[Q] Lost root & big battery drain after 4.4.4 update - Xperia Tablet Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Xperia Tablet Z, SGP311, locked bootloader, Android 4.4.4
Voodoo OTA says Device rooted, Root permission NOT granted.
SuperSU & Superuser cannot update binaries.
Titanium Backup says, sorry I could not acquire root privileges.....
Battery life was great (little to no drain for days) before 4.4.4 update, now loses 50% + overnight with no usage at all.
Question is: will re-rooting as is right now, somehow correct the battery issue? If so, what is exact procedure? Please be specific.
If not, can I perform a factory reset, as is? If so, will I remain on KitKat, or revert to Jellybean? Will it be a total reset, like new out of the box? Or, will it leave remnants of the previous root?
Will either way affect the Lollipop OTA?
I like my devices rooted, but it is not imperative. I use it mainly for Titanium backup for uninstalls.
Thanks for the advice.

aajj99 said:
Xperia Tablet Z, SGP311, locked bootloader, Android 4.4.4
Voodoo OTA says Device rooted, Root permission NOT granted.
SuperSU & Superuser cannot update binaries.
Titanium Backup says, sorry I could not acquire root privileges.....
Battery life was great (little to no drain for days) before 4.4.4 update, now loses 50% + overnight with no usage at all.
Question is: will re-rooting as is right now, somehow correct the battery issue? If so, what is exact procedure? Please be specific.
If not, can I perform a factory reset, as is? If so, will I remain on KitKat, or revert to Jellybean? Will it be a total reset, like new out of the box? Or, will it leave remnants of the previous root?
Will either way affect the Lollipop OTA?
I like my devices rooted, but it is not imperative. I use it mainly for Titanium backup for uninstalls.
Thanks for the advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can perform clean reflash 4.4.4 with FlashTool.

aajj99 said:
Xperia Tablet Z, SGP311, locked bootloader, Android 4.4.4
Voodoo OTA says Device rooted, Root permission NOT granted.
SuperSU & Superuser cannot update binaries.
Titanium Backup says, sorry I could not acquire root privileges.....
Battery life was great (little to no drain for days) before 4.4.4 update, now loses 50% + overnight with no usage at all.
Question is: will re-rooting as is right now, somehow correct the battery issue? If so, what is exact procedure? Please be specific.
If not, can I perform a factory reset, as is? If so, will I remain on KitKat, or revert to Jellybean? Will it be a total reset, like new out of the box? Or, will it leave remnants of the previous root?
Will either way affect the Lollipop OTA?
I like my devices rooted, but it is not imperative. I use it mainly for Titanium backup for uninstalls.
Thanks for the advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here's what i do when things go wrong....
go back to an old fw for the tablet e.g. 4.1.2 or any other one that can be rooted easily with towelroot/easyroot/kingo etc.
root it with your preferred root method
get supersu pro and tick ota survival
allow ota updates
done.
note: at some point - 4.4.* i think - youll have to use something like nextapp sd fix to allow r/w access to sd card.
this always works for me on both my tab z and phone z.

Related

Simplest way to upgrade from .532 firmware to 14.1.B.2.257 whilst maintaining root?

As the title says, I'm currently rooted and using the original .532 firmware.
What is the simplest way of upgrading to the latest update keeping root intact?
I'm able to update via wi-fi or over the air.
I read somewhere about rootkeeper?
Please could someone advise me on how to do this without wiping data and root.
Thanks xda members.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2502185
natispain said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2502185
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link. However, is there not an alternative & quicker method?
A user claims to have updated ota without losing root only by using rootkeeper.
I donĀ“t know, but that method is quick and easy.
You must have the bootloader unlocked, do not have recovery installed, only change the build.prop with rooy explorer (you can try without changing it), keep the root with rootkeeper and update with sony update center.
You can try it with your original 532, I think.
rooted and on original software (condensed from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2502185). You do not need unlocked bootloader for this.
1. OTA Rootkeeper - install and protect root
2. Perform OTA to 257
3. Enjoy
If OTA fails
1. TiBu - make full backup of your apps & necessary system apps (wifi locations, SMS, etc)
2. FlashTool - Reinstall 532 FTF
3. Root (vRoot is suspect, but go ahead if you like living dangerously, we all do)
4. OTA Rootkeeper - install and protect root
5. Perform OTA to 257
6. Restore Apps via TiBu
7. Enjoy
* Of course, if you're doing it via OTA failure method, you should make sure all your app config files are exported out and saved (Nova, LightFlow, etc)
hey dude do nothing. do not unlock bootloader or anything else. if you have root just ota thats it no need for a rootkeeper or anything else.
can it be any simple than that???
the duderino said:
hey dude do nothing. do not unlock bootloader or anything else. if you have root just ota thats it no need for a rootkeeper or anything else.
can it be any simple than that???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I did last time but root was lost.
I may skip the update and wait for Kitkat 4.4 and root.
I noticed no difference or improvement whatsoever when I had 257.
kanej2006 said:
That's what I did last time but root was lost.
