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Nexus S Guide- Unlock Bootloader, Root, Install Custom Recoveries & Custom ROMs

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Hey folks, here I look forward to guide the Google Nexus S users of the XDA Community to go custom with their Samsung Nexus S. I shall try to put forth the most prevailing steps to make my way to your minds. Also I will use the fastboot method to accomplish custom during this entire guide. Before we put our hands on the device and begin with the instructions, I would like to state some general terms, for your ease. :good:
Terms & Understanding
What is Bootloader and Why do we need to Unlock?
A bootloader is a boot initializing component which is generally locked by the device manufacturer to avoid any messing around with the OS. We need to unlock it for the same reason. Once unlocked it will allow us to change the boot sequence and modify the OS in accordance of our needs.
What is Rooting?
It is a process of gaining root privileges over an Android subsystem. Rooting an Android device is easy in most cases. If you will to Install custom ROMs, kernels, other patches or addons to your Android device, rooting is what you will need. It can be achieved in two ways; either by manual method (using fastboot) or by automatic method (using toolkit or software) . Here, I am going to follow the manual method by using fastboot commands.
ClockworkMod, what is it?
In short, CWM; It is a secondary recovery system created by Koush (Koushik Dutta), which adds enormous features like wiping partitions, flashing flash able .zip files like ROMs, kernels, patches etc to the stock AOSP recovery. Visit ClockworkMod website for more.
What does Custom ROM means?
These are the aftermarket Android firmware which are not official supported by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). They are made available to the Android public by Android developers and contributors all around the world. Custom ROMs are either built from Google’s source code i.e AOSP (Android Open Source Project) or are modified versions of the device manufacturer’s ROM (Stock ROMs or Factory ROMs) with additional tweaks and extend functions which are not delivered with the Stock ROMs. Some of the popular Custom ROMs include CyanogenMod (CM), Android Open Kang Project (AOKP), MIUI, Codename Android (CNA), Oxygen, ParanoidAndroid and many more.
What is Custom Kernel?
A Kernel is a bridge between the applications and the actual data processing done at the hardware level, In simple words, it is the communication between the hardware and software of an Operating System. In Android world, Custom Kernels play a vital role since they provide the users with several features including changing CPU frequencies, modifying the boot sequence and boot scripts and other features too.
What are Google Apps (Gapps)? The name speaks for itself. Gapps are Google apps for Android available in flash-able zip format. Most of these applications can now be found and updated via the Google Play Store.Some of the apps include the Google Play Store itself, Google Talk, Google Sync (for adding and synchronizing Google accounts), Google Backup Transport, Car Home, Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Search, Google Voice Search, Google Music, and Google Docs. In some Custom ROMs, the Google Apps are included. These are usually stock ROMs, smaller or less-common ROMs, or those from areas where intellectual property laws are less commonly obeyed. But many AOSP ROMs, most famously CyanogenMod and AOKP, do not include the Google Apps due to licensing issues. They are after all proprietary code owned by Google and not included in the Android Open Source Project.
Disclaimer
I am not at all responsible for any damage to your device but I can provide confirmation for this method to be working. If you are held in any issues during this guide, I will certainly not replace your device but will give my best shot to help you, recover it.
You should be aware that rooting or going custom voids your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Early necessary requirements
At least 60% of battery to ensure no random shutdowns due to low battery.
Backup your storage manually. Also your text messages and contacts using some backup app.
Install Google and Samsung USB drivers from here
A compatible USB data cable for undisturbed connection between PC and device.
Enable USB Debugging in your device’s settings [Settings > Developer Settings > USB Debugging].
A PC with Windows OS.
Download Required files
Extract the downloaded NexusS_files.zip to the desktop. So now you will have a folder named "NSFiles" on your desktop which beholds all the needed files during the process.
Please make sure to follow every single instruction mentioned during the guidelines. This will resist you from any mishaps during the process. Lets begin!
Unlock Bootloader
NOTE: Unlocking the bootloader will erase all the data on the phone as well as SD storage. So be sure to back everything up.
Reboot your Nexus S into bootloader mode by pressing volume up + power buttons simultaneously until you see the bootloader screen.
Connect your device to the PC via the USB data cable.
Open the extracted folder "NSFiles" that we have have on the desktop. On an empty space inside the folder, press shift and right click and then select "Open command prompt here". This will execute a new CMD window which is already cd'ed to the folder's location.
Type in CMD:
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
You will now receive a message on the screen. Use the volume keys to highlight "Yes" and select it using the power button.
Your bootloader is now unlocked.
Highlight and select "Reboot" to reboot your device.
You have successfully unlocked your Nexus S bootloader.
Installing Custom Recovery
Reboot your phone into bootloader mode by pressing volume up + power buttons altogether.
Connect it to the PC via USB data cable.
While in the "NSFiles" folder on your desktop, press shift + right click on an empty space and go to "Open command promopt here". This will execute a command window which is already cd'ed to your current location.
To Install ClockworkMod touch 6.0.1.0
Type in CMD:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery CWM-T.img
To Install ClockworkMod non-touch 6.0.1.0
Type in CMD:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery CWM.img
To Install TWRP 2.3.1.0
Type in CMD:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery TWRP.img
The CMD prompt will indicate when the flashing is complete, it barely takes a few seconds.
Do not exit the bootloader mode, since this is the way to boot into recovery.
Now to boot into your new custom recovery, highlight "RECOVERY" and select it using the power button.
Rooting the Nexus S
If you plan to use the stock (factory) ROM, it is preferable to root. Otherwise, all the Custom ROMs out there already have root access.
The mentioned process is recommended to carry out using ClockworkMod Recovery.
Download the latest SuperSU flash-able root package. [Chainfire's SuperSU Thread]
Power off your device and boot into the bootloader mode by pressing volume up + power buttons simultaneously until you see the bootloader screen. Highlight"RECOVERY" using the volume buttons and select it using the power button.
Now, your Nexus S is in recovery mode.
Go to "mounts and storage" > scroll to the very last and select "mount USB storage".
This will mount your device's storage to the PC.
Drag the downloaded "CWM-SuperSU-v0.98.zip" to the root of your storage.
Select "unmount" to exit the USB storage mode.
Go to "install zip from sdcard" > "choose zip from sdcard" > select the "CWM-SuperSU-v0.99.zip" you placed in the storage and flash it.
Once flashed, select "reboot system now"
.
You now have your device rooted. You can officially declare yourself as the true master of your device.
Install Custom ROMs
Installing a ROM is quiet a simple process, you can say that it is the easiest of all.
First, you need to choose a suitable ROM that meets your requirements.
Once you have chosen, download the ROM's .zip (flash able zip file) as provided by the Author/ Developer .
Also make sure to download specific Gapps and other add-on if provided by the developer himself. [If not, download generic Gapps from here]
Put the downloaded files to your SD storage either by using USB mass storage directly or by mounting USB storage in recovery mode.
Reboot your Nexus S into Recovery mode. Power off your device and boot into the bootloader mode by pressing volume up + power buttons simultaneously until you see the bootloader screen. Highlight"RECOVERY" using the volume buttons and select it using the power button.
Using CWM:
wipe data/factory reset.
Go to "mounts and storage" > "format /system".
Go to "install zip from sdcard" > "choose zip from sdcard" > select your ROM .zip file that you placed in step #6. Flash it.
Gapps are the next to be flashed just after flashing the ROM. So, flash Gapps following the same way as the ROM. further if your are provided any add-on in a flash able zip format you can flash it the same way after flashing the ROM and Gapps successfully.
Once everything has flashed successfully, select "reboot system now".
Using TWRP:
Go to "Wipe" > "System" and "Factory Reset".
Go to "Install" > choose the ROM .zip file and flash it.
Gapps are the next to be flashed just after flashing the ROM. So, flash Gapps following the same way as the ROM. further if your are provided any add-on in a flash able zip format you can flash it the same way after flashing the ROM and Gapps successfully.
When flashed, go to "Reboot" > "System".
Your phone will now boot into the custom ROM.
Install Custom Kernels
Download the flashable zip package of your desired Custom Kernel.
Connect your device to PC via USB cable in USB Storage Mode.
Drag the downloaded kernel zip package to the root of your device's storage.
Disconnect the device from PC.
Power off, now press the volume up button and the power button altogether until you see the bootloader screen. Use the volume keys to highlight "Recovery" and select it using the power button.
Your device shall now be in recovery mode.
Flash using CWM:
"advanced" > "Wipe Dalvik Cache"
"install zip from sdcard" > choose zip from sdcard" > now browse and select the kernel zip package that you placed in your storage root during step #3.
Select "Yes".
Your Kernel will now flash to your OS and replace your current kernel.
When it has successfully flashed, select "reboot system now".
Flash using TWRP:
"Wipe" > "Dalvik Cache"
"Install" > now browse and select the kernel zip package that you placed in your storage root during step #3.
Your Kernel will now flash to your OS and replace your current kernel.
When it has successfully flashed, go to "Reboot" and select "System".
You now have Custom Kernel installed on your Nexus S.
NOTE: Before choosing any Custom Kernel, do verify that the Kernel is meant to be flashed on your present Android OS version.
Congratulations! You shall now enjoy the full packed potential of your wonderful Nexus S.
If you have got any questions/ queries or you're stuck anywhere in the mid process, comment here. I will try my best and provide you an helping hand.
Visit the full pictured guide at DroidViews.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Nice tutorial, very well done :good:
Maybe you could add something about custom kernels as well, since they're part and parcel of a custom ROM?

