[Q] Xperia Arc S LT18A root help 4.0.4 - Xperia Arc Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello everyone this is my first post so I'm glad to have all the help I can get as I am completely clueless on rooting(Real Noob on this really).
Ok so the reason why I want to root my Xperia Arc S is because I want to be able to completely put apps in the sd card and keep downloading apps without worrying about deleting app data/cache or even whole apps to get more apps installed. The Xperia Arc S's internal memory is really annoying. Even though you can move an app to the sd card part of it will still be in internal memory which will eventually fill up. So basically having apps on this phone without custom rom or being rooted is very limited.
Yes I've watched the user registration agreement video thing. I have been looking for 2 days now on how to root my phone but unfortunately because of my phone's model(LT18A) and it being 4.0.4(which I kept reading is unrootable), it is extremely hard. It's like, I am the only person in the world who has an Xperia Arc S LT18A ICS 4.0.4. I've found very few articles on how to root xperia arc s LT18A 4.0.4. I think first I gotta downgrade it to 4.0.3? Even if I find one, it's for LT18i(like 95% of all the xperia arc s) and most of the links for LT18A don't work anymore
So how do I root it? I got flashtool but the only firmwares I got are the one for LT18i and x10.
Xperia Arc S
Model: LT18A
Build number: 4.1.B.0.431
Android Version 4.0.4
Kernel version: 2.6.32.9

Read some sticky guides in general
If you want to unlock bootloader, rooting is veryyyy easy then.
Post by NASA Computer from the 1960s

TheHaso said:
Read some sticky guides in general
If you want to unlock bootloader, rooting is veryyyy easy then.
Post by NASA Computer from the 1960s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok now I finally got to unlock the bootloader of the Xperia Arc S LT18a which I found really hard. Now I understand this enables you to install custom ROMs but the phone still needs to be rooted which I haven't done as I've tested with ROM manager.
So.....What does having it unlocked really do? If I have my phone rooted but the bootloader's locked, then I still wouldn't be able to install custom ROMs? Is that it?
Also, now with my bootloader unlocked, will I be able to access recovery mode like how people used to do with the Sony PSP?

Now to the hard part. To root Xperia Arc S 4.0.4 LT18A.
4.0.4 - Unrootable and have to downgrade. The problem is finding ftf files is really hard only because I have an LT18A model which is like being a unicorn..
I'll spend one more entire night looking for that rom and I'll let you know how I'm doing.

bryangld27 said:
Now to the hard part. To root Xperia Arc S 4.0.4 LT18A.
4.0.4 - Unrootable and have to downgrade. The problem is finding ftf files is really hard only because I have an LT18A model which is like being a unicorn..
I'll spend one more entire night looking for that rom and I'll let you know how I'm doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the guides and stickys! "a" or "i" doesn't make your Phone any harder or easier to flash.
Sent from Myushi

XperienceD said:
Read the guides and stickys! "a" or "i" doesn't make your Phone any harder or easier to flash.
Sent from Myushi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have finally rooted my phone successfully. I've to thank the maker of this guide and all the other developers involved http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1874801
You were right sir. I flashed tfts and kernels that had lt18i in its file names but still worked out.

xperia arc s
mate im having the same issue with my arc-s
if i have any luck i will let you know what to do and how to do it

