[Q] Question about bootloader. - Xperia Arc Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi. I have a Rogers Branded Sim-Locked Xperia Arc with Gingerbread 2.3.3, and my goal for this phone is to get Cyanogen Mod 7 Beta 11 on it.
I read that in order to flash the custom rom I need an unlocked bootloader. I also read in order to unlock my phones bootloader I need to be able to enter fastboot mode. Unfortunalty I cannot enter fastboot mode since I got my xperia arc directly from my Carrier Rogers. My question is if I purchase an unlock code from one of the various websites out there, and then unlock my phone would I be able to enter fastboot and eventually unlock my bootloader and then flash cyanogen mode 7? Thanks in advance

No.
As things stand, there's nothing you can do to get your handset into FastBoot mode - only factory-unlocked handsets are capable of doing so.

Thanks but im still kind of confused. What about this? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1037874
And so with any custom rom coming out i will need an unlocked bootloader?

That's a thread discussing the possibility of trying to enable Fastboot on handsets that don't currently support it.
But to the best of my knowledge, no significant progress has been made.

So, has any progress been made? Am I able to unlock my bootloader now and get cyanagen mod? Or do I still need a factory unlocked handset cause of the fastboot thing

Have a read of the general and development sections. ;-)
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

i read it but im still a little bit confused, to my knowledge the only way of unlocking my phone to put cynagen mod is to pay someone to remotely unlock my phone?

Unless you have access to SETool, yes.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

Related

[Q] How to fastboot Xperia Play

Hi I have an xperia Play that was locked onto Virgin - I have unlocked it and now want to root it - I have tried everything to get it into fastboot mode - Remove Battery - Replace Battery - Hold Search Key and plug in usb
Nothing
phone just goes to charge mode
any ideas ?
if you need only root don't worry about Fastboot,just do as mentioned in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1045266
you will have your play rooted
keytor69 said:
Hi I have an xperia Play that was locked onto Virgin - I have unlocked it and now want to root it - I have tried everything to get it into fastboot mode - Remove Battery - Replace Battery - Hold Search Key and plug in usb
Nothing
phone just goes to charge mode
any ideas ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as the guy above states, if all it is you are looking for is root access, then just root your phone, but if you actually want to unlock your bootloader to make modifications that require a modified bootloader (there's none so far, but will need if you want to run a alternative kernels etc) you will not be able to do it on a *some* branded devices. It doesn't mean you won't be able to do that stuff in the future, but you should only unlock your bootloader if you really need/want to. It does void your warranty and make it pretty difficult to update/recover currently.
*some* -carrier independent
Hi,guys.
I have unlocked my r800at from at&t. And now i want open bootloader on my phone. I want flash otger kernel. Is it possible some way? maybe some testpoints?
zzhenekk said:
Hi,guys.
I have unlocked my r800at from at&t. And now i want open bootloader on my phone. I want flash otger kernel. Is it possible some way? maybe some testpoints?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice bump.
Sent from my R800x using XDA
I need unlock it. so, any ideas?
zzhenekk said:
Hi,guys.
I have unlocked my r800at from at&t. And now i want open bootloader on my phone. I want flash otger kernel. Is it possible some way? maybe some testpoints?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you just went to At&t and they unlocked it for you?
Have to pay to get it unlocked. Search the forums about unlocking the bootloader to find the guys on here that do it.
snip
Alejandrissimo or jinx.
Or buy some Omnius credits and do it yourself
Sent from a Galaxy far away
Moved to Q & A
pax you a mod now?
Sent from a Galaxy far, far away
mine is an r800at, and i do have my boot loader unlocked by alejandrissimo, but i still cannot get my phone into fastboot mode for my life.. any ideas?

Is it possible to unlock bootloader if phone says it cant be?

