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?
Related
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.
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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.
I am planning to buy the Sony Xperia ZL and i was think that in future i might root it and load custom rom in it.
I wanted to know if the international version of the Xperia ZL (with no carrier lockings) is by default unlocked or not. And if it is locked then is it possible to unlock it?
Some light here would help me. Thank You
if it's unlocked you probably can unlock the bootloader (sony is very developer friendly, I guess it only makes sense for them to lock bootloaders because of carriers). For the branded versions it all depends on the carrier. I have a branded Xperia ZL from Vivo (ZQ here in brazil, actually) and it has a unlockable bootloader.
I would recommend for you to go to a local store and check it it's unlockable it's simple, just follow these instructions:
http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions
note this paragraph:
First, you should confirm that it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your device by checking the service menu. In your device, open the dialler and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu. If you have a tablet, click here to learn how access the service menu.
In your device, 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.
Hope it helps.
Also, remember to backup your TA partition before unlocking, or you'll lose your DRM Keys and your Bravia Engine forever (and they will not work again even if you relock your BL).
No need to unlock it unless you plan on flashing any non stock kernel based rom.
As someone already said, backup the TA first.
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...
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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
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Click to collapse
Read the OP, its bootloader can't be unlocked
I have a ZL, it's NOT my daily driver (my Z1 is), and it is carrier unlocked but the Bootloader is locked.
The phone itself was IMEI Blacklisted as I bought it off Kijiji, and the original owner tried to blackmail me out of additional money months after purchase. I let him blacklist it, then went and bought a Z1. I want to use my ZL as a testing platform for ROMs and Kernels and customizations and what not.
Problem is the ZL's Bootloader is locked, and I can't flash the custom ROMs and Kernels (as is my understanding of unlocked bootloaders).
Is there any way to forcibly unlock a bootloader?
The ZL is currently rooted on 4.3, with XZDR. I have long since recovered any data and stuff on it and am not afraid to wipe it multiple times or anything.
Let me know please
There used to be an exploit called Test-point for 2011 Sony Ericssons.
However, it doesn't exist for current Sonys.
Sorry to say but your bootloader will remain LOCKED till someone finds an exploit.
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