When you buy a new smartphone on Android, its operating system is protected from deep changes by factory restrictions. These restrictions do not allow you to install unofficial firmware, modify system files, or gain superuser rights (root) without first unlocking it. But what is factory unlocking of Android and why does it raise so many questions?

In this article we will look at how factory unlocking differs from rooting, why you need it by ordinary users and developers, and also what risks this process carries. You will learn how to officially unlock the bootloader on popular brands - Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and others - and what to do if something goes wrong. We will pay special attention to changes in manufacturer policies in 2026, which have complicated the process for some models.

If you have ever encountered a message OEM Unlocking not allowed or Bootloader is locked, this article will help you understand the reasons and find a solution. And for those who just want to understand whether it is worth unlocking the bootloader on their device, we have prepared a comparative table of the pros and cons of the procedure.

What is Android factory unlocking and why do you need it?

Factory unlocking (or bootloader unlocking bootloader unlock) is the process of disabling hardware protection that limits changes to system sections of the smartphone. By default, all Androiddevices come with a locked bootloader in order to:

  • 🔒 Prevent the installation of malware at the system level.
  • 🛡️ Protect user data from unauthorized access access.
  • 📱 Ensure stable operation of the firmware from the manufacturer.
  • 🔄 Maintain the possibility of automatic OTA updates.

However, for enthusiasts and developers, a locked bootloader becomes an obstacle. Without unlocking it, it is impossible to:

  • 🔧 Install custom recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox).
  • 📲 Flash alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
  • 👾 Receive root access via Magisk or SuperSU.
  • 🔄 Roll back to an older version Android (downgrade).

It is important to understand that factory unlocking is not the same as rootingUnlocking the bootloader only opens the possibility for further modifications, but does not in itself give administrator rights. For example, after unlocking you will be able to. flash Magisk, but without this step root will remain unavailable.

📊 Why do you want to unlock the bootloader?
Install a custom firmware
Get root access
Fix system errors
Just out of interest
Another option

Official unlocking vs unofficial methods: what to choose

Manufacturers of Androiddevices offer official ways to unlock the bootloader, but with a number of restrictions. For example, Google allows unlocking on all devices in the Pixelseries, while Samsung and Xiaomi have introduced additional checks in 2026. Let's compare the approaches:

Unlocking method Advantages Disadvantages Supported brands
Official (via Fastboot) ✅ Without the risk of "skipping"
✅ Manufacturer support
✅ Maintaining the warranty (for some brands)		 ❌ Requires waiting (7-30 days)
❌ Data reset (full wipe)
❌ Restrictions on some models		 Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi (partially), Motorola
Through EDL mode (emergency) ✅ Works on locked devices
✅ Sometimes bypasses restrictions		 ❌ Risk of damage to EMMC
❌ Requires an authorized account (for Qualcomm)		 Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo
Exploits (vulnerabilities) ✅ Free
✅ Fast (not always)		 ❌ High risk of blocking
❌ Does not work on all versions
❌ May be closed by update		 Samsung (old models), LG

In 2026, many manufacturers tightened their policies unlocking. For example, Xiaomi now requires linking your account Mi to the device for 720 hours (30 days) before unlocking, and Samsung has completely blocked the official unlocking for models on Exynos 2400 i newer. Google Pixel 8 Pro and newer also have additional checks through Google Play Services.

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If you plan to unlock the bootloader on a new device, do it immediately after purchase - some brands block the opportunity after the first OTA update.

Step-by-step guide: how to officially unlock the bootloader

Consider the universal unlocking method via fastboot, which is suitable for most devices (with the exception of Samsung and some models HuaweiBefore you begin, make sure that:

  • 🔋 The device is charged at least for 50%.
  • 📱 A backup copy of the data has been created (unlocking erases everything!).
  • 💻 Drivers have been installed ADB and Fastboot on the PC.
  • 🔑 Enabled Developer options and OEM Unlocking.

Enable developer options (click 7 times on "Build number" in "About phone")

Activate "Unlock" OEM" and "USB Debugging" in the developer settings

Install Android SDK platform tools (ADB/Fastboot)

Download the original firmware for your model (in case of recovery)

Connect the device to the PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol Down)-->

Now let's move on to the process itself:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the computer and switch it to mode fastboot: 

    adb reboot bootloader

    Or manually: turn off the device, then press Power button + Zoom out volume.

