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
Related
So this is my first xperia device since the Xperia Arc was released way back when, and I have been using HTC phones. Which are WAY different in terms of Rooting / Unlocking / Etc.
So long story short, What I want to know is what Can I currently do to the Xperia Z5? I see there's no custom ROM's yet which is expected , but I see mixed results about unlocked BootLoader & Root , the main thread says that a bootloader hasn't been achieved, yet there's a few root methods which have been successfully completed , requiring an unlocked bootloader, so naturally you could see the confusion..... Can someone point a SONY noob towards the right direction in terms of bootloader unlock / rooting? Running the E6653 ( not sure if there's variants )
Basically you currently need to unlock the bootloader to to get root. And doing so loses some features which u may possibly never get back. So most people are currently waiting for another way around to be figured out
Sent from my Xperia z5 using Tapatalk
well ****...
Ben36 said:
Basically you currently need to unlock the bootloader to to get root. And doing so loses some features which u may possibly never get back. So most people are currently waiting for another way around to be figured out
Sent from my Xperia z5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My heart literally dropped as I read this..... Because I already unlocked the bootloader. I'm assuming it's the bootloader unlocking that destroys some features? If so , which ones?
And how can I tell if they were actually destroyed / bootloader unlock actually worked
Unlocking the bootloader on Xperias will delete the device's DRM keys. These keys are unique per device and once gone are gone forever. They're needed for Image enhancements like X-Reality/Bravia/Super-Vivid and some camera features too - low light and noise reduction algorithms I think. Sound improvements (ClearAudio+...) too.
ricodredd said:
Unlocking the bootloader on Xperias will delete the device's DRM keys. These keys are unique per device and once gone are gone forever. They're needed for Image enhancements like X-Reality/Bravia/Super-Vivid and some camera features too - low light and noise reduction algorithms I think. Sound improvements (ClearAudio+...) too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well crap lol, is there any way to actually make sure that the DRM's were deleted or if the bootloader unlock was actually successful? I still have a few days to swap the phone out if anything goes wrong ( Bell wouldn't be able to tell a bootloader unlock ) , I haven't had enough play time with the phone before the process to actually see a difference with the camera, I read somewhere that if TrackID works, than it's not unlocked, is that true?
Hello! I'm new here and actually the main purpose of my registration on this wonderful website is the amount of helpful and skillful people I saw in various threads I read before, giving me hope for the solution of my problem.
As stated in the title, I'm currently unable to get OTA updates on my phone.
Some time ago I unlocked the bootloader (so my bl is unlocked now) in order to have my Z5 rooted. Apparently something went awfully wrong while flashing the TWRP or perhaps I was just awfully stupid and missed a step... Anyways I ended up without any OS and started searching on the web for some solutions.
I came across FlashTool and XperiFirm, then downloaded and flashed the (at the time) latest firmware, which is the one i currently have (Service Menu shows "GENERIC_32.2.A.0.224"). So now my phone seems perfectly fine: stock rom, no custom recovery (as far as I know), no root privileges. The only problem it shows is the fingerprint hardware that stops working every once in a while; something a simple reboot fixes.
But I have been unable to update since then, with my "software update" tab showing no available updates (nor could I get one via Sony PC Companion, furthermore getting errors while trying fo repair software) while under "diagnostics" it clearly says "new software available".
I just want to get everything back as it was before, and to get my OTA updates to work; I'm not interested in custom ROMs or custom recoveries or SU.
I apologize in advance in case an identical thread had already been opened and closed; I hope you guys can help me solve this mess I did.
Thanks a lot
I found out my problem is connected with the DRM Keys loss caused by unlocking the bootloader. I'll try this out: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/root-automatic-repack-stock-kernel-dm-t3301605
scacio said:
I found out my problem is connected with the DRM Keys loss caused by unlocking the bootloader. I'll try this out: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/root-automatic-repack-stock-kernel-dm-t3301605
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you have unlocked the Bootloader ota updates don't work EVER only manually flashing the ftf via flashtool will get you updated. If you unlocked the Bootloader without backing up the drm/ta keys then re-lock the Bootloader ota updates will Not work. If you unlock the Bootloader and then re-lock with previously backed up drm/ta keys ota updates WILL work.
The drm fix does NOT replace the missing drm/ta keys it merely tricks the device into thinking that those required for x-reality, low light conditions, and noise reduction in the camera are there to reactivate those features.
Also DO NOT try to use a other Xperia devices drm/ta keys on your own unless you want a permanent paperweight.
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs
Ah, so I should have backed those up before unlocking the bootloader. It seems I'll have to spend a few minutes on flashtool every once in a while to get updates, nevermind.
