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I recently purchased an XPlay and I'm having issues with the battery/ I've followed a lot of what I have read from various people here. Removing unwanted apps, turning off wifi/gps etc etc and although I've noticed some improvement it isn't really a lot to justify how much I paid for the phone compared to how much it needs to be charged.
I've read a few paragraphs of the rooting guide and a lot of other threads about something calle Gingerbreak. I'm very interested in 'rooting' my phone as many more users note a stark difference in performance and there's a lot of guff on the phone that I can't remove without it.
I'm not fully proficient in the ways of computing so I was wondering if someone could just highlight some threads and put them in a step by step. I see things like Titanium backup and superuser. Are they apps or things I need to install or do I pay for them?
Also is there a risk in destroying the device if I root it? I really don't want to be left with a lump of plastic I can't to anything with. I'd appreciate any and all input on offer, and would appreciate some patience, as I really am new to all this.
Thanks.
First things are:
1: search
2: read
3: search
4: read some more
Gingerbreak is what you will use to root your phone this grants super user status and install superuser, simply download it pop it on your memory card, download astro file manager from the market place (its free) navigate to gingerbreak and run it.
After you've done that download busybox installer from the market run it and let it do it's mojo. after this you can forget you ever did any of the above
It's pretty safe and shouldnt harm your phone, you can still restore to stock with this method if you choose to using Sony Ericson's restore software.
Once that is done you can use root uninstaller again free from the market to uninstall all the crap. be sure to check this thread
My battery wil last a couple of days with moderate use, but i hardly ever use it moderately unless im at work im mostly always on it.
Titanium backup (free and paid) is just an app from the market to allow backups and restore for when you flash your phone.
But and I have to stress this all this info is available on the forum you have to search and read on XDA i appreciate your new to all this but that's even more reason to read, read, read. your lucky we dont have many people yet here in the play section had this been the i9000 or nexus S forum you would be torn a new one for asking these questions... but while we are a small group I see no reason not to help each other.
To ad some, backup your sdcard as some has encountered a format of it under the rooting process and lost data. Further more some has had problems after a OTA update after rooting (afaik it's only people that have rooted with the unlock bootloader procedure), but some people bricked there devices while updating and afaik there's no fully working recover from that yet. Just to be safe check for updates before rooting, that's what I did, if any update do it and then turn auto search off in >settings>about phone>software update. Then go for root :-D
Regards Dousan...
Thank you.
waz000000 said:
First things are:
1: search
2: read
3: search
4: read some more
Gingerbreak is what you will use to root your phone this grants super user status and install superuser, simply download it pop it on your memory card, download astro file manager from the market place (its free) navigate to gingerbreak and run it.
After you've done that download busybox installer from the market run it and let it do it's mojo. after this you can forget you ever did any of the above
It's pretty safe and shouldnt harm your phone, you can still restore to stock with this method if you choose to using Sony Ericson's restore software.
Once that is done you can use root uninstaller again free from the market to uninstall all the crap. be sure to check this thread
My battery wil last a couple of days with moderate use, but i hardly ever use it moderately unless im at work im mostly always on it.
Titanium backup (free and paid) is just an app from the market to allow backups and restore for when you flash your phone.
But and I have to stress this all this info is available on the forum you have to search and read on XDA i appreciate your new to all this but that's even more reason to read, read, read. your lucky we dont have many people yet here in the play section had this been the i9000 or nexus S forum you would be torn a new one for asking these questions... but while we are a small group I see no reason not to help each other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Followed this to the letter, as well as the guide provided in the links and I think I'm OK. Have Superuser on the phone, installed uninstaller and removed a lot of what I didn't want, making sure to follow the list and thread for what not to remove. Just in the process of restoring the contents of my SD card that I backed up and hopefully the phone should run a lot smoother for a lot longer.
Are there any other advantages of rooting the phone? can it improve the performance of the emulators at all? I only ask as my son used the n64 emulator and he finds it hard to play a few games as they keep stuttering and we have to turn the music off.
If there is a thread I can keep note of that updates what features are available through rooting then I must have missed it. I did look this time. I even got the wife to double check. Last thing I need is a virtual dressing down
You've got two threads in this section about removing bloatware and what to do after rooting
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046699
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046857
Regards Dousan...
hey guys!!! i just wanna say I followed the same instructions and eveyrthing worked perfectly! I've been a long time jailbreaker of everything apple and love android but for some reason was always iffy on rooting. You guys made it super easy so thanks a bunch!!!
I've noticed a vast improvement in the memory usage but the battery, not so much. If anything it seems to wear down faster. I placed it on charge up to 100%, then unplugged it with wifi and updates turned off, as well as having it on gsm and not 3G (or whatever it's called). I also don't have many widgets running and those that do don't use a lot of memory anyway.
