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Hey peeps,
Am totally new to android as I have only just binned my iphone contact and got a Ultra, the issue am having, I am reading and reading and getting nowhere fast
I would like to root my phone but I seem to be getting stuck in an endless loop which I don't know how to break!
Phone is brand new, no contacts, nothing, I just want to do the following, which I would have thought would be in this order,
Backup the TA (As I have read and read that this will save the DRM keys, which once lost are gone)
Now, I read to backup the TA, I need to root, to root I need to unlock bootloader, to unlockboot loader you have to root all of which then I read is warnings that you can lose the DRM's
Arrrghhhh
I have the flashtool installed
Am on .757
My bootloader is locked but unless the .757 update changed it I was able to unlock it but everything I have tried and read doesn't work
I have my unlock key as well, and I have vague idea's what I want to do but there are so many threads and everything seems to loop back to to root, you need unlock, to unlock you need root to flash you need root lol am going crazy.
Am not sure why am struggling so much with following the guides but I guess it's cause I have zero experience with doing this.
any help would be greatly appreciated
Yeah, I'm not surprised by this at all; and welcome! You have to downgrade to 532 using Flashtool, then root, and then backup the TA partition. You're free to upgrade to 757 again after that, unlock your bootloader and root 757.
Sent from my Z Ultra
Thanks for that info mate, so far that's made more sense than searching all of these posts
Am thinking about two steps in this guide to downgrade
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2593918
First one seems very simple, but second one seems to flash them back to solid stock from the look of it.
Once downgraded,
I thought you require bootloader unlocked before you can root, and from what I read you need root to unlock/backup, or have I missed something?
(hopefully will be back to 532 shortly after files finish downloading.
LordManhattan said:
Yeah, I'm not surprised by this at all; and welcome! You have to downgrade to 532 using Flashtool, then root, and then backup the TA partition. You're free to upgrade to 757 again after that, unlock your bootloader and root 757.
Sent from my Z Ultra
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OrangeMagicGod said:
Thanks for that info mate, so far that's made more sense than searching all of these posts
Am thinking about two steps in this guide to downgrade
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2593918
First one seems very simple, but second one seems to flash them back to solid stock from the look of it.
Once downgraded,
I thought you require bootloader unlocked before you can root, and from what I read you need root to unlock/backup, or have I missed something?
(hopefully will be back to 532 shortly after files finish downloading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey mate, yesterday i had successfully root my XZU with locked bootloader and no backup TA or else, because I'm not yet decided to unlock.
Currently your device is locked or unlocked bootloader?.
Perhaps i could help you.
Currently mines locked.
Speederoff said:
Hey mate, yesterday i had successfully root my XZU with locked bootloader and no backup TA or else, because I'm not yet decided to unlock.
Currently your device is locked or unlocked bootloader?.
Perhaps i could help you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OrangeMagicGod said:
Currently mines locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just do as has been said a thousand times...
Downgrade to .532 - see my downgrade thread
Root using either [NUT]'s dual recovery or bin4ries tool - see thread in step above or LordManhattans guide
Backup the TA - see LordManhattons guide
Upgrade to latest FTF
Unlock bootloader
Root using jackies099's kernel
...
After hours of reading and searching around and trying to follow what LordManhattan said.
I have the phone down to 523.
I now have the bootloader unlocked
Just not sure on the rooting of the phone..
With Flashtool can I simple press the Lock key and root it that way? I don't know the difference between Superuser or SuperSU
Or do I have to do it another way?
I have looked at a number of rooting options and am unsure what to do, one way the links on the guide didn't work others are little confusing!
OrangeMagicGod said:
After hours of reading and searching around and trying to follow what LordManhattan said.
I have the phone down to 523.
I now have the bootloader unlocked
Just not sure on the rooting of the phone..
With Flashtool can I simple press the Lock key and root it that way? I don't know the difference between Superuser or SuperSU
Or do I have to do it another way?
