In this guide, we will show you the steps to unlock the bootloader on your Samsung device. If we talk about custom development, then a truckload of goodies is waiting to make an abode onto your device. From flashing custom ROMs to recoveries, from installing mods and tweaks to custom binaries, there’s a lot to look forward to. However, before any of these tweaks can make their presence felt on your device, you’ll have to open a gateway for them. This gateway is an unlocked bootloader.
Till the time the bootloader is locked, the OS will only allow you to deal with the stock ecosystem, even a tad bit of tweaking isn’t permitted, to preserve the integrity and more importantly the privacy and security of the OS. However, most tech enthusiasts are already aware of these risks and for them, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks involved. If you are also in the same boat and are ready to take the road less traveled, then let’s get started on this intriguing journey.
The Benefits and Risks of Unlocking Bootloader on Samsung
Once you unlock the bootloader on your device, you’ll be in a position to flash custom ROM, gain administrative access by rooting the device via Magisk, install Magisk and LSPosed Modules, enhance the audio quality via Viper4Android, and flash custom recoveries like TWRP or OrangeFox. Likewise, you could flash a custom kernel and overclock or underclock the device’s CPU by switching over to a different governor profile. However, there’s more to it than what meets the eye.
As opposed to other OEMs, Samsung devices have far more negative consequences upon unlocking the bootloader. While the usual caveats of the device getting a factory reset and the warrant being nullified still hold true, but apart from that, you will no longer be able to use any Knox-related security and privacy features and even apps like Samsung Pay will not function.
And here comes the scary part- even if you reflash the stock firmware and re-lock the bootloader, most of these features will still not function [as the eFuse which gets tripped upon bootloader unlocking is embedded directly into the motherboard and replacing the motherboard might be the only way to bring back the Knox features!]. So if that’s well and good, then let’s get started with the unlocking process.
How to Unlock Bootloader on Samsung
Before starting, please take a backup of all the data on your device. Thedroidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case something happens to your device and data by performing the below steps.
STEP 1: Enable Developer Options
- First off, head over to Settings > About Phone > Software Information.
- Then tap on Build Number 7 times. This will enable Developer Options.
- Go to Settings > Developer Options > enable the USB Debugging toggle.
- After that, download and extract Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC.
- Go to the platform-tools folder’s address bar, type in CMD, and hit Enter.
- This will launch the Command Prompt. Now type in the below command there:
adb devices
- Make sure that you are getting the serial ID. If not, then check out this guide.
STEP 2: Enable OEM Unlock
NOTE: If OEM Unlock toggle is missing, then check the FAQ 1 at the end of this guide
- Head over to Settings > Developer Options > Enable OEM Unlock.
- You’ll now get a prompt on your device, make sure to tap on Allow.
STEP 3: Unlock Bootloader
- To begin with, power off your device and unplug it from your PC.
- After that, press and hold the Volume Up and Volume Down keys.
- While holding both these keys, connect your device to PC via USB.
- Let go of the keys as soon as the device boots to the Warning Screen.
- Then long press the Volume Up key and you’ll be taken to the Unlock Bootloader screen.
- Finally, press the Volume Up key to confirm the bootloader unlocking.
- The process will now start and your device will undergo a reset as well.
STEP 4: Verify Bootloader Unlock on Samsung
- Once done, it should boot to the setup screen. Skip the setup as of now and directly boot to the OS.
- Now connect to the WiFi and head over to Settings > Developer Option.
- The OEM Unlock will be enabled and greeted out, stating that the “Bootloader is already unlocked”.
That’s it. These were the steps to unlock the bootloader on your Samsung device. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments section. We will get back to you with a solution as soon as possible.
FAQ: OEM Unlock Missing on Samsung
If you are residing in the USA and have the Snapdragon variant of the Samsung device, then the OEM Unlock toggle will be missing and you will not be able to unlock the bootloader. At the very most, you do have the option to opt for third-party services but they are usually non-trusted, especially when it comes to privacy and security aspects.
On the other hand, if you have a Samsung Snapdragon device, residing outside the USA, but still the OEM Unlock toggle is missing from your device, then the below-listed workaround should help you rectify this issue [the steps will wipe off all the data from your device, so take a complete device backup beforehand]
- Turn off the WiFi and remove the SIM card from your device.
- Then disable Developer Options on your device [if enabled].
- Now, perform a factory reset from the Settings menu as well.
- Once the reset is complete, do not set up your device. Instead, go straight to the OS and enable WiFi.
- Then go to Settings > Enable Developer Options > You should now see the OEM Unlock option.
- Once it appears, enable it right away. That’s it. You may then re-insert the SIM if required.
So on that note, we round off this guide. If you have any queries, do let us know in the comments section below.
