[Q] Does Backup TA work for the M2? - Sony Xperia M2

Searching through these forums, most posts related to Backup TA seem inconclusive, so I figured I would create an actual thread to ask about it.
Since it’s been confirmed that the M2 can be rooted using towel root (which doesn’t require an unlocked bootloader), this would therefore allow Backup TA to produce a backup before the unlocking process, thus allowing for a subsequent full factory restore with the DRM keys intact, if such a thing was required for warranty purposes. So I’m wondering if that tool works on this device, since so far it is not among the supported models (even though it should theoretically work on any new xperia model).
To clarify, this isn’t actually my device, but rather my gf’s (who got it today), and that’s why I haven’t been able to test this for myself to see if it actually works, and I won’t be able to do so until Friday, so I figured I would ask for the time being in case someone has had any experience with it.
Also, could anyone confirm if there’s any potential risk in running Backup TA on this device, assuming that the process ends up not working? Or if it doesn’t work, will it simply fail without doing anything to the M2?

At the moment there is nothing worthwhile one can do with an bootloader unlocked M2, IMO.

True, and if I was to ever install a custom ROM to my gf’s M2 in the future, that would require a factory reset of everything just the same as the unlocking of the bootloader would anyway, and since root is all that’s needed for TitaniumBackup, such reset wouldn’t necessarily present such a big problem regardless.
With that said, I would still like to see an answer to the question if possible, particularly to the part about any potential dangers of using Backup TA. Since my device of choice is a Nexus 4, I don’t exactly have any experience dealing with Xperia devices and any potential quirks they might have, and I don’t exactly want to screw up this particular phone either

Related

[Q] Looking for an Android based modding/developing-friendly phone

Hi all.
I am a programmer and I would like to do some Android application developing some day.
Now I have a Nokia N79, got it pretty cheap from my operator. Operator has changed his terms and now there is no way to get a cheap phone, so it seems I'll have to buy Android for a full price .
I was disappointed to find out that almost all mid-range Android phones have worse cameras than my N79. I really would like to buy something with not very large display (4" is overkill for me and I have small hands). But I just cannot find a phone which is good and small.
The other thing that bothers me is about developing and modding.
I have read on Sony Ericsson blog that SE officially supports unlocking their phones to have full access (warranty void) but there is a warning that the process is irreversible.
Now I a am a bit confused - why I cannot just use their update software and revert the phone as it was? After all, the other phones can be reverted to the original state even after rooting and s-offing and other tricks, can't they?
Also it is confusing how this rooting and updating stuff works on all the phones. If I have no root, does that mean that I cannot load a custom ROM? But how the phone vendor updates their new ROMs? Do they all the update together with the bootloader? But if they reflash also the bootloader, then why SE warns that there is no way back after unlocking?
Really confusing. Maybe there is some article or wiki about how each vendor protects their phone - wich needs hacking bootloader to get root access, which needs root access to load custom ROM, which vendor reflashes also the bootloader with their official updates and so on.
I have read that now with Android version 2.2 there is a way to install programs on flash cards even without rooting (Andorid SDK is used to modify setInstallLocation setting). Maybe there is a phone which can be rooted and reflashed without hacking its bootloader? Or maybe there are even phones which can load custom ROMs without rooting? I really do not like idea about messing with bootloader. If things go wrong with ROM, I can just upload the old one, I guess. But if bootloader goes bad, there is a good chance to get a brick.
So the main question is: which Android phone manufacturer has the most developer/modder-friendly policy and makes modding more safe?
Uhh, never mind, I was a bit confused with formulating the question, so I got everything messed up in one long mess. Actually this thread can be deleted...

