Gateway of customization - Ultimate guide EFS/Root/Flashing ROM/Toolbox - Galaxy Note 4 General

Proposed Thread Index :
1.Root & Custom Recovery
2.Make backup of your data
3.How to Install custom ROM
4.Toolbox - Various useful tools for our device.
5.-9. Will be used as per needs.
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How to root
So first step in world of customization is ROOT access on your device. and first post we have dedicated for instruction about how to root SGN4 and flash custom recovery. Guide will get updated as we gets more stuff to flash. Right now legend @Chainfire came as usual with privilege to root our device.
Here is Original thread for getting root access on SGN4. Big Thanks to @Chainfire
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/orig-development/sm-n910-cf-auto-root-t2897428 - This method is for users still have stock recovery.
If you are already have custom recovery then simply flashing SuperSu zip enough to root your device.
Make EFS Backup
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/orig-development/efs-imei-backup-tool-t2902811
.

Noob friendly guide to clean install ROM.
Ok friend here posting some steps to clean Install ROM and how to keep device ready to clean install ROM with minimal risk of loosing data with keeping data restore handy.
I have devided this guide in Three sctions.
If you are first time flashing custom ROM then first part of this guide is not much helpful to you. Move to section 2 (installing ROM) as well read post#2
1.Pre Flashing - How to keep device ready to clean install ROM/Wipe
2.Installing ROM
3.Post flashing data restore.
1.Pre Flashing preparation and data backup management.(for rooted device)
Here for this I do prefer titanium with schedule backup to keep my data protected on daily basis and describing below how do I prefer to manage it.
Ok let's start with schedule backup with titanium. This step will secure you to keep your data backup everyday without your interference.
- Install Titanium backup from play store (features mentioned here best managed with Pro version only)
- Now open titanium application and select click to edit filter as shown in screenshot below
-In next screen select create label. see image below
-Now give this filter a desired label like here i gave data only in below screenshot. After this select add/remove elements in same screen. This is very inportnt step and you have to decide what elements you requires to backup daily. In my case giving you some examples like
contact storage ( look for contac storage green color to make contact backup), Messages (yellow colored) to make backup of SMS. like this. You can select your desired application data to make backup according your needs. But I strongly recommend to make backup od these two only from system application part. Though another important app is Launcher which can helpful to restore your launcher setting (Homescreen) for that you need to select TouchWiz home (red color). Also note that when you restore red color backup, select only to restore data only. we will discuss again in restoring section. Ok you can also select third party elements which changes data frequently. in my case I don't use stock launcher so selecting third party launcher so whenever i do change my homescreen setting, i need not to worry about it. Anyway it's enough to make clear what you have to select here is only application which data frequently get changes.
Once you finish this setup you will see your filter in nect screen
-Now come to main screen and select Schedule. See image below
-Now here you can see two pre defined rule here on ths page. see image below
-Select first rule by tapping on edit on first rule. Now next screen is very important and you will find three tables. Here in below screenshot as I shown select first tab to "Backup new user app and New version" This will ake backup of all user app which backup is not present. Also it will make re backup if you update application version.
second tab is keep no filtering so all user app will backup and third tab should setup to 'Any' so it can make backup without any power condition.
Also in lower part select desired day and time when to make backup. You can select daily or on selected day. I prefer to do during our sleeping time so it can do silently.
-Now click on edit button of second rule. This is for backup of all app and data for which you have created lebel.
Now on first table select 'All user App + System data" and in next table (filter) select label which you have created earlier. So this will make backup of only stuff which you have selected in add/removal elements while creating label. Also recommended to keep 'Any' under power condition of third table.
Same as before here defined your prefered time to make backup. Keep considerable time between first and second rule so app will remain free at time od backup of second rule.
-Ok most of setup is now finished and select menu key - preference from titanium app and Check mark 'Auto-Sync TB setting' This will save setting on SD card and when you install Titanium next time all above made setting will be retrived autometically.
-I prefer to keep titanium backup folder on Ext SD because many times you may needs to wipe IntSD too. Also prefereable to make periodic manual backup of titanium backup folder to PC from Ext SD card. you can set loaction from Menu - preernce - Backup folder location.
-also recommended to keep multiple copy of backup by selecting Number of backup under menu-preference. This is important when one backup failed then old to that backup may be useful
So this is all about keep device ready to make backup of your device anytime on daily basis. Though you can manually run scheduled backup by selecting 'RUN' in schedule-rule just before flashing ROM to assure latest settings are being backup already.
2.Flashing ROM
1.Flash your desired CWM/TWRP if you are still on stock recovery. - READ POST #2 FOR DETAIL ABOUT FLASHING RECOVERY.
Note that your device not required to be rooted to flash custom ROM. Just having CWM/TWRP (what is recommended by your ROM developer)
2.Download and copy ROM file to your SD card (Int/Ext)
(Here I am showing example of Philz recovery and some option may be different in case of you are using other recovery)
3.Reboot to recovery and select wipe data (for clean installation) (see image)
4.Select Install zip and then select zip from SD (where you copied) (see image)
5.Now wait here and don't immediately confirm by pressing 'yes' but wait till it finish md5 check. (see image) MUST READ
Once it finish md5, compare it with below provided md5 sum and select yes only if it matches. If it doesn't match that means your download is corrupted and needs to redownload.
Ok Next important thing to mentione here is management of bootloop
So many users experiences bootloop after flashing ROM, even after clean install. This is most of due to corrupt data and common issue on kitkat based ROM.
Here recommended steps in case you get bootloop.
1.Make sure you have checked MD5. I have desribed here how to check md5 on device above wit Philz recovery. I strongly recommend to check MD5 on device because sometime file can be corrupted while transffering from PCto device. In case you are using other recovery then you can use root explorer from play store to check MD5. Open root explorer - navigate to ROM file - Long press and select properties. Vait for some time while it finish calculating MD5 and once it matches with one provided on ROM thread.
2.Use recovery which is recommended by developer of ROM.
3.Before flashing ROM wipe data and then install ROM.
4.If still issue then you can try flashing stock recovery and then wipe data with stock recovery. NOTE that wiping data with stock recovery will erase all data from Int SD too.
5.Even after this issue persist then last final way is to flash stock ROM with Odin and then wipe data using stock recovery. After that follow install instruction as said above.
Now After successful flashing ROM last step is to restore data
3.Post flashing Restoring data.
1. First complete setup wizard and wait till you get homescreen. Now here wait for your device to become cool. On first boot after clean install media scanner will scan all drive and Index srvice also will run that will make device quite hot. and this depends on data on your device (5 to 30min) Don't intall anything during this period and wait till device gets cool. (This waiting period is optional but still recommended to prevent any unwanted issue)
2.Now reboot device and add your google account. If you have cloud backup for your contacts then let sync to finish and as soon as you add google account your contacts will be restored autometically. Ifyou don't want to sync contact data then immdiately open account-google and select 'Cancel sync' now you can manually select each option which you want to select if you needs selected data to sync only.
3.In case you don't sync contacts with google server then now time to restore from backup you made by other way. Apart from titanim other way to backup contacts is from contact application itself. for that you needs to make bachup before wiping device by
Contact - menu -Impoort/Export - export (SD/ExtSd)
If you have make backup this way then now restore it by doing this in reverse. Contact-men-Import/Export-Import (from where you created backup)
In case you have created backup by titanium then
Open titanium app - look for contact storage (green color) and select it - restore -data only. Remeber this step you have to do after adding google account only otherwise you can't see contacts.
Next is restore SMS
Open titanium - look for Messages (Yellow color) - select - restore -data only
Now reboot device and check contacts and messages are restored correcly
4.Restore rest of app and data.
For this open titanium - menu - batch action - Select "Restore missing app with data" option Here very important thing on next screen is to keep selected two option a.App + data and b.Exclude System apk. This option a will restore all your app including data like game level (may not with few app), credential of app, settings/preferences of app etc and option b will prevent any junk file of preveios ROM to inject.
After confirming of these two options now check list of app which going to restore. Have a look again and deselect any app you don't needs as well an app you don't know what is it (sometimes old ROM junk can be seen here)
Once restore process start, keep patience and let it finsh. During this time device getting hot is normal. and once restore finish, simply reboot device and open application whih requires to give auto notification. Also open applications manually which require root permission. Remember some application can't work unless you manually open it once after titanium restore.
Also to remind that if you find lots of application causing force closes after restoring titanium then may e your ROM is not fixed for it and you needs to Install TB restore fix from play store and needs to apply fix. Also to note you needs to do it everytime you restore titanium data.
OK friends I think lots for now and will update if I find anything missin here. Thiugh it's long to read but I can assure once you do it, you will never worry about wiping device. and it's one time investment to keep device clean
All the best and happy flahing !

