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Root Xperia Z and still get OTA?

Hi. New to Xperia phone, coming from S3. So far loving it! just wondering if I can root and still have the option to get OTA from Sony? Don't want to loose bravia engine 2 (yet) so only need root to remove som bloatwares and install some apps. Also, if that is possible to get OTA with root, will updating the phone remove root?
Thanks!
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

UnLucky12 said:
Hi. New to Xperia phone, coming from S3. So far loving it! just wondering if I can root and still have the option to get OTA from Sony? Don't want to loose bravia engine 2 (yet) so only need root to remove som bloatwares and install some apps. Also, if that is possible to get OTA with root, will updating the phone remove root?
Thanks!
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use pro features of SuperSU or OTA Rootkeeper to protect your root, then when you OTA update you should be fine. Try not to modify anything in the System partition otherwise OTA will probably fail (is my understanding), or if you do (i.e. renaming various apks/odex files to .bak), make sure you put them back before OTA updating, in case they need to be patched.

Thanks for the reply! I was only thinking of installing adaway, also the whitecontroll mod to the Xperia. How do I then remove them like the whitecontroll app witch is intergrated in to the system?
If it removes root, I can always reroot the device
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

UnLucky12 said:
Thanks for the reply! I was only thinking of installing adaway, also the whitecontroll mod to the Xperia. How do I then remove them like the whitecontroll app witch is intergrated in to the system?
If it removes root, I can always reroot the device
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure about the WB control, I imagine that would likely prevent OTA due to libs inserted in to /system, perhaps if you were to perform the installation manually, take note of all files inserted, and backup any (if any) files it overwrites you could restore it before OTA.
As for AdAway, it only changes your host file, which shouldn't affect OTA, since I doubt Sony will make any changes to it OTA, but AdAway can be "undone" from within the app, so you can do that easily anyway.
It's hard to say really and depends on the OTA, but generally, from my experience, if the OTA contains a patch for a particular file, it will MD5 it, and if that fails, OTA will fail, if you have modified files that aren't patched as part of the OTA you shouldn't have a problem.
That said, I have little experience with Sony OTA files, and without looking at the script for any particular OTA you can never tell what they might check or change.
The only recommendation I can give really, is that if you want to OTA, change as LITTLE as possible in the /system partition, and make sure to revert any changes before attempting to apply an OTA.
If that is too much effort, and all you're really concerned about is you data, use Titanium Backup to keep everything safe, modify anything you want in system, then flash a stock ROM before you OTA update. You could also just flash a stock system partition, perhaps from a nandroid? before you OTA, and that should also solve the problem.

As you don't unlock your bootloader you're safe.
But OTA doesn't always works even in locked bootloader, tried yesterday to OTA update my locked bootloader Xperia T to .140 fw but it failed because of root, even after unroot with superSU option it failed.
Backup everything, update with SUS or PCC and reroot with binary tool using goroh_kun exploit included in the tool..

alias_neo said:
I'm not sure about the WB control, I imagine that would likely prevent OTA due to libs inserted in to /system, perhaps if you were to perform the installation manually, take note of all files inserted, and backup any (if any) files it overwrites you could restore it before OTA.
As for AdAway, it only changes your host file, which shouldn't affect OTA, since I doubt Sony will make any changes to it OTA, but AdAway can be "undone" from within the app, so you can do that easily anyway.
It's hard to say really and depends on the OTA, but generally, from my experience, if the OTA contains a patch for a particular file, it will MD5 it, and if that fails, OTA will fail, if you have modified files that aren't patched as part of the OTA you shouldn't have a problem.
That said, I have little experience with Sony OTA files, and without looking at the script for any particular OTA you can never tell what they might check or change.
The only recommendation I can give really, is that if you want to OTA, change as LITTLE as possible in the /system partition, and make sure to revert any changes before attempting to apply an OTA.
If that is too much effort, and all you're really concerned about is you data, use Titanium Backup to keep everything safe, modify anything you want in system, then flash a stock ROM before you OTA update. You could also just flash a stock system partition, perhaps from a nandroid? before you OTA, and that should also solve the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I can make a nandroid backup with only root? Using Rom Manager app. Or do I need to unlock the bootlocker? If I can, then I can just recover from nandroid that are stock, update then backup again, change systemlibs etc?
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

