Develop Bugs

Recovery help

Hello everyone, I was recently able to purchase an Xperia play at an amazing price and love it. It is a Rogers sim locked phone so I am not able to open the bootloader and I have rooted the device by flashing UK R800i firmware followed by gingerbreak. Now all I need is recovery. I've read Bin4ry's thread on recovery but am confused on how to install it. Can anybody direct me to a thread with a working recovery or how to install Bin4rys? Thx in advance.

First you need a unlocked bootloader for CWM (ClockWorkMod - custom recovery) to work on your phone.
Second you can't install/flash Bin4ry's version, but only boot it. If you flash it you'll brick your phone (the play has no recovery partition afaik, it's part of the boot.img).
Doomlords kernel got it by deafult, but i don't know if that's compatible with your play model (my guess is you have an R800a).
So as your phone is sim locked i don't even think you can get into fastboot?
Bin4ry's bootable CWM should work on your phone if you can get it into fastboot and unlock your bootloader.
Regards Dousan...

Dousan said:
First you need a unlocked bootloader for CWM (ClockWorkMod - custom recovery) to work on your phone.
Second you can't install/flash Bin4ry's version, but only boot it. If you flash it you'll brick your phone (the play has no recovery partition afaik, it's part of the boot.img).
Doomlords kernel got it by deafult, but i don't know if that's compatible with your play model (my guess is you have an R800a).
So as your phone is sim locked i don't even think you can get into fastboot?
Bin4ry's bootable CWM should work on your phone if you can get it into fastboot and unlock your bootloader.
Regards Dousan...
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Click to collapse
Thank you for clarifying things. Looks like I'm gonna have to get my phone sim unlocked because I'm not able to get into fastboot. Do you know of any trusted unlockers? Appreciate your time...thx again.

Aphex33 said:
Thank you for clarifying things. Looks like I'm gonna have to get my phone sim unlocked because I'm not able to get into fastboot. Do you know of any trusted unlockers? Appreciate your time...thx again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome
Check this thread out, it's gonna cost you some money, not sure howmuch but around 15$ afaik (well not to check it out, obvious, lol):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050
Regards Dousan...

Dousan said:
You're welcome
Check this thread out, it's gonna cost you some money, not sure howmuch but around 15$ afaik (well not to check it out, obvious, lol):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232050
Regards Dousan...
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Click to collapse
Rather than this method, can I use a internet service to unlock my sim....then unlock the bootloader using the SE website?

Aphex33 said:
Rather than this method, can I use a internet service to unlock my sim....then unlock the bootloader using the SE website?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I take you have an R800a model since you live in Canada. I'm not sure if you can unlock your bootloader with the method on SE unlocking site. Further more i don't think it's enough to just sim unlock to get fastboot working, afaik it's not.
You could always pm @Alejandrissimo about it and ask him if his way is the only way for you to unlock your bootloader (I've only heard good stuff about him).
You could also pm @Blagus about the same issue as he does the same thing as @Alejandrissimo.
About the sim unlock through internet i can't advice on that since i just don't know.
Regards Dousan...

Dousan said:
I take you have an R800a model since you live in Canada. I'm not sure if you can unlock your bootloader with the method on SE unlocking site. Further more i don't think it's enough to just sim unlock to get fastboot working, afaik it's not.
You could always pm @Alejandrissimo about it and ask him if his way is the only way for you to unlock your bootloader (I've only heard good stuff about him).
You could also pm @Blagus about the same issue as he does the same thing as @Alejandrissimo.
About the sim unlock through internet i can't advice on that since i just don't know.
Regards Dousan...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my phone was originally a R800a until I rooted with the UK firmware method. I've pm'd Alejandissimo and will be getting it unlocked through him. Once again I appreciate you time and will see you around, cheers

You're welcome once again and glad you sorted it out. Will see you around
Regards Dousan...

If I get the Xperia Play Sim Unlocked...

If I get the Xperia Play sim unlocked, Can I then unlock the bootloader?

if you unlock your bootloader via jinx or alejandrissimo it will unlock your sim at the same time... i used alejandrissimo, very professional and was unlocked in minutes but it is the paid way.
unlocking your sim will not change anything at all to do with your bootloader im afraid, if your sim locked the paid way is the only way - $24 well worth it!!

