[Q] Questions on rooting my Z1 - Xperia Z1 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys! Just bought brand new Xperia Z1 10 days ago! I LOVE my new phone but I really need to root it to have access to my game files and bypass the restriction on apps on SD card. Still a noob about rooting so I've read several guides in here, all are very useful and answered many of my questions/confusions.
Btw, my Z1 is C903 model, running 4.4.2 KitKat, on firmware 14.3.A.0.757. I've checked and it's not rooted (obviously) and its bootloader is locked but unlocking is allowed. Now the questions:
1. I just want to root my Z1 for now. Is it possible to root it WITHOUT downgrading my firmware OR unlocking the bootloader? That is I don't want to downgrade nor unlock the bootloader, IF possible.
2. If the above is not possible and I need to downgrade it first no matter what, is it totally safe to root it without risk of bricking it and no further issue will arise (camera not working, etc)? Just assume everything is done correctly using krabappel2548's guide. Would be nice if anyone with same phone spec can confirm on this.
The idea is to root my Z1 first so that I can backup my TA partition. After that, I won't mind unlocking the bootloader and willing to try some custom ROMs later. Thanks in advance for any help regarding this!

velve86 said:
1. I just want to root my Z1 for now. Is it possible to root it WITHOUT downgrading my firmware OR unlocking the bootloader? That is I don't want to downgrade nor unlock the bootloader, IF possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible
2. If the above is not possible and I need to downgrade it first no matter what, is it totally safe to root it without risk of bricking it and no further issue will arise (camera not working, etc)? Just assume everything is done correctly using krabappel2548's guide. Would be nice if anyone with same phone spec can confirm on this.
The idea is to root my Z1 first so that I can backup my TA partition. After that, I won't mind unlocking the bootloader and willing to try some custom ROMs later. Thanks in advance for any help regarding this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just follow the link in my signature
3 simple steps and do not follow the outdated guide by krabappel. Also, DO NOT USE VROOT to root it. It send your IMEI number to an IP address in china

velve86 said:
1. I just want to root my Z1 for now. Is it possible to root it WITHOUT downgrading my firmware OR unlocking the bootloader? That is I don't want to downgrade nor unlock the bootloader, IF possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
velve86 said:
2. If the above is not possible and I need to downgrade it first no matter what, is it totally safe to root it without risk of bricking it and no further issue will arise (camera not working, etc)? Just assume everything is done correctly using krabappel2548's guide. Would be nice if anyone with same phone spec can confirm on this.
The idea is to root my Z1 first so that I can backup my TA partition. After that, I won't mind unlocking the bootloader and willing to try some custom ROMs later. Thanks in advance for any help regarding this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use latest Flashtool and Downgrade to .534, provided by NUT, Install DualRecovery, Upgrade to pre-Rooted .757. Done.
Easy and safe, just follow the instructions. Now you can Backup TA and Unlock Your Bootloader.
---------- Post added at 03:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:35 PM ----------
@gregbradley...Damn...you are too fast, you was not there yet when I started typing...XP

gregbradley said:
Not possible
Just follow the link in my signature
3 simple steps and do not follow the outdated guide by krabappel. Also, DO NOT USE VROOT to root it. It send your IMEI number to an IP address in china
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
eclyptos said:
No.
Use latest Flashtool and Downgrade to .534, provided by NUT, Install DualRecovery, Upgrade to pre-Rooted .757. Done.
Easy and safe, just follow the instructions. Now you can Backup TA and Unlock Your Bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it. Thanks for the fast replies guys! Seem those are the best way to proceed. And thanks for the heads up about VRoot! :good:
Will try to root my Z1 tomorrow. I'll update on the result.

Hey guys! I'm ready to do this. Just done downloading all the required files today. Made backups of my data, saved in SD card. Installed flashtool 0.9.16.0 and its drivers. Device connected and recognized.
Now to flash the .534 firmware. Just done downloading it from here but just noticed that the file is of *.zip extension instead of FTF (prolly because I used direct download instead of torrent).
So how do I proceed with this? Flash it like flashing FTF file as well?

velve86 said:
So how do I proceed with this? Flash it like flashing FTF file as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to download from different source. It have be FTF extension. ZIP extension can be changed to FTF but many reported it will not work doing that. Try and let us know.

I did it guys! :victory: Successfully downgraded to 14.1.G.1.534 [NUT], installed XZDualRecovery v2.7.123 BETA and then upgraded to pre-rooted 14.3.A.0.757 [NUT]! Stuck a bit at the middle but I did it! Now I have root access and my Z1 bootloader is still intact! It took me ~2 hours to complete everything last night.. :laugh:
I'll post a detailed logs of what I did later, just for future reference and for others with same phone spec. And thanks again gregbradley and eclyptos for the help!

