ZR is my very first Android phone, so basically I know nothing about Android.
I unlocked the bootloader couple of weeks ago following the official Sony instructions in order to flash the stock Taiwan ROM (cause China's ROM doesn't support Google service). But now I found that I cannot update via Sony. More importantly, it's actually not necessary to unlock the bootloader for flashing ROM and/or get root privilege. So I'm desperately seeking the way to relock the bootloader.
I found some guy talking about flashing a small file called Xperia_Relock_bootloader.ftf. But he said that it was only for old models. Anybody here can help? Thanks in advance!
P.S. They said that after unlocking the boot loader, Bravia Engine and TrackID service will gone. But I have both working still. Weird. Does that mean I can backup my TA partition still?
Related
Hello,
I just got my new Xperia Z having used my ancient Iphone 1G for the last 4 years and I have no experience with Android and anything related to it what so ever. I've spent the last 2 days tirelessly working my way through various forums, guides, wikis to get an idea what I'm dealing with here and where to start, but there's an important decision that I could really use your thoughts and tips on.
After reading up on it, I decided I want to root my phone and this seems to be somehow connected to unlocking the bootloader and this is where I'm worried. I read the guide on how to unlock the bootloader and the warning about losing DRM Keys and the consequences of this scared me away from it. Now I'm left wondering, and this is my actual question here:
What is the difference between unlocking the bootloader and rooting my phone and simply rooting without unlocking the bootloader?
And in case the things I want to do are only available with an unlocked bootloader: how damaging is it to lose DRM keys and therefore the bravia engine and gracenote? What made you decided for or against unlocking the bootloader?
Thanks!
Hi,
maybe I can help you.
Bootloader is like the BIOS of a PC. It checks everything at start up.
Locked Bootloader only allows to run the Stock FW and in this case the DRM-Keys are working (everything is checked and safe)
Unlock the Bootloader means you were able to install an modified / other FW and then you loose the DRM-Keys (the manufacturer hasn´t checked the FW and it is in the eyes of an manufacturer "not safe". You will also loose your warranty.
If you unlock the bootloader Root is always possible as I know.
In this case the system is not from the manufacturer and unofficial modification could be done to the system. Normally all modified Systems have Root access. So you were able to do things that the manufacturer has normally not allowed. Modify system files or something like that. Also it could be possible to copy for example a downloaded and payed movie to another device. This is why you were not able to download a movie on the Play Store if you have root. On a locked bootloader the FW (system) does not give you the possibility to copy the movie to an other device and everything is "safe" (from the view of companies). No illegal copies are possible. (DRM-Keys)
Since some days Root is also possible on a locked bootloader.
The bootloader is checking the status (locked) .. then checking the FW (stock) ... DRM-Keys still valid.
But due to the root access you were also able to modify system files and apps can recognize that you have root access. So you can still use the bravia engine for example (DRM-Keys are ok). But the Google Play Store will still recognize that you have root and will not let you download movies.
This is my experience with Root ... If something is not correct, please correct me
UserX10 said:
Hi,
maybe I can help you.
Bootloader is like the BIOS of a PC. It checks everything at start up.
Locked Bootloader only allows to run the Stock FW and in this case the DRM-Keys are working (everything is checked and safe)
Unlock the Bootloader means you were able to install an modified / other FW and then you loose the DRM-Keys (the manufacturer hasn´t checked the FW and it is in the eyes of an manufacturer "not safe". You will also loose your warranty.
If you unlock the bootloader Root is always possible as I know.
In this case the system is not from the manufacturer and unofficial modification could be done to the system. Normally all modified Systems have Root access. So you were able to do things that the manufacturer has normally not allowed. Modify system files or something like that. Also it could be possible to copy for example a downloaded and payed movie to another device. This is why you were not able to download a movie on the Play Store if you have root. On a locked bootloader the FW (system) does not give you the possibility to copy the movie to an other device and everything is "safe" (from the view of companies). No illegal copies are possible. (DRM-Keys)
Since some days Root is also possible on a locked bootloader.
