[Tip] For people having issues with lost recoveries - Sony Xperia Z Ultra

One of my buddies introduced me to an app that's free on Google Play, I don't know about anyone here but I myself am new to the Sony Z Ultra and my biggest issue I had thus far was with a custom recovery. If you are on a locked bootloader head over to @[NUT] DualRecovery thread in "Android Development" its on the first page. If your Sony Z Ultra is bootloader unlocked this will work for you. This also requires that the ROM you are on has a kernel that supports this method. Most custom AOSP ROMs for us have this feature built in to the kernel. The app is called Rashr, you MUST already have root access and a form of Superuser or SuperSU installed and working as it will ask for root upon launching the app...
I lost recovery a few times and I was stumbling around in learning best methods to go about things with the ZU and this did the trick and you DO NOT need a PC!!!!!
Launch the app permit root and this will give you the option to flash a recovery from the device storage, you can also download a recovery of your choice whether it be ClockworkMod, Philz, or Team Win. It confirms the device model in our case "Togari" and will flash the recovery and confirm its flashed within the app and give you the option to reboot to recovery when done.. If you have concerns you can actually backup your existing recovery and also existing kernel and you can have multiple backups not just one of each.. You can also rename them as you see fit and they are saved as image files. Example being recovery-from-20150129.img or kernel-from-20150129.img etc etc...
This may be redundant or it may not, I posted this here because I've seen some people like myself posting there issues with lost recoveries and there has been random replies and some of which were vague.. Also this is the Q&A and "Help" section and I'm just trying to offer some help!
If I've helped in any way please hit the thanks button, and make sure if this works for you to leave the developer a nice comment and 5 stars for the rating..
***DISCLAIMER***
I'm in no way affiliated with the developer of the app I just loved it so much it is legit a lifesaver!!! Also always make a nandroid backup when possible, and allways know what you are doing when tinkering with your device. Nobody is responsible for your device but you!
Get the app for free on Google Play - it can flash over 90% of Android devices - it also has over 3500 recoveries in its collection!!
Thanks to DsLNeXuS for a sick app

Related

Ideos U8150 Rooting and Custom ROM Installing Guide.

Good day everyone,
I hope you all are doing well
It's been almost a year since I bought Ideos U8150-B but to tell you the truth I wasn't satisfied with the phone's speed, it used to lag alot. I tried different methods to fix it but they weren't quite successful.
Then I came to know through the XDA forums about rooting, installing a custom rom etc. I felt quite relieved but being a noob I couldn't do much
Luckily I now have found the way of doing this the easy way, Just follow the intructions below:
NOTE: Rooting/Modifying your ROM/Installing a new ROM will void your warranty and at times it can be risky too, you may end up bricking your phone. DO THIS ONLY WHEN YOU ARE MENTALLY PREPARED OR WHEN YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING
ROOTING Your Android
There are many ways available on the internet about how to root your android but they unluckily didn't work for me much. While browsing through different threads I came to know about this awesome software "z4root" which can root your phone with just one click and luckily it did the job quite well, that settles that
Now How to Install a Custom ROM:
Follow these steps:
1- You need to flash a custom recovery
In my case I flashed ClockworkMod 3.0.2.4 (by marcnvidic), there are some others available too but I don't quite know about them much so I would recommend clockworkmod.
HOW TO flash?
It's simple, install "Root toolbox", it must be available in the android market if not then google it.
Install it on your android and when you will open it you will see a number of options, just look for "Flash Recovery" option and then it will ask you to browse the recovery, navigate it to where you placed the recovery file and it will flash it for you within seconds.
2- Choose a custom ROM: Download the custom ROM of your choice and place it in the sd card. I am currently using Fusionideos and I found it to be the best ROM for ideos U8150. There are many others available as well.
3- After downloading and placing your ROM in the sd card switch off your phone and boot it in recovery mode (To boot in recovery mode press volume up key+call key/send key+power button for about 5 seconds and it will boot your phone into recovery mode and you will see a black screen with few options like wipe data, wipe cache, install zip from sd card etc. If you don't then you must have made some mistake while flashing the recovery, if that happens try step #1 again.
4- Once you have booted your phone in recovery mode you can finally start installing a custom ROM, just do the following:
* Perform a backup of your current ROM using Backup and restore option in the recovery.
* After backup is complete go to the main screen and select Wipe data/factory reset.
* After that return to the main screen and finally select "install .zip from sd card"
It will take you to browse the custom ROM file, just navigate it to where you placed it. Wait for the installation to complete. After the installation is complete reboot your phone via the reboot option on the main screen and hopefully you will have your new custom ROM running
I hope that was helpful and you won't have to spend hours browsing the web to learn about all this
Disclaimer: The applications mentioned in this thread are not affiliated with me in any way, they are sole properties of their respective owners.
