Xperia Arc Root or No? Easy Hard ? Gingerbreak? - General Questions and Answers

I have a few questions, since am new to android, I just bought an Xperia Arc from BestBuy I bought a unlock code to unlock it, now am doing random reading on rooting, thiers different ways, thiers Gingerbreak, then thiers unlocking the bootloader than using some stuff, so when i Root my phone is it possible to go back to factory settings anytime after that? are thier consequences other then warranty being void? is it easy? should I use Gingerbreak or use the more complicated way unlocking the bootlader, soory noobs questions lol thanks for any help glad to be a new android user.

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[Q] Root questions

Help on root? Do I have to unlock my bootloader from the Motorola website?
Because on my S2, all I had to do was use odin and stuff, didn't have to unlock anything.
What exactly does unlocking my bootloader do? Is it absolutely necessary for rooting or are they both the same thing?
Help me root please. Thanks!
First time Motorola.
yes, it is necessary.
you have to register for, what i can only see as a system to tell them you've voided your warranty.

Rooting Moto G LTE (XT1045) without unlocking Bootloader?

I would like to keep my limited Motorola warranty. So I don't want to unlock the bootloader.... I just want root for basic things. But rooting this phone seems twice as difficult than my Galaxy S5.
I've searched around and found temp root methods. But no permanent ones.
I wouldn't mind unlocking the bootloader if it could be locked again and Motorola wouldn't know.
So I could use some help/guidance.
Thanks
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
xmguy said:
I would like to keep my limited Motorola warranty. So I don't want to unlock the bootloader.... I just want root for basic things. But rooting this phone seems twice as difficult than my Galaxy S5.
I've searched around and found temp root methods. But no permanent ones.
I wouldn't mind unlocking the bootloader if it could be locked again and Motorola wouldn't know.
So I could use some help/guidance.
Thanks
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry bro, when you wish to unlock the boot loader, you send your device id to Motorola, so even if you relock the bootloader, they'll still have it in their records....
To get permanent root, the only current method is through unlocking the bootloader to be allowed to flash root.
Cheers
I used to worry about warranty too.
Now I just don't care anymore, and I've never regretted unlocking, on some 25+ test devices now.
If the device was returned to a store, I don't think they'll check Moto's database.
If I was worried about a bootup warning, and I didn't feel there were any moral issues (device is broken already anyway), I would just brick the phone. They can recover from that at the service centre anyway.
I DID return a phone to a store once which would not boot at all. They FREAKED out because they said they needed to boot it to see a number. Maybe they were just looking for tamper evidence, I don't know.
Anyway, that's 40 minutes of my life (plus the drive) I'll never get back, because they could not follow the normal return procedures.
And in the end they had to accept the return of course. You'd think they must have had SOME returns of completely dead phones before...

