How To Unlock Bootloader On Moto G5 and G5 Plus

Got a Moto G5 or Moto G5 Plus smartphone? Eager to dive into the world of custom ROMs? The first step you need to take is unlocking the bootloader on your Moto G5 or Moto G5 Plus. Unlocking the bootloader is your gateway to the Android modding ecosystem, allowing you to install custom ROMs, recoveries, and other mods. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to unlock the bootloader on your Moto G5 Plus.

The Moto G5 Plus, a significant upgrade from last year’s Moto G4 Plus, was launched recently with several improvements, especially in build quality and camera performance. The Moto G5 features a sleek all-metal design with a rounded camera module reminiscent of the Moto Z and Z Play series. The phone sports a 5.2-inch IPS LCD touchscreen with a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution. It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 SoC, coupled with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD card. The device is backed by a 3000 mAh battery.

The Moto G5 Plus also boasts a 12 MP rear camera with an f/1.7 aperture, autofocus, and dual-LED flash, along with a 5MP front camera featuring a wide-angle lens. The smartphone runs on Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, with a slim 7.7mm profile and a weight of 155 grams. Connectivity options include Dual SIM, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, FM, 3G, and 4G VoLTE support.

Important Note: This guide is specifically for unlocking the bootloader on the Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus smartphones. Keep in mind that unlocking the bootloader may void your warranty. However, doing so will allow you to install TWRP, flash rooting zip files, or install custom ROMs on your phone. Be sure to carefully read and follow the steps outlined below to unlock your bootloader successfully.

What is a Bootloader and Why Unlock It?

A bootloader is a program that runs every time you power on your device. It initializes the hardware, loads the kernel and ramdisk, and starts the boot process. This concept applies to all technology, including laptops, PCs, smartphones, and more. Most Android OEMs lock the bootloader by default, even though Android is an open-source platform. This restriction makes it impossible to install a custom ROM without first unlocking the bootloader.

Manufacturers lock the bootloader to encourage users to stick with the stock ROM, and unlocking it typically voids the device’s warranty. However, unlocking the bootloader opens up a world of possibilities. It allows you to root your Android smartphone, install TWRP recovery, and flash custom ROMs. By unlocking the bootloader, you can fully customize and optimize your device according to your preferences.

Steps to Unlock Bootloader On Moto G5 and G5 Plus

Requirements:

1. Works on all Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus, including model XT 1686
2. Charge your phone up to 80% or 70%
3. Go to the Motorola website and Sign up/Register. (You can log in if you already have a Username and Password)
4. You will Lose the warranty if you unlock the bootloader, So prepare for it.
5. Unlock Bootloader may wipe all your data, So make sure to back up your Smartphone.
6. Make sure you have followed the steps correctly. Don’t Skip and Read! We are not responsible for any damage you cause to your phone.

What You Need:

• Download Minimal ADB Tool – CLICK HERE or Download the Full ADB setup for Windows / Mac here 
• How to Get a Bootloader Key for Motorola Moto G5 Plus Device? : Find in step 14 on How to Get Bootloader Key for Motorola Moto G5 Plus Device

Instructions to Unlock Bootloader:

1. First of all, enable the Developer Option. To enable the Developer Option, Go to your Settings -> About -> Software Information -> More -> Now Tap on the Build Number 7-8 Times until you see a toast message “Developer option enabled.“
2. Go back to settings -> Now you need to enable the OEM Unlock by going to Settings -> Developer Option and Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging
   
   
3. Download and Extract the Downloaded ADB fastboot Zip file on your PC
4. Now connect your phone to Computer using USB Cable.
5. When you connect your Phone to Computer, please wait until all the drivers get installed.
6. In your ADB fastboot folder open a command prompt window by pressing Shift Key + Right Mouse Click 
7. Now type the command in your command window

   adb devices

8. If you see a pop up to allow USB Debugging on your phone, Click OK
9. Now type the command below to reboot your phone to bootloader

   adb reboot bootloader

10. Once your phone reboot into bootloader, make sure your phone shows the bootloader locked and then type the command below to make sure fastboot drivers are installed properly.

    fastboot devices

11. This command will list the connected devices. If your phone’s serial number shows up you are good to go and may continue. If the phone is NOT listed this indicates that your drivers are not installed correctly. In order for you to continue you must fix your drivers so that your phone is listed under fastboot devices.
12. If the phone has been recognized by the command above, proceed to boot into bootloader by tapping down the volume down button on your phone and select the BOOT TO DOWNLOAD MODE option with power key. Now you can unlock the bootloader with the following command: Remember that this step will wipe EVERYTHING off the phone

    fastboot oem get_unlock_data

    

13. Now command will return a string which you need to copy the string to a notepad with a single line by deleting all space
    (Note: Only copy the highlighted sections above. Do not copy the INFO or (bootloader) prefix)
14. To Get Bootloader Key for Moto G5 Plus – Open the website Motorola’s unlock the boot loader site by Signing up or Login in via Google Plus account
15. Now paste the string from Notepad to the box shown on the website (Check Screenshot below)
16. Once you click the “Can my Device be unlocked?” you will receive a mail with unlock key.
17. Now copy the unlock key and type the following command and enter.

    fastboot oem unlock UNLOCK_KEY

    Here UNLOCK_Key is the place where you have to paste the unlock key which you copied from the email.

18. That’s it ! Your device will be unlocked. hah! Have fun!

If you have any querries or doubts related to unlock bootloader on Moto G5 and G5 Plus, Please leave a comment below. Thank you