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Xperia 1 VIII |
moogoo
Joined: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: NYC
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For anybody else who may be interested...
I was able to unlock my bootloader and obtain root access to my Japanese 1m8.
While unlocked and rooted, I modified the modem policy files to enable LTE and 5G bands that were disabled due to geofencing/region blocking.
I decided to relock my bootloader in order to have access to financial apps and tap to pay features.
The process is quite simple so if anybody believes they are being region blocked for LTE/5G bands, it may be a solution for you.
That being said, a carrier is capable of blocking you regardless of what the modem policy files say. I am currently being denied 5G access by AT&T in the US. But I'm confident if I were to swap SIM cards to Tmobile or an MVNO, I would have 5G access. I will probably be switching up soon enough, but for now, I'm just sticking with AT&T for a bit since everything is working and I am not reliant on 5G speeds.
If anybody has any questions, let me know. But I essentially followed the guides over on xda in the 1m7 and 1m8 sections.
So far, very much enjoying my 1m8. One thing I have noticed is with the sony style case on, side sense is difficult to activate with any consistency. I try to use it but end up activating navigation gestures instead of the side sense menus. Anybody figure out a good way to use it? Maybe it's not that popular but I enjoy using it to create multi-task windows and quick activation of apps/settings, and one handed use.
[ This Message was edited by: moogoo on 2026-08-04 17:40 ] moogoo
Nokia 5160 -> Nokia 8260 -> SE T68i -> SE K700i -> SE Z710 -> SE Xperia X10a -> Sony Xperia S -> Sony Xperia Z1 -> Sony Xperia XZ -> Sony Xperia XZ Premium -> Sony Xperia 1ii
Website: https://www.mikedoesitall.com | |
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funkadopest
Joined: Jan 05, 2006
Posts: 70
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...I am currently being denied 5G access by AT&T in the US...
[ This Message was edited by: moogoo on 2026-08-04 17:40 ]
You should first insert your sim into a certified 5G ATT phone and then move it to the Xperia... You'll then get a message along the way saying that your phone is not compatible, just ignore it and you'll be good to go.
That's how it worked with the VII when I got it last year, using the sim straight on the Sony and even toggling dsds didn't access 5G unless it was into a certified phone first.
Give it a go and see 😉✌️ |
moogoo
Joined: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: NYC
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@funkadopest - Unfortunately, it doesn't work.
That's how I got my SIM activated in the first place. I used my 1m2 to activate a new 5G capable sim. My original SIM i had been using wasn't even 5G capable because the 1m2 barely supported any 5G bands.
Toggling DSDS on the 1m8 doesn't work and the latest 1m7 update apparently killed it there too. So, make sure you don't do the OTA update.
The phone information says my 5G is available but restricted. I also have the cheapest plan with 5G access. I've seen some anecdotal evidence that people have gotten their 5G working (on the 1m7 not the 1m8) when they switched to the more expensive plans. Seems like ATT just playing games!
No worries though. I'm not that reliant on 5G and eventually, I am planning to move to T-Mobile. AT&T loses another customer because of their stupid policies! (I'm sure they don't care).
moogoo
Nokia 5160 -> Nokia 8260 -> SE T68i -> SE K700i -> SE Z710 -> SE Xperia X10a -> Sony Xperia S -> Sony Xperia Z1 -> Sony Xperia XZ -> Sony Xperia XZ Premium -> Sony Xperia 1ii
Website: https://www.mikedoesitall.com |
funkadopest
Joined: Jan 05, 2006
Posts: 70
PM |
@moogoo
A bit too late for that as I updated as soon as the ota was available back then and at the time no one was aware of the problem... So got screwed 🙃🙂 |
Maratonmannen
Joined: Dec 06, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Stockholm, Sweden
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I checked the secret diagnostic code *#*#4636#*#* and noticed that type of data network is LTE. Prefered network type is set to NR/LTE/GSM/WCDMA.
Prefered network type when I check the SIM is set to 5G.
When I run SignalCheck it shows 5G-NR 3700 and band n77.
