yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[ZenFone 2 General] seangeorgereid:
The unofficial CM rom...this installs..but I cannot boot into it.

I have wiped cache afye reinstalling, same result

I also tried to use the ROM from ASUS's website and I get error executing updated binary.
[ZenFone 2 General] playingmax:
use jrior001's unofficial TWRP

Wipe data & cache partitions before flashing rom.
[ZenFone 2 General] darkdragon505:
Got into the bootloader with FAIL(can not mount the necessary partitions) alight, but when I enter 'fastboot boot twrp.img', my terminal is stuck at 'downloading 'boot.img' and nothing happens!
[ZenFone 2 General] seangeorgereid:
thank you very much

that did the trick

up and running now

this forum has been extremely helpful.

My Experience

1 - Brand New Z00A / ZenFone24GB / ZE551ML

2 - Installed Asus Unlock Tool

3 - Phone stuck with bootloader that cannot be flashed

4 - Followed Level99's posts

5 - Installed Twrp

6 - I installed the wrong twrp

7 - Followed playingmax's instructions

8 - 100% up and running - unlocked, rooted, ROM changed
[ZenFone 2 General] DeathStolas:
I would like to thank everyone for coming together on this. It was nice to see everyone coming together and working toward a fix. Thank you all.
[ZenFone 2 General] Onyx VI:
Looks like the utility download link for the unlock bootloader isn't there anymore.
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
Actually, I was thinking of trying this today when I have a chance. Typically it does recognize the device via USB, and fastboot, adb commands work..like I can type: adb reboot recovery and it'll reboot properly, it's just that within recovery that's where it's not recognized anymore and I can't do much. I've asked my service team to see if they can downgrade the firmware and then reflash the update then try again. Great idea though to reinstall the drivers! :highfive:

---------- Post added at 09:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:34 AM ----------

Yes, I talked to HQ about our problems with the utility and told them to take it down. They'll bring it back once they make some fixes and provide the newest OTA which should fix these issues.
[ZenFone 2 General] XinoGami:
I used the unofficial unlocking and all is ok, even I flash SuperZen ROM.
[ZenFone 2 General] :
One of the lucky ones!

About the only thing I can think of that might help. That and possibly try flashing an older stock recovery than what you have? Maybe your downloaded file is corrupt or something. I downloaded the one from this link for the 2.20.40.97 version: http://www.mediafire.com/folder/setyy42t2cymy#dy87k1a0f8m81

Hopefully HQ can sort you out.
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
Yeah that's the one I grabbed too. So I'm not sure what happened...but it might even be the utility that I used before it went public...too many variables here..LOL!
[ZenFone 2 General] :
Well maybe if they can't sort out your issues with software you can get a new device out of them or at least some sort of refurb or something.

The funny thing here is that you're NOT just an ASUS rep, you're one of us, going through the same trials we are. Without that I don't think we would have a chance of getting a resolution out of them because you've been so active here and so persistent with HQ on this issue.

I went through a similar thing with my Transformer Prime when the GPS issue was hitting the fan and the rep that was all over the threads seemed like he wanted to help, but it seemed like he didn't own the device and wasn't an actual part of the community and was very difficult to get actual answers from (that's just how I remember it, it was a while ago) so I'm very appreciative of the time you've taken in this thread to get us all an official resolution, even though the community beat ASUS to it.

Here's another question: Does ADB work from TWRP? Like, can you sideload say the unofficial CM12 zip there? Is it *just* the factory recovery ADB that's an issue? If that works and factory doesn't I'd say give downloading a different one a try and flash again...sounds like something went south on your flash...
[ZenFone 2 General] Kona67:
Check your adb version (type adb version)

adb 1.0.32 is needed to sideloading. Maybe you have a previous version
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
I am on the same adb version as well :)

UPDATE: BBOOYAH! Drivers baby! I was able to sideload the latest firmware.
[ZenFone 2 General] DeathStolas:
So I feel something is still off, even though I can flash recovery, I can't flash ,for example, prism rom. So. Any idea when the next OTA is coming? It could just be my recovery but, just in case, I'd like the fix from ASUS.

