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Help restoring OTA

Hi,
About a year ago I got fed up with Verizon constantly messing with my rooted phone, which I was completely happy with as it was, with their OTA updates. I used some of the guides on here to stop the OTA's and after some trial and error finally got them to stop bugging me. The phone is running Kitkat 4.4.2.
Now a year later I bought a new car and in order for the phone to work with the car it needs to be running at least Lollipop 5.0 but I cannot get the phone to update. I know I used Titanium, the full version, to freeze some of the OTA entries and I tried unfreezing them to no effect. I know I used another program to freeze some of the OTa options but I do not remember what it was. I have also tried doing multiple factory resets and I have tried to update it using Kies. Nothing works. I also used Odin and flashed the stock 4.4.2. Had no effect.
Appreciate any help. I am not that tech savvy but I can usually follow instructions well if anyone can help me out.
Thank you.

If you used Odin to flash an image, whatever you did to freeze the OTA function was completely undone. That's clearly not your problem.
Just follow the instructions in this thread to flash the latest Lollipop image provided, and then root it. http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370

painiac said:
If you used Odin to flash an image, whatever you did to freeze the OTA function was completely undone. That's clearly not your problem.
Just follow the instructions in this thread to flash the latest Lollipop image provided, and then root it. http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.

MM update with root

Hi,
apologies if this has been asked before. I have received messages to update to marshmallow OTA, but my phone has an unlocked bootloader and is rooted. From what I understand the bootloader is not a problem, but the rooted phone is. I have also seen references to TCRW recovery, but I'm not sure if I have that (I forget now how I rooted the phone...)
So what steps should I take in order to update? Is it easier to just download and flash the MM firmware directly, or should I unroot the phone and then do it OTA? Easy instructions for either approach would be much appreciated!
Thanks.

eelgc said:
Hi,
apologies if this has been asked before. I have received messages to update to marshmallow OTA, but my phone has an unlocked bootloader and is rooted. From what I understand the bootloader is not a problem, but the rooted phone is. I have also seen references to TCRW recovery, but I'm not sure if I have that (I forget now how I rooted the phone...)
So what steps should I take in order to update? Is it easier to just download and flash the MM firmware directly, or should I unroot the phone and then do it OTA? Easy instructions for either approach would be much appreciated!
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need stock recovery and an unrooted phone to apply the update. You can flash stock MM firmware and then get the OTA. WAIT FOR SOMETIME.

Hi, thanks for the reply. Is there any way of unrooting without relocking the bootloader? It would make it easier to reroot once I upgrade to MM I imagine, but all the instructions I can find online do both - any links to a reliable set of instructions would also be appreciated!

eelgc said:
Hi, thanks for the reply. Is there any way of unrooting without relocking the bootloader? It would make it easier to reroot once I upgrade to MM I imagine, but all the instructions I can find online do both - any links to a reliable set of instructions would also be appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not, actually can not, relock the bootloader. You just need stock recovery, meaning no TWRP, and remove root and any significant changes made to the system with root.
There are no real instructions needed and it kind in some ways depends what you have done with root... if you have done heavy modifications to /system then you might as well just reflash the factory image. If you have done only a handful things, you MIGHT be able to take the OTA if you undo them, such as remove Xposed and it's modules, use the SuperSU app to do a full unroot (it's an option in the menu, just look for it), and you have to find the stock recovery for you device and flash it with fastboot.
There is no step-by-step tutorial because every situation is different, everyone does different things to their phone... If you are unsure you can do it, perhaps just flashing the factory image will do what you need? It will wipe everything, but nothing you can do will lock/relock your bootloader.