The bootloader is checking the status (locked) .. then checking the FW (stock) ... DRM-Keys still valid.
But due to the root access you were also able to modify system files and apps can recognize that you have root access. So you can still use the bravia engine for example (DRM-Keys are ok). But the Google Play Store will still recognize that you have root and will not let you download movies.
This is my experience with Root ... If something is not correct, please correct me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi and thanks a lot for your reply, helped me understand the difference of both better!
If I only root but do not unlock my bootloader will I be able to do anything other than using custom firmware (ROMs)? Will I be able to install Apps that require root or install custom modification like the ones offered on this forum that need to be "flashed in recovery" if I only root not unlock my bootloader?
Also, still looking for some pros and cons (my second question in the original post).
Appreciate all your help!
root will give you access to recovery (in time - still in development) and you can install apps that require root access
custom mods - yes you can install them via recovery and some can be installed with root access and without recovery
if u unlock bootloader you will lose bravia engine not sure bout gracenote as i dont use it
you can check this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2154310 too see what have people wrote bout
rooting with unlocked bootloader
The main thing pointing me towards unlocking bootloader (I'm already rooted on locked bootloader) is being able to install kernels and major roms.
For example, you could flash Doomlords kernel and over clock the processor a bit, but you could also reduce power and save battery
The major roms I speak of are the ones that are kinda cross device: CyanogenMod and Paranoid Android to name 2. CM is based on pure android, no Sony changes so we can't flash that on locked bootloaders as it requires changing kernel. PA is same.
As for the downsides. I'm not too bothered about DRM keys. I use Spotify for music so don't think I need gracenote. Never watched a movie on my phone. BE2 isn't my cup of tea... Over saturates everything.
I'm going to look into DRM keys more tomorrow, but if someone can correct anything I've written then please do
Not being able to restore via Sony tools... Isn't that bad as you're going to be using flash tool a lot so you'll be used to that. Just keep a generic stick firmware .ftf around in case something goes horrendously wrong (usually recovery backup is enough I think).
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
Nice thread, I had this question too
It's my first android and I guess I should unlock the bootloader and then root, this way I won't have to wipe my data later when I decide to try cyanogenmod or something else?
Also what happens if sony release 4.2? Will I lose my bootloader unlock and root?
Al Gore said:
Nice thread, I had this question too
It's my first android and I guess I should unlock the bootloader and then root, this way I won't have to wipe my data later when I decide to try cyanogenmod or something else?
Also what happens if sony release 4.2? Will I lose my bootloader unlock and root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say root without unlock for now.
When you want to try cyanogenmod or others. Just backup everything using titanium backup and then u can restore after unlocking.
Rooting with a locked bootloader means sony are not aware your bootloader is unlocked
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
Thanks for all your replies, helped me out a ton!
I think Im gonna root without unlocking bootloader for now to get my feet wet and get a grasp of it's capabilities and limits. Can always restore the phone if I screw up and can always unlock bootloader later if I need it.
Al Gore said:
Nice thread, I had this question too
It's my first android and I guess I should unlock the bootloader and then root, this way I won't have to wipe my data later when I decide to try cyanogenmod or something else?
Also what happens if sony release 4.2? Will I lose my bootloader unlock and root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlock Bootloader, you shouldn't update from Sony. Since you've (hypothetically) already unlocked, you already have 4.2 avaliable from FXP and if you really want the Sony Update maybe you could flash it via flash tool. Bootloader unlock will never be lost (until someone can create an explicit relock file, but customs roms won't relock it). Root maybe lost if you flash a rom without it but you should be able to get it back easy.
With locked bootloader, we have to wait for Sony to bring 4.2 as we can't access the kernel, but we retain the ability to use the official updates. If we're rooted and we update, we are no longer rooted and we may be unable to use the same exploit.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
Hi there, ive came all the way here from the Defy turf and im really confused about flashing my new xperia z. ive tried my best reading the tutorials but it seems to be alot harder to flash the xperia z with proper backup, i mean i used to flash my Defy pretty much everyday without worrying much.
