Develop Bugs

[Q] Xperia Play Beginners guide?

Hey guys! I'm picking up an Xperia Play in a couple of days and was looking for some general advice about the phone. This will be my first Android device, I've been on WebOS/Garnet for my last two phones. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the options presented by the Play and Android in general. For instance, I'm not sure if I should root my phone or not - what are the advantages?
Any other general guides to Android/the Play would be wonderful if any such guides exist. I'm looking to deck this thing out with every emulator on the market as well as get the PSXperia hack up and running (I've downloaded the program, but can't figure out how to use it).
You can sense my overall noobishness in general, I'm sure. Any advice or tips about this device would be great. I'm really excited about the Play and getting comfortable with Android. Thanks everybody!

kershner25 said:
Hey guys! I'm picking up an Xperia Play in a couple of days and was looking for some general advice about the phone. This will be my first Android device, I've been on WebOS/Garnet for my last two phones. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the options presented by the Play and Android in general. For instance, I'm not sure if I should root my phone or not - what are the advantages?
Any other general guides to Android/the Play would be wonderful if any such guides exist. I'm looking to deck this thing out with every emulator on the market as well as get the PSXperia hack up and running (I've downloaded the program, but can't figure out how to use it).
You can sense my overall noobishness in general, I'm sure. Any advice or tips about this device would be great. I'm really excited about the Play and getting comfortable with Android. Thanks everybody!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
congratz im waiting for mine is the mail right now lol
rooting allows you to have full access to the file system sorta like a administrator
on a windows machine since out the box you cant edit files or remove bloatware without root you cant install certain programs from the market without root
also having root and unlocked bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery image which will allow you to flash customs roms(a custom version of android dev by a user here on xda or anywhere in general)
yes i highly recommend but if you ever plan on returning the phone to verzion for example you will have to revert it back to stock
and for the program psxperia you need to install the latest version of java from java.com
and if your on a windows machine you double click the psxperiatool.JAR file
and it should run not sure on OSX
in the end you made a good choice on choosing android as mainstream as it became its still a powerful system way better IMO than ios or even webos
since android has so many developers theres gonna be an endless amount of programs
will post new finds myself etc

edokassiah said:
and unlocked bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery image which will allow you to flash customs roms(a custom version of android dev by a user here on xda or anywhere in general)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash the recovery image directly or you will mess up boot partition, you need to flash a kernel with embedded recovery built in

Thanks for the info. I'm confused about the locked/unlocked bootloaders. How do I know which one I'll have? And how "easy" of a process is rooting the phone if I don't plan to install any custom roms or anything?
Also, how does transferring .apk files from my PC to the device work?

kershner25 said:
Thanks for the info. I'm confused about the locked/unlocked bootloaders. How do I know which one I'll have? And how "easy" of a process is rooting the phone if I don't plan to install any custom roms or anything?
Also, how does transferring .apk files from my PC to the device work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you havent unlocked your bootloader yourself it is locked there are many risks and advantages to unlocking your bootloader, but if you dont intend to flash custom roms there really is no need, just like with root, if you dont know what it is, you probably wont need it
transfering .apk's from your pc is easy, just copy the .apk to your sd card, then use a file manager to find the .apk, tap on it and the installer will pop up , you need to tick unknown sources in settings though

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176367

AndroHero said:
You cannot flash the recovery image directly or you will mess up boot partition, you need to flash a kernel with embedded recovery built in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hes asking about android in general not aiming specifically at the xperia play

If I root my phone, do I have to switch everything back in order to get updates? All I really want to root my phone for would be to remove bloatware/speed it up a bit, is there a better way than rooting?

There is plenty of tutorials here, I suggest that you read, read, and then......read some more

_terror_ said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176367
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for this link, it's seriously going to help me while rooting my phone. This might be a dumb question, but bear with me - better safe than a bricked phone. The guide to rooting in that link says that I need to flash my Play to the .184 Generic UK firmware...am I understanding it correctly that I need flash this firmware onto my American Verizon Play? I want to make sure nothing is going to get screwed up regionally, as I'm going to want to keep getting OTA updates and all that.

Just to share my own experiences since I'm new to the Xperia Play (previously had an Acer Liquid.. crappy hardware but great community of devs.. anyways..)
I'd recommend rooting your phone off the bat - the simple reason is rooting will involve wiping your phone's data, so if you already have a few months of use that means having to restore everything which is tiresome. First thing when my phone arrived was follow the rooting guide here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1116090
After that however I wouldn't recommend messing around TOO much with custom firmwares and such etc.. get used to the phone as it is and figure out what you like, don't like. if your like me within a few weeks or months you'll want something new - this is when you might want to start looking at messing around with the phone - new home launchers or even a new ROM (if your phone can have it's boot loader unlocked, from what I understand mine can't). The games and Emulators should keep you busy as is
The only customizing I've done to my phone is rooting it with Gingerbreak and using the leaked Sony Launcher.

