[Q] Rooting AT&T Xperia Play (r800at)? - Xperia Play Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
Can someone please write a noob's guide to rooting the AT&T xperia play (r800at)? The phone is carrier locked and bootloader locked. Is there a easy way to just get root permissions on the stock AT&T rom (2.3.3) without unlocking bootloader? All I want to do is remove AT&T apps which I don't use and free up internal memory (I only have 40 mb left). I couldn't find a thread which clearly explains this (have been searching for more than a week now).
PS: This is my first android phone, so I don't have a very good idea about how all this works.
Thanks.

turbo789 said:
Hi,
Can someone please write a noob's guide to rooting the AT&T xperia play (r800at)? The phone is carrier locked and bootloader locked. Is there a easy way to just get root permissions on the stock AT&T rom (2.3.3) without unlocking bootloader? All I want to do is remove AT&T apps which I don't use and free up internal memory (I only have 40 mb left). I couldn't find a thread which clearly explains this (have been searching for more than a week now).
PS: This is my first android phone, so I don't have a very good idea about how all this works.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are basically in the same place i was in a few weeks ago.
First off let me link you this this thread
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1270295)
You'll find there that you cannot currently root the r800at without first unlocking the bootloader!
The bad news is that unlocking the bootloader is the the most difficult part
here is the bootloader unlock guide by Alejandrissimo.
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050)
Its a pain in the butt on this particular phone so i highly recommend you have Alejandrissimo remote support you. Be prepared to pay 24 bucks for the unlock since the software requires it either way.
If you have Alejandrissimo help you he will also install the CWM recovery for you.
THIS is important as it installs a custom recovery mode for your phone that you will use to backup your phone, install kernels, and ROOT your phone.
If you are going the DIY route here is the Clockwork Recovery thread
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130639)
I hope this helps. After all the hard stuff is done the rest is pretty easy. Learning how to put your phone into recovery is important into jumping into all the other great things you can do with your phone.
The first like has an excellent post by xSoNiCcRaCkErSx who has basically tested many of the custom rom/kernel combinations on the r800at!
I hope this helps you and all the other r800at users out there!

Thanks DrROBschiz
From what I have read, [unlocking bootloader + applying clockwork recovery patch + Over-the-air updates] can brick the xperia play. Is this true? Have you tried OTA updates?
Also, I found another method (but I am not sure if it works with r800at). You flash 2.3.2 firmware using tools from wotanserver (cannot paste link because I am a new user). Then use gingerbreak to obtain root (this should work because of downgrading to 2.3.2) and update with OTA to get the latest version of android (claimed to retain root on the latest version). This method also doesn't seem to need unlocked bootloader.
Has someone with AT&T xperia play (r800at) tried the second method?

Also curious, can you unlock the bootloader via the process from Sony on their official site (which I cant link to right now)? Is there a downside outside of not having help (which don't get me wrong may be needed)

@8-Bit: You cannot unlock bootloader following Sony's website if you have carrier locked phone (r800at is locked to AT&T US). When I tried that, I realized that carried locked phones are not 'fastboot' enabled. Also, sim unlocking the phone using 'unlock codes' won't enable 'fastboot'. It will just make the phone capable of accepting other networks sim cards.

Also yes its important to note that if your bootloader is unlocked OTA will brick the phone.
MAKE A BACKUP!
I understand not wanting to deal with the complicated process of the current unlock method but it really is the only viable option for the AT&T version of the Play unfortunately.

I finally have root!!!
turbo789 said:
Thanks DrROBschiz
From what I have read, [unlocking bootloader + applying clockwork recovery patch + Over-the-air updates] can brick the xperia play. Is this true? Have you tried OTA updates?
Also, I found another method (but I am not sure if it works with r800at). You flash 2.3.2 firmware using tools from wotanserver (cannot paste link because I am a new user). Then use gingerbreak to obtain root (this should work because of downgrading to 2.3.2) and update with OTA to get the latest version of android (claimed to retain root on the latest version). This method also doesn't seem to need unlocked bootloader.
Has someone with AT&T xperia play (r800at) tried the second method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the second method. It works. But you do loose the AT&T branding (phone will be identified as r800a/r800i based on which ROM you flash). Also, when connected to mobile data it says "H" instead of "H+", though I didn't notice any difference in data speeds.
@8-Bit: if you need any details, I would be glad to help.

