Database Develop

Something about TWRP recovery

Hi guys, I have got a very urgent problem right now, and hope someone can help me out...I am currently using a HTC One M7, and I used the TWRP recovery and the official bootloader or something rooted my phone, the reason why I need root it is that i need a app move into the system apps which may be easier in using it. And after I moved the app into the system apps using Root Explorer and then reboot my phone, the app just disappeared. After tried many times...I think it is because of the twrp just wipe it... do u guys have a method to solve this problem?...really...pls help me out!!

luvu4evermore said:
Hi guys, I have got a very urgent problem right now, and hope someone can help me out...I am currently using a HTC One M7, and I used the TWRP recovery and the official bootloader or something rooted my phone, the reason why I need root it is that i need a app move into the system apps which may be easier in using it. And after I moved the app into the system apps using Root Explorer and then reboot my phone, the app just disappeared. After tried many times...I think it is because of the twrp just wipe it... do u guys have a method to solve this problem?...really...pls help me out!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not a twrp issue, /system partition is write-protected by the stock kernel, every changes made in the /system partition will be reverted after a reboot. If you want to be able to write to /system when booted in the rom, you'll need a custom kernel with write-protection disabled (pretty much all custom kernels here have this). The other option is to make the changes you want in your /system partition before the stock kernel boots, so using the embedded file manager of twrp recovery for example.
If you want to use a custom kernel, you must choose one that works with your rom type and version. For example, ElementalX kernel will only works for Sense or GPE rom (stock or custom). The version of ElementalX required depends on your android version so newer doesn't mean better, you need the right one. Flashing a custom recovery is done using twrp recovery. When installing the custom kernel, you can choose the features you want to be installed so if you don't want a specific feature that the kernel offers, its not a problem. The write-protection is removed by default.
If using the twrp file manger, boot in twrp select "advanced" ---> "file manager"
Then to move a file, select it (tap on it) then it will open another menu. Select "move" then select the location you want to move it to. There is also a chmod menu to edit the files permissions.

alray said:
This is not a twrp issue, /system partition is write-protected by the stock kernel, every changes made in the /system partition will be reverted after a reboot. If you want to be able to write to /system when booted in the rom, you'll need a custom kernel with write-protection disabled (pretty much all custom kernels here have this). The other option is to make the changes you want in your /system partition before the stock kernel boots, so using the embedded file manager of twrp recovery for example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, thanks for answering me~ uh, can u be more specific about how to do that? about the kernel thing? I never did this before and actually this is just my second time to root a phone and try to move an app into system app (as last time i did so there is no such a problem...) Also, about the twrp recovery file manager, tried that one yesterday, and it did not show the " app" folder under the system one, which means i just cannot move it using the twrp file manager...

luvu4evermore said:
Oh, thanks for answering me~ uh, can u be more specific about how to do that? about the kernel thing? I never did this before and actually this is just my second time to root a phone and try to move an app into system app (as last time i did so there is no such a problem...) Also, about the twrp recovery file manager, tried that one yesterday, and it did not show the " app" folder under the system one, which means i just cannot move it using the twrp file manager...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see my post above (edited while you were replying)
You can also use aroma file manager within twrp recovery
here a nice xda-video about both twrp file manger and aroma file manager

alray said:
see my post above (edited while you were replying)
You can also use aroma file manager within twrp recovery
here a nice xda-video about both twrp file manger and aroma file manager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMFG!!! Finally I made it! I watched the video and find out that I did not mount the permission to the TWRP file manager! Thank you so much!!!

luvu4evermore said:
OMFG!!! Finally I made it! I watched the video and find out that I did not mount the permission to the TWRP file manager! Thank you so much!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep sorry, should have mentioned that, you always have to mount the partition you want to access when using a recovery. Some are mounted by default, but /system isn't.

alray said:
Yep sorry, should have mentioned that, you always have to mount the partition you want to access to when using a recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, still thanks a lot,

luvu4evermore said:
Nah, still thanks a lot,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're welcome :good:

How to edit hosts file?

