[Q] How to roll rooted Z back to original state? (TRICKY) - Xperia Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
my Xperia Z got damaged and I need to ship it back for service repair. But I already rooted it so I can't apply my guarantee atm. So my question is how to roll it back to the original state that nobody can find out? The problem I am having is that half of my display got cracked (itself - seriously!) and is not responding to any touches (just right half). So after I turn on my phone I am obviously stucked on my own maze lock unable to unlock it. Also I am not able to log in via my google account to prevent the maze lock (can type but the crack is near the button Send so I am not able to send my credentials). Rotating the display doesn't help either. Luckily, I installed CWM recovery which uses only hardware buttons so I should be able to use WIPE DATA/FACTORY RESET option which will wipe the maze lock so I should be able to connect it via Sony Companion. But then I am not sure if I would be able to roll it back to the original state after. I don't know what would WIPE DATA/FACTORY RESET do to root and CWM. Is Sony Companion able to repair/restore my phone to the very original state? Would CWM still be installed on the phone? Would I have a root?
Here is a list of things I did with my Xperia so far after rooting:
- Uninstalled Sony Movies app by Titanium Backup (I didn't backup my phone before - stupid).
- Upgraded to SuperSU Pro (don't think it matters)
- Installed CWM
- Flashed [SOUNDMOD]PureXAudio (I am still able to revert this via CWM and and the stock audio flash)
So I am looking for a best way to restore my phone to the original state before I will send it to the service. My phone is from Japan if it matters to kernel or firmware. If you would suggest me to use some kernel/firmware could you provide me a link please?
Thanks in advance!!!

Not tricky at all
Rooting does not invalidate your warranty. But if you are outside of Japan, and your phone is japanese, you won't be covered by warranty anyway.
If you still wanna get the phone back to original, just flash with Sony Update Service. If SUS detects modified software and refuses to flash, which it probably will, you always could flash with flashtool.
Flashing will bypass the pattern unlock and rewrite everything back to stock.
If there is important info you might wanna save before flashing, connect a mouse to the Xperia Z and use it to unlock the pattern.

Rooting does not invalidate your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure about this statement? I've always read it MIGHT affect a warranty.
But if you are outside of Japan, and your phone is japanese, you won't be covered by warranty anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why? My phone was ordered from Japan, came from Hong Kong, was delivered to UK by my gf and will go back the same way...
If you still wanna get the phone back to original, just flash with Sony Update Service. If SUS detects modified software and refuses to flash, which it probably will, you always could flash with flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I flash via flashtool? Where can I get kernel/firmware?
If there is important info you might wanna save before flashing, connect a mouse to the Xperia Z and use it to unlock the pattern.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not posses a mouse with micro USB

Are you sure about this statement? I've always read it MIGHT affect a warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Taken many rooted Xperia devices to service.
Why? My phone was ordered from Japan, came from Hong Kong, was delivered to UK by my gf and will go back the same way...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I thought you were taking your phone to a local Sony Service. Warranty is only valid on the country the phone was bought.
How can I flash via flashtool? Where can I get kernel/firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2275632
I do not posses a mouse with micro USB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB OTG cable comes in handy.

If warranty is denied, claiming user neglect, then root doesn't matter - you will have to pay. If they believe screen cracked by itself and honor warranty, then root also doesn't matter as rooting won't crack the screen
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

mrzzzak said:
Hi,
my Xperia Z got damaged and I need to ship it back for service repair. But I already rooted it so I can't apply my guarantee atm. So my question is how to roll it back to the original state that nobody can find out? The problem I am having is that half of my display got cracked (itself - seriously!) and is not responding to any touches (just right half). So after I turn on my phone I am obviously stucked on my own maze lock unable to unlock it. Also I am not able to log in via my google account to prevent the maze lock (can type but the crack is near the button Send so I am not able to send my credentials). Rotating the display doesn't help either. Luckily, I installed CWM recovery which uses only hardware buttons so I should be able to use WIPE DATA/FACTORY RESET option which will wipe the maze lock so I should be able to connect it via Sony Companion. But then I am not sure if I would be able to roll it back to the original state after. I don't know what would WIPE DATA/FACTORY RESET do to root and CWM. Is Sony Companion able to repair/restore my phone to the very original state? Would CWM still be installed on the phone? Would I have a root?
Here is a list of things I did with my Xperia so far after rooting:
- Uninstalled Sony Movies app by Titanium Backup (I didn't backup my phone before - stupid).
- Upgraded to SuperSU Pro (don't think it matters)
- Installed CWM
- Flashed [SOUNDMOD]PureXAudio (I am still able to revert this via CWM and and the stock audio flash)
So I am looking for a best way to restore my phone to the original state before I will send it to the service. My phone is from Japan if it matters to kernel or firmware. If you would suggest me to use some kernel/firmware could you provide me a link please?
Thanks in advance!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just flash the orginal firmware via flashtool
rooting your phone does not void your warranty .. unlocking the bootloader do

