[Q] about encyption, recovery and ROMS - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi
I flashed roms before and have a bit of knowlege but it was a long time ago (Nexus one)....
I want to update my S3 a bit:
What i want:
- Internal and exterman encryption (i read TWRP is capable of this)
- Custom Recovery for flashing ROMS and other goodies (while encrypted)
- What ROMS do support encryption (internal and external?)
My first goal will be: Working custom recovery and encryption with stock (rooted). After that i will flash roms...
1. My idea is to flash custom recovery (TWRP) before i do the internal and external encryption (on stock). I will use Heimdall for flashing the img but i could also do it with adb or even play store app, what mehtod do you recommend ?
- Is this the right order ?
- Does TWRP handle internal/external encryption well for flashing zips etc ? after i encrypted everything ?
- Will I be able to flash roms while internal/external is encrypted ? (guess no?)
- Does the recovery work with encrypted sdcard ? Can i wipe etc with TWRP when the internal is encrypted ?
- Does the encrypted stock work with the TWRP (i guess they have no connection but better be sure )
2. If everything works as i hope it does i want to use some Roms, unfortunatelly when i used to do this for the nexus one, every rom had stated what did not work on them. Now this seems not appropriate anymore and i have to ask.
- For the flashing of ROMS my idea of workflow is a s follows:
1. Facory restet in recovery (to get rid of encryption)
2. Wipe all caches etc
3. install custom Rom
4. Encrypt everything again
Does this sound good ?
However i think it is better to open a new thread about that cause its not so related to the recovery and encryption so much.
On a side note, from reading a lot it appears not many of you use encryption at all, why is that ? Any downsides ?
Thanks and have a nice week!