So my question is very basic.. btw I have root my xperia z through the "[Exploit by: goroh_kun & huhka_com]" method, and the bootloader is unlocked.
1. Is it possible to backup my unlocked stock Xperia Z with DRM & BE2? i know there are both twrp and cwm, but ive heard that once I "flash" my phone I will loose everything even with the SD card... (i mean when u talk about flash, there are tons of file types u can flash such as img, rar, zip etc and also tons of ways to flash, so which way to flash is the best without loosing eveything?)
And if yes, is there a step by step guide about how to use the flashtool? (i know there are million posts about what a flashtool is, but what i need is a step by step on how to install/flash cwm or twrp on an unlocked stock xperia z with DRM & BE2.) I mean I would like to be able restore if I dont like the custom roms.
2. does upgrading from the Sony update wipe out all data? i mean for the future 4.2 update can I just update without loosing from what I have at the moment (an unlocked and root stock xperia z)?
sorry to ask all these basic questions, but ive been searching alot with no clear answers...
thanks!:good:
unloadefy said:
Hi there, ive came all the way here from the Defy turf and im really confused about flashing my new xperia z. ive tried my best reading the tutorials but it seems to be alot harder to flash the xperia z with proper backup, i mean i used to flash my Defy pretty much everyday without worrying much.
So my question is very basic.. btw I have root my xperia z through the "[Exploit by: goroh_kun & huhka_com]" method, and the bootloader is unlocked.
1. Is it possible to backup my unlocked stock Xperia Z with DRM & BE2? i know there are both twrp and cwm, but ive heard that once I "flash" my phone I will loose everything even with the SD card... (i mean when u talk about flash, there are tons of file types u can flash such as img, rar, zip etc and also tons of ways to flash, so which way to flash is the best without loosing eveything?)
And if yes, is there a step by step guide about how to use the flashtool? (i know there are million posts about what a flashtool is, but what i need is a step by step on how to install/flash cwm or twrp on an unlocked stock xperia z with DRM & BE2.) I mean I would like to be able restore if I dont like the custom roms.
2. does upgrading from the Sony update wipe out all data? i mean for the future 4.2 update can I just update without loosing from what I have at the moment (an unlocked and root stock xperia z)?
sorry to ask all these basic questions, but ive been searching alot with no clear answers...
thanks!:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uh bro. as soon as your bootloader is unlocked, DRM keys are GONE FOREVER. Unlocking your bootloader wipes everything too. by everything i mean your photos, music etc as well.
secondly, some updates might wipe data, and some don't
spazzy1912 said:
uh bro. as soon as your bootloader is unlocked, DRM keys are GONE FOREVER. Unlocking your bootloader wipes everything too. by everything i mean your photos, music etc as well.
secondly, some updates might wipe data, and some don't
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the reply. but i dont really understand, because I still have BE2 and track ID working, how do I check if I still have my DRM keys? i know i have an unlocked bootloader through *#*#7378423#*#* but i dont remember unlocking my phone apart from using the [Exploit by: goroh_kun & huhka_com] method to root my XZ. Can a XZ come unlocked from a Sony Retail store?
unloadefy said:
thanks for the reply. but i dont really understand, because I still have BE2 and track ID working, how do I check if I still have my DRM keys? i know i have an unlocked bootloader through *#*#7378423#*#* but i dont remember unlocking my phone apart from using the [Exploit by: goroh_kun & huhka_com] method to root my XZ. Can a XZ come unlocked from a Sony Retail store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not confusing unlocked and unlockable are you?
The only way to unlock the bootloader that I'm aware of involves getting an unlock code emailed to you from Sony via their official unlocking website.
While the bootloader is unlocked you will not be able to update to a new official Sony ROM either OTA or via their provided PC/Mac software tools.
Locking & unlocking the bootloader is explained clearly here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2153261
The bootloader will be locked on all new, unopened XZs
regardless of place of purchase, a phone purchased from Sony will (should) be carrier unlocked however.
