[GUIDE/TUTORIAL/HOWTO] Asus Transformer Pad TF300T Any version to Android 7.1 Nougat / KatKiss ROM
This detailed step-by-step guide helps you transform your Asus Transformer Pad with Android 4.2.1 to a powerful one with Android 7.1 Nougat.
Don't expect Android 8 or 9 on this tab, but 7.1 is already perfect
This worked for me only with USB2.
### I'll make a few notes using this style : PLEASE READ THEM.
Make sure you have latest official updates.
Connect tab to Wifi network.
Go to Settings -> About -> Update.
You may have to restart tab and do this step again to correctly fetch latest official update.
To check your tab is the correct model, go to Settings -> About tablet. The details below are listed :
• Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean, versions from 4.1 to 4.3.1)
• GPS 7.9.11
• Wi-Fi 7.1.1.50
• BT 10.38
• Camera TF300T-000128
• Kernel 3.1.10*
• Build number
Tap 7 times on this item to unlock the developer options menu.
We need it later
It looks like J0P40D.WW_epad-10.6.1.27.5-20130902
################# TO GO FURTHER, your BOOTLOADER version MUST END IN 27.1 or 27.5 (27.5 in my case).
### If not : reboot tab and check again for system updates
### If it still not 27.1 or 27.5, go straight to the EXTRA part of this tutorial.
CHANGELOG ----------------------------------------------
v10. Dropped SuperSU for Magisk, small tutorial improvements, Timduru ROM v39
v9. Timduru v38 and TWRP 3.3.1-0, updated pack
v8. Timduru v35 and better OpenGapps link
v7. Refresh pack v3 with ROM v32 and TWRP recovery 3.2.3-0
v6. Google Play certification + TWRP 3.2.1-0 (in new pack), Katkiss v29
v5. djibe pack v2 for shorter tutorial (now includes both UnLock_Device_App_V8 and V7)
+ STOP FORCING GPU RENDERING (slow down tab so much)
v4. Upgraded to Nougatella build25 and TWRP recovery official 3.1.1-0
v3. Details for manual update of bootloader
v2. Moved to Android 7.1 Nougat, recovery TWRP 3.1.0-0
v1. Initial release
0) BACKUP YOUR DATA
Backup SMS, photos, contacts before going any further (ex: use the backupyourmobile app).
Check that backup is located on microSD card. Then copy the backup on your PC.
1) DOWNLOAD
- djibe Transformer Pad TF300T pack v3 :
http://bit.ly/djibe-tf300t-v3
(contains Windows MTP drivers + ADB & fastboot drivers + Asus UnLock_Device_App_V8.apk and V7 + fastboot.exe + adb.exe + official TWRP recovery 3.3.1-0 + Magisk + Magisk Manager).
### Use Incognito web browser mode if needed to download pack.
Unzip pack on Windows desktop.
+ ROM KatKiss Android Nougat 7.1 (v39 or later):
https://xdaforums.com/transformer-tf300t/development/rom-t3453702
Download here :
http://downloads.timduru.org/android/tf300t/K.A.T/KatKiss/7.x/dev/
Thanks to
@timduru for his perfect ROMs dedicated to Transformer tabs.
+ OpenGapps ARM 7.1 Pico (Pico Pico Pico only !) :
https://opengapps.org/?arch=arm&api=7.1&variant=pico
+ microSD card (FAT32 format), copy the zip files from Katkiss ROM, OpenGapps, Magisk.zip and MagiskManager.apk.
### If later on you have errors flashing ROM, GAPPS, MAGISK, try to use another freshly formated microSD (FAT32 partition format).
Then insert it in the tab.
2) INSTALL WINDOWS DRIVERS FOR ASUS TRANSFORMER PAD TF300T
- In Android, go to Settings -> About tablet.
Tap 7 times on "Build number", a message says Developer menu is unlocked.
Go to Settings -> Developer Menu -> check USB debugging ON.
- Windows 8/10 :
On keyboard, type combo : "Windows key + R"
In the Windows Command Prompt, type :
it opens Windows Recovery menu:
Go to Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options -> Startup settings -> Restart
At reboot, hit 7 (Disable driver control) and follow instructions for Windows Vista/7.
when finished driver installation, reboot PC as usual.
- Windows Vista/Windows 7 :
Go to folder /Universal Naked Drivers 0.72 you unziped at start on your Desktop.
Select file android_apxusb.inf, then right click -> Install.
