Related
Hi,
my question consists out of two parts, firstly:
Which (Sony) apps make use of the DRM-partition / DRM-keys?
and secondly:
Will my Xperia tablet Z function as it should if I backup my DRM-partition, unlock the bootloader, install a custom kernel (on stock but rooted firmware) and restore my backed up DRM-partition, effectively re-locking the bootloader again?
Thank you in advance.
Best regards.
Pihkal said:
Hi,
my question consists out of two parts, firstly:
Which (Sony) apps make use of the DRM-partition / DRM-keys?
and secondly:
Will my Xperia tablet Z function as it should if I backup my DRM-partition, unlock the bootloader, install a custom kernel (on stock but rooted firmware) and restore my backed up DRM-partition, effectively re-locking the bootloader again?
Thank you in advance.
Best regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I can't answer your specific questions, but here's my experience :
I made the mistake of unlocking the bootloader before backing up the TA partition and lost my DRM keys.
This prevented me downloading movies/music I purchased in Sony Entertainment Network using the stock Sony movie & music players.
(Fortunately I purchased the items with my free £20 credit that came with the tablet Z, and I can watch them on my Playstation. Also the SEN store is too expensive so I won't use it again anyway!)
I just use other services (Google Play Music, Amazon MP3, Google Movies), or rip my DVDs. All fine.
It has also been mentioned that the Bravia Engine will stop working. I did go back to a stock ROM at one point, and it let me select Bravia Engine in settings - but I don't know if it worked or not. Some people say it only makes the picture look false anyway.
I guess it may affect re-sale value, but most trade in sites I've used don't bother checking that level of detail. They just want the basics - device turns on, etc.
So, I've got mixed feelings. Kicking myself that I didn't read up more and back-up the DRM stuff before unlocking the bootloader...but not really missing out.
Thanks for your reply.
Bummer you lost lost your DRM keys.
I have the tendency to read a lot on the subject before I attempt it.
Judging by your post the only interesting thing that would stop working would be the Bravia-engine, I don't know how/if it enhances the image, I'll disable it and check the result once I get home from work.
I don't really care about SEN or any other Sony app, only the IR remote app and the sixaxis PS3 controller app I find useful, these need to work, and maybe also the Bravia-engine.
Any thoughts on the bootloader question?
Will the device boot if I install a custom kernel (Doomlord's for example) and re-lock the bootloader?
I can't see why it shouldn't boot but you never know...
Don't want to brick my brand new 500€ device...
Edit:
I should read some more before asking stupid questions:
2: nope a locked bootloader won´t accept any kernels beside stock sony ones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regards
Hello Every one.
Two days ago I Unlocked my boot loader in order to install a Custom Kernel and Root my phone ( D6503 ).
But Everything i had wiped out including updates , Internal storage and files.
I tried to restore my backup and everything went well.
But here is the problem, I can't receive any updates in Update Centre application including Walk-man , Movie Creator , Album and etc. even with Cleaning it's data and Cache in settings> apps.
Is it due to Unlocking boot loader ?
Unlocking the bootloader wipes your TA partition which includes the DRM keys for the phone to get updates and every phone has a unique drm keys so you will never be able to recive updates via OTA you need to install them by using flashtool read the threads to get more info
Sent from my SM-N910H using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks. That means I can't restore DRM key too, right?
Isn't there any way to do that?
mamos98 said:
Thanks. That means I can't restore DRM key too, right?
Isn't there any way to do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you didn't use BackupTA to backup the contents of your TA partition, then you're SOL. If you did then you can restore your DRM keys but you'll need to restore the stock kernel first and this will lock your bootloader... Your choice
Sent from my SGP311 using XDA Free mobile app
Too much questions but is it impossible impossible or there is a spark of lights but hard to see ( I mean its possible but it's very difficult to do )?
Even Sony itself Can't restore it?
You cannot restore it its impossible because every drm key is unique to each device and using other drm keys will brick your device
Sent from my SM-N910H using XDA Free mobile app
Fu** , Why didn't I do that?
Is there any way to bring OTA updates back? With Update Centre application.
And will I be able to Update my phone to latest Firmares with Sony Companion PC application?
Please answer separately.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA mobile
Relock your bootloader and OTA will be back...
Refer this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=45496437&postcount=2
Before relocking, make sure that you are on Stock Kernel...
AlanDS said:
Relock your bootloader and OTA will be back...