Related

[Q] No access to Sony Xperia Z after firmware update to 10.1.A.1.434

Hi there,
I have updated my Sony Xperia Z C6603 yesterday to firmware 10.1.A.1.434. Before the update I did not have my screen locked trough a PIN code or anything else. After the update I am asked to enter my usual SIM card PIN when starting the smartphone, and additionally I have to enter another PIN, probably to unlock the screen. I never set up a PIN to lock my screen, so I cannot access my smartphone anymore in the usual way. Also the home button does not work anymore and the camera takes a lot of time to start.
Restoring factory default settings does not work, because the PIN code is also required in that case.
Does anyone have an idea what to do?
Full repair with SUS?
robogo1982 said:
Full repair with SUS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does SUS mean?
xperiazuser said:
What does SUS mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony Update Service
shadowboy23 said:
Sony Update Service
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, how does a full repair work? Can I do that via my PC or do I have to send the phone to Sony?
xperiazuser said:
Thanks, how does a full repair work? Can I do that via my PC or do I have to send the phone to Sony?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the SUS and run it http://www.sonymobile.com/gb/tools/update-service/. Follow the prompts and it will reflash the ROM. All data and settings will be lost though.
It worked..
Thanks a lot for the hint, using SUS worked well! My data is lost, but that doesn't matter so much...

[Q] Factory reset without knowing pin?

So basically someone (I don't know who, I was drunk, I thought it was a joke but no one has come forward) has set a pin on my phone and I can no longer use the thing.
I just want to be able to make phone calls again.
Is there anyway to factory reset my Sony Xperia Z1f without knowing the pin? What are my options basically?
Thanks,
Alex.
Go to Sony Service or the Store where you bought it, they will reset your phone a think for free.
eclyptos said:
Go to Sony Service or the Store where you bought it, they will reset your phone a think for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was hoping to be able to use it this weekend *sigh*
Do I need the receipt/box or something? I bought it from a small importing company who have told me I will need to mail the thing to Sony at my own expense as the nearest service center is a 10 hour drive.
So there is literally no way for me to unlock my phone short of how ever many weeks it takes Sony to mail it back to me?
It's like the shop where I bought mine, they said I got Manufacturer Warranty so I will have to send the phone to Sony, but actually when I call them they will do this for me. Go there and ask them or call them.
Factory Reset the device with PC Companion.
It doesn't ask for a PIN when I just tried now.. I needed to FR mine for the 4.3 update, so I tested it for you
Wiltron said:
Factory Reset the device with PC Companion.
It doesn't ask for a PIN when I just tried now.. I needed to FR mine for the 4.3 update, so I tested it for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry what is PC Companion? Can you please post a little more info, would be super grateful. I have not been active on these forums in quite some time and am out of the loop haha
Also, I tried following this guide...
http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions
But I can't access the service menu on my phone from the emergency dialer like many YouTube videos show.
Why might this be?
Pc companion is a program for your Pc where u connect your phone and you can do loads of things like reset update etc...is made by Sony so just do a lil Google search and download it... Or go on Sony website
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
alexhope21 said:
Also, I tried following this guide...
http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions
But I can't access the service menu on my phone from the emergency dialer like many YouTube videos show.
Why might this be?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This have nothing to do with your problem, it's for Unlocking Bootlader not the phone. If you do this, you will lose your warranty.
Go via PC Companion.
eclyptos said:
This have nothing to do with your problem, it's for Unlocking Bootlader not the phone. If you do this, you will lose your warranty.
Go via PC Companion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I got PC Companion and figured it out and have updated my phones software to the latest version.
But now after reading through these forums I think I would like to flash a custom ROM, however looking in the service menu my phone says that bootloader unlock is not allowed.
Is there someway to still unlock my bootloader and flash a custom rom?
alexhope21 said:
But now after reading through these forums I think I would like to flash a custom ROM, however looking in the service menu my phone says that bootloader unlock is not allowed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This actually is a bad news.
alexhope21 said:
Is there someway to still unlock my bootloader and flash a custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, if Unlock Bootloader Allowed say NO you can't unlock it, but you can flash custom roms with stock kernels and also root your phone. Unlock Bootlader is needed to flash custom kernels only.

