Ok, so there seems to be some issues with installing the recent 4.2.1 OTA update with custom recoveries (ie: CWM or TWRP). I ran into this issue myself, and I've seen many other posts with similar problems. I've found the solution and explained it in multiple threads, but due to the nature of the issue, I thought it deserved it's own thread to make sure everyone is aware of the problem and the workaround.
Details:
The 4.2.1 OTA update comes in two flavors - nakasi and nakasig. The former is for WiFi devices (8, 16, 32), and the latter is for 3G devices. In turn, they each have their own device types - grouper and talapia, respectively. While the hardware differences between the WiFi and 3G models is negligible, and most things are interchangeable (ie: kernels, recoveries, etc.), the updates are NOT, and you need to pick the correct one for your platform. For the 3G models, this means the 'nakasig' version.
However, the first thing the OTA update does is validate the integrity of the system. In addition to checking about 200 files in the /system partition, it also looks at the device itself. Specifically:
assert(file_getprop("/system/build.prop", "ro.build.fingerprint") == "google/nakasig/tilapia:4.2/JOP40C/527662:user/release-keys" ||
file_getprop("/system/build.prop", "ro.build.fingerprint") == "google/nakasig/tilapia:4.2.1/JOP40D/533553:user/release-keys");
assert(getprop("ro.product.device") == "talapia" ||
getprop("ro.build.product") == "talapia");
While the first part checks the build.prop file to see what the "ro.build.fingerprint" has defined, the latter (bolded) assert examines what the RECOVERY says the system is. This is where the problem lies. AFAIK, there are no 'talipia' versions of CWM or TWRP. All 3G users running custom recoveries are using the 'grouper' (ie: Wi-Fi only) version. And this is fine 99% of the time. But this is the 1% of the time when they are not compatible. As a result, when the updater script checks recovery, and is told that the system is 'grouper', it aborts the update.
I ran into this issue on both the latest versions of TWRP and CWM. I wasn't sure why, since I thought it just looked at build.prop which was OK. After speaking with oldblue910, he explained that it is getting that information not from build.prop, but from the custom recovery, which is why the update was failing (thanks to oldblue910 for the info!).
SO, I was left with one of two options. I could either restore the stock talipia recovery or modify the update zip to ignore this information. I chose the latter. I'm not sure why Google decided to even but this redundant check in place, since the build.prop fingerprint check should suffice to validate the hardware. Not to mention that the next part of the update is to assert check the majority of files in 'system' anyway, which would fail if it wasn't a 3G device. In any case, by removing the above bolded lines out of the updater-script, my tablet was able to be successfully updated to 4.2.1.
Since many other XDA users run custom recoveries, it is safe to say many other users will run into this issue as well. So I put my custom update online for anyone else to use.
You can download it here:
http://core.routed.com/CUSTOM_RECOVERY-65880f56b1c0.signed-nakasig-JOP40D-from-JOP40C.65880f56.zip
MD5SUM: b0adff6a04ca2ca6234a9678476d329e
A couple notes:
1) This update zip is completely identical to the Google version, outside of the talipia check removed.
2) This update should ONLY BE USED ON 3G NEXUS 7 MODELS. It will NOT work on Wi-Fi only versions.
3) All the other asserts are left in-tact, as they should be. So your 'system' needs to be mostly stock. It checks and patches about 200 files, and if any of them are modified, removed, frozen, etc., the update will fail.
4) The OTA update does NOT check or update the bootloader or kernel, so modifications or non-4.2-stock versions in those areas are fine. However, as stated in #3, mostly everything else should be stock.
5) If the update fails on a specific assert, it will explain what the problem is (ie: the specific apk or odex file). You will need to fix that before proceeding. If you run into an issue and require assistance, you will need to explain the exact error message.
6) As this is almost completely stock OTA update, you WILL lose root/custom recovery unless you take precautions to prevent them from being overwritten. To preserve root, you can use RootKeeper or a similar app to back it up. The latest version of CWM also will warn you if root is lost and apparently restore it for you. For the recovery side of things, the update puts that recovery-recovery file on the system. You can either manually remove it via adb shell (BEFORE REBOOTING AFTER THE UPDATE), or in CWM (and possibly TWRP's case), it should warn you that you might lose custom recovery after the update and ask if you want it to fix it for you (say yes).