Force driver install and wait until a success message prompts.
Repeat operation with android_winusb.inf .
You can plug tab in USB for driver install completion.
### Not working ? Run the CMD has administrator and write this command :
Code:
RUNDLL32.EXE SETUPAPI.DLL,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 c:\...\android_winusb.inf
### c:\...\android_winusb.inf being the path to each .inf file. Repeat for each .inf file.
- Copy the UnLock_Device_App in tablet's internal memory
Tab should normaly be seen in Windows explorer as TF300.
Make sure MTP file transfer protocol is active on the tablet.
Copy the UnLock_Device_App_V8.apk in the root folder of the tab.
3) UNLOCK BOOTLOADER of Transformer Pad TF300T
Tablet must be fully charged to 100 %.
In Android, go to Settings -> Security -> Check Unknown Sources ON.
Launch the preinstalled app "File Manager" to install the file you just copied UnLock_Device_App_V8.apk
### If it fails to install, delete your Google Account. Go to Settings -> Accounts. Delete the Google Account.
### If it fails again, manually set date and time of your tab.
### If it fails again, reset tablet to factory settings and skip Google Sign-in.
### If it still fails, register yout tab on
https://www.asus.com/support/ and retry.
### Timduru advises to use UnLock_Device_App_V7.apk (also included in my pack)
### At least you know it, but V8 worked perfectly for me
Launch the UnlockApp.
Accept User agreements.
### YOUR WARRANTY IS NOW VOID (but I presume it is already).
Accept and click to unlock the tab,
let the tab restart and wait during process...
After reboot , "The Device is UnLocked" is written on top left screen during boot logo.
### If it fails, manually set Tab date and time to local time.
### If it still fails, register on Asus website, starting here :
https://www.asus.com/support/Product/APRP/?lang=1033
Like ebonit says (thx ebonit) : create a personal account and register your Asus product with serial there. Submit an Asus support ticket. Explain your problem and mail it to Asus. Within a few business days you should get a reply
4) FLASH TWRP 3.3 RECOVERY
Charge tab to 100% before continuing.
Start it in bootloader mode (Hold Power + Volume- until you see 3 icons).
Connect it to PC.
Open a Windows command prompt on the /djibe pack folder you unziped earlier:
select folder with left click, right click while holding SHIFT on keyboard -> Open command windows here
In Windows Command Prompt (not Windows Powershell !), type :
.
If the serial number is written, tab is well connected.
### If not : try this command :
### If still fails : Try another USB port.
### If still fails : Launch Windows Command prompt in Administrator mode
### If still fails : Check Universal Naked drivers installation.
### NB. Timduru advises to use exclusively TWRP Kang 2.8.7.2 :
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347781183
### But this 2.8 TWRP has huge problems with F2FS. So I prefer latest official one.
Now type :
Code:
fastboot -i 0x0b05 flash recovery twrp-3.3.1-0-tf300t.img
and wait for the "finished" success message,
### If it fails, try other tricks like above (Change USB port, Run Command prompt in Administrator mode)
then type :
Code:
fastboot -i 0x0b05 reboot-bootloader
and confirm with Volume+ to get into RCK (recovery, again), it is now TWRP 3.3.1-0
###### FROM NOW ON, ONLY USE TWRP RECOVERY TO WIPE DATA OR PARTITIONS, never again bootloader's Wipe data icon !!!
5) SET FILESYSTEM TO F2FS AND NANDROID BACKUP
F2FS is the fastest filesystem for read and write partitions on flash memories. Compared to EXT4, gain is from 15 to 280 %.
No need to format the /System partition because it is Read only and Ext4 is still faster.
On TWRP first launch, check Never show this screen during boot again, then Swipe to Allow Modifications.
Go to Backup, make sure System, Data and Boot are checked.
Now tap on Select Storage button -> set it on Micro SDCard,
Swipe to Backup.
Tap on the Home button.
Now go Wipe -> Advanced Wipe.
Select Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Cache, Data, Internal Storage and Swipe to Wipe.
Tap on Back button (to Advanced Wipe Menu).
Select /cache partition -> Repair or Change File System -> Change File System -> F2FS, Swipe.
### If you chose TWRP 2.8 Kang, let cache in EXT4 filesystem.
Go Back and back to Advanced Wipe Menu.
Select /data partition -> Repair or Change File System -> Change File System -> F2FS, Swipe.
Tap on Home button.