Looks like thats the way im going to have to go. On the plus side, I get paid tuesday. =)
But yeah, I was just wondering cause I know people were like you cant unlock the bootloader if its a sim locked phone and all this other stuff and I was thinking, What if I called up ATT and got them to unlock the IMEI?
But if that wont change anything, I guess the paid method is how im going to have to go about doing this.
Thanks

If you get it sim unlocked your bootloader will then be allowed to be unlocked.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk

I believe the bootloader is specific Per-Device.
You can check if you can in your settings, excuse my newbieness,
Settings > Root Status (or something to this effect)
If your bootloader can be unlocked it'll be listed there.
I dont think the status of your SIM (locked or unlocked) affects the bootloader.

DazzaChazza said:
If you get it sim unlocked your bootloader will then be allowed to be unlocked.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Well... Then I guess Im just gonna call up ATT and get the unlock code. Unlock the phone's sim lock and see if I can, Worse comes to worse, I cant. I still have the paid method available and I havent paid any money what so ever.
SirRudolph said:
I believe the bootloader is specific Per-Device.
You can check if you can in your settings, excuse my newbieness,
Settings > Root Status (or something to this effect)
If your bootloader can be unlocked it'll be listed there.
I dont think the status of your SIM (locked or unlocked) affects the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive looked there and it doesnt show. Which is what brought my hopes down in the first place but everywhere I looked... it said I cant because the device is simlocked. Which is why i wanna know if getting the sim lock removed would then allow me to access and unlock the Bootloader via FastBoot.
I have never owned a phone that has stopped me from rooting and installing custom roms to it. This is kinda a dissapointment but on the plus side, its a good phone.

Hard to get an unlock code from AT&T Or so I heard, but if you do, if you can tell me what you said, that'd be great.
If you do get an unlock code from them, Cant hurt to try to unlock the bootloader after that.

SirRudolph said:
Hard to get an unlock code from AT&T Or so I heard, but if you do, if you can tell me what you said, that'd be great.
If you do get an unlock code from them, Cant hurt to try to unlock the bootloader after that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im a "Valued" member of ATT. Had them for years. So, They dont question me. As long as youve had the phone on your account for 90 days, they dont bother you if you ask for a unlock code.
I will most likely do this tomorrow and will post the outcome. because like I said, if it just takes unlocking the sim card from ATT to be able to unlock the bootloader... id rather do that.
Im not against paying 24$ to have it done.. but why not try what I can for free first?

Hi everyone, I'm completely new to smartphones, just bought an Xperia Play 800i. I have been keenly reading the forums, going through everything I need to know.
My android version is 2.3.4 and build number is 4.0.2.A.0.42. Phone is network locked.
If you don't mind letting me know, the best way to start is by unlocking the SIM right? Then unlock the bootloader,then custom kernel and flashing?
Your advise would be appreciated.

AFAIK regular SIM unlocking doesn't let you unlock your bootloader.
I've read of people who pay a little or get sim unlock from other methods which isn't enough for the bootloader.
It's just that Alejandrissimo's method unlocks both sim & allows for bootloader (it's a 2 for 1 method).
Hope it helps, and if AT&T gives you a free sim unlock code then give it a shot, but it's said it doesn't work that way.

I'm trying Alejandrissimo's method and I'm lost. Have PM'd him and waiting for his reply. I am not on the AT&T network.

Jhoopes517 said:
Im a "Valued" member of ATT. Had them for years. So, They dont question me. As long as youve had the phone on your account for 90 days, they dont bother you if you ask for a unlock code.
I will most likely do this tomorrow and will post the outcome. because like I said, if it just takes unlocking the sim card from ATT to be able to unlock the bootloader... id rather do that.
Im not against paying 24$ to have it done.. but why not try what I can for free first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thought that was only T-Mobile. Sadly I dont even have an account with them, Just bought the phone from ebay. So im probably gonna have to spend more to get the thing sim-unlocked.
Oh, look what I found on AT&T's website.
Requirements for monthly wireless plans:
Your wireless service has been active for 90 days or longer
Your account is current and in good standing
Your phone is not sold exclusively by AT&T
Your phone's unlock code is available from the manufacturer
Your phone does not have a long-term exclusive service agreement, or the contract time period has expired
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I'm stuck at the USB over Network stage, keeps saying server unreachable when I select MY PC. What am I doing wrong? So frustrated!