Thanks for the explanation, that makes sense. Some of the links I found implied that you could relock the bootloader (with 'fastboot oem lock begin'), but in any case, I think that step can be skipped anyway, and everything else seems straightforward.
I actually haven't done anything with root except install adaway (from what I remember! nothing fancy in any case), and am still on stock firmware, so will just do as you suggest and unroot with supersu and flash the stock firmware..
Cheers!
acejavelin said:
You do not, actually can not, relock the bootloader. You just need stock recovery, meaning no TWRP, and remove root and any significant changes made to the system with root.
There are no real instructions needed and it kind in some ways depends what you have done with root... if you have done heavy modifications to /system then you might as well just reflash the factory image. If you have done only a handful things, you MIGHT be able to take the OTA if you undo them, such as remove Xposed and it's modules, use the SuperSU app to do a full unroot (it's an option in the menu, just look for it), and you have to find the stock recovery for you device and flash it with fastboot.
There is no step-by-step tutorial because every situation is different, everyone does different things to their phone... If you are unsure you can do it, perhaps just flashing the factory image will do what you need? It will wipe everything, but nothing you can do will lock/relock your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

eelgc said:
Thanks for the explanation, that makes sense. Some of the links I found implied that you could relock the bootloader (with 'fastboot oem lock begin'), but in any case, I think that step can be skipped anyway, and everything else seems straightforward.
I actually haven't done anything with root except install adaway (from what I remember! nothing fancy in any case), and am still on stock firmware, so will just do as you suggest and unroot with supersu and flash the stock firmware..
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relocking the bootloader was possible with some older Moto G models, but I believe everyone with the 3rd Gen that has tried it has failed. Make sure any tutorials or guides you use are for the Moto G 3rd Generation or 2015 model, although previous models are similar there are definite differences.

I just ordered Moto G Turbo (which is probably the same as the normal Moto G 2015 phone.)
Quick question: I would like to keep it as stock, since it is for my parents' use. If I update it to the latest OTA (6.x), will I lose ability to unlock the BL?
Coming from the Droid's background, unlocking the BL is a complicated affair. But I hear things are simpler with the 'normal' Motos.

New to Linux, wanting to root and or flash, Xperia Z5 Android 6.0.1

Hello, this is my first post on XDA forums so take it easy on me. Recently I've started taking interest in rooting my Xperia Z5. However I don't really know much at all about Linux, and I've never rooted an android device before. I am actually a coder, in fact I'm using a laptop with a HEAVILY modded version of Win10, and with several apps of my own. I've only recently, about a few months ago, bought a decent android phone. I got the Xperia Z5 off eBay for a good price, brand new for a couple hundred bucks. I'm interested in slowly learning basic coding and hacking on android, so I figured I'd go with the first major step and getting it rooted so I can actually mod the thing. The operating system is nice, doesn't have much bloatware, but I'd like to flash a new ROM on it. I've dug around a bit, and I've seen a few root and flash methods, but I really don't have any idea which one is trusted, or which would be the most stable option. I figured my best option would be to signup here, and ask for some advice. I saw ROMX here on the forums, and it looked very promising. But since I'm new to all this, I thought it would be wise for me to ask for advice on where to start what what would be a good rom to flash. I have the E6603 Model, Android 6.0.1, with the April 1, 2016 security patch. And yes, I do fully understand the risks and dangers as well as security concerns of rooting, and flashing. But to be honest, I probably do far more dangerous things on a weekly basis. I thank you all for your time, any help is appreciated.

spynathan said:
Hello, this is my first post on XDA forums so take it easy on me. Recently I've started taking interest in rooting my Xperia Z5. However I don't really know much at all about Linux, and I've never rooted an android device before. I am actually a coder, in fact I'm using a laptop with a HEAVILY modded version of Win10, and with several apps of my own. I've only recently, about a few months ago, bought a decent android phone. I got the Xperia Z5 off eBay for a good price, brand new for a couple hundred bucks. I'm interested in slowly learning basic coding and hacking on android, so I figured I'd go with the first major step and getting it rooted so I can actually mod the thing. The operating system is nice, doesn't have much bloatware, but I'd like to flash a new ROM on it. I've dug around a bit, and I've seen a few root and flash methods, but I really don't have any idea which one is trusted, or which would be the most stable option. I figured my best option would be to signup here, and ask for some advice. I saw ROMX here on the forums, and it looked very promising. But since I'm new to all this, I thought it would be wise for me to ask for advice on where to start what what would be a good rom to flash. I have the E6603 Model, Android 6.0.1, with the April 1, 2016 security patch. And yes, I do fully understand the risks and dangers as well as security concerns of rooting, and flashing. But to be honest, I probably do far more dangerous things on a weekly basis. I thank you all for your time, any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/general/guide-rooting-unlocking-bootloader-t3354307
there is this which i followed to root my Z5 but with marshamall you do have to have a unlocked bootloader so you can use systemless root, it isnt neccisary to downgrade and backup your DRM but it is advised since sony doesnt seemingly like wanting to repair phones with missing DRM
basic how to:
- Download flashtool and a FTF of your choice
- use flashtool the extract the kernel.sin using tools > sin extractor (you will have to open the FTF file in winrar or something like to copy it)
~ you should get a kernel.elf when extracted
you can then use rootkernel to repack the kernel with a recovery menu like twrp and also disable some system verification stuff that will prevent things from working or the phone booting
this is when you need a unlocked bootloader
- from there you can flash your kernel and boot the device and flash superSU systemless (from the recovery menu )unless you havent downloaded that already
~ you can get to the recovery menu by pressing volume up while the yellow LED shows up on the bootsplash
i may have missed some stuff but that guide I linked has everything i explained here ^ this above is how ive rooted my phone and re-rooted when needed

