[Q] Upgrading with OTA and questions about unlocking the bootlocker - Xperia Play Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

When 2.3.4 will be here, i think i need to restore all applications that are preinstalled, yes?
The last time went from 2.3.3 to 2.3.3 build 4 i had to flash back to uk generic 2.3.2, gingerbreak and go all the way up again. Also, i had to remove my user data because the screen wasnt responsive because of diffrend settings.
This makes me a very sad panda.
Can anyone tell me if i will be able enable the OTA process by restoring system apps?
Or might it be a better idea to unlock the bootlocker? But then again, is this really worth it? Isnt this a lot of stuff i have to go through? (will i lose my user data? what are the advantages of unlocking the bootlocker and the disadvantages?)
Thanks in advance, as you can see i have quite a lot of questions.

Ya unfortunately you'll have to restore the system apps if you want to OTA update as it checks. As for unlocking your bootloader, if you can do it I would recommend it. Reason being is that once you do you'll never have to worry about losing all your data again (not to mention the ability to overclock and run CM7) as you will always be able to be easily rooted making backing things up/restoring a cinch (either through a nandroid backup or titanium). That being said the SE way of unlocking your bootloader WILL wipe your userdata, as for the paid solutions Im not so sure. And as a disadvantage to the unlocked bootloader SE says it MAY void your warrenty, also you will loose TrackID as it deletes your DRM certs, however I think the paid solution avoids this.

BuckM said:
That being said the SE way of unlocking your bootloader WILL wipe your userdata, as for the paid solutions Im not so sure. And as a disadvantage to the unlocked bootloader SE says it MAY void your warrenty, also you will loose TrackID as it deletes your DRM certs, however I think the paid solution avoids this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is TrackID and what are the DRM certs for? I have been wondering this, since the Sony Ericsson unlock page says it will damage the DRM keys.
( http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/ )
"Certain content on your phone may also be inaccessible due to the removal of DRM security keys and the secure user data partition while unlocking the boot loader."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm mainly concerned if all the Playstation functionality will still be accessible (don't want to take the Playstation out of "Playstation Phone"... then it'd just be "Phone" >_>)
From what I have read, users like Alejandrissimo and Jinx13 provide a service by which they use the SETool on your computer (remotely connected to their dongle, which functions as a smart card to enable the SETool software), to unlock your phone without damaging the DRM keys. Which again, really has me wondering what the DRM keys are for...
So if anyone can provide details on the DRM keys and what they are for and what they will break if damaged, etc., that would be very helpful!
I don't currently have an Xperia Play, but am now strongly considering getting one, since I'm on AT&T and there's a nice blue AT&T version out now... So if anyone can verify the success of the SE unlock method on the AT&T version, that would be good to know too... I have read that the remote unlock method via Alejandrissimo has worked for AT&T users.
~Troop

Trooper_Max said:
What is TrackID and what are the DRM certs for? I have been wondering this, since the Sony Ericsson unlock page says it will damage the DRM keys.
( http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/ )
I'm mainly concerned if all the Playstation functionality will still be accessible (don't want to take the Playstation out of "Playstation Phone"... then it'd just be "Phone" >_>)
From what I have read, users like Alejandrissimo and Jinx13 provide a service by which they use the SETool on your computer (remotely connected to their dongle, which functions as a smart card to enable the SETool software), to unlock your phone without damaging the DRM keys. Which again, really has me wondering what the DRM keys are for...
So if anyone can provide details on the DRM keys and what they are for and what they will break if damaged, etc., that would be very helpful!
I don't currently have an Xperia Play, but am now strongly considering getting one, since I'm on AT&T and there's a nice blue AT&T version out now... So if anyone can verify the success of the SE unlock method on the AT&T version, that would be good to know too... I have read that the remote unlock method via Alejandrissimo has worked for AT&T users.
~Troop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The DRM keys have nothing to do with playstation. They manage the digial rights of sony media, so you will loose Track ID. You will loose the ability to "facebook like" media you are playing in the stock music player. and you will loose the ability to purchase music and videos from the sony qriocity store. Afaik thats about it.

