I own a registered (with Xperia Care [warranty]) Z5C E5823 phone. This phone was purchased from eBay US, but I believe the phone came from China as I had to manually switch from Chinese to English during the first initialization. Although at the time I got this phone (mid 2016), several build and android version updates existed, mine never updated. It is still stuck with Android 5.1.1, build 32.0.A.4.11, kernel 3.10.49-perf-g6b847e2. The phone, PC companion and everything else claims it's the latest update/version for the E5823.
I wanted to know what is happening and how to solve this. The phone is completely stock. Never rooted.
Thank you.
Thats why i payed extra 300$ to Sony
(my previous SONY was from alternative store, although the phone still was real and not fake replica it didnt get OTA updates so i had to used flashtool to update)
anyway you dont lose much.. wait for android 7 and update from flashtool
you can try use sony site to see if you supposed to get update
http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperiaz5/software/
Superrman said:
wait for android 7 and update from flashtool
you can try use sony site to see if you supposed to get update
http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperiaz5/software/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've noticed something strange... I went to the link provided and inserted my IMEI number. The website claimed I have the latest version of everything, "as usual". But it showed the following message: "Your Xperia™ Z5 is up to date! 32.0.A.7.3.
That's not my build number and it also claims my phone as a Z5 and not Z5C. I don't know if this is relevant or not, but definitely strange.
Anyways, I believe that to use this flashtool I would have to root the phone. In this case I'm a bit concerned as the first android I ever tried to root was bricked instead. So I try to stand clear of doing that as I've been traumatized by my experience hahahahahaha. Well, unless there is a step-by-step-foolproof-recipe solution, I don't want to risk bricking my phone or voiding warranty (still in effect) if an update to marshmallow is not all that great.
l_abaurre said:
I've noticed something strange... I went to the link provided and inserted my IMEI number. The website claimed I have the latest version of everything, "as usual". But it showed the following message: "Your Xperia™ Z5 is up to date! 32.0.A.7.3.
That's not my build number and it also claims my phone as a Z5 and not Z5C. I don't know if this is relevant or not, but definitely strange.
Anyways, I believe that to use this flashtool I would have to root the phone. In this case I'm a bit concerned as the first android I ever tried to root was bricked instead. So I try to stand clear of doing that as I've been traumatized by my experience hahahahahaha. Well, unless there is a step-by-step-foolproof-recipe solution, I don't want to risk bricking my phone or voiding warranty (still in effect) if an update to marshmallow is not all that great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you are flashing an official ROM with flashtool, you don't need to root your phone.
I was sick of waiting for my Z5 compact to get the OTA for whatever firmware I initially had, so I just flashed unbranded Nordic with no problem without being rooted.
There are a few threads here on XDA that will explain what you need to do to use flashtool.
The wrong IMEI and Chinese first boot screen suggests your phone came from shady sources, otherwise there's no reason for the discrepancy. Did you check and see if the IMEI number matches the one on the box?
If I were you, I'd seek out the ebay seller and ask for an explanation and refund or replacement, fraudulent IMEI's are no joke, I mean what if the IMEI is reported stolen? You'd probably get tracked down and paid a visit by unpleasant people or something. Sure, you'd likely be able prove your innocence, but not worth the risk or hassle IMO. Then again, you have been using it for half a year already, chances are nobody's going to bother you, ever.
It's possible that the mismatch is the reason why you never got an OTA update notice. Like other members have suggested, you can use flashtool to flash the latest firmware, but it's certainly not as easy and painless as an OTA update. Going down the road, I don't think you'll ever get to update OTA with your device, so if you want to hang on to it and keep it up to date, learn how to download official firmware using xperifirm, convert to FTF and flash using Flashtool .
Next time, buy from credible and reputable vendors.
Thanks for the reply guys. Unfortunately, there was no suspicion at the time about the phone being "fake" or something like that. But after this IMEI situation and this problem as well (worth checking), I'm kinda suspicious. I don't have the box with me, I'll only be able to compare this in february, as I'm abroad. But I've registered my phone with Sony and I didn't have any problems. I even have the limited warranty available.
By the way, can this warranty be used to replace the phone in a case like this? Even considering the LED issue mentioned in the link above?
I guess I'll have to educate myself about flashing firmware with flashtool. I don't mind the extra hassle, as long as I don't brick the phone.
l_abaurre said:
Thanks for the reply guys. Unfortunately, there was no suspicion at the time about the phone being "fake" or something like that. But after this IMEI situation and this problem as well (worth checking), I'm kinda suspicious. I don't have the box with me, I'll only be able to compare this in february, as I'm abroad. But I've registered my phone with Sony and I didn't have any problems. I even have the limited warranty available.
By the way, can this warranty be used to replace the phone in a case like this? Even considering the LED issue mentioned in the link above?
