[GUIDE] Unlock/Root/Flash for Nexus 5X

Search This thread
By:
Advanced…
SlimSnoopOS

SlimSnoopOS

Senior Member
Jan 29, 2011
8,052
3,348
[SIZE=+3]Heisenberg's How-To Guide For Beginners[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+2]Nexus 5X[/SIZE]
GLoF1eq.jpg

[SIZE=+1]Intro[/SIZE]

This thread will serve as a location for basic how-to guides for the Nexus 5X. I'm going to start off with a couple of the more obvious ones and go from there. If anyone has any suggestions for additions please feel free to let me know.

If you're unsure about something please read the FAQ section in post #2 before creating a post to ask a question.

[size=+1]Prerequisites[/size]:

You'll need a working adb/fastboot environment on your PC to get through some of these guides. Below are two options for install.

Please do not install adb/fastboot via any means other than the Android SDK, using other tools (like Minimal adb & fastboot) can lead to an outdated setup and various problems with flashing. You've been warned, other tools will not be supported in this thread.

Option A
Google hosts ADB/Fastboot (platform-tools) for Windows, OSX, and Linux. This is a minimal download, in contrast to Option 2. These links and file sizes may be updated periodically by Google. If using Windows, download the Google USB Driver and follow the driver install instructions. Once you have downloaded the platform-tools zip, extract the file then transfer the platform-tools folder to your desktop. The platform-tools folder contains adb, fastboot, and several other files. Note that clicking any link for platform-tools will immediately start a download.

*Windows: platform-tools. Google USB Driver install.
*OSX: platform-tools. For additional details on how to use OSX and adb/fastboot commands, see post #3.
*Linux: platform-tools.

See Option B below for old method to install adb/fastboot:

Option B
Go here to download the Android SDK, which will give you most updated version of adb and fastboot. Scroll to the bottom of the page and find Other Download Options>SDK Tools Only, and grab the right version for your OS. While it's downloading create a folder in C:\ called SDK (C:\SDK). Once you've downloaded the zip you can extract it into your C:\SDK folder. Navigate to C:\SDK\android-sdk-windows and open SDK Manager.exe. In SDK Manager you need to install the following packages:

Tools> Android SDK Tools, Android SDK Platform-tools
Extras> Android Support Repository, Google USB Driver

Once you have installed those, inside C:\SDK you should see some new folders, one of them will be called platform-tools, within that folder you should see fastboot.exe and adb.exe. I'll refer to this as your fastboot folder/directory or working folder/directory during this guide.


For Option A and B, make sure adb is correctly installed. Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (hold shift + right click, select open command prompt here) and issue this command:
Code: 
adb version

If it returns a version number for Android Debug Bridge then you're good to go.

You can test adb by connecting your device to your PC while booted into Android (making sure that adb/usb debugging is enabled in Settings>Developer Options) with the screen unlocked and issuing this command:
Code: 
adb devices
It should return your device serial number, if so, adb is working.

You can test fastboot by connecting your device to your PC while booted into the bootloader (power + volume down) and issuing this command:
Code: 
fastboot devices
It should return your device serial number, if so, fastboot is working.

By attempting any of the processes listed this thread you accept full responsibility for your actions. I will not be held responsible if your device stops working, catches on fire, or turns into a hipster and claims to have been modified before it was cool.

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]Quick Tips[/SIZE]

How to boot into the bootloader:
Power off your device. Once it's powered off hold power + volume down and the phone will boot into the bootloader. You can also use the following adb command:
Code: 
adb reboot bootloader
You can also use an app called Quick Boot to boot into the bootloader directly from Android (root required).

How to boot into recovery:
Boot into the bootloader (see above), use the volume keys to scroll through the options and use the power button to select the recovery mode option. You can also use the following adb command:
Code: 
adb reboot recovery
You can also use an app called Quick Boot to boot into the recovery directly from Android (root required).

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]Index[/SIZE]

  1. How To Unlock Your Bootloader
  2. How To Install A Custom Recovery On Your Device
  3. How To Decrypt Your Data Partition
  4. How To Make A Nandroid Backup With TWRP Recovery
  5. How To Make An EFS Backup With TWRP Recovery
  6. How To Root
  7. How To Install A ROM with TWRP Recovery
  8. How To Install A Custom Kernel With TWRP Recovery
  9. How To Update To A New Build Of The Stock ROM
  10. How To Flash The Factory Images (Return To Stock)
  11. How To Flash The Factory Images (Return To Stock But Leaving Internal Storage Intact)
FAQ can be found in post #2!

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]1. How To Unlock Your Bootloader[/SIZE]

  • Go into Settings/About Phone, scroll down and click on ?build number? continuously until you see a toast notification telling you that you've enabled Developer Options. Go back to your Settings menu and enter Developer Options, scroll down and click on the ?Enable OEM Unlock? checkbox, also make sure you enable USB Debugging while you're in the Developer Options menu.
  • Power off your phone then boot into the bootloader (power + volume down).
  • Connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
  • Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here).
  • Check your fastboot connection by issuing this command:

    Code: 
    fastboot devices

    It should return your device serial number, if not you need to make sure your drivers are installed correctly.​
  • Once you've confirmed your fastboot connection issue this command:

    Code: 
    fastboot oem unlock
    This will erase all user data from the device!
  • You should now see a screen on your phone asking you to confirm this action, use the volume keys to scroll and the power key to confirm if you're sure you want to go ahead.
  • Allow the process to complete and then issue this command:

    Code: 
    fastboot reboot
  • Allow everything to go ahead and once finished you can disconnect your usb cable.

Important: do not relock your bootloader unless your phone is fully stock. You must flash the factory images first in order to remove root and custom recovery (if you have them), if this precaution isn't taken you may end up with a brick. Please see section 10 of this guide for full instructions on how to return to stock.

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]2. How To Install A Custom Recovery On Your Device[/SIZE]

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1). Please read FAQ #7 if using TWRP 3.0.2-1 or 3.0.2-2.

  • Download TWRP Recovery onto your PC.
  • Make sure you check the md5 to verify its integrity (where possible).
  • Place the file in your fastboot folder (this is where fastboot.exe is located on your PC).
  • Power off your phone then boot into the bootloader (power + volume down).
  • Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here), enter this command:

    Code: 
    fastboot flash recovery filename.img

    (The recovery filename in the command will change depending on which recovery you're flashing)
  • Use the volume keys to scroll and power key to select the Reboot Bootloader option. Once the phone has booted back into the bootloader, use the volume keys to scroll and the power key to boot into your newly flashed recovery. It's now safe to disconnect your usb cable. If using Nougat 7.0 or newer, you must now boot directly into TWRP and flash SuperSU (or your preferred root alternative) so that TWRP will persist between reboots.
When TWRP boots up you'll be asked whether you want to allow system modifications or to keep it read-only, choose to allow system modifications, there's no benefit to keeping it read-only.

Do not flash the version of SuperSU that TWRP offers to flash for you in order to give you root, it is not compatible and will cause problems. When you attempt to reboot out of TWRP it will tell you that it's detecting that you don't have root and it will offer to root for you, skip past this.

