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[Q] Help with installing lollipop on unlocked phone

Hello !
I recently bought a used Z3 6603, and wanted to update it to lollipop.
But it seems it has a unlocked bootloader (according to service menu) and when i recieved it, it was factory reset, but some 3rd party apps were still installed.
One of them Super SU, so it was rooted.
I was told that i could update the firmware if i just used the Full Uninstall feature in Super Su, so i did that.
I still can't update using sony companion, becouse it knows the software is not the original one.
And i cant reinstall super su, its saying that there is no SU binary installed and the program cant install it.
I have flashed phones before, but it was really a long time ago, so im asking for some help to fix this.
Its running 4.4.4 build 23.0.1.A.5.77 and stock rom i think.
Please tell me what to do, and what info you might need !
I want to have the phone in lollipop, but everything stock, no root, no bootloader etc.
And somewhere I read something about DRM keys. Please help me with fixing that aswell thank you.
Regards ImmoralCore

ImmoralCore said:
Hello !
I recently bought a used Z3 6603, and wanted to update it to lollipop.
But it seems it has a unlocked bootloader (according to service menu) and when i recieved it, it was factory reset, but some 3rd party apps were still installed.
One of them Super SU, so it was rooted.
I was told that i could update the firmware if i just used the Full Uninstall feature in Super Su, so i did that.
I still can't update using sony companion, becouse it knows the software is not the original one.
And i cant reinstall super su, its saying that there is no SU binary installed and the program cant install it.
I have flashed phones before, but it was really a long time ago, so im asking for some help to fix this.
Its running 4.4.4 build 23.0.1.A.5.77 and stock rom i think.
Please tell me what to do, and what info you might need !
I want to have the phone in lollipop, but everything stock, no root, no bootloader etc.
And somewhere I read something about DRM keys. Please help me with fixing that aswell thank you.
Regards ImmoralCore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your DRM keys are lost forever.

TheTeslaCoil said:
Your DRM keys are lost forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so they are lost even if I use the first backup that was made by the person I bought it from ?
DRM=Hardcoded=Once unlocked, always DRM free, even if you use the recovery image ?
And the rest of the questions, what am I supposed to do to get stock lollipop?
In the matter of fact it does not matter if its unlocked or locked, I just want legit lollipop, with the possibility to update regularly. (But if root is possible at the same, it can still be rooted)
Thanks for your reply !

You need the TA backup. Not system backup.
And careful not to restore some other TA.
If the previous owner backed up TA, good. If not, no chance to recover them.
Download your specific firmware in ftf format and flash it with Flashtool.
Make a clean install.
You cannot recieve OTA with an unlocked bootloader, only if you relock, but there is no point in doing that if the DRM keys are lost.
So, from where you stand, keep it rooted and unlocked, because you can do much more with it : Custom ROM' s [at the moment stock is best]...custom kernels with recovery...mods...etc.
After you flash the ftf, flash via adb a custom kernel with recovery and from recovery flash SuperSU update, as a flashable zip, that will root the phone and install SuperSU.Search also for busybox flashable zip.

TheTeslaCoil said:
You need the TA backup. Not system backup.
And careful not to restore some other TA.
If the previous owner backed up TA, good. If not, no chance to recover them.
Download your specific firmware in ftf format and flash it with Flashtool.
Make a clean install.
You cannot recieve OTA with an unlocked bootloader, only if you relock, but there is no point in doing that if the DRM keys are lost.
So, from where you stand, keep it rooted and unlocked, because you can do much more with it : Custom ROM' s [at the moment stock is best]...custom kernels with recovery...mods...etc.
After you flash the ftf, flash via adb a custom kernel with recovery and from recovery flash SuperSU update, as a flashable zip, that will root the phone and install SuperSU.Search also for busybox flashable zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I will try that then, but if I use flashtool to update to lollipop, will I still be able to root easy, or should I reinstall 4.4.4 clean, then root, fix recovery kernel and everything, and then lollipop or what goes first?
Does flash/kernel etc affect the fact that it has an unlocked bootloader ? do i need to do anything with that, or do it stay unlocked?

