Hi,
Can someone please write a noob's guide to rooting the AT&T xperia play (r800at)? The phone is carrier locked and bootloader locked. Is there a easy way to just get root permissions on the stock AT&T rom (2.3.3) without unlocking bootloader? All I want to do is remove AT&T apps which I don't use and free up internal memory (I only have 40 mb left). I couldn't find a thread which clearly explains this (have been searching for more than a week now).
PS: This is my first android phone, so I don't have a very good idea about how all this works.
Thanks.
turbo789 said:
Hi,
Can someone please write a noob's guide to rooting the AT&T xperia play (r800at)? The phone is carrier locked and bootloader locked. Is there a easy way to just get root permissions on the stock AT&T rom (2.3.3) without unlocking bootloader? All I want to do is remove AT&T apps which I don't use and free up internal memory (I only have 40 mb left). I couldn't find a thread which clearly explains this (have been searching for more than a week now).
PS: This is my first android phone, so I don't have a very good idea about how all this works.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are basically in the same place i was in a few weeks ago.
First off let me link you this this thread
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1270295)
You'll find there that you cannot currently root the r800at without first unlocking the bootloader!
The bad news is that unlocking the bootloader is the the most difficult part
here is the bootloader unlock guide by Alejandrissimo.
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050)
Its a pain in the butt on this particular phone so i highly recommend you have Alejandrissimo remote support you. Be prepared to pay 24 bucks for the unlock since the software requires it either way.
If you have Alejandrissimo help you he will also install the CWM recovery for you.
THIS is important as it installs a custom recovery mode for your phone that you will use to backup your phone, install kernels, and ROOT your phone.
If you are going the DIY route here is the Clockwork Recovery thread
(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130639)
I hope this helps. After all the hard stuff is done the rest is pretty easy. Learning how to put your phone into recovery is important into jumping into all the other great things you can do with your phone.
The first like has an excellent post by xSoNiCcRaCkErSx who has basically tested many of the custom rom/kernel combinations on the r800at!
I hope this helps you and all the other r800at users out there!
Thanks DrROBschiz
From what I have read, [unlocking bootloader + applying clockwork recovery patch + Over-the-air updates] can brick the xperia play. Is this true? Have you tried OTA updates?
Also, I found another method (but I am not sure if it works with r800at). You flash 2.3.2 firmware using tools from wotanserver (cannot paste link because I am a new user). Then use gingerbreak to obtain root (this should work because of downgrading to 2.3.2) and update with OTA to get the latest version of android (claimed to retain root on the latest version). This method also doesn't seem to need unlocked bootloader.
Has someone with AT&T xperia play (r800at) tried the second method?
Also curious, can you unlock the bootloader via the process from Sony on their official site (which I cant link to right now)? Is there a downside outside of not having help (which don't get me wrong may be needed)
@8-Bit: You cannot unlock bootloader following Sony's website if you have carrier locked phone (r800at is locked to AT&T US). When I tried that, I realized that carried locked phones are not 'fastboot' enabled. Also, sim unlocking the phone using 'unlock codes' won't enable 'fastboot'. It will just make the phone capable of accepting other networks sim cards.
Also yes its important to note that if your bootloader is unlocked OTA will brick the phone.
MAKE A BACKUP!
I understand not wanting to deal with the complicated process of the current unlock method but it really is the only viable option for the AT&T version of the Play unfortunately.
I finally have root!!!
turbo789 said:
Thanks DrROBschiz
From what I have read, [unlocking bootloader + applying clockwork recovery patch + Over-the-air updates] can brick the xperia play. Is this true? Have you tried OTA updates?
Also, I found another method (but I am not sure if it works with r800at). You flash 2.3.2 firmware using tools from wotanserver (cannot paste link because I am a new user). Then use gingerbreak to obtain root (this should work because of downgrading to 2.3.2) and update with OTA to get the latest version of android (claimed to retain root on the latest version). This method also doesn't seem to need unlocked bootloader.
