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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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
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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
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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
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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.
can sprint tell if you unlock your bootloader.
I don't think there is anything that alerts sprint when you, say, go to htcdev and unlock or something like that. If you physically give the phone to someone though, they will be able to tell if they boot to the bootloader (typically). Not 100% sure about that though, I'm new here.
kevinohlrogge said:
can sprint tell if you unlock your bootloader.
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If you bring in your phone and don't flash a modified hboot, then yes, undoubtedly. Will they care? Not really. Sprint's better than most carriers about basically not giving a hoot unless you manage to melt your own phone.
I've read a ton of posts on this topic and I understand the general consensus is that the bootloader is locked, but has any developer confirmed this? I asked Chainfire about a cf auto-root and he just assumed the bootloader was locked. People assumed this about the tmobile variant as well and apparently tmobile didn't lock the bootloader as people are rooting as we speak. I just wondered if it was even possible to check without the firmware being released.
johnnyutah22 said:
I've read a ton of posts on this topic and I understand the general consensus is that the bootloader is locked, but has any developer confirmed this? I asked Chainfire about a cf auto-root and he just assumed the bootloader was locked. People assumed this about the tmobile variant as well and apparently tmobile didn't lock the bootloader as people are rooting as we speak. I just wondered if it was even possible to check without the firmware being released.
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I would but I don't know how. I tried to Google it but didn't come up with a whole lot of info.
johnnyutah22 said:
I've read a ton of posts on this topic and I understand the general consensus is that the bootloader is locked, but has any developer confirmed this? I asked Chainfire about a cf auto-root and he just assumed the bootloader was locked. People assumed this about the tmobile variant as well and apparently tmobile didn't lock the bootloader as people are rooting as we speak. I just wondered if it was even possible to check without the firmware being released.
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Need to try and flash something, but theres nothing out to flash lol.... Also ATT 99.9 percent of the time like Verizon locks their BLs, there were reports that TMO was locking it's as well but it seems the initial batch is unlocked, could change but I would count on the ATT variant being unlocked.
Guys, it's LOCKED. No, I can't confirm it, but why would AT&T say they don't support unlocked bootloaders and then ship the S5 with an unlocked bootloader? I think not.
MattMJB0188 said:
Guys, it's LOCKED. No, I can't confirm it, but why would AT&T say they don't support unlocked bootloaders and then ship the S5 with an unlocked bootloader? I think not.
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Pretty much this, which means no root, till a new exploit is found...but how many actual ATT devs are there that planned on getting the S5
djkinetic said:
Pretty much this, which means no root, till a new exploit is found...but how many actual ATT devs are there that planned on getting the S5
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Probably not a lot. When the S4 had its bootloader patched last year development went down the drain, and fast. Everyone kept saying that the developers will unlock it, and they NEVER DID.
I am not trying to dis-respect any developers on here, but I do not like safestrap. Its no where as good as CWM-Recovery. I also loved flashing AOSP roms.
MattMJB0188 said:
Guys, it's LOCKED. No, I can't confirm it, but why would AT&T say they don't support unlocked bootloaders and then ship the S5 with an unlocked bootloader? I think not.
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What you say makes perfect sense, I'm just saying that it would be nice to have it confirmed. With all of the back and forth between tmobile and their "Uncarrier" promotions and att's counter marketing, maybe att changed their minds to help their image, who knows, it's just a wishful dream I guess. Hopefully when sammobile makes the firmware available, someone can get Chainfire the recovery partition and he will create a cf auto-root for us to try.
johnnyutah22 said:
What you say makes perfect sense, I'm just saying that it would be nice to have it confirmed. With all of the back and forth between tmobile and their "Uncarrier" promotions and att's counter marketing, maybe att changed their minds to help their image, who knows, it's just a wishful dream I guess. Hopefully when sammobile makes the firmware available, someone can get Chainfire the recovery partition and he will create a cf auto-root for us to try.
