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[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

Leave bootloader unlocked or relock it?

Hey guys I got a simple question about the bootloader on the XZ. I just unlocked the bootloader after keeping a backup of my TA partition and rooted the stock. 101 firmware. What I want to know is, do I lose anything (except Bravia Engine and TrackID). Reason I am asking is that I saw a discussion about camera quality being lower on unlocked BL. Is that legit?
Another quick question:Is there any way I can go from locked to unlocked BL and vice versa without using a PC? That would be very convenient.
Thanks

sorry sir..as i know,camera's quality down on 4.3 version..i use bootloader unlocked on 4.2 version and i don't lost my camera's quality

[Q] Improvements by "updating" bootloader with stock 4.4

Hey guys,
I unlocked my bootloader some months ago (my Z1 came with stock 4.3) and use SlimKat (weekly ATM) since then.
Now that the official 4.4 update is released, I wonder if there are any advantages (like better cam, wifi, newer modem) from locking the BL, installing stock 4.4 and unlocking BL again, to go back to a custom ROM.
I come from a Samsung device where you could update e.g. the modem/baseband seperately and I understand that in Sony devices all these things are fix in bootloader.
Thanks for your help!

You don't have to relock your bootloader, just flash 4.4 via Flashtool v0.9.14. The step of relock and unlock the Bootlader after flash 4.4 have no benefits at all, just waste of time.
BTW, via Flashtool you can flash baseband only, if you want.

Hey eclyptos, thanks for your reply and the tip. But if do this, does this have any advantages like I stated in the OP?

eclyptos said:
You don't have to relock your bootloader, just flash 4.4 via Flashtool v0.9.14. The step of relock and unlock the Bootlader after flash 4.4 have no benefits at all, just waste of time.
BTW, via Flashtool you can flash baseband only, if you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having your locked bootloader does not involve some enhancements in photo quality? apart of the bravia engine and other things...
I believed that there were issues with camera quality on UB (that is why I haven't done it yet), so if there are no advantages, I might be unlocking it really soon...

ral9005 said:
Hey eclyptos, thanks for your reply and the tip. But if do this, does this have any advantages like I stated in the OP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want remind you first to DO NOT Relock Bootloader on Custom Kernels because you will brick your phone. So if you asking about Kitkat 4.4 itself and not bootloader, then I can say, you have to try it because is the newest Version of 4.4.2, last update of Slimkat was 3th March. Some improvement was made like in Pictures and Smoothness but very tiny difference so is up to you.
About Bootloader, if you asking, the only advantage you will get in Relock Bootlader if you will keep it locked so everything will work like it should, but if you want to Unlocking again after update then don't relock it in first place because it's a waste of time, it will be the same.
pdaaalex said:
Having your locked bootloader does not involve some enhancements in photo quality? apart of the bravia engine and other things...
I believed that there were issues with camera quality on UB (that is why I haven't done it yet), so if there are no advantages, I might be unlocking it really soon...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Somebody see differences, somebody doesn't. I try to keep it locked until something really amazing don't come out or will encrease the developing section for Z1.

How to root Z3+ single SIM

Hello,
I find the rooting thing very confusing.
I have a locked bootloader, is there any way to root my device without unlocking the bootloader? (for example with oneclickroot)
If I unlock the bootloader, what functionality do I lose?
If I understand it clearly, I need to unlock the bootloader, then fastboot the TWRP recovery and then within the recovery I can flash the supersu.zip package?
Also, do I need a kernel with the Sony security disabled if I just want to root the stock ROM? (SONY RIC, SELinux)
I hope someone can clear these things up for me....
Thanks in advance.

By unlocking BL you lose X-reality,Bionz and some sound fuctions if I'm not mistaken but I think there is a way to restore them

josephnero said:
By unlocking BL you lose X-reality,Bionz and some sound fuctions if I'm not mistaken but I think there is a way to restore them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked my BL long time ago just because I needed root, I wanted so bad because I need to install cerberus antithief app and some other features.
Then noticed that camera was so slow, video is so lag, so better don't use it and record videos, somethimes color has a lot of contrastbut automatically goes normal, in sound quality and calls I really didn't notice anything bad.
Now that I upgrade to the last firmware, ther is no safe way to root it again, untill now I think I should never unlock my BL...
I have the dual version E6533.

With galaxy and htc I could play around with Sony z3 and plus no root without sacrifying basic functionality... Next phone will be a galaxy s7 or iPhone 7... If possible both... Galaxy for sports iPhone for business and non sports

Basically, there's no way to root any Xperia devices since the Z3+ generation with BL locked. Beacuse Sony update their BL so that you can't replace the kernel even if you rooted the system.

X Performance Root Questions

Xperia X Performance F8131 Rogers
Rooted SU PRO
Androplus kernelv7
TWRP - 3.0.2-8
XPOSED Framework 86
When i relock my bootloader my warranty no longer shows and camera does not work. Any fix? When I unlock it again the warranty shows and camera works. It also ask for Android password when I relock and I have tried every possible password and it won't work so I'm forced to wipe user data to get in the device after relocks.
If I can't relock my bootloader is there a way to get rid of that message "your device has been unlocked, and can't be trusted" during boot up! I've seen someone else on a LG g4 flash the img and it removed it but I can't find the Sony splash screen img file with root access.
When I relocked my bootloader I got an update for June security patch. Updated and unlocked bootloader again. Is there a way to get updates without relocking the bootloader?
Last question. Does anyone else notice the rear camera no longer takes good low light photos but the front does?

Wait, youre on Rogers and rooted?! How? Mine always says boot loader unlock allowed no

m. murray said:
Xperia X Performance F8131 Rogers
Rooted SU PRO
Androplus kernelv7
TWRP - 3.0.2-8
XPOSED Framework 86
When i relock my bootloader my warranty no longer shows and camera does not work. Any fix? When I unlock it again the warranty shows and camera works. It also ask for Android password when I relock and I have tried every possible password and it won't work so I'm forced to wipe user data to get in the device after relocks.
If I can't relock my bootloader is there a way to get rid of that message "your device has been unlocked, and can't be trusted" during boot up! I've seen someone else on a LG g4 flash the img and it removed it but I can't find the Sony splash screen img file with root access.
When I relocked my bootloader I got an update for June security patch. Updated and unlocked bootloader again. Is there a way to get updates without relocking the bootloader?
Last question. Does anyone else notice the rear camera no longer takes good low light photos but the front does?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have lost your drm keys.. No turning back, this was also mentioned in the unlock guide / proces.
As there is no way of making backup of the drm keys atm, you should have not unlocked or waited.
Better stick with the unlocked bl.
Sent from my F8131 using XDA-Developers mobile app

m. murray said:
Xperia X Performance F8131 Rogers
Rooted SU PRO
Androplus kernelv7
TWRP - 3.0.2-8
XPOSED Framework 86
When i relock my bootloader my warranty no longer shows and camera does not work. Any fix? When I unlock it again the warranty shows and camera works. It also ask for Android password when I relock and I have tried every possible password and it won't work so I'm forced to wipe user data to get in the device after relocks.
If I can't relock my bootloader is there a way to get rid of that message "your device has been unlocked, and can't be trusted" during boot up! I've seen someone else on a LG g4 flash the img and it removed it but I can't find the Sony splash screen img file with root access.
When I relocked my bootloader I got an update for June security patch. Updated and unlocked bootloader again. Is there a way to get updates without relocking the bootloader?
Last question. Does anyone else notice the rear camera no longer takes good low light photos but the front does?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd also like to know how you were able to root as I'm on Rogers too. That or your lying
Sent from my F8131 using Tapatalk