Hello,
Before you say "use search" function read what I have to say
I have an Xperia Neo for about 1 year but I didn't need to root it or anything, I was happy the way it was, I only did one update since I got it, minus the ICS 4.0.4 update from Sony. But after this updated, I have started to get really annoyed by the bloatware that the firmware comes pre-installed with, seems to me they put on even more stuff with every update, stuff that I really don't use.
So....I decided to root/unlock my phone but I don't have the slightest idea where to begin. I know that I will use flashtool and I already have that, but besides that I have no idea what I need. I've browsed these forums for the past day and I didn't stumble on anything that could help my situation (or lack of knowledge how some might call it).
I also know that I will need to use a "custom" firmware but I'm having a bit of trouble wrapping my head around these facts:
Do I need JUST the firmware?
Do I also need a ROM?
Do I also need a kernel?!
Whats up with these, I mean, I know what a kernel and a ROM and a firmware is, but what exactly do I need to root my phone and what do I have to do? Also, unlocking the bootloader?
Sometimes I wish there's someone out there that compiles a damn guide about these things, something detailed, explaining why he does what he does....or maybe I didn't search enough?
Anyway....any volunteers?
Erm, I will go with "you didn't search good enough" ....and now you can shoot me
Did you notice sticky thread in general section, which is about rooting ICS? If not, I will say you didn't search good enough.
Did you noticed sticky thread in Neo V dev section(yeah, mostly(99%) Neo and Neo V are same)? In one of the sticky thread you have compiled dame guide about these things If not..........
I'm not sure,so I won't blame you for this one but I believe in one of those few sticky threads there is also link to one thread/guide in Arc section, which is also compiled dame guide about these things
Did I miss anything?
Yep, I noticed all those threads, but somehow you missed the point of my thread.
First of all, the sticky thread about rooting ICS in the Neo General Forum is addressed to people who have done this BEFORE, and not people who have no idea where to begin or what do they need.
Second, If I don't know what I need to be able to root my phone safely, why the hell would I even bother looking at other phones? Even if they are the same. That would only increase the chances of me burning the phone because I have no experience with this.
Third, most of the guides I found, are either outdated or refer to specific stuff. I can't believe that Android is so "complicated" to root/unlock or whatever you wanna call it. I owned an iPhone once and it was very easy to unlock and jailbreak.....in like 1 click.
But the problem here is most likely the number of devices that run Android, and that's whats making it harder....
So I'm going to ask again:
What the hell do I need to be able to get this started?
Except flashtool.
What do I need to know? Do I need to have an unlocked bootloader?
And somehow you also missed my point.
Rooting android is mostly 1 click thing. BUT, sometime we need to mess a bit to get it root-ed. I didn't have much play with iPhone, but I'm pretty sure not everything was 1 click, so..
Now we get to one point, you say people who have no idea where to begin, I say read. Read before you start messing with something. I know you hate me now for that, but hey, I did the same thing. I read few days before I get a grip around all android things.
But actually, all you need to know is how to flash kernel in flashtool(actually even simplier, how to flash .ftf file), and how to run .bat file which will do everything.
Let's start with flashtool, in main thread, which you supposed to find by now, there is BIG tutorial how to use flashtool and how to flash with it.
In sticky thread in general section, you even have prepared .ftf files with kernels. So that's a no-brainer
.bat file, I really hope everything is clear about that..
About your questions, you need phone, PC, flashtool, few .ftf's(which can be found in tutorial), tutorial and that's it
It's not hard, aprox. xxxx people done it so far. I doubt they all were Android guru's
About bootloader, you don't need to unlock it just to root your phone. But in the case you would have unlocked BL, things would be easier, a bit.
Now on the job, follow tutorials and ask when you stuck somewhere.
Alright. I'll get on it.
Be back with updates.
Right, first try, managed to unlock the bootloader, root the phone, but messed up at flashing a custom ROM.
I tried installing this ROM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1518563
It was only when the install finished when I noticed that the ROM had been discontinued.
My Android version was indeed 4.0.4. but I must have ticked something wrong, somewhere.
