[INFO] Xperia ACRO S Re-listed for Unlocking Bootloader - Sony Xperia S, Acro S, Ion

Recently, Xperia Acro S was been removed from the Unlocking Bootloader list on the Official Sony site.
As maintaining a thread on Acro S section, some of my friends were unable to unlock their bootloader due to missing device in the list.
So, I Emailed Sony few weeks ago requesting them to re-list Acro S, and they said, they'll look at this. Now its been Re-listed.
I have even attached three screenshots for your conformation. So see it, Just check out below three links,
SS-01 || SS-02 || SS-03
For those who were waiting to unlock their phone, here's a good news for you all. Go ahead and get the unlock code from official Sony site providing them your IMEI.
1. To Get Unlock Code just click HERE!
2. Unlocking Bootloader step-by-step Guide, just click HERE!
Regards,
hitman-xda

As I said, I'll notify you after Acro S is re-listed, I'll mention you here; @bluvn || @sky202_how89 || @els_sand

Wow, Thanks for the surprise! U make my days!

sky202_how89 said:
Wow, Thanks for the surprise! U make my days!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds good

Hey but too bad is I totally brick my phone. Almost all of the solution found by google seems no used.
Out of surprise, it happened for most of the Xperia Phones who are heavy flashing with custom ROM.
Check out the thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-s/help/xperia-acro-s-sim-card-service-detect-t3200650
Now my XAS is becoming a powerful MP4 Player. What a desperate. ;( ;(

sky202_how89 said:
Hey but too bad is I totally brick my phone. Almost all of the solution found by google seems no used.
Out of surprise, it happened for most of the Xperia Phones who are heavy flashing with custom ROM.
Check out the thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-s/help/xperia-acro-s-sim-card-service-detect-t3200650
Now my XAS is becoming a powerful MP4 Player. What a desperate. ;( ;(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you checked weather your Bootloader is unlocked? If not then check it.
Also try to repair your phone through PC companion.
Its a strange problem. Hearing it first time.
Did you followed exact procedure of the Guide that I linked?
I don't think it occurs due to heavy flashing of ROMs, because I have used every ROM available for the phone for almost 100 times. I usually change my ROM after a month.

hitman-xda said:
Did you checked weather your Bootloader is unlocked? If not then check it.
Also try to repair your phone through PC companion.
Its a strange problem. Hearing it first time.
Did you followed exact procedure of the Guide that I linked?
I don't think it occurs due to heavy flashing of ROMs, because I have used every ROM available for the phone for almost 100 times. I usually change my ROM after a month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem occurred when the user try to flash back to stock ROM from Custom ROM.
The Bootloader is unlocked.
Now the BL appear to be like this: Bootloader Unlock Allowed = No (*#*#7378423#*#*)
Enter fastboot fail (No fastboot detected), Only Flash is allowed.
To install CWM or TWRP required fastboot, so I can't do anything besides keep trying to flash wiith different version of stock FTF.
Solution I tried but failed:
- Fix using Sony PC Companion (PCC)
- Flash any version of stock ROM, inclusive of just flashed the "Baseband" only.
- Flash Acro-HD S0-03D ROM then flash back to stock ROM.
- *#*#4636#*#* -> Phone information -> Set preferred network type (any of the option & reboot)
- Settings -> More -> Mobile Networks -> Network Mode(any option & reboot)
- Settings -> More -> Mobile Networks -> Select providers (automatic or manual), it manage to detects the service providers but registered on the network failed.
- Insert other active SIM Card
I try to locate the Antenna Board but it seems like it was attached with the mainboard. Unlike Xperia Z, the Antenna Board is seperated.
I assume this problem occurred when the partition accidentally bricked by Flashtool? I did try to flash different version of Baseband, nothing seems work.
I need someone favors. Create a Pre-rooted Stock ROM(.ftf) with Recovery Accessed (CWM or TWRP).
I found somewhere from this forum stated that tried to install back any of the Custom ROM to fix the No Signal Issue which it appeared to be my last hope. Without Recovery(Required Fastboot to install), I couldn't install any custom ROM.

sky202_how89 said:
The problem occurred when the user try to flash back to stock ROM from Custom ROM.
The Bootloader is unlocked.
Now the BL appear to be like this: Bootloader Unlock Allowed = No (*#*#7378423#*#*)
Enter fastboot fail (No fastboot detected), Only Flash is allowed.
To install CWM or TWRP required fastboot, so I can't do anything besides keep trying to flash wiith different version of stock FTF.
Solution I tried but failed:
- Fix using Sony PC Companion (PCC)
- Flash any version of stock ROM, inclusive of just flashed the "Baseband" only.
- Flash Acro-HD S0-03D ROM then flash back to stock ROM.
- *#*#4636#*#* -> Phone information -> Set preferred network type (any of the option & reboot)
- Settings -> More -> Mobile Networks -> Network Mode(any option & reboot)
- Settings -> More -> Mobile Networks -> Select providers (automatic or manual), it manage to detects the service providers but registered on the network failed.
- Insert other active SIM Card
I try to locate the Antenna Board but it seems like it was attached with the mainboard. Unlike Xperia Z, the Antenna Board is seperated.
I assume this problem occurred when the partition accidentally bricked by Flashtool? I did try to flash different version of Baseband, nothing seems work.
I need someone favors. Create a Pre-rooted Stock ROM(.ftf) with Recovery Accessed (CWM or TWRP).
I found somewhere from this forum stated that tried to install back any of the Custom ROM to fix the No Signal Issue which it appeared to be my last hope. Without Recovery(Required Fastboot to install), I couldn't install any custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all let me clear that 'Unlocking Bootloader Allowed = No'
That means you cannot unlock it unless your coming to stock from other ROM.
Also Bootloader can be unlocked only once. So if your coming back to stock from custom, why did you tried to unlock your BL again?
Even if you flash stock ftf, you no need to unlock your BL again.
Secondly, don't try to flash other ROMs into your phone, you could mess up everything, even hard brick.
Your Fastboot mode isn't working, right? If so, then try to install fastboot drivers from flashtool driver pack. Maybe it could work.

hitman-xda said:
First of all let me clear that 'Unlocking Bootloader Allowed = No'
That means you cannot unlock it unless your coming to stock from other ROM.
Also Bootloader can be unlocked only once. So if your coming back to stock from custom, why did you tried to unlock your BL again?
Even if you flash stock ftf, you no need to unlock your BL again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not lock my BL, it just lock back by themselves. I still remember I unlock my BL with Sony Official way in 2013. After that, I did not touch that BL again. It's just after the recent flash which I did the same way like before(Custom to stock ROM), everything mess up.
Secondly, don't try to flash other ROMs into your phone, you could mess up everything, even hard brick.
Your Fastboot mode isn't working, right? If so, then try to install fastboot drivers from flashtool driver pack. Maybe it could work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I even format my pc which I thought it was my pc issue earlier. But ends up I realize it was something regarding to my BL. With BL Unlock Allowed: No, you cannot enter to your bootloader or fastboot.
This video is showing exactly my problem now:
Other thread that I discovered with same issue as I am:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2432566
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z/help/xperia-z-signal-drops-unable-to-connect-t2183045
My very last but not recommended solution is to change the motherboard. However, looking at the posting not only me having the issue and it mostly happened when users are flashing back from Custom ROMS to Stock ROMS.
Changing motherboard is like changing another phone, your feeling towards the phone changed.

sky202_how89 said:
I did not lock my BL, it just lock back by themselves. I still remember I unlock my BL with Sony Official way in 2013. After that, I did not touch that BL again. It's just after the recent flash which I did the same way like before(Custom to stock ROM), everything mess up.
I even format my pc which I thought it was my pc issue earlier. But ends up I realize it was something regarding to my BL. With BL Unlock Allowed: No, you cannot enter to your bootloader or fastboot.
This video is showing exactly my problem now:
Other thread that I discovered with same issue as I am:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2432566
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z/help/xperia-z-signal-drops-unable-to-connect-t2183045
My very last but not recommended solution is to change the motherboard. However, looking at the posting not only me having the issue and it mostly happened when users are flashing back from Custom ROMS to Stock ROMS.
Changing motherboard is like changing another phone, your feeling towards the phone changed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After flashing stock ftf, the BL status always shows 'Bootloader Unlock Allowed = No' but it is actually unlocked. So it does not get relock after flashing stock ftf.
It seems like a serious problem.
Maybe, flashing other ROM will help you a bit. For that Obviously your phone must enter into fastboot mode (which is not happening). In this case did you use 'dd' command for installing recovery? If not then you could try it. And I think you'll be succeeded to install recovery and further you can flash ROM.zip through recovery.
You just need to copy recovery.img into your internal memory and enter some command's using adb shell.

