[Guide] [A2017U] Enable TWRP, Magisk on B32 Stock [9-4-2017]

ScaryBugThing · Sep 17, 2017

This guide shows how to install TWRP and Magisk even starting from firmwares after B19 A2017U firmware (starting B25, ZTE removed Fastboot). As always read the ENTIRE directions before beginning. If you'd like to try a faster method, see instead King1990's Alternate Method posted below steps A, B and C.

Step A involves downgrading your OS to B19. If you are on B25 or higher currently, you must not skip this step. If you are on B19, skip this step.
Step B is upgrading to B32 on an unlocked system, retaining Fastboot and the Recovery by using DrakenFX's method.
Step C is installing Magisk.

STEP A: FLASH TO B19 WITH TWRP USING EDL MODE
NOTE: This assumes you are unlocked. If you need to unlock starting from a firmware later than B19, please follow the EDL Unlock instructions at the EDL Thread, or use the Axon7Toolkit unlock, which is essentially the same but may be easier for some.
1. Install MiFlash using the EDL thread
2. Install the QUALCOMM drivers linked in the same thread.
3. Download "B19-NOUGAT_FULL (Nougat 7.1.1)" from the same thread.
4. Extract the ZIP file.
5. Open MiFlash, select the named sub-folder from the ZIP
6. Connect Axon 7 via a USB cable, and hold VOL-UP/VOL-DOWN/POWER until the screen goes black and the red notification LED blinks very intermittently (~1 time per 4 seconds) to get it in EDL mode.
7. Hit Refresh in MiFlash and confirm device is shown in list.
8. Hit Flash in MiFlash to flash it. (This rolls back your device to B19 stock)
9. Repeat Steps A.3-A.8 for "B19-NOUGAT_TWRP (Nougat 7.1.1)," found in the same EDL thread (to get TWRP).
10. After EDL flashing B19-NOUGAT_TWRP (Nougat 7.1.1), hold Power+VolUp when boot into TWRP. At the first warning screen, slide to allow modifications, but DO NOT BOOT INTO THE ROM until you complete the next step re: no-verity.
11. Tap Mount, and then Mount the phone via MTP in TWRP. Transfer over the latest (5.1 at time of writing) no-verity-opt-encrypt-5.1.zip file from this link (original thread) to your phone via MTP. Flash this file using the "Install" command in the TWRP main menu.

Troubleshooting Notes:

If bootup freezes at the very first screen after the ZTE logo ("Start - Continue to Boot..."), you probably have either (1) not properly flashed the B19 FULL before the TWRP folder, or (2) enabled changes in TWRP without flashing the zip in Step 11. If so, start over from the beginning, reinstall B19 FULL and TWRP via EDL. If you cannot boot into the system, this is likely your only option.

If you are stuck on a bootup screen that says "To start android, enter your password": You have probably mistakenly started a normal boot after flashing the B19 FULL but before flashing TWRP. Do not attempt to enter a password, simply get back into EDL mode to flash the TWRP folder for Step A.9. Do this by either holding VOL+/VOL-/POWER, or by using the ADB command if available, "adb reboot edl" . If you are in-between steps and having trouble finding a part of the boot sequence that ADB receives commands, try opening an ADB console on Windows and entering "adb devices -l" to see if your device is visible to ADB at either the bootloader itself (VOL+/POWER), or the main root TWRP screen. (Worst case, if TWRP is not installed, but if you can access Fastboot, put the TWRP .img file in the same directory on your PC as your ADB/Fastboot .exes, rename to "recover.img" and use the command "fastboot boot recovery.img" to temporarily boot into TWRP.)

If MiFlash cannot flash to your device even when it can see your device: If you can access ADB, try the command "adb reboot edl" . Some Axon 7 phones apparently do not correctly enter EDL mode when holding VOL+/VOL-/POWER, and although visible to MiFlash cannot be flashed unless a software command puts the phone into EDL. Alternatively, Axon 7 Toolkit can do this - select Option 10 when ADB is active.