Refer this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=45496437&postcount=2
Before relocking, make sure that you are on Stock Kernel...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
my Z2 has stock rom, stock kernel, not rooted, with the latest 23.0.1.A.0.167 firmware but I doesn't get any app updates from update centre (walkman, album, movies ...)
maddboss said:
my Z2 has stock rom, stock kernel, not rooted, with the latest 23.0.1.A.0.167 firmware but I doesn't get any app updates from update centre (walkman, album, movies ...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@maddboss
Have you Unlocked your bootloader? because if you have done so and you haven't backed up your Trim Area (TA Partition) before unlocking it you can't receive any updates due to Losing DRM Keys in TA!
But if you Haven't , perhaps you already have the latest versions. You can Compare your Sony applications version ( Available in Each Settings ) with latest versions posted in This Link ; If they vary and the versions in the link are newer you can try to download them but your phone have a problem and its not with the bootloader. You May want to try Cleaning "Update Centre" application Cache and Data and refresh it once again to see how it goes!
good luck
mamos98 said:
@maddboss
Have you Unlocked your bootloader? because if you have done so and you haven't backed up your Trim Area (TA Partition) before unlocking it you can't receive any updates due to Losing DRM Keys in TA!
But if you Haven't , perhaps you already have the latest versions. You can Compare your Sony applications version ( Available in Each Settings ) with latest versions posted in This Link ; If they vary and the versions in the link are newer you can try to download them but your phone have a problem and its not with the bootloader. You May want to try Cleaning "Update Centre" application Cache and Data and refresh it once again to see how it goes!
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my bootloader is locked and everything's stock. when my phone had 4.4.2 system, it was able to get updates but now with 4.4.4 it's unable. I checked it by removing updates from movies app and update centre didn't show any updates. I tried to clear cache and data but it didn't work
maddboss said:
my bootloader is locked and everything's stock. when my phone had 4.4.2 system, it was able to get updates but now with 4.4.4 it's unable. I checked it by removing updates from movies app and update centre didn't show any updates. I tried to clear cache and data but it didn't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still download Updated versions of the Sony Apps in Xperiablog.net Applications Category (The Link I Gave You! ) As Im doing it because of Unlocking my BL Without Backing up TA!
That was all i Knew!
You May Also Want to try Flashing Latest Available Rom in your region or Getting Support from Sony Mobile official Forum and help center ( You Can google that! )
Dear community,
I've recently got a Z5 compact (updated it to MM already) and after reading around here and around the Z5 forums I came to a cruel conclusion (didn't do my homework before getting the phone, but that's my problem):
You cannot root without unlocking the bootloader and you cannot backup the DRM keys without having root access.
Is this correct? If so, how did people writing the tutorials about DRM keys backup achieve root access in the first place?
I'm a little bit confused here...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
daniel_loft said:
Dear community,
I've recently got a Z5 compact (updated it to MM already) and after reading around here and around the Z5 forums I came to a cruel conclusion (didn't do my homework before getting the phone, but that's my problem):
You cannot root without unlocking the bootloader and you cannot backup the DRM keys without having root access.
Is this correct? If so, how did people writing the tutorials about DRM keys backup achieve root access in the first place?
I'm a little bit confused here...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
currently,for the z5 family,there is no way to root without unlocking bootloader.Period.
the tutorials you see on the z5 pages are ways to restore sony credentials after unlocking bootloader but does not restore TA partition (where the DRM keys are) which is lost once you unlock bootloader. i.e you trick the phone into believing the bootloader is unlocked and can still enjoy the sony goodies with the patch (very simplified explanation here).
older models are able to achieve root (like the Z3+) only recently due to exploit found on MM and also using older firmwares.
you might want to hold back on unlocking bootloader for now.the z5 has impressive hardware rivaling samdung.the sad part is backing up TA partition while bootloader is locked,which has not been found.
that or you can hold out till the new nexus arrives.
Frostmore is correct in that you cannot backup DRM currently. But I disagree that you should hold off on doing so, the z5c lacks in most all places and root helps fix some stuff.
Does the loss of DRM keys affect camera performance?
DrYnternet said:
Does the loss of DRM keys affect camera performance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it does, Mobile Bravia Engine is gone, Track ID in music player is gone and camera performance is also gone.
but now you can backup and restore your own TA if you have not unlocked bootloader yet
I thought that It is possible to backup TA partition with iovyroot here. It is working on Lollipop. So if you upgraded to Mashmallow, you need to downgrade with flashtool here which does not unlock the bootloader. After downgrade It is possible to backup DRM keys I think isn't it?
