yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] matthewsucks:
Thanks :D

Before I start to downgrade my phone to .532, I noticed several options in Flashtool, eg wipe data, cache, etc. Do i also check Exclude TA? I have been told to backup my TA by blueether after downgrading to .532
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Lc1975:
I didn't do nothing..

Just choose the ftf file and flash..

Don't forget to backup the TA if you are going to unlock the BootLoader...
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] matthewsucks:
ok thnx :D
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Hesterien:
136

Forgive my ignorance..
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
follow .290:

Downgrade

Root

backup TA

Update

Unlock BL

...
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
help

does anyone care to help me. I'm a apple guy coming from i5 and macbook. i tried everything to unlock boot loader and to root. I'm finally there but know the phone won't make it past the sony screen.ive reset,tried ref lashing the kernel and even installing cm11 just to get the phone working again.i have no clue whats going on.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Hesterien:
Thanks a bunch. Now have a rooted C6833 with. 136.

Although my phone doesn't seem to know that yet, since it keeps telling me that there's a 136 OTA update for me..

---------- Post added at 08:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:30 PM ----------

Flash stock FTF with Flashtool to go back to square one.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
my apologies i forgot to mention I'm on the ZU gpe and can't seem to find the stock rom
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Hesterien:
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2453921
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
thanks i found that but it says for generic isa and wasn't sure if its 4.3 or 4.4.2 and if its for the gee
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Don't flash a normal c6806 ftf to a gpe.

To get it working flash doomlords kernel in the gpe section, that will give you a working kernel and recovery. I would then try either carbon, cm11 or liquid.

I don't know an easy way back to stock if you have already tried cm11 (or any ROM) without doing a nandroid backup
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
i tried both cm11 and carbon and they both say its for the homani.i found the stock us rom but haven't had any luck flashing anything. also i made a backup using cam immediately after i flashed the kernel but every time i restore that backup it still doesn't get past the sony screen.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
What kernel are you running on the gpe now?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
well i haven't been able to turn the device on since loading the revolution kernel so I'm assuming its that one. I'm trying to flash the stock rom via flash tool on both mac and windows and the mac won't show the ZU in flash mode and windows keeps saying the driver isn't installed. so i don't know what to do.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Is it going into flashmode OK? You could try fastboot mode and flash either stock kernel or doomlord's

Revolution isn't a gpe kernel

---------- Post added at 01:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 PM ----------

Search on here for gpe drivers. hth
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
yes it goes flash mode mine. i just flashed doom lords i can't find the stock kernel. it still isn't going past the sony screen.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
At least you have a booting kernel and recovery.

You did use the gpe version of cm11?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
yes i did but was never able to flash it and while trying to flash the stock rom it seems my phone won't turn on now, smh idk whats going on.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
can you flash doomlord's kernel again and restore you backup with restoring boot

or just flash doomlord's kernel now ontop of the stock rom and see if that will boot?

The problem is there are very few GPe users to have tested things out. [MENTION=4130380]CCJ22[/MENTION] has gotten Carbon to boot and it is running well by the sounds, better than CM11 anyrate
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
i think it may officially bricked last night all i tried to do was put it in flash mode and now it won't even power on.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Hesterien:
It might sound stupid, but have you tried leaving it in the charger for a few hours, trying without trying to flash or power it on?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
no not stupid i left it on the charger last night through the morning praying for at least a red light
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] CCJ22:
That was the problem I had when flashing doomlord's kernel. I failed to charge the phone up enough so I too thought I bricked my GPE
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
well i'll try again tonight i guess but i did speak to google and they're offering to send me a replacement but they need my card on file to pull the value of the phone until they receive mines and of course i don't have the funds right now smh.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Nothing you have said you have done should hard brick the GPe from my understanding.

I may just need a hard reset: hold the power button and the up vol key, should give 3 short vibrations
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
all i know is i tried MANY times to boot into flash mode and it wasn't responding i'd get a quick white then purple led after that i realized it wasn't booting at all. I've tried every button combination i could think of even using the secret hard reset button next to the sim slot. idk why it would brick either but something definitely happened.

