[Q] Xperia Play Beginners guide? - Xperia Play Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys! I'm picking up an Xperia Play in a couple of days and was looking for some general advice about the phone. This will be my first Android device, I've been on WebOS/Garnet for my last two phones. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the options presented by the Play and Android in general. For instance, I'm not sure if I should root my phone or not - what are the advantages?
Any other general guides to Android/the Play would be wonderful if any such guides exist. I'm looking to deck this thing out with every emulator on the market as well as get the PSXperia hack up and running (I've downloaded the program, but can't figure out how to use it).
You can sense my overall noobishness in general, I'm sure. Any advice or tips about this device would be great. I'm really excited about the Play and getting comfortable with Android. Thanks everybody!

kershner25 said:
Hey guys! I'm picking up an Xperia Play in a couple of days and was looking for some general advice about the phone. This will be my first Android device, I've been on WebOS/Garnet for my last two phones. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the options presented by the Play and Android in general. For instance, I'm not sure if I should root my phone or not - what are the advantages?
Any other general guides to Android/the Play would be wonderful if any such guides exist. I'm looking to deck this thing out with every emulator on the market as well as get the PSXperia hack up and running (I've downloaded the program, but can't figure out how to use it).
You can sense my overall noobishness in general, I'm sure. Any advice or tips about this device would be great. I'm really excited about the Play and getting comfortable with Android. Thanks everybody!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
congratz im waiting for mine is the mail right now lol
rooting allows you to have full access to the file system sorta like a administrator
on a windows machine since out the box you cant edit files or remove bloatware without root you cant install certain programs from the market without root
also having root and unlocked bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery image which will allow you to flash customs roms(a custom version of android dev by a user here on xda or anywhere in general)
yes i highly recommend but if you ever plan on returning the phone to verzion for example you will have to revert it back to stock
and for the program psxperia you need to install the latest version of java from java.com
and if your on a windows machine you double click the psxperiatool.JAR file
and it should run not sure on OSX
in the end you made a good choice on choosing android as mainstream as it became its still a powerful system way better IMO than ios or even webos
since android has so many developers theres gonna be an endless amount of programs
will post new finds myself etc

edokassiah said:
and unlocked bootloader allows you to flash a custom recovery image which will allow you to flash customs roms(a custom version of android dev by a user here on xda or anywhere in general)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash the recovery image directly or you will mess up boot partition, you need to flash a kernel with embedded recovery built in

Thanks for the info. I'm confused about the locked/unlocked bootloaders. How do I know which one I'll have? And how "easy" of a process is rooting the phone if I don't plan to install any custom roms or anything?
Also, how does transferring .apk files from my PC to the device work?

kershner25 said:
Thanks for the info. I'm confused about the locked/unlocked bootloaders. How do I know which one I'll have? And how "easy" of a process is rooting the phone if I don't plan to install any custom roms or anything?
Also, how does transferring .apk files from my PC to the device work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you havent unlocked your bootloader yourself it is locked there are many risks and advantages to unlocking your bootloader, but if you dont intend to flash custom roms there really is no need, just like with root, if you dont know what it is, you probably wont need it
transfering .apk's from your pc is easy, just copy the .apk to your sd card, then use a file manager to find the .apk, tap on it and the installer will pop up , you need to tick unknown sources in settings though

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176367

AndroHero said:
You cannot flash the recovery image directly or you will mess up boot partition, you need to flash a kernel with embedded recovery built in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hes asking about android in general not aiming specifically at the xperia play

If I root my phone, do I have to switch everything back in order to get updates? All I really want to root my phone for would be to remove bloatware/speed it up a bit, is there a better way than rooting?

There is plenty of tutorials here, I suggest that you read, read, and then......read some more

_terror_ said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1176367
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for this link, it's seriously going to help me while rooting my phone. This might be a dumb question, but bear with me - better safe than a bricked phone. The guide to rooting in that link says that I need to flash my Play to the .184 Generic UK firmware...am I understanding it correctly that I need flash this firmware onto my American Verizon Play? I want to make sure nothing is going to get screwed up regionally, as I'm going to want to keep getting OTA updates and all that.

Just to share my own experiences since I'm new to the Xperia Play (previously had an Acer Liquid.. crappy hardware but great community of devs.. anyways..)
I'd recommend rooting your phone off the bat - the simple reason is rooting will involve wiping your phone's data, so if you already have a few months of use that means having to restore everything which is tiresome. First thing when my phone arrived was follow the rooting guide here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1116090
After that however I wouldn't recommend messing around TOO much with custom firmwares and such etc.. get used to the phone as it is and figure out what you like, don't like. if your like me within a few weeks or months you'll want something new - this is when you might want to start looking at messing around with the phone - new home launchers or even a new ROM (if your phone can have it's boot loader unlocked, from what I understand mine can't). The games and Emulators should keep you busy as is
The only customizing I've done to my phone is rooting it with Gingerbreak and using the leaked Sony Launcher.

