[Q] Xperia U: Bootloader unlocking - Sony Xperia P, U, Sola, Go

I'm thinking of unlocking my bootloader. I've checked that it is possible for me, but I just have a couple of concerns about doing so and wanted to ask about them here, before I proceed with the unlocking procedure.
First off, I remember reading that with an unlocked bootloader, you are able to brick the phone completely, is this correct? How vulnerable will the phone be and is it easy to brick, will something go wrong easily?
Secondly, can you install roms that have been developed for the locked bootloader even when you have an unlocked bootloader?
Hmm... unlocking the bootloader voids my warranty but I remember that there were tutorials somewhere to re-lock the bootloader. If I lock it again, will my warranty be back to normal? (Are there traces that I have messed with the bl?)
I think that's all. Is there anything else that I should keep in mind before going ahead with the procedure?
Thank you in advance for your responses! Happy Thanksgiving!
Sent from my Xperia U using xda app-developers app

There will be no traces only Samsung traces such things
You will not brick it but you should follow all steps correctly
Sent from my Xperia U using xda premium

If you follow all steps, you cant brick your device
With unlocking, you loose data - something like factory reset - so save your messages and contacts.
With data, you will loose DRM keys too - relocking wont give back these, keys are lost forever.
But with unlocked booloader, you can install new kernels..
And roms for locked bootloader? For example, there is cm9 for lockedBL and for unlockedBL - i would not worry about this.
Sent from my XGO using fingers

Related

relock bootloader - possible?

Hi there is it possible to relock the boot loader for xperia mini? I unlocked it because i tried CM7. Now I am thinking of going bag to original firmware. Any help is appreciated!
If relocating is not possible, what should one do to get as close as possible back to the original firmware, is it still possible to get official upgrades?
Best,
Thorsten
Thorstenk said:
Hi there is it possible to relock the boot loader for xperia mini? I unlocked it because i tried CM7. Now I am thinking of going bag to original firmware. Any help is appreciated!
If relocating is not possible, what should one do to get as close as possible back to the original firmware, is it still possible to get official upgrades?
Best,
Thorsten
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, this is ray forum
Second, try here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126358
Third, remember if you are doing it with official method, you will never able to receive FOTA or SEUS update, you can, but only by flashing from xda.
So since we did the unofficial method, After we update through SEUS the bootloader is still unlocked?
I don't know about that. Since the service info still says bootloader unlocking allowed, I think the phone thinks itself as still locked. Flashing from seus might rely more on drm instead of whether the bootloader as locked or not.
hansip87 said:
I don't know about that. Since the service info still says bootloader unlocking allowed, I think the phone thinks itself as still locked. Flashing from seus might rely more on drm instead of whether the bootloader as locked or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when service info says Bootloader unlock allowed: true, that means that it the bootloader is locked, but can be unlocked at will
as many devs say, unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty and bricks the phone when doing FOTA or SEUS
but there's a flashtool out there for us that will take care of it
yujin_11 said:
when service info says Bootloader unlock allowed: true, that means that it the bootloader is locked, but can be unlocked at will
as many devs say, unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty and bricks the phone when doing FOTA or SEUS
but there's a flashtool out there for us that will take care of it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do know this method right? http://androidflip.com/unlock-xperia-phones-bootloader-without-losing-drm-data-track-id-working/ When using that method, it is unlocked but the report still says 'Bootloader unlock allowed: true'. So if you use this method (as what idareyou and me were doing back then) the phone thinks that it is still 'locked', even though it's unlocked.
hansip87 said:
You do know this method right? http://androidflip.com/unlock-xperia-phones-bootloader-without-losing-drm-data-track-id-working/ When using that method, it is unlocked but the report still says 'Bootloader unlock allowed: true'. So if you use this method (as what idareyou and me were doing back then) the phone thinks that it is still 'locked', even though it's unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. I can confirm that my bootloader is unlocked but it still says 'Bootloader unlock allowed:Yes'
I thought at first I wasn't succesful even though it went smoothly so I tried flashing custom Kernel and it was succesful.
I want to know if in the future if SE release their ICS and we update using SEUS the unlocked bootloader remains because believe me, I don't want to go through the same process again, I got electrecuted several time because I don't have test points, just a clip and copper wire.
Sent from my Xperia Ray using xda premium
Veimus from original thread confirm that seus do works and he can reflash the gingerbread from seus. Sm gt should be ok with ics, And with Sony confirms mo changes hm kernel. I think it will be Rom update only.
Sent from my ST18i using XDA App
idareyoutoclickthis said:
Yeah. I can confirm that my bootloader is unlocked but it still says 'Bootloader unlock allowed:Yes'
I thought at first I wasn't succesful even though it went smoothly so I tried flashing custom Kernel and it was succesful.
I want to know if in the future if SE release their ICS and we update using SEUS the unlocked bootloader remains because believe me, I don't want to go through the same process again, I got electrecuted several time because I don't have test points, just a clip and copper wire.
Sent from my Xperia Ray using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why you connect it to ground, silly! (The first two battery pins)
hansip87 said:
You do know this method right? http://androidflip.com/unlock-xperia-phones-bootloader-without-losing-drm-data-track-id-working/ When using that method, it is unlocked but the report still says 'Bootloader unlock allowed: true'. So if you use this method (as what idareyou and me were doing back then) the phone thinks that it is still 'locked', even though it's unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i do, apparently i forgot to mention your last sentence. you've just beat me to it )
To reiterate for anybody's notice:
Bootloader unlock allowed: true
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
means that you can unlock the bootloader, BUT it does not say if the bootloader is locked/unlocked already