I have looked at a number of rooting options and am unsure what to do, one way the links on the guide didn't work others are little confusing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The order you have done it in is just wrong, so wrong... But what's done is done
Now that the bootloader is unlocked just flash a 757 FTF and install jackie099's kernel http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2714511 and then flash SuperSu from recovery
Did you just skip backing up TA partition? Because if you did, that just defeats the purpose of downgrading
Sent from my C6802 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Morning peeps,
No atm I stopped at unlocking the bootloader after the downgrade, I have tried to run the Backup-TA-9.10 app but it fails on detecting Root cause obviously mines not rooted.
So regarding backup am not sure what am supposed to do, as all threads seem to point to that you require root to backup o.0
blueether I have read so many threads my eyes feel like they are going to bleed, like my original post stated, it seems to be a loop I was getting stuck in.
I cant backup without root from all the threads comments
I cant root without backup for safety and bootloader unlocked, and to unlock bootloader it seemed I had to be a specific version namely 532 to unlock.
So I have got somewhere, instead of pulling my hair out going no where
I hope the way I have moved forward doesn't or hasn't caused any possible lose of keys etc, so the question is, how do I backup before trying the next step of root?
Read post 6 above, follow all the steps in tat order
Sent from CarbonROM on my Z-Ultra
Blue I was going to use the Binary link but cant figure out how to download it, it mentions in the post to ask members for a working link if you have difficulty.
Do you have one by chance?
Thanks!
blueether said:
Read post 6 above, follow all the steps in tat order
Sent from CarbonROM on my Z-Ultra
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OrangeMagicGod said:
Blue I was going to use the Binary link but cant figure out how to download it, it mentions in the post to ask members for a working link if you have difficulty.
Do you have one by chance?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey dude, what's going on? .. have you successfully root yet?
Which step is you dont understand to ROOT? .
Done the downgrade!
2.Root using either [NUT]'s dual recovery or bin4ries tool - see thread in step above or LordManhattans guide
Its the above, gone to Bin4ries post, the links don't seem to download for me? so cant get the tool to do the root
3.Backup the TA - see LordManhattons guide - should be able to do that, its working to the point of seeing it's not rooted, so not worried about that part!
4.Upgrade to latest FTF
5.Unlock bootloader - Already done by mistake thinking it was done easiler :S
6.Root using jackies099's kernel
7....
The thing I have noticed as well atm which am slightly worried about, is my sim card says invalid atm, hoping that changes when it's all finished
Speederoff said:
Hey dude, what's going on? .. have you successfully root yet?
Which step is you dont understand to ROOT? .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OrangeMagicGod said:
Done the downgrade!
2.Root using either [NUT]'s dual recovery or bin4ries tool - see thread in step above or LordManhattans guide
Its the above, gone to Bin4ries post, the links don't seem to download for me? so cant get the tool to do the root
3.Backup the TA - see LordManhattons guide - should be able to do that, its working to the point of seeing it's not rooted, so not worried about that part!
4.Upgrade to latest FTF
5.Unlock bootloader - Already done by mistake thinking it was done easiler :S
6.Root using jackies099's kernel
7....
The thing I have noticed as well atm which am slightly worried about, is my sim card says invalid atm, hoping that changes when it's all finished
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, you shouldn't unlock bootloader =.=" if you only required ROOT =.=".
if you worried, flash stock rom and redo to root?
Well am confused and lost atm.
Point 2 and Point 6 to me, are they not the same thing?
Trying to carry out Point 2, I cant get any of the software it seems as I cant get the links to work
So atm I have a phone working but telling me my sim is "invalid card - no service" currently
Any help for links to the Nuts, or Binary software would be grateful
Speederoff said:
Lol, you shouldn't unlock bootloader =.=" if you only required ROOT =.=".
if you worried, flash stock rom and redo to root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OrangeMagicGod said:
Well am confused and lost atm.
Point 2 and Point 6 to me, are they not the same thing?
