[Q] CM with stock kernel? - Sony Xperia ZL

Sorry if there's something I've missed, but I've been scouring the internet for weeks now and I'm getting exasperated. Letters are all starting to look the same.
My ZL is through Bell, and as such the bootloader is not unlockable. Infuriating, considering how desperately I'm longing for CM. Since the bootloader cannot presently be unlocked, I'm restricted to the stock kernel. But that doesn't necessarily mean I'm forced to use a stock-based ROM, correct?
Is it possible, in any capacity whatsoever, to install even a nightly build of CM on a stock kernel, with a locked bootloader? :fingers-crossed:
I have CWM installed, and she's rooted.
Furthermore, have there been any whispering on progress regarding unlocking a bootloader that 'can't' be unlocked (beat that dead horse, beat it good...)? I'll install Ubuntu if I have to, I've got loads of hard drive space.

Related

Sony Based ROMs

Good Day.
Got my z1c a couple weeks ago and am loving it. Managed to root it. I have yet to pull the trigger on unlocking the bootloader. I have seen lots of AOKP and CM based roms but are there any Sony Based Modified Roms to keep the Camera processing intact? I am not the biggest fan of CM although I am sure its improved over the years but the camera and battery issues are of no interest to me that I keep reading in the majority of the roms posted. So can you please point me to some Sony Based Modified Roms (if they even exist)? Aslo, do I have to unlock the bootloader to put on another Sony based ROM? Lastly, I do have to unlock the bootloader if I want TWRP or CWM correct? TIA!
You can find some custom Sony Roms in original dev section. Usually you don't need unlocked bootloader for Sony roms.
You also don't need unlocked bootloader for recovery, see for example dualrecovery http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261606
You could try this if you're up to a bit of experimenting: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=54330224
I've been using RomAur 9.1 for quite a while now without any issues, but with a locked bootloader you'd lose recovery if XZDualRecovery still isn't working. Somebody would have to try if a current version works, I'm using encryption which makes it a bit complicated for me otherwise I'd try it myself.
Thank you both for your help. I installed recovery without issue. Now to find a nice fluid ROM. It is difficult coming from Google Edition Roms!!!!

