yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] bhint15:
So reading all this I'm a little confused. If we are unlocked bootloader running b20_boot can we follow steps in post 2 or do we need to wait for a fix? Thanks!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] rczrider:
No hurry. Thanks :)

You're probably fine if you're unlocked. I can't imagine it will brick your phone even if there's a problem; I've soft bricked it half a dozen times today already and it's easy to put back to stock :p
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] DrakenFX:
Follow post # 2, you'll be fine, other users aren't unlock bootloader.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] bhint15:
Thanks for everything! I was on B20_boot (unlocked bootloader without using ZTE official) and flashed all three files in order and rebooted and it worked! I did get 2 reboots to a screen saying "device cann't be trusted" (type on ZTE's part?) and press volume for more info or something but then it booted to the beautiful gold ZTE logo and new phone setup. Now to see if xposed will install again! (I'm sure it will)

Spoke too soon, SuperSU isn't showing in app drawer and phone showing as not rooted. Trying to flash SuperSU 2.65 again. Also back to stock recovery after flashing the three files posted.

UPDATE: First install (flashing all three files at once) for some reason installed SuperSU as system install. I made sure System was not checked under mount and made sure it was read-only also checked. Anyways, manually pushed twrp again and wiped cache and installed SuperSU 2.65 and it installed systemless this time. Root confirmed working. May need to update instructions? Don't know why it installed as system root but no biggie to reflash recovery.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] h078:
Why is damn thing so stubborn

I have same issue, U-version w. unlocked bootloader. Had Lineage working and TWRP back up of it.

Booted in 3.0.4 TWRP, flashed systemstock Nougat zip.

Started booting and on "bootloader unlocked" screen pressed power button.

Image of tiny Tux showed in middle of the screen and just mindlessly starred at me for 45min...

If Draken says " only systemstock is needed if we go from Lineage to stock N" - What am I missing then?

Thanks
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] thefiqs:
Hi,

Just to double check I understand everything correctly.

Using LOS 14 atm on my G model. I would like to go back to stock MM.

I'm using your universal bootloader and you N modem.

I need to flash

A2017UV1.0.0B29_RollBackModded.zip

ZTE_A2017GV1.0.0B09_BootStack_by_tron1.zip

ZTE_A2017GV1.0.0B09_StockSystem_by_tron1.zip

Is it correct?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] keessonnema:
I installed the A2017G B10 by djkuz but my snapchat says I can't login due to modified system. I tried without root already :P

What to do.

---------- Post added at 07:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:36 AM ----------

You can flash b09 bootstack and stocksystem directly after a clean wipe. I did it with b10.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] thefiqs:
From B10 to B09 it is OK, but I'm on LOS14.1 right now and flashed the universal N bootloader. :confused:
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] keessonnema:
I was on LOS14.1 and downgraded using the b10 bootstack/stocksystem, so it should work with b09 too.

Make sure you make system read-only in TWRP. before booting to stock.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] nigelnkj:
Erm

I'm using the A2017G and I can't update to any version from B02. I don't want a custom ROM, just a software update to B10. Can anyone help?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] mariusfl0rian:
Try this: https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=70006333&postcount=93
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] LazyJr:
Hi, I have 3 questions about update my axon7 to nougat, Can someone please help me?

1) My axon7 already have bootloader unlock and is B29. Do I need to flash the B29 rollbackmoded.zip first? Or just flash the B15 bootstack.zip and the B15 systemstock.zip?

2) After I update to nougat, will I break my fastboot mode to flash the TWRP?

3) I know if I dont flash the supersu after flash the rom, I will lose the TWRP, but I dont need to root my phone but I need the TWRP, can I still flash the TWRP in fastboot mode after I set up my phone?

Thanks for your help!!!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] underfire85:
what if i want to come from CyanogenMod 13?? what steps should i take?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] xboxbr:
delet
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] lilbluemirage:
How do you change format to Ext4?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] WesTD:
Just flash b29 bootstack and system after wipes
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] iNaruX:
For people who want better audio on A2017G.

Use the B15 Bootstack, A2017G Nougat Modem and use the official back to Stock SYSTEM B15 Nougat. It will work without problems and you will have LOUD sound.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] gschot:
As ZTE has released a full A2017G B10 firmware, can someone add this to the list of TWRP flashable zips?

