[ROM][UNOFFICIAL][A13.0][sunfish Pixel4a 4G] crDroid v9.7 with GApps

[DiamondJohn]

*** Disclaimer
I am not responsible for any damage you made to your device
You have been warned

crDroid is designed to increase performance and reliability over stock Android for your device, while adding a lot of eye-candy (ie features).

Features:
https://github.com/crdroidandroid

Screenshots
https://crdroid.net/#gallery

Flashing Instructions:
See the post: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...crdroid-v9-6-with-gapps.4593649/post-88703095

Pre-installation:

• Download the ROM
• download the JUNE 2023 stock firmware Flash the BOOTLOADER and RADIO
• Backup any important data
• Have an exit strategy if it goes wrong
• GApps are included
• Magisk 25.0 or newer for root (after first boot) - NOTE: v26.1 is the currently latest stable build.

NB: The FASTBOOT release method i use is not that well documented. But, its basically what occurs from flashing google supplied firmware releases, so it must be at least half good. It's a few more build steps & time, but it also makes it far easier for me to flash ( and for you). Not having a working TWRP, I don't understand (apart from the extra steps. time & storage) why all ROMs for P4A are not released like this.

Update installation:
Leave out the -w from the command. Its hard to miss

Sources:
ROM: https://github.com/crdroidandroid
Device: https://github.com/LineageOS/android_device_google_sunfish
Kernel: https://github.com/crdroidandroid/android_kernel_google_msm-4.14
Vendor: https://github.com/TheMuppets/proprietary_vendor_google_sunfish
Gapps: https://github.com/BlissRoms/platform_vendor_bliss

Download:
ROM crDroidAndroid-13.0-20230909-sunfish-v9.8-UNOFFICIAL-DiamondJohn-FASTBOOT.zip MD5: BD0C4E1D5AF6C1BD3DED8421FC6103B1
BOOT IMAGE crDroidAndroid-13.0-20230909-sunfish-v9.8-UNOFFICIAL-DiamondJohn_boot.img MD5: 17A1429B14AED36A264B435CBB34EFCB
Changelog: see attached in the release post

Known issues:
You tell the rest of us!

Visit official website @ crDroid.net https://crdroid.net
crDroid Community Telegram
crDroid Updates Channel

Donate to help the crDroid team pay server costs
OR
Donate to help others

 

[DiamondJohn]

The initial "out of the box" builds of crDroid 9.5 (A13) kept failing at the veeeeery last stage, where it would try to build a flashable image, and would fail the check that it would fit on the devices partitions.

I then built a non-googled version (by accident) and that succeeded. Obviously because the google apps installed by default, by crDroid, were taking too much space.

I spent HOURS trying to find where in crDroid the list of which google apps are installed, but failed. I am sure if someone pointed it out to me, I would slap my forehead, and say "obviously"!. And that is one of the difficulties in building crDroid. Other ROMs have telegram channels where one can speak directly with the ROM devs to ask questions. All I could find for crDroid was a user channel.

So, to get a build with google installed, I set it up to build crDroid without google, and added in the code from Bliss (a ROM I have already built, and they have addressed the size issue specifically for pixel devices. inc sunfish) to add google services & apps. That worked! I also noticed that there is an official release here for another device, on XDA, that also has no google...

The google apps installed by what I have done are actually pretty comprehensive. Below is a list:

