Hi XDA. I'm an user of a veteran Xperia Play, so now I have some experience with custom roms, kernels, recoverys and such, but not with unlocking bootloaders. I unlocked my XP with the services of this page http://unlock-bootloader.com/, which is paid.
Anyway, the reason for this thread is that my girlfriend has had a Xperia Mini Pro SK17a for like one year. Until now it was fine but it suddenly started to lag and had random reboots, so she asked me to fix it. The idea is to install some rom, but the thing is: which is the most convenient method to unlock the bootloader so I can flash custom kernels on it?
The service menu says "bootloader unlock allowed = yes", so it can be done with:
1. The official method of sony page but DRM get lost and some Sony apps stop working, or
2. Through testpoint with s1tool o setool but then flashing kernels in the original formats .sin and .img is not possible anymore
As I unlocked my xplay with paid method there are none of these problems, but I'm not willing to pay for unlocking another phone that will only be flashed once or twice, so I have some questions about the other methods in order to make a desicion on what to choose :
- With the DRM certificates missing, which apps will no longer work?
- With the method of the sony page, can I flash kernels in .img and .sin format..?
- If I unlock with testpoint with no paid method, the only way to flash kernels is in .ftf format?
- The phone is no more on warranty period. If ever damaged, can I send it to a technician with no problem? (I say this because testpoints are used for repairing as well, and there may be some problem after unlocking by these methods, I suppose)
- Will it be better if I leave the BL locked and just flash a GB rom with stock kernel? My gf is looking for the best possible battery life and stability, so she doesn't care much about performance in games
Finally, what rom and kernel would you recommend me for daily use?? lol (I'm not asking for the "best rom/kernel", it's just that I don't have enough time to properly test battery life on various roms, spending a few days on each, so I'm asking you to please recommend me SOME GOOD ROM, NOT THE BEST ROM).
Sorry for so many questions and thank you all in advance
Anyone here??? Please respond or just answer the poll....
Sent from my SK17a using xda app-developers app
If I were you I'd try the stock gingerbread rom first and if she likes it it's all right
If not, unlock it using the official method. Maybe TrackID won't work any longer, but I guess apps like shazam doing the same work should still be working!
And if you unlock like that you can flash kernels in .img .elf .sin and .ftf (I guess these are the formats), but the same formats should be supported when you unlock using the testpoint method too
To find a good rom, just tell your girlfriend to look through the development threads and if she likes the design of a rom (check screenshots) she can tell you or check the bug list herself, then you flash it and she should be happy :good:
Sent from my Nexus 4 running Android 4.4
Thanks for your answer @mihahn
All this mess was just cause she's on .62 firmware. Since it can't be rooted (I even tried some chinese app called Eroot that is claimed to work on .62 but it didn't) I couldn't install CWM or titanium in order to backup her apps and things before flashing any rom.... and the ovbious solution was to flash a custom kernel and therefore unlocking BL....
She's not a tech fan, but after a lot of explaining and after she saw your answer, she finally decided to check out the devs section ( she's doing it right now ) and hopefully choose a good rom, not just a good-looking one
And again thanks for your answer, it was all she needed
Sent from my R800a using xda app-developers app
julian280 said:
Thanks for your answer @mihahn
All this mess was just cause she's on .62 firmware. Since it can't be rooted (I even tried some chinese app called Eroot that is claimed to work on .62 but it didn't) I couldn't install CWM or titanium in order to backup her apps and things before flashing any rom.... and the ovbious solution was to flash a custom kernel and therefore unlocking BL....
She's not a tech fan, but after a lot of explaining and after she saw your answer, she finally decided to check out the devs section ( she's doing it right now ) and hopefully choose a good rom, not just a good-looking one
And again thanks for your answer, it was all she needed
Sent from my R800a using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well e-root does work on .62 fw. You might not have follow the steps. Try again with proper steps
Cheers,
AJ
Abhinav2 said:
Well e-root does work on .62 fw. You might not have follow the steps. Try again with proper steps
Cheers,
AJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I tried several times even with various versions of eroot. I think there were the 1.0 and 1.2 but none work.
I dont have here the tutorials I followed but the steps are like this:
1. Open eroot
2. Connect the phone on with mass storage mode on, USB debugging on and unknown sources on.
3. Click on root button
4. Wait for it. It shows its making 4 steps
5. It says its rooted, so you just have to unplug, reboot and enjoy.
But all those is just assumptions of what it says cause I don't speak chinese.... and the text can't be selected in order to copy and translate with google. I also remember sometimes it shows an error-like screen with some red colored "x" marks but I didn't understand either what was that about.
Thanks anyways
Sent from my R800a using xda app-developers app
julian280 said:
Well, I tried several times even with various versions of eroot. I think there were the 1.0 and 1.2 but none work.
I dont have here the tutorials I followed but the steps are like this:
1. Open eroot
2. Connect the phone on with mass storage mode on, USB debugging on and unknown sources on.
3. Click on root button
4. Wait for it. It shows its making 4 steps
5. It says its rooted, so you just have to unplug, reboot and enjoy.
But all those is just assumptions of what it says cause I don't speak chinese.... and the text can't be selected in order to copy and translate with google. I also remember sometimes it shows an error-like screen with some red colored "x" marks but I didn't understand either what was that about.
Thanks anyways
Sent from my R800a using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try rooting using the cydia impactor or even the other methods mentioned in my rooting guide for the build number .62. This should help you to gain root access
Sent from my Nexus 4 running Android 4.4
Just to advise - unlocking bootloader removes all user data, so leave it as a last resort after you have backed up your data.
Related
Ok I recently got a tf201. I have finally decided 2 go for it and trying 2 get a custom rom.
Untill now (using a SGS) I needed 2 root the phone then get a custom kernel then apply the rom.
How is the procedure for a prime? I tried 2 root but shortly found out that i had the .21 update, Im guesing I can downgrade not sure.
does "unlock" = root?
can some1 clarify the process tree to get to a new rom?
http://transformerprimeroot.com/tra...ow-to-unlock-bootloader-on-transformer-prime/ <--- how hard is it 2 succeed this without bricking it?
b3ava said:
Ok I recently got a tf201. I have finally decided 2 go for it and trying 2 get a custom rom.
