yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
Thanks again, it's nice to know that we have 2 alternative TWRP versions for A12 (the other can be found at AndroidFileHost TWRP). I don't think that version was created by an XDA member, so it may not be possible to get community support for it.

I didn't actually think you would release anything else, so I tried that after upgrading. It's working fine. I'll probably switch to your build though.

My Tab S7+ is already rooted and running the TWRP linked above. Is it safe to flash your img from my current TWRP, instead of using Odin?

I also flashed your multidisabler zip. It successfully disables encryption as I had hoped it would, but I don't think it handles the extra processes (forgot the process names, it just says the 3 files were found but nothing was changed). It also fails to disable the file that restores stock recovery, recovery-from-boot or whatever it's called. It seems that in A12 this file has been moved to the root of vendor, so your zip fails to find it. I know that Magisk should systemlessly disable it, but I still used a root file manager to rename it. So far I have yet to experience my recovery being unexpectedly replaced, probably because I've always Odin flashed a rooted Magisk img before the TWRP img.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] ianmacd:
Who built the other version? I didn't know anyone had bothered.

The nice thing about this generation of device is that the same build of TWRP keeps working until the next major release of Android. That's why there are only 3 versions listed in the first posting, for Android 10, 11 and now 12.

Via the Telegram channel linked from that first posting, I do keep releasing interim builds with upstream fixed and whatnot, but I don't post about those on XDA.

I'm not very active here any more, so I haven't even created a thread for TWRP on the Fold3, for example, which I have been building for and releasing on Telegram since that device's release.

That depends entirely on the other version of TWRP, but there's certainly nothing in my build that would prevent it.

Yes, I noticed that failure. Thanks for pointing it out. I will have to update the multidisabler. That tool is losing some currency now unfortunately, because devices that launched on Android 11 and 12 need an edit or two that can't be automated in a non-invasive way. It still works fine on devices that launched on Android 10, however, regardless of the version they are running on now.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] Thyrador:
May I ask if your TWRP-Version works for the WiFi variant (SM-T970) too?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
Yes, it does. I have that model, and am using @ianmacd's Android 12 TWRP now.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] Thyrador:
Thanks. I'm still thinking about to flash it. Still on stock, but rooted. Since there are no roms, I'm unsure if it's worth to install TWRP.

Without I probably could just update stock and keep my data without having to backup everything first (which gave me a major headache last night bc it took hours to move ~120gb of data)
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
Well, your warranty is already void and Knox tripped. No going back. Might as well go the extra mile and add TWRP to the mix. TWRP is worth it, even if you only use it to backup the data partition. You would have something to restore just in case you couldn't boot for some reason, with no other way to fix it besides a firmware refiash. Think of TWRP as another tool in your belt. Since you're already rooted, I'd say there's no downside to having it, and therefore no reason not to.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] Vishnarov:
ianmacd, can we use your TWRP with the next build firmware and so on with every new with Android 12 or must be updated TWRP with every new montly build firmware ?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] JLee1218:
Is it possible for you to detail your step by step process on how you were able to do this.

I tried flashing the android 12 twrp using odin, but I keep going back to the stock recovery when I reboot.

Thank you in advance.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
You need to rename the file called "recovery-from-boot.p" located in the root of the vendor partition (or whatever it's called on devices that have dynamic partitions/SAR). This file is responsible for the restoration of the stock recovery. This is what I've done, with no bad effects.

You can rename it from within TWRP. Or from within Android in a file manager that has root access. Don't delete it, just add bak or whatever to the end of the file name. If TWRP still doesn't stick then flash it with Odin once more. It should hold this time without going back to stock recovery.

I've also heard that Magisk is supposed to prevent the stock recovery from coming back. But you either may not be rooted, or may not want to root. So, renaming this file in TWRP is your other option.

More details, just in case TWRP won't let you rename the file:

Flash TWRP with Odin, boot into it. If you're successful, open the Mount tab, put a checkbox by every partition.

Open TWRP terminal. Type the following commands one by one, press enter/return button after each one. If successful, each command will give no output. Make sure the spacing and lowercase characters are exactly as I've listed them.:

mount -o rw,remount /

mount -o rw,remount /vendor

Next, open TWRP file manager, go to /vendor. Once you see the file, tap it and select rename. Add bak to the end of it (can be anything else, but this is easy to remember and short). Ensure that the rename was successful.