[Q] A little guidance for a galaxy newbie

Hello,
I just bought my first Galaxy device (had a CDMA LG for a while, and I have a Nexus Tablet), and I am looking at how to get this new phone set up right. I bought my i747 retail, so I was unable to unlock it. However, now I'm struggling with finding the right method for upgrading, rooting, etc. I know nothing about knox or any of these Samsung intricacies. Could someone please give me a little guidance on how to go about getting to the OS and status that I'm looking for? This is what I've done so far:
Came unrooted with 4.1.2 stock rom
Unlocked using legit unlock code
Tried OTA updates, but none were available (must be because of unlock)
Rooted w/ ODIN using 4.1.1 file based of MrRobinson method. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426)
Now I keep getting popups like process. ... .acore,media, etc. stopped.
I'm looking to ideally get a custom recovery (either CWM or TWRP, whichever is better) and either kitkat Touchwiz or possibly kitkat nexus stock (I read somewhere that it was possible). Also, i just bought it, and have the code still, so I don't mind deleting everything if needed. Regardless, I'd like the ability to get it back to pure stock with no flash counter (I have a manufacturer's warranty I want to use if need be).
Could someone please just give me a little guidance? I'm pretty capable with rooting, etc., so you'd only need to lead me to other threads, etc. that will take me where I want to go. Thank you very much.
Before flashing or doing anything else, confirm the bootloader on your phone. Download and install the Samsung Phone Info app from the playstore and post your bootloader.
audit13 said:
Before flashing or doing anything else, confirm the bootloader on your phone. Download and install the Samsung Phone Info app from the playstore and post your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the bad news is I already flashed using MrRobinson's instructions, and now my phone is barely workable, as things like process.android.media and Touchwiz keep crashing. I was able to install the info app though, and my bootloader is listed as I747UCDLK3. Thanks again though, and let me know what else you need from me.
I recommend starting over by flashing the stock AT&T 4.1.1 firmware from sammobile. Once flashed, boot the phone and make sure your phone is sim unlocked. If it isn't sim unlocked, unlock it using the free method or your unlock code.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SGH-I747/
After sim unlocking, run OTA updates until you have the latest stock AT&T ROM on your phone. Upgrading the phone's bootloader and modem is the easiest way to do it for someone that is new to the phone and custom ROMs.
audit13 said:
I recommend starting over by flashing the stock AT&T 4.1.1 firmware from sammobile. Once flashed, boot the phone and make sure your phone is sim unlocked. If it isn't sim unlocked, unlock it using the free method or your unlock code.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SGH-I747/
After sim unlocking, run OTA updates until you have the latest stock AT&T ROM on your phone. Upgrading the phone's bootloader and modem is the easiest way to do it for someone that is new to the phone and custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, but wouldn't OTA updates install Knox, which would basically void my warranty if I tried to flash anything after that? And, I've checked for OTA updates twice, once on 4.1.2 and on 4.1.1, and both times it said my software was up to date.
I spoke with StoneyJSG about my situation, and he suggested that I go to stock 4.1, root w/ saferoot, then flash a kitkat custom rom without Knox through TWRP. That way, I could use triangle away and flash stock unrooted if I needed to send it in.
Although, I'm not sure if I should do that, as I thought I read that you need to update the radio and bootloader first before you can install a custom kitkat rom from jelly bean, but I'm still not entirely sure how that works.
The most recent release of many custom ROMs will not work but you may not have a signal without an updated modem and you should not be running updated modems on an older bootloader. Doing this could brick your phone.
With a rooted system, OTA updates will not work.
Thank you again for helping walk me through the minutia around this phone.
I think I have a much better understanding of everything now. I read the following article on Knox (http://omegadroid.co/wanted-knox-void-warranty-0x1/) and with an understanding of that, I get now that there is no way to load any custom rom on 4.3 or higher without losing my warranty.
So, basically my options are to stay at 4.1 and flash whatever, using triangle away to erase my tracks. Or, I could update to 4.3, but only be able to use saferoot/towelroot, otherwise I'd trip the warranty void. But, if all I did use was towelroot (no custom recovery or rom), then I could just unroot the phone using the full unroot option in SuperSU and send it on in for service if needed, right?
Also, I did unroot my phone and did a factory reset, so it's back at 4.1.1 and unrooted. Yet, I still do not see any software updates available from Samsung. I even plugged it into Kies, and nothing (http://i.imgur.com/E0xPGpf.png). Does anyone know why this could be? Does it have something to do with my not having a carrier for the phone yet? I'm sorry for all the questions, but I do appreciate your help.
jateed said:
Thank you again for helping walk me through the minutia around this phone.
I think I have a much better understanding of everything now. I read the following article on Knox (http://omegadroid.co/wanted-knox-void-warranty-0x1/) and with an understanding of that, I get now that there is no way to load any custom rom on 4.3 or higher without losing my warranty.
So, basically my options are to stay at 4.1 and flash whatever, using triangle away to erase my tracks. Or, I could update to 4.3, but only be able to use saferoot/towelroot, otherwise I'd trip the warranty void. But, if all I did use was towelroot (no custom recovery or rom), then I could just unroot the phone using the full unroot option in SuperSU and send it on in for service if needed, right?
