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What are the advantages and disadvantages of unlocking the bootloader?
i'm a little bit confused about this..
i was a former samsung galaxy 5 user.. and i used to have cyanogenmod7.2 on it.. it was easy to flash on samsung phones.. and i knew the risks involved with it..
but can you tell me how different and how this would be a big help? thanks..
Having bootloader "unlocked" allows flashing/use of custom kernels. Custom kernel is needed for advanced firmwares, like cyanogenmod, so having locked bootloader, cm can't be installed.
Still changes in system partition are possible using an exploit to obtain root access to the phone, allowing reasonable system customization (like bloatware removal).
Two ways of bootloader unlock are available - the official one provided by SE web service, where you are forced to agree for voiding the warranty (providing your imei, so they know which phone is to be unlocked). This way access to DRM is lost forever.
And there is unofficial "unlock" way using testpoint shortcut to ground pin, which somehow bypasses signature checks in bootloader and allows kernel with not valid signatures to run (even though bootloader looks like still locked). This way DRM access is kept. It should also be possible to revert this type of unlock and return to stock fw. Unfortunately the testpoint is covered, so using it (even blindly with a needle) might be noticeable if the phone is examined.
now i know that samsung is easier than SE..
anyway, what exactly is DRM and what does it do in our phone? why is it essential? thanks for answering..
DRM (Digital Rights Management) is a "feature" to provide conditional access to media content. It is (was?) used in TrackID application.
Without DRM access (after official bl unlock), TrackID does not work.
It is rumoured that some newer version of trackid does not need drm to work.
In any case, there are alternatives for trackid not needing drm, so it's not really essential.
But losing it is irreversible so it's better to think twice if someone needs it or not or if just wants to keep the phone in "a bit more unaltered state".
so it's just for music? or media content means for all types of media? like images, videos and music?
what units does not lose the DRM? i just bought mine.. but i think it has a firmware build of A.0.42.. sony ericsson is really different on how samsung phones work.. oh my..
In general, DRM may be used to manage conditional access to nearly any content.
Currently I know only about trackid that needs it in xperia phones (never used it though and not sure about any other stock apps as I don't use most of them either, due to needed registration or possible spyware). Purpose of trackid is to record a sample of music around you in order to serve you details about the song played (using internet access).
But in general, it might happen, that in future stock fw update, there might be another new app, that could use DRM originally available, so you could buy music/video whatever... If it's not there already...
Simply it's kind of copy protection.
Without it, you cannot buy/access the protected content.
It's better to avoid using it in my opinion...
so this means it's much safer to have an unlocked bootloader? because DRM does not have any major use anyway?
and how about official firmware releases? will it affect how we update our phones?
komiks0916 said:
so this means it's much safer to have an unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
safer? what do you mean?
It's about preference. I don't like DRM so wouldn't mind not having it.
On the other hand, there is a way to "unlock" and still keep it (with possibly better chance to keep the warranty as well). But could be more difficult for not experienced person to do it.
If you do not need special kernels, BL unlock is not needed at all.
komiks0916 said:
and how about official firmware releases? will it affect how we update our phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you will not able to update your phone after bootloader unlocking, though i read on arc section that there is a way, but if I was in your place, I wont take risk if I want to try SE ICS
right, with unlocked bootloader (at least the testpoint way, which I have my own experience with) the update (over the air) bricked it quite badly... I had to re-lock and then it worked again...
Not sure how it is with the official SE unlock way.
But it's possible to update with flashtool after ftf image appears (when someone converts it from official SE update).
j4nn said:
right, with unlocked bootloader (at least the testpoint way, which I have my own experience with) the update (over the air) bricked it quite badly... I had to re-lock and then it worked again...
Not sure how it is with the official SE unlock way.