Just in case, refiash TWRP one more time. You should now be able to boot it as often as you wish, stock recovery won't return.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] JLee1218:
Sorry for my bad wording in the original post. What I meant is that I cannot get into TWRP at all after flashing using Odin.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
That's weird. I had no trouble getting in. Are you sure your bootloader is fully unlocked? In addition to simply unlocking, you also need to fully disable Verified Boot.

A good indication is, if you can flash the TWRP without getting an error in Odin. If so, you're unlocked. It's probably just a button timing issue. The trick is to immediately boot TWRP right after flashing it, without letting the tab boot into Android. Then use the method I outlined above to prevent stock recovery from coming back.

You're probably booting right back into Android after flashing (and not being Magisk rooted), which gives the stock recovery a chance to restore. You must stop it before it gets that far.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] JLee1218:
Immediately booting into TWRP was the trick I needed! Thank you so much for your help!!!
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
Ok, good. Just try rebooting into recovery a few times to be sure it sticks. Did you use my method to disable stock recovery restoration? Are you rooted, or do you plan to root? If not, disabling via TWRP is the only way to ensure that it isn't replaced.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] JLee1218:
I used your method of renaming "recovery-from-boot.p" and TWRP stuck.

I am just trying to customize a kernel and I believe that I don't need to root for that (please correct me if I am wrong). I'm very new to this so I still got a lot to figure out.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
I don't think there are any custom kernels for Android 12 on our device. Stock is good enough anyway. And no, a custom kernel doesn't need root, but most people root them anyway, which has been a tradition in the Android enthusiast community for many years.

If you know how to compile a kernel from source code, you can try customizing your own kernel that way. But be warned that it's quite difficult and frustrating, lots of trial and error involved. Things will oftentimes not work as you expect. And other things may not work out at all. If you decide to delve into that, you're in for a long road ahead, but it will be a good learning experience for you.

My suggestion is to just root the stock kernel with Magisk. Or leave it unrooted with just the stock ROM and TWRP. Depends on your needs, really. Others can do without root, but I can't. Must have for me.

TWRP alone is worth it if only because it gives you the ability to back up/restore your device.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] sambow23:
Dragkernel has been around for a while, works perfectly fine on A12 if you build it from source

GitHub - b1ad3runn3r/drag-kernel-t975: Kernel for Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+(SM-T975 WiFi + LTE)

Kernel for Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+(SM-T975 WiFi + LTE) - b1ad3runn3r/drag-kernel-t975

github.com

https://xdaforums.com/t/kernel-dragkernel.4328693/
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] sambow23:
Technically there are roms available if you wish to flash GSIs (generic system image), it's a little more daunting to set up but once you get it working it works very well. I'm currently running Google's AOSP Android 12 L build (android for tablets) on my SM-T970 with no issues so far.

I recommend following this guide for further information

https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-a10-a11-flashing-and-booting-gsi-on-galaxy-tab-s7.4282085/
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
@sambow23: I'd love to test a GSI right now, or try compiling a kernel. But not too long ago, my PC had a hardware failure and is no longer usable until I can repair it. Which also means that I can't even Odin flash the stock firmware anymore if my device softbricks, I won't have a way to fix it. For now, it's best to not mess around too much, I need to keep what I have working.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
Would you mind posting a link to this ROM you're using? If I can flash it without a PC, it would be worth a try. I can always borrow a friend's laptop to refiash stock firmware if anything goes wrong.

And a few more questions:

1. Can I just use the pure stock kernel/boot.img with it, instead of Drag kernel? I can't compile a kernel due to having a non-working PC

2. Does it come with GApps (Google apps) built in? If not, will they work out of the box if I flash them separately?

3. Does it work with Magisk?

4. Is Android 10 vendor.img still required?

Thanks in advance, I'm just looking to try something different besides the stock ROM. My PC failure happened at a bad time, just a few hours after Odin flashing Android 11 and installing Magisk/TWRP.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] yurishouse:
Thx for all the good works iam, appericated
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] SavXL:
Small question. Say I forgot to disable auto reboot in Odin. Would holding vol+ while the device auto reboots after being flashed still make it boot into twrp and make it stick? If not, does manually rebooting into recovery mode make it stick or is there something more than needs to be done to make that happen?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
It should, yes. If you can't get into TWRP that way, untick auto reboot and flash it again.

