How To Unlock Bootloader On Any ZTE Smartphone

While ZTE might not have a stronghold in India, overseas it is a name to reckon with. Its Nubia series are among the most sought-after devices. Owing to their exceptional build quality and the fact that they never compromise on the software front as well, are some of the reasons why it has managed to catch a few eyeballs. Along the same lines, the device offers tons of features and customizations. You could also head over to Play Store or sideload many different types of tweaking apps. But the functionality of these is limited up to an extent. There is a certain line drawn beyond which you cannot customize your ZTE smartphone unless it has an unlocked bootloader.

For example, the tech geeks usually like to tweak their device’s operating system, replace their stock recovery via a custom recovery like TWRP, or gain administrative privileges via root. Or they even flash various mods and Custom ROMs. But for all of these tweaks to be effectively carried out, your ZTE smartphone should have an unlocked bootloader. Until and unless that is the case, none of the above customizations could be made possible. Therefore in this guide, we will list out the instructions set to unlock the bootloader on your ZTE smartphone. But before that, let us check out what exactly is a bootloader, and what are its associated risks and benefits. Without further ado, let’s begin.

How to Unlock Bootloader on any ZTE Smartphone

What is an Unlocked Bootloader

A bootloader is a software program that tells the Android OS what all programs do the latter have to start at the boot time. Likewise, it also helps to boot your device to recovery. By default, all the OEMs ships their devices with a locked bootloader, with just a single idea in mind. They believe that the users should only use the operating system and settings that they have provided.

While it makes sense from the security aspect, here’s the catch. Not everyone prefers the OS that their device manufacturers ship in. Apart from that, there are some device restrictions as well that the developers put in place. So to escape from these limitations, users find an escape route, and an unlocked bootloader offers just that. With that said, here are all the perks and risks associated with an unlocked bootloader. After that, we will show you how to unlock the bootloader on any ZTE device.

Advantages of an Unlocked Bootloader

There are numerous benefits that an unlocked bootloader brings in with itself. To begin with, you could install the TWRP custom Recovery, which in itself offers numerous advantages like flashing different types of files, creating a Nandroid backup, etc. Then you could also give a shot at all the famous Custom ROMs and give your device a fresh new outlook with new features too.

Then if you root your device via Magisk, you could gain administrative rights over your device. Likewise, flashing Magisk Modules, Xposed Frameworks, and Substratum Themes also becomes a possibility. These are the major benefits of an unlocked bootloader. But there’s more to it than what meets the eye.

Risk Associated with an Unlocked Bootloader

Once you have an unlocked device, it is now more prone to security attacks. Likewise, your device’s warranty may also be null and void and a complete device wipe will also take place. Some apps like Google Pay and Pokemon Go might not work at all. And others like Netflix might not function correctly. In the latter, the device’s L1 certification will be degraded to L3 and hence you wouldn’t be able to watch Netflix videos in HD.

Apart from that, the entire process is itself risky and might brick your device or lead it to a boot loop, if steps aren’t performed correctly. With that, you are now aware of the advantages and disadvantages of an unlocked device. If you wish to process ahead, then follow the below steps to unlock the bootloader on any ZTE smartphone. Follow along.

Warning

Before we begin with this procedure, I would strongly recommend you to create a backup of your device storage and all your files stored on your device. Moreover, it is advised to follow the steps mentioned in this post very carefully to avoid permanent damage or to brick your device. If anything goes wrong the author or GetDroidTips is not responsible for it.

