General TB132FU - FAQ and How to's

[als_bvg]

Read carefully:​

This is a dedicated post for general questions only. If you need technical support about flashing or restoring your device, please use the general topic for TB132FU. Please search for your question below before asking.​

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NEW: How to restore the lost Serial Number (on the second response)

How to flash Official global rom
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Did my work help you? Be free to buy me a coffee. PayPal me at @alsbvg​

FAQ:

Why so many versions of TB132FU and why so much confusion about the Android system, updates, etc?​

There are currently 3 systems available for the tablet known as TB132FU and is really important to find which one you have.

• Fake Global version - Modified Android 12
• Official International version - Official Android 12 or latest by Lenovo international
• Chinese version - Zui 14 based on Android 12 or latest by Lenovo China

But why so many versions then? The Chinese model is apparently cheaper than the international version, so Chinese sellers are selling online the Chinese model with a modified android version to look like the international version.

How to identify which version of TB132FU I have? By the seller:​

If you purchased your tablet online from china like on Aliexpress or from a seller that sells items from china, you most likely have the “Fake” Global version.

If you purchased your tablet on Lenovos’s website or a certified local or national seller in your country, you most likely have the International version. This version usually costs more.

If you purchased from china or anywhere else, but your tablet has a Chinese interface, you have the Chinese version running ZUI 14 or latest.

How to identify which version of TB132FU I have? By the system version:​

To make sure which one you have you can also do the following:
On your tablet go to SETTINGS > ABOUT DEVICE > and find your system version.

If it starts with TB132FU_S3 you have the Chinese version running an unofficial android version. The number S3 confirms it’s a modified OS. You will never get any updates.

If it says TB132FU_S0 you have the official international version. This is the official version, so you already have the best compatible system for your tablet. You will get official updates.

If you open the settings and see on the About device menu the system version ZUI, well you have the chinese official device and system.

Can I convert my Chinese TB132FU into the international version?​

The answer currently is no. Why? To keep it short: There is a code inside your tablet saying “This is the Chinese tablet” and because of this code you can't install the international android system. Maybe in the future, someone from the community will be able to find that code and change it so the tablet thinks it is the international version.

Can I convert my Official Lenovo-bought TB132FU to the Chinese version to use ZUI?​

Same as the answer above. We need to find the code and how to modify it first.

Can I use Lenovo’s Rescue and Smart Assistant software to convert my Chinese TB132FU into the international version?​

No. You will brick your device if you try to update your system using this tool.

What are the differences between the Chinese TB132FU and the International version?​

Chinese version with ZUI 14
Software: It comes with an Android flavor called ZUI currently based on android 12. Updates will be available.
System languages: English and Chinese only.
Full support for super fast charging with the original charger. Full charge in less than 90 minutes in most cases.
Computer mode: No longer available. The online community is pushing Lenovo to enable this option again.
HDR and L1 status: Fully functional HDR and L1 status for HD content on Netflix in most cases.

Chinese version with Fake global version
Software: It comes with a modified Android 12. No updates will be available.
System languages: All languages available.
Slow charging. Can take up to 3 hours to fully charge.
Computer mode: Available.
HDR and L1 status: Falty HDR on most apps. L1 status for HD content on Netflix.

Official International Version
Software: It comes with Android 12. Updates will be available by Lenovo.
System languages: All languages available.
Slow charging. Can take up to 3 hours to fully charge. (By some reports online) This information hasn't been confirmed yet as the community with the official international version is still small.
Computer mode: Available.
HDR and L1 status: Working HDR. L1 status for HD content on Netflix.

(Under construction)

 

[als_bvg]

How-tos and tutorials links:

How to install/restore ZUI on my fake global version?​

There are three options available. Please read all 3 below and decide which one you want to try.

OPTION ONE: If you are in a hurry and have technical knowledge download the file our community colleague @Fatperman managed to upload and install it using the SP flash tool. Thread here. A Step-by-step tutorial will be provided by another community member soon. A link will be provided once available.

OPTION TWO: If you are not in a hurry and don't have the technical knowledge to flash the system, there is an easier way, but it takes one or two days.
1 - Download Lenovo’s Rescue and Smart Assistant software here.
2 - Open the software and create an account. Connecting to Google is easier.
3 - Once connected to an account, find the SMALL blue FEEDBACK button on the right side bottom of your screen and click there.
4 - Put your email address and in COMMENTS write that you have problems flashing the Chinese version of TB132FU and that you would like to restore it to the original ZUI 14 software. PLEASE USE YOUR OWN WORDS.
5 - After one or two days (usually), INSIDE the software you will receive a response with instructions on how to install ZUI more easily. Note: You will not get a response via email, you will receive institutions inside Lenovo’s Rescue and Smart Assistant software.

