Database Develop

[Q] C6903 .290 Need help with root, downgrade, TA backup

Alrighty some background info and where I'm at. I've got some dev (Android XML layout fixes) experience on a custom ROM on i9300 and I finally decided to upgrade my phone onto the beasty Xperia Z1.
My phone came factory shipped with .290. It's the C6903 model. I've been looking up videos and trying to find info about where to begin with getting my root, bootloader, cwm, and custom ROM install going. Then I found out about the TA partition and that even though my phone allows me to unlock the bootloader, it's a smart idea to first backup the TA partition before I unlock my bootloader via the $ony website. With the TA backed up I can revert my phone back to stock at some point and restore the TA so that my phone looks basically factory fresh. So I realised that I probably ought to back up my TA in case of any warranty issues. Which means I need to get my phone rooted before anything else. (I hope my assessment has been correct so far, it would be awesome if someone can verify the above paragraph)
Now this is where I am completely confused. I've attempted to use VRoot - and of course it does not support the .290 firmware.
Then I found out that it is possible to downgrade the firmware so that I can root and TA backup before bootloader unlock. This is the knowledge level I am up to. I have no idea which firmware to downgrade to or how to even actually perform a successful downgrade. (I've kinda gotten frustrated at the huge slab of info and I need some specific info from some users more experienced at this than I am at this point..)
I read how some people have flashed down to .534 and others have flashed down to .257. I would like to know exactly what steps I should take and which is the best firmware to downgrade to, just to do a root crack and TA backup. Can you even downgrade firmware without bootloader involved?
Basically the flow of what I need to do right now is this (I think):
1) Downgrade firmware to probably .534 from my current .290 (I need to flash the FTF using Flashtool, correct?)
2) Install Root with VRoot
3) TA Backup (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598&highlight=ta)
4) Upgrade back to .290 (Do I do this via OTA? I hope it is not difficult to do it via some command line tools if it comes to that..)
--- Above step also gets rid of most of Root access provided to the older firmware (this is what I've read.. Is this correct?)
5) Unlock bootloader (must do this in version .290 to avoid the camera bug), via guide on Sony website
6) Go crazy with all the custom things I want to install - CWMRecovery, CM11, etc
7) ???
8) Profit
Can someone please tell me if the above list is the order I need to proceed with?
:good: Thanks for any help you guys can give me. I am truly frustrated by this 290 firmware version! And reading all the topics about people who bricked after attempting similar things without knowing exactly what they needed to do and which order to do it in..
tl;dr - On .290 firmware, I want to backup TA before I unlock bootloader, which firmware version do I downgrade to?

SleepinDevil said:
Alrighty some background info and where I'm at. I've got some dev (Android XML layout fixes) experience on a custom ROM on i9300 and I finally decided to upgrade my phone onto the beasty Xperia Z1.
My phone came factory shipped with .290. It's the C6903 model. I've been looking up videos and trying to find info about where to begin with getting my root, bootloader, cwm, and custom ROM install going. Then I found out about the TA partition and that even though my phone allows me to unlock the bootloader, it's a smart idea to first backup the TA partition before I unlock my bootloader via the $ony website. With the TA backed up I can revert my phone back to stock at some point and restore the TA so that my phone looks basically factory fresh. So I realised that I probably ought to back up my TA in case of any warranty issues. Which means I need to get my phone rooted before anything else. (I hope my assessment has been correct so far, it would be awesome if someone can verify the above paragraph)
Now this is where I am completely confused. I've attempted to use VRoot - and of course it does not support the .290 firmware.
Then I found out that it is possible to downgrade the firmware so that I can root and TA backup before bootloader unlock. This is the knowledge level I am up to. I have no idea which firmware to downgrade to or how to even actually perform a successful downgrade. (I've kinda gotten frustrated at the huge slab of info and I need some specific info from some users more experienced at this than I am at this point..)
I read how some people have flashed down to .534 and others have flashed down to .257. I would like to know exactly what steps I should take and which is the best firmware to downgrade to, just to do a root crack and TA backup. Can you even downgrade firmware without bootloader involved?
Basically the flow of what I need to do right now is this (I think):
1) Downgrade firmware to probably .534 from my current .290 (I need to flash the FTF using Flashtool, correct?)
2) Install Root with VRoot
3) TA Backup (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598&highlight=ta)
4) Upgrade back to .290 (Do I do this via OTA? I hope it is not difficult to do it via some command line tools if it comes to that..)
--- Above step also gets rid of most of Root access provided to the older firmware (this is what I've read.. Is this correct?)
5) Unlock bootloader (must do this in version .290 to avoid the camera bug), via guide on Sony website
6) Go crazy with all the custom things I want to install - CWMRecovery, CM11, etc
7) ???
8) Profit
Can someone please tell me if the above list is the order I need to proceed with?
:good: Thanks for any help you guys can give me. I am truly frustrated by this 290 firmware version! And reading all the topics about people who bricked after attempting similar things without knowing exactly what they needed to do and which order to do it in..
tl;dr - On .290 firmware, I want to backup TA before I unlock bootloader, which firmware version do I downgrade to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you need to downgrade to .534 and root before you can backup your TA
Here is a guide on how to achieve that
If you follow the video guide you will end up with rooted .290
Then backup you TA:
and go to Sony's website to unlock the bootloader. An unlocked bootloader will let you flash custom kernels to your phone and thus you will be able to use roms such as CM, AOSP etc.
NEXT TIME PLEASE READ BEFORE CREATING A NEW THREAD. THIS HAS BEEN COVERED 100's OF TIMES