I went to see if my bootloader can be unlocked from the sony website.
I followed the instructions by putting that code into my phone dailer.
Under the section if it says my bootloader can be unlocked, it says no.
Does this mean I CANT use custom roms?
Is there no other way to unlock the bootloader?
You can always unlock the bootloader, it's just a matter if it's free or not. It all goes back to whether you can use fastboot or not ( the tool used to flash kernels). If you bought your phone sim unlocked it more than likely means fastboot is enabled and you can unlock for free through sonys tool and be on your way to flashing custom kernels. If your phone is sim locked or you paid to get the sim unlocked by a code then fastboot will be disabled. So to rephrase: turn your phone off, hold the search button and plug it in to your computer, if the status light goes blue (and you're not on a CDMA one, r800x) then fastboot is enabled and you can unlock for free through sonys utility, otherwise you're going to have to use a pay service like this (~$24):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1322827
And to answer your question, yes and no, while it's not possible to flash ROMs that use a custom kernel like cyanogenmod without an unlocked bootloader you CAN flash stock based ROMs through the recovery made for locked bootloaders.
I have an R800A from Rogers.
The LED doesn't go on at all when I press the search button.
When I goto sony's website, I go into the phone settings, where it says if the bootloader can be unlocked, it says NO.
You mentioned a paid servers. Is unlocking the phone by allowing it on another network the same as unlocking the boot loader?
No, that's sim unlocking. Confusingly a bootloader unlock will actually sim unlock you as well though, the difference between the two is a sim unlock is a code and the bootloader unlock is done through test points. So ya, if you didn't get the blue light your only option for unlocking is a paid service, sorry.
Well actually an unlocked bootloader allows booting of custom(unsigned) kernel images and can be achieved with various means according to the situation.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Which is what I said in my above post... And the only ways to unlock it are:
- Through sony's online tool if fastboot is enabled and you have an IMEI (sorry CDMAs)
- Or a test point unlock, such as setool2 or omnius, which will enable fastboot
Oh ok sry then, thought u were being general.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Thanks for the help. I contacted the guy about getting it unlocked.

