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[[File:Bootloader Android HTC Pico.JPG|right|thumb|An unlocked bootloader, showing additional available options]]
'''Bootloader unlocking''' is the process of disabling the [[bootloader]] security that enforces [[secure boot]] during the boot procedure. It can allow advanced customizations
Some bootloaders are not locked at all and some are locked, but can be unlocked with a command, a setting or with assistance from the manufacturer. Some do not include an unlocking method and can only be unlocked through a [[software exploit]].
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Unlocking the bootloader allows installing and running unsigned code on a device, including user customized software. Operating outside the manufacturer specification might usually result in voiding any [[warranties]] and may make the device susceptible to [[data theft]], as the integrity of the operating system (as intended by the manufacturer) can no longer be guaranteed.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tamma |first=Rohit |title=Learning Android forensics: a hands-on guide to Android forensics, from setting up the forensic workstation to analyzing key forensic artifacts |author2=Donnie Tindall |date=2015 |isbn=978-1-78217-444-8 |___location=Birmingham, UK |oclc=910639389}}</ref> On Chromebooks, enabling developer mode makes the system less secure than a standard laptop running Linux.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porup |first=J. M. |date=2017-06-19 |title=How to install Linux on a Chromebook (and why you should) |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/06/how-to-install-linux-on-a-chromebook/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619130103/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/06/how-to-install-linux-on-a-chromebook/ |archive-date=2017-06-19 |access-date=2021-09-06 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |language=en-us}}</ref> Unlocking the bootloader may require reinitialization, formatting to factory settings, or otherwise lead to data loss on Android and [[ChromeOS]] devices. This is due to the fact that some user data is impossible to back up without root permission. This will also lead to certain security apps not working, such as [[Samsung Knox]] for which the counter would be stuck at "0x1."
Sascha Segan from [[PCMag]] considered a locked bootloader a mistake on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Insiders phone, which is targeted at advanced users.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Qualcomm Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/qualcomm-smartphone-for-snapdragon-insiders |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816140636/https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/qualcomm-smartphone-for-snapdragon-insiders |archive-date=2021-08-16 |access-date=2021-09-06 |website=[[PCMag]] |date=16 August 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
== Platforms ==
=== [[Android 16|Android]] ===
Unlocking the bootloader is typically a prerequisite of [[rooting (Android)|obtaining ''root'' access]] and/or installing a [[Custom firmware#Android|custom ROM]].
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Android bootloader unlocking as of
|-
! Manufacturer !! Difficulty level !! Method
|-
| [[Google Pixel|Google]]|| Easy (non-Verizon)<br>Medium<
|-
| [[Samsung Galaxy|Samsung]]||
* Some very old Android versions - available with usual flashing tools.
* North American versions
** Below March 2021 security update - Freely unavailable, commercially available (requred unlock tokens that are officially unobtainable, but obtainable by third parties through yet publicly unknown means, resold as paid shady services available in Telegram and Discord), additionally modified flashing tools and firmwares are required<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/closed-android-unsamlock-bootloader-unlock-for-samsung-us-canada-devices.4215101/</ref><ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/2023-sm-g950u-u1-w-rev8-root-method-android-9-snapdragon-models-via-bootloader-unlock-token.4060701/</ref>.
** Above March 2021 security update - unavalable.
* Other versions
** Below One UI 8.0 - freely available.
** Any versions above One UI 8.0 - unavailable<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-26 |title=Bootloader unlocking option removed from |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |access-date=2025-07-27 |website=XDA Forums |language=en-US}}</ref>
| Enable option that allows OEM unlock (if it exists) in Development settings, then unlock bootloader in Download mode.
[[Samsung Knox]] (on supported<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.samsungknox.com/en/knox-platform/supported-devices |title=Device Compatibility Knox Solutions | Samsung Knox |access-date=2024-12-05 |archive-date=2024-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207152737/https://www.samsungknox.com/en/knox-platform/supported-devices |url-status=live }}</ref> devices) will be permanently tripped if modified or custom firmware is flashed, so [[Samsung Wallet]], Secure Folder and applications made use of the Knox framework will be permanently unusable even if the bootloader is re-locked.