Just curious why type of data network is LTE even though I have a 5G icon.
Xperia™ 1 VIII Black 16GB/1TB (Japan Exclusive) Android 16 @home
Xperia™ 1 VII Black 16GB/512GB (Japan Exclusive) Android 16 @home
Xperia™ 1 VI Scarlet Red 12GB/512GB Android 16 @home
Xperia™ 1 V Android 15 @work |
moogoo
Joined: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: NYC
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On 2026-08-07 08:39:29, funkadopest wrote:
@moogoo
A bit too late for that as I updated as soon as the ota was available back then and at the time no one was aware of the problem... So got screwed 🙃🙂
Doh! that sucks dude. At least you can still go in and re-enable but it would mean wiping your phone. Even with a back-up, it is a pain to get back to where you wanted it.
Maratonmannen wrote:
I checked the secret diagnostic code *#*#4636#*#* and noticed that type of data network is LTE. Prefered network type is set to NR/LTE/GSM/WCDMA.
Prefered network type when I check the SIM is set to 5G.
When I run SignalCheck it shows 5G-NR 3700 and band n77.
Just curious why type of data network is LTE even though I have a 5G icon.
There are two types of 5G used depending on the provider and their network capability. 5GSA and 5GNSA. 5G SA is "Stand Alone" which means it is entirely 5G technology. NSA is "Non-Stand Alone" means it relies on 4G LTE technology as a foundation network.
In your case, it sounds like you're using 5G NSA because your data network type is still LTE. The "NR" in the preferred network type stands for "New Radio" which is 5G. Your provider may be utilizing both SA and NSA on the same network, which is common as they transition and upgrade.
moogoo
Nokia 5160 -> Nokia 8260 -> SE T68i -> SE K700i -> SE Z710 -> SE Xperia X10a -> Sony Xperia S -> Sony Xperia Z1 -> Sony Xperia XZ -> Sony Xperia XZ Premium -> Sony Xperia 1ii
Website: https://www.mikedoesitall.com |
Maratonmannen
Joined: Dec 06, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Stockholm, Sweden
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On 2026-08-07 14:11:43, moogoo wrote:
There are two types of 5G used depending on the provider and their network capability. 5GSA and 5GNSA. 5G SA is "Stand Alone" which means it is entirely 5G technology. NSA is "Non-Stand Alone" means it relies on 4G LTE technology as a foundation network.
In your case, it sounds like you're using 5G NSA because your data network type is still LTE. The "NR" in the preferred network type stands for "New Radio" which is 5G. Your provider may be utilizing both SA and NSA on the same network, which is common as they transition and upgrade.
Thanks!
Now I understand.
My provider is using 5GNSA. They have not yet launched a public commercial 5G SA service. And that goes for the other providers.
It´s kind of misleading, as it´s not "real" 5G.
Xperia™ 1 VIII Black 16GB/1TB (Japan Exclusive) Android 16 @home
Xperia™ 1 VII Black 16GB/512GB (Japan Exclusive) Android 16 @home
Xperia™ 1 VI Scarlet Red 12GB/512GB Android 16 @home
Xperia™ 1 V Android 15 @work |
Maratonmannen
Joined: Dec 06, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Stockholm, Sweden
PM |
On 2026-08-04 16:20:34, moogoo wrote:
I was able to unlock my bootloader and obtain root access to my Japanese 1m8.
While unlocked and rooted, I modified the modem policy files to enable LTE and 5G bands that were disabled due to geofencing/region blocking.
I decided to relock my bootloader in order to have access to financial apps and tap to pay features.
The process is quite simple so if anybody believes they are being region blocked for LTE/5G bands, it may be a solution for you.
I have a question about 5G bands and unlock the bootloader
Did you see all the 5G bands available on the phone and which ones were enabled or disabled? If so, do you remember which n bands were disabled?
My Swedish carrier might switch to different bands down the line. I’m not sure which ones right now, but from what I’ve heard, they could be bands the phone doesn't support—at least according to the specifications from Sony Japan.
If I were to unlock the bootloader, would the phone be factory reset and all my settings wiped?
