The short story (MODS please move this to correct forum if required)
How do I:
Unlock the bootloader
Root the TF201
Install CWM or TWRP
Install a custom ROM
I have a TF201 on JB 4.1.1 build no: 10.4.2.15
It has never been rooted or bootload unlocked
The Long Story
Hi all
I am sure the above question has been asked about a thousand times but here goes (MODS move this thread to correct thread if in the wrong place)
I have owned an Asus TF201 since about March, bought brand new from ebuyer.com, as i was new to android back then i didn't dare root it or unlock the bootloader in case i voided my warranty etc.
Since then my Prime has received all its updates via OTA and the current build is 10.4.2.15 on JB 4.1.1, it has never been rooted or bootload unlocked, it is in pristine unmodified condition.
In the mean time i got a Samsung Galaxy S3 and having played around with that got brave, i rooted it using CF Root method which automatically installed CMW Recovery and then proceeded to flash the Wanamlite ROM and have been happy with it since.
I am now looking to install a custom ROM on my PRIME it but have come across the fact that its not as easy or straight forward as the S3
Firstly, as its never been bootloader unlocked, rooted or modified in anyway shape or form it might be a bit tougher.
I have stumbled upon the fact that to install a custom rom, i need TWRP or CWM (or both (not sure)) installed which needs it to be rooted and in order to root i need to unlock the bootloader.
I have googled high and low on XDA, youtube and while they all point to an official Asus Bootloader unlocker, the Asus website claims that this is for ICS only (i'm on JB now in case you missed it), also a lot of the info out there is out of date since Asus has made changes.
So my question is as follows:
How do i unlock the bootloader? Everyone keeps mentioning an official Asus unlocker but its says for ICS ONLY and how do i run it
How do i root? - is there something like CF Root which was for the SGS3
Once i have the above do i then use TWRP or CWM or both to install a custom ROM?
I am aware that unlocking the bootloader voids warranty, i am aware that installing a custom ROM increases the binary counter, i am ware that bricking is possible (but lets try and minimize that), i am aware of those as i was warned about them from general research on wanting to do this and from modifying my S3.
Basically to use a custom rom on this device you download the unlocker tool from Asus (Says ICS only but works on JB, know from experience. Did it myself). It is an application and all you do is connect to the internet and run it. Once unlocked you can flash TWRP/root your device. Use either the guide on their website or go on youtube and look at some videos. There are step by step guides that show it all on video. Once you have TWRP you can head over to the dev section for the TF201 and download one of the custom roms (Hairybean 1.4 is supposed to drop soon, I'd suggest that one) and use the in-thread guide to flash it.
My #1 tip to you is read. read, and read it again. Understand it all and then proceed. Asking questions before you flash is better than doing it wrong and posting in the thread saying you bricked your prime then the OP/devs have to help you through the unbrick process. Questions are almost always answered quickly and in a friendly manner. Hope I helped
I think what he is asking for... is a full step by step guide... from a full stock JB locked TF201.... and I think It would be nice for all...
See U.
Istarth said:
I think what he is asking for... is a full step by step guide... from a full stock JB locked TF201.... and I think It would be nice for all...
See U.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what i mean, all the information is fragmented all over, not just on XDA but also on other Android /TF201 forums, in some places its clearer in others a bit obscure or vague or worse out of date since them Asus c**ks keep changing stuff
The Galaxy S3 Dev forums are far clearer and have step by step guides on how to do this, personally i hate watching them youtube videos whilst they are trying to help and plus points for the effort they put in, a lot of the people doing it just waffle in them and i still prefer the old fashion of step by step guides.
I learned how to go from stock S3 to Wanamlite ROM all in one evening and it was quick and painless.
But thanks for your help regarding using the Asus official tool for ICS works for JB, might now try it tomorrow or the day after.
I started a guide thread.
