I'm new to Sony Mobiles, especially when it comes to rooting and the like. And, from coming from a HTC, it's very different indeed.
I've seen all the rooting information, flashing and the like mentioned on the forum.
And there is the scary messages that "Your warranty may be voided". But, that only affects some people, as far as I know.
After trying out the *#*#SERVICE*#*# code and checking my status, it says...
Rooting Status:
Bootloader Unlock Allowed: Yes
Does this mean that I can root my phone, and the like, and not lose my warranty from Sony. Say I root it and have problems and return it for repair, that they'll fix it. I'm trying to fix the battery drain, but I don't want to root it if my warranty is screwed, and that the shop may refuse it if I return it tomorrow.
I hope someone can help.
Prepaid/Pay as You Go Handset (Ireland)
If you unlock the bootloader you will lose warranty but you can lock it again anyway.
Rooting dose not void the warranty as such, if the phone goes wrong and you need to return it just flash stock firmware.
But, my bootloader is already unlocked out of the box, yes?
Flashing stock firmware, and returning to warranty cover, isn't doable though at present, is it?
No its not unlocked. You have just acces to unlock it, but! You will lose yiur warranty.
Iff you dont birck your phone, you can always relock it and put official firmware on it. Ready to send!
Sent from my LT26i using XDA
Static-Noise said:
But, my bootloader is already unlocked out of the box, yes?
Flashing stock firmware, and returning to warranty cover, isn't doable though at present, is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No the bootloader is unlockable but not out of the box. Like the google phones you still need to unlock bootloader using the official method using fastboot.
I'm afraid by providing my IMEI, etc., on the Unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com site they'll put it on a blacklist. If I return the phone to the shop tomorrow and give out about the battery, they may see that I've rooted it via IMEI.
Static-Noise said:
I'm afraid by providing my IMEI, etc., on the Unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com site they'll put it on a blacklist. If I return the phone to the shop tomorrow and give out about the battery, they may see that I've rooted it via IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You are paranoid. Plus, the only thing they could possible check is if you got the unlock code.
1. You CANNOT "root via IMEI".
2. Simply generating the unlock code does not mean you unlocked your phone.
It's obvious you're not too sure about this, so please trust us when we say:
1. You can unlock, root, and re-lock
2. You can flash the stock, un-rooted FW and re-lock and the service center won't be none the wiser.
Trust us old birds on this.
That sounds much nicer.
It's just coming from HTC it is all very different. I'm just dying to root it to flash .73 firmware and decide if I'll be returning the phone or not.
Many thanks, wise old bird.
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Thanks all for the replies. I've thrown thanks your way to show my appreciation.
Considering this thread closed. Feel free to snip any content from it for a stickie, as Sony newbies like myself might require the information in the future.
Thanks again.
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Rashkae said:
No. You are paranoid. Plus, the only thing they could possible check is if you got the unlock code.
1. You CANNOT "root via IMEI".
2. Simply generating the unlock code does not mean you unlocked your phone.
It's obvious you're not too sure about this, so please trust us when we say:
1. You can unlock, root, and re-lock
2. You can flash the stock, un-rooted FW and re-lock and the service center won't be none the wiser.
Trust us old birds on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Below statements need to be accepted before you proceed for the code. That means from the standpoint of Sony they are eligible to say your device is no longer under warranty.
As Static-Noise mentioned IMEI is provided in this case and you never ever know when will they take these stats out and say your warranty has voided.
Code:
Important information
Please note that you may void the warranty of your phone and/or any warranty from your operator if you unlock the boot loader. Sony Ericsson can then no longer guarantee the full functionality of your phone, and will not be responsible for any unsigned custom software being flashed to the phone after the boot loader is unlocked.
Code:
By doing this you may void the warranty of your phone. Sony can then no longer guarantee the full functionality of your phone, and will not be responsible any malfunctions in your phone, or material damages or personal injuries caused by your phone.
Are you sure you want to continue?
I totally agree the service center will not be smart enough to check, even you forgot to re-lock your BL, but better keep the concept clear
I've send 3 times my arc to service centre for small glitches with boot loader being unlocked. They never ever had a clue, even with the superuser app installed and running the famous DooMKernel (Remember the boot screen logo is different)
They will only refuse your phone if you do something stupid that causes your hardware to be fried while your bootloader is unlocked (overclocking a bit too much, etc etc).
Unlocking your bootloader doesn't void any warranty it just "may", but they keep the list incase you send it in with the above problems which will void it, because it would be your own fault and not Sony . General problems (yellow screen, dead pixels, factory recalls) and anything else that can happen to the bootloader locked phone, can still be sent in (Unless you break your phone by your own doing ).
So no worries. Enjoy!
So my phone "Unlock status: Rootable", can be rooted via the .73 image and I won't lose warranty? I'm merely going to block ads, use backup software, freeze Sony apps and maybe CM9 in future. I see no need to overclock or the like. Purely software related.