I realize this is a pretty nooby thing to do that annoys all the veterans, but I consider this to be a fairly crucial piece of information I need before I attempt to root my phone, so I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this thing before it gets lost in the shuffle.
In order to root with a locked bootloader on an American Verizon XPlay, I need to flash to the .184 generic UK firmware, then root, then OTA update, correct?

kershner25 said:
I realize this is a pretty nooby thing to do that annoys all the veterans, but I consider this to be a fairly crucial piece of information I need before I attempt to root my phone, so I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this thing before it gets lost in the shuffle.
In order to root with a locked bootloader on an American Verizon XPlay, I need to flash to the .184 generic UK firmware, then root, then OTA update, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. That method will not work on the r800x (verizon xplay) to root yours you will need to see [How-to] R800x Root
Dont worry about annoying people lol . Who cares what others think? Everyone has to start somewhere.
But it would be better with a stickied thread for new users to look @.

So now, instead of the 3 step process linked previously in this thread, I have to unlock the bootloader and do a whole bunch of other stuff? This method is like 100x more complicated. Is there no other way? I don't intend to install any custom roms, I strictly want to root solely for freezing bloatware.

No i dont think so. You would be better asking for help from other r800x owners in that thread.
The exploit gingerbreak uses on 2.3.2 was patched in 2.3.3 (worldwide) and was also patched by verizon before they released the handset on 2.3.2. Up untill the bootloader was unlocked on the r800x rooting was not possible.
Ask in that thread and you should recieve the help/info you are after.

hiya mate right ive rooted and put on custom recovery but now its screwed up my cam , wifi , and the market so be warned im trying to fix this problem as we speak
---------- Post added at 10:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 PM ----------
im new to this to really but having a play with no cam and no wifi and no market. the market is there but cant dwnload nothing is taking the piss can anyone help me please

Mozza2k11 said:
But it would be better with a stickied thread for new users to look @.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is one already stickied in the Q&A section.That it has gone practically unnoticed counters this statement.

kershner25 said:
Thanks so much for this link, it's seriously going to help me while rooting my phone. This might be a dumb question, but bear with me - better safe than a bricked phone. The guide to rooting in that link says that I need to flash my Play to the .184 Generic UK firmware...am I understanding it correctly that I need flash this firmware onto my American Verizon Play? I want to make sure nothing is going to get screwed up regionally, as I'm going to want to keep getting OTA updates and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their is not such thing as a bricked phone
always is a way to fix it and usually its as simple as flashing a FTF
or whatever stock rom your device uses takes like 5 minutes tops lol
and logsemans guides will tell you anything you need to know
just use them for refrence
Xperia Play Super Compilation (Q&A Sticky)
and if you head down the path of rooting and stuff
messing with files
you wont be able to get ota updates lol.
it will "brick you"

I recentally made a quick video with tips for android users/beginners if you want to watch it. Thought it would help people. http://youtu.be/Pd5DerUoEcY

Related

[Q]Want to ROOT & REMOVE ICS upgrade & go BACK to Gingerbread..???.

