yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] dillalade:
Oh gosh. That's sour news.

Shoot that DJ :sly:

So there is yet no chance of backup up or preserving the data partition upon downgrade/root method.

Guess I will need to bite the bullet sooner or later.

However word from CES was that February is when Sony will roll out xperia lollipop to the z3 line. I may wait another few weeks. I sense the update is immanent.

Thanks for your results
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] istux:
Mmmm... quite strange, as if DATA is unticked, Flashtool doesn't execute the data wipe command.

I made some upgrading/downgrading on my old xperia T in the past using this method and it worked properly.

On my current z3c I only changed customization of the same firmware version and it worked.

So I can't understand why downgrading on z3c should wipe also if data is unchecked.

Weird.. I just can say this, as I can't test on mine at the moment :rolleyes:
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] dillalade:
Strange yet Inconclusive.

We need others to chime in on there experience if they managed to preserve there data partition post downgrade.

Though I suspect not given Charlie's experience.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] istux:
I'm very interested in this, because I take care of this list/tutorial: http://xdaforums.com/z3-compact/general/list-stock-firmwares-d5803-d5833-t2906706

If on z3c the downgrading process always wipes the data partition, I will correct my guide.

I've been taking care of a similar thread for Xperia T for ONE year and nobody said he had a problem with this method. So, I'm sure it's good for older xperia.

Now, it's possible that our beloved z3c has a different behaviour with Flashtool.

Ok.

The problem is that if you say to someone to make a copy of his/her stuff and make a test and then report the feedback, you have a chance of 10% to get an answer (if you're lucky).

Nobody wants to test, never. We are always the same few people that lock, unlock, relock the bootloader, flash, downgrade, upgrade, wipe, make backup and REPORT.

And anyways, only one experience is never reliable.

So bad, it really makes me angry. :(

Nevertheless, I will test by myself and report.
[MENTION=2053413]dillalade[/MENTION] I'm not angry with you, I'm sure you need not to lose your data...
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] charliebigpot:
All I can say is that I really hope that somebody proves me wrong! :)
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] istux:
Not even angry with you..

Your experience is welcome and you're probably right. ;)

The problem is that we need some more tests.

I will report.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] bilboa1:
if you type "mount" it should show if /system is mounted as rw (read write) after the above commands are typed

if thats the case then the problem is elsewhere ;)
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] NeLk:
I used the third option, did this

http://xdaforums.com/xposed/install-xposed-z3compact-t3019176
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] sherlock5545:
Before restoring the backup I have to lock the bootloader first right?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] Lazer72:
Yes you do. Make sure you exclude System when flashing the stock fw non prf or you'll overwrite the root and you'll have start from scratch (wipe data), so yeah, EXCLUDE System.

You have to do this to fully upgrade because the PRF only updates the System partition to update the rest you have to do it manually in FlashTool.

No need to wipe data as you're not crossing Android versions (if you were coming from 4.4.4 you'd have to wipe as the data wouldn't be compatible with LP OS.

---------- Post added at 07:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:52 PM ----------

What have you done exactly?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] sherlock5545:
[MENTION=6242094]Lazer72[/MENTION] I originally rooted through the exploit and then backed up the DRM keys. Currently the device is unlocked. I'm planning to sell the phone, so I want to restore the DRM backup. I tried restoring the backup but the device didn't boot anymore. Is it because before restoring I have I have to lock the bootloader first?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] Lazer72:
Make sure you have stock rom installed. Lock the bootloader. Then restore.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] hmrc87:
I rooted my device with help of this manual and Build 23.4.A.0.546 - so far no problems.

No I want to flash the newest Version and dont loose root - where do I find the newest flashable German ( I guess CE)?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] leyton01:
Following the steps from 39 onwards I was able to upgrade - thanks for your help [MENTION=6242094]Lazer72[/MENTION]
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] Mechanon84:
Thanks. Finally got it figured out last night though. Things have changed since OP was written and the process is just simpler now. There's a lot of extra steps for no reason. Plus almost everything can be done and downloaded through flashtool.

1) downgrade to 23.0.a.2.98 and root it. Wipe APPS_LOG and USERDATA while flashing

2) Get PRFC and follow all the instructions here on the newest firmware you like. Include the newest SU, and DualRecovery (again, you can just get the newest firmware from flashtool.) Check Kernel, FOTAKernel, Modem, LTALabel boxes when packaging. Put prerooted-flashable.zip in the root of your phone storage.

