yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Sony Xperia ZL] DooMLoRD:
@MODS

request you to sticky this thread

hello friends,

let me begin by introducing myself, i am developer for Xperia devices (X10, ARC, PLAY, S, T, Z) and am the Lead Developer of Team UtterChaos, member of Team ICX and was associated with Team FreeXperia, ... i have some experience in development for Xperia devices, specifically in kernels, rooting & recoveries and i have various how-to, reference threads which are very helpful to new & advanced users alike across various device communities... i hope even this thread will be useful to everyone... if you would like to know what things i have worked on before feel free to check some of the links in my signature below...

so some of u must be new to the Sony Xperia family & even if u are not this should be useful... this thread should get u up to speed on what you need to know for this device...

i will try to cover some very basic things and try to touch upon some advanced topics...

i will be dividing this thread into various sections, and each section will point to an individual post...

following is the list of sections covered:

Basics

FlashTool

Bootloader Unlocking & Relocking

Rooting

Recovery

Flashing Custom Kernel

Flashing Custom ROMs

for those who are interested in development are free to contact me via p.m.... BUT PLEASE do not ask generic questions, post all generic queries at the forums/threads...

regards,

DooMLoRD
[Sony Xperia ZL] DooMLoRD:
FlashTool

Flashtool is one of the MOST IMPORTANT piece of software for ur phone, it is an unofficial, but the best way to flash official firmwares on both locked and unlocked bootloader devices. Generally the firmware is supplied in form of FTF package (a container file ending with .ftf) which can be flashed via FlashTool. Thus FlashTool is the easiest way to do offline updates, just download the FTF and keep on PC and flash ur device when ever you want to. One can also flash select partitions using FlashTool, say you want to flash baseband(radio) from newer/older firmware but want to keep the main system the same u can do that using newest FlashTool! FlashTool also supports fastboot modes! so if you are not very comfortable with command line then u can use the FastBoot Toolbox inbuilt into FlashTool to fastboot the kernels!

FlashTool can be used to flash both locked and unlocked bootloaders devices.

For all flashtool informations (download links, release notes, FAQ) go to the Flashtool Homepage

Flashtool specifically for Xperia Z/ZL released!

Flashtool is on github : FlashTool GitHub repo

[FLASHTOOL GUIDE] HOW TO for n00bies (excellent guide for new users, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! The info for Rooting, Recovery & Bootloader UNlock in that thread is for older Xperia devices...)

i will try n get more links for FlashTool and post it here

Sony also provides an official FlashTool but it can be used only with unlocked bootloader devices
[Sony Xperia ZL] DooMLoRD:
Bootloader Unlocking & Relocking

[Tutorial] Xperia Z & ZL Bootloader Unlocking

Latest FlashTool 0.9.10.2beta4 onwards can correctly unlock (official way) and relock device... i recommend using the latest FlashTool version to unlock & relock device...

all question regarding bootloader unlocking, relocking should be posted in relevant threads
[Sony Xperia ZL] DooMLoRD:
Rooting

[ROOT] Xperia ZL for LOCKED & UNLOCKED bootloaders! [Exploit by: goroh_kun & huhka_com]

[ROOT] Xperia ZL for unlocked bootloaders ONLY!
[Sony Xperia ZL] DooMLoRD:
Recovery

if you are not familiar with custom Android recoveries i suggest that u read this:

http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile...-and-how-to-use-it-on-android-complete-guide/

FOR LOCKED BOOTLOADERS:

The recovery for locked bootloaders becomes a part of the ROM...

[Recovery] CWM (LOCKED Bootloaders)

FOR UNLOCKED BOOTLOADERS:

Currently Recovery available for this device comes as a part of kernel (stock or custom kernel)

Recoveries on stock kernel:

[Recovery] CWM (UNLOCKED Bootloaders)

kindly post queries related to specific recovery at the corresponding thead
[Sony Xperia ZL] DooMLoRD:
Flashing Custom Kernel

CUSTOM KERNELS ARE SPECIFIC TO ROMs...

you cant use stock kernel on CM ROM and you cant use CM kernel on stock ROM....

