Database Develop

[Q]difference root with unlocked/locked bootloader

Hey guys/gals
i have a quick question.
what exactly is the difference (featurewise) when it comes to rooting with an unlocked bootloader and rooting with a locked one?
i'm pretty new to android (iOS user until last saturday), did some research today, but didn't really find much usefull information.
main reason i want to root (at least for now. i'm sure i would find more after spending more time with my xperia), is because i want to format my 64gb SD to exfat and move apps over to it.
thanks guys
edit: and no, i'm currently not thinking about getting a different theme/loader on it (this is one of the things you can only do with an unlocked one, right?)
edit2: and yes, my bootloader can be unlocked

dottore. said:
Hey guys/gals
i have a quick question.
what exactly is the difference (featurewise) when it comes to rooting with an unlocked bootloader and rooting with a locked one?
i'm pretty new to android (iOS user until last saturday), did some research today, but didn't really find much usefull information.
main reason i want to root (at least for now. i'm sure i would find more after spending more time with my xperia), is because i want to format my 64gb SD to exfat and move apps over to it.
thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok unlocked bootloaders = you lose DRM keys forever and Bravia Engine doesn't work. Relocking won't get them back. You can also overclock/underclock CPU with unlocked bootloader. You can also flash custom ROMs/kernels with unlocked bootloader.
Now with locked bootloader you can still have root but you don't lose your DRM keys. You can't flash custom ROMs/kernels or do any overclocking/underclocking.
That's all I can think of.

yeah, i read about that whole DRM thing. i don't care so much about the Bravia Engine and DRM, but i wouldn't mind it staying (first time i said that about DRM), so thats one of the main reason i didn't just went on with unlocking.
is flashing a custom kernel something more or less common when using a rooted android? could i get the things mentioned done without doing it? (i think i read moving apps only needs root, but then again: the xperia z seems to be a bit special when it comes to extSD)
thanks for the fast reply
shadowboy23 said:
Ok unlocked bootloaders = you lose DRM keys forever and Bravia Engine doesn't work. Relocking won't get them back. You can also overclock/underclock CPU with unlocked bootloader. You can also flash custom ROMs/kernels with unlocked bootloader.
Now with locked bootloader you can still have root but you don't lose your DRM keys. You can't flash custom ROMs/kernels or do any overclocking/underclocking.
That's all I can think of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

is flashing a custom kernel something more or less common when using a rooted android? could i get the things mentioned done without doing it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it's up to you. You can either flash custom ROMs/kernels if you want but you will need to unlock the bootloader to do that. Locked bootloader you can only have root and that's it sad to say. But you don't have to flash a custom ROM or kernel if you have root. because you can't anyway with a locked bootloader. Having root just means you can use apps that need root access.

shadowboy23 said:
Well it's up to you. You can either flash custom ROMs/kernels if you want but you will need to unlock the bootloader to do that. Locked bootloader you can only have root and that's it sad to say.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, thanks. i think i'll stay with the locked one for now...let's see for how long

[Q] Rooting Xperia Z - Bravia engine..

I have heard that rooting xperia Z would lead to loss of Bravia Engine functionality and Track ID too, is it correct ?
I am thinking to root my phone.

akss009 said:
I have heard that rooting xperia Z would lead to loss of Bravia Engine functionality and Track ID too, is it correct ?
I am thinking to root my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all good now. If you backup your TA partition first before you unlock the BL you can flash the keys back and BE2 will work again. You can read the tutorial here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627

akss009 said:
I have heard that rooting xperia Z would lead to loss of Bravia Engine functionality and Track ID too, is it correct ?
I am thinking to root my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting isn't the problem, but unlocking the bootloader. luckily there is a way to root your phone without unlocking the BL, but keep in mind: you can't install custom firmware with a locked bootloader (only sony based ROMs or ROM-modifications)

akss009 said:
I have heard that rooting xperia Z would lead to loss of Bravia Engine functionality and Track ID too, is it correct ?
I am thinking to root my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlock your bootloader then you lose the Bravia Engine, however Track id isn't in the same category as that and will be unaffected.
There are much better replacements to Track ID anyway in the Play Store.

