[Q] Unlocking and Rooting a R800AT - Xperia Play Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've been through a few guides and tips, yet I am still having trouble unlocking the bootloader and rooting an AT&T Xperia Play. I've tried using flashtools, downgrading firmwares, sonys official unlocking tool couldn't work, the manufacture date is past some programs limitations, and one last one suggested using gingerbreak and .184 UK firmware, however the .184 UK firmware is missing from links.
If anyone could help me out, or push me in the right direction, it would be greatly appriciated because I am completely lost.

I suppose to throw in some tests I did, after checking the rooting status using *#*#7378423#*#* on the dialer, nothing shows up indicating any rooting status, so the bootloader is still locked I suppose. The IMEI is 357593041206718, which is 15 characters and cannot be used for sony's official unlocking. The manufacture date is 12W15, past some companies ways to patch the boot loader, namely fastgsm's. I tried messaging the program from testpoint I guess (cannot post links but the second option to unlock in the wiki) to try and use their pay service.

A bit of progress, I believe I have unlocked and rooted the phone. When turned off, plugged in, and holding search, a blue light now appears. I ran super one click and got it to allow super user! Also, I got here by using an outside service to unlock my phone by shorting the two pins on the phone and plugging it in as well as using a credit.
So anyways, now even though WiFi is on and working, I cannot connect to the play store. Also confused at how to install a custom recovery software and how I can get my phone to ICS.

ThomasBags said:
A bit of progress, I believe I have unlocked and rooted the phone. When turned off, plugged in, and holding search, a blue light now appears. I ran super one click and got it to allow super user! Also, I got here by using an outside service to unlock my phone by shorting the two pins on the phone and plugging it in as well as using a credit.
So anyways, now even though WiFi is on and working, I cannot connect to the play store. Also confused at how to install a custom recovery software and how I can get my phone to ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your looking to install a custom recovery software download x-parts from the android store and it does recover root access however you can not install custom roms due to your locked bootloader. Yes you can install root or su on a locked bootloader. But to install a custom rom if that is what your going to do you need a unlock bootloader. In this case using a program called settool. Unlocking your bootloader is not free and I recommend alejandrissmo a reputable XDA member and he a site you can unlock your bootloader there.

chery2k said:
If your looking to install a custom recovery software download x-parts from the android store and it does recover root access however you can not install custom roms due to your locked bootloader. Yes you can install root or su on a locked bootloader. But to install a custom rom if that is what your going to do you need a unlock bootloader. In this case using a program called settool. Unlocking your bootloader is not free and I recommend alejandrissmo a reputable XDA member and he a site you can unlock your bootloader there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply, I have been able to unlock the bootloader through a difference source, same concept and did cost a tiny bit. Anyways now I'm lost trying to find a ROM that works, tried the AOKP customized release but wifi and bluetooth were not working. Have any suggestions?

Did you flash the wifi modules that went with the kernel you used? You could try to re-flash them if you did.

Lordomn said:
Did you flash the wifi modules that went with the kernel you used? You could try to re-flash them if you did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, found that was the problem for most ROMs. AOKP still had the problem afterward though.

What kernel were you using with AOKP?

Related

[Q] How to fastboot Xperia Play

Hi I have an xperia Play that was locked onto Virgin - I have unlocked it and now want to root it - I have tried everything to get it into fastboot mode - Remove Battery - Replace Battery - Hold Search Key and plug in usb
Nothing
phone just goes to charge mode
any ideas ?
if you need only root don't worry about Fastboot,just do as mentioned in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1045266
you will have your play rooted
keytor69 said:
Hi I have an xperia Play that was locked onto Virgin - I have unlocked it and now want to root it - I have tried everything to get it into fastboot mode - Remove Battery - Replace Battery - Hold Search Key and plug in usb
Nothing
phone just goes to charge mode
any ideas ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as the guy above states, if all it is you are looking for is root access, then just root your phone, but if you actually want to unlock your bootloader to make modifications that require a modified bootloader (there's none so far, but will need if you want to run a alternative kernels etc) you will not be able to do it on a *some* branded devices. It doesn't mean you won't be able to do that stuff in the future, but you should only unlock your bootloader if you really need/want to. It does void your warranty and make it pretty difficult to update/recover currently.
*some* -carrier independent
Hi,guys.
I have unlocked my r800at from at&t. And now i want open bootloader on my phone. I want flash otger kernel. Is it possible some way? maybe some testpoints?
zzhenekk said:
Hi,guys.
I have unlocked my r800at from at&t. And now i want open bootloader on my phone. I want flash otger kernel. Is it possible some way? maybe some testpoints?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice bump.
Sent from my R800x using XDA
I need unlock it. so, any ideas?
zzhenekk said:
Hi,guys.
I have unlocked my r800at from at&t. And now i want open bootloader on my phone. I want flash otger kernel. Is it possible some way? maybe some testpoints?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you just went to At&t and they unlocked it for you?
Have to pay to get it unlocked. Search the forums about unlocking the bootloader to find the guys on here that do it.
snip
Alejandrissimo or jinx.
Or buy some Omnius credits and do it yourself
Sent from a Galaxy far away
Moved to Q & A
pax you a mod now?
Sent from a Galaxy far, far away
mine is an r800at, and i do have my boot loader unlocked by alejandrissimo, but i still cannot get my phone into fastboot mode for my life.. any ideas?