babylonbwoy said:
As you don't unlock your bootloader you're safe.
But OTA doesn't always works even in locked bootloader, tried yesterday to OTA update my locked bootloader Xperia T to .140 fw but it failed because of root, even after unroot with superSU option it failed.
Backup everything, update with SUS or PCC and reroot with binary tool using goroh_kun exploit included in the tool..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see! Hmmm. But SUS?
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

UnLucky12 said:
I see! Hmmm. But SUS?
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe SUS is Sony Update Service.
Technically, you should be able to nandroid with recovery for locked bootloader then restore system before OTA, but if Sony OTA checks somehow prevent it because of an md5 on the entire partition or some such, you will have to re flash a totally stock System, perhaps a custom FTF(?), update then root again.
Next time we get an OTA I'll test the process myself, but until then I can only speculate. Hopefully someone else has more concrete information.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

alias_neo said:
I believe SUS is Sony Update Service.
Technically, you should be able to nandroid with recovery for locked bootloader then restore system before OTA, but if Sony OTA checks somehow prevent it because of an md5 on the entire partition or some such, you will have to re flash a totally stock System, perhaps a custom FTF(?), update then root again.
Next time we get an OTA I'll test the process myself, but until then I can only speculate. Hopefully someone else has more concrete information.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! But Stock rom for the XZ. How or where can I download it? Supposed to use SUS or PCC? What is best?
Sorry for being such a noob. Don't want to totally destroy my phone hehe.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

UnLucky12 said:
Thanks man! But Stock rom for the XZ. How or where can I download it? Supposed to use SUS or PCC? What is best?
Sorry for being such a noob. Don't want to totally destroy my phone hehe.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, I, and I imagine others prefer to answer questions from cautious users than those all gung-ho, brick their devices then come crying for help. Ask first, flash later
As for which tool, I hope someone else can comment, I've always been a Samsung man until now so I've never used either tool yet.
As for stock firmwares, there are loads in the Dev section. Just pick the right one and flash it however they recommend.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

alias_neo said:
No problem, I, and I imagine others prefer to answer questions from cautious users than those all gung-ho, brick their devices then come crying for help. Ask first, flash later
As for which tool, I hope someone else can comment, I've always been a Samsung man until now so I've never used either tool yet.
As for stock firmwares, there are loads in the Dev section. Just pick the right one and flash it however they recommend.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, and thanks for the help Hope your answers will also help other that also wonders about the same thing
Arent there a program or website to download the official firmwares? Or using SUS automatically update it to stock?
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

UnLucky12 said:
Yeah, and thanks for the help Hope your answers will also help other that also wonders about the same thing
Arent there a program or website to download the official firmwares? Or using SUS automatically update it to stock?
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe so. Buy don't quote me on that, like I said, never used it.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

It's the same if you use Sony Update Service or PC Compagnon, PCC contain other tool, while SUS only update. Also you can use Flashtool by Androxyde (here on XDA) to flash firmware converted in ftf format. Sony also relased it's own tool named flashtool to flash unlocked bootloader mobile because you can't use SUS/PCC when it's unlocked.
Read this thread "All the info you need before you begin" http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2153167

[Q] Can i root and restore in "this" way?