Hopefully this helps others who ran into the same error as me. Enjoy!
phonic said:
Ok, so there seems to be some issues with installing the recent 4.2.1 OTA update with custom recoveries (ie: CWM or TWRP). I ran into this issue myself, and I've seen many other posts with similar problems. I've found the solution and explained it in multiple threads, but due to the nature of the issue, I thought it deserved it's own thread to make sure everyone is aware of the problem and the workaround.
Details:
The 4.2.1 OTA update comes in two flavors - nakasi and nakasig. The former is for WiFi devices (8, 16, 32), and the latter is for 3G devices. In turn, they each have their own device types - grouper and talapia, respectively. While the hardware differences between the WiFi and 3G models is negligible, and most things are interchangeable (ie: kernels, recoveries, etc.), the updates are NOT, and you need to pick the correct one for your platform. For the 3G models, this means the 'nakasig' version.
However, the first thing the OTA update does is validate the integrity of the system. In addition to checking about 200 files in the /system partition, it also looks at the device itself. Specifically:
assert(file_getprop("/system/build.prop", "ro.build.fingerprint") == "google/nakasig/tilapia:4.2/JOP40C/527662:user/release-keys" ||
file_getprop("/system/build.prop", "ro.build.fingerprint") == "google/nakasig/tilapia:4.2.1/JOP40D/533553:user/release-keys");
assert(getprop("ro.product.device") == "talapia" ||
getprop("ro.build.product") == "talapia");
While the first part checks the build.prop file to see what the "ro.build.fingerprint" has defined, the latter (bolded) assert examines what the RECOVERY says the system is. This is where the problem lies. AFAIK, there are no 'talipia' versions of CWM or TWRP. All 3G users running custom recoveries are using the 'grouper' (ie: Wi-Fi only) version. And this is fine 99% of the time. But this is the 1% of the time when they are not compatible. As a result, when the updater script checks recovery, and is told that the system is 'grouper', it aborts the update.
I ran into this issue on both the latest versions of TWRP and CWM. I wasn't sure why, since I thought it just looked at build.prop which was OK. After speaking with oldblue910, he explained that it is getting that information not from build.prop, but from the custom recovery, which is why the update was failing (thanks to oldblue910 for the info!).
SO, I was left with one of two options. I could either restore the stock talipia recovery or modify the update zip to ignore this information. I chose the latter. I'm not sure why Google decided to even but this redundant check in place, since the build.prop fingerprint check should suffice to validate the hardware. Not to mention that the next part of the update is to assert check the majority of files in 'system' anyway, which would fail if it wasn't a 3G device. In any case, by removing the above bolded lines out of the updater-script, my tablet was able to be successfully updated to 4.2.1.
Since many other XDA users run custom recoveries, it is safe to say many other users will run into this issue as well. So I put my custom update online for anyone else to use.
You can download it here:
http://core.routed.com/CUSTOM_RECOVERY-65880f56b1c0.signed-nakasig-JOP40D-from-JOP40C.65880f56.zip
MD5SUM: b0adff6a04ca2ca6234a9678476d329e
A couple notes:
1) This update zip is completely identical to the Google version, outside of the talipia check removed.
2) This update should ONLY BE USED ON 3G NEXUS 7 MODELS. It will NOT work on Wi-Fi only versions.
3) All the other asserts are left in-tact, as they should be. So your 'system' needs to be mostly stock. It checks and patches about 200 files, and if any of them are modified, removed, frozen, etc., the update will fail.
4) The OTA update does NOT check or update the bootloader or kernel, so modifications or non-4.2-stock versions in those areas are fine. However, as stated in #3, mostly everything else should be stock.
5) If the update fails on a specific assert, it will explain what the problem is (ie: the specific apk or odex file). You will need to fix that before proceeding. If you run into an issue and require assistance, you will need to explain the exact error message.
6) As this is almost completely stock OTA update, you WILL lose root/custom recovery unless you take precautions to prevent them from being overwritten. To preserve root, you can use RootKeeper or a similar app to back it up. The latest version of CWM also will warn you if root is lost and apparently restore it for you. For the recovery side of things, the update puts that recovery-recovery file on the system. You can either manually remove it via adb shell (BEFORE REBOOTING AFTER THE UPDATE), or in CWM (and possibly TWRP's case), it should warn you that you might lose custom recovery after the update and ask if you want it to fix it for you (say yes).
Hopefully this helps others who ran into the same error as me. Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I compiled a CWM image for tilapia, so now users can flash updates and roms for their device without trying to by-pass the safety checks. With everyone recommending flashing grouper recovery, people are going to keep flashing grouper roms and wonder why things aren't working correctly.
