yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] trace1er:
I'm using the A2017u on b20. When the boot.img from Tenfar's tool is flashed to my phone, it cannot boot up. After the boot animation it goes to the screen where it prompts you to enter a password to start Android.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] JeromeLeung:
In that case, I'd follow [MENTION=5193676]mmamedov[/MENTION] 's instructions: "flash boot first, clear data using stock recovery, then flash TWRP"

1) flash back stock recovery

2) run [MENTION=540283]tenfar[/MENTION] 's app with this command (make sure to change the port number to whatever yours is)

axon7root -p 4 -b

3) reboot to stock recovery and perform a factory reset/wipe

4) run [MENTION=540283]tenfar[/MENTION] 's app again with these parameters this time (remember to change your port)

axon7root -p 4 -r

5) reboot into TWRP

6) you should be good at this point!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] trace1er:
I will try this and report back. Thank you for taking the time
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] JeromeLeung:
Not a problem! Let us know how it goes, and don't forget to thank [MENTION=540283]tenfar[/MENTION] for sharing his rooting app as well as [MENTION=5193676]mmamedov[/MENTION] for his detailed instructions for rooting and installing TWRP on a2017u
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] trace1er:
One last thing... When you boot into TWRP for the first time, do you keep the system read-only, or do you swipe to allow modifications?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] JeromeLeung:
Don't quote me on this, but if you want to install Xposed the old fashioned way you're probably going to have to allow modifications. Otherwise it's not the biggest deal. I think if you don't check "don't show this to me again" you can always boot back into TWRP to change it if you go with keeping it read-only.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] trace1er:
[MENTION=5303441]JeromeLeung[/MENTION], the steps you outlined above worked like a charm. Everything is finally working beautifully. Thank you very much!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] JeromeLeung:
That's great to hear! Welcome to the rooted axon 7 family [emoji1]
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] trace1er:
Guess i spoke a little bit too soon heh... I also have the issue of booting into TWRP and it needs a password to decrypt data and mount the storage.... Is there a way around this currently? I read through this thread but I'm not clear.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] ultramag69:
Yes, factory reset... I'm pretty sure it's one of the steps on the 1st page....
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] JeromeLeung:
I've read about other people having this issue, but I can't remember whether or not there is a solution. Since I'm not personally using TWRP I'm afraid I won't be of much help to you... Sorry :(
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] peramikic:
Try this, set 4 digit pin in lockscreen, then reboot to TWRP and try that pin. If it works go back to OS and set lockscreen to none. Reboot back to TWRP. It should not ask for password anymore.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] ononeowen:
Only rooting chinese axon 7

I have a Chinese version of the Axon 7 and I recently got an update but I would like to root the device, not necessarily to unlock the bootloader. I just want to be able to install the nexus launcher.

Here is a screenshot of my device info :

about the phone :

Can I just root the phone, I don't see any roms that will make me want to unlock the bootloader but root would allow me to install my nexus launcher in a more stable way.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] trace1er:
Nope, still didn't work. Looks like there's another person in this thread that has the exact same issue as me. Oh well, will try to get back to stock recovery for now I guess
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] djona12:
I dont think you can root at the moment. You're on the B09 update and [MENTION=540283]tenfar[/MENTION] 's tool doesn't offer the option for that update yet.

You have to wait for him to update with the boot.img for B09.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] aPexalpha:
Im still on b07. What do b08 and b09 have to offer? All my update info is in Chinese
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] ononeowen:
Thank you, I'll try to follow this thread to know when it becomes available or the new nexus launcher becomes easier to install w/o root. I mean it can be installed but it crashes and misses features.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] ultramag69:
And where do you get it from, mines not updating past B07....
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] musv:
I'm planning to by a new phone as a successor to my broken Oneplus One and found the Axon 7. Looks nice, but

Is there a way to get the Axon rootet on Linux base? I don't have Windows.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] KyJelly69:
That configuration is currently unsupported
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] musv:
Ok, thanks.

Then I will prefer the Oneplus 3 over the Axon 7.

Nevertheless thanks for your work.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] djona12:
You could just run a virtual machine.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] rczrider:
What an odd reason to choose one phone over another.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Barsky:
Just did the boot and recovery image commands. Now when I try to power phone I see the zte logo and red led for a second and then it turns off. Any ideas? Thanks
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] XblackdemonX:
You didn't flash the right boot.img then.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Barsky:
Well all I mostly am getting from these dev-host downloads are malware installers. WHat's that about?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] JeromeLeung:
Maybe try restoring the stock boot and recovery using [MENTION=540283]tenfar[/MENTION]'s app.