I realize this is a pretty nooby thing to do that annoys all the veterans, but I consider this to be a fairly crucial piece of information I need before I attempt to root my phone, so I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this thing before it gets lost in the shuffle.
In order to root with a locked bootloader on an American Verizon XPlay, I need to flash to the .184 generic UK firmware, then root, then OTA update, correct?

kershner25 said:
I realize this is a pretty nooby thing to do that annoys all the veterans, but I consider this to be a fairly crucial piece of information I need before I attempt to root my phone, so I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this thing before it gets lost in the shuffle.
In order to root with a locked bootloader on an American Verizon XPlay, I need to flash to the .184 generic UK firmware, then root, then OTA update, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. That method will not work on the r800x (verizon xplay) to root yours you will need to see [How-to] R800x Root
Dont worry about annoying people lol . Who cares what others think? Everyone has to start somewhere.
But it would be better with a stickied thread for new users to look @.

So now, instead of the 3 step process linked previously in this thread, I have to unlock the bootloader and do a whole bunch of other stuff? This method is like 100x more complicated. Is there no other way? I don't intend to install any custom roms, I strictly want to root solely for freezing bloatware.

No i dont think so. You would be better asking for help from other r800x owners in that thread.
The exploit gingerbreak uses on 2.3.2 was patched in 2.3.3 (worldwide) and was also patched by verizon before they released the handset on 2.3.2. Up untill the bootloader was unlocked on the r800x rooting was not possible.
Ask in that thread and you should recieve the help/info you are after.

hiya mate right ive rooted and put on custom recovery but now its screwed up my cam , wifi , and the market so be warned im trying to fix this problem as we speak
---------- Post added at 10:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 PM ----------
im new to this to really but having a play with no cam and no wifi and no market. the market is there but cant dwnload nothing is taking the piss can anyone help me please

Mozza2k11 said:
But it would be better with a stickied thread for new users to look @.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is one already stickied in the Q&A section.That it has gone practically unnoticed counters this statement.

kershner25 said:
Thanks so much for this link, it's seriously going to help me while rooting my phone. This might be a dumb question, but bear with me - better safe than a bricked phone. The guide to rooting in that link says that I need to flash my Play to the .184 Generic UK firmware...am I understanding it correctly that I need flash this firmware onto my American Verizon Play? I want to make sure nothing is going to get screwed up regionally, as I'm going to want to keep getting OTA updates and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their is not such thing as a bricked phone
always is a way to fix it and usually its as simple as flashing a FTF
or whatever stock rom your device uses takes like 5 minutes tops lol
and logsemans guides will tell you anything you need to know
just use them for refrence
Xperia Play Super Compilation (Q&A Sticky)
and if you head down the path of rooting and stuff
messing with files
you wont be able to get ota updates lol.
it will "brick you"

I recentally made a quick video with tips for android users/beginners if you want to watch it. Thought it would help people. http://youtu.be/Pd5DerUoEcY

[Q] Rooting R800x and backing up.eri

So.. hello! this is my first thread as you can see and i gome some question that stop me from rooting my verizon xperia play ( wich i think its called r800x ), mine is the CDMA version.
Btw, my phone has 2.3.2 and atm i cant update, Already read the sticky on r800x , but just want to confirm..
so basically i found that SuperOneClick does the job, so here are some questions:
i dont want custom roms on my cellphone i just want to remove verizon apps and those stuff, and also install titanium. BUT!
1.- if i root my phone, and uninstall the verizon apps, what will happen if i need to do a factory reset,will it crash ir brick since it cant find those apps?
2.- am i right? SuperOneClick does the job using the zergrush xploit?
Thats all for now! thank you guys!

If you do a factory reset in the phone, all that does is clear your personal info from every nook and cranny possible in your phone. It doesn't actually try to find all the apps, iirc, it just wipes everything it can find.
Superoneclick worked for me on 2.3.3, so I'm sure it'll work on 2.3.2, as well.

