Database Users

ADB, Fastboot, Flashtool & Root tutorial + more [updated 2014-12-28]

Hi all,
As a long time Xperia user, I thought I'd share my experience in getting ADB, Fastboot & Flashtool working so you can all enjoy root-y goodness when ever you want.
ADB & fastboot are the basic tools for manipulating your device. They're command line based and can be a pain in the backside to get going, so here's how.
Let's get the drivers installed so when you connect your tablet you're good to go. Download the Doomlord's Flashtool driver pack from here and install. When installing and selecting options, choose the following; Fastboot, Flashtool and Shinano common; I also installed the drivers for the Z2 tablet, I don't know if the latter makes any difference but they're based on the same board so it didn't hurt.
If you're running Windows 8, check this page out and follow the instructions in this post or if you like screenshots, go here. You will need to restart so make sure you have everything saved!
While you're at it, I'd install Minimal ADB & Fastboot from here. It's not essential, but it gives you more options than just Flashtool.
Let's start at bootloader unlocking.
IF YOU UNLOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER, YOU ARE POTENTIALLY VOIDING YOUR WARRANTY. YOU WILL ALSO LOSE ALL DATA ON THE INTERNAL SD CARD AND THE DRM KEYS FOR THE PROPRIETARY SONY ALGORITHMS AND OTHER STUFF.
DO NOT DO THIS UNLESS YOU ARE AWARE OF THE CONSEQUENCES AND ACCEPT I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY BRICKED DEVICES, LOST DATA, POORLY KITTENS OR THERMONUCLEAR WAR.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. DO NOT BLAME ME. IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR THIS, GO HERE AND DON'T RETURN UNTIL YOU ARE!
To install most custom roms (think CM12 when it gets released) you need that bootloader unlocked. Go to Sony's website and follow the instructions on there (this is where I find Minimal ADB & Fastboot handy).
Shut down your tablet
Hold volume up and connect the USB cable at the bottom
At this point you should get a blue LED on the front and a blank screen. From command line on your PC, run this command;
Code:
fastboot devices
This checks that your tablet is connected and responding and you should get a response with your tablet's ID, if you do, you're good to unlock. From the command line again, enter the command you were given, something like this;
Code:
fastboot -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0x68138B52822447FA
If you get a response saying something along the lines of "OK" your bootloader is unlocked and good to go.
Next is Flashtool. It's a great tool for flashing FTF files and custom kernels etc., a la TWRP. Go here and install it, download the *.img from here and follow the instructions here. This should give you root goodness but if, like me, you had problems updating the SuperSU binary, try this;
Download the SuperSU v2.40 update on your tablet from here
Power off your tablet, disconnect any cables from the bottom.
Power it back up and start pressing volume up until TWRP loads
Find the SuperSU flashable zip (should be in your /storage/sdcard0/downloads folder) and flash it.
Reboot to system and you should have working root
Now we're just waiting for the goodness of Lollipop to be released for our beautiful device.
Edit: see post #2 for lollipop and a soon-to-be-added section on DRM keys!
If you have any suggestions on how to improve this tutorial, feel free to reply :good:

ROMS:
Custom:
[DAILY][WiFi & LTE] CM12 UNOFFICIAL Builds by Qzerno
[DEVELOPMENT] - CM12 - Android 5.0 - FreeXperia Project
Stock:
Z3 Tablet Compact deodex collection by krabappel2548
Z3 Tablet Compact FTF Collection by krabappel2548
SGP612 firmware 23.0.1.A.3.12 (Taiwan) by Jozinek

Well, I may be posting to myself at this point, but I'm doing so off a Z3tc running CM12 lollipop
OP updated accordingly :good:

Interested to read about DRM keys as this is one of the reasons I haven't rooted my device yet.

diverblue said:
Interested to read about DRM keys as this is one of the reasons I haven't rooted my device yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What can you do if your bootloader is not unlockable

jutley said:
diverblue said:
Interested to read about DRM keys as this is one of the reasons I haven't rooted my device yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What can you do if your bootloader is not unlockable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you mean, not unlockable?
The thread for the DRM keys mod us here, although I'm not sure if it's been tested on our device yet in all honesty.

xan_asmodi said:
How do you mean, not unlockable?
The thread for the DRM keys mod us here, although I'm not sure if it's been tested on our device yet in all honesty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That thread appears to be a mod to replace lost features but not the DRM keys and there is no mention of PS4 remote play being restored. I read somewhere that it will be lost during bootloader unlocking...?
I'm tempted to wait for a root exploit but that could be quite some time!