Yes downgrade then unlock boot loader then root then relock with DRM keys.
Sent from my E6633 using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 12:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:27 PM ----------
It will say boot loader status relocked in service menu
Sent from my E6633 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I am completely baffled. I managed to restore ALL my original DRM keys!
I lost them while unlocking the bootloader, and then rooted my device. I also didnt do my homework and didn't realise I would lose all the DRM keys. When I factory resetted my device, using companion, I got my phone working on android 7.0 again, but ofcourse the drm keys were gone. Filming was almost impossible and fingerprint was not working etc.
And for whatever reason, guess I was bored, I unlocked the bootloader again, since it wouldn't matter anyway. So I unlocked the bootloader with oem unlock and the sony developer site, and then the device started rebooting. It looked like a bootloop, it took about 5 minutes, everything on my phone was gone (damnit). But when I tried fingerpringt, camera, everything worked like before! I have no idea how this happened but maybe this'll work for anyone here. aswell! From now on I'm not gonna touch ANYTHING anymore, since I just don't have enough developer knowledge.
btw: I made an account on this site especially to share this information with you :highfive:
Weslietje said:
I am completely baffled. I managed to restore ALL my original DRM keys!
I lost them while unlocking the bootloader, and then rooted my device. I also didnt do my homework and didn't realise I would lose all the DRM keys. When I factory resetted my device, using companion, I got my phone working on android 7.0 again, but ofcourse the drm keys were gone. Filming was almost impossible and fingerprint was not working etc.
And for whatever reason, guess I was bored, I unlocked the bootloader again, since it wouldn't matter anyway. So I unlocked the bootloader with oem unlock and the sony developer site, and then the device started rebooting. It looked like a bootloop, it took about 5 minutes, everything on my phone was gone (damnit). But when I tried fingerpringt, camera, everything worked like before! I have no idea how this happened but maybe this'll work for anyone here. aswell! From now on I'm not gonna touch ANYTHING anymore, since I just don't have enough developer knowledge.
btw: I made an account on this site especially to share this information with you :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to XDA, and thanks for going through the trouble of creating an account to share information.
However, some of the information you shared is either wrong or misinformed.
Also, this thread is quite old, digging up old threads is generally frowned upon.
First of all, if you never made a backup of your DRM keys before unlocking your bootloader, then those keys are gone. Forever. There's absolutely no possible way of restoring them.
Second, missing DRM keys do not cause the camera or fingerprint scanner to stop working. Only certain "enhancement features" are disabled, such as X-Reality that makes images appear sharper and more vivid when viewing photos/videos, or advanced low light noise reduction when taking pictures.
Many of those DRM-reliant features can be re-enabled by applying a DRM fix patch that can be found on the XDA forums.
The fingerprint scanner is disabled for certain region's firmware by Sony via software means, but it is not dependent on DRM.
You probably messed up somewhere flashing or rooting your firmware, causing functions like the camera and fingerprint scanner to not work. Do a factory reset or clean flash in case this happens.
And finally, it is clearly worded on the web page where you go to unlock the bootloader that your phone will automatically perform a factory reset upon unlocking the bootloader, so you shouldn't be surprised that all your data was erased. It's expected behavior.
You should always backup your data before fiddling with your phone, it's good practice and common sense.
So in conclusion, no, there's no way of restoring the DRM keys without a prior backup. You didn't manage to restore it.
Here's how to verify if your DRM keys are present:
In the dialer, input *#*#7378423#*#* to enter the service menu
Service tests > Security
If your keys are intact, the first three lines should all say [Key OK][Active], and at the bottom FIDO_KEYS : Provisioned
You probably fixed your camera and fingerprint issues by performing a factory reset unknowingly, which is done automatically when you unlock the bootloader as mentioned.
mhaha said:
***
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I guess I'll just stick to reading this forum and finding solutions for my problems instead of trying to give advice. That'll look like a homeless guy, giving financial advise. Thanks for the large explanation anyway!:good:
As I am new to the android environment, I didn't back up the DRM keys before unlock the bootloader. Is there any solution to get it back for SGP511 xperia z2 tablet wifi with marshmallows 6.0.1 and 23.5.A.0.575? Thank you so much for the guide.
NO there is no way to restore drm keys but you can get the lost drm features back http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672 but it works with my z2 idk about the z2 tablet search the thread.
