KM I don't know of older version downloads for Paranoid. Sorry to bother you again on this. I just got my toy and I would like to install Paranoid Android. I am following the instructions at https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-3/oneplus-3--3t-cross-device-development/paranoid-android-7-0-2-aospa-oneplus-3t-t3615015 I know nothing about installing a new ROM, so I have been reading here and there. I understand I first need TWRP. Is Fastboot the only means? I wonder whether I can install TWRP without using a Mac or a PC, just by downloading an app via the original OS? Is "Flash", e.g., "Flash TWRP" a synonym of "Launch"? The get AOSPA link on the XDA developers page leads no where. Is AOSPA the OS in zip format, so what I find directly at http://paranoidandroid.co/downloads/oneplus3 ? With regard to GApps, I googled and read I should pick the package recommended by the ROM developers. However, at the indicated webpage I find a bunch of options and I do not get what I should select, e.g., ARM versus x86 or x86_64. Not sure what those acronyms mean. Do I need F2FS and SuperSu, or are they just accessories for experts? By heart I remember you once wrote someone else compiled a sort of guide on this forum on how to install Paranoid Android on OnePlus 3, or am I imagining things? I could not find it though. Have you always used the latest version of PA, 7.3.1? Or given my bad intolerance to LEDs these days, shall I commence with an earlier version? I think I found one on the XDA forum... Many thanks in advance! And sorry again to bother, I feel bad asking so many questions. Of course anyone else who knows the answers and wants to help is welcome!

AGI Oh man, where to start? I'm no good at basic instructions, but here's some answers: You need a modified recovery manager. TWRP is "TeamWin Recovery", which is one such modified recovery manager. Booting into recovery mode allows you to install software onto the rest of the phone's partitions. Do you NEED this? No. But if you don't have it, the built-in recovery tends to put things back the way that it shipped... so yeah, you kind of do. Can you put this onto the phone with a program? Noooooooot usually. You need ADB - see point 2. Sometimes hackers (like the guys at XDA) have put together an all-in-one program that loads stuff to a phone. These exist for Samsung, and LG... but probably NOT for OnePlus? I haven't looked yet, though. And frankly I prefer to do this myself. Flash is a synonym for "write to firmware". When you "flash TWRP", you are putting the TWRP program into the recovery partition. This is generally done through ADB, which is a command-line interface provided by Google. ADB stands for "Android DeBugger", IIRC. Anyway, ADB connects the phone to your PC and allows you to "flash" things to it, issue commands, reboot it, put it into different modes, etc. AOSPA is in fact "Android Open Source" Paranoid Android, although... I don't know if those Zips contain the whole image. I'd download it from the PA site directly, if I were you. But yes, they come in ZIP and you put the ZIP onto the phone storage and then boot into TWRP and install it which overwrites the OS. GAPPS is Google Apps (gmail, drive, etc.) ARM, x86, and x86_64 are processor types. The OnePlus3 has a 64-bit chip. I'd get that version. SuperSu is only needed if you have apps that require root. If you intend to use the built-in apps as well as ones from the store, it isn't needed usually.

KM Basically you unlock the bootloader somewhere in the Android Settings. It's a simple switch. Then you get the latest TWRP image from twrp.me for the OnePlus 3. You reboot into fastboot mode Hey, sorry, I started working on this, but I find it a bit difficult as I do not have any background on the topic. I wonder whether you could clarify some doubts I have, before I make a mess... What do you mean with "unlocking the bootloader in the Android settings"? Do I need to do something within the original OS before I proceed to flash the custom ROM? I ask because this is not listed in the Flashing order described at https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-3/oneplus-3--3t-cross-device-development/paranoid-android-7-0-2-aospa-oneplus-3t-t3615015/post72498432#post72498432 I am using a Mac, which is another problem as I am quite new to it and do not master it well. If I get it right, first I need fastboot to install TWRP. Then I will only use TWRP. I downloaded the file android-studio-ide-183.5522156-mac.dmg from https://developer.android.com/studio#linux-bundle-size . From the instructions I read at https://www.androidtipsandhacks.com/root/fastboot-mac-linux-recovery/ I understand I do not have to install fastboot (" There’s no need to install it on a Mac or Linux computer, so simply unzip the download and save the folder to a convenient location "). However, if I click on the dmg file no unzipping takes place. Instead installation begins, I believe (please see screenshot below. This popped up after I skipped a question about importing some configuration settings). I am already stuck here. Pretty bad, uh? Meanwhile I went to https://twrp.me/oneplus/oneplusthree.html to download the TWRP suitable for OnePlus3. I read " Fastboot Install Method (No Root Required): You will need the platform-tools from the Android SDK on your computer. Find the Android command line tools section on the page linked and install the SDK tools package. From the SDK Manager, download only the platform-tools to get adb and fastboot binaries. " So I need to install the SDK tools package, do not I? I am confused. A few lines below on the same page I read " On your device, go into Settings -> About and find the Build Number and tap on it 7 times to enable developer settings. Press back and go into Developer Options and enable USB debugging. " This seems to be something to be done within the OEM software? Is it necessary? It is not described in the XDA webpage. Further down, " Your device needs to be unlocked before it can flash custom images. To unlock your device type: fastboot oem unlock ". I guess it is something to be done via terminal, is not it? Is this what you meant in your old post with " Basically you unlock the bootloader somewhere in the Android Settings. "? Also, at https://www.androidtipsandhacks.com/root/twrp-the-complete-guide-to-using-recovery-on-android/ , I read " To create a Nandroid backup tap the Backup option and choose the partitions to include. In most cases you should choose System, Data and Boot. " I assume making an Android backup is something I shall do via TWRP before flashing the custom ROM? Would that allow me to restore the OEM software in case something goes wrong or PA does not work for me and I want to return/re-sell the phone? Sorry, I know it is a lot of questions...thank you very much in advance!