transplant / restore TA partition from the other phone

I am new to dealing with DRM keys and Sony's TA partition and I ask for a little understanding with my dumb questions.
I bought a white Z3 Dual (D6633) for my wife and immediately unlocked bootloader and rooted the phone. She is super happy with it since speed of the phone and camera quality is a big upgrade from HTC Sensations we both own and used until now.
Reading all this stuff about camera issues after unlocking bootloader + other things that stop working makes me really concerned that I have inadvertently and significantly crippled her phone... On the other hand having a root is absolutely critical for me and so far all phones in our household ended up with custom ROM eventually since manufacturers don't support phones with the new software forewer.
To be honest, I think I've missed saving TA partition option completely while following root guide at http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/development/root-stock-kernel-twrp-v01-test-28-09-t2889794 and I've began to wonder if it would be possible to transplant DRM keys from other Z3 with locked bootloader? I am assuming that each phone has an unique set of keys but if I were to move them from one device to a second identical one and therefore there would be no two phones using same keys, would it work or are they locked to the specific IMEI? Although Z3 Dual has 2 IMEIs and only one was asked for while unlocking bootloader.
What I plan to do is to get a second Z3 Dual for myself now but with copper finish and transplant ALL software to my wife's phone. I am quite sure that she will be fine with stock ROM forever but I tend to mess with hardware I own a lot and reflash ROMs very often and I am willing to give up a little bit for these reasons, although while learning how much one needs to give up with Sony, essentially significantly crippling the phone in the process I begin to question if I should give Sony any more of my money...
I am really hoping that some developer will be able to create a ROM restoring most of those lost features in the process.
czguy said:
I am new to dealing with DRM keys and Sony's TA partition and I ask for a little understanding with my dumb questions.
I bought a white Z3 Dual (D6633) for my wife and immediately unlocked bootloader and rooted the phone. She is super happy with it since speed of the phone and camera quality is a big upgrade from HTC Sensations we both own and used until now.
Reading all this stuff about camera issues after unlocking bootloader + other things that stop working makes me really concerned that I have inadvertently and significantly crippled her phone... On the other hand having a root is absolutely critical for me and so far all phones in our household ended up with custom ROM eventually since manufacturers don't support phones with the new software forewer.
To be honest, I think I've missed saving TA partition option completely while following root guide at http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/development/root-stock-kernel-twrp-v01-test-28-09-t2889794 and I've began to wonder if it would be possible to transplant DRM keys from other Z3 with locked bootloader? I am assuming that each phone has an unique set of keys but if I were to move them from one device to a second identical one and therefore there would be no two phones using same keys, would it work or are they locked to the specific IMEI? Although Z3 Dual has 2 IMEIs and only one was asked for while unlocking bootloader.
What I plan to do is to get a second Z3 Dual for myself now but with copper finish and transplant ALL software to my wife's phone. I am quite sure that she will be fine with stock ROM forever but I tend to mess with hardware I own a lot and reflash ROMs very often and I am willing to give up a little bit for these reasons, although while learning how much one needs to give up with Sony, essentially significantly crippling the phone in the process I begin to question if I should give Sony any more of my money...
I am really hoping that some developer will be able to create a ROM restoring most of those lost features in the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have read enough, you will know that taking other's TA to restore will result a HARD BRICK of your wife's phone.
Anyhow, I am also interested to know if there's another way out to restore those lost functions. Do update if you found any alternative method
The best thing you can do now is to give her your Z3 and take hers instead. She might not be happy when she finds out you accidentally crippled her phone.
There is no way, and there will not be way to restore DRM keys which you didn't backup.
Even if you send it to Sony.
We had fight with this since xperia arc (me personal) and without hope.