Envious_Data said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/general/guide-rooting-unlocking-bootloader-t3354307
there is this which i followed to root my Z5 but with marshamall you do have to have a unlocked bootloader so you can use systemless root, it isnt neccisary to downgrade and backup your DRM but it is advised since sony doesnt seemingly like wanting to repair phones with missing DRM
basic how to:
- Download flashtool and a FTF of your choice
- use flashtool the extract the kernel.sin using tools > sin extractor (you will have to open the FTF file in winrar or something like to copy it)
~ you should get a kernel.elf when extracted
you can then use rootkernel to repack the kernel with a recovery menu like twrp and also disable some system verification stuff that will prevent things from working or the phone booting
this is when you need a unlocked bootloader
- from there you can flash your kernel and boot the device and flash superSU systemless (from the recovery menu )unless you havent downloaded that already
~ you can get to the recovery menu by pressing volume up while the yellow LED shows up on the bootsplash
i may have missed some stuff but that guide I linked has everything i explained here ^ this above is how ive rooted my phone and re-rooted when needed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks! I'll try it first thing tomorrow after work.

Ok so I've gotten everything done, backed up my drm unlocked the bootloader, and what not. Got to the last bit and I can't seem to get fastboot to work, it just says waiting for device. I've tried reinstalling all the drivers a few times, but nothing worked. Flashtool recognized the device, just couldn't get fastboot to recognize it. I'm running windows 10, I've made sure all the drivers are there but still no go. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I'm kinda stuck atm. EDIT, I found a fix for my case. Even though the drivers were installed, for some reason they weren't being read. Anyway all working now, thanks again.

spynathan said:
Ok so I've gotten everything done, backed up my drm unlocked the bootloader, and what not. Got to the last bit and I can't seem to get fastboot to work, it just says waiting for device. I've tried reinstalling all the drivers a few times, but nothing worked. Flashtool recognized the device, just couldn't get fastboot to recognize it. I'm running windows 10, I've made sure all the drivers are there but still no go. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I'm kinda stuck atm. EDIT, I found a fix for my case. Even though the drivers were installed, for some reason they weren't being read. Anyway all working now, thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
atleast on windows 10 i found that i had to disable driver signature verifacation and sometimes i had to run command prompt in admin

How to Update to 7.1.1 on a Rooted, Unlocked Bootloader, Google Play Pixel?

I have a rooted, bootloader unlocked Pixel from Google Play. I am currently on 7.1 (NDE63V) November 5th security patch. I have stock recovery and would like to keep it that way if possible.
Can someone please provide step-by-step instructions on how to update to 7.1.1 without losing root or the unlocked bootloader? I used adb and boot-to-root for my current root method if it matters.
Many thanks in advance for any assistance. If a thread with the requested info already exists, please feel free to just post a link to it.

spook2022 said:
I have a rooted, bootloader unlocked Pixel from Google Play. I am currently on 7.1 (NDE63V) November 5th security patch. I have stock recovery and would like to keep it that way if possible.
Can someone please provide step-by-step instructions on how to update to 7.1.1 without losing root or the unlocked bootloader? I used adb and boot-to-root for my current root method if it matters.
Many thanks in advance for any assistance. If a thread with the requested info already exists, please feel free to just post a link to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will lose root, but you can re-root easily enough. Bootloader doesn't relock on its own. Plus, you have the Google Store version, so it's easy to unlock BL anyway. To me, the cleanest and easiest method is to use the flash-all method, with the -w switch removed. Download the 7.1.1 image from the Google developers site and go at it. You can search for 'flash-all google pixel' here or on the web in general to get directions. It's easy as pie.