I guess I'll have to educate myself about flashing firmware with flashtool. I don't mind the extra hassle, as long as I don't brick the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't go to Sony and ask them to replace it. Ok, you can always try, but based on normal warranty, they won't replace it.
In your case, it's up to the dealer/store to fix your problem with IMEI, maybe a faulty ROM and so on. Or you can flash the update yourself
--jenana-- said:
You can't go to Sony and ask them to replace it. Ok, you can always try, but based on normal warranty, they won't replace it.
In your case, it's up to the dealer/store to fix your problem with IMEI, maybe a faulty ROM and so on. Or you can flash the update yourself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been a while since I've bought the phone, so I don't believe the vendor will do much.
I've read about the process of flashing the firmware. The only thing I did not understand is about the selection of the firmware itself. I'm presented with a list of firmwares of various countries (market) and carriers (operator) in XperiFirm. How do I know which one to select? A natural choice would be to select one from my region/carrier, but I can't find any or both for my phone. The guides I found doesn't elaborate on this.
Another thing. Will a simple backup with Xperia Companion or Factory Reset (from the phone itself) revert to the original firmware? Do I need to create a backup firmware?
Ahh, so the weird LED color thingy was you too. Your phone is off the charts fishy.
Your vendor should definitely be held accountable, try negotiating first. If things go sour, threaten to sue and see if they change their tune.
You select the firmware from your region, and don't select the carrier branded firmware, they're for locked phones sold by carriers, one normally wouldn't want to use that.
If I'm not mistaken, what you're trying to ask is if you're currently on firmware version A and flash version B, could you revert back to version A using Xperia Companion or via the factory reset, correct? The answer is no. You can however use Flashtool to flash version A regardless of what version firmware is currently installed on your phone, but I'm not sure if it's advisable to retain user data when you downgrade firmware.
Usually there's no need to make a backup of the original firmware. The factory reset function is basically just a data wipe, firmware version doesn't change. You should always backup your personal files before attempting to flash a firmware just in case. Personally I use Sony's preinstalled Backup and Restore app, it works for me - don't backup apps though it's pointless, takes up too much time and free space and is basically redundant. If you want to make a backup of the entire phone including the firmware, you will need a custom recovery solution like TWRP, but in your case I don't think you'll need to go that far, it's more stuff to learn and potentially go wrong.
mhaha said:
You select the firmware from your region, and don't select the carrier branded firmware, they're for locked phones sold by carriers, one normally wouldn't want to use that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By region you mean the region I live or the region of the original firmware? I matched the CDA of the one that shows on the cellphone with one on the list of available firmwares. Not surprisingly, it shows that it is from Hong Kong and "customized HK" as operator. Intuition says I should try and flash that one...
So, usually backing up your current firmware is not needed/common?
Depends on what you're doing, because you're just upgrading and not messing with custom ROMs or kernels or whatever, then yeah you don't need to backup the entire phone/firmware, just backup your data.
I suggest picking the region you're living in, although it doesn't really matter since you can always change your language and uninstall/disable any localized apps. For example if you're in Russia, then you'd probably prefer the default search engine set to Yandex and local Russian apps preinstalled; or if you're in China, then you'd want Baidu instead and Chinese specific apps... etc. Or another possibility, US-based firmware may have the DST setting enabled by default, but nothing you can't change afterwards.
mhaha said:
I suggest picking the region you're living in, although it doesn't really matter since you can always change your language and uninstall/disable any localized apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Brazil but I travel to the US all the time. I didn't find any firmware from these locations for my phone. So judging from what have I read so far, I can pick whatever as long as it's not carrier locked or something like that.
So I guess I'll pick whichever firmware is the most recent from the list and cross my fingers...
Just to give an update to whomever it may concern. I've decided to flash an Australian firmware (I belive it was the most recent one) after some more reading.
Although flashtool failed to flash the first time, I just repeated the process step by step and it worked like a charm the second time.
Although my backup didn't do much (I've deleted EVERYTHING from my phone, as recommended) everything worked and the phone is up to date.
Now I'm waiting for the Nougat!
Related
After buying my phone from a person (not an authorized seller) I factory reset the phone and it showed up in Arabic language, however since I accidentally bricked it I wasn't able to take a good look at what it's stock firmware was, Is there anyway at all to find what stock firmware I should be using? since I can't access the Lockscreen or the shutdown/screenshot features of the phone, I'm using a Turkey country 4.1.2 firmware
Go to Samfirmware. You can use the pulldown boxes to choose OS/phone model/country/carrier & it will give you a list of stock roms released by that carrier. At the end of the day it doesn't matter what (or even if) stock firmware you run, though obviously it might be difficult to get OTA updates if you're not running one for your country.
