Can someone please clarify the available options for customizing the Verizon Xperia Play model R800x? With all the different versions of the Play, and all the threads here, and then changes upon changes, I've gotten a bit confused. Here is what I -think- is available at this time:
Root - this is most easily accomplished by using the ZergRush method described elsewhere. (Took me about 5 minutes or less to achieve root via this method.)
Firmware - R800x 2.3.3 Full 3.0.1.E.0.88 FTF is the most recent stock firmware from Verizon. It will completely restore your phone to stock, replacing any missing software. The easiest (only?) way to flash this to your phone is to use FlashTool.
Bravia - I remember reading something about this being an enhancement to the look of videos and photos when viewed in the Gallery. It can be installed in a manual fashion and is enabled after a reboot.
And that, as far as I can tell, is that. The Bootloader can not be unlocked by conventional methods and references to the paid (illegal ?) method have been pulled from the forums. Without the Bootloader being unlocked, custom ROMs, recovery, overclocking are all unavailable. I think that also includes Fastboot mode, although I never used it anyway.
So, have I missed anything? Is there anything else I missed, some really cool functionality I'm missing out on, whatever?
Thanks for the clarification. I'm trying to move beyond Noob status with this phone without bricking it in the process.
The Bootloader can be unlocked by contacting those members. That their threads have been wiped doesn't mean they're not doing the stuff. My thread has been recently updated to mention the issue.
I'm working on porting some of the cool mods from ths other versions. And don't be too scared of a brick I've bricked mine more times than I can count and I've been able to recover it every time.
Sent from my R800x using XDA App
Hello, and sorry for bugging everyone, but I have somewhat of a problem. I'll just start from the beggining.
First of all I own a SGS II, so I'm used to flashing roms and kernels custom stuff and all...on that. My girlfriend is the one who owns a Xperia Arc S (LT18a, US version if it's relevant or not). And for the live of me, I can't summon the courage to flash it, the process being somewhat different than the flashing of a S2. That's just idiot proof in my opinion, can't go wrong. I'm seeing all over the place guides and stuff for flashing a Xperia Arc S, and don't really know wich one is good/bad etc. So...the actual questions :
1. Where can I find the stock firmwares for Xperia Arc S ? I was hopping on a website something like sammobile for samsung, where I can find every release etc.
2. She now has 2.3.4 (I think not 100% sure) build 4.0.2.A.0.62 and from what I heard that cannot be rooted, or it involved something like unlocking the bootloader or something like that, safe to say that kinda freaked me out a bit.
3. I'm guessing that this build 62 is like on my samsung, where different stock rom's are differentiated by letters (eg. XXLPG, XWLPQ etc) so, someone please confirm that.
4. Is there any noticeable difference between these gingebread builds, cause if build 62 can't be rooted, I'll downgrade to previous build that can be more easily rooted.
5. I really need a idiot proof guide to flashing this thing. She has no warranty on it and I really don't want to mess it up
6. And last (finally, I know ) some links for safe versions of flashtool (equivalent of odin from what I understand) and firmwares, stuff I need to root it etc.
I apologise for such a long post but this stuff is pretty overwhelming for me. Also I apologise for spelling errors (english is not my first language)
Wow, the things we do for love...
OK, here's a quick run-down of how it works.
Firstly the bootloader thing: -
The bootloader is where the "kernel" sits. If you unlock the bootloader then you can pretty much put anything on the phone.
You can flash a custom kernel, and from there on you can use ClockworkMod recovery the same way you do on your Samsung.
(
custom kernels have ClockworkMod recovery built into them since the XPERIA doesn't have a "/recovery" partition for the standard ClockworkMod recovery.
If that didn't make sense then here's a translation "There's no special space for CWM recovery on Sony phones! So custom kernels have CWM recovery built in for easy access."
When one of these kernels starts up the phone there's a point where the hardware buttons light up, and the LED flashes purple. If you press "volume down" at this point then the kernel starts up ClockworkMod recovery instead of booting the phone.
Most roms come with their own kernel that you can use like this. The XPERIA is different to the SGS phone because you can't flash a kernel from the phone itself. You need an unlocked bootloader and fastboot to flash a kernel.
