Network Unlocking

[hbkid]

I've recently upgraded to an XZ1 Compact, and intend to keep my Z5 Compact as a spare phone. In order to do this I need it to be Network Unlocked as I've switched from EE to O2 (UK).

EE supplied me with an unlocking code which didn't work, as it turns out the Network Unlock Code Counter is at zero (despite me never having attempted to unlock the phone before).

Sony are insisting that the only way for this counter to be reset in order to allow me to enter an unlocking code is if I send the phone to them for an engineer to do it. I can't believe in 2017 that this is the case, and there isn't some way of doing so remotely or even myself.

Does anyone know if this is the case or have any idea how to avoid having to send my phone to Sony?

[NeoBeum]

Does the SIM info look like this? 

[hbkid]

Yep! 

[NeoBeum]

It should already be unlocked 

Flash the generic firmware over the carrier firmware... 

Saying that got me a "soft ban" on Australia's Telstra Crowd Support Forum... Where I wasn't allowed to post for a few hours...  While they went in panic mode...  Jerks...

Spoiler

 Yeah that's right Telstra.. I called you jerks

Spoiler

 Jerks

Spoiler

 As a result, i no longer offer crowd support tips on the Telstra site...  And use it mainly to abuse them, or tell people to go to the Telecom industry ombudsman 

Spoiler

 I'm a gamer... In gaming we don't get reviewed, it's called a ban hammer.. Hence soft ban 

If you already have the generic firmware, try a new SIM 

[hbkid]

It's definitely not unlocked as it won't recognise my new sim and I have no idea how to flash the firmware... 

[NeoBeum]

Go to xperiablog and read up how to use xperifirm, install it and read how and what to do while you download your devices generic firmware bundle 

What icon is displayed to indicate the sim isn't registering? 

Is it a no network signal or a sim with a x through it 

[hbkid]

It says no sim - as if the sim tray was empty. 

[NeoBeum]

Get the unbranded generic firmware on to the device 

Then let me know what icon is displaying and if there are any changes on the sim info service menu 

 

And that had never been touched right? 

[hbkid · Accepted solution]

So it turns out that my phone was unlocked after all. I'd been trying to put the sim card tray back in the SD card slot the whole time. 

D'oh! 

[NeoBeum]

told ya