Hey guys! I'm picking up an Xperia Play in a couple of days and was looking for some general advice about the phone. This will be my first Android device, I've been on WebOS/Garnet for my last two phones. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the options presented by the Play and Android in general. For instance, I'm not sure if I should root my phone or not - what are the advantages?
Any other general guides to Android/the Play would be wonderful if any such guides exist. I'm looking to deck this thing out with every emulator on the market as well as get the PSXperia hack up and running (I've downloaded the program, but can't figure out how to use it).
You can sense my overall noobishness in general, I'm sure. Any advice or tips about this device would be great. I'm really excited about the Play and getting comfortable with Android. Thanks everybody!
kershner25 said:
Hey guys! I'm picking up an Xperia Play in a couple of days and was looking for some general advice about the phone. This will be my first Android device, I've been on WebOS/Garnet for my last two phones. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the options presented by the Play and Android in general. For instance, I'm not sure if I should root my phone or not - what are the advantages?
Any other general guides to Android/the Play would be wonderful if any such guides exist. I'm looking to deck this thing out with every emulator on the market as well as get the PSXperia hack up and running (I've downloaded the program, but can't figure out how to use it).
You can sense my overall noobishness in general, I'm sure. Any advice or tips about this device would be great. I'm really excited about the Play and getting comfortable with Android. Thanks everybody!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
congratz im waiting for mine is the mail right now lol
rooting allows you to have full access to the file system sorta like a administrator
on a windows machine since out the box you cant edit files or remove bloatware without root you cant install certain programs from the market without root
also having root and unlocked bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery image which will allow you to flash customs roms(a custom version of android dev by a user here on xda or anywhere in general)
yes i highly recommend but if you ever plan on returning the phone to verzion for example you will have to revert it back to stock
and for the program psxperia you need to install the latest version of java from java.com
and if your on a windows machine you double click the psxperiatool.JAR file
and it should run not sure on OSX
in the end you made a good choice on choosing android as mainstream as it became its still a powerful system way better IMO than ios or even webos
since android has so many developers theres gonna be an endless amount of programs
will post new finds myself etc
edokassiah said:
and unlocked bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery image which will allow you to flash customs roms(a custom version of android dev by a user here on xda or anywhere in general)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash the recovery image directly or you will mess up boot partition, you need to flash a kernel with embedded recovery built in
Thanks for the info. I'm confused about the locked/unlocked bootloaders. How do I know which one I'll have? And how "easy" of a process is rooting the phone if I don't plan to install any custom roms or anything?
Also, how does transferring .apk files from my PC to the device work?
kershner25 said:
Thanks for the info. I'm confused about the locked/unlocked bootloaders. How do I know which one I'll have? And how "easy" of a process is rooting the phone if I don't plan to install any custom roms or anything?
Also, how does transferring .apk files from my PC to the device work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you havent unlocked your bootloader yourself it is locked there are many risks and advantages to unlocking your bootloader, but if you dont intend to flash custom roms there really is no need, just like with root, if you dont know what it is, you probably wont need it
transfering .apk's from your pc is easy, just copy the .apk to your sd card, then use a file manager to find the .apk, tap on it and the installer will pop up , you need to tick unknown sources in settings though
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176367
AndroHero said:
You cannot flash the recovery image directly or you will mess up boot partition, you need to flash a kernel with embedded recovery built in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hes asking about android in general not aiming specifically at the xperia play
If I root my phone, do I have to switch everything back in order to get updates? All I really want to root my phone for would be to remove bloatware/speed it up a bit, is there a better way than rooting?
There is plenty of tutorials here, I suggest that you read, read, and then......read some more
_terror_ said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176367
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for this link, it's seriously going to help me while rooting my phone. This might be a dumb question, but bear with me - better safe than a bricked phone. The guide to rooting in that link says that I need to flash my Play to the .184 Generic UK firmware...am I understanding it correctly that I need flash this firmware onto my American Verizon Play? I want to make sure nothing is going to get screwed up regionally, as I'm going to want to keep getting OTA updates and all that.