At the moment the phone is stuck at the SONY logo without the possibility of getting into CWM.
I have no idea what to do next, but my guess is, start the phone in fastboot and flash back to stock? But I don't know how to do that.
I'm thinking to try the latest Kormatoes ROM and Kernel but he doesn't post any installation instructions :/
justinhd said:
Right, first try, managed to unlock the bootloader, root the phone, but messed up at flashing a custom ROM.
I tried installing this ROM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1518563
It was only when the install finished when I noticed that the ROM had been discontinued.
My Android version was indeed 4.0.4. but I must have ticked something wrong, somewhere.
At the moment the phone is stuck at the SONY logo without the possibility of getting into CWM.
I have no idea what to do next, but my guess is, start the phone in fastboot and flash back to stock? But I don't know how to do that.
I'm thinking to try the latest Kormatoes ROM and Kernel but he doesn't post any installation instructions :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed.
Used "fastboot" to flash a new kernel that had CWM on. Got into CWM but couldn't mount the SD card so I used
"adb push" while in recovery to transfer new ROM to sdcard, then installed the new rom and its over. After nearly 5 hours. lol
ok so please be gentle here, coming back here after 7 years, from old Windows Mobile days!
I am a newbie to Android and want to root my Z5 compact. The only reason I want to root it is to enable some apps like Greenify and GSam battery monitor to work with all their features enabled. I do not want to flash a new ROM. I am happy with Sony's stock ROM.
Is it possible to get root access without installing / flashing a new ROM?
I have searched the internet but people talk about flashing every time I read about rooting. Then I also saw this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/root-automatic-repack-stock-kernel-dm-t3301605
Lots of geeky stuff there which is fine, but again, it seems to talk about flashing the ROM, which I really do not want to do or do not see the need (yet).
Unlock boot loader:
I see that Sony lets me unlock the boot loader from their dev site. I am willing to unlock the boot loader. (Not sure if I want to do that first. Maybe unlocking BL is all I need?)
rajdude said:
ok so please be gentle here, coming back here after 7 years, from old Windows Mobile days!
I am a newbie to Android and want to root my Z5 compact. The only reason I want to root it is to enable some apps like Greenify and GSam battery monitor to work with all their features enabled. I do not want to flash a new ROM. I am happy with Sony's stock ROM.
Is it possible to get root access without installing / flashing a new ROM?
I have searched the internet but people talk about flashing every time I read about rooting. Then I also saw this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/root-automatic-repack-stock-kernel-dm-t3301605
Lots of geeky stuff there which is fine, but again, it seems to talk about flashing the ROM, which I really do not want to do or do not see the need (yet).
Unlock boot loader:
I see that Sony lets me unlock the boot loader from their dev site. I am willing to unlock the boot loader. (Not sure if I want to do that first. Maybe unlocking BL is all I need?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason to use that guide is to backup ta keys for whatever reason you'd want to do that.
If you're after root on stock ROM the single easiest way is to unlock bootloader, flash twrp 3.0.2, flash xpower 3.0, and that's it. Solid marshmallow with root goodies. Xpower has everything and is deodexed and ready for xposed framework.
just a little more clarification please?
civicsr2cool said:
.....easiest way is to unlock bootloader, flash twrp 3.0.2, flash xpower 3.0, and that's it. ......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks.....that sounds straight forward.....but isn't TWRP a ROM? (sorry, the moment I hear flashing...I think ROM)
And I am looking up xpower...not sure what that is (yet) and why do I need it
I do want xposed framework though.
I wish there was a simple straightforward answer
rajdude said:
Ok thanks.....that sounds straight forward.....but isn't TWRP a ROM? (sorry, the moment I hear flashing...I think ROM)
And I am looking up xpower...not sure what that is (yet) and why do I need it
I do want xposed framework though.
I wish there was a simple straightforward answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Twrp is your recovery,you flash through fastboot, xpower 3.0 is the ROM, just a pre-modded stock ROM with options of xperia x addons. Use lite and stock kernel for xpower and you'll be set.
still a little confused
civicsr2cool said:
Twrp is your recovery,you flash through fastboot, xpower 3.0 is the ROM, just a pre-modded stock ROM with options of xperia x addons. Use lite and stock kernel for xpower and you'll be set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks! So my understanding (so far) is :
We "must" flash a ROM in order to root a phone. Did I get that correct?
