Rollback to 51.1.A.11.51? - Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Questions & Answers

Greetings,
I've recently got myself upgraded with xz2c. I used to have a rooted z3c back in the days of glory, however now I seem to have less and less time to learn about the current ways to root. I've recently updated my device to pie 52.0.A.3.84 due to the fact I couldn't figure out how to stop the update notification from showing. Phone feels sluggish and overall less functional with the updated version. I am considering to downgrading back to 51.1.A.11.51. Forgive the novice question but AFAIK you loose all your data if you downgrade unless you use something like titanium backup which requires root. Is there a way to do this without root privileges while conserving the user data?

You can try through Flashtool, it can download the firmware with the built in xperifirm app, but you can loose your data of it's something not compatible

I also need this but when i tried, Flashtool didnt recognise my ftf file and oreo firmware is not exist anymore in xperifirm. How can we do rollback process?

Related

[Q] Consequences and benefits of rooting?

I've been researching rooting for a while now but I still don't quite get what the consequences, requirements and benefits are of rooting, flashing etc. The wiki seems to be rather out of date, and doesn't even have an arc section.
What I want is:
1.To stop all the crappy software rogers and sony have forced on there, constantly autostarting themselves(Hotshots golf, setup guide, liveware manager, mobile backup, storefront, postcard, even maps likes to run on its own)
2. Swype
What I am concerned of is:
1. Do I have to erase everything on my phone to root?
2. Would I lose any of the default functionality of the arc?
3. What would I require to do this modification?
4. Can I reverse this process and go back to factory settings?
5. Would I be able to update later on?
and most of all, 6. Would it actually allow me to do what I want as stated above?
I've got an LT15a running 2.3.3 on Rogers with no attempted modifications.
bunktacular said:
I've been researching rooting for a while now but I still don't quite get what the consequences, requirements and benefits are of rooting, flashing etc. The wiki seems to be rather out of date, and doesn't even have an arc section.
What I want is:
1.To stop all the crappy software rogers and sony have forced on there, constantly autostarting themselves(Hotshots golf, setup guide, liveware manager, mobile backup, storefront, postcard, even maps likes to run on its own)
2. Swype
What I am concerned of is:
1. Do I have to erase everything on my phone to root?
2. Would I lose any of the default functionality of the arc?
3. What would I require to do this modification?
4. Can I reverse this process and go back to factory settings?
5. Would I be able to update later on?
and most of all, 6. Would it actually allow me to do what I want as stated above?
I've got an LT15a running 2.3.3 on Rogers with no attempted modifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Nope at all, if you have unlocked bootloader and flash prerooted kernel correlate to your firmware
2. Nope, the phone still remains intact after rooting, just add superuser to your phone
3. Just need your phone rooted and do exactly as the thread owner said, ur gonna be fine.
4. Yes, all you need is flash back to your stock rom
5. Yes, absolutely possible
6. Yes again, once you have root permission (superuser), you can delete those craps and use Swype.
*just a side note,
you can root your phone without unlocking your bootloader but yeah, that would mean loosing your data completely
@Babygau
Alright, thank you very much.
On a follow up then, can you point me towards the best method of rooting an arc, bearing in mind that Rogers has disabled Sony's bootloader?
And also where I would be able to get Swype? Swype's site is pointless and google just brought up people talking about using it, not how to get it.
@cryogenix
Yeah, thats what I was afraid of :/
Rogers disabled the arcs bootloader, I'm trying to figure out what I can do and hopefully not erase my data.
So long as I can achieve the 2 objectives at the top, I'd be happy though.
You'll lose the ability for ota updates when you delete system files. That's the only bad thing at your plan.
Rooting alone won't remove any abilitys.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App
@bunktacular
You would need to flash a 2.3.2 ROM onto your phone (Ignore this if you are on 2.3.2). Rooting is as simple as installing Gingerbreak and running it (Gingerbreak doesn't work on 2.3.3 and hence the need to downgrade to 2.3.2). Then do an OTA (Over The Air) update to 2.3.3 to retain root.
I suggest you wipe user data. Make a backup if need be.
Also, get the latest Swype 3.0 beta from here.
Once you have your rooted 2.3.3, install Titanium Backup. It will allow you to remove all the Rogers and SE bloatware. No, you won't lose the functionality of the arc. You stand to gain with rooting not vice-versa.
The only caveat is that once you remove system apps as Flo95 pointed out is that the next time you want to update your phone, you'd have to resort to SEUS instead of an OTA update.
[With the latest update from SE (i.e. the update from August 1, 2011), I'm not sure about root status.]
xtacy! said:
@bunktacular
You would need to flash a 2.3.2 ROM onto your phone (Ignore this if you are on 2.3.2). Rooting is as simple as installing Gingerbreak and running it (Gingerbreak doesn't work on 2.3.3 and hence the need to downgrade to 2.3.2). Then do an OTA (Over The Air) update to 2.3.3 to retain root.
I suggest you wipe user data. Make a backup if need be.
Also, get the latest Swype 3.0 beta from here.
Once you have your rooted 2.3.3, install Titanium Backup. It will allow you to remove all the Rogers and SE bloatware. No, you won't lose the functionality of the arc. You stand to gain with rooting not vice-versa.
The only caveat is that once you remove system apps as Flo95 pointed out is that the next time you want to update your phone, you'd have to resort to SEUS instead of an OTA update.
[With the latest update from SE (i.e. the update from August 1, 2011), I'm not sure about root status.]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the other easier way is go to this website: http://www.wotanserver.com
create a free account, download their client software, and they will do the rest for you
droidlessons.com/what-is-rooting-on-android-the-advantages-and-disadvantages
Rooting v2.3.2, posted May 15th, 2011:
Updating over-the-air to v2.3.3 and keeping root, posted June 22nd, 2011:
Swype doesn't require root. It's just a regular application install.
Alright then, it seems what I really need is to flash 2.3.2 then, at least until gingerbreak works for 2.3.3.
What's the best method for me to do this?
EDIT:
I have found a fairly detailed guide on doing so, let's see how this goes.
Flashing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1088539
Sucess! Aside from mybackup completely messing up my contacts, everything went smoothly.
if u already have your bootloader unlocked, just flash lastest firmware including prerooted kernel
if not, using gingerbreak
bunktacular said:
Alright then, it seems what I really need is to flash 2.3.2 then, at least until gingerbreak works for 2.3.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt Gingerbreak will patch 2.3.3.
The issue is that the exploits in 2.3.2, 2.3.3 were patched in 2.3.4 by Google and because Sony's version of 2.3.3 was released after 2.3.4 was released, those security fixes from 2.3.4 were backported into Sony's version of 2.3.3.
bunktacular said:
EDIT:
I have found a fairly detailed guide on doing so, let's see how this goes.
Flashing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1088539
Sucess! Aside from mybackup completely messing up my contacts, everything went smoothly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup & Restore from v2.1 is compatible with v2.3.x.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1196908
babygau said:
if u already have your bootloader unlocked, just flash lastest firmware including prerooted kernel
if not, using gingerbreak
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's got a Rogers branded arc branded arc. Therefore, he can't unlock the bootloader (yet).

