Unbricking Xperia E dual C1604

Unbricking Hard Bricked Xperia E Dual

Flashed a new kernel or a rom and now the device won't boot up?
Requirements-
Flashtool- To relock bootloader here
SEUS -Sony Ericson Update Service

1.Your phone can be unbricked only thing is that, it should be able to boot into flashmode** and fastboot mode**.
**Refer to previous post titled -xperia e stuck in bootloop... to know about flashmode and fastboot mode.
2.If it doesn't boot into flashmode or fastboot mode then it seems that there is a problem with the kernel or some hardware problem, then it's a serious problem as then unbricking with this method cannot be performed.

*Unbricking Using SEUS
Unlocked Bootloader-
1.If your bootloader is unlocked then use the flashtool and relock the bootloader.
2.Open SEUS->Select your device or select any device if your device is not mentioned->Click on reinstall the updates
3.Connect the device in flashmode when it prompts you to do so.
4.Now sit back and relax when the process will be completed then you'll have your device back with the stock rom.

Locked Bootloader-
1.Open SEUS->Select your device or select any device, if your device is not mentioned->Click on reinstall the updates
2.Connect the device in flashmode when it prompts you to do so.
3.Now sit back and relax when the process will be completed then you'll have your device back with the stock rom.

***Before starting the method said above see that you have the appropriate drivers of your device installed, otherwise your device may not be recognized by flashtool.
*Unbricking by Flashtool
Unlocked bootloader
If your not able to relock the bootloader for some reasons then follow the given steps.
1.Get the stock rom (ftf) or search xda if you have a different device.
2.Start Flashtool and select the lightning icon-> Select Flashmode -> Browse to the downloaded rom and click ok->Select wipe cache and wipe dalvik cache
3.Click on flash
This should get your device up and running.


****Precautionary steps to prevent bricking of your device
1.Always have custom recovery installed.
2.Keep a nandroid backup of the rom.
3.Never flash kernels not meant for your device.

If nothing works, the last thing to do is to lock the bootloader and go to a sony service center.

Post your questions below-

Stuck in Bootloop after Unlocking Bootloader Xperia E dual

*Experiencing Bootloops? 
->If your experiencing bootloops that is the device just goes to the loading screen and restarts, then you'll need to follow the given steps-

1.Download Flashtool here.

2.Download this kernel. Here is the link that will install dual custom recovery on your device

3.Flash the recovery by connecting phone in fastboot mode* and then selecting the lightning icon given in the flashtool.
*To connect the phone in fastboot mode, first switch off your phone. Then press and hold the volume up button. Connect the phone to the computer while the volume button is still held. Notification led will glow blue indicating success.

4.Then select fastboot mode then choose select kernel to flash then browse to the file downloaded above and then flashing would be done.

5.To boot into recovery keep on pressing the volume down button when the led below is glowing blue. This would get into TWRP custom recovery. If you want to boot into CWM recovery then keep on pressing the volume up button when the led below is glowing green.

6.Then select wipe data/cache and also wipe dalvik cache.


This should probably solve the bootloop problem.

If you're having any problem like missing IMEI number than refer to this post.


Post your queries below.

Rooting Xperia E dual

*Just follow the instructions given and perform the methods carefully and you'll have a rooted device in the end. Refer my post of Unlocking bootloader of Xperia E dual, before proceeding to get a better understanding. 

What is rooting?
Usually the manufacturers give users only limited access to their device. i.e we don't have full control over our device. We can't change certain system files can't install certain apps which require extra permissions. The process of gaining these privileged permissions is known as rooting. A rooted device provides access to system files, also it can run various apps that require making certain changes in critical files of your android. In short rooting will make you own your device entirely.
For more details about rooting visit here


There are many ways in which you can root your android device few of which i know are listed below.

1.Installing Custom ROM(High Risk)

2.Flashing Insecure Kernel

3.Using Exploits(Low Risk)


**Before starting the rooting process see that you have custom recovery installed.

What is Custom Recovery?
In short it is useful for making backup of the rom of the device and restoring it, should the new rom is found to be not working properly then you can switch back to your old rom. As changes are being made to the system files chances are there that something might go wrong so to be on the safe side please install  a custom recovery and make a backup.

Here is the file download it and flash it using flashtool, link for flashtool.

The kernel above is a stock kernel with dual recovery.
**Connect the device in fastboot mode, i.e turn it off and press and hold the volume up button then connect it to the pc. The notification led would glow blue indicating that it has been connected in fastboot mode, then leave the volume button.


**Steps for flashing the kernel
Open flashtool and click on the lightning icon -> select fastboot mode -> select flash a kernel->change the search type to img->select the downloaded file.

This should flash the required kernel and give you dual recovery.

**To boot into TWRP recovery keep on pressing the volume down button when the led is glowing orange.
**To boot into CWM recovery keep on pressing the volume up button when the led is glowing green.

Then select backup option from any of the recovery and you'll have your system backup.




Now back to rooting---

1.First Method- (Make sure you have unlocked the bootloader first) Download CyanogenMod from here , follow the instructions given on the site to successfully flash it. It comes pre-installed with Superuser app, that is your device will be rooted. It also provides overclocking up-to 1.3 GHz. Also it comes with lot of other apps and features which i leave you all to explore. It is the easiest way to root but you won't have your stock rom anymore.


2.Second Method-This is the lengthiest method compared to other two, it will keep you on stock rom but your kernel will be modified. I haven't tried this method so follow this link to download the kernel and this to start rooting.

