Taken from [Tutorial] Xperia S/P/U/Sola Bootloader Unlocking & Relocking and modified slightly for the ion. I take no credit for this tutorial.
Quick tutorial for unlocking & relocking the bootloader of the Xperia ion.
This is the official way to unlock bootloader
Warning!
This procedure will wipe the /data partition of your phone, so you will loose all ur stored data, settings. SDCARD will NOT BE WIPED!!!
DRM keys WILL be lost forever
Why should I unlock the bootloader?
You can flash custom ROMs/Kernels.
You don't need to worry if the new firmware can be rooted or not as with unlocked bootloader you can always ROOT your device.
SE/Sony gives sneak-peaks/preview builds of latest OS which requires unlocked bootloaders, as they did with Xperia 2011 line (they had ICS alpha/beta), so who knows may be SE/Sony may give early builds of ICS (JellyBean???)
Most of this is taken from lollylost100's his tutorial from ARC thread (all credits for that concise tutorial go to him, i have elaborated on a few things and added device specific changes)
[ Before we begin unlocking bootloader ]
Get the IMEI code for your device: type *#06# in phone dialer to find it out, note only the digits (no dashes)
Download the fastboot package with usb drivers (alternate drivers if the ones in package dont work)
Make sure u have a windows PC with USB cable to connect the phone
Power down your phone and keeping the Volume Up button pressed connect the USB cable to PC this will trigger FASTBOOT mode and windows will start driver installation, extract the above package and point the driver install to that location (usb_driver) folder
Once drivers are installed just disconnect cable and power on device
[ how to unlock ] (official way)
Go to: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/ and read everything!
At the bottom click 'Start Unlocking the Bootloader'
First, you should confirm that it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your phone by checking the service menu. In your phone, open the phone dial pad and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu.
In your phone, tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. If Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes, then you can continue with the next step. If it says No, or if the status is missing, your device cannot be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you have verified that you can unlock bootloader, scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Continue"
You will get "Are you sure prompt" accept it by clicking "yes i am sure" (i assume that you have read an understood it)
Then accept the "legal terms"
Finally you will get a "Create Unlock request" page, enter your IMEI (sometimes the last digit needs to be removed for this to work), name and email address
You should now receive your unique unlock key, its displayed on screen, SAVE THIS KEY SAFELY
Extract fastboot_with_Android_USB_file.rar and open fastboot folder
Hold SHIFT and right click on the background of the folder
Select 'Open command window here'
Connect your phone in fastboot mode (turn phone off, hold Volume UP button and plug in USB Cable) [make sure drivers are installed as explained above)
In the cmd windows type in fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version
If a value is returned (it will return 0.5), it means the phone is correctly connected
Type in fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY and replace KEY with the key which you received earlier.
Your device should now be bootloader unlocked
If this tutorial is too much for you then itskapil wrote a step-by-step guide (and recorded a video also):
-Instructions: http://www.theandroidsoul.com/how-to...-play-neo-pro/
-Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRH3pC7MhEA
(the above videos and some steps are for Xperia 2011 devices, but most the steps are same for Xperia ion)
Info on Relocking bootloader is in next post
Relocking bootloader
RELOCKING BOOTLOADER WILL ALLOW YOU TO GET NEWEST UPDATES & REPAIR DEVICE USING SEUS/PCC
Before we begin relocking the bootloader make sure that u have flashtool download & installed
You can get the latest version of FlashTool from:
http://androxyde.github.com/Flashtool/
Download link is under "Installation" tab
If you have not use FlashTool before read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1526866
Download this FTF:
Xperia ion -> LT28-ION_Relock_bootloader_Dogsly-TEST.ftf // Mirror 1
Flash this FTF via FlashTool:
When it says enter flashmode, power down device and keeping VOLUME DOWN button pressed connect usb cable to phone, the device will now enter flashmode (green LED)
After this file is flashed reboot phone
Bootloader will now be relocked!!!
Incase device doesn't boot DO NOT PANIC... You can flash stock firmware FTF anytime to get back to stock ROM
P.S.: there is no official way to relock bootloader
So because my phone says I can't unlock the bootloader, does that mean I can never unlock the bootloader? Or do I have to wait to be able to root it first?
PS: I got my ion from Best Buy so is that why? Will I ever be able to unlock the BL ? I've rooted and unlocked my x10, back in the old days lol but I'm just wondering if there's any difference with getting a phone from at&t directly or from the sony store and best buy.
Auggy99 said:
So because my phone says I can't unlock the bootloader, does that mean I can never unlock the bootloader? Or do I have to wait to be able to root it first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to wait to see if another way to unlock the bootloader is discovered. Root and unlocking the bootloader are two different things that accomplish or allow different things you can do on the phone.
IE rooting allows you to uninstall system apps & bloatware, backup apps/data, make changes to build.prop etc. Unlocking the bootloader will give you access to fastboot so you can flash custom roms/kernels and other images such as a pre-rooted system image to gain root.
I wonder. If we can not unlock the bootloader for some LT28at, why is there a key to unlock it? I did the Sony bootloader unlock for fun and apparently they have a key for my LT28at even though it says bootloader unlock is not allowed.