I just did this today. Started with stock 2.3.3 on an r800at. I used Wotanserver ( which is currently free for some reason) to flash to 2.32 as an r800a model. Then I installed gingerbreak. I now have root including wireless hotspot!
The only gotcha was I needed to load gingerbreak via my pc, a direct API download from the web would not work.
My speeds are fine as verified on speed test.org and I was able to get back to 2.3.3. Over the air.
Phone is much faster and has much more memory due to the Att bloatware being gone.
Give it a try!

Will doing this enable fastboot so you can unlock the bootloader and install custom roms?
Sent from my R800at using XDA App

tgh0wnz said:
Will doing this enable fastboot so you can unlock the bootloader and install custom roms?
Sent from my R800at using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you talking about the Wotanserver method? I'm not sure how it works it's magic. I think the boot loader probably was unlocked to ge the firmware on but then re locked. At least I hope so because my hope is to get thE 2.3.4 OTA update on somehow

I believe the att, and firmware update supports 4g, hence when you flash it to generic you lose that... But it's speed difference between really fast and really faster.. So it's not even noticeable. Personally I believe it's better if the phone is rooted and bloats removed.
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.

Ok guys I told a friend I'd help him get rooted. And ive been reading here and im lost.. From what I gather. The bootloader on the att version is locked and to gain root. That needs to be unlocked.. This is where I'm lost. Why is the best method to go through someone else. What does that involve? Sorry to sound dumb I'm just really lost here. haha.
Sent from AT&T Galaxy S2

turbo789 said:
Thanks DrROBschiz
From what I have read, [unlocking bootloader + applying clockwork recovery patch + Over-the-air updates] can brick the xperia play. Is this true? Have you tried OTA updates?
Also, I found another method (but I am not sure if it works with r800at). You flash 2.3.2 firmware using tools from wotanserver (cannot paste link because I am a new user). Then use gingerbreak to obtain root (this should work because of downgrading to 2.3.2) and update with OTA to get the latest version of android (claimed to retain root on the latest version). This method also doesn't seem to need unlocked bootloader.
Has someone with AT&T xperia play (r800at) tried the second method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does work except you lose att bloatware which is a good thing
---------- Post added at 09:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:27 PM ----------
joshyy_rey said:
Ok guys I told a friend I'd help him get rooted. And ive been reading here and im lost.. From what I gather. The bootloader on the att version is locked and to gain root. That needs to be unlocked.. This is where I'm lost. Why is the best method to go through someone else. What does that involve? Sorry to sound dumb I'm just really lost here. haha.
Sent from AT&T Galaxy S2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just want root then go to wontanserver and register and download driver and client software and follow their directions. Choose r800a 2.3.2 (3.0.A.2.184) . Now use gingerbreak1.2 (search forums) and follow direction. Now update over the air only. You have rooted 2.3.3 r800a enjoy

Okay, so I'm having problems with my phone randomly not getting a signal ever since doing this method... is there currently any way to go back to AT&T stock? Also, has anybody else been having signal issues? It says I have bars, but I can't call/text and I have to restart the phone. Very irritating.

turbo789 said:
Hi,
Can someone please write a noob's guide to rooting the AT&T xperia play (r800at)? The phone is carrier locked and bootloader locked. Is there a easy way to just get root permissions on the stock AT&T rom (2.3.3) without unlocking bootloader? All I want to do is remove AT&T apps which I don't use and free up internal memory (I only have 40 mb left). I couldn't find a thread which clearly explains this (have been searching for more than a week now).
PS: This is my first android phone, so I don't have a very good idea about how all this works.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi... first off all, sorry my bad english
If you have locked bootloader (SIM-locked) and want to root whitout unlocking bootloader, try this:
"Working Root on 2.3.3 locked bootloaders! (Works on all Xperia Plays except R800X)"
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1116090
Worked like a charm form me...
Portugal - TMN
Xperia Play R800i locked bootloader.
Gingerbreak worked very fast for me, BUT only after turning off Wifi connections and UN-plugging the USB-cable
Have froozen lots off app's (think is the correct term) with Titanium backup
Have used Link2SD to move other apps to SDcard
When I bouthg the phone it cames with 2.3.2. I made the mistake OTA upgrading before reading about root.
At beggining (2.3.2) the phone boot, from startup to PIN code, about 3-5 minutes.
After OTA upgrade (2.3.3) i noticed some diferences (about 2 minutes to boot)...
After rooting phone MAKES BOOT IN 45 SECONDS!!! (from begining to PIN CODE)
Always have about 250mb ram free
Internal storage 150mb free (Im still afraid of using Insecure ADB to move dalvik cache to SD)...
I read lots of pages on XDA forum to know about rooting and all the benefits&risk's involved, and root related tools, before rooting so advise all the others newbies like me, doing the same
Thanks to all make this possible (must thanks here because I dont have post permission in develoment area)...
Once again, thanks a lot...

