Related
I'll try and keep this short and to the point.
Currently running stock .290 firmware and wanting to root it, preferably without flashing a pre-rooted firmware, and without losing DRM keys.
Now if i want to root it according to this thread, i will need to unlock the Bootloader first:
"You'll have to unlock the bootloader if you want to root the .290 firmware (Android 4.3)."
and then root it via this, before i can run TA Backup to backup my DRM keys
What I'm confused about though, is that once the Bootloader is unlocked I lose my DRM Keys (as per this thread, and many other comments)
"The TA partition contains all your DRM keys for the Bravia/X-Reality Engine.
The first time you mess with your phone by unlocking the bootloader, these DRM keys will be deleted!"
The general consensus with regards to the proper order is:
1. Root
2. TA backup
3. Unlock bootloader
However for .290 it seems to be:
1. Unlock bootloader
2. Root
3. TA backup (if there is even anything left to backup?)
I guess what I'm wondering is if there is anyway to root .290 directly without first unlocking the Bootloader (and thus losing my DRM Keys), and without flashing pre-rooted firmware?
Or do i have this completely wrong, and by unlocking my Bootloader first, I won't lose my DRM Keys (contrary to what the linked thread above says)?
Thanks!
djyoshii said:
I'll try and keep this short and to the point.
Currently running stock .290 firmware and wanting to root it, preferably without flashing a pre-rooted firmware, and without losing DRM keys.
Now if i want to root it according to this thread, i will need to unlock the Bootloader first:
"You'll have to unlock the bootloader if you want to root the .290 firmware (Android 4.3)."
and then root it via this, before i can run TA Backup to backup my DRM keys
What I'm confused about though, is that once the Bootloader is unlocked I lose my DRM Keys (as per this thread, and many other comments)
"The TA partition contains all your DRM keys for the Bravia/X-Reality Engine.
The first time you mess with your phone by unlocking the bootloader, these DRM keys will be deleted!"
The general consensus with regards to the proper order is:
1. Root
2. TA backup
3. Unlock bootloader
However for .290 it seems to be:
1. Unlock bootloader
2. Root
3. TA backup (if there is even anything left to backup?)
I guess what I'm wondering is if there is anyway to root .290 directly without first unlocking the Bootloader (and thus losing my DRM Keys), and without flashing pre-rooted firmware?
Or do i have this completely wrong, and by unlocking my Bootloader first, I won't lose my DRM Keys (contrary to what the linked thread above says)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
You need to downgrade to 532 root, backup ta, unlock bootloader then update.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
SpyderTracks said:
No.
You need to downgrade to 532 root, backup ta, unlock bootloader then update.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems I'm really left with no option then.
In that case, are DRM keys linked to the hardware or firmware? In other words, by flashing the pre-rooted firmware will i still keep my original DRM keys? Or will I have new DRM keys, belonging/linked to said pre-rooted firmware?
djyoshii said:
Seems I'm really left with no option then.
In that case, are DRM keys linked to the hardware or firmware? In other words, by flashing the pre-rooted firmware will i still keep my original DRM keys? Or will I have new DRM keys, belonging/linked to said pre-rooted firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, it's only connected to xreality and a couple of other bits. More importantly it does have an effect on some streaming apps like netflix which will only work with drm. Think there may be a workaround for that on xda somewhere.
Also, if you lose drm and cannot restore the ta partition in event of breakage, then warranty is void.
Worth backing up I'd say if only for warranty purposes.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Like Spyder says, downgrade to 532 with Flashtool (no root or anything is needed), root it (it's very simple), backup TA (even simpler), unlock your bootloader, update to 290 again and root it (it's pretty simple with an unlocked bootloader).
If you regret it all and you want to re-lock the bootloader, be sure to be on a stock ROM with stock kernel and restore TA with the same tool you used to back it up with. This will also re-lock the bootloader. If you re-lock it on a custom kernel, your Ultra will not function. It will not reboot, and all you'll be left with is a blinking red LED over the screen. IF this happens, be sure to unlock the bootloader again, and it'll boot normally again.