Prior to One UI 8.0, Devices sold outside of North America had the OEM Unlock option to unlock the bootloader.
From One UI 8.0, Samsung has removed the ability to unlock the bootloader in all regions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-26 |title=Bootloader unlocking option removed from One UI 8.0 |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |access-date=2025-07-27 |website=XDA Forums |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Leon |first=Jean |date=2025-07-26 |title=One UI 8 Could Be Killing Part of the Core Essence of Android |url=https://www.androidheadlines.com/2025/07/samsung-one-ui-8-prevents-unlocking-bootloader-galaxy-phone.html |access-date=2025-07-27 |website=Android Headlines |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| [[OnePlus]]|| Easy (non-[[T-Mobile US|T-Mobile]])<br>Medium ([[T-Mobile US|T-Mobile]])|| Command-line, except on T-Mobile US variants where an unlock code is needed
|-
| [[Xiaomi]]|| Hard (
|
Impossible (China Mainland)▼
On devices with [[Xiaomi HyperOS]] outside mainland China, you need to request
▲| Add Mi account, request code via Windows-only software, wait for 3 days on HyperOS or 1 week for MIUI (limited to one device per month and three devices per year).
▲On devices with [[Xiaomi HyperOS]] outside mainland China, you need to request for bootloader unlock permission for your Xiaomi account in the Xiaomi Community app before you can proceed with bootloader unlocking. Your Xiaomi account needs to be at least 1 month old to be eligible.
For Mainland China devices with HyperOS,
|-
| [[Asus]]|| Impossible ||
|-
| [[Sony Mobile|Sony]]|| Medium || Command-line, request code at Sony website
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|-
| [[Motorola]]|| Varies widely between model and SoC manufacturer<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-04-08 |title=[Guide]Un/locking Motorola Bootloader |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-un-locking-motorola-bootloader.4079111/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |website=XDA Forums |language=en-US}}</ref>
Impossible (Verizon, AT&T, TracFone)
| Command-line, request code at Motorola website
|-
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|-
| [[Huawei]]|| Medium-Hard (Kirin SoCs, select Huawei phones)
| Select Huawei phones using the Kirin SoC can have their bootloader unlocked unofficially via potatonv: https://www.xda-developers.com/huawei-honor-bootloader-unlock-potatonv/
For other devices, bootloader unlock has not been available since July 2018.
|-
| [[Oppo|OPPO]]|| Easy ([[MediaTek]]) or phones that bought in mainland China<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oppo.cn/thread-397164526-1 | title=帖子详情 - Oppo社区 }}</ref><br>Medium (Snapdragon).
|| Only certain Snapdragon-powered OPPO phones can be unlocked<ref>{{cite web | url=https://drive.proton.me/urls/33N5W4XGHW#tdsu-ADk9YyA | title=Proton Drive}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=July 2025}} without a third-party paid tool such as UnlockTool.{{citation needed|date=July 2025}} Unlocking is possible on some MediaTek SoCs via MTKClient. Note that certain fastboot binaries have been removed, or locked by RSA key.
