[Q] Xperia play Gingerbread to Jellybean/Kitkat - Xperia Play Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi can anyone advise what the problem could be?
I have been trying to upgrade my Xperia play from Gingerbread to Jellybean and failed,
My handset is Bootloader unlock Status = No, although O2 unlocked the carrier so I could use any carrier.
So when I goto Sony bootloader unlock site the phone will not goto fastboot mode. Just says Waiting
When I open Fashtool I have successfully rooted the phone, but when I try to Flash the phone rather than go into Fastboot mode the just restarts.
I am using Windows 7 64bit.
Any help on getting this done is greatly appreciated
Grover

Umm I think only the simlock has been removed. But the bootloader is still locked and cannot be unlocked. and what button are you pressing to go into flashboot?

ryanperez said:
Umm I think only the simlock has been removed. But the bootloader is still locked and cannot be unlocked. and what button are you pressing to go into flashboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used search button whilst plugining in USB.
Does that mean bootloader is locked, so impossible to unlock?
The sticker on the back of the phone is W46. Read somewhere that using Flashtool may damage the phone.
Thanks in advance
Grover

Grover2000 said:
Hi can anyone advise what the problem could be?
I have been trying to upgrade my Xperia play from Gingerbread to Jellybean and failed,
My handset is Bootloader unlock Status = No, although O2 unlocked the carrier so I could use any carrier.
So when I goto Sony bootloader unlock site the phone will not goto fastboot mode. Just says Waiting
When I open Fashtool I have successfully rooted the phone, but when I try to Flash the phone rather than go into Fastboot mode the just restarts.
I am using Windows 7 64bit.
Any help on getting this done is greatly appreciated
Grover
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SIM Unlocking the phone inst the same as Unlocking the Bootloader. If you Have Bootloader unlock Status = No you can still unlock your Bootloader via the Test Point method.
If you Unlock your phone with the Test Point method you will not have acces to Fastboot Mode, but you can still Flash Kernels via Flash Mode Using the FTF version of it(insted of a boot.img file).
Look in my signature if you want any FTF kernel.

TheScriptKitty said:
SIM Unlocking the phone inst the same as Unlocking the Bootloader. If you Have Bootloader unlock Status = No you can still unlock your Bootloader via the Test Point method.
If you Unlock your phone with the Test Point method you will not have acces to Fastboot Mode, but you can still Flash Kernels via Flash Mode Using the FTF version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please note this method only works for xplays made before a certain date. (can't remember exactly when but google will help)
Sent from my R800i using XDA Free mobile app

korrectmethod said:
Please note this method only works for xplays made before a certain date. (can't remember exactly when but google will help)
Sent from my R800i using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have successfully done the test point via s1 tool method, but I'm not quite sure which version of JB to upload and how to my Xperia Play. Can someone give me a step by step guide on how to flash my phone?
Thanks in advance
Grover

Grover2000 said:
I have successfully done the test point via s1 tool method, but I'm not quite sure which version of JB to upload and how to my Xperia Play. Can someone give me a step by step guide on how to flash my phone?
Thanks in advance
Grover
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just read the instructions for whatever kernel you are using, and same with the rom you want to install.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39047223
Sent from my R800i using XDA Free mobile app

As above, follow the guide above. Since you unlocked via the testpoint and there's no fastboot, you need to have your kernels in a .ftf file format.
Here's a thread with download links to ftf kernels: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2739559
You will need to use flashtool to flash them. The JB ROM can then be flashed via recovery normally.
My Xperia PLAY was locked to O2 as well and testpoint unlocked, and these have been working fine for me so far... although for some reason my phone stopped working with ICS ROMs. GB and JB still works however.

Phone bricked.
I flashed the Lupus JB kernal and then entered recovery menu and deleted formatted and now it just a blank screen as if the phone is off yet plugging in the usb is recognised by computer yet flashtools and Sony companion can't repair or recognise.
Any ideas?
Grover

Exactly what did you delete/format under recovery? All I did was pick the factory reset option, then wiped cache and dalvik cache, and then flashed the ROM and worked fine for me. I'm using version 8 of the kernel however for the extra data space.
Here are the ftf files for the stock original Sony firmware, which you can use to restore your device if flashing goes wrong (.79 is the latest): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=43935357&postcount=2

I formatted the file as you did and it came on with a blank lit screen so I flash the default file in firmware a on flash tools to get nothing but a blank dead screen
Any help is greatly appreciated
Grover

1) Download the .79 ftf firmware and place it in Flashtool's firmware folder.
2) Open up flashtool, and plug in the Xperia PLAY in flash mode (hold back button while plugging in USB). Flashtool should report the device is in flash mode.
3) Press the flash button (lightning symbol) and select the stock .79 firmware, then confirm to flash that.
4) Wait for it to finish flashing. Flashtool will then ask you to reboot the device.
5) Unplug the phone and hold the power button until it vibrates. Let go and it should boot back into the stock Xperia software.
It should now be back to stock, and you can attempt to try custom ROMs and kernels again.