)
So unlocking the bootloader is a good idea, but only after you've made a backup of all your stuff off the memory card.
Here's a really good thread that brings together all sorts of pieces of information that you might need to root the phone - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653188
OK, so that's the unlock thing, and the kernel thing. Once the kernel has CWM recovery built in you can pretty much flash any rom you feel like flashing. There are already some JellyBean roms out that are fast and usable if you're prepared to read up on them and experiment a bit.
Next thing is the "BaseBand". This is the driver for the "cell phone radio". The part of the hardware that's actually responsible for behaving like a phone
Here's a thread where you can get all of the different base-band versions: - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1688049
Personally I know that base-bands 72 and 77 both work perfectly. Since they are the 2 newest versions you can choose which-ever one you want. The newer basebands give much better signal strength on the phone, and the call quality is really good.
Good luck with the experimenting - hope you enjoy.
Are you looking to upgrade her arc to ics? It is much easier to find the resources if that is the case
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
navras1719 said:
I can't summon the courage to flash it, the process being somewhat different than the flashing of a S2. That's just idiot proof in my opinion, can't go wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is flashing on the Arc/S, so long as you can read.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1304634
Thanks for taking the time to answer such a long and frankly, annoying post Seems I got a bit of homework, manny things to read, so...coffee and patience Hope everything will add up nicely
jman2131 said:
Are you looking to upgrade her arc to ics? It is much easier to find the resources if that is the case
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, from what I hear ICS dumbs down the phone sort of speak. Now I really can't say, but I would test it out a bit, as long as I learn how to go back to GB.
Another thing that I'm a bit concerned is that all the stuff I find are for LT18i and my gf's phone is a american model LT18a. Will this be a problem ? Or that's just to differentiate the hardware stuff in them ? I hope flashing a LT18i firmware doesn't screw anything up
navras1719 said:
Not really, from what I hear ICS dumbs down the phone sort of speak. Now I really can't say, but I would test it out a bit, as long as I learn how to go back to GB.
Another thing that I'm a bit concerned is that all the stuff I find are for LT18i and my gf's phone is a american model LT18a. Will this be a problem ? Or that's just to differentiate the hardware stuff in them ? I hope flashing a LT18i firmware doesn't screw anything up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, the differentiating factor is the hardware. the lt18i and lt18a roms are the same as far as I know. ICS does tend to be more resource heavy especially on the arcs but downgrading back to GB is basically the same method as flashing the ICS, just with another rom.
And also, in response to your first post, you can downgrade to the rootable build of GB, root that, and then flash the build 62 kernel back onto your phone so it's rooted and of the desired build
There's a lot of flashing guides on youtube regarding the arc s. I did a quick search and this one seemed pretty accurate and straight to the point.
Ok I pretty much understood the whole shabang, my last question is about the bootloader, if I unlock it once that's it ? I can flash whatever I want and not need to reunclock it...sort of speak. I read that for warranty reasons it can be relocked but that's not the case for me. Also for flashing a stock rom is it necessary to unlock the bootloader or that's just for rooting ?
Oh and almost forgot...if I understood right...I can downgrade...root...then upgrade to 62 and it will still be rooted ? On my samsung if it'a rooted and I flash abother stock rom...bye bye root, so pretty weird for me. Thank you again, I can't stress enough how helpfull you guys were.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
unlocking the bootloader allows a whole lot more things to be done with the arc, but does make some apps defunct such as track id and music facebook like (which many can do without). flashing and/or rooting a stock rom doesn't need an unlocked bootloader because it's stock and yep, you can downgrade/upgrade, root, and then go back to what build you want by flashing a kernel only
jman2131 said:
unlocking the bootloader allows a whole lot more things to be done with the arc, but does make some apps defunct such as track id and music facebook like (which many can do without).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That only applies if you use the official method to unlock, use SETool and you'll retain DRM.
Sent from my CM9'd Ray
XperienceD said:
That only applies if you use the official method to unlock, use SETool and you'll retain DRM.
Sent from my CM9'd Ray
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification. I never knew much about bootloaders and all that
XperienceD said:
That only applies if you use the official method to unlock, use SETool and you'll retain DRM.