The se unlock method doesn't work. Att is carrier locked.
Sent from my rooted R800a 2.3.3 BL locked

Related

[Q] warranty

Hi all.
I have recently noticed that my touch analogue sticks on my play don't work anymore, and I have contacted Sony and have to send it in for repair.
The thing is I have 2.3.3 with root and boot loader unlock. I was wandering could I flash stock firmware and relock the bootloader with blagus' method and get the phone repaired without Sony knowing what I did? I don't want to have my phone returned having to pay a fee with no repair done because they know what I have been doing and have voided my warranty XD
That's what i would do, not to say they won't notice. The like button in the music app is gone and trackID won't work cuz the DRM certificates has been deleted. Unless you unlucked it through @Alejandrissimo, then i don't think it's noticeble cuz that way the DRM certificates hasen't been deleted
They might store all the IMEI no used for making an unlock key on their web page to compare with (dunno if that's legal at all, just a thought).
Regards Dousan...

[Q] DRM still lost after unlock via testpoint

Hi, everyone
I have my experience about unlock bootloader, I have unlocked bootloader via official Sony method, when DRM lost, I decided to relock again, flash stock FW via flashtool and repair via PC Companion, after that DRM has been recovered.
So, I've tried to unlock bootloader via testpoint using S1tool, after unlocked, flashed custom kernel and ROM. DRM still lost
Any solution ?
danisariandi said:
Hi, everyone
I have my experience about unlock bootloader, I have unlocked bootloader via official Sony method, when DRM lost, I decided to relock again, flash stock FW via flashtool and repair via PC Companion, after that DRM has been recovered.
So, I've tried to unlock bootloader via testpoint using S1tool, after unlocked, flashed custom kernel and ROM. DRM still lost
Any solution ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you unlocked via Sony method, you lost your DRM forever . There's no way to recover it. So, I'm pretty sure you're mistaken about the recover of the DRM keys.
panda0 said:
When you unlocked via Sony method, you lost your DRM forever . There's no way to recover it. So, I'm pretty sure you're mistaken about the recover of the DRM keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I claimed warranty, I relocked, repair via PC Companion, DRM worked ( transfer music via media go works ) then when I unlocked via testpoint, DRM LOST !! IT'S IMPOSSIBLE
danisariandi said:
When I claimed warranty, I relocked, repair via PC Companion, DRM worked ( transfer music via media go works ) then when I unlocked via testpoint, DRM LOST !! IT'S IMPOSSIBLE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never heard of a way to restore the DRM Keys after unlocking via official method. There's some thread that explains this? I've read from many sources (xda, setool) that once you unlock the official way, you lost the DRM keys forever.
Maybe when I repaired via SUS, DRM recovered
danisariandi said:
Maybe when I repaired via SUS, DRM recovered
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not possible AFAIK. I've searched again and the only thing I found is: You lost your DRM Keys.
DRM Keys are stored in a trim area and when you unlocked with the official method, they're erased. SEUS or SUS can't restore.
At least that's what I've read about this.
Btw, I sent my previous lt18 to Sony warranty without the Keys and they returned a new one. So, the fact that they didn't complain, doesn't mean much. But let's wait for more experienced members opinion. That's all that I know about this.
Ok thanks, I'll kepp my warranty as well
Have you read this post about retrieving drm keys http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1855798
Sent from my LT15i using xda app-developers app
cokey77 said:
Have you read this post about retrieving drm keys http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1855798
Sent from my LT15i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read it now. Let's focus some points:
No.. Working Music info download or Track ID does not prove that DRM is recovered. There are workarounds to make stuff like FBMedia like or TrackID work..
From: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=30815987&postcount=11
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Click to collapse
Yes I know what you are saying.. Like I said using your method does make em work(there are other work arounds too).. but the DRM is not recovered. The system is just fooled..
From: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=30823437&postcount=15
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only post that supports that might be possible is this one (but, in my humble opinion, this is just a bogus information):
Some info from MDPI device forums.
They have been saying, that just relocking bootloader and unlocking via test point method recovers DRM. No need to reflash ROM/kernel or anything else. Neither you need any Walkman apps or stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I strongly believe that like heinrichkaiser said in that thread: This method make the apps work, fooling the system, but don't restore DRM.
They even linked some topics in the setools forum, and no one (even the_laser) could confirm that there's a way to restore. That doesn't mean that it's impossible to make some functionalities work after the loss of the DRM Keys, as you can read here:
ok here's the simple steps after unlocking bootloader.
1. Uninstall the old TrackID (its a system app so u need root)
2. Download the latest TrackID on android market (the silver one/not the old blue)
3. Backup the FBMusicLikes.apk/Music Likes app
4. Uninstall the FBMusicLikes.apk/Music Likes app (its a system app so u need root)
5. Reinstall the FBMusicLikes.apk/Music Likes app
6. connect to net and try it, its now working again.
thanks to rioener for this discovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: Other post Blagus in the "[Tutorial] Relock bootloader!" thread.
You still can't get DRM back. It's gone from the phone!
From: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134335
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 Thread about it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1404972