This is for users who first time ever flashing custom ROM.
First you should know difference between stock recovery and custom recovery at least visual difference. So if you don't know how stock recovery looks then first put device in recovery this way
Turn off device. Press Vol UP + Home + Power simultaneously. once you see samsing logo on screen just release power button and keep holding other two. Soon you will see some menu on screen. Note down options available and this is stock recovery. Now move On
1.First make backup of your contacts and SMS. you can do it without having device rooted too. For contacts you can sync with google account OR making backup locally from contact app-menu-Import/Export-Export to (USB/Rxt SD) I recommend ExtSD if you have ext SD card because sometime you needs to wipe IntSD card and may you lose data from IntSD (USB storage) For SM you can use samsung account OR offline with third party app like SMS Backup/Restore
2. Remember that for Installing custom ROM you don't needs to have device rooted. Just only having custom recovery (CWM/TWRP) is enough.
Here is guide to flash custom recovery.
First download tar OR tar.md5 format recovery. If you don't know where to get then seek help from ROM thread which you want to flash and get download link of recovery recommended by respective ROM developer.
Once you get custom recovery in tar format, you needs odin. Also make sure you have installed Kies OR Samsung USB drivers on your PC. I prefer samsung driver only.
Remember you don't connect device to PC while flashing with any extension cable. Simply use single cable to connect device with PC. If it is desktop machine then choose one from backside (direct connects to MoBo
Also make sure your machine's firewall is Off and also turn off antivirus if any you have installed on machine.
Now you are ready to go.
3.Turn off your device. Once it turn off completely, press three button Vol Down + Home + Power to put device in download mode.
Now you will see warning screen and press Volume up to continue
After this you will see green android logo and text Downloading...
4.Open Odin from PC and select PDA (On new version of Odin it will be AP) and navigate to custom recovery which you have downloaded in tar/tar.md5 version. See image below for No3
5.Connect your device to PC and soon ID:COM tab will be turn to different color once device is detected. (see No 1 in above Image)
6. Keep selected Auto reboot and Reset time as shown in Image above
7. Now click on start button (no5 in image above)
8.It will take few seconds to finish process and you will see Pass/RESET msg on first tab of Odin. Now you can disconnect device and it will auto reboot.
9.Turn off device and put device in recovery as said very first on this post. If your recovery is changed from first look of stock recovery then you have successfully finished first task. Now move to post 1 above and part 2 Installing ROM section to continue to flash custom ROM.
10.If even after flashing custom recovery you recovery not changes and same as stcok look you have before flashing then follow this.
11. Follow steps 3 to 5 above and after this uncheck Auto reboot option (no 2 in above image) and finish steps 7.
12. Now this time your device won't reboot auto but when you see Pass/REST msg simply disconnect devie and put device in recovery manually bu Vol UP + Home +Power (as said initially)
13.Now you should have custom recovery. and you are ready to proceed for Flashing custom ROM. Head toward post #1 avove section 2 (Installing ROM)
GoofLuck.