Anyway is it worth it to try this DRM fix? I did not notice any changes to the quality of the camera.
And another noob question: if I flash this "modified kernel" will my device be wiped? Or I just flash it, reboot the phone and enjoy DRM features?
Just a quick update to let you know, I have installed the drm fix and rooted, the funny thing is that now I receive ota updates.. But of course I'm unable to install them. Not that I want them anyway, so no problem. I have reconsidered the potentiality of a rooted device and started to appreciate the benefits; thanks for the help
Hello,
I recently bought a Sony Xperia Z5 Compact (E5823), and was instantly appalled by the amount of pre-installed bloatware that I can't get rid of. I am now trying to root my phone in order to do so. There is however a lot of information to take in on the matter, and a lot of it seems conflicting to a newbie like myself when so much is dependant on device and android version.
Some info on my phone
Sony Xperia Z5 Compact (E5823)
Android version: 6.0.1
Kernel version: 3.10.84-perf-gf1cfa5f, [email protected] #1, Mon May 30 18:41:52 2016
Build number: 32.2.A.0.253
Rooting status: Bootloader unlock allowed: No
Basically - just out of the box, updated to the latest firmware, a couple of downloads from the app store, and that's it.
Does my "Bootloader unlock allowed: No" status mean that I cannot unlock the bootloader by any means? According to http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/unlock-yourboot-loader/ the Z5 should be allowed to do so, why isn't mine?
Ultimately what I want to do for the moment is rooting my phone. Nothing more, and with as little change as possible. Ideally I'd like not to lose any functionality either (read about losing several camera and image related features due to DRM, amongst others). I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/root-automatic-repack-stock-kernel-dm-t3301605 - is this the best suited guide for me? And will it definitely work on my phone, despite the Service Menu telling me that I cannot unlock the bootloader?
In such a case that the above guide is what I'm looking for - once done and if successful, will I be able to download firmware updates as my phone notifies me about them, without further messing around? (the normal/traditional way)
Thanks in advance,
Chris.
ps: I'm not worried about voiding the warranty, and I'm used to poking around in untraditional areas, albeit not on Android thus far.
You cannot unlock your bootloader or root so all guides are useless. Sony say the Z5 bootloader is unlockable however they lock some on carriers request. You want to try a different firmware I find that nordic has less bloat. You can also disable most apps aswell
Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk
That's unlikely to be the reason in my case - my phone was bought retail through Amazon, not with a carrier contract.
Is there nothing that can be done to change the bootloader unlocking permissions?
ChrisMB said:
That's unlikely to be the reason in my case - my phone was bought retail through Amazon, not with a carrier contract.
Is there nothing that can be done to change the bootloader unlocking permissions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't do anything about it, but I suppose you could ask Sony if they'll unlock it for you, or contact Amazon and ask if they'll swap it for an unlockable unit.
I am aware that there is already a thread for unlocking Bootloader on Android 8.1.0, but I tried the steps in that article and it unfortunately was unable to unlock my device. I bought my Pixel 2 secondhand, but because the OEM Unlocking toggle in Settings is grayed out and in the off position, I am led to believe that I have a Verizon model. I have an AT&T SIM card however. I also tried looking up how to downgrade my phone to the Google version of Android 8.1.0 but they all require that OEM Unlocking be turned on. Is there any updated guide on how to unlock the Bootloader for my phone so that I can possibly root it?
Not right now but there is an interesting vulnerability out right now.... I'd turn off updates for a little while incase something arises
Unlocking the bootloader is a totally different prospect than gaining root. Root can be obtained with an exploit, the recent one being a good example, but it will only be temporary. To make it permanent you need to unlock the bootloader. To unlock the bootloader you need yet another exploit for the bootloader since all the refurbished models appear to be unable to use the factory unlock process. Combine that with low demand for a two year old device and odds are it will never happen unless Google itself provides a solution. In short, I wouldn't hold my breath or leave a giant security hole on your device in hopes that it can be bootloader unlocked in the future. If you need a device that can be bootloader unlocked, go to Google and buy one.
***Unlocking the bootloader is a totally different prospect than gaining root.
Agreed
***Root can be obtained with an exploit, the recent one being a good example, but it will only be temporary.
Not always true, there have been many roots that didn't require bootloader unlock. Towel root comes to mind also many sunshine roots and countless others.
***To make it permanent you need to unlock the bootloader.
It helps a lot but see above....
*** To unlock the bootloader you need yet another exploit for the bootloader since all the refurbished models appear to be unable to use the factory unlock process. Combine that with low demand for a two year old device and odds are it will never happen unless Google itself provides a solution. In short, I wouldn't hold my breath or leave a giant security hole on your device in hopes that it can be bootloader unlocked in the future. If you need a device that can be bootloader unlocked, go to Google and buy one.
