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[Q] Rooting Questions

I have an Xperia Arc S, I just bought it a week ago, Sim Free. I really wanted to avoid rooting and flashing it for 2 reasons; 1. Because of Warranty issues and 2. because I'm happy with the current set up.
However I'm tired of background apps running and hogging up my ram. I don't use Facebook, yet I'm not able to uninstall it because it's an app that came with the phone. I can stop it from running for a bit, but then it it starts running again within a few minutes.
Because of this, I'm thinking of rooting my phone, because as far as I'm aware, root access enables me to remove these apps.
But I have a few questions about rooting.
A) How risky is it? Can rooting "brick" a phone?
B) Does it void warranty?
A bit of background information; Bought brand new Sim Free (unbranded and unlocked) bought and live in the UK
Android Version; 2.3.4, Build Number; 4.0.2.A.0.42 Model Number; LT8i

HTML:
I have an Xperia Arc S, I just bought it a week ago, Sim Free. I really wanted to avoid rooting and flashing it for 2 reasons; 1. Because of Warranty issues and 2. because I'm happy with the current set up.
However I'm tired of background apps running and hogging up my ram. I don't use Facebook, yet I'm not able to uninstall it because it's an app that came with the phone. I can stop it from running for a bit, but then it it starts running again within a few minutes.
Because of this, I'm thinking of rooting my phone, because as far as I'm aware, root access enables me to remove these apps.
But I have a few questions about rooting.
A) How risky is it? Can rooting "brick" a phone?
B) Does it void warranty?
A bit of background information; Bought brand new Sim Free (unbranded and unlocked) bought and live in the UK
Android Version; 2.3.4, Build Number; 4.0.2.A.0.42 Model Number; LT8i
rooting can be able to brick your phone if you dont know which one you want to delete it .warranty of your phone can carry this out ,but if you unlock the bootloader they will not accept it.

migsguerra said:
rooting can be able to brick your phone if you dont know which one you want to delete it .warranty of your phone can carry this out ,but if you unlock the bootloader they will not accept it.
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Delete what? What can my warranty carry out? Not really sure what the bootloader is

Bootloader unlocked phones got repaired under warranty!
So the warranty is not voided untill the bootloader unlock or a ROM or kernel bricks it.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App

I think he means which app you delete. If you delete a wrong app you can mess up your phone but no worries. You can repair via SEUS or PC Companion. Rooting will not void warranty but bootloader unlocking will. Bootloader you dont need to unlock unless if you want to flash custom roms and kernels so dont worry. If you just want to delete apps just root delete apps then you can unroot if you wish
Sent from my LT18i using Tapatalk

rkanwar said:
I think he means which app you delete. If you delete a wrong app you can mess up your phone but no worries. You can repair via SEUS or PC Companion. Rooting will not void warranty but bootloader unlocking will. Bootloader you dont need to unlock unless if you want to flash custom roms and kernels so dont worry. If you just want to delete apps just root delete apps then you can unroot if you wish
Sent from my LT18i using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Awesome, cleared up a lot of confusion.
I'm not doubting you but are you 100% sure that rooting doesn't void warranty? Also, how easy is Unrooting? And which apps can cause the phone to **** up?

Bump
anyone?

hey dude,, ive rooted my xperia arc once.. and it worked perfect!! then removed it for no reason.. and now here is my xperia arc rooted again,, to avoid any errors with ur xperia rooted,, just follow whats written at rooting thread and ur xperia wont be bricked

Pr0xXxY said:
hey dude,, ive rooted my xperia arc once.. and it worked perfect!! then removed it for no reason.. and now here is my xperia arc rooted again,, to avoid any errors with ur xperia rooted,, just follow whats written at rooting thread and ur xperia wont be bricked
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Click to collapse
Thanks but Does rooting it void warranty, or removing some of the apps? Which apps could brick the phone if removed?

Hi, itsmyname.
The consensus of a lot of discussions here is that rooting won't affect your warranty. I've found this part of xda very useful for rooting methods - the zergrush thing worked painlessly on my Arc.
You'll also probably enjoy this thread for definitions of what the heck these guys are talking about! And see here for a list of apps it is - or isn't - safe to remove.
Happy rooting (but NEVER say that to an Australian!).

Loosely said:
Hi, itsmyname.
The consensus of a lot of discussions here is that rooting won't affect your warranty. I've found this part of xda very useful for rooting methods - the zergrush thing worked painlessly on my Arc.
You'll also probably enjoy this thread for definitions of what the heck these guys are talking about! And see here for a list of apps it is - or isn't - safe to remove.
Happy rooting (but NEVER say that to an Australian!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. So I take it rooting doesn't affect the warranty then. However, what If I'm rooted and the next firmware is out, can I update to it the "legit" way, or would I have to unroot again? Does Unrooting reset everything back to normal again, i.e. bring back all of the apps I may have deleted?
Also, I connect up the phone via USB to my PC to transfer music onto the phone, will I be able to do that whilst its rooted?

