Hi, I recently purchased the GPE Z Ultra on ebay. The seller upgraded it to 5.0 before sending it to me and so far so good. But I am coming from a Note 2, rooted & loaded with a custom ROM (Goodness). I really want to root the Z Ultra but not load any custom rom, don't need it really. I've been reading up in the forum & so far, it looks like I am out of luck in regards to rooting, is this correct? There is no root available for 5.0 & I most likely will not be able to downgrade, root & then update to 5.0, correct? I just want to make sure I understand the current status of root availability and my status (already upgraded to 5.0 & no access to TA from previous version). This is my first nonSamsung Android phone & the rooting/unlocking bootloader is quite new to me, so I'm trying to learn all I can. Thank you all!
Correct. Without unlocking the bootloader, there is no way to root Android 5.0 - previous root methods exploited Android system security holes as opposed to boot process security holes, and so far no one has identified any root access vulnerabilities in Android 5.0.
I'm currently running rooted stock 5.0 OTA, but upgrading was rather painful and my bootloader is unlocked, which is what allowed me to flash a rooted 5.0 system image in the first place. I have a locked TA backup from 4.4.4, but I'm afraid to attempt a relock with it.
Unfortunately, I think you're out of luck if you want to retain your TA partition. Darn chicken and egg problems... You can't backup the TA without root. If a Lollipop vulnerability is discovered, we're likely to hear about it soon afterwards... That's a big "if" though.
Thanks, that's what I thought but wanted to confirm I wasn't missing anything. Hopefully, some sort of exploit will be found. Still getting used to the new Lollipop/GPE version. I like it so far except for missing some additional settings/tweaks I could use via root.
Related
Hey all, I'm looking to eventually install CyanogenMod 10.1 on my verizon galaxy S4. However, being a complete novice on this type of thing makes me a bit nervous about bricking my expensive phone.
So, I thought it would be good to try and understand the process of rooting and installing the custom rom. Could you guys help me out? I'll list what I know.
First thing I want to do is backup the Android stock rom that came with the phone. I have read that rooting or installing a custom rom (like CM) will void my warranty, so that's not good. But re-flashing the stock android that came with the phone will remedy this. To do this, I found this guide on using Nandroid. I don't think the CWM way will work for Verizon galaxy S4 (read that somewhere, but correct me if that's wrong).
However, it says that I am required to have a rooted phone first before running Nandroid.
Because Verizon's Galaxy S4 comes with a locked bootloader, and an unrooted phone, I need a way to root my phone. I found this nifty all-in-one tool by bhp090808.
The way that tool works is it exploits something in verizon's pre-release kernel of the S4, so it flashes the phone with the pre-release kernel, gets root privileges, then reflashes the stock kernel. Once this is done, my phone will be rooted and I assume I can use Nandroid to backup the stock android on the phone.
This is where I'm stuck. I have a few questions regarding various parts from here on:
1) Since the phone is rooted and I run Nandroid to back up the stock android rom, wouldn't Nandroid back up the stock android rom with the root access? If I needed to return my phone to Verizon under warranty, re-flashing this stock rom would still void my warranty because it still has root access? Is there a way to completely revert to stock android with verizon's unrooted and locked bootloader status (and whatever else)?
2) Does the all-in-one tool unlock bootloader? I found a tool called loki which will unlock the bootloader so that I can install custom roms like CyanogenMod. I looked in the all-in-one tool's zip folder, and it contains a file called "loki_flash", but I am unsure if this is unlocking the bootloader or not.
3) Can I re-flash a stock android if I brick my phone? What exactly does 'bricking' the phone mean?
goodmedic said:
Hey all, I'm looking to eventually install CyanogenMod 10.1 on my verizon galaxy S4. However, being a complete novice on this type of thing makes me a bit nervous about bricking my expensive phone.
So, I thought it would be good to try and understand the process of rooting and installing the custom rom. Could you guys help me out? I'll list what I know.
First thing I want to do is backup the Android stock rom that came with the phone. I have read that rooting or installing a custom rom (like CM) will void my warranty, so that's not good. But re-flashing the stock android that came with the phone will remedy this. To do this, I found this guide on using Nandroid. I don't think the CWM way will work for Verizon galaxy S4 (read that somewhere, but correct me if that's wrong).
However, it says that I am required to have a rooted phone first before running Nandroid.