1) rename the existing boot.img and recovery.img in the app's folder to something else

2) put the stock boot and recovery in the app's folder and name them boot.img and recovery.img

3) put the phone into edl mode (hold volume + and volume - while phone is off and then plug in usb cable)

4) run the app

axon7root -p 4

* I use 4 in this example because that is the port that my computer uses, but make sure to change it to whatever yours is

---------- Post added at 01:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:32 PM ----------

I'd try installing an adblocker for your web browser and only click the blue "download now" button
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Barsky:
hehe yeah, I've got all that. This is when I run the command. Restoring my main machine from an acronis image for the 3rd time now, so now worries as to my machine. I suppose when it comes up I may try once more. But I've already got a return/replacement setup, so i may go that route instead, even if it means a replacement may not come for a couple weeks.

Thanks

Perhaps because I used the green Download link instead of the Blue one? It was sending ISO files. At any rate, I am booting now and back to my no wifi/cellular issue and DrakenFX has something going for that. Thanks. Really weird experience. haha
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] JeromeLeung:
Certainly give the blue download link a try. Should be a zip containing the rooting tool and the relevant boot and recovery.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] cctbrkr:
Hey guys, What are the chances of flashing a2017g to an a2017u device and unlocking band 28?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] KyJelly69:
None of us have tried but please let us know how it goes.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] cctbrkr:
Don't have the first clue how I would do it. Not very technical with that sort of thing. I just am curious if it's a possibility. I have a a2017u but am taking it to Australia and would prefer the global LTE bands
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] JeromeLeung:
Generally, if the hardware supports the band then there's a chance. However if the hardware doesn't support the band, then there's no chance at all.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Gachmuret:
What bands do you need in Australia that you haven't in the US version? I'm in Europe but I'm getting an US device as it offers a wide range of bands that

is sufficient for most EU countries to habe 4G in any situation...
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] cctbrkr:
Just band 28. It's commonly used on the Telstra network. I'm also interested in the signal boost featured on the g variant.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Wizpop:
So I was successful on US axon 7 A2017U B20 (Thank you!). Every time I boot into twrp it asks for a password/Pin. I just cancel and go into twrp. Not sure if it is bug or issue. So far everything is working fine. Adaway doesn't work but I flashed MOAB..so far so good!

YES, got xposed back. Thank you mmamedov, tenfar...and all the rest!

*Update: Adaway still does not want to work. It will install via zip through recovery but the apk installs but disables when I reboot. MY MMS text werent coming through cause I didn't have correct APN setting :/ . Leaving adaway off for now. I went back to MOAB adblocker through recovery and everything running fine.

Thanks.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] rikin93:
Will this wipe my phone if i do this?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Wizpop:
yes
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] KyJelly69:
signal boost?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] cctbrkr:
The A2017G varient has a signal booster feature.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] KyJelly69:
Why would that be region specific?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] dennis96411:
Can someone with this feature compare their signal strengths with other phones?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Wizpop:
So I tried some ad blocking with AdAway and MoAb files. I ended up uninstalling as they prevented texts coming in. Weirdly enough occasionally they would come through. AdAway I flashed a zip but it disabled after reboot so uninstalled it. The built in messaging app upon reboot kept alerting my to texts even though Textra is my default. I uninstalled it.little quirks along way but Xposed is working great.

*Update: Adaway still does not want to work. It will install via zip through recovery and the apk installs but disables when I reboot. MY MMS text werent coming through cause I didn't have correct APN setting :/ . Leaving adaway off for now. I went back to MOAB adblocker through recovery and everything running fine.

Thanks.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] KyJelly69:
until we get some more heavy hitting devs on this device i fear will will be having troubles for awhile. the release of a custom ROM will resolve so many things.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Wizpop:
Yea. Its been a some annoying things. The most annoying is I use textra and every time i reboot the phone the Axon 7's built in messaging app notifies me of texts on reboot. I swipe it away and textra works fine is set as default SMS. Its small annoyance though to have xposed and its modules back. I'll probably root/unlock boot loader if/when custom ROM comes along. Here me Sultan...here my pleas! HA
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] DrakenFX:
I'm using Textra, don't have that problem cuz as soon I installed Textra, I use Link2SD app to freeze stock messenger :silly: .... (yeah I know you need root to do that)
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] An Droid:
Why not simply disable the stock messaging app? I've disabled it (along with some of the other stock apps) and all is well with Textra.

