Develop Bugs

[Q] Verizon Xperia Play Paid Bootloader Unlock

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 :/
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.

Bunch of questions, terrible newbie

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?
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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.

[PRO] Flash Custom Kernel + ROM and O/C

Hi all, im a newbie here, i bought my Xperia PRO a month ago, and rooted it on Android 4, using a great tutorial in this forum and thanks to other members i got it right and rooted it in my 4 first days of use. But, i now want to upgrade to a Custom ROM and use a custom kernel , to get my phone to a new generation.
And my question now is, how can i flash a Custom ROM (i was thinking of CM9 stable when it comes out), and flash a custom Kernel with it (i was thinking of Ultima V1.4) and then keep my old applications, or most of them.
I have CWM Recovery 5.5.0.4 installed using X-Parts , and also Titanium Backup Pro . My Bootloader is still locked and i have flashtool and all drivers for my phone installed on my PC.
I would be very thankful to anyone that is able to help me do all these, or if needed, recommend me a better Custom ROM and Kernel, and then explain how i can O/C my phone too, and keep if possible most of my apps.
Also, please tell me if i have to install anything else, or if im missing anything.
Thanks in advance.

Hi mate,
First of all, I take it that you know that you have to unlock your boot loader to install custom kernels and some custom rom's. Like CM9 and 10.
ROM Install Instructions
There are normally instructions that are in the first or second post that explain how to install. If there aren't any, I've copied the instructions from maxio1998, so all credits go to him:
1. Download .zip file and place it on SD card
2. Download and flash kernel you like (or not, if you have locked bootloader)
3. Download WiFi Modules of chosen kernel and place them on sdcard
4. Go to CWM Recovery.
5. Wipe everything! (This means everything but the SD card, or you'll use all you files)
6. Flash zip with ROM
7. Flash zip with WiFi modules
8. In CWM go to "Advance" and fix permissions.
9. Reboot and enjoy [~xDevilCharged~] and PentaPowerful~ Jelly Sandwich!
Link to original post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1836993
Kernel Install instructions
To keep it simple, heres a program that doomed151 made. It flashes the .img without having to use command prompt: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1551073
Right, onto keeping your apps. As you need to wipe everything to install a new ROM, you can't keep your apps without backing them up. Titanium backup is the best option, and you've bought it, even better :victory: The wipe will not delete the backups from the SD Card so just place them somewhere on there.
You can use any overclocking app from the market as long as you let it use superuser or supersu. Don't recommend passing 1.3, it gets very hot and the cpu will burn out quicker. (Yeah, I know i've overclocked mine to 1.5, but it gets very hot and runs out of battery quickly)
As you've already got CWM installed, you'd be better doing a full nandroid backup, just in case you decide to revert back to stock, you have all your apps installed
Unfortunately, I'm using the arc, so I can't recommend any kernels or ROM's to you. Sorry.
If I've missed anything you need to know, just let me know. I'll try to help

Awesome! Thank you very much my friend, very detailed and nice guide. I'll wait for CM9 stable to be released for my phone an then ill try it out.
Thanks again.
Also, I've searched enough, to believe that cyanogen mods, are the best and most recommended custom ROMs, about the kernel, I aint so sure but ill see what other user's might say.
Sent from my MK16i using xda premium

we got nothing recommended custom kernel for xperia pro cyanogen rom as custom kernel for cyanogen made by FXP already stable.
recommended custom kernel for GB and ICS stock or stock based rom > http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24867340#post24867340

If i remember right, CM9.1 (stable) has not yet been released for iyokan (MK16i). So that means i have to wait. Also, i can flash a ROM and use a kernel other than the ROM's default one, right? (i want CM9.1 with Ultima V1.4 Kernel)
And one more thing, i have moved all apps to the SD, what will happen to the files there? Will they remain?

DeejayTelis said:
If i remember right, CM9.1 (stable) has not yet been released for iyokan (MK16i). So that means i have to wait. Also, i can flash a ROM and use a kernel other than the ROM's default one, right? (i want CM9.1 with Ultima V1.4 Kernel)
And one more thing, i have moved all apps to the SD, what will happen to the files there? Will they remain?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that you have to use the cm kernel (fxp kernel). Could be wrong though, not really looked into it.
Any apps that you have installed on your phone will be deleted. You have to back them up and then restore them. It doesn't matter where they are installed
Sent from my Xperia Arc

so, how can i be sure if it is possible to flash CM9 with Ultima Kernel?
Also, do i have to do anything with google apps? And flash another baseband or something like it?
And last but not least, i have installed CWM using X-Parts, will this affect anything?