Has someone with AT&T xperia play (r800at) tried the second method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the second method. It works. But you do loose the AT&T branding (phone will be identified as r800a/r800i based on which ROM you flash). Also, when connected to mobile data it says "H" instead of "H+", though I didn't notice any difference in data speeds.
@8-Bit: if you need any details, I would be glad to help.
I just did this today. Started with stock 2.3.3 on an r800at. I used Wotanserver ( which is currently free for some reason) to flash to 2.32 as an r800a model. Then I installed gingerbreak. I now have root including wireless hotspot!
The only gotcha was I needed to load gingerbreak via my pc, a direct API download from the web would not work.
My speeds are fine as verified on speed test.org and I was able to get back to 2.3.3. Over the air.
Phone is much faster and has much more memory due to the Att bloatware being gone.
Give it a try!
Will doing this enable fastboot so you can unlock the bootloader and install custom roms?
Sent from my R800at using XDA App
tgh0wnz said:
Will doing this enable fastboot so you can unlock the bootloader and install custom roms?
Sent from my R800at using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you talking about the Wotanserver method? I'm not sure how it works it's magic. I think the boot loader probably was unlocked to ge the firmware on but then re locked. At least I hope so because my hope is to get thE 2.3.4 OTA update on somehow
I believe the att, and firmware update supports 4g, hence when you flash it to generic you lose that... But it's speed difference between really fast and really faster.. So it's not even noticeable. Personally I believe it's better if the phone is rooted and bloats removed.
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.
Ok guys I told a friend I'd help him get rooted. And ive been reading here and im lost.. From what I gather. The bootloader on the att version is locked and to gain root. That needs to be unlocked.. This is where I'm lost. Why is the best method to go through someone else. What does that involve? Sorry to sound dumb I'm just really lost here. haha.
Sent from AT&T Galaxy S2
turbo789 said:
Thanks DrROBschiz
From what I have read, [unlocking bootloader + applying clockwork recovery patch + Over-the-air updates] can brick the xperia play. Is this true? Have you tried OTA updates?
Also, I found another method (but I am not sure if it works with r800at). You flash 2.3.2 firmware using tools from wotanserver (cannot paste link because I am a new user). Then use gingerbreak to obtain root (this should work because of downgrading to 2.3.2) and update with OTA to get the latest version of android (claimed to retain root on the latest version). This method also doesn't seem to need unlocked bootloader.
Has someone with AT&T xperia play (r800at) tried the second method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does work except you lose att bloatware which is a good thing
---------- Post added at 09:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:27 PM ----------
joshyy_rey said:
Ok guys I told a friend I'd help him get rooted. And ive been reading here and im lost.. From what I gather. The bootloader on the att version is locked and to gain root. That needs to be unlocked.. This is where I'm lost. Why is the best method to go through someone else. What does that involve? Sorry to sound dumb I'm just really lost here. haha.
Sent from AT&T Galaxy S2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just want root then go to wontanserver and register and download driver and client software and follow their directions. Choose r800a 2.3.2 (3.0.A.2.184) . Now use gingerbreak1.2 (search forums) and follow direction. Now update over the air only. You have rooted 2.3.3 r800a enjoy
Okay, so I'm having problems with my phone randomly not getting a signal ever since doing this method... is there currently any way to go back to AT&T stock? Also, has anybody else been having signal issues? It says I have bars, but I can't call/text and I have to restart the phone. Very irritating.
turbo789 said:
Hi,
Can someone please write a noob's guide to rooting the AT&T xperia play (r800at)? The phone is carrier locked and bootloader locked. Is there a easy way to just get root permissions on the stock AT&T rom (2.3.3) without unlocking bootloader? All I want to do is remove AT&T apps which I don't use and free up internal memory (I only have 40 mb left). I couldn't find a thread which clearly explains this (have been searching for more than a week now).
PS: This is my first android phone, so I don't have a very good idea about how all this works.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi... first off all, sorry my bad english
If you have locked bootloader (SIM-locked) and want to root whitout unlocking bootloader, try this:
"Working Root on 2.3.3 locked bootloaders! (Works on all Xperia Plays except R800X)"
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1116090
Worked like a charm form me...
