Android Devices (Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson, etc.)

[AndrewM]

Does anyone know if o2 can give me some kind of code to unlocking my bootloader?

Sony has the tools to allow users to unlock their bootloader but o2 have chosen to not allow users to do this. Other phone companies are allowing customers to unlock their bootloaders if they fancy to do so. 

After contacting o2 i have been told that they have no information on this matter but they must have as it is the choice of the company to block this feature. Has anyone else asked about the bootloader lock and got a proper answer?

[anticpated Level 18: Posting pro]

The bootloader lock is basically the thing that prevents you from updating your handset without network or authorised software intervention. In the Sony handsets, this requires a code and your IMEI number; essentially a bit like the iPhone procedure.

There's a key combination and some codes required which if you are on a pay monthly contract you should be able to receive from O2 for gratis.

So dial, *#06# and make a note of your IMEI number then apply for a unlock code at the below address.

You might find it's easier to unlock with the O2 code first then access the Service menu from your Sony handset. Submit your IMEI code and follow any required procedure. Reboot your telephone. Make a back up of everything important then factory wipe the handset.

 Dial either *2767*3855# or *#*#7780#*#*. Data will be lost, so backup first.

http://service.o2.co.uk/IQ/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE?New,Kb=Companion,question=ref%28User%29:str%28Mob...

[gillsfankev]

Go to XDA Forums and search for your phone. Then download the Flashtool that should be a near top post and follow the instructions. You should be able to unlock the bootloader and root and flash different Kernels etc from there.

Gillsfankev

[gillsfankev]

Here it is

http://androxyde.github.com/Flashtool/

[gibbylinks]

This isn't unlocking the bootloader.

It's unlocking the network so you can use a different sim !!

[gibbylinks]

Flashtool won't unlock the bootloader on the Xperia S.

[gillsfankev]

If you dial *#*#7378423#*#*
then,

Service Info,
Configuration

If it says:-

Bootloader unlock allowed: No

then there is nothing you can do. It seems the only network that are willing to unlock this is one in Spain. All other attempts to get networks to unlock the bootloader have failed and there is nothing Sony can do.

Devs over on XDA are apparently working on it but I haven't heard anything so far.

I have 2 friends also with an Xperia S on other networks and from what I can see it's only O2 that have blocked this as they were free and able (and also not sim-free) to unlock the bootloader.

It's such a shame that O2 have taken this stance as it goes against totally what Android is all about

OPEN SOURCE!

Unfortunately this is the last O2 phone for me, I like to muck about and play with various ROMS.

It seems to me that the only reason O2 would choose to do this is to stop the user from using custom ROMS and therefore being able to delete stock and O2 bloatware that never gets used and just clogs up the phone, However just simply rooting your Xperia allows you to do this so I can see no point in what they are doing, it just seems like pure bloody mindedness.

Rant over! lol

[MI5 Level 63: Greatness Assured]

The question you need to be asking is why do Sony allow for a bootloader lock in the first place? Samsung don't and therefore with Samsung pones you have no problem flashing custom ROM's if you wish to...... HTC are another that lock their bootloaders and may go some where into explaining why they are less popular over Samsung handsets...?

[gibbylinks]

What I'm hoping is that when my contract finishes, and I've effectively bought the phone and it's mine, they can / will unlock it. Although I'm not holding my breath !!

[MI5 Level 63: Greatness Assured]

You're tied to the contract from day 1 so the phone is yours already