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Hi all,
I am new to Android device. So sorry in advance if this question appeared to be too stupid...
I understand that I need to unlock the bootloader if I want to install custom ROM.
My questions, do I need to unlock bootloader if I want to flash my device from one official ROM to another region's ROM? Say my device has UK Stock ROM, do I need to unlock the bootloader if I want to install HK stock ROM instead?
Also, I believe there is no hardware difference among different area releases (e.g. UK vs HK). So can I assume it is safe to flash the ROM to another area release?
Thanks!
I'd NOT recommend you to unlock bootloader on your Arc as there are no custom ROMs made for it yet, and maybe developers here could make ROMs that'd not require you to have unlocked bootloader. So you should really wait because if you unlock bootloader -- there's no going back -- you can't re-lock 'em. And you void your warranty too.
You don't have to unlock bootloader for flashing another region's ROM. You can flash other firmwares using "flashtool" (a program originally developed for Xperia X10 by Bin4ry for flashing original firmwares, but updated to work on Xperia Arc also) You can get it here.
And as you're new you should first read this thread.
Also for newbie step-by-step guides [with videos] for flashing ROMs, unlocking bootloader, etc. visit the link below:
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/tag/xperia-arc-hacks/
Brilliant,
Thanks for he information.
Can anyone confirm that there's no hardware difference between different region's release? (LT15i, LT15a are only different model numbers due to region?)
itskapil said:
And you void your warranty too.
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Click to collapse
That's simply not true.
There mere act of unlocking your bootloader does not void your warranty.
There is potential for you to void you warranty if you then were to flash a custom ROM but simply unlocking the bootloader won't void it.
Wrong section
It is possible to relock bootloader - if you have taken TA backup before unlocking, if you restore it bootloader will be relocked. I'm investigating TA Misc area to find out how to relock bootloader on already unlocked devices without TA backup.
Step666 said:
That's simply not true.
There mere act of unlocking your bootloader does not void your warranty.
There is potential for you to void you warranty if you then were to flash a custom ROM but simply unlocking the bootloader won't void it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually SE asks you to insert your IMEI No. to get the secret key for unlocking the bootloader, and since unlocking bootloader is obviously meant for flashing custom ROMs, SE will put fingers on you only if you damage your phone -- as they have your IMEI registered under their systems as bootloader unlocked. Below are the warnings they've stated on their blog:
Please note that you may void the warranty of your phone if you unlock the boot loader. Sony Ericsson can then no longer guarantee the full functionality of your phone, and will not be responsible for any unsigned custom software being flashed to the phone after the boot loader is unlocked. Certain functions in your phone might cease to work, and performance might not be ideal. You might also damage your phone permanently. In the worst case, unlocking the boot loader will cause physical injuries or material damage, for example, due to the phone overheating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and
Please note that there is no turning back when unlocking the boot loader. You will not be able to revert the phone to a locked or original state if you unlock it. Also, if you brick the phone, it is your own responsibility.
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Click to collapse
And @blagus man that'd really cool
itskapil said:
Actually SE asks you to insert your IMEI No. to get the secret key for unlocking the bootloader, and since unlocking bootloader is obviously meant for flashing custom ROMs, SE will put fingers on you only if you damage your phone -- as they have your IMEI registered under their systems as bootloader unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just because someone has retrieved their unlocking key, that does not mean they have unlocked their bootloader, so there's no way SE will refuse to honour a warranties purely on that basis.
This is further evidenced by the fact that it is possible to retrieve unlocking keys for network-locked handsets which, as things stand, cannot have their bootloaders unlocked.
Also, you may want to re-read what SE have actually said:
Please note that you may void the warranty of your phone if you unlock the boot loader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To further support Step666 - unlocking the bootloader in itself does NOT void the warranty.. LEGALLY SE cannot waive their obligations to warranty because someone unlocked the BL... it's the installation of custom ROM/ Kernals/ bootloader changes that gives them the right to refuse support...
no it's not possible see here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=14019729&postcount=16
Step666 said:
Just because someone has retrieved their unlocking key, that does not mean they have unlocked their bootloader, so there's no way SE will refuse to honour a warranties purely on that basis.