See https://xdaforums.com/axon-7/how-to/a2017g-b10-update-released-t3544660
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] therinwhitten:
Does the bootloader lock after final step? Or do we fastbook oem lock after the process?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] yosef019:
update your post to b13 bootstack

and if you can make new nougat bootstack i be happy
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] benny3:
No it doesn't and no leave it unlocked.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Tibedabeeto:
Why shouldn't we relock the bootloader to get back to stock? I was thinking of going back to stock then upgrading to the nougat version through the non rooted way in the system settings.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] sm.bxsq:
In TWRP go-to wipe, then advance wipe, then select data and press repair/change, then format to ext4.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] judsonzhao:
Trying to upgrade from B29 to Nougat, stuck on installing system image when I flash DrakenFX Stock system....
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] KS1VA:
Dude, it's already here https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=70971989&postcount=350
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] DrakenFX:
Just wait for a bit (15 min or so), for some reason using official TWRP takes forever. It seems like is stuck but it is not.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] judsonzhao:
Exactly, hope later guys will a chance to read this and don't get panic like I did! It really looks like it's stuck, cuz there's not much log displayed like you normally flash a ROM, it's just "installing system" and takes forever.. anyways thank you!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] gschot:
Thanks! I missed it as a separate post, I checked the list in the first post, assuming they would be updated. Maybe it can be updated with these new links?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] pOLLYpOCKET:
I'm running Stock thanks to Post #2 in this thread. Flashed that Rollback b29. Thank you so much [MENTION=3044858]DrakenFX[/MENTION]!!

I really appreciate your help yesterday, too.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Nik2424:
Will you be uploading the nougat files for A2017?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] pOLLYpOCKET:
Can I flash this over the b29 rollback? Or should I stay away?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] bornlivedie:
you can, just do a factory reset to be sure
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] pOLLYpOCKET:
Excellent, thank you!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] yosef019:
you cant use play store on 7.1.1 chinise its not downloading apps

flash B15 and chinise N modem
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] bornlivedie:
B15 is crap
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] amphi66:
So that does take a long time. How long is the initial reboot after the B15 System install and SU 2.79 install is complete?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] judsonzhao:
I didn't root and the reboot is fairly normal. However it did take quite a long time and need some restart to let the system set up the phone after connecting to Wifi
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] pOLLYpOCKET:
Anyone running this rom having issues with the camera?

I record a video and when I try to play it back, it's a black screen.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] bornlivedie:
what rom?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] pOLLYpOCKET:
https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2 That b29 file, I guess it's not really a ROM.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] bornlivedie:
No issues with that rom
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] stl-soldier:
I haven't seen that camera issue with a stock kernel. I've only seen it after installing a custom kernel. Even custom kernels based on stock have that problem. Make sure you are using the stock kernel that came from ZTE.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] pOLLYpOCKET:
I didn't flash any 3rd party kernels. I just flashed that b29 file, supersu, and xposed.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] amphi66:
RETURNING

TO B15 ?

Was on B15 & created a Nandroid Backup. Now reverted back to B29 to manipulate some files.

It seems to me that the return to B15 (w/o getting into trouble) should be pretty easy:

1. Boot to TWRP

2. Check System "Read Only" under Mount

3. Flash Nougat BootStack

4. Uncheck System "Read Only"

5. Restore the B15 backup made previously

6. Reboot to System

Does the above sound correct or is there a trap?

Thanks.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] DrakenFX:
Yeah, that'll get you Back to B15 using previous backup.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] yosef019:
will you update first post with chinise B13 and new nougat i know its not yours files but we cant search them in 43 pages
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] sutudaubu:
Hi guys,

My device is original an A2017 (China model) then I follow all the tutorial and get this A2017G system + A2017 bootstack installed successfully. (I tried to use A2017G bootstack too but my device won't accept radio band, it says "No service"). So the question is:

- Will I receive OTA update from A2017G?

- If the answer is yes then will the update make any change to my currently bootstack?

- Will my A2017 bootstack receive its update too?

Thank you in advanced! :D
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] bornlivedie:
Why not flash China's 7.1.1?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] sutudaubu:
Oops, because of all those pre-installed apps specialized for using only in China. Plus upon receiving my device, I found it without Google Service that makes me go viral by going this far...
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] bornlivedie:
root it and remove them
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] silverovercrash:
Is in post " https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=71234378&postcount=396 "

Is this way first to flash B09 and then update to B10?

Is this B10 for A2017G?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] sutudaubu:
I think rooted device will not properly receive OTA updates so I intend to stay stock :P
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] bornlivedie:
You can unSU
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] sutudaubu:
:eek: Thank you anyway. :D
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] bornlivedie:
You can always root, do what you need to and then remove su.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Zaffobaffo:
Return completly to stock

Sorry If I ask this question, but I'm pretty unsure of what to do. I am currently on Lineage OS 14.1 Nougat and I need to brink back the axon 7 to stock (relock bootloader, remove root, etc).