Also, I did unroot my phone and did a factory reset, so it's back at 4.1.1 and unrooted. Yet, I still do not see any software updates available from Samsung. I even plugged it into Kies, and nothing (http://i.imgur.com/E0xPGpf.png). Does anyone know why this could be? Does it have something to do with my not having a carrier for the phone yet? I'm sorry for all the questions, but I do appreciate your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is your cell service? If not AT&T, you will never get OTA.
Whether you get OTA can vary from carrier to carrier and phone to phone in my opinion.
I have a Rogers HTC One X that gets OTA updates from HTC even though I am on the Bell network.
I have a Bell S3 that is running on the Rogers network and it receives OTA updates from Bell even though it has a Rogers sim card in the phone.
I have a Telus Moto G running on the Bell network and it received the Telus KK OTA update while connected to the Bell network.
audit13 said:
Whether you get OTA can vary from carrier to carrier and phone to phone in my opinion.
I have a Rogers HTC One X that gets OTA updates from HTC even though I am on the Bell network.
I have a Bell S3 that is running on the Rogers network and it receives OTA updates from Bell even though it has a Rogers sim card in the phone.
I have a Telus Moto G running on the Bell network and it received the Telus KK OTA update while connected to the Bell network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I have an AT&T model which I unlocked and will be putting on Cricket at the end of the week (when my plan month is set to end). Right now there's no SIM in it, and I've been doing everything over wifi. I looked up whether the carrier had something to do with the OTAs, and I was told that Samsung sent the updates out, not AT&T, so I figured that the carrier info was irrelevant. I now wonder what my options are.
Can I manually flash 4.3 stock without tripping the knox warranty void?
Does Towelroot/Xposed framework trip the Knox void flag?
If I can update to 4.3/4.4 and root without tripping the knox flag, I might just manually update and just run towelroot and xposed to modify my OS the best I can until my warranty runs out.
If I can't root it at all once I'm on 4.3+, then I'll just sit on 4.1.1 for a few months until I can't stand it anymore and just void the warranty anyway.
Thanks again everyone. This whole knox/binary counter thing is not something I dealt with on my CDMA LG or Nexus, so I was totally in the dark about how it all worked. This is also my first GSM phone, so all those intricacies are new to me too. Once I know about manually flashing stock and running towelroot/xposed, I think I'll be in good shape.
Flashing the stock 4.3 ROM should not trip the counter as long as you do not need to install a custom recovery to flash it.
Apparently, the latest KK stock ROM cannot be rooted using Towelroot.
If you want a custom ROM, use one that will work with a 4.1.1 bootloader and modem. Once on 4.3 or higher, it's a little harder to recover from a soft brick.
audit13 said:
Flashing the stock 4.3 ROM should not trip the counter as long as you do not need to install a custom recovery to flash it.
Apparently, the latest KK stock ROM cannot be rooted using Towelroot.
If you want a custom ROM, use one that will work with a 4.1.1 bootloader and modem. Once on 4.3 or higher, it's a little harder to recover from a soft brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent. If I did flash stock, i would just use ODIN, then factory reset to wipe the caches. And that's good to know about the KK rom, as I would probably update straight to 4.4 if at all (I've read a lot of bad things about 4.3 on the S3), but not if it means I cannot root safely and cleanly.
I'll check out the custom roms for 4.1.1. I know that flashing the rom and/or a custom recovery will trip the binary counter, but I can just use triangle away to clean that up. Do you know if there is a list of custom 4.1.1/4.1.2 roms somewhere, or do I need to scour the older threads here?
Thank you very much audit13 (thanks to StoneyJSG and pre4speed as well). You have been immensely helpful and really brought me up to speed on everything surrounding S3 customization. Needless to say it's way more complicated than what I've dealt with from LG and Google/Asus. (I mean, i could root my nexus with a single click using Wugfresh's toolkit)
4.1.1 is the only complete stock ROM that AT&T released for flashing via Odin.
4.3 ROMS and higher were prepared by XDA members for flashing in either a custom recovery or Odin.
audit13 said:
4.1.1 is the only complete stock ROM that AT&T released for flashing via Odin.
4.3 ROMS and higher were prepared by XDA members for flashing in either a custom recovery or Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, so what other way can you flash a stock rom, if not through ODIN or a custom recovery? Regardless, it seems as though I really should not dive into 4.3+ until I'm ready to concede that my warranty is over. There are just too many potential pitfalls and headaches.
On the lighter side, I've found a few 4.1.2 based custom roms that have some promise. I'm going to post them here in case anyone has opinions on them, or if someone else in my situation sees this thread and wants to go custom 4.1 too:
Hyperdrive RLS16
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2176793
Slim Bean-d2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1865262
Jedi Academy
http://www.teamandroid.com/2013/12/...oid-412-jedi-academy-jelly-bean-custom-rom/2/
Jelly ‘Beans’
http://www.teamandroid.com/2013/04/...ndroid-412-att-galaxy-s3-sgh-i747-custom-rom/
I was also torn when I got my s3 that was running 4.1.2. I downgraded to 4.1.1, sim unlocked the phone, used it on stock 4.1.2 for about a week to make sure everything was working, hardware wise, upgraded to stock 4.4.2, installed a custom recovery and a custom ROM. I wasn't too concerned about the warranty since I got the phone as a free upgrade and had no intention of using the s3 as my daily phone. I kept it as a backup until my niece needed and phone and then it went to her. It's been over a year and there are still no problems with the phone.

