Develop Bugs

[Q] How to unlock network on Xperia Arc

Hi guys,
I have Xperia Arc which was locked to 3 UK. I flashed generic firmware from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1115542 , rooted it and updated to 2.3.3 The phone is rooted and unbranded now, but it is still locked to the network. If I put another sim card it asks for Sim network unlock PIN. How can I unlock it?
Thanks

Im on 3 and UK there is no way to unlock it except from a code mate. I pm'ed u
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App

There must be a way around this, it is software issue, I thought the lock was in firmware, but if not, where can it be? is it in bootloader? Or I flashed wrong firmware?

aristarh said:
There must be a way around this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only way is to pay.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

XperienceD said:
Only way is to pay.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I'm really intrigued, why is it not possible? Can anyone explain this?
If XDA wizards have access to firmware source, why they can't remove this lock from there?
Or I know for sure that unlocked smartphones exist, why not to take firmware from them?
This is not a hardware feature (or is it?), so it should be possible to overcome this, am I wrong?

SIM/network locking has nothing to do with firmware/software, hence you can flash any firmware onto any phone and maintain your (un)lock.
It's a lower-level software lock on the radio which is loaded before any firmware.
Think BIOS password on a PC. It locks the PC regardless of what operating system you have on it and is loaded before any OS.
Carrier-branded phones also cannot be bootloader unlocked at the moment, but there aren't any custom ROMs yet so it's not a big issue.

@BluechipJ
Thanks for reply,
Do you mean this is done in the bootloader? I know it is possible to unlock bootloader.
And what do you mean by carrier-branded phones? this phone doesn't have any logos on it. There was carrier splashscreen and a couple of apps but they are gone now after I flashed generic firmware. Is my phone still branded or not?

It is not branded but sim-locked now.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App

aristarh said:
@BluechipJ
Thanks for reply,
Do you mean this is done in the bootloader? I know it is possible to unlock bootloader.
And what do you mean by carrier-branded phones? this phone doesn't have any logos on it. There was carrier splashscreen and a couple of apps but they are gone now after I flashed generic firmware. Is my phone still branded or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the radio/network/SIM lock is separate and independent from the bootloader and any firmware.
Carrier-branded means the phone had carrier apps/logo/is sold directly by the carrier. My Rogers arc does not have any physical logos either. It had Rogers applications and splash but like yours, are now gone since I flashed a generic firmware. However, it is still a carrier-branded phone. It was sold directly by a carrier. The bootloader is therefore, locked and cannot be unlocked (yet).
You can go to the Sony Ericsson site (http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/) and get your unlock key, but there is no way to get into Fastboot mode to enter it (on carrier-issued phones).

Thanks for the explanation.
SIM/network locking has nothing to do with firmware/software, hence you can flash any firmware onto any phone and maintain your (un)lock.
It's a lower-level software lock on the radio which is loaded before any firmware.
Think BIOS password on a PC. It locks the PC regardless of what operating system you have on it and is loaded before any OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just thought the other brand(s) of android phones is not as secure as this, that we need to pay for an unlock code. Others can just be sim-unlocked by software!

You can unlock the Phone using the Unlock code,You can get the Unlock code from the site www.theunlockspot.com and unlock it..Then you can use in any Country GSM Carriers.

No! It is possible to unlock the phone with proper simlock.ta cuz I have locked it by flashing it. God damn it!
So it is possible to vice versa.

cool_recep said:
No! It is possible to unlock the phone with proper simlock.ta cuz I have locked it by flashing it. God damn it!
So it is possible to vice versa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, Did you have success???

[Q] can r800i bootloader be unlocked?