This is further evidenced by the fact that it is possible to retrieve unlocking keys for network-locked handsets which, as things stand, cannot have their bootloaders unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buddy my point was NOT just "retrieving unlocking key" -- this is very obvious that SE won't blame a customer just for retrieving an unlocking key, but if you unlock bootloader too -- that explains your interest in using a custom ROM on your phone.
Now if you're thinking that someone would just unlock his phone's bootloader, and never use a custom ROM over it, then simply that kind of effort is not worth it as there won't be any fun in that. Right?
See I understand your point, and you're right, but it just doesn't looks practical to me.
Hello everyone.
Yesterday I bought my Z1 factory unlock SIM in a store. The box with the phone was perfectly sealed. Anyway, the first thing I wanted to do is unlok the bootloader. When I try, I realize that getting into the mobile me menu appears bootloader unlock allowed: No.
I have contacted Sony and they say I need the SIMlock (number of unlock) and of course this does not have it and the operator said that neither does.
This may be so, or have cheated me in the store and sold me a mobile unlok for them?
What I can do? No way to get the number SIMlock?
Thank you.
Greetings.
PD. Sorry my bad English.
I think you getting confused. SIMlock have nothing to do with Bootloader.
SIMlock is a SIMlock from you provider, that means if you brought you phone from Vodafone, you can use Vodafone Sim only from them on your phone. But like I can see is not your case because, like you said, your phone is SIM Unlocked, that's mean unbranded.
Bootloader is that part of you device which allow you to flash your phone or root it. In your case if there is Bootloader Unlock Allowed: NO, that mean you can't unlock you bootloader. There is no way to unlock it. And you should search on XDA first.
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2576948
What you can do with Locked Bootloader;
Root your phone, Flash Custom or Stock Roms, Flash Stock Kernels.
What you can't:
Flash Custom Kernels.
For the rest of the part search on XDA.
BoRoU said:
Hello everyone.
Yesterday I bought my Z1 factory unlock SIM in a store. The box with the phone was perfectly sealed. Anyway, the first thing I wanted to do is unlok the bootloader. When I try, I realize that getting into the mobile me menu appears bootloader unlock allowed: No.
I have contacted Sony and they say I need the SIMlock (number of unlock) and of course this does not have it and the operator said that neither does.
This may be so, or have cheated me in the store and sold me a mobile unlok for them?
What I can do? No way to get the number SIMlock?
Thank you.
Greetings.
PD. Sorry my bad English.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is kind of an off-topic, but how did you contact Sony? Email?
I'm also having a bootloader-lock issue similar to yours, but my phone is actually SIM-locked and I need to know how to proceed with my operator to be able to unlock it.
eclyptos said:
I think you getting confused. SIMlock have nothing to do with Bootloader.
SIMlock is a SIMlock from you provider, that means if you brought you phone from Vodafone, you can use Vodafone Sim only from them on your phone. But like I can see is not your case because, like you said, your phone is SIM Unlocked, that's mean unbranded.
Bootloader is that part of you device which allow you to flash your phone or root it. In your case if there is Bootloader Unlock Allowed: NO, that mean you can't unlock you bootloader. There is no way to unlock it. And you should search on XDA first.
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2576948
What you can do with Locked Bootloader;
Root your phone, Flash Custom or Stock Roms, Flash Stock Kernels.
What you can't:
Flash Custom Kernels.
For the rest of the part search on XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, thank you very much for responding.
The concepts have very clear, I come from a Xperia Z I bought right out. I had understood that to unlock the bootloader has to be mobile factory unlock or unlock if you have the attendant need to contact Sony to enable you to unlock the bootloader.
That condition must be met in order to unlock the bootloader with the traditional system?
Like I said it quite well how this works, I've had HTC's. The problem is that without the bootloader unlock AOSP I forget which I love. :silly::silly::laugh:
Emannxx said:
This is kind of an off-topic, but how did you contact Sony? Email?
