Using the example of a MiMax3 mobile phone I want to explain the installation of a GSI. It is important to choose the right version. The Mi Max3 needs an arm64 a-only version. Which version has to be used can be found out with the app treble checker.
This guide does not have to work with every mobile phone. Therefore I do not guarantee that it works and does not break. As always: You should have a Stock Rom and be prepared for a complete reinstallation.
Let’s go:
When everything is downloaded, unpack the system.zip
Boot your phone into bootloader (volume down + power key)
Start Terminal in the folder with all files
fastboot oem ignore_anti
fastboot flash recovery TWRP.img (use the twrp for your device from https://twrp.me)
reboot in recovery
Use TWRP wipe menu to FORMAT data (bottom right side) … don’t use ‘wipe’ from ‘Advanced wipe’, format the data THIS IS IMPORTANT !!
reboot bootloader
fastboot erase system
fastboot flash system system.img
or fastboot flash system e-pie-2020xxx-UNOFFICIAL-treble_arm64_aeN.img
fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
If point 12. running into an error. go ahead with point 13. point 12 is not always needed
fastboot reboot
After what feels like an eternity, eOS should start
EDIT: new eOS Android 10 GSI are found here. I only will build Q-GSI in future !!!
if a or a/b is Chinese to me, I think I will wait for someone who did it on a pixel 3a to not damage the phone… Will use the built in OS until I have some clear steps of what do download, etc etc
But tks a lot @harvey186 for pointing me in the right direction…
I am moving forward LOL
IOS all my life
tested /e/ 1 month and I love it (tested it on a cheap 80$ phone to be sure I like it)
now Buying a good phone
will install /e/ when possible on that phone I’m buying today but will use android or grapheneOS for now, whichever is accessible to me LOL (my skills)
used afforable OnePLus phone are difficult to find in Quebec…
I could install /e/ OS GSI on a Galaxy S9 But I feel like @yoda67 right now. At the moment the thought of a GSI first installation attempt on an almost brand new S9 makes me feel uncomfortable.And I still have to answer the questions about the “how to proceed with the /e/ OS GSI ROM”.
Just for fun, install /e/ OS GSI? Maybe once in a reckless hour …
ok (trying not to ask dumb questions) so it mean that if i don’t mess it up, install the /e/ OS GSI, and my Pixel 3a stills work, can hope to get maintenance update, security patch etc ? From /e/ or who ? OTA ?
I would me I would buy in the next 2 hours my Pixel 3a that seems a very good phone
e.foundation has official GSI on to do list. But to do list is long. The GSI in main GSI post are from an official e.foundation dev. But these GSI do have buildin automatic encryption (I hate that) and root. So they are custom GSI. Mine is pure eOS without default encryption and without root (i don’t want root). I’m running the GSI on my daily driver. So I would build new from time to time.
It’s only for treble supported devices. But there are hacks for some ‘old’ devices to get them treble enabled. For example my MI5s Plus natrium is normally no treble device. But on XDA is a thread to make it treble enable. Now it is running with a Havoc Android 10 GSI
No, I certainly can’t, because you build ROMs like on the assembly line, e.g. minimal Version, custum ROM, custom GSI, unofficial ROM - and they are very different.
Your software craftsmanship is fantastic, but the accompanying explanations are often not accessible to me at first sight.
Yes, the home screen looks very familiar. But even now, I don’t understand why you can’t clearly say that all e-Apps are available or not, because - you’ve given your ROM build host machine the appropriate instructions about which files to implement.
From your “mouth” I know that building ROM requires not only skill but also luck. But even a lucky guy has to give the right machine commands to make it a successful /e/ OS GSI / ROM.
because it’S not my build script. It’s the build script from e-developer. As far as I can see with my limited knowledge, there are all e-apps included. But when I’m not sure, than I’m writing that I’m not sure.