gunner49 said:
Nice tutorial, very well done :good:
Maybe you could add something about custom kernels as well, since they're part and parcel of a custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the appreciation :good:
And yes, I would look into the kernel part too, very soon :victory:

DJBhardwaj said:
Thanks for the appreciation :good:
And yes, I would look into the kernel part too, very soon :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice one Look forward to reading it!

gunner49 said:
Nice one Look forward to reading it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UPDATED!
Updated "Terms & Understanding".
Added "Install Custom Kernels".

DJBhardwaj said:
UPDATED!
Updated "Terms & Understanding".
Added "Install Custom Kernels".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant! :good:

gunner49 said:
Brilliant! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the support, its very much appreciated

Thanks for the tutorial.
Needed it for a friends phone
Works perfectly!

can this tutorial flash the factory img?
sorry for my bad english
Sent from my Nexus S using

ryuken80 said:
can this tutorial flash the factory img?
sorry for my bad english
Sent from my Nexus S using
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tutorial to flash Jelly Bean 4.1.2 Factory Image is here: Click to visit

Very welldone!
Should be sticky.

_hito_ said:
Very welldone!
Should be sticky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once we get enough popularity and user support , we may request a moderator to do so :fingers-crossed:

very useful thread,,,many thanks:good:

alfhie said:
very useful thread,,,many thanks:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the support. :good:

How To Root Nexus S i9023 Jellybean 4.1.2
I really want to know and understand the perfect way to root my nexus s i9023 running jellybean 4.1.2
I have searched pretty much everywhere but just cannot find a proper way to root my nexus s..
If u guys have the perfect guide regarding the above then plz help me with the same...

azcol said:
I really want to know and understand the perfect way to root my nexus s i9023 running jellybean 4.1.2
I have searched pretty much everywhere but just cannot find a proper way to root my nexus s..
If u guys have the perfect guide regarding the above then plz help me with the same...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow this guide. You can also find the pictured guide here. :good:

Hi guys!
Have some noob questions
yesterday installed this rom - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2041851
and i couldnt find [Settings > Developer Settings > USB Debugging]! There are no Develepor Settings tab.
Sorry if I'm posting in wrong forum thread.
Thanks
I'm found answer in Google (5 taps on build number

Hey guys,
A friend of mine with a GSM Nexus S asked me to root his phone, and I saw this amazing thread. I just have one doubt, does the bootloader need to be unlocked in order to follow the "Rooting the Nexus S" procedure?
Thank you very much!

eddie_gordo said:
Hey guys,
A friend of mine with a GSM Nexus S asked me to root his phone, and I saw this amazing thread. I just have one doubt, does the bootloader need to be unlocked in order to follow the "Rooting the Nexus S" procedure?
Thank you very much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, its essential to unlock the bootloader first if you are willing to perform any custom action :good:

Creating A backup using Rom Manager
Hey There ,Thanks For your Guide..:good:
I was successfully able to root my nexus s i9023 running 4.1.2..
Now i want to create a backup of my 4.1.2 using rom manager , as i want to flash cyanogenmod 10..
Can U help me with the same again...
Thanking u in advance..

Manual OTA Update process step-by-step (Stock/Rooted/Xposed)

For stock rooted/TWRP users, this is a step-by-step process of manually updating your Moto involving flashing stock firmware, updating, and restoring TWRP, root, and apps afterwards.
Benefits:
**It's really simple- once you get familiar with this process, you can do it fairly quickly.
**Take the time to read through and get everything set up and you'll be set for future updates.
**No begging the internet for flashable zips.
Preface:
So my situation is i'm running stock, bootloader unlocked, rooted, and xposed on my US XT1540 2GB Moto G. I went through the process this morning of updating to the new 23.46.4 update. Thought I'd share what I did for anyone out there wanting to update with questions ; hopefully some can be answered here. I'm familiar with flashing firmware files from my previous Moto X's '13 & '14 so trust me it's not a big deal to flash back stock firmware to update. This process should be applicable to any variant of the Moto G and and to any future updates as well, not just the one mentioned here as of 09/19/15. Just be mindful of your phone's version and use the appropriate firmware.
1) BACKUP
First, make sure everything worth keeping is on your microSD. Flashing stock firmware will wipe your phones internal memory so pictures, music, downloads, SMS, etc need to migrate. Also make sure you have SuperSU and Xposed on your microSD for re-installation. This might be obvious for some and you might have everything going to your microSD (sdcard1, EXTsdcard) already, but one thing you might miss is Titanium Backup...
Save apps in Titanium to microSD: Menu>Preferences>Backup folder location>Click to change>Ext. SD card>Create a new folder>Use current folder
Nandroid in TWRP to microSD: toward the bottom click on "Storage: Internal storage" and choose "Micro SDcard"
If you're super smart, after making that backup you'll copy that to your pc.
2) DOWNLOADS
Get the most recent firmware for your device from lost101's firmware thread (thank him threads like this are so helpful)- http://forum.xda-developers.com/2015-moto-g/general/index-moto-g-factory-firmware-images-t3169639
Download and install the drivers for you phone, I believe the generic android driver will work but you can also get them from Motorola Device Manager: https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/88481
Download mini-sdk.zip, attached to the the bottom of this post. Useful light weight sdk containing adb & fastboot which should cover all your flashing needs. If you're not developing apps, full blown android sdk is bloatware
3) SETTING UP ADB/FASTBOOT
Enable USB debugging in Developer options
Extract mini-sdk.zip to a folder. Extract and add the contents of your firmware to that folder.
Open a cmd prompt on the mini-sdk folder (shift + right click, "Open Command Window Here")
Let's verify that adb sees the device:
Code:
adb devices
Should see "XXserial#XX device". If you get "offline", be sure to check your phone for the adb authorization dialog.
We're ready to flash firmware so reboot into fastboot:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
4) STOCK FIRMWARE INSTALLATION
Once phone is in fastboot, enter the following commands in the cmd prompt (open on the mini-sdk folder containing the firmware files) one at a time. Let the current flash command finish before entering the next, especially at the img_sparsechunck steps because they take a 10-15 sec each. Also make sure all of the filenames match what you have; substitute accordingly.
Code:
fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
fastboot flash logo logo.bin
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.3
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.5
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot reboot
5) UPDATE
When you reboot, if you don't get prompted for update check for it- About phone>System updates
Download & install update
When update is finished and phone boots back up, enable Android debugging in developer options.
6) FLASH BACK TWRP/ROOT/XPOSED
Place TWRP img file in mini-sdk folder. Boot back into fastboot and flash TWRP.
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
Code:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-osprey-2.8.7-test1.img
Vol up/down in bootloader to boot recovery.
Once in recovery flash Supersu & xposed (optional of course) from your microSD and reboot.
Install Titanium from play store, go back into preferences and point to backup folder on the microSD and restore apps.
When xposed and modules are reinstalled through Titanium, you will need to reboot to enable. After that you'll need to tweak your preferences in system options like notifications or display, but any settings in modules (like gravity box) will be restored as long as you backed up app+data in TB. Easier than a custom rom clean flash in that aspect.
So that's it, with that you should be back up and running. Let me know if I missed some steps or if you have questions about the process.
*****
BTW, Installing xposed from scratch for those confused on what files to do what with: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=3034811
Flash this one in recovery: xposed-v74-sdk22-arm.zip (or most current)
Install this apk after you reboot: XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4.apk (or most current)

Please Delete

agleroy said:
Thanks for the guide. Still gonna wait for a flashable zip though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're better than that. Trying to empower you here...