Untill now (using a SGS) I needed 2 root the phone then get a custom kernel then apply the rom.
How is the procedure for a prime? I tried 2 root but shortly found out that i had the .21 update, Im guesing I can downgrade not sure.
does "unlock" = root?
If any1 can redirect me 2 the appropriate topics I can never spot out what I want :/ and can some1 clarify the process tree to get to a new rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will have to unlock via the asus unlock tool (you can just google that and get it directly off of the Asus website). Then you will have to use Fastboot to flash CWM onto your device. From there the usual, back up the stock rom, and install any custom rom of your liking.
omac_ranger said:
You will have to unlock via the asus unlock tool (you can just google that and get it directly off of the Asus website). Then you will have to use Fastboot to flash CWM onto your device. From there the usual, back up the stock rom, and install any custom rom of your liking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlock tool from asus website. ok but can u explain 1 thing 2 me? if its on asus website why does it void your warranty? and root and unlock are different?
If you are planning to flash a custom rom, check out androwookie v1.2 its good.
Unlock gives you the ability to install a custom recovery e.g. cwm, you then use this to flash a pre-rooted rom. Root just means having access to the root directory. It enables access to features and functions that are normally made inaccessible.
Using the fastboot method is pretty simple and guides can be found easily. I just did it yesterday after having previously only rooted and installed cm 7+9 on my sgs2.
Thats my understanding anyway
b3ava said:
unlock tool from asus website. ok but can u explain 1 thing 2 me? if its on asus website why does it void your warranty? and root and unlock are different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just one of their stipulations. Most manufacturers are like that in regards to using their unlock tools.
Root = enhanced permissions to run apps like Titanium Backup, Root Explorer (if you're modifying anything in the/System directory), stuff like that.
Unlock = your bootloader is "unlocked," you can now put ClockworkMod recovery on your device, flash ROMs and kernels. These things can't be done while only being rooted.
I hope I cleared it up for you a bit
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Premium.
SteveG12543 said:
It's just one of their stipulations. Most
Root = enhanced permissions to run apps like Titanium Backup, Root Explorer (if you're modifying anything in the/System directory), stuff like that.
Unlock = your bootloader is "unlocked," you can now put ClockworkMod recovery on your device, flash ROMs and kernels. These things can't be done while only being rooted.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so with unlocking the device I wont have root privs? so things like you said titanium backup wont work?
1 more thing. is unlocking considered harder? and does any1 have a video of unlocking so that I know what I can expect b4 freaking out?
b3ava said:
so with unlocking the device I wont have root privs? so things like you said titanium backup wont work?
1 more thing. is unlocking considered harder? and does any1 have a video of unlocking so that I know what I can expect b4 freaking out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking doesn't instantly get you root, it just makes rooting a lot easier to do. Like they said, unlock, put CWM on it, flash a rooted ROM and bam, rooted. But correct, apps like Titanium won't work if you're only unlocked, you would need root.
As far as I know, unlocking just requires downloading the .apk from Asus' site, installing it and going through the prompts. It doesn't sound hard at all. I personally don't know the ins and outs of it, as I never unlocked my Prime, but that's all it really sounded like. Sounds pretty simple. I believe there's some videos on it on YouTube though.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Premium.
SteveG12543 said:
Unlocking doesn't instantly get you root, it just makes rooting a lot easier to do. Like they said, unlock, put CWM on it, flash a rooted ROM and bam, rooted. But correct, apps like Titanium won't work if you're only unlocked, you would need root.
As far as I know, unlocking just requires downloading the .apk from Asus' site, installing it and going through the prompts. It doesn't sound hard at all. I personally don't know the ins and outs of it, as I never unlocked my Prime, but that's all it really sounded like. Sounds pretty simple. I believe there's some videos on it on YouTube though.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buddy thanx for all of this info was just wondering if the link i posted is the process for this unlocking? as every1 is describing? and where do i get that CWM?
b3ava said:
buddy thanx for all of this info was just wondering if the link i posted is the process for this unlocking? as every1 is describing? and where do i get that CWM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem! And yep, the link in the first post is a great looking guide for unlocking. Nice and easy, step by step. And after you have unlocked, just download ROM Manager from the market and you can flash CWM through the app itself. From my understanding that's the easiest way to do it, at least. Sorry it's been a few days since I responded, I haven't really been checking out the Q&A section lately
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app.
Bootloader unlock:
Custom Kernel possible
Official updates impossible
Waranty impacted
CWM backups possible
Need to use community ROMs in future
improved but not great chance of recovering from bad ROM flash (really needs NVFLASH)
Rooted:
Now possible with firmwares up to .28
Permits write access to /system partition
Makes it easier to brick and block OTA updates
Should be reversable
Allows most tweaks to be applied except for replacing kernel (which is a prerequisite for some kernels)
Going to make this a FAQ I think...
Is there a way to root my officialy updated to ICS, Xperia Mini(ST15i) without unlocking bootloader?(in order to downgrade etc...) I just want to root my xperia mini without messing up with the warranty....Any way to root it with locked bootloader? (4.1.B.0.431)
Thanks in advance
You have to downgrade to Gingerbread, root it and then upgrade to ICS using THIS tutorial.
There could be a different way: you should flash the 4.0.3 kernel (for example the Arc one), but I can't find the tutorial. Use the search button and see if you can find it
Feanor88 said:
You have to downgrade to Gingerbread, root it and then upgrade to ICS using THIS tutorial.
There could be a different way: you should flash the 4.0.3 kernel (for example the Arc one), but I can't find the tutorial. Use the search button and see if you can find it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
downgrading needs unlocked bootloader... :/ i had bricked my mini some time ago because i tried to downgrade with locked... (( any other way?
Thanks
EDIT: flashing xperia arc's or Neo V's for example would brick my phone....wouldn't it? (and it also needs bootloader unlock...so i don't think i would do that... BUT thanks for your help mate
No, flashing a .ftf does NOT need an unlocked bootloader. You need to unlock it only if you want to flash a custom kernel, but for custom ROMs you can use flashtool.
