Posted in: Mobile phones

Sony revamps its boot loader unlock tool

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Sony has allowed users to unlock the boot loaders of their phones since 2011 (barring carrier restrictions) and now the company is re-launching the service with improved usability. The unlock process consists of just three steps and after the update the tool’s web page will be more helpful in guiding you through the process.

Here’s what it takes to unlock the boot loader of your Xperia – go to unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com and select your device, enter your IMEI number and unlock the device with the provided code.

Unlock boot loader has a list of supported devices, which includes which button you need to press to enter fastboot mode (which is great since it differs between devices and usually I end up Googling it). To finish the job you’ll need the Fastboot tool (found in the Android SDK) and a flash tool (there’s an official one but a community-supported unofficial one too).

There’s also an FAQ section to answer any questions you might have before you begin. The most important question is “Will unlocking the boot loader void my device and/or operator warranty?” and the answer is “Most likely”.

The tool also links to the XDA Forums where you’ll find an abundance of custom ROMs and the FreeXperia Project, a big, coordinate effort to provide CyanogenMod ROMs for Sony Xperia phones. There are also links to Sony’s official Flash tool and to official Sony ROMs for when (and if) you decide to go back.

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