Develop Bugs

Recovery help

Hello everyone, I was recently able to purchase an Xperia play at an amazing price and love it. It is a Rogers sim locked phone so I am not able to open the bootloader and I have rooted the device by flashing UK R800i firmware followed by gingerbreak. Now all I need is recovery. I've read Bin4ry's thread on recovery but am confused on how to install it. Can anybody direct me to a thread with a working recovery or how to install Bin4rys? Thx in advance.

First you need a unlocked bootloader for CWM (ClockWorkMod - custom recovery) to work on your phone.
Second you can't install/flash Bin4ry's version, but only boot it. If you flash it you'll brick your phone (the play has no recovery partition afaik, it's part of the boot.img).
Doomlords kernel got it by deafult, but i don't know if that's compatible with your play model (my guess is you have an R800a).
So as your phone is sim locked i don't even think you can get into fastboot?
Bin4ry's bootable CWM should work on your phone if you can get it into fastboot and unlock your bootloader.
Regards Dousan...

Dousan said:
First you need a unlocked bootloader for CWM (ClockWorkMod - custom recovery) to work on your phone.
Second you can't install/flash Bin4ry's version, but only boot it. If you flash it you'll brick your phone (the play has no recovery partition afaik, it's part of the boot.img).
Doomlords kernel got it by deafult, but i don't know if that's compatible with your play model (my guess is you have an R800a).
So as your phone is sim locked i don't even think you can get into fastboot?
Bin4ry's bootable CWM should work on your phone if you can get it into fastboot and unlock your bootloader.
Regards Dousan...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for clarifying things. Looks like I'm gonna have to get my phone sim unlocked because I'm not able to get into fastboot. Do you know of any trusted unlockers? Appreciate your time...thx again.

Aphex33 said:
Thank you for clarifying things. Looks like I'm gonna have to get my phone sim unlocked because I'm not able to get into fastboot. Do you know of any trusted unlockers? Appreciate your time...thx again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome
Check this thread out, it's gonna cost you some money, not sure howmuch but around 15$ afaik (well not to check it out, obvious, lol):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050
Regards Dousan...

Dousan said:
You're welcome
Check this thread out, it's gonna cost you some money, not sure howmuch but around 15$ afaik (well not to check it out, obvious, lol):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050
Regards Dousan...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rather than this method, can I use a internet service to unlock my sim....then unlock the bootloader using the SE website?

Aphex33 said:
Rather than this method, can I use a internet service to unlock my sim....then unlock the bootloader using the SE website?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I take you have an R800a model since you live in Canada. I'm not sure if you can unlock your bootloader with the method on SE unlocking site. Further more i don't think it's enough to just sim unlock to get fastboot working, afaik it's not.
You could always pm @Alejandrissimo about it and ask him if his way is the only way for you to unlock your bootloader (I've only heard good stuff about him).
You could also pm @Blagus about the same issue as he does the same thing as @Alejandrissimo.
About the sim unlock through internet i can't advice on that since i just don't know.
Regards Dousan...

Dousan said:
I take you have an R800a model since you live in Canada. I'm not sure if you can unlock your bootloader with the method on SE unlocking site. Further more i don't think it's enough to just sim unlock to get fastboot working, afaik it's not.
You could always pm @Alejandrissimo about it and ask him if his way is the only way for you to unlock your bootloader (I've only heard good stuff about him).
You could also pm @Blagus about the same issue as he does the same thing as @Alejandrissimo.
About the sim unlock through internet i can't advice on that since i just don't know.
Regards Dousan...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my phone was originally a R800a until I rooted with the UK firmware method. I've pm'd Alejandissimo and will be getting it unlocked through him. Once again I appreciate you time and will see you around, cheers

You're welcome once again and glad you sorted it out. Will see you around
Regards Dousan...

Why the bootloader is locked ?