Use the method I posted at Make TWRP stick to ensure that you don't lose TWRP (works without rooting, Magisk not required, which is the other way to keep TWRP from being overwritten by stock recovery).
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] SavXL:
Quick question. Does the firmware I download from SamMobile have to be the same as my tablet's firmware, or will it work as long as it's from the same region (Ex. XAR)? Like, if my tablet was a T970XXU2BUJ3, could I use firmware with a different build number (Ex. T970XXU1ATK3) or even a different android version as long as it was meant for an S7+ and meant for the same region as my tablet so I could flash my tablet in case something goes wrong? I just want to make sure of this beforehand since I am thinking of buying a T970 off of eBay, but the build number is not in the device description. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. :)
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
Well, the firmware has to be for the same MODEL that you intend to flash it onto (regardless of whether it comes from SamMobile or another source). You can't just flash a different model firmware onto another model, it won't work, Odin won't allow it to flash. So even if you moronically tried to do that, nothing bad would happen. In short, if you have a T970 (like me) or whatever, you must use the firmware for that model only.

Yes, you can use firmware with a different region/build #/Android version...as long as it matches your model. A few examples. Chinese firmware will work even if you have USA firmware installed. A different build # will work as long as the model matches. And a different Android version (10>11, 11>12, etc, or even downgrading) will work too. The only exception I can think of is for Tab S7 (+) firmwares that have a U1 version bootloader or a U2 version bootloader, you can upgrade from U1 to U2 but you can't do the reverse. Just look for U1 or U2 in the build #.

I wouldn't expect an eBay seller to include the build #/Android version in the product description. And I recommend that you don't buy this kind of thing from eBay or anywhere else in a used state, since you never know what the previous owner has done with it. If they're listing it as new, make sure the description says that it's unopened and still in the factory sealed packaging. And check the seller's ratings/feedback. Better to buy new from a reputable source, then you know for sure that you have a warranty. I've had mixed luck with items from eBay in the past, and will only buy there if there are no other reliable sources.

Edit: Another potentially bad thing about eBay, is that every Tom, ****, Harry and their uncle can create an account and start hawking their stuff. Much of it will be of questionable quality or dubious origin. And if you search around on eBay, you will also note that very few if any reputable manufacturers sell their items there. Like for example, Apple AirPods. There's plenty of them on there, but how many of them have Apple as the seller? My educated guess from experience with eBay.....none. And if you decide to buy something there and decide you want a refund, good luck on actually getting your money back. Not impossible, but can be aggravating at times. If you buy the tab from there and something is wrong, you may very well be stuck with it.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] SavXL:
Thank you for your response! I wasn't thinking of flashing firmware from a different model entirely as that wouldn't make any sense at all. You can't just flash S7+ 5G firmware to a normal S7+, it just wouldn't work.

I am glad to know that using firmwares with different build numbers will work even if it's not the same as mine. I didn't know about the U1 and U2 bootloaders though, so thank you for letting me know!

I made sure that the eBay seller had positive ratings/feedback since I don't want to get burned with a fake product. Haven't had a bad experience yet since I'm super cautious when it comes to stuff like this. The seller made sure to say it was used but had no scratches or visible imperfections on it. They provide multiple pictures at different angles to corroborate that. I would've just bought it from a normal store as you suggested, but the prices give me pause a lot of the time. The only reason I'd ever use eBay is to find a better price than the original.

Thank you for all of your help! :)
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
I edited my post right after you replied to me, you probably missed the last bit of it. When it comes to electronics in particular, I strongly recommend new over used, if only because you will have a guaranteed warranty. Galaxy Tab S8 (and any other variations of it) are already in the preorder phase. So, if you will wait a bit longer until it's officially released to market, you will generally find that many sellers will discount the price of a new Tab S7+. I'd wait on a deal for a new model to appear, if I were you. As my car salesman friend says all the time when new cars models are released, "out with the old, in with the the new".

I don't mind buying some things used, but it all depends on the category. I will oftentimes buy military/outdoor gear used but in good condition. Or tools and related things. For electronics I prefer new, there are less likely to be issues when the item has never been used. I bought my tab direct from Samsung about halfway through last year.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] SavXL:
Ahh, I understand. The risks of buying on eBay are very apparent and extremely valid, but I made sure that the seller accepts returns, so that adds a little more credibility to the offer. Maybe it's just a combination of good luck and wishful thinking, but I haven't been burned yet from buying used, and if anything did happen to go wrong that I couldn't fix myself, eBay was a lot faster to help than I thought. I was prepared for a rigamarole of annoying phone calls, but it was settled over a few emails. I'm hoping I don't end up needing to go through the process again, as smooth as it was the first time, and that the tablet just works as advertised, but if I need to, it won't take too long.

