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
Hi guys,
A friend of mine wanted to install kitkat on his xperia m, I have a xperia too (sp) so I thought I could easily help him! We rooted the device, made a TA backup and we tried to unlock the bootloader. We followed all the steps on the sony site and when we entered the command in cmd it said [FINISHED] and just that I remember when I unlocked my sp's bootloader it said stuff like this "[BOOTLOADER]unlock requested" But it didn't do this on my friends M! I thought it was fine so we proceeded and installed archidroid together with it's custom kernel. We rebooted the device and it didn't do anything at all (just a black screen, not responding to anything) so that just tells us that the bootloader is NOT unlocked and not accepting custom kernels. We had to restore the device with flashtool to get it up and running again
Does anyone know what's wrong?
Open dialer and put in *#*#7378423#*#* then go to service info then configuration and on the bottom at rooting status. if it says yes then it can be done if it says no then there no possible way to unlock it at all. Screenshot of mine
Sent from my C1905 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
hello everyone i'm new to this flashing devices thing so be patient with me please
i have an Xperia M C1905 with locked bootloader and i can't seem to unlock it but i really want to flash new roms of Android 5 but i have no idea how to do so without CWM so can you please help me by telling me how or showing me a thread that does i will be forever thankful
can anyone please help me i still didn't get an answer for my problem pleaaaaaase
Hello, welcome to the Xperia M forums. I hope you manage to find what you are looking for here, however the device is a low activity device (namely due to the lack of locked bootloader recovery).
Firstly, please see if your device's bootloader can be unlocked. To do this please follow the steps I am about to post;
1) Open your phone dialer,
2) Type *#*#7378423#*#* (*#*#SERVICE#*#*),
3) Tap Service Info,
4) Tap Configuration,
5) Look to Rooting Status, it will show one of three statuses;
5.1) Rooting status 1; Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes (this means that you can unlock your bootloader).
5.2) Rooting status 2; Bootloader unlock allowed: No (this means that you can't unlock your bootloader).
5.3) Rooting status 3; Bootloader unlocked: Yes (this means that your bootloader is already unlocked).
If you have either status 1 or 3 you are able to install Android 5 onto your device.
Firstly you will have to have an unlocked bootloader, you can do this by following the official instructions by Sony here (skip this if your bootloader is unlocked).
Then use a ROM from the forums what is Android M based.
If you have status 2 however you are unable to install Android 5 onto your device I'm afraid.
Hello.
I've searched forums and found some threads like this but my problem is a bit like them and a little bit different at the same time.
Sorry for my ENGRISH
I have Sony Ericsson Arc S, (LT18i). My brother bought it from UK and bringed to me, to Türkiye (Turkey). As you guessed, Turkish simcards didn't work and my brother gave money to a mobile phone seller to unlock it's simlock. After this, we able to use phone with Turkish simcards in Turkey.
The other day, after a couple years, I wanted to install a custom ROM on my Arc S.
This is how everything started.
I searched XDA forums and took notes. How can I do it, which programs needed etc.
Preparing
First, I did a factory reset.
After the phone opened, I changed usb connection to MSC, allowed Unknown sources and opened USB debugging.
I installed Flashtool 0.9.10.0. I readed a couple posts about that, previous versions gives no errors.
Under /drivers folder I found a driver package. Installed it with just Flashmode, Fastboot and Sony Ericsson Arc drivers selected.
Pluged in my phone and checked if it's drivers installed or not. Success. I can see my phone in device manager.
Installing
I readed a few guides and they say I have to Unlock bootloader. So I clicked Bootloader Unlock option in Flashtool. Followed the instructions, gone into flashmode, restart, gone into fastmode with pressing menu button and plugging the usb cable etc. There was a window with my IMEI and I followed the instructions and I get a code (long, including letters and numbers) from official sony website. I entered this code to that window and it said my bootloader is unlocked.
After that, I rooted the device. No errors.
Installed CWM via Flashtool. No errors as far as I remember.
AND THIS: Flashing a ROM. I found an Android 5.0.1 ROM and it said that I had to flash boot.img. So I did. I mean, I tried. I GOT ERROR. And, BUM. Something happened and I couldn't open the phone.
After a search, I found a solution says using Sony Companion may restore the phone. I tried this. Follow the instructions and my phone opened with ICS 4.0.4 instead of old version, 2.3. And now, it says, INSERT THE SIM CARD.
I searched the forums about 2 days and didn't find a solution to this. It ignores my sim card. Then, I saw a secret code about simlock and bootloader status and entered that code *#*#7378423#*#*
Under Simlock option,
They say there must be X's. At least the first one must have X on simlock screen but it hasn't. And there are all 0's. No X's, and zeros. So this is bad i think.
Under Configuration
In configuration section, it says Bootloader Unlock Allowed: No. As far as I learned from XDA forums, that means bootloader is locked again. Because it must be unlocked or unlock allowed: yes.
So i tried to unlock bootloader again. I had no idea what I've done. First, it said go flashmode. Done. And it said go into Fastboot. I couldn't. No Blue LED.
You see the thing? => Flashtools says go Fastboot to run Bootloader unlocker. I can't. Forums says I have to bootlocker unlock to enter fastboot. Bootloader unlock to enter fastboot. But enter fastboot to boot unlock. Wow.
Lastly, I tried flashing custom TFT's to see if it can flash or not. IT FLASHED. I can flash STOCK TFT's, even a KERNEL i downloaded from here. I can Root, install Busybox ( I don't know what is it haha), Install CWM 5.0.
But since it can't see my Sim Card, i didn't try to install custom ROM.
What I have to do? How can I unlock to simcard lock if it's locked? is my bootloader locked?
My brain hurts.
I wrote all things because it's easy to solve a problem with more information. So a few things more:
I use Windows 10.
I didn't use original cable at first. But you know, no errors now. It's not important at this point I think.
I unistalled mobile device from devices manager and delete the driver. I installed inf file from sony website and selected it for ADB driver. It says now Sony sa01102 ADB Interface Driver. If Fastboot needs correct drivers, I installed from it's official site, offical one.
I didn't tried another computer because again; no errors from Flashtool.
THANK YOU ALL.
I maybe copy this to other websites.
About Loader.sin Error
I did get Loader.sin Error a few times. But when I use previous Flashtool version, there was no loader.sin error.
"In configuration section, it says Bootloader Unlock Allowed: No. As far as I learned from XDA forums, that means bootloader is locked again. Because it must be unlocked or unlock allowed: yes." It means you cannot unlock bootloader! Its not possible , your phone is locked , i mean you cant run fastboot mode , its locked , install stock firmware and thats all , you cant install any custom firmwares as Cyanogenmod or custom kernel anymore. If you can't understand it sorry because english is not my main language.
Hey guys,
I want to open my bootloader.
i want to use this tutorial to unlock my BL
Official Bootload unlock from LG
Because i didn't know if i need to use or if it's okay to just flash
http://forum.xda-developers.com/g4/...p://www0.xup.in/tn/2016_02/13933741.png[/img]
And on my phone are absoulutly no infos.
"Welcome to fastboot mode for bootloader unlock:
1) Read Device ID ...
2) Write unlock Key
3) Chack Bootloader is unlocked
....
but not more and no dropdown possibility.
If there would a stock or so one with
root and mm and unlocked bootloader, that woukd be reakky nice.
if not, than i need help please.
2nd try is a littlebit horrorble
i used 3 different adb.exe
At first i wanted t o start bootloader with the second picture. that didn't work. With the left it was poassible ind in the last ist don't know
Device Search: (nothing found)
can #closed.
fix. reinstalled some drivers with newer ones