The two devices differ in more respects than a simple assert check, including having different recovery.fstab files, which are used to make and configure recovery.
Better to have proper recovery for our (unique) device instead of a grouper port. The CWM image is not touch, the touch sources are not open source and koush's online builder is not producing a working image at this time. I ported one by hand, but it is too buggy to release.
I'll add twrp to the post sometime later.
mateorod said:
I compiled a CWM image for tilapia, so now users can flash updates and roms for their device without trying to by-pass the safety checks. With everyone recommending flashing grouper recovery, people are going to keep flashing grouper roms and wonder why things aren't working correctly.
Better to have proper recovery for our (unique) device instead of a grouper port. The CWM image is not touch, the touch sources are not open source and koush's online builder is not producing a working image at this time. I ported one by hand, but it is too buggy to release.
I'll add twrp to the post sometime later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that's definitely a better solution versus a work around.
Though the safety check bypassed in the OP wouldn't cause any issues since it was redundant and unnecessary. The OTA update already checks build.prop for the model info and all the apks/odexes it updates, so it would be impossible to flash it on a non-compatible device. But you raise a very valid point about incorrect ROMs and other things. The 3G unit probably needs it's own forum.
Did you have to make any real modifications to CWM outside of changing grouper to talapia?
The 3G unit probably needs it's own forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its already done here; http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2022
Ather said:
Its already done here; http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2022
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woohoo! Thanks.
I had some issues when I did the update. It gave me some errors, and aborted, but then I found a link that had the update and I got it to update. This happened on my n4 and n73g. Well, for some reason, the recoveries got deleted so I had to reinstall them. I was able to use the goo manager to restore TWRP on my N4, but it wasn't working on my N7 so I had to side load it. After this, I noticed that google now wasn't working on my n4, and the volume rocker on my n7 had some issues. I went in and wiped the cache and dalvik cache and rebooted. Google now works on my N4, and while the volume gets adjusted on my N7, it won't make the beep every time I push up or down on the rocker indicating the volume level. I haven't noticed any other issues, but I haven't really delved into my devices. I may try to do a factory wipe and return everything to stock just to see what went wrong in the first place and to see if I can do anything different I still can't figure out how to get ADB running on my computer, so yes I used one of the tool kits to load everything. I know the OP's position on tool kits, but I just can't figure out how to get ADB running manually, AND it takes so long to download and install everything unless I am installing things I don't even need.
Nexus 7 takju firmware update
Hi, while this is a very detailed description, I am still in need of help.
I just got a Google Nexus 7 from Google play store and it came with JVP15S firmware.
I understand that this is takju version of th edevice - I would like to upgrade it with the latest firmware but going through all the posts, I am totally lost.
I see upgrade files to upgrade from JOP40C to JOP40D - and see al ldifferent update combinations - but cannot fined one for JVP15S to JOP40D.
Also, all the updates are for different version "tilapia" and other fishes -- but none for takju (whatever that means)
Can someone direct me to right place to get the right updates/
Also I see a lot of posts and articles stating that Google is "pushing" the 4.2.1 Firmware JOP40D to Nexus 7 devices - how is this "pushing" manifest itself? What is the procedure for OTA update? Do I need to go to a place on Google to get it? Is it supposed to be downloaded automatically?
Hope someone can help.
Do you have the Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 7? If Galaxy Nexus, you of course would want to check those forums. As for the updates, you should normally see a notification alerting you of the update, but you can also check for it in settings/about phone/system updates. Otherwise the appropriate forum for your device will have links to the update files. Good luck!
lil help please
I updated to 4.2.1 with the OTA zip file using TWRP and voodoo root keeper installed. It flashed just fine. Rebooted with update. My root access is funky though. SuperSU is still there and I can access root file threw root explorer but I can't mount it as writable and when I install a new app that needs root access it never asks for it. Does superSU need to be updated? There is no update available for it.
Vlad7777 said:
Hi, while this is a very detailed description, I am still in need of help.
I just got a Google Nexus 7 from Google play store and it came with JVP15S firmware.
I understand that this is takju version of th edevice - I would like to upgrade it with the latest firmware but going through all the posts, I am totally lost.
I see upgrade files to upgrade from JOP40C to JOP40D - and see al ldifferent update combinations - but cannot fined one for JVP15S to JOP40D.
