Develop Bugs

Flashing problem

Hey guys!
My Xperia Arc S is kinda new - 1 month old.
I was on Xperia Ultimade HD Rom for a while and wanted to install another rom, so i did via CWM Recovery.
All fine.
I wanted to restart my phone but it got stock in Sony Logo.
Because my bootloader cant be unlocked i rooted with kernel downgrade and CWM is not there after flashing due to the wipe.
So i flashed stock .tft with Flashtool and phone booted again.
Now when I'm trying to flash anything my phone gets always stuck in Sony Logo (even when i try Eagleboy's mode without wiping!).
Anyway: I'd like to install a custom rom.
Does anyone how to fix this?
Bootloader: Locked
Phone: LT18i
Rooted: yes
... and I have the 4.0.1.B.0.587 firmware installed right now.
Thanks in advance!

Phone Flashing problem
That's the only problem with locked bootloader's:crying:When you install some stock custom roms you have to wipe system to do a clean install which by default wipes cwm because it is installed in system for locked bootloader's.So if you have a problem with a install you have to flash another .ftf because you wiped cwm recovery.
When I first had arc I had a locked bootloader and it was a pain if something went wrong while flashinghaving to flash again etc! etc! It just got to stage where I had enough and took the plunge and unlocked the bootloader.:good:
I'm afraid it's one of those things you have to live with unless you unlock your bootloader:crying: ( I know you said you can't )there are quite a few stock roms that work but like I said if anything goes wrong you have to flash .ftf again.Probably a case of just trying each one Jader's rom alway's seemed to boot nice:good:

tallman43 said:
That's the only problem with locked bootloader's:crying:When you install some stock custom roms you have to wipe system to do a clean install which by default wipes cwm because it is installed in system for locked bootloader's.So if you have a problem with a install you have to flash another .ftf because you wiped cwm recovery.
When I first had arc I had a locked bootloader and it was a pain if something went wrong while flashinghaving to flash again etc! etc! It just got to stage where I had enough and took the plunge and unlocked the bootloader.:good:
I'm afraid it's one of those things you have to live with unless you unlock your bootloader:crying: ( I know you said you can't )there are quite a few stock roms that work but like I said if anything goes wrong you have to flash .ftf again.Probably a case of just trying each one Jader's rom alway's seemed to boot nice:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for your answer
I tried to install 3 different roms till now - i wiped everything.
Then: Boot till sony-logo - I have to flash another tft with flashtool, Root again, and this takes time and is quite annoying.
I came from Samsung Galaxy S there wasn't the problem with the "bootloader" which is really annoying.
So: What should i do now?
I mean my CWM is not persistent and till now no rom worked.

Galaxy3User said:
Hi, thanks for your answer
I tried to install 3 different roms till now - i wiped everything.
Then: Boot till sony-logo - I have to flash another tft with flashtool, Root again, and this takes time and is quite annoying.
I came from Samsung Galaxy S there wasn't the problem with the "bootloader" which is really annoying.
So: What should i do now?
I mean my CWM is not persistent and till now no rom worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi totally agree it is frustrating!:crying: When you install some of these custom rom's they use Aroma installer are you unticking the reboot option in aroma installer and rebooting from cwm?Because you need to reboot that way (you seem to be doing everything right )
(1) Boot to cwm
(2) Wipe cache/Data/Advanced Dalvik cache
(3) Mounts & Storage format data/cache/system (NOTHING ELSE!)
(4) Install .zip on Sd card
(5) Choose options Aroma Installer
(6) Untick reboot option
(7) Reboot from cwm

tallman43 said:
Hi totally agree it is frustrating!:crying: When you install some of these custom rom's they use Aroma installer are you unticking the reboot option in aroma installer and rebooting from cwm?Because you need to reboot that way (you seem to be doing everything right )
(1) Boot to cwm
(2) Wipe cache/Data/Advanced Dalvik cache
(3) Mounts & Storage format data/cache/system (NOTHING ELSE!)
(4) Install .zip on Sd card
(5) Choose options Aroma Installer
(6) Untick reboot option
(7) Reboot from cwm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i know , but thats what i did !
Wiped & formatting these settings and unticking reboot in aroma.
But it still doesn't work