3) Install dual recovery but reboot into TWRP recovery (not PhailZ) by holding volume DOWN (not up). PhilZ looks real pretty but it doesn't work.

4) Flash the PRF you created, wipe cache and dalvik at the end and reboot. You're now on the latest FW with root and recovery. Skip steps 41-46. You're completely finished.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] trentarmitage:
I got to step 12

Phone will boot, but won't boot to the main page.

I am using Windows 10, and FlashTool, has anyone had problems with using Flashtool on Windows 10 ?

edit: reinstalled Flashtool, and it worked this time! I'll keep you guys updated as I go along!

Anyone have troubles doing these steps with Windows 10?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] cnkhanh:
Still works with latest version of the mentioned downloads. But I skipped step 42 to 46 though :)
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] Paull95:
I was getting bootloops after upgrading to PRF. So, I wiped the whole phone from TWRP, installed the PRF, flashed the FTF excluding system and flashed the pre rooted one from TWRP again. It's working perfectly fine.

Will test more extensively after getting the nano-SIM tho :P
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] xrallyx:
Hi guys:)

I read someone who says that's not strictly neccesary to follow the last steps of the guide (reflash the last build non rooted with the system partition), and someone who says it has to be done.

Thanks :)
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] fluffi444:
Only some posts above yours is the valid answer:

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=63773354&postcount=1192

If you create and FULL prerooted FW (including Kernel and stuff etc) there is no need to flash again the FW - logical insn't it.

Don't think too much - This all is really easier than it looks like (in OP). ;)
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] xrallyx:
Yes I read it and for that reason I didn't know what to do eheh [emoji16]

The link "here" doesn't work, what it was meant to be?

Thank you very much :)
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] blue blue man:
Hi guys,

Thanks a lot for a great instruction.

I followed and successfully downgraded to rooted Kitkat.

Now I would like to get Lollipop rooted. I downloaded pre-rooted 23.1.A.0.690 ZIP.

I followed the instruction till step "43.Open Flashtool and select the non-pre-rooted fw (this is 23.1.A.0.690)".

But I can not get to where I can choose 23.1.A.0.690 fw with System box excluded. Is that in Flash or Fastboot?

Should I get the pre-rooted 23.1.A.0.690 FTF fw somewhere?

Could you please describe more elaborate this step?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] Randy05:
Did everything right but in the end just receive a stock 5.1.1 with no root. Tried 3 times. What gives?

When I flash pre-rooted zip through recovery it installs firmware but seems to fail to install supersu and recovery. Can't figure out why...

Update: FINALLY FIGURED OUT THE SOLUTION. Flash the pre-rooted zip with TWRP recovery, not with PhilZ's one.

In order to boot into TWRP use the NDR utils app, which your phone already has.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] kansasboy001:
Can I use this like this? First backup ta partition. Unlock bl, root and recovery. Install custom rom and kernel. Refresh backed up ta so bootloader is locked again and drm keys are back?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] RaXelliX:
Custom ROM's do not boot with locked bootloader. If you want to use custom ROM you have to have unlocked bootloader. If you have locked bootloader you can only use stock ROM's.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] kansasboy001:
Rsxw Z5 experience supports locked boot loader http://xdaforums.com/z3/development/d6603-23-1-1-28-t3102271
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] RaXelliX:
Af far as i can see it's modified stock ROM that still uses stock kernel. Thats problably why it doesent require unlocked bootloader. If this is the one you plan on using then yes your previous idea will work.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] kansasboy001:
So if I flash a custom kernel when I'm unlocked everything will be fine when I relock when I restore ta?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] RaXelliX:
Restoring TA also relocks the bootloader. So if you're using stock based kernel you'll be fine.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] Gaspoune:
Upgrade rooted .232 --> .264

Hello everybody,

good to see such an active community.

I am a little puzzled with the process of rooting, and upgrading. I am currently running a .232 version (rooted, locked) and I want to upgrade to a .264 version, keeping root, keeping locked bootloader.

What are the steps to follow? is it feasible to do it in one row from recovery ?

Would it be worth updating the first post to describe this upgrading case?

Thanks in advance,

Gaspoune
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] AndriyeZ:
For KitKat - fw 23.0.1.A.5.77 (android 4.4. dec 2014) at https://mega.co.nz/#!fQRSHS4B!bQ4ebj...sUyBDWHYomE2X8 and the non-prerooted at https://mega.co.nz/#!AUEg1ayC!UsKs6y...g8zMdkBCFi-X9Q then skip directly to step 33.

