The Sony Xperia Z2 tablet has got to be the most horrible device in android history to root or install a recovery on it. The process and the complexity of it is just horrible. You daren't ever make the slightest change to a rom or anything in twrp as it just screws everything up on this device. I can't count the amount of roms i've put on it just to totally trash the device and you have to start from scratch. Either you put a new rom on, it wipes the recovery, you have to piss about using flashtool to flash some other ftf on just to get into recovery, then you have to then flash another tft to get root, the list just goes on and on. I don't even know why sony mobile even bother offering the bootloader unlock option in the first place, it's an absolute nightmare. It's basically you can have root with the official stock firmware, if you want a custom rom spend the next 2 weeks trying to get supersu installed on it. The most horrible device I've ever come across.
Then sell it :laugh:
Somehow I cannot share this view. Running Carbon ROM with Magisk without any issues. For a more than 4 years old tablet the Z2 stands its ground, I don't regret having bought it.
Just hoping that we'll get Pie...
BabelHuber said:
Then sell it :laugh:
Somehow I cannot share this view. Running Carbon ROM with Magisk without any issues. For a more than 4 years old tablet the Z2 stands its ground, I don't regret having bought it.
Just hoping that we'll get Pie...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried Carbon and would love to use it but it just screws up the tablet after install and recovery gets wiped so you can't even go back to restore a back up. You then have to reflash using Emma then back into flashtool to reflash the tft to get recovery to work again because flashtool ends up reporting back that the current tft is not compatible with the device. It's a finicky device to root. It's got to be the worst out of all android devices. E.g my Samsung s9 had it rooted and flashed with a custom rom in around 5 mins. No matter what firmware is installed. Sony decided that after 23.1.A.575 or whatever rooting was not possible after that. Also every method on here telling you how to do it is different to each other and inconsistant. I tried 23.1.A.575 root for UK and it would not allow for twrp to be booted into. I had to use xperiafirm to download the Taiwanese version so I could get the batch script to allow recovery so holding down power on volume down would allow twrp to load. It's just a painstakingly horrible device to root to get something so simple. But yes your right probably best time to get rid and something different. Sorry for the rant it's just been a frustration for me.
Sorry to say so, but rcstar has a very good step by step description on how to install the ROM. I followed it to the point and have no issues whatsoever.
TWRP, Magisk and Substratum work, like everything else.
It's not a device which is easy to mess with, you are right. But it's doable.
BabelHuber said:
Sorry to say so, but rcstar has a very good step by step description on how to install the ROM. I followed it to the point and have no issues whatsoever.
TWRP, Magisk and Substratum work, like everything else.
It's not a device which is easy to mess with, you are right. But it's doable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've followed so many without much success. I tried the solution by kulvertti to the letter and the tab was having non of it. I think the problem also is that a lot of the links are dead to the specific tft you need to download so getting the exact version is tricky. The only one that has worked for me is the Taiwanese rom then using the recovery script by danalec to get Marshmallow flashed which is what I'm running now. So I made a back up today and thought OK let me try carbon because I can get all the nice customization options like being able to choose a dark theme for the settings menu instead of piercing white. What is it with manufacturers wanna make every thing bright and painful on the eyes. Anyway downloaded gaps wiped system etc installed rom and once it loaded the system was all unstable and lost root and recovery. So I give up now and have to accept I can only have marshmallow on it.
Danalec has a very simple root method for Marshmallow in the general section. This is one of the best tablets out there by far. Build quality doesn't come close with other brands.
Related
Recently picked it up, an SGP561. I have some questions and I'd love all of the help I can get.
1. How to install a custom ROM on it (just in case). If I can't get the updated Sony firmware, I might as well jump to an Android 5 ROM once they're stable.
2. How to update the stock firmware. Everytime I go to the System Update thing it says there was an "Error during DM Session"? I'd really like to update to 4.4.4 stock to get some of those nifty Sony features.