Supported ZTE Devices

ZTE S30 Pro ZTE ZFive 2 LTE ZTE Grand X Plus Z826
ZTE Blade A3 Plus ZTE ZFive G LTE ZTE Blade S6 Plus
ZTE Blade X1 5G ZTE Valet Z665C ZTE Skate Acqua
ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G ZTE Blade V5 Pro ZTE Warp
ZTE Blade V2020 5G ZTE Avid Trio ZTE Grand X Max Plus
ZTE Blade 20 5G ZTE Blade A506 ZTE Vital N9810
ZTE Blade A7s 2020 ZTE Blade A610 ZTE N880E
ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme ZTE Blade A612 ZTE Kis III V790
ZTE Axon 20 5G ZTE Blade Z Max Z982 ZTE Nubia Z5S mini NX405H
ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G ZTE R259 ZTE Grand X2
ZTE Blade A7s ZTE Z792 Cricket ZTE Blade Apex 3
ZTE Blade 20 Smart ZTE Z836BL ZTE Nova 4 V8000
ZTE Blade A7 2020 ZTE Blade A602 ZTE V9 Plus
ZTE Blade A5 2020 ZTE Blade C341 ZTE Blade S6
ZTE Blade A3 Prime ZTE Blade Spark ZTE V81
ZTE A1 ZTE Overture 2 Z813 ZTE Grand X LTE T82
ZTE Blade A3 2020 ZTE Z837VL ZTE Groove X501
ZTE Blade 10 Prime ZTE Blade X Max ZTE Warp Sequent
ZTE Blade A7 Prime ZTE E8QL ZTE Nubia Red Magic
ZTE Blade Max View ZTE G R255 ZTE Nubia Red Magic Mars
ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G ZTE Grand X4 ZTE Nubia Z9 Max
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 5G ZTE Overture 3 ZTE Nubia V18
ZTE Axon 11 5G ZTE Fanfare 3 ZTE Nubia N3
ZTE Axon 11 4G ZTE Axon 10 Pro ZTE Nubia X
ZTE Nubia Play ZTE Blade A3 (2019) ZTE Blade V8 Mini
ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G ZTE Blade A5 (2019) ZTE Optik
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 5G Lite ZTE Nubia Red Magic 3 ZTE Blade III
ZTE Blade L130 ZTE Blade L8 ZTE Racer
ZTE Avid 579 ZTE Nubia Z20 ZTE FTV phone
ZTE Blade V10 Vita ZTE Nubia Red Magic 3s ZTE Blade II V880 Plus
ZTE A530 ZTE Blade 20 ZTE Blade
ZTE Axon M ZTE Nubia Alpha ZTE Libra
ZTE Axon Max ZTE Stratos Z819L ZTE Nubia Z5
ZTE Axon 7 Mini ZTE Blade S7 ZTE Anthem 4G
ZTE Axon 7 Max ZTE Skate ZTE Flash
ZTE Axon 7 ZTE Grand S II S291 ZTE Maven 2
ZTE Axon 9 Pro ZTE Star 1 ZTE Maven 3
ZTE Axon Lux ZTE Nubia Z7 Max ZTE Cymbal-T
ZTE Axon ZTE Zinger ZTE Majesty Pro
ZTE Axon Mini ZTE Grand S3 ZTE Blade A510
ZTE Axon Elite ZTE Grand X3 ZTE Acqua
ZTE Axon Pro ZTE Blade A460 ZTE Avid Plus Z828
ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G ZTE Maven ZTE Blade A110
ZTE Blade A520 ZTE Nubia X6 ZTE Blade A6
ZTE Blade A520C ZTE Nubia Z5S mini NX403A ZTE Blade A6 Max
ZTE Sonata 3 ZTE Kis 3 ZTE Blade A601
ZTE Spark R84 ZTE Nubia Z7 ZTE Kis 2 Max
ZTE Small Fresh 5s ZTE Grand S Pro ZTE Kis Q V795
ZTE Blade V8 ZTE Grand S II ZTE Atlas W
ZTE Blade V10 ZTE V5 Lux ZTE Blade Apex 2
ZTE Blade A3 ZTE Blade III Pro ZTE Blade G T610
ZTE Blade A310 ZTE V96 ZTE Blade A511
ZTE Blade A330 ZTE Grand Memo V9815 ZTE Grand X 4
ZTE Blade V7 Max ZTE Imperial II ZTE Max Duo
ZTE Nubia N1 Lite ZTE Nubia Z9 Mini ZTE Tempo Go
ZTE Blade A462 ZTE Nubia Z11 Mini ZTE Tempo T815
ZTE Blade L110 ZTE Light Tab 2 V9A ZTE Tracfone Z828TL
ZTE Blade V8 Lite ZTE Speed ZTE V71B
ZTE Tureis P725A ZTE Reef ZTE PF200
ZTE Kis Q ZTE Grand S ZTE Avail
ZTE Blade Q3 ZTE Light Tab 3 V9S ZTE Blade V6
ZTE Paragon Z753G ZTE Star 2 ZTE Blade V9
