Database Info

[Q] Sony Xperia Z3 (UK) - Bootloader Unlock Survey

Hi there - cretinous noob posting a thread here.
As I was thinking of buying a Sony Xperia Z3 in the UK, as the thread title says, I was wondering where people on here have got the handset from and state what locks the handsets have. Here's one way to post said information (this is an example)
- Location/Store: Carphone Warehouse - Birmingham (UK) (they're known for selling untampered handsets)
- SIM Lock Status: Unlocked
- Bootloader Lock Status: Unlockable (permanently locked handsets are usually acquired through carriers sadly)
Also, just to be clear, this thread applies to everyone on an international level, even though I am buying said handset from the UK.
Special thanks go to rehanraza for inspiring me to write this thread, especially when this will (hopefully) help potential buyers when it comes to buying the Xperia Z3.
Xperia Z2 Survey Thread by rehanraza: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2724226

I got my Xperia Z3 yesterday, from 3 and the information is as follows:
-Location/Store: Carphone Warehouse - Worksop (Nottinghamshire) (UK)
- SIM Lock Status: Unlocked
- Bootloader Lock Status: Unlockable (permanently locked handsets are usually acquired through carriers sadly)
Bear in mind mine is from the 3 network, however, I flashed the generic UK FTF to get rid of the carrier stuff.

Won't happen.
There are surveys for all Xperias and that never helped.
Buy carier free device and you'll get BL status yes.
Just hold your horses and check everything before you unlock your BL.
Sony has DRM keys which will be permanently deleted if you unlock bootloader.
If there's still no way to root device before unlocking bootloader that means there's no way to backup DRM keys...

funky0308 said:
Won't happen.
There are surveys for all Xperias and that never helped.
Buy carier free device and you'll get BL status yes.
Just hold your horses and check everything before you unlock your BL.
Sony has DRM keys which will be permanently deleted if you unlock bootloader.
If there's still no way to root device before unlocking bootloader that means there's no way to backup DRM keys...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In agreement with Funky here, do not unlock the bootloader until a locked bootloader root method is found.

funky0308 said:
Won't happen.
There are surveys for all Xperias and that never helped.
Buy carier free device and you'll get BL status yes.
Just hold your horses and check everything before you unlock your BL.
Sony has DRM keys which will be permanently deleted if you unlock bootloader.
If there's still no way to root device before unlocking bootloader that means there's no way to backup DRM keys...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by "won't happen"?
As fornthis survey, its sole purpose is just a guide (nothing more than that) as to where you will most likely get a bootloader-unlockable device (for installing custom ROMs et cetera if you're willing to take the risk) and yes, whilst getting a SIM-free device is the best way to guarantee that (no s***, Sherlock), there are some carrier-based stores that MAY provide bootloader-unlockable Xperia handsets (I went into a Vodafone store one week ago to help sort out my brother-in-law's HTC one mini and after said issue was sorted, I admittedly pressed *#*#7378423#*#* into the Xperia Z2 and the M2 if I recall correctly - the former said no but the latter said yes), and as for "all these surveys haven't helped" part, I have to strongly disagree there for the most part, especially when I now know where to best get a Sony handset from after reading the Z2 survey thread but on the other hand, what may be helpful to me may not be helpful to you.
As for me in terms of what I am personally going to do in terms of actually purchasing a handset, I usually tend to wait before I feel that I am comfortable modding my device due to the reasons you have mentioned (being able to reverse system changes and being abke to modify your phone without any complications) and that I feel that the handset makers are not supporting the device well, in which I ended up installing OmniROM 4.4.x on my Samsung Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) because of Samsung taking the p*** with their updates and giving the owners of the "baseline international version" of the S3 a big fat "f*** you" by not providing a Kitkat update, and therefore I agree with you when it comes to being patient before going down the modding route and I would suggest the same to the common modding folk here.

