Procedure for flashing GSI roms (LineageOS) - Xiaomi Mi A3 Questions & Answers

Hey guys, I'm trying to install LineageOS GSI (arm64 A/B) on my Mi A3 and seem to be having some trouble getting the GSI to actually boot successfully.
I have already done my research both on XDA and elsewhere online, yet most threads focused on the device seem to be of little to no use and/or filled with spam replies that only serve to confuse people looking into this.
A quick note regarding the aforementioned threads:
I don't mean to sound disrespectful to the community, but honestly, bashing somebody over why they'd rather install anything but your own fav piece of software is completely ridiculous.
Without further ado, my case goes as follows:
I'm starting fresh with the latest stock firmware, after having unlocked my bootloader ofc (critical too), I've successfully installed TWRP, wiped, installed the system image and yet after rebooting I'm just greeted with good ol' Fastboot, at which point I either directly flash the stock firmware and try again or wipe my data and whatnot (through TWRP, if reinstalled) and still end up with Fastboot.
Therefore, I have to ask you guys:
Has anyone previously successfully installed any GSI rom on the Mi A3?
Did you flash the system img while on stock firmware or a previously flashed custom rom (ie Pixel Experience)?
Is there any need for any special patch similar to the ones used for MIUI based Xiaomi phones?
Did you face any other issues while trying to flash a GSI?
My intention is to eventually install microG using Nanodroid.

Thanks for asking. I was trying to flash Havoc, crDroid and MSM-Xtended Android 10 GSIs but I can't boot the phone.
I have flashed lots of GSIs in the past, but this is really intriguing me, I can't boot on Mi A3. Wiping or formatting data does not solve, neither Permissiver or Disable Dm-verity zips did the job... :crying:

I successfully bootet the LineageOS GSI yesterday. I was not coming from stock though. I think this process should work assuming you already bootet to TWRP:
1. flash the GSI image to system partition using TWRP
2. flash the TWRP installer to keep your recovery
3. (not sure if needed) flash no fde patch
4. optional: flash some other stuff like Magisk and gapps
5. wipe data and dalvik
I think it rebooted to recovery on my first try but worked after flashing everything again. I probably made some mistake on my first attempt but just make sure to try again before giving up.
Also there's this tutorial but it's not at all what I did to get it working:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a3/how-to/tutorial-flash-custom-rom-mi-a3-t3977169

