Hi Guys,
I thought you might find this thread interesting.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1894668
I was doing some research as I intend buying the Xperia Z Ultra and eventually unlocking the bootloader for custom roms, kernels etc when they become available.
This has at least given me some peace of mind if something unrelated goes Wrong with the device. :good:
I don't want to start an argument here or something but I somewhat disagree with that post...
He said that flashing a custom ROM will not void your warranty because it is not directly stated in the warranty leaflet.
Look at it this way, before you flash a custom ROM, you have to be rooted.. and at that point, you already broke the warranty!
That is the main purpose of having root access locked out by default.. it is there to safeguard the manufacturer should there be any complications due to non-standard changes being done once root access is obtained..
It is like driving on the freeway, it is not against the law to be never late at your appointment.. (not against the warranty to install custom rom).. but if you are breaking the speed limit (rooted your phone) you already broke the law!
So if your device developed a hardware fault at a later date then in your opinion your not covered under your warranty? I've always rooted etc but having had samsung devices the bootloader was already unlocked. Having to get an unlock code from Sony worries me a bit. There's no arguing about it at that point. They can't prove you rooted if you flash back to stock, but there's no denying it if you requested a bootloader unlock
Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk 4
interesting argument
considering that you can flash/update OEM ROM at any time then I hardly think rooting will cause any problems as far as warranty as it is 100% reversible
Unlocking the boot loader might be entirely different
Related
I'm new to Sony Mobiles, especially when it comes to rooting and the like. And, from coming from a HTC, it's very different indeed.
I've seen all the rooting information, flashing and the like mentioned on the forum.
And there is the scary messages that "Your warranty may be voided". But, that only affects some people, as far as I know.
After trying out the *#*#SERVICE*#*# code and checking my status, it says...
Rooting Status:
Bootloader Unlock Allowed: Yes
Does this mean that I can root my phone, and the like, and not lose my warranty from Sony. Say I root it and have problems and return it for repair, that they'll fix it. I'm trying to fix the battery drain, but I don't want to root it if my warranty is screwed, and that the shop may refuse it if I return it tomorrow.
I hope someone can help.
Prepaid/Pay as You Go Handset (Ireland)
If you unlock the bootloader you will lose warranty but you can lock it again anyway.
Rooting dose not void the warranty as such, if the phone goes wrong and you need to return it just flash stock firmware.
But, my bootloader is already unlocked out of the box, yes?
Flashing stock firmware, and returning to warranty cover, isn't doable though at present, is it?
No its not unlocked. You have just acces to unlock it, but! You will lose yiur warranty.
Iff you dont birck your phone, you can always relock it and put official firmware on it. Ready to send!
Sent from my LT26i using XDA
Static-Noise said:
But, my bootloader is already unlocked out of the box, yes?
Flashing stock firmware, and returning to warranty cover, isn't doable though at present, is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No the bootloader is unlockable but not out of the box. Like the google phones you still need to unlock bootloader using the official method using fastboot.
I'm afraid by providing my IMEI, etc., on the Unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com site they'll put it on a blacklist. If I return the phone to the shop tomorrow and give out about the battery, they may see that I've rooted it via IMEI.
Static-Noise said:
I'm afraid by providing my IMEI, etc., on the Unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com site they'll put it on a blacklist. If I return the phone to the shop tomorrow and give out about the battery, they may see that I've rooted it via IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You are paranoid. Plus, the only thing they could possible check is if you got the unlock code.
1. You CANNOT "root via IMEI".
2. Simply generating the unlock code does not mean you unlocked your phone.
It's obvious you're not too sure about this, so please trust us when we say:
1. You can unlock, root, and re-lock
2. You can flash the stock, un-rooted FW and re-lock and the service center won't be none the wiser.
Trust us old birds on this.
That sounds much nicer.
It's just coming from HTC it is all very different. I'm just dying to root it to flash .73 firmware and decide if I'll be returning the phone or not.
Many thanks, wise old bird.
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Thanks all for the replies. I've thrown thanks your way to show my appreciation.
Considering this thread closed. Feel free to snip any content from it for a stickie, as Sony newbies like myself might require the information in the future.