in general you have to do these steps:
downgrade to an early firmware that can be rooted and root it.
then install dual recovery.
in dual recovery wipe your phone, flash rom, flash again superuser and again dual recovery.
power off phone.
power on and direct flash kernel,baseband, bootbundle. for this i would recommend using NUTs stripped FTF files. also from his site you get recovery and superuser/supersu.
you only loose TA when you unlock your bootloader. unlocking is only neccessary if you plan to flash a custom kernel too.
when you are on rooted firmware backup TA, you never know if you need it later.
a good step by step tutorial is iHackers 2.1 thread.
also be prepared that actually there is a chance to brick your device. many can be restored using Sony Update Service or by flashing a full stock FTF, but some devices need a new mainboard. things are a litte bit tricky at the moment

shem2409 said:
Yes, you need to downgrade to .534 and root before you can backup your TA
Here is a guide on how to achieve that
If you follow the video guide you will end up with rooted .290
Then backup you TA:
and go to Sony's website to unlock the bootloader. An unlocked bootloader will let you flash custom kernels to your phone and thus you will be able to use roms such as CM, AOSP etc.
NEXT TIME PLEASE READ BEFORE CREATING A NEW THREAD. THIS HAS BEEN COVERED 100's OF TIMES
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When on 4.3 and I tried many time still can't downgraded to 534. How to do it? Thank!
Lukily my TA had been backup.
Send from GT-I9506 using Tapatalk
Devices: Samsung GT-I9506 and Sony Z1 C6903

timberwolf60 said:
When on 4.3 and I tried many time still can't downgraded to 534. How to do it? Thank!
Lukily my TA had been backup.
Send from GT-I9506 using Tapatalk
Devices: Samsung GT-I9506 and Sony Z1 C6903
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a video on how to use flashtool
The previous video that I have sent you shows you step by step how to do everything

[Q] How can we root 4.3 Locked Bootloader?

Or send me a link on how to unlock the bootloader on 4.3......
Edit: I'll wait for the lord. I dont want to unlock my BL :S.I'll just flash 4.1 ,root it and wait for doom tofind a way withou UBL.

this or just install existenz rom but for me these methods dont worth it

szmoki42 said:
this or just install existenz rom but for me these methods dont worth it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can i install teh rom when i dont have root and cwm?

Yeah, these guides have zero logic.
1. In order to root your device, first you will have to unlock your bootloader.
2. To make TA partition backup, first you will need to root your device.
Seriously? How the f*** am I supposed to backup my TA partition without root?
---
I installed latest 4.3 using Companion. Now I want to root my device, backup TA partition, unlock bootloader and install DooMKernel. Is there any normal tutorial/guide for this? C5303.
Update: I guess I will wait for our lord and savior DooMLoRD to find new rooting process.