Related

[NEWBIE] Root questions - not sure because of language problems

I would certainly like to root my Poco F1. However, after reading loads of topics, I'm still not sure of which way to choose, because I have a bit of a problem with the jargon.
I want the face unlock to be working
I want to get rid of MIUI and have clean Android (for example Smart Lock doesn't work with MIUI)
I want to use gestures to navigate through the phone
Hence, I am probably looking for a custom ROM?
If I understand correctly, I need to:
Unlock the bootloader, then flash TWRP, then flash the custom ROM, then flash Magisk... and everything is done (?)
If I want to revert to stock ROM, I will just wipe everything, am I right?
Would these custom ROMs do?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/poco-f1/development/rom-pixel-experience-t3857076
https://forum.xda-developers.com/poco-f1/development/rom-nitrogen-os-beta-t3857557
Thank you all!
You need to flash the appropriate vendor as well. You can find the list of vendor firmwares for download here:
downloads. akhilnarang .me/MIUI/beryllium/
Most custom roms require a specific requirement for vendor. I'd recommend flashing the latest vendor, it shouldn't cause issues.
Magisk flashing isn't a necessary step, unless you prefer root access. Make sure to back up your data because your phone will get encrypted on first boot and all your data will be lost, not to mention the data loss during bootloader unlock. You can use force encryption disabler to disable encryption. But note that you will have to flash the zip every time you flash a new ROM/vendor or else it will get encrypted again.
Also. Pixel experience is a good ROM for stock android experience, but I would recommend lineage OS unofficial over it because of the customisation it provides. I haven't used Nitrogen OS in a long time, so I cannot judge on it.
PS: don't forget gapps. Custom ROMs don't have gapps included.
Let's correct a few things in kishore1998's post. First since the OP needs to unlock his bootloader, when he does that he'll lose all data. OP, if your data is important, backup to an external source before you start. After unlocking you'll need a recovery as stated before. Next is flashing vendor/firmware. After that , flash the rom of your choice. In it's OP it should tell you whether you need gapps or not. PE doesn't require gapps. Reboot, make sure all is fine then go back into recovery and flash Magisk. I'm on vendor/firmware 9.5.6, PE-AOSP-20180507 & Magisk 19.1. NOTE: I don't use DFE nor do I need it. You only need DFE if you want an unencrypted fone. If you do flash DFE, everytime you flash vendor/firmware your _next_ step is to flash DFE. TWRP allows you to stack zips to flash so you'll choose vendor/firmware and DFE, then flash before doing rom and gapps if needed. See this link which has a useful FAQ.
HTH
Matt.Murdock said:
I would certainly like to root my Poco F1. However, after reading loads of topics, I'm still not sure of which way to choose, because I have a bit of a problem with the jargon.
I want the face unlock to be working
I want to get rid of MIUI and have clean Android (for example Smart Lock doesn't work with MIUI)
I want to use gestures to navigate through the phone
Hence, I am probably looking for a custom ROM?
If I understand correctly, I need to:
Unlock the bootloader, then flash TWRP, then flash the custom ROM, then flash Magisk... and everything is done (?)
If I want to revert to stock ROM, I will just wipe everything, am I right?
Would these custom ROMs do?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/poco-f1/development/rom-pixel-experience-t3857076
https://forum.xda-developers.com/poco-f1/development/rom-nitrogen-os-beta-t3857557
Thank you all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey bro . you should first unlock bootloader with miunlock .you need waiting 66 hours . after that download developer rom (pejmimx) rememeber that most be pejmimx, search in google and download the final version. install twrp with minimal adb if your poco didnt connect to your pc in fastboot mode you need to change your pc (just once time ) . flash data system cache davlik (you should have micro sd or conect flash memory with otg to your phone). install rom dev pejmimx. install your favorite custome rom . install magisk and done .(donot install oxygen os because that is ported from one plus 6t and have much bugs) my suggest is crdroid rom
Matt.Murdock said:
I would certainly like to root my Poco F1. However, after reading loads of topics, I'm still not sure of which way to choose, because I have a bit of a problem with the jargon.
I want the face unlock to be working
I want to get rid of MIUI and have clean Android (for example Smart Lock doesn't work with MIUI)
I want to use gestures to navigate through the phone
Hence, I am probably looking for a custom ROM?
If I understand correctly, I need to:
Unlock the bootloader, then flash TWRP, then flash the custom ROM, then flash Magisk... and everything is done (?)
If I want to revert to stock ROM, I will just wipe everything, am I right?
Would these custom ROMs do?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/poco-f1/development/rom-pixel-experience-t3857076
https://forum.xda-developers.com/poco-f1/development/rom-nitrogen-os-beta-t3857557
Thank you all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a lot of guides here that describe the things you want.
Some checkpoints:
-Unlock your bootloader and install twrp (all personal data will be deleted)
-make a backup of your phone (when you backup check all partitions and images). This is your original system in case you want to go back. There's no particular reason to get more.
-install a custom ROM (crdroid that was suggested above is great imho) FOLLOW THE ROM'S INSTALLING INSTRUCTIONS TO THE COMMA.
-install nano-gapps and above if you want face unlock (pico and micro won't have it)
-flash magisk if you want root (don't forget to install magisk apk after flashing it)
-last but not least regardless of what's mentioned anywhere use official twrp and DON'T flash encryption disabler. It's just going to make your life harder without any benefits whatsoever.
Thank you, very helpful and assuring!
One more thing though - I often use dual boot of some apps. This is a Xiaomi-only feature; Does that mean with a different ROM (but for a Xiaomi device) I will lose this possibility?
I mainly just want to get rid of the MIUI ballast that interferes with the clean Android, so if there is a possibility to keep the ROM and delete MIUI, it would be maybe even better (?)

