Related
I researched about the matter, and reached some conclusions:
- I don't want to use the TEST POINTER method, I really don't care about OTA updates or Track ID app (as far as I know there are no more consequences), Shazam and Soundhound do the same
- I would like to unlock the bootloader in some manner that, if I need to relock the warranty will still be valid (same goes for root, but I guess flashing an original firmware unroots the device)
That said, found the official instructions to unlock the BL, but still have the main question: is it the procedure completely reversible? Also, is it free?
Thanks in advance. Also really appreciate if someone corrects something wrong I said.
Maxxd01 said:
I researched about the matter, and reached some conclusions:
- I don't want to use the TEST POINTER method, I really don't care about OTA updates or Track ID app (as far as I know there are no more consequences), Shazam and Soundhound do the same
- I would like to unlock the bootloader in some manner that, if I need to relock the warranty will still be valid (same goes for root, but I guess flashing an original firmware unroots the device)
That said, found the official instructions to unlock the BL, but still have the main question: is it the procedure completely reversible? Also, is it free?
Thanks in advance. Also really appreciate if someone corrects something wrong I said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can still relock your bootloader and receive official sony updates, but the problem is, you loose DRM(in which if sony finds out, you still lose warranty).
i found this thread and said that DRM cannot be restored :/
I don't know about non free relocking if it will be able to restore DRM though.
oh and by the way, this thread provides the easiest way to unlock and relock your bootloader for free.
goodluck and enjoy
DRM cannot be restored at all.
Install TrackID from market and it will work.
Bootloader can be relocked, doesn't matter how you unlocked.
And yes, it is free.
Sent from my WT19i using xda premium
Someguyfromhell said:
DRM cannot be restored at all.
Install TrackID from market and it will work.
Bootloader can be relocked, doesn't matter how you unlocked.
And yes, it is free.
Sent from my WT19i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I suppose the DRM Keys only affect the OTA updates (how should we care if we are unlocking BL for custom ROMs
So, I suppose if I have a problem on my Live (but it still turns on), I apply an OFW and then relock it, it's a matter of luck if the techical assistance is going to check if the DRM is still valid or not.
What method do you advice to unlock the BL?
Maxxd01 said:
Ok, so I suppose the DRM Keys only affect the OTA updates (how should we care if we are unlocking BL for custom ROMs
So, I suppose if I have a problem on my Live (but it still turns on), I apply an OFW and then relock it, it's a matter of luck if the techical assistance is going to check if the DRM is still valid or not.
What method do you advice to unlock the BL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Method, pick which is better for you. I used official method, no messing with cables.
Sent from my WT19i using xda premium
Unlock it the way you prefer to it does not matter it will lose warranty any way it is just luck if they will check it or not at the service center. Any way it is really hard to completely brick your phone unless you don't know what you are doing. The main difference is with the test point method you are able to update using seus without problems and it looks more complicated than it really is I only used a clip
just a question about unlocking thru official method.
since you would have to get the unlock key directly from Sony.
would they be able to track your phone since you will be giving them some details like your name, IMEI, email etc. to get the unlock code?
do the service centers have access to that database?
There are no Sony Mobile Service Centers, phones need to be taken back to shop and they use service of specific mobile repair shop.
Depending on what reason you need to take it back, they might want to check it or not. No one has so far done this, so we have no information.
What is DRM and Track ID ?
I want to unlock bootloader my phone, but I am still confused, what is the risk of a official bootloader from sony ? What is DRM and Track ID ? what is its usefulness for wt19i?
sorry my english is not good
dianfajar said:
I want to unlock bootloader my phone, but I am still confused, what is the risk of a official bootloader from sony ? What is DRM and Track ID ? what is its usefulness for wt19i?
sorry my english is not good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no risk either way the difference is that with the official method you will lose your drm (Digital rights management) and the official support of track id (the app from se that you use to search for the info of a song playing in the radio or the tv etc.) meanwhile using the test point method you will not lose them. If you want to install a custom rom like cm9 or miui you need to unlock your bootloader to be able to flash the custom kernels those roms need.
can you save DRM with CWM backup before unlocking bootloader?
manilu001 said:
can you save DRM with CWM backup before unlocking bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, DRM is not saved in CWM backup.
