Do I really need my bootloader unlocked? - Xperia Play Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Im not such a fan of custom roms or custom kernels. I always stay on Stock roms, I dont really like to mess around with my phone other then rooting it and i also like to replace system apps from other phones I previously had, so I usually make nandroid backups if something goes wrong I just go back to a previous working backup.
So my quetion is guys... Do I really need to unlock my bootloader? If I brick my phone and need to reflash my stock rom do I need to have it unlocked? Or what would be another way of getting it back to life? Oh and finaly can I have CWM without been unlocked? Please any help would be greatly appreciated.

No one "needs" their bootloader to be unlocked. We unlock it for extra functionality such as flashing custom roms. Since you don't care about that, why do it? No, you don't need an unlocked bootloader to flash back to stock. Yes, CWM can be installed with just root now. These are easy answers that you could find by searching around a little

Thank you bro, but I swear I searched as a matter of fact I have been reading different posts for two days but no one specified this. There is a guide on how to flash CWM but it says you need bootloader unlocked and as of now I still havent found a guide on how to flash stock roms to our Xperia Play so thats why I posted these questions. Im gonna try and find the ways of flashing custom roms and cwm...

installing cwm couldn't be any easier... Just download cwm installer from somewhere Google it and that's it... Or try xparts from the market which is the same app but is just the latest version but I saw people having problem with it maybe they fixed the problem

cippi21 said:
installing cwm couldn't be any easier... Just download cwm installer from somewhere Google it and that's it... Or try xparts from the market which is the same app but is just the latest version but I saw people having problem with it maybe they fixed the problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thanks alot bro, I found this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1390771 (for future refrence). Now I only need the stock rom flashing... Im reading something about flashloader I think im close.

Flashtool is a great program for flashing stock roms...give that a try

cippi21 said:
Flashtool is a great program for flashing stock roms...give that a try
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks bro im gonna try it.

Related

Now rooting my evo :)

So after having my evo for awhile ive finally decided to go root.
But i do have a couple of questions that i want to clear up.
1st i plan to use unrevokeds one click root method(going the newb way out here)
but my question from there is once i root will i still be able to boot into my stock rom or will i have to flash a custom rom? I want to flash custom roms eventually but i have yet to pick one.
2 From there whats some really good roms to use. ive been looking around but all of them seem to have a lot of bugs that need worked out and im not all about buggy roms lol.
3 Whats a nand unlock?
thats all i can think of for now i appreciate the help
you cant flash custom roms without a nand unlock.
the two levels of rooting
1) basic system root, letting you run root only apps
2) nand, allowing you to flash custom roms and whatnot.
most people start of with fresh or whatever unrevoked gives you.
good luck!
bmtdan said:
So after having my evo for awhile ive finally decided to go root.
But i do have a couple of questions that i want to clear up.
1st i plan to use unrevokeds one click root method(going the newb way out here)
but my question from there is once i root will i still be able to boot into my stock rom or will i have to flash a custom rom? I want to flash custom roms eventually but i have yet to pick one.
2 From there whats some really good roms to use. ive been looking around but all of them seem to have a lot of bugs that need worked out and im not all about buggy roms lol.
3 Whats a nand unlock?
thats all i can think of for now i appreciate the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can boot into your stock rom. All root does is give you permissions to do stuff to your phone you can't do with root. So, you can still use your stock rom with root permissions.
I have fresh rom 3.2 and I don't know of any bugs that are of any importance. Everything works as far as I'm concerned and battery life is great.
nand unlocked is what allows you to flash custom roms and backup and restore your roms. you have to do this in addition to rooting, it should all be laid out in the tutorial for you.
thanks guys you both were very helpful?
Is there an easy wway to unroot?
bmtdan said:
thanks guys you both were very helpful?
Is there an easy wway to unroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a thread in the dev forum titled How to Unroot.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

[Q] Help! How do I flash a rom?

