Hey guys,
Thanks in advance for any help you can give on the subject.
I just bought a Sony Xperia Z Ultra from eBay, arrived a couple of days ago, in great working condition. The firmware installed is 4.2.2, and I can't upgrade past there.
I contacted Sony and they told me it's because the IMEI number puts it's origin in Hong Kong which is why I can't update it. The only thing I can do is contact Sony Hong Kong, and I'm having a difficult time doing so.
Does anyone have a fix or workaround for this situation?
I was thinking I could root it and put an upgraded version of android on there, but as I'm not sure how rooting works, I thought I'd ask if there were any alternative options.
At this point, I'm thinking I'm just going to have to send it back, reason being when I chose this phone, one of the main points was because of the soon to be released 5.0 update.
Thanks,
Proxish said:
Hey guys,
Thanks in advance for any help you can give on the subject.
I just bought a Sony Xperia Z Ultra from eBay, arrived a couple of days ago, in great working condition. The firmware installed is 4.2.2, and I can't upgrade past there.
I contacted Sony and they told me it's because the IMEI number puts it's origin in Hong Kong which is why I can't update it. The only thing I can do is contact Sony Hong Kong, and I'm having a difficult time doing so.
Does anyone have a fix or workaround for this situation?
I was thinking I could root it and put an upgraded version of android on there, but as I'm not sure how rooting works, I thought I'd ask if there were any alternative options.
At this point, I'm thinking I'm just going to have to send it back, reason being when I chose this phone, one of the main points was because of the soon to be released 5.0 update.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know you should be able to use flashtool and flash a stock ftf for your region, or wait for 5.0 to be released and then flash it.
adfurgerson said:
As far as I know you should be able to use flashtool and flash a stock ftf for your region, or wait for 5.0 to be released and then flash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for getting back to me.
I may wait for 5.0. I'll need to learn how to use a flashtool with android first.
Quick couple of questions. Would using a flashtool to flash a stock ftf require the phone to be rooted?
Also, do you know if there is anyway I could use the Google Play firmware on my non-Google play edition?
Proxish said:
Thank you for getting back to me.
I may wait for 5.0. I'll need to learn how to use a flashtool with android first.
Quick couple of questions. Would using a flashtool to flash a stock ftf require the phone to be rooted?
Also, do you know if there is anyway I could use the Google Play firmware on my non-Google play edition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashtool does not require root. The GPe firmware has to be "ported" to run on Sony Z Ultra due to different partition sizes. For 4.4 there is the option to use it with locked or unlocked bootloader. For 5.0 it is only for unlocked bootloader.
adfurgerson said:
Flashtool does not require root. The GPe firmware has to be "ported" to run on Sony Z Ultra due to different partition sizes. For 4.4 there is the option to use it with locked or unlocked bootloader. For 5.0 it is only for unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you again for getting back to me.
Do you know if there is a tutorial for both porting the GPe firmware and for installing 4.4 using a bootloader? As I'm not even sure where to start with this, I'm not even sure what the difference between a locked and unlocked bootloader is. But I don't want to use up all your time, so if you can point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks again,
Proxish said:
Thank you again for getting back to me.
Do you know if there is a tutorial for both porting the GPe firmware and for installing 4.4 using a bootloader? As I'm not even sure where to start with this, I'm not even sure what the difference between a locked and unlocked bootloader is. But I don't want to use up all your time, so if you can point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks again,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has already been ported here in this thread linked below, UB and LB are short for unlocked bootloader and locked bootloader. The second post has instructions for locked install, and a simple explanation of bootloader is a set of instructions for loading the kernel so locked will only load stock. The kernel is the interface between software and hardware as I understand it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2800414
This thread is up to date if you wish to read up on rooting and unlocking methods. Please don't hesitate to ask questions as it would be better than stumbling into a mess that could be avoided.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/general/guide-everything-root-4-4-4-t2938098
adfurgerson said:
It has already been ported here in this thread linked below, UB and LB are short for unlocked bootloader and locked bootloader. The second post has instructions for locked install, and a simple explanation of bootloader is a set of instructions for loading the kernel so locked will only load stock. The kernel is the interface between software and hardware as I understand it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2800414
This thread is up to date if you wish to read up on rooting and unlocking methods. Please don't hesitate to ask questions as it would be better than stumbling into a mess that could be avoided.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/general/guide-everything-root-4-4-4-t2938098
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for all the information.
I've done a bit of research, and read through most of what you linked.
I'm slightly confused. As far as I understand it right now, if my bootloader is locked, I can only flash official ROMs. If my bootloader is unlocked, then I can flash any ROM I want, as long as it's compatible with my phone, but I will lose the Sony Bravia engine if I do so, is that correct? I'm not too bothered about this, just curious if this is true.
