Category Tips

How to Unlock Bootloader on Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

Author Shivam Published on
Unlock bootloader

Unlocking the bootloader allows you to put custom ROMs, kernels and boot images on your Xperia Z1 Compact which cannot be done otherwise. Say you want to install an AOSP based ROM on your Xperia Z1 Compact which need to change the boot image on the device to be compatible with the AOSP code then it can only be done by unlocking the bootloader on your device.

Generally, rooting and custom recovery installation also requires an unlocked bootloader, but thanks to the developer community at work for Xperia Z1 Compact that root is often achieved even without unlocking the bootloader.

Also thanks to Sony for having their entire range of Xperia devices released since 2011 to be bootloader unlockable. Not every Android manufacturer does that, at-least not so easy.

The bootloader unlocking process on Xperia Z1 Compact is fairly simple. And with our step by step instructions with screenshots below, even noob users will be able to do it easily.

Contents hide

Two methods of unlocking the Bootloader on Xperia Z1 Compact

There are two methods you could choose from to unlock the bootloader on your Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

  • Unofficially using Flashtool: You can unlock the bootloader on your device using a program called Flashtool. Getting the bootloader unlocked through flashtool is very quick compared to Sony’s official way of doing it. And on a plus note you also save yourself from letting Sony know that you tried to unlock your device’s bootloader (which voids warranty)
  • Officially from Sony’s website: You can follow Sony’s official way of unlocking the bootloader which is also simple and easy to follow, but not as friendly as Flashtool. In the official method you’ve to get the bootloader unlock key from Sony’s website, which lets the manufacturer know that you intended to unlock your device’s bootloader (which voids warranty) by provding them your phone’s IMEI number to get the key.

Below are full step by step installation instructions for both the methods discussed above. So proceed with whatever method you think is best. In our opinion, go with the Flashtool method. It’s much easier to unlock bootloader using Flashtool.

Warning!

You’ll void the warranty of your Sony Xperia Z1 Compact by unlocking its bootloader.

Back up your important data!

Every single file on your device will be deleted once you unlock the bootloader. So make sure you back up all your important data before proceeding with the guide given below and also make sure to move your back up files to your PC or Cloud storage because even any backup file kept on the phone will be deleted.

Check out the link below if you need any help with backing up your device.

→  How to completely backup your Android device

Method 1 – Unlock Bootloader using Flashtool

Flashtool is a multi utility program for Xperia devices that does a lot of tasks in much easier ways compared to Sony’s official ways. Here in this guide we’ll be using flashtool only for the purpose of unlocking the bootloader.

Download and install Flashtool

→ Download Flashtool (113MB)
  • Install Flashtool to the directory of your choice
  • Once installed, start flashtool either by searching on the Start screen (or start menu) on Windows or open the directory where you installed flashtool and double-click the Flashtool.exe file. For e.g., if you installed flashtool on C drive on your computer, then open the directory “C:Flashtool”
    Note: If you’re running a 64-bit windows installation then make sure you start the Flashtool64.exe file

Instructions for unlocking bootloader using Flashtool

  1. Start/Open Flashtool
  2. Click on the bootloader unlock icon as shown in the screenshot below
    Click on bootloader unlock icon
  3. You’ll see a window asking you to connect your device in Flashmode. You can ignore the animated instruction on the screen as it’s not meant for the current generation of Xperia devices, instead follow the instructions given below to connect your Xperia Z1 Compact to your PC in Flashmode
    1. Switch off your phone
    2. Now while holding down the Volume Down key on your phone connect it to PC using a USB cable
    3. Your device should now be connected in Flashmode and Flashtool should show a ‘Device selector’ pop-up window
  4. Select ‘Sony Xperia Z1 Compact’ from the list of devices in the ‘Device selector’ window
  5. In a few seconds after selecting your device from the list, Flashtool will show you a ‘Bootloader Unlock Wizard’ pop-up window
    Bootloader Unlock Wizard
  6. Click the Unlock button to begin bootloader unlocking process
  7. Check Flashtool log to confirm status of bootloader. If successful, it should look like the screenshot below
    Flashtool log
  8. Have fun!

Method 2 – Unlock bootloader using Sony’s website

Unlocking bootloader using Sony’s website would require you to first get the unlock from Sony’s website and then run a couple of fastboot commands using command prompt on your PC.