diverblue said:
That thread appears to be a mod to replace lost features but not the DRM keys and there is no mention of PS4 remote play being restored. I read somewhere that it will be lost during bootloader unlocking...?
I'm tempted to wait for a root exploit but that could be quite some time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's a critical feature, I'd hold off until it's at least confirmed to work or, as you said, an exploit is found.
From the thread:
iFlasher said:
Yes, but it seems that not all features you lost work with this patch (i.e PS4 Remote Play is not confirmed to work yet). And also is not secure that this patch still working on future Sony updates as Lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd hang fire. :good:

Yea that's probably for the best!

diverblue said:
Yea that's probably for the best!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you can use the patched vershion that works no checking etc works with 4G too
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/ps4-remote-play-t2929147
---------- Post added at 05:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:18 AM ----------
xan_asmodi said:
How do you mean, not unlockable?
The thread for the DRM keys mod us here, although I'm not sure if it's been tested on our device yet in all honesty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bootloader is not unlockable when I check using codes so what can I do it is SGP621 was on O2 UK

jutley said:
My bootloader is not unlockable when I check using codes so what can I do it is SGP621 was on O2 UK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean when you enter your imei on Sony developer portal it says no?

xan_asmodi said:
You mean when you enter your imei on Sony developer portal it says no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes basically .

I think that's the end of the line, then.
Not unlockable means not unlocable.
You can still root, but you won't be able to overwrite ROM or Kernels.
---------- Post added at 06:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:30 PM ----------
Sorry for double post;
I was wondering why the OP stroke out the text about loss of DRM.
Al previous Z devices lose DRM keys when unlocking the device.
Is the striking about DRM regarding the mod that prevents DRM loss?
I'm very interested in keeping DRM keys for all my devices.

Hobbes2099 said:
I think that's the end of the line, then.
Not unlockable means not unlocable.
You can still root, but you won't be able to overwrite ROM or Kernels.
---------- Post added at 06:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:30 PM ----------
Sorry for double post;
I was wondering why the OP stroke out the text about loss of DRM.
Al previous Z devices lose DRM keys when unlocking the device.
Is the striking about DRM regarding the mod that prevents DRM loss?
I'm very interested in keeping DRM keys for all my devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understand with the new function restore mod, whilst you still lose your DRM keys, you can get the low light functions back as long as you stick with a stock rom. I say understand because I've been away and not been able to try it myself and am unaware of any Z3TC owners who have.

Root + RemotePlay?
I'm also keeping an eye on this thread awaiting info re DRM keys. I'm very happy with the device so far but I would like to get it rooted so that I can use SixAxis Controller to enable the DS4 to be used for Android games that only support touchscreen controls.
My concern though is that rooting the device will mean I can no longer use the official PS4 RemotePlay app. RemotePlay is more important to me than SixAxis so I'm reluctant to root in order to solve a small problem and end up causing a bigger problem.
I know there is the ported RemotePlay workaround - has anyone managed to get that working on the Z3TC? Or even better root the device and still have the official RemotePlay working?
Many thanks and much appreciation for all the work that goes on round here.

is it possible to root the device without unlocking the bootloader?

No

neil42w said:
I'm also keeping an eye on this thread awaiting info re DRM keys. I'm very happy with the device so far but I would like to get it rooted so that I can use SixAxis Controller to enable the DS4 to be used for Android games that only support touchscreen controls.
My concern though is that rooting the device will mean I can no longer use the official PS4 RemotePlay app. RemotePlay is more important to me than SixAxis so I'm reluctant to root in order to solve a small problem and end up causing a bigger problem.
I know there is the ported RemotePlay workaround - has anyone managed to get that working on the Z3TC? Or even better root the device and still have the official RemotePlay working?
Many thanks and much appreciation for all the work that goes on round here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I decided to try the remote play in any device zip on my rooted z3 tablet compact and still won't work. Dualshock controller pairs just fine though so something in the app or system is blocking the use of remote play and the PlayStation app. Very dissatisfied with Sony's lack of love.

I apologize if this has already been confirmed, but has anyone with the SGP621 achieved root without any significant bugs (i.e. the system partition no longer mounts properly, or SD card can't be read)?
I may be close to purchasing the 621 to replace my international Galaxy tab 3, but root is an absolute necessity. Custom ROMs and DRM keys are not, unless they are more important than I realize. I would for the most part be cool starting with stock Android.

thref23 said:
I apologize if this has already been confirmed, but has anyone with the SGP621 achieved root without any significant bugs (i.e. the system partition no longer mounts properly, or SD card can't be read)?
I may be close to purchasing the 621 to replace my international Galaxy tab 3, but root is an absolute necessity. Custom ROMs and DRM keys are not, unless they are more important than I realize. I would for the most part be cool starting with stock Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't speak for 621 owners as I have a 611 but I have SD access and root, but am still using stock

Unlock Bootloader - Lose DRM keys Hysteria :)

