SGP621 Root Question - Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact Q&A, Help & Troubleshooti

I am a rookie with these things and I would like to get some clarification.
I want to root my tablet, I am very satisfied with it and its system, all I need is to root it without touching my bootloader and drm keys. There are so many threads about it claiming its possible without unlocking the BL and I am not sure which tutorial should I use to root my device.
My device is LTE version, nothing modified and firmware is 23.0.1.A.0.16.

HenrichGrinch said:
I am a rookie with these things and I would like to get some clarification.
I want to root my tablet, I am very satisfied with it and its system, all I need is to root it without touching my bootloader and drm keys. There are so many threads about it claiming its possible without unlocking the BL and I am not sure which tutorial should I use to root my device.
My device is LTE version, nothing modified and firmware is 23.0.1.A.0.16.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can try Towelroot as I see Z3TC is supported but I didnt test it on my tablet

where did you see that z3tc is supported by towel ? i can't find a device list or so.

HenrichGrinch said:
I am a rookie with these things and I would like to get some clarification.
I want to root my tablet, I am very satisfied with it and its system, all I need is to root it without touching my bootloader and drm keys. There are so many threads about it claiming its possible without unlocking the BL and I am not sure which tutorial should I use to root my device.
My device is LTE version, nothing modified and firmware is 23.0.1.A.0.16.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is only one method at this time to get root on this tablet and this method involves unlocking your bootloader after doing a backup of you DRM keys (TA partition). Once you rooted your device with the unlocked bootloader you can reflash the TA partition and the bootloader will be locked again with all DRM keys intact as if you never unlocked it in the first place, but with root. Towelroot is not supported as the kernel exploit that was used is patched since nearly half a year now.

Related

[IDEA]Root By Unlock then Relock Bootloader?

Hi guys, i have an idea. Will the idea of unlocking the bootloader and then do the root (with recovery enabled kernel that is) and then relocking (restoring the TA partition first) the bootloader work? I am a little bit confused with the fact about the DRM kind of things, since i don't want to lose it so if we could restore it back later then why this technique was never discussed? Please give me any information :angel:
hansip87 said:
Hi guys, i have an idea. Will the idea of unlocking the bootloader and then do the root (with recovery enabled kernel that is) and then relocking (restoring the TA partition first) the bootloader work? I am a little bit confused with the fact about the DRM kind of things, since i don't want to lose it so if we could restore it back later then why this technique was never discussed? Please give me any information :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah i forgot.. this trick will not work if you haven't done TA backup wouldn't it? :-/ I have done that before so i guess this idea won't work for anybody without TA backup i guess no?
hansip87 said:
Oh yeah i forgot.. this trick will not work if you haven't done TA backup wouldn't it? :-/ I have done that before so i guess this idea won't work for anybody without TA backup i guess no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flashing the TA partition and locking the bootloader, and then flashing a stock FTF base/firmware will make your device exactly how you bought it.. It will allow x-reality to work in both movies/album, as well as track ID working.
- This technique has been discussed in previous threads.
== Do a search and you will see there is a FTF flashing guide. flashtool guide both in the android development section.
A guide on just about everything in the general section... have a look...
However even an unlocked bootloader will allow the x-reality engine to work with videos. But will stop netflicks from working. So there are probably a few apps out there that need a locked bootloader to work properly.
To have a locked bootloader you need a stock kernel. It will need to be signed, so even a boot.img or kernel.sin would be fine. Just needs to be stock.
- You could Root, backup TA partition, unlock bootloader, and then lock bootloader again. But that still uses a rooting tool.
forgive me if I'm wrong (and someone correct me) but we cant do a TA back up without root.
When I was looking into the ZU the only way to root was to unlock the bootloader then flash a new boot.img (?), this avoided vroot et al, and the issues that we seem to have atm but did mean that the first to root lost their DRM keys (TA partition) with the rooting
blueether said:
forgive me if I'm wrong (and someone correct me) but we cant do a TA back up without root.
When I was looking into the ZU the only way to root was to unlock the bootloader then flash a new boot.img (?), this avoided vroot et al, and the issues that we seem to have atm but did mean that the first to root lost their DRM keys (TA partition) with the rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep my bad.. wrong way round.. :good:
blueether said:
forgive me if I'm wrong (and someone correct me) but we cant do a TA back up without root.
When I was looking into the ZU the only way to root was to unlock the bootloader then flash a new boot.img (?), this avoided vroot et al, and the issues that we seem to have atm but did mean that the first to root lost their DRM keys (TA partition) with the rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can downgrade to lower firmware anytime without root, than use vroot if you don't mind some risk, than backup TA

[Q] Root?