Recovery Links:
Download Mediafire Multiupload XDA Thread
Credits: FusionDev for making FusionIdeos, Watchw for the recovery links, marcnvidic for making clockwordmod recovery.
thanksssssssssssssssssssss
nice and easy alternative instructions.... well done... In Rom Manager app i was not able to install custom recovery... because my Ideos u8150 was not listed there... so your method worked perfectly... thanks again
Locked by ZONG
Hi,
I've read you post about rooting and custom Rom installing.
But my phone is locked by Zong so I want to ask that after doing all this, whether my phone will be unlocked or not?
Please Reply as soon as possible.
Thanks
No
sibtainnorain said:
Hi,
I've read you post about rooting and custom Rom installing.
But my phone is locked by Zong so I want to ask that after doing all this, whether my phone will be unlocked or not?
Please Reply as soon as possible.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but installing a custom ROM will not unlock ur phone. U will have to use some alternative method for that. For instance, using dc-unlocker will help but it's not free or u may go to a mobile market and ask an expert to unlock it for u. I also have ideos zong and it's still carrier locked.
I want to unlock for free
I want to unlock my phone for free
that's why I posted here so that I might get help from here.
n as you said that Dc-unlocker has charges for unlocking and I've also visited market but they are demanding too much money for unlocking
but I want it for freeeeeeeeeee
sibtainnorain said:
I want to unlock my phone for free
that's why I posted here so that I might get help from here.
n as you said that Dc-unlocker has charges for unlocking and I've also visited market but they are demanding too much money for unlocking
but I want it for freeeeeeeeeee
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it is good to save some money
BTW, how much were they asking to unlock ideos at the market and which market was it?
Unlock IDEOS U8150 | ZONG
You can get your phone unlocked from hafeez center, lahore.
I asked from one shop and they told me Rs.1200
but I think that if you visit all shops, you'll surely find some shop demanding less price than the above one.
delete system app
hi
i just wanna know that if i will remove apps like facebook youtube etc on system it will impact on my rom? i m currently using stock rom
It shouldn't.
obaidshera said:
hi
i just wanna know that if i will remove apps like facebook youtube etc on system it will impact on my rom? i m currently using stock rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, deleting a system app like facebook, youtube etc should not harm your rom in anyway but for this you need root permissions and root explorer app for R/W mounting.
P.S. I am talking about third party system apps, don't try to mess with other system apps.

[Q] How to root without loosing data?

This is the first time for me with an HTC device. So I need a little help.
I am trying to find a way for rooting the phone without loosing any data or configuration. Can somebody help me?
My phone is HTC One X+ running Android 4.2.2 with Sense 5.
In case I need to take claim the warranty of the phone what I would have to do? Is there something I should do before rooting the device, so that I will be able to unroot it?
Thanks a lot in advance!
obscurant1st said:
This is the first time for me with an HTC device. So I need a little help.
I am trying to find a way for rooting the phone without loosing any data or configuration. Can somebody help me?
My phone is HTC One X+ running Android 4.2.2 with Sense 5.
In case I need to take claim the warranty of the phone what I would have to do? Is there something I should do before rooting the device, so that I will be able to unroot it?
Thanks a lot in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know all the answers to your questions but let me help you make something clear.
Unlocking the bootloader is different from "rooting"
Your warranty is voided when you unlock the bootloader, which is an important step to actually "root". Your bootloader is what you see when you reboot and hold volume down. The step of unlocking the bootloader is the step that cause you to lose your data. So I recommend you to connect your phone and copy all the valuable information and files on it to your PC, then once this step is done you can copy it back.
Rooting: Becoming the administrator of your phone (like sudo in linux) , Becoming a SUPERUSER , meaning you can change system files and so forth and so on (Thats the general explanation however since we all have S-ON so its called temporary root but lets not get ourselves to that yet)
How can you gain root access?
1-Unlock the bootloader
2-Install a custom recovery
3-flash "superuser.zip"(which will be included in almost all the guides that you will follow to root your phone)
Once you have root access you will be able to play with your phone settings , but be careful not to break the settings.
Now concerning your final question , how to "unroot"?
Before you flash "superuser.zip (which will be the real "rooting" of your phone) , you will go to your "custom recovery" (most popular onces are TWRP and CWM) and go to an option called "Backup" and you do a backup called "nandroid backup" , which copies your phone AS IT IS , which then you can copy it to your PC. You will be able to restore it using the recovery you had installed as it is. Which technically will "unroot" your phone.
Question you might ask: That is so cool, but can't I do it before unlocking the bootloader and losing all my data? from my EXPERIENCE and what I searched , No.