Since I said I like the stock Sony ROM, you recommended the xpower 3.0 ROM.........but the point is.....I still have to flash ROM.
A little confused here...
I am a systems engineer (my day job). In Linux or Windows OS, if we want root access (to run some software or a low level command, like partitioning a disk etc), we either run SU command and put root's password OR right click and run as administrator......
We never have to install a brand new Operating System to get root access.
Just a total newbie question.....Why do we have do install a whole new OS (flash new ROM) on our Android phones to get root access?
rajdude said:
Ok thanks! So my understanding (so far) is :
We "must" flash a ROM in order to root a phone. Did I get that correct?
Since I said I like the stock Sony ROM, you recommended the xpower 3.0 ROM.........but the point is.....I still have to flash ROM.
A little confused here...
I am a systems engineer (my d Linux or Windows OS, if we want root access (to run some software or a low level command, like partitioning a disk etc), we either run SU command and put root's password OR right click and run as administrator......
We never have to install a brand new Operating System to get root access.
Just a total newbie question.....Why do we have do install a whole new OS (flash new ROM) on our Android phones to get root access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android is Linux, to gain root in the ROM you have on your phone currently all you need is an unlocked bootloader to run SU, but then you'll be left with a phone that still needs a customized kernel to keep root and a DRM fix for the camera. Xpower 3.0 is that package.
You could really benefit from reading more. Google up on dm-verity and Sony Ric, and fastboot/adb for a little better understanding of what you're getting into without a pre compiled ROM. Messing around with any Android you'll have the majority of the same steps, unlock bootloader with fastboot, flash Supersu, customized kernel.. Etc
Why use a stable compiled ROM?
Let me list down and explain to you why it's best to use a stable compiled ROM. But first you need to understand these few things before you decide to unlock your bootloader and root.
Before Sony Z models kicked in, every rooted Sony device are still able to retain all the features that came together with the phone before it was rooted. When Sony introduce the first Z model, they start to create these things called DRM keys. DRM keys are unique algorithm (i guess i should put it that way) which is attached to every phone the same way an IMEI number is attached to every phone. In short, my DRM keys cannot be used on your phone and vice versa.
DRM key: It's a unique algorithm that holds all the unique features that an unrooted Sony phone boast such as camera quality, X-reality, High Res Audio etc etc.
The moment you unlock your bootloader, that's the moment your DRM keys will be lost. But don't panic, the wonderful devs on XDA have prepared a tool to backup your TA partition (a partition that contains your DRM key) for your own convenience if you want to relock your bootloader.
Then recently Sony/Android come up with new features called Sony RIC and dm-verity. (You may Google what these are all about but to my understanding it is placing limitations to people who root their phones to meddle around with the system settings of thier phone)
With all these "hurdles", it have taken some time for devs here to find a work around and like every fairytale ending, they manage to find a way.
Now you're wondering if you can actually root without flashing another rom. Good news for you: you can! There's a guide that will teach you how to actually root and apply the work around after unlocking your bootloader and rooting.
.. But ask yourself what's the point of going through the hassle of rooting and your phone is not tweaked for performance or for theming purposes?
That's when people flash roms and in Z5 compact's case, XPower is the best rom there is. It gives you all the performance tweak you need to make your phone lag free, it has a lite version that removes all the unnecessary system apps you can't delete without root, it gives you an option to add themes and framework from Xperia X with all those work around in place.
For your second question: why is there a need to install TWRP?
TWRP is a recovery tool which is a need for all rooted phone. It's also a tool for you to backup and restore your current rom so that you can rollback to the last working configuration if your phone went into a bootloop etc. Plus i believe all these guides require you to actually use TWRP to flash the SuperSU to successfully root your phone.
I hope this explains your doubts.
Thanks a lot but...
firdyRAY, thanks a lot for the comprehensive reply to my questions. And yes, it has shed a LOT of light on my doubts.