I'm also having a bootloader-lock issue similar to yours, but my phone is actually SIM-locked and I need to know how to proceed with my operator to be able to unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I contacted Sony Spain via chat. Then I attended a girl who told me what I have to do.
Emannxx said:
This is kind of an off-topic, but how did you contact Sony? Email?
I'm also having a bootloader-lock issue similar to yours, but my phone is actually SIM-locked and I need to know how to proceed with my operator to be able to unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SIM unlock?
I had SIM lock...that's not problem.
Just check could your phone be SIM unlocked and if yes - order SIM unlock number from Internet.
There's million web pages and you'll receive your code in a day or two.
Sent from my Z1
BoRoU said:
That condition must be met in order to unlock the bootloader with the traditional system?
Like I said it quite well how this works, I've had HTC's. The problem is that without the bootloader unlock AOSP I forget which I love. :silly::silly::laugh:.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to say but if your Bootloader Unlocking Allowed saying NO you can't unlock you bootloader, So no AOSP, CM11 or PACMAN.
Read the part 2. Link: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions
I come from HTC too but is not the same with Sony, they made this more complicated.
eclyptos said:
Sorry to say but if your Bootloader Unlocking Allowed saying NO you can't unlock you bootloader, So no AOSP, CM11 or PACMAN.
Read the part 2. Link: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions
I come from HTC too but is not the same with Sony, they made this more complicated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is: people are reporting that this "bootloader unlocking allowed: no" is done by the operator/carrier, in my case, Vodafone and they have means to change the "status" in order for it to be enabled. I've read reports of other xperia users saying that through the official support channels it's possible to send the phone to Sony with the SIM-unlock code and they'll unlock everything.
Also, in Portugal theres a new law implemented in 2010 that goes like this:
You can always unlock your device from the operator: if you're on a contract, you have to pay the remaining months entirely. If your device is at least 2 years old, you don't pay anything.
If you're not on a contract, you pay the difference of the unlocked-version price with the price you paid for locked-version device - say, I paid 250€ for my locked Xperia L, the unlocked xperia L at the time I bought mine costed like 279€, i'd have to pay 279-250 = 29€ to unlock my device.
Also with this law, there's a National Communications Authority (ANACOM) which controls everything related to communications in Portugal, I'm going to contact them and report this "double lock" that's being applied by Vodafone, because I'm pretty sure that, if I unlock my phone, they're forced by law to remove every restriction on it.
I don't lose anything on trying to fight back with everything I got so... that's what I'll do.
Emannxx said:
The thing is: people are reporting that this "bootloader unlocking allowed: no" is done by the operator/carrier, in my case, Vodafone and they have means to change the "status" in order for it to be enabled. I've read reports of other xperia users saying that through the official support channels it's possible to send the phone to Sony with the SIM-unlock code and they'll unlock everything. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is something what clarified the situation. So this Lock on bootloader is done by the operator and there is a Double Lock on the phone Z1, SIM-Lock and Bootloader Lock.
And both can be unlocked?
But what have SIM-unlock code to do with Bootloader?
eclyptos said:
This is something what clarified the situation. So this Lock on bootloader is done by the operator and there is a Double Lock on the phone Z1, SIM-Lock and Bootloader Lock.
And both can be unlocked?
But what have SIM-unlock code to do with Bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely nothing.
They are different things
eclyptos said:
This is something what clarified the situation. So this Lock on bootloader is done by the operator and there is a Double Lock on the phone Z1, SIM-Lock and Bootloader Lock.
And both can be unlocked?
But what have SIM-unlock code to do with Bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm not sure. The SIM-lock is the basic thing the operators do in order to prevent users from switching to another one, but now they also apply the bootloader-lock in order to prevent users from installing modified-unnoficial software.
Sony might request the SIM-unlock code in order to "prove" that the phone has been released, thats my best guess. I don't really know if it is somehow related to the bootloader-unlock. But since it is a restriction applied by the operator, once I request it to be unlocked, I literally asking for the full access to the device... which can only be obtained by unlocking the SIM and unlocking the bootloader
Emannxx said:
I don't really know if it is somehow related to the bootloader-unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has nothing to do with the bootloader unlock!!!