I cant hold myself back to share my thoughts about general hysteria about unlocking bootloader and therefore losing DRM keys. While I understand, that many users are pissed off, there are some points to consider before putting blame on Sony:
- losing DRM keys in no way cripples or disables hardware in your phone. DRM keys protect some "exclusive" functions that Sony offers to users of its Stock ROMs, mainly Camera and Display Enhancements.
- Its up to you, to decide whether you want to go on with pure Iron and add functions you want, including any Image enhancements you want to add on top of raw data processing, or go full blown Sony with all bells and whistles.
- One should be clear, what he needs unlocking bootloader for. Root only, or Custom ROM/CM.
- even without "artificial" enhancements to Camera and Display, Z3 (and Z2 as well) is impressive piece of hardware and it will be pleasure to run swift clean Android/CM on it
- I blame Sony of course for not telling users the full story behind unlocking bootloader. It would be fair from Sony to offer re-flashing Stock including DRM to users, who unlocked bootloader before they knew that they will lose certain software functionality.
Howgh.

For me it's more about losing the warranty

ziemny said:
For me it's more about losing the warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that's quite obvious It would be awesome to have hardware warranty separate

I'm using remote play so I do not want to loose my DRM keys...

You can root with giefroot (works in some versions) backup TA partition and then unlock.

3x3cUt0r said:
You can root with giefroot (works in some versions) backup TA partition and then unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point is that giefroot works seldom. I cant use it, at least not now, simply doesnt work on certain models. Having TA/DRM backed up is good, but only for eventual reflashing stock. Maybe in future there will be some use for your DRM keys in CM or other ROM if there will be app requiring it or somebody makes Sony apps working..

SweDunda said:
I'm using remote play so I do not want to loose my DRM keys...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you root without unlocking the bootloader, do you still lose the DRM keys? I use Remote Play as well and that would really suck to have to choose between root or remote play and usable pics from the camera. I'm on a D6616 (T Mobile), so rooting doesn't work with the existing method yet, but hopefully it will soon.

jordanyork said:
If you root without unlocking the bootloader, do you still lose the DRM keys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. And after you can back the TA partition up and restore it whenever you like. The TA partition contains your DRM keys.

Newt182 said:
No. And after you can back the TA partition up and restore it whenever you like. The TA partition contains your DRM keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fantastic! I'll just sit here and wait patiently for D6616 support. Thanks for the reply.

jordanyork said:
Fantastic! I'll just sit here and wait patiently for D6616 support. Thanks for the reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you. I'm just going to creep xda till somthing amazing happens lol.

4.4 roms would be great imo, dont know why noone pays them attention

So from what I gathered you can root first, backup TA which includes the DRM Keys, then unlock bootloader?
Then if one wants to restore the DRM keys, restore the TA DRM backup and lock bootloader? and the phone is back to stock with the super duper enhancements? Correct?
Someone kindly confirm the above as im looking to pick one up if there is a backup / restore option available?
I will be looking to purchase a UK model.
Thanks.

nrd\ said:
So from what I gathered you can root first, backup TA which includes the DRM Keys, then unlock bootloader?
Then if one wants to restore the DRM keys, restore the TA DRM backup and lock bootloader? and the phone is back to stock with the super duper enhancements? Correct?
Someone kindly confirm the above as im looking to pick one up if there is a backup / restore option available?
I will be looking to purchase a UK model.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before restoring, flash to stock first. And then restore drm keys.

How can you restore drm keys without root??? surely it needs block level access to that flash partition???
Anyway, only reason I want root is to re-enable r/w access to sd card, which apparently lolipop will have anyway
g

With plain root, what would i loose? The dilemma is loosing something special out of a special phone. And whats drm to be exact? Sorry for being such a noob. The last time i explored rooting and custom roms are back when i was using an r800i Xperia Play.

bhavei said:
With plain root, what would i loose? The dilemma is loosing something special out of a special phone. And whats drm to be exact? Sorry for being such a noob. The last time i explored rooting and custom roms are back when i was using an r800i Xperia Play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will lose nothing. Unless you unlock the bootloader which will mess with the TA, from there then you'll lose Sony abracadabra magic image processing and low light camera performance. DRM = TA
DRM is unique for each device, if I were to give you my DRM and you restore it, you'll hard brick your device for sure. It's like an identity card or a car plate (hopefully you get the idea) DRM is the one in charge of the magic sony has. This bad boy is very sensitive, be sure to back it up if you want to unlock bootloader.
All in all, root doesn't disturb this bad boy in his deep sleep lol
Cheers,
T

Any chance that lifelog is affected by the loss of drm keys as well? It stopped tracking since unlocked...
Julián

Google Camera
Is the DRM for the camera only for the Sony camera? If I unlock the bootloader and use the google camera from the play store will it be worse than using the stock camera when it was locked?