Some users need a custom recovery for a temporary period, so they live boot the recovery. In this scenario, the custom recovery replaces the stock recovery until a reboot is performed. Place the file in your fastboot folder then enter this command:

Code: 
fastboot boot filename.img

(The recovery filename in the command will change depending on which recovery you're flashing)

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]3. How To Decrypt Your Data Partition[/SIZE]

This is no longer necessary as long as you use TWRP 2.8.7.1 or newer

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1).

TWRP recovery cannot decrypt your data partition at this stage. In order for TWRP to be able to read/write on your data partition (to root or create a nandroid backup) you will need to format it, a format will remove encryption.

  • Boot into the bootloader and connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
  • Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here), enter this command:
    Code: 
    fastboot format userdata
    Please note: this will erase all user data from the device!
  • Once the process has completed you can either reboot normally:
    Code: 
    fastboot reboot
    Or you can reboot back to the bootloader in order to undertake another task:
    Code: 
    fastboot reboot-bootloader

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]4. How To Make A Nandroid Backup With TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1), TWRP recovery (section 2).

A nandroid backup is a very important thing to have before installing any custom software on your device. It's basically a backup of your stock system that you can fall back on if anything goes wrong or if you just want your stock ROM back. You can also use the backup tool to create a backup of your favourite ROM set up exactly the way you like it. The backup you create can be easily restored using the restore tool in TWRP recovery.

Boot TWRP recovery, select the backup option from the TWRP home screen, check the system/data/boot boxes, and swipe to backup. The process will take a few minutes.

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]5. How To Make An EFS Backup With TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]

An EFS backup is very important to have, if your EFS partition becomes corrupt you will have no IMEI, and therefore will not be able to use the phone as a phone. Making an EFS backup is insurance against this catastrophic event. Without a backup, restoring your EFS can be extremely difficult or impossible. The backup you create can be easily restored using the restore tool in TWRP recovery.

Please read FAQ #7 if using TWRP 3.0.2-1 or 3.0.2-2. Boot into TWRP and select the backup option from the TWRP home screen, make sure only the EFS box is selected, and swipe to backup. The process will take a few seconds. Keep a copy of the backup on your phone and also keep another copy somewhere safe.

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]6. How To Root[/SIZE]

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1), TWRP recovery (section 2).

  • Download the latest root method of your choosing to your phone:
    Magisk
    SuperSU Stable
    SuperSU Service Release (SuperSU beta channel)
    Or to root Android Nougat 7.0 visit this thread: Use SuperSU 2.78 or newer.
    [WIP] Android N Preview
  • Boot into TWRP recovery and enter the install menu.
  • Navigate to where you have SuperSU stored on your internal storage and select it.
  • Swipe to install.
  • Once you've installed SuperSU you'll have an option to wipe cache/dalvik and an option to reboot system. Wipe the cache/dalvik, hit the back button, and hit the reboot system button. That's it.
Do not flash the version of SuperSU that TWRP offers to flash for you in order to give you root, it is not compatible and will cause problems. When you attempt to reboot out of TWRP it will tell you that it's detecting that you don't have root and it will offer to root for you, skip past this. You do have root, ignore this every time it comes up.

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]7. How To Install A ROM with TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1), TWRP recovery (section 2), vendor.img (section 9).

Installing a ROM is a straight forward and easy process. Before you install anything you should make a nandroid backup (instructions above). Next, install the vendor.img that matches the Google security OTA that the ROM you want to install is based on. Find the vendor.img inside the factory images provided by Google then flash this file with fastboot (section 9).

  • Download a ROM and appropriate Gapps package and place on your device.
  • Boot into your custom recovery.
    • Select the wipe option from the TWRP home screen.
    • Perform a Factory Reset.
    • Select advanced wipe.
    • Check the system, data, cache, and dalvik cache options.
    • Swipe to wipe.
  • Install the ROM.
    • Select the install option from the TWRP home screen.
    • Navigate to where you have the ROM zip stored on your sd card and select it.
    • Swipe to install.
      Most ROMs will run an installer script at this point but some ROMs have what is called an Aroma Installer which allow you to choose some install options before the script runs.​
    • You will also need to install the appropriate gapps package directly after installing the ROM.
  • Once you've installed all necessary zips you'll have an option to wipe cache/dalvik and an option to reboot system. Wipe the cache/dalvik, hit the back button, and hit the reboot system button.

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]8. How To Install A Custom Kernel With TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1), TWRP recovery (section 2).

A custom kernel can open up a new level of control over your device, such as overclocking/underclocking, undervolting, changing governors, changing I/O schedulers, adjusting colour calibrations, adjusting sound calibrations, and many other options.

  • Download a kernel that is compatible with your current ROM.
  • Check the md5 to verify its integrity.
  • Enter TWRP recovery.
  • Select the install option from the TWRP home screen.
  • Navigate to the kernel and select it.
  • Swipe to install.
  • You'll have an option to wipe cache/dalvik and an option to reboot system. Wipe the cache/dalvik, hit the back button, and hit the reboot system button.

Once your phone has booted up you can use a kernel tuning app to change governors, I/O scheduler, clock speed, and other options. Some of the popular kernel apps are Kernel Auditor, EX Kernel Manager, Trickster Mod, No Frills, Kernel Tuner, and many more.

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]9. How To Update To A New Build Of The Stock ROM[/SIZE]

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1).

This method does not wipe your data, so you will keep your apps and settings. You should have no problems, however, if you experience problems you may need to perform a factory reset and flash again. Make a backup first and transfer it to your PC.

  • Download the latest build via the appropriate factory images for your model (Nexus 5X/Bullhead) here.

    Note: Android 7.1.2 and newer factory images do not contain cache.img. Do not wipe the cache.img for this process when using or moving to Android 7.1.2 or newer. If you have wiped cache.img, download the most recent Android 7.1.1 factory image and flash the cache.img from that zip archive.

  • Unzip the bullhead-xxxxxx-factory-xxxxxxxx (x's replace variables) into a directory on your PC (for this guide we'll use C:\bullhead\).
  • Once unzipped you should have a folder named bullhead-xxxxxx (x's replace variables). Open it and move the following files to a new directory named C:\bullhead\images\:
    • bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
    • radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
    (Please note that radio and bootloader naming changes from build to build so the filenames and below commands will change with them)
  • Within C:\bullhead\bullhead-xxxxxx\ you'll see another zip archive named image-bullhead-xxxxxx, unzip the contents of that zip into the C:\bullhead\images\ folder we created before. Now within C:\bullhead\images\ you should have the following files:
    • android-info.txt
    • boot.img
    • bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
    • cache.img
    • radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
    • recovery.img
    • system.img
    • userdata.img
    • vendor.img
  • Boot into the bootloader and connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
  • Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here), enter these commands to flash:
    Code: 
    fastboot flash bootloader C:\bullhead\images\bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash radio C:\bullhead\images\radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash boot C:\bullhead\images\boot.img
fastboot erase cache
fastboot flash cache C:\bullhead\images\cache.img
fastboot flash recovery C:\bullhead\images\recovery.img
fastboot flash system C:\bullhead\images\system.img
fastboot flash vendor C:\bullhead\images\vendor.img

    You can skip flashing the recovery if you wish, but even if you do the stock recovery may be patched on the first boot anyway. So you'll need to flash TWRP and SuperSU again if you need/want those, as well as any other system modifications you may have had.
  • You'll have to flash SuperSU again now, plus add any mods that you previously had.