quangtran1 said:
You will lose root, but you can re-root easily enough. Bootloader doesn't relock on its own. Plus, you have the Google Store version, so it's easy to unlock BL anyway. To me, the cleanest and easiest method is to use the flash-all method, with the -w switch removed. Download the 7.1.1 image from the Google developers site and go at it. You can search for 'flash-all google pixel' here or on the web in general to get directions. It's easy as pie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got an unlocked Verizon Pixel running the non Verizon stock ROM (I know the bootloader won't relock itself with the non-Verizon ROM, right?). what if you are using a computer that can't use the ./flash-all.sh script? My only 2 computers are a Chromebook (1GB RAM) and a Raspberry Pi 3 (again, 1GB RAM). The flash-all script always gives an error saying it can't allocate enough memory, and with my old Nexus 6P, before I started using Custom ROMs, I'd just extract the image zip and manually flash the .img files inside it. With the Pixel however, there are a lot of img files (aboot.img, apdp.img, etc) and I'm not sure if I should try flashing these or not. I've read a couple less than reliable guides out there that basically said to just flash the same .img files as the Nexus 6P used, but I feel that those other ones are probably their for a reason and might need to be flashed too.
Also, should I flash both _a and _b partitions when updating, or just whichever is active? Seems that there is an _a and _b for almost every single partition on it.

lightmastertech said:
I've got an unlocked Verizon Pixel running the non Verizon stock ROM (I know the bootloader won't relock itself with the non-Verizon ROM, right?). what if you are using a computer that can't use the ./flash-all.sh script? My only 2 computers are a Chromebook (1GB RAM) and a Raspberry Pi 3 (again, 1GB RAM). The flash-all script always gives an error saying it can't allocate enough memory, and with my old Nexus 6P, before I started using Custom ROMs, I'd just extract the image zip and manually flash the .img files inside it. With the Pixel however, there are a lot of img files (aboot.img, apdp.img, etc) and I'm not sure if I should try flashing these or not. I've read a couple less than reliable guides out there that basically said to just flash the same .img files as the Nexus 6P used, but I feel that those other ones are probably their for a reason and might need to be flashed too.
Also, should I flash both _a and _b partitions when updating, or just whichever is active? Seems that there is an _a and _b for almost every single partition on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a ChromeBook but I've never used it to fastboot my phones. Sorry but I'll refrain from giving instructions on something with which I'm not familiar. I can say that the bootloader won't relock by itself. And the boot.img image should be all you need. Those points are universal. Also, you can just flash the 7.1.1 OTA, which is only 260mb.

quangtran1 said:
I have a ChromeBook but I've never used it to fastboot my phones. Sorry but I'll refrain from giving instructions on something with which I'm not familiar. I can say that the bootloader won't relock by itself. And the boot.img image should be all you need. Those points are universal. Also, you can just flash the 7.1.1 OTA, which is only 260mb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it rooted, and has modified system, doesn't the OTA update method fail?
And I actually use the Raspberry Pi for fastboot. Easier than trying to get my Chromebook's chroot to talk to talk to my phone's bootloader.

Hi
Whats about Flashfire? Can i download the Factory Image, deselect Boot and Recovery in Flashfire and flash it?
After this, can i flash the the SuperSU.zip with TWRP?

spook2022 said:
<snip>
Many thanks in advance for any assistance. If a thread with the requested info already exists, please feel free to just post a link to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you any idea how many threads there are regarding this? How many duplicate posts and the same question about 2 dozen times all in separate threads? And now we have another? Even if you can't search XDA for some unknown reason, here you go.
https://www.google.com/search?q=root+on+unlocked+pixel+7.1.1&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
Search terms from your OP ... root. on unlocked pixel 7.1.1
Can we please put an end to this question already?