[Help] Confused how to proceed with custom ROM installation

Hello
I am using MIUI global 11.0.8 stock rom. Recently just unlocked the bootloader and trying to figure out how to flash LineageOS in it.
Tried to followed this guide https://forum.xda-developers.com/poco-f1/how-to/xiaomi-poco-f1-unlock-bootloader-custom-t3839405
But it seems like it is pretty old and not updated. Should i follow this thread or there is something updated? Also feels like i'm missing various things like disabling encryption(!), needs to be on old stock rom for proper installation, customized TWRP recovery and specific Xiaomi programs to do it properly. Could someone identify the missing info/issues i'm having trouble with? TIA.
61zone said:
Hello
I am using MIUI global 11.0.8 stock rom. Recently just unlocked the bootloader and trying to figure out how to flash LineageOS in it.
Tried to followed this guide https://forum.xda-developers.com/poco-f1/how-to/xiaomi-poco-f1-unlock-bootloader-custom-t3839405
But it seems like it is pretty old and not updated. Should i follow this thread or there is something updated? Also feels like i'm missing various things like disabling encryption(!), needs to be on old stock rom for proper installation, customized TWRP recovery and specific Xiaomi programs to do it properly. Could someone identify the missing info/issues i'm having trouble with? TIA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FIRST OF ALL BACKUP YOUR DATA. Go to fastboot mode and flash latest twrp recovery. Boot to recovery and wipe cache, system and data. Since this is the first time you are installing a custom rom you should format data in twrp. After formatting data reboot to twrp then transfer latest Lineage OS flashable zip in you phone's storage and flash it. Then flash gapps if you want. Then magisk if you want root and DFE if you don't want encryption. That's it. Now reboot to system.
And remember google is your friend.
callmebutcher101 said:
FIRST OF ALL BACKUP YOUR DATA. Go to fastboot mode and flash latest twrp recovery. Boot to recovery and wipe cache, system and data. Since this is the first time you are installing a custom rom you should format data in twrp. After formatting data reboot to twrp then transfer latest Lineage OS flashable zip in you phone's storage and flash it. Then flash gapps if you want. Then magisk if you want root and DFE if you don't want encryption. That's it. Now reboot to system.
And remember google is your friend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually there is too much information to handle at once that's why i got confused lol. Thanks for the infos :good:
I'll try to do according to your info.

After P.Experience Rom TWRP is gone and everything is encrypted

Hi. I installed Android 12 Pixel Experience rom and my TWRP gone after this. After installing the rom, TWRP replaced with Pixel Experience's own recovery mode. Currently, the ROM is installed and I can use it without any problems, but I cannot switch to a different ROM in any way. When I install TWRP with ADB, I cannot install the file named "DM Verity & ForceEncrypt disabler" because everything is encrypted. I do not use any passwords on the ROM (fingerprint, screen lock, etc.). I want to install new ROM so I need to make TWRP permanent and remove encryption on TWRP, because i can't see my files. As I said, the phone is can open and I can use it without problems. Looking forward to your help, thank you.
1) Backup everything
2) Install twrp and sideload the PE rom but don't boot into it
3) Flash the DFE (disable force encryption ) zip from twrp
4) Boot into the rom
Remember you won't get the ota updates if you disable the encryption and have to manually update the rom
easdasd617 said:
Hi. I installed Android 12 Pixel Experience rom and my TWRP gone after this. After installing the rom, TWRP replaced with Pixel Experience's own recovery mode. Currently, the ROM is installed and I can use it without any problems, but I cannot switch to a different ROM in any way. When I install TWRP with ADB, I cannot install the file named "DM Verity & ForceEncrypt disabler" because everything is encrypted. I do not use any passwords on the ROM (fingerprint, screen lock, etc.). I want to install new ROM so I need to make TWRP permanent and remove encryption on TWRP, because i can't see my files. As I said, the phone is can open and I can use it without problems. Looking forward to your help, thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to read the instructions before you flash anything. PE A12 is encrypted by default and because TWRP can't handle the decryption of A12 ROMs, PE replacing the TWRP with PE Recovery, so to be able to get OTA updates. This is a workaround until TWRP fix the decryption issue.
To flash another ROM, take backup of the files you want from your Internal Storage, flash TWRP via ADB, wipe everything and format data. Then connect your device to PC and transfer the ROM and the files you want to flash into your Internal Storage and proceed with flashing.

