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Is downgrade possible?

Hi guys, just a couple noob questions:
I'm planning to update to Marshmallow but, if I don't like it can I go back to Lollipop?
This is because maybe I'll have bugs like most people here and also because I want to root it(when they find an exploit) and that can only be done while in Lollipop am I right?
Thank you for your help.

Yes you can go back to lollipop if you want by flashing lollipop firmware with flashtool.
There is root for MM.

Is there root?
But I have to unlock the bootloader right? I'll just wait until there's a way to root without doing that.

No that's not right if an exploit is found on marshmallow then there would not be need to go to lollipop unless the exploit was found on lollipop. Also marshmallow has far less bugs than lollipop. But as @gm007 said there is unlocked bootloader root and you can downgrade by flashing firmware with flashtool
Sent from my Xperia™ Z5 using Tapatalk

GeramanX said:
Is there root?
But I have to unlock the bootloader right? I'll just wait until there's a way to root without doing that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In case if you didn't know, if you're waiting for root without unlock because of the loss of functions e.g x-reality etc., check this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/sony-credentials-restore-unlocking-t3296383
(Sony credentials restore after unlocking the bootloader), It simulates the sony credentials to get the sony functions back.
If you are waiting for different reason, just ignore my post.

Fleet.tw said:
In case if you didn't know, if you're waiting for root without unlock because of the loss of functions e.g x-reality etc., check this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/sony-credentials-restore-unlocking-t3296383
(Sony credentials restore after unlocking the bootloader), It simulates the sony credentials to get the sony functions back.
If you are waiting for different reason, just ignore my post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your help guys, I'll update to Marshmallow and just keep waiting, I'm familiar with waiting since the PSP and PS3 era.

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...
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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

[Question][Request] Root for F8332 stock without unlocking BL?

Just as mentioned above. I dont mind waiting but just wanna ask is there anybody able to get it already? I've done some google, some pages offer a very 'detailed' instructions like just install TWRP using fastboot method then flash the SuperSU binary then bingo!! Some others state unlocking BL is required. Since to me xda is the only reliable source so I guess I will be looking for answers here.
Cheers

since the Z3+ and newer devices, root with lock bootloader is impossible at least for now.
btw, unlock bootloader is so easy for root, why not? Warranty?

tommy1616 said:
since the Z3+ and newer devices, root with lock bootloader is impossible at least for now.
btw, unlock bootloader is so easy for root, why not? Warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... DRM keys thing is what i concern. AFAIK im gonna have to give up some features if i lose it so...
Btw it'd be appreciated if u could share some posts about re-locking bootloader and backing up/restoring DRM keys, especially for this new Xperia XZ.

boydzethuong said:
Well... DRM keys thing is what i concern. AFAIK im gonna have to give up some features if i lose it so...
Btw it'd be appreciated if u could share some posts about re-locking bootloader and backing up/restoring DRM keys, especially for this new Xperia XZ.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This kernel have DRM Patch
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz/development/kernel-andropluskernel-v01-t3475240
But.... If unlocked bootloader, DRM keys well loss
and no backup way in marshmallow with no root at the least

tommy1616 said:
This kernel have DRM Patch
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz/development/kernel-andropluskernel-v01-t3475240
But.... If unlocked bootloader, DRM keys well loss
and no backup way in marshmallow with no root at the least
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what im worrying haha. Guess i'll wait, patiently, for a talent shows up
Someone just pls pls find a way to have it rooted without unlocking BL, or just a way to back up TA BEFORE unlocking for the sake of DRM keys sh!t then nothing would stop me from enjoying root

boydzethuong said:
That's what im worrying haha. Guess i'll wait, patiently, for a talent shows up
Someone just pls pls find a way to have it rooted without unlocking BL, or just a way to back up TA BEFORE unlocking for the sake of DRM keys sh!t then nothing would stop me from enjoying root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been waiting for over 3mths for some progress on backing up the ta keys on all the x range(I have the xa) I don't see it ever happening to be honest and I've made the mistake of loosing ta keys before I won't be doing it again.
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs

[noob question] unlocking the bootloader

Hi all.
I've got my XZ since one week now, and I'm missing the possibilities of rooting my device.
My Z2 was LB, so I never could ever try to unlock my bootloader. therefore, I don't know anything about it.
I've read a lot of thread here and there, and some points are not that clear to me.
Will the procedure of unlocking the bootloader erase everything in the phone (like photos, contacts, etc...)?
Unlocking the bootloader will kill the DRM keys forever, if I understood well. but flashing Androplus Kernel will recover them, right?
Is it possible to relock the booltloader after? if yes, will the DRM keys be restored?
Last thing, to be sure of what I should do.
1-unlock the bootloader with IMEI via sony site.
2-install TWRP via adb command
3-flash Androplus kernel.
Am I right, or do I miss something?
Thanks for your help, and sorry for the noobish questions.

sensei_sai said:
Hi all.
I've got my XZ since one week now, and I'm missing the possibilities of rooting my device.
My Z2 was LB, so I never could ever try to unlock my bootloader. therefore, I don't know anything about it.
I've read a lot of thread here and there, and some points are not that clear to me.
Will the procedure of unlocking the bootloader erase everything in the phone (like photos, contacts, etc...)?
Unlocking the bootloader will kill the DRM keys forever, if I understood well. but flashing Androplus Kernel will recover them, right?
Is it possible to relock the booltloader after? if yes, will the DRM keys be restored?
Last thing, to be sure of what I should do.
1-unlock the bootloader with IMEI via sony site.
2-install TWRP via adb command
3-flash Androplus kernel.
Am I right, or do I miss something?
Thanks for your help, and sorry for the noobish questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey sensei_sai,
Im unsure if unlocking will erase your data but its always best to backup everything in the internal memory just in case something goes wrong.
Androplus will NOT recover your DRM keys but kernels with DRM fixes try to replicate the features that are permanently lost as a result of unlocking your boot-loader.
In the future it may be possible for you to re-lock the boot-loader but even then this wont restore DRM keys, the only way to restore DRM keys would be to back up your TA partition (This contains your DRM keys) before you unlock your boot-loader but to do this you need root access with your boot-loader still locked.
How to backup TA
Unfortunately at this time nobody has figured out a way to get root with a locked boot-loader although a newly found exploit (Dirty cow) may help us do this very soon so if you care about re-locking and keeping your DRM keys I advise waiting until a locked boot-loader root solution is around!