Hey guys,
I own a stock Xperia Z3 Tablet LET (SGP621) and I have never upgraded it, still running stock 4.4.4.
I want to root it and only root (to Lolipop). I have read topics but there are so many and written in strange language for me I have no idea where to start.
I read I could just flash prerooted ROM without even touching my drm keys, right? But then I was not sure how could I do it.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
There is no method to root the tablet without unlocking the bootloader. The root exploit which most of the guys mentioning in these strangely written topics (giefroot, easy root tool, geohot, blablabla...) is useless now since Sony surely patched it. So to root, you have to unlock the bootloader. But wait, you would loose the DRM keys.
So, it means that you need to make a backup.
But, without root you can't backup.
But, how should you root if you don't have an unlocked bootloader??? And it goes on and on and on and on....
The "trick" is to flash a firmware from another device (not z3 tablet compact) that can be rooted via the exploit. But nobody wanta to use the "other" firmware to gain root. This "other" firmware is only used to gain root temporary so you can backup the drm keys.
Then you likely have to flash back the stock firmware (and root will be lost again).
Now that you backed up the drm keys, you are ready to unlock the bootloader and let the drm keys disappear for a while.
And then you still have to do some complex steps to achieve root on your stock firmware, then restore drm keys (bootloader locks up itself again...), blablabla
TL;DR forget rooting this device unless you are ready to do all these above steps. If you don't understand the steps and are new to rooting sony devices, I recommend you not to root and enjoy the stock firmware. Next thing is that lollipop will come and you could easily update without problems (via OTA). Until then, wait for some magicians/hackers/crackers find a new exploit which can root 2015 sony devices without unlocking the bootloader.
If you want to know if your device (firmware) can be rooted via exploit, try xdualrecovery. It contains the exploit root method. But if you are unsuccessful flashing xdualrecovery, that is because the exploit doesn't work and your firmware is patched.
Sadly, sony devices are nothing like nexus. And including this "afraid of loosing the drm keys", simply unlocking the bootloader might not be a pleasing thing to do.
just to add maybe we don't need to unlock bootloader to root our tablet
we temporarely flash z3 kitkat system to get a rootable core and we flash again z3 tablet compact system before reboot
or so I understood
ChiDi9901 said:
There is no method to root the tablet without unlocking the bootloader (false, there is a method detailed in this thread). The root exploit which most of the guys mentioning in these strangely written topics (giefroot, easy root tool, geohot, blablabla...) is useless now since Sony surely patched it. So to root, you have to unlock the bootloader. But wait, you would loose the DRM keys.
So, it means that you need to make a backup.
But, without root you can't backup.
But, how should you root if you don't have an unlocked bootloader??? And it goes on and on and on and on....
The "trick" is to flash a firmware from another device (not z3 tablet compact) that can be rooted via the exploit. But nobody wanta to use the "other" firmware to gain root. This "other" firmware is only used to gain root temporary so you can backup the drm keys (false, the other firmware is used to gain root and then install a custom recovery, so you can flash a prerooted and updated lollipop firmware based on official Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact firmware).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would advise not to answer questions about root without understanding the process and/or misguiding people asking for help.
The information you give above is wrong. You don't need to unlock your bootloader provided you downgrade to an explotable firmware.
The thread that details how to root your Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-...to-rooted-lollipop-locked-bootloader-t3083980
1. Obtain root by first flashing SGP621_23.0.1.A.0.167_CE.ftf and the system partition of D6603_23.0.A.2.93_Generic_20GLOBAL.ftf. Then use giefroot to root.
2. Prepare prerooted flashable zip of 23.1.A.0.690 NOBA on your internal storage or external SD.
3. Install XZDualRecovery and now you will have TWRP to install 23.1.A.0.690 NOBA on your SD card.
You may ask any doubts in that thread.
BarajaVLC said:
I would advise not to answer questions about root without understanding the process and/or misguiding people asking for help.
The information you give above is wrong. You don't need to unlock your bootloader provided you downgrade to an explotable firmware.
The thread that details how to root your Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-...to-rooted-lollipop-locked-bootloader-t3083980
1. Obtain root by first flashing SGP621_23.0.1.A.0.167_CE.ftf and the system partition of D6603_23.0.A.2.93_Generic_20GLOBAL.ftf. Then use giefroot to root.
2. Prepare prerooted flashable zip of 23.1.A.0.690 NOBA on your internal storage or external SD.
3. Install XZDualRecovery and now you will have TWRP to install 23.1.A.0.690 NOBA on your SD card.
You may ask any doubts in that thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the OP (junior member) mentioned "strange languages". So he/she might not understand all this complex steps. That's why I "let it be" to keep the things easy. If he/she understands these steps then it's good for him/she. But you're right, I lied. And thanks for the clarification and pointing out my wrong information.
Personally, I had every Xperia unlocked without backing up the DRM keys. I never had any disadvantage. I was, however, a little reluctant with the XT3C. That's because I use it as both my phone and tablet.
Still, did it now. No adverse effects. Root is SO much more important than the Bravia engine or whatever. And the camera isn't very good anyway so I don't miss the 'better' quality. It's bad either way