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]10. How To Flash The Factory Images (And Return To Stock)[/SIZE]

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1).

This section will explain how to return the phone to be like it was when it came out of the box. This will wipe everything from the phone. If you wish to flash the factory images without wiping your personal data from the internal storage please move on to the next section.

Note: Android 7.1.2 and newer factory images do not contain cache.img. Do not wipe the cache.img for this process when using or moving to Android 7.1.2 or newer. If you have wiped cache.img, download the most recent Android 7.1.1 factory image and flash the cache.img from that zip archive.


  • Go to Settings/Backup & Reset and perform a factory data reset. This will remove all of your user data from the device (apps, settings, photos, music, etc).
  • Download the appropriate factory images for your model here.
  • Unzip the bullhead-xxxxxx-factory-xxxxxxxx (x's replace variables) into a directory on your PC (for this guide we'll use C:\bullhead\).
  • Once unzipped you should have a folder named bullhead-xxxxxx (x's replace variables). Open it and move the following files to a new directory named C:\bullhead\images\:
    • bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
    • radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
    (Please note that radio and bootloader naming changes from build to build so the filenames and below commands will change with them)
  • Within C:\bullhead\bullhead-xxxxxx\ you'll see another zip archive named image-bullhead-xxxxxx, unzip the contents of that zip into the C:\bullhead\images\ folder we created before. Now within C:\bullhead\images\ you should have the following files:
    • android-info.txt
    • boot.img
    • bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
    • cache.img
    • radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
    • recovery.img
    • system.img
    • userdata.img
    • vendor.img
  • Boot into the bootloader and connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
  • Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here), enter these commands to flash:
    Code: 
    fastboot flash bootloader C:\bullhead\images\bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash radio C:\bullhead\images\radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash boot C:\bullhead\images\boot.img
fastboot erase cache
fastboot flash cache C:\bullhead\images\cache.img
fastboot flash recovery C:\bullhead\images\recovery.img
fastboot flash system C:\bullhead\images\system.img
fastboot flash vendor C:\bullhead\images\vendor.img

    If you wish to you can also relock the bootloader with this command:
    Code: 
    fastboot oem lock
    (This command will wipe all user data from the device)

    Important: do not lock the bootloader unless you have first flashed the stock images. Locking the bootloader while you have a custom recovery installed can result in a brick. Please also note that the locking procedure will wipe all data on an encrypted device.

    Once all commands/flashes are complete you can reboot the device:
    Code: 
    fastboot reboot

z7e6jQa.jpg

[SIZE=+1]11. How To Flash The Factory Images (Return To Stock But Leaving Internal Storage Intact)[/SIZE]

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1), TWRP recovery (section 2). Note: Android 7.1.2 and newer factory images do not contain cache.img. Do not wipe the cache.img for this process when using or moving to Android 7.1.2 or newer. If you have wiped cache.img, download the most recent Android 7.1.1 factory image and flash the cache.img from that zip archive.

This section will explain how to return the phone to be like it was when it came out of the box, except it will not wipe any of your personal data (photos, music, etc) from the internal storage.


  • Download the appropriate factory images for your model here.
  • Unzip the bullhead-xxxxxx-factory-xxxxxxxx (x's replace variables) into a directory on your PC (for this guide we'll use C:\bullhead\).
  • Once unzipped you should have a folder named bullhead-xxxxxx (x's replace variables). Open it and move the following files to a new directory named C:\bullhead\images\:
    • bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
    • radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
    (Please note that radio and bootloader naming changes from build to build so the filenames and below commands will change with them)
  • Within C:\bullhead\bullhead-xxxxxx\ you'll see another zip archive named image-bullhead-xxxxxx, unzip the contents of that zip into the C:\bullhead\images\ folder we created before. Now within C:\bullhead\images\ you should have the following files:
    • android-info.txt
    • boot.img
    • bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
    • cache.img
    • radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
    • recovery.img
    • system.img
    • userdata.img
    • vendor.img
  • Boot into TWRP recovery and enter the wipe menu, select advanced wipe, check only the data box and swipe to wipe.
  • Go to the TWRP main menu and enter the reboot menu, select bootloader. The phone will now boot into the bootloader, once it has you can connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
  • Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here), enter these commands to flash:
    Code: 
    fastboot flash bootloader C:\bullhead\images\bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash radio C:\bullhead\images\radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash boot C:\bullhead\images\boot.img
fastboot erase cache
fastboot flash cache C:\bullhead\images\cache.img
fastboot flash recovery C:\bullhead\images\recovery.img
fastboot flash system C:\bullhead\images\system.img
fastboot flash vendor C:\bullhead\images\vendor.img
    Once all commands/flashes are complete you can reboot the device:
    Code: 
    fastboot reboot

z7e6jQa.jpg
FAQ can be found in post #2!

aDlDoZJ.jpg

Donate To Me
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: illpillow, tdebruin, funderthuck and 259 others
SlimSnoopOS

SlimSnoopOS

Senior Member
Jan 29, 2011
8,052
3,348
[size=+1]Frequently Asked Questions[/size]

1. How do I boot into the bootloader?

Power off your device. Once it's powered off hold power + volume down and the phone will boot into the bootloader. You can also use the following adb command:
Code: 
adb reboot bootloader
You can also use an app called Quick Boot to boot into the bootloader directly from Android (root required).

2. How do I boot into recovery?

Boot into the bootloader (see above), use the volume keys to scroll through the options and use the power button to select the recovery mode option. You can also use the following adb command:
Code: 
adb reboot recovery
You can also use an app called Quick Boot to boot into the recovery directly from Android (root required).

3. When issuing the fastboot flashing unlock command it doesn't work, I only get a list of possible commands. What's going on?

This is usually due to having an outdated adb/fastboot setup. If you installed adb/fastboot by any means other than via the Android SDK this is probably the cause. Visit the prerequisites section in the beginning of this guide to properly install adb/fastboot and ensure that it's up to date.

4. How do I take an OTA or update if I have root or other system modifications on the stock ROM?

You can't take an OTA update while you have root or any system modifications. You'd need to use fastboot to flash the system, boot, and recovery images. It's much easier to just flash the newer build with fastboot, see section 9 of this guide for full instructions.

5. Does taking an OTA update wipe my user data?

No, it doesn't.