DeejayTelis said:
so, how can i be sure if it is possible to flash CM9 with Ultima Kernel?
Also, do i have to do anything with google apps? And flash another baseband or something like it?
And last but not least, i have installed CWM using X-Parts, will this affect anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for late reply, just look up the thread again.
Best thing you could do is ask a question the Ultima Kernel thread and hope you get a response. But I think that it will be for stock only, (I think they need different things in them....) but im not a dev, I don't have the patience..... :laugh:
You might have to flash google apps. Just use CWM in the custom kernel you choose. They will be a link in the bottom of the first post to the google apps download.
No need to flash another baseband or owt like that. When you flash the full zip of CM9 in CWM it will add and edit everything you need.
CWM from X-Parts will not have any effect on anything after you flash a different kernel. It will disappear like it was never there.
Hope I'm able to help again Need anything else, just post again, I will pick it up

Good work Jon565G

Not just good, excellent work!
I did it, and flahsed the kernel and all that stuff, now i reinstalled all my apps , and O/Ced at 1.2Ghz , and everything is nice.
But, working on android stuff, makes you want more and more, and as you learn better, that makes you want even more, and now i want to mod another phone.!
I've learned a lot from your help and the help of other members of this forum, and i think i am now ready to "mod" more phone, just for fun.
I already managed to flash an x10 mini with miniCM7 and flash a nAa Kernel, and also flash another x10 mini pro with miniCM7, and probably today ill mod another friend's x10 mini. And later two x8.
Learning, is great, thank you all.
EDIT: I also found out that everything you need is Flashtool, its the best tool out there, it flashes, it installs Busybox, recoveries, it unlocks bootloaders, it roots, it flashes kernels, everything. .Ok you might also need s1tool to check about the semc lock and if you unlocked the bootloader.

ashikonxda said:
Good work Jon565G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You. I do try to help when I can
DeejayTelis said:
Not just good, excellent work!
I did it, and flahsed the kernel and all that stuff, now i reinstalled all my apps , and O/Ced at 1.2Ghz , and everything is nice.
But, working on android stuff, makes you want more and more, and as you learn better, that makes you want even more, and now i want to mod another phone.!
I've learned a lot from your help and the help of other members of this forum, and i think i am now ready to "mod" more phone, just for fun.
I already managed to flash an x10 mini with miniCM7 and flash a nAa Kernel, and also flash another x10 mini pro with miniCM7, and probably today ill mod another friend's x10 mini. And later two x8.
Learning, is great, thank you all.
EDIT: I also found out that everything you need is Flashtool, its the best tool out there, it flashes, it installs Busybox, recoveries, it unlocks bootloaders, it roots, it flashes kernels, everything. .Ok you might also need s1tool to check about the semc lock and if you unlocked the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers
I know, I'm the same. I'll want to go and buy about 10 different android devices just to have a play around and mod them. It's always nice to play around with 2 android devices (Please come back in stock Nexus 7 )
Anyway... I'm just glad that I was able to help to introduce you to the world of android modding.
Have fun, that's what it's all about :victory:
(I had to use multiple programs, my bootloader could only be unlocked my test point. Was locked to T-Mobile. Best use of flashtool is when you've bricked it and need to get it back to stock )

I hope you get back your Nexus 7 then
Yeah, i unlocked my Bootloader using testpoint method too, so i wouldnt get any bricks with FOTA updates. And, i also used to be into such electronic stuff.
And, you didnt just introduced me into Android Modding World, you made me a fanatic Android Modder
Anyway, thank you once more, and yeah, thats the point, the fun about all these stuff

