[Q] How to check if bootloader is locked - Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
Probably a stupid question, and i have actually tried googling it without any sucess, but how can i check and verify that my S5 actually has a unlocked bootloader?
Or is it unlocked by default? I have the 900f

raysv said:
Hi,
Probably a stupid question, and i have actually tried googling it without any sucess, but how can i check and verify that my S5 actually has a unlocked bootloader?
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Click to collapse
Short answer
Is it from ATT, Verizon, Sprint or USC? Yes = locked bootloader
You could try this dialer code (untested):
Dial *#*#7378423#*#*
Then choose Service Info > Configuration
If it says:
Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes <---- this means that your bootloader is locked
Bootloader unlocked: Yes <---- this means that your bootloader is unlocked
One could also try Odin flashing an unsigned kernel. A locked bootloader will refuse the write.
Before you do that though, know that the attempt may brick your phone or increment Knox. So it's not recommended.
Edit: as you provided new information.
I have not heard of any 900F phones with locked bootloaders. 900F, H, T, W8 would normally have unlocked bootloaders. If in doubt ask your carrier.
.

Related

[Q] Need Confirmation Please

Around last week when I first got my carrier locked Xperia PLAY, I purchased a network unlock code which I was able to unlock it with. So, then I flashed it with the UK Generic .184 FTF file with FlashTool to get rid of all the junk that my carrier included with it and rooted it using the GingerBreak APK.
Now, my question is, since I've network unlocked my PLAY, completely debranded it and rooted it, would I be able to unlock my bootloader now? From what I've read, since my device was originally locked from my carrier, that it never had Fastboot installed on it, which is needed to unlock my bootloader. But I also read that being able to unlock the bootloader on my Xperia PLAY shouldn't even matter because it's already set to S=OFF. Could someone please enlighten me on this?
You can't unlock your bootloader with the current method, it depends on two things: can your phone connect with fastboot when in bootloader mode AND is your IMEI number registered with SE to get the required unlockcode.
No you can only unlock GSM phones ie sim fee none network locked ones, unlocking the sim carrier wont count sadly
svenk919 said:
You can't unlock your bootloader with the current method, it depends on two things: can your phone connect with fastboot when in bootloader mode AND is your IMEI number registered with SE to get the required unlockcode.
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Yes, I went to their How-To page on the SE Developer's site and was able to get an unlock code by providing my IMEI and other info. When I try to detect it with Fastboot and my PLAY in bootloader mode, Fastboot just hangs at <waiting for device>.
waz000000 said:
No you can only unlock GSM phones ie sim fee none network locked ones, unlocking the sim carrier wont count sadly
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Cool, thanks for confirming that!
But does it even matter if I'm able to unlock my bootloader? Because I've read somewhere that the PLAY's are set to S=OFF.
From my understanding an unlocked bootloader is necessary for costum roms, if you're content with root and themes unlocking the bootloader won't be that important to you I guess.
I'm pretty content with being able to install custom themes with it only rooted. But I want to be able to overclock it, and that involves flashing a custom kernel to be able to do so, correct?
Flava0ne said:
I'm pretty content with being able to install custom themes with it only rooted. But I want to be able to overclock it, and that involves flashing a custom kernel to be able to do so, correct?
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afraid so (as it stands atm) there probably will be a way to flash without an unlock at some point though.

Is it possible to use fastboot to re-lock a bootloader if knox flag is tripped ?

Hi, I want to encrypt my phone, according to the research I studied, the bootloader should be locked.
Anyway, I am running a custom rom and already voided my knox a long time ago, this is fine.
My question is can I still use fastboot with my s4 (i9506) to do an oem lock ?
I tried fastboot in odin download mode, but no matter what I do it wont detect my s4 device. Adb commands worked fine but no fastboot.
I'm really confused whether Samsung devices even support fastboot, or is knox just a complete replacement for bootloader locking ? Is there still a software lock I can enable ? Even though I know it came factory bootloader unlocked.
Super confusing and hard to find clear research on this ... help
Bootloaders either come factory locked or not locked at all. And I don't think you can lock the bootloader of a device that has it factory unlocked.
Samsung devices do not have fastboot. Samsung replaced it with Download Mode.
GDReaper said:
I don't think you can lock the bootloader of a device that has it factory unlocked.
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Thanks, it would be nice to get a definite answer on this ...
The bootloader was never locked on any s4 except for the AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint versions. If the bootloader was locked, TWRP and CWM could not be flashed to the phone unless the bootloader could somehow be unlocked.
Digian said:
Thanks, it would be nice to get a definite answer on this ...
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I'm pretty certain that only Samsung can lock/unlock the bootloader on their phones.