Xperia ion Bootloader Unlocking & Relocking

Taken from [Tutorial] Xperia S/P/U/Sola Bootloader Unlocking & Relocking and modified slightly for the ion. I take no credit for this tutorial.
Quick tutorial for unlocking & relocking the bootloader of the Xperia ion.
This is the official way to unlock bootloader
Warning!
This procedure will wipe the /data partition of your phone, so you will loose all ur stored data, settings. SDCARD will NOT BE WIPED!!!
DRM keys WILL be lost forever
Why should I unlock the bootloader?
You can flash custom ROMs/Kernels.
You don't need to worry if the new firmware can be rooted or not as with unlocked bootloader you can always ROOT your device.
SE/Sony gives sneak-peaks/preview builds of latest OS which requires unlocked bootloaders, as they did with Xperia 2011 line (they had ICS alpha/beta), so who knows may be SE/Sony may give early builds of ICS (JellyBean???)
Most of this is taken from lollylost100's his tutorial from ARC thread (all credits for that concise tutorial go to him, i have elaborated on a few things and added device specific changes)
[ Before we begin unlocking bootloader ]
Get the IMEI code for your device: type *#06# in phone dialer to find it out, note only the digits (no dashes)
Download the fastboot package with usb drivers (alternate drivers if the ones in package dont work)
Make sure u have a windows PC with USB cable to connect the phone
Power down your phone and keeping the Volume Up button pressed connect the USB cable to PC this will trigger FASTBOOT mode and windows will start driver installation, extract the above package and point the driver install to that location (usb_driver) folder
Once drivers are installed just disconnect cable and power on device
[ how to unlock ] (official way)
Go to: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/ and read everything!
At the bottom click 'Start Unlocking the Bootloader'
First, you should confirm that it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your phone by checking the service menu. In your phone, open the phone dial pad and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu.
In your phone, tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. If Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes, then you can continue with the next step. If it says No, or if the status is missing, your device cannot be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you have verified that you can unlock bootloader, scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Continue"
You will get "Are you sure prompt" accept it by clicking "yes i am sure" (i assume that you have read an understood it)
Then accept the "legal terms"
Finally you will get a "Create Unlock request" page, enter your IMEI (sometimes the last digit needs to be removed for this to work), name and email address
You should now receive your unique unlock key, its displayed on screen, SAVE THIS KEY SAFELY
Extract fastboot_with_Android_USB_file.rar and open fastboot folder
Hold SHIFT and right click on the background of the folder
Select 'Open command window here'
Connect your phone in fastboot mode (turn phone off, hold Volume UP button and plug in USB Cable) [make sure drivers are installed as explained above)
In the cmd windows type in fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version
If a value is returned (it will return 0.5), it means the phone is correctly connected
Type in fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY and replace KEY with the key which you received earlier.
Your device should now be bootloader unlocked
If this tutorial is too much for you then itskapil wrote a step-by-step guide (and recorded a video also):
-Instructions: http://www.theandroidsoul.com/how-to...-play-neo-pro/
-Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRH3pC7MhEA
(the above videos and some steps are for Xperia 2011 devices, but most the steps are same for Xperia ion)
Info on Relocking bootloader is in next post
Relocking bootloader
RELOCKING BOOTLOADER WILL ALLOW YOU TO GET NEWEST UPDATES & REPAIR DEVICE USING SEUS/PCC
Before we begin relocking the bootloader make sure that u have flashtool download & installed
You can get the latest version of FlashTool from:
http://androxyde.github.com/Flashtool/
Download link is under "Installation" tab
If you have not use FlashTool before read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1526866
Download this FTF:
Xperia ion -> LT28-ION_Relock_bootloader_Dogsly-TEST.ftf // Mirror 1
Flash this FTF via FlashTool:
When it says enter flashmode, power down device and keeping VOLUME DOWN button pressed connect usb cable to phone, the device will now enter flashmode (green LED)
After this file is flashed reboot phone
Bootloader will now be relocked!!!
Incase device doesn't boot DO NOT PANIC... You can flash stock firmware FTF anytime to get back to stock ROM
P.S.: there is no official way to relock bootloader
So because my phone says I can't unlock the bootloader, does that mean I can never unlock the bootloader? Or do I have to wait to be able to root it first?
PS: I got my ion from Best Buy so is that why? Will I ever be able to unlock the BL ? I've rooted and unlocked my x10, back in the old days lol but I'm just wondering if there's any difference with getting a phone from at&t directly or from the sony store and best buy.
Auggy99 said:
So because my phone says I can't unlock the bootloader, does that mean I can never unlock the bootloader? Or do I have to wait to be able to root it first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to wait to see if another way to unlock the bootloader is discovered. Root and unlocking the bootloader are two different things that accomplish or allow different things you can do on the phone.