I watched Spider-Man 3, which is roughly 2 hours long and within that time it had dropped to 92. Left it a while longer, about another hour and it's now at 88%. At this rate it'll be less than 24hrs before it's dead. Am I missing something??
12% gone after 3 hours & you watched a movie too ? That's pretty good going.
I don't know of many devices that you could watch in excess of 5 movies on a single charge.
DeadlyDazza said:
12% gone after 3 hours & you watched a movie too ? That's pretty good going.
I don't know of many devices that you could watch in excess of 5 movies on a single charge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't mean ON the device. I watched a film independently, while the phone sat idle on a shelf. So basically 12% in 3 hours after doing nothing.
EDIT 1day, 2hrs, 37min 8s the battery has lasted and has 37% left. Any good?
I've noticed there have been a few new firmware updates for the XPlay in the UK and as I;m still none the wiser about all this rooting business, and have just been getting by with rooting 2.3.2, I'm wondering how I got about continuing to root to the latest firmware?
Nifnodge said:
I've noticed there have been a few new firmware updates for the XPlay in the UK and as I;m still none the wiser about all this rooting business, and have just been getting by with rooting 2.3.2, I'm wondering how I got about continuing to root to the latest firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If OTA update is available (settings > about phone > software update) which it should be since you are on 2.3.2 you can do the ota and keep root on 2.3.3.
The OTA update will not work if you have uninstalled any of the preinstalled apps off your phone. If you have you will either have to reinstall them from here. Or reinstall 2.3.2 a fresh (to get everything back) then root then do the ota to get onto 2.3.3 rooted. You can find 2.3.2 to reflash here.
I personally freeze my apps instead of uninstalling them since i can then just unfreeze them and then do the ota if a new one is available. It does not free up internal memory (since they are still on the phone, but they will not run) it will free up ram tho so faster boot up etc. The same effect uninstalling them would do.
Also 2.3.3 is the latest update atm. The xloud update is not available on ota atm so you cannot root that one yet with a locked bootloader.
Nifnodge said:
EDIT 1day, 2hrs, 37min 8s the battery has lasted and has 37% left. Any good?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't have dreamt to have that battery life in my previous phone (Galaxy S).
I've uninstalled quite a lot of the stock apps so can I just reinstall 2.3.2 or do I have to put everything back on it first?
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Nifnodge said:
I've uninstalled quite a lot of the stock apps so can I just reinstall 2.3.2 or do I have to put everything back on it first?
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you reinstall 2.3.2 it will wipe your phone clean and take it back to stock (in other words reinstall everything again) you dont need to do anything before flashing just do it and everything will be back to when you first got the phone. You will loose everything on your phone apps, games e.t.c but stuff on your sd card will be fine.
But if you want rooted 2.3.3 you need to get the stock apps back and reflashing would be the easiest method.
Is it worth it? Am I missing anything if I don't upgrade?
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Nifnodge said:
Is it worth it? Am I missing anything if I don't upgrade?
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed better battery life. Plus it seems better all round. IMHO i would upgrade. Plus with the ota method you still keep root.
http://www.xperiablog.net/2011/05/26/se-confirms-main-bug-fixes-from-android-2-3-3-update/
Sony Ericsson has confirmed some of the main changes from the new Android 2.3.3 firmware update that is currently rolling out to Xperia arc and Xperia PLAY handsets. Apart from the introduction of Facebook inside Xperia, there have been a number of bug fixes. Some of the most important of these are highlighted below:
Battery performance
General software stability
Wi-Fi stability
Touch responsiveness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've gone thru the stock apps list but i'm none the wiser as to what I have and what I got rid of. This is all Greek to me tbh and gingerbreak seemed so much simpler. I think I'll leave it for now despite your instructions i'm still confused and I don't want to be left with a 500 pound brick.
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Nifnodge said:
I've gone thru the stock apps list but i'm none the wiser as to what I have and what I got rid of. This is all Greek to me tbh and gingerbreak seemed so much simpler. I think I'll leave it for now despite your instructions i'm still confused and I don't want to be left with a 500 pound brick.
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you have an unlocked bootloader. It is impossible to brick your phone OTA updating.....
You cannot brick your phone when using flashtools to downgrade. Flashtools is the exact same as using SEUS/Pc Companion to update your phone. If your bootloader is locked (unless you have unlocked it, it will be) and anything goes wrong then you can use SEUS/Pc Companion to fully repair your phone.
Bricking only really applys to people who tired using SEUS, Pc Companion or OTA to update after unlocking their bootloaders.
When i got my xplay i was a total android newb also. But if you ever decide to give it a go follow the steps below.
