Develop Bugs

[Q] Rogers Sim-Locked

I'm kinda new to Xperia Play, I'm a proud owner of a Xperia Arc.
Nevertheless, the Play in question is Rogers sim-locked, I'm from Brazil, and I want to use a "Vivo" sim on the phone.
My question is: If I simply flash a default firmware via flashtool on my Play, I'll be able to use another carrier sim or i'll need to pay for the unlock code in a third-party site.
Thanks in advance.

You'll need the unlock code, flashing firmware wont help you. However you could also opt to get your bootloader unlocked instead which will also sim unlock for you. The difference is a sim unlock will cost about $12ish whereas bootloader is closer to $24ish. However with an unlocked bootloader you can run unsigned kernels allowing you to overclock, undervolt, easily root, install custom ROMs and more. If that all means nothing to you just do the sim unlock, just giving you the options.

BuckM said:
You'll need the unlock code, flashing firmware wont help you. However you could also opt to get your bootloader unlocked instead which will also sim unlock for you. The difference is a sim unlock will cost about $12ish whereas bootloader is closer to $24ish. However with an unlocked bootloader you can run unsigned kernels allowing you to overclock, undervolt, easily root, install custom ROMs and more. If that all means nothing to you just do the sim unlock, just giving you the options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if you have Alejandrissimo unlock your bootloader, it also unlocks the sim.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium

netizenmt said:
I think if you have Alejandrissimo unlock your bootloader, it also unlocks the sim.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes unlocking the bootloader will unlock sim lock too, 2 birds with one stone!
Sent from my R800a using XDA App

Xperia ion Bootloader Unlocking & Relocking

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

[Q] Bootloader unlock allowed: NO

Hello, guys
So i got a series of problems since i unlock the simlock,
I just got my new zl a few days ago, the device was lock to Bell.
I rooted the device and after that, i got a code and enter it to the sim free status.
but here is the problems:
when i check the rooting status, it says bootloader unlock allowed: no. It will fail on if unlock straightway.
As i know, it should turns to yes, but it didn't, hwo come? Also, i flash the recovery, but it only works on first time when i get in the recovery mode.
I selected "reboot system now", and cwm point out that will flash stock recovery, no matter i selected yes or no, recovery doesn't work on next boot.
I used to have Xperia S, it was also says no, after i unlock it turns yes. It wasn't happens on my ZL! I tried to flash a new ftf and wiped all the data,
it still says no. Anyone has a same situation? Can anyone fix it?

Nobody reply? Come on guys...

7xbyte said:
Nobody reply? Come on guys...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked mine too but not root and still say no
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app

nutzuTo said:
I unlocked mine too but not root and still say no
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which network was ur phone locks to?

7xbyte said:
Which network was ur phone locks to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was locked on Bell Canada, I unlocked with a code to be used on fido network
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app

nutzuTo said:
It was locked on Bell Canada, I unlocked with a code to be used on fido network
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do I, maybe Bell not allow BL to be unlock? Recovery can't even work correctly without BL unlock.
Before ZL. My XS was locked to Rogers. As I said, my XS shows BL unlock allowed after typed in the unlock code. Which mean Bell locked the
BL deadly?
I will keep following this god damn sh!*
nutzuTo, thx anyway.

Can anyone confirm that the Bell Mobility (Canada) ZL's are permanently bootloader locked? I want to get one off the used market, but won't unless it can be fully unlocked.
Thanks

Maybe I didnt read the post properly but unlocking your SIM doesnt unlock the bootloader as well. It simply allows your phone to be used with different carriers. I have the C6506 from Rogers, flashed the stock Sony ROM, rooted the phone and installed TWRP and CWM. My bootloader remains locked. I dont have the need to flash the Kernel so no point in unlocking the BL. Besides, unlocking your BL voids the warranty.
Anyway, I have played with the C6506 from Bell in a store and the BL is set to "Bootloader unlock allowed: No" so its pretty safe to assume that all Bell and Rogers phones cannot be unlocked. This doesnt stop you from rooting, flashing or installing recovery.

Simlock and bl lock two different things
if your bl unlock says yes that means you most have one direct from factory
if your bl unlock says no you either have it on a plan or bought it full price through bell or rogers
carrier branded usually bootlocked

Thanks for the replies guys.
I know that custom rom / root / recovery can be flashed, but coming from a galaxy nexus and n7, I'm used to being able to try out different kernels.
Can custom kernels be installed if they're part of the custom ROM? Usually the rom cook puts in the kernel of her/his choice but we can freely change after.
Anyone feel the need to change kernels or the standard one is good enough?

