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[Q] About Unlocking, Flashing and Rooting

Hi, I am new to XDA and this is my first ever post, so Devs, be easy on me.
I own a Sony Xperia SP device (c5302) which is currently running Android 4.3 (12.1.A.1.201) and I want to gain root access on my device.
I looked at several tutorials and videos and found that I need to have the Bootloader unlocked first of all. I am not sure about the exact procedure as every tutorial follows a slightly differently process.
Here are my questions as a newbie.
I want to know that what losses can I have if I try to unlock my bootloader?
After rooting, will I be able to get the same android and build version running on my device i.e. Android 4.3 and build 12.1.A.1.201?
Will I be able to get future updates from Sony that are shown in the phone as notifications as and when the updates arrive?
Is it possible to bring my phone back to the same condition it is in today? Like it was never rooted or the bootloader was never unlocked, because I want to avail warranty as well?

1. Warranty
2. Ofcourse
3. I think this is device / manufacturer specific...
4. You can always reflash to stock ROM, talking about bootloader some bootloaders can be unlocked but can't be relocked this is again device / manufacturer specific.

[Q] Z3 Root Reality Check

I've been watching the developer board regarding the root and locked bootloader issue, and I've spent hours researching this and have yet to find a solution that's known to work without loss of something, likely a permanent or semi permanent loss. My device is a Z3 model D6616. I'm unhappy with the phone for several other reasons, but haven't owned an un-rooted phone for some time, and prefer keeping this phone if I can root it successfully. Root with stock firmware is my objective and am only interested in responses from people that have themselves rooted (and dealt with bootloader issues) a Z3.
- Root phone installing current T-mobile stock firmware.
- Known loss of function: Sony DRM dependant features/funtion only (from memory, mostly related to camera low light performance and DRM playback issues)
- Other loss of function experienced with stock features, or any other problem with any other app. Especially concerned with root dependant features of Play apps? Also ad blockers?
- Waranty loss (potential) and loss of OTA updates understood.
- Feature/function loss with workarounds or fixed that survive power cycle?
- Expect permament bootlocker inability to relock
- A link to the specific process you used, any problems you encountered whatever the cause. For example it usually takes me at least 3 attempts to root using any complex process, and I always read through 5 times before starting and download every needed file and program in advance.
Again: Sony Xperia z3 D6616 T-mobile
Firmware: 4.4.4 23.0.3.1.123
Software: D6166 R16B
In the past, I've had the most problems when an understood part of a process is not explicitly stated, or I've ignored or misunderstood a step. Plugging and unplugging from usb to PC a typical example. I don't have the technical know how to critique or ignore, so always attempt to follow all instructions without variance. I've had some problems, and most were solved by starting the process again. I hesitate to ask for help since the last time I did that I was attacked for witholding information when asked if I had backed up the phone. Since i didn't have access to the PC at the time of the question I honestly answered I didn't know (since I had attempted to but couldn't confirm). If you've ever answered a question here implying the request or requester is stupid or dishonest, I'm fully aware of my ignorance and my own integrity, and other personality traits, so please ignore this request, which accepts my lack of knowlege and has no tolerance for your issues not previously resolved through your own peaceful and respectful process.
Please only respond if you have personally rooted this specific phone model. If you have not, but know someone who has, please ask them to review this post and respond.

Nobody has rooted this phone without unlocking the bootloader. If you unlock to root, you will permanently lose DRM keys from the TA partition with no way to recover. No current root method works on 4.4.4 on the Z3. No one knows when or if an exploit will be found. We all want root. If you want it now, unlock the bootloader. If you can wait, wait. It's your call either way. As soon as a root method surfaces, best believe it will be in these forums. I'll be waiting with you...

First of all, check *#*#7378423#*#* to see if you bootloader can be unlocked or not.
Coz I think 6616's bootloader is unlockable.

freddy1991 said:
First of all, check *#*#7378423#*#* to see if you bootloader can be unlocked or not.
Coz I think 6616's bootloader is unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true. D6616 owner here, T-MO not unlockable yet :/ eagerly awaiting root as well as I really enjoy the z3, maybe even more than my Nexus 6 (gasp, blasphemy!)

