Related
Hi,
my question consists out of two parts, firstly:
Which (Sony) apps make use of the DRM-partition / DRM-keys?
and secondly:
Will my Xperia tablet Z function as it should if I backup my DRM-partition, unlock the bootloader, install a custom kernel (on stock but rooted firmware) and restore my backed up DRM-partition, effectively re-locking the bootloader again?
Thank you in advance.
Best regards.
Pihkal said:
Hi,
my question consists out of two parts, firstly:
Which (Sony) apps make use of the DRM-partition / DRM-keys?
and secondly:
Will my Xperia tablet Z function as it should if I backup my DRM-partition, unlock the bootloader, install a custom kernel (on stock but rooted firmware) and restore my backed up DRM-partition, effectively re-locking the bootloader again?
Thank you in advance.
Best regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I can't answer your specific questions, but here's my experience :
I made the mistake of unlocking the bootloader before backing up the TA partition and lost my DRM keys.
This prevented me downloading movies/music I purchased in Sony Entertainment Network using the stock Sony movie & music players.
(Fortunately I purchased the items with my free £20 credit that came with the tablet Z, and I can watch them on my Playstation. Also the SEN store is too expensive so I won't use it again anyway!)
I just use other services (Google Play Music, Amazon MP3, Google Movies), or rip my DVDs. All fine.
It has also been mentioned that the Bravia Engine will stop working. I did go back to a stock ROM at one point, and it let me select Bravia Engine in settings - but I don't know if it worked or not. Some people say it only makes the picture look false anyway.
I guess it may affect re-sale value, but most trade in sites I've used don't bother checking that level of detail. They just want the basics - device turns on, etc.
So, I've got mixed feelings. Kicking myself that I didn't read up more and back-up the DRM stuff before unlocking the bootloader...but not really missing out.
Thanks for your reply.
Bummer you lost lost your DRM keys.
I have the tendency to read a lot on the subject before I attempt it.
Judging by your post the only interesting thing that would stop working would be the Bravia-engine, I don't know how/if it enhances the image, I'll disable it and check the result once I get home from work.
I don't really care about SEN or any other Sony app, only the IR remote app and the sixaxis PS3 controller app I find useful, these need to work, and maybe also the Bravia-engine.
Any thoughts on the bootloader question?
Will the device boot if I install a custom kernel (Doomlord's for example) and re-lock the bootloader?
I can't see why it shouldn't boot but you never know...
Don't want to brick my brand new 500€ device...
Edit:
I should read some more before asking stupid questions:
2: nope a locked bootloader won´t accept any kernels beside stock sony ones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regards
Hi everyone, sorry if this is the wrong spot to ask.
I have pre ordered a Z2 and since I am new to android and have always been an avid jailbreaker, would like to root my Z2 and eventually play around with custom ROMS.
DooMLoRD announced today that Touch Recovery is working on the Z2 so it can now be unlocked and rooted. I have a few Q's specific to this process.
1. Correct me if I'm wrong but at the moment there is no way to root the Z2 WITHOUT first unlocking it?
2. You need root to do a TA backup, so the current process of unlocking then rooting will result in lost DRM keys?
3. I read that unlocking wipes all data. Does that mean that the Z2 is then unbootable until you have flashed a ROM. Or is the stock ROM still actually in place and bootable, just without any user data?
4. What specific features are lost when you don't have DRM keys? I read something about losing functionality in the photo album and walkman apps, and bravia engine (but that may have related to unlocking the Z!).
1. You are correct.
2. Correct again.
3. The stock ROM will be in place and the phone will be usable, but all user data will be wiped.
4. I have the same question for the Z2. I haven't seen the answer anywhere, but I think @DooMLoRD and @yeeson should know...
Unlock will be lost TA！
yeeson said:
Unlock will be lost TA！
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know what features you lose when you lose TA with the Z2?
JMonkeYJ said:
Do you know what features you lose when you lose TA with the Z2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the normal functions
yeeson said:
All the normal functions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say this, what exactly do you mean? Since a phone has a lot of functions. Calls still work I presume, as well as wifi and mobile data. Camera, audio, play store and google apps etc...?
