[Q] Disadvantages of rooting - Xperia SP Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm considering to root my latest 2.254 C5303. Here and there on forums somebody mentioned that if you root, something stops working, etc.
After root:
- do all functions work as before root?
- if I delete some app from /system, can i flash with standard PC companion the future ftf package?
- update via OTA?
After BL unlock:
- I loose Bravia engine
- GPS gets worse?
- .... does not work ?
- with backup of TA, i can get it back to "stock" with Bravia engine (for repair..)

Rooting will not affect phone and yes you can still use PC companion or sus to restore phone off you delete files from system. Or better still once you root install clock work mod or cwm for short then you can backup your system and files data etc face to SD card and then restore this of you mess something up.
Yes boot loader unlock will lose your DRM keys and bravia 2 engine, if you back up ta then unlock your boot loader you will have keys if you need to relock and restore keys.
Unlocking boot loader will void your warranty.
But once relocked and ta and DRM restored Sony centre will repair if needed.
Sent from my C5303 using xda premium

Related

How to relock bootloader without TA backups.. Android 4.3.. Please help mr

Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
Nuwan75n said:
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is possible to lock it without a backup, is your camera not working anymore ?
You can try flashtool, BLU option tries to relock it if it's unlocked, theres a good chance you will brick your device!
Have fun
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
AntiDroid said:
it is possible to lock it without a backup, is your camera not working anymore ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure this is good and/or informative advice? I thought a locked bootloader not finding valid keys in the TA will refuse to ever function usefully again - no boot, no fastboot, no flashmode, nothing, totally bricked, and no way to convert it back to unlocked and get your phone back.
I would like to know if I am wrong about any of that. And... it seems that I was:
** Correction - it is Ok to relock the bootloader without having the pre-unlock data in the TA partition
** Flashing in data from any other TA partition (some other phone) seems certain to brick the phone though.
n0bleINtP said:
Are you sure this is good and/or informative advice? I thought a locked bootloader not finding valid keys in the TA will refuse to ever function usefully again - no boot, no fastboot, no flashmode, nothing, totally bricked, and no way to convert it back to unlocked and get your phone back.
I would like to know if I am wrong about any of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never read about those damages but I read things like the known camera bug.
I unlocked my Z1 on .290 - the Sony release which fixed the problem (4.3). I flashed a Recovery and rooted it with it and my device is working like it was with a "untouched" ROM.
That's all I know.
We could wait for a dev to answer deeper questions.
AntiDroid said:
I unlocked my Z1 on .290 - the Sony release which fixed the problem (4.3).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this absolutely fine and is what I did with my Z1, ie do not unlock until after the 290 update is applied - you will see that advice on the Sony unlock website. However if you want a TA backup you need to do that before unlocking as the unlock process will wipe the keys, and you also need root in order to make that copy. (let me know if I am wrong about that)
My process was to root on earlier firmware, copy the TA, update to .290, then unlock. After unlocking full root on .290 is easy with a custom kernel and everything is good: unlocked, rooted *and* working camera.
But you *will* need a copy of the pre-unlock TA partition to regain any of the functions that use the DRM keys if you decide to relock the bootloader later.
It is impossible to get the DRM keys back, and there is no gain from relocking without them, all you're doing is locking down the bootloader without enabling BIONZ, etc, but you can certainly run a stock system if you want.
n0bleINtP said:
Yes this absolutely fine and is what I did with my Z1, ie do not unlock until after the 290 update is applied - you will see that advice on the Sony unlock website. However if you want a TA backup you need to do that before unlocking as the unlock process will wipe the keys, and you also need root in order to make that copy. (let me know if I am wrong about that)
My process was to root on earlier firmware, copy the TA, update to .290, then unlock. After unlocking full root on .290 is easy with a custom kernel and everything is good: unlocked, rooted *and* working camera.
But you *will* need a copy of the pre-unlock TA partition to regain any of the functions that use the DRM keys if you decide to relock the bootloader later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, yesterday I downgraded to rooteable 4.2.2 rom in order to backup TA partition. Once I had backup, I updated to 4.3 (290) and unlocked bootloader, then flashed recovery. With recovery was easy to flash superSu. Now I have "stock" rom with root and unlocked bootloader, but I realized that x-reality wasn't warking anymore (because of the DRM keys loss).