DeejayTelis said:
......... to check about the semc lock and if you unlocked the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, from what I've read, in ur Xperia u can simply find out the bootloader status by dialing *#*#7378423#*#* service info> configuration
rooting status
bootloader unlock allow:Yes(if locked)
bootloader unlock:yes(if unlocked)
m havin locked bootloader, so do reply with ur status and confirm this to me and evryone else

ashikonxda said:
well, from what I've read, in ur Xperia u can simply find out the bootloader status by dialing *#*#7378423#*#* service info> configuration
rooting status
bootloader unlock allow:Yes(if locked)
bootloader unlock:yes(if unlocked)
m havin locked bootloader, so do reply with ur status and confirm this to me and evryone else
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure, but i believe, that either you have locked or unlocked bootlader, it will always say "Bootloader Unlock Allowed: Yes , or No if its not allowed).
I aint sure, because in CM9.1 i dial it, and i cant get to the Service Settings, so i cannot be sure.
And, as i've found out, you can be sure if you have locked or unlocked bootloader, by running S1tool, and pressing "IDENTIFY" , which will tell you to connect your phone in flashmode (phone off, connect USB while pressing back) , and it will give something like "loader version xXXXXXX" , where the capital X , are numbers, and the small x, is either "R" or "r". If it is a small "r" , that means its unlocked, if its a capital "R" its locked.
If you want to unlock your bootloader in the Xperia Pro, just tell me , and im sure i'll help you out, with a detailed tutorial, without having any problems.
Hope i helped.

DeejayTelis said:
ashikonxda said:
well, from what I've read, in ur Xperia u can simply find out the bootloader status by dialing *#*#7378423#*#* service info> configuration
rooting status
bootloader unlock allow:Yes(if locked)
bootloader unlock:yes(if unlocked)
m havin locked bootloader, so do reply with ur status and confirm this to me and evryone else
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure, but i believe, that either you have locked or unlocked bootlader, it will always say "Bootloader Unlock Allowed: Yes , or No if its not allowed).
I aint sure, because in CM9.1 i dial it, and i cant get to the Service Settings, so i cannot be sure.
And, as i've found out, you can be sure if you have locked or unlocked bootloader, by running S1tool, and pressing "IDENTIFY" , which will tell you to connect your phone in flashmode (phone off, connect USB while pressing back) , and it will give something like "loader version xXXXXXX" , where the capital X , are numbers, and the small x, is either "R" or "r". If it is a small "r" , that means its unlocked, if its a capital "R" its locked.
If you want to unlock your bootloader in the Xperia Pro, just tell me , and im sure i'll help you out, with a detailed tutorial, without having any problems.
Hope i helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just checked it by myself..
And i hereby confirm that under rooting status, when ur bootloader is locked i says Bootloader Unlock Allowed: Yes and when its unlocked it says Bootloader Unlocked: Yes
:good::good::good:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDIT: just learnt it just means fastboot is enabled..
ll get back soon,,

ashikonxda said:
I just checked it by myself..
And i hereby confirm that under rooting status, when ur bootloader is locked i says Bootloader Unlock Allowed: Yes and when its unlocked it says Bootloader Unlocked: Yes
:good::good::good:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDIT: just learnt it just means fastboot is enabled..
ll get back soon,,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, if you need anything else, ill be happy to assist you.

[Q] Want to help me pick a ROM for my new Play? :D

Howdy folks. Just got an Xperia Play in the mail today! My previous phone was a Dell Streak, and while I enjoyed it, this is a refreshing change so far.
Anyways, I was wondering if you'd like to help me pick out a ROM, or at least whether I should go with Gingerbread or ICS. Here are a few things that matter to me:
1. I'd like it to be stable. I tried out about a dozen Streak roms, and while it was fun, it seemed that having the latest and greatest wasn't always stable, and got frustrating at times. I definitely wouldn't mind sacrificing a few bells & whistles for added stability.
2. I'd like it to perform well. Being able to overclock it a tad would be nice, but I don't feel like I need to have the most l33t benchmarks on this forum either. Though, I'd be happy to sacrifice bells & whistles for great performance.
3. Battery Life. This probably has more to do with how much I overclock it, and which kernel I use, but I'd like the phone to be able to last a full day of heavy use. From reading reviews about the phone, it sounds like I probably won't have to worry about this at all, so this point might be moot.
4. Full gamepad functionality. After reading the forums all day, I got the impression that ICS didn't have full gamepad functionality. Maybe this point is moot too, but I honestly saw so many inexplicit posts on this subject that I couldn't say.
Anyways, I think that covers it. I made this post longer than it needed to be, but I like being explicit. Maybe I should just try out all the major roms myself, and write reviews about them in this fashion.
I'd love to hear what you guys think, THANK YOU!!
TL;DR aka too much jibber jabber:
I'm looking for a rom/kernel combo that is stable, performs well, and I don't mind it being a bit stripped down
If I had to choose now, it seems like the Gingerbread releases give you better stability and performance, and don't have limited functionality. So many roms!
PS> I have the R800a, and am not afraid to do nitty gritty things to install a new rom

