I have been a Samsung user all along but just got the Z2. I need to root but otherwise want to keep as stock as possible. I just have a few questions:
(a) What is the bootloader and why do people unlock the bootloader?
(b) If I just need root and otherwise all stock, should I just follow the Community RootKit guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2783750&page=17)
(c) Anything I need to be aware of before rooting? Are there any irreversible changes from rooting??
Thanks!
1. Before this exploit you had to unlock the bootloader to get root. Also you need to unlock it to get custom kernel. I am not sure about custom ROM.
2. Yes, a few page in is a step by step guide, look for it.
3. You do void the warranty, but you can unroot it if you haven't hard-bricked it.
Rooting is reversable you can just uninstall via supersu
Bootloader is the part of your device which starts the boot process, unlocking your bootloader removes of the signatures and keys which prevent modifacations from working on a locked one
By rooting or Unlocking your bootloader you will void your warrenty
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Great! Thanks!!
Related
HI!
I ve got two question. First: If i unlock blootloader official method and lose DRM data and after that I'll relock bootloader, Still will I have the manufacturer's warranty?
Second question:
Is available any method unlock bootloader for LWW without lose DRM data? Something like that KLIK!
WielebnyRay_PL said:
HI!
I ve got two question. First: If i unlock blootloader official method and lose DRM data and after that I'll relock bootloader, Still will I have the manufacturer's warranty?
Second question:
Is available any method unlock bootloader for LWW without lose DRM data? Something like that KLIK!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You will loose warranty as your phone's identity is taken by Sony before they give you the unlock code which is required to unlock your bootloader.
Second method is to use test point method. Search for it and you will know how to do it.
Thanks,
Rick
Sent from my SK17i using XDA
I'm thinking of unlocking my bootloader. I've checked that it is possible for me, but I just have a couple of concerns about doing so and wanted to ask about them here, before I proceed with the unlocking procedure.
First off, I remember reading that with an unlocked bootloader, you are able to brick the phone completely, is this correct? How vulnerable will the phone be and is it easy to brick, will something go wrong easily?
Secondly, can you install roms that have been developed for the locked bootloader even when you have an unlocked bootloader?
Hmm... unlocking the bootloader voids my warranty but I remember that there were tutorials somewhere to re-lock the bootloader. If I lock it again, will my warranty be back to normal? (Are there traces that I have messed with the bl?)
I think that's all. Is there anything else that I should keep in mind before going ahead with the procedure?
Thank you in advance for your responses! Happy Thanksgiving!
Sent from my Xperia U using xda app-developers app
There will be no traces only Samsung traces such things
You will not brick it but you should follow all steps correctly
Sent from my Xperia U using xda premium
If you follow all steps, you cant brick your device
With unlocking, you loose data - something like factory reset - so save your messages and contacts.
With data, you will loose DRM keys too - relocking wont give back these, keys are lost forever.
But with unlocked booloader, you can install new kernels..
And roms for locked bootloader? For example, there is cm9 for lockedBL and for unlockedBL - i would not worry about this.
Sent from my XGO using fingers
Hi first post. Have just got a z2 from Vodafone which has a locked boot loader now I know this stops me installing custom roms and kernel but will I be able to install stock roms. Mine has come with loads of bundled Vodafone apps and bloatware so want to be able to install stock UK rom. When there available as the battery performance seems to be badly affected.? Thanks
Yes there should be no reason why you can't use flashtool to debrand with an official signed stock Rom.
Sent from my Xperia S using xda app-developers app
With HTCs there was a CID number which blocked official RUUs. Are Sonys like that at all? It stopped my friend upgrading to jellybean with the official RUU for ages.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Any stock based ROMs can be flashed on devices with locked bootloaders... This includes official Sony firmware, such as that from other regions (you'd probably want a generic version to avoid bloatware), and developer ROMs that are based on stock. Familiarise yourself with the latest flashtool as this will be your go to software for flashing.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk
Can someone explain exactly what we can/can't do with a locked bootloader?
Mine is locked, and not unlockable. Can I still flash a non Vodafone/generic Rom? Can it be fully rooted? Can I install different ROMs?
I like this phone a lot, but have until the weekend to decide whether to return it or not. If I can still root and remove all the unwanted apps/bloatware, I'll keep it
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
You can currently root the device, install the (one and only) current custom ROM, remove all bloatware and such just as you would any other phone
BUT
In order to do this the current method involves unlocking the bootloader first before obtaining root access which will wipe the TA partition, thus losing your DRM keys.
You need the DRM keys in order to restore your phone completely back to stock in order to get full warranty...
So until a root exploit is found which doesn't involve unlocking the bootloader first you can't uninstall apps without worrying about warranty - however you should be able to disable them from the app settings menu
Hope this helps explain things better for you
Sent from my D6503 using xda app-developers app
Alex Charles said:
You can currently root the device, install the (one and only) current custom ROM, remove all bloatware and such just as you would any other phone
BUT
In order to do this the current method involves unlocking the bootloader first before obtaining root access which will wipe the TA partition, thus losing your DRM keys.
You need the DRM keys in order to restore your phone completely back to stock in order to get full warranty...
So until a root exploit is found which doesn't involve unlocking the bootloader first you can't uninstall apps without worrying about warranty - however you should be able to disable them from the app settings menu
Hope this helps explain things better for you
Sent from my D6503 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same position mine is from vodafone uk, and has a locked bootloader. When a generic stock rom is out can I flash it as normal, which will then remove just the network bloatware?
Thanks
Thank you everyone who took Time to reply does anyone know how long it will likely be before a UK stock rom will be available and where would I likely find it. Thanks once again we
Dial *#*#7378423#*#* and under service infor there's configuration, under that does it say Bootloader unlock allowed: No?
chesterr said:
Dial *#*#7378423#*#* and under service infor there's configuration, under that does it say Bootloader unlock allowed: No?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mine says no
At this moment in time there is no known root exploit so without boot loader unlock all you will be able to do is flash official Sony signed Roms. They can be for any region and any carrier. You won't be able to root or install custom rims.
Once a root exploit is found for any official Rom you will always be able to flash that Rom and gain root which will allow you to install some custom roms that are based on stock and use the stock kernel. You will never be able to run fully custom Rom images like cyanogen as they use custom kernel's which require an unlocked boot loader.
Sent from my Xperia S using xda app-developers app
I have this PadFone S for over a week, and it's my 5th android device, but certainly the 1st one having a locked bootloader. So far I have read how to flash stock firmware, how to root and unroot, which requires unlocking bootloader first using CrowLock, how to install CWM and CM12 etc. I haven't try anything yet (still uprooted, and my bootloader is still unlocked).
One question still unanswered, is there any way to lock the bootloader after it's unlocked ? Perhaps by using the CrowLock app, or simply flashing stock firmware ? I need to be assured that any changes I do is reversible.
Thanks in advance
I too purchased the Padfone S and have the same question. Also, does anyone know if flashing crowlock will void the warranty of the phone? Can someone who has unlocked their bootloader using crowlock paste the output of "fastboot oem device-info"?
Does Asus' bootloader not check the signature for the recovery partition before booting from recovery? Given that everyone is flashing the recovery after rooting and running crowlock from the recovery, it seems so, but I'm not sure.
Anyone know if the bootloader's source code is available? I know it's based on the littlekernel, but I'm not sure which version it was built from.
Bump! I need the answer too.
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.
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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