I don't want to buy a other phone..... The first one I bought was supposed to be unlockable. I'll deal or hope. The security hole really doesn't worry me at the moment. I won't leave it open permanent.
After thinking about it, the a/b partition may throw a serious monkey wrench in the full root issue.
Is there a way then to root my Android without turning on OEM Unlocking? My limited research on this makes me conclude that there's no such method for the Google Pixel 2.
Right now there is a temp root.
mrkhigh said:
Right now there is a temp root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you be able to provide a link on how to do a temporary root on the Pixel 2?
I believe if you read the whole thread one person said it worked on the p2.
Careful though, change system they say it bricks the phone.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pi...-magisk-root-vzw-pixel-2-xl-xl-t3981423/page5
Hi,
Just grabbed an Xperia 5 II on a great deal and I'm loving this device. It's an A002SO. I have noticed in other threads that there is some loss with original functionality of the phone (maybe Dolby or some other features are broken even if phone is restored to stock). Is it true? And if so what features are broken.
I noticed that Xperia camera software are available for other roms too which is great but what about device fingerprint and BL unlock sensing protection for banking apps? (I am not interested in rooting the phone after flashing lineage/AOSP roms but more concerned about the broken safety net in-case I go custom ROM route)
Also, is there a risk of losing IMEI with all this process? Not talking about crossflashing here but would love an AIO guide about BL unlock > recovery > ROM and the Back to stock locked bootloader guides if there are any.
Thank you!
dark_prince said:
Hi,
Just grabbed an Xperia 5 II on a great deal and I'm loving this device. It's an A002SO. I have noticed in other threads that there is some loss with original functionality of the phone (maybe Dolby or some other features are broken even if phone is restored to stock). Is it true? And if so what features are broken.
I noticed that Xperia camera software are available for other roms too which is great but what about device fingerprint and BL unlock sensing protection for banking apps? (I am not interested in rooting the phone after flashing lineage/AOSP roms but more concerned about the broken safety net in-case I go custom ROM route)
Also, is there a risk of losing IMEI with all this process? Not talking about crossflashing here but would love an AIO guide about BL unlock > recovery > ROM and the Back to stock locked bootloader guides if there are any.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a different model, but I recently went from stock to Lineage OS, then back to stock. I haven't had any issues. Dolby works, my data/LTE works, and I can still use my banking app just fine. Fingerprint detection was a bit more finnicky with Lineage OS, though.
I should also note, I'm currently rooted with my bootloader unlocked, and still no issues.
SomeRandomGuy212 said:
I have a different model, but I recently went from stock to Lineage OS, then back to stock. I haven't had any issues. Dolby works, my data/LTE works, and I can still use my banking app just fine. Fingerprint detection was a bit more finnicky with Lineage OS, though.
I should also note, I'm currently rooted with my bootloader unlocked, and still no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I gave up in the end because my device is Japan Softbank with bootloader unlocking not allowed. Crossflashing instructions have alot of "you can", "I think" but no definite root-to-fruit guide so I may convert it to global model and BL unlock without losing imei / 4G. Thank you for taking time to write the clarification.
dark_prince said:
I gave up in the end because my device is Japan Softbank with bootloader unlocking not allowed. Crossflashing instructions have alot of "you can", "I think" but no definite root-to-fruit guide so I may convert it to global model and BL unlock without losing imei / 4G. Thank you for taking time to write the clarification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't actually know if that would work... I don't mean to give you another indefinite answer, but I tried that once on a Japanese Xperia 10 II. I know it's a different device, but it may still apply in your situation. I would still try it, though. Worse case scenario, you have to use Sony's repair tool to get back to stock.
(Also, if you're interested in a non Japanese model, I am currently selling my 5 II.)
SomeRandomGuy212 said:
I don't actually know if that would work... I don't mean to give you another indefinite answer, but I tried that once on a Japanese Xperia 10 II. I know it's a different device, but it may still apply in your situation. I would still try it, though. Worse case scenario, you have to use Sony's repair tool to get back to stock.
(Also, if you're interested in a non Japanese model, I am currently selling my 5 II.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am from Pakistan so it's gonna cost me double the actual price to pay customs taxes and get it cleared for use in-country. Our country has a rule about only the devices which are approved after paying hefty taxes, are permitted on Pakistan's cellular operators.
This was discussed before, in short you seem to lose out certain manufacturer keys and your phone remembers you have unlocked its bootloader before. As for functionality, iirc they seem to come back after relocking.
More info: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/closed-delete.4177209/post-87242833