What Xperia™ device models are supported?
Please see the list of supported devices and note it will only be possible to unlock the boot loader for certain releases (depending on operator restrictions). You can check if it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your device in the service menu by following the steps below:
Will I have root access after unlocking the boot loader?
No, unlocking the bootloader will only allow you to install a custom ROM. To gain root access you need to use a custom ROM that permits root access. You may be able to find such a custom ROM on either the XDA Forums, or the FreeXperia Project website.
Will unlocking the boot loader void my device and/or operator warranty?
Most likely. For more information about warranty issues, please read the full text on the ‘Start tab’ of this page.
What additional software is required to unlock the boot loader?
When unlocking the boot loader, you will need to have the offical Android SDK installed. This is because you will be using the Fastboot tool found in the Android SDK. If you run Windows, you will also need to install a custom USB driver in order to connect your device to your computer. Detailed information will be given in the final step of the unlocking process.
Are there any known issues when unlocking the boot loader?
Yes. When you select a device, any known issues for that device will be displayed. In addition, the following generic issues have been reported:
- Some users have experienced problems when they are accepting over the air upgrades. Therefore we do not recommend users to accept over the air upgrades, after having unlocked the boot loader. For additional information, check out the XDA Forums for hints and tips from the community.
Will I lose any data or settings when unlocking the boot loader?
Yes. Unlocking the boot loader will trigger a factory reset that erases all device settings, user data, third-party applications and associated data from the device’s hardware storage. Find out more in the Preparations section on the Unlock boot loader start page.
If I change my mind later on, is there any way to restore my device?
No. Once you have unlocked the boot loader, you will not be able to revert the device back to a locked or original state or restore the DRM security keys. You can however use the Flash tool for Xperia™ devices to flash a generic Sony ROM, although it will not receive automatic software upgrades.
How many devices can I unlock through this service?
There is no limit, however the amount of unlock codes you can request within a certain time frame is limited.
Is it possible to unlock a large batch of devices in one go?
If you belong to an organisation or a company that have purchased a large number of Sony devices, it may be possible receive multiple unlock codes at once. If you have such a request, please send an email to developer.world_at_sonymobile.com (replace _at_ with @). Describe your use case and provide us with contact details. We will then evaluate it and get back to you with more information.
I have a question not covered here. Where do I go?
We do not offer any official support when unlocking the boot loader. However, for general questions and discussions, visit this FreeXperia thread at the XDA Forums. Please note that these are external forums, not run by Sony.
I have not received a confirmation email after entering my email address. What should I do?
It may take some time to receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email please try using a different email address, preferably gmail. Also be sure to check your spam/junk folders, and look for the email from a computer and not from a phone.
