Develop Bugs

[TUTORIAL] Xperia M Bootloader Unlocking

Quick tutorial for unlocking & relocking the bootloader of the Xperia M
Warning!
This procedure will wipe the /data partition of your phone, so you will loose all ur stored data, settings. INTERNAL SDCARD will BE WIPED!!!
DRM keys WILL be lost forever SO TAKE BACKUP OF IT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you unlock Bootloader
Backup your TA partionHERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
STEPS TO UNLOCK BOOTLOADER
1) Get the IMEI code for ur device: type *#06# in phone dialer to find it out, note only the digits (no dashes)
2) download the fastboot package with usb drivers(GOOGLE IT)
3) Now Get the UNLOCK KEY FROM SONY from HERE
4 ) After u have verified that u can unlock bootloader, scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Continue"
you will get numerous prompts, read all info and if u agree click on "Accept"/"OK"/"Proceed"
finally u 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
5) Extract fastboot_with_Android_USB_file.rar and open fastboot folder
6) Hold SHIFT and right click on the background of the folder Select 'Open command window here'
7) 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)
8) 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
9) Type in fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY and replace KEY with the key which u received earlier.
You're device should now be bootloader unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NOTE:-
When i unlocked my bootloader from above steps i first got a bootloop but after flashing My kernel ELIxER i recovered from bootloop and phone started well.
My apps and Data on internal SD were been WIPED so Do a backup first!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Credits Doomlord

:good:
good job bro!
I just wanted to ask if we could unock the bootloader using flashtool so there's no chance of voiding warranty. As backing up TA would save DRM keys.

Yes u can unlock it using flashtool. I am windows 8 so i find unlocking with fastboot is easier and it just just cause 6 mb of data.
Sent from my Xperia Keyboard

aweosomeabhijeet said:
:good:
good job bro!
I just wanted to ask if we could unock the bootloader using flashtool so there's no chance of voiding warranty. As backing up TA would save DRM keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is always chance to void your warranty...

alvinhochun said:
There is always chance to void your warranty...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see.
Well I tried with flashtool it denied unlocking :silly:
I think it would be better to go with the official unlocking.
Thanks.

u should add the TA Backup guide also

WARNING :-
When i tried to restore my DRM keys my mobile went dead so be very careful with it.

icoolguy1995 said:
WARNING :-
When i tried to restore my DRM keys my mobile went dead so be very careful with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to restore the stock boot partition because restoring TA partition will relock the device or else you will soft-brick it. If you have a dump of it you can restore it before restoring TA partition, otherwise you need to reflash with flashtool or SUS.
This is what I learnt from other Xperia devices in general.

alvinhochun said:
You need to restore the stock boot partition because restoring TA partition will relock the device or else you will soft-brick it. If you have a dump of it you can restore it before restoring TA partition, otherwise you need to reflash with flashtool or SUS.
This is what I learnt from other Xperia devices in general.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you still use SEUS when you have unlocked the bootloader to restore the original firmware prior to re-locking bootloader?
I thought it would be via flashtool only, because as soon as you unlock the bootloader you lose access to PC companion and SEUS.
The reason I ask is I have an XPERIA X10i and you can use anything at any time and it doesn't care.(brilliant olde device)
With my XPERIA S, I only have flashtool, as SEUS and PC Companion (and Sony OTA upgrade) are 'lost' after the bootloader is unlocked.

