yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android General] tecknight:
Hello All, I am back !!

I had to take a little time to get my head back into the game after the death of my close friend.

I noticed something interesting on my Arista 2 in the mean time.

Somehow, despite all the setting and measures I had taken to prevent a system update from being applied, those sneaky #$%@# were somehow able to force a system update on my rooted phone and it of course replaced TWRP with LG stock recovery.

Long story short, I had to downgrade back to Nougat, then flash TWRP and then re-flash my ROM,

I did all this successfully.

Then I got to thinking, it's gonna force the update again and undo all my work again.

Fortunately, I was able to head off this issue and found a way to truly disable system updates.

I'm now on Oreo version 20c and when I check for updates, it always says I am up to date, even though I am not.

Here's what I did to disable system updates:

Open a root enabled file manager like Root Explorer and browse to the following folder:

/system/vendor/etc

2. Within this folder, look for the following files:

root_cert.pem

cacert_location.pem

rename these 2 files to something else.

I prepended not_ to each of the file names, so I renamed them to:

not_root_cert.pem

and

not_cacert_location.pem

Once you have renamed the files, just reboot and you can check for updates as much as you like, it will never see them.

These files contain the security keys to validate the system update images. With out them your phone will not trust the images and will not install them.

I'm glad to be back.

Let me know if you have any questions.
[Android General] tecknight:
No, unfortunately there is not an update for hotspot issues yet.

I have spent quite some time looking into it and it is a lot more complicated than I was expecting.

Then again, a Metro PCS standard account (which is what I have) has the wifi hotspot disabled.

However, it does at least tell you this and the hotspot does at least turn on in the stock image.

Not so much in the rooted image.

I am still doing some looking into this, but I'm not overly optimistic about the prospects.
[Android General] tecknight:
Actually the device unlock will only work if you have fulfilled certain conditions related to how many months you have paid on your account since getting the phone.

I bought mine quite some time ago and I still am not able to unlock.
[Android General] tecknight:
Working on 2 new rooted Oreo ROMs

I wanted to let everyone know that I am currently working on 2 new rooted Oreo ROMs.

Both are based on the latest available LG firmware for the given phone.

#1 is a new ROM for the Aristo 2 (Metro by T-Mobile), based on firmware 20g.

#2 is a new ROM for the K8 plus (US Cellular), based on firmware 20c.

These ROMs both feature:

Installation of the latest available TWRP, paired with LG's latest kernel to insure compatibility.

Pre-rooting of the boot image using the latest available Magisk.

Additional mods to the boot image to facillitate removal of LG's Root Checking Tool.

Pre-installation removal of existing encrypted partitions and associated encryption keys.

Removal of the possibility of encryption being forced on any user partitions via modification of multiple fstab files.

Removal of LG's performance degrading Root Checking Tool and it's defined service.

New modifications to the system image that are now required to successfully boot the altered system.

Removal of unneeded vendor software that can be removed without issues, freeing up additional storage.

Installation of useful root related utilities that add additional functionality to your phone.

Preservation of existing user installed apps.

Automatic alteration of system settings necessary for seamless functionality of the ROM when possible.

Mods to the vendor image that reliably prevent android system updates from being forced to the phone. This is very necessary, as all LG system updates are now very destructive, resulting in bricking of the phone.

I am looking for anyone willing to test these new images.

Just reply to this post and I will PM you.

Thanks.
[Android General] gael97:
I'm interested. Thanks for your work. Welcome back.
[Android General] tecknight:
Great 1! What do you have, an Aristo 2 or a K8 plus ?P

Also, what firmware or ROM are you running currently ?
[Android General] gael97:
Aristo 2 plus. TecsA2pRootedOreoROMV2.zip
[Android General] tecknight:
OK, well this is my new ROM for the Aristo 2, based on LG's latest Oreo firmware, V20g

I have to tell you, I think this is the best ROM I have made to date.

It runs like greased lightning.

I suspect it is a combination of disabling the Root Checking Tool and my hugely successful debloating quest, but it just screams.

It's extremely responsive and feels like the shackles have been removed.

I'm still working on a few more tricks, but I am really loving this image so far.

Tec's rooted Aristo 2 lightning ROM, based on firmware V20g rev 1:

https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=3556969557455276224
[Android General] tecknight:
OK, well this is my new ROM for the Aristo 2, based on LG's latest Oreo firmware, V20g

I have to tell you, I think this is the best ROM I have made to date.

