Database Info

System Update After Root (Lock Bootloader)

Hello Guys.. since I'm a nexus 4 user before...not familiar with this new phone want to ask if using Giefroot and successfully root my phone Can I still do a system update specially when lollipop comes..without any issues? my rooting purpose: just want to install root apps like titanium back up to uninstall bloatwares, greenify without xposed installer...

You will be notified by update center when Lollipop update is available even if your device is rooted or not, but not sure about if you will be able to install the system update or not.
I had seen some rooted devices could download the OTA but failed to install the update.
But there's nothing to worry since you can always flash the ftf file via flashtool, without wiping any of your data..

freddy1991 said:
You will be notified by update center when Lollipop update is available even if your device is rooted or not, but not sure about if you will be able to install the system update or not.
I had seen some rooted devices could download the OTA but failed to install the update.
But there's nothing to worry since you can always flash the ftf file via flashtool, without wiping any of your data..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can install any ftf.file right as long as it is for my device..also when ota is available the ftf. File is also release right?

kelvin99 said:
I can install any ftf.file right as long as it is for my device..also when ota is available the ftf. File is also release right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, someone will make and upload an FTF.
In an extreme circumstance it may need Flashtool to be updated, but Androxyde will do that and push another version.
In the meantime, you can always relock your bootloader and use PCComapnion to update officially, then unlock the boot again

You can also use Xperiafirm to dowload the ftf files.

gregbradley said:
Yes, someone will make and upload an FTF.
In an extreme circumstance it may need Flashtool to be updated, but Androxyde will do that and push another version.
In the meantime, you can always relock your bootloader and use PCComapnion to update officially, then unlock the boot again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't the root process require downgrading though? So it'd make updating through PCCompanion redundant.

3Shirts said:
Doesn't the root process require downgrading though? So it'd make updating through PCCompanion redundant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, if you have an unlocked bootloader you can relock, upgrade, unlock, flash an insecure kernel**, flash SuperSU and you are done. no need to downgrade, that's a locked bootloader method.
**Someone will upload an advanced stock kernel within minutes of it hitting our devices, its not much of a tweak to make it insecure
(Just changing a 1 to a 0 in the right place)
Hell, they may even throw in recovery in a couple of minutes as well....

Yes but I was replying in the context of the OP who said 'using giefroot' so I assume it's the locked bootloader method he is asking about.

How can I update my 6603 an retain root?

So I have an xperia update alert. Is there a way to update to the latest and retain my files as well as root access?

No. If you are on KitKat flash a pre-rooted Lollipop.
If you upgrade you can root only if you unlock the bootloader. It is the only way to root Lollipop directly.
There is no sense to upgrade, then downgrade to root. Do that now, since you are on KK.
In short : Do not upgrade officially, upgrade by flashing a pre-rooted Lollipop. You can do that even with an locked bootloader with Flashtool. Find an appropiate ftf.

TheTeslaCoil said:
No. If you are on KitKat flash a pre-rooted Lollipop.
If you upgrade you can root only if you unlock the bootloader. It is the only way to root Lollipop directly.
There is no sense to upgrade, then downgrade to root. Do that now, since you are on KK.
In short : Do not upgrade officially, upgrade by flashing a pre-rooted Lollipop. You can do that even with an locked bootloader with Flashtool. Find an appropiate ftf.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not on KK, Im on lollipop but I believe there's a newer version to LP for the Z3. I'm on 23.1.A.0.690

What size is it? Maybe it's not a firmware update.

It's an Xperia system update I can't pull up details about it without beginning the install process

you would have to flash a pre-rooted flashable rom to retain root, ota updates generally tend to kill root

Richy99 said:
you would have to flash a pre-rooted flashable rom to retain root, ota updates generally tend to kill root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I've been a little out of the game when it comes to flashing and rooting. I rooted my phone about a week ago and put lollipop on it. I assumed it would be the case that i'd have to flash the updated version I just wondered about retaining my files because i've gone through a bit of trouble debloating and tweaking the phone.

you'll most likely have to go thru that process again of debloating depending on what rom you install as it will most likely put most of the stuff you have removed back into the system

Richy99 said:
you'll most likely have to go thru that process again of debloating depending on what rom you install as it will most likely put most of the stuff you have removed back into the system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose I don't mind debating again but what can I use to make a backup of my apps and app data? to then restore once updated... are there any full proof tools?

xdayala said:
I suppose I don't mind debating again but what can I use to make a backup of my apps and app data? to then restore once updated... are there any full proof tools?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are loads of tools for this, probably the most well known in titanium backup