As promised, the detailed logs. Just for reference for others like me that are still noob about all this.
My phone spec: Xperia Z1 C6903, running 4.4.2 KitKat, on firmware 14.3.A.0.757 (no root, locked bootloader).
Guides used:
-Root, Backup TA, Unlock bootloader and more! The ultimate Xperia Z1 guide
-[25NOV][FLASHTOOL GUIDE] HOW TO for n00bies - G-FACE GUIDE
-[STOCK][C69XX][4.4] Update to 14.3.A.0.757 [Root & XZDR][DE-/ODEX]
-[DEVDB][TWRP][PhilZ Touch][CWM] XZDualRecovery 2.7.1XX RC
Preparation:
-Installed adb and USB driver (from Android SDK), Flashtool 0.9.16.0
-Phone charged to 90%+, enabled USB debugging, stay awake while charging
-Downloaded all required files (C6903_14.1.G.1.534_NUT.zip, C6903_14.3.A.0.757.flashable.zip, C6903_14.3.A.0.757_Stripped.zip, Z1-lockeddualrecovery2.7.123-BETA.installer.zip)
-Made backup for all my data including apps using Backup & Restore, saved into SD card
And here's the step-by-step of what I did:
1. Preparing 14.1.G.1.534 firmware
-copied C6903_14.1.G.1.534_NUT.zip into "C:\Flashtool\firmwares\"
-changed the extension from *.zip to *.ftf (C6903_14.1.G.1.534_NUT.zip --> C6903_14.1.G.1.534_NUT.ftf) for it to be recognized by Flashtool
-already flashed this firmware when I read eclyptos' suggestion to change the extension, so I hereby confirm that it's working!
***NOTE: Downgrading to .534 wiped out my data on internal storage (not SD card content though). Didn't know that, thought only unlocking bootloader does - good thing I've made backup of all my data beforehand.***
2. Flashing C6903_14.1.G.1.534_NUT.ftf using Flashtool
-just followed instructions on Flashtool, turned off my phone, unplugged from USB, then connected again in flashmode (using instruction in guide)
-flashing started automatically once it's connected in flashmode
-flashing done, phone turned off automatically, unplugged from USB, turned it on
-phone now on JB 4.2.2 with .543 firmware but no root access (verified with Root Checker)
3. Installing XZDualRecovery and root access
-extracted Z1-lockeddualrecovery2.7.123-BETA.installer.zip, ran install.bat, chose option 3 (installation on unrooted ROM)
-once done, phone rebooted automatically into default recovery (PhilZ Touch), chose "Reboot Now" with 2nd option to install root access (SuperSU)
-rebooted, phone now has root access (verified with Root Checker), with BusyBox v1.20.2-jb "static (2012-11-25 17:47 +0100) multi-call binary" (wasn't sure if required to have root before upgrading but tried it anyway)
4. Preparing to upgrade to 14.3.A.0.757
-copied C6903_14.3.A.0.757.flashable.zip into SD card, C6903_14.3.A.0.757_Stripped.zip into "C:\Flashtool\firmwares\"
-changed primary recovery to TWRP using NDR Utils app (pre-installed in .543), tried to reboot into recovery but reboot not working (nothing happens)
-rebooted into recovery again using adb command line ("adb reboot recovery") - Google FTW!
-rebooted into TWRP recovery
5. Flashing C6903_14.3.A.0.757.flashable.zip using TWRP
-on TWRP, chose Install, navigate and chose the file
-tried with zip file signature verification, failed
-tried again, without signature verification (MD5 check), successful
-firmware update started, took a while and done successfully!
-DID NOT REBOOT (as per instruction in guide), back to Home->Reboot->Power off, unplugged phone from USB, turned on phone
6. Flashing C6903_14.3.A.0.757_Stripped.ftf using Flashtool
-connected to USB, renamed C6903_14.3.A.0.757_Stripped.zip to C6903_14.3.A.0.757_Stripped.ftf, started Flashtool
-flashed everything in the FTF just like in step 2, phone turned off automatically once done, unplugged from USB
7. Verifying upgrade
-Phone turned on, Android is upgrading, optimized apps, etc
-Phone now back to 14.3.A.0.757 firmware but has ROOT access using SuperSU (verified with Root Checker), with bootloader still locked!
Will backup my TA partition later, but I'll just leave the bootloader locked for now. Restored my backup, checked and re-configured certain apps settings, no weird behavior so far, camera and wireless also working fine!
That's about it. Hope this log will help others to have root on their Z1 of same spec. Good luck!

I was a bit confused with the firmware you flashed, since it said it required 0.681. But like i read it now, you can just flash the .757 over the .534 right? Good info, thanks!

saintgein said:
I was a bit confused with the firmware you flashed, since it said it required 0.681. But like i read it now, you can just flash the .757 over the .534 right? Good info, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup
From 534 you can flash 757 firmware from recovery and use flashtool to flash 757stripped tft (kernel).
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Free mobile app