ImmoralCore said:
Ok, I will try that then, but if I use flashtool to update to lollipop, will I still be able to root easy, or should I reinstall 4.4.4 clean, then root, fix recovery kernel and everything, and then lollipop or what goes first?
Does flash/kernel etc affect the fact that it has an unlocked bootloader ? do i need to do anything with that, or do it stay unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have unlocked the bootloader it is always a trivial matter to root.
Just flash an insecure kernel.
If one does not exist use [NUT]'s online kernel builder to make one with recovery incorporated in it. Its very straightforward and an automated process.
So, update using flashtool, flash your custom kernel, and you have root and recovery.

gregbradley said:
If you have unlocked the bootloader it is always a trivial matter to root.
Just flash an insecure kernel.
If one does not exist use [NUT]'s online kernel builder to make one with recovery incorporated in it. Its very straightforward and an automated process.
So, update using flashtool, flash your custom kernel, and you have root and recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Sorry for my noobish question, but define insecure kernel?
2. Did I get it right? I read about ppl downgrading their phones to 4.4.4 and then installing stuff. And for me it does not matter wich version it is, becouse the unlocked bootloader makes it easy to flash, even what version you are running?

ImmoralCore said:
1. Sorry for my noobish question, but define insecure kernel?
2. Did I get it right? I read about ppl downgrading their phones to 4.4.4 and then installing stuff. And for me it does not matter wich version it is, becouse the unlocked bootloader makes it easy to flash, even what version you are running?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) a rooted kernel.
2) If you have unlocked there is no need to follow any of the locked bootloader guides, they are a waste of your time. One of the points point of unlocking the phone is to easily get root. You just flash a custom kernel to gain root.
If you have a locked bootloader then you have to go through all the fuss of downgrading etc etc.... but with an unlocked bootloader its so easy and straightforward

gregbradley said:
1) a rooted kernel.
2) If you have unlocked there is no need to follow any of the locked bootloader guides, they are a waste of your time. One of the points point of unlocking the phone is to easily get root. You just flash a custom kernel to gain root.
If you have a locked bootloader then you have to go through all the fuss of downgrading etc etc.... but with an unlocked bootloader its so easy and straightforward
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thank you very much for your answers both of you!
I understand everything much better, now its just some flashing to do, c ya ! :good:

ImmoralCore said:
Ok, thank you very much for your answers both of you!
I understand everything much better, now its just some flashing to do, c ya ! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck.

Bootloop, oem, many problems

Hello there,
About year ago I've done an update to 6.0 android. Battery was charged near full and everything seemed okey. But, after update I faced a bootloop. So I tried to flash stock firmware and... failed. Many times. I'm unable to boot into recovery mode. Factory mode also isnt working. So, I tried to unlock my bootloader and flash another image, but when I try to unlock, I get a: "Check allow oem unlock in developer options". Sadly, I cant boot to check this option Is there any way to unlock oem without running android? What can I do? :crying:

Jaszka said:
Hello there,
About year ago I've done an update to 6.0 android. Battery was charged near full and everything seemed okey. But, after update I faced a bootloop. So I tried to flash stock firmware and... failed. Many times. I'm unable to boot into recovery mode. Factory mode also isnt working. So, I tried to unlock my bootloader and flash another image, but when I try to unlock, I get a: "Check allow oem unlock in developer options". Sadly, I cant boot to check this option Is there any way to unlock oem without running android? What can I do? :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash the /persist partition from a device which has had OEM Unlock previously enabled in Developer Options.

MotoJunkie01 said:
You can flash the /persist partition from a device which has had OEM Unlock previously enabled in Developer Options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can you flash the /persist partition in a device with a locked bootloader? Doesn't this contain other information as well?
I think the real problem here is either the OP is not using the correct factory firmware image, or incorrect user procedure.

acejavelin said:
How can you flash the /persist partition in a device with a locked bootloader? Doesn't this contain other information as well?
I think the real problem here is either the OP is not using the correct factory firmware image, or incorrect user procedure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are probably correct. Even with a locked bootloader, certain partitions can be flashed as long as downgrading is not detected. Example, if I have an xt1548 Moto G3 running on stock 5.1.1 firmware, and I have a locked bootloader, I can flash either an updated 6.0.1 stock firmware package or I can reflash the 5.1.1 firmware with the same build as the one already installed. The bootloader will, however, prevent downgrading. In flashing the /persist partition, the .img being flashed would need to be from an equal or newer build as well.
But again, your statement regarding the correct firmware procedure and/or correct firmware package is likely correct.

