[Xperia SP General] Furrydaus:
THE ULTIMATE NOOBS GUIDE TO ROOTING​

Introduction

Hello there people!

I've always been a fan of helping others out and I thought this guide will be helpful to those who want to get started on rooting their device. I'm making this as sort of an updated thread to [MENTION=2784807]DooMLoRD[/MENTION] 's Amazing Guide (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2354704). I hope that you guys are positive towards this thread and not be ungrateful to the effort I've given to this thread. On another note, please, wait NO, YOU MUST THANK :good::good: the developers in their specific threads as a form of appreciation to their hardwork they've put into creating a more vibrant world for the Android Community! Enough chatter, let's get on with dis! :fingers-crossed:

Disclaimer

By following this guide, you are hereby responsible to anything that happens to your device. By rooting, you are essentially VOIDING your warranty but there is a way to regain your warranty though. If you follow this guide CORRECTLY, I can assure you that 80% of the time, you won't hit into problems.

Rooting

The term "root" in Android is defined as "Unlocking Higher Privelages to your Android Device". Rooting can also be compared to the User Account Controls in Windows PCs. Traditional rooting methods are usually what steers users away from actualy from rooting their device but the newly released app named; "TowelRoot" is an application developed by world-renowned hacker GeoHot which aims to simplify the rooting process to a click of a button. To root the Sony Xperia SP, the TowelRoot Application is able to quickly allow you to root your device in a click. Follow the steps below to root your device in a matter of seconds! :cool:

Go to Settings > Security > and check Unknown Sources ON to allow us to install third-party apps.

If needed, untick the Verify Application option

Access http://towelroot.com

Tap on the Lambda Sign [The Letter in the middle of the website]

Save the application that is downloaded [Application name: tr.apk ]

Install the TowelRoot Application

Once installation is completed, open the app

Tap on the Make it Ra1n Button and give it a maximum of 2 minutes to excecute the rooting process

Once Finished, the application should say that you are rooted!

If the Installation Fails, your phone will just simply reboot. If it does fail, you might want to turn to DoomLord's Easy Rooting Toolkit: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2329208 or other sources

Install SuperSU by ChainsDD or ChainFire on the Play Store

Open the app and update its binary and you should be completed!

And DONE! It wasn't that complicated right? Although I think we exceeded that few seconds promise, you still got root access now! :p

BootLoader

There are some Xperia SP's that come with a LOCKED Bootloader. It is highly recommended to unlock your bootloader as it will give you much more opportunities to the Android World. DoomLord has the whole proccess covered in perfect detail so I rather you guys take a look at his amazing guide by clicking on the badass link that redirects to his awesome post: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2354721

Recovery

The main aim of obtaining a recovery for your device is to have the ability to install Android MODS, ROMS and more on your device. The most trusted Recoveries in Android are; ClockworkMOD, Team Win Recovery Project [TWRP] and PHILZ Touch (A touch version of ClockworkMOD). To get all three recoveries follow the steps below!

Visit this site on your computer: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2649923

Download the ZIP File

Unzip the file to your most preffered location

Head to the About Phone Section in your Xperia SP Settings

Press on the Build Number multiple times until the notification that says, You are now a developer or You're Already a Developer pops up

Go back to the main page of your settings

Open the Developer Options Tab

Locate the USB Debugging Option and tick it

Click the button on the top right to enable the Developer Options

Go back to the main screen of your Xperia SP (Launcher)

Run the Install.bat file on your computer

Select Option 1 to start the installation process

A notification should pop up on your Xperia SP Screen. Click on Accept to allow the install to continue

Once done, the Installer should notify you that the installation is complete

How to access a Recovery

It is important to get used to used to using a Recovery as it will reduce the chance of you running into problems. Your phone should now have 3 recoveries but we'll use the most trusted recovery which is the ClockworkMOD Recovery. To access the recovery follow this steps:

Turn on your device

Upon showing the SONY Logo, press and hold the Camera Button until a set of lights appear

If done correctly, you should be able to access CWM Recovery

Installing a Custom ROM

A Custom ROM is a custom-made android developed by Developers around the world. It is important to follow the steps shown by the Developer to install the Custom ROM to your device. If not, you can start saying goodbye to your Android as it will get what is known as a soft-brick. Every person has their own preffered custom ROMs that they use be it VANIR; a ROM based off pure Android, CyanogenMOD; a ROM based off its own system modifications and even your own Sony ROMs being made better! Take a look at this list at the thread below to find your own custom ROMs .Be sure to follow the instructions given by the Developer! It is also recommended that you look at the thread closely to see if there are any bugs and also required specifications before installing the ROM of your choice.

