. Linux is even easier. You just stick the fastboot binaries in /usr/bin
Note, you'll probably need to use sudo / su to call fastboot.
danarama said:
No worries. Linux is even easier. You just stick the fastboot binaries in /usr/bin
Note, you'll probably need to use sudo / su to call fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If all this stuff is needed I better go all in and get AOSiP.
Gonna do it with Nexus Root Toolkit, get TWRP and flash the ROM.
I'm kinda new to this kind of stuff, I use ArchLinux and mess with my computer like there's no tomorrow but doing stuff with a phone can brick it. So, any last advice?
Thanks both in advance.
OscarBrito said:
If all this stuff is needed I better go all in and get AOSiP.
Gonna do it with Nexus Root Toolkit, get TWRP and flash the ROM.
I'm kinda new to this kind of stuff, I use ArchLinux and mess with my computer like there's no tomorrow but doing stuff with a phone can brick it. So, any last advice?
Thanks both in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better chance of bricking it with ToolKit than with manual fastboot. I run stock rooted with TWRP also. Takes 2-3 minutes to update with fastboot. If toolkit fails will most likely need fastboot to fix it anyway.
OscarBrito said:
If all this stuff is needed I better go all in and get AOSiP.
Gonna do it with Nexus Root Toolkit, get TWRP and flash the ROM.
I'm kinda new to this kind of stuff, I use ArchLinux and mess with my computer like there's no tomorrow but doing stuff with a phone can brick it. So, any last advice?
Thanks both in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use toolkits unless you can use fastboot..so just use fastboot. I'm not saying this for fun you know...if anything, its quite boring having to say this to everyone on a daily basis
Use fastboot please. Read my fastboot thread. You understand that fastboot is Googles method for flashing Google android on the google nexus? It should be pretty clear that this is the best tool for the job.
danarama said:
Don't use toolkits unless you can use fastboot..so just use fastboot. I'm not saying this for fun you know...if anything, its quite boring having to say this to everyone on a daily basis
Use fastboot please. Read my fastboot thread. You understand that fastboot is Googles method for flashing Google android on the google nexus? It should be pretty clear that this is the best tool for the job.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid of a terminal, but well, you are right going with a terminal rather than a tool.
I'm finishing my backup and then doing all this manually, thanks a lot, both.
OscarBrito said:
Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid of a terminal, but well, you are right going with a terminal rather than a tool.
I'm finishing my backup and then doing all this manually, thanks a lot, both.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't see how any Linux user would be afraid of terminals
Yeap, just tried to Flash my Super Awesome Nexus 5 with the LMY48I Update Zip file (10mb), via TWRP, while Rooted and I got the Nice Red Error... So I guess I have to download the Factory image LMY48I and via fastboot just flash the system.img if nothing else has been modified since LMY48B... In case I loose Root Access I might just reflash the script via TWRP... I will post update if anyone interested...
imor said:
Yeap, just tried to Flash my Super Awesome Nexus 5 with the LMY48I Update Zip file (10mb), via TWRP, while Rooted and I got the Nice Red Error... So I guess I have to download the Factory image LMY48I and via fastboot just flash the system.img if nothing else has been modified since LMY48B... In case I loose Root Access I might just reflash the script via TWRP... I will post update if anyone interested...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will lose root. Flash supersu from recovery before first boot
Ok, just confirming here before I mess up. I have an international N6 rooted with stock recovery running LMY47Z. I can't update OTA. So I should flash the full stock image and then run cf-auto-root before rebooting.
Is this correct? Will I lose my user data when I do this? If so, what's the easiest way to backup and restore? Can't I flash the 25MB update .zip instead?
Thanks!

