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Hello,
Before you say "use search" function read what I have to say
I have an Xperia Neo for about 1 year but I didn't need to root it or anything, I was happy the way it was, I only did one update since I got it, minus the ICS 4.0.4 update from Sony. But after this updated, I have started to get really annoyed by the bloatware that the firmware comes pre-installed with, seems to me they put on even more stuff with every update, stuff that I really don't use.
So....I decided to root/unlock my phone but I don't have the slightest idea where to begin. I know that I will use flashtool and I already have that, but besides that I have no idea what I need. I've browsed these forums for the past day and I didn't stumble on anything that could help my situation (or lack of knowledge how some might call it).
I also know that I will need to use a "custom" firmware but I'm having a bit of trouble wrapping my head around these facts:
Do I need JUST the firmware?
Do I also need a ROM?
Do I also need a kernel?!
Whats up with these, I mean, I know what a kernel and a ROM and a firmware is, but what exactly do I need to root my phone and what do I have to do? Also, unlocking the bootloader?
Sometimes I wish there's someone out there that compiles a damn guide about these things, something detailed, explaining why he does what he does....or maybe I didn't search enough?
Anyway....any volunteers?
Erm, I will go with "you didn't search good enough" ....and now you can shoot me
Did you notice sticky thread in general section, which is about rooting ICS? If not, I will say you didn't search good enough.
Did you noticed sticky thread in Neo V dev section(yeah, mostly(99%) Neo and Neo V are same)? In one of the sticky thread you have compiled dame guide about these things If not..........
I'm not sure,so I won't blame you for this one but I believe in one of those few sticky threads there is also link to one thread/guide in Arc section, which is also compiled dame guide about these things
Did I miss anything?
Yep, I noticed all those threads, but somehow you missed the point of my thread.
First of all, the sticky thread about rooting ICS in the Neo General Forum is addressed to people who have done this BEFORE, and not people who have no idea where to begin or what do they need.
Second, If I don't know what I need to be able to root my phone safely, why the hell would I even bother looking at other phones? Even if they are the same. That would only increase the chances of me burning the phone because I have no experience with this.
Third, most of the guides I found, are either outdated or refer to specific stuff. I can't believe that Android is so "complicated" to root/unlock or whatever you wanna call it. I owned an iPhone once and it was very easy to unlock and jailbreak.....in like 1 click.
But the problem here is most likely the number of devices that run Android, and that's whats making it harder....
So I'm going to ask again:
What the hell do I need to be able to get this started?
Except flashtool.
What do I need to know? Do I need to have an unlocked bootloader?
And somehow you also missed my point.
Rooting android is mostly 1 click thing. BUT, sometime we need to mess a bit to get it root-ed. I didn't have much play with iPhone, but I'm pretty sure not everything was 1 click, so..
Now we get to one point, you say people who have no idea where to begin, I say read. Read before you start messing with something. I know you hate me now for that, but hey, I did the same thing. I read few days before I get a grip around all android things.
But actually, all you need to know is how to flash kernel in flashtool(actually even simplier, how to flash .ftf file), and how to run .bat file which will do everything.
Let's start with flashtool, in main thread, which you supposed to find by now, there is BIG tutorial how to use flashtool and how to flash with it.
In sticky thread in general section, you even have prepared .ftf files with kernels. So that's a no-brainer
.bat file, I really hope everything is clear about that..
About your questions, you need phone, PC, flashtool, few .ftf's(which can be found in tutorial), tutorial and that's it
It's not hard, aprox. xxxx people done it so far. I doubt they all were Android guru's
About bootloader, you don't need to unlock it just to root your phone. But in the case you would have unlocked BL, things would be easier, a bit.
Now on the job, follow tutorials and ask when you stuck somewhere.
Alright. I'll get on it.
Be back with updates.
Right, first try, managed to unlock the bootloader, root the phone, but messed up at flashing a custom ROM.
I tried installing this ROM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1518563
It was only when the install finished when I noticed that the ROM had been discontinued.
My Android version was indeed 4.0.4. but I must have ticked something wrong, somewhere.
At the moment the phone is stuck at the SONY logo without the possibility of getting into CWM.
I have no idea what to do next, but my guess is, start the phone in fastboot and flash back to stock? But I don't know how to do that.
I'm thinking to try the latest Kormatoes ROM and Kernel but he doesn't post any installation instructions :/
justinhd said:
Right, first try, managed to unlock the bootloader, root the phone, but messed up at flashing a custom ROM.
I tried installing this ROM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1518563
It was only when the install finished when I noticed that the ROM had been discontinued.
My Android version was indeed 4.0.4. but I must have ticked something wrong, somewhere.
At the moment the phone is stuck at the SONY logo without the possibility of getting into CWM.
I have no idea what to do next, but my guess is, start the phone in fastboot and flash back to stock? But I don't know how to do that.
I'm thinking to try the latest Kormatoes ROM and Kernel but he doesn't post any installation instructions :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed.