Xperia™ 1 VIII Black 16GB/1TB (Japan Exclusive) Android 16 @home
Xperia™ 1 VII Black 16GB/512GB (Japan Exclusive) Android 16 @home
Xperia™ 1 VI Scarlet Red 12GB/512GB Android 16 @home
Xperia™ 1 V Android 15 @work |
moogoo
Joined: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: NYC
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On 2026-08-09 10:12:22, Maratonmannen wrote:
I have a question about 5G bands and unlock the bootloader
Did you see all the 5G bands available on the phone and which ones were enabled or disabled? If so, do you remember which n bands were disabled?
My Swedish carrier might switch to different bands down the line. I’m not sure which ones right now, but from what I’ve heard, they could be bands the phone doesn't support—at least according to the specifications from Sony Japan.
If I were to unlock the bootloader, would the phone be factory reset and all my settings wiped?
Yes, once you unlock the bootloader and gain root access, you can view the modem policy files that are on the phone. I did not look at the stock files to compare and simply overwrote them with modified ones. I probably should have, but eh, whatever 
When I say "disabled" it means they were not listed in the modem policy files despite the hardware supporting them. Sony does not sell in the US, so my problem was essentially overriding the region block that's in the policy files. Essentially, they did not have enable 5G bands if the location detected was in the US.
From my brief comparison, there are some differences in band support between the Japanese and European model. Based on spec sheet, these are the bands supported by each model where the other does not:
4G:
Japan - 11, 18, 21, 42
Europe - 20, 25, 32, 34
5G:
Japan - 66, 257
Europe - 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 75
The european model supports more 5G bands overall. Based on this site, the Japanese model supports all but one 4G band and all but one 5G band currently being used on carriers in Sweden. I would not worry too much about unlocking and rooting until you find out your carrier is intending to switch up all their bands completely to unsupported bands.
To answer your question about factory reset, yes. Unlocking the bootloader alone does not do a factory reset, but gaining root access does and you need root access to modify the policy files. Once you are done doing what you want/need to do, then you can relock the bootloader so you can utilize financial apps and tap to pay, which use the locked status of the bootloader as a security integrity check.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I hope I explained well enough.
moogoo
Nokia 5160 -> Nokia 8260 -> SE T68i -> SE K700i -> SE Z710 -> SE Xperia X10a -> Sony Xperia S -> Sony Xperia Z1 -> Sony Xperia XZ -> Sony Xperia XZ Premium -> Sony Xperia 1ii
Website: https://www.mikedoesitall.com |
herasymcuk
Joined: Nov 02, 2008
Posts: 219
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On 2026-08-09 15:33:59, moogoo wrote:
On 2026-08-09 10:12:22, Maratonmannen wrote:
I have a question about 5G bands and unlock the bootloader
Did you see all the 5G bands available on the phone and which ones were enabled or disabled? If so, do you remember which n bands were disabled?
My Swedish carrier might switch to different bands down the line. I’m not sure which ones right now, but from what I’ve heard, they could be bands the phone doesn't support—at least according to the specifications from Sony Japan.
If I were to unlock the bootloader, would the phone be factory reset and all my settings wiped?
Yes, once you unlock the bootloader and gain root access, you can view the modem policy files that are on the phone. I did not look at the stock files to compare and simply overwrote them with modified ones. I probably should have, but eh, whatever
When I say "disabled" it means they were not listed in the modem policy files despite the hardware supporting them. Sony does not sell in the US, so my problem was essentially overriding the region block that's in the policy files. Essentially, they did not have enable 5G bands if the location detected was in the US.
From my brief comparison, there are some differences in band support between the Japanese and European model. Based on spec sheet, these are the bands supported by each model where the other does not:
4G:
Japan - 11, 18, 21, 42
Europe - 20, 25, 32, 34
5G:
Japan - 66, 257
Europe - 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 75
The european model supports more 5G bands overall. Based on this site, the Japanese model supports all but one 4G band and all but one 5G band currently being used on carriers in Sweden. I would not worry too much about unlocking and rooting until you find out your carrier is intending to switch up all their bands completely to unsupported bands.