bobby janow said:
Have you any idea how many threads there are regarding this? How many duplicate posts and the same question about 2 dozen times all in separate threads? And now we have another? Even if you can't search XDA for some unknown reason, here you go.
Search terms from your OP ... root. on unlocked pixel 7.1.1
Can we please put an end to this question already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went back and read my post again just to make sure I wasn't crazy, and sure enough I couldn't find where I asked how to root 7.1.1...
I did however ask "Can someone please provide step-by-step instructions on how to update to 7.1.1 without losing root or the unlocked bootloader?" So, posting a Google search on how to root 7.1.1 isn't exactly the help I was after. Regardless of your disgruntled, condescending reply to the whole matter, I did manage to achieve the end result I was originally after.

spook2022 said:
I went back and read my post again just to make sure I wasn't crazy, and sure enough I couldn't find where I asked how to root 7.1.1...
I did however ask "Can someone please provide step-by-step instructions on how to update to 7.1.1 without losing root or the unlocked bootloader?" So, posting a Google search on how to root 7.1.1 isn't exactly the help I was after. Regardless of your disgruntled, condescending reply to the whole matter, I did manage to achieve the end result I was originally after.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know you can not update without losing root.. You can however update without losing data and reroot just like you did the first time.

@spook2022 It's just so frustrating to see the same question over and over. It wasn't that condescending, but yes, it was disgruntled. I just like to search for these things myself because I learn a lot along the way. Might take me an hour or so for the answer but then I learned an hours worth of stuff. I do agree though that there should be a sticky like the Heisenberg thread in the n5x forum that gives step by step for everything. One thing I will say that perhaps a few people don't know is that the Pixel and the XL are basically the same regarding root, unlocking and updating. So if you don't find the answers here you might want to head over to that forum. There seems to be a dearth of information here.
Someone suggested that the forums be combined with separate sections for things specific to each device like battery life and display as well as Verizon vs Google brand differences. I originally thought not but I'm changing my mind. Nonetheless, take the frustration from whence it came. I'm sorry I insulted you, that was not my intention. If you found a link to your solution perhaps you can post it for others. There is bound to be a similar question within a day. (oh oh there I go again..)
edit: This is what I was talking about regarding the Pixel vs the XL forums. Anything by Chainfire regarding root is a must read if you are rooted and even if you are not as I am. http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/development/root-supersu-t3490156

Download the 7.1.1 NMF260 image from Google.
Extract the zip file into the adb folder on the PC.
Edit the flash-all.bat file to remove the -w switch so user data won't be deleted. You'll find this -w switch easily enough.
Put your Pixel into fastboot mode, using either power+volume down or via adb command.
Plug phone to PC if not already done so. Execute the flash-all batch file.
When that's done, you have 7.1.1 on your phone, along with new radio and new kernel. (actually, I'm not sure if Google even put out a new kernel.)
Then you can go back to re-root with whatever method you used previously.

Konfuzion said:
Download the 7.1.1 NMF260 image from Google.
<snip>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not the OTA coming from 7.1? Stock recovery according to the OP. Why go thru all the hassle unless you want a dirty flash? I know you say reroot after the install. I haven't been rooted in a few months now but I always used to unroot first for some reason before flashing a new image whether it be full image as you describe or an OTA. I'm sure it's not needed at this point, I was always leery of a bootloop. But with an unlocked bl it probably wouldn't matter since you could always recover if needed.

Konfuzion said:
Download the 7.1.1 NMF260 image from Google.
Extract the zip file into the adb folder on the PC.
Edit the flash-all.bat file to remove the -w switch so user data won't be deleted. You'll find this -w switch easily enough.
Put your Pixel into fastboot mode, using either power+volume down or via adb command.
Plug phone to PC if not already done so. Execute the flash-all batch file.
When that's done, you have 7.1.1 on your phone, along with new radio and new kernel. (actually, I'm not sure if Google even put out a new kernel.)
Then you can go back to re-root with whatever method you used previously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much.

bobby janow said:
...I was always leery of a bootloop. But with an unlocked bl it probably wouldn't matter since you could always recover if needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That right there is why I always unlock my bootloader's and hack Verizon's phones to have unlocked bootloaders. Always great to have the assurance that you can easily fix it if something ever breaks.
Sorry if that's a little off topic.