It runs like greased lightning.

I suspect it is a combination of disabling the Root Checking Tool and my hugely successful debloating quest, but it just screams.

It's extremely responsive and feels like the shackles have been removed.

It's not only fast, but also VERY stable, as it runs only system code specifically created for the Aristo 2 by LG.

It just runs a lot less of it now

I'm still working on a few more bells and whistles, but I am really loving this image so far.

Tec's rooted Aristo 2 lightning ROM, based on firmware V20g rev 1:

Download Lightning ROM for Aristo 2​

​

FYI, I am starting on an Aristo 2 plus ROM tonight, based on the latest firmware released for the Aristo 2 plus (V20e). I expect it to be similar to the Aristo 2 ROM, as I will disable rctd and set my debloater to Puree !!.

Expect it to scream as well.
[Android General] mandragorash:
Hello,

Using Tec's new Lightning Rom on my aristo2 , works like a charm, Is it possible to hide the unlocked bootloader warning everytime the phone boots?
[Android General] tecknight:
Unfortunately, no.

If you unlock the bootloader, which is required for any rooted ROM, LG changes the logo screen.

There is no harm in it, however.

I am really happy with the improved performance of my phone when running this ROM.

It is noticeably faster and free of bloat.
[Android General] mandragorash:
Just trying to help, someone did manage to hide that warning for the the LG V20 here: https://xdaforums.com/v20/how-to/guide-hide-unlocked-bootloader-warning-t3879658, i think it could be possible for our devices also.
[Android General] Zavier1234:
How do I change that ugly tecs aristo 2 rooted splashscreen? I switched the files and it stays the same.
[Android General] tecknight:
Well, I modified the raw_resources as illustrated here and it did remove the large warning screen.

It still displays a similar message in very small yellow lettering, but it is a lot less noticeable--You might easily miss it, as it is small and doesn't stay up for long.

If you want to try it, I will post a simple TWRP installable zip.

A2_NoCodeRed.zip - Flash in TWRP to mostly remove Code Red screen at boot

https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=6006931924117886090

A2_RestoreResources.zip - Flash in TWRP to restore stock raw_resources and the large warning screen

https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=6006931924117886093
[Android General] tecknight:
Tecs Lightning ROM for Aristo 2 plus (T-Mobile)

Tecs Lightning ROM for Aristo 2 plus (T-Mobile)

Disclaimer:

This ROM should run really fast, since I basically made the same changes in creating this ROM that I made for the Aristo 2 Lightning ROM.

However, I don't own an Aristo 2 plus, so I have not been able to test this. I recommend you do a TWRP backup of boot and system images before installing this. That way you can do a quick TWRP restore in the event of any issues.

I would also greatly appreciate any feedback from anyone installing this. ROM.

Features of this ROM:

1. This ROM is based on Aristo 2 plus V20e Oreo firmware, the latest firmware available for the Aristo 2 plus.

2. Encryption has been disabled and will be eliminated if it exists on the target phone.

3. LG's resource hogging Root Checking Tool has been removed from the boot image and disabled in the system image.

4. The boot image has been rooted using the latest systemless Magisk release.

5. Numerous unneeded system and priveleged apps, which are normally not removable, have been removed, freeing up a great deal of space on the phone and significantly reducing processor overhead. This makes the phone run faster and respond more quickly.

6. LG's system update has been deauthorized by changes in the system image. This means there is no chance a system update will brick your phone or undo the changes made by this ROM.

7. The full screen "Code Red" bootup splash screen has been eliminated. In it's place is a much less noticeable and smaller text message in small yellow letters.

Beta 2 coming soon​

Note: This link has been updated with links to the new Lightning ROMs and more detailed instructions regarding downgrading to Nougat if necessary:

Install a pre-rooted ROM to your LG Aristo 2 / 2 + / Best root method​
[Android General] tecknight:
[MENTION=4530337]gael97[/MENTION],

I have a new Aristo 2 plus ROM out. Details are here:

https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=79648625&postcount=358​

Please send me some feedback if possible, as I do not have an Aristo 2 plus.

