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Xperia S Bootloader

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Xperia S Bootloader

Hi guys,

Just a quick question. I'd like to unlock my Xperia S bootloader. I understand fully regarding warranty issues.

The question is, is there any way they can detect after I re-lock the bootloader?

TIA.

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions
ambvaes42
New

In theory they could detect it, however I highly doubt anyone in a repair center really cares. Repair centers use Emma (special software) to flash and check devices, and when you relock the bootloader it is impossible to see in Emma if it was unlocked before or not.

You can check it yourself easily. If PC Companion and/or Update Service still want to redownload and reinstall your firmware, you will be fine.

(Emma does have a section where it shows the DRM status, but for some reason it doesn't mark missing DRM files, I've tried it with a friend's Arc S.)

However, unlocking the bootloader is still a risk, and something you should only do if you are experienced and can rescue your device yourself should something go wrong with flashing custom software.

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8 REPLIES 8
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Uliwooly
Expert

if you unlock your bootloader you will lose the DRM files forever, no you can not restore them, so sony will find out

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Uliwooly
Expert

I haven't seen a coment from a SONY moderator saying that "IT WILL" void your warranty, even if you go to the unlocking bootloader website it doesn't say that "IT WILL" void your warranty, it says "IT COULD" void your warranty, so don't be afraid, you can unroot anytime.

http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions

Warning! If you perform this step, you will unlock the boot loader. This may void your warranty and/or any warranty from your operator. If you still want to unlock the boot loader of your phone, enter fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY, where KEY is the unlock boot loader key you got in the beginning of this instruction. The boot loader should now be successfully unlocked.

I know I did said in the past that unlocking your bootloader will void your bootloader, well I take it back, it doesn't void your warranty it COULD void it.

Don't forget to mark the Correct Answers & Helpful Answers

ambvaes42
New

In theory they could detect it, however I highly doubt anyone in a repair center really cares. Repair centers use Emma (special software) to flash and check devices, and when you relock the bootloader it is impossible to see in Emma if it was unlocked before or not.

You can check it yourself easily. If PC Companion and/or Update Service still want to redownload and reinstall your firmware, you will be fine.

(Emma does have a section where it shows the DRM status, but for some reason it doesn't mark missing DRM files, I've tried it with a friend's Arc S.)

However, unlocking the bootloader is still a risk, and something you should only do if you are experienced and can rescue your device yourself should something go wrong with flashing custom software.

profile.country.GB.title
Uliwooly
Expert

this is great info, do you think you can take some screenshots of this Slightly_smiling_Face ?

Don't forget to mark the Correct Answers & Helpful Answers

Not applicable

@ullwooly,

Yeap knew regarding the DRM that it will be lost forever. Slightly_smiling_Face

@Ambroos,

Yes! That is the answer I wanted to hear. LOL. Me too. I dont think they will really be 100% strict. I mean if its just the LCD tint problem, I dont think they will check until that extend. Don't worry. Flashed alot and revived bricked phones till date. Winking_Face Lol.

Thanks guys for the answers! Appreciate it! ;D

ambvaes42
New

I don't have any 'relocked' devices available right now, but I'll take a screenshot as soon as I have the chance!

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Uliwooly
Expert

Awesome

gibbylinks
Visitor

Is there anythiing you can do if your phone is locked ?