Trying to carry out Point 2, I cant get any of the software it seems as I cant get the links to work
So atm I have a phone working but telling me my sim is "invalid card - no service" currently
Any help for links to the Nuts, or Binary software would be grateful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the sim/imei problem shouldn't have happened if you followed my guide, but dont worry, it will come back after step 4
for step to use http://nut.xperia-files.com/?dlid=WlUtbG9ja2VkZHVhbHJlY292ZXJ5Mi43LjEyMy1CRVRBLmluc3RhbGxlci56aXA= from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647492 and follow the instructions in post 2
Step 2 is only so we can get a backup of the TA so that it is safe to unlock the bootloader
Step 4 when you update to the latest FTF you will lose root
Step 5 will allow you to get root any time you want without having to do the downgrade dance
Step 6 is needed because the stock kernel wont keep write access to the system. This step also re-installs recovery so that you can flash the superSU update binary
Hi Blue,
Feel like am getting my self further and further into the **** with this
I was able to find bin4ries tool after searching on the net for awhile, and used that as advised, which has worked and didn't seem to be a problem, the SU appeared etc.
I then did the Backup which again has gone fine.
I updated what I thought was the latest TFT C6833_14.1.b.2.257_euro-lte.ftf from one of the links but looking at the phones version am still showing 532
That's the stage am at with still the sim/imei issue
I have downloaded the link you have provided for the lockeddualrecovery looking at it, I get options to
1. installation on ROM rooted with SuperSU
2. "" "" " with SUperUser
3. installation on unrooted ROM
4. exit
at this stage am not sure what to do, as I thought getting all the other steps completed now would have solved this.
Think am starting to regretting trying this and feeling like a total tool!
blueether said:
the sim/imei problem shouldn't have happened if you followed my guide, but dont worry, it will come back after step 4
for step to use http://nut.xperia-files.com/?dlid=WlUtbG9ja2VkZHVhbHJlY292ZXJ5Mi43LjEyMy1CRVRBLmluc3RhbGxlci56aXA= from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647492 and follow the instructions in post 2
Step 2 is only so we can get a backup of the TA so that it is safe to unlock the bootloader
Step 4 when you update to the latest FTF you will lose root
Step 5 will allow you to get root any time you want without having to do the downgrade dance
Step 6 is needed because the stock kernel wont keep write access to the system. This step also re-installs recovery so that you can flash the superSU update binary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OrangeMagicGod said:
Hi Blue,
Feel like am getting my self further and further into the **** with this
I was able to find bin4ries tool after searching on the net for awhile, and used that as advised, which has worked and didn't seem to be a problem, the SU appeared etc.
I then did the Backup which again has gone fine.
I updated what I thought was the latest TFT C6833_14.1.b.2.257_euro-lte.ftf from one of the links but looking at the phones version am still showing 532
That's the stage am at with still the sim/imei issue
I have downloaded the link you have provided for the lockeddualrecovery looking at it, I get options to
1. installation on ROM rooted with SuperSU
2. "" "" " with SUperUser
3. installation on unrooted ROM
4. exit
at this stage am not sure what to do, as I thought getting all the other steps completed now would have solved this.
Think am starting to regretting trying this and feeling like a total tool!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK so you are past step 3 now and you have a rooted phone with a backed up TA partition.
Step 4
You will want to flash https://docs.google.com/uc?id=0B51NBUj0yr7FNmtzWlhrT2JaOU0&export=download with the lates flashtool from https://unrestrict.li/flashtool instructions are in LordManhattan's guide I think
Step 5
Unlock the bootloader - see LordManhattan's guide again
Step 6
Follow the steps in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2714511
Hi Mate,
So do I need to user the lockeddualrecovery still (going to assume not)
The link for the google doc doesn't work am getting an error trying to access it
I have the latest Flashtool installed and ready
blueether said:
OK so you are past step 3 now and you have a rooted phone with a backed up TA partition.