[Q] Rooted with .434 firmware (4.1.2), Upgraded via OTA, Now Unsure on Root Status?

Hello,
I recently got myself an Xperia ZL C6502 with unloackable bootloader. It came loaded with the .434 firmware (Android Version 4.1.2.), and so I rooted using this method here: ROOT MANY ANDROID v31 by Bin4ry. (link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1886460&highlight=434)
Then I updated via OTA to the .244 firmware (4.2.2) thinking that root would hold through the OTA update. I ran a factory reset afterward, hearing that is good for performance.
The strange thing is, now that I've updated, I'm unsure on root status.
For starters, AVG says I am operating in higher permission mode, aka root is enabled. However, Titanium Backup can't get root access permissions, and when I try to manually update the binary of Superuser 3.1.1 (it's the most current version but I tried anyway), it told me root access failed.
Even stranger is that when I load up Flashtool (latest version as of this date of posting) it tells me Root Access Allowed.
Can anybody help shed some light on this issue I'm having? Apps that require root aren't given permission, Superuser doesn't seem to detect the fact that my device is rooted, yet AVG and Flashtool are telling me that it is.
Thanks in advance.
Any ideas?
CedricFP said:
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may not be the answer you want to hear but if I was you, I would flash a clean 244 build with Flashtool and then root. No more mysteries about whether or not root is there or not ... or if it's a broken root.
You will have a fully rooted latest build of 4.2.2.
Its really easy, only takes 15 min.
Crash338 said:
This may not be the answer you want to hear but if I was you, I would flash a clean 244 build with Flashtool and then root. No more mysteries about whether or not root is there or not ... or if it's a broken root.
You will have a fully rooted latest build of 4.2.2.
Its really easy, only takes 15 min.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply
Yes I had considered that, but I was wondering if I had encountered some kind of show-stopping bug or what-not. Ultimately, doing a clean flash is a last resort, but definitely an option. If anybody else has any idea why this might be, or has encountered this issue before, please do respond!

[Q] From rooted Kitkat to Lollipop

Hi!
My Z1C is rooted, has dualrecovery and is running a stock 4.4.2 (14.3.a.0.757)
I also have a lot of customizations via XPosed.
What would be the easiest way to upgrade to a Lollipop version? Someone suggested I can just upgrade and use towelroot afterwards to regain root, but I could not find any verification of that.
Is it safer to flash a pre-rooted zip and if so can anyone point to a decent source?
Also, will XPosed Framework still be functional on Lollipop? I hear there are so many headachy changes to the security layout that I am not sure of that, but right now I'Äd feel safer with a version that has Stagefright fixed...
Let me know what you think!
Thanks
Walter_White said:
Hi!
My Z1C is rooted, has dualrecovery and is running a stock 4.4.2 (14.3.a.0.757)
I also have a lot of customizations via XPosed.
What would be the easiest way to upgrade to a Lollipop version? Someone suggested I can just upgrade and use towelroot afterwards to regain root, but I could not find any verification of that.
Is it safer to flash a pre-rooted zip and if so can anyone point to a decent source?
Also, will XPosed Framework still be functional on Lollipop? I hear there are so many headachy changes to the security layout that I am not sure of that, but right now I'Äd feel safer with a version that has Stagefright fixed...
Let me know what you think!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, there is currently no 'one click' root for 5.1. There is a thread about a Kingroot-to-Supersu method that I can verify works for 5.0.2. You can root 5.1, but either by fastboot, (requiring unlocked bl), or downgrade method, (which you're already on step 1 with KK). There seems to be varied reports about PRFs, but I'm sure you can find a good one by now. I think the main question is if you're hoping to save app data, Xposed settings, etc., to restore afterwards. If so, I would say it's very iffy. You could try Titanium or something, but I wouldn't be surprised if you get some glitches.
As far as Xposed, it works great on 5.0 or 5.1, and there's new developments coming steadily.
Search Z1c 'general', and 'android development' forums for downloads, etc.
Forgot to mention, BL is unlocked with dualrecovery.
