Database Develop

[Q] Flashing ROM + Bootloader Xperia T

Hey guys, I am fairly new to the android phones, (recently came from an iPhone) but I had heard so much about the freedoms with the Android os so I decided to switch.
I purchased the Sony Xperia T (LT30a) locked on the Bell mobility LTE network. I have really wanted to unlock the bootloader, so when I went in to check it said "Bootloader Unlock Allowed: NO". after some searching I read that it was my carrier preventing the bootloader from being unlocked, and that if I followed the following simple steps, it would change the message to :"Bootloader Unlock Allowed: YES". so here is what I did:
1. Flashed a Generic firmware to my phone (ICS it was a uk generic) which then changed my model number in "About phone" from LT30a to LT30p and removed all the bell branding.
2. Using an IMEI number, i was able to get an unlock code and unlocked the phones sim card to work on any network, and have tested and it does work.
the problem I am having is that even after doing this, the bootloader is still "locked" and can not be unlocked. I have taken a look at the methods for the test pin, but that involves removing the battery to view the motherboard, which sucks because this phone the battery is not removable. if anyone know a free or paid way to unlock the bootloader on the Xperia T LT30a or LT30p models, please let me know! thanks.

I dont know where you read that, but it is wrong and there is no way to change that message.
If it says no, then your bootloader can not be unlocked.
Its not Sony's fault, its not googles fault, its Bells fault for being a dev unfriendly provider.
Test point method will not work even if we could remove the battery, that loophole has been closed in 2012 devices.

gregbradley said:
I dont know where you read that, but it is wrong and there is no way to change that message.
If it says no, then your bootloader can not be unlocked.
Its not Sony's fault, its not googles fault, its Bells fault for being a dev unfriendly provider.
Test point method will not work even if we could remove the battery, that loophole has been closed in 2012 devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok well thank you very much! I guess my next question is.. is there any way at all to install a custom ROM such as cyanogen mod 10 ? or if you know of any better ones while my bootloader is locked?

Robe8691 said:
ok well thank you very much! I guess my next question is.. is there any way at all to install a custom ROM such as cyanogen mod 10 ? or if you know of any better ones while my bootloader is locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can only install stock based custom roms because you wony be able to flash a custom kernel with a locked bootloader. Therefore there is no hope for cyanogenmod, AOKP or MUIU
There are several in the Dev section to choose from, ranging from early ICS firmwares to the latest JB firmware.
I dont recommend Roms (Even my own) as choosing a rom should be a personal thing, but the I am currently on Timin8rs rooted and deodexed JB rom which you can flash.
You will need to root your phone in order to flash a recovery, then flash the .zip for the rom using that recovery.
Find all instructions for doing that in the All in one thread. Its the first thread in the Q&A section.
good luck and if you need extra help after reading up on what you need to do then ask. But remember to read up first!

gregbradley said:
You can only install stock based custom roms because you wony be able to flash a custom kernel with a locked bootloader. Therefore there is no hope for cyanogenmod, AOKP or MUIU
There are several in the Dev section to choose from, ranging from early ICS firmwares to the latest JB firmware.
I dont recommend Roms (Even my own) as choosing a rom should be a personal thing, but the I am currently on Timin8rs rooted and deodexed JB rom which you can flash.
You will need to root your phone in order to flash a recovery, then flash the .zip for the rom using that recovery.
Find all instructions for doing that in the All in one thread. Its the first thread in the Q&A section.
good luck and if you need extra help after reading up on what you need to do then ask. But remember to read up first!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you very much! hopefully sometime in the near future they come out with a way to fix this problem, and believe me, I do not blame sony at all for this

Sorry for the double post! But I just wanted to say, that if anyone needs help testing different roms and/or ways of unlocking a locked bootloader, I do have a sim unlocked xperia T and just wanted to throw this out, but if sony does not "perma lock" the bootloader, and if it is infact the carrier, then would this not prove that it is sonething in the firmware? I spoke with my sister who is a manager for a bell store here, acording to her, Bell is not authorized to open, or attempt to fix this phone, it is simply sent to sony for repairs.. Just makes me wonder because if Bell can not open the phone, then they must have used some sort of software.. I have always thought of software as "semi-permenant" that it can be reversed , and that its only a matter of figuring out how to reverse it?
Sent from my LT30p using xda app-developers app

[Q] Bootloader and Rooting - which one does what?