bobby janow said:
Why not the OTA coming from 7.1? Stock recovery according to the OP. Why go thru all the hassle unless you want a dirty flash? I know you say reroot after the install. I haven't been rooted in a few months now but I always used to unroot first for some reason before flashing a new image whether it be full image as you describe or an OTA. I'm sure it's not needed at this point, I was always leery of a bootloop. But with an unlocked bl it probably wouldn't matter since you could always recover if needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's on 7.1.0...63V..he can't apply the latest ota to 63V..he would have to apply each ota in order of their release.

kyle4269 said:
He's on 7.1.0...63V..he can't apply the latest ota to 63V..he would have to apply each ota in order of their release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe that to be correct. I think the 7.1.1 is cumulative. I'll double check though and edit later.
edit: You can go directly to the latest without incremental OTA flashes. Just sideload the OTA from recovery. Easy, peasy.
---------- Post added at 03:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:22 PM ----------
lightmastertech said:
That right there is why I always unlock my bootloader's and hack Verizon's phones to have unlocked bootloaders. Always great to have the assurance that you can easily fix it if something ever breaks.
Sorry if that's a little off topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always, always unlocked first thing I did. I even unlocked the unlockable S4 before the VZW firmware update. But lately I've been running locked. I have a banking app that will not run without passing SafetyNet. I know there are a couple of kernels that will bypass that check but I believe they will close that too eventually. The only thing I miss at this point is what you describe above. But the Pixel even from vzw, which I now have with the O update and therefore totally locked for now, is not full of bloat and runs rather well. So although I do root around these threads (no pun intended) it's merely for entertainment now and general knowledge.

bobby janow said:
I don't believe that to be correct. I think the 7.1.1 is cumulative. I'll double check though and edit later.
edit: You can go directly to the latest without incremental OTA flashes. Just sideload the OTA from recovery. Easy, peasy.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes it so much easier then.. Download the latest ota zip from https://developers.google.com/android/ota then you need to flash the 63V boot. Reboot to recovery. Follow the directions on the Google ota site to sideload the ota. Reboot back to Bootloader and flash the twrp boot image to boot.. Reboot to recovery. Install the supersu zip and reboot.. All rooted and to the latest build.

bobby janow said:
I always, always unlocked first thing I did. I even unlocked the unlockable S4 before the VZW firmware update. But lately I've been running locked. I have a banking app that will not run without passing SafetyNet. I know there are a couple of kernels that will bypass that check but I believe they will close that too eventually. The only thing I miss at this point is what you describe above. But the Pixel even from vzw, which I now have with the O update and therefore totally locked for now, is not full of bloat and runs rather well. So although I do root around these threads (no pun intended) it's merely for entertainment now and general knowledge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Luckily I'm with USAA and they are too slow with adopting new technology, just got chip debit cards 2 months ago, and they'd till don't have Android Pay, lol. If they did start using SafetyNet, I'd use the kernel patch in a heartbeat. It'll be a long time before Google fixes that since there's still a lot of devices that can't use verified boot, and Google doesn't want to become the new Apple, abandoning old device just to suit them.
Wife got the Verizon version of the Pixel as an early Xmas present from my parents, and I wouldn't let the Verizon sales person activate it for fear of getting 7.1.1 before I could unlock bootloader. Wouldn't let wife turn it on for a couple hours till I had the bootloader unlocked and had flashed Google's version of Android to keep Verizon from screwing with it. Viper4Android and all the awesome rooted featured are too good to give up. She'll be really happy when Xposed or custom ROMs start coming out for it cuz even the little features are great, like holding power button with screen off to turn on flashlight. (She's been stuck with locked phones for a while while I've had my Nexus 6P and is glad to finally get a rootable phone).

