Understanding The Bootloader: What It Is, Its Purpose, And How To Unlock It

Every modern device including your smartphone, comes with a bootloader which is essentially the first program that runs when you press the power button. Once the button is powered on, the bootloader script is responsible for loading of the Android operating system and other necessary programs onto the device memory. In short, your Android smartphone cannot run without a proper bootloader. Today in this guide, we will learn more about bootloader and how to unlock it on various OEMs.

Since the bootloader is an important piece of software inside any Android smartphone, it’s obvious that companies put various restrictions so users like you and me cannot access the bootloader directly. But why would you wish to access the bootloader file you ask? This is because many Android enthusiasts may want to edit their core operating system files or even install root privileges apps. And in order to do that, it is important to first unlock the bootloader on your Android device.

What is Bootloader

Bootloader is essentially the first program or group of scripts that runs when you turn on your Android smartphone. This bootloader bridges the gap between the hardware and the software, ensuring that the device starts correctly by initializing the hardware components and loading the necessary software components.

The primary purpose of the bootloader is to verify the integrity of the OS and ensure that it hasn’t been tampered with. This is especially important in maintaining the security of the device, as it prevents unauthorized software from running.

Smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, Xiaomi, and OnePlus often lock the bootloader to protect their device’s software ecosystem, ensuring you only run approved OS versions. This locking mechanism is crucial for maintaining device stability, security, support and also protects you from various malicious software attacks.

What Are Benefits of Bootloader

The default bootloader on your Android smartphone offers several benefits focused on security, stability, and support. A locked bootloader ensures that only the manufacturer-approved operating system and software can run on the device, protecting it from malicious software or unauthorized modifications that could compromise security.

The default bootloader on your Android smartphone is optimized to work seamlessly with the device’s hardware and software, ensuring that the system runs smoothly and reliably. This minimizes the risk of software crashes, bugs, or performance issues that can occur with unauthorized changes.

Additionally, the default bootloader ensures that the device remains eligible for official updates and support from the manufacturer. This means you will receive the latest security patches, new features, and bug fixes without any complications, maintaining the overall integrity and performance of the device.

How To Unlock Bootloader

You might want to unlock the bootloader for various reasons, such as installing custom ROMs, gaining root access, or experimenting with different OS versions. However, it comes with advanced risks, including voiding the warranty of your smartphone, potential security vulnerabilities, and the possibility of bricking the device, which makes it unusable.

Unlocking the bootloader opens up a world of possibilities, but it’s important to approach the process with caution, understanding the risks involved and ensuring that you’re prepared for any potential issues that might arise. Below is the step-by-step guide to unlock the bootloader on Samsung, OnePlus, Realme, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Nokia, Tecno, Infinix, iQOO, ZTE, Motorola, Sony, and Huawei smartphones.

How To Unlock Bootloader on Samsung:

The How To Unlock Bootloader on Samsung guide will support the following models including Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S23+, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, Samsung Galaxy A34 5G, Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, Samsung Galaxy F14 5G, Samsung Galaxy S24, Samsung Galaxy S24+, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy A06, Samsung Galaxy F35 5G, Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, Samsung Galaxy M55s, Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, Samsung Galaxy M13, Samsung Galaxy F13, Samsung Galaxy A04s, Samsung Galaxy A13, Samsung Galaxy M04, Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, Samsung Galaxy A04, Samsung Galaxy M12, Samsung Galaxy F12, Samsung Galaxy A22, Samsung Galaxy A03, Samsung Galaxy A32, Samsung Galaxy M32, Samsung Galaxy A12, Samsung Galaxy M21 2021 Edition, Samsung Galaxy A03 Core, Samsung Galaxy F22.

Go to the phone Settings menu.
Click on the About Phone section > tap on Build Number 7 times continuously.

Go back to the main Settings menu again and scroll down a little bit.

Tap on the Developer options > turn on the toggle OEM Unlock.

Now go to Developer options and turn on the USB Debugging option.
Download and extract the ADB & Fastboot zip file on your Windows PC.
Connect your phone to the PC via the USB cable.
Navigate to to the ADB & Fastboot folder on your PC, press Shift Key + Right Mouse Click on a blank area to open the Windows command prompt.
Type the following command in CMD:

adb devices

You may get a pop up to allow USB Debugging on your phone. Just tap on the OK button.
Type the next command below and hit enter:

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot oem unlock

This will unlock the bootloader. Now you can restart your device.