Used "fastboot" to flash a new kernel that had CWM on. Got into CWM but couldn't mount the SD card so I used
"adb push" while in recovery to transfer new ROM to sdcard, then installed the new rom and its over. After nearly 5 hours. lol
Hi all,
Firstly sorry, you must get this all the time and be really bored of helping but i would be so grateful if anyone out there can point me in the right direction.
Firstly my phone details;
Model - Xperia Z2 D6503
Firmware - 1278-4770_23.0.1.a.3.9
Network - EE
Rooting status;
Bootloader unlock allowed: No
I want to root my phone but after reading what seems like thousands of web pages im more than a little confused. Does anyone out there have a step by step guide for beginners?
I want to use cwm recovery but don't understand how to get that on the phone as most guides say use it to back up before doing anything else but it isn't there to start with!
Also will installing cwm wipe my phone and sd card?
Any help would be much appreciated and many thanks in advance.
You can only install nuts dual recovery on a locked bootloader, proper recovery is included in the kernel and the kernel can only be changed on an unlocked bootloader, there was a a guide to rooting in one of the forums and I assume towel root will work, just search the z2 forum you'll find it
Sent from my Xperia Z2 using Tapatalk
Mr.R™ said:
You can only install nuts dual recovery on a locked bootloader, proper recovery is included in the kernel and the kernel can only be changed on an unlocked bootloader, there was a a guide to rooting in one of the forums and I assume towel root will work, just search the z2 forum you'll find it
Sent from my Xperia Z2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response.
Is nuts recovery better or worse than cwm? Also i thought that towel root would not work with 4.4.4 at present?
Does the locked bootloader mean i cannot do certain things even after rooting my phone like install custom roms and kernals?
Many thanks
Faggy said:
Hi all,
Firstly sorry, you must get this all the time and be really bored of helping but i would be so grateful if anyone out there can point me in the right direction.
Firstly my phone details;
Model - Xperia Z2 D6503
Firmware - 1278-4770_23.0.1.a.3.9
Network - EE
Rooting status;
Bootloader unlock allowed: No
I want to root my phone but after reading what seems like thousands of web pages im more than a little confused. Does anyone out there have a step by step guide for beginners?
I want to use cwm recovery but don't understand how to get that on the phone as most guides say use it to back up before doing anything else but it isn't there to start with!
Also will installing cwm wipe my phone and sd card?
Any help would be much appreciated and many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Faggy said:
Thanks for the response.
Is nuts recovery better or worse than cwm? Also i thought that towel root would not work with 4.4.4 at present?
Does the locked bootloader mean i cannot do certain things even after rooting my phone like install custom roms and kernals?
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You cannot root the firmware you are on with a one click tool (like towelroot) at present. You have to downgrade to a lower firmware like 17.1.2.A.0.314 first and then root that, install a custom recovery and install a pre-rooted firmware package.
2) Your bootloader is hard locked by EE, this means that you will never be able to unlock it and install custom kernels nor custom ROM's what require custom kernels.
3) It is more than recommended to install [NUT]'s dual recovery, this installs PhilZ recovery (a more advanced CWM in my opinion), TWRP and CWM (to use CWM you have to install dual recovery manager from google play AFTER installing the dual recovery).
4) Now to downgrading, you will need to download a program called flashtool (this can be found in the Sony Cross Device development section) and the .314 ftf file (not .tft, ,ttf, .fft or any other variation people mis-spell it as). You will then need to install the drivers for your phone (these can be found in the flashtool drivers folder in the location you installed it, also if you have Windows 8 or 8.1 check my signature on how to disable driver enforcement before attempting to install the drivers.) There are plenty of guides on how to downgrade, there is even one in the firmware collection thread what can be found in the Z2 general section. Side note, when downgrading you will HAVE to wipe data and the cache (this can be selected when you are selecting the firmware to flash) or else you will end up with a phone what is in a bootloop.
5) After downgrading you will need to root, the easiest and simplest way to root would to be use the easy root toolkit (this can be found in the Sony Cross Device development section).
6) After rooting you will have to install [NUT]'s dual recovery (Sony Cross Device development section, you will need the installer file and not the flashable file).
7) After installing dual recovery you will need to flash a pre-rooted zip file of the latest update (Z2 Android Development section, I think the one by @niaboc79 is the best one to use). Alternatively you could install a custom ROM what is based on stock, it will tell you if it is.
If you need any more help, just tag me in the post (by using the @ symbol and then my user name) or PM me. Also, @Envious_Data is a great help in this device forum, helped me when I had a few queries about the phone before I got it and I have seen them help a load of people in the Q&A section.
@gamer649 Thank you for taking the time to help me, that has explained everything perfectly. I do however have a couple more questions i think you'll know about....
1 - Is there a back up app available that will do a similar back up to that of "apple". I mean reinstall all the apps i currently have and keep the home screen layouts and all data etc?
2 - In the link to the firmware downloads you gave me there is only 2 UK .314 ones and none of them are EE, shiuld i just use the unbranded one and what are the differences?