shiftylock said:
Okay, so I'm having problems with my phone randomly not getting a signal ever since doing this method... is there currently any way to go back to AT&T stock? Also, has anybody else been having signal issues? It says I have bars, but I can't call/text and I have to restart the phone. Very irritating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might be a late reply, but it might still help some one. I had similar problems (mainly with data connectivity). I fixed it by adding APN profiles for AT&T under settings >> wireless & network setting >> Mobile networks >> Access Point Names. Let me know if you need the details of the APN profile.

guys im having the same problem, i got a friend who needs helps with his xperia play at&t, he wants to unlock the bootloader, and install a custom os, i was looking for the 1st option on the first page, but the link doesnt works anymore, any suggestion?

DrROBschiz said:
Also yes its important to note that if your bootloader is unlocked OTA will brick the phone.
MAKE A BACKUP!
I understand not wanting to deal with the complicated process of the current unlock method but it really is the only viable option for the AT&T version of the Play unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi bro. am new to xda new to android new to android modding.so please help. i recently purchased used xperia play r800at from ebay its carrier unlocked.now what i want to know: phone is carrier unlocked can you please say is my phones bootloader unlocked. how can i root it or just give me a link. please please pleaaaasseeee!!!! am super noob i dont even fully know what is bootloader kernel rom and suck thing i just need to overclock and free up some space. please help because i cant find answers online please ((

DrROBschiz said:
You'll find there that you cannot currently root the r800at without first unlocking the bootloader!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that isn't true. I was able to root phone without unlocking bootloader using superoneclick. do the search.

Rooting R800AT
legacygt777 said:
that isn't true. I was able to root phone without unlocking bootloader using superoneclick. do the search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he was anything like me, then he searched, searched, searched, and after that, searched some more. Superoneclick does not work for our phones. All the guides for xperia plays don't mention a damn thing about rolling back firmware from version 2.3.3 to 2.3.2 in order to root. I was loosing my mind trying to figure this out at the time; tried multiple PCs/multiple USB ports, thought maybe my syntax was wrong on the manual methods so I tried a couple of automated methods like superoneclick and DoomLord Root, when those didn't work I thought maybe the drivers weren't quite right so I investigated that issue for ages but couldn't find any more up to date ones than the ones I was using. I then tried messing with a few automated rooters right from my phone like z4root and Gingerbreak which didn't work either. Finally I found this thread(same one linked a couple of posts up) which did the trick (I have it saved in my favorites). It's not missing any steps and is accurate to the T. Worked for me the first time and didn't require any special hexes, voodoo, or rain dances.
I just checked and since that thread is so old, the links are now dead. I would post there, but I'm not allowed (developer's thread). Here are some links to the software needed:
Flashtool
Android 2.3.2 (.184 as referred to in that thread)
And finally Gingerbreak v1.2 - should download this from your phone and install to it's internal memory (not the SD card) prior to flashing
The other methods of rooting may have worked once downgraded to 2.3.2, but I just followed that guide and used Gingerbreak as it seemed the simplest way.

Related

new verizon play; need some assistance please!