6. Do I need to make an EFS backup?

Absolutely yes. An EFS backup is extremely important. If your EFS partition becomes corrupt, your IMEI will disappear and you will not be able to use the phone as a phone. Without a backup it can be extremely difficult (or impossible) to restore your EFS. See the next question for an EFS backup related issue and solution.

7. I have a bootloop after restoring my EFS backup in TWRP 3.0.2-1. What can I do?

TWRP 3.0.2-1 and 3.0.2-2 are the first official TWRP releases with Nougat 7.0 or newer compatibility. Unfortunately, there are separate bugs affecting TWRP 3.0.2-1 and 3.0.2-2. A member of the TWRP development team details these issues right here. This link redirects to a thread in the Nexus 6P forums but also applies to the Nexus 5X. Read the original post of that same thread to learn how to resolve this EFS restore bootloop. You must use ADB and the phone must be booted in TWRP to resolve this issue. These ADB commands work on the Nexus 5X and 6P.

8. Can I flash just the xxxxxx.img from the factory image without losing my data?

Flashing userdata.img will format your entire phone (personal data including SMS/MMS, pictures, downloaded files, etc). You can flash any combination of these partitions (boot, system, vendor, radio, or bootloader) and this will leave your personal data intact. However, any mods that you have installed into system, vendor, or boot will be overwritten and returned to the default factory image setup when you flash these partitions. Flashing recovery.img or a newer version of your custom recovery will replace your existing recovery.

9. After updating my ROM, I get this message on every boot: "There's an internal problem with your device. Contact your manufacturer."

This warning indicates a mismatched vendor and system partition. The vendor partition was formerly integrated in the system partition for previous Nexus devices but is now a separate partition that must be flashed for each Google security update. Download a factory image and update your vendor partition using fastboot so that it matches your rom's OS build and monthly security update. If you have a file explorer installed on your phone, you can determine which vendor.img is installed by navigating to /vendor/build.prop and clicking on the build.prop. The specific vendor installed will be a combination of six numbers and letters listed in all capitals (example: NMF26F) in the ro.vendor.build.fingerprint line. These will always match up with the factory image of the same Android build (six digit alphanumeric name) for this device.

Vendor.img is specific to each OTA and contains proprietary binaries for the phone that regularly receive updates to resolve security risks. If you are a custom rom user, make sure that you flash the vendor.img for the Google monthly security update that you are moving to. Be aware that sometimes AOSP roms utilize the AOSP master branch which has a newer Android build than the monthly security update for this device. You will still need to install that month's vendor.img.

The phone will fail to boot if you mismatch the vendor.img with a different Android version. For instance, a 6.0 Marshmallow vendor.img will not allow your phone to boot on 7.0 Nougat. The vendor.img is typically not included in the custom rom zip but is often available as a separate download in the custom rom thread's first post.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Bebo.Harby, deftonesforever, SuperQvas and 42 others
SlimSnoopOS

SlimSnoopOS

Senior Member
Jan 29, 2011
8,052
3,348
OSX, ADB and Fastboot commands!

So you use OSX and would like to use ADB/fastboot, unlock, root, or simply have a working knowledge of your phone. Welcome! Most of the information in the guide above applies to OSX, however there are a few key changes.

Google hosts ADB/Fastboot (platform-tools) for Windows, OSX, and Linux. This is a minimal download, however these links and file sizes may be updated periodically by Google. Download the OSX platform-tools. Note that clicking the link for platform-tools will immediately start a download.

*OSX: platform-tools.

Once you have downloaded the platform-tools zip, extract the file then transfer the platform-tools folder to your desktop. The platform-tools folder contains adb, fastboot, and several other files.

To make sure your ADB is installed correctly, open a terminal command prompt and issue this cd command (change directory) to the platform-tools folder:

Code: 
cd /users/username/desktop/platform-tools

then issue this command to check your adb version:

Code: 
./adb version

If it returns a version number for Android Debug Bridge then you're good to go.

Using ADB/Fastboot commands
OSX natively requires "./" to prefix any ADB or Fastboot commands. If following the guide in post #1, commands issued in OSX must be written as follows ./adb [command] or ./fastboot [command]. Below are example scenarios.

To check if your device sees ADB, enable USB Debugging from within Android in Settings/Developer options. Go into Settings/About Phone, scroll down and click on build number continuously until you see a toast notification telling you that you've enabled Developer Options. Go back to your Settings menu and enter Developer Options, scroll down and enable USB Debugging.

Code: 
./adb devices

It should return your device serial number, if so, adb is working.

Reboot into the bootloader:
Code: 
./adb reboot bootloader

Reboot into the recovery:
Code: 
./adb reboot recovery

Fastboot commands must be performed while in the bootloader. Power off your phone then boot into the bootloader (power + volume down). Below are some example OSX fastboot commands that can be used throughout the guide:

Check if your device sees fastboot:
Code: 
./fastboot devices

Install a factory image:

cd into the platform-tools folder with the following command:

Code: 
cd /users/username/desktop/platform-tools

Now enter commands to flash a factory image:

Code: 
./fastboot flash bootloader /users/username/desktop/bullhead/images/bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
./fastboot reboot-bootloader
./fastboot flash radio /users/username/desktop/bullhead/images/radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
./fastboot reboot-bootloader
./fastboot flash boot /users/username/desktop/bullhead/images/boot.img
./fastboot erase cache
./fastboot flash cache /users/username/desktop/bullhead/images/cache.img
./fastboot flash recovery /users/username/desktop/bullhead/images/recovery.img
./fastboot flash system /users/username/desktop/bullhead/images/system.img
./fastboot flash vendor /users/username/desktop/bullhead/images/vendor.img
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Bebo.Harby and Czechball
Heisenberg

Heisenberg

Retired Forum Moderator
Jun 29, 2011
27,180
18,633
Knocking on your door
OnePlus 9 Pro
reyscott1968 said:
@Heisenberg you mind if i create an index thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Go right ahead, first in best dressed as far as I'm concerned. It is a fair bit of work to keep an index maintained though, as long as you're aware. There's a new template for indexes too, using your Google goggles you should be able to track it down pretty easily.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BigBen60, westernmg and NOSTALGIA
NOSTALGIA

NOSTALGIA

Retired Forum Moderator
Jan 11, 2012
3,706
1,633
Cebu
Heisenberg said:
Go right ahead, first in best dressed as far as I'm concerned. It is a fair bit of work to keep an index maintained though, as long as you're aware. There's a new template for indexes too, using your Google goggles you should be able to track it down pretty easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

il take note.. il update the thread once im back on my pc.. now still at work ...
 
K

KidWave

Member
Nov 19, 2013
34
31
Thanks for starting this, these were some of the most helpful threads in the N5 forum.

For Mac users who have upgraded to El Capitan, the adb/fastboot installation doesn't necessarily work perfectly right now. I'm sure the Android SDK package will update for this, but in the mean time:

Install adb/fastboot as usual similar to this thread, or for specifics:
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1917237

but, once you test this with [adb devices] or [fastboot devices] you'll most likely get a command not found error.