Related

[MOD][GUIDE] Unencrypt/Flashable - Disable Force Encryption - Any Rom/Kernel

Depreciated!! See this thread for the new recommended package. All of my instruction below is still valid, just use the new package from thread linked here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3234422
~~DISCLAIMER~~​Flashing roms, kernels, and mods come with NO guarantee, NONE, ZILCH, NADA . . Do NOT use this package if you do not grasp and understand this concept. You have been warned.
This is a recovery flashable that will extract your boot.img, unpack all pieces, modify fstab.shamu to disable forced encryption, repackage, and flash boot.img back to system. It does NOT actually unencrypt your device. More on that later.
It will work on ANY kernel for this device, regardless of whether it is the stock kernel, or a custom ROM kernel. Also to date, it has shown to work on any version of android . . it is essentially future proof (unless google throws us a major curve ball in the future and radically alters how encryption is triggered at first boot).
Why use this? Who is this package for?
-If you are running 100% Stock Rom, but have a recovery installed and wish to unencrypt your storage. No root needed.
-Running a custom kernel you like, but it forces encryption and you want to change that.
-Currently unencrypted but want to flash a rom that uses FORCEENCRYPTION by default (cyanogenmod12).
-Just bored and want to toss the dice and see what happens.
That is pretty sweet right? Now you can flash anything and as long as you flash this afterwords, you wont have to worry about booting a rom and seeing that dreaded "Encrypting" screen anymore.
What doesn't this do?
-Well, to be blunt . . it does NOT actually UNENCRYPT your device. You will have to bite that bullet on your own, but I will offer some advice on that front later.
Changelog:
03/30/2015
Remove my ill advised attempt to auto patch nightlies, not possible
01/12/2015
Initial Build/Release
Includes fully working patch to initrd, specifically fstab.shamu to revert FORCEENCRYPTION by default.
Buglist:
Auto patch support removed, would never work anywayaddon.d support not currently working - fix is to flash this package with every nightly to preserve unencryption
How to download and install?
Download - NO_FORCE_ENCRYPT_shamu_v1.0-signed.zip
Reboot Recovery - TWRP only has been tested as working
Select "Install" and navigate to where ever you stored that file . . likely /sdcard/downloads/
Take a deep breath and wait for it to finish.
TADA . . done. Reboot and Profit!!
NOTE: You can feel free to flash this as part of a line of other packages.
Example: You are already unencrypted and want to flash Cyanogenmod 12 (assumes you have all packages downloaded already)
-TWRP factory reset (optional but recommended when coming from another rom)
--TWRP's built in factory reset function does quite well, but if you are like me and want a clean slate . .
---TWRP>Wipe>ADVANCED WIPE> and check System, Data, Cache (will leave internal storage intact). This is recommened specifically in conjunction with switching GApps.
-Install> and select all packages at once. I recommend the following order . . Rom, then my Kernel Patcher, then SuperSU (optional), then GApps last.
That was certainly easy right? Well the truth is, unless you are already unencrypted . . nothing will be different. You will still be encrypted. Bummer right? But that is where these next steps come in. They will give you the options available to reach the fabled unencrypted status!!
Below are the only three options I know of unencrypt once you are running a patched kernel. Select one below that works for you.
~~WARNING~~​
The below methods WILL erase EVERYTHING from data, including your INTERNAL STORAGE. Backup all important files, pictures, etc before proceeding. You have been told!!
-Go to Android>Settings>Backup & restore>Factory data reset (may not work properly with a custom recovery installed)
-Reboot to recovery and go to TWRP>Wipe>FORMAT DATA . . type "yes" to confirm
-Reboot to bootloader and type . .
Code:
fastboot format userdata
[note - I originally said to use the fastboot erase userdata function. This caused a recovery bootloop. Switching to "format" instead solved this issue. Thanks @aussie1234 for pointing this issue out to me]
Edit: make sure you boot android first after unencrypting before going into recovery. This will allow the proper creation of multiuser partitions, otherwise, twrp will not use the proper /data/media/0/ as root of storage.
Some may notice there is an experimental addon.d included. This NOT WORKING YET. DO NOT TRY AND USE IT. Not quite sure yet where in the chain it is broken, but that will be a problem for another day. In theory it should, but . . read the "disclaimer" at the top of this post. The idea here is to be able to flash nightlies as they roll out without having to re-apply this patch manually every time. This function is NOT supported on Stock Roms. If you try it and it works, let me know. Do NOT come yelling to me that it did not work and crying that you are now encrypted again. No whiner babies allowed.[REMOVED: didn't work and caused conflicts with some packages]
At the core of this tool is a script build by @dk_zero-cool which can be found . . [DEV][INITRD][2013-10-25] Injector - An Android Ramdisk Injection Tool
Ultimately, this package is as much his as it is mine. It is his magic script that did the hard part, I just put it to work in a new way.
Please don't share this package directly, link them back here if needed. That way, they can get proper support and instruction for its use.
Also thanks to @rascarlo . . his github made it easy to find what needed modded.
Nice! Now just to double check, im unencrypted so if i flash cm12 and this cm12 wont encrypt my phone while still using cm's kernel?
That is correct. In my tests it has worked just fine that way.
Edit: In fact, I just tested this exactly and works as expected.
On a side note, I can confirm that addon.d support does NOT work - do not attempt it. I updated the OP to reflect this and add a stronger warning. Right now you MUST flash this everytime you flash a rom that forces encryption.
Just what the doctor recommended for a flash-addict like my self....
Thanx :silly:
. . . uploaded from a hand-held Killer WHALE
Works like a charm much alohas bradah hixanthus
So say I flash a ROM. I want to do ROM, kernel, your boot.IMG, the gapps followed by a factory reset/erase user data if I understand correctly?
Example : DirtyUnicorns then leankernel your zip and then gapps
bmwh0r3 said:
So say I flash a ROM. I want to do ROM, kernel, your boot.IMG, the gapps followed by a factory reset/erase user data if I understand correctly?
Example : DirtyUnicorns then leankernel your zip and then gapps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you flash lean, don't bother with my flashable, as lean is already set for no force encryption isn't it?
hlxanthus said:
Well if you flash lean, don't bother with my flashable, as lean is already set for no force encryption isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure anymore. Will look. I tend to break things when flashing because I don't read closely. On my vzw note 3, I was well known to break everything. Kinda scary now that I have a nexus lol
Yes you're correct. I wonder why I can't get decrypted then?
bmwh0r3 said:
I'm not sure anymore. Will look. I tend to break things when flashing because I don't read closely. On my vzw note 3, I was well known to break everything. Kinda scary now that I have a nexus lol
Yes you're correct. I wonder why I can't get decrypted then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just do the factory rest then if already encrypted unless data is removed it will stay encrypted
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
hlxanthus said:
Well if you flash lean, don't bother with my flashable, as lean is already set for no force encryption isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bmwh0r3 said:
I'm not sure anymore. Will look. I tend to break things when flashing because I don't read closely. On my vzw note 3, I was well known to break everything. Kinda scary now that I have a nexus lol
Yes you're correct. I wonder why I can't get decrypted then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hlxanthus said:
Below are the only three options I know of unencrypt once you are running a patched kernel. Select one below that works for you.
~~WARNING~~​
The below methods WILL erase EVERYTHING from data, including your INTERNAL STORAGE. Backup all important files, pictures, etc before proceeding. You have been told!!
-Go to Android>Settings>Backup & restore>Factory data reset
-Reboot to recovery and go to TWRP>Wipe>FORMAT DATA . . type "yes" to confirm
-Reboot to bootloader and type . .
Code:
fastboot erase userdata
Edit: make sure you boot android first after unencrypting before going into recovery. This will allow the proper creation of multiuser partitions, otherwise, twrp will not use the proper /data/media/0/ as root of storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://github.com/imoseyon/leanKernel-shamu/commit/58ac4f97d882414bdea35d0d1ef0cd6f9027a3bb
Yes, lean kernel doesnt force encryption. If you are currently on lean kernel, so one of the three methods to unencrypted from above (quoted from my OP)
This worked great for me! Thank you SO much!
jtorress said:
This worked great for me! Thank you SO much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really is that simple isn't it? Glad it was of help!!
Mine is encrypted n6 running cm12 nightly .
So flashing this will format my storage or just data partition ?
I dont wanna loose my personal data's :/
This will not wipe anything. The package only turns an encryption forced kernel into a no force encryption kernel. It is then up to you to follow one of the three options from my OP to reach actual unencryption status.
But you can relatively easily do it, though it will take a little time. Boot to recovery, flash my package, and then create a nandroid backup. Then backup the entirety of your internal storage to your PC or OTG storage device. Once that is done, do one of the 3 methods to unencrypt. Once you do that, boot android (this step is important as it builds proper multiuser partitions) then restore data to your internal storage. Then boot back to recovery and restore your nandroid backup. That will take you back to the exact point you were before but now unencrypted.
I did all steps,but it still shows me that I'm encrypted. What am I doing wrong?
indigo888 said:
I did all steps,but it still shows me that I'm encrypted. What am I doing wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Walk me through in your own words what you did. Maybe we can figure out where you went wrong.
hlxanthus said:
Walk me through in your own words what you did. Maybe we can figure out where you went wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flash package and made nandroid backup in recovery.Then made factory reset and boot Android till welcome select language. Then switched off into recovery and restored backup....
And when you say you did a factory reset, how did you do that? A twrp factory reset will not work as it leaves the internal storage in tact. I am very explicit on the 3 ways to do this part (at least I thought I was).
hlxanthus said:
And when you say you did a factory reset, how did you do that? A twrp factory reset will not work as it leaves the internal storage in tact. I am very explicit on the 3 ways to do this part (at least I thought I was).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it from menu/settings/backup and reset.
indigo888 said:
I did it from menu/settings/backup and reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might be worth trying the other two methods as well. TWRP's format data method and the fastboot userdata method are pretty thorough. Should get you up and running