Ok, i'm a newbie with techs, really need some help here, so now
Goal :
Install cyanogenmod 10.1 on xperia z c6603
That means i have to unlock bootloader in order to root.
Unlocking bootloader means wiping all data.
I have to use titanium backup pro to backup all apps and data.
Using titanium backup means root -.-
And there's a way to root my device without unlocking the bootloader beforehand, so..
1. Root my device with locked bootloader
2. Using titanium backup to backup all files and transfer it into another SD card
3. Unlock the bootloader once backup is completed (all data wiped)
4. Flash the cyanogenmod rom
5. Restore using titanium backup from the SD card to the phone
Again, i'm a newbie, is these steps gonna work, or there's a lot of error and would fail? Is there any other way? need some help here~

Don't forget to BackUp TA DRM keys for futher stock installations.
1. Root my device with locked bootloader
2. Using titanium backup to backup all files and transfer it into another SD card
3. BackUp TA
4. Unlock the bootloader once backup is completed (all data wiped)
5. Flash the cyanogenmod rom
6. Restore using titanium backup from the SD card to the phone

eryen said:
Don't forget to BackUp TA DRM keys for futher stock installations.
1. Root my device with locked bootloader
2. Using titanium backup to backup all files and transfer it into another SD card
3. BackUp TA
4. Unlock the bootloader once backup is completed (all data wiped)
5. Flash the cyanogenmod rom
6. Restore using titanium backup from the SD card to the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my current firmware is 253, is there anyway to downgrade to 350 or 434 without wipe all data or getting bootloop like the nfc thing, which wasted me 3 hours to get back on the working 253 via flashtool ==

Jambu95 said:
my current firmware is 253, is there anyway to downgrade to 350 or 434 without wipe all data or getting bootloop like the nfc thing, which wasted me 3 hours to get back on the working 253 via flashtool ==
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Untick, (un-check) the wipe sections in flashtool will prevent wipes. Downgrade with flash tool and make sure none of the wipe bits, (at the top right of the main screen) are ticked and you should save all your data.
I used NUT's ROM from this thread to get onto .253 from .453.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2283673.
Do check out the section on backing up your TA as eryen has said, just in-case you want to go back to pure stock. Read the thread below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598.
This one came first. It's where the development for the thread above happened.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627&page=20
Treat the above threads with respect, you are dealing with critical things here. Full bricks are possible.
I know this sounds over the top too, but when you do flash CM, I would recommend you read the entire thread for CM. It's over 100 pages but I consider it all to be essential knowledge.
CM 10.1 isn't finished yet, it still has a couple of little bugs, but it is pretty damn good. I will play with other ROM's again, but CM will as ever be my default.
Good luck.

charlodroid said:
Untick, (un-check) the wipe sections in flashtool will prevent wipes. Downgrade with flash tool and make sure none of the wipe bits, (at the top right of the main screen) are ticked and you should save all your data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downgrading to 434 without wiping data will end in a loop with updating NFC drivers.
Backup your data with Backup & Restore by Sony. And downgrade with wiping all.
Sent from my Xperia Z using XDA premium

Also, don't forget to flash CM10.1 kernel in fastboot mode before flashing the ROM.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

he's right
charlodroid said:
Untick, (un-check) the wipe sections in flashtool will prevent wipes. Downgrade with flash tool and make sure none of the wipe bits, (at the top right of the main screen) are ticked and you should save all your data.
I used NUT's ROM from this thread to get onto .253 from .453.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2283673.
Do check out the section on backing up your TA as eryen has said, just in-case you want to go back to pure stock. Read the thread below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598.
This one came first. It's where the development for the thread above happened.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627&page=20
Treat the above threads with respect, you are dealing with critical things here. Full bricks are possible.
I know this sounds over the top too, but when you do flash CM, I would recommend you read the entire thread for CM. It's over 100 pages but I consider it all to be essential knowledge.
CM 10.1 isn't finished yet, it still has a couple of little bugs, but it is pretty damn good. I will play with other ROM's again, but CM will as ever be my default.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used back TA after I unlocked, so im guessing its no use ?

Cant power on with locked bootloader

Hi all, i'd like to update to 4.2.2 .427 but if i try to update Sony Pc Companion says error 2003 so i tryed to lock bootloader but if i power on the phone it just dont do nothing, just a little vibration.

