root and X-reality - Sony Xperia Z Ultra

Hi,
As soon as I got my cell, I rooted it. I think I read some where that x-reality wont work on rooted phones? Is it true? I haven't had a chance of experiencing it as I don't know if its running or not.

On 290 (Android 4.3), rooting requires (or used to, not anymore) that your phone's bootloader be unlocked.
It is this unlocking process that causes you to lose your DRM keys, thereby getting rid of X-reality.
Lower builds (257 and below) could be rooted without unlocking the bootloader.

neverborn said:
On 290 (Android 4.3), rooting requires (or used to, not anymore) that your phone's bootloader be unlocked.
It is this unlocking process that causes you to lose your DRM keys, thereby getting rid of X-reality.
Lower builds (257 and below) could be rooted without unlocking the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I successfully root .290 without unlocking bootloader...
I use NUT's guide...
Please search around...

That's what i said - rooting 290 doesn't require unlocking BL anymore, but it used to.

Related

Quick question re: root/ta/bl etc on .290

I'll try and keep this short and to the point.
Currently running stock .290 firmware and wanting to root it, preferably without flashing a pre-rooted firmware, and without losing DRM keys.
Now if i want to root it according to this thread, i will need to unlock the Bootloader first:
"You'll have to unlock the bootloader if you want to root the .290 firmware (Android 4.3)."
and then root it via this, before i can run TA Backup to backup my DRM keys
What I'm confused about though, is that once the Bootloader is unlocked I lose my DRM Keys (as per this thread, and many other comments)
"The TA partition contains all your DRM keys for the Bravia/X-Reality Engine.
The first time you mess with your phone by unlocking the bootloader, these DRM keys will be deleted!"
The general consensus with regards to the proper order is:
1. Root
2. TA backup
3. Unlock bootloader
However for .290 it seems to be:
1. Unlock bootloader
2. Root
3. TA backup (if there is even anything left to backup?)
I guess what I'm wondering is if there is anyway to root .290 directly without first unlocking the Bootloader (and thus losing my DRM Keys), and without flashing pre-rooted firmware?
Or do i have this completely wrong, and by unlocking my Bootloader first, I won't lose my DRM Keys (contrary to what the linked thread above says)?
Thanks!
djyoshii said:
I'll try and keep this short and to the point.
Currently running stock .290 firmware and wanting to root it, preferably without flashing a pre-rooted firmware, and without losing DRM keys.
Now if i want to root it according to this thread, i will need to unlock the Bootloader first:
"You'll have to unlock the bootloader if you want to root the .290 firmware (Android 4.3)."
and then root it via this, before i can run TA Backup to backup my DRM keys
What I'm confused about though, is that once the Bootloader is unlocked I lose my DRM Keys (as per this thread, and many other comments)
"The TA partition contains all your DRM keys for the Bravia/X-Reality Engine.
The first time you mess with your phone by unlocking the bootloader, these DRM keys will be deleted!"
The general consensus with regards to the proper order is:
1. Root
2. TA backup
3. Unlock bootloader
However for .290 it seems to be:
1. Unlock bootloader
2. Root
3. TA backup (if there is even anything left to backup?)
I guess what I'm wondering is if there is anyway to root .290 directly without first unlocking the Bootloader (and thus losing my DRM Keys), and without flashing pre-rooted firmware?
Or do i have this completely wrong, and by unlocking my Bootloader first, I won't lose my DRM Keys (contrary to what the linked thread above says)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
You need to downgrade to 532 root, backup ta, unlock bootloader then update.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
SpyderTracks said:
No.
You need to downgrade to 532 root, backup ta, unlock bootloader then update.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems I'm really left with no option then.
In that case, are DRM keys linked to the hardware or firmware? In other words, by flashing the pre-rooted firmware will i still keep my original DRM keys? Or will I have new DRM keys, belonging/linked to said pre-rooted firmware?
djyoshii said:
Seems I'm really left with no option then.
In that case, are DRM keys linked to the hardware or firmware? In other words, by flashing the pre-rooted firmware will i still keep my original DRM keys? Or will I have new DRM keys, belonging/linked to said pre-rooted firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, it's only connected to xreality and a couple of other bits. More importantly it does have an effect on some streaming apps like netflix which will only work with drm. Think there may be a workaround for that on xda somewhere.
Also, if you lose drm and cannot restore the ta partition in event of breakage, then warranty is void.
Worth backing up I'd say if only for warranty purposes.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Like Spyder says, downgrade to 532 with Flashtool (no root or anything is needed), root it (it's very simple), backup TA (even simpler), unlock your bootloader, update to 290 again and root it (it's pretty simple with an unlocked bootloader).
If you regret it all and you want to re-lock the bootloader, be sure to be on a stock ROM with stock kernel and restore TA with the same tool you used to back it up with. This will also re-lock the bootloader. If you re-lock it on a custom kernel, your Ultra will not function. It will not reboot, and all you'll be left with is a blinking red LED over the screen. IF this happens, be sure to unlock the bootloader again, and it'll boot normally again.
You only have to backup the TA partition once, so if you choose to restore it and you want to unlock the bootloader yet again down the road, then just unlock it. You have the DRM keys, so you're safe. Be sure to back them up in the cloud too (Drive, Dropbox etc.) in case your computer crashes or you simply forget the DRM keys are there.
I wrote a guide on all this stuff, so take a look at it here.
You'll need to follow:
- Downgrading
- Rooting
- Backup TA Partition
- Unlocking the bootloader
After that, just download a 290 FTF and repeat step one (downgrading, but only with 290). Then when you're on 290, follow the guide you've already found. You can also flash Recovery/TWRP by following the short "Recovery and TWRP" section.
Good luck!