Unfortunately this is where the problem lies. Flash tools doesn't recognise that the phone is there hence can't flash it with stock firmware.
It is In a dead state. Is there anyone who offers a service to Unbrick it and what tools are required?
I am not dettered by having bricked my phone, as this is all part of my learning, although I would appreciated a possible fix to Unbrick it.
Thanks in advance
Grover

Have you installed the drivers for the phone from the flashtool driver folder? Have a check here on how to do it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2054486

KiraYahiroz said:
Have you installed the drivers for the phone from the flashtool driver folder? Have a check here on how to do it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2054486
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the drivers where installed as per instruction. The phone is in a state of being off all the time no lights or anything.
The only thing that is heard is the usb sound on the computer when it is connected.
Flashtools Sony Companion doesn't see the phone at all.
grover

TheScriptKitty said:
If you Unlock your phone with the Test Point method you will not have acces to Fastboot Mode, but you can still Flash Kernels via Flash Mode Using the FTF version of it(insted of a boot.img file).
Look in my signature if you want any FTF kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But my bootloader was unlocked Via testpoint and i have both fastboot mode and flash mode working fine, i install kernels via .img like everyone else and im a r800X cdma user.

xdarkmario said:
But my bootloader was unlocked Via testpoint and i have both fastboot mode and flash mode working fine, i install kernels via .img like everyone else and im a r800X cdma user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you unlocked your Bootloader via the test point method for the R800x and the R800i you should have access to Fast Boot Mode. You only don't get access to Fast Boot Mode if you have "Bootloader unlock status: No"(and unlocked via the Test Point Method), witch is about 100% of R800a users.

As above. Sadly, all phones sold from O2 UK have bootloader unlock as no, so the normal way of unlocking won't work and only the tespoint method is avaliable... So no fastboot. Due to that, I buy my phones unlocked and unbranded now. Luckily thanks to the great developers on here we can still root and play around with custom ROMs.
What version of Windows are you using Grover? I'm not sure if it's related but I have problems with adb/fastboot drivers on Windows 8/8.1 with HTC devices. Everything works perfectly on 7 though.

Related

[Q] how to update with unlocked bootloader?

Is there a way to update to the latest version 4 with unlocked bootloader? I dont really care if I loose the root or not. The last time I tried to switch to stock from my rooted .145 and update from the phone, my phone "brick" on me. Luckily there is a way to fix the problem.
kuailan said:
Is there a way to update to the latest version 4 with unlocked bootloader? I dont really care if I loose the root or not. The last time I tried to switch to stock from my rooted .145 and update from the phone, my phone "brick" on me. Luckily there is a way to fix the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe like this: Rooted .img 4.0.A.2.368 LT15i Generic Global
bukest said:
Maybe like this: Rooted .img 4.0.A.2.368 LT15i Generic Global
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So just flash this using the fastboot?? have you tried it? will it work? anyway, will download and see...thanks.
kuailan said:
So just flash this using the fastboot?? have you tried it? will it work? anyway, will download and see...thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I haven't. I have locked bootloader(yet). But read about it in some threads. Is this just an offer from me... Read the comments.
Ok finally after several research and try I find the following are the easiest method of getting root on the latest version (for people with unlock bootloader).
1. Flash using Flashtool any unrooted version 4 ROM
I used the following: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1209237
2. Switch off your phone, and boot into fastboot mode. How? When the phone is off, hold the menu button and connect the USB cable to the PC.
3. Using fastboot command, flash the boot image created by Doomlord. Here is the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1172885
4. Boot your phone, and enjoy the rooted ARC
Yes kuailan thats the same method I used. Its not just a rooted arc now, with setcpu app you can under/overclock it, and i dunno if any other addons.
Anyway, remind yourself and everyone that once its in that state, never do OTA update as doing that on a bootloader unlocked phone will result in bricked phone. Its recoverable, but requires additional effort. So there's the warning.

