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I went to see if my bootloader can be unlocked from the sony website.
I followed the instructions by putting that code into my phone dailer.
Under the section if it says my bootloader can be unlocked, it says no.
Does this mean I CANT use custom roms?
Is there no other way to unlock the bootloader?
You can always unlock the bootloader, it's just a matter if it's free or not. It all goes back to whether you can use fastboot or not ( the tool used to flash kernels). If you bought your phone sim unlocked it more than likely means fastboot is enabled and you can unlock for free through sonys tool and be on your way to flashing custom kernels. If your phone is sim locked or you paid to get the sim unlocked by a code then fastboot will be disabled. So to rephrase: turn your phone off, hold the search button and plug it in to your computer, if the status light goes blue (and you're not on a CDMA one, r800x) then fastboot is enabled and you can unlock for free through sonys utility, otherwise you're going to have to use a pay service like this (~$24):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1322827
And to answer your question, yes and no, while it's not possible to flash ROMs that use a custom kernel like cyanogenmod without an unlocked bootloader you CAN flash stock based ROMs through the recovery made for locked bootloaders.
I have an R800A from Rogers.
The LED doesn't go on at all when I press the search button.
When I goto sony's website, I go into the phone settings, where it says if the bootloader can be unlocked, it says NO.
You mentioned a paid servers. Is unlocking the phone by allowing it on another network the same as unlocking the boot loader?
No, that's sim unlocking. Confusingly a bootloader unlock will actually sim unlock you as well though, the difference between the two is a sim unlock is a code and the bootloader unlock is done through test points. So ya, if you didn't get the blue light your only option for unlocking is a paid service, sorry.
Well actually an unlocked bootloader allows booting of custom(unsigned) kernel images and can be achieved with various means according to the situation.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Which is what I said in my above post... And the only ways to unlock it are:
- Through sony's online tool if fastboot is enabled and you have an IMEI (sorry CDMAs)
- Or a test point unlock, such as setool2 or omnius, which will enable fastboot
Oh ok sry then, thought u were being general.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Thanks for the help. I contacted the guy about getting it unlocked.
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
Hello Guys,
Today i was about to unlock my bootloader using SE Bootloader Unlocking v1.6(http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1560613) but before doing so i used s1tool to identify my device.Here is the screenshot. Check my S1_EROM version it starts with "r" not "R".so it's alreay unlocked? How do i know(check) my mobile has bootloader unlocked?
I bought this mobile almost a year ago and it was brand new from stock.So not sure it's already have bootloader unlocked since i haven't unlocked the bootloader yet.I just want to know what's happening.Sorry if this question has already been asked as i am kin of noob(but have rooted and flashed ROMs using flashtool and CWM) and want to know what's the bootloader status.If anyone know how to check bootloader unlock staus it would be very kind to share as i am gonna unlock my bootloader and need to recheck if it's unlocked properly so that it won't brick my phone.
shoeseat said:
How do i know(check) my mobile has bootloader unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try flashing a kernel is the obvious and simplest answer.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1301877
XperienceD said:
Try flashing a kernel is the obvious and simplest answer.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1301877
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if my bootloader is locked it won't let me flash custom kernel like(boot.img of cynogenmod) or it will brick my phone? You link doesn't explain anything on how to check bootloader unlock status."bootloader unlock allowed:yes" will be for those devices whose bootloader can be unlocked but it doesn't tell you if bootloader is unlocked or locked.
I simply want to unlock my bootloader.Then flash cynogenmod.I want to make sure bootloader is unlocked properly before flashing cynogenmod kernel.If flashing boot.img on bootloader locked device won't brick my phone then i am ready to go.Just need conformation on what happens if i flash custom krenel and rom in bootloader locked mobile accidentally.
shoeseat said:
So if my bootloader is locked it won't let me flash custom kernel like(boot.img of cynogenmod)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
shoeseat said:
So if my bootloader is locked it won't let me flash custom kernel like(boot.img of cynogenmod) or it will brick my phone? You link doesn't explain anything on how to check bootloader unlock status."bootloader unlock allowed:yes" will be for those devices whose bootloader can be unlocked but it doesn't tell you if bootloader is unlocked or locked.
