Database Users

[Xperia Z2][SO-03F] Japan DoCoMo Model Thread

I'm starting this thread as a meta-thread to gather all information specific to the Japanese variant of the Xepria Z2. From previous experience we tend to develop a small but committed community, but aren't big enough for XDA to open a dedicated forum.
Please add anything you know in the comments, and I will keep the OP updated with the latest information.
What we know so far:
A list of stock firmwares is maintained in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2759934
ROM interoperability:
You can flash D6503 Roms on docomo SO-03F, but some features are disabled. Specifically:
docomo features
TV related features
NFC (includes FeliCa, Osaifu-Keitai)
When you want to flash D6503 FTF on SO-03F, be careful to partition.
You'll get only 16GB storage if you didn't exclude partition because SO-03F has 32GB but D6503 has only 16GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*Thanks to lovenincube and RyokoN
On Unlocking bootloader/rooting:
All Japanese Xperia models can't unlock bootloader, Japanese Carrier Model is locked bootloder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Japanese community does seem to have achieved root. See the link at the bottom.
SIM Unlocking:
Go to DOCOMO store and open up the phone and type in *#*#7378423#*#* and check if the bootloader can be unlocked.
Phone should be locked to DOCOMO, you need to pay a small fee to get it unlocked. You need to make at least one call on an active DOCOMO SIM to complete the SIM unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*Thanks Tea-Aholic
Global Capability
The SO-03F supports the following bands:
LTE 2100/1800/1500/800　MHz　(Band 1,3,21,19)
WCDMA 2100/850/800　MHz
GSM 850/1900　MHz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your operator does not broadcast on these bands, the phone WILL NOT WORK for you.
Source: http://xperia-so03f-wiki.fxtec.info/wiki.cgi?page=%B4%F0%CB%DC%BB%F6%B9%E0
(The docomo site seems to only list the 4G bands)
Full specs can be found on the docomo site:
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/product/smart_phone/so03f/spec.html
(In Japanese)
Wiki, including rooting guide (in Japanese):
http://xperia-so03f-wiki.fxtec.info/wiki.cgi?page=root%B2%BD%A4%CB%A4%C4%A4%A4%A4%C6
Translation of the rooting guide from the above link:
!!!If any of the links fail, please visit the original site and try them there!!!!
D6503 can be rooted, so SO-03F can also be rooted.
SO-03F 17.1.B.0.318 root method
Things you will need:
Z2-lockeddualrecovery2.7.***-BETA.installer.zip
Process:
1. Root as detailed in this page
2. Unzip Z2-lockeddualrecovery2.7.***-BETA.installer.zip and run install.bat to install the recovery
3. Reboot, and when the LED comes on push the volume key, enter recovery, and install the SuperSU zip
4. Done!
While it should be handled by rootkitXperia, should you be unable to remount system in RW mode, install this zip from recovery.
When updating to a version that cannot be rooted by rootkitXperia, if you want to maintain your root you must update using a prerooted .zip
A custom recovery is necessary for this, so please install XZDR etc. in preparation.
Necessary Files:
Newest Flashtool (Mirror)
PRFCreator
Updated FTF
SuperSU .zip
Z2-lockeddualrecovery(XZDR version)-BETA.flashable.zip
.zip to run with ric_disabler in install-recovery-2.sh
Process:
1. prepare prerooted zip
Open PRFCreator, create prerooted zip
Details of this difficult process are in this article
2. Enable USB debugging
3. Connect to a PC, copy flashable.zip to the phone
(you can name it anything you like)
4. Reboot and push the volume key, start CWM / TWRP, install flashable.zip
5. Install sony_ric_disablerv2_signed.zip
6. Done!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Some corrections and info...
"For the moment, no way to root without lossing DRM Keys. " and rooting information for D65XX should be deleted.
"For the moment, no way to root" is correct but since you can't unlock SO-03F's bootloader, "without lossing DRM Keys" will cause a misunderstanding.
Rooting information for D65XX is useless because you can't flash custom kernel on SO-03F.
When you want to flash D6503 FTF on SO-03F, be careful to partition.
You'll get only 16GB storage if you didn't exclude partition because SO-03F has 32GB but D6503 has only 16GB.
You'll lose these features when you flash D6503 FTF:
docomo features
TV related features
NFC (includes FeliCa, Osaifu-Keitai)

