Bitcoin Forum

Bitcoin => Development & Technical Discussion => Topic started by: Stedsm on September 18, 2019, 03:28:16 PM



Title: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: Stedsm on September 18, 2019, 03:28:16 PM
My friend has a Realme 2 Pro smartphone and the stock ROM that he's using, i.e.; ColorOS 6 is not too much cool and disliked by him and me too when I used his smartphone for 3 days. Now, he wants to learn some stuff about Bitcoin and blockchain and interested in some blockchain-based DApps, but he seems to have some fear that a few apps may come with some sort of malware (he's a bit lazy and not interested in researching about it), so he's looking for a custom ROM which he wants to install - that must have blockchain-related apps come inbuilt with it. He hates the OS software updates that come every now and then in ColorOS and wishes to get freed from its torture.

At one point, my brain asked me a question that I would like to ask too.

Is it seriously safe for the smartphone if we change the Stock ROM with a newly installed custom ROM?

Does all the data remain safe and in the smartphone itself even after the installation of custom ROM?


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: ABCbits on September 18, 2019, 05:58:53 PM
Your friend expect too much from Android community, you're lucky if your devices supported by popular custom ROM (such as LineageOS, RR, SlimRoms, Carbon, etc.)
Forget about safe custom ROM with DApps, i doubt you can even find custom ROM which include DApps.

Is it seriously safe for the smartphone if we change the Stock ROM with a newly installed custom ROM?

Does all the data remain safe and in the smartphone itself even after the installation of custom ROM?

Depends on the custom ROM, if you enable encryption, don't root your OS and have common sense, you should be safe.


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: aundroid on September 18, 2019, 10:16:14 PM
Is it seriously safe for the smartphone if we change the Stock ROM with a newly installed custom ROM?

Does all the data remain safe and in the smartphone itself even after the installation of custom ROM?

You mean, "can we trust a custom ROM?"

All the ROMs are open source, so everyone can checkout the code.
Here for example is the repo of LineageOS , the CyanogenMod successor: https://github.com/LineageOS

So as long as you use a custom ROM from known XDA devs and take care to use the official download links, then I'd say - yes - you can trust them.

Here you can have a look at the most popular custom ROMs on XDA (https://www.xda-developers.com/the-most-popular-custom-roms-on-xda/)

And no, I've also never heard of any dApps on a custom ROM.


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: Stedsm on September 19, 2019, 03:09:35 AM
Thanks for your responses.

--snip--

Depends on the custom ROM, if you enable encryption, don't root your OS and have common sense, you should be safe.

I actually knew about it but wanted to confirm it, and as well, the type of reply I wanted was made from aundroid, it actually helped a lot. :)

You still missed on a query that if a custom ROM is installed, will the data (in the stock or old ROM) remain in the smartphone even after the installation?


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: anu1908 on September 19, 2019, 04:44:36 AM
You still missed on a query that if a custom ROM is installed, will the data (in the stock or old ROM) remain in the smartphone even after the installation?

most custom rom installation requires you to wipe the system and cache partition of your smartphone (and also the recovery part if you want to use twrp), a.k.a clean flash. so if by 'data' you mean your apps & its data, then it will disappear most of the time.

if you dirty flash it (that is, installing a new version of the same custom rom), there's a chance your apps will stay there, but most of the time this will soft-brick your phone. on the other hand, user data on the memory would not get wiped (unless you choose to wipe it).

basically, the cusrom installation over a stock rom is like this:

1. make sure the bootlader is unlocked, if not, unlock it (xiaomi newer phone require this iirc).
2. install a custom recovery (not mandatory but recommended so you can flash/wipe easily) and make sure it sticks.
3. backup the data/system/kernel for precaution. if you want to backup the apps, try titanium backup, migrator+ or migrate
4. wipe the system/cache/data (if you want to).
5. install the cusrom.
6. try to boot it up.



i'm not really familiar with realme customization, those steps are based on my experience with bricking and fixing my xiaomi phones multiple times. but i believe the steps are not that different. and for the blockchain-related apps, i never see one in my life. maybe because it's really easy to install the apps, unlike viper or magisk which might be tricky for some.



Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: Stedsm on September 19, 2019, 05:27:01 AM
You still missed on a query that if a custom ROM is installed, will the data (in the stock or old ROM) remain in the smartphone even after the installation?

most custom rom installation requires you to wipe the system and cache partition of your smartphone (and also the recovery part if you want to use twrp), a.k.a clean flash. so if by 'data' you mean your apps & its data, then it will disappear most of the time.

if you dirty flash it (that is, installing a new version of the same custom rom), there's a chance your apps will stay there, but most of the time this will soft-brick your phone. on the other hand, user data on the memory would not get wiped (unless you choose to wipe it).

basically, the cusrom installation over a stock rom is like this:

1. make sure the bootlader is unlocked, if not, unlock it (xiaomi newer phone require this iirc).
2. install a custom recovery (not mandatory but recommended so you can flash/wipe easily) and make sure it sticks.
3. backup the data/system/kernel for precaution. if you want to backup the apps, try titanium backup, migrator+ or migrate
4. wipe the system/cache/data (if you want to).
5. install the cusrom.
6. try to boot it up.



i'm not really familiar with realme customization, those steps are based on my experience with bricking and fixing my xiaomi phones multiple times. but i believe the steps are not that different. and for the blockchain-related apps, i never see one in my life. maybe because it's really easy to install the apps, unlike viper or magisk which might be tricky for some.



Thanks for stepping in.
I will definitely try this by taking his phone for a day or two.
After installing the custom ROM, will all the features work properly or the phone may face issues with a fewer ones (based on your experience with custom UIs)?

One more question:
Is it possible to get back to the original stock ROM if the person decides not to use the installed custom ROM for any reasons?
And will the process be same like installing the stock ROM back or will it be something else?


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: aundroid on September 19, 2019, 07:21:09 AM

After installing the custom ROM, will all the features work properly or the phone may face issues with a fewer ones (based on your experience with custom UIs)?

I never had any problems using a Custom ROM in the past.
But I haven't had a customROM on my smartphone for quite some time.

For Huawei for example you need a bootloader unlock code which you have to buy from some dubious sources first.

One more question:
Is it possible to get back to the original stock ROM if the person decides not to use the installed custom ROM for any reasons?
And will the process be same like installing the stock ROM back or will it be something else?

anu1908 has already listed all the steps correctly.

TWRP is a Custom Recovery.  How to Install TWRP on the Realme 2 pro (https://forum.xda-developers.com/realme-2-pro/development/recovery-t3890581)

Depending on the manufacturer, flashing back to stock ROM can be a bit more difficult.
Usually no flashable stock roms are offered directly from the manufacturer. (OnePlus is the exception here I think)
That's why in most cases also stock ROMs are available in the xda developers forum.

Using TWRP, the process would be the same again:
- backup data
- boot in recovery
- wipe your phone
- install

But I never had an Oppo Smartphone, so I would recommend you to check out the xda developers forum BEFORE flashing the smartphone.

Here  (https://www.getdroidtips.com/download-install-qualcomm-flash-image-loader-qfil/)I found a tutorial that uses the Qualcomm Flash Image Loader to flash the stock firmware.
>> please use this tutorial at your own risk. I never had an oppo and never used this tutorial. There is always the danger of bricking your phone. <<


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: elda34b on September 19, 2019, 02:32:14 PM
Thanks for stepping in.
I will definitely try this by taking his phone for a day or two.
After installing the custom ROM, will all the features work properly or the phone may face issues with a fewer ones (based on your experience with custom UIs)?

It's possible, but stable builds don't have that many problems (they're bug-free most of the time). Try to find the most recent stable builds and don't try beta if you don't want to get lots of issues. Some cusrom support OTA updates too, so make sure you disable the update for beta builds and just tick the stable updates.

One more question:
Is it possible to get back to the original stock ROM if the person decides not to use the installed custom ROM for any reasons?
And will the process be same like installing the stock ROM back or will it be something else?

It's possible. There are at least two ways.
1. Backup your original system before you wipe the system partition with TWRP, you'll be able to restore it (make sure to keep it or copy it to external memory storage if you need to wipe your internal data partition).
2. Install original ROM that's released by the manufacturer. Most manufacturer release or upload it on the internet so you can download it and install it as usual.