You only have to backup the TA partition once, so if you choose to restore it and you want to unlock the bootloader yet again down the road, then just unlock it. You have the DRM keys, so you're safe. Be sure to back them up in the cloud too (Drive, Dropbox etc.) in case your computer crashes or you simply forget the DRM keys are there.
I wrote a guide on all this stuff, so take a look at it here.
You'll need to follow:
- Downgrading
- Rooting
- Backup TA Partition
- Unlocking the bootloader
After that, just download a 290 FTF and repeat step one (downgrading, but only with 290). Then when you're on 290, follow the guide you've already found. You can also flash Recovery/TWRP by following the short "Recovery and TWRP" section.
Good luck!
Hello dear XDA Community,
- Xperia Z Ultra
- 4.4.2
- 14.3.A.0.681
- C6833
I have a big problem with understanding all of this tutorials. I read everything about rooting and unlocking the Bootloader.
I understood that I need to backup my TA Partition for Unlocking my Bootloader so I can continue to use Sony technology.
Requirements ? Root. Okay that was my first problem. So i looked up how to root my phone and what do i need ? A phone with a unlocked bootloader. great! Sure you can say "look at this topic and carefully read" but I really did that and I am really helpless. Thanks for any help!
What did I read ?
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598&nocache=1 (requires root)
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2569904 (requires unlocked bootloader)
- watched severel youtube videos and encountered the same problem
Greets
tr0teK
When your bootloader is unlocked, you can never use X-Reality and any other item which requires the DRM in the Trim Area partition,
Restoring the TA partition without relocking the bootloader will not result in the return of X-Reality and such even if you are using a Sony ROM. This situation appears to have changed since the release of 4.4.
Backing up the TA partition is only good for relocking the bootloader on a Stock ROM (any custom AOSP, CM, AOSPA etc will fail to boot on a locked bootloader), for personal choice or returning the phone under warranty.
You can unlock the bootloader when not rooted, in fact you don't do it with the phone running normally anyway so root or not rooted, it does not matter in that sense.
You don't need to unlock the bootloader to root, if you are willing to re-set up your phone again. What you need to do is downgrade to 4.2, which is rootable, root, install recovery and flash the 681 pre-rooted zip, and use flashtool to flash the associated ftf file to get rooted on 681.
Follow the instructions in Lord Manhattan's thread that you linked to,in order to downgrade and install a recovery, then visit the following link to get the zip & ftf to re-up to 4.4 (681). You most likely will lose cellular connectivity whilst you are downgraded (there is a way around this, but as you are only going down to 4.2 to get a recovery, maintaining your IMEI for that short period of time is just a waste of effort), but it will return when you are back on 681 (4.4).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687848
- Downgrade to 532
- Root it using Bin4ry's tool
- Backup the TA partition
- Unlock bootloader
- Either update to 681 again and take it from there or flash a kernel with recovery/TWRP and flash a pre-rooted 681. It's easy to root 681, so whatever floats your boat.
Don't mean to hijack this topic but I don't want to open another thread,
if I back up the TA partition, unlock bootloader, root the phone, then relock bootloader, then restore TA partition to bring back the xreality,
I am not going to install custom recovery and Roms.
Thanks for the Informations. I will give it a try the next days and report you if it worked.
coolmingli said:
Don't mean to hijack this topic but I don't want to open another thread,
if I back up the TA partition, unlock bootloader, root the phone, then relock bootloader, then restore TA partition to bring back the xreality,
I am not going to install custom recovery and Roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically it'll work, but i have never done it before. Everything should go smoothly until you're going to re-lock the bootloader. You can't re-lock it on a custom kernel, and you'll be on a custom kernel once you flash Jackie's kernel with recovery, so you'll have to flash a complete stock kernel, then restore the TA partition with the TA Backup Tool, which will also automatically re-lock the bootloader. You should in theory end up with a complete stock ROM with root. That's on paper.