You'll need to add a line to your ~/.bash_profile, per this reddit thread

add the following line to your ~/.bash_profile, changing username to your mac username
Code: 
export PATH="/usr/local/lib/node_modules:/usr/local/apache-maven-3.0.3/bin:/Users/[B]username[/B]/.composer/vendor/bin:/Users/[B]username[/B]/Library/Android/sdk/platform-tools:$PATH"

exit, save, then run

Code: 
source ~/.bash_profile

then adb/fastboot should be good to go like before!
 
  • Like
Reactions: tpayne2345
T

The-Kevster

Senior Member
Nov 2, 2007
240
57
London, UK
Doesn't work!

Code: 
C:\Users\Kevin\Downloads\Nexus 5x>fastboot oem unlock
...
FAILED (remote: oem unlock is not allowed)
finished. total time: 0.017s

C:\Users\Kevin\Downloads\Nexus 5x>fastboot flashing unlock
...
FAILED (remote: oem unlock is not allowed)
finished. total time: 0.014s

C:\Users\Kevin\Downloads\Nexus 5x>fastboot flashing unlock_critical
...
FAILED (remote: oem unlock is not allowed)
finished. total time: 0.011s

C:\Users\Kevin\Downloads\Nexus 5x>fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability
...
(bootloader)    get_unlock_ability: 0
OKAY [  0.020s]
finished. total time: 0.022s
 
J

Jdban

Member
Nov 14, 2012
30
8
The-Kevster said:
Doesn't work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Did you allow OEM Unlock in developer options?

Go into Settings/About Phone, scroll down and click on “build number” continuously until you see a toast notification telling you that you've enabled Developer Options. Go back to your Settings menu and enter Developer Options, scroll down and click on the “Enable OEM Unlock” checkbox, also make sure you enable USB Debugging while you're in the Developer Options menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
 
  • Like
Reactions: JohnLongwood, TheContinental, wilsot718 and 3 others
K

KidWave

Member
Nov 19, 2013
34
31
Does the 5X have the hardware QFuse that that pops when you unlock the bootloader like the 6P?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

XCnathan32
Nexus 5X bootloop of death fix (BLOD) | 7/30 Huge performance update!
Replies
2K
Views
532K
Lughnasadh
Lughnasadh
soniCron
[GUIDE] Advanced Interactive Governor Tweaks; Buttery smooth and insane battery life!
Replies
7K
Views
1M
KitsuneFoxy
KitsuneFoxy
robstunner
Nexus 5x Battery Life Thread
Replies
2K
Views
313K
Z
Zlutypomeranc
C
4GB RAM upgraded of my Nexus 5X
Replies
414
Views
194K
D
defroster
Jexx11
[GUIDE] How To Unlock Tethering on Nexus 5X.
Replies
233
Views
103K
S
stackv

Top Liked Posts

24 Hours All time
  • There are no posts matching your filters.
  • 262
    SlimSnoopOS
    SlimSnoopOS
    [SIZE=+3]Heisenberg's How-To Guide For Beginners[/SIZE]
    [SIZE=+2]Nexus 5X[/SIZE]
    GLoF1eq.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]Intro[/SIZE]

    This thread will serve as a location for basic how-to guides for the Nexus 5X. I'm going to start off with a couple of the more obvious ones and go from there. If anyone has any suggestions for additions please feel free to let me know.

    If you're unsure about something please read the FAQ section in post #2 before creating a post to ask a question.

    [size=+1]Prerequisites[/size]:

    You'll need a working adb/fastboot environment on your PC to get through some of these guides. Below are two options for install.

    Please do not install adb/fastboot via any means other than the Android SDK, using other tools (like Minimal adb & fastboot) can lead to an outdated setup and various problems with flashing. You've been warned, other tools will not be supported in this thread.

    Option A
    Google hosts ADB/Fastboot (platform-tools) for Windows, OSX, and Linux. This is a minimal download, in contrast to Option 2. These links and file sizes may be updated periodically by Google. If using Windows, download the Google USB Driver and follow the driver install instructions. Once you have downloaded the platform-tools zip, extract the file then transfer the platform-tools folder to your desktop. The platform-tools folder contains adb, fastboot, and several other files. Note that clicking any link for platform-tools will immediately start a download.

    *Windows: platform-tools. Google USB Driver install.
    *OSX: platform-tools. For additional details on how to use OSX and adb/fastboot commands, see post #3.
    *Linux: platform-tools.

    See Option B below for old method to install adb/fastboot:

    Option B
    Go here to download the Android SDK, which will give you most updated version of adb and fastboot. Scroll to the bottom of the page and find Other Download Options>SDK Tools Only, and grab the right version for your OS. While it's downloading create a folder in C:\ called SDK (C:\SDK). Once you've downloaded the zip you can extract it into your C:\SDK folder. Navigate to C:\SDK\android-sdk-windows and open SDK Manager.exe. In SDK Manager you need to install the following packages:

    Tools> Android SDK Tools, Android SDK Platform-tools
    Extras> Android Support Repository, Google USB Driver

    Once you have installed those, inside C:\SDK you should see some new folders, one of them will be called platform-tools, within that folder you should see fastboot.exe and adb.exe. I'll refer to this as your fastboot folder/directory or working folder/directory during this guide.


    For Option A and B, make sure adb is correctly installed. Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (hold shift + right click, select open command prompt here) and issue this command:
    Code: 
    adb version

    If it returns a version number for Android Debug Bridge then you're good to go.

    You can test adb by connecting your device to your PC while booted into Android (making sure that adb/usb debugging is enabled in Settings>Developer Options) with the screen unlocked and issuing this command:
    Code: 
    adb devices
    It should return your device serial number, if so, adb is working.

    You can test fastboot by connecting your device to your PC while booted into the bootloader (power + volume down) and issuing this command:
    Code: 
    fastboot devices
    It should return your device serial number, if so, fastboot is working.

    By attempting any of the processes listed this thread you accept full responsibility for your actions. I will not be held responsible if your device stops working, catches on fire, or turns into a hipster and claims to have been modified before it was cool.

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]Quick Tips[/SIZE]

    How to boot into the bootloader:
    Power off your device. Once it's powered off hold power + volume down and the phone will boot into the bootloader. You can also use the following adb command:
    Code: 
    adb reboot bootloader
    You can also use an app called Quick Boot to boot into the bootloader directly from Android (root required).

    How to boot into recovery:
    Boot into the bootloader (see above), use the volume keys to scroll through the options and use the power button to select the recovery mode option. You can also use the following adb command:
    Code: 
    adb reboot recovery
    You can also use an app called Quick Boot to boot into the recovery directly from Android (root required).

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]Index[/SIZE]

    1. How To Unlock Your Bootloader
    2. How To Install A Custom Recovery On Your Device
    3. How To Decrypt Your Data Partition
    4. How To Make A Nandroid Backup With TWRP Recovery
    5. How To Make An EFS Backup With TWRP Recovery
    6. How To Root
    7. How To Install A ROM with TWRP Recovery
    8. How To Install A Custom Kernel With TWRP Recovery
    9. How To Update To A New Build Of The Stock ROM
    10. How To Flash The Factory Images (Return To Stock)
    11. How To Flash The Factory Images (Return To Stock But Leaving Internal Storage Intact)
    FAQ can be found in post #2!

