topic Re: Unlocking the Arc in XPERIA archive

Unlocking the Arc

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:47:39 GMT

Hi,

I want to buy an Xperia Arc... however, it works out much cheaper for me if I buy from an auction site, BNIB, rather than from an official shop.. It works out cheaper still if I get one that is locked to a specific carrier... I'm not due to get a new phone on my contract for another 12 months

I've found this page; http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/instructions#13028555301871&if_height=824

Will this allow me to use a device locked for one network, on another. ie. Device locked to O2 network, and then use it on Orange.

Am I allowed to do this? Am I likely to encounter any problems by doing so? If there are issues, is there any official way of getting the phone unlocked?

I asssume I can always reflash the device with a generic version of Android, but I suppose I would like to use the SE official firmware, with software developed specifically for my phone & network combination.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Unlocking the Arc

an2ny79 — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:45:57 GMT

"It is possible to unlock the boot loader for certain releases of our 2011 Xperia™ phones, such as Xperia™ arc, Xperia™ neo, Xperia™ pro and Xperia™ PLAY. Your phone has to fulfill a number of requirements, for example, you can’t unlock the boot loader if you have a SIM lock protected phone. There are other requirements as well, depending on your market and the original configuration of your phone."

This is only possible for SIM free Xperia.

Re: Unlocking the Arc

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:14:49 GMT

Hi, thanks for your swift reply.

I read into that as, unlocking the bootloader is not the same as unlocking it to work on different networks, and I can only unlock the bootloader if its a 'sim free' device thats not been locked down to SIMs from a specific carrier.

I'm assuming that it is the particular load of software which locks the phone, so would it be possible to obtain Oranges copy of the software to apply? Or is that not possibe?

Can I just download the free 2.3 android firmware to apply on the phone?

I'm saving about £100 by buying one locked to a network. I know the FCC deemed unlocking phones was not illegal, as you are only enhancing the interoperability, not circumventing copyright protection. I don't know what ETSI's views are, but I guess that it would be the same.

Re: Unlocking the Arc

an2ny79 — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:45:56 GMT

If you would buy a SIM locked phone, then this is the end of it.. Forget about unlocking bootloader, this isn't for you.

FYI, Unlocking bootloader is like Iphone's Jailbreaking.. This is different from SIM unlocking where in mobile phone can accept any SIM.

However, if you bought a phone which can accept any SIM (I call it SIM FREE or Open Line) then, this bootloader unlocking procedure is applicable for you. With unlocked bootloader, you can install third party ROM (any version) from XDA or from any source, or even install SE's own ROM (via SEUS). This is the advantage of unlocked bootloader.

As what stated, there are requirements for you to fulfill.. The only straight way to determine if you can unlock the boot loader for your phone is to connect your phone to the Fastboot tool in the Android™ SDK. If your phone can connect to Fastboot, the boot loader can be unlocked.

Re: Unlocking the Arc

an2ny79 — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:56:28 GMT

Yes, unlocking phone isn't illegal.. in some case, you just need to pay carrier to break the "tie" with your phone.. Why? because you purchased it lower than SIM free phone.. That's logical... They gave you cheaper price provided you use their service.. but if you think of tricking them by buying their promo phone and break the tie by unlocking the SIM, then I would call that illegal.

SE won't allow that.. so SE only offers unlocking bootloader FOR SIM FREE PHONE to protect carrier's interest.

Again, don't get confuse between this UNLOCKING BOOTLOADER and UNLOCKING SIM. Because even though unlocking bootloader can also unlock SIM, you won't get to it. IMEI is needed, and with it, only IMEI of SIM free phone can be unlocked.

Re: Unlocking the Arc

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:02:31 GMT

I think the trick will be to buy a sim locked phone that is locked to my carrier, that way I shouldn't be breaching anything, the only thing is that I may run into issues if I want to jailbreak the phone in the future!

my next problem is how do i insure it, as I know orange won't take it up.. hopefully my bank will be able to help me here!

thanks again for your advice.

Re: Unlocking the Arc

Tue, 03 May 2011 15:37:47 GMT

To be honest, you don't need to unlock the bootloader to achieve root access - which for a lot of people will be enough. Install gingerbreak apk from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1044765 and this will root everything for you - even if your phone is bootloader / sim locked.

The only reason anyone would need to unlock a bootloader other than to root their phone would be to install a custom ROM. Unlocking bootloader = warranty invalid and no more Sony updates (it detects and refuses to progress if you have an unlocked bootloader) so for anyone who just wants root access, actually unlocking the bootloader is madness....

Re: Unlocking the Arc

vijayprince — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 04:53:01 GMT

unlocking phone isn't illegal..

>>>>>>>>>>

Yup it is not illegal any more..You can still get your Xperia ARC unlocked from any third party like Superunlockcodes.com

Once unlocked you can use any carrier to it..