Hey there!
I'm trying to unlock the bootloader on my Sony Xperia M c1905. Currently it says Bootloader Unlock Allowed = No. I've already requested a Sim unlock code from o2 (The phone carrier & the store from which I purchased the phone originally) and successfully removed the Sim lock from the phone. I've also upgraded the ROM and rolled it back again with a full reset to 15.1.C.2.8 however it hasn't changed Bootloader Unlock Allowed = No to Yes.
I've carried out extensive research into the problem, read through the full service manuals for the Xperia M trying to locate the test point to try the test point unlock method (same as was common on the 2011 models) however I've been unable to find it. I've included an attached picture of the phone's logic board showing the available contact points, does anyone know which one is the test point and also if the procedure for unlocking the bootloader via this method is the same as on the 2011 phones? If not what is the procedure? (I've already got an understanding of using s1tool etc)
Alternatively, if someone knows of another method to change bootloader Unlock Allowed = No to Yes on this phone then obviously that will sort the problem as well!
Thank you in advance!
Related
Hello
I recently came into possession of a sony xperia lt15i which is currently on Virgin (UK) and I would like to unlock the device. Its currently charging so I cant advise the OS.
Can anyone offer some help please
the software version is 2.3.4
You can unlock the Bootloader by one of three ways and Sim unlock by one, which is to pay for it.
Hi mate,
Mine was locked to Virgin UK, I unlocked via the test point method. Below is a quick guide I made in a previous post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=30011599&postcount=4
This method does unlock the Boot loader though, not sure if you want to do that yet.....
Hope you find it helpful
BTW: it doesn't matter which firmware your running.
Hello everybody!
***Note: this is for the Xperia Arc S; I forgot to put the S in the subject ***
I have been reading and trying different things the last hours to get a different SIM-card working in my Arc S.
The SIM that was bought together with the phone is from carrier Proximus, Belgium.
Now I have two SIM-cards here from Germany that I want to use with the phone: one from BASE, and one from O2.
What happens is when I boot my phone, give in my PIN-code, it simply restarts. After that I can give my PIN again, but then it restarts again,... and so on.
What I did so far:
1. I rooted the phone with the DooMLoRD's Easy rooting toolkit v3.0.
2. I unblocked the Bootloader via the following method: Fast GSM Sony Ericsson SE Xperia Arc S Unlock Network Flashing Debrand.
I checked if it worked:
- Before BL unlock: S1 Boot version: 1241-3656 R9A029
- After BL unlock: S1 Boot version: 1241-3656 r9A021
--> its not a capital r anymore,...
But still I have the same problem as I explained in the beginning of my post.
Other specs you might need to help me:
- Phone Software Version: 1253-8238_4.0.2.A.0.42 GENERIC - user
- 2.3.4 Android version
- File System Version: WORLD-i_4.0.2.A.0.42
Another weird thing is, that if I go on the tab: Service Info --> SIM lock
--> all items have a 0 behind them, which I thought ment that they are not blocked,...
So hopefully somebody has some suggestions what I can try next,...
Thanks in advance, Pieter.
Rooting and bootloader unlocking will never remove the SIM lock.
To remove SIM lock you need either a code from telecom company or you need to pay somebody to use setools, it is a paid service as you need to use Sony servers to get unlock code.
Xda member jinx13 offers this service via remote contact see if he can help.
Sent from my LT18i using xda premium
Ok thank you for the reply, I contacted Jinx13 already. I will wait what he says,...
Pieter
Recently got an R800at from ebay that was unlocked (first ever smartphone, woo). I was able to use my dad's sim card no problem, and dialing the number for the settings window showed no column stating whether the bootloader was allowed to be unlocked or not - according to some threads I've read, users who had unlocked Plays also had the same experience, leading me to believe my bootloader was indeed unlocked.
After following the Gin2Jellybean guide, I managed to brick my phone today (stuck on sony ericsson text), but restored via downloading a stock rom off the internet and installing via flashboot (the SUS and pc companion were having issues - they said no software was available or I had the most up to date software).
Now it seems I goofed up a second time; I was following the Gin2Jellybean guide again when I realized I was following the version for locked bootloaders! I was already on step 4 to install CWM when I realized this, but I decided to just try to install doomlord kernel v14 as per normal and hope that the doomlord root toolbox from the locked bootloder tutorial that I had used wouldn't conflict with anything.
