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[Q] Sony Xperia U network unlock

It's probably a n00b question so apologies in advance, but if I root / bootloader unlock and Cyanogenmod flash an Android phone that's locked to a certain network, will that network lock be removed along with the official default Android ROM? Or is the lock at something like a BIOS level (or whatever the smartphone equivalent of a BIOS is)?
I bought a pre-unlocked Xperia U about a year ago that I've been using on Vodafone and had to return it under warranty (got stuck in a boot loop despite the fact that it's totally unmodified, not even rooted, honest!) and the replacement they sent back is locked to Virgin Mobile. They're telling me that the phone I sent them was originally sold to Virgin in France and locked to Virgin before I bought it, and that they've therefore fulfilled their responsibility. So I'm just wondering now about unlocking, and I've always been curious anyway about how / if bootloader unlocking, custom ROMs etc are related to network unlocking.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide with this!

Bump The First

splscs said:
It's probably a n00b question so apologies in advance, but if I root / bootloader unlock and Cyanogenmod flash an Android phone that's locked to a certain network, will that network lock be removed along with the official default Android ROM? Or is the lock at something like a BIOS level (or whatever the smartphone equivalent of a BIOS is)?
I bought a pre-unlocked Xperia U about a year ago that I've been using on Vodafone and had to return it under warranty (got stuck in a boot loop despite the fact that it's totally unmodified, not even rooted, honest!) and the replacement they sent back is locked to Virgin Mobile. They're telling me that the phone I sent them was originally sold to Virgin in France and locked to Virgin before I bought it, and that they've therefore fulfilled their responsibility. So I'm just wondering now about unlocking, and I've always been curious anyway about how / if bootloader unlocking, custom ROMs etc are related to network unlocking.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide with this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well u can unlock it.. by getting the code from sony..
It will also unlock the ph..'s Sim lock..
Or ask the sony officialy for this.. they'll provide u every info required.
But unlocking the bl will do the job for you to be sim free
But do double check this from google too.
Also before unlocking pls make a backup as it will wipe everything from the device.
Just unlock and don't flash any custom kernels.If you want to then do it carefully pls with a backup and a copy of flashable stock rom.
Flash custom roms based on stock kernels
Hope this will answer the query..

Thanks for your reply! I spoke to Sony and they just told me to contact the network (which have done and they're wanting to charge me a fee to provide the unlock code). So to clarify, if I root the phone and unlock the bootloader, the network SIM lock will also be removed?

splscs said:
Thanks for your reply! I spoke to Sony and they just told me to contact the network (which have done and they're wanting to charge me a fee to provide the unlock code). So to clarify, if I root the phone and unlock the bootloader, the network SIM lock will also be removed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not by rooting but also i guess not even by unlocking bl..
how much are they charging exactly..
i'll try to find the link for this
Also check this that how many times is the code applied for unlocking..it should not be 0
use this *#*#7378243#*#* in dialer
then service info sim lock

ADDICT.ANK said:
Not by rooting but also i guess not even by unlocking bl..
how much are they charging exactly..
i'll try to find the link for this
Also check this that how many times is the code applied for unlocking..it should not be 0
use this *#*#7378243#*#* in dialer
then service info sim lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I dial that number, the number just disappears. What is it for? They want £15.32 for the code. Should I just pay them and forget about trying to remove the lock?

splscs said:
When I dial that number, the number just disappears. What is it for? They want £15.32 for the code. Should I just pay them and forget about trying to remove the lock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry the code is this
*#*#7378423#*#*
check the sim lock counters should be zero in all..
if zero then once u can try googling the code for unlocking if they work then it's great.
if not then it would be better to pay them for this as its a bit risky..
and are u using virgin's network??
As it's cheaper what they areaskingfor i guess.

ADDICT.ANK said:
Sorry the code is this
*#*#7378423#*#*
check the sim lock counters should be zero in all..
if zero then once u can try googling the code for unlocking if they work then it's great.
if not then it would be better to pay them for this as its a bit risky..
and are u using virgin's network??
As it's cheaper what they areaskingfor i guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll give it a try! And nah I use Vodafone. Virgin has no signal at all in my area.