Portugal - TMN
Xperia Play R800i locked bootloader.
Gingerbreak worked very fast for me, BUT only after turning off Wifi connections and UN-plugging the USB-cable
Have froozen lots off app's (think is the correct term) with Titanium backup
Have used Link2SD to move other apps to SDcard
When I bouthg the phone it cames with 2.3.2. I made the mistake OTA upgrading before reading about root.
At beggining (2.3.2) the phone boot, from startup to PIN code, about 3-5 minutes.
After OTA upgrade (2.3.3) i noticed some diferences (about 2 minutes to boot)...
After rooting phone MAKES BOOT IN 45 SECONDS!!! (from begining to PIN CODE)
Always have about 250mb ram free
Internal storage 150mb free (Im still afraid of using Insecure ADB to move dalvik cache to SD)...
I read lots of pages on XDA forum to know about rooting and all the benefits&risk's involved, and root related tools, before rooting so advise all the others newbies like me, doing the same
Thanks to all make this possible (must thanks here because I dont have post permission in develoment area)...
Once again, thanks a lot...
shiftylock said:
Okay, so I'm having problems with my phone randomly not getting a signal ever since doing this method... is there currently any way to go back to AT&T stock? Also, has anybody else been having signal issues? It says I have bars, but I can't call/text and I have to restart the phone. Very irritating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might be a late reply, but it might still help some one. I had similar problems (mainly with data connectivity). I fixed it by adding APN profiles for AT&T under settings >> wireless & network setting >> Mobile networks >> Access Point Names. Let me know if you need the details of the APN profile.
guys im having the same problem, i got a friend who needs helps with his xperia play at&t, he wants to unlock the bootloader, and install a custom os, i was looking for the 1st option on the first page, but the link doesnt works anymore, any suggestion?
DrROBschiz said:
Also yes its important to note that if your bootloader is unlocked OTA will brick the phone.
MAKE A BACKUP!
I understand not wanting to deal with the complicated process of the current unlock method but it really is the only viable option for the AT&T version of the Play unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi bro. am new to xda new to android new to android modding.so please help. i recently purchased used xperia play r800at from ebay its carrier unlocked.now what i want to know: phone is carrier unlocked can you please say is my phones bootloader unlocked. how can i root it or just give me a link. please please pleaaaasseeee!!!! am super noob i dont even fully know what is bootloader kernel rom and suck thing i just need to overclock and free up some space. please help because i cant find answers online please ((
DrROBschiz said:
You'll find there that you cannot currently root the r800at without first unlocking the bootloader!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that isn't true. I was able to root phone without unlocking bootloader using superoneclick. do the search.
Rooting R800AT
legacygt777 said:
that isn't true. I was able to root phone without unlocking bootloader using superoneclick. do the search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he was anything like me, then he searched, searched, searched, and after that, searched some more. Superoneclick does not work for our phones. All the guides for xperia plays don't mention a damn thing about rolling back firmware from version 2.3.3 to 2.3.2 in order to root. I was loosing my mind trying to figure this out at the time; tried multiple PCs/multiple USB ports, thought maybe my syntax was wrong on the manual methods so I tried a couple of automated methods like superoneclick and DoomLord Root, when those didn't work I thought maybe the drivers weren't quite right so I investigated that issue for ages but couldn't find any more up to date ones than the ones I was using. I then tried messing with a few automated rooters right from my phone like z4root and Gingerbreak which didn't work either. Finally I found this thread(same one linked a couple of posts up) which did the trick (I have it saved in my favorites). It's not missing any steps and is accurate to the T. Worked for me the first time and didn't require any special hexes, voodoo, or rain dances.
I just checked and since that thread is so old, the links are now dead. I would post there, but I'm not allowed (developer's thread). Here are some links to the software needed:
Flashtool
Android 2.3.2 (.184 as referred to in that thread)
And finally Gingerbreak v1.2 - should download this from your phone and install to it's internal memory (not the SD card) prior to flashing
The other methods of rooting may have worked once downgraded to 2.3.2, but I just followed that guide and used Gingerbreak as it seemed the simplest way.
