Unlocked Bootloader/Unlocked Phone? - Nexus One Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Im planning to buy an unlocked version on the nexus straight from Google.com. My question is since its going to be an unlocked version does it mean it will also have an unlocked bootloader?? I know I need to unlock the bootloader so I can root and eventually install ROMS. Also, is it true that IF i need to unlock the bootloader GOOGLE will void my warranty?
Help is appreciated.

daraj said:
Im planning to buy an unlocked version on the nexus straight from Google.com. My question is since its going to be an unlocked version does it mean it will also have an unlocked bootloader?? I know I need to unlock the bootloader so I can root and eventually install ROMS. Also, is it true that IF i need to unlock the bootloader GOOGLE will void my warranty?
Help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader is not unlocked out of the box however once you have fastboot setup it's easily unlocked with one command while in the bootloader.
Yes. It voids your warranty.

uberingram said:
The bootloader is not unlocked out of the box however once you have fastboot setup it's easily unlocked with one command while in the bootloader.
Yes. It voids your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So although its an unlocked version still the bootloader is locked? Maybe Im getting confused between an unlocked phone and an unlocked bootloader. No relation?

daraj said:
So although its an unlocked version still the bootloader is locked? Maybe Im getting confused between an unlocked phone and an unlocked bootloader. No relation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked phone = not SIM locked to any particular provider.
Unlocked bootloader = you can flash whatever software you like on the phone = void warranty.

packetlss said:
Unlocked phone = not SIM locked to any particular provider.
Unlocked bootloader = you can flash whatever software you like on the phone = void warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great I guess that answers my questions. IS there a way to reverse it back to the Google locked boot-loader in case I need to return?

daraj said:
Great I guess that answers my questions. IS there a way to reverse it back to the Google locked boot-loader in case I need to return?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the moment, no.

this should amuse you...
the $530 "unlocked" phone from Google is Sim unlocked...but so is the $180 TMO phone from Google For kicks I put my ATT Sim in my friend's TMO N1 and as expected, it worked just fine on ATT.
Not sure why they are calling it unlocked since all being sold are unlocked (unless my friend magically received the wrong phone) but I guess if that helps move units...why not. Perhaps they mean you are not locked into any contracts by purchasing it

yea that's wat is meant....

Even the subsidized version from Tmobile is not sim locked. Same phone, just get it at a cheaper price.

Moved to Q&A

deprecate said:
this should amuse you...
the $530 "unlocked" phone from Google is Sim unlocked...but so is the $180 TMO phone from Google For kicks I put my ATT Sim in my friend's TMO N1 and as expected, it worked just fine on ATT.
Not sure why they are calling it unlocked since all being sold are unlocked (unless my friend magically received the wrong phone) but I guess if that helps move units...why not. Perhaps they mean you are not locked into any contracts by purchasing it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "version" you get for $180 is the exact same one you get with $530. No one ever said it was locked. What they are doing is for the $180 price, you are re-locking yourself into another 2 year contract with T-Mobile and getting the phone at a subsidized price.
Unlike the phone they sell in the stores, this will be SIM unlocked since it is NOT T-Mobile branded.
T-Mobile (as well as any other carrier) will see this as a "gray market" device and will not support it, although, they will allow it on their network.
Hope this clarification helps.

Related

bootloader unlocked or not

How do i tell if my bootloader is unlocked or not?Its the tmobile version on at&t that I bought from google.
why would you buy the tmobile version to use on at&t?
because this was the only one that they offered at that time and there is no 3g hear in my home town
If you have an unlocked lock on bootup.
thanks dont see unlocked lock.i gess i will unlock and root
You don't need to unlock it to root http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=710842
Yeah, I'd avoid unlocking the bootloader unless you absolutely want to. It's easy to root and then flash a custom recovery without unlocking.
why not unlock bootloader i have no warranty anymore?
IIRC out does void your warranty
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
wildchild048 said:
why not unlock bootloader i have no warranty anymore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It voids your software warranty but not the hardware one, as far as I know. But it also has an "unlocked" logo during boot-up which might be discouraging to aesthetes.

[Q] Xperia Z Bootloader?

