So many people love to buy Android devices just because of customization as they can offer very advanced customization by unlocking bootloader and rooting. So you just bought the Xperia Z and looking for a easy way to unlock the bootloader, unlocking the bootloader will void the limitations of Sony and you’ll have full control on your Xperia Z, it makes you able to install custom ROMs/Kernels, root the phone, and install pre-released latest firmware.
Keep in mind that unlocking the bootloader means your phone’s warranty is voided. Here we’re discussing the official method to unlock the Xperia Z and ZL bootloader. Before you follow the guide to unlock the bootloader first make sure whether your phone’s bootloader can be unlocked or not, if the doesn’t allow you to unlock the bootloader, stay away from the guide. To do so, open up the dialer app and dial *#*#7378423#*#*, it will give you access to service menu, then go to Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status, if you get “yes, continue with this guide otherwise stay away.
Keep in mind that unlocking the bootloader will erase the data of your phone including the SD card even DRM keys WILL be lost forever, if you’re not familiar with DRM, it means no more Music ID/Gracenote within the Walkman app, it’s about the loss of Bravia Engine. You can sync your contacts with Gmail account and for messages use SMS apps, lastly use the carbon Android app to backup apps and data. Use a Windows PC and make sure phone drivers are installer on PC, it’s important.
DISCLAIMER: Please proceed the below guide at your own risk, Android Egis will not be held responsible if your device lost data or gets damaged following this guide.
Instructions
Step #1: Open up dialer app and dial *#06# to generate IMEI number of your phone, then note down the number carefully. You need to download only digits, don’t note down any dash.
Step #2: Head over to official Sony page and read important points.
Step #3: Once you have read, click on ‘Start Unlocking the Bootloader’.
Step #4: Dial *#*#7378423#*#* to access to service menu, then go to Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status, there tap on continue.
Step #5: The phone will generate numerous prompts, read everything and tap on “Accept”/”OK”/”Proceed”.
Step #6: The phone will open “Create Unlock request” page, there enter your IMEI (sometimes the last digit needs to be removed for this to work), name and email address.
Step #7: Log in to your mail account, there open up the mail of unlock key.
Step #8: Save down the key carefully.
Step #9: Download Fastboot Package from here, here or here.
Step #10: Unzip the fastboot_with_Android_USB_file.rar.
Step #11: Open the command prompt and navigate to fastboot folder, if you’re using the Windows 7 or above, you can open the command prompt directly from the fastboot folder, to do so open fastboot folder, there right click while holding down the shift button on keyboard, then select “open command window here”.
Step #12: Turn off your phone.
Step #13: Connect your phone in fastboot mode, hold Volume UP button and plug in USB Cable.
Step #14: Enter the following command on command prompt , if it generates 0.5, the phone is correctly connected otherwise not:
fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version
Step #15: Issue following command, replace KEY with KEY you received in above steps.
fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY
Step #16: The bootloader of your phone is unlocked now.
That’s it, you’re done, enjoy! If you experience any error, leave a comment below!
Via: XDA