CUSTOM KERNELS CAN BE FLASHED ONLY ON DEVICES WITH UNLOCKED BOOTLOADERS

there are two ways to flash custom kernel

first download the kernel file... if it is a boot.img then use Method 1 (fastboot mode) or if its a update.zip file then use Method 2 (recovery)

Method 1 - fastboot mode

if you get kernel in boot.img format then do the following

reboot device into fastboot mode

then flash the kernel using following command:

fastboot flash boot boot.img

then reboot from fastboot

fastboot reboot

thats it now device should start booting that kernel

Method 2 - recovery

if you already have recovery working on your device then do the following

save the update.zip on SDCARD

reboot into recovery

flash the update.zip which contains the kernel

reboot into system

thats it now device should start booting that kernel
[Sony Xperia ZL] DooMLoRD:
Flashing Custom ROMs

if u get custom ROM in update.zip format then do the following:

first download the ROM file and save it on SDCARD

reboot into recovery

flash the update.zip which contains the ROM

reboot into system

thats it now device should start booting that ROM

Most custom ROMs are provided as update.zip. Its a technical term, basically its a special signed ZIP file which can be flashed via custom recovery.

Download the ZIP file and save it on ur PC

now connect ur device and save the ROMs ZIP file on the SDCARD

disconnect the device (after copying is over)

reboot into recovery

go to install ZIP from sdcard menu and navigate to the folder where you saved the ZIP file

now select it

recovery will start flashing the ROM

after flashing is over just reboot device and you will be on the custom ROM :)

Tips:

some CUSTOM roms require specific kernels (like CM9) in that case FIRST flash the corresponding kernel and then follow the instuctions posted above

sometimes the ROM requires cleaning /data & /cache partitions. you can wipe these before flashing the ROM! [WARNING YOU WILL LOSE UR DATA BY DOING THIS!]
[Sony Xperia ZL] sturmtruppler:
AW: [Xperia ZL][INFO][REF] All the info you need before you begin

Hey Doomlord!

Thank you for that awesome guide!

I'm coming from LG O2x, on that device kernel often is included in ROMs, if you want to flash another one it can easily be flashed via cwm.

Why isn't kernel included in sony-roms?
[Sony Xperia ZL] anirudh412:
Wish this guide was written when I got my ZL; would have made life MUCH easier :p

Can you put up a guide about how to get fastboot and adb working? Pretty please!! :D

I tried installing Android SDK, Flastools etc, but still my computer shows Fastboot as an unrecognized device when I connect my ZL to it in fastboot mode
[Sony Xperia ZL] jianlinooi:
@doomlord..would u make custom kernel for zl in future?
[Sony Xperia ZL] DooMLoRD:
Yes Sony ROMS include kernels... But the problem is that Sony devices dont have a separate partition for recovery...

hmmm... May be I will...

Not sure... Let's see...
[Sony Xperia ZL] take55:
AW: [Xperia ZL][INFO][REF] All the info you need before you begin

ya, would really appreciate it! :thumbup:
[Sony Xperia ZL] Dpk1:
Request for a sticky

@ Mods... I see that this thread has a lot of useful info regarding the ZL. So, please make this thread a sticky as requested by OP. Thanks!

@ Doomlord.. Thanks for the detailed guides.
[Sony Xperia ZL] CLB-NL:
I'm a little n00bish but (offcourse) I understand the first posts... But how can I root it?

I can root the ZL without unlocking the bootloader if I'm right? At the first weeks I don't want to use custom roms.

I want to use the tweaks on the Xperia Z, like the black notificationbars or the changing of the dpi of the buttons...

Will that work with the same provided files on the ZL? I prefer the ZL, and I want to use those tweaks but I don't know for sure if it's gonna work?
[Sony Xperia ZL] Gitaroo:
does ZL ship with stock android browser? I want to use flash.
[Sony Xperia ZL] paullu:
no mine order 6506
[Sony Xperia ZL] darkjedi:
No it does not. There's an APK in the apps & themes forum, but it doesn't work until the kernel source is out.
[Sony Xperia ZL] ATRIXXIRTA:
Thanks DooMLoRD!