Xperia Z3 D6616 SIM unlock or Custom firmware

hi
i am having my Xperia Z3 D6616 idle for more than 5 months, meaning? its not sim unlocked. actually unable to unlock it. i did not know that t-mob disabled the SIM unlock code pop up in their phones.
i am not in US right now so unable to unlock the phone as i bought from ebay as new. totally fed up with this situation.
i am tried all over the forum and waited log time to get the root, i felt it will be unlocked after then. but unfortunately rooting did not shed any light on unlocking possibility.
so far
1. D6616 cannot be Sim unlocked without Tmob support
2. No custom firmwares.
3. will not boot if international Firmware flashed via flashtool. or flashing pre rooted zips.
4. its known that it the boot loader cannot be unlocked.
i am looking for D6603 firmware ported to D6616 so that we can flash into recovery and get the sim unlock code Pop up to Enter the unlock code.
or anyway how to port the simunlock app from international D6603 FW to make it work on D6616.
I saw and tried HTC one M9 T mob sim unlocking method and it worked on HTC one M9. (the link is below) is it possible can we follow the same method to unlock the D6616 also.
looks like T-Mob disable sim unlock pop up in their phone to restrict the user to unlock as they wish.
link : http://forum.xda-developers.com/one-m9/general/sim-unlock-method-t3143333
i request some developer help how to get this done. i believe they are so generous and helpful. at least some guides on how to make it.

idumbakumar said:
hi
i am having my Xperia Z3 D6616 idle for more than 5 months, meaning? its not sim unlocked. actually unable to unlock it. i did not know that t-mob disabled the SIM unlock code pop up in their phones.
i am not in US right now so unable to unlock the phone as i bought from ebay as new. totally fed up with this situation.
i am tried all over the forum and waited log time to get the root, i felt it will be unlocked after then. but unfortunately rooting did not shed any light on unlocking possibility.
so far
1. D6616 cannot be Sim unlocked without Tmob support
2. No custom firmwares.
3. will not boot if international Firmware flashed via flashtool. or flashing pre rooted zips.
4. its known that it the boot loader cannot be unlocked.
i am looking for D6603 firmware ported to D6616 so that we can flash into recovery and get the sim unlock code Pop up to Enter the unlock code.
or anyway how to port the simunlock app from international D6603 FW to make it work on D6616.
I saw and tried HTC one M9 T mob sim unlocking method and it worked on HTC one M9. (the link is below) is it possible can we follow the same method to unlock the D6616 also.
looks like T-Mob disable sim unlock pop up in their phone to restrict the user to unlock as they wish.
link : http://forum.xda-developers.com/one-m9/general/sim-unlock-method-t3143333
i request some developer help how to get this done. i believe they are so generous and helpful. at least some guides on how to make it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also really appreciate help with this issue
Sent from my C6603 using XDA Free mobile app

so No help or support from members?
i am going to try this option
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321828564320?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
this is the cheapest i found
but as of now they are telling the server is down. have to wait until the service is up.

idumbakumar said:
so No help or support from members?
i am going to try this option
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321828564320?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
this is the cheapest i found
but as of now they are telling the server is down. have to wait until the service is up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm facing the same problem, all servers are down indefinitely. One guy also found if your phone never were used or registered in T-mobile network, can't be registered as elegible to unlock, this is my worst problem, I'm outside of USA with brand new expensive phone . If some one found any other solution to unlock, I'll appreciate the information

Unlock service is up.
Now we can unlock xperia Z3 with t mobile app,
The service is up. I bought the unlock service from cellphoneunlock.net
This service cost 50$, but this is the only option for D6616. Time will 3-6 days. I unlocked two of my D6616 after years

idumbakumar said:
Now we can unlock xperia Z3 with t mobile app,
The service is up. I bought the unlock service from cellphoneunlock.net
This service cost 50$, but this is the only option for D6616. Time will 3-6 days. I unlocked two of my D6616 after years
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not that I believe in pay for those type of services. but I have a z3v and am in a similar position. I was wondering if you could check if your bootloader unlockable status has changed from no to yes or how can u flash stock z3 firmware with only a sim unlock.

Tigerhoods said:
not that I believe in pay for those type of services. but I have a z3v and am in a similar position. I was wondering if you could check if your bootloader unlockable status has changed from no to yes or how can u flash stock z3 firmware with only a sim unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has nothing to do with the bootloader, it is for unlocking the sim only. The z3v is alread SIM unlocked, but, like the T-Mobile d6616, the bootloader is locked and likely to stay that way.

