Sony CMD: Secret Codes and Tricks for All Vintage Models — Complete Guide 2026
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This is the definitive guide to Sony CMD secret codes for vintage phones. Sony produced GSM phones for the European market between 1997 and 2002 under the CMD brand (Cellular Mobile Device) — before the historic merger with Ericsson that created Sony Ericsson in 2001. Sony CMD models are among the rarest and most sought-after by collectors. The Sony CMD code system is unique — many codes have a literal equivalent that reveals their meaning (e.g. *#7465625# = *#SIMLOCK#, *#7353273# = *#RELEASE#).
How the Sony CMD Code System Works — Read First
Sony CMD codes correspond to letters on the phone keypad:
7465625= SIMLOCK (7=S, 4=I, 6=M, 5=L, 6=O, 2=C, 5=K)7353273= RELEASE (7=R, 3=E, 5=L, 3=E, 2=A, 7=S, 3=E)78737322867973738= SUPERFACTORYRESET73287489263373738= SECURITYCODERESET
This logic lets you understand the meaning of any Sony CMD code even without the full list.
Brand note: Sony CMD phones are phones produced by Sony before the merger with Ericsson in 2001. They should not be confused with Sony Ericsson phones. The CMD phones were manufactured in Sony's Japanese facilities with completely different hardware from Ericsson.
Universal Sony CMD Codes — Work on All Models
| Code | Literal equivalent | Function |
|---|---|---|
*#06# |
— | Display IMEI code |
*#7465625# |
*#SIMLOCK# |
SIM lock status — shows all active locks |
*#7353273# |
*#RELEASE# |
Firmware version — full software version |
*#39482633# |
*#EXITCODE# |
Latest phone failure causes |
*#78737322867973738# |
*#SUPERFACTORYRESET# |
Reset personal data (remove SIM first) ⚠️ |
*#73287489263373738# |
*#SECURITYCODERESET# |
Reset security code to 0000 (remove SIM first) ⚠️ |
*#8378# |
*#TEST# |
Phone reset |
*#8654# |
— | Key test — verifies every keypad key |
*#00xx# |
— | Change language (xx = country code, e.g. 44 for English) |
*#0000000# |
— | Reset language to auto-selection |
*09*(PIN)# |
— | Enable PIN |
#09*(PIN)# |
— | Disable PIN |
Most Important Code: *#7465625# = *#SIMLOCK#
This code shows the complete lock status of all phone locks:
- Network lock — locked to the operator's network
- Service Provider lock — locked to service provider
- Network Subset lock — locked to network subset
- Corporate lock — locked for corporate use
- SIM Personal lock — locked to a specific SIM
- IMSI range lock — locked to an IMSI range
If all locks show inactive the phone is completely free from any network restriction.
Sony CMD Network Unlock — Complete System *#7465625*XX*CODE#
The Sony CMD network unlock system uses a unique format:
*#7465625*XX*8DIGITCODE#
where XX indicates the lock type and 8DIGITCODE is the NCK code specific to the phone's IMEI.
| XX value | Function |
|---|---|
11 |
Activate Network SIM lock (default) |
12 |
Deactivate Network SIM lock ← use this to unlock |
21 |
Activate Service Provider lock |
22 |
Deactivate Service Provider lock |
31 |
Activate both (11 + 21) |
32 |
Deactivate both (12 + 22) ← full unlock in one step |
51 |
Activate Network Subset lock |
52 |
Deactivate Network Subset lock |
61 |
Activate Corporate lock |
62 |
Deactivate Corporate lock |
71 |
Activate SIM Personal lock |
72 |
Deactivate SIM Personal lock |
96 |
Activate IMSI range lock |
97 |
Deactivate IMSI range lock |
98 |
Activate 11 + 96 |
99 |
Deactivate 12 + 97 |
Complete unlock example: To fully unlock a network-locked Sony CMD:
*#7465625*12*12345678#(deactivates Network lock — replace 12345678 with your NCK)*#7465625*22*12345678#(deactivates SP lock if also active)- Or in one step:
*#7465625*32*12345678#(deactivates both together)
Sony CMD-J5 and CMD-J6 — Full Secret Codes
The Sony CMD-J5 (1999-2000) was the best-selling Sony CMD in Europe — compact design, internal antenna (innovative at the time), superior Sony build quality. The CMD-J6 is the updated version with additional features.
