I would appreciate your help. Z3C unlocked bootlooader..
Bootloader*
Hi everyone,
I know the information is somewhere out there online, I just need some feedback please .
After installing 5.1.1. I deicided that I wanted to unlock my bootloader and possibly return to kitkat. I've installed Andriod Studio and Flash Tools. I managed to unlock my bootloader, however I'm feeling as though I regret it. Reasons being because I don't fully understand the entire process of rooting and ensuring I have a backup. I have read many forums and dealt with the issue for the past week. I tried sony bridge and they no longer want to update or reset my device. I'm guessing because i've lost my DRM key...
Does this mean that I have lost all firmware updates in the future. Including that specifically from sony, and furthermore google firmware updates because they came as a bundle in 5.1.1?
The way I understand it, is that I have unlocked my bootloader although I havn't rooted my phone. And rooting means you flash with something. with a rom? or a FTF file. Which is an alternative operating system.
Could someone please give me some advice as to what I should do? I rather just leave everything alone and not worry about it, but it seems now that I'm unsigned from Sony that I have to manaually manage my firmware .
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
ZR is my very first Android phone, so basically I know nothing about Android.
I unlocked the bootloader couple of weeks ago following the official Sony instructions in order to flash the stock Taiwan ROM (cause China's ROM doesn't support Google service). But now I found that I cannot update via Sony. More importantly, it's actually not necessary to unlock the bootloader for flashing ROM and/or get root privilege. So I'm desperately seeking the way to relock the bootloader.
I found some guy talking about flashing a small file called Xperia_Relock_bootloader.ftf. But he said that it was only for old models. Anybody here can help? Thanks in advance!
P.S. They said that after unlocking the boot loader, Bravia Engine and TrackID service will gone. But I have both working still. Weird. Does that mean I can backup my TA partition still?
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!
Hi,
I'm about to jump on the wagon and get a Z3 Compact to replace my Nexus S. My Nexus S is long overdue and the Z3C would be a significant upgrade.
My Nexus S is rooted and the bootloader is unlocked. Of course, I have found the appropriate rooting procedures and unlocking bootloader topics for the Z3C. I would like to at least root the device to get Titanium Backup and the Xposed Framework. I have some questions however :
Are there any issue to just root the Z3C without unlocking the bootloader ?
I understand the unlocking the bootloader will cause issues to some functions due to DRMs security keys. Is rooting causing any issue on the Z3C ?
Is it possible to still receive Sony's firmwares updates OTA after rooting ?
Thanks
Neo.
spookyneo said:
Hi,
I'm about to jump on the wagon and get a Z3 Compact to replace my Nexus S. My Nexus S is long overdue and the Z3C would be a significant upgrade.
My Nexus S is rooted and the bootloader is unlocked. Of course, I have found the appropriate rooting procedures and unlocking bootloader topics for the Z3C. I would like to at least root the device to get Titanium Backup and the Xposed Framework. I have some questions however :
Are there any issue to just root the Z3C without unlocking the bootloader ?
I understand the unlocking the bootloader will cause issues to some functions due to DRMs security keys. Is rooting causing any issue on the Z3C ?
Is it possible to still receive Sony's firmwares updates OTA after rooting ?
Thanks
Neo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there any issue to just root the Z3C without unlocking the bootloader ?
Nope.
I understand the unlocking the bootloader will cause issues to some functions due to DRMs security keys. Is rooting causing any issue on the Z3C ?
Nope. There is a way to root Z3 compact without losing DRM keys.
Is it possible to still receive Sony's firmwares updates OTA after rooting ?
Yes. You will still get the updates. However if you have a custom recovery installed or something modified in the system folder, the update verification will fail. Thus, rendering the update function useless.
rradix said:
Are there any issue to just root the Z3C without unlocking the bootloader ?
Nope.
I understand the unlocking the bootloader will cause issues to some functions due to DRMs security keys. Is rooting causing any issue on the Z3C ?
Nope. There is a way to root Z3 compact without losing DRM keys.
Is it possible to still receive Sony's firmwares updates OTA after rooting ?
Yes. You will still get the updates. However if you have a custom recovery installed or something modified in the system folder, the update verification will fail. Thus, rendering the update function useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you sir. I have unlocked my bootloader on my Nexus S, however I am installing custom ROMs on it in order to have KitKat. But I don't see any benefit into unlocking the bootloader of the Z3C at the moment, since it should be supported for some time. Unlocking the bootloader just gives the ability to install custom roms, correct ?
Could something like Xposed Framework (which does not require bootloader unlocked, but requires root) cause an Android update to fail ? I do think it is modifying stuff in the system folder, however I don't have a lot of knowledge into the Android architecture. I guess I could just revert every Xposed plugins, upgrade and put them back (if supported by latest firmware).
Again, thank you
spookyneo said:
Thank you sir. I have unlocked my bootloader on my Nexus S, however I am installing custom ROMs on it in order to have KitKat. But I don't see any benefit into unlocking the bootloader of the Z3C at the moment, since it should be supported for some time. Unlocking the bootloader just gives the ability to install custom roms, correct ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
Could something like Xposed Framework (which does not require bootloader unlocked, but requires root) cause an Android update to fail ? I do think it is modifying stuff in the system folder, however I don't have a lot of knowledge into the Android architecture. I guess I could just revert every Xposed plugins, upgrade and put them back (if supported by latest firmware).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. It could also be the reason why. I am not 100% sure on the technical details but based on my reading, OTA performs integrity checks (could be hash checks) on the system files before applying the update. Meaning if one system file fails to match an item, the OTA will not install itself. Also, I read that custom recoveries are one of the causes for failed OTA installation. In my experience, after I downgraded to KitKat and root it using Giefroot, I successfully installed OTA for the .77 firmware. However, during this case, I still don't have Xposed and custom recovery installed.
Hello, i have a retail xt1097, its already updated to marshmallow, dont really need to be root forever but i need at least temporal root to do some one-time minor changes, such as install my desired launcher as system, led for battery, hostfile and such.
The problem is i dont want to unlock the bootloader untill warranty expires (still 7 months of warranty) so the question is if any app/exploit, can temp root this device, under MM.
*Tryed searching and i found kingoroot does the trick but im not sure if it will work on MM, i cant mess up bricking phones now because im not be able to repair them since weather its hot, people overload powerlines and electricity drops all the time and makes my pc suddently power off.
Any advice? Thanks guys
As far as I know root isn't possible with locked bootloader.
There has been quite a bit of discussion (I think most of what I read was on other forums) about Motorola's warranty policy for unlocked bootloaders: it seems that from what people have experienced they will still honor the warranty if it is strictly a hardware problem. I bought my phone used but with over a year of Moto Care remaining, which the original owner transferred to me. He (the original owner) had already unlocked the bootloader, but the Moto Care is still shown as active and valid on my account, even though I don't even have stock rom anymore. Just to be safe I would definitely (if possible) re-flash stock rom prior to making any warranty claim.
Hmm makes sense, then can i unlock BL, root, do my things, then unroot, flash stock recovery and relock? is that posible? does it need a custom kernel too? im ok with the stock rom just need few one-time tweaks...
Unless you really use Moto Voice a lot I would just install the newly released CM14.1, and if you ever need warranty work try to reflash stock beforehand. Otherwise, flash twrp, root, etc.... That is covered in the general section, probably linked to some of the stickies at the top of the page. I'm not sure if it will work for you to make system modifications and then try to relock bootloader. I think part of relocking the bootloader includes flashing the stock rom, which would undo any changes you have made.