How to Unlock the Bootloader on HTC 10: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlocking the bootloader on your HTC 10 smartphone allows you to install TWRP, flash rooting ZIP files, or custom ROMs. However, please note that unlocking the bootloader may void your warranty. Follow this step-by-step guide carefully to ensure a smooth process.

What is a Bootloader?

A bootloader is a program that runs when you turn on your device. It initializes hardware and loads the kernel and ramdisk to kick-start the boot process. Android OEMs usually lock the bootloader to prevent unauthorized modifications. Unlocking it, however, enables you to flash custom ROMs, install TWRP, and root your device. Keep in mind that unlocking the bootloader may void your device’s warranty.

Prerequisites

1. Battery Charge: Ensure your phone has at least 70%-80% charge.
2. HTCDev Account: Sign up or log in at HTCDev.com.
3. Backup Data: Unlocking the bootloader will wipe your data. Back up your files beforehand.
4. USB Drivers: Install the latest HTC USB drivers on your PC.
5. Minimal ADB and Fastboot: Download and install the ADB and Fastboot tools.
6. Fastboot Binary: Download the correct Fastboot binary for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).

Steps to Unlock the Bootloader on HTC 10

1. Enable Developer Options and OEM Unlocking

1. Go to Settings > About > Software Information > More.
2. Tap Build Number seven times until you see a message saying, “Developer options enabled.”
3. Return to Settings > Developer Options, and enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.

2. Register at HTCDev and Get Started

1. Visit HTCDev.com and log in with your account.
2. Click on Unlock Bootloader and then Get Started.
3. Select HTC 10 from the dropdown menu.
4. Agree to the legal terms and continue.

3. Prepare Your PC

1. Download and extract the ADB and Fastboot tools.
2. Install HTC USB drivers on your PC.
3. Extract the downloaded Fastboot binary and move it to the ADB folder.

Platform	Download	Size (bytes)	Checksum
Fastboot binary, Linux (Unzip the file before executing)	fastboot	61887	ffd3b02cdf9aa7609462e3957663d238
Fastboot binary, OS X (Unzip the file before executing)	fastboot-mac	59071	0b3e2a8c5cfeb7c23b362483b93f7dd6
Fastboot binary, Windows (Unzip the file before executing)	fastboot-win	83753	a90c25141e306b3062dc8e47e14a1005

4. Connect Your Device

1. Connect your HTC 10 to the PC via a USB cable.
2. Open the ADB folder, hold Shift + Right-click, and select Open Command Window Here.

5. Verify Device Connection

1. Type the following command to check the connection:

   adb devices

2. If prompted on your phone, allow USB debugging and click OK.

6. Reboot into Bootloader

1. Enter the following command to boot into the bootloader:

   adb reboot bootloader

2. Verify that the bootloader status shows Locked with S-ON.

7. Generate the Unlock Token

1. Type the command:

   fastboot oem get_identifier_token

2. Copy the token from:

   <<<< Identifier Token Start >>>>  with the line ended

   <<<<< Identifier Token End >>>>> 

   Only copy the text between the lines without prefixes like INFO or bootloader.

8. Submit Token to HTCDev

1. Paste the token into the HTCDev website’s token field and click Submit.
2. Check your email for the unlock code file (Unlock_code.bin) and download it.

9. Unlock the Bootloader

1. Move the Unlock_code.bin file to the Fastboot folder.
2. Run the following command:

   fastboot flash unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin

3. A confirmation screen will appear on your phone. Use the Volume Up button to select Yes and confirm with the Power button.

10. Final Steps

1. Reboot your phone by typing:

   fastboot reboot

2. Your HTC 10 bootloader is now unlocked!

Conclusion

You’ve successfully unlocked the bootloader on your HTC 10. With the bootloader unlocked, you can now explore custom ROMs, root your device, or install TWRP recovery. If you face any issues, feel free to share them in the comments section below. Enjoy the limitless possibilities of your unlocked HTC 10!