I may skip the update and wait for Kitkat 4.4 and root.
I noticed no difference or improvement whatsoever when I had 257.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmmm it worked for me tough.

[Q] Keeping root from 4.1.2 to 4.3(109) with Supersu Pro

I'm still on a rooted 4.1.2 and have the second OTA update to 4.3 (.109) in my notifications. Rather than go through the whole flashing process, I wondered if anyone had successfully used the Survival mode in SuperSU to retain root from this point to .109?
Chimpdaddy said:
I'm still on a rooted 4.1.2 and have the second OTA update to 4.3 (.109) in my notifications. Rather than go through the whole flashing process, I wondered if anyone had successfully used the Survival mode in SuperSU to retain root from this point to .109?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can try ot yourself,.but i reckon it will give you error while applying update.
Rootk1t said:
you can try ot yourself,.but i reckon it will give you error while applying update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, I'd read similar. I was more concerned that it would update but I'd lose root, so have to then do the full process.
Chimpdaddy said:
Yup, I'd read similar. I was more concerned that it would update but I'd lose root, so have to then do the full process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a rooted 422 with su pro, The update process aborts mid way and the OS is left untouched, leaving all as it was. I am just too lazy to do the flashtool thing and all, so I left it alone.
I was able to go from 412 to 422 with the OTA and keep root.
bjrmd said:
I have a rooted 422 with su pro, The update process aborts mid way and the OS is left untouched, leaving all as it was. I am just too lazy to do the flashtool thing and all, so I left it alone.
I was able to go from 412 to 422 with the OTA and keep root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, so lazy, if I wait long enough 4.4 will come around and that might keep root!
Nobody's read a successful account of this working then? I may as well just try it and see...
Possibly
If you have bought Supersu pro then you could try survival mode, provided that your phone is only root and doesn't have a custom recovery installed.
I personally haven't tried it on my tablet but on other phones like G2, OTA update retains root.
If you have CWM or TWRP installed then it won't let you update.
adielee said:
If you have bought Supersu pro then you could try survival mode, provided that your phone is only root and doesn't have a custom recovery installed. I personally haven't tried it on my tablet but on other phones like G2, OTA update retains root. If you have CWM or TWRP installed then it won't let you update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Judging by all the posts I have read here so far, attempting to update to 4.3 via OTA will fail if your tablet's current firmware has been modified to have root access. Having SuperSU Pro installed with Install SuperSU into /system and/or Survival mode enabled does not help. I have attempted an OTA update with 10.4.B.0.577 and 10.4.1.B.0.109, and the update failed in both attempts. It's okay with me though. After reading about 4.3's bugs and seeing its UI, I don't really want to update to 4.3 anymore.
Cat McGowan said:
Judging by all the posts I have read here so far, attempting to update to 4.3 via OTA will fail if your tablet's current firmware has been modified to have root access. Having SuperSU Pro installed with Install SuperSU into /system and/or Survival mode enabled does not help. I have attempted an OTA update with 10.4.B.0.577 and 10.4.1.B.0.109, and the update failed in both attempts. It's okay with me though. After reading about 4.3's bugs and seeing its UI, I don't really want to update to 4.3 anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're right, but besides bugs introduced as every firmware does, some very positive tweaks were done "under the bonnet" like TRIM enabled to make less wearing of flash modules, and some performance tweaks noticeable not only in launcher, but mostly in games too.
So if you have root and recovery installed you can backup your data and install .109 prerooted firmware to evaluate it yourself.
Rootk1t said:
you're right, but besides bugs introduced as every firmware does, some very positive tweaks were done "under the bonnet" like TRIM enabled to make less wearing of flash modules, and some performance tweaks noticeable not only in launcher, but mostly in games too.
So if you have root and recovery installed you can backup your data and install .109 prerooted firmware to evaluate it yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also recommend to flash a pre-rooted 4.3 from scratch for performance and less issues, but if you have a lot of apps installed and everything set up the way you want it can be a pain in the a$#.
Also the OP doesn't want to flash. But if he can it means that the OTA won't install because he has a custom recovery.
I don't see why Supersu pro with survival mode won't work for an OTA to keep root. This is provided that a you do not have a custom recovery installed. It's kind of the purpose for survival mode and if you do a search it works with most other updates with other devices (even for 4.4.2)
It may be possible that other mods may affect the OTA especially ones which were flashed or possibly xposed.
adielee said:
I don't see why Supersu pro with survival mode won't work for an OTA to keep root. This is provided that a you do not have a custom recovery installed. It's kind of the purpose for survival mode and if you do a search it works with most other updates with other devices (even for 4.4.2) It may be possible that other mods may affect the OTA especially ones which were flashed or possibly xposed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have (nor do I want) a custom recovery or custom ROM installed on my XTZ. I only have root access, which I achieved by using DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit when I first received my XTZ back in May 2013. Since then, thanks to SuperSU Pro, I have updated my XTZ's firmware via OTA twice without losing root access. It is only with the last two XTZ firmware releases, 10.4.B.0.577 and 10.4.1.B.0.109, that the OTA updates fail. I suspect Sony's latest firmware releases include detection of root access, etc., which causes the update's failure to install.