Galaxy3User said:
Yes i know , but thats what i did !
Wiped & formatting these settings and unticking reboot in aroma.
But it still doesn't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:crying:Like I said you seem to be doing everything rightHave you tried this rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1994135 it's a two part installation but if I remember right this one seemed to install ok:good:

tallman43 said:
:crying:Like I said you seem to be doing everything rightHave you tried this rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1994135 it's a two part installation but if I remember right this one seemed to install ok:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha i know. Thats why it seems strange for me too. But i need a custom rom and normally i would need a different kernel too.
But thats not possible. Sadly.
So nobody knows what i could change?

Galaxy3User said:
Haha i know. Thats why it seems strange for me too. But i need a custom rom and normally i would need a different kernel too.
But thats not possible. Sadly.
So nobody knows what i could change?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only other thing you could try is changing your base firmware/ftf I notice you are using .587 base ftf try changing to another one, although Some of the custom roms recommend that firmware
Maybe someone else as any ideas

Απ: Flashing problem
If you accidentally formatted system then you removed the cwm. Try flashing the official ftf, install x-parts and redo everything without wiping system partition.
The other choice is to unlock your bootloader and you'll never face this problem again. I voided my warranty less a month after taking my phone, I knew that any problem will come up I could fix it myself
Sent from my Xperia Arc

Retrosid said:
If you accidentally formatted system then you removed the cwm. Try flashing the official ftf, install x-parts and redo everything without wiping system partition.
The other choice is to unlock your bootloader and you'll never face this problem again. I voided my warranty less a month after taking my phone, I knew that any problem will come up I could fix it myself
Sent from my Xperia Arc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep sure - but my CWM is gone when i wipe data. And I tried this: I flashed stock .ftf and installed xparts, then flashed a ROM without wipe - but doesn't boot and I cant access CWM again :/
And as I said i can't unlock my bootloader.

.. But the strange thing is just:
I even get bootloop when I install EAGLEBOYYS MOD (!) without WIPING anything! (just the recommended for sure)
That should not happen.

Why can't you unlock bootloader? Doing that would solve most of the problems you are facing. You don't have to downgrade to re root. Flash the stock kernel, install a new recovery then try again.
Sent from my Xperia Arc S using xda premium

If I go in service menu it says: Bootloader Unlock Allowed: No !
If I flash stock .ftf root is gone (?) -- RootChecker says that root is gone too.

Galaxy3User said:
Yep sure - but my CWM is gone when i wipe data. And I tried this: I flashed stock .ftf and installed xparts, then flashed a ROM without wipe - but doesn't boot and I cant access CWM again :/
And as I said i can't unlock my bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Galaxy3User said:
If I go in service menu it says: Bootloader Unlock Allowed: No !
If I flash stock .ftf root is gone (?) -- RootChecker says that root is gone too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all - this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1683957
I advice you to take step by step STRICTLY.
Or you can try to root with the FlashTool but I'm not sure if it will work with locked BL.
After that: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1955248
And for additional info: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1955248

TopperBG said:
First of all - this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1683957
I advice you to take step by step STRICTLY.
Or you can try to root with the FlashTool but I'm not sure if it will work with locked BL.
After that: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1955248
And for additional info: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1955248
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats how i rooted my Arc S!
Thats the only method that is working with locked BL.
And well, i took all the steps mentioned in the second topic you posted..
If you can't get it to work (stuck on Sony logo), then flash this in flash tool and then root again and do it one more time.
It´s ICS and kernel for Arc S but works fine on regular Arc. I use it myself on my Arc.
http://www.mediafire.com/?r0anos8emtx4iiy password is MMAS (If asked for)
Good luck and have fun with your superfast Arc with Ultimate HD™ ROM 2.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this download link doesnt work :/

Galaxy3User said:
Thats how i rooted my Arc S!
Thats the only method that is working with locked BL.
And well, i took all the steps mentioned in the second topic you posted..
And this download link doesnt work :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here it is:
https://www.box.com/s/yu3dbp760kkyw7osoo41
https://www.box.com/s/9prbhnvkmyrglyoyl20j

TopperBG said:
Here it is:
https://www.box.com/s/yu3dbp760kkyw7osoo41
https://www.box.com/s/9prbhnvkmyrglyoyl20j
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed these files already after i got stuck at SONY logo but doesnt help..

