Hi,
I'm having problems with space and the general speed of my Xperia Arc S so the time has come to finally upgrade from Sony's version of Android 2.3 in hope that it will improve things.
I've kind of avoided this so far as I don't really know the best way to back-up things.
I want to back up to my computer - not to the internet.
I am guessing that for the applications that I would like to back up I would need to back up both their APK files and whatever their setting files are. I guess there are also some system settings to back up (but then these are less important).
A problem I have always had is space on the phone - it has very little storage space and although I try and move everything to the SD card, a lot of it doesn't seem to be able to be moved.
Things like simply the Google Play services take up loads of space! I don't even really have that much on there - mainly just whatsapp.
The phone is stock although I have checked in the service menu and it says that I can unlock the bootloader. Part of the reason I didn't upgrade to Sony's version of Android 4 was because I heard that it locks the bootloader and I didn't know if this was bad.
What is the bootloader unlock for? Is it for loading custom roms? As i thought you could do this even if it was locked? Or is it for rooting?
So yer, I guess I am looking for recommendations for a CFW to suit my needs. Priorities are that it works and i'm guessing the latest android version possible would be best as this will help with performance etc. Or is that a misnomer as newer android releases are generally geared for phones with higher specs? I've heard that some CFWs have problems with wifi etc so i'd like to avoid those as I certainly need that.
Overall there seem to be so many even on this forum that I don't really know which would be a best fit for my needs or this phone.
I also have an original San Francisco (zte blade) to update but will save that 'till I've done this one.
Hopefully I can get an understanding as to how all this CFW / Rooting / whatever business works and the best / latest way to do things, as as with everything, it all rapidly changes and you can find yourself looking out lots of outdated and now incorrect or superseeded information.
All a bit overwhelming really, which is why i've put it off so long!
Thanks for your time and help!
1. Q : For backup on ICS 4.0.4, right?
A : Unlock bootloader first -> root -> flash cwm - now u can backup everything from ur phone.
2. Q : Little storage, right?
A : After backup, reboot system.
Partition ur sdcard -> install link2sd. (google it for how to)
Link what do u want to link (google it for how to)
3. Q : Unlockbootloader, right?
A : It's for using custom kernel (google it for how to)
There's too many tutorial from all your question.
Read it again and again :good:
Abigail said:
1. Q : For backup on ICS 4.0.4, right?
A : Unlock bootloader first -> root -> flash cwm - now u can backup everything from ur phone.
2. Q : Little storage, right?
A : After backup, reboot system.
Partition ur sdcard -> install link2sd. (google it for how to)
Link what do u want to link (google it for how to)
3. Q : Unlockbootloader, right?
A : It's for using custom kernel (google it for how to)
There's too many tutorial from all your question.
Read it again and again :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have android 2.3 - is this a problem?
I thought that the Sony ICS 4.0 update made it so you could not unlock your bootloader?
Hmm if you unlock your bootloader, it will also root the phone, correct?
But it seems that using the Sony tool will wipe my phone developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/unlock-yourboot-loader/
So i saw there is the S1tool but then people said that it does not work with the Arc S.
Is this still the case? What is the reason? is it impossible?
So, you say that in order to back up my applications and things, i need to unlock my bootloader. The official way seems to wipe my phone though - so then i can't back up :S
Hmm, see, i am confused about the order i should do things. Also i've heard that if you use the Sony tool then you cannot use OTA updates which seems like it could be problematic? Mind you i guess CFW cannot use OTA either - so how do you update? You must check for updates on your PC and reflash your phone regularly? Or are there ways for Stock android CFW to support OTA updates?
So, does the Sony ICS update stop you unlocking the bootloader?
I guess there are 2 options. Update using that and then install helium OR root and then use titanium backup.
Not sure which to try.
Thanks!
1. Unlock bootloader is only affected by the phone manufacture date, check the battery compartment and see if the date is before 12W11. Any date after this means the phone can't be unlocked.