Try sus.
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium

EmeraldTimer said:
Hi all, i'd like to update to 4.2.2 .427 but if i try to update Sony Pc Companion says error 2003 so i tryed to lock bootloader but if i power on the phone it just dont do nothing, just a little vibration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As @gm007 said, it is advisable that you do a repair using SUS before doing anything else.
After that, if you're still on an older firmware (going by your signature) download any full .253 ftf (Find it here) and flash it in flash tool.
Ensure that you wipe everything when flashing.
Once you've updated to .253, root it & install 2.4 release dual recovery.
Then follow the instructions from here to update to .423.
If the instructions are unclear, just ask, I'll elaborate on whatever you didn't understand.

kgs1992 said:
As @gm007 said, it is advisable that you do a repair using SUS before doing anything else.
After that, if you're still on an older firmware (going by your signature) download any full .253 ftf (Find it here) and flash it in flash tool.
Ensure that you wipe everything when flashing.
Once you've updated to .253, root it & install 2.4 release dual recovery.
Then follow the instructions from here to update to .423.
If the instructions are unclear, just ask, I'll elaborate on whatever you didn't understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the problem is not the rom cause now i am on 4.2.2 leaked but this happened on others updates official

@kgs1992
Not to argue with you, as you seem like a helpful person, but why advise to update to 253 first, when they could just jump straight to 423 and root it with Doomlord's tool if they require root?
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

kingvortex said:
Not to argue with you, as you seem like a helpful person, but why advise to update to 253 first, when they could just jump straight to 423 and root it with Doomlord's tool if they require root?
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if there is a full ftf for update to .423, that's all.
And @[NUT] had advised an update from .253 or .307, but it seems the guide now says that you can also update from .350 or .434
I'm limited by my own knowledge, sorry.

kgs1992 said:
I'm not sure if there is a full ftf for update to .423, that's all.
And @[NUT] had advised an update from .253 or .307, but it seems the guide now says that you can also update from .350 or .434
I'm limited by my own knowledge, sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nobody needs to be sorry for helping others
There are quite a few 423 ftf available in the general section.
I used this version - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2336874
There are a few more for different regions/customisations posted in that section
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

kgs1992 said:
I'm not sure if there is a full ftf for update to .423, that's all.
And @[NUT] had advised an update from .253 or .307, but it seems the guide now says that you can also update from .350 or .434
I'm limited by my own knowledge, sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP is on neither of those firmware versions, but yes, using a full FTF for .423 there shouldn't be any problems coming from .407. The only potential problem could be if the ROM you're coming from contains a different NFC firmware and the destination ROM doesn't flash a compatible version. But since .423 does do this there shouldn't be any problems in this case

So i should install .423 via flashtool?

EmeraldTimer said:
So i should install .423 via flashtool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Then root and restore TA partition if you have that backed up.

Rekoil said:
Yes. Then root and restore TA partition if you have that backed up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a way to keep all data and applications? is a boring thing to restore all

EmeraldTimer said:
There is a way to keep all data and applications? is a boring thing to restore all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure how the FlashTool process works. Does it wipe the data partition? If so there might be an option to not wipe it, I don't know. But if your device is rooted you can just back everything up with Titanium Backup (make sure to backup to external SD card) and restore the data for those crucial apps afterwards.

Flashtool tutorial -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2240614
Part 6 shows you how to keep data.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

Rekoil said:
I'm not sure how the FlashTool process works. Does it wipe the data partition? If so there might be an option to not wipe it, I don't know. But if your device is rooted you can just back everything up with Titanium Backup (make sure to backup to external SD card) and restore the data for those crucial apps afterwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kingvortex said:
Flashtool tutorial -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2240614
Part 6 shows you how to keep data.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, i am downloading :good:

[Q] a problem in downgrading from 4.3 on c5502

i have xperia zr c5502 running on stock android 4.3 mea .after flashing either 4.1 or 4.2.2 using flashtool my phone continuosly reboots while it is in the boot animation but when i reflash a 4.3 rom it works again..i want to downgrade to 4.1 or 4.2.2 to regain root is there any way you can help me??
i want to downgrade according to Sijav method http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2590174

for downgrading you have to erase the entire system. it's not like just updating. wiping datas is probably required too
Made in ZR

Ilko said:
for downgrading you have to erase the entire system. it's not like just updating. wiping datas is probably required too
Made in ZR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do i need to wipe my data or cache or both and is there any way to preserve my data??

yeah, wiping cache may avoid conflicts. there are several ways to save datas, the most popular is titanium backup
Made in ZR

Ilko said:
yeah, wiping cache may avoid conflicts. there are several ways to save datas, the most popular is titanium backup
Made in ZR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium Backup needs root, right ? Maybe with Sony PC Companion, depending on the data you want to save.

Ilko said:
yeah, wiping cache may avoid conflicts. there are several ways to save datas, the most popular is titanium backup
Made in ZR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but i dont have root access right now does titanium backup work for me???

yes pc companion is a good way, but I'm not sure if newest datas will be retro compatible. what do you need to save exactly?
Made in ZR

Ilko said:
yes pc companion is a good way, but I'm not sure if newest datas will be retro compatible. what do you need to save exactly?
Made in ZR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my apps and there datas because i dont want to reinstall all my apps again from zero point.

If your phone is backup with your google account, all the apps will be automatically installed after flashing. But you still need to backup the data of your apps if needed...

in settings > backup and reset you have the option to export datas to google servers. apps will downloaded again, as well as your contacts. be sure they are synchronised in settings > accounts > google, just in case...
I've never used pcc for saving so I can't help for this.
Made in ZR

BobLC said:
Titanium Backup needs root, right ? Maybe with Sony PC Companion, depending on the data you want to save.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm I neither used titanium backup ever, but the root access is mainly needed for system apps
Made in ZR

Ilko said:
hmm I neither used titanium backup ever, but the root access is mainly needed for system apps
Made in ZR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks llko i downgraded my phone successfully .the issue was i wasnt wiping my app data and cache and now i am on 4.3 and rooted yeeee..

[Q] flashing roms help!?!?

So guys. Of course i got My phone rooted and unlocked bootloader (i don't have drm keys backup sorry) and now when i try to update it gives my an error. I think this is due to the fact my phone is rooted. I was wandering.... If i flash the update or even a kit kat 4.4 on my phone will i losse data and apps? I should flash the 12.1.a.1.205
Really need help. Thx

tommygun99 said:
So guys. Of course i got My phone rooted and unlocked bootloader (i don't have drm keys backup sorry) and now when i try to update it gives my an error. I think this is due to the fact my phone is rooted. I was wandering.... If i flash the update or even a kit kat 4.4 on my phone will i losse data and apps? I should flash the 12.1.a.1.205
Really need help. Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
backup before update
if you UB your phone, you will can't update via OTA, so you need to flash latest firmware using flashtool..
but so bad if you dont backup TA

Levered said:
backup before update
if you UB your phone, you will can't update via OTA, so you need to flash latest firmware using flashtool..
but so bad if you dont backup TA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but if i flash the latest firmware will i loose apps and data?

tommygun99 said:
Yes but if i flash the latest firmware will i loose apps and data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. You'll lose it since you have to wipe the caches and the user data.
But be sure you're using the latest CWM recovery available for your device if you're trying to flash CM11 (android 4.4) or you may not be able to flash it... Or something worse.
If you wanna save your data, backup with Titanium Backup (look for it on the Store)
Sent from my ST25i using XDA Free mobile app

vtaufner said:
Yes. You'll lose it since you have to wipe the caches and the user data.
But be sure you're using the latest CWM recovery available for your device if you're trying to flash CM11 (android 4.4) or you may not be able to flash it... Or something worse.
If you wanna save your data, backup with Titanium Backup (look for it on the Store)
Sent from my ST25i using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok then thanks. You have been very helpful