I googled Sony RIC and dm-verity:
I could not get find much on ric
Dm-verity seems to me a way to check if the boot image has been modified from the last boot, and if it has, stop from booting. Sounds like a good idea until we understand that to flash a ROM dm-verity needs to be bypassed/turned off.
So to compile what I have understood so far:
By unlocking bootloader, you lose DRM keys. There is a way to backup DRM keys which are in the TA partition, but this is to be done BEFORE you unlock bootloader. Good that I have not done anything to my X5c yet.
The next steps for me would be to look into XPower 3 ROM…which I did and here is what I found out:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z5-compact/development/rom-xpower-v1-0-aroma-debloat-custom-t3371100
First, what's up with the scary looking warning in RED right at the top of the first thread. I did read the OP and the second post, I did not see anything in there which IF I missed will cause my phone to explode! That is probably posted to make noobs read all instructions, right?
Second, I do not see any step in there to backup the DRM / TA partition. I guess the dev is assuming the phone already has lost the DRM, right? So I gotta find instructions on how to backup DRM / TA
Then I searched for problems in this ROM and seems to me that the fingerprint sensor is reported by many to be not working and/or buggy. I rely on the fingerprint sensor day and night. I have many apps which rely on that, like lastpass. That would be a major deal breaker for me.
So going back to stock ROM option…I remember you said "There's a guide that will teach you how to actually root and apply the work around after unlocking your bootloader and rooting."
Could you please post a link to that?
Thanks again!
I think this is a pretty great thread rajdude. It's getting people to spell out a lot of information to noobs like us that it seems most posters have taken for granted over time.
I'm a complete novice at all of this. Sort of gleaning information as I go along, but I used this guide: http://twigstechtips.blogspot.hk/2016/04/sony-z5-compact-root-without-losing-ta.html?m=0
Along with this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/general/guide-rooting-unlocking-bootloader-t3354307
The first guide is pretty basic step-by-step instructions. It unfortunately occasionally kind of skips over a couple very small things (that will be clear as you go along), or occasionally words things in such a way that might not be completely intuitive, but maybe that's cause I need things explained to me like I'm five sometimes. Any time I might have had a question about something in the the first guide, I went to the other and found the answer. It didn't take me long to get the gist of the whole thing though, and overall, it wasn't as scary as I thought it was going to be. It'd be fantastic if someone created a video walkthrough, but so far as I know, no one has done that yet.
The guide will help you back up your TA Partition where your DRM keys are stored, unlock your bootloader, root your device, and then restore your DRM keys. In order to do this you need to downgrade to Lollipop (if you're not already on it), and then upgrade back up to Marshmallow. It will also install TWRP (which I had no clue was installed until I went into "recovery mode" by pressing UP when I saw the LED flash yellow during boot). There may be an easier way to go about this whole process, but this is the process I used.
Before jumping into anything, I'd hold off until you heard more from firdyRAY or someone more experienced. They may look at the guide I linked and be horrified.
And yeah, I haven't installed xpower yet for the same reasons you haven't. Sounds like there's even an xpower 4.0 that was released recently, but still seems kinda buggy. Being rooted with stock I've been able to give Greenify access to root. Install Adaway (which was worth getting root to begin with). Install sound/music mods like DiVA-X, Viper4Android and Dolby Atmos. Install Titanium Backup. And make a few other minor tweaks (that I've since reversed). I still don't know much about custom ROMs and all that jazz, so I'm holding off until I get more understanding. I'd love to install the xpower ROM (when the bugs are worked out), and maybe some sort of sound ROM. I also need to get more understanding on some of the other vernacular like what exactly a "dirty flash" is.
rajdude said:
firdyRAY, thanks a lot for the comprehensive reply to my questions. And yes, it has shed a LOT of light on my doubts.
I googled Sony RIC and dm-verity:
I could not get find much on ric
Dm-verity seems to me a way to check if the boot image has been modified from the last boot, and if it has, stop from booting. Sounds like a good idea until we understand that to flash a ROM dm-verity needs to be bypassed/turned off.