Edit: I also prefer to have tech be new instead of used, but if it's been used so little that it practically is new and substantially cheaper, that's the only time I'll spring for used tech.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
Well, it's up to you. I still would wait a bit longer for the new tab to release, so that the S7+ prices will drop. Look at it this way, you may get a decent deal from eBay, only to soon see it being sold new elsewhere for even less. And honestly, if the screen has any imperfections whatsoever, it's not worth it. This tab has a wonderful, vibrant screen, you won't get the full clarity from something that's less than perfect. One of the first things I tend to do when buying a new device, is to install a tempered glass screen protector. One that's thick enough to prevent surface scratches, but thin enough to not affect touch sensitivity. I don't try to fool myself into thinking these will protect from impact damage. If it hits hard enough, no protector will save it.

If you absolutely don't have to have this right now, then hold off for a bit.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] SavXL:
Would you happened to have a link to once of those screen protectors that you use? I haven't dropped my current tablet yet, but I still would like to keep it protected from scratches and scuffs. I've been hearing a lot about how good the screen on this tab is with its larger super amoled display and it being 120hz. Never experienced anything about 60hz before, so that'd be a sight to see.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
Benazcap tempered glass

I'm using this on my Tab S7+. I reviewed it too, you can figure out which is mine. It's not too thick, so it doesn't affect touch sensitivity where it matters. I play games like Call Of Duty Mobile and emulated console games, sensitivity definitely matters. The thicker the glass, the less sensitive it will be. Also, the fingerprint sensor works great with this too. And it doesn't interfere with the case I've installed. I don't recommend anything thicker than 0.3mm, for this reason.

The combo I use:

1. Screen protector listed above

2. Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro (hardshell case that almost completely covers the entire tab, except screen)

3. Tomtoc outer case for housing tab when I'm not using it, also has room for accessories. It's designed for iPads and is a tad bit oversized for this tab, but only slightly so. I couldn't find a good outer case made specifically for this tab. Link below.

Tomtoc case

Edit: The Supcase also has a spot on the back to securely hold the pen. Very easy to lose, mine hasn't fell out yet. And try not to worry too much about the reviews regarding the kickstand on the case seeming flimsy. I've been using it for months, no issues. A downside is that the kickstand only supports landscape mode, no portrait. For that I occasionally use an external stand that collapses when it's not being used.

Forgot to add a link for it, so here:

Supcase
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] SavXL:
I'm having a slight issue with getting twrp installed. I made sure that the bootloader was unlocked and made sure usb debugging was enabled before I started flashing things in odin. I flashed the vbmeta image from a different thread that was seemingly for this tablet and I'm assuming that it may not have worked since I still get the "this bootloader is unlocked blah blah blah" message when rebooting. I tried installing twrp anyway but when I disabled auto reboot in odin and tried to manually reboot into recovery mode (holding power + vol+). that message would still pop up and wouldn't go away until I let go of vol+ which would not let me reboot into twrp anymore. Am I doing the wrong button combination or is there a specific vbmeta for the T970 that I should be using? Maybe I should be trying to boot into twrp from the command line? I'm not sure. Something else worth mentioning is that when I tried to reboot into twrp after flashing in odin, for a split secnd, I saw something along the lines of "set current bit: vbmeta" at the top left. Not sure if I'm supposed to be seeing that but if I am then I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] SavXL:
OK, I have no idea how I just made it work but now I'm in twrp. I just needed to press power to get the splash screen message to go away and hold vol+ immediately afterwards. lol
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] SavXL:
Alright, now I have a different issue. When trying to rename recovery-from-boot.p to recovery-from-boot.p.bak in the /vendor partition, it keeps saying "mv "/vendor/recovery-from-boot.p" ""/vendor/recovery-from-boot.p.bak"" process ended with ERROR: 1". I made sure to flash the samsung multidisabler and format data before trying to do this. I rebooted to recovery from twrp a couple times to make sure I could still get into it, but I want to make sure it sticks.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] AnonVendetta:
The bootloader message is normal and can't be disabled. If you want your tab to be rooted/have TWRP then you will just have to get used to it. The only other way to make it go away is to relock bootloader and flash official unmodified firmware. But that means none of the forbidden fruit for you either.

I'm using this vbmeta:

Neutralized vbmeta

Be warned that Android won't boot afterward (because of vbmeta being changed), you will have to do a one-time factory reset. Vbmeta/verified boot will stay disabled as long as you don't flash official firmware. Flash in Odin in userdata slot, not AP.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus ROMs, Kernels, Rec] SavXL:
I was trying to do that but the splash screen where I needed to press power to bypass it wouldn't go away no matter how long I held those buttons down. I just held vol+ immediately after pressing power and got the same result. Whatever works I suppose.