Installing Paranoid Android on OnePlus 3

Gurm

AGI Oh man, where to start? I'm no good at basic instructions, but here's some answers:

You need a modified recovery manager. TWRP is "TeamWin Recovery", which is one such modified recovery manager. Booting into recovery mode allows you to install software onto the rest of the phone's partitions. Do you NEED this? No. But if you don't have it, the built-in recovery tends to put things back the way that it shipped... so yeah, you kind of do. Can you put this onto the phone with a program? Noooooooot usually. You need ADB - see point 2. Sometimes hackers (like the guys at XDA) have put together an all-in-one program that loads stuff to a phone. These exist for Samsung, and LG... but probably NOT for OnePlus? I haven't looked yet, though. And frankly I prefer to do this myself.
Flash is a synonym for "write to firmware". When you "flash TWRP", you are putting the TWRP program into the recovery partition. This is generally done through ADB, which is a command-line interface provided by Google. ADB stands for "Android DeBugger", IIRC. Anyway, ADB connects the phone to your PC and allows you to "flash" things to it, issue commands, reboot it, put it into different modes, etc.
AOSPA is in fact "Android Open Source" Paranoid Android, although... I don't know if those Zips contain the whole image. I'd download it from the PA site directly, if I were you. But yes, they come in ZIP and you put the ZIP onto the phone storage and then boot into TWRP and install it which overwrites the OS.
GAPPS is Google Apps (gmail, drive, etc.)
ARM, x86, and x86_64 are processor types. The OnePlus3 has a 64-bit chip. I'd get that version.
SuperSu is only needed if you have apps that require root. If you intend to use the built-in apps as well as ones from the store, it isn't needed usually.

AGI

Gurm Oh man, where to start?

😂 What do you expect from someone who did not have a smartphone until 2 years ago?

Sorry for giving so much work, and thanks a lot. More early morning than late night here, time to take a nap. I will digest your instructions over the weekend. I am not in a hurry. Maybe I do not want to find out neither this toy is gonna work 😑

KM

AGI Get the GApps ARM64, Android 7.1. I think I have pico installed, others could work, too.
You don't need supersu or root. You could install it later at any time, but it's not really needed. I think it has been superseeded by Magisk in the meantime. Basically you just need TWRP and the ROM file, which is a .zip file. Inside TWRP you always have full root access and also an active android debug bridge. You don't extract the file on a PC. I'd copy it onto the device and then install the zip with TWRP.
I'm not sure right now what the exact command line was but you can install TWTP permanently or just directly boot into it. You'd want to install it permanently. I think "flash" is the permanent method.

Detailed instructions are hidden in this very thread. Sadly because of the way this forum works it's truly hidden and I don't know how to find it myself without endless scrolling through hundreds of posts. I'll have more time later in the evening though.

Edit: This and the following posts might be helpful: https://ledstrain.org/d/21-usable-smartphones/823

AGI

KM Thanks a lot, I greatly appreciate it!

JTL

KM You don't need supersu or root. You could install it later at any time, but it's not really needed. I think it has been superseeded by Magisk in the meantime.

SuperSU has been sold to a shady company and the source code was closed off. If you need root, use Magisk.

AGI

KM if you want the Google Play Store, download an OpenGapps package from opengapps.org, choose ARM64 and the right Android version (7.1). nano or pico should be enough, in doubt choose nano.

I was going thru the old post you sent a link to.
Why is the "right" Android version 7.1? I am confused by the fact that OnePlus uses a different OS to Android, does not it?

EDIT: I paste a screenshot of the webpage recommended by XDA Developers for the download of GAPPS. Initially I thought only Android 8.1 and Super were available for ARM64 because on the same row. Then I got that one can pick whatever combination of Platform, Android and Variant he wants (ARM64, 7.1, nano in the example below). Maybe it is helpful to other beginners like me who wants to install Paranoid Android.