Thanks for your advice so far. Root procedure for 5.1 with unlocked BL is already outlined in a thread here?
And yeah, I agree, trying to save app data / settings is bordering on impossible now, I fear TiBackup has outlived its usefulness when it comes to ROM migration. Spent half of today getting my Z1C apps to Z5C and still not nearly half done.
Damn gremlins.
Walter_White said:
Forgot to mention, BL is unlocked with dualrecovery.
Thanks for your advice so far. Root procedure for 5.1 with unlocked BL is already outlined in a thread here?
And yeah, I agree, trying to save app data / settings is bordering on impossible now, I fear TiBackup has outlived its usefulness when it comes to ROM migration. Spent half of today getting my Z1C apps to Z5C and still not nearly half done.
Damn gremlins.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To root with unlocked bl, flash stock ROM w/ Flashtool, then flash this with fastboot -http://forum.xda-developers.com/sony-xperia-z1-compact/general/ub-root-init-d-support-recovery-busybox-t3202799 - done. Then you can install Xposed, custom kernel, etc..
Thanks!
Will try this as soon as I managed to migrate my stuff fully to my new Z5C. Migration without TiBackup is a real PITA
Just making sure, when using your route "flash any stock and then follow up with the mentioned file" it means I can jump straigfht from 4.4.2 into the 5 era? Or Do I have to go to 5 for some compatibility reasons. I recall there was something like this sometime back when there was a major new version.
As far my planned procedure for tmw is:
TWRP backup
CWM backup
TiBackup
copying required stuff to the computer
then flash http://forum.xda-developers.com/son...al/stock-14-6-0-368-ce1-dualrecovery-t3216740 as this seems to be the most recent version including updates of the recoveries, pre-rooting already combined. This saves me the step from bone stock to pre-rooted stock as I would have to make in your suggestion.
Also, I want to as well try to use the DRM Feature Fix Mod (http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672), so I will flash the LP version of that one afterwards.
This should work, or am I missing anything significant? I can very well toss the data, the Z5C is now my main phone,, the Z1C has been given a 2nd life with a new backplate and battery I just put in so I'd hate to brick it.
Please confirm that I have a general idea of what I am doing lol... Using flashtool etc. is known to me but selecting the right ROMs remains a mystery unless you follow XDA daily...
Much appreciated
Walter_White said:
Just making sure, when using your route "flash any stock and then follow up with the mentioned file" it means I can jump straigfht from 4.4.2 into the 5 era? Or Do I have to go to 5 for some compatibility reasons. I recall there was something like this sometime back when there was a major new version.
As far my planned procedure for tmw is:
TWRP backup
CWM backup
TiBackup
copying required stuff to the computer
then flash http://forum.xda-developers.com/son...al/stock-14-6-0-368-ce1-dualrecovery-t3216740 as this seems to be the most recent version including updates of the recoveries, pre-rooting already combined. This saves me the step from bone stock to pre-rooted stock as I would have to make in your suggestion.
Also, I want to as well try to use the DRM Feature Fix Mod (http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/xperia-z1-z2-z3-series-devices-drm-t2930672), so I will flash the LP version of that one afterwards.
This should work, or am I missing anything significant? I can very well toss the data, the Z5C is now my main phone,, the Z1C has been given a 2nd life with a new backplate and battery I just put in so I'd hate to brick it.
Please confirm that I have a general idea of what I am doing lol... Using flashtool etc. is known to me but selecting the right ROMs remains a mystery unless you follow XDA daily...
Much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, not sure if you were responding to me... As far as backing up and restoring data, I can't say for sure what's best, going from kk to lp. If you're going from stock to stock, probably built-in Google backup would do the trick. 3rd party stuff is chancy when switching versions in my experience, but Titanium might do OK. I don't think you can backup any kk data in recovery, then restore it on lp. Maybe someone else can tell you otherwise. As far as root in on lp, with unlocked bl, all you need is to flash stock ROM in flash mode with Flashtool, then flash the IMG I linked. - done.