[Q] Help with installing lollipop on unlocked phone

Hello !
I recently bought a used Z3 6603, and wanted to update it to lollipop.
But it seems it has a unlocked bootloader (according to service menu) and when i recieved it, it was factory reset, but some 3rd party apps were still installed.
One of them Super SU, so it was rooted.
I was told that i could update the firmware if i just used the Full Uninstall feature in Super Su, so i did that.
I still can't update using sony companion, becouse it knows the software is not the original one.
And i cant reinstall super su, its saying that there is no SU binary installed and the program cant install it.
I have flashed phones before, but it was really a long time ago, so im asking for some help to fix this.
Its running 4.4.4 build 23.0.1.A.5.77 and stock rom i think.
Please tell me what to do, and what info you might need !
I want to have the phone in lollipop, but everything stock, no root, no bootloader etc.
And somewhere I read something about DRM keys. Please help me with fixing that aswell thank you.
Regards ImmoralCore

ImmoralCore said:
Hello !
I recently bought a used Z3 6603, and wanted to update it to lollipop.
But it seems it has a unlocked bootloader (according to service menu) and when i recieved it, it was factory reset, but some 3rd party apps were still installed.
One of them Super SU, so it was rooted.
I was told that i could update the firmware if i just used the Full Uninstall feature in Super Su, so i did that.
I still can't update using sony companion, becouse it knows the software is not the original one.
And i cant reinstall super su, its saying that there is no SU binary installed and the program cant install it.
I have flashed phones before, but it was really a long time ago, so im asking for some help to fix this.
Its running 4.4.4 build 23.0.1.A.5.77 and stock rom i think.
Please tell me what to do, and what info you might need !
I want to have the phone in lollipop, but everything stock, no root, no bootloader etc.
And somewhere I read something about DRM keys. Please help me with fixing that aswell thank you.
Regards ImmoralCore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your DRM keys are lost forever.

TheTeslaCoil said:
Your DRM keys are lost forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so they are lost even if I use the first backup that was made by the person I bought it from ?
DRM=Hardcoded=Once unlocked, always DRM free, even if you use the recovery image ?
And the rest of the questions, what am I supposed to do to get stock lollipop?
In the matter of fact it does not matter if its unlocked or locked, I just want legit lollipop, with the possibility to update regularly. (But if root is possible at the same, it can still be rooted)
Thanks for your reply !

You need the TA backup. Not system backup.
And careful not to restore some other TA.
If the previous owner backed up TA, good. If not, no chance to recover them.
Download your specific firmware in ftf format and flash it with Flashtool.
Make a clean install.
You cannot recieve OTA with an unlocked bootloader, only if you relock, but there is no point in doing that if the DRM keys are lost.
So, from where you stand, keep it rooted and unlocked, because you can do much more with it : Custom ROM' s [at the moment stock is best]...custom kernels with recovery...mods...etc.
After you flash the ftf, flash via adb a custom kernel with recovery and from recovery flash SuperSU update, as a flashable zip, that will root the phone and install SuperSU.Search also for busybox flashable zip.

TheTeslaCoil said:
You need the TA backup. Not system backup.
And careful not to restore some other TA.
If the previous owner backed up TA, good. If not, no chance to recover them.
Download your specific firmware in ftf format and flash it with Flashtool.
Make a clean install.
You cannot recieve OTA with an unlocked bootloader, only if you relock, but there is no point in doing that if the DRM keys are lost.
So, from where you stand, keep it rooted and unlocked, because you can do much more with it : Custom ROM' s [at the moment stock is best]...custom kernels with recovery...mods...etc.
After you flash the ftf, flash via adb a custom kernel with recovery and from recovery flash SuperSU update, as a flashable zip, that will root the phone and install SuperSU.Search also for busybox flashable zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I will try that then, but if I use flashtool to update to lollipop, will I still be able to root easy, or should I reinstall 4.4.4 clean, then root, fix recovery kernel and everything, and then lollipop or what goes first?
Does flash/kernel etc affect the fact that it has an unlocked bootloader ? do i need to do anything with that, or do it stay unlocked?

ImmoralCore said:
Ok, I will try that then, but if I use flashtool to update to lollipop, will I still be able to root easy, or should I reinstall 4.4.4 clean, then root, fix recovery kernel and everything, and then lollipop or what goes first?
Does flash/kernel etc affect the fact that it has an unlocked bootloader ? do i need to do anything with that, or do it stay unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have unlocked the bootloader it is always a trivial matter to root.
Just flash an insecure kernel.
If one does not exist use [NUT]'s online kernel builder to make one with recovery incorporated in it. Its very straightforward and an automated process.
So, update using flashtool, flash your custom kernel, and you have root and recovery.

gregbradley said:
If you have unlocked the bootloader it is always a trivial matter to root.
Just flash an insecure kernel.
If one does not exist use [NUT]'s online kernel builder to make one with recovery incorporated in it. Its very straightforward and an automated process.
So, update using flashtool, flash your custom kernel, and you have root and recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Sorry for my noobish question, but define insecure kernel?
2. Did I get it right? I read about ppl downgrading their phones to 4.4.4 and then installing stuff. And for me it does not matter wich version it is, becouse the unlocked bootloader makes it easy to flash, even what version you are running?

