[ROM][UNOFFICIAL][7.1.2]Lineage-14.1 for Blu Life Max

[sdt1]

Blu has released a phone with the same process or as this one, it has fingerprint sensor and android 7

http://www.bluproducts.com/devices/r2-lte/
Problem is it seems there is no listing of where to buy it yet.

Here is hoping that the libs from it will help get fingerprint and Bluetooth working on this one

This R2 LTE looks promising. When you click the "Buy Now" button it returns to the same. I called BLU customer support to see if A) there is a planned OTA upgrade to Nougat for the Life Max , and B) if the R2 LTE is available for purchase, and if so, where. As expected, BLU customer support is useless. I was connected with someone in the Philippines who barely spoke English, and gave me the run around. The end result after explaining myself over and over again, there will be NO upgrade to Nougat for the Life Max, and they have no idea where the R2 LTE will be sold! LOL!

---------- Post added at 09:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:16 AM ----------

Doesn't Bluetooth only work if you force it be in mono instead of stereo?

This is what I thought too. It's fine to use BT in mono for a phone call, but not ideal for listening to music.

---------- Post added at 09:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:19 AM ----------

This phone , unlocking bootloader is just done the "official" way. No hack or trickery needs to be done.

1. become developer on device and enable developer options.(open settings, scroll down to about phone, tap build number 7-9 times, go back one menu, now above "about device" there is developr options)
2> enable adb
3. enable oem unlocking
4. open cmd or terminal and type "adb reboot bootloader" (assumeing you have adb and fastboot setup on pc)
5, phone should have rebooted, now verify connection by typing "fastboot devices" (should get response on terminal with fastboot and the device serial number)
6. type "fastboot oem unlock" (this will factory reset device and wipe the date partition)
6a. you will need to interact with device and push volume up to confirm the unlock
6b. when this completes, type "fastboot reboot"
7. just skip through setup device with setup wizzard
8. become developer again and enable usb debuging again
9. adb reboot bootloader
10. fastboot boot (enter the location of your downloaded recovery img)(you can drag the file from explorer to the terminal window and the path will be filled in)
11. twpr recovery should have booted
12. DO NOT modify system at this point!!!!!
13. make FULL backup of all partitions(optional - by preference)
14. now you have a functioning recovery and have not changed phone at all
15. next after verifying recovery boots and works on your phone. will flash the recovery
16. adb reboot bootloader
17. fastboot flash recovery (enter the location of your downloaded recovery img)(you can drag the file from explorer to the terminal window and the path will be filled in)
18. this step is to try and make sure the stock recovery does not overwrite the new twrp
18a. fastboot boot (enter the location of your downloaded recovery img)(you can drag the file from explorer to the terminal window and the path will be filled in)
18b. when recovery boots fully "adb reboot recovery"
19. now when twrp boots it should have screen asking if you want to allow system modification. swipe to yes.(each time you format userdata. or do factory reset will have this screen again)

No need to install supersu to root prior to flashing new rom because root is done on the /system partition or /boot and both get replaced when installing rom.

from here down the directions on the OP and the needrom site with the rom file take over.

Thank you for this step-by-step @mrmazak! Much appreciated! One last bit -- where should I look for the adb and fastboot install for my PC? I found the minimal adb and fastboot available from @shimp208 here on xda, so I thought I would try that. https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2317790

 

[mrmazak]

This R2 LTE looks promising. When you click the "Buy Now" button it returns to the same. I called BLU customer support to see if A) there is a planned OTA upgrade to Nougat for the Life Max , and B) if the R2 LTE is available for purchase, and if so, where. As expected, BLU customer support is useless. I was connected with someone in the Philippines who barely spoke English, and gave me the run around. The end result after explaining myself over and over again, there will be NO upgrade to Nougat for the Life Max, and they have no idea where the R2 LTE will be sold! LOL!

---------- Post added at 09:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:16 AM ----------



This is what I thought too. It's fine to use BT in mono for a phone call, but not ideal for listening to music.

---------- Post added at 09:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:19 AM ----------



Thank you for this step-by-step @mrmazak! Much appreciated! One last bit -- where should I look for the adb and fastboot install for my PC?

I usually point people to this adb and fastboot. 15 second setup.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979

 

[sdt1]

I usually point people to this adb and fastboot. 15 second setup.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979

Thanks @mrmazak. I wound up using the minimal adb and fastboot I had quoted, and it worked flawlessly, as did your instructions. Cheers.

