This guide walks through unlocking the bootloader on the Lenovo P2 (P2a42). Unlocking it wipes the phone and can void the warranty, but it is the step that lets you install TWRP recovery, root, or flash a custom ROM. The method is for this device only, so follow the steps carefully.
What is a bootloader, and why unlock it?
The bootloader is the code that runs when you power on the phone. It starts the hardware, then loads the kernel and the operating system. Most Android makers ship phones with the bootloader locked so you stay on the stock software, even though Android is open source. You cannot install a custom ROM or a custom recovery until you unlock it. Unlocking lets you root the phone, flash TWRP, and install custom ROMs, but it wipes your data and usually voids the warranty.
For more background, read what a bootloader is and how to unlock it.
About the Lenovo P2
The Lenovo P2 (P2a42), launched in 2016, has a 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 octa-core processor, and 3GB or 4GB of RAM, with 32GB or 64GB of expandable storage. It has a 13MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, and a large 5,100mAh battery. It launched on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with Lenovo’s Vibe UI and was later updated to Android 7.0 Nougat.
Prerequisites
- Charge the phone to at least 70%.
- Unlocking voids the warranty, so be prepared for that.
- Unlocking wipes all data, so back up your phone first.
- Follow every step carefully. We are not responsible for any damage.
What you need
How to unlock the bootloader on the Lenovo P2
- Enable Developer options: go to Settings > About phone and tap Build number seven times until you see “Developer options enabled.”
- In Settings > Developer options, enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging.
- Extract ADB and Fastboot on your PC.
- Connect the phone with a USB cable and let the drivers install.
- Open a command window in the ADB and Fastboot folder (hold Shift, right-click, Open command window here).
- Run
adb devices. If a USB debugging prompt appears on the phone, tap OK.
- Reboot to the bootloader with
adb reboot bootloader.
- Confirm the device with
fastboot devices. If the serial number does not appear, reinstall the drivers.
- Unlock with
fastboot oem unlock. This wipes all data on the phone.
That is it. The bootloader on your Lenovo P2 is now unlocked, and you can install a custom ROM, TWRP, or root the phone.
FAQ
Does unlocking the bootloader erase my data?
Yes. The fastboot oem unlock command wipes the phone completely, so back up first.
The phone is not detected under fastboot. What is wrong?
That is usually drivers. Install the Lenovo USB drivers, confirm OEM unlocking is enabled, and make sure the phone is in bootloader mode before running the unlock command.
Can I relock the bootloader later?
Yes. Run fastboot oem lock, or relock by flashing the stock firmware. Relocking also wipes the phone.
What can I do after unlocking?
Install TWRP recovery, root with Magisk, or flash a custom ROM. See our TWRP and root guide next.
If you have any questions about unlocking the bootloader on your Lenovo P2, leave a comment below.
can I locked bootloader again??