Develop Bugs

[Guide] Motorola Defy Mini XT320 Root

So coming from this :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1658568&page=38
Thread i decided to create a new one to collect and focus all necessary informations for the procedure of flashing and rooting the Motorola Defy Mini XT 320.
Credits for Rooting Guide and files goe's to leos0 and i thank him very much for giving us (me) the freedom to root this Phone.
Also many thanks to coder011 he extracted the recovery.img from defy mini which is necessary for rooting :highfive:
Table of Contents:
Do i have Fastboot or not?
How to flash Firmware?
How to gain Root access?
Which Firmwareverisions have Fastboot Mode?
How to flash only older Bootloader to get Fastboot without changing Firmware?
At first, you have to know if your Phone have Fastboot or not.
The easyest Way to find out, is to boot the Phone in Recovery or (if it can) in Fastboot Mode.
Power off the Phone
Power on by pressing both Volume Buttons and the Power Button at once and hold them for 5-10 seconds
if then a screen comes up, you can see if you have Fastboot
look at the pictures below to compare
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
If you see this, then you are a happy one, because your phone has fastboot. You can directly go to the rooting procedure below. :good:
If you get this screen, you have to decide if you want to risk an flash of different SBF Firmware file as described in the next Part of Guide.
Your Phone has no Fastboot. :crying:
Due to some questions in this Thread i want to make clear, what is necessary to do all this strange stuff.
rocker55555 said:
I read the guide. The only mention of installing drivers is in the flashing guide and that guide is for users who didn't have fastboot on their phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK
For anyone who needs it more clear.
For everything that is more than using the Phone as USB Mass Storage, you need to install the Drivers.
What the PC doesn't know, he cannot deal with it.
Drivers are (nearly in everything you do) absolutely mandatory.
And if anything doesn't work on a computer, the first thing you be asked is "Have you installed the drivers?".
Defy Drivers:
http://www.motorola.com/consumers/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2cff07f8ef573210VgnVCM1000008806b00aRCRD
Install the Drivers and connect your Phone with USB Debugging enabled or bootet in Fastboot Mode (Power up with holding Volume + and - Buttons for 5-10 seconds).
If the Drivers are installed correct your Phone was shown in device Manager like this:
For flashing other Firmware your Phone must connected as Flashing device.
Power it up with Volume - and Camera Button pressed. You see then an Black screen with some white Text.
Connect Phone and let Drivers install.
If your Phone is connected correct it will be schown in Device Manager like this:
Only after you have installed all drivers and your Phone is recognized by your PC as shown above, you will be able to work with ADB or RSD-Lite.
At first, my Guide to flash your Phone with different ROM if your ROM didn't have Fastboot.
Flashing Guide:
And you have to download RSD Lite:
http://www.chip.de/downloads/RSD-Lite_49139659.html
Defy Drivers:
http://www.motorola.com/consumers/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2cff07f8ef573210VgnVCM1000008806b00aRCRD
Install Drivers and RSD-Lite.
Start RSD Lite and load SBF File.
Then shut down the Phone and Boot up by holding Camera + Volume- (down) and Power Buttons.
If you done right, you see an black screen with white Text, telling you the Device is in flashing mode.
Connect Phone to PC and let Drivers install (after that RSD Lite shows an "Connected" Message in App.
Click on "Start" in RSD-Lite
Flash begins and you see a lot of Message Lines for everey Flash Step.
At the End of the Process Phone reboots.
Now you cann deconnect and close RSD Lite, ignoring the Message that it is still in Progress.
BUT NOT BEFORE THE PHONE REBOOTS!!
Sometime there is an Error and the Flash fails at first try.
You have then to pull the Accu and to repeat flash Procedure.
Warning!!!
You can brick your Phone!!
In some cases the Phone loses IMEI and Connection to SIM and is broken!!
If you do this, you do it at your own risk!
To prevent this and/or to recover your IMEI and unlocked SIM follow this Guide:
[Important] Backup and Restore Defy Mini IMEI and NV Data
Additional Hint.......
If you can't find an ROM of your native carrier which is rootable, search for a ROM of an Carrier from your Continent which supports eventually your Language and Carrier.
E.g. i found Brazil ROM which is rootable but have no German Input and Language. So i testet some European ROM's and found one from Spain which is rootable and have native German Support and APN in it.
So now i don't need to test further because all works great and have German Phone UI.
The ROM i use at the Moment:
http://hotfile.com/dl/184330128/2d4ce8b/TNBST_4_0A.1F.0ERPS_flex_WE_Orange_Spain.zip.html
(you have to register before you can download, ZIP Password is "mod2xtreme.com" but be aware, that the Site is sometimes down)
And feel free to donate to the Board for their excellent Service to offer us this ROM's. :good:
If you have an ROM with Fastboot, follow this Guide to Root (Original Post from leos0 here):
Important!!
Some prerequisits:
Download and extract the View attachment root_xt320.zip to the Root of your Harddisc. Best place is C: so it has to be in
Code:
C:\root_xt320
.
If you place it in any other place, adjust the Path variables from next advices to your needs.
Open Command prompt on PC.
Type in
Code:
cd C:\root_xt320
and hit Enter
Now you are in correct folder to do the next steps
Okey, so, rooting You have to download this : ( it contains fastboot adb recovery.img and update.zip [ I think it is the right one, becourse
i was applying a few of them at one time to save my time xd ] )
0. Copy update.zip to /sdcard/
1. You need to boot into fastboot (NOT RECOVERY, F A S T B O O T ). You can use:
a)
Code:
adb reboot-bootloader
or
b)turn off the phone, then hold POWER+VOL UP+VOL DOWN for 5-10 sec.
2. Now you need to use fastboot. use:
Code:
fastboot boot recovery.img
3.Now CWM TOUCH will boot. There is small problem, it doesn't look as it should, some options are somewhere else etc.
But it works! In normal CWM Recovery i was unable to choose any option, but there everything "works" And you should use
keys on your phone ( POWER to execute, vol. keys to move ), not screen to choose things ( it crashed once when i was using screen )
4. Install zip from sd..(second option)-->choose zip from sdc..)--> ...choose...--> Yes - Install --> Reboot --> back
For commands in [.code] marker you need to use cmd. I hope it will work for you guys You are doing everything on your own so if something dont work its not my fault.
If you want to repost it somewhere, please, just write who invented it You should also thanks coder011 becourse he extracted the recovery.img from defy mini which was very helpful
Enjoy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download of Files for Root
So now i have one Wish.
Please can anyone who have found an ROM which is rootable/ed and have no SIM-Lock post the FW Version and SBF Name here so we get an complete List of useful ROM Versions.
I will try to update it several times.
View attachment root_xt320.zip

Rootable Firmware List
TNBST_4_0A.1F.0ERPS_flex_WE_Orange_Spain (the one i use at the Moment)
TNBST_4_07.1D.08RPS_flex_LATAM_Claro_Latam
TNBST_4_0A.1D.22RPS_flex_WE_RTIT
TNBST_4_07.26.11RPD_flex_LATAM_RTL_Brazil
TNBST_4_0A.1F.10RPS_flex_WE_Retail_CEE