Thanks again.
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Rashkae said:
No. You are paranoid. Plus, the only thing they could possible check is if you got the unlock code.
1. You CANNOT "root via IMEI".
2. Simply generating the unlock code does not mean you unlocked your phone.
It's obvious you're not too sure about this, so please trust us when we say:
1. You can unlock, root, and re-lock
2. You can flash the stock, un-rooted FW and re-lock and the service center won't be none the wiser.
Trust us old birds on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Below statements need to be accepted before you proceed for the code. That means from the standpoint of Sony they are eligible to say your device is no longer under warranty.
As Static-Noise mentioned IMEI is provided in this case and you never ever know when will they take these stats out and say your warranty has voided.
Code:
Important information
Please note that you may void the warranty of your phone and/or any warranty from your operator if you unlock the boot loader. Sony Ericsson can then no longer guarantee the full functionality of your phone, and will not be responsible for any unsigned custom software being flashed to the phone after the boot loader is unlocked.
Code:
By doing this you may void the warranty of your phone. Sony can then no longer guarantee the full functionality of your phone, and will not be responsible any malfunctions in your phone, or material damages or personal injuries caused by your phone.
Are you sure you want to continue?
I totally agree the service center will not be smart enough to check, even you forgot to re-lock your BL, but better keep the concept clear
I've send 3 times my arc to service centre for small glitches with boot loader being unlocked. They never ever had a clue, even with the superuser app installed and running the famous DooMKernel (Remember the boot screen logo is different)
They will only refuse your phone if you do something stupid that causes your hardware to be fried while your bootloader is unlocked (overclocking a bit too much, etc etc).
Unlocking your bootloader doesn't void any warranty it just "may", but they keep the list incase you send it in with the above problems which will void it, because it would be your own fault and not Sony . General problems (yellow screen, dead pixels, factory recalls) and anything else that can happen to the bootloader locked phone, can still be sent in (Unless you break your phone by your own doing ).
So no worries. Enjoy!
So my phone "Unlock status: Rootable", can be rooted via the .73 image and I won't lose warranty? I'm merely going to block ads, use backup software, freeze Sony apps and maybe CM9 in future. I see no need to overclock or the like. Purely software related.
Tl:dr,
I can safely root it, use it only for software (normal root uses, not overclocking), and restore to out of the box setup without having voided warranty that they'll never know about?
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Bell Motorola Atrix, with unlocked bootloader running CM7. Have issues with the headphone jack and the screen being glitchy. The phone is still under warranty.
Which SBF or zip do I flash to remove the "unlocked bootloader" text and to be able to send in to warranty?
You do realize by resetting your ROM back to factory that does not reset the blown fuse don't you? Part of unlocking your bootloader means that you have voided all sort of manufacturer warranty coverage, meaning you are on your own, I would be very surprised if they do anything for you.
However, should you feel the need you still want to try:
1. Find your carrier and matching version here
2. Using SBF flash the downloaded ROM (Be sure to follow all instructions, nobody is responsible for bricks due to carelessness)
By the way, there is no need to ask the same question is two different places, now confusion will ensue and nobody will take you seriously.
I had tried flashing a Bell ROM. The word "unlocked" is gone when booting up the phone. You can try your luck with the warranty.
I am amaze that Atrix has so much problem with the headset jack and screen.
caster62003 said:
You do realize by resetting your ROM back to factory that does not reset the blown fuse don't you? Part of unlocking your bootloader means that you have voided all sort of manufacturer warranty coverage, meaning you are on your own, I would be very surprised if they do anything for you.
However, should you feel the need you still want to try:
1. Find your carrier and matching version here
2. Using SBF flash the downloaded ROM (Be sure to follow all instructions, nobody is responsible for bricks due to carelessness)
By the way, there is no need to ask the same question is two different places, now confusion will ensue and nobody will take you seriously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking your bootloader DOES NOT necessarily mean you have voided your warranty. (The message at unlock states you MAY void your warranty). Read through the forums. Many, many people have returned their phones under warranty with unlocked bootloaders and have had no problems. In fact, I don't remember seeing any posts where someone was refused warranty for an unlocked bootloader.