Hi Everyone!
I have an Xperia Arc that I got through Rogers. It had been running Gingerbread 2.3.4 and the ICS update didn't arrive until a year after I got my phone. I read that it wasn't really recommended to do the ICS upgrade even though it had become available (according to Sony). I had been waiting for SO long to check it out that I took my chances on the 50/50 good bad reviews on it and went ahead with the ICS update when Sony/Rogers released it.
BIG MISTAKE.
At first I didn't think it was that bad - but now after having it for a few months- I HATE IT. My phone runs like S***. It's slow laggy.
I had been wanting to root my phone for a long time (I want to get rid of all the bloatware software and be able to use firewalls and tweak CPU speed).
I was all ready to root and use a custom ICS ROM - but I thought about it and I would rather have GIngerbread back on my phone. My phone was awesome when it had Gingerbread and all I ever want to do now is smash my phone - it just can't run ICS properly.
So here is what I want to do:
1. Root phone - I have already downloaded FLASHTOOL, and the DOOMLORD V4 Rooting tool.
2. Flash phone and get RID OF ICS
3. Install a custom ROM
I just need a bit of help.
I need clarification regarding the ADB Drivers.... I have read in numerous places that by just having the up to date Sony PC Companion that you will have the ADB Drivers needed - and I already have the most up to date Sony PC Companion.
I also need some tips regarding ROMS and KERNELS. I understand they are different and they have to be compatible but when I was originally getting all my files for ICS all I found was a kind of 'all in one' - maybe I was confused - and this is why I need some clarification. Do I need to have a separate ROM and KERNEL otherwise then what do I do?
THANKS!!!! rEBECCA
ObscureDreamer said:
Do I need to have a separate ROM and KERNEL otherwise then what do I do?
THANKS!!!! rEBECCA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click the first link in my sig, read it, then come back and ask about anything you're still unsure about.
XperienceD said:
Click the first link in my sig, read it, then come back and ask about anything you're still unsure about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your quick reply. I had actually already read it. I DID read it again though... I picked up a bit more knowledge from the 2nd read but it still didn't clear up a few things.
I'm still not clear on the ADB drivers, I saw all the tutorials about ADB for noobs etc but I'm reading on a LOT of places that just having Sony PC Companion installed and up to date will have the ADB drivers...
I should also let everyone one know that my phone is a ROGERS phone, so my bootloader is LOCKED. I have figured out that there are some ROMS that will work on a LOCKED (carrier (rogers) bootloader.
I currently have Android 4.0.4 (I did the update when it came avail to me and I regret it - i really need gingerbread back) I would also like a rom that doesn't have all the Rogers 'bloatware".
All I want to do is undo the stupid ICS update I did and get rid of that HORRID Rogers bloatware!
Through all my reading over the last while I've learned of 'omnius' - I guess it will unlock my bootloader, root, flash and do lots for my phone. Anyone else recommend this for my situation?
Flash a stock GB ftf and go from there, which will debrand your Phone in the process.
Sent from Myushi

How do I root this thing (Arc S)

Yea sorry, I know there are tons of threads on rooting this stupid thing but I've been trying out so many different ways today and failed that I'm sick of and tired of this stupid piece of crap.
This is my brother's phone, and it's run out of internal memory (seriously 300 mb?), anyway he has like 10 apps installed on the internal memory, these plus all the updates have filled it up. So now I'm trying to root it so I can swap the SD cards (already got him a 32 gig microSD for that).
And oh boy am I sick of this thing, so far I've tried multiple options and none work, and some are too complicated with poor instructions for me to figure out.
Rooting my Galaxy W was so easy and this thing here just makes me hate everything.
Stuff I've tried:
Sony Xperia Flasher
ERoot
Flash tool
bootloader
I'm at the end of my wits here, completely frustrated and yea, if this where my phone I would have already smashed it with a hammer.
I really don't have time for this sh*t since I have to study for a big test, so I would appreciate something super simple and fast, like with the Galaxy W.