You may read the in-depth process of unlocking bootloader on Samsung devices here – How To Unlock Bootloader On Samsung Galaxy Phones

How To Unlock Bootloader on OnePlus

The How To Unlock Bootloader on OnePlus guide will support the following models including OnePlus 11, OnePlus 11R, OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G, OnePlus Nord 3 5G, OnePlus Ace 2, OnePlus Ace 2V, OnePlus 12 (2024), OnePlus 12R (2024), OnePlus Nord 4, OnePlus Ace 3, OnePlus Ace 3 Lite, OnePlus Nord N30 5G, OnePlus 10T, OnePlus 10 Pro, OnePlus 10R, OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G, OnePlus Nord CE 2, OnePlus Nord 2T 5G, OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus 9R, OnePlus 8T, OnePlus 8 Pro, OnePlus 8, OnePlus 7T.

Go to the phone Settings menu.
Click on the About Phone section > tap on Build Number 7 times continuously.
Go back to the main Settings menu again and scroll down a little bit.
Tap on the Developer options > turn on Developer Options.
Download and install the latest OnePlus USB drivers.
Download and extract the ADB & Fastboot zip file on your Windows PC.
Connect your phone to the PC via the USB cable.
Navigate to to the ADB & Fastboot folder on your PC, press Shift Key + Right Mouse Click on a blank area to open the Windows command prompt.
Type the following command in CMD:

adb devices

You may get a pop up to allow USB Debugging on your phone. Just tap on the OK button.
Type the next command below and hit enter:

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot oem unlock

This will unlock the bootloader. Now you can restart your device.

You may read the in-depth process of unlocking bootloader on OnePlus devices here – How To Unlock Bootloader On Any OnePlus Smartphone

How To Unlock Bootloader on Realme

The How To Unlock Bootloader on Realme guide will support the following models including Realme GT Neo 2T, Realme GT Neo 3, Realme GT Neo 5, Realme GT Neo 5 240W, Realme GT Neo5 SE, Realme GT3, Realme GT2 Explorer Master, Realme GT2 Pro, Realme Pad 2, Realme Narzo N55, Realme Narzo N53, Realme Narzo 60, Realme Narzo 60 Pro, Realme Narzo 70, Realme Narzo 70x, Realme Narzo 70 Pro, Realme C55, Realme C53, Realme C67 4G, Realme C67, Realme V23, Realme V23i, Realme V25, Realme 11, Realme 11 Pro, Realme 11 Pro+, Realme 12 Lite, Realme 12 Pro, Realme 12 Pro+, Realme 12+, Realme 12, Realme 10T, Realme 10 Pro+, Realme 10s, Realme 10 Pro, Realme 10 5G, Realme 10.

Download the Unlock Tool APK and install it on your smartphone.
Now, open the unlock tool and click on “Start applying.”
You will be presented with a disclaimer. It is advised that you read the disclaimer in detail.
Once you are done with it, select the checkbox, and submit your application.
After this, the application will be checked by the Realme servers, and within approximately 1 hour, the unlock tool will show you the status of your request.
Once you are through with the unlock request, then you need to tap on the “Start the in-depth test.” this will restart your device.
Download and install the latest Realme USB Drivers on your PC
Download and extract the ADB & Fastboot zip file on your Windows PC.
Connect your phone to the PC via the USB cable.
Navigate to to the ADB & Fastboot folder on your PC, press Shift Key + Right Mouse Click on a blank area to open the Windows command prompt.
Type the following command in CMD:

adb devices

You may get a pop up to allow USB Debugging on your phone. Just tap on the OK button.
Type the next command below and hit enter:

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot flashing unlock

This will unlock the bootloader. Now you can restart your device.

You may read the in-depth process of unlocking bootloader on Realme devices here – How To Unlock Any Realme Bootloader With Realme Unlock App

How To Unlock Bootloader on Xiaomi

The How To Unlock Bootloader on Xiaomi guide will support the following models including Xiaomi Redmi K70 Pro, Xiaomi Redmi K70, Xiaomi Redmi K70e, Xiaomi Redmi K70 Ultra, Xiaomi 13T Pro 5G, Xiaomi Mix Fold 4, Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro, Xiaomi 15 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Pro, Xiaomi Mix Flip, Xiaomi 12 Lite 5G, Xiaomi 12X Pro, Xiaomi Black Shark 6, Xiaomi Black Shark 6 Pro, Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold 2, Xiaomi 13 Lite, Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro, Xiaomi Redmi Note 13, Xiaomi Redmi Note 13T, Xiaomi Poco F6 Pro.

Go to the phone Settings menu.
Click on the About Phone section > tap on Build Number 7 times continuously.
Go back to the main Settings menu again and scroll down a little bit.
Tap on the Developer options > turn on Developer Options and OEM Unlock.