Again, have a good explore of xda-dev. But my understanding is firmware updates will come through quite happily to a rooted phone. And if you get rid of carrier-branded firmware you may even get the updates earlier than you otherwise would (come on, ICS!).
If you've uninstalled an app and want it back again you need to reinstall it, whether you're rooted or not. And there's no problem hooking a rooted phone to a PC to transfer files - I do it all the time.

itsmyname said:
Thanks but Does rooting it void warranty, or removing some of the apps? Which apps could brick the phone if removed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my country Israel,, u wont lose the warranty,,, but when anything wrong happens to ur phone, you have to delete that root b4 going to the company u bought ur phone from.

If I root using the Zergrush method (not unlocking bootloader) and I the remove apps, and I decide to update when a new firmware comes out OTA or on SE Companion, will the apps come back again?

Yes they return with a vengeance! Better to update the rom and the kernel yourself via flashtool. That way you can control the bloatware, I use the " dx toolbox " app to remove most bloatware as it backs all the apps to your sd in case you make a boo boo!
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium

[Q] The first thing to do with an Xplay?

Ok. I would be glad if someone could point me in the right direction here, and answer this question.
I am planning on buying an Xplay, mainly for phoning and gaming. I am very keen on keeping the Xplay "clean" and fast, and therefore wish to remove all bloatware from the beginning.
Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on? What´s the best thing to do if I want to remove the bloatware. I might as well say that I´m pretty much a beginner when it comes to all the terms "rooting" and stuff. But I want to do it a safe way, without taking risks of breaking or bricking anything.
Thanks.

Some of the bloatware can be simply uninstalled, some cannot. For the latter you need to root your phone. I like to use SuperOneClick for rooting. Note that some firmwares (the ones whose version ends with .62 or greater) cannot be rooted, so I wouldn't update to them.
Once rooted, removing the bloatware is pretty simple. The most common way is to use Titanium Backup to uninstall it or you can even do it manually by deleting the relevant .apk files from /system/app.

Root your phone ,this is the first step that you must to do. After rooting ,you can remove bloatware from your phone and gain more free space on you internal memory.
I think that the best rooting way is the (zergRush Method):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1312859
After rooting ,download 'Root Explorer' ,go to system/app and remove all the things you don't need.

If you are getting an AT&T Xplay I would suggest installing the generic north American rom which is 2.3.4 and missing the AT&T bloat. I backed up the games from the stock rom first then installed the NA rom and reinstalled them.

First use pc companion and install the latest update. Then root and remove bloat and get everything set up like your contacts and apps. After that install cwm and make a nandroid backup and start flashing roms! Back-up your info if the rom won't carry it over. Optional: Unlock bootloader before roms. There are plenty of stock based roms to for people with locked bootloaders.

EDIT: Don't do the below, just read you don't want risk!
1. Unlock the bootloader
2. Use flashtool to install a generic ROM .FTF file (.368 has CRT animation but is old, .42 is good, .62 is good)
3. Install a kernel (DooM's is great). This will allow you to overclock, and give automatic ROOT (no need to exploit or install anything else)
4. Buy/acquire an app called "Titanium Backup" (it needs ROOT to run), and check the guide in these forums for which apps are safe to remove

The first thing to do? Here's a list:
1. READ everything you can find related to your model version of the Play. There are different versions depending on where you are in the world and who your service provider is. If you have a GSM capable phone (Europe, Canada, ATT in US just to name a few), you will have a lot more modification options available. If you have a CDMA capable phone (Verizon), you have fewer choices but there are more coming almost every day.
2. READ again - you know you only understood maybe a 10th of what you just read!
3. POST specific questions AFTER you have searched the forums. Don't be afraid to try Google - that's what it's there for.
4. THINK !!! - what is it that you expect to get from modifying your phone that it doesn't do now? If you just want to remove bloatware, you can simply root, install a custom recovery, make a backup and then go to town. No need for unlocking the bootloader or loading a custom rom.
5. SLOW DOWN !!! - don't be in such a hurry to modify your phone that you leap before you look. Most bricked phones could be avoided in the first place by taking time to understand the steps involved before making changes.
6. DON'T PANIC !!! - There are very few things you can do to your phone that the experienced folks here on the forums can't help you resolved.
7. HAVE FUN !!!
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Potato13 said:
First use pc companion and install the latest update. Then root and remove bloat and get everything set up like your contacts and apps. After that install cwm and make a nandroid backup and start flashing roms! Back-up your info if the rom won't carry it over. Optional: Unlock bootloader before roms. There are plenty of stock based roms to for people with locked bootloaders.
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Click to collapse
Not necessarily. If you install some of the latest updates, you no longer can root. That's why some research needs to be done first.