Sent from my CM9'd Ray
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you could help me out with a SETool link and a basic set of instructions that would be awsome
LE: From what I've seen there are 2 versions of SETool and one's free the other is not. Can the free version be used to unlock the bootloader or do I have to get the full version ? Or even simpler, is there anyway to unlock it (LT18a) free and without losing DRM ?
XperienceD said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1304634
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically from what I read there, no way for free unlock and retain DRM.
navras1719 said:
So basically from what I read there, no way for free unlock and retain DRM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the instructions up to the point just before patching and tell me what it says please?
if you unlock the bootloader NEVER UPDATE OVER THE AIR this will brick the phone.
The're 2 ways to unlock bootloader
1 via Sony web site but this only works for non branded phones,
2 is to pay if you use a service with setools this will unlock bootloader and make phone SIM free.
Xda member jinx13 offers this service contract him for more info.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
zolaisugly said:
2 is to pay if you use a service with setools this will unlock bootloader and make phone SIM free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If SETool can unlock any handset I'm not sure why the S1Tool wouldn't, has anyone confirmed in the thread it doesn't work for the Arc S?
XperienceD said:
If SETool can unlock any handset I'm not sure why the S1Tool wouldn't, has anyone confirmed in the thread it doesn't work for the Arc S?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since my bootloader was opened the setools has been upgraded to setools2 which now covers more phones but not sure which.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
XperienceD said:
Follow the instructions up to the point just before patching and tell me what it says please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry but what are you refering to ? The process that involves opening the backcover under the battery ?
Some additional info, it's not carrier branded, not sim locked...and using the service code in the dialer says bootloader unlockable : yes
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Should have had this done already.
Sent from my CM9'd Ray
Good afternoon,
I've been reading the topics but I don't really get it, how it works and which kernel and rom to select and how to do everything (BTW, I'm using a Mac).
I'm using a Sony Xperia Pro MK16i @ Android 2.3.4
Kernel: 2.6.32.9-perf ([email protected] #1)
Build: 4.0.2.A.0.62
It was bought in Hong Kong, I don't know if this brings any change to this.
Thanks in advance,
Rhuido
P.S.: Will a new ROM put my android a bit faster? The 512mb RAM aren't really enough for the ROM it comes with...
Go to general and read some guides
Sent from my Xperia Arc S using xda premium
Try out different combinations of ROMs and kernels, make notes and then you will find out, which suits you.
We cannot say that, every person is different. Every person requires different kind of features or possibilities, you have to find the one, which covers your needs.
first of all, fellow mk16 user... this thread is your best friend here on XDA:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1642480
secondly: the first thing you need to determine is whether your phone has an unlockable bootloader or not.. because the only way of rebooting into fastboot mode, which is required for flashing kernels, is unlocking your bootloader first. If you keep your booloader locked, you can't flash kernels but you can still flash ROMs that support unlocked bootloaders... most ICS and GB roms are stock based and do support unlocked bootloaders.
check this thread, first post, preliminary info section
If your phone says "bootloader unlock allowed: yes" or something similar (I don't remember the correct phrase) it means it can be unlocked. And if it says "no", it means you can't unlock it through the methods found in here... but you can still unlock it though 3rd party tools that will require you to buy a "license" to unlock 1 device.
Third: if you stick (or you are stuck) with locked bootloader, you need to learn about rooting your phone... for which let me tell you that your .62 version is not rootable as fas as I know. You would need to start with flashing a .58 GB first and root that one.
Fourth: speaking of flashing... flashmode is another mode that lets you flash a full package of stock ROM+kernel... this mode is always enabled.
Fifth: all flashing happens in Flashtool... get the latest version.
I hope this is a good start. With the thread I pinpointed and the search button, you will surely find any questions you bump into as you surely are not the first one to have them.
good luck.
atmos929 said:
let me tell you that your .62 version is not rootable as fas as I know. You would need to start with flashing a .58 GB first and root that one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although that used to be true, according to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219711 .62 is now directly rootable using Eroot.