Because Verizon's Galaxy S4 comes with a locked bootloader, and an unrooted phone, I need a way to root my phone. I found this nifty all-in-one tool by bhp090808.
The way that tool works is it exploits something in verizon's pre-release kernel of the S4, so it flashes the phone with the pre-release kernel, gets root privileges, then reflashes the stock kernel. Once this is done, my phone will be rooted and I assume I can use Nandroid to backup the stock android on the phone.
This is where I'm stuck. I have a few questions regarding various parts from here on:
1) Since the phone is rooted and I run Nandroid to back up the stock android rom, wouldn't Nandroid back up the stock android rom with the root access? If I needed to return my phone to Verizon under warranty, re-flashing this stock rom would still void my warranty because it still has root access? Is there a way to completely revert to stock android with verizon's unrooted and locked bootloader status (and whatever else)?
2) Does the all-in-one tool unlock bootloader? I found a tool called loki which will unlock the bootloader so that I can install custom roms like CyanogenMod. I looked in the all-in-one tool's zip folder, and it contains a file called "loki_flash", but I am unsure if this is unlocking the bootloader or not.
3) Can I re-flash a stock android if I brick my phone? What exactly does 'bricking' the phone mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see its been a few days and no one has replied so I will do my best to share what knowledge I have. I've been heavily flashing custom ROMs on my ASUS tablet now for the better part of a year and just got my Verizon GS4, so I have alot of the same questions as you.
1) I'm going to answer this in two parts.
Nandroid, in my experience, refers to the type of backup, not necessarily the process by which to backup. Most common recoveries, including ClockworkMod and TWRP have a feature to create a 'nandroid backup'. This can take some time and files can be quite large, as they copy pretty much every single file on your device; almost like creating a snapshot of your device in that moment in time.
To answer the later part of this question, (typically speaking) once you unlock a bootloader you cannot re-lock it, but that could be different for phones (my knowledge in phones is limited). And yes, using a nandroid backup will back up your device with root access, but using a tool such as Rom Toolbox, you can easily un-root (the program features a 'permanent unroot option'). For one, I would imagine that flashing the stock kernel would overwrite the root, as like you said earlier in the post the current root exploit works by flashing a pre-release kernel, applying root to the device, then re-flashing the current stock kernel. Another way to lose root is to get an over-the-air (OTA) update. You will see programs like OTA Rootkeeper that work to circumvent this, but in your case that may be a valid way to cover your arse in case you need to return it under VZW warranty (it is for this reason that I always buy Best Buy protection plans, because they could care less about the software state about your device [Disclaimer: I worked for Geek Squad so I have /somewhat/ intimate knowledge in this matter])
2) I just rooted my GS4 a few days ago, and nothing I read indicated that the all-in-one tool would unlock the bootloader. If you read the documentation about Loki, he explains this fact. I just found a good video (although it uses TWRP and GooManager instead of ROMManager and CWM) explaining that there isn't a bootloader "unlock" just yet; rather its a workaround to the bootloader that allows us to get custom ROMs on our devices (video is here)
3) "Bricking" a device means rendering the device useless; it won't operate to any fashion that it is useful to you, so its no better than a brick or a paper weight, etc. I would imagine you can re-flash a stock verizon ROM/kernel to restore any screw-ups, but keep in mind this device was released less than three months ago and any development is relatively new. Yes, we have had other Galaxy S series phones, but the S4 has this whole KNOX nonsense that is specifically designed to prevent the kinds of activities we do here on this forum
I really hope that helps. If I said anything that is incorrect, please please feel free to correct it so that at least we can all learn the proper information.
Thanks,
Opethfan89
goodmedic said:
Hey all, I'm looking to eventually install CyanogenMod 10.1 on my verizon galaxy S4. However, being a complete novice on this type of thing makes me a bit nervous about bricking my expensive phone.
So, I thought it would be good to try and understand the process of rooting and installing the custom rom. Could you guys help me out? I'll list what I know.
First thing I want to do is backup the Android stock rom that came with the phone. I have read that rooting or installing a custom rom (like CM) will void my warranty, so that's not good. But re-flashing the stock android that came with the phone will remedy this. To do this, I found this guide on using Nandroid. I don't think the CWM way will work for Verizon galaxy S4 (read that somewhere, but correct me if that's wrong).
However, it says that I am required to have a rooted phone first before running Nandroid.