Just give up, change your new phone with her and learn something from this.
Wait couple of months for proper root.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Free mobile app
I may give up on Sony
Well, it seems that there is nothing I can do now. As I've mentioned I've never dealt with DRM (I get clean content only - years of ripping CDs/DVDs, etc.) and that's one of the reasons I would never buy Apple products for example.
I don't think my wife will ever realize that she is missing anything because I gave her modified phone already, therefor she has no way to compare and as I've mentioned she is super happy with it as it is.
As far I am concerned, I think I will have to seriously reconsider buying another Sony product ever again. I could not care less about DRM and no access to Sony store, however, inadvertently crippling unrelated functionality by unlocking the phone so I can truly own hardware I've paid for is not acceptable.
As it has been said, it is a lesson for me. It's really disappointing because I have believed that I have finally found a truly flagship product with dual SIM functionality...
Well, I can only point out that Sony do tell you this
http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/unlock-yourboot-loader/
I get that from a first hit of a google search on "Sony unlock bootloader"
I understand your frustration, but I have been with Sony for years and I was aware of this potential problem. If I ever change OEMs I will ensure I treat myself as a noob again and do all the legwork and research I should do before diving in.
I know this does not help you, but I am just trying to get across that the information is out there.
If she doesn't know then what's the issue? Crippling means that the user is hampered by a loss. Her phone isn't crippled by any stretch of the imagination. Now if she tries to use miracast and it doesn't work, then you can say it was crippled, but if she never uses the feature then she's no worse off.
As far as restoring the TA partition, that's null and double null. The keys are encrypted using the hardware of the phone (likely the IMEI) so other signed items will not work. Your best bet is Android L. A completely rewritten Camera stack will be introduced where devs have complete control over the camera's hardware. So some enterprising dev might be able to write a camera app that exceeds the stock camera anyways. As far as anything else, that can be added via opensource alternatives that work fine.
You should be able to return it to the store and swap it for another.
czguy said:
Well, it seems that there is nothing I can do now. As I've mentioned I've never dealt with DRM (I get clean content only - years of ripping CDs/DVDs, etc.) and that's one of the reasons I would never buy Apple products for example.
I don't think my wife will ever realize that she is missing anything because I gave her modified phone already, therefor she has no way to compare and as I've mentioned she is super happy with it as it is.
As far I am concerned, I think I will have to seriously reconsider buying another Sony product ever again. I could not care less about DRM and no access to Sony store, however, inadvertently crippling unrelated functionality by unlocking the phone so I can truly own hardware I've paid for is not acceptable.
As it has been said, it is a lesson for me. It's really disappointing because I have believed that I have finally found a truly flagship product with dual SIM functionality...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not a personal attack but I'm getting a little bit fed up with reading all these posts about how it's Sony's fault that people f****d up. They clearly advise against unlocking and state that features will be lost. Ok they don't list exactly which but you accepted the risk when choosing to unlock.
I have had a Z3 since release day and I haven't unlocked the bootloader because I read up on it and found that the loss of DRM keys breaks too many things. I had no more information available than you so don't blame Sony for your lack of caution.
I always used Nexus devices before so, like you, I normally unlock and root straight away BUT I exercise due diligence when I get a new device and look into any potential problems first.
This is not Sony's fault, it is yours. Chalk it up to experience.
While we're on that subject, you really ought to give your phone (assuming it's still locked) to your wife. Leaving her a device you have degraded on the basis that she probably won't realise is pretty lousy thing to do.
Thank you guys for your responses. I must admit that I have neglected in-depth research about this issue beforehand. I never cared about loosing access to a specific OEM store and giving up guaranty. After years of unlocking phones and messing with custom ROMs I became overconfident and did not consider degrading so much functionality while keeping stock ROM... Obviously putting a custom ROM on it would be an entirely different story.
