Hi there!
Apologies if there is an existing thread that covers this topic but I was unable to find anything so I decided to create one.
I'm based in Australia and currently using an Xperia XZ F8331 that is branded by my telco, Telstra.
What I would like to know is the following:
1. Where can I find official Sony ROMs? I would like to remove all traces of the Telstra branding, software, etc. and install the same ROM as would ship on the handset if purchased directly from Sony.
2. If there is such a ROM resource available and I successfully flash my handset, will I receive future software updates via OTA notifications as soon as Sony pushes them out into the world or will I still be waiting for my carrier to test and release their own update?
3. Are there any potential downsides from removing all traces of my carrier on my handset?
Essentially, I want my handset to be identical to one purchased directly from Sony with future updates still downloadable automatically and as quickly as Sony releases them.
Many thanks in advance for the help!
mouzii said:
Hi there!
Apologies if there is an existing thread that covers this topic but I was unable to find anything so I decided to create one.
I'm based in Australia and currently using an Xperia XZ F8331 that is branded by my telco, Telstra.
What I would like to know is the following:
1. Where can I find official Sony ROMs? I would like to remove all traces of the Telstra branding, software, etc. and install the same ROM as would ship on the handset if purchased directly from Sony.
2. If there is such a ROM resource available and I successfully flash my handset, will I receive future software updates via OTA notifications as soon as Sony pushes them out into the world or will I still be waiting for my carrier to test and release their own update?
3. Are there any potential downsides from removing all traces of my carrier on my handset?
Essentially, I want my handset to be identical to one purchased directly from Sony with future updates still downloadable automatically and as quickly as Sony releases them.
Many thanks in advance for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You can download them in "XperiFirm" software. However, to my experience, it's best to use XperiFirm that's inside Flashtool's latest version. It will only work on latest version (0.9.23.2). You can find it at flashtool's website (here) and then you need to update to latest by replacing x10flasher.jar
2. Short answer: No. In order to flash another ROM you need to unlock your device. It's better to backup your unique DRM keys before unlocking. You will always be able to update your ROM, however OTA will never work again, unless you go back to everything stock.
3. Absolutely not. In fact it's even healthy
quera said:
2. Short answer: No. In order to flash another ROM you need to unlock your device. It's better to backup your unique DRM keys before unlocking. You will always be able to update your ROM, however OTA will never work again, unless you go back to everything stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true for stock ROMs flashed with flashtool. You only need to unlock if you are flashing a custom ROM, or one based on stock that has been modified in some way. Flashtool can only flash completely stock ROMs in flashmode using files downloaded direct from Sony servers that are completely unmodified. Flashtool does NOT require you to unlock the device in order to do this.
Once you have flashed a FTF on flashtool you WILL still receive OTA updates.
Related
Hi.
Apologies for the obvious question, but I can't get past content-free articles and I can't find anything useful with my weak google-fu.
Now that the Lolipop is officially out for Z3 (and other phones) what is the best way for me to install on a on unrooted phone?
My device is unlocked D6633 Z3 dual sim (with no carrier restrictions) and I also have Mac + Sony Bridge installed and I have downloaded the Baltic image for Z3, but it's the right one - it is for D6603.
Is there an image for D6633 available?
Can someone point me to the right tutorial?
Is there a way to force Z3 to download the update, or to point it to an update?
I don't have any data on the phone yet, so I don't mind losing any settings, but once I upgrade, I would rather this was an official image that I can continue getting updates for.
The first thing I'd do would be backup the DRM keys.
After that, you need not worry about messing up and it makes everything a lot less risky.
If you have stock firmware, you could just flash the baltic image over and all should be well. But better wait for another opinion, I don't have that much experience with Sony phones, maybe there's a danger lurking...
yasockie said:
Hi.
Apologies for the obvious question, but I can't get past content-free articles and I can't find anything useful with my weak google-fu.
Now that the Lolipop is officially out for Z3 (and other phones) what is the best way for me to install on a on unrooted phone?
My device is unlocked Z3 dual sim (with no carrier restrictions) and I also have Mac + Sony Bridge installed and I have downloaded the Baltic image for Z3, but not sure if it's the right one.
Can someone point me to the right tutorial?
Is there a way to force Z3 to download the update, or to point it to an update?
I don't have any data on the phone yet, so I don't mind losing any settings, but once I upgrade, I would rather this was an official image that I can continue getting updates for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/development/d6603-5-0-2-flashable-stock-23-1-0-690-t3056361
danw_oz said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3/development/d6603-5-0-2-flashable-stock-23-1-0-690-t3056361
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick replies but my phone is not rooted and also D6633 not 6603. If possible, I'd rather not root, don't see the point in my case, to be honest. The linked guide requires some Wiindows software to root. Unfortunately I don't have access to a Windows machine today.