 

[sdt1]

As with any rom you flash any damage is your own fault, and it voids you warranty.

LineageOS is a free and open-source operating system for smartphones and tablet computers, based on the Android mobile platform. It is the successor to the highly popular custom ROM CyanogenMod.

This rom is for blu Life Max 32bit, it could be ported to similar devices I won't be providing any help in doing that.

What works:
Radio
Bluetooth
calls
messages
audio
wifi
tethering
video playback

Known issue:
fingerprint scanner not working.

You need to use BTmomo app for sound over bluetooth
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bedoig.BTmono&hl=en

to install download rom and flash via twrp.
place lineage-14.1-20170511-UNOFFICIAL-Life_Max.zip on sdcard reboot to twrp
factory reset
install lineage-14.1-20170511-UNOFFICIAL-Life_Max.zip
reboot to system.
this rom will take a while on first boot.

TWRP download
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=529152257862728300
Rom download
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=673368273298953959
you needs to install gapps.

http://opengapps.org/

rom has built in root just need to enable it.

Security Patch May 5 2017

Credits :
@DeckerSU
@oleg.svs
@Ruslan_3
@xen0n
@fire855
@SamarV-121
@Mysteryagr
@vampirefo

Note!!!
Coming from stock rom you have to format data via fastboot, cause stock rom is force encrypted.

Factory reset does nothing, you have to wipe internal sdcard, done via fastboot, then boot into TWRP and wipe data also.

boot into bootloader

fastboot format userdata
fastboot format cache
fastboot boot Life_Max_31_recovery.img

in recovery
format data
type yes


now data partition is fixed, if you ever flash your backed up stock rom, you will need to repeat this as your data partition will become encrypted.

To me it's just common practice to use fastboot format userdata
fastboot format cache before installing any rom, it's required anytime you use a rom that was encrypted, the partition needs to be deleted and rebuilt non encrypted.

Thank you to @vampirefo and the entire lineage team for this OS! So far, it's working flawlessly. If/When the fingerprint reader and stereo BT libs become available for this OS, can it be installed over top of (like GApps), or will it have to be a wipe and install? I ask because the automatic updates in Settings > About > System Update gives an error saying unable to connect, despite having internet connection wi-fi or cell data.

One other issue I've noticed, is that when charging with power off, the screen does not sleep, and the battery image doesn't show the percent charged? Also, what happens if BT Mono isn't installed or running? BT is still on and connecting to devices -- would there just be no sound?

Lastly, I noticed that all apps with ability to use fingerprint scanner for security, still recognize that a fingerprint scanner is installed. If the hardware is recognized, why can't it be made to work?

 

[mrmazak]

Lastly, I noticed that all apps with ability to use fingerprint scanner for security, still recognize that a fingerprint scanner is installed. If the hardware is recognized, why can't it be made to work?

The hardware is not recognized. But the boot image and kernel are setup for fingerprint. So system notified apps , by certain config files, that there is a fingerprint sensor. That's why apps report the sensor.

 

[clu1688]

HELP Please.

I just rooted another phone yesterday and in that excitement I tried the same method on Blu LIfe Max.

When I started I did not read this post and now I am in some trouble. Hope to get some help here, please. I really like this Blu Life Max and wanted so bad to root it to get rid of ads.

Here is what I did prior to reading this thread/guide: (reference to post #57 by mrmazak.)

I did all the way to Step 6a without problems, then, I did not follow step 6b, thus did not become a developer again and did not enable debugging again.

then I used fastboot to flash custom recovery img, this one, TWRP_Max_recovery.img

then I saw the touch didn't work. When I shut it down, and turn it on, it starts boot looping.

I have tried to use Vol and Power buttons to get in TWRP recovery, but however I tried, it goes into boot loop every time.

I have attached some photos here to show the booting screens in the process.

Please advise on how I can send command to the phone again, and make it work, many thanks,

 

[mrmazak]

HELP Please.

I just rooted another phone yesterday and in that excitement I tried the same method on Blu LIfe Max.

When I started I did not read this post and now I am in some trouble. Hope to get some help here, please. I really like this Blu Life Max and wanted so bad to root it to get rid of ads.

Here is what I did prior to reading this thread/guide: (reference to post #57 by mrmazak.)

I did all the way to Step 6a without problems, then, I did not follow step 6b, thus did not become a developer again and did not enable debugging again.

then I used fastboot to flash custom recovery img, this one, TWRP_Max_recovery.img

then I saw the touch didn't work. When I shut it down, and turn it on, it starts boot looping.