KM

AGI It's the right choice - Paranoid Android 7.3.1 is based on Android 7.1. The official OnePlus ROMs (called "OxygenOS") are also Android versions. It's not a different OS, just a little customized.

AGI

KM Basically you unlock the bootloader somewhere in the Android Settings. It's a simple switch. Then you get the latest TWRP image from twrp.me for the OnePlus 3. You reboot into fastboot mode

Hey, sorry, I started working on this, but I find it a bit difficult as I do not have any background on the topic. I wonder whether you could clarify some doubts I have, before I make a mess...

What do you mean with "unlocking the bootloader in the Android settings"? Do I need to do something within the original OS before I proceed to flash the custom ROM? I ask because this is not listed in the Flashing order described at https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-3/oneplus-3--3t-cross-device-development/paranoid-android-7-0-2-aospa-oneplus-3t-t3615015/post72498432#post72498432
I am using a Mac, which is another problem as I am quite new to it and do not master it well. If I get it right, first I need fastboot to install TWRP. Then I will only use TWRP. I downloaded the file android-studio-ide-183.5522156-mac.dmg from https://developer.android.com/studio#linux-bundle-size. From the instructions I read at https://www.androidtipsandhacks.com/root/fastboot-mac-linux-recovery/ I understand I do not have to install fastboot ("There’s no need to install it on a Mac or Linux computer, so simply unzip the download and save the folder to a convenient location"). However, if I click on the dmg file no unzipping takes place. Instead installation begins, I believe (please see screenshot below. This popped up after I skipped a question about importing some configuration settings).

I am already stuck here. Pretty bad, uh?

Meanwhile I went to https://twrp.me/oneplus/oneplusthree.html to download the TWRP suitable for OnePlus3. I read

"Fastboot Install Method (No Root Required):
You will need the platform-tools from the Android SDK on your computer. Find the Android command line tools section on the page linked and install the SDK tools package. From the SDK Manager, download only the platform-tools to get adb and fastboot binaries."

So I need to install the SDK tools package, do not I? I am confused.

A few lines below on the same page I read "On your device, go into Settings -> About and find the Build Number and tap on it 7 times to enable developer settings. Press back and go into Developer Options and enable USB debugging."
This seems to be something to be done within the OEM software? Is it necessary? It is not described in the XDA webpage.
Further down, "Your device needs to be unlocked before it can flash custom images. To unlock your device type: fastboot oem unlock".
I guess it is something to be done via terminal, is not it? Is this what you meant in your old post with "Basically you unlock the bootloader somewhere in the Android Settings."?
Also, at https://www.androidtipsandhacks.com/root/twrp-the-complete-guide-to-using-recovery-on-android/, I read
"To create a Nandroid backup tap the Backup option and choose the partitions to include. In most cases you should choose System, Data and Boot."
I assume making an Android backup is something I shall do via TWRP before flashing the custom ROM? Would that allow me to restore the OEM software in case something goes wrong or PA does not work for me and I want to return/re-sell the phone?

Sorry, I know it is a lot of questions...thank you very much in advance!

KM

AGI

AGI I assume making an Android backup is something I shall do via TWRP before flashing the custom ROM? Would that allow me to restore the OEM software in case something goes wrong or PA does not work for me and I want to return/re-sell the phone?

I should be possible with this method. However, there's also the unbrick tool which allows you to recover the device from a total soft brick (black screen at boot). It needs Windows. I did that several times and can confirm it works. Basically it writes back every partition to the device's memory using low-level hardware access: https://forums.oneplus.com/threads/guide-mega-unbrick-guide-for-a-hard-bricked-oneplus-3.452634/

As long as TWRP still works, you could also install any OxygenOS version with TWRP, which will overwrite even TWRP.
And as long as you have fastboot access, you should be able to install OxygenOS via command line, too.

It might be useful to know which OxygenOS version you are on currently, just in case it is a very recent version that brought some firmware changes (might break TWRP or some custom ROMs' install routine).

KM

I have never used Mac OS, can't help to get/install Android Tools. Maybe someone else can.

You must enable developer options on the device by touching said entry 7 times. Then "Developer Options" appear as a new top-level item in Settings. Inside, there's "OEM unlocking" it must be enabled so you can later, with working Android Tools, enter the command "fastboot oem unlock". This would be denied otherwise. When everything worked, the bootloader is now unlocked.

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you will see a message and a menu on every boot, as seen in this thread for example: https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-3/help/help-how-to-remove-device-unlocked-t3425028
They fixed the typo in a later firmware (those ship with new OxygenOS releases but can be installed separately with TWRP later if needed for some reason). Should you already see this menu on your device on every boot, it means the seller has already unlocked it and you could skip all those steps and "just" need to get Android Tools working on the Mac.