Basically what you want to do is download FlashTool version 0.2.9.1 Beta from here extact it to a folder on your desktop. Run the "ggsetup-2.2.0.10" from within the drivers folder.
Then download the .184 UK firmware (which is 2.3.2) from here. Then go into the folder you extracted flashtools to and place the .ftf file from within the Xperia_Play_Release_Generic_UK.rar into the the firmware folder.
Turn off your phone. Now run the X10FlashTool.exe and it will load. Click flash then the firmware selection box will come up. Make sure "wipe user data box" is ticked then click ok. It will ask you to turn your phone off (which you have done), now while holding the back key plug in your usb cable and it will flash 2.3.2. When it starts flashing you can let go of the back key. When it is finished start your phone up and all the stuff you deleted will be back.
Now do as you did before put gingerbreak on your phone. Install it and let it root. Once it has rooted go to settings > about phone > software update and update it to 2.3.3 over wifi and you will be on 2.3.3 rooted. Job done
Mozza2k11 said:
You cannot brick your phone when using flashtools to downgrade. Flashtools is the exact same as using SEUS/Pc Companion to update your phone. If your bootloader is locked (unless you have unlocked it, it will be) and anything goes wrong then you can use SEUS/Pc Companion to fully repair your phone.
Bricking only really applys to people who tired using SEUS, Pc Companion or OTA to update after unlocking their bootloaders.
When i got my xplay i was a total android newb also. But if you ever decide to give it a go follow the steps below.
Basically what you want to do is download FlashTool version 0.2.9.1 Beta from here extact it to a folder on your desktop. Run the "ggsetup-2.2.0.10" from within the drivers folder.
Then download the .184 UK firmware (which is 2.3.2) from here. Then go into the folder you extracted flashtools to and place the .ftf file from within the Xperia_Play_Release_Generic_UK.rar into the the firmware folder.
Turn off your phone. Now run the X10FlashTool.exe and it will load. Click flash then the firmware selection box will come up. Make sure "wipe user data box" is ticked then click ok. It will ask you to turn your phone off (which you have done), now while holding the back key plug in your usb cable and it will flash 2.3.2. When it starts flashing you can let go of the back key. When it is finished start your phone up and all the stuff you deleted will be back.
Now do as you did before put gingerbreak on your phone. Install it and let it root. Once it has rooted go to settings > about phone > software update and update it to 2.3.3 over wifi and you will be on 2.3.3 rooted. Job done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
excellent !!!! great guide
Hey guys! I'm picking up an Xperia Play in a couple of days and was looking for some general advice about the phone. This will be my first Android device, I've been on WebOS/Garnet for my last two phones. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the options presented by the Play and Android in general. For instance, I'm not sure if I should root my phone or not - what are the advantages?
Any other general guides to Android/the Play would be wonderful if any such guides exist. I'm looking to deck this thing out with every emulator on the market as well as get the PSXperia hack up and running (I've downloaded the program, but can't figure out how to use it).
You can sense my overall noobishness in general, I'm sure. Any advice or tips about this device would be great. I'm really excited about the Play and getting comfortable with Android. Thanks everybody!
kershner25 said:
Hey guys! I'm picking up an Xperia Play in a couple of days and was looking for some general advice about the phone. This will be my first Android device, I've been on WebOS/Garnet for my last two phones. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the options presented by the Play and Android in general. For instance, I'm not sure if I should root my phone or not - what are the advantages?
Any other general guides to Android/the Play would be wonderful if any such guides exist. I'm looking to deck this thing out with every emulator on the market as well as get the PSXperia hack up and running (I've downloaded the program, but can't figure out how to use it).
You can sense my overall noobishness in general, I'm sure. Any advice or tips about this device would be great. I'm really excited about the Play and getting comfortable with Android. Thanks everybody!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
congratz im waiting for mine is the mail right now lol
rooting allows you to have full access to the file system sorta like a administrator
on a windows machine since out the box you cant edit files or remove bloatware without root you cant install certain programs from the market without root
also having root and unlocked bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery image which will allow you to flash customs roms(a custom version of android dev by a user here on xda or anywhere in general)
yes i highly recommend but if you ever plan on returning the phone to verzion for example you will have to revert it back to stock
and for the program psxperia you need to install the latest version of java from java.com
and if your on a windows machine you double click the psxperiatool.JAR file
and it should run not sure on OSX
in the end you made a good choice on choosing android as mainstream as it became its still a powerful system way better IMO than ios or even webos
since android has so many developers theres gonna be an endless amount of programs
will post new finds myself etc
edokassiah said:
and unlocked bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery image which will allow you to flash customs roms(a custom version of android dev by a user here on xda or anywhere in general)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash the recovery image directly or you will mess up boot partition, you need to flash a kernel with embedded recovery built in
Thanks for the info. I'm confused about the locked/unlocked bootloaders. How do I know which one I'll have? And how "easy" of a process is rooting the phone if I don't plan to install any custom roms or anything?