2. Software does not affect the unlocking of bootloader, like I mentioned earlier check the battery compartment.
3. Unlocking your bootloader does not mean you have rooted your phone. It just means you can flash custom kernels onto your phone.
4. It's not that S1tool doesn't work, if I told you the entire process of doing it you wouldn't want to do it either.
5. Sony last stopped the update at 4.0.4, no need to concern yourself with future updates.
6. If you use CFW, refer to the thread for instructions on how to install updates.
7. Like I mentioned, ICS update does not affect bootloader unlock, only the manufacture date does. Furthermore, if you update from stock to a CFW, you will not be able to restore your data from the old software. You will have no choice but to start with a clean slate.
I am on Sonys 2.3, build 4.0.2.A.0.62 and i read that i cannot root this version.
I can't use backup software as i can't root to use titanium and helium doesn't support 2.3.
Sony back also apparently doesn't support my phone.
Basically, my apps are outdated due to me not having enough space to update them.
I think that updating to Sony's ICS update might enable me to use these programs and root so that i can backup, then unlock the bootloader and use cfw. (i checked and my s# is older than 12W11 so that's fine).
However, i am worried that if i try to update to Sony's ICS update that i will either lose my applications or the data that is stored with them (whatsapp history, game saves, app config etc etc) - particularly as they are not up to date.
Is this the case? Is there anything i can do?
Thanks
oneNight1 said:
I am on Sonys 2.3, build 4.0.2.A.0.62 and i read that i cannot root this version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a look at the tool namend one click root (this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219781), your build should be root-able, just read carefully and decide if you wanna try...
I used this tool on stock sony ics 4.0.4 build and it worked nicely, haven't tried it on stock sony gb 2.3 build though.
Good luck! :good:
BadGround said:
Take a look at the tool namend one click root (this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219781), your build should be root-able, just read carefully and decide if you wanna try...
I used this tool on stock sony ics 4.0.4 build and it worked nicely, haven't tried it on stock sony gb 2.3 build though.
Good luck! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip! It worked!
If you do it twice it relocks your phone. Took some google translate to find out what the chinese was saying hehe.
I'm now on stock 4.0.3 (4.1.A.0.562).
Doesn't seem a great deal better than 2.3, i guess i need to find out what a good lightweight CFW is really. Firefox for android constantly crashes so i tried naked browser and that does too. Wish there was a good selective script blocker for mobile browsers - that would help a lot. Noscript for firefox would be a possibility but the problem is it crashes a lot even with javascript disabled.
So yer not sure where the problems are coming from, maybe due to the low RAM in this phone. That's why i was thinking a lightweight CFW might help matters but not sure if it's best to go with a 5.1 one that breaks 720p recording and has issues with things like turning off GPS.
Or it might be better to go with the latest type that doesn't break anything. I'm guessing that is a 4.0.4 CFW? Or maybe 4.4? I know stock only goes up to 4.0.4 but i think i read something about being able to get CFW based on stock so HDMI, FM radio, 720p recording etc etc won't be broken?
Thanks anyway!
oneNight1 said:
Or it might be better to go with the latest type that doesn't break anything. I'm guessing that is a 4.0.4 CFW? Or maybe 4.4? I know stock only goes up to 4.0.4 but i think i read something about being able to get CFW based on stock so HDMI, FM radio, 720p recording etc etc won't be broken?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I haven't tried 5.1 so far, only following the 5.1-threads to see how it's going on.
HDMI is only working up to 4.0.4 roms, FM radio is working in 4.1 roms too, and you'll get 720p recording also in 4.4.4 roms. If you want all things working your phone is able to you will have to use roms based on stock GB or ICS. Therefore I'm using a stock based ICS rom most of the time (T-Rom).
By T-Rom for Arc S, i assume that you mean this? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1746508
Or if not then this port of it? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2239187
Sounds like something worth trying to see if it helps!
