All Three Integrity Failed: Understanding the Issue and Finding Solutions

In the world of Android customization, maintaining system integrity is crucial for both security and functionality. Recently, many users have encountered a perplexing situation where all three integrity checks fail simultaneously, even without root access. This comprehensive guide explores the technical aspects of this issue, its causes, and potential solutions for affected users.

Understanding Android Integrity Checks

Android devices perform several integrity verification processes to ensure system security and authenticity. These checks are designed to detect modifications to the system that could potentially compromise device security or user privacy. The three primary integrity checks include:

• Basic Integrity: Verifies fundamental system components and configurations
• Device Integrity: Confirms device-specific security features and hardware status
• Strong Integrity: The most comprehensive check, examining deeper system modifications

When all three integrity checks fail, it indicates significant system-level changes that the Android framework cannot verify as secure.

The Poco X6 Pro Scenario

The Poco X6 Pro, like many modern Android devices, implements strict security measures through its Play Integrity API. Users who install custom ROMs like InfinityX often experience varying results with these integrity checks. Initially, some users report successful basic and device integrity while strong integrity fails after a few days. However, switching between custom ROMs can lead to a situation where all three integrity checks fail simultaneously.

This phenomenon occurs because custom ROMs modify core system files, partition layouts, and security configurations. Even when users return to the same custom ROM, residual changes from previous installations can persist, triggering integrity failures across all three verification levels.

Technical Causes of Complete Integrity Failure

Several technical factors contribute to complete integrity failure:

System Partition Modifications

Custom ROMs typically modify the system partition to remove bloatware, add features, or optimize performance. These modifications alter file signatures and system properties that integrity checks rely upon. When users switch between ROMs, residual changes in the system partition can create conflicts that trigger integrity failures.

Bootloader and Recovery Changes

The bootloader and recovery environment play crucial roles in system integrity verification. Custom ROM installations often modify these components to support features like custom recovery, kernel modifications, or secure boot bypass. These changes can persist across ROM switches, causing integrity checks to fail even when returning to the original custom ROM.

Security Policy Modifications

Android’s Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) policies are fundamental to system integrity. Custom ROMs frequently modify these policies to enable features or improve performance. When users switch between ROMs, conflicting SELinux policies can create security inconsistencies that trigger integrity failures.

Vendor Partition Issues

The vendor partition contains device-specific drivers and configurations. Custom ROMs may modify this partition to improve compatibility or add features. Residual changes in the vendor partition can cause integrity failures even when users return to the same ROM version.

Impact on Device Functionality

When all three integrity checks fail, users experience several functional limitations:

App Compatibility Issues

Many applications, particularly those handling sensitive data or financial transactions, require successful integrity checks. Banking apps, payment processors, and certain games may refuse to function properly or display error messages indicating security concerns.

Google Services Limitations

Google Play Services relies heavily on integrity verification for security purposes. Failed integrity checks can result in limited functionality for Google apps, reduced security features, and potential issues with app updates or installations.

System Security Implications

While failed integrity checks don’t necessarily indicate malicious activity, they do suggest that the system has been modified in ways that Android cannot verify. This can potentially expose users to security risks or make the device more vulnerable to certain types of attacks.

Diagnostic Steps and Verification

Before attempting solutions, users should verify the integrity failure status through proper diagnostic methods:

Using Play Integrity API

The Play Integrity API provides detailed information about integrity check results. Users can install integrity checker applications from trusted sources to obtain specific failure codes and diagnostic information about which components are causing the integrity failures.

System Log Analysis

Android system logs contain valuable information about integrity verification processes. Users with technical knowledge can analyze these logs to identify specific components or configurations causing integrity failures.

Recovery Mode Inspection

Booting into recovery mode allows users to inspect system partitions and verify their status. This can help identify residual changes or corruption that might be causing integrity failures.