Where I am really confused, is the part where in the requirements of LB Rom Port, it said
"Be on 4.4.4 firmware (only .108)"
I'm currently stuck on 4.2, and can't get my phone to 4.4.4 with either the built in software or Sony Pc Companion. Is there a guide somewhere on how I can upgrade to 4.4.4 without using the two methods just mentioned?
I've also had a search and not been able to find a 5.0 GPe ROM Port either, guessing no one has bothered with it?
Thanks again,
Proxish said:
Thank you for all the information.
I've done a bit of research, and read through most of what you linked.
I'm slightly confused. As far as I understand it right now, if my bootloader is locked, I can only flash official ROMs. If my bootloader is unlocked, then I can flash any ROM I want, as long as it's compatible with my phone, but I will lose the Sony Bravia engine if I do so, is that correct? I'm not too bothered about this, just curious if this is true.
Where I am really confused, is the part where in the requirements of LB Rom Port, it said
"Be on 4.4.4 firmware (only .108)"
I'm currently stuck on 4.2, and can't get my phone to 4.4.4 with either the built in software or Sony Pc Companion. Is there a guide somewhere on how I can upgrade to 4.4.4 without using the two methods just mentioned?
I've also had a search and not been able to find a 5.0 GPe ROM Port either, guessing no one has bothered with it?
Thanks again,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I seem to have also lost the miracast screen mirroring after unlocking bootloader, if you root then back up the TA first it can be restored. I don't have any experience with pc companion, usually when it is mentioned it is because someone couldn't get it to work. In those instances flashtool is recommended to use. Here is a guide for flashtool. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428319
And link for 5.0 GPe port.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/development/scrubber-t2961315
adfurgerson said:
I seem to have also lost the miracast screen mirroring after unlocking bootloader, if you root then back up the TA first it can be restored. I don't have any experience with pc companion, usually when it is mentioned it is because someone couldn't get it to work. In those instances flashtool is recommended to use. Here is a guide for flashtool. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428319
And link for 5.0 GPe port.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/development/scrubber-t2961315
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the links, again, much appreciated.
I was able to find an official thread for Sony Roms, and think I've found the ROM I need to upgrade to 4.4.4.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2453921
STOCK ROM] [FTF] Xperia Z Ultra (C6833) 14.4.A.0.108 "US RETAIL"
I assume this one will be ok, though I'm unsure. My phones model number is C6833, and this was the only 14.4.A.0.108 ROM I could find, and as far as I've seen, that's the recommended one for 4.4.4, assuming I haven't done anything wrong.
And just double checking, do I Need to root the phone to put the 5.0 GPE port on?
Thanks,
adfurgerson said:
I seem to have also lost the miracast screen mirroring after unlocking bootloader, if you root then back up the TA first it can be restored. I don't have any experience with pc companion, usually when it is mentioned it is because someone couldn't get it to work. In those instances flashtool is recommended to use. Here is a guide for flashtool. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428319
And link for 5.0 GPe port.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/development/scrubber-t2961315
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to use FlashTool to update the phone to the official 4.4.4 ROM, so that you very much for all your help.
I think I may just end up sticking with the Xperia ROM, in favor of rooting and installing a port. I'm actually really liking the 4.4.4 Xperia version.
Thank you very much for all your help, I really appreciate it, wouldn't of been able to do this without your help.
Proxish said:
I was able to use FlashTool to update the phone to the official 4.4.4 ROM, so that you very much for all your help.
I think I may just end up sticking with the Xperia ROM, in favor of rooting and installing a port. I'm actually really liking the 4.4.4 Xperia version.
Thank you very much for all your help, I really appreciate it, wouldn't of been able to do this without your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good that you got updated. If you decide later to try custom ROMs or the ports be sure to root, then backup the TA partition before unlocking the bootloader. If you wanted to stay on stock but add some customizations you could root and install xsposed framework modules.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/index-xposed-modules-collection-post-t2327541
Hi Ya'll and Happy New Year,
I need some help in rooting my Z C833. Before I tell you my ordeal here is the system details:
OS 5.1.1
Build 14.6.A.1.236
Bootloader: Unlocked via sony
Now i am not a advanced user when it comes to android stuff, I am still learning. All the talks and guides about rolling back and going to kitkat and flashing and recovering TA partion is kinda making me confused. I have seen many guides, i tried to roll back via flashtools, use king root to acheive root, install dual recovery then flash super user. This is the extent of my knowledge.