If you follow this guide and receive a ctsProfile mismatch error when running a SafetyNet check in Magisk, you likely had some remnant of a prior SU installation that is triggering the error. Please follow the steps in this troubleshooting guide: https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/magisk-101-fix-safetynet-cts-profile-mismatch-errors-0178047/

STEP B: UPDATE TO B32
Important: You cannot use the update process in Mifavor to update, or you will lose fastboot. Instead, any updates must be flashed via TWRP.
1. Go to DrakenFX's thread and follow the instructions. Relevant portion added below for simplicity.
2. Download and move to your phone (Internal or SD):
- A2017UV1.1.0B32_bootstack_by_DrakenFX.zip
- A2017UV1.1.0B32_StockSystem_by_DrakenFX.zip
3. Boot into TWRP, and Wipe Cache, Dalvik, and Data
4. Flash ("Install" in TWRP) A2017UV1.1.0B32_bootstack_by_DrakenFX.zip, then install A2017UV1.1.0B32_StockSystem_by_DrakenFX.zip.
5. Flash the no-verity-opt-encrypt-5.1.zip file again from this link (you should already have this on your phone from Step 1 above)

STEP C: INSTALL MAGISK ZIP VIA TWRP
NOTE: If you have performed this with the 13.6 Beta per my earlier guide, simply download Magisk 14.0 within the Manager app and then flash 14.0 in TWRP to update. For new installations, flashing directly the 14.0 ZIP file should be fine. Any Magisk before 13.6 Beta will likely no longer work.

1. This guide assumes you have a clean image with NO SU. (If you have used SuperSU or another SU, you will need to either reset/reflash a clean image, or uninstall it sufficiently. If you have a prior Magisk, there is a Magisk Uninstall tool (here You can proceed without flashing a clean image using that tool, included in Step 3b below.)
2. Download the latest Beta Magisk ZIP file ("Magisk-v14.0.zip") in the main Magisk thread. I have also attached it to this thread for convenience. NOTE that this ZIP file also automatically installs Magisk Manager, so you do not need to download or install it separately in Android.
3. Go to TWRP, and install the Magisk-v14.0.zip. Clear Dalvik/Cache after install.
4. Reboot into stock, and open Magisk Manager which should be installed now automatically. Magisk Hide should be auto enabled, MagiskSU 14.0 should be installed, and all checks should pass including SafetyNet. Catch all the Poke-mans and Pay all the Androids.

Please make a TWRP backup before attempting, and be ready to roll back if needed.

Alternate Method (Thanks to King1990)
This method may be quicker, so you may prefer to try this method first, or as an alternate if the above method is too complex or doesn't work for you:
*these steps only if you are already unlocked your bootloader first UNLOCK *
*Note: it does not matter if your on stock B25 or B32 or any custom roms just follow the steps below*
*Backup first*
1- Download & install Axon7toolkit 1.2.1,install drivers & ADB from the tool (option 1).
2- using the tool, choose option 11 & follow the instructions to flash "A2017U_B19-NOUGAT_FULL_EDL" using Miflash (Axon7toolkit will start Miflash)
3- if the flashing was successful reboot your phone
4- now update using OTA to B25 then again update to B32 through OTA .
5- now you have completely stock B32 , you will also lose fastboot command
6- Reboot to EDL
7- Start Miflash directly it should be here "C:\Program Files\Xiaomi\MiPhone" & Click on refresh , a COM port should appear
8- in the target white bar, paste this destination "C:\Axon7Development\Axon7Toolkit\miflash\unlock\FASTBOOT_UNLOCK_EDL_N" & click flash, if succeed reboot & you should now have fastboot commands
9- again use Axon7toolkit & choose option 9 to flash TWRP , follow the instruction and you should have TWRP.
10- start the system then reboot to recovery and flash magisk 14.0 check for safety net if fails just reboot your phone & it will pass.
11- done.

Previous threads and guides

(Previous Thread)
-----------
(Previous Magisk and OTA process - DO NOT USE)

----------
(Previous Original Guide - DO NOT USE)

Changelog

troy5890 · May 22, 2017

Just wanted to thank you for the guide. Now I'll be able to get root on B25.

EDIT: I just wanted to know if flashing the B19_full will wipe userdata? I have a feeling it does, but I just want to double check.

Sent from my ZTE A2017U using XDA-Developers Legacy app

ScaryBugThing · Jun 14, 2010 136 57 0

troy5890 said:
Just wanted to thank you for the guide. Now I'll be able to get root on B25.

