Hello everyone,
I just received the z2 that I purchased a few weeks ago. It is the D6503 and it should be running 4.2.2. I am coming from the Galaxy line, so I am a little unfamiliar with the nuances of the Sony software. While I do not need to install a custom rom just yet, I am looking at rooting it and running lollipop on it. However, I do not want to lose the stability and ability that comes with having my DRM intact. Can someone provide me with a little guidance on the direction to go with getting rooted and on lollipop?
Thanks everybody for your help.
Downgrade to 4.4.2, then install the XZDR. That will give you a working recovery so you can install a prerooted firmware in .zip format.
It will not be modified, just plain boring firmware with root and recovery.
Thank you very much. I know the stock will likely be boring, but since I just got the phone, I want to keep my warranty within reach until I am sure there are no issues with it. Plus, it does get bothersome losing the benefits of DRM, so I want to at least see what Sony's hardware has to offer before I take it down a notch.
Related
Hello all. I'm about to bombard you with a few noob questions that I'm really hoping someone could help me out with.
I'm currently using a Galaxy S2, but after reading a bit about custom ROMs and the ability to possibly increase battery life among other features, I have decided to delve a bit deeper. I do have a few questions though.
- What is the difference between rooting and using a custom ROM?
- Do I need a specific Kernel version or build number in order to use a custom ROM on my Galaxy s2 or does none of that matter when installing a new ROM?
- It is to my understanding that custom ROMs cannot use Kies. So, in the event that Android 4.0 comes out, will I have any problems being able to get it onto my phone with a custom ROM? Will it cause any interferences between the ROM and the new operating system?
I'm very interested in trying this out, however with the firmware I am currently running, there is no replacement to be found. In the event that I want to revert back to factory, it probably will not be possible to find this specific firmware that I am using (already searched).
Thanks a ton in advance for the help
Rooting gives you access to aspects and features on the phone that you otherwise couldn't get to. Installing a custom ROM wipes out the software on your phone and replaces it with software someone other than the OEMs developed.
You need to unlock your bootloader in order to install a custom ROM, and the process for this differs from phone to phone. Other than the different steps, it doesn't really matter what your phone has to start out with.
I don't know anything about Kies.
Honestly, I would highly recommend rooting your phone... just make sure you maek a backup as soon as you get root access (but before you install a custom ROM) and you're good to go!
roboedar said:
Hello all. I'm about to bombard you with a few noob questions that I'm really hoping someone could help me out with.
I'm currently using a Galaxy S2, but after reading a bit about custom ROMs and the ability to possibly increase battery life among other features, I have decided to delve a bit deeper. I do have a few questions though.
- What is the difference between rooting and using a custom ROM?
- Do I need a specific Kernel version or build number in order to use a custom ROM on my Galaxy s2 or does none of that matter when installing a new ROM?
- It is to my understanding that custom ROMs cannot use Kies. So, in the event that Android 4.0 comes out, will I have any problems being able to get it onto my phone with a custom ROM? Will it cause any interferences between the ROM and the new operating system?
I'm very interested in trying this out, however with the firmware I am currently running, there is no replacement to be found. In the event that I want to revert back to factory, it probably will not be possible to find this specific firmware that I am using (already searched).
Thanks a ton in advance for the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's probably a for for the GS2, where you can find details for your phone. Some methods of rooting on some devices do require a specific version of firmware. Give or take carrier issues I heard the GS2's were getting ICS in an update...
The main reasons to root your phone are to do things you can't do without root. For example using a VNC server you typically requires root, but it allows connecting to your phone via VNC. Custom ROMs are usually rooted; installing a custom ROM doesn't always need root (e.g. nvflash) but it helps eventually.
No idea what Kies is and I'm to cold to Google it. If it's in the market, check it in a browser to see what versions they support.
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Moving to Q&A
Hi from what i understand, my bootloader is automatically unlocked as my phone is unbranded and was bought sim-free. I ran a test through a terminal emulator on the device and it confirmed that my bootloader is unlocked (can't remember exactly the steps I took though).
basically, I really like the stock firmware but I hate the bloatware.