Question How to install custom rom

Hey guys, I know this is a vague question but I am facing problems after problems trying to install a single custom rom.
The Problem:
I have installed many custom roms over the years in A only partition devices. But ever since the introduction of A/B partition, those old guides are not proving useful and steps have become way too complicated. This is my first A/B device so I am somewhat of a noob here
My situation:
I have a Redmi Note 10 (sunny/mojito) (RKGINXM 12.5.6)
Bootloader is unlocked
Booted latest official Twrp (3.6.1 mojito) via the following commands fastboot boot twrp.img
I would like to install pixel experience so could anyone give a somewhat simplified guide. Would be greatly appreciated. Thank You
Install PixelExperience on tucana - PixelExperience Wiki
Install PixelExperience on tucana - PixelExperience Wiki
wiki.pixelexperience.org
ths might help
check once bro
don't know why peeps are struggling a lot while installing custom roms... i learned at the first time it's very easy.
PE recovery is recommended for flashing roms and a MicroSD Card...
1) Flash PE Recovery fastboot flash boot recovery.img
2) Flash MIUI 13 FW
3) Reboot to Recovery
4) Format Data
5) Flash ROM
6) Reboot and done
For flashing latest Pixel Experience you need to flash MIUI 13.0.5 FW (it's developer instruction if you want to skip it don't complain for bugs later)
alonsoj636 said:
don't know why peeps are struggling a lot while installing custom roms... i learned at the first time it's very easy.
PE recovery is recommended for flashing roms and a MicroSD Card...
1) Flash PE Recovery fastboot flash boot recovery.img
2) Flash MIUI 13 FW
3) Reboot to Recovery
4) Format Data
5) Flash ROM
6) Reboot and done
For flashing latest Pixel Experience you need to flash MIUI 13.0.5 FW (it's developer instruction if you want to skip it don't complain for bugs later)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It did work thanks. But this is only useful as far as we opt for PE. Could you tell for other ROMs as well
Injector287 said:
It did work thanks. But this is only useful as far as we opt for PE. Could you tell for other ROMs as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same steps for all ROMs... i flashed some other roms with PE Recovery as well
about FW just install it if the developer writes about it.