I simply want to unlock my bootloader.Then flash cynogenmod.I want to make sure bootloader is unlocked properly before flashing cynogenmod kernel.If flashing boot.img on bootloader locked device won't brick my phone then i am ready to go.Just need conformation on what happens if i flash custom krenel and rom in bootloader locked mobile accidentally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When your rooting status says
"Bootloader unlock allowed: yes"
Then the bootloader is locked..
If it says
"Bootloader unlocked: yes"
Then your bootloader is unlocked..
Simply dial *#*#7378423#*#*
Then find your rooting status..
And I think you should use the official way to unlock bootloader.
http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com
Press thnx if I helped..
Sent from my ST18i
skb6T9 said:
When your rooting status says
"Bootloader unlock allowed: yes"
Then the bootloader is locked..
If it says
"Bootloader unlocked: yes"
Then your bootloader is unlocked..
Simply dial *#*#7378423#*#*
Then find your rooting status..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine says...Bootloader unlock allowed: yes...though my bootloaders unlocked..
@shoeseat
flashin a custom kernel on lockd bootloader wont brick ur phone...it simply wont flash...
I think shopkeeper bluffed you because bootloader isn't unlocked by default.
Gamersab said:
I think shopkeeper bluffed you because bootloader isn't unlocked by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAhaaa unless that shopkeeper imported the phone,unlocked bootloader and flashed a kernel.Place where i live doesn't have authorized sony mobile distributors.So they import from somewhere.
My booloader was unlocked whole time after purchasing it.It was new when i bought but no sure now.Anyway i am satisfied with my purchase a year ago as i haven't got any problem till now except that famous house crack.
I have flashed Cynogenmod successfully.Thank you all for the help.You guys gives some courage for nervous guy like me who are tempting to do new things.
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
Hi there,
I have a network unlocked Z1C which came from o2. The bootloader unlock allowed status is No but the phone is rooted. Is there anything I can do to this to unlock it? I feel like trying CM on it
Thanks!
I have searched for answers to this but no joy...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=280903320
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=280903428
Comedy- said:
Hi there,
I have a network unlocked Z1C which came from o2. The bootloader unlock allowed status is No but the phone is rooted. Is there anything I can do to this to unlock it? I feel like trying CM on it
Thanks!
I have searched for answers to this but no joy...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=280903320
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=280903428
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
brilliant... ive got a z1c comping in the post today and the only reason im upgrading to it from the xperia m is so i can flash a custom kernel and get tweaking
Comedy- said:
I have a network unlocked Z1C which came from o2. The bootloader unlock allowed status is No but the phone is rooted. Is there anything I can do to this to unlock it? I feel like trying CM on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your bootloader unlock allowed status is no then you will most likely never be able to unlock that phones bootloader. I think your best bet is to contact O2 and tell them you want a phone on which the bootloader is unlockable, perhaps they can give you a special key to unlock the functionality, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Oh and don't try CM on it, it'll just bootloop and you'll have to use SUS or PC Companion to restore a working OS.
...actually there is one hope, but it requires dismantling the phone. There is a test-point behind the battery which might enable you to put the device into a mode where it'll accept a command allowing bootloader unlock. But again, high risk, not sure if it's actually possible, easier to just sell the phone and buy an unlockable one if you want to run CM. Maybe you could even return the device, how long have you had it?
my z1c just turned up and ive got an bootloader unlock allowed :victory::victory::victory:
I have locked bootloader on EE in UK and have found that many of the tweaks I wanted can be achieved with Xposed modules. Give it a try but backup before you start.
Need a opinion by a dev
Hello there,
I was thinking about a test.
My problem is "Unlock bootloader allowed : no".
What could happen if i restore an other TA partition with "Unlock bootloader allowed : yes". I erase the old by a new one which unlockable. All i need is a TA partition build with a z1c which unlockable and the unlock code.
What do you think ?
Soory for my bad english
If you replace your ta partition it will most likely hardbrick your device.
What is a ta partition, i don't understand.
A bootloader is like a bios on motherboard.
But it is locked by a code.
The bootloader is the same on each z1c no ?
Megani said:
What is a ta partition, i don't understand.
A bootloader is like a bios on motherboard.
But it is locked by a code.
The bootloader is the same on each z1c no ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing another phone's TA will hard brick yours, every TA is related to the phone which comes from
mindyabiznis said:
my z1c just turned up and ive got an bootloader unlock allowed :victory::victory::victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How you done this??? I tried hundred and half methods and still CAN'T unlock damn bootloader............