Hey guys,
Just wondering if the Sony Xperia Z will come with a locked or unlocked bootloader?
if it is locked, can it easily be relocked after unlocking it for warranty purposes?
I know there isnt much info out right now, but i have never owned a sony xperia phone so,
someone shed some light for me?
Devices from carriers usually can't be unlocked. If you buy it outright then usually it can be unlocked. The process does not record your full IMEI and can be relocked after so you are pretty safe in that regard. My HTC takes the full IMEI (so it can be identified) and if you lock it then it goes to "re-locked" and not "unlocked" .... so the sony method is actually pretty good.
Before buying you can always check on a live unit if bootloader can be unlocked.
M.
mattman83 said:
Devices from carriers usually can't be unlocked. If you buy it outright then usually it can be unlocked. The process does not record your full IMEI and can be relocked after so you are pretty safe in that regard. My HTC takes the full IMEI (so it can be identified) and if you lock it then it goes to "re-locked" and not "unlocked" .... so the sony method is actually pretty good.
Before buying you can always check on a live unit if bootloader can be unlocked.
M.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah okay thanks mate,
hmm new to Sony here too. So what are the chances of pre-orders from carriers being bootloader locked? Just to clarify, does that mean carrier purchased devices are useless (if they are locked)? I was planning to get my device from Orange Uk as i can get a pretty decent 40% off the monthly tariff which makes it the best deal for me. But if it is locked then I may need to pass on this....bummer
m00moo said:
hmm new to Sony here too. So what are the chances of pre-orders from carriers being bootloader locked? Just to clarify, does that mean carrier purchased devices are useless (if they are locked)? I was planning to get my device from Orange Uk as i can get a pretty decent 40% off the monthly tariff which makes it the best deal for me. But if it is locked then I may need to pass on this....bummer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if i recall correctly, the verizon droid DNA had a permanent locked bootloader too, but the guys here on XDA found a way to crack it.
who knows, maybe there will be a loophole discovered after the first few days?
I'm currently using a T-Mobile Xperia T, and the bootloader is not unlockable. So I would guess the same for the Z.
Though I think early units are generally unlocked (but don't quote me on that but this was the case with my Galaxy SIII and another guy mentioned this for UK network 3).
AW: [Q] Xperia Z Bootloader?
mattman83 said:
Devices from carriers usually can't be unlocked. If you buy it outright then usually it can be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this just the way sony handles it's bootloader?
I unlocked several different phones which were ordered from a carrier without problem. Depends on the device itself!
But Sony seems to be very developer-friendly. There's a developer site on sonys website, where details about bootloaders are posted. Don't know the exact url atm, I'm at work...
For me it is essential to get a phone where bootloader can be unlocked. My first phone was a lg, without custom rom I would not use it anymore...
It all depends on the country. In The Netherlands all bootloaders can be unlocked, even if it are branded handsets from a carrier.
again as mentioned this is my first Sony Android device so please bare with me. Can someone explain the reasons to unlock the bootloader as from what i've seen people have said u still can flash ROMS with a locked bootloader?
m00moo said:
hmm new to Sony here too. So what are the chances of pre-orders from carriers being bootloader locked? Just to clarify, does that mean carrier purchased devices are useless (if they are locked)? I was planning to get my device from Orange Uk as i can get a pretty decent 40% off the monthly tariff which makes it the best deal for me. But if it is locked then I may need to pass on this....bummer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're getting any sort of subsidy discount, it's highly likely your device will not be unlockable.
The general rule for Sonys is: If it is sold SIM-locked, you will not be able to unlock the bootloader. If it is sold SIM-unlocked, you'll be able to unlock the bootloader. If the carrier later gives you a SIM-unlock code for a device that is sold SIM-locked, your bootloader will remain locked (Sony is working on trying to change this with carriers).
spazzy1912 said:
Well, if i recall correctly, the verizon droid DNA had a permanent locked bootloader too, but the guys here on XDA found a way to crack it.
who knows, maybe there will be a loophole discovered after the first few days?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony's bootloader security is pretty strong. If the Z were likely to have a loophole, the T would've probably been defeated by now.