---------- Post added at 04:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:50 AM ----------

ok something just occurred to me. decided to use another charger adapter and when i plugged it in i got a single red light. so I'm going to leave it in for the night and maybe my charger is toast or something but i still can't boot the device.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] CCJ22:
That's a good sign for the red light to be there. Trust me, I thought I hard bricked my device at one point too.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
well what resolved your issue because my last resort is leaving it plugged in for 24 hrs or taking it apart?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
OK lets try a few things...

With flashtool running plug in the GPe to the PC, any output?

while connected as above reset the phone by holding the power and the vol + for a few seconds 3 - 10, keep holding the vol + key after the 3 vibrations. Any thing in the flashtool output, any LEDs light up?

As above but try the red reset button. Any thing in the flashtool output, any LEDs light up?

As above but hold the vol - key while pressing the red reset. Any thing in the flashtool output, any LEDs light up?

Did anything show up in flashtool or LEDs?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] canarycny:
i've tried all those combinations. the phone has shown a red led for a few seconds but its currently on the 24hr charge with a few minutes left.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dannejanne:
Thank you for this excellent guide. Last night I began downgrading and rooting and all that. I have now completed the circle and am back on stock with locked bootloader again. I just prefer the Sony software this time around.

Thanks again!
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] zubin4:
Root 136 on 4.3?

Hi Guys.

I have rooted many phones following the instructions but somehow I am a bit scared this time.

I have the Z ultra on 4.3 with 136 firmware.

I am too confused on boot loader and stuff. I just want to root this device keeping my 4.3 (136) intact. Is there a way?

PLease help.

Thanks.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] clueless_stranger:
Hi, is there anyway I could root the C6806 on 290 without unlocking the bootloader??? My bootloader is currently un-unlockable... I chequed but I still really really want to unlock my root my Xperia Z Ultra... Pretty pretty please ^_^
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
(to quote [MENTION=655433]LordManhattan[/MENTION])

Short answer: No

Long answer: Nope

We have to downgrade to .532 to root our devices

---------- Post added at 04:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:14 PM ----------

Yes you can get root on a locked bootloader, but you will have to downgrade first, then follow [NUT]'s (or jackiess or ChillyChan's or Monx's) guide and ROM/FTF for keeping root while updating the firmware
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dimex:
Quick question blueether:

I just rooted .532 but still have locked BL. I'd like to unlock the BL to get custom recovery for flashing, etc, and upgrade to .136, but I'm unsure about the TA business.

I backed up my TA which holds the DRM keys, x-reality, etc. I understand that. But when you unlock the bootloader, does that mean that x-reality and associated goodies will not be usable?

I'm going by the beginning of this thread, and I don't see a section for restoring the TA once the bootloader is unlocked. Is it either use x-reality and keep bootloader locked, or unlock bootloader and lose it? Just trying to understand completely.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
There is a thread somewhere on how to restore the TA. Basically you have to have a stock kernel and root and then restore from the TA backup app. This will re-lock the bootloader at the same time (and do a factory reset?)

I wouldn't worry about xreality etc unless you need the DRM keys for net-flicks etc that rely on DRM keys
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dimex:
I understand how to backup and restore the TA, I was just unsure if there's anything I'll really miss by unlocking the bootloader and losing x-reality and associated stuff. Netflix, what's that? Paying for videos? :silly:

Only thing I was really thinking of doing that involved flashing was the sound boost. I ended up manually installing the files with Root Explorer and holy **** does it make the Z Ultra more enjoyable. Compared to my old Note 3 the sound was too quiet, but now it's fine.

I'm on .532 right now with a locked bootloader, and wondering, is there anything I'm really missing at this point, until 4.4 comes to the ZU?

I used to make periodic nandroid backups with TWRP on my Note 3. Am I able to do that using locked bootloader and stock recovery?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
We dont have a stock recovery :( that is why most of us install a modified boot.img so that we can have recovery. This needs a unlocked bootloader (well not quite true as [NUT]'s dual recovery will install on a locked boot loader.

