Unlock Bootloader on Any Android Device

The bootloader is your phone's gatekeeper. Unlocking it is the first real step toward freedom.

Every manufacturer does this differently, and some make it harder than others. I'll walk you through each major brand.

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What is a Bootloader?

The bootloader is software that runs before Android. It:

• Verifies system integrity
• Controls what operating system can boot
• When locked, only allows official/signed software
• When unlocked, allows any software (custom ROMs)

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⚠️ Before You Unlock

Important Warnings

1. Data wipe: Unlocking bootloader wipes EVERYTHING
2. Warranty: May void warranty (varies by region/brand)
3. Security: Device is less secure when unlocked
4. Some features: May disable (Samsung Knox, etc.)

Preparation

• Backup all important data
• Know your Google account (for FRP)
• Have USB cable ready
• ADB/Fastboot installed on computer
• Battery above 50%

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Google Pixel (Easiest)

Google makes this simple - they want you to tinker!

Step 1: Enable OEM Unlocking

Settings → About Phone → Tap "Build Number" 7 times
Go to Settings → System → Developer Options
Enable "OEM Unlocking"

Step 2: Boot to Bootloader

adb reboot bootloader

Or: Power off → Hold Power + Volume Down

Step 3: Unlock

fastboot flashing unlock

Use Volume buttons to highlight "Unlock" and Power to confirm.

Device wipes and reboots. Done!

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Samsung Galaxy

Samsung is trickier, and Knox adds complications.

Step 1: Enable OEM Unlock

Settings → About Phone → Software Information
Tap "Build Number" 7 times
Enter PIN when prompted

Settings → Developer Options
Enable "OEM Unlocking"

Note: If OEM Unlock is grayed out:

• Remove your Google account temporarily
• Disable Find My Mobile
• Connect to WiFi and wait 24-72 hours
• Try again

Step 2: Boot to Download Mode

Power off, then:

Hold Volume Down + Volume Up
Plug in USB cable
Press Volume Up when prompted
Select "Unlock Bootloader"

Step 3: Confirm Unlock

Use Volume buttons to navigate, Power to confirm.

Device wipes and reboots.

Knox Warning

Knox is Samsung's security platform. When you unlock:

• Knox counter changes from 0x0 to 0x1 permanently
• Samsung Pay stops working forever
• Some security features disabled
• Cannot be reversed even if you relock

If you need Samsung Pay or enterprise features, don't unlock!

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Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO

Xiaomi requires you to wait. It's annoying but doable.

Step 1: Create Mi Account

Settings → Mi Account
Sign in or create account
Link phone number

Step 2: Enable Developer Options

Settings → About Phone
Tap "MIUI Version" 7 times
Enter PIN if prompted

Step 3: Bind Account to Unlock

Settings → Developer Options
Mi Unlock status → Add account and device
Agree and activate

Step 4: Wait for Timer

Xiaomi imposes a waiting period:

• New accounts: 168 hours (7 days) to 720 hours (30 days)
• Established accounts: Usually 168 hours

No way around this. Just wait.

Step 5: Download Mi Unlock Tool

Get it from en.miui.com/unlock/download.html (Windows only)

Step 6: Unlock with Mi Unlock Tool

1. Boot to Fastboot:
   Power off → Hold Power + Volume Down
   
2. Connect USB and open Mi Unlock Tool

3. Sign in with same Mi account

4. Tool detects device

5. Click "Unlock"

6. Wait for completion

If timer hasn't passed, it'll tell you how many hours remain.

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OnePlus

OnePlus is developer-friendly with simple unlock process.

Step 1: Enable OEM Unlock

Settings → About Phone
Tap "Build Number" 7 times
Enter PIN

Settings → Developer Options
Enable "OEM Unlocking"

Step 2: Boot to Fastboot

adb reboot bootloader

Or: Power off → Hold Power + Volume Up

Step 3: Unlock

fastboot oem unlock

Confirm on device. Data wipes.

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Realme

Realme requires Deep Testing tool for unlock.

Step 1: Enable Developer Options

Settings → About Phone
Tap "Build Number" or "Version" 7 times

Step 2: Get Deep Testing APK

Download from Realme community or XDA for your device.

Step 3: Apply for Unlock

1. Open Deep Testing app
2. Sign in with Realme account
3. Apply for bootloader unlock
4. Wait 3-14 days for approval

Step 4: Once Approved

Settings → Developer Options → OEM Unlocking → Enable

Boot to Fastboot:
adb reboot bootloader

Unlock:
fastboot flashing unlock

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Motorola

Motorola has official unlock program.

Step 1: Enable OEM Unlock

Settings → About Phone → Tap "Build Number" 7 times
Settings → Developer Options → OEM Unlocking → Enable

Step 2: Get Unlock Key from Motorola

1. Boot to Fastboot:
   adb reboot bootloader

2. Get device token:
   fastboot oem get_unlock_data

3. Copy the entire output (usually 5 lines)

4. Go to motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com
   Submit the code (remove line breaks)
   
5. Receive unlock key via email

Step 3: Unlock

fastboot oem unlock [KEY_FROM_EMAIL]

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ASUS

ASUS has its own unlock app.

Step 1: Download Unlock Tool

Get from ASUS Support for your model.

Step 2: Run Unlock App

On your phone:

1. Install ASUS Unlock APK
2. Agree to terms
3. Tap Unlock
4. Device wipes and unlocks

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Verification

After unlocking, verify:

Check via Fastboot

fastboot oem device-info
# or
fastboot getvar unlocked

Should show: unlocked: true or Device unlocked: true

Visual Indicator

Most devices show warning on boot:

"Your bootloader is unlocked and software integrity cannot be verified"

This is normal and expected.

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Common Issues

"OEM Unlock" Grayed Out

• Wait 24-72 hours after first setup
• Remove Google account temporarily
• Disable Find My Device
• Factory reset and try again
• Some carrier variants can't unlock

"Command Not Allowed"

• OEM Unlock not enabled in settings
• Device doesn't support unlocking
• Wrong variant (carrier-locked)

Timer Not Decreasing (Xiaomi)

• Make sure account is bound in Developer Options
• Device must be connected to internet periodically
• Try re-binding account

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Quick Reference Table

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After Unlocking

Now you can:

1. Install TWRP Recovery
2. Flash Custom ROMs
3. Root with Magisk

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Your bootloader is now unlocked. Welcome to the custom ROM world!

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