Database Develop

[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] Factory locked bootloader

Just received the XSP as an upgrade on T-Mobile UK and was disappointed to discover via the service menu that the bootloader is unlockable. Forgive me for asking but does this mean that there is absolutely no chance that at any point in the future I will be able to unlock it? I would like to use custom roms and want to know if I kight as well look for a new phone. This was never a problem on my old Optimus Black.
Thanks in advance.

Wallly said:
Just received the XSP as an upgrade on T-Mobile UK and was disappointed to discover via the service menu that the bootloader is unlockable. Forgive me for asking but does this mean that there is absolutely no chance that at any point in the future I will be able to unlock it? I would like to use custom roms and want to know if I kight as well look for a new phone. This was never a problem on my old Optimus Black.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey fella, I'm same phone, same network and same country.
As I understand it Doomlords software will in V16 provide root for our phone. :victory:

venters said:
Hey fella, I'm same phone, same network and same country.
As I understand it Doomlords software will in V16 provide root for our phone. :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Praise the (Doom)Lord! Will this allow us to unlock the boot then andflash custom roms?

Just to make it clear bootloader is locked this means no custom kernel which might mean custom ROMs are out ie. Cm,akop,PAC etc
You will be able to root using doomlord exploit and in time will get cwm for locked bootloader so we be able to use modded stock ROMs.
As it stands only root is available for locked bootloader hope this helps
Sent from my C5302 using xda premium

nfmplo and
zolaisugly said:
Just to make it clear bootloader is locked this means no custom kernel which might mean custom ROMs are out ie. Cm,akop,PAC etc
You will be able to root using doomlord exploit and in time will get cwm for locked bootloader so we be able to use modded stock ROMs.
As it stands only root is available for locked bootloader hope this helps
Sent from my C5302 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, thanks. This is exactly what I needed to know. Guess I'll have to be patient then..

There is a way to unlock your bootloader. You must get a SIM unlock code, unlock your SP and send an email to Sony with some data like Imei, unlock code, etc. Then a messenger will be sent to pick your phone and lucky, Sony will unlock your phone.

lanluckez said:
There is a way to unlock your bootloader. You must get a SIM unlock code, unlock your SP and send an email to Sony with some data like Imei, unlock code, etc. Then a messenger will be sent to pick your phone and lucky, Sony will unlock your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this may be true but it only works with bootloader that is allowed, he states in op that his bootloader is unlockable.
service menu shows if you can or not open bootloader, i am on 3 and my bootloader is locked have tried with sony code but get message not available.

zolaisugly said:
this may be true but it only works with bootloader that is allowed, he states in op that his bootloader is unlockable.
service menu shows if you can or not open bootloader, i am on 3 and my bootloader is locked have tried with sony code but get message not available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Few days ago sent an email to Sony asking about this issue. Here in Spain there was a global complaint from Xperia U users asking for open the possibility of unlock their bootloaders: not to unlock it but to change the "unlockable" state of the phone. After the debate, Sony says people could send their phones to Sony attaching the respective unlock code with which they'd unlocked (SIM Unlock). Then Sony would send the telephones with the bootloader unlockable.
PS: Maybe he meant "not unlockable" instead "unlockable". If it's unlockable then he doesn't have any problem!

lanluckez said:
Few days ago sent an email to Sony asking about this issue. Here in Spain there was a global complaint from Xperia U users asking for open the possibility of unlock their bootloaders: not to unlock it but to change the "unlockable" state of the phone. After the debate, Sony says people could send their phones to Sony attaching the respective unlock code with which they'd unlocked (SIM Unlock). Then Sony would send the telephones with the bootloader unlockable.
PS: Maybe he meant "not unlockable" instead "unlockable". If it's unlockable then he doesn't have any problem!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I meant *not* unlockable. I actually live in Spain so this service from Sony would be very useful, could you tell me how I can do this?

Wallly said:
Yes, I meant *not* unlockable. I actually live in Spain so this service from Sony would be very useful, could you tell me how I can do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, mate. You have to send a message to Sony saying you've (sim) unlocked your phone and you want to unlock your bootloader. They will send you all the information you need to go through with the process.

[Q] Anyone have an XSP from EE/Orange/TMobile UK?

If anyone has an Xperia SP from Orange, T-Mobile or EE in the UK do you happen to know if your boot loader is permanently locked? I know the phone's probably sim-locked but I'm less worried about that.
Thanks!

MagicMagicD said:
If anyone has an Xperia SP from Orange, T-Mobile or EE in the UK do you happen to know if your boot loader is permanently locked? I know the phone's probably sim-locked but I'm less worried about that.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I have.
And the answer is probably.
Go to dialler, *#*#7378423#*#* ->Service Info ->Configuration. This will tell you if bootloader unlock is allowed. (it will probably say No) go back, then select SIM Lock and you'll probably find [x] Network 5.
This means it is simlocked, and you have 5 attempts left to unlock it.
However, you should be able to use a T-Mobile, Orange, EE and possibly a Virgin SIM in it.

MagicMagicD said:
If anyone has an Xperia SP from Orange, T-Mobile or EE in the UK do you happen to know if your boot loader is permanently locked? I know the phone's probably sim-locked but I'm less worried about that.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is from T-Mobile UK and yes it is sim locked and the bootload unlock allowed is a 'no' under the service menu.

Thanks all.
I only have an Xperia U at the moment, but it's sim-free and easily unlocked. I'm currently looking at upgrade options but I don't want to lose the flexibility I have with being able to flash custom kernels, etc. in the future if I get bored with the stock rom or, more likely, Sony decides to stop supporting it.

