[Q]About unlocking bootloader and root the device - Xperia Arc General

Hello, i'm completely new to android and my very first android device will be a lovely xperia arc (I will have it in my hands till the end of the week), and these 2 terms confuse me.
1) What will i get if i unlock the bootloader?
2) What will the root do? Why everybody were looking into root their device?
Looking forward for positive comments that light me up, i'll check em tomorrow cuz its 3:30 here. :x

Bump, none can provide me infos? :/

The answers are with Google.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooting_(Android_OS)
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile...-bootloader-on-android-phones-complete-guide/

simply,
Bootloader is a piece of software that loads operating system (OS) in this case Android...
so if bootloader is locked, it will only boot what it's been "told" to boot
e.g if you are using windows, you will notice that your computer always boot windows but if you use different bootloader once your computer starts, it will give you an option of what operating system you want to use
so having bootloader unlocked, you can put different ROMs, e.g UK, General, Hong Kong (<--- stock ROMS) or customised ROM. if you have say UK arc and bootloader is locked you cant put Hong Kong ROM
when you have your phone running, to make sure you are not going to mess up the system file or delete them, android uses permissions. so you can delete apps that you downloaded but you can not delete system files.
in a nutshell there are two(?) users 1. is you and another one who is called "root" aka Super User (su)
therefore to gain full access to your phone and do what you wanna do (even deleting system files, *please dont do this lol*) you need your phone to be rooted.
sorry for my english, it isnt my 1st language

NiMH_999 said:
simply,
Bootloader is a piece of software that loads operating system (OS) in this case Android...
so if bootloader is locked, it will only boot what it's been "told" to boot
e.g if you are using windows, you will notice that your computer always boot windows but if you use different bootloader once your computer starts, it will give you an option of what operating system you want to use
so having bootloader unlocked, you can put different ROMs, e.g UK, General, Hong Kong (<--- stock ROMS) or customised ROM. if you have say UK arc and bootloader is locked you cant put Hong Kong ROM
when you have your phone running, to make sure you are not going to mess up the system file or delete them, android uses permissions. so you can delete apps that you downloaded but you can not delete system files.
in a nutshell there are two(?) users 1. is you and another one who is called "root" aka Super User (su)
therefore to gain full access to your phone and do what you wanna do (even deleting system files, *please dont do this lol*) you need your phone to be rooted.
sorry for my english, it isnt my 1st language
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, the bad part is that if i unlock my device i will lose my warranty, so before trying that out i think i can wait few months so i can enjoy my arc :]

can i buy a arc with bootloader unlocked already ?

omaritta said:
can i buy a arc with bootloader unlocked already ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not from a sealed box.
But you can purchase it from someone else who did that already.

Sure would be nice to root it without needing the bootloader unlocked via SE. That way it doesn't wipe everything and also they don't have anything to use against you later
EDIT: Nevermind... we have root without needing to unlock it