3 - The main reason i started looking into rooting was that i heard about a tweak to increase the volume of the z2 notifications by forcing it to use both speakers. Have you had any expierience with it and what other tweaks would you recomend?
Thanks again and i look forward to hearing from you again
Faggy said:
@gamer649 Thank you for taking the time to help me, that has explained everything perfectly. I do however have a couple more questions i think you'll know about....
1 - Is there a back up app available that will do a similar back up to that of "apple". I mean reinstall all the apps i currently have and keep the home screen layouts and all data etc?
2 - In the link to the firmware downloads you gave me there is only 2 UK .314 ones and none of them are EE, shiuld i just use the unbranded one and what are the differences?
3 - The main reason i started looking into rooting was that i heard about a tweak to increase the volume of the z2 notifications by forcing it to use both speakers. Have you had any expierience with it and what other tweaks would you recomend?
Thanks again and i look forward to hearing from you again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You could try using the stock back up and restore app for that. Also, if you have your data backed up with your Google account it will start to reinstall all your apps along with their data once you sign in once you downgrade. @Envious_Data any other suggestions for a non-rooted device?
2) I always go for unbranded software, the reason being that there are no carrier apps nor carrier boot logos installed into the ROM and it is how Sony intended it to be. Apart from that I don't think there are any differences.
3) I don't usually have my phone on sound mode, it is either silent or vibrate so I can't help you with that one. You could take a look in the Z2 android development section to see what mods are available, some ROM's may also include this feature.
gamer649 said:
1) You could try using the stock back up and restore app for that. Also, if you have your data backed up with your Google account it will start to reinstall all your apps along with their data once you sign in once you downgrade. Envious_Data any other suggestions for a non-rooted device?
2) I always go for unbranded software, the reason being that there are no carrier apps nor carrier boot logos installed into the ROM and it is how Sony intended it to be. Apart from that I dont think there are any differences.
3) I dont usually have my phone on sound mode, it is either silent or vibrate so I cant help you with that one. You could take a look in the Z2 android development section to see what mods are available, some ROMs may also include this feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You can use root to copy all of your apps from /data/app and you can use flashtool to bulk install all of them
2. Branded firmwares occasionaly have some small changes for better reception on the selcted network but with 314 this doesnt actualy matter
3. Have a look around for some mods, and see if they are compatible with your current firmware version
ok so please be gentle here, coming back here after 7 years, from old Windows Mobile days!
I am a newbie to Android and want to root my Z5 compact. The only reason I want to root it is to enable some apps like Greenify and GSam battery monitor to work with all their features enabled. I do not want to flash a new ROM. I am happy with Sony's stock ROM.
Is it possible to get root access without installing / flashing a new ROM?
I have searched the internet but people talk about flashing every time I read about rooting. Then I also saw this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/root-automatic-repack-stock-kernel-dm-t3301605
Lots of geeky stuff there which is fine, but again, it seems to talk about flashing the ROM, which I really do not want to do or do not see the need (yet).
Unlock boot loader:
I see that Sony lets me unlock the boot loader from their dev site. I am willing to unlock the boot loader. (Not sure if I want to do that first. Maybe unlocking BL is all I need?)
rajdude said:
ok so please be gentle here, coming back here after 7 years, from old Windows Mobile days!
I am a newbie to Android and want to root my Z5 compact. The only reason I want to root it is to enable some apps like Greenify and GSam battery monitor to work with all their features enabled. I do not want to flash a new ROM. I am happy with Sony's stock ROM.
Is it possible to get root access without installing / flashing a new ROM?
I have searched the internet but people talk about flashing every time I read about rooting. Then I also saw this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/root-automatic-repack-stock-kernel-dm-t3301605
Lots of geeky stuff there which is fine, but again, it seems to talk about flashing the ROM, which I really do not want to do or do not see the need (yet).
Unlock boot loader:
I see that Sony lets me unlock the boot loader from their dev site. I am willing to unlock the boot loader. (Not sure if I want to do that first. Maybe unlocking BL is all I need?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason to use that guide is to backup ta keys for whatever reason you'd want to do that.
If you're after root on stock ROM the single easiest way is to unlock bootloader, flash twrp 3.0.2, flash xpower 3.0, and that's it. Solid marshmallow with root goodies. Xpower has everything and is deodexed and ready for xposed framework.
just a little more clarification please?
civicsr2cool said:
.....easiest way is to unlock bootloader, flash twrp 3.0.2, flash xpower 3.0, and that's it. ......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks.....that sounds straight forward.....but isn't TWRP a ROM? (sorry, the moment I hear flashing...I think ROM)
And I am looking up xpower...not sure what that is (yet) and why do I need it
I do want xposed framework though.
I wish there was a simple straightforward answer
rajdude said:
Ok thanks.....that sounds straight forward.....but isn't TWRP a ROM? (sorry, the moment I hear flashing...I think ROM)
And I am looking up xpower...not sure what that is (yet) and why do I need it
I do want xposed framework though.