Related

Rooting .290 JB 4.3

Hello,
Coming from a Galaxy S2 flashing and rooting is not new to me but for me there are some questions for the Xperia Z1.
When i bought the Z1 it was on 4.2.2, and offcourse i wanted root the same day
After trying numerous times with Vroot i gave up.
After some more reading i read that i had to downgrade and then flash an older version, then root and flash teh correct version and so on.....(cant find the correct topics anymore )
After doing that my phone wasnt working properly and i connected with PC Companion and it gave me the update to .290 JB 4.3 and everything was fine except foor root.
Did some more reading and found the solution,
Now I'm reading that if you are on .290 4.3JB that root isnt possible(correct me if im wrong).
I want to share how i did it because for me it went very easy.The hardest part was getting the drivers installed correctly hhaha
First i unlocked the bootloader and then i flashed a CWM with root and recovery.
I followed the steps provided on this links.
http://techbeasts.com/2013/12/18/how-to-unlock-bootloader-of-sony-xperia-devices-guide/
http://techbeasts.com/2013/12/19/in...ng-latest-14-2-0-a-290-firmware-how-to-guide/
Al of this went so easy that i'm startin to wonder if its me who did it wrong and dont understand it or if you didnt know about it,
The only thing i forgot was a TA backup :angel:
to MODS....if its in the wrong section please replace it.
Actually it is the official way. Unlock -> CWM -> Root with CWM (Notification)
Rooting 4.3 isn't impossible, but morr difficult than on earlier versions. Google wanted to improve the security of android. Most of the ways which "make" the opportunity of rooting are malware-ways too.
You don't need to backup your TA partition with .290 and above, because the camera will work after the BL unlock.
The big question is if root for unlocked boot loaders will ever be available for 4.3! I really doubt it.
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
You mean Locked Bootloader, i think?
Question about CWM, does it function the same as it did with my S2? So, back-up and restore with CWM?
sent from rooted en unlocked 4.3 Jb Xperia Z1
djg269 said:
Question about CWM, does it function the same as it did with my S2? So, back-up and restore with CWM?
sent from rooted en unlocked 4.3 Jb Xperia Z1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it should, why are u asking ?
Curious
Eager to try but not in the mood for a complete do over if it fails
sent from rooted en unlocked 4.3 Jb Xperia Z1
Ohh, I will be glad to rooting without unlocking BL...on 4.3..but still no way...
This works just fine, thanks for sharing this! Just FYI, this is also an interesting read about getting full root access on 4.3: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2573921
eclyptos said:
Ohh, I will be glad to rooting without unlocking BL...on 4.3..but still no way...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have heard from @shem2409 that a partial root on LB for 290 (4.3) is possible, but I have not figured out how to do it yet. I think you can pull it off with the insecure ramdisk hack, but to install that, you need to install XZDualRecovery; to install XZDR, you need to be rooted; it's only possible to root 534 LB and when upgrading to 290 root is lost. So, it seems to be a chicken-and-egg problem to me at the moment. I think I must be missing something.
xasbo said:
I have heard from @shem2409 that a partial root on LB for 290 (4.3) is possible, but I have not figured out how to do it yet. I think you can pull it off with the insecure ramdisk hack, but to install that, you need to install XZDualRecovery; to install XZDR, you need to be rooted; it's only possible to root 534 LB and when upgrading to 290 root is lost. So, it seems to be a chicken-and-egg problem to me at the moment. I think I must be missing something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I do not rooted mine phone yet. Partial root is not worth to do, full root is what we really need but still under testing and also Unlocked Bootloader is needed. Unlock bootloader we lose the DRM keys which we need if one day we want go back to stock and not lose warranty but to do that we have to Buckup TA. To Backup TA we need root, but I updated to 4.3 and I can't. It's to early to fully rooting 4.3. We have to wait. Developers are working on that and I hope a full root come without unlock bootloader. I hope so.
eclyptos said:
That's why I do not rooted mine phone yet. Partial root is not worth to do, full root is what we really need but still under testing and also Unlocked Bootloader is needed. Unlock bootloader we lose the DRM keys which we need if one day we want go back to stock and not lose warranty but to do that we have to Buckup TA. To Backup TA we need root, but I updated to 4.3 and I can't. It's to early to fully rooting 4.3. We have to wait. Developers are working on that and I hope a full root come without unlock bootloader. I hope so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to backup TA now, you can - flash back to any 534 FTF, root, make your backup, then upgrade back to 290.
xasbo said:
If you want to backup TA now, you can - flash back to any 534 FTF, root, make your backup, then upgrade back to 290.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I don't want to do. Unlocking Bootloader on 4.3 will also compromise few features like Bionz and X-Reality. I don't think I really need them but for me will be good enough to have Full Root with Locked Bootlader and Apps to SD. I don't ask to much, so I wait.
eclyptos said:
This is what I don't want to do. Unlocking Bootloader on 4.3 will also compromise few features like Bionz and X-Reality. I don't think I really need them but for me will be good enough to have Full Root with Locked Bootlader and Apps to SD. I don't ask to much, so I wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just took those words from my fingers. The wise way here is waiting and cheering developers to figure out how things work with Z1, 4.3 just came a few weeks ago and (hopefully) we will get 4.4 soon, so for that time you'll have to do that trickery again to keep your phones rooted.
AntiDroid said:
Actually it is the official way. Unlock -> CWM -> Root with CWM (Notification)
Rooting 4.3 isn't impossible, but morr difficult than on earlier versions. Google wanted to improve the security of android. Most of the ways which "make" the opportunity of rooting are malware-ways too.
You don't need to backup your TA partition with .290 and above, because the camera will work after the BL unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mistakenly took the .290 update as well and I'm now looking for a way out. This whole backing up the TA thing worries me because I'm afraid I'll lose those DRM keys and bravia etc..... Are you saying that I will be fine and all the keys will be intact if I follow this guide?
Is it possible to downgrade the firmware instead?
What would you suggest?
Thanks
xasbo said:
I have heard from @shem2409 that a partial root on LB for 290 (4.3) is possible, but I have not figured out how to do it yet. I think you can pull it off with the insecure ramdisk hack, but to install that, you need to install XZDualRecovery; to install XZDR, you need to be rooted; it's only possible to root 534 LB and when upgrading to 290 root is lost. So, it seems to be a chicken-and-egg problem to me at the moment. I think I must be missing something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so here is a little clarification