[Q] I've lost my xperia s? Please, help!

Hi, first of all sorry for my english it isn't quite good. Well, i'll explain what happened to me. I was root but i didn't have the bootloader unlocked. I tried to install this rom:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2041646
I got in CMW and i wipe all and then i installed the NOVA zip. Everything appeared well and i completed the installation. I tried to reboot but the phone don't turns on. When i try to turn it on just vibrate a little but anything appear on the screen and if i try to turn it on with the volume down key, the led turns green for a while at the same time that the phone vibrates. I don't know what to do and i wish that someone could help me, I'm desperated.
Thank you for your time!
Use the Sony flashtool or the pc companion to restore to stock then never flash a Rom of your loader is locked and the Rom is for unlocked loaders
Sent from my LT28at using xda app-developers app
that problem occur because u still have bootloader locked. it need to be unlocked to flash Nova Rom.
now u need to install back stock rom and start again.
1. flash back stock rom using pc companion. (if cannot turn on your phone, try using sony flashtool, i prefer using it, more easy)
2. after stock rom installed, then unlock your bootloader, please refer to sony website on how to unlock bootloader.
3. root and install CWM.
4. flash Nova.zip using CWM.
5. Done
BelzIgoh said:
that problem occur because u still have bootloader locked. it need to be unlocked to flash Nova Rom.
now u need to install back stock rom and start again.
1. flash back stock rom using pc companion. (if cannot turn on your phone, try using sony flashtool, i prefer using it, more easy)
2. after stock rom installed, then unlock your bootloader, please refer to sony website on how to unlock bootloader.
3. root and install CWM.
4. flash Nova.zip using CWM.
5. Done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For Sony flashtool he needs unlocked bootloader. So only solution is to try repair with pc companion or to flash stock rom with flashtool by androxyde.
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
Yes, sorry about that. my mistake. Sony flashtool need unlock bootloader.
Thank you for all responses! I've just flashed a rom with flashtool and now the phone turns on! So problem solved! Thanks again!

i THINK i BRICKED MY XPERIA PLAY R800X

i was following dt674 guide on upgrading verizon r800x to cm9. I was doing fine untill i reached step 19. flashtool wasnt detecting verizon 2.3.4 so i decided to skip it since the phone already had the 2.3.4 flashed. so I decided to skip steps 19 20 21. I held the search button and plugged the usb cable and typed fastboot boot recoveryPLAY.img in the command prompt. After the operation was over i read the cmd prompt it showed that something was deleted. i tried booting the phone but was not successfull the phone vibrates but does not turn on the LED does not light either.
in order to flash custom kernel, you need to unlock the bootloader. if you didn't unlock your bootloader then fastboot wouldn't work and should not do anything to your phone. so you must have done something else. also you have to install the drivers for fastboot to recognize your device.
In any case, you can use flashtool to flash it back to stock, follow this guide. However, remeber to use the verizon ftf file.
You don't need to go directly to CM9 yet. First try the basic: root it, install cwm and install the NXT rom for CDMA, all these don't require unlocking bootloader. Refer to this thread for instruction. However, you have an R800x, so make sure you download CDMA version: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2067356
eksasol said:
in order to flash custom kernel, you need to unlock the bootloader. if you didn't unlock your bootloader then fastboot wouldn't work and should not do anything to your phone. so you must have done something else. also you have to install the drivers for fastboot to recognize your device.
In any case, you can use flashtool to flash it back to stock, follow this guide. However, remeber to use the verizon ftf file.
You don't need to go directly to CM9 yet. First try the basic: root it, install cwm and restore NXT for CDMA, all these don't require unlocking bootloader. Refer to this thread for instruction. However, you have an R800x, so make sure you download CDMA version: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2067356
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thnx for your reply
i was able to reflash verizon 2.3.4 ftf rom using the flash tool. I unlocked my bootloader on the sonys website.

