AndroidTutor2018- If you own a smartphone and are interested in tech, then it is only a matter of time before you read or hear about locked bootloaders, on how to unlock them and the fact this could void your phone's warranty. Let's get the facts straight: what is a bootloader and what is it used for?
How to root Android: the complete guide
Best custom ROMs for Android
Jump to section:
What is bootloader?
Why brand manufacturers lock the bootloader?
Bootloader locked: what to do?
What is bootloader
Let’s start from the beginning. The bootloader is a program that starts whenever a device is powered on to activate the right operating system. It is therefore not only a trait reserved to Android, but also one that can be find out all devices with an operating, be it a smartphone, a tablet, a PC etc.
It may occur that a device, a computer for example, may be equipped with two different operating systems (dual boot). In this case, either one or the other bootloader starts, depending on the user's preference or what has been pre-programmed to happen automatically.
The same principle also applies to Android devices, except that there is only one operating system in this case. The bootloader determines when to run Android or when to enter recovery mode, which is an independent runtime environment in a partition separate from the main Android OS that can be found on all Android devices.
An action shot of unlocking the bootloader of our Nexus 6P. / © AndroidPIT
Why manufacturers lock the bootloader
Manufacturers lock the bootloader of their devices so that only the operating system installed on the device can be used. Not all brand acts in the same way either: some manufacturers release their smartphones with the bootloader already unlocked (to the delight of most computer geeks).
To run a custom ROM, you need to unlock the bootloader first
Unlocking the bootloader allows you to install unauthorized software, this operation voids the warranty of your device.
Bootloader locked: what to do?
The bootloader is provided directly by the manufacturer of the device and, given its importance; is found in a section of the phone's memory that can't easily be modified by the user (even though we know how much you’d like to have this freedom!). When you want to modify your own device, one of the biggest obstacles is the locked bootloader. What is involved?
A locked bootloader will only load the authorized operating systems with a digital signature. Almost every smartphone manufacturer decides to lock it by only allowing its own personalized Android to load, preventing the installation of other custom ROMs. But as you know, behind every Android problem, there is always a solution. To be able to run a custom ROMs, you first need to unlock the bootloader, which allows you to start the “unauthorized” operating system.
The method to unlock bootloaders varies per manufacturer who provide different procedures, from sending a simple command from the PC via the USB connection, to download a specific program.
Most Samsung devices come with the bootloader unlocked! / © AndroidPIT
Unlocking the bootloader often requires authorized root access on your device. Before taking action, secure your data by backing it up and take a look at our guides dedicated to the root:
How to root Android: the complete guide
Best root apps for Android
Have you ever unlocked the bootloader of your Android? Which manufacturer do you have and how did you go about it?
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8 comments
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20 Jacques Labuschagne Mod 8 months ago Link to comment
Lucky for us here in South Africa it is illegal for carriers to lock any devices' bootloader as it will be seen as network locking the device accourding to law the client must be able to feely move between carriers and thus aren't allowed to stop a client from moving to another carrier. Thus it means if a client want to move the client must also be able to change firmware to another carriers firmware if s/he chose to do so. Thus the carriers can't lock the bootloader of any device. Changed my s6 edge's firmware a year or more ago to European firmware as my carrier is useless to put it mildly when it comes to updating firmware.
1 Mark
Reply
25 Dean L. 9 months ago Link to comment
I've been trying to unlock the bootloader for my HTC incredible but have been unsuccessful so far. It's obvious I need to be more thorough and read EVERYTHING before moving on. Thanks for the guides.
1 Mark
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 9 months ago Link to comment
go see:
forum.xda-developers.com
Use the search function for a beginning....
(see my postings below)
2 Dean L.Mark
Reply
11 Ivan C. 9 months ago Link to comment
You need to go to www.htcdev.com more infos.
0
Reply
20 Carmelo Rivera 9 months ago Link to comment
DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST PEOPLE. DON'T RUSH INTO IT. I HARD-BRICKED A PHONE YEARS AGO. I LEARNED MY LESSON, EVEN THOUGH I STILL DO IT.
2 MarkDean L.
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 9 months ago Link to comment
Hi
You have a point.
Don't be fooled by the ease of reading the article here though it is written well in understandable words.
Rooting and changing bootloader for installing Roms is dangerous if you don't know what you are doing and therefor following instructions from Internet.
That is why I pointed out to go to XDA developers website and forum because rooting and flashing starts worldwide from there
Once there if you r new to this matter start reading, read more and after having done that read again . Maybe than you understand the basics and maybe than you r ready for your first time flashing your phone.
peace ✌
2 Dean L.Mark
Reply
38 Mark Admin 9 months ago Link to comment
Don't feel bad lots of us have bricked phones. My suggestion is get an older phone the first time or one that is already damaged. That way it is not a big loss if things go wrong.
2 Jacques LabuschagneDean L.
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 9 months ago Link to comment
Good article for people who are interested to root and install a custom Rom.
I recommend those who are new to this, to read on forum XDA developers. It is the best and biggest forum for things like this where users and developers meet and help each other by providing info and custom Roms are also presented and available for download.
A free unlocked bootloader, than root, than flashing your custom Rom. ..
It can be found all over there
peace✌
3 MarkDean L.Carmelo Rivera
Reply
Write a comment!
How to root Android: the complete guide
Best custom ROMs for Android
Jump to section:
What is bootloader?