Again, sorry for sounding like a **** and creating yet another thread, but I'm desperate.
Thanks for any help.
dial *#*#7378423#*#* on your phone then go to service info then to configuration & at the bottom what does it say regarding your bootloader ?
Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes
Dead Metal said:
Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is good,what version of android do you have ?
It says Android Version 2.3.4
But build number 4.02.A0.69
Dead Metal said:
It says Android Version 2.3.4
But build number 4.02.A0.69
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok i used this app to root my phone (google it or search this forum for it,easy to find):
DooMLoRD_v4_ROOT-zergRush-busybox-su
& i used this video to unlock bootloader:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-crbhMFSuaQ
Thanks , I'll try that tomorrow, right now I'm just too tiered.
Dead Metal said:
Thanks , I'll try that tomorrow, right now I'm just too tiered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you need help send me PM & i will reply back in this thread. take care
If you want you can unlock the bootloader (loosing your warranty, of course), and then install a newer version of android up to 4.2.2, which is much more smoother than 2.3.4 and has much more features...
Madness, if you can't figure it out you're either not reading enough or just being lazy. There's about 4 or 5 links in my guide with how to root, add to that the amount of other threads there is, starting a new one means your lazy, because you've read nothing whilst signing up and just want to be spoon fed. Luck for you, there's some willing to do it.
Sent from Myushi
Rooting Tools
you can root using doomlord root script.
I have rooted several times after flashing few roms and the script works great.
Hope this helps..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1321582
XperienceD said:
Madness, if you can't figure it out you're either not reading enough or just being lazy. There's about 4 or 5 links in my guide with how to root, add to that the amount of other threads there is, starting a new one means your lazy, because you've read nothing whilst signing up and just want to be spoon fed. Luck for you, there's some willing to do it.
Sent from Myushi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had you taken a look at my join date and post count you may have noticed how I did not sign up to be spoon fed to root this device. And had you read my post you may have noticed how I stated that I've already rooted the Galaxy W, which is my phone, which was also real easy and straight forward.
I signed up to be able to hit the thanks button for Sir Arco's CM10 ROM, and give feedback should I notice bugs or other problems with it.
All I wanted was to root it without flashing a new ROM, since all my brother wants is more space on his phone, I don't think he'll want to check the forums constantly to check if there's a new version of a ROM out so he can flash it, so unlocking the bootloader and flashing a new ROM would be pretty pointless.
you can try to use the doomlord process, but you will always install a new rom, in that case will upgrade de phone to 4.0.3 and then you will be able to root the phone with de .bat file inside :good:
Dead Metal said:
Had you taken a look at my join date and post count you may have noticed how I did not sign up to be spoon fed to root this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you still clearly hadn't read anything whilst signing up, otherwise you wouldn't have started a new thread on something as common as "how do I root". I assume you will have managed it by now?
XperienceD said:
But you still clearly hadn't read anything whilst signing up, otherwise you wouldn't have started a new thread on something as common as "how do I root". I assume you will have managed it by now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did, which is why I apologized for posting another thread like it, there where also no I do I root this in this forum, since apparently I'm the only one who had trouble with the options that are posted in the guide threads.
And no, the doom script did not work, it did say it was successful but the phone remained unrooted. So after a couple more tries (and rectifying the "drivers out of date" error message) I unlocked the bootloader, tried again a couple of times still to no effect. So I want ahead and flashed a new ROM and Kernel. At first my brother wasn't too happy about that but he's starting to like the new ROM.
Man, it was easier flashing android onto the bloody HP Touchpad than this phone.