Please Delete

Hey, could you use normal/dark colors? Reading light yellow and blue is difficult, even when highlighting it with a cursor. Thanks!

a.cid said:
Hey, could you use normal/dark colors? Reading light yellow and blue is difficult, even when highlighting it with a cursor. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took all the color out and tweaked it a bit. I was using the dark theme and everything looked pretty good, but when I switched to the light theme... yeah annoying.

I'm still trying to decide if I want/need to root, and/or install a custom ROM on this phone. I have always done so on past phones, but this phone runs so well I don't want to mess it up, and I'm not sure the few features I'm missing warrant messing with things.
Thank you the tutorial though. I will certainly keep it for reference.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app

Why does every single guide say to erase the userdata partition??? This is totally unnecessary. Instead, boot into twrp and wipe your userdata. The difference is in your internal storage. If you follow the guide you wipe your internal storage in the very last command. My way, you just do a factory reset on the data partition which doesn't wipe the storage
Also, flashing stock recovery is an unnecessary step when it's being immediately replaced by twrp again.
Selmak said:
I'm still trying to decide if I want/need to root, and/or install a custom ROM on this phone. I have always done so on past phones, but this phone runs so well I don't want to mess it up, and I'm not sure the few features I'm missing warrant messing with things.
Thank you the tutorial though. I will certainly keep it for reference.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This isn't a custom rom...it's the official motorola firmware update

Thanks for this guide , it's good to know, but I would have to wait for a flasheable UPDATE.zip because my phone's configuration (XT1543, dual sim, 16gb storage, 1gb ram) doesn't have a stock firmware download link in the main thread... and also I don't want to reinstall my apps , haha.

If it works like the other 2 generations of moto g, and at least with the first moto x (all from my personal experience) just skip the erase userdata part and you'll keep your personnal data.
Ota update will go smoothly, no need to restore anything afterwards except root and recovery, indeed.
A backup is always a good thing, sure just in case, but i never used mine on all the ota's I installed on those 3 phones (moto g 2013 16gb, moto g 2014 and moto x 2013)
I don't own a moto g 2015 but my gf does, a 16gb/2gb ram one, she just got it so she installed the update before rooting. If nobody tries it before I'll try it with the next update .

cannot access filehost to get xt1541 5.1.1 any alternative link?

after I updated to 6.0 my computer is not recognising the device? any solutions?

Please add "fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.6" to the top post. This could prevent idiots from sitting in a boot loop for an hour, while they try furiously to find a way out, an error in the download, revert to a previous firmware... Yeah, that was stressful.

Is this the same for the XT1548 virgin mobile 1G of ram and 8G of memory. I understand that it's probably not the same file I just don't really want to wait for the flashable .Zip. But I also don't want to mess up my only device as of now.

Hey i need help....my xt1550 is unlocked and running on stock 6.0 right now......i have installed custom ROMs and rooted the device before.....but now its unrooted and running stock but iam still not able to recieve ota updates.......why?

csumanth16 said:
Hey i need help....my xt1550 is unlocked and running on stock 6.0 right now......i have installed custom ROMs and rooted the device before.....but now its unrooted and running stock but iam still not able to recieve ota updates.......why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have stock recovery and an update touched /boot and /system partition, you can take an OTA update. If you have TWRP, root, or other modification in the mentioned areas you cannot take an OTA update.
Having an unlocked bootloader only is not relevant.

What if you unrooted, a rooted stock recovery device, is it safe to take an OTA?
acejavelin said:
If you have stock recovery and an update touched /boot and /system partition, you can take an OTA update. If you have TWRP, root, or other modification in the mentioned areas you cannot take an OTA update.
Having an unlocked bootloader only is not relevant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

MrTooPhone said:
What if you unrooted, a rooted stock recovery device, is it safe to take an OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No... If your rooted the /boot partition has been modified.

acejavelin said:
No... If your rooted the /boot partition has been modified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And does it remain notably changed even after going through a full unroot via SuperSU?

MrTooPhone said:
And does it remain notably changed even after going through a full unroot via SuperSU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, doing a full unroot will return the original /boot partition, but be aware this will not undo any changes you made to /system with root access (such as debloating or Xposed modules), and even if you undo those changes, the Android system has already marked the /system partition as tampered so a check will fail.