Some additional "special" Procedures to have mor Options
Option to flash only older Bootloader with Fastboot enabled without changing your current Firmware and have the Option to root after that.
Some "special" Method posted by Alin Razvan, member of droiddevelopers forum.
Let me explain how i got this working a good sbf flash with a lower bootloader version.
First step you are about to do, is downloading a compatible sbf version that you like !
2nd step flash it with RSD Lite 5.7
3rd step after flashing it go into recovery menu by pressing both volume keys + - and power up .
4th step -> Clean Cache -> Clean User Data , after cleaning select reboot
5th step Let it reboot normally , set it up , connection etc , google account and so on .
6th step Download TNBST_4_0A.1F.0ERPS_flex_WE_Orange_Spain.sbf
Power off the phone , remove battery , pres camera button + volume down+power insert usb (if doesn't power up attach battery but only for a second than remove it) , now you should be in boot mode .
Open RSD Lite 5.7 select the TNBST_4_0A.1F.0ERPS_flex_WE_Orange_Spain sbf file and (read bellow).
Here comes the tricky part !!!
Be carefull and fast otherwise you got to flash again your favorite sbf ,and follow the upper steps again !
Before pressing start button take your phone on your right hand , grab with your left hand the usb cable because you are about to pull it back quickly after you see
Flashing Modem (mdm) or something like i reallly don't remember how the text really was but what you need to do is let it flash some reboot files it takes up 3 seconds after pressing start button to flash those files so you got to be fast boot ) i know it sounds awkward but this **** really works !
After removing usb cable your phone will instantly shut down because it doesn't have the battery on , i did it without battery because i wanted the phone to shut down instant !
So the next step is to power up the phone by pressing both volume buttons + - and power up button , now you should see fastboot menu YaY!
After that, you can switch to the rooting Procedure as described above.
afadel wrote in Post #14:
afadel said:
Alin's method consists of loading an older bootloader version. In theory you don't even have to flash an SBF if the one you're using (original or already flashed) is working for you (meaning no simlock). You just go from step 6 onwards.
You put the phone in flash mode by holding camera+vol down and powering the phone. You should see a screen with the following:
MBM Flash-mode.
TinBoost
version: 06.0a --> (versions may vary)
Bootloader USB Init SECURE BOOT ENABLED
Now you have to use an SBF with an old version of bootloader. I don't know up to which version the bootloader has fastboot, but I used the SBF TNBST_4_07.1D.20RPS_flex_LATAM_VIVO. This one has fastboot.
So, you open RSD Lite and use this SBF. When you click start first it will update (in this case downgrade) the bootloader version. It will run some stuff and then you will see the same screen from above again (but now with different version - 01.0a if you use the SBF I mentioned) and it will start the flashing process. That's when you have to unplug the battery or USB cable to stop the flashing. All you wanted was to install the bootloader.
After that you just have to follow the procedures as if your phone had fastboot since the beginnig! That was a very smart move by Alin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tested Alin's Method today.
My biggest Problem was, that my Phone is not able to Power on only with USB Cable connected. I also have to insert Accu (very loose) and to pull Cable and shake out the Accu the same time immediately as the Message of "Modem flashing" (or something like this) comes up on Screen.
I now have newest German ROM ( TNBST_4_0A.21.0CRPS_flex_WE_RTDACH ) with Bootloader (Fastboot enabled) from Spanish ( TNBST_4_0A.1F.0ERPS_flex_WE_Orange_Spain ) ROM and rooted.
Great thing.
Big thanks to Alin and afadel for this!!

Moved to General

TNBST_4_0A.1D.22RPS_flex_WE_RTIT
This is the ROM my phone came with (Italian retail), it has fastboot and it's not sim locked.

http://www.droidevelopers.com/f412/14395-defy-mini-root-success-yes-works-2.html#post59544
Bro add this to first post, it's how i did it.

Sh0m1 said:
http://www.droidevelopers.com/f412/14395-defy-mini-root-success-yes-works-2.html#post59544
Bro add this to first post, it's how i did it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry Guy, have you read the above Guide?
This is exactely what i wrote.
But without all the Pull of Accu and USB and, and, and...
Because it is simply not necessary.
Flashing is much mor simple. Just two steps.
And why should anyone flash two times?
First with an SBF of his Wish. And then (by completely overwriting this Firmware in the Phone) with the one you posted?
And exactely this is also the one i used and wroted in my Guide.
But a lot of Asian and Latam Users cannot use this because it is not containig their Languages.
So this is why i asked anyone who have rooted his Phone to write here with which SBF he does it.

No bro, you do not flash 2 times.
First time you flash some sim unlocked firmware that works for you, than you flash the one with bootloader, but not the whole firmware, just modem stuff, and then you cancel the flashing by disconnecting the phone so you still have YOUR old firmware, but now it has new firmware's bootloader.
I hope i made it more clear now.

Sh0m1 said:
No bro, you do not flash 2 times.
First time you flash some sim unlocked firmware that works for you, than you flash the one with bootloader, but not the whole firmware, just modem stuff, and then you cancel the flashing by disconnecting the phone so you still have YOUR old firmware, but now it has new firmware's bootloader.
I hope i made it more clear now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK.
My fault.
I'm to tired to read conscious. Last 8 days in job was to busy.
Will give it a try.
But i am not sure if i will do it really, because i am very satisfied with my current state. I have installed the TNBST_4_0A.1F.0ERPS_flex_WE_Orange_Spain.sbf by flashing it completely and have set up Link2SD and all works like a charm with constantly mor than 120mb free internal Memory also after installing a lot of Apps. :highfive:
But.
If you agree, i will include your advice in "my" (not really mine, have only made a summary) Guide.

Sure, just write that the original creator of that method is Alin Razvan, member of droiddevelopers forum.

Sh0m1 said:
Sure, just write that the original creator of that method is Alin Razvan, member of droiddevelopers forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done :good:
Thank's

Great guide i must say, thank you for the effort and i hope this will attract some devs to start making roms for mini

Can't download the firmware with that link, i think the link is wrong...
Just to be sure, the firmware you gave the link is that Brazil no simlock you said?

Alin's method consists of loading an older bootloader version. In theory you don't even have to flash an SBF if the one you're using (original or already flashed) is working for you (meaning no simlock). You just go from step 6 onwards.
You put the phone in flash mode by holding camera+vol down and powering the phone. You should see a screen with the following:
MBM Flash-mode.
TinBoost
version: 06.0a --> (versions may vary)
Bootloader USB Init SECURE BOOT ENABLED
Now you have to use an SBF with an old version of bootloader. I don't know up to which version the bootloader has fastboot, but I used the SBF TNBST_4_07.1D.20RPS_flex_LATAM_VIVO. This one has fastboot.
So, you open RSD Lite and use this SBF. When you click start first it will update (in this case downgrade) the bootloader version. It will run some stuff and then you will see the same screen from above again (but now with different version - 01.0a if you use the SBF I mentioned) and it will start the flashing process. That's when you have to unplug the battery or USB cable to stop the flashing. All you wanted was to install the bootloader.
After that you just have to follow the procedures as if your phone had fastboot since the beginnig! That was a very smart move by Alin.

BlueSpyBR said:
Can't download the firmware with that link, i think the link is wrong...
Just to be sure, the firmware you gave the link is that Brazil no simlock you said?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Corrected the Link.
ROM is:
TNBST_4_0A.1F.0ERPS_flex_WE_Orange_Spain

afadel said:
Alin's method consists of loading an older bootloader version. In theory you don't even have to flash an SBF if the one you're using (original or already flashed) is working for you (meaning no simlock). You just go from step 6 onwards.
You put the phone in flash mode by holding camera+vol down and powering the phone. You should see a screen with the following:
MBM Flash-mode.
TinBoost
version: 06.0a --> (versions may vary)
Bootloader USB Init SECURE BOOT ENABLED
Now you have to use an SBF with an old version of bootloader. I don't know up to which version the bootloader has fastboot, but I used the SBF TNBST_4_07.1D.20RPS_flex_LATAM_VIVO. This one has fastboot.
So, you open RSD Lite and use this SBF. When you click start first it will update (in this case downgrade) the bootloader version. It will run some stuff and then you will see the same screen from above again (but now with different version - 01.0a if you use the SBF I mentioned) and it will start the flashing process. That's when you have to unplug the battery or USB cable to stop the flashing. All you wanted was to install the bootloader.
After that you just have to follow the procedures as if your phone had fastboot since the beginnig! That was a very smart move by Alin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank's for this variant.
Included in guide at Starting Page.