IMEI: *#06#
SIM lock status: *#7465625# (= *#SIMLOCK#)
Firmware version: *#7353273# (= *#RELEASE#)
Latest failure causes: *#39482633# (= *#EXITCODE#)
Reset personal data: *#78737322867973738# (remove SIM first) ⚠️
Reset security code to 0000: *#73287489263373738# (remove SIM first) ⚠️
Key test: *#8654#
Language reset: *#0000000#
English: *#0044#
CMD-J5 network unlock (serial cable required!): The CMD-J5 cannot be unlocked with codes alone — it requires a specific Sony serial cable to read the phone's hardware ID and the "Sony CMD-J5 Unlocker" software. The procedure:
- Connect the switched-off phone to PC via Sony serial cable
- Run "Sony CMD-J5 Unlocker"
- Software reads the hardware ID (different from IMEI)
- Enter the ID in the field and press ENTER — software generates the 8-digit code
- Switch phone on with non-accepted SIM
- Type:
*#7465625*12*(8 digits)#for Network lock - Type:
*#7465625*22*(8 digits)#for SP lock if necessary - Or:
*#7465625*32*(8 digits)#to deactivate both at once
Collector note CMD-J5: The CMD-J5 was the Sony most widely sold in Europe before the Ericsson merger. The design with the display in the upper flip section and keyboard below anticipated later flip phones. Sony build quality was above average — well-preserved CMD-J5 units are still fully functional after 25 years.
👉 View Sony CMD-J5 available at Infosate
Sony CMD-J7 and CMD-J70 — Secret Codes
The Sony CMD-J7 (2000) and CMD-J70 are the CMD-J5 successors — slightly larger display, updated features, same code system.
IMEI: *#06#
SIM lock status: *#7465625#
Firmware version: *#7353273#
Latest failure causes: *#39482633#
Reset personal data: *#78737322867973738# ⚠️
Reset security code to 0000: *#73287489263373738# ⚠️
Key test: *#8654#
CMD-J7 network unlock: Same procedure as CMD-J5 — requires serial cable + software. Once the code is obtained: *#7465625*12*(8 digits)# → deactivate Network lock *#7465625*22*(8 digits)# → deactivate SP lock Or: *#7465625*32*(8 digits)# → deactivate both at once
👉 View Sony CMD-J7 available at Infosate
Sony CMD-Z5 — Full Secret Codes
The Sony CMD-Z5 (2001) was one of the last and most advanced Sony CMD phones before the Ericsson merger — colour display, polyphonic ringtones, integrated camera. One of the most advanced CMD models ever produced.
IMEI: *#06#
SIM lock status: *#7465625#
Firmware version: *#7353273#
Latest failure causes: *#39482633#
Reset personal data: *#78737322867973738# ⚠️
Reset security code to 0000: *#73287489263373738# ⚠️
Default security code CMD-Z5: 0000 If someone has changed the code and forgotten it, use *#73287489263373738# with SIM removed to reset it to 0000.
CMD-Z5 network unlock: Same procedure as CMD-J5 — serial cable + software. Unlock code: *#7465625*12*(8 digits)#
Collector note CMD-Z5: One of the few CMD models with a colour display — this rarity makes it very sought-after. The
*#7353273#code shows the firmware version — later firmware versions have additional features.
👉 View Sony CMD-Z5 available at Infosate
Sony CMD-Z7 and CMD-Z7e — Full Secret Codes
The Sony CMD-Z7 and CMD-Z7e are updated variants of the CMD-Z5 — same platform, improved firmware.