Sent from my WT19i using xda premium
Thanks in advance for all helpfull answers.
I just want to understand the following. Some Live's come with "unlock bootloader allowed"="no" others ="yes". What does that means and more important: what are the implications?
I cannot understand the difference because as fair as I understand right now, all live's (branded/sim unlocked or not) are unlockable (referring to bootloader).
Maxxd01 said:
Thanks in advance for all helpfull answers.
I just want to understand the following. Some Live's come with "unlock bootloader allowed"="no" others ="yes". What does that means and more important: what are the implications?
I cannot understand the difference because as fair as I understand right now, all live's (branded/sim unlocked or not) are unlockable (referring to bootloader).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When they come with boot loader unlock : no it is a branded sim locked phone in which case you can unlock bootloader but you will have no access to fastboot meaning you are unable to flash a custom kernel, also there will be no way you can officially unlock the bootloader so will have to use the test point method and of course you will need to pay to fully unlock your phone to be able to access fastboot and flash custom kernels.
Did I miss something??
ginryu said:
When they come with boot loader unlock : no it is a branded sim locked phone in which case you can unlock bootloader but you will have no access to fastboot meaning you are unable to flash a custom kernel, also there will be no way you can officially unlock the bootloader so will have to use the test point method and of course you will need to pay to fully unlock your phone to be able to access fastboot and flash custom kernels.
Did I miss something??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, for sim locked branded phones ("no")
- To unlock the bootloader: test point method
- Access fastboot: use (and pay) through wotan server
Am I right? I never though that was two different problems.
Maxxd01 said:
So, for sim locked branded phones ("no")
- To unlock the bootloader: test point method
- Access fastboot: use (and pay) through wotan server
Am I right? I never though that was two different problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not really sure about Wotan server however I'm pretty sure about setool and omnius and if you are willing to pay the phone will be fully unlocked (bootloader, sim and fastboot) with one procedure using the test point method.
ginryu said:
When they come with boot loader unlock : no it is a branded sim locked phone in which case you can unlock bootloader but you will have no access to fastboot meaning you are unable to flash a custom kernel, also there will be no way you can officially unlock the bootloader so will have to use the test point method and of course you will need to pay to fully unlock your phone to be able to access fastboot and flash custom kernels.
Did I miss something??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I'm curious, if I have branded sim lock Live ("no" bootloader) can I install an original firmware without using an official channel? Do I need fastboot access?
I'm asking because I'm almost sure that my carrier will not update the Live to 4.0, so I suppose I have to use some other tool in order to install it.
Maxxd01 said:
So, I'm curious, if I have branded sim lock Live ("no" bootloader) can I install an original firmware without using an official channel? Do I need fastboot access?
I'm asking because I'm almost sure that my carrier will not update the Live to 4.0, so I suppose I have to use some other tool in order to install it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can debrand (install a generic firmware) your phone using wotan server for free and as i know it will also change your product code so next time and official sony update is available your phone will get it.
thancks! its helps...
another noob question from me
can i relock BL from test point method?
n do i have to flash stock kernel before relock?
i'm using rage kernel right now.
sent from my Walkman
Hey guys I have some questions. First of all I own an sk17i with ics. I had locked the bootloader and flashed ics now I wanna unlock it again, should I do this via the official way or via test method. If I unlock the bootloader will everything be deleted? And if I flash a custom kernel will I be able to flash super charger script?
*sorry but I am a newbie!
Sent from my SK17i using Tapatalk
If you do it with official method, you will lose your warranty, if you do it with tespoint method, you can unlock and relock and sony won't recognize, so your warranty is keepen up!