Dr Goodvibes said:
Can you still use SEUS when you have unlocked the bootloader to restore the original firmware prior to re-locking bootloader?
I thought it would be via flashtool only, because as soon as you unlock the bootloader you lose access to PC companion and SEUS.
The reason I ask is I have an XPERIA X10i and you can use anything at any time and it doesn't care.(brilliant olde device)
With my XPERIA S, I only have flashtool, as SEUS and PC Companion (and Sony OTA upgrade) are 'lost' after the bootloader is unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? PC Companion can recognize my Xperia M. Haven't tried SUS restore but it should work, shouldn't it? FOTA updates are known to brick unlocked Xperia devices so I strongly advice you not to try it.
But anyway if you've already restored the TA partition you already have a locked bootloader

alvinhochun said:
Really? PC Companion can recognize my Xperia M. Haven't tried SUS restore but it should work, shouldn't it? FOTA updates are known to brick unlocked Xperia devices so I strongly advice you not to try it.
But anyway if you've already restored the TA partition you already have a locked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PC companion still can recognize your phone even you've unlocked your bootloader, but updating your phone with SUS / PCC will surely brick your phone.
The only way to restore to the original firmware is using Flashtool or EMMA :fingers-crossed:

underd0g said:
PC companion still can recognize your phone even you've unlocked your bootloader, but updating your phone with SUS / PCC will surely brick your phone.
The only way to restore to the original firmware is using Flashtool or EMMA :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think Pc companion will brick your phone! I never heard of this things and yes updating through FOTA can definitely brick your phone. Although i recommend not to unlock bootloader unless you are an advance user or a developer.
Sony xperia M gives very good performance over stock so noo need of scripts and other stuff, and i hope someone will develop CWM for locked bootloader too.
Sent from my C1904 using Tapatalk 4

Guys where is the relocking guide?? I can only see the unlocking one.
||""Playing Asphalt™ 8 Airborne on my sgy. LoLz.
Joke of the year. Gameloft devs will die if they hear this. ""||

Here are device files for Flashtool with loader.sin file for success bootloader unlock/relock through Flashtool
C190X C200X
1. Unpack it to '/Flashtool/devices/' folder
2. Run Flashtool and select in 'Devices/Manage/Import' M or/and M Dual
3. Now your can use BLU button

Shkerzy said:
Here are device files for Flashtool with loader.sin file for success bootloader unlock/relock through Flashtool
C190X C200X
1. Unpack it to '/Flashtool/devices/' folder
2. Run Flashtool and select in 'Devices/Manage/Import' M or/and M Dual
3. Now your can use BLU button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have NOT backed up my DRM keys.. and I have an unlocked bootloader...
I connected my XM SS to Sony PCC..
It did recognize my phone.. However it did not update it stating that I am using a modified software..
Flashtool (EMMA) also recognized my phone.. but dint allow me to update my phone..
And my phone is not BRICKED..
Can you be more descriptive on the exact instructions on how you can relock XM whose DRM keys are not backed up?
Has anyone tried this?
Please quote and reply and share the method if you have tried this on a C1904 XM SS and if it is working !!!!
Thanks

I have a question...
How will I be able to backup my TA partition if root is required? I have not yet rooted my phone. I only rely on official procedures because I have bricked my two other phones previously. Have you had root installed on your phone when backing up TA partition?

.vonpatrick. said:
I have a question...
How will I be able to backup my TA partition if root is required? I have not yet rooted my phone. I only rely on official procedures because I have bricked my two other phones previously. Have you had root installed on your phone when backing up TA partition?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To backup your TA partition you dont need root and this current thread has not mentioned anywhere that you need root
Please refer the FAQ section of this link for more clarification
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598

How to backup DRM keys guys? Is it enough backup TA Partition? I've already backup TA Partition, it contains 6 files.
Sent from my C2004 using Tapatalk

SK:) said:
How to backup DRM keys guys? Is it enough backup TA Partition? I've already backup TA Partition, it contains 6 files.
Sent from my C2004 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, You are set !

durveshthorve433 said:
To backup your TA partition you dont need root and this current thread has not mentioned anywhere that you need root
Please refer the FAQ section of this link for more clarification
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the link says that in order to backup TA partition, root is required. That's where it got me confused.
Sent from my C1904 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[Q] flash ta backup while bootloader unlocked?

