Related
I'll try and keep this short and to the point.
Currently running stock .290 firmware and wanting to root it, preferably without flashing a pre-rooted firmware, and without losing DRM keys.
Now if i want to root it according to this thread, i will need to unlock the Bootloader first:
"You'll have to unlock the bootloader if you want to root the .290 firmware (Android 4.3)."
and then root it via this, before i can run TA Backup to backup my DRM keys
What I'm confused about though, is that once the Bootloader is unlocked I lose my DRM Keys (as per this thread, and many other comments)
"The TA partition contains all your DRM keys for the Bravia/X-Reality Engine.
The first time you mess with your phone by unlocking the bootloader, these DRM keys will be deleted!"
The general consensus with regards to the proper order is:
1. Root
2. TA backup
3. Unlock bootloader
However for .290 it seems to be:
1. Unlock bootloader
2. Root
3. TA backup (if there is even anything left to backup?)
I guess what I'm wondering is if there is anyway to root .290 directly without first unlocking the Bootloader (and thus losing my DRM Keys), and without flashing pre-rooted firmware?
Or do i have this completely wrong, and by unlocking my Bootloader first, I won't lose my DRM Keys (contrary to what the linked thread above says)?
Thanks!
djyoshii said:
I'll try and keep this short and to the point.
Currently running stock .290 firmware and wanting to root it, preferably without flashing a pre-rooted firmware, and without losing DRM keys.
Now if i want to root it according to this thread, i will need to unlock the Bootloader first:
"You'll have to unlock the bootloader if you want to root the .290 firmware (Android 4.3)."
and then root it via this, before i can run TA Backup to backup my DRM keys
What I'm confused about though, is that once the Bootloader is unlocked I lose my DRM Keys (as per this thread, and many other comments)
"The TA partition contains all your DRM keys for the Bravia/X-Reality Engine.
The first time you mess with your phone by unlocking the bootloader, these DRM keys will be deleted!"
The general consensus with regards to the proper order is:
1. Root
2. TA backup
3. Unlock bootloader
However for .290 it seems to be:
1. Unlock bootloader
2. Root
3. TA backup (if there is even anything left to backup?)
I guess what I'm wondering is if there is anyway to root .290 directly without first unlocking the Bootloader (and thus losing my DRM Keys), and without flashing pre-rooted firmware?
Or do i have this completely wrong, and by unlocking my Bootloader first, I won't lose my DRM Keys (contrary to what the linked thread above says)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
You need to downgrade to 532 root, backup ta, unlock bootloader then update.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
SpyderTracks said:
No.
You need to downgrade to 532 root, backup ta, unlock bootloader then update.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems I'm really left with no option then.
In that case, are DRM keys linked to the hardware or firmware? In other words, by flashing the pre-rooted firmware will i still keep my original DRM keys? Or will I have new DRM keys, belonging/linked to said pre-rooted firmware?
djyoshii said:
Seems I'm really left with no option then.
In that case, are DRM keys linked to the hardware or firmware? In other words, by flashing the pre-rooted firmware will i still keep my original DRM keys? Or will I have new DRM keys, belonging/linked to said pre-rooted firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, it's only connected to xreality and a couple of other bits. More importantly it does have an effect on some streaming apps like netflix which will only work with drm. Think there may be a workaround for that on xda somewhere.
Also, if you lose drm and cannot restore the ta partition in event of breakage, then warranty is void.
Worth backing up I'd say if only for warranty purposes.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Like Spyder says, downgrade to 532 with Flashtool (no root or anything is needed), root it (it's very simple), backup TA (even simpler), unlock your bootloader, update to 290 again and root it (it's pretty simple with an unlocked bootloader).
If you regret it all and you want to re-lock the bootloader, be sure to be on a stock ROM with stock kernel and restore TA with the same tool you used to back it up with. This will also re-lock the bootloader. If you re-lock it on a custom kernel, your Ultra will not function. It will not reboot, and all you'll be left with is a blinking red LED over the screen. IF this happens, be sure to unlock the bootloader again, and it'll boot normally again.
You only have to backup the TA partition once, so if you choose to restore it and you want to unlock the bootloader yet again down the road, then just unlock it. You have the DRM keys, so you're safe. Be sure to back them up in the cloud too (Drive, Dropbox etc.) in case your computer crashes or you simply forget the DRM keys are there.
I wrote a guide on all this stuff, so take a look at it here.
You'll need to follow:
- Downgrading
- Rooting
- Backup TA Partition
- Unlocking the bootloader
After that, just download a 290 FTF and repeat step one (downgrading, but only with 290). Then when you're on 290, follow the guide you've already found. You can also flash Recovery/TWRP by following the short "Recovery and TWRP" section.
Good luck!
