When i originally unlocked the bootloader I had backed up my TA partition.
Now I have a question, can I restore my drm keys from it since im on another version of lollipop?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Drm keys are Android version independent. So the answer is yes, you can restore them.
However it's good to remember some rules before restoring; it will also relock your bootloader so, if you have unauthorized software inside your phone by Sony, like a recovery or a custom ROM, your phone will NOT boot as they are normally designed to work with unlocked bootloader.
You should do a backup before proceed or make sure you are on a nin-custom Sony firmware.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
_delice_doluca_ said:
Drm keys are Android version independent. So the answer is yes, you can restore them.
However it's good to remember some rules before restoring; it will also relock your bootloader so, if you have unauthorized software inside your phone by Sony, like a recovery or a custom ROM, your phone will NOT boot as they are normally designed to work with unlocked bootloader.
You should do a backup before proceed or make sure you are on a nin-custom Sony firmware.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me I ment im on another version of Android*, From your answer I understood I cant restore that.. So what are my options for restoring them?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
As I understand, the DRM keys are not reliant on your Android version. So keys from 4.4.4 should work on 5.0.2 as they shouldn't change. I'm pretty sure envious_data has confirmed this (please correct me if I'm wrong).
HOWEVER, restoring them will relock the bootloader. If you are on a non-sony custom ROM (so CM, AOSP, etc) the phone will not boot (eXistenZ, Moonwalker (I think), and other stock based ROM's will however).
Stock based ROM's will ONLY boot if you have a stock kernel (which is found inside of the ftf file), any custom kernel (advanced stock, AndroPlus, any CM/AOSP, any other stock based kernel) kernels will not.
A locked bootloader recovery will not prevent the phone from booting, as it is on the /system partition and not inside of a kernel.
Also, if you have a recovery installed to the FOTAKernel partition, restore that to stock as that will prevent the phone from booting. The stock FOTAKernel file can be found in the ftf file too. If needed I can strip an ftf file down to stock kernel and FOTAKernel to be flashed.
CosTuMe said:
Excuse me I ment im on another version of Android*, From your answer I understood I cant restore that.. So what are my options for restoring them?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can restore your DRM keys on any android version but you must make sure you'r completely on a stock build. (No custom kernals)
Deleted.
whats the procedure for restoring them?
CosTuMe said:
whats the procedure for restoring them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you used the BackupTA tool (or whatever it is called, it's in the cross device section) use the restore function in that.
But before you do, make sure you are on a stock based ROM, with a full stock kernel and full stock FOTAKernel partition.
gamer649 said:
If you used the BackupTA tool (or whatever it is called, it's in the cross device section) use the restore function in that.
But before you do, make sure you are on a stock based ROM, with a full stock kernel and full stock FOTAKernel partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, i had done it(and the phone boots). is there anyway to check i got them back?
CosTuMe said:
Ok, i had done it(and the phone boots). is there anyway to check i got them back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open the phone dialer, *#*#7378423#*#*, Service Tests, Security, and then look to each row. Each one will be followed by [KEY OK][ACTIVE].
Also, to check the bootloader is relocked.
Open the phone dialer, *#*#7378423#*#*, Service Info, Configuration, look to rooting status. It will say "Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes", instead of "Bootloader unlocked: Yes".
Thank you very much, I had succeeded restoring them
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
im currently on kitkat rom with full root and unlocked bootloader, and im planning to lock the bootloader. if i upgrade my phone to the latest official lolipop rom. can my phone lock the bootloader? can i get a new DRM key?
PS: i unlocked BL without backing the DRM keys so i lost it.
ulyshut said:
im currently on kitkat rom with full root and unlocked bootloader, and im planning to lock the bootloader. if i upgrade my phone to the latest official lolipop rom. can my phone lock the bootloader? can i get a new DRM key?
PS: i unlocked BL without backing the DRM keys so i lost it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can re-lock the bootloader without the DRM keys, however it will not restore them. You can use the bootloader unlock/re-lock function in flashtool to lock the bootloader again.