I don't understand.
I bought my ZL on Amazon.
This is a naked version not a version of an operator.
Yet he blocked bootloader.
I'm really disappointed: (

[email protected]ly said:
I don't understand.
I bought my ZL on Amazon.
This is a naked version not a version of an operator.
Yet he blocked bootloader.
I'm really disappointed: (
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every bootloader is locked. What matters is whether its 'unlockable' or not. Does the bootloader unlock allowed say YES or NO in your case?

anirudh412 said:
Every bootloader is locked. What matters is whether its 'unlockable' or not. Does the bootloader unlock allowed say YES or NO in your case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmpf, just hit the wrong button.... wanted to quote you.
I got mine from amazon too, bootloader can be unlocked.

Sorry, I misspoke:
When I check my bootloader, I have the information that can not be unlocked: No Unlockable
It says : NO

[email protected] said:
Sorry, I misspoke:
When I check my bootloader, I have the information that can not be unlocked: No Unlockable
It says : NO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again wrong button.... My thumbs are too big for 5"...
Did you root your phone? When rooting the value changes to NO, but when you flash the original ftf it returns to yes.
I got mine from amazon.de and it can be unlocked.

sturmtruppler said:
Again wrong button.... My thumbs are too big for 5"...
Did you root your phone? When rooting the value changes to NO, but when you flash the original ftf it returns to yes.
I got mine from amazon.de and it can be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my phone is root because I use Titanium Backup, My backup Pro, ...
That you say that if I I flash the original rom, I see YES ?

[email protected] said:
Yes my phone is root because I use Titanium Backup, My backup Pro, ...
That you say that if I I flash the original rom, I see YES ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Doomlord told so in his rooting thread, didnt't try it myself yet. But I'm confident!

sturmtruppler said:
Yes, Doomlord told so in his rooting thread, didnt't try it myself yet. But I'm confident!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES
Before root I have YES
Many thanks

[email protected] said:
YES
Before root I have YES
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To correct this, after rooting with locked BL, delete the file "libservicemenu.so" using a root explorer. U shall find it in: "data/data/com.sonyericsson.android.servicemenu/lib". I read about this fix on the XZ rooting thread and it works on my ZL :good:. Hope it works for u guys too.

Dpk1 said:
To correct this, after rooting with locked BL, delete the file "libservicemenu.so" using a root explorer. U shall find it in: "data/data/com.sonyericsson.android.servicemenu/lib". I read about this fix on the XZ rooting thread and it works on my ZL :good:. Hope it works for u guys too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works - Thank you!!

Works
Thank you

Hey will unlocking the bootloader with the unlock tool void the "Hardware" warranty?
if you relock it, I think sony would know since you unlock it through their servers right?

coilbio said:
Hey will unlocking the bootloader with the unlock tool void the "Hardware" warranty?
if you relock it, I think sony would know since you unlock it through their servers right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid, yes! I've read about sony refusing to honour warranty to many Xperia S users for repair of screen "yellow tint" issue owing to their unlocked BL status. Even if you relock the BL you still won't restore the sony DRM keys to the "TA" & that's probably how sony service guys know about unlocked BL status, of course beside the record on their website (regarding unlock code request).

Dpk1 said:
I'm afraid, yes! I've read about sony refusing to honour warranty to many Xperia S users for repair of screen "yellow tint" issue owing to their unlocked BL status. Even if you relock the BL you still won't restore the sony DRM keys to the "TA" & that's probably how sony service guys know about unlocked BL status, of course beside the record on their website (regarding unlock code request).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pretty sure you can backup/restore the DRM keys. As for their official records though im not sure. You could always claim someone else did it lol.

My bootloader is unlockable White 6503 model from Germany

[Q] Unlock bootloader if Allowed=No for Z1C

Hi there,
I have a network unlocked Z1C which came from o2. The bootloader unlock allowed status is No but the phone is rooted. Is there anything I can do to this to unlock it? I feel like trying CM on it
Thanks!
I have searched for answers to this but no joy...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=280903320
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=280903428

Comedy- said:
Hi there,
I have a network unlocked Z1C which came from o2. The bootloader unlock allowed status is No but the phone is rooted. Is there anything I can do to this to unlock it? I feel like trying CM on it
Thanks!
I have searched for answers to this but no joy...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=280903320
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=280903428
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
brilliant... ive got a z1c comping in the post today and the only reason im upgrading to it from the xperia m is so i can flash a custom kernel and get tweaking