How are you able to edit the hosts file in systemless route? I used SuperSU 2.66 flashed on MMB29S build. All I want to do is set up some redirects and possibly adaway.

swaderade said:
How are you able to edit the hosts file in systemless route? I used SuperSU 2.66 flashed on MMB29S build. All I want to do is set up some redirects and possibly adaway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to make some space. Is not systemless root that is the problem. Changes in marshmallow made the system partition full. Reboot into twrp, mount system in rw and delete some unneeded apps in system/apps
Korean and Hindu keyboards for example. But dont delete the latin one. Or some google apps that can be added back in from the store.

TonikJDK said:
You have to make some space. Is not systemless root that is the problem. Changes in marshmallow made the system partition full. Reboot into twrp, mount system in rw and delete some unneeded apps in system/apps
Korean and Hindu keyboards for example. But dont delete the latin one. Or some google apps that can be added back in from the store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I deleted sheets using Titanium, so it must be the mounting. Time to go search on how to do that. Thanks!
Trying `adb shell mount -o rw,remount /system` and get `mount: can't find /system in /proc/mounts`.

swaderade said:
I deleted sheets using Titanium, so it must be the mounting. Time to go search on how to do that. Thanks!
Trying `adb shell mount -o rw,remount /system` and get `mount: can't find /system in /proc/mounts`.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They look like they are deleting in TI, but they don't delete. I just flashed the January update today and that is what happened to me. I have seen that twice now. Cant help you with the adb command, I just used twrp to mount and delete.

TonikJDK said:
They look like they are deleting in TI, but they don't delete. I just flashed the January update today and that is what happened to me. I have seen that twice now. Cant help you with the adb command, I just used twrp to mount and delete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally didn't even see that option. You just reboot after checking it? Every time I go back to it, it's unchecked.

TonikJDK said:
They look like they are deleting in TI, but they don't delete. I just flashed the January update today and that is what happened to me. I have seen that twice now. Cant help you with the adb command, I just used twrp to mount and delete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since checking mount system does nothing, I went into Advanced > Terminal and did an `rm -rf GoogleHindiIME` and still can't edit the hosts file.

swaderade said:
Totally didn't even see that option. You just reboot after checking it? Every time I go back to it, it's unchecked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mount in twrp. Delete hindu and korean with the file manager in twrp. Reboot, install adaway and it works. I have never manually edited it.
No, the system mount in twrp does not stick on reboot. Mounting system with systemless root is tricky as I understand it. So I just avoid it.

You can't mount system as rw in a booted Android system unless you have a permissive kernel, and you should not have a permissive kernel.

Had the same problem and didn't want to remove things from /system. You can follow the steps here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3266107
Systemless root on 6.0.1 - How to edit build.prop
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Can't mount /system when into recovery after Marshmallow update

After flashing Marshmallow update, I'm cannot mount /system while in recovery mode (I have tried TWRP 3.0 and also 2.8.6.1 with no luck).
The main dissapointment with this is I can't flash any ZIP while in recovery.
I have tried to reflash Marshmallow update with no luck.
Any help will be appreciated!

bartito said:
After flashing Marshmallow update, I'm cannot mount /system while in recovery mode (I have tried TWRP 3.0 and also 2.8.6.1 with no luck).
The main dissapointment with this is I can't flash any ZIP while in recovery.
I have tried to reflash Marshmallow update with no luck.
Any help will be appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reinstall twrp

suljo94 said:
reinstall twrp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reinstalled from fastboot but no luck.
When I click Mount -> System from TWRP recovery (2.8.6.1 / 3.0.0) nothing happens.
I have also connected using adb to the watch in recovery and tried to manually mount /system but a error is triggered
Code:
mount: no se puede encontrar /system en /etc/fstab o /etc/mtab
Appreciate if you are in Android 6 and you can reboot bootloader then try to mount /system

bartito said:
Reinstalled from fastboot but no luck.
When I click Mount -> System from TWRP recovery (2.8.6.1 / 3.0.0) nothing happens.
I have also connected using adb to the watch in recovery and tried to manually mount /system but a error is triggered
Code:
mount: no se puede encontrar /system en /etc/fstab o /etc/mtab
Appreciate if you are in Android 6 and you can reboot bootloader then try to mount /system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okee did you boot the watch in mm

suljo94 said:
okee did you boot the watch in mm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
Device boots up, but I can't root it...