I thought it was just a few Sony specific functions that stop working, like Sony's OTA updates.
It seems blog sites all over the net are reporting this method of rooting as an easy user-ready option. In their rush to get hits, they are completely neglecting to mention the fact that at the moment this is a one-way process, and that there are some very specific downsides to rushing into rooting the Z2 at the moment.
I hope people are doing their reading first
cronugs said:
When you say this, what exactly do you mean? Since a phone has a lot of functions. Calls still work I presume, as well as wifi and mobile data. Camera, audio, play store and google apps etc...?
I thought it was just a few Sony specific functions that stop working, like Sony's OTA updates.
It seems blog sites all over the net are reporting this method of rooting as an easy user-ready option. In their rush to get hits, they are completely neglecting to mention the fact that at the moment this is a one-way process, and that there are some very specific downsides to rushing into rooting the Z2 at the moment.
I hope people are doing their reading first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock all normal ！
There is no bug！
Can back to lock, and then to OTA！
yeeson said:
Unlock all normal ！
There is no bug！
Can back to lock, and then to OTA！
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you only can relock the bootloader only if the Z2 gets a proper root with locked bootloader in order to perform a backup of the TA partition. Once you unlocked it without backup, DRM keys will be lost forever and you'll lose your warranty and you won't ever be able to relock it again. No you can't use the TA backup from another phone. It would hard-brick your phone. I hope that helps!
Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk
jjpro45 said:
But you only can relock the bootloader only if the Z2 gets a proper root with locked bootloader in order to perform a backup of the TA partition. Once you unlocked it without backup, DRM keys will be lost forever and you'll lose your warranty and you won't ever be able to relock it again. No you can't use the TA backup from another phone. It would hard-brick your phone. I hope that helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I thought. Is a proper root for the Z2 likely?
cronugs said:
When you say this, what exactly do you mean? Since a phone has a lot of functions. Calls still work I presume, as well as wifi and mobile data. Camera, audio, play store and google apps etc...?
I thought it was just a few Sony specific functions that stop working, like Sony's OTA updates.
It seems blog sites all over the net are reporting this method of rooting as an easy user-ready option. In their rush to get hits, they are completely neglecting to mention the fact that at the moment this is a one-way process, and that there are some very specific downsides to rushing into rooting the Z2 at the moment.
I hope people are doing their reading first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You MIGHT lose X Reality. DooMLoRD has tweeted a few days ago that all devices with 4.4 that unlock their bootloader will not lose it anymore, but, not that I don't believe him, but I will only be 100 about that seeing many confirmations.
Also, I think you might lose the possibility to use Music and Video Unlimited. Haven't heard anything about PS Mobile, but I think it is included. Can't remember anything else...
Dear community,
I've recently got a Z5 compact (updated it to MM already) and after reading around here and around the Z5 forums I came to a cruel conclusion (didn't do my homework before getting the phone, but that's my problem):
You cannot root without unlocking the bootloader and you cannot backup the DRM keys without having root access.
Is this correct? If so, how did people writing the tutorials about DRM keys backup achieve root access in the first place?
I'm a little bit confused here...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
daniel_loft said:
Dear community,
I've recently got a Z5 compact (updated it to MM already) and after reading around here and around the Z5 forums I came to a cruel conclusion (didn't do my homework before getting the phone, but that's my problem):
You cannot root without unlocking the bootloader and you cannot backup the DRM keys without having root access.
Is this correct? If so, how did people writing the tutorials about DRM keys backup achieve root access in the first place?
I'm a little bit confused here...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
currently,for the z5 family,there is no way to root without unlocking bootloader.Period.
the tutorials you see on the z5 pages are ways to restore sony credentials after unlocking bootloader but does not restore TA partition (where the DRM keys are) which is lost once you unlock bootloader. i.e you trick the phone into believing the bootloader is unlocked and can still enjoy the sony goodies with the patch (very simplified explanation here).
older models are able to achieve root (like the Z3+) only recently due to exploit found on MM and also using older firmwares.
you might want to hold back on unlocking bootloader for now.the z5 has impressive hardware rivaling samdung.the sad part is backing up TA partition while bootloader is locked,which has not been found.
that or you can hold out till the new nexus arrives.