Nameless One said:
You're not confusing unlocked and unlockable are you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I get it, so I simply have a rooted locked (but unlockable) Xperia Z~
it looks like everything makes sense now:good:
Thanks so much!
just one more question, does twrp or cwm recovery backs up everything including drm keys BE2 and etc? or do I have to go through this? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
unloadefy said:
just one more question, does twrp or cwm recovery backs up everything including drm keys BE2 and etc? or do I have to go through this? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That I don't know and will have to defer to others.
unloadefy said:
Now I get it, so I simply have a rooted locked (but unlockable) Xperia Z~
it looks like everything makes sense now:good:
Thanks so much!
just one more question, does twrp or cwm recovery backs up everything including drm keys BE2 and etc? or do I have to go through this? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, recoveries dont back up your drm keys.
you have to use the Backup TA tool that was posted, this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Remember, ALWAYS, MD5 sum check before flashing, flashing someone else's or corrupted TA will HARD BRICK your device,
spazzy1912 said:
nope, recoveries dont back up your drm keys.
you have to use the Backup TA tool that was posted, this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Remember, ALWAYS, MD5 sum check before flashing, flashing someone else's or corrupted TA will HARD BRICK your device,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very helpful information indeed! Thank you!!
Problems Solved
Hey guys I want to root my XZ... I was going through a lot of reading on xda for the procedure but I am confused right now. Plz help me. I have C6602 currently it is runnig on stock 4.4.2 .230 INDIAN version which I got 5 days ago OTA.. Please tell me the detaill procedure. It will be really helpful..Do I need to unlock bootloader first for rooting XZ?? After root how to get back the bravia engine and gracenote,..etc... I read somewhere on xda that I need to take backup of some TA partition to get back BE2 n music gracenote...etc and I need to root first for that then unlock bootloader...what is the exact sequence ?? please guide me...i would be very thankful..kinda stuck here..
I have downloaded following softwares after going through various threads:
1. adb_fastboot.zip
2. flashtool-0.9.16.1-windows
3. Xperia Z (C6602)_10.5.A.0.230_Generic IN.ftf
4. Flashtool-drivers-1.5-20140318
5. Xperia_Z_driver from sony site
6. towelroot APK
I want to install custom rom also
onkarsingh_pardeshi said:
Hey guys I want to root my XZ... I was going through a lot of reading on xda for the procedure but I am confused right now. Plz help me. I have C6602 currently it is runnig on stock 4.4.2 .230 INDIAN version which I got 5 days ago OTA.. Please tell me the detaill procedure. It will be really helpful..Do I need to unlock bootloader first for rooting XZ?? After root how to get back the bravia engine and gracenote,..etc... I read somewhere on xda that I need to take backup of some TA partition to get back BE2 n music gracenote...etc and I need to root first for that then unlock bootloader...what is the exact sequence ?? please guide me...i would be very thankful..kinda stuck here..
I have downloaded following softwares after going through various threads:
1. adb_fastboot.zip
2. flashtool-0.9.16.1-windows
3. Xperia Z (C6602)_10.5.A.0.230_Generic IN.ftf
4. Flashtool-drivers-1.5-20140318
5. Xperia_Z_driver from sony site
6. towelroot APK
I want to install custom rom also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You dont need to unlock the bootloader to root, towelroot method will root phone just fine
2) Unlocking bootloader caused some issues in BE but if you are just rooting without unlocking there wont be any issues
3) Unlock bootloader only if you are planning to flash custom roms(Remember unlocking bootloader WILL void your warranty)
4) Flashing custom kernels and roms is risky business so please read up before doing anything
androidtweaker1 said:
1)
3) Unlock bootloader only if you are planning to flash custom roms(Remember unlocking bootloader WILL void your warranty)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I just sent my XZ to repair service for broken glass, BL was unlocked and I didn't even re-locked it before sending to customer service. Everything went fine, repaired, ROM updated and still under warranty.