Ok, so I just got an Rogers Xperia Play (r800a) a couple days ago and my bootloader is locked but I want to use the stock based roms. How do I flash a rom? So far I've rooted my phone and I have uninstalled/frozen a lot of stuff so my phone is running pretty fast right now.
To summarize what I said, I have a rooted phone with a locked bootloader, can someone just tell me how to get that clockworkmod thing and what to do to flash a rom?
Here is a link for CWM so that it'll get you started:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1390771
I suggest going here first, most ROM developers will have instructions on how to install their ROMs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1294129
n0_face said:
Here is a link for CWM so that it'll get you started:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1390771
I suggest going here first, most ROM developers will have instructions on how to install their ROMs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1294129
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I now have recovery installed. And the guide thing sad that it's possible to brick my phone so can someone give detailed instructions on the nandroid back up thing which lets you restore your phone to the way it is? My phone is in functioning good condition right now and I don't wanna freeze all the bloat again after the rom.
Potato13 said:
Thanks. I now have recovery installed. And the guide thing sad that it's possible to brick my phone so can someone give detailed instructions on the nandroid back up thing which lets you restore your phone to the way it is? My phone is in functioning good condition right now and I don't wanna freeze all the bloat again after the rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot into recovery, select backup and restore, backup
Hey guys, sorry to hi-jack the thread but it saves making a new one.
I bought a R800i a few weeks ago, and the bootloader says unlock allowed: yes
and was wondering where I could go to install ROMS and how I'd do it? Would I need Clockwork Mod aswell (the same one as above or a different one? )
Thanks!

[Q] Regarding flex-a100-reaper rom

since i just signed up i cant really post in the development thread anyways what i did was update the tab to stock ics, rooted, unlocked and flashed the flexreaper rom, what i didn't do was create a backup of the tab before flashing, if i wanted to go back to stock ics how would i do this? is it as simple as flashing the update.zip? or is there more to it then that?
on a side note if civato happens to read this, just want to mention that the link to the RF1-Default-Look is not working.
mrsmiles said:
since i just signed up i cant really post in the development thread anyways what i did was update the tab to stock ics, rooted, unlocked and flashed the flexreaper rom, what i didn't do was create a backup of the tab before flashing, if i wanted to go back to stock ics how would i do this? is it as simple as flashing the update.zip? or is there more to it then that?
on a side note if civato happens to read this, just want to mention that the link to the RF1-Default-Look is not working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes...its as simple as flashing the update.zip
only thing is that when you flash the stock ics your bootloader will be relocked and you will have to go through the process again (which you should know isn't that difficult) to unlock it...there is a way to flash by removing some files from the stock ics rom...but i cant locate that method at the moment..
cool thanks, really just wanted to make sure, before i did something i shouldn't have.
dont plan on reflashing at this point unless something messes up.
Yea man...as long as you follow things to a "t" your good....this community has done a good job providing good tutorials...I feel like an "a100 genius" because of these guys lol...good luck

please help i am in no mans land

all i want to do is install an official update from htc but i have twrp installed and there is no stock for my model 1.12.73.17
what can i do ? if i can solve this i will have to leave my phone like this for good or end up ruining it.
should i just install the official update or will that ruin my phone too ? please help
htcuser3000 said:
all i want to do is install an official update from htc but i have twrp installed and there is no stock for my model 1.12.73.17
what can i do ? if i can solve this i will have to leave my phone like this for good or end up ruining it.
should i just install the official update or will that ruin my phone too ? please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the phone rooted as well? Have you made any other modifications to the phone?
the update wont flash through twrp since its a custom recovery. (thats what I know)
anyways, assuming that you have your bootloader unlocked and a custom recovery installed, why dont you just do a backup of ur current rom and flash a new custom rom like viper or insert coin. they provide the latest updates.
EddyOS said:
Is the phone rooted as well? Have you made any other modifications to the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my phone is rooted yes
how and where do i find ota for twrp ? i cant find anything
mr.dj26 said:
the update wont flash through twrp since its a custom recovery. (thats what I know)
anyways, assuming that you have your bootloader unlocked and a custom recovery installed, why dont you just do a backup of ur current rom and flash a new custom rom like viper or insert coin. they provide the latest updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so i just install ota through htc and everything will be fine ?
no it is un rooted sorry
Stop double posting http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2729439 there has been load of information given to you on your first thread you started. I also nicely told you to read & read again to make sure you know what you are doing
Sent from space
how did you install TWRP if you arent rooted?
E said:
Stop double posting http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2729439 there has been load of information given to you on your first thread you started. I also nicely told you to read & read again to make sure you know what you are doing
Sent from space
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i pm you and you never replied.
i am getting all kinds of different advice and its not helping.
iv made it simple. i just want to install the official update so can i just do it and my phone will be fine ? my phone is rooted and has twrp. is there a way to just update through twrp ? if so i can not see it
wase4711 said:
how did you install TWRP if you arent rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my phone is rooted ; my bad
htcuser3000 said:
i pm you and you never replied.
i am getting all kinds of different advice and its not helping.
iv made it simple. i just want to install the official update so can i just do it and my phone will be fine ? my phone is rooted and has twrp. is there a way to just update through twrp ? if so i can not see it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're getting different advice cause you're double-posting and not sticking to one person's advice
Me and most people do have life's families & jobs we just don't sit here to help people out as I have mentioned before I give you loads of information to help you and as so as other me members. We all wasn't born to know how to root and unlock bootloaders or get s-off some people know more and they write great information on how to do it now go and use Google and the search function what is implemented into xda to stop multiple posts.
Sent from space
EddyOS said:
You're getting different advice cause you're double-posting and not sticking to one person's advice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok so tell me this
i need the ota but i have twrp and i cant find stock so i must stay with twrp
in that case where do i find the updates for twrp ?
Hi,
Please use the original thread here --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2729439

