How-to: Unlock The Bootloader Of Sony Xperia Devices

Sony Xperia Devices

If you want to install a custom ROM on your Sony Xperia device, you are going to need to unlock it’s bootloader first.  But what exactly is a bootloader and why is it locked?

The bootloader basically starts the OS of an Android smartphone.  So bootloader ensures your device is running on the mark.  It also verifies the working and functionality of the device’s radio, processor and a few other hardware components.

The base bootloader of Android is provided by Google, but manufacturers optimize the bootloader according to what they want it to provide.  Manufacturers also lock the bootloader to ensure device security and restrict the custom firmware that can be flashed on their phones.

As Android is an open source operating system, to allow the full use of the device, manufacturers allow the unlocking of bootloaders.  If you unlock a device’s bootloader, you can flash custom ROMs and also load custom recoveries, among other things.

Here in this post, we provide you with a method to unlock the bootloader of any device on Sony’s Xperia lineup.  The details and method are actually available on Sony’s official site but we thought to elaborate a bit more and break the method down into simpler and easier steps.

Note: The methods needed to flash custom recoveries, ROMs and to root your phone can result in bricking your device. Rooting your device will also void the warranty and it will no longer be eligible for free device services from manufacturers or warranty providers. Be responsible and keep these in mind before you decide to proceed on your own responsibility. In case a mishap occurs, we or the device manufacturers should never be held responsible.

Note2: Aside from voiding the warranty of your Xperia phone, the method included here to unlock the bootloader will also break the Bravia Engine 2 of some Sony Devices.  If you want to get it back, you’re going to need to restore the TA portion.  If you want to restore the TA portion, you’re going to need to back it up so first, you need to find a method to root your Xperia device without unlocking it. You can find such methods on XDA developer’s forum.

How to Unlock Bootloader of Sony Xperia Lineup:

  1. InstallAndroid ADB  & Fastboot Drivers.
  2. Check bootloader unlocking is allowed on your device or not by opening the dialer on your device.
  3. Type *#*#7378423#*#*.
  4. When you enter the above code, a menu should open up.
  5. TapService info > Configuration > Bootloader Unlock. If it says Yes, bootloader unlocking is allowed.
    1. Sony Xperia Devices

 

  1. Back to the dialer where you should type“*#06#”, to get the IMEI number of your phone. Take note of it, you will need it later,
  2. Turn off the device completely
  3. Open the Minimal ADB and Fastboot command prompt.
  1. Press either the back key orVolume Up key on your phone and keeping it pressed, connect to a PC. The back key should work for older Xperia devices, while for newer devices will use the Volume Up.
  1. If you are trying to unlock the bootloader of aSony Xperia Z1, make sure it’s running the latest Android 4.3 Jelly Bean firmware. If it is only Android 4.2.2 firmware and you tried to unlock bootloader, your camera will crash.
  1. In command prompt type: ex -i 0x0fce get var version and press enter. This step is to verify your device is properly connected.
  1. Openthis page. Accept the legal terms and conditions from Sony on unlocking the bootloader.
  1. Enter your name, phone’sIMEI number (Remove the last digit of IMEI number) and your email and the click on Submit.
  1. You shouldreceive an email from Sony immediately; this email has the Key to unlock your phone’s bootloader.
  2. In the command prompt type:  exe -i 0x0fce OEM unlock 0xKEY.ReplaceKEY with the code you got in the Sony email.  Then hit Enter.
  3. When you hit Enter, the bootloader should be unlocked and show you logs in the command prompt.

Have you unlocked the bootloader of your Xperia device?

Share your experience with us in the comments box below.

JR.

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