Nope
Cat McGowan said:
I do not have (nor do I want) a custom recovery or custom ROM installed on my XTZ. I only have root access, which I achieved by using DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit when I first received my XTZ back in May 2013. Since then, thanks to SuperSU Pro, I have updated my XTZ's firmware via OTA twice without losing root access. It is only with the last two XTZ firmware releases, 10.4.B.0.577 and 10.4.1.B.0.109, that the OTA updates fail. I suspect Sony's latest firmware releases include detection of root access, etc., which causes the update's failure to install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I tried it, thinking the worse that could happen is that it would abandon the install, but unfortunately it went right through and upgraded to 4.3 and I lost root
I'd put it into OTA survival mode but not into system/apps. I had no xposed or recovery anything, just root.
So there we go. Thanks for the discussion guys, hope this is useful to someone else.
How do I root it in 4.3? Any ideas?
Try this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2703774
Sent from my SGP311 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Lost root, help downgrading to 4.1.2

Hi all,
I'm a bit of a n00b at this, so please forgive me.
I started with Android 4.1.2, Kernel 3.4.0-g298631f-02047-gec59411, build 10.1.C.0.370.
I rooted it using Doomlord's easy-root and then when attempting to flash custom recovery, I accidentally flashed some other .img and the tablet wouldn't even turn on. I cried. Like, a few good tears.
Went online, found out I wasn't screwed, and figured out how to flash SGP312_10.4.B.0.577_VMo DE_1273-3719_WIFI312G.
But, as I said, I lost root, and am confused about how to downgrade back to 4.1.2 properly without bricking.
Here is my current info:
Version 4.3, Kernel 3.4.0-g1b44cd5, build 10.4.b.0.577
In this thread, under "Downgrade your rom" and "back to 4.1.2 and rooting" it says "if you're in 4.3, Flash this SGP 351 4.1.2 FTF using Flash Tool and it will be booted in 4.1.2. if you have different Variant downgrade to your Variant FTF file"
What is a variant FTF file? Can I just use any SGP 312 4.1.2 FTF? Does anyone know a safe one to use?
Thanks!
Just wipe EVERYTHING on flashtools. Make sure that you have al wipe checked, and press start flashing.
But be careful, sometimes, bootloader is messed up with updates, not sure if it is your case because i don't have a SGP312. Instead i have the LTE variant, wich turned itself into an stubborn piece of technology LOL
Sent from my little big badass boy!
worf_1977 said:
Just wipe EVERYTHING on flashtools. Make sure that you have al wipe checked, and press start flashing.
But be careful, sometimes, bootloader is messed up with updates, not sure if it is your case because i don't have a SGP312. Instead i have the LTE variant, wich turned itself into an stubborn piece of technology LOL
Sent from my little big badass boy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response!
Just not sure what you mean by "wipe everything". What am I flashing it with? Which firmware? And what's "al wipe"?
I tried posting a screenshot of the flash tools but as a new user I can't do it. Sorry for being a n00b.
UberBaumer said:
Thanks for the response!
Just not sure what you mean by "wipe everything". What am I flashing it with? Which firmware? And what's "al wipe"?
I tried posting a screenshot of the flash tools but as a new user I can't do it. Sorry for being a n00b.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe by "wipe everything" and "al wipe", they mean select to wipe APPSLOG, CACHE, and DATA during the flashing process. The flash tool you need can be downloaded from HERE. You can download a US version of the firmware from my post HERE.
Cat McGowan said:
I believe by "wipe everything" and "al wipe", they mean select to wipe APPSLOG, CACHE, and DATA during the flashing process. The flash tool you need can be downloaded from HERE. You can download a US version of the firmware from my post HERE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU, SIR.
I really appreciate it!
Back onto 4.1 and just rooted again. Now I just need to manage not screwing up installing CWM like I did last time!
Grrr...so I'm having trouble again.
When I try flashing CWM it keeps soft-bricking or whatever my tablet. It won't boot and I need to put it into fastboot mode and reflash the firmware.
I'm using the command fastboot flash boot TabZ_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-253-v01.img
Is there a better or another way to get CWM installed?
UberBaumer said:
Grrr...so I'm having trouble again.
When I try flashing CWM it keeps soft-bricking or whatever my tablet. It won't boot and I need to put it into fastboot mode and reflash the firmware.
I'm using the command fastboot flash boot TabZ_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-253-v01.img
Is there a better or another way to get CWM installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TabZ_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-253-v01.img is for the SGP321 running firmware 10.1.1.A.1.253.
You have a SGP312.
TabZ_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-344-v01.img is for the SGP312 running firmware 10.1.C.0.344.
You are running firmware 10.1.C.0.370.
You would probably have better luck trying to install Nut's XZDualRecovery.
Cat McGowan said:
TabZ_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-253-v01.img is for the SGP321 running firmware 10.1.1.A.1.253.
You have a SGP312.