Thanks!
oneNight1 said:
By T-Rom for Arc S, i assume that you mean this? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1746508
Or if not then this port of it? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2239187
Sounds like something worth trying to see if it helps!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For Arc S the first link is the matching one. I think it's the most recently updated ICS rom for our device :good:
Hi!
I need to restore my Z1C to a "non-tampered" condition. I've got my TA backed up and I've restored the earliest TWRP I had. I'm now on stock T-Mobile branded ROM, 14.4.A.0.157, but still it remains rooted (I needed to backup the TA first somehow) and TWRP is still present. I just need to make sure that everything I've done is gone (I don't mind flashing stock LP if needed) and as far as I know only those two and TA are left. I tried looking it up, but found no reliable/sufficient info, so I've got few questions:
1. Is there any way in which i could get rid of root and recovery without flashing a clean TFT?
2. Am I correct in assuming, that flashing latest Lolipop TFT from XperiFirm with appropriate branding would get my phone in the same state as an OTA update and factory reset on an nontampered phone?
3. If I were to flash a TFT file right now, I should FIRST restore the TA, then flash stock using Flashtools, correct?
4. On the subject of preparing a TFT, I've read, that you shouldn't push .ta files. My chosen ROM contains following:
simlock.ta
cust-reset.ta
fota-reset.ta
boot/Amami_S1BootConfig_MiscTA.ta
Apart from simlock.ta, which sounds obviously horrible (this phone haven't ever had a simlock anyway), I heard, that I should leave out the *-reset.ta files, right? But what about the last one? My TA backup is made on a 4.4 system and this is a 5.1 ROM as far as I know and I wouldn't want it to cause any issues. I'm also very curious about the purpose of those "reset" files. When you would actually consider using them?
I would really appreciate any help and/or resources. Thanks in advance!
intpee said:
Hi!
I need to restore my Z1C to a "non-tampered" condition. I've got my TA backed up and I've restored the earliest TWRP I had. I'm now on stock T-Mobile branded ROM, 14.4.A.0.157, but still it remains rooted (I needed to backup the TA first somehow) and TWRP is still present. I just need to make sure that everything I've done is gone (I don't mind flashing stock LP if needed) and as far as I know only those two and TA are left. I tried looking it up, but found no reliable/sufficient info, so I've got few questions:
1. Is there any way in which i could get rid of root and recovery without flashing a clean TFT?
2. Am I correct in assuming, that flashing latest Lolipop TFT from XperiFirm with appropriate branding would get my phone in the same state as an OTA update and factory reset on an nontampered phone?
3. If I were to flash a TFT file right now, I should FIRST restore the TA, then flash stock using Flashtools, correct?
4. On the subject of preparing a TFT, I've read, that you shouldn't push .ta files. My chosen ROM contains following:
simlock.ta
cust-reset.ta
fota-reset.ta
boot/Amami_S1BootConfig_MiscTA.ta
Apart from simlock.ta, which sounds obviously horrible (this phone haven't ever had a simlock anyway), I heard, that I should leave out the *-reset.ta files, right? But what about the last one? My TA backup is made on a 4.4 system and this is a 5.1 ROM as far as I know and I wouldn't want it to cause any issues. I'm also very curious about the purpose of those "reset" files. When you would actually consider using them?
I would really appreciate any help and/or resources. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not an expert on any of this, but I have done quite a bit of flashing etc, and my two cents is...
1. If I wanted 100% stock, I would probably use Emma. It's official Sony tool, and probably will wipe/reset whatever you're trying to. Also not as many expert-type options, etc...
2. You might be better off posting in Flashtool and/or XperiFirm threads for answers to technical questions.
Hi, a have recently purchased the XZ2 Compact single Sim model, it should arrive later this week. While waiting, I would appreciate everyone's opinion on which stock firmware version is best in terms of performance and battery life:
• Android 8 Oreo
• Android 9 Pie
• Android 10
Or if you guys haven't found a any difference, between firmware versions at all, then please comment below !