EDIT: I just wanted to know if flashing the B19_full will wipe userdata? I have a feeling it does, but I just want to double check.

When I did it, it did NOT wipe userdata. Surprising to me that all my apps and things were still on the screen, but the version did indeed roll back. YMMV.

StickMonster · Feb 27, 2009 77 28 0

I've played with Magisk 13 too. I could get root, but not safety net. That's on b25. I can't remember if I tried it on b19.

To get safety net and Magisk 10 working on b25 I have to get it working on b29 and then upgrade to b25. So what you suggest for 13 sounds promising.

I'll have to play some more if you got it working on b19.

Dodgexander · May 23, 2017 at 12:25 PM

Curious, what makes you think OTAs will work? B25 removes fastboot for me and installed stock recovery. I had magisk working on B25 when not updating the bootsect and keeping that at B19.

Second question, with only B19 installed, after rolling back from B25 do you, or anyone for that matter have a problem where the signal constantly cycles on/off?

lukanite · Apr 11, 2017 22 7 0

StickMonster said:
I've played with Magisk 13 too. I could get root, but not safety net. That's on b25. I can't remember if I tried it on b19.

To get safety net and Magisk 10 working on b25 I have to get it working on b29 and then upgrade to b25. So what you suggest for 13 sounds promising.

I'll have to play some more if you got it working on b19.

Magisk 10.3-beta2 worked after simply flashing the zip and the superuser and manager apks for me on b19

6bolt2g · Mar 9, 2011 30 4 0

I was on rooted B19 (super su) and I used the DrakenFX B25 flashable zip's and the no-verity zip to keep TWRP. Then booted into the OS to put the Magisk manager on following 'STEP 2' in the OP then flashed the Magisk zip in TWRP and all seems to be working. I will do a full test drive today and report back if any issues. So far I have root and pass safety net checks and android pay let me open it up and set it up.

crashnova · May 23, 2017 at 5:16 PM

6bolt2g said:
I was on rooted B19 (super su) and I used the DrakenFX B25 flashable zip's and the no-verity zip to keep TWRP. Then booted into the OS to put the Magisk manager on following 'STEP 2' in the OP then flashed the Magisk zip in TWRP and all seems to be working. I will do a full test drive today and report back if any issues. So far I have root and pass safety net checks and android pay let me open it up and set it up.

Nice. Looking forward to hearing those results.

6bolt2g · Mar 9, 2011 30 4 0

crashnova said:
Nice. Looking forward to hearing those results.

So far the masking function ie. Android Pay worked today when I went to use it. I went to use a few root apps, ES File Explorer and just an emoji switcher this afternoon and it was force closing the Magisk app. I tried to restart the phone to see if that was some of the issue, no difference. I also tried to uninstall and install the app from the Play Store, but it was an older version (v12). So I removed it and put the v13 back on and the force closes have stopped for now. I will have to continue using it to see how it goes. Anyone have any suggestions for root apps they would like me to try? With all the goodies baked into these stock roms there is less and less need for root access, at least for me.

ScaryBugThing · May 24, 2017

6bolt2g said:
I was on rooted B19 (super su) and I used the DrakenFX B25 flashable zip's and the no-verity zip to keep TWRP. Then booted into the OS to put the Magisk manager on following 'STEP 2' in the OP then flashed the Magisk zip in TWRP and all seems to be working. I will do a full test drive today and report back if any issues. So far I have root and pass safety net checks and android pay let me open it up and set it up.

Thanks! I will update the original post with your results.

Edit: Can you confirm exactly which ZIP files you flashed, and where you specified "no-verity"?

ScaryBugThing · May 24, 2017 at 1:50 AM

Dodgexander said:
Curious, what makes you think OTAs will work? B25 removes fastboot for me and installed stock recovery. I had magisk working on B25 when not updating the bootsect and keeping that at B19.

I figure that as long as you can keep TWRP, the fact that Magisk was updated and confirmed to work with one version of Nougat suggested it should work with minor updates. (Nougat seems to be what broke Magisk initially.) I understand DrakenFX allows flashing in a way that preserves TWRP, so infer that it will likely work. I'm trying not to overstate what I know, but it appears to work for at least 6bolt2g. However, upgrading to B25 should be considered experimental at this point.