Here is the official method of sony, where you will loose your warranty.
Here you will find information on unlocking without loosing drm keys.
Unlocking the bootloader will delete all personal data, so do a nandroid backup via cwm before, so you can restore your current rom later.
nks13 said:
Hey guys I have some questions. First of all I own an sk17i with ics. I had locked the bootloader and flashed ics now I wanna unlock it again, should I do this via the official way or via test method. If I unlock the bootloader will everything be deleted? And if I flash a custom kernel will I be able to flash super charger script?
*sorry but I am a newbie!
Sent from my SK17i using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've previously unlocked the bootloader, then RE-locked it, you need to use the official method again.
You can use the same key to unlock it as before.
Unlocking bootloader does not affect any system or data files. So no, you don't loose any data.
V6 supercharger script requires init.d. Stock kernel doesn't support that ability unless you install it.
Anyway, you can install V6 with any kernel supposedly it supports init.d.
As far as I know, every custom kernel has support...
Michi_optimus_me said:
If you do it with official method, you will lose your warranty, if you do it with tespoint method, you can unlock and relock and sony won't recognize, so your warranty is keepen up!
Here is the official method of sony, where you will loose your warranty.
Here you will find information on unlocking without loosing drm keys.
Unlocking the bootloader will delete all personal data, so do a nandroid backup via cwm before, so you can restore your current rom later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have cwm installed and that's why I want to unlock bootloader. I have unlocked via official way so I think I should unlock it again via official way.
iONEx said:
If you've previously unlocked the bootloader, then RE-locked it, you need to use the official method again.
You can use the same key to unlock it as before.
Unlocking bootloader does not affect any system or data files. So no, you don't loose any data.
V6 supercharger script requires init.d. Stock kernel doesn't support that ability unless you install it.
Anyway, you can install V6 with any kernel supposedly it supports init.d.
As far as I know, every custom kernel has support...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the apps will not be deleted? Cause the other man said that everything is gonna be deleted:S Please tell me man. I will unlock bootloader via official way, then I will install a custom kernel and finally I will install super charger
EDiT: you loose data partition so do make a backup
You can easily find a backup app on the market.
After that, you can flash a custom kernel and install V6
Official unlock method makes factory reset, so yes, you lose all data.
Thank you guys! when I will finish everything I'll tell you
Sent from my SK17i using Tapatalk
Just like title states. I was curious if they do for those that have forgotten or wasn't aware to back them up. I'm awaiting my z ultra today via UPS.
Thanks
AFAIK, DRM keys are contained in the TA partition, deeeep inside the memory. So roms got nothing to do with your drm keys. You will lose drm ONLY when you unlock the bootloader, and that's usually required if you decided to flash something that needs unlocked bootloader (e.g. most custom recovery and roms). If you by any means unlocked the bootloader, the only way to restore bootloader is by using backup of ta partition from the same phone.
Check this out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45463149 for more thorough explanation.
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
unk_damnation said:
AFAIK, DRM keys are contained in the TA partition, deeeep inside the memory. So roms got nothing to do with your drm keys. You will lose drm ONLY when you unlock the bootloader, and that's usually required if you decided to flash something that needs unlocked bootloader (e.g. most custom recovery and roms). If you by any means unlocked the bootloader, the only way to restore bootloader is by using backup of ta partition from the same phone.
Check this out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45463149 for more thorough explanation.
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I understand clearly now. I wasn't sure. coming from samsung rooting/ roms. so the sony way of things is new to me. thanks again
Hi first post. Have just got a z2 from Vodafone which has a locked boot loader now I know this stops me installing custom roms and kernel but will I be able to install stock roms. Mine has come with loads of bundled Vodafone apps and bloatware so want to be able to install stock UK rom. When there available as the battery performance seems to be badly affected.? Thanks
Yes there should be no reason why you can't use flashtool to debrand with an official signed stock Rom.
