[Guide] Your New GPe

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blueether

blueether

Senior Member
Jan 21, 2011
3,391
1,639
Te Awamutu, New Zealand
SO, you have brought a GPe from the Google Play store. Here are a few things you need to know:

Warning:
Never flash a Sony FTF file to your GPe, it will hard brick it

Warning:
As there is no root exploit for android 5/LP you may want to root and then backup your TA partition BEFORE completing the OTA

Table of Contents:
  • Tools
  • Brief summary of steps
  • Rooting
  • Back Up TA partition
  • Unlocking the Bootloader
  • Rooting (Old method)
  • Updating the Firmware
  • Installing & Restoring
  • ROMs and Kernels
  • Flashing Custom ROM
  • Notes on Recovery

Brief summary of steps:
  1. Gain Root
  2. Install 'su' binary
  3. Back Up TA partition
  4. Unlocking the Bootloader
  5. Flash ROM

Tools:

Rooting:
4.4.4:
As of ~20/6/14 we now have a root exploit method for GPe
Please read this thread before doing these steps http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2783982
  • - Go to http://towelroot.com/
  • - Install APK
  • - Run APK
  • - Try this for "device not supported." You'll have to tap the welcome to towel root icon 3 times and change the string to:
    • 1337 0 1 0 4 0
      or
    • 1337 0 1 0 5 0
      or
    • 1337 0 1 0 6 0
  • - Click "make it ra1n"
  • - Wait and Hope
  • - Done
You will then have to install SU (SuperSU by chainfire from the play store works well)
​
5.x:
Locked Bootloader:
At release the is no way to root Lollipop via exploit. If you want to keep a locked bootloader and need root then stay on 4.4.4

Unlocked Bootloader:
DIY:
  1. Reboot into a custom kernel/recovery (fastboot boot <DooMLoRD's_V2_kernel.img>
    • hold vol up while connecting the powered off GPe to a PC
  2. Apply update from ADB
  3. adb sideload <path_to_superSU-update.zip>
[/STRIKE]

DooMLoRD Way: (untested by me)
Download DooMLoRD's pre-rooted system and boot .img (http://xdaforums.com/xperia-z-ultra/xperia-z-ultra-gpe/lollipop-5-0-boot-fotakernel-images-t2960269)and flash with
fastboot flash <partition> <partition_image.img>

​

Back Up TA partition:
The TA partition holds all your unique DRM keys, and X-Reality won't work without it.
Once you lose it, you can't get it back, so back it up and upload it to your Dropbox or something. So how do you backup your TA partition?

• Download this tiny tool on your computer and run it.

Store the TA backup some where safe so you can restore it latter if needed.

Once you have unlocked the BL do another backup of the TA and name it ****-UnLocked.***. This will be handy if you ever need to re-unlock the BL (no wipe of Data)
​

Unlocking the Bootloader:
This may void you warranty and delete DRM keys Make sure you have backed up your TA partition
To unlock the bootloader of your GPe ZU you can use the same method as for the Sony ZU. Please visit the Sony Developer site and follow the instructions on there to get an unlock code, then use Flashtool to do the unlocking (padlock icon), follow on screen instructions. My last unlock code was never emailed out but it is in the code near the bottom of the Sony confirmation page.
Sony site: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions
Flashtool: http://www.flashtool.net/index.php​

Rooting (Old method & Unlocked BootLoaders):
Warning I don't have a GPe so I haven't tested this myself. Use at your own risk
Once your bootloader is unlocked you can root it.
To root your GPe ZU you will need to flash DooMLorD's GPe Kernel. Flash this kernel and recovery with Flashtool in fastboot mode. Once you have recovery you can flash SuperSU
  1. Download SuperSU to the GPe
  2. Download GPe Kernel to your PC
  3. Turn off the GPe
  4. Fire up Flashtool
  5. Select the lightning bolt and the fastboot mode
    At this stage you can either either:
    • Select "Select kernel to hotboot" to load the kernel but not overwrite the GPe one
      or
    • Select "Select kernel to flash" to flash the kernel and overwrite the GPe one
  6. Select the saved Kernel and flash
  7. Check for OK in the main window
  8. Reboot to recovery
  9. Select install zip
  10. Flash SuperSU
  11. Reboot to system
DooMKernel: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=53080496
SuperSU: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1538053​