kyle4269 said:
That makes it so much easier then.. Download the latest ota zip from https://developers.google.com/android/ota then you need to flash the 63V boot. Reboot to recovery. Follow the directions on the Google ota site to sideload the ota. Reboot back to Bootloader and flash the twrp boot image to boot.. Reboot to recovery. Install the supersu zip and reboot.. All rooted and to the latest build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's about it. Personally I'd reboot right after the OTA flash then go back to bl and do the root process. Probably not needed though.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app

kyle4269 said:
That makes it so much easier then.. Download the latest ota zip from https://developers.google.com/android/ota then you need to flash the 63V boot. Reboot to recovery. Follow the directions on the Google ota site to sideload the ota. Reboot back to Bootloader and flash the twrp boot image to boot.. Reboot to recovery. Install the supersu zip and reboot.. All rooted and to the latest build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is that better or different than flashing the full image by using fastboot to flash bootloader and radio (if updated), then using
Code:
fastboot update <image>.zip
and leave off the -w to keep it from wiping.
Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't OTA updates fail if you've modified the system partition, like installing Viper4Android or other mods? I know that flashing the whole system image works no matter what which is why I use that method.

D6616, Possibly the worst phone to mess with! Hard bricked, absolutely lifeless!

I thought everything was fixable with flashtool as long as the bootloader is unlocked.. never been so wrong in my life.
Bought a used xperia z3 6166 t mobile version without knowing its support for custom roms (smh).. steps i did:
1)installed recovery.
2) rooted the device
3) unlocked the bootloader (successfully)
4) i thought i was ready to install custom roms like niaboc79's existenz which consequently I did, the phone did boot after that but was connecting in fastboot and flashboot so
5)using flashtool flash stock latest d6616 firmware and was back to step 1.
read somewhere that I could flash d6603 firmware because both phones have same specs so
6)flash d6603 firmware in order to get existenz working
7)flashtool gave some errors and failed
8)used fastboot to flash kernel
the device stops responding all of a sudden..
9) kept on charge for hours, still got nothing , no vibration, no lights , no hard rest via combination of buttons , nothing by pressing the yellow button inside the flap..
10) pc shows usb not recongnized after a couple of seconds of connecting ..
its been beyond frustrating going through the internet, scrolling through threads after thread but no avail.. people say at least the phone should be recognized by pc in any form other than usb not recongnized .. so I went to a local smartphone repair shop and gave it to him but he isnt too hopeful either.. I already have xperia z1c which i messed with so many times but it always responds to the flashtool.. but buying xperia z3 is literally the worst smartphone experience of my life!
is there any way to make this dead brick work again.. any unorthodox means to rewrite boot to make it jump start? any help is appreciated!

hash054 said:
I thought everything was fixable with flashtool as long as the bootloader is unlocked.. never been so wrong in my life.
Bought a used xperia z3 6166 t mobile version without knowing its support for custom roms (smh).. steps i did:
1)installed recovery.
2) rooted the device
3) unlocked the bootloader (successfully)
4) i thought i was ready to install custom roms like niaboc79's existenz which consequently I did, the phone did boot after that but was connecting in fastboot and flashboot so
5)using flashtool flash stock latest d6616 firmware and was back to step 1.
read somewhere that I could flash d6603 firmware because both phones have same specs so
6)flash d6603 firmware in order to get existenz working
7)flashtool gave some errors and failed
8)used fastboot to flash kernel
the device stops responding all of a sudden..
9) kept on charge for hours, still got nothing , no vibration, no lights , no hard rest via combination of buttons , nothing by pressing the yellow button inside the flap..
10) pc shows usb not recongnized after a couple of seconds of connecting ..
its been beyond frustrating going through the internet, scrolling through threads after thread but no avail.. people say at least the phone should be recognized by pc in any form other than usb not recongnized .. so I went to a local smartphone repair shop and gave it to him but he isnt too hopeful either.. I already have xperia z1c which i messed with so many times but it always responds to the flashtool.. but buying xperia z3 is literally the worst smartphone experience of my life!
is there any way to make this dead brick work again.. any unorthodox means to rewrite boot to make it jump start? any help is appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My sincerest apologize for your misfortune. I have not yet encountered this degree of issues. I am going to keep my bootloader locked I do believe. Just got this phone myself and I really wish I could help you. The TMO version of this phone is definitely the worst one I think given the lack of software support.
However I was wondering what method you followed to install recovery and if you attempted to install exposed.