Same for the 4.0.3 kernel. It's a stock kernel, so you can flash it via flashtool
It WILL end in bootloop, though. The tutorial says you can use DoomLord's root kit anyway, root the phone and then flash again the 4.0.4 kernel. But find it and read it carefully, cause I didn't try it and I can't assure you it will work.
I tried the first one I suggested, though, and my bootloader is locked!
Feanor88 said:
No, flashing a .ftf does NOT need an unlocked bootloader. You need to unlock it only if you want to flash a custom kernel, but for custom ROMs you can use flashtool.
Same for the 4.0.3 kernel. It's a stock kernel, so you can flash it via flashtool
It WILL end in bootloop, though. The tutorial says you can use DoomLord's root kit anyway, root the phone and then flash again the 4.0.4 kernel. But find it and read it carefully, cause I didn't try it and I can't assure you it will work.
I tried the first one I suggested, though, and my bootloader is locked!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
man i have a problem...when i place my phone into flashmode (down key) it disconnects on its own...and that's why i bricked my phone long time ago....now i am afraid to do that i have installed the flashtool drivers from Flashtool/drivers.... but they mustn't work for my mini....any solution please give me the drivers you use for your Mini and work with it if you can i would really appreciate that!
What do you mean, it disconnects? How much time does it take for it to disconnect? Mine does the same. If I plug it and wait for a minute or so doing nothing, it disconnects. But if I start flashing a ROM it doesn't.
The drivers I installed are in \Flashtool\drivers.
Feanor88 said:
What do you mean, it disconnects? How much time does it take for it to disconnect? Mine does the same. If I plug it and wait for a minute or so doing nothing, it disconnects. But if I start flashing a ROM it doesn't.
The drivers I installed are in \Flashtool\drivers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it takes about 1-2 minutes to disconnect.But, what if it disconnects while on downgrading?
It doesn't. At least, mine doesn't! And I flashed firmware twice a day in the last week
Anyway, both ways need the use of flashtool... so if you don't want to try it, you can't root ICS
Feanor88 said:
It doesn't. At least, mine doesn't! And I flashed firmware twice a day in the last week
Anyway, both ways need the use of flashtool... so if you don't want to try it, you can't root ICS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pfff i'm a bit scared.....there is no hope that there will be somewhen another way to root...?
No, I'm sorry. Anyway, just follow this steps:
1) DON'T plug your phone.
2) Open flashtool
3) Click the lightning icon and select flashmode
4) Select the .ftf you want to flash: if you want to downgrade, select wipe data. If you want to flash the 4.0.3 kernel, unckeck wipe data and check "exclude" for everything apart from kernel. Which means you'll only flash the kernel
5) Start: you'll be asked to plug your phone. Plug it now in flashmode. This way you'll avoid it being unplugged.
Flashing will start, and your phone won't be unplugged. I suppose it's unplugged automatically when you're not doing anything, it's the same for me, but I repeat, whenever I flash something (kernel, whole ROM, whatever) everything just goes fine
Feanor88 said:
No, I'm sorry. Anyway, just follow this steps:
1) DON'T plug your phone.
2) Open flashtool
3) Click the lightning icon and select flashmode
4) Select the .ftf you want to flash: if you want to downgrade, select wipe data. If you want to flash the 4.0.3 kernel, unckeck wipe data and check "exclude" for everything apart from kernel. Which means you'll only flash the kernel
5) Start: you'll be asked to plug your phone. Plug it now in flashmode. This way you'll avoid it being unplugged.
Flashing will start, and your phone won't be unplugged. I suppose it's unplugged automatically when you're not doing anything, it's the same for me, but I repeat, whenever I flash something (kernel, whole ROM, whatever) everything just goes fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i maybe try it later... thanks for your replies man DD i appreciate that
kwstas 13 said:
i maybe try it later... thanks for your replies man DD i appreciate that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me know if you need more help!
Feanor88 said:
Let me know if you need more help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A friend of mine told me that if i try with locked bootloader is a simple suicide!!! :/ Now i am confused again :S
kwstas 13 said:
A friend of mine told me that if i try with locked bootloader is a simple suicide!!! :/ Now i am confused again :S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who is that friend of you? He is trolling. Stay away from him. And learn this. Feanor here is a better friend for you than him, when it comes to rooting your phone.
Just do as in the tutorial Fenor had shared in his first post. Everything will be fine.
And you say you bricked your phone. May we know how your repaired it?
Thanks,
Rick
Sent from my SK17i using XDA
DragonClawsAreSharp said:
Feanor here is a better friend for you than him, when it comes to rooting your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blushing
But don't forget I'm a noob after all... I'll just keep pointing other people's tutorials, like for example yours, Rick
DragonClawsAreSharp said:
Who is that friend of you? He is trolling. Stay away from him. And learn this. Feanor here is a better friend for you than him, when it comes to rooting your phone.
Just do as in the tutorial Fenor had shared in his first post. Everything will be fine.
And you say you bricked your phone. May we know how your repaired it?
Thanks,
Rick
Sent from my SK17i using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
while i was downgrading with locked bootloader the procces stopped on its own at 43%....and my phone wouldn't turn on and didn't even worked with flashtool....i sent it to a service centre and they fixed it ( i think i hadn't installed the proper drivers....am i right?)
kwstas 13 said:
while i was downgrading with locked bootloader the procces stopped on its own at 43%....and my phone wouldn't turn on and didn't even worked with flashtool....i sent it to a service centre and they fixed it ( i think i hadn't installed the proper drivers....am i right?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange. Anyway, if you installed PC Companion you have adb drivers. Install flashmode drivers from Flashtool installazion folder, you find the executable in \Flashtool\drivers. If Windows prompts you that the drivers are dangerous, just install them anyway.
What I can say is that you DON'T need to unlock your bootloader to use flashmode in Flashtool. Otherwise, my phone would have exploded long ago
Now let me tell you this: if you are SURE you did everything the right way, and still your phone got bricked, then maybe you shouldn't try. you never know.
If you tried to to something you didn't know how to do, you probably made a mistake, and that's why the phone got bricked.In this case, I'd give it a try.