Unlocking bootloader from Live with Walkman

I researched about the matter, and reached some conclusions:
- I don't want to use the TEST POINTER method, I really don't care about OTA updates or Track ID app (as far as I know there are no more consequences), Shazam and Soundhound do the same
- I would like to unlock the bootloader in some manner that, if I need to relock the warranty will still be valid (same goes for root, but I guess flashing an original firmware unroots the device)
That said, found the official instructions to unlock the BL, but still have the main question: is it the procedure completely reversible? Also, is it free?
Thanks in advance. Also really appreciate if someone corrects something wrong I said.
Maxxd01 said:
I researched about the matter, and reached some conclusions:
- I don't want to use the TEST POINTER method, I really don't care about OTA updates or Track ID app (as far as I know there are no more consequences), Shazam and Soundhound do the same
- I would like to unlock the bootloader in some manner that, if I need to relock the warranty will still be valid (same goes for root, but I guess flashing an original firmware unroots the device)
That said, found the official instructions to unlock the BL, but still have the main question: is it the procedure completely reversible? Also, is it free?
Thanks in advance. Also really appreciate if someone corrects something wrong I said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can still relock your bootloader and receive official sony updates, but the problem is, you loose DRM(in which if sony finds out, you still lose warranty).
i found this thread and said that DRM cannot be restored :/
I don't know about non free relocking if it will be able to restore DRM though.
oh and by the way, this thread provides the easiest way to unlock and relock your bootloader for free.
goodluck and enjoy
DRM cannot be restored at all.
Install TrackID from market and it will work.
Bootloader can be relocked, doesn't matter how you unlocked.
And yes, it is free.
Sent from my WT19i using xda premium
Someguyfromhell said:
DRM cannot be restored at all.
Install TrackID from market and it will work.
Bootloader can be relocked, doesn't matter how you unlocked.
And yes, it is free.
Sent from my WT19i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I suppose the DRM Keys only affect the OTA updates (how should we care if we are unlocking BL for custom ROMs
So, I suppose if I have a problem on my Live (but it still turns on), I apply an OFW and then relock it, it's a matter of luck if the techical assistance is going to check if the DRM is still valid or not.
What method do you advice to unlock the BL?
Maxxd01 said:
Ok, so I suppose the DRM Keys only affect the OTA updates (how should we care if we are unlocking BL for custom ROMs
So, I suppose if I have a problem on my Live (but it still turns on), I apply an OFW and then relock it, it's a matter of luck if the techical assistance is going to check if the DRM is still valid or not.
What method do you advice to unlock the BL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Method, pick which is better for you. I used official method, no messing with cables.
Sent from my WT19i using xda premium
Unlock it the way you prefer to it does not matter it will lose warranty any way it is just luck if they will check it or not at the service center. Any way it is really hard to completely brick your phone unless you don't know what you are doing. The main difference is with the test point method you are able to update using seus without problems and it looks more complicated than it really is I only used a clip
just a question about unlocking thru official method.
since you would have to get the unlock key directly from Sony.
would they be able to track your phone since you will be giving them some details like your name, IMEI, email etc. to get the unlock code?
do the service centers have access to that database?
There are no Sony Mobile Service Centers, phones need to be taken back to shop and they use service of specific mobile repair shop.
Depending on what reason you need to take it back, they might want to check it or not. No one has so far done this, so we have no information.
What is DRM and Track ID ?
I want to unlock bootloader my phone, but I am still confused, what is the risk of a official bootloader from sony ? What is DRM and Track ID ? what is its usefulness for wt19i?
sorry my english is not good
dianfajar said:
I want to unlock bootloader my phone, but I am still confused, what is the risk of a official bootloader from sony ? What is DRM and Track ID ? what is its usefulness for wt19i?