TabZ_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-344-v01.img is for the SGP312 running firmware 10.1.C.0.344.
You are running firmware 10.1.C.0.370.
You would probably have better luck trying to install Nut's XZDualRecovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jeez, dude, you're totally rocking my world. Thanks a ton for all your help.
I've successfully installed the XZ DualRecovery.
But now something weird is happening: when I try installing various roms (cm-10.2.0-pollux_windy or cm-11-20140418-nightly-pollux_windy) I get the error that it's for the wrong device. It tells me that I have a Pollux, but according to google, Pollux is the LTE version - I most definitely have the SG312 32GB WiFi version).
Did I go wrong somewhere here?
UberBaumer said:
Jeez, dude, you're totally rocking my world. Thanks a ton for all your help.
I've successfully installed the XZ DualRecovery.
But now something weird is happening: when I try installing various roms (cm-10.2.0-pollux_windy or cm-11-20140418-nightly-pollux_windy) I get the error that it's for the wrong device. It tells me that I have a Pollux, but according to google, Pollux is the LTE version - I most definitely have the SG312 32GB WiFi version).
Did I go wrong somewhere here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not install custom ROMs. No ROM has ever impressed me enough to cause me to want to install it. However, I have read posts regarding your problem in the Xperia Tablet Z Original Android Development forum. Look there and perhaps you will find the answer you need.
Cat McGowan said:
I do not install custom ROMs. No ROM has ever impressed me enough to cause me to want to install it. However, I have read posts regarding your problem in the Xperia Tablet Z Original Android Development forum. Look there and perhaps you will find the answer you need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I see. I was excited to install Cyanogenmod because I have it on my Samsung Galaxy S3 and enjoy the customization and ability to remove all the bloatware.
According to your signature, I see that you're on 4.2... A few questions:
Did you do this through an official update?
Can I somehow flash 4.2 through recovery mode (so if I decide I don't like it, I can just load a system backup and go back to 4.1.2)?
If I were to update through the automatic system update, I'm assuming I'll lose my root access and won't be able to get back into recovery mode (in case I figure out a way to install a custom rom in the future)?
Is there a way to remove all the sony bloatware without root access (if I were to install an official system update)?
Sorry for all the questions. I'm just trying to get this all figured out before I start downloading all my apps and getting comfortable with the interface.
Thanks again so very much.
UberBaumer said:
Hmm, I see. I was excited to install Cyanogenmod because I have it on my Samsung Galaxy S3 and enjoy the customization and ability to remove all the bloatware.
According to your signature, I see that you're on 4.2... A few questions:
Did you do this through an official update?
Can I somehow flash 4.2 through recovery mode (so if I decide I don't like it, I can just load a system backup and go back to 4.1.2)?
If I were to update through the automatic system update, I'm assuming I'll lose my root access and won't be able to get back into recovery mode (in case I figure out a way to install a custom rom in the future)?
Is there a way to remove all the sony bloatware without root access (if I were to install an official system update)?
Sorry for all the questions. I'm just trying to get this all figured out before I start downloading all my apps and getting comfortable with the interface.
Thanks again so very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I first received my XTZ, it was running 4.1.2. I gained root access using DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit. I also installed SuperSU Pro and enabled its Survival mode and Install SuperSU into /system settings. Doing that allowed me to update firmware builds via OTA twice without losing root access. I have chosen not to update to 4.3 for various reasons; however, I did attempt updating to 4.3 via OTA like I have in the past, but the update failed to install. And from what I have seen of 4.4.2 on my son's Nexus 7, I may chose not to update to 4.4.2 also. My 4.2.2 install is working flawlessly and my XTZ does everything I need it to do, so I see no reason for updating yet. I live by the aphorism "If it's not broken, don't fix it."
If you install 4.2.2 (via flashing, you can no longer do it via OTA), you can use Vroot - English version to gain root access. Be aware that in the past, Vroot had a bad reputation regarding its loading unwanted apps during the root process, but I believe xda-developers and Mgyun-team (Vroot developers) had a talk and Mgyun-team has since changed their ways. In my opinion, Vroot is now safe to use. Many people have posted saying they have used it and have not experienced any problems.
I do not know of any way to remove bloatware without having root access.
Cat McGowan said:
When I first received my XTZ, it was running 4.1.2. I gained root access using DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit. I also installed SuperSU Pro and enabled its Survival mode and Install SuperSU into /system settings. Doing that allowed me to update firmware builds via OTA twice without losing root access. I have chosen not to update to 4.3 for various reasons; however, I did attempt updating to 4.3 via OTA like I have in the past, but the update failed to install. And from what I have seen of 4.4.2 on my son's Nexus 7, I may chose not to update to 4.4.2 also. My 4.2.2 install is working flawlessly and my XTZ does everything I need it to do, so I see no reason for updating yet. I live by the aphorism "If it's not broken, don't fix it."