Related

[Q] How to Root Xperia Arc LT15a 2.3.4 Build: 4.0.2.A.0.62

Decided to root Xperia arc, but don't know where to start.
I searched the forum and saw many posts on how to root 4.0.2.a.0.62 2.3.4, but these root guides were for the Lt18. I have the LT15a and from what I understand, Lt15 and Lt18 guides are different and are not to be interchanged.
Can anybody point me to the right direction? Thanks for your time.
vinnypooh said:
Decided to root Xperia arc, but don't know where to start.
Can anybody point me to the right direction? Thanks for your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
read here
I'm in the same boat as the original poster and want to be able to root my LT15a and install latest ICS but have been googling round in circles coming across lots of dead links and confused by some of the material I've come across - you need to unlock the bootloader/ no you don't. You can't root version 62 / yes you can etc.
The second post above goes to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1330314 but the thread is dead as are the links.
I have unlocked the bootloader but thats as far as I've got.
I've also downloaded
1) flashtool-0.8.0.0-windows.exe + flashtool-update-0.8.x-0.8.6.0-windows.exe and installed but not installed C:\Flashtool\drivers\Flashtool-drivers.exe as it contains 9 drivers and not sure which to use.
2) DooMLoRD_v1_Xperia-2011-ICS-ROOT-emu-busybox-su.zip
3) CWM-Install.rar
4) not managed to download an ICS image due to dead links or just not downloading.
There should be a straightforward guide somewhere.
Think I've found something here that allows install of official ICS (no mention of 4.0.2.a.0.62 just 2011 and 2012 Xperias) and then a follow up way of rooting. Digesting content but at the moment puzzled by statement that comes after ICS install "Its your wish if you want to stay on it but i suggest you to repair your phone software using SUS. It will reinstall the original ICS software in your mobile". This makes not sense to me i.e. why "repair" phone and why does it say, "It will reinstall the original ICS". The posting to use SUS 1(by 00rabh791) has "Here is how to backup firmwares..You need to reinstall the firmware". Possibly all makes sense once you go through the process but prefer to know exactly what I'm doing first.
docjon said:
I'm in the same boat as the original poster and want to be able to root my LT15a and install latest ICS but have been googling round in circles coming across lots of dead links and confused by some of the material I've come across - you need to unlock the bootloader/ no you don't. You can't root version 62 / yes you can etc.
The second post above goes to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1330314 but the thread is dead as are the links.
I have unlocked the bootloader but thats as far as I've got.
I've also downloaded
1) flashtool-0.8.0.0-windows.exe + flashtool-update-0.8.x-0.8.6.0-windows.exe and installed but not installed C:\Flashtool\drivers\Flashtool-drivers.exe as it contains 9 drivers and not sure which to use.
2) DooMLoRD_v1_Xperia-2011-ICS-ROOT-emu-busybox-su.zip
3) CWM-Install.rar
4) not managed to download an ICS image due to dead links or just not downloading.
There should be a straightforward guide somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well,you can't root version .62 you have to downgrade to .58 and root then update to .62,there are lots of tutorials for rooting .62
Sent from my LT15i using xda premium
pren22 said:
Well,you can't root version .62 you have to downgrade to .58 and root then update to .62,there are lots of tutorials for rooting .62
Thanks for the info pren22 but I've only resorted to posting here because I've explored shed loads of 4.0.2.A.0.62 tutorials and got no where. A few links to these tutorials, that do not in themselves contain dead or unusable links, would be very much appreciated.
My aim is to install the latest official ICS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

xperia arc LT15i .62

Is there anyway to get more internal memory on my phone without having to root it?
Nope.
Swyped from my SE Xperia arc (LT15i) using Tapatalk 2
Thanks. I was hoping that there was an easy way round it.. but no such luck! I notice on some sites that some people are downgrading to .42 to root but then are bricking there phone. Is there any step by step, in fact tip toe by tip toe! for us that are not(and never will be) as knowledgeable as yourselves. Thanks again
remember, that the devices with lockable/unlockable bootloaders never get bricked. in fact you hard brick your phone only when there is a fault with the hardware also. and whever, you read out there, was all false b'coz they were just amateur guys who couldnt get theeir phone working and thought it was a brick. well and about root, i wold recommend you to unlock the bootloader. unlocking the bootloader hives you the assurity that nothing beyond repair can go wrong with the phone howevr you lose warranty. but remember that bootloader can always be relocked. hence dont worry about warranty. search for the following guides respectively.
1) how to unlock bootloader for arc
2) how to downgrade from .62 to .42 on arc
3) how to root .42 for arc
press thanks if my reply was helpful....:highfive:
Thanks for that. Sometimes in all the reading you get lost! You start with one thing and then another and before you know it your baffled. Simplifying helps.
I take it I need to unlock my bootloader before I can downgrade to .42 ?
Thanks again!
Also I have read (whether right or wrong), that you can root without unlocking bootloader, or is that just on certain phones?
You can root a phone with a locked bootloader. But rooting a phone with an unlocked bootloader is even easier.
Swyped from my SE Xperia arc (LT15i) using Tapatalk 2
Hi all!
You can't brick your phone,and even when you unlock bootloader you will be able to flash any .ftf file via flashtool.I have Arc lt15i for a year now,i have unlocked the bootloader when Recovery via fastboot came out,and till now i have downgrading like 10 times.For me the best fw is .42 everything works fine,on .62 Gangstar rio lags to much.And 4.0.4 its too laggy and slow.So when Ics came out i updated it,i didn't like it so i downgrade it to .62 and used it for a while,but gangstar rioo was too laggy the i downgraded to .42 and i just love it.
I have:fw .42,bootloader unlocked,rooted,flashed Arconium 8.2(its build on stock,just less sys apps/junk apps),doomkernel v22(with this kernel you'll get more ram,userdata/phone memmory incrased from 380mb to 420mb.
All this can do anyone,'couse there are tutorials with step by step,showing ho to do all this.
Unlocking bootloader i a bit harder but other things are easy.
Sry if i wrote something wrong,i'm not the best at writing.Cheers
EDIT:
Here is the web site: www.theandroidsoul.com/how-to-unlock-bootloader-xperia-arc-play-neo-pro/
Thats the easyest way ti unlock bootloader,just follow it step by step,take your time don't think its to hard just do it step by step,and you'll make it.Good luck
Sent from my Xperia Arc using XDA
Thanks for that . I will try that site tonight. Its just a pity they dont let you remove all the tripe apps that you never use. Not much point to it really. I would see the point if we used them, then fair enough. Maybe something they could think about in the future. If your listening out there.
Listen to what users want.. APPS THAT WE DONT WANT TO USE, LET US REMOVE THEM TO FREE UP OUR PHONES..................
Thanks again you lot for all your help.
pren22's avatar could you tell me... on the website that you gave me it says that to find out if i can unlock my bootloader...hold the menu key down while conecting to computer. it should turn blue. does this matter? I held it down and it stayed orange. The phone was still switched on at the time.
moff1 said:
pren22's avatar could you tell me... on the website that you gave me it says that to find out if i can unlock my bootloader...hold the menu key down while conecting to computer. it should turn blue. does this matter? I held it down and it stayed orange. The phone was still switched on at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't remember if i hade this problem,but if you have arc you can unlock your bootloader,The light turns orange 'cause you have locked bootloader.Just proceed with tut.
Here try this http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions just read it,i think that you will be able to unlock it.Good luck.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653188 excellent thread
hit thanks if i helped
Thanks for that, I will have a look at them tomorrow.
Looking at trying the test point method to unlock the bootloader as yoo dont seem to lose the drm keys.
Then hopefully get down to rooting.
Thanks

