yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] old.splatterhand:
About the time/date problem, i think the problem comes from setting up the phone without a correct time/timezone/date.

Some people (me included) skip the step in Setup Wizard to set the correct time because it will be synced to the right values after you connect to the internet. TWRP seems to grab that wrong time values from Android OS.

The solution is to go with a root Explorer to the folder in "root" /persist/time and delete the ats* files. After the reboot to Twrp the time and backup name is set correctly.

I have not seen any negatives on deleting these files, but of course you do that on your own risk!

Thanks for this solution to one of the most experienced people here on xda i came across @Captain_Throwback
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] old.splatterhand:
About the size. It splits in ~9 GB for system/super partition and 13 files for data which i put in one data.tar with a size of ~18 GB.

In the data.tar is the content of /data/data folder. And if i unpack the data.tar i'll get a size of 1,45 GB...:oops::unsure:

I am confused now!
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] amphi66:
Reads as if you'are a 'happy camper'!

I am a bit confused after reviewing the 229 prior posts in this thread. Can you list specifically what steps you used for the successful installation? i am running stock ROM rooted with Magisk. Thanks & congratulations!
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] old.splatterhand:
I don't know about stock rom as i use Bliss Rom. I guess you need another kernel that supports LZMA ramdisk.

I flashed twrp.img with fastboot to boot partition and booted twrp.

In twrp, use adb to push the needed boot.img and the twrp.img to sdcard.

Then flash the boot.img to boot partition (with the image flash option).

Then use the "Install recovery to ramdisk" to flash twrp.img to ramdisk.

After that boot to Android and recovery to see everything works.

If everything goes well, you can flash magisk.zip in twrp to get back root.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
Finally, we have arrived!

THANK YOU NIKAMURA!!!

​

Sorry for missing...do we still need the tweaked rom?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] amphi66:
I assume I can use MTP to put the twrp.img & "needed boot.img" onto sdCard prior to starting all of this, but what is "needed boot.img"? So a LZMA Ramdisk kernel is still req'd ... I will look back into that.

Thanks!
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] old.splatterhand:
The "needed boot.img" is a kernel that supports LZMA ramdisk.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] momojuro:
Indeed, it is still a requirement. This is quoted from the official TWRP website's Pixel 4/XL page (the devices share the same 4.14 kernel base with the Pixel 4a 4G):
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
Oops...meant kernal. lol It's all good...
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] daemonspudguy:
Does this work on Android 12 as well?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] momojuro:
Not yet. The TWRP dev team is working on it.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
Doh! I missed that lil detail somehow! Sok...I've waited this long, a lil more won't hurt! Makin' progress now...it's a good!
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] jason972000:
I'm testing the test10.

When I try to restore a backup it says the pin decryption should not be active.

How do I restore without using the pin?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
Disable pin before making the backup?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] jason972000:
How do we disable pin? I did enter my pin and it says it decrypted the device. However restore option says I need to turn it off? It is not clear on what restore wants done. If I don't enter a pin, nothing seems to work.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Slim2none4u:
You need to boot into android and remove your pin.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] jason972000:
Thanks @rhewins2268

I am able to restore backups taken while pin was present and not present. So it seems ok to do backups regardless if rom has lock pin set. But the restore needs to have rom with no pin set.

However, that little note in yellow after restore indicating it is a good idea to boot rom after booting again is important. I actually had to hold the power button to get reboot of system because the menu for reboot is gone on firstboot, as well as navigation bar, etc. After second boot to system, all appears to be working. No pin lock is present on restore.

Also, the fix mentioned to fix time works but needs to be fixed evrytime I booted twrp.

Nice work here.

I am testing with A11 Bliss rom.

Next test to see if I can restore backups from different roms.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] nikamura:
I built TWRP for android11 with TWRP3.6.1 source code.

There is link at OP.

I tested it with android11 FW(RQ3A.211001.001 Oct 2021).

Fix time stamp problem.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
Soo close! Wish I could help u test but I'm fully vested w/ A12. Godspeed to u nailing down 12...you'd have a LOT more testers I'm thinking!!
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] amphi66:
whoops! wrong thread, sorry ....
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Lada333:
Would this work here?

I'm not sure about the error you got about your device being encrypted, but I had used that workaround many times to get rid of the screen lock after restoring a backup.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] d33dvb:
been gone a year, do we have a working twrp yet?

Is the latest one in op capable of booting a12 roms?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] mangokm40:
My 4a is on Feb 05 security update

Firmware is RQ3A.211001.001 10040873

Latest TWRP downloaded from OP link

I booted with "fastboot boot sunfish_twrp3.6.1-11.img"

I tried to do a backup...

Super & Data say "0MB"

When I swipe, I get 3 errors...