But it's possible to update with flashtool after ftf image appears (when someone converts it from official SE update).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you re-lock it?
ajzak said:
how did you re-lock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18446125&postcount=64
j4nn said:
right, with unlocked bootloader (at least the testpoint way, which I have my own experience with) the update (over the air) bricked it quite badly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was fixed in latest version of setool (not free s1tool).
now i'm confused.. so getting bootloader unlocked via SE's official way has no way to re-lock it? and i wont get official update?
and what is setool? sorry.. i'm new to SE.. thanks for answering the questions guys.. i'm really learning now..
komiks0916 said:
what is setool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
setool....
radmir said:
setool....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's not free? right? i see..
uhm can i ask wha is the best type of partition for SE? FAT/ext2/ext3/ext4?
important and needs urgent answer!!!
only the phones firmware or ROM is affected by the update failure right???
or does it apply to the apps present in the phone as well???
please clear....
pavanakasingam said:
only the phones firmware or ROM is affected by the update failure right???
or does it apply to the apps present in the phone as well???
please clear....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you should just never ever upgrade over the air (via wlan, ota update) and PC Companion/Sony Update Service on your computer won't work anymore. But you are still able to update your apps in the playstore
No unlock bootloader = no custom kernel :highfive:
Hello guys i would like to put this on my Xperia S http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1574588
My phone is still new and it require root..
Can someone make it easy for me how to root tuit
and how to put the battery percentage plz..
Btw i did a hard seach in the forum but still cannot find how to
rood the Sony Xperia S
Help plz...
akhil201 said:
Hello guys i would like to put this on my Xperia S http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1574588
My phone is still new and it require root..
Can someone make it easy for my how to root tuit
and how to put the battery percentage plz..
Btw i did a hard seach in the forum but still cannot find how to
rood the Sony Xperia S
Help plz...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock bootloader, flash doomkernel, rooted.
Sent from my LT26i using XDA
K900 said:
Unlock bootloader, flash doomkernel, rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly, you made it sound so simple
after unlocking the bootloader, flashing a prerooted system.img will also work if you don't want a custom kernel.
Finding this should not be that hard: [Xperia S][INFO][REF] All that u need to know before u begin
Oh.. and unlocking the bootloader will also have some disadvantages like warranty and DRM related things.
Still not easy
can you link it step by step plz...
what i have to do first
(little noob)
I have not rooted my phone (yet..) i don't want to unlock bootloader.
I think its best if you start reading from the beginning of the previous link, or if you want to get started right away then:
see this tutorial for Unlocking Bootloader:
[Tutorial] Xperia S Bootloader Unlocking & Relocking
and this for rooting:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23181146#post23181146
DooMLoRD said:
If this tutorial is too much for you then itskapil wrote a step-by-step guide (and recorded a video also):
-Instructions: http://www.theandroidsoul.com/how-to-unlock-bootloader-xperia-arc-play-neo-pro/
-Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRH3pC7MhEA
(the above videos and some steps are for Xperia 2011 devices, but most the steps are same for Xperia S)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx man i will try it...
to root i will have to unlock bootloader??
is that really needed?
Arter bootloader i need to unlock also??
Currently it is the only way to root, later on another way will probably come along, but for now you must unlock your bootloader to root your device.
There isn't really much of downside besides losing some functionality in some apps due to the loss of your DRM key. It does not 100% void your warranty, but if you plan on overclocking and it goes wrong, your warranty will probably be voided.
shmoejoe said:
Currently it is the only way to root, later one another way will probably come along, but for now you must unlock your bootloader to root your device.
There isn't really much of downside besides losing some functionality in some apps due to the loss of your DRM key. It does not 100% void your warranty, but if you plan on overclocking and it goes wrong, your warranty will probably be voided.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let it be then i will wait for the easy way to come
Thx any way....
These step are truly very hard i did find how to bootloader its easy buthe root are hard to do..
Hello everyone..
After using ics in my xperia u, I felt its pretty laggy...
So im thinking of unlocking the bootloader..my only doubt is whether after unlocking the bootloader, I completely lose warranty or not..
Does relocking the bootloader restore the warranty or not?..ive seen that for unlocking bootloader, a code is needed which involves provision of Imei no., so does sony store the details in their servers about which phone's bootloader has been unlocked?
Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Cheers..:good:
If you unlocked your bootloader, your warranty completely gone. If you know how to relock your bootloader back, then your warranty will restore back if the Sony service centre does not know you unlock bootloader.... unlocking boot loader needs your imei number so they can give you the bootloader code... sorry, my explanation very messy!!! Hope you understand it!!!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Sherwinnn said:
If you unlocked your bootloader, your warranty completely gone. If you know how to relock your bootloader back, then your warranty will restore back if the Sony service centre does not know you unlock bootloader.... unlocking boot loader needs your imei number so they can give you the bootloader code... sorry, my explanation very messy!!! Hope you understand it!!!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for replying..
if i relock the bootloader..are there any traces left behind of unlocking the bootloader..
Ummm no??? Lol... but most probably no...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Sherwinnn said:
Ummm no??? Lol... but most probably no...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay..thank :laugh:
One last question...do u recommend unlocking the bootloader?
I have mobile phone insurance with my bank account. So it doesn't matter about the warranty.
Sent from my Jellybean Xperia S
peRFect! said:
Okay..thank :laugh:
One last question...do u recommend unlocking the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you wanna flash different kinds of awesome ROM than I suggest you unlock your bootloader.. if you scared your warranty gone then don't unlock it... you can overcloxk your kernel by unlocked your bootloader...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Sherwinnn said:
If you wanna flash different kinds of awesome ROM than I suggest you unlock your bootloader.. if you scared your warranty gone then don't unlock it... you can overcloxk your kernel by unlocked your bootloader...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i do like playing around with custom roms..
i keep flashing custom roms in my tab 2, but there is no bootloader lock in the tab and i can reclaim my warranty by flashing the stock rom and clearing the binary counter!
i just wanted to know whether the same can be done with my xperia!
going to unlock the bootloader now..wish me luck! :laugh:
Thanks for the support!
Cheers :good:
Well my friend if u want ur warranty just don't unlock it,if u want to root ur phone and do more things with it do it.
My suggestion is to don't do it just keep it as it is
XrhstosDrouggos said:
Well my friend if u want ur warranty just don't unlock it,if u want to root ur phone and do more things with it do it.
My suggestion is to don't do it just keep it as it is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi .. yes i agree my dear ... but today we have solution of everything if anything goes wrong with our device after unloacking the bootloader ...:fingers-crossed: so i will suggest to unlock it without ant worries and try all the new roms of cm9 & miui
thanks for the help guys...
going to decide tonight whether ill unlock the bootloader or not!
really confused...
really appreciate everyones support!
P.S-not able to use the xda thank u..crossed my limit of 8 thanks per day!
I guess this is relevant...
I unlocked the bootloader of my Xperia Neo in order to install custom roms / kernels. Later I noticed that my screen had some objects burnt in it (most likely due to excess heat).
I reverted to stock firmware, relocked the bootloader and sent the phone for warranty repair. They replaced the screen and the touch panel, no questions asked.
In my case, there were no problems with the warranty despite the previously unlocked bootloader. Note that the situation might not be the same for you (different problem, repair staff etc).
In other words, there is a chance that unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty of your phone. It is up to you to decide whether it is worth the risk.
Msonata said:
I guess this is relevant...
I unlocked the bootloader of my Xperia Neo in order to install custom roms / kernels. Later I noticed that my screen had some objects burnt in it (most likely due to excess heat).
I reverted to stock firmware, relocked the bootloader and sent the phone for warranty repair. They replaced the screen and the touch panel, no questions asked.
In my case, there were no problems with the warranty despite the previously unlocked bootloader. Note that the situation might not be the same for you (different problem, repair staff etc).
In other words, there is a chance that unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty of your phone. It is up to you to decide whether it is worth the risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you retain hardware warranty, you only lose software warranty
Sent from my ST27i
satan89 said:
I think you retain hardware warranty, you only lose software warranty
Sent from my ST27i
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that could be the case but I'm not 100% sure: according to Xperia Blog, Sony has refused to repair some phones with unlocked (or relocked) bootloaders (http://www.xperiablog.net/2012/07/25/sony-refusing-hardware-repairs-on-handsets-with-unlocked-bootloaders.