Also, all the updates are for different version "tilapia" and other fishes -- but none for takju (whatever that means)
Can someone direct me to right place to get the right updates/
Also I see a lot of posts and articles stating that Google is "pushing" the 4.2.1 Firmware JOP40D to Nexus 7 devices - how is this "pushing" manifest itself? What is the procedure for OTA update? Do I need to go to a place on Google to get it? Is it supposed to be downloaded automatically?
Hope someone can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your device rooted? Is this your first android device? You will get a little notification in the notification bar at the top saying your deivce has an update.. If you have not rooted, you will receive the first OTA in a day or two that will go from JVP15S to JOP40C. Then later, you will receive the update for JOP40D. Some people have had success at forcing the update by going to settings, apps, all, google framework services, and selecting force stop then clearing the data. You then go back into settings, about device, check for updates and check for update.
Vlad7777 said:
Hi, while this is a very detailed description, I am still in need of help.
I just got a Google Nexus 7 from Google play store and it came with JVP15S firmware.
I understand that this is takju version of th edevice - I would like to upgrade it with the latest firmware but going through all the posts, I am totally lost.
I see upgrade files to upgrade from JOP40C to JOP40D - and see al ldifferent update combinations - but cannot fined one for JVP15S to JOP40D.
Also, all the updates are for different version "tilapia" and other fishes -- but none for takju (whatever that means)
Can someone direct me to right place to get the right updates/
Also I see a lot of posts and articles stating that Google is "pushing" the 4.2.1 Firmware JOP40D to Nexus 7 devices - how is this "pushing" manifest itself? What is the procedure for OTA update? Do I need to go to a place on Google to get it? Is it supposed to be downloaded automatically?
Hope someone can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The N73G ships with an interim 4.2 build, which is JVP15S. There are some significant differences between this and JOP40C, which is the first update you will get out of the box. I imagine 4.2 wasn't fully finalized prior to hardware production, and they didn't want to hold it up until they were ready (wise choise!). In my case, within an hour after opening my N73G and turning it on, I had the 40C update notification. I applied this prior to rooting/modding/etc. ONLY after you are on 40C can you get the upgrade to 40D (4.2.1). Google pushes out incremental patch updates, so you can't skip a version.
So you have two options:
1) Apply update #1 and wait for #2 and then root/etc.
2) If you don't want to wait, and your device is still basically brand new and not setup (too much), AND assuming you want to root, customize, etc., just download the 4.2.1 system image from Google and fastboot flash it. You'll need to unlock the bootloader anyway, which will wipe your system, so now's a perfectly good time to do everything at once. Unlock bootloader, flash 4.2.1 stock (40D FULL IMAGE), flash custom recovery, install su zip, install any other mods (which is limited really to basic stuff and a custom kernel right now), enjoy.
Andoid 4.2.1 update
adamhlj said:
Is your device rooted? Is this your first android device? You will get a little notification in the notification bar at the top saying your deivce has an update.. If you have not rooted, you will receive the first OTA in a day or two that will go from JVP15S to JOP40C. Then later, you will receive the update for JOP40D. Some people have had success at forcing the update by going to settings, apps, all, google framework services, and selecting force stop then clearing the data. You then go back into settings, about device, check for updates and check for update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
It is my first Android device.
I am trying to root it (unsuccessfully).
I was able to get the FASTBOOT unlock - but cannot root because of the drivers interface...
I did update the firmware by forcing via framework system. Had to do in two steps as it only upgrades one generation at a time.
By the way - I had the "takju" - now it is "tilapia" after "official OTA update.
I hope to get the rooting problem resolved - all instructions on the net are for older ROMs and I already screwed up my work laptop installing obsolete PDANET drivers which replaced the original drivers - so my device manager which originally saw my Nexus 7 as "Nexus 7" now sees it as "Android Phone Device". I do not know how to recvert back.
So now I am going to try my other laptop for rooting.
Hopefully I could find just a "professional step by step procedure - unlike many that I found on the net. Many people just happy to get on YouTube to show themselves off but the advice is half ass.
Thanks again for your help though I am half way through.
Best regards
Vlad7777 said:
Thanks!
It is my first Android device.
I am trying to root it (unsuccessfully).
I was able to get the FASTBOOT unlock - but cannot root because of the drivers interface...
I did update the firmware by forcing via framework system. Had to do in two steps as it only upgrades one generation at a time.
By the way - I had the "takju" - now it is "tilapia" after "official OTA update.