marko41297 said:
Yeah, these guides have zero logic.
1. In order to root your device, first you will have to unlock your bootloader.
2. To make TA partition backup, first you will need to root your device.
Seriously? How the f*** am I supposed to backup my TA partition without root?
---
I installed latest 4.3 using Companion. Now I want to root my device, backup TA partition, unlock bootloader and install DooMKernel. Is there any normal tutorial/guide for this? C5303.
Update: I guess I will wait for our lord and savior DooMLoRD to find new rooting process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guides are out there - I don't have the time or inclination to do all the research and post links but the process is relatively straightforward, especially if you are happy to unlock your bootloader, you'll need a decent internet connection for all the downloads though.
Install flashtools and install the necessary components for it to work
Download a 4.1 ftf build that can be rooted using the Doomlord exploit
Download a 4.3 ftf, the country doesn't matter (people saying the Australia one is buggy are being hysterical), but obviously you want a c502 one if your device is a c502 and so on.
Download the 4.3advanced kernel
Dowload the supersu zip and save it to your external sd
Back up data on your internal sd as this will be wiped
after you've got all the downloads together it will probably take an hour or so. Unlocking the bootloader took me a while first time because I'm stupid But it does take a while to get used to flashtools, the flashing process takes 5-10 minutes each time, you have to reboot a couple of times etc.
Flash 4.1
Root it
Back up your TA
Unlock your bootloader
Flash a 4.3 ftf
flash the advanced kernel
Boot into recovery
Install the supersu zip
reboot your 4.3 phone it will be rooted

Just wait for the mighty @DooMLoRD make it for LB.
Or try to root your .254 and update through OTA. It shouldn't remove you root access.
Sent from my C5302 using Tapatalk

Parkside said:
Flash 4.1
Root it
Back up your TA
Unlock your bootloader
Flash a 4.3 ftf
flash the advanced kernel
Boot into recovery
Install the supersu zip
reboot your 4.3 phone it will be rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Very simple and easy to follow. Finished in less than 15 minutes.
I did everything except the red text, reason is simple: I hate 4.3

<SOLVED>[Q] TA backup with firmware 14.3.A.0.683 (Sony Xperia Z1 C6903)

Hi,
I'm trying to backup the TA on my Xperia Z1 (C6903) running the stock KitKat firmware (14.3.A.0.681). From what I understand though, you need root to backup the partition, but to get root, you need an unlocked boot loader. I've seen a few tools that roots without unlocking the boot loader, but I need to downgrade the firmware to at least Android 4.2.2. Downgrading requires an unlocked boot loader.
Are developers working on a root-and-unlock tool for 14.3.A.0.681? Is there already a tool out there?
Thanks in advanced. Sorry for my arrogance.

kentexcitebot said:
Hi,
I'm trying to backup the TA on my Xperia Z1 (C6903) running the stock KitKat firmware (14.3.A.0.681). From what I understand though, you need root to backup the partition, but to get root, you need an unlocked boot loader. I've seen a few tools that roots without unlocking the boot loader, but I need to downgrade the firmware to at least Android 4.2.2. Downgrading requires an unlocked boot loader.
Are developers working on a root-and-unlock tool for 14.3.A.0.681? Is there already a tool out there?
Thanks in advanced. Sorry for my arrogance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not need an unlocked bootloader to get root and or to downgrade. Although yes, you would have to downgrade to 4.2 to get root. Just use flashtool to downgrade and pick a software to root

Ahki767 said:
You do not need an unlocked bootloader to get root and or to downgrade. Although yes, you would have to downgrade to 4.2 to get root. Just use flashtool to downgrade and pick a software to root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool
Just a couple more questions. Any suggested 4.2.2 and 4.4.2 firmwares to flash (if you can, link them here)? To root 4.2.2, do I simply click on the unlock icon shown in link?
i.imgur.com/VUs5Ele.png

kentexcitebot said:
Cool
Just a couple more questions. Any suggested 4.2.2 and 4.4.2 firmwares to flash (if you can, link them here)? To root 4.2.2, do I simply click on the unlock icon shown in link?
i.imgur.com/VUs5Ele.png
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just grab the ftf's for your device here and proceed to follow the guides