Thanks Thraxzzz for the Idea, i now get it, i guess i was Looking for a General "need to know" thread here is the General but there's none "i guess" i have a full understanding "somehow" now. It wasn't this complicated back then when i still have my r800i, maybe someone should start a Sticky Thread about abbreviations and what must and must not. If i rushed in and unlocked my Bootloader, then i could have lost what i actually paid for from the beginning. Its interesting to start learning the do's and don't.

which app to use to backup ta (drm keys)?

Will I lose something if I unlock bootloader?

Hi everybody, I'm coming from Sony device,
Unlocking bootloader in Sony device will wipe TA Partition, so we will miss some features on Sony devices after unlocking bootloader.
1. DRM Keys will be deleted forever, so No X-Reality or Super-Vivid
2. Camera quality will decrease
3. Some other software like Overheat Control may not work properly, so sometimes phone gets god damn burning hot!
4. No OTA Update.
So what about Nexus devices? Will I miss something after unlocking bootloader?
I'll unlock bootloader, disable encryption (when workarounds appear here on XDA ), flash custom kernel and root, and flash Xposed Framework when it becomes available for Marshmallow, but I'll stick with stock rom for now.
Reviews say that device is "crazy fast". So I don't wanna end with messed up laggy overheating device with some malfunctioned features just one hour after getting my device. ( I have a habit of unlocking bootloader just after some minutes of getting the device )
Thanks for the answer :fingers-crossed:

Aria.A97 said:
Hi everybody, I'm coming from Sony device,
Unlocking bootloader in Sony device will wipe TA Partition, so we will miss some features on Sony devices after unlocking bootloader.
1. DRM Keys will be deleted forever, so No X-Reality or Super-Vivid
2. Camera quality will decrease
3. Some other software like Overheat Control may not work properly, so sometimes phone gets god damn burning hot!
4. No OTA Update.
So what about Nexus devices? Will I miss something after unlocking bootloader?
I'll unlock bootloader, disable encryption (when workarounds appear here on XDA ), flash custom kernel and root, and flash Xposed Framework when it becomes available for Marshmallow, but I'll stick with stock rom for now.
Reviews say that device is "crazy fast". So I don't wanna end with messed up laggy overheating device with some malfunctioned features just one hour after getting my device. ( I have a habit of unlocking bootloader just after some minutes of getting the device )
Thanks for the answer :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The great thing about Nexus devices is that you don't " lose" anything by unlocking the boot loader. It will wipe the phone, so any pictures, music, etc will be gone. Now I'm not sure if Android pay will work if you root it. But it should still work if you unlocked the boot loader. You can always relock the boot loader if necessary and re locking will not wipe anything. If you do need to unlock again however, it will wipe the device.

kingmikel said:
The great thing about Nexus devices is that you don't " lose" anything by unlocking the boot loader. It will wipe the phone, so any pictures, music, etc will be gone. Now I'm not sure if Android pay will work if you root it. But it should still work if you unlocked the boot loader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah because of that wipe I unlock bootloader just when I get my hands on my devices.
I don't care much about Android Pay Honestly, I don't care at all

Unlock the bootloader and you have only your shackles to lose.

Aria.A97 said:
Yeah because of that wipe I unlock bootloader just when I get my hands on my devices.
I don't care much about Android Pay Honestly, I don't care at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too, I don't bother setting anything up because it gets wiped anyways. Ah how can you say that?! I loved Google Wallet and I want to use Android Pay. It's a tough choice lol

Unlocking is Always the 1st thing I do to a Nexus... Then let the flashing begin

Aria.A97 said:
Hi everybody, I'm coming from Sony device,
Unlocking bootloader in Sony device will wipe TA Partition, so we will miss some features on Sony devices after unlocking bootloader.
1. DRM Keys will be deleted forever, so No X-Reality or Super-Vivid
2. Camera quality will decrease
3. Some other software like Overheat Control may not work properly, so sometimes phone gets god damn burning hot!
4. No OTA Update.
So what about Nexus devices? Will I miss something after unlocking bootloader?
I'll unlock bootloader, disable encryption (when workarounds appear here on XDA ), flash custom kernel and root, and flash Xposed Framework when it becomes available for Marshmallow, but I'll stick with stock rom for now.
Reviews say that device is "crazy fast". So I don't wanna end with messed up laggy overheating device with some malfunctioned features just one hour after getting my device. ( I have a habit of unlocking bootloader just after some minutes of getting the device )
Thanks for the answer :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking will delete all user data. User apps, pictures, basically everything but the os.
It's a security feature built. That's why most do it when they first get the device, before they get a ton of stuff on it.

CrashTestDroid said:
Unlock the bootloader and you have only your shackles to lose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And possibly your data if you don't remote wipe it fast enough and lose your phone or it's stolen.