Sim unlocking question

Hello, I just bought an Alcatel Onetouch idol 3, from my Romanian provider(Vodafone), as I saw in other threads over here, everyone's talking about sim unlocking on websites, but my question is..
Is there any way to unlock the sim via bootloader, or flashing another firmware ?
Thank you

I also tought of the next way:
Unlock bootloader via WinDroid, gain the supercid, then use the windows update utillity to make an firmware update to an unlocked firmware
What you think ?

Scutariu said:
I also tought of the next way:
Unlock bootloader via WinDroid, gain the supercid, then use the windows update utillity to make an firmware update to an unlocked firmware
What you think ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one has reported on this forum to my knowledge a successful sim unlocking from a provider purchased idol 3. Here in USA it comes out unlocked from Amazon. I think you are confusing bootloader and sim unlock because I know of no "firmware" method of sim unlocking short of having the unlock code....although I certainly could be wrong Since you have only so many tries the best method is get your provider to give you the unlock code. Here in the USA you can get one from your provider if your account is in good standing and it's been 90 days since your last request. Most folks tell them they are going overseas and want to be able to use the phone....something similar might work for you?.

I went to my provider, and checked it there, the unlocking code was 60e, because the contract was still available, anyway..
I went to a GSM, and the guy took me 10e to unlock it xD

Network unlock

My phone's locked to the Vodafone UK network. I've confirmed this by looking in the service menu, SIM Lock and I have a number 5 alongside the Network.
I've flashed the phone with a generic UK rom, but the network lock is still on. I assume the lock setting is somewhere else on the phone ? ie. some partition which is not accessed by a ROM flash ?
Thanks...

to unlock a phone from a network, you need to use a sim unlock key. i don't know about vodafone, but SOMETIMES the carrier will give it to you if you ask... otherwise, pay 20-40 dollars from any site on google for the key and enter it. usually you get the prompt to sim/carrier unlock when you insert a sim card from a different carrier into the phone.

Vodafone UK provide the SIM unlock code for free. I went into a Vodafone shop and asked them to do it when I left them. It was hassle free.
Use this link to get your network unlock code. My code came within a few hours, even though the link says it could take upto 10 days. (In case you have an obscure phone and they have to get in touch with the phones manufacturer)

anees27 said:
My phone's locked to the Vodafone UK network. I've confirmed this by looking in the service menu, SIM Lock and I have a number 5 alongside the Network.
I've flashed the phone with a generic UK rom, but the network lock is still on. I assume the lock setting is somewhere else on the phone ? ie. some partition which is not accessed by a ROM flash ?
Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need to contact Vodafone for a pac code, flashing a customised UK ftf will only remove the bloatware it'll still be locked to the Vodafone network.
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs

aidy.lucas said:
You'll need to contact Vodafone for a pac code, flashing a customised UK ftf will only remove the bloatware it'll still be locked to the Vodafone network.
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A pac code is used to move your phone number to another network, not to make a handset unlocked to any network.
Again, if you are in the UK just call 191 and ask for a simunlock code for your handest or just goto this link
http://www.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone-...request/?cid=vnty-vod-auto/dvynfvtq(uv(bx)tbu

Cheers Greg,
nice one !
I will get in touch with Vodafone.
gregbradley said:
A pac code is used to move your phone number to another network, not to make a handset unlocked to any network.
Again, if you are in the UK just call 191 and ask for a simunlock code for your handest or just goto this link
http://www.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone-...request/?cid=vnty-vod-auto/dvynfvtq(uv(bx)tbu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[CLOSED] Bootloader Unlock Allowed "No" to "Yes" is now finally possible.