FSN said:
rooting isn't the problem, but unlocking the bootloader. luckily there is a way to root your phone without unlocking the BL, but keep in mind: you can't install custom firmware with a locked bootloader (only sony based ROMs or ROM-modifications)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all of that doesn't matter anymore though. SInce you can get your DRM keys back and your XZ's BL will be locked again once you flash back your own TA image.

So for now i am going only for root without unlocking BL
Sent from my C6602

akss009 said:
So for now i am going only for root without unlocking BL
Sent from my C6602
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do what you want. Unlock the BL or not. If you backup your TA partition first you can do anything. As long as you backup your TA partition first before you unlock the BL. But if you really don't want to unlock the BL that is your call too.

shadowboy23 said:
all of that doesn't matter anymore though. SInce you can get your DRM keys back and your XZ's BL will be locked again once you flash back your own TA image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's true, but maybe he just wants the root

FSN said:
that's true, but maybe he just wants the root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, maybe that's all he wants for now. Just letting the OP know that losing your DRM keys and BE2 not working anymore is yesterdays news. So the OP can do what he wants without the fear of losing the DRM keys and BE2 not working.

Thanks for your suggestion guys, since I am new to Sony so Just want to root for now and play around with stock ui, until i get bored
P.S. - Got my xperia Z last saturday , before that had Galaxy S2, and i have flashed it more than a 100 or 200 times till it went dead, dont remember.

There is a root method without unlocking your BL http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2186368
I've tested this method with my locked BL, that works like a charm.

[Q] TA and DRM keys ? Am I ready to Root ?

Quick questions and no they haven't been answered directly the way I am asking them :
1) If I wish to later do warranty repair and I currently have a locked boot-loader is backing up the TA going to give me a 1:1 undetectable root and later unroot if I choose. (i mean all my gracenote, bravia, and other DRM's be returnable to stock condition)? (if so which method is the BEST.. ? seen a couple now)
2) My stock firmware doesn't seem to be on the FTF list is this possible I have a : c6906 C6906 14.3.A.0.757 Generic CA R10 ??? This one is on the list I don't think so ? Perhaps I am reading the string from the wrong spot.. ! In which case anyone know what to do to make a backup ?
3)Everyone hates this question but I have to ask does anyone here know of a way to unlock a locked bootloader :YES flagged device; I feel like a dink asking but after sifting through hundreds of posts there seems to be contradiction as in some people eventually figure it out and/or have unlocked z1's which I have read elsewhere that every single z1 comes from factory with bootloader locked yes?
Answer one of these questions for me make my day and you will have my many thanks to come

futiless said:
Quick questions and no they haven't been answered directly the way I am asking them :
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Why Unlock Bootloader for Root if you can get Root on Locked Bootloader? First get Root on Locked Bootloader then Backup TA and do whatever you want. Best way is with the application to Backup TA, with that one you can Unlock and Relock, as you already had read 100 post then you know which method you have use to backup TA, right? (no? then search again) BTW, Yes, after Relock bootloader with the Backup of your TA your phone will be stock like new.
2) Perhaps you should understand that it do not matter, download any Generic CA or International CA for your specific model C6906. Done.
3)What that even supposed to mean? Type *#*#7378423#*#* and go to Configuration, if there is Bootloader Unlock Allowed: Yes, then you can unlock it, if there is NO, then is no way to Unlock it. To unlock it there is only ONE WAY, google it.

