Category Archives: c6503

Installing the amazing XZDualRecovery – PhilZ Touch and CWM and TWRP

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Download from here.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261606

Currently supported XPERIA models:
Xperia Z: SO-02E, C6602, C6603, C6606, C6616
Xperia ZL: C6502, C6503, C6506
Xperia Tablet Z: SO-03E, SGP311, SGP312, SGP321, SGP351 
Xperia Z Ultra: C6802, C6806, C6833, C6843
Xperia Z1: C6902, C6903, C6906, C6943, C6916
Xperia Z1 Compact: D5502, D5503, D5506
Xperia Z2: D6502, D6503, D6506, D6543
Xperia Tablet Z2: SGP511, SGP512, SGP521
Xperia ZR: C5602, C5603, C5606
Xperia T, TX, TL and V: LT30p, LT29, LT30at, LT25i
Xperia S: LT26i
Xperia SP: C5302, C5303
Xperia T2 Ultra: D5303, D5322

How to use:
At boot, once you feel the phone vibrate and while you see the green led burn:
– press VOL-UP for PhilZ Touch;
– press VOL-DOWN for TWRP.


To enter Vanilla CWM, you will need to use the (free) NDRUtils app from the Play store

rayd@raydHPEliteBook8440p ~/Downloads/Sony/lockeddualrecovery $ ls
files  install.bat  install.sh
rayd@raydHPEliteBook8440p ~/Downloads/Sony/lockeddualrecovery $ ./install.sh 
[sudo] password for rayd: 





==============================================
=                                            =
=               XZDualRecovery               =
=            Maintained by [NUT]             =
=                                            =
=      For many Sony Xperia devices!         =
=                                            =
==============================================

          Choose an installation option:

          1/ Installation on device rooted with SuperSU
          2/ Installation on device rooted with SuperUser
          3/ Attempt installation on an unrooted device

          Q/ Exit

    Enter option:

3




Using TowelRoot to attempt an installation.
* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *
* daemon started successfully *

=============================================
Step1 : Waiting for Device.
=============================================

Succes

=============================================
Device and firmware information:
=============================================
Device model is C6503
Firmware is 10.5.A.0.230

=============================================
Step2 : Sending the recovery files.
=============================================

0 KB/s (29 bytes in 0.040s)
345 KB/s (15757 bytes in 0.044s)
12 KB/s (501 bytes in 0.040s)
272 KB/s (11842 bytes in 0.042s)
1011 KB/s (56834 bytes in 0.054s)
72 KB/s (3082 bytes in 0.041s)
9 KB/s (385 bytes in 0.040s)
3477 KB/s (657704 bytes in 0.184s)
4309 KB/s (3015476 bytes in 0.683s)
2894 KB/s (1928498 bytes in 0.650s)
3501 KB/s (2649152 bytes in 0.738s)
199 KB/s (8759 bytes in 0.042s)

=============================================
Step3 : Setup of dual recovery.
=============================================

=============================================
Attempting to get root access for installation using TowelRoot now.

NOTE: this only works on certain ROM/Kernel versions!

If it fails, please check the development thread (Post #2) on XDA for more details.
=============================================

=============================================
Sending files
=============================================
37 KB/s (1572 bytes in 0.041s)
292 KB/s (13592 bytes in 0.045s)
2428 KB/s (197320 bytes in 0.079s)
215 KB/s (9496 bytes in 0.043s)
299 KB/s (13672 bytes in 0.044s)
Copying kernel module…
855 KB/s (34473 bytes in 0.039s)
18 KB/s (765 bytes in 0.040s)
295 KB/s (13592 bytes in 0.044s)
Kernel version is 3.4.0-perf-g32ce454
Version does not match 3.4.0-perf-ge4322cd, needs patching…
1+0 records in
0+1 records out
19 bytes transferred in 0.001 secs (19000 bytes/sec)
Kernel module patched.

modulecrcpatch (by zxz0O0)

module_layout: patched to 0x16FBCA7C
__aeabi_unwind_cpp_pr1: match
kallsyms_lookup_name: not found
printk: not found
mem_text_write_kernel_word: not found
__aeabi_unwind_cpp_pr0: match
successfully patched

=============================================
Installing using zxz0O0’s towelzxperia (using geohot’s towelroot library)
=============================================

towelzxperia (by zxz0O0)
thanks to geohot for libexploit

creating libzxploit.so
libzxploit.so created
doing the magic
creating vm (loljavasucks)
libdvm opened (loljavasucks)


##########################################################
#
# Installing XZDR version 2.7.153 BETA
#
#####

Temporarily disabling the RIC service, remount rootfs and /system writable to allow installation.
Copy recovery files to system.
Rename stock mr
Copy mr wrapper script to system.
Rename stock chargemon
Copy chargemon script to system.
Copy dualrecovery.sh to system.
Copy rickiller.sh to system.
Installing NDRUtils to system.
Creating /system/.XZDualRecovery to store a backup copy of busybox.
Copy busybox to system.
Trying to find and update the gpio-keys event node.
Found and will be using /dev/input/event5!
Trying to find and update the power key event node.
Found and will be monitoring /dev/input/event0!
Speeding up backups.
Make sure firstboot goes to recovery.