Getting the bootloader unlock key from Sony’s website

  1. Open this link in a new tab or window → http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/unlock/step1
  2. Click on “Yes, I’m sure” button on the page opened with the link provided above
  3. Read the warning in Legal terms carefully, tick the two checkboxes and then click on “I accept” button to confirm that you accept the legal terms mentioned on the page
    Accept the legal terms
  4. On the next page there will be three fields asking you your Name, your phone’s IMEI number and your E-mail address. To get IMEI number of your phone, open the phone dialer app on your phone and dial *#06#. This will you the 15 digit IMEI number of your phone, but remember to insert only first 14 digits of your IMEI number in the IMEI field of the form
    Fill the form as described in the image below
    Fill the form
    └ You also check the IMEI number from ‘About device’ under Settings on your Xperia Z1 Compact. And you can also look for the IMEI number on the packaging box of the device, just make that you’ve have the original box.
  5. Check for new mail on the E-mail address you provided in the form above with the subject line ‘Your requested unlock boot loader key’. Open the mail and you’ll see your bootloader unlock key.
  6. Save your bootloader unlock key in your Notepad, a text file or anywhere you could remember and refer back quickly.

Unlocking bootloader using the Unlock Key

Now we’ll run some fastboot commands on your PC and for that you’ll need to download some fastboot files on your computer. Below is the download link:

→ Download fastboot files (807 KB)
  1. Extract the fastboot file you downloaded from the link above and open the folder where you extract it
  2. Now open command window inside the folder. Press “Shift + Right click” on any empty white space inside the folder and then select “Open command window here” option from the context menu
    Open command window inside the folder
  3. Now connect your phone in fastboot mode
    1. Switch off your phone
    2. Hold the Volume UP key on your phone and connect it to PC using a USB cable
    3. The LED notification light on your phone should turn blue.
      Fastboot mode 2
  4. On the command prompt window we opened in Step 2 type the command given below and hit enter. This is to verify that your device has connected properly (check the screenshot below for reference) 
    fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version

    Verify Fastboot status

  5. Now you’re going to run the main bootloader unlock code. So make sure you’ve backed up your important data on the phone because once you unlock the bootloader every single file on your phone will be deleted
    1. Paste/write the following command in the command prompt window. Do NOT hit enter yet 
      fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY
    2. Replace the last word in the command (KEY) with your bootloader unlock key that you received from Sony via E-mail. Your command should look like this 
      fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0x636FF374683A24EF

      Insert your bootloader unlock key
      Important note! The key used in the command above is for illustration purpose only. You must NOT use this key. Every single device has its own unique bootloader unlocking key.

    3. Hit enter once you’ve put your unique bootloader unlock key in place
  6. If the bootloader unlock process goes well. You’ll see a message like this on your command prompt screen
    Bootloader unlock successfully done!

Have fun!

Need help?

In case you need any help with the guide above be sure to let us know in the comments section below. We’d be happy help.

Posted by
Shivam

Shivam is our resident designer and web developer who also enjoys writing. He loves to meditate, drive on the freeways and hunt for snipers during his Call Of Duty playtime. Email: shivam@theandroidsoul.com

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23 Comments

  1. Guest

    this metod work for one d5503 android 4.3 movistar mexico whit “bootloader unlock allowed no” (metod flashtool unlock bootloader) thanks…

  2. miausi

    this metod work for one d5503 android 4.3 movistar mexico whit “bootloader unlock allowed no” (metod flashtool unlock bootloader) thanks…

  3. miausi

    this metod work for one d5503 android 4.3 movistar mexico whit “bootloader unlock allowed no” (metod flashtool unlock bootloader) thanks…

  4. Guest

    when i type in the fastboot command it gets stuck on waiting for device

  5. markp98

    when i type in the fastboot command it gets stuck on waiting for device

  6. markp98

    when i type in the fastboot command it gets stuck on waiting for device

  7. Guest

    i have thisproblem when i was flashing BLU flashtool:

    28/057/2014 06:57:56 – INFO – Please connect your device into flashmode.
    28/057/2014 06:57:57 – INFO – Opening device for R/W
    28/057/2014 06:57:57 – INFO – Reading device information
    28/057/2014 06:57:57 – INFO – Unable to read from phone after having opened it.
    28/057/2014 06:57:57 – INFO – trying to continue anyway
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – INFO – Processing loader.sin
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – INFO – Checking header
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – ERROR – Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – ERROR – Error in processHeader : 6 : Controlador no válido.
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – INFO – Your phone bootloader cannot be officially unlocked
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – INFO – You can now unplug and restart your phone
    28/058/2014 06:58:39 – INFO – Device connected with USB debugging on
    28/058/2014 06:58:40 – INFO – Connected device : Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
    28/058/2014 06:58:40 – INFO – Installed version of busybox : BusyBox v1.20.2-jb static (2012-11-25 17:47 +0100) multi-call binary.
    28/058/2014 06:58:40 – INFO – Android version : 4.4.2 / kernel version : 3.4.0-perf-g6f5bf40 / Build number : 14.3.A.0.757
    28/058/2014 06:58:40 – INFO – Checking root access
    28/058/2014 06:58:41 – INFO – Root Access Allowed

    1. Androiding Staff

      Is your phone carrier locked? It seems bootloader unlock is not allowed on your Z1 Compact.

