Hey guys, I've currently got some wifi issues that I believe are firmware related, I've currently got 17.1.1.A.0.402 but would like to revert back to 17.1.A.2.36 ideally without having to factory reset my phone, I'm also not sure it would go back to 17.1.A.2.36 even if I reset it, I didn't note what firmware it had before I upgraded the firmware so it might take it back to an even earlier version ideally I just want to step back one firmware update but I'm not sure if this is possible? I noticed there's an option on PC companion to reinstall all the updates again although I don't know if you can choose which updates to install or whether it'd just install all the updates so far including 17.1.1.A.0.402 which would be no good. It also said I would lose all my phone data which is not ideal. I was considering rooting my phone and getting an older firmware installed then but tbh I don't really have a lot of knowledge on the subject and I'm not sure if that's even possible. If anyone could help help me out that would be great, even if it's to conform that factory resetting is the only option as ideally I don't want to lose all my data
If you're simply looking to root the device at the .402 firmware, then have a look at this thread. I personally did the same steps on my international D6503, and now have root access, my own TA backup file, PhilZ + TWRP recovery modes, and a locked bootloader. Originally my intent was to downgrade firmwares and us a root exploit that way, however, the 'EasyRoot' method has saved a lot of trouble and my firmware version has not needed to change at all.
That said, if you're still adamant about rolling back firmwares, I'd suggest that you have a look here. Norti has posted a fairly comprehensive set of instructions, as well as a list of firmwares for different versions of the Z2. Although I haven't rolled it back, I have heard that using flashtool to jump to different official firmware versions will not wipe data if you choose to not select WIPE USERDATA, since they're performed in a way that is similar to OTA updates (might need confirmation on this one). Some of the posters in that thread have claimed that as long as your device matches the firmware, loading up a different region's firmware shouldn't have any detrimental affects (i.e. an international phone using Taiwanese/German versions), but that's another piece of information I can't confirm since I haven't tried it.
TL;DR you don't have to change firmware to root, but you can if you really want to. Neither method should touch your SD card, and flashtool should be able to choose what should or should not be wiped.
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First of all thanks for the informative response! I tried resetting my phone anyway and it already had 402 installed at stock so unfortunately I can't do it that way, I think I'll try rooting my phone now as I've wanted to do it for a while and I might as well now seeing as I basically have a fresh phone with nothing installed on it. I think I'll follow this guide since I already have an unlocked bootloader: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53220418&postcount=2 However I was wondering when I can flash the older firmware, would it be during of after I've rooted my phone?
Related
Following is not really a tutorial or manual to be followed without questioning. You need to know what you are doing with your phone by yourself and not follow what others say.
What is safe?
Before all, know what you are doing!!! Processes that may be safe in certain conditions may brick your phone in other circumstances. Don't just flash to get root or some custom FW like you install your market apps. Flashing can go wrong even if everything "should be safe" either because of hardware or software failures/oddities/other factors. So before you do anything with your phone study what you're about to do and what will it give as a result, has anyone had problems with similar process, if there are not safer methods, etc.
Currently one safe way to get root access is by unlocking bootloader and using recoveryNeo.img provided by Bin4ry to install RootXperia.zip. Bootloader can be safely locked after this and only this tweak.
Another safe way to get root is to unlock bootloader and flash custom kernel.
What is not safe?
Since Sony Ericsson Arc 2.3.2 update to 2.3.3 we can observe that phones do get bricked by OTA update.
OTA is very unreliable method of flashing. Via cable you can be assured that connection will not fail as easily. Also files can become corrupted via any network connection. Consider that before you decide in favor of OTA.
OTA is not meant by SE for you to keep your root access. So your using it for this purpose is an unofficial and unsupported tweak. SE may include features and settings in FW that conflict with root access.
Secondly SE seems to have made lot of changes between 2.3.2, 2.3.3 and 2.3.4. If you have unlocked your bootloader and want to root your phone there is absolutely no reason to flash 2.3.2 and then to 2.3.4. These firmwares are so different that mere OTA, which does not perform full erasing and flashing of your Nand memory, is logically not safe practice.