Thanks in advance.
David-538 said:
Hi, a have recently purchased the XZ2 Compact single Sim model, it should arrive later this week. While waiting, I would appreciate everyone's opinion on which stock firmware version is best in terms of performance and battery life:
• Android 8 Oreo
• Android 9 Pie
• Android 10
Or if you guys haven't found a any difference, between firmware versions at all, then please comment below !
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Latest 10 with eXistenZ patch - https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rom-stock-xz2-xz2c-xz2p-existenz-quindim-v1-0-0-06-05-20.4095403/
levone1 said:
Latest 10 with eXistenZ patch - https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rom-stock-xz2-xz2c-xz2p-existenz-quindim-v1-0-0-06-05-20.4095403/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your suggestion, I just meant stock, without rooting, or installing any mods. Like has Sony made it worse with a9/a10 official update, or is there no major performance loss when upgrading ?
David-538 said:
Thanks for your suggestion, I just meant stock, without rooting, or installing any mods. Like has Sony made it worse with a9/a10 official update, or is there no major performance loss when upgrading ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used stock as-is, because of Sony bloatware, restrictions, etc, but I typically prefer stock UI over most custom ROM UIs, so if I can get eXistenZ, I will always go with it. @niaboc79 has been the master of Sony roms going back to at least 4.4. Between UI customization and under the hood type stuff, there's no better option I have found. With root and eXistenZ, the whole firmware is at your control...
If you're only interested in straight-stock vs. custom ROM, then custom ROM is by far better, but not sure why you would limit yourself to straight stock if that's the case, because you have to unlock bootloader and root to use custom ROM. The only advantage of straight stock is official support/security, which is arguably n/a in this case, since the last official update was 2 years ago...
levone1 said:
I have never used stock as-is, because of Sony bloatware, restrictions, etc, but I typically prefer stock UI over most custom ROM UIs, so if I can get eXistenZ, I will always go with it. @niaboc79 has been the master of Sony roms going back to at least 4.4. Between UI customization and under the hood type stuff, there's no better option I have found. With root and eXistenZ, the whole firmware is at your control...
If you're only interested in straight-stock vs. custom ROM, then custom ROM is by far better, but not sure why you would limit yourself to straight stock if that's the case, because you have to unlock bootloader and root to use custom ROM. The only advantage of straight stock is official support/security, which is arguably n/a in this case, since the last official update was 2 years ago...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, ah yes, I also prefer rooting and custom roms, but there's chance the device won't be in unlocked, because I ordered it from Aliexpress, and it's the Japanese Docomo version. Anyway I also heard that some features and good photo quality, get lost when unlocking ? Is there a work around if the DRM keys get lost ?
David-538 said:
Hi, ah yes, I also prefer rooting and custom roms, but there's chance the device won't be in unlocked, because I ordered it from Aliexpress, and it's the Japanese Docomo version. Anyway I also heard that some features and good photo quality, get lost when unlocking ? Is there a work around if the DRM keys get lost ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there's any such thing for this phone. Some have found a way to dump ta, but not to restore it, so not much use...
I upgraded to 10 to start with, then unlocked bl, etc. I think that's the best way. There's much discussion in the forums about camera function and drm in regards to 8 and 9, (ask @MartinX3 or @Pandemic), and seems like there may be different things you can do...
I'm not so hung up on the finer aspects of camera functionality. I think the difference is pretty subtle. Camera is good for me, (probably better on stock with unlocked bl than on custom/AOSP).
levone1 said:
I don't think there's any such thing for this phone. Some have found a way to dump ta, but not to restore it, so not much use...
I upgraded to 10 to start with, then unlocked bl, etc. I think that's the best way. There's much discussion in the forums about camera function and drm in regards to 8 and 9, (ask @MartinX3 or @Pandemic), and seems like there may be different things you can do...