futiless said:
Quick questions and no they haven't been answered directly the way I am asking them :
1) If I wish to later do warranty repair and I currently have a locked boot-loader is backing up the TA going to give me a 1:1 undetectable root and later unroot if I choose. (i mean all my gracenote, bravia, and other DRM's be returnable to stock condition)? (if so which method is the BEST.. ? seen a couple now)
2) My stock firmware doesn't seem to be on the FTF list is this possible I have a : c6906 C6906 14.3.A.0.757 Generic CA R10 ??? This one is on the list I don't think so ? Perhaps I am reading the string from the wrong spot.. ! In which case anyone know what to do to make a backup ?
3)Everyone hates this question but I have to ask does anyone here know of a way to unlock a locked bootloader :YES flagged device; I feel like a dink asking but after sifting through hundreds of posts there seems to be contradiction as in some people eventually figure it out and/or have unlocked z1's which I have read elsewhere that every single z1 comes from factory with bootloader locked yes?
Answer one of these questions for me make my day and you will have my many thanks to come
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I think you may be confusing root and unlocking the bootloader. TA partition backups are for re-locking the bootloader, not removing root. In fact you must be rooted in order to make or restore a TA backup. Generally only an unlocked bootloader voids warranty, not root. Though if you're worried about it, you can always flash a stock FTF and you will be back to stock without root.
For TA backup there's a Windows app that will do it, just Google it. Works great
2) Your firmware is there. Google "c6906 14.3.a.0.757" and it's the first link
3) As @eclyptos said, if your service menu says unlock is allowed, then you can. If it says unlock is not allowed then you can't and I'd say there's a 99% chance you will never be able to.
Sent from my Xperia Z1 using Tapatalk

almost fully clear on this but still curious how my device is R10 which I don't see on the 6906 list.. I see r4 and so on.
I have read on a website that unlike z1s and other z devices every single z1 comes from factory locked. If so then how come some people have proclaimed the unlock success? Maybe that was just misinformation?
Thanks again will properly thank everyone later at home currently using the app
Sent from my C6906 using XDA Free mobile app

futiless said:
almost fully clear on this but still curious how my device is R10 which I don't see on the 6906 list.. I see r4 and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just a customization which you will never even to notice.
futiless said:
I have read on a website that unlike z1s and other z devices every single z1 comes from factory locked. If so then how come some people have proclaimed the unlock success? Maybe that was just misinformation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's your misinformation. All of them have Bootloader Locked from day 1, Z1S is Locked Permanently and Unlockable, Z1 is Locked but can be Unlocked from the Official Sony Web Page, just google it.
futiless said:
Thanks again will properly thank everyone later at home currently using the app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thanx a lot.

Some questions from a first timer

Until a few days ago, I didn't want to do anything involving rooting with my Xperia Z just in case I messed anything up but since Towelroot came out, I went ahead and used it to root my phone without any problems but now I have some questions.
Now that I have root access on my phone, if Sony releases an OTA firmware update, does this close the root access?
My next goal with my phone is to try and cut out as much bloat as possible from my Xperia Z but I'm worried I might get rid of too much things that I might render it bricked. Is there some things I should leave well alone?
Also thinking about trying custom roms but I'm overwhelmed by all the guides so are the guides even from years ago still valid in 2014?

syrupdash said:
Until a few days ago, I didn't want to do anything involving rooting with my Xperia Z just in case I messed anything up but since Towelroot came out, I went ahead and used it to root my phone without any problems but now I have some questions.
Now that I have root access on my phone, if Sony releases an OTA firmware update, does this close the root access?
My next goal with my phone is to try and cut out as much bloat as possible from my Xperia Z but I'm worried I might get rid of too much things that I might render it bricked. Is there some things I should leave well alone?
Also thinking about trying custom roms but I'm overwhelmed by all the guides so are the guides even from years ago still valid in 2014?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updating firmware will remove root
If you remove system apps you wont get OTA
Custom roms require unlocked bootloader which will void your warranty and you wont get OTA
Look up in the forums for latest guides

OTA shouldn't remove root. Root gets removed if you flash with flashtool, sus or pcc
Sent from my C6603 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