When i try to either ftf a pre rooted file to a 5.0.x fw i LOSE ROOT, every single time. Can someone help me out. What am i doing wrong?
For example I roll backed to (C6833_14.5.A.0.270_Customized_HK) installed King root, pushed (ZU-lockeddualrecovery2.8.23-RELEASE.combined) flashed (BETA-SuperSU-v2.49) and then went back to flashtools to ftf (C6833_14.6.A.0.368_Generic Telenor Norway) and i LOSE ROOT (ahhhhhhhhh):silly:
If there is no option for me to update to stock rooted rom, can i install a custom rom with a update fw?
Ideally, stock or custom, i just want to utilize the sound and screen mods on this forum for the z ultra, for that i need custom recovery, for that i need root :S
I know the answer might be very simple, but like i said i m out of ideas.................
Thanks in advance for your help.
anyone???
Flash kitkat ftf, root, flash pre rooted 5.1.1
Did you read here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/development/ub-14-6-1-236-stock-ftf-root-t3270850
Thank you very much pckoloji and RealityFails for your input.
I was able to fix it with the link provided : http://forum.xda-developers.com/xper...-root-t3270850
Thank you once again.
Got my Xperia today, love the thing already, now looking to root, had a look around and have found mixed answer for rooting.
My tablet is on 4.4.4 (KK) and the build number is 23.0.1.A.167, I have seen topics where it can/can't be rooted, and lastly there is an updater to build 23.1.A.0.726. I haven't installed it yet as I don't know if I can root with my current version or if I need the newer version to root, any help is appreciated!
I am also on KK .167 rooted long time now.my opinionONT update neither to LP or MM !!!
Peace to all
Ok so i'm kind of new to the android world after a long time being on iphone and for the past two days I have been trying to figure out how exactly to root and all this stuff(you know, jailbreak). So far I have had no luck or clue what I'm doing wrong or if I'm missing something. Unfortunately, I don't have much details since I been trying and researching so much that I don't know where to start so I would rather just post about what version and whatnot I'm running on my sony xperia z2 and if someone could tell me if I can actually root it and link me to a thread that shows how to root this I would be grateful.
Sony Xperia z2 Model D6503
Android version 6.0.1
Kernel version 3.4.0-perf
Build 23.5.A.1.291
Also I'm not sure if this matters but it's locked to bellmobility.
*edit: oh and bootloader is locked.
Larvien024 said:
Ok so i'm kind of new to the android world after a long time being on iphone and for the past two days I have been trying to figure out how exactly to root and all this stuff(you know, jailbreak). So far I have had no luck or clue what I'm doing wrong or if I'm missing something. Unfortunately, I don't have much details since I been trying and researching so much that I don't know where to start so I would rather just post about what version and whatnot I'm running on my sony xperia z2 and if someone could tell me if I can actually root it and link me to a thread that shows how to root this I would be grateful.
Sony Xperia z2 Model D6503
Android version 6.0.1
Kernel version 3.4.0-perf
Build 23.5.A.1.291
Also I'm not sure if this matters but it's locked to bellmobility.
*edit: oh and bootloader is locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thiks you can root your device, try to install recovery first (twpr for exemple)
Than you should downgrade your kernel, and update once again to .291
flash SuperSu via recovery voilà.
Do some search on the forum, good luck :good:
hey guys, im really sorry to bother you but i just dont know what else to do when it comes to rooting my sgp611.
i just want to root it for spoofing on pogo, so i dont really care about drm keys.
ive read... almost... every single thread about rooting the sgp611 without any success.
ive tried downgrading to 5.0.1, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, flashing stock roms, tried xperifirm for stock, flashtool, fastboot, without any luck.
the closest i got to root was using kingroot but i could use supersu because of the binary in use error, tried to clean it from the app and it didnt work.
currently im on android 5.1.1 stock rom and 23.4.A.232.
can somebody point in the right direction? because i really tried almost everything for the sgp611
mattwx23 said:
hey guys, im really sorry to bother you but i just dont know what else to do when it comes to rooting my sgp611.
i just want to root it for spoofing on pogo, so i dont really care about drm keys.
ive read... almost... every single thread about rooting the sgp611 without any success.
ive tried downgrading to 5.0.1, 5.0.2, 5.1.1, flashing stock roms, tried xperifirm for stock, flashtool, fastboot, without any luck.
the closest i got to root was using kingroot but i could use supersu because of the binary in use error, tried to clean it from the app and it didnt work.
currently im on android 5.1.1 stock rom and 23.4.A.232.
can somebody point in the right direction? because i really tried almost everything for the sgp611
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did it go?
I just managed to root my old 611 after maybe 10 hours research and trial and errors.