MediaTek: MTKClient, sometimes MTK bypass utility are required beforehand▼
Any phones that's bought from mainland China and in device support lists of depth-test: Unlock by depth test regardless of SoC, depth test app can be downloaded from https://www.oppo.cn/thread-397164526-1 then unlock via adb with simple command line while in fastboot state▼
▲Any phones
|-
| [[HMD Global|HMD]]-[[Nokia]]|| Impossible || N/A
|-
|[[Vivo (technology company)|
|Impossible as of May 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=vivo Smartphone FAQs {{!}} vivo India |url=https://www.vivo.com/in/support/questionList?categoryId=10047&FAQId=10204 |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=www.vivo.com |archive-date=2022-11-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129234638/https://www.vivo.com/in/support/questionList?categoryId=10047&FAQId=10204 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|N/A
|-
| [[LG]]|| Hard ||
|-
| [[Tecno Mobile|Tecno]]|| Medium || Command-line
|-
| [[Infinix]]|| Medium || Command-line
|-
| [[Itel Mobile|Itel]]|| Medium || Command-line
|-
| [[TCL Technology|TCL]]|| Medium (Ion V only)
Unknown (
| For the Ion V mobile phone, you can use a Python tool to reboot to a normally hidden fastboot
|-
|[[Amazon (company)|Amazon]]
|Medium
|Command-line
|}
==== History ====
The bootloaders of [[Google Nexus|Nexus]] and [[Google Pixel|Pixel]] devices can be unlocked
When [[Motorola]] released a bootloader unlocking tool for the Droid Razr, [[Verizon]] removed the tool from their models.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingraham |first=Nathan |date=2011-10-24 |title=GSM Motorola RAZR hits the FCC; Verizon model has locked bootloader |url=https://www.theverge.com/android/2011/10/24/2511339/droid-razr-att-verizon-fcc |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=[[The Verge]] |language=en |archive-date=2022-10-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001041223/https://www.theverge.com/android/2011/10/24/2511339/droid-razr-att-verizon-fcc |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2011, [[Sony Ericsson]] released an online bootloader unlocking tool.<ref>{{Cite web |last=By |date=2011-04-14 |title=Sony Ericsson Promotes Android Bootloader Unlocking |url=https://hackaday.com/2011/04/14/sony-ericsson-android-bootloader-unlockin/ |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=[[Hackaday]] |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528005845/https://hackaday.com/2011/04/14/sony-ericsson-android-bootloader-unlockin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sony requires the [[IMEI]] number to be filled in on their website.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Kotipalli|first=Srinivasa Rao |title=Hacking Android: explore every nook and cranny of the Android OS to modify your device and guard it against security threats|date=2016|author2=Mohammed A. Imran|isbn=978-1-78588-800-7|___location=Birmingham, UK|oclc=957298786}}</ref> For the Asus Transformer Prime TF201, Asus has released a special bootloader unlock tool.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tiefenthäler|first=Ronald|title=Asus: Bootloader Unlock Tool für Tablet Transformer Prime TF201 verfügbar|url=https://www.notebookcheck.com/Asus-Bootloader-Unlock-Tool-fuer-Tablet-Transformer-Prime-TF201-verfuegbar.70597.0.html|access-date=2021-08-04|website=Notebookcheck|date=22 February 2012
In 2012, Motorola released a limited tool for unlocking bootloaders.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rodgers|first=Evan|date=2012-08-17|title=Motorola unveils Android bootloader unlocking tool with limited device support|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/8/17/3250448/motorola-bootloader-unlock-website|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-10|website=[[The Verge]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819012621/http://www.theverge.com:80/2012/8/17/3250448/motorola-bootloader-unlock-website |archive-date=2012-08-19 }}</ref> They require accepting terms and conditions and creating an account before the bootloader can be unlocked for your Motorola device.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Viscomi|first=Rick |title=Using WebPageTest: web performance testing for novices and power users|date=2015|author2=Andy Davies |author3=Marcel Duran|isbn=978-1-4919-0281-3 |___location=Sebastopol, CA|oclc=927108295}}</ref>
A 2012 article by ''[[The Verge]]'' called the unlockable bootloaders a 'broken promise' and called for a fix.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kopfstein |first=Janus |date=2012-11-20 |title=Access Denied: why Android's broken promise of unlocked bootloaders needs to be fixed |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/11/20/3666668/access-denied-android-unlocked-bootloaders |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=2017-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210040817/http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/20/3666668/access-denied-android-unlocked-bootloaders |url-status=live }}</ref>
HTC phones have an additional layer of lock called "S-OFF/S-ON".