Thanks.
[Android General] gael97:
I had to flash back to nougat. Hard brick after install lightening rom. I'm running aristo 2 with this rom. Please see attached. What do you recommend i do?
[Android General] tecknight:
What do you mean when you say you are running Aristo 2 with this ROM ?

Is your phone actually an Aristo 2 ?

I thought you said you were running one of my earlier Aristo 2 plus ROMs before ?

So when you flashed the lightning ROM, , did it attempt to boot ?

did it display any messages at all ?
[Android General] gael97:
Did not attempt to boot. No messages what so ever.
[Android General] tecknight:
What about my other questions ?

Is your phone actually an Aristo 2 or Aristo 2 plus ?

I'm guessing maybe it's an Aristo 2 that you "turned into" an Aristo 2 plus by flashing my Aristo 2 plus Oreo ROM to it ?

If that is the case, I assume you are on T-Mobile and want to keep running as an Aristo 2 plus ?

I'm currently going over the Aristo 2 plus changes with a fine toothed comb to see if I can find any reason why it won't even attempt to boot.
[Android General] gael97:
I flashed the lightning rom v20g. It was a success. Please see attached.
[Android General] tecknight:
Tecs Lightning ROM for Aristo 2 plus - beta 2 (T-Mobile)

Tecs Lightning ROM for Aristo 2 plus - beta 2 (T-Mobile)

Disclaimer:

This ROM has been tested on my Aristo 2. This one does boot successfully (thanks [MENTION=4530337]gael97[/MENTION]).

I had to use the Aristo 2 boot image to get it to boot. I'm not sure what the issue is with the Aristo 2 plus boot image, but it works well with the Aristo 2 boot image. The other partitions, including system are based on Aristo 2 plus firmware 20e.

I have also created 2 separate installers that install stock OP and carrier partitions for a given phone.

One installs stock OP and carrier images for the Aristo 2 plus and the other does the same for the Aristo 2.

These very small installers will restore stock carrier software, boot animations and images for the given phone.

Use them if you are converting a phone (ie: you have an Aristo 2, but want to turn it into an Aristo 2 plus) or to restore the stock boot animations to your phone.

I would also greatly appreciate any feedback from anyone installing this. ROM.

Features of this ROM:

1. This ROM is based on Aristo 2 plus V20e Oreo firmware, the latest firmware available for the Aristo 2 plus.

2. Encryption has been disabled and will be eliminated if it exists on the target phone.

3. LG's resource hogging Root Checking Tool has been removed from the boot image and disabled in the system image.

4. The boot image has been rooted using the latest systemless Magisk release.

5. Numerous unneeded system and priveleged apps, which are normally not removable, have been removed, freeing up a great deal of space on the phone and significantly reducing processor overhead. This makes the phone run faster and respond more quickly.

6. LG's system update has been deauthorized by changes in the system image. This means there is no chance a system update will brick your phone or undo the changes made by this ROM.

Download Aristo 2 plus Lightning ROM beta 2

​

Download Aristo 2 plus OP/carrier flash

​

Download Aristo 2 OP/carrier flash

​

Note: This link has been updated with links to the new Lightning ROMs and more detailed instructions regarding downgrading to Nougat if necessary:

Install a pre-rooted ROM to your LG Aristo 2 / 2 + / Best root method​
[Android General] tecknight:
Just use the OP/carrier flasher below for your phone model.

Download Aristo 2 plus OP/carrier flash

​

Download Aristo 2 OP/carrier flash

​

This will not otherwise affect your phone. It will still be rooted and running the same image.

The only other effects you may see would be a carrier app or 2 may show up on your desktop.
[Android General] guytalluto:
root binary

can the magisk binary be replaced by SuperSU in TWRP, and would it be lighter on the memory?
[Android General] tecknight:
Magisk and SuperSU are totally different types of root.

Magisk is a systemless root, which hides the changes it has made to acquire root to the processes that actually boot up and validate the system, while SuperSU modifies the system files directly in ways that are detectable..

As such, you cannot just replace a binary to try to implement SuperSU. In fact, it is very possible that SuperSU would not work on the cv1 class of devices, as the booting processes could detect their chain of trust had been violated.

However, I may take a look and see if I can get SuperSU to work on these devices, and if SuperSU did work, it would certainly be lighter on the resources. It is not a trivial task to do all that Magisk does.