RyokoN said:
Some corrections and info...
"For the moment, no way to root without lossing DRM Keys. " and rooting information for D65XX should be deleted.
"For the moment, no way to root" is correct but since you can't unlock SO-03F's bootloader, "without lossing DRM Keys" will cause a misunderstanding.
Rooting information for D65XX is useless because you can't flash custom kernel on SO-03F.
When you want to flash D6503 FTF on SO-03F, be careful to partition.
You'll get only 16GB storage if you didn't exclude partition because SO-03F has 32GB but D6503 has only 16GB.
You'll lose these features when you flash D6503 FTF:
docomo features
TV related features
NFC (includes FeliCa, Osaifu-Keitai)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the extra info, I've updated the OP :highfive:

I have a D6503 with TW stock and would like to try the Docomo firmware. Anyone try it yet? Any concerns?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

domesdkg said:
I'm starting this thread as a meta-thread to gather all information specific to the Japanese variant of the Xepria Z2. From previous experience we tend to develop a small but committed community, but aren't big enough for XDA to open a dedicated forum.
Please add anything you know in the comments, and I will keep the OP updated with the latest information.
What we know so far:
A list of stock firmwares is maintained in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2759934
ROM interoperability:
*Thanks to lovenincube and RyokoN
On Unlocking bootloader/rooting:
*Thanks to lovenincube and RyokoN
SIM Unlocking:
*Thanks Tea-Aholic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard the Japanese didn't release the Z2 but a similar one, the ZL2, which is pretty similar asides from its size.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app

kaz0ku said:
I heard the Japanese didn't release the Z2 but a similar one, the ZL2, which is pretty similar asides from its size.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NTT docomo releases Xperia Z2 SO-03F.
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/product/smart_phone/so03f/
ZL2 was released by au (uses CDMA2000 and have to release exclusive phone)

kaz0ku said:
I heard the Japanese didn't release the Z2 but a similar one, the ZL2, which is pretty similar asides from its size.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're probably thinking of the au kddi model. The docomo model (SO-03F) is branded as the xperia Z2. It's almost identical to the D6503, except for a few radios, 32gb of storage space, and perhaps a few other tweaks yet to be uncovered.
Sent from my SC-06D using Tapatalk

may i know this japan xperia z2 regarding 4G LTE frequency , how to add or change to 2600mhz ?? because my country use 2600mhz

azwina said:
may i know this japan xperia z2 regarding 4G LTE frequency , how to add or change to 2600mhz ?? because my country use 2600mhz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't.
The SO-03F supports:
2000
1700
1500
800
You can see the full specs here in Japanese:
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/product/smart_phone/so03f/spec.html

SO-03F or ZL2?
So, stay with DoCoMo, upgrade to the SO-03F but get no love as an existing customer,
or switch to Au and the ZL2? Concerns would be which carrier loads up the most crapware, which device has the best chance for being rooted, etc...

ShizuokaMark said:
So, stay with DoCoMo, upgrade to the SO-03F but get no love as an existing customer,
or switch to Au and the ZL2? Concerns would be which carrier loads up the most crapware, which device has the best chance for being rooted, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've seen the DoCoMo version is closer to the global version, as AU has to modify it for their wireless standards. I think that's why it ends up with that hideous plastic back too.
Honestly, if I was going to go to AU instead of sticking with DoCoMo I'd wait until July when they release their G3 variant. It's got the same awful back modification on it, but seems to be an all around winner compared to the ZL2:
http://gadgets.ndtv.com/lg-isai-fl-1584
Additionally, we're only 5 days away from Google I/O. Chances are there won't be any announcements that affect the Japan market immediately, but I wouldn't make any purchasing decisions until then. Google Silver could cause some waves. :laugh:

I'm still waiting between this and the Galaxy S5 to see which one gets root and custom ROM support. My contract is up in the fall and I am probably going to renew and upgrade from my modded Galaxy S3.
I was already leaning towards this one because the solid body waterproofing. Glad to see rom flashing (minus kernel and partition) is working already at least.
I know Japanese carriers ship with locked bootloaders on most models, but anyone a little more knowledgeable care to take a shot in the dark of the relative chances of getting custom recovery or kernel on this in the next six months? From what I can tell this seems very similar to the international model overall, so hopefully it's possible.
From what I have from on the SO-03F, it seems that root has been achieved in Japanese threads here:
http://androplus.kagome-kagome.com/Entry/172/
http://xperia-so03f-wiki.fxtec.info/wiki.cgi?page=root%B2%BD%A4%CB%A4%C4%A4%A4%A4%C6
This comes from 2ch, and I haven't tested it myself yet. But it seems like it's been successful for some users. Full custom roms seem to be still hung up on the kernel though.
If I am wrong please by all means let me know, this is just what I've found after a bit.
Double edit:
Apparently the bootloader can be unlocked:
http://androplus.kagome-kagome.com/Entry/165/
Using the Sony Mobile Flasher tool.
I'm still translating as I go, but it seems like on the Japanese side at least people are having success rooting and unlocking the kernel at this point. The guy writing recommends the DooMKernel, and links XDA, so it seems like they succeeded. Nice.
I don't have the phone yet, but anyone with the docomo Z2 and some Japanese, give this a try and let us know how it goes. I'd write up a guide/tutorial myself if I had the device.

skywalker6705 said:
I'm still waiting between this and the Galaxy S5 to see which one gets root and custom ROM support. My contract is up in the fall and I am probably going to renew and upgrade from my modded Galaxy S3.
I was already leaning towards this one because the solid body waterproofing. Glad to see rom flashing (minus kernel and partition) is working already at least.
I know Japanese carriers ship with locked bootloaders on most models, but anyone a little more knowledgeable care to take a shot in the dark of the relative chances of getting custom recovery or kernel on this in the next six months? From what I can tell this seems very similar to the international model overall, so hopefully it's possible.
From what I have from on the SO-03F, it seems that root has been achieved in Japanese threads here:
http://androplus.kagome-kagome.com/Entry/172/
http://xperia-so03f-wiki.fxtec.info/wiki.cgi?page=root%B2%BD%A4%CB%A4%C4%A4%A4%A4%C6
This comes from 2ch, and I haven't tested it myself yet. But it seems like it's been successful for some users. Full custom roms seem to be still hung up on the kernel though.
If I am wrong please by all means let me know, this is just what I've found after a bit.
Double edit:
Apparently the bootloader can be unlocked:
http://androplus.kagome-kagome.com/Entry/165/
Using the Sony Mobile Flasher tool.
I'm still translating as I go, but it seems like on the Japanese side at least people are having success rooting and unlocking the kernel at this point. The guy writing recommends the DooMKernel, and links XDA, so it seems like they succeeded. Nice.
I don't have the phone yet, but anyone with the docomo Z2 and some Japanese, give this a try and let us know how it goes. I'd write up a guide/tutorial myself if I had the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guy probably just owns an international version. There is a non negligible amount of HK units that have been imported to Japan for people that actually want unlockable handsets.

mathieulh said:
The guy probably just owns an international version. There is a non negligible amount of HK units that have been imported to Japan for people that actually want unlockable handsets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, that is quite possible. I hope that's not the case however. Thanks for all your work btw. Big fan.
I spent a good bit of time translating it, and he mentions those models specifically. Is the HK model the exact same? I can't see anything on the page that indicates a import or that it's from China, and it was linked all over 2ch.

skywalker6705 said:
Apparently the bootloader can be unlocked:
http://androplus.kagome-kagome.com/Entry/165/
Using the Sony Mobile Flasher tool.
I'm still translating as I go, but it seems like on the Japanese side at least people are having success rooting and unlocking the kernel at this point. The guy writing recommends the DooMKernel, and links XDA, so it seems like they succeeded. Nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's me...
I imported D6503 from Taiwan via eBay.
SO-03F users reported it can be rooted with Easy Root Tool, but you can't unlock bootloader.:crying:

skywalker6705 said:
Ah, that is quite possible. I hope that's not the case however. Thanks for all your work btw. Big fan.
I spent a good bit of time translating it, and he mentions those models specifically. Is the HK model the exact same? I can't see anything on the page that indicates a import or that it's from China, and it was linked all over 2ch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HK, Taiwan, Singapore and E.U. units and all D6503 handsets.
The main issue when using one in Japan is that you lose the Fullseg and FeLiCa features, you also lose most of the DoCoMo Xi LTE bands (although you can use it abroad, while you can't get LTE with the SO-03F in the E.U. or U.S.) finally, you only get 16GB of internal storage on the D6503.
P.S. Thanks, it's not everyday that my work is appreciated
---------- Post added at 10:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:19 AM ----------
RyokoN said:
It's me...
I imported D6503 from Taiwan via eBay.
SO-03F users reported it can be rooted with Easy Root Tool, but you can't unlock bootloader.:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you live in the Tokyo metropolitan area, do you get LTE signals there ? If so, what's your carrier ? I plan on heading there soon and I wonder if I can use an Xi SIM to get LTE coverage there or if I will have to stick to 3G.