[ROOT] [STOCK] [TWRP] Root Stock Firmware of Any Modern Sony Device

At first I created a guide about rooting stock Marshmellow of Sony Xperia Z5 Premium. After some time I realized that it may be useful to users of virtually any recent Sony phone or tablet, so here is my Sony Cross-Device general rooting thread. I will mostly copy-paste bits from my previous guide, but using renewed screenshots and firmwares'/tools' versions.
Please write back in this thread which model of Sony phone you was able to root with the help of this guide.
This guide does not work for MediaTek devices.
INTRODUCTION
Sony historically provides own versions of Android OS, modified for Sony phones. These firmwares with added Sony apps are known as a stock firmware, contrary to vanilla Android developed by Google.
This guide will lead you through the process of rooting the stock firmware for your particular Sony phone. At the same time, your phone will be supercharged with TWRP recovery image, a useful tool for things such as an installation of system behavior altering apps to a whole device backup including all system partitions.
WHY ROOT?
Sony, just as any other smartphone vendor, ships its devices without the ability to alter inner system workings of Android OS. Technically speaking, default OS only allows use of non-administrator accounts, which have access only to their own user space.
Rooting is a process of allowing access to the administrator account, also known as root. This enables a possibility to alter/remove system parts of the OS: apps, settings, behaviors. For example, with root access you can block ads system-wide, from apps to browsers.
WHAT ARE CAVEATS
During the rooting procedure, the unique DRM keys will be removed from the phone. These keys are used to make some proprietary Sony features work, such as X-Reality for Mobile, camera denoise filter etc.
During the course of this guide a so called DRM fix will be apllied, which effectively emulates DRM keys, so many Sony features remain in working condition, even without actual keys. Some features, such as Widevine, will not work but majority of typical users won't even notice this. I think most of you even don't know what Widevine is.
However, in this guide I will present a way to backup your DRM keys, if you still think you need them. I will not deep dive though, since I never bothered with DRM keys export/import procedure myself and have no experience in doing this.
Some apps will refuse to work on rooted device, Pokemon Go and Android Pay are couple of notorious examples. Research your apps for rooted device compatibility. If you find such app and cannot live without it, don't root your phone.
ACCOLADES
The rooting of Sony stock firmware will not be possible without the work of these brilliant community developers:
@Androxyde — Flashtool
@IgorEisberg — XperiFirm (integrated into Flashtool)
@Dees_Troy et al. — TWRP
@Chainfire — SuperSU
@topjohnwu — Magisk
@tobias.waldvogel — Kernel repack script and DRM fix
@zxz0O0 — iovyroot
@rayman — TA Backup v2
STEPS
The whole process of rooting your stock firmware is divided into the following steps:
Getting your phone recognized by your computer (driver installation).
(optional) Backup your DRM keys.
Unlocking a bootloader.
Flashing stock firmware with Flashtool.
Repacking and flashing a kernel.
Installing SuperSU or Magisk.
(optional) Restore your DRM keys.
Optional tasks.
After the completion of this guide, your phone contents will be completely erased, so you may want to backup all what is important to you to some external locations. External microSD card will not be erased, so you may copy your stuff to it. If you are already use some rooted Android, you may want to use some specialized tools like Titanium Backup or like. TWRP also have a nice backup features, if you have one already installed.
Also, use Sony's own Backup & reset tool from the settings. You may backup your local contacts, messages and much of such stuff directly to your microSD card. After the rooting, same tool may be used to restore some (or all) of these things back.
I usually make a whole backup with TWRP, Titanium Backup for user apps and the Sony's Backup & reset for conversations and call logs.
The guide was developed using Windows 10 Pro 64-bit and Sony Xperia Z5 Premium Dual-SIM E6883 official model for the Russian market.
Let's go.
1. GETTING YOUR PHONE RECOGNIZED BY YOUR COMPUTER (DRIVER INSTALLATION)
During the course of this guide, your phone will comminicate with your computer in Fastboot and Flashmode connection modes. When connected in these modes, for the phone to be properly recognized by a computer, you have to provide special drivers. Thanks to Flashtool creators, it comes bundled with generic drivers compatible with all recent Windows operating systems, so at first you should install Flashtool. You can get installer from the official website.
Next, you should install Fastboot and Flashmode drivers for your phone.
One caveat here however, these drivers are not from a "recognized Windows developer", that is they are not Windows-certified, so to get them installed on Windows 8/10, you should reboot with the disabled driver signature enforcement. Use Google to know how to perform this.
Once booted in the aforementioned mode (or in a regular mode if you are still on Windows 7), proceed to the actual driver installation. The drivers are packed into the Flashtool\drivers\Flashtool-drivers.exe executable, but it didn't work on my system, perhaps because it is 64-bit (but feel free to try it yourself), so I simply unarchived it with 7-Zip (right-clicked it and chose 7-Zip > Extract to "Flashtool-drivers"). I got a Flashtool-drivers folder, which contained all the drivers from the executable.
Once drivers are unpacked, connect your phone in a Fastboot mode. Recent Sony devices can boot in Fastboot just like this: shutdown the phone, press and hold Volume Up rocker button and connect USB cable to the phone while the other end is connected to a running PC. The phone's LED will turn blue shortly. That's it, you are in a Fastboot mode. Open Device Manager (Win + X, Device Manager) and check if there is some unknown device (with the name S1Fastboot or something like this).
Double-click this unknown device in the Device Manager, click Update Driver..., then Browse my computer for driver software, and choose the Flashtool-drivers folder created earlier with 7-Zip (leave Include subfolders checked). Shortly you will get a red warning dialog window, which inform you that this driver doesn't have a proper signature:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Very scary. Just proceed with the install despite all the red flags, it's safe.
Once Fastboot driver is installed, plug out the USB cable off the phone and connect it in a FlashMode mode. This is done just like for Fastboot, but in this case you should press and hold Volume Down rocker button during the cable plugging in. The LED in this case will be green and not blue. The procedure to install the driver is exactly the same.
After the successful installation, try to reconnect the phone in these modes again couple more times to make sure all devices get properly recognized by Windows. If all seems good, proceed to the next step.
2. (OPTIONAL) BACKUP YOUR DRM KEYS
I encourage you to skip this step, but if you feel like you should do this anyway, here is some info.
There is a tool called iovyroot, with which you can backup your DRM keys from an unrooted phone, but at the time of the writing it doesn't support latest firmwares. It does support a lot of older firmwares so it may be useful to not upgrade your phone before checking up this tool.
If you're into this backup DRM thing, go to the original thread, download the latest version and check if it is working for you. For now I just skip this step. Basically, you want to download the zip, connect your phone in USB Debugging mode, run the tabackup.bat script and see the output.
Some people suggest to use the newer Universal (Dirtycow-based) TA Backup v2 tool instead of ageing iovyroot to backup you keys. Please check the official thread to get instructions (linked in the previous sentence).
I will not cover DRM keys extraction/restore in details, since I never did it, so I don't want to write about something I haven't myself performed. Please check corresponding threads.
Note that most proprietary Sony features will work even without DRM keys, such as X-Reality for Mobile, camera denoise filter and some others. DRM fix will be covered later in this guide. Some features will not work with DRM fix, Widevine for example. Most users will not even notice these.
3. UNLOCKING A BOOTLOADER
Sony does provide its own guide. It is a plain and simple and — good news! — if you have followed the previous steps, you just got all the prerequisites covered!
4. FLASHING STOCK FIRMWARE WITH FLASHTOOL
Now we will flash the latest available Sony firmware to the phone. In this step it will be untouched vanilla firmware, without root yet.
The Flashtool was installed on the completion of the first step, so let's start it. If you are on 64-bit Windows, start Flashtool64 (there is a shortcut in the Start menu). It does require administrator privileges.
Once you are in Flashtool, at first you need to obtain the most recent official stock firmware from Sony. Press the "XF" icon (the right-most one in the toolbar) to start XperiFirm. This is where it is:
The window will open, choose your phone from the left part of the window, then choose your particular model and after that choose your market and operator from the right part of the window. The entry will become highlighted and shortly there will be some info in the last column (Latest Firmware). This definition will be also in the right-most part of the window just under the phone thumbnail, click on it. Not a brilliant design decision, but that's it. Here is a screenshot for your reference:
If there are multiple firmwares available, pick the more recent (typically the top-most). The new window will pop up, press Download. The stock firmware will be downloaded to your computer and unpacked.
Once the download is completed, close all XperiFirm windows to return to the main Flashtool window. Flashtool will begin a creation of the .ftf file from the downloaded resources which will be used for a (subsequent) flashing. FTF-files are similar to ZIP-files, and may be opened with 7-Zip. For example, I've got E6883_32.3.A.0.376_1299-4828_R3D.ftf after the completion of this procedure. Flashtool places firmwares in the C:\Users\<Your Windows Username>\.flashTool\firmwares.
Now, once the stock firmware is downloaded, packed into .ftf and ready to be installed, let's do this.
Disconnect and switch off the phone for now, physically extract microSD card (if any) and press the left-most button on the Flashtool's toolbar (the "Lightning" one) and choose Flashmode. The Firmware Selector window will appear with a selected default folder and list of all firmware available for a flashing. I've got a single entry, the firmware I just downloaded. Before actual flashing, you can check some checkboxes from the Wipe section, I usually check all to start clean (all the data on the phone is erased). Once again, just to be safe, extract the microSD card from the phone at this moment. It is not needed for a flashing anyway. Here is how the window looked to me:
After all is set up, press Flash. The flashing process is not yet begun, since at first Flashtool just prepares firmware for a flashing.
