While visiting looking out for a custom ROM for your Xperia Device, you must have heard that you need to unlock your phone’s bootloader first, but ever wondered what is this bootloader, why is it locked by default and why you can’t flash a custom rom image keeping the booltoader locked? Well, we have the answer for you.
Basically the Bootloader starts the operating system of your Android smartphone, also ensures that the operating system running on your device is well and is up to the mark. Bootloader also verifies the working and functionality of your device’s radio, processor and some other hardware components. Google provides a base bootloader for each Android version, but the smartphone manufacturers optimize it for their devices and put the necessary restrictions. The purpose is to ensure the device’s security, and restrict the custom firmwares to be flashed on the phone.
Unlocking the phone’s bootloader gives you the privilege to flash custom roms, load custom recoveries that require the bootloader to be unlocked and do other similar things. Once unlocked, the manufactures take no more responsibility of your device and you have void the warranty of your device.
As Android is an open source operating system, the developments are never going to face a break. To allow the full use of the devices, the manufacturers allow the unlocking of the bootloader officially. Unlocking your it is the very first step towards rooting your phone, you can easily flash any custom recovery using the .img file and then flash SuperSu or Super User and gain root access. We’ll be having a look at a method to unlock the bootloader of Sony’s Xperia Lineup. Although the Sony has provided all the details and method at the official site, I still found it necessary to explain it a little more and explain the method in even more simple and easiest steps. Let’s move forward to the method now.
Before heading towards the unlocking method, please keep in mind that it is highly custom and may result in bricking your device, as mentioned this will also void the warranty of your device. In case of any mishap, we may not be held responsible. Furthermore, unlocking the bootloadder will also erase your phone completely and you will loose all of your data. So, before you unlock your phone make sure that you backup all of your apps, media content, contacts, call logs and text messages. Also make sure that you back up your TA partition before you unlock your bootloader.
Note: Along with voiding the warranty of your phone, unlocking bootloader will also break Bravia Engine 2 on some Sony Devices. The only way to get it back is to restore the TA partition. So, If you want to backup TA partition, you need to find a method to root your device without unlocking it’s bootloader first. Method for rooting some Xperia devices are available on XDA developers forum, but you may need to downgrade your device to an older Android version to root it without unlocking the bootloader. If you really don’t care about Bravia Engine 2, you may not worry about it then.
How to Unlock Bootloader of Sony Xperia Lineup:
That’s All. In case you got any queries/suggestions or you face any difficulties regarding this post, please feel free to stop by the comment box below. We will try our best to help you out. Thanks All.
This post was last modified on November 7, 2018 5:45 pm
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Working. Thanx @Usama M
fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version
As soon as i typed those, the cmd shows < waiting for device >
My xperia z1 is in fastboot mode as shown by the blue led and connected to my pc. My pc is running windows 8.1
EDIT: Nvm i've solved it, it was a hassle getting the drivers to install on windows 8.1
@Skem:disqus Glad that your issue has been resolved. Is there anything I can help you with?
Not that I ran into any recently. Your guide is detailed! Thanks.
How did your resolved it? I'm using Xperia ZR and I also got stuck to waiting for device
Hi, When I wrote in CMD :
C:fboot>fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0x5B3152EC0D3C352F
...
FAILED (remote: Command not allowed)
finished. total time: 0.004s
I get this error - have you seen that - or you know what is the problem ?
Regards,
@marcinchomicz:disqus turn on USB debugging mode in your phone and please check that drivers are installed properly or not. Good Luck :)
Dear Sir,
I am unable to go more the "xii Step" , as I enter the code it come with saying "< waiting for device >", I tried with USB Debugging Mode and Without it also with MTP and MSC mode but same result. Please see the Screenshot as I think I have all the Drivers Installed can u provide Link for the Required Drivers for Sony Xperia Z1 C6902 14.2.0.A.290 Firmware, I ll be very thankful, Kindly Suggest.
@abhimanyu_singh_chauhan:disqus This is most probably the connection problem only because it is not returning the numeric value. Try changing the USB port, also make sure that your phone is properly booted into fastboot mode. Follow the steps for fastboot mode carefully. Let me know if you get it resolved or not.
Apart from this question I have another question I have been doing some reading and I found that people are saying to backup TA Partition before unlocking the bootloader.. And to backup TA PARTITION I have to Root and for Xperia Z1 I can't root without Unlocking the Bootloader.. So how am I supposed to backup TA Partition and DRM KEYS before unlocking the bootloader?
@abhimanyu_singh_chauhan:disqus you will need a method to root your phone without unlocking your bootloader first, otherwise it will be none of use.
Ya ur right.. But couldn't find this procedure as Rooting Without Unlocking the Bootloader has to be developed for Xperia Z1
I think it's a driver problem but couldn't get driver for Fastboot for Xperia Z1.. I tried searching the Internet but feeling confused
@abhimanyu_singh_chauhan:disqus install Sony Flashtool and install Fastboot drivers.
Thanks for the Fast Reply..
I have unlocked the Bootloader.. Driver problem was there thanks for the help.. Now i have a problem while rooting.. i ll post the question on the
"Install CWM/TWRP Recovery & Root Sony Xperia Z1 C6903/C6902 Running Latest 14.2.0.A.290 Firmware [How to - Guide]" page
I get this error. I have c6903 and am running 4.3. Before updating to 4.3 I rooted my phone using 360. I then updated my phone to 4.3 and was able to unlock my bootloader. I am worried though because when I try and install supersu it says my phone is not rooted. I have tried to unlock my bootloader again and get this message. Does this confirm my bootloader is unlocked and my phone is rooted? Or am I doing something wrong?
@disqus_b8aRc1rGuQ:disqus type this code in Dialler : *#*#7378423#*#*. as soon as the menu opens up, select Services info > configuration and see what's the status of bootloader, and let me know. It looks like it is already unlocked.
I have checked this and it says bootloader is unlocked. I thought this just verified it could be unlocked but doesnt verify the status of the bootloader. When I try and install recovery I get nothing but a bunch of commands I can enter into fastboot.
@disqus_b8aRc1rGuQ:disqus I can't understand your issue can you please explain a bit more? Please send me the screenshot of your configuration in services info.
I have the same problem. I was with unlocked bootloader which relocked with flashtool and now i can't unlock it.I get exactly the same message.What's going on? please help me
Can i lock the bootloader again to gain the warranty
@disqus_Lt0SCAAWNg:disqus only if there is a way to lock your device's bootloader again, otherwise you can't.
Thanks for the tut, but there's a problem in my case. After I type the command line with the unlocking key, I get an error and after a retry, unlocking succeeds. Here's the problem: the phone is stuck at Sony logo and after a reflash, the bootloader appears locked.
What's going on?
@ciprirengle:disqus try using this: https://techbeasts.com/2014/01/05/one-click-tool-to-unlock-and-re-lock-bootloader-of-sony-htc-devices/
Does the JB update have to be installed before using this program?
@ciprirengle:disqus if you own an Xperia Z1, you must update it to Android 4.3 first and then unlock the phone.
Mine is a Z (C6603).
@ciprirengle:disqus oh, that's fine, you don't need to worry about anything then.
So, can I unlock it even if I'm on 4.2.2?
@ciprirengle:disqus yes. you can.
I'm getting this:
@ciprirengle:disqus can you please send me a screenshot of your services info > configuration ?
Here it is.
@ciprirengle:disqus please flash the newest stock firmware in your phone, and then try unlocking using the unlock guide. This issue is quite strange, perhaps giving a try to this might help you.
Do drivers have anything to do with this?