[Q] Should I unlock the bootloader? - Xperia Play Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I want to overclock my phone in order for the phone to get faster although my main priority is to play HD games without drop in frame rates. Thus my reason to overclock.
In order to overclock, I need to unlock the bootloader and also flash a custom kernal. Now this is where the problem comes in. The offical ICS is around the corner for Xperia Play (late april/early may) and I want ICS on my phone. I dont want a custom ICS because I dont find it legit although I would like the bloatware to be removed on the offical ICS...
Now my questions are:
* Should I unlock the bootloader and flash a custom kernal, because if I do then I wont be able to update to the offical ICS rom
* If I dont want any bloatwares on my phone, would I have to flash a custom ICS ROM?
* I'm currently on 2.3.4 and I did un-install some bloatwares (e.g. sony ericsson sync and some other useless apps) through titanium backup although when I checked my phone and memory card memory, it was still the same as before deleting those apps. Why is this?
* And is it possible to flash the original kernal and lock the bootloader so what I have left over is a ordinary xperia play but rooted?

1. You only won't be able to OTA update to ICS, you can still update with flashtool once ICS is released.
2. Root is all you need to get rid of bloatware. Gaining root access is immensely easy on any firmware, with an unlocked bootloader
3. Maybe try using SD Maid? It removes some lingering data from uninstalled apps
4. Yes you can re-lock your bootloader and re-flash the stock firmware fairly easily

Go for it, there are so many ROM to try and when ICS officially comes out you'll be able to download way before your carrier will get round to sending OTA.

But I heard that if I flash a custom Kernal, the wifi or 3G will become buggy and wont work as normal... is this true?

Some of the earliest ICS ROMs had these issues but you can always flash another Kernel or the whole stock ROM and you'll be back to where you were.
I'd start with flashing Doomlords Kernel then you can make a Clockwork Mod backup and you'll always have a easy route back.

TwilightLoz said:
But I heard that if I flash a custom Kernal, the wifi or 3G will become buggy and wont work as normal... is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That all depends on the kernel, DooMKerneL works for many people just fine for both 3G and Wifi

When you use doom kernel dont forget to use the modules...

Related

[Q] Consequences and benefits of rooting?