Sent from my Xperia S using xda app-developers app
With HTCs there was a CID number which blocked official RUUs. Are Sonys like that at all? It stopped my friend upgrading to jellybean with the official RUU for ages.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Any stock based ROMs can be flashed on devices with locked bootloaders... This includes official Sony firmware, such as that from other regions (you'd probably want a generic version to avoid bloatware), and developer ROMs that are based on stock. Familiarise yourself with the latest flashtool as this will be your go to software for flashing.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk
Can someone explain exactly what we can/can't do with a locked bootloader?
Mine is locked, and not unlockable. Can I still flash a non Vodafone/generic Rom? Can it be fully rooted? Can I install different ROMs?
I like this phone a lot, but have until the weekend to decide whether to return it or not. If I can still root and remove all the unwanted apps/bloatware, I'll keep it
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
You can currently root the device, install the (one and only) current custom ROM, remove all bloatware and such just as you would any other phone
BUT
In order to do this the current method involves unlocking the bootloader first before obtaining root access which will wipe the TA partition, thus losing your DRM keys.
You need the DRM keys in order to restore your phone completely back to stock in order to get full warranty...
So until a root exploit is found which doesn't involve unlocking the bootloader first you can't uninstall apps without worrying about warranty - however you should be able to disable them from the app settings menu
Hope this helps explain things better for you
Sent from my D6503 using xda app-developers app
Alex Charles said:
You can currently root the device, install the (one and only) current custom ROM, remove all bloatware and such just as you would any other phone
BUT
In order to do this the current method involves unlocking the bootloader first before obtaining root access which will wipe the TA partition, thus losing your DRM keys.
You need the DRM keys in order to restore your phone completely back to stock in order to get full warranty...
So until a root exploit is found which doesn't involve unlocking the bootloader first you can't uninstall apps without worrying about warranty - however you should be able to disable them from the app settings menu
Hope this helps explain things better for you
Sent from my D6503 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same position mine is from vodafone uk, and has a locked bootloader. When a generic stock rom is out can I flash it as normal, which will then remove just the network bloatware?
Thanks
Thank you everyone who took Time to reply does anyone know how long it will likely be before a UK stock rom will be available and where would I likely find it. Thanks once again we
Dial *#*#7378423#*#* and under service infor there's configuration, under that does it say Bootloader unlock allowed: No?
chesterr said:
Dial *#*#7378423#*#* and under service infor there's configuration, under that does it say Bootloader unlock allowed: No?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mine says no
At this moment in time there is no known root exploit so without boot loader unlock all you will be able to do is flash official Sony signed Roms. They can be for any region and any carrier. You won't be able to root or install custom rims.
Once a root exploit is found for any official Rom you will always be able to flash that Rom and gain root which will allow you to install some custom roms that are based on stock and use the stock kernel. You will never be able to run fully custom Rom images like cyanogen as they use custom kernel's which require an unlocked boot loader.
Sent from my Xperia S using xda app-developers app
When i originally unlocked the bootloader I had backed up my TA partition.
Now I have a question, can I restore my drm keys from it since im on another version of lollipop?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Drm keys are Android version independent. So the answer is yes, you can restore them.
However it's good to remember some rules before restoring; it will also relock your bootloader so, if you have unauthorized software inside your phone by Sony, like a recovery or a custom ROM, your phone will NOT boot as they are normally designed to work with unlocked bootloader.
You should do a backup before proceed or make sure you are on a nin-custom Sony firmware.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
_delice_doluca_ said:
Drm keys are Android version independent. So the answer is yes, you can restore them.
However it's good to remember some rules before restoring; it will also relock your bootloader so, if you have unauthorized software inside your phone by Sony, like a recovery or a custom ROM, your phone will NOT boot as they are normally designed to work with unlocked bootloader.
You should do a backup before proceed or make sure you are on a nin-custom Sony firmware.
