Sorry if I offend anyone who's against opening new thread, but I need some guidance since I'm a complete Sony noob.
I have a C6833 and I'm interested in converting it to a Google Play Edition without losing LTE connectivity or Micro SD. If this is at all possible please guide me to the right direction by providing me some links.
I'm on stock .290 ROM with a locked bootloader.
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
you will never 'convert' it to a GPe, but you can run the GPe ROM, and it works well - you wont have OTA updates though. You will need to follow the guide in the General section on getting the ZU ready to flash custom ROMs
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2608708 use this thread to get the GPE rom pick the tweaked version so you can write on your SD ! but before you should start by rooting your device and backing up the TA partition before unlocking your bootloader to be able to restore the DRM keys in future , this thread will guide you through the process http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2569904
Related
Hello, I have just preordered my Xperia active from a local salesperson, but from what i see in the development threads, its nothing like HTC phones when it comes to rooting.
In HTC phones all you had to do is, unlock the bootloader with an update.zip file, root it, and then you're free to do whatever you wanna do from CWM.
I really havent understood how the procedure goes in Xperia phones, nor is there a comprehensive guide towards rooting the phone.
So could someone explain in simple steps what i need to do to root the phone? Or even is it worth rooting it since its so new and the development is more or less... inexistant? The only real custom rom I see so far for the mini mini pro and active is the FXP one which is in beta stages AFAIK.
Also about unlocking the bootloader. Losing DRM and TrackID is what makes them know that you have unlocked it therefore you lose your warranty?
Please enlighten me
Comprehensive Xperia Rooting Guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1034087
For the active... there doesn't appear to be much, but if you have 'OCD' like me and like the absolute control... it's worth it. But to each his/her own preferences
Once you unlock, DRM is permanently gone, no more TrackID.
I'm not sure about warranty regulations but there is a way to re-lock the boot loader:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134335
Hope this helps.
EDIT There's also a way to unlock the bootloader and not lose DRM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285285
But there's no current way to relock it if you use that route.
Thanks a lot for your detailed reply.
Although i still got questions regarding custom ROM's. I saw someone mentioning a insecure kernel, and using it before flashing a new ROM. Kernels in HTC devices are simply there for you to find out which one is best for your country and ROM. Is it the other way around here?
Yes i do want the best out of my device, but voiding warranty for something that isnt yet "ready".... It kinda puts me off.
hi dumraden,
The days with simply zip unlocking are gone either on HTC. The HTC Desire S of a friend of mine was locked. They call it S: on ..unlocked was S: off
I could not keep joking about who was so silly to convert his Desire S back to a Desire.. sorry for that
The step with the insecure kernel is to flash a stock rom where we know a method to use an exploit on it. Sony prevents unsigned firmware from beeing flashed to their devices (compare ps3 or PSP). Thus we need to make use of an exploit to get access to the device to make rooting possible. As root we are the master of desaster and can do what ever we want.
Warranty? Okay, there is a possibility to relock the bootloader in case you'll run in the case of needing warranty. Otherwise there are ways to make it that unsuable that even the support cannot wake it up thus find no real reason for the error.
This is not an FXP ROM, it is cyanogenmod ported by Team freeXperia and mainly released by FXP. It is almost ready. The smartkeyboard and camera did not work on my selfcompiled one on friday. FXP claimed camera would work. Could be my fault.. who cares. They'll get it fixed.. I think soon.
Yea i am a prior HTC user, have my Desire Z getting fixed as we talk ( i hope so at least ).
So basically the insecure kernel works as an exploit for us to install custom roms on the phones. Cool thanks for the heads up.
Wasnt FXP working with cyanogen to build a kernel from scratch in order for us not to have to go through the hassle of using a modded stock kernel for the Custom ROM's? As far as i can tell this is a breakthrough for Xperia phones since we will be able to have an AOSP base in order to build from there up. Right?
I have the same rooting problem. I use superOnClick and gingerbreak but didn't work.
I'm new to android so that keep searching and reading xda..
Then I start using android sdk & fastboot and adb mode said in one of the topics, but fastboot didn't work even though bootloader is unlocked.
