Nova 2 Air Root Options (pre-3.5.4 Firmware)

[macallik]

I haven't used my device since April (cracked screen) and I finally paid to get it fixed. I'll be getting it back this week and reading the forums I learned that Boox locked down the firmware during a recent update, so I just want to understand my options. I have some rooting experience (rooted a tablet a few years ago) and I run Debian so I'm comfortable w/ the CLI if that helps.

Goals

1. Debloat
2. Limit Boox's ability to phone home
3. Update to the latest version for dark-mode/new UX

Questions

• Can I just follow this tutorial to root the device or is it outdated?
• Will I lose the ability to root if I upgrade the firmware first?
• Will I easily be able to upgrade the firmware if I root first?

Thanks

[Renate]

Originally Posted by macallik

I learned that Boox locked down the firmware during a recent update...

Erm, you mean the lack of flashing commands in recent abl's? That's not a killer.

You need to root after an update if it involves the boot image. To install an incremental update afterwards you may need to restore your device to unrooted.

Yes, rooting with Magisk remains about the same for all devices.

[macallik]

Originally Posted by Renate

Erm, you mean the lack of flashing commands in recent abl's? That's not a killer.

You need to root after an update if it involves the boot image. To install an incremental update afterwards you may need to restore your device to unrooted.

Yes, rooting with Magisk remains about the same for all devices.

Exactly the person I was hoping would respond lol. Ok, I'll update, back it up and then start the aforementioned tutorial, thanks Renate!

[macallik]

Finally got around to rooting it.

Followed the instructions below:
https://szehnder.com/tech/root-boox.html

One caveat is the existing edl launchers didn't work but this one did:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...&postcount=107

@Renate, I noticed your table is missing this one btw. Not sure if you wanna add it or if it has been purposefully left off
https://www.temblast.com/ref/onyxldr.htm

[Renate]

Originally Posted by macallik

One caveat is the existing edl launchers didn't work but this one did:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...&postcount=107

That can also be found at https://github.com/bkerler/Loaders/b...dr_patched.elf

Originally Posted by macallik

I noticed your table is missing this one...

Added.