Hello,
I bought a 9T Pro in Europe for my wife and until it arrives I'm trying to research and come up with a low effort process of keeping the stock ROM up to date and rooted for her. I'm confident in manually installing and updating custom ROMs, rooting and dealing with custom ROM issues, but she is not. Therefore I thought the best thing is to use the stock ROM - not custom - since it may be the most stable experience and for me to update and re-root it for her regularly. root is mandatory because we need AdAway and other things. As I understand it, as soon as we unlock and root the phone, OTA updates for stock are impossible and maybe even dangerous. I've tried researching here but am bit struggling to come up with the right infos and I'd be glad for any advice.
Of course I have seen the great thread about unlocking, rooting, etc, but It seems that that deals with non-standard Chinese firmware pre-installed, which is probably not the case on our device. Since it's bought in Europe, I think it will probably come with some Global or EU ROM. And it doesn't answer some of my other questions.
So far my idea is roughly like this:
Phone arrives
Immediately update it via built-in OTA to latest official stock ROM
Unlock, install TWRP, root with Magisk
Use the phone
Whenever a new stock ROM comes out, download it from XDA
Flash new ROM in TWRP and root again with Magisk
Repeat 4-6 as new stock ROM versions are released
Of course regularly backup with Titanium Backup and TWRP
First of all, would this work or did I misunderstand something fundamental?
How does low level firmware / modem update come into play? Would that be included in the stock ROM packages I find here? Or do I need to manually update that separately? How do I know when I have to, since there is no custom ROM maintainer telling me when it's needed?
Is there an easier way of doing this? This process requires me to regularly check for a new stock ROM, then borrow the phone from the wife for some time to backup, update, re-root and so on. Not that convenient but it would work if there is no better way.
Sorry for the long post, but I'd be very thankful for any advice or ideas. I did quite some research, but if all this info is already available and I missed it, my sincere apologies. It's a lot of info about a new device to take in. :silly:
derfraenk said:
Hello,
I bought a 9T Pro in Europe for my wife and until it arrives I'm trying to research and come up with a low effort process of keeping the stock ROM up to date and rooted for her. I'm confident in manually installing and updating custom ROMs, rooting and dealing with custom ROM issues, but she is not. Therefore I thought the best thing is to use the stock ROM - not custom - since it may be the most stable experience and for me to update and re-root it for her regularly. root is mandatory because we need AdAway and other things. As I understand it, as soon as we unlock and root the phone, OTA updates for stock are impossible and maybe even dangerous. I've tried researching here but am bit struggling to come up with the right infos and I'd be glad for any advice.
Of course I have seen the great thread about unlocking, rooting, etc, but It seems that that deals with non-standard Chinese firmware pre-installed, which is probably not the case on our device. Since it's bought in Europe, I think it will probably come with some Global or EU ROM. And it doesn't answer some of my other questions.
So far my idea is roughly like this:
Phone arrives
Immediately update it via built-in OTA to latest official stock ROM
Unlock, install TWRP, root with Magisk
Use the phone
Whenever a new stock ROM comes out, download it from XDA
Flash new ROM in TWRP and root again with Magisk
Repeat 4-6 as new stock ROM versions are released
Of course regularly backup with Titanium Backup and TWRP
First of all, would this work or did I misunderstand something fundamental?
How does low level firmware / modem update come into play? Would that be included in the stock ROM packages I find here? Or do I need to manually update that separately? How do I know when I have to, since there is no custom ROM maintainer telling me when it's needed?
Is there an easier way of doing this? This process requires me to regularly check for a new stock ROM, then borrow the phone from the wife for some time to backup, update, re-root and so on. Not that convenient but it would work if there is no better way.
Sorry for the long post, but I'd be very thankful for any advice or ideas. I did quite some research, but if all this info is already available and I missed it, my sincere apologies. It's a lot of info about a new device to take in. :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't keep stock MIUI long enough to know definite answers, but from what I remember, this is my understanding.
OTA will still work and shouldn't cause any issues, just that you will lose TWRP and root whenever you do this.
The steps you give are the normal way to update with TWRP and root.
However, OrangeFox recovery (a heavily modified version of TWRP) is often used instead of TWRP in this circumstance. It is built specifically for MIUI devices and with a little bit of work, I believe that it is able to survive OTA updates. Have another dig around for OrangeFox in this forum section and hopefully you'll find details on how to set it up so that you can still take OTA updates.
Edit:
Found this guide https://forum.xda-developers.com/k2...efox-recovery-mi-9t-pro-t3980579/post80480669
It seems OrangeFox it's a bit hit and miss.
