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[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

Honor 8 refusal to provide unlock code.

Just tried several times with honor support to get unlocked code before the so called deadline...they refused and said they will not be provided for phone from USA & Canada. Any thoughts about what is going on....

Donald Seguin said:
Just tried several times with honor support to get unlocked code before the so called deadline...they refused and said they will not be provided for phone from USA & Canada. Any thoughts about what is going on....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can try 
https://www.emui.com/en/plugin/unlock/index
I got my unock code that way a few weeks ago

thank you.
Will give that a try, are you using a North American phone ( Canada or USA) cause that seems to be what they are blocking for now.

Donald Seguin said:
Will give that a try, are you using a North American phone ( Canada or USA) cause that seems to be what they are blocking for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I'm not, I'm in Europe, but it's still worth a try

I just got my code earlier today so it's still working.

Chris (developer for Honor us) said they are not blocking codes at all. In fact, he's still in talks with the uppers trying to reverse the decision. You can easily find him on FB if you'd like to personally reach out to

mattyboyo said:
I just got my code earlier today so it's still working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You guys are correct, support was wrong they are still providing unlock codes...now that I have a code where do I input this in the phone to make sure it is unlocked. I have not done this before...so I will not be flashing A ROM on this just yet!

Donald Seguin said:
You guys are correct, support was wrong they are still providing unlock codes...now that I have a code where do I input this in the phone to make sure it is unlocked. I have not done this before...so I will not be flashing A ROM on this just yet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't know how to unlock bootloader or understand what comes with unlocking a bootloader, do some reading on other threads or do not attempt it at all you could break your phone.

krchi said:
If you don't know how to unlock bootloader or understand what comes with unlocking a bootloader, do some reading on other threads or do not attempt it at all you could break your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This much I know...unlock now to preserve the option of a stable Rom sometime in the future after Honor stops supporting the phone...I hate this planned obsolescence which is all too common with Android...

krchi said:
If you don't know how to unlock bootloader or understand what comes with unlocking a bootloader, do some reading on other threads or do not attempt it at all you could break your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do we still get OTA updates after unlocking the bootloader?
I want to stick to EMUI until OTA updates are stopped officially.

Donald Seguin said:
This much I know...unlock now to preserve the option of a stable Rom sometime in the future after Honor stops supporting the phone...I hate this planned obsolescence which is all too common with Android...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to use it now unless you wish to switch to custom ROMs or gain root.
Just keep it until you're ready to make the change. It can be used to unlock and relock as many times as you want.
Unlocking will force a wipe.

There are no stable ROMs at the moment anyway, and I doubt there will still be oldschool ones in the future.
As soon as Oreo is out for your region you could unlock and switch to Treble ROMs, but they're not stable for our phone yet either. Kirin's are fiddly to work with when it comes to custom roms, even with Treble support. Stock is always the best option.
Keep your unlock code somewhere safe, since (like someone already said) you can use and reuse it however often you want, and really stay on stock as long as you can. It's of no use for you to unlock/root right now.