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me I ment im on another version of Android*, From your answer I understood I cant restore that.. So what are my options for restoring them?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
As I understand, the DRM keys are not reliant on your Android version. So keys from 4.4.4 should work on 5.0.2 as they shouldn't change. I'm pretty sure envious_data has confirmed this (please correct me if I'm wrong).
HOWEVER, restoring them will relock the bootloader. If you are on a non-sony custom ROM (so CM, AOSP, etc) the phone will not boot (eXistenZ, Moonwalker (I think), and other stock based ROM's will however).
Stock based ROM's will ONLY boot if you have a stock kernel (which is found inside of the ftf file), any custom kernel (advanced stock, AndroPlus, any CM/AOSP, any other stock based kernel) kernels will not.
A locked bootloader recovery will not prevent the phone from booting, as it is on the /system partition and not inside of a kernel.
Also, if you have a recovery installed to the FOTAKernel partition, restore that to stock as that will prevent the phone from booting. The stock FOTAKernel file can be found in the ftf file too. If needed I can strip an ftf file down to stock kernel and FOTAKernel to be flashed.
CosTuMe said:
Excuse me I ment im on another version of Android*, From your answer I understood I cant restore that.. So what are my options for restoring them?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can restore your DRM keys on any android version but you must make sure you'r completely on a stock build. (No custom kernals)
Deleted.
whats the procedure for restoring them?
CosTuMe said:
whats the procedure for restoring them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you used the BackupTA tool (or whatever it is called, it's in the cross device section) use the restore function in that.
But before you do, make sure you are on a stock based ROM, with a full stock kernel and full stock FOTAKernel partition.
gamer649 said:
If you used the BackupTA tool (or whatever it is called, it's in the cross device section) use the restore function in that.
But before you do, make sure you are on a stock based ROM, with a full stock kernel and full stock FOTAKernel partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, i had done it(and the phone boots). is there anyway to check i got them back?
CosTuMe said:
Ok, i had done it(and the phone boots). is there anyway to check i got them back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open the phone dialer, *#*#7378423#*#*, Service Tests, Security, and then look to each row. Each one will be followed by [KEY OK][ACTIVE].
Also, to check the bootloader is relocked.
Open the phone dialer, *#*#7378423#*#*, Service Info, Configuration, look to rooting status. It will say "Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes", instead of "Bootloader unlocked: Yes".
Thank you very much, I had succeeded restoring them
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
im currently on kitkat rom with full root and unlocked bootloader, and im planning to lock the bootloader. if i upgrade my phone to the latest official lolipop rom. can my phone lock the bootloader? can i get a new DRM key?
PS: i unlocked BL without backing the DRM keys so i lost it.
ulyshut said:
im currently on kitkat rom with full root and unlocked bootloader, and im planning to lock the bootloader. if i upgrade my phone to the latest official lolipop rom. can my phone lock the bootloader? can i get a new DRM key?
PS: i unlocked BL without backing the DRM keys so i lost it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can re-lock the bootloader without the DRM keys, however it will not restore them. You can use the bootloader unlock/re-lock function in flashtool to lock the bootloader again.
You can lock the bootloader on any android version, regardless of what version you unlocked it on. But if you didn't back up your DRM keys there is no way to get them back, they are lost forever unfortunately.
thanks for the reply, because my remote play access did not work when i rooted my phone . now based on the other thread, its about the DRM key and unlock BL that is causing the issue.
Steps to restore DRM keys?
Hey,
I want to just request some help about the DRM keys. I know more or less what to do since I have lost them in order to get root. As I have understood the steps go:
Backup all apps and whatnot
Flash stock ftf file from any version (wipe APPSLOG, CACHE, DATA) via Flashtool
Root using Easy Root Tool
Backup TA partition using this tool
Push dual recovery into phone using NUTs Dual Recovery script
Restore TA partition using the tool above
And hopefully I would have Root with working keys? I am currently getting the 17.1.2.A.0.314 & 17.1.1.A.0.402 ftf firmware. If I am missing anything from the steps above please inform me.
