Hi XDA
I have a son with Asperger syndrome and that give parents sometimes unusual task to solve.
He got a Sony xz2 compact, but he refuses to use a phone until the camera and google services are disabled, do to security lags. He wants to remove the system camera software to make sure no one can exploit the camera.
In other words, he wants to be so anonymous and hacker free as possible - and the camera is a big issue for him.
And yes, I know is possible to disable the camera in Sony configuration (and it's done) but that is not enough.
I hope getting some help to find a solution this two tasks:
1) How to get or make an image of the phone to store/save in my pc so it can be restored if needed.
2) How to root the xz2 compact and uninstall the camera
I will really appreciate some help in this issue.
(sorry my English)
Regards.
1. There is not much you can do, backup related on a Sony phone with locked bootloader. You can use google backup, if you want, but even Sony's solution won't work on a phone with Android Pie, after bootloader is unlocked (it would, if you are on Oreo and you would apply drm-fix after unlocking). Almost all other solutions need root, which you don't have on a locked phone.
2. In this thread you will find a step-by-step guide to install twrp recovery and root (by flashing Magisk) and the download for twrp recovery, made by @MartinX3
I won't link the recovery file itself, because it depends on the way you want to proceed. You can use Sonys stock rom or you can install aosp/omnirom.
In your case i would use aosp or omnirom, because it comes without google crap and it is pure Android. You only need to delete/rename the camera with a root explorer and you are good to go.
But i'm sure, @MartinX3 can tell you more about aosp or omnirom and how to flash it, because i have not used it yet. Anyway, camera is not finished on aosp/omni, so you won't loose very much.
old.splatterhand said:
1. There is not much you can do, backup related on a Sony phone with locked bootloader. You can use google backup, if you want, but even Sony's solution won't work on a phone with Android Pie, after bootloader is unlocked (it would, if you are on Oreo and you would apply drm-fix after unlocking). Almost all other solutions need root, which you don't have on a locked phone.
2. In this thread you will find a step-by-step guide to install twrp recovery and root (by flashing Magisk) and the download for twrp recovery, made by @MartinX3
I won't link the recovery file itself, because it depends on the way you want to proceed. You can use Sonys stock rom or you can install aosp/omnirom.
In your case i would use aosp or omnirom, because it comes without google crap and it is pure Android. You only need to delete/rename the camera with a root explorer and you are good to go.
But i'm sure, @MartinX3 can tell you more about aosp or omnirom and how to flash it, because i have not used it yet. Anyway, camera is not finished on aosp/omni, so you won't loose very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the useful information. I'm not very firm at the Android version (oreo or pie) - but the phone is a Sony Experia xz2 model H8324 and Android ver. 8.0.0 (patch level april 1, 2018). Hope this make sense
This is my first sony, so i'm not the "most helpful hand", i think.
Backup related, if you use sony backup before unlock on oreo, you can flash drmfix after unlock and then you should be able to use sony backup to restore your data.
If this is successful, you are rooted and you should be able to use Titanium Backup.
But as sony newbie i don't know how far sonys backup solution goes.
Anyway, i'll recommend in your case a rom like aosp or omni, because there are no Google things in it.
Why not cover the cameras with stickers if that's the biggest issue? You'll have to root the phone to completely disable all the G Apps, some of the firmware versions allow you to completely disable the G services - if you trust it.
You can use pm uninstall command thru adb shell. This way the app gets removed for the user, and thus seems totally removed. The apk itself do still remain in the system folder, and can be reinstalled if wanted, but can't be launched. This method do not need rooting either.
You can't make and image of the phone, at least not without rooting it first. But that will break some stuff, like camera, and that can NOT be restored in ANY way (drm keys are lost forever). For most (all?) Xperia devices there are images available for flashing with FlashTool/Xperifirm, but note that this will not recover the lost drm keys if you unlocked the bootloader in the first place.
Related
Ok. I would be glad if someone could point me in the right direction here, and answer this question.
I am planning on buying an Xplay, mainly for phoning and gaming. I am very keen on keeping the Xplay "clean" and fast, and therefore wish to remove all bloatware from the beginning.
Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on? What´s the best thing to do if I want to remove the bloatware. I might as well say that I´m pretty much a beginner when it comes to all the terms "rooting" and stuff. But I want to do it a safe way, without taking risks of breaking or bricking anything.
Thanks.
Some of the bloatware can be simply uninstalled, some cannot. For the latter you need to root your phone. I like to use SuperOneClick for rooting. Note that some firmwares (the ones whose version ends with .62 or greater) cannot be rooted, so I wouldn't update to them.
Once rooted, removing the bloatware is pretty simple. The most common way is to use Titanium Backup to uninstall it or you can even do it manually by deleting the relevant .apk files from /system/app.
Root your phone ,this is the first step that you must to do. After rooting ,you can remove bloatware from your phone and gain more free space on you internal memory.
I think that the best rooting way is the (zergRush Method):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1312859
After rooting ,download 'Root Explorer' ,go to system/app and remove all the things you don't need.
If you are getting an AT&T Xplay I would suggest installing the generic north American rom which is 2.3.4 and missing the AT&T bloat. I backed up the games from the stock rom first then installed the NA rom and reinstalled them.
First use pc companion and install the latest update. Then root and remove bloat and get everything set up like your contacts and apps. After that install cwm and make a nandroid backup and start flashing roms! Back-up your info if the rom won't carry it over. Optional: Unlock bootloader before roms. There are plenty of stock based roms to for people with locked bootloaders.
EDIT: Don't do the below, just read you don't want risk!
1. Unlock the bootloader
2. Use flashtool to install a generic ROM .FTF file (.368 has CRT animation but is old, .42 is good, .62 is good)
3. Install a kernel (DooM's is great). This will allow you to overclock, and give automatic ROOT (no need to exploit or install anything else)
4. Buy/acquire an app called "Titanium Backup" (it needs ROOT to run), and check the guide in these forums for which apps are safe to remove
The first thing to do? Here's a list:
1. READ everything you can find related to your model version of the Play. There are different versions depending on where you are in the world and who your service provider is. If you have a GSM capable phone (Europe, Canada, ATT in US just to name a few), you will have a lot more modification options available. If you have a CDMA capable phone (Verizon), you have fewer choices but there are more coming almost every day.
2. READ again - you know you only understood maybe a 10th of what you just read!
3. POST specific questions AFTER you have searched the forums. Don't be afraid to try Google - that's what it's there for.
4. THINK !!! - what is it that you expect to get from modifying your phone that it doesn't do now? If you just want to remove bloatware, you can simply root, install a custom recovery, make a backup and then go to town. No need for unlocking the bootloader or loading a custom rom.
5. SLOW DOWN !!! - don't be in such a hurry to modify your phone that you leap before you look. Most bricked phones could be avoided in the first place by taking time to understand the steps involved before making changes.
6. DON'T PANIC !!! - There are very few things you can do to your phone that the experienced folks here on the forums can't help you resolved.
7. HAVE FUN !!!
---------- Post added at 01:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:14 AM ----------
Potato13 said:
First use pc companion and install the latest update. Then root and remove bloat and get everything set up like your contacts and apps. After that install cwm and make a nandroid backup and start flashing roms! Back-up your info if the rom won't carry it over. Optional: Unlock bootloader before roms. There are plenty of stock based roms to for people with locked bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily. If you install some of the latest updates, you no longer can root. That's why some research needs to be done first.
Search google and read xda forums on a daily basis. That's the shortest route lol
1. Root using zergrush or use flashtool rooting feature
2. Unlock bootloader (this will void your warranty)
3. Install clockworkmod 5.0.2.7 for xperia phones (get it free on play store fka android market)
4. Install titanium backup and perform batch backup of your apps to your sd card
5. Get doomlord's kernel v11 (link is on my signature) and wifi modules
6. Reboot into recovery and hold down or tap volume down to enter CWM recovery
7. Flash the kernel, then reboot and flash the wifi module
8. Flash your custom rom
9. There your phone is bricked! Haha
netizenmt said:
4. THINK !!! - what is it that you expect to get from modifying your phone that it doesn't do now? If you just want to remove bloatware, you can simply root, install a custom recovery, make a backup and then go to town. No need for unlocking the bootloader or loading a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input.