=============================================
DEVICE WILL NOW TRY A DATA SAFE REBOOT!
=============================================


=============================================
Your installation has already cleaned up after
itself if you see the install.bat/install.sh exit.
=============================================


thanks for using towelzxperia
cleaning up
=============================================

REMEMBER THIS:

XZDualRecovery does NOT install any superuser app!!

You can use one of the recoveries to root your device.

=============================================

=============================================
Installation finished. Enjoy the recoveries!
=============================================

So you have a Sony Z* and was wondering what Kit Kat 4.4.2 gives you?

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Here are some screen dumps of a Sony ZL with a fresh install of 10.5.A.0.230.

Unfortunately, as always really, 14.4.A.0.108 (Kit Kat 4.4.4) is available for some Sony models. It would be nice to cover this version but it is not available for the ZL C6503 yet. And even if you get a copy the exploits won’t be ready yet so you may not be able to root it or add recovery.

The goodish news is that one of the quirks I found with flashtool is that you can “blow” a new OS and deselect the wipe options. I had to do this when installing the wrong CWM recovery and the phone stopped booting. What it did was restore the OS (ROM) but leave my apps and customisation alone so once the phone started it upgraded all the apps and was good to go. I am not sure if this is a valid option but it worked. I am therefore speculating that once I have a copy of 4.4.4 I will be able to use flashtool and upgrade the ROM without having to reinstall the apps. Who knows.

For now, mainly for me as documentation, here is what a virgin copy of 10.5.A.0.230 (Kit Kat 4.4.2) looks like on a Sony ZL using screendumps. Scrren snapshots is a brilliant new feature in the ROM that simply requires you to long press the on/off button and select screen snapshots.

Here goes!

Unlocking your Sony Xperia Z* boot loader C6503

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What is a boot loader?

When you press the power button on your mobile device power is sent to a part of the flash memory that initiates the boot loader. The Boot loader is device specific and knows about the hardware in your phone. It will start a steady state in your device and once it is initialised the phone will start to execute the Kernel or boot into a Recovery Kernel. Once the Kernel is booted the ROM is loaded.
Bootloader simplified.png

If you cannot unlock your boot loader then a device manufacturer specific Kernel will be loaded. Once loaded you could still run a custom ROM but will have limited control. In some cases the boot loader code can be replaced

However, once you unlock the boot loader you will have some support issues and if you bought a phone from some spiteful vendors it will simply be bricked using the eFuse method.

Bricked means just what it says. You can use it as a brick. It will not work and may never work again. The best advice is to simply walk away from manufacturers that do that.  

I have a Sony Xperia ZL so this is what I need to do.

Sony does not allow you to replace your Bootloader but you can request a key to unlock your Bootloader. You have to electronically sign away your guaranteed warranty rights but you can still get warranty repairs if YOU did not mess up!

Here are the manual steps.

Dial *#06# and note down the IMEI code
Dial  *#*#7378423#*#* and navigate to Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status

Is Bootloader Unlock Allowed? If not – bummer. Really.
Sign your live away and get your unlock key from Sony
Install Flashtool

Install the magic software. Please donate some funds as this is very very very cool software.
I have used this on windoze 7 and the version I am using for this blog page is running on Linux Mint 16. Cool!
Plug your Sony into a USB port. Ensure your developer option is active (Click on about phone 5 times) and USB debugging is set. 
Start flashboot (My phone is currently rooted but I am resetting it while writing this blog post)

Notice the BLU is selectable. Click on it. You will now need to shutdown the mobile.
Leave your USB cable into the computer and pull the other end out of the mobile. Hold volume up button and plug in USB cable in mobile’s port. 

Click on BLU and fill in the details. Simples.

Notice the Relock option? Yes, you need to do this BEFORE sending it in for a warranty repair.

Done!
Some of the Sony phones supported by Flashtool:

XPERIA Z1 COMPACT (D5503)
XPERIA Z1 (C6902,6903,C6906,C6916,C6943)
XPERIA Z ULTRA (6833)
XPERIA TABLET Z (SGP311,SGP321)
XPERIA ZR (C5502,C5503)
XPERIA SP (C5302,C5303,C5306)
XPERIA Z (C6602,C6603,C6606)
XPERIA ZL (C6502,C6503,C6506)
XPERIA TX (LT29I)
XPERIA T (LT30P)
XPERIA V (LT25I)
XPERIA S (LT26I)
XPERIA ARC S (LT18I)
XPERIA PLAY (R800I|X)
XPERIA U (ST25I)
SONYERICSSON XPERIA ARC (LT15I)
SONYERICSSON XPERIA NEO V (MT11I)
SONYERICSSON XPERIA NEO (MT15I)
SONYERICSSON XPERIA NEO L (MT25I)
SONYERICSSON XPERIA MINI PRO (SK17I)
SONYERICSSON XPERIA MINI (ST15I)
SONYERICSSON XPERIA ACTIVE (ST17I)
SONYERICSSON XPERIA RAY (ST18I)
SONYERICSSON XPERIA LIVE WALKMAN (WT19I)
SONYERICSSON XPERIA X10 (X10I)

