Question Does unlocking bootloader make permanent mark on Zenfone 8? - ASUS ZenFone 8

Since ASUS voids warrenty for their phone if the bootloader has been unlocked, I wonder if the bootloader is re-locked, whether the warranty comes back or at least they cannot notice it.

When you unlock BL (once) their app send info about this to ASUS and your phone will permanently banned for OTA-updates. Also it will void warranty (same app send info to ASUS) and it's void even if you relock BL back.
You can relock BL but there is no sense to do it.

dron39 said:
When you unlock BL (once) their app send info about this to ASUS and your phone will permanently banned for OTA-updates. Also it will void warranty (same app send info to ASUS) and it's void even if you relock BL back.
You can relock BL but there is no sense to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the invalidation of warranty exclude payed services too, like for changing broken exterior or screen?

Userspace said:
Does the invalidation of warranty exclude payed services too, like for changing broken exterior or screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean? Of course if you want to replace something in your phone - you can ask about it official service center, but you'll have to pay for it)
If your main board die, and you have unlocked BL - you can replace it on paid basis.

dron39 said:
What do you mean? Of course if you want to replace something in your phone - you can ask about it official service center, but you'll have to pay for it)
If your main board die, and you have unlocked BL - you can replace it on paid basis.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean some cases they don’t even allow paid services too…

Userspace said:
I mean some cases they don’t even allow paid services too…
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know. But I guess on paid basis you can get same bunch of services that users with valid warranty have.

Related

[Q] Cyanogenmod on XZ

So, I want to install Cyanogenmod on my XZ, using flashtool to unlock the bootloader and doomlord's expliots to root.
However, won't rooting first re-lock the bootloader? Or unlocking the bootloader remove root? Both things wipe the everything, so... Help lpease?
Whatever you do, be sure to backup your TA partition before you unlock your bootloader: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292598. To do this, you first need to root your device without unlocking your bootloader.
Otherwise you will lose your DRM keys permanently and you will never be able to use certain functions (like Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2) anymore, not even if you relock your bootloader and restore to a stock ROM.
Please also note that by requesting a bootloader unlock key from Sony, the IMEI number of your phone gets blacklisted and your warranty is void.
Apollo89 said:
Please also note that by requesting a bootloader unlock key from Sony, the IMEI number of your phone gets blacklisted and your warranty is void.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Apollo89, are you sure about that?
CiscoX said:
Hi Apollo89, are you sure about that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/unlock/step1. At step 2, you need to agree with the following legal terms before you can continue:
I acknowledge that use of the boot loader may void the phone’s warranty.
I acknowledge that, if Sony does perform any warranty repairs, Sony may charge a service fee for additional costs associated with the modified software.
So if a phone with an unlocked bootloader (or relocked bootloader) needs to be repaired, your warranty may be void, it's completely up to Sony to decide about that and they have the legal right to charge you for the repair because you agreed to those terms. If that's fine with you, you can continue to unlock your bootloader and flash a custom ROM like CyanogenMod. I myself would only consider this after official firmware updates have been discontinued.
Apollo89 said:
Go to http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/unlock/step1. At step 2, you need to agree with the following legal terms before you can continue:
I acknowledge that use of the boot loader may void the phone’s warranty.
I acknowledge that, if Sony does perform any warranty repairs, Sony may charge a service fee for additional costs associated with the modified software.
So if a phone with an unlocked bootloader (or relocked bootloader) needs to be repaired, your warranty may be void, it's completely up to Sony to decide about that and they have the legal right to charge you for the repair because you agreed to those terms. If that's fine with you, you can continue to unlock your bootloader and flash a custom ROM like CyanogenMod. I myself would only consider this after official firmware updates have been discontinued.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, so you say if i request an unlock key for my bootloader, but never use it. Do it still void my warranty. I mean, maybe some people change there mind after they request the unlock key and never use it to unlock the bootloader.
CiscoX said:
Damn, so you say if i request an unlock key for my bootloader, but never use it. Do it still void my warranty. I mean, maybe some people change there mind after they request the unlock key and never use it to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should only request the key if you're going to unlock your phone. Sony has no way to check if you unlocked your phone and then restored a TA backup, so that's why they require you to register your IMEI number.
Apollo89 said:
You should only request the key if you're going to unlock your phone. Sony has no way to check if you unlocked your phone and then restored a TA backup, so that's why they require you to register your IMEI number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahhh, Thanks you so much for the information Apollo89
CiscoX said:
ahhh, Thanks you so much for the information Apollo89
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyway, if Sony refuses warranty, you could go to court and argue that you only requested the key, but didn't use it. Then it's up to the judge to decide if requesting the key (and agreeing to those terms) is enough evidence or not. However, I think most people won't go to court and just pay for the repair or buy a new phone. What I meant to say is: just be careful and think twice before doing such modifications
I think Denmark have pretty strict rules to protect the consumer, so I really doubt that Sony would get away with applying these rules here - but this definitely makes me not want to unlock the bootloader before I have seen Sonys 4.4 firmware.
Thanks for the info!
That being said, I think Sonys stock ROM works really well.
I'm rootet, running SwiftKey, Handcent SMS, Aqua Mail, HD Widgets an Apex Launcher Pro. I get 3 - 4 hours of screen time on stock settings.
I have no reason to really want another ROM.
Had it been a Samsung or HTC device I would have needed to strip the device of all the bloat
ware and get rid the massive battery drain, caused by wake locks from the manufacturers ROM.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 4