Given that the offiicial, signed images are out, do I really need to root, what's the advantage?
yasockie said:
Thanks for the quick replies but my phone is not rooted and also D6633 not 6603. If possible, I'd rather not root, don't see the point in my case, to be honest. The linked guide requires some Wiindows software to root. Unfortunately I don't have access to a Windows machine today.
Given that the offiicial, signed images are out, do I really need to root, what's the advantage?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't install firmware from D6603 on D6633.
radko93 said:
You can't install firmware from D6603 on D6633.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm saying - the link OP posted is for D6603 firmware.
yasockie said:
That's what I'm saying - the link OP posted is for D6603 firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you must wait for an update for your device.
radko93 said:
So you must wait for an update for your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry yes I missed that you were referring to the dual sim model, I miss read it.
So once the update becomes available, download a FTF for your phone, then flash that using flashtool straight over top, search for details on how to use flashtool. You don't need to be rooted, there are pinned references in the Z3 sections
Hi guys,
so as you are receiving Android 5.0.2 I spoke with my carrier today to find you that they are still waiting for Sony to provide the test software. This means more waiting for me. I'm thinking of updating following this manual - http://techbeasts.com/2015/03/16/update-sony-xperia-z3-compact-d5803-official-android-502-lollipop-231a0690-firmware-how-to/
Before I do it I have a few questions:
1. When I update using this method am I going to lose all the apps and setting that I'm using now?
2. If I choose sets say the german version of 5.0.2, does this mean that in the future I will receive OTA updates alongside the phones running this version out of the box?
Thanks in advace.
shtepsel said:
Hi guys,
so as you are receiving Android 5.0.2 I spoke with my carrier today to find you that they are still waiting for Sony to provide the test software. This means more waiting for me. I'm thinking of updating following this manual - http://techbeasts.com/2015/03/16/update-sony-xperia-z3-compact-d5803-official-android-502-lollipop-231a0690-firmware-how-to/
Before I do it I have a few questions:
1. When I update using this method am I going to lose all the apps and setting that I'm using now?
2. If I choose sets say the german version of 5.0.2, does this mean that in the future I will receive OTA updates alongside the phones running this version out of the box?
Thanks in advace.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would just point out that that thread you linked to states that it is specifically for the Z3c. That is a different device to the Z3
However, you can just flash a FTF for the Z3 found in flashtool (Or the mega collection thread) using flashtool.
You will lose all data on your phone unless you choose to not wipe data.
You will receive updates as if you had the phone with the firmware you install on it.
But you can always flash the FTF for your carrier once it comes out
Greg
Thanks Greg.
So there is a way to avoid wiping the phone when updating with flashtool ?
shtepsel said:
Thanks Greg.
So there is a way to avoid wiping the phone when updating with flashtool ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Untick the box that says wipe data
If you get a load of FCs after the phone boots you will have to re-flash and then wipe data
I think I got it, but I would have to read a bit more before flashing.
Thanks again
Are there any disadvantages to flashing a different version of the firmware?
For example, I'm with Three, and although they now pride themselves on their phones being unlocked, they've still put their bloody splashscreen and other bits and pieces on the provided firmware on the phone! I'd rather have the generic UK version, but just making sure there'd be no issues with that.
None for me, My phone was with ROM for Mtel ( a Bulgarian carrier)that also claims the phone is unlocked. I flashed the central Europe ROM without any issues. Even kept all the files and apps from 4.4.4
Thanks for that, I'll have a look at some of the various firmwares available and make my choice!
Hi! I've decided that I'm going to upgrade my rooted Z3 (D6603) to Lollipop. I currently have a locked bootloader and I'm running Android 4.4.4 (23.0.A.2.93) which I rooted using Giefroot.
Now if I follow this tutorial, I can upgrade without unlocking. However, I'd prefer Stock Xperia at 5.1.1 (since its built for my specific hardware) over Generic. The problem is, there's no US T-Mobile 5.1.1 build for the D6603. The closest two builds are 5.1.1 Generic and 5.0.2 T-Mobile UK. I'm torn between these two options, as I can't seem to find any good list of pros/cons concerning Xperia vs. Generic and 5.0 vs. 5.1.
However, there is a third option I am considering. If I were to unlock my bootloader I could run CM12, which would be much better than both Stock Xperia and Generic IMO. The only issue with that is that I'm confused as to what I would end up loosing. I've backed up my DRM keys, but I don't know what good any of that is going to do for me. I've also seen that I may be able to restore functionality using this, but I'm worried I'd screw everything up, since I fully grasp what I'm doing. I also don't know if I could turn back and re-lock if anything were to go wrong.