Also, how does transferring .apk files from my PC to the device work?
kershner25 said:
Thanks for the info. I'm confused about the locked/unlocked bootloaders. How do I know which one I'll have? And how "easy" of a process is rooting the phone if I don't plan to install any custom roms or anything?
Also, how does transferring .apk files from my PC to the device work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you havent unlocked your bootloader yourself it is locked there are many risks and advantages to unlocking your bootloader, but if you dont intend to flash custom roms there really is no need, just like with root, if you dont know what it is, you probably wont need it
transfering .apk's from your pc is easy, just copy the .apk to your sd card, then use a file manager to find the .apk, tap on it and the installer will pop up , you need to tick unknown sources in settings though
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176367
AndroHero said:
You cannot flash the recovery image directly or you will mess up boot partition, you need to flash a kernel with embedded recovery built in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hes asking about android in general not aiming specifically at the xperia play
If I root my phone, do I have to switch everything back in order to get updates? All I really want to root my phone for would be to remove bloatware/speed it up a bit, is there a better way than rooting?
There is plenty of tutorials here, I suggest that you read, read, and then......read some more
_terror_ said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176367
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for this link, it's seriously going to help me while rooting my phone. This might be a dumb question, but bear with me - better safe than a bricked phone. The guide to rooting in that link says that I need to flash my Play to the .184 Generic UK firmware...am I understanding it correctly that I need flash this firmware onto my American Verizon Play? I want to make sure nothing is going to get screwed up regionally, as I'm going to want to keep getting OTA updates and all that.
Just to share my own experiences since I'm new to the Xperia Play (previously had an Acer Liquid.. crappy hardware but great community of devs.. anyways..)
I'd recommend rooting your phone off the bat - the simple reason is rooting will involve wiping your phone's data, so if you already have a few months of use that means having to restore everything which is tiresome. First thing when my phone arrived was follow the rooting guide here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1116090
After that however I wouldn't recommend messing around TOO much with custom firmwares and such etc.. get used to the phone as it is and figure out what you like, don't like. if your like me within a few weeks or months you'll want something new - this is when you might want to start looking at messing around with the phone - new home launchers or even a new ROM (if your phone can have it's boot loader unlocked, from what I understand mine can't). The games and Emulators should keep you busy as is
The only customizing I've done to my phone is rooting it with Gingerbreak and using the leaked Sony Launcher.
I realize this is a pretty nooby thing to do that annoys all the veterans, but I consider this to be a fairly crucial piece of information I need before I attempt to root my phone, so I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this thing before it gets lost in the shuffle.
In order to root with a locked bootloader on an American Verizon XPlay, I need to flash to the .184 generic UK firmware, then root, then OTA update, correct?
kershner25 said:
I realize this is a pretty nooby thing to do that annoys all the veterans, but I consider this to be a fairly crucial piece of information I need before I attempt to root my phone, so I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this thing before it gets lost in the shuffle.
In order to root with a locked bootloader on an American Verizon XPlay, I need to flash to the .184 generic UK firmware, then root, then OTA update, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. That method will not work on the r800x (verizon xplay) to root yours you will need to see [How-to] R800x Root
Dont worry about annoying people lol . Who cares what others think? Everyone has to start somewhere.
But it would be better with a stickied thread for new users to look @.
So now, instead of the 3 step process linked previously in this thread, I have to unlock the bootloader and do a whole bunch of other stuff? This method is like 100x more complicated. Is there no other way? I don't intend to install any custom roms, I strictly want to root solely for freezing bloatware.
No i dont think so. You would be better asking for help from other r800x owners in that thread.
The exploit gingerbreak uses on 2.3.2 was patched in 2.3.3 (worldwide) and was also patched by verizon before they released the handset on 2.3.2. Up untill the bootloader was unlocked on the r800x rooting was not possible.