Why you didn't include my name? I'm the one who extracted recovery.img that was very helpfull.

coder011 said:
Why you didn't include my name? I'm the one who extracted recovery.img that was very helpfull.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry.
My fault.
Didn't recognized it.
Please forgive me.
Don't want to do any harm. And never done liek it was my work.
Which Text do you want to put (where) in the Gude to show which work you have done?

pbruck said:
Sorry.
My fault.
Didn't recognized it.
Please forgive me.
Don't want to do any harm. And never done liek it was my work.
Which Text do you want to put (where) in the Gude to show which work you have done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this part
Credits for Rooting Guide and files goe's to leos0 and i thank him very much for giving us (me) the freedom to root this Phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

@pbruck and @coder011
Thank you to work on this and make it possible.
I have a Defy mini dual chip XT321 and tried to root by flashing Claro Latam firmware on it but I didn't have success. Can you help me on this?
When I flashed Claro firmware phone worked normally and it has got fastboot =D
I've made all steps you described but after power up phone was no rooted.
I'll really apreciate if you help me!
Congrats for the initiative!

[TUT]How to Unbrick almost all Xperias

Disclaimer:
if you do not Follow instructions and FURTHER BRICK your device then it is not my fault YOU didn't follow instructions, in this case you are UNABLE to blame me.
Note:
Reason: im trying to make a tutorial for fixing your phone because i KNOW other people were where i was when i bricked my XS and its quite annoying knowing that i didn't know how to fix my phone, i looked around on the internet and found not much for Xperia s... so i decided to experiment
HARD BRICK (No response when plugged in)
There is a few different types of bricks but i am writing this to help you unbrick in a FEW ways
if your xperia device doesn't do anything when plugged in then try holding POWER + volume up it buzzes once , then a few seconds later 3 times in a row then your device is unbrickable
REQUIREMENTS
unlocked bootloader??? (maybe im not my XS came with a unlocked bootloader LET ME know if it works)
Flash-tool with a stock FTF
Fastboot Drivers and flash-mode drivers Installed properly (NOTE you should be able to find them in the Flashtool Folder (where the app is installed should be a Driver app should be calleld Flashtool Drivers.exe (just select your devices to install and click yes to any warnings... its safe)
Flashtool Downloaded from here
http://androxyde.github.io/
Download from here FTF from here (find YOUR Device And download the CORRECT FTF for your device)
http://www.xdafileserver.nl/index.php?dir=Sony+(Ericsson)
follow this
01- Hold POWER+VOLUME UP till it buzzes 3 times. (after the one buzz)
02- open flash tool
03- Click on the little lightning shock button at the top left and click on flash-mode then ok
04- select your DEVICE (example Xperia S FTF should be called lt26I and acro s is lt28I)
05- Follow Flash-tool Instructions after FTF is done preparing (note back buton = Volume Down for newer xperias)
06- Once done Flashing BOOT, it
SOFT BRICK (Boots but shuts off when during boots and starts again (boot loop)
for CWM users (only work if you have a backup)
01- Do a system restore is backup is present
or
01- make a backup
02-flash a ROM
03- copy a zip flashable stock ROM, flash and do a data restore
OR
01- Flash your Stock ROM FTF (using flashtool)
02- EXCLUDE ALL but your system
if that doesn't work
03- Dont exclude anything when flashing
OR
01- open sony companion
02- go to support zone
03- click on REPAIR DEVICE
04- Follow instructions
Sorry for Spelling mistakes , i dont speak english as a primary language

Hi,
We Already have a brilliant thread by ToledoJab regarding Bricking Recovery, in the General Section.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1849170
Have you checked that before posting a new thread on this topic??

Honestly i found other kind of brick it will make your phone stuck and even you press power + vol up it will do nothing all i can do is let the battery die (Ion can't remove battery) then i can charge and flash new rom and recover it

OP, I will ask you to search before creating a new thread, I understand you waiting to provide to the Community, but there is thread establish Here. Thank You

[Guide] How To Install / Flash Custom Roms Step by Step | Noobs Easy Way | Xperia S

Complete Beginners Guide To Flash Custom ROM on Xperia S | 2011 Devices
This Guide Is Made Easier To Understand The Basics To Install / Flash Custom ROM (Specifically On Xperia Phones). You will not need to go to any annoying links and go on reading lengthy descriptions everything required is provided here. :victory:
Everything is Step By Step.
Just Follow Them And Everything Will Work Fine
Now Lets Get Down To Business.
​
This Tutorial is Specially For
For Complete Beginners
For Newcomers to Android
For Those Who Want To Learn Flashing ROM Easy Way
People who did not had any encounters with Programming
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks To All The Senior Developers For Providing Us The Knowledge In Developing Modding And Flashing And Amazing Guides Through Out XDA Forum. Without You People This Guide Would Not Have Been Complete
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This Guide Is Covered in Next 4 Posts With Every Step As Described Below.
NOTE : I Will Explain This Thread For Flashing Custom ROM Cyanogenmod 10 for Xperia S.
Link here---> https://sites.google.com/site/projectfreexperia/
You can download any Stable ROM The Procedure is Same For All.​
Step by Step Process Tree
Step 1. Rooting Xperia S​Step 2. Unlocking Bootloader​Step 3. Installing CWM Recovery​Step 4. Flashing A Custom ROM​Step 5. That's it! You will Have The Custom Rom Running.​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Step 1 : Rooting Your Xperia S
Step 1 : Rooting Your Xperia S
This is done by Using A Root Tool Provided by Our Senior Developer @Bin4ry. Please Press His Thanks Button For Helping Out For The Amazing TooL!
Just Download The Tool By Clicking Here : Root_with_Restore_by_Bin4ry_v30
For Xperia S 2.55 Firmware look in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...php?p=39498268
But Don't Start Running The Tool Yet. Before That you need to Do A Couple Of Things, :angel:
Before Rooting What You Need?
1.) Install Your Phones Software Driver, ---> PC Companion Will Do The Job Just Connect The Phone And Check If It Detects!
2.) Activate USB Debugging, Setting ---> Developer Options
3.) Activate Unknown Sources, Setting ---> Security
4.) Connect Your Phone via USB
5.) Confirm That Your Device Is Connected Properly In Device Manager.
Only Then,
6.) Proceed With Rooting Tool Kit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How To Use It?
1.) Download Attached File.
2.) Extract it Using Winrar
3.) Double click the RunMe.bat and follow instructions!
Xperia phones with "older" firmware = Normal mode
Sony Tablet and similar = Special mode
Xperia phones with JB Firmare = Mode 3 (Goroh_kun mode)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Complete Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EpkrCq1gfM
Just Follow The On Screen Instructions. (Its really easy like installing a game :laugh
After The Software Finishes Its Work! Your Phone Must BE Rooted By Now!