Step 4
You will want to flash https://docs.google.com/uc?id=0B51NBUj0yr7FNmtzWlhrT2JaOU0&export=download with the lates flashtool from https://unrestrict.li/flashtool instructions are in LordManhattan's guide I think
Step 5
Unlock the bootloader - see LordManhattan's guide again
Step 6
Follow the steps in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2714511
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi guys. Im not going to lie, im a noob when it comes to rooting, so I turned here to ask for help. Now, let me explain my whole issue. Lets start with, i cant unlock my bootloader. I also cant get into flash mode on flashtool which would allow me to downgrade, and and then root my phone from there. So yeah, I cant do anything honestly. I would love it if someone would be kind enough to help me with a step by step instruction guide, or even live assistance?. I already google'd for about 2-3 hours now, and can't find anything. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
white5pirit said:
Hi guys. Im not going to lie, im a noob when it comes to rooting, so I turned here to ask for help. Now, let me explain my whole issue. Lets start with, i cant unlock my bootloader. I also cant get into flash mode on flashtool which would allow me to downgrade, and and then root my phone from there. So yeah, I cant do anything honestly. I would love it if someone would be kind enough to help me with a step by step instruction guide, or even live assistance?. I already google'd for about 2-3 hours now, and can't find anything. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mention 'EveryThing' about your phone. You can Take a screenshot of 'About Phone' and post it here.
Thanks for the reply!
I have attached a screenshot of what the window looks like.
"prntscr DOT com/8ffqdz" Sorry for the link, but I wasnt able to post it through the img tag.
Oh I also forgot to mention, just this morning I could root my phone with Kingo Root, but reading some negative stuff about it, I would still like to root it with the standard, old method of flashing etc, and I can't do some things I could on standard root.
white5pirit said:
Thanks for the reply!
I have attached a screenshot of what the window looks like.
"prntscr DOT com/8ffqdz" Sorry for the link, but I wasnt able to post it through the img tag.
Oh I also forgot to mention, just this morning I could root my phone with Kingo Root, but reading some negative stuff about it, I would still like to root it with the standard, old method of flashing etc, and I can't do some things I could on standard root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it's Xperia M2.
Let me clear that,
There are two types of Rooting methods available.
1. Permanent root
(Root access is available for ever, untill you unroot manually)
2. Temporary root
(Root access is gone, when you restart phone)
So, if you have successfully rooted your phone with Kingo Root, you no need to flash rooted kernel or firmware (its same with already root access available).
After rooting, you must have seen a app SuperSU or SuperUser or anyother that manages root permissions requested by apps that needs root (you need to grant permissions to let app work). If you do not see such any app, download it from play store.
I usually suggest Xperia users to root their devices with TowelRoot app. It is smart and simple and it does not contain any preloaded app for permissions (that means you can switch with SuperSU or Superuser)
Also, what things you could not do? let me know. I'll help you out
Regards,
hitman-xda
hitman-xda said:
Well, it's Xperia M2.
Let me clear that,
There are two types of Rooting methods available.
1. Permanent root
(Root access is available for ever, untill you unroot manually)
2. Temporary root
(Root access is gone, when you restart phone)
So, if you have successfully rooted your phone with Kingo Root, you no need to flash rooted kernel or firmware (its same with already root access available).
After rooting, you must have seen a app SuperSU or SuperUser or anyother that manages root permissions requested by apps that needs root (you need to grant permissions to let app work). If you do not see such any app, download it from play store.
I usually suggest Xperia users to root their devices with TowelRoot app. It is smart and simple and it does not contain any preloaded app for permissions (that means you can switch with SuperSU or Superuser)
Also, what things you could not do? let me know. I'll help you out
Regards,
hitman-xda
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, thanks for the reply. Yup, I saw the SuperUser app, and the problems I have might not be phone breaking and such, but I would like to be able to do things like, change permissions of certain folders, which i cant do with the Kingo root, as it somehow denies the access to the folder, even tho I allowed root browser/es file manager root access. Overall, i think the problem is with the permission system Kingo has. I'd also like to mention that i would love to install Cyanogenmod on my device, but I will look into that myself @edit: Also, I would prefer to have a premanent root, instead of the towelroot and such.
white5pirit said:
Again, thanks for the reply. Yup, I saw the SuperUser app, and the problems I have might not be phone breaking and such, but I would like to be able to do things like, change permissions of certain folders, which i cant do with the Kingo root, as it somehow denies the access to the folder, even tho I allowed root browser/es file manager root access. Overall, i think the problem is with the permission system Kingo has. I'd also like to mention that i would love to install Cyanogenmod on my device, but I will look into that myself @edit: Also, I would prefer to have a premanent root, instead of the towelroot and such.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could just press the 'thumbs up' instead writing 'thanks' everytime.
