How to Unlock Bootloader of Android

January 31, 2024

Unlock Bootloader of Android with our easy method. Using a simple steps guide, officially unlock the bootloader of Redmi, Poco f1, Moto, Mi, Realme, Xioami, Zuk, Sony, Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, Honor, Google Nexus, Google Pixel, LG, Vivo, Oppo, OnePlus, etc. Unlock bootloader without the PC using ADB and Fastboot. This guide can fix bootloader unlock allowed no error.

Unlock Bootloader without losing data

Related: How to Unlock Bootloader without PC

Do you want to root the Android smartphone or tablet? Do you want to install TWRP recovery and flash custom ROMs? If yes, then you are in the right place. In this tutorial, we’ll discuss some easy steps for unlocking the bootloader of any Android phone. Before you install TWRP recovery or flash custom ROMs, you will have to unlock the bootloader of your Android.

What is Bootloader?

The bootloader is a code that is executed before any Operating System starts. Every Android phone has a bootloader that instructs the OS kernel to boot normally. Since Android OS is an open-source OS, every manufacturer has its own bootloader version.

Why is Bootloader locked?

It is not possible to install TWRP recovery or flash custom ROMs on a locked bootloader. Forced attempts to unlock the bootloader can void the warranty and brick the device. Hence, manufacturers usually lock the bootloader to make the users stick to their official Android OS.

Why unlock Bootloader on Android?

If you want to root, flash a custom recovery like CWM/ TWRP, or flash custom ROMs, then you need to have your bootloader unlocked. That means unlocking the bootloader allows you to gain root access, flash unofficial custom recoveries, third-party custom ROMs, take Nandroid backup and restore, increase internal memory, remove bloatware, and much more.

Phones like Motorola, Sony, LG, HTC, Xiaomi, and Huawei use a unique code through their website to unlock bootloaders. Samsung phones (Exynos models) that can be rooted have unlocked bootloaders. Whereas the new Snapdragon models of Galaxy S9, S9 Plus, S8, S8 Plus, S7, S7 Edge, Note 8, etc. all have locked bootloaders.

Moreover, the bootloader of Google Nexus or Pixel devices like Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 2, Pixel XL, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, etc., can be easily unlocked using this guide. Also, the bootloaders of all OnePlus devices, including the OnePlus 6, OnePlus 5/5T, OnePlus 3/3T, etc., can be unlocked. If you’re unsure whether your device’s bootloader can be unlocked, you can still refer to this tutorial. It’s great if it passes. If it fails, no damage will be done.

Disclaimer

We at Droid Thunder are not responsible for any damage caused to your device by referring to this guide. Also, you will lose your phone’s warranty.

Requirements

  • Charge your Android device at least up to 50%.
  • Unlocking the bootloader will erase everything on your Android. Hence backup your data, including contacts, messages, apps, call logs, notes, etc.
Unlock Bootloader of any Android phone

Steps to Unlock Bootloader on Android

  • Go to Settings and enable USB debugging mode on your device.
  • Also, enable OEM unlocking and Advance reboot mode from the Developer options.
  • Note: Older Android devices may not have these options. So if you don’t find these options anywhere, skip this step.
  • Download and install ADB drivers on your Windows PC.
  • Using a standard USB cable, connect your Android device to a PC.
  • Furthermore, ensure that Mobile USB drivers are installed on your PC.
  • Go to the location where you’ve installed ADB and Fastboot drivers. (For example, C:\Program Files\Minimal ADB and Fastboot folder).
  • Then by holding the shift button of your keyboard, right-click on space.
  • From the list, choose the Open command window here option. This will launch the command window.
Unlock Bootloader of any Android phone open CMD window screenshot 1
Unlock Bootloader of any Android phone open CMD window ADB and fastboot screenshot 2
  • Then type the following commands one after one in the cmd window, and press the enter key:

adb devices

Unlock Bootloader of any Android phone CMD window ADB devices code screenshot 3
  • With this command, a message saying ‘List of devices attached’ along with a few random numbers will appear.
  • That means it will confirm that your Android device is successfully connected to the PC.
Unlock Bootloader of any Android phone CMD window ADB devices code screenshot 4
  • Note: If such a thing doesn’t happen, then either re-install mobile USB drivers or change the USB cable/PC.
  • Type the next command and press enter:

adb reboot bootloader

Unlock Bootloader of any Android phone CMD window ADB reboot bootloader code screenshot 5
  • This will restart your device into Fastboot mode.
  • Then type the Fastboot command and press enter:

fastboot devices

Unlock Bootloader of any Android phone CMD window fastboot devices code screenshot 6
Unlock Bootloader of any Android phone CMD window fastboot devices code screenshot 7
  • To unlock the bootloader, type either of the command and press enter:

fastboot oem unlock

OR

fastboot flashing unlock

Unlock Bootloader of any Android phone CMD window fastboot oem unlock code screenshot 8
How to Unlock Bootloader with PC successful CMD window fastboot oem unlock code screenshot 9
  • With this command, you’ll see a message on your device asking to Unlock Bootloader.
PC message on phone screenshot 10
  • Note: On your phone screen, use Volume Up and Down keys for navigation and the Power key for selection.
  • So using the Volume keys navigate to the Yes option and press the Power key to select it.
How to Unlock Bootloader with PC message on phone press yes screenshot 11
  • The actual bootloader unlocking process will begin now.
  • Once the bootloader unlocking process completes, your Android device will automatically restart itself.
  • Note: If the following screen appears on your phone, then use the Volume and Power keys to select the Start option and reboot your phone.
How to Unlock Bootloader with PC phone unlocked screenshot 12

Conclusion

Finally! This is how you can unlock the bootloader of any Android phone with a PC. Now you can root, install a custom recovery, flash custom ROMs, take Nandroid backup, and much more. If you face any problems, then please comment below.

Source: XDA

Leave a Comment

18 thoughts on “How to Unlock Bootloader of Android

  1. dear sir my phone vivo v11 pro my phone bootloader not unlocker this tutorial is step by spet cand use .fastboot oem unlock cmd not working proply.plz proprly work cmd speek.

    Reply
  2. You are awesome sir. I tried to unlock bootloader but no website was useful. Your guide helped me to unlock my phone. Thank u.

    Reply
  3. Thank you for your great tutorial.

    Unfortunately the commands

    fastboot oem unlock
    OR
    fastboot flashing unlock

    do not work for my ASUS ME302C (Intel chipset) Tablet.
    Do you have any idea how to unlock the ASUS Droidboot Bootloader?

    Thank you!

    Best regards,
    Tobias

    Reply
  4. After doing the “fastboot devices” step it doesn’t return anything. Then when I run the fastboot oem unlock/fastboot flashing unlock command it says “waiting for device.” What should I do?

    Reply
    • I did face that problem and I just close the cmd window. Download the USB Drivers for the hp model. As for me, I download Google Driver and encounter waiting for device. So I download vivo USB Drivers for V15 Pro and it works BUT cannot unlock the bootloader. So sad…

      Reply
  5. on a realme 7. I followed the steps but when I enter the adb reboot bootloader command all the phone does is a normal restart but it does not open in fast boot mode. I tried putting it in fastboot mode myself but that did not work. The device is recogniced. Maybe perhaps this method doesnt work on a Realme 7.

    Reply
You Might Like
Unlock Bootloader of OnePlus 8T featured image