[Q] Rooting and ROM

Hello, this is the first time posting on this forum and relatively new on the android platform after jumping ship from blackberry. So, i have afew questions i hope you guys can help me with.
1. I heard/read alot regarding rooting to bring out the full potential of an android(s4) phone. What is the full advantage of rooting my phone? How does granting administrative access affect my phone performance?
2. I often see the jargon of bloatware on this forum, what does it exactly mean?
3. What is the function of ROM?
Sorry if these qns are repeated, please direct me to the answer if it is already present in the forum. thanks
1. Ans
2. Ans
3. Ans
---------------------------------
Still confused between Samsung Galaxy S4 and 10 acres of land in London
Rooting your phone gives you access to do anything you want ie (Apps 2 sd) that the phone dosent permit you to do.
A ROM is just a different feel, and its a faster alternative in upgrading your android ios. (S4 has touchwiz, can change it to Htc Sense)
Bloatware is a bunch of unnecessary apps that Carriers know youll never use but have it just cause. Its annoying and it takes up space. Rooting allows you to delete these apps, cause if its not you wont be able to remove it.
I hope this helped, ask again if you have any more questions.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
I was wondering if there is a sort of rooting guide for dummies out there. I want to root my phone to get rid of some of the bloatware that I will never use, and also to delete the annoying start up and shut down sounds. Other than that, I'm happy with Touchwiz so far, but I suppose adding custom themes would be fun.
I rooted my last phone (Samsung Vibrant) over 2yrs ago and don't remember how I did it. I know I installed a custom ROM, but don't remember how to do that either. I remember following a really good guide with pictures and step by step instructions though. It's early days yet with the S4, but I really hope someone will do the same kind of guide because it's very helpful for those of us who like to customize but don't have the time or knowledge to seriously get into it. When I look at some of the threads on rooting it just seems like a foreign language to me!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
mahgnillig said:
I was wondering if there is a sort of rooting guide for dummies out there. I want to root my phone to get rid of some of the bloatware that I will never use, and also to delete the annoying start up and shut down sounds. Other than that, I'm happy with Touchwiz so far, but I suppose adding custom themes would be fun.
I rooted my last phone (Samsung Vibrant) over 2yrs ago and don't remember how I did it. I know I installed a custom ROM, but don't remember how to do that either. I remember following a really good guide with pictures and step by step instructions though. It's early days yet with the S4, but I really hope someone will do the same kind of guide because it's very helpful for those of us who like to customize but don't have the time or knowledge to seriously get into it.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try the motochopper method - the guide is pretty simple and self explanatory however if you're on latest kernel then rooting is a no go as of now
---------------------------------
Still confused between Samsung Galaxy S4 and 10 acres of land in London
nikufellow said:
Try the motochopper method - the guide is pretty simple and self explanatory however if you're on latest kernel then rooting is a no go as of now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I looked at that and it seems straightforward, but I'm concerned about what to do after the actual root. Things like how to back the phone up in case I mess it up, how to delete things, how to add things. Also I find a lot of the terminology confusing... not quite sure what all the acronyms stand for either, like ODIN or CWM, or what each thing does exactly. This is the kind of thread which would be totally useful: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028 (this one is for the Vibrant though, so I think a lot of it would be different on a different device?)
As far as the kernel... as far as I know nothing has been updated. I got the phone on the first day it came out so I'm assuming it doesn't have the latest kernel. How would you find out? Not even sure what the kernel is or what it does :\ I would like to find out though!
^^^then you might be on an earlier kernel version anyway trying to root by motochopper method won't brick your device even if it doesn't go successful so no worries.
ODIN is the same software that service centres use to revive your bricked device - as a matter of fact with Samsung drivers, a usb cable and stock rom downloaded from online sources like sammobile, you can revert almost any instances of soft brick. Simply saying ODIN will flash back factory/stock rom anfd make your device as it was when you bought it. And yeah flashing via ODIN and all are more or less same procedure for all Samsung devices
Cwm is a custom recovery. If you don't know what recovery means it might be worth googling for better understanding the concept as even my knowledge is limited and my explanations might fall short of your expectations
---------------------------------------------------------
" Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor"
with regards to rooting my s4 which is running on 4.2.2 jellybean, does motochopper actually brick my phone? In addition, can i root my phone to remove the bloatwares and afterwhich, unroot my phone again, with all the bloatwares already permanently removed? Is it possible to download the full list of softwares of the s4 online such that if i accidentally remove an important software, i will be able to restore it. As I am someone who is not into very much customization and over-clocking, i believe i dont need my phone rooted for custom ROM right? I can use stock ROM when my phone is unrooted and clear of bloatware?
Mami-dalous said:
with regards to rooting my s4 which is running on 4.2.2 jellybean, does motochopper actually brick my phone? In addition, can i root my phone to remove the bloatwares and afterwhich, unroot my phone again, with all the bloatwares already permanently removed? Is it possible to download the full list of softwares of the s4 online such that if i accidentally remove an important software, i will be able to restore it. As I am someone who is not into very much customization and over-clocking, i believe i dont need my phone rooted for custom ROM right? I can use stock ROM when my phone is unrooted and clear of bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Steps
#1. Locate GS4 box, place phone inside box.
#2. Return to store and get iPhone.
Serious tho. Best thing you can do is READ. SEARCH and READ. SEARCH and READ.
If you are unsure about something, READ again. Most questions have already been asked and answered.
If you find yourself lost......SEARCH and READ. Believe me this is this most useful advice you will ever get here.
Stuff is so easy now compared to when android 1st started. I remember rooting my G1 on a terminal prompt and installing recovery with wicked long commands. Now everything is automated and the hardest (NOT) part is reading the step by step instructions provided on almost every mod and tweak.
Welcome and goodluck !