Then how will I benefit? Since having root access to your phone might put your phone in danger of breaking something , or installing a bad ROM (read about this topic before rooting. Here is a summary: "HTC Sense" is a ROM. "Samsung TouchWIZ" is a ROM, "Stock Android" is a ROM) you will have a full safe backup that you will be able to restore so you can have your phone running again.
Also note the following: Once you have a custom recovery you will be able to install custom roms , when you install custom roms your APPs are deleted BUT the data IN your SDcard directory will not be harmed (Music, pics..etc)
So how can I recover my applications? By installing "titanium backup" you will be able to backup all your applications apk and data, saved to your internal storage, so when you switch roms , you need to redownload the app and then restore your data, and you will have all your data back.
So why can't I use that before I unlock the bootloader? Because Titanium backup ITSELF requires root access to access your apps apks and do full backups.
Also a note, when flashing your FIRST ROM, you will sweat like a pig when you get stuck on "Boot screen" , its called a "BOOT LOOP" , do not fear. Since HTC has all the bootloaders S-ON (till now) you will need when you switch ROMS to flash the boot.img to your phone. HOW?
Google "Fastboot flash boot boot.img HTC" and you will see tons of guides. It should also be noted in every single custom ROM guide that you will need to follow that STEP.
ALSO!!! Do NOT FORGET TO MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP BEFORE ROOTING AND BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO FLASH A CUSTOM ROM!! AND DONT INSTALL A CUSTOM ROM FOR "AT&T" AND YOUR PHONE IS INTERNATIONAL AND VICE VERSA.
I rooted my phone and I wish I had someone to tell me that in a single post , so I spent around 10 minutes writing this guide , which I hope people will find useful.
Best of luck mate
Also note that this is the wrong section, since its a question it should go to "Q&A section".
Ghand0ur said:
I don't know all the answers to your questions but let me help you make something clear.
Unlocking the bootloader is different from "rooting"
Your warranty is voided when you unlock the bootloader, which is an important step to actually "root". Your bootloader is what you see when you reboot and hold volume down. The step of unlocking the bootloader is the step that cause you to lose your data. So I recommend you to connect your phone and copy all the valuable information and files on it to your PC, then once this step is done you can copy it back.
Rooting: Becoming the administrator of your phone (like sudo in linux) , Becoming a SUPERUSER , meaning you can change system files and so forth and so on (Thats the general explanation however since we all have S-ON so its called temporary root but lets not get ourselves to that yet)
How can you gain root access?
1-Unlock the bootloader
2-Install a custom recovery
3-flash "superuser.zip"(which will be included in almost all the guides that you will follow to root your phone)
Once you have root access you will be able to play with your phone settings , but be careful not to break the settings.
Now concerning your final question , how to "unroot"?
Before you flash "superuser.zip (which will be the real "rooting" of your phone) , you will go to your "custom recovery" (most popular onces are TWRP and CWM) and go to an option called "Backup" and you do a backup called "nandroid backup" , which copies your phone AS IT IS , which then you can copy it to your PC. You will be able to restore it using the recovery you had installed as it is. Which technically will "unroot" your phone.
Question you might ask: That is so cool, but can't I do it before unlocking the bootloader and losing all my data? from my EXPERIENCE and what I searched , No.
Then how will I benefit? Since having root access to your phone might put your phone in danger of breaking something , or installing a bad ROM (read about this topic before rooting. Here is a summary: "HTC Sense" is a ROM. "Samsung TouchWIZ" is a ROM, "Stock Android" is a ROM) you will have a full safe backup that you will be able to restore so you can have your phone running again.
Also note the following: Once you have a custom recovery you will be able to install custom roms , when you install custom roms your APPs are deleted BUT the data IN your SDcard directory will not be harmed (Music, pics..etc)
So how can I recover my applications? By installing "titanium backup" you will be able to backup all your applications apk and data, saved to your internal storage, so when you switch roms , you need to redownload the app and then restore your data, and you will have all your data back.
So why can't I use that before I unlock the bootloader? Because Titanium backup ITSELF requires root access to access your apps apks and do full backups.
Also a note, when flashing your FIRST ROM, you will sweat like a pig when you get stuck on "Boot screen" , its called a "BOOT LOOP" , do not fear. Since HTC has all the bootloaders S-ON (till now) you will need when you switch ROMS to flash the boot.img to your phone. HOW?
Google "Fastboot flash boot boot.img HTC" and you will see tons of guides. It should also be noted in every single custom ROM guide that you will need to follow that STEP.
ALSO!!! Do NOT FORGET TO MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP BEFORE ROOTING AND BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO FLASH A CUSTOM ROM!! AND DONT INSTALL A CUSTOM ROM FOR "AT&T" AND YOUR PHONE IS INTERNATIONAL AND VICE VERSA.
