yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] joeminati:
Hey Hurt,

Usually with the Xperia phones, or at least with the 1 series, you do not need to unlock the bootloader to flash. It is just a matter of using a flashing tool, run a executable, and it does it's thing. Only thing for unlocking the bootloader is to root.

I spent time flashing roms for phones of all kinds, and yes, unlocking the bootloader was always part of the process. And cross flashing region, even hardware different phones is allowed (which is weird because it's a no no for other company phone models, which can lead to bricking). I flashed my Xperia 1 II from US to SEA firmware. And also crossflashed my CT72 HK to SEA with no issues.

So try to cross flash the firmware to an Asian firmware if you can or still willing.

XDA for Xperia 1 III guides helped me flash.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Hurt Copain:
Thank you, what tool would you recommend? I only found the flash tool off the Sony dev site. I will need one for sure, returned the US variant and ordered the global one. Should be here in a few days
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] joeminati:
I would say to just look over the the Xperia 1 II and the process found here:

https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-flash...-on-the-xq-at51-with-flashtool.4119707/unread

However, I used this method found here:

https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-flashing-xq-at51-firmware-on-xq-at52-device.4147027/

I use the second one, the process (newflasher) and any firmwares from Xperifirm software tool.

From my observations from other phones to Sony Xperia 1's, its kind of hard to brick (not to say impossible).

Using the Sony Companion software on PC helps you officially restore the phones software if you need to restart back to square one. I have flashes many different region phones and had no issues. People have seen hardware issues like storage space, carrier issues with the Japan firmware though.

The one issue you may come across is that if you try to flash a region software that is older than another regions, newer software, it will not work. You may get a "Untrusted Device - Corruption" of something like that, but that's only because the firmware may be old. Reflashing the same firmware or using Sony Xperia Companion fixes that for you.

For newer models like the X 1 III, an additional step helped when bootlooping (set active:a command) found here:

Flashing a Xperia 1 iii without unlocking

Things needed: 1. An Xperia 1 iii (of corse) 2. A Windows PC (I don't know if there's a Mac or Linux version, but I didn't find it) 3. A reliable USB-C cable 4. NewFlasher Download: [TOOL] Newflasher (xperia command line flasher) 5. XperiFirm...

xdaforums.com

Tried with the IV and saw no issues as well.

As always, read on and good luck.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Pointless816:
Just tried using NewFlasher to flash to the HK firmware. Phone boots fine after that (though I don't think I can downgrade—trying to flash the SEA firmware gave a corruption error). About Phone confirms I am running the HK firmware.

Even after clearing data, and toggling the "Allow OEM Unlocking" off and on, bootloader is still unable to be unlocked—service menu still says "No," and fastboot still says the command isn't allowed.

I did find it interesting that with no internet connection and the data having been cleared, the phone still suggests US English as the language and a US timezone on first boot with HK firmware. Could mean it boots up with GPS enabled to guess what the user might want, or could mean there is something still picking up the phone as the US variant.

Anyone have any other ideas?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] joeminati:
I also got that as well when I booted the Xperia 1 II in the HK version and SEA whereas it shows English by default. I can't say as well if it boots up in English due it being a world language. ???

But thank you for confirming that the US version, even after flashing, does not allow for unlocking bootloader which is weird because that is something that when a phone maker, like LG, works with a phone carrier, like Tmobile or Verizon, is told by the carrier to remove the unlocking tool by the carrier as part of the security process it appears.

But in this case, Sony is not working with any phone carriers on this release, nor is actually fully supporting some phone carrier features (Wifi calling, 5G, bands) yet still nerfs the phone with blocking the bootloader process on the US phones.

Oh Sony.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] mufunyo:
I think it bases the region/language on the last inserted SIM card.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] raven213:
Quick question are you able to signed up to Bravia core? On a different firmware? I'm on US version and according to them Bravia core isn't supported on our device I wanted to see if I flash a different firmware I'm able to signed up for it
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] raven213:
Did you go back to US firmware? If so how?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Pointless816:
@raven213 I assume Bravia Core would work similar to how the "Tidal 3 Months Free" thing works, and I did not see any app like that, nor was Bravia Core offered as an installable app during setup. So I don't think it works on the HK firmware at least. I'll double check the app list tomorrow though to see if there is a hidden app.