OK just got this phone (800x) and it seems to be downloading the 2.3.3 update. There are sooo many different thread in development section concerning unlocking bootloader and rooting, but most seem out of date.
I have pm'd allesandro to pay for the bl unlock, but what other steps need to be taken to root? I am very interested in installing CM7 on this device and appreciate any help I can get!
rustyself said:
OK just got this phone (800x) and it seems to be downloading the 2.3.3 update. There are sooo many different thread in development section concerning unlocking bootloader and rooting, but most seem out of date.
I have pm'd allesandro to pay for the bl unlock, but what other steps need to be taken to root? I am very interested in installing CM7 on this device and appreciate any help I can get!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well from what ive been reading is if u were on 2.3.2 with unlocked BL and tried to update to ota 2.3.3 itll cause a brick
in a nutshell you do need an unlocked BL to get root on the r800x
gsm models a bit different and the only way to unlock the BL on the r800x is thru paid at this point ashergrey's method no longer works
after that youll be able to boot into custom recovery to flash the root files
im debating to whether flash cm7 since stoock rom has been working fine for me after removing bloatware
let us know if u get the paid solution and we can help with flashing the root files
but if your gonna flash cm7 after u unlock the BL thru custom recovery you just just flash cm7 and root permission in already pre installed on cm7

Just ordered my Arc S... Some questions.

I went for a genuine SIM-FREE one (at extra cost), so the bootloader can be unlocked.
What does this mean with regards to getting updates and rooting the device?
Can I download the latest OTA update when I boot the phone, and by doing so, will it lock me out of doing anything? (i'm guessing after taking the latest OTA, I can still request a bootloader unlock?)
I have seen some posts suggesting that once you unlock the bootloader, you will stop getting OTA updates, which would suck, as Android 4.0 is out soon(ish), and I wouldn't want to prevent my phone from being able to get that.
I'm sorta tempted to get the latest OTA and then leave it for a while until I understand the pros and cons of unlocking the bootloader, and rooting the phone.
Sorry to sound like a Newb, but all phones are different, I have a HTC Legend, and know all about that one, ditto for my Asus Transformer, both are rooted with CWM recovery, but only once I worked out what the pros and cons are.
If youve bought one sim-free (and thus unbranded, good call) then you should (as of, like, yesterday, good timing) be able to root without unlocking the bootloader (see this thread for how).
Thus the only reason for you to unlock the bootloader would be when you want to install a custom rom, and if youre running a custom rom youre not really going to be wanting OTA updates blatted on top of them
As far as getting OTA updates when rooted - so far OTA updates have worked fine on rooted arcs (and have maintained root). But, with this new rooting method we dont yet know what the outcome would be with an OTA update. However, when 4.0 rolls around you should still be able to flash it via SEUS unless youve also unlocked the bootloader, which stops SEUS from working. Also - if you do unlock the bootloader DO NOT ACCEPT any OTA updates, this can brick the phone.
Thanks, for the moment, i'll hold off unlocking the bootloader, accept OTA updates and then root it (or should I root it for and then update?)
The unlocking of the bootloader is only really of use when SE stop supporting the phone....
CrazyPeter said:
The unlocking of the bootloader is only really of use when SE stop supporting the phone....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, even while SE continue to support the handset, some people will always prefer to be able to flash custom ROMs - CM7 offers a lot of nice features, some of which Google have actually copied in ICS.
Imo the arc s is a very good phone that needn't be rooted or boot loader unlocked unless you want themed or roms. Now if there was a mod for the stock camera app to give lower compression images, I'd root straight away.
Sent from my LT18i using XDA App
The reason I root is so I can use AdFree and MyBackup Pro , which both require root, there are also some other handy root-required apps....
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
LOADS of reasons to root.
Crapware removal, titanium backup, drocap2, button saviour, root explorer, SE panorama app, appwidgetpicker, transparent dock... the list goes on.
However, not everyone needs/wants these things. Horses for courses innit?

[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 !!!
---------- Post added at 01:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:14 AM ----------
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.
Click to expand...
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.