If you're using an alternative launcher, just be sure to switch to the 'Stock Android' launcher first in order to be able disable the stock apps - then return to your preferred launcher.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Wizpop:
I did disable it but on reboot it alerted new messages. I put it into freeze and seems to have solved it. All is running pretty well now.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] r3faat1:
Edit: Question answered.

Q: Can I restore to stock and RMA it (If needed)?

A: Yes.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] manu7irl:
Tenfar I need your help to extend functionality inside your program to flash more partitions.

I found out this could potentialy help unbrick devices.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] (dylanger):
I was able to extract it out, see http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=68340674&postcount=197

How did he get the signed firehose? It should't be released OTA. How do OEMs allow people to have a signed firehose? It circumvents bootloader protections such as wiping on oem unlock, thus making the Android Ecosystem less secure.

The signed firehose image should only be in the hands of an engineer at ZTE, there's no need for people to have it.

"Oh but I broke my phone", that's what customer service is for.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] r3faat1:
Has anyone done a "benchmark" of performance from BEFORE and AFTER the root? Is the phone performing any slower using this root method? I am asking because I know lags are introduced on some root methods (For example, Verizon S7 Edge lost a lot of performance after rooting).
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] manu7irl:
Actualy my device is stuck in edl so the only way to flash is the tenfar tool.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] (dylanger):
Once again, that's what Customer Support is for, there's no need for anyone to have this signed software.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] manu7irl:
yeahh right, but I'm not from USA! No support here in Israel!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] (dylanger):
So, what. Cripple the Security built around every Axon 7? The implication trumps the 'ease of restoration'

Literally any Government, any Private Company can now replace your recovery with TWRP and extract all of your data.

If you're got an issue with the device, I'm sure you can post it back to the states?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] manu7irl:
It does not worth it!

I prefer repair it myself and by that learn a bit more about android and hardware.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] stepw:
And so you should be able to flash TWRP recovery with axon7root.exe and boot into it (VolUp + Power), unless your aboot is also busted.

Yep, this is a security vulnerability/threat. ZTE would have to revoke the cert for signing authority of leaked PBL and push an update to all devices trusting this authority to fix it.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] manu7irl:
Ask them to do so then the axon7root.exe will be obsolete, after OTA update.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] (dylanger):
Unfortunately that's not the way it works. These certs can't be revoked.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] stepw:
What for? It leaked before, it will leak again... tenfar's tool is quite in the spirit of XDA, people come here to get their devices unlocked, which often comes at the cost of compromised security.

Dunno. If they are stored in flash, then can be replaced.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] KyJelly69:
Can we get back on topic please?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] (dylanger):
I can't see how this isn't 'on topic'.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] (dylanger):
If anyone else can see the same concerns I have, I've written up a quick post about it I think more discussion around this is needed.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Gachmuret:
Hmm... As far as I understood from the users here (stille don't have the device) then data partition will still rest encrypted and can't be read anymore after flashing boot.img or recovery.img so where would be the Security issue if I have my sensible data in the data partition as it should be?

Then also do I remember, that you once for yourself asked tenfar to give out the firehose... What he refused... But if he didn't, you would have risked that it becomes publically available... So why risking that while critisising that these things get leaked??
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] (dylanger):
Great Questions!

The risk is someone can load malicious firmware onto the device, and hand it back to you, perhaps at an Airport or if you lost your device.

I'm not entirely sure if this device has Full Disk Encryption enabled by default, I don't think it does, meaning someone can pull the userdata.

Tenfar has already leaked the image, its rather trivial to extract the MBN out of his obfuscated exe. Its already publicly available.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] XblackdemonX:
I'm rooted + xposed with locked bootloader and I just got 141K in Antutu
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Gachmuret:
As I read it has full encryption enabled by default, so maybe you should modify this section of your article...

Then when someone has physical access to a device, there are many ways to breach security... With the right tools also direct access to disassmbled memory chips (that's where encryption has its part) or getting access through fingerprint scanner hacks and then even encryption would be bypassed and all sort of malware could be installed also...

That's if there actually is a lockscreen enabled...

And if that lockscreen actually is secure without any by-passes as it happend to Apple and others...