You might also try one of the new Lightning ROMs I have released recently. Due to the disabling of the LG Root Checking Tool and a significant amount of bloat removal (20 - 30 per cent of the unremovable system or privileged apps have been removed), they seem to respond a lot more quickly.

Lightning ROM for Aristo 2 plus​

Lightning ROM for Aristo 2​

Thanks for the suggestion.
[Android General] tecknight:
Restore your Aristo 2 / 2 + Images/Animations & Carrier Software to stock

TAT TecKnight's Aristo 2 Tutorials series

Restore your Aristo 2 / 2 + Images/Animations & Carrier Software to stock

Requirements:

An LG Aristo 2 or Aristo 2 plus with TWRP installed

Note: This procedure will restore the OP and carrier partitions on your phone to stock. This will have the effect of restoring all bootup and shutdown screens and animations to stock for your phone. It will also restore the stock carrier software (T-Mobile or Metro PCS). As these partitions never get updated when flashing from a .KDZ file, this may be the only way to restore these partitions

1. Download one of the following TWRP installers. Either download the file directly to your phone or download it to a PC and copy it to the phone.

Download Aristo 2 plus OP/carrier flash

​

OR​

Download Aristo 2 OP/carrier flash

​

2. Boot your phone into TWRP. Once in TWRP, select INSTALL then browse to and select the installer downloaded in step 1.

3. The installer will flash the OP and carrier partitions to a stock image. Select REBOOT SYSTEM

Please hit the Thanks button at the bottom of this post if you appreciate my work.

_________

Change Log:

06/03/2019 Created initial procedure..
[Android General] tecknight:
Access the Operator HiddenMenu on your Aristo 2 / 2 +

TAT TecKnight's Aristo 2 Tutorials series

Access the Operator HiddenMenu on your Aristo 2 / 2 +

Requirements:

An LG Aristo 2 or Aristo 2 plus

Note: This procedure will launch the Operator HiddenMenu on your phone. This menu will allow you to access and change a multitude of settings that cannot be accessed under the normal settings dialog.

1. Launch the stock Dialer app on your phone and dial the following number:

277634#*#​

2. As soon as you dial the last #, the Operator HiddenMenu will launch.

You should see 21 different Options:​

Version Info

Log Service

BT

Wifi Test

GPS

CMAS RMT

RAT Selection

Engineering Mode

Battery Status

Fast Dormancy

ANT Setting

Receive Diversity

ApnUnlock

ADD Volte Test APN

LGODM logging(LGODL)

QMICMSet

IMS Setting

LTE Data Test

CPC On/Off

AMR WB On/Off

Benchmark Enable

Band Selection

Port Check Test

Charging Mode On/Off

3. I have highlighted the options I consider the most interesting or useful in red, but go ahead and explore all the options. Be careful as some options may cause issues on your phone if not set correctly

Please hit the Thanks button at the bottom of this post if you appreciate my work.

_________

Change Log:

06/03/2019 Created initial procedure..
[Android General] guytalluto:
running the lightning rom now, and is good. hated all the google add-in crap and hooks that i will never use. In our past rooting (nougat), I did switch the binary through TWRP and uninstalled magisk - it worked great. I just wasn't sure such a good idea with all the system mods that you made. and, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE WORK!!!
[Android General] james28909:
[MENTION=9219859]RandoSwift[/MENTION] I have a favor to ask... I have a hard bricked lg k8+ from us cellular. I think the files on your device would get my phone back to life possibly. are you rooted currently? I need everything except system, cache, and userdata. if you can help me out I sure would appreciate it as I have tried everything else, and I also recommend you to make a full backup of all of your files/partitions as well in case of hard bricks in the future.

if you can help me out I will gladly send you enough through paypal to by you some cold beers ;)

here is the discord link to my server - https://discord.gg/ptxerwN. please for the love of god join and help me out my phone is dead and I cant use it lol
[Android General] gael97:
Thanks for all your hard work. It is greatly appreciated.
[Android General] tecknight:
exFAT / NTFS Micro SD support for most Android devices

Note: I have tested this on my Aristo 2 and it works great. It should work on any cv1 device w/o issue.

Just make sure you have Magisk installed.

This is an installable .ZIP that will copy the NTFS/exFAT mounting binaries to /system/xbin and copy the mounting script to:

/data/adb/post-fs-data.d.

This should add NTFS/exFAT support to most phones.