Why brand manufacturers lock the bootloader?
Bootloader locked: what to do?
What is bootloader
Let’s start from the beginning. The bootloader is a program that starts whenever a device is powered on to activate the right operating system. It is therefore not only a trait reserved to Android, but also one that can be find out all devices with an operating, be it a smartphone, a tablet, a PC etc.
It may occur that a device, a computer for example, may be equipped with two different operating systems (dual boot). In this case, either one or the other bootloader starts, depending on the user's preference or what has been pre-programmed to happen automatically.
The same principle also applies to Android devices, except that there is only one operating system in this case. The bootloader determines when to run Android or when to enter recovery mode, which is an independent runtime environment in a partition separate from the main Android OS that can be found on all Android devices.
An action shot of unlocking the bootloader of our Nexus 6P. / © AndroidPIT
Why manufacturers lock the bootloader
Manufacturers lock the bootloader of their devices so that only the operating system installed on the device can be used. Not all brand acts in the same way either: some manufacturers release their smartphones with the bootloader already unlocked (to the delight of most computer geeks).
To run a custom ROM, you need to unlock the bootloader first
Unlocking the bootloader allows you to install unauthorized software, this operation voids the warranty of your device.
Bootloader locked: what to do?
The bootloader is provided directly by the manufacturer of the device and, given its importance; is found in a section of the phone's memory that can't easily be modified by the user (even though we know how much you’d like to have this freedom!). When you want to modify your own device, one of the biggest obstacles is the locked bootloader. What is involved?
A locked bootloader will only load the authorized operating systems with a digital signature. Almost every smartphone manufacturer decides to lock it by only allowing its own personalized Android to load, preventing the installation of other custom ROMs. But as you know, behind every Android problem, there is always a solution. To be able to run a custom ROMs, you first need to unlock the bootloader, which allows you to start the “unauthorized” operating system.
The method to unlock bootloaders varies per manufacturer who provide different procedures, from sending a simple command from the PC via the USB connection, to download a specific program.
Most Samsung devices come with the bootloader unlocked! / © AndroidPIT
Unlocking the bootloader often requires authorized root access on your device. Before taking action, secure your data by backing it up and take a look at our guides dedicated to the root:
How to root Android: the complete guide
Best root apps for Android
Have you ever unlocked the bootloader of your Android? Which manufacturer do you have and how did you go about it?
225 Shares
Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Share on Google+ 225 Shares
More from the web
What Supplements Are Best For Strength Training?Bodybuilding.com
Glasses-Lovers Are Going Crazy Over This SiteGlassesUSA.com
First Pics: See the New Cars Coming for 2018Kelley Blue Book
We Tried HelloFresh: Here's What HappenedPopdust for HelloFresh
by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links
8 comments
Write a comment!
Write new comment:
SubmitCancel
20 Jacques Labuschagne Mod 8 months ago Link to comment
Lucky for us here in South Africa it is illegal for carriers to lock any devices' bootloader as it will be seen as network locking the device accourding to law the client must be able to feely move between carriers and thus aren't allowed to stop a client from moving to another carrier. Thus it means if a client want to move the client must also be able to change firmware to another carriers firmware if s/he chose to do so. Thus the carriers can't lock the bootloader of any device. Changed my s6 edge's firmware a year or more ago to European firmware as my carrier is useless to put it mildly when it comes to updating firmware.
1 Mark
Reply
25 Dean L. 9 months ago Link to comment
I've been trying to unlock the bootloader for my HTC incredible but have been unsuccessful so far. It's obvious I need to be more thorough and read EVERYTHING before moving on. Thanks for the guides.
1 Mark
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 9 months ago Link to comment
go see:
forum.xda-developers.com
Use the search function for a beginning....
(see my postings below)
2 Dean L.Mark
Reply
11 Ivan C. 9 months ago Link to comment
You need to go to www.htcdev.com more infos.
0
Reply
20 Carmelo Rivera 9 months ago Link to comment
DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST PEOPLE. DON'T RUSH INTO IT. I HARD-BRICKED A PHONE YEARS AGO. I LEARNED MY LESSON, EVEN THOUGH I STILL DO IT.
2 MarkDean L.
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 9 months ago Link to comment
Hi
You have a point.
Don't be fooled by the ease of reading the article here though it is written well in understandable words.
Rooting and changing bootloader for installing Roms is dangerous if you don't know what you are doing and therefor following instructions from Internet.
That is why I pointed out to go to XDA developers website and forum because rooting and flashing starts worldwide from there
Once there if you r new to this matter start reading, read more and after having done that read again . Maybe than you understand the basics and maybe than you r ready for your first time flashing your phone.
peace ✌
2 Dean L.Mark
Reply
38 Mark Admin 9 months ago Link to comment
Don't feel bad lots of us have bricked phones. My suggestion is get an older phone the first time or one that is already damaged. That way it is not a big loss if things go wrong.
2 Jacques LabuschagneDean L.
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 9 months ago Link to comment
Good article for people who are interested to root and install a custom Rom.
I recommend those who are new to this, to read on forum XDA developers. It is the best and biggest forum for things like this where users and developers meet and help each other by providing info and custom Roms are also presented and available for download.
A free unlocked bootloader, than root, than flashing your custom Rom. ..
It can be found all over there
peace✌
3 MarkDean L.Carmelo Rivera
Reply
Write a comment!
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