• GoogleExtShared
• GooglePrintRecommendationService
• DocumentsUIGoogle
• GooglePackageInstaller
• TagGoogle
• CalculatorGooglePrebuilt
• CalendarGooglePrebuilt
• Chrome-Stub
• DevicePolicyPrebuilt
• GoogleContacts
• GoogleTTS
• LatinIMEGooglePrebuilt
• LocationHistoryPrebuilt
• Maps
• MarkupGoogle
• ModuleMetadataGoogle
• Photos
• PixelThemesStub
• PixelThemesStub2022_and_newer
• PrebuiltDeskClockGoogle
• PrebuiltGmail
• SoundPickerPrebuilt
• TrichromeLibrary-Stub
• WebViewGoogle-Stub
• talkback
• AdaptiveVPNPrebuilt
• AndroidAutoStubPrebuilt
• ConfigUpdater
• DeviceIntelligenceNetworkPrebuilt
• DevicePersonalizationPrebuiltPixel2022
• FilesPrebuilt
• GoogleDialer
• GoogleOneTimeInitializer
• GoogleRestorePrebuilt
• PartnerSetupPrebuilt
• Phonesky
• PrebuiltBugle
• PrebuiltGmsCore
• PrebuiltGmsCoreSc_AdsDynamite
• PrebuiltGmsCoreSc_CronetDynamite
• PrebuiltGmsCoreSc_DynamiteLoader
• PrebuiltGmsCoreSc_DynamiteModulesA
• PrebuiltGmsCoreSc_DynamiteModulesC
• PrebuiltGmsCoreSc_GoogleCertificates
• PrebuiltGmsCoreSc_MapsDynamite
• PrebuiltGmsCoreSc_MeasurementDynamite
• AndroidPlatformServices
• SafetyHubPrebuilt
• ScribePrebuilt
• SecurityHubPrebuilt
• SettingsIntelligenceGooglePrebuilt
• SetupWizardPrebuilt
• TurboPrebuilt
• Velvet
• WellbeingPrebuilt
• EmergencyInfoGoogleNoUi
• Flipendo
• GoogleServicesFramework
• PixelSetupWizard
• QuickAccessWallet
• StorageManagerGoogle
• TurboAdapter
• WallpaperPickerGoogleRelease
• com.google.android.dialer.support

Personally, im a little chuffed I got it working. I would also like to say, the instrctions for building crDroid on trheir guthuib page are really lacking. I had to use what I learnt from other ROMs (and their instructions) to even get started.

 

[DiamondJohn]

AFTER I built the above, I founmd that someone else has actually built crDroid with googl;e installed, and posted it up on Android File Host. I havent tested their build, but it was 10 days ago now, and there have been extra commits since that build. Specifically the brightness slider styles.

crDroidAndroid-13.0-20230525-sunfish-v9.5.zip: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=10620683726822056190

I think a few years ago I came across this guys AFH uploads when I had a Nexus 5, and I could not find anyway to contact him back then.

 

[DiamondJohn]

MY future plans for this ROM.

Firstly, this is UNOFFICIAL. I am not associated with crDroid in anyway. Any of you could do the same as what I have done.

If there is a bug, 1 of three things could happen.
1. Its something you have added to the ROM. Its now up to you to fix.
2. If the bug is sunfish specific, but I dont get bothered by the same bug, Meh. Chances are I wont fix it
3. Its a crDroid or LOS bug, I will direct you to post the bug with crDroid / LOS.

By all means, post the bug here to let others & me know and maybe help you, but do not get perturbed If I dont start spending time coding to fix it.

Changes to the ROM I foresee right now, since it is a personal share of the ROM I plan to run on my daily, primarily for ME, are:

• The QS tile headers are a Japanese anime theme. I will probably replace those with some abstract textures
• The default wallpaper which appears on the lockscreen before you unlock, although is better than others, I will change to another space theme to match my Live Wallpaper
• The theming colours are missing Teal!?!? I will probably replace an existing colour.
• Im thinking *maybe* the boot animation to the old nexus prime prime one (see below)
• maybe others I haven't noticed thus far, but I dont think anything too crazy or offensive.

NO GUARANNTEE, but since crDroid add features very often (eg brightness slider styles since the official v9.5 release), I will probably go with close to monthly builds to keep up.

 

[chozendroid]

Firstly, thanks so much for continuing to support this device. I really love the device itself and definitely welcome any custom ROM support.

Are you planning to make your vanilla builds available by chance? I kinda like the idea of starting with a vanilla ROM and installing only a minimal Gapps package if the option is available

 

[DiamondJohn]

Firstly, thanks so much for continuing to support this device. I really love the device itself and definitely welcome any custom ROM support.

Are you planning to make your vanilla builds available by chance? I kinda like the idea of starting with a vanilla ROM and installing only a minimal Gapps package if the option is available

Most of your questions are answered explicitly by my post above yours.