Updating the Firmware:
4.4.2 update zip http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2574264
4.4.3 update zip ( incremental OTA) http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2773168
4.4.4 update zip ( incremental OTA) http://android.clients.google.com/p...ricsson-E-Application-Signing-Live-864f-1.zip
5.0 update zip ( incremental OTA) http://android.clients.google.com/p...http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2761698 Thanks @DooMLoRD
Update to 4.4.3 http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=53181565 Thanks @DooMLoRD
Flashable zip of 4.4.2 http://d-h.st/KMe Thanks @egzthunder1​

ROMs and Kernels:
DoomKernel http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=53083592 only for Stock GPe based ROM
Unofficial Pimped Kernel, see GPe Carbon thread. Should work on the ROMs below
ZU_GPe-DooMLoRD-Stock_KOT49H_kernel http://doomlord.xperia-files.com/?dlid=WlVfR1BlLURvb01Mb1JELVN0b2NrX0tPVDQ5SF9rZXJuZWw= Only for GPe ROM
Advanced Stock Kernel (Dual Recovery) http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2579005 Only for GPe ROM
​


Flashing Custom ROM:
If you have flashed DooMLorD's kernel in the above rooting step Yo will get a error something like "this if for togari/c6806 you have a honami". If you get this error:
  1. Open up the ROM zip you want to flash and extract the boot.img file.
  2. Flash this file just like you did in the rooting above with flashtool.
  3. Boot into the new recovery
  4. Flash ROM as normal
  5. Reboot into sysyem

Notes on Recovery:
On the xperia (and other sony?) phones we have to bake recovery into the boot.img, the GPe is different in that it has a full stock recovery that the ZU doesn't. The boot.img from ROMs for the GPe still have recovery baked in to the boot image, so flashing a boot.img will give you a custom recovery. In the case of CM and Carbon that is CWM and I think Omni uses TWRP. This custom recovery doesn't overwrite the stock one.
​
Warning:
Never flash a Sony FTF file to your GPe, it will hard brick it

XDA:DevDB Information
[Guide] Your New GPe, ROM for the Sony Xperia Z Ultra

Contributors
blueether
ROM OS Version: 4.4.x KitKat

Version Information
Status: Stable

Created 2014-12-05
Last Updated 2014-12-12
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: enaybee, musebox, AccuNeal and 5 others
Sab3elbromba

Sab3elbromba

Senior Member
Nov 29, 2007
730
76
42
New Cairo, EG
Actually I have another important question:
If I do root my GPe Z ultra, would that stop me from receiving OTA updates from Google?

Sent from my GT-P6800 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
 
blueether

blueether

Senior Member
Jan 21, 2011
3,391
1,639
Te Awamutu, New Zealand
  • Like
Reactions: Sab3elbromba
Sab3elbromba

Sab3elbromba

Senior Member
Nov 29, 2007
730
76
42
New Cairo, EG
Thanx for your replies, I'll probably use my new GPe as stock for a while then when I get bored I'll probably root it and install xposed framework

Sent from my GT-P6800 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
 
blueether

blueether

Senior Member
Jan 21, 2011
3,391
1,639
Te Awamutu, New Zealand
  • Like
Reactions: gtshiftin6
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  • 8
    blueether
    blueether
    SO, you have brought a GPe from the Google Play store. Here are a few things you need to know:

    Warning:
    Never flash a Sony FTF file to your GPe, it will hard brick it

    Warning:
    As there is no root exploit for android 5/LP you may want to root and then backup your TA partition BEFORE completing the OTA

    Table of Contents:
    • Tools
    • Brief summary of steps
    • Rooting
    • Back Up TA partition
    • Unlocking the Bootloader
    • Rooting (Old method)
    • Updating the Firmware
    • Installing & Restoring
    • ROMs and Kernels
    • Flashing Custom ROM
    • Notes on Recovery