Happy to say im bootloader unlocked and rooted!!

This thread made everything a piece of cake!!

Thanks a TON!

I won this phone a couple weeks ago and it just got delivered today.

Im looking forward to a good future with this nice piece of tech!

Thanks again!
[Sony Xperia ZL] xperian.ir:
The location of the secondary camera is not bad?
[Sony Xperia ZL] sonic2911:
you can up-side down the phone to use normally like others

because sony is LIKE NO OTHERS =]]
[Sony Xperia ZL] cheapshot789:
If your phone is rooted stock browser does work I posted it in the apps section.
[Sony Xperia ZL] bhagiratha:
Thanks for the guide but I haven't come across any guide that will allow one to revert back to the ZL original factory state.

How does one remove root?

How does one take off CWM ?

How do one relock the bootloader?

or how does one apply new OTA updates with all those already on the phone?
[Sony Xperia ZL] DooMLoRD:
for Q1 & 2: just flash stock FTF using Flashtool

for Q3: check the bootloader unlock/relock thread
[Sony Xperia ZL] anirudh412:
May you two have a happy life together :p
[Sony Xperia ZL] ATRIXXIRTA:
Six months goes by so fast, lol
[Sony Xperia ZL] nukharma:
Hope some of you guys can help, got a C6503.

When i go want to go in flashmode cable+vol. down button the led appears only real real short, one blink red then one blink green then the led goes completely off. Question is, is this the normal procedure, i only know from older models that the LED will stay green while staying in flashmode.

Flashtool says connected in flashmode but i'am a little confused.....hope somebody will help!
[Sony Xperia ZL] DooMLoRD:
its this is the standard behavior for the Xperia Z, ZL
[Sony Xperia ZL] nukharma:
Thanks for the quick reply...saved my Day...Thought something's wrong with the Phone.
[Sony Xperia ZL] yeahiamdead:
Hi,

Edit: installed root on XP, that worked!

I have followed all the steps for EasyRootingToolkit using xperia zl with 10.1.A.1.434.

the problem is i get error protocol fault (no status)

what am i doing wrong?

usb debugging checked

unknown sources checked

pc companion, firewall off

flash drivers installed? didn't see the xperia zl driver when installing that flash driver program.

any advice would help!

Thanks,

Dave
[Sony Xperia ZL] armedzerox:
Question

here are my questions.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2271978

pls take a look. thanks
[Sony Xperia ZL] Emp_M:
Thank's so much DooMLoRD! Thanks to you I was able to successfully unlock my bootloader and am now running CM10.1.
[Sony Xperia ZL] Migliano:
Hi, I dont have 10 posts yet, because of that I m gonna post it here

One question.. If i relock my bootloader will i have bravia back...???
[Sony Xperia ZL] DooMLoRD:
No
[Sony Xperia ZL] Migliano:
Hi, I was reading the topic about rooting the XZL, linked in this post, using an Easy rooting Toolkit for XPEIRA Z SO-02E (ver 1.0.1).

I read as well that you can easily root the device using the last version of flashtool Beta06. Is this real? If it´s real, how can I do it?

Using Beta06, Can I unlock and lock the bootloader? Or I use Beta 06 for unlocking and Beta 04 for relocking?

Thanks
[Sony Xperia ZL] Andre Verissimo:
[MENTION=684050]ZL / ZQ owners[/MENTION]:

This is a very useful thread, and many n00bs will soon start unlocking bootloader and flashing.