Sent from my Zio using xda app-developers app
Wow that guide would be awesome. I'm in the same situation as Shizbazki and I find it hard to get all the info to one and do it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998359
Link to my guide thread in the general forum. If anybody has any questions you can PM me or comment there and it'll likely be answered quickly. I'll gladly guide anyone through this process if they need other information.
NM. thanks, McJesus.
Related
I just wanted to make sure first if its safe too root and it wont affect future upgrades?
So far im liking the phone which is my first android phone and 2nd android device with my galaxy tab
And really liking the speed of it heck its faster than my galaxy tab which is overclocked at 1.4ghz and running voodoo kernel , Imagine the atrix being overclocked That's if it ever comes too that hopefully in the future.
But ya would like too root it at least for now .
If you arent comfortable flashing or not having an easy way to go back to stock, I would wait. The Stock ROM* that is listed in these forums is not easy to go back to absolute stock with, at least not for beginners. You have a possibility of messing some things up if you dont read thoroughly and know what exactly is going on. A lot of these posts in this sub forum are DEV related and shouldnt be performed by someone without a good knowledge of ADB.
Also, just a heads up, this really isn't development related. It should have been posted in the Q&A forum.
Moved to Q&A as not android development
whoops sorry i thought it was suppose too be in dev thread but thanks for moving it
So just rooting it you cant go back too stock easy if i have too? I saw superoneclick can root and unroot it but just wanted too be sure it wont effect any upgrades,
1) How comfortable are you with command line tools?
2) You may f*ck up your device (may.. not likely but still). How confident are you that you can recover it, even if it's coming on the forums and getting detailed information to help someone here help you
mister_al said:
1) How comfortable are you with command line tools?
2) You may f*ck up your device (may.. not likely but still). How confident are you that you can recover it, even if it's coming on the forums and getting detailed information to help someone here help you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just rooted and everything went fine
Well im not sure about this device but i did recover my galaxy tab that i thought was bricked from a bad kernel flash and had too flash back too the stock firmware and got it back too perfect than i flash back too the voodoo kernel and its working perfect
Usely i can probably recover any device as long its not 100% brick.
But my main question was will this effect new firmware upgrades and stuff?
On my galaxy tab it wasn't a problem upgrading too one of the sprint updates when rooted but it wouldn't update when it was on another custom kernel, So i guess it will be fine on the atrix when rooted?
Hello fellow transformer prime users,
I have been looking over many threads on how to update to JellyBean and have not come to the decision of whether I should update at the current moment or wait. The reason I feel uncomfortable with updating is that I soft bricked my prime when I did the .21 to .28 update, all due to my human error of not triple checking over myself. Thankfully I have superior knowledge of the android system because I have been using Android since the G1 days (yup I am not a noob, but neither am I an expert in these things, you can say that I am an intermediate power user). Fortunately I was able to unbrick using multiple methods and abd tricks that I found on these threads, and I truly thank everyone of the big guys out there for helping out though my difficult time. Although I had alot of fun in that ordeal, I surely DO NOT WANT TO GO OVER THAT HARDSHIP AGAIN (sorry but I have been emotionally scared for life).
Although it may seem that this post is question oriented I would like to note that it is mostly a plead for an update method suited for my particular setup.
On to the details:
At the current moment my prime is being used as a daily driver. It is my college life all bundled in to one awesome device.
Android version 4.0.3 ICS
It is rooted
it has IML74. US_epad-9.4.2.28.2-20120529 build
stock to the root <----get it.... its a joke
It has latest superuser
it has been backed up
Voodoo OTA root keeper shows 100%
The device is NOT UNLOCKED, it does not say that it is unlocked on start-up, ITS LOCKED
It has CWM 5.5.0.4
My first method of rooting was done though vipermods exploits
Last time I updated I just flashed the proper/suitable stock .28 build that I have now through CWM
At the current moment everything works wonderfully and I love this device.BUT I am afraid of bricking it...I have had bad dreams....BAD BAD NIGHTMARES....
So the question is...I mean comment...(sorry if this does not belong on here)...
What would be a best update method for my current setup
I thank all that help me out and apologize to the forum members and admins if this does not belong here...