3. Anyway to get the damn thing to shut up when I turn it on? I'm not using it on a data network, just WiFi, but I like having the option, but everytime I start the damn thing up (from being completely off) it makes a calling new and does through this automated annoying thing asking me about purchasing a calling pin, and it does that for about 7 minutes and makes me about go insane.
Anyway, thanks guys. Boxes of donuts to all of those who answer.
(Already rooted the thing)
Hi Grayson,
1. Currently, there is no way to unlock the SGP561's bootloader. So basicly, you can't install any custom rom that is not based on stock rom (or use custom kernel).
2. Mine gets the same error. But you can download the latest ftf file for SGP561 and flash it manually using flashtool (sadly, the latest version is still at 4.4.2).
3. I face the similar situation, the tablet automatically dial some number to activate it when it boots up. All I did was just simply removing the Verizon SIM card (I don't use data anyway).
1. Well ****. That's actually very concerning... This tablet probably won't ever see Android 5.0 then... unless some genius out there cracks this bootloader deal. I know how Verizon is with things.. or I'll see an outdated version of Android a year after all other variants get it. Are there any ROM options?
2. How do you go about doing that? Pardon the noobishness.
3. Thanks! I didn't even know that there was a SIM card in there in the first place. That was a great help. Same here though.
TheGrayson said:
1. Well ****. That's actually very concerning... This tablet probably won't ever see Android 5.0 then... unless some genius out there cracks this bootloader deal. I know how Verizon is with things.. or I'll see an outdated version of Android a year after all other variants get it. Are there any ROM options?
2. How do you go about doing that? Pardon the noobishness.
3. Thanks! I didn't even know that there was a SIM card in there in the first place. That was a great help. Same here though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yeah, I know how that feels. You bought one of the top high-end tablet and then figured out that it has the outdated software and there is no way to update. I've been looking for other solutions for months but still found nothing.
2. The latest version is now 17.1.D.0.437. You can check in your tablet settings to know whether yours is on the latest or not. If it's not the following links may help.
Here is the instruction how to use flashtool (just in case you have no idea about it): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2054486
And here is the link for the latest ftf file for SGP561: https://mega.co.nz/#!VZYHRAKT!wky8U_6G9aB4XctdfKMIaJQZtdlnWTtNv0pNLlgh0AM (I got from this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z2-tablet/help/flashed-wrong-boot-bricked-t2839828)
Well this all sucks a lot. Why can't they just leave the bootloader unlocked... hopefully this tablet wasn't just a massive waste of money.
TheGrayson said:
Well this all sucks a lot. Why can't they just leave the bootloader unlocked... hopefully this tablet wasn't just a massive waste of money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine two days ago, also have the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2, which I use at the office, but I needed something that had a smaller screen, was light, and had 4G, and the Sony ticked the right boxes. I WISH I could use Xposed but it can't write to /System. I have it rooted and got rid of some bloat, and the only thing I really want now is for Xposed to work.
You guys don't think Verizon will update this tablet to Lollipop?
Hi I just updated my tablet to lollipop and I'm having problems with it. I tried downloading the ftf for kitkat above but he kinks we're dead. Do you still have it by chance?
Still no options to unlock the Verizon's SGP561 ?
I took a gamble buying a Chinese phone redmi-note 2 but sadly! it hasn't worked out for me.
All I wanted from it, was for it to do what it is supposed to do.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth doesn't connect to any of my devices, car, Hi-fi and not even my nexus 7!
Miui updater
Totally useless on my phone. This app crashes every time I select "choose update package"
I have looked for help on YouTube but the majority of videos seem to be Indian, using Indian versions of software where the updater app seems to work perfectly.
I managed to root my nexus 7 with ease but the redmi-note 2 is a nightmare.
I could really do with some of you android guru's to point me in the right direction! in finding a good beginners guide to finding all the apps and suitable rom for my phone, Or better still.! A way to get Bluetooth to work.
First of all check if your device has official rom or custom (if you bought it from China it probably has custom rom so flash official one).
Mine is working very good...
