On international variants of Sony’s smartphones the bootloaders are unlocked which means its easier for users to tinker with the software. However carrier locked units, like the ones sold in the U.S., have locked bootloaders which makes rooting a pain. Developers have long been working to come up with a solution for Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact, there has finally been a breakthrough. A new exploit has been released which enables users to root Xperia Z3 with locked bootloader.
The new exploit has been incorporated in the “giefroot rooting tool,” which can now be used to perform the procedure on both Sony Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact. It has been put together by zxz000 over at XDA Developers forum.
Xperia Z3 root procedure is fairly simple. Hook up the device to a computer and run the extracted install.bat file. Keep in mind that this only works on devices that have older firmware build like 23.0.A.2.93. Those who are on the newer firmware build, 23.0.1.A.5.77, will first have to downgrade before achieving root.
Download and install instructions for the root are available on its formal thread. XDA forums also has steps for updating the firmware on Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact once root has been achieved, as well as for saving the DRM keys.
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