Also Xiaomi.eu ROMs are another alternative to look into.
Robbo.5000 said:
I didn't keep stock MIUI long enough to know definite answers, but from what I remember, this is my understanding.
OTA will still work and shouldn't cause any issues, just that you will lose TWRP and root whenever you do this.
The steps you give are the normal way to update with TWRP and root.
However, OrangeFox recovery (a heavily modified version of TWRP) is often used instead of TWRP in this circumstance. It is built specifically for MIUI devices and with a little bit of work, I believe that it is able to survive OTA updates. Have another dig around for OrangeFox in this forum section and hopefully you'll find details on how to set it up so that you can still take OTA updates.
Edit:
Found this guide https://forum.xda-developers.com/k2...efox-recovery-mi-9t-pro-t3980579/post80480669
It seems OrangeFox it's a bit hit and miss.
Also Xiaomi.eu ROMs are another alternative to look into.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that's a lot of helpful info, thanks a lot for pointing me into these directions. I will definitely look into Xiaomi.eu, I that sounds promising!
Get phone. Apply for unlock. Unlock.
You can use my guide bit.do/raphaelguide
Use orangefox 10.8 use magisk.
You can flash eu ROM. Stable version. From xiaomi.eu
Eu rom installs official twrp after install. You are familiar with that
Once you have eu ROM ( same as stock, better performance, minimal bloat, no ads, no tracking)
Eu ROMs gets OTA, keeps root. This is exactly what you want. Just press update in settings as normal ota. It'll do normal ota update by itself, no titanium, migrate hassle.
Join telegram group if you want or on me for any help.
Sandeeep Kiran said:
Get phone. Apply for unlock. Unlock.
You can use my guide bit.do/raphaelguide
Use orangefox 10.8 use magisk.
You can flash eu ROM. Stable version. From xiaomi.eu
Eu rom installs official twrp after install. You are familiar with that
Once you have eu ROM ( same as stock, better performance, minimal bloat, no ads, no tracking)
Eu ROMs gets OTA, keeps root. This is exactly what you want. Just press update in settings as normal ota. It'll do normal ota update by itself, no titanium, migrate hassle.
Join telegram group if you want or on me for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazing, I have taken a look at Xiaomi.eu already and decided to try that. But what you're saying sounds even much better than what I expected. Thank you very much too, I will definitely go that route.
Related
OK, I need some clarification please. I just ordered the phone on Swappa and will have it soon but I would like to have a plan in place for reaching my goal...A rooted phone with TWRP (don't know about what ROM yet)
I'm not sure what software will be on this phone when I get it (EU or Chinese stock/dev) but does that make a difference when attempting to put TWRP on the phone? Also, are there still 2 separate versions or is there just one now?
Also in regards to the initial root and TWRP procedure is it not possible to have SU zip on your phone beforehand or does it have to be transferred from your computer while in TWRP? Finally, the verity no opt encrypt zip must be flashed regardless of whether you are rooting or not? Many thanks for any and all help!
SantinoInc said:
I'm not sure what software will be on this phone when I get it (EU or Chinese stock/dev) but does that make a difference when attempting to put TWRP on the phone? Also, are there still 2 separate versions or is there just one now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Presently if you read max of the posts in major of the forums, you will find out there are three versions of ROM majorly (removing Chinese dev from the list as many don't seem to be on this) - If you are buying the phone from a reseller and not directly from xiaomi, mostly you will end up with Vendor ROM
1) Vendor ROM global (8.08.0 something version) which comes with very less bloatware and Google play services. Sometimes people said their bootloader was unlocked and for some its not. (mine was locked, so had to apply for unlock - It took 3 days to get the approval).
PLEASE NOTE THAT MANY TIMES THIS VENDOR ROM HAS A "NOTES APP" WITH TROJAN ON IT. MALWARE BYTES DETECTS THIS. HENCE I DECIDED TO GET OFF IT.
2) Chinese stable ROM - The official miui ROM. It has OTA updates but comes with bloatware and quite cumbersome to use for a non Chinese person like me or thats what I felt. If you really want to use Chinese stable (and still need google apps) there is a guide which is available some where in one of the forums, right now can't get hold of it somehow.
3) EU ROM (weekly updates - I believe to be done manually) - This one is so far the best I have used and very less bloatware (there is "Qunar travel" and one Chinese app that came with it. I simply uninstalled them blindly). Comes with google play services and you can download the rest from google store.
My journey so far is Vendor ROM --> Chinese Stable --> EU ROM (Non-root)
Why i didn't go directly from Vendor ROM to EU ROM is because
1) some of the users had issues with TWRP's touch non-responsiveness.