OK guys thank you all so I'll unlock my phone as soon as I get my hands on it That does no harm for a Nexus
kingmikel said:
Ah how can you say that?! I loved Google Wallet and I want to use Android Pay. It's a tough choice lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point is Android Pay is not available in my country :laugh:

can i just say, holy crap WTF Sony??? are all the things you posted true?
the DRM content, i get. great. boo hoo. find another way to get that stuff. but thermal management, adjustments to camera operations and the ability to receive updates/patching? they really want to punish you.

640k said:
can i just say, holy crap WTF Sony??? are all the things you posted true?
the DRM content, i get. great. boo hoo. find another way to get that stuff. but thermal management, adjustments to camera operations and the ability to receive updates/patching? they really want to punish you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'm not joking.
From Sony's Official unlock bootloader website
Risks:
1.In worst case, unlocking the boot loader will cause physical injuries or material damage, for example, due to the device overheating. (It will malfunction overheat control sometimes on stock roms too)
2.Certain pre-loaded content on your device may also be inaccessible due to the removal of DRM security keys.
For high-end devices running recent software versions, the removal of DRM security keys may affect advanced camera functionality.
For example, noise reduction algorithms might be removed, and performance when taking photos in low-light conditions might be affected.
The secure user data partition may also become inaccessible
3.and you will not be able to get any more official software upgrades if you unlock the boot loader
4.After unlocking your device, you should not enable My Xperia (found in the settings menu under security on some devices running Android 5.0) as this might cause the device to malfunction.

OMG Apple... I mean Sony!

Overdose1986 said:
OMG Apple... I mean Sony!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung is worse.
You even try to unlock the bootloader or root a new S6 and you could brick your device.
I have refused to buy any new Samsung device but my daughter wanted an S6.

This is one of the reasons I am returning my Z5 Compact. Firstly, I haven't been all that impressed with the camera even without unlocking the bootloader. But I also wanted to root (love getting rid of those ads), but hearing that it would make the camera even worse was insane.
I'm so excited to get the 6P, hopefully within the week.

CrashTestDroid said:
Unlock the bootloader and you have only your shackles to lose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS!

If you unlock your bootloader, like folks said it will wipe your stuff, but it's a 1x deal. Just unlocking your bootloader will not screwup Pay, or anything else for that matter. If you make any modifications at all to the /system partition that may/will mess up Pay. You can also flash a custom recovery and do a systemless root and you will still have Pay. There are some particulars depending on the SU version us use to root; you may have to delete a certain folder with some versions, ect. but again no big deal. Rom's are a bigger deal, some break Pay, some don't.

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

I wanted to share two things with you guys here in Tablet z forum:
1- First of all, @zxz0O0 has developed a code based on the CVE-2015-1805 vulnerability that gives temporary root access to a select range of devices (including Tablet Z4). Let me try to explain in my words what that means. A full blown root gives permanent read/write access to /system and /data partitions. On an unrooted Tablet Z4 you only have read access to /system and no access to /data. With this root, you will be able to have a temporary terminal or adb session that gives you read access to /system and read/write access to /data. Why not write access to /system? Because Sony runs a service called RIC on Xperia devices that makes it impossible to mount /system as writable. In the past this would be patched by modifying the system partition. But in the recent Kernels sony has implemented a mechanism (dm-verity) which checks /system and if it is modified the device does not boot. So even if this (or any other) root method gave you the ability to write in /system you could not use it because your device would not restart the next time you turn it off. The solution would be to patch the kernel which requires an unlocked bootloader. IF you unlock your bootloader you lose your TA partition permanently which includes some of the Xperia features and licenses that have to do with image processing and some DRM. So a lot of us do not want to unlock the bootloader.
Then what good is this new root method? Since it gives you read access to the system partitions you can use this method to back up your TA partition. The idea is that if you ever unlock your bootloader you may be able to use this TA back up to return the system to its original state if you ever decide to relock it. Another benefit is that tools like Titanium back up which require access to the /data partition can now function (in a limited sense) although someone has to work out the details of that.
To download the pack that allows backup and restore of the TA partition go to http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/iovyroot-temp-root-tool-t3349597
After you create the backup, you can unlock the bootloader, and use your TA backup and the procedure outlined here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z5/development/root-automatic-repack-stock-kernel-dm-t3301605 to create a csutom kernel that uses all the good stuff in the TA backup and emulates an environment where your tablet behaves like one with an unlocked bootloader. The camera denoising algorithm and all other Sony proprietary software which would be disabled after unlocking the bootloader should work.
If you want to return the tablet to its unlocked condition you will need this TA backup. Some explanation about retrieving the TA partition from this backup, if you unlock the bootloader and decide to relock it, is given here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=66142823&postcount=16 and methods to do so are outlined at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=66158970&postcount=68
Note that to use this root you need to downgrade to lollipop (preferably version 28.0.A.8.260)
I have explained procedures to use the above tools here http://forum.xda-developers.com/z4-tablet/general/guide-safe-bootloader-unlock-restore-t3362391 at length.
2- Now, here is the use I have found for this temporary root: I was always bothered by the fact that not only I could not (easily) get the 17 hour advertised on-screen use out of my tablet, the standby power consumption was always too much. Whereas I could optimize my other (rooted) devices to only drain 1-2% a day in standby, tablet Z4 seems to settle for nothing less that 5-10% a day in standby. This is what you can do to get excellent standby power from your tablet:
A) Say goodbye to your google apps (with the exception of Chrome and Maps) and other marginally advantageous apps. They wake your device up all the time when it is supposed be sleeping and endlessly chat with google servers even if you turn all the communications off in the google settings. So disable all of the apps listed in the attached pictures , plus lifelog,via settings. Don't complain about not being able to use the gmail or youtube apps. Other great replacements exist. Leave "Google App" active if you use the voice search or voice typing feature. Also uninstall the pre-loaded apps that you aren't using like facebook (which is cancer for any phone), Lifelog, Privilege, spotify, etc.
B) In settings under wifi open the advance menu turn off both "network notification" and "scanning always available", and change "keep wifi on" to "only when plugged in"
C) Under "power management" in settings, activate stamina mode and extended standby (no need to activate extended usage).
D) Finally (and here is where the temp root becomes useful) extract the file "iovyroot" from the file in the above link and put it in your adb directory. Open a command terminal and type:
Code:
adb push root\iovyroot /data/local/tmp/iovyroot
adb shell chmod 777 /data/local/tmp/iovyroot
adb shell
This gives you an android terminal shell. Continue with the following:
Code:
/data/local/tmp/iovyroot
pm disable com.sonyericsson.idd.agent
pm disable com.sonymobile.entrance
pm disable com.sonyericsson.updatecenter
pm disable com.sonymobile.anondata
pm disable com.dsi.ant.server
pm disable com.sonymobile.gmailreaderservice
pm disable com.sonymobile.googleanalyticsproxy
pm disable com.sonymobile.mx.android
pm disable com.sonymobile.enterprise.service
pm disable com.sonymobile.synchub
pm disable com.sonymobile.phoneusage
That is it. You just disabled the update service and a bunch of other things and extended your standby battery life. These settings will survive a reboot.
Let me know how it works out for you. If you find other creative uses for this temp root share here.