[Q] Root latest 23.1.A.1.28 *and* backup DRM keys?

I've seen multiple threads on rooting the device both here and on other sites and all of them conveniently leave out mentioning the fact that you're irreversibly ****ed if you don't backup your DRM keys first.
With DRM keys, I find the thread for Backup TA only to be told the tool is no longer maintained, and I haven't come across anything else that's similar.
The instructions for Backup TA say that you need the device to be rooted in order to perform a backup. If I understand correctly, rooting requires unlocking the bootloader first - and doing that will invalidate the keys, so epic Catch 22 right there.
And yes, I know that this question has been asked before, but I'm looking to see if there is anything new as of today, i.e. July 2nd 2015 that is specifically applicable to the very latest firmware. So is it possible to root the device without losing DRM keys or having to downgrade to last year's firmware first?
If you download an app called "kingroot" I think, you will be able to root on the latest firmware, however, there are roumors who says that this method sends your IMEI to a company in Japan or China or something.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app somewhere in Norway
You could just download some older firmware, install it without unlocking the bootloader. Then root the device using some other method (because on older firmware there were exploits available) and backup the TA partition (DRM keys) right away. Then you're able to wipe the device again, install the latest LP firmware and be happy with a backup
KaiserSnorezay said:
I've seen multiple threads on rooting the device both here and on other sites and all of them conveniently leave out mentioning the fact that you're irreversibly ****ed if you don't backup your DRM keys first.
With DRM keys, I find the thread for Backup TA only to be told the tool is no longer maintained, and I haven't come across anything else that's similar.
The instructions for Backup TA say that you need the device to be rooted in order to perform a backup. If I understand correctly, rooting requires unlocking the bootloader first - and doing that will invalidate the keys, so epic Catch 22 right there.
And yes, I know that this question has been asked before, but I'm looking to see if there is anything new as of today, i.e. July 2nd 2015 that is specifically applicable to the very latest firmware. So is it possible to root the device without losing DRM keys or having to downgrade to last year's firmware first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have it confused. Rooting using exploits like towel root or kingroot doesn't unlock your bootloader and you dont loose your DRM keys. If you want to unlock your bootloader you will have to goto Sony website and type in your IMEI and follow a procedure.
Try the steps mentioned in this link, it'll help you root your phone without unlocking your boot loader. Once you have root and recovery, you can go to recovery and backup only the TRIM Area which is the TA partition.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z2/development/stock-d6502-6503-23-1-1-28-complete-t3104145

working root method for 5.1.1 with unlockable bootloader?