Galaxy3User said:
I flashed these files already after i got stuck at SONY logo but doesnt help..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does mean "doesnt help" ?
What are you trying to do and dont work, what is messages, what happens, did you have newest version of FlashTool, did you have installed ADB drivers, what's the error ?

TopperBG said:
What does mean "doesnt help" ?
What are you trying to do and dont work, what is messages, what happens,
did you have newest version of FlashTool, did you have installed ADB drivers,
what's the error ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean when i flash this .ftf and reroot and install CWM all works fine.
But when I try to flash any ROM and doing all wipes etc. correctly it still gets stuck at SONY logo!
I have newest version of flashtool and ADB drivers installed. In flashtool there is no error.

Galaxy3User said:
I mean when i flash this .ftf and reroot and install CWM all works fine.
But when I try to flash any ROM and doing all wipes etc. correctly it still gets stuck at SONY logo!
I have newest version of flashtool and ADB drivers installed. In flashtool there is no error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which ROM are you trying to flash?
Is that ROM for locked BL ?

Problem with installing ROM. (newb)

Hey guys!
First sorry if this is wrong subforum, or there is an anserw for my problem. I spent about 5 hours on trying to do this.
Firstly I'm a noob in this subject.
I want to flash rom X - Gamer or True Smooth. ( are they any good?)
And I flashed generic .62 on my phone (Xperia Arc ) but I don't know what to do next.
I tried doing all those drivers, CWM, kernel things but I'm just lost now.
I can't learn all the things in one day..
Can someone give me links to best versions of things I need and say step by step how to do it? (or link to good toutorial)
Thank you so much for any help guys!
~ J

you need first flash kernel, then you must open cwm and set your zip file of rom from your sd card

So I need to paste it on SD card in zip? K.
When I'm trying to flash it in fastboot mode that appears "ERROR - This action can only be done in fastboot mode"

Do you have unlocked bootloader?
You have to place the ROM .zip file on the SDcard.
Depending on the bootloader status, you have to either install custom kernel for CWM Recovery or install one in system partition, latter being more riskier.

Someguyfromhell said:
Do you have unlocked bootloader?
You have to place the ROM .zip file on the SDcard.
Depending on the bootloader status, you have to either install custom kernel for CWM Recovery or install one in system partition, latter being more riskier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup I've gott my bootlader unlocked.
So what next after placing .zip file on SD?
"- Copy ROM setup file to SD card
- Enter CWM and choose the setup file
- Follow instruction in AROMA installer, customize the ROM as you like and click Install. NOTICE: in Extra section, unchecked item means you don't like it to install with this ROM, so it will be removed if it's already existed (in case you re-install the ROM)"
These are isntructions, so how do I intall CWM correctly?
Phone is rooted, I've got recoveyx on it and i installed CWM for GB. But I can't acces recovery mode. I spammed back button, volume down, hold it..
Please help..

If you have unlocked bootloader, get custom kernel for GB (LuPuS or DooMKernel), flash it in fastboot mode, get into the recovery, factory reset, wipe /system and then install zip from sdcard and choose the ROM zip.
Having unlocked bootloader and then rooting phone, installing CWM via an app is useless, time-wasting and caused many issues.

Okay I'm lost again.. I flashed Lupus and my phone didn't want to start. Blue led flashed but screen was still black..
now I've got android version 2.3.4 (4.0.2.A.0.62) generic.
Bootloader is unlocked (100% sure)
Which kernel should I choose to make this work?
Sorry I'm so nooby in this subject
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
K I kindof sorted everything. Thx for help!

Do i need to root to install TWRP with odin???

I have hard reset my phone and want to flash DN4 ROM just wondering do I need to root before I instal TWRP and can this process be done without an sd cars
thank you

YES u need root and cwm/twrp recovery to install any custom rom

Ok will saferoot be ok for this.