[Solved] Need help with installing Cyanogenmod (Without a PC if possible)

Hi all, new to all of this. Please keep this in mind as you read this thread.
Well first of all I have been reading about Cyanogenmod and how it helps saves battery. I also wanted to use cputuner to overclock my phone a little. I have in the past rooted this phone and installed cputuner not knowing that it could damage your phone if you didn't have a custom kernel that supported overclocking. After I found that out I uninstalled it and unrooted in fear of damage to my phone. Anyways I have a few questions and was looking knowledge, resources, and help about a few things.
Questions:
Is installing a custom rom and things needed to install a custom rom possible with a PC?
Can I safely reroot my device since I unrooted through #SU?
What do I need to do besides reroot my device in order to install a custom rom? (Cyanogenmod)
Thanks in advance!
Other INFO:
My device is a Samsung Galaxy S3 I-747
Firmware 4.4.2 KitKat
Device was rooted before using towelroot but I unrooted using #SU.
.
Ok. To install cm with no computer use, I'd say the easiest way would be to get root again with towelroot. Then install flashify from the play store. use flashify to install a custom recovery. I prefer TWRP.
Next download cm rom and Gapps. Follow the installation instructions for the rom. Generally that's boot into recovery, wipe dalvik, cache, system, and data, flash rom, flash Gapps, then reboot. You can do this from the internal SD, it won't erase that when you wipe. However, an external SD can be really handy for getting out of a jam.
If you haven't done it, a little research on the forums here about backing up your efs might be in order before flashing roms. Hope you never need it, but it could make life easier someday.
Read, read, read the forum here. This was just a real brief overview. If you don't quite understand any part, it should at least help you with what to search to learn what you need to know.
Sent from my LG-V410 using XDA Free mobile app
jason2678 said:
Ok. To install cm with no computer use, I'd say the easiest way would be to get root again with towelroot. Then install flashify from the play store. use flashify to install a custom recovery. I prefer TWRP.
Next download cm rom and Gapps. Follow the installation instructions for the rom. Generally that's boot into recovery, wipe dalvik, cache, system, and data, flash rom, flash Gapps, then reboot. You can do this from the internal SD, it won't erase that when you wipe. However, an external SD can be really handy for getting out of a jam.
If you haven't done it, a little research on the forums here about backing up your efs might be in order before flashing roms. Hope you never need it, but it could make life easier someday.
Read, read, read the forum here. This was just a real brief overview. If you don't quite understand any part, it should at least help you with what to search to learn what you need to know.
Sent from my LG-V410 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks friend will look into it a little more. So is there a major risk of getting bricked or are chances slim? Also do you have any links to the Cyanogenmod version I'm looking for? I would like it to be 4.4.2, not 5.X.X. And I also need the appropriate gapps file. If you don't know I still thank you for the info friend!
KentuckyGuy447 said:
Thanks friend will look into it a little more. So is there a major risk of getting bricked or are chances slim? Also do you have any links to the Cyanogenmod version I'm looking for? I would like it to be 4.4.2, not 5.X.X. And I also need the appropriate gapps file. If you don't know I still thank you for the info friend!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chances of bricking should be slim as long as you follow the instructions closely.
CyanogenMod 11 is based on Android 4.4.X, Kitkat. Nightlies can be found here or here.
Snapshot releases, sometimes called monthlies, can be found here.
There are options regarding Google Apps( GAPPS ) the choices from CM are here.
Some prefer the GAPPS packages provided by Paranoid Android, look here.
dawgdoc said:
Chances of bricking should be slim as long as you follow the instructions closely.
CyanogenMod 11 is based on Android 4.4.X, Kitkat. Nightlies can be found here or here.
Snapshot releases, sometimes called monthlies, can be found here.
There are options regarding Google Apps( GAPPS ) the choices from CM are here.
Some prefer the GAPPS packages provided by Paranoid Android, look here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much! Have been researching like crazy and odds seem pretty good. Problem is I've hit a ditch headfirst. I can't reboot using towering because I updated my kernel sometime through the period when my phone was unrooted (idk when or how this was done.) The date is apast june the 3rd and i read it won't work apast that date. Is there a workaround for this? I have no PC so I would like a non-PC method if possible. I just wanted to say I have tried all the modstrings for toweroot and still nothing.