I've been researching rooting for a while now but I still don't quite get what the consequences, requirements and benefits are of rooting, flashing etc. The wiki seems to be rather out of date, and doesn't even have an arc section.
What I want is:
1.To stop all the crappy software rogers and sony have forced on there, constantly autostarting themselves(Hotshots golf, setup guide, liveware manager, mobile backup, storefront, postcard, even maps likes to run on its own)
2. Swype
What I am concerned of is:
1. Do I have to erase everything on my phone to root?
2. Would I lose any of the default functionality of the arc?
3. What would I require to do this modification?
4. Can I reverse this process and go back to factory settings?
5. Would I be able to update later on?
and most of all, 6. Would it actually allow me to do what I want as stated above?
I've got an LT15a running 2.3.3 on Rogers with no attempted modifications.
bunktacular said:
I've been researching rooting for a while now but I still don't quite get what the consequences, requirements and benefits are of rooting, flashing etc. The wiki seems to be rather out of date, and doesn't even have an arc section.
What I want is:
1.To stop all the crappy software rogers and sony have forced on there, constantly autostarting themselves(Hotshots golf, setup guide, liveware manager, mobile backup, storefront, postcard, even maps likes to run on its own)
2. Swype
What I am concerned of is:
1. Do I have to erase everything on my phone to root?
2. Would I lose any of the default functionality of the arc?
3. What would I require to do this modification?
4. Can I reverse this process and go back to factory settings?
5. Would I be able to update later on?
and most of all, 6. Would it actually allow me to do what I want as stated above?
I've got an LT15a running 2.3.3 on Rogers with no attempted modifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Nope at all, if you have unlocked bootloader and flash prerooted kernel correlate to your firmware
2. Nope, the phone still remains intact after rooting, just add superuser to your phone
3. Just need your phone rooted and do exactly as the thread owner said, ur gonna be fine.
4. Yes, all you need is flash back to your stock rom
5. Yes, absolutely possible
6. Yes again, once you have root permission (superuser), you can delete those craps and use Swype.
*just a side note,
you can root your phone without unlocking your bootloader but yeah, that would mean loosing your data completely
@Babygau
Alright, thank you very much.
On a follow up then, can you point me towards the best method of rooting an arc, bearing in mind that Rogers has disabled Sony's bootloader?
And also where I would be able to get Swype? Swype's site is pointless and google just brought up people talking about using it, not how to get it.
@cryogenix
Yeah, thats what I was afraid of :/
Rogers disabled the arcs bootloader, I'm trying to figure out what I can do and hopefully not erase my data.
So long as I can achieve the 2 objectives at the top, I'd be happy though.
You'll lose the ability for ota updates when you delete system files. That's the only bad thing at your plan.
Rooting alone won't remove any abilitys.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App
@bunktacular
You would need to flash a 2.3.2 ROM onto your phone (Ignore this if you are on 2.3.2). Rooting is as simple as installing Gingerbreak and running it (Gingerbreak doesn't work on 2.3.3 and hence the need to downgrade to 2.3.2). Then do an OTA (Over The Air) update to 2.3.3 to retain root.
I suggest you wipe user data. Make a backup if need be.
Also, get the latest Swype 3.0 beta from here.
Once you have your rooted 2.3.3, install Titanium Backup. It will allow you to remove all the Rogers and SE bloatware. No, you won't lose the functionality of the arc. You stand to gain with rooting not vice-versa.
The only caveat is that once you remove system apps as Flo95 pointed out is that the next time you want to update your phone, you'd have to resort to SEUS instead of an OTA update.
[With the latest update from SE (i.e. the update from August 1, 2011), I'm not sure about root status.]
xtacy! said:
@bunktacular
You would need to flash a 2.3.2 ROM onto your phone (Ignore this if you are on 2.3.2). Rooting is as simple as installing Gingerbreak and running it (Gingerbreak doesn't work on 2.3.3 and hence the need to downgrade to 2.3.2). Then do an OTA (Over The Air) update to 2.3.3 to retain root.
I suggest you wipe user data. Make a backup if need be.
Also, get the latest Swype 3.0 beta from here.
Once you have your rooted 2.3.3, install Titanium Backup. It will allow you to remove all the Rogers and SE bloatware. No, you won't lose the functionality of the arc. You stand to gain with rooting not vice-versa.
The only caveat is that once you remove system apps as Flo95 pointed out is that the next time you want to update your phone, you'd have to resort to SEUS instead of an OTA update.
[With the latest update from SE (i.e. the update from August 1, 2011), I'm not sure about root status.]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the other easier way is go to this website: http://www.wotanserver.com
create a free account, download their client software, and they will do the rest for you
droidlessons.com/what-is-rooting-on-android-the-advantages-and-disadvantages
Rooting v2.3.2, posted May 15th, 2011:
Updating over-the-air to v2.3.3 and keeping root, posted June 22nd, 2011:
Swype doesn't require root. It's just a regular application install.
Alright then, it seems what I really need is to flash 2.3.2 then, at least until gingerbreak works for 2.3.3.
What's the best method for me to do this?
EDIT:
I have found a fairly detailed guide on doing so, let's see how this goes.
Flashing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1088539
Sucess! Aside from mybackup completely messing up my contacts, everything went smoothly.
if u already have your bootloader unlocked, just flash lastest firmware including prerooted kernel
if not, using gingerbreak
bunktacular said:
Alright then, it seems what I really need is to flash 2.3.2 then, at least until gingerbreak works for 2.3.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt Gingerbreak will patch 2.3.3.
The issue is that the exploits in 2.3.2, 2.3.3 were patched in 2.3.4 by Google and because Sony's version of 2.3.3 was released after 2.3.4 was released, those security fixes from 2.3.4 were backported into Sony's version of 2.3.3.
bunktacular said:
EDIT:
I have found a fairly detailed guide on doing so, let's see how this goes.
Flashing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1088539
Sucess! Aside from mybackup completely messing up my contacts, everything went smoothly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup & Restore from v2.1 is compatible with v2.3.x.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1196908
babygau said:
if u already have your bootloader unlocked, just flash lastest firmware including prerooted kernel
if not, using gingerbreak
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's got a Rogers branded arc branded arc. Therefore, he can't unlock the bootloader (yet).

CWM on Stock Kernel and Unlocked Bootloader

I just unlocked the bootloader of the phone and lost all data including phone data of contacts and sd card data
Damn, never saw that coming, now what is the easiest way to install the CWM on Xperia Play.
I have root as well.
I want to do this before doing anything as I do not want to lose data again.
Please suggest. Basically I want this so that I can install ICS/other themes via flashable zip and also some tweaks.
--
Maddy
I too would like to know this. Disappointed by lack of guides coming from the HTC Desire which was so hacker friendly and full of instructions. I've unlocked bootloader and rooted but there's hardly any roms plus don't even know how to install the ones that are available! Did my root install CWM?
Root does not install it, there are few ROMs which I have come across, but was struggling to find a proper install method w/o losing data.
I have been suggested this method which I am yet to try.
For now was moving apks to get the ICS look which I pretty much succeeded along with ADW Launcher.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130639
Will try the bootloader unlock and then you know but will take time.
--
Maddy
There is this method of getting CWM without unlocking, Recovery for locked bootloaders. People have been reporting success from it

random noob questions...