Finally install TWRP without unlocking Bootloader with Code

Hello Guys,
long i searched for a method of unlocking the bootloader of eml-l29 Huawei P20. No i didnt find any, and qu1ckr00t didnt prove to be useful either.
it is not relevant anymore. since i did use testpoint too often in research of what is possible and what not, the device died just a few minutes ago. it always enters now only the usb huawei com mode. probably i used to much pressure on the testpoints or what or i accidentally short circuited other points with the screwdrivers.. but as a matter of fact, it is hardware bricked and the board is done for i think. so i dont search for a solution anymore.
people, see this thread as a resource what is possible without unlocking the bootloader and what not. i figured out following things are fact without unlocking the bootloader, so that you all doesn't have to try instead of me:
- you can flash with the testpoint short circuited and the software dc-phoenix and the right chipset/cpu bootloader chosen in temporary bootloader the twrp to erecovery_ramdisk and recovery_ramdisk, it will be permanently available after the process
- you cannot install magisk on it, since xloader seems to block the bootup and always sends you to recovery-mode (which means twrp if you flashed this)
- you cannot install a custom rom like OpenKirin with the testpoint recovery mode, as it - like with magisk, always will send you to recovery mode - i tried it exactly how it is explained on openkirin.net and it always turned out the same
- there is no bootloader unlock code in the nvme partition, i checked it - it seems there is encryption going on there
- the exploit qu1ckr00t is not usable, since the kernel is compiled with spinlock_debug
- and i forgot first: if you have the idea of soldering a cable for testpoint short circuit - no, letit be. you will only hang forever in huawei usb com 1.0 mode - it wont boot normally as long as you're in tp mode
so basically, there is way to get root, it is a way to get to direct data from the partitions. but at the end, the question that arises is - how much profit are you gaining from root or custom roms on this device at the end? in my case, the many tries costed my time, my nerves and now the device itself. it is gone for good. maybe this is for the best, as i never treated it right since i bought it (it had to be repaired two times in 2 years, which is a lot for a normal device at this amount of time) and i only have bad memories in my life with it (lots of things happened, but this is not the right place for such tellings).
my final message for this part of this board (not the board i damaged thou) - leave it alone, don't waste your time anymore on this. move on, there are cheap devices that are better, faster and unlockable too at this day and time. i moved on to my new Nokia 7.2, which is awesome.
so stay healthy guyz.
my journey of exploring the depths of huaweis device huawei p20 eml-l29 ends here. its sad, but at the same time i'm happy that the "horror" of an unlockable bootloader is finally over.

Thanks for your effort and sharing the info. Good luck with new phone
Note: my next phone won't be Huawei, for sure, due to bootloader locking, I am fed up with them

Yes,
I even have no sorry with them if they go down because of the Google lockout. Their strategy is to pull people away from Google PlayStore? Yes, sure. Good luck.
Unlock bootloader and promise to keep it open for P10 upwards and we are happy. Otherwise... byebye and fcku.

FearFac said:
Thanks for your effort and sharing the info. Good luck with new phone
Note: my next phone won't be Huawei, for sure, due to bootloader locking, I am fed up with them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What if I have my unlock code? Can I still unlock it or it's impossible now? I requested my code before they stop the bootloader unlocking, but never did anything with it.

ElChe said:
What if I have my unlock code? Can I still unlock it or it's impossible now? I requested my code before they stop the bootloader unlocking, but never did anything with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are the lucky one who can root your phone.

FearFac said:
You are the lucky one who can root your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I guess haha. I haven't got around doing it yet. But now I know it's a possibility! So I'll eventually do it!

FearFac said:
You are the lucky one who can root your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you root it? AFAIK anything newer than EMUI8 is no longer rootable.
I'm on EMUI 10, with an unlocked bootloader, please tell me how to root.

zgomot said:
How do you root it? AFAIK anything newer than EMUI8 is no longer rootable.
I'm on EMUI 10, with an unlocked bootloader, please tell me how to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do a query you have emui 10 with bootloader open?how did you do it ?it was not the problem that emui 10 closed the bootloader?can't root with magisk?

zgomot said:
How do you root it? AFAIK anything newer than EMUI8 is no longer rootable.
I'm on EMUI 10, with an unlocked bootloader, please tell me how to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get this info from?
I was just thinking of rooting my CLT L09 Emui 9.1.0

BL unlocking/custom ROM Question: What is permanently lost if I do that?

Hi,
Just grabbed an Xperia 5 II on a great deal and I'm loving this device. It's an A002SO. I have noticed in other threads that there is some loss with original functionality of the phone (maybe Dolby or some other features are broken even if phone is restored to stock). Is it true? And if so what features are broken.
I noticed that Xperia camera software are available for other roms too which is great but what about device fingerprint and BL unlock sensing protection for banking apps? (I am not interested in rooting the phone after flashing lineage/AOSP roms but more concerned about the broken safety net in-case I go custom ROM route)
Also, is there a risk of losing IMEI with all this process? Not talking about crossflashing here but would love an AIO guide about BL unlock > recovery > ROM and the Back to stock locked bootloader guides if there are any.
Thank you!