[Q] Arc S not booting after flashing new ROM

Hello
As an initial note, I am not at all a techie guy. But I wanted to load Jelly Bean on to my Xperia Arc S. So I tried the following which I believe I should not have tried.
1. Rooted the device using ERoot 1.2
2.Unloaked the bootloader by following the steps described in sony website
3. Tried to flash Kernel using flashtool (latest from flashtool website) but was unsuccessful. It always says you need to root the device to flash in the activity log. But when I come out of fastboot mode, the flash tool always says the deice connected and it says the devise is rooted. But it never permits to flash the kernel in fastboot mode. I tried with different kernels, but unsuccessful.
4. So out of curiosity, I just decided to proceed with installation of jelly bean based on cynagenmod 10. So downloaded the Jelly bean ROM & doodle apps and copied to sd card.
5. I installed the CWM using x tool from play store.
6. opened the recovery mode and deleted all cache and other thing as per a video in you tube. Then proceeded with the installation of Jelly Bean and google apps. Installation was successful.
7. But when I restarted the phone, it just shows sony logo and hangs. It never starts.
8. After this I tried to flash a kernel again, it still says the devise is not rooted.
9. After reading few forum threads I decided to relock the bootloader and use pc companion to reload ICS or GB. I flashed a bootloader locker ftf file and was successful.
Now my phone is still showing only sony logo while boots and nothing. The PC companion is not detecting. Am stuck now. I don't know what to do. Please help. I donno if I did something wrong and l will have to discard my phone.
It's not the end of the world.
haristah said:
2.Unloaked the bootloader by following the steps described in sony website
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you follow all the steps correctly? Because the next step says....
haristah said:
3. Tried to flash Kernel using flashtool (latest from flashtool website) but was unsuccessful. It always says you need to root the device to flash in the activity log. But when I come out of fastboot mode, the flash tool always says the deice connected and it says the devise is rooted. But it never permits to flash the kernel in fastboot mode. I tried with different kernels, but unsuccessful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Device must be rooted" error means bootloader is not unlocked. Check over, if you unlocked it properly, got all the codes correct etc.
haristah said:
5. I installed the CWM using x tool from play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no need for that. Custom kernels include Recovery already.
haristah said:
7. But when I restarted the phone, it just shows sony logo and hangs. It never starts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue there, is that this ROM and kernel do not work together in combination. ICS kernel must go with ICS ROM, GB with GB etc. Kernel was not installed, thereby you were with JB ROM, but ICS kernel (Sony logo).
haristah said:
9. After reading few forum threads I decided to relock the bootloader and use pc companion to reload ICS or GB. I flashed a bootloader locker ftf file and was successful.
Now my phone is still showing only sony logo while boots and nothing. The PC companion is not detecting. Am stuck now. I don't know what to do. Please help. I donno if I did something wrong and l will have to discard my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locking bootloader didn't change anything. You have to restore your phone to full stock ICS with Flashtool. Download complete ICS firmware FTF file and flash it with Flashtool.
Someguyfromhell said:
It's not the end of the world.
Did you follow all the steps correctly? Because the next step says....
"Device must be rooted" error means bootloader is not unlocked. Check over, if you unlocked it properly, got all the codes correct etc.
There is no need for that. Custom kernels include Recovery already.
The issue there, is that this ROM and kernel do not work together in combination. ICS kernel must go with ICS ROM, GB with GB etc. Kernel was not installed, thereby you were with JB ROM, but ICS kernel (Sony logo).
Locking bootloader didn't change anything. You have to restore your phone to full stock ICS with Flashtool. Download complete ICS firmware FTF file and flash it with Flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, Thanks for the reply.
I understand I need to restore ICS and ICS kernel completely. But for some reason I cant flash using the flash tool as it says the device is not rooted. But honestly I have rooted the device using ERoot and have unlocked the bootloader. I believe that is the reason why I was able to install the JB ROM.
Now I have 2 problem in front of me.
1. I cant flash as it says the device is not rooted
2. I have relocked the bootloader
what's next??
Flashtool does not need root or anything to flash ICS. You are doing something wrong then.
You have to flash whole FTF file in Flashmode. If you occur any error messages, post them here.
i had the same issue
haristah said:
Hello
As an initial note, I am not at all a techie guy. But I wanted to load Jelly Bean on to my Xperia Arc S. So I tried the following which I believe I should not have tried.
1. Rooted the device using ERoot 1.2
2.Unloaked the bootloader by following the steps described in sony website
3. Tried to flash Kernel using flashtool (latest from flashtool website) but was unsuccessful. It always says you need to root the device to flash in the activity log. But when I come out of fastboot mode, the flash tool always says the deice connected and it says the devise is rooted. But it never permits to flash the kernel in fastboot mode. I tried with different kernels, but unsuccessful.
4. So out of curiosity, I just decided to proceed with installation of jelly bean based on cynagenmod 10. So downloaded the Jelly bean ROM & doodle apps and copied to sd card.
5. I installed the CWM using x tool from play store.
6. opened the recovery mode and deleted all cache and other thing as per a video in you tube. Then proceeded with the installation of Jelly Bean and google apps. Installation was successful.
7. But when I restarted the phone, it just shows sony logo and hangs. It never starts.
8. After this I tried to flash a kernel again, it still says the devise is not rooted.
9. After reading few forum threads I decided to relock the bootloader and use pc companion to reload ICS or GB. I flashed a bootloader locker ftf file and was successful.
Now my phone is still showing only sony logo while boots and nothing. The PC companion is not detecting. Am stuck now. I don't know what to do. Please help. I donno if I did something wrong and l will have to discard my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have`nt flasshed the rom boot.img, probably, but anyway, download sony flash tool from official web site(emma), turn off you phone, open emma, press BACK BUTTON(NOT MENU BUTTON) , and it will instal the 2.3.4 android like new one and that is it i did it 3 times all ready
You might wanna use these tutorials for easy ROM installing.
hey,
I use this tutorial on official CM website to install any ROM in my Xperia Arc.
you might wanna try it. [use any ROM zip u want steps are same]
OR
There is one here in Xperia Ultimate HD thread.
Hope this helps