The other reason is to enjoy the goodness that is <Insert_ROM_Of_Choice_Here>
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Jammol:
Hey guys, I am new to this but not rooting or flashing. I was wondering if it's possible to Root the 6806 that's on .136 without having to downgrade? Asking because only computer I have is my work laptop and we aren't allowed to do anything unwork related on it.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
you can root after unlocking the bootloader, but you would still need to install flashtool or adb to unlock the bootloader.

Does it have a CD or can it boot a linux thumb drive? ...would still need a PC to burn the disk/thumb drive...
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Jammol:
I have a flashdrive yes. Can you please assist me in the process of this a bit? I am only noob to this phone so I will definitely catch on super quick.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
I think it will be almost impossible withe the current tools to do this with out 'using' the work laptop. If you had a live Linux img on a thumb drive you could do it all from that on the laptop without modifying anything on it, but you would still have to use it :(

The best bet might be a friend?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] luca_vivi:
Hy

i have this software in my C6833:

Build 14.2.A.136

I wanna root my Z ultra, wich is the guide i have to follow?

please help me

TNX
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] SimplyCity:
Best way:

- downgrade to 532 (can lost imei but don't worry - it will back after upgrading)

- root while on 532

- upgrade to 136

- done

Whole procedure works with locked BL. But if you would have unlocked BL (for custom roms) you have to unlock it at the specific moment. You can find very detailed instruction here on xda.

Btw. I rooted many ultras (6833) and can tell you it is very simple and fast. Had no one problem after all. More: 136 works very nice for me. Any single issue. Only little flustrating thing with sound enhencements... But I use Viper4A and I recommend that way!

Wish you luck.

Tapatalked from C6833
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] luca_vivi:
Tnx.But The drivers forse viper4a?

I'm very scary about lost imei

Inviato dal mio C6833 utilizzando Tapatalk
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dimex:
Here's the best and simplest directions, hands down. I clarified some of the points in blue. You will achieve this root leaving the bootloader unlocked:
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] luca_vivi:
Ok i will try it tomorrow

Inviato dal mio C6833 utilizzando Tapatalk
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] SimplyCity:
V4a instaled and activated in system preferences. Done. But both system enhencements and v4a do not work at the same time. You have to choose one of them. And dont worry about imei. If you need root, you will lost imei during every way leads through downgrade. But upgrading will bring it back. :)

Tapatalked from C6833
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] luca_vivi:
TNX but what it this?:

Flashed C6833_14.2.A.1.136_Stripped.ftf. Get it from NUT. Flash using flashtool
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Lc1975:
You have to download the file by torrent:

http://nut.xperia-files.com/?dlid=QzY4MzNfMTQuMS5CLjEuNTMyX1tOVVRdLmZ0Zi50b3JyZW50

And then after install the latest version of Flashtool you can start do do the root and the rest.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] SimplyCity:
Mister, you are big boy I think. Use brain and search function. Everything is well-described in other subject.

First look here:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2495875

[ROM][LB/UB] Full Stock C6833/6802 14.1.B.2.257 Deodex + Root + DualRecovery

Second:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2612980

[STOCK][C68XX][4.3] Update to 14.2.A.0.290 [Root & XZDR][LB/UB]

And third:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2631768

[STOCK][C68XX][4.3] Update to 14.2.A.1.136 [Root & XZDR][LB/UB][DE-/ODEX]

Thats should tell you everything.

Tapatalked from C6833
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] luca_vivi:
I did Downgrade to. 532 than root and backup TA than zxdual recovery but....

How can I go to recovery twrpy cellphone always boot.in.Cwm recovery

Inviato dal mio C6833 utilizzando Tapatalk
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dimex:
Read the thread, not going to hold your hand through the entire process. NDR Utils app might be what you need, look in your app drawer.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
is this using boot to recovery or entering recovery manually?

Try entering recovery manually and press the vol down when you see the purple LED
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] SimplyCity:
Close. To be more exact: rebot manualy. First you see sony logo. Then two short vibrations. Then green led shows up. And this is the very moment you shold press and hold vol-udown button. If everything is ok, green light should turn to purple and device should enter twrp. When you miss the moment, led wont turn and device will start as usuall.

