I'd like to have root permission, but want to keep the Sony firmware, can this be done?
Would Sony updates still work? Would root access unlock the bootloader or need to unlock the boot loader?
I just want root, keep the original boot loader and the Sony firmware.
Possible?
Thank you.
papperlapapp said:
I'd like to have root permission, but want to keep the Sony firmware, can this be done?
Would Sony updates still work? Would root access unlock the bootloader or need to unlock the boot loader?
I just want root, keep the original boot loader and the Sony firmware.
Possible?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please read any of the several guides and tutorials in the general and development sections to get your question answered.
If I was to answer your question here I would just be copying and pasting from those threads. They are not hard to find as they are stickies, i.e. stuck to the top of the forums.
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 All
So firstly I should say I only have myself to blame. I'm quite a techy guy so I just assumed i'd be able to root my phone without any issues and pick it up as I go. What i've quickly found out is i'm in way over my head and i'm an absolute noob!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated from those guys out there that actually know what they are doing. I have read many forums but i'm still lost.
My story is as follows:
- I have a Z1 that was locked on stock firmware 4.4
- I read that it would be a good idea to unlock the bootloader so i did this
- I wanted to root my phone but from what I read I could see I would have to downgrade the firmware to 4.2. So this is what i did.
- By doing this I lost my IMEI number, got very worried i'd ruined my phone. I tried many things to restore it, there were a variety of different solutions online, none of them worked. I eventually flashed a 4.3 firmware i found on this forum which restored my IMEI.
- I then read through a few posts of people who had similar issues and advice was given to downgrade again (if i wanted to root) but this time exclude the baseband etc. I did this, but lost my IMEI again! the advice didn't work
- So I then went and updgraded again! to 4.3 to restore my IMEI and network access
- There doesn't seem to be a way to root on 4.3 so my phone isn't rooted, that's ok. But when i try to use my banking apps they don't work! they say my phone is rooted even though it isn't! I have checked with root checker
- Like an idiot, i didn't back up the phone when i first started doing all of this, i didn't really know what i was doing so I am now in a situation where i have the worst of both worlds. They are, i can either 1. downgrade the firmware to 4.2, root my phone but not have a valid IMEI and network access or 2. stay on 4.3, have a valid IMEI and not be rooted but certain apps think i'm rooted so i can't use them.
So all in all i've just messed things up and i'm in way over my head. I would really appreciate some advice
Thanks
Yes you are right.
Also, there is no issue with losing IMEI when downgrading, it happens to everyone, but it comes back when you upgrade.
Also, if you unlock the bootloader there is no need to downgrade, that is a locked bootloader method of rooting
You should root before unlocking the bootloader in order to backup the TA partition, but you are too late now...
Solution
1) Use flashtool to relock the bootloader
2) Use pccompanion to update to latest firmware
3) Unlock the bootloader again with flashtool
4) Flash a custom kernel for stock based ROMs
5) Install SuperSU from the play store.
DONE!
6317
gregbradley said:
Yes you are right.
Also, there is no issue with losing IMEI when downgrading, it happens to everyone, but it comes back when you upgrade.
Also, if you unlock the bootloader there is no need to downgrade, that is a locked bootloader method of rooting
You should root before unlocking the bootloader in order to backup the TA partition, but you are too late now...
Solution
1) Use flashtool to relock the bootloader
2) Use pccompanion to update to latest firmware
3) Unlock the bootloader again with flashtool
4) Flash a custom kernel for stock based ROMs
5) Install SuperSU from the play store.
DONE!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Greg
Thank you very much for your quick response. I will try and follow your advice to the letter tonight/tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
Thanks again
retro100386 said:
Hi Greg
Thank you very much for your quick response. I will try and follow your advice to the letter tonight/tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..and if you want to see the Video which help you to understand better just check the @gregbradley Signature or mine.
eclyptos said:
..and if you want to see the Video which help you to understand better just check the @gregbradley Signature or mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The video by shem is for locked bootloaders, he needs an unlocked bootloader method
gregbradley said:
The video by shem is for locked bootloaders, he needs an unlocked bootloader method
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So we have to ask @shem2409 to do another vid for Unlocked Bootloaders...
eclyptos said:
So we have to ask @shem2409 to do another vid for Unlocked Bootloaders...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so, the unlocked bootloader method is very generic and there are hundreds (if not thousands) of guides and probably as many videos.
gregbradley said:
I don't think so, the unlocked bootloader method is very generic and there are hundreds (if not thousands) of guides and probably as many videos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know but as you see the users still do mistake anyway, even if there is a lot of vids with a clear explanation.
conflicting messages?
gregbradley said:
Yes you are right.
