Unlocking Sony’s Xperia Devices opens several options as far usability of this device is concerned. The common and obvious conception is that it improves the performances. So let’s learn how to unlock Bootloader of the device.
In this article, we present you a step-by-step procedure to unlock the bootloader for your Sony device. During this article, you will get the universal and official operations that you can use to obtain an unlocking bootloader.
First of all you need to know this is an official one and once you apply this to unlock the bootloader, your device’ warranty will become void. It is essential to know that Sony had created a webpage. This page is especially created to be used by the Sony users, to unlock their Sony Xperia devices bootloaders. You need to know that this is a complex and risky process.
This official way from Sony to unlock the bootloader for various users is a quite hard procedure to complete, and most of time users face problems and end up during implementing this process, in damage their devices. So, if you follow the present tutorial and don’t skip any step and the correct order, you can avoid unpleasant situations.
The bootloader for users, who don’t know, is a small app that runs in your device when you power up your Xperia smartphone. This program is installed in the ROM memory, and it is loaded each time, when the device runs the Operating System in the RAM memory. When you buy a new device, this bootloader is locked by default and if you want to increase the performances of your device, you need to unlock it.
The unlocking restrictions are in fact a factory restriction, and if your device is locked you can’t perform actions like root, flash new custom ROMs, install root-only applications. If you want to have maximum potential from your Sony Xperia smartphone, you need to know how you can unlock its bootloader. After you unlock the bootloader, you’ll be able to apply the procedures to customize, optimize and to uninstall the programs to gain speed, or to kill the process that consume your battery.
Pre-requisites and Guidelines:
This unlocking process will make changes in the internal system of your smartphone, and when you unlock the bootloader your Sony Xperia device’ warranty will become void. So, keep in mind this aspect and be careful what you need to do with your device. If you damage your device, there will be no person to help you out, and that’s why this guide is only for advanced android users.
- If you want to restore your device’ warranty you can update your smartphone with an official or stock firmware update, or other method is to reset the flash counter.
- Back-up all your important data that you have stored on your Sony Xperia device because you can lose your data and your personal configurations. For backing-up your data, you can use those back-up methods, you believe are safe, or follow our tutorial to save your SMS, Contacts, Logs, application, internet settings, and back-up the actual ROM that is running in your device.
- You’ll need a Windows PC with an available internet connection, a Sony Xperia device and its original USB cable in order to complete the guide.
- Deactivate all the security programs that is running on your devices: your PC and the Xperia device, programs like antivirus and firewalls protection.
- Download and install the SDK Android pack on your PC, and install the fastboot drivers from here in your computer.
- Your battery must be charged over 65% otherwise it may face forced shutdown during the implementation of this process.
- Enable the USB debugging option on your smartphone. This will make possible connection between devices via USB.
- Apply this guide only for the Sony Xperia devices.
- All the information and instructions listed here are provided only for educational and instructional purposes. So you can’t blame us or hold responsible for any damage that may happen to your device while following this guide. If you get the unlock bootloader, you’ll no longer receive the new OTA updates available for your device.
How to Unlock Bootloader of Sony Xperia Devices (official and universal tutorial)
- Navigate to this address and check if your device is on the “unlock bootloader” list. If your device isn’t in this list, it means that you can’t use this tutorial for unlocking the bootloader.
- In your Sony device type, dial the next code: *#*#7378423#*#*; and after that go to “Service info -> Configuration -> Rooting Status” and check if the “Bootloader unlock allowed” says yes. If it says “no”, you’ll not be able to unlock the bootloader of your smartphone.
- Extract the archive “downloadinf.zip” downloaded before on your PC.
- Copy and paste the obtained file “android_winusb.inf” file to the c:\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driver.(if you’re asked to overwrite something, click yes)
- Now, type *#06# code on your device and note down the IMEI number, you’ll need this IMEI number in a little while.
- Now navigate here.
- When the first page is loaded click on “Yes, I’m sure” and after that agree the Sony’s legal terms and conditions and after that click on “I accept”.
- On the next webpage enter your personal information, name, email and your smartphone device’ email that you noted above and click on the “Submit” button.
- Now an unlock code will be provide to you, note it down.
- Turn OFF your Sony Xperia device.
- Connect the device to the PC on the Menu button for the next models: Xperia neo, Xperia arc S, Xperia neo V, Xperia arc, Xperia pro. On the Search button for the Xperia Play model. On the Volume UP button for Xperia mini, Live with Walkman, Xperia active, Xperia mini pro, Xperia ray, Xperia S models.
- Now install the drivers on the next path: c:\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driver
- On your PC open a CMD (command Prompt) window. To do that, go to the “start -> run -> and there type “cmd” and press enter.
- Now on the command Prompt window enter the following commands one at a time: cd C:\android-sdk\platform-tools; fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version; fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY (replace the KEY with your code obtained before).
- Your Sony’s bootloader has been successfully unlocked.
- Disconnect your smartphone by removing the USB cord, and reboot your Sony Xperia device.
Congratulations! Now you have successfully learnt how you can unlock the bootloader of the Sony Xperia smartphone.
If you have issues to understand and apply this guide, please use our comment section below and share with us, we will try to find the best solutions for you.
Now, after you obtained an unlocked bootloader you can customize your device in whatever way you want. You can root your device; install new custom ROMs that are available for your device, install applications and custom recovery image.