How to verify an unlockable bootloader of XA2
Hello Sailors, please, is it possible to verify an unlockable bootloader of XA2 in advance, before buying the device second hand or brand new?
For XperiaX, there is mentioned a test here: https://jolla.com/sailfishx-windows-instructions/ "In your device, open the dialler and enter *##7378423## to access the service menu. Tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. If Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes, then your device can be unlocked. If it says No, or if the status is missing, then unlocking is not possible."*
I miss the same info here: https://jolla.com/sailfishx-windows-instructions-xa2/ there is no test mentioned of unlockable bootloader.
I know, that important is to avoid update Android to version 9 (actually XA2 is now sold with Android 8) and also from this thread: https://together.jolla.com/question/205737/cannot-unlock-xa2-bootloader/ I understood, that operator O2 has to be avoided also.
Are there any other circumstances to avoid at buying of XA2 ? Thank you for any help.
I am not sure how to check bootloader unlocking capabilities from within android, but I am also not sure about the use case. Unless you buy a used phone, you won't have the chance to figure it out. Though, you can still return it within 2 weeks if you don't like it (cannot unlock it ) right? Moreover, I got a XA2 from O2 in Germany and it's working perfectly with SFOS3. No bootloader unlocking or flashing issues whatsoever.
bomo ( 2019-05-13 22:27:54 +0200 )editI let myself be told that the bootloader locking is in the behest of certain operators that have their own specific tweaks to the standard ROM. If you don't buy the device from an operator (or a used device that was bought from one) you probably should get an unlockable device.
teemu ( 2019-05-13 22:52:55 +0200 )editHack the IMEI into the Sony open device page and it will tell you?
Kopekenscheich ( 2019-05-13 22:56:14 +0200 )editI think if you post the IMEI to the Sony site to get the unlock code, that constitutes the act of unlocking and the device is from then on considered unlocked.
The physical box does have a bar code sticker with the IMEI(s) on it if you get your hands on one, but there's no online test for the unlockability on the Sony site I think.
teemu ( 2019-05-13 23:35:22 +0200 )editDid you already try the same method as for X? I thought XA2 also has service menu? Also, just entering your info in Sony site won't do anything to your phone. It will just tell you if it can be unlocked, and give instructions.
Levone1 ( 2019-05-14 03:48:46 +0200 )editI don't know if there is another place for entering your info on the Sony site for unlockability check, but if you:
1) by the instructions go to https://developer.sony.com/develop/open-devices/get-started/unlock-bootloader/#unlock-code , and
2) select your device "Xperia XA2" from the drawbox at the end of the page,
you are asked to click check on two boxes regarding warranty issues before you can proceed to get the Unlock Code.
This obviously will not actually do anything to your physical phone. BUT, going through this action very likely will mark your IMEI as unlocked bootloader for warranty purposes as far as Sony is concerned.
The installation instructions at https://jolla.com/sailfishx-linux-instructions-xa2/ does have the phases 4.1 and 4.2 for the actual act of enabling the unlocking where an internet connection is needed (and the flag for Sony can also be set), but this can be done before getting the Unlock Code and without concenting to forego your warranty, so getting the Unlock Code from Sony probably is the bit with the legal implications on your warranty, whether or not you will in the end actually use the Unlock Code you got.
Apparently it's possible to re-lock the bootloader again and claim that you never did unlock it with your Unlock Code, if you need to send it to warranty maintenance. They won't give you the benefit of the doubt to try that.
teemu ( 2019-05-14 09:50:08 +0200 )editBut I think service menu is the same as with X...
Levone1 ( 2019-05-14 11:34:33 +0200 )edit