Just to share my own experiences since I'm new to the Xperia Play (previously had an Acer Liquid.. crappy hardware but great community of devs.. anyways..)
I'd recommend rooting your phone off the bat - the simple reason is rooting will involve wiping your phone's data, so if you already have a few months of use that means having to restore everything which is tiresome. First thing when my phone arrived was follow the rooting guide here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1116090
After that however I wouldn't recommend messing around TOO much with custom firmwares and such etc.. get used to the phone as it is and figure out what you like, don't like. if your like me within a few weeks or months you'll want something new - this is when you might want to start looking at messing around with the phone - new home launchers or even a new ROM (if your phone can have it's boot loader unlocked, from what I understand mine can't). The games and Emulators should keep you busy as is
The only customizing I've done to my phone is rooting it with Gingerbreak and using the leaked Sony Launcher.
I realize this is a pretty nooby thing to do that annoys all the veterans, but I consider this to be a fairly crucial piece of information I need before I attempt to root my phone, so I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this thing before it gets lost in the shuffle.
In order to root with a locked bootloader on an American Verizon XPlay, I need to flash to the .184 generic UK firmware, then root, then OTA update, correct?
kershner25 said:
I realize this is a pretty nooby thing to do that annoys all the veterans, but I consider this to be a fairly crucial piece of information I need before I attempt to root my phone, so I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this thing before it gets lost in the shuffle.
In order to root with a locked bootloader on an American Verizon XPlay, I need to flash to the .184 generic UK firmware, then root, then OTA update, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. That method will not work on the r800x (verizon xplay) to root yours you will need to see [How-to] R800x Root
Dont worry about annoying people lol . Who cares what others think? Everyone has to start somewhere.
But it would be better with a stickied thread for new users to look @.
So now, instead of the 3 step process linked previously in this thread, I have to unlock the bootloader and do a whole bunch of other stuff? This method is like 100x more complicated. Is there no other way? I don't intend to install any custom roms, I strictly want to root solely for freezing bloatware.
No i dont think so. You would be better asking for help from other r800x owners in that thread.
The exploit gingerbreak uses on 2.3.2 was patched in 2.3.3 (worldwide) and was also patched by verizon before they released the handset on 2.3.2. Up untill the bootloader was unlocked on the r800x rooting was not possible.
Ask in that thread and you should recieve the help/info you are after.
hiya mate right ive rooted and put on custom recovery but now its screwed up my cam , wifi , and the market so be warned im trying to fix this problem as we speak
---------- Post added at 10:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 PM ----------
im new to this to really but having a play with no cam and no wifi and no market. the market is there but cant dwnload nothing is taking the piss can anyone help me please
Mozza2k11 said:
But it would be better with a stickied thread for new users to look @.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is one already stickied in the Q&A section.That it has gone practically unnoticed counters this statement.
kershner25 said:
Thanks so much for this link, it's seriously going to help me while rooting my phone. This might be a dumb question, but bear with me - better safe than a bricked phone. The guide to rooting in that link says that I need to flash my Play to the .184 Generic UK firmware...am I understanding it correctly that I need flash this firmware onto my American Verizon Play? I want to make sure nothing is going to get screwed up regionally, as I'm going to want to keep getting OTA updates and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their is not such thing as a bricked phone
always is a way to fix it and usually its as simple as flashing a FTF
or whatever stock rom your device uses takes like 5 minutes tops lol
and logsemans guides will tell you anything you need to know
just use them for refrence
Xperia Play Super Compilation (Q&A Sticky)
and if you head down the path of rooting and stuff
messing with files
you wont be able to get ota updates lol.
it will "brick you"
I recentally made a quick video with tips for android users/beginners if you want to watch it. Thought it would help people. http://youtu.be/Pd5DerUoEcY
To start, I'm sorry if this is in the wrong place. It looked like the right place, but I'm an extreme noob to this site.