I haven't tried flashing back to US firmware yet. When I tried to flash the SEA firmware, which was an older firmware to what HK was at the time, I got a corruption error until I flashed back—I'm assuming that the US firmware would do the same, since it is even older. But, once the US is updated, hopefully flashing back will work.

I'm trying one last test tomorrow. I've toggled off "enable unlock" in Developer Options, then I'm going to flash the SEA firmware (since it is now up-to-date with the HK firmware it should work without issue) while clearing user data. I noticed that the unlock toggle stayed enabled last time, even though I cleared the data, so maybe some partition was left untouched. Rather doubt it will work, but worth a go.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] raven213:
Thanks for the update. keep us posted hopefully there is a way for us to root
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Hurt Copain:
Thanks for the insight on flash tools. I cannot unlock the bootloader. I returned and got the '72 global version arriving tomorrow..can't wait!
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Hurt Copain:
with the flasher tool, how can i add xperia 1 IV to the list? I tried importing the firmware under a different device and it fails
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Hurt Copain:
All is working, please disregard my previous comment, flashed global 72' variant with US firmware. Had no service whatsoever. Flashed over to HK, all is working. Can we flash a lower firmware if the bootloader is unlocked and we wipe?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] joeminati:
Interesting.

How did you flash? Which method?

Did you take the phone out of the box and immediately flash? Or did you boot it up, ran updates and then flashed?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Hurt Copain:
i used newflasher. popped in sim, Unlocked bootloader first, no updates at all. then flashed US. No service at all, I got basic lte kinda. Had service not available notifications. From there, flashed HK latest, got lte back proper. Then SEA, same service. Could not get any 5G. Used the slow poke companion tool, booted up, 5G everywhere, unlocked bootloader, flashed kirisakura, and am enjoying. Beginning to get trees ready for building.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] raven213:
Can I ask which provider you have? That you are getting 5g? Also which version did you buy? Thanks
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Mpeins:
let me get this right, which one has an unlockable bootloader the us version or the European/asian version thanks
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Mpeins:
thats good news , i am getting mine tomorrow global version. definitely will follow your progress in your builds and hopefully a functional kernel good luck mate.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] 2015Ducatimulti:
The global version, I originally had the CT72 that one was able to root and etc, but the CT62 the bootloader isn't allowed to be unlocked at this time.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] kinggo2:
there is no "global" version, 62 for US, 72 for Asia, 54 for Europe. And some carrier versions for Japan.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] 2015Ducatimulti:
my bad , yes the Asia version is what I had.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Hurt Copain:
T-Mobile. Also use Verizon..Both in the USA. Work fantastic. Bought the US version first. Returned. Too much money for the same device but a unlockable bootloader. That was '62. Bought a 72'. Running beautifully. Kirisakira kernel.. added aosp mods via zygisk and have some added customization.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] raven213:
I also returned the US and I'm gonna buy 72 how's signal and speed for you on TMobile? Also are you able to signed up for Bravia core?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Hurt Copain:
Signal is great. No issues. Actually I had the same speeds on the US model, 100mbps-400 depending on the area. I have not see anything about bravia core. Will look into that and see.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] raven213:
Thanks
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] 2015Ducatimulti:
That`s good, in my area we only have the 71 band for real 5G, and my CT72 would show 5G, but I could only get 20mb download, but when I had the CT62 that actually had the 71 band, I was able to have download speeds of 250mb,
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] David.k20z1:
Hi been lurking around, im on att with ct72 taiwan version purchased from ngpstore getting around 50-200mbps, the phone says 5g on top of screen but phone is not actually not connected to any NR bands that i seen. It gets speeds a bit faster than my xperia 1 ii at51 did, probably because its provisioned to 5g allowing faster lte speeds maybe?. Phones been great so far , been curious what provider does the ct62 gets actual mmWave with though or if it even connects to att NR 5G
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] s1dest3pnate:
Hey, few questions if you don't mind.

Does the Asia version (72) have bands 71 and n71? Can you confirm with an app like LTE Discovery that shows you are connected to LTE and 5G band 71?