To answer your question about factory reset, yes. Unlocking the bootloader alone does not do a factory reset, but gaining root access does and you need root access to modify the policy files. Once you are done doing what you want/need to do, then you can relock the bootloader so you can utilize financial apps and tap to pay, which use the locked status of the bootloader as a security integrity check.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I hope I explained well enough.
I have the Hong Kong model XQ-GE74. I live in Italy and the 5G bands that work are: N1 - N3 - N7 - N28 - N78. The others you mentioned are not available in Italy, they are for other European countries. |
moogoo
Joined: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: NYC
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@herasymcuk
European and HK/Global version have the same 4G and 5G band support according to the spec sheets.
My post highlighted the differences between the Japanese model and the European model. I wasn't trying to say those are the only bands supported, only which bands are different based on the spec sheets.
I am aware each European country has their own bands.
Happy to hear you have so many supported bands in Italy. I wish I could say the same about US bands!
moogoo
Nokia 5160 -> Nokia 8260 -> SE T68i -> SE K700i -> SE Z710 -> SE Xperia X10a -> Sony Xperia S -> Sony Xperia Z1 -> Sony Xperia XZ -> Sony Xperia XZ Premium -> Sony Xperia 1ii
Website: https://www.mikedoesitall.com |
tai020381
Joined: Dec 07, 2004
Posts: > 500
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Able to do a dummy guide for changing power button to press to unlock? The guide from Reddit is not dummy at all...  |
moogoo
Joined: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: NYC
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On 2026-08-10 16:20:04, tai020381 wrote:
Able to do a dummy guide for changing power button to press to unlock? The guide from Reddit is not dummy at all...
haha! I was just thinking, why isn't this an option?? feeling the fingerprint scanner attempt and fail to read every touch was getting a bit annoying in a way.
which guide did you find? I found one on reddit but haven't read it through yet. quick skim seems like it requires accessing the phone via adb
moogoo
Nokia 5160 -> Nokia 8260 -> SE T68i -> SE K700i -> SE Z710 -> SE Xperia X10a -> Sony Xperia S -> Sony Xperia Z1 -> Sony Xperia XZ -> Sony Xperia XZ Premium -> Sony Xperia 1ii
Website: https://www.mikedoesitall.com |
tai020381
Joined: Dec 07, 2004
Posts: > 500
PM |
On 2026-08-10 16:46:26, moogoo wrote:
On 2026-08-10 16:20:04, tai020381 wrote:
Able to do a dummy guide for changing power button to press to unlock? The guide from Reddit is not dummy at all...
haha! I was just thinking, why isn't this an option?? feeling the fingerprint scanner attempt and fail to read every touch was getting a bit annoying in a way.
which guide did you find? I found one on reddit but haven't read it through yet. quick skim seems like it requires accessing the phone via adb
Yes from reddit. They stickied it but it was not dummy Guide at all... 😭😭😭 |
moogoo
Joined: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: NYC
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When I have some time, I'll take a look and see if i can create a "dummy" guide to share here.
Have you worked with adb before?
Essentially, you will need to enable developer tools and allow USB debugging. install the android drivers for your machine (windows, mac, linux) and download the android SDK (this has the adb and other executables in it).
Once you have all that. When you plug in your phone, your computer will recognize it as an android device and you should be able to access it via adb commands from a command prompt/terminal.
Anyway, if that doesn't clear things up, i'll work out a guide when i have some time. It is something I'd like to enable myself but didn't look at the reddit guide closely enough yet.
moogoo
Nokia 5160 -> Nokia 8260 -> SE T68i -> SE K700i -> SE Z710 -> SE Xperia X10a -> Sony Xperia S -> Sony Xperia Z1 -> Sony Xperia XZ -> Sony Xperia XZ Premium -> Sony Xperia 1ii
Website: https://www.mikedoesitall.com | |
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Access the forum with a mobile phone via esato.mobi
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Posted: 2026-08-04 16:20