Any other link?? cannot downlod it, then just want to know coz I'd just moved from LT18i to this Z3 compact.. is that any compatible issue if I flash D5803 fw to D5833 device? thanks before
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] RaXelliX:
Make prerooted firmware zip and flash in recovery (use TWRP to avoid compability issues). After flash wipe cache/dalvik and you should be fine.

Why would you do that?

D5833 firmware is available from many places. You could flash D5803 firmware to D5833 but there's no guarantee that it will boot and even if it does D5833 is meant for Asia meaning it has different LTE (4G) bands and using D5803 FW means you most likely would not be able to use LTE/4G.

Download links: http://xdaforums.com/z3-compact/general/list-stock-firmwares-d5803-d5833-t2906706
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] AndriyeZ:
I just doing a silly mistake when download directly from 1st post, then just realized that fw I got was for D5803, thanks mate..:fingers-crossed:
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] Pooks_cro:
I have problems with the Croatian T-Mobile firmware as it leaves me with a bootloop. I have used the Global_Generic 23.0.A.2.9, 1286-9917 KitKat firmware from September to downgrade the phone as per step 1. Does anyone have the correct firmware for T-Mobile Croatia Z3 users for download please? The Generic global one doesnt work properly, so it seems, since I assume my phone is locked to T-Mobile FW only. I flashed the 23.4.A.1.200_R8C 1289-3733 Tmobile version and everything works fine now.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] somebodyhura:
hi

I have read the post...but I got a bit confused...so Im saying the steps I got here...just want to know ifim correct or wrong...

(cuz I'm not English...)

1_first I backup my files and download my latest firmware (5.1.1) from xperifirm and make my ftf.

2_then I flash 23.0.A.2.93 nearest to my country.

3_and I run the gieroot installer

4_and then backup-ta.bat

(so here I mess up)

I want to make my own rom...

5_So I got PRFC and supersu and dualrecovery flashable

And use the firmware I got from xperifirm (5.1.1) and make it(is this correct?)

6_create the ftf and copy to internal

7_the in cmd "adb shell" "su" "mount -oremount,rw /system"

8_running dualrecovery installer and then flash the ftf I got from xperifirm(the latest 5.1.1)and rooted it whit PRFC(the one made in step 5)

9_poweroff and unplug

And here... Im confused again...

10_you said get the non-pre-rooted again and deselect system and flash...(then need to root it again?..I dont get it sorry)

I'm not experienced enough.. But not too noob too...(I have flashed xperia arc s and xperia mini...they were so easier :) )

One more question: can I do all to 23.0.A.2.93?

Want to stay kitkat...for now...is it possible?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] Pooks_cro:
To answer my own question. If anyone here has the same problem as me - flashing a kitkat fw bricks your device, here's a workaround for that:

1. Do the first 12 steps, however instead of a kitkat based fw use a 5.0.2 fw from the list (http://xdaforums.com/z3-compact/general/list-stock-firmwares-d5803-d5833-t2906706), I used 23.1.A.1.28 - Unbranded - Turkey (1289-4791) as it was the only one that didn't brick my device. It has to be the 23.1.A.1.28 or 23.2.A.1.62 version though, you'll see why in the next step.

2. Instead of steps 13-21 do the following 6 step programme http://xdaforums.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/root-how-to-root-5-0-lollipop-t3212108 (adb needs to be installed beforehand!)

3. Follow the rest of the guide.

Worked like a charm for me, now I run a german unbranded fw with 5.1.1, will probably install cm now, good luck everyone.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] aryoks:
Is there any other way to backup the TA partition without using the Backup-TA util?

The util isn't working for some reason on my phone:
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] centric dk:
I got a new Z3c with Lolipop 5.1.1 on it. Can I do the following:

Use step 1-14 in the detailed guide in this thread,

root via kingroot.net,

install DualRecovery,

upgrade using pre-rooted firmware, e.g. http://xdaforums.com/z3-compact/development/d5803-23-2-1-62-slim-t3127115

?

Thanks!
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] skibler:
Sigh. I seem to have my phone in a boot loop.

The device just came back from warranty treatment from Sony so it had the latest ROM available.

I've followed steps 1-12 repeatedly but after flashing D5803_23.0.A.2.93_USA.ftf, the device is stuck in a boot loop. I've repeated everything 4-5 times now with the same results.