I bought my first Z1 phone (i've got it replaced under warranty) branded and sim-locked, but the bootloader was ALLOWED to unlock.
So - i think sim-locking and not allowing the bootloader to be unlocked, are two DIFFERENT things.
p.s. - however, i think it's worth trying that request in Portugal law. There's nothing to lose.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
gregbradley said:
It has nothing to do with the bootloader unlock!!!
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Click to collapse
This is what I thought.
So what conditions have to have a phone to bootloader unlock allowed: YES?
What a difference one bootloader unlock allowed: YES and another bootloader unlock allowed: NO??
BoRoU said:
So what conditions have to have a phone to bootloader unlock allowed: YES?
What a difference one bootloader unlock allowed: YES and another bootloader unlock allowed: NO??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader Unlocked: You can flash Custom Kernels, Bootloader Locked: You can't flash Custom Kernels, Stock Only but you can flash Custom Roms and be rooted.
Well. I gonna tell you what i did in spain. I got a Phone from movistar with the status to unlock bootloader set to "no". I ask to my provider for the sim-unlock code and I got it. I sended to sony an email "[email protected]" requesting to change this status. To certified that my phone is free i add the sim-unlock code, my imei, phone number and device model. After a week or two they answered to me with this:
In connection with an inquiry number 1-9......., we inform you that we will proceed to pick up your phone for the release of the bootloader of your phone.
For this we need you to contact us by phone to ask for the information needed to program the day of collection of the terminal.
Our phone hours are: 902 180 576 Monday to Friday, 9 to 19:30 hours uninterrupted.
Once you receive your terminal you will be able to unlock the Bootloader and make the process of "unlock" the bootloader, this operation could void the terminal as shown in the web http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com
My case
In my case, I'm survieving with a HTC Wildfire S because Sony has taken my Z1 to change from "NO" to "YES".
Mine was from Vodafone and after SIM-Unlocking I realized I can't unlock bootloader. I contacted Sony in Spain and they asked my about my IMEI and NCK code (SIM Unlocking code).
A week later they called me saying that they would pick my Z1 to "unlock" it and 3 days ago they pick it up.
I miss my Z1.
Regards,
Urko
eclyptos said:
Bootloader Unlocked: You can flash Custom Kernels, Bootloader Locked: You can't flash Custom Kernels, Stock Only but you can flash Custom Roms and be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, what happens once I unlock it clear and I did with my old Xperia Z.
What is not clear is I have the phone in order to unlock the bootloader or not based.
I hope you succeed in getting an allowed bootloader-unlocking phone.
However, i'm curious if Sony will return you such a device, with the same IMEI as you originally had. Please keep us informed about that.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I hope not to have to send it to Sony. If I can not solve this surely return the phone and buy it somewhere else.
Yet if I make the process of sending you the story.
Hello XDA,
I'm a big fan of flashing custom roms. But when i want to unlock my bootloader. Motorola says that it will void my warranty. But the rule in Europe, is that if you flash or root your device you will not lose warranty. What should i do?
Thanks in advance.
ha966 said:
Hello XDA,
I'm a big fan of flashing custom roms. But when i want to unlock my bootloader. Motorola says that it will void my warranty. But the rule in Europe, is that if you flash or root your device you will not lose warranty. What should i do?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Europe, if you root a device or you unlock the bl/flash a custom rom the warranty is void. I'm italian, these are the rules.
ha966 said:
Hello XDA,
I'm a big fan of flashing custom roms. But when i want to unlock my bootloader. Motorola says that it will void my warranty. But the rule in Europe, is that if you flash or root your device you will not lose warranty. What should i do?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For rooting, unlocked bootloader is required and for unlocking the bootloader, the unlock key is required which has to be asked from Motorola. The moment you ask for this key from Motorola, your warranty us void.
Sent from my XT1562 using Tapatalk
The rule is actually if you send in your device because it broke of overclocking or any root feature, then they won't issue warranty.
If they can't prove the bootloader unlock broke your device they still have to repair under the warranty of your device.