This is the BEST and probably the most right to the real point post ive ever readed in this particular forum since I joined....
Forgive me if I say I have had lost the faith on sony's z4t development here... It's a real pleasure to know there's still ppl working on what I think should be the right development direction on gettin' control of our loved devices, instead of breaking them and throw a lot of expensive features to the flush.
Thanks again mate to share it.

Interesting, if I downgrade do I also lose my Marshmallow data and settings (i.e. is it the same as factory reset?)
BTW Finally this tablet becomes viable, almost a year after its release...

Stevethegreat said:
Interesting, if I downgrade do I also lose my Marshmallow data and settings (i.e. is it the same as factory reset?)
BTW Finally this tablet becomes viable, almost a year after its release...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to have a stable system you will need to overwrite the user data which means you will lose your apps and settings and possibly (depending on how you flash) your internal storage so make a back up.
In general application data of Android firmware are not downward compatible with older versions.

Hmm, but if you can also temp root then you can backup everything using TitaniumBackup anyway before unlocking.
So if I understand this right, if you can back up TA we can infact unlock the bootloader now with no loss of DRM ?
So can now actually get full root based on that ?

najoor said:
If you want to have a stable system you will need to overwrite the user data which means you will lose your apps and settings and possibly (depending on how you flash) your internal storage so make a back up.
In general application data of Android firmware are not downward compatible with older versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will only downgrade to get a TA Backup, so stability is not an issue to me (after the TA Backup, I'll go back to MM and probably unlock it).
My only issue would be if downgrading would actually harm my data and/or my capacity to get the TA backup properly (if I'm not wipe first I mean).

Stevethegreat said:
I will only downgrade to get a TA Backup, so stability is not an issue to me (after the TA Backup, I'll go back to MM and probably unlock it).
My only issue would be if downgrading would actually harm my data and/or my capacity to get the TA backup properly (if I'm not wipe first I mean).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it will affect the TA back up process by it may harm you application data (not your sdcard data). The reason is that on every reboot android cleans up the) /data partition as much as it can (for example if it sees that an app has been uninstall but it has left some data behind). I'm doing so lollipop may corrupt some of your marshmallow data,
Why don't you take a backup of your data before a downgrade and the restore them later? The tablet itself has a utility to do it and I hear Helium is a tool that backs up your app data without the need for root.