Requirements:

1. You must have Magisk installed

2. Your Micro SD''s device address must be:

/dev/block/mmcblk1. This is the case on most devices running Android 6 or higher.

If your Micro SD's device address is different, you can fix it by modifying:

/data/adb/post-fs-data.d/mount_ntfs_exfat.sh

replacing /dev/block/mmcblk1 with the device address of your external Micro SD.

Download the installer here:

https://xdaforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4773292&stc=1&d=1559992139​

Note that there are still 2 minor issues that I am having:

1. The phone displays a notification about the sdcard being corrupt at boot time. You just have to clear the notification and it never reappears.

2. The mounted card is not identified as an external SD by android.

However, the exFAT or NTFS filesystem is mounted at /mnt/media_rw/extsd and is browseable and the filesystem is readable and writable.
[Android General] JoeyMama:
Thanks so much for this. I am running your lightning ROM on my Aristo 2 and it runs sooo fast and clean !!
[Android General] theguy99:
Hey I used your tutorial awhile back before the oreo root came out. I have a rooted magisk 17.1 LG aristo 2 Android 7.1.2 Build N2G47H Software X210MA10c.

I want to try the oreo lightning rom and am curious as to where to start seeing as im already rooted, have bootloader unlocked and twrp flashed.

I also see that theres something about a cv1 device. How do I know if my device is one and my twrp is older I dont believe it is TWRP 3.2.3.0 for cv1 devices with fstab mods (encryption related) and Oreo kernel.
[Android General] tecknight:
Welcome !!

For starters, your device is a cv1 device. A cv1 device is simply an LG mainboard that is common to many LG phones, including the Aristo 2 and Aristo 2 plus.. cv1 devices may look slightly different on the outside, like different color schemes, etc, but on the inside, they have IDENTICAL hardware.

Your TWRP version is fine and you could successfully flash the Lightning ROM with it right now if you like.

However, it's probably a good idea to go ahead and flash the newer TWRP with the Oreo kernel before you flash the Lightning ROM.

Since you are already rooted, you have several ways you could flash the new TWRP.

I would recommend:

1. Download the image to your PC, here is the link:

https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=11410963190603893649​

2. Copy the TWRP4cv1WithOreoKernel.img and paste to your phone's internal storage thru Windows.

3. In Windows, go to a command prompt or Power shell session in the folder that contains your adb binary.

Type adb shell then press enter

Once you have a shell, type:

su + Enter

You should get a root prompt (#)

type the following:

dd if=/sdcard/TWRP4cv1WithOreoKernel.img of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/recovery then press enter.

dd will display details about bytes written.

Now type:

sync + enter

Congratulations, you have upgraded your TWRP to the new version.

Now you can boot to recovery and install the Lightning ROM.

Let me know how it goes and what you think of the Lightning ROM.
[Android General] tecknight:
MicroSD card support for cv1 devices

If you are the owner of a cv1 based device (Aristo 2, Aristo 2 plus, etc) you may have looked at the manufacturer's Specs, which state that it supports a maximum of 32GB Micro SD and never tried anything larger.

Well I have some good news:

The Aristo 2 and Aristo 2 plus support at least 128GB Micro SD cards !!

I have a 128GB Pro Samsung Micro SD in mine and it has been working perfectly for months.

Anyone else using a greater than 32GB MicroSD, please reply to this post with the size and manufacturer you are using.
[Android General] solamour:
I was able to follow the instruction, and everything worked out just fine. Thank you.

I noticed that the latest release for Aristo 2 Plus is X212TA20g (https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-lmx212ta-firmwares/#tab=firmwares), although the link there is dead, so I wasn't able to download it.

What does it take to build a Lightning ROM based on 20g? Better yet, would it be even possible to keep the bloats and keep it as stock as possible? There are a few apps that I want to use (e.g. LG Backup), and "Black & white" in "Comfort view" doesn't seem to work in Lightening ROM 20e_beta2.
[Android General] Abskurity:
Hey [MENTION=2651082]tecknight[/MENTION], thank you so much for all your effort on this. I saw your post about the forced encryption, so i disabled those & RCT in the 10i boot image through editing the ramdisk. Also, i don't know if anyone here plays games that detect root such as PoGo etc. But the latest magisk beta (16.4) has fixed those issues. Also, technight, what are you using for your status bar icons etc?