Install stock SM-N910W8 on SM-910V

Hi, just bought an unlocked Note 4 from USA, it's the Verizon version.
I looked on your forum to find an answer, but I can't.
I'm from Canada, and I'd like to install a stock rom of the canadian version (n910w8), to have less Verizon/Amazon bloatware, and the french language available.
Considering that the N910W8 phone is pretty identical(from what I can see..), same CPU, would I brick my phone from installing this very rom "N910W8VLU1BOE2_N910W8OYA1BOE2_N910W8VLU1BOE2_HOME.tar.md5"?
And if so, why? And what are my alternatives?
see rooting and now you can unlock bootloader too first head to this post
then after that whatever your stock rom you can uninstall the blotware
here are another post for the blot which is safe to remove
and you can use that thing
I am using Indian sim and it is working great
'and you can use that thing'
That thing? The .md5 i mentionned?
When you boot the phone it says 'custom' and has a lock/unlock symbol?
You purchased it unlocked?
Futtermax said:
When you boot the phone it says 'custom' and has a lock/unlock symbol?
You purchased it unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased it unlocked, but it has a Verizon logo whenever I boot it. So, would I be able to install the n910w8 without any trouble? Or is there a way to "install it" and during the process if it is not compatible it will tell it to me?
xDanny1992x said:
I purchased it unlocked, but it has a Verizon logo whenever I boot it. So, would I be able to install the n910w8 without any trouble? Or is there a way to "install it" and during the process if it is not compatible it will tell it to me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's trying to make sure that "unlocked" means that your bootloader is unlocked. It's a critical point, especially if your "unlocked" is referring to being open to all carriers.
If your bootloader is unlocked, you'll see an open padlock on the first boot screen. If the bootloader isn't unlocked, you won't be able to flash any ROMs until you unlock it.
douger1957 said:
He's trying to make sure that "unlocked" means that your bootloader is unlocked. It's a critical point, especially if your "unlocked" is referring to being open to all carriers.
If your bootloader is unlocked, you'll see an open padlock on the first boot screen. If the bootloader isn't unlocked, you won't be able to flash any ROMs until you unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, after a few more research I understand what you guys were trying to make me understand haha
I'm unlocking my bootloader, but my main topic question remain unanswered.
Will my phone be able to take the n910w8 rom even if I have a n910v? (once my bootloader will be unlocked and everything..)
xDanny1992x said:
Now, after a few more research I understand what you guys were trying to make me understand haha
I'm unlocking my bootloader, but my main topic question remain unanswered.
Will my phone be able to take the n910w8 rom even if I have a n910v? (once my bootloader will be unlocked and everything..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ROM, maybe. Will it work? Not without some serious help.
Since the Verizon variant of this phone isn't getting much developer love... it was locked until recently and true Developer Editions were rare and in smartphone terms, it's old... people are looking at the Snapdragon development.
The biggest headache will be getting the phone and data to work. The W8 is a GSM phone while Verizon uses CDMA.
douger1957 said:
The ROM, maybe. Will it work? Not without some serious help.
Since the Verizon variant of this phone isn't getting much developer love... it was locked until recently and true Developer Editions were rare and in smartphone terms, it's old... people are looking at the Snapdragon development.
The biggest headache will be getting the phone and data to work. The W8 is a GSM phone while Verizon uses CDMA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I guess I could say I'm a superhero, my name, SuperStupid -_-
I finally got the padlock logo, rooted my phone, installed TWRP, tried to flash n910w8 rom, it didnt work, so I told myself, why not wipe everything, so I did.
Now I have a phone without OS, but! I kept the padlock and TWRP...
A new successful achievment for SuperStupid...
I'm currently downloading (with my superFast 1mb/s connection) the full firmware of N910V, which I didnt think prior to wipe everything, to keep a copy...
And I hope that I'll only have to put the file on my SD card, and then flash it...
I'll stay with my Verizon bloatware, as soon as I get it back, I won't try again soon to do this ****!!!
xDanny1992x said:
Ok, I guess I could say I'm a superhero, my name, SuperStupid -_-
I finally got the padlock logo, rooted my phone, installed TWRP, tried to flash n910w8 rom, it didnt work, so I told myself, why not wipe everything, so I did.
Now I have a phone without OS, but! I kept the padlock and TWRP...
A new successful achievment for SuperStupid...
I'm currently downloading (with my superFast 1mb/s connection) the full firmware of N910V, which I didnt think prior to wipe everything, to keep a copy...
And I hope that I'll only have to put the file on my SD card, and then flash it...
I'll stay with my Verizon bloatware, as soon as I get it back, I won't try again soon to do this ****!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to root again, ya know...
I have a Verizon Note 4 arriving today for use in Canada. The seller indicated that it is unlocked which I'm sure refers to the carrier and not the bootloader.
I've owned the Notes 1,2 and 3 and my most stable and satisfying experience was with the 3, not because it was the latest and greatest but because it was the only one I did not root and play around with. I'm getting older and I'm starting to value stability over features. I actually like stock touchwizz and enjoy the built in productivity of the spen. Carrier bloatware really is a minor inconvenience for me.
I've enjoyed the Note line but the Note 4 will be my last as the SD card and removable battery are very important to me. As long as this Verizon Note 4 gives me LTE coverage in the Greater Toronto area (which my research indicates it will) I'll keep it stock. A bonus would be if it shows up with Android 5.1.1 or is upgradeable via OTA or Kies. I don't really see any North American varient receiving Marshmallow and certainly not this Verizon one.
Can you flash N910W8 firmware/rom onto a N910V?
xDanny1992x said:
Hi, just bought an unlocked Note 4 from USA, it's the Verizon version.
I looked on your forum to find an answer, but I can't.
I'm from Canada, and I'd like to install a stock rom of the canadian version (n910w8), to have less Verizon/Amazon bloatware, and the french language available.
Considering that the N910W8 phone is pretty identical(from what I can see..), same CPU, would I brick my phone from installing this very rom "N910W8VLU1BOE2_N910W8OYA1BOE2_N910W8VLU1BOE2_HOME.tar.md5"?
And if so, why? And what are my alternatives?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here with a N910V wanting to know if N910W8 can flash ok to it. (but already unlocked mine with custom N910V roms on it) Been running LineageOS roms OK for a while but just too many bugs for something dependable.
Runs nice until you really need it not freezing on you lol.
Did try a custom W8 rom that was only flashable after installing TWRPCAN 3.0.2 in place of TWRP 3.2.3 and it did startup but phone ran really hot and broken WiFi so ended up going back.