My plan, use AFT to take phone back, and sideload current firmware, (even if I have to do it incrementally) then side load next OTA . then get back to playing around.
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
Are you flashing from TWRP? or Stock Recovery?
[ZenFone 2 General] DeathStolas:
From TWRP I can flash other roms just not that one, could be a bad download, though, more or less could be specific to my device and how it fixed, lol at this point meh CM12 is running good lol
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
yeah try to download the ROM again. I think m3t4l had issues flash large files, but I haven't tested anything yet. I'm just happy you guys were able to get a custom recovery and was able to flash other ROMs.
[ZenFone 2 General] :
I only have issues flashing large stuff from fastboot. Adb and recovery flashing work flawlessly for me. I'm guessing it's a bad zip file or something.
[ZenFone 2 General] Druboo666:
can you guys Try this to re-lock boot loader

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=63567304&postcount=38
[ZenFone 2 General] aguiamaster:
Did any notice my last message?

In Europe asus cannot say that you loose your warranty if unlock/root? Right asus_khang?

Enviado do meu iPhone usando o Tapatalk

---------- Post added at 09:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 PM ----------

Flashing your device does not void your statutory warranty - FSFE Legal.

Enviado do meu iPhone usando o Tapatalk
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
Hey there...I'm really sorry, but I don't know the answer to your question and can only speak to our conditions here in the US. Though I don't know if the other regions have different ones. Typically, they are the same across the board.
[ZenFone 2 General] Kebamishima:
So I tried level99s guide.. I was able to get to the last step, but when it tries to run the command, it always reboots during the custom recovery flashing process. Not really sure what to do. I have the white background when booting, I get an "update successful rebooting in 5 sec.." when I boot into boot loader. And my recovery doesnt work. I get an android with an error message.. I'm on 20.40.97 the ,64gb 4gb RAM model.. any help will be greatly appreciated. I know the official boot loader unlock is currently being redone by ASUS, anyone have any idea as to when it may be done? Or where they will release the information? Like on their website or something.. thank you all again!
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
When at the "error" screen, press power and tap the volume up button. It'll take you to recovery.
[ZenFone 2 General] Kebamishima:
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kebamishima

So I tried level99s guide.. I was able to get to the last step, but when it tries to run the command, it always reboots during the custom recovery flashing process. Not really sure what to do. I have the white background when booting, I get an "update successful rebooting in 5 sec.." when I boot into boot loader. And my recovery doesnt work. I get an android with an error message.. I'm on 20.40.97 the ,64gb 4gb RAM model.. any help will be greatly appreciated. I know the official boot loader unlock is currently being redone by ASUS, anyone have any idea as to when it may be done? Or where they will release the information? Like on their website or something.. thank you all again!

When at the "error" screen, press power and tap the volume up button. It'll take you to recovery.

OMG, it worked!!! I now have TWRP, Root, and a custom ROM!!

Thank you so much!!! :D
[ZenFone 2 General] hmm888:
Does Level99's guide work with the 5 second reboot and Unlock PASSED? Mine always said passed, not failed. Any status on any official fixes yet? It's been three weeks.
[ZenFone 2 General] Onyx VI:
That's interesting........ Wonder why ours don't say that.
[ZenFone 2 General] :
I'm not sure, but I think [MENTION=6922370]ASUS_Khang[/MENTION] said his was saying passed as well. Either way, if you follow his steps it should recover and give you a usable Fastboot as the error message isn't all that important here I don't think.

There was a post a couple pages back that said the next firmware update will include a fix for this. You won't see an OTA (because you used the tool and removed yourself from ASUS' OTA servers) but you'll be able to sideload it in recovery. Not sure the status on that though, there hasn't been an update in a while.

---------- Post added at 04:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:28 PM ----------

Mine said it successfully unlocked as well. After messing with it and royally screwing things up it started giving me other errors...
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
Okay folks, so the next OTA should fix the issue with the bootloader unlock tool causing the reboot. I've talked with our HQ team and they want me to test it when the next OTA comes out. They've removed my IMEI/SN's from their servers, and I've asked them to hold off on re-uploading the unlock tool until I'm sure (at least on my end) that it works. My plan is to sideload the OTA since I can do that now, and let you guys know what the deal is. I actually asked for a bootloader relock tool, but yeah that'll never go public...I tried.
[ZenFone 2 General] Frankenberrie:
If serial numbers are banned on the Asus servers couldn't a spoof tool be written?
[ZenFone 2 General] alexp1289:
Who gives a crap if it doesn't allow ota updates? Just compile twrp for the device and repackage the ota in a zip.
[ZenFone 2 General] Jhyrachy:
Luckily you live in Italy, so you are under EU laws.

