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Bootloader Unlocking Guide

Essential first step for Android customization. Unlock your device's bootloader safely to enable rooting, custom recovery, and custom ROMs.

Quick Navigation ​

Related Guides:

Understanding Bootloaders ​

The bootloader is your device's startup manager - the first program that runs when powering on, responsible for loading the operating system and enforcing security policies.

Why Unlock Your Bootloader? ​

Unlocking enables:

  • Custom recovery installation (TWRP, OrangeFox)
  • Root access via Magisk, KernelSU
  • Custom ROM installation (LineageOS, GrapheneOS)
  • Kernel modifications for performance tuning
  • Advanced system modifications and tweaks

Locked vs Unlocked ​

Locked BootloaderUnlocked Bootloader
Maximum securityFull customization freedom
OTA updates work seamlesslyCan install custom ROMs
Banking apps work normallyCan install custom recovery
Cannot install custom softwareRoot access possible
Limited modificationWarranty void (usually)

Prerequisites ​

⚠️ Critical Warnings ​

IRREVERSIBLE CONSEQUENCES

Data Erasure - Unlocking bootloader completely wipes all data. Backup everything before proceeding.

Warranty Void - Most manufacturers permanently void warranty. Some devices show permanent unlock warnings.

Banking Apps - Many financial apps detect unlocked bootloaders and refuse to work.

Device Security - Unlocked bootloaders reduce device security. Physical access can compromise data.

Essential Requirements ​

Hardware

  • Android device with unlockable bootloader
  • 50% or higher battery charge
  • Quality USB cable (data-capable)
  • Computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)

Software

  • Android Platform Tools (ADB/Fastboot)
  • Device-specific USB drivers (Windows)
  • Manufacturer-specific tools (Mi Unlock Tool, Odin, etc.)

Knowledge

  • Basic command line usage
  • Device model and variant identification
  • Ability to follow instructions precisely

Manufacturer Policy Overview ​

ManufacturerMethodWait TimeRestrictionsSuccess Rate
Google PixelFastboot commandNoneNone99%
OnePlusFastboot commandNoneNone95%
NothingFastboot commandNoneNone90%
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCOMi Unlock Tool7-30 daysMi Account required85%
MotorolaUnlock codeNonePermanent warning80%
SamsungUnofficial (Odin)NoneExynos only, Knox trips60%
HuaweiNo longer supportedN/AImpossible since 20180%

Notes:

  • US carrier-locked models (Verizon, AT&T) often cannot unlock bootloader
  • Always verify your specific model's unlockability

IMPORTANT

Bootloader Unlock: Wall of Shame ​

This community-maintained repository tracks companies that make bootloader unlocking difficult or impossible. Check it before buying a new device.

or

IMPORTANT

Wikipedia/Bootloader unlocking ​

Browse this page on wikipedia that lists and tracks android bootloader unlocking Click me ↗.

Universal Preparation (All Devices) ​

Complete these steps regardless of manufacturer before attempting bootloader unlock.

Step 1: Enable Developer Options ​

  1. Open Settings
  2. Navigate to About Phone (or About Device)
  3. Find Build Number
  4. Tap Build Number 7 times rapidly
  5. Enter your PIN/password when prompted
  6. "Developer options now enabled" message appears

Step 2: Enable Critical Developer Settings ​

  1. Go to Settings > System > Developer Options
  2. Enable OEM Unlocking (critical - required for unlock)
  3. Enable USB Debugging (allows computer communication)
  4. Enable USB Debugging (Security Settings) if available

If OEM Unlocking is missing or greyed out:

  • Connect to WiFi and wait 24-48 hours
  • Try different network (mobile data vs WiFi)
  • Some carrier devices permanently block this option
  • Device may not support unlocking

Step 3: Install Platform Tools ​

Windows:

  1. Download Platform Tools
  2. Extract to C:\platform-tools\
  3. Add to PATH or use Command Prompt in that directory

macOS:

bash
brew install android-platform-tools

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

bash
sudo apt install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot

Linux (Arch):

bash
sudo pacman -S android-tools

Step 4: Install USB Drivers (Windows Only) ​

Download and install manufacturer-specific drivers:

Step 5: Test ADB Connection ​

  1. Connect device to computer via USB
  2. Select File Transfer mode on device
  3. Allow USB debugging when prompted (check "Always allow from this computer")
  4. Open terminal/command prompt
  5. Test connection:
bash
adb devices

Expected output:

List of devices attached
1234567890ABCDEF    device

If device not listed:

  • Reconnect USB cable
  • Try different USB port
  • Reinstall drivers (Windows)
  • Verify USB debugging is enabled

Step 6: Backup Your Data ​

Essential backups:

  • Photos and videos (Google Photos, cloud storage)
  • Contacts (Google Contacts sync)
  • Messages (SMS Backup & Restore)
  • App data (Google Backup, Helium)
  • Important documents
  • Two-factor authentication recovery codes

Reminder: Unlocking bootloader will erase EVERYTHING.

Manufacturer-Specific Guides ​

Select your device manufacturer for detailed instructions.