You need to downgrade to .534, root, install recovery and then flash a prerooted .290 rom from (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572988) or one of the stock-based custom roms such as monxdified (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2463675) if you want a partially rooted, locked bootloader 4.3 firmware on your Z1. There is an instruction on how to install on locked bootloader in the thread.
Rooting on the newest version of Android 4.3.3 isn't impossible on the Xperia Z1, it just takes you more steps than normal to actually get full root access. I have a locked bootloader as well but I was able to get a rooted version of Android 4.3.3, specifically the iHackers 2.0 ROM running Android 4.3.3 with full root access. Here's how I got full root access on the iHackers 2.0 ROM:
1) Download the .ftf file named C6903 14.1.G.1.534 Global 1277-2880_R4A from the compiled FTF thread at this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2469191
This is a version of the original Stock Rom that the VROOT program will actually work on when trying to ROOT your phone.
2) Flash the ROM you downloaded using Flashtool (steps on how you can go about doing that should be in the Xperia Z1 General forum.) and now, you're ready to root your phone with it.
3) Download, install and run VROOT to root your phone. Again, more information on how to properly root your phone using VROOT can be found in the Xperia Z1 General forum. For me, I just turned on USB Debugging on my Z1, connected my phone to my computer while VROOT was running and clicked the green button until I got root access. It's extremely easy.
4) With Root Access, now you can download and install Dual Recovery for the Xperia Z1 on your phone.
5) Download the latest iHackers 2.0 ROM from the Xperia Z1 Android Development thread and copy it to your phone. This is hands down, the best ROM for the Xperia Z1 right now in terms of battery life. With the latest 4.3 update, I'm able to get over 2 Days worth of battery life on one charge. Battery life is much better on the new iHackers 2.0 ROM running Android 4.3.
6) Download the flashable Locked Dual Recovery for the Xperia Z1 here. http://nut.xperia-files.com/
The file is called XZ-lockeddualrecovery2.7.63-BETA.flashable.zip (8.48MB), download it and copy it to your phone, preferably the same place you copied the iHackers 2.0 ROM. To make things easier for yourself, create a new folder on your phone or SD Card in your phone and name it iHackers. Copy both the iHackers 2.0 ROM and the flashable Locked Dual Recovery.zip file into this folder.
7) With both files now copied to a folder on your phone, you're now ready to go into recovery to flash the iHackers 2.0 ROM. Boot into recovery and once you're there, do a Wipe Data/Factory Reset before Installing the ROM.
The rest of these steps are now taken directly from the iHackers 2.0 download thread on the Xperia Z1 Android Development forum.
8) Install the ROM and THEN Dual Recovery. Don't make the same mistake I did, once the installer is finished, DON'T REBOOT THE DEVICE. Uncheck the "Reboot Device" box and go back to recovery to install the flashable Dual Recovery.zip file that's in the iHackers 2.0 folder.
9) Switch Off Your Phone (Do Not Reboot). Select No to Disable Flash Recovery Confirmation.
10) Install Kernel.ftf for C6903 (.290) or Kernel.ftf for C6902 (.290) with Flashtool to get compatible Kernel and Baseband. To download the kernel.ftf file, go to the original iHackers 2.0 thread to download and flash the kernel using Flashtool. You should be familiar with Flashtool at this point since if you make it to this step, you've already used Flashtool once to flash the .534 baseband version of Android.
11) Reboot and Enjoy. Now you're running the latest version of Android 4.3 on your Xperia Z1 on a Locked Bootloader WITH full Root Access. Sure, it's not the stock version but the iHackers 2.0 version of Android 4.3 is just as good, if not better. This will certainly do until there's a better way to simply root the newest Stock Version of Android 4.3.
I've been looking into unlocking my bootloader to install custom kernels on my Z1 but the battery life and performance on my Z1 with a locked bootloader is already pretty impressive. I can't imagine how good it could be with a custom kernel.
deli pastrami said:
Are you saying that I will be fine and all the keys will be intact if I follow this guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, if you Unlock Bootloader you will lost the DRM keys permanently with Bionz and X-Reality, even with Android 4.3, if you do not do a backup, but the difference from 4.2 is that your phone will still working properly.
deli pastrami said:
Is it possible to downgrade the firmware instead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
deli pastrami said:
What would you suggest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nobody can suggest what to do. You have to figure out by yourself what you need. It's your own risk.
---------- Post added at 12:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 AM ----------
x016x said:
Rooting on the newest version ..bla..bla..bla
....bla..bla..bla..bla...king my bootloader to install custom kernels on my Z1 but the battery life and performance on my Z1 with a locked bootloader is already pretty impressive. I can't imagine how good it could be with a custom kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanx man. I appreciate the time you took to explain the process step by step. One step very important you forgot to mention, Backup TA, never forget to mention that. Anyway I will check if this actually get me full root and all the stuff and when I finally will lose my patient I will start follow the guide and flashing and burning my Z1.
shem2409 said:
Ok, so here is a little clarification
You need to downgrade to .534, root, install recovery and then flash a prerooted .290 rom from (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572988) or one of the stock-based custom roms such as monxdified (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2463675) if you want a partially rooted, locked bootloader 4.3 firmware on your Z1. There is an instruction on how to install on locked bootloader in the thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, cheers, I thought there was a way to root any arbitrary ROM, that's where I was getting hung up. The pre-rooted options make total sense.
eclyptos said:
Thanx man. I appreciate the time you took to explain the process step by step. One step very important you forgot to mention, Backup TA, never forget to mention that. Anyway I will check if this actually get me full root and all the stuff and when I finally will lose my patient I will start follow the guide and flashing and burning my Z1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The instructions didn't say to unlock the bootloader, which is the only sure-fire way to lose your TA partition. However, I would agree there's no good reason *not* to back it up anyway. Better safe than sorry!
xasbo said:
The instructions didn't say to unlock the bootloader, which is the only sure-fire way to lose your TA partition. However, I would agree there's no good reason *not* to back it up anyway. Better safe than sorry!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh, ok, so you are confirming that the guide is incomplete and we have to unlock bootloader anyway if I follow that? Hmmm...I am a bit puzzled.
eclyptos said:
Ahhh, ok, so you are confirming that the guide is incomplete and we have to unlock bootloader anyway if I follow that? Hmmm...I am a bit puzzled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, no. In his instructions, UB is not necessary because XZDualRecovery can be installed on LB. The reason skipping the TA backup is okay is because the instructions do not unlock the BL.