Ahki767 said:
Just grab the ftf's for your device here and proceed to follow the guides
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used vroot 1.7.3 english and everything installed fine. However, when I installed the Root Checker app from Google play it reads "Sorry, this device isn't properly rooted."
Here's what I did / planning, in order:
1) Downloaded C6903 14.3.A.0.681 Global 1277-2880_R5C
2) Downloaded 14.1.G.1.534 downgrade FTF [NUT]
3)Pasted the 2 FTFs in the Firmware Folder under Flashtool
4)Flashed 14.1.G.1.534 downgrade FTF [NUT] using Flashtool from Androxyde (latest version)
5)Installed vroot English (1.7.3)
6)Clicked on the Root button. Phones reboots twice
7)After phone first start I was greeted with an error message from "Kingsapp".
8)Installed Root Checker from Google Play
9a)"Not properly rooted" <-- I'm right here
9b)If "root successful", proceed to flash C6903 14.3.A.0.681 Global 1277-2880_R5C
I did some research and people are pointing everywhere, vroot, bin4ry's rooting method, 360 (can't install).
Did I lose my TA partition? My X-Reality goodies?
What am I doing wrong?

kentexcitebot said:
I've used vroot 1.7.3 english and everything installed fine. However, when I installed the Root Checker app from Google play it reads "Sorry, this device isn't properly rooted."
I did some research and people are pointing everywhere, vroot, bin4ry's rooting method, 360 (can't install).
Did I lose my TA partition? My X-Reality goodies?
What am I doing wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay so now you are still on .534 firmware right? Do you have usb debugging on?
And also try rooting with bin4ry if vroot doesn't work for you.
Don't worry, you won't lose x-reality unless you've unlocked your bootloader

Ahki767 said:
Okay so now you are still on .534 firmware right? Do you have usb debugging on?
And also try rooting with bin4ry if vroot doesn't work for you.
Don't worry, you won't lose x-reality unless you've unlocked your bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Su upgrade failed. Missing root permission"
Yes, I'm on the .534 firmware. USB Debug turned on.
I'll try bin4ry's root now.
Once I'm through TA backup, I just need to flash 14.3.A.0.681 Global 1277-2880_R5C?

kentexcitebot said:
"Su upgrade failed. Missing root permission"
Yes, I'm on the .534 firmware. USB Debug turned on.
I'll try bin4ry's root now.
Once I'm through TA backup, I just need to flash 14.3.A.0.681 Global 1277-2880_R5C?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you still can't get root, try using nuts z1-lockdualrecovery installer and after flash nuts .681

Ahki767 said:
If you still can't get root, try using nuts z1-lockdualrecovery installer and after flash nuts .681
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to root and deodex the Kitkat rom. Xreality and other goodies working just fine.
Thanks so much Thread Solved.
+1

How to root Xperia Z1 with KitKat ?

I mean rooting said phone with a 4.4 version, not flashing a KitKat ROM or something.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
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"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
What do I have to do?
What software do I need?
The kernels, bootloaders, ROMs, everything.
You could provide me any forum links related to rooting a 4.4 Z1.
Thanks.

Follow the link in my signature
All done, 3 easy steps

gregbradley said:
Follow the link in my signature
All done, 3 easy steps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you should make the link RED..... more noticeable and probably you will have to post less saying to look at it...lol
Like that,
How to get root on Xperia Z1 with KitKat
It's just an Idea...you don't have to take it seriously...

Still do not know why i should root my Z1, i mean it is still pretty damn good and accept from flashing custom roms i can pretty much do anything with it. I am also still afraid of bricking the device for i have not rooted a sony device before. Samsung is easy but sony, what is the risk when it goes wrong?
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Free mobile app

Step 3 : custom rom ??
gregbradley said:
Follow the link in my signature
All done, 3 easy steps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I flash a custom Rom, do I have to flash the required kernel (can we even install other kernels on locked boot-loader )??
or I can only flash a custom rom based on Stock kernel ?? Please suggest any custom rom which can be flashed in step 3.
( i'm not asking for comparisons or best one) (except NUT .757 ftf coz torrent & zbigz not working :crying: ).
My aim is to later backup TA and unlock boot-loader.