I recently unlocked my bootloader and rooted my phone. I installed TWRP and flashed a couple of custom roms ( GPE & Revolution HD ) I decided i want to go back to stock. I understand so far i gotta unroot, flash stock rom and re lock bootloader. I read something about RUU files. Any one have suggestion or help how i go about this? Again, i have AT&T varient, currently on Revolution HD Rom
Famous22 said:
I recently unlocked my bootloader and rooted my phone. I installed TWRP and flashed a couple of custom roms ( GPE & Revolution HD ) I decided i want to go back to stock. I understand so far i gotta unroot, flash stock rom and re lock bootloader. I read something about RUU files. Any one have suggestion or help how i go about this? Again, i have AT&T varient, currently on Revolution HD Rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is currently no RUU available as of right now. I think the best you can do for now is to a TWRP restore. There is a stock rooted TWRP in the Android Dev forum. Although this won't un-root you, its closest to stock that you will get. For the future, always make a backup before you root and then you won't have to worry
TheEmpyre said:
There is currently no RUU available as of right now. I think the best you can do for now is to a TWRP restore. There is a stock rooted TWRP in the Android Dev forum. Although this won't un-root you, its closest to stock that you will get. For the future, always make a backup before you root and then you won't have to worry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just ordered my device and still waiting on it to be delivered. I'm already debating on whether or not to root as I've never owned an android phone that i didn't root. From what i understand, the bootloader needs to be unlocked, then s-off, flash recovery and then root. Now, if i'm to do a nandroid of the stock ROM before I root, will I be able to lock the bootloader again, nandroid and s-on in case I need to utilize the warranty? Also, will any warranty bits show up or a tampered flag or any other problem arise that'll indicate it's been farked with? Is there a way to undo those flags? Thanks in advance to TheEmpyre or whomever else can shed some light on this.
EDIT: If the s-off is the only step that will trip the flag, is it possible to leave S, er, ON?
brianray14 said:
I just ordered my device and still waiting on it to be delivered. I'm already debating on whether or not to root as I've never owned an android phone that i didn't root. From what i understand, the bootloader needs to be unlocked, then s-off, flash recovery and then root. Now, if i'm to do a nandroid of the stock ROM before I root, will I be able to lock the bootloader again, nandroid and s-on in case I need to utilize the warranty? Also, will any warranty bits show up or a tampered flag or any other problem arise that'll indicate it's been farked with? Is there a way to undo those flags? Thanks in advance to TheEmpyre or whomever else can shed some light on this.
EDIT: If the s-off is the only step that will trip the flag, is it possible to leave S, er, ON?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader trips a flag. When you relock it gets rid of one flag but trips the relocked flag. Soff can get rid of all flags but you have to leave it soff. Turning it back on throws a security flag.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
If you are current AT&T customer, and can go through them for warranty, they do not care in the least whether you are bootloader unlocked, rooted, s-off, etc.
I know AT&T written policy says otherwise (they have the right refuse warranty on modded phones) but in reality they cherish you paying that nice monthly bill every month over the modest cost of a refurb phone.
I've come over from the One X (EVITA) forum, and there were many (possibly dozens) of report from XDA users successfully returning their devices for warranty with bootloader RELOCKED, UNLOCKED, and in some cases even with custom ROMs installed! And I haven't seen any reports otherwise (AT&T denying warranty due to modded phone).
If you are not a current AT&T customer, and have to go through HTC, that is a different story.
But if you are an AT&T customer, my personal opinion is that you do not need to care about being able to return to stock, tripping flags, etc. Just mod away.
redpoint73 said:
If you are current AT&T customer, and can go through them for warranty, they do not care in the least whether you are bootloader unlocked, rooted, s-off, etc.
I know AT&T written policy says otherwise (they have the right refuse warranty on modded phones) but in reality they cherish you paying that nice monthly bill every month over the modest cost of a refurb phone.
I've come over from the One X (EVITA) forum, and there were many (possibly dozens) of report from XDA users successfully returning their devices for warranty with bootloader RELOCKED, UNLOCKED, and in some cases even with custom ROMs installed! And I haven't seen any reports otherwise (AT&T denying warranty due to modded phone).