I have made a video showing you my current setup youtu.be (sorry, delete this stuff, sorry) /xCQP6O1NpAY , thank you and I hope to soon be playing around with JB
I will also make a video of my update process so others with the same issue can follow my methods.
Thank you,
SpeedV
More info
SpeedV said:
Hello fellow transformer prime users,
I have been looking over many threads on how to update to JellyBean and have not come to the decision of whether I should update at the current moment or wait. The reason I feel uncomfortable with updating is that I soft bricked my prime when I did the .21 to .28 update, all due to my human error of not triple checking over myself. Thankfully I have superior knowledge of the android system because I have been using Android since the G1 days (yup I am not a noob, but neither am I an expert in these things, you can say that I am an intermediate power user). Fortunately I was able to unbrick using multiple methods and abd tricks that I found on these threads, and I truly thank everyone of the big guys out there for helping out though my difficult time. Although I had alot of fun in that ordeal, I surely DO NOT WANT TO GO OVER THAT HARDSHIP AGAIN (sorry but I have been emotionally scared for life).
Although it may seem that this post is question oriented I would like to note that it is mostly a plead for an update method suited for my particular setup.
On to the details:
At the current moment my prime is being used as a daily driver. It is my college life all bundled in to one awesome device.
Android version 4.0.3 ICS
It is rooted
it has IML74. US_epad-9.4.2.28.2-20120529 build
stock to the root <----get it.... its a joke
It has latest superuser
it has been backed up
Voodoo OTA root keeper shows 100%
The device is NOT UNLOCKED, it does not say that it is unlocked on start-up, ITS LOCKED
It has CWM 5.5.0.4
My first method of rooting was done though vipermods exploits
Last time I updated I just flashed the proper/suitable stock .28 build that I have now through CWM
At the current moment everything works wonderfully and I love this device.BUT I am afraid of bricking it...I have had bad dreams....BAD BAD NIGHTMARES....
So the question is...I mean comment...(sorry if this does not belong on here)...
What would be a best update method for my current setup
I thank all that help me out and apologize to the forum members and admins if this does not belong here...
I have made a video showing you my current setup youtu.be (sorry, delete this stuff, sorry) /xCQP6O1NpAY , thank you and I hope to soon be playing around with JB
I will also make a video of my update process so others with the same issue can follow my methods.
Thank you,
SpeedV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More info....
Before my .28 update with sparky's rom i had the .21 vipermod exploit....i had flashed cwm and updated my rom from the previous .18, and even before that i had root through vipermods initial root method.
I know my bootloader is locked, but how than is it posible for me to flash roms for unlocked bootloaders. The sparky rom that i flashed is supposedly for unlocked bootloaders.
I am sooooo confused....i dont want to brick my prime again.
More and more info.....
HOW I BRICKED IT BEFORE:
so i was on .21 and wanted to update to latest .28 build
I manually downloaded the stock.28 rom from asus website
I updated through icon on bottom right hand area...you know
All was going well then boooooom i got soft bricked with a bootloop
Did the popular unbrick method through abd then i found sparkys rom.
Flashed sparkys rom through cwm (i uploaded the rom through this abd command file mover thing i found on another xda forum whiles in cwm)
Flashed and installed perfectly
Ok now what should i do....unlock my device and twrp recovery it or whatever its called and then go from there?
Or just wait....i dont know where to start...and frankly i am very displeased with the amount of clarity out of the top guides out there....and all i see is a plethora of bricked devices...sad face...
Ok once again Thank You for your time and efforts.
SpeedV
Hey, could you please give some more information and links about the cwm you used and which popular adb unbrick method?
Weired issue...i heard about perfectly unlocked primes, about primes with locked bootloader "forever" (like my device), but never heard anything about an invisible unlock after softbrick...
Maybe somebody can figure out where "the magic" happened...
Grz
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
sigh
beckzz said:
Hey, could you please give some more information and links about the cwm you used and which popular adb unbrick method?