Cwd and twrp am i correct in thinking these are both the same sort of program and i just need one of them?

No. You don't need root. Just install twrp via Odin and flash away

No need root. TWRP and CWM have same aim but they have different features, looks etc. This section for Android development so please be careful before you open a topic.

jimmy oldskool said:
I have hard reset my phone and want to flash DN4 ROM just wondering do I need to root before I instal TWRP and can this process be done without an sd cars
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure you need root for that ,, if you install it without root you just can see 3 buttons reboot system , download and recovery
but with root you can do every thing like backup , clear data , install custom roms and more :good:
And you need just one of these Recovery's
hope i helped you
Peace !

[Q] Newbie Help Needed! Z1C - Internal Data Recovery

Hi,
Up until this time yesterday I thought I was relatively tech savy... Unfortunately the last 24 hours have proved otherwise!
I received the notification from Sony PC Companion to update to Lollipop, and without thinking about backing up 4 months worth of pictures / videos of my baby son, went ahead...
Unfortunately the update failed, and I was left with a phone in bootloop mode... and the only solution I found was to use Sony PC Companion to 'repair' it (which installed Lollipop), unaware that this would wipe the internal memory including all of said baby photos / videos. I haven't dared tell my wife yet, and have been up all night trying to find a way to recover the data....
Totally unfamiliar with the concept of bootloaders, rooting, etc... I investigated some recovery software options, assuming they would work in the same way as normal hard drives. It would appear that is the case, but in order to access the internal memory I've opened up (ie. confused) my brain with the more technical side of the Android OS. I've tried and failed to root the phone, as that seems to be the fundamental requirement of the various data recovery programs.
Enough of the summary, here are a few basic questions...
1. Can I root the Z1C in its current state? It's running Lollipop, bootloader unlocked (as far as I'm aware), USB debugging mode enabled, etc... If so, and I understand this is a basic question for this forum, but can someone please explain how? I've tried numerous tutorials and am totally lost...
2. If I can't root the phone as is, am I right to assume I need to downgrade the OS to KitKat or similar? Again, can someone please explain, step by step what is required...
3. Is there a simpler way to recover the internal data, or am I at least in the right ball park?
I really appreciate any help you guys can offer...
Thanks,
Tim

You can try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/son...-5-0-242-r3d-customized-ru-1279-3901-t3081309 , others have succeeded, i for some reason didn´t. But yes, go back to .107, root and then install pre-rooted Lollipop.

1. Can I root the Z1C in its current state? It's running Lollipop, bootloader unlocked (as far as I'm aware), USB debugging mode enabled, etc... If so, and I understand this is a basic question for this forum, but can someone please explain how? I've tried numerous tutorials and am totally lost...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With unlocked bootloader u can always root any rom. Just install your favourite Stock ROM. I recommend a FTF File that you can flash with flashtool.
Then flash the FTF / ROM and after that, the Kernel with CWM Recovery like this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2620794
--> Working Kernel for KitKat 4.44 also for Lollipop 5.02:
Advance Stock Kernel with Recovery v04 (FW:14.3.A.0.757}
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now download the latest SuperSU ZIP form here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053 and copy that to your SD card.
Finally restart your phone, press vol down when LED appears at bootup and flash SuperSu ZIP. --> now you are rooted.
You can also flash the latest dual recovery ZIP, if you want to return to original Stock Kernel:
To get the original Kernel of your Stock ROM back, use flashtool, select again the FTF file and uncheck all "Wipe settings" and also exclude all "flash settings" except the "KERNEL". Flash it and you are done.
3. Is there a simpler way to recover the internal data, or am I at least in the right ball park?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be aware of installing anything on your internal storage.
You can try to recover your files using this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.defianttech.diskdigger&hl=de

nataS555 said:
You can try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/son...-5-0-242-r3d-customized-ru-1279-3901-t3081309 , others have succeeded, i for some reason didn´t. But yes, go back to .107, root and then install pre-rooted Lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice and link. To be honest, even the instructions on that thread are beyond me at the moment... I know it's very basic for you guys, but can you please explain these steps in more detail:
- wipe system, data, cache, davik (all)
- flash this zip
What are the different FTF options listed below the main instructions? Firmware, Kernel Only and Without System?
Thanks,
Tim

