yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FanboyStudios:
I've only used Odin/Heimdall and Fastboot, until just recently I used EDL Mode.

So I'm pretty new to this style of flashing. However, it seems some of the documentation in this thread has commands listed wrong and they gave me errors, but some other posts had the commands listed correctly without errors. I may eventually write up documentation into a single post for this device, with screenshots to help people so they don't have to comb through dozens of pages to find everything only to try some things that don't work. But, that won't happen until I get a good understanding of how everything works in regards to making full backups (including the IMEI), flashing, rooting, and unlocking (both the bootloader and sim slots).

Right now, I'm just waiting on one member here to respond to my private message so I can perhaps proceed with unlocking my device. After that, I plan to flash a clean Android 8 stock ROM (without carrier bloatware, and dual sim functionality), and Magisk 23 Patched Boot Image (to retain usage of Magisk Hide). Android 10 is of no concern to me, as I hate Android 10+ in general with regards to what Google has done with Storage Access Framework.

"File I/O performance takes somewhat of a hit under SAF, but the most outstanding problem lies in file directory operations, where it's ~25 to 50 times slower than the conventional file access possible in Pie. In the case of file managers, that means it will take orders of magnitude longer to perform searches and storage usage calculations..." - https://www.xda-developers.com/android-q-storage-access-framework-scoped-storage/
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bozza72:
Yes Im happy to get a clean android 8, once i have that i can update normally to android 10 and see how it runs, if its not fat enough i can re flash back to 8.

if i can help in any way (not sure how i can ) im happy to help
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FanboyStudios:
I think on some versions of Android 8, you are not able to update to Android 10, especially if you've modified the boot image (like if you flashed Magisk for root).
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FanboyStudios:
So are you trying to flash a GSI with sahara/firehose?

Because as far as I know, nobody has gotten a GSI working.

I too would like to de-google my device sometime, but really all we seem to have right now is stock ROMs from various carriers.

It is possible however, to remove permissions from a lot of the google apps (from within the normal app permission settings), and use AFWall (from F-Droid) with root permissions to block the google apps from having internet access. And If you ever need to use an app that relies on GPlay Services, you can re-enable the permissions and unblock them in AFWall.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Supermud.:
The end goal would be a GSI, but the first step is root, and I have yet to get that.

I have followed as far as I can the guide to get root and got stopped at the point I indicated in my post.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bozza72:
Have any of you unlocked a sonim xp8 from AT&T, This phone i have is networked locked to AT&T, i sent them a request to get the unlock code but they said it doesnt meet there eligibility requirements. So any idea on how i can unlock the phone please
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] razar:
I must be doing something wrong, never used qfil before.

Downloaded files from thenatti.

Opened qfil, selected flat build

selected the firehose file in the directory (regular, and tried lite too)

selected rawprogram0twrp.xml and patch0.xml

then tool and partition manager.

Everything seems to be flashing, getting no error, but when I reboot and try to go to recovery, there's no TWRP, it's still regular recovery.

What am I missing?
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FanboyStudios:
I've posted a device forum request for the Sonim XP8 here

*** New Device Forum Requests ***

Please post all your requests here. The forum admins choose new device forums carefully, based on several factors. There's no guarantee your device will have a forum created here, but feel free to posts your requests in this thread :) Please do...

xdaforums.com

Hopefully we can get a device forum so things can be organized and documented better.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Supermud.:
Thank you
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Supermud.:
Thanks for the steps. My problem has been figuring out how to do most of the things you have listed as 'IDK'. That's really what I need help with. The stuff we don't have a solid how-to for.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FanboyStudios:
I figured out how to gain root, it's just that flashing this thing has been a pain in the ass.

Not everything works reliably, and there are several ways to flash the device.

My phone no longer seems to flash/boot properly (after having been flashed several times) any of the backups I've made, let alone most ROMs in this thread.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Supermud.:
That's too bad. I wish we had some more professional people who know a lot more who would work on this phone. Then we could get some decent understanding of why things are so unpredictable.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FanboyStudios:
So for example, this guide is pretty poorly written.

Not to discredit Xombiex, since they do seem to have an idea of what they're doing... but their guide leaves out a ton of information.

Important information like...

Where to download the tools to backup and flash the device

Where to download the debug version

How to properly do a full system backup and backup the QCN

How to flash the debug version

How to boot into the bootloader/fastboot mode to be able to run the "fastboot flashing unlock" command in the first place

etc.

...has been left out.

Worse yet, they put "(you know how)" assuming that the users reading this would know how to do everything they just mentioned.