I need to flash in twrp the A2017UV1.0.0B29_RollBackModded.zip (I have the A2017Global) and then not flash the superSu. Once done, boot in bootloader and with "fastboot oem lock", re-lock the BL?

thanx in advice.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] HypostaticOnion:
If I were to flash magisk instead of supersu, will that be the same as flashing supersu for preventing TWRP from being replaced?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] razielvn:
Can you share file "ZTE_A2017V1.0.0B10_BootStack_by_DrakenFX.zip" for me ?

Link: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=457084094631642281 no mirrors found !

Thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] jwilensky:
Do you have a way to flash the stock recovery? I am currently on b15 and want to return to stock recovery and lock the bootloader.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] marcus.linkenbach:
Just a question to be sure:

I am on Official RR A2017G and want to go back to MM B09

I would do the following:

1) ZTE_A2017GV1.0.0B09_BootStack_by_tron1.zip

2) ZTE_A2017GV1.0.0B09_StockSystem_by_tron1.zip

Is that right?

Sent with tapatalk from Axon 7
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] pOLLYpOCKET:
When I install the b15 files from this post: https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2 the phone won't boot. It stays on the ZTE screen until I force restart the phone. I've left it for over an hour and nothing.

I eventually reflashed the b29 rollback to get a working phone.

Any ideas?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] lafester:
which su are you using? b15 requires 2.79 (no sr).
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] pOLLYpOCKET:
I'm using the one posted in the OP. What does no sr mean?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] lafester:
You would know if you actually went and looked.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] pOLLYpOCKET:
Then I ask that you pardon my ignorance because I've re-read the OP and still don't know what SR means.

But, I'm up and running with the b15 files. I redownloaded them and flashed them again. I appreciate you replying.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] tron1:
A2017G leaked Nougat from 09/03/2017 TWRP flashable Stock System & BootStack

Universal Bootloader from Udev&Draken isn't working with A2017G Stock. System won't boot.

Systemhttps://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=673368273298937254

Bootstackhttps://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=745425885120713802

If you like to stay with twrp it would be a good idea to also install supersu. In the worst case (System restore original recovery) you can reinstall twrp with the twrp app from google play.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] ValVK:
Dear tron1!

Thank you for Nuga files for 2017G.

If i'm Res.Remix 5.8.2, can i just flash your file in TWRP? What would be with root and bootloader (i have unlocked now)?

Thank you in advance!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] tron1:
With Remix you already have the necessary Bootstack+Modem. It's important to also flash Supersu, otherwise the Stock Rom will install the stock recovery.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] ValVK:
My steps would be:

1.Boot in TWRP, wipe (all with system or only data-cashe-dalvik?

2.Flash your file ZTE_A2017G_Nougat_leak_09_03_2017_StockSystem_by_tron1.zip.

3.Stay in TWRP and flash latest SuperSU.Is flashing some no-verity-opt-encrypt-5.0.zip needed? After flashing SuperSU shold i do reboot disemmcwp in TWRP?

Just reboot or flas one more time twrp? (as you mean system will recover orig.recovery)?

If i will do those steps, my BL will stay unlocked and i will be rooted as well? And with TWRP?

Sorry for lot of question, i just want to do it right from firts try...:)

Thank you!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] tron1:
As I remember supersu is enough. It shouldn't be necessary to flash no-verity. reboot disemmcwp should'nt be wrong. In fact I would do it. Flashing TWRP wouldn't change a thing if the stock rom afterwards is in the mood to restore the stock recovery. One thing I would flash in addition is ax7kernel. It's a really nice crafted kernel from jjimbo77 --> https://xdaforums.com/axon-7/development/kernel-ax7kernel-axon-7-los-los-based-t3556182
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] XCristiano1992:
This does not boot on my A2017G.

RR, or LineageOS boot without a problem, but stock won't boot. Stucks on black screen where it says unlocked bootloader. "if no key is pressed device will boot in 5 secons" ´but it freezes there.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] tron1:
This is unexpected. So it seems like the A2017g Team from ZTE is going it's very own way according to the bootfiles. I have to pack a seperate bootpackage. Will do as soon as possible, but not today. Sorry for any inconveniences.

.

.

.