[Q] In need of guidance :)

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

Help? Rooting Xperia Arc 4.0.2.A.0.42

Hi! Since I'm not allowed to post in the development section yet, I wanted to ask for help regarding my Xperia Arc. It's an LT15i model and is running 2.3.4 GB. I'm completely new to rooting and have been trying all day to find a way to root my arc. I have downloaded things like Android SDK Manager, ADB drivers for my arc, Flashtool etc. But i just don't know how to root properly. When i was downloading doomlords' zergrush exploit. the file appeared as malicious and a trojan horse exploit.c was found, no offense to doomlord. It's just that nothings worked for me. If anyone could help me root my Xperia Arc, especially since my kind of Build Number is rare it would be appreciated.
P.S Locked to Orange (UK)
MonstaahX said:
Hi! Since I'm not allowed to post in the development section yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't be posting there to ask for help anyway. - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2067008
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219711
Turn on USB Debugging, change to mass torage mode, and allow install from unknown sources
Download the software and click root.
No restart needed, your phone gets rooted in seconds
Check my rooting guide, should work for you too
Sent from my Nexus 4 running Android 4.2.2

Getting started with Arc S rooting

Hi guys. Although I rooted my own Samsung ages ago, I haven't had to root anything in ages and my bro in law has asked me to look into rooting his Arc S.
What I seemed to be noticing is the need to unlock the bootloader first but I'm not sure where to start.
Is there some sort of 1-click method at all? He does want to stay with the stock OS so it is only the root he wants.
Thanks guys.
There are many possibilities to root without unlocking bootloader. Searching would have exposed you with many guides.
First of all - What are the Android version and build number of the phone?
marc.knuckle said:
Hi guys. Although I rooted my own Samsung ages ago, I haven't had to root anything in ages and my bro in law has asked me to look into rooting his Arc S.
What I seemed to be noticing is the need to unlock the bootloader first but I'm not sure where to start.
Is there some sort of 1-click method at all? He does want to stay with the stock OS so it is only the root he wants.
Thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. I have posted earlier a working version of how to do it.
You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=49240275&postcount=1378
This post shows how to get Ultimate HD on your Arc S, but has working links to programs and ROMs, so you can use that.
I personally do recommend Ultimate, because it is just so much smoother. My phone was lagging and all the programs were slowing it down, but now it's super smooth and I always have space in the ROM.
Soon I'll post a complete recommendation on how to get the most out of your Arc S.
Hope this helped.
thanks guys.
the android version is 4.0.3
the build is 4.1.A.0.562
These 2 topics will help you. Both root your phone, which one you will use, is up to you (which ones seems easier).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1601038 - this one works only on 4.1.A.0.562
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219711 - should work on every firmware

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