"Unable to mount /data/media/TWRP/.twrps"

"Unable to mount /data/media/TWRP/.twrps"

"Failed to mount '/data' (Invalid argument)"
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
Sadly enuff A10/11 (w/a modded kernal) was as far as we managed mostly thanx to nikamura's coding skills. Lotta people have reverted to A10 just for twrp. sorry guys...

​

​
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] DragonFire1024:
That would be me...though I went back to A10 to be able to pass safety net better. I have had everything go to crap on A11-12 in the past (probably something I did) and have had a much more reliable and better experience on A10. Not a fan of stock Google A12.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] d33dvb:
I take it thats a firm no. I wish we had more devs that were helping out, or lineage adds more to their recovery.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
Best root-app based backup imho is Swift. Costs a few bucks a year or like $6 for lifetime. Also it uses your google drive (or several others). End to end full encryption ofc. Just bought it last week when I FINALLY rooted my 4a...just got tired of waiting for a twrp fix and Swift is the next best thing.

Swift Backup - Apps on Google Play

A simple, fast and smart backup solution for Android smartphones

play.google.com
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] EngineerMind:
I like TWRP (running on A10) because:

1) It can do image backups that Swift can't do.

2) It does not need a google account or event internet access to work.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
Oh I'd muuuch rather be running twrp but I'm not willing to get left 2 behind...esp with 12 being full of new features. Can't believe google's not lookin' after it's most dedicated customers by leaving a path for twrp to function. :mad:(n)
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] EngineerMind:
I often see posts of the A11 and A12 upgrades causing new problems, like breaking apps that need a certain storage access that A11 and A12 no longer offer.

I haven't noticed any really cool features of A11 or A12 that would tempt me to upgrade, but I'm curious, what new features of A12 make it a deal breaker for you not to want to go back to A10?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] rayanshareef07:
Bro Will It Support Android 12 In Pixel 4a Or Just Android 11
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
twrp is broken for 11 & 12 both....:(
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] ramjisrk:
Hi,

Thanks to NIKAMURA for his awesome effort/time/work related to twrp ( even with google tightening its screws sadly!) and everyone who tested and shared their valuable feedback here !!

I usually need twrp for flashing (few modules/roms), taking backups of core partitions (boot/firmware/modem/efs/....)

For data backup i use other options (Swift/migrate).

Can someone point me out to the correct twrp version (out of many listed in OP) to flash (one for A10 and one for A11) for my usage?

Regards!!
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] DiamondJohn:
Because TWRP doesnt work for A11 or A12 on the Pixel 4a, custom ROMs for the Pixel 4a, do not use TWRP, but other methods to flash the ROM
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] ramjisrk:
Hi,

Thanks for your reply,

I'll follow ADB methods to flash A11 & A12.

I specifically wanted to know what version of twrp (out of many test versions listed in OP) to use if I'm in stock A10!

Regards!!
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] nikamura:
Which version TWRP for 11 is broken?

I tested it fastboot boot, install recovery ramdisk, install zip, boot backup then I uploaded it.

Hmm,,, it's strange:unsure:

I update my Pixel4a for android12.1 and test TWRP for 12, so I don't test TWRP11.

This is TWRP for 10.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PZaU9PpYmdcAHlyi0zhNwEGnBsAHDW_E/view?usp=sharing
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] ramjisrk:
Many thanks for your awesome work and reply!! 🙏
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] DiamondJohn:
Read the OP by the person building it.

They are also all labeled TEST builds.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
Fingers crossed....heck, at this point I'd settle for just an installable, 'utility' version of twrp for A11/12 (with custom kernel ofc) even without a working restore! 🥺
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] nikamura:
TWRP for 11 test10 image is working fine, this thread member teseted.

TWRP 3.6.1-11 is broken?

I'll downgrade stock 11 and test it.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
nikamura said:

I update my Pixel4a for android12.1 and test TWRP for 12, so I don't test TWRP11.

nikamura...are you saying that your Android 12.1 test was a success then? I think I got confused then...my apologies! 🥺
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] nikamura:
Yes, I'm testing TWRP for 12.

fastboot boot：OK

install recovery ramdisk：OK

install zip：OK

/data backup and restore：not test yet
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
Man...I thought I'd never see twrp even installed on A12!

I can do without /data BU & restore if I can have twrp installed as 'recovery'...

The installation process looks a little complicated...for a novice like me anyway.😳

I'm running the latest blu_spark kernel so I think that's ok for the ramdisk. I need to go over all the steps to make sure I know what I'm doing...🤔 Once I get it done,I will def be buying u a coffee or a beer even! :p
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Lada333:
Is it stable to use? I mean as in, can it replace the use of adb for flashing custom ROMs already? If so, would you be open to share a beta version with us for testing?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] nikamura:
The installation process is same as TWRP for 11.