Step 2 : Unlocking Bootloader on Xperia S
Step 2 : Unlocking Bootloader on Xperia S
Procedure To Unlock Bootloader of Sony Xperia S LT26i :
1.) Installation of Fastboot USB Drivers (Xperia S)​2.) Unlocking Bootloader of Xperia S​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, We Will Unlock The Bootloader,
Why to Unlock Bootloader?
1.) You can flash custom ROMs/Kernels
2.) You don't need to worry if the new firmware can be rooted or not as with unlocked bootloader u can always ROOT Your device
[ Before We Begin Unlocking Bootloader ]
Get the IMEI code for ur device: type *#06# in phone dialer to find it out, note only the digits (no dashes)
Make Sure The Fastboot Drivers Are Installed.
Make sure u have a windows PC with USB cable to connect the phone
Power down ur phone and keeping the Volume Up button pressed connect the USB cable to PC this will trigger FASTBOOT mode and windows
Will start driver installation, extract the above package and point the driver install to that location (usb_driver) folder
Once drivers are installed just disconnect cable and power on device.
[ How to Unlock ] (Official Way)
Video Link ---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRH3pC7MhEA
For better understanding, I highly recommend you to watch the above video along with the instructions below:
1.) Download ‘Fastboot Drivers And Pacakges File For Xperia S’ file from → Here
2.) Extract the file you downloaded above on your PC. You’ll get the following three files:
drivers.zip
fastboot_with_Android_USB_file.zip
3.) Go to: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/ and read everything!
This will open a web page in your default browser. Scroll to the bottom of the Instructions on the page and you’ll see a link like “Continue”, click on it.
In the pop-up window click “Yes, I’m sure” and then in the next window click on both the checkboxes, and then click “I accept”.
4.) Now insert the details as per the instructions:
First 14 digits of your IMEI No. Do NOT enter the last digit (15th) in the box. To know your IMEI No. dial *#06# on your Xperia Arc.
Your Name
Your Email Address
Click Submit.
5.) You’ll get a KEY to unlock boot loader. Write it down somewhere you can remember, it will be used later.
6.) Switch off your phone.
7.) Now extract the “fastboot_with_Android_USB_file.zip” file you got in Step 2.2.
8.) Pick up your phone (it must be switched off) and hold the “Menu” button (the key at the bottom right of your phone), now while holding the “Menu” button connect your phone to your PC with an USB cable.
9.) Once connected — the LED light near the phone’s USB plug will turn blue. If it doesn’t — repeat the Step 8.
10.) Now to install the drivers do the following:
Extract the “drivers.zip” file you got in Step 2.1
Open “Device Manager” on your PC and look for “S1Boot Fastboot” under the head “Other devices”
Right-click on “S1Boot Fastboot” and select “Update Driver Software…”
Now select “Browse my computer for driver software” and select the folder where you’ve extracted all the three files you got in Step 2. Once done — click Ok.
Now click Next (Make sure you’ve ticked the “Include subfolders” checkbox).
If you see any Windows security warning box, don’t worry . Just select “Install this driver software anyway”
Wait for “Windows has successfully updated your driver software” message to appear on your screen. Now click Close.
11.) Open the “fastboot” folder from the file we extracted in Step 7.
12.) Now hold Shift and press mouse right click (Shift + Mouse Right Click) anywhere on the empty white space inside the “fastboot” folder. And then select “Open command window here” from the context menu.
13.) Now in the command prompt window type/paste the following:
fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version​
14.) It should return a value like “0.3”. This ensures that your device is correctly connected.
15.) Now type/paste the following line in the command prompt window:
fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY​
IMPORTANT! Replace the word “KEY” from the above line with the KEY that you received in Step 5. Then Hit Enter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
16.) Now wait for the process to complete. Command prompt will show a “Finished” message when it will be completed.
17.)Once it’s done, disconnect the USB cable from your phone and switch it ON.
18.)Your phone’s boot loader should now be Unlocked.
(The above videos and some steps are for Xperia 2011 devices, but most the steps are same for Xperia S/P/U/Sola)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Step 3 : Installing ClockWorkMod Recovery With RoceoverX
Step 3 : Installing ClockWorkMod Recovery With RoceoverX
We Will Install Recovery Using RecoverX Software.
Download The Software from Here ----> RecoverX v1.6.8.0
You just have to select your device and the recovery, click "Install" and RecoverX does the rest !!! It's that simple!!
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"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
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Step 4 : Flashing ROM
Step 4 : Flashing ROM
Assuming you have already downloaded your required file, let’s proceed.
ROM Flashing
1.) Copy Paste update on Phone
Copy update- copy update-xxx-xxx-xxx.zip coresponding to your device to sdcard
Copy GAPPS. Download Link [Here]
2.) Flash CM kernel
Set USB Debugging On from Settings - Developer Options.
Connect the phone to the PC.
Click 1 - Click the Lightning icon.
Select 2 - Select the Fastboot Mode.
Click 3 - Click Ok.
Click 4 - Select Reboot Into Fastboot Via Adb and wait for the phone to go into fastboot mode. (Blue led).
Click 5 - Select Reboot Into Fastboot Via Fastboot and wait for the phone to go into fastboot mode. (Blue led).
Click 6 and 7 - Select the boot.img (Extract The boot.img file from zip)
Click 8 - Reboot phone. After reboot, the phone will be in recovery mode.​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3.) Boot into Recovery
While FXP logo is displayed (and lights are lit) press several times volume up to enter CWM (recovery)
4.) Flash ROM
To update main rom select
Install zip from sdcard
Choose zip from sdcard
Select your update (copied at step 2)
To flash gapps redo steps a-c and select gapps package
Use gapps version designed for your android version !!! Link ---> Here, Gapps
5.Wipe device
Whip Cache
Whip Dalvik Cache (Advanced Option)
Cache Partition
If after boot you experience ForceClose then is recomended to reboot to recovery and wipe device​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6.) Partition format
7.) Reboot and Enjoy :victory:
Troubleshooting
If you experience a bootloop (phone constantly reboots and reboots on the boot screen) or a soft brick (powering on the phone shows an orange triangle with a phone and computer), don’t be afraid. XDA to the rescue!
For a bootloop:
Hold The Power Button And Volume Up Button
If You Hold For 3 Seconds = Soft Reset = 1 Viberation
If You Hold For 10 Seconds = Hard Reset = 3 Viberations***
Power on the Phone Again, Keep pressing Volume Up Button
Your phone will boot into recovery.
Select “Wipe data/ Factory reset”. (Volume Up for going up and Volume down to go down)
After the reset is done, select “Reboot system now”.
The phone will reboot and you should be all fine.
***Do Not Try Hard Reset Untill And Unless The Phone is Facing Major Problems,
For a soft brick:
You probably flashed some faulty firmware or firmware not meant for your device.
The File You Downloaded Must Be Incomplete.
Download the correct firmware and flash again.

Feedback And Corrections
Please Feel Free To Message Me About Any Dead Links Or Corrections​
Feedbacks Are Welcome!​​

Which is the best way to flash / install a custom ROM / gapps ? With Flashtool or through TWRP / CWM ?
I'm now on stock ROM, Xperia ZL. Do i have to wipe / factory reset / cache / Dalvik cache if i use TWRP ?
Every advice is welcome, thank you

xperia s 2013 jelly bean
I have a question for xperia s jellybean 4.1.2 , i already root it using some other easy method and i wanna know how to flash rom on to that , i have no idea how to flash a rom and i m scared if i try this something might happen so i m asking for help?:laugh:

I know its ment to be straight forward but I have become stuck...
In step 4 - "Click 6/7" when using the Xperia Flasher where do I find the boot.img i need to put on my phone?
Thanks
---------- Post added at 01:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:45 AM ----------
chuckie987 said:
I know its ment to be straight forward but I have become stuck...
In step 4 - "Click 6/7" when using the Xperia Flasher where do I find the boot.img i need to put on my phone?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would appear the ROM i downloaded didnt have a kernel.img but now i have a differant ROM and it has a boot.img so all good again!

Can i follow this method on xperia sl and also can i flash xperia s roms to xperia sl.....my boatloader is unlocked but phone isnt rooted so i guess i will skip unlock boatloader method.....which kernel should i flash for slimbean 4.3...it will be great help if someone answer these questions

Please Help
Hi, I searched a lot for the way to flash a custom rom on my Xperia S. But now halfway through, I've got a problem. My device says it does not allow to unlock bootloader, so does that mean that there is no way I can flash a custom rom on my phone? :crying:

mjk123 said:
Hi, I searched a lot for the way to flash a custom rom on my Xperia S. But now halfway through, I've got a problem. My device says it does not allow to unlock bootloader, so does that mean that there is no way I can flash a custom rom on my phone? :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use only Stock based ROM for locked bootloaders, not the unlocked bootloaders one.

This is very nice thread. For begginers like me in the rooting this.... loved it. i wast to ask a question
can we flash any zip file using flashtool or there are onle few specific files?

mr.sky10295 said:
This is very nice thread. For begginers like me in the rooting this.... loved it. i wast to ask a question
can we flash any zip file using flashtool or there are onle few specific files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash .zip files using flashtool. You can flash only Firmwares or kernel files using flashtool.