Well that's easy but they said on the newbie thread that in practice it's okay but it's not since the modems are different, and I already searched for a stock firmware but the problem is that the lockscreen isn't responding or not functioning (regardless of what screen lock you would like be it pattern or pin). They also said that I should use my IMEI to match the stock firmware I'm supposed to use? but I don't know that method yet.
If you flash a stock rom for your carrier, you will get a modem that's presumed they tested thorougly enough so it works for most people most of the time with their network before they released the rom.
If you've got that lockscreen issue, that's a different problem, but try flashing a stock rom for your carrier (and do a wipe after) before you do anything else.
An IMEI search won't give you the info you're after. And as I said in my PP, it's not important, but to make sure of things you flash a rom for your carrier.
Since it looks like I can't unlock the boot loader on my model I am thinking about returning my tablet and getting a different model or looking into warranty options. In either case I would need to have unrooted the tablet. The problem is that nothing I try seems to work. A factory reset doesn't unroot it. SuperSU unroot option doesn't work. Universal Unroot Tool doesn't work either.
I was partially rooted with Towel Root and then fully Rooted with Easy Root. What are the steps I can take to reverse it?
Elliander said:
Since it looks like I can't unlock the boot loader on my model I am thinking about returning my tablet and getting a different model or looking into warranty options. In either case I would need to have unrooted the tablet. The problem is that nothing I try seems to work. A factory reset doesn't unroot it. SuperSU unroot option doesn't work. Universal Unroot Tool doesn't work either.
I was partially rooted with Towel Root and then fully Rooted with Easy Root. What are the steps I can take to reverse it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just flash your stock firmware via latest Flashtool or Sony pc Companion.
kulvertti said:
Just flash your stock firmware via latest Flashtool or Sony pc Companion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible. First of all, I am on stock firmware, and second of all the Sony PC Companion doesn't work with SGP561. It specifically tells me to use the "Verizon Software Update Tool", but Verizon refuses to tell me where this is because I am not a customer and none of the old versions I could find work. Since I couldn't use Sony PC Companion I couldn't create a TFT image to begin with and although I can use Flashtool I would need one of the stock firmware SGP561_17.1.D.0.417 that is also Verizon locked or it will fail, but since I can't create a TFT image with Sony PC Companion the likelihood of finding one that works is low. Hypothetically though if I could find that exact stock firmware I could flash it and everything would go back to normal. (Unbranded firmware fails, BTW, and since the bootloader can't be unlocked on my model custom firmware isn't possible either)
I called Sony to find out where the required Verizon Software is located and they said it will take a day or two for researching the problem. No one seems to know anything about it.
Elliander said:
Not possible. First of all, I am on stock firmware, and second of all the Sony PC Companion doesn't work with SGP561. It specifically tells me to use the "Verizon Software Update Tool", but Verizon refuses to tell me where this is because I am not a customer and none of the old versions I could find work. Since I couldn't use Sony PC Companion I couldn't create a TFT image to begin with and although I can use Flashtool I would need one of the stock firmware SGP561_17.1.D.0.417 that is also Verizon locked or it will fail, but since I can't create a TFT image with Sony PC Companion the likelihood of finding one that works is low. Hypothetically though if I could find that exact stock firmware I could flash it and everything would go back to normal. (Unbranded firmware fails, BTW, and since the bootloader can't be unlocked on my model custom firmware isn't possible either)
I called Sony to find out where the required Verizon Software is located and they said it will take a day or two for researching the problem. No one seems to know anything about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could do it for you if you wish. Do you really want 417 ftf or newer 437 ftf file?
kulvertti said:
I could do it for you if you wish. Do you really want 417 ftf or newer 437 ftf file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you go through that trouble wait a bit.
Since the Verizon tool I could find failed - rendering it half bricked waiting for a proper update - and since neither Sony nor Verizon knows anything about the tool I am required to use they are willing to accept the warranty service on it. I am fortunate that because the failed update wiped the data there is no evidence of it ever being rooted and since this model's boot loader can't be unlocked even if it is fried there is no evidence of me doing anything wrong with it. And it was Verizon's tool that did it, so it's an honest case.
Anyway, I sent them a screenshot from last night proving this tablet hasn't been unlocked and I am on the phone with Sony on hold to see if they would be willing to sell me an International version right now and then refund me when they receive it. Since I need it for college on the 25th (textbook replacement) and I have no problems paying upfront they seem to think it should be possible, but they are all sort of talking with each other about it to see if it really can be done. If they can I will be able to get rid of the Verizon mess permanently.
If not, getting that firmware update from you would be greatly appreciated. I'll edit this post when I know what's going to happen.
Elliander said:
Before you go through that trouble wait a bit.
Since the Verizon tool I could find failed - rendering it half bricked waiting for a proper update - and since neither Sony nor Verizon knows anything about the tool I am required to use they are willing to accept the warranty service on it. I am fortunate that because the failed update wiped the data there is no evidence of it ever being rooted and since this model's boot loader can't be unlocked even if it is fried there is no evidence of me doing anything wrong with it. And it was Verizon's tool that did it, so it's an honest case.