Fastboot boot TWRP.img, then install recovery ramdisk.

It needs custom kernel like blu_spark I use.

If you rooted it with magisk, reinstall magisk after TWRP instal recovery ramdisk.

It is test version, not stable to use.

I don't test it with custom ROM.

If you want to test it, it is TWRP img file.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UoxWow9CQ2q3GR5swkuUnQR8wlkRl2ij/view?usp=sharing

There's no guarantee.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] DiamondJohn:
I havent checked recently or even ever flash a ROM via ADB. But from my understanding, a ROM zip built to be flashed via TRWP is a different format than that which is flashed via ADB, and vice-versa.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Lada333:
..wait, how do you flash custom ROMs on the 4a then?

You're probably right, I haven't even taken that into consideration.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
Iirc...a zip made by twrp backup is unique to twrp. Other zips/roms/img files are easily flashed via adb...along with .img files as well. TWRP isn't a must for rooting either, or for flashing a custom kernel either.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Lada333:
I know the backups are unique to TWRP, @DiamondJohn only raised concerns about actual ROMs being compiled differently when flashing via TWRP or ADB.

And yeah, I know that you can achieve everything using ADB that you could with TWRP, I just felt like using TWRP (or any custom recovery, for that matter) was a lot more intuitive and easy (for me, anyway).
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Eliliyah:
Any chance of this getting updated for A12 ROMS?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Lada333:
Please skim thru the thread before asking. There's a search function you can use. There's a link to an A12 build on this very page.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] kapitanfindus:
LineageOS 19.1 and the test3 image for 12 of TWRP do not really work together. I just tried to fastboot boot it and it is stuck at the teamwin splash screen (I see version 3.6.1_12-0 there).

I am willing to try things out, I am running the blu_spark kernel now.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] kapitanfindus:
Now that I think about it, it might be that I am on Android 12L rather than 12 (cause LineageOS is). Still willing to test/build a build if code is somewhere.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
Damn...I never thought to even ask if it was ok for A12L stock 4a roms...I just seen the '12' and jumped on it. Was gonna wait til after July update to try it. I plan on staying on 12...13 doesn't seem worth the effort+the wait for an A13 twrp...dunno
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] BrightShard:
Any progress on A12L?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
12 & 12.1(L) works iirc...just need a custom rom like bluspark or fsoc. OP tested 12 for sure. I never got to it tho...

I just scored a $300 trade-in for my 4a, towards a P6a plus a pair of Google Buds A too! They've extended the offer to 9/24...minus the buds tho. The Tensor is a beast too! Highly recommend to all 3a/4a owners!
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Lada333:
Isn't the 6a kind of a flop tho?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] hammered58:
Idk if it's a flop, 6a xda users seem ok with it, it is a little bigger and heavier which for me is a breaker, I choose the 4a for the smaller size and lightness. Coming from a heavy op7p the 4a is a breeze to carry and maneuver, it fits my personal preference perfect. Just my 2 cents
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Zaxx32:
It's a little bigger. My main reasons besides the $300 trade-in for my 2 year old 4a and a free $100 pair of Google Buds...In a word, TENSOR. U rarely see a flagship chipset/CPU in a mid-range phone and the difference is instantly obvious. It absolutely smokes the 735G .

Tensor also has a UFS 3.1 file system, also much quicker than UFS 2.0...launches/installs are muuch faster...after all, it's got the same chipset as the 6 Pro. The addition of a wide-angle cam/lens is sweet.

It gets better reception...my 4a got 2-3 bars at home vs. 4-5 at home. The sound quality of the phone is much richer and full-bodied sound and better stereo separation. It also has an IP67 dust/water resistant rating ...can handle up to 30 mins. in 1 meter of water. The Mali-G78 MP20 GPU is also a nice upgrade. The charge port is USB 3.1 and just flies on my external SSD. Last but not least is the 4410mAh battery...that like almost a 40% increase to power the hungry and warm running Tensor.