SGP621 Root Question

I am a rookie with these things and I would like to get some clarification.
I want to root my tablet, I am very satisfied with it and its system, all I need is to root it without touching my bootloader and drm keys. There are so many threads about it claiming its possible without unlocking the BL and I am not sure which tutorial should I use to root my device.
My device is LTE version, nothing modified and firmware is 23.0.1.A.0.16.
HenrichGrinch said:
I am a rookie with these things and I would like to get some clarification.
I want to root my tablet, I am very satisfied with it and its system, all I need is to root it without touching my bootloader and drm keys. There are so many threads about it claiming its possible without unlocking the BL and I am not sure which tutorial should I use to root my device.
My device is LTE version, nothing modified and firmware is 23.0.1.A.0.16.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can try Towelroot as I see Z3TC is supported but I didnt test it on my tablet
where did you see that z3tc is supported by towel ? i can't find a device list or so.
HenrichGrinch said:
I am a rookie with these things and I would like to get some clarification.
I want to root my tablet, I am very satisfied with it and its system, all I need is to root it without touching my bootloader and drm keys. There are so many threads about it claiming its possible without unlocking the BL and I am not sure which tutorial should I use to root my device.
My device is LTE version, nothing modified and firmware is 23.0.1.A.0.16.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is only one method at this time to get root on this tablet and this method involves unlocking your bootloader after doing a backup of you DRM keys (TA partition). Once you rooted your device with the unlocked bootloader you can reflash the TA partition and the bootloader will be locked again with all DRM keys intact as if you never unlocked it in the first place, but with root. Towelroot is not supported as the kernel exploit that was used is patched since nearly half a year now.

[Q] Root?