Big up to xda community especially the devs
I am one of the unlucky ones with a locked bootloader (turned off, held search button plugged in usb no blue light)
my one was sim locked on Orange UK
since i have sim unlocked it, rooted and OTA update to 4.0.A.2.368
but i really want to overclock it.
i read another thread about r800x bootloader being cracked http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1197890
but want sure if its a 100% success
is there anyway to unlock r800i bootloader? or another method of overclocking cpu?
thanx

boomtngz said:
Big up to xda community especially the devs
I am one of the unlucky ones with a locked bootloader (turned off, held search button plugged in usb no blue light)
my one was sim locked on Orange UK
since i have sim unlocked it, rooted and OTA update to 4.0.A.2.368
but i really want to overclock it.
i read another thread about r800x bootloader being cracked http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1197890
but want sure if its a 100% success
is there anyway to unlock r800i bootloader? or another method of overclocking cpu?
thanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock your bootloader, but you have to pay

thankx for reply
2 questions
how much?
how to?

There is no need to pay. Simply use this guide to unlock your bootloader for free.
I have an R800i and did it myself. Just make certain that you install Gordon's Gate drivers on your PC otherwise you'll be left with a phone you can not reflash afterwards.

what using Omnius for SE v0.23 ?

El_Colombiano said:
There is no need to pay. Simply use this guide to unlock your bootloader for free.
I have an R800i and did it myself. Just make certain that you install Gordon's Gate drivers on your PC otherwise you'll be left with a phone you can not reflash afterwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That only works for phones which are not sim locked (subsidized) by a carrier. For all those that do have sim locked phones, such as myself, you do indeed need to pay to get it unlocked by someone that has the tools to do so remotely. You can find someone in the General forum that can do it for you.

boomtngz said:
what using Omnius for SE v0.23 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Contact me for that

zerojay said:
That only works for phones which are not sim locked (subsidized) by a carrier. For all those that do have sim locked phones, such as myself, you do indeed need to pay to get it unlocked by someone that has the tools to do so remotely. You can find someone in the General forum that can do it for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression the R800i always came sim unlocked. Mine did. My mistake. Thank you for the information.

Had mine unlocked yesterday wicked..
Sent from my R800i using xda premium

My phone was sim locked to UK orange, too. I paid alejandrisimo just under 20 quid and he enabled fastboot, unlocked the bootloader and removed sim lock in about 5 mins. All remotely. Thread was in the general section.
Sent from my R800i using XDA App

[Q] R800a can not OTA update or enter fastboot, root problems? mode.

I recently purchased a R800 from someone on Craigslist. The phone is already rooted, permanantly I think since it is rooted after doing a factory restore. It is not sim locked, I believe its factory unlocked.
I tried to do the OTA update, which downloads, but fails to install. It appears to get about 3/4 of the way done, reboots and gives me an "update failed" message.
I wanted to unlock the boot loader, I got the unlock key from SE. I must of tried 10 times to get the phone to boot into fastboot mode, it NEVER does it. It simply boots up normally. I even got an app that makes it easy to reboot into restore or fastboot modes (just click an option and it reboots), however just like before the phone simply reboots normally. I even did a factory restore prior to trying the update... no go.
Should I try to remove the root access? Is this what is giving me all the problems. I was able to successfully install root explorer and titanium backup and both of those programs worked fine.
R800i, Android 2.3.3, Kernel 2.6.32.9-perf [email protected] #1, Build number 3.0.1.A.0.145
Edit: Title should be "Can not OTA or enter fastboot mode, root problems?"

Is your phone sim locked? Sim locked phones need to be unlocked before able to unlock bootloader or fast load. After you unlock bootloader make sure you never ota update.
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.

Your phone has a locked bootloader and a factory lockout on fastboot.
Best advice to you is flash the r800a world generic 2.3.2 root it with gingerbreak then ota update. Use a program called wontanserver as its super easy.
Dont get anyone to remove your factory locks on fastboot until you read tons of threads on these fourms from the last couple months.

