[Q] Factory Reset to Flash Custom ROM Bricks Phone - Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

The other day, I set about installing Cyanogenmod 11 on my Xperia Z2 D5603. I was already rooted on the stock rom 4.4.4 Kitkat 23.0.1.A.0.167. I used flashtool to downgrade to 4.4.2 17.1.2.A.0.314, rerooted it, and installed dualrecovery from this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2785598
But upon choosing reboot after flashing the custom ROM via TWRP, the phone went dark, and wouldn't turn on. The only response I got was a quick vibration every second or two if I hold down the power button. I could not access recovery either.
I was able to revive it by using flashtool to reflash 4.4.2 17.1.2.A.0.314. I tried the same procedure with AOKP ROM, which had the same result. After trying many different things, I realized that factory reset, or wiping 'system' under advanced wipe would cause this to happen. Flashing without factory reset either returns an error, or finishes, but doesn't actually flash the ROM (stock ROM boots)
How to I flash a ROM without this happening? Any help is appreciated.

Have you unlocked your bootloader? It doesn't sound like it.
These roms require another kernel and you need to unlock your bootloader to install it.

o0 Matt 0o said:
Have you unlocked your bootloader? It doesn't sound like it.
These roms require another kernel and you need to unlock your bootloader to install it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that the fact that it was successfully rooted meant that the bootloader was unlocked. Is this not the case?
How do I unlock the bootloader and install whatever kernel I need?

ljapplebaum said:
I thought that the fact that it was successfully rooted meant that the bootloader was unlocked. Is this not the case?
How do I unlock the bootloader and install whatever kernel I need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm no.
Root ! = unlocked bootloader.
Go to the sony website ( http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/unlock-yourboot-loader) to get instructions to unlock your bootloader.
But with your first assumption in mind, I suggest you read up about it first. Understand the risks and limitations.

o0 Matt 0o said:
Hmm no.
Root ! = unlocked bootloader.
Go to the sony website to get instructions to unlock your bootloader.
But with your first assumption in mind, I suggest you read up about it first. Understand the risks and limitations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect! I unlocked the bootloader by using the instructions on sony's website. It did the trick, and CM11 is running successfully.
Thanks so much!

Related

Sony Xperia Ulta c6806

I read in the Developers forums that you can get Cwm for Locked Bootloaders. Ive been trying to get it for a week and can this be done? I bought the Ultra at Bell and it says its model number c6806 and its locked.
dvella21 said:
I read in the Developers forums that you can get Cwm for Locked Bootloaders. Ive been trying to get it for a week and can this be done? I bought the Ultra at Bell and it says its model number c6806 and its locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. here it is:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739
However just because you have CWM, doesn't mean you can flash ROM's.
All you can do is flash Root, and other mods.
hamdogg said:
Yes. here it is:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2426739
However just because you have CWM, doesn't mean you can flash ROM's.
All you can do is flash Root, and other mods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry for the quick question, but would that work on the C6802 on .257, with locked bootloader? i've been wondering if i could get root without unlocking the bootloader(to preserve warranty).
yogi2010 said:
sorry for the quick question, but would that work on the C6802 on .257, with locked bootloader? i've been wondering if i could get root without unlocking the bootloader(to preserve warranty).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can root with a locked bootloader.
to unlock your bootloader you need to have root access.
You can always backup your TA partition, and then unlock bootloader, and then restore the TA partition and restore bootlock as well.
many possibilitites
hamdogg said:
yes you can root with a locked bootloader.
to unlock your bootloader you need to have root access.
You can always backup your TA partition, and then unlock bootloader, and then restore the TA partition and restore bootlock as well.
many possibilitites
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey thank you sir for the response. I got my phone with .257 version already on it tho, and from what I'm reading, I can't find a way to root on .257 without unlocking the boot loader. is this correct?
as I see it, the only option I have on .257 is to unlock the bootloader with the Sony method, but no way to root first. am I mistaken? thanks!
lmemma16 said:
hey thank you sir for the response. I got my phone with .257 version already on it tho, and from what I'm reading, I can't find a way to root on .257 without unlocking the boot loader. is this correct?
as I see it, the only option I have on .257 is to unlock the bootloader with the Sony method, but no way to root first. am I mistaken? thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you could do is use flash tool to go back to another firmware, then root, and then update to the newest version. But not flashing the kernel. then you can flash the modified kernel with CWM, and then flash the new kernel afterwards.
I think there is a tutorial on here that tells you how to do it.
hamdogg said:
What you could do is use flash tool to go back to another firmware, then root, and then update to the newest version. But not flashing the kernel. then you can flash the modified kernel with CWM, and then flash the new kernel afterwards.
I think there is a tutorial on here that tells you how to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah yes, OK, that's what I was wondering, whether it is possible to downgrade the firmware with a locked boot loader, using Flashtool. perhaps I will try.. thanks
I just remember on some other devices I've had, a locked boot loader wouldn't allow a firmware downgrade.