Because Verizon's Galaxy S4 comes with a locked bootloader, and an unrooted phone, I need a way to root my phone. I found this nifty all-in-one tool by bhp090808.
The way that tool works is it exploits something in verizon's pre-release kernel of the S4, so it flashes the phone with the pre-release kernel, gets root privileges, then reflashes the stock kernel. Once this is done, my phone will be rooted and I assume I can use Nandroid to backup the stock android on the phone.
This is where I'm stuck. I have a few questions regarding various parts from here on:
1) Since the phone is rooted and I run Nandroid to back up the stock android rom, wouldn't Nandroid back up the stock android rom with the root access? If I needed to return my phone to Verizon under warranty, re-flashing this stock rom would still void my warranty because it still has root access? Is there a way to completely revert to stock android with verizon's unrooted and locked bootloader status (and whatever else)?
2) Does the all-in-one tool unlock bootloader? I found a tool called loki which will unlock the bootloader so that I can install custom roms like CyanogenMod. I looked in the all-in-one tool's zip folder, and it contains a file called "loki_flash", but I am unsure if this is unlocking the bootloader or not.
3) Can I re-flash a stock android if I brick my phone? What exactly does 'bricking' the phone mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S4 link in my signature has a few stock images to pick from. It will restore it to the original stock Verizon software that came with your phone.
DarkMenace said:
The S4 link in my signature has a few stock images to pick from. It will restore it to the original stock Verizon software that came with your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the 'Ad-Free' APK I see available on that website work better than jRummy's AdBlocker? I installed it and it detects ads (like in ASTRO, Zedge, and a few others) but doesn't block them even though I have all the settings turned ON and have rebooted when requested.
That said, thanks for the link. I've bookmarked it for future reference and its good to know there are backups available in case anything goes bad.
Are you able to elaborate on how these are flashed? Via ODIN, or can you flash it via CWM/TWRP?
Thanks,
Opethfan89
opethfan89 said:
Does the 'Ad-Free' APK I see available on that website work better than jRummy's AdBlocker? I installed it and it detects ads (like in ASTRO, Zedge, and a few others) but doesn't block them even though I have all the settings turned ON and have rebooted when requested.
That said, thanks for the link. I've bookmarked it for future reference and its good to know there are backups available in case anything goes bad.
Are you able to elaborate on how these are flashed? Via ODIN, or can you flash it via CWM/TWRP?
Thanks,
Opethfan89
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not n sure. It's the only one I ever used for banner blocking. You use the files with Odin as well after they are extracted.
Sent from my Rooted Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 using xda premium
I had to send my phone back because of a defect with the power. anyways, they sent me back a refurbished S4 and i only updated it to firmware MI1, realizing i had 2 software updates available. My first thought was about rooting, because i had wanted to root my phone until i realized i had MJ7 or whatever the latest one was and wasn't fond of the ideas. My question to you guys is, should i root my S4 and stay on MI1? is there a way i can do this and bypass the warranty void in the system?
All versions are rootable, even the MK2 that came out recently. The only reason so far to stay old is for ROM loading.
I for one am totally ok with never seeing another alternate ROM again, after two years of ROMing my Galaxy Nexus and the two years before that ROMing an Incredible.
When you say ROM loading, can you elaborate? Do the benefits of rooting at this software stage outweigh the benefits of the more recent ones? are some ROMs not compatible with higher softwares? because i remember MJ7 came up as "custom" and i most importantly don't want to trip my warranty, if possible. Especially because i just got this phone and don't want them to add to the bill if they see that the warranty got tripped before they even received my original S4.
Any rooting will bring up the 'custom unlock icon.
A ROM is a completely standalone full operating system custom made by developers that know how to make them. They are usually based upon Google's Open Source Android operating system source code with customization to suit the developer. It requires the phone to be not locked down to be able to install a ROM. When the phone is not locked down, a 'Custom Recovery' can be installed. Custom recovery is needed to load a ROM into the phone. Only the originaal S4 firmware, the MDK level from back in June, can have a custom recovery.
Rooting lets you run apps requiring root, such as the popular Titanium Backup, Root Explorer, and many others.
Rooting just lets you pretty much do whatever you want within the installed OS, but just not replace the OS. As I said, all the firmware loads for the S4 to date are rootable.