sky202_how89 said:
I did not lock my BL, it just lock back by themselves. I still remember I unlock my BL with Sony Official way in 2013. After that, I did not touch that BL again. It's just after the recent flash which I did the same way like before(Custom to stock ROM), everything mess up.
I even format my pc which I thought it was my pc issue earlier. But ends up I realize it was something regarding to my BL. With BL Unlock Allowed: No, you cannot enter to your bootloader or fastboot.
This video is showing exactly my problem now:
Other thread that I discovered with same issue as I am:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2432566
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-z/help/xperia-z-signal-drops-unable-to-connect-t2183045
My very last but not recommended solution is to change the motherboard. However, looking at the posting not only me having the issue and it mostly happened when users are flashing back from Custom ROMS to Stock ROMS.
Changing motherboard is like changing another phone, your feeling towards the phone changed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must have used a newer version of flashtool. This is causing similar issues for many people. The only solution for now seems going to Sony service center. There is another method too, flashing the TA backup, but I don''t know if it works or not.

hitman-xda said:
After flashing stock ftf, the BL status always shows 'Bootloader Unlock Allowed = No' but it is actually unlocked. So it does not get relock after flashing stock ftf.
It seems like a serious problem.
Maybe, flashing other ROM will help you a bit. For that Obviously your phone must enter into fastboot mode (which is not happening). In this case did you use 'dd' command for installing recovery? If not then you could try it. And I think you'll be succeeded to install recovery and further you can flash ROM.zip through recovery.
You just need to copy recovery.img into your internal memory and enter some command's using adb shell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try & let you know soonest. Kinda busy this few days.
---------- Post added at 05:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:32 PM ----------
Mirhawk said:
You must have used a newer version of flashtool. This is causing similar issues for many people. The only solution for now seems going to Sony service center. There is another method too, flashing the TA backup, but I don''t know if it works or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES, I am flashing with NEWEST VERSION of Flashtool. After that, the result turned nagative.
Do you mean TA Partition? Do you have a backup copy of it?
---------- Post added at 05:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:35 PM ----------
Latest UPDATE about the issue, PLEASE TAKE NOTE BECAUSE YOU'RE ABOUT TO BRICK YOUR PHONE JUST LIKE ME. THIS IS IMPORTANT!
@hitman-xda , Please pass this message around. Btw, How to quote the name?
If everyone here in this post flashed their phones with Flashtool 0.9.19.x version, then congrats my friends, we're all become owners of bricked phones with no network signal. Flashtool 0.9.19.x versions have sript error which replaces original Ta partition leading to unlocked bootloader to become locked and loss of network signal. If you're guys haven't backuped your Ta partition prior to bootloader unlocking then that's all.
Check here http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...68&postcount=4 and here http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...postcount=2758
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xpe...ice-detect-t3200650/post62904161#post62904161

sky202_how89 said:
YES, I am flashing with NEWEST VERSION of Flashtool. After that, the result turned nagative.
Do you mean TA Partition? Do you have a backup copy of it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing with latest flashtool flashes a partition which renders modem of the phone useless. Yes, I mean the TA partition. Each phone's TA partition is unique, so if You flash mine or other person's TA partition, Your phone would not even boot.

This is toooooooooooooooooooooooooooo OVER! It means my phone is bricked forever.
It's their mistake but we have to bear it on our owns.

sky202_how89 said:
This is toooooooooooooooooooooooooooo OVER! It means my phone is bricked forever.
It's their mistake but we have to bear it on our owns.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did nothing worked?

hitman-xda said:
Did nothing worked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, nothing worked because Flashtool just accidentally bricked our Sony in the whole world. A careless mistake destroy the phone.
In 0.9.18.X, simlock.ta is always excluded by default but a careless mistake on the version 0.9.19.(1234) (at that time), The Simlock.ta is included while flashing. Each phone TA has their own unique number. Besides changing the mianboard (the only solution right now), no ones manage to solve this issue.
I wonder how many Sony phone in the world has already been bricked by this Flashtool update.
Androxyde said:
On 0.9.18.X, even if simlock is included, it is excluded from flashing
On 0.9.19.5 I did this way :
- simlock is excluded by default with a warning when including it (unticking button)
- When simlock is included, when flashing, a YES/NO box appears asking if you are absolutely sure you want to flash this unit.
- When creating bundles, simlock can be included (no risk with 0.9.18 as it is always ignored)
So if you have a TA backup, with 0.9.19.5 you can restore the 07DA unit (then reactivating the phone). Thing you cannot do with any previous release as 07DA unit is hardcoded_excluded.
I will publish another patch that will backup any TA unit that is about to be flashed. That way there will always be a solution to come back to the previous state.
simlock, if present, is always ignored in 0.9.18 release
simlock, if present is excluded by default with the ability to include it with a warning and a user query before flashing the unit
people who had issues are ones using ftf bundles created prior to 0.9.18 with simlock included. Never had issues on 0.9.18 as it is excluded by default, I forget to keep this exclusion on 0.9.19.[1234] and added a defautl exclusion on .5 with the ability to include it anyway.
But maybe it is not the right way ... I was asking myself when I did it. I want to give the ability to restore 07DA unit if ever a backup exists
The only way to recover from locked phones is to reactivate them in a service center or to restore the 07DA unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

sky202_how89 said:
Yes, nothing worked because Flashtool just accidentally bricked our Sony in the whole world. A careless mistake destroy the phone.
In 0.9.18.X, simlock.ta is always excluded by default but a careless mistake on the version 0.9.19.(1234) (at that time), The Simlock.ta is included while flashing. Each phone TA has their own unique number. Besides changing the mianboard (the only solution right now), no ones manage to solve this issue.
I wonder how many Sony phone in the world has already been bricked by this Flashtool update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that is disappointing
Hard to believe, that Sony really did that serious change in its software.

hitman-xda said:
Well, that is disappointing
Hard to believe, that Sony really did that serious change in its software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least you're out of trouble. I suggest you need to backup your TA Partition just in case.
Each TA is unique and cannot be transferred.
If your TA is used by 3rd party, they may face a Hard Brick & cannot be recovered anymore.
Well, this is an added Security by Sony. They are not stupid to "share" openly for free.
Now I'm realize.

sky202_how89 said:
At least you're out of trouble. I suggest you need to backup your TA Partition just in case.
Each TA is unique and cannot be transferred.
If your TA is used by 3rd party, they may face a Hard Brick & cannot be recovered anymore.
Well, this is an added Security by Sony. They are not stupid to "share" openly for free.
Now I'm realize.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't do that. Coz I have already unlocked my bootloader months ago

hitman-xda said:
I can't do that. Coz I have already unlocked my bootloader months ago
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's bad but still not too late. Your next Sony in future will be secured
I'm already ordered the replacement mainboard.
What kind of mainboard-Lock BL or Unlock BL, I do not know because it's not a new one.
Waiting for shipment.

Related

[Q] A few questions about MK16, Roms, etc.