Redirect yo' ass to the thread by clicking on this small ass link to my right mate :p: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2683688

Android Kernels

An Android Kernel is the 'Software' that your hardware looks to to get functions working. Android Kernels for the Xperia SP are bound to the Android System/ROM that you have installed on your phone. Some Custom ROMs have their own Kernel built into them so again, look closely at the instructions on their specific thread. The links below will redirect you to the Kernels that are made available for the Xperia SP

Kernel for Stock Sony Firmware:

DooMKernel V13: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2345567

Williams Kernel V5.1: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2750392

Stock .2.245 / .2.254 Kernel: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2404452

Kernel for CyanogenMOD and MIUI ROMS:

Williams Kernel V4: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2764939

NayakKernel V1: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2581531

Installing MODS

Android Firmware generally gets shipped with bugs and issues that are mainly caused by phone manafacturers so it is wise to install MODs that help to improve your Android Experience even further. The list below shows you one of the most effective and great MODs that work on the Xperia SP. Check em' out mate! Follow the instructions to install the MODS to your device!

PurePerformancesX: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2360670

AdBlockPLUS: https://adblockplus.org/en/android

Backing Up your device

Sometimes we run into trouble so we will usually back up our devices either by the Cloud or by using a storage device. The most common way of backing up your device is by backing up a 'system image' of your device by using the application called NanDroid (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.h3r3t1c.onnandbup). Once installed, backup your device to your preferred storage device but we recommend backing it up to our good old SD Cards. Another way to backup your device is by creating a flashable zip of what YOU want to be backed up. This can be done through an all new application known as ZIPme by the famous (I think? :confused:) JMRummyApps (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=zip.me). Choose what you want to be backed up with the app and store it in your SD Card.

Recovering your device

Its perfectly normal to soft-brick your device now and then but it is important to know how to recover your device from it! Here are 2 methods to recovering your poor Xperia SP to its original state(s).

1. By Recovery

So if you still have the custom recoveries installed on your device, you can simply use the backups that you made from the applications in the 'Backing Up your device section'. To use the backup to good use, make your way to the the Recovery of your device and follow the instructions below:

Factory Reset your device by clicking on the wipe data option on the menu

After wiping your device, go back to the main page by hitting the GO BACK button on the sceen

Hit the 'Install ZIp' option

Press Choose zip from SDCard1

Locate your NanDroid Backup

Hit Install and let the phone do its thing

Once completed, reboot device and you should have android back! If not, follow the next method to recover your device

1. By Flashtool

Flashtool is a utility that is able to flash (install) STOCK SONY Firmware to your device without a lot of hassle. Follow the steps below to get your ass more known to flashtool! :silly:

Download Flashtool to your computer here: http://www.flashtool.net/download.php

Once installed, download and install the drivers from this thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2635830

If you're running on the useless (just kidding) Windows 8/8.1, follow the steps on this post: http://xdaforums.com/xperia-z/devel...bootloader-t2153261/post38878089#post38878089

Download your country-specific FTF (Firmware) File from this thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2311964

Launch the Flashtool Utility

Click on the Lightning Button (Install Button)

Click the FlashMode Option

Locate your downloaded Firmware by pressing the button with the 3dots on the top right hand corner of the window

Select the Firmware

Click Flash

Follow the On-screen instructions after that

Reboot Device

Wait for maximum of 10minutes for rebuilding of system files

The Stock Android should pop-up and you can repeat all of the steps mentioned above to reroot your device!

Warranty Recovery

Preparing your device to obtain worthy of the warranty you got with your device means following the steps in the 'Recovering Your Device' and flashing the Stock SONY Firmware via flashtool. To Lock your bootloader again, follow the steps provided by AndroidTeen.com (Just a random site I found that helped me lock my bootloader :p) http://androidteen.com/sony-xperia-sp-how-to-relock-bootloader/

Further Assistance :confused:

The Xperia SP community is full of derps people. If you ever run into any problems and such, please do post a informative thread that includes all the information you can provide and your help question in THIS forum section. It is also recommended to ask your question in the specific thread of your problem (eg. Installing a recovery problems and enquiries should be posted on its specific thread). You can also alternatively request for assistance on this thread too.

Epilogue

Thank you for following me in the guide this far and I hope you've benefited from this guide or maybe even give you a good read! Support this guide by leaving a BLOODY, I meant Nicely crafted Thanks by hitting the Thanks button for the thread! Be sure to support all of the developers and sources cited in this guide! Hope to see you again in my next guide! (It's a gaming guide :P) If you want to contribute to the guide in any-way, (BIG or small) do PM me [MENTION=5934815]Furrydaus[/MENTION] and i'll look into it! :D

Credito's

>/The Legend [MENTION=2784807]DooMLoRD[/MENTION]

>/The Bad-ass GeoHot

>/The Smart [MENTION=1262249]dssmex[/MENTION]

>/The Compiler [MENTION=4715675]mrjraider[/MENTION]

>/Kernel Crafter [MENTION=3902513]karthiknayak94[/MENTION]

>/Kernel Creator [MENTION=4466123]pec0ra[/MENTION]

>/The All-Mighty [MENTION=5122018]Jeeko[/MENTION]

Contributers

Thank you for helping out in the Guide! Big or Small! :good:

>/[MENTION]@adebnath[/MENTION]