Bootloaders can be unlocked using an exploit or using a way that the vendor supplied. The latter method usually requires wiping all data on the device.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Afonin|first=Oleg |title=Mobile Forensics ' Advanced Investigative Strategies|date=2016|publisher=Packt Publishing|isbn=978-1-78646-408-8|edition=1|oclc=960040717}}</ref> In addition, some manufacturers prohibit unlocking on carrier locked phones. Although Samsung phones and cellular tablets sold in the US and Canada do not allow bootloader unlocks regardless of carrier status, a service has allowed users on an earlier version to unlock their US/Canadian Samsung phone(s) and/or tablet(s)<ref>{{Cite web |title=USA/Canada - Samsung Bootloader Unlock |url=https://t.me/s/Afaneh92UnlockChannel |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Telegram}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-08 |title=[CLOSED][Android][UNSAMLOCK] Bootloader Unlock for Samsung US/Canada Devices |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/closed-android-unsamlock-bootloader-unlock-for-samsung-us-canada-devices.4215101/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=XDA Forums |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627225638/https://xdaforums.com/t/closed-android-unsamlock-bootloader-unlock-for-samsung-us-canada-devices.4215101/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2018, a developer from [[XDA Developers]] launched a service which allowed users to unlock the bootloader of some Nokia smartphone models.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rox|first=Ricci|title=Nokia users can now unofficially unlock their bootloaders but the methodology is as sketchy as it gets|url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/Nokia-users-can-now-unofficially-unlock-their-bootloaders-but-the-methodology-is-as-sketchy-as-it-gets.293912.0.html|access-date=2021-09-06|website=Notebookcheck|date=2 April 2018
[[Huawei]] announced plans to allow users to unlock the bootloader of the Mate 30 series, but later retracted that.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-09-25|title=Huawei Mate 30 will not have an unlocked bootloader|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/mobile-tabs/no-huawei-mate-30-will-not-have-an-unlocked-bootloader-6025448/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-06|website=[[The Indian Express]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926231222/https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/mobile-tabs/no-huawei-mate-30-will-not-have-an-unlocked-bootloader-6025448/ |archive-date=2019-09-26 }}</ref> Huawei has stopped providing bootloader unlock codes since 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-05-24|title=Huawei will no longer offer bootloader unlock codes for its Android devices|url=https://9to5google.com/2018/05/24/huawei-bootloader-unlock-stop/|access-date=2021-09-06|website=[[9to5Google]]|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-09-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906122958/https://9to5google.com/2018/05/24/huawei-bootloader-unlock-stop/|url-status=live}}</ref> A bootloader exploit named checkm30 has been developed for [[HiSilicon]] based Huawei phones.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Checkmate Mate 30 - Attack the bootrom of Huawei smartphones|url=https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hhj4ck/checkm30/master/checkm30.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906123552/https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hhj4ck/checkm30/master/checkm30.pdf |archive-date=2021-09-06 }}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=September 2021}}
When the bootloader of the [[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3]] was unlocked, the camera became less functional. This could be restored by re-locking the bootloader.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Clark|first=Mitchell|date=2021-08-24|title=Samsung will let you unlock your Z Fold 3's bootloader, but at the cost of your cameras|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/24/22639869/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-camera-disable-bootloader-unlock|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-06|website=[[The Verge]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824214019/https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/24/22639869/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-camera-disable-bootloader-unlock |archive-date=2021-08-24 }}</ref> This issue was later fixed by Samsung.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-07 |title=Unlocking the bootloader no longer kills the Galaxy Z Fold 3's cameras |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/bootloader-unlocking-no-longer-kills-galaxy-z-fold-3-cameras/ |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=xda-developers |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213053845/https://www.xda-developers.com/bootloader-unlocking-no-longer-kills-galaxy-z-fold-3-cameras/ |url-status=live }}</ref> For the [[Samsung Galaxy S22]] series, unlocking the bootloader has no effect on the camera.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-26 |title=Unlocking the bootloader doesn't break the camera on the Samsung Galaxy S22 series |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-bootloader-unlock-camera-working/ |access-date=2022-02-26 |website=xda-developers |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226150139/https://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-galaxy-s22-bootloader-unlock-camera-working/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Others ===