3.Third Method-This is the easiest method compared to other two. Here your kernel won't be modified nor you'll have to lose your stock rom.
Download this app install it and perform any one of the exploit. It should root your device. I have tried it and it did root my phone in minutes.


** I am not responsible if you brick your device while executing any of the above methods. 

Connect to you pc your device with debugging on, and then run flashtool. Here's what you should get if your phone has succesfully rooted.

Post your queries below.

Unlocking Bootloader of Xperia E dual C1604(11.3.A.2.1)

Unlocking Bootloader of Xperia E dual C1604(11.3.A.2.1)


**Note that you will end up losing your warranty after unlocking your bootloader.


What is bootloader?
-> Bootloader is to mobile as BIOS is to the computer. Bootloader is understood as the first program that runs when the device is powered on, which does the hardware checks and then selects the rom and gives it control after starting it.
In othere words your bootloader knows where your rom is and it is responsible for starting it. ROM of your phone can be understood as similar to the Operating System of the computer. As we have different operating systems like windows, linux. Similarly there are different roms. If your bootloader is unlocked then you are able to flash custom rom like Cyanogenmod, AOSP. But if you flash a rom while your bootloader is locked then you may end up soft bricking your device.

Why Unlock the Bootloader?
-> Unlocking the bootloader will allow you to flash a custom rom, which can increase the performance of your phone.
Custom roms will give you root access, overclocking and many more features that will breathe a new life into your phone.

Usually companies lock the bootloader thereby preventing the end user from running custom roms and thus making them stick to the stock rom. But now the trend is changing. Companies are themselves providing unlock key to users to unlock bootloader of devices.

****************************************************** There are two general ways, which are considerd safe, and are tested by me, using which you can unlock the bootloader of your Xperia phone.

*Prerequisite for both the methods is the Unlock key.

To get the key go to Sony Xperia's site (here) and follow the instructions given there. Fill in the appropriate details and you'll get the key in you e-mail id. Now the unlocking can be done.
Charge your phone to atleast 75% before starting this.


First Method(Easy Method)-
1.Download Flashtool and install it. Search flashtool on google and you'll get it or use the link provided below, download the latest version.

2.Connect the phone in flashmode. To enter in flashmode first switch off your phone and while connecting it with your computer, using the USB cable, continue to hold the volume down button until you'll see the notification led glowing green. In simple words "hold down the volume down button" as your connecting the phone to the computer.
3.Start flashtool and install the appropriate drivers for the phone from the list of devices that will appear.

**If your having problem with the flashtool not detecting your phone. Than consider installing PC companion software from the official site. That will take care of the driver problems.

4.Now click on BLU button it will ask for the unlock key, enter it.

**Here is the link to get flashtool for windows-here

There it is now your phone is Unlocked.

 *If it isn't successful in the first try then restart your computer and give it a second go, that should probably get it going.

 * You can use the flashtool to relock your bootloader again, just connect your device in flashmode again and click on   BLU, then on relock it will relock your bootloader.


Second Method-
->Go to Sony Website and follow the instructions given there. Also download the files given there but don't download android sdk. The file you have downloaded from the website contains the drivers (name it as file b) which are essential to connect the phone to the computer.

1.Download the following  file, this will fulfill the role of android sdk, on your computer. Name it as File a
2.Hold shift and then right click on the  downloaded file a then choose the option of run command prompt here.
3.Connect the phone in fastboot mode, that is while connecting it to the computer keep on holding the volume up key until  the led starts glowing blue.
4.Type the following in the command prompt 
 fastboot getvar version

 You should get a reply such as 0.5 or something. If you don't get any such reply then reinstall the file b downloaded from sony website once again. To install the file b right click it and choose install.

5.Then type the following command 
 fastboot oem unlock 0xYour Unlock key 

**Hash file not found error on windows 8? 
->Windows 8 users need to turn the driver signing off then only they can install the file downloaded from sony website.

 *To turn driver signing off go to the settings option in the charms bar, then select Change PC settings-> Then click on   General-> Then click on advanced startup ->On restart Select the troubleshoot option ->type the number which says turn driver signing off.

**Experiencing Bootloops? 
->If your experiencing bootloops that is the device just goes to the loading screen and restarts, then you'll need to follow the given steps-

1.Download Flashtool
2.Download custom recovery. Here is the link that will install dual custom recovery on your device- here
3.Flash the recovery by connecting phone in fastboot mode and then selecting the lightning icon given in the flashtool.
4.Then select fastboot mode then choose select kernel to flash then browse to the file downloaded above and then flashing would be done.
5.To boot into recovery keep on pressing the volume down button when the led below is glowing blue. This would get into TWRP custom recovery. If you want to boot into CWM recovery then keep on pressing the volume up button when the led below is glowing green.
6.Then select wipe data/cache and also wipe dalvik cache.

This should probably solve the bootloop problem.


If you're still confused and can't get out of the bootloop then refer to this post.

Now if you want to root your phone or want to install CyanogenMod refer to this post.

After rooting you'll definitely not want consider installing these cool apps........

***I am not responsible for damages to your device that may arise while you apply the above mentioned methods, apply them carefully or you may end up bricking your device.

If you end up bricking your device don't panic, help is on the way, refer to this post. It'll bring your beloved android device back to life.


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I'd be happy to hear from you, please leave your comments below.