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
I will soon be getting a new Z Ultra and I would like to know what to do:
I want to stay on the stock rom but root it and update it to the latest version
So should I downgrade/root/unlock bootloader/whatever before i start using it?
If so, can someone tell me the steps to doing it e.g.
1) downgrade to .623
2) unlock bootloader
3) flash kernel and recovery
4) backup TA
5) update to latest version
6) root
???
panyan said:
I will soon be getting a new Z Ultra and I would like to know what to do:
I want to stay on the stock rom but root it and update it to the latest version
So should I downgrade/root/unlock bootloader/whatever before i start using it?
If so, can someone tell me the steps to doing it e.g.
1) downgrade to .623
2) unlock bootloader
3) flash kernel and recovery
4) backup TA
5) update to latest version
6) root
???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If all you are wanting is latest firmware with root just let it update then follow this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
If you do decide to unlock bootloader then you have listed steps in wrong order.
1. Root
2. Backup TA
3. Unlock Bootloader
Alternately you could use the dualrecovery installer for step 1 as it has the root exploit built in.
adfurgerson said:
If all you are wanting is latest firmware with root just let it update then follow this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
If you do decide to unlock bootloader then you have listed steps in wrong order.
1. Root
2. Backup TA
3. Unlock Bootloader
Alternately you could use the dualrecovery installer for step 1 as it has the root exploit built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to have recovery installed and have a backup of my TA partition just in case
Can you tell me the whole process please?
1-> ?
panyan said:
I would like to have recovery installed and have a backup of my TA partition just in case
Can you tell me the whole process please?
1-> ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587
2.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
Backing up TA needs to be done before unlocking bootloader as that is when DRM keys become lost. Also want to mention that I made a Nandroid right after using dualrecovery installer and before unlocking bootloader. When that backup was restored my bootloader became locked again, but I can't swear that the DRM keys remained intact.
adfurgerson said:
If all you are wanting is latest firmware with root just let it update then follow this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
If you do decide to unlock bootloader then you have listed steps in wrong order.
1. Root
2. Backup TA
3. Unlock Bootloader
Alternately you could use the dualrecovery installer for step 1 as it has the root exploit built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adfurgerson said:
1.http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587
2.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the whole process would be:
1) root (http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587)
2) backup TA (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598)
3) unlock bootloader?
4) flash recovery
5) update to latest version OS
6) root
?
panyan said:
So the whole process would be:
1) root (http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...de-root-android-4-4-4-ver-14-4-0-108-t2801587)
2) backup TA (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598)
3) unlock bootloader?
4) flash recovery
5) update to latest version OS
6) root
?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I am at work so my simple replies are even worse than normal.
The easyroot method (towelroot) and the dualrecovery exploit don't require downgrading, so just let it update to latest firmware. If you can't get the OTA for any reason you can flash the latest FTF for your region with flashtool. Then once on latest use dualrecovery installer and TA backup tool. That should have you rooted with recovery and backed up.
Edit...unlocking bootloader is only needed to flash custom ROMs or kernels.
adfurgerson said:
Sorry I am at work so my simple replies are even worse than normal.
The easyroot method (towelroot) and the dualrecovery exploit don't require downgrading, so just let it update to latest firmware. If you can't get the OTA for any reason you can flash the latest FTF for your region with flashtool. Then once on latest use dualrecovery installer and TA backup tool. That should have you rooted with recovery and backed up.
Edit...unlocking bootloader is only needed to flash custom ROMs or kernels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont apologise, I really appreciate your help.
I will want to flash custom roms in the future so should I unlock it on day 1?
So the process is:
1) update to latest 4.4.4
2) install dual recovery from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647492
3) go into recovery and make a backup
4) make a TA backup with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
5) root with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
panyan said:
Dont apologise, I really appreciate your help.
I will want to flash custom roms in the future so should I unlock it on day 1?
So the process is:
1) update to latest 4.4.4
2) install dual recovery from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647492
3) go into recovery and make a backup
4) make a TA backup with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
5) root with this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784900
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Step 5 shouldn't be needed as the dualrecovery will take care of rooting. I didn't check the links you posted but if they are the same as I did you should be good.
adfurgerson said:
Step 5 shouldn't be needed as the dualrecovery will take care of rooting. I didn't check the links you posted but if they are the same as I did you should be good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, excellent
What would the process be if I wanted to unlock the bootloader too?