Just remember that you need to backup your TA (so you will not lose forever your DRM / Bravia Engine, as DooMLoRD said in http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2153261). Also, keep your backups elsewhere in case you'll wipe / rewrite your internal memory.
[Sony Xperia ZL] 10tacleBoy:
[MENTION=3555095]Andre Verissimo[/MENTION]

What do you mean with "TA"? But thx for your advice, cause I'm a noob too :D.
[Sony Xperia ZL] Andre Verissimo:
TA is a hidden partition inside our mobiles. It's easy to lose it forever, and if you flash someone's else TA you'll hard brick your phone. Here's a thread about TA backup:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
[Sony Xperia ZL] thupilibharath:
Xperia ZR

Hi guys

can I use the ROMs posted under this section for my xperia ZR or there is a seperate forum for that ?
[Sony Xperia ZL] jamm513:
Can i install a Xperia ZL C6506 ftf (offcial firmware) on a Xperia ZL C6502 whithout problems?
[Sony Xperia ZL] Andre Verissimo:
It's way better to install the proper firmware.

For example, C6502 has a barometer, but if you install C6506 you will lose the support to that function, since C6506 obviously doesn't have the proper driver. Also, you can brick your device if you lose a driver that is essential to boot.

Finally, some ROMs demands an unlocked bootloader. So, take care and remember to backup your TA partition before unlocking, or you'll lose your DRM Keys and your Bravia Engine forever.
[Sony Xperia ZL] favelle bono:
hello guys.... im New with android and rooting.... ive installed easy rooting toolkit v.16 and root my phone... in the installation guide it says that superuser and busybox will be installed but in my phone there's only supersu... am I doing it incorrectly? :confused: please help me... thanks in advance..
[Sony Xperia ZL] Sirence:
Busybox is no app, it won't apear in your app drawer.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BusyBox

If superuser is working, busybox is installed just fine.
[Sony Xperia ZL] favelle bono:
really? I just download and installed busybox free. should I uninstall it?:confused:
[Sony Xperia ZL] DooMLoRD:
yes
[Sony Xperia ZL] favelle bono:
Em... Using root checker it seems that my device is properly root.

I want to try install CM10.1 on my 6502 and they required working recovery which I have no idea for now.

Google and that site said that need adb and fastboot installed on pc. My problem is ..

1) in fastboot no adb device list. Not in fastboot...there's a device..

2) I failed to install fastboot because driver missing... Need to search for S1boot fastboot driver...

3) the other site said that installing the adb and fastboot before root...? Mine root before it..

Am I doing thing correctly? I tried to search for video instruction for better understanding since I dont quite get it by only read all this tech thing...

Please anyone can help? Thanks in advance...

Sorry if my questions sounds silly :p
[Sony Xperia ZL] bouvrie:
New to both Android and Xperia ZL, this thread really helped me! :)

Here are some of my experiences with the ZL, perhaps some items could be useful for this thread:

Bought the phone as import, luckily with an unlockable bootloader.

Unfortunately a victim of the infamous bug of Manual learning of IR commands in Remote Control app not working. Judging from reactions in that support thread, I have low hopes that turning the device in at a service center will fix the problem at a reasonable cost (also considering I imported my device).

Never updated the firmware (to have a rooting exploit & get a full device backup beforehand), mine came with 10.1.A.1.350

The default camera app uses stupid filename convention: DSC_####.JPG . I want the filenames to include a timestamp for easy management. No fix found for this yet.

Installed AdBlock Plus, but without root it's running as a local proxy server.

Rooted the phone for firewall control, backup purposes and more advanced features using the method described in this thread. Manually rebooting the device in this process was not required; the phone rebooted by itself in my case. However, I either had to perform the rooting procedure twice or reboot the phone after the procedure as the fist try didn't root it.

Changed AdBlock Plus to root privileged, stopped the local proxy server.

As a precaution, I made a backup of my TA partition, using this thread to allow me to get back to a full factory state.

Installed DroidWall, it's a bit too basic for my taste. Would rather have more detailed control (i.e. black-/whitelisting specific addresses and ports in specific apps). Installed Android Firewall+ (AFWall+), at least it has LAN/WIFI/3G/Roaming distinction. Could still use more control (zones/ports) in my firewall though.

Currently looking for a good privacy app. Default ROM is odexed, so PDroid Privacy Protection will not work AFAIK and LBE Privacy could be pretty unstable (bootloops?).

