Now that Sony's Xperia series devices are starting to be updated with the official version of Android 4.0.x, we have the problem of losing root access to the phone and, with it, superuser privileges. If your phone stops being rooted when updating to Ice Cream Sandwich, here you can regain control of your device with proven and compatible methods, even with a locked bootloader.
The people at Xperia Blog have detailed step by step How to root updated Xperia devices. The guide comes from the XDA Developers forum and is relatively easy to follow. We also remind you that Ten good reasons to root to understand why it might interest you.
The process itself involves downloading a file containing everything you need and should work with all Xperia models that have been updated to Ice Cream Sandwich, and also works on other rooted models like HTC One XAn added advantage is that this system allows you to root both phones with a locked bootloader and those with an unlocked bootloader.
The first thing to do is have all the necessary drivers installed on your computer. Then, download the root tool from the XDA Developers post and extract the ZIP file to a folder on your computer. Remember to enable debugging mode: Settings > Developer Options > USB debugging. You must also allow installation from Unknown origins (Settings > Security).
Once this is done, connect the mobile to the computer. After you have to run the unzipped file by double clicking on the one called runme.batThis will install two additional programs, BusyBox (1.18.4) and the SuperUser tool. Your phone may prompt you several times to restart it; accept when prompted.
At the end of the whole process the message will appear all done and you will have root access to your Xperia with Ice Cream Sandwich.
All the details You can find them in the XDA Developers guide.
What is root and what are the benefits and risks?
Being root means having all the privileges of the system to perform actions that a standard user account can't. It's similar to when a Windows installation asks for administrator permissions. Among the most common uses are deleting stock apps that are not of interest, making full backups (apps, settings, SMS and call history) or control your mobile remotely to facilitate its recovery in case of theft. It also allows automate advanced tasks, change kernels and adjust performance parameters.
All of this carries risks: if critical system apps are uninstalled Unexpected shutdowns, connectivity issues (WiFi, data, or calls) may occur, or the device may even be unable to function properly. The phone comes prepared for normal use, and if you want to go further, the responsibility lies with the user; also keep in mind that the warranty may be void.
Prerequisites and recommendations
Before starting: Turn on USB debugging (Settings > Developer options) and Unknown sources (Settings > Security). Make sure your battery is above the 60 %, make a backup and have the ADB/Flash drivers installed on your PC. If the script or other tool offers to install extra apps (like PowerSave), reject it to avoid unwanted software.
It is also advisable to install the Flashtool drivers (ADB, Flashmode and if applicable Fastboot) for your model, use an original USB cable and if the phone allows it, MSC storage mode during the process. If Windows takes a while to recognize the device, change the USB port or restart your PC before trying again.
Method 1: runme.bat script (locked bootloader compatible)
The main method described above uses runme.bat: Connect your Xperia in USB Debugging mode, run the script, accept the on-screen prompts, and wait for it to install BusyBox and SuperUser. The phone may reboot several times during the process; when you see all done You will already have root. This method is recommended for its compatibility with terminals with a locked bootloader. If the ADB authorization window appears on the mobile, accepts the fingerprint so that the PC can operate.
Method 2: Unlock Root (requires Java on PC)
Alternatively, it is possible to use the tool Unlock Root. Install Java on your computer and configure the environment variables: create JAVA_HOME pointing to the Java installation directory and add ;%JAVA_HOME%\bin; at the end of the system variable Path. Open Unlock Root, connect your phone with USB Debugging, and tap Root to select the device. If you are asked “Do you want to install PowerSave app?” choose NOIf your model is not recognized or the process fails, use the method in the script above.
Official update with PC Companion and 'Sales Item' (optional)
If you have not modified the firmware, Sony PC Companion It usually detects the ICS update when the phone is connected to the PC and allows the update with the wizard. This method preserves the integrity of the system and is ideal for users without previous changes.
If you rooted before and changed the firmware, it is possible that the Sales Item (identifier under the battery or in the software) no longer matches and PC Companion does not offer the update. In that case, you must update manually with Flashtool. Keep in mind that a clean update usually delete your data and remove root, which you can then recover using the methods in this article.
Firmware change and update/downgrade with Flashtool (optional)
On certain Xperias rooting is easier after a firmware change with Flashtool (for example, downgrading from a newer build to a supported one and then reflashing). This can occur when there is a rootable firmware. General steps: 1) Install Flashtool on the PC and its drivers (ADB/Flashmode). 2) Copy the firmware .ftf corresponding in the folder firmwares. 3) Open Flashtool, click the lightning icon and choose flash mode4) Select the detected firmware and confirm. 5) With the mobile phone off, connect it to the PC by holding down the back or volume down key (depending on the model) when the wizard asks you to. 6) Wait for the progress bar and, when finished, turn on the terminal (the first boot may take a while). If Windows installs drivers slowly and flashing fails, restart the process. After upgrading or changing builds, you may need to reconfigure the APN: Settings > Mobile networks > Access Point Names > New.
Practical advice: if in the folder firmwares an example file comes, delete it so as not to confuse you; execute FlashTool.exe o FlashTool64.exe depending on your system; during flashing the mobile screen may show nothing and the side LED will light up Verde; this is normal. Don't disconnect the cable until the battery is fully charged.
Alternative with downgrade to Gingerbread and root recovery (for locked bootloader)
If your model does not support direct root on ICS with locked bootloader, you can use the following path: temporary downgrade: 1) Flash a build of Android 2.3.4 compatible with Flashtool. 2) Root that version (Flashtool includes a button with padlock which automates rooting on Gingerbread). 3) Run on the PC a preparation script that adjusts system properties (for example, modifies local.prop) to retain permissions after upgrading. 4) Upgrade to ICS 4.0.4 with Flashtool (only Wipe cache marked to keep data when the method requires it). 5) Launch the script SU binary push which installs Superuser/SuperSU and BusyBox on the new version. After the reboot, root access remains active in ICS.
During this flow remember to activate again Unknown sources, USB debugging and the mode MSC when prompted. If anything fails, repeat the previous step and confirm that the device is recognized by ADB before continuing.
How to verify root access and next steps
To check that everything is correct, install Root Checker from Google Play and verify that the message “Congratulations, This device has root access” appears. From there you can uninstall bloatware, make advanced backups or use management tools, and even create a pre-rooted ROM. If you wish, revert to the latest build after rooting. Remember: Never flash a custom ROM with a locked bootloader, and tampering with system components without knowledge can leave your device unstable.
With these options you can recover root on your Xperia with ICS in a clear and flexible way: from scripts compatible with locked bootloaders, through Unlock Root, to Flashtool methods and temporary downgrades when necessary; choose the one that best suits your case and proceed with caution and backup your data.