I wish there was a simple straightforward answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Twrp is your recovery,you flash through fastboot, xpower 3.0 is the ROM, just a pre-modded stock ROM with options of xperia x addons. Use lite and stock kernel for xpower and you'll be set.
still a little confused
civicsr2cool said:
Twrp is your recovery,you flash through fastboot, xpower 3.0 is the ROM, just a pre-modded stock ROM with options of xperia x addons. Use lite and stock kernel for xpower and you'll be set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks! So my understanding (so far) is :
We "must" flash a ROM in order to root a phone. Did I get that correct?
Since I said I like the stock Sony ROM, you recommended the xpower 3.0 ROM.........but the point is.....I still have to flash ROM.
A little confused here...
I am a systems engineer (my day job). In Linux or Windows OS, if we want root access (to run some software or a low level command, like partitioning a disk etc), we either run SU command and put root's password OR right click and run as administrator......
We never have to install a brand new Operating System to get root access.
Just a total newbie question.....Why do we have do install a whole new OS (flash new ROM) on our Android phones to get root access?
rajdude said:
Ok thanks! So my understanding (so far) is :
We "must" flash a ROM in order to root a phone. Did I get that correct?
Since I said I like the stock Sony ROM, you recommended the xpower 3.0 ROM.........but the point is.....I still have to flash ROM.
A little confused here...
I am a systems engineer (my d Linux or Windows OS, if we want root access (to run some software or a low level command, like partitioning a disk etc), we either run SU command and put root's password OR right click and run as administrator......
We never have to install a brand new Operating System to get root access.
Just a total newbie question.....Why do we have do install a whole new OS (flash new ROM) on our Android phones to get root access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android is Linux, to gain root in the ROM you have on your phone currently all you need is an unlocked bootloader to run SU, but then you'll be left with a phone that still needs a customized kernel to keep root and a DRM fix for the camera. Xpower 3.0 is that package.
You could really benefit from reading more. Google up on dm-verity and Sony Ric, and fastboot/adb for a little better understanding of what you're getting into without a pre compiled ROM. Messing around with any Android you'll have the majority of the same steps, unlock bootloader with fastboot, flash Supersu, customized kernel.. Etc
Why use a stable compiled ROM?
Let me list down and explain to you why it's best to use a stable compiled ROM. But first you need to understand these few things before you decide to unlock your bootloader and root.
Before Sony Z models kicked in, every rooted Sony device are still able to retain all the features that came together with the phone before it was rooted. When Sony introduce the first Z model, they start to create these things called DRM keys. DRM keys are unique algorithm (i guess i should put it that way) which is attached to every phone the same way an IMEI number is attached to every phone. In short, my DRM keys cannot be used on your phone and vice versa.
DRM key: It's a unique algorithm that holds all the unique features that an unrooted Sony phone boast such as camera quality, X-reality, High Res Audio etc etc.
The moment you unlock your bootloader, that's the moment your DRM keys will be lost. But don't panic, the wonderful devs on XDA have prepared a tool to backup your TA partition (a partition that contains your DRM key) for your own convenience if you want to relock your bootloader.
Then recently Sony/Android come up with new features called Sony RIC and dm-verity. (You may Google what these are all about but to my understanding it is placing limitations to people who root their phones to meddle around with the system settings of thier phone)
With all these "hurdles", it have taken some time for devs here to find a work around and like every fairytale ending, they manage to find a way.
Now you're wondering if you can actually root without flashing another rom. Good news for you: you can! There's a guide that will teach you how to actually root and apply the work around after unlocking your bootloader and rooting.
.. But ask yourself what's the point of going through the hassle of rooting and your phone is not tweaked for performance or for theming purposes?
That's when people flash roms and in Z5 compact's case, XPower is the best rom there is. It gives you all the performance tweak you need to make your phone lag free, it has a lite version that removes all the unnecessary system apps you can't delete without root, it gives you an option to add themes and framework from Xperia X with all those work around in place.
For your second question: why is there a need to install TWRP?
TWRP is a recovery tool which is a need for all rooted phone. It's also a tool for you to backup and restore your current rom so that you can rollback to the last working configuration if your phone went into a bootloop etc. Plus i believe all these guides require you to actually use TWRP to flash the SuperSU to successfully root your phone.
I hope this explains your doubts.
Thanks a lot but...
firdyRAY, thanks a lot for the comprehensive reply to my questions. And yes, it has shed a LOT of light on my doubts.
I googled Sony RIC and dm-verity:
I could not get find much on ric
Dm-verity seems to me a way to check if the boot image has been modified from the last boot, and if it has, stop from booting. Sounds like a good idea until we understand that to flash a ROM dm-verity needs to be bypassed/turned off.
So to compile what I have understood so far:
By unlocking bootloader, you lose DRM keys. There is a way to backup DRM keys which are in the TA partition, but this is to be done BEFORE you unlock bootloader. Good that I have not done anything to my X5c yet.