bartito said:
Yes
Device boots up, but I can't root it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try systemless root from chainfire I think they changed permissions

suljo94 said:
try systemless root from chainfire I think they changed permissions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also doesn't works.
I think this is due to the /system FS is now formated on squashfs 8-/

bartito said:
Also doesn't works.
I think this is due to the /system FS is now formated on squashfs 8-/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly it. Twrp fstab will have to be updated to support both ext4 and squashfs for system.

bartito said:
Also doesn't works.
I think this is due to the /system FS is now formated on squashfs 8-/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when you are correct you are correct it seems twrp cant handle it but it still seems weird because other deevices don't have the error
@Dees_Troy

suljo94 said:
when you are correct you are correct it seems twrp cant handle it but it still seems weird because other deevices don't have the error
@Dees_Troy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, yes, due to that I appreciate if some people that has installed the update can't try to mount /system in recovery.
Thanks!

bartito said:
yes, yes, due to that I appreciate if some people that has installed the update can't try to mount /system in recovery.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
could you drop the recovery log my boss is starring at me weird I hava a watch constantly rebooting and is vibrating so I cant flash ir boot recovery anymore (keeps going away)

I'm not quite sure the syntax twrp is expecting to be able to handle partitions of multiple types. My watch is supposed to get here on Saturday. So if no one has released a patched version by then, I'll take a look at trying to figure out how to make it work.
---------- Post added at 07:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:56 PM ----------
@bartito
So I don't have a watch yet, but I hacked up this twrp image. Not sure if it works though...
http://www.mediafire.com/download/zkn0wwh454x037f/twrp-3.0.0-0-bass+squashfs.img

That twrp image works, but the current supersu (nor the current beta for MM) seems to be working. The systemless root (new beta from chainfire) at least installs supersu in the app list, but it crashes on execution.

heffe2001 said:
That twrp image works, but the current supersu (nor the current beta for MM) seems to be working. The systemless root (new beta from chainfire) at least installs supersu in the app list, but it crashes on execution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only difference between the regular supersu and the "wear" supersu is the apk is deleted. So using the latest stable, 2.65, and just deleting /data/SuperSU.apk afterwards, it should work.

rbox said:
I'm not quite sure the syntax twrp is expecting to be able to handle partitions of multiple types. My watch is supposed to get here on Saturday. So if no one has released a patched version by then, I'll take a look at trying to figure out how to make it work.
---------- Post added at 07:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:56 PM ----------
@bartito
So I don't have a watch yet, but I hacked up this twrp image. Not sure if it works though...
http://www.mediafire.com/download/zkn0wwh454x037f/twrp-3.0.0-0-bass+squashfs.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you do one for lenok please? Were facing the same issues...

miffymiffy said:
Can you do one for lenok please? Were facing the same issues...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done. Posted in the lenok thread.

rbox said:
Done. Posted in the lenok thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where is the lenok thread? THx

bartito said:
where is the lenok thread? THx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/g-w...recovery-twrp-2-8-4-0-touch-recovery-t3001890

rbox said:
The only difference between the regular supersu and the "wear" supersu is the apk is deleted. So using the latest stable, 2.65, and just deleting /data/SuperSU.apk afterwards, it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
Tried your modified TWRP (thanks in advance).
It is mounting system image (but only in readonly mode).
Supersu is installing, but even if I delete the supersu.apk after the first boot, isn't working at all and the "su" command is blocked.

bartito said:
Hello,
Tried your modified TWRP (thanks in advance).
It is mounting system image (but only in readonly mode).
Supersu is installing, but even if I delete the supersu.apk after the first boot, isn't working at all and the "su" command is blocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it looks like my watch is on track to arrive on Saturday, so unless someone else looks at it before then, I'll hopefully figure something out this weekend. system will always be readonly because they switched to squashfs, which is a readonly filesystem.