Anyway, I sent them a screenshot from last night proving this tablet hasn't been unlocked and I am on the phone with Sony on hold to see if they would be willing to sell me an International version right now and then refund me when they receive it. Since I need it for college on the 25th (textbook replacement) and I have no problems paying upfront they seem to think it should be possible, but they are all sort of talking with each other about it to see if it really can be done. If they can I will be able to get rid of the Verizon mess permanently.
If not, getting that firmware update from you would be greatly appreciated. I'll edit this post when I know what's going to happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okey buddy. However I allready make ftf file for your but it is Verizon 417 stock. Let me know if you need Verizon 437 firmware.
Here is the link need it or not:
https://mega.co.nz/#!UJJEAR5B!tK7pQEeppCmTQKxSA0tEL5_W3A7o_q6dsn3FXh43LYA
kulvertti said:
Okey buddy. However I allready make ftf file for your but it is Verizon 417 stock. Let me know if you need Verizon 437 firmware.
Here is the link need it or not:
https://mega.co.nz/#!UJJEAR5B!tK7pQEeppCmTQKxSA0tEL5_W3A7o_q6dsn3FXh43LYA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. At the very least that will help the next person with a problem.
Sony was willing to sell me an SGP512 model and is going to process a refund for what I paid on the SGP561. That's a better solution anyway since I'm not on Verizon's network - especially since Verizon doesn't support it. I paid for expedited shipping so I will get it in 2 days and I won't need to deal with any Verizon apps. I paid for 3 year extended warranty as well which covers all damage so as long as I dont't mess with the boot loader I shouldn't have any problems with it.
To anyone else reading this: Avoid the factory unlocked SGP561! It's a nightmare!
kulvertti said:
Okey buddy. However I allready make ftf file for your but it is Verizon 417 stock. Let me know if you need Verizon 437 firmware.
Here is the link need it or not:
https://mega.co.nz/#!UJJEAR5B!tK7pQEeppCmTQKxSA0tEL5_W3A7o_q6dsn3FXh43LYA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanna return it to stock and unroot it how do i know if i need 417 or 437?
I'm in the UK and we have a place call Cash Converters, it's known for selling second hand goods.
I bought myself a Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet LTE 16gb in mint condition with all the accsessories and box.
I paid just under £150.
I was running Lollipop but for me personally the device was slow. I downgraded to KitKat and it's great, fast as hell. really impressed!
I'm not rooted and I'm on the latest KitKat before the Lollipop update.
I removed all the bloatware 1 by 1 and removed the Google apps I wasn't going to use.
I'll tell you now, it's reallly fast.
well to my question; Because I'm on the latest KitKat before Lollipop - is there a way I can root my device?
PS: I don't want to spam the forum so I'll ask here - what sort of battery life are XDA Members getting with their Z2 Tablet?
Lollipop is faster than Kitkat on this device.
Must have been something else than the firmware which slowed your device down.
bwoiisc0tty said:
I'm in the UK and we have a place call Cash Converters, it's known for selling second hand goods.
I bought myself a Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet LTE 16gb in mint condition with all the accsessories and box.
I paid just under £150.
I was running Lollipop but for me personally the device was slow. I downgraded to KitKat and it's great, fast as hell. really impressed!
I'm not rooted and I'm on the latest KitKat before the Lollipop update.
I removed all the bloatware 1 by 1 and removed the Google apps I wasn't going to use.
I'll tell you now, it's reallly fast.
well to my question; Because I'm on the latest KitKat before Lollipop - is there a way I can root my device?
PS: I don't want to spam the forum so I'll ask here - what sort of battery life are XDA Members getting with their Z2 Tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it depends on the version of KK. If it's 4.4.2 the root process is definitely easy by running the easy root (towel root) program. After that, the towel root author got hired by Sony, so, so much for getting any simple root processes.
As with 4.4.4, you can get root, but you'll need either to use;
a) Bootloader unlocked, and a modified Boot Image Ramdisk to get full System RW
b) Install Nutz dual recovery (easier with bootloader unlocked)
With LolliPop, I already had bootloader unlocked, so I installed the latest Dual Recovery by Nutz, and installed the latest pre-rooted LolliPop build.
One note on unlocking your bootloader if you decide to go that method. Back up your DRM keys first. Then if you ever decide to go back to stock, you can reflash them. Note it only works initially with 4.4.2 Builds if I'm not mistaken. To be honest, I have them backed up, but don't really notice them missing. Supposed t maybe do something with camera or video enhancements, but I can't tell the difference.
As with speed and battery, I can't tell the difference between the 2 versions. Benchmarks are about the same. Battery life is subjective depending on how you use the tab.
