This is going to be my first sony phone im unfamiliar with the process of rooting on sony, how do root and get recovery? I believe the zl getting should be boot unlocked.
AW: ROOT Questions?
I don't have a sony neither, but I think you have to unlock the bootloader, then you can "install" root.
There are some threads in the development section, just take a look!
cheapshot789 said:
This is going to be my first sony phone im unfamiliar with the process of rooting on sony, how do root and get recovery? I believe the zl getting should be boot unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best thing to do would be to go through as many (read ALL) the post on all the ZL threads. However, here's the primer.
The first thing to do would be to check if your phone has an unlockable bootloader. Unlocking the BL will allow you to flash custom kernels and ROMS. If you are coming from a Samsung phones, most of them already have their BLs unlocked, so this step might be new to you. Do know that you potentially lose your warranty once you unlock your BL. However, there is a way to relock it. Also, there is a debate about losing Bravia Engine 2 once you unlock you BL.
But, you dont need to unlock BL to root your phone. The dev krabappel2548 has released recovery and root for devices whose BLs cannot be unlocked. You'll find info about it in the Original Android Dev Section.
Might seem overwhelming, but its not. Read up for a couple of days and you will be all set.
Hope this helped.
Yea I have been reading the threads just got a little confused, thanks.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Related
If you have an Xperia Arc version 2.3.3 unlocked bootloader, you can't root using Gingerbreak or Super1click as the update, unwillingly, made sure that stuff doesn't work anymore.
The only way to root, as far as I know, is flashing -> getting 2.3.2 ROM -> root from their -> update.
I can not use that way as everytime I try to update in the last step it wont turn on again after reboot (so I have to flash using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126358, though i'm sure it'll work for most of you.
Question being: Is there atm really no alternative to root for me then? I'm kinda desperate, i've been looking on XDA a lot of hours and this is rly my last hope to get this over with..
thx in advance!
As you said yourself.. You have an unlocked bootloader.. so you don't have to more like you cannot use the FOTA technique cos OTA update bricks the phone..
Simply flash one of the prerooted kernel like DoomLord Kernel.. Should do it .. Or if you want the stock kernel then Serach the forums for something like "Root 4.0.A.2.368" They will usually specifically say that you need unlocked bootloader..
[Guide] All in one 'Namaste guide' to Bootloader unlocking, Rooting, Flashing & more
thx for the replies.
though, I've read that whole guide before, problem is:
"Ques – Ok. So quickly tell me how to unlock my Xperia Arc’s bootloader and install a beautiful Custom ROM.
Not so fast dear. I described a deal about bootloader and benefits of its unlocking but let’s get practical. There are two disadvantages of unlocking the Xperia Arc’s bootloader.
As per my knowledge, till date, there is no Custom ROM designed for your Xperia Arc. So, it’s useless to unlock your bootloader. "
So, if a "non stock kernel" means the same as a "custom ROM", where do I find it? i dont want the original one as that1 is outdated. I know how to flash my phone, but only with delivered folders (which are always X10)
with kind regards,
Tom
Emissia said:
If you have an Xperia Arc version 2.3.3 unlocked bootloader, you can't root using Gingerbreak or Super1click as the update, unwillingly, made sure that stuff doesn't work anymore.
The only way to root, as far as I know, is flashing -> getting 2.3.2 ROM -> root from their -> update.
I can not use that way as everytime I try to update in the last step it wont turn on again after reboot (so I have to flash using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126358, though i'm sure it'll work for most of you.
Question being: Is there atm really no alternative to root for me then? I'm kinda desperate, i've been looking on XDA a lot of hours and this is rly my last hope to get this over with..
thx in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem with my Neo. I've tried flashing 2.2.2, then rooting with Flashtool (just click Xperia X10), but this doesn't work, and after relocking the bootloader and updating, the phone is bricked as well. Tried this like 5 times.
I think I'll just wait for 2.3.4 as my main reasons to root are making screenshots and removing bloatware. 2.3.4 adds screenshots, and currently, my ROM is not totally full.
Same here, just wanna get that bloatware off, starting to look like i'm gonna wait as well... this has already taken enough hours away from me
Emissia said:
Same here, just wanna get that bloatware off, starting to look like i'm gonna wait as well... this has already taken enough hours away from me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a prerooted image or relock the bootloader and use the more lengthy method.
Emissia said:
thx for the replies.
though, I've read that whole guide before, problem is:
"Ques – Ok. So quickly tell me how to unlock my Xperia Arc’s bootloader and install a beautiful Custom ROM.
Not so fast dear. I described a deal about bootloader and benefits of its unlocking but let’s get practical. There are two disadvantages of unlocking the Xperia Arc’s bootloader.
As per my knowledge, till date, there is no Custom ROM designed for your Xperia Arc. So, it’s useless to unlock your bootloader. "
So, if a "non stock kernel" means the same as a "custom ROM", where do I find it? i dont want the original one as that1 is outdated. I know how to flash my phone, but only with delivered folders (which are always X10)
with kind regards,
Tom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. Only non stock kernels yet around are the DoomLord and CM (FreeXperia) kerenls.. Check the development forums for them..
The Stock aren't really "outdated".. These custom kerenels are based on the original stock code with a few features enabled.. So don't expect android 2.3.4 from them or anything..
