Database Develop

[TUTORIAL][ROOT]Upgrade stock .434 to .253 - DRM & Bootloader LOCKED

*EDIT* - BUGS: Mounting the system r/w with a root explorer, makes the phone reboot.
silencer51 said:
run in superuser:
/system/bin/stop ric
in a terminal app, this stops the reboots when messing around the system folder.
you need to run it at every boot though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
After looking EVERYWHERE on this forum to see if there is a tutorial to upgrade my rooted stock .434 rom to .253 without losing root, I've come across many threads explaining bits and pieces on how to get to .253, and how to get your bootloader and TA partition back in place.
After summoning up some courage, I've decided to try and upgrade my XZ to .253 and rooting it with a bootloader unlock. But it didn't end there. I then tried to relock the bootloader and restore the TA partition using information from many other threads.
The good news is, this worked. I now have:
- Stock ROM
- Root
- DRM Keys intact
- Bootloader LOCKED
- Bootloader unlock allowed = yes
Before explaining step by step how I accomplished this, I'd like to thank the following awesome members of the XDA community:
DooMLoRD , shadowboy23 , krabappel2548 , rickwyatt , DevShaft
And now, the tutorial:
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for bricked phones, failed root attempts, heart attacks, or anything else caused by this tutorial. This method worked for me, and I sincerely hope that it will work for everyone else.
Requirements:
- Flashtool
- Stock Firmware .253 - The list of unbranded, stock firmwares is in this thread
- PC Companion
- Doomlord’s Advanced stock kernel
- SuperSU zip - also in DooMLoRD's thread
- Backup-TA 8.0 by DevShaft
- A strong heart (this process nearly gave me a heart attack)
I assume you already have a rooted stock rom, so I won’t be taking the trouble to explain how to root the .434 firmware.
Step 1:
Backup your TA partition using the Backup-TA 8.0 By DevShaft
Step 2:
Backup EVERYTHING you need. Especially your internal storage and your SD-card, these will both be wiped.
Step 3:
Upgrade your phone using sony’s PC companion to the .253 firmware. Let it boot completely after upgrade, so the NFC Firmware is upgraded.
Step 4:
Use flashtool to unlock your bootloader. <- Reminder: This will wipe EVERYTHING. So make sure you have made your backups!
Step 5:
With the bootloader unlocked, root the firmware by using Doomlord’s method as described HERE.
Step 6:
With flashtool, flash the stock Kernel over the advanced stock kernel.
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Make sure you flash ONLY the kernel, not the system partition, this will probably make you lose root.
Step 7:
Now that we’ve got a stock, rooted rom, it is time to restore the TA-backup.
From here on, please double check every step you take, as flashing a wrong TA backup will hard brick your device. Also, this is where the increased heart rate starts
Use TA-Backup 8.0 by DevShaft to restore your TA partition, thus locking the bootloader and restoring your DRM keys.
Step 8:
Suffer from a minor heart attack while waiting for your phone to boot. This took my XZ a while..
Now that it has booted, check if your DRM keys are intact and your bootloader is locked:
First, dial *#*#7378423#*#*
- Service Info
- Configuration
- Check if bootloader unlock allowed = yes
Second, Go back to the service menu.
- Service Tests
- Verify Certificates
- Check if your certs are all there and intact.
If the bootloader status and the DRM keys are all ok, congratulations! you now have stock, rooted, bootloader closed, drm-rich, .253 rom!
If you have any questions, I will try my best to answer them.

Better tell people to use Backup-TA 8.0< by @DevShaft instead since it's much more secure than the one in the OP which is quite likely to brick your phone.

I just used your method to clean install .235 with root and locked BL.
Everything worked fine.
However, even with this method, I get a reboot when mounting /system as r/w. Sigh.

TheHawk002 said:
Better tell people to use Backup-TA 8.0< by @DevShaft instead since it's much more secure than the one in the OP which is quite likely to brick your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changed the OP, replacing rickwyatt's method with DevShaft's .
Thanks for the input! :laugh:

silencer51 said:
I just used your method to clean install .235 with root and locked BL.
Everything worked fine.
However, even with this method, I get a reboot when mounting /system as r/w. Sigh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried this also, after some seconds, my phone reboots also. Sorry!

Incanity said:
I've tried this also, after some seconds, my phone reboots also. Sorry!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, with your method, while riskier, I have a cleanly flashed .235 with root.
run in superuser:
/system/bin/stop ric
in a terminal app, this stops the reboots when messing around the system folder.
you need to run it at every boot though.

silencer51 said:
No problem, with your method, while riskier, I have a cleanly flashed .235 with root.
run in superuser:
/system/bin/stop ric
in a terminal app, this stops the reboots when messing around the system folder.
you need to run it at every boot though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll make a note in the OP about this. Thank you very much!

heyy
I have the stock ROM installed 253 from sony updater,
I can now start directly from step 1 to rooten?,
* and if I want to make the TA backup than he indicates that the file sdcard / backup TA. ** does not exist

You need to downgrade to a rootable ROM first (like .434).
Flash .434, root it, then make a TA backup, then flash .235 and proceed.
If you 're already on .235 and haven't taken a TA backup there is no way to do it without downgrading first...

silencer51 said:
You need to downgrade to a rootable ROM first (like .434).
Flash .434, root it, then make a TA backup, then flash .235 and proceed.
If you 're already on .235 and haven't taken a TA backup there is no way to do it without downgrading first...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so I downgrade to 434 and then I go root
Bootlock unlock or not?
and then the stock kernel over flash
and restore the TA
as I understand it?
sorry for my english

Flash this http://www.fun-industries.nl/xda/?dlid=c3VwZXJ1c2Vy in CWM or TWRP, it will fix the reboot issues.
NOTE: It will also install Superuser.apk to /system/app ... so if you have SuperSU installed, you will need to do the 'super user shuffle' to change it back.