Google Pixel ​

Models: All Pixel devices (Pixel 1 through Pixel 9 series)

Steps:

  1. Complete Universal Preparation

  2. Boot to fastboot mode:

bash
adb reboot bootloader

Hardware method: Power off, then hold Power + Volume Down

  1. Verify fastboot connection:
bash
fastboot devices
  1. Unlock bootloader:
bash
fastboot flashing unlock

  1. Use Volume keys to navigate to "Unlock the bootloader"

  2. Press Power button to confirm

  3. Device will factory reset and reboot

  4. Verify unlock:

bash
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot getvar unlocked

Should return: unlocked: yes

Notes:

  • Simplest unlock process
  • No waiting period or approval needed
  • Carrier models should work (verify OEM Unlocking available)

Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO ​

Requirements:

  • Mi Account (active for 7+ days on the device)
  • Mi Unlock Tool (Windows only)
  • 7-30 day waiting period

Phase 1: Apply for Unlock Permission

  1. Add Mi Account to device

    • Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options
    • Mi Unlock Status > Add account and device
    • Keep device connected to internet

  2. Wait for approval (7-30 days)

    • Global ROM: Usually 7 days (168 hours)
    • China ROM: Usually 30 days (720 hours)
    • Check Mi Unlock Status for remaining time

Phase 2: Unlock with Mi Unlock Tool

  1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (Windows)

  2. Install and launch Mi Unlock Tool

  3. Boot device to fastboot mode:

bash
adb reboot bootloader

  1. Connect device to computer via USB

  2. Sign in to Mi Unlock Tool with same Mi Account

  3. Click "Unlock" button

  4. Tool will check eligibility and unlock device

  5. Device will factory reset and reboot

Troubleshooting:

  • "Couldn't verify device": Wait full waiting period
  • "Account not bound": Ensure Mi Account added to device
  • "Unlock failed": Try different USB port, reinstall drivers

TIP

Bypass Mi Unlock Waiting Period ​

Some users report success using older Mi Unlock Tool versions or modified tools. check this XDA Guide. Proceed with caution.

OnePlus ​

Models: Most OnePlus devices (verify T-Mobile variants separately)

Steps:

  1. Complete Universal Preparation

  2. Boot to fastboot mode:

bash
adb reboot bootloader
  1. Verify fastboot connection:
bash
fastboot devices
  1. Unlock bootloader (try both commands):
bash
fastboot oem unlock

Or for newer models:

bash
fastboot flashing unlock

  1. Use Volume keys to select "UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER"

  2. Press Power to confirm

  3. Device will factory reset and reboot

Notes:

  • Straightforward process like Pixel
  • T-Mobile variants may have restrictions
  • Some models show "Bootloader Unlocked" warning on boot

Samsung Galaxy ​

Critical: US and Canadian Snapdragon models generally CANNOT unlock bootloader. International Exynos models can unlock but Knox permanently trips.

Compatibility Check:

  1. Install "Phone INFO SAM" app from Play Store

  2. Check "OEM Lock" status:

    • "ON (U)" = Permanently locked (cannot unlock)
    • "OFF" = May be unlockable

Unlock Process (Exynos Only):

  1. Complete Universal Preparation

  2. Power off device completely

  3. Enter Download Mode:

    • Hold Volume Down + Power (or Volume Down + Bixby + Power)
    • When warning appears, press Volume Up

  4. Long press Volume Up to unlock bootloader

  5. Follow on-screen warnings

  6. Device will factory reset

  7. Shows "Custom" on boot screen (Knox permanently tripped)

Knox Consequences:

  • Knox EFUSE physically burned (permanent, cannot revert)
  • Samsung Pay disabled
  • Secure Folder disabled
  • Samsung Pass disabled
  • Samsung Health may not work
  • Warranty permanently void
  • Resale value significantly reduced

Alternative: Consider buying international Exynos model if bootloader unlock is priority.

Motorola ​

Steps:

Phase 1: Obtain Unlock Code

  1. Visit Motorola Bootloader Unlock

  2. Sign in or create Motorola account

  3. Complete Universal Preparation

  4. Boot to fastboot mode:

bash
adb reboot bootloader
  1. Get device identifier:
bash
fastboot oem get_unlock_data

  1. Copy the returned string (combine all lines, remove spaces and "(bootloader)" text)

  2. Submit string on Motorola website

  3. Receive unlock code via email (usually within hours)

Phase 2: Apply Unlock Code

  1. Boot to fastboot mode if not already there

  2. Apply unlock code:

bash
fastboot oem unlock UNLOCK_CODE

Replace UNLOCK_CODE with code from email

  1. Confirm unlock on device screen

  2. Device will factory reset and reboot

Notes:

  • Shows permanent "Bootloader Unlocked" warning on every boot
  • Warranty void
  • Process usually smooth once code received

Nothing Phone ​

Models: Nothing Phone (1), (2), (2a)

Steps:

  1. Complete Universal Preparation

  2. Boot to fastboot mode:

bash
adb reboot bootloader
  1. Unlock bootloader:
bash
fastboot flashing unlock

  1. Use Volume keys to select unlock option

  2. Press Power to confirm

  3. Device will factory reset and reboot

Notes:

  • Similar to Pixel process
  • Good community support
  • Nothing OS specific considerations minimal

Sony Xperia ​

Steps:

Phase 1: Check Eligibility

  1. Visit Sony Developer Portal

  2. Enter IMEI (dial *#06#)

  3. Check if "bootloader unlock allowed: yes"

    • If no: Device cannot be unlocked

Phase 2: Get Unlock Code

  1. Create Sony Developer account

  2. Enter device details and IMEI

  3. Receive unlock code

Phase 3: Unlock

  1. Boot to fastboot mode

  2. Apply unlock code:

bash
fastboot oem unlock 0xUNLOCK_CODE

Replace UNLOCK_CODE with provided code

  1. Device unlocks and reboots

DRM Keys Loss:

  • Camera quality degrades (especially low-light)
  • Some DRM-protected content may not play
  • Cannot be reversed
  • Some custom ROMs include camera fixes

Other Manufacturers ​

ASUS ROG Phone:

  • Official unlock tool available from ASUS
  • Download from ASUS support site
  • Follow in-app instructions

Realme:

  • Deep Testing app method
  • 7-day waiting period
  • Limited model support

OPPO:

  • Deep Testing app method
  • 7-day waiting period
  • Very limited model support

Huawei/Honor:

  • No longer supported since 2018
  • Cannot unlock newer models

Post-Unlock Steps ​

After successfully unlocking bootloader:

Step 1: Initial Setup ​

Device boots to setup wizard (all data erased).

  1. Complete Android setup process
  2. Re-enable Developer Options (tap Build Number 7 times)
  3. Enable USB Debugging again
  4. Optionally re-enable OEM Unlocking (for future modifications)

Step 2: Verify Unlock ​

bash
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot getvar unlocked

Should return: unlocked: yes or unlocked: 1

Or:

bash
fastboot oem device-info

Look for "Device unlocked: true"

Step 3: Next Steps ​

Typical progression:

  1. Install Custom Recovery (optional but recommended)

  2. Root Your Device

  3. Post-Root Configuration

Step 4: Security Considerations ​

Important reminders:

  • Banking apps may detect unlocked bootloader
  • Set up strong screen lock
  • Only install trusted software
  • Be cautious with root permissions
  • Keep device software updated

Troubleshooting ​

OEM Unlocking Missing or Greyed Out ​

Causes:

  • Carrier restriction (permanent)
  • FRP (Factory Reset Protection) active
  • Device not connected to internet
  • Insufficient wait time after initial setup

Solutions:

  • Connect to WiFi and wait 24-48 hours
  • Try mobile data instead of WiFi (or vice versa)
  • Remove Google account, factory reset, wait 48 hours
  • If carrier device, may be permanently locked

Fastboot Not Recognized ​

Symptoms: Computer doesn't detect device in fastboot mode

Solutions:

  • Install proper USB drivers (Windows)
  • Try different USB port (USB 2.0 often more reliable)
  • Use different USB cable (must support data transfer)
  • Boot to fastboot using hardware keys instead of ADB
  • Try different computer
  • Disable USB Selective Suspend (Windows Power Options)

"Remote: Not Allowed" Error ​

Causes:

  • OEM Unlocking not enabled
  • Device doesn't support unlocking
  • Carrier restriction

Solutions:

  • Verify OEM Unlocking is enabled in Developer Options
  • Check device compatibility
  • Verify not carrier-locked model

Device Won't Boot After Unlock ​

Symptoms: Stuck on boot logo or bootloop

Solutions:

  1. Wait 10 minutes (first boot after unlock can be slow)
  2. Force restart: Hold Power button 10-15 seconds
  3. Boot to recovery and wipe cache
  4. Factory reset from recovery
  5. Flash stock firmware via fastboot

Prevention: Always download stock firmware before unlocking for emergency recovery.

"Waiting for Device" Message ​

Causes: Fastboot/ADB connection issues

Solutions:

  • Verify device appears in fastboot devices or adb devices
  • Reinstall USB drivers (Windows)
  • Try different USB port
  • Use USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0
  • Disable antivirus temporarily
  • Run command prompt as administrator (Windows)

Unlock Process Interrupted ​

If power loss or disconnect during unlock:

  1. Reboot to fastboot mode
  2. Attempt unlock command again
  3. If bootloop, flash stock boot.img:
bash
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot reboot
  1. If still issues, flash complete stock firmware

Additional Resources ​

Official Documentation:

Community Resources:

Emergency Recovery:

  • Keep stock firmware downloaded
  • Know your device's EDL/download mode
  • Bookmark device-specific unbrick guides

Related Guides:

Safety Reminder ​

Bootloader unlocking is the essential first step for Android customization, but it comes with permanent consequences:

  • All data will be erased
  • Warranty will be void
  • Security will be reduced
  • Some apps may not work

Only proceed if:

  • You understand the risks
  • You have backed up all data
  • You accept the consequences
  • You can handle troubleshooting

When ready: Proceed to Custom Recovery Installation or Root Installation

✨ Good luck with your Android customization journey.