The only thing that I plan to do, is probably just remove bloatware and nothing more. So I guess it´s just down to rooting the phone then, and delete the things that I don´t want? No need for unlocking bootloaders etc.?
Is there a list of what stuff that can be deleted? Or other things that can be achieved by only rooting the phone?
And the last question. Is it totally ok to accept android updates after the rooting and removing of bloatware?
silmes said:
Thanks for the input.
The only thing that I plan to do, is probably just remove bloatware and nothing more. So I guess it´s just down to rooting the phone then, and delete the things that I don´t want? No need for unlocking bootloaders etc.?
Is there a list of what stuff that can be deleted? Or other things that can be achieved by only rooting the phone?
And the last question. Is it totally ok to accept android updates after the rooting and removing of bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you aren't going to get into custom kernels and overclocking, then no, you can do what you want without unlocking the bootloader.
There are some links in General and here in Q & A that make suggestions of what can be removed safely.
If you only rooted and didn't remove anything, you could accept updates. If you remove bloatware, the update won't even install. That's why I suggest installing CWM (ClockWorkMod) Recovery and doing a Nandroid Backup after you root but before you debloat.
Here are some useful links for you:
Rooted (Locked Bootloader) Phone - App Removal (Safe List)
[GUIDE] R800x owners - You got Custom ROM questions? I've got Answers!
The second one there was one I posted up for R800x users with locked bootloaders. It was all the stuff I had to glean for myself when mine was locked.
Hope this helps.
Sigh...hope this isn't too late.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23845116#post23845116
First thing: Root right away with Flashtool (http://androxyde.github.com/) and don't listen to the others, the Flashtool nowdays contains the Exploit that you need and it works perfect to root on 2.3.4 (I did it myself when I root'd mine the first time).
I am planning on buying an Xplay, mainly for phoning and gaming. I am very keen on keeping the Xplay "clean" and fast, and therefore wish to remove all bloatware from the beginning.
I recommend the Titanium Backup as all the others, and you can use this list as help: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046699&highlight=remove+app+list
Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?
silmes said:
Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you update to the .62 firmware you can't root.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk
silmes said:
Q: Could someone point me in a direction to where to start when I first unpack my phone? Should I accept all the updates and so on?
A: Yes, do that first of all before you go ahead and root your device.
The interesting thing is that the answer to this seems to differ on who you ask. Further back in this thread, someone advised me NOT to update, as it might lead to problems when trying to root my phone. What´s the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because it differs between models and some people aren't aware of that, while others like to be argumentative!
If you have a Verizon R800x Play, our firmware only goes up to Version 2.3.3 (3.0.1.E.0.88). If yours comes with 2.3.2, you're safe to update. You will be able to root with no problem.
If you have one of the other phones, you can apply updates below 4.0.2.A.0.62 and still root. .62 and higher, no root.
Check out this thread [HOW-TO] Root Phones w/ Android v2.2.x-2.3.x (zergRush Method) for additional information.
Hi!
My Z1C is rooted, has dualrecovery and is running a stock 4.4.2 (14.3.a.0.757)
I also have a lot of customizations via XPosed.
What would be the easiest way to upgrade to a Lollipop version? Someone suggested I can just upgrade and use towelroot afterwards to regain root, but I could not find any verification of that.
Is it safer to flash a pre-rooted zip and if so can anyone point to a decent source?
Also, will XPosed Framework still be functional on Lollipop? I hear there are so many headachy changes to the security layout that I am not sure of that, but right now I'Äd feel safer with a version that has Stagefright fixed...
Let me know what you think!
Thanks
Walter_White said:
Hi!
My Z1C is rooted, has dualrecovery and is running a stock 4.4.2 (14.3.a.0.757)
I also have a lot of customizations via XPosed.
What would be the easiest way to upgrade to a Lollipop version? Someone suggested I can just upgrade and use towelroot afterwards to regain root, but I could not find any verification of that.
Is it safer to flash a pre-rooted zip and if so can anyone point to a decent source?