[Q] [Newbie]Troubles reading ftf files

Hi,
I'm new to rooting and flashing custom ROMs, so any help will be greatly appreciated
I'm using an orange xperia lt15i, that I've decided to root and on which I want to run CyanogenMod 9.1
Here's what I've come up with :
flashing a generic ftf to debrand my phone, in orded to unlock the bootloader
install recovery
unlock boot loader
flash CM
The catch is, flashtool (0.9.16.1) can't read any of the ftf files I put in the firmware directory..any idea ?
Did I get the steps in the right order, is there any way to achieve this at all ?
Thanks
Deathtiny said:
Hi,
I'm new to rooting and flashing custom ROMs, so any help will be greatly appreciated
I'm using an orange xperia lt15i, that I've decided to root and on which I want to run CyanogenMod 9.1
Here's what I've come up with :
flashing a generic ftf to debrand my phone, in orded to unlock the bootloader
install recovery
unlock boot loader
flash CM
The catch is, flashtool (0.9.16.1) can't read any of the ftf files I put in the firmware directory..any idea ?
Did I get the steps in the right order, is there any way to achieve this at all ?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe file is wrong download here a new one. this works 100% LINK
also use normal flashtool not 64bit.
install drives from flastool install dir/drivers for your phone
install android sdk (just leave all like it is & press install)
now to the process:
flashing a generic ftf to debrand my phone, in orded to unlock the bootloader i dont think this is need. on sony bl unlock site theres mentioned how to get in service menu & look if bootloader unlock allowed: yes or no. if yes just proceed. any way, CM requires flashng stock ics ftf b4 so do it after unlock...
install recovery no need if you flash CM's kernel later it was recovery built in (all custom)
unlock boot loader
flash cm kernel via fastboot
flash CM dont forget gapps! (google apps)
bejunk said:
maybe file is wrong download here a new one. this works 100%
also use normal flashtool not 64bit.
install drives from flastool install dir/drivers for your phone
install android sdk (just leave all like it is & press install)
now to the process:
flashing a generic ftf to debrand my phone, in orded to unlock the bootloader i dont think this is need. on sony bl unlock site theres mentioned how to get in service menu & look if bootloader unlock allowed: yes or no. if yes just proceed. any way, CM requires flashng stock ics ftf b4 so do it after unlock...
install recovery no need if you flash CM's kernel later it was recovery built in (all custom)
unlock boot loader
flash cm kernel via fastboot
flash CM dont forget gapps! (google apps)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I rechecked service info and status says no, eventhough I remenbered differently and got an unlocking code from sony..
Anyway, guess the best I can do is now limited to rooting...
Thanks
Deathtiny said:
Ok so I rechecked service info and status says no, eventhough I remenbered differently and got an unlocking code from sony..
Anyway, guess the best I can do is now limited to rooting...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are several methods of unlocking the bootloader such as testpoint...but its not that easy for newbe...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2737846
look at this maybe it helps

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