Hariskh said:
NO there is no way to restore drm keys but you can get the lost drm features back http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672 but it works with my z2 idk about the z2 tablet search the thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Hariskh,
Except Marlin, Ckb, widevine, HDCP2 unknown error shows after checking from system info. There was no error on myxperia, camera, TrackID, X-reality for mobile. Is there any others item that I missed?
So should I relock Bootloader or restore DRM keys?
Sent from my SGP511 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Restoring drm keys using the above method will not lock your bootloader it will only restore the lost features that are lost while unlocking bootloader. Secondly why lock the bootloader there is no effect on the phone
Hariskh said:
Restoring drm keys using the above method will not lock your bootloader it will only restore the lost features that are lost while unlocking bootloader. Secondly why lock the bootloader there is no effect on the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great. So, I will aim to restore back the DRM keys. I sent email to Sony developer teams and they replied me to post the question here. At first, I thought Emma flash tool could solve DRM issue. But, I could not even run it on my MSI windows 8.1. Why? Anyway I managed to install Emma which is not from Sony official website. Finally, I*received the error failed to set up the service for execution context.(any idea?)
All above problem started after I trying to install Cyanogen mod 12.1. Although I followed instruction from CM website, end up I got Bootloop. Then I decided to back to normal. Eventually, I only managed to install back latest marshmallows firmware by using flashtool and Xperiafirm.exe.
Sent from my SGP511 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Hello,
I have been reading the XDA forums for a while now, but it is until now that I have a question that I can't find an answer to.
I want to backup my TA, however I see that in order to do that I need to root.
I found that in order to root I need to unlock the BL, thus losing the DRM keys which is the reason why I want to back up.
What do you recommend? I don't want to lose my data on the phone, is there any way to downgrade to a firmware that can be rooted without unlocking BL without losing my data?
Or, is there a way to backup TA without rooting?
Thanks for your help!
m180up said:
Hello,
I have been reading the XDA forums for a while now, but it is until now that I have a question that I can't find an answer to.
I want to backup my TA, however I see that in order to do that I need to root.
I found that in order to root I need to unlock the BL, thus losing the DRM keys which is the reason why I want to back up.
What do you recommend? I don't want to lose my data on the phone, is there any way to downgrade to a firmware that can be rooted without unlocking BL without losing my data?
Or, is there a way to backup TA without rooting?
Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way now to downgrade to Lollipop is by flashing firmware through Flashtool. And yes you will lose your data. But you can make a backup or not? Flash the Lolipop firmware. Root your device and backup your TA partition. After you can unlock the bootloader. And unlocking the BL will wipe your data.
ekin_strops said:
The only way now to downgrade to Lollipop is by flashing firmware through Flashtool. And yes you will lose your data. But you can make a backup or not? Flash the Lolipop firmware. Root your device and backup your TA partition. After you can unlock the bootloader. And unlocking the BL will wipe your data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And can I restore DRM key (TA partition) from Lolipop backup to MM ?
harisdelic said:
And can I restore DRM key (TA partition) from Lolipop backup to MM ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't try yet, but why not. You just need to be rooted. If you try, write us a feedback, so we will now, is it posibble or not.
I thing that if you restore TA partition, this will relock your bootloader. Note. If you restore backup TA, you need to be on stock firmware and kernel before that.
Monipeev said:
I thing that if you restore TA partition, this will relock your bootloader. Note. If you restore backup TA, you need to be on stock firmware and kernel before that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And do you know what I will lose on my phone if I unlock bootloader?
harisdelic said:
And do you know what I will lose on my phone if I unlock bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This please, I haven't done all the process because I read so many conflicting ideas of what will happen:
Warranty Voided - This one I mind, but is not a deal breaker
Camera will not longer work - I love the Sony camera functions, such as AR fun, Motionshot, etc and I wouldn't want to lose them if I have to use another Camera app.
Camera quality will be very poor but I can still use Sony camera functions
Camera quality will be very poor and I won't be able to use Sony camera functions
I won't be able to use any Sony software such as Music, Video, Album, Sony Xperia Care, etc
Are they true or not? I have tried to find the answers myself, but the more I look the more confusing it gets
m180up said:
This please, I haven't done all the process because I read so many conflicting ideas of what will happen:
Warranty Voided - This one I mind, but is not a deal breaker
Camera will not longer work - I love the Sony camera functions, such as AR fun, Motionshot, etc and I wouldn't want to lose them if I have to use another Camera app.