Ok, lets see....
Deoxlar said:
"Is your phone sim locked? Sim locked phones need to be unlocked before able to unlock bootloader or fast load. After you unlock bootloader make sure you never ota update."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is the R800a. It was my understanding that this phone was never locked (factory unlocked). It came in an official Sony Ericsson box and has no carrier branding on it what-so-ever. It was not purchased through a carrier. It does have a weird stock data APN called "Telekila"?!?!?
sdlaurin said:
"Your phone has a locked bootloader and a factory lockout on fastboot.
Best advice to you is flash the r800a world generic 2.3.2 root it with gingerbreak then ota update. Use a program called wontanserver as its super easy.
Dont get anyone to remove your factory locks on fastboot until you read tons of threads on these fourms from the last couple months."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't wontonserver require credits to run? How expensive does this get?
I didn't know the phone could have a factory lock on the bootloader. I did go to the SE website where you get the unlock key and it was successful in giving me a key... Well I shouldn't exactly say "successful", it did give me a key code to use if and when I can unlock the bootloader, weather or not that code is actually legit remains to be seen. I'm a bit skeptical now since you said the phone is bootloader locked from the factory. I though SE was allowing their phones to be unlocked. I recently unlocked my Motorola Atrix and was expecting to do the same with this phone.
Thank you guys for the advice. I love this phone so far but I can't wait to get a custom rom on it

It uses credits but they are free.
There are currently 2 gentlemen on these forums that can remove your fastboot locks and unlock your bootloader.
Have a look for thier threads on this matter

I would like to have this done now, so gentlemen, whomever is able to do this please message me and we can work something out. Im dieing to get a new rom on this awesome phone/game console.
Sent from my R800i using xda premium

If you need help with unlocking your phone contact Alejandrissimo he does Unlocks

I flashed the r800a world generic 2.3.2 rooted it with gingerbreak then ota updated.I get the same thing as DMpire , reboots and gives me an "update failed" message.
Is this because I removed some of the stock apps that came on the phone after it was rooted? Anyone know about this?
Does it matter if the SD card is mounted or not?

Removing stock apps then trying to ota isnt going to happen. Reflash, root, ota, then remove your stock apps

Is there any easy way to do this? can I reflash it as it has a locked bootloader, or do I have to get the bootloader unlocked?

JDMpire said:
I would like to have this done now, so gentlemen, whomever is able to do this please message me and we can work something out. Im dieing to get a new rom on this awesome phone/game console.
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Christian6809 said:
Is there any easy way to do this? can I reflash it as it has a locked bootloader, or do I have to get the bootloader unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Add me to gtalk pals: alejandrissimo[at]gmail.com

Google wontanserver its free

[Q] Network Unlocking

So I've heard about bootloader unlocking which, I guess, enables me to have full control over the device (not like rooting, I understand that) and to do stuff like flashing new ROMs, etc.
But what about network unlocking? I mean, I'd like to be able to use my phone on any network I wish, do I need to unlock the bootloader for that? Do the network restrictions automatically disappear if I unlock the bootloader?
Also, is there anyway I can disable network restrictions by myself (without using something like a special SIM card or asking for remote unlocking) without having to pay for any unlocking service or ask someone to do it for me?
Thanks in advance! :3

positiveh said:
So I've heard about bootloader unlocking which, I guess, enables me to have full control over the device (not like rooting, I understand that) and to do stuff like flashing new ROMs, etc.
But what about network unlocking? I mean, I'd like to be able to use my phone on any network I wish, do I need to unlock the bootloader for that? Do the network restrictions automatically disappear if I unlock the bootloader?
Also, is there anyway I can disable network restrictions by myself (without using something like a special SIM card or asking for remote unlocking) without having to pay for any unlocking service or ask someone to do it for me?
Thanks in advance! :3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, so to answer your question, when you unlock the bootloader the sim lock remains, also afaik there are no "free" ways in which to remove the sim lock at this moment in time, the only way is to get the unlock code from your service provider or pay a remote unlocking service.
I think i may have seen on the arc forum somewhere for a small fee you can get your boot loader unlocked and sim unlocked at the same time.
One last note if your arc is sim locked there is a chance that you wont be able to unlock the bootloader via sony ericsson developer world, depending on your carrier

furrabbit.nh said:
I think i may have seen on the arc forum somewhere for a small fee you can get your boot loader unlocked and sim unlocked at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means it's also possible to unlock the boot loader remotely?
Also, if there's someone who can do it for us (small fees inc.), that means there's actually a way to do it, right?