1) Downgrade to .434 by flashing an appropriate FTF file through Flashtool
2) Root it via one of the rooting toolkits available here on xda
3) Backup TA (make sure you have a proper backup!)
4) Update to .235 via PC Companion or SUS
5) Unlock bootloader
6) Flash Advanced Stock Kernel by DoomLord
7) Root through CWM Recovery
8) flash stock .235 through Flashtool and appropriate .ftf
9) relock bootloader through a TA restore
these are the steps, pretty much

I updated my phone to 235 via PC Companion, but I didn't check if this version is rooted, so I flashed back 434, root and backup TA, but now PC Companion and SUS don't update my phone (no update available...). Can I flash 235 via flashtool or I have to wait?

jjocer said:
I updated my phone to 235 via PC Companion, but I didn't check if this version is rooted, so I flashed back 434, root and backup TA, but now PC Companion and SUS don't update my phone (no update available...). Can I flash 235 via flashtool or I have to wait?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click the 'Update to 10.1.1.A.1.253' link in my signature, it will update your device and root it.
With an unlocked bootloader the SUS and PC Companion update services will ignore your phone. You need to re-lock to make them update your phone again.

[NUT] said:
Click the 'Update to 10.1.1.A.1.253' link in my signature, it will update your device and root it.
With an unlocked bootloader the SUS and PC Companion update services will ignore your phone. You need to re-lock to make them update your phone again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But my phone has locked bootloader.

jjocer said:
But my phone has locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, then you flashed a .434 FTF which turned your phone into something you did not buy
Flash the update package in my signature, it will get you going, rooted and with dual recovery

[NUT] said:
Hmm, then you flashed a .434 FTF which turned your phone into something you did not buy
Flash the update package in my signature, it will get you going, rooted and with dual recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked in service info: Bootloader unlock allowed: NO. Before flashing I had yes?! I flashed this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2235046.
Bravia engine is working.

I believe that there are some threads on this. There is a way to go around the allowed=no on an unbranded phone. I had the same, I used PC companion to update my XZ to. 253 and the bootloader unlock allowed changed to yes.
From there I unlocked the bootloader, rooted, and restored the TA. Now it still says bootloader unlock allowed = yes
Sent from my glorious Xperia Z C6603

jjocer said:
I checked in service info: Bootloader unlock allowed: NO. Before flashing I had yes?! I flashed this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2235046.
Bravia engine is working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the Z rooting thread by DooMLoRD, there is a flashable fix in there by someone.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

[NUT] said:
Check the Z rooting thread by DooMLoRD, there is a flashable fix in there by someone.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your guide works, and evyrything is ok now. Thanks.

my questions on the z1

Hi guys, I'm getting a z1 tomorrow
Should I get c6902 or c6903 ? I don't need 4g but I want a device that has many mods/ ROMs. That's all I need.. Second, what is lb and UB ROM? Third I want to install ROM on new device, the steps of installing ROM is something I don't understand.. My experience with grouper nexus 7, unlocked it, flashed it.. But z1, how to do that? Can someone explain basics to me?

bsmstar said:
Hi guys, I'm getting a z1 tomorrow
Should I get c6902 or c6903 ? I don't need 4g but I want a device that has many mods/ ROMs. That's all I need.. Second, what is lb and UB ROM? Third I want to install ROM on new device, the steps of installing ROM is something I don't understand.. My experience with grouper nexus 7, unlocked it, flashed it.. But z1, how to do that? Can someone explain basics to me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- depends. Is your device that you've ordered support LTE? If yes, then you'll get C6903
- LB = Locked boot loader. A state where you can't flash custom kernel
- UB = Unlocked boot loader. A state where you've unlock your boot loader, so you can flash custom kernel.
- which steps?
- there's ROM which can be flashed even your bootloader still locked. So, it depends on what ROM you wanna use.

omegahanggara said:
- depends. Is your device that you've ordered support LTE? If yes, then you'll get C6903
- LB = Locked boot loader. A state where you can't flash custom kernel
- UB = Unlocked boot loader. A state where you've unlock your boot loader, so you can flash custom kernel.
- which steps?
- there's ROM which can be flashed even your bootloader still locked. So, it depends on what ROM you wanna use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks for replying , so let's see.. How can I flash monxdified on a completely new device? I think the device is c9602 since I don't see a 4g on the package..
What is the best custom for this device? What's new on Sony kitkat ? Can we have it for Christmas eve?

bsmstar said:
OK thanks for replying , so let's see.. How can I flash monxdified on a completely new device? I think the device is c9602 since I don't see a 4g on the package..
What is the best custom for this device? What's new on Sony kitkat ? Can we have it for Christmas eve?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Backup your TA partition (just in case you want to roll back to 4.2.2, and get back your DRM key)
2. Check for updates using OTA or Sony PC Companion
3. If there's update to 4.3, apply the updates
4. Before we step further, I wanna ask you, do you wanna keep your bootloader unlocked?
Well. We don't know when exactly 4.4 update is available. Let's hope we'll get this in December.