IE rooting allows you to uninstall system apps & bloatware, backup apps/data, make changes to build.prop etc. Unlocking the bootloader will give you access to fastboot so you can flash custom roms/kernels and other images such as a pre-rooted system image to gain root.
I wonder. If we can not unlock the bootloader for some LT28at, why is there a key to unlock it? I did the Sony bootloader unlock for fun and apparently they have a key for my LT28at even though it says bootloader unlock is not allowed.
Bach415 said:
I wonder. If we can not unlock the bootloader for some LT28at, why is there a key to unlock it? I did the Sony bootloader unlock for fun and apparently they have a key for my LT28at even though it says bootloader unlock is not allowed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock bootloader on the LT28i and, accordingly, there is a file to be relock bootloader LT28i
dogsly said:
You can unlock bootloader on the LT28i and, accordingly, there is a file to be relock bootloader LT28i
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that works for lt28i but I'm referring to lt28at the us model of the ion and why there is a bootlloader unlock code when we can't unlock it.
see if it works
Has anyone with an ion that has
Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried to unlock it via the sony site and if you did and it was successful have you tried to relock it using the file linked above? Would be nice to know if that works.
Possible fix?
If the LT28i can be unlocked, what if we flash the international firmware on our LT28at's and then do the LT28i method? Maybe a stupid question but this is the first phone I've had that's a challenge to do stuff like unlocking and rooting. My last phone (HTC Aria) was extremely easy.
SU1CiDE said:
If the LT28i can be unlocked, what if we flash the international firmware on our LT28at's and then do the LT28i method? Maybe a stupid question but this is the first phone I've had that's a challenge to do stuff like unlocking and rooting. My last phone (HTC Aria) was extremely easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing firmwares does not change the ability to unlock the bootloader.
Spectre51 said:
Flashing firmwares does not change the ability to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kinda figured that
I tried to relock the bootloader. The flash pass but the phone can't turn on after that.
*I reflash the stock kernel again and the phone can power on now.
So here is the result, once you relock bootloader, you need to flash back the stock kernel in other to turn on the phone. Hopefully this will help those people who got stuck after relock bootloader.
Hello guys
I was just wondering, if bootloader unlock or flashing cutom kernel will allow to use sim cards from other mobile operators (European for ex.) ?
I have an ability to buy this device in us through my friend. but Im interested if I would be able to use it in Europe I was thinking of buying xperia p or s, but they dont have microsd card support.
Im not interested in using LTE networks. Just common 2g.
I planning to use it like a second android device as a multimedia player instead of my galaxy s wifi5.0. (because of good sound quality and other features).
Thanx a lot for responses
Assyle said:
Hello guys
I was just wondering, if bootloader unlock or flashing cutom kernel will allow to use sim cards from other mobile operators (European for ex.) ?
I have an ability to buy this device in us through my friend. but Im interested if I would be able to use it in Europe I was thinking of buying xperia p or s, but they dont have microsd card support.
Im not interested in using LTE networks. Just common 2g.
I planning to use it like a second android device as a multimedia player instead of my galaxy s wifi5.0. (because of good sound quality and other features).
Thanx a lot for responses
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You can't unlock the bootloader of the lt28at and you can't sim unlock it either. Best bet is get an international version not one from the US.
Sent from my LT28at using Tapatalk 2
Spectre51 said:
No. You can't unlock the bootloader of the lt28at and you can't sim unlock it either. Best bet is get an international version not one from the US.
Sent from my LT28at using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok. thanx
probably wait for Xperia acro S... probably will be sold in europe in nearest future.
Drivers aren't working for my device. The alternative drivers link isn't working. Can someone please upload the alternative drivers. Thank you.:good:
i'm sorry if it was mentioned, but i didn't find . is there a way to unlock the carrier already for lt28at ? i don't mind losing the lte.
apkraven said:
i'm sorry if it was mentioned, but i didn't find . is there a way to unlock the carrier already for lt28at ? i don't mind losing the lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can switch the rom to international version but it will still be bootloader locked. Not sure about carrier
Sent from my Sony Xperia Ion
apkraven said:
i'm sorry if it was mentioned, but i didn't find . is there a way to unlock the carrier already for lt28at ? i don't mind losing the lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1761578
Sent from my LT22i using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Bootloader unlock allowed: NO

