topic Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ? in Android

Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

Anonymous — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 15:51:55 GMT

Hi. I've got a Sony Xperia Z2 which just asks for a different rom (the one from O2 is full of bloatware and ther unnecessary stuff). I talked to live chat support and asked them about the bootloader and I have been told that unlocking my phone using the code which should arrive within 7 days after filling in the form, will also allow me to unlock the bootloader. They guy even said he preffers Cyanogen Mod (which could be a marketing lie). I have seen a lot of people saying that O2 does not unlock bootloaders, and if that is true I will never get a phone from O2 again. Android is supposed to be opensource. I also own the phone which means they have no right to restrict the features of my device. I do not care about the whole warranty thing, I just want to have a unlocked bootloader. So, I would like to hear from an official...

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

Anonymous — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 15:55:36 GMT

Hi

I doubt you would get anything official here on that. We are not even permitted to talk about rooting or jailbreaking too.

We do have a couple of resident android users who know their stuff

@MI5 is one of them.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

Anonymous — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 16:04:30 GMT

Really ? Well, I own the phone I have the right to access all of its features (including bootloader). I just don't get it why would they lock it in the first place. Sure, it could be to avoid damage by unexperienced users, but locking the bootloader is stoping you from installing up to date software and customised roms.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

MI5 — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 17:04:48 GMT

I'm not official but I have been down this route with O2.
The code that you are having sent is to remove the O2 sim lock, not the bootloader.
O2 flatly refuse to allow the unlocking of the bootloader on any phone that was originally O2 branded, and whilst you can root and flash generic Sony ROM's with a locked bootloader you won't be able to flash any CM ROM's.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

viridis — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 18:19:42 GMT

The moment you unlock the bootloader on a z2 you will loose all drm keys, ota updates, support on pc companion, warranty and in some cases bionz and X-reality.
Luckily you can't do it on O2 z2's and I mean luckily as you really don't want to loose those.
What you want is to debrand using flashtool to any official sony rom, as @MI5 stated, these can be flashed no problem with locked bootloader.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

viridis — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 18:22:27 GMT

The "right to use all of its features" argument has been done to death, general response is "we have the right to reject modified handsets from our network" or some nonsense like that.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

MI5 — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 18:39:15 GMT

@viridis wrote:
general response is "we have the right to reject modified handsets from our network" or some nonsense like that.

That was the reason given to me by O2 when I pushed them for a response.......

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

Anonymous — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:56:30 GMT

I am fine with them not permitting modified handsets in their network. I just want to make sure I can modify mine. Have been user of CM for last 3 years on my SGS2 and had no problems and now I am really dissapointed with lack of ability to do the same with my Z2.

With regards to DRM keys - those can be backed up and restored if anyone wants Xperia back in their factory condition.

Also last time I spoke with O2 Guru, they told me that it is not O2 that locks it, but after talking with Sony rep, they also say it is not Sony who locks it.

Please someone find a way to unlock it. Such a great phone stuck with stock kernel...

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

MI5 — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 11:01:06 GMT

I can assure you it is O2 that requests the bootloader lock.
There is a tool on Sony's website for unlocking bootloaders on non branded phones.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

Anonymous — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 12:01:05 GMT

In theory if I wanted to take phone to another carrier and use custom rom on it O2 should unlock it then. They could not have an excuse that I will use it on their network. Not 100% sure what the whole problem is with it. Never had any issues with O2 telling me off for custom roms on my previous phones. I think I will try more to get this sorted.

BTW is there any way that it can be unlocked without O2 dealing with it - hardware unlock or something. I know code exists (http://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-u/general/proof-orange-uk-completely-hopeless-t1675718)

so O2 should be able to let me do it but if they wont I wonder if there is any other way.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

MI5 — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 12:49:13 GMT

I didn't pursue it any further so I've no idea.
I don't agree with O2's policy at all but in theory they are the only ones who hold the info to unlock it.
There may be other ways if you have a Google around but XDA is the best place to look.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 15:00:44 GMT

I have been to see guru a few days ago. Je said that he has been using custom roms too but he could not help me at that time and advised to call call centre as they may have a chance in helping me out. I have spoken with quite a few people there and even though the guy I spoke last to knew exactly what I am talking about he was unable to help me neither were other people on he department. He has advised that the only way from them onward would be complaints department and to email them as. Hey would have to help out he thinks.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

jonsie — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 15:05:38 GMT

It's worth a try but I doubt they will help you if it's O2 policy. Nothing to lose though.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 16:15:45 GMT

What drives me nuts is that no one mentioned to me that I will not have an option to work worth hone when I have purchased it. This is also not mentioned in any of the paperwork I got. If I knew I would not buy this one. Drives me nuts being so limited. I hope someone finds solution to this. But I will try my best to sort this out too. I want a CM

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

viridis — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 17:27:40 GMT

Bottom line is, no, it will never be unlocked. It is hard sealed at the Sony initial firmware and bootloader install by Sony at the request of o2.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 13:26:20 GMT

Complaint has been sent higher I think. It is getting escalated, so not giving up yet.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

MI5 — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 13:29:25 GMT

I admire your tenacity

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 15:42:23 GMT

Well, I was all pumped up that I will get somewhere. What O2 told me is that they would not do it (I know you guys told me that before) and I am stuck with my Xperia Z2 with locked bootloader forever. My only hope is that someone on XDA wil break this, altho given that this device is not as popular as Samsung ones I see very small chance of this happening.

One can hope and ride on stuff that is given to him/her.

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

Anonymous — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 20:55:36 GMT

Unfortunately I'ver been through this before.

Never Never Never again will I buy branded phones.

http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Android-Devices-Samsung-HTC-Sony/Bootloader-Unlocking-Xperia-S-Legal-Implications/m-p/368424#M11156

Re: Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

viridis — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 21:21:08 GMT

It sucks for those who want custom fw and really let Xperias fly, but it's worth pointing out that even with a locked bootloader, the handsets can be flashed with any official rom so debranding is still possible to remove bloat and nasty a$$ boot animations.