Dodgexander said:
Second question, with only B19 installed, after rolling back from B25 do you, or anyone for that matter have a problem where the signal constantly cycles on/off?

I haven't had that issue rolling back from B25. Maybe clear caches? Try reflashing with MiFlash?

6bolt2g · May 24, 2017

ScaryBugThing said:
Thanks! I will update the original post with your results.

Edit: Can you confirm exactly which ZIP files you flashed, and where you specified "no-verity"?

I already was unlocked and had TWRP installed and I was on Stock B19 with root via Super SU, but the root part shouldn't matter.

I flashed the stock Bootstack and B25 Rom from this post: B25 TWRP Flashable
His directions mentioned using the vm-verity zip file if you want to keep TWRP and not flash super SU. He did not link the verity zip that I saw, so I searched XDA for them.
The link to the TWRP post with the download link: TWRP dm-verity Half way down the first post.
And the direct link to the download file list : no-verity download link I just picked the newest version.
Hope that helps.

*Edit*

To add to my issue earlier about the Magisk Manager crashing when approving root access. After re-installing it seems to work fine. I believe its after a reboot, it starts to have the crashing problem. It does seem to maintain previously approved root accesses though. For example, ES File manager is still able to explore system folders during the crash, because I approved it earlier when it was still working. I'm no programmer so I do not have a clue what is going on. I imagine, something is not persisting through the reboot. And to clarify, it is crashing when new programs are asking for root access and the pop-up shows.

StickMonster · Feb 27, 2009 77 28 0

Same for me using the 170523 build. Everything works at first, including root for apps already whitelisted from before the b25 upgrade, but once you try to add a new app to your root list you get FCs from then on any time su tries to run, including trying to start superuser from within Magisk manager. If you delete Magisk data, from twrp or Android app settings, the FCs stop but then you have no apps with root granted.

It looks like there is a version from nfound we should try.

Dodgexander · May 24, 2017 at 10:57 PM

Yep tried miflash running back to b19 and it's the same. I can't run b19 stock anymore, but it's off topic here so I'll shut up

StickMonster · Feb 27, 2009 77 28 0

Dodgexander said:
Yep tried miflash running back to b19 and it's the same. I can't run b19 stock anymore, but it's off topic here so I'll shut up

If you flash back to b19 try erasing Magisk data. I'm pretty sure that worked for me.

Dodgexander · May 25, 2017 at 12:03 AM

StickMonster said:
If you flash back to b19 try erasing Magisk data. I'm pretty sure that worked for me.

Magic is no problem on B19, signal is not. Flashing on and off like the phone is detecting a modem one sec and the next not.

ScaryBugThing · May 25, 2017 at 4:06 AM

Thanks for the updates about moving to B25. Updated first post - if you test anymore, please share.

genbu · Apr 24, 2011 22 3 0

ScaryBugThing said:
Hi all - this thread originated in the Q&A forum (old thread), but since I mapped out steps in a guide, I am posting it here since it is the more proper place for it.

This is a guide showing how to get TWRP installed, Magisk running, and I plan to update once I confirm OTAs can be flashed.

If you are only here for Magisk: Despite all the horror trying to get it to work with 12.0 and earlier versions, I believe you should be able to flash it fairly easily using versions later than the 20170520 beta and 13.0 beta Magisk Manager, see links below. But since the 20170520 files are the only version I've tested, I can only vouch for those files and they are specifically mentioned in the guide.

NOTE: This assumes you are starting at B25, but the instructions should work for any B version number, since MiFlash is going to force us to B19.including how to install Magisk successfully - only new beta versions will install, and I've only tested the 20170520 build with Magisk 13.0 beta, but it worked entirely as intended. Below are the steps needed, and below that is my old post (hidden) for posterity in case it helps troubleshoot later if something breaks.

STEP 1: FLASHING FROM B25 TO B19 USING EDL MODE:
1. Install MiFlash using the EDL thread
2. Install the QUALCOMM drivers linked in the same thread.
3. Download "B19-NOUGAT_FULL (Nougat 7.1.1)" from the same thread.
4. Extract the ZIP file.
5. Open MiFlash, selected on the named sub-folder from the ZIP
6. Connect Axon 7 via a USB cable, and hold VOL-UP/VOL-DOWN/POWER until the screen goes black and the red notification LED blinks very intermittently (~1 time per 4 seconds) to get it in EDL mode.
7. Hit Refresh in MiFlash and confirm device is shown in list.
8. Hit Flash in MiFlash to flash it. (This rolled back my B25 device to B19 stock)
9. Then do the same process again with "B19-NOUGAT_TWRP (Nougat 7.1.1)," found in the same EDL thread (to get TWRP).