Bootloader Unlock Allowed No to Yes is now finally possible
Discovered by MrCooper95
QUICK STORY OF HOW IT HAPPENED​
For years, members of Xperia users thought that if you had a SIM locked Xperia phone, you would never able to unlock the bootloader even after you get it SIM unlocked, the Bootloader Unlocked Allowed will still remain "No".
​You would have to buy a factory SIM unlocked phone instead.
For a good price, I've bought a used SIM locked Xperia 1 that has been hardlocked ( 0 unlock attempts left )
The previous owner tried to get it SIM unlocked, but the codes he used were incorrect and went over the unlock attempt limit, causing a SIM hard lock. He did not mention this when he put it up for sale.
Anyway, I looked around the internet and the found a program called QUnlock. ( S1 Network Unlock Tool )
The S1 Network Unlock Tool is free to download but you have to pay credit in order to work. About £20 ( you pay via mobile phone repair shop websites ) and then they will email you a username and password for you to connect to the S1 server in the unlock tool.
So I connected the Xperia 1 via flash mode in S1 Network Unlock Tool and it worked. My phone is now SIM unlocked after being hardlocked.
​After booting up the phone. I went into service menu to ensure that it is free from SIM hardlock, the tool worked successfully.
​but I also checked the bootloader status and it changed to "Yes".
I was suprised and amazed at the same time after all these years, we were told that changing the bootloader status No to Yes is impossible, even people told us that a permanent hard locked Xperia phone can never be reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS​
Q. What is the S1 Unlock Tool and what does it exactly do?
The S1 Network Unlock Tool is used by professional mobile phone repair shops and it has been around for a long time. This tool is created and only works for Xperia phones.
It is also available to be downloaded for anyone who can do it themselves at home with just a USB Cable.
This tool is used primarily to reverse a Xperia phone with a permanent SIM hard lock ( 0 unlock attempts left ) and changes it SIM unlocked.
​It can be used as a normal SIM unlocking service.
​However nobody really knew, that this tool can also change your bootloader status from "No" to "Yes".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Q. Can I use this tool to change my bootloader from No to Yes if my SIM is already unlocked?
So far yes, some members of Xperia users has reported back to confirm that it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
​
Q. Why are some Xperia phones not allowed to have its bootloader unlocked?
Because it is originally made SIM locked to a Network Provider/Carrier. ( Factory SIM lock )
​Network Providers/Carriers restricts you unlocking your bootloader due to warranty and safety reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Q. Does this tool directly unlock the bootloader?
The tool does not directly unlock the bootloader, it just allows you to get the bootloader unlocked.
You would still need to follow Sony's official procedure of unlocking your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMPORTANT INFORMATION​
You should always back up your Trim Area Partition (TA.img) if your Sony phone has a backup exploit.
After you have unlocked the phone using the tool, a sign file ( backup ) is created in the tool folder.
Don't delete it, keep it incase anything goes wrong. ( See warning below )
WARNING​There are reports from some users encountering a no SIM card service / detection after they have used the tool. It is evidently related ( so far ) with some of the Japanese Xperia models.
Japanese SO Xperia model ( Docomo / SoftBank )
Japanese SOV Xperia model ( KDDI )
If this happens, restore the backup and get your refund or try flashing a custom ROM or another firmware ( only if it's safe to do so for Japanese Xperia models )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DISCLAIMER​
I will not be responsible for any actions that you make. I am informing you that the S1 Network Unlock Tool can have consequences as it is not fully documented yet.
Please reply back with your Xperia and its model number if you have successfully unlocked your bootloader.
I will keep the thread updated, best of luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DOWNLOAD LINKS​
S1 Network Unlock Tool
Works on all Sony Xperia Models manufactured after 30/06/2014.
( Updated Support for Xperia 1 III, Xperia 5 III and Xperia 10 III )
MOD EDIT: Link Removed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trusted website to buy credits
There are many websites that you can buy credits from, however some might be a scam or unreliable. This is the one that I've used and its trusted.
Please do not ask NUGSM questions anything related to Xperia bootloader unlocking, as they do not know much about it. They just provide the credentials and the tool.
MOD EDIT: Link Removed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thread Created ( 01 February 2020 )
Updated Thread ( 11 December 2021 )

Interesting info, thanks for sharing. I always thought only sony could change bootloader status from unlock allowed: No to yes

Asking
Where can I buy the credit for S1tool and download the latest version S1 Tool?
I'd bought a xperia xz and found it needs to be unlocked by the tool to turn bootloader unlock allowed yes

Yes where to buy the credit?
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

KaBombaBoom said:
I've bought an network locked Xperia 1 on ebay after getting the Xperia 5 and found out that it was hardlocked (0 unlock attempts left).
So I've looked around the internet to find a solution and the solution is called QUnlock (S1 Network Unlock tool)
Getting the software program is free but you have to pay credit in order to work. About £20 (You pay via mobile phone repair shop websites) then they will give you username and password to connect to the S1 server.
So I did that, connect my phone into flash mode and boom my Xperia 1 is network unlocked after it's been hardlocked.
So I've curiously checked the bootloader status and surprised to find out it has changed No to Yes.
It still amazes me because all these years, we were told that it was a permanent status. Sony website so called helpers are absolutely useless and clueless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello friend, may you let me know where to purchase the credit of s1 tool?
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

joseph168 said:
Hello friend, may you let me know where to purchase the credit of s1 tool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NUGSM website
https://nugsm.com/product/sony-xperia-cable-unlock-0-counter-supported/

Do you know after unlock bootloader, could we flash and concert to internal firmware?