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

Rooting Xperia Z then restoring back to COMPLETE original state

Hi all,
I have a stock Xperia Z at the moment. Its a work phone.
I want to root it but because its a work phone I have to know I can go back to complete original state if I want to.
Now I have read the threads about backin up your TA partition but I am not sure if by doing this and also by having a stock image I can go back to 100% original?
I read this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Few questions:
- If I root the phone - does it do anything permanent or can I then just loose root easily and go back to exactly how it is now?
- What exactly is the difference between rooting your phone and unlocking your boot loader?
- If I backup the TA partition using the steps in the thread provided above, can I then just do anything else I want to the phone and then restore back to original or are there other steps? and if so, what are they.
Any and all up to date information from someone who knows what they are talking about hugely welcomed.
More nervous than usual just because its a work phone (rooted and used to Custom ROM my HTC Sensation all the time but didn't care as it was my own phone).
Thanks

No one?
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

nnila said:
Hi all,
I have a stock Xperia Z at the moment. Its a work phone.
I want to root it but because its a work phone I have to know I can go back to complete original state if I want to.
Now I have read the threads about backin up your TA partition but I am not sure if by doing this and also by having a stock image I can go back to 100% original?
I read this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Few questions:
- If I root the phone - does it do anything permanent or can I then just loose root easily and go back to exactly how it is now?
- What exactly is the difference between rooting your phone and unlocking your boot loader?
- If I backup the TA partition using the steps in the thread provided above, can I then just do anything else I want to the phone and then restore back to original or are there other steps? and if so, what are they.
Any and all up to date information from someone who knows what they are talking about hugely welcomed.
More nervous than usual just because its a work phone (rooted and used to Custom ROM my HTC Sensation all the time but didn't care as it was my own phone).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 - Rooting only changes things on the software side. So it allows you to get complete access to the system files and execute low level actions. So it doesn't do anything on the hardware side. That said, is your phone customized by your employer? Does it have anything specifically done to it? In that case two things might happen. The software is so customized that if you root it and flash a custom ROM on top of that, you WILL lose all the original apps and settings. So there might not be anyway of getting back to the original state. Secondly, your employer might have locked the bootloader permanently. This, I shall take up for answering your next question.
2 - As I mentioned, rooting is only a software level hack that gives unrestricted access. However, let's say you need to flash a custom KERNEL or flash CyanogenMod/AOKP/AOSP (based ROMS), then it's absolutely necessary to unlock your bootloader. This basically is telling the bootloader (which loads your kernel) to allow any unsigned kernels .i.e. non-stock kernels, to be flashed on to your phone. Now mind you, this will cause the DRM keys in your phone to be erased which means you will lose Bravia Engine enhancements for your Pictures. It does remain for the videos though. Lastly, you can relock your bootloader. But you can never get back the DRM keys and hence the Bravia Engine.
So you can either root by unlocking your bootloader or by using root exploits while keeping your bootloader locked.
3 - Since your bootloader is locked right now, I suggest you use DooMlord's rooting toolkit
Here's the link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2327472
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, backing up the TA partition is only necessary if you want to unlock your bootloader. This aims at backing up your DRM keys so that you can flash them back when you want to relock your bootloader. However this method is still dicey and I wouldn't recommend it considering it is a very risky method and can easily hard brick your device.
Upshot: Locked bootloader - Use Rooting toolkit. Will retain DRM keys.
Unlocked bootloader - For custom Kernels and CM Roms. Will lose DRM keys.

nnila said:
Hi all,
I have a stock Xperia Z at the moment. Its a work phone.
I want to root it but because its a work phone I have to know I can go back to complete original state if I want to.
Now I have read the threads about backin up your TA partition but I am not sure if by doing this and also by having a stock image I can go back to 100% original?
I read this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Few questions:
- If I root the phone - does it do anything permanent or can I then just loose root easily and go back to exactly how it is now?
- What exactly is the difference between rooting your phone and unlocking your boot loader?
- If I backup the TA partition using the steps in the thread provided above, can I then just do anything else I want to the phone and then restore back to original or are there other steps? and if so, what are they.
Any and all up to date information from someone who knows what they are talking about hugely welcomed.
More nervous than usual just because its a work phone (rooted and used to Custom ROM my HTC Sensation all the time but didn't care as it was my own phone).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Root ---U can get back your device unRoot by update your device via SUS.
- ROOTING and Unlock BL very difference.
Root >> i can only reach your device till system app or modified many thing in system exclude kernel. and i cant install MOD ROM that need kernel from that ROM.
Unlock BL -- U will loss DRM key your device but u can install may MOD rom or new kernell with good features. and u always can root your device with easy
About TA idk to much and only do backup here, not want to restore it coz can get Hard Bricked my device.
only that i know.... and im sorry for my poor English.
maybe other ppl can explain more or u can search by yourself in android development section.
Sent from my C6602 using xda premium