My recommended Rom&Kernel combo is in my sig, with links even. Needs an unlocked bootloader for the kernel though

jacklebott said:
My recommended Rom&Kernel combo is in my sig, with links even. Needs an unlocked bootloader for the kernel though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the way that looks, I'm giving it a shot!
I've completed the following steps:
1.Flash firmware 4.0.2.A.0.58 Enhanced via Flashtool.
2.Root the firmware via Flashtool.
3.Install CWM Recovery.
but when I get to step 4..
4.Reboot phone and press [vol+] on boot at the Sony Ericsson logo, when the notification LED turns Blue.
It doesn't boot into recovery mode. I've tried each volume key, the search key, and the back key and none of them are working.
Also, my phone doesn't even have a notification LED! It's a white R800a, so maybe that's why, not sure.
Anyways, thanks for the suggestion, and if anybody knows what i'm goofing up on i'd be happy to try some new things, Thanks!

You need a custom kernel, or ClockworkMod Recovery installed from the market, to boot into recovery. Did you make sure to install recovery first?

jacklebott said:
You need a custom kernel, or ClockworkMod Recovery installed from the market, to boot into recovery. Did you make sure to install recovery first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah there we go, thanks! I got clockworkmod installed, and installed NXT Light, and am now trying to install the lupus kernel. When I go to flash it in fastboot mode, I get the error "FAILED (remote: the device must be rooted first)".
This is a bit strange, because I've got superuser installed properly, and have had root access for everything else.
Thanks again,
Brian

Like I said in my earlier post, you need an unlocked bootloader to install a custom kernel (btw if you want to say thanks, just click that "thanks" button )
EDIT: http://unlock-bootloader.com/ is a good site to unlock the bootloader (for a price, since you have an R800a and can't unlock it via the official method). Though I hear he doesn't respond much, and it's easier to reach him on his Google Talk

jacklebott said:
Like I said in my earlier post, you need an unlocked bootloader to install a custom kernel (btw if you want to say thanks, just click that "thanks" button )
EDIT: http://unlock-bootloader.com/ is a good site to unlock the bootloader (for a price, since you have an R800a and can't unlock it via the official method). Though I hear he doesn't respond much, and it's easier to reach him on his Google Talk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I did any of this, I did *#*#SERVICE#*#* to check if my bootloader was unlocked, and it said something like "bootloader unlockable: yes" so i suppose that didn't necessarily mean that the bootloader is already unlocked. Now when I enter that code, it doesn't do anything in the new rom. I searched the forums for a while but couldn't find any solution to this.
Also, will do
Brian

Oh, if you've got "bootloader unlockable: yes" then you should be able to use the official unlock service at http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/ if I'm not mistaken. Doing this will wipe all user data though, so beware! You also won't be able to use DRM dependent apps like that song search thing Sony Ericsson made. I had thought the R800i was the only version that could be officially unlocked, but you might be able to since your phone says it's unlockable

jacklebott said:
Oh, if you've got "bootloader unlockable: yes" then you should be able to use the official unlock service at http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/ if I'm not mistaken. Doing this will wipe all user data though, so beware! You also won't be able to use DRM dependent apps like that song search thing Sony Ericsson made. I had thought the R800i was the only version that could be officially unlocked, but you might be able to since your phone says it's unlockable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha if only i could click that thanks button all day! I'll give it a go in the morning, thanks man

1800yolk said:
Haha if only i could click that thanks button all day! I'll give it a go in the morning, thanks man
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lupus is now installed! I think I'm pretty much all set! I've got the swing of this now, so I'll be back to try new ones in the future, but for now this rom looks swell.
The last thing I'm trying to do is change the governor on Lupus. Still searchin the forums for where to start on that
Thanks again!
Brian

Best is smartass V2

I'm using NXT 1.3 and Doomkernal. Maybe it's just me, but I seem to get WAY better batter life out of Doomkernal v14 vs. Lupus v5.

Does anybody know how to change the governor for the lupus kernel? Thanks!
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app

1800yolk said:
Does anybody know how to change the governor for the lupus kernel? Thanks!
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try No-frills CPU Control

jacklebott said:
Try No-frills CPU Control
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is AwEsOmE! You'll always have my thanks man.