But we're not able to see your phone and test it, so whatever you do, unfortunately, you always do it on your own risk.
I couldn't be more sincere.
kwstas 13 said:
while i was downgrading with locked bootloader the procces stopped on its own at 43%....and my phone wouldn't turn on and didn't even worked with flashtool....i sent it to a service centre and they fixed it ( i think i hadn't installed the proper drivers....am i right?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On all probability you are correct.
They (The service centre people) flashed a firmware using Flashtool. That's what they must have did. See. I will explain things a bit.
Your phone has some memory in it (this corresponds to what was known as phone memory in older phones). This memory is of Read Only type. That is ROM. Now, of all the types of ROMs, androids have EEPROM. That stands for Electronically Erasable Programmable ROM. So you can electronically erase the data stored in the ROM and write new data on it (even though it is called Read Only). This process of writing new data on the ROM is called flashing.
For flashing, the tool that is available to us as an open source, is Flashtool. Using it we can flash ROMs into our phones, erasing the earlier ones.
Now, Sony will not want us to flash Cyanogen Mod to our phones. So they have made up the concept of locking the bootloaders. With locked bootloaders custom ROMs can not be flashed to your phone. This is because most custom ROMs are designed for a specific Kernel (the intermediate between the OS and the hardware), and flashing a custom kernel requires unlocked bootloaders.
If you want, you can flash firmwares (ROMs + Kernels released by Sony) even if you are on locked bootloader, as long as the firmware files are signed by Sony.
This restriction however is against the OpenSource spirit of Android, and thus Sony gives us the scope to unlock bootloader at the cost of loosing the warranty, and the DRM keys (search google for that).
Now coming to your problem of unability to flash properly, make sure that you have installed all the drivers. For that open up /drivers folder in /flashtool and install the .exe there. Also install the adb drivers of your device. For that have PC Companion installed on your PC. Flashing will happen properly then.
Thanks,
Rick
Sent from my SK17i using XDA
DragonClawsAreSharp said:
On all probability you are correct.
They (The service centre people) flashed a firmware using Flashtool. That's what they must have did. See. I will explain things a bit.
Your phone has some memory in it (this corresponds to what was known as phone memory in older phones). This memory is of Read Only type. That is ROM. Now, of all the types of ROMs, androids have EEPROM. That stands for Electronically Erasable Programmable ROM. So you can electronically erase the data stored in the ROM and write new data on it (even though it is called Read Only). This process of writing new data on the ROM is called flashing.
For flashing, the tool that is available to us as an open source, is Flashtool. Using it we can flash ROMs into our phones, erasing the earlier ones.
Now, Sony will not want us to flash Cyanogen Mod to our phones. So they have made up the concept of locking the bootloaders. With locked bootloaders custom ROMs can not be flashed to your phone. This is because most custom ROMs are designed for a specific Kernel (the intermediate between the OS and the hardware), and flashing a custom kernel requires unlocked bootloaders.
If you want, you can flash firmwares (ROMs + Kernels released by Sony) even if you are on locked bootloader, as long as the firmware files are signed by Sony.
This restriction however is against the OpenSource spirit of Android, and thus Sony gives us the scope to unlock bootloader at the cost of loosing the warranty, and the DRM keys (search google for that).
Now coming to your problem of unability to flash properly, make sure that you have installed all the drivers. For that open up /drivers folder in /flashtool and install the .exe there. Also install the adb drivers of your device. For that have PC Companion installed on your PC. Flashing will happen properly then.
Thanks,
Rick
Sent from my SK17i using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You, and all developers/people here, are simply awesome!.... But this sh*t with unlocking bootloader and loosing warranty is so....stupid....I think i will give it a try and i am gonna sure thank you.... Somethink else....my phone has also a problem on the screen while scrolling....do you know if that is a hardware or a firmware problem?
What do i mean when i say scroll problem:
1st example: While browsing the Internet and scroll with fast moves, links are pressed on its own and new tabs are opened,as links are pressed.
2nd example: While i scroll the app drawer,fast s make apps open without my will....
3nd exapmle and the most representative: While playing fruit ninja and do fast moves to cut the fruits, the touchscreen doesn't even fell that i touch the screen!!! I do fast moves to cut the fruits and nothing happens!! As a result i always lose! (just joking....)
My phone is fast and really smooth only when my moves are slow....any thoughts about that? :/
Thanks once again for your BRAVE help!
You have a Mini, right? That's a hardware problem. Very common, even if not everyone realizes it. Check THIS thread for a (possible?) solution.
I have a Sony Xperia Tablet Z, 64GB WiFi (SPG312) running stock 4.3, and I can not root this thing. I've tried several different methods to no avail. Does anyone on here know how to root this thing? I'm ultimately trying to install CM11.
Either go back to 4.2, root with Doom's Rootkit, then install a recovery, and install 4.3 already rooted, or unlock your bootloader, install CM kernel, use the recovery built in to install the SuperUser zip, then flash stock kernel again.
Sent from my SGP311 using Tapatalk
Felimenta97 said:
Either go back to 4.2, root with Doom's Rootkit, then install a recovery, and install 4.3 already rooted, or unlock your bootloader, install CM kernel, use the recovery built in to install the SuperUser zip, then flash stock kernel again.
Sent from my SGP311 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So unlock the bootloader? How do I go about that? And after that I can install CM right from there? That sounds like the one thing I haven't tried.
How do I go about doing that?
http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com
Follow that link. It's pretty easy. Just make sure you have all the tools in hand. Shouldn't take more than a hour to read everything and do the procedure, if you have everything ready.
It's mentioned there, but remember that it will void your warranty and, with Android 4.3 or lower, on stock ROMs, you will not have Bravia Engine working. Also, in any version, Music and Video Unlimited will not work anymore.
Another big tip: Go to the Xperia Z section (the phone one), and on the sub categories, can enter one called Cross Device Development, or something along those lines, and look for a thread with the name TA backup. If you do the long process, of going back and such, backup your keys. Should come in handy in the future.