Newbie! Zenfone 2 now rooted...now what!

Hi all,
I have a zenfone 2 that I have just rooted....so now what?
Basically I wanted to optimise my phone so I am able to disable annoying notifications which are greyed out (although since rooting and checking this it still greyed out) I want to remove bloatware and I would actually like to customise my own android system, starting from a 'vanilla' base where I can build it up myself.
I have also read that I need to install a android recovery programme on asap after rooting.
So sorry about this but I really do need 'stupid' instructions as using hi tech words will just baffle me. lol
I have played around with computers in the past and learned about them so this is the phone stage now!
Thanks in advance and for your patience with this newbie!
Kerry
Yankeegal said:
Hi all,
I have a zenfone 2 that I have just rooted....so now what?
Basically I wanted to optimise my phone so I am able to disable annoying notifications which are greyed out (although since rooting and checking this it still greyed out) I want to remove bloatware and I would actually like to customise my own android system, starting from a 'vanilla' base where I can build it up myself.
I have also read that I need to install a android recovery programme on asap after rooting.
So sorry about this but I really do need 'stupid' instructions as using hi tech words will just baffle me. lol
I have played around with computers in the past and learned about them so this is the phone stage now!
Thanks in advance and for your patience with this newbie!
Kerry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Kerry,
First thing you should now do after rooting your device would be flashing a custom recovery that is specific to your device (make sure your devices boot loader is unlocked first). This will allow you to make a backup of everything just in case anything were to go wrong, flash custom ROMs and useful zips. You can pick your favorite custom recovery such as Team Win Recovery Projects custom recovery (TWRP), Clock Work Mods custom recovery (CWM) or Philz Touch recovery based off of CWM although personally I would recommended twrp.
There are multiple ways to do this: Using the TWRP/CWM recovery installer from the play store or the more complicated way of flashing it from your computer. If you were to choose to install TWRP from their app on the play store (grant it root permission) you can select your device from the supported device section within the app, pick the latest recovery, hit the install button and let the app work its magic. If all works correctly you can now reboot to recovery and you will see TWRP is installed. Now you should create a backup to be on the safe side and you're good to go!
To best optimize your device I would recommend installing a custom ROM (look up custom ROMs for the Zenfone 2) and install the zip through recovery. (make sure to pick the right ROM for your device and version otherwise you may soft brick your smartphone) Now with a custom ROM you can better optimize your device and fully customize it to your liking. Make sure to look up custom ROM installation instructions for your device for better detail.
As far as removing system apps/bloatware you can use a "root app delete" tool from the play store but be careful what you remove as some applications are required!
Make sure to take your time and be careful when attempting any of these things and be careful what you modify! Just remember that no question is a stupid question as we all have to start somewhere!
Hope I was able to help you even if it was just a little, good look and have fun!
Rooted Droid Thanks you so much!!! First of all thanks for being so patient with me and secondly thanks for the useful (and easy to read) information.
I will go and install a back up on my phone from the ones you have suggested.
Hopefully you will be around over the next few days if I have more questions. Not planning on doing this all at once but rather taking the time and doing it right.
Thanks so much again!! :good::good::good:
Ooops sorry....how do I do this please?? ---> (make sure your devices boot loader is unlocked first)
Yankeegal said:
Rooted Droid Thanks you so much!!! First of all thanks for being so patient with me and secondly thanks for the useful (and easy to read) information.
I will go and install a back up on my phone from the ones you have suggested.
Hopefully you will be around over the next few days if I have more questions. Not planning on doing this all at once but rather taking the time and doing it right.
Thanks so much again!! :good::good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a problem! I'm always happy to spread some knowledge and appreciate when people do the same to me! I also went ahead and checked the TWRP app and the Zenfone 2 is supported so it looks like your good to go. And yes absolutely, there's no rush so take all the time you may need and everything will go smoothly! I'm always around and will try my best to answer questions.
---------- Post added at 08:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:41 AM ----------
Yankeegal said:
Ooops sorry....how do I do this please?? ---> (make sure your devices boot loader is unlocked first)
Click to expand...
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Check this site out:
http://myzen.asus.com/2015/10/13/official-bootloader-unlock-for-zenfone-2-is-now-available/
All devices have a different method for unlocking bootloader (some don't even have locked bootloaders) but this is an official bootloader unlocking method for the Zenfone 2 from Asus itself. I suggest following its directions and you should be able to unlock it this way.
Ok I followed the link but now I am confused. I have version ww_2.20.40.63_201......
Apparently I need a later version. What started off with just adding an APP means me doing other things before I even get to that point (hence the confusion! lol)
I never updated the phone via OTA as I was told it would invalidate my warranty and also I have killed a phone before using that so can you walk me through please...if you have the time....or could I just check if I have it unlocked already??
I haven't even gotten to the part where I create a backup...tee hee
Yankeegal said:
Ok I followed the link but now I am confused. I have version ww_2.20.40.63_201......
Apparently I need a later version. What started off with just adding an APP means me doing other things before I even get to that point (hence the confusion! lol)
I never updated the phone via OTA as I was told it would invalidate my warranty and also I have killed a phone before using that so can you walk me through please...if you have the time....or could I just check if I have it unlocked already??
I haven't even gotten to the part where I create a backup...tee hee
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Hi sorry for the late reply, I'm in Canada so it was 2am when I was last talking to you so I went to bed haha. Anyway as far as unlocking the Zenfone 2's bootloader I wouldn't have experience unfortunately as I'm using a Nexus 5. The easiest way to go about this now would be to go to your device specific forum and find a way to unlock it there.
The following way to unlock the bootloader requires you have ADB installed on your PC. This is a guide for installation on Windows :
http://www.android.gs/install-android-sdk-adb-windows/
And here is a thread specific to unlocking the Zenfone 2 using adb:
http://www.xda-developers.com/asus-zenfone-2-bootloader-unlocked-without-asus/
BTW as you mentioned "updating may invalidate your warranty" things like rooting, installing a custom OS, unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery and other things like that all (in most cases) void your warranty.
Sorry I can't personally help with the bootloader as I've not personally unlocked it on a Zenfone. Still feel free to ask any questions if you need to. Good luck!

So, in 2016, is there still no root for my Samsung Verizon Note 4?