[Q] R800a can not OTA update or enter fastboot, root problems? mode.

I recently purchased a R800 from someone on Craigslist. The phone is already rooted, permanantly I think since it is rooted after doing a factory restore. It is not sim locked, I believe its factory unlocked.
I tried to do the OTA update, which downloads, but fails to install. It appears to get about 3/4 of the way done, reboots and gives me an "update failed" message.
I wanted to unlock the boot loader, I got the unlock key from SE. I must of tried 10 times to get the phone to boot into fastboot mode, it NEVER does it. It simply boots up normally. I even got an app that makes it easy to reboot into restore or fastboot modes (just click an option and it reboots), however just like before the phone simply reboots normally. I even did a factory restore prior to trying the update... no go.
Should I try to remove the root access? Is this what is giving me all the problems. I was able to successfully install root explorer and titanium backup and both of those programs worked fine.
R800i, Android 2.3.3, Kernel 2.6.32.9-perf [email protected] #1, Build number 3.0.1.A.0.145
Edit: Title should be "Can not OTA or enter fastboot mode, root problems?"
Is your phone sim locked? Sim locked phones need to be unlocked before able to unlock bootloader or fast load. After you unlock bootloader make sure you never ota update.
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.
Your phone has a locked bootloader and a factory lockout on fastboot.
Best advice to you is flash the r800a world generic 2.3.2 root it with gingerbreak then ota update. Use a program called wontanserver as its super easy.
Dont get anyone to remove your factory locks on fastboot until you read tons of threads on these fourms from the last couple months.
Ok, lets see....
Deoxlar said:
"Is your phone sim locked? Sim locked phones need to be unlocked before able to unlock bootloader or fast load. After you unlock bootloader make sure you never ota update."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is the R800a. It was my understanding that this phone was never locked (factory unlocked). It came in an official Sony Ericsson box and has no carrier branding on it what-so-ever. It was not purchased through a carrier. It does have a weird stock data APN called "Telekila"?!?!?
sdlaurin said:
"Your phone has a locked bootloader and a factory lockout on fastboot.
Best advice to you is flash the r800a world generic 2.3.2 root it with gingerbreak then ota update. Use a program called wontanserver as its super easy.
Dont get anyone to remove your factory locks on fastboot until you read tons of threads on these fourms from the last couple months."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't wontonserver require credits to run? How expensive does this get?
I didn't know the phone could have a factory lock on the bootloader. I did go to the SE website where you get the unlock key and it was successful in giving me a key... Well I shouldn't exactly say "successful", it did give me a key code to use if and when I can unlock the bootloader, weather or not that code is actually legit remains to be seen. I'm a bit skeptical now since you said the phone is bootloader locked from the factory. I though SE was allowing their phones to be unlocked. I recently unlocked my Motorola Atrix and was expecting to do the same with this phone.
Thank you guys for the advice. I love this phone so far but I can't wait to get a custom rom on it
It uses credits but they are free.
There are currently 2 gentlemen on these forums that can remove your fastboot locks and unlock your bootloader.
Have a look for thier threads on this matter
I would like to have this done now, so gentlemen, whomever is able to do this please message me and we can work something out. Im dieing to get a new rom on this awesome phone/game console.
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
If you need help with unlocking your phone contact Alejandrissimo he does Unlocks
I flashed the r800a world generic 2.3.2 rooted it with gingerbreak then ota updated.I get the same thing as DMpire , reboots and gives me an "update failed" message.
Is this because I removed some of the stock apps that came on the phone after it was rooted? Anyone know about this?
Does it matter if the SD card is mounted or not?
Removing stock apps then trying to ota isnt going to happen. Reflash, root, ota, then remove your stock apps
Is there any easy way to do this? can I reflash it as it has a locked bootloader, or do I have to get the bootloader unlocked?
JDMpire said:
I would like to have this done now, so gentlemen, whomever is able to do this please message me and we can work something out. Im dieing to get a new rom on this awesome phone/game console.
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Christian6809 said:
Is there any easy way to do this? can I reflash it as it has a locked bootloader, or do I have to get the bootloader unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Add me to gtalk pals: alejandrissimo[at]gmail.com
Google wontanserver its free