Living with and fixing the Sony Xperia ZL C6503 – Battery Sudden Death problem

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Owning a Sony Xperia phone is like being married to
a super model. There are times where it is beautiful, stunning and world class.

Living with a Sony on a day to day basis is a different story though filled with ugly moments that we don’t talk about.

For example, your first visit to the can in the morning. You know the routine, sit down, switch on, check Facebook, Feedly, News24, personal email, work email and then leave the throne. And what we don’t mention? Your battery is now at 85%

The battery on a Sony is paltry, pathetic and most disturbingly, unstable.

There is one problem that really plagues the Sony Xperia (Z*) models and that is the so called “SUDDEN DEATH” Huh? Yes, it’s true. The battery in your Sony can fail at any moment without cause or provocation!

Here are some links:

There is nothing you can do to remedy this apart from fitting a new battery.

How to test for “Sudden Death”: If your phone keeps dying, suddenly switching off, and you can not power it up again, basically it seems dead, connect it to a power source or external battery and try again.

If it starts up ok then it is about 80% certain that you are going to have a bad day. Wait for it to charge up, disconnect the power source and go to the camera. Take a picture (all ok?), now change the settings, for example force the flash, and take a picture. Kablamo? Bummer, your super model has just let you down.

This problem will now get worse and worse and there is nothing you can do about it.

If your Sony is under warranty then just report it as battery sudden death, do not take no for an answer, send it off, wait ages and get your phone back.

The bad news is that Sony will “upgrade” your firmware and your data will be gone. Gone gone gone, bye bye. The other bad news is that Sony does not seem to understand that your mobile phone is your life these days so living without a smartphone is like loosing a limb and they will take their sweet time on repairs.

Also, you can only get a warranty repair done in the country you bought your phone. Were you under the impression that if you bought a Sony, for piece of mind as Sony is international, you could get a warranty repair in any country?

You fool, did you not read the small print!   Bwa haaaa haaa!

As you won’t have root the chances of your restoring any meaningful back up is very low indeed.

My phone was sent back to Malaysia in December and I got it back in February. Fun fun fun! Did I mention that you have to pay for a courier both ways?

Well 2 weeks ago I was back in Sudden Death land. How very disappointing.

I had a few options like send it back for a warranty repair, get it repaired in the UK by some Sony experts or buy a battery off Ebay and do it myself. Now let me think…Duh!

Here is how to replace the un-replaceable battery!

Check out some videos on You Tube. Xperia ZL Disassemble

Go and buy a battery from ebay. Here is one I bought:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281375812693?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Start the process: Pictures taken with a Samsung Note 2.

From the label you can see that Sony Malaysia “fixed” the phone. Well the good thing about sending it to Malaysia was that it went in as a C6502 (non LTE) and came back as a C6503 – Possibly LTE capable.

My previous Sony main board : C6502 – EP73142K0K – 1270-1854_R1C – 1266-7597_10.4.B.0.569 – GLOBAL

Two screws under here.

The blue tool is my old Ipod tool for removing the Ipod battery. The back of the Sony ZL is lightly glued with a foam adhesive and has 3 and 2 clips on the side. Just take you time prying it off.


7 screws all together. There should be 8 by Sony Malaysia messed up. Ah well.

Ready to remove the camera module.

Removing the camera module takes patience. Watch out for the earphone plug. 

Main board removed showing the “quality” battery.

13W45 Sony Li Polymer Battery. 4.2V 3.7V min 2300mAh at 8.6Wh.

New battery installed. Patience is required. Ham fisted people should not attempt this.

12W26 Sony Li Polymer Battery. 4.2V 3.7V min 2330mAh at 8.7Wh. 
Sample? Who cares.
The Samsung Notes 2 battery is 4.35V 3.8V min 3100mAh at 11.78Wh. Much better! 

Main board back. Final checks complete.
 And it lives! Yee Haa. 

Stage two. Clear the OS and migrate back from a Samsung Note 2 at 4.3 to Kit Kat. But that is a story for the next blog post and if you did not have a headache now you will have one when you read the next post that will take you through rooting, CWM recovery, loading the latest rom and recovering your data. Fun fun fun!

Here some good resources:

http://xperiafirmware.com/component/content/article/2-uncategorised/30-androxyde-xperia-flashtool
http://fxpblog.co/