After a while, a window will appear which will ask you to connect your phone in the Flashmode mode. With your phone off, hold the Volume Down button, connect the USB cable. Once Flashtool detects the phone in the Flashmode mode, it will start the actual flashing automatically. You may release the Volume Down button and go get some snack. The flashing will take some time.
After the completion of the flashing procedure, you'll get a stock Sony firmware installed, and now it is perfect time to proceed to the next step. You may leave your phone off at this moment, but if you are curious, start it up and check if the new Android is actually there. Note however that first start after the firmware installation takes a long time.
5. REPACKING AND FLASHING A KERNEL
Now it is a most interesting part: repacking and flashing a stock kernel. This procedure will allow the actual rooting.
To get the stock firmware rooted, you need a way to install SuperSU or Magisk. These are tools which enable root access to the Android system. To install them, you need TWRP. To run TWRP, you need a kernel, which supports both TWRP and your Android version.
Thankfully you can extract the kernel from the .ftf file, prepared by Flashtool earlier. Then you repack it, integrate TWRP (and DRM fix) into it, and finally flash it to your phone back modified. Sound like a complex task but it's definitely achievable. I did it multiple times mostly without any issues.
At first you should extract the actual kernel from the .ftf file. Reminder: it's in the C:\Users\<Your Windows Username>\.flashTool\firmwares folder and may be titled E6883_32.3.A.0.376_1299-4828_R3D.ftf or something like this. Open it as an archive (right-click on a file, 7-Zip > Open archive) and extract kernel.sin. It's your phone's packed kernel.
If it is packed, obviously you need to unpack it. Thankfully the almighty Flashtool can do this. Open Flashtool, navigate to the Tools > Sin Editor, select a kernel.sin you've just extracted and press Extract data. As a result, you'll get a kernel.elf file in the same directory where your packed kernel is residing. As you may have guessed, kernel.elf is an unpacked kernel. It can be modified, repacked and flashed back to the phone. Let's do this.
You will need a Stock kernel repack script from @tobias.waldvogel. Here is the original thread. Author of the script mentioned, that now it is hosted on GitHub, so let's just grab the latest version from there. Here is the link to the repository. In the upper-right corner there is a Clone or download button you may push it and choose Download ZIP from the menu. The script will be downloaded.
Once the contents of the zip-file with script are extracted to some directory, copy the kernel.elf there and summon command prompt in this directory (right-click in the empty space of this folder in File Explorer with the Shift button pressed and choose Open command window here).
In the command line type the following:
Code:
rootkernel.cmd kernel.elf boot.img
You'll get some questions about adding some features/tools to your kernel, feel free to answer "Yes" (type Y) to all of them. Screenshot for your reference:
If all went smoothly, you'll get a repacked kernel, boot.img in the script folder, supercharged with TWRP and DRM fix, and most importantly, which also supports rooting. Now it is time to flash it to your phone.
ATTENTION! Since the script is mostly unsupported, when new firmware get released, its kernel modules are not getting automagically added to the script package. You will get "Skipping TWRP recovery. No kernel modules for 3.10.84-perf-XXXXXXX available" error due to this. But don't worry, you can extract the required modules yourself from the firmware.
1. Open the FTF-file (firmware you downloaded) with 7-Zip, and extract system.sin file.
2. Open Flashtool, navigate to Tools > Sin Editor, choose this system.sin file, push Extract data. You'll get system.ext4 in the same directory.
3. Use the cool free Ext2Read tool to get into the ext4 filesystem in the system.ext4 (File > Open Image). Linux users can mount this filesystem as usual. Once you get into the filesystem, go to the lib/modules directory and grab the following files from there (Tools > Save):
core_ctl.ko
ecryptfs.ko
kscl.ko
mhl_sii8620_8061_drv.ko
texfat.ko
4. Once you get these files, create the 3.10.84-perf-XXXXXXX folder in the script's Android\twrp_common_kmodules directory. In my case I created 3.10.84-perf-g5e25a09 folder, just as was mentioned in the script's output in the console (when it complained about Skipping TWRP recovery). Copy these 5 files into this newly created folder.
5. Voilà! Re-run the script and see that now TWRP gets properly integrated! Thanks to @sceryavuz for his initial instructions. I just elaborated them a bit.
When all is clear, turn off your phone if it's on and connect it in a Fastboot mode: hold the Volume Up rocker button and connect USB cable. The LED on the phone will turn blue. Release the button.
Flashing images in this mode is typically done with a fastboot.exe from the Android SDK. Android SDK weighs many gigabytes but thankfully you don't need it. Fortunately Flashtool contains fastboot.exe from the SDK. It's in the Flashtool\x10flasher_lib folder. For the brevity of the following steps, I assume you have all necessary files there. To make it true, copy the newly generated boot.img to this folder.
Now Shift-right-click in the empty space of this folder window and choose Open command window here entry from the context menu. Windows console will appear.
At first try this command:
Code:
fastboot.exe devices
If all is good, there will be one device in the output of this command, just like this:
If not, perhaps there is some driver issue, so head back to the step #1 and make sure the drivers are installed correctly.
If your device is shown correctly, let's flash some files to the phone. Execute the following command to flash the modified kernel:
Code:
fastboot.exe flash boot boot.img
The proper output of this command will be like this:
If you get any errors, the first and more likely reason is that you still have a locked bootloader. Head to the step #3 to verify its state and unlock it if necessary.
If there were no errors — congratulations! — you now just flashed a stock kernel supercharged with TWRP recovery and DRM fix. You're almost done! You may plug out the cable from your phone. If you are attentive to the details, you'll notice that now, once your phone is started, its LED turns amber for 2-3 seconds. This is a special signal for those looking to boot into a recovery (TWRP). But you don't have to start your phone yet.
Although @tobias.waldvogel claims his script is able to also integrate SuperSU during the kernel repacking, I didn't managed to get this working, so the SuperSU (or Magisk) installation is a separate step in my guide. The next step.
6. INSTALLING SUPERSU OR MAGISK
Now when you have TWRP in place and latest Android installed, let's install SuperSU to it. SuperSU distributed in a TWRP-friendly .zip archives, so you should copy one to your microSD card. I used version 2.79 from here. Download TWRP / FlashFire installable ZIP, not the APK. At the time of your reading, there probably will be some newer versions available, feel free to install them them instead. Copy the downloaded ZIP-archive to your microSD. Don't bother to unpack the ZIP.
Once SuperSU zip-file is copied to your microSD card, place it into your phone and reboot to recovery (TWRP). To do this restart or power up your phone and look at the LED. Once it lights amber, press Volume Up rocker button and you'll get into recovery — TWRP. In my case it was TWRP v3.0.2-0.
To install SuperSU, press Install, go to the /external_sd and select the .zip (in my case SuperSU-v2.79-201612051815.zip). Swipe right to confirm installation. Once it is installed, press Reboot System button. Phone will reboot twice. Do not interfere with the process during these multiple reboots, the things are getting done, so just wait once Android is started. When it's started, the phone is rooted and functional!
If you would like to install Magisk instead, the instructions are exactly the same. Grab the latest ZIP from the original thread and flash it with TWRP. That's it!
7. (OPTIONAL) RESTORE YOUR DRM KEYS
If you had successfully backed up your DRM keys in step #2, it is now time to restore it back to the device. There is a flash_dk.cmd script shipped with the Root kernel repack script you used in the previous step. flash_dk.cmd can be used to flash the DRM partition back to your phone.
At first prepare the flashable .ftf:
Code:
flash_dk.cmd <ta backup image> dk.ftf
And then flash dk.ftf via Flashtool, just like you flashed the whole firmware in the step #4, but don't wipe anything this time.
8. OPTIONAL STEPS
8.1. Xposed installation
If you use Lollipop and later, you should install Xposed APK from here. At the time of writing there is XposedInstaller_3.0_alpha4.apk installer there.
Once APK is installed, grab the latest .zip from the repository, I've got xposed-v86-sdk23-arm64.zip. Install it in a regular TWRP way covered in step #6.
Once all these steps are done, you should have Xposed Installer app in your phone, and if you open it and check Framework section, if everything is alright, there will be text in green, something like "Xposed framework version 86 is active".
8.2. Resolving Voice Search and random volume up/down issues while using regular headphones
See this thread.
8.3. Disable startup notification if there is a newer firmware available
Some people get annoyed by a persistent notification, which is displayed once the new firmware become available (new Android version from Sony). Rooted users cannot just tap it and update over-the-air, because they need to perform a complex rooting procedure in beforehand (covered in this guide). It is possible to disable this notification. You may get these notifications by email anyway.
The easiest and safest way is to use some autorun manager. I used Autorun Manager Pro and disabled all receivers of system apps com.sonymobile.fota.service, fota update service and Software update. Notification vanished after a restart.
You may even freeze or remove these apps via some app manager like Titanium Backup Pro.
8.4. Disable that damned green LED light while phone is charged and attached to the cable or docked
This is a historic Xperia behavior, not easily fixable without the root. The notorious green LED is on all night no matter which settings you set up. In fact, there is no setting to switch it off.
However, if you are rooted, you can solve this issue easily. One method is to install a free Light Flow - LED Control app. Once it is installed, you need to enable the following settings in the Settings > Device Settings and Root section: Direct mode, Root mode and Run every command as root. Then you can mess around with individual notifications in the Notification settings, but I just cleared all in there and hey! — the annoying green LED is gone!
THAT'S IT
At this point you have a stock Sony Android enhanced with root privileges. SuperSU / Magisk app is also installed, so you are ready to use root right away. SuperSU now can be updated in a regular way via Play Store. Magisk has it's own updating capabilities.
P.S. WHEN NEW FIRMWARE IS AVAILABLE
Once the new firmware is released, you may perform the same procedure for it beginning from the step #4, but if it is a minor upgrade, you may want not to wipe anything during Flashtool flashing this time. If it is a major upgrade, e.g. Marshmallow > Nougat, you probably may want to start with a clean system and wipe all.