syrupdash said:
My next goal with my phone is to try and cut out as much bloat as possible from my Xperia Z but I'm worried I might get rid of too much things that I might render it bricked. Is there some things I should leave well alone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you remove something wrong, just flash a ROM again. But like always said: Don't remove something, if you don't know what it is.
syrupdash said:
Also thinking about trying custom roms but I'm overwhelmed by all the guides so are the guides even from years ago still valid in 2014?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to unlock bootloader for custom ROMs: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z/development/tutorial-xperia-z-zl-bootloader-t2153261
Don't forget to make a TA-Backup!: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
Quote by devshaft from the TA-Backup thread:
Backup TA can backup and restore the TA partition of the device. When you create a backup before unlocking for the first time, then you will be able to restore to full factory state (including a locked bootloader). This means all DRM keys intact, Bravia Engine working in Album and last but not least your warranty when needed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like androidtweaker1 said, unlocking the bootloader will void your warranty. The TA-Backup includes some unique data from your device(!), which will be removed for ever if you unlock your bootloader. That's why you should make a TA-Backupfirst, to keep this data.
There are 2 ways how SONY take a look at it if you unlocked the bootloader:
- They take a look in the servicemenue
- Or they take a look at if the DRM-keys(which are included in the TA-Backup) are in your device
If you relock the bootloader only, they will see in the servicemenue that it is locked. But if they take a look at the DRM keys and they aren't available, it's clear for them that you unlocked your bootloader.
If you want to send your device to a repair center, just relock the bootloader and restore the TA-Backup. There are also some threads about it, so don't be afraid to search for it. And one more thing: Never, and really never restore the TA-Backup from an other device, it will hardbrick your phone!

[Q] Unlocking?

I'm trying to figure out exactly what you lose when you unlock Z3(C).
So far I've discovered that:
- Sony has a webpage that allows you to unlock your device
- Unlocking your device will void your warranty
- Unlocking is the only known way to get root (at least right now)
- Unlocking your device will kill the "TA partition" that contains DRM keys
- Loss of the aforementioned DRM keys will cause some stuff to stop working
I found a huge thread on backing up TA partition for older xperia devices, but no good information RE: what exactly you lose if you wipe out the DRM keys by unlocking.
Do any of you know definitively: what the DRM keys are for and what you lose?
As an aside - it looks like backing up TA partition is only possible before you unlock bootloader and if you've rooted your phone (so probably not possible on Z3C until someone finds a working exploit to get root with a locked bootloader).
Thanks in advance for any insights.

I don't think there is a definitive place which says exactly what you lose by unlocking the boot loader but judging by what people having been saying after unlocking the Z3C and other Xperia phones on 4.4 it seems like the answer is nothing. Nothing is lost on the software side at all.

On the z1c I neglected to back up the TA partition. And apparently lost native mirror cast and some camera features when I rolled the device back to stock.
Back up your TA partition before unlocking BL... If not for the I'm tact features turn for your warranty!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
Those that have rushed into unlocking the BL without backing up the TA partition risk voiding warranty I'm afraid.

dillalade said:
On the z1c I neglected to back up the TA partition. And apparently lost native mirror cast and some camera features when I rolled the device back to stock.
Back up your TA partition before unlocking BL... If not for the I'm tact features turn for your warranty!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
Those that have rushed into unlocking the BL without backing up the TA partition risk voiding warranty I'm afraid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem is, you need root to use those backup tools... So we would need a temp root exploit to backup before unlocking. But from what I've read so far, it doesn't seem like you lose that much, if anything.

I am also curious about this as I need root access but would like to preserve the warranty. Somebody else has also started a thread with what breaks with unlocking: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2890936

TiMiN8R said:
Problem is, you need root to use those backup tools... So we would need a temp root exploit to backup before unlocking. But from what I've read so far, it doesn't seem like you lose that much, if anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most important consideration is your warranty such if your happy to lost it then unlock your BL.

dillalade said:
Most important consideration is your warranty such if your happy to lost it then unlock your BL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that definitive that you will lose warranty. Sony says it may void your warranty. Known issues with the specific model or batch, or other hardware problems that could not be caused by flashing custom ROMs/kernels will most likely still be covered.
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sony...oader-unlock-tool-voids-your-warranty_id32972
I myself have sent in my Xperia T twice since unlocking the bootloader and on both occassions it was covered by the warranty.
Mind you, I did relock the bootloader and flash a stock FTF before doing that.
Flashtool has a function to relock the bootloader
http://www.digitalinternals.com/mobile/keeping-warranty-intact-sony-xperia-unlocked-phones/264/
I don't know if this works on our phone already, maybe someone who has already unlocked would like to try?