Related

Rooting : Gingerbreak vs bootloader unlock + fastboot flash

What would be the difference between these 2 methods of rooting for XPERIA Arc?
I know Gingerbreak is much easier to do than the other one. But, is there any limitations to what Gingerbreak can do compared with the other method ?
Since bootloader is still in locked state, that means those who did it with Gingerbreak still have their warranty valid, right? What about the installation of future custom ROM ? Would the devices rooted with Gingerbreak have no chance to install custom ROM because the bootloader is locked ?
Sorry, I'm pretty much confused atm about rooting the Arc.
My understanding is unlocking the bootloader does not give you root. Even those with unlocked bootloaders must root using either ginger break or the other method.
Having the bootloader unlocked will allow for installing custom roms though, when recovery is sorted. Those of us with locked bootloaders will have to hope for a workaround at a later date.
As for warranties...who knows on this one. SE have allowed the unlocking of bootloaders saying it "may" void warranty. Theres nothing to say rooting will void it. Personally I think the only way you will void it is if you brick it whilst fiddling with it. I think any hardware issues will be sorted regardless. (but thats my opinion, dont take it as gospel)
Rooting is rooting, it doesn't really matter what the mechanics of it are, if it's successful then the outcome is the same.
As for the two methods, yes, GingerBreak seems to be the simplest so for most people there's really no reason not to do that. If it fails and you have a handset you can unlock the bootloader on, then you can always do it the other way if need be.
When it comes to custom ROMs, there's a good chance that having an unlocked bootloader will be a requirement, to begin with at least.
It's possible that someone will find a way to offer custom ROMs for locked bootloaders but it's just more work.
if the buutloader remains unlocked your phone can ALWAYS be repaired through seus, the bootloader needs to be unlocked for the phone to be bricked . also flashing of custom roms may not require the bootloader to be unlocked - as is the case with the x10. as far as i know though the bootloader needs to be unlocked to flash new kernals but there is a workaround that for the time being with the ability to flash the various basebands. my bootloader will remain locked for the timebeing - its a sure failsafe if anything goes wrong
Thanks for the replies everyone.
I had this concept of "If you don't root your phone, you can't install custom ROM" and "If your bootloader is locked, you can't install custom ROM" before I found this Gingerbreak rooting method. (i.e. boot loader unlock -> can root -> can install custom ROM)
But just before it was conflicting because with Gingerbreak root your phone, but it seemed to me that you can't install custom ROM because the bootloader is locked. However they said "If you root your phone you can install custom ROM".
So for this time being, taking out the question whether custom ROM (which no one yet to make it for Arc) can be installed, I think it's safe to say : "Gingerbreak rooting with busybox installed gives you the same capabilities to bootloader unlocking + fastboot flashing", right?
more or less......
x10 was never unlocked bootloader,how many custom ROM out there?
cheers
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App
ArcOnFire said:
"Gingerbreak rooting with busybox installed gives you the same capabilities to bootloader unlocking + fastboot flashing", right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly. You can't flash custom .imgs via fastboot if you don't unlock the bootloader.
And I don't understand why people think that phone can be totally bricked if you unlock the bootloader...
sorry to say that,unlock bootloader seems waste of wait of time,if gingerbreak works
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App
blagus said:
Not exactly. You can't flash custom .imgs via fastboot if you don't unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... yes, I already thrown that factor out when I asked my question.
But looking at the history, is there any case a custom ROM can be installed on a phone with bootloader still in locked state?
This is AFAIK
SE uses locked bootloaders for three reasons
1- A secure place to put DRM certificates.
2- A secure place to SIM lock the phone
3- A secure way to forbid modifying the software, as the bootloader will require a signed software in order for it to boot it ( If I'm not mistaken this is the problem with X10 unlockable bootloader as it's just hard to sign an image, correct me if I'm wrong ). the signed software thing is meant to be for not bringing bad software that may damage the phone
After SE saw that a lot of peoples want to install custom ROM's into their phones without too much hassle and a lot of them understand the risks of this so they decided to make it possible to unlock the bootloader but they want it to be the right way...
1- First the DRM certificates will be deleted as installing custom ROM's with exposed DRM certificates can bring serious legal problems to SE ( as this will mean the ability to save a digital unprotected copy of a DRM protected media )
2- SIM locked phones are excluded from this bootloader unlocking as this can make it easy to unlock the SIM lock so this will put SE in a bad position between operators..
3- As the main reason for unlocking the bootloader is installing custom ROM's and this is what the community want's SE made a bold statement here that doing so will violate the warranty as SE can't guarantee what a custom ROM may do to the phone...
but x10 has recovery
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
The Arc isn't the X10.
Boring. This is a first time i use SE phone. I think this is also a last time. I will come back with HTC. There are no custom and no one with cook custom rom for SE device already
justbenice said:
Boring. This is a first time i use SE phone. I think this is also a last time. I will come back with HTC. There are no custom and no one with cook custom rom for SE device already
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How many time passed from exit of ARC???
justbenice said:
Boring. This is a first time i use SE phone. I think this is also a last time. I will come back with HTC. There are no custom and no one with cook custom rom for SE device already
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry ... I have from only 3 weeks the Arc and already have bootloader unlocked and Root ...
I think you're just a little patience
From what I gather, they can't refuse a warantee repair if it is a hardware fault, not caused by the unlocked software (as it is a problem with their manufacturing, and therefore their fault), but if you mess your phone up with something due to the unlocked bootloader they can (for example, you overheat your CPU with an overclock or something).
chriscpritchard said:
From what I gather, they can't refuse a warantee repair if it is a hardware fault, not caused by the unlocked software (as it is a problem with their manufacturing, and therefore their fault), but if you mess your phone up with something due to the unlocked bootloader they can (for example, you overheat your CPU with an overclock or something).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I heard too. As long as you didn't mess with you phone in some way, they can't prove that the hardware fault came from the modified software and should therefore repair your phone nonetheless. I guess that's why they say that unlocking the bootloader MAY void one's warranty.
have rooted thro' gingerbreak - but am am getting frequent random reboots. while calling or recieving. can anyone help me with this.

