Hi all,
I'm quite new to the sony and android scene. My iphone 3GS broke down a while ago (actually I dropped it ) and I had it replaced by a Mini Pro.
I'm on the stock 2.3.4 rom and would like to test the miui version on this forum.
So, my question is simple: I need to unlock the bootloader to install a custom rom.
Can I revert to a stock rom (or upgrade to the new upcoming ics stock version) without loosing DRM etc?
And what's the procedure to do so?
you will have to follow this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285285 that is the only way to unlock it without losing drm and the ability to officially update.
Looks quite scary stuff to me. Coming from a jailbroken iphone, it looks like this is a bit trickier. Thank you for the reply though
Another small question then: can I still upgrade to a stock rom version if I have unlocked the bootloader? (via an unofficial way that is)
yes you can, but if you unlock your bootloader the official way you are not going to be able to update using sony software.
and yeah it looks scary but it is easier than it looks.
Great, thanks for the info. I'll search around the forum for the unofficial unlock mechanisms and will have a try with them!
jvdv360 said:
Great, thanks for the info. I'll search around the forum for the unofficial unlock mechanisms and will have a try with them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well the only unofficial way is by test point (the link i posted before) but it's good to hear you want to search anything else let me know!
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
Hello, as the title says, Im new to Sony smartphones, Xperia Z2 is my first sony phone.
Now I would like to get some things clear...
Ive read that I dont have to unlock my bootloader to root my Z2 with 5.1.1
If I do it this way, will I be able to flash roms and kernels normally or is there a difference between locked and unlocked bootloader for roms?
If I unlock my bootloader I loose my DRM keys, now what does that mean in practice? I have read that camera algorythms can cease to work in Xperia Z3 case, but since Z3 and Z2 are basically the same device does this apply to Z2 too?
So basically, I know what I can gain with unlocking and rooting, but what exactly will I loose?
TIA
5ageman said:
Hello, as the title says, Im new to Sony smartphones, Xperia Z2 is my first sony phone.
Now I would like to get some things clear...
Ive read that I dont have to unlock my bootloader to root my Z2 with 5.1.1
If I do it this way, will I be able to flash roms and kernels normally or is there a difference between locked and unlocked bootloader for roms?
If I unlock my bootloader I loose my DRM keys, now what does that mean in practice? I have read that camera algorythms can cease to work in Xperia Z3 case, but since Z3 and Z2 are basically the same device does this apply to Z2 too?
So basically, I know what I can gain with unlocking and rooting, but what exactly will I loose?
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you unlock bootloader you will be able to flash custom kernels and ROMs based on custom kernel (stock-based ROMs like ExistenZ work on locked bootloader).
2. Yes you will loose DRM Keys, but you can backup them before unlocking and restore to lock bootloader, but you need root. To do this you have to downgrade your Android to 5.0.2 (I prefer 23.1.A.1.28) and root via KingRoot
In practice, losing DRM Keys disables e.g. X-Reality or Noise Reduction in camera.
3. Without DRM Backup you'll loose your warranty. With DRM Backup, when you'll have to send ur phone to repair, you restore DRM keys and you have warranty again. You lose many advanced camera functions and image correction like X-Reality.
Bruce666 said:
1. If you unlock bootloader you will be able to flash custom kernels and ROMs based on custom kernel (stock-based ROMs like ExistenZ work on locked bootloader).
2. Yes you will loose DRM Keys, but you can backup them before unlocking and restore to lock bootloader, but you need root. To do this you have to downgrade your Android to 5.0.2 (I prefer 23.1.A.1.28) and root via KingRoot
In practice, losing DRM Keys disables e.g. X-Reality or Noise Reduction in camera.
3. Without DRM Backup you'll loose your warranty. With DRM Backup, when you'll have to send ur phone to repair, you restore DRM keys and you have warranty again. You lose many advanced camera functions and image correction like X-Reality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, so I do loose some valuable features by unlocking the bootloader the same as I do with the Z3. Then its a no go for me, I checked out the Existenz rom and I think it will suffice with its features for an android poweruser.
