Huawei P9 [ROM][Android 7.0][EMUI 5.0][European Firmware b386 based]*MagicRainbow* v2

[zgfg]

Excuse the noob question - can't the kernel be exchanged against another one? Or does this mess up the entire system?
Do you know, by chance, which ROM I could use to get what I need?

If that app really does not work on KitKat and above, then no chance ( it will work only on ancient devices). See on Google Play, it says that app was last time updated back in 2013 - how could it support newer Android versions

 

[daniel908]

If that app really does not work on KitKat and above, then no chance ( it will work only on ancient devices). See on Google Play, it says that app was last time updated back in 2013 - how couldmit suppirt newer Android versions

On my stock rooted Android 6.0 system that I had on the P9 before upgrading to 7.0, it worked well...

 

[Tecalote]

@Tecalote, this ROM sounds very intriguing!
Two questions:

1. Does Magic Rainbow ROM support mass storage mode (i.e when installing the USB Mass Storage Enabler app, will I be able to see the microSD card in the P9 as a storage volume on my Mac / PC if connected via USB)?
On my current configuration (stock Nougat, rooted), the app says "This app will work only if there is Mass Storage Gadget & FUSE drivers built-in in your device's kernel". With rooted stock Marshmallow, the app and mass storage mode worked well.

Edit: There is a newer Version of this Rom available: https://forum.xda-developers.com/p9/development/rom-huawei-p9-magicrainbow-v3-t3722457

2. for basic understanding (I am not an expert, but would like to become one ): Why is it necessary to flash a particular stock firmware before flashing Magic Rainbow? Isn't it possible to simply wipe everything and flash a firmware completely from scratch?

Thanks!

Question 1) - I can only speak for Windows (cause I dont have Mac) - when I connect my P9 with USB to PC (I have installed the drivers with Huawei HiSuite PC App) I see P9 with the internal storage and the external storage in Windows Explorer - and I dont need any 3.party app to copy files between PC and P9 - I see the storage even if I am connected in Fastboot Mode in Windows Explorer...

Question 2) Huawei is different - a Custom Rom cannot include every part of the original Huawei Firmware (example: modem, fingerprint-scanner) - thats why it is necessary to flash particualar Stock Firmware in the right order. Custom Rom require this on Huawei Devices.

BTW: There is a newer Version of this ROM available: https://forum.xda-developers.com/p9/development/rom-huawei-p9-magicrainbow-v3-t3722457

 

[daniel908]

Question 1) - I can only speak for Windows (cause I dont have Mac) - when I connect my P9 with USB to PC (I have installed the drivers with Huawei HiSuite PC App) I see P9 with the internal storage and the external storage in Windows Explorer - and I dont need any 3.party app to copy files between PC and P9 - I see the storage even if I am connected in Fastboot Mode in Windows Explorer...

Question 2) Huawei is different - a Custom Rom cannot include every part of the original Huawei Firmware (example: modem, fingerprint-scanner) - thats why it is necessary to flash particualar Stock Firmware in the right order. Custom Rom require this on Huawei Devices.

BTW: There is a newer Version of this ROM available: https://forum.xda-developers.com/p9/development/rom-huawei-p9-magicrainbow-v3-t3722457

Thanks Tecalote,
On #1: What you see uses the MTP protocol. That's the new standard since, I believe, Android 4 or 5, but that doesn't help me, because I need to synchronize about 2 million tiny JPEG files between my Mac and the P9 on a regular basis. Using MTP this process takes days or weeks, while over normal USB mass storage protocol this only takes hours. Also, Mac doesn't support MTP directly. I tested several sync tools that can use MTP connections, but they all failed on my use case. Hence I badly need mass storage mode back. :-/

On #2: thanks, now I believe I understand. So flashing a custom ROM only replaces parts of the ROM, and in order to make sure that the result is a consistent thing and works as expected, you need to flash a specific stock ROM with fitting components that are kept when flashing the custom ROM. Did I get this right?

New #3: So why can't you just include everything into the custom ROM, so that flashing a fitting base is not necessary anymore?

 

[zgfg]

On my stock rooted Android 6.0 system that I had on the P9 before upgrading to 7.0, it worked well...

BTW, it's possible to roll-back to MM / EMUI 4.1

Or just pull out SD card, update the files and return SD card back to the phone.

 

[Tecalote]

Thanks Tecalote,
On #1: What you see uses the MTP protocol. That's the new standard since, I believe, Android 4 or 5, but that doesn't help me, because I need to synchronize about 2 million tiny JPEG files between my Mac and the P9 on a regular basis. Using MTP this process takes days or weeks, while over normal USB mass storage protocol this only takes hours. Also, Mac doesn't support MTP directly. I tested several sync tools that can use MTP connections, but they all failed on my use case. Hence I badly need mass storage mode back. :-/

On #2: thanks, now I believe I understand. So flashing a custom ROM only replaces parts of the ROM, and in order to make sure that the result is a consistent thing and works as expected, you need to flash a specific stock ROM with fitting components that are kept when flashing the custom ROM. Did I get this right?