Fragmentation said:
Getting your phone recognized by your computer (driver installation).
(optional) Backup your DRM keys.
Unlocking a bootloader.
Flashing stock firmware with Flashtool.
Repacking and flashing a kernel.
Installing SuperSU.
(optional) Restore your DRM keys.
Optional tasks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure that once you have unlocked the bootloader, the easiest thing at that point is to use fastboot to flash a custom kernel/recovery, then boot to recovery, flash su, then reflash your original kernel. Then you're rooted.
Plus, rooting is easy now even with locked bl, since we have Kingroot, and new Sony bootloader with real recovery.
(However, I can't say for sure on every device... I appreciate you taking the time to post...)

levone1 said:
I'm pretty sure that once you have unlocked the bootloader, the easiest thing at that point is to use fastboot to flash a custom kernel/recovery, then boot to recovery, flash su, then reflash your original kernel. Then you're rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey. If you'd say this to my mom, I'm sure she'll not understand any of these. And with this guide she at least have some chance of success.

levone1, why at the end would you flash your original kernel again instead of just running your custom kernel that you made like in the guide?

F2a said:
levone1, why at the end would you flash your original kernel again instead of just running your custom kernel that you made like in the guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flash stock-based kernel via boot.IMG in fastboot that will work with your stock ROM, great, keep it. I was just imagining easiest thing to be to flash, for example, CM boot IMG, just to be able to get into recovery to flash su. Usually stock-based kernels are zips, with other things besides just boot IMG. What I've usually done with unlocked BL and stock ROM is use fastboot to flash CM boot and recovery IMG, then go to recovery and flash supersu, then use flashtool to flash kernel only of stock ROM. Once you reboot, rooted, you can do whatever from there.

Which ROM have you flashed to 6883. The Nougat?

levone1 said:
If you flash stock-based kernel via boot.IMG in fastboot that will work with your stock ROM, great, keep it. I was just imagining easiest thing to be to flash, for example, CM boot IMG, just to be able to get into recovery to flash su. Usually stock-based kernels are zips, with other things besides just boot IMG. What I've usually done with unlocked BL and stock ROM is use fastboot to flash CM boot and recovery IMG, then go to recovery and flash supersu, then use flashtool to flash kernel only of stock ROM. Once you reboot, rooted, you can do whatever from there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not quite sure what you mean tbh so forgive me if I missunderstand.
stock kernels are not zips they come in .elf hence the use of rootkernel to unpack/repack it to something more manageable. nowadays supersu makes changes to this partition once flashed, so if you flash stock kernel.sin containing kernel.elf again from flashtool changes will be reverted and you loose root.
the easiest way to get into twrp recovery without flashing anything is to just fastboot it.

nigeta_gr said:
Which ROM have you flashed to 6883. The Nougat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the latest official firmware available for Z5P (E6883) is Nougat (7.0). I flashed it during the assembly of this guide.

I suppose it will work with my E6833 as well.
Fragmentation said:
Yes, the latest official firmware available for Z5P (E6883) is Nougat (7.0). I flashed it during the assembly of this guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

nigeta_gr said:
I suppose it will work with my E6833 as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure it will.

Fragmentation said:
At first I created a guide about rooting stock Marshmellow of Sony Xperia Z5 Premium. After some time I realized that it may be useful to users of virtually any recent Sony phone, so here is my Sony Cross-Device general rooting thread. I will mostly copy-paste bits from my previous guide, but using renewed screenshots and firmwares'/tools' versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ogromnoye spasibo bratan!
This helped me tremendously, just wanted to say thanks!
FYI, I'm using latest Nougat 333 UK firmware on Xperia X F5121 US version --- so that my fingerprint scanner works. Got stuck in a boot loop after installing TWRP but after reading your thread, I fully understood and fixed the reason why. The root tool from GitHub worked kinda --- meaning I had busybox and others but no su binary I still had to install SuperSU.zip via TWRP to actually have root. You documented a similar experience.

JZ SmartMort said:
Ogromnoye spasibo bratan!
This helped me tremendously, just wanted to say thanks!
FYI, I'm using latest Nougat 333 UK firmware on Xperia X F5121 US version --- so that my fingerprint scanner works. Got stuck in a boot loop after installing TWRP but after reading your thread, I fully understood and fixed the reason why. The root tool from GitHub worked kinda --- meaning I had busybox and others but no su binary I still had to install SuperSU.zip via TWRP to actually have root. You documented a similar experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome, zemlyak! Sure, for root you definitely need SuperSU, it just won't work without it this way. It's a shame US versions of Xperias don't have fingerprint scanner activated, but it's cool to hear, that flashing another region firmware helps.

Hi, I followed everything until the part where I need to flash the modified kernel in step 5. There is no error messages. the output is exactly like the screen captures. When I start the phone, I don't see the amber light. I cannot proceed. Where did I go wrong? Appreciate any help available.
Edit: Used a rooted stock kernel from another thread. Seems to work. Still not sure what I missed out though.

viperc said:
Hi, I followed everything until the part where I need to flash the modified kernel in step 5. There is no error messages. the output is exactly like the screen captures. When I start the phone, I don't see the amber light. I cannot proceed. Where did I go wrong? Appreciate any help available.
Edit: Used a rooted stock kernel from another thread. Seems to work. Still not sure what I missed out though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey. If the phone don't turn on amber light for a while during the boot up, then TWRP is not there.
If you used the kernel repack script I mentioned in the guide with a very recent Sony's firmware, probably you didn't notice, that TWRP has not been integrated into the kernel due to some error. It is because this script should be frequently updated to work with any newly released firmware, and Tobias, its author, apparently have not time to do this.
However, you can update the script yourself, following this procedure.

viperc said:
Hi, I followed everything until the part where I need to flash the modified kernel in step 5. There is no error messages. the output is exactly like the screen captures. When I start the phone, I don't see the amber light. I cannot proceed. Where did I go wrong? Appreciate any help available.
Edit: Used a rooted stock kernel from another thread. Seems to work. Still not sure what I missed out though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have the amber LED light on boot up on my X Compact but everything works fine. I can't seem to find it but I recall reading somewhere an actual reason why I didn't see it but as far as I know it's not a problem.
Edit: Simple check, reboot and hold volume down. Do you enter TWRP? I do even though I never see the amber led.

F2a said:
I don't have the amber LED light on boot up on my X Compact but everything works fine. I can't seem to find it but I recall reading somewhere an actual reason why I didn't see it but as far as I know it's not a problem.
Edit: Simple check, reboot and hold volume down. Do you enter TWRP? I do even though I never see the amber led.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it wasn't a proper kernel for your rom or device, I also experienced some errors including yours but at last (after 12 try) I found a working kernel for me. I really don't know what the problem is, sometimes it just doesn't work...

Fragmentation said:
Hey. If the phone don't turn on amber light for a while during the boot up, then TWRP is not there.
If you used the kernel repack script I mentioned in the guide with a very recent Sony's firmware, probably you didn't notice, that TWRP has not been integrated into the kernel due to some error. It is because this script should be frequently updated to work with any newly released firmware, and Tobias, its author, apparently have not time to do this.
However, you can update the script yourself, following this procedure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I will look into that again when my region's Sony release the latest firmware.
F2a said:
I don't have the amber LED light on boot up on my X Compact but everything works fine. I can't seem to find it but I recall reading somewhere an actual reason why I didn't see it but as far as I know it's not a problem.
Edit: Simple check, reboot and hold volume down. Do you enter TWRP? I do even though I never see the amber led.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, didn't try that lol. I used another pre-rooted sick kernel to flash after my attempt failed. I can see the amber led now with the other kernel.

Tried again after re-downloading the script. It's working now. Thanks.

if not do drm-fix, and flash dk.ftf with old flashtool, the result is" FIDO KEYS NOT PROVISONED PROVISION FAILED"
any way to fix this?

