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.
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
I am planning to buy the Sony Xperia ZL and i was think that in future i might root it and load custom rom in it.
I wanted to know if the international version of the Xperia ZL (with no carrier lockings) is by default unlocked or not. And if it is locked then is it possible to unlock it?
Some light here would help me. Thank You
if it's unlocked you probably can unlock the bootloader (sony is very developer friendly, I guess it only makes sense for them to lock bootloaders because of carriers). For the branded versions it all depends on the carrier. I have a branded Xperia ZL from Vivo (ZQ here in brazil, actually) and it has a unlockable bootloader.
I would recommend for you to go to a local store and check it it's unlockable it's simple, just follow these instructions:
http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions
note this paragraph:
First, you should confirm that it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your device by checking the service menu. In your device, open the dialler and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu. If you have a tablet, click here to learn how access the service menu.
In your device, 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.
Hope it helps.
Also, remember to backup your TA partition before unlocking, or you'll lose your DRM Keys and your Bravia Engine forever (and they will not work again even if you relock your BL).
No need to unlock it unless you plan on flashing any non stock kernel based rom.
As someone already said, backup the TA first.
Hi Everybody,
I have a Xperia M C1904 on JB 4.3 [15.4.A.1.9] on Vodafone Australia
My bootloader unlock status is no i was wondering if it is possible to
A) Unlock the bootloader
B) install Custom roms (KitKat Possibly?)
C) get some form of custom recovery whether it be TWRP or CWM etc.
and also i would like to know step by step how to check whether the sim is locked and if possible how to unlock for free (if locked)
i know its alot to ask
Thanks
Andrew
I'll tell you everything I know.
Unlocking the bootloader unlocks the full capacity of the phone. This means you will be able to flash a custom recovery, and within the custom recovery, you can flash ROMs and everything else. But if "Bootloader unlock allowed" says no, then you won't be able to unlock your bootloader, thus not being able to flash a custom recovery. The only way to flash these is to implement a custom recovery for locked bootloaders, which is not yet available for Xperia M.
To determine whether your SIM is locked, the phone won't read it and would request for a SIM Unlock PIN.
SonyXperiaM said:
Hi Everybody,
I have a Xperia M C1904 on JB 4.3 [15.4.A.1.9] on Vodafone Australia
My bootloader unlock status is no i was wondering if it is possible to
A) Unlock the bootloader
B) install Custom roms (KitKat Possibly?)
C) get some form of custom recovery whether it be TWRP or CWM etc.
and also i would like to know step by step how to check whether the sim is locked and if possible how to unlock for free (if locked)
i know its alot to ask
Thanks
Andrew
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A) we will never be able to unlock the bootloader if it says bootloader unlock Allowed: no.
B) possibly in the near future, if we get a custom recovery working on LB
C) some devs are working on it, but nothing yet. We could be getting it in the near future.
To see if your phone is sim locked, go to the phone app and enter the code *#*#7378423#*#* and a service menu should open up. Click on service info, then sim lock. If you have a 3 beside network then you are sim locked. If you have a 0 then you are sim unlocked.
I thought I've had this device nearly 2 years now so time to unlock and root as the custom ROMs are looking great.
But if I go on Sony page and enter my details to unlock my bootloader it informs me my device is not unlockable.
What are my other options?
Simply means your device is not unlockable. That's it. I'm guessing you got this through a phone carrier.
Yep through Vodafone, so is there no other option
Nope. It's done. Bootloader can't be unlocked at all. Even if you try to unlock bootloader anyway using flashtool, it will ask you to enter unlock key, which you can obtain only through sony website.
Thanks for your help maybe I should just upgrade to a new phone then only reason kept it stock was for warranty