Unlock Bootloader and Root OnePlus 8T | How-to Guide

This tutorial will show you how to unlock the bootloader and then root the OnePlus 8T. The recent addition to the OnePlus8 family, you could call this device a middle child. The features are sandwiched between the base OnePlus 8 and the highest end 8 Pro. The features are definitely commendable with Snapdragon 865 as the underlying chipset, Adreno 650 GPU, and up to 256GB 12GB RAM. What is equally impressive is its quad rear camera setup and a 16 MP single front camera.

However, the two biggest takeaway from this device is the 120Hz refresh rate and a 65W fast charging for its 4500mAh battery. Furthermore, OnePlus devices are always known to be among the top players in custom development. And this device is no exception either. Although the device is just released, the development is already brimming with various tweaking guides. In this regard, this tutorial will show you the steps to unlock the bootloader and then root the OnePlus 8T.

Advantages and Risks of Bootloader Unlock | Root

Unlocking the device’s bootloader opens the gate to a plethora of customizations. To begin with, you could install a custom ROM or a custom recovery like TWRP. The latter itself beholds a plentitude of features, including a Nandroid Backup, wiping device partitions, etc. Then an unlocked bootloader also makes it possible to root your device. This, in turn, will give you administrative rights and let you flash plenty of mods and tweaks, etc.

However, these tweaks might come with some uninvited risks as well. For example, unlocking the bootloader might make the device warranty null and void. It will also wipe off all the data from your device. Then some apps like Pokemon Go, Google Pay, and Netflix might not function as expected. The entire process is itself risky and could brick your device if not performed correctly. So with that said, if you are ready to proceed, here are the steps to unlock the bootloader and root OnePlus 8T.

How to Unlock Bootloader and Root OnePlus 8T

before we list out the instructions steps, your device needs to qualify a couple of requirements. Make sure to go through them before proceeding with the instructions.

Prerequisites

• First and foremost, create a complete device backup. This is because the process calls for erasing the data partition, which will factory reset your device.
• Then, you should also enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking. Head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging as well as OEM Unlock.
  
• Install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC.

Downloads

The below files are for the OnePlus 8T, version: 11.0.1.2 KB05BA KB2003. You should not use this file or try out the rooting steps on any other software version. Furthermore, all these three files are only needed for rooting purposes. If you only prefer to unlock the bootloader but not root OnePlus 8T, you may skip downloading these files.

• Newest (20.10.2020) OTA: Download Link
• boot.img (stock): Download Link
• boot.img (patched, checked, working): Download Link

What are these three files? If you prefer to root your device, you have to download your device’s stock firmware or OTA package. After this, you have to extract the stock boot.img file from the firmware. And finally, you patch this stock boot.img file via Magisk.

However, XDA Junior Member Widmo has done all the work in this regard and directly shared the three files, aka the stock firmware file, the extracted boot.img file from stock firmware and the Magisk patched boot.img file. On that note, let’s begin with the guide to unlock the bootloader and then root the OnePlus 8T.

STEP 1: Unlock Bootloader OnePlus 8T

To begin with, you will have to unlock the bootloader of your device. As mentioned before, it will wipe off all the data, so make sure you have created a backup beforehand. Once done, proceed with the below steps. For detailed instructions on the said topic, you should also check out our guide on How To Unlock the Bootloader On Any OnePlus Smartphone.

1. Connect your device to the PC via USB cable (USB Debugging should be enabled).
2. Now head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
3. Execute the following command to boot your device to Fastboot Mode:

   adb reboot bootloader

   

4. Finally, type in the below command to unlock the device’s bootloader

   fastboot oem unlock

   

5. At this point, you would get a confirmation message on your screen. Select Unlock the Bootloader option using the Volume Keys, and use the Power key to confirm the decision.

That’s it. Your device will now boot to the OS, and you would be greeted with the Unlocked Bootloader warning message as well, which is completely normal. Anyways, it’s now time to root the OnePlus 8T. Follow along.

STEP 2: Root OnePlus 8T

We would now be using the magisk patch boot.img file to root the device. To reiterate, it is only for OnePlus 8T software version 11.0.1.2 KB05BA KB2003 and should not be attempted on other versions.

1. Download the patched boot.img file from the above Downloads section and transfer it to the platform-tools folder. Rename the file to magisk_patched.img.
2. Next up, enable USB Debugging on your device. Although you have enabled it earlier, unlocking the bootloader might have disabled it. Hence, re-enable it from Developer Options.
3. Now connect the device to the PC via USB cable.
4. Head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command window.
   
5. Type in the below command to boot your device to Fastboot Mode

   adb reboot bootloader

6. It’s now time to flash the patched boot.img file. Execute the below command for that:

   fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

7. It should only take a couple of seconds to flash this file. Once done, type in the below command to boot your device to the OS:

   fastboot reboot

That’s it. These were the steps to unlock the bootloader and root OnePlus 8T. If you have any queries, do let us know in the comments section below. Rounding off, here are some iPhone Tips and Tricks, PC tips and tricks, and Android Tips and Trick that you should check out as well.