Will O2 unlock bootloaders ?

[Anonymous]

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...

[MI5]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[jonsie]

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

[Anonymous]

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

[viridis]

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.

[Anonymous]

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

[MI5]

I admire your tenacity

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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-Im...

[viridis]

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.