Potential Solutions and Workarounds

Several approaches can help resolve complete integrity failure issues:

Clean ROM Installation

The most effective solution involves performing a clean installation of the custom ROM. This process includes:

• Complete data wipe and factory reset
• Formatting system, vendor, and data partitions
• Installing the ROM from a verified source
• Avoiding migration from previous installations

Partition Management

Proper partition management can resolve many integrity issues:

• Verify partition sizes and types
• Ensure proper partition alignment
• Check for partition corruption or inconsistencies
• Use appropriate partition schemes for the specific ROM

Security Configuration Reset

Resetting security configurations can help resolve integrity conflicts:

• Reset SELinux policies to default
• Clear security contexts and permissions
• Verify proper file ownership and permissions
• Ensure proper security labeling

Bootloader and Recovery Updates

Updating bootloader and recovery components can resolve compatibility issues:

• Flash the latest compatible bootloader
• Update recovery to the recommended version
• Ensure proper flashing procedures are followed
• Verify compatibility between components

Prevention Strategies

Users can implement several strategies to prevent future integrity failures:

ROM Selection and Research

Choose ROMs that prioritize security and compatibility:

• Research ROM stability and integrity compatibility
• Verify developer reputation and support
• Check user reports about integrity issues
• Select ROMs with regular security updates

Proper Installation Procedures

Follow proper installation procedures to minimize integrity issues:

• Use recommended installation methods
• Verify file integrity before flashing
• Follow developer guidelines precisely
• Avoid mixing components from different sources

Regular Maintenance

Regular system maintenance can prevent integrity issues:

• Keep ROM and components updated
• Perform regular security scans
• Monitor system logs for potential issues
• Address problems promptly when they arise

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

For users with technical expertise, advanced troubleshooting methods can help resolve persistent integrity issues:

Custom Kernel Configuration

Kernel modifications can affect system integrity:

• Verify kernel compatibility with the ROM
• Ensure proper SELinux support in the kernel
• Check for conflicting security features
• Test different kernel configurations

Magisk Module Management

For users who utilize Magisk for root access and modules:

• Carefully select compatible Magisk modules
• Avoid conflicting modules
• Keep Magisk and modules updated
• Test modules individually for compatibility

System Property Modifications

Some system properties can affect integrity checks:

• Review and reset modified system properties
• Ensure proper property values for the ROM
• Avoid unnecessary property modifications
• Document changes for troubleshooting

Community Support and Resources

The Android customization community offers valuable resources for resolving integrity issues:

Developer Communities

Engage with developer communities for specific ROMs:

• Join official ROM forums and Discord servers
• Participate in troubleshooting discussions
• Share experiences and solutions
• Contribute to community knowledge base

Technical Documentation

Refer to technical documentation for guidance:

• Read ROM documentation thoroughly
• Study integrity verification processes
• Understand security implications
• Follow best practices for customization

Future Considerations

As Android security continues to evolve, users should consider future implications:

Security Evolution

Android’s security measures will likely become more stringent:

• Expect more comprehensive integrity checks
• Prepare for increased security requirements
• Stay informed about security developments
• Adapt customization practices accordingly

Custom ROM Development

Custom ROM development must adapt to security changes:

• Support for new security features
• Compatibility with evolving Android versions
• Balance between customization and security
• Community-driven security improvements

Conclusion

Complete integrity failure in Android devices, particularly when using custom ROMs like InfinityX on devices such as the Poco X6 Pro, represents a complex technical challenge. Understanding the underlying causes, implementing proper solutions, and following best practices for system maintenance can help users resolve these issues effectively.

The key to successful resolution lies in proper diagnosis, clean installation procedures, and ongoing system maintenance. Users should approach Android customization with careful consideration of security implications and maintain awareness of best practices for system integrity preservation.

By following the guidelines and solutions presented in this comprehensive guide, users can effectively address complete integrity failures and maintain optimal device functionality while enjoying the benefits of Android customization.