As for minimal GApps, I also generally previously flashed min GApps, so as to exclude anything I can get from the playstore. I actually read the list of included GApps after I had started the build (over 150,000 steps) and thought about cutting it back, and restarting. However, It is simple to Force_Close-Clear-Freeze-Hide any app that you dont want, which practically makes it as if it was never installed. If your rooted, yu can use my app TeMeFI to do it. Thats how I do it, including i5tens such as MatLab & Eleven ( as I use Vinyl from the playstore) and Viper instead of MusicFX. Everyone has their own preferences,

I am NOT going to build & release multiple version with different levels of GApps.

 

[chozendroid]

Most of your questions are answered explicitly by my post above yours.

As for minimal GApps, I also generally previously flashed min GApps, so as to exclude anything I can get from the playstore. I actually read the list of included GApps after I had started the build (over 150,000 steps) and thought about cutting it back, and restarting. However, It is simple to Force_Close-Clear-Freeze-Hide any app that you dont want, which practically makes it as if it was never installed. If your rooted, yu can use my app TeMeFI to do it. Thats how I do it, including i5tens such as MatLab & Eleven ( as I use Vinyl from the playstore) and Viper instead of MusicFX. Everyone has their own preferences,

I am NOT going to build & release multiple version with different levels of GApps.

I appreciate the response. It is your build, so I fully respect your decisions. I personally don't root (Google Pay issues and intermittent errors with specific banking apps), so I'll just have to stick with the basic approach of hiding whatever apps I don't use. Definitely look forward to giving it a try over the weekend when I have some downtime.

 

[DiamondJohn]

Firstly, thanks so much for continuing to support this device. I really love the device itself and definitely welcome any custom ROM support.

And to state the obvious, I LOVE this device and build custom ROMs for it, for me to use.

A few weeks ago I watched a number of videos about how this device is still a good choice today. So we two are not the only ones.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pixel+4a+2023

Are you planning to make your vanilla builds available by chance? I kinda like the idea of starting with a vanilla ROM and installing only a minimal Gapps package if the option is available

Actually, on the other OFFICAL release of crDroid for another device, he called his de-googled build "VANILLA". Were you asking about a ROM with any google whatsoever? I tried adding Google services via a Magsk module and it wasnt great. The keyboard never popped up when I entered a text field, and I couldnt install the updated GBoard. I had to install the M$ keyboard. AND that GApps module obviously requires root/Magisk.

I personally would of assumed "VANILLA" android (ie ASOP / Pixel Device) includes Google Services, but meh, what do I know.

I appreciate the response. It is your build, so I fully respect your decisions. I personally don't root (Google Pay issues and intermittent errors with specific banking apps), so I'll just have to stick with the basic approach of hiding whatever apps I don't use. Definitely look forward to giving it a try over the weekend when I have some downtime.

As for Force_Close-Clear-Freeze-Hide, im pretty sure you don't have to root the device.

And maybe, dont forget the link I posted to the other android file host build. Maybe he has built with less google stuff. But, I think he built before the brightness slider themes were added and who knows when the next build will occur. He has no contact details. I would like to know how he got GApps to be included.

 

[prog19]

I dont know anything about development (but been using custom roms since the nexus 4 days), but in my mi 9 se. I flash the build using the provided recovery (by means of adb sideload) then flash gapps (also by adb sideload). As i am new with this P4A i wish to know why a similar aproach doesn't work with our device.

 

[chozendroid]

Actually, on the other OFFICAL release of crDroid for another device, he called his de-googled build "VANILLA". Were you asking about a ROM with any google whatsoever?

This is exactly what I was asking about actually. A de-googled/vanilla build which would allow me to just sideload minimal Gapps via adb

 

[DiamondJohn]

I dont know anything about development (but been using custom roms since the nexus 4 days), but in my mi 9 se. I flash the build using the provided recovery (by means of adb sideload) then flash gapps (also by adb sideload). As i am new with this P4A i wish to know why a similar aproach doesn't work with our device.