As for rooting issues.. Follow the Namaste guide and a few posts in the development forum bout rooting arc properly and carefully.. Noting what is Locked and Unlocked and which method works where.. And it won't take more than 15 minutes to setup everything..
Hello!
I'm interested in rooting my recently acquired Xperia PLAY (French version), because the bloatware is taking up too much space. However, I don't want to unlock the bootloader as I don't want to void my guarantee. Is this possible?
On a side note, I've heard that some people buy phones that have allready unlocked bootloaders; is there any way to find out if mine is too?
Thanks a lot,
Si1ver Shad0w
Buying phones with unlocked bootloaders is impossible unless it's used. You heard wrong
You can relock bootloader anytime anyways, but track id and qriocity will be gone forever
I used the XDA App to post this, what did you use?
Yeah, I knew that I could relock it, but still, I would prefer a rooting method that doesn't require this.
Also, to root it, I have to install some kind of new kernel or firmware, right?
OK, apparently a way to root without unlocking is to install the 2.3.2 FW and then do an OTA upgrade. But I can't find the ftf file. Can someone help me?
Also, for a French Xperia PLAY, I guess the UK ftf file is the best?
EDIT: Also, the XDA forums are very restrictive to newbies, no replying in the development section, have to wait 5 minutes between posts, etc...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1287584&page=2
Is it possible for me to Overclock my xperia play with a locked bootloader? It is rooted but the bootloader is locked.
Thank you. It is a simlocked R800A running UK generic android 2.3.4.
Overclocking requires a custom kernel, which in turn requires an unlocked bootloader.
speedyink said:
Overclocking requires a custom kernel, which in turn requires an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But when I had a Motorola Milestone we had locked bootloaders and we still got overclock.
I was wondering the same thing today after rooting with zergrush. IIRC on my HTC Dream (G1) I could over clock freely after gaining root access.
Is there anything us 'locked bootloaders' can do for overclocking?
The problem with comparing those phones to the PLAY is, those other phones have the recovery separate from the kernel. Since you can't flash the kernel through recovery because it IS the kernel, you have to go a different route and flash the kernel through the bootloader.
Long story short, you can't flash a custom kernel if the kernel is already running
It is doable to OC with a locked bootloader, you'll need some dev to make the OC mudules and then you can move them to the right place on your phone with rootexplorer and enable them with terminal emulater/adb shell. I've made a request thread a long time back cuz i'd rather stay out of unlocking, well wich i ended up doing anyway for other reasons.
I did it this way to start with on my HTC Dsire HD before i got S-off and custom recovery installed.
Thread i started:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1077471
Regards Dousan...
Modules can be done but its too much work and can be unstable... if there was no unlock option then it was fine... but since it's possible to unlock bootloader better flash custom kernel...
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
DooMLoRD said:
Modules can be done but its too much work and can be unstable... if there was no unlock option then it was fine... but since it's possible to unlock bootloader better flash custom kernel...
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader for the R800x can be a pain since it requires that you pay for it to be done. Sony Ericsson & VZW really piss me off that the ability to do so was taken away.
CrimsonSentinel13 said:
Unlocking the bootloader for the R800x can be a pain since it requires that you pay for it to be done. Sony Ericsson & VZW really piss me off that the ability to do so was taken away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think VZ is to take the full blame for that one. They are the ones who wants to mess with the phone to begin with? I don't understand the model you have in the states. Different setups for different carriers. Makes no sense to me. One standard like the rest of the world has pretty much and you wouldn't have any problem.
CrimsonSentinel13 said:
Unlocking the bootloader for the R800x can be a pain since it requires that you pay for it to be done. Sony Ericsson & VZW really piss me off that the ability to do so was taken away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We also have the same problem here with the r800a in Canada.
speedyink said:
Overclocking requires a custom kernel, which in turn requires an unlocked bootloader.
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Click to collapse
Incorrect.
If a module was created it can be implanted into hw_config
Wasn't the point of Android to make phones that people could customize? These cell providers are taking away the true founding image of the Andriod: customization. It's utter bullsh*t in my book. Why does it matter what we do with the phone after we buy it? It's not like these companies are losing any money off of it (or are they...?)
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
Hi,
I'm trying to follow this guide to root my Xperia M, but it is required to have an unlocked bootloader. So, i'm trying to unlock it by following this guide and there it is recommended to do a TA Backup. For doing so, i'm found this thread, but as you can see in the FAQ, it is required to have a rooted phone...
So, can someone help me here?..... Am i missing something?
Greetings!
Haha, you can say it as a paradox, but there are two ways in rooting, with a locked or unlocked bootloader. But if it's your first time doing so, I HIGHLY recommend rooting on a locked bootloader.
Just go here, and right after rooting, go here, RIGHT AWAY. You're gonna need it and it might just save your life in the future.
elmkzgirxp said:
Haha, you can say it as a paradox, but there are two ways in rooting, with a locked or unlocked bootloader. But if it's your first time doing so, I HIGHLY recommend rooting on a locked bootloader.
Just go here, and right after rooting, go here, RIGHT AWAY. You're gonna need it and it might just save your life in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this method work on my Xperia M C1904 (4.1.2 , 15.1.C.1.17 ) ?
My bootloader can be unlocked.
Yes, but if it doesn't, use this instead.