Sonic Dash said:
Hey sensei_sai,
Im unsure if unlocking will erase your data but its always best to backup everything in the internal memory just in case something goes wrong.
Androplus will NOT recover your DRM keys but kernels with DRM fixes try to replicate the features that are permanently lost as a result of unlocking your boot-loader.
In the future it may be possible for you to re-lock the boot-loader but even then this wont restore DRM keys, the only way to restore DRM keys would be to back up your TA partition (This contains your DRM keys) before you unlock your boot-loader but to do this you need root access with your boot-loader still locked.
How to backup TA
Unfortunately at this time nobody has figured out a way to get root with a locked boot-loader although a newly found exploit (Dirty cow) may help us do this very soon so if you care about re-locking and keeping your DRM keys I advise waiting until a locked boot-loader root solution is around!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply.
Too bad for the TA partition.
So we have two possibilities. Take the risk of loose some features forever, but benefit of the root or wait till someone make some magic to use an exploit to obtain root without unlocking the bootloader.
Risk and go... Or wait and safe... Dilemma...
Sent from my Xperia XZ

I think that the era of DRM lock is over, we've been using DRM fixes for all the latest xperia phones, the dirty cow is a bad exploit and it's more dangerous than useful.
I was unsure about unlocking the bootloader but now that I did it, I rooted and I regret nothing, the only downside of unlocking is the warranty loss, but who cares as long as the phone doesn't magically explode.

Venom71 said:
I think that the era of DRM lock is over, we've been using DRM fixes for all the latest xperia phones, the dirty cow is a bad exploit and it's more dangerous than useful.
I was unsure about unlocking the bootloader but now that I did it, I rooted and I regret nothing, the only downside of unlocking is the warranty loss, but who cares as long as the phone doesn't magically explode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point for you... I think i will take the risk.
Sent from my Xperia XZ

I'm about to....

sensei_sai said:
Good point for you... I think i will take the risk.
Sent from my Xperia XZ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
caqo71 said:
I'm about to....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so did the bootloader unlock erase your data? Did you use the sony way or Flashtool?

I wrote a complete guide just here : https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz/how-to/how-to-unlock-bl-kernel-twrp-root-t3541648
Please use the search

nathan30 said:
I wrote a complete guide just here : https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz/how-to/how-to-unlock-bl-kernel-twrp-root-t3541648
Please use the search
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I've seen that guide, seems like it's not possible to unlock bootloader without factory reset.

tempurastyle said:
Thank you, I've seen that guide, seems like it's not possible to unlock bootloader without factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's not possible

tempurastyle said:
Thank you, I've seen that guide, seems like it's not possible to unlock bootloader without factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but it worth it!! Save all your datas and go for it!

Unlock bootloader

Good afternoon friends.
I have a consultation, if unlock my bootloader I lose amenities that in the cell? I remember in the Xperia z1 Yes is lost features, and I have want to install mods in my Xperia xz, but without losing the characteristics especially camera that I love. Thanks in advance.
Translated by Google.

@NicoCardonaM Yes you'll lose your drm keys by unlocking the bootloader and some functionality too.
Good news is that there are work-arounds The best solution is to downgrade to MM with flashtool before unlocking and backup your TA partition and keys. Then you can use TA POC tool to inject your TA and modify the stock kernel to keep your bootloader unlocked with all the features. You can also restore the TA partition if you ever need warranty support, and the bootloader will relock like you never unlocked it
If it's too late for you to backup the DRM keys there are kernels that include DRM-FIX, you'll get pretty much all the functionality back, but your unique keys will be lost forever and warranty too.
TA backup tool: https://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/universal-dirtycow-based-ta-backup-t3514236
TA POC tool: https://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/poc-real-trim-instead-drm-fix-t3552893
If you already unlocked and it's too late to backup your keys you can use something like this:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz/development/kernel-dm-verity-ric-drm-keys-t3672452
Please read carefully before proceeding, backup your phone and all important stuff and you'll have to factory reset more than once probably...

NicoCardonaM said:
Good afternoon friends.
I have a consultation, if unlock my bootloader I lose amenities that in the cell? I remember in the Xperia z1 Yes is lost features, and I have want to install mods in my Xperia xz, but without losing the characteristics especially camera that I love. Thanks in advance.
Translated by Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XZ has DRM FIX in KERNEL LEVEL so even when drmkeys are LOST you can MOCK it and ALL PREMIUM FEATURES will WORK!
you can however
1. downgrade XZ on Android 6 ( MM ) and user UNIVERSAL TA BACKUP V2 script (AKA dirtycow scrip) to EXTRACT drm keys ( A file with .img extension having filesize approx 2mb )
my xperience
I have the TA.img file with me! but i never used it (YET) to enable Premium features since DRM FIX is doing job at kernel level.
however ONE DAY IF I WANT TO RE LOCK MY BOOTLOADER TO SELL THE DEVICE, I NEED TA.IMG TO RECLOCK MY BOOTLOADER