Is the phone IMS registered (*#*#4636#*#*) and do you have IMS services including VoLTE and WiFi Calling?

Do you have VoNR? Set the radio to NR only in *#*#4636#*#* menu and try to make a call.

Do you have VoLTE/VoNR hand off? Meaning if LTE or NR signal is weak, phone calls will seamlessly hand off back to the better signal without dropping the call?

Do you know what advantages the US model would have versus the Asia model in the US? What is the Asia model firmware missing that would be in the US firmware?

Would really appreciate your time with checking these! Thank you in advance!
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] raven213:
Ct72 doesn't have band b71 and b71 it has b66 and n41 and b41

Also volte works on TMobile wifi calling doesn't work for me unless if you are on Google Fi from what I was reading

If I set the radio to NR only i can't make calls also the difference between ct72 and ct62 is the bands supports ct62 has b71 and like 3 mmwaves which are 260 and 261
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] SonicSamZ:
Late to the party, is the days of unlocking the bootloader through other-than-official means no longer possible?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] raven213:
On US model you can't unlock bootloader
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] igotroot:
So wait .. the USA variant on Google Fi will get provisioned for Wi-Fi calling?

I received my USA variant phone last week and so far I really like the phone coming from the LG v30 Plus. Not having Wi-Fi calling while shopping is killing me.

I heard that Google fi was the solution but when I called them they asked me for the make and model of phone that I have and I even went on their website and they claim this phone is not compatible. So if you're telling me it does work on Google fi I will be signing up with them as soon as possible.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] raven213:
From what I been reading yes Google Fi works with wifi calling
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] s1dest3pnate:
Yeah this is my understanding too is that WiFi calling will work with Google Fi.

Love this phone. The only downsides for me are locked bootloader, no WiFi calling, no visual voicemail, and dim flashlight.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] hnt20:
Visual voice mail also works with Google Fi.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] raven213:
You have US model? I bought it also but decided to returned it and buy ct72 international one because of bootloader and price difference lol
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] s1dest3pnate:
Yeah US model. Having Band 71 is a must for me.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] hnt20:
yes, US model CT-62 supports band 71 with no issues.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] igotroot:
CONFIRMED. I switched to Google Fi, Wi-Fi calling works 100%.

Funny thing though, Google Fi on their website will tell you our phone is not compatible but in actuality it is 100% compatible.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] s1dest3pnate:
Does visual voicemail work too?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] igotroot:
To be honest I haven't had anyone leave a message yet.... However, according to Google Fi yes, it's built into the Phone App. See attached photos.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] igotroot:
UPDATE: YES. Visual voicemail does work and it is found within the dialer. It does not look as nice as T-Mobile's but it is functional. Someone just left me a message and I remembered about this post.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] yorgun.adam:
Konerde nasıl yayınlıcam yardım edermisiniz adım adım

Mod translation: How can I broadcast in a concert, can you help me step by step?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] yorgun.adam:
Merhabalar herkes yardımcı olsun diye bir konu paylaşmak istiyorum ama yerini bulamadım. Lütfen adım adım yazar mısınız?

Mod translation: Hello, I want to share a topic to help everyone, but I couldn't find the place. Can you please write step by step?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] viper.:
It does at least on US 5 iv(we have same issues as 1 iv). I ve had googleFi but i hated they overcharge for taxes like 11 bucks on simple unlimited, i did like the network but paying 61 bucks instead 50 is just crazy and all that without free international calling/sms .
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] svntsvn:
Fi seemed to gouge me when pandemic hit on my flexible plan, like they changed handoff behaviors in the fi app when people spent more time at home, overriding wifi priority (faster home network too so not supposed to override at system level settings options) I consistently hit beyond unlimited limits for months and their answer was to switch mobile data on and off every time I arrived or left home. (Not a big deal for some or to automate using 3rd party but no time for that then)

Not changing my behaviors on the same device on Verizon I went back to my normal usage leaving settings as is. (had multiple devices too and was mindful of redundancy in android OEM skins over aosp frameworks for handling of networks settings )

Don't trust em at all, wasn't a coincidence and Verizon to me was the king of price gouging in my mind for years but Google Fi king of happy accidents w/shrugs. Had to switch for rural needs with no time to shop mvnos.