Comedy- said:
I have a network unlocked Z1C which came from o2. The bootloader unlock allowed status is No but the phone is rooted. Is there anything I can do to this to unlock it? I feel like trying CM on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your bootloader unlock allowed status is no then you will most likely never be able to unlock that phones bootloader. I think your best bet is to contact O2 and tell them you want a phone on which the bootloader is unlockable, perhaps they can give you a special key to unlock the functionality, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Oh and don't try CM on it, it'll just bootloop and you'll have to use SUS or PC Companion to restore a working OS.
...actually there is one hope, but it requires dismantling the phone. There is a test-point behind the battery which might enable you to put the device into a mode where it'll accept a command allowing bootloader unlock. But again, high risk, not sure if it's actually possible, easier to just sell the phone and buy an unlockable one if you want to run CM. Maybe you could even return the device, how long have you had it?

my z1c just turned up and ive got an bootloader unlock allowed :victory::victory::victory:

I have locked bootloader on EE in UK and have found that many of the tweaks I wanted can be achieved with Xposed modules. Give it a try but backup before you start.

Need a opinion by a dev
Hello there,
I was thinking about a test.
My problem is "Unlock bootloader allowed : no".
What could happen if i restore an other TA partition with "Unlock bootloader allowed : yes". I erase the old by a new one which unlockable. All i need is a TA partition build with a z1c which unlockable and the unlock code.
What do you think ?
Soory for my bad english

If you replace your ta partition it will most likely hardbrick your device.

What is a ta partition, i don't understand.
A bootloader is like a bios on motherboard.
But it is locked by a code.
The bootloader is the same on each z1c no ?

Megani said:
What is a ta partition, i don't understand.
A bootloader is like a bios on motherboard.
But it is locked by a code.
The bootloader is the same on each z1c no ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing another phone's TA will hard brick yours, every TA is related to the phone which comes from

mindyabiznis said:
my z1c just turned up and ive got an bootloader unlock allowed :victory::victory::victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How you done this??? I tried hundred and half methods and still CAN'T unlock damn bootloader............

unlock bootloader on unlock allowed no

Hi I would like to know if theirs a way to unlock bootloader still with status no when going though service menu on this compact is this by rom choice default locked or firmware need a downgrade and then upgrade to custom. Or is theri more to it as dont want to brick my compact

No way, sorry.
Sent from my D5503 using xda premium

mentalghost said:
Hi I would like to know if theirs a way to unlock bootloader still with status no when going though service menu on this compact is this by rom choice default locked or firmware need a downgrade and then upgrade to custom. Or is theri more to it as dont want to brick my compact
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will never be able to unlock the bootloader on that phone, unless your carrier can give you some kind of code to change your unlock status (not sure this is even possible).

Rekoil said:
You will never be able to unlock the bootloader on that phone, unless your carrier can give you some kind of code to change your unlock status (not sure this is even possible).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can get the unlock code not a problem to unlock phone to any network. am already waiting for that from o2 so can use on any network but will this work or is it a septate code that is used for bootloader or somthing

mentalghost said:
I can get the unlock code not a problem to unlock phone to any network. am already waiting for that from o2 so can use on any network but will this work or is it a septate code that is used for bootloader or somthing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The BL is different, if it came from O2 then chances are you cant unlock the BL.

So there is no chance? It worked with xperia arc and omnius. Costs about 15$, that would be ok. But will it work with our z1c in the near future? Or is it just "luck" to find an exploit?

reellamer said:
So there is no chance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO.

XperienceD said:
NO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well nothing is impossible, but it isn't likely as it requires a bootloader exploit. Realistically it isn't going to happen though, unless some smart people devote a lot of time to it. The most likely scenario (using test point to gain more software access) would require hardware tampering.