Tapatalked from C6833
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] luca_vivi:
Tnx guys now it's ok

I wasn't exclude from recovery to let the stock rom to reflash the standard recovery

Inviato dal mio C6833 utilizzando Tapatalk
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dosada:
What about a phone with 14.2.a.1.136 ?

Just want to make sure before i brick it

TIA
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Just treat it as if it had 14.2.a.0.290 on it, the same steps are needed
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] engis:
How to downgrade a phone with 14.3.A.691 to

save TA Partition

Unlock the bootloader

get Recovery and TWRP
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Just follow the guide like it is on .290.

See my downgrade thread and flash [NUT]'s ftf to downgrade, then follow the OP for the rest.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Li888:
Ok I'm a noob. But I just want to make sure that I'm on the right track. To get a rooted stock Kitkat ZU (C6802) I have to do this.

1. Downgrade to .532

2. Root it including the OTA app.

3. Back Up TA

4. Unlock bootloader using flashtool

5. install recovery/twrp

6. Flash a Stock .681 FTF.

7. Flash Jackies' Custom Kernel http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2687549

8. Flash SuperSU.

Thanks in advance for your advice
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Yep that should do it
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] manigma:
Is there any rooting method that will not disable X-reality. I have searched all threads but cant find any. Please provide a link if there is one. Thanks.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hassanmahmood:
Then you really haven't a clue how to search.

Rooting has nothing to do with X-Reality; your bootloader does.

So long as you use any rooting method for a locked bootloader (i.e: you do not unlock your bootloader) you will not lose X-Reality.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] manigma:
Oh yes you are right. I knew it too. But mistook a thread with word UB as LB and got confused. Frustrated not getting 4.4 update in India. Otherwise I would not think about rooting.

PS: Is there a method to force update via PC Suite? Anyone on XDA got 4.4 update in India? Pls upload FTF as torrent.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hassanmahmood:
I think you would just need to change the CDA.

Try searching for combinations for CDA, build.prop and update and see what you come up with.

Alternatively someone with the exact answer will probably reply eventually.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] halifage:
root method for Kitkat (.681)?

I want to root my ZU but already updated to Kitkat.

Is there a rooting method for ZU running Kitkat?

Thanks.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Indeed there is. Unlocked bootloader is required, but it's very very easy. I'll add this link in the first post too, so thanks for reminding me.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dosada:
I hope someone can help me. I have downgraded my phone to root it whicj worked just fine. Now i would like to run the ota update. Will this delete my root
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
What are you trying to achieve? KitKat with root?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dosada:
I would like to install a newer version of Android on my rooted device without loosing root. When I download the official update my phone boots into cwm and update fails
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Lc1975:
You must install the latest of a FTF file with latest version of Flashtool..

FTF from here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2453921

Then go to this post: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2687549

And you have Root again...
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dosada:
Would you by any chance know which one to take for an Australian stock device? Here the choice

LATEST

Release: March19th

STOCK ROM] [FTF] Xperia Z Ultra (C6833) 14.3.A.0.681 "Generic HK"

MEGA Click for LINK

Thanks to: [MENTION=4642591]hamdogg[/MENTION]

STOCK ROM] [FTF] Xperia Z Ultra (C6833) 14.3.A.0.681 "Euro"

DOC's Click for LINK

Thanks to: [MENTION=4704803]android_myan[/MENTION]
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] hamdogg:
I use HK (Hong kong) and I'm in New Zealand. But it wont matter which one you choose. It comes down to the device number. C6806??
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] dosada:
No, I have got a C6833. Will try the Hk one too. thanks
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
I generally use the HK one as well here in NZ. The phone came from there to start with
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] shafiq_riser:
Nothing happens