[Q] C6903 .290 Need help with root, downgrade, TA backup

Alrighty some background info and where I'm at. I've got some dev (Android XML layout fixes) experience on a custom ROM on i9300 and I finally decided to upgrade my phone onto the beasty Xperia Z1.
My phone came factory shipped with .290. It's the C6903 model. I've been looking up videos and trying to find info about where to begin with getting my root, bootloader, cwm, and custom ROM install going. Then I found out about the TA partition and that even though my phone allows me to unlock the bootloader, it's a smart idea to first backup the TA partition before I unlock my bootloader via the $ony website. With the TA backed up I can revert my phone back to stock at some point and restore the TA so that my phone looks basically factory fresh. So I realised that I probably ought to back up my TA in case of any warranty issues. Which means I need to get my phone rooted before anything else. (I hope my assessment has been correct so far, it would be awesome if someone can verify the above paragraph)
Now this is where I am completely confused. I've attempted to use VRoot - and of course it does not support the .290 firmware.
Then I found out that it is possible to downgrade the firmware so that I can root and TA backup before bootloader unlock. This is the knowledge level I am up to. I have no idea which firmware to downgrade to or how to even actually perform a successful downgrade. (I've kinda gotten frustrated at the huge slab of info and I need some specific info from some users more experienced at this than I am at this point..)
I read how some people have flashed down to .534 and others have flashed down to .257. I would like to know exactly what steps I should take and which is the best firmware to downgrade to, just to do a root crack and TA backup. Can you even downgrade firmware without bootloader involved?
Basically the flow of what I need to do right now is this (I think):
1) Downgrade firmware to probably .534 from my current .290 (I need to flash the FTF using Flashtool, correct?)
2) Install Root with VRoot
3) TA Backup (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598&highlight=ta)
4) Upgrade back to .290 (Do I do this via OTA? I hope it is not difficult to do it via some command line tools if it comes to that..)
--- Above step also gets rid of most of Root access provided to the older firmware (this is what I've read.. Is this correct?)
5) Unlock bootloader (must do this in version .290 to avoid the camera bug), via guide on Sony website
6) Go crazy with all the custom things I want to install - CWMRecovery, CM11, etc
7) ???
8) Profit
Can someone please tell me if the above list is the order I need to proceed with?
:good: Thanks for any help you guys can give me. I am truly frustrated by this 290 firmware version! And reading all the topics about people who bricked after attempting similar things without knowing exactly what they needed to do and which order to do it in..
tl;dr - On .290 firmware, I want to backup TA before I unlock bootloader, which firmware version do I downgrade to?
SleepinDevil said:
Alrighty some background info and where I'm at. I've got some dev (Android XML layout fixes) experience on a custom ROM on i9300 and I finally decided to upgrade my phone onto the beasty Xperia Z1.
My phone came factory shipped with .290. It's the C6903 model. I've been looking up videos and trying to find info about where to begin with getting my root, bootloader, cwm, and custom ROM install going. Then I found out about the TA partition and that even though my phone allows me to unlock the bootloader, it's a smart idea to first backup the TA partition before I unlock my bootloader via the $ony website. With the TA backed up I can revert my phone back to stock at some point and restore the TA so that my phone looks basically factory fresh. So I realised that I probably ought to back up my TA in case of any warranty issues. Which means I need to get my phone rooted before anything else. (I hope my assessment has been correct so far, it would be awesome if someone can verify the above paragraph)
Now this is where I am completely confused. I've attempted to use VRoot - and of course it does not support the .290 firmware.
Then I found out that it is possible to downgrade the firmware so that I can root and TA backup before bootloader unlock. This is the knowledge level I am up to. I have no idea which firmware to downgrade to or how to even actually perform a successful downgrade. (I've kinda gotten frustrated at the huge slab of info and I need some specific info from some users more experienced at this than I am at this point..)
I read how some people have flashed down to .534 and others have flashed down to .257. I would like to know exactly what steps I should take and which is the best firmware to downgrade to, just to do a root crack and TA backup. Can you even downgrade firmware without bootloader involved?
Basically the flow of what I need to do right now is this (I think):
1) Downgrade firmware to probably .534 from my current .290 (I need to flash the FTF using Flashtool, correct?)
2) Install Root with VRoot
3) TA Backup (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598&highlight=ta)
4) Upgrade back to .290 (Do I do this via OTA? I hope it is not difficult to do it via some command line tools if it comes to that..)
--- Above step also gets rid of most of Root access provided to the older firmware (this is what I've read.. Is this correct?)
5) Unlock bootloader (must do this in version .290 to avoid the camera bug), via guide on Sony website
6) Go crazy with all the custom things I want to install - CWMRecovery, CM11, etc
7) ???
8) Profit
Can someone please tell me if the above list is the order I need to proceed with?
:good: Thanks for any help you guys can give me. I am truly frustrated by this 290 firmware version! And reading all the topics about people who bricked after attempting similar things without knowing exactly what they needed to do and which order to do it in..
tl;dr - On .290 firmware, I want to backup TA before I unlock bootloader, which firmware version do I downgrade to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you need to downgrade to .534 and root before you can backup your TA
Here is a guide on how to achieve that
If you follow the video guide you will end up with rooted .290
Then backup you TA:
and go to Sony's website to unlock the bootloader. An unlocked bootloader will let you flash custom kernels to your phone and thus you will be able to use roms such as CM, AOSP etc.
NEXT TIME PLEASE READ BEFORE CREATING A NEW THREAD. THIS HAS BEEN COVERED 100's OF TIMES
in general you have to do these steps:
downgrade to an early firmware that can be rooted and root it.
then install dual recovery.
in dual recovery wipe your phone, flash rom, flash again superuser and again dual recovery.
power off phone.
power on and direct flash kernel,baseband, bootbundle. for this i would recommend using NUTs stripped FTF files. also from his site you get recovery and superuser/supersu.
you only loose TA when you unlock your bootloader. unlocking is only neccessary if you plan to flash a custom kernel too.
when you are on rooted firmware backup TA, you never know if you need it later.
a good step by step tutorial is iHackers 2.1 thread.
also be prepared that actually there is a chance to brick your device. many can be restored using Sony Update Service or by flashing a full stock FTF, but some devices need a new mainboard. things are a litte bit tricky at the moment
shem2409 said:
Yes, you need to downgrade to .534 and root before you can backup your TA
Here is a guide on how to achieve that
If you follow the video guide you will end up with rooted .290
Then backup you TA:
and go to Sony's website to unlock the bootloader. An unlocked bootloader will let you flash custom kernels to your phone and thus you will be able to use roms such as CM, AOSP etc.
NEXT TIME PLEASE READ BEFORE CREATING A NEW THREAD. THIS HAS BEEN COVERED 100's OF TIMES
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When on 4.3 and I tried many time still can't downgraded to 534. How to do it? Thank!
Lukily my TA had been backup.
Send from GT-I9506 using Tapatalk
Devices: Samsung GT-I9506 and Sony Z1 C6903
timberwolf60 said:
When on 4.3 and I tried many time still can't downgraded to 534. How to do it? Thank!
Lukily my TA had been backup.
Send from GT-I9506 using Tapatalk
Devices: Samsung GT-I9506 and Sony Z1 C6903
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a video on how to use flashtool
The previous video that I have sent you shows you step by step how to do everything

[Q] How can we root 4.3 Locked Bootloader?