I second what ibeqa said - you're probably running a crapware-loaded ROM. Crashing updater is a good hint. You could also look into "about phone" section for the MIUI version, if it's something like 9.99.99 then it's crapware. "Legit" ROMs have version 7.xx.yy or 6.xx.yy. The crapware ROMs are IMHO the main reason why Xiaomi decided to lock the bootloader on RN3 and other newer phones. Because obviously, those ROMs give them bad reputation even though it's not their fault.
Bluetooth works fine for me, but sometimes it hangs up forcing me to restart it - not optimal but doesn't happen too often.
As for rooting, rooting the Nexus 7 (2012) was the same as RN2 for me - connect to PC in fastboot mode, flash recovery.img, reboot to recovery and flash a custom ROM. There are enough guides out there. For the RN2, fastboot can be accessed by starting the phone with the volume down key pressed.
Agree with the above. Please re-flash using official ROM via fastboot method and then try again. See http://en.miui.com/a-234.html
Android version 5.02 LRX22G
MIUI Version 66.77.33.00(LHMCNCH) Stable
Cpu octo core 2.2Ghz
Ram 2GB
I Have downloaded Update supersu 2.4 and miui HMNote2Global v7.2.2.0LHMMIDA_DA_d71ff21b81_5.0.zip are these correct please?
I installed CWM but have read that TWRP is the one I should be using! is that correct?
The trouble with the redmi 2 ,is there is too much conflicting information out there, making it very difficult for a newbie.
Is there any other things that I need to download?
This whole thing has really put me off the Xiaomi brand. I just expected bluetooth to work ! it is supposed to be standardised worldwide.
To you Guys it is probably fun to mess about with different roms, all I wanted was a working phone.
"MIUI Version 66.77.33.00" <- that's your problem right there. You reseller installed a crapware loaded ROM and has modified the version so that you never get an update (= he can spy on you forever), had you bought from another one, you would have gotten a working phone. I know mine did.
Putting blame on Xiaomi for this is misplaced, unless you want to blame them for being dev-friendly and leaving the bootloader unlocked. They reconsidered by now, though, their newer phones are locked.
In any case, yes TWRP is the way to go personally. CWM has cut important features like backup/restore (at least the version shipped with cyanogen roms I tried), so it's basically useless.
For the ROM, if you have downloaded it from the xiaomi page, then yes. You could also get the rom from xiaomi.eu if you want to use an European language.
If you just want official MIUI then you don't need to install custom recovery (use fastboot method instead as per official instructions). In fact the custom recovery will get removed next time you receive an OTA update.
Personally I use TWRP from this link http://en.miui.com/thread-224679-1-1.html because I wanted to install root. But only do this AFTER you install a clean ROM at the first place.
Crim Soukyuu said:
"MIUI Version 66.77.33.00" <- that's your problem right there. You reseller installed a crapware loaded ROM and has modified the version so that you never get an update (= he can spy on you forever), had you bought from another one, you would have gotten a working phone. I know mine did.
Putting blame on Xiaomi for this is misplaced, unless you want to blame them for being dev-friendly and leaving the bootloader unlocked. They reconsidered by now, though, their newer phones are locked.
In any case, yes TWRP is the way to go personally. CWM has cut important features like backup/restore (at least the version shipped with cyanogen roms I tried), so it's basically useless.
For the ROM, if you have downloaded it from the xiaomi page, then yes. You could also get the rom from xiaomi.eu if you want to use an European language.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the phone from Gearbest.EU and expected it to be direct from Xiaomi, as I have never had a problem with this company before.
I have had another go at installing a new rom with the Mi suite and also with the miui flash tool and am not getting anywhere with it. I can't even root the damned thing as it boots into Mi when pressing vol up and start. This happened with CWM and TWRP.
I have said before,that I have little experience with android and perhaps I am going wrong somewhere! or the tutorial posters are using phones that have totally different roms to mine. ,It is very difficult when you have Indian,Chinese and global versions with many variations of each, the same seems to apply to CWM and TWRP.