will bravia engine work with this?
i was on 6.2.b.1.96 xs 4.1.2 rooted
then i took TA Backup.
now today i unlocked bootloader for the first tym (DRM keys preserverd in TA backup.)
now if i restore my TA backup while the bootloader unlocked, then will it restore drm keys and will bravia engine work?
m nt trying it because m afraid of bricking the phone.( just recovered from a soft brick yesterday). has anyone tried?

yes surely mate ...go ahead with restore....it will restore ur DRM keys and bravia engine will work as it was at the time of backup...
recommend to do this on stock firmware on which u had taken the TA backup....Hope this helps...

mohit378 said:
yes surely mate ...go ahead with restore....it will restore ur DRM keys and bravia engine will work as it was at the time of backup...
recommend to do this on stock firmware on which u had taken the TA backup....Hope this helps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but dont it look weird, unlocked bootloader and drm keys working together? i didnt read anything like that on internet. can u quote any such link?

when u restore ur TA BACKUP it will restore ur DRM keys and bravia engine & ur BOOTLOADERS will get locked again....u have to unlock it again for custom kernel flashing...
so just flash stock firmware first on which u had taken TA backup and then restore it.... if you're using a custom kernel, you'll brick the phone.......so u must be on stock firmware first before restoration process...hope this helps...

Just to add since you just recovered from a soft brick.
If you restored your TA while using a custom kernel, you will hardbrick your phone which I believe is unrecoverable...

intoxic8 said:
Just to add since you just recovered from a soft brick.
If you restored your TA while using a custom kernel, you will hardbrick your phone which I believe is unrecoverable...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please explain the reason behind it?

Guide for Safe installation of any custom rom on your stock rom mobile

Installation Steps (Warranty can be restored whenever you wish)
-------------------------
Before starting your rom flashing journey it is always better to have Flashtool (latest -by androxyde) installed in your PC and your stock rom handy ; incase of any mishappenings.
Type *#*#7378423#*#* in your phone and see if your bootloader status is unlockable under service-->Configuration. Procede with below steps, only if your device is unlockable.
It is important that you follow the steps in order
1) First step for installing a custom rom over a mobile with stock rom is to backup the existing state of bootloader .Usually warranty will get void if any modification is done to bootloader. The below tool ensures that it takes the backup of existing state of bootloader when device is under warranty.
Goto
Backup TA for Sony Xperia (This tool helps you to have a )
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598.
Download the tool.This tool will backup your DRM Securtiy keys . Successful backup can only be taken after the existing stock rom is rooted (Use towelroot application if your device is not already rooted) .Root it first then follow the process given in above link .
Once this is over , u will have a backup of the existing state of bootloader/TA partition (If you later wish to move back to stock rom from custom rom use the same tool to restore the backup you have just created.This means you will get your Warranty back);
2) Goto this website , follow the steps and get your unlock code via e mail.
Use fastboot mode to unlock your bootloader (Make sure that you have already backuped your existing DRM keys-Step 1).Follow it fully to unlock your bootloader
http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/unlock/step1
3)Download any custom rom zips with recovery, for your mobile from xda developers forum and have fun.Extract boot.img using winrar or winzip .
Flash boot.img via fastboot mode
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot reboot
4)As the device reboots, when you see your LED glow press volume up or down. It will take you to CWM Recovery or TWRP recovery based on the rom that you have downloaded.
5)Just install the custom rom(*.zip ) from within the recovery.

What if that i already have the custom recovery?
So, just wipe data, dalvik, and cache, then flash the zip?
That's it?

AndreIrawan97 said:
What if that i already have the custom recovery?
So, just wipe data, dalvik, and cache, then flash the zip?
That's it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes.

AndreIrawan97 said:
What if that i already have the custom recovery?
So, just wipe data, dalvik, and cache, then flash the zip?
That's it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely right. But before installing an custom rom in the first place i hope you have already backed up your DRM keys for warranty purpose(as mentioned in the guide) since if you unlock your bootloader without backing up your DRM keys, DRM keys might be lost forever .

gokukaushik said:
Absolutely right. But before installing an custom rom in the first place i hope you have already backed up your DRM keys for warranty purpose(as mentioned in the guide) since if you unlock your bootloader without backing up your DRM keys, DRM keys might be lost forever .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can i backup my app on stock rom then restore it to a custom rom?