CWM RECOVERY for Galaxy J700t1 (Metro PCS variant)

Ok guys here is a custom recovery for the metro 2016 variant of the Galaxy J700t1 (Metro PCS) Flash with FlashFire or with Odin. Custom recovery but it won't mount the internal sd yet. Can't flash or backup.. so its still a work in progress, but its a working recovery other than that lol. Must be rooted first. Make sure that you download root file explorer and ensure you have a copy of su and busybox in your /system/bin and /system/xbin folders. Make sure you have USB debugging on, OEM on, and unknown sources on in System-Developer options. Thanks to Paco for the root exploit! But we needed a recovery for this fine device. Enjoy!
EDIT: SOME CLARITY FOR EVERYONE... ok, so here's the deal. In marshmallow the system is write protected after you trip KNOX 0x1. The system will persist and will lose integrity if the stock kernel's "CASHE" gets changed. hmmm.... so. this is what you need your system to be at if you want to flash a custom kernel or recovery with flashfire or flashify: After you root with Paco's method, you should be on stock rooted rom with stock recovery. when you flash with flashfire DO NOT WIPE CASHE OR DALVIK CASHE OR FORMAT CASHE in ANY WAY ... IT WILL SEND YOU INTO THE "RESET MODE"... NO worries tho. If this happens to you , ODIN this stock kernel CASHE that i'm posting below and you should boot back up. Keep in mind what you're doing as well... if for some reason you hit the "RESET" SCREEN, don't flip... just ODIN the partition you changed back to stock whether it be the kernel or in this case the RECOVERY. ... also, try not to use ever root in flashify/ flashfire because it lowers the permissions for the SU binaries and removes SU from some of the system folders.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. start from stock if you can.
2.root via paco's method HERE
3.I would make sure you have a stock copy of the stock firmware (ROM KERNEL RECOVERY) on your computer just in case
HERE
4.download my cwm port for the j700t1 below and put it on the root of your drive or anywhere on your phones internal memory (not your external sd card)
5. Download root browser from the playstore as well as flashfire or flashify or both.
6.rename the cwm.img to recovery.img with root browser and ensure that you have SU and Busybox in /system/bin , /system/xbin , and it wouldn't hurt to have it in ~#/sbin as well..... AND check the permissions with root browser to make sure the permissions are set to 0777 (rwrwrwrw)
7. In "Flashfire" click the "+" symbol - click "Flash firmware package" -- Go to the cwm "recovery" file you put on your internal sd card and select the file. Fireflash will bring a screen up saying "Partitions" at the top showing the package. Click the check mark at the top right. FlashFire will go back to the "Actions" screen. Click"reboot" toward the bottom. Under the "reboot" screen, click recovery to boot directly into your new recovery after the flash. Uncheck Preserve recovery- click the check mark at the top right again. Click "Flash" at the bottom. --- wait. Device will reboot... flashfire will take over and your loading screen willl flash by... phone will boot back up into CWM....
To Flash ODIN tars --- Rename the perspective tar to the partition it goes to before trying to odin. Example: rename "cwm.recovery.img." to just "recovery.img" ... Same with the stock kernel tar below. . rename to "boot.img" then ODIN.
Sideload apps or ROMS or ZIPS just don't wipe any cashe partitions until we can get a good custom kernel. I could use the help with the kernel I will be honest. I can get it done but with a lot of trial and error. Anyone who can remove the SELinux write protection from the kernel please contact me.. I'm working on it. I was able to get a custom kernel to boot. but still no r/w mount for the USB yet. Just keep the CASHE lol. One more thing.. if your'e testing kernels, everytime you have to odin a stock kernel you will LOSE ROOT, so go ahead and re-root again.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_WsJ57QBykaQ3ROeFZnajNzbmc/view?usp=sharing --- CWM img
CWM.TAR-- (new
--Stock Kernel CASHE.tar
Stock KERNEL
Team Rejectz