JeeperDon said:
Any rooting will bring up the 'custom unlock icon.
A ROM is a completely standalone full operating system custom made by developers that know how to make them. They are usually based upon Google's Open Source Android operating system source code with customization to suit the developer. It requires the phone to be not locked down to be able to install a ROM. When the phone is not locked down, a 'Custom Recovery' can be installed. Custom recovery is needed to load a ROM into the phone. Only the originaal S4 firmware, the MDK level from back in June, can have a custom recovery.
Rooting lets you run apps requiring root, such as the popular Titanium Backup, Root Explorer, and many others.
Rooting just lets you pretty much do whatever you want within the installed OS, but just not replace the OS. As I said, all the firmware loads for the S4 to date are rootable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, i just didn't want to void the warranty. I think i am going to root my s4 tonight. any suggestions?
ImportedPerfection said:
Yeah, i just didn't want to void the warranty. I think i am going to root my s4 tonight. any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If sort of depends what you want to do. If you want the flexibility to run custom ROMs with Safestrap, you should stay on ME7 or MI1.
If you're on MI1 and want to root it, can you please try the rooting technique in this thread? I'm curious if it'll work on MI1.
hi, i have a simple question, is it possible to root my device? i've never root my mega 6.3 since i bought it...... but i heard that the recent firmware have some problems in the possibility of rooting it.
there are a lots of guide but everyone say a different method. OK I AM A NOOB OF MODDING.
but is quite difficult to understand guides that are different in this way:
1) some indicates to just use an apk autorooting the device
2) some do require to change thekernel + manually install the superuser apk
3)not permanent root....
4) others......
so, please be patient......:angel: i only want to find a "normal" root method.......and IF POSSIBLE a root that could allow me to easily UNroot the device to be able to update my firmware OTA in the moment samsung will update our great device to kitkat
If you are a noob at modding don't even bother with rooting. Its dangerous and BTW I think your firmware has KNOX which the GMega doesn't have a workaround.
Sent from my GT-I9200 using Tapatalk
realista87 said:
hi, i have a simple question, is it possible to root my device? i've never root my mega 6.3 since i bought it...... but i heard that the recent firmware have some problems in the possibility of rooting it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are brave enough you can try it using this tutorial
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2574953
But read it thoroughly and if you do not understand one thing though - do not attempt to try.
Read forums and learn till you can understand what you are doing lest you have quite expensive paperweight... I am not responsible for what you do with your phone!
my previous phone was rooter, the optimus 3d and the ascend mate.
i don't need toor for extreme modding but just to install a custom recovery for a nandroid backup and for use SOME APP THAT REQUIRE root to work properly.
i never installed a recovery but i read everywhere that it is a lot usefull in case of some errors, to restore the previous backup made 1:1 (nandroid)
Every modding attempt must start from root and (optionally) custom recovery. In fact - rooting itself is modding and quite heavy from system point of view. If you want to change ONE THING in system, you have to root your phone. Doing this you are tripping 'warranty flag' and from now on your warranty is void.
If you have firmware with KNOX and new bootloader - tripping this flag is irreversible. But as long as you do not attempt to flash older firmware (before KNOX) it does not affect the operation of the system. Trying to flash older firmware makes your phone softbrick because of tripping security mechanism in new bootloader.
If you already rooted your phone it is resonable to flash custom recovery and by this have wide possiblity making backups of your whole system (nandroid backup) or flashing custom ROMs
I have the GS4 (I545.06 if it matters), build ME7, on Verizon, Android 4.2.2, with root.
I've been trying to read through threads about upgrading and keeping root, installing CM, etc., but I'm honestly just lost.
So here's what I'm wondering:
Is the latest version of Android for this device on Verizon 4.4.3? If so, can I upgrade with OTA updates to that version and keep (or regain) root somehow? If not, what is the latest version of android that I can upgrade to and still keep root?
It seems very difficult or impossible to install a normal, up-to-date, functioning version of CM on this phone due to bootloader issues. Is this correct?
I gained root on this device so long ago that I'm not even 100% sure what I did to get root or keep it. I think I used Titanium Backup to "freeze" the system apk that checks for OTA updates from Verzion, and that is why I am still on 4.2.2.
Anyway, I'm super confused and just wondering what my options are as far as upgrading to the latest version of Android or CM at this point from the state my phone is currently in. If I left out some necessary info please let me know.