Hey guys,
I own a stock Xperia Z3 Tablet LET (SGP621) and I have never upgraded it, still running stock 4.4.4.
I want to root it and only root (to Lolipop). I have read topics but there are so many and written in strange language for me I have no idea where to start.
I read I could just flash prerooted ROM without even touching my drm keys, right? But then I was not sure how could I do it.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
There is no method to root the tablet without unlocking the bootloader. The root exploit which most of the guys mentioning in these strangely written topics (giefroot, easy root tool, geohot, blablabla...) is useless now since Sony surely patched it. So to root, you have to unlock the bootloader. But wait, you would loose the DRM keys.
So, it means that you need to make a backup.
But, without root you can't backup.
But, how should you root if you don't have an unlocked bootloader??? And it goes on and on and on and on....
The "trick" is to flash a firmware from another device (not z3 tablet compact) that can be rooted via the exploit. But nobody wanta to use the "other" firmware to gain root. This "other" firmware is only used to gain root temporary so you can backup the drm keys.
Then you likely have to flash back the stock firmware (and root will be lost again).
Now that you backed up the drm keys, you are ready to unlock the bootloader and let the drm keys disappear for a while.
And then you still have to do some complex steps to achieve root on your stock firmware, then restore drm keys (bootloader locks up itself again...), blablabla
TL;DR forget rooting this device unless you are ready to do all these above steps. If you don't understand the steps and are new to rooting sony devices, I recommend you not to root and enjoy the stock firmware. Next thing is that lollipop will come and you could easily update without problems (via OTA). Until then, wait for some magicians/hackers/crackers find a new exploit which can root 2015 sony devices without unlocking the bootloader.
If you want to know if your device (firmware) can be rooted via exploit, try xdualrecovery. It contains the exploit root method. But if you are unsuccessful flashing xdualrecovery, that is because the exploit doesn't work and your firmware is patched.
Sadly, sony devices are nothing like nexus. And including this "afraid of loosing the drm keys", simply unlocking the bootloader might not be a pleasing thing to do.
just to add maybe we don't need to unlock bootloader to root our tablet
we temporarely flash z3 kitkat system to get a rootable core and we flash again z3 tablet compact system before reboot
or so I understood
ChiDi9901 said:
There is no method to root the tablet without unlocking the bootloader (false, there is a method detailed in this thread). The root exploit which most of the guys mentioning in these strangely written topics (giefroot, easy root tool, geohot, blablabla...) is useless now since Sony surely patched it. So to root, you have to unlock the bootloader. But wait, you would loose the DRM keys.
So, it means that you need to make a backup.
But, without root you can't backup.
But, how should you root if you don't have an unlocked bootloader??? And it goes on and on and on and on....
The "trick" is to flash a firmware from another device (not z3 tablet compact) that can be rooted via the exploit. But nobody wanta to use the "other" firmware to gain root. This "other" firmware is only used to gain root temporary so you can backup the drm keys (false, the other firmware is used to gain root and then install a custom recovery, so you can flash a prerooted and updated lollipop firmware based on official Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact firmware).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would advise not to answer questions about root without understanding the process and/or misguiding people asking for help.
The information you give above is wrong. You don't need to unlock your bootloader provided you downgrade to an explotable firmware.
The thread that details how to root your Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-...to-rooted-lollipop-locked-bootloader-t3083980
1. Obtain root by first flashing SGP621_23.0.1.A.0.167_CE.ftf and the system partition of D6603_23.0.A.2.93_Generic_20GLOBAL.ftf. Then use giefroot to root.
2. Prepare prerooted flashable zip of 23.1.A.0.690 NOBA on your internal storage or external SD.
3. Install XZDualRecovery and now you will have TWRP to install 23.1.A.0.690 NOBA on your SD card.
You may ask any doubts in that thread.
BarajaVLC said:
I would advise not to answer questions about root without understanding the process and/or misguiding people asking for help.
The information you give above is wrong. You don't need to unlock your bootloader provided you downgrade to an explotable firmware.
The thread that details how to root your Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-...to-rooted-lollipop-locked-bootloader-t3083980
1. Obtain root by first flashing SGP621_23.0.1.A.0.167_CE.ftf and the system partition of D6603_23.0.A.2.93_Generic_20GLOBAL.ftf. Then use giefroot to root.
2. Prepare prerooted flashable zip of 23.1.A.0.690 NOBA on your internal storage or external SD.
3. Install XZDualRecovery and now you will have TWRP to install 23.1.A.0.690 NOBA on your SD card.
You may ask any doubts in that thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the OP (junior member) mentioned "strange languages". So he/she might not understand all this complex steps. That's why I "let it be" to keep the things easy. If he/she understands these steps then it's good for him/she. But you're right, I lied. And thanks for the clarification and pointing out my wrong information.
Personally, I had every Xperia unlocked without backing up the DRM keys. I never had any disadvantage. I was, however, a little reluctant with the XT3C. That's because I use it as both my phone and tablet.
Still, did it now. No adverse effects. Root is SO much more important than the Bravia engine or whatever. And the camera isn't very good anyway so I don't miss the 'better' quality. It's bad either way