m00moo said:
again as mentioned this is my first Sony Android device so please bare with me. Can someone explain the reasons to unlock the bootloader as from what i've seen people have said u still can flash ROMS with a locked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can cross-flash firmwares for other devices, but you cannot flash anything that has a modified kernel.
Thanks Entropy for your very helpful reply! I appreicate it
In regards to the discount, it is only because a friend works for them and in return are given a discount for friends and family. Otherwise it will be just the same as purchasing it direct from my carrier. My usual experience with purchasing a phone from a carrier, especially a newer phone which has 'just' (first batch usually) released is that they are usually simfree stock (sim unlocked), but heres hoping!
The Bell (Canada) Xperia ZL I have has an unlockable bootloader.
Only stok based roms... cm, miui, paranoid, etc bootloader must be unlocked so you can flash custom kernel
Sent from my LT26i
So therefore AOSP roms cannot run on a Locked bootloader due to requiring a different kernel. Where as variations/modded versions of Sony's rom can be flashed due to not requiring a custom kernel.
I think I understand now. The Sony rom looks decent to be honest which isn't something I can say about Touchwiz. It is actually skinned nicely and I wouldnt mind a de-bloated version of that.
I'm pretty sure sony will unlock it, judging from Sony's recent actions where they released the kernel source for the T if i'm not mistaken. Why wouldn't they do it for this monster phone right?
brambizimski said:
I'm pretty sure sony will unlock it, judging from Sony's recent actions where they released the kernel source for the T if i'm not mistaken. Why wouldn't they do it for this monster phone right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's already listed on Sony's "Unlock Bootloader" site. So i guess they'll all unlock, unless you get it carrier branded/simlocked and they ( carrier ) will interfere with unlocking process.
m00moo said:
again as mentioned this is my first Sony Android device so please bare with me. Can someone explain the reasons to unlock the bootloader as from what i've seen people have said u still can flash ROMS with a locked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you need an unlocked bootloader to be able to boot the rom?
For htc devices, you need an unlocked bootloader, but it does not have to be S OFF.
If it was S ON, you just had to do an extra process of manual flashing the boot.img through fastboot
This is pretty simple if it's sim locked then it's also bootloader locked. The issue is not if you bought it on your carrier or on a retailer store. It's about locks
spazzy1912 said:
I believe you need an unlocked bootloader to be able to boot the rom?
For htc devices, you need an unlocked bootloader, but it does not have to be S OFF.
If it was S ON, you just had to do an extra process of manual flashing the boot.img through fastboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on what you mean by "boot the rom" i am assuming you are referring to AOSP roms which use a different kernel to stock roms usually. Thus if you cannot flash a custom rom on the phone with a "locked" bootloader, you are stuck with stock Sony type roms. Don't mind it personally just sucks i cannot experience the great kernels that the XDA devs release. Fingers cross the first batch of pre orders will be unlocked though as they are usually sim unlocked in my experience.
Riyal said:
This is pretty simple if it's sim locked then it's also bootloader locked. The issue is not if you bought it on your carrier or on a retailer store. It's about locks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
50% true. As Entropy said the simlock can be "unlocked" by the carrier. This will therefore then be a sim unlocked device, but the bootloader remains locked. This needs to be clarified to Sony noobies like myself who may think sim unlocking will result in a unlocked bootloader, or by buying a sim unlocked device from say Ebay they have definately gotten a unlocked BL.
spazzy1912 said:
I believe you need an unlocked bootloader to be able to boot the rom?
For htc devices, you need an unlocked bootloader, but it does not have to be S OFF.
If it was S ON, you just had to do an extra process of manual flashing the boot.img through fastboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's different again. With a locked bootloader you can't flash a custom kernel *at all*. I'm on a HOX now so I know all about the stupid htc bootloader unlock It basically means the device is useless for custom roms etc..
Still waiting to see if my local carrier will lock it or not, they have a mixed history with simlocking devices so could go either way. If it is locked I'll just pick get an iphone instead (should be roughly same price on contract) to sell on ebay and buy my sony outright I'll make it work one way or another.
M.