Thanks For the Responses
freddy you addressed my concern, exactly. My phone reports:
Rooting Status:
Boot Unlocker Allowed: No
Although variants of the z3 have been bootlocker unlocked and rooted, I have not found a clear claim that was successfully done with D6616 z3. Since I'm a new T-mobile customer, this and their attitude about it are a poor way to start. I have a HTC phone I haven't returned, maybe I can get them to take the Z3 back instead. While I have benefited from and appreciate the great work so many people have done to make our phones usable and available to us, I've seen how carriers, mfgs, and users push good phones to market crippled by junk and unecessarily locked down. it's time to consider the mamufacturers that have been successful building good phones and selling in places like China at much lower prices.
Regarding any loss of DRM, I couldn't care less. This phone takes worse low light photos and video than my rooted Samsung G3, making it functionaly useless to me. Add to that the lack of a rational UI for telephony and IM, and done with Sony.
To be clear, if the bootloader can be unlocked and the phone can be rooted and you have done this yourself, please post.

Well...
I think there is no way you could unlock the bootloader of 6616.
The only way is to wait for the root on locked bootloader.
Check here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2940539
But that means you have to stick in the .93 firmware, even if the exploit is also usable for Z3.
Or return your 6616 and buy a 6603 or 6653 variant.

BREAKING NEWS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/giefroot-rooting-tool-cve-2014-4322-t3011598

Man, No bootloader unlock = Useless phone

HORiZUN said:
BREAKING NEWS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/giefroot-rooting-tool-cve-2014-4322-t3011598
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58468332&postcount=815

I'm similarly confused about this whole thing, this new Giefroot program means we can all potentially get root for our devices, but we still lose the DRM keys right? So that means we can never have the Sony camera/image processing processes back again right?

Thwwack said:
I'm similarly confused about this whole thing, this new Giefroot program means we can all potentially get root for our devices, but we still lose the DRM keys right? So that means we can never have the Sony camera/image processing processes back again right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO
Unlocking the bootloader = loss of DRM
Rooting that does not involve unlocking the bootloader means you keep the DRM keys

gregbradley said:
NO
Unlocking the bootloader = loss of DRM
Rooting that does not involve unlocking the bootloader means you keep the DRM keys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'm new to Android and this is all over my head. To clarify, Giefroot does this without unlocking the bootloader?
It's all pretty frustrating, I gotta say... I'd love to install Cyanogenmod on this, but losing key features on the device is a pretty harsh trade off.

Thwwack said:
Thanks, I'm new to Android and this is all over my head. To clarify, Giefroot does this without unlocking the bootloader?
It's all pretty frustrating, I gotta say... I'd love to install Cyanogenmod on this, but losing key features on the device is a pretty harsh trade off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, giefroot does not unlock the boot. There is only one way to do that and that is to obtaining the code from sony and fastboot it either manually or using flashtool.

Delete

Z4 Bootloader unlocked but no root... Why?

*** Sorry for the double post... Admin pls. delete this one.... Thx! ***
Hi,
I unlocked the bootloader of my Z5 using Sony's official method (=receiving SONY unlock code after sending in the IMEI).
As you can tell from the enclosed screenshots, my phone is supposedly rooted - which is accomplished by unlocking the bootloader, isn't it? Unfortunately, any app I use to verify root is telling me I'm not (see attached png).
I've tried to find help (threads) in XDA on the web, but did not find anything that would explain this "phenomenon"... I'm at a total loss! Rooting past devices (plenty of other Android tablets and phones) has never been an issue - as it seems to be with the officially sanctioned SONY unlock process....
Anyone who can tell me what's going wrong?
Thanks much in advance!
AA

Mod, can you remove this pointless thread, dupe of Z5 one he created and off topic @MikeChannon

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...
Click to expand...
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

All my unsolved questions researching before XZ Premium Bootloader Unlock. Please read.