Moscow Desire said:
Well, it depends on the version of KK. If it's 4.4.2 the root process is definitely easy by running the easy root (towel root) program. After that, the towel root author got hired by Sony, so, so much for getting any simple root processes.
As with 4.4.4, you can get root, but you'll need either to use;
a) Bootloader unlocked, and a modified Boot Image Ramdisk to get full System RW
b) Install Nutz dual recovery (easier with bootloader unlocked)
With LolliPop, I already had bootloader unlocked, so I installed the latest Dual Recovery by Nutz, and installed the latest pre-rooted LolliPop build.
One note on unlocking your bootloader if you decide to go that method. Back up your DRM keys first. Then if you ever decide to go back to stock, you can reflash them. Note it only works initially with 4.4.2 Builds if I'm not mistaken. To be honest, I have them backed up, but don't really notice them missing. Supposed t maybe do something with camera or video enhancements, but I can't tell the difference.
As with speed and battery, I can't tell the difference between the 2 versions. Benchmarks are about the same. Battery life is subjective depending on how you use the tab.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what firmware do I need to be on to get my bootloader unlocked?
bwoiisc0tty said:
what firmware do I need to be on to get my bootloader unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock your bootloader with any version. In the forums there is an app called Flashtool if I'm not mistaken that you can use to relock the bootloader.
Read this;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2747676
Be aware it'll wipe your /Data partition so you'll need to re-install your downloaded apps. Maybe docs and photos as well.
Moscow Desire said:
You can unlock your bootloader with any version. In the forums there is an app called Flashtool if I'm not mistaken that you can use to relock the bootloader.
Read this;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2747676
Be aware it'll wipe your /Data partition so you'll need to re-install your downloaded apps. Maybe docs and photos as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I read that but when I check, it says "bootloader unlock allowed: no" ?
bwoiisc0tty said:
yeah I read that but when I check, it says "bootloader unlock allowed: no" ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aha. Similar to mine. I wound up getting a Demo model (unknowingly). Had the same "no" for bootloader. I wound up flashing a different "Ftf" file using Flashtool. Put a different region Rom on it. Workedfor a couple of folks, unless you have one of the carrier brands like Verizon, ATT, Tesla, etc.
So try flashing a 4.4.2 FTF file from a different region. See if it installs an unlockable bootloader. It's worth shot.
Moscow Desire said:
Aha. Similar to mine. I wound up getting a Demo model (unknowingly). Had the same "no" for bootloader. I wound up flashing a different "Ftf" file using Flashtool. Put a different region Rom on it. Workedfor a couple of folks, unless you have one of the carrier brands like Verizon, ATT, Tesla, etc.
So try flashing a 4.4.2 FTF file from a different region. See if it installs an unlockable bootloader. It's worth shot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the UK and my Z2 Tablet LTE was on the EE network but I paid for an online service and got it unlocked. (the network that is)
am I screwed? where can I find a different region firmware????
bwoiisc0tty said:
I'm in the UK and my Z2 Tablet LTE was on the EE network but I paid for an online service and got it unlocked. (the network that is)
am I screwed? where can I find a different region firmware????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having issues copying the link, but go to the regular z2 forum, then the cross development forum. There is a thread for "xperiafirm". This is a Pc app that will download almost every version Ftf file for Sony devices. Find your device (511, 521, etc) and download a couple different region Ftf files.
Flash using Flashtool that I sent you a link to.
Moscow Desire said:
Having issues copying the link, but go to the regular z2 forum, then the cross development forum. There is a thread for "xperiafirm". This is a Pc app that will download almost every version Ftf file for Sony devices. Find your device (511, 521, etc) and download a couple different region Ftf files.
Flash using Flashtool that I sent you a link to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't find it?
edit:
it's okay, thanks. I found it. gonna try!!!!
bwoiisc0tty said:
I can't find it?
edit:
it's okay, thanks. I found it. gonna try!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may have to try a couple different ones. Don't flash any of the carrier types.
Moscow Desire said:
You may have to try a couple different ones. Don't flash any of the carrier types.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do you mean by "Don't flash any of the carrier types."?
I've downloaded a few but how do I flash them? they're not ftf files?
bwoiisc0tty said:
what do you mean by "Don't flash any of the carrier types."?
I've downloaded a few but how do I flash them? they're not ftf files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what's branded and version?
bwoiisc0tty said:
what's branded and version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so here's the scoop.
1. Don't flash any files from our forums (zip) files. They are for custom recoveries.
2. Use the experiafirm software to download specific ftf files for your device. I'm mobile now and can't paste a link. You can find the Pc app by going to the Z2 phone forum, then go to Sony cross development. There you find the ExperiaFirm Pc app. Install it to a Windows Pc (instructions are in the post). Select your device on the left (Z2 Tablet), select specific model, and you should get all available factory firmwares on the right.