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Hey doc great to see u in note 4 section....well I am gonna ditch htc one m8 and go for note 4 as soon as it's launched in india and will wait for ur roms any idea when it will be available

No confirm date but probably Oct as per rumour.

So u also planning to get one

Of course, ASAP.
Sent from my SM-N900 using xda premium

Wow....Welcome doc....so nice to see you here!
For your welcome I have dedicated all of my 8 thanks to you
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Mod Edit
Good work , as usual.
Thread stickied
malybru
Forum Moderator

Can you make a bloatware app list when you have time of course?

Yeah will make but it will be useless until we get dump file of rom. N4 having newest os so lot changes will be there. I am planning this time to make separate debloating Tool specially for N4 instead of included in my rom.
Sent from my SM-N900 using xda premium

Count me in...

Thanks for this thread useful.
Good work my brother

Related

[Q] Rooting/ CM6 flash last check

As rooting has become so easy these days I am considering to try custom roms (as many hv done lately). I hv read alot since the root with unlocking the bootloader method came out. I am still on stock FRF91 and I'd like to keep my apps and data intact. CM6-RC3 has just released and I m so tempted to try!
Here is the proposed routine:
"Originally Posted by cicrockets"
0. Download the CM6-RC3 ROM with the gapps and put them on SD Card.
1. Plug in the power cable and root using the 1-click root.
2. Back up apps and data with Titanium Backup / MyBackupPro (which is better?)
3. Search for ROM Manager on Market and Install
4. Click the "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery" and wait until the progress bar is finished.
5. Reboot and do a Nandroid backup.
6. Open ROM Manager and "Install ROM from SD Card".
7. Add Zip:
i) update-cm-6.0.0-N1-RC3-signed.zip
ii) gapps-hdpi-20100814-signed.zip
8. When it prompts, choose to backup before flashing and give the backup a name like "Stock N1 Rooted". Also choose to clear data and dalvik-cache.
9. Wait. It'll reboot and go into the clockwork recovery and automatically queue and flash the two zips. Keep waiting until it reboots again.
At this point the phone should hv booted into CM6. Should I do the restore from the backup apps immediately? Or should I wait for 10-15min market sync?
My major concern will be the data. Is there any problem with the above routine? Please bear with me
Technically that is the way to do it. But some people say that they get issues when restoring titanium backups for certain apps and data. So keep that in mind.
Yeah I read about that too. They said it can be fixed by doing an advanced restore, right? Will u recommend MyBackUpPro instead?
Thanks!