The next steps for me would be to look into XPower 3 ROM…which I did and here is what I found out:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z5-compact/development/rom-xpower-v1-0-aroma-debloat-custom-t3371100
First, what's up with the scary looking warning in RED right at the top of the first thread. I did read the OP and the second post, I did not see anything in there which IF I missed will cause my phone to explode! That is probably posted to make noobs read all instructions, right?
Second, I do not see any step in there to backup the DRM / TA partition. I guess the dev is assuming the phone already has lost the DRM, right? So I gotta find instructions on how to backup DRM / TA
Then I searched for problems in this ROM and seems to me that the fingerprint sensor is reported by many to be not working and/or buggy. I rely on the fingerprint sensor day and night. I have many apps which rely on that, like lastpass. That would be a major deal breaker for me.
So going back to stock ROM option…I remember you said "There's a guide that will teach you how to actually root and apply the work around after unlocking your bootloader and rooting."
Could you please post a link to that?
Thanks again!
I think this is a pretty great thread rajdude. It's getting people to spell out a lot of information to noobs like us that it seems most posters have taken for granted over time.
I'm a complete novice at all of this. Sort of gleaning information as I go along, but I used this guide: http://twigstechtips.blogspot.hk/2016/04/sony-z5-compact-root-without-losing-ta.html?m=0
Along with this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/general/guide-rooting-unlocking-bootloader-t3354307
The first guide is pretty basic step-by-step instructions. It unfortunately occasionally kind of skips over a couple very small things (that will be clear as you go along), or occasionally words things in such a way that might not be completely intuitive, but maybe that's cause I need things explained to me like I'm five sometimes. Any time I might have had a question about something in the the first guide, I went to the other and found the answer. It didn't take me long to get the gist of the whole thing though, and overall, it wasn't as scary as I thought it was going to be. It'd be fantastic if someone created a video walkthrough, but so far as I know, no one has done that yet.
The guide will help you back up your TA Partition where your DRM keys are stored, unlock your bootloader, root your device, and then restore your DRM keys. In order to do this you need to downgrade to Lollipop (if you're not already on it), and then upgrade back up to Marshmallow. It will also install TWRP (which I had no clue was installed until I went into "recovery mode" by pressing UP when I saw the LED flash yellow during boot). There may be an easier way to go about this whole process, but this is the process I used.
Before jumping into anything, I'd hold off until you heard more from firdyRAY or someone more experienced. They may look at the guide I linked and be horrified.
And yeah, I haven't installed xpower yet for the same reasons you haven't. Sounds like there's even an xpower 4.0 that was released recently, but still seems kinda buggy. Being rooted with stock I've been able to give Greenify access to root. Install Adaway (which was worth getting root to begin with). Install sound/music mods like DiVA-X, Viper4Android and Dolby Atmos. Install Titanium Backup. And make a few other minor tweaks (that I've since reversed). I still don't know much about custom ROMs and all that jazz, so I'm holding off until I get more understanding. I'd love to install the xpower ROM (when the bugs are worked out), and maybe some sort of sound ROM. I also need to get more understanding on some of the other vernacular like what exactly a "dirty flash" is.
rajdude said:
firdyRAY, thanks a lot for the comprehensive reply to my questions. And yes, it has shed a LOT of light on my doubts.
I googled Sony RIC and dm-verity:
I could not get find much on ric
Dm-verity seems to me a way to check if the boot image has been modified from the last boot, and if it has, stop from booting. Sounds like a good idea until we understand that to flash a ROM dm-verity needs to be bypassed/turned off.
So to compile what I have understood so far:
By unlocking bootloader, you lose DRM keys. There is a way to backup DRM keys which are in the TA partition, but this is to be done BEFORE you unlock bootloader. Good that I have not done anything to my X5c yet.
The next steps for me would be to look into XPower 3 ROM…which I did and here is what I found out:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z5-compact/development/rom-xpower-v1-0-aroma-debloat-custom-t3371100
First, what's up with the scary looking warning in RED right at the top of the first thread. I did read the OP and the second post, I did not see anything in there which IF I missed will cause my phone to explode! That is probably posted to make noobs read all instructions, right?
Second, I do not see any step in there to backup the DRM / TA partition. I guess the dev is assuming the phone already has lost the DRM, right? So I gotta find instructions on how to backup DRM / TA
Then I searched for problems in this ROM and seems to me that the fingerprint sensor is reported by many to be not working and/or buggy. I rely on the fingerprint sensor day and night. I have many apps which rely on that, like lastpass. That would be a major deal breaker for me.
So going back to stock ROM option…I remember you said "There's a guide that will teach you how to actually root and apply the work around after unlocking your bootloader and rooting."