    Brief summary of steps:
    1. Gain Root
    2. Install 'su' binary
    3. Back Up TA partition
    4. Unlocking the Bootloader
    5. Flash ROM

    Tools:

    Rooting:
    4.4.4:
    As of ~20/6/14 we now have a root exploit method for GPe
    Please read this thread before doing these steps http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2783982
    • - Go to http://towelroot.com/
    • - Install APK
    • - Run APK
    • - Try this for "device not supported." You'll have to tap the welcome to towel root icon 3 times and change the string to:
      • 1337 0 1 0 4 0
        or
      • 1337 0 1 0 5 0
        or
      • 1337 0 1 0 6 0
    • - Click "make it ra1n"
    • - Wait and Hope
    • - Done
    You will then have to install SU (SuperSU by chainfire from the play store works well)
    ​
    5.x:
    Locked Bootloader:
    At release the is no way to root Lollipop via exploit. If you want to keep a locked bootloader and need root then stay on 4.4.4

    Unlocked Bootloader:
    DIY:
    1. Reboot into a custom kernel/recovery (fastboot boot <DooMLoRD's_V2_kernel.img>
      • hold vol up while connecting the powered off GPe to a PC
    2. Apply update from ADB
    3. adb sideload <path_to_superSU-update.zip>
    [/STRIKE]

    DooMLoRD Way: (untested by me)
    Download DooMLoRD's pre-rooted system and boot .img (http://xdaforums.com/xperia-z-ultra/xperia-z-ultra-gpe/lollipop-5-0-boot-fotakernel-images-t2960269)and flash with
    fastboot flash <partition> <partition_image.img>

    ​

    Back Up TA partition:
    The TA partition holds all your unique DRM keys, and X-Reality won't work without it.
    Once you lose it, you can't get it back, so back it up and upload it to your Dropbox or something. So how do you backup your TA partition?

    • Download this tiny tool on your computer and run it.

    Store the TA backup some where safe so you can restore it latter if needed.

    Once you have unlocked the BL do another backup of the TA and name it ****-UnLocked.***. This will be handy if you ever need to re-unlock the BL (no wipe of Data)
    ​

    Unlocking the Bootloader:
    This may void you warranty and delete DRM keys Make sure you have backed up your TA partition
    To unlock the bootloader of your GPe ZU you can use the same method as for the Sony ZU. Please visit the Sony Developer site and follow the instructions on there to get an unlock code, then use Flashtool to do the unlocking (padlock icon), follow on screen instructions. My last unlock code was never emailed out but it is in the code near the bottom of the Sony confirmation page.
    Sony site: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions
    Flashtool: http://www.flashtool.net/index.php​

    Rooting (Old method & Unlocked BootLoaders):
    Warning I don't have a GPe so I haven't tested this myself. Use at your own risk
    Once your bootloader is unlocked you can root it.
    To root your GPe ZU you will need to flash DooMLorD's GPe Kernel. Flash this kernel and recovery with Flashtool in fastboot mode. Once you have recovery you can flash SuperSU
    1. Download SuperSU to the GPe
    2. Download GPe Kernel to your PC
    3. Turn off the GPe
    4. Fire up Flashtool
    5. Select the lightning bolt and the fastboot mode
      At this stage you can either either:
      • Select "Select kernel to hotboot" to load the kernel but not overwrite the GPe one
        or
      • Select "Select kernel to flash" to flash the kernel and overwrite the GPe one
    6. Select the saved Kernel and flash
    7. Check for OK in the main window
    8. Reboot to recovery
    9. Select install zip
    10. Flash SuperSU
    11. Reboot to system
    DooMKernel: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=53080496
    SuperSU: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1538053​