AndreIrawan97 said:
Can i backup my app on stock rom then restore it to a custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure. Easiest way to do it is by using an app called, 'Titanium Backup Pro'.But you have to root your stock rom first for this application to run(Use towelroot if you are yet to root).Except for sony proprietary apps like walkman,Album,etc (will run only on stock rom as they use sony developed system libraries/API'S) other apps will get restored/run fine on a custom rom.

gokukaushik said:
Sure. Easiest way to do it is by using an app called, 'Titanium Backup Pro'.But you have to root your stock rom first for this application to run(Use towelroot if you are yet to root).Except for sony proprietary apps like walkman,Album,etc (will run only on stock rom as they use sony developed system libraries/API'S) other apps will get restored/run fine on a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And one think left.... How to know if my bootloader is unlocked or not?

AndreIrawan97 said:
And one think left.... How to know if my bootloader is unlocked or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its in the OP....on the phones dialpad, type: *#*#7378423#*#*
then look in > service > configuration
it should show the status as "bootloader locked", "bootloader unlocked", "bootloader unlockable" or "not unlockable" (sorry wording may not be exact, but you'll get the idea)

foomanjackel said:
its in the OP....on the phones dialpad, type: *#*#7378423#*#*
then look in > service > configuration
it should show the status as "bootloader locked", "bootloader unlocked", "bootloader unlockable" or "not unlockable" (sorry wording may not be exact, but you'll get the idea)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no.. i mean, how to know if my bootloader is already unlocked or not?
Anyway, what happened if i flash it without unlocking it first?

Sorry, did you type that in the phone and check the status? That's where it will tell you if its already unlocked or if its even unlockable at all.
Do not try to install a custom ROM on your phone if it is not unlocked! Your phone will not boot.

AndreIrawan97 said:
no.. i mean, how to know if my bootloader is already unlocked or not?
Anyway, what happened if i flash it without unlocking it first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to @ foomanjackel for answering your questions.Regarding your 2nd question, 'Experience is the mother of invention'.Why don't you try and see what happens...just kidding.Couldn't resist it. Practically speaking of you install a custom rom with an custom kernel on a locked bootloader you will hard brick it.It will not boot and chances are that you might not be able to goto flashmode or fastbootmode anymoreto repair it.Reason this happens is that both your recovery and bootloader resides in the same partition in your mobile.If you try to install custom kernel on a locked bootloader in every probability, it not only corrupts your existing stocks kernel but also might corrupt your recovery leaving u helpless.
Theoretically, You should be able to install any custom-stock based rom on a locked bootloader (which runs exactly on ur stock kernel).In other words a custom rom which doesn't come up with a custom kernel but based on your existing stock kernel should be able to run on a locked bootloader.But my advice is you do not risk it.

foomanjackel said:
Sorry, did you type that in the phone and check the status? That's where it will tell you if its already unlocked or if its even unlockable at all.
Do not try to install a custom ROM on your phone if it is not unlocked! Your phone will not boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it said boot loader unlockable : yes
And couple months ago, i want to unlock my bootloader, but i dont know what went wrong, but my xperia got boot loop...
So is that bcs i already unlocked it? Or... ?

AndreIrawan97 said:
Yes it said boot loader unlockable : yes
And couple months ago, i want to unlock my bootloader, but i dont know what went wrong, but my xperia got boot loop...
So is that bcs i already unlocked it? Or... ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get this message "Bootloader unlockable: yes" then your bootloader is still locked.

gokukaushik said:
If you get this message "Bootloader unlockable: yes" then your bootloader is still locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is unlocking bootloader can make me lose my root?