Go back to Developer options and tap on Mi Unlock Status, add your MI account here.
Download and install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC.
Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC.

Download and extract the ADB & Fastboot zip file on your Windows PC.
Connect your phone to the PC via the USB cable.
Navigate to to the ADB & Fastboot folder on your PC, press Shift Key + Right Mouse Click on a blank area to open the Windows command prompt.
Type the following command in CMD:

adb devices

You may get a pop up to allow USB Debugging on your phone. Just tap on the OK button.
Type the next command below and hit enter:

adb reboot bootloader

Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and sign in with your credentials.

Click on the Unlock button. A confirmation pop up will appear.

Once that is done, you will see the Unlocked Success message.

Click on the Reboot phone button to restart your device.

You may read the in-depth process of unlocking bootloader on Xiaomi devices here – How to Unlock Bootloader on Any Xiaomi Devices Using Mi Flash Tool

How To Unlock Bootloader on Nokia

The How To Unlock Bootloader on Nokia guide will support the following models including Nokia X50, Nokia G60 5G, Nokia C32, Nokia 5710 XpressAudio, Nokia C22, Nokia X20 5G, Nokia G40, Nokia 8110 4G, Nokia C12, Nokia X60.

Go to the phone Settings menu.
Click on the About Phone section > tap on Build Number 7 times continuously.
Go back to the main Settings menu again and scroll down a little bit.
Tap on the Developer options > turn on Developer Options and OEM Unlock.
Go to the Bootloader Section of the Nokia Servers and register.
You will receive the Nokia Bootloader Unlock app, Install the above app to your Nokia phone.
Then fill in the information to generate a validation code.
Submit the validation code on Nokia’s official website.
Now check your email. You must have received a unlock key.
Download the unlock key and rename it as nokiaunlock.key
Download and extract the ADB & Fastboot zip file on your Windows PC.
Copy the nkiaunlock.key in the ADB and Fastboot folder.
Connect your phone to PC by pressing and holding the Volume Down button.

Navigate to to the ADB & Fastboot folder on your PC, press Shift Key + Right Mouse Click on a blank area to open the Windows command prompt.
Type the following command in CMD:

fastboot flash unlock nokiaunlock.key

fastboot oem unlock

This will unlock the bootloader. Now you can restart your device.

You may read the in-depth process of unlocking bootloader on Nokia devices here – How To Unlock Bootloader On Any Nokia Smartphone

How To Unlock Bootloader on Tecno

The How To Unlock Bootloader on Tecno guide will support the following models including Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G, Tecno Camon 30 Pro, Tecno Camon 30S Pro, Tecno Spark 20 Pro Plus, Tecno Spark 20 Pro, Tecno Spark 20C, Tecno Camon 30 Premier 5G, Tecno Spark Go 2024, Tecno Camon 30 5G, Tecno Pova 6, Tecno Spark 20, Tecno Pova 6 Lite, Tecno Camon 30 Lite, Tecno Spark 20 Max, Tecno Pova 6 Max, Tecno Camon 30 4G, Tecno Spark 20E, Tecno Camon 30 Zoom, Tecno Spark 20F, Tecno Pova 6 5G.

Go to the phone Settings menu.
Click on the About Phone section > tap on Build Number 7 times continuously.
Go back to the main Settings menu again and scroll down a little bit.
Tap on the Developer options > turn on Developer Options.
Download and install the latest Tecno USB drivers.
Download and extract the ADB & Fastboot zip file on your Windows PC.
Connect your phone to the PC via the USB cable.
Navigate to to the ADB & Fastboot folder on your PC, press Shift Key + Right Mouse Click on a blank area to open the Windows command prompt.
Type the following command in CMD:

adb devices

You may get a pop up to allow USB Debugging on your phone. Just tap on the OK button.
Type the next command below and hit enter:

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot flashing unlock

This will unlock the bootloader. Now you can restart your device.

You may read the in-depth process of unlocking bootloader on Tecno devices here – How To Unlock Bootloader On Any Tecno Smartphone

Conclusion

This brings us to the end of this guide for Understanding the Bootloader: What It Is, Its Purpose, and How to Unlock It. In essence, the bootloader bridges the gap between the hardware and the software, ensuring that your Android device starts correctly by initializing the hardware components and loading the necessary software components. However, suppose you wish to tamper and unlock the bootloader file on your Android smartphone. In that case, you can follow the above guide for Samsung, OnePlus, Realme, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Nokia, Tecno, Infinix, iQOO, ZTE, Motorola, Sony, and Huawei smartphones.