IMEI: *#06#
SIM lock status: *#7465625#
Firmware version: *#7353273#
Reset personal data: *#78737322867973738# ⚠️
Reset security code: *#73287489263373738# ⚠️
CMD-Z7 network unlock (detailed procedure):
- Connect phone via Universal Box + Sony cable to PC
- Run "Sony Z7 Log Reader" — password:
3.1415927(the number π!) - When "Turn on phone" appears, press the power button for less than 1 second — the phone must NOT fully switch on, just the ignition pulse is needed
- Software reads the log and displays a code
- Open "Sony CMD-J5 Unlocker", enter the ID read → NCK is generated
- Switch phone on with non-accepted SIM
- Type
*#7465625*12*CODE#to unlock Network lock - Type
*#7465625*22*CODE#to unlock SP lock
Very rare fact: the password for the Z7 Log Reader software is 3.1415927 — the number pi! This was an easter egg hidden by the tool's developers — almost impossible to guess without knowing the specific tool.
Sony CMD-X1000 and CMD-X2000 — Secret Codes
The Sony CMD-X1000 and CMD-X2000 were the flagship models of the CMD series — the best of Sony technology before the Ericsson merger.
IMEI: *#06#
SIM lock status: *#7465625#
Firmware version: *#7353273#
Reset personal data: *#78737322867973738# ⚠️
Reset security code: *#73287489263373738# ⚠️
Network unlock: same procedure as CMD-J5/Z7 — specific serial cable + software.
Sony CMD-MZ5 — Secret Codes
The Sony CMD-MZ5 was a special CMD model with MiniDisc integration features.
IMEI: *#06# | SIM lock: *#7465625# | Firmware: *#7353273#
Reset data: *#78737322867973738# ⚠️
The History of Sony CMD — Why It's So Rare and Sought-After
Sony entered the European GSM mobile phone market in the late 1990s with the CMD series. In 2001, Sony and Ericsson — both individually struggling to compete — announced their joint venture Sony Ericsson. CMD phones remained in production until the transition was complete, then were progressively replaced by the new Sony Ericsson line.
The result was that Sony CMD became the "pure" Sony GSM phones — the only ones bearing only the Sony brand, without Ericsson. Because of this historical rarity, they are today among the most sought-after pieces by European vintage phone collectors.
Universal GSM Codes — Valid for All Sony CMD GSM
PIN management:
- Enable PIN:
*09*(PIN)# - Disable PIN:
#09*(PIN)# - Change PIN:
**04*[old]*[new]*[new]# - Unlock with PUK:
**05*[PUK]*[new]*[new]#
Language change:
*#0044#→ English*#0049#→ German*#0034#→ Spanish*#0033#→ French*#0039#→ Italian*#0000000#→ Auto-selection
Call forwarding:
| Code | Function |
|---|---|
##002# |
Cancel all call forwarding |
*#21# |
Check unconditional forwarding |
*#61# |
Check "no answer" forwarding |
*#62# |
Check "not reachable" forwarding |
*#67# |
Check "busy" forwarding |
**21*[number]# |
Activate unconditional forwarding |
EFR: *3370# (enable) / #3370# (disable)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does CMD network unlock require a serial cable instead of just codes? The CMD series uses a hardware protection system based on a hardware ID (different from the IMEI) that is not visible through simple codes. The unlock software must read this ID via the serial port, calculate the specific NCK code and only then provide the code to enter in the phone. This was a more secure system compared to other brands of the era.
Is the *#73287489263373738# security code reset dangerous? It resets the security code to 0000 — it does NOT delete personal data (contacts, messages). Remove the SIM card first before using it as a safety precaution.
Does *#78737322867973738# delete everything? It resets personal data (contacts, messages, personalised settings) but does NOT affect the firmware. Remove SIM first.
Why is the Z7 Log Reader password π (3.1415927)? It was an easter egg by the developers of the unlock tool — using the pi number as a password was an elegant and practically unguessable choice without knowledge of the specific tool.
How many unlock code attempts do I have? Sony CMD phones generally allow a limited number of attempts before the lock counter freezes. Do not attempt without the correct code — after too many incorrect attempts the phone may require reflashing.
Original Vintage Sony CMD at Infosate
At Infosate you'll find a selection of original vintage Sony CMD phones — CMD-J5, CMD-J7, CMD-Z5 and other iconic models of the "pure" Sony era before the Ericsson merger, all verified before shipping.