You can lock the bootloader on any android version, regardless of what version you unlocked it on. But if you didn't back up your DRM keys there is no way to get them back, they are lost forever unfortunately.
thanks for the reply, because my remote play access did not work when i rooted my phone . now based on the other thread, its about the DRM key and unlock BL that is causing the issue.
Steps to restore DRM keys?
Hey,
I want to just request some help about the DRM keys. I know more or less what to do since I have lost them in order to get root. As I have understood the steps go:
Backup all apps and whatnot
Flash stock ftf file from any version (wipe APPSLOG, CACHE, DATA) via Flashtool
Root using Easy Root Tool
Backup TA partition using this tool
Push dual recovery into phone using NUTs Dual Recovery script
Restore TA partition using the tool above
And hopefully I would have Root with working keys? I am currently getting the 17.1.2.A.0.314 & 17.1.1.A.0.402 ftf firmware. If I am missing anything from the steps above please inform me.
Thanks ^^
.
suenoromis said:
Hey,
I want to just request some help about the DRM keys. I know more or less what to do since I have lost them in order to get root. As I have understood the steps go:
Backup all apps and whatnot
Flash stock ftf file from any version (wipe APPSLOG, CACHE, DATA) via Flashtool
Root using Easy Root Tool
Backup TA partition using this tool
Push dual recovery into phone using NUTs Dual Recovery script
Restore TA partition using the tool above
And hopefully I would have Root with working keys? I am currently getting the 17.1.2.A.0.314 & 17.1.1.A.0.402 ftf firmware. If I am missing anything from the steps above please inform me.
Thanks ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlocked your BL before making backup of TA your keys are lost FOREVER .
Even if you downgrade and start everything again you won't get the keys back as they were unique to your device. If you don't have a TA backup of your keys don't waste time downgrading...
But if you DO HAVE A WORKING TA backup with YOUR keys then downgrade to 4.4.2, root, restore your TA (BL will get locked in the process), install dual recovery and upgrade to a pre-rooted firmware. You'll still have your keys and BL locked.
Steps to restore DRM keys?
ptmaniac said:
If you unlocked your BL before making backup of TA ..... You'll still have your keys and BL locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there's absolutely no way to get the keys back after unlocking the bootloader?
What about this?
_delice_doluca_ said:
Drm keys are Android version independent. So the answer is yes, you can restore them.
However it's good to remember some rules before restoring; it will also relock your bootloader so, if you have unauthorized software inside your phone by Sony, like a recovery or a custom ROM, your phone will NOT boot as they are normally designed to work with unlocked bootloader.
You should do a backup before proceed or make sure you are on a nin-custom Sony firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
suenoromis said:
So there's absolutely no way to get the keys back after unlocking the bootloader?
What about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confused about what? you are overcomplicating things.
You can get your keys back ONLY if you have a backup of your TA BEFORE unlocking your bootloader.
DID YOU BACKUP YOUR TA BEFORE UNLOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER?
If you answer YES --> you can restore your keys
If you answer NO --> they are lost forever.
SImple.
suenoromis said:
So there's absolutely no way to get the keys back after unlocking the bootloader?
What about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, If I got things complicated. Let me explain it in scenerios and steps;
Small İnfo first; there is a small partition (or a small and untouchable part inside of a partition) in our phones. It contains and "device-specific" keys, basically an ID.
Some Sony-made softwares (like a picture or sound enhancer which are activated when user starts a music or takes a picture) are patent protected and search for these keys before run. If keys are not there user still can take a picture or listen to music however the patented enhancing software will not kick in. So how do you lose the keys? Why is Sony making this?
Because they want to protect their patented technology from being exposed to inspections or non-Sony users. So basically they tell you if you "unlock your bootloader" you will be able to do anything with your phone freely but the keys-including-partition will be wiped forever and those patented software addings will not run.
Let's get to scenerios.
1th Scenerio: You want to install custom kernel, recovery or ROM to your device? You have to unlock bootloader and it is simple. But doing this basically will wipe your keys and they will be gone forever.