Ask in that thread and you should recieve the help/info you are after.
hiya mate right ive rooted and put on custom recovery but now its screwed up my cam , wifi , and the market so be warned im trying to fix this problem as we speak
---------- Post added at 10:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 PM ----------
im new to this to really but having a play with no cam and no wifi and no market. the market is there but cant dwnload nothing is taking the piss can anyone help me please
Mozza2k11 said:
But it would be better with a stickied thread for new users to look @.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is one already stickied in the Q&A section.That it has gone practically unnoticed counters this statement.
kershner25 said:
Thanks so much for this link, it's seriously going to help me while rooting my phone. This might be a dumb question, but bear with me - better safe than a bricked phone. The guide to rooting in that link says that I need to flash my Play to the .184 Generic UK firmware...am I understanding it correctly that I need flash this firmware onto my American Verizon Play? I want to make sure nothing is going to get screwed up regionally, as I'm going to want to keep getting OTA updates and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their is not such thing as a bricked phone
always is a way to fix it and usually its as simple as flashing a FTF
or whatever stock rom your device uses takes like 5 minutes tops lol
and logsemans guides will tell you anything you need to know
just use them for refrence
Xperia Play Super Compilation (Q&A Sticky)
and if you head down the path of rooting and stuff
messing with files
you wont be able to get ota updates lol.
it will "brick you"
I recentally made a quick video with tips for android users/beginners if you want to watch it. Thought it would help people. http://youtu.be/Pd5DerUoEcY
Hello everybody. I just picked up a Verizon Xperia Play today, and I am now aware that there is no free solution to unlock the bootloader at this time, but there is a paid solution.
After playing around with this phone for a few hours, I am desperate for root now. All of this bloatware and this auto-brightness "feature" is driving me absolutely insane. So I have reached the point where I am willing to pay for a bootloader unlock solution so I can root. I wish to know how I can go about going through with the paid solution?
I have tried sending a PM to Ashergray, and Blagus regarding this solution (as instructed to do in his topic), but for some reason I cannot send PMs..? Also, I couldn't reply to the thread in the dev topic to ask this question because I don't have ten posts yet. If a kind fellow nerd could tell me what I should do? There is nothing to click on Blagus' site that allows me to obtain this service.
I really don't want to regret buying this phone. The gaming experience on this is so fantastic, and an unlocked bootloader with rooting would make this guy happy.
Thank you for any replies.
<waits to be flamed for doing something wrong>
PMs are a pain in the butt, sometimes they show up when you send them, sometimes they don't
Over in the General section, Alejandrissimo has the paid solution to rooting/unlocking your play.
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
@TSBroich you don't have enough posts yet to send pm's, you'll need 8 I think.
Regards Dousan...
Got the paid service, and now my bootloader is unlocked. It was very easy.
Thank you guys for your suggestions and input.
No problemo, just be careful when an OTA comes out, the euoropean edition (800i) was bricked by having an unlocked bootloader...
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
Wow that sucks. I will definitely be extra careful, especially since I'm trying to install the European R800i stock ROM onto the Verizon R800x Xperia Play.
I've gotten it to boot up, I just cannot do anything except bring the notification bar down, and browse through the Xperia Play games cover flow..thing.
Still trying everything to get this to work.
Why would you have regretted buying it without the root ability? I'm still on the fence about this phone and trying to gather info
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Well if you like playing SNES, N64, GBA and PS1 games, it shouldn't even be a question about whether you should buy it or not IMO.
Although, if I could go back in time, I would have bought the unlocked R800i version instead of the one from the Verizon store (R800x).
Even without root, the R800x is still a great phone, and gaming is top notch. However, without root, you will have to live with quite a bit of bloatware and the screen is permanently set to auto-brightness.
But the one thing that really gets me is that the Verizon version is stripped of the whole Sony Experience (No Playstation store, etc).
I dould definitely recommend this phone to you, but root it and get the unlocked version.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
Are you using a CDMA or GSM Verizon for your image? I know Verizon is CDMA and AT&T is GSM, so make sure you're using a CDMA version.
Also, try installing a home replacement app, see if that lets you do more...
Also, downloading the 800i apks (they are in the system dumps somewhere in the development section) can allow you to install the apps we're missing on the 800x.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
paxChristos said:
Are you using a CDMA or GSM Verizon for your image? I know Verizon is CDMA and AT&T is GSM, so make sure you're using a CDMA version.
Also, try installing a home replacement app, see if that lets you do more...
Also, downloading the 800i apks (they are in the system dumps somewhere in the development section) can allow you to install the apps we're missing on the 800x.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CDMA version is Verizon's version, so it doesn't have the features I'm looking for. That's why I'm flashing the EURO R800i image. Here is my process so far, and the outcomes:
It boots up just fine (new boot animation).
However, I am stuck at one spot. I cannot do anything except bring down the notification bar, view the Xperia Play games when I slide out the gamepad (VCast is gone!), and change USB options when plugged into the computer.
Here are the steps that I have taken:
-Full stock restore with FlashTool
-Flashed doomlords boot.img with the command "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
-Flashed frasertag's system.img with the command "fastboot flash system system.img"
-Flashed the system.sin from the R800i Firmware (I extracted it) with the command "fastboot flash system system.sin"
-Disconnected USB then turned the phone on. It boots just fine.