Encryption/Unencryption Questions & Problems - rooted, BlissPop ROM

I have some questions about encryption and quite possibly a problem that I need to sort out.
T-Mobile Galaxy S5 (SM-G900T)
Android 5.1.1
Rooted (SuperSU)
Philz Touch CWM Recovery
BlissPop Rom v3.2-klte-official (based off of CM 12.1)
Kernel (default BlissPop) 3.4.0-cyanogenmod-ge28a1c5-dirty
Baseband G900TUVU1FOG6
Prior to rooting, the device was all stock, and I had encryption for BOTH the phone and the SD card. I unencrypted both device and card before making any changes.
After successful rooting and ROM change, I wanted to encrypt the device again, so I did and it processed successfully (through the default "Security" section within settings). Unfortunately SD card encryption is not an option on this new ROM and if I remember correctly, it is CM 12.1 that does not allow SD card encryption, which makes sense why it's not an option. So I have the DEVICE encrypted, but not the SD card.
Even though the encryption went smooth, the ROM kinda "hiccups" a little when you first boot it. It shows the splash screen, then asks you for the encryption password, then it acts like it re-boots after entering the password, goes through an optimizes apps EVERY boot, but then it does boot into the OS and everything seems to be functioning fine. It's just the odd boot sequence that doesn't seem quite right.
I would really like encryption for BOTH device and SD card, so I was going to try a different ROM (open to suggestions if you know of a good one for speed, battery life, and encryption capabilities). I've run into a problem that I CANNOT UNENCRYPT THE DEVICE. In the "Security" section in settings, it now only TELLS ME "The device is encrypted" but it does not provide any way to unencrypt it, or to make any changes at all. This seems like it could be a lot of problems for me down the road.
The main questions and issues -
1.) How do I unencrypt the device to use a ROM that allows device & SD card encryption natively?
2.) Do I even need to unencrypt it to try different ROMs? I always figured better safe than sorry, so I I've always kept encryption off when messing with things?
3.) Is there a good solid ROM that is fast, good on the battery, and allows full device/SD encryption natively?
4.) Have I screwed myself over, or is there still hope for getting this sorted out?
UPDATE:
I updated to BlissPop 4.0.3 official ROM without any issues right through recovery. I am aware that I was only able to do this because the external SD card is not encrypted and if it was encrypted I'd have to use ADB sideload, setting up a temp dir and storing the files to be flashed there, or some other external method to flash files.
My questions about suitable ROMs that allow encryption of both the device and external SD remains. Does anyone know of a ROM that natively allows this? So far I have not been able to find one. Either they only support device encryption, or no encryption, but I haven't found one that supports both yet.
Also, my question about how to go about unencrypting the device still stands too. I cannot do it within Settings>Security>Encryption. It let me use that to encrypt the device, but won't let me unencrypt it using that method. No enc./unenc. options in Philz Touch CWMR, so I'm not quite sure where to go from here.
Thanks in advance for your input!

