UNDERSTANDING ANDROID PARTITIONS

 

UNDERST

1.    BOOT PARTITION: The boot partition contains the kernel which it at the core of operating system. The kernel acts as the bridge between the hardware and the software in a computing device. Boot is short for bootstrap or bootstrap load and derives from the phrase to pull oneself up by one's bootstraps the usage calls attention to the requirement that, if most software is loaded onto a computer by other software already running on the computer, some mechanism must exist to load the initial software onto the computer. Early computers used a variety of ad-hoc methods to get a small program into memory to solve this problem. The invention of read-only memory (ROM) of various types solved this paradox by allowing computers to be shipped with a startup program that could not be erased. The kernel is also responsible for mitigating conflicts between different processes. Whenever a device is turned on the kernel is the first program to be initialized, this boot partition is responsible for starting up the device.

 

2.    RECOVERY PARTITION: The recovery partition is the place where the device recovery software is stored. Think of the recovery software as the garage used to restore the phone to its original state in case of errors. The recovery partition contains the recovery image that can be used to update or restore the device to original state mostly in order to fix problems with the device.

 

3.    SYSTEM IMAGE PARTITION: This partition contains the core operating system of the device and contains files like the user interface, system apps and the settings app. This is the most important partition and makes sure the phone works correctly. When a user installs a custom rom the files in this partition are replaced with files from the custom rom.

 

4.    DATA PARTITION: This is where the device stores all the user data including user apps, apps data, contacts and media files such as audio files, images and video files. The data partition is always encrypted since it contains personal stuff. If you erase this partition you lose all your data. Whenever you perform a factory reset the data partition is wiped.

 

5.    DTBO PARTITION: (Dtbo stands for Device Tree Blob Overlay). It contains the device tree information that helps the device to communicate with it hardware components such as camera, touch screen and Wi-Fi. The Dtbo partition can be thought of as a blueprint which tells the phone how to use its hardware. It acts like the translator between the device and the hardware to make it work smoothly.

 

6.    CACHE PARTITION: The cache partition is where the device stores the frequently used data like app data. Whenever you open an app or a website the data is stored in the cache partition to make it easily retrievable when next needed. Too much data in the cache partition can make the device to slow down. It a good idea to wipe the cache partition from time to time to improve the device working speed.

 

7.    PERSIST PARTITION: It is an area in an android device that stores persistence system settings and app preferences. This settings are stored even when the device is rebooted or turned off. Think of it like a note book to sort out important things that you need to keep. Example screen timeout changes or volume changes are stored in the persist partition, when you customize an app the settings are stored in the persist partition so that the next time you open the app, the settings will be there. The settings are always persistence across reboot.

 

 

8.      PERSIST IMAGE PARTITION: This partition stores firmware images for certain hardware component such as touchscreen and camera. The firmware image is important because it enables the hardware components like the camera to work properly.

 

9.    VB META PARTITION: (VB Meta stands for verified Boot Meta). This is a security partition which contains information about the devices verified boot process. It makes sure that the device is running a trusted version of the operating system and that it has not been tempered with. If the VB Meta detect changes in the boot images it will cause errors and the device will not boot. This partition is a security feature and makes sure only trusted software can run in the device.

 

10. VB META SYSTEM PARTITION: This partition contains a digital signature that verifies the integrity of the bootloader and the operating system and that it is genuine. This is checked during the boot process to make sure the software is legitimate or has not been modified. The digital signature ensures that the software is genuine and has not been modified. The VB Meta system partition also verifies the integrity of various partitions in the device. When the bootloader is unlocked the verified boot process is disabled for the whole system except the VB Meta system partition.

 

11.  CUST_IMAGE PARTITION: This is a partition on an android device that contains customer’s specific data, such as configuration files, software updates and other customization made by the device manufacturer. Example if a mobile carrier want to include specific apps on the mobile device, the apps can be added to the cust_image partition. Or if the manufacturer want to add some device custom settings they can be added to the cust_image partition.