Really liked the mint silver colour so picked it up from O2 today:
- Location/Store: O2 - London (UK)
- SIM Lock Status: locked
- Bootloader Lock Status: No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sadly it is locked. I have requested a SIM unlock code and going to try that, then flash a generic FTF to see if it changes to yes.
If that doesn't work then the phone is going back under the 14 day return policy and would mean I cannot have the green colour :crying:....well at least I can get copper from Carphone Warehouse.

fl4r3 said:
Really liked the mint silver colour so picked it up from O2 today:
- Location/Store: O2 - London (UK)
- SIM Lock Status: locked
- Bootloader Lock Status: No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sadly it is locked. I have requested a SIM unlock code and going to try that, then flash a generic FTF to see if it changes to yes.
If that doesn't work then the phone is going back under the 14 day return policy and would mean I cannot have the green colour :crying:....well at least I can get copper from Carphone Warehouse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, unfortunately, from what I have read on here, simply asking for a SIM unlock code and flashing a generic FTF file will not change the "bootloader unlock status" flag, so if I were you, your best bet is to just go to Carphone Warehouse and get a handset from there, and tell O2 that you don't want the handset that is provided by them.

Yeah I know it is a long shot but there have been a few rare cases where it has worked (although the legitimacy is unclear).
Thought I'd give it a try before I return it as it is the only place to get the mint silver colour.

o2 uk unlock stutus=no
Origonally i got a z3 d6603 online with o2 UK, checked the bootloader unlock allowed status and it said no.
So that went straight back on the 14 day return policy.
Ended up getting a sim unlocked version from the catalogue people, very.co.uk.
Got a 10% off code for being a new customer, and i went through quidco for another 7% cashback.
All good now, bootloader can be unlocked.
Cant wait to get flashing when some roms start popping up.

My Z3 is D6653 android 4.4.4 build 23.0.A.2.108
i have unlock boot b4.. after than i was lock it back to restore back original ...but now i wan unlock back it not working d
just show me the error have rooted is that only can unlock one time???after lock back its not working any more??

O2 is sim locked and bootloader can't be unlocked.

If you request a sim unlock, you waive your 14 day return period. I remember asking O2 the same thing.
Then again the green z3 was worth more to me than this unlockable bootloader jazz.

killa78 said:
If you request a sim unlock, you waive your 14 day return period. I remember asking O2 the same thing.
Then again the green z3 was worth more to me than this unlockable bootloader jazz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes they also do it free of charge if your in contract with them. However still can't unlock the bootloader.

[Q] Need Quick Answer Sim Unlock

I am about to buy an unwanted contract upgrade Z3 but it is locked to another network. If I unlock it would this mean the bootloader is unlocked or not?
I do not want to loose the DRM protected camera features and the sellers network is refusing to give him the unlock code until he has had the phone for 6 (!) months.

The SIM unlock code will not touch the bootloader so your DRM keys will still be intact.

fl4r3 said:
The SIM unlock code will not touch the bootloader so your DRM keys will still be intact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And using one of the paid unlock code services online is possible with the Z3?
I was under the impression that newer phones could not be unlocked this way and had to be rooted.

Root has nothing to do with SIM lock.

Usually the code works the same way whether it is obtained from the operator or a separate online service. However there is normally a delay from when the device is released and when unlock codes from online services become available. So I cannot say if they have them available for the Z3 yet.
As long as you use one of the reputable online services you should be fine as they will only advertise it if it is available.
I was under the impression that newer phones could not be unlocked this way and had to be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use SIM unlock codes on network locked phones straight from the shop - so no rooting or anything needs to be involved. You just insert a different SIM, then an option should come up to insert the SIM unlock code.
It gets more difficult to find exploits for rooting newer phones without unlocking the bootloader. But that is a separate issue.
Hope that helps.

You are confusing two different things.
If your phone is SIM locked, you'll only be able to use it under whatever company's network it is locked to. It doesn't make a difference whether it's rooted or not or whether the bootloader is unlocked or not.
You can probably unlock the SIM lock through a paid service (IMEI unlocking) although with newer phones is a little harder to find a service that will do it.
Look at several unlocking services (there are many online) to see if they can unlock that phone before you make the purchase.

Brilliant. Thanks for the help!

Anyone care to recommend a good online service to use?

The carrier will do it for free usually. Find someone who currently has a subscription

They said it would be 21 days before they would release the code for some reason. I've used a paid online service although even they ae saying 7 days.

finty said:
They said it would be 21 days before they would release the code for some reason. I've used a paid online service although even they ae saying 7 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Real delivery time for Sony codes from 3rd party service is 3-7 days. These 3rd party unlock codes come from manufacturer (Sony) and they support all Sony models. No matter if the model is just released etc. If you are using good supplier with history and your phone has at least 2 attempts left to type unlock code (is not hard locked) it's very safe process. Good luck.