positiveh said:
That means it's also possible to unlock the boot loader remotely?
Also, if there's someone who can do it for us (small fees inc.), that means there's actually a way to do it, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is a way to do it, i cant remember how much it costs exactly, but it's done remotely and sim unlocks and boot loader unlocks at the same time

And is it something I can do by myself?

positiveh said:
And is it something I can do by myself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No its done remotely, im trying to find you a link hold on.

furrabbit.nh said:
No its done remotely, im trying to find you a link hold on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's posted in the stickys. ;-)
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

furrabbit.nh said:
Hi, so to answer your question, when you unlock the bootloader the sim lock remains, also afaik there are no "free" ways in which to remove the sim lock at this moment in time, the only way is to get the unlock code from your service provider or pay a remote unlocking service.
I think i may have seen on the arc forum somewhere for a small fee you can get your boot loader unlocked and sim unlocked at the same time.
One last note if your arc is sim locked there is a chance that you wont be able to unlock the bootloader via sony ericsson developer world, depending on your carrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If someone else can do this as a paid service. Why can't someone explain how its done and make it available for free?

somedude67 said:
If someone else can do this as a paid service. Why can't someone explain how its done and make it available for free?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for that i cannot answer.. But at a guess a lot of hard work will have gone into this. It keeps drm intact, provides Sim unlock and enables fast boot on handsets which didn't have it before, if i was in that situation with my arc i would have gladly paid, and i myself think the Dev/Devs are entitled to some hard earned cash

somedude67 said:
If someone else can do this as a paid service. Why can't someone explain how its done and make it available for free?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly my point, that's what I wanted to say ;_;

furrabbit.nh said:
As for that i cannot answer.. But at a guess a lot of hard work will have gone into this. It keeps drm intact, provides Sim unlock and enables fast boot on handsets which didn't have it before, if i was in that situation with my arc i would have gladly paid, and i myself think the Dev/Devs are entitled to some hard earned cash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The boot loader can be unlocked whilst keeping drm intact?
Now that is something id be interested in paying for know anyone who would be able to do this?

Arc S 12W22 bootloader

My phone is manufactured in 12W22, is there ANY way to unlock the bootloader? It's a carrier branded phone (got it as a gift)

It is unlockable but you need to remove the carrier branding first.
僕のLT18iから送られてきた

popthosegaskets said:
It is unlockable but you need to remove the carrier branding first.
僕のLT18iから送られてきた
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please tell me where to start

malimukk said:
Could you please tell me where to start
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.wotanserver.com/en/sony-ericsson/xperia-arc-s-lt18/unlock-tool/debranding-flash

popthosegaskets said:
http://www.wotanserver.com/en/sony-ericsson/xperia-arc-s-lt18/unlock-tool/debranding-flash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh sorry I made a big mistake, my arc is made in 12W22
Is there any way to unlock it?

malimukk said:
oh sorry I made a big mistake, my arc is made in 12W22
Is there any way to unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any Arc manufactured after 12W11 will have a bootloader that cannot be unlocked. You can try wotanserver for the debranding but not sure if you can unlock your bootloader.
僕のLT18iから送られてきた

popthosegaskets said:
Any Arc manufactured after 12W11 will have a bootloader that cannot be unlocked. You can try wotanserver for the debranding but not sure if you can unlock your bootloader.
僕のLT18iから送られてきた
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine's LT18a 12W15, perfectly unlocked and running JB so.. I'd tell him to give it a shot.