aikon96 said:
With unlocked bootloader u can always root any rom. Just install your favourite Stock ROM. I recommend a FTF File that you can flash with flashtool.
Then flash the FTF / ROM and after that, the Kernel with CWM Recovery like this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2620794
--> Working Kernel for KitKat 4.44 also for Lollipop 5.02:
Now download the latest SuperSU ZIP form here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053 and copy that to your SD card.
Finally restart your phone, press vol down when LED appears at bootup and flash SuperSu ZIP. --> now you are rooted.
You can also flash the latest dual recovery ZIP, if you want to return to original Stock Kernel:
To get the original Kernel of your Stock ROM back, use flashtool, select again the FTF file and uncheck all "Wipe settings" and also exclude all "flash settings" except the "KERNEL". Flash it and you are done.
Be aware of installing anything on your internal storage.
You can try to recover your files using this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.defianttech.diskdigger&hl=de
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for breaking it down for me! Really appreciate the time and effort. Will give this a whirl after work today.
Tim

From Stock 5.1.1 to Custom 5.1.1

Dear XDA Members,
I currently run stock 5.1.1 (14.6.A.1.236) with no modifications whatsoever and a locked bootloader.
I would like to install a custom rom (PAC-ROM LP-MR1 5.1.1) on my Z1C.
I did some research and these are the steps i came up with:
1. install sdk and drivers
2. unlock bootloader
3. fastboot flash recovery "fota.img" (shouldn't it specify somehow that i need it to be flashed on the fota partition?)
4. factory reset/wipe
5. install custom rom + gapps
Coming from a locked bootloader a fully stock phone is there anything else i need to do like a new bootloader or something?
Also I'll be doing it through Win 10 64bit, I hope that isn't a problem.
Any advice will be highly appreciated.
Thank you very much

ursidae1 said:
Dear XDA Members,
I currently run stock 5.1.1 (14.6.A.1.236) with no modifications whatsoever and a locked bootloader.
I would like to install a custom rom (PAC-ROM LP-MR1 5.1.1) on my Z1C.
I did some research and these are the steps i came up with:
1. install sdk and drivers
2. unlock bootloader
3. fastboot flash recovery "fota.img" (shouldn't it specify somehow that i need it to be flashed on the fota partition?)
4. factory reset/wipe
5. install custom rom + gapps
Coming from a locked bootloader a fully stock phone is there anything else i need to do like a new bootloader or something?
Also I'll be doing it through Win 10 64bit, I hope that isn't a problem.
Any advice will be highly appreciated.
Thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First things first... Root. If you already did that then you're on the right track.
1. If you're not doing major development stuff, don't install the whole sdk. See here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48915118 There may be issues you'll have to work with on newer versions of Windows. I haven't done it on anything later than 7. Keep in mind, though, that you won't need the computer to flash your boot img or rom, but you will need it to unlock the bootloader.
2. -
3. You can do this with an app called Rashr on your phone with root. Just download a recovery img, then open Rashr and follow the instructions.
4-5. Boot into recovery, full wipe, (system data and caches), flash rom zip and gapps zip. Maybe best to not flash more than that at once to start, in case there's a problem and you have no way to figure out what it is.
BTW, PacMan is a great choice. I've been using it for months.

levone1 said:
First things first... Root. If you already did that then you're on the right track.
1. If you're not doing major development stuff, don't install the whole sdk. See here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48915118 There may be issues you'll have to work with on newer versions of Windows. I haven't done it on anything later than 7. Keep in mind, though, that you won't need the computer to flash your boot img or rom, but you will need it to unlock the bootloader.
2. -
3. You can do this with an app called Rashr on your phone with root. Just download a recovery img, then open Rashr and follow the instructions.
4-5. Boot into recovery, full wipe, (system data and caches), flash rom zip and gapps zip. Maybe best to not flash more than that at once to start, in case there's a problem and you have no way to figure out what it is.
BTW, PacMan is a great choice. I've been using it for months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your reply.
I was reading on the cyanogen mod wiki how-to for our phone and it doesn't require a prior root.
I did those steps on my xperia m and it worked and i had never rooted it, the only difference is that i flashed cyanogen recovery and install cm12 which basically roots the phone and then flashed fota recovery.
Should i go this way again to gain root or would you recommend an easier root method for my stock build which is the newest.
If you recommend another root method when should it occur? prior unlocking the bootloader or afterwards?
Thanks