Worst case scenario? If you re-lock the bootloader while you're on a custom kernel, it'll explode it won't power on at all, and all you'll get is a blinking red LED and death. To fix this, just unlock the bootloader in Flashtool again and you're back to start again. It's not dangerous, but it's nerve wrecking to see it there, just blinking without any sign of life. I almost crapped my pants the first time i experienced it, and had no clue what was happening or what to do.
LordManhattan said:
Technically it'll work, but i have never done it before. Everything should go smoothly until you're going to re-lock the bootloader. You can't re-lock it on a custom kernel, and you'll be on a custom kernel once you flash Jackie's kernel with recovery, so you'll have to flash a complete stock kernel, then restore the TA partition with the TA Backup Tool, which will also automatically re-lock the bootloader. You should in theory end up with a complete stock ROM with root. That's on paper.
Worst case scenario? If you re-lock the bootloader while you're on a custom kernel, it'll explode it won't power on at all, and all you'll get is a blinking red LED and death. To fix this, just unlock the bootloader in Flashtool again and you're back to start again. It's not dangerous, but it's nerve wrecking to see it there, just blinking without any sign of life. I almost crapped my pants the first time i experienced it, and had no clue what was happening or what to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, I think I will ditch rooting from this phone, too much troubles, I don't understand why Sony put the DRM key in a trim partition, perhaps they don't want us to root the phone after all.
I did it guys. It worked!
My steps:
- Downgraded to 4.2.2 with Flashtool (.532)
- Rooted with Bin4ry's tool
- Installed CWM and TWRP Dual Recovery for Xperia Z locked Bootloader by krabappe12548
- Flashed to 4.4.2[rooted] (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687848)
Now I have the newest version with Root Access. Everything works great
Greets
tr0teK
tr0teK said:
I did it guys. It worked!
My steps:
- Downgraded to 4.2.2 with Flashtool (.532)
- Rooted with Bin4ry's tool
- Installed CWM and TWRP Dual Recovery for Xperia Z locked Bootloader by krabappe12548
- Flashed to 4.4.2[rooted] (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687848)
Now I have the newest version with Root Access. Everything works great
Greets
tr0teK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is this witout unlock the bootloader?
MjsNL said:
is this witout unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that will work well on a locked BL
If you are only downgrading to flash the current rooted firmware, you don't even need to root 532, as [nut]'s dual recovery can be installed by the same method that bin4ry's root is delivered, just install the recovery, flash the zip, flash the ftf and away you go
Hello guys
I am probably getting my self an xperia z2 this week...
So my question is:
Since i go mad when i get a new phone(desperate need to flash everything out there such as roms, kernels etc) , I need to know what do i lose if i unlock my bootloader and if i do lose something can i get it back?
Please answer only if you are certain of what you are talking about, i want to be free of doubt if possible
There is a lot of debate on what is lost/broken when you unlock the bootloader. As far as I'm aware X-reality, Super Vivid, noise cancelling, and a few other things get lost. It is able to back them up (By Backing the Ta partition up) and restore them at a later date, restoring them re-locks the bootloader though. To back the TA partition up you have to be rooted, you can find guides for that in the general section (there is no one click root method for 23.x.x.x.x.x firmwares btw). @Envious_Data you got any more info on the subject?
from my testing
you lose:
warrenty (region spesific/carrier/international)
X-Reality
Bionz Image processing
the last one effects camera quality but isnt a complete death of camera quality its somewhat worse but its not something to complain about because the device is still able to perform well
x-reality only works in the album app so no need to worry unless you like your pictures being slightly oversaturated and super sharp
i recomend downgrading to 314 via FTF>flashtool and rooting the device so you can backup your TA using the TA backup tool
after you have backed up your TA, store it somewhere safe, google drive, usb stick anywhere you wont lose it
unlock your bootloader and have fun, so long as you dont brick your device
Guys, I'm new to Sony Xperia Z2. Yesterday I backed up my TA partition with TWRP, today I unlocked the bootloader. May I safely restore the TA partition when the bootloader is unlocked, and even after I update the firmware?