removed as it was reported not working by @timmetal6669

messi2050 said:
I worked on the kernel you asked for , i hope that it will help you getting a working twrp for your phone
Permissive kernel
https://www.mediafire.com/download/gd51y458vkzwmve
Completely disabled selinux kernel
https://www.mediafire.com/download/ui6udkamk1dkqq4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you!! the one I sent you? will flash right away

timmetal6669 said:
thank you!! the one I sent you? will flash right away
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome ! No i didn't recieve anything , I compiled this one
http://opensource.samsung.com/reception/receptionSub.do?method=sub&sub=F&searchValue=Sm-j700t

messi2050 said:
I worked on the kernel you asked for , i hope that it will help you getting a working twrp for your phone
Permissive kernel
https://www.mediafire.com/download/gd51y458vkzwmve
Completely disabled selinux kernel
https://www.mediafire.com/download/ui6udkamk1dkqq4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not working...
do not flash this
Here is an odin flashable copy of the j700t1 stock kernel to get you booting again. just go into download mode, open odin and flash this if you happened to flash one of the kernels above
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_WsJ57QBykaSDRlQXlXSnpSd28

messi2050 said:
You are welcome ! No i didn't recieve anything , I compiled this one
http://opensource.samsung.com/reception/receptionSub.do?method=sub&sub=F&searchValue=Sm-j700t
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No wonder it looped, we are the j700t1 variant.... Grab this stock boot.img i just posted above and see what you can do it with this instead lol.:good:

timmetal6669 said:
No wonder it looped, we are the j700t1 variant.... Grab this stock boot.img i just posted above and see what you can do it with this instead lol.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm.... 2 members tested the first one and the phone booted up correctly , i can't disable selinux from the bootimage as Samsung is forcing selinux in the kernel , i need to build the kernel from source to do that

messi2050 said:
Hmmm.... 2 members tested the first one and the phone booted up correctly , i can't disable selinux from the bootimage as Samsung is forcing selinux in the kernel , i need to build the kernel from source to do that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent me into a loop... but I'm the metro pcs variant
Oh update... If anyone uses that odin flashable stock boot.img .. remember it IS a stock boot img. you will lose root. but you won't lose your system and your apps.. so just re root using paco's CF autroot exploit.

messi2050 said:
Hmmm.... 2 members tested the first one and the phone booted up correctly , i can't disable selinux from the bootimage as Samsung is forcing selinux in the kernel , i need to build the kernel from source to do that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
might just be what i'll have to do.. the boot image is its own source

So no progress on the recovery to backup or flash yet?

Krumplife4400 said:
So no progress on the recovery to backup or flash yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im working on it. the recovery is flashable and it works... just won't mount the SD right now... I have to right a script or look for a work around.. give me a bit...might take a few days. I'm a single dad and im' in school. I do this cuz i love it and I just bought this phone... Don't worry.,.. I'll be making ROMs before you know it... lol... mods everything... look up my threads lol

Thanks keep up the good work

Are you able to mount USB-OTG?? I am about to leave work so I haven't had a chance to play yet!

I can confirm it boots on j700t as well. I haven't flashed anything but it's there. I got twrp to boot and stay for roughly 5 minutes but still cannot mount anything either.
Sent from my SM-J700T using XDA-Developers mobile app

Verification Failed
I got this after flashing the cwm.img in FF. I did rename it to recovery.img is that why it failed? I could not get odin or FF to actually attempt a flash otherwise. Odin failed attempt NANDWRITE and FF complains about partition matching. I did have su and BB in the /system/bin and /system/xbin folders. Busybox permissions were 0777 and su permissions were 0755
Edit: i just rebooted the device and it booted right up. I tried to reboot recovery and it was back to stock so idk . I am definitely missing a step somewhere..