    2. Guest

      is from telcel mexico, does not exist other way to unlock bootloader to solve this problem?

  8. Rene Leon

    i have thisproblem when i was flashing BLU flashtool:

    28/057/2014 06:57:56 – INFO – Please connect your device into flashmode.
    28/057/2014 06:57:57 – INFO – Opening device for R/W
    28/057/2014 06:57:57 – INFO – Reading device information
    28/057/2014 06:57:57 – INFO – Unable to read from phone after having opened it.
    28/057/2014 06:57:57 – INFO – trying to continue anyway
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – INFO – Processing loader.sin
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – INFO – Checking header
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – ERROR – Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – ERROR – Error in processHeader : 6 : Controlador no válido.
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – INFO – Your phone bootloader cannot be officially unlocked
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – INFO – You can now unplug and restart your phone
    28/058/2014 06:58:39 – INFO – Device connected with USB debugging on
    28/058/2014 06:58:40 – INFO – Connected device : Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
    28/058/2014 06:58:40 – INFO – Installed version of busybox : BusyBox v1.20.2-jb static (2012-11-25 17:47 +0100) multi-call binary.
    28/058/2014 06:58:40 – INFO – Android version : 4.4.2 / kernel version : 3.4.0-perf-g6f5bf40 / Build number : 14.3.A.0.757
    28/058/2014 06:58:40 – INFO – Checking root access
    28/058/2014 06:58:41 – INFO – Root Access Allowed

    1. Shivam

      Is your phone carrier locked? It seems bootloader unlock is not allowed on your Z1 Compact.

      1. tuto friki

        is from telcel mexico, does not exist other way to unlock bootloader to solve this problem?

  9. Rene Leon

    i have thisproblem when i was flashing BLU flashtool:

    28/057/2014 06:57:56 – INFO – Please connect your device into flashmode.
    28/057/2014 06:57:57 – INFO – Opening device for R/W
    28/057/2014 06:57:57 – INFO – Reading device information
    28/057/2014 06:57:57 – INFO – Unable to read from phone after having opened it.
    28/057/2014 06:57:57 – INFO – trying to continue anyway
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – INFO – Processing loader.sin
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – INFO – Checking header
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – ERROR – Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – ERROR – Error in processHeader : 6 : Controlador no válido.
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – INFO – Your phone bootloader cannot be officially unlocked
    28/058/2014 06:58:01 – INFO – You can now unplug and restart your phone
    28/058/2014 06:58:39 – INFO – Device connected with USB debugging on
    28/058/2014 06:58:40 – INFO – Connected device : Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
    28/058/2014 06:58:40 – INFO – Installed version of busybox : BusyBox v1.20.2-jb static (2012-11-25 17:47 +0100) multi-call binary.
    28/058/2014 06:58:40 – INFO – Android version : 4.4.2 / kernel version : 3.4.0-perf-g6f5bf40 / Build number : 14.3.A.0.757
    28/058/2014 06:58:40 – INFO – Checking root access
    28/058/2014 06:58:41 – INFO – Root Access Allowed

    1. Shivam

      Is your phone carrier locked? It seems bootloader unlock is not allowed on your Z1 Compact.

      1. tuto friki

        is from telcel mexico, does not exist other way to unlock bootloader to solve this problem?

  10. Guest

    Hola, hasta el paso 5.3 llego bien pero al darle enter al comando con clave me dice lo siguiente:
    …
    FAILED
    finished. total time: 0.005s

  11. Alexis Jair

    Hola, hasta el paso 5.3 llego bien pero al darle enter al comando con clave me dice lo siguiente:
    …
    FAILED
    finished. total time: 0.005s

  12. Alexis Jair

    Hola, hasta el paso 5.3 llego bien pero al darle enter al comando con clave me dice lo siguiente:
    …
    FAILED
    finished. total time: 0.005s

  13. Guest

    It says”error: invalid vendor id ‘OxOfce’
    now what should I do ??
    Please Help

    1. Guest

      NO NEED I SOLVED IT
      THANKSSS 🙂

  14. Arpan

    It says”error: invalid vendor id ‘OxOfce’
    now what should I do ??
    Please Help

    1. Arpan

      NO NEED I SOLVED IT
      THANKSSS 🙂

  15. Tom 39

    Dead links

Comments are closed.