Tl:dr,
I can safely root it, use it only for software (normal root uses, not overclocking), and restore to out of the box setup without having voided warranty that they'll never know about?
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Related
Bell Motorola Atrix, with unlocked bootloader running CM7. Have issues with the headphone jack and the screen being glitchy. The phone is still under warranty.
Which SBF or zip do I flash to remove the "unlocked bootloader" text and to be able to send in to warranty?
You do realize by resetting your ROM back to factory that does not reset the blown fuse don't you? Part of unlocking your bootloader means that you have voided all sort of manufacturer warranty coverage, meaning you are on your own, I would be very surprised if they do anything for you.
However, should you feel the need you still want to try:
1. Find your carrier and matching version here
2. Using SBF flash the downloaded ROM (Be sure to follow all instructions, nobody is responsible for bricks due to carelessness)
By the way, there is no need to ask the same question is two different places, now confusion will ensue and nobody will take you seriously.
I had tried flashing a Bell ROM. The word "unlocked" is gone when booting up the phone. You can try your luck with the warranty.
I am amaze that Atrix has so much problem with the headset jack and screen.
caster62003 said:
You do realize by resetting your ROM back to factory that does not reset the blown fuse don't you? Part of unlocking your bootloader means that you have voided all sort of manufacturer warranty coverage, meaning you are on your own, I would be very surprised if they do anything for you.
However, should you feel the need you still want to try:
1. Find your carrier and matching version here
2. Using SBF flash the downloaded ROM (Be sure to follow all instructions, nobody is responsible for bricks due to carelessness)
By the way, there is no need to ask the same question is two different places, now confusion will ensue and nobody will take you seriously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking your bootloader DOES NOT necessarily mean you have voided your warranty. (The message at unlock states you MAY void your warranty). Read through the forums. Many, many people have returned their phones under warranty with unlocked bootloaders and have had no problems. In fact, I don't remember seeing any posts where someone was refused warranty for an unlocked bootloader.
As you all know, the Verizon bootlaoder is locked.
I'm here to tell you that there is a ray a hope after all. :fingers-crossed:
I have a non-XDA project I am working on that required me to scan through the partitions of the vzw sgs4 and while doing this I found some interesting information.
The info below was extracted directly from the SCH-I545's system:
Code:
...Secure Boot...Secure Boot Key...Next...Unlock Successful...Invalid Keys...Quit...I Agree...Done.ˆ9ˆE
You have obtained the key for unlocking the bootloader to install custom OS. In order to unlock the bootloader,
you must read and accept the following terms and conditions. By clicking on the “I Agreeâ€. button, you acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions.
If you change your mind, you may click on the “Cancelâ€. button, which will stop the process..
1. The unlocking of the bootloader voids and invalidates the warranty of your device.
As result of the unlocking, certain functions of your device may cease to function and physical injuries or material damage may occur, for example, due to the phone overheating.
You take full responsibility for any and all consequences that may arise from the unlocking of the bootloader. Samsung will not be liable for any damages that such unlocking may cause,
and you waive any rights in connection with the unlocking..
2. You will not be able to recover the device to its original state. Even if the device’s setting is restored, the warranty will remain voided and invalid..
3. As result of the unlocking, you may lose certain contents that you have stored on your device, for example, through the malfunction of the DRM functions..
4. You agree that your attempt to unauthorized kernel download from the default setting or without the authorization key will lead to blocking of the device,
which may permanently disable the device. Samsung will not be responsible for any damages or injuries that result from such attempt. For downloading of custom kernel,
you need to follow through a special installation process as set forth in the device manual..
5. You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations as well as any contractual obligations that you may have with your wireless carrier in using the unlocked devices. In particular,
you will not operate the unlocked device on any wireless carrier’s network unless such wireless carrier approves of the operation of such unlocked device on its network..
6. You agree not to resell your unlocked devices to other parties without first explaining the content of the terms and conditions herein...
ۨۨYour key is verified and the unlocking is successfully done..
If you want to read the terms and conditions you have agreed for unlocking bootloader,
please visit our website....Input value...Please enter value...Select Row...Enter the row...Help.11email: [email protected] tel:010-7260-5948
What this tells us is that there just might be a way to obtain a 'key' to unlock the boot-loader directly from Samsung.
Interesting, right?
Wow, nice find!
I believe this was found on the verizon s3 but it never led anywhere. There were lib files missing that never were found
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Coolfreak said:
I believe this was found on the verizon s3 but it never led anywhere. There were lib files missing that never were found
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I remember reading about that as well
That phone number is for South Korea, +82 10-7260-5948 if you want to try.
I think this option is for internal test and first hand app developers, bloatware
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
ThugosaurusRex said:
I think I remember reading about that as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Found it. Looks like it might be a dead end.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2128015
Coolfreak said:
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Found it. Looks like it might be a dead end.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2128015
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang, it appears so.