If you have 2.3.3 and rooted then wait till OTA becomes available in your country and then update to 2.3.4. Even this is bad suggestion, given that SE officially does not support root in any of their firmwares, so beware. If your local FW does not have OTA available then you should not get another FW that allows you. Remember, providing these updates needs to be supported by SE. If they don't provide your local FW OTA update then they don't support it in your area and are not liable to damages you may cause to your phone by misusing their services.
Consider what you need more, a working phone or root access or tweaked kernel? You can always wait and maybe later you'll have tested, working and safe methods for rooting and all else.
Good things come over time, with patience, not by rushing.
You make some really good points there.
Sent from my MT15i using XDA App
Hi Guys, I have looked high and low but cannot seem to find a definitive answer so to what to do.
Basically I have a Samsung S3 which about 5 months ago I rooted to enable me to use any network. Basically O2 who I used to have a contract with messed up somehow and on their records they could not find a IMEI number and so couldn't unlock, I was going round in circles and as I was moving abroad I had no other option.
Everything went fine and it is only now that I would like to update the OS to its latest version that when I go to the settings and update it says something about having a modified firmware (I think, another story altogether but I now broke the screen and so waiting for a replacement to fix it).
My questions are:
Will I ever be able to update normally via the settings menu again?
What is the latest stable Android update that I could use? KitKat?
Where is the best place to source the most recent Android distributions?
Basically I am just looking for a bit of advice on how to go about keeping my phone up to date with the latest features. I am not really interested in adding hacked functionality etc at this point.
Thanks
If you unlocked your phone using the 'free' methods then updating to the latest rom will return the network lock or corrupt your efs folder, depending on how the unlock was achieved.
You can't use ota updates as you've modified your phone.
Sammobile is where you obtain the latest rom.
Also, questions go the q&a forum and all the above information is posted many times.
Sorry for the wrong forum post.
So to be clear if I want to update I need to go to manually update the phone. Is this via kies or will it be more complex as my phone is now rooted / modded.?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
bmouthboyo said:
Sorry for the wrong forum post.
So to be clear if I want to update I need to go to manually update the phone. Is this via kies or will it be more complex as my phone is now rooted / modded.?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As said, you wont get any updates via OTA if your phone is rooted,
Go to Sammobile.com, find the latest UK / Europe (BTU) generic rom it will be the version ending MJ9.
Download Odin and Guide here
Flash the rom using Odin, doing this will remove root access, once you have installed the rom, enter recovery mode and clear Cache / Dalvik Cache then factory reset (be aware this will wipe your phone and internal storage so copy any files to your PC first)
Boot the phone and set it up, then go to software updates on your phone and update the MJ9 version to MK6,
Now your phone will be fully stock and get OTA updates in the future plus you will have the generic UK and Europe firmware version (BTU) Android 4.3.
Thank you so much, that is a nice clear guide
My last question is if people think it's good to update to 4.3 now? I read the UK was having issues with it?
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bmouthboyo said:
Thank you so much, that is a nice clear guide
My last question is if people think it's good to update to 4.3 now? I read the UK was having issues with it?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No wait for the next full build .
Read the faqs and guides as you wait .
Had a good read about, thanks for that.
Does anyone know or hazard a guess when next official jellybean release may be? Do they run on development cycles, or is this more an advice patch?
Any ideas on if update coming soon that is good idea to flash with?
Also if I install a new ROM I know everything is wiped, is there a way I can back up all my whatsapp convocations etc? Or will I need to install all the apps a fresh? Ie can I restore the phone as is now or will it be a case of each app installed from scratch?
Thanks so much for help so far, think I will update today.
bmouthboyo said:
Any ideas on if update coming soon that is good idea to flash with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the sammmobile link in the previous post I suggested to you and download the UK (BTU) MK6 firmware, there is nothing wrong with that version, if you are already on a stock rom just flash this no need to do any factory resets, wipes.etc
bmouthboyo said:
Also if I install a new ROM I know everything is wiped, is there a way I can back up all my whatsapp convocations etc? Or will I need to install all the apps a fresh? Ie can I restore the phone as is now or will it be a case of each app installed from scratch?