ZTE Warp 7 ZTE Blade X3 ZTE Blade V9 Vita
ZTE V765M ZTE Blade L3 Plus ZTE Nubia Z11 mini S
ZTE Blade L5 ZTE Blade Q ZTE Avid Plus
ZTE Trek 2 HD LTE K88 ZTE Blade G2 ZTE Iconic Phablet
ZTE Blade A2 Plus ZTE Grand X Quad V987 ZTE Warp 4G
ZTE U950 ZTE V887 ZTE Nubia My Prague
ZTE Hawkeye ZTE Boost Max Plus ZTE Grand Memo II LTE
ZTE S8Q ZTE Geek V975 ZTE Grand S Flex
ZTE Citrine LTE ZTE Grand X IN ZTE Nubia Prague S
ZTE Blade Plus L2 ZTE Light Tab 300 ZTE Nubia Z7 Mini
ZTE ZMax 2 Z955L ZTE PF112 HD ZTE Grand Xmax
ZTE Blade A475 ZTE Style Q ZTE Amigo
ZTE Quest N817 ZTE Light Tab V9C ZTE Sonata 4G
ZTE Warp Elite N9518 ZTE V9 ZTE Nubia Z9
ZTE ZMax Pro ZTE Blade X5 ZTE Blade A5 Pro
ZTE Blade V8 Pro ZTE Sonata 2 ZTE Blade G V880G
ZTE Blade V Plus ZTE Director ZTE Nubia Z5S
ZTE Blade D6 ZTE Grand X V970 ZTE Redbull V5 V9180
ZTE Blade L3 ZTE PF 100 ZTE Zmax
ZTE Blade Q Mini ZTE Kis V788 ZTE Blade Vec 4G
ZTE Blade Vec 3G ZTE V875 ZTE Racer II
ZTE Blade C V807 ZTE U900 ZTE Blade V
ZTE Blade V5 V993W ZTE N721 ZTE Blade Qlux 4G
ZTE Nubia N1 ZTE ZMax 2 ZTE Blade G
ZTE Grand X Max 2 ZTE Imperial ZTE Blade L2
ZTE Blade V7 ZTE Avid 4G ZTE Grand X Pro
ZTE Obsidian ZTE U880E ZTE V821
ZTE Blade G Lux ZTE T98 ZTE Nubia Z11
ZTE Blade Q Maxi ZTE V880E ZTE Nubia Z11 Max
ZTE Kis 3 Max ZTE N910 ZTE Nubia Z18
ZTE V889M ZTE Score ZTE Nubia Z18 mini
ZTE Prestige ZTE Blade X9 ZTE Blade L5 Plus
ZTE Blade Buzz ZTE Majesty ZTE Blade X
ZTE Blade A2 ZTE Grand X2 In ZTE Era
ZTE Blade V7 Lite ZTE Grand Era U895 ZTE Score M
ZTE Nova 3.5 ZTE Blade A72 5G ZTE V40 Pro
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 7S ZTE Nubia Red Magic 7S Pro ZTE Nubia Z40S Pro
ZTE Axon 30S ZTE Blade V40s ZTE Axon 40 SE
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition ZTE Voyage 40 Pro+ ZTE Nubia Red Magic 7
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 7 Pro ZTE Blade V40 Vita ZTE Nubia Z40 Pro
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra ZTE Axon 40 Pro ZTE Blade A52
ZTE Blade A52 Lite ZTE Blade A72 ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6s Pro
ZTE Blade L9 ZTE Blade A51 ZTE Blade A31 Lite
ZTE Blade A31 ZTE Blade A31 Plus ZTE Blade A71
ZTE Avid 589 ZTE Voyage 20 Pro ZTE Blade A7P
ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G ZTE Blade 11 Prime
ZTE Nubia Z30 Pro ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6R ZTE Blade V30 Vita
ZTE Axon 30 5G ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6s ZTE Blade V41 Vita
ZTE Nubia Z50 ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8 Pro ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+
ZTE Blade V40 Design ZTE Blade V40 ZTE Nubia Pad 3D
ZTE Nubia Z50 Ultra ZTE Axon Pad ZTE Axon 50 Ultra
ZTE Blade V40 Pro ZTE V70 ZTE Blade A72s
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8S Pro ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8S Pro+ ZTE Nubia Red Magic Tablet
ZTE Nubia Z50S Pro ZTE Nubia Neo ZTE Blade A73 5G
ZTE Blade A73 ZTE Blade A54 ZTE Blade V50 Design
ZTE Blade V50 ZTE Blade V50 Vita ZTE Blade V50 Design 4G
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro+ ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra

Unlock Bootloader on any ZTE Smartphone

To begin with, there are a few requirements that your device should qualify. Make sure to go through each of the below-mentioned points.

Prerequisites

  • First off, create a complete backup of your ZTE device. This is because all the data will be wiped off your device when you execute these steps.
  • Also, enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on your device. The first one is needed to execute ADB Commands which will be used to boot your device to fastboot mode. The second option allows for the unlocking process. To enable both of them, head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable OEM Unlocking > Scroll down a bit and enable USB Debugging.
    oem-and-USB-Debugging
  • Download and install the ZTE USB Drivers on your PC.
  • Similarly, download the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. This is needed so that your PC recognizes your device in ADB and Fastboot mode.
  • Finally, keep your device sufficiently charged so that it doesn’t turn off mid-way.

These are all the requirements. You may now proceed with the steps to unlock the bootloader on your ZTE device.

Instructions Steps

  1. Connect your device to PC via USB.
  2. head over to the platform-tools folder and type in CMD in the address bar and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
  3. Now execute the below command to boot your device to fastboot/bootloader mode:
    adb reboot bootloader
  4. Next up, type in the below command to unlock the bootloader. This will also wipe your data, make sure you have created a backup beforehand.
    fastboot oem unlock
  5. The process should only take a few seconds. Once that is done, you might get a confirmation message on your device as well. Use the Volume keys to select Unlock the Bootloader option and then hit the Power key to confirm your decision.

    bootloader confirm zte
    A message similar to this might be displayed
  6. That is it. Your device will now reboot to the system. If it stays at the fastboot mode, then use the below command to boot your device to the system:
    fastboot reboot

With this, we conclude the guide on how to unlock the bootloader on any ZTE smartphone. Do keep in kind that you will have to set up your device from scratch as a data wipe has taken place. Furthermore, you might get a bootloader unlocked warning message every time you boot up your device. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. On that note, if you do have any queries regarding the aforementioned steps, drop in your queries in the comments below. Rounding off, here are some iPhone Tips and TricksPC tips and tricks, and Android Tips and Trick that you should check out as well.

Comments

  1. My Nubia Z11 does not have OEM unlock option under developer options. Can I still proceed to unlock bootloader?

    1. Did you activate the developer option? by tapping on Build number 7-8 times, you can activate developer option.

  2. Yes. I have activated the developer option. I’m able to get USB debugging and other developer options except “OEM unlock”.
    I’m using the latest International ROM from Germany. I’m guessing this ROM version hide the “OEM unlock”

    1. Nachdem man die Entwickler Optionen mit 7* tippen auf “Über das Telefon -> Build-Nummer” aktiviert hat, erscheinen inden Einstellung unter “Mehr -> Entwickleroptionen”. Darunter befinden sich die “OEM-Entsperrung” und das “USB-Debugging”.

      Bei mir geht das Un-Locken ebenfalls nicht. Ich habe die Build-Nummer: NX551_J_ENCommon_V1.11
      HILFE!

      1. Does it work for a zte blade zmax I downloaded everything and my device doesn’t say anything on it when I do the ” adb reboot fastboot

  3. Help me, my ZTE Maven 2 does not boot into bootloader when I run adb reboot bootloader, but the device shows up when I run adb devices.

  4. can you please help me with a zte sonata 3 (z832) when i enter command adb devices nothing appears. up to that point i have followed the instructions exactly. I just cant get further. does this work on my phone or am i doing something wrong? please help

  5. Hi, i have a ZTE Blade a520, after turning on the “OEM Unlock” do i still have to insert the “fastboot OEM unlock” on the cmd?

  6. I have the z965 handset (zte blade x) and when I type the command ‘fastboot oem unlock’ all I get is “waiting for device”. When I type ‘fastboot devices’ it does nothing. Do I have to re-install the drivers for my phone?

    1. If it shows waiting for device, then it means your device is not connected properly. Make sure you have proper drivers installed. Also check if the USB Cable is working properly to transfer data.

  7. hello, i have the blade L110, and when i type the command “fastboot oem unlock” doest work just appears three dots “…” and nothing happens; I have activated the developer option. I’m able to get USB debugging and OEM unlock. i have too installed the lastest ADB drivers 1.4.3 and the minimal_adb_fastboot in my pc.
    Can u help me to unlock my bootloader please?

  8. after a long long time, cmd show a message response ” FAILED (status read failed (too many links)) finished. total time: 2083.080s
    whats means “too many links” ??? am lost -.-´

  9. so I’m using the zte z899vl and I can get it to connect to adb but when I use the reboot-bootloader command it just reboots the phone back to the default kernel. It also said something about a production model when I tried the adb root command. what should my next step be if I don’t throw it up against a wall first lol?

  10. Hi all,
    when typing “fastboot oem unlock” my ZTE Blade v6 asks for confirmation to unlock bootloader on phone screen. I shall press Yes => Volume Up or No => Volume down. But when pressing either volume up or down Nothing happens :-( What can I do?

      1. I appreciate the effort in the tutorial, but the title is then misleading; ‘How to Unlock Bootloader on any ZTE Smartphone’ ?
        I’m trying with the KIS1 MAXX (ROM ZTE_Kis_II_Max_MT6572_03042016_4.4.2) and I get no response from ‘fastboot flash unlock’ or ‘fastboot oem unlock’.

  11. In your ADB fastboot folder open a command prompt window by pressing Shift Key + Right Mouse Click

    where is the adb folder on my computer?

  12. Hi. Please help.

    I have the Nubia Z50 Ultra. It doesn’t get detected by my PC. I have already enabled developer options and USB debugging. But when I run “adb devices” it doesn’t show up. It doesn’t even show as a storage device in Windows Explorer.

    I don’t think there’s an issue with my ADB drivers since I have 3 other phones that can connect to my PC through ADB.

  13. Ive done every thing in the description and it keeps saying waitin for device. driver is installed and so forth. i have a blade A31 what else can i try?

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