I rooted my phone and I wish I had someone to tell me that in a single post , so I spent around 10 minutes writing this guide , which I hope people will find useful.
Best of luck mate
Also note that this is the wrong section, since its a question it should go to "Q&A section".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for explaining all these stuffs to me. Really appreciate it. I knew a few of the things already from what you wrote, but I must say a lot of these are completely new info for me!
So tl;dr I can't root without unlocking the bootloader!
Thats so sad. I wanted to save all the games and stuffs' data so that I won't have to redownload all the games. (
obscurant1st said:
Thanks a lot for explaining all these stuffs to me. Really appreciate it. I knew a few of the things already from what you wrote, but I must say a lot of these are completely new info for me!
So tl;dr I can't root without unlocking the bootloader!
Thats so sad. I wanted to save all the games and stuffs' data so that I won't have to redownload all the games. (
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know its sort of tiring but honestly the payoff is massive, atleast to me. I explored things I didn't know about my phone. I learned information about how the phone is made. These information help you.
Inaddition to having custom ROMs, rooting offers you the benefit of backing up your games which is not available on stock.
Anyway, Best of luck, android is a great world to explore.
I however must give credit to every single one that helped me on that topic, and that's my way of paying them back. To Help others like me who need help
obscurant1st said:
Thanks a lot for explaining all these stuffs to me. Really appreciate it. I knew a few of the things already from what you wrote, but I must say a lot of these are completely new info for me!
So tl;dr I can't root without unlocking the bootloader!
Thats so sad. I wanted to save all the games and stuffs' data so that I won't have to redownload all the games. (
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you root now, you'll be able to use titanium backup and backup all the data you want! Then you can transfer these game and app datas across any android device in the future!
Sent from my HTC One X+ using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
JustinBieber said:
If you root now, you'll be able to use titanium backup and backup all the data you want! Then you can transfer these game and app datas across any android device in the future!
Sent from my HTC One X+ using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DON'T STEEL MY INFORMATION DSAHGASHNJKGJSKBGJKS GJKBA I ALREADY SAID THAT IN THE LONG LONG LONG LONG POST DJGKBASKGJSAGAS
Just kidding, If you missed what I said about titanium backup, its true, once you are root you won't lose your game data and stuff any longer.
Have been lots way but there is no
Sent from my HTC One X+ using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[Q] Please help, new to rooting & confused!

Hi all,
Firstly sorry, you must get this all the time and be really bored of helping but i would be so grateful if anyone out there can point me in the right direction.
Firstly my phone details;
Model - Xperia Z2 D6503
Firmware - 1278-4770_23.0.1.a.3.9
Network - EE
Rooting status;
Bootloader unlock allowed: No
I want to root my phone but after reading what seems like thousands of web pages im more than a little confused. Does anyone out there have a step by step guide for beginners?
I want to use cwm recovery but don't understand how to get that on the phone as most guides say use it to back up before doing anything else but it isn't there to start with!
Also will installing cwm wipe my phone and sd card?
Any help would be much appreciated and many thanks in advance.
You can only install nuts dual recovery on a locked bootloader, proper recovery is included in the kernel and the kernel can only be changed on an unlocked bootloader, there was a a guide to rooting in one of the forums and I assume towel root will work, just search the z2 forum you'll find it
Sent from my Xperia Z2 using Tapatalk
Mr.R™ said:
You can only install nuts dual recovery on a locked bootloader, proper recovery is included in the kernel and the kernel can only be changed on an unlocked bootloader, there was a a guide to rooting in one of the forums and I assume towel root will work, just search the z2 forum you'll find it
Sent from my Xperia Z2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response.
Is nuts recovery better or worse than cwm? Also i thought that towel root would not work with 4.4.4 at present?
Does the locked bootloader mean i cannot do certain things even after rooting my phone like install custom roms and kernals?
Many thanks
Faggy said:
Hi all,
Firstly sorry, you must get this all the time and be really bored of helping but i would be so grateful if anyone out there can point me in the right direction.
Firstly my phone details;
Model - Xperia Z2 D6503
Firmware - 1278-4770_23.0.1.a.3.9
Network - EE
Rooting status;
Bootloader unlock allowed: No
I want to root my phone but after reading what seems like thousands of web pages im more than a little confused. Does anyone out there have a step by step guide for beginners?
I want to use cwm recovery but don't understand how to get that on the phone as most guides say use it to back up before doing anything else but it isn't there to start with!
Also will installing cwm wipe my phone and sd card?
Any help would be much appreciated and many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Faggy said:
Thanks for the response.
Is nuts recovery better or worse than cwm? Also i thought that towel root would not work with 4.4.4 at present?
