[Xperia Play General] Cat_On_Droid:
BEFORE I START,DONT START RANDOM CLICKING LINKS AND DOWNLOADING IMMEDIATELY! TAKE IT STEP BY STEP,with the Exception of 3rd Step which just requires you to read abit.​

Hello,

This topic was made to help out new users or users that are unfamiliar with rooting the new Firmware.

There have being many questions,so i decided to put it all in one here because i KNOW how people dont like searching XDA. :-P

I dont take any credit,i just got a bunch of links and posts,put em all in one place for new users that dont like searching / exploring AND because the forums are very messy

:)

Step 1: Get the FlashTool 2.9.1

http://www.multiupload.com/7H4JT35B6G

Step 2: Get any 2.3.4 or future FW FTF file you can find

I used this one,as it is the only one availbile since 24/09/11 ! In a couple of days/weeks people are going to post UK/US ones

here it is :http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1269845

Here is the New one ; UK one

Step 3:

Read Dousans simple post on how to get the flashtool to work,im feeling lazzy :P

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=17804320&postcount=2

FAQ:

After flashing you WILL lose ROOT!

There is a small tick box saying not to wipe data in flashtool , you can tick it :)

Factory data reset will not terminate bootloader or root

Root or Bootloader unlocked is not required.Think of it as a PCCompanion,only this time you choose which fw you want to select.

Depending on the firmware, gsm/cdma may not work properly, please wait for a global ftf or stick without placing calls or use data for web.

Ex. R800i with verizon ftf may not work at all and you can't place calls or use data.

Step 4: To retain root you need to go visit this thread http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1130639

NOTE: I bet u were doing good so far,getting to 2.3.4 and such,however,here comes the tough part for learning users.Please,read step4 very carefully,and check if your phone is SIMLOCKED or SIMUNLOCKED.Why read carefully?there are links which you honestly dont need if you know about your phone well (for ex.u know if its not Simlocked,R8OOI and such)

BOOTLOADER IS REQUIRED!

IF YOUR PHONE IS

SIM-LOCKED

or

R8OOX

go here to request an unlock : http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1254416

Remember to put the zip first on your SD card and then use fastboot to boot up CWM,you will then gain root access by flashing zip from CWM (Tested and working for me :) )

If your bootloader is not unlocked,visit this thread (if your phone is

simunlocked

and any

other models that are not R8oox

) http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1043630

OR this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRH3pC7MhEA

Optional Step 5 ; relock bootloader

xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1134334

Un-Official Change log on 2.3.4

*720p autofocus camera

*Added screenshot app by holding down the power button

*performance increase, way faster

*themes now apply even if you are using a wallpaper

*Added more BloaTware/renamed apps , like wisepilot

*Disable auto brightness from display settings

*updated PsPocket and Crash Bandicute game

*Keyboard tweaked,now has "Swype" option,bear in mind it kinda sucks :)

*Added extra options in settings,like back/restore under "Privacy"

*Better wifi signal

*Differenet ON/OFF transition from 2.3.3

*Regarding xLoud,it STILL works! i just tried it and it works fine ;) maybe not as loud but a HUGEEEEE noticible effect when its ON!

*Imrpovement in battery life (Noticibile)

*more facebook extensions inside Xperia play

If anyone wants me to add anything,tell me :)

As of now there shouldnt be much questions on this FW :)

Thanks to:Everyone who i linked to their posts :) Remember,they take the ctedit! not me! i just put it all in 1 thread for newbies!

WANT TO ROOT WITHOUT UNLOCKING BOOTLOADER?

Edit :while totally ignorant of this post, another way to root is to downgrade to 2.3.2, install gingerbreak and do a software update from your phone. Remember never to delete any system apps as it will not update ever. Your bootloader must be locked aswell, if you wish to relock the boot loader go here

xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1134334

FOR you to upgarde software without FT or BL .imgs,you need to wait for it to be released on your carrier,which may take months or weeks.Dont do it by PCCompanion btw