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Click to collapse
Here's the problem though, if the BL is locked, cf root will most likely either not flash or not boot according to Chainfire, and if either of these happens not only are u without root, but also the knox warranty flag is tripped and your warranty is voided...unfortunately someone has to be willing to take one for the community to confirm all this.
djkinetic said:
Here's the problem though, if the BL is locked, cf root will most likely either not flash or not boot according to Chainfire, and if either of these happens not only are u without root, but also the knox warranty flag is tripped and your warranty is voided...unfortunately someone has to be willing to take one for the community to confirm all this.
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Isn't that always the case with an unknown new device? I don't think xda would exist if people weren't willing to take some risks.
Looks like Chainfire is in irc looking for some att testers for auto-root. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2696537&page=23
I looked on Cyanogenmod's website below:
https://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=shamu
and it just has 1 ROM for Nexus 6. I have Nexus 6 for Sprint. Is there only 1 version of the ROM that works for all carriers ?
My old Galaxy S4 has many different builds for Sprint, ATT, Verizon, etc.... wasn't sure if Nexus has the same set up.
Yes, applies to all N6 variants.
thats because every sgs4 has a different setup for different carriers. we only have one nexus 6, and its the same for every carrier.
simms22 said:
thats because every sgs4 has a different setup for different carriers. we only have one nexus 6, and its the same for every carrier.
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I didn't have a locked bootloader with Sprint Galaxy S4. If I were to restore the Nexus 6 back to stock to do an OTA update to update everything, then re-root and put a new custom ROM does the bootloader need to be re-locked, or can the factory .img be suffice to do an OTA ?
I'm still trying to learn how to do this as it is much different than the Samsung GS4. I saw there is a Nexus Toolkit by wug fresh. Is there any benefit to doing these processes by adb vs just using this progra which seems easier ?
mikeprius said:
I didn't have a locked bootloader with Sprint Galaxy S4. If I were to restore the Nexus 6 back to stock to do an OTA update to update everything, then re-root and put a new custom ROM does the bootloader need to be re-locked, or can the factory .img be suffice to do an OTA ?
I'm still trying to learn how to do this as it is much different than the Samsung GS4. I saw there is a Nexus Toolkit by wug fresh. Is there any benefit to doing these processes by adb vs just using this progra which seems easier ?
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Click to collapse
you dont use adb for it, you use fastboot. and doung it right vs a toolkit.. toolkits dont teach you anything, and can mess things up.
simms22 said:
you dont use adb for it, you use fastboot. and doung it right vs a toolkit.. toolkits dont teach you anything, and can mess things up.
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Does the bootloader need to be locked to do OTAs or does the stock ROM with leaving the bootloader unlock suffice for an OTA ?
mikeprius said:
Does the bootloader need to be locked to do OTAs or does the stock ROM with leaving the bootloader unlock suffice for an OTA ?
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bootloader can be locked or unlocked, it doesnt matter. but i recommend that you keep it unlocked forever, as it can save your phone in certain situations. and having it locked can be the end of your device, in the same situations.
simms22 said:
bootloader can be locked or unlocked, it doesnt matter. but i recommend that you keep it unlocked forever, as it can save your phone in certain situations. and having it locked can be the end of your device, in the same situations.
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Ok. That's what I was planning on doing once it becomes unlocked. I was going to have it set like my previous GS4 and just toggle custom ROMs from there. When you mention having it locked, are you referring to when people have re-locked the bootloader then had an error flashing the stock custom ROM thus bricking the phone ? That's what worries me. Looks like the security is more stringent on the new Nexus vs. older versions.
mikeprius said:
Ok. That's what I was planning on doing once it becomes unlocked. I was going to have it set like my previous GS4 and just toggle custom ROMs from there. When you mention having it locked, are you referring to when people have re-locked the bootloader then had an error flashing the stock custom ROM thus bricking the phone ? That's what worries me. Looks like the security is more stringent on the new Nexus vs. older versions.
