Z3C (D5803) Unlockable Bootloader

[themadwizard]

Is there any way to determine before I buy the phone that the bootloader will be unlockable?  I really like this phone, but I want the unlockable bootloader.  From what I can tell, the only way to do so is the service menu after powering up the phone, which doesn't work out so well when ordering it onlin (which is the only way to get it).

[_alexdon_]

You can dial *#*#7378423#*#*-Service info-Configuration. There will be Bootloader unlock : Yes or No.

[Thommo]

Regarding @alexdon post above it will say Bootloader unlock allowed then either yes or no - Bootloader unlock yes means the bootloader has already been unlocked which means it's sencond hand

[themadwizard]

Right, I already know that.  I want to know if there is a way to determine this BEFORE I buy the phone online, have it shipped, open the box, boot it up, get into that menu, only to find that it is "Bootloader unlock allowed: No".

I don't want to have to keep purchasing and returning phones until I get one that is unlockable.  Being able to tell the seller to look for something (perhaps in the IMEI?) would be great.  Is there a version number on the box that might give a clue?

The Sony Developer site says:

Please note! It will only be possible to unlock the boot loader for certain releases. You can check if it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your device in the service menu by following the steps below:

1. In your device, open the dialler and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu.
2. Tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. If Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes, then you can continue with the next step. If it says No, or if the status is missing, your device cannot be unlocked.

The one I have purchased says: No.  I want to find one that says "Yes."  I doubt I could get a retailer such as Amazon to open the brand new box, power up the phone, and go through the menus to find out if it is unlockable for me.

[_alexdon_]

I am not aware of any other way,maybe Thommo knows.

[Thommo]

The bootloader status is something a country or network will impose so it could be your country has decided not to allow this because of some law or your network is protecting it's product, The only way to buy a device that can have the Yes is to physically go into a store and ask

[Uliwooly]

@themadwizard

You can read more about it here

http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Android-development/Bootloader-unlock-allowed-No-SONY-solve-it-please/...

[themadwizard]

I am in the USA, and there is no way to go into a store to look at this phone, as it is not sold in stores at all.

The one I bought is the international version, not network branded at all.  I bought this phone specifically because (according to all the press releases) the bootloader could be unlocked.  I am quite upset to discover after buying the phone that this was (partially) a lie.

[Uliwooly · Accepted solution]

@themadwizard

There are Sony stores here in the USA, and do carry the Z3 Compact, as well as BestBuy, etc. 

With that said, you should be able to unlock the bootloader if you indeed have the international version, if you bought it somewhere else, perhaps online, perhaps the user flashed the global generic firmware to a previously branded phone. 

[Uliwooly]

@themadwizard

Just tested a Xperia Z3 bought here in the USA at a Sony store and the bootloader can be unlocked.