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

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

Root without twrp

Is there any way to root without TWRP? I'll be doing this for a family member, and want to keep it as stock as possible. I just want root to remove some stock apps they don't need, then probably unroot. Is there any way to do so? Otherwise I was thinking of flashing TWRP, rooting, then flashing back the stock recovery.

Purplezigar said:
Is there any way to root without TWRP? I'll be doing this for a family member, and want to keep it as stock as possible. I just want root to remove some stock apps they don't need, then probably unroot. Is there any way to do so? Otherwise I was thinking of flashing TWRP, rooting, then flashing back the stock recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can boot into twrp.
Use "fastboot boot twrp-recovery-file location"
Then you can just use the root shell from twrp to make changes, no need to flash SuperSU if you want the ROM unrooted.

mrmazak said:
You can boot into twrp.
Use "fastboot boot twrp-recovery-file location"
Then you can just use the root shell from twrp to make changes, no need to flash SuperSU if you want the ROM unrooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not quite sure what you're saying, but it sounds like you're saying that I can boot into the TWRP image while I'm connected with fastboot, without actually installing TWRP?

Purplezigar said:
I'm not quite sure what you're saying, but it sounds like you're saying that I can boot into the TWRP image while I'm connected with fastboot, without actually installing TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right. You can just boot twrp instead of flashing it.
And when twrp is booted you can connect to phone with adb, you will have a shell with root privileges.

mrmazak said:
That's right. You can just boot twrp instead of flashing it.
And when twrp is booted you can connect to phone with adb, you will have a shell with root privileges.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool! So then I can just remove system installed apps that I don't want (e.g. Google Play Movies and Books)?

Purplezigar said:
Cool! So then I can just remove system installed apps that I don't want (e.g. Google Play Movies and Books)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could also read this thread as see if the twrp packages there are what you want to do.
They can all be run from the booted twrp.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/r1-hd/how-to/guide-ad-removal-debloat-block-ota-easy-t3429555

mrmazak said:
You could also read this thread as see if the twrp packages there are what you want to do.
They can all be run from the booted twrp.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/r1-hd/how-to/guide-ad-removal-debloat-block-ota-easy-t3429555
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks!

Upgrading without un-rooting OP3T

I am upgrading my OP3T from 5.0.1 to 5.0.3. My device is rooted using magisk and I have TWRP installed.
The system updates says -
"Root is detected, system will begin dowloading the full package. Your device will be un-rooted once the upgrade is completed."
Now my questions are
1. How to install the upgrade (5.0.3) without unrooting it ?
2. As it says it'll un-root my device, does it also mean it'll wipe my data as well ?
EDIT - I read about Dirty flashing the version I want but I can't find 5.0.3 image on Oneplus website.

shantam2 said:
The system updates says -
"Root is detected, system will begin dowloading the full package. Your device will be un-rooted once the upgrade is completed."
Now my questions are
1. How to install the upgrade (5.0.3) without unrooting it ?
2. As it says it'll un-root my device, does it also mean it'll wipe my data as well ?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You can't.
2. No, but you can re-root it using TWRP (which will need to be reflashed via fastboot).

przemcio510 said:
1. You can't.
2. No, but you can re-root it using TWRP (which will need to be reflashed via fastboot).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Re-flashing magisk via TWRP will keep my data ?

It's the same as with all previous updates.
Go to TWRP, flash the whole rom,.don't exit,.flash latest Magisk,.done.
Everything will be as before, with the new system installed
Unleashed by my rooted OP3T on 8.0

RASTAVIPER said:
It's the same as with all previous updates.
Go to TWRP, flash the whole rom,.don't exit,.flash latest Magisk,.done.
Everything will be as before, with the new system installed
Unleashed by my rooted OP3T on 8.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you elaborate more on this ?
After I upgrade (and it becomes unrooted). I immediately flash magisk via TWRP ?
I didn't get the part "flash the whole rom and don't exit" ?
Also, Will I lose any data in the process ?

shantam2 said:
Re-flashing magisk via TWRP will keep my data ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing will be lost even if you don't flash Magisk, so yes.
And Rastaviper meant that when you flash the update via TWRP, you don't reboot, but right after flashing the ROM you flash Magisk and then reboot, this way you will stay rooted.