[Q] how can I make my warranty back ?

hey guys
I've rooted my LG 4x P880 and installed a " thinkbridge " 4.4.2 kitkat ROM and that made me lose my warranty sure ,,
now can I unroot my mobile and install the official 4.1.2 software to it or what ?
any help plz
thnx in advance )
hesseny said:
I've rooted my LG 4x P880 and installed a " thinkbridge " 4.4.2 kitkat ROM and that made me lose my warranty sure ,,
now can I unroot my mobile and install the official 4.1.2 software to it or what ?
any help plz
thnx in advance )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using big text doesn't make it any more likely that you'll get a response - it just looks bad
Just flash the origninal KDZ for your device/region and it will be back to 'Stock'. Your warranty shouldn't be affected simply by rooting the phone (certainly in the EU and UK this is true) unless they can prove that you have over-clocked the device and damaged it that way.
SimonTS said:
Using big text doesn't make it any more likely that you'll get a response - it just looks bad .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wrote in big size to make it easier to be read
and can you tell me from where can I get the origninal KDZ for my device/region ?
and thank you so much
Try to connect your phone to your PC and use the LGMobileSupport tool to force an update (It's somewhere in the upper right menu's) That should bring you back to stock and unroot your device. Please note that some repair centers will tell you that you have voided your warranty by unlocking your bootloader/altering the stock firmware, but as long as you are in the EU, like SimonTS said, software alterations don't void your warranty as long as it isn't the cause of a faulty device.
P.S.: In my opinion a bigger font doesn't make the reading any easier, so please stick to the standard size
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I'm from Egypt , I called the service center and they told me the root made me lose my warranty , and if I unrooted the mobile my warranty will back ..
now I will download the LG tool and use it .
and ok I'll write in the standard size =D
thanks a lot
SimonTS said:
Using big text doesn't make it any more likely that you'll get a response - it just looks bad
Just flash the origninal KDZ for your device/region and it will be back to 'Stock'. Your warranty shouldn't be affected simply by rooting the phone (certainly in the EU and UK this is true) unless they can prove that you have over-clocked the device and damaged it that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he flashed 442 he probably unlocked bl (unless he was going for brick)
If you unlock bl drm keys are modified and even if relocked any service center can tell it has been unlocked
Accepting warranty claims on these basis is usually entirely subjective to the service center's will
Rudjgaard said:
If he flashed 442 he probably unlocked bl (unless he was going for brick)
If you unlock bl drm keys are modified and even if relocked any service center can tell it has been unlocked
Accepting warranty claims on these basis is usually entirely subjective to the service center's will
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are in Europe you are fully covered unless they can prove that the damage is a direct result of unlocking the bootloader - e.g. blown CPU through overclocking. As he is in Egypt he is likely to be on far more dodgy ground.
SimonTS said:
If you are in Europe you are fully covered unless they can prove that the damage is a direct result of unlocking the bootloader - e.g. blown CPU through overclocking. As he is in Egypt he is likely to be on far more dodgy ground.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically you are correct, but the matter of fact is that even flashing a kernel which is working for everyone without trouble can give them grounds to counter any claim.
You send the phone in most likely for hw failure, kernel and bl control all hw related activity,
hence tracing any issues back to user activity is in fact a brief step, that's why I said that
it's not impossible to get a claim warranty accepted but rather it's entirely subjective..