You can also install two OS at once (with DualBootPatcher for example), so you can simply switch to other OS if it brick your phone (as long as the recovery is okay). However, this might be trickier than just installing a cusrom. I'd not recommend it if you're new with this.


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: harizen on September 19, 2019, 02:46:13 PM

After installing the custom ROM, will all the features work properly or the phone may face issues with a fewer ones (based on your experience with custom UIs)?

All listed features of that Custom ROM will surely be work. Check the changelogs of your Custom Rom provider for reference especially if the Custom ROM was built for a long time now.

Issues are vary per custom ROMS. It should be mentioned there. I have never seen a perfect Custom ROM in my entire time lurking in the Android Community.

Anyways, is that on XDA?

Is it possible to get back to the original stock ROM if the person decides not to use the installed custom ROM for any reasons?
And will the process be same like installing the stock ROM back or will it be something else?

Yes. You can come back anytime to the original Stock ROM. You just need to download the Stock ROM package. Check your phone model's main thread at XDA for reference.

Honestly, flashing custom ROMS and reverting back to stock is not that difficult today (especially for today's Android phones) compare back then that it's necessary to have a PC and specific drivers. So hassle to me but I became used to it.


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: joniboini on September 20, 2019, 04:42:34 AM
Yes. You can come back anytime to the original Stock ROM. You just need to download the Stock ROM package. Check your phone model's main thread at XDA for reference.

Here's the link for Realme stock ROM: https://www.realme.com/in/support/software-update.

Honestly, flashing custom ROMS and reverting back to stock is not that difficult today (especially for today's Android phones) compare back then that it's necessary to have a PC and specific drivers. So hassle to me but I became used to it.

You're not that lucky if your phone is locked tho. You still need a PC to unlock it so you can use TWRP or something similar. If you brick your phone and screwed the recovery installation then you'll need to go to PC too. Luckily fastboot is there.



Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: Stedsm on September 20, 2019, 12:58:09 PM
I came to know of a new issue with the phone after installing a custom ROM and that's screen-bleeding. Honestly, I don't really wish to mess with his smartphone and so, taking a lot of precautions before even trying to go ahead with the installation. Does CarbonOS have that sort of issue or is anyone aware of anything else? If there are no such issues with that OS, can somebody help me with the steps in installing CarbonOS specifically in Realme 2 pro?


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: harizen on September 20, 2019, 02:36:30 PM
I came to know of a new issue with the phone after installing a custom ROM and that's screen-bleeding. Honestly, I don't really wish to mess with his smartphone and so, taking a lot of precautions before even trying to go ahead with the installation. Does CarbonOS have that sort of issue or is anyone aware of anything else? If there are no such issues with that OS, can somebody help me with the steps in installing CarbonOS specifically in Realme 2 pro?

Case to case basis. Screen bleeding can be hardware or software-related. If that issue is associated with the specific Custom ROM, it should be written on the developer's notes.

If the phone doesn't have an issue of screen bleeds on it's original ROM then somehow after flashing to Custom, screen-bleed appears, then the issue might be with the Custom ROM.

On what steps you are having trouble? Can you share the link where did you saw that CarbonOS Custom ROM so that I can check some details especially user's feedback? Much better if it's on XDA. That's the first one I'm always looking before installing any Custom ROMs to be aware of issues. Different Custom ROMs does have different issues.


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: aundroid on September 20, 2019, 03:18:43 PM
I came to know of a new issue with the phone after installing a custom ROM and that's screen-bleeding. Honestly, I don't really wish to mess with his smartphone and so, taking a lot of precautions before even trying to go ahead with the installation.

Have you read explicitly that the realme 2 pro with a custom ROM suffers from screen bleeding? Or does it concern a complete different smartphone with a specific ROM?

Does CarbonOS have that sort of issue or is anyone aware of anything else? If there are no such issues with that OS, can somebody help me with the steps in installing CarbonOS specifically in Realme 2 pro?

Can't find a CarbonOS for the Realme 2 pro in the xda forum. Do you have a link?

Or do you mean Oxygen OS (https://forum.xda-developers.com/realme-2-pro/development/rom-oxygen-os-remix-oos-t3947304)?