Need help please

I made the easiest mistake. I had lots of bloatware, so wanted to a generic rom. Had been using the phone for about 3 weeks.
Coming too my 4th android smartphone, previous all rooted, this was easily enough to flash.
Then I forgot. NOOOOOO!! All my data had been deleted!!! I didn't uncheck no to delete data in flashtool and I hadn't yet backed up my phone.
So, I tried to find out out to recover internal memory. I found out cannot be done.
I thought, OH well I will reluctantly have to unlock bootloader/root my phone to use software to recover my important photos and some data.
I did service info check. My bootloader cannot be unlocked!! wtf !!
So now am I literally screwed from every angle. Please can someone help.
Thx
davestuarts said:
I made the easiest mistake. I had lots of bloatware, so wanted to a generic rom. Had been using the phone for about 3 weeks.
Coming too my 4th android smartphone, previous all rooted, this was easily enough to flash.
Then I forgot. NOOOOOO!! All my data had been deleted!!! I didn't uncheck no to delete data in flashtool and I hadn't yet backed up my phone.
So, I tried to find out out to recover internal memory. I found out cannot be done.
I thought, OH well I will reluctantly have to unlock bootloader/root my phone to use software to recover my important photos and some data.
I did service info check. My bootloader cannot be unlocked!! wtf !!
So now am I literally screwed from every angle. Please can someone help.
Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the phone still recognized by PC Companion? If so, does it let you do a software repair?
degraaff said:
Is the phone still recognized by PC Companion? If so, does it let you do a software repair?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone functions ok. I only flashed latest official less bloated rom. It is still recognised by PC companion, but I don't see a repair option. Maybe because I did flash manually with flash tool or unless you mean 'Backup/Restore' option? I did not do that
At them moment, I am not writing installing any apps or taking any photos, so it wont overwrite onto memory. I'm still looking for a solution.
I can't believe my bootloader cannot be unlocked
thanks for the suggestion..anything more you can think off?
Anybody ?
I haven't tried this so not sure if it will work but you can try a software like Recuva on your PC. Good call on not overwriting more data...hope you get your data back!