sorry my english is not good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no risk either way the difference is that with the official method you will lose your drm (Digital rights management) and the official support of track id (the app from se that you use to search for the info of a song playing in the radio or the tv etc.) meanwhile using the test point method you will not lose them. If you want to install a custom rom like cm9 or miui you need to unlock your bootloader to be able to flash the custom kernels those roms need.
can you save DRM with CWM backup before unlocking bootloader?
manilu001 said:
can you save DRM with CWM backup before unlocking bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, DRM is not saved in CWM backup.
Sent from my WT19i using xda premium
Thanks in advance for all helpfull answers.
I just want to understand the following. Some Live's come with "unlock bootloader allowed"="no" others ="yes". What does that means and more important: what are the implications?
I cannot understand the difference because as fair as I understand right now, all live's (branded/sim unlocked or not) are unlockable (referring to bootloader).
Maxxd01 said:
Thanks in advance for all helpfull answers.
I just want to understand the following. Some Live's come with "unlock bootloader allowed"="no" others ="yes". What does that means and more important: what are the implications?
I cannot understand the difference because as fair as I understand right now, all live's (branded/sim unlocked or not) are unlockable (referring to bootloader).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When they come with boot loader unlock : no it is a branded sim locked phone in which case you can unlock bootloader but you will have no access to fastboot meaning you are unable to flash a custom kernel, also there will be no way you can officially unlock the bootloader so will have to use the test point method and of course you will need to pay to fully unlock your phone to be able to access fastboot and flash custom kernels.
Did I miss something??
ginryu said:
When they come with boot loader unlock : no it is a branded sim locked phone in which case you can unlock bootloader but you will have no access to fastboot meaning you are unable to flash a custom kernel, also there will be no way you can officially unlock the bootloader so will have to use the test point method and of course you will need to pay to fully unlock your phone to be able to access fastboot and flash custom kernels.
Did I miss something??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, for sim locked branded phones ("no")
- To unlock the bootloader: test point method
- Access fastboot: use (and pay) through wotan server
Am I right? I never though that was two different problems.
Maxxd01 said:
So, for sim locked branded phones ("no")
- To unlock the bootloader: test point method
- Access fastboot: use (and pay) through wotan server
Am I right? I never though that was two different problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not really sure about Wotan server however I'm pretty sure about setool and omnius and if you are willing to pay the phone will be fully unlocked (bootloader, sim and fastboot) with one procedure using the test point method.
ginryu said:
When they come with boot loader unlock : no it is a branded sim locked phone in which case you can unlock bootloader but you will have no access to fastboot meaning you are unable to flash a custom kernel, also there will be no way you can officially unlock the bootloader so will have to use the test point method and of course you will need to pay to fully unlock your phone to be able to access fastboot and flash custom kernels.
Did I miss something??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I'm curious, if I have branded sim lock Live ("no" bootloader) can I install an original firmware without using an official channel? Do I need fastboot access?
I'm asking because I'm almost sure that my carrier will not update the Live to 4.0, so I suppose I have to use some other tool in order to install it.
Maxxd01 said:
So, I'm curious, if I have branded sim lock Live ("no" bootloader) can I install an original firmware without using an official channel? Do I need fastboot access?
I'm asking because I'm almost sure that my carrier will not update the Live to 4.0, so I suppose I have to use some other tool in order to install it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can debrand (install a generic firmware) your phone using wotan server for free and as i know it will also change your product code so next time and official sony update is available your phone will get it.
thancks! its helps...
another noob question from me
can i relock BL from test point method?
n do i have to flash stock kernel before relock?
i'm using rage kernel right now.
sent from my Walkman