przemcio510 said:
Nothing will be lost even if you don't flash Magisk, so yes.
And Rastaviper meant that when you flash the update via TWRP, you don't reboot, but right after flashing the ROM you flash Magisk and then reboot, this way you will stay rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So no need to fastboot flash recovery?
Correct me if I'm wrong, so you dl the zip, you flash it, you then flash magisk zip? Then what? You boot up and install twrp manager in order to change recovery?

b4bass said:
So no need to fastboot flash recovery?
Correct me if I'm wrong, so you dl the zip, you flash it, you then flash magisk zip? Then what? You boot up and install twrp manager in order to change recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flash the update downloaded as zip from downloads.oneplus.com via TWRP, then no, there will be no need to flash it again via fastboot and no need to install TWRP Manager.
Boot to TWRP
Flash 5.0.3 zip
Flash Magisk
Reboot & enjoy

OK thanks! I thought the recovery would go back to stock after flashing the rom

And guys, if other members help you with their posts, don't forget to thank them.
Unleashed by my rooted OP3T on 8.0

b4bass said:
OK thanks! I thought the recovery would go back to stock after flashing the rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That only happens if you reboot the phone while on the stock boot image. If you use a patched boot image, or a custom kernel, or Magisk, then the stock recovery doesn't overwrite the current recovery.
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs

BillGoss said:
That only happens if you reboot the phone while on the stock boot image. If you use a patched boot image, or a custom kernel, or Magisk, then the stock recovery doesn't overwrite the current recovery.
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So magisk is patching bootloader? I thought it was it point not to
Though this method is saving me some serious time!

b4bass said:
So magisk is patching boot, I thought I was it point not to
Though this method is saving me some serious time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Magisk makes a point of not touching the system partition but a lot of its magic is done by changing the boot image.
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs

OK thx ! First time I replaced supersu to pet magisk. Will have to find more details on this subject

b4bass said:
So magisk is patching bootloader? I thought it was it point not to
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot image is kernel and ramdisk. Boot image is not the same as bootloader!

Root

Hi guys and girls,
I used to have a S7 Edge and found that really easy to root as it had am sd card I've managed to unlock the bootloader and install TWRP But all the advice guides says to install supersu on the internal memory from the pc I did that but when I loaded TWRP up and searched for the zip file it wasn't in any folders or sub folder is someone able to. Explain where to put it or help with a step by step guide I am using CLT-L09 if that helps thanks so much.

If you have TWRP, just flash Magisk.

krs360 said:
If you have TWRP, just flash Magisk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried and followed the instructions but it won't let me install magisk either but bootloader is unlocked

It looks like twrp hasn't decrypted my internal storage I haven't got any security measures on my phone how would I decrypt it?

Scdean1985 said:
It looks like twrp hasn't decrypted my internal storage I haven't got any security measures on my phone how would I decrypt it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using the 'Official' or 'Unofficial' TWRP?

danifilth4king said:
Are you using the 'Official' or 'Unofficial' TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know i found a thread online and it told to to download thr TWRP off that site I guess I should do the official one then could I just reload over the top off it

Scdean1985 said:
it is the official twrp should I have used an official one ill take a screen shot off all the files it shows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Install the unofficial TWRP. Remove fingerprint/password/pin etc then try again. TWRP doesn't decrypt when they're active.

colthekid said:
Install the unofficial TWRP. Remove fingerprint/password/pin etc then try again. TWRP doesn't decrypt when they're active.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I unistall TWRP as I've never needed to uninstall it before lol.

Scdean1985 said:
How do I unistall TWRP as I've never needed to uninstall it before lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install the unofficial one from this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/huawei-p20-pro/development/recovery-twrp-3-2-1-0-t3779400
Just flash it over the one you currently have with the same method you used before via fastboot.
When you issue the 'fastboot reboot' command after installing unplug the usb cable straight away and hold volume up button until it boots to TWRP. This will stop TWRP being overwritten by stock recovery on first boot. Disable all fingerprint/pin/password/face unlock security first, to be able to see your files correctly.
Youre better off flashing Magisk than SuperSU

danifilth4king said:
Install the unofficial one from this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/huawei-p20-pro/development/recovery-twrp-3-2-1-0-t3779400
Just flash it over the one you currently have with the same method you used before via fastboot.
When you issue the 'fastboot reboot' command after installing unplug the usb cable straight away and hold volume up button until it boots to TWRP. This will stop TWRP being overwritten by stock recovery on first boot. Disable all fingerprint/pin/password/face unlock security first, to be able to see your files correctly.
Youre better off flashing Magisk than SuperSU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANKS SO MUCH MATE. i appreciate all the help and finally my phone is rooted and i can do everything i wanted to do on it

Easietst way from twrp flashed supersu and xposed to magisk and xposed systemless?