ImmoralCore said:
1. Sorry for my noobish question, but define insecure kernel?
2. Did I get it right? I read about ppl downgrading their phones to 4.4.4 and then installing stuff. And for me it does not matter wich version it is, becouse the unlocked bootloader makes it easy to flash, even what version you are running?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) a rooted kernel.
2) If you have unlocked there is no need to follow any of the locked bootloader guides, they are a waste of your time. One of the points point of unlocking the phone is to easily get root. You just flash a custom kernel to gain root.
If you have a locked bootloader then you have to go through all the fuss of downgrading etc etc.... but with an unlocked bootloader its so easy and straightforward

gregbradley said:
1) a rooted kernel.
2) If you have unlocked there is no need to follow any of the locked bootloader guides, they are a waste of your time. One of the points point of unlocking the phone is to easily get root. You just flash a custom kernel to gain root.
If you have a locked bootloader then you have to go through all the fuss of downgrading etc etc.... but with an unlocked bootloader its so easy and straightforward
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thank you very much for your answers both of you!
I understand everything much better, now its just some flashing to do, c ya ! :good:

ImmoralCore said:
Ok, thank you very much for your answers both of you!
I understand everything much better, now its just some flashing to do, c ya ! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck.

Should I re-lock the bootloader?

Hi everyone,
I have D6603 with with Android 5.1.1 (23.4.A.0.546) with an unlocked bootloader (done per instructions on Sony's website).
For a while now I've noticed that the device overheats when I use the camera for a few minutes. According to this article,
the new update Sony have released, is supposed to mitigate the problem.
I cannot update my phone to the new Android version, because of the unlocked bootloader.
Can/should I re-lock the bootloader? Or is there a way to stop the overheating issue?

beentold82 said:
Hi everyone,
I have D6603 with with Android 5.1.1 (23.4.A.0.546) with an unlocked bootloader (done per instructions on Sony's website).
For a while now I've noticed that the device overheats when I use the camera for a few minutes. According to this article,
the new update Sony have released, is supposed to mitigate the problem.
I cannot update my phone to the new Android version, because of the unlocked bootloader.
Can/should I re-lock the bootloader? Or is there a way to stop the overheating issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still update to the latest firmware with flashtool.

Beetle84 said:
You can still update to the latest firmware with flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info Beetle. May I be so rude to ask you, where I can get the most up to date flashable ROM?
I did unlock the bootloader, but never managed to install a recovery mod or get root.

[/COLOR]
beentold82 said:
Thanks for the info Beetle. May I be so rude to ask you, where I can get the most up to date flashable ROM?
I did unlock the bootloader, but never managed to install a recovery mod or get root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In flashtool theres a button labelled xperifirm, if you click that and follow the instructions you can download a ftf directly.
As for root and recovery, you can use this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/general/guide-rootrecovery-how-to-root-install-t3017056 , and then create a pre rooted 5.1.1 firmware from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/tool-prfcreator-easily-create-pre-t2859904
Or you can install androplus kernel http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/development/kernel-andropluskernel-t2925999 after you upgrade to stock 5.1.1 with fastboot, and skip the whole downgrade to kit kat which would be alot quicker.

Wow, that seems easy enough. I'll try it later tonight. Thanks again!

beentold82 said:
Wow, that seems easy enough. I'll try it later tonight. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, good luck. You may have to disable virus protection to download xz dual recovery installer, well, I have to anyway, my VP doesnt like the install.bat file.

EDIT: isn't the .546 the latest?

Not sure... My phone tells me there is a system update, but it always fails because of the unlocked bootloader.

robogo1982 said:
EDIT: isn't the .546 the latest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
23.4.A.1.264 is I believe.

Root?

Why it's almost impossible for us to have the root with the locked bootloader.? Since the day the mobile went out till now it wasn't possible ?, so is there a chance?