Also, will XPosed Framework still be functional on Lollipop? I hear there are so many headachy changes to the security layout that I am not sure of that, but right now I'Äd feel safer with a version that has Stagefright fixed...
Let me know what you think!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, there is currently no 'one click' root for 5.1. There is a thread about a Kingroot-to-Supersu method that I can verify works for 5.0.2. You can root 5.1, but either by fastboot, (requiring unlocked bl), or downgrade method, (which you're already on step 1 with KK). There seems to be varied reports about PRFs, but I'm sure you can find a good one by now. I think the main question is if you're hoping to save app data, Xposed settings, etc., to restore afterwards. If so, I would say it's very iffy. You could try Titanium or something, but I wouldn't be surprised if you get some glitches.
As far as Xposed, it works great on 5.0 or 5.1, and there's new developments coming steadily.
Search Z1c 'general', and 'android development' forums for downloads, etc.
Forgot to mention, BL is unlocked with dualrecovery.
Thanks for your advice so far. Root procedure for 5.1 with unlocked BL is already outlined in a thread here?
And yeah, I agree, trying to save app data / settings is bordering on impossible now, I fear TiBackup has outlived its usefulness when it comes to ROM migration. Spent half of today getting my Z1C apps to Z5C and still not nearly half done.
Damn gremlins.
Walter_White said:
Forgot to mention, BL is unlocked with dualrecovery.
Thanks for your advice so far. Root procedure for 5.1 with unlocked BL is already outlined in a thread here?
And yeah, I agree, trying to save app data / settings is bordering on impossible now, I fear TiBackup has outlived its usefulness when it comes to ROM migration. Spent half of today getting my Z1C apps to Z5C and still not nearly half done.
Damn gremlins.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To root with unlocked bl, flash stock ROM w/ Flashtool, then flash this with fastboot -http://forum.xda-developers.com/sony-xperia-z1-compact/general/ub-root-init-d-support-recovery-busybox-t3202799 - done. Then you can install Xposed, custom kernel, etc..
Thanks!
Will try this as soon as I managed to migrate my stuff fully to my new Z5C. Migration without TiBackup is a real PITA
Just making sure, when using your route "flash any stock and then follow up with the mentioned file" it means I can jump straigfht from 4.4.2 into the 5 era? Or Do I have to go to 5 for some compatibility reasons. I recall there was something like this sometime back when there was a major new version.
As far my planned procedure for tmw is:
TWRP backup
CWM backup
TiBackup
copying required stuff to the computer
then flash http://forum.xda-developers.com/son...al/stock-14-6-0-368-ce1-dualrecovery-t3216740 as this seems to be the most recent version including updates of the recoveries, pre-rooting already combined. This saves me the step from bone stock to pre-rooted stock as I would have to make in your suggestion.
Also, I want to as well try to use the DRM Feature Fix Mod (http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672), so I will flash the LP version of that one afterwards.
This should work, or am I missing anything significant? I can very well toss the data, the Z5C is now my main phone,, the Z1C has been given a 2nd life with a new backplate and battery I just put in so I'd hate to brick it.
Please confirm that I have a general idea of what I am doing lol... Using flashtool etc. is known to me but selecting the right ROMs remains a mystery unless you follow XDA daily...
Much appreciated
Walter_White said:
Just making sure, when using your route "flash any stock and then follow up with the mentioned file" it means I can jump straigfht from 4.4.2 into the 5 era? Or Do I have to go to 5 for some compatibility reasons. I recall there was something like this sometime back when there was a major new version.
As far my planned procedure for tmw is:
TWRP backup
CWM backup
TiBackup
copying required stuff to the computer
then flash http://forum.xda-developers.com/son...al/stock-14-6-0-368-ce1-dualrecovery-t3216740 as this seems to be the most recent version including updates of the recoveries, pre-rooting already combined. This saves me the step from bone stock to pre-rooted stock as I would have to make in your suggestion.
Also, I want to as well try to use the DRM Feature Fix Mod (http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672), so I will flash the LP version of that one afterwards.