Sorry, I know this is the arc forum, but as there is no mk16 forum, I saw that usually people post pro development's in arc's forums.
I bought an used mk16 with the 4.0.1.a.0.283 firm, and the bootloader unlockable as explained in this link the SE website.
I installed Android SDK, JDK, PC companion, etc. I was unable to install the fastboot drivers until I found someones in SE website and now it seems to be OK (blue light if I connect the phone (turned off) to the computer while holding menu key)
After that, I configured my phone to enable USB debugging. Then I installed flashtool, and I tried to root the phone with it. It worked! (I didn't expect it to work, because I saw a few post with scripts, etc. to root the phone...)
So...
- Now I am with that firmware, rooted. Wich rootable firmware do you recommend me to flash to my phone? I always loved cyanogenmod, but I don't know if there is problems with the freexperia releases (like bad quality in camera picture, low volume, etc.)
- What is the baseband? I have one ending in 49.
- What are the requirements to install clockworkmod recovery? I love this recovery to do my nand backups, etc. Do i need to unlock bootloader to this? Is there any chance to lock again the bootloader? You know, for warranty things.
- Do you have ny list of what apks are secure to erase from /system/app? For example, I don need the moxier pro, let's golf, etc.
I suppose that those questions have been answered before, but without the mk16 forum, searching that info is quite impossible...
Thanks in advance.
Search keywords: mk16 mk16i bootloader flashtool wotan
khodos said:
Sorry, I know this is the arc forum, but as there is no mk16 forum, I saw that usually people post pro development's in arc's forums.
I bought an used mk16 with the 4.0.1.a.0.283 firm, and the bootloader unlockable as explained in this link the SE website.
I installed Android SDK, JDK, PC companion, etc. I was unable to install the fastboot drivers until I found someones in SE website and now it seems to be OK (blue light if I connect the phone (turned off) to the computer while holding menu key)
After that, I configured my phone to enable USB debugging. Then I installed flashtool, and I tried to root the phone with it. It worked! (I didn't expect it to work, because I saw a few post with scripts, etc. to root the phone...)
So...
- Now I am with that firmware, rooted. Wich rootable firmware do you recommend me to flash to my phone? I always loved cyanogenmod, but I don't know if there is problems with the freexperia releases (like bad quality in camera picture, low volume, etc.)
- What is the baseband? I have one ending in 49.
- What are the requirements to install clockworkmod recovery? I love this recovery to do my nand backups, etc. Do i need to unlock bootloader to this? Is there any chance to lock again the bootloader? You know, for warranty things.
- Do you have ny list of what apks are secure to erase from /system/app? For example, I don need the moxier pro, let's golf, etc.
I suppose that those questions have been answered before, but without the mk16 forum, searching that info is quite impossible...
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xperia Pro has a very few roms for now.The famous CM7 & CM9 are available for Xperia Pro.I guess,MIUI is also available(not sure).But,You must unlock your bootloader in order to install these roms.Rooted phone is not enough to install these roms.Atleast not yet. And rest assured,there is not drawback regarding camera and volume.Different users have different taste,many like it and many dont.But the fact is they are closely equal.
Basebands are well explained by a XDA member in the following post,please do take a look at it
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1462360
For CWM, you only need a rooted phone.And the easiest way to install CWM on locked-bootloader Xperia 2011 device is by using this beautiful app from the following link.Go check it out
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1437840
For relocking bootloader,i haven't come across any thread which claims to relock Xperia Pro's bootloader.But yes,relocking Xperia Arc's bootloader is poosible.You can give it a try but I'm not sure if it would work on Xperia Pro or not.Here is the link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134335&highlight=relock
Here again,we have a the list of system apks with their descriptions for Xperia Arc's firmware.I assume that the Xperia Pro Has Almost the same System Apks with it so the list for Xperia Arc would also imply for Xperia Pro as well.Here is the link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1089470
PS: Welcome To XDA
Thank you very much for all that information and the wellcome.
I can execute commands like "fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version" or "fastboot.exe devices" while in fastboot mode, so I assume that's OK.
But in the SE website they are very insistent about voiding warranty depending of blablabla. My phone is an unlocked (SIM free) from fabric one. I understand it will void the warranty if the phone would be form Vodafone (for example), but not mine... Do you know anything about this?
Do you recommend me any official rom? maybe the .42 one?
Now I have clear everything about the baseband, thanks.
That CWM apps you linked say to me (downloades form market) that MK16i is not supported by the app
I will take a look at that APK list, but first I want to be able do a NAND backup before starting to remove apks
Thanks again.
khodos said:
Thank you very much for all that information and the wellcome.
I can execute commands like "fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version" or "fastboot.exe devices" while in fastboot mode, so I assume that's OK.
But in the SE website they are very insistent about voiding warranty depending of blablabla. My phone is an unlocked (SIM free) from fabric one. I understand it will void the warranty if the phone would be form Vodafone (for example), but not mine... Do you know anything about this?
Do you recommend me any official rom? maybe the .42 one?
Now I have clear everything about the baseband, thanks.
That CWM apps you linked say to me (downloades form market) that MK16i is not supported by the app
I will take a look at that APK list, but first I want to be able do a NAND backup before starting to remove apks
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See, Unlocked phone means the phone is SIM free,i.e you can use any carrier SIM in your phone.But, Unlocked-Bootloader is a different thing.When you unlock bootloader,then you are free to flash any ROM which is compatible with your phone.Unlocking Bootloader voids warranty and that is what the SE website is trying to say.
I would recommend you to update your phone to the official .42 fimware version because it has many new features when compared to .283 ROM.Use SE update service or PC Companion for updating your phone.
And about cwm..try this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1302037&highlight=cwm
Thx again
I know the diff between sim locked and bootloader looked. It's just that I don't understand why they let you unlock the bootloader, but don't keep the warranty...
I have unlocked the bootloader right now. Didn't know that it wipes all your configuration, apps, etc! At least, it's still rooted.
I have installed that CWM, and booted to it, but now I don't know what combination do I have to press to boot again into CWM XD Maybe is an image to boot just one time?
And about the ROM you recommend, PC Companion offers me the .62, not the .42. SE Update Service tells me that I have modified software (because of the rooting, I suppose) so it can't update my phone. Any idea?
Thanks again
khodos said:
Thx again
I know the diff between sim locked and bootloader looked. It's just that I don't understand why they let you unlock the bootloader, but don't keep the warranty...
I have unlocked the bootloader right now. Didn't know that it wipes all your configuration, apps, etc! At least, it's still rooted.
And about the ROM you recommend, PC Companion offers me the .62, not the .42. SE Update Service tells me that I have modified software (because of the rooting, I suppose) so it can't update my phone. Any idea?
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that you have unlocked-bootloader, then you must not use SE update service,niether PC Companion Update nor SE OTA updates !! If you do,then it will brick your phone.
The other option you have is to flash a firmware.For more details follow this link http://www.wotanserver.com/en/sony-ericsson/se/xperia-pro-mk16/unlock-tool/debranding-flash
Thx!
I edited my previous post with this:
I have installed that CWM, and booted to it, but now I don't know what combination do I have to press to boot again into CWM XD Taking a look at the commands executed in the bat, maybe is an image to boot just one time?
Thanks about the wotan link. Really easy to flash. Now I'm in .42. Do you know where can I find the firmware changelogs?
I'll take a second look to flashtool, because I'm going to need it to flash the CM 7.2 and the baseband...
Thanks again.
khodos said:
Thx!
I edited my previous post with this:
I have installed that CWM, and booted to it, but now I don't know what combination do I have to press to boot again into CWM XD Taking a look at the commands executed in the bat, maybe is an image to boot just one time?
Thanks about the wotan link. Really easy to flash. Now I'm in .42. Do you know where can I find the firmware changelogs?
I'll take a second look to flashtool, because I'm going to need it to flash the CM 7.2 and the baseband...
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search in this forum and you can find the changelog
Have fun.
Sent from my LT18i using XDA
QUESTION
AFTER OPENING THE BOOTLOADER
I CAN FLASH THE ROM AN OFFICIAL FTF?
PANCHOMATASANO said:
AFTER OPENING THE BOOTLOADER
I CAN FLASH THE ROM AN OFFICIAL FTF?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea sure..
---------- Post added at 01:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:58 PM ----------
khodos said:
Thx!
I edited my previous post with this:
I have installed that CWM, and booted to it, but now I don't know what combination do I have to press to boot again into CWM XD Taking a look at the commands executed in the bat, maybe is an image to boot just one time?
Thanks about the wotan link. Really easy to flash. Now I'm in .42. Do you know where can I find the firmware changelogs?
I'll take a second look to flashtool, because I'm going to need it to flash the CM 7.2 and the baseband...
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if u wan a permantent CWM based recovery and u r using any stock or stock based ROM use this kernel.. flash it using fastboot..
http://www.mediafire.com/?m4f43973m3vxybs
PANCHOMATASANO said:
AFTER OPENING THE BOOTLOADER
I CAN FLASH THE ROM AN OFFICIAL FTF?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just need to flash an official firmware, then there is no need to unlock the bootloader. I was advised not to unlock it when not necessary (for example to flash the phone with some custom ROM like CM). Because with locked bootloader you should not be able to brick the phone and you could be always able to save the situation using Sony PC Companion.
So if you need to flash an official firmware, you can do it without any unlocking via Wotanserver. The firmware flashing is free, just register there. The flashing is very easy - there is a graphic wizard which tells you what to do.
EDIT: Ooops, flashing FW using Wotanserver is no longer free - costs 2 EUR now. Few weeks ago I flashed my phone there for free...