MagicMagicD said:
Thanks all.
I only have an Xperia U at the moment, but it's sim-free and easily unlocked. I'm currently looking at upgrade options but I don't want to lose the flexibility I have with being able to flash custom kernels, etc. in the future if I get bored with the stock rom or, more likely, Sony decides to stop supporting it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, go to carphonewarehouse, all their phones come unlocked.
Sent from my C5303 using Tapatalk 4

[Q] No unlockable bootloader - SOL?

So my device says "Bootloader unlock allowed: No" under the "Rooting Status"
Am I just out of luck?

Yep, you and me both
People will try and say it is cause of the carriers, yet HTC, LG and Samsung phones on the same carriers are not all locked up. It is the one thing I don't like about this phone, well, that and the viewing angles (coming from a HTC one which had incredible speakers and screen)

crixley said:
Yep, you and me both
People will try and say it is cause of the carriers, yet HTC, LG and Samsung phones on the same carriers are not all locked up. It is the one thing I don't like about this phone, well, that and the viewing angles (coming from a HTC one which had incredible speakers and screen)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know about LG or Samsung but I know some HTC devices have their phones locked also when bought from a carrier. But we manage to workaround that issue by achieving S-Off so I guess yeah you're partially right.

vick1211 said:
So my device says "Bootloader unlock allowed: No" under the "Rooting Status"
Am I just **** out of luck?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, it seems your phone should be Z1S, that's why all Z1S owners are not allowed to unlock their BL
So, here's the link to install CWM, and also it roots your phone with locked BL
http://techglen.com/2014/07/03/how-...xperia-z1-z1c-108-firmware-locked-bootloader/
It helped me a lot, although mine is Z1 C6903, but I locked BL and done step by step as it says
Wish you success

SaeedFazlollahzadeh said:
So, it seems your phone should be Z1S, that's why all Z1S owners are not allowed to unlock their BL
So, here's the link to install CWM, and also it roots your phone with locked BL
It helped me a lot, although mine is Z1 C6903, but I locked BL and done step by step as it says
Wish you success
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So that worked, but without an unlocked bootloader what kind of roms can I install?

vick1211 said:
So that worked, but without an unlocked bootloader what kind of roms can I install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think if C6916 has any Roms
Because its BL is locked, so you can not flash any Roms
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

None at this time maybe after update.
Sent from my C6916 using xda premium

[Q] Help: Sony Xperia Z1 says cannot unlock bootloader

How can I install a custom ROM without an unlocked bootloader?
My phone says its bootloader cannot be unlocked

Mine too , it's must to be a solution to unlock the bootloader...

No, there is no solution
If it says it cannot be unlocked then it cannot be unlocked
Look in the development section for stock based custom roms that can be installed with a locked bootloader

To my experience it needs to be sim unlocked first in order to be bootloader unlocked. In a Xperia Z it said it couldn't unlock bootloader, i purchased unlock code, got it unlocked and then reflashed stock image. After that the status on "bootloader unlock allowed" was changed to yes.

roobns said:
To my experience it needs to be sim unlocked first in order to be bootloader unlocked. In a Xperia Z it said it couldn't unlock bootloader, i purchased unlock code, got it unlocked and then reflashed stock image. After that the status on "bootloader unlock allowed" was changed to yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please provide proof of that, because this has never happened before and would be fantastic news
Also, some sim locked phones can have bootloaders unlocked and some sim free phones have bootloaders that cannot be unlocked. SO your logic is wrong.

gregbradley said:
Please provide proof of that, because this has never happened before and would be fantastic news
Also, some sim locked phones can have bootloaders unlocked and some sim free phones have bootloaders that cannot be unlocked. SO your logic is wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't provide proof as 1) the bootloader was already unlocked 2) I don't even have the phone anymore.
I don't know if you find my logic right or wrong it was what happened to MY experience with one phone.
I'm pretty sure devs can give you a technical explanation about why it can or can't happen.

roobns said:
Can't provide proof as 1) the bootloader was already unlocked 2) I don't even have the phone anymore.
I don't know if you find my logic right or wrong it was what happened to MY experience with one phone.
I'm pretty sure devs can give you a technical explanation about why it can or can't happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks.
I know what the devs will say. They will say it cant happen. This has been talked about ad infinitum across various xperia devices.
Also, if your boot was already unlocked then how did you know the status changed?
Thanks anyway.

gregbradley said:
OK thanks.
I know what the devs will say. They will say it cant happen. This has been talked about ad infinitum across various xperia devices.
Also, if your boot was already unlocked then how did you know the status changed?
Thanks anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When i got the phone (telcel mexico) it said the bootloader was not allowed to be unlocked.
I purchased an unlock code. Entered the code, unlocked the phone.
I flashed an upgraded FW via FTF
typed *#*#SERVICE#*#* and boom bootloader unlock statys changed to yes
That's how i know the status changed. So basically that's my story. I thought it could work with every device.

@gregbradley maybe the sim unlock method really works to change unlock bootloader status YES..bcs it works for some sony device, and we need to test this on Z1.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1896553

There is nothing in that thread that confirms this. Plus the test point method to unofficially unlock the bootloader was stopped by Sony nearly 2 years ago.
But please, delve into this again if you want. But trust me it is a dead end and does not work. If it was easy as sim unlocking and flashing a ftf do you not think that would have been done by now.
Some seriously good devs have been working on this ever since the test point method was closed.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app