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Root *HELP* Sony Xperia Z1 - Root for: Version 4.4.2 (KitKat), model number C6903 and build number 757

L

lukewalker2485

Newbie
Hello,

I've recently acquired the Xperia Z1 as my new choice of Android phone, which I'm loving so far, absolutely brilliant phone; but recently of course there has been the new update to version 4.4.2 (KitKat) which rolled out to where I live (United Kingdom) just over a week ago.

One of the main reasons I like to have an Android phone is to of course root the device, but this is increasingly getting harder with the new updates and so many different variants to things such as model numbers and build numbers.

My phone is currently Android 4.4.2, model number C6903 and build number 14.3.A.0.757

PLEASE could someone help me out on getting my device rooted as it is so very hard to find one at the minute for my specific device; if no solutions available for the time been, please keep my posted and updated.

Many thanks
Luke
 
Hey Luke, welcome to AF! :)

Unfortunately, that version is unrootable. You need to downgrade to an earlier version using flashtool. I think the latest rootable version is 14.1.G.1.534.

There are a load of downloadable versions here: [FTF] C6902 & C6903 & C6906 & C6943 FTF Mega Collection - xda-developers

Flashtool can be found here: Flashtool | Xperia device flashing

A guide for flashing the ftf file can be found here: xda-developers - View Single Post - [TOOL][HOWTO]Flashtool 0.9.14.0 XZU + Guide + restore soft bricked devices

You need to downgrade, then root using an app called Kingo.

Unfortunately, if you want to upgrade to a later software version while rooted, you'll have to install a custom ROM based on 4.4.2 as root won't survive OTA updates.
 
Hi again,

Thanks a lot for your help but I'm having a lot of trouble downgrading from my version (as mentioned before) to 14.1.G.1.534.

Basically, I've followed every instruction video, guide, you name it; and yet it is still not downgrading to the version I desire.

I'm using Flashtool: 1. I'll turn off the device 2. select the firmware I want in flashtool (it will then say "preparing files for flashing") 3. connect my device (while holding down -volume for flash mode and then it will say "device connected in flash mode").

After that nothing happens, it just sits there, aborts it and disconnects the device...

Can you please tell me what I could possibly be doing wrong, I'm getting very frustrated with this.

P.S. USB debugging is ON

Regards,
Luke
 
Does the flashtool console give any error messages or just Device disconnected?

I have issues with it where my phone will reboot before before the flash starts, but when I turn it off and put in flash mode again, it works no problem.

What's your PC Setup? Windows/Mac/Linux? Are the drivers from the flashtool folder installed correctly? Are you using a USB 2.0 port on your PC?
 
Nope, no error messages mate.

Ahh okay, I'll give that a try, as it was rebooting I forgot to mention.

I'm on W7 Ultimate, I'm certain the drivers are spic and span but I'll have another check. I believe I'm using USB 2.0, my laptop is only 2 years old.

Many thanks
 
During the reboot, there should be a prompt on your PC that tells you to reconnect the phone and press the menu button (Flashtool was written for older devices and whilst updated to work with newer Xperia phones, the picture hasn't changed).

Did you get that?

Also, are you going for a custom ROM too? That's pretty much the only way you can get root on 4.4.2 as far as I'm aware.
 
El Presidente said:
During the reboot, there should be a prompt on your PC that tells you to reconnect the phone and press the menu button (Flashtool was written for older devices and whilst updated to work with newer Xperia phones, the picture hasn't changed).

Did you get that?

Also, are you going for a custom ROM too? That's pretty much the only way you can get root on 4.4.2 as far as I'm aware.
Click to expand...
Ayup,

Turns out the solution was re-connecting it again after the reboot (just like you said).

Thanks a lot for the help dude.

Cheers,
Luke
 
Hello,

I've encountered another problem after flashing my device; I've got no coverage whatsoever, cellular and mobile data. I'm on o2, the sim card is in and inserted correctly as it doesn't say one is not.