The problem with this, is not everyone knows how... and future users scrolling through the thread may now have to read a ton of pages to try to piece everything together (perhaps in the process breaking something, like I did 😣).

As for myself, I just got my Sonim XP8 a few days ago... so I'm pretty new to this device also.

But, this is also part of why I made a request for a device forum, so that hopefully we can have everything better organized, and avoid having a single thread that goes on for an eternity.

Hopefully, this post encourages people to write some better documentation. I don't intend to come off as being rude, this is just some constructive criticism. 😅

Also, don't forget you can edit your posts if you make typos/mistakes/etc. XDA also has some editing tools so you can have everything step by step, nicely formatted, even including code blocks.

// Simple C program to display "Hello XDA!"

// Header file for input output functions
#include <stdio.h>

// main function -
// where the execution of program begins
int main()
{

// prints hello xda
printf("Hello XDA!");

return 0;
}
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Xombiex:
I think You don't want to read all the thread if You are now with the device, all your topics are available but need to read ,thats the problem this thread are Open since 2018 i think and we are make every post and result (others members and me).
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FanboyStudios:
Oh, I've read the thread (several times over and over), but it's a mess trying to make out what exactly to do.

My phone simply doesn't work properly anymore, because of some of the stuff in this thread is just not documented well.

Perhaps you can help make sense of it, then I can write a better guide.

Basically I'm unable to get my phone to work with any of my backups, and most ROMs now (the userdebug build at least boots).

Perhaps something bad happened to the keystore, or maybe something pertaining to QFuse?

IDK

Even after unlocking and making a backup of my QCN (and restoring it after flashing the userdebug build), my phone's APN settings are unavailable. It appears to not be fully unlocked. SIM cards are detected and there's no popup requesting an unlock code, but APN settings aren't available.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Xombiex:
So its our fault? We do all under our risk, i already can help but i'm full now if You can wait could be great all the problems with the device can be solved
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FanboyStudios:
I know that everything is at our risk, but better documentation reduces the chance of someone misunderstanding/doing something wrong.

What I was saying, is that if you made your guides more detailed, people may not have to scour the forums trying out various things (which increases the risk of breaking something) just to accomplish a task.

For example, I put more details in my guide responding to another user on here who is trying to gain root.

Case in point, they're having issues trying to understand how exactly to flash the device.

(Obviously, I left out some stuff that IDK about - since I don't want to be the reason someone brick their device by providing bad information. I don't know what exactly is the best way to flash the various images available... since the documentation is subpar and there's more than one way to flash this device.)

This is my guide on gaining root:

If you know of anything for me to improve this guide, feel free to shoot me a DM and explain those details. Then I'll happily include them in my guide. :)
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FanboyStudios:
You might find "fastbootd" to be handy for flashing a GSI. I've never used it myself, as I've only used the regular fastboot.

fastboot commands

fastboot commands. GitHub Gist: instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

gist.github.com

What Is FastbootD, and How Can You Use It to Install a Custom ROM on Android?

You can use FastbootD to quickly flash a ROM or GSI on some Android phones without a custom recovery. Here's how to do it.

www.makeuseof.com
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bozza72:
For me i found the infomation confusing, 1 post said do this then another disagreed and there was no follow up, i have only every used ODIN to flash so i could really do with a dummies guide if that can be arranged it would be so helpful. Thanks
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FanboyStudios:
It seems to me that I might just be the only one who is willing to write up good documentation.

I just need to figure out how all the flashing tools work (or not work) in the first place. Today I ordered a new set of USB C cables, which I hope will solve my issues of stuff not flashing properly. I also ordered a new microSD card, and hopefully I'll be able to play music files from it (because currently that's something that doesn't work on my phone for whatever reason).
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FanboyStudios:
This does not work with QFIL.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] a_petrov303:
Hi, can you please explain?

So we need to flash with QFIL the modema/b with modem file you posted and then edit the line above to display dsds?

can someone please help me make a backup of the phone before trying to activate second SIM?

I always get errors, tried 2 PCs already
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] eleotk:
YES
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] a_petrov303:
Thank you for quick reply. I was desperate, spent last night reading the explanations here and on 4PDA, but there are so many parallel threads going on, that I was confused.

I will go via QFIL method. I downloaded modem file (no extension).

1) Do I make 2 copies of it named modem_a.img and modem_b.img?

2)Then when I go to QFIL, which firehose do I use please? 8920something or 660something?

3)After that I patch boot img with magisk in order to gain root and be able to edit the persit*****=dsds file?

Can you please confirm 1, 2 and 3 with yes/ no if a longer guide takes too much time please?

