How do I Unlock Bootloader on my Android phone?

How do I Unlock Bootloader on my Android phone?
I’ve been trying to learn more about customizing my Android phone, and I keep hearing about unlocking the bootloader. It seems like an essential step for rooting my device, installing custom recoveries, or flashing custom ROMs. However, I’m not entirely clear on what unlocking the bootloader involves or the potential risks.
I have concerns about whether this process voids my warranty, if it will erase my data, and whether it exposes my phone to security vulnerabilities. I’m also worried about bricking my device if the process goes wrong. Since each manufacturer has different procedures, I’m unsure where to start and if I need any special permissions or tools. I want to understand what I need to do and if it’s worth the effort.
So, can someone explain exactly how to unlock the bootloader and what precautions I should take?
5 Answers

If you’re an enthusiast looking to root your phone or install custom ROMs, unlocking the bootloader is your first step. Here’s a general guide that works for most devices:
- Backup all data: Always backup your data since the process will perform a factory reset.
- Enable Developer Mode: Navigate to Settings, select ‘About Phone’ and tap ‘Build number’ several times.
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock: In Developer options, enable both.
- Set up Fastboot: Download and set up the Android SDK Platform Tools on your computer.
- Fastboot Mode: Turn off your phone, then hold the volume down and power buttons to enter fastboot mode.
- Unlock Command: Connect your phone to the computer, open a terminal window and run
fastboot oem unlock
.
Every brand has its quirks, so be sure to look up specific instructions for your model.

Unlocking the bootloader on your Android phone can be a bit daunting, but it’s entirely doable with the right steps. These steps can vary greatly depending on your phone manufacturer. Here’s an outline for a Google Pixel device:
- Backup your data: Unlocking the bootloader usually wipes all data from your device.
- Install Android SDK tools: You’ll need the ‘fastboot’ tool, which is part of Android SDK Platform-Tools.
- Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone > tap ‘Build number’ multiple times until developer mode is enabled.
- Enable OEM Unlocking: Go to Developer Options and enable ‘OEM unlocking’.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your phone, then turn it on by holding the power and volume down buttons simultaneously.
- Connect your phone to a computer: Use a USB cable to connect your phone to your PC.
- Use Fastboot Command: Open a command prompt or terminal and type
fastboot oem unlock
. Confirm the action on your phone.
That’s it! Your phone’s bootloader should now be unlocked, ready for your customizations.

Your concerns about unlocking the bootloader are valid, as this process comes with its pros and cons. Here’s a simplified approach focusing on OnePlus devices:
- Backup your data: Important data can be lost in the process.
- OEM unlocking: Enable Developer options through Settings > About Phone > tap Build number multiple times. Then go to Developer options to turn on OEM unlocking.
- ADB and Fastboot: Download the Android SDK Platform Tools from Google.
- Reboot to Fastboot Mode: Power off your device, then press and hold volume up + power buttons simultaneously.
- Fastboot Command: Connect your phone to the computer. Open a command line, type
fastboot oem unlock
, and confirm the process on your phone.
Each device manufacturer may have slight variations, and you should double-check specific instructions for your device.

Unlocking the bootloader is a path that allows for customizing and rooting your device but beware of the risks involved. From a different standpoint, here’s what you need to understand:
- Data loss: Expect a factory reset which will erase all your data.
- Warranty void: Manufacturers usually void the warranty if you unlock the bootloader.
- Security vulnerabilities: An unlocked bootloader may expose your device to security risks, so step carefully.
For a Xiaomi device, for instance:
1. Mi Unlock Tool: Download and log in with your Mi account.
2. Developer options: Go to Settings > About Phone > MIUI version and tap it multiple times to enable developer options.
3. OEM unlocking and USB Debugging: Enable both in developer options.
4. Unlock with Mi Unlock Tool: Connect your phone to the computer, open Mi Unlock Tool and follow the on-screen prompts.
Remember, each manufacturer has unique requirements, so always refer to specific guides for your device.

Unlocking the bootloader is a necessary step if you want full control over your Android phone. Manufacturers like Samsung have their own methods, but generally, the process involves the following:
- Downloading necessary tools: You need specific tools like Odin for Samsung devices.
- Enabling developer options: Go to Settings, find the ‘About Phone’ section, and tap on ‘Build number’ to unlock developer options.
- Allow OEM unlock: In the developer options, turn on ‘OEM unlocking’.
- Download firmware: You might also need to download the stock firmware for your device, just in case you need to restore it.
- Boot into download mode: Power off your phone, then press the power, volume down, and home buttons simultaneously.
- Use Odin: Connect your phone to a computer, open Odin, and follow on-screen instructions to unlock the bootloader.
Unlocking your bootloader will likely void your warranty and erase all data, so make sure you back up. It’s crucial to proceed with caution and follow each step meticulously to avoid any issues.