I'm not so hung up on the finer aspects of camera functionality. I think the difference is pretty subtle. Camera is good for me, (probably better on stock with unlocked bl than on custom/AOSP).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, thanks for the info. I'm new to Sony devices lol. Well I always wanted to try out a sony device. Anyway is 960fps video recording still there ? After unlocking your bootloader ?
levone1 said:
I have never used stock as-is, because of Sony bloatware, restrictions, etc, but I typically prefer stock UI over most custom ROM UIs, so if I can get eXistenZ, I will always go with it. @niaboc79 has been the master of Sony roms going back to at least 4.4. Between UI customization and under the hood type stuff, there's no better option I have found. With root and eXistenZ, the whole firmware is at your control...
If you're only interested in straight-stock vs. custom ROM, then custom ROM is by far better, but not sure why you would limit yourself to straight stock if that's the case, because you have to unlock bootloader and root to use custom ROM. The only advantage of straight stock is official support/security, which is arguably n/a in this case, since the last official update was 2 years ago...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just flashed eXistenZ after seeing your opinion. But help me out... How do i know the flash is properly done if there is no kernel brand on device stats... Weird
Purplearyes said:
Just flashed eXistenZ after seeing your opinion. But help me out... How do i know the flash is properly done if there is no kernel brand on device stats... Weird
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...
Purplearyes said:
Just flashed eXistenZ after seeing your opinion. But help me out... How do i know the flash is properly done if there is no kernel brand on device stats... Weird
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you mean by kernel brand, but you know if flashed properly because the ui and options will be drastically different with eXistenZ compared to stock. If everything's the same, then it's not flashed.
levone1 said:
Not sure what you mean by kernel brand, but you know if flashed properly because the ui and options will be drastically different with eXistenZ compared to stock. If everything's the same, then it's not flashed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i just realized the flash didn't went through. im experiencing many issues. Firstly twrp is not flashing anything always some error of storage access or something. then i try to flash on los recovery, and it works for lineage perfect flash, but for existenz stock zip it flashes everything no errors but doesn't change anything on the stock rom (.618 clean install) i can't seem to figure it out...
levone1 said:
Not sure what you mean by kernel brand, but you know if flashed properly because the ui and options will be drastically different with eXistenZ compared to stock. If everything's the same, then it's not flashedalso
levone1 said:
I have never used stock as-is, because of Sony bloatware, restrictions, etc, but I typically prefer stock UI over most custom ROM UIs, so if I can get eXistenZ, I will always go with it. @niaboc79 has been the master of Sony roms going back to at least 4.4. Between UI customization and under the hood type stuff, there's no better option I have found. With root and eXistenZ, the whole firmware is at your control...
If you're only interested in straight-stock vs. custom ROM, then custom ROM is by far better, but not sure why you would limit yourself to straight stock if that's the case, because you have to unlock bootloader and root to use custom ROM. The only advantage of straight stock is official support/security, which is arguably n/a in this case, since the last official update was 2 years ago...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did some research and from what is logged on existenz page it includes nothing more than UI customizations? Am i missing something. How can this stock patch be the best for you if it only does UI changes..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Purplearyes said:
Yes i just realized the flash didn't went through. im experiencing many issues. Firstly twrp is not flashing anything always some error of storage access or something. then i try to flash on los recovery, and it works for lineage perfect flash, but for existenz stock zip it flashes everything no errors but doesn't change anything on the stock rom (.618 clean install) i can't seem to figure it out..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Which version of TWRP? Make sure you are using the right one. Should be this one - https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz2/development/recovery-twrp-3-3-1-0-t4074305
- Did you follow this, (from eXistenZ thread):
Flash latest android 10 firmware with Newflasher and boot it once.
Reboot in bootloader mode with adb (adb reboot boolloader) and boot TWRP (see TWRP thread for instructions).
Inside TWRP, go in settings and uncheck unmount system before flashing.
Mount system partition and Flash eXistenZ Quidim cleaner.
Boot once, it shouldn't reach pin code screen, reboot in bootloader mode with adb.