I have read a few warnings that wrong TA may permanently hard-brick the device. So, that's why I am afraid.
if you restore someone elses TA it'll brick your device
you have to be on a stock kernel to restore your TA as doing this will relock your bootloader
Then that's fine. The kernel and entire firmware has not changed yet. TA backup is mine.
This guide answered all of my questions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2642081
When i originally unlocked the bootloader I had backed up my TA partition.
Now I have a question, can I restore my drm keys from it since im on another version of lollipop?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Drm keys are Android version independent. So the answer is yes, you can restore them.
However it's good to remember some rules before restoring; it will also relock your bootloader so, if you have unauthorized software inside your phone by Sony, like a recovery or a custom ROM, your phone will NOT boot as they are normally designed to work with unlocked bootloader.
You should do a backup before proceed or make sure you are on a nin-custom Sony firmware.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
_delice_doluca_ said:
Drm keys are Android version independent. So the answer is yes, you can restore them.
However it's good to remember some rules before restoring; it will also relock your bootloader so, if you have unauthorized software inside your phone by Sony, like a recovery or a custom ROM, your phone will NOT boot as they are normally designed to work with unlocked bootloader.
You should do a backup before proceed or make sure you are on a nin-custom Sony firmware.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me I ment im on another version of Android*, From your answer I understood I cant restore that.. So what are my options for restoring them?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
As I understand, the DRM keys are not reliant on your Android version. So keys from 4.4.4 should work on 5.0.2 as they shouldn't change. I'm pretty sure envious_data has confirmed this (please correct me if I'm wrong).
HOWEVER, restoring them will relock the bootloader. If you are on a non-sony custom ROM (so CM, AOSP, etc) the phone will not boot (eXistenZ, Moonwalker (I think), and other stock based ROM's will however).
Stock based ROM's will ONLY boot if you have a stock kernel (which is found inside of the ftf file), any custom kernel (advanced stock, AndroPlus, any CM/AOSP, any other stock based kernel) kernels will not.
A locked bootloader recovery will not prevent the phone from booting, as it is on the /system partition and not inside of a kernel.
Also, if you have a recovery installed to the FOTAKernel partition, restore that to stock as that will prevent the phone from booting. The stock FOTAKernel file can be found in the ftf file too. If needed I can strip an ftf file down to stock kernel and FOTAKernel to be flashed.
CosTuMe said:
Excuse me I ment im on another version of Android*, From your answer I understood I cant restore that.. So what are my options for restoring them?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can restore your DRM keys on any android version but you must make sure you'r completely on a stock build. (No custom kernals)
Deleted.
whats the procedure for restoring them?
CosTuMe said:
whats the procedure for restoring them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you used the BackupTA tool (or whatever it is called, it's in the cross device section) use the restore function in that.
But before you do, make sure you are on a stock based ROM, with a full stock kernel and full stock FOTAKernel partition.
gamer649 said:
If you used the BackupTA tool (or whatever it is called, it's in the cross device section) use the restore function in that.
But before you do, make sure you are on a stock based ROM, with a full stock kernel and full stock FOTAKernel partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, i had done it(and the phone boots). is there anyway to check i got them back?
CosTuMe said:
Ok, i had done it(and the phone boots). is there anyway to check i got them back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open the phone dialer, *#*#7378423#*#*, Service Tests, Security, and then look to each row. Each one will be followed by [KEY OK][ACTIVE].
Also, to check the bootloader is relocked.
Open the phone dialer, *#*#7378423#*#*, Service Info, Configuration, look to rooting status. It will say "Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes", instead of "Bootloader unlocked: Yes".