[Q] Rooting GN

Greetings XDA,
Ive recently got me a GN (yakju) (couldn't wait for N4) and wait to get updated to 4.2. Now i run 4.2 and i want to unlock its boot loader & root it.
Not yet interested of having new roms on it, im cool with its stock android BUT i need to get full control of my device and not being restricted on apps that don't need root.
In case you want to ask me WHY i just didn't follow any of the guides for rooting nexuses in the forum, the answer is because im not sure which is the best/easiest/newest/safest
Im not very familiar with such staff i want to make is as simple as it gets and avoid breaking my phone (if thats even possible).
So please can you assist me to take this first android steps ?
Thanks in advance
safest and easiest.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529058
Hi, welcome to the GNex and the possibilities with it. I have had my GNex since Jan 2012 and it was rooted 2 weeks later. I'm sure if you search in XDA you find lots of help on rooting. However I started out with the www.galaxynexusforum.com forum and followed the unlocking and rooting by Wug.
Assuming you have a verizon GNex here is what you should follow
Wug's Nexus Root Toolkit v1.6.0 [Updated 11/26/12]
It is a nice tool installed on a windows pc or laptop and I have used it to do my GNex and also another one from a friend about 6 month after mine.
Works great and i think if you follow these thread you are rooted in no time.
Good luck
I have the GSM nexus.
Ok its unlocked now, preparing to root.
I just got 1 more final question, considering i will not flash any other rom or such, with my device ONLY unlocked & rooted, will i be able to get OTA updates from now on or i will have to flash myself ? (also do i need Custom Recovery ? what does it do ? )
equilibriumgr said:
Ok its unlocked now, preparing to root.
I just got 1 more final question, considering i will not flash any other rom or such, with my device ONLY unlocked & rooted, will i be able to get OTA updates from now on or i will have to flash myself ? (also do i need Custom Recovery ? what does it do ? )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont need a tool to unlock...you just need adb and fastboot.
Ensure ADB Debugging is enabled.
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
At this point you can push a custom recovery to your phone - I think there are recoveries now that support 4.2.
After flashing the custom recovery, boot into it and flash your superuser.zip
Lol...thats it.
I think you can still get OTA's but you will lose root. I suppose if the OTA was that important, you can relock the device (you will lose data) and then OTA up to the newest version and unlock again.
If you have a GSM device you are lucky, because the factory images are pretty plentiful. On Verizon CDMA we only have 4.1.1 (and because of this I only use 4.1.1 stock).
I had to relock and unroot on Tuesday because of a SIM card issue - didnt want Verizon knowing it was rooted. Came home and unlocked and rerooted all over again. Took about 10 minutes total.
After OTA 4.2.1 root is lost. Do i need to repeat the process to re-root ?
equilibriumgr said:
After OTA 4.2.1 root is lost. Do i need to repeat the process to re-root ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting a nexus will always be the same steps.

[Q] Really dont know how to Root and install CWM on XPERIA Z1 COMPACT!! Help...!!!