So, as long as there are still weaker parts involved with security then bootloaders and users don't know how to protect themselves there are no secure devices...

And if you look from another perspective, you shouldn't blame folks on XDA here but rather blame the OEMs, Google, their software and hardware devs and all the others behind those devices who still are not able to provide a unified security solution after all those years, smth like the UEFI standard on PC devices for example (that btw still let's all the freedom for modders and devs while being secure [well at least more secure then most android based devices])

But here we are on XDA and one of the aims of modding is to actually provide secure solutions and without understanding the security concepts of the OEMs and having open-source alternatives as far away as possible from proprietary code that wouldn't work.

In short: let the folks here breach security for good, so that ppl that really cares about staying secure are aware of the faulty systems and actually are able to protect themselves, before other breach those systems for bad and hack into them while the world stays asleep peacefully until some Snowden comes out to tell you what happened all the years!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] tdgillihan:
Would you mind running pcmark and seeing how it does?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.futuremark.pcmark.android.benchmark

Always thank those who are helpful...and just ignore those who aren't.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] XblackdemonX:
Work performance score: 6553

and I was getting text messages while the benchmark was running
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] max1001:
Funny part is that many people already replace the built-in lock screen with a third-party lock screen because of the annoying bell. Third-party lock screen are very easy to bypass.

But to be honest, if you want security, do not buy a ZTE. Buy Nexus or Samsung.

---------- Post added at 10:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:35 PM ----------

No point in discussing. Cat is out of the bag already. Avoid A7 if you do value your security.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] (dylanger):
You know you've done a good job with Security when the only way is decapping the SoC, its about making it hard, making it so Governments can't setup a laptop at an Airport and swap out your kernel in less than 5 seconds.

The other methods you've described here would require you to physical open the device, what does a signed firehose require? A simple USB and a reboot.

I'm on your side, I think the Customer should have the right to root the device, load anything on to it, just do it the supported way with functions that wipe userdata, what we get with this is freedom and security.

A singed firehose image is like a hammer, `oem unlock` is like a scalpel, people can 'break security', just do it the support way, via fastboot, its a nice line between freedom and security if you ask me.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] tenfar:
NO device is safe，even the iPhone have 0day exploit. That's why I encrypted my tool with vmprotect.it can block at least some people who want to get the firehose. I have full firmware for flash with firehose . and I have a lot of firehose files for lots of other devices.

Indeed leaking firehose is a security issue.but when you have hardware access it's not point about security and data protection.you can access data on you phone at a hardware level(emmc reader).the firehose is just making it easier.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] (dylanger):
I agree, physical access on a device all bets are off, you're getting into the device. After you tear the entire device down, physically extract the flash risking physically breaking it, firehose gives anyone the ease and speediness of backdooring or extracting data.

This requires skill, time and resources, firehose requires a laptop, a USB cable and 5 seconds.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] manu7irl:
[MENTION=540283]tenfar[/MENTION] add an option to flash any partition or at least pmic partition to your tool, my device is bricked with wrong file flashed over the pcim partition.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] samuraix21:
I concur; can you guys just make a separate thread about the moral security issues about this root method and offer your solutions there? People here are trying to get a solid step-by-step process on just getting root on this phone w/o unlocking bootloader and resolving a bunch of iffy issues (like recovery asking for pin) + which region works with what. If this really is an critical issue, then you're free to call in a Mod to see if they'll close this thread down and wait for a much safer rooting approach :good:
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] jordy787:
Is the recovery on the root zip , twrp?

---------- Post added at 04:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:18 PM ----------

And can I go back to fully stock if I wanted too?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] tupirujp:
No !
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] jordy787:
Could you help me on doing this ? Or can someone ? I'm confused on how this works
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] manu7irl:
I need you to add an option to flash other partitions through your tool, please help me!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] emudojo:
I don't often comment on posts, but this worked like a charm on my axon 7 US gray.

Thanks a LOT

---------- Post added at 03:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:39 PM ----------

Actually, was too fast got stuck at Enter your password, I'm trying to factory reset the device
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Wizpop:
So I see a rumor the 2nd official OTA due this month. What does a that mean for use roots with bootloader locked? Just reboot through the same process and reflash exposed?

https://community.zteusa.com/community/blogging/blog/2016/09/02/weekly-roundup-september-2-2016

Thanks
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] rczrider:
We won't know until the update is pushed out.