Oneplus 8T (Cyberpunk Edition) - HydrogenOS (Google Apps, Theme, OTA Updates!)

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gee.dunkin

Senior Member
Jan 6, 2015
131
29
Melbourne
OnePlus One
OnePlus 3T
Yes but that not always the case and you can do many other things in Magisk with the modules.

Root and an unlocked bootloader are not needed to install Google apps. In fact you only need to install PlayStore Apk if you want to use it as all other google services required for accounts, app updates etc are already included in HOS firmware.
 
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gee.dunkin

Senior Member
Jan 6, 2015
131
29
Melbourne
OnePlus One
OnePlus 3T
If anyone ever has any problems or bugs with HOS through tinkering etc (it happens) and want to start over I would personally recommend the guide below which is very similar in part to the process in this thread using msm tool.


** Please note that MSM Tool will not work if your bootloader is unlocked. **

I have spent all weekend tinkering with MSM tool and unlocking bootloader etc with Minimal ADB and the guide included above and in post 1 of this thread got me back to my stock out of the box Hydrogen OS cyberpunk themed firmware. There is also a guide for Oxygen OS as well.

Also another note for those that stumble across this thread in pursuit of custom recovery and ROMS... At this time the 8T cannot install custom recovery so therefore no custom ROMS. Root is only possible by unlocking the bootloader and using Magisk.

I also personally used OnePlus Switch App to backup and restore all of my apps and settings several times with good results.
 

gee.dunkin

Senior Member
Jan 6, 2015
131
29
Melbourne
OnePlus One
OnePlus 3T
So what is the use of root and unlocking bootloader?

Personally, my reasons for rooting in the past were for ad blocking, de-bloating and theming. I currently use Adguard for system wide ad blocking which works flawlessly. Vanced YouTube also works amazingly for ad removal and background playback within YouTube and YouTube music. With an unlocked bootloader and root you can install custom firmware or ROMS which are basically modified OEM firmware which may allow better performance, battery life or overclocking etc as some have modified Kernals installed or allow the ability to tweak Kernal settings from within system settings. At this stage it is not possible to install a custom recovery on OnePlus 8T (TWRP) so it is not possible to install custom ROMs so at this stage, depending on what you wish to achieve, root is not really required unless you have a specific reason for doing it.
 

gee.dunkin

Senior Member
Jan 6, 2015
131
29
Melbourne
OnePlus One
OnePlus 3T
Hi all, I decided to flash Oxygen OS to see what it's like and to hopefully get some Google apps working that would not on Hydrogen OS (Contactless Pay). 5G also does not work for me in Australia on either firmware.

Oxygen OS is better imo but obviously as mentioned above, OTA updates are not possible without bootloop. I was able to update with local file option however, by downloading the firmware update file from OP website.

Swapping between the two firmwares is quite simple using MSM tool and OnePlus Switch App to backup apps etc.

I also found the following link for installing Cyberpunk theme options for those on OOS and can't live without the CP2077 goodies.

 

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gee.dunkin

Senior Member
Jan 6, 2015
131
29
Melbourne
OnePlus One
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I don't know what changed but apps like netflix, hulu and disney+ that could not be installed from play store in HOS now appear. I had side loaded them but now updated directly from Play store.

Are you now on the latest HOS update? Netflix and Disney+ were also working and updating no problem from playstore on latest HOS. Maybe this issue was fixed with most recent update.
 

Arr6

Senior Member
Aug 24, 2020
182
35
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Are you now on the latest HOS update? Netflix and Disney+ were also working and updating no problem from playstore on latest HOS. Maybe this issue was fixed with most recent update.
Yes latest HOS, previously those apps would not show up at all in play store. I thought this model was blocked or something, and side loaded the apks which worked out fine. Good to see they are showing up now to be officially installed.
 
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I have a Oneplus 8T Cyberpunk with Hydrogen os, I installed all the google applications but Android Auto does not work,it just says there are no compatible apps. (connected to the vehicle). Has anyone managed to make it work?
Please read from the start, there's been plenmty of mentions on certain Android apps don't work on Hydrogen OS
 
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stacytoll

New member
Mar 17, 2021
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1
Can you please tell me, my phone was originally on hydrogen, can I safely install the updates that the phone offers me? Accordingly, it offers to upgrade to hydrogen too, but a newer version
 

Mandalorian919

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Apr 6, 2021
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Bloatware

You're probably annoyed by all the preinstalled garbage. I've made a short script that disables the Chinese market and removes all 3rd party Chinese (By_3rd and heytap) applications.

Removing Market and Almost All 3rd Party Apps:

You will likely need to run this script each update, as applications are added back on update. I've decided to leave the other applications on my device for now. If you want to remove even more, Steve0007 recommended this resource.
First I wanna thank you for this tutorial, worked like a charm. I have OP 8T CP Edition for few week now, yesterday I've installed system update and not a single bloatware reappered. It seems using your script once is enough.
 