Hello, I was posting here because I've been having a great deal of difficulty really getting anything done with it. What I'd like to do is either unlock the bootloader, or at least root it to my computer to flash on a new ROM.
In order to root it, I was told to put it in MSC mode, allow unknown sources, and enable USB debuggin, all of which I've done. However, when I go to root it using either SuperOneClick, Doom method, or flashtool, I continually get errors, either saying ADB server is out of date, killing..., or in the case of the doom method that it cannot write any files because they are read only. Somebody mentioned you an overwrite your r800at with an r800i rom to make this work, but the link in that thread lead to some virus (I assume it was taken down a while ago). I put it to a stock AT&T ftf, and still no luck.
My problem lies in the fact that some of the threads I'm looking at are YEARS old at this point, most of the links are dead, and some of the advice is contradictory. I figured then that I could just get somebody to unlock it for money, but all the threads point to alejandrissimo, who I believe is now inactive.
All I would like is to root my phone and put on a new rom, preferably of ICS, with minimal difficulty. I've sunk something like 10 hours into it at this point, and now am the proud owner of a phone with the exact same firmware I started with. I've wiped my contacts like 8 times, and to be honest I'm just getting frustrated with the whole thing. I hate the idea of having bloatware all over my phone though.
So if anybody knows a good way either to root the r800at (and if possible could provide active links to the software), or somebody I could pay to unlock it and skip all this work, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks for reading, have a good one.
I can't help you with unlocking bootloader (i have r800i with unlocked bootloader), but maybe i can help you with root
You didn't say what firmware are you using, but in general use Doomlord's zergrush method v4 for firmware .42 and below or Eroot on newer firmware (it's on chinese but it have one big button with word "ROOT" on it :silly: )
That is only for rooting and with that you can debloat stock firmware or use ROMs for locked bootloader.
SWM_installer V5 , should work on locked bootloader (once you get root) so you can flash custom GB roms.
To be able to install ICS/JB/CM/MIUI ROMS you must unlock your bootloader because they all don't work on stock GB kernel, and you need unlocked bootloader to be able to flash custom kernels
Here is some links, but i hope R800a users can help you more with unlocking bootloader
Xperia Play Index - ROM'S, FIRMWARE, KERNEL'S, GUIDE'S, THEMES, MOD'S
[MEGATHREAD][GUIDES][18th Dec][4Noobs] All My Tutorials!
Cyanlabs ROM Kitchen & Windows Helper Application
Thanks
First, thank you for the very informative response. Here's some additional info, I am not sure if it will be helpful to you
My current Android version is the stock AT&T 2.3.3 and my build number is 3.0.1.b.0.285. I'm honestly not sure which of these things is helpful, but I'll try that Chinese rooting method. Got a long work shift tonight, but I'll report back later.
Thank you so much, I really do appreciate it!
im sorry for any double threading. im just so lost on this Experia Ion and was hoping someone can point me in the right direction from where i stand with it.
1. Its locked. is there a way to unlock it even though it says Bootloader Unlocked: NO ?
2. what can i do to get any custom rom on it while the bootloader is locked or is that even possible?
3. if that isnt possible, is there a way to get a better firmware version than 4.0.4?
yes i have flashtool working with drivers i already reloaded 4.0.4 stock on it.
main reason im even wondering about any of this, is because when i make calls the MIC on it is muffled horribly. ive read the forums about the Mic rubber Gasket piece so thats my next step. but im wanting to try a newer firmware (hopefully custom) before taking the phone apart . as stated im sorry for double thread posting if there was an answer already, ive been searching for days on the threads and ahvent found much on my questions, but i did attempt my best to answer them myself before ending up here.
There is no way to unlock the bootloader if it is set to unlock = no as far as i am aware.
My only suggestion is to use a custom rom that is based on Stock and works for locked bootloaders. Any of the ROMs in the development section that are marked as LB in the title (for your phone) will work. Full instructions are there. You will need to root and install recovery to install.
Futher info on rooting is here if you haven't already done it.
thank you so much, im so used to samsungs yknow? methods are definitely different with the xperias. thanks for the direction point. i just rooted and setting up recovery i hope this thread helps others who are lost as well