"Can custom kernels be installed if they're part of the custom ROM? Usually the rom cook puts in the kernel of her/his choice but we can freely change after."
Yes.When you are thinking about installing/flashing custom rom but want different kernel DL and extract the boot.img(name may vary but must end .img)
Now FLASHTOOL is sonys verision of the "Nexus Toolkit" . If you dont have adb setup download and install program to C: as well as all drivers needed. Now in the flashtool folder copy and paste the ".img" kernel into the folder named x10lib.
After double click folder labeled "x10lib" once inside the folder open command prompt window by holding left shift and right click anywhere in the opened x10lib folder.
now make sure your device is connected to your pc in fastboot mode (hold vol +) led will emit blue light.
enter command
"fastboot flash boot boot.img"
followed by
"fastboot reboot"
Anyone feel the need to change kernels or the standard one is good enough?"
yes i first used doomlords kernel (Xperia ZL) mainly for the fact that it came with cwm recovery .thus making the need to flash cwm seperatley an extra non needed step. this was before i flashed 4.2 update.

sirsmokey said:
"Can custom kernels be installed if they're part of the custom ROM? Usually the rom cook puts in the kernel of her/his choice but we can freely change after."
Yes.When you are thinking about installing/flashing custom rom but want different kernel DL and extract the boot.img(name may vary but must end .img)
Now FLASHTOOL is sonys verision of the "Nexus Toolkit" . If you dont have adb setup download and install program to C: as well as all drivers needed. Now in the flashtool folder copy and paste the ".img" kernel into the folder named x10lib.
After double click folder labeled "x10lib" once inside the folder open command prompt window by holding left shift and right click anywhere in the opened x10lib folder.
now make sure your device is connected to your pc in fastboot mode (hold vol +) led will emit blue light.
enter command
"fastboot flash boot boot.img"
followed by
"fastboot reboot"
Anyone feel the need to change kernels or the standard one is good enough?"
yes i first used doomlords kernel (Xperia ZL) mainly for the fact that it came with cwm recovery .thus making the need to flash cwm seperatley an extra non needed step. this was before i flashed 4.2 update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With that said, how would I go about flashing CM or something else aosp based with a locked BL xperia zl?
Can flashtool unlock my BL to allow this?
I ask because I clean see an option there, just haven't wanted to muck about with things I don't yet understand lol

sadly only way to change bootloader unlock allowed to yes is to carrier unlock from ur carrier directly. anyone else and it will not change bootloaded unlock allowed no to YES. I have called bell and sony. sony told me i have to carrier unlock through bell to get it to change to yes only thing is. you have to have had your phone for 90 days and it costs75$ added to ur bill.

Help!!! I can't enter to the recovery mode to install a custom ROM

Hay
I have a Sony Xperia M Single SIM and I download a cyanogen custom ROM. The problem is I can't enter to the bootloader or the recovery mode to install the ROM. I did this process:
I shut-down the phone, then i get pressing and holding the power button until the phone get on, and i pressed quikcly the button volum up too. And the phone doesn't response, it take me to the "Enter your pin" normal mode.
One more thing:
the phone is blocked on Orange here in Spain, and i searched if does exist any method to unlock the bootloader or something like that, and I found in the sony website some procedures to know if your phone can get unlocked, and i entered the following number *#*#7378423#*#*, then to: Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. And the Bootloader unlock says No!!!!
If any one can help me to install a custom ROM I'll appreciate that. I have no idea how I can do it, specially on Sony's phones, on Samsung's phone I didn't had any problem.
I'm sorry for my English is very bad

Your bootloader is locked (and it's not unlockable), so, no way of using custom ROMs in your phone ate the moment...

mbc07 said:
Your bootloader is locked (and it's not unlockable), so, no way of using custom ROMs in your phone ate the moment...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So why it is Locked. The is a several phones has it unlocked. Why the mine ???
Can you explain me why is locked and no unlocked?

You should unlock it manually check the forums to unlock the bootloader

Just to make clear, Xperia devices has two types of lock: SIM Lock and Bootloader Lock. The SIM Lock prevent you from using SIM cards from other carriers, and you can remove your SIM lock in any device by paying to your carrier or to a service center (in some countries the carrier removes the SIM lock for free in some cases).
Then comes the bootloader lock. With a locked bootloader, you can't boot in recovery mode because there isn't a recovery mode in stock ROM (trying to do so will just start the phone normally). You also can't flash custom recoveries or kernels (needed to use custom ROMs) with a locked bootloader. All Xperia devices comes with the bootloader locked from factory, but in most of them they're unlockable...
If you bought your Xperia device directly from a retail store, your bootloader is certainly unlockable and you can proceed with the method you tried (go to Sony website, input your IMEI, get your unlock code, etc.). If you bought your Xperia from a carrier (Orange, in your case) then your bootloader is very likely to be not unlockable, and that's your case, your bootloader isn't unlockable, as you already checked by going into Service Menu with *#*#7378423#*#*. If your bootloader isn't unlockable, you are out of luck, you can't do anything, there isn't any other method...
And further info if you get an unlockable Xperia device in future: by unlocking your bootloader, your warranty is void and your DRM keys get wiped, because of that, some proprietary Sony apps won't work anymore (Mobile BRAVIA Engine, TrackID, "Download Music Info", PlayStation Certified features,etc). So, if your bootloader is unlockable, you should to a TA backup before unlocking it, so, in future, if you want, you can relock your bootloader and get your DRM keys back, so the proprietary Sony apps works again...
Also, removing your SIM lock doesn't unlock your bootloader as well as unlocking your bootloader doesn't remove your SIM lock. They're two different things, completely independent of each other...
asdcxz1 said:
You should unlock it manually check the forums to unlock the bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the OP, its bootloader can't be unlocked

Why can't I unlock my boot loader

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