Bootloader Unlocking Locking Procedures - falendra-sahu/rooting GitHub Wiki

🔓 Bootloader Unlocking Procedures

Unlocking the bootloader is the first step toward rooting, flashing custom ROMs, installing custom recoveries, and full Android control. This guide explains the general process and OEM-specific methods.

⚠️ Important Warnings

Unlocking bootloader will erase all data (Factory Reset).
May void warranty depending on the OEM.
Some devices require permission from the OEM.
Always backup your important data before unlocking.

🛠️ General Steps to Unlock Bootloader (Fastboot Method)

✅ Works on most stock Android, OnePlus, Pixel, and some Xiaomi/realme devices.

Requirements:

ADB & Fastboot: Download Platform Tools
USB Cable & PC
OEM Unlocking enabled in Developer Options

Steps:

Enable Developer Options:
- Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap Build Number 7 times.
Enable OEM Unlocking:
- Go to Settings > Developer Options > Enable OEM Unlocking.
Enable USB Debugging:
- In Developer Options, turn on USB Debugging.
Reboot to Fastboot Mode:
```
adb reboot bootloader
```
Check device connection:
```
fastboot devices
```

Unlock the bootloader:

fastboot oem unlock

fastboot flashing unlock

Confirm unlock on your device screen using Volume and Power buttons.

🔍 OEM-Specific Bootloader Unlock Guides

📱 Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO

Create a Mi account and log in to the phone.
Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.
Go to Mi Unlock Status and bind account.
Boot into fastboot:
```
adb reboot bootloader
```
Use Mi Unlock Tool.
Log in with your Mi Account and follow steps.
Wait for 7-day period (if applicable).
After unlock: data will be wiped.

📱 OnePlus

Enable Developer Options and OEM Unlocking.
Boot to Fastboot:
```
adb reboot bootloader
```
Unlock:
```
fastboot flashing unlock
```
Confirm on device screen.

📱 Samsung (Snapdragon/Exynos)

Samsung devices require OEM Unlock + unlocking KG/RMM state.

Enable Developer Options → OEM Unlock.
Reboot to Download Mode.
Use Odin Tool to flash custom recovery or patched boot.
Knox will trip once bootloader is unlocked (warranty void).

📱 realme / Oppo

Realme/Oppo stopped official unlocking.
Some older models support Realme/Oppo Unlock Tool APK.
Flashing via EDL mode or test point needed on newer devices.
May require MSMDownloadTool.

📱 Pixel / Nexus

Easiest and safest devices to unlock.

Enable OEM Unlocking.
Boot to Fastboot:
```
adb reboot bootloader
```
Unlock:
```
fastboot flashing unlock
```

🔒 How to Re-Lock the Bootloader (Optional)

Flash back to official stock ROM.
Reboot to fastboot mode.

Run:

fastboot oem lock

fastboot flashing lock

⚠️ Do not re-lock if running custom ROM — this will brick the device.

🧾 Common Issues & Fixes

Issue	Solution
"fastboot flashing unlock" not working	Use "fastboot oem unlock" instead
Unlock failed on Xiaomi	Wait for 7-day period; use same Mi Account
Samsung bootloader greyed out	Flash latest stock firmware, try again
Device reboots to recovery/bootloop	Flash stock or compatible recovery