Pre rooted JB rom and remove bloatware? Recommend me a rom?

Hey!
I've had my Xperia S a year and a bit and i've flashed various roms with flashtools to get it rooted. Never tinkered manually and always used official roms just prerooted.
With JB I can't seem to find a prerooted JB rom that I can flash with flashtool. Could someone point me in the right direction or recommend me a rom here that will do that job?
I don't really want to change the Sony JB much, just have it rooted again so I can use titanium backup and restore aswell as remove a lot of the apps that come preinstalled and I can't get rid of, like wisepilot, foursquare, etc. I want things to be my choice
Thanks for your help

david_Vi said:
Hey!
I've had my Xperia S a year and a bit and i've flashed various roms with flashtools to get it rooted. Never tinkered manually and always used official roms just prerooted.
With JB I can't seem to find a prerooted JB rom that I can flash with flashtool. Could someone point me in the right direction or recommend me a rom here that will do that job?
I don't really want to change the Sony JB much, just have it rooted again so I can use titanium backup and restore aswell as remove a lot of the apps that come preinstalled and I can't get rid of, like wisepilot, foursquare, etc. I want things to be my choice
Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http :// forum. xda-developers . com/ showthread. php?t=2302631

anikesh102 said:
http :// forum. xda-developers . com/ showthread. php?t=2302631
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but I don't believe I can use that with flashtool. I can't appear to get into recovery mode since updating to JB.

Do you have an unlocked bootloader???
If so, it's easy.
If not, then plan B.
Your answer to the above depends on the procedure to follow.

anikesh102 said:
http :// forum. xda-developers . com/ showthread. php?t=2302631
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dr Goodvibes said:
Do you have an unlocked bootloader???
If so, it's easy.
If not, then plan B.
Your answer to the above depends on the procedure to follow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not unlocked the bootloader, looked at the idea and saw the instructions and thought i'd mess it up! I've ran Sony's recovery thing on PC companion as my phone was being dodgy and I wanted it reset anyway so i'm on the latest Sony firmare.. Where do I go from here?
Cheers for your help!

david_Vi said:
Thanks but I don't believe I can use that with flashtool. I can't appear to get into recovery mode since updating to JB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http :// forum.xda-developers .com/showthread.php?t=2302569

anikesh102 said:
http :// forum.xda-developers .com/showthread.php?t=2302569
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I root from this version/guide?
Thanks

Dr Goodvibes said:
Do you have an unlocked bootloader???
If so, it's easy.
If not, then plan B.
Your answer to the above depends on the procedure to follow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I need plan B! Thanks for your help.

david_Vi said:
I guess I need plan B! Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, Plan B... You're probably not going to like it.
I believe a locked bootloader XPERIA LT26i can only be unlock in ICS and then use DooMLoRDs(or another) pre-rooted official Sony ROM to get to JB using CWM recovery.
I don't have a locked bootloader, so I'm just following a wild path that ended at the following URL.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39498268
Have a look at it and do nothing for a while.
You may get better informed information than I'm providing in the next few posts, which could lead to a more effective path to root access on JB.
Good luck with that.
[Update]
P.S.
I see in the thread I referred you to that in the latest few posts attempts are being made to gain root access on JB. So fingers crossed if no other options came up.

Dr Goodvibes said:
Ah, Plan B... You're probably not going to like it.
I believe a locked bootloader XPERIA LT26i can only be unlock in ICS and then use DooMLoRDs(or another) pre-rooted official Sony ROM to get to JB using CWM recovery.
I don't have a locked bootloader, so I'm just following a wild path that ended at the following URL.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39498268
Have a look at it and do nothing for a while.
You may get better informed information than I'm providing in the next few posts, which could lead to a more effective path to root access on JB.
Good luck with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help I appreciate your time as i'm having a crappy time with the phone haha.
Before I took at look at your link I flashed my phone a few times and remembered how I had it rooted in ICS. If I can get it rooted this way again, (I have to flash to GB then run a few .bat's and then ICS and another .bat). Is this the same as what you say? I will end up with rooted ICS then can flash the pre rooted Sony JB rom?
Thanks

david_Vi said:
Thanks for your help I appreciate your time as i'm having a crappy time with the phone haha.
Before I took at look at your link I flashed my phone a few times and remembered how I had it rooted in ICS. If I can get it rooted this way again, (I have to flash to GB then run a few .bat's and then ICS and another .bat). Is this the same as what you say? I will end up with rooted ICS then can flash the pre rooted Sony JB rom?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my understanding at this time, BUT...
Have a look at the last few post of the thread I refereed you to, as they're attempting to gain root access on JB, which if successful, may prove a faster route. Depend on time taken to get a successful root via JB though.