If you install 4.2.2 (via flashing, you can no longer do it via OTA), you can use Vroot - English version to gain root access. Be aware that in the past, Vroot had a bad reputation regarding its loading unwanted apps during the root process, but I believe xda-developers and Mgyun-team (Vroot developers) had a talk and Mgyun-team has since changed their ways. In my opinion, Vroot is now safe to use. Many people have posted saying they have used it and have not experienced any problems.
I do not know of any way to remove bloatware without having root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, maybe I was a bit too hasty in rooting my tablet; why is it that I can no longer to OTA updates? If I were to buy SuperSU PRO (for survival mode) is there any benefit to me? I see that it allows for OTA updates.
I am currently rooted via Superuser (by clockworkmod).
When you say I'll need to install 4.2.2 by flashing, you mean through Flashtool, right? Which build should I get (and where, one of the development forums)?
Is the reason why one is advised to install custom roms via recovery mode in order to maintain root access (which I'm assuming doesn't happen if you flash through Flashtool)?
Something I forgot to mention earlier is that I did unlock the bootloader. I'm not sure if that helps or hinders me at this point.
Thanks again for taking the time to answer all my questions. I really love this new toy, and I'm so terrified of bricking it.
Cat McGowan said:
If you install 4.2.2 (via flashing, you can no longer do it via OTA), you can use Vroot - English version to gain root access.
I do not know of any way to remove bloatware without having root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were to say flash this version: http://android.sc/official-android-4-2-2-on-xperia-tablet-z/ I should still be able to install Vroot, right?
Also, do you just manually remove the bloatware yourself, or is there a particular script/app that goes in and cleans up all the unnecessary stuff?
UberBaumer said:
If I were to say flash this version: http://android.sc/official-android-4-2-2-on-xperia-tablet-z/ I should still be able to install Vroot, right?
Also, do you just manually remove the bloatware yourself, or is there a particular script/app that goes in and cleans up all the unnecessary stuff?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean 10.3.1.A.0.244 is for the SGP321. You have a SGP312, so you need firmware 10.3.1.C.0.136 (same as mine), which you should be able to download from HERE (upload credit goes to user named spectre51). Flash it then gain root access using Vroot.
Regarding SuperSU Pro versus Superuser, I use Chainfire's SuperSU Pro because it has superior functionality and more options compared to ChainsDD's Superuser. And I use SuperSU Pro because it is more likely to retain root access rights after an OTA update than the free version of SuperSU; e.g., SuperSU Pro provides OTA survival mode, the free version does not.
Regarding uninstalling bloatware, that is something you need to be careful with. Some apps you want to keep have dependencies on apps you consider bloatware and want to uninstall, especially when it concerns system apps. So, investigate the app before you uninstall it. Most times, I use Titanium Backup Pro or ROM Toolbox Pro to uninstall apps that cannot be uninstalled via the Apps list found in the tablet's Settings. At other times, I have had to use a file explorer and text editor to uninstall an app.
Cat McGowan said:
Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean 10.3.1.A.0.244 is for the SGP321. You have a SGP312, so you need firmware 10.3.1.C.0.136 (same as mine), which you should be able to download from HERE (upload credit goes to user named spectre51). Flash it then gain root access using Vroot.
Regarding SuperSU Pro versus Superuser, I use Chainfire's SuperSU Pro because it has superior functionality and more options compared to ChainsDD's Superuser. And I use SuperSU Pro because it is more likely to retain root access rights after an OTA update than the free version of SuperSU; e.g., SuperSU Pro provides OTA survival mode, the free version does not.
Regarding uninstalling bloatware, that is something you need to be careful with. Some apps you want to keep have dependencies on apps you consider bloatware and want to uninstall, especially when it concerns system apps. So, investigate the app before you uninstall it. Most times, I use Titanium Backup Pro or ROM Toolbox Pro to uninstall apps that cannot be uninstalled via the Apps list found in the tablet's Settings. At other times, I have had to use a file explorer and text editor to uninstall an app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you again my friend.
Is there a list of apps that are safe to uninstall, or, rather, a list of apps that I shouldn't tinker with (for fear of uninstalling an app that has a dependency on something critical)?
Also, I'm on the Google Play store and I see both Titanium Backup Pro and Rom Toolbox Pro. Should I buy both? If you had to buy just one, which would it be?
My main goal is to just make the smoothest experience possible. I want to take maximum advantage of the hardware in the tablet and have as few unnecessary programs running as possible.

[Q] Removing Root to do OTA Lolipop?

As per the title, I read something somewhere to the effect that from here on out, OTA updates will fail on most phones if they have been rooted, and this seems to be true for the Z Ultra GPE. So, what changed when I rooted my phone, and how do I undo it so that I can do the OTA update? I have looked through the forum, but nobody seems to answer it. I am rooted with Supersu using the Towelroot method. I am hoping to not have to unlock the bootloader or anything, just want to do this the official way. (I did backup my TA partition though).
jeraldjunkmail said:
As per the title, I read something somewhere to the effect that from here on out, OTA updates will fail on most phones if they have been rooted, and this seems to be true for the Z Ultra GPE. So, what changed when I rooted my phone, and how do I undo it so that I can do the OTA update? I have looked through the forum, but nobody seems to answer it. I am rooted with Supersu using the Towelroot method. I am hoping to not have to unlock the bootloader or anything, just want to do this the official way. (I did backup my TA partition though).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your GPe is rooted only, the OTA should install just fine. If you made any system changes, you'll need to revert those though. I ran the OTA while I was rooted and didn't have any problems.