So to compile what I have understood so far:
By unlocking bootloader, you lose DRM keys. There is a way to backup DRM keys which are in the TA partition, but this is to be done BEFORE you unlock bootloader. Good that I have not done anything to my X5c yet.
The next steps for me would be to look into XPower 3 ROM…which I did and here is what I found out:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z5-compact/development/rom-xpower-v1-0-aroma-debloat-custom-t3371100
First, what's up with the scary looking warning in RED right at the top of the first thread. I did read the OP and the second post, I did not see anything in there which IF I missed will cause my phone to explode! That is probably posted to make noobs read all instructions, right?
Second, I do not see any step in there to backup the DRM / TA partition. I guess the dev is assuming the phone already has lost the DRM, right? So I gotta find instructions on how to backup DRM / TA
Then I searched for problems in this ROM and seems to me that the fingerprint sensor is reported by many to be not working and/or buggy. I rely on the fingerprint sensor day and night. I have many apps which rely on that, like lastpass. That would be a major deal breaker for me.
So going back to stock ROM option…I remember you said "There's a guide that will teach you how to actually root and apply the work around after unlocking your bootloader and rooting."
Could you please post a link to that?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sony ric is a layer of security for sony roms so that they can protect nfc and fingerprint stuff. samsung and htc have there own variants as well.
yes lol the big red lettering is there to make you read, although hes not far off on the melting your phone part, the s810 is ridiculously hot.
the xpower thread doesnt not include the drm backup instructions because: 1) you need bootloader unlocked to flash it. and 2) because it includes the drm fix in it so you dont have to backup your ta keys.
the fingerprint sensor bug is on any bootloader unlocked phone, the hardware fails after x amount of hours and requires a reboot to work again. xpower is a stock rom, the only thing different is its pre-rooted, de-bloated, and deodexed for xposed to work. we have a separate thread for the fingerprint sensor bug and its been solved.
rajdude said:
firdyRAY, thanks a lot for the comprehensive reply to my questions. And yes, it has shed a LOT of light on my doubts.
I googled Sony RIC and dm-verity:
I could not get find much on ric
Dm-verity seems to me a way to check if the boot image has been modified from the last boot, and if it has, stop from booting. Sounds like a good idea until we understand that to flash a ROM dm-verity needs to be bypassed/turned off.
So to compile what I have understood so far:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony RIC main function is to disable /system write even you got root permission(you still able to do /system write but after a reboot will restore to original). There is a workaround but very trouble, TWRP recovery file manager can bypass Sony RIC(it works in the old day for me, not sure about now). BTW, all 3rd kernel should be disabled RIC nowadays. For any regular computer, there is no hardware or software lock to prevent you gain root access in linux but there are many such trouble stuffs in the android world... lol
I'm running XPower 3.0 Full as a daily driver since June and been very happy. Battery life, stability and speed is good.
Please note, that you MAY lose your warranty when you lose your DRM keys. That's why I didn't unlocked my phone before there was a way to backup TA partition. Now I'm after warranty repair, and before it I was able to fully restore stock ROM with DRM and all features fully functional. In my country, there is only one Sony approved repair center and they check DRM keys before repairing anything - even if it's mechanical fault.
When I had Z1c in KitKat days, it didn't had dm-verity and Sony RIC. It was possible to gain permanent root with bootloader locked, so I was happily using stock ROM and kernel. In Z5c case, first thing I tried was to do the same and it was possible (just backup TA, unlock bootloader, and flash TWRP with patched kernel (dm-verity and Sony RIC disabled) to begin with), but going XPower way was much more confident - I didn't had to think about removing every bloat app. I just flashed lite version in June and I'm using it till this day without any problems at all
Another thing is that you lose OTA (Over-The-Air Update) functionality when you unlock bootloader and disable Sony RIC and dm-verity. Updating to newer versions of firmware, even on stock ROM is problematic when you modify it.
michuroztocz said:
Another thing is that you lose OTA (Over-The-Air Update) functionality when you unlock bootloader and disable Sony RIC and dm-verity. Updating to newer versions of firmware, even on stock ROM is problematic when you modify it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's simply not possible. If you are rooted you can't apply OTA updates and neither should you.
flopower1996 said:
It's simply not possible. If you are rooted you can't apply OTA updates and neither should you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's just what I wrote - just put it in another words
Hello,
i know there is plenty of this kind of threads. But i really need simple guideline , already tested way to root this device. I have rooted couple phones, (note3, sonyz3, galaxy s4, etc), but never this model before, or any model where i have to touch the bootlocker.