MotoJunkie01 said:
You are probably correct. Even with a locked bootloader, certain partitions can be flashed as long as downgrading is not detected. Example, if I have an xt1548 Moto G3 running on stock 5.1.1 firmware, and I have a locked bootloader, I can flash either an updated 6.0.1 stock firmware package or I can reflash the 5.1.1 firmware with the same build as the one already installed. The bootloader will, however, prevent downgrading. In flashing the /persist partition, the .img being flashed would need to be from an equal or newer build as well.
But again, your statement regarding the correct firmware procedure and/or correct firmware package is likely correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash anything except a bootloader. I was in this situation as MotoJunkie knows and nothing works. I did have a full backup of every partition on the phone and none flashed. Today I bricked it so badly that it doesn't even turn on anymore. My tip is to not mess with the bootloader and stuff and just use the phone normally as many things are encrypted on this phone.

purplefruity said:
You can't flash anything except a bootloader. I was in this situation as MotoJunkie knows and nothing works. I did have a full backup of every partition on the phone and none flashed. Today I bricked it so badly that it doesn't even turn on anymore. My tip is to not mess with the bootloader and stuff and just use the phone normally as many things are encrypted on this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I recall your situation and your hard brick. I'm saying that under normal circumstances you can flash full firmware packages with a locked bootloader, as long as downgrading is not attempted.

MotoJunkie01 said:
Yes I recall your situation and your hard brick. I'm saying that under normal circumstances you can flash full firmware packages with a locked bootloader, as long as downgrading is not attempted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash regular ones too. It has to be a newer firmware for the locked bootloader to let it pass

purplefruity said:
You can't flash regular ones too. It has to be a newer firmware for the locked bootloader to let it pass
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was saying. An equal or newer one. Downgrading isn't permitted.

MotoJunkie01 said:
That's what I was saying. An equal or newer one. Downgrading isn't permitted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was on marshmallow and it wouldn't want to flash marshmallow stock so what I was saying is that you can't go anywhere unless stock nougat is released for this device.

purplefruity said:
Mine was on marshmallow and it wouldn't want to flash marshmallow stock so what I was saying is that you can't go anywhere unless stock nougat is released for this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You obviously developed corrupt partitions some way or another. I flash stock firmware packages with a locked bootloader on a regular basis. You should always be able to flash the same firmware build that is currently installed on your device.

MotoJunkie01 said:
You obviously developed corrupt partitions some way or another. I flash stock firmware packages with a locked bootloader on a regular basis. You should always be able to flash the same firmware build that is currently installed on your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O well I guess my device was different then. Won't turn on at all now . Gonna sell it for parts so at least I get some money back.

oneplus 8t unroot + get back to stock

Hi,
I am currently on A11 with Oneplus 8T and unlocked bootloader + rooted stock rom.
What is the proper process to lock the bootloader and to get back the stock rom? What are the options?
Can I just factory reset the device?
Thanks,

2019registered said:
Hi,
I am currently on A11 with Oneplus 8T and unlocked bootloader + rooted stock rom.
What is the proper process to unlock the bootloader and to get back the stock rom? What are the options?
Can I just factory reset the device?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're confusing us
You're already unlock+root
Then again ask for unlock BL!
If you want just stock then flash boot from stock that's it nothing else to do

@Mr Hassan sorry, I have just edited the first post. I want to LOCK the bootloader and get fully back to an unrooted stock rom.

2019registered said:
@Mr Hassan sorry, I have just edited the first post. I want to LOCK the bootloader and get fully back to an unrooted stock rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's simple just flash stock rom or boot and relock it

2019registered said:
@Mr Hassan sorry, I have just edited the first post. I want to LOCK the bootloader and get fully back to an unrooted stock rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install the latest rom for your phone from the OnePlus support site using local install. That will overwrite the Magisk patched boot you currently have installed.
After the phone reboots (you'll see that Magisk shows it's not installed) then boot into bootloader and use fastboot oem lock
Then select NO (yes, this is a bug in the OOS bootloader) and that should wipe your phone and bring it up with the bootloader locked.

if you want the easiest fastest way, just use the msm tool for the correct model.
ps. if you dont care about losing your data

Question How to flash stock firmware without root ?

hi, anyone has some kind of advice to flash old firmware as the newest have a lot of problems in terms of camera quality ? i don't have rooted my pixel 7 pro ...

Albi Lukaj said:
hi, anyone has some kind of advice to flash old firmware as the newest have a lot of problems in terms of camera quality ? i don't have rooted my pixel 7 pro ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install the OTA update from here. Just follow the instructions Google provided at the top of the page and you should be all updated. It's only the full images that require the bootloader to be unlocked.

Just go look up factory images for Pixel phones. You can install firmware right from the web browser. You don't need to have root. Root is optional.

Do you mean without an unlocked bootloader? Root is not the same thing and does not determine how you can flash firmware.
If your bootloader is unlocked, you can use the Android Flash Tool. If your bootloader is not unlocked, downgrading is impossible.
UltimateGamer83 said:
Just go look up factory images for Pixel phones. You can install firmware right from the web browser. You don't need to have root. Root is optional.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This only works if OEM Unlocking is enabled in Developer Options.

