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How do I tell if my bootloader is unlocked?
I just got the pone and haven't done anything to it yet but I'm seeing options I wasn't expecting in a locked phone like the ability to enable USB debugging and the ability to instanll non-market apps. So could that mean my phone already has an unlocked bootloader? How do I check?
No - the phones all have that. These have nothing to do with unlocked B/L. The ADB connectivity doesn't function as root though.
Standard Android settings...
Thanks. Guess that means I still have root the phone sometime. At least I'm on 2.3.3 and not 2.3.4 so I should be able to avoid the battery issue.
No battery issue here...
There is no battery issue with 2.3.4 it only happens when you try downgrading to 2.3.2 I believe (which I am not going to test myself, there is already enough people who have fallen into this trap), you can still root 2.3.4 too with rootxperia, the only thing that's not possible (yet) is doomlords kernel for overclocking and that's it, everything else is good, and 2.3.4 is so much better over 2.3.3. quicker, panorama pictures, and lots more including swipe inbuilt into the firmware
I can only root with rootXperia if I have an unlocked bootloader. And to me the process for unlocking the bootloader looks trickier than the process for rooting. So yeah I meant the issue when downgrading to 2.3.2.
It's not too tricky, get alejandrissimo to help you out or you can try the offical sony way. but yeah, I forgot that you couldn't use rootxperia without a unlocked bootloader, my bad. it's worth doing though to be honest.
I don't think I can keep a stable enough connection to Mexico for Alejandrissimo to help me out. Also as far as I know SE hasn't made that site yet that they wanted to allow bootloader unlocking (and even if they did it was gonna be region based so my region most likely won't be supported till 2020 or something like that).
At this point however I'm not noticing much I'd like to have and don't that a root would provide me with. I don't want to try custom roms, I'm perfectly happy with stock and my need for a better battery icon is taken care of by a widget so that just leaves better backups (since to full back everything up these apps needs root access)...but the thing is I probably would only need a backup if I wanted to root or flash something in the first place.
Okay fair enough then, yeah I didn't think about the stable connection. well you don't need a real stable connection to get the IMEI code to sony to get the unlock code, the bootloader unlock is here for the neo -> http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/instructions I don't think it is based on regions, however if the phone is locked to a provider, (from experience) I don't think it will work, (is why I couldn't use this method) up to you if you want to give it a shot though. good luck.
Oh wow thanks. I didn't know about that all. Does the bootloader get relocked upon doing a PC Companion update just like the root is lost? Because I notice that says not to do an OTA update after the bootloader has been unlocked that way.
The BL will remain unlocked whatever you do. Only deliberately relocking using a specific flash regime (available on XDA) will work.
The OTA warning is because once the BL is unlocked, OTA updates may/can fail badly. PC C is fine.
BTW, all this information is already on this forum...
Yeah sorry. I admit I haven't looked around enough. But I thought it was slightly different for every phone.
Search is your friend mate, do a bit of research and enjoy using your phone.
Greetings
I foolishly upgraded my tablet to the latest version (4.2.2) before rooting my device. I understand that 4.2.2 cannot be rooted at this time. If I am wrong, please let me know.
So....I downloaded EMMA, unlocked my tablet, installed EMMA and proceeded to (as I though) downgrade to 4.1.2, in order to root the tablet and then upgrade.
EMMA happily installed the downgrade and indicated it was successful. Upon restarting my tablet, I noticed that I still had 4.2.2. I tried to again install the downgrade, but no luck.
I did do a complete backup of my data, so after reinstalling my apps, I was able to restore data and get my tablet back to its original (4.2.2) state. Of course, I am sitting with an unlocked device. I did not see any way on EMMA to relock the bootloader.
Without overly trying the patience of those who have far more knowledge of these matters than I, here are a few questions:
-why didn't the downgrade take?
-given I have an unlocked device, is there an alternate method to downgrade, root, protect root, upgrade and relock device?
-if number 2 is not possible what is the easiest and quickest way to relock the bootloader.
-is rooting 4.2.2 a question of when or if?
I would like to thank you all for reading this and any help you have to offer.
Have a good day.
gderreck said:
Without overly trying the patience of those who have far more knowledge of these matters than I, here are a few questions:
-why didn't the downgrade take?