Frostmore is correct in that you cannot backup DRM currently. But I disagree that you should hold off on doing so, the z5c lacks in most all places and root helps fix some stuff.
Does the loss of DRM keys affect camera performance?
DrYnternet said:
Does the loss of DRM keys affect camera performance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it does, Mobile Bravia Engine is gone, Track ID in music player is gone and camera performance is also gone.
but now you can backup and restore your own TA if you have not unlocked bootloader yet
I thought that It is possible to backup TA partition with iovyroot here. It is working on Lollipop. So if you upgraded to Mashmallow, you need to downgrade with flashtool here which does not unlock the bootloader. After downgrade It is possible to backup DRM keys I think isn't it?
Yes downgrade then unlock boot loader then root then relock with DRM keys.
Sent from my E6633 using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 12:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:27 PM ----------
It will say boot loader status relocked in service menu
Sent from my E6633 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I am completely baffled. I managed to restore ALL my original DRM keys!
I lost them while unlocking the bootloader, and then rooted my device. I also didnt do my homework and didn't realise I would lose all the DRM keys. When I factory resetted my device, using companion, I got my phone working on android 7.0 again, but ofcourse the drm keys were gone. Filming was almost impossible and fingerprint was not working etc.
And for whatever reason, guess I was bored, I unlocked the bootloader again, since it wouldn't matter anyway. So I unlocked the bootloader with oem unlock and the sony developer site, and then the device started rebooting. It looked like a bootloop, it took about 5 minutes, everything on my phone was gone (damnit). But when I tried fingerpringt, camera, everything worked like before! I have no idea how this happened but maybe this'll work for anyone here. aswell! From now on I'm not gonna touch ANYTHING anymore, since I just don't have enough developer knowledge.
btw: I made an account on this site especially to share this information with you :highfive:
Weslietje said:
I am completely baffled. I managed to restore ALL my original DRM keys!
I lost them while unlocking the bootloader, and then rooted my device. I also didnt do my homework and didn't realise I would lose all the DRM keys. When I factory resetted my device, using companion, I got my phone working on android 7.0 again, but ofcourse the drm keys were gone. Filming was almost impossible and fingerprint was not working etc.
And for whatever reason, guess I was bored, I unlocked the bootloader again, since it wouldn't matter anyway. So I unlocked the bootloader with oem unlock and the sony developer site, and then the device started rebooting. It looked like a bootloop, it took about 5 minutes, everything on my phone was gone (damnit). But when I tried fingerpringt, camera, everything worked like before! I have no idea how this happened but maybe this'll work for anyone here. aswell! From now on I'm not gonna touch ANYTHING anymore, since I just don't have enough developer knowledge.
btw: I made an account on this site especially to share this information with you :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to XDA, and thanks for going through the trouble of creating an account to share information.
However, some of the information you shared is either wrong or misinformed.
Also, this thread is quite old, digging up old threads is generally frowned upon.
First of all, if you never made a backup of your DRM keys before unlocking your bootloader, then those keys are gone. Forever. There's absolutely no possible way of restoring them.
Second, missing DRM keys do not cause the camera or fingerprint scanner to stop working. Only certain "enhancement features" are disabled, such as X-Reality that makes images appear sharper and more vivid when viewing photos/videos, or advanced low light noise reduction when taking pictures.
Many of those DRM-reliant features can be re-enabled by applying a DRM fix patch that can be found on the XDA forums.
The fingerprint scanner is disabled for certain region's firmware by Sony via software means, but it is not dependent on DRM.
You probably messed up somewhere flashing or rooting your firmware, causing functions like the camera and fingerprint scanner to not work. Do a factory reset or clean flash in case this happens.
And finally, it is clearly worded on the web page where you go to unlock the bootloader that your phone will automatically perform a factory reset upon unlocking the bootloader, so you shouldn't be surprised that all your data was erased. It's expected behavior.
