How to unlock w580i sony ericsson ?

[flexwong]

rofl, noobs. unlocking is not the same as unbranding. unbranding simply removes the rogers branded OS and UI, restores the phone to original factory manufactured software, which would allow you to use mp3 ringtones.

[LeafsRbest]

a permanent unlock for the w580i will cost you closer to $50+ as it will cost the unlocker considerably more (around ~$30).

You are getting ripped off if you're paying anywhere near that much for a permanent unlock. I've been doing it remotely for 3 months (check my feedback) and no one has had to pay more than $20.

Although, I do love when people come to me for an unlock and I tell them they won't get MP3s out of it. They either act embarrassed or leave thinking I know nothing. LOOL.

Lol, I know the feeling. So I usually tell everyone to call it debranding instead of unbranding.

[4got10]

OK I am really confused here..

I also would just like to be able to use MP3's a ring tone on my wife's new 580i but Rogers has locked it out (I think this is lame considering my phone from rogers 3 years could do it no problem).

So what exactly needs to be done to the phone to make this possible. All this talk about unlocking or debranding is a little confusing here and I hate to say I am a total noob when it comes to cell phone modding.

[rdtx2002]

OK I am really confused here..

I also would just like to be able to use MP3's a ring tone on my wife's new 580i but Rogers has locked it out (I think this is lame considering my phone from rogers 3 years could do it no problem).

So what exactly needs to be done to the phone to make this possible. All this talk about unlocking or debranding is a little confusing here and I hate to say I am a total noob when it comes to cell phone modding.

flash the phone with original firmware and there you go.

[4got10]

OK I think I am figuring it out... debranding is just putting the original phones firmware back on so I am not slammed with all the rogers restrictions and advertising.

Unlocking allows me to use any sim on the phone. So will I run into any issues with rogers by debranding the phone? i.e. I have to take it in for warranty cause the keys cracked?

[Ryuu]

OK I think I am figuring it out... debranding is just putting the original phones firmware back on so I am not slammed with all the rogers restrictions and advertising.

Unlocking allows me to use any sim on the phone. So will I run into any issues with rogers by debranding the phone? i.e. I have to take it in for warranty cause the keys cracked?

Yeah, that's right.

Debranding or Flashing: restores the phone to its original "fresh-from-manufacturer" firmware, getting rid of all the crap and restrictions put on it by the service provider.

Unlocking: allows the phone to be used with any sim card, not just being locked to one network/provider.

As for the warranty thing, some say they don't care. But to be safe, just re-flash your phone with Rogers' firmware before taking it in =).

Oh and just thought I'd say this: there is no such thing as "unlocking MP3s" lol. There are ways to work around it with a branded phone, but the only way to truly "unlock" them is through debranding.

Unlocking MP3s is PART OF debranding!!!

[supermarket]

Great thread I learned quite a bit in these 3 small pages. Thanx everyone!

Oh and please more people need to list their unlocking stores so we can go there! & more sites that offer good information about all this phone modding stuff as well!

Oh hey this is a really good question I just thought of...

Do you lose your phone number contacts, pictures, etc when you unlock or debrand a phone?

[LeafsRbest]

Do you lose your phone number contacts, pictures, etc when you unlock or debrand a phone?

Debranding and patch unlocking will erase your contacts (except the ones on your sim) and pics and games, etc. So make a backup of everything.

Permanent unlocks are a built-in function of the phone, so you do not lose anything. You just gain the freedom to use any network you please.

[turtleh]

Ok I've read extensively into this... so much that I am about to kill a potato.

Alright so I got myself the programs like Setools, XS++, simlockgenerator etc.

I got some of the Main and Filesystem files, for debranding

I'm just really intimidated about following through and doing it.

I would pay someone at pmall etc to do it, but I don't trust them either, plus I need a few custom things done, like using ASIA, TAIWAN CHINESE TRAD regional FW

Can I do all this with the regular cable that came with the phone?

[crashz]

I had my w580i unlocked and debranded for $30 in Winnipeg. Unfortunatley the Keys cracked, and 2 of the front facing buttons no longer had a reliable contact to the board beneath so I had to bite the bullet and send the phone back to Rogers to get fixed. While they fixed it they flashed the phones' software.
Really don't want to have to pay another $30 to get it done again. Any other cheaper alternatives. Mind you I'll probably end up going to the guy again anyway but hopefully i find a better option before it comes to that. *&^!ing hate Rogers and every cellular teleco for that matter for their locking policies. They already have you locked under contract, just give me the phone un-neutered damnit!

[Daimajin]

I'm not sure if it's against RFD rules so I'm not going to post anything. But if anyone needs help unlocking/debranding/anything with the w580 I can help you out for free, just PM me.

I hate it when people put a price tag on helping you. I had cracked keys and rebranded my phone before bringing it for warranty and everything went fine.

Sorry to people asking for help still. I've long moved to the US and stopped watching RFD. Also, I broke my w580 and I'm not longer current with any se help.

[martin1]

I followed this link and it worked. You DO NOT need to do anything to your phone.

http://cellphoneforums.net/sony-eric...nes-w580i.html

I am still trying to look for ways to unlock the phone so that it can use other carrier's SIM card though... (ways that I can DIY for free...)