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i was actually refering to it because of the unlock setting that has to be ticked to unlock. some stock users got caught in a bootloop, then cant boot up to tick the setting, to fix their bootloop. since it cant get unlocked, their phones are a "brick".
simms22 said:
i was actually refering to it because of the unlock setting that has to be ticked to unlock. some stock users got caught in a bootloop, then cant boot up to tick the setting, to fix their bootloop. since it cant get unlocked, their phones are a "brick".
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Is this what happened to this person below ?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/help/help-nexus-6-brick-t3227126
Since the stock rom did not have developer options "checked" then the bootloader can't be unlocked ? How can you tick the OEM unlock if it is in a bootloop ?
mikeprius said:
Is this what happened to this person below ?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/help/help-nexus-6-brick-t3227126
Since the stock rom did not have developer options "checked" then the bootloader can't be unlocked ? How can you tick the OEM unlock if it is in a bootloop ?
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you cant, thats why i said that you should keep it unlocked.
simms22 said:
you cant, thats why i said that you should keep it unlocked.
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Click to collapse
Ok that makes sense. What is the purpose of having the bootloader come locked in a stock phone then ? What does it actually do ? Prevents root ? I probably took it for granted mine was always unlocked before so all I had to do was worry about flashing the proper carrier ROM
mikeprius said:
Ok that makes sense. What is the purpose of having the bootloader come locked in a stock phone then ? What does it actually do ? Prevents root ? I probably took it for granted mine was always unlocked before so all I had to do was worry about flashing the proper carrier ROM
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Security.
Security in that if stolen your phone cannot be made to work for someone else...
Someone can (and likely will [emoji14]) correct me if I am wrong... But does little to secure your data...ESPECIALLY if you stay encrypted.
scryan said:
Security in that if stolen your phone cannot be made to work for someone else...
Someone can (and likely will [emoji14]) correct me if I am wrong... But does little to secure your data...ESPECIALLY if you stay encrypted.
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It does nothing to secure data from remote access, but it will protect data (if set with a password) from physical access, providing they do not know the password. The bootloader being unlocked, with no password on encryption would allow them to flash a custom recovery and pull the data off. This will be decrypted on the fly. So it works in conjunction with Encryption. To secure data from physical access, you need both.
IF your bootloader is unlocked and you have no password, you may aswell not be encrypted
Hi all,
Is there a way to root the zenfone 8 without tripping knox? Reading about the ramdump issues has made me want to keep the device in a state that I can reverse and send back if need be (at least for a while).
Cheers
Knox in an Asus phone? It's a Samsung thing.
There is no KNOX.
But if you unlock your bootloader - then ASUS will receive your s/n of motherboard and you will loose your warranty permanently. I heard that in some EU countries it should'n be a problem, but personally I have never had such law practice.
So wait for other replies or contact your area ASUS support.
Ah, okay thanks. Am I correct in thinking there is no root that can be done without unlocking bootloader and flashing a patched boot img? Sorry if these are silly questions, it has been a while for me!
lilfellabob said:
Am I correct in thinking there is no root that can be done without unlocking bootloader
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That is correct. From what I understand; without an unlocked bootloader, nothing regarding boot images or system files are accessible.
Since Android 6 'regular' rooting requires an unlocked bootloader. There are exploit solutions like Kingoroot, which maybe still might work (not sure a bout this), but the problem with these dubious tools is, that you don't know what they really are doing, and how they possibly modify and monitor your phone and data from then on..
Elmarigo said:
Since Android 6 'regular' rooting requires an unlocked bootloader. There are exploit solutions like Kingoroot, which maybe still might work (not sure a bout this), but the problem with these dubious tools is, that you don't know what they really are doing, and how they possibly modify and monitor your phone and data from then on..
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Click to collapse
Okay, thanks. Yeah, I don't think I want to travel down that road!