Also, there is no issue with losing IMEI when downgrading, it happens to everyone, but it comes back when you upgrade.
Also, if you unlock the bootloader there is no need to downgrade, that is a locked bootloader method of rooting
You should root before unlocking the bootloader in order to backup the TA partition, but you are too late now...
Solution
1) Use flashtool to relock the bootloader
2) Use pccompanion to update to latest firmware
3) Unlock the bootloader again with flashtool
4) Flash a custom kernel for stock based ROMs
5) Install SuperSU from the play store.
DONE!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Greg, can you give me a bit more advice please.
i'm just looking at the tutorial to relock by bootloader. It says "before u relock bootloader u have to be on pure stock kernel (flash only the kernel.sin using flashtool), else the device WILL NOT BOOT after relock"
The problem is i'm already flashed on to an FTF image that was on this site. From so by doing this am i going to brick my phone? i'm confused and i don't want to make things work so your advice would be apprecaited
thanks
retro100386 said:
Hi Greg, can you give me a bit more advice please.
i'm just looking at the tutorial to relock by bootloader. It says "before u relock bootloader u have to be on pure stock kernel (flash only the kernel.sin using flashtool), else the device WILL NOT BOOT after relock"
The problem is i'm already flashed on to an FTF image that was on this site. From so by doing this am i going to brick my phone? i'm confused and i don't want to make things work so your advice would be apprecaited
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Greg
it's fine, i am just being stupid again, i just relocked without a problem, thanks again
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2014/0...oid-kitkat-devices-in-one-tap-no-pc-required/
check this out
hello frnd
please help to unlock my mobile to install new themes and apps ..
thank you:silly:
Use search button first! Don't spam and next time you ask some question you should type more details. Type like this will make us more confuse..
tollytrendz said:
hello frnd
please help to unlock my mobile to install new themes and apps ..
thank you:silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, welcome to XDA.
Second, you dont need to "unlock bootloader" for themes and apps. Root is enough.
You can find how to root it in Development section of Xperia Z1 forum.
For any question, write here, and i will reply as soon i can.
electrash said:
First of all, welcome to XDA.
Second, you dont need to "unlock bootloader" for themes and apps. Root is enough.
You can find how to root it in Development section of Xperia Z1 forum.
For any question, write here, and i will reply as soon i can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello its a new person as you can see. I do have a few questions for concerning root. I am in the process of trying to learn how to root my phone which is the Z1 S. Would you be able to explain the difference in root with lock boot loader and a root with unlocked boot loader? I have tried the search button but came up little info on it. I would like to be able install roms, themeing, apps,modz, wifi and blue tooth tethering the whole nine yards lol. Maybe I should be asking which method would be best for all that. Locked or unlocked bootloader?
Thank you for all the help and your time it is greatly appreciated.
Not sure if you need this info
model- C6916
Build-14.4.13.0.37
willdoe said:
Hello its a new person as you can see. I do have a few questions for concerning root. I am in the process of trying to learn how to root my phone which is the Z1 S. Would you be able to explain the difference in root with lock boot loader and a root with unlocked boot loader? I have tried the search button but came up little info on it. I would like to be able install roms, themeing, apps,modz, wifi and blue tooth tethering the whole nine yards lol. Maybe I should be asking which method would be best for all that. Locked or unlocked bootloader?
Thank you for all the help and your time it is greatly appreciated.
Not sure if you need this info
model- C6916
Build-14.4.13.0.37
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are using Z1s so you cant unlock your bootloader. It's locked by request of T-Mobile...
However you can root without unlock bootloader
Try this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53407127&postcount=1004
or just use Towelroot to root
You can install recovery (must have for rooted device), ROM, any many things...but no Kernel for now (require unlocked bootloader...)
willdoe said:
Hello its a new person as you can see. I do have a few questions for concerning root. I am in the process of trying to learn how to root my phone which is the Z1 S. Would you be able to explain the difference in root with lock boot loader and a root with unlocked boot loader? I have tried the search button but came up little info on it. I would like to be able install roms, themeing, apps,modz, wifi and blue tooth tethering the whole nine yards lol. Maybe I should be asking which method would be best for all that. Locked or unlocked bootloader?
Thank you for all the help and your time it is greatly appreciated.
Not sure if you need this info
model- C6916
Build-14.4.13.0.37
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked bootloader is always rootable. But there is no difrence if you achive root with BL or UBL.
ROOT is just admin right and gives you option to mess around your phone.