Hi guys im a complete noob to all of this mobile rooting so ive got alot of questions and as all the other threads i read make no sense to me i thought i would just create a new 1 so here goes.
I got a new xperia play r800i on tmobile it currently has android 2.3.2 and build version 3.0.A.2.184, i wanted to update to the new version to get the new features like xloud, themes etc but after 4 days of arguing between tmobile and sonyericsson tmobile have now said the update is not available so i have decided to just look at debranding or rooting the handset ( not sure what ones what or if there the same )
i have looked at so many different websites so many posts and a failed attempt at using the davinciteam option thanks to paypal not letting me pay, ive come to the conclusion i have no idea what todo or who to ask. can somebody give me a simple way of getting this fone debranded so i can update to the 4.0.A.2.368 to get the new features and remove the stuff tmobile put on there. i see something about gingerbreak but when i start reading about it i just get confused and frustrated.can somebody seriously help me here.
Go to wotanserver.com. Register for a new account (its free). Download the drivers and client software. Install drivers and open wontanserver software. Sign in and follow directions. Choose r800i 2.3.2 (3.0.a.??184 or something). Now download gingerbreak. 1.2( search forum or google) to your computer and unzip. Now connect phone to computer and drag gingerbreak to xperia play storage. On phone go to market and download and install "explorer". Open explorer and find sdcard/gingerbreak.apk and click on it. Now install and open. In gingerbreak press root and wait 5-10 mins until it reboots. Now go to settings/phone/system update. Only update Over-The-Air or else you'll lose root with pc companion/se updater. Enjoy your rooted r800i 2.3.3
P.S. Dont remove system apps unless you aren't going to update again 2.3.4. Use titanium to backup/ freeze apps you dont want to see in phone. Beware of what apps to do this to.
Sent from my rooted R800a 2.3.3 BL locked
With reflashing there is the obvious risks involved what would you say the success rate is and simplicity todo this the way you have explained to me and would this effect future official updates. Sorry to be a pain but you can understand my precautions I hope. Thanks again.
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
Excellent such a simple process todo thanks for your help appreciate it.
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
100% success rate. To do official updates. Unfreeze or restore system apps with titanium backup and update ota only. You'll keep root and have the latest firmware
Sent from my rooted R800a 2.3.3 BL locked
I have A factory unlocked (purchased unlocked from amazon.com) xperia play r800i. Love this phone, considering rooting to remove the bloatware games I do not like, as well as a few other apps (the office app). Found rooting guides, but have a few questions and hoping you can clear them up for me (did not find the answers in other threads).
1. Since my phone came factory unlocked (rather than from a specific carrier, free to use it with any sim card from any carrier), does that mean my bootloader in unlocked, or are they two different things?
2. Once I root my phone, and install the apps I do not want (using the list here on the forums of the safe apps to uninstall), is it possible to reroot my phone?
3. Just to clarify, rooted or not, I will be able to update to ICS 4.0 official (not beta) when Sony releases it? (I know not OTA, they are doing it via their PC companion)
4. Long time reader, first time poster, thanks for all your hard work, keep up the good work, site is very informative.
Hello people,
I am a newbie here, and I would like to root my Sony xperia T build 9.1.A,1,140
I have tried bin4try rooting system and it all went through fine, but after starting the phone I downloaded rooting checker and it said that my device was not rooted. This was also confirmed when trying to use lucky patcher. I did have however the SuperSU app installed.
Then I withrew that root just in case from the removal option, and tried to do it through the DoomLord method. Whilst installing it said that my device was not supported. Since then I have been reading and trying to figure out how to upgrade my build version to 141 in order to root it through DoomLord method, and I have the boot.img from the stock .141 kernel. I am just a bit confused and don't know how to play it safer.
Also, I have tried installing the CWM but since I don't have a rooted phone it didnt let me install. I now have a stock Xperia T with android JB 4.1.2 build 9.1.A.1.140 and would really like your help to see what I can do.
I will now head to bed, as my brain hurts from so much information, I hope to get this sorted soon.
Thanks a lot to you all for your time and effort!