You should always backup your data before fiddling with your phone, it's good practice and common sense.
So in conclusion, no, there's no way of restoring the DRM keys without a prior backup. You didn't manage to restore it.
Here's how to verify if your DRM keys are present:
In the dialer, input *#*#7378423#*#* to enter the service menu
Service tests > Security
If your keys are intact, the first three lines should all say [Key OK][Active], and at the bottom FIDO_KEYS : Provisioned
You probably fixed your camera and fingerprint issues by performing a factory reset unknowingly, which is done automatically when you unlock the bootloader as mentioned.
mhaha said:
***
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I guess I'll just stick to reading this forum and finding solutions for my problems instead of trying to give advice. That'll look like a homeless guy, giving financial advise. Thanks for the large explanation anyway!:good:
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
Hi All,
I am looking for a tutorial that explains how to root the cellphone build under 32.2.a.0.305 running with Marshmallow. I haven't found any topic that state someone succeeded to root this one. Any chance someone can give me some guidance. On some other website it is mentionned that we cannot root it for the moment. So I was thinking maybe downgrade it and go back to Lollipop? But even for that I need some guidance.
Thanks in advance.
Cheers.
francisci said:
Hi All,
I am looking for a tutorial that explains how to root the cellphone build under 32.2.a.0.305 running with Marshmallow. I haven't found any topic that state someone succeeded to root this one. Any chance someone can give me some guidance. On some other website it is mentionned that we cannot root it for the moment. So I was thinking maybe downgrade it and go back to Lollipop? But even for that I need some guidance.
Thanks in advance.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theres a perfectly detailed guide in general section , you should downgrade to lolipop so you can use the temp root tool to back up drm keys before unlocking the bootloader , but if you dont care about drm keys , you can in fact just skip to the boorloader unlock part and root. Its so simple , but i would suggest going through the whole proccess and back up your drm keys cuz once lost , forever lost so ... Yah
madshark2009 said:
Theres a perfectly detailed guide in general section , you should downgrade to lolipop so you can use the temp root tool to back up drm keys before unlocking the bootloader , but if you dont care about drm keys , you can in fact just skip to the boorloader unlock part and root. Its so simple , but i would suggest going through the whole proccess and back up your drm keys cuz once lost , forever lost so ... Yah
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Madshark
Thanks for your prompt reply. Appreciate it.
I'm at rookie level in terms or rooting smartphone, so I don't know even the basics. Can you send me the link of the "detailed guide" and also explain me what does the "drm keys" stand for?
francisci said:
Hi Madshark
Thanks for your prompt reply. Appreciate it.
I'm at rookie level in terms or rooting smartphone, so I don't know even the basics. Can you send me the link of the "detailed guide" and also explain me what does the "drm keys" stand for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is the link to the post that I used and followed its instructions to root my phone personally.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z5-compact/general/how-to-backup-restore-ta-partition-root-t3479532
if you lose DRM keys (and that happens when unlocking the bootloader) then some functions in the device will stop working like Bravia engine, Track ID, etc and on our z5 compact some say even stock camera stops from working, and when you lose those keys you can NEVER get them back because each device has its OWN TA partition that includes its OWN DRM keys and no other device has the same so thats why each and every one who owns an Xperia device must perform this TA backup in case they ever wanted to get back to stock (unroot and relock bootloader) they can restore these keys and functions to factory functionality. if you dont back them up and unlocked the boot loader then you will never get some functions to get back to working properly if you ever wanted to get back to stock and relock your boot loader!