And one more question, does the 20mp in superior auto xposed module produce good pics, do I loose quality comparing to pics taken in 8mpix?
5ageman said:
I see, so I do loose some valuable features by unlocking the bootloader the same as I do with the Z3. Then its a no go for me, I checked out the Existenz rom and I think it will suffice with its features for an android poweruser.
And one more question, does the 20mp in superior auto xposed module produce good pics, do I loose quality comparing to pics taken in 8mpix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know I didn't try this. As I remember Z5 camera supports 20MP in SA and this is available in ExistenZ but im not sure.
You don't need to unlock the bootloader to root.
This is only needed if you want to flash another kernel.
Some roms need that and some don't.
Most of the rom makers use [LB] for locked and [UB] for unlocked in the title of their roms topic to indicate compatibility.
Normally the roms for unlocked bootloader are in the "http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z2/orig-development" and the ones for locked bootloader in "http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z2/development" forums but that is not always the case and some are usable in both cases.
Sorry that i join this thread, but i understand his problem.
I had Xperia Z and i only used towelroot and was happy. now i got a XZ2 and iam trying since hours to get it rooted.
First of all i flashed a clear 5.1.1 and found out, that i can't flash it. so i went down to 5.0.2 (D6503_23.1.A.1.28_Customized DE) and i should use easyroot (doesnt work)
error: only position independent executables (PIE) are supported.
done
Checking if device is rooted...
Error: device not rooted
Towelroot also doesnt work. So is there any option to get it rooted?
rockyy said:
Sorry that i join this thread, but i understand his problem.
I had Xperia Z and i only used towelroot and was happy. now i got a XZ2 and iam trying since hours to get it rooted.
First of all i flashed a clear 5.1.1 and found out, that i can't flash it. so i went down to 5.0.2 (D6503_23.1.A.1.28_Customized DE) and i should use easyroot (doesnt work)
error: only position independent executables (PIE) are supported.
done
Checking if device is rooted...
Error: device not rooted
Towelroot also doesnt work. So is there any option to get it rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your question has been answered a bazillion times...
Search a bit, and you should find the answer.
Hey all, first of all I'm not new to the Android world. I've had many phones, and all if them modified heavily. I do not consider myself a Dev (I've made some basic scripts that's about all) but definitely a power user.
Anyway, I'm a little lost on this z2 as far as modding it goes. My bootloader is NOT unlockable according to the phone stats, however I have seen a few root methods for 5.1.1 and locked bootloaders (I'm build a.1.232). Now many of these rooting methods ask for you to downgrade to a rootable version, root it, then reflash a prerooted 5.xx ROM. Easy, However with my unlockable bootloader how will I flash anything other than a stock Sony ROM without bricking it?
Essentially what I'm after is how far can I go with a locked bootloader, and if there is s surefire way to root 5.1.1 without downgrading since I can't flash back up. Also am I good to flash a custom recovery? Or is that offlimits as well being locked. I'm a little lost due to lots of mods here apparently working with locked bootloaders, and on my HTC one that just didn't fly.. Lol.
Thank
AlwaysDroid said:
However with my unlockable bootloader how will I flash anything other than a stock Sony ROM without bricking it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You meant locked bootloader right?
You won't be able to flash any custom ROMs without unlocking your bootloader.
The only custom ROM that works for locked bootloader is MIUI (which uses the stock Sony kernel)and the phone needs to be downgraded to 4.4.4 and there are some custom ROMs out there which may work on locked bootloaders.
Yes,you will be able to flash custom recovery and use mods that are available on XDA and also xposed works fine on LB
You won't be able to flash custom kernel or custom ROM for LB
Yes downgrade is possible
Hello everyone
I have been reading the dev forums gathering info so I can install a fresh, optimized and non-bloated ROM in my wife's M4 aqua, but I'm a little confused about the bootloader/root part.
What is the correct order to follow? First unlock the bootloader, then rooting/install twrp, then flashing a custom rom? What ROM seems to have a better overall performance?
Btw, the phone is the E2303 model I think (the 8 GB one with single sim) with official MM and the service menu says that is possible to unlock the bootloader.
Thanks in advance