Does the locked bootloader mean i cannot do certain things even after rooting my phone like install custom roms and kernals?
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You cannot root the firmware you are on with a one click tool (like towelroot) at present. You have to downgrade to a lower firmware like 17.1.2.A.0.314 first and then root that, install a custom recovery and install a pre-rooted firmware package.
2) Your bootloader is hard locked by EE, this means that you will never be able to unlock it and install custom kernels nor custom ROM's what require custom kernels.
3) It is more than recommended to install [NUT]'s dual recovery, this installs PhilZ recovery (a more advanced CWM in my opinion), TWRP and CWM (to use CWM you have to install dual recovery manager from google play AFTER installing the dual recovery).
4) Now to downgrading, you will need to download a program called flashtool (this can be found in the Sony Cross Device development section) and the .314 ftf file (not .tft, ,ttf, .fft or any other variation people mis-spell it as). You will then need to install the drivers for your phone (these can be found in the flashtool drivers folder in the location you installed it, also if you have Windows 8 or 8.1 check my signature on how to disable driver enforcement before attempting to install the drivers.) There are plenty of guides on how to downgrade, there is even one in the firmware collection thread what can be found in the Z2 general section. Side note, when downgrading you will HAVE to wipe data and the cache (this can be selected when you are selecting the firmware to flash) or else you will end up with a phone what is in a bootloop.
5) After downgrading you will need to root, the easiest and simplest way to root would to be use the easy root toolkit (this can be found in the Sony Cross Device development section).
6) After rooting you will have to install [NUT]'s dual recovery (Sony Cross Device development section, you will need the installer file and not the flashable file).
7) After installing dual recovery you will need to flash a pre-rooted zip file of the latest update (Z2 Android Development section, I think the one by @niaboc79 is the best one to use). Alternatively you could install a custom ROM what is based on stock, it will tell you if it is.
If you need any more help, just tag me in the post (by using the @ symbol and then my user name) or PM me. Also, @Envious_Data is a great help in this device forum, helped me when I had a few queries about the phone before I got it and I have seen them help a load of people in the Q&A section.
@gamer649 Thank you for taking the time to help me, that has explained everything perfectly. I do however have a couple more questions i think you'll know about....
1 - Is there a back up app available that will do a similar back up to that of "apple". I mean reinstall all the apps i currently have and keep the home screen layouts and all data etc?
2 - In the link to the firmware downloads you gave me there is only 2 UK .314 ones and none of them are EE, shiuld i just use the unbranded one and what are the differences?
3 - The main reason i started looking into rooting was that i heard about a tweak to increase the volume of the z2 notifications by forcing it to use both speakers. Have you had any expierience with it and what other tweaks would you recomend?
Thanks again and i look forward to hearing from you again
Faggy said:
@gamer649 Thank you for taking the time to help me, that has explained everything perfectly. I do however have a couple more questions i think you'll know about....
1 - Is there a back up app available that will do a similar back up to that of "apple". I mean reinstall all the apps i currently have and keep the home screen layouts and all data etc?
2 - In the link to the firmware downloads you gave me there is only 2 UK .314 ones and none of them are EE, shiuld i just use the unbranded one and what are the differences?
3 - The main reason i started looking into rooting was that i heard about a tweak to increase the volume of the z2 notifications by forcing it to use both speakers. Have you had any expierience with it and what other tweaks would you recomend?
Thanks again and i look forward to hearing from you again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You could try using the stock back up and restore app for that. Also, if you have your data backed up with your Google account it will start to reinstall all your apps along with their data once you sign in once you downgrade. @Envious_Data any other suggestions for a non-rooted device?
2) I always go for unbranded software, the reason being that there are no carrier apps nor carrier boot logos installed into the ROM and it is how Sony intended it to be. Apart from that I don't think there are any differences.
3) I don't usually have my phone on sound mode, it is either silent or vibrate so I can't help you with that one. You could take a look in the Z2 android development section to see what mods are available, some ROM's may also include this feature.
gamer649 said:
1) You could try using the stock back up and restore app for that. Also, if you have your data backed up with your Google account it will start to reinstall all your apps along with their data once you sign in once you downgrade. Envious_Data any other suggestions for a non-rooted device?
2) I always go for unbranded software, the reason being that there are no carrier apps nor carrier boot logos installed into the ROM and it is how Sony intended it to be. Apart from that I dont think there are any differences.