This is the link to the leaked A2017G Nougat Bootstack package for TWRP --> https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=745425885120713802

A new System package with a little typo fix will follow soon.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] amphi66:
Just to answer your question: SR stands for Service Release. They used to have various Beta versions, but now use SR. I think of it as a "supplement release". As noted, just stick with the basic v2.79 release. Hope that helps.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Arbelzapf:
So can we use the TWRP rom from above with this linked bootstack? Because you still removed the link to the TWRP rom
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] pOLLYpOCKET:
Thanks! I had no idea what he was talking about but I had just used the provided file.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] lafester:
So did you fix your issue? I read the op and saw nothing about a su file. I just know that su 2.79 is the only one that works on N and 2.79 sr3/sr2 results in being stuck at bootloader. You really should know what you are flashing/have flashed when asking for help.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] tron1:
Yes you can use this rom. Technically it's the same as the fixed one I try to upload to androidhost for the third time now. Every time I try to upload the package I see a "unknown error" message from the website somewhere during the upload process.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] pOLLYpOCKET:
Yes, in this post he talks about an su file and that's what I flashed. https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=68873482&postcount=2

I've been hacking/modifying phones since the motorola seem editing days. But never an Axon or Nougat yet.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Arbelzapf:
Damn, I did not install SU and now I'm stuck with the original recovery. I cannot enter fastboot either, it will always go to the bootloader and autoboot from there.

How do I get TWRP/root back now?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] tron1:
In the worst case you can downgrade to the official B03, there is a functional fastboot included.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] keessonnema:
A2017G new firmware

[MENTION=256766]tron1[/MENTION] in two weeks there will be a FOTA for the A2017G, a new and fixed modem will be pushed via OTA because some users (including me) had problems with 4g/LTE since b08. (Unable to receive).

I get the package next week as I helped them isolate the problem in the netherlands, if you want I can send it to you so you can make a bootstack of it.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Arbelzapf:
I just put it on my sdcard and rename it to update.zip, right?

Good thing I have a TWRP Backup from before the Nougat upgrade. I should be able to restore that, and then do the upgrade again, including root.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] tron1:
Would be wonderfull :)
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] pOLLYpOCKET:
Can you get into EDL mode and flash the TWRP file that way?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Arbelzapf:
Axon7tool! Of course. Thanks for the hint, I completely forgot about that option. I directly flashed TWRP 3.1 and was able to flash SuperSU right away.

Back in business, thanks to everyone! I promise I'll be able to help myself out very soon. I only got this device a week ago and still have to learn the quirks.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] ValVK:
Arbelzapf

how you come in EDL mode? I think you wrote you don't have a root anymore...Just curious...

Thank you!
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Arbelzapf:
* Enable USB Debugging

* 'adb reboot edl' (I thing this only applies to european models)

* Put twrp image next to axon7tool and rename it to "recovery.bin"

* Use axon7tool to flash the recovery image: 'axon7tool -w recovery' ( Remember to use zadig if you run into problems communicating with your device )

That's what worked for me. The USB driverpart can be a PITA, I had to reboot to edl a second time until I could communicate with my device. Google around. I found this post to be very enlightening
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] silverovercrash:
Hi, can someone quick help? I'm on TWRP 3.0.4-1 at 2017GB10.

1. what to mount out of: System,Data,Cache,MicroSDCard,USB OTG ?

2.What points to choose for backup: Boot,Recovery,System,System Image,Data(excl.Storage),Cache,Modem(NON_HLOS),Bluetooth,EFS ?

Sorry, so many points I not had before anytime in TWRP. I like to toublecheck with you. Thanks a lot.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] keessonnema:
Can you provide me some simple steps. I'm in the same boat now and can't find a way to flash recovery and then immediately reboot to recovery, because after rebooting to rom the stock recovery is back.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Arbelzapf:
What are you struggling with in particular? I will gladly expand on anything that I did not cover in enough detail.

For details on how to set up and use axon7tool, I suggest you check out the tool's main thread
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] keessonnema:
Well I accidentely flashing stocksystem without rooting, so I got my stock recovery back. I already had the axon7tool and right zadig drivers installed.

1. I'm in adb and do 'adb reboot edl'

2. The phone happens to be on (no led, but is recognized as QUSB_BULK)

3. I open command prompt and paste axon7tool-1.5-win64 -w recovery

4. It says stuff including 'writing recovery' and 'success'

5. It resets with a countdown

6. it reboots to system.

7. when I reboot to recovery it's stock recovery still.

(I tried both 3.1 and 3.0.4 twrp)

what am I missing?
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Arbelzapf:
This sounds weird. It seems you did exactly what I did. Only thing I could think of is system write protection (adb reboot disemmcwp), but I'd be surprised if caused trouble in EDL mode.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] keessonnema:
I tried to do the -r gpt boot recovery command. it gives me the following error

EDIT: nevermind, that error was because of an usb port failure.

So in short:

All seems to work, but recovery is not written.

---------- Post added at 02:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:24 PM ----------

I guess there's a difference. You're on b10? or on nougat? I am on nougat, that could be the problem. I'm downgrading as we speak.
[ZTE Axon 7 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other Deve] Arbelzapf:
No, I was and still am on nougat. Have you tried disabling write protection? As I said, I'd be surprised if ithis was the cause of the problem, but maybe it's worth a shot