  2. Check the device connection: 

    fastboot devices

    If the device is displayed, you can continue.

  3. Unlock the bootloader (the command may differ for some brands): 

    fastboot flashing unlock

    A warning will appear on the smartphone screen - confirm unlocking using the volume and power supply.

  4. After rebooting, the device will be reset to factory settings. Now you can flash a custom recovery or receive root.

For devices Xiaomi an additional step will be required - linking your account Mi and waiting 7-30 days (depending on the model). can be found on the official website Xiaomi in the section Unlock Bootloader.

What to do if the fastboot flashing unlock command does not work?

On some devices (for example, OnePlus or Motorola) instead flashing unlock the command may be required fastboot oem unlock. If this does not work, check:

1. Is the "OEM Unlocking" option enabled in the developer settings.

2. Is there any blocking from the telecom operator (on used devices).

3. Does your model support official unlocking (for example, Samsung Galaxy S24 does not support it).

Risks and consequences of unlocking the bootloader

Although unlocking opens up new opportunities, it also carries serious risks:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Samsung Knox (for example, Galaxy S23, Note 20) bootloader unlocking is irreversibly triggered flag Knox 0x1, which blocks the operation of Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and some banking applications. This flag cannot be reset!

Other possible problems:

  • 🚫 Loss guarantees —most manufacturers will void the warranty after unlocking, even if you return everything back.
  • 🔄 Problems with OTA updates —custom firmware may conflict with official updates.
  • 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities —a modified system is easier to attack.
  • 📱 Unstable operation —unofficial firmware may contain bugs.

In addition, some applications (for example, Netflix, Pokémon GObanking services) refuse to work on devices with an unlocked bootloader or rootrights. To get around this, you have to use modules Magisk like MagiskHide or SafetyNet Fix, but they are not always effective.

If you have unlocked the bootloader, but want to return everything as it was, this is not always possible. For example, on Google Pixel you can re-lock the bootloader with the command fastboot flashing lock, but this will not return the flag Knox or TAMPERED to its original state.

Each manufacturer implements its own security mechanisms, so the unlocking process may vary greatly. Let's look at the methods that are relevant for 2026 for top brands.

Google Pixel (including Pixel 8/8 Pro)

Google remains the most loyal to enthusiasts: unlocking the bootloader is officially allowed, but since 2026, verification via Google Play Serviceshas been added. Now after unlocking, the device can temporarily block access to some functions (for example Google Wallet) before relinking the account.

Command for unlocking: 

fastboot flashing unlock

After the reboot you will need to confirm the unlocking in the settings Google.

Samsung (series Galaxy S, Note, Fold)

Samsung completely prohibited official unlocking for devices on a chip Exynos 2400 and newer (for example, Galaxy S24). For older models (Galaxy S22, Note 20), unlocking is possible, but:

  • Requires an account Samsung with a verified account by mail.
  • The flag is triggered Knox 0x1 (irreversible!).
  • You need to use the utility Odin to flash custom recovery.

Xiaomi (Redmi, POCO, Mi)

From 2026 year Xiaomi tightened the rules:

1. The device must be linked to the account Mi for at least 720 hours (30 days).

2. You need to obtain permission through the app Mi Unlock Tool.

3. (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra) require additional confirmation via SMS.

After unlocking Xiaomi blocks the ability to receive OTA updates, but they can be installed manually via Mi Flash Tool.

OnePlus i Oppo

These brands use a common platform OxygenOS/ColorOS, so the process is similar:

1. Enable OEM Unlocking in the developer settings.

2. Connect to the PC and execute:

fastboot oem unlock

3. data-i="213">) requires entering an unlock code that is generated on the websiteOnePlus 12) requires entering an unlock code that is generated on the site OnePlus.

⚠️ Attention: On devices OnePlus with ColorOS 14+ unlocking the bootloader automatically disables encryption of user data (FBEThis may lead to loss of access to the internal memory when returning to). official firmware.

What to do if the unlocking is unsuccessful: restoring the device

If after unlocking the bootloader the device does not turn on (stuck on the logo, boots into fastboot or shows an error DM-Verity), do not panic. In most cases, the smartphone can be brought back to life. Here is the algorithm:

  1. Check the error. If the screen lights up Invalid IMEI or Baseband unknown, the problem is that the modem partition is damaged. If the device boots into fastboot, but not into the system. In total, damaged boot or system.