Or send me a link on how to unlock the bootloader on 4.3......
Edit: I'll wait for the lord. I dont want to unlock my BL :S.I'll just flash 4.1 ,root it and wait for doom tofind a way withou UBL.
this or just install existenz rom but for me these methods dont worth it
szmoki42 said:
this or just install existenz rom but for me these methods dont worth it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can i install teh rom when i dont have root and cwm?
Yeah, these guides have zero logic.
1. In order to root your device, first you will have to unlock your bootloader.
2. To make TA partition backup, first you will need to root your device.
Seriously? How the f*** am I supposed to backup my TA partition without root?
---
I installed latest 4.3 using Companion. Now I want to root my device, backup TA partition, unlock bootloader and install DooMKernel. Is there any normal tutorial/guide for this? C5303.
Update: I guess I will wait for our lord and savior DooMLoRD to find new rooting process.
marko41297 said:
Yeah, these guides have zero logic.
1. In order to root your device, first you will have to unlock your bootloader.
2. To make TA partition backup, first you will need to root your device.
Seriously? How the f*** am I supposed to backup my TA partition without root?
---
I installed latest 4.3 using Companion. Now I want to root my device, backup TA partition, unlock bootloader and install DooMKernel. Is there any normal tutorial/guide for this? C5303.
Update: I guess I will wait for our lord and savior DooMLoRD to find new rooting process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guides are out there - I don't have the time or inclination to do all the research and post links but the process is relatively straightforward, especially if you are happy to unlock your bootloader, you'll need a decent internet connection for all the downloads though.
Install flashtools and install the necessary components for it to work
Download a 4.1 ftf build that can be rooted using the Doomlord exploit
Download a 4.3 ftf, the country doesn't matter (people saying the Australia one is buggy are being hysterical), but obviously you want a c502 one if your device is a c502 and so on.
Download the 4.3advanced kernel
Dowload the supersu zip and save it to your external sd
Back up data on your internal sd as this will be wiped
after you've got all the downloads together it will probably take an hour or so. Unlocking the bootloader took me a while first time because I'm stupid But it does take a while to get used to flashtools, the flashing process takes 5-10 minutes each time, you have to reboot a couple of times etc.
Flash 4.1
Root it
Back up your TA
Unlock your bootloader
Flash a 4.3 ftf
flash the advanced kernel
Boot into recovery
Install the supersu zip
reboot your 4.3 phone it will be rooted
Just wait for the mighty @DooMLoRD make it for LB.
Or try to root your .254 and update through OTA. It shouldn't remove you root access.
Sent from my C5302 using Tapatalk
Parkside said:
Flash 4.1
Root it
Back up your TA
Unlock your bootloader
Flash a 4.3 ftf
flash the advanced kernel
Boot into recovery
Install the supersu zip
reboot your 4.3 phone it will be rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Very simple and easy to follow. Finished in less than 15 minutes.
I did everything except the red text, reason is simple: I hate 4.3

<SOLVED>[Q] TA backup with firmware 14.3.A.0.683 (Sony Xperia Z1 C6903)

Hi,
I'm trying to backup the TA on my Xperia Z1 (C6903) running the stock KitKat firmware (14.3.A.0.681). From what I understand though, you need root to backup the partition, but to get root, you need an unlocked boot loader. I've seen a few tools that roots without unlocking the boot loader, but I need to downgrade the firmware to at least Android 4.2.2. Downgrading requires an unlocked boot loader.
Are developers working on a root-and-unlock tool for 14.3.A.0.681? Is there already a tool out there?
Thanks in advanced. Sorry for my arrogance.
kentexcitebot said:
Hi,
I'm trying to backup the TA on my Xperia Z1 (C6903) running the stock KitKat firmware (14.3.A.0.681). From what I understand though, you need root to backup the partition, but to get root, you need an unlocked boot loader. I've seen a few tools that roots without unlocking the boot loader, but I need to downgrade the firmware to at least Android 4.2.2. Downgrading requires an unlocked boot loader.