K****iz.gautam said:
If I flash a custom Rom, do I have to flash the required kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you need the correct kernel for the rom
(can we even install other kernels on locked boot-loader )??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
or I can only flash a custom rom based on Stock kernel ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With a locked bootloader, yes
Please suggest any custom rom which can be flashed in step 3.
( i'm not asking for comparisons or best one) (except NUT .757 ftf coz torrent & zbigz not working :crying: ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Choose any from the development section
My aim is to later backup TA and unlock boot-loader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you can flash any rom you want, just follow the instructions in the OP of the ROM you choose.

frank060272 said:
Still do not know why i should root my Z1, i mean it is still pretty damn good and accept from flashing custom roms i can pretty much do anything with it. I am also still afraid of bricking the device for i have not rooted a sony device before. Samsung is easy but sony, what is the risk when it goes wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot do anything on not rooted device, if you think you do then you needs are limited and good for you, stay unrooted.
There is no risk to brick your phone to get root, you are just a bit paranoid, if you follow the instructions all will be fine.

frank060272 said:
Still do not know why i should root my Z1, i mean it is still pretty damn good and accept from flashing custom roms i can pretty much do anything with it. I am also still afraid of bricking the device for i have not rooted a sony device before. Samsung is easy but sony, what is the risk when it goes wrong?
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is so much more you can do other than flashing custom roms with root..... you are missing out on so much.
But it is your choice, if you do not want to root, no one is forcing you.

gregbradley said:
There is so much more you can do other than flashing custom roms with root..... you are missing out on so much.
But it is your choice, if you do not want to root, no one is forcing you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know gregbradley, the problem is i am indeed paranoia about rooting my Z1, i saw that my phone was "unlocking allowed" in the service menu.
But for some reason i do not dare to do it just yet, i have rooted many samsung phones, jailbreak my old iphones but for some reason i just am affraid to loose the drm keys which renders the camera useless or even break the phone, it the first flagship i owned. But it keeps pulling on me and i want to root the Z1, espacially for a clean android version without the sony launcher. There are so many tutorials here that i lost track on which tutorial to use and what steps i have to take and which steps i do not have to take. I am from the netherlands and i have a C6903 running the latest built 14.3.A.0.757.
Maybee someone can point me to the post on this forums which one is the one for me to use?

frank060272 said:
I know gregbradley, the problem is i am indeed paranoia about rooting my Z1, i saw that my phone was "unlocking allowed" in the service menu.
But for some reason i do not dare to do it just yet, i have rooted many samsung phones, jailbreak my old iphones but for some reason i just am affraid to loose the drm keys which renders the camera useless or even break the phone, it the first flagship i owned. But it keeps pulling on me and i want to root the Z1, espacially for a clean android version without the sony launcher. There are so many tutorials here that i lost track on which tutorial to use and what steps i have to take and which steps i do not have to take. I am from the netherlands and i have a C6903 running the latest built 14.3.A.0.757.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you are making a basic mistake and confusing unlocking the bootloader with rooting... There is no need to unlock the bootloader in order to root..
Maybee someone can point me to the post on this forums which one is the one for me to use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest you follow the link in my signature and do some reading.

gregbradley said:
Then you are making a basic mistake and confusing unlocking the bootloader with rooting... There is no need to unlock the bootloader in order to root..
I suggest you follow the link in my signature and do some reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will thanks, just one more question then, where can i find a pre rooted 4.4 ftf?
This forum is so freaking big, in hollant we say i cant see the trees in the forest.

frank060272 said:
I will thanks, just one more question then, where can i find a pre rooted 4.4 ftf?
This forum is so freaking big, in hollant we say i cant see the trees in the forest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the development section....
There are indeed a lot of trees, but they are mostly wood, so any of these will do
http://prntscr.com/3j39hr

gregbradley said:
In the development section....
There are indeed a lot of trees, but they are mostly wood, so any of these will do
http://prntscr.com/3j39hr
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the screenshot, ihackers 4.1 is shown prerooted & hence directly be flashed on downgraded .543. But in ihackers 4.1 OP instructions for LB, its written to downgrade to .534, then root with Vroot or any other method, and after rooting install dual recovery & flash the rom.
Isn't it contradictory ?? If the rom is pre-rooted then why to root with Vroot or Kang app at first place ??

K****iz.gautam said:
In the screenshot, ihackers 4.1 is shown prerooted & hence directly be flashed on downgraded .543. But in ihackers 4.1 OP instructions for LB, its written to downgrade to .534, then root with Vroot or any other method, and after rooting install dual recovery & flash the rom.
Isn't it contradictory ?? If the rom is pre-rooted then why to root with Vroot or Kang app at first place ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO NOT USE VROOT, it sends your IMEI to an ip address in china.
Just follow the three steps in my signature
downgrade, install dual recovery, flash a pre-rooted rom
No need for any separate root methods.

