[Sharp Aquos Crystal] weltwon:
ROOTING Aquos Crystal 306SH:

This thread is for 306SH ONLY.

Please DO NOT post 305SH information.

305SH has different programming & will confuse people.

Several people are working on rooting 306SH but without help from experts like Chainfire or Cyanogen (or a change of attitude from Sharp),

306SH may not be rooted until we have flying solar-powered cars.

1/28/2015 note to person who keeps posting root info (likely fake) and asking for money in advance:

You keep posting, we'll keep deleting your posts and may BAN you from XDA !

2/14/2015 UPDATE: The BEST thing I can say about the 306SH I formerly owned, is that I sold it on eBay 3 days ago for $139 ! It was in 100% flawless condition. Sorry people, I gave up trying to get ANYONE at Sharp to provide any help in rooting this phone. On the flip side, My Sony Smartwatch 3 has already updated itself to Lollipop 5.01 and Sony is expected to release it for my Z2 in the next 30 to 45 days. Some manufacturers know how to treat their customers and win more customers (unlike Sharp).

Sharp Aquos Crystal is an amazing phone for only $150 US.

However, it needs a way to unlock it's true potential and a way to install updates without bloatware.

You CAN switch from Boost Mobile to Ting in less than 10 minutes & save LOTS of money!

Ting uses the same Sprint network so service (signal strength) will NOT change by moving to Ting.

Switching to Ting is fast & as easy as it gets. Only $6.00/month if you NEVER use the phone.

I'm now using mine as my emergency backup so unless I need to use it, I'm only paying $6/month ($6.89 including taxes).

All you need is:

1. Your IMEI # < Can also be found on bottom of Boost Mobile package

2. ISID # < On bottom of Boost Mobile package

3. Credit card < Ting bills at END of each month, not prepay like other no-contract services

4. Bring your own number (port in) or let Ting choose a number for you from ANYWHERE in the USA

(choose an address in any city & state, it offers appropriate area codes + number).

NO SIM card is required.

Ting can also be used internationally on some GSM networks. INSTRUCTIONS

Note: Switching to Ting does not change or remove the Boost Mobile 4G boot animation.

WARNING: Ting has a bug in their billing system and even though your phone/text/data usage may be ZERO, they may try to bill you for usage. This has happened to me repeatedly so if you switch to Ting, be prepared to watch your monthly bills for errors.

Here's what else I've accomplished & learned using the 306SH since October 16, 2014:

Thought I had root using Kingo but it wasn't because SuperSU is not working & Root Checker app says we do not have root.

I was tricked by Kingo. Per feedback from Kingo, they are "working on it."

This means that many apps requiring root will not work at this time BUT may install and seem like they are working perfectly.

Here are step by step instructions of what I did which lead me to believe we had REAL and FULL root:

Note: You may see different results if you have or do ANYTHING differently than I did.

I will not be responsible for any damage (bricking) to your phone or respond to messages as such, so proceed at your own risk.

All of this applies ONLY to Sharp 306SH on Boost Mobile.

I do not have a 305SH and there may be undiscovered difference(s) on the Sprint or Virgin models.

1. I am running Windows 8.1 Pro 32bit with all updates.

2. I have Sharp Aquos Crystal connected to a USB 2.0 port.

3. I installed the stock Sharp USB drivers, specifically android_winusb.inf dated 8/25/2014.

4. I activated Developer mode by going Settings>About phone>press Build number until it says you are a developer

5. Go Settings>Developer Options>put checkmark in USB debugging.

6. Go to Kingo's latest version 1.2.6 download to download app named android_root.exe 18,018,600 bytes size.

7. Run android_root.exe while phone is connected via USB and USB debugging is ON (checked).

8. Kingo app should say that phone is connected. If not, you have a problem that I can not diagnose for you.

9. For the next several minutes it should repeatedly scroll "Downloading requisite dependency files ... Waiting for device ...".

10. Phone should reboot by itself. After it reboots install and try to run any apps that normally require root.

11. As of now, I have Root Explorer working. I can see and access ROM folders and files including system, but not Data folders.