Are developers working on a root-and-unlock tool for 14.3.A.0.681? Is there already a tool out there?
Thanks in advanced. Sorry for my arrogance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not need an unlocked bootloader to get root and or to downgrade. Although yes, you would have to downgrade to 4.2 to get root. Just use flashtool to downgrade and pick a software to root
Ahki767 said:
You do not need an unlocked bootloader to get root and or to downgrade. Although yes, you would have to downgrade to 4.2 to get root. Just use flashtool to downgrade and pick a software to root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool
Just a couple more questions. Any suggested 4.2.2 and 4.4.2 firmwares to flash (if you can, link them here)? To root 4.2.2, do I simply click on the unlock icon shown in link?
i.imgur.com/VUs5Ele.png
kentexcitebot said:
Cool
Just a couple more questions. Any suggested 4.2.2 and 4.4.2 firmwares to flash (if you can, link them here)? To root 4.2.2, do I simply click on the unlock icon shown in link?
i.imgur.com/VUs5Ele.png
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just grab the ftf's for your device here and proceed to follow the guides
Ahki767 said:
Just grab the ftf's for your device here and proceed to follow the guides
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used vroot 1.7.3 english and everything installed fine. However, when I installed the Root Checker app from Google play it reads "Sorry, this device isn't properly rooted."
Here's what I did / planning, in order:
1) Downloaded C6903 14.3.A.0.681 Global 1277-2880_R5C
2) Downloaded 14.1.G.1.534 downgrade FTF [NUT]
3)Pasted the 2 FTFs in the Firmware Folder under Flashtool
4)Flashed 14.1.G.1.534 downgrade FTF [NUT] using Flashtool from Androxyde (latest version)
5)Installed vroot English (1.7.3)
6)Clicked on the Root button. Phones reboots twice
7)After phone first start I was greeted with an error message from "Kingsapp".
8)Installed Root Checker from Google Play
9a)"Not properly rooted" <-- I'm right here
9b)If "root successful", proceed to flash C6903 14.3.A.0.681 Global 1277-2880_R5C
I did some research and people are pointing everywhere, vroot, bin4ry's rooting method, 360 (can't install).
Did I lose my TA partition? My X-Reality goodies?
What am I doing wrong?
kentexcitebot said:
I've used vroot 1.7.3 english and everything installed fine. However, when I installed the Root Checker app from Google play it reads "Sorry, this device isn't properly rooted."
I did some research and people are pointing everywhere, vroot, bin4ry's rooting method, 360 (can't install).
Did I lose my TA partition? My X-Reality goodies?
What am I doing wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay so now you are still on .534 firmware right? Do you have usb debugging on?
And also try rooting with bin4ry if vroot doesn't work for you.
Don't worry, you won't lose x-reality unless you've unlocked your bootloader
Ahki767 said:
Okay so now you are still on .534 firmware right? Do you have usb debugging on?
And also try rooting with bin4ry if vroot doesn't work for you.
Don't worry, you won't lose x-reality unless you've unlocked your bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Su upgrade failed. Missing root permission"
Yes, I'm on the .534 firmware. USB Debug turned on.
I'll try bin4ry's root now.
Once I'm through TA backup, I just need to flash 14.3.A.0.681 Global 1277-2880_R5C?
kentexcitebot said:
"Su upgrade failed. Missing root permission"
Yes, I'm on the .534 firmware. USB Debug turned on.
I'll try bin4ry's root now.
Once I'm through TA backup, I just need to flash 14.3.A.0.681 Global 1277-2880_R5C?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you still can't get root, try using nuts z1-lockdualrecovery installer and after flash nuts .681
Ahki767 said:
If you still can't get root, try using nuts z1-lockdualrecovery installer and after flash nuts .681
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to root and deodex the Kitkat rom. Xreality and other goodies working just fine.
Thanks so much Thread Solved.
+1