3. Select a firmware to download to Pc. Pay attention to the carrier versions. You probably don't want these. By carrier, I mean phone companies like Orange, Tesla, Version, etc. These are devices that are sold by the phone providers and usually you can't unlock the bootloader.
You want just normal Ftf files, like Vk, Ru, Baltic, etc. Should be about 30 or so available for your device.
Moscow Desire said:
OK, so here's the scoop.
1. Don't flash any files from our forums (zip) files. They are for custom recoveries.
2. Use the experiafirm software to download specific ftf files for your device. I'm mobile now and can't paste a link. You can find the Pc app by going to the Z2 phone forum, then go to Sony cross development. There you find the ExperiaFirm Pc app. Install it to a Windows Pc (instructions are in the post). Select your device on the left (Z2 Tablet), select specific model, and you should get all available factory firmwares on the right.
3. Select a firmware to download to Pc. Pay attention to the carrier versions. You probably don't want these. By carrier, I mean phone companies like Orange, Tesla, Version, etc. These are devices that are sold by the phone providers and usually you can't unlock the bootloader.
You want just normal Ftf files, like Vk, Ru, Baltic, etc. Should be about 30 or so available for your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for all your help but I've gave up.
the link you told me about, xperiafirm, I couldn't get the ftf files. NO matter what I done.
I messed my Z2 LTE Tablet up and it was in a boot loop.
I fixed it with PC Companion and left it at that.
I have a Sony Xperia M2 too that I couldn't unlock it's bootloader, I kept getting "failed - command not succeed" so I just give up.
I have literally done everything and I still can't do it.
all I want is to calibrate my battery on my Z2 LTE Tablet & Sony Xperia M2.
is there something else I can try?
I'm running stock on both of them (latest in the UK through Sony's PC Companion) and I've disabled all the crap Sony apps and Google apps.
they're both fast now.
ugh.
bwoiisc0tty said:
thanks for all your help but I've gave up.
the link you told me about, xperiafirm, I couldn't get the ftf files. NO matter what I done.
I messed my Z2 LTE Tablet up and it was in a boot loop.
I fixed it with PC Companion and left it at that.
I have a Sony Xperia M2 too that I couldn't unlock it's bootloader, I kept getting "failed - command not succeed" so I just give up.
I have literally done everything and I still can't do it.
all I want is to calibrate my battery on my Z2 LTE Tablet & Sony Xperia M2.
is there something else I can try?
I'm running stock on both of them (latest in the UK through Sony's PC Companion) and I've disabled all the crap Sony apps and Google apps.
they're both fast now.
ugh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! Sorry experiafirm wasn't working for you. When I get time I'll install it here. It was working fine before I left Moscow. Currently on extended trip to care for elderly parents in the states. In the original post it stated a couple thing for the Pc,like recent Microsoft.net for example. Generally you just select your device on the left, then hit. "check all" in the upper right. Double click a firmware and it should download (if I remember correctly)
Moscow Desire said:
Wow! Sorry experiafirm wasn't working for you. When I get time I'll install it here. It was working fine before I left Moscow. Currently on extended trip to care for elderly parents in the states. In the original post it stated a couple thing for the Pc,like recent Microsoft.net for example. Generally you just select your device on the left, then hit. "check all" in the upper right. Double click a firmware and it should download (if I remember correctly)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah mate I tried that and it wasn't downloading any ftf files, I kept getting "file" formats and trying to flash them after creating with flashtool was a nightmare!
but thanks for your help, I appreciate it. I think I'm done though, I have charged my device all night and most of the day and both of them are sitting on 100% full.
so I'm happy.
I also found a way to calibrate my battery on both devices without root too. so all is good.
Moscow Desire said:
Wow! Sorry experiafirm wasn't working for you. When I get time I'll install it here. It was working fine before I left Moscow. Currently on extended trip to care for elderly parents in the states. In the original post it stated a couple thing for the Pc,like recent Microsoft.net for example. Generally you just select your device on the left, then hit. "check all" in the upper right. Double click a firmware and it should download (if I remember correctly)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any chance you can help me? I'm trying again.
what firmware should I flash to try and get my bootloader unlocked?????
You have to bundle the files downloaded from XperiaFirm, into an FTF, you do this with Flashtool:
http://www.xperiablog.net/2014/08/1...re-files-using-xperifirm-and-flashtool-guide/
You can skip the parts about Decrypting, because XperiFirm does that for you.
Hello!
Recent proud owner of new Z5 Compact, U.S. edition (E5803, CDA 1298-3109). Excited to start tweaking it, but I want to have a copy of the shipping stock firmware before I begin messing with anything. I've already successfully created a TA backup, so we're good there. But I am BEYOND frustrated at the fact that it is seemingly impossible to obtain a copy of an FTF for the exact firmware version that my phone was preloaded with from the factory.