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My phone is an Xperia Play Model R800x Android version 2.3.4 Build number 4.0.2.E.0.57 from Verizon in the US and I have tried rooting it many times in many ways. I tried SuperOneClick and It didn't work. It got stuck on Step 7. I tried DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit and it said it was unable to Chmod everything/everything failed. I even tried manually doing it using this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18615502&postcount=7 . It said "Hellions with BLUE flames!" or whatever it is that it says. I think I tried it another way also, I don't even remember. I know these methods have worked for other people though.
I've tried all the above methods multiple times. I do have the Android SDK Tools installed and I installed the Platform-Tools. I do not have PC Companion because it for some reason wouldn't recognize my phone.
Questions:
-Is there any way to root it without downgrading the android version?
-Am I having problems because of the build number? I've only seen it on one other thread on a different website.
-Do I absolutely need PC Companion?
If anyone could PLEASE help me. I've been at this literally all day.
Thanks in advance!
As of now there is no way of rooting 2.3.4 for the R800x
You need to use flashtool to downgrade to 2.3.3 and then root
ATTACK said:
As of now there is no way of rooting 2.3.4 for the R800x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well now I feel stupid.
Do you know if anyone is working on a way or should I just downgrade it?
I had a feeling I shouldn't have upgraded it...
Dear All,
Please be patient with me.
I live in UAE and cant find professional developers like your here.
I have Xperia play R800i 2.3.4 xxx.62 kernal.
I just want to get rid from pre-installed games and apk.
I tried to root my phone using Sony web site steps with fastboot steps.
the application could not push the superuser to the phone "I got error copying superuser .. r-only file"
After that I found the I can read the root from my phone but I can not control the files.
I just need to root the phone without loosing PSX emulator of flashing new custom roms.:silly:
Is there easiest way?
I found software on net named oneclickroot (30$), is this one real or fake?
Please help me I'm new in rooting phones.
Thanks.
fuadgreen said:
Dear All,
Please be patient with me.
I live in UAE and cant find professional developers like your here.
I have Xperia play R800i 2.3.4 xxx.62 kernal.
I just want to get rid from pre-installed games and apk.
I tried to root my phone using Sony web site steps with fastboot steps.
the application could not push the superuser to the phone "I got error copying superuser .. r-only file"
After that I found the I can read the root from my phone but I can not control the files.
I just need to root the phone without loosing PSX emulator of flashing new custom roms.:silly:
Is there easiest way?
I found software on net named oneclickroot (30$), is this one real or fake?
Please help me I'm new in rooting phones.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting your phone is free don't by 30 dollar software its probably a trick. Just unlock your boot loader from Sony sight and flash a custom kernel that's rooted
Sent from my Xperia Play (r800x)
abdel12345 said:
Rooting your phone is free don't by 30 dollar software its probably a trick. Just unlock your boot loader from Sony sight and flash a custom kernel that's rooted
Sent from my Xperia Play (r800x)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you brother for your advice..:good: can you suggest a safe procedures and kernal,? (With working links please)
WHEN I read many posts i got lost. All posts talking about flashing kernals and roms, while I need only to install rooted titanium.
Some pepole got stocked after flashing and ended up with brick phone.
Sorry for my long questions.
Im not proffisional and i do not want to fail.
Thanks again.
Well first go to Sony's official sight and follow the steps to unlock your boot loader from there. After that post here and I'll help you from there or if you have any trouble unlockinf
Sent from my Xperia Play (r800x)
fuadgreen said:
Thank you brother for your advice..:good: can you suggest a safe procedures and kernal,? (With working links please)
WHEN I read many posts i got lost. All posts talking about flashing kernals and roms, while I need only to install rooted titanium.
Some pepole got stocked after flashing and ended up with brick phone.
Sorry for my long questions.