  2. Flash the stock firmware. Download the official firmware for your model from the manufacturer's website and flash it through:

    • For Samsung: Odin (file AP, BL, CP, CSC).
    • For Xiaomi: Mi Flash Tool (select clean all).
    • For Google Pixel: fastboot flash all sections in turn.

  • Restore IMEI (if lost). For devices on Qualcomm you can use QCNfile and tool QPSTor Mediatek — Maui Meta or SN Writer.

  • Check for hardware damage. If after flashing the device does not respond to charging or is not detected by the PC, there may be a problem with the EMMC or UFSdrive.

    • If you receive an error FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State'), then the bootloader was not unlocked correctly. Try:

    1. Repeat the command fastboot flashing unlock.
    2. Use an alternative method (for example, EDL for Qualcomm).
    3. Check whether the bootloader is locked by the operator (on a used one) devices).
    💡

    If the device does not turn on after an unsuccessful unlock, DO NOT try to flash custom firmware over the damaged system. First return the stock firmware, then repeat the modifications.

    Alternatives to unlocking: when it is not needed

    Unlocking is not always required to achieve the goal. In some cases, you can get by with safer methods:

    • 🔧 ADB commands without root: many settings (for example, deleting system applications, changing DPI) can be changed via adb shell without unlocking.
    • 📱 Shizuku + AppOps: this method allows you to manage application permissions. without root.
    • 🔄 Magisk in "DenyList" mode: some modules (for example, for changing fonts or animations) work without full unlocking.
    • 📲 Virtual spaces: applications like Island or Shelter allow isolate data without modifying the system.

    For example, if you just need to remove unnecessary system applications (bloatware), you can use:

    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.bloatware

    This command will remove the application for the current user without unlocking the bootloader.

    If the goal is to install Google Camera (GCam) on Xiaomi or Realme, often it is enough to just download a compatible .apkfile and install it manually.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about factory unlocking Android

    Is it possible to unlock the bootloader without losing data?

    No, unlocking the bootloader always leads to a complete reset (full wipe) of the device. This is a security requirement: manufacturers want to make sure that after unlocking. There is no personal data left on the device that could be compromised.

    The only way to save the data is to create a full backup via TWRP or ADB Backup before unlocking, but this is only possible if the bootloader has already been unlocked earlier.

    Will Samsung Pay work after unlocking on the Galaxy S23?

    No. On all devices Samsung with Knox 3.7+ (including Galaxy S22, S23, Z Fold/Flip) the bootloader unlock flag is triggered. Knox 0x1which forever blocks the operation of Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff).

    It is impossible to bypass this limitation - even returning to the stock firmware will not reset the flag Knox.

    How can I find out if the bootloader is unlocked on my device?

    There are several ways:

    1. Reboot the device into mode fastboot (press Power + Vol Down). If there is an inscription at the top of the screen UNLOCKED or Device State: Unlocked —the bootloader is unlocked.
    2. Enter in the terminal: 
      adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

      If answer orange —unlocked, green —locked.

    3. Install the application Bootloader Checker from Google Play.
    Is it possible to get root without unlocking the bootloader?

    No, it is impossible to get full root access without unlocking the bootloader. However, there are alternatives:

    • Magisk Delta (formerly MagiskCanary) - supports installation without unlocking on some devices via patching boot.img.
    • VirtualXposed — allows you to run modules Xposed in an isolated environment without root.
    • Shizuku —gives access to some API adb without unlocking.

    But these methods have limitations and do not replace the full one root.

    Why don't banking applications work after unlocking?

    Banking applications (for example, SberBank, VTB, Alfa Click) check the integrity of the system through Google SafetyNet i Play Integrity APIIf the bootloader is unlocked or available root, these checks fail.

    Solutions:

    • Use modules Magisk like Universal SafetyNet Fix or Play Integrity Fix.
    • Hide root via MagiskHide (does not work on all devices).
    • Install the banking application into an isolated profile (Island or Shelter).

    Please note: from 2026 Google the requirements for Play Integrity APIhave been tightened, and bypassing is becoming more difficult.