From Samsung to Sony and confused about Bootloader unlocking.

Im thinking of buying a Z5P and while i have searched a lot, i just cant seem to find the answer to a question i have maybe someone here can help. On Sonys developer website there is instructions on how to unlock the bootloader and the last line of the instructions are as follows, note the part in blue text.
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.[/B]
My question is how/where do i buy a Z5P that will definitely be Bootloader unlock allowed yes, surely its not just a case of random devices are unlockable is it? I was going to buy this from carphone its sim free so im expecting to be allowed to unlock the bootloader but dont want to buy it only to find i cant.
http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/phones/sony-xperia-z5-premium/handset?colourCode=BLACK
If the phone has no SIM lock, it's bootloader should be unlockable. I say "should" since I am not aware of other factors that keep the bootloader locked, but there might as well be.
On another note, unless you are a fairly advanced user and are set on flashing your device with a custom kernel, I would not recommend a bootloader unlock before root or an option to back up of TA becomes available.
It contains your device's DRM which gets irreversibly lost which makes your camera perform worse(BIONZ stops working), among other things.
CPW is the place to go for unlockable fones. I got my Z5P from there.
Sent from my SGP311 using XDA Free mobile app
As mentioned elsewhere, IN GENERAL (rare exceptions) - if it's SIM-unlocked it'll be bootloader-unlockable. If it's SIM-locked, the bootloader is almost guaranteed to be perma-locked.
While SIM locks and bootloader locks are technolgically independent, in the case of Sony devices (This rule of thumb can NOT be applied to any other manufacturer), SIMlocked devices have a permanent bootloader lock, devices sold without a SIM lock can have bootloader unlocked. Note that in the case of phones sold with a SIM lock that are later unlocked with a PIN - the bootloader lock is still disallowed.
Cheese for the replys everyone I got the phone from the carphone and its boot loader unlock allowed yes
I got the regular z5 instead though.
Hey, Dunno if I have an option or not, but my phone says Bootloader Unlock Allowed: No.
I imagine that it's a no, but is there any way to unlock the BL? If not I may consider swapping the Z5P out for something else, dunno if I can live without root
NJ72 said:
Hey, Dunno if I have an option or not, but my phone says Bootloader Unlock Allowed: No.
I imagine that it's a no, but is there any way to unlock the BL? If not I may consider swapping the Z5P out for something else, dunno if I can live without root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try flashing another firmware through flashtool that is allowed.
KbaB.BroS said:
Try flashing another firmware through flashtool that is allowed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worth a punt, didn't think about that. The only concern is that Flashtool isn't supported for the Z5p according to Sony's site.
NJ72 said:
Worth a punt, didn't think about that. The only concern is that Flashtool isn't supported for the Z5p according to Sony's site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you use flashmode there is no need to be supported, because the program doesn't know which phone it is in that state. I flashed my Z5P once using flashtool about a week ago.
KbaB.BroS said:
As long as you use flashmode there is no need to be supported, because the program doesn't know which phone it is in that state. I flashed my Z5P once using flashtool about a week ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, cool, thanks.
Where do I get the firmware from for Flashtool? Can I flash something like AurRom using Flashtool?
Sorry for the idiot questions, but I haven't used Flashtool very much at all. Much more familiar with ODIN, ADB and flashing through recovery...
NJ72 said:
OK, cool, thanks.
Where do I get the firmware from for Flashtool? Can I flash something like AurRom using Flashtool?
Sorry for the idiot questions, but I haven't used Flashtool very much at all. Much more familiar with ODIN, ADB and flashing through recovery...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install flashtool from "flashtool.net"
It comes bundled with Xperifirm where you can download ftf files for every Xperia device. You access Xperifirm through the Flashtool program.
You cannot flash AurROM through flashtool because it's not a ftf file. Flash a stock rom and try unlocking the Bootloader afterwards.
And don't worry about asking "stupid questions". This thread is made for every kind of questions, as long as it's about the device.
KbaB.BroS said:
Install flashtool from "flashtool.net"
It comes bundled with Xperifirm where you can download ftf files for every Xperia device. You access Xperifirm through the Flashtool program.
You cannot flash AurROM through flashtool because it's not a ftf file. Flash a stock rom and try unlocking the Bootloader afterwards.
And don't worry about asking "stupid questions". This thread is made for every kind of questions, as long as it's about the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much.
One final question, in the UK I have EE WiFi calling currently - if I install non-carrier specific firmware I will most likely lose this. Is there any way I can backup the existing software so I can revert whether the flashtool flash works or not?
NJ72 said:
Thanks very much.
One final question, in the UK I have EE WiFi calling currently - if I install non-carrier specific firmware I will most likely lose this. Is there any way I can backup the existing software so I can revert whether the flashtool flash works or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try this guide:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F0bSsGxFdks
NJ72 said:
Thanks very much.
One final question, in the UK I have EE WiFi calling currently - if I install non-carrier specific firmware I will most likely lose this. Is there any way I can backup the existing software so I can revert whether the flashtool flash works or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you want to do is follow sonys instructions on how to check if your phone is able to unlock bootloader here: http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/unlock-yourboot-loader/
If you can unlock your bootloader, which you will know after performing the simple steps provided by sony, then you need to install android studio along with required drivers etc, before you can actually unlock the bootloader.
Android studio can be found here: http://developer.android.com/sdk/installing/index.html?pkg=studio
Read everything throughly, it is important to get all the details regarding usage and installation.
After installing Android studio, you should download all the required SDK's found inside android studio->Configure->SDK Manager.
On the left side you will see several options in the navigation menu.
First go to Appearance & Behavior->System settings->Android SDK. Then in the "window" you have, make sure the first tab is selected (SDK Platforms).
Here you need to check all the android versions your phone(s) run.
Then go to the second tab (SDK Tools) and download:
Android SDK Build Tools
Android SDK Tools 24.4.1
Android SDK Platform-Tools 23.1
Google USB Driver
Android NDK
I am not sure if you really need the NDK one, but the rest I think is required. You can do as I did and choose all if you want.
On the last tab (SDK Update Sites) I have checked everything.