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]1. How To Unlock Your Bootloader[/SIZE]

    • Go into Settings/About Phone, scroll down and click on ?build number? continuously until you see a toast notification telling you that you've enabled Developer Options. Go back to your Settings menu and enter Developer Options, scroll down and click on the ?Enable OEM Unlock? checkbox, also make sure you enable USB Debugging while you're in the Developer Options menu.
    • Power off your phone then boot into the bootloader (power + volume down).
    • Connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
    • Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here).
    • Check your fastboot connection by issuing this command:

      Code: 
      fastboot devices

      It should return your device serial number, if not you need to make sure your drivers are installed correctly.​
    • Once you've confirmed your fastboot connection issue this command:

      Code: 
      fastboot oem unlock
      This will erase all user data from the device!
    • You should now see a screen on your phone asking you to confirm this action, use the volume keys to scroll and the power key to confirm if you're sure you want to go ahead.
    • Allow the process to complete and then issue this command:

      Code: 
      fastboot reboot
    • Allow everything to go ahead and once finished you can disconnect your usb cable.

    Important: do not relock your bootloader unless your phone is fully stock. You must flash the factory images first in order to remove root and custom recovery (if you have them), if this precaution isn't taken you may end up with a brick. Please see section 10 of this guide for full instructions on how to return to stock.

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]2. How To Install A Custom Recovery On Your Device[/SIZE]

    Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1). Please read FAQ #7 if using TWRP 3.0.2-1 or 3.0.2-2.

    • Download TWRP Recovery onto your PC.
    • Make sure you check the md5 to verify its integrity (where possible).
    • Place the file in your fastboot folder (this is where fastboot.exe is located on your PC).
    • Power off your phone then boot into the bootloader (power + volume down).
    • Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here), enter this command:

      Code: 
      fastboot flash recovery filename.img

      (The recovery filename in the command will change depending on which recovery you're flashing)
    • Use the volume keys to scroll and power key to select the Reboot Bootloader option. Once the phone has booted back into the bootloader, use the volume keys to scroll and the power key to boot into your newly flashed recovery. It's now safe to disconnect your usb cable. If using Nougat 7.0 or newer, you must now boot directly into TWRP and flash SuperSU (or your preferred root alternative) so that TWRP will persist between reboots.
    When TWRP boots up you'll be asked whether you want to allow system modifications or to keep it read-only, choose to allow system modifications, there's no benefit to keeping it read-only.

    Do not flash the version of SuperSU that TWRP offers to flash for you in order to give you root, it is not compatible and will cause problems. When you attempt to reboot out of TWRP it will tell you that it's detecting that you don't have root and it will offer to root for you, skip past this.

    Some users need a custom recovery for a temporary period, so they live boot the recovery. In this scenario, the custom recovery replaces the stock recovery until a reboot is performed. Place the file in your fastboot folder then enter this command:

    Code: 
    fastboot boot filename.img

    (The recovery filename in the command will change depending on which recovery you're flashing)

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]3. How To Decrypt Your Data Partition[/SIZE]

    This is no longer necessary as long as you use TWRP 2.8.7.1 or newer

    Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1).

    TWRP recovery cannot decrypt your data partition at this stage. In order for TWRP to be able to read/write on your data partition (to root or create a nandroid backup) you will need to format it, a format will remove encryption.

    • Boot into the bootloader and connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
    • Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here), enter this command:
      Code: 
      fastboot format userdata
      Please note: this will erase all user data from the device!
    • Once the process has completed you can either reboot normally:
      Code: 
      fastboot reboot
      Or you can reboot back to the bootloader in order to undertake another task:
      Code: 
      fastboot reboot-bootloader

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]4. How To Make A Nandroid Backup With TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]

    Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1), TWRP recovery (section 2).

    A nandroid backup is a very important thing to have before installing any custom software on your device. It's basically a backup of your stock system that you can fall back on if anything goes wrong or if you just want your stock ROM back. You can also use the backup tool to create a backup of your favourite ROM set up exactly the way you like it. The backup you create can be easily restored using the restore tool in TWRP recovery.

    Boot TWRP recovery, select the backup option from the TWRP home screen, check the system/data/boot boxes, and swipe to backup. The process will take a few minutes.

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]5. How To Make An EFS Backup With TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]

    An EFS backup is very important to have, if your EFS partition becomes corrupt you will have no IMEI, and therefore will not be able to use the phone as a phone. Making an EFS backup is insurance against this catastrophic event. Without a backup, restoring your EFS can be extremely difficult or impossible. The backup you create can be easily restored using the restore tool in TWRP recovery.

    Please read FAQ #7 if using TWRP 3.0.2-1 or 3.0.2-2. Boot into TWRP and select the backup option from the TWRP home screen, make sure only the EFS box is selected, and swipe to backup. The process will take a few seconds. Keep a copy of the backup on your phone and also keep another copy somewhere safe.

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]6. How To Root[/SIZE]

    Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1), TWRP recovery (section 2).

    • Download the latest root method of your choosing to your phone:
      Magisk
      SuperSU Stable
      SuperSU Service Release (SuperSU beta channel)
      Or to root Android Nougat 7.0 visit this thread: Use SuperSU 2.78 or newer.
      [WIP] Android N Preview
    • Boot into TWRP recovery and enter the install menu.
    • Navigate to where you have SuperSU stored on your internal storage and select it.
    • Swipe to install.
    • Once you've installed SuperSU you'll have an option to wipe cache/dalvik and an option to reboot system. Wipe the cache/dalvik, hit the back button, and hit the reboot system button. That's it.
    Do not flash the version of SuperSU that TWRP offers to flash for you in order to give you root, it is not compatible and will cause problems. When you attempt to reboot out of TWRP it will tell you that it's detecting that you don't have root and it will offer to root for you, skip past this. You do have root, ignore this every time it comes up.

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]7. How To Install A ROM with TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]

    Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1), TWRP recovery (section 2), vendor.img (section 9).

    Installing a ROM is a straight forward and easy process. Before you install anything you should make a nandroid backup (instructions above). Next, install the vendor.img that matches the Google security OTA that the ROM you want to install is based on. Find the vendor.img inside the factory images provided by Google then flash this file with fastboot (section 9).

    • Download a ROM and appropriate Gapps package and place on your device.
    • Boot into your custom recovery.
      • Select the wipe option from the TWRP home screen.
      • Perform a Factory Reset.
      • Select advanced wipe.
      • Check the system, data, cache, and dalvik cache options.
      • Swipe to wipe.
    • Install the ROM.
      • Select the install option from the TWRP home screen.
      • Navigate to where you have the ROM zip stored on your sd card and select it.
      • Swipe to install.
        Most ROMs will run an installer script at this point but some ROMs have what is called an Aroma Installer which allow you to choose some install options before the script runs.​
      • You will also need to install the appropriate gapps package directly after installing the ROM.
    • Once you've installed all necessary zips you'll have an option to wipe cache/dalvik and an option to reboot system. Wipe the cache/dalvik, hit the back button, and hit the reboot system button.