Currently looking for a way to dump the phone as a complete backup/ROM/snapshot so I can restore it to the present/factory state later on.

Some questions:

I wish that "All the info you need" would contain several steps for any considerate (Xperia ZL) Android user to follow. Kind of a best practices approach: like steps required to get a full fallback backup state (all partitions) in case things (rooting/bootloops/partition overwrites/...?) go wrong. Guess I'll have to find most information myself for now (keywords: Titanium Backup?, Clockwork Recovery?, Online Nandroid? RomDump (v82b) doesn't seem to work.).

I'm not even sure which things can go wrong: perhaps flashing a ROM/bootloader at some point will mess with partitions in a way that Sony bootmodes are affected? Perhaps some common things to avoid doing can be listed in the thread?

Does updating a rooted device remove root? According to the OTA Update 10.3.1.A.0.244 thread, it doesn't but I also found the OTA Rootkeeper app. This is confusing, could the rooting section of this/the rooting thread be updated to list precautions when updating Android?
[Sony Xperia ZL] Claribelsmith:
handy information !
[Sony Xperia ZL] droid102:
Xperia ZL - C6502, C6503, C6506, & L35h

you missed L35h :p

edit: also the Xperia ZL is available in 3 colors: Black, White, & Red
[Sony Xperia ZL] t3ddy2003:
Guys how to change color in illumination bar pro? i want to change the notification bar just like xperia SP. =)

Xperia ZL C6502 here.
[Sony Xperia ZL] QYOBZ:
help

I have this problem whenever i flash stock firmware on my XZ device..

it says:

25/006/2013 15:06:16 - INFO - Device connected in flash mode

25/006/2013 15:06:16 - INFO - Opening device for R/W

25/006/2013 15:06:16 - INFO - Reading device information

25/006/2013 15:06:17 - INFO - Phone ready for flashmode operations.

25/006/2013 15:06:17 - INFO - Start Flashing

25/006/2013 15:06:17 - INFO - Processing loader

25/006/2013 15:06:17 - INFO - Checking header

25/006/2013 15:06:17 - INFO - Flashing data

25/006/2013 15:06:17 - INFO - Loader : S1_Root_5ca3 - Version : APQ8064_30 / Bootloader status : NOT_ROOTABLE

25/006/2013 15:06:17 - INFO - Ending flash session

25/006/2013 15:06:17 - ERROR - ERR_SEVERITY="MINOR";ERR_CODE="0026";ERR_DYNAMIC="Write TA failed.";

25/006/2013 15:06:17 - ERROR - Error flashing. Aborted

25/006/2013 15:06:17 - INFO - Device connected in flash mode

25/006/2013 15:06:18 - INFO - Device disconnected
[Sony Xperia ZL] tracins:
Im curious about this option too, please notify us if there is such an option.
[Sony Xperia ZL] acabreram:
flash fastboot

Hiiii

I want to know what is the difference between

fastboot flash boot boot.img and fastboot -i 0xfce flash boot boot.img

are the same??

Thankkssss!
[Sony Xperia ZL] thangxiu:
Root Xperia Android 4.3 10.4.B.0.569

youtube com/watch?v=mscIaRTHi6U
[Sony Xperia ZL] bigrammy:
If your custom recovery is still intact you could use this http://xdaforums.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/tool-prfcreator-easily-create-pre-t2859904 tool to make a flashable .zip from stock .tft of your choice ;)
[Sony Xperia ZL] spitfire887:
Thank you Bigrammy, but in my desperation for flash another ROM i do a stupidity, flash a Custom ROM with Aroma installer, and my device DIE, now im looking for a solution because i cant get in in flashmode or fastboot mode either, no boot, no led, no nothing.

Ill keep looking some forums for answers...:( if you know about this problem...
[Sony Xperia ZL] bigrammy:
Hmmm,

Which custom rom did you flash?

