If you have a Sony Xperia You've probably noticed how difficult it was to create a pre-rooted ROM that you could install and that already had Superuser permissions. With a specific tool for Windows It is possible to create a pre-rooted ROM with just a few clicks.
The time of creation It will depend on the computer and the size of the firmware, but normally it is in less than 10 minutes (usually between 7 and 10) the new ROM is ready. Then you just have to install the file on the smartphone to have the new ROM, already rooted. This program is called PRFCreator: enough with select three key files that you must have on your PC and let the program create the ROM. You can download the program from the link at the end of this article.
Why choose one Pre-rooted stock ROM vs. an AOSP or custom ROM? Because you keep the Sony-specific features (camera, multimedia improvements, proprietary connectivity) and, at the same time, you get the advanced root control to automate, perform advanced backups, or apply tweaks. Copying files is easy; what usually takes more time is extract the FTF firmware With utilities like Flashtool/XperiFirm, PRFCreator saves steps by injecting root and Recovery in one go.
Requirements and necessary files
Obviously, in order to create a pre-rooted ROM it will be necessary to have the original ROM in FTF format. In the main window of PRFCreator appear three squares to select the necessary files:
- FTF of the stock firmware that you want to pre-root (you can get it or create it with Flashtool/XperiFirm following their official documentation).
- SuperSU Flashable ZIP (Keep the .zip file unzipped; PRFCreator injects it into the system.)
- Flashable Dual Recovery ZIP (NUT or other compatible variant) for have Recovery just installed.
Advanced recommendation: includes the kernel of the firmware on the pre-rooted ROM when the device and version allow it; otherwise, Flash the kernel manually with Flashtool after installing the package. PRFCreator is compatible with odex firmwares (no need to deodex): just inject SuperSU and Recovery.
Before you start, make sure you have Sony drivers/Flashtool and ADB installed, sufficient free disk space, and check the file integrity (MD5/SHA1 hash) to avoid errors during flashing. If your PC is slow or you're using a very large FTF, the process may take a little longer, but it's still remarkably fast compared to manual methods.
Step by step with PRFCreator
- Open PRFCreator in Windows and select the FTF from the stock firmware.
- Choose SuperSU ZIP and the Dual Recovery ZIP in their respective boxes.
- Check the recommended options (for example, kernel if applicable) and press "Create".
Once you have added these three files you will only have to click on the button "Create" and wait for the pre-rooted ROM creation process to finish, something that, as we have already said, shouldn't take more than 10 minutesAt the end of the process you will have a «flashable.zip» file that you will have to install from the Recovery menu from your smartphone. In some workflows, and depending on the device, you may also be able to flash via Flashtool if you generate/merge an FTF with suitable kernel.
Helpful tip: If PRFCreator offers to sign the ZIP, activate it; improves compatibility with some Recoveries. And, if you use external storage, copy the final ZIP to a microSD to flash it even if the system won't boot.
Installation and rooting alternatives
To install the flashable.zip, enter your Recovery (for example, the included Dual Recovery) and flash the package. If your device doesn't have Recovery yet, pre-flash a kernel with Recovery or the compatible Recovery itself using Flashtool. Please note that Any modification is under your responsibility..
Helpful Community Notes: If your firmware is odex no problem; they just inject SuperSU and Recovery. For modules like Xposed, on ARMv7 devices and SDK22 bases, use the official ARM package from the corresponding project and make a backup before testing.
Modern alternative: You can also get root without pre-rooting the entire ROM patching the boot with Magisk (extracting boot.sin from the FTF) and updating the system using tools like Flashtool or Newflasher when necessary. This route is useful if you prefer to keep modular root and manage manual updates.
Classic 1-click methods (for older models): There are utilities such as scripts restore/backup that required activation USB debugging, to allow Unknown origins and, at certain steps, enter the service menu from the scoreboard with *#*#7378423#*#* to run screen tests while the script injected root binaries. If the superuser manager didn't appear after the process, it could be installed from the Play Store and grant permissions manually. These approaches are useful only in specific firmwares and are no longer the preferred option over PRFCreator or Magisk.
Tips, compatibility and troubleshooting
- Drivers and ADB: Install Sony drivers/Flashtool to make your Xperia recognized by your PC in flash/fastboot modes.
- Backup your data and charge the battery above 60% before starting.
- If it doesn't start or there is a bootloop, enter Recovery and wipe cache/dalvik. If it persists, repeat the process and/or flash the correct kernel with Flashtool.
- Liability: Any damage that your terminal may suffer as a result of the process is exclusively your responsibility.
Common errors and fixes: if you see "E: error executing updater binary in zip", upgrade to a Recovery compatible with your base (suitable TWRP/PhilZ) or regenerate the signed ZIP. If the PC doesn't detect Flash mode, reinstall drivers and use another cable/port. Before unlocking the bootloader, consider back up TA keys to retain proprietary functions; review the bootloader status from the service menu.
Compatibility on the Xperia range: devices with locked bootloaders usually require kernel stock and dual Recovery are supported; on others, unlocking the bootloader facilitates TWRP and custom kernels. For popular devices like certain Xperia M2 variants, the community recommends PRFCreator with correct FTF, updated Recovery and, if applicable, root by Magisk when you do not want to modify /system.
- Download: PRFCreator
- Download: SuperSU
- Download: Dual Recovery
You may also be interested in our special series of article 20 tricks for Android that maybe you did not know.
Create Pre-rooted stock ROM With PRFCreator you can enjoy the specific functions of your Xperia along with the control that root grants, in a quick and replicable process. With good preparations, installed drivers and correct kernel, you will have a clean system, with Integrated SuperSU and Recovery, ready to squeeze your device; and if you prefer modularity, the boot patching with Magisk is an equally valid alternative.