[Q] Z3 Root Reality Check

I've been watching the developer board regarding the root and locked bootloader issue, and I've spent hours researching this and have yet to find a solution that's known to work without loss of something, likely a permanent or semi permanent loss. My device is a Z3 model D6616. I'm unhappy with the phone for several other reasons, but haven't owned an un-rooted phone for some time, and prefer keeping this phone if I can root it successfully. Root with stock firmware is my objective and am only interested in responses from people that have themselves rooted (and dealt with bootloader issues) a Z3.
- Root phone installing current T-mobile stock firmware.
- Known loss of function: Sony DRM dependant features/funtion only (from memory, mostly related to camera low light performance and DRM playback issues)
- Other loss of function experienced with stock features, or any other problem with any other app. Especially concerned with root dependant features of Play apps? Also ad blockers?
- Waranty loss (potential) and loss of OTA updates understood.
- Feature/function loss with workarounds or fixed that survive power cycle?
- Expect permament bootlocker inability to relock
- A link to the specific process you used, any problems you encountered whatever the cause. For example it usually takes me at least 3 attempts to root using any complex process, and I always read through 5 times before starting and download every needed file and program in advance.
Again: Sony Xperia z3 D6616 T-mobile
Firmware: 4.4.4 23.0.3.1.123
Software: D6166 R16B
In the past, I've had the most problems when an understood part of a process is not explicitly stated, or I've ignored or misunderstood a step. Plugging and unplugging from usb to PC a typical example. I don't have the technical know how to critique or ignore, so always attempt to follow all instructions without variance. I've had some problems, and most were solved by starting the process again. I hesitate to ask for help since the last time I did that I was attacked for witholding information when asked if I had backed up the phone. Since i didn't have access to the PC at the time of the question I honestly answered I didn't know (since I had attempted to but couldn't confirm). If you've ever answered a question here implying the request or requester is stupid or dishonest, I'm fully aware of my ignorance and my own integrity, and other personality traits, so please ignore this request, which accepts my lack of knowlege and has no tolerance for your issues not previously resolved through your own peaceful and respectful process.
Please only respond if you have personally rooted this specific phone model. If you have not, but know someone who has, please ask them to review this post and respond.
Nobody has rooted this phone without unlocking the bootloader. If you unlock to root, you will permanently lose DRM keys from the TA partition with no way to recover. No current root method works on 4.4.4 on the Z3. No one knows when or if an exploit will be found. We all want root. If you want it now, unlock the bootloader. If you can wait, wait. It's your call either way. As soon as a root method surfaces, best believe it will be in these forums. I'll be waiting with you...
First of all, check *#*#7378423#*#* to see if you bootloader can be unlocked or not.
Coz I think 6616's bootloader is unlockable.
freddy1991 said:
First of all, check *#*#7378423#*#* to see if you bootloader can be unlocked or not.
Coz I think 6616's bootloader is unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true. D6616 owner here, T-MO not unlockable yet :/ eagerly awaiting root as well as I really enjoy the z3, maybe even more than my Nexus 6 (gasp, blasphemy!)
Thanks For the Responses
freddy you addressed my concern, exactly. My phone reports:
Rooting Status:
Boot Unlocker Allowed: No
Although variants of the z3 have been bootlocker unlocked and rooted, I have not found a clear claim that was successfully done with D6616 z3. Since I'm a new T-mobile customer, this and their attitude about it are a poor way to start. I have a HTC phone I haven't returned, maybe I can get them to take the Z3 back instead. While I have benefited from and appreciate the great work so many people have done to make our phones usable and available to us, I've seen how carriers, mfgs, and users push good phones to market crippled by junk and unecessarily locked down. it's time to consider the mamufacturers that have been successful building good phones and selling in places like China at much lower prices.
Regarding any loss of DRM, I couldn't care less. This phone takes worse low light photos and video than my rooted Samsung G3, making it functionaly useless to me. Add to that the lack of a rational UI for telephony and IM, and done with Sony.
To be clear, if the bootloader can be unlocked and the phone can be rooted and you have done this yourself, please post.
Well...
I think there is no way you could unlock the bootloader of 6616.
The only way is to wait for the root on locked bootloader.
Check here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2940539
But that means you have to stick in the .93 firmware, even if the exploit is also usable for Z3.
Or return your 6616 and buy a 6603 or 6653 variant.
BREAKING NEWS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/giefroot-rooting-tool-cve-2014-4322-t3011598
Man, No bootloader unlock = Useless phone
HORiZUN said:
BREAKING NEWS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/giefroot-rooting-tool-cve-2014-4322-t3011598
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58468332&postcount=815
I'm similarly confused about this whole thing, this new Giefroot program means we can all potentially get root for our devices, but we still lose the DRM keys right? So that means we can never have the Sony camera/image processing processes back again right?
Thwwack said:
I'm similarly confused about this whole thing, this new Giefroot program means we can all potentially get root for our devices, but we still lose the DRM keys right? So that means we can never have the Sony camera/image processing processes back again right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO
Unlocking the bootloader = loss of DRM
Rooting that does not involve unlocking the bootloader means you keep the DRM keys
gregbradley said:
NO
Unlocking the bootloader = loss of DRM
Rooting that does not involve unlocking the bootloader means you keep the DRM keys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'm new to Android and this is all over my head. To clarify, Giefroot does this without unlocking the bootloader?
It's all pretty frustrating, I gotta say... I'd love to install Cyanogenmod on this, but losing key features on the device is a pretty harsh trade off.
Thwwack said:
Thanks, I'm new to Android and this is all over my head. To clarify, Giefroot does this without unlocking the bootloader?
It's all pretty frustrating, I gotta say... I'd love to install Cyanogenmod on this, but losing key features on the device is a pretty harsh trade off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, giefroot does not unlock the boot. There is only one way to do that and that is to obtaining the code from sony and fastboot it either manually or using flashtool.
Delete

Going from Z to Z5 Compact - downgrade to 4.42?