[Q] unlock sim and bootloader on xperia play

Hi.I'm going to buy an italian xperia play branded TIM.
My question is:Can I flash a general firmware to debrand the phone and than unlock the bootloader with fastboot?
Can someone explain me how to do these things?
Thanks very much
Think the 1st sticky thread at the top of this forum should answer all your questions!
well.
my last question.
If i buy a branded xperia,can I flash a general stock firmware non branded after i installerd Clockworkmod for locked bootloader?and next,unlock bootloader and flash doomkernel?
A better way to do that is just to not flash the CWM for locked bootloaders. The reason being that doomlords kernel includes CWM in it already, I'm not sure how the locked version is stored or whatever but you might run into problems if you have both "installed".
So there is a Doomlords kernel for locked bootloaders? mmm..this is a good news.In fact i wanted to flash CWM first because i thought that i have to unbrand my xperia and than flash another kernel.So i can buy xperia branded and install doomkernel? or i have to:
by xperia-install CWM-unbrand Tim-Unlock bootloader-remove CWM-install doomkernel? excuse me for noob
easiest way to debrand your phone: search Wotanserver on google and use their software to debrand (really esay, there's a step by step guide), then do whatever you want...
No, how it works is you have to unlock your bootloader in order to flash a kernel. As for unbranding you can either use the Wotan server or a .ftf file, neither of these require an unlocked bootloader. You can also flash CWM with a locked bootloader, however this is not the one included in doomkernel, and it will not grant you the ability to flash ROMs as you need an unlocked bootloader to flash the kernel. You want to touch the kernel? You need to unlock your bootloader. Unbranding? You can simply use the two methods listed above. All I was saying earlier is that if you plan on getting your bootloader unlocked (which in most cases is going to run you $24) theres no need to install the locked bootloader CWM first as once youre unlocked you can just flash doomkernel and already have CWM installed.
BuckM said:
No, how it works is you have to unlock your bootloader in order to flash a kernel. As for unbranding you can either use the Wotan server or a .ftf file, neither of these require an unlocked bootloader. You can also flash CWM with a locked bootloader, however this is not the one included in doomkernel, and it will not grant you the ability to flash ROMs as you need an unlocked bootloader to flash the kernel. You want to touch the kernel? You need to unlock your bootloader. Unbranding? You can simply use the two methods listed above. All I was saying earlier is that if you plan on getting your bootloader unlocked (which in most cases is going to run you $24) theres no need to install the locked bootloader CWM first as once youre unlocked you can just flash doomkernel and already have CWM installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thanks.i heard that the italian xperia and not the verizon ones can be unlocked with an official method released by sony
Yep thats true, it's the case with a lot of r800i's, if you can put your phone into fastboot mode (turn off, hold search button, plug into usb, blue light comes on) you can unlock it for free through sonys online tool. While the light will go on for the CDMA version you don't have an IMEI to enter on the site so it wont work. All other plays CAN be unlocked, but its not free, you need to go through a pay service to enable fastboot.
Very thanks!however one of my friends bought an xperia and it was GSM R800i TIM and he was able to debrand and unlock so i think that also i can unlock my future xperia,or almost i hope it
Ya it all depends on where you get it from, but keep in mind it only costs $24 to unlock, so even if you find one say on eBay thats cheap but locked to a carrier, you could still just pay $24. That being said they're going pretty cheap now so I don't think you'll have a problem finding one, unlocked or otherwise. As a side not though, you don't need to be unlocked to debrand the phone, you just flash a different firmware file .
and so i can flash a generic firmware with flashtool or similiar?without installing CWM for loocked bootloaders?that's simply excellent!It's can't be better Ok,i will buy an xperia play and not lg optimus dual,that i simply hate xD i don't want a super-power phone,with a bad designe and without the pad.i loved,i love and i will love pad in gaming
Yep you can flash firmware, install CWM, and root, all without unlocking the bootloader (not that you need one to do the others). Unfortunatly the more fun stuff does require an unlocked bootloader, ie overclocking, undervolting, custom ROMs, etc. Anyway you always have the option, so read up on it and decide if you need it or not, regardless, enjoy your new toy