Thanks in advance!
roostishaw said:
I have the GS4 (I545.06 if it matters), build ME7, on Verizon, Android 4.2.2, with root.
I've been trying to read through threads about upgrading and keeping root, installing CM, etc., but I'm honestly just lost.
So here's what I'm wondering:
Is the latest version of Android for this device on Verizon 4.4.3? If so, can I upgrade with OTA updates to that version and keep (or regain) root somehow? If not, what is the latest version of android that I can upgrade to and still keep root?
It seems very difficult or impossible to install a normal, up-to-date, functioning version of CM on this phone due to bootloader issues. Is this correct?
I gained root on this device so long ago that I'm not even 100% sure what I did to get root or keep it. I think I used Titanium Backup to "freeze" the system apk that checks for OTA updates from Verzion, and that is why I am still on 4.2.2.
Anyway, I'm super confused and just wondering what my options are as far as upgrading to the latest version of Android or CM at this point from the state my phone is currently in. If I left out some necessary info please let me know.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you read the links and look at youtube videos listed in this thread? Remember modding your phone is not for the faint of heart and you need to understand and be able to use odin and be familiar with ADB as well.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606501
Okay,I posted recently about my old z ultra. I bought the z ultra off Craigslist and it was updated to 5.0.
Anyhow the screen got the dreaded 'hairline' Crack in the screen and Sony covered it.
They sent me a new phone international version and the first thing I checked were the hidden functions in the dialer. Rooting status says yes or bootloader rather. Also the phone is still running 4.3. I did some searching and found a root method. I don't want kingroot or any Chinese crap.
Do I need a computer? Can I root using towelroot? Install busboy? DL cwm and flash via the phone?
harley1rocker said:
Okay,I posted recently about my old z ultra. I bought the z ultra off Craigslist and it was updated to 5.0.
Anyhow the screen got the dreaded 'hairline' Crack in the screen and Sony covered it.
They sent me a new phone international version and the first thing I checked were the hidden functions in the dialer. Rooting status says yes or bootloader rather. Also the phone is still running 4.3. I did some searching and found a root method. I don't want kingroot or any Chinese crap.
Do I need a computer? Can I root using towelroot? Install busboy? DL cwm and flash via the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Towelroot does not work on 4.3. I hope my phone doesn't force a system update. I'm still 4.3 for now.
Not a gpe edition either
Screw it. I think I'll just take the update
This is why im tempted to multi post. A moderator warned against multi post. Ive had this post up for a few days now and ive not got one answer.
I need to know about 4.3 jellybean. My phone was shipped with it. Do i have to use flashtool? Whats the first step? I haven't taken the update. Im still 4.3
PLEASE ANSWER
Hello there lonely islander! I'm randomly passing through with my ship, and I caught your smoke signals.
I can't really remember the root situation on 4.3, but there were quite a few rooting tools in the cross-development section. Not sure if those were for 4.1 or 4.3 though. I'll do some digging and I'll be back.
What's the firmware version? .290?
EDIT: Okay, so I've done some searching, and this method was the one that people used back on 4.3. It's not perfect though since it required the use of Vroot, which is/was the same type of rooting tool as Kingroot, so that's probably a no-go.
Another way of doing it would be to downgrade to a firmware that's supported by towelroot. That would be 4.1? 4.2? Find out which version is compatible and find that firmware FTF in the Dev section. You'll probably have to do some digging since a 4.x ROM thread will be quite old. Flash it using Flashtool and then root with towelroot.
But...
What's your plan now? Backup the TA partition (DRM-files) and then unlocking the bootloader, update to 5.1.1 and easily root again through fastboot since your B/L is unlocked? Or are you planning to keep the bootloader locked and live the rest of your life on an ancient Android version?
EDIT 2: Have you tried this tool on 4.3? It's based on Towelroot, but it's customized for rooting Xperia devices. I think that maybe, probably, it'll work on 4.3. I don't know, so go ahead and just try it unless you've already done it.
EDIT 3: Okay, so it looks like the tool provided in "Edit 2" should be compatible with Android versions up to 4.4.2 before being patched by Google/Sony in 4.4.3/4.4.4 (KitKat), so it should in theory work on 4.3.
EDIT 4: OKay, I have no idea what's real anymore. I just stumbled upon this post from that thread:
v 12.4 worked like a charm on my Xperia Z Ultra C6802 (4.4.4).