Ah its all getting complicated.
Would it be easier if I just unlocked my bootloader?

david_Vi said:
Ah its all getting complicated.
Would it be easier if I just unlocked my bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Complicated, to many options???? :laugh:
To be honest, I'd not unlock the bootloader at this time.
There is some indication that you'll lose your DRM keys in the TA partition and this is mooted to impact Bravia Engine and maybe something else I think.
There is ways to backup the partition and then restore it at a later date, but to me it sounds a little like it could end in tears.
I unlocked my bootloader ages ago as that's how I roll, and I tend to tinker and install anything that's bright and shiny... which mostly means an unlocked boot loader is required.
If you can just root ICS .55 it'll be quicker than the option I took of rooting .45 and then upgrading the kernel of 55 to retain root.
It all depends on how involved you get with different Kernels and ROMs as to whether you unlock the bootloader.
To be honest, to get a good JB experience, you just need a JB ROM, rooted, bloatware removed, something like SetCPU from Google Play Store to manage battery usage with screen-off profiles and etc and that's basically it. Stamina mode, if installed, is the laypersons option to battery management.
A good Kernel like 'what' @DooMLoRD provides is always going to improve the over-all experience with added features and etc which may be the tipping point to unlock the boot loader, but I'd wait until the need was there.
Sony is to release a new firmware 6.2.B.0.211 soon which may be worth waiting with a locked bootloader for.
You can always disable any unwanted applications in the app manager to better resources.
JB is probably(I have no idea really) the end of the line for official Sony firmware on the XPERIA S (snapdragon S3) and so to go beyond JB 4.1.2 at a later date will more than likely require an unloaded bootloader. That said, you never know.
Just thought I'd throw in a few more options for you.

Thanks for your help
I think I have got it. I rooted ICS and then applied the update.zip. JB is running and Titanium backup tells me i'm rooted! Yeehaw!
So just need to remove bloatware.. Have you got any tips regarding this? I remember trying ti on ICS but broke my phone in the process, I guess I uninstalled things that were needed or something

Dr Goodvibes said:
Complicated, to many options???? :laugh:
To be honest, I'd not unlock the bootloader at this time.
There is some indication that you'll lose your DRM keys in the TA partition and this is mooted to impact Bravia Engine and maybe something else I think.
There is ways to backup the partition and then restore it at a later date, but to me it sounds a little like it could end in tears.
I unlocked my bootloader ages ago as that's how I roll, and I tend to tinker and install anything that's bright and shiny... which mostly means an unlocked boot loader is required.
If you can just root ICS .55 it'll be quicker than the option I took of rooting .45 and then upgrading the kernel of 55 to retain root.
It all depends on how involved you get with different Kernels and ROMs as to whether you unlock the bootloader.
To be honest, to get a good JB experience, you just need a JB ROM, rooted, bloatware removed, something like SetCPU from Google Play Store to manage battery usage with screen-off profiles and etc and that's basically it. Stamina mode, if installed, is the laypersons option to battery management.
A good Kernel like 'what' @DooMLoRD provides is always going to improve the over-all experience with added features and etc which may be the tipping point to unlock the boot loader, but I'd wait until the need was there.
Sony is to release a new firmware 6.2.B.0.211 soon which may be worth waiting with a locked bootloader for.
You can always disable any unwanted applications in the app manager to better resources.
JB is probably(I have no idea really) the end of the line for official Sony firmware on the XPERIA S (snapdragon S3) and so to go beyond JB 4.1.2 at a later date will more than likely require an unloaded bootloader. That said, you never know.
Just thought I'd throw in a few more options for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just one doubt, (sorry, i read the whole post.)
got the idea to root JB, but is it necessary to unlock boot loader for this to work,
because at some point we have to flash the pre-rooted kernel through CWM right? So for that the boot loader
should be unlocked also..????