dark_prince said:
Hi,
Just grabbed an Xperia 5 II on a great deal and I'm loving this device. It's an A002SO. I have noticed in other threads that there is some loss with original functionality of the phone (maybe Dolby or some other features are broken even if phone is restored to stock). Is it true? And if so what features are broken.
I noticed that Xperia camera software are available for other roms too which is great but what about device fingerprint and BL unlock sensing protection for banking apps? (I am not interested in rooting the phone after flashing lineage/AOSP roms but more concerned about the broken safety net in-case I go custom ROM route)
Also, is there a risk of losing IMEI with all this process? Not talking about crossflashing here but would love an AIO guide about BL unlock > recovery > ROM and the Back to stock locked bootloader guides if there are any.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a different model, but I recently went from stock to Lineage OS, then back to stock. I haven't had any issues. Dolby works, my data/LTE works, and I can still use my banking app just fine. Fingerprint detection was a bit more finnicky with Lineage OS, though.
I should also note, I'm currently rooted with my bootloader unlocked, and still no issues.

SomeRandomGuy212 said:
I have a different model, but I recently went from stock to Lineage OS, then back to stock. I haven't had any issues. Dolby works, my data/LTE works, and I can still use my banking app just fine. Fingerprint detection was a bit more finnicky with Lineage OS, though.
I should also note, I'm currently rooted with my bootloader unlocked, and still no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I gave up in the end because my device is Japan Softbank with bootloader unlocking not allowed. Crossflashing instructions have alot of "you can", "I think" but no definite root-to-fruit guide so I may convert it to global model and BL unlock without losing imei / 4G. Thank you for taking time to write the clarification.

dark_prince said:
I gave up in the end because my device is Japan Softbank with bootloader unlocking not allowed. Crossflashing instructions have alot of "you can", "I think" but no definite root-to-fruit guide so I may convert it to global model and BL unlock without losing imei / 4G. Thank you for taking time to write the clarification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't actually know if that would work... I don't mean to give you another indefinite answer, but I tried that once on a Japanese Xperia 10 II. I know it's a different device, but it may still apply in your situation. I would still try it, though. Worse case scenario, you have to use Sony's repair tool to get back to stock.
(Also, if you're interested in a non Japanese model, I am currently selling my 5 II.)

SomeRandomGuy212 said:
I don't actually know if that would work... I don't mean to give you another indefinite answer, but I tried that once on a Japanese Xperia 10 II. I know it's a different device, but it may still apply in your situation. I would still try it, though. Worse case scenario, you have to use Sony's repair tool to get back to stock.
(Also, if you're interested in a non Japanese model, I am currently selling my 5 II.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am from Pakistan so it's gonna cost me double the actual price to pay customs taxes and get it cleared for use in-country. Our country has a rule about only the devices which are approved after paying hefty taxes, are permitted on Pakistan's cellular operators.

This was discussed before, in short you seem to lose out certain manufacturer keys and your phone remembers you have unlocked its bootloader before. As for functionality, iirc they seem to come back after relocking.
More info: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/closed-delete.4177209/post-87242833

Question Re-lock bootloader after root?

Hi folks,
I've managed to stumble my way through using pixel flasher to update my P7Pro to the latest fw with root. Only need root so I can record calls, should I lock the bootloader now I'm done?
Also how do I update in future please without having to wipe, use pixel flasher and patch as I've just done?
I like to think I'm quite tech savvy but the guides for the P7Pro have gone over my head :/

Connorsdad said:
Hi folks,
I've managed to stumble my way through using pixel flasher to update my P7Pro to the latest fw with root. Only need root so I can record calls, should I lock the bootloader now I'm done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not unless you want to brick your device. You need to be completely stock before relocking your bootloader (unless using avbroot, but you should have a deep understanding about how it works beforehand).
Connorsdad said:
Also how do I update in future please without having to wipe, use pixel flasher and patch as I've just done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixel Flasher will work fine for updating.