6) INSTALL Android 7.1 Nougat + Root
Still on TWRP Home screen, Install -> Storage: Internal Storage and change it to microSD card -> OK.
### If it fails, use Kang Recovery
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347781183
Select KatKiss-7.1_TF300T* .zip, and Add More Zips,
then open_gapps-arm-7.1-pico*.zip and Swipe to force install.
Be patient.
### If it fails, install zips 1 by 1, make sure microSD is valid and that you downloaded OpenGapps ARM 7.1 PICO version.
Custom ROM is installed.
When done prompts, tap on Wipe Cache/Dalvik and swype to confirm, wait.
Disconnect tab from PC.
Then Reboot System.
Let the tab start (at least 10 minutes).
7) ANDROID 7.1 Nougat
On Android first launch, immediatly manually toggle Wifi ON or you'll run into an app crash (Wifi toggle button is on bottom right of screen)
Configure Android as you like.
Go to Settings -> Performance
Check Set clock values on boot
For Maximum frequency, select 1600 MHz.
I/O Scheduler set zen and Set value on boot
In Settings -> Mediascanner filters, uncheck Scan.
In Settings -> About, tap 7 times on build number, it unlocks the Options for developers in Settings.
Enter this new menu.
In the Hardware acceleration, verify that GPU rendering is NOT checked !!!
8) ROOT WITH MAGISK
Launch Google Play.
Download Astro File Manager.
Block extra app installs.
Just Allow access to tablet's files.
Go to Internal Storage > MagiskManager*.apk > Package installer > INSTALL > OPEN
Press Power button > Long press on Reboot to Reboot to recovery
Once back in TWRP recovery, go to Install > select Magisk*.zip and swipe to flash.
Reboot tab without flashing cache.
If you go back to Magisk Manager app, Magisk and Magisk Manager are green.
Root permissions can be managed from menu > Superuser.
You can install Magisk modules from Downloads menu.
9) CALIBRATE BATTERY
Follow this tutorial :
https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/properly-calibrate-battery-any-android-phone-0182706/
10) OTHER APPS
- You can use GPS Status & Toolbox for faster GPS fix.
- Kernel Adiutor for advanced overclock
- KAT App to enhance Audio :
https://xdaforums.com/transformer-tf300t/development/app-t2824215
- Any Magisk Module or Xposed Module.
- Your tab doesn't see your local Wifi network ?
You are probably european and your wifi is set to channel >= 11.
Use a Build.prop editor to change the key ro.wifi.channels to a value of 14.
That's it.
Enjoy
Thanks : Timduru, AOSP dev, TWRP team, ChainfireSuperSU
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EXTRA - UPGRADING BOOTLOADER VERSION OF ASUS TRANSFORMER PAD TF300T
- Either use latest official updates in Settings -> About -> Update (While connected to Internet).
But if you are here, it seems to fail
- Manually update
In your bootloader version, check for the 2 first letters.
If the letters are corresponding, download the file from the official link.
US :
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/Ee...7.1996726876.1498828408-1286149849.1498586515
WW :
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/Ee...7.1996726876.1498828408-1286149849.1498586515
CN :
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/Ee...4.1996726876.1498828408-1286149849.1498586515
JP :
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/Ee...4.1996726876.1498828408-1286149849.1498586515
TW :
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/Ee...7.1996726876.1498828408-1286149849.1498586515
Now, unzip the archive once to obtain it like this : WW_epad-user-10.6.1.27.5.zip (WW or whatever 2 letters you require)
Rename WW_epad-user-10.6.1.27.5.zip to EP201_768_SDUPDATE.zip .
###Beware not to rename it to EP201_768_SDUPDATE.zip.zip !
Copy EP201_768_SDUPDATE.zip to the root of a microSD card formatted in FAT32.
Insert microSD in TF300T shut down.
Start tab in Bootloader Mode (Power + Volume-).
Go to Recovery Mode (RCK)
Flash zip, reboot.
Normally it worked
Check bootloader version again for xxx.27.5 .
Start this tutorial from start again if bootloader ends in 27.5 .
If not, ask for help in this thread.
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KEYBOARD STUCK TO QWERTY
Thanks to
@BotAlex
Go to Settings > Apps > AOSP keyboard.
Disable app and delete app data.
Reactivate app.
It should be fixed.
Or install another keyboard like Gboard.
Thanks :
@timduru, TWRP team, Android Root Team, Lineage OS team