Hi
For me it doesn't matter if BL locked or not, I read there is no problem in that in 4.3 regarding camera issues.. But I have zero knowledge on how to deal with rooting and flashing the z1.. Im not going back to 4.2 for me its either aosp 4.4 or Sony ui 4.3. As I said I have zero knowledge so if you can elaborate more about how to do it that would be highly appreciated

hi
so i got the c6903 now... i cant root it and i dunno why
its running on 4.2.2 .257 fw official
i tried vroot it didnt work and 360 root cant be installed it says chinese only os.. how to do that now?

you have to downgrade to 534 to root

bsmstar said:
hi
so i got the c6903 now... i cant root it and i dunno why
its running on 4.2.2 .257 fw official
i tried vroot it didnt work and 360 root cant be installed it says chinese only os.. how to do that now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no better way than follow this steps on Page 2, Post #16 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588331&page=2
No body here was clever at the first time so just read carefully. This is the only way to get the full root on your device.
If this help click on thanks.

Well, I found that out through YouTube.. I downgraded my c6903 to 534 fw and rooted it, installed the recovery dual and flashed ihackers 2.1 , yes I did ta backup but I didn't unlock the bootloader. I dunno what's the benefit of doing so, although I emailed Sony and I got the unlock code on my email as they replied... I'm only missing an app that control the led color of notifications led and Google now since I'm not in the US region.. That used to work fine on 4.2.2 but no worries.. Thanks guys. You really helped me a lot and I think this is a great device, I have been using it since Tuesday. And I rooted and flashed it this morning. One problem is that I dunno how to enter recovery so I flashed the ROM right after I flashed the recovery.. I understand now that there is a flashable zip? Things are much easier with the nexus line

bsmstar said:
I understand now that there is a flashable zip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the FTF have to be flashed on your device via Flashtool v0.9.13 compatible with your device and they are not zip. Recovery is in zip and all what you flash from recovery is in zip file.

Yeah I did that.. It had 257 fw, I flashed 534 with flashtool then I rooted by vroot, then ta backup with some bat file through computer and USB debugging, then installed recovery by bat file as well, which rebooted to recovery, I did factory reset/wipe, and flashed aroma ihackers 2.1 without custom kernel then switched off and flashed baseband and kernel by flashtool and rebooted, done..

Just like that. And you should be the one without knowledge?

Well, I put my mind to it.. And when I do that I usually succeed... But I still have unanswered questions, like what are the benefits of unlocking bootloader? How can I control led light color for different applications notifications.. I tried light flow and illumination bar, both didn't work.. Lastly I haven't got used to the camera ui as I haven't used it much and I already applied xposed 20 mp mod.. Lastly,, I like to thank you for all your attention and care and everything ... I really appreciated it

as i know the unlockbootloader is the only way to flash custom karnels.
i dont know mutch more then that, just switched from ios so i'm new to this.
I forgot to backup my TA does that make an issue and if, what kind?
sorry for thread steeling

bsmstar said:
But I still have unanswered questions, like what are the benefits of unlocking bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like @stianly said Unlocking Bootlader is needed to flash custom kernels only.
bsmstar said:
How can I control led light color for different applications notifications.. I tried light flow and illumination bar, both didn't work..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read somewhere on XDA about that. EDIT: Try Gravity Box Xposed
stianly said:
as i know the unlockbootloader is the only way to flash custom karnels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right.
stianly said:
I forgot to backup my TA does that make an issue and if, what kind?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's a problem, without TA you lost your DRM keys permanently which are needed to re-lock your bootlader. You also lost the warranty of you device definitely.

yea i know the waranty and drm
but what does the drm keys do i lose some functions?

stianly said:
yea i know the waranty and drm
but what does the drm keys do i lose some functions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Bionz, X-Reality and probably Bravia Engine or something like that but your phone still working properly. Some users do not notice the difference with or without this features.

Ok I tried gravity box, can't find notifications led settings... Can you be more specific on this? Thanks...

bsmstar said:
Ok I tried gravity box, can't find notifications led settings... Can you be more specific on this? Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, at the moment I don't have my phone so iI can't check for you but Gravity should have some options for that but maybe it's not the solution, I know it's possible, when I will know more something for your problem I will post.

OK thanks

Rooting .290 JB 4.3

Hello,
Coming from a Galaxy S2 flashing and rooting is not new to me but for me there are some questions for the Xperia Z1.
When i bought the Z1 it was on 4.2.2, and offcourse i wanted root the same day
After trying numerous times with Vroot i gave up.
After some more reading i read that i had to downgrade and then flash an older version, then root and flash teh correct version and so on.....(cant find the correct topics anymore )
After doing that my phone wasnt working properly and i connected with PC Companion and it gave me the update to .290 JB 4.3 and everything was fine except foor root.
Did some more reading and found the solution,
Now I'm reading that if you are on .290 4.3JB that root isnt possible(correct me if im wrong).
I want to share how i did it because for me it went very easy.The hardest part was getting the drivers installed correctly hhaha
First i unlocked the bootloader and then i flashed a CWM with root and recovery.
I followed the steps provided on this links.
http://techbeasts.com/2013/12/18/how-to-unlock-bootloader-of-sony-xperia-devices-guide/
http://techbeasts.com/2013/12/19/in...ng-latest-14-2-0-a-290-firmware-how-to-guide/
Al of this went so easy that i'm startin to wonder if its me who did it wrong and dont understand it or if you didnt know about it,
The only thing i forgot was a TA backup :angel:
to MODS....if its in the wrong section please replace it.