-given I have an unlocked device, is there an alternate method to downgrade, root, protect root, upgrade and relock device?
-if number 2 is not possible what is the easiest and quickest way to relock the bootloader.
-is rooting 4.2.2 a question of when or if?
I would like to thank you all for reading this and any help you have to offer.
Have a good day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Emma does not downgrade. It only installs the latest ROM ("service") for your device. It wrongly shows you the previous version in the list of services available (.370 for example for my 311). If you view the ''service" details in the bottom of the right-hand panel in Emma, you will see it actually refers to the latest ROM, not the previous.
Also, as far as I know, you cannot re-lock your bootloader with Emma. You will have to use Flashtool - search these forums or Google it for a "how to". Why do you want to re-lock?
There is a way to get root on 4.2.2 if you have an unlocked bootloader, see here :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2392092&page=24 , post #232. I have not tried this myself, so I can't say if it works.
A little tip for you - when asking a question here, please state your device version (311, 312 or 321).
gderreck said:
Greetings
I foolishly upgraded my tablet to the latest version (4.2.2) before rooting my device. I understand that 4.2.2 cannot be rooted at this time. If I am wrong, please let me know.
So....I downloaded EMMA, unlocked my tablet, installed EMMA and proceeded to (as I though) downgrade to 4.1.2, in order to root the tablet and then upgrade.
EMMA happily installed the downgrade and indicated it was successful. Upon restarting my tablet, I noticed that I still had 4.2.2. I tried to again install the downgrade, but no luck.
I did do a complete backup of my data, so after reinstalling my apps, I was able to restore data and get my tablet back to its original (4.2.2) state. Of course, I am sitting with an unlocked device. I did not see any way on EMMA to relock the bootloader.
Without overly trying the patience of those who have far more knowledge of these matters than I, here are a few questions:
-why didn't the downgrade take?
-given I have an unlocked device, is there an alternate method to downgrade, root, protect root, upgrade and relock device?
-if number 2 is not possible what is the easiest and quickest way to relock the bootloader.
-is rooting 4.2.2 a question of when or if?
I would like to thank you all for reading this and any help you have to offer.
Have a good day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look here for downgrade instructions:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2427256
I've done it yesterday and am glad i got rid of that dreadful phablet UI.
Thank you both for your replies. Mode is SGP311. I bought it from Sony Canada. I'm not sure if that is significant. Would I be correct in guessing that the US firmware is different from the Canadian version?
Thanks
gderreck said:
Thank you both for your replies. Mode is SGP311. I bought it from Sony Canada. I'm not sure if that is significant. Would I be correct in guessing that the US firmware is different from the Canadian version?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a look here:
"http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2433466"
Given that you have a SGP311, you should be able to root stock 4.2.2 using this.
if HTC allows downgrading the bootloader so I can install a custom rom after I make the mistake of taking an OTA update from ATT. With the S4 this wasn't possible. but since this is my first android phone, I was wondering if it was Samsung trying to keep the device "secure" or ATT forcing these companies to keep their bootloaders locked.
some_douchebag said:
if HTC allows downgrading the bootloader so I can install a custom rom after I make the mistake of taking an OTA update from ATT. With the S4 this wasn't possible. but since this is my first android phone, I was wondering if it was Samsung trying to keep the device "secure" or ATT forcing these companies to keep their bootloaders locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you unlock the boot loader no update can relock it. HTC offers a lot more freedom than samsung, but at the price of no warranty. So if you unlock it and shatter your screen, don't be upset like other people when htc will not warranty it. As long as you have a custom recovery, your phone cannot even physically take an ota update so nothing to worry about either way.
The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act is in place for us consumers for this reason. The company has to prove that any modification you did, is the cause of the trouble. So if you unlock your bootloader, root, etc, then crack your screen, as the poster above mentioned, the company can not void your warranty since what you did has nothing to do with cracking your screen.
This was huge for me when I modified my car and I found this here on XDA after doing more searching
http://www.xda-developers.com/xda-tv-2/your-warranty-is-not-void-xda-tv/
Oh and yeah,,if you are outside the US, it wont work lol
some_douchebag said:
if HTC allows downgrading the bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends on what you mean by "allow". You cannot downgrade the bootloader by any "official" means. You will fail version check when you try to install, as you can "normally" only flash a equal or great version number hboot.