KentuckyGuy447 said:
Thanks so much! Have been researching like crazy and odds seem pretty good. Problem is I've hit a ditch headfirst. I can't reboot using towering because I updated my kernel sometime through the period when my phone was unrooted (idk when or how this was done.) The date is apast june the 3rd and i read it won't work apast that date. Is there a workaround for this? I have no PC so I would like a non-PC method if possible. I just wanted to say I have tried all the modstrings for toweroot and still nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The June 3rd date probably only counts if you took all of the OTA updates, okay rechecked your OP and I see that you are on NE4. I recall that either the NE4 or the NJ1 update patched the kernel to block TowelRoot. I take it when you say Firmware 4.4.2 KitKat you mean baseband, modem, and Samsung stock rom.
With SuperSu you can re-root using it, assuming you unrooted but did not remove the app. I don't know if the same applies to th SU app that comes with CWM. You could try. If you did go back to stock rom and properly formated you may no longer have su on your phone.
Yes, if you have a custom recovery on your phone you should be able to re-root without a PC. Search for the zip version of SuperSu, put it on an external sdcard, and flash it through the recovery. Without a custom recovery I'm not sure of other options not requiring root that do not involve a PC (Windows or Linux) or a Mac. Apps like Flashify require root, so will not work for you at the moment.
dawgdoc said:
The June 3rd date probably only counts if you took all of the OTA updates, okay rechecked your OP and I see that you are on NE4. I recall that either the NE4 or the NJ1 update patched the kernel to block TowelRoot. I take it when you say Firmware 4.4.2 KitKat you mean baseband, modem, and Samsung stock rom.
With SuperSu you can re-root using it, assuming you unrooted but did not remove the app. I don't know if the same applies to th SU app that comes with CWM. You could try. If you did go back to stock rom and properly formated you may no longer have su on your phone.
Yes, if you have a custom recovery on your phone you should be able to re-root without a PC. Search for the zip version of SuperSu, put it on an external sdcard, and flash it through the recovery. Without a custom recovery I'm not sure of other options not requiring root that do not involve a PC (Windows or Linux) or a Mac. Apps like Flashify require root, so will not work for you at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, sadly I did uninstall #SU. Here is a ss of my modem info and such. I think it pretty much confirms I have the NJ1 version but I need you to confirm that.
KentuckyGuy447 said:
Thanks for the info, sadly I did uninstall #SU. Here is a ss of my modem info and such. I think it pretty much confirms I have the NJ1 version but I need you to confirm that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm stuck.
You can install a custom recovery without having root, if you have a PC. You would use either Odin, Heimdall, or maybe adb.
You can install a custom recovery without a PC if you have root. You would use an app Like Flashify, Rom Manager, or Goo Manager (if it still exists).
You can flash a rom without a PC if you have a custom recovery, root is not needed.
Some roms, usually stock, can be flashed without a custom recovery if you have a PC.
I don't know the solution until you have access to a PC. I could see it being possible using a live USB with persistence of a Linux distribution, but you still have need for a PC. It's been a while since I created a live USB. The method I used required a small installation on the PC. so I don't see this as an immediate solution for you.
Oh sorry. I don't think towelroot works once you're on nj1, unless it has been updated.
If you get access to a PC, rooting is still fairly easy. You can use download mode and odin or heimdall to flash a custom recovery (be sure to uncheck reboot if using odin, or be really ready to pull battery). Don't let your phone reboot normally, you'll have to pull battery once odin is done.
Reboot to custom recovery, then flash supersu and you'll be rooted again, and set up to do whatever you want with your phone.
Sent from my LG-V410 using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks all for your help. I have decided I'm gonna give C-F Root a try as it seems very easy, then use Flashify to get CWM. Correct me if I'm wrong but there's no boot loader for my model type right? Couldn't seem to find anything on the subject except the Verizon variant. I'm gonna still need help deciding which gapps to flash as I'm gonna flash the latest Cyanogenmod monthly build. Is there anything else to be aware of when using a new Rom?
KentuckyGuy447 said:
Thanks all for your help. I have decided I'm gonna give C-F Root a try as it seems very easy, then use Flashify to get CWM. Correct me if I'm wrong but there's no boot loader for my model type right? Couldn't seem to find anything on the subject except the Verizon variant. I'm gonna still need help deciding which gapps to flash as I'm gonna flash the latest Cyanogenmod monthly build. Is there anything else to be aware of when using a new Rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
excuse for butting in .... but if you dont know your bootloader/modem info. here is an app called 'samsung info' that should tell you.
your question "...... but theres no bootloader for my phone model right?" kinda worried me. its important to know because they should match AND trying to downgrade can brick your device. on the plus side ; i've never seen a custom ROM include bootloader/modem in it.
again , just a thought and not trying to butt in.:good:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4ka74x02tg1rrn1/org.vndnguyen.phoneinfo-1.apk?dl=0
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
As mrrocketdog stated, the Samsung Info app will tell you your bootloader and modem. If what you previously stated is correct, they should both be NJ1. You can get the same info by issuing these commands in a terminal emulator on the phone:
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
and
Code:
getprop | grep version.baseband
Appreciate the butting in! You may have just saved me from bricking my phone lol. Maybe I need to do a lot more research because that just lost me. So how do I tell that my phone is equipped with a boot loader? And if it is how do I disable it? I read that in order to flash a new Rom the boot loader must be disabled. (Correct me if I'm wrong) I'm no where near the point of flashing a new Rom (Cyanogenmod) but this is a great furniture reference to me.
KentuckyGuy447 said:
Appreciate the butting in! You may have just saved me from bricking my phone lol. Maybe I need to do a lot more research because that just lost me. So how do I tell that my phone is equipped with a boot loader? And if it is how do I disable it? I read that in order to flash a new Rom the boot loader must be disabled. (Correct me if I'm wrong) I'm no where near the point of flashing a new Rom (Cyanogenmod) but this is a great furniture reference to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
every phone has a bootloader , two if i'm not mistaken. the one you're concerned with comes already unlocked on the good 'ol S3. (i bricked my first s3 trying to 'unlock' the bootloader). just find out bootloader/modem version (see posts above) to make sure they match (to avoid issues later) and just dont ever try to downgrade.
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
mrrocketdog said:
every phone has a bootloader , two if i'm not mistaken. the one you're concerned with comes already unlocked on the good 'ol S3. (i bricked my first s3 trying to 'unlock' the bootloader). just find out bootloader/modem version (see posts above) to make sure they match (to avoid issues later) and just dont ever try to downgrade.
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have lifted a burden off my shoulders friend! Ever since I wanted to flash a custom Rom I've been worried if my phones bootloader was locked! I can now be at ease now that I know its unlocked. Will check upon that info about bootloader/modem.
Here is the info mrrocketdog
Is there a reason you can't use a PC to install a ROM?
I'm asking because I also do not know of a way to install a ROM without having root.
If you are able to root, you could try using the CM installer again.
audit13;5898140 said:
Thanks friend no worries, mrrocketdog helped me figure it out, than to all who helped!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KentuckyGuy447 said:
Here is the info mrrocketdog
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those are the latest versions of the bootloader and modem. You will be good for CM 12 or CM 11, and other custom ROMs based on CM. Older versions will work with them, but you probably need to edit the updater-script. (The older versions are not likely to include the NJ1 versions in the checks as they were not out when the ROMs were last updated.) NJ1 will also work with any of the ROMs based on the KitKat TouchWiz releases by Samsung.
As soon as you can find a PC to borrow you should be in business. Any chance of using one at a public library?
Appreciate all the help you gave me too friend, providing the links to cm and gapps, gonna borrow my friends laptop Sunday and try to root flash C-F Root through Odin. Thats the part that scares me but I should be good as people has confirmed it works for NJ1. Wish me luck friend. Would you recommend installing CM12? I personally like kit Kat and I know CM11 is based on that but is CM12 better? I guess its based on Lollipop

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