Actually it is the official way. Unlock -> CWM -> Root with CWM (Notification)
Rooting 4.3 isn't impossible, but morr difficult than on earlier versions. Google wanted to improve the security of android. Most of the ways which "make" the opportunity of rooting are malware-ways too.
You don't need to backup your TA partition with .290 and above, because the camera will work after the BL unlock.

The big question is if root for unlocked boot loaders will ever be available for 4.3! I really doubt it.
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app

You mean Locked Bootloader, i think?
Question about CWM, does it function the same as it did with my S2? So, back-up and restore with CWM?
sent from rooted en unlocked 4.3 Jb Xperia Z1

djg269 said:
Question about CWM, does it function the same as it did with my S2? So, back-up and restore with CWM?
sent from rooted en unlocked 4.3 Jb Xperia Z1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it should, why are u asking ?

Curious
Eager to try but not in the mood for a complete do over if it fails
sent from rooted en unlocked 4.3 Jb Xperia Z1

Ohh, I will be glad to rooting without unlocking BL...on 4.3..but still no way...

This works just fine, thanks for sharing this! Just FYI, this is also an interesting read about getting full root access on 4.3: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2573921

eclyptos said:
Ohh, I will be glad to rooting without unlocking BL...on 4.3..but still no way...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have heard from @shem2409 that a partial root on LB for 290 (4.3) is possible, but I have not figured out how to do it yet. I think you can pull it off with the insecure ramdisk hack, but to install that, you need to install XZDualRecovery; to install XZDR, you need to be rooted; it's only possible to root 534 LB and when upgrading to 290 root is lost. So, it seems to be a chicken-and-egg problem to me at the moment. I think I must be missing something.

xasbo said:
I have heard from @shem2409 that a partial root on LB for 290 (4.3) is possible, but I have not figured out how to do it yet. I think you can pull it off with the insecure ramdisk hack, but to install that, you need to install XZDualRecovery; to install XZDR, you need to be rooted; it's only possible to root 534 LB and when upgrading to 290 root is lost. So, it seems to be a chicken-and-egg problem to me at the moment. I think I must be missing something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I do not rooted mine phone yet. Partial root is not worth to do, full root is what we really need but still under testing and also Unlocked Bootloader is needed. Unlock bootloader we lose the DRM keys which we need if one day we want go back to stock and not lose warranty but to do that we have to Buckup TA. To Backup TA we need root, but I updated to 4.3 and I can't. It's to early to fully rooting 4.3. We have to wait. Developers are working on that and I hope a full root come without unlock bootloader. I hope so.

eclyptos said:
That's why I do not rooted mine phone yet. Partial root is not worth to do, full root is what we really need but still under testing and also Unlocked Bootloader is needed. Unlock bootloader we lose the DRM keys which we need if one day we want go back to stock and not lose warranty but to do that we have to Buckup TA. To Backup TA we need root, but I updated to 4.3 and I can't. It's to early to fully rooting 4.3. We have to wait. Developers are working on that and I hope a full root come without unlock bootloader. I hope so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to backup TA now, you can - flash back to any 534 FTF, root, make your backup, then upgrade back to 290.

xasbo said:
If you want to backup TA now, you can - flash back to any 534 FTF, root, make your backup, then upgrade back to 290.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I don't want to do. Unlocking Bootloader on 4.3 will also compromise few features like Bionz and X-Reality. I don't think I really need them but for me will be good enough to have Full Root with Locked Bootlader and Apps to SD. I don't ask to much, so I wait.

eclyptos said:
This is what I don't want to do. Unlocking Bootloader on 4.3 will also compromise few features like Bionz and X-Reality. I don't think I really need them but for me will be good enough to have Full Root with Locked Bootlader and Apps to SD. I don't ask to much, so I wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just took those words from my fingers. The wise way here is waiting and cheering developers to figure out how things work with Z1, 4.3 just came a few weeks ago and (hopefully) we will get 4.4 soon, so for that time you'll have to do that trickery again to keep your phones rooted.

AntiDroid said:
Actually it is the official way. Unlock -> CWM -> Root with CWM (Notification)
Rooting 4.3 isn't impossible, but morr difficult than on earlier versions. Google wanted to improve the security of android. Most of the ways which "make" the opportunity of rooting are malware-ways too.
You don't need to backup your TA partition with .290 and above, because the camera will work after the BL unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mistakenly took the .290 update as well and I'm now looking for a way out. This whole backing up the TA thing worries me because I'm afraid I'll lose those DRM keys and bravia etc..... Are you saying that I will be fine and all the keys will be intact if I follow this guide?
Is it possible to downgrade the firmware instead?
What would you suggest?
Thanks

xasbo said:
I have heard from @shem2409 that a partial root on LB for 290 (4.3) is possible, but I have not figured out how to do it yet. I think you can pull it off with the insecure ramdisk hack, but to install that, you need to install XZDualRecovery; to install XZDR, you need to be rooted; it's only possible to root 534 LB and when upgrading to 290 root is lost. So, it seems to be a chicken-and-egg problem to me at the moment. I think I must be missing something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so here is a little clarification
You need to downgrade to .534, root, install recovery and then flash a prerooted .290 rom from (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572988) or one of the stock-based custom roms such as monxdified (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2463675) if you want a partially rooted, locked bootloader 4.3 firmware on your Z1. There is an instruction on how to install on locked bootloader in the thread.