Evening all,
Just placed an order for the Z5 Compact after my Z has started playing up after 3 years of use,
Basically I had mine rooted a long time ago, and I havnt really touched it since or done any rooting/customization in ages and im drawing a blank..
Basically want to root the Z5 and downgrade to the 4.42 firmware as I have on my Z, as I dislike the 5.51 software the menu options etc looks very tacky for stock Sony layout, and it looks like 6 marshmallow is the same.
Is this feasible or reccomended?
Is there a step by step guide I can follow as I am seriously ****e with computers and all this stuff, I also wanted to learn about and if there are guides on how I can customise the menu etc If I can keep 5.51 or even upgrade to 6.0 and root the device and install a custom theme and change the menu layout etc?
Is this possible at all, I know people have custom software but I havnt a clue on how to go about rooting it let alone customising it...
Any help much appreciated!
There is no 4.4.2 firmware available for z5 series...
Daniel_GB said:
There is no 4.4.2 firmware available for z5 series...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol cool well that answers that, can the menu/ settings etc be customized and changed,
kam90 said:
lol cool well that answers that, can the menu/ settings etc be customized and changed,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you can customize settings menu in stock roms...
Daniel_GB said:
I don't think you can customize settings menu in stock roms...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im planning on rooting from 5.51 found a decent guide with use of command prompt so should be easy I hope! Is there an app/program downloadable after root which will allow me to apply custom themes/ menu layouts.
I can only remember Super SU, and theres an aptoide one I had iirc
hey. no offense but i'd suggest you read and learn a bit more about rooting newer xperia devices before you do any mistake.
its for sure no easy thing if you arent much into this stuff. just to mention one thing: at this moment there is no way to root the z5
with locked bootloader. unlocking your bootloader means, that you most probably lose your warranty and the drm keys. those keys
can be simulated by a workaround, but infact they are gone forever without any chance to restore them.
in the end, rooting the z5 now is a process of unlocking bootloader (via flashtool or adb), flash kernel via adb, flash twrp recovery via adb
and finally install supersu via twrp flash.
these should be enough keywords to google for, and/or getting knowledge here in xda forums. once again, i just can advice
you read all those guides twice....
VorlonKosh said:
hey. no offense but i'd suggest you read and learn a bit more about rooting newer xperia devices before you do any mistake.
its for sure no easy thing if you arent much into this stuff. just to mention one thing: at this moment there is no way to root the z5
with locked bootloader. unlocking your bootloader means, that you most probably lose your warranty and the drm keys. those keys
can be simulated by a workaround, but infact they are gone forever without any chance to restore them.
in the end, rooting the z5 now is a process of unlocking bootloader (via flashtool or adb), flash kernel via adb, flash twrp recovery via adb
and finally install supersu via twrp flash.
these should be enough keywords to google for, and/or getting knowledge here in xda forums. once again, i just can advice
you read all those guides twice....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DRM keys arent really required though are they? are they not restorable/ way to back them up prior, ive googled Z5 compact root and ive got loads of links on search results though
Voiding warranty of new device and god knows what will be with restored fake DRM keys with further updates, and no, there is NO rooting Z5 series with having Bootloader locked for now, i doubt there will ever be a method but hope im wrong. You might want to reconsider Z5 series, replace your Z with Z3 that is easily rootable even with locked BL and is on Marshmallow list.
kam90 said:
DRM keys arent really required though are they? are they not restorable/ way to back them up prior, ive googled Z5 compact root and ive got loads of links on search results though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, the drm keys are required for e.g. x-reality, camera postprocessing, ps controller support and much more. at the moment the drm restore patch works, but who knows, google or sony could counterpatch this aswell. you can only backup them with root. to get root you need to unlock your bootloader first. unlock bootloader = drm key lost forever. you cant lock your bootloader without original drm keys, and with unlocked bootloader you dont have ota updates and pc companion wont work anymore. means, you always have to update manually with
flashtool.
Really?! Cause with my Z I could link up with pc companion and do a factory reset which wiped out the root and everything on it when it froze up..
What about the main thread on this forum... is there any other reading or threads/guides in relation to this

newbie

I have a Sony Xperia z5 device from Au and it is locked with Bootloader, the Bootloader Unlock Allowed status on this phone is: No, I'm really upset and I want to unlock it and root it but can't find it. Anyway, I really need help from all of you, sorry my English is not good.
most root method require you to have bootloader unlock have you tried any action/procedure on unlocking it?

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