    Updating the Firmware:
    4.4.2 update zip http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2574264
    4.4.3 update zip ( incremental OTA) http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2773168
    4.4.4 update zip ( incremental OTA) http://android.clients.google.com/p...ricsson-E-Application-Signing-Live-864f-1.zip
    5.0 update zip ( incremental OTA) http://android.clients.google.com/p...http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2761698 Thanks @DooMLoRD
    Update to 4.4.3 http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=53181565 Thanks @DooMLoRD
    Flashable zip of 4.4.2 http://d-h.st/KMe Thanks @egzthunder1​

    ROMs and Kernels:
    DoomKernel http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=53083592 only for Stock GPe based ROM
    Unofficial Pimped Kernel, see GPe Carbon thread. Should work on the ROMs below
    ZU_GPe-DooMLoRD-Stock_KOT49H_kernel http://doomlord.xperia-files.com/?dlid=WlVfR1BlLURvb01Mb1JELVN0b2NrX0tPVDQ5SF9rZXJuZWw= Only for GPe ROM
    Advanced Stock Kernel (Dual Recovery) http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2579005 Only for GPe ROM
    ​


    Flashing Custom ROM:
    If you have flashed DooMLorD's kernel in the above rooting step Yo will get a error something like "this if for togari/c6806 you have a honami". If you get this error:
    1. Open up the ROM zip you want to flash and extract the boot.img file.
    2. Flash this file just like you did in the rooting above with flashtool.
    3. Boot into the new recovery
    4. Flash ROM as normal
    5. Reboot into sysyem

    Notes on Recovery:
    On the xperia (and other sony?) phones we have to bake recovery into the boot.img, the GPe is different in that it has a full stock recovery that the ZU doesn't. The boot.img from ROMs for the GPe still have recovery baked in to the boot image, so flashing a boot.img will give you a custom recovery. In the case of CM and Carbon that is CWM and I think Omni uses TWRP. This custom recovery doesn't overwrite the stock one.
    ​
    Warning:
    Never flash a Sony FTF file to your GPe, it will hard brick it

    XDA:DevDB Information
    [Guide] Your New GPe, ROM for the Sony Xperia Z Ultra

    Contributors
    blueether
    ROM OS Version: 4.4.x KitKat

    Version Information
    Status: Stable

    Created 2014-12-05
    Last Updated 2014-12-12
    View
    3
    X
    x_rev_0
    Forboding Angel said:
    Omfg -_-, that was the problem I had and nowhere did I hear anything about tapping 3 times. This should probably go in doom's guide as well... somewhere.
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse
    I'm just glad i can pay back what xda has given me.
    View
    3
    S
    stjoemail
    Just to share .. I have managed to root my sony ultra z gpe 4.4.4. using towelroot after many hours trying different ways posted in xda ..

    finally what worked for me:
    1. turned on wifi for network connection
    2. goto www.towelroot.com and click on lambda symbol to download towelroot apk, run it .. DO NOT click on make it rain cos it will make hang
    3. click on 'welcome ...' several times till the box with the numbers appear 133701040 .. change to 133701060 then click on make it rain ..
    4. your device will be rooted ..
    View
    2
    X
    x_rev_0
    x_rev_0 said:
    I'm not sure if this is the right spot so please move if needed, for those who have updated to 4.4.4 and tried to use towel root and it failed this is what i used to gain root, 1337 0 1 0 5 0.
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse
    Try this for device not supported. You'll have to tap the towel icon 3 times to get to it.
    View
    2
    blueether
    blueether
    anthonyp326 said:
    If I just want to root do I need to back up TA or is that just necessary only if I want to unlock the boot loader?
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    You only have to back up the TA if you want to unlock the BL, but in saying that I would recommend backing it up now while we have a root exploit. When the exploit is fixed (it may be in the latest OTA?) you wont be able to gain root without unlocking the BL.

    If you have a TA back up you won't need a exploit to gain root. All you will have to do is:
    • Unlock the BL
    • Hot boot a kernel with recovery "fastboot boot boot.img" (don't flash it)
    • Flash superSU from temp recovery
    • Reboot (at this point I would take another TA backup and make sure to name it *unlocked*)
    • Restore locked TA

    at that point you have a stock firmware with su that should take OTAs without issue
    View

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