ScarletDreamz said:
So.. hello! this is my first thread as you can see and i gome some question that stop me from rooting my verizon xperia play ( wich i think its called r800x ), mine is the CDMA version.
Btw, my phone has 2.3.2 and atm i cant update, Already read the sticky on r800x , but just want to confirm..
so basically i found that SuperOneClick does the job, so here are some questions:
i dont want custom roms on my cellphone i just want to remove verizon apps and those stuff, and also install titanium. BUT!
1.- if i root my phone, and uninstall the verizon apps, what will happen if i need to do a factory reset,will it crash ir brick since it cant find those apps?
2.- am i right? SuperOneClick does the job using the zergrush xploit?
Thats all for now! thank you guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you root your phone and uninstall all the vz bloat, I would suggest doing a data wipe because of the cache/dalvik cache left behind and re gain the extra internal space, your phone will NOT brick if you delete those apps and data wipe.
And you are correct, super one click will do the job!
I would update to 2.3.3 though, it is much better then 2.3.2, How come you cant update?

how to hard reset R800x?
i couldnt find anyway to hard reset this device , its got pattern lock and cant get inside the device , any idea please . i tried this ( right button-left button-power release after sony ericson logo displays on screen , that does nothing to device , any other solution please post and thanks in advance ,

ScarletDreamz said:
So.. hello! this is my first thread as you can see and i gome some question that stop me from rooting my verizon xperia play ( wich i think its called r800x ), mine is the CDMA version.
Btw, my phone has 2.3.2 and atm i cant update, Already read the sticky on r800x , but just want to confirm..
so basically i found that SuperOneClick does the job, so here are some questions:
i dont want custom roms on my cellphone i just want to remove verizon apps and those stuff, and also install titanium. BUT!
1.- if i root my phone, and uninstall the verizon apps, what will happen if i need to do a factory reset,will it crash ir brick since it cant find those apps?
2.- am i right? SuperOneClick does the job using the zergrush xploit?
Thats all for now! thank you guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.If you do go back to stock, flash the stock ft ( in the Dev section)
2. Indeed it does. Make sure you get 2.3.3, root it, get cwm for locked bootloader ( there's a thread in the dev section ),and get Cola ROM. It is so fast, and has no Verizon apps. Plus, its for locked boot loaders!
I'm running it right now, and it is great! Also, make sure you make a backup of stock 2.3.3 before flashing Cola.
Sent from my locked R800x using xda premium

[Q] Rooting 4.0.2.A.0.62, already have an unlocked bootloader. Help?

So folks.
Just reached home with my new phone, an Xperia Arc S LT18a, I believe.
I'm stuck with this firmware 4.0.2.A.0.62 which doesn't seem to have an easy way to get a custom ROM on it yet. Sucks that I didn't read about this before heading out to buy a phone.
I went through one of the guides here and had the bootloader unlocked via Sony's website. However, the rooting instructions didn't work. So searched further and realised the issue.
I've seen people say that they've done it by downgrading to a lower firmware, rooting it and then upgrading the firmware OTA again. Then I read that upgrading firmware OTA with an unlocked bootloader will brick my phone. So I'm not trying that.
Any help on how I could go about this? Simple step by step instructions would be very welcomed, since I don't really know much about flashing various bootloaders and ROMs considering I just bought the phone.
Thanks for reading!

there are many threads relating to this problem....plz read & search before posting....
Well i believe the answer to your questions lie in this Thread ...
'
Hope i was helpful ....

Flash the zip I attached to this post through CWM. That's it, you're rooted

Thanks!
I used the above zip file, but from a different thread and got it working. Cheers to both of you!

RamEsRock said:
Flash the zip I attached to this post through CWM. That's it, you're rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I have CWM on my phone? If I will flash phone I will do it with rooted ROM not stock. For me it's closed circle because I need root'ed device to load CWM on it, and I need CWM to make root.
Can someone explain me it?

szaebb said:
How can I have CWM on my phone? If I will flash phone I will do it with rooted ROM not stock. For me it's closed circle because I need root'ed device to load CWM on it, and I need CWM to make root.
Can someone explain me it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With unlocked bootloader, one can easily flash a custom kernel with CWM, then flash the zip file.

Try reading this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1304634
jason statham said:
So folks.
Just reached home with my new phone, an Xperia Arc S LT18a, I believe.
I'm stuck with this firmware 4.0.2.A.0.62 which doesn't seem to have an easy way to get a custom ROM on it yet. Sucks that I didn't read about this before heading out to buy a phone.
I went through one of the guides here and had the bootloader unlocked via Sony's website. However, the rooting instructions didn't work. So searched further and realised the issue.
I've seen people say that they've done it by downgrading to a lower firmware, rooting it and then upgrading the firmware OTA again. Then I read that upgrading firmware OTA with an unlocked bootloader will brick my phone. So I'm not trying that.
Any help on how I could go about this? Simple step by step instructions would be very welcomed, since I don't really know much about flashing various bootloaders and ROMs considering I just bought the phone.
Thanks for reading!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I when I rooted my locked bootloader ARC S, I read "The Nutshell Arc Guide" at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1304634
Before you start messing with the phone, please see the entire guide first.
Hope I can helped.
Cheers