[Q] Void or not void?

Hi guys,
I bought this Z1C second handed, found out it was rooted so I "repaired" it with PC companion. Bootloader unlock availabe: yes, so I assume it was locked, though I don't know if it has ever been unlocked. However I did not check if the DRM keys were there. Shortly the phone fell asleep and never woke up. I brought it to the service as it was still under warranty.
The question is - can Sony service technician see something that a normal user can not? If the the DRM keys are lost, but the phone does not turn on (none of the key combinations did work), will the service find out about the unlocking of the bootloader?
Thank you and happy new year to everyone.
Unlocking the device needs an unlocking key from Sony.
And before you get this key you have to tell them your IMEI, so if it was unlocked, Sony knows that...
moonryder said:
Unlocking the device needs an unlocking key from Sony.
And before you get this key you have to tell them your IMEI, so if it was unlocked, Sony knows that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Requesting an unlock key is no proof that the user actually unlocked it.
Koostis said:
will the service find out about the unlocking of the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the keys were backed up an restored, no, if not, and you can tell by doing THIS, then they will, and being a user created issue they may charge you for it.
XperienceD said:
If the keys were backed up an restored, no, if not, and you can tell by doing THIS, then they will, and being a user created issue they may charge you for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But to verify them, the phone needs to be turned on (in order to dial the code) and mine does not do so. Is there a way to check the DRM keys via PC even when it does not detect the phone?

Rooting without unlocking bootloader

Hi,
I'm really interested in buying the new Z2 play, however I've noticed that unlocking bootloader means loosing the warranty.
So, is there a way to root the phone without unlocking the bootloader?
No. Probably never will be.
Sent from my Moto Z2 Play using Tapatalk
I remember that there were some tools for Samsung mobiles like Towelroot which rooted the phone without triggering knox/unlocking bootloader.
It could be also useful to relock the bootloader and find a way to hidden the boot notification of unlocked device.
Valeriuz said:
I remember that there were some tools for Samsung mobiles like Towelroot which rooted the phone without triggering knox/unlocking bootloader.
It could be also useful to relock the bootloader and find a way to hidden the boot notification of unlocked device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Towelroot is a very old exploit, and newer protection measures along with FRP make it extremely difficult if not possible at this point to unlock/relock the bootloader from Android itself.
Besides, I'm fairly sure Moto service centers will still take your phone regardless of the bootloader status given that it is a defect that is unrelated to the user (ie: ghost touches, screen burn, etc.).

Question Downsides to unlocking bootloader?