I tried to recover TA partition, but I caused a soft-brick, wich I only could solve flashing a 290 ftf through flashtool, but I lost root. My question is: It is possible to have root and DRM keys (TA partition restored)??
Thank you very much.
yanbee said:
Hello, yesterday I downgraded to rooteable 4.2.2 rom in order to backup TA partition. Once I had backup, I updated to 4.3 (290) and unlocked bootloader, then flashed recovery. With recovery was easy to flash superSu. Now I have "stock" rom with root and unlocked bootloader, but I realized that x-reality wasn't warking anymore (because of the DRM keys loss).
I tried to recover TA partition, but I caused a soft-brick, wich I only could solve flashing a 290 ftf through flashtool, but I lost root. My question is: It is possible to have root and DRM keys (TA partition restored)??
Thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, never.
Just2Cause said:
No, never.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, apart from losing x-reality and some Sony apps functionalities (which I dont care). Do you lose something else? I heard about losing bionz processor, but camera still works, then I dont know how far this is true.
The incompatibility problem of root and restored TA partition, is because flashing recovery (which modifies kernel) or supersu.apk it self?
Thank you VERY much!
You loose bionz, but not x-reality. I unlocked my bootloader and I have x-relity enabled.
Some ROMs won't have working camera, for example: android 4.4 KitKat ported from xperia z ultra GPe, and some other ROMs.
Just2Cause said:
You loose bionz, but not x-reality. I unlocked my bootloader and I have x-relity enabled.
Some ROMs won't have working camera, for example: android 4.4 KitKat ported from xperia z ultra GPe, and some other ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see that the x-reality option is still on menu, and you can enable/disable it, but it doesn't work. Before, I could see in the first second of picture showing how x-reality improves the image (its an effect that can be seen with the naked eye), this is not happening now. By the way, its for sure that bionz stop working? How could I take pictures without it?
Thank you
yanbee said:
I can see that the x-reality option is still on menu, and you can enable/disable it, but it doesn't work. Before, I could see in the first second of picture showing how x-reality improves the image (its an effect that can be seen with the naked eye), this is not happening now. By the way, its for sure that bionz stop working? How could I take pictures without it?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about bionz, but I guessed it as I had the x-relity option enabled. I can't tell if it works or not as I don't have camera (I'm using ported 4.4)
It would be nice of someone confirmed it.
Correct me if i am wrong.
Bionz is a service which improves the pictures after a shot, isn't it ?
Bionz and X-Reality are things u can't detect that easy like "oh that effect is from X-Reality" or something else.
I thought the main reason for not working cameras on other roms was that the dev's didn't apply those 4.3 changes :S
AntiDroid said:
Correct me if i am wrong.
Bionz is a service which improves the pictures after a shot, isn't it ?
Bionz and X-Reality are things u can't detect that easy like "oh that effect is from X-Reality" or something else.
I thought the main reason for not working cameras on other roms was that the dev's didn't apply those 4.3 changes :S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bionz it's a image processor that includes xperia Z1, it process the pictures taken instead the cpu. I dont know if it's easy to detect if it's working or not. But in the case of x-reallity it's very simple, when you open a picture in Sony gallery app, you can see how the picture "improves" quality in the first second. It is no so evident in all pictures, but can be detected by a naked eye, as I do.
My only doubt is about bionz processor, I already know that I loss x-reality. But I want to be SURE if bionz processing is also lost. I want to have full root (with unlocked bootloader), and have bionz enabled. I dont care x-reality or Sony apps.
Thank you very much
Just2Cause said:
No, never.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. If you have a TA backup, install .290, unlock bootloader, install a recovery, root, reflash stock boot partition, restore TA partition, you will end up with a booting, rooted, .290 installation.
Rekoil said:
Not true. If you have a TA backup, install .290, unlock bootloader, install a recovery, root, reflash stock boot partition, restore TA partition, you will end up with a booting, rooted, .290 installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure about that? :fingers-crossed:
Just2Cause said:
Are you sure about that? :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did that and it worked
Sent from my iPad Air using Tapatalk
Rekoil said:
Not true. If you have a TA backup, install .290, unlock bootloader, install a recovery, root, reflash stock boot partition, restore TA partition, you will end up with a booting, rooted, .290 installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jjpro45 said:
I did that and it worked
Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you VERY much!!! Could someone tell me how to reflash boot partition only?? The TA partition which I must restore, could be restored in 290 if backups comes from 534?