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==== Microsoft ====
The WPInternals tool is able to unlock bootloaders of all [[Microsoft Lumia|Nokia Lumia]] phones running [[Windows Phone]], but not phones like the [[Alcatel Idol 4]] or [[HP Elite x3]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tool van Nederlandse ontwikkelaar kan custom roms op alle Lumia's flashen|url=https://tweakers.net/nieuws/132519/tool-van-nederlandse-ontwikkelaar-kan-custom-roms-op-alle-lumias-flashen.html|access-date=2021-08-04|website=[[Tweakers]]|language=NL|archive-date=2021-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804122758/https://tweakers.net/nieuws/132519/tool-van-nederlandse-ontwikkelaar-kan-custom-roms-op-alle-lumias-flashen.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-12-04|title=Windows Phone Internals 2.2 Unlocks the Bootloader on all Windows 8 & 10 Lumia Smartphones|url=https://www.xda-developers.com/windows-phone-internals-2-2-unlocks-bootloader-windows-8-10-lumia-smartphones/|access-date=2021-08-04|website=[[xda-developers]]|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804122800/https://www.xda-developers.com/windows-phone-internals-2-2-unlocks-bootloader-windows-8-10-lumia-smartphones/|url-status=live}}</ref> Version 1.0 was released in November 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andrew Orlowski |title=Rooting and modding a Windows Phone is now child's play |url=https://www.theregister.com/2015/11/27/rooting_and_modding_a_windows_phone_is_now_childs_play/ |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=[[The Register]] |language=en |archive-date=2022-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928160749/https://www.theregister.com/2015/11/27/rooting_and_modding_a_windows_phone_is_now_childs_play/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2018, the tool was released as open source software when the main developer René Lergner (also known as HeathCliff74) stepped down.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows 10 Mobile's bootloader unlocker is now open source |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-mobiles-bootloader-unlocker-is-now-open-source/ |access-date=2022-06-14 |website=[[Neowin]] |language=en |archive-date=2022-05-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525201424/https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-mobiles-bootloader-unlocker-is-now-open-source/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The slab bootloader used by [[Windows RT]] could be unlocked using a vulnerability, but was silently patched by Microsoft in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Francisco |first=Shaun Nichols in San |title=Microsoft silently kills dev backdoor that boots Linux on locked-down Windows RT slabs |url=https://www.theregister.com/2016/07/15/windows_fix_closes_rt_unlock_loophole/ |access-date=2021-09-06 |website=www.theregister.com |language=en |archive-date=2021-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906101905/https://www.theregister.com/2016/07/15/windows_fix_closes_rt_unlock_loophole/ |url-status=live }}</ref> UEFI Secure Boot on x86 systems can generally be unlocked.
==== Apple ====
The [[boot ROM]] protection on iOS devices with an [[Apple A11|A11]] processor or older can be bypassed with a hardware exploit known as checkm8, which makes it possible to run other operating systems including Linux.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lundberg|first=Anders|title=16-year-old runs Linux on iPhone 7|url=https://www.macworld.co.uk/news/linux-iphone-7-3800398/|access-date=2021-08-04|website=[[Macworld UK]]|language=en|archive-date=2021-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804122759/https://www.macworld.co.uk/news/linux-iphone-7-3800398/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The bootloader on [[Apple Silicon]]-based Macs can be unlocked.<ref>{{Cite web|last=January 2021|first=Michelle Ehrhardt 19|date=2021-01-19|title=Linux is Finally on Apple M1...Kind Of.|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/linux-for-apple-m1-beta|access-date=2021-08-04|website=[[Tom's Hardware]]|language=en|archive-date=2021-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804122759/https://www.tomshardware.com/news/linux-for-apple-m1-beta|url-status=live}}</ref> However, other Apple devices like the [[iPhone]] and [[iPad]] cannot be bootloader unlocked even when using the same chip used in a Mac.