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]8. How To Install A Custom Kernel With TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]

    Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1), TWRP recovery (section 2).

    A custom kernel can open up a new level of control over your device, such as overclocking/underclocking, undervolting, changing governors, changing I/O schedulers, adjusting colour calibrations, adjusting sound calibrations, and many other options.

    • Download a kernel that is compatible with your current ROM.
    • Check the md5 to verify its integrity.
    • Enter TWRP recovery.
    • Select the install option from the TWRP home screen.
    • Navigate to the kernel and select it.
    • Swipe to install.
    • You'll have an option to wipe cache/dalvik and an option to reboot system. Wipe the cache/dalvik, hit the back button, and hit the reboot system button.

    Once your phone has booted up you can use a kernel tuning app to change governors, I/O scheduler, clock speed, and other options. Some of the popular kernel apps are Kernel Auditor, EX Kernel Manager, Trickster Mod, No Frills, Kernel Tuner, and many more.

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]9. How To Update To A New Build Of The Stock ROM[/SIZE]

    Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1).

    This method does not wipe your data, so you will keep your apps and settings. You should have no problems, however, if you experience problems you may need to perform a factory reset and flash again. Make a backup first and transfer it to your PC.

    • Download the latest build via the appropriate factory images for your model (Nexus 5X/Bullhead) here.

      Note: Android 7.1.2 and newer factory images do not contain cache.img. Do not wipe the cache.img for this process when using or moving to Android 7.1.2 or newer. If you have wiped cache.img, download the most recent Android 7.1.1 factory image and flash the cache.img from that zip archive.

    • Unzip the bullhead-xxxxxx-factory-xxxxxxxx (x's replace variables) into a directory on your PC (for this guide we'll use C:\bullhead\).
    • Once unzipped you should have a folder named bullhead-xxxxxx (x's replace variables). Open it and move the following files to a new directory named C:\bullhead\images\:
      • bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
      • radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
      (Please note that radio and bootloader naming changes from build to build so the filenames and below commands will change with them)
    • Within C:\bullhead\bullhead-xxxxxx\ you'll see another zip archive named image-bullhead-xxxxxx, unzip the contents of that zip into the C:\bullhead\images\ folder we created before. Now within C:\bullhead\images\ you should have the following files:
      • android-info.txt
      • boot.img
      • bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
      • cache.img
      • radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
      • recovery.img
      • system.img
      • userdata.img
      • vendor.img
    • Boot into the bootloader and connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
    • Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here), enter these commands to flash:
      Code: 
      fastboot flash bootloader C:\bullhead\images\bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash radio C:\bullhead\images\radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash boot C:\bullhead\images\boot.img
fastboot erase cache
fastboot flash cache C:\bullhead\images\cache.img
fastboot flash recovery C:\bullhead\images\recovery.img
fastboot flash system C:\bullhead\images\system.img
fastboot flash vendor C:\bullhead\images\vendor.img

      You can skip flashing the recovery if you wish, but even if you do the stock recovery may be patched on the first boot anyway. So you'll need to flash TWRP and SuperSU again if you need/want those, as well as any other system modifications you may have had.
    • You'll have to flash SuperSU again now, plus add any mods that you previously had.

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]10. How To Flash The Factory Images (And Return To Stock)[/SIZE]

    Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1).

    This section will explain how to return the phone to be like it was when it came out of the box. This will wipe everything from the phone. If you wish to flash the factory images without wiping your personal data from the internal storage please move on to the next section.

    Note: Android 7.1.2 and newer factory images do not contain cache.img. Do not wipe the cache.img for this process when using or moving to Android 7.1.2 or newer. If you have wiped cache.img, download the most recent Android 7.1.1 factory image and flash the cache.img from that zip archive.


    • Go to Settings/Backup & Reset and perform a factory data reset. This will remove all of your user data from the device (apps, settings, photos, music, etc).
    • Download the appropriate factory images for your model here.
    • Unzip the bullhead-xxxxxx-factory-xxxxxxxx (x's replace variables) into a directory on your PC (for this guide we'll use C:\bullhead\).
    • Once unzipped you should have a folder named bullhead-xxxxxx (x's replace variables). Open it and move the following files to a new directory named C:\bullhead\images\:
      • bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
      • radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
      (Please note that radio and bootloader naming changes from build to build so the filenames and below commands will change with them)
    • Within C:\bullhead\bullhead-xxxxxx\ you'll see another zip archive named image-bullhead-xxxxxx, unzip the contents of that zip into the C:\bullhead\images\ folder we created before. Now within C:\bullhead\images\ you should have the following files:
      • android-info.txt
      • boot.img
      • bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
      • cache.img
      • radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
      • recovery.img
      • system.img
      • userdata.img
      • vendor.img
    • Boot into the bootloader and connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
    • Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here), enter these commands to flash:
      Code: 
      fastboot flash bootloader C:\bullhead\images\bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash radio C:\bullhead\images\radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash boot C:\bullhead\images\boot.img
fastboot erase cache
fastboot flash cache C:\bullhead\images\cache.img
fastboot flash recovery C:\bullhead\images\recovery.img
fastboot flash system C:\bullhead\images\system.img
fastboot flash vendor C:\bullhead\images\vendor.img

      If you wish to you can also relock the bootloader with this command:
      Code: 
      fastboot oem lock
      (This command will wipe all user data from the device)

      Important: do not lock the bootloader unless you have first flashed the stock images. Locking the bootloader while you have a custom recovery installed can result in a brick. Please also note that the locking procedure will wipe all data on an encrypted device.

      Once all commands/flashes are complete you can reboot the device:
      Code: 
      fastboot reboot

    z7e6jQa.jpg

    [SIZE=+1]11. How To Flash The Factory Images (Return To Stock But Leaving Internal Storage Intact)[/SIZE]

    Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1), TWRP recovery (section 2). Note: Android 7.1.2 and newer factory images do not contain cache.img. Do not wipe the cache.img for this process when using or moving to Android 7.1.2 or newer. If you have wiped cache.img, download the most recent Android 7.1.1 factory image and flash the cache.img from that zip archive.

    This section will explain how to return the phone to be like it was when it came out of the box, except it will not wipe any of your personal data (photos, music, etc) from the internal storage.