(Myphone Uno) ota update problem

For those who have myphone uno plss help me it won't update
If someone kind enough to share the link of
ota zip I can just flash It in stock recovery
gabisonfire98 said:
For those who have myphone uno plss help me it won't update
If someone kind enough to share the link of
ota zip I can just flash It in stock recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok lmy47o patch zip is just 23 mb
guys,
i also have a myphone uno rooted but no custom recovery as of now. i had no problem updating the previous system updates. the recent one came in just fine. then now, the phone (every time it connects to wi-fi) would offer a new sys update. but when this is applied, the procedure results with an ERROR. i wonder if you guys are getting similar results.
bodega1968 said:
guys,
i also have a myphone uno rooted but no custom recovery as of now. i had no problem updating the previous system updates. the recent one came in just fine. then now, the phone (every time it connects to wi-fi) would offer a new sys update. but when this is applied, the procedure results with an ERROR. i wonder if you guys are getting similar results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the same problem. my current system is version is 5.1.1. i'm using stock recovery. my phone is rooted using superSU.
guys,
i've recently just tried doing a FACTORY RESET (myPhone UNO), Android 5.1.1, and to no avail: still an error when updated a 18MB update. either the update file has an error or my rooted settings are preventing a clean OTA update.
bodega1968
dude,
I finally resolved the update issue. will give you the instructions soon. got to go... but will get back to you once I have composed the procedures... I believe the cause is having rooted and changed some data in the system cache.
bod98
SOLVING [one solution] OTA PROBLEMS in myPhone UNO (sprout)
Background.
Phone model: myPhone UNO (sprout hardware)
Android 5.1.1
*Problem: OTA update failure.
*Log message:
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
Verifying update package...
Installing update...
VErifying current system...
"/system/bin/app_process32" has unexpected contents.
E:Eror in 0/cache/recovery/block.map
(Status 7)
*Possible Cause: Occurred after rooting with anil293 (Android Root Kit here). I’m not saying that this program is bad, but only to caution anyone who may want to root and possibly lose OTA updates.
Solution. (*This worked for me since I had done a previous NANDROID backup (NB) of the phone prior to any system changes (i.e. rooting, custom recovery, etc.). The following steps were written to help those who may not be too familiar with some basic non-GUI (graphic user interface) commands in order to restore one’s device to it’s original and working condition.
Step 1: I chanced upon DEVAM30’s wonderful contribution on how to run RECOVERY without installing it ‘permanently’ into the phone. Check out his page here. This allowed me to make my NB. Download from this page the PHILZ8.img (*This will be the 'virtual' recovery file which you will boot into in order to make your NB)
Step 2: Assuming that you have a previous NB, this (huge file) should be located in the clockworkmod folder in your SDCard. You will refer to this once you have successfully booted in the PHILZ8 recovery.
Step 3: Set your phone to allow USB Debugging. (*This can be done in the Developer’s Section) NOTE: Prior to all this, make sure you BACKUP your critical personal files (i.e. contacts, SMS, data, etc. GOOGLE this to find out how to backup your personal data. The next steps will ERASE everything in your phone. I will not be responsible for any data lose or the bricking of your phone.
Step 4: Boot your device in FASTBOOT mode (FM). (*Power OFF the device, then after 5-10 seconds, press POWER ON + VOL UP. When screen turns on, release VOL UP followed by POWER ON). MENU comes up. Use VOL UP to SCROLL among the choices, and when you have selected FM, press VOL DOWN and the phone should pretty much be in FMode.
Step 5: While your phone is in FM. In your PC you should have ADB/FASTBOOT functions already set up. Check the link here on how to install and work in fastboot mode. When you have properly installed everything in this STEP, you must copy the PHILZ8.img into the adb/fastboot folder. You may rename it into something simpler like recovery.img
Step 6: Connect your phone (*already in FM) to the PC.
Step 7: In your PC, in adb/fastboot folder (*check if your device is connected properly – adb devices or fastboot devices). If your device is detected some number should appear in the screen. Then you type: fastboot boot philz8.img or the name you gave to the .img file.
Step 8: Wait for the PHILZ8 recovery to kick in. Once it boots up you’re now ready to do a RESTORE of your NB. You will see a TOUCH menu in your screen. You will carry out two important steps. (a) wipe the cache and (b) restore the NB image from the SDCard.
Step 9: Choose the wipe menu. In my case, I chose to WIPE (*Choose wipe cache options) cache and the dalvik cache. The former one will take a while, and the latter only takes a few seconds. Once done, +++GO BACK++ to the main menu and then TAP on RESTORE. It will ask you where you will restore the image from. Choose SD card. If it doesn’t do this automatically, you may have to navigate to the clockworkmod folder where your NB image is located. Choose that image and you’re good to go!
Step 10: Once the entire procedure is over (*be patient, it may take some time to finish the entire restoring of the image), you will now opt to REBOOT the SYSTEM. Now, this is critical (in my opinion) because the virtual recovery (PHILZ8) will ask if you wish to install root. Choose NO! Otherwise, it may make some changes in the system settings that will conflict with the OTA updates we want to work.
The device will reboot and you will pretty much be back to its original settings (more than a simple factory reset). And your phone will update a few times and no error will come out.
For those of your who don’t have or have not been able to make a CLEAN NB, I uploaded this RAW image phone (it does not contain any personal data or programs) . You may download it here.
bod68
*updated 9IX15
LINK to my NANDROID BACKUP
gabisonfire98 said:
Ok lmy47o patch zip is just 23 mb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gabisonfire98,
dude, if you're patient enough to follow my 'SOLUTION' to regaining OTA updates, check out the procedure i outlined below, september 4, i believe it was.
the link to my NANDROID BACKUP which could be RESTORED to your device (*Using the wonderful procedure outlined by DEVAM03)!
Download the image here
Just email me if you find some of the instructions confusing, just email me.
bod68

Question installing TEKXodus.