Sent from my SGP311 using Tapatalk
Felimenta97 said:
http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com
Follow that link. It's pretty easy. Just make sure you have all the tools in hand. Shouldn't take more than a hour to read everything and do the procedure, if you have everything ready.
It's mentioned there, but remember that it will void your warranty and, with Android 4.3 or lower, on stock ROMs, you will not have Bravia Engine working. Also, in any version, Music and Video Unlimited will not work anymore.
Another big tip: Go to the Xperia Z section (the phone one), and on the sub categories, can enter one called Cross Device Development, or something along those lines, and look for a thread with the name TA backup. If you do the long process, of going back and such, backup your keys. Should come in handy in the future.
Sent from my SGP311 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Emma does not work. I have tried to register for an account a several times with no luck.
Birkesuss said:
Emma does not work. I have tried to register for an account a several times with no luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not need Emma.
Sent from my SGP311 using Tapatalk
u need to download flashtool and find a 4.1.2 rom for your device...
then you can either use framaroot 1.91(gandalf exploit) or use doomlords root setup...
after that you can install phill'z recovery...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=928343 this link was very help full for my device sgp311 and i think its almost the same for your device only the rom and the stripped .ftf will be different...
unlocking your boatloader is not really applied to you,you only need it if you want to install custom roms...but before you do search a bit around to find hou you can backup your drm keys aka .ta partition.
Make sure you downgrade to 4.2 and root using http://nut.xperia-files.com/?dlid=V...jb3ZlcnkyLjcuMTIzLUJFVEEuaW5zdGFsbGVyLnppcA== option 3 then backup your TA partition before unlocking your bootloader, or theoretically you'll lose warranty
ok ok ok
So what steps do I take to install CM11?
Which method posted would get me there? You guys are saying a lot of different things here, have me a little confused
Hi anyone knows and tries this Kingo to root and unlock bootloader
http://www.kingoapp.com/sony-bootloader-unlock.htm
http://www.kingoapp.com/index.htm
thanks
Unlock bootloader > flash any cm10-11 kernel that has recovery built in > boot to recovery > flash SuperSU > flash 4.4.2 stock kernel back (from FTF)
All you need to know about Owning a Z2
-------------------------
INDEX
How to root
How to Unlock your bootloader
How to "Unbrick your Device"
Guide to Flashing Custom ROMs
How to install Custom Recovery"[UB]"
FAQ
FTF Compilation
-------------------------
DisclaimerBy following any guides on this thread you are doing this at your own will so if you brick your device i am not at fault as you chose to do this. only your self can be blamed for incorrectly following the steps a guide
-Introduction to this threadthis thread is a help/info/reference thread to where you can find alot of what you need to know, if there isnt what you know ask or point out ill update the thread as soon as
Also Feel free to ask any questions here, even if they may be as silly! this is XDA and XDA developers is a place of learning and teaching and many other things
-Introduction to who i amnothing special here
move along citizen
-1.
How to Root
By modifying your device you are voiding your warrenty, unlocking your bootloader is concidered modifying your device and will void your Warrenty from seller and your Default Xperia Z2, 2 year warrrenty
Downgrade PRF Creator Method
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2933155
Easy Root Tool(this has been noted to work on the latest update)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
Root Tool For locked Bootloaders
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2559009
Bin4ry Root
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1886460
Recovery For locked bootloaders:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2785598
Downgrade method
1. Flash a Older Version of firmware that can be rooted via root tool
2. Install recovery for locked bootloader
3. Make a PreRooted Zip using PRF CREATOR
4. Flash that zip along with recovery.
5. done.
-2.
-Commonly Asked Questions
Q. Why do my Apple Earphones not work?
A. Alot of headphones dont work, it seems they work on 314 fw but not 402, perhaps try upgrading?
Q. Why does my NC headphones get Quieter when i turn on Nc
A. i do believe that because the Nc headphones are shooting counteracting wave frequencys which affect your ears but cant hear, they limit the volume for safety.
Q. What would you recomend to a newbie flasher?
A. ALWAYS keep a copy of a stock rom on your device
A. Backup often, sometimes you have to lose your data
A. Keep flashtool and a FTF at hand, it will save your Z2
A. Come here for info, your here reading this and learning arent you now?
A. Unlock your bootloader before flashing non stock based roms please
A. Non stock based example: CM11 , Slim Rom, AOSP, Envi-OS Touch, Ubuntu touch!
A. NEVER blame the devs unless they LIED TO YOU!
A. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS
A. READ THE DISCLAIMER
A. BUY ME ICE CREAM
A. Any thing else SEARCH, cant find it, SEARCH AGAIN, still cant find it?, ASK!!!
Q. I have flash CM11 but the camera does not work and the touch doesn't work after the screen turns off, what is the problem?
A. Its CM11, official, Unofficial and FXP unofficial all are not fully working, i recommend you go back to stock for now.
(10th of July 2014)
Q. How do i debrand my device
A. Debranding is just the removal of branding, you can debrand by flashing a unbranded FTF/Rom or by deleting branded apps and/or files from your ROM using root
Q. If i flash a branded FTF to an unbranded Device, do i have to worry about simlock or anything to do with the brand?
A. Nope.. Not at all, you will have apps n stuff but there shouldn't be any simlock
Q. i have a problem and im not sure if its normal how do i tell
A. It depends on what realy, post here or in the QnA section your question
Q. Why should i Buy a Z2 over a S5 or M8
A. Its down to what you want more, xperia Z2 has a simple, elegant and stylish look with a Lightweight UI which is packed with features whilst not being overpacked or left empty
Q. WHY is overclocking dangerous
A. Because you can burn out your CPU and any device without that is useless!
Q.Why shouldent i ask for ETA From a dev?
A. Because Usualy Devs dont even know when they are going to be done
Q. Can i use an xposed module made for another xperia?
A. Yes if that xperia has the same version of android as yours
Q. What is a bootloader?
A.it is a program that loads an operating system when a computer or phone is turned on.