Upon reading the directions for doomlord kernal v14, I decided to double check that my bootloader was still the same as yesterday (before I had bricked my phone). As it turns out, I now have a column for bootloader, and it says unlocking is not allowed. So what's the deal, was my phone's bootloader actually unlocked in the first place, and if so, why is it not unlocked now? According to this thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1720201), bootloader unlocking is permanent.
Here's the link to the guide I'm following: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1631144
Gonna go take the dog for a walk now and listen to some calm relaxing music... Hopefully I didn't screw myself over here.
So when you typed in that code, you got told that your bootloader can't be unlocked? If this is the case, you would have to pay to have it unlocked by someone such as Alejandrissimo. It may be that your bootloader was never able to be unlocked as i can't think of why that would change
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using xda app-developers app
SIM unlock and bootloader unlock are two very different things, as you've probably found out by now; the r800at models can't be bootloader-unlocked with the free Sony method; you're going to have to pay someone, and it'll cost you at least $20. If you got one of the phones from the guy selling them for $105 on eBay, I'm pretty sure those are SIM-unlocked only.
If you don't want to pay extra, there's nothing wrong with keeping it locked; there're a few ROMs you won't be able to use, and you can't change your kernel, but for the most part you should have a good experience.
FEGuy said:
SIM unlock and bootloader unlock are two very different things, as you've probably found out by now; the r800at models can't be bootloader-unlocked with the free Sony method; you're going to have to pay someone, and it'll cost you at least $20. If you got one of the phones from the guy selling them for $105 on eBay, I'm pretty sure those are SIM-unlocked only.
If you don't want to pay extra, there's nothing wrong with keeping it locked; there're a few ROMs you won't be able to use, and you can't change your kernel, but for the most part you should have a good experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything you said seems to be spot on. The only thing that doesn't add up is why there wasn't anything saying one way or the other whether my bootloader was unlocked yesterday, but now today there is.
And ya, I probably won't end up paying the $20; basically I just wanted to remove bloatware and have a nice looking interface. Besides the question about why there was nothing on my bootloader yesterday, can you say offhand whether my sim should still be unlocked? I don't have one nearby to test.
Go to the dialer and enter *#*#7378423#*#* and go to Service Info -> SIM lock. The bottom line should say SIM 0 if it's unlocked. As for why it wasn't showing the bootloader status, I don't know. I was having the same problem yesterday, on multiple ROMs, so perhaps it was added in some specific update.
So, I'm the owner of a shiny new Sony Xperia Z (hurrah!) but have quickly discovered that rooting it is not so easy (boo!), so would appreciate the benefit of other people's opinions/experiences.
First off, the hardware in question:
Sony Xperia Z
Model C6603
Android 4.3
Build 10.4.1.B.0.101
I've investigated a lot of threads here and elsewhere and watched through some videos, but no solid method of rooting it as yet.
So far, I've:
1) Gone into the developer settings and checked the bootloader status. It is set at Bootloader unlock allowed: no
2) I contacted my carrier and had the phone unlocked so that it is SIM-free. I have tested this and can now use any SIM card. When I recheck the developer settings however, it still says Bootloader unlock allowed: no.
3) I've used Sony's own unlocking site to run through the various settings and to upload my IMEI. I have a unlock boot loader key from Sony, but still cannot get this damn bootloader to say anything other than 'no'.
4) Reasoning that it might just be falsely reporting its status, I tried using the unlock function within Flashtool and it bugs out with a "Bootloader not unlocked" message.
So, as a last resort, I'm turning to you guys. Is there anything, short of me asking Sony or making hardware changes myself, I can do to get this damn phone rooted?
Dear all :
Recently I bought an Arc S and want to unlock its bootloader, however it comes up with unlock fail. Really frustrated for that... Please give a helping hand
1. I 've tried the unlocking on three different machines Win 8 x64 Win7 x64 Win XP SP3 x86,
all showed Version 0.3 finished and oem unlock fail
2. I 've checked the IMEI code when the Arc S is on GB and ICS, both showed the same 15 digits IMEI.
3. I used the first 14 digits of my IMEI to apply the unlock Key by different explorer (IE,Firefox,Chrome), all showed the same unlock key
4. Track ID is functioning properly so I think the machine is not unlocked before
5. Bootloader Unlocked Allowed : Yes
6. Done all the methods stated in
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2380524
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1484473
http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Android-development/bd-p/22051
http://mobility.forumsee.com/a/m/s/...locking-bootloader-sony-xperia-arc-lt18i.html
http://apk.tw/thread-300792-1-1.html
And Failed
Much appreciated for help
XperienceD said:
Bootloader & SIM Unlocking:
PLEASE NOTE: The ONLY WAY to Sim Unlock your Phone is to PAY for it, so do some Googling and read which services have been recommended in the past.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE:
If you're Phone was manufactured AFTER a certain date, 12W11 (look under your battery for a similar number) then the Testpoint method no longer works, and People who have had Phones returned from a Service Centre are reporting that they can no longer unlock via the Testpoint method either.