Cheers,

Andy
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] eleotk:
1 xp8800 prog_emmc_ufs_firehose_Sdm660_lite.elf

2 modem_a.img and modem_b.img

3 dsds
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] eleotk:
sonim Dual SIM

xp8800

xp5800
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] CountParadox:
Hi all, joining the thread late, just got a Kenwood KWSA80K which appears to be a Sonim XP8 with some physical design differences. Anybody have the Android 10 XP8 rom I can try flashing to this?

Thanks!
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] apetrov1x5:
while you look for the ROM, can you please share which guide/instructions you are planning to use please?

Is the 3.71 GB zip shared above any good for your task?

Sorry for asking probably stupid questions, but this is similar to what I want to do, and I think I have the files, but maybe lacking some instructions. I am yet to try the suggestions from the posts above, but if there would be a solution where I could simply flash a ready-made ROM, I think that would be easiest for me.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] apetrov1x5:
Thank you once again and apologies for bothering you again.

The zip file you shared - is it a full image which can be flashed using TWRP?

I have flashed using TWRP in the past (LG phone), more or less I know the steps, just asking if there are some particular settings in TWRP for this model. Usually there are and if so, I would like to know how to use this particular file you shared.

Cheers,

Andy
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] eleotk:
QFIL
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] a_petrov303:
Hi, I am on Android 10 and trying to follow your guide.

Many thanks for taking the time by the way and making a stepbystep instruction.

I have a question on step 2b - do I need to make a new txt file, name it backup.xml and paste into the new file all the content from your message endin in </data> ?

No matter what I do, I do not get the command in step 2c to write into the backup.xml and I assume this is mega important as this is my backup.

By the way, all I want to achieve is dual sim, but none of the methods I tried works so far, as I cannot to get "oem unlock" toggle to open position (it i shown as switched to the left and greyed out in developers options).

Therefore I cannot fastboot flashing unlock etc...
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] SpectralUA:
Works with ATT xp5s. Thank you!!

Some issues with keyboard (not all menus clickable) but dualsim started.

What files needed to replace at current fw? With modem.img shown no simcard.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] SpectralUA:
Can you share way to found it? Also need.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FanboyStudios:
I would not recommend flashing that ROM on that device (unless you are willing to risk bricking it), as it uses a different SOC (Snapdragon 427) and the Sonim XP8 uses a Snapdragon 630.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] JayTheDev98:
Made a discord for development and discussion for this underrated device. Hopefully we can make some developments and discussions about it. Though I'm a noob at this kinda stuff, I hope some more advanced devs and can help discuss and develop for this device. All is welcome!

Discord - Group Chat That’s All Fun & Games

Discord is great for playing games and chilling with friends, or even building a worldwide community. Customize your own space to talk, play, and hang out.

discord.gg
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] JayTheDev98:
@thenatti Do you mind publishing your TWRP sources, i want to continue to work on it
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] texas1r:
Greetings to all the teachers in this xp8 thread and thank you for every addition of information.

I request your help sonim xp3800 sprint blocked from boot and dual sim card, I searched this thread back but the information is not updated,

3A.0.5-05-8.1.0-29.70.00_USER_PST.zip does not exist... I would like help please in the dark oyo and I have already tried everything
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] JayTheDev98:
Does anyone have a backup of a .qcn for ATT oreo
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] a_petrov303:
I am planning to upgrade tonight to android 10 my ATT device which is currently on android 8.1. I can wait for you and do the upgrade tomorrow.

If you tell me what to do, I can follow instructions. I never made a backup so you will have to give me a guide for dummies
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] JayTheDev98:
Awesome, send me a pm and ill show you
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] a_petrov303:
anyone knows how to solve the "SIM network unlock PIN" request from a AT&T phone please?
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] a_petrov303:
can this help with my problem of AT&T locked device?
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] a_petrov303:
where can I get this version of Sonim tools please? the version that I have only has 2 tabs, Download and QNP, but no SIM unlock tab. Is that tab for SIM unlocking please?
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] a_petrov303:
how to enable DIAG mode please?
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] oljack:
*#*#248#*#* AT&T phone
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] oljack:
But I need unlock 3 pcs Sonim XP8 from AT&T carrier and I can't unlock now, I can't find solution.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] portsample:
Need to start a Go Fund Me to port Lineage to this phone.

I'd throw in the first $100.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] a_petrov303:
I flashed a Verizon XP8 with AT&T firmware - the phone was stuck at Sonim logo after restart.

Then flashed another backup of AT&T 8.1 - the phone started, but no IMEI, no SIM detected.