I'm confused, waiting for help
Sent from my ST15i using XDA App
Its all here. Read some posts
The short story (MODS please move this to correct forum if required)
How do I:
Unlock the bootloader
Root the TF201
Install CWM or TWRP
Install a custom ROM
I have a TF201 on JB 4.1.1 build no: 10.4.2.15
It has never been rooted or bootload unlocked
The Long Story
Hi all
I am sure the above question has been asked about a thousand times but here goes (MODS move this thread to correct thread if in the wrong place)
I have owned an Asus TF201 since about March, bought brand new from ebuyer.com, as i was new to android back then i didn't dare root it or unlock the bootloader in case i voided my warranty etc.
Since then my Prime has received all its updates via OTA and the current build is 10.4.2.15 on JB 4.1.1, it has never been rooted or bootload unlocked, it is in pristine unmodified condition.
In the mean time i got a Samsung Galaxy S3 and having played around with that got brave, i rooted it using CF Root method which automatically installed CMW Recovery and then proceeded to flash the Wanamlite ROM and have been happy with it since.
I am now looking to install a custom ROM on my PRIME it but have come across the fact that its not as easy or straight forward as the S3
Firstly, as its never been bootloader unlocked, rooted or modified in anyway shape or form it might be a bit tougher.
I have stumbled upon the fact that to install a custom rom, i need TWRP or CWM (or both (not sure)) installed which needs it to be rooted and in order to root i need to unlock the bootloader.
I have googled high and low on XDA, youtube and while they all point to an official Asus Bootloader unlocker, the Asus website claims that this is for ICS only (i'm on JB now in case you missed it), also a lot of the info out there is out of date since Asus has made changes.
So my question is as follows:
How do i unlock the bootloader? Everyone keeps mentioning an official Asus unlocker but its says for ICS ONLY and how do i run it
How do i root? - is there something like CF Root which was for the SGS3
Once i have the above do i then use TWRP or CWM or both to install a custom ROM?
I am aware that unlocking the bootloader voids warranty, i am aware that installing a custom ROM increases the binary counter, i am ware that bricking is possible (but lets try and minimize that), i am aware of those as i was warned about them from general research on wanting to do this and from modifying my S3.
Basically to use a custom rom on this device you download the unlocker tool from Asus (Says ICS only but works on JB, know from experience. Did it myself). It is an application and all you do is connect to the internet and run it. Once unlocked you can flash TWRP/root your device. Use either the guide on their website or go on youtube and look at some videos. There are step by step guides that show it all on video. Once you have TWRP you can head over to the dev section for the TF201 and download one of the custom roms (Hairybean 1.4 is supposed to drop soon, I'd suggest that one) and use the in-thread guide to flash it.
My #1 tip to you is read. read, and read it again. Understand it all and then proceed. Asking questions before you flash is better than doing it wrong and posting in the thread saying you bricked your prime then the OP/devs have to help you through the unbrick process. Questions are almost always answered quickly and in a friendly manner. Hope I helped
I think what he is asking for... is a full step by step guide... from a full stock JB locked TF201.... and I think It would be nice for all...
See U.
Istarth said:
I think what he is asking for... is a full step by step guide... from a full stock JB locked TF201.... and I think It would be nice for all...
See U.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what i mean, all the information is fragmented all over, not just on XDA but also on other Android /TF201 forums, in some places its clearer in others a bit obscure or vague or worse out of date since them Asus c**ks keep changing stuff
The Galaxy S3 Dev forums are far clearer and have step by step guides on how to do this, personally i hate watching them youtube videos whilst they are trying to help and plus points for the effort they put in, a lot of the people doing it just waffle in them and i still prefer the old fashion of step by step guides.
I learned how to go from stock S3 to Wanamlite ROM all in one evening and it was quick and painless.
But thanks for your help regarding using the Asus official tool for ICS works for JB, might now try it tomorrow or the day after.
I started a guide thread.
Sent from my Zio using xda app-developers app
Wow that guide would be awesome. I'm in the same situation as Shizbazki and I find it hard to get all the info to one and do it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1998359
Link to my guide thread in the general forum. If anybody has any questions you can PM me or comment there and it'll likely be answered quickly. I'll gladly guide anyone through this process if they need other information.
NM. thanks, McJesus.
Hi all, I am about to become the proud owner of a SXZ Ultra, and I was hoping someone might be kind enough to provide me with some links to the the most important info to help learn my way around this device. I have experience with Android but have no idea what to expect from the Sony UI nor the rooting procedure etc., so I would be grateful for some pointers to help minimize the learning curve and get the most out of the device as soon as possible. A quick search on the subject of rooting left me somewhat bemused...I am used to the SGA (Samsung Galaxy Ace), which was a totally different type of device with an entirely different procedure for flashing ROMs and rooting.