When you have done all of this, you should install Flashtool and go to the install directory and open the Driver folder, where you will find a .exe file. Run this and click next untill you can choose a few items from a list, in this list you should check Fastboot drivers, and USB drivers, and any other options that are relevant to your use, then finish the installation. (The entire installation of Flashtool should be done with 100% admin rights on the user).
After this is done, connect your phone to your pc and go to device management on your pc and you will likely find something similar to this:
If you have this yellow exclamation mark triangle thingy, then you will need to manually install your USB drivers.
Download your driver here: http://developer.sonymobile.com/downloads/drivers/
Then right click the yellow exclamation mark triangle thingy device in device management, and select update driver, then select "Browse my computer for driver software".
On the next window, select "Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer".
In the list that appears, select "Show All Devices" and click next.
Click the "Have Disk" button, then navigate to the driver you downloaded, and you will get 3 options in the window on you screen, select "Android ADB Interface" and click next.
Confirm by pressing "Yes" Then press "Install".
If completed without problems you should see "Windows has successfully updated your driver software".
*NOTE* On the above steps, you can also navigate to the folder where you installed android studio, which should be something similar to this: C:\Program Files(x86)\Android\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driver OR it can be found your USER folder.
and here you can install the usb_driver aswell, which should make most phones support USB debugging and ADB on via your pc.*NOTE*
now reconnect your phone and the exclamation mark triangle thingy should be gone, good!
Next thing you can do is navigate to the installation folder of Android studio, and go to the Platform-Tools folder.
Inside the folder, hold down shift, while right clicking any white empty space inside the folder, and click open terminal here.
In the terminal, type: "adb devices" /Without the " marks. then it should say something about daemon not running etc, when its done, do the same command again, and you should se you device listed. Good, at this point you are ready to unlock bootloader!
If you have succeeded in every step so far, then go ahead and unlock bootloader following sonys instructions!
When you are done, you can simply follow the guides provided in the custom Rom thread itself most of the time.
If not, then a simple way to do it is:
Get all the files you need for the rom flash. That means Kernel, rom img, and a custom recovery like TWRP and SuperSU.
It is REALLY important that all files are for your device specifically!
Put the SuperSU.zip and the custom Rom.zip on your sd card and put it in the phone.
To avoid any trouble, do as I did and save all those files in the Platform-Tools folder, because you need to open the terminal as shown earlier in the post, by holding shift and right clicking in the same folder as the files, this is a must.
Open the terminal from the same folder as the rom, kernel and recovery.
type:
Code:
fastboot flash boot NAMEOFYOUR_KERNEL.img (This is usually boot.img)
fastboot flash recovery NAMEOFYOUR_RECOVERY.img (Usually contains TWRP in name)
fastboot reboot
You should now press volume up key when a led lights up while you see the sony logo, a orange light, not the red one, this will bring you into recovery, from here choose install, then navigate to your SuperSU.zip and install it.
Reboot your phone and you are now rooted, if you also have a custom rom, then place it on your sd card like the SuperSU.zip, but make sure the custom rom is a ZIP file!
Boot into recovery and install the custom rom, wipe cache and dalvick cache.
Congratulations on your custom rom!
Hope this helps a bit, sorry for any errors, but this is exactly how I did it, as far as I can remember!
Btw, this can seem like alot of work, especially when and if you encounter any problems while installing. I know I did encounter ALOT of them, but hopefully with my simple guide you can avoid them!
Luckily, this is just something you have to do once if you do it 100% right!
xirt0n said:
What you want to do is follow sonys instructions on how to check if your phone is able to unlock bootloader here: http://developer.sonymobile.com/unlockbootloader/unlock-yourboot-loader/
If you can unlock your bootloader, which you will know after performing the simple steps provided by sony, then you need to install android studio along with required drivers etc, before you can actually unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem he has is that his stock ROM (or the phone itself) doesn't allow bootloader unlocking, probably because of SIM and carrier lock. Therefore he first needs to find a way to make the phone unlockable.
KbaB.BroS said:
The problem he has is that his stock ROM (or the phone itself) doesn't allow bootloader unlocking, probably because of SIM and carrier lock. Therefore he first needs to find a way to make the phone unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am no expert on this, but doesnt the carrier decide if its locked or not?
I've seen people solve it by flashing different and unbranded firmware, but not for this particular phone tho, but I dont think it's officially possible.
xirt0n said:
I am no expert on this, but doesnt the carrier decide if its locked or not?
I've seen people solve it by flashing different and unbranded firmware, but not for this particular phone tho, but I dont think it's officially possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point he could at least try, he's got nothing to lose. I have never had this problem, because I buy my phones unlocked no carrier involved, so these are only suggestions.
KbaB.BroS said:
At this point he could at least try, he's got nothing to lose. I have never had this problem, because I buy my phones unlocked no carrier involved, so these are only suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, what I would try is first just try to do a full restore of your phone via PC Companion, and if that doesnt work then id try downloading an unbranded firmware from XperiFirm (If I am not mistaken, those named CUSTOM or something are unbranded) and then flash that via flashtool and see if that works, if not then your last hope is to get it replaced by warranty, which I'd say is fraud if the device isnt actually malfunctioning.
xirt0n said:
Yeah, what I would try is first just try to do a full restore of your phone via PC Companion, and if that doesnt work then id try downloading an unbranded firmware from XperiFirm (If I am not mistaken, those named CUSTOM or something are unbranded) and then flash that via flashtool and see if that works, if not then your last hope is to get it replaced by warranty, which I'd say is fraud if the device isnt actually malfunctioning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think PC Companion works at all, because the only thing it does is downloading identical firmware like the one on the phone. So Flashtool only choice.
I replaced mine with one from flashtool that has a lot less bloatware it originally came with.
KbaB.BroS said:
I don't think PC Companion works at all, because the only thing it does is downloading identical firmware like the one on the phone. So Flashtool only choice.
I replaced mine with one from flashtool that has a lot less bloatware it originally came with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I never personally used PC companion so I didnt know what it does, I just saw people suggest it around