I guess this thread may serve as cautionary tale for others
In any case, coming from HTC phones where ROM cookers managed to shoehorn Bravia engine and also some Sony audio enhancements in to it, I really have a high hopes that some custom ROM will restore most of the features...
3Shirts said:
While we're on that subject, you really ought to give your phone (assuming it's still locked) to your wife. Leaving her a device you have degraded on the basis that she probably won't realise is pretty lousy thing to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a bit personal, however, it really depends how you look at it and I don't feel that it was a lousy thing to do. Her having zero technical inclination or understanding and using phone mainly to chat and post some pictures on Facebook, I don't think there was any great harm done. Besides, while wasting too much time with Facebook she has many other exceptional qualities
I am the person who deals with anything electronics related in our home and by messing with phones we own I have managed to extend their functionality far beyond OEMs contribution. And as I have mentioned before, I do hope to continue to do so when Sony stops releasing a new software for this particular model.
This is a definitely a good lesson for me, it was a rush job, I've got her this phone for her birthday and it was delivered the same day I gave it to her. I needed to to obtain the root ASAP as she uses the specific software that does not work without root access.
Yeah, that bit was personal, lol!
I just meant that if you still have a locked one, it would be the chivalrous thing to do to give her that and root it with later when an exploit is found that doesn't kill the low light camera performance. If she's happy though, no harm down I suppose.
3Shirts said:
Yeah, that bit was personal, lol!
I just meant that if you still have a locked one, it would be the chivalrous thing to do to give her that and root it with later when an exploit is found that doesn't kill the low light camera performance. If she's happy though, no harm down I suppose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am currently really reconsidering if I should go with Sony for my personal phone as well. I am still a big HTC believer (not a fan anymore, they sucked for a few years) and I may stick with HTC Sensation for a little bit longer. By flashing a custom ROM on it, it does everything I need it to do and easily compares with features to todays phones while being 3-4 years old model (antique).
There is a bit more being affected by unlocking bootloader than just low light performance.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/loss-drm-keys-t2890936
It's more than I would expect: Bravia Engine (X-Reality, Super Vivid), S-Force Front Surround...
What attracted me to Sony was definitely dual SIM capability (there are practically no other phones with this feature that would work with North American frequencies), waterproofing and having quite impressive guts. HTC has some catching up to do still.
Well, there is still hope. On the Z1 focus on the camera was lost when unlocking the boot on 4.2 with no way to get it back if you had not backed up the TA.
However, once 4.3 came along that fixed the issue for people unlocking and for those who had previously unlocked and lost the ability for the camera to focus.
So, in a future update Sony may fix this issue, or they may not. But hope is not lost
gregbradley said:
Well, there is still hope. On the Z1 focus on the camera was lost when unlocking the boot on 4.2 with no way to get it back if you had not backed up the TA.
However, once 4.3 came along that fixed the issue for people unlocking and for those who had previously unlocked and lost the ability for the camera to focus.
So, in a future update Sony may fix this issue, or they may not. But hope is not lost
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was an actual bug though, so they fixed it. This is due to loss of DRM keys so is by design. They might do something but it's unlikely, the DRM keys are there to protect their algorithms
3Shirts said:
That was an actual bug though, so they fixed it. This is due to loss of DRM keys so is by design. They might do something but it's unlikely, the DRM keys are there to protect their algorithms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still weird if you ask me, one reason I am in trouble is because I have never experienced and never expected reduced functionality with other OEMs.
If you unlock HTC you loose hardly anything except guaranty...