[Q] Unlocking vs rooting

Potential first time Nexus user coming over from Desire Z.
I intend to transfer my old data from my DZ to the nexus4 when I get it via Titanium Backup. My DZ is rooted with S-off, so it's all good.
I've stumbled over instructions on how to unlock the nexus4 via ABD, but if I'm not wrong, that's only to allow flashing of custom bootloaders and ROMs, right?
Which is to say, unlocking != rooting, and in order for Titanium Backup to work properly, the n4 will have to be rooted as well as SU, busybox etc installed.
Am I on the right track?
Cheers.
nexus come unlock.
unlock = to be use with any carrier
rooting = giving beyond standard permissions such as changing how android does things. EG overclocking, changing your sound "quailty" etc and you said. TB (titanium backup)
Unlock can also mean bootloader unlocking so you can flash/boot from custom recoveries, ROMs, kernels etc (the previous poster was referring to SIM unlocking).
It's just as easy to root, simply install/flash SuperSU via recovery though ChainsDD's Superuser works as well.
Unlawful said:
Unlock can also mean bootloader unlocking so you can flash/boot from custom recoveries, ROMs, kernels etc (the previous poster was referring to SIM unlocking).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Unlawful. Yes, I meant bootloader unlocking.
Unlawful said:
It's just as easy to root, simply install/flash SuperSU via recovery though ChainsDD's Superuser works as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean to say that the nexus4 comes rooted? Because installing of any of the SU apps require the phone to already be rooted, which I assume is not the case even for Nexus devices.
endlesstrail said:
Thanks Unlawful. Yes, I meant bootloader unlocking.
Do you mean to say that the nexus4 comes rooted? Because installing of any of the SU apps require the phone to already be rooted, which I assume is not the case even for Nexus devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt it. Be cool if it did
Once you have it unlocked you enter the recovery mode and root it there. I'm probably guessing shortly after its release someone is going to make a program so it does it in few steps.
There won't be anything really out that really requires root, other than TB.
endlesstrail said:
Thanks Unlawful. Yes, I meant bootloader unlocking.
Do you mean to say that the nexus4 comes rooted? Because installing of any of the SU apps require the phone to already be rooted, which I assume is not the case even for Nexus devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus 4 does not come rooted. You have to root it.
NeverAlwaysEver said:
Nexus 4 does not come rooted. You have to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys. I guessed as much.
Yeah, I'll probably have to do without the backup of my apps for a few days until some kind soul manages to root it and posts instructions. Maybe it'll just be a day or a few hours even! :fingers-crossed:
You will be able to unlock the bootloader right away.
Root maybe not. In order to root it you will need either need a custom recovery for the device or a software exploit.
It won't take long but a custom recovery needs to be built and tested first.
It's easy to root a nexus
First you unlock the bootloader=fastboot oem unlock.
Then you use fastboot to flash a recovery. Once recovery is flashed you have to use adb to make it stick(delete the script that overwrite custom recovery with stock) then you flash su. Zip in recovery. Very simple to do
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Unlawful said:
Unlock can also mean bootloader unlocking so you can flash/boot from custom recoveries, ROMs, kernels etc (the previous poster was referring to SIM unlocking).
It's just as easy to root, simply install/flash SuperSU via recovery though ChainsDD's Superuser works as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just want to clarify, I have not had a nexus device before, but my understanding is that, even on a Nexus, without unlocking the bootloader, one would still need to exploit and mount system as RW first to install SU.
USSENTERNCC1701E said:
Just want to clarify, I have not had a nexus device before, but my understanding is that, even on a Nexus, without unlocking the bootloader, one would still need to exploit and mount system as RW first to install SU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without unlocking the bootloader, it's much more difficult to root and as you said, one would need to use an exploit and then do as you have said. However, Nexus devices do come with the luxury of unlockable bootloaders for a multitude of reasons .
endlesstrail said:
Do you mean to say that the nexus4 comes rooted? Because installing of any of the SU apps require the phone to already be rooted, which I assume is not the case even for Nexus devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Chainfire meant that in case you wanted to switch from Superuser to SuperSU or if you're just installing the APK (the application). If you do want to root, you should just flash the zip file found here in a custom recovery which does everything for you.
Unlawful said:
Without unlocking the bootloader, it's much more difficult to root and as you said, one would need to use an exploit and then do as you have said. However, Nexus devices do come with the luxury of unlockable bootloaders for a multitude of reasons .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Bytheby, my only experience in the past with non-hack bootloader unlocking is with HTCunlock. Have past nexus devices had a permanent watermark even after relocking? I'm hoping that's not the case, cause extensive googling does not have anyone explicitly saying one way or the other, so maybe only HTC is that jacked.
I just want to clear up some terminology to stop people getting confused...
Bootloader a.k.a HBoot - This is the piece of software that runs before anything else on the phone. It basically packages it all up, tells what to run in what order e.t.c Every computer device has a bootloader in some form or another, be it an Android Phone, iPhone, Windows PC, iMac e.t.c. The HBoot is accessible by switching your phone off, then holding down volume down as you turn it back on. The first line of the HBoot will tell you if you are S-OFF or S-ON.
Recovery - The recovery is the piece of software that allows us to write files to partitions while they aren't being used. It is the portal to allow us to flash custom ROM's and kernels. There are custom recoveries with more options than the stock such as ClockworkMod.
Superuser a.k.a su or Root - This is a user that is present on all linux distros that allows higher permissions than standard users have access to. Certain apps need superuser permissions to function, such as Titanium Backup.
A bootloader is traditionally locked. This means it stops you from writing to any partition on the device other than data. What is always true of Nexus devices, and now true of most consumer devices, there is an offical method for unlocking the bootloader. With HTC, you have to download some software, with Nexus devices, it is as simple as booting into fastboot mode, and typing the command "fastboot oem unlock" (assuming you have fastboot installed on your connected PC / mac).
Although this unlocks the bootloader (which by the way resets your device to factory settings), you still aren't rooted. You now have the ability to flash images to the previously locked partitions. Once you have access to write to partitions, the easiest method of rooting is installing a custom recovery (fastboot flash recovery recovery.img, and then using that to flash a superuser zip.
There are exploits for rooting, which either eman the recovery partition gets written to without the bootloader unlocking OR the su files get pushed to the system partition while the bootloader is locked. These exploits are more tricky and are getting harder to find, but allow you to gain root access without voiding your warranty.
To answer someone else's question, when you unlocked the bootloader on the Nexus One you got a watermark on the bootsplash, I don't know about any Nexus after that.
EDIT - Unlocked Phone: To throw some further clarification, when people talk about "unlocked phones" what they actually means is carrier. This term pre-dates smartphones, and a locked phone just meant that if you bought your phone through a carrier, you could only use it on their network, so no other SIM would work unless you bought a code off them to unlock it. This only applied to GSM phones (not CDMA) and s still practised today. The Nexus 4 will not be carrier locked wherever you buy it.
l0st.prophet said:
I just want to clear up some terminology to stop people getting confused...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the excellent clarification. It's much clearer now.
USSENTERNCC1701E said:
Thanks. Bytheby, my only experience in the past with non-hack bootloader unlocking is with HTCunlock. Have past nexus devices had a permanent watermark even after relocking? I'm hoping that's not the case, cause extensive googling does not have anyone explicitly saying one way or the other, so maybe only HTC is that jacked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 7 don't have anything changed when you unlock the bootloader (apart from an unlocked lock image on the boot screen beneath the Google logo and then it disappears after going to the boot animation). I would assume this was the same with the Nexus S . Also another good thing about Nexus devices is that you can relock the bootloader after unlocking it and it will be back to a stock configuration (assuming you're on the Google-built ROM).
PlanBSTi said:
There won't be anything really out that really requires root, other than TB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I beg to differ; DroidWall is the one utility I refuse to live without, and that requires root.
Other than that and TitaniumBackup though, you're quite right; the new stock features of JellyBean mean I likely won't even bother with any major third-party modifications. Indeed, I'm thinking this'll be the first 'phone in many a year which I won't be installing a custom ROM on for at least the first six months of use.
PlanBSTi said:
There won't be anything really out that really requires root, other than TB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, the irony is I really only use TB because I'm switching ROMs. I disagree though, I really like the extra customization that comes with a lot of custom ROM's. But I've run phones for a few months with OEM skins, while waiting on an exploit. I agree there won't be a pressing need for root.
I guess you guys like to actually see ads on your phones.
albundy2010 said:
I guess you guys like to actually see ads on your phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually don't find many apps to have very intrusive ads at all. I also feel better knowing I'm not ripping off the devs
albundy2010 said:
I guess you guys like to actually see ads on your phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never actually ended up with an air push app, and the rest of the ads really don't bother me, sometimes I'll go on a clicking spree to support devs. If it really bothers me I buy the full version or uninstall it.