mathieulh said:
If you live in the Tokyo metropolitan area, do you get LTE signals there ? If so, what's your carrier ? I plan on heading there soon and I wonder if I can use an Xi SIM to get LTE coverage there or if I will have to stick to 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Kyoto and I'm using docomo LTE Xi.
Though you can't use some high-speed Xi (band 19 and 21), you can use Xi (band 1 and 3).
Xi covers almost all Tokyo area, so it should be OK.

mathieulh said:
HK, Taiwan, Singapore and E.U. units and all D6503 handsets.
The main issue when using one in Japan is that you lose the Fullseg and FeLiCa features, you also lose most of the DoCoMo Xi LTE bands (although you can use it abroad, while you can't get LTE with the SO-03F in the E.U. or U.S.) finally, you only get 16GB of internal storage on the D6503.
P.S. Thanks, it's not everyday that my work is appreciated
---------- Post added at 10:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:19 AM ----------
If you live in the Tokyo metropolitan area, do you get LTE signals there ? If so, what's your carrier ? I plan on heading there soon and I wonder if I can use an Xi SIM to get LTE coverage there or if I will have to stick to 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently using a rooted Galaxy S3 on DoCoMo, and my LTE functions fine despite the loss of my Tv and Osaifu Keitai features.
Did they somehow bind the LTE functionality to the DRM keys in the Xperia Z2 though? That would be some supervillain-ish stuff if true, and a much more serious concern than losing TV and Wallet functions for me. (My part of Japan hardly supports commuter cards).

skywalker6705 said:
I'm currently using a rooted Galaxy S3 on DoCoMo, and my LTE functions fine despite the loss of my Tv and Osaifu Keitai features.
Did they somehow bind the LTE functionality to the DRM keys in the Xperia Z2 though? That would be some supervillain-ish stuff if true, and a much more serious concern than losing TV and Wallet functions for me. (My part of Japan hardly supports commuter cards).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, he's talking about using a Hong Kong version of the phone. Some of th radios for LTE are incompatible.
Sent from my SC-06D using Tapatalk

domesdkg said:
No, he's talking about using a Hong Kong version of the phone. Some of th radios for LTE are incompatible.
Sent from my SC-06D using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I understand now. Yea I'd be buying the Japanese model so not a concern then. I'll keep looking into the bootloader unlocking then. TA backups work now as well thankfully. And the partition problem can be skipped if you skip writing the partition when flashing.
Still, I'll feel a bit more confident picking this phone up if someone with the Japanese model can confirm what I've read so far (TA backup, unlock bootloader, Root, flash).

Bootloader unlock allowed : no

As the title says, It seems the bureaucrats at EE UK network are using phones that cannot be bootloader unlocked, even if Sony do allow, albeit with some loss of features.
Considering I flashed a generic rom, and my important photos/whatsapp files got wiped (I forgot to backup) as it was stated with flashtool only account based user data will get wiped not data from internal memory/sd card, well that didn't work.
I needed to root to allow some recovery software get my photos/whatsapp files back.
Now finding that the booloader is unlockable . I just want to throw the phone at the kunts at EE management. " EE the UK's biggest and fastest growing, bunch of dicks!"
Is their anybody else on EE who's bootloader is unlockable?
I'm so depressed with this all.