Hello Mentalghost,
Unfortunately there is no way to unlock the bootloader when the status is "No".
Have a great day, cheers!
Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk

mentalghost said:
Hi I would like to know if theirs a way to unlock bootloader still with status no when going though service menu on this compact is this by rom choice default locked or firmware need a downgrade and then upgrade to custom. Or is theri more to it as dont want to brick my compact
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MentalGhost, where did you purchase your phone? This phone isn't sold by any carriers in the USA, to the best of my knowledge, so the bootloader shouldn't be locked.

thatguy222 said:
MentalGhost, where did you purchase your phone? This phone isn't sold by any carriers in the USA, to the best of my knowledge, so the bootloader shouldn't be locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bought in UK where I am not in USA. Might take back to shop where bought from and see if got any others in lol
Or wait for locked bootloader versions or someone makes modded version with unlocked rom that is been modded like one where you install modded that is unlocked install and then can unlock bootloader did in xperia s I use to have was a modded rom that was originally saying bootloader unlock no and added new Base rom and then said bootloadr unlock yes maybe this will happen on this phone in time or locked bootloader kernels and rom come along

mentalghost said:
Bought in UK where I am not in USA. Might take back to shop where bought from and see if got any others in lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd recommend to anyone that is still able to return a Phone to do so because I think you'll find you'll be waiting a long time for a solution.

XperienceD said:
I'd recommend to anyone that is still able to return a Phone to do so because I think you'll find you'll be waiting a long time for a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plus, there will be no solution. The reason why Xperia Arc S and other 2011 Xperias worked with testpoint method was because of that there was a big security flaw in the security of the testpoints nand access, but those flaws have been fixed in newer Xperias and newer 2011 Xperias also.

devstaff said:
Plus, there will be no solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 It was coming to that realization that I sold my O2 locked Z after 6 months to buy an unbranded Z1 Compact. It worked out cheaper too spending hundreds of pounds up front for my Phone with the added bonus of having access to all of it.

What happens if you still follow the instructions on how to do it? I didn't check if it was allowed and I'm stuck in bootloop and I can't flash via flashtool,

tunnna said:
What happens if you still follow the instructions on how to do it? I didn't check if it was allowed and I'm stuck in bootloop and I can't flash via flashtool,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49928704, power off the Phone and reflash.

XperienceD said:
See here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49928704, power off the Phone and reflash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I've tried it but flashtool gets stuck on processing loader. I waited over 10min with 0% progress on flashtool.

tunnna said:
I waited over 10min with 0% progress on flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once or twice?

XperienceD said:
Once or twice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thrice with different roms
---------- Post added at 11:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:05 PM ----------
I can give you more info if you tell me what you need to know

XperienceD said:
Once or twice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok solved... I had an old version of flashtool running... -.- :laugh:

Can't install update 14.5.A.0.270

As it says in the title, I can't install the new software update.
Oddly, I'm still on the latest KitKat because I didn't got the earlier lollipop updates.
If I try to install the new update, it simply reboots and says that the Installation failed, nothing more like an error code or something else.
I don't think that a previous Custom ROM, which I erased with Sony Emma, bothers that, but if it would, there you go.
Here are all the specs:
Model info: D5503
Software version: 14.4.A.0.157
Previous installed ROM: CyanogenMod 12 (not 12.1), erased and stock restored with Sony Emma
Internal Storage free space: 8.3 GB
SD-Card free space: 24.16 GB
Greetings
leadkro14

Hmm I haven't seen 270 fw for z1c only 252 is latest 270 is certificated but haven't been realesed yet or am I wrong?
Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk

mosespl said:
Hmm I haven't seen 270 fw for z1c only 252 is latest 270 is certificated but haven't been realesed yet or am I wrong?
Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.270 version has started rolling from yesterday

Hmm I downloaded from Xperia firmware Baltic generic and I can't flash it I don't know why but I m downloading again and we will see
EDIT:
nothing happend very sad im trying now to download RU customization becaues i had RU earlier version
Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk

i'm having the exact same problem. already tried flashing nordic and baltic but none of them work. hope someone comes up with a solution.