This should work, or am I missing anything significant? I can very well toss the data, the Z5C is now my main phone,, the Z1C has been given a 2nd life with a new backplate and battery I just put in so I'd hate to brick it.
Please confirm that I have a general idea of what I am doing lol... Using flashtool etc. is known to me but selecting the right ROMs remains a mystery unless you follow XDA daily...
Much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, not sure if you were responding to me... As far as backing up and restoring data, I can't say for sure what's best, going from kk to lp. If you're going from stock to stock, probably built-in Google backup would do the trick. 3rd party stuff is chancy when switching versions in my experience, but Titanium might do OK. I don't think you can backup any kk data in recovery, then restore it on lp. Maybe someone else can tell you otherwise. As far as root in on lp, with unlocked bl, all you need is to flash stock ROM in flash mode with Flashtool, then flash the IMG I linked. - done.
Hello there,
I have no Idea if this is the right place to ask.
I'm not a COMPLETE :angel: noob, i have the Z2 Succesfully Unlocked and Rooted, so i have used Flashtool before (But didn't Knew what DRM Keys were, so they're lost)
Sorry i'm not realy good with finding links n' stuff, aspecially that English isn't my native language i have some difficulty understanding some of the technical terms such as "dirtycow exploit"
I want to Root my Sony Z5P [E6853] [Android 7.1.1.] and i have trouble finding the Right Threads of Needed Software and Tutorials for :
1. How to Downgrade to what ROM via Flashtool so i can root the device to save The DRM Keys (Stock Rom links n'stuff)?
1.2. Heared there is a way to Unlock The Bootloader without losing the DRM Keys ("dirtycow exploit") What ever this is
2. How to Backup DRM Keys?
3. Unlock Bootloader (Done Before with the Z2, but it as been a while )
4. Custom Dual Recovery (TWRP)
6. Custom ROM (LinageOS Prefered) (i know how to flash a ROM, i just need the link for the latest Official or UNOfficial version )
if this is the wrong place for this kind of assingment, just move or delet it
No worries!
Dummbrotaffe said:
Hello there,
I have no Idea if this is the right place to ask.
I'm not a COMPLETE :angel: noob, i have the Z2 Succesfully Unlocked and Rooted, so i have used Flashtool before (But didn't Knew what DRM Keys were, so they're lost)
Sorry i'm not realy good with finding links n' stuff, aspecially that English isn't my native language i have some difficulty understanding some of the technical terms such as "dirtycow exploit"
I want to Root my Sony Z5P [E6853] [Android 7.1.1.] and i have trouble finding the Right Threads of Needed Software and Tutorials for :
1. How to Downgrade to what ROM via Flashtool so i can root the device to save The DRM Keys (Stock Rom links n'stuff)?
1.2. Heared there is a way to Unlock The Bootloader without losing the DRM Keys ("dirtycow exploit") What ever this is
2. How to Backup DRM Keys?
3. Unlock Bootloader (Done Before with the Z2, but it as been a while )
4. Custom Dual Recovery (TWRP)
6. Custom ROM (LinageOS Prefered) (i know how to flash a ROM, i just need the link for the latest Official or UNOfficial version )
if this is the wrong place for this kind of assingment, just move or delet it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! See the thread in the General section titled (7.1.1. FTF patched kernel, etc.). Follow those instructions exactly and you will have unlocked bootloader, and be rooted with custom recovery. Our phones no longer have warranty protection, so no worries about modifying now. The new kernel in that thread, along with other new kernels, have DRM Fix integrated in them, so you don't lose your DRM keys with them (or you do lose them, but the kernel tricks your system into thinking the keys are still intact. My phone still shows DRM keys intact though I've unlocked bootloader, rooted and with custom recovery. Everything works as it should. I did backup my DRM keys when I was on android 6.0.1, but you must return to the android version you were on when you backed up your keys if you want to restore the keys. I didn't want to do that, and with newer kernels no problem. If you're already on android 7.1.1., probably don't need to flash the FTF. Start at step #13, get unlock code from Sony Developers, and follow steps. Make sure to first install all necessary drivers on your Windows or Mac version and test before starting down the path. Check that thread out and enjoy your "new" enhanced phone!