I tested Titanium and it is NOT working. Root Checker says NO ROOT. Busy Box says problem may be related to SuperUser or SuperSU not having proper permissions.

This is ALL I know for now about rooting Boost Mobile 306SH . If/when I learn more, I will post it HERE.

UNLOCKING I spoke by phone with Boost Mobile on 10/24/2014 and was told that Boost will NOT provide unlock codes for ANY of their phones. Then I spoke with Sharp Support at 844-742-7751 and asked them. While speaking with Sharp, I also asked about unlocking the bootloader and when Sharp may be posting what developers need so we can create custom ROMS and possibly root this phone. I will post the response from Sharp to all these questions as quickly as I receive it/them.

Unlocking normally means you can use it on any other similar network. In this case, the 306SH is CDMA which means we would be restricted to Sprint, Boost, Virgin or any other CDMA network in the USA.

GSM Use. It might be possible for us to also use our 306SH phones with GSM networks such as Tmobile or AT&T in the USA. In Japan, the same Sharp phone is known as the 305SH and is set to work on GSM networks so, common sense says GSM use in USA might be possible if/when an XDA developer modifies the code for us..

HOW TO UNLOCK GSM phones (such as the 305SH)

1. You obtain unlock code from whomever sold you the phone and is currently providing service. From time you request the unlock code, it may be up to 2 or 3 days before you receive an email with that unlock code. When you request the unlock code, you will need to provide the IMEI code to your current service provider. WARNING: There are MANY scam artists (websites advertising unlock codes for a fee) and many of them will NEVER provide you with an unlock code that works.

2. You install a new SIM card from whatever new service provider you want to use. Example: If you obtained unlock code from Sprint and want to switch service to Virgin Mobile, you insert a Virgin Mobile SIM card.

3. Turn on the phone and it should go to the unlock screen.

4. Enter the unlock code.

I did this on my Tmobile Galaxy Note 3 at it worked perfectly.

NOVEMBER 24, 2014 UPDATE: NOBODY is even close to rooting the 306SH. Last night I even tried using Chinese VRoot V1.7.3 ... just another waste of time.

DECEMBER 6, 2014 UPDATE: I switched from Boost Mobile to Ting: On 10/14/2014 I tried to order my 306SH from boostmobile.com website because it included 1 month of FREE service (up to $50). Website was NOT working so I phoned my order and chose $35/month plan. I was supposed to received $35 credit within 14 days after 10/16/2014 activation. Boost failed to issue $35 credit as promised. 11/24/2014 I phoned 866-402-7366, spoke with Raine. She had to submit a special request to get my $35 credit.

Then I received a message saying thanks for paying Boost Mobile another $50 (which I did NOT do) ! Days later, I received a message from Boost saying that instead of refunding me $35 for month of service that should have been FREE, they would give it to me NEXT month. Sorry Boost, too many mistakes. I lost faith in "Worst" Mobile and switched to Ting which will also save me up to $348 a year!

FEBRUARY 2, 2015 UPDATE: I give up. Zero cooperation from Sharp and after 4 months, NOBODY has found a way to root this phone. In addition, Ting has continued billing me for service I did NOT use! Bottom Line: I just notified Ting to terminate my service and I am selling my 306SH on eBay. Winning bidder will get it in 100% perfect condition with all the unused accessories and paperwork. As I type this, I am reminded of Murphy's Law. The minute I sell this phone, it would not surprise me if some on this thread finds a way to root it! Good luck y'all !

Simple click of your "Thanks BUTTON" is ALWAYS appreciated so I know I'm not wasting your time or mine!

I do not accept, want or need any monetary donations from anyone.

I am here trying to help others because I believe "what goes around comes around."

Glenn ;)

Since surviving through 4 defective original iPhones in a row, I've purchased, rooted & customized over a dozen Android phones and tablets.

The 306SH is least expensive smartphone I've ever owned & runs great. Sony Xperia Z2 is my daily use smartphone (better camera and root is available now),

If/when someone successfully roots 306SH, I will update this post.