I hope to get the rooting problem resolved - all instructions on the net are for older ROMs and I already screwed up my work laptop installing obsolete PDANET drivers which replaced the original drivers - so my device manager which originally saw my Nexus 7 as "Nexus 7" now sees it as "Android Phone Device". I do not know how to recvert back.
So now I am going to try my other laptop for rooting.
Hopefully I could find just a "professional step by step procedure - unlike many that I found on the net. Many people just happy to get on YouTube to show themselves off but the advice is half ass.
Thanks again for your help though I am half way through.
Best regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are either looking at really bad guides or simply making the rooting process much harder on yourself.
While some Android devices have more complicated unlocking/rooting/etc. requirements, that is not the case with Nexus devices - certainly not the Nexus7. The process couldn't be more simple. If you've already unlocked the bootloader, you are 1/3 of the way there. All you need to do is copy over a compatible "su" app zip to the device, install or run a custom recovery, install the su zip and voila - rooted.
If you already have fastboot running, that's the only tool you need. Download a custom recovery (CWM or TWRP) from a thread in this forum that is compatible, reboot into bootloader mode and install it:
fastboot flash recovery <recovery.img>
Then reboot into recovery mode (you can do this from bootloader), and you should be in CWM/TWRP. Then you simply install the SU zip using the menu on the screen.
It's a very simple process and does not require a special toolkit or anything like that.
phonic said:
I think you are either looking at really bad guides or simply making the rooting process much harder on yourself.
While some Android devices have more complicated unlocking/rooting/etc. requirements, that is not the case with Nexus devices - certainly not the Nexus7. The process couldn't be more simple. If you've already unlocked the bootloader, you are 1/3 of the way there. All you need to do is copy over a compatible "su" app zip to the device, install or run a custom recovery, install the su zip and voila - rooted.
If you already have fastboot running, that's the only tool you need. Download a custom recovery (CWM or TWRP) from a thread in this forum that is compatible, reboot into bootloader mode and install it:
fastboot flash recovery <recovery.img>
Then reboot into recovery mode (you can do this from bootloader), and you should be in CWM/TWRP. Then you simply install the SU zip using the menu on the screen.
It's a very simple process and does not require a special toolkit or anything like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply and advice.
How do I place the "su zip" in the device and into which directory - I can try download directly to Nexus but needs to know where to place it.
Also what are "CWM" or "TWRP" And where do I place them for custom recovery procedure.
I apologize for my ignorance but Android is a complete new experience for me.
Vlad7777 said:
Thank you for your reply and advice.
How do I place the "su zip" in the device and into which directory - I can try download directly to Nexus but needs to know where to place it.
Also what are "CWM" or "TWRP" And where do I place them for custom recovery procedure.
I apologize for my ignorance but Android is a complete new experience for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can place the "su zip" anywhere you like on the internal storage. When you get into custom recovery (CWM or TWRP), you can select "Install ZIP" (or something along those lines) and it will bring up a file system explorer that will let you select the one you want to install.
CWM and TWRP are both custom recoveries. They replace the stock, and very useless, recovery and give you many more advanced features. Things like flashing zip files, making nandroid backups, etc. You need to flash them to your "recovery" partition. It's a very easy process, but will require some specialized software. There are many guides and toolkits (if that's what you want to use) online. Just make sure you use the Talipia recovery (which exists now in the 3G forum).
I'm new to the nexus line. Just wondering if OTA updates will work after rooting my device or do I have to return to stock to get the update? Currently I'm rooted stock , decrypted, and TWRP recovery installed. Should I return to full stock locked or what?
gwojo22 said:
I'm new to the nexus line. Just wondering if OTA updates will work after rooting my device or do I have to return to stock to get the update? Currently I'm rooted stock , decrypted, and TWRP recovery installed. Should I return to full stock locked or what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ive hear any alteration on the system files will stop the ota from installing. i assume that means recovery as well
gwojo22 said:
I'm new to the nexus line. Just wondering if OTA updates will work after rooting my device or do I have to return to stock to get the update? Currently I'm rooted stock , decrypted, and TWRP recovery installed. Should I return to full stock locked or what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shelooga said:
ive hear any alteration on the system files will stop the ota from installing. i assume that means recovery as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sheloga is correct. You'd have to revert back to full stock or wait for someone to make a flashable zip.
Can't you just flash the stock recovery and take the OTA? Or do you have to fully unroot and reflash the factory image?
