Greetings! I’ve been following /e/'s progress for a while and would like to try it. I read through the instructions a couple times and searched the documentation, forum, and other resources, but I’m still unclear about a few things. I’m hoping someone here can help since I’ve never installed a new OS on a phone before and want to minimize the risk of “bricking” it.
I have a Google/Motorola Nexus 6 (Verizon branded, unlocked) running Android 7.1.1 and will be using a Windows 10 PC for the installation. I’m in the US where VoLTE is required and will be on Verizon or T-Mobile (via USMobile).
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Do any of the current versions of /e/-shamu support VoLTE? I didn’t see anything about VoLTE on the /e/-shamu page, but it doesn’t look like Lineage 16.0 or later supports VoLTE (Info about shamu | LineageOS Wiki). And another Nexus 6 owner had to install an old version of /e/ last year to get VoLTE support (Nexus 6, VoLTE, and what happens if I use a two year old build?). This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker–my priority is to de-Google and try /e/, even if only as a wifi device.
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Before I begin, do I need to update to a newer version of Android?
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Do I need to install TWRP?
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Does it matter if I use USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 for the connection from my PC to the phone?
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Which version of /e/ should I download? (Or is there an older build I need for VoLTE?)
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Do I download the recovery image and zip file to my PC? Does it matter which directory?
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After I’ve downloaded the required files, do my PC and phone need to be connected to the internet during the rest of the process?
Thank you very much in advance for any help or advice you would like to provide!