My phone was apparently manufactured in spring 2016 and came stock with 32.2.A.0.224, "Customized US". Does anybody have an FTF for this for my exact CDA? I haven't managed to find a copy anywhere, and of course XperiFirm doesn't show it as available for download from Sony's servers. (I'm having a little trouble believing that it is unavailable from Sony direct, given that OTA updates for older versions are still distributed...my phone is prompting me to accept an OTA for 32.2.A.0.253, which can't be obtained via XperiFirm, either.) I know I can flash FTFs for other CDAs on my phone (even for E5823s) but my goal at this point is simply to get one that matches what I already have exactly. It boggles the mind that nobody bothered to make a backup of this when Sony was still distributing it and that it isn't available for download anywhere (at least that I can find).
Barring that, though, I had another thought: pull a bit-for-bit image of the boot and system partitions. I'm concerned that a standard TWRP backup would not suffice given the existence of dm-verity, but I'm wondering if this would work:
1. Unlock bootloader
2. Boot TWRP with fastboot
3. Access an ADB shell, and then use dd to clone the necessary partitions to an SD card or attached USB drive
Then if I ever wanted to go back to the original factory firmware, I boot TWRP, use dd to write the clones back to the partitions, restore the TA to re-lock, and Bob's your uncle. Anybody see a problem with this plan?
Thanks much!
-- Nathan
P.S. -- Is there some super secret stash of FTFs for the Z5 Compact somewhere that I just haven't stumbled upon yet? In addition to hunting down this particular firmware build, I would also be interested in obtaining copies of other Sony stock firmwares (other than the most recent) for this particular CDA. Again, frustratingly hard to come by...
Darn it, I meant to post this to the Q&A forum. I swear that was the one I was browsing...grr. Anyway, mods, feel free to move, and my apologies.
-- Nathan
So, I guess I'll just keep talking to myself here...
I can confirm (in case anyone who stumbles across this thread in the future cares) that a bit-for-bit backup of all partitions using 'dd' works just fine, and that restoring that backup in reverse also works fine and does not risk a brick. I was 99% sure this was probably the case but wanted to make sure. I made a backup of every partition except userdata and cache, and then downgraded to Lollipop, and restored back to the shipping firmware by booting off of TWRP, clearing userdata and cache, and restoring each partition I had previously backed up (including my TA backup w/ bootloader lock & DRM keys). Phone booted up and went through OBE setup, and all DRM keys were present and accounted for.
I can't, however, get the FOTA update from .224 to .253 to take. Phone downloads it, reboots, goes through some kind of firmware verification process, reboots, and .224 boots up again and the Sony Updater says there was some kind of failure and to try again. If you try again, it re-downloads the whole update again and does the same thing. Not a huge deal, but I thought it would prove interesting if it were still possible to get all the way to 7.1.1 from the shipping firmware incrementally, especially since Sony seems to have pulled the full versions of those updates from their servers.
I'm still on the hunt for archives of firmware releases; I've found a few here and there, but it would be nice to find some Customized US releases. I'm particularly interested in 32.0.A.6.209, which I believe was the one and only Lollipop release that ever shipped on the U.S. models (since they were so late to market here).
-- Nathan
Can you post the img files?
Hey, as you can imagine I ****ed up. If you could do me a favor and post those images that you got from your phone somewhere that would be incredibly useful for me. Thanks.
nlra said:
I'm still on the hunt for archives of firmware releases; I've found a few here and there, but it would be nice to find some Customized US releases. I'm particularly interested in 32.0.A.6.209, which I believe was the one and only Lollipop release that ever shipped on the U.S. models (since they were so late to market here).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably won't find much US firmware floating around because of the disabled fingerprint reader, and I daresay the relatively tiny US market share Sony enjoys.
On top of that, I don't think anyone has compiled a database of Z5C FTFs unfortunately, so it's difficult to locate a particular version, and extra hard to find a specific version + region combo.
Honestly, I don't think there's any advantage to using a US-based firmware other than potential warranty validity reasons (if they even check it).
By hanging on to US firmware, you're missing out on a really useful feature that your phone hardware supports but can't let you use because business.
Since it sounds like you're comfortable with flashing ROMs, and have an understanding of making proper backups, I suggest you flash another region's firmware to enjoy the full potential of your phone.
Hey, thanks for the response.
mhaha said:
[...]I don't think anyone has compiled a database of Z5C FTFs unfortunately, so it's difficult to locate a particular version, and extra hard to find a specific version + region combo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do find this especially sad and frustrating, especially given that we know that Sony is apparently willing to delete older firmwares from their server. (Bad on Sony, BTW!)
mhaha said:
Honestly, I don't think there's any advantage to using a US-based firmware other than potential warranty validity reasons (if they even check it).