Backing up EFS/IMEI partition

Hi there
I can only apologize for having to ask this question, and I do feel a complete n00b for having to ask, but I actually can't afford to get this wrong, so need some help from people who know what they are doing
I've just defected from my Apple iPhone 6+, as Android phones are the only ones that are listed as 100% compatible with my Tobii I12 eyegaze communication device. Using this device I can make calls, texts, Facebook, pretty much anything I want to without needing physical access to the phone.
Now, I also have a Samsung Tab 2 (SM-T700) which I rooted, installed recovery, custom ROM etc some time ago, as it was only a cheap tablet and if it all went wrong, I could afford to wait and mess around to try and fix it.
The thing is, it's more essential my S8+ is working, as I use it with my communication aid to get through to the outside world.
OK, so what do I want to do? Obviously, I'm hoping to achieve root, and one of the reasons for this is because I paid full price for my S8+ (not a network upgrade), the full >£700. This in turn means that I get the privilege of being punished by not being able to use Three WiFi Calling. The signal at my house is a bit shaky, and I read that with a CSC (Country Specific Code) I might be able to get VoWifi working It'd also be nice to know my phone had the capability of running what I want it to....
So, I know that rooting is going to trip knox & warranty void. Not an issue. Having a device that does what I ask it to is more important than some stupid warranty.
However, I have read that before doing ANYTHING, I should make sure I have a backup of this EFS/IMEI partition. Because once it's gone, it's gone for good.
Now I never did anything like this for my tablet, so now I'm just a bit scared I'm going to wipe this partition and completely hose my phone in the future.
So, can somebody please let me know what I should be doing? I really can't afford to be without my phone, but I really need Wifi Calling to work!
Sorry if this is a n00b question that has been answered before. Thanks in advance
Never mind.....
Did a bit more reading today and it makes more sense now.... EFS partition is just a partition on the device; and there are many tools that can backup partitions.... with root, I could even just 'dd' it
Going to take it slowly, but hopefully I can start contributing soon instead of just asking questions
Thanks again
I'm kinda curious about this too, this will be my first attempt at rooting a Samsung and I've seen horror stories about losing the EFS partition in the past.
Incidentally, if you're based in the UK, tripping knox doesn't void your warranty.