[Q] [SOLVED] Bootloader Unlock needs Root and Root needs Bootloader Unlock

Hello dear XDA Community,
- Xperia Z Ultra
- 4.4.2
- 14.3.A.0.681
- C6833
I have a big problem with understanding all of this tutorials. I read everything about rooting and unlocking the Bootloader.
I understood that I need to backup my TA Partition for Unlocking my Bootloader so I can continue to use Sony technology.
Requirements ? Root. Okay that was my first problem. So i looked up how to root my phone and what do i need ? A phone with a unlocked bootloader. great! Sure you can say "look at this topic and carefully read" but I really did that and I am really helpless. Thanks for any help!
What did I read ?
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598&nocache=1 (requires root)
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2569904 (requires unlocked bootloader)
- watched severel youtube videos and encountered the same problem
Greets
tr0teK
When your bootloader is unlocked, you can never use X-Reality and any other item which requires the DRM in the Trim Area partition,
Restoring the TA partition without relocking the bootloader will not result in the return of X-Reality and such even if you are using a Sony ROM. This situation appears to have changed since the release of 4.4.
Backing up the TA partition is only good for relocking the bootloader on a Stock ROM (any custom AOSP, CM, AOSPA etc will fail to boot on a locked bootloader), for personal choice or returning the phone under warranty.
You can unlock the bootloader when not rooted, in fact you don't do it with the phone running normally anyway so root or not rooted, it does not matter in that sense.
You don't need to unlock the bootloader to root, if you are willing to re-set up your phone again. What you need to do is downgrade to 4.2, which is rootable, root, install recovery and flash the 681 pre-rooted zip, and use flashtool to flash the associated ftf file to get rooted on 681.
Follow the instructions in Lord Manhattan's thread that you linked to,in order to downgrade and install a recovery, then visit the following link to get the zip & ftf to re-up to 4.4 (681). You most likely will lose cellular connectivity whilst you are downgraded (there is a way around this, but as you are only going down to 4.2 to get a recovery, maintaining your IMEI for that short period of time is just a waste of effort), but it will return when you are back on 681 (4.4).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687848
- Downgrade to 532
- Root it using Bin4ry's tool
- Backup the TA partition
- Unlock bootloader
- Either update to 681 again and take it from there or flash a kernel with recovery/TWRP and flash a pre-rooted 681. It's easy to root 681, so whatever floats your boat.
Don't mean to hijack this topic but I don't want to open another thread,
if I back up the TA partition, unlock bootloader, root the phone, then relock bootloader, then restore TA partition to bring back the xreality,
I am not going to install custom recovery and Roms.
Thanks for the Informations. I will give it a try the next days and report you if it worked.
coolmingli said:
Don't mean to hijack this topic but I don't want to open another thread,
if I back up the TA partition, unlock bootloader, root the phone, then relock bootloader, then restore TA partition to bring back the xreality,
I am not going to install custom recovery and Roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically it'll work, but i have never done it before. Everything should go smoothly until you're going to re-lock the bootloader. You can't re-lock it on a custom kernel, and you'll be on a custom kernel once you flash Jackie's kernel with recovery, so you'll have to flash a complete stock kernel, then restore the TA partition with the TA Backup Tool, which will also automatically re-lock the bootloader. You should in theory end up with a complete stock ROM with root. That's on paper.
Worst case scenario? If you re-lock the bootloader while you're on a custom kernel, it'll explode it won't power on at all, and all you'll get is a blinking red LED and death. To fix this, just unlock the bootloader in Flashtool again and you're back to start again. It's not dangerous, but it's nerve wrecking to see it there, just blinking without any sign of life. I almost crapped my pants the first time i experienced it, and had no clue what was happening or what to do.
