Xperia Arc/S, Pro ICS 4.1.B.0.587 Root & Custom ROMs (any bootloader*)

In this video, I show how to update the Xperia Arc/s (LT15 i/a, LT18 i/a) to the latest v4.0.4 build 4.1.B.0.587 firmware (Ice Cream Sandwich) as well as rooting, installing recovery, and a custom ROM. Rooting works on ANY bootloader (locked or unlocked).

Custom ROMs are an ADVANCED topic. Do NOT attempt if you are unfamiliar with basic procedures such as rooting and flashing. Visit the channel and watch the BASIC videos FIRST!

* Not all custom ROMs can be installed on all devices. If your phone has a LOCKED bootloader, you can STILL root and install recovery, but your ROM options will be limited.

Original arc ICS update/rooting video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huPuFmmeZHc&hd=1
Guide to all things arc: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1653188

The 3-step process is as follows:
- flash 4.1.B.0.587
- flash an insecure (lower build) kernel
- root using the 2011 Xperia ICS Rooting Toolkit
- flash back the 4.1.B.0.587 kernel

You MUST download ALL of the the following:
- FlashTool: http://flashtool.net / http://d-h.st/Kb8
- rooting toolkit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1601038
- a 4.1.B.0.587 firmware + kernel

If anything goes wrong or the device boot-loops/gets stuck at the logo, flash it back to stock using the FlashTool or Update Service.

Firmwares + kernels:
LT15i / LT18i: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1683957
LT15a (generic): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1905295
LT15a (Rogers branded): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1906630
Pro: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1865796
Ray: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1874801
Mirror: http://jp1.ca/androidstuff

Firmwares: Mini (ST15i), Mini Pro (SK17i/a), Active (ST17i), Live with Walkman (WT19i), Ray (ST18i)m Neo (MT15i), Arc/S, Play (R800i), Pro(MK16i):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1568792

As always, you MUST have BOTH Sony PC Companion and Update Service INSTALLED for your computer to recognize the phone (much easier than installing the Android SDK):
PC Companion: http://www.sonymobile.com/gb/tools/pc-companion/
Update Service: http://www.sonymobile.com/gb/tools/update-service/
Mirror: http://jp1.ca/androidstuff

Flashing your phone will WIPE ALL user data, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS backup your phone before modifying it. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
SMS Backup+: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zegoggles.smssync
SMS Backup/Restore: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riteshsahu.SMSBackupRestore
APN Backup & Restore: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riteshsahu.APNBackupRestore&hl=en

To get into flash mode, turn OFF the phone, hold the BACK button and plug in the phone.

Once you've flashed and rooted your phone, you can install recovery using any of the following:
X-Parts ClockworkMod Installer: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1437840 or directly through the Market: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pvy.CWMinstaler&hl=en
RecoverX (run on your computer): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1773227

Once that is complete, there are dozens of modifications such as widgets, fonts, themes, and other tweaks that can be installed. Make sure the modification is compatible with .587: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=966

There are also dozens of custom ROMs available. If you have a locked bootloader, you cannot install certain ROMs. http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=965

SuperUser is available directly here: http://androidsu.com/superuser/

The ROM shown in this video is Jelly Sandwich: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1836993

For 3G/HSPA/data settings, make sure you write down or backup you APN settings: http://www.osimood.com/2012/05/news-apn-database/

Once the phone is rooted, you can remove/reinstall the Japanese & Chinese keyboards using SuperManager: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gpc.myweb.hinet.net.TaskManager

My MediaFire mirror with Android apps, ROMs, toolkits, Sony apps, etc.: http://jp1.ca/androidstuff

Found this useful? Buy me a coffee. :-) https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MACW39HPE7BZ6

Видео Xperia Arc/S, Pro ICS 4.1.B.0.587 Root & Custom ROMs (any bootloader*) канала Jeremy Phan