Hello, guys
So i got a series of problems since i unlock the simlock,
I just got my new zl a few days ago, the device was lock to Bell.
I rooted the device and after that, i got a code and enter it to the sim free status.
but here is the problems:
when i check the rooting status, it says bootloader unlock allowed: no. It will fail on if unlock straightway.
As i know, it should turns to yes, but it didn't, hwo come? Also, i flash the recovery, but it only works on first time when i get in the recovery mode.
I selected "reboot system now", and cwm point out that will flash stock recovery, no matter i selected yes or no, recovery doesn't work on next boot.
I used to have Xperia S, it was also says no, after i unlock it turns yes. It wasn't happens on my ZL! I tried to flash a new ftf and wiped all the data,
it still says no. Anyone has a same situation? Can anyone fix it?
Nobody reply? Come on guys...
7xbyte said:
Nobody reply? Come on guys...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked mine too but not root and still say no
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
nutzuTo said:
I unlocked mine too but not root and still say no
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which network was ur phone locks to?
7xbyte said:
Which network was ur phone locks to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was locked on Bell Canada, I unlocked with a code to be used on fido network
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
nutzuTo said:
It was locked on Bell Canada, I unlocked with a code to be used on fido network
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do I, maybe Bell not allow BL to be unlock? Recovery can't even work correctly without BL unlock.
Before ZL. My XS was locked to Rogers. As I said, my XS shows BL unlock allowed after typed in the unlock code. Which mean Bell locked the
BL deadly?
I will keep following this god damn sh!*
nutzuTo, thx anyway.
Can anyone confirm that the Bell Mobility (Canada) ZL's are permanently bootloader locked? I want to get one off the used market, but won't unless it can be fully unlocked.
Thanks
Maybe I didnt read the post properly but unlocking your SIM doesnt unlock the bootloader as well. It simply allows your phone to be used with different carriers. I have the C6506 from Rogers, flashed the stock Sony ROM, rooted the phone and installed TWRP and CWM. My bootloader remains locked. I dont have the need to flash the Kernel so no point in unlocking the BL. Besides, unlocking your BL voids the warranty.
Anyway, I have played with the C6506 from Bell in a store and the BL is set to "Bootloader unlock allowed: No" so its pretty safe to assume that all Bell and Rogers phones cannot be unlocked. This doesnt stop you from rooting, flashing or installing recovery.
Simlock and bl lock two different things
if your bl unlock says yes that means you most have one direct from factory
if your bl unlock says no you either have it on a plan or bought it full price through bell or rogers
carrier branded usually bootlocked
Thanks for the replies guys.
I know that custom rom / root / recovery can be flashed, but coming from a galaxy nexus and n7, I'm used to being able to try out different kernels.
Can custom kernels be installed if they're part of the custom ROM? Usually the rom cook puts in the kernel of her/his choice but we can freely change after.
Anyone feel the need to change kernels or the standard one is good enough?
"Can custom kernels be installed if they're part of the custom ROM? Usually the rom cook puts in the kernel of her/his choice but we can freely change after."
Yes.When you are thinking about installing/flashing custom rom but want different kernel DL and extract the boot.img(name may vary but must end .img)
Now FLASHTOOL is sonys verision of the "Nexus Toolkit" . If you dont have adb setup download and install program to C: as well as all drivers needed. Now in the flashtool folder copy and paste the ".img" kernel into the folder named x10lib.
After double click folder labeled "x10lib" once inside the folder open command prompt window by holding left shift and right click anywhere in the opened x10lib folder.
now make sure your device is connected to your pc in fastboot mode (hold vol +) led will emit blue light.
enter command
"fastboot flash boot boot.img"
followed by
"fastboot reboot"
Anyone feel the need to change kernels or the standard one is good enough?"
yes i first used doomlords kernel (Xperia ZL) mainly for the fact that it came with cwm recovery .thus making the need to flash cwm seperatley an extra non needed step. this was before i flashed 4.2 update.
sirsmokey said:
"Can custom kernels be installed if they're part of the custom ROM? Usually the rom cook puts in the kernel of her/his choice but we can freely change after."
Yes.When you are thinking about installing/flashing custom rom but want different kernel DL and extract the boot.img(name may vary but must end .img)
Now FLASHTOOL is sonys verision of the "Nexus Toolkit" . If you dont have adb setup download and install program to C: as well as all drivers needed. Now in the flashtool folder copy and paste the ".img" kernel into the folder named x10lib.
After double click folder labeled "x10lib" once inside the folder open command prompt window by holding left shift and right click anywhere in the opened x10lib folder.
now make sure your device is connected to your pc in fastboot mode (hold vol +) led will emit blue light.
enter command
"fastboot flash boot boot.img"
followed by
"fastboot reboot"
Anyone feel the need to change kernels or the standard one is good enough?"
yes i first used doomlords kernel (Xperia ZL) mainly for the fact that it came with cwm recovery .thus making the need to flash cwm seperatley an extra non needed step. this was before i flashed 4.2 update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With that said, how would I go about flashing CM or something else aosp based with a locked BL xperia zl?
Can flashtool unlock my BL to allow this?
I ask because I clean see an option there, just haven't wanted to muck about with things I don't yet understand lol
sadly only way to change bootloader unlock allowed to yes is to carrier unlock from ur carrier directly. anyone else and it will not change bootloaded unlock allowed no to YES. I have called bell and sony. sony told me i have to carrier unlock through bell to get it to change to yes only thing is. you have to have had your phone for 90 days and it costs75$ added to ur bill.

[Q] (lt26) Enabling the fastboot feature after removing simlock?

hey guys, after much searching and finding different and none conclusive answers, i have have to ask this, bootloader unlock allowed:no i understand thats linked to the disabled fastboot feature which is somehow related to the simlock, anyhoo ive removed my simlock via nck, ive not yet performed a clean flash (if that would even work) but is there a way for me to now enable fastboot on my device or should i accept its a no go?
Some have claimed a sim unlock unlocks the loader but there is no proof, if you're locked youre locked, just get a different device honestly
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
thank you for your response, i might trade in then, just startin out at development, need 2 ditch stock to progress with the learning lol

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