I have mine updated to 5.1.1 and the bootloader is unlockable. However, the rooting instruction is confusing for this version.
I am looking for the definite solution for rooting (if it is required to unlock the bootloader, should I backup TA partition first?) 100% stock 5.1.1.
Frankly, I don't want to mess with Kingroot or similar tools from China.
I'm interested in this as well. Sent for warranty repair and came back with 5.1.1. Looking for recommended way to root and backup TA (though I have the original backup somewhere)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/general/guide-how-to-root-install-recovery-t3210207
I managed to root the device. Here is a guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z-ultra/general/comprehensive-guide-rooting-5-1-x-t3219502
This is how i did it...downgraded to 4.4.4 and root it,TA backup, unlocked the device, updated to 5.1.1 with stock ftf installed the new recovery an flashed the TWRP after that flash the SuperSU zip and done...
fnldstntn said:
This is how i did it...downgraded to 4.4.4 and root it,TA backup, unlocked the device, updated to 5.1.1 with stock ftf installed the new recovery an flashed the TWRP after that flash the SuperSU zip and done...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a waste of time. OP has an unlockable bootloader, so he just has to:
- Flash recovery
- Flash SuperSU
- Reboot
Klaos3000 said:
That's a waste of time. OP has an unlockable bootloader, so he just has to:
- Flash recovery
- Flash SuperSU
- Reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlockable =/= unlocked
mingkee said:
unlockable =/= unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the BL is still FAR quicker than going through that hellish process for locked bootloaders. It's like trying to juggle with your hands tied to your back, but they're not really tied. Not sure why WE are arguing though. You provided a guide for a locked bootloader, while I gave one for unlocked. What OP decides to do is currently a mystery.
Klaos3000 said:
Unlocking the BL is still FAR quicker than going through that hellish process for locked bootloaders. It's like trying to juggle with your hands tied to your back, but they're not really tied. Not sure why WE are arguing though. You provided a guide for a locked bootloader, while I gave one for unlocked. What OP decides to do is currently a mystery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a deal: unlocking bootloader will remove DRM key. The only workaround is to backup TA partition. However, doing such also requires root, so you have to root before unlocking bootloader.
Don't you know your method is no brainer???! But dealing with DRM key is another story.
Hello !
Frankly you should try with kingroot it's not really a big deal it's quicker and don't worry you will not mess up your phone. I did the same on mine, and it's quick...
LordBli said:
Hello !
Frankly you should try with kingroot it's not really a big deal it's quicker and don't worry you will not mess up your phone. I did the same on mine, and it's quick...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kingroot does not work with 5.1.x, sorry.
I still have to rollback to 4.4.x and use dualrecovery method 3.
mingkee said:
Kingroot does not work with 5.1.x, sorry.
I still have to rollback to 4.4.x and use dualrecovery method 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, so roll back to KitKat, root, backup your TA, unlock bootloader, and then update to 5.1.1 again. You'll then be able to just flash a recovery and root. If you don't care about the TA partition, then unlock bootloader and flash recovery and root.
Be aware that if your device is still under warranty, it'll be voided the second you lose the DRM keys (TA). If you're not under warranty anymore, it doesn't make any difference. If your device has to go into repairs down the road, it won't matter since you don't have warranty either way. But if you have, it's a good idea to back it up.
Also, the X-Reality engine etc. were at one point dependent on the TA partition, but this changed on KitKat, so X-Reality still works on an unlocked bootloader (even though it's really bad).
Klaos3000 said:
Okay, so roll back to KitKat, root, backup your TA, unlock bootloader, and then update to 5.1.1 again. You'll then be able to just flash a recovery and root. If you don't care about the TA partition, then unlock bootloader and flash recovery and root.
Be aware that if your device is still under warranty, it'll be voided the second you lose the DRM keys (TA). If you're not under warranty anymore, it doesn't make any difference. If your device has to go into repairs down the road, it won't matter since you don't have warranty either way. But if you have, it's a good idea to back it up.
Also, the X-Reality engine etc. were at one point dependent on the TA partition, but this changed on KitKat, so X-Reality still works on an unlocked bootloader (even though it's really bad).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is what I did as mentioned on the post linked on earlier post.
Download the latest ROM with Xperifirm, and 4.4.x ROM found in a sticky on the general section.
Pack the 5.1.X ROM as flashable pre-rooted.
Use Flashtool to rollback to 4.4.x, completely wipe, made initial setup and enable debug, and install recovery.
Install pre-rooted ROM through TWRP.
Backup TA partition and device data.
Unlock bootloader.
Restore TA partition and device data.
Done.