Upgrading from .42 to .62

I have a UK Xperia Play on .42 firmware with CWM recovery and root provided by Zerg Rush.
I've heard that I need .62 to install some of the custom firmwares.
.42 appears to be the latest firmware I can get OTA. I'm not sure the best way to upgrade to .62, do I need to go via .58 or similar.
Does it matter that I have a UK phone?
Is it possible to preserve my settings?
Will I need to re-root at any time?
In the long run I am looking to install DooMKerneL and probably something like Jokawild.
You have to flash the ftf file for your phone
Here is a link to 99% of them
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1589399
If you install a new firmwares. Maybe you'll need to root it again..
But since the devs makes the pre-rooted custom ROMs, you don't need to root it anymore
Sent using xda premium from my customized Xperiaâ„¢ PLAY r800i
I don't have an unlocked bootloader. Is this required to install a custom ROM even if I have root?
Is there any disadvantage to unlocking the bootloader?
kirby2000 said:
I don't have an unlocked bootloader. Is this required to install a custom ROM even if I have root?
Is there any disadvantage to unlocking the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No unlocked bootloader = no custom kernels/ very limited to roms
Only disadvantage is it voids your warranty, but being that you have root, you have no warranty anyway lol
I was in the same position as you. I wanted to get a custom ROM and be able to overclock my phone. After a few annoying errors, I finally got it up and running
Basically, your going to have get your phone into flashmode and then flash the .62.ftf file on your phone. Congratualtions you now have .62FW (although youve lost root).
To get root on .62 FW, your going to have to flash a custom kernel (I did DoomKernel v14). To flash a kernel, your going to have to unlock your bootloader. After unlocking and flashing the kernal, your phone is now rooted.
And plus the positive side Ive heard is that you CANNOT brick your sony eircsson phone. (well you probably could but there is a very very slim chance of that happening).
Thanks.
It seems I can't unlock via the regular Sony way as Unlock Bootloader is set to no.
I think I need S1Tool or something similar (maybe something I have to pay for) to get my bootloader unlocked. I'll check the forums a bit before I ask any questions that haven't been asked before
i did it via omnius and it work great, i just payed 19.76 for one single unlock credit on gsmserver
not sure why people say that root voids warranty.
i have ATT play 4g and it was having hardware issues, so i flashed the stock ATT software back and took it to the store. i got a "new" one in the mail two days ago.
I also sent my rooted xperia play that had the slider broken to CLARO El Salvador and they repaired it (They flashed their ROM again XD)
Now i have unlocked bootloader but who cares i have premium insurance
Any modification to the software voids the warranty..
Update:
I downloaded s1tool and connected the test point to the ground. Everything seems to have worked so I am guessing my bootloader is unlocked. Is there anyway I can verify this, or should I just attempt to install a kernel?
kirby2000 said:
Update:
I downloaded s1tool and connected the test point to the ground. Everything seems to have worked so I am guessing my bootloader is unlocked. Is there anyway I can verify this, or should I just attempt to install a kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to put the phone in flash mode (green light) if it recognizes it, it's unlocked. I think there is a sequence or symbols/numbers you can do to check it, but idk what that is since im a r800x
To check your unlocked bootloader you need to dial: *#*#7378423#*#* , then go under, Service info > Configuration > Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes/No.