Bach415 said:
I wonder. If we can not unlock the bootloader for some LT28at, why is there a key to unlock it? I did the Sony bootloader unlock for fun and apparently they have a key for my LT28at even though it says bootloader unlock is not allowed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock bootloader on the LT28i and, accordingly, there is a file to be relock bootloader LT28i
dogsly said:
You can unlock bootloader on the LT28i and, accordingly, there is a file to be relock bootloader LT28i
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that works for lt28i but I'm referring to lt28at the us model of the ion and why there is a bootlloader unlock code when we can't unlock it.
see if it works
Has anyone with an ion that has
Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried to unlock it via the sony site and if you did and it was successful have you tried to relock it using the file linked above? Would be nice to know if that works.
Possible fix?
If the LT28i can be unlocked, what if we flash the international firmware on our LT28at's and then do the LT28i method? Maybe a stupid question but this is the first phone I've had that's a challenge to do stuff like unlocking and rooting. My last phone (HTC Aria) was extremely easy.
SU1CiDE said:
If the LT28i can be unlocked, what if we flash the international firmware on our LT28at's and then do the LT28i method? Maybe a stupid question but this is the first phone I've had that's a challenge to do stuff like unlocking and rooting. My last phone (HTC Aria) was extremely easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing firmwares does not change the ability to unlock the bootloader.
Spectre51 said:
Flashing firmwares does not change the ability to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kinda figured that
I tried to relock the bootloader. The flash pass but the phone can't turn on after that.
*I reflash the stock kernel again and the phone can power on now.
So here is the result, once you relock bootloader, you need to flash back the stock kernel in other to turn on the phone. Hopefully this will help those people who got stuck after relock bootloader.
Hello guys
I was just wondering, if bootloader unlock or flashing cutom kernel will allow to use sim cards from other mobile operators (European for ex.) ?
I have an ability to buy this device in us through my friend. but Im interested if I would be able to use it in Europe I was thinking of buying xperia p or s, but they dont have microsd card support.
Im not interested in using LTE networks. Just common 2g.
I planning to use it like a second android device as a multimedia player instead of my galaxy s wifi5.0. (because of good sound quality and other features).
Thanx a lot for responses
Assyle said:
Hello guys
I was just wondering, if bootloader unlock or flashing cutom kernel will allow to use sim cards from other mobile operators (European for ex.) ?
I have an ability to buy this device in us through my friend. but Im interested if I would be able to use it in Europe I was thinking of buying xperia p or s, but they dont have microsd card support.
Im not interested in using LTE networks. Just common 2g.
I planning to use it like a second android device as a multimedia player instead of my galaxy s wifi5.0. (because of good sound quality and other features).
Thanx a lot for responses
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You can't unlock the bootloader of the lt28at and you can't sim unlock it either. Best bet is get an international version not one from the US.
Sent from my LT28at using Tapatalk 2
Spectre51 said:
No. You can't unlock the bootloader of the lt28at and you can't sim unlock it either. Best bet is get an international version not one from the US.
Sent from my LT28at using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok. thanx
probably wait for Xperia acro S... probably will be sold in europe in nearest future.
Drivers aren't working for my device. The alternative drivers link isn't working. Can someone please upload the alternative drivers. Thank you.:good:
i'm sorry if it was mentioned, but i didn't find . is there a way to unlock the carrier already for lt28at ? i don't mind losing the lte.
apkraven said:
i'm sorry if it was mentioned, but i didn't find . is there a way to unlock the carrier already for lt28at ? i don't mind losing the lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can switch the rom to international version but it will still be bootloader locked. Not sure about carrier
Sent from my Sony Xperia Ion
apkraven said:
i'm sorry if it was mentioned, but i didn't find . is there a way to unlock the carrier already for lt28at ? i don't mind losing the lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1761578
Sent from my LT22i using Tapatalk 2
Update: I just went on and tried to unlock the bootloader and succeeded. Seems that this was just some display error.
Hi everyone, I've had a weird issue pop up.
When I bought my unbranded, unlocked ZL, I immediately checked if the bootloader could be unlocked, and it was (Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes). I decided not to unlock it yet, as there is no point to do it before CM10.1 gets camera support.
A few days ago I updated the phone to .434 (via PC Companion) and while checking other software info in the service menu I noticed that the bootloader cannot be unlocked anymore (Bootloader unlock allowed: No). What?
The new software is also unbranded and everything.
What can be the problem? And will it allow unlocking if I revert to .350 later?
Terenn said:
Hi everyone, I've had a weird issue pop up.
When I bought my unbranded, unlocked ZL, I immediately checked if the bootloader could be unlocked, and it was (Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes). I decided not to unlock it yet, as there is no point to do it before CM10.1 gets camera support.
A few days ago I updated the phone to .434 (via PC Companion) and while checking other software info in the service menu I noticed that the bootloader cannot be unlocked anymore (Bootloader unlock allowed: No). What?
The new software is also unbranded and everything.