So I rooted my phone and flashedTWRP. What's my next step to flashing TEKXodus?
I'm confused about steps on the guide on XDA.
Do I just go into recovery and install the whole .zip file? Or do I install individuals mods?
Thank you.
Make sure you download the correct version depending on if you have 910T or 910T3.
Follow the steps in this thread for rooting and installing TWRP:
910T:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...sy-steps-stock-odin-n910tuvu1anih-cf-t2903733
910T3:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...y-steps-n910t3-dofc-dog1-how-to-root-t3177225
MAKE A BACKUP OF YOUR CURRENT STOCK ROM WITH ROOT!!! Can not stress this enough. If you need to go back to stock, and you download an Odin file from a shady site, you have no idea what you're putting on your phone. It's sooo much easier to just backup your stock. Make sure ALL options are checked under backup. Save this file on your PC or external SD card just to be safe. I always keep a backup copy on my PC.
Put the ROM zip file on your phone, either internal or external SD card. Some recommend internal SD only, but I have had 0 issues flashing from an external SD card. I guess if you use a cheap card you may have issues, but if you have a name brand class 10 you should be fine.
Do a full wipe.... When you are in TWRP, choose wipe, then factory reset. Then goto advanced and check system and data and wipe again.
In TWRP choose install then navigate to the folder that has the ROM zip file... and install.
Do another factory reset wipe (do not wipe system this time, just goto the wipe screen, and default swipe is factory reset.
Boot your phone, and LEAVE IT ALONE. First boot will take a LONG time. 10 to 15 minutes sometimes. Once you get to the setup screen... LET IT SIT for another 5 or 1 0 minutes.
Complete your setup process as you normally would do. There will be a popup saying it needs to reboot to complete some actions. Go ahead and reboot.
Once everything is installed and working as it should you can continue on.
Keep in mind there are some mods that come pre-attached to the TEKXodus rom. To flash these, boot into recovery, goto Mount -> check SYSTEM. Goto Install, select "Up a folder" to get to the root folder, then goto System then Mods. There you can play around with different mods. The Note 5 screen off memo.apk will just need to be installed like you would a normal downloaded APK and is not flashed. You only flash the .zip files.
BEFORE YOU START MESSING WITH DPI settings (if that's your thing) make sure you do a backup first. Some DPI settings will cause force close on touchwiz, and you'll be stuck unless you use another launcher. Basically before you install Xposed, any Xposed module, or play around with the build.prop file make a backup first. Can NOT stress this enough. I'm constantly tweaking things, and will make a backup every 3 days just out of habit. Delete your previous backup after creating a new one as the files are quite large (5GB+ depending on what you have installed). ALWAYS keep your stock backup that you originally made.
I do not recommend using the TEKXodus Rom's Tweaks for changing DPI settings. This basically just edits the build.prop and makes a global DPI change. There are SEVERAL samsung apps that need to be changed back to 640 DPI (the stock setting) or they will force close. It is MUCH better to install the Xposed framework, and then install the "App Settings" module and change the DPI on a per app basis. Personally I changed "System UI" only (not android system) to 420DPI. This will give you a smaller notification bar but not mess with alot of the other apps. You can then change the DPI settings using App Settings on a per apk basis. Some I like at 420, some at 480, some even in the 300s. After changing a setting you will have to reboot to see the change. You used to be able to just kill the app and then re-open but that doesn't seem to work anymore.
If you DO decide to change the global DPI setting, MAKE SURE you install xposed and App Settings first, then read this thread to change all the nescessary apps back to 640 stock DPI or you will have issues.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...anging-note-4-dpi-settings-to-change-t2923408
If you need anything clarified let me know, typed this up in a bit of a rush at work.
Don't forget to hit that Thanks button if I helped
So I followed the instructions above, however, after the flash I just hit reboot instead of doing another factory reset wipe and the phone never booted after the reboot. So I went back into TWRP and restored.
What did I do wrong? Was it just the fact that I didn't do the factory reset after installing the new ROM?
More than likely yes that's what caused the error.
Do this just to be safe.
Boot into TWRP.
Do a FULL wipe (advanced wipe) and wipe System, Data, Cache, Dalvik, etc)
Re-Install TEKXodus
Do a "Factory Reset Wipe" BEFORE booting. Literally as soon as it gets done flashing, goto TWRP wipe, and just do the default factory reset (do not wipe system this time)
Then you can reboot.
The error I end up with was the kernal is not seandroid error. I'm guessing I picked the wrong ROM install?