Q. Could you explain a bootloader, locked or unlocked or well whats it about.
A. like mentioned in the FA Question above its the program that starts your system now with android the kernel is contained within the bootloader where as just the bootmanager which would be a PC, your bootloader is locked by a sort of verifacation system so when you remove of that it doesent verify or when it does it doesnt have anything to copare it to, that is unlocking your bootloader ( or what ive been told )
Q. Can i install a custom kernel on a locked bootloader?
A. not at all! dont even try it either, it will brick your xperia!
Q. What do you mean brick your device?
A. read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brick_(electronics)
A. Brick in simple words means a dead phone
Q. Does unlocking your bootloader break X-Reality?
A. it Apears to Break X-Reality and Bionz
Q. Can i flash A Z2 kernel on to Z2 tablet or vice versa?
A. kernels are device specific. you cant flash a Z2 kernel to Z2 tablet or any other device.
Q. If my bootloader isnt unlockable is there a way to root?
A. There is a link at the top of the thread called index
Q. can i make my bootloader unlockable if it isn't?
A. no.
(try swapping your Z2 for a unlockable one)
Q. is there any ways to fix the overheating with my Z2?
A. as far as i have seen and know ... No not yet
Q. if i flash a rom from my Samsung to my Z2 will it work?
A. Never, it will brick you phone, Z2 roms only work on Z2 and Samsung or any other device roms wont work on a Z2 unless they are ported to Xperia Z2.
Q. my Xperia Z2 overheats when im using the camera, is there any fix
A. there is a workaround but its dangerous and i do not recoment
(this can be found in development sections)
if a question isnt up here ASK!
Recovering from a brick
-3.
How to recover your device from almost any kind of brick
Requirements
Flashtool
FTF of choice for your device
2 Rubber bands (I am serious but only if your device has no response)
Downloads
FTFs
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2759934
Flashtool
http://www.flashtool.net/download.php
Requirements
Flashtool downloaded and installed
a FTF file downloaded
your ftf file placed in /flashtool/firmwares/ folder
drivers installed (check drivers.exe in the drivers folder)
Part 1
1. unplug your device from anything
2. open flashtool on your pc
3. plug your cable into your PC
4. do not plug the cable into your device
Part 2
1. Open the Flap on the Left Side of your device
2. Press and hold the RED Button for 30 secionds
3. Your device should buzz 3 times
4. If this does NOT work then find 2 rubber bands
5. once you have found 2 rubber bands put them around your device holding the volume up and power buttons
6. Wait for it to buzz 3 times.
7. continue.
if it does not take a few seconds then you need to put a rubber band around your device holding your power button and your volume up button, DO NOT LEAVE MORE THAN IT NEEDS TO BE LEFT, wait patiently for your device to buzz 3 times
Part 3
1. once your device has buzzed 3 times you are free to flash a FTF as your device is powered off
Part 4
1. if you dont know how to flash a FTF but have gotten as far as installing flashtool,Z2 drivers and downloading a FTF FOR YOUR DEVICE... then folow this step
2. within your flashtool window click on the lightning icon at the top left
3. select flashmode
4. navigate to where you downloaded your FTF (OR put your FTF in your /flashtool/firmwares folder)
5. select your FTF
6. Flashtool should give you a prompt to plug in your device
7. hold volume down and plug in your device
Part 5
1. wait for it to finish flashing
Part 6
1. your device is now recovered, enjoy...
Part 7 - Aditional Info
if all fails contact your insurance and ask for a replacement as sony may give you a replacement however you may be charged
if you cant afford it you can buy a new xperia Z2
if this happened without any modifacations aka by its self, then contact sony support as you are entitled to a free repair under Sony Xperia warrenty (2 years) which is given to all Sony Mobile Xperia Phones
-4.
- Unlocking your bootloader
Unlocking your bootloader is the allows custom kernels to be installed. it apears only X-Reality is broken along with Few Xperia Services Such as PlayStation Remote Play.
Unlocking your bootloader does wipe your TA partition and also your data and internal storage
Take note that Unlocking your bootloader will void your warrenty. some services do not care if your bootloaders are relock however some check if your DRM keys are existent.
Any modifacation to your device will imediately void your 2 year warrenty that comes with all Xperias given that you have proof of purchase.
-- How to unlock your bootloader
you can follow these instructions
http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/
or
these instructions
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2440597
Note that with the Xpria Z2 you can root without unlocking your bootloader this means that you can back up your TA (Check Index for how to root )
-- How to Relock your bootloader
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=45496437&postcount=2
Relocking your bootloader does not get your DRM keys back
Guide to Flashing
Guide to Flashing For Locked BootLoaders
1. Root and Recover
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53220418&postcount=2
to get a recovery which is needed to flash a rom you will need root first.
There is a link above which provides more links to 3 Different root Tools and a Recovery installer for Locked bootloader And unlocked
2. Pick a Rom
So once you have rooted and installed Recovery you can go ahead and find your self a rom to flash
Here is an Index of Roms/mods/tweaks/kernels -> Click me
3. Pre-Flashing stuff
so once you've downloaded it, you want to go and put the ZIP file on your Xperia Z2
you also want to download this and put it on your phone too -> click me Credit to @[NUT] as this is his creation ->Click Me for the full thread
Now that we have everything Ready to GO, lets Get flashing!
4. Flashing the Rom
this will be the Common process for flashing any Stock-Based Custom roms since all Stock-Based roms are for locked bootloader.
Flashing a Rom for Unlocked bootloader only on your Locked bootloader Device will brick your device.