[Q] Terminology Explained

HI, I have an LG G2 that I want to root, mainly so that I can get rid of some of the stock apps that are running in the back ground and using system resources however before I even venture down the rooting road I need some of the basics explaining to me. I am computer literate in the windows environment so am quite happy to have a go at rooting my device however I would like to get a better understanding of the terminology etc first, I also have a number of rooting specific questions if anyone can answer them. Ok here goes:-
1) ROM - What is it, my understanding is that this is basically the operating system shipped with the phone and therefore it follows that a custom ROM is one made by a third party that can be installed on the phone instead of the standard one. Am I correct on this.
2) Recovery - I have no idea what this is but am guessing that it is some way of recovering the device / re-setting it to its default factory settings if the phone goes completely wrong, I would therefore guess that a custom recovery is a third party recovery that does different things to the one provided by the manufacturer. Again am I correct in this or not.
3) Is it possible to gain root access on the device and keep the standard ROM. As I said before I want root access so that I can control the default apps and get rid of the ones that I don't use or run in the background, at this stage I don't want to install a custom ROM until I have had a go at just rooting the device (I suspect this will change as I love tinkering)
4) I am aware of the issue around warranty being void if a device is rooted, is there anyway to restore the device so that it is un-rooted and the repair centre etc will never know that it has been rooted. I understand that this is something to do with a counter needing re-setting but have no idea how to do this.
5) What software do I need to root the device.
I appreciate I have a lot of questions, most on the very basic side of things but I would be very grateful any help offered.
Thanks
Ben
Monkeyhands said:
HI, I have an LG G2 that I want to root, mainly so that I can get rid of some of the stock apps that are running in the back ground and using system resources however before I even venture down the rooting road I need some of the basics explaining to me. I am computer literate in the windows environment so am quite happy to have a go at rooting my device however I would like to get a better understanding of the terminology etc first, I also have a number of rooting specific questions if anyone can answer them. Ok here goes:-
1) ROM - What is it, my understanding is that this is basically the operating system shipped with the phone and therefore it follows that a custom ROM is one made by a third party that can be installed on the phone instead of the standard one. Am I correct on this.
2) Recovery - I have no idea what this is but am guessing that it is some way of recovering the device / re-setting it to its default factory settings if the phone goes completely wrong, I would therefore guess that a custom recovery is a third party recovery that does different things to the one provided by the manufacturer. Again am I correct in this or not.
3) Is it possible to gain root access on the device and keep the standard ROM. As I said before I want root access so that I can control the default apps and get rid of the ones that I don't use or run in the background, at this stage I don't want to install a custom ROM until I have had a go at just rooting the device (I suspect this will change as I love tinkering)
4) I am aware of the issue around warranty being void if a device is rooted, is there anyway to restore the device so that it is un-rooted and the repair centre etc will never know that it has been rooted. I understand that this is something to do with a counter needing re-setting but have no idea how to do this.
5) What software do I need to root the device.
I appreciate I have a lot of questions, most on the very basic side of things but I would be very grateful any help offered.
Thanks
Ben
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 Yes it is the operating system, AOSP means its full on custom. While STOCK based roms are the basic OS the phone came with but with multiple tweaks to improve performance and the system in general but keeping features that are not released publicly and drivers. For example camera performance etc.
2 Yes. The manufacturer recovery only resets the RoM to factory default. Custom Recoveries let you Backup your entire System (except files) to exactly the way it was before so if you do something wrong you can go exactly to the way it was before down to apps installed and messages.
so Stock is a Restore partition. Custom needs you to backup system first unless you store a Rom on Memory or external to *flash*
Custom actually gives you more options to recover a broken phone than stock.
3. Yes you can. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45692679#post45692679
4. The samsung Galaxys had counters to check root and flashes etc i believe LG G2 Doesnt you can remove root and also flash back to complete STOCK firmware for returning to manufacters.
5. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45692679#post45692679 GL read into it
squee666 said:
1 Yes it is the operating system, AOSP means its full on custom. While STOCK based roms are the basic OS the phone came with but with multiple tweaks to improve performance and the system in general but keeping features that are not released publicly and drivers. For example camera performance etc.
2 Yes. The manufacturer recovery only resets the RoM to factory default. Custom Recoveries let you Backup your entire System (except files) to exactly the way it was before so if you do something wrong you can go exactly to the way it was before down to apps installed and messages.
so Stock is a Restore partition. Custom needs you to backup system first unless you store a Rom on Memory or external to *flash*
Custom actually gives you more options to recover a broken phone than stock.
3. Yes you can. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45692679#post45692679
4. The samsung Galaxys had counters to check root and flashes etc i believe LG G2 Doesnt you can remove root and also flash back to complete STOCK firmware for returning to manufacters.
5. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45692679#post45692679 GL read into it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HI,
Thanks for the info, I have now rooted my phone and as anticipated now have a whole load of new questions. Firstly I installed an app Root Checker Basic by joeykrim, just to make sure the phone was rooted and the app reported back that it was not rooted despite the fact that esfileexplorer now has root access and I have been able to install SuperSU by Chainfire so whats going on, is my phone rooted, not rooted or partialy rooted (if that's possible). Also I am not exactly sure why I need to use the SuperSU app, it doesn't appear to have any options for uninstalling system apps or changing previously restricted settings etc which I was expecting once I got root access, the stock ROM hasn't given me access to this stuff either so the question is how do I now get access to it, from other apps I presume. One thing that I do need SuperSU for is to use it in combination with hidemyroot so that SKYGO will still work as this app will not work on rooted devices, if there is another way to get SKYGO to work on rooted apps then I will happily give it a go as it means I wont need SuperSU then.
Thanks
Ben
Be careful wich apps from system you want to uninstall, you can brick your device.
Do not remove anything from /system, ever. Use Settings->Disable on the apps that allow that, anything else you absolutely thing you need to disable use (as root) pm disable com.package.name.
Google it for more details.