How to root without unlocking and wiping data

Hi, I would like to root my Moto Z2 Play but I don't want to unlock bootloader, because all of my data will be actually formatted and I don't really want to set up things again.
With that, I would like to ask if there is any option to root my phone straight from Android UI.
So I don't have to use any PC to root this phone.
Edit:
Actually with rooting come on place one important question.
This question is about: Is the phone able to receive updates released by manufacturer to moto Z2 play?
I'm asking because when I was rooting my Samsung phones on every single of them when they are rooted they are unable to receive updates by manufacturer so I literally had to plug the phone into my PC and Force updated it via Samsung provided program (Kies).
This was really painful so I am asking just before I will actually root it because I want the stock ROM and all of its official updates.
So I'll be really thankful with any answer on that question.
To root you must unlock the bootloader.
And you will receive OTA's, but if you install those, the phone will most probably brick. So, don't even try to install them.
As long as there is no vulnerability found in Android 8 that could actually be used to root, there is no other way than to open the bootloader which enforces a factory reset.
But if rooted properly with Magisk and as long as you only boot TWRP but never install it, OTAs should work. At least the only reason for bricking I know is when you try to upgrade after a downgrade since the updater seems to not check the bootloader. And with a downgrade to a version with an older bootloader something goes haywire which bricks the device on next update and you'll need a blankflash to fix that