2nd Scenerio: The device can be rooted without unlocking its recovery (very clever Sony, you think about protecting your patent and invent the "keys partition" and lock them to bootloader and get rooted that easily). Once we obtain root, we can read and write to any partition, including the one with the keys (it is called Trim Area). Once we are rooted, with FlashTool, we can backup the TA partition and protect the keys on our PCs.
"After the backing up", once we unlock the bootloader the phone will wipe TA partition but we will have a backup of them on our PCs.
With that backup on our PCs, we can safely do whatever we want; install custom ROMS, kernels, recoveries etc. (actually, there is even a recovery installation possible with "locked bootloader" ) and once we need to claim our warranty or want Sony-patented software enhancements, we can simply restore the TA partition (again with FlashTool).
Related
Just like title states. I was curious if they do for those that have forgotten or wasn't aware to back them up. I'm awaiting my z ultra today via UPS.
Thanks
AFAIK, DRM keys are contained in the TA partition, deeeep inside the memory. So roms got nothing to do with your drm keys. You will lose drm ONLY when you unlock the bootloader, and that's usually required if you decided to flash something that needs unlocked bootloader (e.g. most custom recovery and roms). If you by any means unlocked the bootloader, the only way to restore bootloader is by using backup of ta partition from the same phone.
Check this out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45463149 for more thorough explanation.
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
unk_damnation said:
AFAIK, DRM keys are contained in the TA partition, deeeep inside the memory. So roms got nothing to do with your drm keys. You will lose drm ONLY when you unlock the bootloader, and that's usually required if you decided to flash something that needs unlocked bootloader (e.g. most custom recovery and roms). If you by any means unlocked the bootloader, the only way to restore bootloader is by using backup of ta partition from the same phone.
Check this out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45463149 for more thorough explanation.
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I understand clearly now. I wasn't sure. coming from samsung rooting/ roms. so the sony way of things is new to me. thanks again
I'll try and keep this short and to the point.
Currently running stock .290 firmware and wanting to root it, preferably without flashing a pre-rooted firmware, and without losing DRM keys.
Now if i want to root it according to this thread, i will need to unlock the Bootloader first:
"You'll have to unlock the bootloader if you want to root the .290 firmware (Android 4.3)."
and then root it via this, before i can run TA Backup to backup my DRM keys
What I'm confused about though, is that once the Bootloader is unlocked I lose my DRM Keys (as per this thread, and many other comments)
"The TA partition contains all your DRM keys for the Bravia/X-Reality Engine.
The first time you mess with your phone by unlocking the bootloader, these DRM keys will be deleted!"
The general consensus with regards to the proper order is:
1. Root
2. TA backup
3. Unlock bootloader
However for .290 it seems to be:
1. Unlock bootloader
2. Root
3. TA backup (if there is even anything left to backup?)
I guess what I'm wondering is if there is anyway to root .290 directly without first unlocking the Bootloader (and thus losing my DRM Keys), and without flashing pre-rooted firmware?
Or do i have this completely wrong, and by unlocking my Bootloader first, I won't lose my DRM Keys (contrary to what the linked thread above says)?
Thanks!
djyoshii said:
I'll try and keep this short and to the point.
Currently running stock .290 firmware and wanting to root it, preferably without flashing a pre-rooted firmware, and without losing DRM keys.
Now if i want to root it according to this thread, i will need to unlock the Bootloader first:
"You'll have to unlock the bootloader if you want to root the .290 firmware (Android 4.3)."
and then root it via this, before i can run TA Backup to backup my DRM keys
What I'm confused about though, is that once the Bootloader is unlocked I lose my DRM Keys (as per this thread, and many other comments)
"The TA partition contains all your DRM keys for the Bravia/X-Reality Engine.
The first time you mess with your phone by unlocking the bootloader, these DRM keys will be deleted!"
The general consensus with regards to the proper order is:
1. Root
2. TA backup
3. Unlock bootloader
However for .290 it seems to be:
1. Unlock bootloader
2. Root
3. TA backup (if there is even anything left to backup?)
I guess what I'm wondering is if there is anyway to root .290 directly without first unlocking the Bootloader (and thus losing my DRM Keys), and without flashing pre-rooted firmware?