Any advice on what I can do from here? Thank you!
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] skibler:
Well shoot. I can flash most any firmware image and get a working phone as long as the image is newer than 23.0.1.A.5.77. Anything older, and I get stuck in a boot loop.

The problem is, afaik, you need to start with something older than 23.0.1.A.5.77 to root the device, correct?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] snowkiter:
Happened to me as well when I just ran the Flashtool 0.9.19.8 or 0.9.19.10 with an older firmware (D5803_23.0.A.2.98_Germany_1289-4696.ftf).

Solution was in the Firmware Selector dialog to enable both options under Wipe (check both APPS_LOG and USERDATA).

I don't know if checking only one would already be enough. I'm rooted now, and I won't try again, but if you're afraid of losing USERDATA, you could also try wiping only APPS_LOG).
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] centric dk:
I just been through the exact same process. I tried several ftf files. My solution was to choose NOT to use the FSC method when Flashtool asks. Then the downgrade worked.

From there, I could easily root via kingroot.net and upgrade with a pre-rooted ROM like this: xdaforums.com/z3-compact/development/d5803-23-2-1-62-slim-t3127115
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] niczoom:
I followed the process and (in the end) booted successfully with root.

But have a problem with stock sms, it does not work! I have the correct APN and mobile network selected. Ive tried google messenger and well but still no luck. But Hangouts and Textra are both able to send SMS and MMS ?? Strange ??

Anyone know a solution to this problem? or experienced the same issue.

BTW im from Australia and used "23.0.A.2.93 - Unbranded - Australia (1288-4214)" and "23.4.A.1.232 - Unbranded - Australia (1288-4214) ~made by [MENTION=6856126]SkippR[/MENTION]" firmwares.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] centric dk:
I ran into a similar problem. Stock SMS and Go Pro SMS both did not send nor receive anything. I talked a long time with my service provider and they tried to reset my SIMcard. I also checked the SMS-center number, both in the stock SMSmessager app, and the service menu from *#*#4636#*#*. Nothing worked.

In the end I reset Android to factory settings by selecting: settings - Backup & reset - Factory data reset - reset phone. That worked!!

Note that you will loose everything on the phone so copy your important files to a computer or the SDcard (the SD card is not effected in the factory reset).
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] SkippR:
I hadn't tried the stock sms app as I'm using Signal. I just tried and can confirm that sms with the standard app is working for me with the 23.4.A.1.232
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] niczoom:
I assume using this method I would have to go through the same process to root my phone again?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] centric dk:
No I don't think so. I still have root on my phone.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] niczoom:
Yep, phone is still rooted after doing a 'Factory data reset' and stock SMS now works :)))

Great, thanks for the advice. Have a good Xmas!
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] w0uter:
I'm currently on firmware 23.0.A.2.93 and rooted but this is android 4.4.4 and i want 5.1.1 as mentioned below.

I've downloaded a pre rooted firmware and put it on my sdcard [Rom][5.1.1][D5803]Pre-Rooted+++XZDR+2.8.21+[23.4.A.1.264]+-+BAL.zip.

I took a pre rooted firmware Newer then the guid listen to...

Is it now possible to just take this stock firmware D5803_23.4.A.1.264_1289-4696_R8C.ftf

How do i need to setup flashtool is this ok?

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=AC16F01210B5FE5C!119&authkey=!ADFqguAuL4wnEps&v=3&ithint=photo%2cJPG

And why do we need to flash a stock firmware again without the system? Isn't this pre rooted firmware not enough ?

It would be great for some little help!!
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] firtvid20:
Just wanted to say I managed to successfully upgrade from 23.1.A.1.28 (Android 5.0.2) to 23.4.A.1.232 (Android 5.1.1) without wiping any user data (using unbranded firmware for D5833). Followed from steps 27 to the end, but skipped 34-38 and went straight to recovery as I already had a recovery installed from my previous flash I did.

Finally got rid of that pesky update notification! :p
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] warzag:
Hi guys !

I'm trying to root my phone in order to install the Slim 4.5 rom but I'm facing an issue. Everytime I'm trying to flash the 4.4 firmware my phone can't boot and got stuck on the bootscreen (sony blue waves). I've tried with 23.0.A.2.93 and 23.0.1.A.5.77 firmware.

I had to flash again the 5.11 (23.4.A.1.264) in order to get my phone working again.