I have a specific question aside from that - I see that there is an IM750 MHL to HDMI adaptor available from Sony, but I would like to know if this is really necessary - has anyone had success with Miracast or Wifi Direct/DLNA connection with a smart TV so as to be able to send what I want to watch on the TV from the SXZU? I would prefer this to having to connect via HDMI because I have found that mini/micro HDMI connectors on tablets seem to be rather fragile to say the least, and it would also make far more sense for presentations. Thanks for your help.
MHL works well. Some people seem to have no issues with mirrorcast etc but others do...
For rooting read LordManhattan's guide and my downgrade guide both at the top of the general section.
The steps are more or less;
downgrade
Root
Backup TA
Unlock bootloader
Flash rom...
For stock sony firmware you can get the updates via PC companion [PCC] or use flashtool and flash FTF's
Sent from my Xperia Z Ultra using Tapatalk
Thank you. The thing is that if possible I would like to avoid having to unlock the bootloader, but I need Root in order to use Titanium Backup and be able to flash an alternative recovery so I can use Online recovery tools. Forgive my ignorance, but is this possible? Ideally I would like to upgrade to KitKat then obtain Root and flash the TWRP/CWM twin recovery without unlocking the bootloader - it seems to me that there are several advantages to using the stock ROMs, particularly being able to recieve Sony upgrades, at least until they stop supporting the device.
blueether said:
MHL works well. Some people seem to have no issues with mirrorcast etc but others do...
For rooting read LordManhattan's guide and my downgrade guide both at the top of the general section.
The steps are more or less;
downgrade
Root
Backup TA
Unlock bootloader
Flash rom...
For stock sony firmware you can get the updates via PC companion [PCC] or use flashtool and flash FTF's
Sent from my Xperia Z Ultra using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can get away with not unlocking the BL, if you go that route you don't need to back up the TA either. You will still need to downgrade yo route though. There are several ROMs based on sony firmware, and to be honest will probably be better that pure stock. Some of the upgrades have worked on rooted phones others haven't
Sent from my Xperia Z Ultra using Tapatalk
Thank you. Are any of those custom ROMs available with the latest Kit Kat release? I see that the SXZU is listed by Sony to receive this update, which is primarily why I didn't want to flash a custom ROM right away = and I would like to try Sony's stock configuration first. I have tried CM10, PAC ROM and others in my SGA and frankly I was underwhelmed for the most part, although with such a totally different device I might be pleasantly surprised...
Which ROM would you personally ally recommend?
Sent from my K00E using xda app-developers app
truth57 said:
Thank you. Are any of those custom ROMs available with the latest Kit Kat release? I see that the SXZU is listed by Sony to receive this update, which is primarily why I didn't want to flash a custom ROM right away = and I would like to try Sony's stock configuration first. I have tried CM10, PAC ROM and others in my SGA and frankly I was underwhelmed for the most part, although with such a totally different device I might be pleasantly surprised...
Which ROM would you personally ally recommend?
Sent from my K00E using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes Sony has a 4.4.2 firmware out for the whole range. There is a rooted rom based on this that is very close to pure stock Sony I believe, and then there is Monix's ROM based on Sony's 4.4.2 release that gets good reviews - it is quite customised.
On the custom ROM front there are:
SlimKat - this is my preferred ROM but I'm having trouble building it for this device consistently
Carbon - this is my daily at the moment, I'm doing the unofficial builds of this for now
LiquidSmooth - this seems to get good reviews but doesn't look like it's been updated in about a month
PAC - I was using this for some time and was good
PA - as above
CM11 - Has it's fans and most of the other ROMs use at least some parts of it and it's device tree
AOSP - Don't know what that is up to, not used it
AOKP - as above
PAC - I was using this for some time and was good
PA - as above
Then there is the GPe port that many seen to love
Ok, so i have my Z2 for a few months and i couldn't find any information regarding of benefits on
different ways to unlock bootloader? There is an option unlocking over a official site and unlocking
with flashtool, i kindly accept any advice.
Also, i had Desire HD, it had unlocked BL, eng s-off and everything else, but i only had to flash a rom and
thats it i can start using it. The process of flashing roms was a childs play, but on Z2 i have to flash boot.img
(i think thats kernel) over a fastboot and then flash rom from recovery separately, so is there a chance of unlocking Z2
the same way?