Camera quality will be very poor but I can still use Sony camera functions
Camera quality will be very poor and I won't be able to use Sony camera functions
I won't be able to use any Sony software such as Music, Video, Album, Sony Xperia Care, etc
Are they true or not? I have tried to find the answers myself, but the more I look the more confusing it gets
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Restoring the TA partition DOES relock bootloader.
DarkerJava said:
Restoring the TA partition does NOT relic bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure? See the picture below, it's from this post by
@zxz0O0
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50176658&postcount=1
DarkerJava said:
Restoring the TA partition does NOT relic bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Restoring the TA Partition will relock the bootloader!!!
---------- Post added at 18:22 ---------- Previous post was at 18:08 ----------
m180up said:
This please, I haven't done all the process because I read so many conflicting ideas of what will happen:
Warranty Voided - This one I mind, but is not a deal breaker
Camera will not longer work - I love the Sony camera functions, such as AR fun, Motionshot, etc and I wouldn't want to lose them if I have to use another Camera app.
Camera quality will be very poor but I can still use Sony camera functions
Camera quality will be very poor and I won't be able to use Sony camera functions
I won't be able to use any Sony software such as Music, Video, Album, Sony Xperia Care, etc
Are they true or not? I have tried to find the answers myself, but the more I look the more confusing it gets
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Warranty Voided - Depends on where you live. In some country's, it does not affect the warranty. But if you backup the TA partition, you can always restore it, and relock the bootloader, so the warranty stays.
Camera will not longer work - Stock camera is working without any problems, and you can use all the apps, such as AR Fun, Motionshot, etc.
Camera Quality will be very poor but I can still use Sony camera functions - To be honest, on Lollipop, i saw the difference on camera photos, when it was unlocked or when it was locked. It only affects the low light photos, more digital noise. In daylight, the photos were the same. But the difference in low light photos was very small. On Marshmallow, i tried the same. Compared the photos on unlocked and on locked BL., i couldn't notice any difference. In low light also, photos were the same, the same amount of digital noise. When i will have more time, i will post the photos, compared, so everybody can see.
Camera quality will be very poor and I won't be able to use Sony camera functions- As i said before, you can use the stock camera and all the apps in it.
Won't be able to use any Sony software such as Music, Video, Album, Sony Xperia Care, etc - You can use all those apps, only you will not be able to use- The Lounge, TrackID, and i don't know what else, i didn't test everything. Those apps you mentioned will work without any problem. You will only Not get the software updates in the Settings.
ekin_strops said:
Restoring the TA Partition will relock the bootloader!!!
---------- Post added at 18:22 ---------- Previous post was at 18:08 ----------
Warranty Voided - Depends on where you live. In some country's, it does not affect the warranty. But if you backup the TA partition, you can always restore it, and relock the bootloader, so the warranty stays.
Camera will not longer work - Stock camera is working without any problems, and you can use all the apps, such as AR Fun, Motionshot, etc.
Camera Quality will be very poor but I can still use Sony camera functions - To be honest, on Lollipop, i saw the difference on camera photos, when it was unlocked or when it was locked. It only affects the low light photos, more digital noise. In daylight, the photos were the same. But the difference in low light photos was very small. On Marshmallow, i tried the same. Compared the photos on unlocked and on locked BL., i couldn't notice any difference. In low light also, photos were the same, the same amount of digital noise. When i will have more time, i will post the photos, compared, so everybody can see.
Camera quality will be very poor and I won't be able to use Sony camera functions- As i said before, you can use the stock camera and all the apps in it.
Won't be able to use any Sony software such as Music, Video, Album, Sony Xperia Care, etc - You can use all those apps, only you will not be able to use- The Lounge, TrackID, and i don't know what else, i didn't test everything. Those apps you mentioned will work without any problem. You will only Not get the software updates in the Settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot! That clears most of my questions. If I understood correctly then if I'm in Marshmallow and want to backup the DRM keys I should downgrade to Lollipop, root the phone without unlocking the bootloader there, then backup the DRM keys by doing a backup of the TA partition.
Then I can unlock the bootloader, flash a pretooted Marshmallow, right?
m180up said:
Thanks a lot! That clears most of my questions. If I understood correctly then if I'm in Marshmallow and want to backup the DRM keys I should downgrade to Lollipop, root the phone without unlocking the bootloader there, then backup the DRM keys by doing a backup of the TA partition.
Then I can unlock the bootloader, flash a pretooted Marshmallow, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right. Or you can wait until somebody finds a way to root (Marshmallow) on locked bootloader. But, if you have time and patience, than downgrade to lollipop and do it now.