Hmm, you don't say. I wonder how I would go about installing APKs (including a new launcher) on the device even though I cannot navigate through any menus...or anything else.
ADB here I come..haha.
Hope this helps, it's a quick guide on using adb to install apps:
http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f4/how-to-install-apps-using-adb-4482/
Thank you for this reference. I was going to look for that myself, but you saved me the trouble.
A theory I have on why it didn't work is that the Nandroid backup was from factory stock, and NOT rooted.
So what I'm going to try next is:
-Do a Nandroid backup while in a rooted state, and all of the Verizon related software removed. Try restoring that.
-Download the system dump from the R800i, and install the R800i Launcher APK via ADB Shell.
With a launcher installed, hopefully we'll be able to, you know...do stuff.
Once the launcher is there, and it's confirmed that we can navigate the pages, we can go about installing the R800i apps if they aren't already there. But I shouldn't be getting ahead of myself now.
Haha, you good sir, are my hero, i read the other thread you opened, and i think i'll start following that one now
I'm curious if they were lazy and left the framework for the apps in there, but just removed the apps... well, we'll know since you're our brave guinea pig.
Got the Playstation Pocket Widget/App/Store onto the R800x successfully, along with the other Sony Ericsson widgets.
If I can confirm that the launcher will work, then I will do a Nandroid backup of this (so I can come back to it later, and to test in the restoration process), and go ahead and try all of this again. haha
2.3.3, really wishing gingerbreak would work right about now :/
retrogrymlyn said:
2.3.3, really wishing gingerbreak would work right about now :/
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Click to collapse
Couldn't you re-unlock the bootloader and root again even on 2.3.3? I have seen it done by other people (not me though. I am sticking with 2.3.2 unlocked and rooted).
Also, if anybody wants to make their R800x Verizon Plays look, feel and act like the R800i, here is the link to my long post about using the R800i launcher, widgets and apps. I failed at getting the ROM to fully function, but these are almost as good as having it on there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=18516468#post18516468
kexec-tools
Hey everybody first post so I hope I don't sound like a total noob. I don't know if this will work but after rooting my phone and exploring some of the files I found a kexec-tools file. I have read that some phones have been able to have a custom kernal flashed using kexec-tools. Just thought I would put it out there and see what others had to say.
can a verizon be unlocked and used on gsm carriers?
TSBroich said:
The CDMA version is Verizon's version, so it doesn't have the features I'm looking for. That's why I'm flashing the EURO R800i image. Here is my process so far, and the outcomes:
It boots up just fine (new boot animation).
However, I am stuck at one spot. I cannot do anything except bring down the notification bar, view the Xperia Play games when I slide out the gamepad (VCast is gone!), and change USB options when plugged into the computer.
Here are the steps that I have taken:
-Full stock restore with FlashTool
-Flashed doomlords boot.img with the command "fastboot flash boot boot.img"
-Flashed frasertag's system.img with the command "fastboot flash system system.img"
-Flashed the system.sin from the R800i Firmware (I extracted it) with the command "fastboot flash system system.sin"
-Disconnected USB then turned the phone on. It boots just fine.
Hmm, you don't say. I wonder how I would go about installing APKs (including a new launcher) on the device even though I cannot navigate through any menus...or anything else.
ADB here I come..haha.
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Click to collapse
Editing, since I posted in the wrong place, sorry.
(SIM card on Verizon issue)
Tks
dead link
Hi. I've already rooted my phone. Now I want to try the ICS firmware from Sony and need to unlock my bootloader. The link provided. Above appears to be dead. I would be happy to pay for the unlock code or service. Thanks for any info.
Unlocking R800x
Okay I don't think I'm a complete noob at this as I've already rooted an HTC Hero, Droid1, and Nook Color. Could someone please explain how I'm supposed to unlock my R800x bootloader in simple terms? I'm getting conflicting directions everywhere I go and I'm more than willing to pay for it but no one I pm will reply for the unlock code.
Okay. Here to learn as much as I can, if you can number your responses with the questions and add whatever you believe is best. Thanks. ^^
Bootloader:
1. Do you unlock a bootloader JUST so you can load custom roms?
2. Is the method of unlocking the bootloader on SE's website the best way?
3. Do I need to have the SIM unlocked before unlocking the bootloader?
4. What is the point of custom roms?
Rooting:
5. Can I remove the apps here; http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046699 just by having root access? No special tools needed?
6. Are there other good methods of optimizing things like battery life specific to the xperia play?
Sim Unlocking:
7. Is there any method of doing this without a cost?
I'm on an R800x, which doesn't have sim card anything, so I'll just answer the questions I know.
1. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to install 3rd party software that overwrites the stuff that is part of the boot process. This pretty much refers to the kernel, for the Play. Certain roms, such as MIUI and CM7 require you to use a kernel different from stock, and since you need a different kernel, you must have an unlocked bootloader. As far as I know, that's the only real benefit for an unlocked bootloader, from a user standpoint.
4. There are many things that custom roms offer, as opposed to the stock your phone came with. This can range from a new UI, new apps, tweaks to system files, etc. Generally speaking, developers strive to make their custom roms operate better than stock. For more information on this point, I would suggest you check out some of the custom rom threads, just to see what they've changed from the stock rom.
5. You will need root, but you will need something with which to remove the apps. The best app to use, in my opinion, is Titanium Backup. Not only will it allow you to remove system apps, but it will also back up those and user apps, all for free. Unless you buy the pro key, that is.
6. As far as specific tips for the Play, I would recommend rooting so that you can disable the auto brightness. While auto brightness is desirable in most phones, the Xperia Play (And other Xperia devices, I think) are almost constantly shifting the brightness, to where a slight tilt of the hand can make the screen dim or brighten. I'm sure that can't be good on the battery. Generally speaking, though, apps such as Juice Defender and Battery Defender have profiles or just general settings to adjust data flow and many other options that can significantly increase battery life.
To the best of my knowledge
2. Is the method of unlocking the bootloader on SE's website the best way?
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Click to collapse
Yes, IMO.
3. Do I need to have the SIM unlocked before unlocking the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but you can check if you can unlock following the instruction on SE's site:
1. First, you should confirm that it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your phone by checking the service menu. In your phone, open the dialler and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu.
2. In your phone, tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. If Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes, then you can continue with the next step. If it says No, or if the status is missing, your device cannot be unlocked.
Note that unlocking void your warranty.
7. Is there any method of doing this without a cost?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I know of.
Awesome guys, Thanks a bunch.
Unless you're really tight on space (which shouldn't normally happen if you've done the adb setinstalllocation trick and moving apps to sdcard), i would suggest freezing the apps instead of removing them especially if you're sticking with stock. This would make it a lot easier to move to the next official OS upgrade instead of a mad scramble to find the stock apps and reinstall them. The pro version of Titanium backup and SystemCleanup has the freeze function. I've freezed a lot of crap on my phone and it makes a world of difference wrt. boot time and general performance.
Unlock boot loader is very good allows you to flash custom kernel and overclock
@JulianPaul/Vabene2002: Not sure if im sticking with stock, My model is R800AT. So not sure of my options yet. Im still trying to absorb as much as I can.
Wonder if I asked some more questions if they'd be answered.
8. Is there any recovery utility WITHOUT unlocking the bootloader? Say I mess something up with my root, Can I recover back to an original ROM?
9. Can I back up my current running ROM as soon as I get my phone so that I may return it to that state?
10. If you need to change your kernel to match a modified ROM; Your current ROM wont support it, so you need to change kernel AND ROM at the same time? Otherwise your phone wont boot?
11. Any decent links for rooting an r800at?
12. Is gingerbread the latest version of android an xperia play can run and have jailbroken?
Would having root access void the warranty? I want to remove some pre installed apps so is there a way to do this without voiding the warranty?
Thanks
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
Yes, it will.
But if you just recover to a stock ROM, then its like you never rooted.
Thus, warranty reinstated.
Nah, don't want to risk it yet. May never root this phone actually...
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
Im going to root mine as soon as it arrives. Lol.
Not to diminish your opinion, If you dont know exactly what you're doing, it could get ugly.
I rooted my old ZTE blade but this phone is just... different. I mean it's probably gonna Get ICS anyways and if I were to root I'd probably need a very simple guide.
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
SuperOneClick is about as simple as one could imagine.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
Trygon said:
SuperOneClick is about as simple as one could imagine.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know the latest version of android this works on? Looks like 2.2.2 to me.
SirRudolph said:
Do you know the latest version of android this works on? Looks like 2.2.2 to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
like 4.0 it uses different exploits for different versions. gibgerbreak and zergrush are 2 of them
Fma965 - Forgottencoders.co.uk
Want to make me a banner? PM me
8. Is there any recovery utility WITHOUT unlocking the bootloader? Say I mess something up with my root, Can I recover back to an original ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can install Clockworkmod recovery from the market, there is an auto installer for xperia. That can be done without unlocking the bootloader but you must be rooted.
9. Can I back up my current running ROM as soon as I get my phone so that I may return it to that state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe a nandroid backup on CWM would do the trick, but I am not sure. I simply made backups of everything I uninstalled so I could revert it.