1.Unlock the bootloader (TA partition won't be damaged since the KitKat update - X-Reality remain you should be on 4.4.2 )
2.Download XZ-XZDRKernel from here http://nut.xperia-files.com/ - look for it in the link. and SuperSU
3.Extract boot.img file from the zip you downloaded the fastboot flash it , Now you have recovery.
4.Reboot into recovery then reflash the XZDRKernel and SuperSU.zip
5.Done

Stealthy Hunter said:
1.Unlock the bootloader (TA partition won't be damaged since the KitKat update - X-Reality remain you should be on 4.4.2 )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's OK as long as you can unlock the bootloader, also without a TA backup its possible for anyone to see its been unlocked (Even after relocking), hence no warranty. With a TA backup you can reloack, restore your TA and "get" your warranty back
2.Download XZ-XZDRKernel from here http://nut.xperia-files.com/ - look for it in the link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or any stock based custom kernel
and SuperSU
3.Extract boot.img file from the zip you downloaded the fastboot flash it , Now you have recovery.
4.Reboot into recovery then reflash the XZDRKernel and SuperSU.zip
5.Done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

gregbradley said:
That's OK as long as you can unlock the bootloader, also without a TA backup its possible for anyone to see its been unlocked (Even after relocking), hence no warranty. With a TA backup you can reloack, restore your TA and "get" your warranty backOr any stock based custom kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hade the KitKat rooting problem but NUT helped me
I unlocked my bootloader and nothing was gone..of course I backed up my TA its very important to do..
my problem was that the customization of my phone is SG and it has no .534fw so I cant downgrade...downgrading to another cust caused IMEI error 000000000000000000...So I used the method that NUT provide me with

Stealthy Hunter said:
1.Unlock the bootloader (TA partition won't be damaged since the KitKat update - X-Reality remain you should be on 4.4.2 )
2.Download XZ-XZDRKernel from here http://nut.xperia-files.com/ - look for it in the link. and SuperSU
3.Extract boot.img file from the zip you downloaded the fastboot flash it , Now you have recovery.
4.Reboot into recovery then reflash the XZDRKernel and SuperSU.zip
5.Done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, it's almost what I wanted to know.
Are you the guy who made all those awesome icon packs?

ramonleeyj said:
Thanks, it's almost what I wanted to know.
Are you the guy who made all those awesome icon packs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not a developer ... I'm a user just like you
the provided steps were by [NUT]
What icon pack??

Stealthy Hunter said:
I hade the KitKat rooting problem but NUT helped me
I unlocked my bootloader and nothing was gone..of course I backed up my TA its very important to do..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no point backing up the TA after unlocking, its got to be done before
my problem was that the customization of my phone is SG and it has no .534fw so I cant downgrade...downgrading to another cust caused IMEI error 000000000000000000...So I used the method that NUT provide me with
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As it does for all Z1 (Irrelevant of customisation) devices when downgrading from 4.3 or 4.4 to a 4.2 FW, but you will get it back upon upgrading.

[Q] Questions on rooting my Z1

Hey guys! Just bought brand new Xperia Z1 10 days ago! I LOVE my new phone but I really need to root it to have access to my game files and bypass the restriction on apps on SD card. Still a noob about rooting so I've read several guides in here, all are very useful and answered many of my questions/confusions.
Btw, my Z1 is C903 model, running 4.4.2 KitKat, on firmware 14.3.A.0.757. I've checked and it's not rooted (obviously) and its bootloader is locked but unlocking is allowed. Now the questions:
1. I just want to root my Z1 for now. Is it possible to root it WITHOUT downgrading my firmware OR unlocking the bootloader? That is I don't want to downgrade nor unlock the bootloader, IF possible.
2. If the above is not possible and I need to downgrade it first no matter what, is it totally safe to root it without risk of bricking it and no further issue will arise (camera not working, etc)? Just assume everything is done correctly using krabappel2548's guide. Would be nice if anyone with same phone spec can confirm on this.
The idea is to root my Z1 first so that I can backup my TA partition. After that, I won't mind unlocking the bootloader and willing to try some custom ROMs later. Thanks in advance for any help regarding this!