Or do i have this completely wrong, and by unlocking my Bootloader first, I won't lose my DRM Keys (contrary to what the linked thread above says)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
You need to downgrade to 532 root, backup ta, unlock bootloader then update.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
SpyderTracks said:
No.
You need to downgrade to 532 root, backup ta, unlock bootloader then update.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems I'm really left with no option then.
In that case, are DRM keys linked to the hardware or firmware? In other words, by flashing the pre-rooted firmware will i still keep my original DRM keys? Or will I have new DRM keys, belonging/linked to said pre-rooted firmware?
djyoshii said:
Seems I'm really left with no option then.
In that case, are DRM keys linked to the hardware or firmware? In other words, by flashing the pre-rooted firmware will i still keep my original DRM keys? Or will I have new DRM keys, belonging/linked to said pre-rooted firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, it's only connected to xreality and a couple of other bits. More importantly it does have an effect on some streaming apps like netflix which will only work with drm. Think there may be a workaround for that on xda somewhere.
Also, if you lose drm and cannot restore the ta partition in event of breakage, then warranty is void.
Worth backing up I'd say if only for warranty purposes.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Like Spyder says, downgrade to 532 with Flashtool (no root or anything is needed), root it (it's very simple), backup TA (even simpler), unlock your bootloader, update to 290 again and root it (it's pretty simple with an unlocked bootloader).
If you regret it all and you want to re-lock the bootloader, be sure to be on a stock ROM with stock kernel and restore TA with the same tool you used to back it up with. This will also re-lock the bootloader. If you re-lock it on a custom kernel, your Ultra will not function. It will not reboot, and all you'll be left with is a blinking red LED over the screen. IF this happens, be sure to unlock the bootloader again, and it'll boot normally again.
You only have to backup the TA partition once, so if you choose to restore it and you want to unlock the bootloader yet again down the road, then just unlock it. You have the DRM keys, so you're safe. Be sure to back them up in the cloud too (Drive, Dropbox etc.) in case your computer crashes or you simply forget the DRM keys are there.
I wrote a guide on all this stuff, so take a look at it here.
You'll need to follow:
- Downgrading
- Rooting
- Backup TA Partition
- Unlocking the bootloader
After that, just download a 290 FTF and repeat step one (downgrading, but only with 290). Then when you're on 290, follow the guide you've already found. You can also flash Recovery/TWRP by following the short "Recovery and TWRP" section.
Good luck!
Hello dear XDA Community,
- Xperia Z Ultra
- 4.4.2
- 14.3.A.0.681
- C6833
I have a big problem with understanding all of this tutorials. I read everything about rooting and unlocking the Bootloader.
I understood that I need to backup my TA Partition for Unlocking my Bootloader so I can continue to use Sony technology.
Requirements ? Root. Okay that was my first problem. So i looked up how to root my phone and what do i need ? A phone with a unlocked bootloader. great! Sure you can say "look at this topic and carefully read" but I really did that and I am really helpless. Thanks for any help!
What did I read ?
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598&nocache=1 (requires root)
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2569904 (requires unlocked bootloader)
- watched severel youtube videos and encountered the same problem
Greets
tr0teK
When your bootloader is unlocked, you can never use X-Reality and any other item which requires the DRM in the Trim Area partition,
Restoring the TA partition without relocking the bootloader will not result in the return of X-Reality and such even if you are using a Sony ROM. This situation appears to have changed since the release of 4.4.
Backing up the TA partition is only good for relocking the bootloader on a Stock ROM (any custom AOSP, CM, AOSPA etc will fail to boot on a locked bootloader), for personal choice or returning the phone under warranty.
You can unlock the bootloader when not rooted, in fact you don't do it with the phone running normally anyway so root or not rooted, it does not matter in that sense.
You don't need to unlock the bootloader to root, if you are willing to re-set up your phone again. What you need to do is downgrade to 4.2, which is rootable, root, install recovery and flash the 681 pre-rooted zip, and use flashtool to flash the associated ftf file to get rooted on 681.
