[Xperia Play Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] fma965:
[SIZE=+3]Frequently Asked Questions[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+2]Sony Ericsson Xperia Play[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=+1]This a short list of frequently asked questions in this device forum and the answers often given as a response. It should serve as a starting point for gathering knowledge and finding solutions to many common problems. Please feel free to PM me with feedback on how to improve this document. Do not post "Thank you" type responses. If you have additional questions or require more help, try to find an existing thread or create your own. Do not use this as a general help thread.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Q1: Why isn't Flashtool working?[/SIZE]

Make sure you have installed the drivers that are included in Flashtool. Make sure you are flashing the correct FTF for your device and make sure your phone is in the correct mode, fastboot or flashmode. You can refer to this guide for more help "How To Flash A FTF Using Flashtool" or "Little Flashtool tutorial".​

[SIZE=+1]Q2: How do I root my device?[/SIZE]

This depends on what firmware you phone is currently on. If the phone is below "xxx.xxx.62" then you can use the ZergRush exploit via superoneclick or flashtool. If the device is on "xxx.xxx.62" or above then you will need to downgrade or unlock your Boot Loader and use a auto-root kernel. Here are 2 useful tutorials "Root Firmwares Below '.62'" and "Root Any Firmware (Unlocked Bootloader)".​

[SIZE=+1]Q3: How do I unlock my Boot Loader?[/SIZE]

This also depends on your device, If it is a unbranded (has no carrier applications or branding) device then you can unlock it using sony's website. Unlock Bootloader Sony. Here is a useful guide that will help your determine if your device is unlock-able via the previously mentioned method "Unlock Xperia Play Bootloader (Un-Branded Devices)". If your device is branded or not unlockable via official methods then you can pay to have your boot loader unlocked by XDA Senior Member "Alejandrissimo" via PM or at his site "Paid Xperia Play Boot Loader Unlock".​

[SIZE=+1]Q5: Why should I unlock my Boot Loader?[/SIZE]

The main reason you would want to unlock your Boot Loader is to be able to install custom ROM's such as CyanogenMod, AOKP, Slimbean and even more. You can also flash custom kernels with a unlocked boot loader allowing you to get additional features, "Turbo Kernel" is a brilliant kernel as it allows you to multiboot 4 ROM's and they can even be GingerBread, ICS and JellyBean.​

[SIZE=+1]Q6: What is ADB?[/SIZE]

ADB is short for Android Debug Bridge it is useful for many things including getting logs, debugging and more. Here is a more detailed guide "ADB Guide"​

[SIZE=+1]Q7: What is the best ROM or kernel?[/SIZE]

This is probably NOT a good question to be asking. Asking this question will most likely get you made fun of, and since it is against the rules, your thread or post will most likely be deleted. The best ROM or kernel will depend on how you use your device and what you are hoping to get out of it. So, only you can answer this question, have a little bit of fun testing different ROMs and kernels and then pick the set up that works the best for you.​

[SIZE=+1]Q8: How can I "Multi-Boot" my device?[/SIZE]

The Xperia Play is now able to multiboot up to 4 ROM's and they don't even need to be the same android version, Jellybean, Ice Cream Sandwich and even Gingerbread is supported, For detailed information on how to multiboot your device visit this link "Multiboot Kernel (CosmicDan)" you can also get more information about multibooting here "Multiboot Guide and Help".​

[SIZE=+1]Q9: How do i install a custom Kernel?[/SIZE]

To install a custom kernel you will need to have already unlocked your Boot Loader. You can refer to the "Flashing a Custom Kernel" Section of "Flashing a Custom Kernel and ROM" for more information.​

[SIZE=+1]Q10: What is a custom Recovery?[/SIZE]

A custom recovery is required for installing most custom ROM's, Xperia 2011 devices do not have a recovery installed by default. You have the choice of 2 recoveries currently, TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and CWMR (Clock Work Mod Recovery). Most kernels include CWM by default but some do have TWRP aswell.​

[SIZE=+1]Q11: How do i install a custom Recovery (CWM or TWRP)?[/SIZE]

To install a recovery your can either flash a custom kernel with the recovery already installed (Refer to above question) or use this "x-Parts CWM Installer" although it is in the ARC section it will work find on the Xperia Play.​

[SIZE=+1]Q12: How do i install a custom ROM?[/SIZE]

The first thing you should know is that all Xperia 2011 devices including the Xperia Play are unable to flash the kernel via recovery and therefore the ROM And Kernel are installed separately. To install a ROM you will need a recovery installed on your device. You can refer to the "Installing a custom ROM" Section of "Flashing a Custom Kernel and ROM" for more information.​

[SIZE=+1]Q13: How do return my device to Stock?[/SIZE]

The first thing to do would be to follow the "Flashing a FTF File" Tutorial. If you unlocked your boot loader you will also need to flash the FTF from "Relock Bootloader". This will put you phone back to stock ROM and Re-lock your boot loader.​

[SIZE=+1]Q14: What Rom/Kernel Should I use? (Question not to ask)[/SIZE]

Please don't ask questions like this. This is down to you to decide. Try some ROM's and Kernels out and stick to the one you prefer. Don't forget you can install 4 ROM's at the same time using Turbo Kernel.

However You can find "everything you need to know about the Xperia Play here, It includes a list of most recent ROM's, Kernel's and more."​

[SIZE=+1]Q15: Whats the Best ROM/Kernel for Battery Life/Gaming/Performance etc.? (Question not to ask)[/SIZE]

Again these are not the sort of questions you want to be asking. Try some out and see what you like and how each performs for your needs.​

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