[Q] Titanium Backup process - problems migrating from 5.1.1 to 6.01

I purchased a spare Note 4 SM-N910T as a backup. It came with MM 6.01, so I thought I'd try to migrate to that environment and start using that as my primary phone.
First I installed TWRP and did a full reset and data wipe. Booted back to the OS, did the initial setup. Then back to recovery, and install systemless root with SuperSU. From there thought it would be a quick and easy process to restore the latest TB "Backup All user apps + system data" (TB Guide 5i) from the source phone, and then "restore all missing apps + all system data" (TB Guide 6i) to the new phone. Unfortunately, that process rendered the new phone unbootable.
So I re-flashed N910TUVS2EQB1 with Odin, restored TWRP and SuperSU. This time I re-loaded all my market apps from the Play store.
However there are some apps that are sideloaded or are detached from the store. I tried to restore these non-market or old-revision apps from TB. I go into the Backup/Restore list and search for the app. (Source phone shows it as "2 backups). On target phone, the app shows in gray strikethrough, but still says "2 backups". There is no button to restore the app. Why? I read the FAQ. This is not a system app. I have not "disabled the “Normal apps (apk)” and/or “Protected apps (apk)” options"
I first had problems with getting the extSDcard mounted as storage location. It was not writable. I found tips in other forums about setting the External Storage provider. The backup folder location now says "this folder contains 847 backups" which is about right (?) since "Backup all user apps + system data" has a count of 405, and I have max backup history set to 2.
Maybe this has something to do with the change in extSD storage provider in MM?
Is there another way to perform this upgrade, avoiding the need to install every app individually, and have to manually reconfigure screen layouts? For example, could I restore a Nandroid backup of the source phone with 5.1.1 to the new phone, and then do an "in place upgrade". Is it possible to simulate the process of an OTA upgrade but loading the new firmware from the extSDcard?

[NOOB’s][DETAILED] [GUIDE] TO Backup/Restore Stock+ Unlock Bootloader + TWRP + ROOT