This thread is a complete guide and must be sticked, Thanks :fingers-crossed:
You should add backupTA-V2 for Lollipop devices..
Thread : https://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/universal-dirtycow-based-ta-backup-t3514236
iovyroot method is very old..

GAPP error 70 HELP

I was messing around and deleted google play store, now none of the google apps works. I went a head to download gapps and tried sideloading it. It showed me the error, then i downloaded the pico version and also fix my system partition. It says i have 140mb of free space in that partition. I tried sideloading pico again and still the same error.

Yurodd said:
I was messing around and deleted google play store, now none of the google apps works. I went a head to download gapps and tried sideloading it. It showed me the error, then i downloaded the pico version and also fix my system partition. It says i have 140mb of free space in that partition. I tried sideloading pico again and still the same error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're probably going to have to flash your phone back to stock to re-gain all of your apps.

Zachisimo said:
You're probably going to have to flash your phone back to stock to re-gain all of your apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So flash the rom again? is that going to wipe my phone?

Dark Nightmare said:
This is a basic write up to convert your bootloader unlocked T-Moilbe OnePlus 6T to the International Version firmware via fastboot flashable firmware files.
Contents:
-Disclaimer
- Full Device Backup - Precautionary - Optional, but Recommended.
-Firmware Versions and Flashing Instructions
-Rom Sources
-MSMDownloadTool
-FAQ's
-Additional/Optional Tools
-Credits
Disclaimer:
Like any other form of modding, there are risk involved, we have a near flawless option to recovery by use of the MSMDownload linked at the end of this post, but like with any form of modification, you are solely responsible for what is done to your device and you accept all risk involved, should something go wrong, for the most part, recovery is fairly simply, no matter how bad we screw up, thanks to OP.
Instructions to a full device backup:
1. Download the zip below and extract it to it's own folder
2. run cmd.exe while in fastboot mode and run the following commands:
3. Once twrp boots, run the backup.bat script included, it will backup all partitions on your device, including your efs.
4. zip all of the image files and store it somewhere safe.
Backup: https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=11410963190603855581
For Users Looking to Flash to Firmware versions 9.0.4-9.0.5
FLASHING STEPS
Requirements:
1. Bootloader Unlocked T-Mobile OP 6T
Unlock Processs Can Be Found Here: https://support.oneplus.com/app/ans...-bootloader-for-oneplus-6t-(t-mobile-version)
2. OOS Stock ROM of your choice: all necessary zip files are included in the rom file.
3. PC/MAC/LINUX
Flashing Process
1.. Whichever full rom zip you choose, extract its contents. (In my case I used the 9.0.5 full zip)
2. In each zip file you'll find images.zip as well as others_flashall.zip, extract both of them into the same folder/directory as the rest of the original zip file.
(Optional, download the modded flash-all-partitions-fastboot.bat file at the end of the thread, it includes the reboot command to auto reboot when done flashing)
Attached Below is also a flash-all-partitions-fastboot.sh script for Mac OS users (Note this script will not wipe your device, so if you need to wipe, run the ./fastboot -w command in fastboot manually)
All bat files, images and adb files should all be in the exact same folder, no subfolder(s)
3. Now boot into fastboot using either the vol+/vol- and power key combo or via adb using the following adb command .
4. Once in fastboot run the bat file called flash-all-partitions-fastboot.bat
9
5. When asked, I would advise typing 'Y' for yes to format the device. (wipe only if you're converting for the first time)
The sparse header error is completely normal.
6. Upon completion, the script should pause and say press enter to continue, it will not reboot your device...
WAIT UNTIL NOTHING ELSE IS HAPPENING AND ITS NO LONGER FLASHING ANY FILES
At this point, hit power and reboot.
All done!
Firmware Version 9.0.6
Requirements
1. Bootloader Unlocked T-Mobile OP 6T
Unlock Processs Can Be Found Here: https://support.oneplus.com/app/ans...-bootloader-for-oneplus-6t-(t-mobile-version)
2. OOS Stock ROM of your choice: all necessary zip files are included in the rom file.
3. PC/MAC/LINUX
Steps to Flash
Note: Modded fastboot flashing script attached at the end with the reboot command included, also attached is a script for MAC users, mac script will not wipe your device, wipe manually if you need to using
ROM Sources
Mauronofrio's Thread
T-Mobile 9.0 FULL Fastboot ROM
Saythis' International Firmware 9.0.6
Recovery - MSMDownloadTool
If for some WEIRD reason you brick, have a HW mismatch, etc, or you just can't boot go to this thread -> MSMDownloadTool - T-Mobile 9.0
OPTIONAL Steps
Root is available via two Options below:
- OnePlus Rooter
- Manual Root Using a Patched Boot Image
Automated Process
Luckily There are devs looking to make things simpler:
More an automated tool to carry out this process, go to the thread below:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6t/how-to/rom-oxygen-os-9-0-6-fastboot-windows-t3870170
WARNINGS!
-Advisable you disable automatic updates in developer options upon boot if it is enabled.
-Do not attempt to update using the OTA files, so far we've had one softbrick due to it and said user was unable to boot into fastboot to attempt any kind of recovery.
-ALSO DO NOT FLASH WITHOUT THE FILES IN THE FOLDER, IF YOU DO YOU WILL END UP WITH A SOFTBRICK
-If you get either dump mode or fastboot bootloop check your downloaded rom file to make sure its complete, unzip again and flash again
FAQ
Q. Will this enable dual sim functionality?
A. Dual sim functionality works, volte, Wifi calling and vvm.
Q. Can I take OTA's like a regular device?
A. No, sadly.
Q. What about when a new update comes out?
A. Once a fastboot flashable ROM is made, you can update using the steps above, using the new ROM files.
Q. What if I brick or have a HW/SW mismatch?
A. Use the MSMDownloadTool to recover.
Q. Do all the features work?
A. For the most part, there are minor bugs, but they aren't consistent, so can't really say.
Q. Is this a full conversion?
A. Somewhat.
Q. Do I have to wipe everytime I update?
A. No, wiping may only be necessary for conversions, no wipe needed to update.
Q. Do I have to root everytime I update?
A. Yup, sadly.
Q. Do I have to convert to a specific version?
A. Nope, you can convert to any version.
if any edits are suggested, I'll include them.
Credits:
@mackentosh for testing and unfortunately bricking using the OTA File
@Velrix for being the second successful tester, among others.
All the other users who've been testing/contributing to testing
I'll add names when I get to comb through the threads.
@Dameon87 for the correct ROM source link of the unpacked ROM with batch files.
@Krunk_Kracker for the disable auto updates image
Thanks to @Addiso for the Stock T-Mobile Backup images
@mauronofrio for the scripts and for hosting the Rom zip @hartleyshc for testing and confirming full dual sim functionality.
@Saythis - for the 9.0.6 FULL ROM Zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would follow this guide. Than choose Y when asked to wipe data. If you want to choose N let me know how it goes. But the easiest way is going to be to start from fresh using this guide by @Darknightmare.

No matter what i do its still giving me error 7 in LEX727

Hello All
Its a never used LEX 727. Decided to flash a custom rom. Installed latest TWRP, but when i go to flash the rom got error 7.
Tried with diffrent roms but still error 7.
Then updated firmware to 30S by @codeworkx from here and again tried different roms but am still getting the error.
Following the suggestions given by various posters, I have tried doing full wipes, rebooting to recovery, using the ALL IN ONE tool but nothing is working.
I've also tried many older versions of TWRP as well as roms but nothing, the error is still there.
Any more suggestions on how to fix this? Thank you.