Your warranty is still ok because in EU companies should prove that your modification damaged the phone, otherwise they cannot invalidate it.
[ZenFone 2 General] creison:
It is asking me a PIN of the device, but i dont have a Pin in my device LOL

Where do i get this pin?

Thanks in advance !
[ZenFone 2 General] acejavelin:
Nexus devices are the only ones that unlocking the bootloader does not void the warranty, but then again Nexus devices are basically unbrickable, pretty much the only way to brick one is to destroy the bootloader which takes extreme stupidity, negligence, or ignorance. Trust me, I've done just about everything to my Nexus 4, it has always been recoverable.
[ZenFone 2 General] creison:
Ok fix the pin problem.

Now the APP just fail to unlock device LOL and boot the phone normally, does anybody know what can be done ?

I`m on 2_20.40.97_20150917

Thanks in advance !
[ZenFone 2 General] Level99:
Okay, so at least some good news for the adventurous. I was able to successfully flash the WW .97. version of the firmware (same firmware I was previously running) in full on the device with the unlocked bootloader. So, even if we don't have full OTA functionality, at the very least we can still flash full system images in order to obtain updates (as long as ASUS continues to publish those full firmware images). I'm not antsy enough to try back-flashing older firmware though. This is, after all, my daily driver!

Edit: Above post was incorrect. Bootloader was not unlocked, but adb push of firmwares still works in recovery mode.
[ZenFone 2 General] creison:
Im on 97 and cant UB it fails every try dont know whats worng LOL :)

I also tryed all others ways to UB, but nothing.

After all i have decided to stay stock LOL and also unroot it, seems my phone is unrootable :)
[ZenFone 2 General] kanagawaben:
Why would you use this official unlock rather than the one we already have? I can't see any advantage to using the ASUS tool, just a possible disadvantage if it truly stops you from receiving ota updates.
[ZenFone 2 General] MatteXperiaU:
yeah, i'm stuck too..so..someone can help us?

UNOFFICIAL METHOD:

-Pros:

- Cons:

OFFICIAL METHOD:

-Pros:

-Cons:
[ZenFone 2 General] alboz83:
Interesting question! Maybe in this weekend i'll unkocked my zenfone but i don't know if is better official or unofficial tool. I know only that i'm afraid to unlock and lost warranty!!
[ZenFone 2 General] Level99:
Advantage: ASUS has publicly published an unlock, which they have tested and endorse. This is, in theory, much more reliable than the unofficial unlock. Chances for problems happening during the unlock process itself are small to none if done properly. Also, I support a company's efforts to be transparent and listen to what customers want. This is what we asked for, we got it, even if strings are attached.

Disadvantage: Voided warranty, no more automatic OTAs.

For unofficial:

Advantage: Can still get OTAs.

Disadvantage: Higher chance of issues with unlock process, including bricking. Voided warranty.
[ZenFone 2 General] DeathStolas:
I have an issue, after using this , when I boot into bootloader, it keeps pushing the unlock code and restarting, I can not issue any other fastboot commands, any help would be great! bootloader version shows unkown, signing shows a "?" and secure boot shows "?" . If I boot twice, i get : Result: Fail(can not mount the necessary partition). Then upon booting into bootloader it repeats commands again....
[ZenFone 2 General] fenixx1:
There is a problem here that none of you have commented about: the reason why ASUS delivered this file for us. I see this as a message of ASUS don't care about anymore this equipment, and let it free for us to tinker with it. Another confirmation of what i said before about ASUS don't delivering any OS upgrade, like never. I repeat: they will keep doing cosmetic upgrades/updates, until we all forget about de Z00A, and then they deliver the next iteration of the same platform, but with a newer name.

We all are falling here to marketing tactics. Opening all this threads to follow the game of ASUS is foolish. An official unlocker?, i don't know you, but i see in this a " do whatever you like with the phone bozos, we wont support it anymore".

Food for though

:o
[ZenFone 2 General] TanHung.Bio:
Hi guys

- official method with version 2..20.40.59+ will lost warranty.