Just my take Google was especially annoying with support all around when pandemic their ads support was a mess so I just bailed. Not endorsing Verizon whatsoever lol.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] SonicSamZ:
Has anyone reached out to Sony and asked why the CT62 variant is bootloader locked? And if there's any plans for them to open it up in a future update?

This seems incredibly ridiculous.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] billycar11:
I'm sure someone has but it's a waste of time they don't know what they are talking about.

Sony will just say something like it's unlocked and works on all USA carriers.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] retrol:
Sadly, just found out I made a mistake buying an Xperia IV (XQ-CT62). I'm in the US and thought SONY allowed bootloader unlock, understandable if it had a diffferent CPU from XQ-CT54 or US carrier branded. Just another product I'll ignore in the future. For humor, SONY is discriminating on Americans lol.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] SonicSamZ:
It sucks, doubt we'll get any exploit-like solution to this issue either.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] draxare:
Maybe the s1 unlocker tool (written about here) would work for the xq-ct62? Has anyone tested?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] :
I've tried, the tool fails with an unknown error. That being said, the tool is stated to support up to the 1 III series, so I'm not sure if they need to release a new tool to support the 1 IV.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] draxare:
Hopefully that's the case because I'm stuck with the US version and I really want to root this phone. It's a good phone but it's so limited and restrictive it's kind of sad.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] SonicSamZ:
Maybe we can bump this thread on Sony's forums to get some traction?

https://us.community.sony.com/s/question/0D54O00007rPgU9SAK/sony-xperia-1-iv-us-variant-xqct62-bootloader-unlock-is-not-possible-why?language=en_US
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Boy_314:
I called Sony support and after 30 minutes on the phone they basically told me nothing of use: "The device you have (XQCT62) cannot have its bootloader unlocked." I'm past my 30 day return period so I'm stuck with this phone without being able to root it either...
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] FreshlyBaked 420:
My old USA version XZ1 or 2 was locked as well, Sony quite often locks US devices with no possibility to unlock the bootloader. This is nothing really new to Sony devices.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] SonicSamZ:
I've been trying to find more info on the S1 Unlock Tool, maybe we can get in touch with dev to expand support? If the process to unlock is similar for device than Xperia 1 III.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] billycar11:
unrelated but it makes a point sony sent out a bad update to this phone its now hopelessly stuck rebooting if we had an unlocked bootloader we could go back to the old update.

fyi there are reports turning off wifi or mobile data helps prevent this obviously not ideal

also i would post there but i get an error logging in tried from pc and phone and incognito

sonys argument is invalid pixel does it they can too if it not bought from vz and as you said you cant even buy it from them
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] SonicSamZ:
Maybe try again on different device, any attention to the thread helps!
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] billycar11:
ok posted had to make a new sony account we are yelling a a brick wall though nothing will change if we are lucky the v will be unlockable there is not hope for this one they probably made it impossible to change in software updates
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] draxare:
Why would you support the device and Sony for the V regardless if the bootloader is unlocked or not. They have already shown themselves to be anti consumer liars with the IV and unworthy of our support.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] billycar11:
they are all bad and worse what other phone has micro sd and headphone jack on a high-end phone
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] SonicSamZ:
Would encourage more users affected by issue to keep voicing their displeasure here: https://us.community.sony.com/s/que...der-unlock-is-not-possible-why?language=en_US

Seems like Verizon wanted to restrict the bootloader because they planned on selling the phone, yet that never happened, and the request to restrict bootloader unlocks was never lifted. At least that's a reasonable theory.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] SonicSamZ:
I have a meeting with Sony tomorrow to plead our case, wish me luck.

edit: Had a good call, but no information to share yet, will post a reply at the earliest with info.

edit2 (Feb 24, 2023): Hope to have update next week, but really encourage everyone to voice their opinions on the Sony thread mentioned, they are looking!

edit3 (March 3, 2023): No update but I don't want to rush the contact I was given at Sony. Will followup next week.

edit4 (March 9th, 2023): Got my response, posted a new reply for visibility. Unfortunately :(
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] asdf2345:
Would it be possible to unlock the bands of the non-US phones? Should be same integrated modem afaik.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] SonicSamZ:
I wanted to do a final bump on this. Unfortunately it is not the news we were all hoping for. Sony is saying (after a very long back and forth) definitely that the US variant cannot and will not be bootloader unlocked.

