How to revert to Android?

s710 · 17 Apr 2023, 17:37

I successfully installed 20.04 on a new FF4. Now I want to revert to Android. Following the official guide (https://support.fairphone.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405858261777) leaves me at executing the flashing script, which aborts with the following error:

*** Fairphone 4 flashing script ***

INFO: The procedure will start soon. Please wait...
INFO: The package type is "user-factory"
INFO: The build number is "FP4K"
INFO: You are using a Linux distribution.

INFO: Validating the integrity of the package.
      This might take a while. Please wait...
INFO: Validation complete.
WARNING: Flashing this image wipes all user data and settings on the phone.
         It will also remove the Google factory reset protection.
         Are you sure you want to continue?
         Type "Yes" (case sensitive) and press enter to continue: Yes
INFO: Looking for connected device(s)...
INFO: One Fairphone 4 in fastboot mode found (serial number: xxxxxxxxxx).
ERROR: The critical partitions are not unlocked.
       Please refer to our support articles for help.
ERROR: Aborting now (press Enter to terminate).

How can I unlock critical partitions? What does this even mean?

s710 · 17 Apr 2023, 17:42

Okay nevermind. Although the bootloader was already stating "DEVICE STATE - unlocked", and every reboot remindst of the bootloader being unlocked, I had to do fastboot flashing unlock_critical (which would ask again if I wanted to unlock the bootloader), and then the flashing tool for FF4 would run fine.

Android was successfully reinstalled.

carrabelloy · 17 Apr 2023, 23:32

@s710 said in How to revert to Android?:

fastboot flashing unlock

I just entered the cod from their website for both devices. fastboot flashing unlock then that was enough for me. In addition, you have to consider from where you buy them or got them. Whether with e/ or another provider. I could only annoy me that I have not bought the one with 8 GB Ram and 240 GB hard drive. But twice I have the one with 6 Ram and 120 hard drive. But am very satisfied FP4

laschrocket · 24 Sept 2023, 23:28

@s710 said in How to revert to Android?:

Okay nevermind. Although the bootloader was already stating "DEVICE STATE - unlocked", and every reboot remindst of the bootloader being unlocked, I had to do fastboot flashing unlock_critical (which would ask again if I wanted to unlock the bootloader), and then the flashing tool for FF4 would run fine.

Android was successfully reinstalled.

Thanks for sharing! This post saved me quite some work.