And if you aim just to modify your phone a little bit, always try to root it without unlocking bootloader.
Hello again I am hoping someone would be willing to help me understand whats in this link a little more!! There are a few things I dont understand. Like what does he mean by some on boot app to run as root. Does he mean like titanium backup? Also would I run this command in adb? /system/xbin/kill_ric.sh. Thank yall a bunch for the help its greatly appreciated!!!! Below is the link I need help with thanks again
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...postcount=1004
Hello all! Im new in xda forum, so i will be greatefull if you help me with my Sony Z1 phone. I have Z1 c903 on android 5.0.2., and I was mad on sony becouse they didnt make update to 5.1, so i was looking on forum how to root and install some custom rom and make my phone updated. So i find on some thread that i should unlock bootloader, and i followed instructions and unlocked it, but without making some backup or anything else. So i have seen that there is official update for sony and i want to get back to lock bootloader. But when i enter flashtool and enter "blu" i click on relock bootloader, and start phone type *#*#service#*#* it say that my bootloader is still unlocked. How should i get back to locked bootloader or make official update to 5.1. Please make it more clear becouse i am pretty noob for android development and rest. Also i want to add that i have not rooted my phone or install some custom rom or other, i just have unlock bootloader and thats all. Could i get back my "DRM keys" and could i get back my ofiicial android. Thanks in advance.
koska92 said:
Hello all! Im new in xda forum, so i will be greatefull if you help me with my Sony Z1 phone. I have Z1 c903 on android 5.0.2., and I was mad on sony becouse they didnt make update to 5.1, so i was looking on forum how to root and install some custom rom and make my phone updated. So i find on some thread that i should unlock bootloader, and i followed instructions and unlocked it, but without making some backup or anything else. So i have seen that there is official update for sony and i want to get back to lock bootloader. But when i enter flashtool and enter "blu" i click on relock bootloader, and start phone type *#*#service#*#* it say that my bootloader is still unlocked. How should i get back to locked bootloader or make official update to 5.1. Please make it more clear becouse i am pretty noob for android development and rest. Also i want to add that i have not rooted my phone or install some custom rom or other, i just have unlock bootloader and thats all. Could i get back my "DRM keys" and could i get back my ofiicial android. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh dear, you lost your drm keys.... thats not good....all sony own camera features (bionz, noise reduction...) are lost now. So without your drm keys, you dont get an advantage of locking bl again. SImply flash official sony 5.1.1 and here you are
Tutorial?
mo120697 said:
oh dear, you lost your drm keys.... thats not good....all sony own camera features (bionz, noise reduction...) are lost now. So without your drm keys, you dont get an advantage of locking bl again. SImply flash official sony 5.1.1 and here you are
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any tutorial how to flash 5.1.1. to my sony? Becouse i didnt root it, i is still my official 5.0.1 android.
koska92 said:
Is there any tutorial how to flash 5.1.1. to my sony? Becouse i didnt root it, i is still my official 5.0.1 android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the ftf (general section) and flash via flashtool, but untick the 3 wipe boxes if You want t to keep your data
Thanks
mo120697 said:
Download the ftf (general section) and flash via flashtool, but untick the 3 wipe boxes if You want t to keep your data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you link me please?
koska92 said:
Can you link me please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FTF:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_mcadp7d-Ivb0RoQTdmT29NN0U/view?usp=sharing
Then start at step 11:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/how-instal...z3-z2-devices-via-xperifirm-flashtool-1492498
Hi everyone
I have sony xperia z3+ E6553. I tried to root my device but I think I did most of things wrong. Firstly, I followed sony developer instructions to unlock boot loader in sony's website. After that all of things in my device deleted and I tried to root it with lots of ways. Now I can not open my device. There is just sony logo and nothing else. And internal storage there is no file about android just twrp file. What do you suggest for my situation?
Thanks for your help
Critical... Wjy dont you guys follow and read the tips that are provided here?
arokososoo said:
Critical... Wjy dont you guys follow and read the tips that are provided here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I tried to read all discussions about z3+ but every single attempt that I tried to do made things worse
Smeric61 said:
Actually I tried to read all discussions about z3+ but every single attempt that I tried to do made things worse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To unlock bootloader you need unlock code from Sony website, Flashtool and FTF file for your device.
After getting unlock code you ll need to connect your phone to PC and then open the Installed software Flashtool in your PC, in flashtool there is an option to unlock bootloader you have to click that and put the unlock code there. After that your device is unlocked.
Note# its quite normal that after you unlock your Device then its wont boot for the first time. At that time you will need to flash FTF in your device.