How to confirm my bootloader is locked

I unlocked my bootloader from flashtool...i want to make confirm about my work..how can i confirm it...
You probably have not unlocked it then
dial
*#*#7378423#*#* and goto service info / configuration
If it says bootloader unlocked: yes - then its unlocked
If it says bootloader unlock allowed: yes - then its still locked but you can unlock it
If it says bootloader unlock allowed: no - then its locked and you can not unlock it
You must use the code given to you from the Sony website to unlock it, although you can use flashtool you must still get that code from Sony
daxdax89 said:
Once again,what do we lose after unlocking bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bionz image processing
My z1. Says it is allowed to unlock bootloader..
Does unlocking it.. voids my warrnty?
Sent from my C6902 using xda app-developers app
Read this
gregbradley said:
Read this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it really true that once you unlock the bootloader 'there is no going back'? That sounds like a lie to me...
guy4 said:
Is it really true that once you unlock the bootloader 'there is no going back'? That sounds like a lie to me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you backup your TA you can relock afterwards and they wont know. However, there is no official way so that's why they say it. And, technically, even if you relock your bootloader you have still voided your warranty so claiming on warranty even if you have relocked is fraud
Well, technically speaking, not giving you full admin rights for a device you paid in full for is kind of like fraud too. I never heard of anyone selling locked Windows OSs for full price to grown adults. Yet, this is considered normal in mobile phones. I understand that this is a great tool of preventing damage by uninformed users, but the absolute same thing can be said about the Windows OS, yet it gives you full admin rights and the right to do whatever you want to with these rights.
In my view it is fraud to force (not literally force, but you are pretty much forced if you want to use apps at all) people to give permissions to the >>unchecked by Google<< apps in their own official Play Store. Recently the number 1 app there was found to be completely fake. Who will protect me from this, Google? I don't think so. This has to change.
You do not need root to install apps not downloaded from the Play store
This has been discussed ad nauseam, and its not fraud because they do not tell you otherwise before buying the device.
So, it is written in plain text somewhere, that 'you have absolutely no control over what permissions apps will have on your device' ? People with rooted devices can safely choose exactly what permissions each app will have, yet if you 'use your phone properly' you will not have such authority. Over you OWN phone.
guy4 said:
So, it is written in plain text somewhere, that 'you have absolutely no control over what permissions apps will have on your device' ? People with rooted devices can safely choose exactly what permissions each app will have, yet if you 'use your phone properly' you will not have such authority. Over you OWN phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This conversation is so old and has been had so many times that I am not continuing with it.

Has anyone returned their phone after locking the bootloader?

Hello there, I was just wondering if anyone returned their Asus Rog Phone 2 for repair or simply returned it after relocking the bootloader.
On XDA there is a great guide on locking the bootloader here https://forum.xda-developers.com/rog-phone-2/how-to/guide-convert-cn-to-ww-rom-26-08-t3961042http://
So would be interesting to see if locking the bootloader is all we need to peacefully rma the phone or does asus have some other sneaky peaky something going on to detect if we ever rooted.
I am perfectly happy with my phone its just some people on my youtube channel were asking if its safe to return after relocking I just said I haven't heard of anyone doing so, so not 100% sure.
Terminal_Heat_Sink said:
Hello there, I was just wondering if anyone returned their Asus Rog Phone 2 for repair or simply returned it after relocking the bootloader.
On XDA there is a great guide on locking the bootloader here https://forum.xda-developers.com/rog-phone-2/how-to/guide-convert-cn-to-ww-rom-26-08-t3961042http://
So would be interesting to see if locking the bootloader is all we need to peacefully rma the phone or does asus have some other sneaky peaky something going on to detect if we ever rooted.
I am perfectly happy with my phone its just some people on my youtube channel were asking if its safe to return after relocking I just said I haven't heard of anyone doing so, so not 100% sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most Android devices have a record in system chip. Once bootloader has been unlocked it will change status from 0 to 1 and even if you relock the device it will still stay as 1. Since you triggered the log thingy. So Asus techs will still be able to find out that bootloader has been touched. For example on Samsung devices they use something called a KNOX chip and when you unlock bootloader on a Samsung S9 or s10 the Knox chip will break and no longer work and status will say that Knox chip has been triggered with 0 to 1. That's how Samsung finds out if you have unlocked your bootloader on their devices. So Asus have probably a way aswell on their end.
You can return the device for repair but repair service will reject warranty repair and will put a price how much it will cost you to repair the device. Since they will see bootloader has been touched. So then warranty is voided.
I returned my 1st one because of no volte. Bl was unlocked, relocked using asus's app before the tool here was available. No issues, got a full refund.
I doubt they wouldn't repair it under warranty, unless it was actually caused by a bad flash, or something.
suzook said:
I returned my 1st one because of no volte. Bl was unlocked, relocked using asus's app before the tool here was available. No issues, got a full refund.
I doubt they wouldn't repair it under warranty, unless it was actually caused by a bad flash, or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Asus app did you use to relock the bootloader? I thought the only way to relock is to use a fastboot command. Asus has an apk for unlocking the phone, haven't heard of one for relocking.
Terminal_Heat_Sink said:
What Asus app did you use to relock the bootloader? I thought the only way to relock is to use a fastboot command. Asus has an apk for unlocking the phone, haven't heard of one for relocking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, i used app to unlock, and used fastboot to lock
suzook said:
Sorry, i used app to unlock, and used fastboot to lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah OK no worries. At least now we know that people can safely return or repair their phones if they relocked the bootloader properly. Thanks for responding.
Terminal_Heat_Sink said:
Ah OK no worries. At least now we know that people can safely return or repair their phones if they relocked the bootloader properly. Thanks for responding.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Afaik in EU they cant refuse repairing faulty hardware because you tried a software mod.