3) I dont usually have my phone on sound mode, it is either silent or vibrate so I cant help you with that one. You could take a look in the Z2 android development section to see what mods are available, some ROMs may also include this feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You can use root to copy all of your apps from /data/app and you can use flashtool to bulk install all of them
2. Branded firmwares occasionaly have some small changes for better reception on the selcted network but with 314 this doesnt actualy matter
3. Have a look around for some mods, and see if they are compatible with your current firmware version

[Q] I think I've got it? (from root to rom)

From many many different threads and frankly confusing instructions I think I have puzzled together the following solid guideline for my kindle fire hdx from basic root to custom rom. Currently my firmware is 13.3.1.0.
Could someone take a look at this and tell me if I got this right or if I need to do stuff differently (or could do them better)? Don't assume that something is obvious, if it isn't written down, don't be shy to mention it. I would be ever so grateful .
Edit: I'm updating my experience as I move along the list and get more info just in case this might be useful to someone who is just as lost as I was in the beginning
Obligatory disclaimer: this is just a step-by-step guideline that worked for me. I'm not responsible if you chose to follow any of these steps and damage or brick your device.
Guideline:
-Download firmware version 3.2.3.2 and upgrade directly from any of the previous version by putting the file into the internal storage of the kindle, going to settings>device>system update on the kindle and installing the update from there.
-Root with Towelroot in the HDX toolkit downloaded from here (Edit: I got various error messages at this step but got it to work in the end. The 3rd post here shows what I did to get it working after getting error message 2 and 3 at various times)
-block OTA also with the tool in the HDX toolkit (is there a way to safely check that this worked? Edit: It worked )
-connect to wifi and install Flashify from the playstore (Edit: I ended up installing File Expert and flashify on another android device, backing up the flashify apk and sideloading it with ES File Explorer from the amazon app store to the kindle, I guess I could have also download the apk somewhere but I have trust issues.)
-download the img of TWRP 2.8.5.0. and put it in internal storage of kindle (had no problems)
-use flashify to save original stock recovery (had no problems)
-Use flashify to flash TWRP (had no problems)
- Boot into recovery mode via flashify to see if it worked (had no problems)
Now either A)
-download CM11 image and gapps and put the zip files on internal storage
-Edit: disconnect Kindle from USB afterwards
- go into TWRP recovery mode (by powering off kindle and then pressing power and volume at the same time)
- make backup of original stockrom under backups and save copy on your Computer
- wipe system, data, cache and dalvik cache under wipe/advanced (all except internal)
- flash cm11 image and gapps (under install and then find them in the files)
- reboot
-Edit: I had the wifi not connecting problem that some people have with CM11 but a reboot took care of it.
-Edit 2: I couldn't get the kindle app to work on CM11 (it wouldn't synch my books, the device wasn't recognized by amazon and it would crash every time I logged in.) so I ended up replacing it with the Nexus rom. If the chance of this happening doesn't bother you then CM11 seems to still be a good choice.
or B)
- download HDX thor nexus rom and gapps and put the zip files on internal storage
- go into TWRP recovery mode (by powering off kindle and then pressing power and volume at the same time)
- make backup of original stockrom under backups and save copy on your Computer
- wipe system, data, cache and dalvik cache under wipe/advanced (all except internal)
- Edit: disconnect Kindle from USB afterwards
- flash nexus rom and gapps (under install and then find them in the files)
- reboot
- Edit: I'm very happy with it, it works flawlessly. Since it's based on Jelly Bean I may try replacing it with another rom sometime in the future, but I'm in no hurry
Mostly correct, you can update directly to 3.2.3.2 no need for incremental steps. The only way to know if ota blocker worked is to check for update but there's really no need, as soon as you've run towel root just disable WiFi as it won't be needed anymore.
Where is unlock bootloader? As I know, you cannot flash TWRP without unlocking bootloader?!
uhraman said:
Where is unlock bootloader? As I know, you cannot flash TWRP without unlocking bootloader?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash a cuber signed TWRP on a locked bootloader, as long as you're below 3.2.4.
derpadoodle said:
You can flash a cuber signed TWRP on a locked bootloader, as long as you're below 3.2.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your replies! Is the method uhraman hinted at the better one?
snorklm said:
Thanks for your replies! Is the method uhraman hinted at the better one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fully unlocking your bootloader is definitely worthwhile but it's quite a complicated endeavour and not required for running the current custom recoveries and ROMs. I'd recommend you stick with your current method and read up on the unlocking process once you're more conformable working with this device.
derpadoodle said:
Fully unlocking your bootloader is definitely worthwhile but it's quite a complicated endeavour and not required for running the current custom recoveries and ROMs. I'd recommend you stick with your current method and read up on the unlocking process once you're more conformable working with this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could I bother you to give me a few examples on *why* it is worthwhile? Thanks!
snorklm said:
Could I bother you to give me a few examples on *why* it is worthwhile? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- more robust recovery options when recovery (TWRP) is damaged/inaccessible; better chance of reviving a bricked device
- some custom roms install/operate better with unlocked BL (technically should not be needed but sometimes seen in early builds)
- some DRM aware apps on custom roms work better with unlocked BL(eg: playstore, prime)
Guidance form derpadoodle is sound. Enjoy what you have achieved thus far; revisit BL unlock when you are more comfortable with device/technique.