Lughnasadh said:
Not unless you want to brick your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh, learn something new every day I guess...

Lughnasadh said:
Not unless you want to brick your device. You need to be completely stock before relocking your bootloader (unless using avbroot, but you should have a deep understanding about how it works beforehand).
Pixel Flasher will work fine for updating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks a lot for your reply, much appreciated.

never ever* lock bootloader on google devices. fastboot only works on unlocked bootloader and there is no alternative to fastboot.
* exception

alecxs said:
never ever lock bootloader on google devices. fastboot only works on unlocked bootloader and there is no alternative to fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you can't flash a factory image to fix a phone on your own when it's soft bricked. It might have to go to a shop for repairs.

Connorsdad said:
Hi folks,
I've managed to stumble my way through using pixel flasher to update my P7Pro to the latest fw with root. Only need root so I can record calls, should I lock the bootloader now I'm done?
Also how do I update in future please without having to wipe, use pixel flasher and patch as I've just done?
I like to think I'm quite tech savvy but the guides for the P7Pro have gone over my head :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, relocking the bootloader requires wiping the device -- much like unlocking does -- and if you're unwilling to set everything (including anything on your /sdcard internal storage, not to mention all apps and their settings & system settings) back up from scratch (as any good complete backups require root access), this might not be what you wish to do.
And, if you had managed to successfully relock the bootloader, you could simply run the in-system update (OTA) that would update without wiping -- or even manually applying OTA from the recovery.
But there are hardly any benefits in re-locking the bootloader (after unlocking it) -- even if one was to a paranoid degree of security; which is the only major reason to (I can point you to the discussions that had taken place on it here, if you wish). If you don't want to run into any issues, you could simply run the stock ROM without root and be hardly impacted by it; with the added benefit of having the option to advanced recovery options and/or rooting options open to you in the future if need be...
alecxs said:
never ever lock bootloader on google devices. fastboot only works on unlocked bootloader and there is no alternative to fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*it just occurs to me you meant to never lock bootloader because it limits options; not the risk of hard-bricking the device -- in which I wrote the following with that assumption. I'll leave the following comment as it is still sound advice, but I apologize in advanced that it doesn't quite relate to what you meant...
I mean, I feel doing Google's official Android Flash Tool is a safe enough method; it wouldn't do well if Google's own tool bricked their devices using their tool...at the very least the tool ensures that the stock factory firmware flashed matches the bootloader version and automates the fastboot commands so when re-locking the bootloader, it has the least potential to brick the device...

Exactly. there is no official flash tool from google, that's why I personally won't recommend to keep bootloader locked. If it's bricked with no working recovery mode, not even repair shop can fix it. all you can do is RMA to google get new device. no edl mode or anything else will help, fastboot is the official flashing method.
If you're referring to the "Android Flash Tool" that's no flash tool at all. I haven't tested it, but to me it looks like a WebUSB browser plugin. Reading the requirements it works with adb commands, usb-debugging and fully booted android is required. Therefore cannot unbrick devices.

Doesn't unlocking the bootloader break saftynet so then you have to root to use gpay?

iRhyiku said:
Doesn't unlocking the bootloader break saftynet so then you have to root to use gpay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll just chime in here because I have recently unlocked my bootloader but I haven't been able to root it yet and I haven't had any issues with safety net.

Trippyy Doee said:
I'll just chime in here because I have recently unlocked my bootloader but I haven't been able to root it yet and I haven't had any issues with safety net.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, I thought unlocking would break it. I'll have to unlock then for the extra safty!

iRhyiku said:
Interesting, I thought unlocking would break it. I'll have to unlock then for the extra safty!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's of course another aspect. Good point. If you rely on SafetyNet or it's successor Play integrity, do not unlock bootloader. AFAIR the latter one can't be cheated.

simplepinoi177 said:
But there are hardly any benefits in re-locking the bootloader (after unlocking it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some benefits like some banking apps, streaming apps and games beginning to work. So it really depends on what is important for the user. I don't like flashing random mods to make apps work on rooted/ bootloader unlocked devices, primarily banking apps.