    • Download the appropriate factory images for your model here.
    • Unzip the bullhead-xxxxxx-factory-xxxxxxxx (x's replace variables) into a directory on your PC (for this guide we'll use C:\bullhead\).
    • Once unzipped you should have a folder named bullhead-xxxxxx (x's replace variables). Open it and move the following files to a new directory named C:\bullhead\images\:
      • bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
      • radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
      (Please note that radio and bootloader naming changes from build to build so the filenames and below commands will change with them)
    • Within C:\bullhead\bullhead-xxxxxx\ you'll see another zip archive named image-bullhead-xxxxxx, unzip the contents of that zip into the C:\bullhead\images\ folder we created before. Now within C:\bullhead\images\ you should have the following files:
      • android-info.txt
      • boot.img
      • bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
      • cache.img
      • radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
      • recovery.img
      • system.img
      • userdata.img
      • vendor.img
    • Boot into TWRP recovery and enter the wipe menu, select advanced wipe, check only the data box and swipe to wipe.
    • Go to the TWRP main menu and enter the reboot menu, select bootloader. The phone will now boot into the bootloader, once it has you can connect your phone to your PC via usb cable.
    • Open a command prompt from within your fastboot folder (navigate to where you have fastboot.exe located on your PC, shift + right click anywhere within that folder, select open command prompt here), enter these commands to flash:
      Code: 
      fastboot flash bootloader C:\bullhead\images\bootloader-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash radio C:\bullhead\images\radio-bullhead-bullhead-xx.xx.img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash boot C:\bullhead\images\boot.img
fastboot erase cache
fastboot flash cache C:\bullhead\images\cache.img
fastboot flash recovery C:\bullhead\images\recovery.img
fastboot flash system C:\bullhead\images\system.img
fastboot flash vendor C:\bullhead\images\vendor.img
      Once all commands/flashes are complete you can reboot the device:
      Code: 
      fastboot reboot

    z7e6jQa.jpg
    FAQ can be found in post #2!

    aDlDoZJ.jpg

    Donate To Me
    View
    45
    SlimSnoopOS
    SlimSnoopOS
    [size=+1]Frequently Asked Questions[/size]

    1. How do I boot into the bootloader?

    Power off your device. Once it's powered off hold power + volume down and the phone will boot into the bootloader. You can also use the following adb command:
    Code: 
    adb reboot bootloader
    You can also use an app called Quick Boot to boot into the bootloader directly from Android (root required).

    2. How do I boot into recovery?

    Boot into the bootloader (see above), use the volume keys to scroll through the options and use the power button to select the recovery mode option. You can also use the following adb command:
    Code: 
    adb reboot recovery
    You can also use an app called Quick Boot to boot into the recovery directly from Android (root required).

    3. When issuing the fastboot flashing unlock command it doesn't work, I only get a list of possible commands. What's going on?

    This is usually due to having an outdated adb/fastboot setup. If you installed adb/fastboot by any means other than via the Android SDK this is probably the cause. Visit the prerequisites section in the beginning of this guide to properly install adb/fastboot and ensure that it's up to date.

    4. How do I take an OTA or update if I have root or other system modifications on the stock ROM?

    You can't take an OTA update while you have root or any system modifications. You'd need to use fastboot to flash the system, boot, and recovery images. It's much easier to just flash the newer build with fastboot, see section 9 of this guide for full instructions.

    5. Does taking an OTA update wipe my user data?

    No, it doesn't.

    6. Do I need to make an EFS backup?

    Absolutely yes. An EFS backup is extremely important. If your EFS partition becomes corrupt, your IMEI will disappear and you will not be able to use the phone as a phone. Without a backup it can be extremely difficult (or impossible) to restore your EFS. See the next question for an EFS backup related issue and solution.

    7. I have a bootloop after restoring my EFS backup in TWRP 3.0.2-1. What can I do?

    TWRP 3.0.2-1 and 3.0.2-2 are the first official TWRP releases with Nougat 7.0 or newer compatibility. Unfortunately, there are separate bugs affecting TWRP 3.0.2-1 and 3.0.2-2. A member of the TWRP development team details these issues right here. This link redirects to a thread in the Nexus 6P forums but also applies to the Nexus 5X. Read the original post of that same thread to learn how to resolve this EFS restore bootloop. You must use ADB and the phone must be booted in TWRP to resolve this issue. These ADB commands work on the Nexus 5X and 6P.

    8. Can I flash just the xxxxxx.img from the factory image without losing my data?

    Flashing userdata.img will format your entire phone (personal data including SMS/MMS, pictures, downloaded files, etc). You can flash any combination of these partitions (boot, system, vendor, radio, or bootloader) and this will leave your personal data intact. However, any mods that you have installed into system, vendor, or boot will be overwritten and returned to the default factory image setup when you flash these partitions. Flashing recovery.img or a newer version of your custom recovery will replace your existing recovery.

    9. After updating my ROM, I get this message on every boot: "There's an internal problem with your device. Contact your manufacturer."

    This warning indicates a mismatched vendor and system partition. The vendor partition was formerly integrated in the system partition for previous Nexus devices but is now a separate partition that must be flashed for each Google security update. Download a factory image and update your vendor partition using fastboot so that it matches your rom's OS build and monthly security update. If you have a file explorer installed on your phone, you can determine which vendor.img is installed by navigating to /vendor/build.prop and clicking on the build.prop. The specific vendor installed will be a combination of six numbers and letters listed in all capitals (example: NMF26F) in the ro.vendor.build.fingerprint line. These will always match up with the factory image of the same Android build (six digit alphanumeric name) for this device.

    Vendor.img is specific to each OTA and contains proprietary binaries for the phone that regularly receive updates to resolve security risks. If you are a custom rom user, make sure that you flash the vendor.img for the Google monthly security update that you are moving to. Be aware that sometimes AOSP roms utilize the AOSP master branch which has a newer Android build than the monthly security update for this device. You will still need to install that month's vendor.img.

    The phone will fail to boot if you mismatch the vendor.img with a different Android version. For instance, a 6.0 Marshmallow vendor.img will not allow your phone to boot on 7.0 Nougat. The vendor.img is typically not included in the custom rom zip but is often available as a separate download in the custom rom thread's first post.
    View
    20
    R
    reddv1
    Here is the modified boot image for MMB29K
    bullhead-mmb29k-mboot.zip (tested working)

    The boot image has the following modifications per Chainfires instructions, just like the modified mdb08i boot image:
    - patched sepolicy
    - disabled dmverity
    - disabled forceencrypt

    This is for system root.
    View
    10
    R
    reddv1
    Here are modified boot images for MDB08L & MDB08M & MMB29K
    bullhead-mdb08l-mboot.zip (tested working)
    bullhead-mdb08m-mboot.zip (tested working)
    bullhead-mmb29k-mboot.zip (tested working)

    These boot images have the following modifications per Chainfires instructions, just like the modified mdb08i boot image:
    - patched sepolicy
    - disabled dmverity
    - disabled forceencrypt
    View
    7
    Heisenberg
    Heisenberg
    Updated 2015/12/23!

    Updated:

    I've edited the guide to include separate sections for systemless root and traditional root. I'll also be adding some extra information for updating and flashing the factory images soon. If I've missed any of the posts by @reddv1 that contain modified boot.img's please let me know and I'll add them to the traditional root section.

    EDIT: Extra sections for updating and flashing factory images have been added, plus a section on creating an EFS backup. I've also added an FAQ in the second post.
    View

New posts