The instructions are pretty simple. READ THEM carefully once you receive them. It's really easy. Basically, they will send you a link to download a special rescue tool and some credentials. Take a screenshot of the instructions as you will need to uninstall the official Rescue software and will lose the message.

Download and install the software they sent, enter using the temporary credentials (the credential are confidential and should not be shared), and follow the instructions on the screenshot you took. You will just need to turn off the tablet, click to restore, and connect the cable. After a few minutes, you will have the original ZUI 14 software.

Thanks again for the amazing help of our colleague @Fatperman for his exceptional work!

NEW - OPTION THREE:
This is by far the easist way to recover or flash the original ZUI 14 on our TB132FU. DON'T CLICK to Restore before reading all the steps.

Step 1: Download the original ZUI firmware here. Extract the files to a new folder. Password is on the table. Read carefully.
Step 2: Download and log in on the official rescue and smart assistant.
Step 3: Select to rescue your device and select as in the picture below:

Step 4: Click to download the firmware.
Step 5: Wait for the download to be completed until you see START Rescue. But don't click there yet. Don't close the program.
Step 6: Click the donwloads icon at the top and identify the folder where the download was saved.
On mine it was saved at C:\ProgramData\RSA\Download\RomFiles

Step 7: Access and Open the folder of the downloaded firmware and DELETE all files there, but don't delete the folder.
Step 8: Go to the ZUI firmware you downloaded before and copy all files inside the folder. Paste them inside the folder where you just deleted all files.
It should look something like this:

Step 9: TURN OFF YOUR TABLET and Go back to the rescue tool and now click the blue button Start Rescue. Follow the instructions on your screen.

Wait for the tablet to restar and DONE. You recovered or donwloaded the original ZUI on your tablet.

How to debloat my recently installed ZUI 14 and remove the Chinese apps and make it look better?​

1 - After starting your device, select English and connect to your wifi network.
2 - Once you are set, press the home screen for 3 seconds. Click Desktop Settings.
Switch off the "Left one screen".
Change to "Drawer Style"
3 - Find the setting button and go to General Settings > Language & input > Current Keyboard. Change it to English. (You can download Gboard or another keyboard later)
4 - Go back to the original setting screen and click on the search box. Search for google play services. Click to enable. Then search for Google Play Store and enable it as well.

5 - Before opening the Play store and connecting to your account, go to Apps management and uninstall any apps with Chinese characters you may find. Do not uninstall the HD browser just yet in case you need to download something later. Then restart your device.

6 - Open the Google Play store, and connect your account. Now you can update and download all your apps.
(If you see an error saying Google can't connect please follow the steps in this tutorial)

7 - Unistall HD Browser and done.

How to ROOT my TB132FU running ZUI 14?​

DISCLAMER: You will lose your data, so backup. It can brick your device if you don't know what to do. You need to know how to use ADB and fastboot commands. The tutorial is for advanced users that knows how to use ADB. Do your research first. If anything goes wrong, flash the ZUI firmware again.

For this tutorial you will need:
Windows computer with all necessary drivers installed
Know how to use ADB
The latest MAGISK manager app.
The latest ZUI firmware for TB132FU
Some minutes to complete all the steps.

Step 1: Go to SETTINGS Menu and click multiple times on your ZUI version. This will give you Developer access.
Step 2: Go General Settings menu > Developer options
Step 3: Click to enable OEM unlocking, also enable debugging mode.
Step 4: Connect your USB cable and run the following command:
adb reboot bootloader

Step 5: Run the fllowing command:
fastboot flashing unlock

On your tablet Click volume UP to unlock your bootloader
Wait for the confirmation on the tablet screen


Step 6: Run command:
fastboot reboot

This will make your tablet restart. Skip all configuarion steps on your tablet and install the latest version of MAGISK on your tablet.

Step 7: On your computer, go to the Firmware folder and copy the file boot.img to your tablet.
Step 8: Open MAGISK and click Select and patch a file. Find the boot.img you copied and patch this file. Wait for the process to be completed.
Step 9: Connect your tablet to your computer and access the folder Downloads in your tablet. There you will see a new boot image Magisk created. Rename that file to boot.img
Step 10: This is the most important step. You will now flash this boot.img file using the following commands:
adb reboot bootloader - to reboot to fastboot
fastboot flash boot boot.img

Wait for it to complete then:
fastboot reboot

Done, your tablet is now rooted. You can install Magisk again and root checker to make sure.