Weired issue...i heard about perfectly unlocked primes, about primes with locked bootloader "forever" (like my device), but never heard anything about an invisible unlock after softbrick...
Maybe somebody can figure out where "the magic" happened...
Grz
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just replied to you but my post did not go through....i spend a good hour finding stuff out for an answer....and now all gone....
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
ok simple answer: I unlocked device...I think through a vipermod primetime release that had it...i think v4 unlock tool don't remember
was on .11 then on .18 then to .21 now on .28
did root with vipermod, and installed cwm in .18 or .21 dont remember
got bricked when i manually updated to .28 from download from asus site
think that there is a method of binging back primes that are bricked
using quick abd pusher...thats what i used in cwm to get sparky's rom on prime and flashed
now working
I really dont give a damn anymore...I hate xda forums right now soooooo bad. I just wasted 1 HOUR, or even more 1+ hours with a perfect reply and all gone because of the stupid forum....
sorry man
I'm done
Please let me start by saying that I feel like an incompetent idiot...
I have searched through the forums without find in a answer to my issue. I have not bee keep up with the tfp scene as I was pleased with how my prime has been running for months. I decided to move up to newer ROMs...thinking hairy bean
So I am rooted and unlocked....don't remember when I did the ladder. I just know when I boot, it says device unlocked I the upper left hand corner. I have twrp installed and am currently on Cm 10.1.
How do I know if I am ICS or jb boot loader?
How do I just upgrade to jb Boot loader to be able to install all these newer ROMs? Is there any easy way? I am hesitant to install a ROM which explicitly says I need to have jb boot loader if I am not sure what I have....
These may be stupid questions but given all the talks about bricking, etc....I am being cautious....thanks.
Leo
I guess my biggest issue is where to go from here....?
All the guides are for new users who are already on jb from factory or have upgraded via official Asus update....tough to find somthng for someone who is 3 months behind.
LeoLopezDO said:
I guess my biggest issue is where to go from here....?
All the guides are for new users who are already on jb from factory or have upgraded via official Asus update....tough to find somthng for someone who is 3 months behind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you power on the prime look where the "Nvidia" logo is. If it is in the bottom center it is ICS bootloader if it is bottom right it is Jellybean bootloader.
In the second post of the hairybean thread there is instructions for upgrading from ICS bootloader. These wont do any harm if you are already on Jellybean bootloader so you could run them either way.
If you are still on ICS bootloader tho I would highly advise that you do the nvflash process first to make your prime unbrickable.
I need some help.... I just got a tf201 and it came with 4.0.3 with the . 28 so I thought it would be time to install a custom rom. So I read that nvflash was the thing to install and use but every page with instructions leads me to another page to download but the files are no longer on there...I have rooted and installed a couple different roms on my Kindle and Android phone so I know just enough to get myself into trouble and want to protect myself..... I have to do some searching on fastest also, I used it on my Kindle but that was over a year ago so I have to remember how to get into fastboot.....
OK I think I figure it out because of reading all the other post....It looks like the files were removed when they came out with the JB guide of doing it....So my question is then I should update to the 4.1 update then follow the guide over on mobi for the JB correct? I would really like someone to offer some suggestions before I go ahead and update and screw myself.....
easylistener said:
I need some help.... I just got a tf201 and it came with 4.0.3 with the . 28 so I thought it would be time to install a custom rom. So I read that nvflash was the thing to install and use but every page with instructions leads me to another page to download but the files are no longer on there...I have rooted and installed a couple different roms on my Kindle and Android phone so I know just enough to get myself into trouble and want to protect myself..... I have to do some searching on fastest also, I used it on my Kindle but that was over a year ago so I have to remember how to get into fastboot.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
easylistener said:
OK I think I figure it out because of reading all the other post....It looks like the files were removed when they came out with the JB guide of doing it....So my question is then I should update to the 4.1 update then follow the guide over on mobi for the JB correct? I would really like someone to offer some suggestions before I go ahead and update and screw myself.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you would be best off updating to the latest official 4.1.1 version (10.4.2.18) and using the guides and files designed for JB to make your NVFlash backups :good:.