You can get your Xperia unlocked in less than 10 minutes by Alejandrissimo. When he SIM unlocks your Xperia he will also automatically unlock bootloader.
You can visit his website here.

LFSPovo said:
You can get your Xperia unlocked in less than 10 minutes by Alejandrissimo. When he SIM unlocks your Xperia he will also automatically unlock bootloader.
You can visit his website here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I visited his website, downloaded the zip file, and then I'm stuck not knowing what to do next.
So, you are saying I have to wait for him to respond to my request? So, I guess the USB over Network program will be used by him, to remote unlock my Xperia? I'm cool with that because I want to pay for the service.

Upgrading from .42 to .62

I have a UK Xperia Play on .42 firmware with CWM recovery and root provided by Zerg Rush.
I've heard that I need .62 to install some of the custom firmwares.
.42 appears to be the latest firmware I can get OTA. I'm not sure the best way to upgrade to .62, do I need to go via .58 or similar.
Does it matter that I have a UK phone?
Is it possible to preserve my settings?
Will I need to re-root at any time?
In the long run I am looking to install DooMKerneL and probably something like Jokawild.

You have to flash the ftf file for your phone
Here is a link to 99% of them
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1589399

If you install a new firmwares. Maybe you'll need to root it again..
But since the devs makes the pre-rooted custom ROMs, you don't need to root it anymore
Sent using xda premium from my customized Xperia™ PLAY r800i

I don't have an unlocked bootloader. Is this required to install a custom ROM even if I have root?
Is there any disadvantage to unlocking the bootloader?

kirby2000 said:
I don't have an unlocked bootloader. Is this required to install a custom ROM even if I have root?
Is there any disadvantage to unlocking the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No unlocked bootloader = no custom kernels/ very limited to roms
Only disadvantage is it voids your warranty, but being that you have root, you have no warranty anyway lol

I was in the same position as you. I wanted to get a custom ROM and be able to overclock my phone. After a few annoying errors, I finally got it up and running
Basically, your going to have get your phone into flashmode and then flash the .62.ftf file on your phone. Congratualtions you now have .62FW (although youve lost root).
To get root on .62 FW, your going to have to flash a custom kernel (I did DoomKernel v14). To flash a kernel, your going to have to unlock your bootloader. After unlocking and flashing the kernal, your phone is now rooted.
And plus the positive side Ive heard is that you CANNOT brick your sony eircsson phone. (well you probably could but there is a very very slim chance of that happening).

Thanks.
It seems I can't unlock via the regular Sony way as Unlock Bootloader is set to no.
I think I need S1Tool or something similar (maybe something I have to pay for) to get my bootloader unlocked. I'll check the forums a bit before I ask any questions that haven't been asked before

i did it via omnius and it work great, i just payed 19.76 for one single unlock credit on gsmserver

not sure why people say that root voids warranty.
i have ATT play 4g and it was having hardware issues, so i flashed the stock ATT software back and took it to the store. i got a "new" one in the mail two days ago.

I also sent my rooted xperia play that had the slider broken to CLARO El Salvador and they repaired it (They flashed their ROM again XD)
Now i have unlocked bootloader but who cares i have premium insurance

Any modification to the software voids the warranty..

Update:
I downloaded s1tool and connected the test point to the ground. Everything seems to have worked so I am guessing my bootloader is unlocked. Is there anyway I can verify this, or should I just attempt to install a kernel?

kirby2000 said:
Update:
I downloaded s1tool and connected the test point to the ground. Everything seems to have worked so I am guessing my bootloader is unlocked. Is there anyway I can verify this, or should I just attempt to install a kernel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to put the phone in flash mode (green light) if it recognizes it, it's unlocked. I think there is a sequence or symbols/numbers you can do to check it, but idk what that is since im a r800x

To check your unlocked bootloader you need to dial: *#*#7378423#*#* , then go under, Service info > Configuration > Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes/No.