arikdahn said:
My sincerest apologize for your misfortune. I have not yet encountered this degree of issues. I am going to keep my bootloader locked I do believe. Just got this phone myself and I really wish I could help you. The TMO version of this phone is definitely the worst one I think given the lack of software support.
However I was wondering what method you followed to install recovery and if you attempted to install exposed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
used the XZdualrecovery zip for locked bootloader.. it was fairly simple , did it twice without any problems! then used recovery to install superuser and update it binaries and the phone was rooted.. I didnt installed xposed because i want to upgrade from lollipop.. that I couldnt do! :crying:
May this thread be a warning to people who themselves arent developers but have a little knowledge about custom roms to do their homework before diving into things they cant get out of..

hash054 said:
used the XZdualrecovery zip for locked bootloader.. it was fairly simple , did it twice without any problems! then used recovery to install superuser and update it binaries and the phone was rooted.. I didnt installed xposed because i want to upgrade from lollipop.. that I couldnt do! :crying:
May this thread be a warning to people who themselves arent developers but have a little knowledge about custom roms to do their homework before diving into things they cant get out of..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will second the f*** out of this, but I will also add that recovery TYPICALLY protects you from a ton of heartache. Not this time huh? Well, I cannot get Kingroot off my frickin' phone. I think it may have been commandeered by China. The uninstall always fails. So I may be in the same boat as you. Not sure if I can install recovery with it on there or not, but I do know it and SuperSU do not play nicely. I am debating which would be more risky, factory resetting a rooted phone to get rid of kingroot, or attempting to install recovery with this scary AF root manager. What a pain in the ass.
So this is the procedure you followed?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60507399&postcount=171

arikdahn said:
I will second the f*** out of this, but I will also add that recovery TYPICALLY protects you from a ton of heartache. Not this time huh? Well, I cannot get Kingroot off my frickin' phone. I think it may have been commandeered by China. The uninstall always fails. So I may be in the same boat as you. Not sure if I can install recovery with it on there or not, but I do know it and SuperSU do not play nicely. I am debating which would be more risky, factory resetting a rooted phone to get rid of kingroot, or attempting to install recovery with this scary AF root manager. What a pain in the ass.
So this is the procedure you followed?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60507399&postcount=171
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No thats the rooting method.. I just simply flashed the recovery from http://nut.xperia-files.com/path/XZDualRecovery/XZDualRecovery_2.8.26 and just installed superuser and updated the binaries..
I did also have a problem with kingroot.. you can download the official ftf firmware for d6616 and just flash it in flashboot through flashtool.. its the only way to get rid of kingroot in my experience .. but I would give you caution to flash nothing else except official firmware through flashtool.. and do it only if you know how to handle it.. as far my experience is concerned, I did get rid of the kingroot this way not once but twice without problem .. its the stuff that followed bricked the phone.. also my bootloader was unlockable so it might have made a difference..maybe

hash054 said:
No thats the rooting method.. I just simply flashed the recovery from http://nut.xperia-files.com/path/XZDualRecovery/XZDualRecovery_2.8.26 and just installed superuser and updated the binaries..
I did also have a problem with kingroot.. you can download the official ftf firmware for d6616 and just flash it in flashboot through flashtool.. its the only way to get rid of kingroot in my experience .. but I would give you caution to flash nothing else except official firmware through flashtool.. and do it only if you know how to handle it.. as far my experience is concerned, I did get rid of the kingroot this way not once but twice without problem .. its the stuff that followed bricked the phone.. also my bootloader was unlockable so it might have made a difference..maybe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I guess I'll be doing that then. Thanks. So how do you flash that file without a recovery?
I do not know how to handle flash tool since I have only heard of it and never used it. It appears I'll be using it to get rid of kingroot. How does one learn how to handle it so's one doesn't go and mess anything up?
My bootloader is also unlockable but I don't wanna screw with all the things that unlocking it does to the phone so I'm leaving it alone. I like those features
Also did you ever try to remove bloat on the stock ROM? Everything I remove via titanium backup just reinstalls immediately after removal.
Sorry for all the questions instead of answers for you. You are one of the few still messing with this device and I appreciate all your help very much. All of the info on this forum is mostly applicable to when the phone came out. This means almost all of it only applies to android 4.4 or it doesn't apply to the T-Mobile variant b/c T-Mobile was less popular when this phone was a flagship and uses Wifi text/calling which requires special planning. That and the fact that the threads are several hundred pages long makes following along impossible and makes this site all but useless for these phones now.