after installing lineage 19 for micro G, oneplus 5t only boots in recovery

Good evening dear members, I ask for your kind advice, as I have done something wrong to my Oneplus 5t.
I upgraded my Oneplus 5t with "lineage for microG" 19.1 (from lineage 18).
I had installed TWRP 3.5.0_9 (phone encrypted).
It booted fine the first time into system.
The problem arose after I tried to install Magisk 21.4 from TWRP.
Now the phone only boots in recovery, but it doesn't enter TWRP's menu. It stays on the first TWRP screen (where it shows the version number).
The good thing (I hope) is that I can enter fastboot mode.
I tried flashing TWRP again from fastboot to no avail.
I tried flashing boot.img from fastboot (taken from the original firmware), but still no luck.
Is there a way to install the original firmware from fastboot?
I think starting from scratch would be a step into the right direction.
Please give any suggestion which I fill follow to the letter.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
You have to be decrypted or flash DMverity for A12. I assume You mean Magisk 24.1 the current version is 24.3
Hi. This is what I did:
I downloaded and installed original firmware through fastboot (fastboot was still on).
I also installed original recovery through fastboot.
After that my oneplus 5t was in stock condition, apart from the bootloader, which was unlocked.
After that I managed to install TWRP through fastboot, and then lineage 19.
The thing is that TWRP doesn't support lineage 19, for one reason or another. Or it could be the other way around (lineage 19 doesn't support TWRP). In any case I had a phone which would only go in fastboot mode.
At least I knew what to do, as I did it already: reinstall stock firmware and recovery.
Long story short, I installed LOS recovery and lineage 19, and everything works fine.
Thanks everyone, and especially thaidroid, for the support.
Have a nice day.
miclombardo said:
Good evening dear members, I ask for your kind advice, as I have done something wrong to my Oneplus 5t.
I upgraded my Oneplus 5t with "lineage for microG" 19.1 (from lineage 18).
I had installed TWRP 3.5.0_9 (phone encrypted).
It booted fine the first time into system.
The problem arose after I tried to install Magisk 21.4 from TWRP.
Now the phone only boots in recovery, but it doesn't enter TWRP's menu. It stays on the first TWRP screen (where it shows the version number).
The good thing (I hope) is that I can enter fastboot mode.
I tried flashing TWRP again from fastboot to no avail.
I tried flashing boot.img from fastboot (taken from the original firmware), but still no luck.
Is there a way to install the original firmware from fastboot?
I think starting from scratch would be a step into the right direction.
Please give any suggestion which I fill follow to the letter.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not working cus you need to format data in recovery and then reboot it.
kirknado18 said:
Its not working cus you need to format data in recovery and then reboot it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It wont boot cus your encrypted formatting data will allow op5t to boot.
latest lineage + magisk = stuck on boot logo, I tried an older version of lineage + magisk (known to work), same thing.. what did I do?
paradoxiumwind said:
latest lineage + magisk = stuck on boot logo, I tried an older version of lineage + magisk (known to work), same thing.. what did I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What recovery are you on? TWRP?
I use the one posted alongside each version: https://download.lineageos.org/dumpling
can you help?
I need to root so I can titanium backup everything. but I can't root. I suspect I might need to fully format and wipe and start again, I tried wiping data and doing a fresh install, but after sideloading magisk it just fails to boot every time now.
Does it boot regularly BEFORE installing magisk? I am trying to define the source of the problem.
I have installed lineage 19 and magisk, and I confirm you that it's possible
Yes. It boots fine if I just install lineage then nevermindthegapps. problem only occurs if I flash magisk. I tried installing the .apk and patching the .boot image manually in it and then fastboot flashing that, but same thing.
oh - one possible thing that it may be - is that I had a couple of modules loaded (I think a gcam fix mod and something similar) in magisk, and I read somewhere about people having them stuck 'installed' despite demoving all traces of magisk app. whether that is the problem I don't know.
This is very strange. That's what I did:
Sideload lineage recovery
Sideload lineage 19
Download magisk apk
Patched boot image from lineage 19.zip
Sideload the patched boot image
And that's it it all worked
May I suggest you to start all over again?
is wiping system data sufficient or do I need to format it? I'd rather not lose my appdata- but I can't rescue it without root / titanium backup :/
Try first without formatting, and see how it goes
I wiped system/cache, installed lineage-19.1-20220719-nightly-dumpling-signed.zip / mindthegapps, phone booted up fine - rebooted fine.
ok, good. Now download latest magisk app and patch the boot img.
do I click patch vbmeta in image?
Yes.
First extract the file called boot.img from lineage.zip you just installed.
Then in magisk select "patch vbmeta in image".
Magisk should produce a file named something like " magisk_pached-24300_f41h3.img".
That patched file should be sideloaded.
Installation is explained really well by topjohnwu
it wouldn't flash without selecting vbmeta, so tried with, flashed it, now i'm sitting looking at the boot logo.

Categories

Resources