Well, why do you want to change the permissions of the folders? You could mess-up your device if you change permissions for the root folders.
The problem looks strange. If you have rooted successfully and GRANTED permissions for ES file explorer through SuperUser, you should not get any problem changing permissions. Check in SuperUser app that you see ES file explorer.
Also try using other explorer app. I use 'Solid Explorer' and its great.
If you have temporarily rooted your device as I mentioned in above post, try using TowelRoot app for rooting your device permanently and manually download SuperSU.
If you want to use CyanogenMod (it'll be pre-rooted) you need to carry below steps;
1. Unlock your Bootloader
(Wipes everything)
2. Install recovery.
3. Take stock ROM backup.
4. Flash ROM.zip
5. Flash GApps (optional)
6. Wipe cache+dalvic+factory reset
7. Reboot
Regards,
hitman-xda
Problem is that my bootloader can't be unlocked. I guess there is literally no way in which i can unlock it then?
white5pirit said:
Problem is that my bootloader can't be unlocked. I guess there is literally no way in which i can unlock it then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your bootloader status says
'unlock bootloader allowed = NO'
Then you can't flash anything on your phone. Almost every ROM needs an unlocked bootloader. There will be some ROMs that can be flashed over locked bootloader but they will be stock based.
EDIT: You have a good Luck, you can flash recovery on Locked bootloader
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-m2/development/d2303-clockworkmod-6-0-4-6-t3011821
If you flash recovery successfully, that means you can flash ROM
Check below link for ROMs Available;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-m2/development
Regards,
hitman-xda
Yup, my bootloader says it can't be unlocked. Anyways, i tried the link yo usent me, but it comes up with an error, saying "device not found". I went into recovery mode on my phone, but i assume it might be the adb driver issue? I will try to reinstall it, and get back to you.
@edit: I reinstalled the ADB drivers, and now CWM is stuck on "daemon succesfully started", but it will not do anything else. Any clue as to what could I do to fix this? @edit2: Actually, disregard what i said. It still comes up as" Device not found"
white5pirit said:
Yup, my bootloader says it can't be unlocked. Anyways, i tried the link yo usent me, but it comes up with an error, saying "device not found". I went into recovery mode on my phone, but i assume it might be the adb driver issue? I will try to reinstall it, and get back to you.
@edit: I reinstalled the ADB drivers, and now CWM is stuck on "daemon succesfully started", but it will not do anything else. Any clue as to what could I do to fix this? @edit2: Actually, disregard what i said. It still comes up as" Device not found"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be a drivers issue. Install PC companion and connect your phone, let PCC install essential drivers and after that follow the same steps for installing recovery.
If you post any screenshot, that would be better.
Mkay, it worked now after i reinstalled the device in Sony PC companion. Heres a screenshot of what the CWM cmd window looks like: "prntscr DOT com/8fth1u". I assume this is good? So, all i have to do now is just download Cyanogen Mod and flash it, right?
white5pirit said:
Mkay, it worked now after i reinstalled the device in Sony PC companion. Heres a screenshot of what the CWM cmd window looks like: "prntscr DOT com/8fth1u". I assume this is good? So, all i have to do now is just download Cyanogen Mod and flash it, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup! Everything looks good. Just try to enter into recovery before downloading CM.
1.Switch off your phone and wait for 10 sec
2. switch on
3. When you see LED, try pressing either of vol buttons.
Hate to rain on the parade, but CM and CM based roms don't work with locked bootloaders for that phone, despite having CWM. It should say in the title of the thread whether it'll work with locked bootloaders.
es0tericcha0s said:
Hate to rain on the parade, but CM and CM based roms don't work with locked bootloaders for that phone, despite having CWM. It should say in the title of the thread whether it'll work with locked bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you are right! Purely CM doesn't work on locked bootloader. But there must be any ROM available that is based on CM or even other ROMs that has some CM features.