But if you are s-off, version check is bypassed, and any hboot version can be flashed.
Similar to a previous response, my advice would be to unlock the bootloader (required if you want to flash custom ROMs anyway) and S-off the phone soon after you get it. Neither of those can be changed by any OTA.
Also, accepting OTA is not recommended on a modded phone, anyway. Whatever came in the update will usually get posted in a stock rooted form in the Development forum, and/or incorporated into custom ROMs, often within days of the OTA rolling out. And OTA will not install on a modded phone (stock recovery needs to be present). OTAs also may plug existing s-off or other exploit; preventing you from doing them if you haven't already (but as mentioned, can't make the phone s-on again). Moral of the story, I strongly recommend against OTA on any modded phone.
Some of these terms/concepts are HTC specific, so may be a bit confusing for you. I would suggest reading up on these forums, if you aren't familiar with s-off, HTC's bootloader unlock process, etc.
I've seen multiple threads on rooting the device both here and on other sites and all of them conveniently leave out mentioning the fact that you're irreversibly ****ed if you don't backup your DRM keys first.
With DRM keys, I find the thread for Backup TA only to be told the tool is no longer maintained, and I haven't come across anything else that's similar.
The instructions for Backup TA say that you need the device to be rooted in order to perform a backup. If I understand correctly, rooting requires unlocking the bootloader first - and doing that will invalidate the keys, so epic Catch 22 right there.
And yes, I know that this question has been asked before, but I'm looking to see if there is anything new as of today, i.e. July 2nd 2015 that is specifically applicable to the very latest firmware. So is it possible to root the device without losing DRM keys or having to downgrade to last year's firmware first?
If you download an app called "kingroot" I think, you will be able to root on the latest firmware, however, there are roumors who says that this method sends your IMEI to a company in Japan or China or something.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app somewhere in Norway
You could just download some older firmware, install it without unlocking the bootloader. Then root the device using some other method (because on older firmware there were exploits available) and backup the TA partition (DRM keys) right away. Then you're able to wipe the device again, install the latest LP firmware and be happy with a backup
KaiserSnorezay said:
I've seen multiple threads on rooting the device both here and on other sites and all of them conveniently leave out mentioning the fact that you're irreversibly ****ed if you don't backup your DRM keys first.
With DRM keys, I find the thread for Backup TA only to be told the tool is no longer maintained, and I haven't come across anything else that's similar.
The instructions for Backup TA say that you need the device to be rooted in order to perform a backup. If I understand correctly, rooting requires unlocking the bootloader first - and doing that will invalidate the keys, so epic Catch 22 right there.
And yes, I know that this question has been asked before, but I'm looking to see if there is anything new as of today, i.e. July 2nd 2015 that is specifically applicable to the very latest firmware. So is it possible to root the device without losing DRM keys or having to downgrade to last year's firmware first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have it confused. Rooting using exploits like towel root or kingroot doesn't unlock your bootloader and you dont loose your DRM keys. If you want to unlock your bootloader you will have to goto Sony website and type in your IMEI and follow a procedure.
Try the steps mentioned in this link, it'll help you root your phone without unlocking your boot loader. Once you have root and recovery, you can go to recovery and backup only the TRIM Area which is the TA partition.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z2/development/stock-d6502-6503-23-1-1-28-complete-t3104145
Hello,
I am new to this forum and rooting procces, I've read some threads and didn't understand few things.
So, my questions are:
1. Is it possible to root phone without unlocking bootloader and losing DRM keys?
2. If it isn't,is there a way to backup DRM keys and restore them after rooting?
3. If I am able to root without unlocking bootloader will I still get OTA updates and if I do, will OTA update delete my root status?
Sorry if these questions were already asked in other thread, I was searching a bit and couldn't find any of those. Hope you can help me out.
Thank you in advance and have a nice day
1. Yes it is although you do need some time to do it. It's not difficult though.
2. As soon as you root, you can take a ta backup(which requires a few clicks and about 2 minutes of your time).
3. You won't be able to use Ota (even if you are which you most likely won't, it is recommended that you DO NOT use it).
cindra said:
1. Is it possible to root phone without unlocking bootloader and losing DRM keys?
2. If it isn't,is there a way to backup DRM keys and restore them after rooting?
3. If I am able to root without unlocking bootloader will I still get OTA updates and if I do, will OTA update delete my root status?