Boot TWRP, mount system partition and flash the rom.
Flash Magisk.
(e.g. - make sure to boot once before flashing, use adb for bootloader mode, check system in TWRP, etc...)
levone1 said:
- Which version of TWRP? Make sure you are using the right one. Should be this one - https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz2/development/recovery-twrp-3-3-1-0-t4074305
- Did you follow this, (from eXistenZ thread):
Flash latest android 10 firmware with Newflasher and boot it once.
Reboot in bootloader mode with adb (adb reboot boolloader) and boot TWRP (see TWRP thread for instructions).
Inside TWRP, go in settings and uncheck unmount system before flashing.
Mount system partition and Flash eXistenZ Quidim cleaner.
Boot once, it shouldn't reach pin code screen, reboot in bootloader mode with adb.
Boot TWRP, mount system partition and flash the rom.
Flash Magisk.
(e.g. - make sure to boot once before flashing, use adb for bootloader mode, check system in TWRP, etc...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used 3.4.00 twrp, maybe should try 3.3.10. Also i flashed .618 which is 10 though not the latest but it should be the same thing.
The rom seems to flash, because i get the existenz custom settings on phone settings, idk if that is all it does.
Hello guys,
I recently bought a used OnePlus 7T, with the goal in mind, to try to install Ubuntu Touch on it. There were some tries to do this in the past, there is posts on the forums here where a 7 Pro was successfully running UT.
Now while I am a software developer, I am a total beginner regarding 1) UT porting 2) Android in general. I have never used an Android device, and I am unfamiliar with the OS and all related terminology. The latter seems to give me some headaches at the moment, so I would like to ask you guys for some starting help.
When I received the phone it was running OOS 11, and I downgraded to OOS 10 as described here after I unlocked the boot loader and also installed TWRP (I think this was not needed yet, but well ...). And I think I didnt pay enough attention to it, since now it does not seem to be the EU version anymore; the about page tells me: "10.3.1.HD65AA", which I think means global? Does it have any impact on the functionality of the phone? Can I switch back to EU version? If so, how? Should I pick a EU-zip from here and flash it again?
Now since I was trying to downgrade even further to android 9 (in order to begin with the Ubuntu Touch related stuff), I tried to find a ZIP containing the OOS 9 downgrade, but I could find none. The closest which I found was this. However when I place the downloaded ZIP in the root folder ("OnePlus 7T" is the root folder? E.g. the one where I see subfolders like ".OTA", "SysQS", "TWRP"?), the system update will not pick it up in the local upgrade menu. It just doesn't find it. I already renamend it from .jar to .zip, but still it does not work. This makes me believe I downloaded the wrong ZIP.
Long story short, can someone help me to achieve the following:
1) Switch back to EU version
2) Downgrade to OOS 9
And I have some general questions:
1) TWRP is a tool which is installed on the recovery partition of the phone, and it can be booted into to install various things. It would for example allow to install a different Android version, as alternative to system -> software update -> gears -> local. Is that a correct summary? For which step would I actually need TWRP during the a) the downgrade process from 11 -> 9 and b) porting to UT?
2) Does the phone need to be rooted during the downgrade process, or when porting to UT?
3) What are the two slots which are shown in TWRP? Are those 2 partitions on the internal storage?
4) How many partitions (in the regular PC sense of partitions of a hard disk) does the phone have? 2? One for recovery, and one for the operating system? In the UBPorts docs I read that the vendor blobs reside on a separate partition since Android 9, so there must be at least 3 partitions on the phone? How do I make sure that I don't accidentially write e.g. on the vendor blobs partition? I guess that `fastboot flash recovery twrp.img` means that the *recovery* partition should be flashed, right?
I think thats it for now. Sorry for the wall of text, but its just so much information for a beginner, and its a bit overwhelming. But I want to get into it bit by bit, and maybe in the end contribute to the device porting, in case I manage to do it.
I don't think there is oos9 for op7t
Nope, came with oos10