Visa Declined said:
If your GPe is rooted only, the OTA should install just fine. If you made any system changes, you'll need to revert those though. I ran the OTA while I was rooted and didn't have any problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so. See:
http://bgr.com/2014/11/14/android-5-0-lollipop-updates-and-root/
As mine is rooted, no dice, the OTA fails. So, how to unroot it so that the update takes?
jeraldjunkmail said:
Not so. See:
http://bgr.com/2014/11/14/android-5-0-lollipop-updates-and-root/
As mine is rooted, no dice, the OTA fails. So, how to unroot it so that the update takes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well at the moment that doesn't effect the GPe, and may never. There will have to be a system image flashed to put the block device in a known state before the new way could ever be used, and if there is a system.img we can always flash that to get the OTA to work... no big deal I don't think.
jeraldjunkmail said:
Not so. See:
http://bgr.com/2014/11/14/android-5-0-lollipop-updates-and-root/
As mine is rooted, no dice, the OTA fails. So, how to unroot it so that the update takes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, BGR is a garbage site, and I wouldn't believe anything they say, ever. Second, that article is talking about avoiding root AFTER Lollipop is installed.
Having root will not cause the OTA to fail. If your OTA is failing, it's because you made a system change on your device.
*edit
If you were using Xposed, then that is more than likely why your OTA is failing.
What is Xposed? How would I check to see if it has affected my device? Only thing I did was Towelroot and running SuperSU. I may have done something to allow writing to the external SD card, but forget how I did that. I was intentionally trying to keep this phone basically stock so that it would easily update to Lolipop. I did a Titanium backup to the externalSD card and reset it to factory and the OTA update still fails though. I assume this was due to the fact that I rooted it. The bootloader is still unmodified, secureboot is still green - yes, lock state is locked. Only other thing I can think of is I installed an app that allowed me to set permissions by app (turn off location settings by app, etc) Sorry I can't give any more details than that...
jeraldjunkmail said:
I may have done something to allow writing to the external SD card, but forget how I did that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jeraldjunkmail said:
Only other thing I can think of is I installed an app that allowed me to set permissions by app (turn off location settings by app, etc) Sorry I can't give any more details than that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can't figure out what system change you made to your phone, just factory reset it, and run the OTA again. There was multiple people(me included) that took the OTA successfully, our phones were rooted and SuperSU was installed.
Visa Declined said:
If you can't figure out what system change you made to your phone, just factory reset it, and run the OTA again. There was multiple people(me included) that took the OTA successfully, our phones were rooted and SuperSU was installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As mentioned before, I factory reset this and wiped the cache from the stock recovery mode. Update won't take, stops shortly after it fails with "system update error". Since my last reset (been done a few times) it won't prompt me to get the OTA update, after my last reset last night. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
{Damn thing won't work... (*&^&%^$$#}
jeraldjunkmail said:
As mentioned before, I factory reset this and wiped the cache from the stock recovery mode. Update won't take, stops shortly after it fails with "system update error". Since my last reset (been done a few times) it won't prompt me to get the OTA update, after my last reset last night. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
{Damn thing won't work... (*&^&%^$$#}
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only fail-safe way I can see is to:
root
back up TA
unlock BL
hotboot custom kernel with recovery
flash 4.4.2
OTA to 4.4.3
OTA to 4.4.4
root and restore TA if you want a working camera
OTA to 5.0
blueether said:
The only fail-safe way I can see is to:
root
back up TA
unlock BL
hotboot custom kernel with recovery
flash 4.4.2
OTA to 4.4.3
OTA to 4.4.4
root and restore TA if you want a working camera
OTA to 5.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As often happens, I sometimes see a solution I don't care to implement and begin to procrastinate. So, haven't looked at this problem for a while. I may have found the solution to my problems, but want to know if anyone has experience with it before proceeding. I re-installed superSU and went through the options. Buried in the options list is a box that offers "Full unroot, Cleanup for permanent unroot". What happens when I do this? does it just remove superSU or does it restore the phone back to factory status, before it was rooted? Thanks!
PS: @ blueether the solution is fine and I am sure it would work (I was going to go ahead with it until I saw that option in superSU), but have been hesitant to unlock the bootloader, etc, due to my unfamiliarity with hacking Sony products, and only want to do it as a last, final, no other option solution. Thanks for your help!
jeraldjunkmail said:
As often happens, I sometimes see a solution I don't care to implement and begin to procrastinate. So, haven't looked at this problem for a while. I may have found the solution to my problems, but want to know if anyone has experience with it before proceeding. I re-installed superSU and went through the options. Buried in the options list is a box that offers "Full unroot, Cleanup for permanent unroot". What happens when I do this? does it just remove superSU or does it restore the phone back to factory status, before it was rooted? Thanks!
