Unlocking bootloader Q's - Xperia Arc Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello,
New to xda and the modding scene. Just got my Arc about a month ago and I LOVE it! Pretty keen on putting some mods on it but my qustion is, can I unlock the bootloader, root, etc on a simlocked phone? Mine is locked to Optus AU.
Thanks!!!

You need first to sim unlock your phone
From my sexy LT15i

Awesome thanks. Turns out that my phone is unlocked after all Time to load it up with mods

Aha, nice
From my sexy LT15i

Before going nuts on modifying your phone you need to ask yourself if you want to root+unlock bootloader or just root... Not all xperia phones can have their bootloaders unlocked (if your phone was sold by a carrier i.e. branded such as Rogers then you will NOT be able to unlock your bootloader... Technically there is a test point method but it is quite the procedure compared to simply unlocking it the simple way that Sony offers). In the newbie guide it explains if you root your xperia but not bootloader unlock it you can only install custom roms for stock kernels, although if you wanted say ICS beta rom that Sony released then you would NEED an ISC kernel which is only possible to get on your phone after bootloader unlocking...
LINKS:
-check if you can unlock your bootloader the easy way and instructions on how to: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/
-the ultimate NOOB guide behind rooting and unlocking bootloaders!! : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1573266
-Video tutorial covering different methods to unlocking ur arc: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn-Vubgka1M

Related

[Q] Rooting and carrier warranty

I need your help guys,
just got my Xperia ARC and i wanted to root it by this guide and i have a few questions:
i bought the phone from an Israeli carrier (pelephone if its matter) so in the guide i need to change the carrier firmware to the original firmware and i wander if it will void the warranty. also is there any way to change back the firmware after the change, if so then how? i searched and i couldn't find anything...
thanks ahead
The thing with Rooting a phone, is that you can root your phone and still the ¨stock¨ Arc is untouched after you have unrooted.
The flashing and rooting dont break the warranty by it self.
If you change from locked bootloader to unlocked.. The warranty is removed.
Easiest way to root is:
*Download*
3.0.A.2.181 Generic World: http://www.mediafire.com/?​y9s73andrl4bllc
*Use Flashtool to Flash .181*
Flashtool: http://www.multiupload.com​/7H4JT35B6G
*Use Gingerbreak after you flashed back*
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1044765
*After it have rebooted and active, go to settings and do a OTA over wireless.
This way you keep your Arc locked, nothing good comes from unlocking the bootloader yet.
Nepturion said:
nothing good comes from unlocking the bootloader yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not entirely true. You've got custom ROMs being developed; over-clock kernel just released, Recovery and what not.
Unlocking the bootloader is personal choice. I may not unlock my bootloader just yet but I can't deny that with improvements being shown, it's an increasingly tempting option. LOL!

Unlocking bootloader after rooting

I have just rooted my phone. I wonder if I can unlock bootloader after rooting?
If I can, which way is the easiest way?
And also I want to know the benefits of unlocking Bootloader.
I want to add that I don't know so much about doing so complicated things, please know that while informing me.
I really appriciate your answers...
stock rom Gingerbread 2.3.3, rooted.
Rooting and bootloader unlocking are separate. Your bootloader has to be unlocked using a special code unique to your phone. The code is supplied by Sony Ericsson. It won't work if your phone is a carrier locked one. Unlocking the sim card won't enable it either. You need something called fastboot and only unbranded, unlocked phones have it.
Sent from the best phone ever