Question Just bought this - Question regarding unlocking & root

I just bought this phone. It's actually quite nice and better than I expected. Paid 475€ for it brand new in a store here in Italy. I'm coming from the good old XZ1 Compact, aka the best phone ever made. This seems to be a big (too big, tfw no phone under 5.5) improvement over it.
That being said, I was wondering how does Asus react to their phones being unlocked. I come from Sony which does not like unlocking, in fact on the XZ1 and XZ2, unlocking was permanent and you lost drm keys and stock features fOrEveR. How is it on this one? Does it void the warranty forever? Do you lose stock features after unlocking? Can you relock the bootloader and go back to full stock eventually?
I googled and searched all over but I find conflicting and contraddicting informations about this, on top of the usual ****ty websites with ai generated copypaste guides.
Thanks in advance.
MarkMRL said:
I just bought this phone. It's actually quite nice and better than I expected. Paid 475€ for it brand new in a store here in Italy. I'm coming from the good old XZ1 Compact, aka the best phone ever made. This seems to be a big (too big, tfw no phone under 5.5) improvement over it.
That being said, I was wondering how does Asus react to their phones being unlocked. I come from Sony which does not like unlocking, in fact on the XZ1 and XZ2, unlocking was permanent and you lost drm keys and stock features fOrEveR. How is it on this one? Does it void the warranty forever? Do you lose stock features after unlocking? Can you relock the bootloader and go back to full stock eventually?
I googled and searched all over but I find conflicting and contraddicting informations about this, on top of the usual ****ty websites with ai generated copypaste guides.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
see the readme from the ASUS Unlock tool from here https://www.asus.com/de/Mobile/Phones/ZenFone/Zenfone-8/HelpDesk_Download/
Unlock Device App
NOTICE:
Before you download, install, and use the Unlock Device App (“Service”), you understand that you need to take all risks in terms of quality and performance of the Service, including but not limited to: once you trigger the Service, you’re not able to recover your ASUS products to the original status at the time of manufacturing (“Original Product”) anymore. Original Products which is used with the Service (“Changed Product”) will no longer be regarded as the Original Products. The software updates will not be available to the Changed Product, and the digital content in the Changed Product may no longer be used. In addition, the software and hardware problems of your ASUS product caused by using the Service may not apply to your ASUS Warranty Information, please read ASUS Warranty Information of your ASUS product carefully on ASUS official website.(https://bacchus.asus.com/support/Article/1060/)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
>> Does it void the warranty forever?
I think so
>>Do you lose stock features after unlocking?
I did not find anything that did not work anymore after unlocking (but I tested only the functionality that is important for me ....)
>>Can you relock the bootloader and go back to full stock eventually?
I don't know if you can relock the phone but I doubt it.
You can reinstall the Original ASUS Firmware and it still works like before. You can also install the updates for the original OS manually (I did not test if OTA still works)
regards
Bernd
MarkMRL said:
I just bought this phone. It's actually quite nice and better than I expected. Paid 475€ for it brand new in a store here in Italy. I'm coming from the good old XZ1 Compact, aka the best phone ever made. This seems to be a big (too big, tfw no phone under 5.5) improvement over it.
That being said, I was wondering how does Asus react to their phones being unlocked. I come from Sony which does not like unlocking, in fact on the XZ1 and XZ2, unlocking was permanent and you lost drm keys and stock features fOrEveR. How is it on this one? Does it void the warranty forever? Do you lose stock features after unlocking? Can you relock the bootloader and go back to full stock eventually?
I googled and searched all over but I find conflicting and contraddicting informations about this, on top of the usual ****ty websites with ai generated copypaste guides.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To add to bnsmb's response,
When the phone is unlocked, some apps will not work, like google pay for example, but the bootloader can be relocked with one fastboot command and you will get all features back (except OTA updates from the settings, you will have to update manually)
(It is not recommended to relock the bootloader when not on the Stock Asus ROM)
To relock, simply type these two commands
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem asus-csc_lk
reboot