Sincerely,
Jose
UPDATE
I forgot to mention that I tried to install CWM but it didn't let me because the phone was not rooted. Also there is apparently no way to unlock my bootloader.
This morning I donwloaded the 141 tft file, a polish version, and decided to flash it into my phone. After flashing and starting the phone, the sony wave colour thing did several loops for about a minute or two. The the phone started as usual and everything works fine except for internet data.
AT THIS POINT
I do not know where to proceed, I go in mind to now try rooting my phone through Doom's method but I am afraid that maybe I can screw it up more or root it but still have no mobile data which would be almost useless to me.
Please I would really appreciate the help of anyone.
THANKS!
barceloneru said:
Hello people,
I am a newbie here, and I would like to root my Sony xperia T build 9.1.A,1,140
I have tried bin4try rooting system and it all went through fine, but after starting the phone I downloaded rooting checker and it said that my device was not rooted. This was also confirmed when trying to use lucky patcher. I did have however the SuperSU app installed.
Then I withrew that root just in case from the removal option, and tried to do it through the DoomLord method. Whilst installing it said that my device was not supported. Since then I have been reading and trying to figure out how to upgrade my build version to 141 in order to root it through DoomLord method, and I have the boot.img from the stock .141 kernel. I am just a bit confused and don't know how to play it safer.
Also, I have tried installing the CWM but since I don't have a rooted phone it didnt let me install. I now have a stock Xperia T with android JB 4.1.2 build 9.1.A.1.140 and would really like your help to see what I can do.
I will now head to bed, as my brain hurts from so much information, I hope to get this sorted soon.
Thanks a lot to you all for your time and effort!
Sincerely,
Jose
UPDATE
I forgot to mention that I tried to install CWM but it didn't let me because the phone was not rooted. Also there is apparently no way to unlock my bootloader.
This morning I donwloaded the 141 tft file, a polish version, and decided to flash it into my phone. After flashing and starting the phone, the sony wave colour thing did several loops for about a minute or two. The the phone started as usual and everything works fine except for internet data.
AT THIS POINT
I do not know where to proceed, I go in mind to now try rooting my phone through Doom's method but I am afraid that maybe I can screw it up more or root it but still have no mobile data which would be almost useless to me.
Please I would really appreciate the help of anyone.
THANKS!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from what i understand you can't flash a custom kernel unless ur bootloader is unlocked!! You may have to flash an appropriate firmware with flashtool that is rootable and then try to protect root and then try a fota but don't use seus or pc companion!! Someone correct me if i'm wrong!!
Hi all, I'm new to android rooting, and have been consuming knowledge over the last few days like a large sponge.
I discovered that McAfee had set itself if with admin rights on my phone, and had been sending texts to international numbers without alerting me, took me a good while to find out where the extra charges from my carrier were coming from. Anyway, I cant delete it as its in the ROM, so i rooted the phone (on lollipop) and deleted it, along with some other bloatware that LG and my carrier decided I would want, and then updated the phone to marshmallow (I didn't actually realise marshmallow had been released, I don't keep in the android loop, and my phone always said the latest OS was installed - had to update it through LGs PC suite).
To my abject horror McAfee was back, I can only assume this was due to the update to marshmallow, and not because it somehow survived deletion somewhere on the phone. So now, i need to root the phone, and delete McAfee again, however I really dont want to use Kingroot to do it. Its very shifty, looking at various info on the web, what with it sending information to IPs in China and running services in the background. The other alternative, using Supersu's systemless root, requires the bootloader to be unlocked, but to unlock the bootloader, a root is required (please correct me if any of this information is incorrect, I am pretty new to the android side of things - ive only ever jailbroken iDevices before now). I think im right in saying I could unlock the boot loader if I could access fastboot, but the command 'adb reboot-bootloader' only reboots the phone, rather than booting into the bootloader.
Is there anything I can do to get around this ? Once its rooted and the bloatware deleted, Ill unroot it (I use banking apps and they wont run if the phone is rooted) so I dont want to flash any custom ROMS or anything - just get access to files on the root.