I went through a few threads in that forum, Omni, CM, PAC, etc and all mentioned needing unlocked bootloader. Best bet is a good stock rom and Xposed to enable other features.
es0tericcha0s said:
I went through a few threads in that forum, Omni, CM, PAC, etc and all mentioned needing unlocked bootloader. Best bet is a good stock rom and Xposed to enable other features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z4 experience looks great ;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-m2/development/rom-z4-experience-locked-unlocked-bl-t3079811
Your xposed idea is great. Plus there must be GravityBox
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?
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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!
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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 you!
I am a complete newbie in the world of root, flash, recovery and all the other things - shoot me. But I promise to change. Having only very few apps and the need to move every 5 pictures taken off my phone is something that keeps bugging me. I can't stand the stock Android's space limitations anymore.
Since two days, I keep trying to install Lineage Os but I can't make it beyond initial steps. Often, I feel like having very basic questions but no one I can turn to. And at other times, when I go back to step one, I feel like I've missed the steps that I've tried before.
Therefore, this thread serves as place to ask questions to you (the expert) and serves as installation guide for myself and other beginners. The documentation of my process - and where I am currently are - will be in this starting post, questions I'll be asking within the threads following posts.
My details
Phone: LG G2 mini (D620r)
Software plattform: Android 5.0.2
Software version: V20b-EUR-XX
The general installation guide I use for reference: XDA Forums - Everything g2m
The installation guide I use: Lineage Os Wiki - Install on g2m
31.01.2018 - Step 1: Basic requirements - setting up ADB
This was explained pretty well. However, I can't verify if my device is able to make use of fastboot. Shouldn't be a problem I hope.
31.01.2018 - Step 2: Rooting your device
The guide links to another guide ( XDA Forums - Root for G2 mini - All versions ). In it, the poster offers a King Root version but suggests at the same time to check their website (of king root) for updates). To install King Root, I opened the website on my phone's browser, downloaded, installed and run their .apk. This worked, my phone is now rooted.
Question
Question:
The linked root guide (see here ) gives optional steps to install SuperSu via a MRW folder and a script that uninstalles KingRoot again.
Reason could be that this will unlock my bootloader (no idea if thats true) and I might need that in the further installation process.
Are these optional steps required to move on with my Installation?
KingRoot is full of adware and it actively tries to stop you from changing it to a different root app.
That's why you should ( read as must ) change it.
Changing the root-handling app has nothing to do with unlocking the bootloader.
Look for the BL unlock method in the dev section.
Also, this should help you a lot:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/g2...ocking-custom-rom-lg-g2-t3339068/post65899032
Hey Vagelis, thanks for your reply and all the work you do (not only) around the g2m - I've read quiet some posts from you already . I'll switch to SuperSU before I proceed with the boot loader unlock method that I've found in the 'Everything' thread.
Will do so in a few hours, then update this thread accordingly. Thanks!
Vagelis1608 said:
KingRoot is full of adware and it actively tries to stop you from changing it to a different root app.
That's why you should ( read as must ) change it.
Changing the root-handling app has nothing to do with unlocking the bootloader.
Look for the BL unlock method in the dev section.
Also, this should help you a lot:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/g2...ocking-custom-rom-lg-g2-t3339068/post65899032
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Click to collapse
Well, since you change to another ROM afterwards, it is not that important to replace the app, I guess. But it is allways better to be on the safe side.
Hello, until now I avoided to root my device (SGP612 / Stock Marshmallow), because I did not want to risk to lose the drm-keys or do other damage.
Besides that, there some apps, which will not run on rooted devices as netflix (at least I suppose so).
Now working on Tasker and other tools the demand of root is increasing more and more. But still I want to take it restrained and looking for a way to limit the root via ADB. I'm not sure, if that is possible, but I think, that would be a good compromise. Online I found a huge amount of guides and threads "how to root", but all of them, at least it looks like that, ending with an unlocked bootloader, TPRP, SuperSU and so on. I did not read all of them, because that would take years and these guides may also be outdated or even worse incorrect.
