[Xperia Arc General] ronald.neri:
$29 is not CHEAP!

I just would like to help others save time by posting what I have gathered so far during my 2-day quest to unlock my friend's Xperia Arc.

There are currently 3 ways to unlock the SIM and Bootloader of the new line of Sony Ericsson phones (sorry Alejandrissimo but there are other ways) and they are as follows:

1. Sim Unlock Code via IMEI

- This is where you just obtain an unlock code then input it when prompted after inserting in a SIM card from another carrier. This is the safest and cheapest way of unlocking the SIM. For Rogers, you can get an unlock code in eBay for $5. Once you have your SIM unlocked, just follow the OFFICIAL Sony Ericsson Bootloader unlocking instructions at unlockbootloader*sonyericsson*com.

Q: How to find out if your bootloader is unlockable/ fastboot enabled?

A: www*xperiablog*net/2011/04/10/find-out-if-your-bootloader-can-be-unlocked-guide/ (replace * with .)

Once your phone has been SIM-unlocked and you have verified that your bootloader is unlockable, then follow the Official SE Bootloader unlocking instructions. If it's not unlockable, pay the $29.

The only drawback to this is that it takes a lot longer to obtain one (Usually 3-5 days although some are claiming they got theirs instantly or within 24 hours).

2. Patch via Cable

- This is not recommended as the patch is only temporary. Besides, you have to be in Android 2.1 for this to work. There have been reports of phones getting bricked after applying the OTA update on a patched phone. Again, totally not recommended. Also, they charge $35 for this.

3. Unlock via USB Dongle

- This is the method used in this thread. There are 2 popular clients used in this process, namely, SETOOL and ezSEMC. Alejandrissimo charges $29 for this, the cheapest by far. In this method, you are actually paying for the remote USB Dongle usage + the credits used to unlock. I have tried contacting other resellers but they charge $50 using ezSEMC.

I won't try to explain how the process works to minimize redundancy. Look at the original post if you are interested.

By the way, I almost forgot. Just a suggestion when grounding the test point, it is safer to use a transparent tape to secure the ground wire to the test point. That way, you'll be able to see that it only touches the test point and not anything else. Who knows what will happen if the wire touches the other contact points that are only a few millimeters away during the process. Better safe than sorry. You wouldn't want to have your phone BRICKED, do you?

To conclude, if you want to save money, can wait, and know your way around tech stuff, then SIM Unlock Code via IMEI is your best option.

If you're dumb and stupid, go with option 2.

And finally, if you have the money ($29 USD) and you want to unlock your phone NOW, then go with Alejandrissimo.

Moderators, this has indeed become a business. Looking at the confirmed unlocks, that's $29x7=$203 USD. God knows how much he's charging the others. This is not for XDA. XDA is about donations and not upfront payments. I wonder if this guy has ever donated to REAL XDA Developers, the ones who have given time and exerted efforts in developing the custom ROM he's running on his phone. These are the guys who deserve the money not some resellers.

Alejandrissimo, I think it's time for you to make your own website and do your business elsewhere. Had I known that you charge $29, I never should have PMed you and waited for a reply in the first place.

Moderators, you have to take point in this.