[Doubt] Updating Firmware with Root

Hello
I thank everyone who helped me make my Xperia Root, was difficult but with everyone's help I finally did, then, Thanks!
However I still remained a doubt, I think it's the last of them
My Xperia Arc and S used LT18i 4.0.2.a.0.62 Version (Without Root)
So I downloaded the version 4.0.2.a.0.42 and done using Root UnlockRoot, worked perfectly and now my phone is LT18i, With ROOT version 4.0.2.a.0.42
But I wish I could enjoy the latest version of Firmware (To keep my phone updated), it is possible to update it for newer versions and still keep the Root it? Or I would have to download the new firmware, unlock the bootloader and make the various processes Root?
If in case the answer is "Yes" it is possible to upgrade, what are the possible means? At PCC could update it without losing the Root?
Thank you!

Did you really need to start a new thread.
READ! - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653188

XperienceD said:
Did you really need to start a new thread.
READ! - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653188
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked this Topic, but not what I thought would be appropriate to update my firmware and still keep my Root
I'm kinda lost on that topic because I am not American, I am using the Google translation
Would you tell me what topic I should follow?
Sorry for the problems, but besides being Noob I do not know English
thank you

raitos said:
I looked this Topic, but not what I thought would be appropriate to update my firmware and still keep my Root
I'm kinda lost on that topic because I am not American, I am using the Google translation
Would you tell me what topic I should follow?
Sorry for the problems, but besides being Noob I do not know English
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you understand and write English well enough.
Flashing via PCC or SEUS will wipe your Phone, so the best way is to use the flashtool to flash a ICS ROM then use the Root kit to root.

As I'm a bit lost, I'll do a different kind of question
If I download the Firmware 4.1.B.0.431, I am able to do it with Root SuperOne Click or UnlockRoot? Or it would be necessary as well as the various processes .62 ftf?
@Edit
Ready! I think now I finally got
But wanted to know if we do not have any problem doing that ...
1-I downloaded the .42 version and did ftf Root (I do not know if it was unlocked BootLoader)
2-I did the update to version .62 ftf by phone
3-Ready, the phone is working and is also active with the Super Admin (Root)
4-With this process I have some problem with the phone?

raitos said:
As I'm a bit lost, I'll do a different kind of question
If I download the Firmware 4.1.B.0.431, I am able to do it with Root SuperOne Click or UnlockRoot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am here to help you learn, not spoon feed you information. So read the links I have given you which answer that question. If you can read my my replies well enough then you should be able to read the guides.

XperienceD said:
I am here to help you learn, not spoon feed you information. So read the links I have given you which answer that question. If you can read my my replies well enough then you should be able to read the guides.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This well know, do what ...
I just think it would not kill me know dara is no problem or not, after all is what i have a doubt
But okay, thanks for everything

Just some quick guidance please (I did this about a year ago and forgot)

So I had a r800at a while back and the emulator gaming experience was unparalleled with any other device. Went onto the Asus padfone and then to the note 2 while using a ps3 controller but that setup just doesn't work for me 100% I kept thinking about how I used to play with the xperia play and it was just such a more compact package.
I picked up a r800i on craigslist for 80 bucks and wanted to root it again and go to the nxt rom. I still have everything installed on my computer. I just needed some quick guidance of how to root and install everything again. Also wasn't sure if the r800i root was different then the r800at.
I believe I used flashtool to do everything. But just needed a quick reminder please. Thank you.
Sent from galaxy note 2, tablet in my pocket! ^_^

I think u've already answer ur Q. Flashtool definitely able to root ur phone. Dont matter which letter u hav at the end of R800. But if want a much simple way, just unlock ur bootloader & flash a custom kernel. Not only u'll root ur phone, u'll also gain init.d support.
Regards,
Sdojoin

If you want to install NXT, you might just unlock the bootloader and install a kernel like Doomkernel. You can find tutorials here.

ridder215215 said:
If you want to install NXT, you might just unlock the bootloader and install a kernel like Doomkernel. You can find tutorials here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to both of you for the help.
I'll pass on the doomkernel. I didnt need it last time so I think I'll be fine. I wont be using the play as a phone this time purely as a portable emulator machine.
I'll read a bit at the links when I get home and reply if I need anymore help. I dont think I should ><