Rooting on the newest version of Android 4.3.3 isn't impossible on the Xperia Z1, it just takes you more steps than normal to actually get full root access. I have a locked bootloader as well but I was able to get a rooted version of Android 4.3.3, specifically the iHackers 2.0 ROM running Android 4.3.3 with full root access. Here's how I got full root access on the iHackers 2.0 ROM:
1) Download the .ftf file named C6903 14.1.G.1.534 Global 1277-2880_R4A from the compiled FTF thread at this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2469191
This is a version of the original Stock Rom that the VROOT program will actually work on when trying to ROOT your phone.
2) Flash the ROM you downloaded using Flashtool (steps on how you can go about doing that should be in the Xperia Z1 General forum.) and now, you're ready to root your phone with it.
3) Download, install and run VROOT to root your phone. Again, more information on how to properly root your phone using VROOT can be found in the Xperia Z1 General forum. For me, I just turned on USB Debugging on my Z1, connected my phone to my computer while VROOT was running and clicked the green button until I got root access. It's extremely easy.
4) With Root Access, now you can download and install Dual Recovery for the Xperia Z1 on your phone.
5) Download the latest iHackers 2.0 ROM from the Xperia Z1 Android Development thread and copy it to your phone. This is hands down, the best ROM for the Xperia Z1 right now in terms of battery life. With the latest 4.3 update, I'm able to get over 2 Days worth of battery life on one charge. Battery life is much better on the new iHackers 2.0 ROM running Android 4.3.
6) Download the flashable Locked Dual Recovery for the Xperia Z1 here. http://nut.xperia-files.com/
The file is called XZ-lockeddualrecovery2.7.63-BETA.flashable.zip (8.48MB), download it and copy it to your phone, preferably the same place you copied the iHackers 2.0 ROM. To make things easier for yourself, create a new folder on your phone or SD Card in your phone and name it iHackers. Copy both the iHackers 2.0 ROM and the flashable Locked Dual Recovery.zip file into this folder.
7) With both files now copied to a folder on your phone, you're now ready to go into recovery to flash the iHackers 2.0 ROM. Boot into recovery and once you're there, do a Wipe Data/Factory Reset before Installing the ROM.
The rest of these steps are now taken directly from the iHackers 2.0 download thread on the Xperia Z1 Android Development forum.
8) Install the ROM and THEN Dual Recovery. Don't make the same mistake I did, once the installer is finished, DON'T REBOOT THE DEVICE. Uncheck the "Reboot Device" box and go back to recovery to install the flashable Dual Recovery.zip file that's in the iHackers 2.0 folder.
9) Switch Off Your Phone (Do Not Reboot). Select No to Disable Flash Recovery Confirmation.
10) Install Kernel.ftf for C6903 (.290) or Kernel.ftf for C6902 (.290) with Flashtool to get compatible Kernel and Baseband. To download the kernel.ftf file, go to the original iHackers 2.0 thread to download and flash the kernel using Flashtool. You should be familiar with Flashtool at this point since if you make it to this step, you've already used Flashtool once to flash the .534 baseband version of Android.
11) Reboot and Enjoy. Now you're running the latest version of Android 4.3 on your Xperia Z1 on a Locked Bootloader WITH full Root Access. Sure, it's not the stock version but the iHackers 2.0 version of Android 4.3 is just as good, if not better. This will certainly do until there's a better way to simply root the newest Stock Version of Android 4.3.
I've been looking into unlocking my bootloader to install custom kernels on my Z1 but the battery life and performance on my Z1 with a locked bootloader is already pretty impressive. I can't imagine how good it could be with a custom kernel.

deli pastrami said:
Are you saying that I will be fine and all the keys will be intact if I follow this guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, if you Unlock Bootloader you will lost the DRM keys permanently with Bionz and X-Reality, even with Android 4.3, if you do not do a backup, but the difference from 4.2 is that your phone will still working properly.
deli pastrami said:
Is it possible to downgrade the firmware instead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
deli pastrami said:
What would you suggest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nobody can suggest what to do. You have to figure out by yourself what you need. It's your own risk.
---------- Post added at 12:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 AM ----------
x016x said:
Rooting on the newest version ..bla..bla..bla
....bla..bla..bla..bla...king my bootloader to install custom kernels on my Z1 but the battery life and performance on my Z1 with a locked bootloader is already pretty impressive. I can't imagine how good it could be with a custom kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanx man. I appreciate the time you took to explain the process step by step. One step very important you forgot to mention, Backup TA, never forget to mention that. Anyway I will check if this actually get me full root and all the stuff and when I finally will lose my patient I will start follow the guide and flashing and burning my Z1.