You needed to root to recover deleted files that you deleted by rooting?

davestuarts said:
As the title says, It seems the bureaucrats at EE UK network are using phones that cannot be bootloader unlocked, even if Sony do allow, albeit with some loss of features.
Considering I flashed a generic rom, and my important photos/whatsapp files got wiped (I forgot to backup) as it was stated with flashtool only account based user data will get wiped not data from internal memory/sd card, well that didn't work.
I needed to root to allow some recovery software get my photos/whatsapp files back.
Now finding that the booloader is unlockable . I just want to throw the phone at the kunts at EE management. " EE the UK's biggest and fastest growing, bunch of dicks!"
Is their anybody else on EE who's bootloader is unlockable?
I'm so depressed with this all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Poland Orange locks bootloaders for good in SONY devices, as I know there are tricks to make it unlockable, but not sure if possible to do it at home.

adamk7 said:
You needed to root to recover deleted files that you deleted by rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not rooted yet, have only applied a generic less bloated rom. But now I need to root, so I can use software like 'hexamob recovery' which needs root to access the internal memory.
Tbh, the photo's I took that got wiped are sentimentally so important, hence me getting so stressed about it.
rollesky said:
In Poland Orange locks bootloaders for good in SONY devices, as I know there are tricks to make it unlockable, but not sure if possible to do it at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, so orange there do the same. Here its now T-mobile/orange joined together as EE.
There must be a way to change that Bootloader state to yes. I know Orange/EE won't do it. Many people have asked in their forums about similar devices.
Thx for the insight tho...

I'll be totally honest with you here & you wont like the answer...
...if it says "bootloader unlock allowed: no" it will most probably stay that way.
My last Sony phone was from O2 & it was the same story.
The history of Sony phones with that state have stayed that way, as far as I'm aware
This means, once (optimistic) we get root you will only be able to flash stock based roms
Considering rooting newer versions of android seem to be getting more difficult, finding a way to bypass the bootloader is going to be near impossible...never say never but don't hold your breath.
The only Sony phone I had where the bootloader got unlocked unofficially was the X10 mini pro (beast phone) & that is when they were still Sony Ericsson & over 2 years after release (luckily back then you could flash CM / AOSP etc with locked bootloader, not any more though!)
Best bet is, give the phone back & buy it from a reseller like Clove / Handtec if unlocking the bootloader is that important to you & its not a contract deal you're after (or get sim only contract or something...PAYG FTW)
Otherwise, remember this for next time...

davestuarts said:
I have not rooted yet, have only applied a generic less bloated rom. But now I need to root, so I can use software like 'hexamob recovery' which needs root to access the internal memory.
Tbh, the photo's I took that got wiped are sentimentally so important, hence me getting so stressed about it.
Oh, so orange there do the same. Here its now T-mobile/orange joined together as EE.
There must be a way to change that Bootloader state to yes. I know Orange/EE won't do it. Many people have asked in their forums about similar devices.
Thx for the insight tho...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
phroenix said:
I'll be totally honest with you here & you wont like the answer...
...if it says "bootloader unlock allowed: no" it will most probably stay that way.
My last Sony phone was from O2 & it was the same story.
The history of Sony phones with that state have stayed that way, as far as I'm aware
This means, once (optimistic) we get root you will only be able to flash stock based roms
Considering rooting newer versions of android seem to be getting more difficult, finding a way to bypass the bootloader is going to be near impossible...never say never but don't hold your breath.
The only Sony phone I had where the bootloader got unlocked unofficially was the X10 mini pro (beast phone) & that is when they were still Sony Ericsson & over 2 years after release (luckily back then you could flash CM / AOSP etc with locked bootloader, not any more though!)
..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What phroenix said is true.
From Xperia T (2012) onwards, there's no chance to get the bootloader unlocked if you read "bootloader unlock allowed: no".
@davestuarts Your old customization was 1289-4465 (T-mobile/EE) so I'm making a new FTF for you with that old firmware, let's try this way

istux said:
What phroenix said is true.
From Xperia T (2012) onwards, there's no chance to get the bootloader unlocked if you read "bootloader unlock allowed: no".
Sony, will they ever learn. I'm glad I didn't get rid of my viper running One X yet.
Tbh, the Sony layer on kitkit is pretty good considering and I'm plenty happy keeping stock roms, My main things are to run exposed and xprivacy.
@davestuarts Your old customization was 1289-4465 (T-mobile/EE) so I'm making a new FTF for you with that old firmware, let's try this way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks istux, appreciate the help and less stress feeling.
Tha

S4 i9505 Orange need to flash US AT&T rom

Hello!
I bought my mom an inexpensive S4 and it came with Orange wireless service provider and it's in French out for the box.
It's having some problem suck as MMS issues and all that, not to mention it's just being a pain in the butt to work with.
I want to flash the stock AT&T ROM to it ASAP so she will stop yelling at me about it, but I can't seem to find a copy around here. Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong areas, but I would appreciate some help locating it, thanks!
Also, it's been a while since I have done any ROM changes, so maybe showing me how they do it now would be helpful as well, thanks.
-Dave M.