Search google and read xda forums on a daily basis. That's the shortest route lol
1. Root using zergrush or use flashtool rooting feature
2. Unlock bootloader (this will void your warranty)
3. Install clockworkmod 5.0.2.7 for xperia phones (get it free on play store fka android market)
4. Install titanium backup and perform batch backup of your apps to your sd card
5. Get doomlord's kernel v11 (link is on my signature) and wifi modules
6. Reboot into recovery and hold down or tap volume down to enter CWM recovery
7. Flash the kernel, then reboot and flash the wifi module
8. Flash your custom rom
9. There your phone is bricked! Haha

netizenmt said:
4. THINK !!! - what is it that you expect to get from modifying your phone that it doesn't do now? If you just want to remove bloatware, you can simply root, install a custom recovery, make a backup and then go to town. No need for unlocking the bootloader or loading a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input.
The only thing that I plan to do, is probably just remove bloatware and nothing more. So I guess it´s just down to rooting the phone then, and delete the things that I don´t want? No need for unlocking bootloaders etc.?
Is there a list of what stuff that can be deleted? Or other things that can be achieved by only rooting the phone?
And the last question. Is it totally ok to accept android updates after the rooting and removing of bloatware?

silmes said:
Thanks for the input.
The only thing that I plan to do, is probably just remove bloatware and nothing more. So I guess it´s just down to rooting the phone then, and delete the things that I don´t want? No need for unlocking bootloaders etc.?
Is there a list of what stuff that can be deleted? Or other things that can be achieved by only rooting the phone?
And the last question. Is it totally ok to accept android updates after the rooting and removing of bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you aren't going to get into custom kernels and overclocking, then no, you can do what you want without unlocking the bootloader.
There are some links in General and here in Q & A that make suggestions of what can be removed safely.
If you only rooted and didn't remove anything, you could accept updates. If you remove bloatware, the update won't even install. That's why I suggest installing CWM (ClockWorkMod) Recovery and doing a Nandroid Backup after you root but before you debloat.
Here are some useful links for you:
Rooted (Locked Bootloader) Phone - App Removal (Safe List)
[GUIDE] R800x owners - You got Custom ROM questions? I've got Answers!
The second one there was one I posted up for R800x users with locked bootloaders. It was all the stuff I had to glean for myself when mine was locked.
Hope this helps.

Sigh...hope this isn't too late.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23845116#post23845116

First thing: Root right away with Flashtool (http://androxyde.github.com/) and don't listen to the others, the Flashtool nowdays contains the Exploit that you need and it works perfect to root on 2.3.4 (I did it myself when I root'd mine the first time).
I am planning on buying an Xplay, mainly for phoning and gaming. I am very keen on keeping the Xplay "clean" and fast, and therefore wish to remove all bloatware from the beginning.
I recommend the Titanium Backup as all the others, and you can use this list as help: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046699&highlight=remove+app+list
Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.

Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?

silmes said:
Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you update to the .62 firmware you can't root.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk

silmes said:
Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because it differs between models and some people aren't aware of that, while others like to be argumentative!
If you have a Verizon R800x Play, our firmware only goes up to Version 2.3.3 (3.0.1.E.0.88). If yours comes with 2.3.2, you're safe to update. You will be able to root with no problem.
If you have one of the other phones, you can apply updates below 4.0.2.A.0.62 and still root. .62 and higher, no root.
Check out this thread [HOW-TO] Root Phones w/ Android v2.2.x-2.3.x (zergRush Method) for additional information.

is modding ZL as easy as modding Galaxy SII?

Hello, I'm a new Xperia ZL user and I came from a Samsung Galaxy SII phone, with which root, unroot, return to stock rom (in case we need warranty), install custom roms,etc... was so easy and with a lot of alternatives to follow. Is it more risky to do all those things in ZL? If I root, install CWM, and custom rom, will I be able to return the phone to a factory state (for warranty)? Does it leaves manipulation traces (in Samsung's case, binary counter) and can I cover them in case i need?
Thanks in advanced.!

In my opinion it's quite easy!
For many modifications you have to unlock the bootloader. If you got a device from a provider that often is impossible. Otherwise you can back up your TA-partition:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
If you need to send your device to sony, flash a stock rom and restore TA. I don't think they will see that you modified your phone.
There is a good overview-thread by DooMLorD which might be helpful:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2201148
---------- Post added at 09:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:25 AM ----------
....one more thing: there are very few custom roms for ZL, many users are on stock, which is odexed. So many users won't be able to use mods.

Since I can't unlock bootloader I'm screwed, right?

opticon107 said:
Since I can't unlock bootloader I'm screwed, right?
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Click to collapse
No, but you can only use custom roms based on stock. You can't use CM-based roms.