LordManhattan said:
Technically it'll work, but i have never done it before. Everything should go smoothly until you're going to re-lock the bootloader. You can't re-lock it on a custom kernel, and you'll be on a custom kernel once you flash Jackie's kernel with recovery, so you'll have to flash a complete stock kernel, then restore the TA partition with the TA Backup Tool, which will also automatically re-lock the bootloader. You should in theory end up with a complete stock ROM with root. That's on paper.
Worst case scenario? If you re-lock the bootloader while you're on a custom kernel, it'll explode it won't power on at all, and all you'll get is a blinking red LED and death. To fix this, just unlock the bootloader in Flashtool again and you're back to start again. It's not dangerous, but it's nerve wrecking to see it there, just blinking without any sign of life. I almost crapped my pants the first time i experienced it, and had no clue what was happening or what to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, I think I will ditch rooting from this phone, too much troubles, I don't understand why Sony put the DRM key in a trim partition, perhaps they don't want us to root the phone after all.
I did it guys. It worked!
My steps:
- Downgraded to 4.2.2 with Flashtool (.532)
- Rooted with Bin4ry's tool
- Installed CWM and TWRP Dual Recovery for Xperia Z locked Bootloader by krabappe12548
- Flashed to 4.4.2[rooted] (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687848)
Now I have the newest version with Root Access. Everything works great
Greets
tr0teK
tr0teK said:
I did it guys. It worked!
My steps:
- Downgraded to 4.2.2 with Flashtool (.532)
- Rooted with Bin4ry's tool
- Installed CWM and TWRP Dual Recovery for Xperia Z locked Bootloader by krabappe12548
- Flashed to 4.4.2[rooted] (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687848)
Now I have the newest version with Root Access. Everything works great
Greets
tr0teK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is this witout unlock the bootloader?
MjsNL said:
is this witout unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that will work well on a locked BL
If you are only downgrading to flash the current rooted firmware, you don't even need to root 532, as [nut]'s dual recovery can be installed by the same method that bin4ry's root is delivered, just install the recovery, flash the zip, flash the ftf and away you go

[Q] Trouble relocking bootloader on C6802

Hi, I'm having some issues relocking my bootloader, as I'd like to go back to OTA updates.
I'm currently running the below ftf and kernel:
C6802_14.3.A.0.681_Generic HK.ftf
681_jackie099.img (by jackie099)
I tried relocking the bootloader using Flashtool 0.9.15, and according to flashtool it worked, but it's nothing but boot loops after that...
I thought that maybe I need to go back to a stock kernel first, but unfortunately, I can't find one after extensive googling...
Any ideas?
All the FTFs have a kernel in them.
Do you still want root? OTAs probably wont work with root. If you want pure stock just flash a FTF after restoring the TA backup.
Sent from my Xperia Z Ultra using Tapatalk
bframe5 said:
Hi, I'm having some issues relocking my bootloader, as I'd like to go back to OTA updates.
I'm currently running the below ftf and kernel:
C6802_14.3.A.0.681_Generic HK.ftf
681_jackie099.img (by jackie099)
I tried relocking the bootloader using Flashtool 0.9.15, and according to flashtool it worked, but it's nothing but boot loops after that...
I thought that maybe I need to go back to a stock kernel first, but unfortunately, I can't find one after extensive googling...
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
having a modified kernel like jackies wont allow you to boot. (locked bootloaders will only permit a totally stock ROM)
So to have root and recovery you will need to have an unlocked bootloader.
actually... you could flash your ROM... flash jackies kernel and then root.
Then flash the stock kernel.
... and then you can lock your bootloader and still have root.
.. and it will boot.
blueether said:
All the FTFs have a kernel in them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clearing that up!