Bought an FRP locked phone, need a serial number

I bought a phone that was FRP locked (I know, stupid me) and cannot access the serial number in order to emergency flash it with Smart Switch. Can someone please share their serial number with me so I can reflash it? If not, does anyone have any help? I am on G920PVPU3CPF4
Even doing a SmartSwitch (or Odin) flash won't remove the lock. No amount of flashing or resetting will remove it. The lock is stored in a hidden partition that is never touched by flashes and resets.
There are ways to remove the lock, but they're paid services offered by professionals
iBowToAndroid said:
Even doing a SmartSwitch (or Odin) flash won't remove the lock. No amount of flashing or resetting will remove it. The lock is stored in a hidden partition that is never touched by flashes and resets.
There are ways to remove the lock, but they're paid services offered by professionals
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a similar issue, could this be fixed with a Z3X Box?
you could try this method . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggRhkme9FC0
if for any reason didn't work try this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRUp09bXnDA
JeffB81 said:
I have a similar issue, could this be fixed with a Z3X Box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it can be, do you have one?
discomaniac said:
Yes it can be, do you have one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but I was able to repair my phone with Odin and the CPI3 firmware. Thank you
JeffB81 said:
No, but I was able to repair my phone with Odin and the CPI3 firmware. Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You took off FRP lock with software?
JeffB81 said:
No, but I was able to repair my phone with Odin and the CPI3 firmware. Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confirm?
vazersecurity said:
Confirm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read elsewhere that flashing the original firmware the phone was factory installed with can fix the frp lock
crazynapkinman said:
I have read elsewhere that flashing the original firmware the phone was factory installed with can fix the frp lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. FRP is held in a partition that is not touched during a firmware flash
vazersecurity said:
Confirm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iBowToAndroid said:
Incorrect. FRP is held in a partition that is not touched during a firmware flash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then what about this Cl3? Are there steps after flashing the firmware?
crazynapkinman said:
Then what about this Cl3? Are there steps after flashing the firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing firmware can't fix an FRP lock - period.
If you want to know what that poster meant by his message, I suggest you ask him directly
Samsung phones can be frp unlocked by flashing firmware
I have personally FRP unlocked 2 Samsung phones by flashing the stock firmware usin Odin. A samsung j7 and a Samsung s5. I am getting so sick of people saying you can't do something when they have no clue. I have also flashed older versions into phones. That's how I rooted the s5 infact. When everyone was saying it was impossible to root at the time. As soon a I figure out how to use sp flash or something to flash different phones other than Samsung I will post saying how it worked not get on someone else's post and say it will never work it's impossible. The world of computers, phones and software is suppose to be open source not locked, hidden and full of viruses.
Bullshipcaptcha said:
I have personally FRP unlocked 2 Samsung phones by flashing the stock firmware usin Odin. A samsung j7 and a Samsung s5. I am getting so sick of people saying you can't do something when they have no clue. I have also flashed older versions into phones. That's how I rooted the s5 infact. When everyone was saying it was impossible to root at the time. As soon a I figure out how to use sp flash or something to flash different phones other than Samsung I will post saying how it worked not get on someone else's post and say it will never work it's impossible. The world of computers, phones and software is suppose to be open source not locked, hidden and full of viruses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL.
The FRP data is stored in the "persistent" partition, which is never touched by a firmware flash, just like EFS and a bunch of other partitions.
So no.
That doesn't matter when the phone no longer has a persistent partition.
iBowToAndroid said:
LOL.
The FRP data is stored in the "persistent" partition, which is never touched by a firmware flash, just like EFS and a bunch of other partitions.
So no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You obviously think you know something and I wont argue or dispute whether you do or dont but I know what I did for sure and what I did was flash stock firmware into those phones and they where no longer FRP locked afterwards. Also When the phone is bricked the phone is flashed blank. There are no patitions if flashed blank. Even when there is persistent data it's still data that is able to be edited with a custom rom which can be flashed after you flash stock rom. I dont know much but I know what I have done personally. My wife is still using her rooted j7 with note 8 D.N.A undetected that we bought f.r.p. locked.
So ya. Just because the internet says it's not possible doesn't mean it's not possible It just means you haven't tried hard enough to prove it yourself. Brick that phone if you have to. Build with that brick.
Bullshipcaptcha said:
You obviously think you know something and I wont argue or dispute whether you do or dont but I know what I did for sure and what I did was flash stock firmware into those phones and they where no longer FRP locked afterwards. Also When the phone is bricked the phone is flashed blank. There are no patitions if flashed blank. Even when there is persistent data it's still data that is able to be edited with a custom rom which can be flashed after you flash stock rom. I dont know much but I know what I have done personally. My wife is still using her rooted j7 with note 8 D.N.A undetected that we bought f.r.p. locked.
So ya. Just because the internet says it's not possible doesn't mean it's not possible It just means you haven't tried hard enough to prove it yourself. Brick that phone if you have to. Build with that brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own a business that does FRP removals and many other software-related services for mobile devices . I've done this for years - knowing this type of thing is literally my job.
The "persistent" partition is ALWAYS there - just like system, boot, recovery, and all the others. And I promise you, you can't remove an FRP lock by throwing it in Download mode and flashing some firmware with Odin, just like you can't remove it by booting to recovery mode and doing a factory reset. It's just not that easy.
Your going to need to go against the grain her a moment . Business or no business
iBowToAndroid said:
I own a business that does FRP removals and many other software-related services for mobile devices . I've done this for years - knowing this type of thing is literally my job.
The "persistent" partition is ALWAYS there - just like tem, boot, recovery, and all the others. And I promise you, you can't remove an FRP lock by throwing it in Download mode and flashing some firmware with Odin, just like you can't remove it by booting to recovery mode and doing a factory reset. It's just not that easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm telling you. I'm not debating the facts. Im telling you what I did. Kinda like I did today with a Moto e4 play. I bypassed frp with flashing stock rom through Odin and then custom rom on the Samsung J7. Today I bypassed frp lock with twrp on the Moto e4 with the bootloader still saying OEM locked . I don't have a business in the phones field but I am a business man and sittin on 12 frp locked phones gets tire some. Thant goodness for broken digitizers and displays or I'd still have a bunch more of them. I wont dipute that you know what your doing because likely you do more so than I; we can can probably be certain. I'm just going to tell you the 100 percent fact. Upset wife as my motivating factor I successfully unlocked and rooted a j7 by flashing stock rom into it with Odin then custom reccovery then root then custom rom. The custom recovery I used by accident was for a different brand Jay 7 so mysecond time around I tried the "right" recovery and bricked it. Then again and again and again until Knox was tripped and that's when finally I took bl,ap cp, csc and flashed them in dl mode successfully from there I had Rob from simple cell unlock ( Thanks Rob your the best) remotely unlock the jay7 from T-Mobile after which I flashed the "wrong" proper twrp file giving me the ability to install custom note 8 dna rom into the system. Took two tries, first try I flashed no encrypt no verity but it custom rom frp locked. So second time I made sure I install the developer tools package with OEM unlock switch not able to be turned off then no encrypt no verity. It was a very long process since especially since it was only my second successful full root. Then vallet. Man becomes praised by wife. Man feels empowered man tears apart more phones makes mess, MAN HAPPY! WIFE HAPPY! LOL okay sorry about that part.
---------- Post added at 04:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:06 PM ----------
iBowToAndroid said:
LOL.
The FRP data is stored in the "persistent" partition, which is never touched by a firmware flash, just like EFS and a bunch of other partitions.
So no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None the less each developer has a different approach that being said you frp unlocking phones? I have a Samsung s8 Moto e5 five LGs one zte n835 a couple of alcatels and a few more I couple reassemble real quick If I knew some one who had the abilitby to unlock especially if said amazing developer was teaching El padawan young Como. Yo tango mucho programs, apps and software. Just need the knowledge.
Bullshipcaptcha said:
Today I bypassed frp lock with twrp on the Moto e4 with the bootloader still saying OEM locked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thinking you can flash TWRP on a locked bootloader device shows me exactly what your knowledge level is when it comes to all of this. Future discussion would be futile, and no more responses from me will be had. I do wish you luck with your devices though
How frustrating you are.
Your business need some schooling it sounds like. Your business can't be doing good. Go ahead and Google the Moto e4 unlock method. You will see. You have to try before you say it won't work.
discomaniac said:
I bought a phone that was FRP locked (I know, stupid me) and cannot access the serial number in order to emergency flash it with Smart Switch. Can someone please share their serial number with me so I can reflash it? If not, does anyone have any help? I am on G920PVPU3CPF4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just removed the frp lock on my s6 using a combination firmware (found here-https://firmware.gem-flash.com/index.php?a=downloads&b=folder&id=7410) which completely erased all partions and allowed me to access the settings menu to enable the OEM unlock setting. They are two different firmware there. I used the second one and it worked like a charm. Hope this helps

Moto G7 Play bootloader unlock issues - "bad key", not OTA, no way to roll back?