[Q] Not A Generic Bootloader Unlock Thread! - R800at

Recently got an R800at from ebay that was unlocked (first ever smartphone, woo). I was able to use my dad's sim card no problem, and dialing the number for the settings window showed no column stating whether the bootloader was allowed to be unlocked or not - according to some threads I've read, users who had unlocked Plays also had the same experience, leading me to believe my bootloader was indeed unlocked.
After following the Gin2Jellybean guide, I managed to brick my phone today (stuck on sony ericsson text), but restored via downloading a stock rom off the internet and installing via flashboot (the SUS and pc companion were having issues - they said no software was available or I had the most up to date software).
Now it seems I goofed up a second time; I was following the Gin2Jellybean guide again when I realized I was following the version for locked bootloaders! I was already on step 4 to install CWM when I realized this, but I decided to just try to install doomlord kernel v14 as per normal and hope that the doomlord root toolbox from the locked bootloder tutorial that I had used wouldn't conflict with anything.
Upon reading the directions for doomlord kernal v14, I decided to double check that my bootloader was still the same as yesterday (before I had bricked my phone). As it turns out, I now have a column for bootloader, and it says unlocking is not allowed. So what's the deal, was my phone's bootloader actually unlocked in the first place, and if so, why is it not unlocked now? According to this thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1720201), bootloader unlocking is permanent.
Here's the link to the guide I'm following: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1631144
Gonna go take the dog for a walk now and listen to some calm relaxing music... Hopefully I didn't screw myself over here.

So when you typed in that code, you got told that your bootloader can't be unlocked? If this is the case, you would have to pay to have it unlocked by someone such as Alejandrissimo. It may be that your bootloader was never able to be unlocked as i can't think of why that would change
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using xda app-developers app

SIM unlock and bootloader unlock are two very different things, as you've probably found out by now; the r800at models can't be bootloader-unlocked with the free Sony method; you're going to have to pay someone, and it'll cost you at least $20. If you got one of the phones from the guy selling them for $105 on eBay, I'm pretty sure those are SIM-unlocked only.
If you don't want to pay extra, there's nothing wrong with keeping it locked; there're a few ROMs you won't be able to use, and you can't change your kernel, but for the most part you should have a good experience.

FEGuy said:
SIM unlock and bootloader unlock are two very different things, as you've probably found out by now; the r800at models can't be bootloader-unlocked with the free Sony method; you're going to have to pay someone, and it'll cost you at least $20. If you got one of the phones from the guy selling them for $105 on eBay, I'm pretty sure those are SIM-unlocked only.
If you don't want to pay extra, there's nothing wrong with keeping it locked; there're a few ROMs you won't be able to use, and you can't change your kernel, but for the most part you should have a good experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything you said seems to be spot on. The only thing that doesn't add up is why there wasn't anything saying one way or the other whether my bootloader was unlocked yesterday, but now today there is.
And ya, I probably won't end up paying the $20; basically I just wanted to remove bloatware and have a nice looking interface. Besides the question about why there was nothing on my bootloader yesterday, can you say offhand whether my sim should still be unlocked? I don't have one nearby to test.

Go to the dialer and enter *#*#7378423#*#* and go to Service Info -> SIM lock. The bottom line should say SIM 0 if it's unlocked. As for why it wasn't showing the bootloader status, I don't know. I was having the same problem yesterday, on multiple ROMs, so perhaps it was added in some specific update.

[Q] How to unlock Xperia Play R800at bootloader?

Hi im DVE and I am new to this XDA stuff etc... I was wondering if anyone can help me out with how to unlock the Xperia Play At&t Bootloader so I can install ICS or Jellybean on my phone for I'm tired of and stuck using gingerbread 2.3 Any suggestions?

To my knowledge the R800at is the only model that does not let you use Sony's unlock site to unlock the bootloader. You need to hit up an XDA member by the name of Alejandrissimo and talk with him via Google Talk, he can unlock it for your remotely for free. Via the touchpoint method.
Check the Sony site and see if they are allowing AT&T users to unlock now:
http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/
Good luck.
Edit - Wotan Server has all the files you need to download and install the drivers for the Xperia PLAY to be recognized in your PC. It also will provide you with the files needed for Alejandrissimo to unlock your phones bootloader.
http://www.wotanserver.com/en/sony-ericsson/xperia-play-r800/unlock-tool/debranding-flash
Install the file listed on the above link, and when its installing it will install ALL drivers for Sony Ericsson phones. It will pop up several windows asking you to verify you want to install the drivers, select "ignore warning and install"... or however its read.