I would like to pay close attention time to this thread because that is one is the main questions that I have. I hear so many different solutions towards this. I usually wait for a flashable zip but I would want to see someone either wrote a write up or make a video. Subscribed.
My understanding (from looking at the lollipop OTA updater-script) is it checks EVERY file for changes, including other partitions. You must be 100% stock with nothing extra in system (SuperSU apk or busybox etc).
gwojo22 said:
I'm new to the nexus line. Just wondering if OTA updates will work after rooting my device or do I have to return to stock to get the update? Currently I'm rooted stock , decrypted, and TWRP recovery installed. Should I return to full stock locked or what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
get and being able to apply are two differing things. unless you make it so you cant receive, then you will get an ota. problem is, that you will not be able to apply the update. 1. you can flash the factory img. 2. you can wait for someone to upload a flashable zip. 3. or you can do what most noobs do, and waste your time. what most noobs do is unroot, and flash the stock recovery, then wait for the update.
BLUF: wait until OTA is made available in a recovery flash method. 90% of the time the OTA updates are patching security holes and other less important features.
Having been with a handful of different android devices in the past several years, I've always gone the route of flashing from recovery vs. OTA.
The LG G3 for example had an OTA just recently that broke rooting. It was fixed by a Dev, but that's the only update found in OTA.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Once you root the phone you cannot receive OTA updates. However, you arent out of luck when updates are released. Because you have a custom recovery, its easy to just download the update file when its released and install it that way. Once the AOSP updates are uploaded from Google, its all yours. Most people who dont receive their OTA and dont have a custom recovery will typically install it on their own but using ADB.
simms22 said:
get and being able to apply are two differing things. unless you make it so you cant receive, then you will get an ota. problem is, that you will not be able to apply the update. 1. you can flash the factory img. 2. you can wait for someone to upload a flashable zip. 3. or you can do what most noobs do, and waste your time. what most noobs do is unroot, and flash the stock recovery, then wait for the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read in one of RootSU's threads (I think) that as of Lollipop, OTA via ADB sideload is the only option to apply an update. Any thoughts?
wvcadle said:
I read in one of RootSU's threads (I think) that as of Lollipop, OTA via ADB sideload is the only option to apply an update. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no thoughts.
i just flash aosp hours after it appears there. or just wait for @rascarlo to add it to his rom, then i flash
HyperM3 said:
Because you have a custom recovery, its easy to just download the update file when its released and install it that way. Once the AOSP updates are uploaded from Google, its all yours. Most people who dont receive their OTA and dont have a custom recovery will typically install it on their own but using ADB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wvcadle said:
I read in one of RootSU's threads (I think) that as of Lollipop, OTA via ADB sideload is the only option to apply an update. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After Android 5.0, you can't sideload the OTA file if you have made any changes to the system partition. You need to be completely stock to take OTA. You can just download the new factory images and extract the various img files from it and just flash those manually in ADB, thereby overwriting your modified system partition with the new factory system image (you can skip overwriting the userdata if you want to preserve your data). No need to revert back to stock (old image) and then take OTA - unnecessary step.
HyperM3 said:
Once you root the phone you cannot receive OTA updates. However, you arent out of luck when updates are released. Because you have a custom recovery, its easy to just download the update file when its released and install it that way. Once the AOSP updates are uploaded from Google, its all yours. Most people who dont receive their OTA and dont have a custom recovery will typically install it on their own but using ADB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand what your saying. Is there any difference between the OTA and AOSP? Like modem or kernel? I actually like the stock on this device. It seems like there are problems with the AOSP ROMS that are available now such as Netflix and Play Movies not working.
I'm coming from Samsung devices which were completely different as far as rooting and return to stock. I would go to SamMobile to get the stock firmware on my Galaxy S5. Where do I find stock firmware for the nexus?
gwojo22 said:
I understand what your saying. Is there any difference between the OTA and AOSP? Like modem or kernel? I actually like the stock on this device. It seems like there are problems with the AOSP ROMS that are available now such as Netflix and Play Movies not working.
I'm coming from Samsung devices which were completely different as far as rooting and return to stock. I would go to SamMobile to get the stock firmware on my Galaxy S5. Where do I find stock firmware for the nexus?