The phone will prompt you to do a factory reset when booting
Adaoh said:
To add to bnsmb's response,
When the phone is unlocked, some apps will not work, like google pay for example, but the bootloader can be relocked with one fastboot command and you will get all features back (except OTA updates from the settings, you will have to update manually)
(It is not recommended to relock the bootloader when not on the Stock Asus ROM)
To relock, simply type these two commands
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem asus-csc_lk
reboot
The phone will prompt you to do a factory reset when booting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
>>To relock, simply type these two commands
Good to know that but before I test it:
The phone can be unlocked again after the relock?
regards
Bernd
bnsmb said:
Hi
>>To relock, simply type these two commands
Good to know that but before I test it:
The phone can be unlocked again after the relock?
regards
Bernd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I have tried it once, but some people reported it does not work depending on the version, I tried on Android 12 and it worked the first time (and on android 11 but that was the first unlock a while ago)
Thank you for the info! I can't find the official manual or faq though, even from the link bnsmb provided :\
That's why I asked here in the first place. From what I can tell after looking through this info, they will know you have unlocked from the imei, considering their unlock tool talks to the mothership before doing the deed. It is still unclear if they will respect the warranty period even after unlocking. I don't care about asking them for support on an unlocked phone, I just want to make sure it will get repaired or replaced for free (in terms of money and hassle) if I get a defect down the line that is unrelated to the unlock, such as a hardwre failure or assembly defect.
Anyway, it seems the only way to shed light on this mystery is to ask Asus themselves. I will report back as soon as they respond to my questions.
Warranty with unlocked bootloader
The warning text of the unlock app links you to the Warranty Policy for ASUS Phones, where the relevant part reads:
6. Exclusions from this limited Warranty Service
[...]
(m) Unusability or damage to hardware of the product caused by installing and using any kind of the Unlock Device App, which is a utility that will unlock your product’s boot loader but will render the warranty null and void.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So yes as is usual, they will try to use "you having unlocked your bootloader" as an excuse to not repair their broken phones under warranty.
But, depending on your local consumer protection laws, there is a good chance this is actually illegal. In the EU for example, during the 2 years of required warranty THEY have to prove YOU that the defect was ACTUALLY CAUSED by you messing with the phone's software - which generally speaking they can't because it wasn't.
If you haven't seen it i recommend this thread for some details of people who have actually been in that situation - from what i saw after a quick glance through, 3 out of 3 people there got their unlocked&rooted phones replaced under warranty in the end, even it it took some effort to convince the support...
sirozan said:
If you haven't seen it i recommend this thread for some details of people who have actually been in that situation - from what i saw after a quick glance through, 3 out of 3 people there got their unlocked&rooted phones replaced under warranty in the end, even it it took some effort to convince the support...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The linked thread does tell that one person was successful with the ASUS support, "all other" unfortunately not, see e.g. post #6.
.Michael. said:
The linked thread does tell that one person was successful with the ASUS support, "all other" unfortunately not, see e.g. post #6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading posts #31 and #38 i am pretty sure the person from post #6 did not have to play in the end as well. I also can't see anyone else in there who reported they tried to get unlocked phone replaced and didn't
Ups my fault, I have not seen the posts after #20 ... So it seems the warranty (given by law) is not void but the guarantee is (given by the company).
Anyway, in the meantime, Asus replied to me saying that if you unlock you lose your entire warranty no matter what. I reiterated, asking if I will also lose my right to a free repair for issues totally unrelated to the unlock, and they said yes, you will lose every right to repair.
So that is the official stance!
Too bad, I'm still in the return period so I might just get rid of it and hunt for a Pixel 5. Kind of sad though, the phone performed pretty well for me so far. But I need muh root and eventually LineageOS...

Categories

Resources