Thread closed
Duplicate of this thread you have already posted in the wrong section
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...king-xperia-z2-official-t3004681#post58222329
I will move that for you to this section.
Hey guys,
Thanks in advance for any help you can give on the subject.
I just bought a Sony Xperia Z Ultra from eBay, arrived a couple of days ago, in great working condition. The firmware installed is 4.2.2, and I can't upgrade past there.
I contacted Sony and they told me it's because the IMEI number puts it's origin in Hong Kong which is why I can't update it. The only thing I can do is contact Sony Hong Kong, and I'm having a difficult time doing so.
Does anyone have a fix or workaround for this situation?
I was thinking I could root it and put an upgraded version of android on there, but as I'm not sure how rooting works, I thought I'd ask if there were any alternative options.
At this point, I'm thinking I'm just going to have to send it back, reason being when I chose this phone, one of the main points was because of the soon to be released 5.0 update.
Thanks,
Proxish said:
Hey guys,
Thanks in advance for any help you can give on the subject.
I just bought a Sony Xperia Z Ultra from eBay, arrived a couple of days ago, in great working condition. The firmware installed is 4.2.2, and I can't upgrade past there.
I contacted Sony and they told me it's because the IMEI number puts it's origin in Hong Kong which is why I can't update it. The only thing I can do is contact Sony Hong Kong, and I'm having a difficult time doing so.
Does anyone have a fix or workaround for this situation?
I was thinking I could root it and put an upgraded version of android on there, but as I'm not sure how rooting works, I thought I'd ask if there were any alternative options.
At this point, I'm thinking I'm just going to have to send it back, reason being when I chose this phone, one of the main points was because of the soon to be released 5.0 update.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know you should be able to use flashtool and flash a stock ftf for your region, or wait for 5.0 to be released and then flash it.
adfurgerson said:
As far as I know you should be able to use flashtool and flash a stock ftf for your region, or wait for 5.0 to be released and then flash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for getting back to me.
I may wait for 5.0. I'll need to learn how to use a flashtool with android first.
Quick couple of questions. Would using a flashtool to flash a stock ftf require the phone to be rooted?
Also, do you know if there is anyway I could use the Google Play firmware on my non-Google play edition?
Proxish said:
Thank you for getting back to me.
I may wait for 5.0. I'll need to learn how to use a flashtool with android first.
Quick couple of questions. Would using a flashtool to flash a stock ftf require the phone to be rooted?
Also, do you know if there is anyway I could use the Google Play firmware on my non-Google play edition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashtool does not require root. The GPe firmware has to be "ported" to run on Sony Z Ultra due to different partition sizes. For 4.4 there is the option to use it with locked or unlocked bootloader. For 5.0 it is only for unlocked bootloader.
adfurgerson said:
Flashtool does not require root. The GPe firmware has to be "ported" to run on Sony Z Ultra due to different partition sizes. For 4.4 there is the option to use it with locked or unlocked bootloader. For 5.0 it is only for unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you again for getting back to me.
Do you know if there is a tutorial for both porting the GPe firmware and for installing 4.4 using a bootloader? As I'm not even sure where to start with this, I'm not even sure what the difference between a locked and unlocked bootloader is. But I don't want to use up all your time, so if you can point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks again,
Proxish said:
Thank you again for getting back to me.
Do you know if there is a tutorial for both porting the GPe firmware and for installing 4.4 using a bootloader? As I'm not even sure where to start with this, I'm not even sure what the difference between a locked and unlocked bootloader is. But I don't want to use up all your time, so if you can point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks again,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has already been ported here in this thread linked below, UB and LB are short for unlocked bootloader and locked bootloader. The second post has instructions for locked install, and a simple explanation of bootloader is a set of instructions for loading the kernel so locked will only load stock. The kernel is the interface between software and hardware as I understand it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2800414
This thread is up to date if you wish to read up on rooting and unlocking methods. Please don't hesitate to ask questions as it would be better than stumbling into a mess that could be avoided.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/general/guide-everything-root-4-4-4-t2938098
adfurgerson said:
It has already been ported here in this thread linked below, UB and LB are short for unlocked bootloader and locked bootloader. The second post has instructions for locked install, and a simple explanation of bootloader is a set of instructions for loading the kernel so locked will only load stock. The kernel is the interface between software and hardware as I understand it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2800414
This thread is up to date if you wish to read up on rooting and unlocking methods. Please don't hesitate to ask questions as it would be better than stumbling into a mess that could be avoided.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/general/guide-everything-root-4-4-4-t2938098
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for all the information.