Questions for newbie. Unlocking BL

Hai. After 4 months I decide to Unlock Bootloader in my SE Lww (WT19i). But i`m still afraid. Can U answer my questions?
1. Is it possible to brick phone after bad unlocking BL? I`m going to unlock by this method http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1560613
2. Can I unbrick phone after bad unlocking bootloader and how I can do it ?:fingers-crossed:
Yes you can unlock your bootloader successfuly with this application. You will have to provide you IMEI no minus the last no. There will be no problem unless you pull out the cable or do something stupid. After unlocking remember to flash the correct kernel for phone.
Also backup all your data and apps as unlocking the bootloader will require to wipe the /data partition.
Sent from a Mango on a Tree.
Oh really? Thank you. But I have one last question. For example i`m unlocking bootloader and the power will off. What i will have to do. Re-flash soft with flashtool ?
If it boots up without any problem then you won't have to. If it gets stuck then you will have to flash a stock ftf file via flashtool. But mostly it won't. Anyway unlocking just takes about 5-7 seconds. Atleast for me it took that much time.
Sent from a Mango on a Tree.
andogeek10 said:
If it boots up without any problem then you won't have to. If it gets stuck then you will have to flash a stock ftf file via flashtool. But mostly it won't. Anyway unlocking just takes about 5-7 seconds. Atleast for me it took that much time.
Sent from a Mango on a Tree.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh my god, thank you very much I`m going to unlock bl right now
Your welcome. Hope you Enjoy the freedom your device.
Sent from a Mango on a Tree.
There is only 1% chance of bricking if you followed right steps.. Go ahead.
Sent from my WT19i using xda app-developers app

question in unlocking the bootloader

ok so first
1. if i unlock the bootloader, what are the possible risks that can happen to my phone?
2. if such risks happen to my phone, is there anyway to fix it??
and
3. can if i relock my bootloader will networking functions work again if the network problem shows up?
Thanks for your answers
If you unplug your phone while unbricking you can get a bad brick. Nothing bad can come of it really. And yes you can relock your bootloader
Sent from my One X using XDA Premium App

[Q] I just need root...do i need unlock bootloader?

I have been a Samsung user all along but just got the Z2. I need to root but otherwise want to keep as stock as possible. I just have a few questions:
(a) What is the bootloader and why do people unlock the bootloader?
(b) If I just need root and otherwise all stock, should I just follow the Community RootKit guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2783750&page=17)
(c) Anything I need to be aware of before rooting? Are there any irreversible changes from rooting??
Thanks!
1. Before this exploit you had to unlock the bootloader to get root. Also you need to unlock it to get custom kernel. I am not sure about custom ROM.
2. Yes, a few page in is a step by step guide, look for it.
3. You do void the warranty, but you can unroot it if you haven't hard-bricked it.
Rooting is reversable you can just uninstall via supersu
Bootloader is the part of your device which starts the boot process, unlocking your bootloader removes of the signatures and keys which prevent modifacations from working on a locked one
By rooting or Unlocking your bootloader you will void your warrenty
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Great! Thanks!!

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