How to update a rooted S20 FE 5G (SD) without data loss?

[xsycox]

I have bought a S20 FE with Snapdragon and updated it to the newest version from December/January.

After that I flashed TWRP on it and added Magisk.

Now I saw there is a newer firmware from February and I would like to know, how to update the phone without losing all data or if there is a tutorial for doing that?

Thank you, guys.

---

Solution (for me, at least) for firmware update with TWRP and root (Magisk):

- download/copy Magisk-v25.2.apk (or newer) to internal storage of phone
- download your correct firmware, unpack it and delete the CSC file (not HOME_CSC) to PC
- connect USB cable to PC
- turn off phone and go into download mode (press volume down + volume up and quickly connect USB cable (which is still connected to PC))
- open Odin and remove ticks on auto-connect and re-partition (if set)
- flash in Odin all slots (BL, AP, CP, CSC, USERDATA), but use the HOME_CSC instead of the CSC file and vbmeta_disabled.tar under USERDATA
- reboot to download mode within Odin, if possible, otherwise go to download mode again like in first step
- reset/open Odin and remove ticks on auto-connect and re-partition (if set)
- flash in Odin TWRP under AP and vbmeta_disabled.tar under USERDATA
- reboot to TWRP (volume up + power)
- disable encryption: advanced > terminal > type multidisabler
- flash the Magisk apk
- reboot

You need the vbmeta_disabled.tar file, the newest Magisk apk, the correct firmware, the fitting TWRP and Odin for this solution to work.

 

[V0latyle]

I have bought a S20 FE with Snapdragon and updated it to the newest version from December/January.

After that I flashed TWRP on it and added Magisk.

Now I saw there is a newer firmware from February and I would like to know, how to update the phone without losing all data or if there is a tutorial for doing that?

Thank you, guys.

Simply use Odin to flash the new firmware package. Make sure you use HOME_CSC, not CSC. After you've flashed the updated firmware, you'll have to reflash TWRP and re-root with Magisk.

 

[xsycox]

Thank you, but wait, if I flash TWRP I have to do a factory reset again, right?

And do I have to tick/add all fields (BP, AP, CP, CSC)?

 

[3mel]

Thank you, but wait, if I flash TWRP I have to do a factory reset again, right?

And do I have to tick/add all fields (BP, AP, CP, CSC)?

here's a quick guide by Afaneh92 the twrp dev

Note: steps 2-6 are important, missing any will lose your data.

1. Load all files to their respective slots in odin, pick HOME_CSC instead of CSC.
2. Uncheck auto reboot in Odin and hit start.
3. Reboot to download if possible from odin options (not working on all devices), or using buttons combo.
4. Keep auto reboot unchecked, Flash TWRP in AP slot and vbmeta_disabled.tar in USERDATA
5. Hold volume down and power until the screen goes black then immediately switch to holding volume up and power to reboot into TWRP.
6. Disable encryption:
- Go to Advanced > Terminal, type: multidisabler.
You will see " - Finished." When it is done.
7. flash custom kernel and magisk then reboot to system (optional).

 

[xsycox]

Yeah, that did not work. I used the correct AP, CP, BL and HOME_CSC files and vbmeta_disabled.tar, but now it is in bootloop. :/

I flashed TWRP again and am trying now to get a TWRP backup running again I did earlier.

 

[xsycox]

Backup restoration worked. I also think, I found the problem. Will try it again tomorrow or on Sunday.

 

[xsycox]

I have updated the initial post with the successful procedure, just in case other people are in the same situation.

 

[k2828]

Guess this method should work with s20(non fe) too?

I use a custom ROM and can access all my files via twrp are you able to access your data partition via TWRP with this method?

 

[xsycox]

Guess this method should work with s20(non fe) too?

I use a custom ROM and can access all my files via twrp are you able to access your data partition via TWRP with this method?

Yes, if you do all steps (not forgetting step 9), it should work. I can access everything up to now on every update.

I use this/my guide now for a while (two updates since March).

 

[k2828]

Yes, if you do all steps (not forgetting step 9), it should work. I can access everything up to now on every update.

I use this/my guide now for a while (two updates since March).

is it possible to leave out a step so my files arent accessible via twrp?

maybe the following one:

- disable encryption: advanced > terminal > type multidisabler

 

[mezacorleehone]

I think that thinking that nothing will happen and you will not lose the data in the ways that they tell you here is naive.

Backup first and then update SAFELY as they tell you.

I would not risk doing what has already been said of using Home_csc and apart from being root.

that cures it

I recommend everyone who reads my comment. Better always support.

then do what the classmates say

one mistake and you lose all your information.

 

[3mel]

is it possible to leave out a step so my files arent accessible via twrp?

maybe the following one:

- disable encryption: advanced > terminal > type multidisabler

yes you can do that but twrp will be very limited.

 

[k2828]

yes you can do that but twrp will be very limited.

You could still flash stuff, but can't backup and restore I guess?

Can I leave out the following step, as I don't need TWRP:

-flash in Odin TWRP under AP and vbmeta_disabled.tar under USERDATA

 

[3mel]

You could still flash stuff, but can't backup and restore I guess?

Can I leave out the following step, as I don't need TWRP:

-flash in Odin TWRP under AP and vbmeta_disabled.tar under USERDATA

yes

edit: you could still flash stuff from an OTG adaptor with anything from a flash to a hard-drive. you could also push files to /data/ I'm told even if encrypted... never tried that out but it's an option if you did flash twrp.

 

[seemab.ahsan390]

can you tell how did you root your device and flash custom recovery.
mine is s20 fe 5g sm-g781v and i want to root my device.
one ui 5.1.
android 13.