I just managed to get this device from someone the other day. Having been an iphone 5c user for a while, going to a 5c after my last frustrating and horrible android experience with an HTC inspire device, I am back on android for the storage expansion so that I can play emulator games- only to find myself pulling my hair out ONCE AGAIN after all the numerous conflicting advice/ threads/tutorials out here which I have countless wasted hours on already. I don't have time to read through tutorials promising a downgrade from lollipop to kit kat, in hopes of a root so I can pair my ps3 controller wirelessly to my device... constantly stuck on odin failing and what have you, so just give it to me dry and clean. Please help as this is extremely frustrating and annoying.
Can I or can I not root this device? if so How? ( please provide detailed instructions as i don't know what the lingo is around here) If not i'm putting this thing right back on craigslist where I got it from. I am running 5.0.1
All I want to do is pair my ps3 controller wirelessly to my note 4, thought I would be able to do that until sixaxis said it needed 'root access' :silly:
if theres a way to circumvent this, please let me know. I do NOT WANT to use a corded controller with this. Battery life is already kinda sucky on this phone so i'll ened to charge the device as i'm playing
Sunaj1 said:
I just managed to get this device from someone the other day. Having been an iphone 5c user for a while, going to a 5c after my last frustrating and horrible android experience with an HTC inspire device, I am back on android for the storage expansion so that I can play emulator games- only to find myself pulling my hair out ONCE AGAIN after all the numerous conflicting advice/ threads/tutorials out here which I have countless wasted hours on already. I don't have time to read through tutorials promising a downgrade from lollipop to kit kat, in hopes of a root so I can pair my ps3 controller wirelessly to my device... constantly stuck on odin failing and what have you, so just give it to me dry and clean. Please help as this is extremely frustrating and annoying.
Can I or can I not root this device? if so How? ( please provide detailed instructions as i don't know what the lingo is around here) If not i'm putting this thing right back on craigslist where I got it from. I am running 5.0.1
All I want to do is pair my ps3 controller wirelessly to my note 4, thought I would be able to do that until sixaxis said it needed 'root access' :silly:
if theres a way to circumvent this, please let me know. I do NOT WANT to use a corded controller with this. Battery life is already kinda sucky on this phone so i'll ened to charge the device as i'm playing
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Have not read enough, if you have a Verizon locked bootloader... Recommend to put it right away to Craigslist because no root has been found good luck
If you can deal with root on a temp basis, meaning it is lost every reboot, then go that route. Otherwise as EdrickMg stated, it is not available.
How do I know whether the bootloader is locked or not? I might want to buy an N910V, as its much cheaper than international/Indian version, but I need to make sure whether or not the bootloader is unlocked. Cause I can't even think about not rooting a phone in first one hour of purchase. What could I ask the seller to confirm about the bootloader?
If it's a Verizon Note 4, then the bootloader is locked. There is no permanent rooting method for this phone. People are still hopeful that there might be one coming, but I'm willing to bet that there'll never be a method to root it. This phone has been out since October of 2014, with no root method found. There is a temporary root method that will allow you to root your phone, but the next time you reboot, it's gone and your phone is re-locked. To me, that's a lot of effort for something that you lose whenever you reboot your phone, but that's just my opinion. Also, this temporary root is just root - it doesn't unlock your bootloader.
If you absolutely must have a rootable phone with unlocked bootloader, then look elsewhere.
The only thing that we do have is debloater, which is a method that allows us to turn off and block almost anything we want. For me, that's enough, because the only reason I'd want root is to uninstall all of the crap that comes with this phone. It doesn't get rid of the junk, it just turns it off and keeps it from running.
If you want root to be able to install an ad blocker or to install custom kernels and/or ROMs, you cannot do it on this phone and likely (in my opinion), never will be able to.
Okay, I don't understand all these contract things as we don't have them in our country, but Verizon Note 4 and N910V, they are different? If not, how come there is a custom ROM and kernel for the SM-N910V model? The phone does show a red screen where Verizon is written on it. I am not understanding this!
ithehappy said:
Okay, I don't understand all these contract things as we don't have them in our country, but Verizon Note 4 and N910V, they are different? If not, how come there is a custom ROM and kernel for the SM-N910V model? The phone does show a red screen where Verizon is written on it. I am not understanding this!
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There is a Verizon Note 4 Developers Edition that comes with an unlocked bootloader and it is rootable. I had to buy it straight from Samsung at full retail price. Totally worth it in my opinion. It is no longer available for sale on the Samsung site though
usmaak said:
If it's a Verizon Note 4, then the bootloader is locked. There is no permanent rooting method for this phone. People are still hopeful that there might be one coming, but I'm willing to bet that there'll never be a method to root it. This phone has been out since October of 2014, with no root method found. There is a temporary root method that will allow you to root your phone, but the next time you reboot, it's gone and your phone is re-locked. To me, that's a lot of effort for something that you lose whenever you reboot your phone, but that's just my opinion. Also, this temporary root is just root - it doesn't unlock your bootloader.
If you absolutely must have a rootable phone with unlocked bootloader, then look elsewhere.