I've tried adding the APN settings manually for data but when I press save it just exits and nothing saves. I also tried texting o2 to get them to send the settings through text on 2020 'ACTIVE' which is what I've used before, but of course there is no coverage whatsoever so it just bounces back without sending...

I'm seriously getting well and truly frustrated with this phone now, I've been close to throwing it at a wall at one point, that's how pissed I am.

Sorry if I come off a bit blunt here, but I'm sure you can understand my situation?!

Regards,
Luke
 
Not at all, I can understand your frustration. Some of the ftf files do that, it's easy fixed by flashing a 4.3 ftf (and losing root) or installing a recovery and flashing a 4.3/4.4.2 ROM.

(I'm at work at the moment, give me a second and I'll get you some links).

I'd recommend the custom ROM route tbh.

Did you root with Kingo or have you just downgraded so far?
 
So could I get my connection back whilst still having root or?

I've just downgraded so far, I've been trying to get my connection back before I root but no luck...
 
There is one confirmed ftf file that gives you a connection and is rootable, but the others it's hit and miss. I've downgraded 3 times and only lost connection once.

I'm looking for the ftf file for you but I'm using my phone at the moment, so searching is a pain (sorry).

Root and a custom ROM might be easier/quicker at the moment.
 
El Presidente said:
There is one confirmed ftf file that gives you a connection and is rootable, but the others it's hit and miss. I've downgraded 3 times and only lost connection once.

I'm looking for the ftf file for you but I'm using my phone at the moment, so searching is a pain (sorry).

Root and a custom ROM might be easier/quicker at the moment.
Click to expand...
First two sentences I get but the whole custom ROM is going way over my head, could you please explain?
 
It's the software on your phone, based on Sony firmware, made by independent devs who'll given performance tweaks battery tweaks and in certain cases visual tweaks. It's also rooted.

You need to root, install a piece of software on the device called a custom recovery (there's a one click windows tool to do it), then install the ROM via recovery and then flash another tiny ftf file.

It sounds a lot more difficult than it is and once everything is downloaded, it's only a half hour to 45 minute job.
 
El Presidente said:
BTW, if you want to return to stock for the moment, you can just flash a 4.4.2 ftf from here: [FTF] C6902 & C6903 & C6906 & C6943 FTF Mega Collection - xda-developers

C6903 14.3.A.0.757 Central Europe 3 1276-4314_R1C

Would be the best bet.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I've reverted back to stock Android (4.4 KitKat) using Sony Update Service, totally not worth all this hassle just for root even though I really would like it...

Thanks a bunch anyways dude.

Hopefully some kind of root-solution will come along for my version. Any details on this, could you keep me updated/posted?

Cheers,
Luke
 
El Presidente said:
Happy to assist and sorry it didn't work out.

If you ever decide to go for a root/ROM, it is really easy and I'll be glad to walk you through it. :)
Click to expand...
So if I go to do this root/ROM, will I still be on my current version and I won't have problems with my cellular connection or anything along those lines?
 
I don't have any issues with reception/radios etc and I'm on a custom ROM.

Like I mentioned above, I've had to downgrade 3 times, twice I've not had the issues with the radios, once I have. I did panic a little, but once I'd installed the 4.3 ROM, everything was fine.

I'm working 12 hour shifts until Thursday AM, but if it's quiet at work and I get the chance, I'll write up the entire process from where you are now to the custom ROM.
 
El Presidente said:
I don't have any issues with reception/radios etc and I'm on a custom ROM.

Like I mentioned above, I've had to downgrade 3 times, twice I've not had the issues with the radios, once I have. I did panic a little, but once I'd installed the 4.3 ROM, everything was fine.

I'm working 12 hour shifts until Thursday AM, but if it's quiet at work and I get the chance, I'll write up the entire process from where you are now to the custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Yep that sounds great, thanks mate.
 
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