Therefor I'm here to ask you about yours assessment.
My main goal would be to:
- Make a full backup
- Protect the DRM-Keys and other irreversible stuff
- No app should be able to detect that the device has been rooted respectively modified on system-level
- Void a reset of the current setup
- Install some apps to system via adb and grant some permissions, uninstall few oem-apps
- Tweak a few settings via adb
Is that possible? And if so, are there some good and simplified guides, which I should read?
Wrong forum. This is for Z3 Compact phone. What you want is https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-tablet-compact
You can root the phone without unlocking the bootloader, so I would assume that you can do the same with the tablet. You have to flash with an older ROM/kernel first, though, but it is doable.
temporary2010 said:
Wrong forum. This is for Z3 Compact phone. What you want is https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-tablet-compact
You can root the phone without unlocking the bootloader, so I would assume that you can do the same with the tablet. You have to flash with an older ROM/kernel first, though, but it is doable.
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I will ask the moderation to move my thread, thanks for the hint.
That sounds complicated to flash an older ROM, especially if no suitable instructions are known to me.
BTW. I prefer to stay at stock.
I am pretty sure you posted in the right forum. Everything you mention is possible, except making a full backup. I wouldn't know how without root or twrp. You can backup your TA partition with a special tool to save your drm keys. It uses the 'dirty cow' exploit so you may need to downgrade first (which wipes your data).
I think root via ADB requires a custom rom. You need to unlock your bootloader, which wipes all data. Alternatively, you can root your device with Magisk. It can hide itself from detection for a set of apps that you select.
M1chiel said:
I am pretty sure you posted in the right forum. Everything you mention is possible, except making a full backup. I wouldn't know how without root or twrp. You can backup your TA partition with a special tool to save your drm keys. It uses the 'dirty cow' exploit so you may need to downgrade first (which wipes your data).
I think root via ADB requires a custom rom. You need to unlock your bootloader, which wipes all data. Alternatively, you can root your device with Magisk. It can hide itself from detection for a set of apps that you select.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thread has been moved by now, so that should be ok.
But still, I do not want any custom-rom. My experience with such on other devices in the past was very frustrating and a waste of time. Had always stability issues on driver-level and other misbehavior. On one samsung device I tested around ten or more roms and all of them was quite ****ty...
And until now it sounds like, I need to install a custom before I even can start to make backups and such. But I want a backup of the status quo, to which I could always rollback, if things gets ugly.
I like the current stock, is a good and stable base, a few tweaks and it would be perfect for me. Of course, I did not test any customs on my current device to be able to make some substantiated conclusion on that but I'm to distrustful to follow this path, especially not when there is no way back.
I miss any imagination what is possible and what is not, or what effect a particular measure entails. Therefor I can't estimate the accuracy of any guide and there are hundreds of them out there, and it looks like the approach is sometimes different. I started reading some of them, but stopped it because I could not retrace the content.
Can you recommend a good guide, which could work out for me and whats the name of the tool to backup the drm-keys? Thanks...
Check here for the TA backup https://forum.xda-developers.com/cr...rsal-dirtycow-based-ta-backup-t3514236/page47
I am very happy with this rom, the developer recently issued a Pie alpha (which I haven't tried yet)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3...m-aicp-android-ice-cold-project-o8-1-t3731197
There's a guide for rooting + recovery @ https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3...to-rooted-lollipop-locked-bootloader-t3083980
Be sure you follow the instructions very carefully, since you are flashing (the system partition) with the ROM from a Z3 phone.
The process is similar to the Z3 phones:
- flash to an older ROM
- root
- install custom recovery
- using custom recovery, flash with a prerooted, updated ROM
No need to unlock bootloader and no need for custom ROMs.
Asides from that, I don't know how to do the rest of the stuff in your list.
(I'm debating on getting a used Z3t, which is why I'm researching root possibilities .)