The only thing that we do have is debloater, which is a method that allows us to turn off and block almost anything we want. For me, that's enough, because the only reason I'd want root is to uninstall all of the crap that comes with this phone. It doesn't get rid of the junk, it just turns it off and keeps it from running.
If you want root to be able to install an ad blocker or to install custom kernels and/or ROMs, you cannot do it on this phone and likely (in my opinion), never will be able to.
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I'm happy with a temp root, itll fit my purposes. Can you point me in that direction? and the debloaters direction?
yes sad, so sad that Permanent root was never fount! I am disappointed with Verizon over this......
DikStarrbuck said:
I'm happy with a temp root, itll fit my purposes. Can you point me in that direction? and the debloaters direction?
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It's all in topics in the forum. Easy to find if you look.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
RedsonRising said:
It's all in topics in the forum. Easy to find if you look.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
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Yea, theres SO much stuff in the forum, I honestly dunno what to look for. I'll keep at it, thanks
So what if u have a bootloader that starts with 15? I got 90% on kingoroot running a crap ton of random apps in the backgroundI thought I had it but bam root failed keep in mind I'm on marshmallow to anyone else get 90% are we really close or is it just a trick lol
custom_roms_epeptic said:
So what if u have a bootloader that starts with 15? I got 90% on kingoroot running a crap ton of random apps in the backgroundI thought I had it but bam root failed keep in mind I'm on marshmallow to anyone else get 90% are we really close or is it just a trick lol
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So your bootloader is unlocked already, correct? You need to have an unlocked bootloader and be running Lollipop, here's the thread that shows you how/what to do...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...asy-guide-how-to-root-verizon-galaxy-t3454593
I used the instructions in that thread and didn't have any issues.
driguy said:
So your bootloader is unlocked already, correct? You need to have an unlocked bootloader and be running Lollipop, here's the thread that shows you how/what to do...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...asy-guide-how-to-root-verizon-galaxy-t3454593
I used the instructions in that thread and didn't have any issues.
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Thanks bud I'll try it tonight! I gone like 6 pages into Google trying to find something that works I got a little confused on the baseband version part. This is a silly question but if I have mine on
N910VVRU2CPF3 and use Odin and flash version: N910VVRU1ANJ5 it won't brick my device? And no my bootloader is not unlocked yet
custom_roms_epeptic said:
Thanks bud I'll try it tonight! I gone like 6 pages into Google trying to find something that works I got a little confused on the baseband version part. This is a silly question but if I have mine on
N910VVRU2CPF3 and use Odin and flash version: N910VVRU1ANJ5 it won't brick my device?
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You'll want to flash the N910VVRU2BPA1_N910VVZW2BPA1_N910VVRU2BPA1_HOME.tar .md5 file in ODIN as that is the firmware that Lollipop expects/works on. I don't know what android version N910VVRU1ANJ5 firmware is for. Flashing N910VVRU1ANJ5 shouldn't brick your phone but you will need to have it on N910VVRU2BPA1 to install Lollipop and root.
Trust me, just follow the instructions in the post I previously linked. It's all laid out for you in what is pretty much the easiest way you can do it. As long as you do it in the order listed, with the files provided, it will work.
driguy said:
You'll want to flash the N910VVRU2BPA1_N910VVZW2BPA1_N910VVRU2BPA1_HOME.tar .md5 file in ODIN as that is the firmware that Lollipop expects/works on. I don't know what android version N910VVRU1ANJ5 firmware is for. Flashing N910VVRU1ANJ5 shouldn't brick your phone but you will need to have it on N910VVRU2BPA1 to install Lollipop and root.
Trust me, just follow the instructions in the post I previously linked. It's all laid out for you in what is pretty much the easiest way you can do it. As long as you do it in the order listed, with the files provided, it will work.
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Nj5 was kitkat but I will flash the version you said I greatly appreciate it
Wait hold on my bootloader is locked will it still work? Sorry for the annoying questions I'm a little rusty cause I only get a new phone every 2 years so I barely ever root lol
Rooting this phone is pretty tricky and you may have to repeat the process a few times for it to work. Follow the guide custom_roms_epeptic posted, that's the one I used and even though it took me a couple hours to go from stock to Nseven, it did indeed work. I would recommend using the version of kingoroot found in the zip contained in that guide, I tried kingroot and the newest version of kingoroot and both got hung up at 90% or just didn't work at all.
custom_roms_epeptic said:
Wait hold on my bootloader is locked will it still work? Sorry for the annoying questions I'm a little rusty cause I only get a new phone every 2 years so I barely ever root lol
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Part of the steps you will be doing will be to unlock the bootloader, this is mandatory. If your CID starts with 15, you can change the CID of your device to that of a dev edition device, which can then have its bootloader unlocked. Like I said before, it's all laid out for you in the other thread.
driguy said:
Part of the steps you will be doing will be to unlock the bootloader, this is mandatory. If your CID starts with 15, you can change the CID of your device to that of a dev edition device, which can then have its bootloader unlocked. Like I said before, it's all laid out for you in the other thread.
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Okay so I FLash the downgrade and then unlock the bootloader
,? Yes?

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