Thanks ^^
.
suenoromis said:
Hey,
I want to just request some help about the DRM keys. I know more or less what to do since I have lost them in order to get root. As I have understood the steps go:
Backup all apps and whatnot
Flash stock ftf file from any version (wipe APPSLOG, CACHE, DATA) via Flashtool
Root using Easy Root Tool
Backup TA partition using this tool
Push dual recovery into phone using NUTs Dual Recovery script
Restore TA partition using the tool above
And hopefully I would have Root with working keys? I am currently getting the 17.1.2.A.0.314 & 17.1.1.A.0.402 ftf firmware. If I am missing anything from the steps above please inform me.
Thanks ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlocked your BL before making backup of TA your keys are lost FOREVER .
Even if you downgrade and start everything again you won't get the keys back as they were unique to your device. If you don't have a TA backup of your keys don't waste time downgrading...
But if you DO HAVE A WORKING TA backup with YOUR keys then downgrade to 4.4.2, root, restore your TA (BL will get locked in the process), install dual recovery and upgrade to a pre-rooted firmware. You'll still have your keys and BL locked.
Steps to restore DRM keys?
ptmaniac said:
If you unlocked your BL before making backup of TA ..... You'll still have your keys and BL locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there's absolutely no way to get the keys back after unlocking the bootloader?
What about this?
_delice_doluca_ said:
Drm keys are Android version independent. So the answer is yes, you can restore them.
However it's good to remember some rules before restoring; it will also relock your bootloader so, if you have unauthorized software inside your phone by Sony, like a recovery or a custom ROM, your phone will NOT boot as they are normally designed to work with unlocked bootloader.
You should do a backup before proceed or make sure you are on a nin-custom Sony firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
suenoromis said:
So there's absolutely no way to get the keys back after unlocking the bootloader?
What about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confused about what? you are overcomplicating things.
You can get your keys back ONLY if you have a backup of your TA BEFORE unlocking your bootloader.
DID YOU BACKUP YOUR TA BEFORE UNLOCKING YOUR BOOTLOADER?
If you answer YES --> you can restore your keys
If you answer NO --> they are lost forever.
SImple.
suenoromis said:
So there's absolutely no way to get the keys back after unlocking the bootloader?
What about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, If I got things complicated. Let me explain it in scenerios and steps;
Small İnfo first; there is a small partition (or a small and untouchable part inside of a partition) in our phones. It contains and "device-specific" keys, basically an ID.
Some Sony-made softwares (like a picture or sound enhancer which are activated when user starts a music or takes a picture) are patent protected and search for these keys before run. If keys are not there user still can take a picture or listen to music however the patented enhancing software will not kick in. So how do you lose the keys? Why is Sony making this?
Because they want to protect their patented technology from being exposed to inspections or non-Sony users. So basically they tell you if you "unlock your bootloader" you will be able to do anything with your phone freely but the keys-including-partition will be wiped forever and those patented software addings will not run.
Let's get to scenerios.
1th Scenerio: You want to install custom kernel, recovery or ROM to your device? You have to unlock bootloader and it is simple. But doing this basically will wipe your keys and they will be gone forever.
2nd Scenerio: The device can be rooted without unlocking its recovery (very clever Sony, you think about protecting your patent and invent the "keys partition" and lock them to bootloader and get rooted that easily). Once we obtain root, we can read and write to any partition, including the one with the keys (it is called Trim Area). Once we are rooted, with FlashTool, we can backup the TA partition and protect the keys on our PCs.
"After the backing up", once we unlock the bootloader the phone will wipe TA partition but we will have a backup of them on our PCs.
With that backup on our PCs, we can safely do whatever we want; install custom ROMS, kernels, recoveries etc. (actually, there is even a recovery installation possible with "locked bootloader" ) and once we need to claim our warranty or want Sony-patented software enhancements, we can simply restore the TA partition (again with FlashTool).