Is there a way to install this via windows, ie formatting the phone and running an installer direct from pc?
I had a dabble with Linux mint and Artist in the past and found them quite user friendly, I can't believe that android is Linux based! I could have done a fresh install of windows, several times by now,the amount of time I have spent on this. Of course windows truly is global with only a couple of variations . Format disk, run and your away. Then hours installing software.
I am fast getting to the stage where I shall give it a bounce test, from a great height. :crying:
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
Hey guys I was able to take the time slooooowly download Stock firmware for our Prevail. Practically no support to this phone at all, but I've been working to change that as best I can. I am learning the ropes of ROM building and I have been able to make use of ASSSAYED Kitchen v.110 (Now upgraded to v1.20).
For those of you who don't know:
Odin tutorial
**DO AN ADVANCED WIPE IN TWRP BEFORE FLASHING. EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE EXTERNAL SD CARD**
Download Samsung USB Drivers (Go to this xda thread here).
Download Odin (Get it here) Extract to Desktop (Or wherever)
Download firmware to desktop (It's in .zip format and you can find it here). Extract .zip file to odin folder (again, or wherever). Extraction should yield G360PVPU2APJ2_G360PSPT2APJ2_G360PVPU2APJ2_HOME.tar
Right click Odin 3.10.6 and click on "run as administrator".
Click on AP and find the extracted ROM. Open it and it will take a minute to load in to Odin...Now make sure the 'Auto Reboot and F. reset time options are ticked and nothing else.
Make sure to be using a quality USB cord. Odin will recognize your phone being plugged in. It will say COM port number in the top left hand corner and added or removed will be in the log window. Once you are ready begin the flash press start.
Relax, It will take about 10 minutes to do it's thing. After the long agonizing initial boot process, you will be back to stock firmware PJ2 for SM-G360P
Hope it helps! So far there is no lollipop for our phone. Click here to check out all my uploads for this device. So far I have a TWRP port that actually works. (Must flash through Odin) an a Stock rooted deodexed busyboxed zipaligned rom of this firmware (Thanks to ASSAYYED Kitchen).
OLDER VERSIONS
OH1 Firmware
I flashed this back to my device in attempt to go stock but system status is still set to Custom just so everyone is aware. Not sure if it could be an error on my part.
just wanted to say thanks i have 2 of these phones 1 use for mp3 player/ play phone and the other my daughter has to use. ive tried a ton of twrps for this and everyone broke recovery. im dl ing the twrp and the rom you posted. ya there is no development on this phone at all. ive tried almost every rom i could to get it to lollipop with no luck. im going to try to get the theme store and the launcher swapped out with an updated version.. n5 s7 any is fine i just want to get it updated lol. ill play with it tonight and let you know how it goes. i appreciate the effort your putting in to this. i dont even have service to them i have a stubborn s7 that refuses to get rooted. i had no prob with the note7 but idk if i have some updated version of s7 but i cannot obtain full root. i need to have my audio mods at least. i have a good one with beats, dolby atomos and viper im going to try on the 360 as well. let me know if you would like the file. after i check if it works on this on that is.
Please stay tuned. Upgrading this thread to the most recent PJ2 firmware.
Thread updated to PJ2 firmware. I can confirm this will make your device status 'Official'.
Thank you!
I just wanted to say:
Thank you so much mate! An amazing job here, I had a broken rom on this device, and thanks to your PJ2 build; I now have a fully working device again!
Fixed the play store, play services, and all the ads and junk on this Textfree branded device (PE2 firmware confirmed). keep up the great work!
Thanks for posting this! I see your other files, would you mind going in more detail how to install the stock rooted deodexed version of this rom? How do you recommend unlocking the bootloader to install TWRP or can we just simply flash it with ODIN then install the stock rooted rom? Thanks!