velve86 said:
1. I just want to root my Z1 for now. Is it possible to root it WITHOUT downgrading my firmware OR unlocking the bootloader? That is I don't want to downgrade nor unlock the bootloader, IF possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible
2. If the above is not possible and I need to downgrade it first no matter what, is it totally safe to root it without risk of bricking it and no further issue will arise (camera not working, etc)? Just assume everything is done correctly using krabappel2548's guide. Would be nice if anyone with same phone spec can confirm on this.
The idea is to root my Z1 first so that I can backup my TA partition. After that, I won't mind unlocking the bootloader and willing to try some custom ROMs later. Thanks in advance for any help regarding this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just follow the link in my signature
3 simple steps and do not follow the outdated guide by krabappel. Also, DO NOT USE VROOT to root it. It send your IMEI number to an IP address in china

velve86 said:
1. I just want to root my Z1 for now. Is it possible to root it WITHOUT downgrading my firmware OR unlocking the bootloader? That is I don't want to downgrade nor unlock the bootloader, IF possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
velve86 said:
2. If the above is not possible and I need to downgrade it first no matter what, is it totally safe to root it without risk of bricking it and no further issue will arise (camera not working, etc)? Just assume everything is done correctly using krabappel2548's guide. Would be nice if anyone with same phone spec can confirm on this.
The idea is to root my Z1 first so that I can backup my TA partition. After that, I won't mind unlocking the bootloader and willing to try some custom ROMs later. Thanks in advance for any help regarding this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use latest Flashtool and Downgrade to .534, provided by NUT, Install DualRecovery, Upgrade to pre-Rooted .757. Done.
Easy and safe, just follow the instructions. Now you can Backup TA and Unlock Your Bootloader.
---------- Post added at 03:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:35 PM ----------
@gregbradley...Damn...you are too fast, you was not there yet when I started typing...XP

gregbradley said:
Not possible
Just follow the link in my signature
3 simple steps and do not follow the outdated guide by krabappel. Also, DO NOT USE VROOT to root it. It send your IMEI number to an IP address in china
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
eclyptos said:
No.
Use latest Flashtool and Downgrade to .534, provided by NUT, Install DualRecovery, Upgrade to pre-Rooted .757. Done.
Easy and safe, just follow the instructions. Now you can Backup TA and Unlock Your Bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it. Thanks for the fast replies guys! Seem those are the best way to proceed. And thanks for the heads up about VRoot! :good:
Will try to root my Z1 tomorrow. I'll update on the result.

Hey guys! I'm ready to do this. Just done downloading all the required files today. Made backups of my data, saved in SD card. Installed flashtool 0.9.16.0 and its drivers. Device connected and recognized.
Now to flash the .534 firmware. Just done downloading it from here but just noticed that the file is of *.zip extension instead of FTF (prolly because I used direct download instead of torrent).
So how do I proceed with this? Flash it like flashing FTF file as well?

velve86 said:
So how do I proceed with this? Flash it like flashing FTF file as well?
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Click to collapse
Try to download from different source. It have be FTF extension. ZIP extension can be changed to FTF but many reported it will not work doing that. Try and let us know.

I did it guys! :victory: Successfully downgraded to 14.1.G.1.534 [NUT], installed XZDualRecovery v2.7.123 BETA and then upgraded to pre-rooted 14.3.A.0.757 [NUT]! Stuck a bit at the middle but I did it! Now I have root access and my Z1 bootloader is still intact! It took me ~2 hours to complete everything last night.. :laugh:
I'll post a detailed logs of what I did later, just for future reference and for others with same phone spec. And thanks again gregbradley and eclyptos for the help!