[Q] Bootloader unlock allowed: NO

Hello, guys
So i got a series of problems since i unlock the simlock,
I just got my new zl a few days ago, the device was lock to Bell.
I rooted the device and after that, i got a code and enter it to the sim free status.
but here is the problems:
when i check the rooting status, it says bootloader unlock allowed: no. It will fail on if unlock straightway.
As i know, it should turns to yes, but it didn't, hwo come? Also, i flash the recovery, but it only works on first time when i get in the recovery mode.
I selected "reboot system now", and cwm point out that will flash stock recovery, no matter i selected yes or no, recovery doesn't work on next boot.
I used to have Xperia S, it was also says no, after i unlock it turns yes. It wasn't happens on my ZL! I tried to flash a new ftf and wiped all the data,
it still says no. Anyone has a same situation? Can anyone fix it?
Nobody reply? Come on guys...
7xbyte said:
Nobody reply? Come on guys...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked mine too but not root and still say no
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
nutzuTo said:
I unlocked mine too but not root and still say no
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which network was ur phone locks to?
7xbyte said:
Which network was ur phone locks to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was locked on Bell Canada, I unlocked with a code to be used on fido network
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
nutzuTo said:
It was locked on Bell Canada, I unlocked with a code to be used on fido network
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do I, maybe Bell not allow BL to be unlock? Recovery can't even work correctly without BL unlock.
Before ZL. My XS was locked to Rogers. As I said, my XS shows BL unlock allowed after typed in the unlock code. Which mean Bell locked the
BL deadly?
I will keep following this god damn sh!*
nutzuTo, thx anyway.
Can anyone confirm that the Bell Mobility (Canada) ZL's are permanently bootloader locked? I want to get one off the used market, but won't unless it can be fully unlocked.
Thanks
Maybe I didnt read the post properly but unlocking your SIM doesnt unlock the bootloader as well. It simply allows your phone to be used with different carriers. I have the C6506 from Rogers, flashed the stock Sony ROM, rooted the phone and installed TWRP and CWM. My bootloader remains locked. I dont have the need to flash the Kernel so no point in unlocking the BL. Besides, unlocking your BL voids the warranty.
Anyway, I have played with the C6506 from Bell in a store and the BL is set to "Bootloader unlock allowed: No" so its pretty safe to assume that all Bell and Rogers phones cannot be unlocked. This doesnt stop you from rooting, flashing or installing recovery.
Simlock and bl lock two different things
if your bl unlock says yes that means you most have one direct from factory
if your bl unlock says no you either have it on a plan or bought it full price through bell or rogers
carrier branded usually bootlocked
Thanks for the replies guys.
I know that custom rom / root / recovery can be flashed, but coming from a galaxy nexus and n7, I'm used to being able to try out different kernels.
Can custom kernels be installed if they're part of the custom ROM? Usually the rom cook puts in the kernel of her/his choice but we can freely change after.
Anyone feel the need to change kernels or the standard one is good enough?
"Can custom kernels be installed if they're part of the custom ROM? Usually the rom cook puts in the kernel of her/his choice but we can freely change after."
Yes.When you are thinking about installing/flashing custom rom but want different kernel DL and extract the boot.img(name may vary but must end .img)
Now FLASHTOOL is sonys verision of the "Nexus Toolkit" . If you dont have adb setup download and install program to C: as well as all drivers needed. Now in the flashtool folder copy and paste the ".img" kernel into the folder named x10lib.
After double click folder labeled "x10lib" once inside the folder open command prompt window by holding left shift and right click anywhere in the opened x10lib folder.
now make sure your device is connected to your pc in fastboot mode (hold vol +) led will emit blue light.
enter command
"fastboot flash boot boot.img"
followed by
"fastboot reboot"
Anyone feel the need to change kernels or the standard one is good enough?"
yes i first used doomlords kernel (Xperia ZL) mainly for the fact that it came with cwm recovery .thus making the need to flash cwm seperatley an extra non needed step. this was before i flashed 4.2 update.
sirsmokey said:
"Can custom kernels be installed if they're part of the custom ROM? Usually the rom cook puts in the kernel of her/his choice but we can freely change after."
Yes.When you are thinking about installing/flashing custom rom but want different kernel DL and extract the boot.img(name may vary but must end .img)
Now FLASHTOOL is sonys verision of the "Nexus Toolkit" . If you dont have adb setup download and install program to C: as well as all drivers needed. Now in the flashtool folder copy and paste the ".img" kernel into the folder named x10lib.
After double click folder labeled "x10lib" once inside the folder open command prompt window by holding left shift and right click anywhere in the opened x10lib folder.
now make sure your device is connected to your pc in fastboot mode (hold vol +) led will emit blue light.
enter command
"fastboot flash boot boot.img"
followed by
"fastboot reboot"
Anyone feel the need to change kernels or the standard one is good enough?"
yes i first used doomlords kernel (Xperia ZL) mainly for the fact that it came with cwm recovery .thus making the need to flash cwm seperatley an extra non needed step. this was before i flashed 4.2 update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With that said, how would I go about flashing CM or something else aosp based with a locked BL xperia zl?
Can flashtool unlock my BL to allow this?
I ask because I clean see an option there, just haven't wanted to muck about with things I don't yet understand lol
sadly only way to change bootloader unlock allowed to yes is to carrier unlock from ur carrier directly. anyone else and it will not change bootloaded unlock allowed no to YES. I have called bell and sony. sony told me i have to carrier unlock through bell to get it to change to yes only thing is. you have to have had your phone for 90 days and it costs75$ added to ur bill.

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