[help needed] TZ error while trying to flash /e/os with TWRP on Tab A7 (SM-T500)

I am trying to install /e/os on a Samsung Tab A7 (since weeks). I worked me through the tutorial of the /e/os documentation. (As a new user I can only put two links in a post and prefered others)

Since there is no official TWRP build for the Tab A7 I flashed the unofficial build mentioned here: https://xdaforums.com/t/unofficial-twrp-3-7-0-for-gta4lwifi-samsung-galaxy-tab-a7-10-4-t500.4676035/

With all recoveries I’m running into trouble while trying to flash /e/os. When doing the adb sideload it says
“Comparing TZ version XF.5.1-01015-1 to XF.5.1-654142-4
ERROR: This package requires firmware from an Android 12 based stock ROM build. Please upgrade firmware and retry!
Updater process ended with ERROR: 1”

I upgraded and retried a lot. I’m stuck since weeks. Firmware is the latest version (July 15th 2024), and yes, it’s for Android 12.

I also tried older unofficial TWRP builds (3.6.0 and 3.6.2), and at least with the 3.6.0 build I run into the same error. (I have other issues with 3.6.2 so I can’t tell.) And of course I also tried the e-recovery (which I don’t prefer since I plan to root with magisk and am not sure if that’s possible with e-recovery)

Since I initially thought it might be a problem with TWRP I already posted my question in the xda-forum: https://xdaforums.com/t/tz-error-while-trying-to-flash-e-os-with-twrp-on-tab-a7-sm-t500.4697648/. There I was told it is a problem with the /e/os build (that can’t handle my updated firmware?). I must admit that I don’t understand completely.

So can someone explain what the error message tries to tell me? And hopefully what I can do about it? Any information or ideas are very appreciated!

Since there came out new versions of /e/os since my first attempts: the error message stays the same.

Please be kind and just ask if I forgot to mention important information. I’m still new to posting in forums like this.

Have you installed stock, connected to the internet and installed all OTA updates from Samsung before you started? Maybe more than one reboot & update required.

Did you use /e/OS dev gta4lwifi download ?

I am running twrp 3.6.0, Vendor Security Update from Samsung 1. January 2024 with Info about gta4lwifi | LineageOS Wiki Perhaps give it a try if eOS version still fails. I was running eOS but the Bliss launcher landscape screen bug was a bit too annoying.

I was wrong ;- ) I am using https://download.lineage.microg.org/gta4lwifi/

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Have you tried using the official recovery-e ?
https://images.ecloud.global/dev/gta4lwifi/

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Yes, I installed stock, connected to the internet and installed updates when I did this the first time. Since then I can’t update anything else than things like the calculator. Security update is already up to date. Or do you mean something else with OTA updates (and if so, how can I find them)?

I used the download link you linked to.

We have /e/os running on all devices in our family and now one of the kids needs a new tablet. I chose this tab because you can install /e/os on it. For having the same OS on all devices I really would prefer eos to lineage. (I use lawnchair as launcher on my phone since I don’t really like the bliss launcher).

If I really can’t find out how to get /e/os running I probably will finally switch to lineage with microg, but for now I want to try to find out what I am doing wrong. Or at least I want to understand why it’s not working.

You are not alone :

Search results for 'Please upgrade firmware and retry order:latest' - /e/OS community

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Thanks! I’ll read through the post behind your link tomorrow.

I just wanted to add: I just tried again with the e-recovery and it gives me the same error message.

Try the lineage or microG version to see if you succeed, perhaps you learn something for the eOS installation.

Hopefully Murena will someday be able to offer a tablet…

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I read into the posts and found an answer from @Xxpsilon that sounds fitting: https://community.e.foundation/t/gta4lwifi-package-requires-firmware-from-an-android-12-based-stock-rom-build/59055/6?u=ina

" T500XXS6CWI2 = Stock Android 12
T500XXS7CXB1 = Stock Android 12

d/e/v only needs to integrate the current identifier of version T500XXS7CXB1 Stock Android 12 Release Date February 2024 in its builds, and d/e/OS-T will no longer block the installation."

That really sounds like the firmware updates are not integrated in the eOS build. Can I do something about it? Who needs to know?

It’s like this!

The cause of the error has been known for months, but D/e/v is unwilling to make a small change.

/e/OS-T can only be fresh installed with Samsung firmwareT500XXS6CWI2 Binary BIT-6 (six) or lower.

Without adapting the /e/OS-T to the Samsung firmware, no new installations with Samsung firmware T500XXS7CXB1 or T500XXS8CXG1 are possible. Luckily, there are good alternativ/e/s.

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Oh no! That is really not what I wanted to read!
Thank you very much anyway.

Report an issue

What’s the point if there’s been no response for months?!

OPEN Ticket created 6 months ago by @piero

Add comments using other words than mine to describe more precisely the issue.

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Okay, reporting an issue is actually what I wanted to do initially. Since I was unable to register at https://gitlab.e.foundation I searched for other options to get help and found this community forum.

When trying to register I get an error message regarding my email address. It says something like “E-mail is not allowed for registration. Please use your regular email address. Contact your administrator.” I tried with two different email addresses from different providers and finally gave up on it.

I really would like to add a comment to the reported issue by @piero but I’m running into obstacles all the time. Am I stupid? How can I register?

Please read through the “Report an issue” page to the 4th point about the error message.

We are advised to email helpdesk to be admitted manually.

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With the build e-2.6.3-u from december 18th 2024 I finally can install /e/os on my Tab A7. The newer firmware seems to be adapted in the new build.

Thanks to everyone for helping me to understand the problem and for the support! :heart:

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Appearances are not deceptive…

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