Revert back to miui from treble rom

How to revert back to miui from treble ROM and treble recovery. Is there any steps do I need to follow ?
Yes.
1. Install a non-treble recovery (e.g. official TWRP)
2. Flash Recovery-flashable MIUI.
3. Profit.
PS: make sure you have a full backup of your sdcard in a secure place (like a PC, memory card, pendrive, etc) before flashing. MIUI has a habit of encrypting your device which would cause you to lose everything

Disable internal storage encryption without wipe data

Is there anything way that i can disable data encryption? Both TWRP and orange fox not allow me to install anything and asking for password, i tried both lock password and mi password but nothing. I am trying to root my phone, i also tried to make a patched boot image with magisk manager but not install button was showing up.Any solution?
Stock rom with miui global 10.3.1.0 version
tzagaritos said:
Is there anything way that i can disable data encryption? Both TWRP and orange fox not allow me to install anything and asking for password, i tried both lock password and mi password but nothing. I am trying to root my phone, i also tried to make a patched boot image with magisk manager but not install button was showing up.Any solution?
Stock rom with miui global 10.3.1.0 version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don´t waste your time trying to decipher the password, they´re advanced algorithms that Android uses to make the Encryption-By-Default to protect data user not a personal password that can be easily decoded.
You can flash any zip using adb sideload through Advanced options in recovery, the problem would be trying to boot up due to AVB implementation, I never cared about format data when is needed so my important files I ever have on my external SDCard.
Some members refer that such recovery can decrypt data or not, this is not a problem by its own but the ability to boot. The simple way to decrypt data is formatting it.
As a side note decrypt data will be required just in some cases like when you unlocked for first time, when you are coming back to a Miui upgraded rom then to an AOSP one but most of custom roms based on Miui don´t have encryption like ROS, Xiaomi.eu or Mi-Globe.
SubwayChamp said:
Don´t waste your time trying to decipher the password, they´re advanced algorithms that Android uses to make the Encryption-By-Default to protect data user not a personal password that can be easily decoded.
You can flash any zip using adb sideload through Advanced options in recovery, the problem would be trying to boot up due to AVB implementation, I never cared about format data when is needed so my important files I ever have on my external SDCard.
Some members refer that such recovery can decrypt data or not, this is not a problem by its own but the ability to boot. The simple way to decrypt data is formatting it.
As a side note decrypt data will be required just in some cases like when you unlocked for first time, when you are coming back to a Miui upgraded rom then to an AOSP one but most of custom roms based on Miui don´t have encryption like ROS, Xiaomi.eu or Mi-Globe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks a lot , i did not know that i could flash zip files in that way, you saved me thanks again
use the custom TWRP by wzsx150, decryption is working with that one https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-8-Lite/development/mi-8-lite-twrp-t3850019
borg4571 said:
use the custom TWRP by wzsx150, decryption is working with that one https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-8-Lite/development/mi-8-lite-twrp-t3850019
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is possible to send me the img file through Google drive or anything familiar;its a mess trying yo download from the Chinese site
I have Android pie

Data partition stuck in encryption after custom rom install

I´ve tried to find any specific info on the subject for this phone but found none.
Maybe someone can help.
All was good on my phone when using Havoc custom rom. Yesterday I tested an android 11 custom rom on the device but decided to go back to 10. Orange Fox recovery restore gets stuck in the boot process. When using TWRP it can´t acess Data partition, so I´m unable to make any backups of data partition with it.
I´ve tried two diferent versions of either, and on TWRP after formating data the partition is once again acessible, but as soon as I flash a custom rom (tried two diferent one´s), boot to it and then reboot to recovery the Data partition is once again unacessible (encrypted) showing "0 MB".
Orange Fox recovery allows to access the data partition and so allows for backups to be created, but the restore process always ends up suck at boot (odly enough when enabling MTP on Orange Fox and connecting the phone to my Windows 10 machine two internal storage partitions appear in Explorer along side the SDCard one - all with the same content exactly). Something weird is going on here.
I´ve tried the steps on this post regarding DM verify (I do not know if it has got something to do with it) but it did not work (the fstab file already shows decryption on its entries):
[Deprecated] Universal DM-Verity, ForceEncrypt, Disk Quota Disabler [11/2/2020]
Hi all! For the past couple of months, I've been looking into making a more universal solution to disable dm-verity and forceencrypt. Needing to take different zips, modify them for different devices, and then cross your fingers when you switch...
forum.xda-developers.com
Has anyone had similar problems or knows what might be going on on my device?
Is the internal flash memory going bad maybe? I´m at a dead end here.
Apreciate any idea.
Thank you.

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