Im not proffisional and i do not want to fail.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in UAE also.. for a small price.. I can do all u need for this. I also have Xperia Play and totally understand ur problem.
saqibkhan said:
I am in UAE also.. for a small price.. I can do all u need for this. I also have Xperia Play and totally understand ur problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much you want in ED? And after this version, can I play PSX + Xperia optimized fully options?
What about other issues (baterry, wifi, touch pads... all working and guranted?).
fuadgreen said:
Thank you brother for your advice..:good: can you suggest a safe procedures and kernal,? (With working links please)
WHEN I read many posts i got lost. All posts talking about flashing kernals and roms, while I need only to install rooted titanium.
Some pepole got stocked after flashing and ended up with brick phone.
Sorry for my long questions.
Im not proffisional and i do not want to fail.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fuadgreen said:
How much you want in ED? And after this version, can I play PSX + Xperia optimized fully options?
What about other issues (baterry, wifi, touch pads... all working and guranted?).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PM me.. I will let you know.
fuadgreen said:
Thank you brother for your advice..:good: can you suggest a safe procedures and kernal,? (With working links please)
WHEN I read many posts i got lost. All posts talking about flashing kernals and roms, while I need only to install rooted titanium.
Some pepole got stocked after flashing and ended up with brick phone.
Sorry for my long questions.
Im not proffisional and i do not want to fail.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you tried to root with http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219711
You can always downgrade to .42 firmware and root it with zergrush.
It's easier to root it with custom kernel (unlocked bootloader), but you can do it even without unlocking your bootloader.
Hi! Since I'm not allowed to post in the development section yet, I wanted to ask for help regarding my Xperia Arc. It's an LT15i model and is running 2.3.4 GB. I'm completely new to rooting and have been trying all day to find a way to root my arc. I have downloaded things like Android SDK Manager, ADB drivers for my arc, Flashtool etc. But i just don't know how to root properly. When i was downloading doomlords' zergrush exploit. the file appeared as malicious and a trojan horse exploit.c was found, no offense to doomlord. It's just that nothings worked for me. If anyone could help me root my Xperia Arc, especially since my kind of Build Number is rare it would be appreciated.
P.S Locked to Orange (UK)
MonstaahX said:
Hi! Since I'm not allowed to post in the development section yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't be posting there to ask for help anyway. - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2067008
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219711
Turn on USB Debugging, change to mass torage mode, and allow install from unknown sources
Download the software and click root.
No restart needed, your phone gets rooted in seconds
Check my rooting guide, should work for you too
Sent from my Nexus 4 running Android 4.2.2
Hi guys. Although I rooted my own Samsung ages ago, I haven't had to root anything in ages and my bro in law has asked me to look into rooting his Arc S.
What I seemed to be noticing is the need to unlock the bootloader first but I'm not sure where to start.
Is there some sort of 1-click method at all? He does want to stay with the stock OS so it is only the root he wants.
Thanks guys.
There are many possibilities to root without unlocking bootloader. Searching would have exposed you with many guides.
First of all - What are the Android version and build number of the phone?
marc.knuckle said:
Hi guys. Although I rooted my own Samsung ages ago, I haven't had to root anything in ages and my bro in law has asked me to look into rooting his Arc S.
What I seemed to be noticing is the need to unlock the bootloader first but I'm not sure where to start.
Is there some sort of 1-click method at all? He does want to stay with the stock OS so it is only the root he wants.
Thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. I have posted earlier a working version of how to do it.
You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=49240275&postcount=1378
This post shows how to get Ultimate HD on your Arc S, but has working links to programs and ROMs, so you can use that.
I personally do recommend Ultimate, because it is just so much smoother. My phone was lagging and all the programs were slowing it down, but now it's super smooth and I always have space in the ROM.
Soon I'll post a complete recommendation on how to get the most out of your Arc S.
Hope this helped.
thanks guys.
the android version is 4.0.3
the build is 4.1.A.0.562
These 2 topics will help you. Both root your phone, which one you will use, is up to you (which ones seems easier).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1601038 - this one works only on 4.1.A.0.562
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2219711 - should work on every firmware