Thanks so much for help so far, think I will update today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on a stock rom then flash the rom mentioned above it will not affect any of your apps they will still work the same unless you have root dependant app but then simply root your phone again using CF-Auto Root in my signature.
The times you have problems is when you have custom roms then going to a different custom rom or back to a stock rom, in these cases you need to do a full wipe and factory reset so you loose all data unless you have back it up.
ag4751 said:
Go to the sammmobile link in the previous post I suggested to you and download the UK (BTU) MK6 firmware, there is nothing wrong with that version, if you are already on a stock rom just flash this no need to do any factory resets, wipes.etc
If you are on a stock rom then flash the rom mentioned above it will not affect any of your apps they will still work the same unless you have root dependant app but then simply root your phone again using CF-Auto Root in my signature.
The times you have problems is when you have custom roms then going to a different custom rom or back to a stock rom, in these cases you need to do a full wipe and factory reset so you loose all data unless you have back it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Factory reset will not wipe the internal sd card. So if u back up whatsapp conversations without ext sd card, factory reset will not wipe it.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
ag4751 said:
Go to the sammmobile link in the previous post I suggested to you and download the UK (BTU) MK6 firmware, there is nothing wrong with that version, if you are already on a stock rom just flash this no need to do any factory resets, wipes.etc
If you are on a stock rom then flash the rom mentioned above it will not affect any of your apps they will still work the same unless you have root dependant app but then simply root your phone again using CF-Auto Root in my signature.
The times you have problems is when you have custom roms then going to a different custom rom or back to a stock rom, in these cases you need to do a full wipe and factory reset so you loose all data unless you have back it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that, I am downloading that ROM now.
When you say stock ROM, I did not go to a custom one but I did root my phone to allow it to be region free. I still get the O2 splash screen etc, so is it safe to say it is still stock and I can simply flash the new ROM without a factory reset?
bmouthboyo said:
Thanks for that, I am downloading that ROM now.
When you say stock ROM, I did not go to a custom one but I did root my phone to allow it to be region free. I still get the O2 splash screen etc, so is it safe to say it is still stock and I can simply flash the new ROM without a factory reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, my phone was Stock o2 when I got it in May 2012, first thing I did was flash the Generic BTU firmware to get rid on o2 stuff, I have never had to do a Factory reset nor wipe Cache, Dalvik Cache on my phone, it has always been rooted and apart for the MJ9 issues that Samsung had late last year it has worked fine, no lag, no random reboots, no freezing.
If you don't root you will get OTA updates, if you root you wont but you can still use Kies or Sammobile to update to any latest version releases, the factory reset will wipe pictures, music and your app data from your internal storage so if you back them up to your PC before a Factory reset you can replace them afterwards, but if you have not had any custom roms on your phone the need for a factory reset would be highly unlikely.
That's great, all went well today with the MK6 update listed above. I now see there is a MK7 update for jellybean from Israel. Worth going to this?
bmouthboyo said:
That's great, all went well today with the MK6 update listed above. I now see there is a MK7 update for jellybean from Israel. Worth going to this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Choice on that is yours really.
Just because there is a higher number version doesn’t mean its an update from what you have unless it is based on the same version (eg BTU) if you have BTU MK6 and there was a BTU MK7 then that is an upgrade.
Where Isreal has MK7, India has ML4 this generally relates to how long and how many attempts they have in getting that country specific version ready for release, not an upgraded version of MK6.
You need to ensure that the rom you do install has multi CSC’s otherwise you could end up with no network signal or data.
I have an Incredible 4g on Verizon that I acquired during the first week of release. I was fortunate enough to get it unlocked during the time when HTC allowed it from their site. I unlocked the phone, installed TWRP, and rooted my device (I'm not entirely sure how I did this).