Could you please post a link to that?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sony ric is a layer of security for sony roms so that they can protect nfc and fingerprint stuff. samsung and htc have there own variants as well.
yes lol the big red lettering is there to make you read, although hes not far off on the melting your phone part, the s810 is ridiculously hot.
the xpower thread doesnt not include the drm backup instructions because: 1) you need bootloader unlocked to flash it. and 2) because it includes the drm fix in it so you dont have to backup your ta keys.
the fingerprint sensor bug is on any bootloader unlocked phone, the hardware fails after x amount of hours and requires a reboot to work again. xpower is a stock rom, the only thing different is its pre-rooted, de-bloated, and deodexed for xposed to work. we have a separate thread for the fingerprint sensor bug and its been solved.
rajdude said:
firdyRAY, thanks a lot for the comprehensive reply to my questions. And yes, it has shed a LOT of light on my doubts.
I googled Sony RIC and dm-verity:
I could not get find much on ric
Dm-verity seems to me a way to check if the boot image has been modified from the last boot, and if it has, stop from booting. Sounds like a good idea until we understand that to flash a ROM dm-verity needs to be bypassed/turned off.
So to compile what I have understood so far:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony RIC main function is to disable /system write even you got root permission(you still able to do /system write but after a reboot will restore to original). There is a workaround but very trouble, TWRP recovery file manager can bypass Sony RIC(it works in the old day for me, not sure about now). BTW, all 3rd kernel should be disabled RIC nowadays. For any regular computer, there is no hardware or software lock to prevent you gain root access in linux but there are many such trouble stuffs in the android world... lol
I'm running XPower 3.0 Full as a daily driver since June and been very happy. Battery life, stability and speed is good.
Please note, that you MAY lose your warranty when you lose your DRM keys. That's why I didn't unlocked my phone before there was a way to backup TA partition. Now I'm after warranty repair, and before it I was able to fully restore stock ROM with DRM and all features fully functional. In my country, there is only one Sony approved repair center and they check DRM keys before repairing anything - even if it's mechanical fault.
When I had Z1c in KitKat days, it didn't had dm-verity and Sony RIC. It was possible to gain permanent root with bootloader locked, so I was happily using stock ROM and kernel. In Z5c case, first thing I tried was to do the same and it was possible (just backup TA, unlock bootloader, and flash TWRP with patched kernel (dm-verity and Sony RIC disabled) to begin with), but going XPower way was much more confident - I didn't had to think about removing every bloat app. I just flashed lite version in June and I'm using it till this day without any problems at all
Another thing is that you lose OTA (Over-The-Air Update) functionality when you unlock bootloader and disable Sony RIC and dm-verity. Updating to newer versions of firmware, even on stock ROM is problematic when you modify it.
michuroztocz said:
Another thing is that you lose OTA (Over-The-Air Update) functionality when you unlock bootloader and disable Sony RIC and dm-verity. Updating to newer versions of firmware, even on stock ROM is problematic when you modify it.
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It's simply not possible. If you are rooted you can't apply OTA updates and neither should you.
flopower1996 said:
It's simply not possible. If you are rooted you can't apply OTA updates and neither should you.
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That's just what I wrote - just put it in another words
Hello everyone,
tl;dr version
What's the best way to install a custom rom on the Redmi Note 3 out of the box with a locked bootloader. What is the best rom to use for maximum functionality.
I have been following these forums for a while, but haven't got around to creating an account and posting. I'm new to flashing roms, and my experience goes as far as following guides to flash a Samsung S4, and a Samsung S2. The Samsung phones were really easy to flash, and I just followed guides in a robotic way without ever actually learning anything. For the record, CM12 on the Samsung S2, which I'm using because I smashed my S4, is absolutely unbelievable in regards to the increase of performance.
One of my work friends was telling me that he has a mate who bought a Chinese phone really cheap and flashed it. Getting excited, knowing exactly where I need to look to flash a phone, I impulsively researched these phones and bought a Redmi Note 3 for $173 AUD. It's on the way in the mail. Having looked at the hardware specs, this price is absolutely ridiculous. I was more swayed to buy the Redmi Note 3, because multiple sites reported that the second sim slot can hold a micro SD card. The only downside I can see to this phone is the bloatware and stock rom that it comes with, and the reason for this post is to discuss the best way in which to flash a new rom. If you have managed to read this far, thanks for reading my life story!
Having limited experience in the phone flashing world, from researching it looks like the flashing process is something like:
Unlock the bootloader
Flash a recovery program
Use the recovery to flash rom/app
My understanding of the bootloader and why it needs to be unlocked is limited. I've done some research around it, and this is what I have found. The bootloader is the first thing that runs when the phone starts up, loads the kernel and the rom, and verifies that you have a legit recovery program. It needs to be unlocked so you can put a custom recovery on to your phone. Once you have that sorted, flashing roms from the recovery is a pretty straight forward process. If I'm wrong, please correct me, because this is what I have understood from looking around and I'm not confident about my understanding.
Unlocking the Bootloader On The Redmi Note 3
Having read on multiple sites, this looks like the biggest constraint when trying to flash a custom rom on the Redmi Note 3. This is because Xiaomi have locked the bootloader for this device, when most other phones do not have this problem. Most flashing guides for the Redmi Note 3 assume that the boodloader is unlocked or list it as a pre-requisite, so I'm unsure what path to take here. From research, it looks like there are 3 possible ways to move forward from here:
Official Bootloader Unlock
Unofficial Bootloader Unlock
Bypassing The Bootloader Unlock
Because my account is new, the following links aren't hyperlinked and in a good format due to permissions. Sorry! It'd be sweet if a mod could edit it.