Hello,
I resort to the kindness and experience of the forum to be able to advise me on the basic questions about the experience of rooting the Sony XZ Premium (G8142), since I spent several hours reading and searching the forum for information, but everything that is there is scattered, then I would like to know from those who directly did it, if it is worth it. Also, in order to help other users who are looking for concise information, they can have this link as a reference to remove all the most common doubts that arise in one place.
My doubts are the following:
is it advisable to root?
I have been researching about the camera problems that for Android 9 no longer have them, but in another article it describes that we lose the video enhancement X-Reality, DSEE HX, ClearAudio +, Widevine L1. All this arises because a certain system partition (TA) is erased when we unlock the bootloader. Does anyone have info how he remedied all these leaks? Custom ROMs fix this?
DRM issues: This is also something that was not clear to me. First do Backup DRM; In order to be able to backup to the partition with the locked bootloader I still need to run the temporary root. For that I need to downgrade the system to version 8 (G8142_47.1.A.16.20). Then run command lines to create the backup with the help of the tool that a forum user created. Please if I'm wrong correct me.
* The question is first to downgrade (Android 8),
* temporary root,
* then create the backup.
* Unlock bootloader from sony page
* then to restore the backup again, or not? Does restoring the backup lock and leave the device to a previous state? (undoing the changes), or does it just fix the DRM problem?
* In short, is it advisable to unlock the bootloader with Android 9 or earlier?
* Is it advisable to create the DRM backup?
* In which case would I have to restore this backup?
I have also seen that they mention a paid software that does all the work by yourself I do not know if it is for Android 9, it is just a matter of connecting the device in fastboot mode, then it automatically executes twrp, root, repairs DRM, but the cost of the software in my country it is something difficult to pay, that is why I am gathering as much information as possible before executing any procedure.
Custom ROMs: Regarding the user experience, does anyone have information about the rom that is more stable and recommended for this device? Does it cover all the holes or bugs that it leaves when erasing DRM after unlocking the bootloader?
I hope the reference text of what I write can be understood since my native language is Latin American Spanish, and I am using the Google translator.
I would appreciate any kind of suggestion or experience in this regard. Thank you.

First of all, have you seen these threads:
[XZ1c/XZ1/XZp] temp root exploit to backup drm keys implemented
Tools to backup TA partition (drm keys) of Xperia XZ1 Compact by j4nn https://j4nn.github.io/ As everyone knows, bootloader unlock via code from sony removes drm keys. That disables certain functions, the most critical one being the camera...
forum.xda-developers.com
[XZp] rooted kernel hiding bootloader unlock with working fota
rooted kernel hiding bootloader unlock with working sony stock fw fota updates for Sony Xperia XZ Premium Firmware Over the Air system updates have been disabled/not working with sony xperia phones with unlocked bootloader. Also many sony...
forum.xda-developers.com
It's all there really, explained step by step. Thanks to @j4nn you can run stock firmware with superuser access concealed from the system so that it doesn't know the phone is unlocked, with all the DRM-restricted functionality still available.
The relative benefits of unlocking depend on your specific needs. But considering there are no more official updates, being able to use aftermarket firmware like this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rom-lineageos-18-1-unofficial-updated-2021-3-31.4221427/ already makes it worthwhile in my opinion.
The only drawback of an unlock is that there is a scary message displayed on every boot, which also adds 1 or 2 seconds to the startup sequence.
Regardless of whether you decide to unlock or not, there is no downside to having a TA backup. It might come useful one day.
All you need is Android Platform Tools (adb, fastboot), and: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tool-newflasher-xperia-command-line-flasher.3619426/ There is no need to pay for any of these, although you can donate to @j4nn and @munjeni: they both put a lot of effort into making this possible.