2) I want to see what is there on Chinese Stable before going to EU ROM, so that I can do a comparison.
For Vendor ROM to Chinese Stable use the guide below (by @satishp)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-mix/how-to/kindly-help-flashing-to-china-stable-t3528652
For Chinese Stable (or if you want to try from Vendor ROM directly to EU ROM) to EU ROM use the guide below (by @underlines)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-mix/how-to/guide-flash-global-china-rom-root-gapps-t3510592
Following the steps exactly in the above two guides, I was able to install EU ROM without any issues.
SantinoInc said:
Also in regards to the initial root and TWRP procedure is it not possible to have SU zip on your phone beforehand or does it have to be transferred from your computer while in TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you enable developer options on your phone and enable USB debugging, then I believe when you connect your phone to laptop/desktop it should connect using MTP and should be seen as device. So I guess you can copy the zip before hand on to the phone.
SantinoInc said:
Finally, the verity no opt encrypt zip must be flashed regardless of whether you are rooting or not? Many thanks for any and all help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the guides mention that whenever you want to install the EU ROM without root, the dm-verity is compulsory to flash before reboot.
Hope this helps!!. Enjoy your MIX.
thehearty said:
Presently if you read max of the posts in major of the forums, you will find out there are three versions of ROM majorly (removing Chinese dev from the list as many don't seem to be on this) - If you are buying the phone from a reseller and not directly from xiaomi, mostly you will end up with Vendor ROM
1) Vendor ROM global (8.08.0 something version) which comes with very less bloatware and Google play services. Sometimes people said their bootloader was unlocked and for some its not. (mine was locked, so had to apply for unlock - It took 3 days to get the approval).
PLEASE NOTE THAT MANY TIMES THIS VENDOR ROM HAS A "NOTES APP" WITH TROJAN ON IT. MALWARE BYTES DETECTS THIS. HENCE I DECIDED TO GET OFF IT.
2) Chinese stable ROM - The official miui ROM. It has OTA updates but comes with bloatware and quite cumbersome to use for a non Chinese person like me or thats what I felt. If you really want to use Chinese stable (and still need google apps) there is a guide which is available some where in one of the forums, right now can't get hold of it somehow.
3) EU ROM (weekly updates - I believe to be done manually) - This one is so far the best I have used and very less bloatware (there is "Qunar travel" and one Chinese app that came with it. I simply uninstalled them blindly). Comes with google play services and you can download the rest from google store.
My journey so far is Vendor ROM --> Chinese Stable --> EU ROM (Non-root)
Why i didn't go directly from Vendor ROM to EU ROM is because
1) some of the users had issues with TWRP's touch non-responsiveness.
2) I want to see what is there on Chinese Stable before going to EU ROM, so that I can do a comparison.
For Vendor ROM to Chinese Stable use the guide below (by @satishp)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-mix/how-to/kindly-help-flashing-to-china-stable-t3528652
For Chinese Stable (or if you want to try from Vendor ROM directly to EU ROM) to EU ROM use the guide below (by @underlines)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-mix/how-to/guide-flash-global-china-rom-root-gapps-t3510592
Following the steps exactly in the above two guides, I was able to install EU ROM without any issues.
When you enable developer options on your phone and enable USB debugging, then I believe when you connect your phone to laptop/desktop it should connect using MTP and should be seen as device. So I guess you can copy the zip before hand on to the phone.
All the guides mention that whenever you want to install the EU ROM with/without root, the dm-verity is compulsory to flash before reboot.
Hope this helps!!. Enjoy your MIX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, thank you so much for that very thorough answer! I will be getting the phone tomorrow and my goal will be to get the EU Rom on my phone with TWRP and Xposed.
One more small question. So if I happen to get the touch screen freeze (in TWRP or after system reboot) how do you recover from this situation?
SantinoInc said:
One more small question. So if I happen to get the touch screen freeze (in TWRP or after system reboot) how do you recover from this situation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you have to go to Chinese Stable then using MiFlash or install one more version of TWRP which is compatible with Chinese ROM and then other steps. (one of the guides mentions these too)
But my suggestion is simply follow the steps in both the guides, go to chinese stable and then to EU ROM. Its worth the 15 min extra effort as surely i can tell this will not have problems and I believe you can definitely got to root/xposed too finally.
There is a small typo in my previous answer (I corrected it now). Sincere apologies for the same.
Dm-verity is not needed if you are going to root. If you flash to EU ROM and don't want root, then install dm-verity. This is as per the guide mentioned in my last answer.
Hope this helps.