Any idea ? Thank you very much
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] centric dk:
See post #1220, that worked for me. If you get problems with SMS, then reset the phone to factory settings. Then SMS works and you keep root.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] warzag:
Didn't work for me, still in bootloop when I flash 4.4 firmwares (I did chose no when Flashtool asked me but the first time I tried to flash I said yes, maybe it's all linked) :(

EDIT : I wiped all in Flashtool and the downgrade worked fine :) Thanks for your help
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] Sofio954:
This solution work if I'm on Marshamallow ?

If not, What I have to do to restore the Keys DRM ?

Thank's
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] caiozafa:
Hi there, its been awhile since I made this procedure (flashed 4.4.4 kitkat).

Now, I want to update my phone. its possible to do a straight update from 4.4.4 to 5.1.1?

which ROM should I download to update using this step by step thread?

can anyone help?:D
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] chris5s:
If you already have rooted Kitkat with twrp recovery you can just download one of the pre-rooted 5.1.1 roms and flash the zip in recovery.

Peace.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] Didgesteve:
Thanks

New to the Z3 forum as I've only just got my phone.

Just wanted to say how easy it was to get my phone from new out of the box, to rooted with a a custom rom, thanks to bilboa1 and this thread.

Keep up the good work.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] mrkukov:
Z3 Compact Howto upgrade from rooted, locked firmware to new version

Thanks for the guide!

The numbering of tasks is a bit weird but it's still easy to follow. One thing that this guide totally misses is upgrade! There's no mentioning what to do to upgrade again. Do you need to make everything again? No you don't. Can you just install the new zip? I ended up into bootloop so better follow this guide:

Here's UPGRADE guide:

Use this guide to update Z3 Compact with root, recovery and locked bootloader to the newest firmware with root, recovery and still locked bootloader.

Short version:

1. Backup!

2. Create new prerooted zip

3. Install zip from recovery (DO NOT reboot, use shutdown)

4. Flash the .ftf file with flashtool but EXCLUDE system

Long version:

1. Backup!

-Nandroid backup

-Titanium backup

-Internal storage

--in case of bootloop, Sony PC companion repair will fix your phone but it clears the internal memory! (I forgot the last step and that caused bootloop)

2. Create new prerooted zip

-newest .ftf, SU and dual-recovery into PRFC

-Fixed steps 27 - 33

3. Install zip from recovery

-DO NOT reboot, shutdown instead! (Recovery main menu -> reboot -> shutdown)

-Fixed steps 40-42

4. Flash the .ftf file with flashtool but EXCLUDE system

-Fixed steps 43-45

Congrats and enjoy, you made it to the end! you now have latest + recovery + root and backups of your DRM keys! (and of course all DRM functions enabled) -bilboa1
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] hrsh45:
Thanks for making this thread,

i've read the steps but bricked my phone during downgrading,

wanna ask,

shd i do anything with the settings of unknown sources & debugging before downgrading? (its written in step 13 which is after downgrading)

the other thing i didn't do well is that i didn't immediately release the volume button

thx
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] istux:
Enabling unknown sources and debug is only mandatory before the rooting process, in order to let the expoit work properly.

On the contrary, before the downgrading process it's usually not necessary.

I mean, sometimes it's necessary if the device is from a particular brand. Anyway, in this case, the flashing process just doesn't start.

But you bricked, so you did something wrong due to lack of experience, I guess ;)
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] mrkukov:
You don't need to touch to any setting in android before you downgrade The volume button should be released when the flashtool starts the flashing.

The attached picture shows "Please unplug and start you phone". That means that flashing is finished. If you don't unplug it, it will connect again as just like in your case. That should not cause bootloop though.

To resolve bootloop you can try to flash again with flashtool.

If that does not help, you can use Sony PC companion repair (talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xperia-Ion/Detailed-Software-Repair-Instructions-using-Pc-Companion-Win-or/td-p/249946)

Select Support Zone> Click Start.

Select Repair my phone/tablet.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] hrsh45:
Thanks very much for the help guys, i'll try again :)
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] hrsh45:
i'm not sure if this' true or not.

i'm just saying what i've tried.

i got the newest stock of Z3C which is patched with 5.1.1.

whenever i tried to downgrade to kitkat (tried 4 different countries of ftf) ended up with bootloop.

i can downgrade to 5.0.2 but very buggy, couldn't open things like internal storage from PC, messages such as "Unfortunately, the process android.process.media has stopped" always pop-up. (seems no problem after factory reset)

back to normal if i flash it to 5.1.1.

so i'm not sure if the new stock doesn't like kitkat... (i can be wrong)