!Led*Eyes! said:
I got this after flashing the cwm.img in FF. I did rename it to recovery.img is that why it failed? I could not get odin or FF to actually attempt a flash otherwise. Odin failed attempt NANDWRITE and FF complains about partition matching. I did have su and BB in the /system/bin and /system/xbin folders. Busybox permissions were 0777 and su permissions were 0755
Edit: i just rebooted the device and it booted right up. I tried to reboot recovery and it was back to stock so idk . I am definitely missing a step somewhere..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start over.
Set up phone like day one
Re-root with cf auto root
Update su binaries
Install BusyBox
Install flashify
Download IMG from op
After download, tap on IMG file should bring up flashify as an option
Flash IMG and reboot
Profit.
- I see you're good but no cwm? Skip start over root part and use flashify.
-sent from this device using this app.

So flashify over flashfire ? Ill give it a shot. Thanks

!Led*Eyes! said:
So flashify over flashfire ? Ill give it a shot. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem
sent from the interwebs using dis here application an m'digits....

I decided to just try it with flashify without reverting everything back to stock and voila! I chose the google drive option when searching for the file so it did download it again.... i re member reading something a while back about about a similar issue with not being able to mount the sdcard because the fs was encrypted and the recovery couldnt read it. I think they overcame by formatting the sdcard but i do not know .. i realize that simply formatting the sd in recovery and trying to mount would be fruitless but could the trouble be in the "expected recovery key" ? Just a thought. Thanks again timmetal6669 & OriginalShinken1 for the beta and the help. You guys are so close!

Has anyone tried to sideload a ROM yet since we can't flash?

Magisk Installing OTA on Pixel XL 1

Hi,
I own a Pixel XL 128GB, running 8.0.0 October FW. I have installed Magisk 14.3 beta 1437. Almost everything works, except for:
1. When installing Magisk using Magisk's internal installer it always downloads MAgisk 14.0 and tries to install this old, outdated version. Is this a bug?
2. I can't install OTAs, tried following john's installing instructions...
https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/blob/master/docs/tips.md#ota-installation-tips
My steps were:
* Install stock boot loader - Magisk almost immediately confirms that it has installed the stock boot image. That's a bit surprising, I don't see any flashing dialog like when installing Magisk. Bug?
* trying to update using the internal OTA fails. It takes very long and suddenly stops.
Any idea what went wrong?

niko26 said:
Hi,
I own a Pixel XL 128GB, running 8.0.0 October FW. I have installed Magisk 14.3 beta 1437. Almost everything works, except for:
1. When installing Magisk using Magisk's internal installer it always downloads MAgisk 14.0 and tries to install this old, outdated version. Is this a bug?
2. I can't install OTAs, tried following john's installing instructions...
https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/blob/master/docs/tips.md#ota-installation-tips
My steps were:
* Install stock boot loader - Magisk almost immediately confirms that it has installed the stock boot image. That's a bit surprising, I don't see any flashing dialog like when installing Magisk. Bug?
* trying to update using the internal OTA fails. It takes very long and suddenly stops.
Any idea what went wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you wan't the current beta to install, you need to change to the beta update channel in the Manager settings.
2. You've probably done something that messes with important partitions (/system, /vendor, etc). It's enough to just mount the partition rw to destroy the ability to update through OTA.
Restoring the stock boot image through the Manager is instantaneous...