Root questions

Hello,
I am new to this forum and rooting procces, I've read some threads and didn't understand few things.
So, my questions are:
1. Is it possible to root phone without unlocking bootloader and losing DRM keys?
2. If it isn't,is there a way to backup DRM keys and restore them after rooting?
3. If I am able to root without unlocking bootloader will I still get OTA updates and if I do, will OTA update delete my root status?
Sorry if these questions were already asked in other thread, I was searching a bit and couldn't find any of those. Hope you can help me out.
Thank you in advance and have a nice day
1. Yes it is although you do need some time to do it. It's not difficult though.
2. As soon as you root, you can take a ta backup(which requires a few clicks and about 2 minutes of your time).
3. You won't be able to use Ota (even if you are which you most likely won't, it is recommended that you DO NOT use it).
cindra said:
1. Is it possible to root phone without unlocking bootloader and losing DRM keys?
2. If it isn't,is there a way to backup DRM keys and restore them after rooting?
3. If I am able to root without unlocking bootloader will I still get OTA updates and if I do, will OTA update delete my root status?
Sorry if these questions were already asked in other thread, I was searching a bit and couldn't find any of those. Hope you can help me out.
Thank you in advance and have a nice day
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.-Yes, the method is called "Downgrading". I go back to 4.4.2 (Build number 314) and use the older XZDR (Xperia Z Dual Recovery). It will temporarily root to install the recovery. When the phone reboots you can install a custom ROM or whatever to get Lollipop with Root and Recovery
2.-After rooting on 4.4.2 you can do a backup of the DRM Keys
3.-Just because you have rooted your phone you will no longer be able to get OTA updates for the Android system itself. OTA will show a random error message and PC Companion will refuse because of the modified software.
Ok, thank you for answers
Is there any 6+ Android build that is pre-rooted or is it better to stick with 5.1.1 rooted?
Alo, I've heard that cam quality could drop after rooting or unlocking bootloader, is it true?
cindra said:
Ok, thank you for answers
Is there any 6+ Android build that is pre-rooted or is it better to stick with 5.1.1 rooted?
Alo, I've heard that cam quality could drop after rooting or unlocking bootloader, is it true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stick with android 5.1.1 for now.
And yes, cam quality WILL DROP, but only after UNLOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER. Rooting alone won't hurt your cam quality.
Mokiwipeout said:
Stick with android 5.1.1 for now.
And yes, cam quality WILL DROP, but only after UNLOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER. Rooting alone won't hurt your cam quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I was thinking a lot if I should root or not. I decided to root. So just to clarify some things. If I use comunity root with downgrading,will it keep my DRM keys? If yes, I backup TA partition when rooted and then I can proceed with BL unlocking. Can I restore DRM keys to a custom ROM? Do you have any good custom ROM suggestion for me and is it better to use odexed or deodexed ROM?
I saw also saw this thread, hope it works so I won't be losing any camera quality.
That should be all.
Thank you in advance.
Have a nice day .
If you do NOT UNLOCK your bootloader, you wont lose your drm keys. (this is why after rooting using this method you can actually backup your drm keys, which you MUST DO no matter what).
When you restore your drm keys, you actually RELOCK your bootloader, so you must be on a stock based custom rom, and not using a custom kernel, otherwise you will simply brick your device.
Odexed or deodexed rom is purely personal preference, the difference being that deodexed ROMs allow for more customization (which is not necessary though). Regarding this, it doesn't really matter whether it is deodexed or not, so keep this in mind.
I cannot suggest a rom and I would advise against asking which rom is the best, because it is against the forum's rules.
Mokiwipeout said:
If you do NOT UNLOCK your bootloader, you wont lose your drm keys. (this is why after rooting using this method you can actually backup your drm keys, which you MUST DO no matter what).
When you restore your drm keys, you actually RELOCK your bootloader, so you must be on a stock based custom rom, and not using a custom kernel, otherwise you will simply brick your device.
Odexed or deodexed rom is purely personal preference, the difference being that deodexed ROMs allow for more customization (which is not necessary though). Regarding this, it doesn't really matter whether it is deodexed or not, so keep this in mind.
I cannot suggest a rom and I would advise against asking which rom is the best, because it is against the forum's rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for answer. If i use this method will it keep my bootloader locked (Will DRM keys stay on phone?).
Look.
Your bootloader cannot be "accidentally" unlocked. You have to get the bootloader unlock code by YOURSELF. A program wont do it on its own.
So don't worry, even if the method you chose to root the device requires an unlocked bootloader, it will be stated since you have to do it manually.
Plus, rooting a device with an unlocked bootloader simply requires installing a custom kernel(which has a recovery too) and then flashing a zip file that will root the phone.
Mokiwipeout said:
Look.
Your bootloader cannot be "accidentally" unlocked. You have to get the bootloader unlock code by YOURSELF. A program wont do it on its own.
So don't worry, even if the method you chose to root the device requires an unlocked bootloader, it will be stated since you have to do it manually.
Plus, rooting a device with an unlocked bootloader simply requires installing a custom kernel(which has a recovery too) and then flashing s zip fike that will root the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much and sorry for so stupid questions, I am new to this and just want to be sure

Nougat, locked bootloader and DRM hack?

Hi.
Last year I unlocked bootloader and rooted my Z5C before it was possible to backup the TA and now I'm a bit lost in what to do. Yesterday I used Flashtool to install 32.3.A.0.378 but the problem is the DRM is gone. I have a locked bootloader so apps that check for this finally work. Therefore, if possible, I want to stay on locked bootloader a bit if it's possible to put in a DRM hack so camera pictures are nice again.
Is it possible to keep bootloader locked and install AndroPlus kernel? Or is there another way of getting DRM back without unlocking?
Device is not rooted and there's no recovery on it. But it's smooth like hell! :laugh:
Any suggestions?
No, not possible.
If you want a kernel with drm fix, you have to unlock bootloader
Gewiz said:
No, not possible.
If you want a kernel with drm fix, you have to unlock bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a bunch. Unlocking it is...

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