- old method with version 2.19.40.22- wont lost warranty.
[ZenFone 2 General] :
What you are stating is not a fact; it is your speculation on what could happen. The fact is that they gave us an official unlocking method, that's all. I don't understand how you can come with these conclusions and state them as facts. F*ck logic.
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
How many people are getting the Failed to unlock notice when trying the unlock utility? If a lot of people are experiencing this, I will let our HQ team know ASAP.
[ZenFone 2 General] DeathStolas:
This is my issue from a few posts above:

I have an issue, after using this , when I boot into bootloader, it keeps pushing the unlock code and restarting, I can not issue any other fastboot commands, any help would be great! bootloader version shows unkown, signing shows a "?" and secure boot shows "?" . If I boot twice, i get : Result: Fail(can not mount the necessary partition). Then upon booting into bootloader it repeats commands again....
[ZenFone 2 General] Level99:
I only just noticed this, it's happening to me as well. I have the white ASUS boot screen, which I'm assuming means the bootloader unlock worked, but when getting to fastboot it does the same thing that DeathStolas is doing. I didn't see it at first because I selected the recovery option every time faster than the reboot command was issued.

Edit: Can confirm that bootloader unlock is in limbo. Unable to Fastboot boot twrp.img, says failure (unknown error). So right now, my device is listed in ASUS servers as being bootloader unlocked, but I don't actually have bootloader unlock.
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
Yeah that's weird - I'll forward this thread to the team and wait for their response. Since they are in TW, I probably won't hear until tonight, or tomorrow.

Best,

K
[ZenFone 2 General] DeathStolas:
Edit: Can confirm that bootloader unlock is in limbo. Unable to Fastboot boot twrp.img, says failure (unknown error). So right now, my device is listed in ASUS servers as being bootloader unlocked, but I don't actually have bootloader unlock.

Same status... here.
[ZenFone 2 General] :
Awe. :)
[ZenFone 2 General] MatteXperiaU:
i can't see why official method is better than unofficial..maybe with official someone can work on relocking method?
[ZenFone 2 General] hmm888:
When is the next OTA expected to be released?
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
All I can say is soon :) I'm going to check with the team once I test out the unlock tool and report back to them.
[ZenFone 2 General] acejavelin:
Technically it's not relevant which one is used... But many developers won't develop for a device without an official, working unlock method since they think it's a waste of time.
[ZenFone 2 General] Frankenberrie:
Has to be real soon just noticed a bunch of new releases on zen talk.. We gotta be next
[ZenFone 2 General] eoghan2t7:
[MENTION=6922370]ASUS_Khang[/MENTION] why can't the beta testers not get white listed for ota's that way users like me can get more details on errors for HQ so that they can fix the bugs faster?
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
Hey there! Sorry for the delayed response as I've been away. I think that's a great question! I'll bring it up in my meetings and forward to HQ to see if this is something they can implement.
[ZenFone 2 General] eoghan2t7:
Yeah it would be good to get proper adb access on a rootish kind of level to extract logs and other useful items etc. Please keep us beta testers updated on this question ;)
[ZenFone 2 General] Onyx VI:
I couldn't update to latest beta tester firmware. And I believe it's passed my time to get it. And I'm not part of beta tester anymore.
[ZenFone 2 General] kmatthewc:
where did you get the RAw file for the recovery tool from?
[ZenFone 2 General] bountylover:
Taking the red pill here

Who wants Asus' bloated ROM anyway?
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
Hey did you see #8 in the OTA release notes? :) I hope this helps everyone and that the unlock tool won't cause any issues. I haven't tested it myself yet, but will ASAP.

【Version】

V2.20.40.139_20151104

【Model Name】

ZenFone2 (ZE551ML)