AT&T ROMs cannot be installed on your phone. Odin will reject it at best, and you could hard brick the S4.
Unlock the phone by using the service menu exploit, RegionLock Away, or by purchasing an unlock code. Once the S4 is unlocked, you can install an unbranded firmware in place of the Orange-branded firmware. Keep in mind that this phone will never get LTE in the states as the frequencies are different.

Yes, I was made aware of the no 4G, no LTE issue with using a European phone by the guy who didn't know what he was doing when he programmed in the wrong APN settings at the AT&T corporate store...
Supposedly, the company I bought it off said this phone was unlocked already, so what then? It's been about 2 years since I did anything with ROMs, so I might be a little out of the know about the new stuff, thanks.

If it's already unlocked, then you can install any I9505 stock ROM you want. Download this ROM from Sammobile and follow the instructions on that page to install it. It's UK firmware so at the language prompt it will default to English. Be aware that you may have to flash the ROM twice before the S4's wireless radios function properly.
If everything goes as expected the APN should be automatically set. If not there are tutorials all over the place on adding an APN.
EDIT: Download the drivers from Samsung's website if not included in the Odin download on Sammobile. You'll need to have them installed for Odin to function.

Thanks. Now, how can I check to make sure this one is unlocked? Service mode is weird, because I had to do the Q followed by 0000 in key input to get it to give me the menu...

Put your Mom's AT&T SIM into the phone. If it asks for an unlock code then the S4 is still carrier locked.

Oh, okay. It's been working for like 2 months like this, lol.
Aren't there still a few carriers that aren't blocked for other regions? I just want to be sure, absolutely. I just want to know if there's another way to check.

Since it was Orange by origin (and those guys tend to lock stuff) I would say you would NOT be able to run AT&T on it as well (Orange ONLY lock - not really region lock)
When you say AT&T works I would assume previous owner already did what was needed and unlocked this device.

Sounds solid, thanks a bunch, fellas.
I just really wish there were a touchwiz ROM from AT&T for this particular model...

No, no you don't. If anything, you have it far easier by not having AT&T firmware. Unless of course you happen to LIKE encrypted (i.e. locked) bootloaders. AT&T and Verizon lock their bootloaders, which makes the simple things like rooting, bloatware removal, and custom ROMs far more difficult, and in some cases bordering on the impossible.
Your Mom may not give a damn, but by not having to deal with the headache of a locked bootloader you've made your life easier.

I've dealt with several so-called finished custom roms, such as the likes of such as Cyanogenmod and others, and lets just say they aren't quite as solid as the stuff that the phone comes with.
There's always something that doesn't work like it's supposed to or some important app that won't work somehow. Last time, I went with a stock rom, custom recovery (I like TWRP) and rooted the device and it ran just like I wanted. SO yeah, I'd like to use a stock touchwiz rom for the US if it's available somewhere.

I understand not wanting to toss a custom ROM on the phone, but that wasn't the point of my post. The ROM I prompted you to download several posts upthread is a stock Touchwiz ROM. In fact, up until this morning it was the same ROM I was using on my O2 I9505 that I'm using here in the US. As the I9505 is not available and never will be available from a carrier in the United States, there will never be a US ROM available for this phone. The ROM I had you download, unlike the AT&T ROM, has no carrier branding of any kind, no carrier bloatware, and no locked bootloader. As a result, you don't have the carrier meddling around with the ROM and making the experience worse by having crud added.
My point is, bluntly, that you're far better off now than you would be with an AT&T device. So, hopefully, now that you got everything sorted out your Mom can enjoy the phone.

Lollipop in UK for Z1

Has anyone got any idea when lollipop will be released in the UK for the Sony Z1 C6903 ??
Sent from my SGP611 using XDA Premium HD app

open a new Thread for this?

I think they will certify a new firmware and fix the current issues and rool it out to every region, just be patient current realese is bad; no clear audio, charging issue, memory issue...