Hi @Didgeridoohan,
thank you very much for the quick answers!
Didgeridoohan said:
1. If you wan't the current beta to install, you need to change to the beta update channel in the Manager settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - I didn't know that.
2. You've probably done something that messes with important partitions (/system, /vendor, etc). It's enough to just mount the partition rw to destroy the ability to update through OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, how do I find out what has been messed on /system, and/or /vendor?
Does installing and using AdAway tamper with /system or /vendor?
So reflashing the stock boot image is not sufficent, correct?
And most important.. how do I fix this?

niko26 said:
Hi @Didgeridoohan,
thank you very much for the quick answers!
Thanks - I didn't know that.
Hm, how do I find out what has been messed on /system, and/or /vendor?
Does installing and using AdAway tamper with /system or /vendor?
So reflashing the stock boot image is not sufficent, correct?
And most important.. how do I fix this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you let AdAway directly write to /system/etc/hosts, then yes, you have a compromised system partition. If you're using Magisk Systemless Hosts you should be fine though. Do you have TWRP installed? That'd be an issue as well...
If you want to make sure that you can update through OTA in the future, clean flash a factory image (you can leave data intact) and then make sure not to touch /system or /vendor at all.

* DELETED *

Didgeridoohan said:
If you let AdAway directly write to /system/etc/hosts, then yes, you have a compromised system partition. If you're using Magisk Systemless Hosts you should be fine though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've been using Magisk's systemless hosts-file.
. Do you have TWRP installed? That'd be an issue as well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP has not been installed permanently.
If you want to make sure that you can update through OTA in the future, clean flash a factory image (you can leave data intact) and then make sure not to touch /system or /vendor at all.
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There aren't a lot of apps I am granting root. One of them is Titanium Backup. It may have tampered the fs.
Is there any kind of diff against the original folders which I can run to find out what has been tampered to possibly identify which app is causing the issues?
One of the main reasons for installing Magisk was because I was tired of flashing the entire system when updates have been released.
I never couldn't get Flashfire working properly when it comes to install updates / OTAs.

niko26 said:
Yeah, I've been using Magisk's systemless hosts-file.
TWRP has not been installed permanently.
There aren't a lot of apps I am granting root. One of them is Titanium Backup. It may have tampered the fs.
Is there any kind of diff against the original folders which I can run to find out what has been tampered to possibly identify which app is causing the issues?
One of the main reasons for installing Magisk was because I was tired of flashing the entire system when updates have been released.
I never couldn't get Flashfire working properly when it comes to install updates / OTAs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the OTA can check for a tampered system, I'm sure there's a way to check. Question is if it's worth the effort.
Any app that has root access can be the culprit... Could also be that you let TWRP mount system rw or something similar. Really hard to say...

Didgeridoohan said:
Since the OTA can check for a tampered system, I'm sure there's a way to check. Question is if it's worth the effort.
Any app that has root access can be the culprit... Could also be that you let TWRP mount system rw or something similar. Really hard to say...
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Click to collapse
Does TWRP mount system as rw by default? Because all I really do is.. boot to TWRP, flash the Magisk's zip. That's it. Nothing else.
Is there any other way I can install OTAs without using a computer with USB (and keeping root of course )?
As said... I never could FlashFire to work correctly. The documentation leaves a lot of questions open - BTW.. props to the Magisk's docs - much better.

niko26 said:
Does TWRP mount system as rw by default? Because all I really do is.. boot to TWRP, flash the Magisk's zip. That's it. Nothing else.
Is there any other way I can install OTAs without using a computer with USB (and keeping root of course )?
As said... I never could FlashFire to work correctly. The documentation leaves a lot of questions open - BTW.. props to the Magisk's docs - much better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP doesn't mount system as rw unless you let it.
I've never used Flashfire and haven't updated through OTA since, 2014-ish. :laugh: I'm mainly going on theoretical knowledge here... On my Nexus I used fastboot to flash the factory image (until I switched to ROM flashing in TWRP) and now I just flash the full update package that OnePlus provides in TWRP.
For a while there I also flashed the system.img and boot.img files in TWRP. If that months security update only had anything to do with those files it was just a matter of downloading the factory image and unpack those two files and flash them directly in TWRP. No computer needed (unless there was an update to the bootloader and/or radio). No idea if this is viable on a Pixel...
My main use for Magisk is that all my system modifications are still there after I update my phone. Drastically cuts down on the time it takes to set my phone up after an update.