Moto G7 Play bootloader unlock issues - "bad key", not OTA, no way to roll back?
My plan was to unlock the bootloader before configuring the new phone - just in case I might need it later, then use the phone as out-of-box. I unlocked the bootloader for the new Moto G7 Play, following the official procedure via the Motorola Accounts page, resulting in:
- Fastboot page shows: "flashing unlocked"
- When booting up, I see a black page with the words "bad key", then the phone boots
- The updater sais that the phone is corrupt and no (OTA) updates can be done
- I could not try TWRP, as there is no TWRP for the G7 Play yet (so not sure if flashing would work)
My concerns now are that I will not be able to update the phone, and that the "bad key" issue might cause other problems.
So my plan would be to roll back and lock the phone again, to use it as out-of-box (not worrying about warranty loss that might already have happened - I did accept these terms). However, that does not work, too:
- Locking bootloader requires factory images, which are not available for the G7 Play
- Locking bootloader with fastboot OEM lock will not work without complete images
Any suggestions how bring the phone back to normal? I am disappointed by Motorola, as they officially offer the unlock procedure - which then does not produce the expected outcome, breaks updating, and provides no way to go back? Mind you, I did not apply any "hacks", nothing but the official Motorola unlocking steps.
Thanks for advice
I have the same problem and i cannot fix it.
I tried to get advice from Motorola support - but replies are very generic, referring to the bootloader unlock page (we obviously found that) or to the Motorola Forum (where the answer isn't). Will now just live with the unlocked phone and hope for the opportunity to OTA / update in a while
CoffeeMachineSwitch said:
- When booting up, I see a black page with the words "bad key", then the phone boots
- The updater sais that the phone is corrupt and no (OTA) updates can be done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking any Motorola bootloader will cause the bootscreen to display "Bad Key". This is normal. It is a warning that the bootloader has been unlocked and the phone may not be "safe". Once you root a Motorola phone, it will display "N/A" instead of "Bad Key". Again, this is normal behavior. There are image makers that can replace the "splash" image and "hide" the "N/A", but since this phone doesn't have TWRP yet, you'll have to live with it for now.
As far as not being able to receive OTA updates, I have no knowledge. In my opinion it shouldn't matter that the bootloader has been unlocked...only if you've modified or deleted system files. I've never worried about system updates as I've always rooted and run custom ROMs, or Xposed (which negates eligibility for OTA).
mn1968 said:
Unlocking any
As far as not being able to receive OTA updates, I have no knowledge. In my opinion it shouldn't matter that the bootloader has been unlocked...only if you've modified or deleted system files. I've never worried about system updates as I've always rooted and run custom ROMs, or Xposed (which negates eligibility for OTA).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clarifying. And yes, learnt from Moto Support that OTA was disabled for 7 generation
CoffeeMachineSwitch said:
Thanks for clarifying. And yes, learnt from Moto Support that OTA was disabled for 7 generation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be an unfortunate change if true. Prior devices could be unlocked and still get OTA updates. They won't install if certain changes are made but still get notified of updates.
You still can install full ROM using fastboot commands and regain root by patching boot.img from updated ROM
I did it on both G6 and G7
Where did you get the ROM images from. I understand there are no officials?
CoffeeMachineSwitch said:
Where did you get the ROM images from. I understand there are no officials?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried the LMSA tool? It's a tool you download from Motorola. There is a discussion here about it. It has a rescue button with which, I understand that you can download stock images directly from Motorola, but I haven't used it myself.
umbrisle said:
Have you tried the LMSA tool? ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I have - the last time I tried, however, it said that it would not support the G7 (Play) and did not provide any images/ROMs
CoffeeMachineSwitch said:
Yes I have - the last time I tried, however, it said that it would not support the G7 (Play) and did not provide any images/ROMs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking of buying a G7 Play myself, but I am now leaning more towards a G6 Play, because there are more tools available like a working TWRP.
Should've read the thread here before i go buy g7 play, not my phone get softbricked.
Unblocked bootloader successfully following the official doc but failed to install magisk by copying the wrong build number of boot.img of OTA from here mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto
now my g7 says
Code:
failed to load kernel, no Bootable A/B slot,
Failed to book Linux
falling back to fastboot.
I downloaded `RIVER_RETAIL_9.0_PPO29.80-61_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC` which i think this is the right build number when i see error like
Code:
river/retail corrupted
(can't remember exactly, but it's RETAIL not RETUS)
and make my own version of fastboot command stemming from servicefile.xml, still with unlucky.
there is no recovery.img and google has limited resource to make g7 play back to stock orm, i'd like to see if community has any idea or i have to give it to moto to fix it.
========================update=================================
update: i finally get the correct stock ORM which is exactly matching my build number "XT1952-4_CHANNEL_AMZ_9.0_PPY29.105-36_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC" i was an idiot thinking that mismatch one letter or two will be find, but turns out this is very strict, "second time rooting in my life".
not i has flash all of the original orm into my phone then fastboot reboot works, it give me the original error like
Android Recovery
motorola/channel_retail/channel9/PPY29.105-36/d7abeuser/release-keys
Use volum up/down and power
can't load Android system. Your data may be corrupt.
If you continue to get this message, you may need to perform a factory data
reset and erase all user data stored on this device
=====
Try again
Factory data reset
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now i need to figure out what to do next
===============update=========
lol, turns out just press Factory data reset will bring the brick back to life!!!!!
just want to post my process for anyone having my issue.
the key point to find the correct build number
umbrisle said:
I was thinking of buying a G7 Play myself, but I am now leaning more towards a G6 Play, because there are more tools available like a working TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
The G6 Play is really slow, at least the Boost one. I was kind of sorry I bought one to put on Sprint's free unlimited plan. At least Sprint unlocked it for me after 60 days.
Give the G7Play some time, it just came out.
As for you guys complaining of no updates once unlocked, it's not the only phone to require flashing the stock boot.img and relocking to get OTAs.
gedster314 said:
.
As for you guys complaining of no updates once unlocked, it's not the only phone to require flashing the stock boot.img and relocking to get OTAs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but there is inconsistency in Motorolas communication, they actively offer the option to unlock the bootloader (with T&C and all) incl. a link to a rollback feature. Which then does not work. So in a scenario where a developer buys the device because it actively offers this features, they dont get what they paid for. Mind you, we are not discussing hacking a device here or jailbraking - we are discussing features that Motorola actively promotes with a dedicated webpage.
wallace_mu said:
was an idiot thinking that mismatch one letter or two will be find, but turns out this is very strict
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You completely missed the wrong code name "river" in RIVER_RETAIL_9.0_PPO29.80-61_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC it is for another device, while "channel" is the right one
Where did you get the correct Rom from? Thanks
I don't own Moto G7 Play and can not confirm, however this one worked for wallace_mu
wallace_mu said:
XT1952-4_CHANNEL_AMZ_9.0_PPY29.105-36_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could successfully lock / unlock / lock the bootloader...
Unlock: fastboot oem unlock [CODE FROM MOTOROLA]
Lock it down:
* first I have to reflash the 'boot.img' from the correct firmware file - fastboot flash boot boot.img
* then I can lock the bootloader clean again with 'fastboot oem lock'. "bad key" is gone, SafetyNet test passed and OTA is working again.
Unlocking / locking again works by the way also. Maybe this will help?
realsine said:
I could successfully lock / unlock / lock the bootloader...
Unlock: fastboot oem unlock [CODE FROM MOTOROLA]
Lock it down:
* first I have to reflash the 'boot.img' from the correct firmware file - fastboot flash boot boot.img
* then I can lock the bootloader clean again with 'fastboot oem lock'. "bad key" is gone, SafetyNet test passed and OTA is working again.
Unlocking / locking again works by the way also. Maybe this will help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it does! was waiting for this. 2 quick questions:
- will lock/unlock require factory reset / data loss?
- where to get the (official?) boot.img from (am always careful to flash img from the wild)
thanks!
CoffeeMachineSwitch said:
yes it does! was waiting for this. 2 quick questions:
- will lock/unlock require factory reset / data loss?
- where to get the (official?) boot.img from (am always careful to flash img from the wild)
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
I'm glad to read that I could help.
I have "my" image of 'https :// mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/channel/official/RETEU/'. There are also some others - just have a look. And please remove the spaces around '://'. I'm currently not allowed to post (external) links, so this way.
* Every 'LOCK' deletes all data and the system is "clean" again.
* The same applies (unfortunately) to EVERY 'UNLOCK'.
I don't care at the moment because I haven't set up my smartphone yet. But it's not nice.
Best regards