New #3: So why can't you just include everything into the custom ROM, so that flashing a fitting base is not necessary anymore?

#1) Yes, thats right, it uses MTP protocol - it can be changed to some other protocols in Developer Options - but not the USB mass storage protocol. But in Project menu it is possible to change the protocol between default (HiSuite Mode) to manufactur mode (I have not tested) and Google Mode (whatever this means...) - see screenshot

#2) You understand right

#3) To make a Custom Rom based on EMUI - I must extract the Images from original Huawei Firmware Update.app and then extract the Images (system.img, vendor.img, version.img, product.img, cust.img, and data) - to modify and make a ROM with it. But there are other imortatnt parts in the update.app which can be extracted (for modem, fingerprint etc) - but those Images cannot opened, because they are encrypted.
So - to make a ROM which would include all those parts - I would must make a modified update.app - but nobody has managed this until yet. And it would be also a massive license problem

 

[Tecalote]

BTW, it's possible to roll-back to MM / EMUI 4.1

Or just pull out SD card, update the files and return SD card back to the phone.

Yes - thats easy

 

[AmonM]

Is it possible to do the same steps described in post #2 with b136c900 or do I need to install b182c900 first?

 

[Tecalote]

Is it possible to do the same steps described in post #2 with b136c900 or do I need to install b182c900 first?

Install first b182 with dload method and do exactly the steps.
Oeminfo is from phone with b182 and that's why I would not recommend to use it on b136

 

[AmonM]

Hi Tecalote, thanks for your quick answer. Luckily I made an oeminfo backup in TWRP but I didn't need it. Your great guide worked anyway with B136. I made a friend very happy by updating her P9 and keeping everything original. Tank you!

 

[Tecalote]

Hi Tecalote, thanks for your quick answer. Luckily I made an oeminfo backup in TWRP but I didn't need it. Your great guide worked anyway with B136. I made a friend very happy by updating her P9 and keeping everything original. Tank you!

That's good news and good to know

 

[tahadluffy]

If you have in "About phone" build-number EVA-L09 or EVA-L19 b182c900 you dont receive the OTA Update to Nougat. You must change it to b182c432.
Here is described, what you have to do - please make every step careful and dont worry!

For EVA-L09 download this file: [url]https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=457095661767158957[/URL]
MD5 (please check after downloading): 21a70ae3b07b72277bf935bf4ed90320

For EVA-L19 download this file: [url]https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=817550096634767353[/URL]
MD5 (please check after downloading): 838d9634e22acce029c383ec780dd745

And you need for changing OEMinfo on b182 TWRP for Android 6 (not the one from OP = for Android 7) Download it here: [url]https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=457095661767122229[/URL]

Steps:
1) Your Bootloader must be open! Backup important files or folder from your internal memory (cause it will be completely wiped, except external SD will stay untouched)
2) Firmware b182 must be in dload folder (update.app 3,06 GB) Take the one for your device For EVA-L09 download full Firmware b182: http://update.hicloud.com:8180/TDS/data/files/p3/s15/G1079/g104/v63880/f1/full/update.zip
EVA-L19 can use same b182 - the Firmware works for both.
3) Unzipp oeminfo.emmc.zip - you get: oeminfo.emmc.win - this is the file what you need!
4) Store this file in following path on root of your external SD: \TWRP\BACKUPS\SNxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\C432\ (SNxxx folder must named with Serial Number of your phone and inside this folder copy the oeminfo.emmc.win
5) Enable Developer Options in Settings, go inside and enable OEM Unlock and USB-Debugging - after go to Advanced Settings /Security and allow "Unknown Sources"
6) Connect your Phone with USB to PC and wait until Windows installs the driver.
7) With Minimal ADB and Fastboot program for PC in administrative mode - boot the phone into fastboot mode and flash TWRP for Android 6.

https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=457095661767122229
(TWRP img must be in Minimal ADB and Fastboot Program Folder. You start the Program with right click as Administrator. You enter
adb devices
- you should get your SN and device. If on the screen pop up a request to allow connection, grant permission for always from this PC. Now:
adb reboot bootloder
-phone restart into Bootloader /Fastboot Mode. Bootloader must be unlocked and FRP unlocked.
You enter:
fastboot devices
- and get SN device, then
fastboot flash recovery Name-of-TWRP.img