Necessary backups before flashing

Hey,
I might get s8+ really soon and coming from Sony, I've been wondering, is there anything worth backing up before I flash it or right after I flash it?
In Sony devices there's TA partition containing bootloader, IMEI etc which is worth backing up as you can restore TA backup and make your phone look as if it was never flashed. It's there something similar in S8? Or should I just flash it and don't worry about anything?
Thanks for answers.
Welcome to the 'Samsungverse'
olokos said:
Hey,
I might get s8+ really soon and coming from Sony, I've been wondering, is there anything worth backing up before I flash it or right after I flash it?
In Sony devices there's TA partition containing bootloader, IMEI etc which is worth backing up as you can restore TA backup and make your phone look as if it was never flashed. It's there something similar in S8? Or should I just flash it and don't worry about anything?
Thanks for answers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a former Sony fanboy, first of all, welcome.
I know that I made the right choice ditching my Z5, though to be honest, it was a bit overdue. My previous disdain of Samsung devices was due first of all to the design and secondly, the bloatware of Touchwiz, but with the S8+ I was stunned into submission.
My question to you, is why do you think you need to flash, before even getting the device, and then what were you thinking of flashing. My experience so far is that there really is no need to Root this phone, there are so many features baked in that are not present on other Android devices. It really is an amazing phone.
I haven't really looked in detail at the threads dealing with flashing, but there are a number that can be found if you do an XDA search. The process of flashing seems rather more complicated than on Sony devices, and depending on what you flash, will trigger Knox, which is a security protocol that a number of secure apps need to run, such as 'Samsung Pay' and 'secure folder'. Tripping Knox also voids your warranty and is a consequence of 'Rooting' and is IRREVERSIBLE.
IMHO, the few custom ROM's that are available don't seem to substantially add value to the overall user experience, but I'm sure there are voices here that will disagree. For instance, there are native baked in features on the device that to all intents and purposes make 'Root' dependent apps such as 'Greenify' and 'Titanium Backup' redundant., and if you want to debloat there are 'non root' apps such as 'Package disabler' and 'Adhell' which is also a good ad blocker.
If you still feel the need to flash there are plenty of guides here on XDA, but good practise, is always to make a full backup.
olokos said:
Hey,
I might get s8+ really soon and coming from Sony, I've been wondering, is there anything worth backing up before I flash it or right after I flash it?
In Sony devices there's TA partition containing bootloader, IMEI etc which is worth backing up as you can restore TA backup and make your phone look as if it was never flashed. It's there something similar in S8? Or should I just flash it and don't worry about anything?
Thanks for answers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should do a "nandroid/TWRP" backup as soon as you install TWRP the first time you load it before you make any "System Modification".
Do a total back up plus an EFS only back up in TWRP. Then reboot Recovery and this time you can modify your system and disable encryption.
This way you have a total stock back up if later on something goes wrong you have a way out!
But please search XDA forum for more details.
Good luck.
kxdaorbit said:
As a former Sony fanboy, first of all, welcome.
I know that I made the right choice ditching my Z5, though to be honest, it was a bit overdue. My previous disdain of Samsung devices was due first of all to the design and secondly, the bloatware of Touchwiz, but with the S8+ I was stunned into submission.
My question to you, is why do you think you need to flash, before even getting the device, and then what were you thinking of flashing. My experience so far is that there really is no need to Root this phone, there are so many features baked in that are not present on other Android devices. It really is an amazing phone.
I haven't really looked in detail at the threads dealing with flashing, but there are a number that can be found if you do an XDA search. The process of flashing seems rather more complicated than on Sony devices, and depending on what you flash, will trigger Knox, which is a security protocol that a number of secure apps need to run, such as 'Samsung Pay' and 'secure folder'. Tripping Knox also voids your warranty and is a consequence of 'Rooting' and is IRREVERSIBLE.
IMHO, the few custom ROM's that are available don't seem to substantially add value to the overall user experience, but I'm sure there are voices here that will disagree. For instance, there are native baked in features on the device that to all intents and purposes make 'Root' dependent apps such as 'Greenify' and 'Titanium Backup' redundant., and if you want to debloat there are 'non root' apps such as 'Package disabler' and 'Adhell' which is also a good ad blocker.
If you still feel the need to flash there are plenty of guides here on XDA, but good practise, is always to make a full backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, I enjoy modifying phone to my needs, this is how it all started for me. Most importantly I want to develop a kernel for S8+. It made world of a difference on my Z1 and I want to continue my work on S8+, from scratch, but still. I'm currently having a discussion with Samsung support whether they respect EU laws regarding Knox and warranty. As you can see, I've done tons of work so far and I want to continue doing so.
Secure folder doesnt really matter for me, Samsung Pay is soooo limited in Poland, or for that matter, any other sort of payment with NFC/phone, I haven't seen a single shop that was screaming that they support that in Warsaw, but I wasn't necessairly looking around for that, as apart from shop having to have that, bank has to have that and phone aswell, so too much hassle for little gain.
As for other options of blocking ads, they all run actively, not passively, so they put more strain on CPU, package disabler most likely does the same thing as just disabling an app manually in settings -> applications. It doesn't free up any memory in fact.
Not to mention other cool mods that can be done on this device.
samteeee said:
You should do a "nandroid/TWRP" backup as soon as you install TWRP the first time you load it before you make any "System Modification".
Do a total back up plus an EFS only back up in TWRP. Then reboot Recovery and this time you can modify your system and disable encryption.
This way you have a total stock back up if later on something goes wrong you have a way out!
But please search XDA forum for more details.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, this is exactly what I needed to know. I'll see what samsung support says about whether they respect EU warranty laws or not and if they do then I'll trip knox instantaneously.
@kxdaorbit I didn't know that samsung implemented a firewall inside of their devices, that's pretty awesome! Adhell might actually do wonders, thanks for info man!

Question Are there major downsides to rooting this specific device?

I'm one of those guys that always roots everything. I used to do it for xposed and piracy, however two devices ago I had the sony xperia x2, and when I rooted that I got major issues which were simply something that happens on that device (camera can't take pics anymore, miracast fails to mirror content due to tripped DRM). My next phone was a galaxy s10e, and I was too scared to root that, plus with all Samsung's features I didn't feel the need to root. (and I started paying for apps instead of pirating them)
Now I'm on the moto g100, using Macrodroid and Termux, and there are some things that I want to do that require root access.
My question is, will rooting affect the g100 in specific, known ways, (beyond standard possibilities of bricking that exist on all devices)? For example, will Ready For suddenly not work?
I rooted my Edge S on stock, I didn't lose anything. Others report losing L1 but I didn't so

Categories

Resources