Mirhawk said:
You cannot flash .zip files using flashtool. You can flash only Firmwares or kernel files using flashtool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ohh...then is there any other method to flash zips otherthan going into recovery?
i am asking because my recovery is not working. when i go into recovery, blank black screen comes up. and it gets stuck there. i waited for very long time to make sure that it is stuck

mr.sky10295 said:
ohh...then is there any other method to flash zips otherthan going into recovery?
i am asking because my recovery is not working. when i go into recovery, blank black screen comes up. and it gets stuck there. i waited for very long time to make sure that it is stuck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which recovery are You using? The 2.8.1.0? It doesn't work with Xperia S. Use the 2.8.0.1 version.

Mirhawk said:
Which recovery are You using? The 2.8.1.0? It doesn't work with Xperia S. Use the 2.8.0.1 version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait i will let you know the complete story.
so what happened is
first i was on CM11 for few mnths then switched to MIUIv5 for 1 month. everything was working fine
but when day before yesterday i flashed PA rom i am not able to access the recovery now (previously there was TWRP in my XS). now i can't flash any zip file
when i reboot to recovery it gets stuck on black blank screen. Even the recovery apps like twrp are not working. when i tried to install recovery through app, the app crashes.
As recovery is not working i cant even switch to other roms or any zip file.
i am totally stuck on this ROM
i asked this que on sony mobile group on FB (created by some sony fans), one of the member said "probably this is not ROM fault but the kernel fault. consider trying new kernel"

mr.sky10295 said:
Wait i will let you know the complete story.
so what happened is
first i was on CM11 for few mnths then switched to MIUIv5 for 1 month. everything was working fine
but when day before yesterday i flashed PA rom i am not able to access the recovery now (previously there was TWRP in my XS). now i can't flash any zip file
when i reboot to recovery it gets stuck on black blank screen. Even the recovery apps like twrp are not working. when i tried to install recovery through app, the app crashes.
As recovery is not working i cant even switch to other roms or any zip file.
i am totally stuck on this ROM
i asked this que on sony mobile group on FB (created by some sony fans), one of the member said "probably this is not ROM fault but the kernel fault. consider trying new kernel"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If You are on Beta 6 of PA, it doesn't have twrp or cwm. Flash the twrp v2.8.0.1 by terminal emulator method.

Mirhawk said:
If You are on Beta 6 of PA, it doesn't have twrp or cwm. Flash the twrp v2.8.0.1 by terminal emulator method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am on PA 4.6 BETA4
terminal emulator means the android app or PC's cmd?
PS: sorry giving you too much trouble by asking stupid questions. but i dont have much knowledge about this things deeply. so kindly bear me for some time.

mr.sky10295 said:
i am on PA 4.6 BETA4
terminal emulator means the android app or PC's cmd?
PS: sorry giving you too much trouble by asking stupid questions. but i dont have much knowledge about this things deeply. so kindly bear me for some time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah yes, even that one doesn't have recovery.
Unlocked bootloader is must.
You need an Android app. You can find the app here. Also, here is the page of the twrp.
What You need to do is, download the twrp from here. Rename it to fotakernel.img .
Then copy it to Your sdcard.
Then run the following commands on the terminal emulator app:
Code:
su
dd if=/sdcard/fotakernel.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p11
TWRP installed!

[ROOT][SL/LT26ii] How-to for rooting newest firmware 6.2.B.1.96

The same method mentioned by DooMLoRD here at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2417672 holds true for [FTF][LT26ii]New firmware Xperia SL[ 6.2.B.1.96 ] Generic World + ME
THESE METHODS WORKS FOR BOTH LOCKED & UNLOCKED BOOTLOADERS
Either you can flash the Xperia S kernels mentioned in DooMLoRD's post or you can choose kernels made exclusively for Xperia SL (LT26ii)
I have followed the later path and used stock kernels extracted from signed ftf ROMs.
Method 1 (Easier)
1- Download these three files:
(1) LT26ii_6.2.B.0.211_XperiaSL_KernelOnly.ftf - 6.36 MB
(2) LT26ii_6.2.B.1.96_XperiaSL_KernelOnly.ftf - 6.33 MB
(3) DooMLoRD_Easy-Rooting-Toolkit_v18_perf-event-exploit.zip - 2.96 MB
2- Download [FTF][LT26ii]New firmware Xperia SL[ 6.2.B.1.96 ] Generic World + ME and flash your phone by putting it in flashmode by pressing VOLUME DOWN KEY while plugging in to your PC via USB cable(Optional if you didn't have already flashed latest stock firmware).
3- Open Flashtool and flash LT26ii_6.2.B.0.211_XperiaSL_KernelOnly.ftf - 6.36 MB the same way you would flash a stock ROM by putting your device in flashmode (but this time it's only the kernel).
4- Disconnect from PC, reboot and turn on USB debugging mode and install from Unknown Source.
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"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
5- Close Flashtool and Root your device with DooMLoRD_Easy-Rooting-Toolkit_v18_perf-event-exploit.
6- After automatic restart you should be able to see SuperSU app installed on your phone.
7- Open Flashtool and put your device in flashmode then flash original LT26ii_6.2.B.1.96_XperiaSL_KernelOnly.ftf - 6.33 MB.
8- Reboot!!! Your device is now rooted.
Method 2
1- Instead of using XperiaS_LT26i_6.2.B.0.211_KernelOnly.ftf - 6.36 MB , download stock .211 kernelLT26ii_6.2.B.0.211_kernel.sin - 6.74 MB
2- Instead of XperiaS_LT26i_6.2.B.1.96_KernelOnly.ftf - 6.33 MB, use this stock .96 kernel LT26ii_Xperia_ SL_6.2.B.1.96_kernel.sin - 6.71 MB
3- Download DooMLoRD_Easy-Rooting-Toolkit_v18_perf-event-exploit.zip - 2.96 MB
4- Download the Minimal ADB and Fastboot Tools.
5- Put the both stock kernels in the same folder of ADB and Fastboot Tools.
6- Press Shift+Right Click inside this folder and choose Open command window here.
7- Shutdown your device.
8- Put XSL in fastboot mode by pressing Volume UP key while connecting the USB cable to your powered off Xperia SL (Blue LED is the sign that your device is connected to your PC in fastboot mode).
9- Run this command in command prompt
Code:
fastboot flash boot "LT26ii_6.2.B.0.211_kernel.sin"
10- Disconnect the device after successful finish and POWER ON.
11- Root with the same method mentioned in DooMLoRD's thread using DooMLoRD_Easy-Rooting-Toolkit_v18_perf-event-exploit.
12- At this point you will need to re-flash .96 stock kernel.
13- Shutdown your device again.
14- Put Xperia SL in fastboot mode.
15- Run this command in command prompt
Code:
fastboot flash boot "LT26ii_Xperia_ SL_6.2.B.1.96_kernel.sin"
16- Disconnect the device after successful finish and POWER ON.
17- Your device is now rooted.

It said: "FAILED! The Device must be rooted first!"
Please show me how to solve this!

nemocapt said:
It said: "FAILED! The Device must be rooted first!"
Please show me how to solve this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What said FAILED! The Device must be rooted first!"? I performed all the above mentioned steps on the stock ROM. Be sure to turn on the USB Debugging ON and Install from Unknown Sources.

AncientLord said:
What said FAILED! The Device must be rooted first!"? I performed all the above mentioned steps on the stock ROM. Be sure to turn on the USB Debugging ON and Install from Unknown Sources.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, because the flashtool did not recognize my X SL though I have installed the latest version flashtool. Does anyone have the same problem??
Who can tell me how to do now, please!

installed by the method 1 and it worked 100%, Root and CWM

nemocapt said:
Sorry, because the flashtool did not recognize my X SL though I have installed the latest version flashtool. Does anyone have the same problem??
Who can tell me how to do now, please!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to manually locate your phone model. And remember it will fall under Sony Xperia S (LT26).
Next thing you will have to do is click Flash Device button (The lightning button).