Not asking for code
I have a brand new Z3 locked to T-Mobile.
When I insert my own sim, it does'nt ask for unlock code. It also says at the top of the notification bar that the phone is network locked and I can only make emergency calls.
Can you please help me on how to get the phone to ask for an unlock code so that I can enter one and unlock the phone.
Thank you.

Device unlock apk.
Do you have that in your app drawer?.
If you don't go look in the mods n apps section I just posted a link to the app you need. There is no way to make the t-mobile D6616 ask for an unlock code. At least no way I found. T-mobile r jerks.
Edit
Here's the link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwEKM70ewjHNQ01UWlNmRXJGbkE/view?usp=docslist_api
Sent from my D6616 using XDA Free mobile app

Dear imprezif,
I have the app and tried getting an unlock done through it. I get the message this device is not eligible for unlock, contact T-Mobile for device unlock eligibility.
You are right about T-Mobile though!
Thank you for your response and I will keep trying...

Work this app on z3 compact? ther is something like that for z3 compact? thanks for help...

Network Problem in Sony Xperia Z C6603

Hi everyone, this is going to be my first post on xda. That's why just pardon me if the thread has been posted in to a wrong section. So here is my problem, a friend from the UK brought me a Sony Xperia Z which was bought with a contract from Three almost 3 years ago. I'm living in Turkey and I know that government locks the mobiles after a month if they hadn't been registered and consequently my sony's imei has also been locked. After that I was going to register it with my passport to use it but a point stuck in my mind if the mobile has a carrier sim-lock too. I made some research on the net to figure out whether there is or not and how I can get out of this. I'm going to attach a screenshot of code "*#*#7465625#*#*". As far as I understood, there is no simlock, however, it has been locked by the government due to lack of registration. Please make some suggestions
Thanks in advance.
*s30.postimg.org/7eidefq7l/Screenshot_2015_08_10_13_00_52.png

Unlocking Sony Xperia Z5 (F3111) from O2 network

Hello!
A friend came back (to Greece) from England with a Sony Xperia E5 (F3111) which was registered on the Ο2 network. While still in England, she tried to insert the Greek network SIM number but she was asked for an unlock code. She went to a cell-store in London and the assistant told her that she would receive the unlock code in about 15 days (which have gone by and she hasn't). Now she is back in Greece and we ran the procedure described by O2 in their site but they say it will take another month or so for the code.
Is there any other possible way to unlock the phone? We no longer trust those ''unlocking sites'', since my friend has already paid some money with no results?

Please hide (edit and delete) your phone's IMEI. You are not doing any service posting the IMEI. better to keep it secure and hidden.
Have you guys contacted O2 for the unlock code?

RossTeagan said:
Please hide (edit and delete) your phone's IMEI. You are not doing any service posting the IMEI. better to keep it secure and hidden.
Have you guys contacted O2 for the unlock code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, of course we did but they said it could take more than a month. Eventually my friend did the job via some American unlocking site...

Network Unlocking Sony Xperia XZ

Hi Folks,
one of my colleague have xperia xz carrier locked and he had have travel to another country for some months but unfortunately the network his phone is locked is not available in that country he is going to so is there any way to run other networks on this phone?
he told me he already tried to contact with service center but xperia service center isn't that good and they failed to help him so please tell me any solution if there is to unlock XZ?

well there are 2 recommended methods which you can use to get your phone unlocked.
1 - Visiting Xperia Service Center and explaining them complete issue I'm sure they are going to assist you in this issue and I'm pretty sure they will resolve this issue.
2 - If you don't have any Xperia service center near you or they failed to help you then there is another safe solution is to get your phone unlock by any unlocking service provider such as safeunlockcode the one I know, I used safeunlockcode to unlock my galaxy s6 edge plus and i got my phone safely unlock so i can recommend you the only one I have tried. but you can ask other members or search on google you will find many other.
all you have to do order your networking unlocking code from any service provider and they will email you unlock code with complete guide to use that code.
I suggest you to try live customer support service of unlocking service provider and tell them your phone and model before creating an order that would be helpful more.
Best of luck.
Happy Unlocking