Is there any chance to restore the phone, at least one SIM like it use to work before I started? I did not make any backups ...I know now how stupid it was...
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] jochu38@hotmail.com:
The build is 8A.0.0.04-7. 1 1. 12.00.24, the telus device checkup app would say they're was an update, but that it was already downloaded and to just restart, but that's about it. Now it shows it downloading, but the install fails. The http for the ota is https://android.googleapis.com/pack.../8edcbcc107d34bb1e9b402e975206125eabcc62b.zip. shows it at 1.1GB so must be the android 8 upgrade?
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] smokeyou:
That does appear to be the full(ish) 8.1 update. This would update 8A.0.0-04-7.1.1-12.00.24 to 8A.0.0-06-8.1.0-12.23.00.

Also seems to be using google servers so this is good.. The AT&T updates came from some AT&T XDM server.

Have you tried a adb sideload from within recovery by chance? If that works it's probably the easiest way. I know flashfire can force apply OTA's also however it's not compatible with newer versions of Magisk so we need to work around that. Another idea I had was to pull full factory images over edl, apply the bdiff files manually, then reflash with a patched image set - seems pretty risky though.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] geeque:
Hello guys! Can somebody help me with EDL bootloader? I've described my problem here: https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=80740975&postcount=12
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] jochu38@hotmail.com:
Well somehow my phone has gone into a fastboot bootloop. I cant boot into any of the options at the fastboot menu, it just keeps bringing me back i did get it into edl mode but the fhloader app is giving me an error about something being .rb or that windows wont let me run the app now on it.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] smokeyou:
It sounds like the phone no longer likes your system image. Also sounds like something got corrupt within your QPst installation.

Fastboot is pretty much useless but if you can still access EDL then you should be able to restore still.

Does not sounds like a Hard brick at least. You will know it's completely screwed if it represents an EMMC failure - no response to anything or nothing displayed aside from a Sonim logo. I have seen this happen after modifying the keymaster - never touch the keymaster if you can avoid it!
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] uberdude420:
man i hate to be a pain in the arse. but ive never used edl mode and im having trouble with the tutorial. is there other software i am required to install?? when i try to issue the command in terminal i get file not found. any chance that i could talk you into a perhaps making a small video on what you have done ? or clarifying a little bit for me? lol.. i love this phone and want nothing more than root on it so i can get viper audio and drive droid on it lol.. im on a telus version xp8 that came sim unlocked and i have on koodo. but im udpated to 8.1 thanks to an ota 2 days ago. ive rooted alot of different devices but ive never used edl for anything. my bootloader is also still locked.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] albert.r:
Just want to thank [MENTION=1444903]smokeyou[/MENTION] again for showing us the way to have happiness with Xp8. My rooted phone says thanks too!

-albertr
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] smokeyou:
For the most part all the files will come with an installation of QPST. Aside from that you will also need the programmer (.elf) file that is a bit harder to find. Google search and Goole translate were both a great help for me.

Technically the elf files are licensed and vendor proprietary so I'm not sure if they can be posted here. I can't even upload files on XDA directly anyways but maybe if someone else wanted to try.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] albert.r:
Now if we can get someone to compile a custom recovery image for XP8.... ;)
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] geeque:
Maybe you can share at least something like sha1 or md5 checksum for this file? :(
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] uberdude420:
il get on it as soon as i return home.. ty for the expediant reply. you kick ass smoke... its good to see something finally happening with this phone :)
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] uberdude420:
dude... if you do that.. and happen across the schematics that have the information on the pin outs for the side and top connector.....so a guy might make hardware hookups on his own......can ya share? lol
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] smokeyou:
Here is the interface document for the XP7. It's probably the same on the XP5s and XP8.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12O-xOfGBS-UqN-YobKapjmzir-790mgm/view?usp=sharingHere
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] eleotk:
You have XP5S ROMS, can you provide the next link?
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] smokeyou:
Sure thing! XP5SA.0.2-03-7.1.2-29.03.00 (Sprint) has been added to the main post.
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] eleotk:
Thanks, I have XP8elf, can DUMP8A.0.4-05-7.1.1-10.01.75 this version
[Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] smokeyou:
Thanks for posting this eleotk!!

I'm confused when you ask about the XP5s and post the XP8 elf file :).. No worries, this will be a great help for others either way!!.

Not sure where you got it though?? That ELF file is signed by Sonim and the xml appears to be pulled from the proprietary flashing tool.. I believe so at least as I have seen XP7 debug images broken into many segments silimar to this XML.

Do you have all the other associated files for this image? Basically the files listed in rawprogram0_unsparse.xml?

Created a collection for flash tools on the main post.. This download includes qsaharaserver, fh_loader, required dll's, and elf files for both the XP8 and XP5s.