[Q]Cannot relock bootloader for Xperia U 4.4.4 kitkat

So here is my issue. I updated my android on my Xpreia U St25i to KitKat and in the prossess I had to unlock my Bootloader and now I cannot lock it. I tryind flashing it with flashtool with many ftfs that I found on the internet but the result is always the same. After the flash the phone does not start. I click the power button but the led flashes for a sec in green light and thats it. It seems like the phone is stuck into flash mode. If anyone has any ideas, phease help!
Thanks in advance!
R3in said:
So here is my issue. I updated my android on my Xpreia U St25i to KitKat and in the prossess I had to unlock my Bootloader and now I cannot lock it. I tryind flashing it with flashtool with many ftfs that I found on the internet but the result is always the same. After the flash the phone does not start. I click the power button but the led flashes for a sec in green light and thats it. It seems like the phone is stuck into flash mode. If anyone has any ideas, phease help!
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You unlock the bootloader to enable boot custom kernels not made by Sony. If you relock it won't boot custome kernels because the bootloader is "locked" to boot Sony kernels only.
You wank kitkat, bootloader must be unlockedm and there is no real reason you will want to relock your phone.
ChikeD said:
You unlock the bootloader to enable boot custom kernels not made by Sony. If you relock it won't boot custome kernels because the bootloader is "locked" to boot Sony kernels only.
You wank kitkat, bootloader must be unlockedm and there is no real reason you will want to relock your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well one thing is that I cannot update my PC Companion to a newer version so I cannot restore a backup and I read that this is because of the unlocked bootloader. Also there are occasional reboots of the phone with no particular reason.
R3in said:
Well one thing is that I cannot update my PC Companion to a newer version so I cannot restore a backup and I read that this is because of the unlocked bootloader. Also there are occasional reboots of the phone with no particular reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PC companion is updated regardless of your bootloader, it will update without a phone being connected.
I don't think you can restore backups to custom non-tock-based ROMs with PCC anyway, you must choose stock(or custom stock-based) or custom ROM.
If you want to re-lock, you must use stock ROM and kitkat does not work with it.
ChikeD said:
PC companion is updated regardless of your bootloader, it will update without a phone being connected.
I don't think you can restore backups to custom non-tock-based ROMs with PCC anyway, you must choose stock(or custom stock-based) or custom ROM.
If you want to re-lock, you must use stock ROM and kitkat does not work with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK than. Thank you, and one more thing, does Jellybean work work with stock ROM ? Will I be able to relock the bootloader?
R3in said:
OK than. Thank you, and one more thing, does Jellybean work work with stock ROM ? Will I be able to relock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand the question, what kind of jellybean work?
If you mean custom non-stock based ROMs like CyanogenMod than no.

working root method for 5.1.1 with unlockable bootloader?