Root questions

Hello,
I am new to this forum and rooting procces, I've read some threads and didn't understand few things.
So, my questions are:
1. Is it possible to root phone without unlocking bootloader and losing DRM keys?
2. If it isn't,is there a way to backup DRM keys and restore them after rooting?
3. If I am able to root without unlocking bootloader will I still get OTA updates and if I do, will OTA update delete my root status?
Sorry if these questions were already asked in other thread, I was searching a bit and couldn't find any of those. Hope you can help me out.
Thank you in advance and have a nice day
1. Yes it is although you do need some time to do it. It's not difficult though.
2. As soon as you root, you can take a ta backup(which requires a few clicks and about 2 minutes of your time).
3. You won't be able to use Ota (even if you are which you most likely won't, it is recommended that you DO NOT use it).
cindra said:
1. Is it possible to root phone without unlocking bootloader and losing DRM keys?
2. If it isn't,is there a way to backup DRM keys and restore them after rooting?
3. If I am able to root without unlocking bootloader will I still get OTA updates and if I do, will OTA update delete my root status?
Sorry if these questions were already asked in other thread, I was searching a bit and couldn't find any of those. Hope you can help me out.
Thank you in advance and have a nice day
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.-Yes, the method is called "Downgrading". I go back to 4.4.2 (Build number 314) and use the older XZDR (Xperia Z Dual Recovery). It will temporarily root to install the recovery. When the phone reboots you can install a custom ROM or whatever to get Lollipop with Root and Recovery
2.-After rooting on 4.4.2 you can do a backup of the DRM Keys
3.-Just because you have rooted your phone you will no longer be able to get OTA updates for the Android system itself. OTA will show a random error message and PC Companion will refuse because of the modified software.
Ok, thank you for answers
Is there any 6+ Android build that is pre-rooted or is it better to stick with 5.1.1 rooted?
Alo, I've heard that cam quality could drop after rooting or unlocking bootloader, is it true?
cindra said:
Ok, thank you for answers
Is there any 6+ Android build that is pre-rooted or is it better to stick with 5.1.1 rooted?
Alo, I've heard that cam quality could drop after rooting or unlocking bootloader, is it true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stick with android 5.1.1 for now.
And yes, cam quality WILL DROP, but only after UNLOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER. Rooting alone won't hurt your cam quality.
Mokiwipeout said:
Stick with android 5.1.1 for now.
And yes, cam quality WILL DROP, but only after UNLOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER. Rooting alone won't hurt your cam quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I was thinking a lot if I should root or not. I decided to root. So just to clarify some things. If I use comunity root with downgrading,will it keep my DRM keys? If yes, I backup TA partition when rooted and then I can proceed with BL unlocking. Can I restore DRM keys to a custom ROM? Do you have any good custom ROM suggestion for me and is it better to use odexed or deodexed ROM?
I saw also saw this thread, hope it works so I won't be losing any camera quality.
That should be all.
Thank you in advance.
Have a nice day .
If you do NOT UNLOCK your bootloader, you wont lose your drm keys. (this is why after rooting using this method you can actually backup your drm keys, which you MUST DO no matter what).
When you restore your drm keys, you actually RELOCK your bootloader, so you must be on a stock based custom rom, and not using a custom kernel, otherwise you will simply brick your device.
Odexed or deodexed rom is purely personal preference, the difference being that deodexed ROMs allow for more customization (which is not necessary though). Regarding this, it doesn't really matter whether it is deodexed or not, so keep this in mind.
I cannot suggest a rom and I would advise against asking which rom is the best, because it is against the forum's rules.
Mokiwipeout said:
If you do NOT UNLOCK your bootloader, you wont lose your drm keys. (this is why after rooting using this method you can actually backup your drm keys, which you MUST DO no matter what).
When you restore your drm keys, you actually RELOCK your bootloader, so you must be on a stock based custom rom, and not using a custom kernel, otherwise you will simply brick your device.
Odexed or deodexed rom is purely personal preference, the difference being that deodexed ROMs allow for more customization (which is not necessary though). Regarding this, it doesn't really matter whether it is deodexed or not, so keep this in mind.
I cannot suggest a rom and I would advise against asking which rom is the best, because it is against the forum's rules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for answer. If i use this method will it keep my bootloader locked (Will DRM keys stay on phone?).
Look.
Your bootloader cannot be "accidentally" unlocked. You have to get the bootloader unlock code by YOURSELF. A program wont do it on its own.
So don't worry, even if the method you chose to root the device requires an unlocked bootloader, it will be stated since you have to do it manually.
Plus, rooting a device with an unlocked bootloader simply requires installing a custom kernel(which has a recovery too) and then flashing a zip file that will root the phone.
Mokiwipeout said:
Look.
Your bootloader cannot be "accidentally" unlocked. You have to get the bootloader unlock code by YOURSELF. A program wont do it on its own.
So don't worry, even if the method you chose to root the device requires an unlocked bootloader, it will be stated since you have to do it manually.
Plus, rooting a device with an unlocked bootloader simply requires installing a custom kernel(which has a recovery too) and then flashing s zip fike that will root the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much and sorry for so stupid questions, I am new to this and just want to be sure

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