Yep........ Oh well. Still interesting.
Using the latest TWRP version which is loki-fied. I am running Hyperdrive S4 RLS1 and faux kernel.
What I'm still trying to rap my head around is how do we have a hack that can get us past the bootloader, but no unlock yet? That seems odd to me. There has to be a way to use this exploit to flash an unlocked bootloader.
Schoat333 said:
What I'm still trying to rap my head around is how do we have a hack that can get us past the bootloader, but no unlock yet? That seems odd to me. There has to be a way to use this exploit to flash an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need an unlocked bootloader to flash. Its compiled code and proprietary.
Schoat333 said:
What I'm still trying to rap my head around is how do we have a hack that can get us past the bootloader, but no unlock yet? That seems odd to me. There has to be a way to use this exploit to flash an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I understand your question correctly you are best answered by googling the loki hack. There is a detailed yet easily understandable blog post out there that explains exactly what the boot vulnerability is and how its used to moot the issue of the locked bootloader.
Hi Guys,
I thought you might find this thread interesting.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1894668
I was doing some research as I intend buying the Xperia Z Ultra and eventually unlocking the bootloader for custom roms, kernels etc when they become available.
This has at least given me some peace of mind if something unrelated goes Wrong with the device. :good:
I don't want to start an argument here or something but I somewhat disagree with that post...
He said that flashing a custom ROM will not void your warranty because it is not directly stated in the warranty leaflet.
Look at it this way, before you flash a custom ROM, you have to be rooted.. and at that point, you already broke the warranty!
That is the main purpose of having root access locked out by default.. it is there to safeguard the manufacturer should there be any complications due to non-standard changes being done once root access is obtained..
It is like driving on the freeway, it is not against the law to be never late at your appointment.. (not against the warranty to install custom rom).. but if you are breaking the speed limit (rooted your phone) you already broke the law!
So if your device developed a hardware fault at a later date then in your opinion your not covered under your warranty? I've always rooted etc but having had samsung devices the bootloader was already unlocked. Having to get an unlock code from Sony worries me a bit. There's no arguing about it at that point. They can't prove you rooted if you flash back to stock, but there's no denying it if you requested a bootloader unlock
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 4
interesting argument
considering that you can flash/update OEM ROM at any time then I hardly think rooting will cause any problems as far as warranty as it is 100% reversible
Unlocking the boot loader might be entirely different
I know rooting can be undone, but if I need to send the phone in for repairs is it safe to unlock the boot loader, flash ROMs and install alternative recoveries like CWM? Perhaps there's no way to relock and unlock bootloader yet but maybe there will be in the future. Can these be undone or do they void the warrent in the first place?
Why don't you ask Sony? Any answer you get here is hearsay and assumptions. Additionally if people have been able to so things in the past should be relied upon as principle.
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
Well, I have my phone rooted (without unlocking bootloader. You only need to unlock your bootloader to install a custom kernel. If you do this you need to back up your TA) and I still have my TA partition (needed for DRM keys) still intact. IF I needed to send my phone for repair under warranty (assuming it is non firmware related) all I would need to do is repair phone via PC Companion and send it in. I'm sure other people have different view points so it would be advisable to get more opinions to get a general consensus on the matter.
I contacted Sony today and asked if rooting android or unlocking the bootloader could void the warranty and they said
"all the process related to tampered or modify the software of the phone can void the warranty, also physical damage or water damage"
so it beets me what the warranty does cover.
As far as I'm aware "what the don't know wont hurt them..." so as long as you have your TA partition intact and bootloader locked when you send it in and a stock firmware installed then, in theory, they should be none the wiser. The same goes for shamsung phones pre knox. If it is in a stock state then all is good. Other than that; read, back up, modify to your hearts content m8:victory:
I've read conflicting pieces of information on this online. Some say that the warranty is not voided when the bootloader is unlocked, others say it is, and yet others say it isn't as long as you restore stock and lock bootloader. I called HTC support where I was told that unlocking the bootloader would indeed void my warranty, however the HTC site simply says it may void warranty.
I'm in the UK, so technically unlocking doesn't void warranty, HOWEVER I'd rather not like to go down that legal mess.
I'd like to be able to flash Android Marshmallow without losing my warranty. I bought the tablet off Amazon.
Marshmallow is released on the 29th Sept, so you might as well wait and get the OTA automatically - saves any hassle.
Saying that, yes, you can unlock, but my understanding is that if you have to RMA for warranty, you'll need to re-lock it. I think you can only do that if you stay on official ROMs. I just RMA'ed mine after relocking and it was fine.
Thanks! I'll probably wait then, didn't realize it was so close! So if I relock and return to stock, I should be fine?
This is a Nexus. No, you don't lose warranty because of unlocking.