By hanging on to US firmware, you're missing out on a really useful feature that your phone hardware supports but can't let you use because business.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had the chance to run tests yet myself to confirm or deny this, but if you read some of the "enabling fingerprint scanner on U.S. models" threads for both the Z5 and the X/XZ, there is some unfortunate evidence that points to there being some kind of difference when it comes to LTE reception in U.S. firmware vs. other regions...some people claim that non-U.S. firmwares simply show "less bars" in the status area but that the phone's radio is still seeing the same RX levels (making it just a cosmetic thing), while others say that for them, it is not simply cosmetic and it quantifiably impacts their phone's radio's performance. I'm not sure why there would be any difference at all, but it is something to keep in mind, and is a potential "cost" one should take into account when using international firmware on a U.S. model.
Also, there are as-yet-unknown and undocumented differences between functionality in the various firmwares from different regions, making it extremely difficult to determine which is the "best" one to use. Arguably the only thing that the U.S. firmware lacks is the fingerprint scanner and is otherwise fully functional. I happen to know from reading other threads that all German firmwares, including the generic carrier-unbranded one, for some reason have SIP/VoIP calling ripped out of the system phone app, which makes absolutely no sense to me. Who knows what other features are missing or crippled in that region or in others.
At least with the U.S. firmware, it appears to be possible to restore the files that are missing from it in order to resurrect the fingerprint scanner (after rooting, of course). Given the minefield presented by the uncertainties when it comes to firmwares for other regions, this might arguably be the best way to go if you are in the U.S. and want a working fingerprint scanner.
-- Nathan
DRHARNESS said:
Hey, as you can imagine I ****ed up. If you could do me a favor and post those images that you got from your phone somewhere that would be incredibly useful for me. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, somehow I missed seeing this reply! You want the images for 32.2.A.0.224 that I pulled? Just to clarify, these were pulled as bit-for-bit rips from the phone's partitions (so they're big; even leaving out cache and userdata we're talking about 6GB here), and are not in FTF format nor flashable with Flashtool or Emma. To flash, you'd have to have your bootloader unlocked, put the image files on an SD card, put the SD card in the phone, boot TWRP over USB with fastboot, and then use dd to flash each partition from the command line.
If you're still interested, send me a PM and we'll work out a way to get these to you.
-- Nathan
Hi guys,
I bough a used LG G5 back a couple of days because i have a lot of love for the LG G series. I got the phone after i had a quick look over the phone when i was with the seller and i was very happy about the external look of the phone so i bought it.
I had read that there is an official update for the LG G5 to Oreo so it was a big surprise when i realized that the one i got was still on 6.0.1. What i did was come back to the house, connect to the wifi and try to do a FOTA upgrade. No luck. It said that the phone was already at its latest update available. What i did then was to do a manual upgrade with LG Bridge. All went good and the phone was updated to 7.0. After the first reboot, i got the message "Current version is not available for user....". I didn't bother at the time because i thought that after a factory reset all would be ok. Well that didn't happen . I did notice something strange. The software version i had was referring to "EU" but now it says V20r-OPT2-SI. Perhaps the previous owner had the phone rooted and perhaps that version that it had was not the official EU.
Now the OS is full off bloatware and there isn't an update to Oreo available.
I want to:
- Find the appropriate OS version that my phone should have
- Get rid of the message that appears during the boot
- Get rid (if possible) from the bloatware when the correct OS is loaded
I want to use an official ROM with no root because of company regulations where i work so, rooting might be an issue. If i do have to root, i then have to unroot it again before use.
Because i have been away from the scene for a long time, please excuse my lack of information.
Regards,
If you don't mind loosing VoLTE support for the operators your rom was made for, just delete the /cust/ folder and you'll get rid of both error message and most of the bloatware.
tremalnaik said:
If you don't mind loosing VoLTE support for the operators your rom was made for, just delete the /cust/ folder and you'll get rid of both error message and most of the bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am a noob, i didnt know this, thanks for the tip
tremalnaik said:
If you don't mind loosing VoLTE support for the operators your rom was made for, just delete the /cust/ folder and you'll get rid of both error message and most of the bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is indeed a nice tip that i was not aware of but would it be possible to know if i am able to flash a rom carrier independent in order to be able to upgrade afterward to the Oreo? If so, how can i find out the version that i can flash without damaging the phone?
Thanx for the help so far.
You can flash whatever rom you want (of course an H850 one, never try to flash a H830 or H860 ROM on the H850!!!). If you want to upgrade to Oreo having an Open EU stock rom, follow these instructions: https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/development/stock-h850-30a-eu-rom-flashable-zips-t3850072
If you follow colsely the instructions and charge the phone before proceeding, there's virtually no risk of damage (avoid flashing form a desktop pc in a stormy night, of course).