As u can see...I luv this thing...even if I had to pay $400 cash out of pocket. Sure, it's slightly bigger and runs a little warmer but the pros waay outnumber the cons. Btw, it turns out that it uses the dame screen panel as the 6 Pro and is only software locked at 60Hz refresh rate. There already a modder who's unlock 90Hz and work on getting the full 120Hz of the 6 Pro...
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] 100to1:
I have a pixel 4a with software 11.0.0 (RQ1A.210205.004 Feb 2021) installed, which was patched by MAgisk, and a stick instead of the original system image, so the device is now rooted. command cmd adb getvar all - notifies that slot B is active, tried to boot into slot a - there is an arbitrarily long download, but the download bar does not lead to the slightest progress (against the G google logo), the situation changed only after how I disconnected the phone from the USB cable connecting the phone to the computer and pressed the on / off button + volume down button together, after which the phone rebooted into a working Android system, but already in slot b , where it was before. First I have to send all the necessary files to the phone memory via adb push (sunfish_twrp3.6.1-11.img, bluespark.zip, Magisk-v25.2.zip, stub-release.zip, 11.0.0 (RQ3A.211001.001, Oct 2021 ) In order for me to install TWRP from this topic, do I understand correctly that the first action I have to do is switch the device to slot a ?To do this, execute adb reboot bootloader, which will put the phone into bootloader mode, then I need will switch between slots and make slot A active (fastboot set_active a), then I need to load the twrp.img image using the fastboot boot sunfish_twrp3.6.1-11.img command, then it loads (how to do this in the downloaded twrp?) and then, going into the shell of the downloaded twrp, I must install the bluespar.zip core from the internal memory of the phone, then, without leaving the downloaded twrp shell, I must again install sunfish_twrp3.6.1-11.img into boot slot A,

write me an explanation for each step that I did not correctly write the commands that I must perform and all the intermediate steps, especially the mode change between slots, so that I install everything in the correct slots and not make a mistake between them (all actions so that I understand in which case I will have to switch between them or in what order (if the order described above is not correct, I understand that I can install magic.zip from the twrp shell)

And I’ll clarify, I also need a twrp 3.6.1-11.zip file, so that after fastboot boot_a twrp 3.6.1-11.img, I can install twrp as a recovery (which is not yet installed and loaded temporarily) I must have twrp 3.6.1-11.zip to be able after installing the bluespark kernel (by the way, which partition for the bluespark kernel to choose?) And or b if before all the manipulations the active Android 11 OS is in the active slot B? only after installing the bluespark kernel from the twrp shell will I make the final installation of twrp (in slot A correctly I understand)?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] CharlesDicken:
TWRP3.6.1-11 - does not boot in A12.

Just gets stuck on the logo :(...

Keep working on it :)
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Tomatcree:
yesś
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] CharlesDicken:
i guess the twrp guys are slowly working on it :)
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Tomatcree:
wym? where did they say that>?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] nikamura:
I built TWRP for android12 with TWRP3.7.0 source code.

There is link at OP.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Tomatcree:
great job man, works on a13 beta aswell (qpr1)
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Marcia8246:
How to install it? Please need a tutorial
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Tomatcree:
bruh just download his latest test img.....then fastboot boot twrp.img (or whatever your filename is) then just either adb push twrp.img or clcik flash current twrp....?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Marcia8246:
I did not understand anything
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] DiamondJohn:
On previous devices, I would use/build the latest TWRP against older ROM versions. eg TWRP built for A9 to flash/backup etc etc of Oreo ROMs (ie A8). Is it the same with this device/build? ie can I use the A12 TWRP against A11?

I also note it appears to have moved out of BETA. Do we now have a working TWRP? 🤟 (ie flash/backup/restore)? And to b clear, I totally understand all is done at MY own risk, its just, what could I expect if everything else is ok. I mean, have others tested a backup, flash another ROM, and then restore of the nandroid?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Meth0d:
I am already on Android 13 and i am trying to recover files from a phone with broken display via adb.

When i boot twrp it all seems fine but /data /sdcard seems not mounted. Is this an Isse with A13 and encryption ?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] hammered58:
worked great on my a11 so it could be, maybe make sure default usb config is set to file transfer in dev mode if its not already
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Tomatcree:
no its a typical glitch, just mess with restarting, changing slots and so on. If nothing works just format data and disable verity...
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] mangokm40:
I am on the 2022-12-15 version of LOS19.

I have no Magisk or custom kernel.

Using "fastboot boot ...", it backed up Super/Data/Boot with no errors.

Thanks (again) to nikamura for this work.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] treypop:
Does this work with Android 13?
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Tomatcree:
XDA-Developers FORUM RULES

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Use one of our search functions before posting or creating a new thread. Whether you have a question or just something new to share, it's very likely that someone has already asked that question or shared that news.

This was answered already.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] treypop:
sorry I over looked it. I'm trying to boot test 10 to install twrp but it wont boot its just stuck at the teamwin screen.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Tomatcree:
for me it booted on a13 and a13 beta and even custom a13 roms...
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] mangokm40:
I am on the 2023-01-12 version of LOS20 (Android 13).

I have no Magisk or custom kernel.

EDIT: My phone is not encrypted and has no security. I just swipe up to unlock.

TWRP booted fine with "fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sunfish.img"

However, I couldn't do a backup b/c it failed to mount /data

Thanks (again) to nikamura for this work.
[Google Pixel 4a ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] Tomatcree:
Again, this is due to the fact that your data is encrypted with a passwd and you didnt format or edit the vbmeta.img file. This means you will have to flash current TWRP and restart recovery then enter passwd or whatever.