A. Download ROM
B. Put ROM on Phone
C. Turn off Phone
D. Power on the phone and press volume Down when the light shows or keep pressing it while the Sony Logo Shows
#this will enter the recovery menu you installed earlier
~ you may want to click backup and backup your current System and Data
- You can restore at a later date if the rom your using is causing you problems
E. Click Install
F. Navigate to where you put your ROM and The Second file we Downloaded
G. Select the ROM then Click "Add more Zips" and add the other file we downloaded
H. simply Swipe to Confirm Flash
J. Once thats done click on "wipe cache/dalvik" and Swipe to confirm
K.. finaly you are good to go
-Simply Click Reboot and Enjoy your Custom rom
L. if your phone keeps starting up halfway and turning off and then restarting then you will have to go back into your Recovery
M. once your in the recovery menu again, Click Wipe and then Swipe, you are Wiping the user Data because some Stock bases roms such as "MIUI" may need it
N. if you installed a Rom for Unlocked bootloader and your Device isnt responding, try this guide to fix that -> Click here
O. not sure what else to put here
P. if i remember ill put something here
Useful Links
Forum Rules and guidelines (for new people)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2668689
A bunch of FTFs (some useful for someone )
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2759934
How to Fix Noise Canceling
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=54730368&postcount=5
Digital Rights Management info(DRM keys - information)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2743240
SuperSU thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
Flashtool website
http://flashtool.net
info about android and linux
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux
Index of roms/kernels and tweaks thanks to @sud.vastav
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2765461
probably add some others if i remember to
Can Philz recovery be used instead of the standard CWM one? I know DoomLord made a thread saying it had been ported over unofficially but there hasn't really been any posts in that thread since 30th May. Philz recovery was always my fav to use on my GS3. Ideally I would like to flash Philz recovery & just keep the stock rom & kernel & root to block ads & change DPI & also use MyBackup Pro to it's full potential.
Thanks for posting all the info in one centralised thread though
BanziBaby said:
Can Philz recovery be used instead of the standard CWM one? I know DoomLord made a thread saying it had been ported over unofficially but there hasn't really been any posts in that thread since 30th May. Philz recovery was always my fav to use on my GS3. Ideally I would like to flash Philz recovery & just keep the stock rom & kernel & root to block ads & change DPI & also use MyBackup Pro to it's full potential.
Thanks for posting all the info in one centralised thread though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
,yes Philz can be used too instead of cwm, if you know how to flash and so on
Ill update OP thread
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Envious_Data said:
Q. Can i flash A Z2 kernel on to Z2 tablet or vice versa?
A. no kernels are device specific
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean "no, kernels are device specific" or that no kernel is device specific, meaning you can use kernels made for Z2 and the Z2 tablet?
leocooper said:
Do you mean "no, kernels are device specific" or that no kernel is device specific, meaning you can use kernels made for Z2 and the Z2 tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh grammar, kernels are device spesific aka Z2 kernel only works on Z2 and not tablet although they are almost the same on the inside
Time to update the thread thanks for pointing that out
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Great guides! Thank you so much for doing this
Envious_Data said:
All you need to know about Owning a Z2...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great info! Reckon you could also add, like, a section with obscure/hidden general productivity tips for the phone as well?
For example:
If you press and hold the right-hand side of the notification bar, it will change to quick settings allowing you to then swipe down for the quick settings.
From the home page, if you swipe from the very edge of a side of the screen, you can scroll 2 pages at once.
Etc.
@PulpDood
If you could write a post here with a list of secret features ill add to the index of the thread
Here is one for you
Press the page indicators to quickly scroll across pages in your home screen
Thanks if you do, credits to you
Edit-ill do later
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Screen rotation
Not sure if this is for on here or not but is it possible to have the screen rotation for the stock launcher on all the time and not just when a magnetic charger is connected? (I know other launchers are available)
evolutionisbad said:
Not sure if this is for on here or not but is it possible to have the screen rotation for the stock launcher on all the time and not just when a magnetic charger is connected? (I know other launchers are available)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems there is a bug when you force rotate however ive found a soution. The problem is that you need root
You need to download and install
Xposed installer
Xperia rotation and multiline lables (this is the module name btw)
Gravity box(KK) can be used to rotate the lockscreen of which this require xposed too
Hope this helps
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Envious_Data said:
It seems there is a bug when you force rotate however ive found a soution. The problem is that you need root
You need to download and install
Xposed installer
Xperia rotation and multiline lables (this is the module name btw)
Gravity box(KK) can be used to rotate the lockscreen of which this require xposed too
Hope this helps
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, disappointing I have to root. I like to use stock for a while before I start to tamper with it
Actually thought I wouldn't need to root this as all I used root for was greenify but stamina mode seems to have better results.
Edit - found an app seems to work https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spydiko.rotationmanager
Thanks again
I have already spammed the thanks button for you mate in this thread but your great simple guide now has my bootloader unlocked & rooted & booted as they say
Does yourself or anyone else knowa good app to edit the DPI to a setting that wont cause issues with play store or apps or games or what would be the best setting to use for editing the build prop file? I know the default is about 480 Previous device was galaxy s3 which by default was 320 but I always changed it to 240 or 245.
BanziBaby said:
I have already spammed the thanks button for you mate in this thread but your great simple guide now has my bootloader unlocked & rooted & booted as they say
Does yourself or anyone else knowa good app to edit the DPI to a setting that wont cause issues with play store or apps or games or what would be the best setting to use for editing the build prop file? I know the default is about 480 Previous device was galaxy s3 which by default was 320 but I always changed it to 240 or 245.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I usualy use xplore, you have to enable superuser in the settings but the app is functional enough for file management
Default DPI is 480, some people said 460 n stuff like that is a nicer dpi to use, hvnt realy tried my self
Edit- you also have to give credit to the ppl who wrote the other threads who i liked here
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Of course mate, credits to all that wrote the info in your links, I just found the way you laid your guide out was much easier to follow, the thanks to yourself was collecting all the info in one handy thread
Hi all,
Firstly sorry, you must get this all the time and be really bored of helping but i would be so grateful if anyone out there can point me in the right direction.
Firstly my phone details;
Model - Xperia Z2 D6503
Firmware - 1278-4770_23.0.1.a.3.9
Network - EE
Rooting status;
Bootloader unlock allowed: No
I want to root my phone but after reading what seems like thousands of web pages im more than a little confused. Does anyone out there have a step by step guide for beginners?
I want to use cwm recovery but don't understand how to get that on the phone as most guides say use it to back up before doing anything else but it isn't there to start with!
Also will installing cwm wipe my phone and sd card?
Any help would be much appreciated and many thanks in advance.