TommyDN said:
The rule is actually if you send in your device because it broke of overclocking or any root feature, then they won't issue warranty.
If they can't prove the bootloader unlock broke your device they still have to repair under the warranty of your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
During unlocking bootloader, we ask for unlock code from them.
And it's written in the rules that the moment you ask for unlock code, the warranty is void.
Read this post
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62843640
Sent from my XT1562 using Tapatalk
Don't do it
Do it Do it...
I unlocked on first day and ruined my partition table-- formatted system in fat32 or so then flashed back IND firmware to fix it.
It is fun and fun only comes when u wanna take the risk.
I'm going to unlock and root mine eventually, I miss too many of the bells and whistles of a custom ROM. However, I'm going to leave it a bit as I've only just bought the phone and I want any issues to present themselves before I lose my warranty.
Dont do it because then he have no warranty then
In Holland and Germany (and i believe most countries in Europe) the first 6 months the retailer have to prove you bricked your device by unlocking/rooting your smartphone.After 6 months you must prove your device is not bricked by unlocking/rooting your smartphone. Htc and Samsung already changed their warranty policy because of this EU rule after losing a few cases from customers claiming their warranty back.
I've read comments on some other sites that suggested that unlocking the bootloader would invalidate the warranty. The disclaimer that Huawei provides on the bootloader warns that it might cause problems, but doesn't say that it kills the warranty. Does anybody know for sure what the policy is?
So, to answer my own question, I was trying to use the Huawei website to get a bootloader unlock code and I couldn't get it to work. I sent an email to Hauwei support to ask them to send me the bootloader unlock code. I got a message back from them right away that said that Hauwei US doesn't provide unlock codes. They also threatened to invalidate my warranty if I unlocked the bootloader.
So, now I'm confused. Obviously, Hauwei does provide unlock codes, because they have a utility on their website to get one. Is it possible that unlock codes are only supposed to be provided for non-US tablets? Also, if you get an unlock code on their website, do they track that and use that to immediately invalidate the warranty? They sent me a link to a site where you can check your warranty status. http://consumer.huawei.com/us/support/warranty-query/
Is there anybody with a US-purchased tablet that's unlocked who could check their warranty status on this site?
I know this is a beginner question but if I unlock the bootloader and then relock it, do I lost my warranty?
And if I just unlock it (and not relock it again) do I lost my warranty?
If you live in Europe you have 24 months warranty. Unlock is allowed.
Masmopar said:
If you live in Europe you have 24 months warranty. Unlock is allowed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Portugal. I have 2 years of warranty.
In the European Union bootloader unlocking is NOT void the warranty! Here we have a law that allows users to unlock and install own software on any hardware devices without void the warranty.
Don't believe on Huawei's UK support if they says warranty is void, that's not true.
In Hicare, When I tap on online assistance ( Huawei Portugal they say that if I unlock my bootloader I will lose my warranty.
Can you tell me where is that rule about unlocking your bootloader will not void your waranty?
Don't worry, your warranty will be covered by your store or mobile carrier where you bought the phone.
Just see your Huawei warranty card and warranty from the store/mobile carrier - there is nothing written that the warranty is void if you unlock the bootloader because if it's written, it will be illegal in EU ;p
I can say that I've replaced 2 tablets and 1 phone without problems after unlocking and then bricked ;p
But please don't kill your phone
Aalesund said:
Don't worry, your warranty will be covered by your store or mobile carrier where you bought the phone.
Just see your Huawei warranty card and warranty from the store/mobile carrier - there is nothing written that the warranty is void if you unlock the bootloader because if it's written, it will be illegal in EU ;p
I can say that I've replaced 2 tablets and 1 phone without problems after unlocking and then bricked ;p
But please don't kill your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already bricked once. The Vodafone fixed it for free.
But I would like to see that write in a site. (But I trust 101% in you).
The majority of my obsession for unlocking my bootloader its because I want to change my region... I am WAS-LX1AC02, (C02 is for Vodafone phones) and I want to pass to WAS-LX1AC432 (C432 generic European). I want all of this because I want android 8.