 

12. FIRMWARE_IMAGE PARTITION: This partition contains firmware files for various hardware components such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, modem, camera and touchscreen. The firmware files are used by the phones software to communicate with the components. Firmware is type of software that is embedded in the hardware and it provides low level control over the device hardware.

 

13. SUPER PARTITION: The super partition is essentially a partition where all other partitions are stored, it acts as a storage for all other partitions and makes it easy to apply updates. This makes it easy to manage all other partitions.

 

14. MODEM PARTITION: The modem partition stores the firmware responsible for the device cellular connectivity. It is responsible for tasks like connecting to the internet, sending and receiving text messages and sending and receiving calls. It helps the phone connect to the cellular network and communicate with other devices.

 

15. EFS PARTITION: EFS stands for (Encrypting file system) is a special area that stores device specific information such as IMEI number, MAC address and other unique identifiers for a specific device. This partition can be thought of as a digital identity card which stores device specific information and enables the device to connect to the internet and make calls.

 

I hope the information presented above helps you understand more about android partitions, if you feel any has been left out feel free to comment on this blog.

To gather all the information takes me a lot of time and plenty of research, always feel free to appreciate this blog the way you can. Thanks.

 

 

What is an MDM lock?

 An MDM (Mobile Device Management) lock is typically used by organizations to manage and control devices like smartphones, tablets, or computers.

 It restricts what the user can do with the device, including installing apps, accessing certain features, or removing the management profile. This is common for corporate or school-issued devices to ensure compliance with company policies. If you're trying to remove an MDM lock or "limited lifetime lock" on a device, it's important to know: 

1.Legal Considerations: Removing MDM from a device without permission could violate terms of service or company policies. If the device belongs to an organization, you should contact the IT department for assistance.

 2.Options for Personal Devices: 

- Contact the Administrator: If the device is your own but was previously managed by an organization, reaching out to the admin is the best way to have the lock removed.

 - Factory Reset: In some cases, a factory reset might remove the MDM profile, but this varies by device and may not work if the profile is installed on a deeper level. 

3.Third-Party Tools: There are third-party tools that claim to remove MDM profiles from devices, but using these could void warranties or cause other issues. Let me know if you need more information on how to proceed with this

Stay tuned in the next post i will explore and on how to bypass Mdm locks. 

Also feel free to contact me through the contact form for topics which you would like explored.

Samsung KG lock removal tips

 

To remove the KG (Knox Guard) lock on a Samsung device, the most straightforward method is to contact Samsung or your carrier to unlock it. The KG lock is part of Samsung's security system, often used for anti-theft protection, especially on carrier-issued or company-owned devices.

An image of Knox Gaurd locked device

Here are the general steps you can follow:

1. Contact Samsung or Carrier

• If your device is carrier-locked or part of a company's fleet, contact the carrier or Samsung customer support. They will ask for proof of purchase or ownership to help you unlock the device.

2. Samsung Service Center

• Take your phone to an authorized Samsung service center. If you have the proper documentation, such as a receipt, they may be able to unlock it for you.

3. Try Factory Reset (if allowed)

• If you have access to the phone and it’s not locked down completely:
1. Turn off the device.
2. Hold Power + Volume Up (on newer Samsung models) to enter recovery mode.
3. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to "Factory reset" and confirm with the Power button.

Note that if your device is locked with KG or tied to an account, this might not bypass it.

4. Check Samsung’s Find My Mobile

• If your phone is linked to your Samsung account, visit Find My Mobile and sign in to unlock the device remotely.

Important Notes:

• Attempting to remove Knox Guard without permission or outside authorized channels can violate Samsung's security policies and terms of service.
• Any unofficial methods (like software exploits or unauthorized service tools) can damage the phone and void the warranty, so it’s best to go through Samsung or the carrier for safe removal.