Xperiafirm fault. Solution:
After download and extract rom don't bundle it. Firstly remove from folder one file fwsomething.xml I don't remember exactly name of file but is one file with that name. Delete it and after that create bundle with flashtool and after that flash and everything will works superb!
Wysłane z mojego D5503 przy użyciu Tapatalka

mosespl said:
Xperiafirm fault. Solution:
After download and extract rom don't bundle it. Firstly remove from folder one file fwsomething.xml I don't remember exactly name of file but is one file with that name. Delete it and after that create bundle with flashtool and after that flash and everything will works superb!
Wysłane z mojego D5503 przy użyciu Tapatalka
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fwinfo.xml was causing the issue, fwinfo.xml will be used by the next version of flashtool to create a FTF. just need to remove it from the FTF. anyway, thanks man!

I'm having the same problem, I previously tried rooting my Xperia Z1 (C6903) but it is now restored. However when I tried updating to 14.5.a.0.242, it said "The device contains modified software that cannot be updated". Is it because the phone was not restored properly? (I restored by flashing Android 4.4)
Regards

sony12345 said:
I'm having the same problem, I previously tried rooting my Xperia Z1 (C6903) but it is now restored. However when I tried updating to 14.5.a.0.242, it said "The device contains modified software that cannot be updated". Is it because the phone was not restored properly? (I restored by flashing Android 4.4)
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you unlock your bootloader...? Is it still unlocked....? If so you need to relock for OTA updates

160lightning said:
Did you unlock your bootloader...? Is it still unlocked....? If so you need to relock for OTA updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wouldn't relocking bootloader cause problems (besides preventing flashing and root)?

sony12345 said:
wouldn't relocking bootloader cause problems (besides preventing flashing and root)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No... locked just means restricted access same as a locked door.... but your device needs locked B/L to take an OTA Sony official Stock firmware update.... personally I would never wait for the official release if I have unlocked B/L I would always search and you can find firmware updates a lot quicker than everyone else waiting for the OTA on their device or thru PC Companion,
I use this very handy tool to get available stock firmware for Xperia devices
Relock bootloader only
If you want to relock your bootloader (e.g. for downloading official sony updates in Sony Update Service) you can do so with flashtool. This only works if you already unlocked the bootloader with the official method.
Note: This does not restore the DRM keys. If you have a warranty issue you should restore your TA parition (which will relock your bootloader and restore DRM keys) with Backup TA.
1. Open flashtool
2. Click on the BLU icon
3. Connect your phone in flashmode (hold volume down and plug in your USB cable)
4. Flashtool will ask you about the device model, choose Sony XPERIA Z1 (if Z1 compact is not in the list)
5. Flashtool will read your IMEI and your unlock code. Check if those are correct (compare unlock code with the one you received by email from Sony when you unlocked the bootloader)
6. Flashtool will save the unlock code in its program folder under custom/mydevices.
7. Click "Lock bootloader" (-> If you want to unlock it again, repeat the steps (it will automatically detect that your bootloader is locked))
Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2642081 ....thanks @zxz0O0

160lightning said:
No... locked just means restricted access same as a locked door.... but your device needs locked B/L to take an OTA Sony official Stock firmware update.... personally I would never wait for the official release if I have unlocked B/L I would always search and you can find firmware updates a lot quicker than everyone else waiting for the OTA on their device or thru PC Companion,
I use this very handy tool to get available stock firmware for Xperia devices
Relock bootloader only
If you want to relock your bootloader (e.g. for downloading official sony updates in Sony Update Service) you can do so with flashtool. This only works if you already unlocked the bootloader with the official method.
Note: This does not restore the DRM keys. If you have a warranty issue you should restore your TA parition (which will relock your bootloader and restore DRM keys) with Backup TA.
1. Open flashtool
2. Click on the BLU icon
3. Connect your phone in flashmode (hold volume down and plug in your USB cable)
4. Flashtool will ask you about the device model, choose Sony XPERIA Z1 (if Z1 compact is not in the list)
5. Flashtool will read your IMEI and your unlock code. Check if those are correct (compare unlock code with the one you received by email from Sony when you unlocked the bootloader)
6. Flashtool will save the unlock code in its program folder under custom/mydevices.
7. Click "Lock bootloader" (-> If you want to unlock it again, repeat the steps (it will automatically detect that your bootloader is locked))
Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2642081 ....thanks @zxz0O0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks 160lightning. I was just wondering, since I'm a quite new to Android and I just saw the Android 5.0.2 update but was unable to update