Here you can find all ROMs, Custom Recoveries etc. for the Realme 2 pro by the way: https://forum.xda-developers.com/realme-2-pro/development


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: Stedsm on September 20, 2019, 04:18:39 PM
Have you read explicitly that the realme 2 pro with a custom ROM suffers from screen bleeding? Or does it concern a complete different smartphone with a specific ROM?

Hey, yes it was actually told to me by one of my friends who used to install a custom ROM over Poco F1 and then, faced the screen-bleeding problems badly.

Quote
Can't find a CarbonOS for the Realme 2 pro in the xda forum. Do you have a link?

Or do you mean Oxygen OS (https://forum.xda-developers.com/realme-2-pro/development/rom-oxygen-os-remix-oos-t3947304)?

Here you can find all ROMs, Custom Recoveries etc. for the Realme 2 pro by the way: https://forum.xda-developers.com/realme-2-pro/development

I actually referred to the 2nd comment by ETFBitcoin and because I am familiar with CarbonOS, I thought it'd be the best option for this smartphone but don't know if I can actually install it. @ETFBitcoin, can you help out with this if there's a way possible?


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: harizen on September 20, 2019, 04:50:50 PM
Hey, yes it was actually told to me by one of my friends who used to install a custom ROM over Poco F1 and then, faced the screen-bleeding problems badly.

Poco F1 user here. There's really a screen bleed issue during the first phase of their distribution here in our country (or region, ASIA?). So basically hardware problems. Already tried 3 customs ROMS in these phone model and never experience screen bleed. Currently, I revert back to stable build but planning to switch on beta.

I actually referred to the 2nd comment by ETFBitcoin and because I am familiar with CarbonOS, I thought it'd be the best option for this smartphone but don't know if I can actually install it. @ETFBitcoin, can you help out with this if there's a way possible?

Unless some devs ported it on Realme 2 Pro, that should be fine. I check aundroid's link and found no CarbonOS there.

We can now assume that there's no CarbonOS ROM for Realme 2 Pro or even a ported one. Flashing that ROM will brick the phone.


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: Stedsm on September 20, 2019, 05:25:11 PM
Hey, yes it was actually told to me by one of my friends who used to install a custom ROM over Poco F1 and then, faced the screen-bleeding problems badly.

Poco F1 user here. There's really a screen bleed issue during the first phase of their distribution here in our country (or region, ASIA?). So basically hardware problems. Already tried 3 customs ROMS in these phone model and never experience screen bleed. Currently, I revert back to stable build but planning to switch on beta.

Glad to hear that it didn't screen-bled in your case and yeah, the phone is in Asian region only. However, it didn't have that issue before and it came into effect after installing a custom ROM (that's what I came to hear from that friend who's got F1).

Quote
Unless some devs ported it on Realme 2 Pro, that should be fine. I check aundroid's link and found no CarbonOS there.

Ported ??? Means? Sorry, but I'm not too technical at least in this case.

@aundroid, Which ROM fits the best and is similar to CarbonOS that I can install in Realme 2 Pro? Please also share a link to it. And do let me know that all these custom ROMs are based on which version of Android?


Title: Re: Is there a safe custom ROM with blockchain-based DApps?
Post by: aundroid on September 20, 2019, 06:08:35 PM
Ported ??? Means? Sorry, but I'm not too technical at least in this case.

Porting a ROM means that you modify the ROM of a device or in this case a custom ROM so that it can also run on a different device.
You cannot simply use any version of CarbonOS, the ROM must have been ported for your device before.

@aundroid, Which ROM fits the best and is similar to CarbonOS that I can install in Realme 2 Pro? Please also share a link to it. And do let me know that all these custom ROMs are based on which version of Android?

I would recommend you to just check out the link I mentioned in my last post.

There you will find all customROMs available for the Realme 2 Pro.

Sorted by number of views, those are the most popular for this device:
https://i.imgur.com/UVwCO50.jpg
[source: https://forum.xda-developers.com/realme-2-pro/development?daysprune=-1&order=desc&sort=views]

Just have a look at the respective threads, go through the features, bugs and pictures and decide according to your personal preference.