Sony Xperia Unlock the Boot Loader

photo from http://developer.sony.com/

Boot Loader is a system in which how your device will be startup running. Most of the time it is locked so that you do not mess up the device and keep the service center busy. However manufacturer like Sony gives user an option to unlock it. The process is not difficult if you follow the instructions below carefully. This will also lead to resetting the device and a fresh startup is required. Factory updates will no longer work. 

Normally when we do this, our next step will be rooting. We are prepared to make changes to our device, change factory setup, overclock it and many other goodie stuff to improve our devices but if you do not have any clue, suggest do some research such as XDA Development Forum. That is your best start. 

Note: By Unlocking Boot loader, device will have warranty voided. However you can check below step 1 to 3 if your device boot loader can be unlock, it will not make any changes to the device. Otherwise visit Sony Developer Bootloader Unlocking Instructions

To check if your phone can be unlocked, follow the steps below:

Dial *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu.

In your device go to Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. 

If Bootloader unlock allowed says----->Yes, then you can continue with the next step. If it says No, or if the status is missing, your device cannot be unlocked. In this case you might have to spend some money to get it unlock by someone over the Internet. Forget reading the rest of the topic. 

Next to know is you device IMEI nos, dial *#06# and copy this numbers down. 

UNLOCK BOOT LOADER (You have been warned!!)

If you are ready to unlock Boot Loader, click this LINK and fill-in the IMEI nos (only 14 nos is required so ignore the last digits). 

Check the Legal terms and proceed next step. The email provided must be your own because they will send a set of Boot Loader Unlocking Keys.

So now your device is ready to void warranty!!!!

Before proceeding further, check your Window system type. Go to Control Panel and choose System. This will show if the Windows is running on 32-bit OS or 64-bit OS. 

Download SDK ABD Bundle for Windows based on your Windows system and unzip it. Our system is a 64-bit OS. The package is around 460mb zip file.

Prefer to keep everything in one place so on the C:\ drive. I have created an Android Folder and a sub SDK Folder, upzip the SDK files in it. 

Download the USB Fastboot driver zip file unzip it and place in C:\Android\SDK\extra\google folder

Run the SDK Manger application based on Windows System OS. Check under extra if the Google USB is installed, should be version 8 or higher, if not, click and install packages.

Turn off your device. On your device, push and hold the Fastboot button (volume button) at the same time as you connect the device to the computer with a USB-cable. Refer to this site for Fastboot buttons. A blue light will show up on the phone meaning device is in Fast Boot Mode.

On your computer, you will either be asked for drivers. Point to the usb_driver folder where you placed the android_winusb.inf-file, and select the Android Boot loader Interface-file or it will automatically install itself.

Go to Windows Start button, choose Accessories Folder and look for Command Prompt. Right click mouse and choose Run as administrator. 

On Command Prompt enter cd.. , cd .. till C:\ path. Next type the folder name where you have placed the SDK files. (for  my case will be cd android , cd sdk)

On Command Prompt type fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version and verify that you get a response back (for example "0.3"). This means your device is connected properly

THIS NEXT STEP IS WHERE YOU BREAK THE RULES, THERE IS NO TURNING BACK. WARRANTY WILL BE VOIDED. YOU WILL BE ON YOUR OWN FROM NOW ON.

Enter fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY, which is the unlock boot loader key send to you in the email. Bootloader should now be successfully unlocked. If not check your IMEI nos again..... I have made a IMEI typo error when submitting for boot loader keys.

Enjoyed next part of the lesson in Rooting the device. This will be the fun part.