Msonata said:
I guess this is relevant...
I unlocked the bootloader of my Xperia Neo in order to install custom roms / kernels. Later I noticed that my screen had some objects burnt in it (most likely due to excess heat).
I reverted to stock firmware, relocked the bootloader and sent the phone for warranty repair. They replaced the screen and the touch panel, no questions asked.
In my case, there were no problems with the warranty despite the previously unlocked bootloader. Note that the situation might not be the same for you (different problem, repair staff etc).
In other words, there is a chance that unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty of your phone. It is up to you to decide whether it is worth the risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bingo...thats exactly the ans I was looking for..thanks!
Samsung devices in this case feel so much better..no issue of unlocking bootloader!
peRFect! said:
thanks for replying..
if i relock the bootloader..are there any traces left behind of unlocking the bootloader..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there are traces left behind if you unlock and relock your bootloader-its the DRM keys.They are lost forever once you unlock your bootloader and even if you relock your bootloader,they won't get back.
And if a service center checks for DRM keys,then they'll surely know that the bootloader has been unlocked and you cannot invoke your warranty.
Does testpoint method work on 2012 models? Bcoz that method unlocks BL without loss of DRM keys.
Guide says it works on 2011 models, but doesn't look updated. And anyhow phones with fixed battery will not be able to use it anyhow.
Sent from my ST27i
satan89 said:
Does testpoint method work on 2012 models? Bcoz that method unlocks BL without loss of DRM keys.
Guide says it works on 2011 models, but doesn't look updated. And anyhow phones with fixed battery will not be able to use it anyhow.
Sent from my ST27i
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you gave answer to your own question.........
It wont work......
the only method i guess is official method...... :cheers:
Wait, my Xperia U bought was from the start Unlocked bootloader, does it mean it doesn't have warranty? I don't really care because I've rooted it, but that could be big failure from the shop.
Hi guys, yesterday I just installed on my xperia z2 .726 LP stock, prerooted and with recovery. And I don't know if its good for me or no. And as the lollipop is getting updated, im thinking maybe i should go to 5.1?
The question is: Is it really worth unlocking my bootloader and going for 5.1 or I should stick with stock and with locked bootloader?
What I lose if i unlock my bootloader?
And if its worth it, can you give me the links to do it the safest way, without losing some things
Unlocking your bootloader is safe as long as your not stupid about it
You will lose your warrenty, and some xperia features spesific for the stock rom ( these are permanent because unlocking your bootloader wipes your TA partition where unique information is kept)
You can backup your TA if your device is rooted
(google will help here)
So Is it really worth unlocking my bootloader and going for 5.1 or I should stick with stock and with locked bootloader?
And maybe, if u kind, can you tell me, what rom, kernel, what do you use?
Dendis said:
So Is it really worth unlocking my bootloader and going for 5.1 or I should stick with stock and with locked bootloader?
And maybe, if u kind, can you tell me, what rom, kernel, what do you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id rather stay with stock but androPlus kernel
Stock has all the features and the look i need above any commom custom rom
And the custom kernel alows for some aditional customization as well as some patches that alow even more e.g. xposed
(easier to root, recovery is more static you could say)
If you realy dont care about X-Reality, your warrenty and a couple of xperia apps then an unlocked bootloader is for you.
Envious_Data said:
Id rather stay with stock but androPlus kernel
Stock has all the features and the look i need above any commom custom rom
And the custom kernel alows for some aditional customization as well as some patches that alow even more e.g. xposed
(easier to root, recovery is more static you could say)
If you realy dont care about X-Reality, your warrenty and a couple of xperia apps then an unlocked bootloader is for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, if I do unlock my bootloader, i lose my warranty, xperia apps, x reality, but doesn`t restoring TA keys, gives me back all of it?
Oh and what about camera?
Dendis said:
Okay, if I do unlock my bootloader, i lose my warranty, xperia apps, x reality, but doesn`t restoring TA keys, gives me back all of it?