You can only install nuts dual recovery on a locked bootloader, proper recovery is included in the kernel and the kernel can only be changed on an unlocked bootloader, there was a a guide to rooting in one of the forums and I assume towel root will work, just search the z2 forum you'll find it
Sent from my Xperia Z2 using Tapatalk
Mr.R™ said:
You can only install nuts dual recovery on a locked bootloader, proper recovery is included in the kernel and the kernel can only be changed on an unlocked bootloader, there was a a guide to rooting in one of the forums and I assume towel root will work, just search the z2 forum you'll find it
Sent from my Xperia Z2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response.
Is nuts recovery better or worse than cwm? Also i thought that towel root would not work with 4.4.4 at present?
Does the locked bootloader mean i cannot do certain things even after rooting my phone like install custom roms and kernals?
Many thanks
Faggy said:
Hi all,
Firstly sorry, you must get this all the time and be really bored of helping but i would be so grateful if anyone out there can point me in the right direction.
Firstly my phone details;
Model - Xperia Z2 D6503
Firmware - 1278-4770_23.0.1.a.3.9
Network - EE
Rooting status;
Bootloader unlock allowed: No
I want to root my phone but after reading what seems like thousands of web pages im more than a little confused. Does anyone out there have a step by step guide for beginners?
I want to use cwm recovery but don't understand how to get that on the phone as most guides say use it to back up before doing anything else but it isn't there to start with!
Also will installing cwm wipe my phone and sd card?
Any help would be much appreciated and many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Faggy said:
Thanks for the response.
Is nuts recovery better or worse than cwm? Also i thought that towel root would not work with 4.4.4 at present?
Does the locked bootloader mean i cannot do certain things even after rooting my phone like install custom roms and kernals?
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You cannot root the firmware you are on with a one click tool (like towelroot) at present. You have to downgrade to a lower firmware like 17.1.2.A.0.314 first and then root that, install a custom recovery and install a pre-rooted firmware package.
2) Your bootloader is hard locked by EE, this means that you will never be able to unlock it and install custom kernels nor custom ROM's what require custom kernels.
3) It is more than recommended to install [NUT]'s dual recovery, this installs PhilZ recovery (a more advanced CWM in my opinion), TWRP and CWM (to use CWM you have to install dual recovery manager from google play AFTER installing the dual recovery).
4) Now to downgrading, you will need to download a program called flashtool (this can be found in the Sony Cross Device development section) and the .314 ftf file (not .tft, ,ttf, .fft or any other variation people mis-spell it as). You will then need to install the drivers for your phone (these can be found in the flashtool drivers folder in the location you installed it, also if you have Windows 8 or 8.1 check my signature on how to disable driver enforcement before attempting to install the drivers.) There are plenty of guides on how to downgrade, there is even one in the firmware collection thread what can be found in the Z2 general section. Side note, when downgrading you will HAVE to wipe data and the cache (this can be selected when you are selecting the firmware to flash) or else you will end up with a phone what is in a bootloop.
5) After downgrading you will need to root, the easiest and simplest way to root would to be use the easy root toolkit (this can be found in the Sony Cross Device development section).
6) After rooting you will have to install [NUT]'s dual recovery (Sony Cross Device development section, you will need the installer file and not the flashable file).
7) After installing dual recovery you will need to flash a pre-rooted zip file of the latest update (Z2 Android Development section, I think the one by @niaboc79 is the best one to use). Alternatively you could install a custom ROM what is based on stock, it will tell you if it is.
If you need any more help, just tag me in the post (by using the @ symbol and then my user name) or PM me. Also, @Envious_Data is a great help in this device forum, helped me when I had a few queries about the phone before I got it and I have seen them help a load of people in the Q&A section.
@gamer649 Thank you for taking the time to help me, that has explained everything perfectly. I do however have a couple more questions i think you'll know about....
1 - Is there a back up app available that will do a similar back up to that of "apple". I mean reinstall all the apps i currently have and keep the home screen layouts and all data etc?
2 - In the link to the firmware downloads you gave me there is only 2 UK .314 ones and none of them are EE, shiuld i just use the unbranded one and what are the differences?
3 - The main reason i started looking into rooting was that i heard about a tweak to increase the volume of the z2 notifications by forcing it to use both speakers. Have you had any expierience with it and what other tweaks would you recomend?
Thanks again and i look forward to hearing from you again
Faggy said:
@gamer649 Thank you for taking the time to help me, that has explained everything perfectly. I do however have a couple more questions i think you'll know about....
1 - Is there a back up app available that will do a similar back up to that of "apple". I mean reinstall all the apps i currently have and keep the home screen layouts and all data etc?
2 - In the link to the firmware downloads you gave me there is only 2 UK .314 ones and none of them are EE, shiuld i just use the unbranded one and what are the differences?
3 - The main reason i started looking into rooting was that i heard about a tweak to increase the volume of the z2 notifications by forcing it to use both speakers. Have you had any expierience with it and what other tweaks would you recomend?
Thanks again and i look forward to hearing from you again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You could try using the stock back up and restore app for that. Also, if you have your data backed up with your Google account it will start to reinstall all your apps along with their data once you sign in once you downgrade. @Envious_Data any other suggestions for a non-rooted device?
2) I always go for unbranded software, the reason being that there are no carrier apps nor carrier boot logos installed into the ROM and it is how Sony intended it to be. Apart from that I don't think there are any differences.
3) I don't usually have my phone on sound mode, it is either silent or vibrate so I can't help you with that one. You could take a look in the Z2 android development section to see what mods are available, some ROM's may also include this feature.
gamer649 said:
1) You could try using the stock back up and restore app for that. Also, if you have your data backed up with your Google account it will start to reinstall all your apps along with their data once you sign in once you downgrade. Envious_Data any other suggestions for a non-rooted device?
2) I always go for unbranded software, the reason being that there are no carrier apps nor carrier boot logos installed into the ROM and it is how Sony intended it to be. Apart from that I dont think there are any differences.
3) I dont usually have my phone on sound mode, it is either silent or vibrate so I cant help you with that one. You could take a look in the Z2 android development section to see what mods are available, some ROMs may also include this feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You can use root to copy all of your apps from /data/app and you can use flashtool to bulk install all of them
2. Branded firmwares occasionaly have some small changes for better reception on the selcted network but with 314 this doesnt actualy matter
3. Have a look around for some mods, and see if they are compatible with your current firmware version