Aqq123 said:
First of all, have you seen these threads:
[XZ1c/XZ1/XZp] temp root exploit to backup drm keys implemented
Tools to backup TA partition (drm keys) of Xperia XZ1 Compact by j4nn https://j4nn.github.io/ As everyone knows, bootloader unlock via code from sony removes drm keys. That disables certain functions, the most critical one being the camera...
forum.xda-developers.com
[XZp] rooted kernel hiding bootloader unlock with working fota
rooted kernel hiding bootloader unlock with working sony stock fw fota updates for Sony Xperia XZ Premium Firmware Over the Air system updates have been disabled/not working with sony xperia phones with unlocked bootloader. Also many sony...
forum.xda-developers.com
It's all there really, explained step by step. Thanks to @j4nn you can run stock firmware with superuser access concealed from the system so that it doesn't know the phone is unlocked, with all the DRM-restricted functionality still available.
The relative benefits of unlocking depend on your specific needs. But considering there are no more official updates, being able to use aftermarket firmware like this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rom-lineageos-18-1-unofficial-updated-2021-3-31.4221427/ already makes it worthwhile in my opinion.
The only drawback of an unlock is that there is a scary message displayed on every boot, which also adds 1 or 2 seconds to the startup sequence.
Regardless of whether you decide to unlock or not, there is no downside to having a TA backup. It might come useful one day.
All you need is Android Platform Tools (adb, fastboot), and: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tool-newflasher-xperia-command-line-flasher.3619426/ There is no need to pay for any of these, although you can donate to @j4nn and @munjeni: they both put a lot of effort into making this possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for answering my question, you have clarified several points that I had scattered about.
I still have some doubts reading more comments on the links that you have suggested. Perhaps you have an answer to such doubts:
I have read that a user has lost video enhancements, perhaps because he did something wrong here:
temp root for drm keys backup - anybody still interested?
--- edit 2018-11-03 --- Tools to backup TA partition before bootloader unlock have been released. Just check the [XZ1c/XZ1/XZp] temp root exploit to backup drm keys implemented thread. --- Just wondering if there is already drm keys backup...
forum.xda-developers.com
post #72 sulistyoarif:
Only Video Image Enhancement didnt work for me.
I have seen some videos of the YouTube profile of the user j4nn where he has all the libraries without problems, working perfectly, including the improvements of the video image.
About the installation processes for firmware I did a clean installation of firmware version 9 latest compilation with Xperia flashtool without problems. Do you think that I will be able to downgrade with Xperia flashtool without problems with the libraries or some other? I think that the experience serves me more than the tutorials .
For what remains in my information I found this steps:
*downgrade
* no flash - persist.sin
1) Use temp root and backup TA image
2) Unlock bootloader
3) Flash Newest firmware (or choice of yours)
4) Setup phone temporary and copy magisk files to
phone
5) flash twrp and temporary boot with twrp
(fastboot boot twrp.img)
6) flash magisk and reboot
7) Check Root privilege
8) Restore TA image and check DRM
8.1) (optional) factory reset if any fc issue
"Now You have unlocked and rooted phone with full DRM Support including OTA Support.
Everything is tested and working for XZP and XZP Dual"
Thanks again for the help and taking the time to read my post.

@sergioemmr
It should work like you describe it, except with newflasher: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tool-newflasher-xperia-command-line-flasher.3619426/ FlashTool is for older devices.
That guy did something wrong, so don't be like him. Just follow @j4nn's instructions.
You can downgrade to an earlier firmware on this device, no problem here. Do not flash persist.sin like you said, and you're good to go. If you run into any problems, just post in that thread, and you'll get more people's attention.

Aqq123 said:
@sergioemmr
It should work like you describe it, except with newflasher: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tool-newflasher-xperia-command-line-flasher.3619426/ FlashTool is for older devices.
That guy did something wrong, so don't be like him. Just follow @j4nn's instructions.
You can downgrade to an earlier firmware on this device, no problem here. Do not flash persist.sin like you said, and you're good to go. If you run into any problems, just post in that thread, and you'll get more people's attention.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the deal with persist.sin? I used flash tool to downgrade and managed to extract the unlocked-ta file. Did I somehow void the TA key?