A/A & Welcome,
READ THE FULL GUIDE OR YOU CAN LAND IN TROUBLE
Ain't gonna work on pie official
AND DO PRESS THE THANKS BUTTON
Disclaimer
* Your warranty is now void.
* I am not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards,
thermonuclear war, or anything that happens to your device
INTRO
This is a full guide for unlock/relock, install TWRP, Root your device and backup/restore stock OS. Each and every step is explained thoroughly with pictures and videos.
I have ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M1 (6GB variant) (X00TD) (ZB601KL), so I can’t test for other variants. Please report back issues, corrections, omissions, etc., though the guide should work for all devices.
THINGS TO KNOW (IMPORTANT)
~Every text written in double quotes “” means the same written without the quotes.
e.g.:- “abcd” means abcd
“zxcv” means zxcv
They (“”) help to separate usual text from the other text (like a command, file name, etc.)
~If you have not enabled file name extensions then you will see files without their extension and vice versa
e.g.:- “filename”, “mypicture” in 1st case
“filename.extension”, “mypicture.png” in 2nd case, respectively.
~Boot Partition or Bootloader:-This is the partition that enables the phone to boot. Without this partition, the device will not be able to boot.
~Recovery Partition:-Recovery partition lets you boots the device into a recovery mode to perform recovery tasks.
~TWRP: - stands for TeamWin Recovery Project. It is a custom touch recovery that is GUI based.
~Flashing: - simplest: - installing
~Fastboot Partition: - lets us reflash partitions. (On device)
~Fastboot: - is an executable used to reflash partitions. It comes with the Android SDK. (On PC)
~Rooting: - an Android phone lets owner edit system files. Thus enabling various tweaks and use of apps that require root access.
~Device driver: - determines how PC will communicate with a device.
~Unlocking/Relocking:-With a locked Bootloader, booting into custom things is not allowed is not. Unlocking lets us do so.
~Reboot: - Switching ON AND OFF (in simple terms)
Requirements
MIND, PC, USB Cable, Internet, Fully charged PC (Windows OS), and obviously Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
The Real Steps From Here
FOLLOWING THIS GUIDE YOU WILL PROBABLY LOSE ALL THE DATA ON YOUR PHONE SO MAKE A BACKUP FIRST (Don’t worry it’s in guide too)
STEP 1. Downloading all the necessary files
a. Here are 2 zip file with everything you will probably need following the guide :-
basic zip
extension zip
. I have tested the procedures using these files only so maybe other versions might not work. A “guide.doc” with the same text as in here (on XDA) is also present. It will be of great help if you don’t have internet connection in PC.
The basic zip file contains minium files needed.
The extension zip file contains the TWRP recovery(then one used in the guide),guide.docx ,and the videos used here too.
Copy the twrp file to unlock folder of extracted folder.
b. Extract the zip file above.
First download the zip file and Copy to PC
Then Right Click on it
Then click “Extract All”
Uncheck “Show extracted files…”
Click on “Extract”
The folder “zip” will be extracted
Done
This “zip” folder will be called extracted folder in the guide video link to extract zip
To download most up to date version of the files go to links present at last
STEP 2. BACKUP
a. Use an apk backup tool to backup app installers
VIDEO TO BACKUP APP INSTALLERS
b. Some APPS like Whatsapp, etc. have backup to drive function use that
VIDEO TO BACKUP WHATSAPP CHATS
c. Backup SMS AND Call Logs
VIDEO TO BACKUP CALL LOGS AND MESSAGES
d. Copy each and every file from you internal storage to PC.
Video to backup each file to pc
DONE
Step 3. UNLOCKING BOOTLOADER(Data will be wiped)
2 options:-
A. Official Method (NOT TESTED): -
In extracted folder go to “unlock” folder then “Official” folder. Install the “UnlockTool_9.1.0.3_180621_fulldpi_signed_ZB601KL.apk” in Asus and follow the steps from there.
B. Unofficial Method (Tested):-
a. Installing Drivers
Connect phone using USB cable to PC
Right click on This Pc
Go to “Manage” > “Device Manager” Or Just search for “Computer Management”/“Device Manager”
A list will appear.
Find your device (best way to do so is by disconnecting/connecting the device and notice the changes accordingly in the list)
Now right click on it>”Update Driver Software”>“Browse my computer for driver software”
Now either enter path of the driver folder or click on browse and navigate to the driver path from there.
Press Next OR
“Let me pick …”>and select the driver
video to install driver
The drivers have been installed
b. Booting into FASTBOOT
Switch Off the Phone
Hold the Volume UP and Power ON Button Simultaneously
Device buttons labbled image
You will see this on your phone
image of FASTBOOT screen
c. Unlocking Bootloader
Now connect phone using USB cable to PC
Look for the “unlock” folder in the extracted folder.
Open it
Find “unlock.cmd” or “unlock” file
(Or “unlock no erase.cmd” to keep data {not tested})
Open it
Done
d. You will see some messages in yellow/brown/white colour on your phone
You will most probably see “encrypting your device”, “warning Bootloader unlocked” messages, let phone do its work and don’t interrupt it, and keep cable connected. Phone might reboot too. The phone will at last boot into stock OS and you will see the device setup screen.
image of the warning message
e. Now if you wanted TO ONLY UNLOCK BOOTLOADER THEN THE JOB IS DONE, long press power button. If you want to root or flash TWRP then continue (Tested method to root requires TWRP flashing or you can try the untested method to root only)
Step4. Installing/Flashing TWRP
TESTED METHOD
a. Connect phone using USB cable to PC
b. Don’t setup your device just now because possibilities are you might lose the data again
c. Boot into fastboot mode
d. Open the “unlock” folder in the extracted folder.
Now Two Different ways to opt for from here:-
i. THE LAZY METHOD (Tested)
a. Open “flash_recovery.bat” or “flash_recovery” in the “unlock” folder of the extracted folder.
b. You can flash the tested or any other recovery using this script.
c. Follow the steps from the script
video of how to use the script
d.Then go to step of Flashing ZIPS of The Manual Method
e. Done
OR
ii. The Manual Method (Tested)
a. Keeping Shift Key pressed, right click {with mouse} in the blank white space of the “unlock” folder’s explorer window.
b. From the menu select “open command window here”
c. A CMD window will be opened
open cmd video
d. Now type “fastboot devices”
e. See if your device is connected. You will see something like this
f. Now type “fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.2.3-0-X00TD-20181024.img”
If you want to flash any other recovery instead of “twrp-3.2.3-0-X00TD-20181024.img” write the file name of your recovery file. Make sure it’s in “unlock folder”. Though this recovery is the only tested one (by me).
g. Now keeping the phone connected to PC, boot into TWRP/Recovery by pressing the Volume Down and Power ON Button Simultaneously.
h. The usual warnings, messages and recovery boot screen will flash:-
warning image
twrp flash screen image
i. It may take some time to load so wait for at least 2 minutes.
j. Now if touch is not working press power button 2 times (on and off the screen)
video showing how to enable touch in twrp
k. If it shows “Swipe to Unlock” do so. If it shows “Swipe to Allow Modifications” then wait and continue reading …
