TWRP 2.8.7.2 for the Nexus 5X Brings Decryption Support to Recovery

Following the Nexus 6P, the 5X is another device to have received the TWRP update which enables decryption from recovery. This is great news for the 5X owners who enjoy tinkering with such things. Google sets encryption on by default. Hence, for those who want the ability to switch it on and off with more simplicity and still want a custom recovery, may proceed with this tutorial.

The Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) developers have managed to build a new version of their TWRP recovery for Nexus 5X within a short span. This is a great contribution to the Android community. The new build that goes by the version number 2.8.7.2 will help decrypt the user data from the recovery. If you have this TWRP build installed, then it will prompt you for a password if the device requires one on reboot. Otherwise, TWRP will automatically decrypt the device using the default_password, just like regular Android does, without prompting.

Now that both phones have decryption support, those who are interested and willing to install this TWRP build may proceed without any risk. However, it is meant for those who have an unmodified system. If you already have TWRP installed and have root access, then install the TWRP with flashify or update it from within the TWRP itself.

We have also listed the latest SuperSU v2.56 package which is OTA friendly. Meaning that you can root your Nexus device and still receive the official OTA updates from Google. However, the project is at its experimental stage and you should be cautious about it. We recommend that you visit the developer page. The link provided in the download section.

Warning: Warranty may be void if you root or install TWRP on your device. We at DroidViews won’t be liable for any damage to your device whatsoever. We won’t be held responsible if you brick your device. Reader’s discretion is advised.

Backup Apps and Data

While this process may not wipe any of your data, a backup is highly recommended. However, unlocking the bootloader will remove apps and data. Once you install a custom recovery like TWRP, make sure you backup your system, data, etc. from the recovery. It will be helpful in case anything goes wrong.

Downloads

Here is a modified boot image that will help you install TWRP and gain root access without any complications. Listed is the latest TWRP build.

Nexus 5X files:

• Modified boot image — Download | File: bullhead-mdb08i-boot.zip
• TWRP recovery — Download | File: twrp-2.8.7.2-bullhead.img
• SuperSU v2.52 – Download | (File: BETA-SuperSU-v2.52.zip)

OTA friendly:
This is a new boot image and SuperSU package that will enable OTA updates from Google. It is experimental and we recommend you to visit the developer page and make a wise decision. If you are skeptical about it, then continue with the above boot and SuperSU image.

• Modified boot image — Download | File: bullhead-mdb08i-boot-systemless.zip
• SuperSU v2.56 – Download | (File: BETA-SuperSU-v2.56.zip)

Get TWRP 2.8.7.2 on Nexus 5X

This procedure will unlock the bootloader, flash a modified boot image, install TWRP recovery and then root your device. Unlocked bootloader is required to install a modified boot image and setup a custom recovery. However, through a custom recovery, you can flash custom packages, for instance, the SuperSU file to root your device. If you have already unlocked your bootloader, then skip it.

Prerequisites

• Unlocked bootloader is required to install a custom recovery like TWRP on your device. We will go through the process in the following tutorial.
• Set up ADB and Fastboot on your computer. You can download the full Android SDK from here, or get the quick ADB and fastboot installer from here. For Mac or Linux OS, click here.
• Install Nexus USB Drivers on your computer.
• Open Settings> Developer options and enable USB Debugging on your device.
• Go to Developer options and enable Allow oem unlock. This is important.

Installation Instructions

• Make sure you have downloaded the boot image, recovery, and suitable SuperSU zip files. Now transfer them to your PC. Also, place the SuperSU package file into your device’s internal storage.
• Make sure you have setup ADB and fastboot on your PC. Also accept Always allow from this computer when you plug in the device for the first time to enable USB Debugging.
• Now power off your device and unplug it from your PC.
• Boot into the bootloader or fastboot mode. To do so, press and hold volume down and the power button simultaneously for 5-6 seconds. When you see the bootloader screen, connect your device to the PC using a USB cable.(Choose fastboot if option is available) You can also issue the following code, while connected to the PC, to boot into the bootloader.

adb reboot bootloader

• Navigate to the location where you have placed the boot image and recovery files and extract them to get files with .img file. Rename the boot and recovery file to a simple one, like m-boot.img and twrp.img respectively just for your convenience.
• While the folder with boot and recovery file is open, hold shift key on your keyboard and right-click on an empty space and select “Open command window here” option to launch a command prompt window.
• Now type the following in the command prompt to check if fastboot is working correctly. It should provide the serial number of your device.

fastboot devices

• Now this is important. Make sure your device has unlocked the bootloader. If not, then you first need to unlock it and then flash the boot and recovery image to your system. To do this issue the following command. Choose yes on the device screen if prompted.

fastboot oem unlock

• Flash the modified boot image by issuing the following command where “m-boot” is the name of the boot image.

fastboot flash boot m-boot.img

• Now flash the custom recovery. Issue the following command for that. “twrp.img” being the name of the recovery file.

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

• Custom recovery will now be installed on your device. Now boot your phone into recovery mode. You can do this by turning your device off and then press and hold volume down and power keys at the same time. Or simply issue the following command while the device is still plugged in:

adb reboot recovery

• Once into the recovery, you can backup or nandroid backup your current ROM.
• Now return to the recovery home screen and tap Install and navigate to the SuperSU file in your device’s storage and select it.
• Confirm the swipe operation at the bottom to install the SuperSU package.
• Once the installation is complete, reboot to system.

Now you will have the latest TWRP and root access on your Nexus device. If the device doesn’t boot or gets into bootloop, you can always restore the ROM from the backup. Verify root using a root checker app that supports Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Revert Back to Stock:

Flash the Latest Factory Image on Nexus 5X [Beginner’s Guide]

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