Most will only flash "system" "boot" and maybe "recovery"

Flashtool mode and Fastboot should be unaffected by these partitions and therefore still work. :confused:

Try push the the little reset button for a second or two under the sim cover you will need a paperclip or similar item.

Turn up the volume on your PC.

Then insert the usb cable into your phone first.

(Note the phone must be OFF do not use power button)

Then try all these combos keep hold of the volume button down - and then insert the usb cable into your PC and listen for a connection on the PC.

Then try Volume button up + and then insert the usb cable into your PC and listen for a connection on the PC.

Then try Holding both Volume buttons + and - together and then insert the usb cable into your PC and listen for a connection on the PC.

Make a note of which combo if any gives you a connection to the PC. :fingers-crossed:
[Sony Xperia ZL] spitfire887:
Hi Bigrammy, after 2 days the device start to link red when is conected (wall or pc) in this moment i tried to flash Kernel.sin vía flashtool but did not work, Flashtool show the same error "Dumping TA partition". Later ttied with Fastboot with Doomlord module in Flashtool but the file i chose (Kernel.sin) did not work (then i understood that Kernel in Fastboot must be Boot.img) but for that moment i think the device turno on because was unrecognizable again.

Now i put to charge the device (24 or 48 hrs) then i will try again but with the rigth boot.img (stock) then I guess the system will boot. im rigth?

PS.: for unknown reason de back button "off" doesnt work anymore, i pressed for 3, 10, 20, 30 seconds and nothing ¿?

Summary Disaster:

Flash with Aroma installer Xperia Existenz ROM.

Device dont turn on, no led, no nothing.

Put to charge device 24 hrs

Can access into Flash mode (Flashing error DUMPING TA)

Can access into Fastboot (Flash the wrong file)

Device run out of battery

Charging...

Thanks for the help man, i will let you know any change !!!
[Sony Xperia ZL] bigrammy:
You could use NUT's Awesome Kernel builder HERE just follow the instructions and it should give a boot.img back which you can flash via fastboot. :good:
[Sony Xperia ZL] spitfire887:
Thank you bigrammy :good::good::good:, i will try with that, for your information, i could finally recover my phone :D via fastboot with boot.img of CM 12.1.

I learned so much of this experience !!! XDA Forums RULES !!!
[LG Optimus L9 P760, P765, P768, P769] arsyamessi:
Hi to all. My problem is this: i live in italy and i want to download 2 kdz files: the V10A and the V20B but my pc shows me an error and i ve tried to download them from 2 different computers and even with my mobile phone but it doesnt work. Plz can someone who has that 2 files add me to friends and send me it , my skype : arsenthebest

Please help it is important!!
[LG Optimus L9 P760, P765, P768, P769] RobbingHood:
So, did you maybe not change your hosts-file back to it's original state?

Just place a # in front of the 127.0.0.1
[MDA, XDA, 1010 Software Upgrading] cgigate:
I did some search, but couldn't find the way to backup radio stack from the XDA phone. SD method needs serial cable and PC monitor, but I have no idea how to use PC monitor. Anybody has idea?

Thanks
[MDA, XDA, 1010 Software Upgrading] cruisin-thru:
If you enter bootloader, the option exists to backup radio to sd card. Hold down power on/off while inserting stylus into soft reset hole, press top left button (below power on/off) on xda, the option is there to burn gsm or ce + gsm etc to sd card.
[MDA, XDA, 1010 Software Upgrading] cgigate:
Wrong answer!

the way not working! try it by yourself you will know.
[MDA, XDA, 1010 Software Upgrading] cruisin-thru:
I was informing you that the option exists in the bootloader because you were looking for a method of backing up radio. Looks like you will need serial cable and hyperterminal.
[MDA, XDA, 1010 Software Upgrading] cgigate:
I have serial cable and PC, but option exists the bootloader no way to work.
[Samsung Galaxy W I8150] gabrieledangeli:
I want to have the Samsung galaxy s4 accuweather widget. Have anyone it? The wonders can use the file for the Samsung galaxy s2 (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2197011)? Thanks.