Hi everybody... I have purchased Xperia Z1 Compact few day ago and this is my first ever experience with any SONY SMARTPHONE device in this Android era. Before this I had Galaxy SIII and I learnt how to Root, Flash, Custom OS, and Reseting Counter on my own through different sources youtube videos. But regarding my sony xperia z1 compact device, I have been searching for the last 3 consecutive days on how to ROOT and get CWM on my device but all i get in return is total crap. I know about the official Sony Way of Unblocking the bootloader but then again I dont want SONY to know that I tinkered around with their device in the form of Unblocking and/or Rooting. There is 1 website which demonstrate how to UNLOCK BOOTLOADER in 2 different ways. 1- Official. 2-Unofficial. The unofficial way is very easy through FLASHTOOL but my device is running 4.4.2 kitkat and yesterday I upgraded to even more latest 4.4.2 build number 14.3.A.0.757. I think flashtool is not yet compatible with the 4.4.2 line for UNLOCKING THE BOOTLOADER in UNOFFICIAL WAY. When i recieved my device it was running on Android 4.3. So please kindly tell me how I can UNLOCK the BOOTLOADER in unofficial way and also root the device. I dont want any suggestions regarding OFFICIAL WAY UNLOCKING.
Oh yes one more thing. If i want my regional dedicated Android FTF file, from where I can get one. My location is SAUDI ARABIA.
Samsung phones have the best solution for providing regional dedicated OS files through samfirm ware, but about sony I have no clue.
Kindly help..... Thanks to all in advance. Waiting eagerly. I want to restore my apps and data which run on ROOTED device.
Regards.:good:
noob_coder said:
Hi everybody... I have purchased Xperia Z1 Compact few day ago and this is my first ever experience with any SONY SMARTPHONE device in this Android era. Before this I had Galaxy SIII and I learnt how to Root, Flash, Custom OS, and Reseting Counter on my own through different sources youtube videos. But regarding my sony xperia z1 compact device, I have been searching for the last 3 consecutive days on how to ROOT and get CWM on my device but all i get in return is total crap. I know about the official Sony Way of Unblocking the bootloader but then again I dont want SONY to know that I tinkered around with their device in the form of Unblocking and/or Rooting. There is 1 website which demonstrate how to UNLOCK BOOTLOADER in 2 different ways. 1- Official. 2-Unofficial. The unofficial way is very easy through FLASHTOOL but my device is running 4.4.2 kitkat and yesterday I upgraded to even more latest 4.4.2 build number 14.3.A.0.757. I think flashtool is not yet compatible with the 4.4.2 line for UNLOCKING THE BOOTLOADER in UNOFFICIAL WAY. When i recieved my device it was running on Android 4.3. So please kindly tell me how I can UNLOCK the BOOTLOADER in unofficial way and also root the device. I dont want any suggestions regarding OFFICIAL WAY UNLOCKING.
Oh yes one more thing. If i want my regional dedicated Android FTF file, from where I can get one. My location is SAUDI ARABIA.
Samsung phones have the best solution for providing regional dedicated OS files through samfirm ware, but about sony I have no clue.
Kindly help..... Thanks to all in advance. Waiting eagerly. I want to restore my apps and data which run on ROOTED device.
Regards.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just wondering why you didn't want Sony to know that you unlocked your bootloader? If it's a warranty concern then when you send it back just relock the bootloader. I did that with my XPERIA Z when I needed to get it repaired and there was no problems at all.
You mentioned you want to restore your apps that need to run on rooted devices... You only need to unlock the bootloader IF you want to use a custom kernel. For example if you want to use DoomLords kernel then you need to have your bootloader unlocked or if you want to flash CyanogenMod ROM to your phone you need to unlock your bootloader (because it flashes a custom kernel to your phone as well)
If you ONLY want to use apps that need root then I suggest you follow this guide which has worked for me:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2634196
About region FTF's, the ONLY difference as far as I know are the apps that come bundled with it. I've flashed many FTF's from many countries and the only difference between them is the bundled apps.
theprince1991 said:
I was just wondering why you didn't want Sony to know that you unlocked your bootloader? If it's a warranty concern then when you send it back just relock the bootloader. I did that with my XPERIA Z when I needed to get it repaired and there was no problems at all.
You mentioned you want to restore your apps that need to run on rooted devices... You only need to unlock the bootloader IF you want to use a custom kernel. For example if you want to use DoomLords kernel then you need to have your bootloader unlocked or if you want to flash CyanogenMod ROM to your phone you need to unlock your bootloader (because it flashes a custom kernel to your phone as well)
If you ONLY want to use apps that need root then I suggest you follow this guide which has worked for me:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2634196
About region FTF's, the ONLY difference as far as I know are the apps that come bundled with it. I've flashed many FTF's from many countries and the only difference between them is the bundled apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really? and how will I relock the bootloader then as I dont know the whole process..... and you mean I just need the ROOT access for my apps and not the UNLOCKING OF THE BOOTLOADER in order for the ROOT ACCESS to work... But many websites and tutorials were saying that you must first have to UNLOCK the BOOTLOADER.... and also how can I be so sure that different region TFT will work on my phone. I once saw RUSSIAN 4.1.2 on GALAXY S3 in my friend's phone and it was working fine except we didn't know RUSSIAN LANGUAGE.
