If you want to explore in-depth of Android, exploring Android Bootloader can be a great idea. So, let’s explore what bootloader is and how to unlock it in this post.
What is Android Bootloader?
Do you know that Bootloader is the first thing that runs when you boot up your Android-powered device? Well, yes and it is just like a BIOS to Windows. Furthermore, it houses all the instructions to boot the operating system kernel. Also, most of the instructions are likely designed to run their own debugging as well as modifying the environment. Plus, a locked or unlocked bootloader is what gives you access to “root”.
Your Bootloader is the first piece of software that decides whether to load the recovery or load Android and the radio.
Advantages of Android Bootloader
Every pro-Android user wants root access on their Smartphone. Well, it is mandatory only for those users who love to modify & add betterment to their mobile experiences. However, to get superuser access to root your device, it’s the work of bootloader.
Furthermore, Bootloader has many advantages regarding your GUI, Splash Screen, Lock Screen and Many more. Also, rebooting to the system is just like the normal Android, and nothing special. So, If you boot to recovery, you can do stuff like a factory reset your phone or install updates in addition to boot into download mode as well.
Also, please note that the way you do varies by the Android-powered device you use. Although you usually have to press volume down and power.
How To Unlock Android Bootloader?
Here is the way to unlock the bootloader on any smartphone. However, you need to follow the below steps carefully and make sure you don’t touch anything we haven’t said. Altering sensitive settings may damage your phone, and it’s performance. So, stick to the steps we have provided down below.
Firstly Backup Important Data
Unlocking the bootloader will sweep all of the data of Android. So it is important to back up any photos, videos, app data or any other files on your device. I would recommend you to use Titanium Backup (available on play store). Also, you need to Backup all your phone data before continuing to the next step.
Download KingoRoot(Recommended)
KingoRoot is the easiest root tool that works for free. It is an alternative to the Android SDK and USB driver, which improves feasibility. Furthermore, KingoRoot includes the Android SDK and will download the USB driver for your device automatically once connected to the PC. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Download & Install KingoRoot to your PC. You can follow this link to download KingRoot for your PC directly.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC with the help of a USB cable.
- Enable USB debugging from your Settings > About phone > Build Number (Tap 7 times to enable the option)
- “You are now a developer Message” will pop up now on your Android screen.
- Go to Settings > Developer Option > USB Debugging (tap on the checkbox to proceed)
Launch the App
Once you launch the KingoRoot on your pc, the PC will download the USB driver of your device automatically. Next, you need to visit KingoRoot, Go to Installed Directory > KingoRoot > tools > KingoRoot.exe
Open cmd (as given below)
Start by inputting the letters “cmd” in the “address bar”, and hit Enter.
Codes in Command prompt: adb devices
Now the command prompt window will pop-up as shown below. If it shows serial number, the PC has recognized your device, and you can continue with the process. Otherwise, do check that you’ve performed the above steps correctly.
Get The Unlock Key
Visit your manufacturer’s bootloader unlocking page, create an account. The device will boot into fastboot mode. Always keep the connection enabled so that the process doesn’t fail. Also, search on google “Unlock “ Your Phone Brand And Model” Bootloader to find the unlocking page.
Now it’s time to retrieve the unlock key as provided by your Android device manufacturer.
For example:
- (For Motorola) fastboot_oem get_unlock_data
- (Also, for HTC) fastboot OEM get_identifier_token
Now simply select the token, that is thrown out by the Command Prompt window.
Next, you need to copy the token and paste it into the application box. (use the code without any spaces anywhere)
Submit the form and wait for an email with a key, once you receive the key proceed to the below steps.
Unlock the bootloader of your Android device
Run the below command
>> All manufacturers have different code. For Example
- (For Nexus Users) fastboot OEM unlock / fastboot flashing unlock
- (And For Motorola Users) fastboot OEM unlock (UNIQUE_KEY from your email)
- (Also For HTC Users) fastboot OEM unlocktoken (Unlock_code.bin file from email)
>> Use the “Volume” keys to confirm whether you are sure about unlocking the bootloader.
>> Also, you can reboot your Android device by running command fastboot reboot or using “Volume” keys for the reboot.
So, now your device will show a message at boot stating that your bootloader is unlocked. Also, with an unlocked bootloader, you will be allowed to root your Android, flash a custom recovery or install a custom ROM.
Summary
So, that’s what Android Bootloader is and how to unlock it. Hope you enjoyed reading this post and it has helped you in unlocking the bootloader of your device. So, that’s all with this post and thanks for reading it here on TheAndroidPortal.