I appreciate your reply I really do I'm just sick of gingerbread and would like to try out custom roms one day lol!

DVE2K said:
I appreciate your reply I really do I'm just sick of gingerbread and would like to try out custom roms one day lol!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to take the full tour of custom roms, many do not require a unlocked bootloader. But for the best its best to unlock. Seriously if you get stuck, contact alejandrissimo, he is awesome. Very patient and will help you to unlock your phones bootloader.

Other Solutions to unlocking R800at bootloader?
I got another question to ask ya, what if I try this website:
fast gm (dot) com
It says to pay 5 dollars for a unlock code to get rid of the At&t off of my phone via network etc... will this unlock my bootloader as well?
I mean if anything or any website that states unlocking are they referring to the bootloader too?

I have a at&t r800at too i want to unlook
i want to unlook bootloader

me too! sick of gingerbread!

Thanks for telling me about Alejandrissimo. I have moved on to a Galaxy Note 3 N900T without ever trying custom ROMs on my old Xperia PLAY R800at (despite my constant frustrations with the generic North American R800a ROM). I wanted to experiment now that it's not my daily driver but I did not want to spend $30 at some unlocked site for a phone I'm not even using. The FTF method doesn't seem flexible enough to try everything I want to try.

unlock bootloader
Hi, is there posible to unlock bootloader for free?? Or a guide to unlock it??

If you want to unlock the bootloader go to the sony site. Or if you want to unlock for free use the testpoint method.
Test point is an old trick and there are many guides on youtube. Once unlocked it will appear to still be locked. However you cannot install all roms only the ones that have been converted. If you search LOopy in the forum you should find the thread whoch contains all the roms.
That is how I unlocked my r800at it also preserves drm.
Sent from my LT28i using XDA Free mobile app

psxpetey said:
If you want to unlock the bootloader go to the sony site. Or if you want to unlock for free use the testpoint method.
Test point is an old trick and there are many guides on youtube. Once unlocked it will appear to still be locked. However you cannot install all roms only the ones that have been converted. If you search LOopy in the forum you should find the thread whoch contains all the roms.
That is how I unlocked my r800at it also preserves drm.
Sent from my LT28i using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems that you've worded that weird. I'm under the impression that sony still doesn't offer a way to unlock the r800at. Also, saying testpoint method is free, directly after, seems to infer sony charges for unlock. That, would also, be news to me heh.
But i also have unlocked my r800at bootloader with setool! Just tonight, also thanks to some info from your posts, thanks again.
This being the case, I think that services like Omnius, Wotan, and Alejandrissimo, should be referred to as either; "fastboot installation" or "fastboot unlocking". Bringing me to my original point, It seems sony; or maybe even the company of motherboard (i think qualcomm?), should have to release this "fastboot unlock/install". Recently a legislation deadline with carriers being forced to allow unlocks was met, feb 10 i think. I plan to link articles in a post soon.

d1r3ct1v3 said:
It seems that you've worded that weird. I'm under the impression that sony still doesn't offer a way to unlock the r800at. Also, saying testpoint method is free, directly after, seems to infer sony charges for unlock. That, would also, be news to me heh.
But i also have unlocked my r800at bootloader with setool! Just tonight, also thanks to some info from your posts, thanks again.
This being the case, I think that services like Omnius, Wotan, and Alejandrissimo, should be referred to as either; "fastboot installation" or "fastboot unlocking". Bringing me to my original point, It seems sony; or maybe even the company of motherboard (i think qualcomm?), should have to release this "fastboot unlock/install". Recently a legislation deadline with carriers being forced to allow unlocks was met, feb 10 i think. I plan to link articles in a post soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont remember all I know is that the other methods cost money and I was like screw that and went with setool and testpoint.
Sent from my LT28i using XDA Free mobile app

psxpetey said:
Dont remember all I know is that the other methods cost money and I was like screw that and went with setool and testpoint.
Sent from my LT28i using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what rom and kernel did u go with?

i have an r800at, whats the bootloader unlock for it? Sony says it cant through the site