So can you please guide me all the way on ROOTING and then also RELOCKING the BOOTLOADER.
Many thanks.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2631291
Sent from the app on my Z1C...
theprince1991 said:
I was just wondering why you didn't want Sony to know that you unlocked your bootloader? If it's a warranty concern then when you send it back just relock the bootloader. I did that with my XPERIA Z when I needed to get it repaired and there was no problems at all.
You mentioned you want to restore your apps that need to run on rooted devices... You only need to unlock the bootloader IF you want to use a custom kernel. For example if you want to use DoomLords kernel then you need to have your bootloader unlocked or if you want to flash CyanogenMod ROM to your phone you need to unlock your bootloader (because it flashes a custom kernel to your phone as well)
If you ONLY want to use apps that need root then I suggest you follow this guide which has worked for me:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2634196
About region FTF's, the ONLY difference as far as I know are the apps that come bundled with it. I've flashed many FTF's from many countries and the only difference between them is the bundled apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http:// dl. weeaboo . com/Z1Compact/C690...0Unbranded.ftf
http: / / dl .weeaboo. com/Z1Compact/D550...neric%20UK.ftf
What are these files? Do I have to download all of them? I mean these are 2 different TFT files? What's the scope of having two?
There is no mentioning what should I have to do? What key combination do I have to make and which mode do I have to enter for FLASHING like FASTBOOT mode or FLASHING MODE?
No nothing blatantly explained. Not Noob Friendly. If you can guide me through these mysterious Steps. It'll be helpful...
And also do tell what version will this TFT be? 4.3 or 4.2.2 or what? is it compatible with Xperia Z1 Compact????
noob_coder said:
http:// dl. weeaboo . com/Z1Compact/C690...0Unbranded.ftf
http: / / dl .weeaboo. com/Z1Compact/D550...neric%20UK.ftf
What are these files? Do I have to download all of them? I mean these are 2 different TFT files? What's the scope of having two?
There is no mentioning what should I have to do? What key combination do I have to make and which mode do I have to enter for FLASHING like FASTBOOT mode or FLASHING MODE?
No nothing blatantly explained. Not Noob Friendly. If you can guide me through these mysterious Steps. It'll be helpful...
And also do tell what version will this TFT be? 4.3 or 4.2.2 or what? is it compatible with Xperia Z1 Compact????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2642081
noob_coder said:
Oh really? and how will I relock the bootloader then as I dont know the whole process..... and you mean I just need the ROOT access for my apps and not the UNLOCKING OF THE BOOTLOADER in order for the ROOT ACCESS to work... But many websites and tutorials were saying that you must first have to UNLOCK the BOOTLOADER.... and also how can I be so sure that different region TFT will work on my phone. I once saw RUSSIAN 4.1.2 on GALAXY S3 in my friend's phone and it was working fine except we didn't know RUSSIAN LANGUAGE.
So can you please guide me all the way on ROOTING and then also RELOCKING the BOOTLOADER.
Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you JUST need root access, there is no need to unlock the bootloader for root access. You definitely do not need to unlock the bootloader. I don't want to unlock the bootloader because on my old XPERIA device when I unlocked the bootloader I lost BRAVIA engine.
Yeah, the default language might be different but when you start your XPERIA for the first time it will ask you what language you want. From this menu you can pick English, Arabic etc...
If you don't want to flash custom ROMs then you don't need to unlock the bootloader. If you just need root access then just follow this article (It'll teach you EVERYTHING you need to know):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2631291
tgill. said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2642081
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going along the step by step procedure, everything was smooth but when I reached STEP 14 things gone strange. Now the cmd prompt option 3 was taking time and i closed the command prompt. Now i have tried 2 times more the same step but nothing happening except the same blinking cursor without any notification/message. I tried going to FLASHMODE but FLASHTOOL is accepting it as USB DEBUGGING DEVICE (NON FLASHMODE).... What should I do now?
noob_coder said:
I was going along the step by step procedure, everything was smooth but when I reached STEP 14 things gone strange. Now the cmd prompt option 3 was taking time and i closed the command prompt. Now i have tried 2 times more the same step but nothing happening except the same blinking cursor without any notification/message. I tried going to FLASHMODE but FLASHTOOL is accepting it as USB DEBUGGING DEVICE (NON FLASHMODE).... What should I do now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is not going into FLASHMODE now after rooting.
what should be the solution now? As i am waiting to FLASH D5503_GENERIC UK.ftf file now. All i got is BLACK SCREEN everywhere from every combination of keys.....mad:
OK. I figured it out. I have successfully rooted my device. Thanks a lot. BTW can I upgrade my 4.4.2 14.3.A.0.681 build to 4.4.2 14.3.A.0.757 while having the ROOT ACCESS INTACT???
Root Help
What rooting instructions did you follow? I dont see a step 14. Also how do you do Step 7? run on computer? or? im trying to understand this befor i start with it.
zike47222 said:
What rooting instructions did you follow? I dont see a step 14. Also how do you do Step 7? run on computer? or? im trying to understand this befor i start with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed this link. Read carefully and you'll be ok.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2642081

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