[Q] Rooting with C6906 with 4.4

Hello,
I have a Bell Canada Xperia Z1 C6906 (Locked Bootloader) on 14.3.A.0.757 that is unrooted and I would like some help/advice about rooting it with the least amount of distress since while I need the features provided by rooting I cannot afford to brick my phone. So any help would be very much appreciated.
I have looked through the information and I will provide what I know below - is it correct, is there more I need to do?
Install Flashtool and all drivers.
Backup my TA partition for future reference/restoration.
Download FTF firmware that is version .534 - I found C6906 14.1.G.1.534 Rogers CA (which should be compatible even though its Rogers and I have Bell?) and flash it via flashtool.
Root the Xperia Z1 with 360Root.
Download the NUT's latest locked dual recovery
Z1-lockeddualrecovery2.7.123-BETA.installer.zip (10.22MB) and follow the instructions from [DEVDB][TWRP][PhilZ Touch][CWM] XZDualRecovery 2.7.1XX RC
Download C6906_14.2.A.0.290.flashable.zip and C6906_14.2.A.0.290_Stripped.ftf, place *flashable.zip on the SDCard and *Stripped.ftf in the Flashtool/firmware folder.
Create a full backup of my phone through TWRP
Wipe Dalivik-Cache, System, Data, Cache.
Flash " C6906_14.2.A.0.290.flashable.zip", power off. In Flashtool flash everything (check mark System, data etc ?) for "C6906_14.2.A.0.290_Stripped.ftf". Reboot and on language select reboot into TWRP and restore DATA backup. Wipe Dalivik-Cache and reboot.
Update to the newest version of Android - download C6906_14.3.A.0.757.flashable.zip and C6906_14.3.A.0.757_Stripped.ftf from [STOCK][C69XX][4.4] Update to 14.3.A.0.757 [Root & XZDR][DE-/ODEX] by NUT. Place *flashable.zip on the SDCard and *Stripped.ftf in the Flashtool/firmware folder.
Repeat step 7-9.
Should have a rooted newest version of the Xperia Z1?
Did I miss anything or make it too complex? It seems like a lot of steps just to have a rooted and up to date phone.
Don't use 290 version, use 534.
There's a lot bricked device reported when guys flashed 290 over 757 and version before 757 (can't remember number of that version).
Also, if you don't plan to unlock bootloader there's no need to backup TA, it's OK to do that but it's not necessary.
You can't lose DRM keys as long as you don't unlock it.
And yeah...use binary root method (just Google "binary root method xda" and pick first result.
360 and Kingo are banned from XDA because they read and store your IMEI (and that's totally unnecessary)
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
funky0308 said:
Don't use 290 version, use 534.
There's a lot bricked device reported when guys flashed 290 over 757 and version before 757 (can't remember number of that version).
Also, if you don't plan to unlock bootloader there's no need to backup TA, it's OK to do that but it's not necessary.
You can't lose DRM keys as long as you don't unlock it.
And yeah...use binary root method (just Google "binary root method xda" and pick first result.
360 and Kingo are banned from XDA because they read and store your IMEI (and that's totally unnecessary)
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I should just stay with .534 and not upgrade at all? I was hoping for an up-to-date version since some of the features in 4.4 are really useful to me.
magwart said:
So I should just stay with .534 and not upgrade at all? I was hoping for an up-to-date version since some of the features in 4.4 are really useful to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hehe....no
Just use 534 to downgrade and root and install recovery.
Then flash NUT 757 prerooted ROM from recovery and flash stripped ftf (kernel) using flashtool.
Only thing what I wanna said is - flash 534 and root it don't use 290 - downgrading from 757 to 290 could brick your device...
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
Ok!
So downgrade to .534, do binary root, install DualRecovery and then just flash .757.
Also I keep seeing you need to reflash DualRecovery, would I do so after flashing .757?
No need to apply a root process if you are installing dual recovery
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

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