OK guys so I have a C6833. I was running PA 4.2 and then slimkat. Some things didnt work, and i decided to flash the stock rom back. I followed the instructions for "back to sony" and used the stock rom from another thread. What happened is, i got an error saying " Cannot open bundle. Flash operation canceled". I dug around online and all i could find was people saying the ftf or flashtool could be corrupted. i tried reinstalling and redownloading but nothing worked. now my phone has nothing running on it and everytime i boot it up, all i get is a message saying "Update did not complete. Make sure phone is connected to computer and try again". It looks like something from Sony itself just in case you guys wanted to know. So, what should i do to go back to stock rom? Really need the help guys....
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
I've had this issue myself. You have to update Flashtool for it to be able to flash KitKat FTFs. You may run into issues when you try to update it though, so uninstall Flashtool as usual, go to C:/Flashtool/firmwares and move your FTF (so you don't lose it), then delete the whole "Flashtool" folder. Then install the latest Flashtool. It should work fine now.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] shafiq_riser:
umm, im not trying to flash a kitkat ftf...(though i was running a kitkat rom before this. could that be a problem?) im trying to flash .290 firmware which is 4.3
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Lc1975:
Deleted..
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Either way, always be on the latest Fastboot build.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] mike the mighty viking:
I am probably slower than most, but it seems to me, that I cant figure out, who was first, the chicken or the egg.

To backup your TA partition you need root.

In order to get root, you need to have your bootloader unlocked.

When you unlock your bootloader, you loose your TA partition, according to available sources here!!!!

Helppp...

Mike
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
I really am getting tired of answering this question in this thread and others... So once again:

downgrade

root

backup TA

unlock BL

upgrade

flash recovery

[flash custom rom]
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] shafiq_riser:
I installed flashtool only prior to this entire event so... its only about 2 days old. it cant be an old version of flashtool. ill try it again but i doubt its the solution. if you have anything else in mind, please let me know. thanks.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Yeah, and I'm sick and tired of the same questions being asked around here. I wish OP would do something about... heey, I'm OP! Aww poop.

I'll see if I have the time to re-write the guide this week, and make it much MUCH simpler.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Confus3d:
Hi!

Sorry for that question, i know you are tired, but i'm new with that.

I have understand the whole process, but i need to be shure. I'm in Stock 4.4 (.681) without unlocked bootloader and without root.

The steps should be:

1 - Downgrade to .532

2 - Root

3 - Backup TA

4 - Unlock BL In the sony's web (I will lose the TA Part in this point)

5 - Upgrade with flashtool or recovery to .681

And then follow the steps in the guide with the video (flash kernel and recovery and install SuperSU)

But in that guide is a warning with that message

MISSING IMEI:

You downgraded from 290 or later, didn't you? Well, you'll have to update again or flash [NUT]'s .532 build.

So if i downgrade from .681 i'm going to lose my IMEI? Or if i just check the BASEBAND i'm not going to lose it?
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] blueether:
Read my thread on downgrading, it has a link to [NUT]'s rom, and that will keep IMEI intact
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Yes, but only temporarily while you're rooting and doing the stuff on 532. Once you're back on 681, it'll be back to normal.
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Confus3d:
Thanks for the quick answer, i'm now doing a backup of my data.

blueether I've see your thread, but in that thread you said not check exclude baseband. I'm going to keep the same IMEI?

LordManhattan Thanks for the answer and that magnific thread.

So this are the steps:

1 - Downgrade to .532 [NUT]'s rom

2 - Root with this: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1886460 In normal mode

3 - Backup TA

4 - Unlock BL In the sony's web (I will lose the TA Part in this point)

5 - Upgrade with flashtool to stock .681 (i will lose the root but keep the unlocked bootloader

And then follow the steps in the guide with the video (flash kernel and recovery and install SuperSU)

Thanks!
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] LordManhattan:
Yup, that's it :)
[Sony Xperia Z Ultra] Confus3d:
Thanks LordManhattan!!

How about check or uncheck Baseband? It's necesary with nut's rom?

One last question: Can i after the root in kitkat keep my DRM keys? Can i Restore TA, (lock bootloader) and keep the recovery (kernel with recovery) and then root?

There is any problem or incompatibility with a phone without TA Partition and DRM keys?