[Q] Couple of questions regarding unlocking and DRM keys

Hi,
I have some questions:
1- I'm completely confused as how custom ROMs like eXistenz have xReality engine or Bravia Engine and they are supposed to be flashed on unlocked boot loaders, I thought unlocking would break the functionality since it destroys the DRM keys.
2- I rooted my device when I was on 4.2.2, now I upgraded my phone to 4.3 official and I lost the root, is it possible to root it again with unlocking and then relock it again without loosing root, I did not install the custom recoveries when I had the chance, stupid me but I have backed up my TA partition at least
Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
Bump
Have a look in development section, there are a few rooting guides for 4.3. You will need to sort out recovery first though.
With the Bravia question, it only works if your phone bootloader isn't unlocked.
Xperia Z
Thank you but I did not get my answer as how custom roms are using bravia or xreality and how to relock without loosing root
1. Existenz can be flashed on a locked bootloader, therefore BE2 still works.
2. Yes -
- Unlock your bootloader (remember to backup your data and internal SD as both will be wiped during the process).
- Flash DooMLoRD's advanced stock kernel.
- Flash a superuser zip (I use the SuperSu zip direct from Chainfire's site).
- Flash a stock kernel.
- Restore TA backup.
You will then be on 4.3 with locked bootloader and DRM keys intact.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Thank you for your detailed answer, much appreciated pal
You're welcome.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

Some Q About Xperia ZR

Hi All
I Was about To root my ZR But I saw TA Backup and i was wondering what is it ?
What Is It For ?
what can i do with it ?
and is there is any other things should i back up or do before root and play with my ZR phone
I Know TA backup need root .
but will root unlock bootloader and is yes does all methods unlock it
and what is bootloader and what means by unlock it ?
sorry for all these Q But I'm New To Sony
Some linux basics (android is linux based)
What is a kernel:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(operating_system)
In short: a kernel is the link between hardware (CPU, RAM, sensors,...) and software (ROMS)
A kernel and a rom must be compatible. A Sony rom won't work with a cyanogenmod kernel.
To answer your questions.
Unlocking bootloader is requiered when you want to use a custom ROM, because that ROM uses another kernel than the ones from Sony.
So it is kernel related
Rooting means to have superuser access to system files of the ROM. It is software related
When you will root your phone, your bootloader will still be locked.
It is reversible: you can also unroot a ROM.
The TA backup is a tool that make a backup of your TA partition. This contains your DRM keys.
When you unlock your bootloader, you will lose your DRM keys. Protected library's from Sony( like Bravia engine,...) will not work any more.
You can restore your DRM keys on a sony stock ROM with the TA Backup if you don't want to use a custom rom anymore (sell phone, warranty issues,...)
Thanks alot
And another Q
If i'v problems with imei and baseband (like null)
Will TA backup solve it or what?

How to root Xperia Z4/Z3+? [Marshmallow]

I just received a Sony Xperia Z3+(E6533) on stock Marshmallow 6.0 and I've looked up how to root but only got ways to root while it's on Lollipop. Is there anyway for me to root on this software or downgrade from Marshmallow to Lollipop on this phone?
You can also root your phone while on MM. You can unlock the bootloader, flash a rootable kernel followed by a recovery and than flash the SuperSu zip. No problem.
But it is not recommended to do so, because you will loose the DRM keys/functionality when unlocking the bootloader. And once the keys are gone there is no way to get them back.
The better way is to downgrade to LP (e.g. .266), backup the DRM keys (TA Backup) and proceed with unlocking the bootloader and rooting the phone.
That's also the way I did yesterday, when I got the Z3+.
And of course you will have to read... a lot...
Thanks for the heads up , I've been trying to figure out ways for my specific model all morning and last night.
So to downgrade I'll just unlock the bootloader first then get a Lollipop firmware and flash using flash tool then do the other steps such as getting a rootable kernel and so on?
No, that is not what I wrote. Before unlocking the bootloader you will have to flash a LP firmware assumed that you want to backup the TA partition with the DRM keys first. This can only be done under LP.
I think you will have to read a little bit:
How to root Xperia Z3+?!
iovyroot - (temp) root tool
[Rootable Kernel SXZ3+ IVY/IVY_DSDS Marshsmellow ] [32.1.A.1.163]
What are the issues if we loose Drm keys? Will it affect non DRM normal contents? Or will it altogether disable Netflix or any other apps using Drm or other encryption?
You may have a look here:
Loss of DRM Keys or
Unlock your boot loader (Risk section)
Why don't create a guide?
Do some readings