I have mine updated to 5.1.1 and the bootloader is unlockable. However, the rooting instruction is confusing for this version.
I am looking for the definite solution for rooting (if it is required to unlock the bootloader, should I backup TA partition first?) 100% stock 5.1.1.
Frankly, I don't want to mess with Kingroot or similar tools from China.
I'm interested in this as well. Sent for warranty repair and came back with 5.1.1. Looking for recommended way to root and backup TA (though I have the original backup somewhere)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/general/guide-how-to-root-install-recovery-t3210207
I managed to root the device. Here is a guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/general/comprehensive-guide-rooting-5-1-x-t3219502
This is how i did it...downgraded to 4.4.4 and root it,TA backup, unlocked the device, updated to 5.1.1 with stock ftf installed the new recovery an flashed the TWRP after that flash the SuperSU zip and done...
fnldstntn said:
This is how i did it...downgraded to 4.4.4 and root it,TA backup, unlocked the device, updated to 5.1.1 with stock ftf installed the new recovery an flashed the TWRP after that flash the SuperSU zip and done...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a waste of time. OP has an unlockable bootloader, so he just has to:
- Flash recovery
- Flash SuperSU
- Reboot
Klaos3000 said:
That's a waste of time. OP has an unlockable bootloader, so he just has to:
- Flash recovery
- Flash SuperSU
- Reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlockable =/= unlocked
mingkee said:
unlockable =/= unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the BL is still FAR quicker than going through that hellish process for locked bootloaders. It's like trying to juggle with your hands tied to your back, but they're not really tied. Not sure why WE are arguing though. You provided a guide for a locked bootloader, while I gave one for unlocked. What OP decides to do is currently a mystery.
Klaos3000 said:
Unlocking the BL is still FAR quicker than going through that hellish process for locked bootloaders. It's like trying to juggle with your hands tied to your back, but they're not really tied. Not sure why WE are arguing though. You provided a guide for a locked bootloader, while I gave one for unlocked. What OP decides to do is currently a mystery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a deal: unlocking bootloader will remove DRM key. The only workaround is to backup TA partition. However, doing such also requires root, so you have to root before unlocking bootloader.
Don't you know your method is no brainer???! But dealing with DRM key is another story.
Hello !
Frankly you should try with kingroot it's not really a big deal it's quicker and don't worry you will not mess up your phone. I did the same on mine, and it's quick...
LordBli said:
Hello !
Frankly you should try with kingroot it's not really a big deal it's quicker and don't worry you will not mess up your phone. I did the same on mine, and it's quick...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kingroot does not work with 5.1.x, sorry.
I still have to rollback to 4.4.x and use dualrecovery method 3.
mingkee said:
Kingroot does not work with 5.1.x, sorry.
I still have to rollback to 4.4.x and use dualrecovery method 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, so roll back to KitKat, root, backup your TA, unlock bootloader, and then update to 5.1.1 again. You'll then be able to just flash a recovery and root. If you don't care about the TA partition, then unlock bootloader and flash recovery and root.
Be aware that if your device is still under warranty, it'll be voided the second you lose the DRM keys (TA). If you're not under warranty anymore, it doesn't make any difference. If your device has to go into repairs down the road, it won't matter since you don't have warranty either way. But if you have, it's a good idea to back it up.
Also, the X-Reality engine etc. were at one point dependent on the TA partition, but this changed on KitKat, so X-Reality still works on an unlocked bootloader (even though it's really bad).
Klaos3000 said:
Okay, so roll back to KitKat, root, backup your TA, unlock bootloader, and then update to 5.1.1 again. You'll then be able to just flash a recovery and root. If you don't care about the TA partition, then unlock bootloader and flash recovery and root.
Be aware that if your device is still under warranty, it'll be voided the second you lose the DRM keys (TA). If you're not under warranty anymore, it doesn't make any difference. If your device has to go into repairs down the road, it won't matter since you don't have warranty either way. But if you have, it's a good idea to back it up.
Also, the X-Reality engine etc. were at one point dependent on the TA partition, but this changed on KitKat, so X-Reality still works on an unlocked bootloader (even though it's really bad).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is what I did as mentioned on the post linked on earlier post.
Download the latest ROM with Xperifirm, and 4.4.x ROM found in a sticky on the general section.
Pack the 5.1.X ROM as flashable pre-rooted.
Use Flashtool to rollback to 4.4.x, completely wipe, made initial setup and enable debug, and install recovery.
Install pre-rooted ROM through TWRP.
Backup TA partition and device data.
Unlock bootloader.
Restore TA partition and device data.
Done.

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