Xperia bootloader unlocking website now LIVE!

Go, go, go! Sony Ericsson’s bootloader unlocking website for the new Xperia handsets has just gone live. This means that from today you can officially unlock the bootloader of your new Xperia arc or Xperia PLAY and load up some custom ROMs.

The website has a full guide to do this (click on the instructions link). However, not all handsets will support an unlocked bootloader, this includes some sim-locked phones. To find out for sure whether your phone is compatible follow our guide here. Once you’ve got the all-clear you can head over to the SE site to get started.

To do this you need to enter you name, email address and the first 14 digits of your phone’s IMEI number. You’ll then see a bootloader unlock key which you need to write down when you start the process. Sony Ericsson has kept to their word and it’s great to see the unlocking website live so soon after the release of new Xperia handsets.

Sony Ericsson is very cautious about users doing this though. The website “strongly recommends users NOT unlock the boot loader”, but Sony Ericsson would have to say that. The last thing they need is novice users bricking their handsets. When you click continue it asks you “Are you really sure”, you’ll then see another pop up box with “Legal terms” asking you to tick two boxes that confirm you acknowledge you may void your warranty and may have to pay for repair costs yourself. Only then will you get the code.

Tagged as: Bootloader, Custom ROM, Fastboot, Sony Ericsson, Xperia arc, Xperia Neo, Xperia PLAY, Xperia Pro

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