If this is your first time unlocking your bootloader, make sure you backup your DRM-Keys! You need to be rooted for that.
They are lost when bootloader gets unlocked. Some features in regards of camera performance are lost for example.

ursidae1 said:
Thanks a lot for your reply.
I was reading on the cyanogen mod wiki how-to for our phone and it doesn't require a prior root.
I did those steps on my xperia m and it worked and i had never rooted it, the only difference is that i flashed cyanogen recovery and install cm12 which basically roots the phone and then flashed fota recovery.
Should i go this way again to gain root or would you recommend an easier root method for my stock build which is the newest.
If you recommend another root method when should it occur? prior unlocking the bootloader or afterwards?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, if bl is unlocked, then you can flash the kernel and recovery via fastboot, then flash your rom. You may need the boot.img from your rom zip file. Then use commands 'fastboot flash boot' for the boot img, and 'fastboot flash recovery' for recovery. If you're rooted already, you can just do it on the phone.

levone1 said:
True, if bl is unlocked, then you can flash the kernel and recovery via fastboot, then flash your rom. You may need the boot.img from your rom zip file. Then use commands 'fastboot flash boot' for the boot img, and 'fastboot flash recovery' for recovery. If you're rooted already, you can just do it on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is fantastic.
Do you think itll be ok to fastboot flash boot boot.img from cm12.1 rom zip then fastboot flash recovery fota.img instead of the cyanogen recovery that comes with cm12.1?
Do you think that might cause an issue?

ursidae1 said:
This is fantastic.
Do you think itll be ok to fastboot flash boot boot.img from cm12.1 rom zip then fastboot flash recovery fota.img instead of the cyanogen recovery that comes with cm12.1?
Do you think that might cause an issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be fine. It's also a 1 second operation to extract boot.img from your rom zip, which you need already downloaded and on your SD card before you flash imgs. You might even be fine without flashing the boot img - can't hurt to try. Just flash the recovery and reboot and see if you get a purple light. Then, volume button changes purple to orange, and you're in recovery. Some recoveries don't work with some kernels, (been my experience).

levone1 said:
Should be fine. It's also a 1 second operation to extract boot.img from your rom zip, which you need already downloaded and on your SD card before you flash imgs. You might even be fine without flashing the boot img - can't hurt to try. Just flash the recovery and reboot and see if you get a purple light. Then, volume button changes purple to orange, and you're in recovery. Some recoveries don't work with some kernels, (been my experience).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I now have cm12.1 with cyanogen recovery.
Which recovery is best for our phone, which one do you use?
I can find 2 options:
FOTA TWRP 2.8.6.0 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/sony-xperia-z1-compact/general/fota-twrp-recovery-amami-t2909719)
XZDualRecovery (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647480)
Thanks a lot

ursidae1 said:
I now have cm12.1 with cyanogen recovery.
Which recovery is best for our phone, which one do you use?
I can find 2 options:
FOTA TWRP 2.8.6.0 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/sony-xperia-z1-compact/general/fota-twrp-recovery-amami-t2909719)
XZDualRecovery (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2647480)
Thanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have only used xzdr with stock rom. I think in the past I've had it not work for me on CM, so I just stick to straight twrp by default. I know NUT has always been hard at work and has made steady improvements, so maybe not an issue now. Personally I realized that I only need 1 recovery anyway. There's a newer Twrp here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/twrp-v2-8-6-0-f2fs-z1-z1c-z2-z3-z3c-t3098573

One important fact that has already been probably mentioned is that installing custom roms on your XPERIA will worsen your camera, esp the front one. Keep this in mind.