Zewarxx said:
Why it's almost impossible for us to have the root with the locked bootloader.? Since the day the mobile went out till now it wasn't possible ?, so is there a chance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope highly unlikely, since dm-verity security was introduced on the z3+ all xperia devices after this require a unlocked bootloader for root. A modified system just won't boot up.
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs

aidy.lucas said:
Nope highly unlikely, since dm-verity security was introduced on the z3+ all xperia devices after this require a unlocked bootloader for root. A modified system just won't boot up.
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hollywood!! So I shall wait no more? And unlock the bootloader? Because root with locked bootloader is just a myth now?

Zewarxx said:
Hollywood!! So I shall wait no more? And unlock the bootloader? Because root with locked bootloader is just a myth now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go ahead, don't forget to backup your TA partition / DRM keys before...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/universal-dirtycow-based-ta-backup-t3514236

sxtester said:
Go ahead, don't forget to backup your TA partition / DRM keys before...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/universal-dirtycow-based-ta-backup-t3514236
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aidy.lucas said:
Nope highly unlikely, since dm-verity security was introduced on the z3+ all xperia devices after this require a unlocked bootloader for root. A modified system just won't boot up.
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so after the searches, I did I found out the following:
1- first, since I'm on android 7.0 I need to downgrade to 6.0 in order to backup my TA ! wich I can do via Flashtool
2- I do the backup
3- I root the phone and restore the backup I did
4- I upgrade to android 7 and then I'm good to go!
my questions:
1-what will I lose after unlocking the bootloader? and if I restored the TA backup will that count as if i didn't unlock the bootloader?
2- how I will root the phone? with a custom kernel or is there any other way? and if with a kernel any advice?
3-shall I do the root before upgrading to android 7? or before? and will I be able to still get updates after the root? or i will have to do it through Flashing Ftf of the new updates?
4-anyone is running Xposed framework?
thanks so much in advance ))

im not sure what we lose after bootloader unlock.. From what i read on the androplus kernel thread, if you use androplus there is some amount of drm functionality restored. there is no clear consensus from what i have read, and being a ex-Z3 user im still paranoid about this as in Z3 without the DRM camera is basically ****.
no xposed for nougat yet - so that's out of question.

Zewarxx said:
so after the searches, I did I found out the following:
1- first, since I'm on android 7.0 I need to downgrade to 6.0 in order to backup my TA ! wich I can do via Flashtool
2- I do the backup
3- I root the phone and restore the backup I did
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then you are locked again ... Don't do that!
4- I upgrade to android 7 and then I'm good to go!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For every upgrade (via SONY's FTFs):
1. Flash FTF via Flashtool
2. flash suitable recovery and AndroPlus kernel (look in this forum and follow the instructions on AndroPlus' website)
3. boot into recovery, flash SuperSU and whatever you need
There should be a possibility to flash the devicekey (not the whole TA-partition!) to another partition to get the whole DRM-enchillada back. That does not work for me since it is not included in the FSC as of today.
my questions:
1-what will I lose after unlocking the bootloader? and if I restored the TA backup will that count as if i didn't unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you will loose when unlocking BL:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/loss-drm-keys-t2890936
At least the first two AFAIK are taken care of the DRM-Patch in AndroPlus's kernel.
2- how I will root the phone? with a custom kernel or is there any other way? and if with a kernel any advice?
3-shall I do the root before upgrading to android 7? or before? and will I be able to still get updates after the root? or i will have to do it through Flashing Ftf of the new updates?
4-anyone is running Xposed framework?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 see above, rinse and repeat for every new SONY Rom
3 same answer, since the modifications are overflashed by installing/flashing another ROM
4 I used to run XPrivacy, but ATM the granularity of options in MM and Nougat is enough for me -
there is no Xposed for Nougat ATM

DHGE said:
then you are locked again ... Don't do that!
For every upgrade (via SONY's FTFs):
1. Flash FTF via Flashtool
2. flash suitable recovery and AndroPlus kernel (look in this forum and follow the instructions on AndroPlus' website)
3. boot into recovery, flash SuperSU and whatever you need
There should be a possibility to flash the devicekey (not the whole TA-partition!) to another partition to get the whole DRM-enchillada back. That does not work for me since it is not included in the FSC as of today.
What you will loose when unlocking BL:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/loss-drm-keys-t2890936
At least the first two AFAIK are taken care of the DRM-Patch in AndroPlus's kernel.
2 see above, rinse and repeat for every new SONY Rom
3 same answer, since the modifications are overflashed by installing/flashing another ROM
4 I used to run XPrivacy, but ATM the granularity of options in MM and Nougat is enough for me -
there is no Xposed for Nougat ATM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your time and effort, well the reason I wanted the root is for the xposed and for the adblock only and since there's no xposed support yet I think it's not necessary to lose what I may lose just for the adblock ? thanks again