DRM keys backup confusion

Hello, after my patience ran out with google play services batter drain issues i have decided to try out moding and i think i messed up DRM recovery part.
I used https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/how-to-root-backup-drm-keys-t3013343 this as a guide.
Things i have done so far in order:
1. flashed 4.4
2. rooted
3. made DRM keys backup
4. unlocked bootloader
5. installed twrp recovery
6. installed this https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/development/rom-aoxp-rom-v1-t3478863 rom
7. recovered DRM TA zip thing.
Now my problem is, my bootloader is locked, so i guess recovery procedure went ok, but camera perfomance is as awful as without drm keys. Where did i go wrong? What can i do to fix my camera perfomance?
p.s. i am really sorry for my english as it is not my native langue thanks in advice for help.
You don't lock the bootloader when you restore the TA backup it actually locks the bootloader,so try unlocking it again and then restoring the TA backup
Dinkec27 said:
You don't lock the bootloader when you restore the TA backup it actually locks the bootloader,so try unlocking it again and then restoring the TA backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you dont lock it actually locks
that is what i understood, could you be more clear please?
Teraman said:
you dont lock it actually locks
that is what i understood, could you be more clear please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry.
What I meant to say is,when you restore a TA backup from an unlocked bootloader state,it locks the bootloader when you restore it.
So what I am saying is you should unlock the bootloader again,and restore the TA backup as it will lock the bootloader again and should restore camera quality.
Clear now?
Dinkec27 said:
Sorry.
What I meant to say is,when you restore a TA backup from an unlocked bootloader state,it locks the bootloader when you restore it.
So what I am saying is you should unlock the bootloader again,and restore the TA backup as it will lock the bootloader again and should restore camera quality.
Clear now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, but one thing. Why do i need to restore twice to get back camera quality?
Thank you a lot!
Teraman said:
yes, but one thing. Why do i need to restore twice to get back camera quality?
Thank you a lot!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno tbh I never restored a TA backup since I was an idiot and forgot to back up TA when I was going to unlock my bootloader.
Try it and tell me how it went! Good luck!
No need to restore it twice! Just be sure that you are on stock kernel before you restrore TA.img
Savest way is to flash Kernel+Bootdelivery out of normal FW tft using flashmode (not fastboot !)
Then restore TA.img with Backup tool.
Reboot and done... And Camera is back....
As an alternativre you can flash DRM fix as well... There is also an other projekt running to mount your TA.img from another location.
But this is not yet tested that much... Stay with locked BL and TA - Or with UB and DRM fix.
DRM fix
https://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672
Sometimes its needed to delete following folders (with all including files) to reset DRM stuff (root needed)
/data/credmgr
/data/drm
/data/mediadrm
Don't be afraid of loosing something - Those folders and files will be created automaticly new on boot....
btw: Why you unlocked your bootloader? For Root we have 2 ways to do it without Unlocking bootloader...
Anyway -if you have an TA backup you are save actually...
fluffi444 said:
No need to restore it twice! Just be sure that you are on stock kernel before you restrore TA.img
Savest way is to flash Kernel+Bootdelivery out of normal FW tft using flashmode (not fastboot !)
Then restore TA.img with Backup tool.
Reboot and done... And Camera is back....
As an alternativre you can flash DRM fix as well... There is also an other projekt running to mount your TA.img from another location.
But this is not yet tested that much... Stay with locked BL and TA - Or with UB and DRM fix.
DRM fix
https://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672
Sometimes its needed to delete following folders (with all including files) to reset DRM stuff (root needed)
/data/credmgr
/data/drm
/data/mediadrm
Don't be afraid of loosing something - Those folders and files will be created automaticly new on boot....
btw: Why you unlocked your bootloader? For Root we have 2 ways to do it without Unlocking bootloader...
Anyway -if you have an TA backup you are save actually...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to install twrp, because in guide i read it needs unlocked bootloader and i needed twrp for best battery rom i found.
Teraman said:
to install twrp, because in guide i read it needs unlocked bootloader and i needed twrp for best battery rom i found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are also two ways of using TWRP:
One is to flash twrp.img onto former FOTA partition. For this you would need UB... This works only with new bootloaders (LA3.0_M_3 from FW .291 is prefered - This bootloader will be installed if you flash full FW 291 or only bootdelivery and kernel in flashtool)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/d5803-z3c-aries-twrp3-0-t3543113
But the other method is putting TWRP files to /system/etc/mm_twrp_recovery on SYSTEM partition...
This works also with LB!
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/recovery-root-mm-575-lb-t3418714
EDIT
Third one is to have recovery build into kernel...
Just to be complete.. ?

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