So, this is now new to me and looks like there is too many way to do that, and it´s confusing. This girls is on fire, at least my brain are
The phone is my 12 years daughters phone, and my son has also this phone, and the internal memory is straight from a...
So i assume, only way to solve this is root the phone and use the external memory as internal memory, right?
And what about this, have you tried this, is it valid way ?
(Tried to put url, but i am newbie, so i can´t, but what i ment is one click root, is it even possible)?
Anyway, can someone please give me a hand and tell me easiest way. The way which working and tested
I´ll appreciate this very much.
Have a nice monday all of you.
Br,
Satu form Finland
this is a good tutorial https://forum.xda-developers.com/m4-aqua/general/guide-unlock-bootloader-twrp-touch-t3247939 for unlocking bootloader and flashing recovery
but rooting with an old version of su, you need to search for the newer su version, and beware, do not update su from Play Store
one more thing, you didn't mention Android version of your devices, settings-> about phone
for root you need a specific way for Android version Lollipop or Marshmallow
I've been having issues with battery drain and recently some apps aren't notifying me so I know it's time for a back up and restore. I figured since Nougat is out and seems to be tweaked to a working version, I might as well just flash that. (I haven't gotten the update yet w/ E583 UK version.)
I'm a TOTAL noob when it comes to flashing and resetting - I rooted a Samsung previously but never modded my Z5C at all. I need a good guide for how to flash the rom and do everything I need to do to back up/restore/flash a new ROM.
At the moment, I'm downloading FlashTool 0.9.23.1 but need to know where to get an official version of .376 or .378. I am coming from 32.2.A.0.305 Android 6.0.1 unmodded and don't need to root. TIA!
I really wish there was a step-by-step guide for this. Been trying to parse steps together but: Flashtool gives me error when I try to decrypt files. (tried to get from XperiFirm but it kept erroring on downloads. I walked away and didn't get any error messages so assume it worked but maybe not.) I really just need the regular ftf file but don't know where the most reliable one is. Got one from somewhere but didn't try that one. Flashtool won't recognize my device but I might have figured that out from using Xperia Companion. Companion says my phone is up to date so I'm just repairing it from there and reinstalling my current os. (6.0.1 I guess) Still would like the latest Nougat though.
Follow this guide [Guide] How to root Z5C - the new, less painful way (using dirtycow exploit), start at step 3 and end with step 5 and you should be good. You don't need to unlock the bootloader to flash an official ROM so skip any of the other steps.
So I have spent literally days, in an ultimate attempt to upgrade to a ROM of Android 8.1
I have never attempted anything like this and it seemed to be straight forward enough to try myself. I quickly realised that I needed to install TWRP on my tablet. Then upon hours more research I learned that to do this, the tablet must be rooted. But it cannot be rooted if it is running Android 6.1.0, which it currently is. So I need to downgrade it to it's original firmware, something like Android 4.4.1. But then one of the steps of doing this is that it also needs to be rooted. To root the device I must enter recovery mode. I have tried the physical button pushing method so MANY times, I have sore hands now. It didn't even work once. How else can this be achieved on my device? What other methods can I use? I have heard of something called ADB.... or something like that. As a complete beginner I am unfamiliar with how to use this. Could someone please help me?
I don't know if this information is also handy, but the bootloader IS unlocked. I was able to do that about 6 months ago, when a friend of mine attempted unsuccesfully to put a custom ROM on it.
First time sorry for my poor English...
What ROMs do you use now and what do you want?
I've been dying for two days, but I've been updated (Stock 4.4.4 to Custom 8.1)! I also use SGP-521.
It was a nightmare, but it did. If I can, I will help you!