However; there is some thing that is called DRM fix in certain roms that when you install these roms, you will not feel like you lost your functions because they already include a fix that behaves like the DRM keys.
still, losing your DRM keys will cause your device to lose its warranty and if you didnt back them up then you will never get it back even if you relocked your bootloader. so I personally backed them up because my device has a 2 year warranty and I dont want to waste them if any thing goes wrong I would restore them and send it to get fixed.
yet the only problem is warranty to me so if you have no warranty or dont care about it you can skip the back up process but yet again I dont like taking chances so just back them up its a 2 minute thing.
and I say again, all stock based roms in this Z5 compact forum have drm fix...
and to give you my personal opinion I dont like the Xperia z5 compact rooted because as I saw, there is so little roms and so little kernel variations and all the stable roms are based on stock MM firmware and CM roms arent fully stable yet , (they are but they have bugs that I hate having) and I only rooted so i can increase the volume of my phone speakers and headset and increase the strength of the torch but it all turns out to be that all sound mods have bugs and torch mod only work properly on any thing but STOCK ftf but any thing besides stock ftf isnt fully stable so I dont see any point in rooting this device I so regret buying it I should have checked how little the modifications are that can be made on it I owned Z2 and HTC devices in the past and boy! if I wanted to try different things every day for the past 2 years I wouldnt have finished by now there is sooo much to test and so much to try and to customize ...
the only rom that can be customized and can be enjoyed as much that we have is Kryptonian - the rom of awesomeness!
I hope I was helpful
madshark2009 said:
this is the link to the post that I used and followed its instructions to root my phone personally.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z5-compact/general/how-to-backup-restore-ta-partition-root-t3479532
if you lose DRM keys (and that happens when unlocking the bootloader) then some functions in the device will stop working like Bravia engine, Track ID, etc and on our z5 compact some say even stock camera stops from working, and when you lose those keys you can NEVER get them back because each device has its OWN TA partition that includes its OWN DRM keys and no other device has the same so thats why each and every one who owns an Xperia device must perform this TA backup in case they ever wanted to get back to stock (unroot and relock bootloader) they can restore these keys and functions to factory functionality. if you dont back them up and unlocked the boot loader then you will never get some functions to get back to working properly if you ever wanted to get back to stock and relock your boot loader!
However; there is some thing that is called DRM fix in certain roms that when you install these roms, you will not feel like you lost your functions because they already include a fix that behaves like the DRM keys.
still, losing your DRM keys will cause your device to lose its warranty and if you didnt back them up then you will never get it back even if you relocked your bootloader. so I personally backed them up because my device has a 2 year warranty and I dont want to waste them if any thing goes wrong I would restore them and send it to get fixed.
yet the only problem is warranty to me so if you have no warranty or dont care about it you can skip the back up process but yet again I dont like taking chances so just back them up its a 2 minute thing.
and I say again, all stock based roms in this Z5 compact forum have drm fix...
and to give you my personal opinion I dont like the Xperia z5 compact rooted because as I saw, there is so little roms and so little kernel variations and all the stable roms are based on stock MM firmware and CM roms arent fully stable yet , (they are but they have bugs that I hate having) and I only rooted so i can increase the volume of my phone speakers and headset and increase the strength of the torch but it all turns out to be that all sound mods have bugs and torch mod only work properly on any thing but STOCK ftf but any thing besides stock ftf isnt fully stable so I dont see any point in rooting this device I so regret buying it I should have checked how little the modifications are that can be made on it I owned Z2 and HTC devices in the past and boy! if I wanted to try different things every day for the past 2 years I wouldnt have finished by now there is sooo much to test and so much to try and to customize ...
the only rom that can be customized and can be enjoyed as much that we have is Kryptonian - the rom of awesomeness!
I hope I was helpful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very helpful ! Thanks v much - I'll let you know if I succeed!
Ok, 2 more things.
Probably the most important: warranty has nothing to do with DRM keys, unlocked bootloader or what more. Sony is not/never gonna repair smartphones when there're problems caused by custom ROM or kernel, they're not gonna fix a bootloop caused by a bad flashing procedure and so on. But it's not true that you're automatically losing warranty by unlocking bootloader or getting root access.
Next to that, you don't have to go through that process of backing up your own TA, if you don't want. It's much easier to root and flash a kernel with DRM keys patched. Procedure to root is really simple. Flash new rom, unlock bootloader, fastboot to flash compatible twrp , flash supersu, flash modded kernel, done. There're already quite some tutorials to guide you through this proces.
--jenana-- said:
Ok, 2 more things.
