Unlock Bootloader on Realme
Realme makes you jump through hoops to unlock the bootloader. But once you're through, the custom ROM world opens up.
Realme's Unlock Method
Realme uses a two-step process:
- Deep Testing App: Submit unlock request
- Waiting Period: Usually 1-14 days
- Approval: Get unlock permission
- Fastboot Unlock: Actually unlock
Before You Start
Warnings
⚠️ Unlocking bootloader will:
- Wipe all data (factory reset)
- Void warranty (officially)
- May disable some features like FingerPrint
- Cannot be undone on some devices
Requirements
- Realme phone with Realme UI
- Active internet connection
- Computer with ADB/Fastboot
- Patience (waiting period required)
- Backup of all important data
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
Settings → About Phone → Version
Tap "Build Number" or "Realme UI Version" 7 times
Enter PIN when prompted
"You are now a developer" message appears
Step 2: Get Deep Testing App
Download
Method 1: Realme Community
1. Visit Realme Community website
2. Search "Deep Testing"
3. Find latest APK link
4. Download and install
Method 2: XDA Forums
1. Find your device forum on XDA
2. Search for "Deep Testing APK"
3. Download latest version
Install APK
1. Enable "Install unknown apps" for browser
2. Install Deep Testing APK
3. Open the app
Step 3: Apply for Unlock
In Deep Testing App
1. Open Deep Testing app
2. Sign in with Realme account
3. Verify phone number
4. Tap "Apply for unlocking"
5. Read and accept terms
6. Submit application
Information Required
- Device IMEI (shown automatically)
- Reason for unlocking
- Agreement to terms
Step 4: Wait for Approval
Typical Timeline
| Device Age | Typical Wait |
|---|---|
| New account | 7-14 days |
| Established account | 3-7 days |
| Some devices | 1-3 days |
Check Status
Open Deep Testing app
Check application status
Status will show: Pending / Approved / Rejected
If Rejected
- Wait 24 hours and reapply
- Ensure phone is registered to your account
- Contact Realme support
Step 5: Once Approved
Confirmation
You'll receive:
- Notification in Deep Testing app
- Status changed to "Approved"
- Permission to unlock
Time Limit
Approval may expire after 30 days. Complete unlock promptly.
Step 6: Actually Unlock Bootloader
Prepare Computer
Install ADB and Fastboot:
- Platform-tools from Google
- Add to PATH
Enable OEM Unlocking
Settings → Developer Options → OEM Unlocking → Enable
Confirm with PIN
Boot to Fastboot Mode
Method 1: From Android
adb reboot bootloader
Method 2: Buttons
Power off completely
Hold Volume Down + Power
Release at fastboot screen
Unlock Command
# Connect USB cable
fastboot devices
# Should show your device
fastboot flashing unlock
# Confirm on device using volume buttons
# This wipes everything
Completion
- Device reboots
- Factory reset occurs
- Bootloader now unlocked
Step 7: Verify Unlock
After initial setup:
Settings → Developer Options → OEM Unlocking
Should show: "Bootloader is already unlocked"
Or check in fastboot:
fastboot getvar unlocked
# Should return: unlocked: yes
After Unlocking
What's Next
Now you can:
- Flash custom recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox)
- Install custom ROMs
- Root with Magisk
- Flash custom kernels
Recommended First Steps
1. Flash TWRP recovery
fastboot flash recovery twrp-xxx.img
2. Boot to TWRP
fastboot reboot recovery
3. Make full backup in TWRP
4. Flash your preferred ROM
Troubleshooting
Deep Testing Not Installing
Enable unknown sources
Disable Play Protect temporarily
Try older APK version
"Device Not Eligible"
Device may not be in supported list
Realme periodically adds/removes devices
Check Realme forums for status
No OEM Unlock Toggle
Wait 7 days after first boot
Ensure signed into Realme account
Factory reset and try again
Fastboot Not Detected
Install Realme USB drivers
Try USB 2.0 port
Use original cable
"Unlock Blocked" Error
Deep Testing approval may have expired
Reapply and wait for new approval
Ensure OEM Unlock is enabled in settings
Relocking Bootloader
If you want to return to locked state:
# Only do this on STOCK RealmeUI!
fastboot flashing lock
# Confirm on device
⚠️ Never relock with custom ROM installed - this will brick!
Device-Specific Notes
Realme GT Series
- Generally good unlock support
- Fast approval times
- Good custom ROM availability
Realme Narzo Series
- Usually supported
- Check specific model on XDA
Realme Number Series (C1, 5, 7, etc.)
- Older devices usually fine
- Newer might have restrictions
- MediaTek models may have limited ROMs
Realme Pad
- Tablet unlock process similar
- Limited custom ROM support
Alternative if Deep Testing Unavailable
Some older devices or regions may need:
MTK Auth Bypass (MediaTek devices)
If official method blocked:
- Research "MTK Auth Bypass" for your device
- Risky but sometimes necessary
- XDA device forums have guides
Realme Community Request
Post on official forums asking for unlock support for your device.
Summary
Realme Bootloader Unlock:
1. Install Deep Testing APK
2. Apply for unlock in app
3. Wait for approval (3-14 days)
4. Enable OEM Unlock in settings
5. fastboot flashing unlock
6. Done! Flash custom recovery next
The waiting is annoying, but once approved, Realme devices work well with custom ROMs.
Keywords: unlock bootloader realme, realme deep testing, realme custom rom, realme fastboot unlock, realme oem unlock