OK,
1st Hi all and thanks for not bashing my lack of knowledge. I have done many searches and am now more confused than before.
I am comming from a droid X, I did the z4 root on it to get wifi tether working, it was on 2.2.1 I believe. Well it went very good, but I never got a push for an update. Got the new GN on verizon and tried to restore it back to stock, didn't work, so instead of selling it I gave it to my mom. Also, did this on a friends and he did get the update push and lost the root and superuser access.
This story is just so you know I am a complete noob. Other than following someones set by set on using Z4 I have really not done anything and have some questions on my new phone.
1. why would I want to unlock the bootloader?
2. after reading about the wifi hotspot by svtp do I need to root?
3. If i root and/or unlock the bootloader will this stop the updates from google (main reason I bought the phone)?
4. I am not into overclocking or modding but I want to be able to have wifi if I ever need it. That is the only thing I want.
Basically I am looking to unlock the wifi and still get all the google updates, is this possible? As of right now I think buying the svtp app is my best bet, I just don't want an unexpected bill showing up.
ok, still not rooted or unlocked. cannot get svtp to work wifi
Follow this guide --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1382163
re #1: you need to unlock the bootloader to do pretty much anything non standard with your phone.
Since unlocking the bootloader wipes all data on the phone it's a good idea to do it early. You can leave it otherwise stock while you think about it, you can even relock it if you need to return the phone for some reason.
Neither unlocking nor rooting the phone will stop you getting the OTAs, it's custom roms that will do that. However most OTAs will stop your root access because they reset the permissions on your su files.
hth
Clancy_s said:
Neither unlocking nor rooting the phone will stop you getting the OTAs, it's custom roms that will do that. However most OTAs will stop your root access because they reset the permissions on your su files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to add further to this... not only will custom ROMs stop you from getting OTA updates, having custom recovery (ClockworkMod) will prevent them from applying, even with the stock ROM. If using a stock ROM with custom recovery, you'll need to do the update manually. If you wait until you get the update notification, your phone should have downloaded the update to /cache. You can then use the custom recovery to apply the update. Alternatively, you can look on these forums for someone to post the URL to the OTA update zip file, download it, and flash it manually (this way you don't need to wait until your phone gets the update, you can download it and have it sooner).
In either case, you'll usually need to re-root, as stated. This is easier with a custom recovery, because you should just have to flash superuser immediately after flashing the update, before rebooting.
Until CM9 is stable, I'm running the stock ROM with ClockworkMod recovery. I can download the OTA updates manually and flash them with ClockworkMod then flash superuser and I'm good to go. Custom recovery makes it nice and easy to retain root, as well as the ability to do nandroid backups, etc.