Hi! So, for now I'm running OOS 3.5.4 because I hated the 4.0.1 (I downgraded from it). So, now I don't know if updating to 4.1.1 or getting a ROM. I heard a lot of discordant opinions about the new update of OOS and myself didn't like the first nougat update. If I'll flash ROM, what should I flash(without bugs and with a good camera quality, because seems that all the roms have ****ty camera quality)?
Just my take: Asking for advice about the 4.1.1 update vs. custom ROM (and for that matter which custom ROM) is a matter of personal preference. As you've said yourself, opinions on the update are discordant (as will be true for any update). Just because someone gives your a particular response one way or the other, doesn't mean it will be the right answer for you. The only way to conclusively answer the question for yourself, is to try out the update and/or ROMs.
I would generally recommend updating firmware/modem in any case, whether you decide on the official update or a custom ROM. So it may make sense just to do the update (which will also update firmware and modem) then see if you like it. If not, try a custom ROM.
Alternately, even if you opt to go right to a custom ROM (after unlocking bootloader and flashing TWRP), I'd suggest at least flashing one of the updated firmware/modem zips posted in the 3T Guides, News & Discussion section.
redpoint73 said:
Just my take: Asking for advice about the 4.1.1 update vs. custom ROM (and for that matter which custom ROM) is a matter of personal preference. As you've said yourself, opinions on the update are discordant (as will be true for any update). Just because someone gives your a particular response one way or the other, doesn't mean it will be the right answer for you. The only way to conclusively answer the question for yourself, is to try out the update and/or ROMs.
I would generally recommend updating firmware/modem in any case, whether you decide on the official update or a custom ROM. So it may make sense just to do the update (which will also update firmware and modem) then see if you like it. If not, try a custom ROM.
Alternately, even if you opt to go right to a custom ROM (after unlocking bootloader and flashing TWRP), I'd suggest at least flashing one of the updated firmware/modem zips posted in the 3T Guides, News & Discussion section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I will probably update then, and if I won't like it I'll go to a custom ROM. Could you suggest me any good/stable ROM out there (especially without bugs and with a good camera quality)? Thanks
_HaZaRD_ said:
Could you suggest me any good/stable ROM out there (especially without bugs and with a good camera quality)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I already mentioned, what I said about update vs. custom ROM, will also apply to asking for recommendations about a particular custom ROM. It depends on your personal needs and preferences. You have to make the decision yourself.
Further, I'm still on stock 7.1.1, rooted; and haven't tried any custom ROMs on this device yet. So I have no custom ROM recommendations.
redpoint73 said:
As I already mentioned, what I said about update vs. custom ROM, will also apply to asking for recommendations about a particular custom ROM. It depends on your personal needs and preferences. You have to make the decision yourself.
Further, I'm still on stock 7.1.1, rooted; and haven't tried any custom ROMs on this device yet. So I have no custom ROM recommendations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok
I updated from 4.0.3 to beta 4 via local, but now I want to go back because of the battery drain problem. I tried several times via adb sideload to flash the zip but I keep getting the same error <cannot read 4.0.4.zip> over and over again. Even after installing the drivers, I got a little yellow exclamation triangle near the driver in device manager. Honestly I'm starting to give up, I think I wiped my phone more than 5 times in order to flash via sideload, only to get the same error continuously. as far as I know, I cannot go back to 4.0.3 via local from beta 4 right?
Please help...
Hi all,
I am having issues with my Bluetooth and GSM. I am considering trying to downgrade from OOS 4.1.3 to 4.1.1. I am completely stock, not rooted and don't even have TWRP.
Would appreciate some clarification to the following questions:
1) Can I downgrade by just flashing the official full 4.1.1 zip found in OP website?
2) Should I only flash the modem zip? And if so, can I use 4.1.1 modem while having 4.1.3 installed?
3) Since 4.1.1 already has nougat 7.1.1, is 1) also safe for further downgrades, for example, directly to 4.0.4?
Thanks.
Best regards,
Oldiamond
If your bootloader is locked, you can't downgrade (unless you exploit the security vulnerability from a few weeks back).
If your bootloader is unlocked, use TWRP or fastboot to clean flash whatever version of OOS you want.
You should consider flashing the latest open beta release, I think it's already fixed over there plus there are some Extra goodies and its stable as ****
Anova's Origin said:
If your bootloader is locked, you can't downgrade (unless you exploit the security vulnerability from a few weeks back).