Looking for an actual root-method for amami 5.1.1 Lollipop

Hey guys!
First I have to explain that I'm German and englisch is not my native language.
Second thing is, I'm a complete newbie to the whole smartphone/android stuff.
My Z1c was almost unused since I bought it. I'll need it for now and want to root it and have an actual, stable and secure system/ROM on it. Therefore I'm looking for an "easy" method to root and unlock the bootloader. (I never rooted a phone so far)
Tried KingoRoot and Towelroot but doesn't worked. Google only showed "old" methods, so I rather ask here before bricking.
If it's possible I would prefer an other method for unlocking the bootloader than the official/ legit via Sony HP...
Have a way more questions after rooting and unlocking. Be warned! :laugh:
Edit: Is this (search4rootsdotcom) trustworthy?

3dg4r Fr13ndly said:
Hey guys!
First I have to explain that I'm German and englisch is not my native language.
Second thing is, I'm a complete newbie to the whole smartphone/android stuff.
My Z1c was almost unused since I bought it. I'll need it for now and want to root it and have an actual, stable and secure system/ROM on it. Therefore I'm looking for an "easy" method to root and unlock the bootloader. (I never rooted a phone so far)
Tried KingoRoot and Towelroot but doesn't worked. Google only showed "old" methods, so I rather ask here before bricking.
If it's possible I would prefer an other method for unlocking the bootloader than the official/ legit via Sony HP...
Have a way more questions after rooting and unlocking. Be warned! :laugh:
Edit: Is this (search4rootsdotcom) trustworthy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why you don't want to use Sony unlocking method, and also can't imagine who besides Sony would have the unlock code. Once you have the code, you could use Flashtool to unlock, but you have to go through Sony to get the code.
If you do unlock bl, rooting is easy, via fastboot/adb. If bl is locked, Kingroot works, (not sure which version you tried, but latest version is proven to work - I've done it myself at least 3 times). Most people prefer not to use Kingroot as a permanent root manager, but once you're rooted, it's easy to switch to whatever you want.
Many stable and very good rooms to choose from.

Once you got yourself TWRP 3 running you have a lot of options to choose from.
I've been modding my Z1C for two years now and i'm positive that for normal usage AOSP roms don't make the cut, there have been multiple occasions with AOSP / CM roms where i had bugs with latest YouTube app versions, random shutdowns and over-average battery consumption in idle despite kernel tweaking which are all not present in stock-based roms. I was using a slightly modded 14.6.A.236 for most of 2015 until now which worked fine but i cluttered the phone too much so it became super slow and almost unusable. I've very recently backed up everything and clean-flashed DStrikerZ1 rom because it's the most-followed rom for the Z1C and i have to say i'm positively surprised by it's UX performance and overall style. Once i know how to fix my mobile network* i'll probably recommend it but until then you might just wanna flash stock .236, root and then de-bloat using TitaniumBackup (or whatever you prefer) which i know will definitely be bullet-proof.
By the way i'm also from Germany so feel free to hit me up for questions, i'll help where i can.
*Edit: Mobile network working, just had to mess with the internet service provider settings a bit. That makes DStrikerZ the best rom i've used so far on this phone.

Much appreciate guys!
I've got the unlock code and will do it tomorrow.
Read all over about absolutely making an TA-Backup BEFORE unlocking the bootloader cuz of loosing the Bravia Engine, DRM-Keys and Track-ID so I was uncertain....

Any chance of root without unlocked bootloader? For advanced customisation

I'm really keen on rooting just for the customisation options. I'd rather not lose warranty for sticking a custom boot animation and custom fonts on the device. In all likelihood that's all I'll ever need root for. I'm assuming this (rooting with a locked bootloader) is possible, but no method has been discovered yet?
In the meantime, any other suggestions on customising the phones font / boot animation? Is this possible without root? I've tried custom launchers (apex, nova, go, the Microsoft one I've forgotten the name of) but honestly prefer the stock one.

I wouldn't say it's possible. At least not in Android versions after Lollipop when Kingroot etc could do the job. That was some time ago though. Sorry, you'll have to unlock bootloader if you want to root that's just the way it is today.

Oh well, guess I'll forego my warranty then. Only another 7 days to go until I can unlock it haha.

the only thing stopping me from rooting is the fact ill lose android pay which ive really become a fan of lately. Before this i rooted every android phone i had. i would advise u to think long and hard before rooting in case u regret it.

sam00561 said:
... ill lose android pay...
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Click to collapse
No, you'll not. Just be sure to flash stock nougat rom, not deodexed one. And don't use supersu/phh's, only Magisk. You will get root and certified play store at same. Read my post here for more information :
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72382305&postcount=22