Imaging and rooting

Hi XDA
I have a son with Asperger syndrome and that give parents sometimes unusual task to solve.
He got a Sony xz2 compact, but he refuses to use a phone until the camera and google services are disabled, do to security lags. He wants to remove the system camera software to make sure no one can exploit the camera.
In other words, he wants to be so anonymous and hacker free as possible - and the camera is a big issue for him.
And yes, I know is possible to disable the camera in Sony configuration (and it's done) but that is not enough.
I hope getting some help to find a solution this two tasks:
1) How to get or make an image of the phone to store/save in my pc so it can be restored if needed.
2) How to root the xz2 compact and uninstall the camera
I will really appreciate some help in this issue.
(sorry my English)
Regards.
1. There is not much you can do, backup related on a Sony phone with locked bootloader. You can use google backup, if you want, but even Sony's solution won't work on a phone with Android Pie, after bootloader is unlocked (it would, if you are on Oreo and you would apply drm-fix after unlocking). Almost all other solutions need root, which you don't have on a locked phone.
2. In this thread you will find a step-by-step guide to install twrp recovery and root (by flashing Magisk) and the download for twrp recovery, made by @MartinX3
I won't link the recovery file itself, because it depends on the way you want to proceed. You can use Sonys stock rom or you can install aosp/omnirom.
In your case i would use aosp or omnirom, because it comes without google crap and it is pure Android. You only need to delete/rename the camera with a root explorer and you are good to go.
But i'm sure, @MartinX3 can tell you more about aosp or omnirom and how to flash it, because i have not used it yet. Anyway, camera is not finished on aosp/omni, so you won't loose very much.
old.splatterhand said:
1. There is not much you can do, backup related on a Sony phone with locked bootloader. You can use google backup, if you want, but even Sony's solution won't work on a phone with Android Pie, after bootloader is unlocked (it would, if you are on Oreo and you would apply drm-fix after unlocking). Almost all other solutions need root, which you don't have on a locked phone.
2. In this thread you will find a step-by-step guide to install twrp recovery and root (by flashing Magisk) and the download for twrp recovery, made by @MartinX3
I won't link the recovery file itself, because it depends on the way you want to proceed. You can use Sonys stock rom or you can install aosp/omnirom.
In your case i would use aosp or omnirom, because it comes without google crap and it is pure Android. You only need to delete/rename the camera with a root explorer and you are good to go.
But i'm sure, @MartinX3 can tell you more about aosp or omnirom and how to flash it, because i have not used it yet. Anyway, camera is not finished on aosp/omni, so you won't loose very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the useful information. I'm not very firm at the Android version (oreo or pie) - but the phone is a Sony Experia xz2 model H8324 and Android ver. 8.0.0 (patch level april 1, 2018). Hope this make sense
This is my first sony, so i'm not the "most helpful hand", i think.
Backup related, if you use sony backup before unlock on oreo, you can flash drmfix after unlock and then you should be able to use sony backup to restore your data.
If this is successful, you are rooted and you should be able to use Titanium Backup.
But as sony newbie i don't know how far sonys backup solution goes.
Anyway, i'll recommend in your case a rom like aosp or omni, because there are no Google things in it.
Why not cover the cameras with stickers if that's the biggest issue? You'll have to root the phone to completely disable all the G Apps, some of the firmware versions allow you to completely disable the G services - if you trust it.
You can use pm uninstall command thru adb shell. This way the app gets removed for the user, and thus seems totally removed. The apk itself do still remain in the system folder, and can be reinstalled if wanted, but can't be launched. This method do not need rooting either.
You can't make and image of the phone, at least not without rooting it first. But that will break some stuff, like camera, and that can NOT be restored in ANY way (drm keys are lost forever). For most (all?) Xperia devices there are images available for flashing with FlashTool/Xperifirm, but note that this will not recover the lost drm keys if you unlocked the bootloader in the first place.

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