How to Check and Change Current Active Slot on Android [Fastboot & TWRP]

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll explore how to check and change the current active slot on your Android device using two methods: Fastboot commands and TWRP Recovery. Understanding how to manage your device’s slots is crucial, especially for users who frequently flash ROMs. This guide is relevant for anyone looking to switch between active slots effectively.

Step 1: Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• An unlocked bootloader on your Android device.
• A computer with ADB and Fastboot installed.
• A USB cable to connect your device to the computer.
• TWRP Recovery installed on your device (if using that method).

Tips

• Backup your data before proceeding, as switching slots may involve risks.
• Ensure your device is charged sufficiently to prevent interruptions during the process.

Step 2: Check and Change Current Slot via Fastboot

Follow these steps to check and switch your active slot using Fastboot commands:

1. Boot into Fastboot Mode

   • Power off your device.
   • Press and hold the specific button combination for your device (usually Volume Down + Power) to boot into Fastboot mode.

2. Connect the Device to Your Computer

   • Use a USB cable to connect your device to your computer.

3. Open Command Prompt or Terminal

   • Navigate to the folder where ADB and Fastboot are installed.
   • Open a command prompt or terminal window in that folder.

4. Check the Current Active Slot

   • Enter the following command:

     fastboot getvar current-slot
     

   • This command will display the current active slot (e.g., a or b).

5. Switch to the Other Slot

   • To change the active slot, use the command:

     fastboot set-active <slot>
     

   • Replace <slot> with the letter of the slot you want to activate (e.g., b if the current is a).

6. Reboot the Device

   • After switching, reboot your device using:

     fastboot reboot
     

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure your device is in Fastboot mode; otherwise, the commands won't work.
• Double-check the slot designation (a or b) before executing the switch command.

Step 3: Check and Change Current Slot via TWRP Recovery

If you prefer using TWRP Recovery, follow these steps:

1. Boot into TWRP Recovery

   • Power off your device.
   • Press and hold the specific button combination to boot into recovery mode (commonly Volume Up + Power).

2. Navigate to Advanced Options

   • In the TWRP main menu, select “Advanced.”

3. Access Terminal

   • Choose the “Terminal” option from the Advanced menu.

4. Check the Current Active Slot

   • Enter the following command:

     getprop ro.boot.slot_suffix
     

   • This will indicate the current active slot.

5. Switch Active Slot

   • To change the active slot, type:

     setprop ro.boot.slot_suffix <slot>
     

   • Replace <slot> with the desired slot (e.g., _b to switch to slot b).

6. Reboot the Device

   • Return to the main menu and select “Reboot” to restart your device.

Practical Advice

• Be cautious when using TWRP, as incorrect commands can lead to boot issues.
• Familiarize yourself with TWRP’s interface for smoother navigation.

Conclusion

Switching between active slots on your Android device can enhance your flashing experience and improve system stability. Whether you choose Fastboot commands or TWRP Recovery, following these steps will ensure that you manage your device’s slots effectively. Always remember to back up your data and proceed with caution to avoid any complications. Happy flashing!