bluechip850 said:
just one doubt, (sorry, i read the whole post.)
got the idea to root JB, but is it necessary to unlock boot loader for this to work,
because at some point we have to flash the pre-rooted kernel through CWM right? So for that the boot loader
should be unlocked also..????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh right. I have CWM working though, needed it for the rooted JB. I guess I can live with the apps I don't need.. unless I can still get rid of them. Titanium backup lets me uninstall such things but I guess this is dangerous?

david_Vi said:
Oh right. I have CWM working though, needed it for the rooted JB. I guess I can live with the apps I don't need.. unless I can still get rid of them. Titanium backup lets me uninstall such things but I guess this is dangerous?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, you totally rock.
You are about to install pre-rooted, JB. Do you have your install buddy? :silly:
So, when you get to the following and can tick all the boxes, you're ready to install a pre-rooted JB ROM
[ requirements ]
BOTH LOCKED & UNLOCKED bootloader!
Previously on stock .45/.50/.55 ICS ROM or roms based on that [since baseband of the official JB ROM is same as ICS ] supplied ROM
Any existing recovery!
Then progress to the following URL and install JB ROM
[ROM] Official Sony JB 6.2.B.0.200 ROM Pre-Rooted CWM
You may lose root access directly after the install, but that can easily be restored by flashing DooMLoRDs SuperSU and Busybox zip from flash recovery after the ROM install.
Titanium backup is only dangerous in the wrong hands.
I'd start with apps like WisePilot(if you're not using it) and etc by doing a Titanium backup and then uninstall the app.
You can freeze an app too, as a first stage to later removal.
There are probably lists of safe to remove apps on an XPERIA S as the system apps are not much different to ICS 4.0.4
Just remember, don't get to busy removing system apps, as Sony firmware 6.2.B.0.211 is coming soon and you'll have to start all over again.

david_Vi said:
Thanks for your help I appreciate your time as i'm having a crappy time with the phone haha.
Before I took at look at your link I flashed my phone a few times and remembered how I had it rooted in ICS. If I can get it rooted this way again, (I have to flash to GB then run a few .bat's and then ICS and another .bat). Is this the same as what you say? I will end up with rooted ICS then can flash the pre rooted Sony JB rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flash this kernel http :// forum.xda-developers .com/showthread.php?t=2305591 to get recovery den to root the device
then check at d bottom of the post in the link.... there is a file under How to root device. flash that in recovery...
Edited: sorry it was for unlocked bootloader. Good U got it working.

Dr Goodvibes said:
Dude, you totally rock.
You are about to install pre-rooted, JB. Do you have your install buddy? :silly:
So, when you get to the following and can tick all the boxes, you're ready to install a pre-rooted JB ROM
[ requirements ]
BOTH LOCKED & UNLOCKED bootloader!
Previously on stock .45/.50/.55 ICS ROM or roms based on that [since baseband of the official JB ROM is same as ICS ] supplied ROM
Any existing recovery!
Then progress to the following URL and install JB ROM
[ROM] Official Sony JB 6.2.B.0.200 ROM Pre-Rooted CWM
You may lose root access directly after the install, but that can easily be restored by flashing DooMLoRDs SuperSU and Busybox zip from flash recovery after the ROM install.
Titanium backup is only dangerous in the wrong hands.
I'd start with apps like WisePilot(if you're not using it) and etc by doing a Titanium backup and then uninstall the app.
You can freeze an app too, as a first stage to later removal.
There are probably lists of safe to remove apps on an XPERIA S as the system apps are not much different to ICS 4.0.4
Just remember, don't get to busy removing system apps, as Sony firmware 6.2.B.0.211 is coming soon and you'll have to start all over again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it all running... Is that rom meant to come with games like Block Breaker and Modern Combat? I can't seem to uninstall them, they don't appear in the titanium backup list.

david_Vi said:
I got it all running... Is that rom meant to come with games like Block Breaker and Modern Combat? I can't seem to uninstall them, they don't appear in the titanium backup list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true, it's a stub for the game download.
You can use a file manager such as "Root Explorer" or "ES File Manager" with root access enable (i.e r/w access to system partition)
I deleted(cut and paste to /sdcard/appbackup/jb200/app folder) the apk, and it was in either of the following two folders.
/system/etc/product/applications/
/system/etc/customization/applications/
Titanium Backup is probably not looking further than /system/app