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
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
So, I'm the owner of a shiny new Sony Xperia Z (hurrah!) but have quickly discovered that rooting it is not so easy (boo!), so would appreciate the benefit of other people's opinions/experiences.
First off, the hardware in question:
Sony Xperia Z
Model C6603
Android 4.3
Build 10.4.1.B.0.101
I've investigated a lot of threads here and elsewhere and watched through some videos, but no solid method of rooting it as yet.
So far, I've:
1) Gone into the developer settings and checked the bootloader status. It is set at Bootloader unlock allowed: no
2) I contacted my carrier and had the phone unlocked so that it is SIM-free. I have tested this and can now use any SIM card. When I recheck the developer settings however, it still says Bootloader unlock allowed: no.
3) I've used Sony's own unlocking site to run through the various settings and to upload my IMEI. I have a unlock boot loader key from Sony, but still cannot get this damn bootloader to say anything other than 'no'.
4) Reasoning that it might just be falsely reporting its status, I tried using the unlock function within Flashtool and it bugs out with a "Bootloader not unlocked" message.
So, as a last resort, I'm turning to you guys. Is there anything, short of me asking Sony or making hardware changes myself, I can do to get this damn phone rooted?
Hi Everybody,
I have a Xperia M C1904 on JB 4.3 [15.4.A.1.9] on Vodafone Australia
My bootloader unlock status is no i was wondering if it is possible to
A) Unlock the bootloader
B) install Custom roms (KitKat Possibly?)
C) get some form of custom recovery whether it be TWRP or CWM etc.
and also i would like to know step by step how to check whether the sim is locked and if possible how to unlock for free (if locked)
i know its alot to ask
Thanks
Andrew
I'll tell you everything I know.
Unlocking the bootloader unlocks the full capacity of the phone. This means you will be able to flash a custom recovery, and within the custom recovery, you can flash ROMs and everything else. But if "Bootloader unlock allowed" says no, then you won't be able to unlock your bootloader, thus not being able to flash a custom recovery. The only way to flash these is to implement a custom recovery for locked bootloaders, which is not yet available for Xperia M.
To determine whether your SIM is locked, the phone won't read it and would request for a SIM Unlock PIN.
SonyXperiaM said:
Hi Everybody,
I have a Xperia M C1904 on JB 4.3 [15.4.A.1.9] on Vodafone Australia
My bootloader unlock status is no i was wondering if it is possible to
A) Unlock the bootloader
B) install Custom roms (KitKat Possibly?)
C) get some form of custom recovery whether it be TWRP or CWM etc.
and also i would like to know step by step how to check whether the sim is locked and if possible how to unlock for free (if locked)
i know its alot to ask
Thanks
Andrew
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A) we will never be able to unlock the bootloader if it says bootloader unlock Allowed: no.
B) possibly in the near future, if we get a custom recovery working on LB
C) some devs are working on it, but nothing yet. We could be getting it in the near future.
To see if your phone is sim locked, go to the phone app and enter the code *#*#7378423#*#* and a service menu should open up. Click on service info, then sim lock. If you have a 3 beside network then you are sim locked. If you have a 0 then you are sim unlocked.
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