How to UNLOCK the bootloader of my TB132FU running ZUI 14?​

This will delete all you data
Step 1: Go to SETTINGS Menu and click multiple times on your ZUI version. This will give you Developer access.
Step 2: Go General Settings menu > Developer options
Step 3: Click to enable OEM unlocking, also enable debugging mode.
Step 4: Connect your USB cable and run the following command:
adb reboot bootloader

Step 5: Run the fllowing command:
fastboot flashing unlock

On your tablet Click volume UP to unlock your bootloader
Wait for the confirmation on the tablet screen

Step 6: Run command:
fastboot reboot

Done! Your bootloader is now unlocked.

How to Install and use GOOGLE PLAY on my TB132FU running ZUI 14?​

First you have to download and install a compatible Google Framework app. Got to APKmirror and search for google framework. Click the one that says Google Services Framework 12. Scroll down and find the version "December 17, 2021 GMT-0300". Install this version. Only this or older version will work. Do not try a different one. It will update automatically eventually.

Then go to settings and search for Google Play and enable the app. Done. You can now log in and use the PLay Store

How to RESTORE lost S/N Seria number?
Step 1 - Go back to ZUI 14. Use one of the options provided in this thread.
Step 2 - Unlock bootloader and OEM. Please refer to the tutorial to unlock the bootloader in this thread.
Step 3 - Once your bootloader is unlocked go and install on your computer MTK META Utility. Link here. Also install HxD here.
Step 4 - Turn off your tablet, disconnect the USB cable and open MTK META.
Step 5 - Click the option Dump NV region. Wait for it to finish reading. It will open a folder.
Step 6 - On the folder that opened, right-click with your mouse the file proinfo.bin and click to open with HxD, or open the software and drag and drop the file there.
Step 7 - Edit the proinfo.bin to add your Serial Number. Change the 12345ABCDE you see to your actual S/N. It's on the back of your tablet on a small sticker.
Step 8 - On the same folder press SHIFT on your keyboard and right-click on an empty space and click OPEN CMD/SHELL terminal here. Or if you use a ADB folder, copy the proinfo.bin file to it so you can flash it.
Step 9 - Turn on your tablet, make sure Debugging is active, connect your tablet to the computer and send these two commands:

adb reboot bootloader
(this will reboot your tablet to fastboot although the line says bootloader)

Once you see the red lines send the command:
fastboot flash proinfo proinfo.bin

And done. You can check in your setting menu if your serial number changed.

Now you can reflash ZUI or the global rom.

 

[ednardo777]

thanks man

 

[eamcardoso]

Great job !

 

[TheDrgizzmo]

How to debloat my recently installed ZUI 14 and remove the Chinese apps and make it look better?​

4 - Go back to the original setting screen and click on the search box. Search for google play services. Click to enable. Then search for Google Play Store and enable it as well.

5 - Before opening the Play store and connecting to your account, go to Apps management and uninstall any apps with Chinese characters you may find. Do not uninstall the HD browser just yet in case you need to download something later. Then restart your device.

6 - Open the Google Play store, and connect your account. Now you can update and download all your apps.
(If you see an error saying Google can't connect please follow the steps in this tutorial)

7 - Unistall HD Browser and done.

(Under construction)

bro im on zui14 and uninstall all apps, i download the google services and play store but cant still connecting to google account, i dtryed the google installer and stay on 3%... any help?

 

[TheDrgizzmo]

did it, first intall google services framwork, then google play and restart before log in

 

[Swanzzl]

Hi can you please guys share the Chinese version of the Lenovo RSA no need for the personal credentials, I tried too contact them as you said but I haven't received any answers thanks

 

[als_bvg]

Hi can you please guys share the Chinese version of the Lenovo RSA no need for the personal credentials, I tried too contact them as you said but I haven't received any answers

I don't think there's a Chinese version of the software. The credentials are needed. They may be off for the holidays so you will need to wait. Hopefully someone gets back to you during this week. Otherwise I would recommend writing again.

 

[ednardo777]

after install zui14 my device show message "orange state" in boot, I can't update even with vpn.


can i lock bootloader after installing zui14 in chinese version? how to proceed?

 

[als_bvg]

Yes you can. If anything goes wrong you can do everything again. I Unlocked the bootloader and tried flashing a recovery, bricked the tablet and used the tool to fix again.

after install zui14 my device show message "orange state" in boot, I can't update even with vpn.


can i lock bootloader after installing zui14 in chinese version? how to proceed?

 

[eamcardoso]

5 - After one or two days (usually), INSIDE the software you will receive a response with instructions on how to install ZUI more easily. Note: You will not get a response via email, you will receive institutions inside Lenovo’s Rescue and Smart Assistant software.

Where do I find the instructions in the software? Do they appear as a notification? p.s. I sent the message (feedback) two days ago and still haven't received a answer.

