Comprehensive Guide to Relock Bootloader on Sony Xperia Device

Additionally, you’ll encounter multiple security or privacy issues because a device with an unlocked bootloader is more prone to security threats, malware attacks, and more. Whereas unlocking the bootloader will void the manufacturer’s warranty on the device (if any).

So, if you require the device warranty for some reason or don’t want to continue using an unlocked bootloader, make sure to relock the bootloader as early as possible.

How To Relock Bootloader on Any Sony Xperia Device

Here, we’ve mentioned a full, in-depth guide on how to relock the bootloader, but we highly recommend that you follow all the requirements properly before jumping into the main guide.

Pre-Requisites:

Now, without wasting any more time, let’s jump into the requirements below.

1. Charge Your Phone

Make sure to keep your Sony Xperia device charged at least up to 50% or higher to avoid any kind of occasional shutdown during the bootloader unlocking process.

2. Take a Backup of your device

As the relocking bootloader method will wipe out all the internal data from your Xperia device, you should take a full data backup of the important files before performing the method.

3. Download ADB and Fastboot Binaries

It’s necessary to download and install the ADB and Fastboot Tools on your Windows computer because you’ll require it while using the Fastboot mode on your Sony Xperia device.

4. Download Sony USB Drivers

Make sure to download and install the latest Sony USB Drivers on your Windows computer so that you can easily create a communication bridge to your PC/Laptop with the mobile device.

Successful and stronger connectivity between both devices will ensure that all file transfers or ADB and Fastboot commands work and execute properly.

It’s needless to say you’ll also require a computer and a USB data cable.

Steps to Relock Bootloader on Sony Devices

Now, you’re ready to jump into the actual method to relock the Sony Xperia bootloader completely.

Must Read: How to Install Stock Firmware on Sony Xperia using Xperifirm and Flashtool

Please Note: What will happen after relocking?

1. The Bootloader will be locked. But make sure to flash the Stock ROM before relocking.
2. Widevine L1 level will be restored depending on the model.
3. All internal data, installed apps/games, and user settings will be lost after bootloader relocking.
4. DRM key may or may not be lost depending on the model. [If lost, you should try repairing the Xperia firmware using the Xperia Companion Tool]
5. Even if you’ve rooted your device or installed TWRP custom recovery, make sure to flash the official Stock ROM before relocking the bootloader.
6. Do not try relocking the bootloader on custom firmware because it may cause several issues with your phone. Keep in mind that you’ll have to flash the stock firmware on your Xperia device first and then you should try relocking the bootloader.

Warning: Make sure that what you’re doing. GetDroidTips won’t be responsible for any kind of damage or error that may happen on your device by following this guide. So, do this at your own risk.

1. Enable Developer Option and USB Debugging

First of all, you’ll have to enable the Developer Options on your Sony Xperia device.

• Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap on the Build Number 7 times until you see a message on the screen that ‘You are now a developer’.

• Under the Developer Options, you need to enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging option as well.
  • To do that again go to Settings > Developer Options > Turn on OEM Unlocking.
  • Once done, scroll down a bit, and you’ll find a USB Debugging toggle. Just enable it too.

2. Boot into Fastboot Mode

• First of all, make sure to connect your Sony Xperia device to the PC using a USB cable.
• If you’ve set up or installed the ADB and Fastboot Tools on your PC, head over to the ADB and Fastboot folder.
• Next, press and hold the Shift key + right-click on the mouse on a blank space.

• Then select Open PowerShell window here.
• Run the following command to boot your device into bootloader mode:

adb reboot bootloader

• Type the following command and execute it to reboot into fastboot mode:

fastboot devices

3. Relock Bootloader Process

• Once your device boot into the Fastboot mode (download mode), you’re only one step away.
• Now, execute the following command to relock the device bootloader completely:

fastboot oem lock

• Enjoy!

However, if the device won’t boot and the status is showing “device can’t be trusted…Your device will be powered off in 5 seconds” or if it says “Phone is locked” then you’ll need to use the Xperia Companion tool to repair the firmware. Still, facing any kind of issues, you can visit the XDA thread link below and ask for help in the community.

Conclusion

So, this is how you can easily relock your Sony Xperia bootloader. Again we’ll mention that you’ll have to install the Stock ROM first and then relock the bootloader. This is important for all. Relocking the bootloader on custom firmware is really a bad idea because it will brick the device or stuck into the bootloop issue in most scenarios.

That’s it, guys. We hope this guide was helpful to you. For further queries, let us know in the comment below.

Credit: XDA