This is a typical error when TWRP is old or does not fit the model.
First, stay at 20s firmware:
Downloads for : LeEco Le Pro3 | AndroidFileHost.com | Download GApps, Roms, Kernels, Themes, Firmware and more. Free file hosting for all Android developers.
Download GApps, Roms, Kernels, Themes, Firmware, and more. Free file hosting for all Android developers.
androidfilehost.com
You have to keep an eye on this:
- LEX720 (ZL1_CN)
- LEX722 (ZL0_CN)
- LEX727 (ZL1_NA)
Error 7 says the ROM’s updater script says the phone model of your phone is incompatible. A quick search for LineageOS give me this compatible on:
[ROM][OFFICIAL][TREBLE][X72X][11.0.X] LineageOS 18.1 for LeEco Le Pro3
LineageOS is based on the Android Open Source Project with extra contributions from many people within the Android community. It can be used without any need to have any Google application installed. Linked below is a package that has come from...
forum.xda-developers.com
Make sure you have the latest TWRP installed for the X727:
Download TWRP for zl1
Download TWRP Open Recovery for zl1
eu.dl.twrp.me
Importand: If LineageOS aks to install it's own recovery, don't do it.
Important:
Install recovery, then reboot directly into recovery and install the rom. Original Firmware will revert back to stock recovery while boot! The you have to start over again.

Hello @Neppomuk_
Thanks.
1- I installed the 20S firmware
2- Installed the latest TWRP version 3.6.2_9-0-zl1 , and, rebooted to recovery.
3- Downloaded both the latest official LOS as well as the unofficial one by the poster whose link you have posted above. First tried installing the official rom and it gave error 1. Then tried flashing the unofficial one and same error. i.e.: "E1001: failed to update system image", Error 1.
4- I also tried installing the Mokee rom and it is also giving the same error. I downloaded the rom from their official site here
4- I am attaching screenshots of the errors. The first one is from the lineage "unoffical" after the "offical" had failed to install. The second one is from the failed Mokee rom.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

Hopefully this is progress.
Error 1 is corrupted boot. You have the flash the stock boot.img with bootloader. I own a x720 so I can not provide you my one. It is possible to extract it from stock rom.
Check if you can find one here:
Le Eco Pro 3 X727 Twrp Backup : Clean Full Stock X727 recovery EUI 5.8.21s
Return to Un-modded Stock: Bootloader unlocked and TWRP and Root included The file is 4gb compressed to 2gb. Depending on your connection it will probably take 20 to 45 minutes to download. Be Advised Do your research before flashing...
forum.xda-developers.com

Neppomuk_ said:
Hopefully this is progress.
Error 1 is corrupted boot. You have the flash the stock boot.img with bootloader. I own a x720 so I can not provide you my one. It is possible to extract it from stock rom.
Check if you can find one here:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually i have had that error before while experimenting, so i'm afraid there has been no progress.
Are you asking to flash the stock boot image? And then what? Will appreciate if you outline the steps.

@Neppomuk_
1- Extracted stock boot image from the file you provided. Flashed it to boot successfully. Rebooted to recovery.
2- Went through the process of flashing the rom again. Still error 1.

OK, the E1001 from your screenshots is interesting. System image is (marked as) encrypted.
Do Following from twrp, all steps without reboot:
wipe/advanced wipe, tick 'Dalvilk/Art', 'Cache', 'Data' and 'System'
then go wipe/format data, confirm with yes, now the encryptiono (state) should be gone.
Now reboot straight back into recovery and flash the, this was mokee rom?, again.

Neppomuk_ said:
OK, the E1001 from your screenshots is interesting. System image is (marked as) encrypted.
Do Following from twrp, all steps without reboot:
wipe/advanced wipe, tick 'Dalvilk/Art', 'Cache', 'Data' and 'System'
then go wipe/format data, confirm with yes, now the encryptiono (state) should be gone.
Now reboot straight back into recovery and flash the, this was mokee rom?, again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did it. Still error 1.
The first picture is LOS. The second one is Mokee.

Let's try following:
In TWRP go to Advanced, select File Manager, select the System folder from the list and the push the checkmark on the bottom right corner. No push the chmod 755 button the give full access to system partition.
Try to install custom rom.
A second try:
Go to wipe / Advanced wipe
select the system partition
now select 'repair or change file system' and then 'repair file system'.
Try to install custom rom.
I had problems with the 2nd try on some devices they do not allow repair of system partition.

Did the 1st option. Still error 1.
Did the 2nd option and the process was aborted or failed with error 4.

Did the 1st option. Still error 1.
Did the 2nd option and the process was aborted or failed with error 4.

Did you had any problem to flash TWRP on the device earlier?
With error 4 we have a second option:
In TWRP go to Wipe / Advance Wipe, select 'System' partition and select 'Repair or Change File System'.
Select 'Change File System', select EXT2 and proceed.
Then do the same to go back to EXT4.
Do the same with the Data partition.
Now, you have to transfer the custom rom to your phone again. But do it in bootloader mode this time.

OK, something special:
The LineageOS ROM has it's own boot.img inside. You can use this one as well, flash it in bootloader.

Neppomuk_ said:
Did you had any problem to flash TWRP on the device earlier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
Neppomuk_ said:
Now, you have to transfer the custom rom to your phone again. But do it in bootloader mode this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how to do this. As far as i know one can only flash images in boot loader mode. How does one flash a zip file in that mode?
Neppomuk_ said:
OK, something special:
The LineageOS ROM has it's own boot.img inside. You can use this one as well, flash it in bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you asking to flash the lineage boot.img in bootloader mode and then flash the entire rom by TWRP?

Do partial flash in bootloader mode, if not already happen, use Minimal ADB and Fastboot:
[TOOL]Minimal ADB and Fastboot [2-9-18]
Introduction ADB and Fastboot are arguably two of the most indispensable tools used when working with Android devices. If you really want to modify, debug, and tweak along with their countless uses in rooting, and other procedures ADB and...
forum.xda-developers.com
Command to flash boot image in console:
fastboot flash boot [boot.img]
Then stay in bootloader mode. The mobild should mount a drive to the system. Copy the ROM imge to the internal storage on that drive. You can copy the rom in TWRP mode also. Then install the rom throug TWRP.
I never sideloaded data. I like to check the transfer is successfully finished. I had some faulty sd cards, wich do no give an error while sideloading stuff.
As an alternative you can use an OTG USb Stick and putt the stuff on this one. Would do the same and could be faster.
If you need drivers for Windows:
Get the Google USB Driver | Android Studio | Android Developers
The Google USB Driver is required to perform adb debugging on Windows with Google devices.
developer.android.com
and the device specified one:
LeEco Le Pro3 USB Driver for Windows (Official Mobile Driver)
Download the official USB Driver for Windows Computer.
gsmusbdriver.com
-> I did not verify if this driver downloads are still valid, please check them first.

I do have the latest drivers and ADB installed. Everything i have been telling you has been done via ADB as well as from the internal storage of the phone.
But my question was, when you say :
Neppomuk_ said:
Now, you have to transfer the custom rom to your phone again. But do it in bootloader mode this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you exactly asking me to do? How can one flash a zip file using bootloader, assiming that's what you are saying?
And, when you are saying:
Neppomuk_ said:
The LineageOS ROM has it's own boot.img inside. You can use this one as well, flash it in bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you asking me to flash the boot.img using bootloader and then flash the rom from TWRP?
My question is i can flash the boot.img from TWRP, can't I? Anything wrong with that approach?

I think understand you now. Do a partial flash using boot loader and the do the rest using TWRP.
Thank you for clarifying. One needs confirmation so we do not do anything we aren't supposed to.

Sorry, I mixed up another case where I'm tring to remove forced data encryption.
There are flashable boot.img in zip files wich you can flash from TWRP, but this is not your one.
I still believe, that something is wrong with your boot partition.
The whole procedure:
- Extract boot.img from Lineagos and install it in bootloader mode: fastboot flash boot [boot.img]
- Boot into TWRP while holding Power and volume up.
- If not done, wipe cache and system, format data.
- Copy LineageOS to the drive / internal storage
- Use TWRP to install the rom

veda1 said:
I think understand you now. Do a partial flash using boot loader and the do the rest using TWRP.
Thank you for clarifying. One needs confirmation so we do not do anything we aren't supposed to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, better one question to much than new problems...

Did as suggested. Still error 1.
I have another question while we continue to look at this. If worse comes to worse i've no choice but to use EUI. Is it possible to patch the latest android security patches to it? That is, rom will be EUI , but updated with all security patches?