Sony has introduced a new security service called “my Xperia Theft Protection (MXTP)”. Well, the name must sound familiar to Xperia users as it matches with present available security feature “my Xperia” available on Xperia devices which work similar to Android Device Manager (from Google).
As we all know that if a phone is stolen and a clean wipe (like factory reset or OS removed) then security features like “Android Device Manager” or “my Xperia” becomes useless, exactly to address this issue Sony has come up with my Xperia Theft Protection (MXTP).
my Xperia Theft Protection (MXTP)
What is it?
my Xperia Theft Protection (MXTP) service is added to the bootloader of Xperia device therefore if the OS of the device is removed (or a factory reset has been made) then MXTP will remain active and your Xperia device will be secured.
How? Bootloader is needed to start the OS on the device but it is not the part of the OS itself so MXTP remains as it is (as it is added to the bootloader of the Xperia device).
Which Phones are supported?
For the time being MXTP is available only in three handsets and we can expect it to arrive on others in future firmware updates.
- Xperia M4 Aqua.
- Xperia C4.
- Xperia Z4 Tablet.
How to setup MXTP?
MXTP will come as a part of the system setup guide on above-mentioned devices so you should set it up while starting the device for the first time if not done then follow the steps posted below.
- Navigate to settings menu > security > tap on “Protection by my Xperia”
- Tap on “Activate” in my Xperia screen > Agree to Sony’s Terms and Conditions.
After activating it, my Xperia Theft Protection service is enabled on your device.
How to Deactivate MXTP?
If you want to deactivate the MXTP then the only person who has access to your signed in Google Account on your device can deactivate.
- Navigate to settings menu > security > tap on “Protection by my Xperia”
- Tap on “Deactivate” button > Confirm the Deactivation > Sign in with your Google Account to deactivate the MXTP on your device.
NOTE: Failing to enter your “Google Log in” details correct within 5 attempts, your Xperia device will automatically enter in “Lockdown” stage.
What is Lockdown stage?
Lockdown stage is detected when some unauthorized user is trying to access your device via some serious methods like disabling MXTP.
What triggers Lockdown stage?
Lockdown will trigger itself it steps like mentioned below are performed on the device in any case.
- Firmware repair using PC Companion or any other FlashTools.
- Doing a full factory/master reset.
- Deleting the Google account used for enabling MXTP on the device.
- Disabling MXTP in the settings menu and providing false details of Google account.
- Removing the administrator rights of MXTP or deleting it.
- Triggering Lockdown using MyXperia in a web browser (with the correct login credentials).
What will happen in Lockdown stage?
Device will become completely useless unless correct Google details are entered to validate the identity of the user.
- All runnings apps will be stopped.
- Outgoing calls are blocked (except Emergency calls).
- Incoming calls are sent to voicemail (if activated).
- USB port can only be used for charging and it will not be detected by the PC or the Mac for software repair.
- Notification panel can no longe rbe maximized.
Sony clearly mentioned “This also applies to a software repair or flash. Lockdown will remain in effect until the user has validated the device. Reloading software, rebooting the device or manipulating the persistent storage will not disable the service.”
How to exit Lockdown stage or How to Unlock Protected Xperia device?
Sign in with the Google account which was used at the time of enabling the MXTP.
Check out the various FQA on MXTP by Sony on the source link mentioned at the end of the post.
Sony has done a great job for users by providing this bootloader level security feature. What do you think? Let us know. Drop your comments below.
Source – Sony Mobile | Image Credits: raymond016 (XDA)
View Comments (12)
But what will happen if you have an unlocked bootloader and you just flash another one through flashtool? Does that mean that we will not see the ability to unlock bootloader on new devices launched by Sony?
yes, you will not see the feature. Better to backup ta.img/drm keys before unlocking bootloader.
I have purchased m4 aqua..
After one week, I wake in the morning and watched that my xperia is in lockdown...i tried to open with my google account by that was not happen, it always showing incorrect password/username but when I tried from pc it was showing my device is protected. However I went to Sony care but nothing happen in my favour. I am just hopeless about my brand new cellphone. Is there any solution??
I have purchased m4 aqua..
After one week, I wake in the morning and watched that my xperia is in lockdown…i tried to open with my google account by that was not happen, it always showing incorrect password/username but when I tried from pc it was showing my device is protected. However I went to Sony care but nothing happen in my favour. I am just hopeless about my brand new cellphone. Is there any solution??
consumer forum....
same with my phone xperia c4,always incorrect password/username.. your phone already used now? or no solutions for this problem
Hi! can you help me? same with nizam and zentor.. i try to delete one of gmail accounts added in my phone but after it was lockdown. and i when tried to open with my google account it always showing incorrect password/username. please help me.. thanks
Hi! can you help me too? same with nizam and zentor.. i try to delete one of gmail accounts added in my phone but after it was lockdown. and i when tried to authenticate with my google account it always showing incorrect password/username. please help me.. thanks
i locked my new c4 with my xperia protection. i have entered my gmail and password so many times. after some time its says, invalid username or password.
please help
Hi I used 5 email in my c5 phone but i forget check which email protected it so i login all email so it tell incorrect email and password , now it shown my experia protected , Please help me how to do it? thanks
Hai can help me. i have same problem my xperia protected always show incorrect email and password even i try to sign in true email.. now my xperia c5 dual cant used because stuck in my xperia protected. im feel so sad and down :(
i have reset my xperia z3 plus and it asked for my gmail account but unfortunately i have forgotten my gmail account and password so if there is any method to back my mobile pls pls pls help me what i can do to unlock my xperia