I have tried to use Vol and Power buttons to get in TWRP recovery, but however I tried, it goes into boot loop every time.

I have attached some photos here to show the booting screens in the process.

Please advise on how I can send command to the phone again, and make it work, many thanks,

This thread is for lineage-14.1 the @vampirefo has made. So this is off topic. Unless you are trying to install his rom, and got in this situation.



I assume your boot looping is flashing the twrp screen. And that would be because you did not reboot after the oem unlock. The reboot is needed and is needed to be done with factory recovery(at least to make is easier it should be done with factory, so it updates the sec.conf partition)

because you straight away flashed twrp, and the broken version, at that. The needed factory wipe of data did not happen.
You should be able to restore factory recovery with sp flashtool.

If that was the only problem. then if you flash the stock recovery back with sp flash tool, and reboot it should factory reset and be ok, then once rebooted you can do the twrp and rom install.

 

[clu1688]

Thanks mrmazak!

I didn't mean to hijack this thread. I was reading this threat for knowledge. Honestly I was not planning to use this ROM until I read the security/privacy issues with stock ROM (e.g. Camera has excessive permission etc.) This made me worried and I am now thinking to flash this ROM to get rid of Blu/Chinese OEM apps. (I don't care finger print scan anyways)

My question is, the phone is off, and if I turn it on (cannot turn it into Recovery by using buttons), it will go into boot loop. How do I use PC to send command to the phone?

I tried adb devices with phone off, phone is not listed.

Again would appreciate expert advice!

Update:
I will download the SP flash tool tonight and give it a try. I assume sp flash tool would work with the phone even when the phone is off?

 

[clu1688]

Today's news.

https://www.cnet.com/news/these-cheap-phones-are-costing-you-your-privacy/#

Can I assume Lineage ROM will not have the ADUP's hidden apps?

Thanks,

 

[mrmazak]

Thanks mrmazak!

I didn't mean to hijack this thread. I was reading this threat for knowledge. Honestly I was not planning to use this ROM until I read the security/privacy issues with stock ROM (e.g. Camera has excessive permission etc.) This made me worried and I am now thinking to flash this ROM to get rid of Blu/Chinese OEM apps. (I don't care finger print scan anyways)

My question is, the phone is off, and if I turn it on (cannot turn it into Recovery by using buttons), it will go into boot loop. How do I use PC to send command to the phone?

I tried adb devices with phone off, phone is not listed.

Again would appreciate expert advice!

Update:
I will download the SP flash tool tonight and give it a try. I assume sp flash tool would work with the phone even when the phone is off?

Did it help

 

[clu1688]

@mrmazak,

It should, but unfortunately not yet. I have spent 3 hours tonight and still have "MTP USB Device" problem, thus SP Flash Tool cannot push the file to the phone.

I use Windows 7 64bit Dell. VCOM driver seems OK, but cannot fix the "MTP USB Device" problem.

I need to borrow another laptop which might have working drivers from R1HD time.

Thanks for asking, would appreciate any tips,

 

[mrmazak]

@mrmazak,

It should, but unfortunately not yet. I have spent 3 hours tonight and still have "MTP USB Device" problem, thus SP Flash Tool cannot push the file to the phone.

I use Windows 7 64bit Dell. VCOM driver seems OK, but cannot fix the "MTP USB Device" problem.

I need to borrow another laptop which might have working drivers from R1HD time.

Thanks for asking, would appreciate any tips,

well you shouldn't have mtp usb devices when phone is off and connecting to sp flash. vcom is only driver you need set up for flash tool.

 

[clu1688]

Update,

On a different laptop with Win7, driver installation is strange, at one time it says VCOM driver is OK, and MTP USB Device is OK, but asked me to reboot. After reboot the MTP USB Device says not working.

Anyhow, I ran the FP FLash Tool, load it up, clicked DOWNLOAD, nothing happens for like 2-3 minutes, (no progress bar), the there is a pop-up message (see attached). The message says: "CHIP TYPE NOT Match ,,,,,"

As a noobie, i am at wits end. This is beyond my level. Would very much appreciate some expert advice! Thanks,

 

[vampirefo]

Update,

On a different laptop with Win7, driver installation is strange, at one time it says VCOM driver is OK, and MTP USB Device is OK, but asked me to reboot. After reboot the MTP USB Device says not working.