【Release Date】

2015/11/12

【Release Note】

1 Improve screen turn into black during phone call issue.

2 Fix Miracast frame rate drop issue.

3 Fix NFC connect issue.

4 Fix network data warning notice don not come up issue

5 FixWi-Fi conncet issue

6 Fix 3G cannot camp to H plus in Laos and Paraguay issue.

7 Fix the coming call issue when using bluetooth earphone.

8 Fix Unlock Tool issue.

9 Improve service stability of modem

10 Fix the charging issue of roaming to LTE when data roaming option disabled

11 Fix boost stability issue

12 Fix the issue that user would still receive the notifications from Auto start denied Apps

13 Fix ASUS Mobile Manager data usage restriction issue

14 Fix ZenMotion Shake Shake screenshot issue

15 Fix URL recognition issue in Messages

16 Modify HK Chinese strings

17 Fix IME issue when open Yahoo PC version webpage by ASUS Browser

18 Fix countdown alarm issue after set in Snap View

19 Fix string issue in Theme Apps

20 Fix charge remained time display issue when quick charging

21 Fix SIM PIN lock issue in Cover View

22 Modify Quick charge notification UI layout

23 Fix System UI stability issue

24 Fix Power saver settings issue

25 Fix JP FlipFont issue

26 Fix Battery Simplified Chinese string issue

27 Fix ASUS Mobile Manager data usage calculation issue

28 Improve Auto Start Manager stability

29 Remove BookLive from JP SKU

30 Fix Documents UI stability issue

31 Fix Snap View UI issue and improve its performance when install 3rd party apps

32 Improve Hand Writing accuracy

33 Fix flashlight turn-off issue when double tap power key

34 Fix Power Saver Ultra saving mode notification settings issue

# New Features

1 Add phone number editing function in Dual SIM settings

2 Add 128G SD card turn into Power Saver mode function.

3 Add Latvian and Lithuanian languages
[ZenFone 2 General] MatteXperiaU:
so..i never unlock my Zenfone..how can i unlock bootloader now? with last firmware this should be working? https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone_2_ZE550ML/HelpDesk_Download/
[ZenFone 2 General] eoghan2t7:
What about white listing for beta users?
[ZenFone 2 General] Onyx VI:
So where do I get this ota update from.
[ZenFone 2 General] :
Right here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=63783795&postcount=2

On a side note, it appears that flashing this new OTA didn't work for me (my recovery insisted I was on .90 even though I was clearly on .97). I had to flash an older recovery (.63 or something, can't remember the exact number...the one before .90) then flash the full image of .90, THEN flash the full image of .97. Once I did that, I could flash the OTA. If you get a fingerprint error then it's likely you don't have the right recovery installed for this OTA.

On the plus side, doing all the seems to have fixed my permission denied error in fastboot, which is good. I haven't tested it much, but I've flashed four or five different recoveries going back and forth and all succeeded.

Haven't tried running the unlock tool again though, as my bootloader is already unlocked, so I imaging it wouldn't do anything anyhow.
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
I've forwarded the request to our team in HQ, and they've looped more people onto the discussion. They've also asked me to join the beta user group so I can test as well.
[ZenFone 2 General] eoghan2t7:
That's fantastic news thanks for the update ;).
[ZenFone 2 General] nail16:
Used the unlock tool on 2.20.40.139 got the white splash screen

Bootloader version - unknown

Serial number - 01234....

Singing ?

Secure boot ?

Continue the fastboot process (in blue)

Looks like it worked on this firmware

Asus fixed it I guess
[ZenFone 2 General] Onyx VI:
Since I used the unlock tool while I was apart of the beta I couldn't update the newest firmware...... They sent me an email saying if I don't update by a certain date I won't be apart of beta program anymore. It's passed that date already. So I'm assuming there's no hopes of me joining back in or being reinstated.

---------- Post added at 08:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:31 PM ----------

And what are the different ways I can install the ota update given our situation. Or is there only one way.......
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
You should still be able to sideload the OTA via ADB. Have you tried that?
[ZenFone 2 General] Onyx VI:
I wish I could do anything with ADB but currently don't have a computer.
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
Oh snap. The other thing to do is get the update onto the phone by putting the .zip file onto the SD card, and renaming it to MOFD_SDUPDATE.zip. Then you boot into recovery where it'll detect the update..and BOOM!
[ZenFone 2 General] Onyx VI:
Said error. With the little Android guy laying on his back.
[ZenFone 2 General] ASUS_Khang:
So that's weird...you put the update onto an SD card, then booted into recovery, and then got the error? What happens when you hit power + tap vol up, do you still get into recovery like normal?
[ZenFone 2 General] Onyx VI:
Totally my fault just then. I had it in my internal storage instead of SD card. It worked this time fine. So now does it automatically fix out unlock reboot in 5 seconds or do we have to run the unlock app again on the update.