How to Unlock Bootloader on Xperia Devices (Official Method)

In order to discourage owners from messing with their devices, companies lock devices’bootloadersmost of the times. But for more enterprising users like our rders, this is seen more as a hindrance than a failsafe to rooting and flashingcustomROMs/kernels. Times have changed now and manufactuers are now waking up to the developer community’s contribution that has grown exponentially over the yrs, and are offering to unlock bootloaders safely. One such company is (previously -) and this guide below will show you how to unlock your bootloader if you own a relatively recent Xperia device.By EditAndroidI. Before You Begin1. your bootloader will void your warranty. is particular about this and so are we. Make sure you rlize what you are losing before you take the next step!2. You will be opting out of over-the-air updates when you unlock your bootloader.3. Back up anything you feel is important before you proceed.II. Can my Xperia device be Unlocked? has been adding devices to the unlockable bootloader list over time and if your handset is listed onthis pageunder the Supportedsection, your device’s bootloader can be unlocked! Another way to check is:1. Enter *#*#7378423#*#* onyourphonedialer to access the service menu.2. Go toService info > Configuration > Rooting Status. Check ifBootloader unlock allowedsaysYesin this section.If you found Yes, then you are in luck and your bootloader can be unlocked!III. the Bootloader1. Install the Android SDK. Use oursetup guide (until Step 4)to do this sily.2. Download thefastboot driver filefrom .3. Extract thedownloadinf.zipyou downloaded to a folder on your desktop. This folder will now contain a single file calledandroid_winusb.inf; copy this file.4. Go toc:\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driverand paste the copied file here. If you are asked to overwrite an existing file of the same name, do so.5. Find your IMEI and write it down somewhere accessible. To find out your IMEI , type in *#06# on yourphonedialer.6. Go to Mobile’s Site.7. Click on theYes, I’m surebutton to begin the process.8. Tick both the checkboxes agreeing to ’s legal terms and click on theI acceptbutton.9. You should now be at the Unlock request page. Enter your name, email and your device’s IMEI and click onSubmit.10. Yourunlockhould now be revled. Write/copy this down somewhere accessible.11. Power down your device.12. Hold theMenubutton(Xperia arc, Xperia arc S, Xperia neo, Xperia neo V, Xperia pro)orthe Srch button (Xperia Play)orthe Volume up button (Xperia mini, Xperiaminipro, Xperia ray, Xperia active, Live with Walkman, Xperia S) and connect the device to your PC using the microUSB cable alrdy provided.13. If you are asked to install drivers, point the driver installer toc:\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driver.14. Open up a command prompt window and type in the following commands. To open up a command prompt , hit the + R to open up the Run dialog box, type in cmd in theOpenfield and hit Enter.C:\android-sdk\platform-tools
fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce gear version[You should get a response back, something like 0.3, which mns your phone is connected and detected properly]fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0x[Replace the in 0x with the unlock you obtained from the website]Your bootloader should now be successfully unlocked!