How to unlock the bootloader of an Android Phone

ID: 152629

Description: Unlocking the Bootloader allows you to install...

Steps:

  1. First, we need to find the Build Number.
  2. Usually you can find it under About Phone > Build Number or System > About Phone > Build Number, but since it varies from device to device using the search function is usually the easiest way.
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  3. Now you just need to tap the Build number repeatedly, until you get a confirmation message saying "You are now a developer!". I already enabled developer options on my device, so I don’t need to do it again.
  4. You might be prompted to enter your lock screen password, if you have one set up.
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  5. In the developer options, find the OEM unlocking option and enable it.
  6. You might be prompted to enter your lock screen password, if you have one set up.
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  7. In the developer options, find the USB debugging option and enable it.
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  8. Plug your phone into your computer via a USB-C to USB-A Cable.
  9. If you have a bad cable you might encounter some problems. Some older devices also dislike USB 3 in fastboot mode.
  10. Pull down the notification shade and select Charging this device via USB.
  11. Select the option File transfer/Android Auto.
  12. On some older devices this option might be called MTP instead.
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  13. Open the terminal application on your computer with the SDK Platform Tools installed and enter adb devices
  14. This should trigger a popup on your device. Make sure to have the checkmark ticked and click Allow.
  15. I haven’t added the platform-tools-folder to PATH. That’s why I need to open my terminal window in the platform-tools-folder and enter .\ as a prefix to my commands.
  16. You can run the command again to check if it worked. It should now say device instead of unauthorized.
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  17. Enter the command adb reboot bootloader
  18. Wait a couple seconds until your device rebooted into the bootloader, then enter the command fastboot flashing unlock
  19. Some devices might use the command fastboot oem unlock instead.
  20. If you receive an error message along the lines of FAILED (remote: 'Failed to unlock, decrypt failed!'), your phone has a locked bootloader and needs an unlock code from the manufacturer.
  21. If you're stuck at < waiting for any device > and have already confirmed that your connection is stable, you may need to update your phone's USB driver.
  22. You should now see a prompt similar to the one shown in the picture. Use the volume rocker to choose the Unlock the bootloader-option and confirm by pressing the power button.
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