babylonbwoy said:
Nope, I just sent my XZ to repair service for broken glass, BL was unlocked and I didn't even re-locked it before sending to customer service. Everything went fine, repaired, ROM updated and still under warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Broken glass was a "hardware issue'
If your phone goes kapoot(Hard brick) while tinkering with roms or anything software related and your BL is unlocked chances are the service center might not honor warranty as it will be a "Software issue'
androidtweaker1 said:
Broken glass was a "hardware issue'
If your phone goes kapoot(Hard brick) while tinkering with roms or anything software related and your BL is unlocked chances are the service center might not honor warranty as it will be a "Software issue'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I know I'm late but it can be helpful for some to make some precision about warranty...
I said that because lots of peoples always think as long as you unlock BL warranty is lost no matter if it's software or hardware related.
Even Sony website says on unlock bootloader official page "warranty may be voided".
I'm sure there's Xperia owner that doesn't bother sending their smartphone to repair center just because they think it is useless as they unlocked BL...
Now if they read this they know there's always a chance to repair under warranty.
I would appreciate your help. Z3C unlocked bootlooader..
Bootloader*
Hi everyone,
I know the information is somewhere out there online, I just need some feedback please .
After installing 5.1.1. I deicided that I wanted to unlock my bootloader and possibly return to kitkat. I've installed Andriod Studio and Flash Tools. I managed to unlock my bootloader, however I'm feeling as though I regret it. Reasons being because I don't fully understand the entire process of rooting and ensuring I have a backup. I have read many forums and dealt with the issue for the past week. I tried sony bridge and they no longer want to update or reset my device. I'm guessing because i've lost my DRM key...
Does this mean that I have lost all firmware updates in the future. Including that specifically from sony, and furthermore google firmware updates because they came as a bundle in 5.1.1?
The way I understand it, is that I have unlocked my bootloader although I havn't rooted my phone. And rooting means you flash with something. with a rom? or a FTF file. Which is an alternative operating system.
Could someone please give me some advice as to what I should do? I rather just leave everything alone and not worry about it, but it seems now that I'm unsigned from Sony that I have to manaually manage my firmware .
Hi,
Apologies for the long post & queries.
I feel this isnt "just another - LBL query". Dont want to end up with a hard-bricked SP (Like I did with my test mule HTC Sensation :crying
So I bought a used O2 UK branded Xperia SP 4.3 (12.1.A.1.205) purely to learn the art of installing custom ROM's again...
The O2 branded SP had its sim lock removed by the seller I bought the phone from. :good:
Now the service menu shows that Bootloader unlock allowed as NO.
After reading quite a bit on unlocking a Bootloader (LBL) with NO status; I achieve ROOT status using Towelroot :highfive: & created a backup of my TA Partition (DRM's and all - dont know how useful would the Bravia engine be in the future) I now have titanium backup & SuperSU working on the SP.
All the threads I have read so far on unlocking my LBL say my SP can only run special [LBL][ROM] scattered over the SP forum while the LBL CM roms do not seem too attractive over the CM14. (looking forward to use the CM roms)
My queries:
1. The first thread I read in my journey to flash a custom ROM; I found that I could not unlock my BL; even though I went forward to the Sony website and have received the unlock code with instructions.
- should I proceed to unlock my LBL following the instructions in this thread? will it brick my SP with the active root?
2. Looking at this thread @ 1.(c) confuses me.
- Can I use the CM-14 recovery and ROM instead of the CWM recovery as instructed?would love to see some CM14 action on the SP.
3. Is there a way to take an IMG backup of my current stock O2 rom,kernel, radio, etc? so if in case I mess up with the custom roms I can switch back to the stock and have a working phone? (gone are the days of Windows Mobile 6.5 the last time I was a pro in flashing roms)
4. I might be stretching my luck with this question but is there a "kitchen" software that does all the flashing business for you on the SP?
Could someone please link me to a thread (could be of any phone) that explains the basics of flashing a custom ROM (kernel, ROM, recovery, etc) to a newbie like me starting the journey with not much experience?