If your bootloader is unlocked, use TWRP or fastboot to clean flash whatever version of OOS you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pharrax said:
You should consider flashing the latest open beta release, I think it's already fixed over there plus there are some Extra goodies and its stable as ****
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to both. I am this close to send it back to RMA, as I did not install anything other than 4.1.3, and didn't even unroot it. I don't know... perhaps by sending it back without ever installing TWRP or unlocking anything would provide more feedback to the manufacturer, other than saying "damn guy, started fiddling with the phone and ROMs, and here's the result".
Regarding the beta, I initially considered avoiding it because i read in the forums about issues such as sometimes alarms not ringing. I figure that my boss wouldn't like that
Going back from BETA to regular version also requires TWRP?
Best regards,
Old
oldiamond said:
Thanks to both. I am this close to send it back to RMA, as I did not install anything other than 4.1.3, and didn't even unroot it. I don't know... perhaps by sending it back without ever installing TWRP or unlocking anything would provide more feedback to the manufacturer, other than saying "damn guy, started fiddling with the phone and ROMs, and here's the result".
Regarding the beta, I initially considered avoiding it because i read in the forums about issues such as sometimes alarms not ringing. I figure that my boss wouldn't like that
Going back from BETA to regular version also requires TWRP?
Best regards,
Old
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alarm issues were fixed, also it never happened to me I and I've been on beta a long time i think on the official page there are the steps to switch between stable and beta. I don't think it requires twrp but don't take my word for it.
Hi, im currently on xiaomi.eu beta 20.1.2. From what I learnt the firmware is updated to 20.1.2. If I want to flash Pixel Experience, which recommends 9.11.7 or higher. Should i downgrade my firmware? I heard downgrading will brick the device.
No ARB, isn't enforced by Xiaomi...not yet.
Make a local backup and save it to your desktop so when you come back to Xiaomi.EU you can restore much faster.
Instructions here: https://xiaomi.eu/community/threads...om-restored-in-eu-rom-after.52880/post-510238
As far as the firmware, you can try a simple factory reset and try flashing, it may work since 9.17 is probably just the minimum firmware needed. But I am not sure because I haven't used that Rom recently. On the other hand, I can tell you that I tried some other roms recently out of boredom and for me they do not yet equal the current Xiaomi.EU in overall stability.
tsongming said:
No ARB, isn't enforced by Xiaomi...not yet.
Make a local backup and save it to your desktop so when you come back to Xiaomi.EU you can restore much faster.
As far as the firmware, you can try a simple factory reset and try flashing, it may work since 9.17 is probably just the minimum firmware needed. But I am not sure because I haven't used that Rom recently. On the other hand, I can tell you that I tried some other roms recently out of boredom and for me they do not yet equal the current Xiaomi.EU in overall stability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you very much for the swift reply! Yeah because some roms have firmwares built to them at a older version, i dont know whether flashing them will brick the phone or not. I'm just itching to try out the other roms at this state. I went from global stable to pe and many roms then ended up with EU. But as time goes by, needed to check out them at present state
steveeekong said:
thank you very much for the swift reply! Yeah because some roms have firmwares built to them at a older version, i dont know whether flashing them will brick the phone or not. I'm just itching to try out the other roms at this state. I went from global stable to pe and many roms then ended up with EU. But as time goes by, needed to check out them at present state
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just be sure to get a full TWRP backup. I recommended the version on my Persist thread. if you have the full backup you will never need to worry.
Also, I certainly understand wanting to see what else it is out there. Unfortunately, many roms do not provide good how to install instructions. As long as you use the recommended firmware along with DM Verity if needed, you should not have any issues, and bricking your phone is very unlikely.
Before attempting to install any rom read the OP and the last few pages at the end of the post.
Hi,
Years ago I successfully rooted my Xiaomi Mi 9 (M1902F1G). I don't remember how, I just remember waiting for the Xiaomi approval on my account to unlock the bootloader and that I was extra-careful regarding a non-decreasing integer number not to brick it or something like that. To avoid risking an unwanted unroot, I never updated the system (now at MIUI Global 10.2.14).
Now, for different reasons, I want to update to the last available version and unroot. What's the easiest way of doing it?
My system is currently offering an update to MIUI V11.0.6.0.QFAMIXM | Stable (2.3GB).
Should I just take it? Will device unroot and update or things could go wrong (soft/hard brick)?
I'm willing to follow specific instructions to unroot, and manually flash scripts or ROMs if you think it would be safer (I would like to keep my TWRP recovery).
I just don't know where to look on the internet. Even if you just pointed me to the right thread/forum, I would appreciate it, I cannot find much.
Thanks in advance
Hello,
Just flash the latest fastboot image version (select the flash_all_lock.bat or flash_all_lock.sh depending of your OS).
You will lose everything on the phone and you can't keep TWRP installed.