==== Google ====
The equivalent of bootloader unlocking is called developer mode in [[Chromebook]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|last=December 2014|first=Lucian Armasu 31|date=2014-12-31|title=You Can Now Run Full Linux Apps Inside A Chrome OS Window|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/linux-apps-chrome-os-window,28293.html|access-date=2021-09-06|website=[[Tom's Hardware]]|language=en|archive-date=2021-09-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906120723/https://www.tomshardware.com/news/linux-apps-chrome-os-window,28293.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Chromebooks use custom bootloaders that can be modified or overwritten by removing a Write-protect screw.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Robert|first=Foss|date=2017-03-08|title=Quick hack: Removing the Chromebook Write-Protect screw|url=https://www.collabora.com/news-and-blog/blog/2017/03/08/quick-hack-removing-the-chromebook-write-protect-screw/|access-date=2021-09-04|website=[[Collabora]]|language=en|archive-date=2021-09-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904110433/https://www.collabora.com/news-and-blog/blog/2017/03/08/quick-hack-removing-the-chromebook-write-protect-screw/|url-status=live}}</ref> Some models lack a screw and instead may or may not require disabling the onboard Cr50 chip.[https://wiki.mrchromebox.tech/Firmware_Write_Protect]
In 2013, the bootloader of the [[Chromecast]] was hacked using an exploit.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chromecast bootloader exploit surfaces, opens up plenty of possibilities (video)|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013-07-28-chromecast-bootloader-exploit-video-hack.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-06|website=[[Engadget]]|date=28 July 2013 |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904040725/https://www.engadget.com/2013-07-28-chromecast-bootloader-exploit-video-hack.html |archive-date=2020-09-04 }}</ref> In 2021, it was hacked again for newer versions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Modders ontgrendelen bootloader van Google Chromecast met Google TV|url=https://tweakers.net/nieuws/185136/modders-ontgrendelen-bootloader-van-google-chromecast-met-google-tv.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-06|website=[[Tweakers]]|language=NL|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801105415/https://tweakers.net/nieuws/185136/modders-ontgrendelen-bootloader-van-google-chromecast-met-google-tv.html |archive-date=2021-08-01 }}</ref> In 2023, it was reported that the Chromecast HD could be unlocked without exploit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chromecast with Google TV HD bootloader can be unlocked by default |url=https://9to5google.com/2022/09/23/chromecast-with-google-tv-hd-bootloader-can-be-unlocked-by-default/ |website=9to5Google}}</ref>
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Importantly, relocking the bootloader does not always reverse all changes made during the unlocking process. For example, some devices will retain a bootloader unlock flag or record in the hardware's tamper logs, which may still void warranties or affect access to services like DRM-protected content.
As a result, users are advised to consult manufacturer-specific guidelines and ensure that all system components are restored to their official state before attempting to relock the bootloader.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilde|first=Damien|date=2021-09-09|title=How to downgrade from Android 12 Beta to Android 11 on Google Pixel [Video]|url=https://9to5google.com/2021/09/09/how-to-downgrade-from-the-android-12-to-android-11-on-google-pixel/|access-date=2021-09-28|website=[[9to5Google]]|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018163031/https://9to5google.com/2021/09/09/how-to-downgrade-from-the-android-12-to-android-11-on-google-pixel/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== VNeID app changes==
According to information from technology groups in Vietnam, after updating version 2.1.6 of the [[VNeID]] application released on May 30, 2024, some Android phone users have received warnings : "Your device is not safe, there is a risk of containing malicious code...". As a result, users are thrown to the main screen and cannot use the VNeID application, even though before the update they could still log in and use it normally.
This is because VNeID 2.1.6 update has added new security measures to stop working on Android devices with root access, unlocked bootloader and developer mode enabled. To use, users must disable root access to the device, relock bootloader and turn off developer options.
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== Shutdown of online services ==
In 2018, Huawei stopped providing bootloader unlock codes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Huawei stopt met het uitdelen van codes om bootloader vrij te geven |url=https://tweakers.net/nieuws/139023/huawei-stopt-met-het-uitdelen-van-codes-om-bootloader-vrij-te-geven.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=[[Tweakers]] |language=NL |archive-date=2023-05-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507183737/https://tweakers.net/nieuws/139023/huawei-stopt-met-het-uitdelen-van-codes-om-bootloader-vrij-te-geven.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 31 December 2021, LG shut down their website which provided bootloader unlock codes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LG stopt eind dit jaar met tool voor unlocken van smartphonebootloaders |url=https://tweakers.net/nieuws/190366/lg-stopt-eind-dit-jaar-met-tool-voor-unlocken-van-smartphonebootloaders.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=[[Tweakers]] |language=NL |archive-date=2023-05-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507183738/https://tweakers.net/nieuws/190366/lg-stopt-eind-dit-jaar-met-tool-voor-unlocken-van-smartphonebootloaders.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2023, [[ASUS]] removed the unlocking tool from their website and shut down the servers used to unlock the bootloader.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ASUS is apparently killing the ability to root Zenfones |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-unlock-bootloader-tool-removed-3352783/ |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=[[Android Authority]] |date=8 August 2023 |language=EN |archive-date=2024-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130155720/https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-unlock-bootloader-tool-removed-3352783/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== See also ==
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