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    Originality/HydrogenOS

    If you have a Chinese Cyberpunk Edition phone with OxygenOS, you'll notice that the Cyberpunk theme/assets are missing, and OTA updates lead to a boot loop. This guide will tell you how to restore the phone to its original software (HydrogenOS), unlock the bootloader, root it, and get Google Apps working. If you are American, this is the golden ticket. OTA updates will work and you will get the original theme/assets back.

    I have made this guide because I purchased a Cyberpunk phone and the vendor installed OxygenOS. The Chinese Cyberpunk Edition phones are meant to use HydrogenOS. OxygenOS is not currently designed for the Chinese Cyberpunk Edition phones, despite many vendors installing it. I've spoken to Oneplus and it doesn't appear there are immediate plans to support the phone using OxygenOS.

    This information is only for Chinese Cyberpunk Edition phones.
    Rooting the phone is optional if you just want Google Apps.

    Proceed at your own risk.



    Setting Up

    You're going to need to download and install these things for the remainder of the guide.

    If you've already been toying with the phone, you might already have these. If so, skip ahead.


    Restoring HydrogenOS (Credit: Some_Random_Username)

    You are going to want to download the MSM Download Tool, designed for Chinese KB2000 phones. This tool will wipe your phone and restore the original HydrogenOS software, as well as your Cyberpunk theme/assets.

    You will need to download the tool here:
    https://androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=320230 (Credit: g96818)

    https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=10763459528675590014 or https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-MwwMBiszDvAoCoqH1P5aZRaLvDFL_66/view
    The difference is only in HOS version.
    If your phone is made after march 2021, i suggest using latest one HOS MSM (google link).

    After downloading:
    • Extract the archive to a folder.
    • Remove any Chinese characters from folder names (if applicable).
    • Open "MsmDownloadTool V4.0".
    • Under "User Type", select "Others".
    • Click "Next".
    • Notice that "Target" is selected on the dropdown in the top-right of the window.
    • Change the option from "Target" to "H2" instead.
    Now make sure your phone is ready:
    • Turn your phone off and wait a few seconds.
    • Press the "Start" button on the tool.
    • Hold both volume buttons down, while plugging your phone in through USB (to enter Qualcomm EDL mode).
    • The download tool will begin to work it's magic (should take 200-300 seconds).
    • Once it says "Download Complete", your phone should reboot into HydrogenOS.
    • Close the tool completely.

    Perform the phone's setup, then decide whether you want to root the phone, or just install Google Apps. Your phone will be wiped if you unlock the bootloader.

    If your device wasn't detected when running the tool, make sure you have the Qualcomm USB driver installed. To do this, open device manager. Under "QHUSB_BULK", select "Update Driver Software", and use the .cab file you found earlier.


    Unlock the Bootloader (Optional)

    Before you may root the phone, you will need to do the following.

    Enable Developer Mode:
    • Open your Settings application and go to "About Phone".
    • Tap the section that says "Build Number" five times consecutively.
    • You will now have developer mode.
    Enable OEM Unlocking/USB debugging:
    • Open your Settings application and click the search button.
    • Search for and enable the option: "OEM unlocking".
    • Search for and enable the option: "USB debugging".
    • You will be asked if you want to trust the device when it's plugged in. Click "Allow".
    You will want to do the following, using the ADB/Fastboot you downloaded:
    • Make sure your phone is plugged in.
    • Run the following:
      • adb reboot bootloader
    • Your phone will reboot into the bootloader.
    • Run the following:
      • fastboot oem unlock
    • Use the volume/power buttons on your phone, to confirm.

    Your phone will reboot and wipe itself, as well the Chinese applications. Perform the phone's normal setup again.

    The bloatware and Chinese apps will return when you perform an OTA update at the end of the guide. They can also be removed/disabled.


    Rooting (Optional)(Credit: DroidFreak32)

    To root the phone we will be installing Magisk, using a patched boot.img from your current version of HydrogenOS. In this case, we are using version 11.0.1.2 (the version of the MSM Download Tool). I will be providing the boot.img from my phone, which I have used personally.

    You will want to download the following:

    Preparation:
    • Re-enable developer mode, as well as USB debugging. Just like you did in the previous section.
    • Transfer the app-debug.apk to your phone, and install it through the phone's file manager.
    • Copy "magisk_patched_11.0.1.2.img" to your computer's ADB directory.

    Rooting:
    • Run the following:
      • adb reboot bootloader
    • Your phone will reboot into the bootloader.
    • Run the following:
      • fastboot boot magisk_patched_11.0.1.2.img
    • Your phone will reboot, using the patched boot.img.
    • Enter the Magisk Manager app you installed earlier.
    • Tap Magisk (Install) -> Perform Direct Install
    • You will have root on reboot!
    If Magisk says it needs to reboot to apply changes, you will need to follow the last set of steps again.

    If for some reason the boot.img I provided doesn't work, you will need to follow DroidFreak32's guide. His guide is very detailed and will instruct you on how to create your own patched boot.img and root the phone.