AncientLord said:
You have to manually locate your phone model. And remember it will fall under Sony Xperia S (LT26).
Next thing you will have to do is click Flash Device button (The lightning button).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for your help! ^^ Wish you best things!

nemocapt said:
Thank you so much for your help! ^^ Wish you best things!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Much appreciated mate. Thank you very much.

bernardo415 said:
installed by the method 1 and it worked 100%, Root and CWM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So,,,, if i use the method 1, cwm recovery will be auto installed, isnt it?
Just want to make sure
sent from my White Billabong Satsuma

dhallbhoo said:
So,,,, if i use the method 1, cwm recovery will be auto installed, isnt it?
Just want to make sure
sent from my White Billabong Satsuma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regardless of the method, you will only get root access. You can always get CWM through flashing custom kernel.

AncientLord said:
Regardless of the method, you will only get root access. You can always get CWM through flashing custom kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about cwm? Can i use from doomlord? As i know, thats for XS
Sent from my LT26w using xda premium

dhallbhoo said:
How about cwm? Can i use from doomlord? As i know, thats for XS
Sent from my LT26w using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup sure. You can use from DooMLoRD. As far as I can tell (please correct me if I am wrong) that XS and XSL share the identical kernel.

Does flashing erase the phone data?

SonyXperiaS said:
Does flashing erase the phone data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, flashing kernel will not erase phone data. However, flashing stock full ROM will definitely erase your phone data (The builtin SD card is not touched). You are advised to take backup before trying anything.

I am having issue using both the methods. Emma doesn't work on locked bootloader and neither fastboot. Am I missing something?
EDIT: I run on Windows 8 and all of my ports are USB 3.0. I remembered I ran something to make it compatible in order for me to update via PC Companion - perhaps I am missing a compatible fastboot driver?
EDIT: Got it worked. I am silly, thinking that flashtool is the Emma provided by Sony, but instead the flashtool here means the one by bin4ry and androxyde.

SonyXperiaS said:
Does flashing erase the phone data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tanjinjack said:
I am having issue using both the methods. Emma doesn't work on locked bootloader and neither fastboot. Am I missing something?
EDIT: I run on Windows 8 and all of my ports are USB 3.0. I remembered I ran something to make it compatible in order for me to update via PC Companion - perhaps I am missing a compatible fastboot driver?
EDIT: Got it worked. I am silly, thinking that flashtool is the Emma provided by Sony, but instead the flashtool here means the one by bin4ry and androxyde.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Emma was never meant in the first place.

Got a stupid problem. When I connect my SXS (power + vol down), green led light comes up, flash tool says "Connected device with USB debugging mode off" (obviously it's turned on), and it comes back after ca. 10-20 secs to charging mode. I can't even start flash, because I'm doing everything slowly (to don't destroy my phone ), so when I'm ready to press flash it change back to normal charging. Adb drivers from few sources installed (device manager indicate properly), pcc, SUS installed.
Tap Tap Tapatalk - Sony Xperia S [4.1.2]

ThaweK said:
Got a stupid problem. When I connect my SXS (power + vol down), green led light comes up, flash tool says "Connected device with USB debugging mode off" (obviously it's turned on), and it comes back after ca. 10-20 secs to charging mode. I can't even start flash, because I'm doing everything slowly (to don't destroy my phone ), so when I'm ready to press flash it change back to normal charging. Adb drivers from few sources installed (device manager indicate properly), pcc, SUS installed.
Tap Tap Tapatalk - Sony Xperia S [4.1.2]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, you are adopting the wrong methodology.
First turn on the USB debugging in normal stock rom.
Then turn your device off and wait for 30 seconds after powering off.
Afterwards just press the volume down key (not the power key) and connect your micro USB cable (that is of-course connected to your PC).
This will put your device in flash mode.
Cheers.

Thanks! works great! just rooted two of my friend's phones

link downlod error
Please give me the correct link download..because the link from dev-host doesn't work