Thank you very much, I had succeeded restoring them
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
im currently on kitkat rom with full root and unlocked bootloader, and im planning to lock the bootloader. if i upgrade my phone to the latest official lolipop rom. can my phone lock the bootloader? can i get a new DRM key?
PS: i unlocked BL without backing the DRM keys so i lost it.
ulyshut said:
im currently on kitkat rom with full root and unlocked bootloader, and im planning to lock the bootloader. if i upgrade my phone to the latest official lolipop rom. can my phone lock the bootloader? can i get a new DRM key?
PS: i unlocked BL without backing the DRM keys so i lost it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can re-lock the bootloader without the DRM keys, however it will not restore them. You can use the bootloader unlock/re-lock function in flashtool to lock the bootloader again.
You can lock the bootloader on any android version, regardless of what version you unlocked it on. But if you didn't back up your DRM keys there is no way to get them back, they are lost forever unfortunately.
thanks for the reply, because my remote play access did not work when i rooted my phone . now based on the other thread, its about the DRM key and unlock BL that is causing the issue.
Steps to restore DRM keys?
Hey,
I want to just request some help about the DRM keys. I know more or less what to do since I have lost them in order to get root. As I have understood the steps go:
Backup all apps and whatnot
Flash stock ftf file from any version (wipe APPSLOG, CACHE, DATA) via Flashtool
Root using Easy Root Tool
Backup TA partition using this tool
Push dual recovery into phone using NUTs Dual Recovery script
Restore TA partition using the tool above
And hopefully I would have Root with working keys? I am currently getting the 17.1.2.A.0.314 & 17.1.1.A.0.402 ftf firmware. If I am missing anything from the steps above please inform me.
Thanks ^^
.
suenoromis said:
Hey,
I want to just request some help about the DRM keys. I know more or less what to do since I have lost them in order to get root. As I have understood the steps go:
Backup all apps and whatnot
Flash stock ftf file from any version (wipe APPSLOG, CACHE, DATA) via Flashtool
Root using Easy Root Tool
Backup TA partition using this tool
Push dual recovery into phone using NUTs Dual Recovery script
Restore TA partition using the tool above
And hopefully I would have Root with working keys? I am currently getting the 17.1.2.A.0.314 & 17.1.1.A.0.402 ftf firmware. If I am missing anything from the steps above please inform me.
Thanks ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlocked your BL before making backup of TA your keys are lost FOREVER .
Even if you downgrade and start everything again you won't get the keys back as they were unique to your device. If you don't have a TA backup of your keys don't waste time downgrading...
But if you DO HAVE A WORKING TA backup with YOUR keys then downgrade to 4.4.2, root, restore your TA (BL will get locked in the process), install dual recovery and upgrade to a pre-rooted firmware. You'll still have your keys and BL locked.
Steps to restore DRM keys?
ptmaniac said:
If you unlocked your BL before making backup of TA ..... You'll still have your keys and BL locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there's absolutely no way to get the keys back after unlocking the bootloader?
What about this?
_delice_doluca_ said:
Drm keys are Android version independent. So the answer is yes, you can restore them.
However it's good to remember some rules before restoring; it will also relock your bootloader so, if you have unauthorized software inside your phone by Sony, like a recovery or a custom ROM, your phone will NOT boot as they are normally designed to work with unlocked bootloader.
You should do a backup before proceed or make sure you are on a nin-custom Sony firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
suenoromis said:
So there's absolutely no way to get the keys back after unlocking the bootloader?
What about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confused about what? you are overcomplicating things.
You can get your keys back ONLY if you have a backup of your TA BEFORE unlocking your bootloader.
DID YOU BACKUP YOUR TA BEFORE UNLOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER?
If you answer YES --> you can restore your keys
If you answer NO --> they are lost forever.
SImple.
suenoromis said:
So there's absolutely no way to get the keys back after unlocking the bootloader?