Warranty after BL unlock / relock

Hey guys
Has anyone had warranty work done after unlocking your bootloader and relocking?
Half the attraction of this phone was the outstanding two year warranty. But I need my root access.
Thx
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
Don't want to have to choose between root and warranty...
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
If you unlock the bootloader using the unofficial method, you could always relock the bootloader before sending it on warranty (depending on how broken it is)
XblackdemonX said:
If you unlock the bootloader using the unofficial method, you could always relock the bootloader before sending it on warranty (depending on how broken it is)
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Well that's what I'm assuming, but I don't know if there is some kind of permanent bit like uh Samsung Knox that can tell them it was unlocked at one point.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
On a bootloader unlocked device, boot into the stock recovery, select the bootloader option.
Look at the last entry - device state. On a virgin phone it says locked. I'd expect it to say something else if the BL is unlocked. Further, does relocking bring it back to locked state, or something else. If something else, then it would seem they can check if the BL was unlocked.
I haven't had time to mess with mine, will be this weekend's project.
gpz1100 said:
On a bootloader unlocked device, boot into the stock recovery, select the bootloader option.
Look at the last entry - device state. On a virgin phone it says locked. I'd expect it to say something else if the BL is unlocked. Further, does relocking bring it back to locked state, or something else. If something else, then it would seem they can check if the BL was unlocked.
I haven't had time to mess with mine, will be this weekend's project.
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I Asked this in one of the other unlocking topics before.
When it's locked, it says "locked".
When it's unlocked, it says "unlocked".
When the bootloader has been re-locked, it says "locked" again.
Besides this and having submitted for the official bootloader unlock (when it was available), it's unknown if there's any other way that ZTE can tell if you are/have been bootloader unlocked.
^^Thanks.
Valid point. Could be some hidden fuses that get tripped - like what samsung uses.
Highly unlikely that they can tell with the unofficial method.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
bluenote73 said:
Well that's what I'm assuming, but I don't know if there is some kind of permanent bit like uh Samsung Knox that can tell them it was unlocked at one point.
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I'm not 100% sure but I think there is nothing like Knox in the Axon 7.

How can I downgrade my XC from N to MM without unlocking the BL?