swipe to allow image
swipe to unlock
l. “Swipe to Allow Modifications” means you allow TWRP to modify system. This will make sure TWRP remains in the phone and not just vanish after a reboot but it also means you will have to flash some other files to be able to boot into stock rom back.
m.
2 ways from here:-
i. Now after swiping, Decrypt Screen will appear just press cancel.
decrypt screen image
OR
ii. If you have data on the device then enter pin/password or try default_password.
If you had kept pattern then either go back and change it or try this:-
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
these no’s correspond to pattern dots.
Say you kept pattern “third row left to right” then the password is 789 .
If all these fail then you will have to lose your data.
n. As we don’t have any precious data in our phone we will (or you are compromising)
Press “Wipe”
Press “Format Data”
TYPE “yes”
Press “tick” or “enter key”
Done
wipe data video
>Flashing ZIPS
o. Now Copy these 2 files
i. “decrypt.zip” or “decrypt”
ii. “Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt_12.16.2018.zip” or “Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt_12.16.2018”
From extracted folder to your phones internal storage.
p. Go to Install>select the zip>swipe to flash (flash dm_verity… then decrypt…)
If you don’t see your device storage connected then try reconnecting using USB cable and also check if MTP is enabled.
enable mtp video
>Done
Want to root? Then continue…
or >
Now reboot to system Go to Reboot>System
video to show how to rebbot to system in twrp
Step 5. Rooting
We will be using Magisk to root you can use any other method but this is the only tested method.
a. Copy “Magisk-v18.0.zip” or “Magisk-v18.0” to your phones internal storage from extracted folder.
b. Go to Install>select Magisk…>swipe to flash
Done
c. Now reboot to system Go to Reboot>System
reboot video
e. To use Magisk properly you may need to download latest apk. (Link at last)
Step 6. Relock (NOT TESTED)
a. Connect phone using USB cable to PC
b. Boot into fastboot mode
c. Open “Relock” folder from extracted folder
d. Open “relock.cmd” or “relock” file
Done
Step 7. RESTORING
a. First setup the Device again
b. Copy each and every file back to the phone storage
c. Now to restore messages see the restoring part of this video here
d. WhatsApp messages will be automatically restored after you install the app with same number as before.
Tips
After rooting don’t just go on and flash a custom rom. Take a backup first (of all partitions) using TWRP and keep it safe somewhere so you won’t need to find unbrick tutorials later. Plus you will have your most stable and tailored rom with you.
Also don’t just go on and flash xyz mod. Research and then Flash.
Magisk is our best friend. It lets you do modifications without hurting the system. The Magisk modules are most safe mods as they can be reverted back easily.
And don’t just go on and debloat stock OS. In Magisk there is a module called Debloater use that. You can easily revert back if anything goes wrong.
Other good Magisk modules: - Energized, Systemizer, MidnightCore & Advanced Charging Controller (acc) but do read their XDA guides first.
Sources/Credits:-
Dm_Verity.zip Official XDA:-
link
Original unlocking XDA:-
link
Magisk XDA:-
link
Original Decrypt Data XDA:-
link
TWRP Used XDA:-
link
Credits to the authors of the above guides
Plus sorry for bad editing of videos. I am facing some problems. Will try to post better videos.
I thank all the members who have made the previous guides for their hard work. This guide by no means disrespects their hard work. This guide is just an Addition instead of an Alternative.
Read the full guide
Press the thanks button
Re edited the guide.
Added link of apps used in YouTube videos.
Not working for pie official
Deleted cruddy comments. Good job.
Good initiative but not so good noob guide. Please format it for better organization and better understanding.
malikmiran19 said:
2. BACKUP
>Use an apk backup tool to backup app installers
howto video
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the effort . I have a suggestion. It would be helpful to put the name or link of the app that you used to back up apks.(some apk extractor lite ig). I'll provide the one I found anyway. https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/ankit.../apk-extractor-lite-2-8-android-apk-download/
camaroamarelo said:
Good initiative but not so good noob guide. Please format it for better organization and better understanding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did so
GliderZ said:
Appreciate the effort . I have a suggestion. It would be helpful to put the name or link of the app that you used to back up apks.(some apk extractor lite ig). I'll provide the one I found anyway. https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/ankit.../apk-extractor-lite-2-8-android-apk-download/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added apk links in YouTube videos
Anyone tried unlocking without erasing data?
TheDarkKnight said:
Anyone tried unlocking without erasing data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nyimak
fuzuy said:
nyimak
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What?
TheDarkKnight said:
What?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it means im interested in your question and im following it
I want to unlock bootloader, flash TWRP and flash a custom ROM (Cerberus OS).
I have rooted and flashed TWRP before in my previous device but I'm not familiar with unlocking and Custom ROM.
Do I have to follow all hese steps for what I want to do or I must skip decrypt/encrypt and Magisk?
dharsouparno1 said:
I want to unlock bootloader, flash TWRP and Custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U can flash twrp then flash ROM and probably flash magisk for root tooo
malikmiran19 said:
U can flash twrp then flash ROM and probably flash magisk for root tooo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help.
I'm running into some problems while installing the driver software on my Windows 10 laptop. It shows Error 10 this device cannot start.
I tried to uninstall and reinstall the drivers, rebooted my pc on every step, tried to install while connected to my phone, but nothing seems to work.
I've installed the Pie Beta for Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 (not sure if this is causing it)
Is there a solution to this problem?
I am currently on Beta Pie...will these methods work for bootloader unlocking and TWRP, custom rom flash ???? I just wanna use PE/Havoc OS rom...no other tweaks or root
thanks its working
I updated to pie beta and I think this guide is not working for that, because when flashing twrp. I'm getting 'request download size is more than allowed size' and I tried every way possible to solve it. But no luck Hope you can help me with it, or maybe it'll work after stable version?
---------- Post added at 04:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:11 AM ----------
utsavdey said:
I am currently on Beta Pie...will these methods work for bootloader unlocking and TWRP, custom rom flash ???? I just wanna use PE/Havoc OS rom...no other tweaks or root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not working for me. I also updated to pie beta few days back.
Is this method working on pie stable build
Anyone tried this method on the stable pie build 056?

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