Questions about the new bootloader

So I think many people here know about the new xperia bootloader that allows the use of normal roms ans recoveries with dedicated partitions (more details here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3096835).
But I also heard that upgrading to this bootloader made flashing stock ROMs impossible, so I wanted to know if that was true.
If true, I have a backup of my actual unlocked bootloader (didn't make a backup before unlocking because the warranty is loooong gone now) and if I restore it after making the update, will that allow me to go back to stock ROMs ?
Really hope I could get an answer, has anyone tried flashing stock ROMs after updating the bootloader ?

Just upgraded to the OP3

Hello,
Picked up my OP3 on Monday (Contract with o2 in the UK) and itching to flash a new ROM. Just has a few questions.
Does the all in one toolkit still work? Comfortable with adb and fast boot but toolkit is obviously easier and quicker.
Currently running latest firmware is there any precautions to take when flashing ROMs etc? On previous devices it's been a simple boot into TWRP/CWM, wipe, flash ROM/gapps and happy days. Are all ROMs compatible?
Noticed OnePlus don't consider unlocking a bootloader and flashing etc worthy of voiding a warranty- does this mean if anything did happen at some point and I was running custom ROMs that o2 will still repair it or do they not follow OP's after care? Whilst im on this topic; Can you relock the bootloader with ease if anything was to happen?
Finally which 7.X ROM is the most stable with good battery life and plenty of features? Personal favourite has always been PACman but haven't had a chance to scroll through the current ROMs for this device yet. On my G3 many custom ROMs which weren't based on stock had terrible camera quality, is this common on the OP3 too?
Thanks,
Curtis
1. Yes the toolkit should still work
2. Flashing roms is the same as all other devices
3. If the problem was not caused because of the custom rom the they will repair it for you i guess.
4. And as far as battery life is concerned it is determined more by the kernel than the rom. I would recommend exkernel and official cm14.1
Thank for your reply!
Another question haha, can I just unlock bootloader, load up TWRP, boot into recovery, wipe, install any ROM and I'm golden? Saw a few threads say firmware X.X.X aren't compatible and you need to jump to X.X.X for it to work as well as some fingerprint problems occurring if not using a certain build?
Just wondering if the above is all old stuff that has been ironed out haha
Thanks
If your flashing cm14.1 based ROMs then you would need to flash correct firmware which would be in installation instructions or help threads but oos stock based ROMs will have everything included

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