- Know Your Android Bootloader - What it is and Why it Matters
There are three ways to Unlock yours, the Standard/Official method (For SimFree/Un-Branded Phones) which is explained HERE, (PLEASE NOTE! - You loose DRM when using the official method but not with the TestPoint) but if your Phone came from a Carrier then chances are (99%) you won't be able to use that method. There is a simple method of checking if you can or not which you'll find HERE.
Standard Unlocking:
Then there is the TestPoint method...
TestPoint Unlocking:
Two members - Alejandrissimo or Jinx13 offer a Remote Service which isn't free, but cheaper than anywhere else on the net, and when you take in to account you will also SIM Unlock and retain DRM using the Remote method it's worth it.
References:
[Tutorial] Relock bootloader!
SE Bootloader Unlocking v1.6
[Tutorial] Unlock Bootloader.Test Point | For Newbs
[Tutorial] Xperia S/P/U/Sola Bootloader Unlocking & Relocking
[REF]Booting/Unlocking Xperia 2011 series: What's under the hood?
[Guide] Unlocking bootloader on operator branded phones via Omnius
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...
XperienceD said:
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine states 12W48, but I don 't think it is branded or simlocked since I bought it from a local retailer in Hong Kong.
So even though it says Bootloader Unlocker allowed : Yes still might have chance that It is simlocked?
You should be able to unlock by the official method, which you wrote about.
You said it showed "oem unlock fail". What's the full error given in the log?
Guess I found the answer.
I think this is a refurbished Arc S and the IMEI code is a fake one.... "awesome" china goods....
Any method to unlock the phone given that YOU DON 'T KNOW your true imei?
Under the battery or in Dialer *#06#.
You don't get my meaning....
What I mean fake code is that
1. The IMEI stored in the phone
2. The IMEI stated in the sticker and box
are ALL FAKE.
I found that there are a lot of similar cases in some other Chinese Androids. They figured out the reason behind that is the IMEI code is modified by retailers (Well I don 't know how can they do it, but it seems very easy to them) and the IMEI you extracted by all means from the machine is no longer the original one...
Any method to unlock the phone given that YOU WILL NEVER KNOW your true IMEI?
zeroexe said:
You don't get my meaning....
What I mean fake code is that
1. The IMEI stored in the phone
2. The IMEI stated in the sticker and box
are ALL FAKE.
I found that there are a lot of similar cases in some other Chinese Androids. They figured out the reason behind that is the IMEI code is modified by retailers (Well I don 't know how can they do it, but it seems very easy to them) and the IMEI you extracted by all means from the machine is no longer the original one...
Any method to unlock the phone given that YOU WILL NEVER KNOW your true IMEI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes,
you can use test-point method to unlock which requires no IMEI number.
Oh boy..... What is going on....
Wait a second. This makes no sense. Firmware reports one IMEI, but phone is actually using a different one? How do you even use it then?
That 's why those chinese refurbished "brand new phone" are so awesome...
They claim that the phone is brand new and the evidence is that the IMEI stated in the phone , the box , the sticker are the same. However you use that that IMEI to unlock the phone and eventually fail. The only reason is that this is a refurbished one and those IMEI are fake.... There are numerous cases in the Chinese Android Forums.... You even can not unlock it by brute force (test point method)....
In that case we are not talking about Xperia Arc, but a chinese copy of this phone. Thereby this method does not work for you.
Sent from my LT18i
No. The machine itself is ORIGINAL, you can do a official update and apply the original ftf. The retailers received those second-hand goods and then INSERT A NEW IMEI and forge those stickers for the box and the machine so that the retailers can claim that it is brand new. I searched in the forum and found that some retailers will insert the same IMEI in to a batch of refurbished phone =.=
There are numerous methods for unlocking the phone but all resort to the IMEI, what if you have a fake IMEI =.=