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From google
https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
hlxanthus said:
From google
https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
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How does one do this on a Mac? Could you perhaps link us? All I'm finding is guides for windows unfortunately
waqar.qu said:
How does one do this on a Mac? Could you perhaps link us? All I'm finding is guides for windows unfortunately
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You need to install ADB and fastboot. After that, you can use the 'fastboot' command directly from Terminal. I've found that the easiest way to update Lollipop on my Nexus 6 is to:
Download image from Google
Decompress the archive, AND the second archive which was contained within the first one. Note: The recovery, boot, and system images are in the second archive.
Open Terminal, change directory to the extracted folder, and run these commands (they skip overwriting the userdata partition):
fastboot flash bootloader <bootloader file name here>.img
fastboot flash radio <radio file name here>.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader (VERY IMPORTANT TO DO THIS STEP)
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot reboot
You need to restore root at this point; you can use these instructions if you're unfamiliar with the procedure.
I have been rooting, unlocking, and loading Roms on other devices for awhile now, but I'm not familiar with how to manage stock updates. I can't seem to find anything, (so maybe this info could be added to a sticky).
I'm rooted with TWRP and a zipped OTA has been posted in anothet thread for my device, XT1064. What can I do to load it? Do I need to flash back to stock first? Can I simply run a fastboot command? I feel like I should know this by now but I'm a bit confused by all the different sources of information.
Thanks, all, for your help.
I have the same question. If someone who has done this, is out there, please let us know.
you tried asked in that other thread???
If is the OTA update do not use it!!!
If you received the OTA on your phone do not update!!!
you will brick your phone.
To install OTA revert back to stock with the factory image. You will go back to Stock Kernel and recovery.
Or wait til someone builds a stock updated ROM and flash that.
If is a image of the ROM, not the OTA, a already updated ROM just follow the instructions on the thread...
Yes, I did ask in the other thread, but I thought it would be better to post a new Q&A thread to keep from cluttering up the other one. Thanks for your help. I'll just wait for a flashable ROM..
Try this method:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g-2014/help/guide-update-to-lollipop-losing-apps-t2979971
The main idea with OTA is the incremental nature of the update. To keep OTA filesize to a minimum, the system will be patched, not completely overwritten.
So, if you have altered your system in any way, OTA will fail, because it tries to patch files that differ from what it expects. The OTA will check which device it is executed on and will perform various checksum tests before actually installing itself.
If you are experienced with flashing and know how to modify the update-script inside the OTA.zip, then you can go from XT1068-4.4 to XT1064-5.0.1.
But it is quite a lengthy process and not easy nor recommended
You have to go from XT1068-4.4 to XT1064-4.4 to 5.0 to 5.0.1 and must restore the modem. Last but not least the build.prob has to be modified to reflect dual-sim capability.
By the way, the need to lock the bootloader for OTA is a myth. It is not necessary.
Hello XDA,
Im quite sure this has already been asked on the forum but i couldn't find an answer.
I need some advise about my recently rooted Nexus 6. I want to fully enjoy from a custom recovery but i dont want to lose the option of receiving OTA updates to my phone.
What do you guys do so your nexus keeps getting the lastest of Android?
Can i use WugFresh's root toolkit to sideload OTA updates even when i have a custom recovery?
What other ways can i use to update Android?
Thanks,
No but you could use the tool kit to reload recovery and stock then take your OTA then reroot and reload TWRP.
And you can side load but it is important you understand exactly what you're doing. the kit does nothing more than you can from the command line it just tries to save you from yourself. it can be a help or hindrance. If you don't understand what's going on it will be the latter
Sent from my Benzo'd Google N6 on VZ
If you've got root and/or custom recovery, since Lollipop you can forget about OTA. And if you're gonna go through the hassle of flashing stock recovery and unrooting to get the OTA, you might as well just flash the latest factory image straight away. Just remember to leave out userdata.img so you can keep your data...
Didgeridoohan said:
If you've got root and/or custom recovery, since Lollipop you can forget about OTA. And if you're gonna go through the hassle of flashing stock recovery and unrooting to get the OTA, you might as well just flash the latest factory image straight away. Just remember to leave out userdata.img so you can keep your data...
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Agreed. OTA is overrated. If I was on T-Mobile or the factory image was not available. I would grab the radio and load what I wanted.
Now I am running the E radio and the i build on VZ
Sent from my Benzo'd Google N6 on VZ
Didgeridoohan said:
you might as well just flash the latest factory image straight away. Just remember to leave out userdata.img so you can keep your data...
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what do you mean flashing directly?
Can i use Simple recovery switcher to eaisly switch to stock recovery without unrooting and get the OTA update?
torecdude said:
what do you mean flashing directly?