Didgeridoohan said:
I've never used Flashfire and haven't updated through OTA since, 2014-ish. :laugh: I'm mainly going on theoretical knowledge here... On my Nexus I used fastboot to flash the factory image (until I switched to ROM flashing in TWRP) and now I just flash the full update package that OnePlus provides in TWRP.
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Click to collapse
I've tried installing TWRP permanently, but the moment I have installed an official patch, it got wiped - and I haven't found any docs how to prevent that.
My main use for Magisk is that all my system modifications are still there after I update my phone. Drastically cuts down on the time it takes to set my phone up after an update.
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What settings are you referring to?

niko26 said:
I've tried installing TWRP permanently, but the moment I have installed an official patch, it got wiped - and I haven't found any docs how to prevent that.
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Click to collapse
After updating, you probably need to boot straight to TWRP and reflash root. If you boot directly to the OS, it'll automatically replace TWRP with the stock recovery.
What settings are you referring to?
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I like to change screen density, debloat system apps, install Viper4Android, install boot scripts (LiveBoot, etc) and a bunch of other things. With Magisk, as long as I don't wipe /data, all of that will still be intact after a system update. And even if I wipe data I can restore a backup of the Magisk image or just flash the module zips in TWRP. Takes seconds rather than half an hour like it could prior to Magisk.

Didgeridoohan said:
After updating, you probably need to boot straight to TWRP and reflash root. If you boot directly to the OS, it'll automatically replace TWRP with the stock recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, TWRP is gone after an update - I can't boot into it.
[/quote]I like to change screen density, debloat system apps, install Viper4Android, install boot scripts (LiveBoot, etc) and a bunch of other things. With Magisk, as long as I don't wipe /data, all of that will still be intact after a system update. And even if I wipe data I can restore a backup of the Magisk image or just flash the module zips in TWRP. Takes seconds rather than half an hour like it could prior to Magisk.[/QUOTE]
Hm, I am not sure if I get you right. If it is about apps, I use Titanium Backup to recover my old apps+settings.

system files
Most of the setting you mentioned are messing with the system files. "debloating" or removing and system applications with titanium backup will fail a system check with OTA update. You can freeze the apps i believe.
I changing the screen density and boot scripts. These are all system files locations.
I have had an ota work be re-installing the system apps from titanium backup and reverting all the other changes when it was failing before. Think this was back on android 6.0 though.
Didgeridoohan said:
After updating, you probably need to boot straight to TWRP and reflash root. If you boot directly to the OS, it'll automatically replace TWRP with the stock recovery.
I like to change screen density, debloat system apps, install Viper4Android, install boot scripts (LiveBoot, etc) and a bunch of other things. With Magisk, as long as I don't wipe /data, all of that will still be intact after a system update. And even if I wipe data I can restore a backup of the Magisk image or just flash the module zips in TWRP. Takes seconds rather than half an hour like it could prior to Magisk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

automattic said:
Most of the setting you mentioned are messing with the system files. "debloating" or removing and system applications with titanium backup will fail a system check with OTA update. You can freeze the apps i believe.
I changing the screen density and boot scripts. These are all system files locations.
I have had an ota work be re-installing the system apps from titanium backup and reverting all the other changes when it was failing before. Think this was back on android 6.0 though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since all of the things I mentioned are done with Magisk, none of them will cause an OTA to fail...
Reinstalling system apps will not work, since nowadays an OTA will fail just by mounting /system as rw.

Hi guys, trying to install latest OTA patch for Pixel 2. I am assuming process would be the same. I tried to follow the guide but hit the bump immediately. I can't see "Restore Stock Boot" when pressing uninstall. But there is restore images option. Hitting it does nothing, I receive the message that there are no backups. Where does the backup go so I can put the original file for it to be reinstalled?