zxz0O0's temporay root for locked bootloader and (somehow) debloating

I wanted to share two things with you guys here in Tablet z forum:
1- First of all, @zxz0O0 has developed a code based on the CVE-2015-1805 vulnerability that gives temporary root access to a select range of devices (including Tablet Z4). Let me try to explain in my words what that means. A full blown root gives permanent read/write access to /system and /data partitions. On an unrooted Tablet Z4 you only have read access to /system and no access to /data. With this root, you will be able to have a temporary terminal or adb session that gives you read access to /system and read/write access to /data. Why not write access to /system? Because Sony runs a service called RIC on Xperia devices that makes it impossible to mount /system as writable. In the past this would be patched by modifying the system partition. But in the recent Kernels sony has implemented a mechanism (dm-verity) which checks /system and if it is modified the device does not boot. So even if this (or any other) root method gave you the ability to write in /system you could not use it because your device would not restart the next time you turn it off. The solution would be to patch the kernel which requires an unlocked bootloader. IF you unlock your bootloader you lose your TA partition permanently which includes some of the Xperia features and licenses that have to do with image processing and some DRM. So a lot of us do not want to unlock the bootloader.
Then what good is this new root method? Since it gives you read access to the system partitions you can use this method to back up your TA partition. The idea is that if you ever unlock your bootloader you may be able to use this TA back up to return the system to its original state if you ever decide to relock it. Another benefit is that tools like Titanium back up which require access to the /data partition can now function (in a limited sense) although someone has to work out the details of that.
To download the pack that allows backup and restore of the TA partition go to http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/iovyroot-temp-root-tool-t3349597
After you create the backup, you can unlock the bootloader, and use your TA backup and the procedure outlined here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/root-automatic-repack-stock-kernel-dm-t3301605 to create a csutom kernel that uses all the good stuff in the TA backup and emulates an environment where your tablet behaves like one with an unlocked bootloader. The camera denoising algorithm and all other Sony proprietary software which would be disabled after unlocking the bootloader should work.
If you want to return the tablet to its unlocked condition you will need this TA backup. Some explanation about retrieving the TA partition from this backup, if you unlock the bootloader and decide to relock it, is given here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=66142823&postcount=16 and methods to do so are outlined at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=66158970&postcount=68
Note that to use this root you need to downgrade to lollipop (preferably version 28.0.A.8.260)
I have explained procedures to use the above tools here http://forum.xda-developers.com/z4-tablet/general/guide-safe-bootloader-unlock-restore-t3362391 at length.
2- Now, here is the use I have found for this temporary root: I was always bothered by the fact that not only I could not (easily) get the 17 hour advertised on-screen use out of my tablet, the standby power consumption was always too much. Whereas I could optimize my other (rooted) devices to only drain 1-2% a day in standby, tablet Z4 seems to settle for nothing less that 5-10% a day in standby. This is what you can do to get excellent standby power from your tablet:
A) Say goodbye to your google apps (with the exception of Chrome and Maps) and other marginally advantageous apps. They wake your device up all the time when it is supposed be sleeping and endlessly chat with google servers even if you turn all the communications off in the google settings. So disable all of the apps listed in the attached pictures , plus lifelog,via settings. Don't complain about not being able to use the gmail or youtube apps. Other great replacements exist. Leave "Google App" active if you use the voice search or voice typing feature. Also uninstall the pre-loaded apps that you aren't using like facebook (which is cancer for any phone), Lifelog, Privilege, spotify, etc.
B) In settings under wifi open the advance menu turn off both "network notification" and "scanning always available", and change "keep wifi on" to "only when plugged in"
C) Under "power management" in settings, activate stamina mode and extended standby (no need to activate extended usage).
D) Finally (and here is where the temp root becomes useful) extract the file "iovyroot" from the file in the above link and put it in your adb directory. Open a command terminal and type:
Code:
adb push root\iovyroot /data/local/tmp/iovyroot
adb shell chmod 777 /data/local/tmp/iovyroot
adb shell
This gives you an android terminal shell. Continue with the following:
Code:
/data/local/tmp/iovyroot
pm disable com.sonyericsson.idd.agent
pm disable com.sonymobile.entrance
pm disable com.sonyericsson.updatecenter
pm disable com.sonymobile.anondata
pm disable com.dsi.ant.server
pm disable com.sonymobile.gmailreaderservice
pm disable com.sonymobile.googleanalyticsproxy
pm disable com.sonymobile.mx.android
pm disable com.sonymobile.enterprise.service
pm disable com.sonymobile.synchub
pm disable com.sonymobile.phoneusage
That is it. You just disabled the update service and a bunch of other things and extended your standby battery life. These settings will survive a reboot.
Let me know how it works out for you. If you find other creative uses for this temp root share here.
This is the BEST and probably the most right to the real point post ive ever readed in this particular forum since I joined....
Forgive me if I say I have had lost the faith on sony's z4t development here... It's a real pleasure to know there's still ppl working on what I think should be the right development direction on gettin' control of our loved devices, instead of breaking them and throw a lot of expensive features to the flush.