nnila said:
Hi all,
I have a stock Xperia Z at the moment. Its a work phone.
I want to root it but because its a work phone I have to know I can go back to complete original state if I want to.
Now I have read the threads about backin up your TA partition but I am not sure if by doing this and also by having a stock image I can go back to 100% original?
I read this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2234627
Few questions:
- If I root the phone - does it do anything permanent or can I then just loose root easily and go back to exactly how it is now?
- What exactly is the difference between rooting your phone and unlocking your boot loader?
- If I backup the TA partition using the steps in the thread provided above, can I then just do anything else I want to the phone and then restore back to original or are there other steps? and if so, what are they.
Any and all up to date information from someone who knows what they are talking about hugely welcomed.
More nervous than usual just because its a work phone (rooted and used to Custom ROM my HTC Sensation all the time but didn't care as it was my own phone).
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you backup your TA partition, you can restore it later. This doesn't include anything other than the TA partition.
Rooting the phone just means that you have root access just like on any other linux distribution. You can fully unroot at anytime without any problems. Flashing an unrooted ROM or flashing the original ftf will remove root.
Rooting implies getting root access. You have higher privileges & apps that run as root have higher privileges. Unlocking the bootloader gives you access to protected partitions. The only real question is, do you want to use a custom kernel? - If you do, then unlock. Some ROMs, such as CM, run on custom kernels, so if you plan on using such ROMs, you need to unlock.
No, backing up TA is not enough, Follow this thread to get yourself a full ftf for your current customization that can be flashed with the official flashtool for Unlocked bootloaders or the unofficial flashtool that works with locked bootloaders. Further, you also need to relock your bootloader to fully return back to the original state.
If you aren't comfortable with doing all this, don't.
The next time you want to ask a quick question, please post in the Help Thread.
These questions are nothing new, already been answered multiple times, just adding to the clutter in the Q&A forum.

[Q] P880 Basic Questions

Hello P880 community,
i will get my optimux 4x hd in the middle of next month and will probably unlock its bootloader.
i am coming from a Sony wt19i, which is a very different phone, so i have a few noob questions,
1. is there anything that hard bricks the phone? something to avoid?
2. is there a way to relock the bootloader?
3. After i install cm10.1 or PA or something, how do i return to stock?
4. how to update bootloader, radios etc? on my old phone bootloader was not updatable, so any information about the bootloader will be nice.:good:
feel free to provide links to other threads etc,
Linux based solutions will be better since its my primary desktop OS, no problems with windows based ones though.
thanks.

gandhar said:
Hello P880 community,
i will get my optimux 4x hd in the middle of next month and will probably unlock its bootloader.
i am coming from a Sony wt19i, which is a very different phone, so i have a few noob questions,
1. is there anything that hard bricks the phone? something to avoid?
2. is there a way to relock the bootloader?
3. After i install cm10.1 or PA or something, how do i return to stock?
4. how to update bootloader, radios etc? on my old phone bootloader was not updatable, so any information about the bootloader will be nice.:good:
feel free to provide links to other threads etc,
Linux based solutions will be better since its my primary desktop OS, no problems with windows based ones though.
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As someone who also recently came from a WT19i to this phone, lemme answer a few of those as best as I can.
1. This phone is very hard to hardbrick on accident, you have to actually want and know what you are doing to fully butcher it.
2. AFAIK, using the official unlock method you cannot relock, but I recall an alternative way to unlock which was relock-friendly.
3. Either make a backup of the Stock rom with CWM before flashing anything, or you can always reflash anew with a .kdz
4. Don't believe we can update the bootloader, and as far as radios go the closer we have is a baseband flash guide for occasional issues.

[Q] Relock the Bootloader and others

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?