shem2409 said:
Ok, so here is a little clarification
You need to downgrade to .534, root, install recovery and then flash a prerooted .290 rom from (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2572988) or one of the stock-based custom roms such as monxdified (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2463675) if you want a partially rooted, locked bootloader 4.3 firmware on your Z1. There is an instruction on how to install on locked bootloader in the thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, cheers, I thought there was a way to root any arbitrary ROM, that's where I was getting hung up. The pre-rooted options make total sense.
eclyptos said:
Thanx man. I appreciate the time you took to explain the process step by step. One step very important you forgot to mention, Backup TA, never forget to mention that. Anyway I will check if this actually get me full root and all the stuff and when I finally will lose my patient I will start follow the guide and flashing and burning my Z1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The instructions didn't say to unlock the bootloader, which is the only sure-fire way to lose your TA partition. However, I would agree there's no good reason *not* to back it up anyway. Better safe than sorry!

xasbo said:
The instructions didn't say to unlock the bootloader, which is the only sure-fire way to lose your TA partition. However, I would agree there's no good reason *not* to back it up anyway. Better safe than sorry!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh, ok, so you are confirming that the guide is incomplete and we have to unlock bootloader anyway if I follow that? Hmmm...I am a bit puzzled.

eclyptos said:
Ahhh, ok, so you are confirming that the guide is incomplete and we have to unlock bootloader anyway if I follow that? Hmmm...I am a bit puzzled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, no. In his instructions, UB is not necessary because XZDualRecovery can be installed on LB. The reason skipping the TA backup is okay is because the instructions do not unlock the BL.

[Q] Point me in the right direction...??

Hi there guys!
I want to root my Z1 c6906, unlock the bootloader and flash custom roms, but im kind of confused right now because i have read a lot of different guides and im not pretty sure which one to follow now. I also learned on one thread that i should do a TA and DRM Keys backup because they can be lost forever if i don't do a backup. Also the IMEI. So im not pretty sure how to do that. Also saw a thread about bricking the device, and kind of got scared. Btw, i have plenty of experience working on Android devices, unlocking, rooting, flashing roms, etc. I have used Android since the G1, but im kind of confused right now about how to proceed on this device because this is my first Sony and my last phone was a Nexus 4, which was virtually unbrickable. Can anyone help me out here?

djluis48 said:
Hi there guys!
I want to root my Z1 c6906, unlock the bootloader and flash custom roms, but im kind of confused right now because i have read a lot of different guides and im not pretty sure which one to follow now. I also learned on one thread that i should do a TA and DRM Keys backup because they can be lost forever if i don't do a backup. Also the IMEI. So im not pretty sure how to do that. Also saw a thread about bricking the device, and kind of got scared. Btw, i have plenty of experience working on Android devices, unlocking, rooting, flashing roms, etc. I have used Android since the G1, but im kind of confused right now about how to proceed on this device because this is my first Sony and my last phone was a Nexus 4, which was virtually unbrickable. Can anyone help me out here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite simple process actually, just flash .534 ftf with flashtool and root with bin4ry or use nuts dual recovery installer. To backup your ta before unlocking bootloader, simply use the Backup TA tool

Ahki767 said:
Quite simple process actually, just flash .534 ftf with flashtool and root with bin4ry or use nuts dual recovery installer. To backup your ta before unlocking bootloader, simply use the Backup TA tool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. And what about the DRM keys?

djluis48 said:
Thanks. And what about the DRM keys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The DRM keys are in the Ta partition

Ahki767 said:
The DRM keys are in the Ta partition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. Another question, i see that for my devices the only .534 TFT available is for Rogers. There is no problem if i flash using Flashtool?

djluis48 said:
I see. Another question, i see that for my devices the only .534 TFT available is for Rogers. There is no problem if i flash using Flashtool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm sure there'll be no problems

Ahki767 said:
Yes, I'm sure there'll be no problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for bringing back this thread. Now i got time to start trying to unlock the phone and flash custom roms, was extremely busy before with work.
New problem: After i downgraded to FTF .534, rooted and made the TA Backup, i check if the phone was "allowed" to be unlocked and surprise, it says it can't be unlocked. Tried unlocking with Flashtool and it said the same thing. Can the phone be unlocked or is there a way to flash roms without unlocking?
Right now im feeling really depressed with this phone. If i can't unlock it, i most likely will sell it and get something that can be unlocked.
One of the reasons i want to unlock is because on 4.4, Google prohibited the phone to write on the Ext.SD and i want a way to overcome that prohibition and use it like i was able to on 4.3.

If it says it cannot be unlocked then it cannot be unlocked
However, you can still sort out the issue of writing to the ext SDcard by rooting and following the instructions in this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687966
In order to do that, you only need root, not to be unlocked

gregbradley said:
If it says it cannot be unlocked then it cannot be unlocked
However, you can still sort out the issue of writing to the ext SDcard by rooting and following the instructions in this thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2687966
In order to do that, you only need root, not to be unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. That sucks. Thanks for the link.
Another question: How i root.757? I was able to root .534, but not sure how i need to proceed now. Do i need to download generic .757 and apply any root method? Or the root will still be there if i flash it over my current rooted .534?