[Q] unlock sim and bootloader on xperia play

Hi.I'm going to buy an italian xperia play branded TIM.
My question is:Can I flash a general firmware to debrand the phone and than unlock the bootloader with fastboot?
Can someone explain me how to do these things?
Thanks very much
Think the 1st sticky thread at the top of this forum should answer all your questions!
well.
my last question.
If i buy a branded xperia,can I flash a general stock firmware non branded after i installerd Clockworkmod for locked bootloader?and next,unlock bootloader and flash doomkernel?
A better way to do that is just to not flash the CWM for locked bootloaders. The reason being that doomlords kernel includes CWM in it already, I'm not sure how the locked version is stored or whatever but you might run into problems if you have both "installed".
So there is a Doomlords kernel for locked bootloaders? mmm..this is a good news.In fact i wanted to flash CWM first because i thought that i have to unbrand my xperia and than flash another kernel.So i can buy xperia branded and install doomkernel? or i have to:
by xperia-install CWM-unbrand Tim-Unlock bootloader-remove CWM-install doomkernel? excuse me for noob
easiest way to debrand your phone: search Wotanserver on google and use their software to debrand (really esay, there's a step by step guide), then do whatever you want...
No, how it works is you have to unlock your bootloader in order to flash a kernel. As for unbranding you can either use the Wotan server or a .ftf file, neither of these require an unlocked bootloader. You can also flash CWM with a locked bootloader, however this is not the one included in doomkernel, and it will not grant you the ability to flash ROMs as you need an unlocked bootloader to flash the kernel. You want to touch the kernel? You need to unlock your bootloader. Unbranding? You can simply use the two methods listed above. All I was saying earlier is that if you plan on getting your bootloader unlocked (which in most cases is going to run you $24) theres no need to install the locked bootloader CWM first as once youre unlocked you can just flash doomkernel and already have CWM installed.
BuckM said:
No, how it works is you have to unlock your bootloader in order to flash a kernel. As for unbranding you can either use the Wotan server or a .ftf file, neither of these require an unlocked bootloader. You can also flash CWM with a locked bootloader, however this is not the one included in doomkernel, and it will not grant you the ability to flash ROMs as you need an unlocked bootloader to flash the kernel. You want to touch the kernel? You need to unlock your bootloader. Unbranding? You can simply use the two methods listed above. All I was saying earlier is that if you plan on getting your bootloader unlocked (which in most cases is going to run you $24) theres no need to install the locked bootloader CWM first as once youre unlocked you can just flash doomkernel and already have CWM installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thanks.i heard that the italian xperia and not the verizon ones can be unlocked with an official method released by sony
Yep thats true, it's the case with a lot of r800i's, if you can put your phone into fastboot mode (turn off, hold search button, plug into usb, blue light comes on) you can unlock it for free through sonys online tool. While the light will go on for the CDMA version you don't have an IMEI to enter on the site so it wont work. All other plays CAN be unlocked, but its not free, you need to go through a pay service to enable fastboot.
Very thanks!however one of my friends bought an xperia and it was GSM R800i TIM and he was able to debrand and unlock so i think that also i can unlock my future xperia,or almost i hope it
Ya it all depends on where you get it from, but keep in mind it only costs $24 to unlock, so even if you find one say on eBay thats cheap but locked to a carrier, you could still just pay $24. That being said they're going pretty cheap now so I don't think you'll have a problem finding one, unlocked or otherwise. As a side not though, you don't need to be unlocked to debrand the phone, you just flash a different firmware file .
and so i can flash a generic firmware with flashtool or similiar?without installing CWM for loocked bootloaders?that's simply excellent!It's can't be better Ok,i will buy an xperia play and not lg optimus dual,that i simply hate xD i don't want a super-power phone,with a bad designe and without the pad.i loved,i love and i will love pad in gaming
Yep you can flash firmware, install CWM, and root, all without unlocking the bootloader (not that you need one to do the others). Unfortunatly the more fun stuff does require an unlocked bootloader, ie overclocking, undervolting, custom ROMs, etc. Anyway you always have the option, so read up on it and decide if you need it or not, regardless, enjoy your new toy