Of course, that number could be just a rumor, no harm trying it.
僕のLT18iから送られてきた

Hi mine is an Arc is network unlock as its an orange one and I'm using Vodafone. The numbers on it are 11W12 and I filled the thing in on Sony boot loader site and they've sent me a code.
I've rooted it already but it says in the service menu it says the bootloader can't be unlocked.
Mines an LT15i but it now says its Lt18i
What's right can it be unlocked or not?

petedaddi said:
Hi mine is an Arc is network unlock as its an orange one and I'm using Vodafone. The numbers on it are 11W12 and I filled the thing in on Sony boot loader site and they've sent me a code.
I've rooted it already but it says in the service menu it says the bootloader can't be unlocked.
Mines an LT15i but it now says its Lt18i
What's right can it be unlocked or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

popthosegaskets said:
As long as you debranded it (network unlock) it should be unlockable
僕のLT18iから送られてきた
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until I flashed different firmware and rooted it still had orange start up screen etc but accepted my Vodafone sim. Sorry I'm new to Sony was Samsung before and not a noob.
Sent from my LT18i using Tapatalk 2

petedaddi said:
Until I flashed different firmware and rooted it still had orange start up screen etc but accepted my Vodafone sim. Sorry I'm new to Sony was Samsung before and not a noob.
Sent from my LT18i using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand you came from Samsung... I also used Samsung myself back then and experimented with the root and everything.
Rooted a S3 back then which had the "recovery-from-boot.p" script that did not allow me to flash CWM recovery on it.

popthosegaskets said:
I understand you came from Samsung... I also used Samsung myself back then and experimented with the root and everything.
Rooted a S3 back then which had the "recovery-from-boot.p" script that did not allow me to flash CWM recovery on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I've contacted the guys from Wotan Server and they say that they dont want to try unlocking my phone because of the production date..
Any other ideas?

malimukk said:
Okay, I've contacted the guys from Wotan Server and they say that they dont want to try unlocking my phone because of the production date..
Any other ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try this guy:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1322827
僕のLT18iから送られてきた

popthosegaskets said:
You can try this guy:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1322827
僕のLT18iから送られてきた
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No reply from him
Any other ideas?
And thank you for your help!!!

popthosegaskets said:
Any Arc manufactured after 12W11 will have a bootloader that cannot be unlocked. You can try wotanserver for the debranding but not sure if you can unlock your bootloader.
僕のLT18iから送られてきた
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong, official method still works for non-SIM locked phones. Branding has no effect at all.
popthosegaskets said:
As long as you debranded it (network unlock) it should be unlockable
僕のLT18iから送られてきた
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I already said, it does not matter, if phone has branded firmware or not. It has nothing to do with bootloader unlocking.
If the fastboot is disabled, then you can not do anything. This mostly occurs, when phone is SIM-locked.
If the fastboot is enabled, then you can use official method at unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com.
To see, if fastboot is enabled or disabled, just try entering it - Turn off the phone, hold down Menu button, connect USB cable. If blue LED lights up and stays on, fastboot is enabled and you can use the official method.

Someguyfromhell said:
Wrong, official method still works for non-SIM locked phones. Branding has no effect at all.
As I already said, it does not matter, if phone has branded firmware or not. It has nothing to do with bootloader unlocking.
If the fastboot is disabled, then you can not do anything. This mostly occurs, when phone is SIM-locked.
If the fastboot is enabled, then you can use official method at unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com.
To see, if fastboot is enabled or disabled, just try entering it - Turn off the phone, hold down Menu button, connect USB cable. If blue LED lights up and stays on, fastboot is enabled and you can use the official method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't enter fastboot, my phone is sim-locked. I think that I could get the unlock code from my carrier, would that make any difference?

malimukk said:
I can't enter fastboot, my phone is sim-locked. I think that I could get the unlock code from my carrier, would that make any difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, no. This does still not enable fastboot. Fastboot can be enabled only via test point method, but due to newer security systems, this is not possible on phones manufactured after 12W11.
So, unfortunately, you are one of the unlucky ones, who have to deal with locked bootloader. For now. Until a method is found, that can bypass the newer security standards.