AGI

KM Many thanks!

Did you create a Nandroid backup?

Meanwhile after various attempts I think I found the right "command line tools only" at https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools
The downloaded folder finally contains fastboot. That should be sufficient, no need to install software on Mac as I was doing at the start.

AGI

KM there's "OEM unlocking" it must be enabled so you can later, with working Android Tools, enter the command "fastboot oem unlock"

Thanks, this piece of information was missing on that webpage!

KM t might be useful to know which OxygenOS version you are on currently

The OxygenOS version is OP3_O2_open_25. Android version is 8.0.0 and Android security patch level is September 1, 2017.

I badly hope I won't need to reinstall it, but it is good to know there are options out there. Thanks!

AGI

Uhmmm, there is already a problem. I thought of checking I can use internet data within the original OS before installing PA. My SIM name is reported correct (with my Samsung Galaxy on5 from the US, no name would show up at all). However, I can't get online. I checked on the APNs ,and there are a bunch from Japan, but not mine. I am unable to create a new one specific to my carrier. From the little I read this option has disappeared after Marshmallow...
Furthermore, there are many posts from people who lost internet data after updating the software, e.g., https://forums.oneplus.com/threads/not-able-to-edit-add-apn-settings-in-op3.510771/, and they are not based in Asia...

Maybe PA will give me the chance to edit APNs?!?!

KM

AGI In the list of available APNs I see a "+" button, which allows to add an APN:

Not sure if this is what you'd need.

AGI

Yes, that is what I was looking for. Is that on PA? Thanks a lot! Then there is hope it does not work on Oxygen, but it will on PA.

I read drivers are not needed on Mac, but I am unable to see my phone upon launching ./fastboot devices.

When I reboot the phone and I choose fastboot mode, I do not have to anything else, do I? There is a green START in capital letters on top, then "FASTBOOT MODE" and "DEVICE STATE - locked" in red at the top and bottom, respectively, of a list of phone specs, like the product name and the serial number.
I just got the doubt I need to hit START...

KM

AGI Maybe you need to launch it as administrator/root, with elevated rights. I don't know anything about Mac OS, sadly.
Don't forget you'd need to put the device into fastboot mode first though, by holding down one of the volume buttons upon boot and then choosing fastboot. Not sure if it was up or down.

AGI

KM Thanks. I am in fastboot mode. No need to hit START. That restarts the phone in normal mode.

EDIT: I read that under Developer Options I should set Select USB Configuration to MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) rather than Charging, in order to be able to see the phone on the Mac. No improvement. However, every time I reboot from fastboot I see that the option has changed back to Charging...

2nd EDIT: Same happens if I simply reboot without going thru fastboot. The USB configuration automatically reverts to Charging. If it happens to you too, then that is not the problem. I guess I will have to try with a Windows PC...

AGI

I have been trying with a Windows 10 machine. The phone is not recognized. Among "Universal Serial Bus controllers" I find "Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)". If I try to update the driver, Windows says the best driver is already installed. Under Properties I read "Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (code 43). A request for the USB device descriptor failed". After a few seconds since the plugging-in, the unknown device disappears from the list. I tried to fix the code 43 error following this video, but the problem persists.

I am not sure whether the cable is the problem. Sadly, I do not have a spare.
In this video the guy confirms the USB configuration automatically reverts to Charging, which poses doubts on what the configuration is in fastboot.

PS: Maybe I should have started a new thread on this install, I apologize. Happy to help out to move posts in case the moderators agree.

KM

AGI I don't know about Windows 10 either. I'd boot a live Linux DVD like Manjaro or Ubuntu and do the fastboot from there. Or maybe boot it via a virtual machine. Make sure the latter has full access to the USB ports.

Here at the bottom someone did that and it helped him: https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-3/help/op3-fastboot-win-10-t3487837/page2

Gurm

The reason you have to install the developer tools is to get an ADB-friendly driver. I have no clue how to do this on the Mac, but on Windows you absolutely have to install the driver or ADB/Fastboot won't see the phone at all.

AGI

Thanks to both. I installed the two drivers found at

https://gsmusbdriver.com/oneplus-3

but it did not work.
I already tried with a virtual machine on Mac. It can't see anything, neither an external hard disk.
I will see if I can find a Windows 7 machine.

KM The Windows drivers might be on the phone's memory and you could install them right from the connected phone that shows up as a drive.

Interesting point. However, it is not that my Mac or Windows machine can't see the phone in fastboot mode only, they can't see it all.

Gurm The reason you have to install the developer tools is to get an ADB-friendly driver.

Do you mean I shall install the 1GB Android Studio from https://developer.android.com/studio?