LT15i Locked bootloader help please

Hi all,
I have read many threads on this page, and developers pages, however, it seems quite difficult to unlock this O2 LT15i so I can install ICS.
I have tired and failed.
Is there anyone that might be able to spend a little time talking me through the steps to do so.
I just wish this phone was unlocked as if it was, it appears simpler.
PLEASE can anyone help, or suggest a step by step guide. (for novices like me) that really want the phone working well, but arent 100% clued up on all the softwares.
I understand the process of installing ICS to phones, as I have done so with my HTC HD2 (workked very well in under an hour). but this LT15i is something else!!!
Please help.
(sorry if this has been posted before, but I have honestly tried howevver, the guides I used have missing links, or trojans in the downloads
Kind regards
P
forgot to mention Bootloader unlock allowed says NO.
Whats my first step?
I follow all the other guides and they all have yes as the answer....
XperienceD said:
Bootloader & SIM Unlocking:
PLEASE NOTE: The ONLY WAY to Sim Unlock your Phone is to PAY for it, so do some Googling and read which services have been recommended in the past.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE:
If you're Phone was manufactured AFTER a certain date, 12W11 (look under your battery for a similar number) then the Testpoint method no longer works, and People who have had Phones returned from a Service Centre are reporting that they can no longer unlock via the Testpoint method either.
- Know Your Android Bootloader - What it is and Why it Matters
There are three ways to Unlock yours, the Standard/Official method (For SimFree/Un-Branded Phones) which is explained HERE, (PLEASE NOTE! - You loose DRM when using the official method but not with the TestPoint) but if your Phone came from a Carrier then chances are (99%) you won't be able to use that method. There is a simple method of checking if you can or not which you'll find HERE.
Standard Unlocking:
Then there is the TestPoint method...
TestPoint Unlocking:
Two members - Alejandrissimo or Jinx13 offer a Remote Service which isn't free, but cheaper than anywhere else on the net, and when you take in to account you will also SIM Unlock and retain DRM using the Remote method it's worth it.
References:
[Tutorial] Relock bootloader!
SE Bootloader Unlocking v1.6
[Tutorial] Unlock Bootloader.Test Point | For Newbs
[Tutorial] Xperia S/P/U/Sola Bootloader Unlocking & Relocking
[REF]Booting/Unlocking Xperia 2011 series: What's under the hood?
[Guide] Unlocking bootloader on operator branded phones via Omnius
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..
KurtStudent said:
Hi all,
I have read many threads on this page, and developers pages, however, it seems quite difficult to unlock this O2 LT15i so I can install ICS.
I have tired and failed.
Is there anyone that might be able to spend a little time talking me through the steps to do so.
I just wish this phone was unlocked as if it was, it appears simpler.
PLEASE can anyone help, or suggest a step by step guide. (for novices like me) that really want the phone working well, but arent 100% clued up on all the softwares.
I understand the process of installing ICS to phones, as I have done so with my HTC HD2 (workked very well in under an hour). but this LT15i is something else!!!
Please help.
(sorry if this has been posted before, but I have honestly tried howevver, the guides I used have missing links, or trojans in the downloads
Kind regards
P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey buddy, you don't need to unlock your boot loader before you install a custom ROM or upgrade your phone to a custom firmware, all you need is to get rooted and download the ful ROM, then with the help of flashtool, your done. Am currently running a custom ROM (viper xperia) which is blazingly fast and lovely UI with my Lt15i locked bootloader.

What can I do with a locked bootloader?

So I just got an Xperia M because I wanted a super-small device with 1 GB RAM and Sony firmware and community support (in a way, my Xperia Ray is the best smartphone I've ever had!). Turns out it's sim unlocked but bootlocker locked - it's a Bell Mobility device. I expected it to be fully unlocked so I was all excited and ready to flash 5.1 and mess around with mods. If I understand correctly, anything that requires flashing a new kernel (*.img file) is a no-go. So, I think I can get away with some 4.4 ROMs on the 4.3 kernel? What are your recommendations? Any crazy way to force unlock the BL? (there was a testpoint method on 2011 Xperias)...
I've looked in the forums and it's not really clear to me which ROMs are OK for locked bootloaders (LBL). I've seen one thread labeled LB, but I'm used to other forums where many threads are labeled LBL/UBL. It's OK if you need to moderate this question out (although I believe it might be helpful to newcomers), but can someone please answer it first or point me in the right direction?
As far as I know, you can only root it with TowelRoot (or Flashtool). Then you can tweak it with Xposed.
If your bl is unlockable, then you can unlock it via official method (google: how to unlock sony bootloader).

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