[Q] A few questions left about Xperia Play

Hello fellow Xperia Gamers,
After using this phone for a while now the following questions remain:
1) Will unlocking the bootloader make it easier to repair by myself in future if this phone ever software bricks?
2) Overclocking requires a kernel like Doom's, the question is: Can you underclock the Xperia Play using rooted stock and setCPU?
3) Lets say I wanted to unlock the bootloader, I could do so without having to flash a custom rom at once right?
4) The modem I use is a r800i - Iam Dutch (the Netherlands) - Provider is: T-mobile.
Can anyone point me to the steps and files needed to flash the official 2.3.4?
(I like to have things ready before they go wrong hehe.)
Any advice is welcome.
Kind regards, Stefan,
First, you can follow these guides to do everything, read "flash a ftf file" for instruction to return to stock.
1. Maybe, but no difference than if you have locked bootloader, since recovering from a softbrick usually mean using Flashtool to flash factory firmware.
2. You don't need custom kernel to underclock. Just root and use SetCPU. Though I don't know why you should underclock, this phone have efficient battery life and can be slow at times with demanding apps. Even though I overclock my Play to 1.2ghz it still get good battery life.
3. You don't have to go flashing custom rom or do anything to your phone after that.
4. Here is the HongKong R800i 2.3.4 factory firmware, it has been modified to be rootable (using either SuperOneClick or Flashtool. The rom is in Chinese by default, but when you put it your sim it will automatically change language.)
Base on your inquiries, it doesn't seem like you need to unlock your bootloader since you have no intention of overclocking nor install custom roms.
What I suggest you do is if you already have root, download the CWM installer version 5, specifically. And the NXT Lite rom. And the GB Google apps.
Install CWM, then boot into CWM by: while turning on your device, keep pressing the Volume Down button at the Sony logo. You can flash the NXT Lite rom as it does not require an unlocked bootloader. It's based on stock, but is more optimized and look nicer.
If you do unlock the bootloader, I recommend installing this Doom kernel, it really help improve the phone performance. You will need fastboot to unlock the bootloader and flash kernels, check my signature.
Great answers, thanks a lot mate!
I would like to give Doom's kernel a try now, however when using the recovery above Iam unable to boot into recovery.
(Think I need it to flash the wifi modules as his posts state.)
- Will not boot into recovery if vol down is pressed and held down on SE bootscreen \ logo splash.
- Will not boot into recovery when I choose to do so from the X-parts tools.
Any idea's?
PS: Will flashing a custom kernel reset the phone?
(As in, will I need to reinstall all apps?)
Yet another question if I may: What is the correct way of disconnecting a device after its been used in fastboot mode?
- Simply unplug the USB?
- Or safely remove hardware from Windows?
Kind regards, Stefan.
You need to use CWM installer version5, not the latest version. And dont press and hold, but keep pressing the button. You might need to enabled USB debugging when you install it but not sure if its needed.
For the kernel some kernel require to extra WiFi module.
Sent from my R800i
Thanks again for this info, booted into recovery now.
Ill read trough Doom his post a time or 5 and then flash his kernel.
Kind regards, Stefan.

few questions about flashing new rom

Hi there!
just wanted to ask, becouse didn't find proper answer:
is there any way atm to flash rom without voiding warranty? I want some stock based rom - Genisys for ex. Bu i'm not sure, if there will be some problems with my phone I can return it to service, backing up everything to stock.
And next question - which rom is best? I mean, I really like stock features like smartshare beam, stock mail app, and calendar, and ir tv remote. B?ut Ive had couple of CM's and really like them too when I was on my Nexus 5.
is there any way atm to flash rom without voiding warranty? I want some stock based rom - Genisys for ex. Bu i'm not sure, if there will be some problems with my phone I can return it to service, backing up everything to stock..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you want to flash a custom rom you need to unlock your bootloader. If you unlock your bootloader your warranty gets void (in most countries)
So the answer is no you can't .
And next question - which rom is best? I mean, I really like stock features like smartshare beam, stock mail app, and calendar, and ir tv remote. B?ut Ive had couple of CM's and really like them too when I was on my Nexus 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This question cannot be answered by anyone else then yourself. If you like stock choose a stock based custom rom and if you want to have a more advanced feeling use a CM based one. Best practise is to backup with titanium plus within twrp before testing any other rom . Twrp / nandroid because if the new rom feels bad you can easily switch back and titanium for migrating apps between roms.
Choosing the right rom is mostly a individual personal decision because of what you need and what not. Besides that i can recommend only to choose a rom where you can see continuesly development . Well this is no guarantee for anything but may have better chances that things get fixed and most important that android security fixes gets included. This one is the most important point for me that's why I decided to move away from stock rom...
Happy flashing (if you are brave enough )
.
You can't flash a ROM without unlocking the bootloader which voids your warranty. Unlocking the bootloader is currently only supported on the H815 International model.
As for ROMs - CM may be the cleanest/smoothest, AICP and Genisys are my top favorites for the G4. I'd also recommend flashing a custom kernel like Imperium or LuPuS
you can only root if on LP. and install xposed.. with locked bootloader. seach on google.
im rooted with custom recovery (unlocked bootloader) but not bothered with any roms, happy with g4 tweaksbox and viper4a
So I can't install anything when I'm on stock MM? I wanted Genyisys rom.
Is LG backup working good when changing from stock to Genyisys?
You can but you need to unlock the bootloader . I had stock MM and moved to Ressurection Remix after unlocking. I wouldn't trust anything else the titanium backup but that's my own opinion. Unlocking is possible for the European edition only.
What about root? And LG backup?
when unlocked you can root without problem. I do no trust LG backup but maybe others can tell you.
I'm asking because unlock means reset phone to defaults... Yes? Or can unlock without erasing data?
Yes unlock will erase your data !
I would recommend to use 2 backup tools.
Try LG backup but also another tool like "helium" (needs a pc) or "my backup pro" .

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