It's been over a year now, and my phone is kind of sluggish. How can I go about updating this phone to the latest software? I'd settle for the latest OTA from Verizon, as long as I can keep it rooted.
I'm also willing to flash one of the other kernels, but I dont really have any experience flashing CM or Viper.
So what's the best way to go about doing this? How do you update an already rooted phone? Ideally I'd like to keep all apps/data during the update. Any information or links for how to update appreciated!
My phones details:
Android 4.0.3
HTC Sense 4.0
Software: 1.43.605.3.710RD
HTC SDK API: 4.11
it probably won't even install unless you return to stock recovery.
another poster already confirmed losing root after installing the update.
imo - the update is not worth it anyway. they other thread lists the changes... nothing significant.
if your phone is sluggish either find out what is causing it (app, etc), tweak performance using your root, or wipe it and start clean. i would not give up an unlocked, rooted device for this update.
j13smiley said:
it probably won't even install unless you return to stock recovery.
another poster already confirmed losing root after installing the update.
imo - the update is not worth it anyway. they other thread lists the changes... nothing significant.
if your phone is sluggish either find out what is causing it (app, etc), tweak performance using your root, or wipe it and start clean. i would not give up an unlocked, rooted device for this update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this just for stock updates, or for Viper/VM mods as well? I'm willing to step up to 4.3 or 4.4 with one of these custom ROMs, assuming I can keep root.
Is this a complicated process to install one of these custom ROMs (anything special since my phone is so "old")?
Will I have to wipe and install from scratch as well?
You can always clear your cache and davek cache to help improve speeds.
zackiv31 said:
Is this just for stock updates, or for Viper/VM mods as well? I'm willing to step up to 4.3 or 4.4 with one of these custom ROMs, assuming I can keep root.
Is this a complicated process to install one of these custom ROMs (anything special since my phone is so "old")?
Will I have to wipe and install from scratch as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installing a fresh/new ROM is very easy, and it will indeed require reinstalling apps. However, Look at getting Titanium Backup Root - I highly recommend the Pro version - you can back up all of your apps and data. Once performing a full TiB backup to your external SD card, you can wipe and install a fresh ROM, then restore any/all apps and data backed up with TiB. The app will pick up right where you backed it up, settings and all. You may need to re-set up a few apps (such as email settings).
If you like sense, I recommend ViperLTE. It's very close to stock Sense, but offers several great tweaks you can choose to use (or not). Installing it is easy if you have TWRP recovery installed. If you don't have TRWP installed, look at mdmower's thread for that recovery. I also highly recommend performing a full Nandroid backup to your external SD card before doing anything.
j13smiley said:
it probably won't even install unless you return to stock recovery.
another poster already confirmed losing root after installing the update.
imo - the update is not worth it anyway. they other thread lists the changes... nothing significant.
if your phone is sluggish either find out what is causing it (app, etc), tweak performance using your root, or wipe it and start clean. i would not give up an unlocked, rooted device for this update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true... I, too, lost root after OTA update. I've tried every method I could find to attempt to unlock bootloader now with update... even tried wipe and flash of stock RUU 2.17.605.2: unable to go back to older version due to updated bootloader (wouldn't let me load it).
It'd be nice if HTCdev simply updated for a .bin that'll work... I tried flashing unlock_code.bin from previous experiences... but wouldn't work either. Any rumors of a new method to unlock the new bootloader?
Hi,
I rooted my Z2 tablet a few days ago and have found that I don't really need the advantages it brings (from what I can tell). SO - I want to get it back to the way it was when I first opened the box.
I have seen threads about different devices and how to restore them to factory or stock (??), but they seem to call for specific files or flash software. So that brings me once again to this forum to figure out whether anyone can direct me to some instructions on how to do this. I figure it shouldn't be too hard. Just being careful.
Thanks very much for the advice once again.