[Kernel] [Unmaintained] Stock Marshmallow Kernel with Root + DRM Fix

Before starting, your phone must have an unlockable bootloader. If your Xperia M5 have a permanently locked bootloader, unfortunately you can't use this kernel.
As you may already know, Sony enabled verified boot on Xperia M5 starting with the Marshmallow firmwares just like on their recent flagships (Z3+/Z5/X Performance/etc) and thus, dd Flasher Minimal won't work anymore because it writes into system partition, and so, dm-verity would fail and the phone would refuse to boot.
How it works?
The main issue is dm-verity, which prevents any kind of modification on system partition, so we must disable it. Unfortunately, you need to modify the RAM Disk of the kernel to disable dm-verity, and to flash a modified kernel, you'll need to unlock the bootloader, wiping your device unique DRM keys in the process. Fortunately, @tobias.waldvogel developed a tool which includes a DRM fix, aimed mostly at the Xperia flagships, but it also works very well with Xperia M5, and thanks to iovyroot/iovySU and the previous exploitable firmwares, we can make a TA Backup without much trouble!
So, in other words, this modified kernel comes in 3 different variants and is exactly the same as the stock Marshmallow kernels despite the following changes:
• Verified boot (dm-verity) disabled on the SuperSU variant (and it'll get automatically disabled after you install a root solution on top of the DRM Fix variant).
• SuperSU v2.78 SR2 in system-less mode (and a small modification to make it survive factory resets) on the SuperSU variant.
• DRM fix library (more about that later) on the SuperSU and DRM Fix variants.
Supported Firmwares
For single SIM variants (E5603, E5606 and E5653):
• 30.2.A.0.100
• 30.2.A.0.110
• 30.2.A.1.21
For dual SIM variants (E5633, E5643 and E5663):
• 30.2.B.0.100
• 30.2.B.0.110
• 30.2.B.1.21
Requirements
• Your device must have an unlockable bootloader. (you can check that in the Service Menu, on your phone, open the dialer and enter *#*#7378423#*#*, then go to Service Info => Configuration => Rooting Status).
• You must be running one of the supported firmwares and should flash a variant that matches the firmware version you're running.
• ADB drivers and fastboot should be installed on the computer.
• (Optional, but highly recommended) A TA backup of your device, taken before unlocking its bootloader, to restore DRM-related functions, if using the SuperSU or the DRM Fix variant.
Kernel Variants
Before continuing, you should pick and download one of the three variants (you can get them on the "Downloads" tab from the top of this thread Edit: use the alternate download link at the end of this post). Remember to pick the version that matches the firmware you're running, otherwise you might experience bugs or incompatibilities! The available kernel variants are:
• DRM Fix: this variant is the stock kernel with the DRM Fix library included. You must install a root solution (like Magisk or SuperSU) after flashing this variant, otherwise you won't have root access and dm-verity will still be enabled (it'll get automatically disabled after you flash Magisk or SuperSU). That's the variant I recommend for all end-users, and I strongly advise flashing Magisk instead of SuperSU, especially if you want to pass on SafetyNET checks.
• SuperSU: this variant is the stock kernel with the DRM Fix library included, dm-verity disabled and SuperSU v2.78 SR2 pre-installed in systemless mode. Keep in mind if you plan to use Android Pay or other SafetyNET enabled apps that this variant won't pass any SafetyNET check. I only recommend this variant for end-users who don't care about SafetyNET and just want root access quick and dirty, but even then I strongly suggest considering DRM Fix variant + Magisk route instead.
• Stock: as the name implies, this variant is identical to the stock kernel without any kind of modification, repacked in a standard Android Boot Image format file, thus, bypassing all incompatibilities with kernel patching and editing tools caused by the ELF format + Mediatek header that's used on the stock firmware. This version won't disable dm-verity, won't provide root access and doesn't include the DRM Fix, it's aimed at modders and developers only.
Instructions
The instructions are split into three smaller sections. If you already have unlocked the device's bootloader, jump straight to the 2nd section.
Backing up the TA partition and unlocking the bootloader
Before unlocking the bootloader, I highly recommend making a backup of the TA partition of your device as it'll allow relocking your bootloader and restoring your device unique DRM keys in the future and it'll also allow restoring full DRM related functionality on your phone through the DRM fix library included in the DRM Fix and SuperSU variants of this kernel.
To make a TA backup, your phone should be already rooted (you can do that on Xperia M5 by downgrading to one of supported firmwares and then using iovySU, click here for more details), after that, use Backup TA to make the backup. Also, keep in mind that the TA partition is unique to every device and you should NOT EVER restore or use a TA backup of another phone, even if it's from exactly the SAME model and variant! Doing that will hard brick your device, most of times beyond repair.
After making a TA Backup you can safely unlock your bootloader, start by going to Sony Developer World and follow the instructions to request your bootloader unlock key. Note: Xperia M5 isn't in the list of unlockable devices but you can pick any other device on the list (I picked up Xperia Z5, for example), it'll also work without issues.
After you got your bootloader unlock key, simply turn off your phone, hold the Volume Up key and plug the USB cable. Keep holding Vol Up until notification LED becomes blue. Now, run the following commands to unlock your bootloader (this will wipe all data on internal storage, make sure to backup important data first!):
Code:
fastboot oem unlock 0x<your device key>
fastboot reboot
(since internal storage will be wiped, the first boot after unlocking the bootloader will take a while to complete)
Flashing your device key
You need a TA Backup from when your bootloader was still locked to perform this step, if you didn't make a TA Backup before unlocking the bootloader, your device keys are gone forever thus you can't flash your device key, so, skip directly to the next section.
On Xperia devices, when you unlock the bootloader, the unique device key get deleted forever and so some proprietary Sony features (X-Reality/Mobile BRAVIA Engine, proprietary camera denoise algorithms, etc) and DRM-related features cease to work. The DRM fix library included in the DRM Fix and SuperSU variants of this kernel fully reactivates all DRM-related functionality by loading your device key from an alternate TA Unit (which we'll flash now).
First we need to extract your unique device key from the TA backup, you can do that with Root Kernel. Extract it somewhere and put your TA backup on the same folder (if you did your backup through iovyroot, it's a file named TA-xxxxxx.img, if you did your backup through Backup TA it's a file named TA.img which will be inside the .ZIP file) then run the following command through Command Prompt (or Terminal if you're on Linux/Mac):
Code:
flash_dk <ta backup image> DK.ftf
If everything went well, you'll now have a FTF file of around 500 bytes named DK.ftf on the same folder. Using Androxyde's FlashTool, flash this file in your phone through flash mode. An alternative method is opening DK.ftf with WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract the file DK.ta and then using FlashTool Pro Mode (File => Switch Pro then Advanced => Trim Area => S1 => Flash TA File). You only need to do this step once, no need to reflash the key even after flashing other FTF files or doing a Factory Reset.
After that, you're ready to flash the kernel, follow to the next section.
Flashing the modified kernel
If you have downgraded your device to make a TA backup on the previous sections, it's time to go back to one of the supported Marshmallow firmwares before continuing!
Now, unzip the kernel variant you've downloaded earlier, then turn off your device, hold Volume Up and plug the USB cable. Keep holding Vol Up until the notification LED turns blue, then run the following commands to flash the kernel (replace the file name with the appropriate version of the variant you've selected):
For example, if you have an E5603, E5606 or E5653 on 30.2.A.1.21 and have chosen the DRM Fix variant the command would be:
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot_m5_ss_30.2.A.1.21_drmfix.img
fastboot reboot
Or if you have an E5633, E5643 or E5663 and have chosen the SuperSU variant the command would be:
Code:
fastboot flash boot boot_m5_ds_30.2.B.1.21_supersu.img
fastboot reboot
If you've flashed the SuperSU variant, that's it. Upon rebooting you should see SuperSU in the app drawer. If you've flashed the DRM Fix variant you should now boot into TWRP recovery and install either Magisk or SuperSU to finish the setup. And thanks to the DRM fix library by @tobias.waldvogel, if you have flashed either the DRM Fix variant + Magisk/SuperSU or the SuperSU variant alongside your device key, you can also redo the Security Test on the Service Menu (open the dialer and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to open) to see it still passes, even with the bootloader unlocked!
Known Issues
• DRM Fix library in the DRM Fix variant will only work if you install Magisk or SuperSU through TWRP recovery.
• Offline charging won't work anymore after flashing the SuperSU variant or the DRM Fix variant + Magisk/SuperSU. Your phone will boot up normally instead.
• If you're running firmware 30.2.x.1.21, you won't be able to reboot directly into recovery by running adb reboot recovery. That's a restriction implemented by Sony, but you can still boot into recovery manually by holding Vol Down + Power while the phone is turned off without the USB cable attached.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Help! Fastboot is stuck at "< waiting for any device >" message!
A: This means fastboot isn't "seeing" your phone, probably because you didn't install ADB drivers (you can use this stand-alone driver). If fastboot still can't see your phone, make sure you don't have emulators like BlueStacks or Genymotion running.
Q: I didn't make any TA backup before unlocking the bootloader, can I still benefit from DRM fix library?
A: Yes, but in a limited manner. Without your device key, the library will work in an "emulation" mode which is sufficient to restore some of Sony proprietary features (like Mobile BRAVIA Engine and noise reduction algorithms in the camera). However, Miracast might not work and any app dependent of Widevine DRM won't work too.
Q: I didn't make any TA backup before unlocking the bootloader, can I flash the device key of another phone?
A: No, those keys are unique for each device, even if they are from exactly the same model and variant. Doing that may also hard brick your phone.
Q: Service Menu indicates that my bootloader can be unlocked even through it's already unlocked. What's happening?
A: The DRM Fix library from the DRM Fix and SuperSU variants loads your device key from an alternative TA Unit, and thus, since the key is present, Service Menu thinks that the bootloader is still locked, even through it isn't. Just ignore it...
Q: Help! I formatted my /data partition / I reseted my phone to factory defaults and it's randomly rebooting at Sony logo. What's happening?
A: Don't worry, you flashed the SuperSU variant and that's just system-less SuperSU reinstalling itself back. During that process is normal that the phone reboots once or twice at Sony logo or shortly after, then everything will be normal.
Q: Does this kernel passes SafetyNET checks? Can I use Android Pay?
A: It passes SafetyNET checks only if you flash the DRM Fix variant and then install Magisk afterwards (you might need to enable Magisk Hide manually through Magisk Manager app). All other variants won't pass SafetyNET, not even the stock one due the unlocked bootloader.
Credits
The most important piece of the SuperSU and DRM Fix variants of this kernel (the DRM Fix library) was made by @tobias.waldvogel. He's also the developer of Root Kernel, which can patch kernels with this library on the fly. Unfortunately, Mediatek kernels have some oddities (like a 512-bytes header at the beginning of the zImage and RAM Disk) that prevents most tools from working without modifications, so I had to edit and patch those kernel variants manually. The system-less integration of SuperSU on the SuperSU variant was done using the official SuperSU installer from @Chainfire despite a minor tweak I did to make root access survive Factory Resets, so, credits (and thanks) to them.
XDA:DevDB Information
Stock Marshmallow Kernel with Root + DRM Fix, Kernel for the Sony Xperia M5
Contributors
mbc07
Kernel Special Features: stock kernel, pre-rooted
Version Information
Status: No Longer Updated
Stable Release Date: 2016-09-01
Created 2016-11-03
Last Updated 2017-08-11
Alternate download link here (XDA DevDB archive)

Thanks @mbc07, it flashed and booted no problem, and now I have a rooted Marshmallow M5 (E5653).
Also Xposed can be installed the easier way now
I had a question, I unlocked my BL already on 6.0, and didn't backup my TA... am I able to go back to Lollipop, relock BL, backup, and then upgrade again? Or is my TA lost for good?