Anyhow, I ran the FP FLash Tool, load it up, clicked DOWNLOAD, nothing happens for like 2-3 minutes, (no progress bar), the there is a pop-up message (see attached). The message says: "CHIP TYPE NOT Match ,,,,,"

As a noobie, i am at wits end. This is beyond my level. Would very much appreciate some expert advice! Thanks,

This phone is a 6737 not a 6735 so it's a mismatch, wrong scatter file.

Sent from my Life Max using Tapatalk

 

[mrmazak]

This phone is a 6737 not a 6735 so it's a mismatch, wrong scatter file.

Sent from my Life Max using Tapatalk

Thats the scatter file miricle box gave. But you are right it has wrong chip type.

I can try it on my phone to veriy if it works.


edit:
yeah it did not work. I tried myself with (MT6735 -the way it does work in miricle box, MT6737- the way sp flash recognizes the chip, and MT6737M- the way it is listed in build.prop) none have worked.

This is turning out to be a flaw with this phone. -- No hardware button combo to boot to fastboot mode. (if could boot directly to fastboot mode -sp flash tool not needed)

I have susscsefully used miricle box to both back up and restore this phone. I have used sp flash tool to test backup (read) but am having trouble makeing the download (flash) to work . The scatter error message keeps coming

I was using version 5.1548 of flash tool. It loaded scatter file with all three chip type names. And gave BB_chip type mismatch.
I updated to newest version of spflash tool. 5.1712 and it gives message that MT6737 is not supported by flash tool. , so that must be the problem.

I beleive the only option is to use miricle box to get you back running again.

https://forum.hovatek.com/thread-13894.html

 

[Infra.Red]

Video Recording on Stock camera works?

 

[vampirefo]

Thats the scatter file miricle box gave. But you are right it has wrong chip type.

I can try it on my phone to veriy if it works.


edit:
yeah it did not work. I tried myself with (MT6735 -the way it does work in miricle box, MT6737- the way sp flash recognizes the chip, and MT6737M- the way it is listed in build.prop) none have worked.

This is turning out to be a flaw with this phone. -- No hardware button combo to boot to fastboot mode. (if could boot directly to fastboot mode -sp flash tool not needed)

I have susscsefully used miricle box to both back up and restore this phone. I have used sp flash tool to test backup (read) but am having trouble makeing the download (flash) to work . The scatter error message keeps coming

I was using version 5.1548 of flash tool. It loaded scatter file with all three chip type names. And gave BB_chip type mismatch.
I updated to newest version of spflash tool. 5.1712 and it gives message that MT6737 is not supported by flash tool. , so that must be the problem.

I beleive the only option is to use miricle box to get you back running again.

https://forum.hovatek.com/thread-13894.html

Use this one, I find hand making them works better.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=745425885120752338

 

[mrmazak]

Use this one, I find hand making them works better.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=745425885120752338

My testing failed three times.

I used the file as you supplied scatter set to 6737m

then set to 6737
then set to 6735

 

[vampirefo]

My testing failed three times.

I used the file as you supplied scatter set to 6737m

then set to 6737
then set to 6735

Works just fine for me, I use Linux version

USB port is obtained. path name(/dev/ttyACM0), port name(/dev/ttyACM0)
USB port detected: /dev/ttyACM0
BROM connected
Downloading & Connecting to DA...
connect DA end stage: 2, enable DRAM in 1st DA: 0
COM port is open. Trying to sync with the target...
DA Connected
executing DADownloadAll...
download speed: 15.65Mbps.
Disconnect!
comboTimeout index(3) saved.

 

[mrmazak]

Works just fine for me, I use Linux version

USB port is obtained. path name(/dev/ttyACM0), port name(/dev/ttyACM0)
USB port detected: /dev/ttyACM0
BROM connected
Downloading & Connecting to DA...
connect DA end stage: 2, enable DRAM in 1st DA: 0
COM port is open. Trying to sync with the target...
DA Connected
executing DADownloadAll...
download speed: 15.65Mbps.
Disconnect!
comboTimeout index(3) saved.

so once again what seems imposible in windows , gets done with ease in linux.
@clu1688 if you do not use linux there is a good alternative. I read a post on xda news and tried it out myself.
There is a virtual machine image you can use for working on your phone. It is called F.W.U.L. (forget windows use linux)
It is meant to be used as a live disk install.(temporary system) or it can be used in virtual box.

It has all the android tools you could need.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/an.../live-iso-adb-fastboot-driver-issues-t3526755