Unlocked vs Locked - Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm going to buy a phone but there are two choices whether it's unlocked or locked. Which one is better? I see that unlocked smartphone are cheaper rather than locked one. Can you help me with the comparison between this two and it advantages and disadvantages? If possible,can you recommend me which one is better..Thank you

unlocked phone (z2) has no warranty, has no DRM keys which are responsible for e.g. X-Reality or removing noises in camera.
Better is to buy locked phone and before rooting make a DRM Keys backup

By unlocked or locked, do you mean that it is carrier locked or that it has it's bootloader locked?
If you are talking about carrier lock, then by all means, you want to buy an unlocked phone.
If you are talking about bootloader lock, then you most likely want to go for a locked phone, that way, you can use things such as warranty, should you need it.
Hope this helps

Mokiwipeout said:
By unlocked or locked, do you mean that it is carrier locked or that it has it's bootloader locked?
If you are talking about carrier lock, then by all means, you want to buy an unlocked phone.
If you are talking about bootloader lock, then you most likely want to go for a locked phone, that way, you can use things such as warranty, should you need it.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks..really helpful..already pressed that button..

Bruce666 said:
unlocked phone (z2) has no warranty, has no DRM keys which are responsible for e.g. X-Reality or removing noises in camera.
Better is to buy locked phone and before rooting make a DRM Keys backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks..

Related

bootloader cracked or not? unlock phone possible?

Hi, I saw the news (on july) that the bootloader was cracked but then the posts about it's a lie and then the custom kernels appear and I don't know if the bootloader is unlocked or not.
My question is if there will be a way to free unlock the phone (sim unlock) shortly or better go paying an unlock code.
Thank you.
The custom kernels are here because some clever devs figured out how to bypass the bootloader to load unsigned kernels.
Apparently, Zdzihu is working with a mystery dev about unlocking the bootloader, and apparently, they have done it. Nothing has been released to us about it yet however.
Regarding your question, until the bootloader is unlocked, you will need to pay an unlocking service to sim unlock your phone. If the bootloader is unlocked, you might still need to pay an unlocking service.
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App
Yum, no matter the bootloader is unlocked, the SIM unclocking is different and not relate to bootloader.
silveraero said:
Yum, no matter the bootloader is unlocked, the SIM unclocking is different and not relate to bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, If you remember back to the flame war between Max and the_laser, much of the hype was about SIM unlock, as unlocking the bootloader would give us direct access to where SIM lock information is stored. I believe this is one of the reasons that SE will not unlock the bootloader, as they are in agreement with various carriers to keep it locked. The carriers obviously don't want people ditching them whenever they feel like it.
Edit:
I might have misunderstood your post. Sorry about that. But the bootloader is directly related to the SIM lock, on this phone at least, hence why I stated "If the bootloader is unlocked, you might still need to pay an unlocking service."

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?
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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.
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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

Unlock Bootloader?

Hi I just bought an S and I'm thinking whether or not I should unlock the bootloader. It's not carrier branded so it's unlockable. I know I lose DRM keys and data. I have an Xperia Play and I unlocked the bootloader on that but I did it using a testpoint method so I kept DRM Keys. I know how to flash roms, kernels etc as well. My question it what exactly does losing DRM keys do I know some apps stop working but is it really that bad? - Thanks
I haven't seen anything. TrackID works after updates.
Thanks, I'm still considering whether I should do it or not? Shall I just go for it?

What I have to do before sony service?

Hi.
I have some problems with my mini jack. When I plug headphones it sometimes work sometimes not. I think it is messed up. Phone still has waranity, so maybe they fix it.
My question is:
What I have to do before I leave my phone in service center?
Do I have to relock my bootloader or just flash stock ICS?
will they check software if phone has hardware problem?
Thanks in advance!
Cheers
Cwikla
You should relock the bootloader and restore drm keys of possible.
Relocking bootloader is a must as it is the first thing they check.
Relocking the bl should be enough but sometimes sony checks more deeper for the drm keys. So if you have backed up then restore your TA.
And you should flash the latest stock firmware.
They must probably will check bootloader status.
When my touchscreen wasnt working correctly, i just flashed ICS and relocked bootloader without restoring drm keys (i didnt backed it up when i unlocked). Apearrently they didn't checked the software and just sent me a new phone.
If you just relock the bootloader they can check the drm keys and will know you unlocked it before. But I don't see a reason why they will remove your warranty because of that, giving the fact that nothing software-wise can screw your headphone jack.
@Twski
Depends on the employee who checks your phone. If he checks for drm keys then he knows that you unblocked your bootloader and your warranty is void.
But mostly they just check the bootloader status like they did last time.
And unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty no matter what the problem is. While unlocking the bootloader they clearly told you that.
Hamza Murad said:
You should relock the bootloader and restore drm keys of possible.
Relocking bootloader is a must as it is the first thing they check.
Relocking the bl should be enough but sometimes sony checks more deeper for the drm keys. So if you have backed up then restore your TA.
And you should flash the latest stock firmware.
They must probably will check bootloader status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Twski said:
When my touchscreen wasnt working correctly, i just flashed ICS and relocked bootloader without restoring drm keys (i didnt backed it up when i unlocked). Apearrently they didn't checked the software and just sent me a new phone.
If you just relock the bootloader they can check the drm keys and will know you unlocked it before. But I don't see a reason why they will remove your warranty because of that, giving the fact that nothing software-wise can screw your headphone jack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hamza Murad said:
@Twski
Depends on the employee who checks your phone. If he checks for drm keys then he knows that you unblocked your bootloader and your warranty is void.
But mostly they just check the bootloader status like they did last time.
And unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty no matter what the problem is. While unlocking the bootloader they clearly told you that.
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Click to collapse
Thank you guys for reply!
I will relock bootloader, flash latest stock and go to sony service.
Edit: And if I want to unlock it again after it return to me, the procedure is the same like 1st time unlocking?
Yes.

Unlocking bootloader and warranty

I've had amy Mate 10 Pro for a week now and am enjoying it so far. I have always rooted all my phones and want to root this one as well. I have applied for my unlock code and received it. One thing I was wondering about, Huawei say they record that you have asked for the unlock code for warranty reasons.
So......... As I have my code, does that mean they would not honour the warranty even if I dont unock the phone and leave as it is??
If so, I may as well go ahead and root!!
Thanks
Hi ya, I did the same thing as you, applied for it and then it said they record that you asked for it. I believe when you unlock the bootloader it goes to unlocked and you get the splash screen warning on every boot, but if you relock the bootloader, it's shows relocked and not locked. So aslong as you haven't unlocked it , then it will show locked and your warranty should still be intact, but the thread by mankindtw is able to unlock and relock without the code and I believe still shows as locked after relocking for warranty purposes. Hope that helps.
DANIELWHITT said:
Hi ya, I did the same thing as you, applied for it and then it said they record that you asked for it. I believe when you unlock the bootloader it goes to unlocked and you get the splash screen warning on every boot, but if you relock the bootloader, it's shows relocked and not locked. So aslong as you haven't unlocked it , then it will show locked and your warranty should still be intact, but the thread by mankindtw is able to unlock and relock without the code and I believe still shows as locked after relocking for warranty purposes. Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats great. Thanks for the info. Coming from Samsung with e-fuses I just wanted to know what the situation is with Huawei!
No efuses to blow in this phone. My last one was an s8, so I know all about that. Enjoy.

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