1. Official Bootloader Unlock
This seems like the most legit way to unlock the bootloader. Apparently you just go to: endotmiuidotcom/unlock/ and apply for an unlock by using google translate and creating an account. People have reported response times taking over a month, not getting a successful application, or the unlocking process getting stuck at 50%. To me this doesn't sound appealing and I'm not too keen on waiting a month to find I'm unsuccessful in applying.
2. Unofficial Bootloader Unlock
This process is found here: endotmiuidotcom/thread-253680-1-1.html and looks to be a bit tedious. Apparently there is a high chance for a brick using this method, and some custom recoveries don't work well with it. My other concern is that if the brickrate is high, and this method was released around april, it could be possible that Xiaomi has made some further updates, further increasing the chance for a brick.
3. Bypassing The Bootloader Unlock
I found this process on a post from these forums, which then sourced a reddit post. The reddit post is pretty straight forward and can be found here: wwwdotredditdotcom/r/Xiaomi/comments/5611tg/psa_you_can_flash_twrp_and_subsequently_cm13/ .This process works by flashing a legit miui rom, but by flashing it with a modified recovery image, in particular, a custom recovery like TWRP. Having considered the three methods, this looks like the easiest way of getting it done.
My questions are: has anyone done any of these three methods successfully? What method do you recommend? Have I missed anything? Are there any other methods?
My understanding is once the bootloader is unlocked, you install TWRP. Then once that is installed you flash whatever rom you want, which leads into my next question. What is the best ROM to use?
It looks like the most viable roms are the CM roms. I've seen CM 13 and CM 14, are people running CM 13 instead of 14. Why? Is it more stable? Ideally I'm after the most functionality possible. Are there any other roms that you'd recommend flashing? When flashing roms are you supposed to do all the standard things that you would on other phones, factory wipe/cache wipe/davlik cache wipe, flash rom, flash gapps? I've also seen that CM needs firmware flashed before the rom, will this mess anything up and can it brick? Can you do all this stuff from TWRP with a locked bootlader (method 3)? I really like having notification badges too, what will I need to do for this to happen?
If you have read all of this, I really appreciate you taking the time. I hope I haven't broken any forum rules in the process.
dude,it's too much to read for people. I can't believe i read it,anyway.
about unlocking the bootloader process(I'm telling you about my experience):
---step 1 : you sign up for a mi account,choose your country and verify your phone number>login to your mi account on your device(remember to enable every feature on your mi account on your device,you can disable backup)> go to https://i.mi.com and check your device,it should be there> go to http://en.miui.com/unlock/ , write for example dear sir or madam, I'm an austrailian developer and I want to try and work on projects like cyanogen mods and other custom roms. sincerely,JaFranchise - alright,after finishing the writing go to translate.google.com and translate it to chinese,then paste on the form,then apply,you will confirm your request by entering the code that was sent to you via mi message --- for me it took about 3 to 4 hours to receive my confirmation.
---step 2 : first try this,if you stuck on 50% error,you will try step 3,so here is the instruction,
sign in to your mi account on your device(enable find device),also on i.mi.com(to check your device). enable developer options,OEM unlocking and USB debugging. > download the latest version of MIFlashUnlock tool and log into your account link : http://bigota.d.miui.com/miflashunlock/MiFlashUnlock_1.1.0317.1_en.zip> turn off your device and go to fastboot (press and hold volume - and power button at the same time), connect your device to your PC, click unlock(on MIFlashUnlock tool), after your bootloader successfully unlocked, click on reboot.
---step 3 : this is for kenzo devices(redmi note 3 pro - snapdragon650) - if you're using redmi note 3(mediatekX10), you should download the roms(stable and developer) according to your device
you need to switch from global stable to global developer rom, download the latest global developer rom on android lollipop(5.1). link : http://bigota.d.miui.com/6.8.18/miui_HMNote3ProGlobal_6.8.18_d0da79d09e_5.1.zip> after downloading the rom,rename the file name to Update.zip then copy to internal storage(in downloaded_rom folder).> open updater app, select choose update package, go to downloaded_rom folder and select Update.zip. It will verify your rom and install it. > download the latest global developer rom from en.miui.com/download-301.html , repeat the instruction or just simply download via updater > then follow step 2
I think,It's better you first unlock bootloader,then mention me in the comments to go through that(about cm and aosp roms and flashing instructions) process.
goodluck.
Thanks for your reply and for reading it all. So your advice is unlock the bootloader the official way. I know it's too much to read, that's why I put a tl;dr section, because I probably wouldn't read that much! The last thing I want to do is annoy people.
Cheers for specifically telling me what I'd need to write in the application, massive help. Maybe some people have been unsuccessful because they haven't said the right things.