Do read the official guide but there is also a clearer and more detailed guide to NVFlash for JellyBean HERE.
Note: it does say you need the 10.4.2.15 bootloader but the method and files work fine on the 10.4.2.18 also.
Do read the instructions carefully as the prime is a lot easier to brick than the other devices you have experience on.
Ok need some more help..... I found out my prime had twrp already installed.. So can I install nvflash after twrp has already y been installed?.. .. I have Ics on it and seems everything today is for jb......How or where can I find how to update my prime to jb since it has already been rooted and unload ked bootloader...... I don't want to brick it but want to get it updated to the point where these guides I can read and follow?
I have posted it on another thread but no luck so I will post a new thread. I have tf201. Its an awesome device (aside from the week wifi signal) and I have been happily draining its battery for the last 2.5 years. However the time has come to move to a custom rom. Asus abandoned the device for no reason and things are starting to slow down and its just sad. So I am thinking of taking the big step for rooting and going to a custom Rom in order to restore the glory of this awesome device. I searched and I have concluded that perhaps the best solution is the SlimKat rom but here things get tricky. Most of the guides I have seen mention that though its a TF300 rom it is compatible with TF201 but the process only mentions guidelines for TF300 users.
So I need help and I am sure there are a couple of people out there in the same need. I am on a stock version of 4.1.1 with a 10.4.2.18 kernel. Can anyone provide a full process for doing the upgrade. And I mean a full process like rooting, installing twrp , upgrading kernel and etc. I know most people post links saying go there and you will find what u need but when a thread is 100 pages its like searching a needle in a haystack and I really don't want to brick my device doing something, someone suggested and 10 pages later it was discovered that he was wrong and I missed it.
I know its a lot of asking but for someone who is fairly knowledgeable with android with the device I am sure that devoting a little time for people who just started experimenting with android development will do a lot of good for setting some good foundation for them to go on and one day give back to the community.
Thank you in advance.
Nailen said:
I have posted it on another thread but no luck so I will post a new thread. I have tf201. Its an awesome device (aside from the week wifi signal) and I have been happily draining its battery for the last 2.5 years. However the time has come to move to a custom rom. Asus abandoned the device for no reason and things are starting to slow down and its just sad. So I am thinking of taking the big step for rooting and going to a custom Rom in order to restore the glory of this awesome device. I searched and I have concluded that perhaps the best solution is the SlimKat rom but here things get tricky. Most of the guides I have seen mention that though its a TF300 rom it is compatible with TF201 but the process only mentions guidelines for TF300 users.
So I need help and I am sure there are a couple of people out there in the same need. I am on a stock version of 4.1.1 with a 10.4.2.18 kernel. Can anyone provide a full process for doing the upgrade. And I mean a full process like rooting, installing twrp , upgrading kernel and etc. I know most people post links saying go there and you will find what u need but when a thread is 100 pages its like searching a needle in a haystack and I really don't want to brick my device doing something, someone suggested and 10 pages later it was discovered that he was wrong and I missed it.
I know its a lot of asking but for someone who is fairly knowledgeable with android with the device I am sure that devoting a little time for people who just started experimenting with android development will do a lot of good for setting some good foundation for them to go on and one day give back to the community.
Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in the exact same position as you.
Lets hope someone can help!!!
Hello,
I was in the same position as you. And I decided to unlock and install a new rom. I did that on July. In concrete in have installed the CROMBi-kk ROM the link in the developers section is: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2773812
To unlock is very easy. Just download the Asus app and install it in Android and follow the steps.
I Followed this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2041627
In this link I did the unlock and the installation of Adroid SDK (this driver for the PC for recognizing the device when you start in bootloader mode).
After installing the driver I follow the post #4 in the CROMBi-kk thread to flash and install the new rom.
Sorry for my English. I don’t know I have explained it ok.