I think if you flash the rootable kernel again, you could use an unrooting tool to undo the root. I'm also aware that there are files that you can flash to re-lock the bootloader (I once did this with an Xperia mini pro, although I'm not sure if such file exists for this tablet) but the DRM keys are lost forever a.f.a.i.k. But at least if you manage to re-lock the bootloader you will be able to install F/W upgrades through official ways again.
degraaff said:
I think if you flash the rootable kernel again, you could use an unrooting tool to undo the root. I'm also aware that there are files that you can flash to re-lock the bootloader (I once did this with an Xperia mini pro, although I'm not sure if such file exists for this tablet) but the DRM keys are lost forever a.f.a.i.k. But at least if you manage to re-lock the bootloader you will be able to install F/W upgrades through official ways again. Anyhow, you won't be able to restore to (more or less) factory status without at least flashing a couple of files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THank you for the response. Unfortunately i'm not even sure how I would go about flashing 'the rootable kernel'.... Feeling a bit foolish for getting into this actually.
From what i'm reading, it seems like I need to get the stock software and start again. So i'm looking for the 'FTF' for my tablet, which is a SGP511. Not having any luck though.
Which was the process that you followed to root it?
degraaff said:
Which was the process that you followed to root it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was on another site - can't remember which. It got the clockwork mod installed. I think? Or was that just a recovery thing? No idea.
I'm actually now just doing a factory reset to see what happens, and it said 'root access possibly lost' in the process, which I thought was a good sign. Guess i'll keep tinkering with enough caution to eventually get the warranty back in tact.
Hopefully the loss of DRM doesn't effect the warranty.
In that case I guess you will have to download a firmware ftf file of an official unmodded firmware (preferably one of your region but I think especially if you have the wifi-only version it doesn't matter much as long as it contains the interface and input languages that you need), and install (or "flash") that using Flashtool. After that the root will certainly be gone and if you could then find a file to relock your bootloader I think your warrenty will be fine. I honestly don't think that Sony service and repair personel will check for DRM keys every time before repairing a device.
UPDATE
Factory reset appears to have gotten things back to normal. My plan is now just to unroot using an unroot tool (app i guess?) and then to lock the bootloader some how as well.
fearofbirds said:
Factory reset appears to have gotten things back to normal. My plan is now just to unroot using an unroot tool (app i guess?) and then to lock the bootloader some how as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it's certain that the tablet is still rooted at this moment? Some superuser apps have an option to do a full unroot, such as SuperSU, you could try that
That's great. I think that's sorted it out. SuperSU had the full unroot option and it looks like it's all sorted.
Thanks for the help.
I was trying to install a custom rom and was not aware that you can only unlock the bootloader by paying, which is fine but I can't afford it at the moment but by then I downgraded my rom.
I returned to version 9 on my phone OS and was hoping to get updates afterwards through official updates as I was restoring back to stock but I made a mistake and downloaded and installed ANE-LGRP2-OVS 9.1.0.200 which was not the correct one.
I have tried a few roms, copied to SD card in the dload folder but no matter what I try it keeps failing. No matter what I try downgrades and upgrades won't work anymore.
It seems similar to this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/downgrade-ane-lx3-ane-lgrp2-ovs-pie-to-oreo.3944399/
Everything does seem to work fine on my phone except the update system and google pay is not happy and not enabling contactless (which I use all the time)
Is there anything I can do to fix my dumbness
How does the dload method fail? Or is it successful in installing a different firmware yet the official update service is still broken?
Have you tried the forced dload method and did a factory reset/wipe data immediately after installation in recovery?
lemon567 said:
How does the dload method fail?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for several reasons .
In this specific case it is due to installing the wrong FW (ANE-LGRP2-OVS ). With this build number it is impossible to install another full stock FW or update system via OTA.
I totally forget to mention on here that I solved it. I managed to get hold of a version 8 stock rom and installed it to the SD card, then it was happy to update itself from there all the way up to current version.
I don't know why it worked at that point as I'm pretty sure I tried that same thing several times before but sometimes there are things I cannot explain, it just randomly worked all of a sudden