Oh and what about camera?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You lose all that but sony cant tell if you restored your TA or not when you did so yes
Camera quality on stock rom is good but on Ub its somewhat lost however the results are more honnest so to someone who is into photography UB is better
On custom roms its about that of stock, CM based usualy varies depending on the scene.
Envious_Data said:
You lose all that but sony cant tell if you restored your TA or not when you did so yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I can unlock any time I want and I can relock any time I want. And all functions will be lost/restored if bootloader unlocked/relocked ?
Envious_Data said:
Camera quality on stock rom is good but on Ub its somewhat lost however the results are more honnest so to someone who is into photography UB is better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, if I unlock, does my camera becomes a lot worse? And if I relock, does my camera go back to normal?
Envious_Data said:
On custom roms its about that of stock, CM based usualy varies depending on the scene.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I unlock, install androplus and existenz 2.0 Y , will I get much worse camera quality?
Dendis said:
So I can unlock any time I want and I can relock any time I want. And all functions will be lost/restored if bootloader unlocked/relocked ?
So, if I unlock, does my camera becomes a lot worse? And if I relock, does my camera go back to normal?
So if I unlock, install androplus and existenz 2.0 Y , will I get much worse camera quality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. This only applies if you restore your TA if backed up before unlockimg
2. The camera quality doesnt even drop all too much.
Envious_Data said:
1. This only applies if you restore your TA if backed up before unlockimg
2. The camera quality doesnt even drop all too much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, camera goes a lot worse in CM roms?
So, I can easily go for TA backup, unlocking and installing existenz with androplus kernel, or even your kernel, if you release it ? ) (camera is important for me) (I want bigger battery life, now its 2days, with 5hrs of sot)
Dendis said:
So, camera goes a lot worse in CM roms?
So, I can easily go for TA backup, unlocking and installing existenz with androplus kernel, or even your kernel, if you release it ? ) (camera is important for me) (I want bigger battery life, now its 2days, with 5hrs of sot)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Camera quality isnt lost much on any rom
Atleast from the way i use my camera.
Hello
I own a Xperia z5 compact and i switch now to another phone... (xz premium) now i want to sell the xz5c so is it possible to lock bootloader with default ftf ?? without losing DRM keys issues ? or i lock bootloader with an custom kernel... but what happens if the new phone user want to update it ??
i dont want to sell crap so if there is no good option for end user i will notice it with custom kernel .... but i will lose money ....
sorry for my english ^^
You can relock the bootloader using flashtool but you cannot restore DRM keys unless you have a TA backup
[email protected] said:
You can relock the bootloader using flashtool but you cannot restore DRM keys unless you have a TA backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont have DRM backup is there another solution ?
would another DRM key work ??? like someone could give me one of his backup would they work ? or it is not a good idea ?
fiarfox888 said:
i dont have DRM backup is there another solution ?
would another DRM key work ??? like someone could give me one of his backup would they work ? or it is not a good idea ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No that would brick your device.
But: If you relock without DeviceKey probably no one will ever notice that various DRM features dont work any longer. I unlocked all my phones (most of them without DRM backup) and never noticed any problems.
[email protected] said:
No that would brick your device.
But: If you relock without DeviceKey probably no one will ever notice that various DRM features dont work any longer. I unlocked all my phones (most of them without DRM backup) and never noticed any problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when i flash my device to .33 i notice that the finger scanner doesnt reconice anything when i flash the kernel too evrything was working fine... idk if it was a phenomen but i cant sell a not full working phone -.-* money -.-*
i think best sultion is flash new ftf the kernel and sell it in that condition -.-* how much i would get for it ? screen and back have no scratches.... just the frame just some marks ... what would be acceptable ?
Wipe the phone and fully reflash it. The fingerprint sensor should work without drm keys.
Dont know how much you can ask for.
fiarfox888 said:
or i lock bootloader with an custom kernel...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible. Locked bootloader = 100% stock Sony signed firmware only.
Lack of DRM keys arguably doesn't matter that much once it's out of warranty, but some DRM features are noticeable, like low light noise reduction for the camera.
You should make this information clear when you sell.