Hello. My phone is 802SO and it was SIM unlocked but bootloader locked (set to NO) I used the website provided here in this thread and as result it is now switched to YES. Thanks a lot!

TrustAugustus said:
Hello. My phone is 802SO and it was unlocked but bootloader locked (set to NO) I used the website provided here in this thread and as result it is now switched to YES. Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great news and glad to help you out, I wasn't so sure if this tool will only work on a SIM locked phone to unlock the bootloader. But you confirmed that it works in SIM unlocked state, so that's some good news.

TrustAugustus said:
Hello. My phone is 802SO and it was unlocked but bootloader locked (set to NO) I used the website provided here in this thread and as result it is now switched to YES. Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, any idea this will work on Docomo Xperia XZ / AU Xperia X Performance ? And did you paid 23 pounds to unlock a device ?

I did pay. You can download the software anytime, however you need a valid username and password to start the process. That's what you buy from the website. Got the the information within 24 hours. Windows thinks it's virus. It's not. Just temporarily disable defender for the download folder
As for whether or not it will work for your device:.I think it would. At least that's the impression I got when I emailed customer support. No guarantees from me, however :laugh:

Ben Ling said:
hi, any idea this will work on Docomo Xperia XZ / AU Xperia X Performance ? And did you paid 23 pounds to unlock a device ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it should work on those devices, the tool supports devices from 2013.

Xperia Z5 bootloader status no to yes
I have got a new Xperia Z5 SOV32 a few month ago. It was SIM unlocked but bootloader status was "no". Finding this thread I have bought qunlock tool from nugsm site, Then tried it to make bootloader status no to yes. After successful work done I have checked bootloader status converted to "Yes". Now I am using Lineage OS on my Xpeia Z5. Totally amazing.......

Nice. THanks

But can you unlock the bootloader after it change from "no" to "yes" ?

MrCooper95 said:
NUGSM website
https://nugsm.com/product/sony-xperia-cable-unlock-0-counter-supported/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got the Japanese model of the Xperia X Compact, with bootloader set to "No" in the service menu. Your method totally worked, after buying the item you linked I was able to unlock the phone using the S1 tool. Bootloader unlocked now shows "Yes". Thanks!

Okay so after bootloader unlock says yes is it still unlockable though someone tried? I have been out of game though I have unlocked a few Xperia Z devices in past and as I recall the method was to enter your IMEI on official bootloader unlock page and they were to send you a code or smth for adb might be mixing up because I think my LG's had same method so my question is after entering imei on sony site they allow it automatically?

betacrypt said:
I've got the Japanese model of the Xperia X Compact, with bootloader set to "No" in the service menu. Your method totally worked, after buying the item you linked I was able to unlock the phone using the S1 tool. Bootloader unlocked now shows "Yes". Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@betacrypt
Can you provide a copy of the software? Have an XZs I would like to fully unlock as it is already network unlocked. Please post on Gdrive or Mega if you can.

MrCooper95 said:
I've bought an network locked Xperia 1 on ebay after getting the Xperia 5 and found out that it was hardlocked (0 unlock attempts left).
So I've looked around the internet to find a solution and the solution is called QUnlock (S1 Network Unlock tool)
Getting the software program is free but you have to pay credit in order to work. About £20 (You pay via mobile phone repair shop websites) then they will give you username and password to connect to the S1 server.
So I did that, connect my phone into flash mode and boom my Xperia 1 is network unlocked after it's been hardlocked.
So I've curiously checked the bootloader status and surprised to find out it has changed No to Yes.
It still amazes me because all these years, we were told that it was a permanent status. Sony website so called helpers are absolutely useless and clueless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this works on Simlocked phones too?

&(*) said:
So this works on Simlocked phones too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/exiyp6
The link is in my Reddit thread page.