8) If TWRP is succesful flashed disconnect USB from your Device and boot immidiatly after into TWRP. For this press Vol+ and Power Button. Stay holding this position until TWRP is booted (can take some minutes)
When TWRP is booted, allow Write Permissions for system.
9) In main menu and choose the button: RESTORE
10) Navigate to the C432 folder and restore oeminfo. (from folder C432 !) This changes oeminfo from b900 to c432!
11) Go back to main menu and reboot your phone - but not to system. You must press Vol+ and Vol- (in the middle) down until EMUI Software Installing begin and b182 will flashed again (it must be in dload folder!) If you see on screen text with red colour - ignore it, just press Vol+ and Vol- down, if it does not help, press also Power Button to reboot, but keep pressing Vol+ and Vol- because b182 must flashed again on this point!
12) If it was not successful and you receive after reboot a white screen and you will be promted to enter "the" password, dont worry, just use your password for Google. Phone reboots and make a factoryreset with EMUI low-level wipe. TWRP will be overwritten with Stock Recovery. Thats normal.
13) soon flashing again b182 was successful you reboot to system and perform from there another Factoryreset from settings /advanced settings /backup restore /Factoryreset with wipe of internal storage.
14) SIM Card must be inserted - you can leave it in your phone from beginning.
15) Just make a short setup and you will see: You receive now the OTA Update to Nougat

THANK YOU

 

[focussss]

If you have in "About phone" build-number EVA-L09 or EVA-L19 b182c900 you dont receive the OTA Update to Nougat. You must change it to b182c432.
Here is described, what you have to do - please make every step careful and dont worry!

For EVA-L09 download this file: [url]https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=457095661767158957[/URL]
MD5 (please check after downloading): 21a70ae3b07b72277bf935bf4ed90320

For EVA-L19 download this file: [url]https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=817550096634767353[/URL]
MD5 (please check after downloading): 838d9634e22acce029c383ec780dd745

And you need for changing OEMinfo on b182 TWRP for Android 6 (not the one from OP = for Android 7) Download it here: [url]https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=457095661767122229[/URL]

Steps:
1) Your Bootloader must be open! Backup important files or folder from your internal memory (cause it will be completely wiped, except external SD will stay untouched)
2) Firmware b182 must be in dload folder (update.app 3,06 GB) Take the one for your device For EVA-L09 download full Firmware b182: http://update.hicloud.com:8180/TDS/data/files/p3/s15/G1079/g104/v63880/f1/full/update.zip
EVA-L19 can use same b182 - the Firmware works for both.
3) Unzipp oeminfo.emmc.zip - you get: oeminfo.emmc.win - this is the file what you need!
4) Store this file in following path on root of your external SD: \TWRP\BACKUPS\SNxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\C432\ (SNxxx folder must named with Serial Number of your phone and inside this folder copy the oeminfo.emmc.win
5) Enable Developer Options in Settings, go inside and enable OEM Unlock and USB-Debugging - after go to Advanced Settings /Security and allow "Unknown Sources"
6) Connect your Phone with USB to PC and wait until Windows installs the driver.
7) With Minimal ADB and Fastboot program for PC in administrative mode - boot the phone into fastboot mode and flash TWRP for Android 6.

https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=457095661767122229
(TWRP img must be in Minimal ADB and Fastboot Program Folder. You start the Program with right click as Administrator. You enter
adb devices
- you should get your SN and device. If on the screen pop up a request to allow connection, grant permission for always from this PC. Now:
adb reboot bootloder
-phone restart into Bootloader /Fastboot Mode. Bootloader must be unlocked and FRP unlocked.
You enter:
fastboot devices
- and get SN device, then
fastboot flash recovery Name-of-TWRP.img

8) If TWRP is succesful flashed disconnect USB from your Device and boot immidiatly after into TWRP. For this press Vol+ and Power Button. Stay holding this position until TWRP is booted (can take some minutes)
When TWRP is booted, allow Write Permissions for system.
9) In main menu and choose the button: RESTORE
10) Navigate to the C432 folder and restore oeminfo. (from folder C432 !) This changes oeminfo from b900 to c432!
11) Go back to main menu and reboot your phone - but not to system. You must press Vol+ and Vol- (in the middle) down until EMUI Software Installing begin and b182 will flashed again (it must be in dload folder!) If you see on screen text with red colour - ignore it, just press Vol+ and Vol- down, if it does not help, press also Power Button to reboot, but keep pressing Vol+ and Vol- because b182 must flashed again on this point!
12) If it was not successful and you receive after reboot a white screen and you will be promted to enter "the" password, dont worry, just use your password for Google. Phone reboots and make a factoryreset with EMUI low-level wipe. TWRP will be overwritten with Stock Recovery. Thats normal.
13) soon flashing again b182 was successful you reboot to system and perform from there another Factoryreset from settings /advanced settings /backup restore /Factoryreset with wipe of internal storage.
14) SIM Card must be inserted - you can leave it in your phone from beginning.
15) Just make a short setup and you will see: You receive now the OTA Update to Nougat

Thanks heaps for this but I didn't get an OTA update to Nougat.

Issue & solution for others if phone gets stuck:
I ran into a where my phone was stuck on "Type the password to decrypt storage" and when I entered my Google password it says it's correct but data on my phone is corrupted. The way I managed to finally boot up was to...
1. Hold the vol+ button and wipe data and cache
2. I tried boot up but got that white screen message again.
3. Restarted the phone and held vol+ and vol- and power key down and the update started to process again although it failed.
4. It managed to boot up.

Hopefully this helps anyone else that ran into this issue.