[Q]Unlocking bootloader voiding warranty?

I have heard that some of the phones are being shipped with unlocked bootloader? So i was wondering if i unlock bootloader but don't manager to S-OFF it, does it void my warranty?
shad0wboss said:
I have heard that some of the phones are being shipped with unlocked bootloader? So i was wondering if i unlock bootloader but don't manager to S-OFF it, does it void my warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Developer editions are shipped with an unlocked bootloader. If your phone is not a dev edition, unlocking its bootloader may void your warranty as explained at htcdev.com/bootloader
shad0wboss said:
I have heard that some of the phones are being shipped with unlocked bootloader? So i was wondering if i unlock bootloader but don't manager to S-OFF it, does it void my warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also, as I found out a few days ago, when having a live chat with HTC customer services about the 5.1 update, as soon as they get your serial number, they know everything about your phone, so if you s-off'd it and converted to to dev edition, they know it was sent out and shipped as a 401 phone, ie. WWE europe by your IMEI or serial number, they can still refuse a warranty repair as they know you converted / messed with it yourself.
ps. we will get 5.1, they wouldnt say if it was with sense 6 or 7, and ETA is still unknown, 5.0 is still shipping.
Seanie280672 said:
also, as I found out a few days ago, when having a live chat with HTC customer services about the 5.1 update, as soon as they get your serial number, they know everything about your phone, so if you s-off'd it and converted to to dev edition, they know it was sent out and shipped as a 401 phone, ie. WWE europe by your IMEI or serial number, they can still refuse a warranty repair as they know you converted / messed with it yourself.
ps. we will get 5.1, they wouldnt say if it was with sense 6 or 7, and ETA is still unknown, 5.0 is still shipping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, S-OFF and just locking bootloader later before repair might still void my warranty as they'll know that i, at some point, unlocked the phone...So why bother locking bootloader?
Also I'm on lollipop and i heard that sunshine doesn't S-OFF on lollipop and trying would mean that i'll have to unlock bootloader first which may turn out to be a fail attempt... GAH HTC.....
shad0wboss said:
Well, S-OFF and just locking bootloader later before repair might still void my warranty as they'll know that i, at some point, unlocked the phone...So why bother locking bootloader?
Also I'm on lollipop and i heard that sunshine doesn't S-OFF on lollipop and trying would mean that i'll have to unlock bootloader first which may turn out to be a fail attempt... GAH HTC.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
technically yes, but im not so sure they actually record or bother looking up whether you unlocked your bootloader or not, plenty of people have returned their phone back to 100% stock, removed the flags, locked the bootloader, gone s-on and had their phones repaired by HTC under warranty.
As for sunshine, no it doesnt yet support lollipop, and if your on Lollipop and locked, why would you want to unlock and s-off at the moment ? I understand it has some bugs still, but its still the best yet (in my opinion), however, ive never used sunshine myself, but i think you can run it on a locked bootloader, im sure I read it does everything for you, unlocks and s-off's.
Seanie280672 said:
technically yes, but im not so sure they actually record or bother looking up whether you unlocked your bootloader or not, plenty of people have returned their phone back to 100% stock, removed the flags, locked the bootloader, gone s-on and had their phones repaired by HTC under warranty.
As for sunshine, no it doesnt yet support lollipop, and if your on Lollipop and locked, why would you want to unlock and s-off at the moment ? I understand it has some bugs still, but its still the best yet (in my opinion), however, ive never used sunshine myself, but i think you can run it on a locked bootloader, im sure I read it does everything for you, unlocks and s-off's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, sunshine does (recently) support lollipop. Version 3.0.3 is available.
Change Log
Version 3.0.3
Fixed two "Unexpected Errors"
Fixed one SuperSu Hang
Fixed HTC CDMA TempRoot Crash
Fix paypal crash
Added Mini2/Remix (s400) support
Now supporting all 4.4.4 HTC
Now supporting all rootable 5.0.x HTC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://theroot.ninja/download.html

AT&T moto x 2014 xt1097. does anyone know how to get UNIQUE_KEY to unlcok bootloader