PS: @ blueether the solution is fine and I am sure it would work (I was going to go ahead with it until I saw that option in superSU), but have been hesitant to unlock the bootloader, etc, due to my unfamiliarity with hacking Sony products, and only want to do it as a last, final, no other option solution. Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fine and I take no offence at you not wanting to unlock the BL.
I haven't tried the full unroot option in supersu so I'm not sure what the outcome is. One of the other GPe users care to comment?
Well, turns out that the solution to unrooting the phone is to install superSU and than look inthe settings. It will offer you an option to completely uninstall root. It did what it says, and than you can check it with a check root app from the market. It reports that the phone is not rooted. Now the question is, will it pick up the OTA update... No luck with that after a clean factory reset, so not sure what to do next.
2 questions: If I unrooted my phone, and it says it is unrooted, is this true, in the fullest extent? Does towelroot do anything more than adding some permissions ans the superuser file?
If the phone won't pick up the OTA update, why? What went wrong?
Thanks!
jeraldjunkmail said:
Well, turns out that the solution to unrooting the phone is to install superSU and than look inthe settings. It will offer you an option to completely uninstall root. It did what it says, and than you can check it with a check root app from the market. It reports that the phone is not rooted. Now the question is, will it pick up the OTA update... No luck with that after a clean factory reset, so not sure what to do next.
2 questions: If I unrooted my phone, and it says it is unrooted, is this true, in the fullest extent? Does towelroot do anything more than adding some permissions ans the superuser file?
If the phone won't pick up the OTA update, why? What went wrong?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like the OTA is not being pushed at the moment/anymore. You could copy it to there the recovery can see it and manually install it
blueether said:
It sounds like the OTA is not being pushed at the moment/anymore. You could copy it to there the recovery can see it and manually install it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you point me inthe right direction for instructions on this process? Thanks!
Visa Declined said:
First of all, BGR is a garbage site, and I wouldn't believe anything they say, ever. Second, that article is talking about avoiding root AFTER Lollipop is installed.
Having root will not cause the OTA to fail. If your OTA is failing, it's because you made a system change on your device.
*edit
If you were using Xposed, then that is more than likely why your OTA is failing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your post is two years ago but i think you can help me,there is a new update for my phone and i am rooted i also have xposed installed so this mean i cannot update my sytem? Do i need to uninstall xposed? Im on stock rom and with TWRP recovery it would be a big help if you reply thanks.

Z3v 5.1.1 Full Root

I was able to accomplish a Full Root on the latest OTA update on the phone.
Previously I was running Stock 4.4.4 KitKat with SuperSu and had issues with the OTA, since I had removed Apps.
I installed the Stock 4.4.4 ftf to the phone using the flashtool.
Then was successful in receiving the Prompt to update.
After Update, I installed. "Kingroot" for android. just google it. NOT KINGOROOT or any other.
After running kingroot, King User was installed.
In my experience, no other root method will achieve full root. I was not happy with using Kinguser, since i was a Supersu fan. But anytime I successfully removed kinguser, to swap for Supersu, I had lost partial root access, and could not uninstall apps. I could only Freeze.
I also tried Superuser, but only kinguser allowed me to fully uninstall bloatware, and other apps from the phone.
Just thought I would share.
Thanks, Iambedook. Every experience helps. Kingoroot got me into trouble once before in the past.
Can you flash back to 4.4 from 5.1.1?
iambedook said:
I was able to accomplish a Full Root on the latest OTA update on the phone.
Previously I was running Stock 4.4.4 KitKat with SuperSu and had issues with the OTA, since I had removed Apps.
I installed the Stock 4.4.4 ftf to the phone using the flashtool.
Then was successful in receiving the Prompt to update.
After Update, I installed. "Kingroot" for android. just google it. NOT KINGOROOT or any other.
After running kingroot, King User was installed.
In my experience, no other root method will achieve full root. I was not happy with using Kinguser, since i was a Supersu fan. But anytime I successfully removed kinguser, to swap for Supersu, I had lost partial root access, and could not uninstall apps. I could only Freeze.
I also tried Superuser, but only kinguser allowed me to fully uninstall bloatware, and other apps from the phone.
Just thought I would share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd love to try this, but I'm kinda unwilling/aprehensious to take the chance with rooting apps. Can you confirm that you can use flashtool to revert back to 4.4? I just know Verizon would block such a thing in an update, they can be jerks. (like the moto razr maxx hd) Any insight is appreciated.
Astoras said:
I'd love to try this, but I'm kinda unwilling/aprehensious to take the chance with rooting apps. Can you confirm that you can use flashtool to revert back to 4.4? I just know Verizon would block such a thing in an update, they can be jerks. (like the moto razr maxx hd) Any insight is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can revert back to 4.4.4 through Flashtool. Doing so though, you will not have Advanced Calling or the refreshing Lollipop UI. Also, unless you do something about it, you will be promptly reminded all the time to update to 5.1.1.