Probably the most important: warranty has nothing to do with DRM keys, unlocked bootloader or what more. Sony is not/never gonna repair smartphones when there're problems caused by custom ROM or kernel, they're not gonna fix a bootloop caused by a bad flashing procedure and so on. But it's not true that you're automatically losing warranty by unlocking bootloader or getting root access.
Next to that, you don't have to go through that process of backing up your own TA, if you don't want. It's much easier to root and flash a kernel with DRM keys patched. Procedure to root is really simple. Flash new rom, unlock bootloader, fastboot to flash compatible twrp , flash supersu, flash modded kernel, done. There're already quite some tutorials to guide you through this proces.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yah well if the bootloader is unlocked and the system has modification on it , they have every right to refuse fixing it for you because its hard to prove that what bricked the device isnt some modification that you made... Unless they have a really good heart , i had a z2 before and it was rooted but the ftf on it was custom but was on it for like 7 months and all the mods were working properly untill all of the sudden it wont turn on so they told me that what i.did caused it but i didnt do anything wrong i know they lying but can u prove it!? No..
Hi guys,
How do I flash the boot.img using cmd and fastboot ?
francisci said:
Hi guys,
How do I flash the boot.img using cmd and fastboot ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first you gotta download ADB folder
you can find it here if im not wrong : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979
then place the adb folder in C:\
I think it automatically place it there when installing so no need to do that if so
2. go to cmd (start - type in CMD) and once it launches direct it to where the adb folder is "cd c:\adb" without the quotes of course
3. to flash boot type in "fastboot flash boot boot.img" without quotes and one space step between words only.
4. to flash recovert just type is "fastboot flash recovery "recovery name".img wihtout the quotes and copy recovery name exactly the way it is.
that it
keep in mind that any time you want to flash any thing , that thing must be inside the adb folder for example ,boot.img file must be there in the adb folder with all the other files when installing adb, and also recovery and every other thing you want to flash using fastboot.
hope this is helpful.
Hi madshark, thanks again for your help. I have been able to flash the boot img and then rename twrp into recovery and flash it as well.
Now I'm stuck the device cannot reboot so I cannot transfert the SuperSU files in to the device...
And when I type adb devices in cmd, it do not mention the device ! Seems that I'm facing an issue.
francisci said:
Hi madshark, thanks again for your help. I have been able to flash the boot img and then rename twrp into recovery and flash it as well.
Now I'm stuck the device cannot reboot so I cannot transfert the SuperSU files in to the device...
And when I type adb devices in cmd, it do not mention the device ! Seems that I'm facing an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well youre new, mistakes like these happen Ive been there, sorry for the late reply XDA isnt giving me notification
any way, make sure after backup TA (which is on lolipop firmware) you gotta get back to original .305 firmware (MM) the process of you getting back to lolipop in the first place is so you can use Ivoyroot tool for temporary root so you can backup your TA partition, once that is done you must get back to .305 because you are flashing a kernel (boot.img) that is for build .305 I guess the guide guy didnt mention this?
second when I said copy recovery name as it is I meant what recovery name you have for example
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.0.2-0-E5823-20160417.img
thats my recovery name the one that I downloaded, yours might say some thing else its OK I meant copy YOUR recovery name to CMD the way it is exactly in the ADB folder
and now your stuck, if your bootloader is already unlocked, just flash .305 firmware with flashtool the same way you flashed the lolipop firmware, once that is done, do the first boot settings and once device is launched into the software , just flash boot again
make sure you follow instructions to the POINT, so you gotta turn of your phone, press the volume up button keep it pressed while connecting your phone to the PC and flash boot and recovery and thats it
and after youre done with this process , then you turn on your phone connect it to your PC and place the superSU zip file in it and then go to recovery and flash it
adb isnt recognizing your device?
thats weird if you just connect your device nothing will happen, so you turn off your phone and press the volume up button and connect it, (thats how you enter fastboot mode) and if still doesnt recognize then do what I told you to do already and see what happens next
keep me updated and if its urgent just send me a PM because I dont see notification otherwise...
Thanks Madshark for your help, it has finally worked!