グリッチ said:
I had a question, I unlocked my BL already on 6.0, and didn't backup my TA... am I able to go back to Lollipop, relock BL, backup, and then upgrade again? Or is my TA lost for good?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you didn't take a backup before unlocking the bootloader the first time, your device keys are gone, forever (doing a backup now is useless too as the device keys were already deleted). And you won't be able to relock the bootloader either, only restoring a TA backup of when the device was locked can relock the bootloader on Xperia devices AFAIK...

wrong thread ... need o move a section under Xperia M5 Android Development

Ok thanks for that., i'll do this when i have some confirmation...
I need to summarize a point, tell me if i'm right :
on the first step we must be with firmware lollipop like 30.1.B.1.33 or 55 ?
on the second step we must be with firmware ????
on the third step we must be with firmware 30.2.B.0.100 ?
Thanks again.

Would it be possible to restore DRM from a different phone?

Le_sage said:
Ok thanks for that., i'll do this when i have some confirmation...
I need to summarize a point, tell me if i'm right :
on the first step we must be with firmware lollipop like 30.1.B.1.33 or 55 ?
on the second step we must be with firmware ????
on the third step we must be with firmware 30.2.B.0.100 ?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you got your TA backup you should update your firmware to Marshmallow which is 30.2.B.0.100 in your case

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it's not good
when you type the command is the information that you can find the file

otsukaranz said:
Would it be possible to restore DRM from a different phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the FAQ?
Q: I didn't make any TA backup before unlocking the bootloader, can I flash the device key of another phone?
A: No, those keys are unique for each device, even if they are from exactly the same model and variant. Doing that may also hard brick your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

You made my day! Thanks a lot!

Help. I'm stuck at the waiting for device message. ADB sees my device only if it's on... After I go into fastboot mode it can't see it. My phone has bootloader unlocked and I have ADB drivers on my computer.

Le_sage said:
Ok thanks for that., i'll do this when i have some confirmation...
I need to summarize a point, tell me if i'm right :
on the first step we must be with firmware lollipop like 30.1.B.1.33 or 55 ?
on the second step we must be with firmware ????
on the third step we must be with firmware 30.2.B.0.100 ?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This kernel only works on Marshmallow firmware (30.2.A.0.100 / 30.2.B.0.100), you need to downgrade only if you didn't take a TA backup yet (and I suggest doing that with iovySU + Backup TA in this case -- iovySU works only on 30.0.A.1.23/30.0.B.1.23 or 30.1.A.1.33/30.1.B.1.33, so you should downgrade to one of these). After making the TA backup you should go back to Marshmallow firmware, though. I'll make this more clear in the OP...
otsukaranz said:
Would it be possible to restore DRM from a different phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean using the DRM Fix library in the kernel of another Xperia device, I don't know, but probably. The trick is including libdrmfix.so libraries either in the RAM Disk or directly into the system partition then referencing it in LD_PRELOAD environment variable that is initialized in one of the init*.rc scripts from the RAM Disk (@tobias.waldvogel probably can explain better as the library was made by him). If you mean using only the keys of another device into yours, as I said in the FAQ, probably not and I wouldn't risk trying since messing with the TA partition may hard brick your device.
leszek732 said:
it's not good
when you type the command is the information that you can find the file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't see your screenshot. And I can assure the kernel for dual SIM at least is working. I didn't test the kernel for single SIM variant but seeing the feedback of single SIM users it's apparently working very well too...
MarkusPolska said:
Help. I'm stuck at the waiting for device message. ADB sees my device only if it's on... After I go into fastboot mode it can't see it. My phone has bootloader unlocked and I have ADB drivers on my computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said in the FAQ, fastboot drivers (which generally comes with ADB) aren't installed on your computer. While your device is connected in fastboot mode (blue LED on), check the Device Manager on your computer, it'll probably show your phone with a yellow exclamation mark (meaning the drivers aren't installed/weren't detected).

As I said in the FAQ, fastboot drivers (which generally comes with ADB) aren't installed on your computer. While your device is connected in fastboot mode (blue LED on), check the Device Manager on your computer, it'll probably show your phone with a yellow exclamation mark (meaning the drivers aren't installed/weren't detected).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I found it out a few minutes after I posted my reply... Although I still can't install the drivers (I'm on windows 10) even after I disabled driver checks in the booting options. How do I install the fastboot drivers?
EDIT: Never mind I got it. Damn you windows 10 updates. S**t keeps messing up my computer -_-
Thanks man! You're the best:good:

Le_sage said:
Did you read the FAQ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, tldr. Anyways, Thank you for your response.

I should flash TA.ftf when i'm on stock MM and than flash kernel?

SimonZ said:
I should flash TA.ftf when i'm on stock MM and than flash kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Despite being a FTF, it's just a .TA file inside, so, it doesn't really matter what firmware you are, the device key will be flashed directly into your TA partition (but in another unit), thus, you need to do this only one time...

mbc07 said:
This kernel only works on Marshmallow firmware (30.2.A.0.100 / 30.2.B.0.100), you need to downgrade only if you didn't take a TA backup yet (and I suggest doing that with iovySU + Backup TA in this case -- iovySU works only on 30.0.A.1.23/30.0.B.1.23 or 30.1.A.1.33/30.1.B.1.33, so you should downgrade to one of these). After making the TA backup you should go back to Marshmallow firmware, though. I'll make this more clear in the OP...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I've done it!
I was on Firmware 30.1.B.1.55/30.1.A.1.55 rooted with kingroot, i've made the first step to save my TA partition and then unlock the bootloader. Then I flash the phone to Firmware MM 30.2.B.0.100/30.2.A.0.100, then I flash the device key with my previous TA Backup and to finish I flash the modified kernel.
Thanks a lot, Marshmallow work and is rooted!
(I just have a lite problem with ES explorer pro which say your phone is not rooted but the other apps are ok)

Anybody and upload boot.ftf for 30.1.A.1.55?
Current device : E5603 - YT911AWYRQ - 1301-1679_R6A - 1295-9162_30.1.A.1.55 - GENERIC_30.1.A.1.55
Loader : S1_Root_ac45 - Version : MT6795_16 / Boot version : S1_Boot_MT6795_L1.MP2.TC9SP_21 / Bootloader status : ROOTED
I can´t boot the phone... (I can´t flash me boot.img copy)
Enviado desde mi DROID4 mediante Tapatalk

I've started the steps to obtain rooted MM and with backup of my drm.
For first thing downgrade to compatible iovySU firmware so Flashtool has flashed the E5603_30.1.A.1.33_Customized_CE1_1300-5608_R4A.ftf but don't ask to me for FSC script, i was scared about it...
When finished i turn on my phone and...
M5 boot!!! Why?? Should not to be bricked?
Anyway i can't make the TA Backup, iovyroot give me alway some error
Code:
iovyroot by zxz0O0
poc by idler1984
[+] Changing fd limit from 1024 to 4096
[+] Changing process priority to highest
[+] Getting pipes
[+] Allocating memory
[+] Installing JOP
[+] Patching address 0xffffffc0011a72b0
[+] Start map/unmap thread
[+] Start write thread
[+] Spraying kernel heap
[+] Start read thread
[+] Done
[+] Patching addr_limit
[+] Patching address 0xffffffc055554008
[+] Start map/unmap thread
[+] Start write thread
[+] Spraying kernel heap
[+] Start read thread
[+] Done
[+] Removing JOP
got root lmao
Unable to chmod /data/local/tmp/tabackup/TA-04092016.img: No such file or directory
chown: /data/local/tmp/tabackup/TA-04092016.img: No such file or directory
could not open /dev/block/platform/mtk-msdc.0/by-name/TA, No such file or directory
could not open /data/local/tmp/tabackup/TA-04092016.img, No such file or directory
Error copying TA.img
rm: /data/local/tmp/tabackup/TA-*.img: No such file or directory
Premere un tasto per continuare . . .

finally I fix my phone, 6.0 + root + recovery + drmkeys + xposed, thanks for this