I've done a bit of research, and read through most of what you linked.
I'm slightly confused. As far as I understand it right now, if my bootloader is locked, I can only flash official ROMs. If my bootloader is unlocked, then I can flash any ROM I want, as long as it's compatible with my phone, but I will lose the Sony Bravia engine if I do so, is that correct? I'm not too bothered about this, just curious if this is true.
Where I am really confused, is the part where in the requirements of LB Rom Port, it said
"Be on 4.4.4 firmware (only .108)"
I'm currently stuck on 4.2, and can't get my phone to 4.4.4 with either the built in software or Sony Pc Companion. Is there a guide somewhere on how I can upgrade to 4.4.4 without using the two methods just mentioned?
I've also had a search and not been able to find a 5.0 GPe ROM Port either, guessing no one has bothered with it?
Thanks again,
Proxish said:
Thank you for all the information.
I've done a bit of research, and read through most of what you linked.
I'm slightly confused. As far as I understand it right now, if my bootloader is locked, I can only flash official ROMs. If my bootloader is unlocked, then I can flash any ROM I want, as long as it's compatible with my phone, but I will lose the Sony Bravia engine if I do so, is that correct? I'm not too bothered about this, just curious if this is true.
Where I am really confused, is the part where in the requirements of LB Rom Port, it said
"Be on 4.4.4 firmware (only .108)"
I'm currently stuck on 4.2, and can't get my phone to 4.4.4 with either the built in software or Sony Pc Companion. Is there a guide somewhere on how I can upgrade to 4.4.4 without using the two methods just mentioned?
I've also had a search and not been able to find a 5.0 GPe ROM Port either, guessing no one has bothered with it?
Thanks again,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I seem to have also lost the miracast screen mirroring after unlocking bootloader, if you root then back up the TA first it can be restored. I don't have any experience with pc companion, usually when it is mentioned it is because someone couldn't get it to work. In those instances flashtool is recommended to use. Here is a guide for flashtool. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428319
And link for 5.0 GPe port.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/development/scrubber-t2961315
adfurgerson said:
I seem to have also lost the miracast screen mirroring after unlocking bootloader, if you root then back up the TA first it can be restored. I don't have any experience with pc companion, usually when it is mentioned it is because someone couldn't get it to work. In those instances flashtool is recommended to use. Here is a guide for flashtool. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428319
And link for 5.0 GPe port.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/development/scrubber-t2961315
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the links, again, much appreciated.
I was able to find an official thread for Sony Roms, and think I've found the ROM I need to upgrade to 4.4.4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2453921
STOCK ROM] [FTF] Xperia Z Ultra (C6833) 14.4.A.0.108 "US RETAIL"
I assume this one will be ok, though I'm unsure. My phones model number is C6833, and this was the only 14.4.A.0.108 ROM I could find, and as far as I've seen, that's the recommended one for 4.4.4, assuming I haven't done anything wrong.
And just double checking, do I Need to root the phone to put the 5.0 GPE port on?
Thanks,
adfurgerson said:
I seem to have also lost the miracast screen mirroring after unlocking bootloader, if you root then back up the TA first it can be restored. I don't have any experience with pc companion, usually when it is mentioned it is because someone couldn't get it to work. In those instances flashtool is recommended to use. Here is a guide for flashtool. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428319
And link for 5.0 GPe port.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/development/scrubber-t2961315
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to use FlashTool to update the phone to the official 4.4.4 ROM, so that you very much for all your help.
I think I may just end up sticking with the Xperia ROM, in favor of rooting and installing a port. I'm actually really liking the 4.4.4 Xperia version.
Thank you very much for all your help, I really appreciate it, wouldn't of been able to do this without your help.
Proxish said:
I was able to use FlashTool to update the phone to the official 4.4.4 ROM, so that you very much for all your help.
I think I may just end up sticking with the Xperia ROM, in favor of rooting and installing a port. I'm actually really liking the 4.4.4 Xperia version.
Thank you very much for all your help, I really appreciate it, wouldn't of been able to do this without your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good that you got updated. If you decide later to try custom ROMs or the ports be sure to root, then backup the TA partition before unlocking the bootloader. If you wanted to stay on stock but add some customizations you could root and install xsposed framework modules.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/index-xposed-modules-collection-post-t2327541