Its the end of 2016; can I now "NO" unlock my locked Bootloader? coz most of the threads I have found are old I dont know where else to look :fingers-crossed:
Thanks!!
You can't unlock your bootloader and any attempt to do so could potentially brick your device.
Also, you cannot flash custom ROM unless the thread specifically states that can be used on Locked bootloaders. Usually those ROMs are tagged as such (UL/LB or something), and explain how they are based of from some stock kernel.
jade master said:
Hi,
Apologies for the long post & queries.
I feel this isnt "just another - LBL query". Dont want to end up with a hard-bricked SP (Like I did with my test mule HTC Sensation :crying
So I bought a used O2 UK branded Xperia SP 4.3 (12.1.A.1.205) purely to learn the art of installing custom ROM's again...
The O2 branded SP had its sim lock removed by the seller I bought the phone from. :good:
Now the service menu shows that Bootloader unlock allowed as NO.
After reading quite a bit on unlocking a Bootloader (LBL) with NO status; I achieve ROOT status using Towelroot :highfive: & created a backup of my TA Partition (DRM's and all - dont know how useful would the Bravia engine be in the future) I now have titanium backup & SuperSU working on the SP.
All the threads I have read so far on unlocking my LBL say my SP can only run special [LBL][ROM] scattered over the SP forum while the LBL CM roms do not seem too attractive over the CM14. (looking forward to use the CM roms)
My queries:
1. The first thread I read in my journey to flash a custom ROM; I found that I could not unlock my BL; even though I went forward to the Sony website and have received the unlock code with instructions.
- should I proceed to unlock my LBL following the instructions in this thread? will it brick my SP with the active root?
2. Looking at this thread @ 1.(c) confuses me.
- Can I use the CM-14 recovery and ROM instead of the CWM recovery as instructed?would love to see some CM14 action on the SP.
3. Is there a way to take an IMG backup of my current stock O2 rom,kernel, radio, etc? so if in case I mess up with the custom roms I can switch back to the stock and have a working phone? (gone are the days of Windows Mobile 6.5 the last time I was a pro in flashing roms)
4. I might be stretching my luck with this question but is there a "kitchen" software that does all the flashing business for you on the SP?
Could someone please link me to a thread (could be of any phone) that explains the basics of flashing a custom ROM (kernel, ROM, recovery, etc) to a newbie like me starting the journey with not much experience?
Its the end of 2016; can I now "NO" unlock my locked Bootloader? coz most of the threads I have found are old I dont know where else to look :fingers-crossed:
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello
Attempting to unlock your bootloader despite it being not unlockable will make the process fail. No brick will occur.
There is no CM14 that is available for the locked bootloader. Nor will ever be. Unfortunately the workaround past-developers used to make ROMs bootable on locked bootloader of our device is no longer capable or easily to be implemented on latest iterations of Android.
I may not be able to answer this precisely, as my experience with stock ROM was long long ago. As far as I can remember, you can do this with nandroid backup with the old CWM recovery. However I am not remember the menu lists in the recovery anymore. Note that the nandroid backup is not an image backup in a form of .iso or .img. You may alternatively use fastboot to pull exact copy of the partition you have, however this is also out of my knowledge. If you have a large sdcard, you can also use "dd" to do an exact copy of the partition natively on your device (yay linux)
Isn't kitchen a tool to create ROM spin-offs? Sorry I am not an old Android user.. So i do not know. But to answer your question of all-things-tool software, we have Flashtool which handles flashing of stock ROMs and GUI fastboot tools. Only use the version 0.9.18.6. Later versions have some issues with our device..
You still cannot unlock your bootloader. It is a highly secret thing that no one have expertise in exploring or maybe lack of interest. Contrary to popular belief that Xperia phones can have its bootloader unlocked despite of this barrier, no, that only applies to old Xperia lines, and I highly doubt recent Xperia phones can have their bootloaders unlocked with such old tools. You might also risk a hard brick.