V0latyle said:
Do you mean without an unlocked bootloader? Root is not the same thing and does not determine how you can flash firmware.
If your bootloader is unlocked, you can use the Android Flash Tool. If your bootloader is not unlocked, downgrading is impossible.
This only works if OEM Unlocking is enabled in Developer Options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so i just need to unlock the bootloader and then i can install old firmware following the procedure ?

Albi Lukaj said:
so i just need to unlock the bootloader and then i can install old firmware following the procedure ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes

Albi Lukaj said:
so i just need to unlock the bootloader and then i can install old firmware following the procedure ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Albi Lukaj, Please be aware that unlocking your bootloader WILL WIPE YOUR DEVICE AND RETURN IT TO STOCK!!!
If that is not preferable, you might try applying the OTA like stated in Post #2, but I am not sure if it works downgrading a version (it probably doesn't)...

Samsung A11 got android 12 and I want to flash it (help)

So I first bought my Samsung a11 as an android 10 model,
I then flashed it after I bought it with an open-line android 11 version and got twrp and root. This was a year ago I think.
Now they released the final update for this Samsung phone model, and I want to at least get the latest and last version of my phone.
But I kinda forgot how to do the procedures again.
So my question is does flashing the new android version firmware using odin remove TWRP installed on my device?
my phone model is: A115FXXU2BUJ2 (android 11)
the firmware I want to install: A115FXXU3CV13 (android 12)
if so what do I need to do in order to successfully have both the new firmware I want to install and twrp installed on my device? (i kinda know how to root using twrp and magisk so no problems here)
Any help would be much appreciated!

????.?? said:
So I first bought my Samsung a11 as an android 10 model,
I then flashed it after I bought it with an open-line android 11 version and got twrp and root. This was a year ago I think.
Now they released the final update for this Samsung phone model, and I want to at least get the latest and last version of my phone.
But I kinda forgot how to do the procedures again.
So my question is does flashing the new android version firmware using odin remove TWRP installed on my device?
my phone model is: A115FXXU2BUJ2 (android 11)
the firmware I want to install: A115FXXU3CV13 (android 12)
if so what do I need to do in order to successfully have both the new firmware I want to install and twrp installed on my device? (i kinda know how to root using twrp and magisk so no problems here)
Any help would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, flashing the update via Odin will remove TWRP and root, it will also, more than likely, lock your bootloader, then you won't be able to reinstall TWRP or root the device unless you unlock the bootloader, if it can be unlocked.

Droidriven said:
Yes, flashing the update via Odin will remove TWRP and root, it will also, more than likely, lock your bootloader, then you won't be able to reinstall TWRP or root the device unless you unlock the bootloader, if it can be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone's bootloader is already unlocked, after flashing the updated android version firmware will the bootloader become lock again? and how do i avoid rmm and frp lock?(just incase this happens)

????.?? said:
My phone's bootloader is already unlocked, after flashing the updated android version firmware will the bootloader become lock again? and how do i avoid rmm and frp lock?(just incase this happens)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the bootloader in the update is a securely locked bootloader, it will probably have locked bootloader after flashing and might not be able to be unlocked. That was the whole point of me warning you in my last post. Now I've had to post again just to say the same thing that I already said. I guess I was talking to the wind.
There is no way to know what the results will be after updating unless you find someone that has already updated the exact same model number of A11 or bite the bullet and update yours then see what you get.

Droidriven said:
If the bootloader in the update is a securely locked bootloader, it will probably have locked bootloader after flashing and might not be able to be unlocked. That was the whole point of me warning you in my last post. Now I've had to post again just to say the same thing that I already said. I guess I was talking to the wind.
There is no way to know what the results will be after updating unless you find someone that has already updated the exact same model number of A11 or bite the bullet and update yours then see what you get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, looks like i need to find someone who have done it and see if it works. I didnt get what you mean about after flashing, it might have a chance to lock the bootloader depends on the update. I think ill just try and see what happens. Thank you.

I dont know guys with that phone but there should be a tool that bypass auth and unlock the bootloader in any case. I ONLY knows MTK devices, not sure about that samsung i use a .Bat file.

????.?? said:
I see, looks like i need to find someone who have done it and see if it works. I didnt get what you mean about after flashing, it might have a chance to lock the bootloader depends on the update. I think ill just try and see what happens. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I said that after the update, it could cause the bootloader to be locked and then may not be unlockable from that point on. It depends on the bootloader in the update. If this happens, you will be unable to install TWRP or root via Magisk. That is why you need to confirm whether or not flashing the update will relock the bootloader during the flashing process and, if it does, whether or not it can be unlocked again after the update.
In other words, look at exactly what you are about to jump into before you make the jump because you might land in the one place that you absolutely do not want to land.