panyan said:
Ok, excellent
What would the process be if I wanted to unlock the bootloader too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a quick rundown....TA backup needs root to work, TA backup saves DRM keys needed for Sony proprietary stuff like audio, video and camera, also if warranty replacement is needed. DRM keys are lost when bootloader is unlocked, also internal storage is wiped. If unlocking a brand new phone then nothings lost, but if you have apps, pics, etc. then you will need to back them up first. I can't remember if I needed to rerun the dualrecovery after unlocking or if recovery was intact. I do know that restoring a Nandroid that I made before unlocking bootloader to phone after it was unlocked caused a soft brick until I unlocked it again. Maybe @blueether could double-check the info I have given you for accuracy as I may be over my head here.
adfurgerson said:
Here is a quick rundown....TA backup needs root to work, TA backup saves DRM keys needed for Sony proprietary stuff like audio, video and camera, also if warranty replacement is needed. DRM keys are lost when bootloader is unlocked, also internal storage is wiped. If unlocking a brand new phone then nothings lost only the DRM keys are lost, but if you have apps, pics, etc. then you will need to back them up first. I can't remember if I needed to rerun the dualrecovery after unlocking or if recovery was intact. I do know that restoring a Nandroid that I made before unlocking bootloader to phone after it was unlocked caused a soft brick until I unlocked it again. Maybe @blueether could double-check the info I have given you for accuracy as I may be over my head here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all looks about right, I would just change the above a little
blueether said:
It all looks about right, I would just change the above a little
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will root and recovery persist after unlocking bootloader? I can't remember if it does or not. Thanks for looking that over, the last I want is to give out erroneous advice.
adfurgerson said:
Will root and recovery persist after unlocking bootloader? I can't remember if it does or not. Thanks for looking that over, the last I want is to give out erroneous advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant unforget either, been too long since I've had a locked BL
1) update to latest 4.4.4 - See FTF thread
2) install dual recovery by [NUT]
3) go into recovery and make a backup - handy if you ever need to get back to stock - I'm not sure if it backs up the TA either
4) make a TA backup and save it on the cloud and on HDD
5) unlock the BL by visiting Sony's dev site and using flashtool
6) re-root / reinstall su if needed
7) make another backup of the TA and call this one unlocked - this can then be used to unlock the BL with out the data wipe
All off the top of my head and not done in ages
blueether said:
1) update to latest 4.4.4 - See FTF thread
2) install dual recovery by [NUT]
3) go into recovery and make a backup - handy if you ever need to get back to stock - I'm not sure if it backs up the TA either
4) make a TA backup and save it on the cloud and on HDD
5) unlock the BL by visiting Sony's dev site and using flashtool
6) re-root / reinstall su if needed
7) make another backup of the TA and call this one unlocked - this can then be used to unlock the BL with out the data wipe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant - thank you very much
You guys have been invaluable!
So read this thread [Guide] Safe bootloader unlock, restore DRM, custom recovery, root, bootloader relock
Is this the easiest way to root as it appears complex(sorry not very technically minded).
Also once rooted will I be able to update the tablet or it becomes impossible please?
marvi0 said:
So read this thread [Guide] Safe bootloader unlock, restore DRM, custom recovery, root, bootloader relock
Is this the easiest way to root as it appears complex(sorry not very technically minded).
Also once rooted will I be able to update the tablet or it becomes impossible please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, easiest way to root is to unlock bootloadrer and flash custom rom or root stock by flashing twrp, kernel, and supersu.
You need drm keys in case if you want to get back unrooted stock.so do you really need them? In order to restore drm functionality on rooted device, use universal drm restore patch.
With unlocked bootloder, to update custom, use twrp, to update stock, use flashtool.
alex009988 said:
No, easiest way to root is to unlock bootloadrer and flash custom rom or root stock by flashing twrp, kernel, and supersu.
You need drm keys in case if you want to get back unrooted stock.so do you really need them? In order to restore drm functionality on rooted device, use universal drm restore patch.
With unlocked bootloder, to update custom, use twrp, to update stock, use flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello many thanks, did you follow the same guide I quoted in my initial post?
To all master, I have confusing case (on my own). I read almost all thread in how to get root xperia X. What I can conclude in order to get root are :
1. Backup DRM (but only for MM, not for N)
2. Unlock bootloader (but i will lost DRM keys and X-reality etc will not work)
3. Flash custom kernel / rom
4. Rooted
5. Profit
But i'm currently in 333 where I cant backup DRM (I don't want to lose it). So I wont unlock bootloader cause i dont want to lose DRM keys.
And my last chance is downgrade to MM right ?
Can I downgrade with locked bootloader ? Will I lose DRM after downgrade ?
Thanks for your help !
note : back in my old device, root is just one click away and all set
You can use the dirty cow exploit to backup your TA partition / drm keys, but you need to downgrade to MM first, since dirty cow got fixed in N. With Flashtool downgrading is possible, without unlocking your bootloader or losing your drm keys. With custom roms you can often flash a drm fix or a kernel with a built in drm fix, which restore most of the drm functions.