Siemens A62 Unlocking

It is critical to locate the testpoint. This is the track on the board to cut. This phone does not have a track of copper over plastic. This is a multi layer board with 4 layers of track on each side. Be VERY careful about this stage if you are not 100% sure stop: Familliarise yourslf with the components and the chips so THERE IS NO CHANCE of error!

Ok lets start with the basics, the PCB has a display this is on the underside of the PCB for our purposes, we do not want to alter that side of the board. Remember the display is delicate you do not want to scratch or damge it!

On the right of the photo below you can see the connector for the Power / Serial / USB lead this is the bottom end of the phone when assembled


If you look more closely at the bank of chips we are interested in, notice can still see the connector for the Power / Serial / USB lead at the right of the photo below.


If you light the PCB from the underside, I used a pocket LED torch. The tracks are easier to see..


OK at this point I got stuck. I think I know where the testpoint is. But I am not sure! I've marked the test point with a blue line on the left of a BLUE BUTTERFLY to make it easier to see!



Ok now we know where the test point is. Make a test cut using a pencil, of course you will not cut anything but you will find out if you are going to be able to, light the PCB from the underside, hold the PCB, hold a magnifying glass to see the test point, etc all at the same time!

Note that under normal lighting the test point looks VERY different. I've also highlighted a second testpoint known as a "new" testpoint. You can cut either. I've been told to use the "old" test point. But the new one looks much easier to locate and cut.


I found the following tips useful:

• Make sure you consider where the blade will be and where your hand is. I'm left handed so I had to rotate the PCB through 180 degrees. Get the blade placement wrong you will cut the wrong tracks and kill the phone.
• You should be familliar with the layout of the solder points, and components near the testpoint. Even the shape of the tracks have to be clear in your mind.
• Someone who has done lots of A62 told me to look for a hole near the test point. I looked and could see no hole but there was a blob of solder. I was told "the 'solder blob' as you call it is a hole drilled through the PCB, it joints a track from the top of the board to the bottom of the board. I know its not easy, but when you know where you need to cut just push the scapel down, it may not work first time (not cut) some you will have to push a bit harder. 90% of the time it takes me 2 or 3 times." Listen to people who have done this and take your time do not rush things.

You only need a light behind the board to find the testpoint, when you know where it is you only need the light point towards the front so you can see what you are doing. The "solder blob" on the photos above on the left of the blue butterfly is a hole drilled through the PCB, it joins a track from the top of the board to the bottom of the board.

"It is not easy, but when you know where you need to cut just push the scapel down, it may not work first time (not cut). Some A62s you will have to push a bit harder. 90% of the time it takes me 2 or 3 times." This is advice from some who has unlocked lots of these phones.

Ok ths is the plan:

1. Work out where to cut the testpoint.
2. Cut the testpoint.
3. Reasemble the phone and hope it still works, if not fix the damage or recut as required.
4. Charge the Battery fully.
   
5. Try the unlock software, if it does not unlock retry the cut.