Magisk 14 News

Wow no need for custom recovery...
http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...hout-root-installing-without-custom-recovery/
@ultramag69 Maybe he doesn't follow Magisk closely? I know I don't. Magisk is only on used my stepmom's OP3T H2OS (which I update but don't look at the change log since it's only there in case I need it in the future), the other 2 phones I support don't use Magisk they use LOS su add-on. Not everyone who uses root cares about all the bloated/"nifty" features that come out, some just want plain old root.
I only use for root too but every so often I open magisk manager as it updates both the manager app and magisk itself....
It's done that for ages... The only one I found that didn't was 13.1, that one needed TWRP.
I'm letting people know that with 14 they can keep stock recovery and take OTAs
ultramag69 said:
I only use for root too but every so often I open magisk manager as it updates both the manager app and magisk itself....
It's done that for ages... The only one I found that didn't was 13.1, that one needed TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you flame someone you should read the link. FOR THE FIRST TIME YOU CAN KEEP STOCK RECOVERY SO YOU CAN TAKE OTAS
lollyjay said:
Before you flame someone you should read the link. FOR THE FIRST TIME YOU CAN KEEP STOCK RECOVERY SO YOU CAN TAKE OTAS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had stock recovery on more than one without having to reflash recovery with custom one .
If you use fastboot to flash the recovery, Instead of replacing with TWRP, you can use the command "fastboot boot TWRP.img" (TWRP.img being the name of the TWRP image you have such as twrp-3.1.1-0-oneplus5.img) , this will just boot you into TWRP where you can flash SuperSU or Magisk as you please but will revert back to stock recovery once you boot again while retaining root.
ultramag69 said:
I have had stock recovery on more than one without having to reflash recovery with custom one .
If you use fastboot to flash the recovery, Instead of replacing with TWRP, you can use the command "fastboot boot TWRP.img" (TWRP.img being the name of the TWRP image you have such as twrp-3.1.1-0-oneplus5.img) , this will just boot you into TWRP where you can flash SuperSU or Magisk as you please but will revert back to stock recovery once you boot again while retaining root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to do that now
Honestly, who roots a phone without flashing a custom recovery the very second after? Unless they are forced to use Flashfire without BL unlock, I guess.
lollyjay said:
No need to do that now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but using magisk to root my Axon 7 with unlocked bootloader didn't work...
There's still problems with some phones...
ultramag69 said:
Yeah, but using magisk to root my Axon 7 with unlocked bootloader didn't work...
There's still problems with some phones...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problems at all with my OP5
Magisk 14.0 breaks XPosed so had to go back to Magisk 13.3
Now where can we obtain a copy of the stock boot.img?
almostthere said:
Now where can we obtain a copy of the stock boot.img?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you're supposed to do is make a backup of your boot partition any time you update your rom. So if you didn't do that then you can dirty flash your current Rom and that would give you the stock boot.img and again, go into recovery and make a backup of your boot partition. then if you want to flash a custom kernel you can.
Help the noobs
Would any of you more experienced guys please post a step-by-step of how to do it?
From what Eric214 wrote I still don't understand where (or how) to get a copy of the stock_boot.img.
If you get the copy of the stock boot image, is it possible to do it without unlocking the bootloader?
I already installed everything before reading how to root - stupid me, and don't want to reinstall everything.
s_ofer said:
Would any of you more experienced guys please post a step-by-step of how to do it?
From what Eric214 wrote I still don't understand where (or how) to get a copy of the stock_boot.img.
If you get the copy of the stock boot image, is it possible to do it without unlocking the bootloader?
I already installed everything before reading how to root - stupid me, and don't want to reinstall everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the stock 4.5.10 boot.img for download here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3gcDbDvV4Mkbm5EMEZ4dnpSbk0/view?usp=drivesdk
Sent from my OnePlus5 using XDA Labs
Thanks.
Do any of you think it is possible to FLASH anything without unlocking the bootloader?
There is a thread somewhere for OP3T that shows somehow that is possible to load TWRP on the phone without unlocking the bootloader or wiping data.
I only use for root too but every so often I open magisk manager as it updates also both the manager app and magisk itself. But using magisk to root my Axon 7 with unlocked bootloader.

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