JaFranchise said:
Thanks for your reply and for reading it all. So your advice is unlock the bootloader the official way. I know it's too much to read, that's why I put a tl;dr section, because I probably wouldn't read that much! The last thing I want to do is annoy people.
Cheers for specifically telling me what I'd need to write in the application, massive help. Maybe some people have been unsuccessful because they haven't said the right things.
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It's alot easier than it sounds. The hardest part is probably getting the drivers on your computer installed properly to unlock bootloader/miflash. The good thing about this device is if you brick it, it's fairly simple to unbrick via the edl method but yea, official unlock bootloader - flash zcx twrp - make a backup - flash away
Hemphiz said:
It's alot easier than it sounds. The hardest part is probably getting the drivers on your computer installed properly to unlock bootloader/miflash. The good thing about this device is if you brick it, it's fairly simple to unbrick via the edl method but yea, official unlock bootloader - flash zcx twrp - make a backup - flash away
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So it looks like official unlock is the way to go about things. Why ZCX version of TWRP?
ZCX is essentially the official TWRP, but with some extra stuff in it to allow it to support F2FS, if I'm not mistaken. Since you've decided to unlock your bootloader the official way, both ZCX and the official twrp are fine.
JaFranchise said:
Thanks for your reply and for reading it all. So your advice is unlock the bootloader the official way. I know it's too much to read, that's why I put a tl;dr section, because I probably wouldn't read that much! The last thing I want to do is annoy people.
Cheers for specifically telling me what I'd need to write in the application, massive help. Maybe some people have been unsuccessful because they haven't said the right things.
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you're welcome,yes if you officially unlock the bootloader,everytime you face an issue,for example got your bootloader locked again,you can use miflashunlock with ease.about the version of the twrp,i should say ZCX_TWRP_0917 is the way to go,it got everything you'll ever needed except for encryption you need lazyflasher-I don't want to go into details to make you confused-for more info about twrp and other roms check these links :
1- ⋆⋆ NEWBIE GUIDE ⋆⋆ [UPDATED] Available TWRPs, Add-On Zips, Root, Flash, Restore, FAQ
http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/guide-redmi-note-3-available-twrps-t3406708
2-step by step instructions for zcx twrp
http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/zcx-twrp-install-twrp-flash-supersu-t3462448
3- comprehensive guide for unlocking bootloader process
http://en.miui.com/thread-246705-1-1.html
Hi!
A couple of days ago I opened the bootloader of the Xperia since I had left the update of xposed and wanted to try it, I did not think to do the backup of the DRM and once opened I started to uninstall Xperia applications that, in short, did not use. Now Play store does not work or I can install a ROM stock with NewFlasher and I assume that recovering the DRM is impossible...
Now, at least I want to install a AOSP or other ROM that works, any help?
(My english is so bad, sorry)
1: You're posting this is completely the wrong section. There is a forum for Q&A.
2: The answer to your dilemma is, you can use newflasher to restore the stock OS. There is no custom roms available for this device... Yet. Hopefully that'll change.
3: You were never able to back up there DRM keys of the XZ1. There is no method for backing them up but there is a DRM check bypass so you end up with a fully functioning device as if you had backed them up but in reality you have no backup of them.
N1ghtr08d said:
1: You're posting this is completely the wrong section. There is a forum for Q&A.
2: The answer to your dilemma is, you can use newflasher to restore the stock OS. There is no custom roms available for this device... Yet. Hopefully that'll change.
3: You were never able to back up there DRM keys of the XZ1. There is no method for backing them up but there is a DRM check bypass so you end up with a fully functioning device as if you had backed them up but in reality you have no backup of them.
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Excuse me, I'm new to XDA, is there any way to move the post?
and in relation to the problem, how could you install the stock ROM and bypass the DRM?
with Newflasher, it detects my device, but gives me this message "vid: 0X0FCE GDP: 0xb00b".
Thanks for the help!
Don't worry about moving the post. If it's a problem then one of the admins will move it. You need to install the drivers for the phone. Newflasher will give you the option to create drivers. Create them then boot the phone into bootloader mode and in Windows open the device manager and look for the phone in bootloader mode then update the drivers from the file created by newflasher.
After that, newflasher will run correctly.
Once you flash the stock os then install TWRP and then flash the DRM fix.
N1ghtr08d said:
Don't worry about moving the post. If it's a problem then one of the admins will move it. You need to install the drivers for the phone. Newflasher will give you the option to create drivers. Create them then boot the phone into bootloader mode and in Windows open the device manager and look for the phone in bootloader mode then update the drivers from the file created by newflasher.
After that, newflasher will run correctly.
Once you flash the stock os then install TWRP and then flash the DRM fix.
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thank's a lot!! I have already installed the stock ROM and TWRP, one last question where do I find DRM fix for the xz1? Now I'm seeing that there are for other Xperia devices, but not for the XZ1.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz1/development/oreo-xz1-drmfix-root-ricoffo-t3727030/page3