Still looking forward to it.

is past updates are anything to go by it'll be months before we get it

I thought of that too. I think that they will release another firmware with bugs fixed...

I tweeted Xperia UK and had no reply yet, also tweeted 3 UK as my phone was from them and they did come back but said they have no timescale yet

I don't understand the logic one of the largest and most lucrative markets has to wait the longest.

I just installed the HK prerooted firmware after doing a full backup its in English and i have everything working.

altharic said:
I just installed the HK prerooted firmware after doing a full backup its in English and i have everything working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm new to the Z1 but I wouldn't recommend that ROM because the Hong Kong release is for the GLOBAL-LTE network. You want something like the generic France release which uses EURO-LTE.
Here's what I did.
1. Use XperiFirm and download 1276-5833 (Generic France that uses the same EURO-LTE network as the UK)
2. Use Flashtool to create an FTF from the download
3. Use PRFCreator to pre-root the ROM. Include SuperSU, XZDualRecovery (flashable) and select all of the checkboxes
4. Copy the flashable ZIP to your phone
5. Boot to TWRP and wipe cache, data, dalvik, system and then select to install the ZIP that you copied to the phone
You can debloat the ROM by using a file manager that supports root e.g. ES File Explorer.
Here's a question for everyone though. Is the option to use GSM (2G) only removed from Lollipop? I don't see the option anymore and I'm not sure if it's due to a region specific /vendor/overlay/ change.

ImADev said:
....................Here's a question for everyone though. Is the option to use GSM (2G) only removed from Lollipop? I don't see the option anymore and I'm not sure if it's due to a region specific /vendor/overlay/ change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope......I have Generic IT 1276-0557 and I HAVE the option to use GSM(2G) only.........

cingolat said:
nope......I have Generic IT 1276-0557 and I HAVE the option to use GSM(2G) only.........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
So it's going to be a country specifc change in /vendor/overlay/ then. What people don't realise is that the ROM's they're installing for other countries are all slightly different. Some of them will display LTE instead of 4G, some will restrict options and some won't use things like fast dormancy. The included apps and basebands are also different.

ImADev said:
Thanks.
So it's going to be a country specifc change in /vendor/overlay/ then. What people don't realise is that the ROM's they're installing for other countries are all slightly different. Some of them will display LTE instead of 4G, some will restrict options and some won't use things like fast dormancy. The included apps and basebands are also different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes.....I think the same me too.......is for that reason that I had and I will install always rom from my specific country, and it's for that reason that I make a post with pre-rooted lollipop generic IT for Italian people, where I came from :highfive:

Rumoured to be tomorrow morning for z1 O2 in the UK. Z1c gets it later on the same day. According to posts in O2 forums.

Looks like Vodafone version is released. Nothing on other carriers or generic

It's not on Vodafone as yet either via OTA or PC Companion, as I've just checked...]
It's available via PC Companion ...

Yup, Vodafone rolling out now on PC but no OTA!

ptoner said:
Rumoured to be tomorrow morning for z1 O2 in the UK. Z1c gets it later on the same day. According to posts in O2 forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that was pretty accurate.

The generic, O2 and Vodafone versions have been released. Mines a Vodafone version and it offers me the update via the phone itself, but I'm going to flash the generic one since I don't actually use Vodafone and don't want any of their bundled apps.

Apart from an app called Discover and one called Updates; those are the only two "forced apps" on the Z1 via Vodafone. Which of course can be disabled...
Sky Sports Mobile TV no longer works, I've posted a comment on their forum to make them aware of this issue

Z3 Compact - Unlocking & Debranding

Hi,
I am going to purchase a 2nd hand, but like new Z3 compact.
Its locked to EE and is EE branded.
I believe, if i grab the Original Lollipop software and flash it, then ill remove the branding no problem?? Can anyone confirm?
And is there a free solution for the carrier lock..??
Thanks in advance.
FYI - I am experienced with flashing and rooting etc, but with Samsung Galaxy S3 and OnePlus one. This is the first Sony phone ive ever had.
Cheers
G

This thread is as good a place as any to start.
If you don't want to root just follow the link in that thread for stock firmwares, many of which are generic, ie they are "unbranded".
As for carrier unlock you will probably have to go with one of the many paid for services out there, but i may be wrong....