1) Flash a stock 534 FTF (Ignore if you are already on 534)
2) Install dual recovery (Find files and instructions in the XZ dual recovery thread in the cross device development section)
3) Flash a prerooted 757 rom (Find files and instructions in the development section)
Done, 3 easy steps

gregbradley said:
1) Flash a stock 534 FTF (Ignore if you are already on 534)
2) Install dual recovery (Find files and instructions in the XZ dual recovery thread in the cross device development section)
3) Flash a prerooted 757 rom (Find files and instructions in the development section)
Done, 3 easy steps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i can flash any rom now with that recovery? Even if my bootloader is still unlocked? Or only stock based roms?

djluis48 said:
So i can flash any rom now with that recovery? Even if my bootloader is still unlocked? Or only stock based roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your bootloader is unlocked you can flash any rom from the development sections or the original development section
But if your bootloader is unlocked you do not need to do any of this to root.
Just flash DooMKerneL or [NUT]s XZDR kernel
If your bootloader is locked, you have to downgrade and root that way. Then you can flash any stock based rom, look in the development section for them

gregbradley said:
If your bootloader is unlocked you can flash any rom from the development sections or the original development section
But if your bootloader is unlocked you do not need to do any of this to root.
Just flash DooMKerneL or [NUT]s XZDR kernel
If your bootloader is locked, you have to downgrade and root that way. Then you can flash any stock based rom, look in the development section for them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops. Im sorry. I meant locked. Was doing something else and wrote that fast. Thanks for the answer. Will check. Got the DualRecovery installed now and will try to install a prerooted .757 later.

[Q] Questions about Bootloader Unlocking, Rooting and TA Backup!!

Hello XDA forums, i've recently bought a Sony Xperia Z1 (C6906) and it has android KitKat 4.4.2, i'm not sure about the exact version tough, update center says that it's the most recent version. Now I have a couple questions,
1) First of all, I want to root my device and my former experiances on Android was on my Galaxy S4, which i could simply use Odin to do most stuff. From what I understood, that option is not possible, at least when my phone is just, stock. How can I root this stock phone easily?
2) And also I've heard that I had to downgrade the device in order to be able to root it. I don't want to downgrade, especially to 4.3, can't I just root in the current firmware?
3) Is bootloader a dangerous thing to mess with? Some say if I don't take backup of TA, I may hard-brick the device. Is that true? And is it an easy thing to do? To backup TA, do I have to root?
4) Also how can I install CWM to my device. I also want to install CWM on my device.
Thanks..

ro xl123 said:
Hello XDA forums, i've recently bought a Sony Xperia Z1 (C6906) and it has android KitKat 4.4.2, i'm not sure about the exact version tough, update center says that it's the most recent version. Now I have a couple questions,
1) First of all, I want to root my device and my former experiances on Android was on my Galaxy S4, which i could simply use Odin to do most stuff. From what I understood, that option is not possible, at least when my phone is just, stock. How can I root this stock phone easily?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the NUMEROUS instructions already posted. There are some in my signature
2) And also I've heard that I had to downgrade the device in order to be able to root it. I don't want to downgrade, especially to 4.3, can't I just root in the current firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's why every guide says to downgrade
3) Is bootloader a dangerous thing to mess with? Some say if I don't take backup of TA, I may hard-brick the device. Is that true? And is it an easy thing to do? To backup TA, do I have to root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, messing with the bootloader can lead to a hard brick, yes you need root to backup the TA
4) Also how can I install CWM to my device. I also want to install CWM on my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the link in my signature to get that done

ro xl123 said:
Hello XDA forums, i've recently bought a Sony Xperia Z1 (C6906) and it has android KitKat 4.4.2, i'm not sure about the exact version tough, update center says that it's the most recent version. Now I have a couple questions,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The answare are spread over here, why do not take some more time to read?
ro xl123 said:
1) First of all, I want to root my device and my former experiances on Android was on my Galaxy S4, which i could simply use Odin to do most stuff. From what I understood, that option is not possible, at least when my phone is just, stock. How can I root this stock phone easily?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To root your Z1 (C6906) you have to downgrade to .534 Firmware, Install DualRecovery, Ungrade to Pre-Rooted Kitkat by NUT.
ro xl123 said:
2) And also I've heard that I had to downgrade the device in order to be able to root it. I don't want to downgrade, especially to 4.3, can't I just root in the current firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No way! You have to downgrade then upgrade to pre-rooted version.
ro xl123 said:
3) Is bootloader a dangerous thing to mess with? Some say if I don't take backup of TA, I may hard-brick the device. Is that true? And is it an easy thing to do? To backup TA, do I have to root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is not dangerous. You brick phones just doing mistakes. You don't have to Unlock Bootloader to gain Root. So skip this part.
ro xl123 said:
4) Also how can I install CWM to my device. I also want to install CWM on my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the lates DualRecovery for Z1 which have CWM, Philz and TWRP Recovery, all 3 in one. Just run the application from PC and install to phone, but you have to be on .534 FW.
Start reading here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711982
---------- Post added at 08:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:31 PM ----------
@gregbradley ..LOL..