Note that first I just downloaded the TWRP version, and TWRP successfully installed and I could boot into TWRP, but it would totally freeze before loading the OS ROM every time. You MUST flash the B19 FULL first to avoid this.

STEP 2: INSTALLING MAGISK 13.0 BETA WITH ROOT AND SAFETYNET PASS
1. Make sure you have a clean image with NO SU (PHH or MagiskSU or otherwise), and NO Magisk/Magisk Manager installed.
2. Enable Settings->Security->Unknown Sources in stock.
3. Download Magisk Manager 20170520 13.0 beta and Magisk 20170520 (here, and attached for convenience) (full beta thread here if needed), and copy them to your device.
4. Install Magisk Manager 20170520 13.0 beta via File Manager direct as an APK.
5. Go to TWRP, and install the Magisk 20170520 beta (here, and attached for convenience)
6. Reboot into stock, and open Magisk Manager 13.0. You should see both Magisk and Root installed (Root as "Magisksu"). If you try SafetyNet right now, it will fail.
7. Go into Settings in Magisk Manager and enable MagiskHide.
8. Now if you check SafetyNet, it should pass.

Note that the temporary beta builds appear to only be available for a short time, so either use the files attached, or go ahead and try the latest beta build. The first build I tried, 20170520, worked. Again, my guess is all beta builds or full builds after 20170520 will work with the instructions above, but feel free to test.

STEP 3: GET OTAS: I have not tested yet to ensure Magisk doesn't break, but I believe you should be able to download OTA packages, such as those by DrakenFX and flash them. However, users are reporting some bugs upgrading beyond B19, so OTAs are a work in progress. Please make a TWRP backup before attempting this and be ready to roll back if needed.

6bolt2g reports he had success moving from B19 (rooted) to B25, with the following steps: (a) flash "the DrakenFX B25 flashable zip's and the no-verity zip to keep TWRP"; and (b) follow STEP 2 above. However, 6bolt2g and StickMonster report that after upgrading to B25, you may experience problems with adding apps not previously whitelisted. Again, this is not verified by me but reporting it in the first thread for convenience.

For now, applying OTAs beyond B19 should be considered experimental - please be aware of the risk and have a backup before trying, and share your results here.

Edit 5/21/2017: Added additional steps to Magisk to show process after flashing in TWRP.
Edit 5/23/2017: Added 6bolt2g report re: moving from B19 to B25.
Edit 5/24/2017: Added additional updates re: OTAs.

I kept having error Object ref not set to an instance of an object. I already have TWRP, i wonder if i need stock recovery for this to work?

HallOfPromise · Feb 28, 2011 42 8 28

Question: On B25, once you have your root apps whitelisted and root access granted, does the Magisk Manager work alright? Other than FC on new apps, does it still do its thing and the phone work normal? My Axon 7 should be arriving today and I want to be on B25 for the wifi-calling fixes. I can probably live with white listing the apps on B19 and then updating to B25 once everything is ironed out.

Young Gunna · Jun 2, 2017 at 1:35 PM

genbu said:
I kept having error Object ref not set to an instance of an object. I already have TWRP, i wonder if i need stock recovery for this to work?

Can you give more details... whats your starting point? and what step are you getting this error?

---------- Post added at 08:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:33 AM ----------

HallOfPromise said:
Question: On B25, once you have your root apps whitelisted and root access granted, does the Magisk Manager work alright? Other than FC on new apps, does it still do its thing and the phone work normal? My Axon 7 should be arriving today and I want to be on B25 for the wifi-calling fixes. I can probably live with white listing the apps on B19 and then updating to B25 once everything is ironed out.

I cant answer for stock AXON 7 OS... but im running LineageOs and everyththing is working very well... no Force closes with apps or anything like that.

[Guide] [A2017U] Enable TWRP, Magisk on B32 Stock [9-4-2017]

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