Sorry if these questions were already asked in other thread, I was searching a bit and couldn't find any of those. Hope you can help me out.
Thank you in advance and have a nice day
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.-Yes, the method is called "Downgrading". I go back to 4.4.2 (Build number 314) and use the older XZDR (Xperia Z Dual Recovery). It will temporarily root to install the recovery. When the phone reboots you can install a custom ROM or whatever to get Lollipop with Root and Recovery
2.-After rooting on 4.4.2 you can do a backup of the DRM Keys
3.-Just because you have rooted your phone you will no longer be able to get OTA updates for the Android system itself. OTA will show a random error message and PC Companion will refuse because of the modified software.
Ok, thank you for answers
Is there any 6+ Android build that is pre-rooted or is it better to stick with 5.1.1 rooted?
Alo, I've heard that cam quality could drop after rooting or unlocking bootloader, is it true?
cindra said:
Ok, thank you for answers
Is there any 6+ Android build that is pre-rooted or is it better to stick with 5.1.1 rooted?
Alo, I've heard that cam quality could drop after rooting or unlocking bootloader, is it true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stick with android 5.1.1 for now.
And yes, cam quality WILL DROP, but only after UNLOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER. Rooting alone won't hurt your cam quality.
Mokiwipeout said:
Stick with android 5.1.1 for now.
And yes, cam quality WILL DROP, but only after UNLOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER. Rooting alone won't hurt your cam quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I was thinking a lot if I should root or not. I decided to root. So just to clarify some things. If I use comunity root with downgrading,will it keep my DRM keys? If yes, I backup TA partition when rooted and then I can proceed with BL unlocking. Can I restore DRM keys to a custom ROM? Do you have any good custom ROM suggestion for me and is it better to use odexed or deodexed ROM?
I saw also saw this thread, hope it works so I won't be losing any camera quality.
That should be all.
Thank you in advance.
Have a nice day .
If you do NOT UNLOCK your bootloader, you wont lose your drm keys. (this is why after rooting using this method you can actually backup your drm keys, which you MUST DO no matter what).
When you restore your drm keys, you actually RELOCK your bootloader, so you must be on a stock based custom rom, and not using a custom kernel, otherwise you will simply brick your device.
Odexed or deodexed rom is purely personal preference, the difference being that deodexed ROMs allow for more customization (which is not necessary though). Regarding this, it doesn't really matter whether it is deodexed or not, so keep this in mind.
I cannot suggest a rom and I would advise against asking which rom is the best, because it is against the forum's rules.
Mokiwipeout said:
If you do NOT UNLOCK your bootloader, you wont lose your drm keys. (this is why after rooting using this method you can actually backup your drm keys, which you MUST DO no matter what).
When you restore your drm keys, you actually RELOCK your bootloader, so you must be on a stock based custom rom, and not using a custom kernel, otherwise you will simply brick your device.
Odexed or deodexed rom is purely personal preference, the difference being that deodexed ROMs allow for more customization (which is not necessary though). Regarding this, it doesn't really matter whether it is deodexed or not, so keep this in mind.
I cannot suggest a rom and I would advise against asking which rom is the best, because it is against the forum's rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for answer. If i use this method will it keep my bootloader locked (Will DRM keys stay on phone?).
Look.
Your bootloader cannot be "accidentally" unlocked. You have to get the bootloader unlock code by YOURSELF. A program wont do it on its own.
So don't worry, even if the method you chose to root the device requires an unlocked bootloader, it will be stated since you have to do it manually.
Plus, rooting a device with an unlocked bootloader simply requires installing a custom kernel(which has a recovery too) and then flashing a zip file that will root the phone.
Mokiwipeout said:
Look.
Your bootloader cannot be "accidentally" unlocked. You have to get the bootloader unlock code by YOURSELF. A program wont do it on its own.
So don't worry, even if the method you chose to root the device requires an unlocked bootloader, it will be stated since you have to do it manually.
Plus, rooting a device with an unlocked bootloader simply requires installing a custom kernel(which has a recovery too) and then flashing s zip fike that will root the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much and sorry for so stupid questions, I am new to this and just want to be sure