What I have:
custom version of TWRP recovery made for the oneplus 3t
unlocked bootloader (the message that pops up upon boot is annoying but tolerable)
I believe dm-verity is not triggered
flashed xposed installer version 88.1
SuperSu v2.82 also flashed
on Nougat 7.1.1 and Oxygen 4.5.1 (I realize these are dated but I would be fine staying on these)
What Im trying to do:
Pass safetynet so I can use my snapchat app again
keep the custom recovery
keep my bootloader unlocked
keep dm-verity untriggered
not lose any of my data
get xposed working on magisk so I can continue using the modules like adblock, fingerprint on reboot, and youtube background play
not brick my phone lol
Can someone please walk me through how to best do this? Since I flashed both supersu and xposed through the recovery would I have to uninstall those the same way or can I use the uninstall feature found in both? I was looking through the magisk thread and Im seeing things about flashing a boot image before flashing that but I read I dont HAVE to do that. Would I be better off doing this, and what happens to my data if I do. I've messed with a lot of things since rooting the phone last year so I dont know what will mess up this transition nor do I remember all the things I like on my phone as a result of rooting.
Im sorry that this thread is a mess, I hope someone can help me out, I would appreciate it.

my supersu is systemless if that makes a difference

Please can someone help me

JayTheKid said:
Please can someone help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use xposed so I can't help with that.
I would:
- remove Su using unSU from https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2239421&p=40409356
- flash your rom again to ensure that you have the original boot image
- flash Magisk (the latest version)
Do these three steps in TWRP without rebooting your phone in between or you'll lose TWRP.
Of course, take a backup before you start.
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs

BillGoss said:
I don't use xposed so I can't help with that.
I would:
- remove Su using unSU from https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2239421&p=40409356
- flash your rom again to ensure that you have the original boot image
- flash Magisk (the latest version)
Do these three steps in TWRP without rebooting your phone in between or you'll lose TWRP.
Of course, take a backup before you start.
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't I just flash the boot image without flashing the entire rom?
Also can all 3 of those files be flashed at once or do I do them in the order you specified? I'm assuming the phone won't restart after any of those steps unless I specify correct?
Thanks so much for the response by the way!

Also noob question but when making a backup, are you referring to nandroid? Which things should be checked on the backup list when doing a backup like that?

JayTheKid said:
Also noob question but when making a backup, are you referring to nandroid? Which things should be checked on the backup list when doing a backup like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, in referring to nandroid. Backup boot, system, and data.
You can flash just the boot image if you have it rather than the full rom.
The order has to be the way I listed them because unSu may restore your original boot image, and you need your original boot image for Magisk to patch it.
So, while you technically may not need to flash your original boot image, I'm just playing safe.
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs

BillGoss said:
Yes, in referring to nandroid. Backup boot, system, and data.
You can flash just the boot image if you have it rather than the full rom.
The order has to be the way I listed them because unSu may restore your original boot image, and you need your original boot image for Magisk to patch it.
So, while you technically may not need to flash your original boot image, I'm just playing safe.
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much, this seems a lot easier than what I thought I'd have to do!

BillGoss said:
Yes, in referring to nandroid. Backup boot, system, and data.
You can flash just the boot image if you have it rather than the full rom.
The order has to be the way I listed them because unSu may restore your original boot image, and you need your original boot image for Magisk to patch it.
So, while you technically may not need to flash your original boot image, I'm just playing safe.
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One last question! What step do I remove xposed from my device? I flashed it with twrp so would I remove it the same way after UnSu?

JayTheKid said:
One last question! What step do I remove xposed from my device? I flashed it with twrp so would I remove it the same way after UnSu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just get the xposed uninstaller for your particular build: https://dl-xda.xposed.info/framework/uninstaller/

reilus said:
Just get the xposed uninstaller for your particular build: https://dl-xda.xposed.info/framework/uninstaller/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've accomplished everything and no issues! magisk and safetynet are good. I even have access to google pay finally.
I miss my xposed modules though