I would like to continue with the stock firmware but I wouldn't mind the benefits of getting root as well as some other minor tweaks. However, I would like to keep it as simple as possible so that the benefits of further unlocking my device definitely outweigh the effort it takes to get it there.
QUESTIONS:
Will I have to further unlock my device in some way in order to proceed with;
A- flashing a new kernel
B- flashing a new FW
Or is my device ready and good to go in its current state?
Is it possible to keep stock firmware and just flash a custom kernel for root access and other tweaks? (I am hoping that this is the case)
If so, which kernel would you recommend if the aim is to keep the experience simple and close to stock?
if not, which kernel and FW would you recommend?
How does installing a new kernel and/or firmware break the update process - could I still use PC companion when ICS comes out?
thanks for any advice - I'm no linux noob but this is my first android phone so some of the obvious stages are going a little over my head.
thanks for any help!
p.s. currently on 4.0.2.A.0.69
I'm just your average Android enthusiast, not nearly as talented and skilled as you devs, but I know my way around my phone. I am currently rocking the Galaxy S4 SCH-I545 NC5 (Rooted with Towelroot and Safestrap 3.72 installed). I never thought highly of Samsung's user interface and have wanted to upgrade to CM forever, but as each new update comes I really, really want it, so I carelessly take the OTA. I've done this far too many times so I decided to disable the system update app so I wouldn't be bothered by the new updates that come around.
Anyway, I think it's time to upgrade to Lollipop now that it's available, but I really want to keep root access, and since you guys are the professionals, I want to know the best way to flash the new update instead of take the OTA, which, if I'm not mistaken, will let me keep root and the small possibility that I can get Cyanogen some day. Is it best for me to just go ahead and take the risk-free OTA update, or should I flash? If so, can someone guide me through the process? I'm sorry if this sounds like child's play to you but I don't want to brick my phone in any situation, so it'd be great if someone could help me with this. Thanks in advance!
Screenshots for more information:
http://imgur.com/CIBx5qY,KHATxkV,fKyJcoB#2
Update: I followed a tutorial to update to OC1, but was not successful (Wouldn't boot). I used Odin to reflash the NC5 and now I'm back where I started. Anyone have an idea?
Here's the link to the tutorial:
http://zidroid.com/how-to-update-keep-root-verizon-galaxy-s4-on-lollipop-oc1/#comment-6589
Edit: Tried this twice, both didn't work. I'm considering just taking the OTA and not getting root. What should I do?
I got my Mega 6.3" (SGH-I527M) and I have a few questions:
I don't want to lose "any" functionality or performance that the stock Android 4.2.2 or 4.4.2 out of box provides me with. Even useful features of TouchWiz like multi-windows and etc. are good and I want to keep them. After all, I think this device will not receive any more love and update neither from Samsung nor XDAdevs, right?
I just need to have root access. Now with this mentioned, is there any way of rooting it without tripping Knox? I'm asking this because I'll like to be able to go back to stock ROM if I want to.
Saying this, what ROM is your favorite one, guys or gals?
Hi guys
I just got LG G3 from Sprint and I did somehow manage it to root it using kingo. I also got notification that update is downloaded (OTA), should I install it or not? Root and Hotspot are important to me but feel free go give me any suggestions - I would appreciate them. If you decide to do that I might need some help because I was away from android for a while....
Thank you in advance!
Forgot to mention, running 4.4.2 Stock Rom, rooted
The OTA you got is probably to take you Lollipop...I recently unrooted and went from 4.4.2 KitKat to 5.0.1 Lollipop. I read numerous times not to take the OTA updates when rooted on KitKat. I used an unrooting method that used the LG Flash Tool - something like this - http://www.androidrootz.com/2014/07/how-to-unroot-lg-g3-all-variants.html - though there's a similar guide here at xda, too. You'll need to download some files, including the flash tool. It seems daunting at first, but follow the instructions closely and you'll get through it.
Thank you on your response, I was very disappointed that many people viewed thread but ignored. My primary concern is - will OTA make device not rootable or rooting should still be easy process?