Hi, I want to backup my TA/DRM key. However the "Universal (Dirtycow-based) TA Backup v2" seems not compatible with Android Nougat. It asked me to downgrade my device first. Is there a way to downgrade Xperia X Compact without unlocking it (or without losing the DRM key)? Thanks.
yjcbn said:
Hi, I want to backup my TA/DRM key. However the "Universal (Dirtycow-based) TA Backup v2" seems not compatible with Android Nougat. It asked me to downgrade my device first. Is there a way to downgrade Xperia X Compact without unlocking it (or without losing the DRM key)? Thanks.
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Just use the flashtool, you don't need to be unlocked to flash firmware.
XperienceD said:
Just use the flashtool, you don't need to be unlocked to flash firmware.
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Thanks! Sucessfully downgrade to 6.0.1 and make a backup of the TA/DRM key just now.
XperienceD said:
Just use the flashtool, you don't need to be unlocked to flash firmware.
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Another question. My phone is showing up "Bootloader unlock allowed: No" in the Service Menu. I've already turn on "OEM unlocking" and "USB debugging" (
authorized, and confirmed all the necessary drivers were installed).
The "Unlock your boot loader" site is saying that "It will only be possible to unlock the boot loader for certain releases." Does that means I should flash another firmware with differnt region or Android version? I've already tried to downgrade my phone to MM again, however the issue still exists. Thanks.
P.s. I am able to get the unlock code from the "Unlock your boot loader" site.
yjcbn said:
Another question. My phone is showing up "Bootloader unlock allowed: No" in the Service Menu. I've already turn on "OEM unlocking" and "USB debugging" (
authorized, and confirmed all the necessary drivers were installed).
The "Unlock your boot loader" site is saying that "It will only be possible to unlock the boot loader for certain releases." Does that means I should flash another firmware with differnt region or Android version? I've already tried to downgrade my phone to MM again, however the issue still exists. Thanks.
P.s. I am able to get the unlock code from the "Unlock your boot loader" site.
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Click to collapse
If your phone says that is is NOT allowed... sorry, but it is not possible.
Even though Sony is happy for us to unlock the bootloader, if the carrier/operator (verizon, o2, virgin, etc) wants - these companies can ask Sony to stop the bootloader from being unlocked.
Sim lock is one thing... at least that can be removed. I have no idea why they would choose to prevent the bootloader from being unlocked.
Actually, maybe because in some countries the consumer laws are very good, so even if you root or something, your warranty still exists.
But if you cannot unlock the bl -> you can't root -> less device problems/bricks -> less money on repairs for the phone operator? (just an idea)
The first (used) Xperia X Compact I bought, it was carrier branded, and the bootloader was unable to be unlocked.
I talked to the shop owner, I chose the other device in stock, it was unbranded, I could unlock it
qvmuhuuxz said:
If your phone says that is is NOT allowed... sorry, but it is not possible.
Even though Sony is happy for us to unlock the bootloader, if the carrier/operator (verizon, o2, virgin, etc) wants - these companies can ask Sony to stop the bootloader from being unlocked.
Sim lock is one thing... at least that can be removed. I have no idea why they would choose to prevent the bootloader from being unlocked.
Actually, maybe because in some countries the consumer laws are very good, so even if you root or something, your warranty still exists.
But if you cannot unlock the bl -> you can't root -> less device problems/bricks -> less money on repairs for the phone operator? (just an idea)
The first (used) Xperia X Compact I bought, it was carrier branded, and the bootloader was unable to be unlocked.
I talked to the shop owner, I chose the other device in stock, it was unbranded, I could unlock it
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer. Though it's a bad news for me. [emoji30]
Since it's impossible to unlock my device, can I just modify the FTF and flash it through the Flashtool? If it's possible, then how to modify the FTF file? I want to change the font into another.
yjcbn said:
Since it's impossible to unlock my device, can I just modify the FTF and flash it through the Flashtool?
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Click to collapse
No. If you've still got time to return it do so now otherwise your modding is going to be limited.

Relock bootloader

Hi, I need to send my p smart to huawei service due to battery problems.
My phone is rooted with bl unlocked and, it seems, my warranty is void.
If I remove root and relock my bl, my phone will be accepted regardless of the rooting?
Unfortunately no, because the bootloader status is RElock, not lock. Lock bootloader with DC Unlocker, because the program lock bootloader and change status to lock with 4 euro
Ok thanks, that actually seemed the only way.
If I use dc unlock to lock the bl, do you know if it makes my unlock code unusable for a future unlock and root? I mean, if I want to root my phone again, can I use the standard procedure (using my unlock code, twrp and so on) or do I have to use necessarily DC unlock?
Zioward said:
Ok thanks, that actually seemed the only way.
If I use dc unlock to lock the bl, do you know if it makes my unlock code unusable for a future unlock and root? I mean, if I want to root my phone again, can I use the standard procedure (using my unlock code, twrp and so on) or do I have to use necessarily DC unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want unlock the bootloader again you can if you have a unlock code
Hey, did you Lock the bootloader again? If yes, could you give me a quick guide on how to do it? I unlocked mine some time ago and cant quite figure out how to lock it again now!
if have to dig this up. i can't relock my bootloader for some reason. is there an up to date method? flashed official through erovery. bootlocker and frp are unlocked atm.

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