Thanks all. Thank you for your help.

eclyptos said:
The answare are spread over here, why do not take some more time to read?
To root your Z1 (C6906) you have to downgrade to .534 Firmware, Install DualRecovery, Ungrade to Pre-Rooted Kitkat by NUT.
No way! You have to downgrade then upgrade to pre-rooted version.
Is not dangerous. You brick phones just doing mistakes. You don't have to Unlock Bootloader to gain Root. So skip this part.
Download the lates DualRecovery for Z1 which have CWM, Philz and TWRP Recovery, all 3 in one. Just run the application from PC and install to phone, but you have to be on .534 FW.
Start reading here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711982
---------- Post added at 08:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:31 PM ----------
@gregbradley ..LOL..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The firmware on this link is the same version as mine. What would happen if I simply flash this on my device?
link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711982

ro xl123 said:
The firmware on this link is the same version as mine. What would happen if I simply flash this on my device?
link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711982
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing, because you cannot flash it as you do not have a recovery yet///
Please follow the instructions in my signature, they are correct

gregbradley said:
Nothing, because you cannot flash it as you do not have a recovery yet///
Please follow the instructions in my signature, they are correct
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what is usb flash mode then?

when asked to enter flashmode hold the volume down button on your (Turned off) phone and attach the usb cable

ro xl123 said:
The firmware on this link is the same version as mine. What would happen if I simply flash this on my device?
link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711982
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why the people get confused. Downgrade to .534 first, then install DualRecovery, then follow the Instruction from that link to get to your Firmware Rooted.
I think @[NUT] should add this steps on his threads for people like you who start from not rooted .681, .757 and so on.

eclyptos said:
This is why the people get confused. Downgrade to .534 first, then install DualRecovery, then follow the Instruction from that link to get to your Firmware Rooted.
I think @[NUT] should add this steps on his threads for people like you who start from not rooted .681, .757 and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I tought Sony would be just like Samsung, after all they are both androids is what I tought. Well, it's diffrent :/ Anyways I got to make sure about the things I do, because they may end up as bad things such as brick or etc.
I got it now, it's almost done.
Back in S4, all I had to do was to take the phone into Odin mode, then flash tar.md5's via odin, and it was all over, I installed cwm and rooted without downgrading and so. I feel sad that Xperia wasn't like. Well it's a great phone tough..
thanks alot everybody!

ro xl123 said:
Well, I tought Sony would be just like Samsung, after all they are both androids is what I tought. Well, it's diffrent :/ Anyways I got to make sure about the things I do, because they may end up as bad things such as brick or etc.
I got it now, it's almost done.
Back in S4, all I had to do was to take the phone into Odin mode, then flash tar.md5's via odin, and it was all over, I installed cwm and rooted without downgrading and so. I feel sad that Xperia wasn't like. Well it's a great phone tough..
thanks alot everybody!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's very easy to Root the Z1, if I will had a chance in 5 minutes all will be done and the pain gone.

eclyptos said:
It's very easy to Root the Z1, if I will had a chance in 5 minutes all will be done and the pain gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, yeah but the downgrading part kind of sucks. Anyways, after installung recovery, it's all easy

ro xl123 said:
Well, yeah but the downgrading part kind of sucks. Anyways, after installung recovery, it's all easy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just put the .534 FW in Flashtool Folder and flash it. Then connect to PC and use the Installer to install Dual recovery...the rest you know...
BTW, wipe everything any time you flash anything (Data, Appslog, Cache) to execute a clean installation. Yes, you will lose your data, but better be safe instead have issues later.

eclyptos said:
Just put the .534 FW in Flashtool Folder and flash it. Then connect to PC and use the Installer to install Dual recovery...the rest you know...
BTW, wipe everything any time you flash anything (Data, Appslog, Cache) to execute a clean installation. Yes, you will lose your data, but better be safe instead have issues later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, having root and recovery without unlocking bootloader in version .757 OFW is not possible? The thing is, I don't really want to unlock the bootloader, but i really want to have root privilleges, recovery mod is optional tough, i tought i could root easily with using CWM. So what I want is not possible?

ro xl123 said:
So, having root and recovery without unlocking bootloader in version .757 OFW is not possible? The thing is, I don't really want to unlock the bootloader, but i really want to have root privilleges, recovery mod is optional tough, i tought i could root easily with using CWM. So what I want is not possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you just telling me that you did not understood a single word from what we already told you, great!
Follow the 3 steps provided by @gregbradley

eclyptos said:
So you just telling me that you did not understood a single word from what we already told you, great!
Follow the 3 steps provided by @gregbradley
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I understood but kinda didn't wanted to.. :/
I already downgraded, rooted and installed recovery. Then I updated to stock rom 757 back, thinking that I could simply root using recovery. Anyways, after I updated, I couldn't get in to recovery mode, because the one I installed was without unlocking bootloader, I simply installed firmware based recovery. I don't really think about unlocking bootloader, the TA codes and stuff kinda scares me.. I did took backup of my TA tough. I just need to have root in OFW Kitkat. I can do without recovery (which i can't install because of bootloader). But root is essential. :/

ro xl123 said:
No, I understood but kinda didn't wanted to.. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did NOT.
Downgrade, install DualRecovery, upgrade with the Pre-Rooted .757 using the method for LOCKED Bootloader by NUT here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711982
Start from the line How to update to 14.3.A.0.757:
DONE.

eclyptos said:
You did NOT.
Downgrade, install DualRecovery, upgrade with the Pre-Rooted .757 using the method for LOCKED Bootloader by NUT here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711982
Start from the line How to update to 14.3.A.0.757:
DONE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OHHHHHHH... I'm so sorry, really. Now I understood it. Thanks alot man.. !! I love you :laugh:

ro xl123 said:
I love you :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love you too.