Davey126 said:
- more robust recovery options when recovery (TWRP) is damaged/inaccessible; better chance of reviving a bricked device
- some custom roms install/operate better with unlocked BL (technically should not be needed but sometimes seen in early builds)
- some DRM aware apps on custom roms work better with unlocked BL(eg: playstore, prime)
Guidance form derpadoodle is sound. Enjoy what you have achieved thus far; revisit BL unlock when you are more comfortable with device/technique.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the sound advice, I will probably never feel comfortable enough for that , especially because I haven't achieved much at all yet. I haven't even flashed TWPR yet.
Yay, I did it. CM11 seems to be working as intended! Thanks again for everyone who replied and also to everyone who put so much work into making and improving all the tools and software necessary to make this kind of thing even possible, I appreciate it!
What firmware were you on to begin your process mate... ?
B3NJY said:
What firmware were you on to begin your process mate... ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on 3.0.5 when I got the device. Amazon didn't upgrade the firmware at all before sending it out, then I upgraded to 13.3.2.3. Why do you ask?
Hmm, I have now noticed that the kindle app is not working properly. I can sign in (though every time I sign in or deregister my account the app crashes) but it's not synching any of my books. They don't show up at all. The device (named android device 2 in the kindle app settings) does also not show up under my devices on amazon. Anyone know what the problem could be because this is a bit frustrating. Is this a bug with CM11 or with the amazon app?
snorklm said:
Hmm, I have now noticed that the kindle app is not working properly. I can sign in (though every time I sign in or deregister my account the app crashes) but it's not synching any of my books. They don't show up at all. The device (named android device 2 in the kindle app settings) does also not show up under my devices on amazon. Anyone know what the problem could be because this is a bit frustrating. Is this a bug with CM11 or with the amazon app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't say definitively but I would lean towards CM11 as all Amazon apps (kindle/prime/shopping/video) work fine with the Nexus ROM (v2.0.5) which is layered on the same hw/fw base as CM11. Don't get me wrong; CM11 (and the devs who adapted to the HDX) are great! But there may still be a few hiccups with native Amazon apps.
Davey126 said:
Can't say definitively but I would lean towards CM11 as all Amazon apps (kindle/prime/shopping/video) work fine with the Nexus ROM (v2.0.5) which is layered on the same hw/fw base as CM11. Don't get me wrong; CM11 (and the devs who adapted to the HDX) are great! But there may still be a few hiccups with native Amazon apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the opinion! I couldn't find any solution to the problem anywhere online and therefore just finished replacing CM11 with the Nexus rom, now the kindle app works perfectly fine and I'm very satisfied with what I've got. I will keep an eye out on rom development but for now I'm resting on my laurels :victory:. Considering that I was helplessly lost when I first came to the board I'm very happy with how smoothly everything went. But I really needed that step-by-step list I made and the assurance from the pros that it was correct, otherwise I would have probably made a careless mistake :silly:. Maybe it will be useful to a few other newbies as well. Not sure I will ever dare to fully unlock the bootloader like some suggested I might want to do at a later point in time, but we will see . Thanks again for the help!
snorklm said:
Thanks for the opinion! I couldn't find any solution to the problem anywhere online and therefore just finished replacing CM11 with the Nexus rom, now the kindle app works perfectly fine and I'm very satisfied with what I've got. I will keep an eye out on rom development but for now I'm resting on my laurels :victory:. Considering that I was helplessly lost when I first came to the board I'm very happy with how smoothly everything went. But I really needed that step-by-step list I made and the assurance from the pros that it was correct, otherwise I would have probably made a careless mistake :silly:. Maybe it will be useful to a few other newbies as well. Not sure I will ever dare to fully unlock the bootloader like some suggested I might want to do at a later point in time, but we will see . Thanks again for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear everything is working well! My daily driver is on Nexus and I could not be happier. Everything works as it should. No need to unlock the bootloader unless you plan to do more modding. Enjoy your device!
Nice. I think everybody needs this kind of guide. Whenever a question is asked it just kind of trails off most of the time.
I'm still working on the downgrade piece.
johnwaters said:
Nice. I think everybody needs this kind of guide. Whenever a question is asked it just kind of trails off most of the time.