AndreIrawan97 said:
Is unlocking bootloader can make me lose my root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose it won't.I don't see the reason why u want to unlock the bootloader unless you want to install a new custom rom.

How to Relock Bootloader With TA backup

Hi guys,
I have rooted with Vroot and taken TA backup. Then i unlocked my bootloader and flashed maximus kernel...
So my question is How want to relock my bootloader with TA backup...
can anyone guide me through process..
Thanks in advance...

asrupesh said:
Hi guys,
I have rooted with Vroot and taken TA backup. Then i unlocked my bootloader and flashed maximus kernel...
So my question is How want to relock my bootloader with TA backup...
can anyone guide me through process..
Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ta backup has nothing to do with relocking bootloader
it is used to save some features of sony
relocking has not been made yet
and why would u want to relock?

Ashwin Prabhunerurkar said:
ta backup has nothing to do with relocking bootloader
it is used to save some features of sony
relocking has not been made yet
and why would u want to relock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just incase to get the official kitkat update via SUS

As far as i know you just need to flash stock firmware back to original rom you dont need to relock bootloader to get kitkat update via sus
Sent from my D5322 using Tapatalk

geogetski666 said:
As far as i know you just need to flash stock firmware back to original rom you dont need to relock bootloader to get kitkat update via sus
Sent from my D5322 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To use SUS, you must have a locked bootloader. For those who have an unlocked bootloader, just wait until someone uploads an FTF. FTFs can be flashed on unlocked bootloaders using Flashtool by Androxyde.

Ashwin Prabhunerurkar said:
ta backup has nothing to do with relocking bootloader
it is used to save some features of sony
relocking has not been made yet
and why would u want to relock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can easily relock the bootloader in just two steps.
Flash only the kernel via flashtool and then relock the bootloader also via flashtool.
You can't go wrong if you've used flashtool before.

arjun.arora said:
You can easily relock the bootloader in just two steps.
Flash only the kernel via flashtool and then relock the bootloader also via flashtool.
You can't go wrong if you've used flashtool before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And can we flash a custom kernel like maximus kernel while relocking?

charming.arpit said:
And can we flash a custom kernel like maximus kernel while relocking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The process is quite simple but do it at your own risk..
Turn on your computer's internet..
Open flashtool and select flashmode..
Select the firmware, then exclude everything but kernel (Remember only kernel should be selected, exclude everything)..
Uncheck every option in wipe..
Flash the mobile, it should take just 4-5 seconds..
Don't restart yet, disconnect your mobile..
Open BLU option in flashtool..
Connect your mobile, a dialog box will open, just click on relock..
(Remember, don't turn off the internet connection untill the bootloader is locked)
Restart your phone, it'll still be rooted and you'll be able to get all official updates..
Only thing you'll lose is the cwm recovery..

backup TA

HI guys, i am interested into installing CM11 on my Xperia S , and i have backed up my TA and stored them on my PC.This procedure though, requires unlocked bootloader. In case i want to revert my phone back to locked( stock ) status, what do i have to do? I mean, how will i flash this TA backup? in a locked or an unlocked status? and via fastboot with Flashtool?

kwstas 13 said:
HI guys, i am interested into installing CM11 on my Xperia S , and i have backed up my TA and stored them on my PC.This procedure though, requires unlocked bootloader. In case i want to revert my phone back to locked( stock ) status, what do i have to do? I mean, how will i flash this TA backup? in a locked or an unlocked status? and via fastboot with Flashtool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You save your TA via? Flashtool or some script? Use the same program as you use to backup. If ftool - probably flash it via ft.

mamama07 said:
You save your TA via? Flashtool or some script? Use the same program as you use to backup. If ftool - probably flash it via ft.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before i flash the restore file i have to be on stock Sony Fireware? And what must my bootlader status be like? Locked or unlocked?

Best idea its be on stock.
but why u ask about bootl? Now You have unlocked ;p So You must have unlocked? For restoring = re-lock it?