 

[ednardo777]

Sim você pode. Se algo der errado, você pode fazer tudo de novo. Desbloqueei o bootloader e tentei fazer uma recuperação, bloqueei o tablet e usei a ferramenta para consertar novamente.

thanks man

 

[als_bvg]

Where do I find the instructions in the software? Do they appear as a notification? p.s. I sent the message (feedback) two days ago and still haven't received a answer.

It will popup as a notification inside the rescue tool. They might be off for the holidays. I'll share another method tonight.

 

[als_bvg]

Third method on how to flash ZUI or restore the tablet added to the FAQ. Enjoy! Also Tutorial on how to root the device.

 

[Swanzzl]

Third method on how to flash ZUI or restore the tablet added to the FAQ. Enjoy! Also Tutorial on how to root the device.

This method worked for me thanks bro

 

[ug0o]

After unlocking the bootloader every time you boot up the device the following text will be displayed on the screen:

Orange State
Your device has been unlocked and can't be trusted..
Your device will boot in 5 seconds

To remove this text warning and 5s delay you need to change the file "lk.img" (firmware folder):

1. Open "lk.img" with a hex editor (for example, HxD)
2. In menu toolbar click "Search-Find" and select "Hex-values" tab.
3. Search 08 B5 0E 4B 7B 44 1B 68 1B 68 02 2B
   
4. Copy text 08 B5 00 20 08 BD 1B 68 1B 68 02 2B
5. Return back to hex editor window then right click on the highlighted items and select "Paste Insert"
   
6. The newly modified 24 characters will be displayed in red
   
7. Click "File" and select "Save".
8. Flash the modified "lk.img" in fastboot mode

fastboot flash lk lk.img

 

[ug0o]

ZUI_14.0.691
The firmware already includes Google Services Framework.
/system/system_ext/priv-app/GoogleServicesFramework/GoogleServicesFramework.apk
com.google.android.gsf - version 12-7567768
It is disabled by default.
When you turn on "Settings - Apps management - Google Basic Services" the application status changes to enabled (installed).

 

[als_bvg]

After unlocking the bootloader every time you boot up the device the following text will be displayed on the screen:

Orange State
Your device has been unlocked and can't be trusted..
Your device will boot in 5 seconds

To remove this text warning and 5s delay you need to change the file "lk.img" (firmware folder):

1. Open "lk.img" with a hex editor (for example, HxD)
2. In menu toolbar click "Search-Find" and select "Hex-values" tab.
3. Search 08 B5 0E 4B 7B 44 1B 68 1B 68 02 2BView attachment 5799489
4. Copy text 08 B5 00 20 08 BD 1B 68 1B 68 02 2B
5. Return back to hex editor window then right click on the highlighted items and select "Paste Insert"View attachment 5799501
6. The newly modified 24 characters will be displayed in redView attachment 5799503
7. Click "File" and select "Save".
8. Flash the modified "lk.img" in fastboot mode

fastboot flash lk lk.img

Nice work! Do you have any idea where the code for text on the picture below might be? Technically, if we are able to find this code and modify it, it should allow us to use the Offical Global rom. I tried to replicate these steps and these steps with no success. I can flash the image using fastboot but the message doesn't disappear.

Protip: The version TB132FU_USR_S000034_2206180119_MPR0_ROW allows the bootloader to remain unlocked. Useful for tests with the Global version

While the version "TB132FU_USR_S000089_2210200620_MPR0_ROW" will lock the bootloader and the commands to unlock will not work.

Let me know if you have any insights.

 

[ug0o]

Protip: The version TB132FU_USR_S000034_2206180119_MPR0_ROW allows the bootloader to remain unlocked. Useful for tests with the Global version

While the version "TB132FU_USR_S000089_2210200620_MPR0_ROW" will lock the bootloader and the commands to unlock will not work.

I had TB132FU_S000034_220618_ROW installed.
I flashed ZUI 14.0.691.
And now I can't flash any firmware through the flashtool. I can't flash my backup of TB132FU_S000034_220618_ROW.
That's why I'm still on the ZUI 14.0.691.
I'm getting used to it

 

[als_bvg]

I had TB132FU_S000034_220618_ROW installed.
I flashed ZUI 14.0.691.
And now I can't flash any firmware through the flashtool. I can't flash my backup of TB132FU_S000034_220618_ROW.
That's why I'm still on the ZUI 14.0.691.
I'm getting used to it

Awesome. Just a note: The fake global was TB132FU_S300062_220921_ROW, and the version we could use to try removing the code is TB132FU_USR_S000034_2206180119_MPR0_ROW. This version is flashable via the Third method on the FAQ. I tried to flash a backup using the Flash Tool and even splitting the dump using Wwr MTK tool and using the third flashing method, but no success with the backup either.

But If we manage to locate the 'Incompatible software' code we could use an official ROM.