najoor said:
I don't think it will affect the TA back up process by it may harm you application data (not your sdcard data). The reason is that on every reboot android cleans up the) /data partition as much as it can (for example if it sees that an app has been uninstall but it has left some data behind). I'm doing so lollipop may corrupt some of your marshmallow data,
Why don't you take a backup of your data before a downgrade and the restore them later? The tablet itself has a utility to do it and I hear Helium is a tool that backs up your app data without the need for root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostly to save time as I have too much data. I though to do it like this
Downgrade to Lollipop -> Use the Exploit -> TA Backup -> Upgrade back to Marshmallow.
In principle everything should have had worked as by the end of it I would be back to Marshmallow (I would not linger into Lollipop). But now that you're telling me that lollipop may corrupt my data permanently I have second thoughts.
I thought, that my data would not work well on Lollipop, but that wouldn't matter to me; but now you're telling me that they won't work when I'll back in Marshmallow too, which is a totally different beast. Am I understanding you correctly?

Does everyone need to downgrade tho?
Once we have the TA partition available to restore, once its made available online surely everyone else can just restore the same one?
Or is the key unique?
Kinda assuming here that all the stuff that needs the TA partition will work with an unlocked bootloader, or does it have to be locked to be usable again?
Edit: Can we restore TA partition after unlocking bootloader?
Yes but this will also relock the bootloader.
Bugger
Ultimately never rooted my device for fear of losing something (that I will never use anyway!)

DRM Keys are unique, in fact that's the whole point of TA backups.
Also there's a talk (on the other thread) of a tool that would merge your particular keys with a particular custom kernel.
That way you'd keep all Sony Exclusive features, but also be able to make use of root apps. It would be great if such a tool becomes usable with AndroPlus Kernel...

Nice, had all but given up hope of being able to unlock my Z4 so that sounds promising!

I am looking for a high-end tablet and it seemed the Z4 Tablet was the best one for me over the Pixel C and even the iPad Air 2..though I did consider the budget Nvidia Shield K1 also.
The next thing I did was see if the bootloader could be unlocked and custom ROMs installed as I really hate the Sony UI that I have experienced with my sisters M2, and I never stick to the stock ROM in any of my phones. I just love knowing and doing customising!!
..Unfortunately, it seems like I will be stuck with it so I may have to look for another brand now

D0MINO said:
I am looking for a high-end tablet and it seemed the Z4 Tablet was the best one for me over the Pixel C and even the iPad Air 2..though I did consider the budget Nvidia Shield K1 also.
The next thing I did was see if the bootloader could be unlocked and custom ROMs installed as I really hate the Sony UI that I have experienced with my sisters M2, and I never stick to the stock ROM in any of my phones. I just love knowing and doing customising!!
..Unfortunately, it seems like I will be stuck with it so I may have to look for another brand now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how you got that impression, since the whole point of the OP and the links I posted with it is that you will not be stuck with the stock firmware.
So to summarize the points mentioned in the OP:
As of today, the following is possible with a tablet Z4:
1- The TA partition can be backed up.
2- The booloader can be unlocked.
3- The unlocking is reversible with the help of the backed up TA pertition
4- When the bootloader is unlocked a custom kernel can be flashed (currently one is posted in the Z4 forum courtesy of @AndroPlus).
5- When the bootloader is unlocked the stick Kernel can be patched to retrieve the Xperia proprietary facilities that are lost to the unlocking process (courtesy of @tobias.waldvogel).
6- When the bootloader is unlocked /system can be fully modified. That means flashing completely custom ROMs.
So you can either make your own modification to the system, or wait for someone to make a ROM. In light of the above possibilities it is only a matter of time before customs ROMs start to pop up.
By the way, to the extent that the stock firmware is customizable without unlocking the bootloader, it is actually a good ROM and you can change a lot of things from the general appearance to the default launcher.
PS: Tablet Z4 is my second Sony tablet and the third Sony mobile device and I have about 10 of this kind of devices at any given time. The other android devices are miles behind in terms of elegance and manufacturing quality. There is just something about a Sony device that is unique and unmatched.

Can anyone confirm how to re-lock the bootloader once unlocked?
I would say:
1. Flash a stock firmware (the lollipop version that you used to backup the TA partition).
2. Use the iovyroot temp root batch tarestore to restore your TA partition.
3. Reboot and that's it: you are back to unlocked bootloader unrooted original drm included stock firmware.
Anyone already tried?
Thank you.

I unlocked the bootloader and rooted the device SGP771.
Bevor that, i backed up the TA.
Then i flashed the androplus kernel.
Everything works great.
But you cannot modify androplus kernel with that tool. That means DRM restore is only possible on stock rom.
When you restore TA to stock rom, your bootloader will be in a lockes status again and there is no more root. Too bad

odicamillo said:
Can anyone confirm how to re-lock the bootloader once unlocked?
I would say:
1. Flash a stock firmware (the lollipop version that you used to backup the TA partition).
2. Use the iovyroot temp root batch tarestore to restore your TA partition.
3. Reboot and that's it: you are back to unlocked bootloader unrooted original drm included stock firmware.
Anyone already tried?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can ta be restored on any fw like marshmallow or can it only be restored on the fw that you backed it up from?