So my question is: Which firmware do I flash? And what will I end up having to lose? My three options are as follows:
CyanogenMod 12 (After Unlocking the Bootloader)
Generic, Unbranded Android 5.1.1
Branded (T-Mobile UK) Android 5.0.2
There are NO differences between branded and un-branded Sony stock software. you can flash the "generic" variant (please be sure to match you phone model... d6603 and so on)
you can also update you phone with a flashable zip made of:
a stock sony FTF
Xzdr recovery
Supersu package
To do this you need: PRF creator ; Xperifirm (to download FTF's) ; Flashtool (to make FTF's) ; Xzdr Recovery Flashable package ; Supersu Package.
My experience with CM12 is terrible because you won't get any benefit over stock software, because stock is the most optimized / featured Rom for Z3. with CM12 be prepared to forget the "power on and play"
the "this" mod is a package to restore the features (the magic behind the DRM keys of stock roms only when you have lost your DRM keys. this mod cannot be used on non-Sony based software. DRM keys are lost forever if you do not backup them before bootloader unlock.
Just to verify before I go on with this: I won't need a unlocked bootloader, correct? All the links for Xzdr Recovery I can find state that they will brick a locked bootloader.
I'm in Vietnam and bought a Sony XZ, Model Number F8332, on Android 7.0, Baseband 8996-8996.genprodQ-00040-19.
Kernal version; 3.18.31-v01, [email protected]@(hastag)1. Build number RomAur v4.3.
My questions are,
1, can I revert it back to it's original software?( are any warrantys affected?)
2, when I connect it to my laptop and sync to sony's Xperia Companion software, it asks to update to new software, can I go ahead and update or will it mess up?
Anything more than some basic instructions would be way over my head.
Thanks for any help.
You can flash Stock Rom with Flashtool. If you search here, you will find more than enough informations
Your warranty is now gone.
Also, unless you have the TA backup from that specific device you will not be able to restore the TA and therefore you will lose functionality of camera and other DRM issues.
The best advice is to stay on the ROM you have or flash other custom ROMs that enable you to use the DRM fix. This is not possible on a stock ROM.
Also, since the bootloader has been unlocked you will not be able to update OTA or use xperia companion software.
Hey guys,
after all these good messages (like DRM Backup/fix etc.) i consider to root my device finally, like i did with my old Z1. but im also interested in the new pie update to test it out. So im asking myself for some weeks now:
Should i finally root or wait till the update? i heard about the problem of downgrading that, once u get the update you couldn't downgrade to the exploitable fw. What's more, I want to keep my warranty (i know that drm backup is working but the message, that my device cannot be trusted is still there at every boot). i use several banking apps that checks for root and my experience with magisk and root hiding weren't so good at all.
Thats my current situation. Should i root or not?
Irrespective of the Android Version, Rooting on XZP requires you to UNLOCK the bootloader and loosing your DRM KEYS.
so the solution is either xperifix or posts in XDA offering kernels of specific builds for you to flash.
1. lets say you are on OREO and unlock your bootloader, if you wana root that oreo version, you must find the post on XDA offering modded kernels W.R.T that buildnumber for you to flash and flash drmfix.zip & finally flash Magisk.
2. let say you are on PIE, again you will do the same, but I am not sure they already have modded kernels available on xda or not. so make sure!!!
the third option is always (disputed tool on xda known as) xperifix.
YasuHamed said:
Irrespective of the Android Version, Rooting on XZP requires you to UNLOCK the bootloader and loosing your DRM KEYS.
so the solution is either xperifix or posts in XDA offering kernels of specific builds for you to flash.
1. lets say you are on OREO and unlock your bootloader, if you wana root that oreo version, you must find the post on XDA offering modded kernels W.R.T that buildnumber for you to flash and flash drmfix.zip & finally flash Magisk.
2. let say you are on PIE, again you will do the same, but I am not sure they already have modded kernels available on xda or not. so make sure!!!
the third option is always (disputed tool on xda known as) xperifix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im aware that i have to unlock the BL and all that stuff that i have to flash, thats not the problem at all. im just not sure if i should wait for the update (since some people experience some problems and they said they couldn't downgrade) and root or not. im currently waiting for the OTA update since my provider is vodafone and they take their time before releasing the fw. the benefits of the new updates, that i heard, are just some fixes for Android, new design for the camera ui, full hd ultra slow mo and some ui changes on xperia home. or did i miss some new functions?
If you unlook the BL, OTA didn't work anymore : so you must upgrade the phone by yourself. Via newflasher or (if you've a ftf file flash tool) you can up and downgrade when ever you want. I didn't know exactly in this this moment, how to hold the user data.... you lost in this moment only the feature video enhanced (something with X-....) if you unlook the BL and upgrade to Pie