Using ADB sideload, you HAVE to be on a specific version of a ROM; especially for the first flash or when switching between ROMs. This fastboot method first flashes any prerequisites, reboots, then completes the flash. All in a single step, no confusion in getting the correct starting point. To me its a LOT better, but more work for the DEV (ie ME). If you have flashed Bliss, then you would know you actually have to first flash an older fastboot file, and then install the latest version via sideload.

My method is a single step EVERY time I do a release. Including for those people who install for the first time, regardless of what ROM/firmware they are coming from. The only difference will be the -w parameter for the first time. They onlyt have to insure they are running a valid platform-tools (ie ADB/fastboot)

So, the ROM sideload way works for P4A, but this way is easier to install. In building, I first get the sideload file, but then have to run a few more steps and build time to get the sideload file out, and then a few more steps. ie its more work for me. But I think better for flashing; including for me. When I first flash the official Bliss, I made a mistake and the ROM was not working correctly

.... I flash the build using the provided recovery (by means of adb sideload) then flash gapps (also by adb sideload)....

Im not 100% certain, but I do not think you can add/overlay GApps by sideloading a GApps file over a P4A ROM. Like on older devices using TWRP. Or am I wrong? If Im wrong, then I will build without GApps and people can choose their GApps level/coverage. Easier for me, and better for others.

 

[DiamondJohn]

This is exactly what I was asking about actually. A de-googled/vanilla build which would allow me to just sideload minimal Gapps via adb

Again, are you 100% certain you can sideload GApps onto an existing ROM on the Pixel 4A? read above. If you can, then that's what I will build from now on. Much easier for me.

 

[chozendroid]

Again, are you 100% certain you can sideload GApps onto an existing ROM on the Pixel 4A? read above. If you can, then that's what I will build from now on. Much easier for me.

I'm not sure because I haven't seen any P4A ROMs based on Android 13 without built-in Gapps thus far. But like @prog19 mentioned, this is how it works for other devices. That's what I do with my OP6T, but I know each device has it's nuances, hence the reason I asked. It's not a necessity. I just find that it creates a lighter initial installation which is a matter of personal preference.

 

[Marcia8246]

DOPO aver creato quanto sopra, ho scoperto che qualcun altro ha effettivamente creato crDroid con googl;e installato e l'ha pubblicato su Android File Host. Non ho testato la loro build, ma sono passati 10 giorni e ci sono stati commit extra da quella build. In particolare gli stili del dispositivo di scorrimento della luminosità.

crDroidAndroid-13.0-20230525-sunfish-v9.5.zip: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=10620683726822056190

Penso che qualche anno fa mi sono imbattuto in questi caricamenti AFH di questo ragazzo quando avevo un Nexus 5, e non sono riuscito a trovarlo comunque per contattarlo allora.

AFTER I built the above, I founmd that someone else has actually built crDroid with googl;e installed, and posted it up on Android File Host. I havent tested their build, but it was 10 days ago now, and there have been extra commits since that build. Specifically the brightness slider styles.

crDroidAndroid-13.0-20230525-sunfish-v9.5.zip: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=10620683726822056190

I think a few years ago I came across this guys AFH uploads when I had a Nexus 5, and I could not find anyway to contact him back then.

Hi! I have installed this github Rom, but have few little bugs, your rom is different? I want try it

 

[prog19]

Using ADB sideload, you HAVE to be on a specific version of a ROM; especially for the first flash or when switching between ROMs. This fastboot method first flashes any prerequisites, reboots, then completes the flash. All in a single step, no confusion in getting the correct starting point. To me its a LOT better, but more work for the DEV (ie ME). If you have flashed Bliss, then you would know you actually have to first flash an older fastboot file, and then install the latest version via sideload.