Can i use Simple recovery switcher to eaisly switch to stock recovery without unrooting and get the OTA update?
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Click the link in my signature for more information on OTA updates. No modifications of any kind to system can be made for an OTA to flash successfully.
Didgeridoohan said:
If you've got root and/or custom recovery, since Lollipop you can forget about OTA. And if you're gonna go through the hassle of flashing stock recovery and unrooting to get the OTA, you might as well just flash the latest factory image straight away. Just remember to leave out userdata.img so you can keep your data...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Evolution_Freak said:
Click the link in my signature for more information on OTA updates. No modifications of any kind to system can be made for an OTA to flash successfully.
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Click to collapse
Thank you, your thread as helped me alot. But i didnt understand why did you posted OTA files that are flashable with TWRP altough we cant update lollipop with rooted devices?
Guess im going to have to unroot and flash stock recovery to OTA update directly from google or use a pure shamu rom.
Updating via OTA on a Nexus is an undesirable method IMO. As mentioned previously, if you download and flash the factory images, you avoid the potential update failures in an OTA from modified stock parameters. As for recovery, you don't need to flash a custom recovery, you can simply boot a custom recovery from the PC using fastboot and having the recovery image of choice in your platform tools.
fastboot boot name_of_recovery_image_here.img
I don't flash from the device any more. Keeps me out of trouble. Being connected to the PC helps remind me to move a copy of my backup to the PC before flashing.
torecdude said:
Thank you, your thread as helped me alot. But i didnt understand why did you posted OTA files that are flashable with TWRP altough we cant update lollipop with rooted devices?
Guess im going to have to unroot and flash stock recovery to OTA update directly from google or use a pure shamu rom.
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Click to collapse
I put the link to that thread in mine as a quick way for people who are rooted/unlocked and running a custom recovery to find. Those are not the "official" way of updating. They work because someone here put the time in to make them work for unlocked/rooted users. No, you can't use an "official" OTA process if you've altered your device but that method uses TWRP to flash just like you were flashing a custom ROM.
I'm glad my thread has helped you! Since I'm not a developer yet, it is my sole purpose here to help users with anything I can. So a comment like that is very reassuring that I'm on the right path.
Hello all,
i rooted my nexus 6 and now that android 6.0 has been release i can't install the upgrade. My phone shows there is a system upgrade available. I have clicked to download the upgrade. Now its showing that a system upgrade has been downloaded and verified. Once i click on install update, it reboots to the teamwin. And to be honest, i don't really know if its taking the updated or how i can upgrade if possible.
can someone help me please?!!!!
Same answer every time. You can't get the OTA if you're rooted.
Options are :
- flash factory image (see sticky roll-up in general)
- flash a pre-rooted zip from recovery.
if you dont want to lose your data. just flash system.img, boot.img and recovery.img of your current build.
you can extract the images from the factory image...
Not only that, but by attempting to apply the OTA on a rooted device you risk bootlooping it, as I did with my Nexus 10 a couple of years ago.
Your best bet is to use Wugfresh's Nexus Root Toolkit (NRT). Since this is a major upgrade you can't use the "no wipe" option, so you'll lose any data that you haven't backed up first - photos, etc. - so do that before you do anything. Also take a TWRP backup of your current ROM and copy it to your PC so that at least you can recover to where you are now. NRT also has a backup option.
If you tell NRT that your current ROM is MRA58K (Android 6.0) and then tell it to flash stock and unroot, it will pull down all the required files before applying them to your Nexus. You can then re-root if you want to. It's a beautifully-engineered program, pretty well foolproof if you follow the instructions and choose the right ROM for your device.
dahawthorne said:
Not only that, but by attempting to apply the OTA on a rooted device you risk bootlooping it
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It cant get to that stage any more.
Thats good news. What changed? Ever since that experience I haven't even tried an OTA. I was abroad at the time and lost the use of my Nexus 10 for most of the holiday.
dahawthorne said:
Thats good news. What changed? Ever since that experience I haven't even tried an OTA. I was abroad at the time and lost the use of my Nexus 10 for most of the holiday.
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OTA zips used to check individual files in system to ensure they matched before updating. It checks either md5 or sha hash. It didn't take account of every file or even files added by the users. so upgrading could cause issues.
Now, it checks the md5/hash of the entire system, which means all files are taken into account.. It will not flash of anything is changed.
Thanks - happy to roll you over to 19,400...