GigaSPX said:
Yes, you can revert back to 4.4.4 through Flashtool. Doing so though, you will not have Advanced Calling or the refreshing Lollipop UI. Also, unless you do something about it, you will be promptly reminded all the time to update to 5.1.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Giga,
If I use this method to root 5.1.1., can I install dual recovery and Camera 2 and the FM tuner app? I'd also like the updated flashlight you put together but don't see that as a separate install. Should I wait or go ahead with this method for root?
Thanks, Pat
pvcdroid said:
Giga,
If I use this method to root 5.1.1., can I install dual recovery and Camera 2 and the FM tuner app? I'd also like the updated flashlight you put together but don't see that as a separate install. Should I wait or go ahead with this method for root?
Thanks, Pat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may root, but I would advise against anything else. the Z5 Camera is most likely not compatible for our phones on 5.1.1, and neither is the FM Tuner. It's a whole lot I can't touch base on yet.
Astoras said:
I'd love to try this, but I'm kinda unwilling/aprehensious to take the chance with rooting apps. Can you confirm that you can use flashtool to revert back to 4.4? I just know Verizon would block such a thing in an update, they can be jerks. (like the moto razr maxx hd) Any insight is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to flash back to 4.4.4 after i messed things up, but after going back to 4.4.4 i am struggling to get back to 5.1.1. The updates are not appearing, stating I am at the latest version.
I would also like a confirm if this. Because I'm sitting around and waiting for a rooted 5.1.1 copy for the phone. Im on 5.0.2 right now and all is working good but still waiting. Thanks all.
I'm going to see if I can root after upgrading to 5.1.1, but I have the stock firmware just incase.
Just uploaded a rooted twrp backup with real superuser ++++much more
Tigerhoods said:
Just uploaded a rooted twrp backup with real superuser ++++much more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow!!! That sounds great, thanks Tiger
thals1992 said:
I'm going to see if I can root after upgrading to 5.1.1, but I have the stock firmware just incase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just an FYI, after I needed to revert to 4.4.4. I was struggling to receive updates to get back to 5.1.1. I had to use the Flashtool, 3-5 times to get the correct update prompts to appear. If anyone else had similar issues when reverting back, let me know, but re flashing repeatedly worked for me.
Tigerhoods said:
Just uploaded a rooted twrp backup with real superuser ++++much more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow,
Download url please
immtu said:
Wow,
Download url please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just scroll down to the z3v dev section.
I was actually able to flash the stock ftf coming 5.0.2. I had to flash it with default options the first time with it failing. I then found that I have to basically flash noting to clear the error on the phone by checking everything in exclude and the other exclude box where it shows its not displaying any files in the middle of the window.
Once that went through, I was able to upgrade from stock to .44 and then the the two updates for 5.1.1. After all that I reset to factory again to test on rooting the phone. I was too, able to obtain root with King Root. I was able to install zxrecovery and xposed with no problems. I'm actually used to King Root as I had to use it on the Verizon branded 7" tablet that didn't have any other possible methods previously. I also found that Busybox was slightly out of date (difference of 2.0) and installed to /sbin which wasn't too big of an issue.
Beyond that my phone seems to get pretty warm and typically complains about not charging even on a 2 Amp charger.
Can you tell me how you avhieved root because i want it but i can't revert to kitkat for some reason (flashtool won't recognise the update file) and I'm on lollipop. I've tried kingroot(app version) and it didn't work,tried reverting didn't work and tried all the framaroot,towelroot and such apps but none worked. I want working root,xposed and twrp. I can't find any way to do it please help.
Zandermc3 said:
Can you tell me how you avhieved root because i want it but i can't revert to kitkat for some reason (flashtool won't recognise the update file) and I'm on lollipop. I've tried kingroot(app version) and it didn't work,tried reverting didn't work and tried all the framaroot,towelroot and such apps but none worked. I want working root,xposed and twrp. I can't find any way to do it please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try King root again. I used their apk on the phone. It rebooted once at 30%, but when I got back in the app after the reboot, it successfully rooted the device.
thals1992 said:
Try King root again. I used their apk on the phone. It rebooted once at 30%, but when I got back in the app after the reboot, it successfully rooted the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well when i tried i did it 3 times and it failed,never rebooted. I have z3 international or 6603 i think
Zandermc3 said:
Well when i tried i did it 3 times and it failed,never rebooted. I have z3 international or 6603 i think
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats why then. This is only for the Z3v the Verizon variant.
Hi there,
New to the forum. After several hours of reading and searching, I became bewildered enough to decide to register and post .
This thread looked promising. I'm currently on rooted 4.4.4 with this phone. I also have a custom recovery installed. Im trying to get to 5.1.1. As of right now, I assume my only option is to wait for a 5.1.1 ftf so that I can update, because the OTA updates won't work (phone reboots into the custom recovery and the update is interrupted).
Is there an easier way to get the OTA? Or am I stuck waiting for an ftf?
To be clear, my goal is to be on 5.1.1 with root. But at this point I don't think I can get to 5.1.1 at all.

Categories

Resources