Even with the information presented before, it seems it is not enough to convince them otherwise.

For me this is a dealbreaker, and I'll be switching phones.

Sorry to everyone who was waiting with baited breath.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] asdf2345:
Try the unlocker mentioned here

https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-windo...and-flashing-firmwares.4552365/#post-88254869
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] SonicSamZ:
Unlock code doesn't work for US model
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] asdf2345:
Even if you use that tool?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] SonicSamZ:
Yes I tried the tool after wasting $35 and it doesn't work.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] asdf2345:
Interesting, so I guess someone needs to work on unlocking bands.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] FreshlyBaked 420:
This thread is about unlocking the bootloader, if you are interested in unlocking network bands maybe you should start a new thread.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] DeXel55:
The curious part is what will happen with 1 V release. They're going to lose almost entire US customer base with this. Well, I guess back to Pixel.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] :
I just posted a guide for unlocking the US Xperia 1 IV, working for me and others. Enjoy!

Mod edit: Link removed
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] :
Mods removed the thread, without any warning. This community has let me down. Best of luck to you all.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] ragu24:
Can attest that this solution was the fix we've all been waiting for. For those still seeking it, he shared it on Reddit as well. Works on 5 IV too!

Prometheus just gave us fire and the flame was pissed on here
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] FreshlyBaked 420:
It's no surprise the thread was closed without a warning, you broke multiple XDA rules. The community did not let you down, you let yourself down posting things that clearly violated the rules.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] ragu24:
Which rules would those be then? I just read them all and fail to see the problem

*11. Don’t post with the intention of selling something*

He ain't selling jack nor was profiting or endorsing anything, its was a site that can provide a paid software key that is the ONLY way to unlock the device bootloader for the American models.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] FreshlyBaked 420:
As taken from the closed thread,rules #7, #11,#13.

https://xdaforums.com/t/xda-developers-forum-rules.4200559. If he doesn't see a problem take it up with the moderators.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] ragu24:
Neither of those are even remotely applicable. He isn't selling or trading anything, nor was he shilling/associated/advertising/profiting from those links in any way.

Mods ****ed it and they didn't even care to warn. No wonder all the talent is migrating to other mediums in lieu of XDA
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] FreshlyBaked 420:
XDA Mods are always closing threads with links to paid software or services. It's nothing new at all. They are doing their job.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] kinggo2:
Total BS.

So if I asked for a specific tool to fix a specific thing, then some store where it is available gets mentioned, we are suddenly in a violation of rules. For pointing ppt to the right direction. Because there is 0.0000000000001% chance that the guy with the answer also owns the shop.

Meanwhile, they keep spamming home page with best covers for galaxy s32 in the 1st week of april, best chargers for iPhone in the 1st week of april..........Can't wait for more exciting articles like this next week.

Clearly, mod is a bot. Or just very lazy to actually read what it is about.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] :
There are numerous threads with paid unlocking services for Samsung devices, and where the posters are affiliated with them or even stand to make a profit and are directly asking for money. Aren't those breaking the rules?

I never asked for money. I never claimed to be selling something, or to be affiliated with any of the links I shared.

I'm done with XDA. No appreciation at all. I put countless hours into finding this solution. Yes, I was let down by the community here.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] threeeye:
So there is no hope to getting root on my new Xperia 1 IV (US version)?

Should I return it?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] Devoniani:
Search up "Bootloader Unlock Guide for US Xperia 1 IV", and look for a Reddit post.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] threeeye:
I saw THAT post, is THAT the only option?

Is IT reliable?
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] s1dest3pnate:
Yes, that's the only option and yes it's reliable. I did it on my Xperia 5 IV and it worked perfect.
[Sony Xperia 1 IV] ragu24:
Attempted with success on multiple US Pro-I models as well!