My method is a single step EVERY time I do a release. Including for those people who install for the first time, regardless of what ROM/firmware they are coming from. The only difference will be the -w parameter for the first time. They onlyt have to insure they are running a valid platform-tools (ie ADB/fastboot)

So, the ROM sideload way works for P4A, but this way is easier to install. In building, I first get the sideload file, but then have to run a few more steps and build time to get the sideload file out, and then a few more steps. ie its more work for me. But I think better for flashing; including for me. When I first flash the official Bliss, I made a mistake and the ROM was not working correctly


Im not 100% certain, but I do not think you can add/overlay GApps by sideloading a GApps file over a P4A ROM. Like on older devices using TWRP. Or am I wrong? If Im wrong, then I will build without GApps and people can choose their GApps level/coverage. Easier for me, and better for others.

Thank you for the very detailed answer

 

[DiamondJohn]

Hi! I have installed this github Rom, but have few little bugs, your rom is different? I want try it

Yes. I already explained the difference, in addition to not knowing any details that I have also doc'd in the OP.

To be clear, I know nothing more about this ROM than you. Actually, even less, as you have flashed it.

 

[DiamondJohn]

I'm not sure because I haven't seen any P4A ROMs based on Android 13 without built-in Gapps thus far. But like @prog19 mentioned, this is how it works for other devices. That's what I do with my OP6T, but I know each device has it's nuances, hence the reason I asked. It's not a necessity. I just find that it creates a lighter initial installation which is a matter of personal preference.

As for working for "other devices", thats one of the changes in Googles newer devices. But the same would go for the Pixel 4A 5G, the 5, 6 & 7 series pixel devices. Try and find a single sideloadable ZIP that makes an incremental change on one of these devices, to one of the system partitions. And its not just google. Thats one of the reasons to use Magisk modules, they allow a partial targeted change to a RO partitions.

I think there is an official A13 GrapheneOS ROM for the Pixel 4A, that has no GApps.

 

[DiamondJohn]

FYI: Im kicking off a kinda test build, with a smaller google footprint, and 11 modified header QS images.

Also ONLY on my installed ROM on personal device (NOT in the ROM). I have debloated Aperture (the Camera)l, Eleven & Audio FX and installed Google Camera (It has "Night Vision" which I dont know if its better, but I like the option), Vinyl as my music player, and ViperFX as my Eq. Viper eq's the sound for the player, but not from some other apps.
See below post for how:

[OFFICIAL] BlissRom 16 [Typhoon] [sunfish][Android 13]

BlissRoms comes with a wide selection of customization options from around the Android community as well as unique options developed by our team. With so many options available, you’ll find it hard not to enjoy the Blissful experience. Our focus...

forum.xda-developers.com

The RisingOS actually has a good Music player, that is updated on F-Droid, I would probably go with that, if I remembered the name, and wasn't committed with boot scripts to Vinyl. Since its part of a ROM, probably get more attention.

I also liked the calculator on RisingOS. I'll check if someone can get me the APK and it works, and the name of the Music player.

 

[DiamondJohn]

FYI: I did a test build over last night, but three of my changes didn't go as expected, so I will need to fix them and do another build before release. DOH!

1. The boot animation frame rate is WAAAaay to fast
2. One of my new QS Tile headers isnt displaying. Dont get it as it is literally the same as another one just a different shade/colour pallet
3. The default wallpaper remained unchanged.

I did note that there was a small flurry of changes (bug fixes, not new features)

One of the new headers is interesting, but I dont think I will personally use it (ironically I would use the one that failed...)



Its basically a view of the circuit board from the back. Kind-a simulates you are actually dragging the screen off to reveal the circuits underneath. If only I could find a photo of the correct side of the main board and not from the back. Anyone?

Another FYI, I installed ReVAnced as root and it went without a hitch, All I did was:

1. Downloaded & installed the revanced manager APK
2. Started it up to see which version of You Tube it expected
3. Source the correct version of youtube from APK Mirror OR APK pure etc etc etc
4. Installed the base correct & expected Youtube
5. Ran ReVanced Manager. Selected it to apply the "Default Patching" BUT turned off the MicroG support
6. Ran the patching
7. Installed it as root
8. rebooted
9. Detach youtube from playstore
10. Enjoy!

 

[DiamondJohn]

forgot step 8.5 for ReVanced install, Detached it from the playstore

also realised the reason / where I failed on the three points of the ROM build issues.