    Installing Google Apps (Credit: Steve0007 and @xxxrichievxxx)

    To install, you will want to obtain a copy of the Google Play Store from a 3rd Party. @xxxrichievxxx suggested this solution, which worked for me regardless of unlock/root status.

    You'll want to download, copy, and run the newest version from your device:


    We had also tried using WeebGapps, which has problems after updating:
    https://t.me/s/WeebGAppsChannel?q=#Android_11+#magisk_mode (Requires Telegram)


    Updating

    Unlike on OxygenOS, you will actually be able to download and perform OTA updates, through the Settings app. If you do not follow the steps below when updating, you will lose root.

    Disable your Magisk modules (if applicable) when updating, and re-enable after you have successfully updated!
    I also recommend disabling "automatic system updates" via Settings, as they can break your root.

    Follow these steps:

    - Go to System-Update
    - Tap OK when the message that you are rooted appears
    - Tap "Download and install"
    - Wait until you are prompted to reboot - DO NOT REBOOT NOW!
    - Open Magisk Manager, select install -> Install to inactive slot and start installation
    - When Magisk has finished installing, reboot and you stay rooted with latest OTA.

    If you are missing the Play Store after updating, install it from here. If you happen to mess up or lose Google Apps, try uninstalling/reinstalling the module.

    If you do happen to lose root, you will want to follow DroidFreak32's guide, as I've only provided the patched boot.img for 11.0.1.2.


    Bloatware

    You're probably annoyed by all the preinstalled garbage. I've made a short script that disables the Chinese market and removes all 3rd party Chinese (By_3rd and heytap) applications.

    Removing Market and Almost All 3rd Party Apps:

    You will likely need to run this script each update, as applications are added back on update. I've decided to leave the other applications on my device for now. If you want to remove even more, Steve0007 recommended this resource.


    Credits

    Steve0007 and xxxrichievxxx for helping to find the solid solution for Google Apps.
    WeebGApps for the module that installs Google Apps.
    DroidFreak32 for his thread on rooting the Oneplus 8T.
    Some_Random_Username and g96818 for uploading/sharing the MSM download tools.

    Most of this information is compiled from other sources, so consider supporting the developers listed above.
    3
    What is a procedure to switch from Hydrogen OS to Oxygen OS (due to that I need more languages, not only English and Chinese) ?

    Thank You in advance.
    1. First you will want to back up your apps etc. with the OnePlus Clone Phone app (formerly OnePlus Switch).
    2. Transfer the backup to you PC.
    3. Follow the guide in the link below to install OOS which will completely wipe your phone and install OOS:

    https://tradingshenzhen.com/en/content/oneplus-8t-cyberpunk-2077-flashen.


    4. Setup OOS and install Clone Phone app to restore the backup stored on your PC. All Google apps will be installed including Play Store.


    5. You may or may not have the Cyberpunk theme once OOS is installed. Check settings/Customisation.

    From memory I did still have the CP boot animation, sounds etc. but not the live wallpaper. I used the following app to get the live wallpaper to work:


    Note: Following the most recent OOS OTA update, my device did in fact restore with all of the original Cyberpunk goodies working well including sounds, boot animation, charging animation and the live wallpaper... (You may have a different experience).

    If you decide to proceed with OTA updates in the future I would recommend that you use Clone Phone to do a backup first so you don't lose any data.

    Depending on the country you are in and your service provider, 5G/VOLte/VOWifi may not work without some further tweaking. This is usually relating to your mobile plan/ service provider and not the device itself. There are guides to activate these network features on XDA so just do some searching around.

    Good luck.
    2
    Informative and well explained. It will definitely help a lot of users.
    2
    I just tested and it seems to work without root or bootloader unlocked. I'd still recommend getting a copy of the full OTA update packages, in case you want to get root back later (for patched magisk).

    Netflix does show up without root, and you can still run the script to remove bloatware (USB debugging).
    Awesome, I am going to try this out.
    2
    Is it possible to convert European 8T to full cyberpunk version?

    Do not use this guide for that. It will not work. There's other threads on how to install the Cyberpunk goodies for a normal 8T.

    I've been reading and mentally preparing all the steps by downloading the required files and walking through them, but I've no development experience and I'm worried that if I mess up a step, I would have no idea how to unstuck myself...

    For example:

    I tried to look up my device manager on my PC and I do not see "QHUSB_BULK" so little things like that worry me :oops:

    For the most part, any accidents are easily reversible, as there's a great guide on unbricking here:

    This is a pretty good solution to keep the cyberpunk theme, which you want if you have this phone. I get 5g speeds on US T-Mobile and have no issues with texts and calls. If the play store was more stable this will be a solid solution.

    Props to @OniAraAra for compiling this detailed guide and members who contributed

    It is as you say. Across multiple installs I've had minor issues with the Google Play store disappearing, but you can always reinstall the APK. I did not notice this until after I had made the guide.

    @Steve0007 and I are looking for a more stable solution as we speak, so hopefully we'll have that soon!