What about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, If I got things complicated. Let me explain it in scenerios and steps;
Small İnfo first; there is a small partition (or a small and untouchable part inside of a partition) in our phones. It contains and "device-specific" keys, basically an ID.
Some Sony-made softwares (like a picture or sound enhancer which are activated when user starts a music or takes a picture) are patent protected and search for these keys before run. If keys are not there user still can take a picture or listen to music however the patented enhancing software will not kick in. So how do you lose the keys? Why is Sony making this?
Because they want to protect their patented technology from being exposed to inspections or non-Sony users. So basically they tell you if you "unlock your bootloader" you will be able to do anything with your phone freely but the keys-including-partition will be wiped forever and those patented software addings will not run.
Let's get to scenerios.
1th Scenerio: You want to install custom kernel, recovery or ROM to your device? You have to unlock bootloader and it is simple. But doing this basically will wipe your keys and they will be gone forever.
2nd Scenerio: The device can be rooted without unlocking its recovery (very clever Sony, you think about protecting your patent and invent the "keys partition" and lock them to bootloader and get rooted that easily). Once we obtain root, we can read and write to any partition, including the one with the keys (it is called Trim Area). Once we are rooted, with FlashTool, we can backup the TA partition and protect the keys on our PCs.
"After the backing up", once we unlock the bootloader the phone will wipe TA partition but we will have a backup of them on our PCs.
With that backup on our PCs, we can safely do whatever we want; install custom ROMS, kernels, recoveries etc. (actually, there is even a recovery installation possible with "locked bootloader" ) and once we need to claim our warranty or want Sony-patented software enhancements, we can simply restore the TA partition (again with FlashTool).
Just decided to unlock my bootloader since the DRM fix is not much of hassle anymore, and this way I can run some of the nice kernels available for our device, so I backed up everything on the phone and proceeded with the unlocking (expecting a factory reset/data wipe), I've had my device unlocked/relocked before, and even restored my original TA partition at the time since I had a backup, but when I unlocked my device today, that was it, no data loss or factory reset happened, not even a warning from flashtools about it, flashtools said "unlocked", I rebooted the device and everything worked without even reflashing the rom or even a kernel.
I'm pretty sure my device was bootloader locked because I used the TA-backup app to restore my TA last time, and once that happens my understanding is the bootloader gets locked automatically, plus all the DRM features were working fine (camera,sound) without flashing the DRM fix (I updated/flashed multiple LP/MM stock roms since then).
So my question is : did sony remove the factory reset on unlock/relock, or is my device just doing something on it's own ? just curious.
That's interesting. Perhaps they did update the bootloader with a firmware upgrade, but I highly doubt it, and it probably has something to do with your procedure (unlocking, relocking and unlocking again) because it would open a big gapping security hole for personal info.
eg: Nothing keeps me from stealing someone's phone, reading the IMEI, requesting an unlock code, unlocking the BL, flashing a custom TWRP-enabled kernel, dumping all device data to SD card and stealing all of its info. This is why unlocking the BL wipes the device.
Pixelado said:
That's interesting. Perhaps they did update the bootloader with a firmware upgrade, but I highly doubt it, and it probably has something to do with your procedure (unlocking, relocking and unlocking again) because it would open a big gapping security hole for personal info.
eg: Nothing keeps me from stealing someone's phone, reading the IMEI, requesting an unlock code, unlocking the BL, flashing a custom TWRP-enabled kernel, dumping all device data to SD card and stealing all of its info. This is why unlocking the BL wipes the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, but at least for me this is 100% working, I even relocked my bootloader, flashed the TA backup to get the DRM keys back, and still nothing changed, and I made sure after the unlock to check that DRM keys are gone (camera quality) and flash a custom kernel, to make sure it was 100% unlocked, and it was.
Since relocking, I did a full .291 flash using flashtools, I was hoping some interested dev can pick on this, it might be helpful to use for exploits or something, no idea tbh.