Bricked or not bricked, that is the question

Weird screen behavior, it seem to me that it isn't a hardware fault, cause when plugging in a charger the phone is able to show the MI logo, but not the charging icon
The phone is able to boot and i can hear the phone locking and unlocking, can see that the screen is on because of the backlight, but there is no image, SO FRUSTRATING!!
If you have any idea of what's going on and can give me a tip, i would thank you so much, the phone has been on this state for a long time
Don't know how to upload videos, if you think that can help diagnose it i can upload it and share a link or something
Hugask said:
Weird screen behavior, it seem to me that it isn't a hardware fault, cause when plugging in a charger the phone is able to show the MI logo, but not the charging icon
The phone is able to boot and i can hear the phone locking and unlocking, can see that the screen is on because of the backlight, but there is no image, SO FRUSTRATING!!
If you have any idea of what's going on and can give me a tip, i would thank you so much, the phone has been on this state for a long time
Don't know how to upload videos, if you think that can help diagnose it i can upload it and share a link or something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you do before?
Did you flash something?
Is it device unlocked?
This happen also in fastboot/recovery mode?
SubwayChamp said:
What did you do before?
Did you flash something?
Is it device unlocked?
This happen also in fastboot/recovery mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hadnt updated my Rom, Pixel experience, in a while, so i took the opportunity and flashed an (at the time) beta Pixel Experience Android 10, i reverted and everything was fine for about one day i think, then some artifacting wich would come and go until the display gived up completly (about an hour between the two)
Yes, it is unlocked, and when in fastboot/recovery the screen is lighted up but not showing anything
My guess is that i have a low level firmware issue, as i had problem with those before (was running a custom ROM from day 1, so i had to manually update firware to use newer versions of PE (still pie version) and almost bricked my device
Hugask said:
I hadnt updated my Rom, Pixel experience, in a while, so i took the opportunity and flashed an (at the time) beta Pixel Experience Android 10, i reverted and everything was fine for about one day i think, then some artifacting wich would come and go until the display gived up completly (about an hour between the two)
Yes, it is unlocked, and when in fastboot/recovery the screen is lighted up but not showing anything
My guess is that i have a low level firmware issue, as i had problem with those before (was running a custom ROM from day 1, so i had to manually update firware to use newer versions of PE (still pie version) and almost bricked my device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then try the next:
- Flash a different vendor.
- Flash a different kernel.
- Revert to stock ROM, no need to lock or nothing, just flash first the recovery ROM but if it doesn't result then flash the fastboot ROM through EDL, so that you know you can boot to EDL mode without need to open the back cover, this will restore all the original images.
SubwayChamp said:
Then try the next:
- Flash a different vendor.
- Flash a different kernel.
- Revert to stock ROM, no need to lock or nothing, just flash first the recovery ROM but if it doesn't result then flash the fastboot ROM through EDL, so that you know you can boot to EDL mode without need to open the back cover, this will restore all the original images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so... i think i have all the files, but i'm really lost, how am i supposed to flash the vendor, firmware and stock ROM via fastboot?
Also, i put the device in fastboot, so... thats a win i guess (screen working surprisingtly)
I'm just not finding how to do this, it's been a while that i havent messed with this side of android, if you could help me it would mean the world for me
Hugask said:
Ok, so... i think i have all the files, but i'm really lost, how am i supposed to flash the vendor, firmware and stock ROM via fastboot?
Also, i put the device in fastboot, so... thats a win i guess (screen working surprisingtly)
I'm just not finding how to do this, it's been a while that i havent messed with this side of android, if you could help me it would mean the world for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash some images invoking the right partition, I mean, you can flash vendor image onto the vendor partition using
Code:
fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
, and in case you need to flash all the ROM you should use MiFlash tool
SubwayChamp said:
You can flash some images invoking the right partition, I mean, you can flash vendor image onto the vendor partition using
Code:
fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
, and in case you need to flash all the ROM you should use MiFlash tool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so... i am NOT keeping up with what i need to do, i found a vendor update in a site but it is not an image, i am so confused, i don't how was i able to mess around with this i am basically a noob, i feel so dumb, this should have been so easy and here i am having trouble
If you could make a step by step instruction or send a link where i can get a vendor .img it would be perfect thanks in advance
Hugask said:
Ok, so... i am NOT keeping up with what i need to do, i found a vendor update in a site but it is not an image, i am so confused, i don't how was i able to mess around with this i am basically a noob, i feel so dumb, this should have been so easy and here i am having trouble
If you could make a step by step instruction or send a link where i can get a vendor .img it would be perfect thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, update what is the current status of your device, you said screen now displaying, Did you refer only to fastboot mode? Could you see the bunny in fastboot? But booted up on system screen is displaying nothing?
SubwayChamp said:
Ok, update what is the current status of your device, you said screen now displaying, Did you refer only to fastboot mode? Could you see the bunny in fastboot? But booted up on system screen is displaying nothing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is correct, i can see the fastboot screen 100%, no artifacts, just plain working, still no recovery (if i remember right i have orange fox) or ROM screen
Hugask said:
Yes, that is correct, i can see the fastboot screen 100%, no artifacts, just plain working, still no recovery (if i remember right i have orange fox) or ROM screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what do you want to do now? Did you unlock bootloader?
SubwayChamp said:
And what do you want to do now? Did you unlock bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually want to check that, i took the phone to a tecnitician and he may have locked the bootloader
I think the next step would be flashing the vendor, firmwares and stock rom again, right?
Hugask said:
I actually want to check that, i took the phone to a tecnitician and he may have locked the bootloader
I think the next step would be flashing the vendor, firmwares and stock rom again, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if your bootloader is locked, you can't flash through fastboot mode either vendor or stock ROM, you should need to use EDL method or you can re-unlock bootloader and this way will work. Anyway i don't understand what actually your issue is.
SubwayChamp said:
if your bootloader is locked, you can't flash through fastboot mode either vendor or stock ROM, you should need to use EDL method or you can re-unlock bootloader and this way will work. Anyway i don't understand what actually your issue is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is the display not working, and it's gotta be a firmware issue as it's on my desk right now showing a bunny, also i am not used to fastboot flash anything, i just was used to recoveries and what not
Just runned some code and it's locked, this is getting better and better oh boy
How am i gonna unlock this if i can't even unlock the phone? last time with screen working it was already a nightmare, having to wait for miui account, do i have any method of doing this without using EDL?
Hugask said:
The issue is the display not working, and it's gotta be a firmware issue as it's on my desk right now showing a bunny, also i am not used to fastboot flash anything, i just was used to recoveries and what not
Just runned some code and it's locked, this is getting better and better oh boy
How am i gonna unlock this if i can't even unlock the phone? last time with screen working it was already a nightmare, having to wait for miui account, do i have any method of doing this without using EDL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this make sense although it's not clear if you did unlock it previously and after that at some time you did lock it again.
If you didn't unlock it previously you would need to bind your Mi account to the device and enable USB debugging and OEM unlock options but if you didn't before without a screen working you have a more difficult way, confirm me if that is the case.
Anyway I got happily surprised when I bought this device some months ago at the first attempt I could unlock it without have to wait time, try it and see what happen.
SubwayChamp said:
Well, this make sense although it's not clear if you did unlock it previously and after that at some time you did lock it again.
If you didn't unlock it previously you would need to bind your Mi account to the device and enable USB debugging and OEM unlock options but if you didn't before without a screen working you have a more difficult way, confirm me if that is the case.
Anyway I got happily surprised when I bought this device some months ago at the first attempt I could unlock it without have to wait time, try it and see what happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was unloked and i locked again, don't know if this helps my case or if i am royally screwed up
And yeah, Xioami does make difficult to do the process of unlocking but only to recently released devices, aparently to stop re-sellers to buy the cheaper chinese rom and put the global version on them, i think that when a device doenst get made anymore makes sense that they would make it more easy (i bought the device 2 weeks after launch)
Hugask said:
It was unloked and i locked again, don't know if this helps my case or if i am royally screwed up
And yeah, Xioami does make difficult to do the process of unlocking but only to recently released devices, aparently to stop re-sellers to buy the cheaper chinese rom and put the global version on them, i think that when a device doenst get made anymore makes sense that they would make it more easy (i bought the device 2 weeks after launch)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, of course this makes a huge difference, if you did unlock it previously then you couldn't receive any wait time, I wonder why you didn't try it if you didn 't. Check if MiUnlock tool unlock your device instantly.
SubwayChamp said:
Ok, of course this makes a huge difference, if you did unlock it previously then you couldn't receive any wait time, I wonder why you didn't try it if you didn 't. Check if MiUnlock tool unlock your device instantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG THIS WORKED
It's been sucessfully unlocked
Hugask said:
OMG THIS WORKED
It's been sucessfully unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, OK, now you have your way sorted out, you can try with a custom ROM (all of them contain a vendor) or in case a custom ROM doesn't solve it you have to try a stock ROM through Mi Flash tool.
SubwayChamp said:
Hmm, OK, now you have your way sorted out, you can try with a custom ROM (all of them contain a vendor) or in case a custom ROM doesn't solve it you have to try a stock ROM through Mi Flash tool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, but how am i gonna flash a rom with fastboot? Is that a thing?
Also, i don't think the vendor is gonna be my only problem, but also the firmware, is there a way to flash firmware without the recovery and trough fastboot?
Hugask said:
Ok, but how am i gonna flash a rom with fastboot? Is that a thing?
Also, i don't think the vendor is gonna be my only problem, but also the firmware, is there a way to flash firmware without the recovery and trough fastboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't be sure of that, sometimes the vendor correct the issue, sometimes the firmware.
Firmware it is in the stock ROM that can be flashed either through fastboot or EDL mode (be careful to not relock bootloader or you couldn't enable this time OEM unlock option). Now that you have the way more clear just do a search "how to flash stock ROM on Xiaomi devices either through fastboot or EDL mode", just keep in mind that you don't need to open the back cover of the device, usually from a device off (only on unlocked ones) you could send it to EDL by pressing both volume buttons at same time that it is connected to PC, I gave you the main tips, for the rest you will find a lot of tutorials.

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