10. If you need to change your kernel to match a modified ROM; Your current ROM wont support it, so you need to change kernel AND ROM at the same time? Otherwise your phone wont boot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. kernel flashing on locked bootloaders brick your phone. and AFAIK, no custom rom except those based on stock have touchpad support.
11. Any decent links for rooting an r800at?
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Click to collapse
I have an r800a, not sure about the differences regarding r800at, check this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1294129
12. Is gingerbread the latest version of android an xperia play can run and have jailbroken?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you keep it stock, yes, 2.3.4. There is FreeXperia rom that is 2.3.7 as well.
On the forum you will find links to ICS based roms, SE leaked and AOSP. Both are WIP, I believe.
I've read somewhere that Sony will release ICS for the xperia 2011 line around April.
pretty sure flashing kernels on locked bootloaders doesn't BRICK your phone. It won't allow the kernel to be flashed as you can't use Fastboot only flashmode (official signed Roms only )
Fma965 - Forgottencoders.co.uk
fma965 said:
pretty sure flashing kernels on locked bootloaders doesn't BRICK your phone. It won't allow the kernel to be flashed as you can't use Fastboot only flashmode (official signed Roms only )
Fma965 - Forgottencoders.co.uk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't brick as in "turns your phone into a very expensive paper weight", but your phone will not boot anymore and you will have to flash a stock rom with flashtool to recover.
So.. hello! this is my first thread as you can see and i gome some question that stop me from rooting my verizon xperia play ( wich i think its called r800x ), mine is the CDMA version.
Btw, my phone has 2.3.2 and atm i cant update, Already read the sticky on r800x , but just want to confirm..
so basically i found that SuperOneClick does the job, so here are some questions:
i dont want custom roms on my cellphone i just want to remove verizon apps and those stuff, and also install titanium. BUT!
1.- if i root my phone, and uninstall the verizon apps, what will happen if i need to do a factory reset,will it crash ir brick since it cant find those apps?
2.- am i right? SuperOneClick does the job using the zergrush xploit?
Thats all for now! thank you guys!
If you do a factory reset in the phone, all that does is clear your personal info from every nook and cranny possible in your phone. It doesn't actually try to find all the apps, iirc, it just wipes everything it can find.
Superoneclick worked for me on 2.3.3, so I'm sure it'll work on 2.3.2, as well.
ScarletDreamz said:
So.. hello! this is my first thread as you can see and i gome some question that stop me from rooting my verizon xperia play ( wich i think its called r800x ), mine is the CDMA version.
Btw, my phone has 2.3.2 and atm i cant update, Already read the sticky on r800x , but just want to confirm..
so basically i found that SuperOneClick does the job, so here are some questions:
i dont want custom roms on my cellphone i just want to remove verizon apps and those stuff, and also install titanium. BUT!
1.- if i root my phone, and uninstall the verizon apps, what will happen if i need to do a factory reset,will it crash ir brick since it cant find those apps?
2.- am i right? SuperOneClick does the job using the zergrush xploit?
Thats all for now! thank you guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you root your phone and uninstall all the vz bloat, I would suggest doing a data wipe because of the cache/dalvik cache left behind and re gain the extra internal space, your phone will NOT brick if you delete those apps and data wipe.
And you are correct, super one click will do the job!
I would update to 2.3.3 though, it is much better then 2.3.2, How come you cant update?
how to hard reset R800x?
i couldnt find anyway to hard reset this device , its got pattern lock and cant get inside the device , any idea please . i tried this ( right button-left button-power release after sony ericson logo displays on screen , that does nothing to device , any other solution please post and thanks in advance ,
ScarletDreamz said:
So.. hello! this is my first thread as you can see and i gome some question that stop me from rooting my verizon xperia play ( wich i think its called r800x ), mine is the CDMA version.
Btw, my phone has 2.3.2 and atm i cant update, Already read the sticky on r800x , but just want to confirm..
so basically i found that SuperOneClick does the job, so here are some questions:
i dont want custom roms on my cellphone i just want to remove verizon apps and those stuff, and also install titanium. BUT!
1.- if i root my phone, and uninstall the verizon apps, what will happen if i need to do a factory reset,will it crash ir brick since it cant find those apps?
2.- am i right? SuperOneClick does the job using the zergrush xploit?
Thats all for now! thank you guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.If you do go back to stock, flash the stock ft ( in the Dev section)
2. Indeed it does. Make sure you get 2.3.3, root it, get cwm for locked bootloader ( there's a thread in the dev section ),and get Cola ROM. It is so fast, and has no Verizon apps. Plus, its for locked boot loaders!
I'm running it right now, and it is great! Also, make sure you make a backup of stock 2.3.3 before flashing Cola.
Sent from my locked R800x using xda premium