If you are not a current AT&T customer, and have to go through HTC, that is a different story.
But if you are an AT&T customer, my personal opinion is that you do not need to care about being able to return to stock, tripping flags, etc. Just mod away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can second this. I just had to replace my m8 because the speakers were crackling like crazy, my bootloader showed relocked and they told me straight up that they didn't care about that as long as it was a hardware problem and not a software problem and replaced it on the spot.
I was under the impression that if you were in your first year of owning the device that faulty hardware would be covered under HTC's factory warranty and not AT&T?
brianray14 said:
I was under the impression that if you were in your first year of owning the device that faulty hardware would be covered under HTC's factory warranty and not AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at the return info, I can see where the confusion might come from. It says "Return directly to manufacturer" for 15 days or more:
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/returnpolicy.html#fbid=KMGdewZyG_f
But AFAIK, all warranty returns go to AT&T when you work through their warranty department. You send them your defective phone, and they send you a refurb. I haven't had to go through this process myself, but this is what has been reported many times on XDA and other forums.
Any update on this how to lock bootloader for HTC M8 AT&T with 4.4.3 InsertCoin 4.1.1 Rom S-On of course.
How do I lock the bootloader in order to upgrade to stock 4.4.4?
im2c0ol said:
Any update on this how to lock bootloader for HTC M8 AT&T with 4.4.3 InsertCoin 4.1.1 Rom S-On of course.
How do I lock the bootloader in order to upgrade to stock 4.4.4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No "update" on this issue is required. The process has been the same for a couple years or more. Further, you've posted the same/similar question to multiple places, and its been answered already in multiple places.
Connect phone to computer in fastboot mode.
Open command prompt, and type: fastboot OEM lock
From there, you can run the RUU.
I know rooting can be undone, but if I need to send the phone in for repairs is it safe to unlock the boot loader, flash ROMs and install alternative recoveries like CWM? Perhaps there's no way to relock and unlock bootloader yet but maybe there will be in the future. Can these be undone or do they void the warrent in the first place?
Why don't you ask Sony? Any answer you get here is hearsay and assumptions. Additionally if people have been able to so things in the past should be relied upon as principle.
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
Well, I have my phone rooted (without unlocking bootloader. You only need to unlock your bootloader to install a custom kernel. If you do this you need to back up your TA) and I still have my TA partition (needed for DRM keys) still intact. IF I needed to send my phone for repair under warranty (assuming it is non firmware related) all I would need to do is repair phone via PC Companion and send it in. I'm sure other people have different view points so it would be advisable to get more opinions to get a general consensus on the matter.
I contacted Sony today and asked if rooting android or unlocking the bootloader could void the warranty and they said
"all the process related to tampered or modify the software of the phone can void the warranty, also physical damage or water damage"
so it beets me what the warranty does cover.
As far as I'm aware "what the don't know wont hurt them..." so as long as you have your TA partition intact and bootloader locked when you send it in and a stock firmware installed then, in theory, they should be none the wiser. The same goes for shamsung phones pre knox. If it is in a stock state then all is good. Other than that; read, back up, modify to your hearts content m8:victory:
I've read conflicting pieces of information on this online. Some say that the warranty is not voided when the bootloader is unlocked, others say it is, and yet others say it isn't as long as you restore stock and lock bootloader. I called HTC support where I was told that unlocking the bootloader would indeed void my warranty, however the HTC site simply says it may void warranty.
I'm in the UK, so technically unlocking doesn't void warranty, HOWEVER I'd rather not like to go down that legal mess.
I'd like to be able to flash Android Marshmallow without losing my warranty. I bought the tablet off Amazon.
Marshmallow is released on the 29th Sept, so you might as well wait and get the OTA automatically - saves any hassle.
Saying that, yes, you can unlock, but my understanding is that if you have to RMA for warranty, you'll need to re-lock it. I think you can only do that if you stay on official ROMs. I just RMA'ed mine after relocking and it was fine.
Thanks! I'll probably wait then, didn't realize it was so close! So if I relock and return to stock, I should be fine?
This is a Nexus. No, you don't lose warranty because of unlocking.