What can be the problem? And will it allow unlocking if I revert to .350 later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems strange! I updated my ZL to .434 as well but my BL unlock allowed still says yes. Let's see what other users say. You may try flashing .350 firmware (of ur region) using flashtool, and see if it helps. See link below for screenshots.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2192990&page=2
Terenn said:
Update: I just went on and tried to unlock the bootloader and succeeded. Seems that this was just some display error.
Hi everyone, I've had a weird issue pop up.
When I bought my unbranded, unlocked ZL, I immediately checked if the bootloader could be unlocked, and it was (Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes). I decided not to unlock it yet, as there is no point to do it before CM10.1 gets camera support.
A few days ago I updated the phone to .434 (via PC Companion) and while checking other software info in the service menu I noticed that the bootloader cannot be unlocked anymore (Bootloader unlock allowed: No). What?
The new software is also unbranded and everything.
What can be the problem? And will it allow unlocking if I revert to .350 later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you solve this because it has happened to me
Hi there,
I have a network unlocked Z1C which came from o2. The bootloader unlock allowed status is No but the phone is rooted. Is there anything I can do to this to unlock it? I feel like trying CM on it
Thanks!
I have searched for answers to this but no joy...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=280903320
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=280903428
Comedy- said:
Hi there,
I have a network unlocked Z1C which came from o2. The bootloader unlock allowed status is No but the phone is rooted. Is there anything I can do to this to unlock it? I feel like trying CM on it
Thanks!
I have searched for answers to this but no joy...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=280903320
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=280903428
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
brilliant... ive got a z1c comping in the post today and the only reason im upgrading to it from the xperia m is so i can flash a custom kernel and get tweaking
Comedy- said:
I have a network unlocked Z1C which came from o2. The bootloader unlock allowed status is No but the phone is rooted. Is there anything I can do to this to unlock it? I feel like trying CM on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your bootloader unlock allowed status is no then you will most likely never be able to unlock that phones bootloader. I think your best bet is to contact O2 and tell them you want a phone on which the bootloader is unlockable, perhaps they can give you a special key to unlock the functionality, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Oh and don't try CM on it, it'll just bootloop and you'll have to use SUS or PC Companion to restore a working OS.
...actually there is one hope, but it requires dismantling the phone. There is a test-point behind the battery which might enable you to put the device into a mode where it'll accept a command allowing bootloader unlock. But again, high risk, not sure if it's actually possible, easier to just sell the phone and buy an unlockable one if you want to run CM. Maybe you could even return the device, how long have you had it?
my z1c just turned up and ive got an bootloader unlock allowed :victory::victory::victory:
I have locked bootloader on EE in UK and have found that many of the tweaks I wanted can be achieved with Xposed modules. Give it a try but backup before you start.
Need a opinion by a dev
Hello there,
I was thinking about a test.
My problem is "Unlock bootloader allowed : no".
What could happen if i restore an other TA partition with "Unlock bootloader allowed : yes". I erase the old by a new one which unlockable. All i need is a TA partition build with a z1c which unlockable and the unlock code.
What do you think ?
Soory for my bad english
If you replace your ta partition it will most likely hardbrick your device.
What is a ta partition, i don't understand.
A bootloader is like a bios on motherboard.
But it is locked by a code.
The bootloader is the same on each z1c no ?
Megani said:
What is a ta partition, i don't understand.
A bootloader is like a bios on motherboard.
But it is locked by a code.
The bootloader is the same on each z1c no ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing another phone's TA will hard brick yours, every TA is related to the phone which comes from
mindyabiznis said:
my z1c just turned up and ive got an bootloader unlock allowed :victory::victory::victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How you done this??? I tried hundred and half methods and still CAN'T unlock damn bootloader............
I'm unable to unlock my Xpeira M Single Sim Bootloader. I have checked in the service menu that it is unlockable and I also have a unlocking key but when I connect my phone in flashmode it says that "Your phone bootloader cannot be officially unlocked". What should I do?
Barbaad Billa said:
I'm unable to unlock my Xpeira M Single Sim Bootloader. I have checked in the service menu that it is unlockable and I also have a unlocking key but when I connect my phone in flashmode it says that "Your phone bootloader cannot be officially unlocked". What should I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to take a look at this video "How to install Android Lollipop in Xperia M (CyanogenMod 12)" from Xperia M Tweaks on youtube. Just follow the steps till bootloader unlock and leave out the rest. Hope this helps.
and heres link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkNu0tiNro8
I thought I've had this device nearly 2 years now so time to unlock and root as the custom ROMs are looking great.
But if I go on Sony page and enter my details to unlock my bootloader it informs me my device is not unlockable.
What are my other options?
Simply means your device is not unlockable. That's it. I'm guessing you got this through a phone carrier.
Yep through Vodafone, so is there no other option
Nope. It's done. Bootloader can't be unlocked at all. Even if you try to unlock bootloader anyway using flashtool, it will ask you to enter unlock key, which you can obtain only through sony website.
Thanks for your help maybe I should just upgrade to a new phone then only reason kept it stock was for warranty