AT&T moto x 2014 xt1097. does anyone know how to get UNIQUE_KEY to unlcok bootloader
So I have an AT&T moto x 2014 1097. I'm having trouble unlocking bootloader. I know how to unlock it just and get the UNIQUE_KEY for the command to unlock bootloader. I was curious if anyone had multiple methods on how to acquire the UNIQUE_KEY wether its calling Motorola, calling at&t, if I unlock sim from at&t (because I own the phone) would that help remove at&t software, or if there is any programs or ways to achieve the UNIQUE_KEY. Thanks again for any help/knowledge.
Why you not call the at&t to ask them if can help you.
Maybe at&t hold the unlock permision.
papsr6 said:
Why you not call the at&t to ask them if can help you.
Maybe at&t hold the unlock permision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ATT won't help him unlock the bootloader. Unfortunately you are screwed unless you are on an update where something like Kingroot (fwiw i don't trust this software) would work.
Unlocking SIM has nothing to do with bootloader or root.
Visi0nofExcellence2 said:
ATT won't help him unlock the bootloader. Unfortunately you are screwed unless you are on an update where something like Kingroot (fwiw i don't trust this software) would work.
Unlocking SIM has nothing to do with bootloader or root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that unlocking sim is not somwthing for bootloader but why att models cant unlock bootloader.
I thing all other have no problem with that.
Thats the reason i say to ask att.
papsr6 said:
I know that unlocking sim is not somwthing for bootloader but why att models cant unlock bootloader.
I thing all other have no problem with that.
Thats the reason i say to ask att.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it was a carrier phone and their decision. Verizon's 2014 Moto X was bootloader locked for the longest time too. They were nice enough to change their mind but they didn't have to. I'm sure many have tried to ask att and look where we still are.........................
Visi0nofExcellence2 said:
Because it was a carrier phone and their decision. Verizon's 2014 Moto X was bootloader locked for the longest time too. They were nice enough to change their mind but they didn't have to. I'm sure many have tried to ask att and look where we still are.........................
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Send email to motorola to ask them.
I dont know what else sorry.

At&t Locked Note 8, Can I flash to Verizon?

I picked up a Note 8 thats still locked on At&t and Im planing to flash it over to Verizon for use on their network. The guy that sold it to me said he was working on getting it unlocked and im prayinh he comes through. If I understand what Ive read so far I should be able to flash it over to Verizon while its locked, just that it will still be locked afterwards which is fine. Is that true? Will I encounter any issues or would I be better off waiting until its unlocked first?
And if anyone knows an easy way to unlock it im all ears. Thanks a bunch.
sattech200 said:
I picked up a Note 8 thats still locked on At&t and Im planing to flash it over to Verizon for use on their network. The guy that sold it to me said he was working on getting it unlocked and im prayinh he comes through. If I understand what Ive read so far I should be able to flash it over to Verizon while its locked, just that it will still be locked afterwards which is fine. Is that true? Will I encounter any issues or would I be better off waiting until its unlocked first?
And if anyone knows an easy way to unlock it im all ears. Thanks a bunch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as it's carrier locked to AT&T there's nothing you can do.
While you can flash the VZW ROM, your device will still be locked to AT&T. Have to wait for them to unlock it.
cam30era said:
As long as it's carrier locked to AT&T there's nothing you can do.
While you can flash the VZW ROM, your device will still be locked to AT&T. Have to wait for them to unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that, but I was wanting to play and get a jump on the game, if I flash it to VZW will I have any issues unlocking it with ATT after the fact? I'm just wanting to get the VZW firmware loaded and the phone setup so once it's carrier unlocked I'll be ready to go with Verizon.
sattech200 said:
I understand that, but I was wanting to play and get a jump on the game, if I flash it to VZW will I have any issues unlocking it with ATT after the fact? I'm just wanting to get the VZW firmware loaded and the phone setup so once it's carrier unlocked I'll be ready to go with Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know. While it isn't applicable to our device, I do know that if one is running a custom ROM, often the SIM unlock code won't work.
Just in case anyone else has the same question, sense I'm sitting on a samsung locked Note Edge that was legitimently mine I decided to play it safe and wait it out. Original owner got it unlocked for me today so now it's time I can play.

Categories

Resources