Thanks again mate to share it.
Interesting, if I downgrade do I also lose my Marshmallow data and settings (i.e. is it the same as factory reset?)
BTW Finally this tablet becomes viable, almost a year after its release...
Stevethegreat said:
Interesting, if I downgrade do I also lose my Marshmallow data and settings (i.e. is it the same as factory reset?)
BTW Finally this tablet becomes viable, almost a year after its release...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to have a stable system you will need to overwrite the user data which means you will lose your apps and settings and possibly (depending on how you flash) your internal storage so make a back up.
In general application data of Android firmware are not downward compatible with older versions.
Hmm, but if you can also temp root then you can backup everything using TitaniumBackup anyway before unlocking.
So if I understand this right, if you can back up TA we can infact unlock the bootloader now with no loss of DRM ?
So can now actually get full root based on that ?
najoor said:
If you want to have a stable system you will need to overwrite the user data which means you will lose your apps and settings and possibly (depending on how you flash) your internal storage so make a back up.
In general application data of Android firmware are not downward compatible with older versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will only downgrade to get a TA Backup, so stability is not an issue to me (after the TA Backup, I'll go back to MM and probably unlock it).
My only issue would be if downgrading would actually harm my data and/or my capacity to get the TA backup properly (if I'm not wipe first I mean).
Stevethegreat said:
I will only downgrade to get a TA Backup, so stability is not an issue to me (after the TA Backup, I'll go back to MM and probably unlock it).
My only issue would be if downgrading would actually harm my data and/or my capacity to get the TA backup properly (if I'm not wipe first I mean).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it will affect the TA back up process by it may harm you application data (not your sdcard data). The reason is that on every reboot android cleans up the) /data partition as much as it can (for example if it sees that an app has been uninstall but it has left some data behind). I'm doing so lollipop may corrupt some of your marshmallow data,
Why don't you take a backup of your data before a downgrade and the restore them later? The tablet itself has a utility to do it and I hear Helium is a tool that backs up your app data without the need for root.
najoor said:
I don't think it will affect the TA back up process by it may harm you application data (not your sdcard data). The reason is that on every reboot android cleans up the) /data partition as much as it can (for example if it sees that an app has been uninstall but it has left some data behind). I'm doing so lollipop may corrupt some of your marshmallow data,
Why don't you take a backup of your data before a downgrade and the restore them later? The tablet itself has a utility to do it and I hear Helium is a tool that backs up your app data without the need for root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostly to save time as I have too much data. I though to do it like this
Downgrade to Lollipop -> Use the Exploit -> TA Backup -> Upgrade back to Marshmallow.
In principle everything should have had worked as by the end of it I would be back to Marshmallow (I would not linger into Lollipop). But now that you're telling me that lollipop may corrupt my data permanently I have second thoughts.
I thought, that my data would not work well on Lollipop, but that wouldn't matter to me; but now you're telling me that they won't work when I'll back in Marshmallow too, which is a totally different beast. Am I understanding you correctly?
Does everyone need to downgrade tho?
Once we have the TA partition available to restore, once its made available online surely everyone else can just restore the same one?
Or is the key unique?
Kinda assuming here that all the stuff that needs the TA partition will work with an unlocked bootloader, or does it have to be locked to be usable again?
Edit: Can we restore TA partition after unlocking bootloader?
Yes but this will also relock the bootloader.
Bugger
Ultimately never rooted my device for fear of losing something (that I will never use anyway!)
DRM Keys are unique, in fact that's the whole point of TA backups.
Also there's a talk (on the other thread) of a tool that would merge your particular keys with a particular custom kernel.
That way you'd keep all Sony Exclusive features, but also be able to make use of root apps. It would be great if such a tool becomes usable with AndroPlus Kernel...
Nice, had all but given up hope of being able to unlock my Z4 so that sounds promising!
I am looking for a high-end tablet and it seemed the Z4 Tablet was the best one for me over the Pixel C and even the iPad Air 2..though I did consider the budget Nvidia Shield K1 also.
The next thing I did was see if the bootloader could be unlocked and custom ROMs installed as I really hate the Sony UI that I have experienced with my sisters M2, and I never stick to the stock ROM in any of my phones. I just love knowing and doing customising!!
..Unfortunately, it seems like I will be stuck with it so I may have to look for another brand now
D0MINO said:
I am looking for a high-end tablet and it seemed the Z4 Tablet was the best one for me over the Pixel C and even the iPad Air 2..though I did consider the budget Nvidia Shield K1 also.
The next thing I did was see if the bootloader could be unlocked and custom ROMs installed as I really hate the Sony UI that I have experienced with my sisters M2, and I never stick to the stock ROM in any of my phones. I just love knowing and doing customising!!
..Unfortunately, it seems like I will be stuck with it so I may have to look for another brand now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how you got that impression, since the whole point of the OP and the links I posted with it is that you will not be stuck with the stock firmware.
So to summarize the points mentioned in the OP:
As of today, the following is possible with a tablet Z4:
1- The TA partition can be backed up.
2- The booloader can be unlocked.
3- The unlocking is reversible with the help of the backed up TA pertition
4- When the bootloader is unlocked a custom kernel can be flashed (currently one is posted in the Z4 forum courtesy of @AndroPlus).
5- When the bootloader is unlocked the stick Kernel can be patched to retrieve the Xperia proprietary facilities that are lost to the unlocking process (courtesy of @tobias.waldvogel).
6- When the bootloader is unlocked /system can be fully modified. That means flashing completely custom ROMs.
So you can either make your own modification to the system, or wait for someone to make a ROM. In light of the above possibilities it is only a matter of time before customs ROMs start to pop up.
By the way, to the extent that the stock firmware is customizable without unlocking the bootloader, it is actually a good ROM and you can change a lot of things from the general appearance to the default launcher.
PS: Tablet Z4 is my second Sony tablet and the third Sony mobile device and I have about 10 of this kind of devices at any given time. The other android devices are miles behind in terms of elegance and manufacturing quality. There is just something about a Sony device that is unique and unmatched.
Can anyone confirm how to re-lock the bootloader once unlocked?
I would say:
1. Flash a stock firmware (the lollipop version that you used to backup the TA partition).
2. Use the iovyroot temp root batch tarestore to restore your TA partition.
3. Reboot and that's it: you are back to unlocked bootloader unrooted original drm included stock firmware.
Anyone already tried?
Thank you.
I unlocked the bootloader and rooted the device SGP771.
Bevor that, i backed up the TA.
Then i flashed the androplus kernel.
Everything works great.
But you cannot modify androplus kernel with that tool. That means DRM restore is only possible on stock rom.
When you restore TA to stock rom, your bootloader will be in a lockes status again and there is no more root. Too bad
odicamillo said:
Can anyone confirm how to re-lock the bootloader once unlocked?
I would say:
1. Flash a stock firmware (the lollipop version that you used to backup the TA partition).
2. Use the iovyroot temp root batch tarestore to restore your TA partition.
3. Reboot and that's it: you are back to unlocked bootloader unrooted original drm included stock firmware.
Anyone already tried?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can ta be restored on any fw like marshmallow or can it only be restored on the fw that you backed it up from?
This looks very promising, thanks OP.
Has anyone else managed to get it to work as described?
Thanks in advance
najoor said:
I don't know how you got that impression, since the whole point of the OP and the links I posted with it is that you will not be stuck with the stock firmware.
So to summarize the points mentioned in the OP:
As of today, the following is possible with a tablet Z4:
1- The TA partition can be backed up.
2- The booloader can be unlocked.
3- The unlocking is reversible with the help of the backed up TA pertition
4- When the bootloader is unlocked a custom kernel can be flashed (currently one is posted in the Z4 forum courtesy of @AndroPlus).
5- When the bootloader is unlocked the stick Kernel can be patched to retrieve the Xperia proprietary facilities that are lost to the unlocking process (courtesy of @tobias.waldvogel).
6- When the bootloader is unlocked /system can be fully modified. That means flashing completely custom ROMs.
So you can either make your own modification to the system, or wait for someone to make a ROM. In light of the above possibilities it is only a matter of time before customs ROMs start to pop up.
By the way, to the extent that the stock firmware is customizable without unlocking the bootloader, it is actually a good ROM and you can change a lot of things from the general appearance to the default launcher.
PS: Tablet Z4 is my second Sony tablet and the third Sony mobile device and I have about 10 of this kind of devices at any given time. The other android devices are miles behind in terms of elegance and manufacturing quality. There is just something about a Sony device that is unique and unmatched.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear najoor,
are you telling us that, now, we can unlock a z4 tablet which has the "rooting status: Bootloader unlock allowed: NO" , in the service info/configuration area ?!?
if it is the case, i would be delighted to know how to proceed step by step, as i would love to install a lineage rooted custom rom on it (it is the SGP771 one,with phone capability)!!!
thank you
kind regards from France
retikulatus said:
Dear najoor,
are you telling us that, now, we can unlock a z4 tablet which has the "rooting status: Bootloader unlock allowed: NO" , in the service info/configuration area ?!?
if it is the case, i would be delighted to know how to proceed step by step, as i would love to install a lineage rooted custom rom on it (it is the SGP771 one,with phone capability)!!!
thank you
kind regards from France
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately if that is the case you cannot unlock the bootloader.
I am just curious, why does yours look like that? Do you have myXperia or some other find-my-phone service activated on your phone?
najoor said:
Unfortunately if that is the case you cannot unlock the bootloader.
I am just curious, why does yours look like that? Do you have myXperia or some other find-my-phone service activated on your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the fast reply even if you ruined my hopes
no, i don't think i have myXperia , i checked on my apps and find nothing.
Since i had display issues with my tab s (sm-t800), i tried the z4 tablet for its LCD screen instead of the super amoled of samsung...
My bootloader was already locked when i purchased it, i updated it thinking it will change that but unfortunatly that did nothing.
It wasn't a new one though, perhaps the previews owner messed up with it and got its bootloader locked :/
Because it is some kind of lotery to have a bootloader unlockable with sony, i will wait patiently until samsumg release its 16:9/10 tab s4: imho, the tab s3 actual 4:3 format is a nonsense....
Thank you again
Kind regards from France