I'm still working on the downgrade piece.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, I was overwhelmed by all the different threads and possibilities at first. I ended up approaching it like any other research project for a paper or presentation and dumped every solid (and recent) piece of good advice into Evernote and sorting it out there. But writing and updating guides (especially with the fast development I have observed) would be a lot of work, I understand completely why no one would volunteer to do it and everybody would rather answer questions on a case by case basis.
First of all thank you very much! I was looking for something like this, since i am also new to rooting devices and this stuff...
I got a new fire hdx 7 with 13.3.02
I haven't tried anything yet, I am still reading threads and i got some questions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/update-1314-4-1-1-probably-sangria-t2901813
-> I can only find 3.2.3.2 here, which is the firmware u used? Or did you mean another one?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2665683
-> the second link for hdx toolkit isnt working
How do i get the playstore on my device?
are there anywhere more informations regarding flashify? since i have no idea what this is...
thank you!
dynein said:
First of all thank you very much! I was looking for something like this, since i am also new to rooting devices and this stuff...
I got a new fire hdx 7 with 13.3.02
I haven't tried anything yet, I am still reading threads and i got some questions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/kindle-fire-hdx/general/update-1314-4-1-1-probably-sangria-t2901813
-> I can only find 3.2.3.2 here, which is the firmware u used? Or did you mean another one?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2665683
-> the second link for hdx toolkit isnt working
How do i get the playstore on my device?
are there anywhere more informations regarding flashify? since i have no idea what this is...
thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First thing you want to do is block OTA (over the air updates) or your device may be upgraded by Amazon to a level that gives you less options. Suggest using HDX Toolkit (here) to both root and block OTA. Then install twrp (here). From there you can opt to replace Fire OS will several different roms including Nexus, CM11 or CM12.
Flashify is an app that allows flashing recovery and roms from from within Android vs adb or a recovery environment. You can grab it from the Play store or another market. It's a dangerous tool; use with extreme caution.
Be aware that any of the above actions, if executed incorrectly, can permanently brick your device with little/no hope of recovery (guess that's the definition of permanent). Read, read and read some more before taking any action. Be sure to keep WiFi off on your device until OTA is blocked to prevent auto-updates.

Need assistance flashing and downgrading

My Xperia X has the oreo update (latest) and now my notification sounds only work when the phone is plugged in. Among other bull**** I'm sick of with Oreo, and the lack of fingerprint reader, I've decided to go with lineage OS. However, I'm trying to backup my TA partition first, and I can't seem to flash the MM ROM on my phone.
I've downloaded and installed the Fastboot drivers, Flashtool, and Xperifirm. I've downloaded the "Internal - Commercial and Journalist 34.0.A.1.264/R2A" files from xperifirm, opened flash tool and created an FTF bundle from that.
However, when I put the xperia X in flashmode and begin flashing, it won't flash. It ends with the error, "For flashtool, unknown sources and debugging must be checked in phone settings."
And those settings are, indeed, checked. So what am I missing here?
-=-EDIT-=-
I finally got MM downgraded. There's so many conflicting guides and videos out there the misinformation needs to be set straight.
I *HAD* to use the Flashtool that comes with xperifirm. After you open and use the flashtool with xperifim and it downloads the files, there's additional scripts that get run. This does not happen with the 3rd party flashtool.
Now I need some assistance gettin root. I can't seem to find any articles that allow me to root without unlocking my bootloader, which as I understand it will wipe the DRM keys I'm trying to backup.
First thing, don't ask this type of doubts in this section. This section is for roms and kernels. We have Q & A section specifically for these kind of queries. Now coming to your point, there's no way you can root your mobile without unlocking the bootloader.
Here is one guide you might want to read : https://forum.xda-developers.com/xp...122-android-n-34-2-2-47-t3594502/post71989987
hhjadeja007 said:
First thing, don't ask this type of doubts in this section. This section is for roms and kernels. We have Q & A section specifically for these kind of queries. Now coming to your point, there's no way you can root your mobile without unlocking the bootloader.
Here is one guide you might want to read : https://forum.xda-developers.com/xp...122-android-n-34-2-2-47-t3594502/post71989987
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh snap, thanks! I apologize. I thought I was in the Q&A section. I had so many tabs open from so many guides I was following.
I would recommend Omnirom for this device. It is officially supported and you get OTA updates every Sunday. Oshmoun is doing a great job to keep the device up. There are no official Lineage builds for Suzu.
You can also spend 50€ and give SailfishOS a try, which is a great alternative to Android. This is also officially supported, although you will also lose your warranty, because you have to unlock your bootloader.
But I think, all of them are better than that bloated stock firmware.
I use Omnirom with Microg, rooted with Magisk and F-droid as app store. No Google apps. And I am happy with this.
But I am watching the development of SailfishOS and flash it from time to time. There are still some features missing, that are a must for me. But the development is going on.

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