Hi all, I just recently purchased a Google pixel 6 pro new for cheap coming from a Galaxy S9. I was wondering if there are any downsides to unlocking the bootloader? Like losing some kind of functionality or DRM or Widevine certification, etc. forever? Switching from a brand that has everything locked down I'm used to losing functionality lol
Teet1 said:
Hi all, I just recently purchased a Google pixel 6 pro new for cheap coming from a Galaxy S9. I was wondering if there are any downsides to unlocking the bootloader? Like losing some kind of functionality or DRM or Widevine certification, etc. forever? Switching from a brand that has everything locked down I'm used to losing functionality lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, only rooting will have disadvantages, <ie> Banking and Google Pay. My Bank won't allow rooted phones to use its app.
Disadvantages to unlocking the bootloader (unlocking the bootloader can be done without rooting after):
It may be possible that some rare banking or other sensitive apps will notice that your bootloader is unlocked and refuse to fully function.
If you're not very careful, you could accidentally either temporarily or permanently brick your device by flashing the wrong thing.
Truthfully, most of the time, having the bootloader unlocked (or at least OEM unlocking enabled) gives you MORE recovery options if something bad happens (such as you flash Android 20 Beta 1 and it bricks your phone).
Having the bootloader unlocked is by its nature less secure, so if your device gets stolen, there may be a greater possibility a hacker can break into your phone and/or get valuable data out of your account or cause greater havoc. I've never had a phone stolen, although I did find someone's stolen Sprint HTC 4G (if I remember the model correctly) one time, which I arranged to return to the owner by calling Sprint. I assume the person who stole the phone gave up on being able to easily use the stolen phone, since Sprint erased and locked down the phone remotely.
Disadvantages to being rooted:
Have to manually update anytime you want the new month's update.
Have to jump through a few hoops to make sure almost all banking/sensitive apps don't realize that you're rooted. The method may change from time to time due to changes in Android, so there's always the possibility any time you flash an update to Android on your device that you'll have to wait for and flash an update to root-hiding methods.
Advantages of being rooted: Well, you know, there are tons.
Good luck!
roirraW edor ehT said:
Disadvantages to unlocking the bootloader (unlocking the bootloader can be done without rooting after):
It may be possible that some rare banking or other sensitive apps will notice that your bootloader is unlocked and refuse to fully function.
If you're not very careful, you could accidentally either temporarily or permanently brick your device by flashing the wrong thing.
Truthfully, most of the time, having the bootloader unlocked (or at least OEM unlocking enabled) gives you MORE recovery options if something bad happens (such as you flash Android 20 Beta 1 and it bricks your phone).
Having the bootloader unlocked is by its nature less secure, so if your device gets stolen, there may be a greater possibility a hacker can break into your phone and/or get valuable data out of your account or cause greater havoc. I've never had a phone stolen, although I did find someone's stolen Sprint HTC 4G (if I remember the model correctly) one time, which I arranged to return to the owner by calling Sprint. I assume the person who stole the phone gave up on being able to easily use the stolen phone, since Sprint erased and locked down the phone remotely.
Disadvantages to being rooted:
Have to manually update anytime you want the new month's update.
Have to jump through a few hoops to make sure almost all banking/sensitive apps don't realize that you're rooted. The method may change from time to time due to changes in Android, so there's always the possibility any time you flash an update to Android on your device that you'll have to wait for and flash an update to root-hiding methods.
Advantages of being rooted: Well, you know, there are tons.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! i've been in the game for a while so I know the pros/cons of rooting and unlocking. I just didnt know if there were any device specific downsides on the pixel 6 pro, but it seems its just the usual stuff. Coming from a locked down brand, this is very liberating!
Teet1 said:
Thank you! i've been in the game for a while so I know the pros/cons of rooting and unlocking. I just didnt know if there were any device specific downsides on the pixel 6 pro, but it seems its just the usual stuff. Coming from a locked down brand, this is very liberating!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, you're welcome. Yep, I fooled with a Sony phone once. Was extremely disappointing that it gimped the camera on purpose if you unlocked the bootloader using their official means to do so. And for a while with the bootloader unlocked but not rooted, I still received OTA updates just fine, but then suddenly they stopped allowing OTAs to download and install actually over the air - had to use XperiFirm to download and then flash them manually.
It's getting harder to pass various integrity checks for Play, banking apps, and GPay. And now device integrity. You have to consciously maintain all of these.

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