Did TA backup. Installed SU chainfire and updated binary in normal mode. Got write to external SD card ability on my Total Commander without any SDFix app. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So... just go ahead and try it. If it fails, then you can downgrade using Flashtool if you're into that.
Build is 136. No,you are correct. King root is king crap. Im not going back there. The bootloader status says yes. Will i have to use the sony web site to unlock bootloader? Yes, i want root and i want too flash roms.
So,can i just root and install safestrap,superSU or do i have to unlock BL.
I could update to 4.4.....
Okay. Forget what i want. Tell me the steps i need to take. Im on 4.3. Build136. Yes i wanna root and i wanna rom..
harley1rocker said:
Okay. Forget what i want. Tell me the steps i need to take. Im on 4.3. Build136. Yes i wanna root and i wanna rom..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright. First step is to test and see if that root tool I linked to in my previous post works. If it does, great. If it doesn't, it'll get a little more time consuming.
But the important question here is: Do you care about the DRM files? They control mostly the camera which will be a little affected by the loss of the keys. It'll happen either way when you unlock the bootloader, but backing them up allows you to restore them later if you ever re-lock the bootloader for some reason.
So you can either:
1. Backup the DRM files, but doing that requires root, which is fairly hard to obtain with a locked bootloader, which you are currently witnessing.
2. Ignore the loss of the DRM files and unlock the bootloader right now. When you have unlocked the bootloader it'll allow you to boot and flash custom code, like a custom kernel with recovery (CWM/TWRP/Philz) which again allows you to flash SuperSU and be done with it, or flash a different ROM. It's the easiest way, but you'll lose the DRM keys. They might become handy if you have to send your device in for repairs down the road (if you have any warranty left, that is)
So what you need to decide right now is what you want to do.
Should i update? the next update is 4.4.2. I could take it then use watevr roottool. So root first then unlock bootloader
harley1rocker said:
Should i update? the next update is 4.4.2. I could take it then use watevr roottool. So root first then unlock bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, just try the root tool right now while you're on 4.3. If it works, it works.
Did it work?
Im going to attempt here in a min
But first my good man,in what order do i do this?
Root first,unlock BL,install recovery?
Root bootloader status says yes..do i need to mess with it?
I updated to 4.4.2. Towelroot does not work on any of them
harley1rocker said:
Im going to attempt here in a min
But first my good man,in what order do i do this?
Root first,unlock BL,install recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, root then backup the DRM files and then unlock the BL, then install recovery.
harley1rocker said:
Root bootloader status says yes..do i need to mess with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What yes? Bootloader Unlock allowed: Yes or Bootloader unlocked: Yes?
harley1rocker said:
I updated to 4.4.2. Towelroot does not work on any of them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, now we know.
If bootloader status says YES on unlocked, then it's already unlocked, and we've wasted a bunch of time! If it's already unlocked, then just install recovery.
Bootloader unlock allowed:yes...... So i take it,its not.
Can i use flashtool? I tried sony "official " way and i did NOT understand it. So ive read into flashtool and it seems easier.
If i get a recovery on this thing im good from there.
I dont understand the steps. On Samsung note devices its root,safestrap, SU then happy flashhing.
This device is crazy confusion
harley1rocker said:
Bootloader unlock allowed:yes...... So i take it,its not.
Can i use flashtool? I tried sony "official " way and i did NOT understand it. So ive read into flashtool and it seems easier.
If i get a recovery on this thing im good from there.
I dont understand the steps. On Samsung note devices its root,safestrap, SU then happy flashhing.
This device is crazy confusion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. Here is what you need to know and do.
1- you didn't need to upgrade. A towelroot variant would have worked.
2- you don't need to unlock bootloader.
3- you need to install, from a PC onto your phone, what's called Xzdualrecovery, which is essentially a recovery. Google it and download the latest installer for this phone. You need to enable USB debugging on the phone so it can be installed from the PC. When your start the installer there is an option to instal AND root. This tool comes with the variant of towelroot tha can properly root your phone, if your OS date is before June 7 2014.
If you need help with these steps message me.
Thank u najoor. I have only updated to 4.4.2. I tried towelroot. Didnt work. I have a c6802. So im completely stock and your saying theres a tool out there that can root and install recovery from a pc.
Flashtool? Could you provide a link?