As promised, the detailed logs. Just for reference for others like me that are still noob about all this.
My phone spec: Xperia Z1 C6903, running 4.4.2 KitKat, on firmware 14.3.A.0.757 (no root, locked bootloader).
Guides used:
-Root, Backup TA, Unlock bootloader and more! The ultimate Xperia Z1 guide
-[25NOV][FLASHTOOL GUIDE] HOW TO for n00bies - G-FACE GUIDE
-[STOCK][C69XX][4.4] Update to 14.3.A.0.757 [Root & XZDR][DE-/ODEX]
-[DEVDB][TWRP][PhilZ Touch][CWM] XZDualRecovery 2.7.1XX RC
Preparation:
-Installed adb and USB driver (from Android SDK), Flashtool 0.9.16.0
-Phone charged to 90%+, enabled USB debugging, stay awake while charging
-Downloaded all required files (C6903_14.1.G.1.534_NUT.zip, C6903_14.3.A.0.757.flashable.zip, C6903_14.3.A.0.757_Stripped.zip, Z1-lockeddualrecovery2.7.123-BETA.installer.zip)
-Made backup for all my data including apps using Backup & Restore, saved into SD card
And here's the step-by-step of what I did:
1. Preparing 14.1.G.1.534 firmware
-copied C6903_14.1.G.1.534_NUT.zip into "C:\Flashtool\firmwares\"
-changed the extension from *.zip to *.ftf (C6903_14.1.G.1.534_NUT.zip --> C6903_14.1.G.1.534_NUT.ftf) for it to be recognized by Flashtool
-already flashed this firmware when I read eclyptos' suggestion to change the extension, so I hereby confirm that it's working!
***NOTE: Downgrading to .534 wiped out my data on internal storage (not SD card content though). Didn't know that, thought only unlocking bootloader does - good thing I've made backup of all my data beforehand.***
2. Flashing C6903_14.1.G.1.534_NUT.ftf using Flashtool
-just followed instructions on Flashtool, turned off my phone, unplugged from USB, then connected again in flashmode (using instruction in guide)
-flashing started automatically once it's connected in flashmode
-flashing done, phone turned off automatically, unplugged from USB, turned it on
-phone now on JB 4.2.2 with .543 firmware but no root access (verified with Root Checker)
3. Installing XZDualRecovery and root access
-extracted Z1-lockeddualrecovery2.7.123-BETA.installer.zip, ran install.bat, chose option 3 (installation on unrooted ROM)
-once done, phone rebooted automatically into default recovery (PhilZ Touch), chose "Reboot Now" with 2nd option to install root access (SuperSU)
-rebooted, phone now has root access (verified with Root Checker), with BusyBox v1.20.2-jb "static (2012-11-25 17:47 +0100) multi-call binary" (wasn't sure if required to have root before upgrading but tried it anyway)
4. Preparing to upgrade to 14.3.A.0.757
-copied C6903_14.3.A.0.757.flashable.zip into SD card, C6903_14.3.A.0.757_Stripped.zip into "C:\Flashtool\firmwares\"
-changed primary recovery to TWRP using NDR Utils app (pre-installed in .543), tried to reboot into recovery but reboot not working (nothing happens)
-rebooted into recovery again using adb command line ("adb reboot recovery") - Google FTW!
-rebooted into TWRP recovery
5. Flashing C6903_14.3.A.0.757.flashable.zip using TWRP
-on TWRP, chose Install, navigate and chose the file
-tried with zip file signature verification, failed
-tried again, without signature verification (MD5 check), successful
-firmware update started, took a while and done successfully!
-DID NOT REBOOT (as per instruction in guide), back to Home->Reboot->Power off, unplugged phone from USB, turned on phone
6. Flashing C6903_14.3.A.0.757_Stripped.ftf using Flashtool
-connected to USB, renamed C6903_14.3.A.0.757_Stripped.zip to C6903_14.3.A.0.757_Stripped.ftf, started Flashtool
-flashed everything in the FTF just like in step 2, phone turned off automatically once done, unplugged from USB
7. Verifying upgrade
-Phone turned on, Android is upgrading, optimized apps, etc
-Phone now back to 14.3.A.0.757 firmware but has ROOT access using SuperSU (verified with Root Checker), with bootloader still locked!
Will backup my TA partition later, but I'll just leave the bootloader locked for now. Restored my backup, checked and re-configured certain apps settings, no weird behavior so far, camera and wireless also working fine!
That's about it. Hope this log will help others to have root on their Z1 of same spec. Good luck!

I was a bit confused with the firmware you flashed, since it said it required 0.681. But like i read it now, you can just flash the .757 over the .534 right? Good info, thanks!

saintgein said:
I was a bit confused with the firmware you flashed, since it said it required 0.681. But like i read it now, you can just flash the .757 over the .534 right? Good info, thanks!
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Click to collapse
Yup
From 534 you can flash 757 firmware from recovery and use flashtool to flash 757stripped tft (kernel).
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Free mobile app