Pros/Cons of Rooting Moto G5 Plus!?

I wish to root my phone(XT1686) but intend to keep the stock ROM(no bootloader unlock).
Is there any advantage in doing so? And will OTA updates be affected?
yourSAS said:
I wish to root my phone(XT1686) but intend to keep the stock ROM(no bootloader unlock).
Is there any advantage in doing so? And will OTA updates be affected?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not possible to root without unlocking the bootloader on this device...
If you don't have a specific reason to root, don't do it.
And once rooted, you cannot accept any OTA... most likely case if you do it will just fail, worst possible case it bricks (which can happen but is extremely rare).
To answer the question in your title, about the advantages of rooting...
Rooting gives you near full access to your device, and thus the ability to customize it beyond the options provided to you via the default interface. Also, some apps provide additional features on rooted phones. For example, some security programs recommend rooting your device so that it can more forcefully integrate itself with the device to protect against malware, hacking, etc. I tend to install a security package that works better on a rooted device, as well as make use of features that tend to only work on a rooted device, such as folder mounting from the internal SD card to the external one. Also, allows me to access system files that are unavailable otherwise, allowing me to customize certain sounds (or copy them at least).
If you decide you want to root your device, make sure you understand the steps to take BEFORE trying it. That means when you come across a guide on how to do it, make sure you get all the files that will be required and reading through the instructions step by step. If any of the steps sound like it will leave you lost on what to do, then DO NOT do any of it. Also, make sure you read the comments for the guide as well, looking for any mention of issues encountered and consider if you might encounter those issues as well. For example, if it causes issues for devices that use a particular carrier and you use that same carrier, you might want to leave well enough alone. Compare your phone version numbers with what others report having issues with (kernel, baseband, build, etc). Anything that someone has an issue with where their phone somehow matches up with yours in some way, take that as a sign to investigate deeper, so as to avoid having any issues yourself.
For the most part, unless you have a need or desire for a feature/function that requires rooting your device, don't mess with it. I'm not kidding, as one mistake can leave you without a working phone and without any options for returning/replacing it.
Thanks for the replies & warnings.
I'm not a noob so I know the risks of rooting. So maybe I should have rephrased it-
What are the advantages of rooting Moto G5 plus specifically?
Say like in terms of mods and other stuff? Also, is it possible to unroot once rooted- I mean to ask if it's possible to revert the state to factory mode with bootloader locked and stock ROM so that device will be eligible for OTA updates again?
yourSAS said:
Thanks for the replies & warnings.
I'm not a noob so I know the risks of rooting. So maybe I should have rephrased it-
What are the advantages of rooting Moto G5 plus specifically?
Say like in terms of mods and other stuff? Also, is it possible to unroot once rooted- I mean to ask if it's possible to revert the state to factory mode with bootloader locked and stock ROM so that device will be eligible for OTA updates again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader lock is not relevant to OTA's. You might be able to relock, but the fact it was once unlocked cannot be hidden, it will always be very clear that it was unlocked.
Unrooting is easy, the issue arises undoing what you did with root, undoing them all depends what you changed.
I don't know of any reasons specific to this device to root.
acejavelin said:
Bootloader lock is not relevant to OTA's. You might be able to relock, but the fact it was once unlocked cannot be hidden, it will always be very clear that it was unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the OEM knows I've unlocked bootloader, why will it push OTAs to my phone even though I've locked bootloader on my end? So isn't bootloader lock status relevant for OTA?
yourSAS said:
If the OEM knows I've unlocked bootloader, why will it push OTAs to my phone even though I've locked bootloader on my end? So isn't bootloader lock status relevant for OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the status of your bootloader is not relevant... Moto will notify you of an available update and happily attempt to apply it regardless if your bootloader is locked or not.
What matters is if the boot or system partitions is changed, if there is ANY change to those, among other things like if the radio version or recovery versions don't match or the partition table is changed, the update will fail. If you flash any custom recovery it will fail as well.
On this subject I mention a slight con which is that some banking or financial apps might complain to you if they detect root. I have maybe 10 different bank and credit apps installed and all work flawlessly except 1. The Huntington Bank app wont allow me to use fingerprint login but otherwise the app is fully functional like mobile deposits. Just wanted to mention to be aware.

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