EDIT: according to this forum looks like you just flash it. Do you recommend your 2.87 over the 3.02?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...overy-teamwin-recovery-project-3-0-0-t3317381
EDIT 2: NVM found your other thread and looks like 2.87 is the way to go.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...rom-stock-rooted-deodexed-zipaligned-t3464419
droiddude414 said:
Thanks for posting this! I see your other files, would you mind going in more detail how to install the stock rooted deodexed version of this rom? How do you recommend unlocking the bootloader to install TWRP or can we just simply flash it with ODIN then install the stock rooted rom? Thanks!
EDIT: according to this forum looks like you just flash it. Do you recommend your 2.87 over the 3.02?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...overy-teamwin-recovery-project-3-0-0-t3317381
EDIT 2: NVM found your other thread and looks like 2.87 is the way to go.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...rom-stock-rooted-deodexed-zipaligned-t3464419
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Thanks! Just Odin it. Im running 2.8.7 and haven't tried any other versions lately. To install my custom rom, go here.
adrwill2000 said:
Thanks! Just Odin it. Im running 2.8.7 and haven't tried any other versions lately.
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Awesome, thanks for keeping support alive for this phone!
I'd really like a custom rom for this phone i have to restart at least once a day or this ROM becomes unusably slow.. I mean atleast CM11
Hello. I'm Dave. I just got this phone (G360P Prevail LTE) and I'm pretty excited about it because it could sure use some stuff and I'm new to development and ROM porting. My goal is to bring great ROMs to the lower end phones that are sometimes forgotten in development. Right now I only have one good port under my belt, but it's a great one...PAC 5.1.1 for the ZTE Zmax Z970. Unfortunately, I used device and kernel trees that were already put together by another developer, so I'm not completely sure how to get started on putting trees together for this one. At least it's a Samsung, so mistakes will not be deadly, hopefully lol. There's a lot I don't know and this will be a hell of a learning experience. If anyone could fill me in on which devices that have some development going are most similar to this one, it would be a big help. I flashed the TWRP for the G360T1 before I found @adrwill2000's stuff since it has the same processor and specs and I'm sure you all know how that worked out...I guess I'll start by grabbing stuff for the device that our TWRP was ported from, unless you guys have any better suggestions. It would be best to start with trees from a very similar device. I almost hate to post this because it's very possible I will get nowhere, but I could sure use input from you guys that know this device well as to what my best starting point might be. Thank you.
I'm back to running H1 for now because it seems to be our latest that xposed is working on and imo this KitKat stuff sure needs some Gravitybox. Also, on mine, in J2, when I hit reboot it would reboot recovery. I was gonna fix it, but it's working in H1.
Scratch that...I found the Xposed updated for new 4.4s, so I'm on the deodexed, zipaligned j2 now. Thanks for all you've done with this, @adrwill2000...
It worked for me. My phone was bricked and I could not even get it to hard reset. Thank you!
So I have spent literally days, in an ultimate attempt to upgrade to a ROM of Android 8.1
I have never attempted anything like this and it seemed to be straight forward enough to try myself. I quickly realised that I needed to install TWRP on my tablet. Then upon hours more research I learned that to do this, the tablet must be rooted. But it cannot be rooted if it is running Android 6.1.0, which it currently is. So I need to downgrade it to it's original firmware, something like Android 4.4.1. But then one of the steps of doing this is that it also needs to be rooted. To root the device I must enter recovery mode. I have tried the physical button pushing method so MANY times, I have sore hands now. It didn't even work once. How else can this be achieved on my device? What other methods can I use? I have heard of something called ADB.... or something like that. As a complete beginner I am unfamiliar with how to use this. Could someone please help me?
I don't know if this information is also handy, but the bootloader IS unlocked. I was able to do that about 6 months ago, when a friend of mine attempted unsuccesfully to put a custom ROM on it.
First time sorry for my poor English...
What ROMs do you use now and what do you want?
I've been dying for two days, but I've been updated (Stock 4.4.4 to Custom 8.1)! I also use SGP-521.
It was a nightmare, but it did. If I can, I will help you!