Follow the instructions in Lord Manhattan's thread that you linked to,in order to downgrade and install a recovery, then visit the following link to get the zip & ftf to re-up to 4.4 (681). You most likely will lose cellular connectivity whilst you are downgraded (there is a way around this, but as you are only going down to 4.2 to get a recovery, maintaining your IMEI for that short period of time is just a waste of effort), but it will return when you are back on 681 (4.4).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687848
- Downgrade to 532
- Root it using Bin4ry's tool
- Backup the TA partition
- Unlock bootloader
- Either update to 681 again and take it from there or flash a kernel with recovery/TWRP and flash a pre-rooted 681. It's easy to root 681, so whatever floats your boat.
Don't mean to hijack this topic but I don't want to open another thread,
if I back up the TA partition, unlock bootloader, root the phone, then relock bootloader, then restore TA partition to bring back the xreality,
I am not going to install custom recovery and Roms.
Thanks for the Informations. I will give it a try the next days and report you if it worked.
coolmingli said:
Don't mean to hijack this topic but I don't want to open another thread,
if I back up the TA partition, unlock bootloader, root the phone, then relock bootloader, then restore TA partition to bring back the xreality,
I am not going to install custom recovery and Roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically it'll work, but i have never done it before. Everything should go smoothly until you're going to re-lock the bootloader. You can't re-lock it on a custom kernel, and you'll be on a custom kernel once you flash Jackie's kernel with recovery, so you'll have to flash a complete stock kernel, then restore the TA partition with the TA Backup Tool, which will also automatically re-lock the bootloader. You should in theory end up with a complete stock ROM with root. That's on paper.
Worst case scenario? If you re-lock the bootloader while you're on a custom kernel, it'll explode it won't power on at all, and all you'll get is a blinking red LED and death. To fix this, just unlock the bootloader in Flashtool again and you're back to start again. It's not dangerous, but it's nerve wrecking to see it there, just blinking without any sign of life. I almost crapped my pants the first time i experienced it, and had no clue what was happening or what to do.
LordManhattan said:
Technically it'll work, but i have never done it before. Everything should go smoothly until you're going to re-lock the bootloader. You can't re-lock it on a custom kernel, and you'll be on a custom kernel once you flash Jackie's kernel with recovery, so you'll have to flash a complete stock kernel, then restore the TA partition with the TA Backup Tool, which will also automatically re-lock the bootloader. You should in theory end up with a complete stock ROM with root. That's on paper.
Worst case scenario? If you re-lock the bootloader while you're on a custom kernel, it'll explode it won't power on at all, and all you'll get is a blinking red LED and death. To fix this, just unlock the bootloader in Flashtool again and you're back to start again. It's not dangerous, but it's nerve wrecking to see it there, just blinking without any sign of life. I almost crapped my pants the first time i experienced it, and had no clue what was happening or what to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, I think I will ditch rooting from this phone, too much troubles, I don't understand why Sony put the DRM key in a trim partition, perhaps they don't want us to root the phone after all.
I did it guys. It worked!
My steps:
- Downgraded to 4.2.2 with Flashtool (.532)
- Rooted with Bin4ry's tool
- Installed CWM and TWRP Dual Recovery for Xperia Z locked Bootloader by krabappe12548
- Flashed to 4.4.2[rooted] (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687848)
Now I have the newest version with Root Access. Everything works great
Greets
tr0teK
tr0teK said:
I did it guys. It worked!
My steps:
- Downgraded to 4.2.2 with Flashtool (.532)
- Rooted with Bin4ry's tool
- Installed CWM and TWRP Dual Recovery for Xperia Z locked Bootloader by krabappe12548
- Flashed to 4.4.2[rooted] (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687848)
Now I have the newest version with Root Access. Everything works great
Greets
tr0teK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is this witout unlock the bootloader?
MjsNL said:
is this witout unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that will work well on a locked BL
If you are only downgrading to flash the current rooted firmware, you don't even need to root 532, as [nut]'s dual recovery can be installed by the same method that bin4ry's root is delivered, just install the recovery, flash the zip, flash the ftf and away you go
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.
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