Never rooted, don't want to brick my phone but I am interested, I heard the honor 7x guide won't work with the MATE SE, I was going to do a hard reset as I am having phone problems anyways and I might as well root. Any foolproof guides? I would like to use magisk.
Will gmail, maps and everything else still work correctly? I am ONLY rooting to make the fake gps app a system app so I can use without mock locations on.
Everymanalion said:
Never rooted, don't want to brick my phone but I am interested, I heard the honor 7x guide won't work with the MATE SE, I was going to do a hard reset as I am having phone problems anyways and I might as well root. Any foolproof guides? I would like to use magisk.
Will gmail, maps and everything else still work correctly? I am ONLY rooting to make the fake gps app a system app so I can use without mock locations on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting is pretty straight forward.
For most phones the sequence goes like this.
1. Unlock the boot loader, Some phones come with unlocked boot loaders, not these ones though. You should visit The emui.huawei site and get the unlock code. They are about to remove this feature from their web page, but as of 7-23-2018 10:54 AM the page is still up. I believe it goes down tomorrow.
2. After unlocking the boot loader, you can flash a custom recovery(TWRP). The custom recovery is what allows you to gain root access.
3. From TWRP you will flash the magisk.zip file to gain root access.
You should make note of your EMUI version, 5.1 and 8 use different files. so If you're on EMUI 5.1 and try to flash EMUI8 files, you'll end up with a brick, same goes for vice versa.
Feel free to PM me if you want some more info, such as links.
So I have successfully unlocked my motorola by following the official guide but am stuck on the next step because I don't know what I'm supposed to download next. I installed magisk from the official github onto my phone but that's about it. Thanks in advance for any help.
Which rom are you using?
So all I have done so far is unlocked my bootloader, do I need to download a rom next. I'm very inexperienced on this subject and saw a video of the different cool customizations you can do with a rooted phone.
So, there are two different things.
1. rooting gives you access to system files, so they can be modified/erased etc.
2. a custom ROM doesn't necessarily give you root access, but it can give you cool customizations built-in, or a newer version of Android, for example.
Personally I'm not a big fan of rooting in general. Because that comes with a couple of caveats. One being that your banking apps won't work anymore, unless you fiddle with magisk stuff to make it show like the device is not rooted, and stuff like that. I don't need root, so I don't generally need Magisk either.
But if you want to try a cool ROM for this phone, and you like stock Android, you could try the Pixel Experience ROM. The only thing that doesn't work (and I don't know how to fix right now), is VoLTE and VoWIFI. But it might work for you.
LineageOS works for VoLTE (with IMS APN added by the user), but still doesn't work for VoWIFI. It could be that it requires a few specific files to be flashed from the stock ROM. I don't know. So far I couldn't get it to work.
So, next step would be either staying on stock ROM, and fiddling with Magisk (but keep in mind some DRM apps won't work, some payment stuff won't work and so on so forth), ooor go flash a custom ROM (such as Pixel Experience), and enjoy it the way it is.
The choice is yours.
One advice I have: don't relock the bootloader unless the option in Developer Options > OEM Unlocking is ON. Doesn't matter if it's greyed out or not. But it needs to be ON.
Why? Because, if something happens and you can't boot because you locked your bootloader on a custom ROM for example (which you should never do, by the way), you won't be able to unlock it again, so you can fix your boot, if that option is OFF. So be very careful with that.
When that option is ON, it means bootloader is allowed to be unlocked (it's unlockable). When it's OFF, it's not. If it's not unlockable, you can't unlock it, so you can't flash anything. Which is really bad if you need to fix something and the only way is flashing.
Ok, I took some time to reflect based on what you said. I really do value being able to use banking apps so i guess I will try to fiddle with magisk stuff after I root my device. Speaking of which I was following this guide and I went through the procedure twice but for some reason after I ran the root checker plus app from the play store it says that root was not properly installed. Not sure what part of the process I did wrong but I await any feedback.
Technically, all you need is Magisk installed. That will also give you root access. You don't need anything else.
But maybe flashing was not done right? I don't know. Do you get an error? If so, it would be good to know which error.