This looks very promising, thanks OP.
Has anyone else managed to get it to work as described?
Thanks in advance

najoor said:
I don't know how you got that impression, since the whole point of the OP and the links I posted with it is that you will not be stuck with the stock firmware.
So to summarize the points mentioned in the OP:
As of today, the following is possible with a tablet Z4:
1- The TA partition can be backed up.
2- The booloader can be unlocked.
3- The unlocking is reversible with the help of the backed up TA pertition
4- When the bootloader is unlocked a custom kernel can be flashed (currently one is posted in the Z4 forum courtesy of @AndroPlus).
5- When the bootloader is unlocked the stick Kernel can be patched to retrieve the Xperia proprietary facilities that are lost to the unlocking process (courtesy of @tobias.waldvogel).
6- When the bootloader is unlocked /system can be fully modified. That means flashing completely custom ROMs.
So you can either make your own modification to the system, or wait for someone to make a ROM. In light of the above possibilities it is only a matter of time before customs ROMs start to pop up.
By the way, to the extent that the stock firmware is customizable without unlocking the bootloader, it is actually a good ROM and you can change a lot of things from the general appearance to the default launcher.
PS: Tablet Z4 is my second Sony tablet and the third Sony mobile device and I have about 10 of this kind of devices at any given time. The other android devices are miles behind in terms of elegance and manufacturing quality. There is just something about a Sony device that is unique and unmatched.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear najoor,
are you telling us that, now, we can unlock a z4 tablet which has the "rooting status: Bootloader unlock allowed: NO" , in the service info/configuration area ?!?
if it is the case, i would be delighted to know how to proceed step by step, as i would love to install a lineage rooted custom rom on it (it is the SGP771 one,with phone capability)!!!
thank you
kind regards from France

retikulatus said:
Dear najoor,
are you telling us that, now, we can unlock a z4 tablet which has the "rooting status: Bootloader unlock allowed: NO" , in the service info/configuration area ?!?
if it is the case, i would be delighted to know how to proceed step by step, as i would love to install a lineage rooted custom rom on it (it is the SGP771 one,with phone capability)!!!
thank you
kind regards from France
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately if that is the case you cannot unlock the bootloader.
I am just curious, why does yours look like that? Do you have myXperia or some other find-my-phone service activated on your phone?

najoor said:
Unfortunately if that is the case you cannot unlock the bootloader.
I am just curious, why does yours look like that? Do you have myXperia or some other find-my-phone service activated on your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the fast reply even if you ruined my hopes
no, i don't think i have myXperia , i checked on my apps and find nothing.
Since i had display issues with my tab s (sm-t800), i tried the z4 tablet for its LCD screen instead of the super amoled of samsung...
My bootloader was already locked when i purchased it, i updated it thinking it will change that but unfortunatly that did nothing.
It wasn't a new one though, perhaps the previews owner messed up with it and got its bootloader locked :/
Because it is some kind of lotery to have a bootloader unlockable with sony, i will wait patiently until samsumg release its 16:9/10 tab s4: imho, the tab s3 actual 4:3 format is a nonsense....
Thank you again
Kind regards from France

What do I lose if I don't back up the TA and lose the DRM Keys?

I was thinking of skipping the firmware downgrade, TA backup, and firmware re-upgrade steps of flashing a ROM (or possibly compiling the AOSP source code as described on the Sony website), and just skipping straight to bootloader unlock. I understand this will wipe the DRM keys from my device; what do I lose access to when I lose those keys? Will it mean I can't use Gapps and other common apps, or is it just certain Sony-branded features?

yanom said:
I was thinking of skipping the firmware downgrade, TA backup, and firmware re-upgrade steps of flashing a ROM (or possibly compiling the AOSP source code as described on the Sony website), and just skipping straight to bootloader unlock. I understand this will wipe the DRM keys from my device; what do I lose access to when I lose those keys? Will it mean I can't use Gapps and other common apps, or is it just certain Sony-branded features?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm relatively new to this phone, but on my previous Xperias, (Z1c and Z3c), it meant only that there was a subtle decrease in photo quality, (some Sony camera feature is tied up in ta). It only affected stock fw, so didn't make a difference on anything CM / AOSP base. I'm not sure if it's different with X phones. I had an XA for a few months, and didn't bother to back up ta, and I didn't notice any difference. I think it's more of a thing for people who are serious about photos.
However, I will say that I did back up ta on this phone, just because I wasn't sure of the effect it would have, and it's pretty simple to do. Yes, it's a little annoying to wait for ftf download, and wait for Flashtool, but it's not such a big deal...