SIM not working

Hi all, yesterday I flashed .101 using Flashtool (from .222) but the Flashtool binaries were corrupted and something went wrong and got bootloop. Today I used a different PC and at least it has been possible to install a custom ROM (.222) but the network is not working now. The PIN is requested but sometimes it fails and sometimes it just accept the PIN but there is no network. WiFi works fine. I have used this Xperia for more than a year and working well. My device is C6603 bootloader locked.
Thank you!
victor141516 said:
Hi all, yesterday I flashed .101 using Flashtool (from .222) but the Flashtool binaries were corrupted and something went wrong and got bootloop. Today I used a different PC and at least it has been possible to install a custom ROM (.222) but the network is not working now. The PIN is requested but sometimes it fails and sometimes it just accept the PIN but there is no network. WiFi works fine. I have used this Xperia for more than a year and working well. My device is C6603 bootloader locked.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, you can't flash a custom FW without unlocking the bootloader. If you so choose to unlock it, make sure you backup TA partition - it's used for DRM storage which is used for advanced camera functions (like noise canceling in pics, bravia engine and other sony stuff). Second just flash a proper FW with flashtool, wipe everything and see if it works.
Sebi673 said:
First of all, you can't flash a custom FW without unlocking the bootloader. If you so choose to unlock it, make sure you backup TA partition - it's used for DRM storage which is used for advanced camera functions (like noise canceling in pics, bravia engine and other sony stuff). Second just flash a proper FW with flashtool, wipe everything and see if it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can flash a custom ROM based on stock with locked bootloader. It's what I have done successfully dozens of times, but my problem is as described in the OP, now I have a 5.1 android installation running well except the network data that doesn't work at all.
victor141516 said:
Yes, you can flash a custom ROM based on stock with locked bootloader. It's what I have done successfully dozens of times, but my problem is as described in the OP, now I have a 5.1 android installation running well except the network data that doesn't work at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try to use sony pc companion to repair your phone. Sometimes, when it comes to corrupted data, flashtool won't do much good - it's something related to the TA partition that pc companion is good at fixing (I had some bootloops caused by bad root and flashtool couldn't help). You could try it and see if it works and if it does, use flashtool after to flash the rootable 5.02 and continue with the root.
Sebi673 said:
You could try to use sony pc companion to repair your phone. Sometimes, when it comes to corrupted data, flashtool won't do much good - it's something related to the TA partition that pc companion is good at fixing (I had some bootloops caused by bad root and flashtool couldn't help). You could try it and see if it works and if it does, use flashtool after to flash the rootable 5.02 and continue with the root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I just did it and didn't work, but this thing happened: Just after repair (using PC Companion) it booted and the text was chinese! I'm spanish, my PC language is spanish, my previous smartphone language was spanish... I don't know what is happening here but I thing this chinese thing is related to the SIM problem.
victor141516 said:
OK, I just did it and didn't work, but this thing happened: Just after repair (using PC Companion) it booted and the text was chinese! I'm spanish, my PC language is spanish, my previous smartphone language was spanish... I don't know what is happening here but I thing this chinese thing is related to the SIM problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Somehow related but it isn't uncommon. I had an Xperia ZR bought from an official local retailer and when I opened the box I had a weird charger and first boot was in chinese. Sometimes they bring phones made for hong kong or signapore and sell them on european markets. 5.11 update might have different api s for the sim card, so different regions might not be compatible. This is only a speculation. Pc companion flashes the latest FW acording to your phone boot version, ets and customization. Imma PM you for more details.

Bought a locked phone

Hallo everyone
I've bought a used XZ2 on facebook. It has a screen lock on it so it was dirt cheap. Simple factory reset I thought... I was so wrong...
So I've tried reinstalling the firmware with sony's companion app and that did reset the phone but now it asks for the Google account of the owner. Flashing it with flashtool brings the same result. In the wipe section in flashtool I select everything except cust-reset.ta master-reset.ta and reset-wipe-reason.ta as it's not recommended to mess with those. So the question is, does anyone know if flashing any of thise TA files will unlock it or is there anything else I could try?
donev_go said:
Hallo everyone
I've bought a used XZ2 on facebook. It has a screen lock on it so it was dirt cheap. Simple factory reset I thought... I was so wrong...
So I've tried reinstalling the firmware with sony's companion app and that did reset the phone but now it asks for the Google account of the owner. Flashing it with flashtool brings the same result. In the wipe section in flashtool I select everything except cust-reset.ta master-reset.ta and reset-wipe-reason.ta as it's not recommended to mess with those. So the question is, does anyone know if flashing any of thise TA files will unlock it or is there anything else I could try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flash everything (including userdata.sin for a full wipe)
The easiest way is that the previous owner logs in and you insert your Google account then.
It's a security feature like on Apple devices to prevent stolen devices from being usable.
PS:
Hacking around it is illegal.
MartinX3 said:
I flash everything (including userdata.sin for a full wipe)
The easiest way is that the previous owner logs in and you insert your Google account then.
It's a security feature like on Apple devices to prevent stolen devices from being usable.
PS:
Hacking around it is illegal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guy that sold it to me got burned with this phone. He didn't know it was locked when he bought it and he couldn't return it, so he put it for sale as spares but I thought I'd try to unlock it. Worst case I'll sell it for spares as well.
donev_go said:
The guy that sold it to me got burned with this phone. He didn't know it was locked when he bought it and he couldn't return it, so he put it for sale as spares but I thought I'd try to unlock it. Worst case I'll sell it for spares as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using a custom rom without Google services may fix it.
But I never had this problem.

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