Many users don't like the default settings on OnePlus phones, such as the user interface and themes. By unlocking the bootloader of your OnePlus phone, you can bring direct modifications to the firmware of the device. Moreover, by unlocking the bootloader, users can install custom ROMs on their devices easily.
In this article, we will highlight the OnePlus unlock bootloader and the simple steps to remove the lock without needing technical help.
In this article
Part 1: Why is the Bootloader Locked by OnePlus?
A bootloader is a built-in software in Android devices that runs the system software along with controlling the processes that run whenever a new application opens up. Every Android phone comes with a default locked bootloader that prevents any unauthorized access or modifications. The major reason that OnePlus phones come with a locked bootloader is to ensure that the user does not conduct any modifications on the OS of the phone and runs on the default settings.
Furthermore, the user cannot install customs ROMs or firmware on the phone while the bootloader is locked. Through a locked bootloader, it can be ensured that the device is running on verified software developed by the device manufacturer so that no harm could be made to the phone.
Part 2: Things You Should Know Before Unlocking
Before jumping into the actual guidelines of the OnePlus unlock bootloader, let's discuss some of the essential factors you should know before initiating the process.
1. What Happens After You Unlock the Bootloader?
The first and most important thing you must know is that unlocking the bootloader deletes all the existing data from the phone. It means that you must backup your data before unlocking the bootloader so that you can save your files and information in a safe place.
Moreover, an unlocked bootloader does not give direct access to anyone that can harm your data's safety. However, if someone has physical access to your phone, he may bypass your password easily and can steal the information. Furthermore, if any 3rd custom ROM is being flashed to your device, the system won't guarantee the proper functionality of the phone. In worst situations, the device can face permanent damages, and the existing data can also get affected resultantly.
2. Backup Before Unlocking the Bootloader
As we have discussed earlier that while unlocking the bootloader, the existing data on your phone will get deleted automatically. For this, you must use a backup tool that can save your data so that you can access it anytime. For this, we suggest you use Dr.Fone – Phone Backup (Android), which can effectively backup the Android data without any complications. It's a flexible tool that ensures great compatibility will all Android devices and offers multiple options for the ease of users. You can make a selective backup by choosing the files for backup manually. Moreover, you can also preview the backup data on this tool for more transparency.
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This tool has a well-organized user interface so that any inexperienced individual can back up their data without requiring additional help. To backup your Android data, follow the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1. Initiate OnePlus Backup Process.
You have to install and run Dr.Fone – Phone Backup (Android) on your computer to access its homepage. From the displayed options, tap on "Phone Backup". Once done, connect your OnePlus to the PC using a USB cable. After connecting your OnePlus to the computer, make sure to enable USB debugging.
Step 2. Select your OnePlus Files.
After making the connection, proceed with the "Backup" option from the next window. Following this, choose the file types that you want to backup. After carefully selecting all the files for backup, click on the "Backup" button.
Step 3. Check your OnePlus Backup Data.
Now, wait until the backup process gets finished smoothly. Meanwhile, make sure that your OnePlus is connected to the computer properly. Once the backup process gets finished, tap on the "View Backup History" button to check all the backup data on your device.
Part 3: How to Unlock Bootloader on OnePlus Phones?
Before starting to unlock the bootloader on OnePlus, ensure you have completed all the requirements to execute the process smoothly. The procedure to unlock the bootloader is a bit technical. That's why it's important to follow all the given instructions properly to avoid any hurdles.
Step 1. To begin, unlock your SIM card properly.
For this, make sure to fulfill the eligibility criteria of your SIM carriers to unlock the SIM card easily.
Step 2. Now go to the "Settings" of your phone and then tap on "About phone".
From there, tap on "Build number" five times carefully. If required, enter your phone's password, and then you will be able to see the notification "You are a developer". Once you become the developer, head back to the "Settings" and then click on "System". Go to "Developer options" and then turn on the toggle of "OEM unlocking".
Step 3. To proceed further, dial *#06# to get the IMEI on your phone.
Now install "fastboot_windows.zip" and then unzip it on your PC. Make sure to remember the root directory.
Step 4. Now, put your OnePlus device into fastboot mode.
To do so, use the corresponding key combinations of your OnePlus device to enter it on the fastboot mode easily. Use the following table for help:
|
Device Name |
Key Combination for Fastboot Mode |
|
OnePlus 10 Pro |
Volume Up + Volume Down + Power |
|
OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus 9R, OnePlus 9RT |
Volume Up + Power |
|
OnePlus 8, OnePlus 8 Pro, OnePlus 8T |
Volume Up + Volume Down + Power |
|
OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus 7T, OnePlus 7T Pro |
Volume Up + Volume Down + Power |
|
OnePlus 6, OnePlus 6T |
Volume Down + Power |
|
OnePlus 5, OnePlus 5T |
Volume Up + Power |
|
OnePlus 3, OnePlus 3T |
Volume Up + Power |
|
OnePlus 2 |
Volume Up + Power |
|
OnePlus X |
Volume Up + Power |
|
OnePlus One |
Volume Up + Power |
|
OnePlus Nord, OnePlus Nord N10, OnePlus Nord CE, OnePlus Nord 2 |
Volume Up + Volume Down + Power |
Step 5. Now connect your phone to the PC and enter the commands "cd "root directory" and "fastboot.exe.oem get_unlock_code" on the command-line window to get the Unlock Code.
Step 6. Now, enter the IMEI code that you received and Unlock Code by accessing this website.
This will provide you with the unlock token. You can get the OnePlus T-Mobile Edition Device Unlock Token from the T-Mobile website.
Step 7. To enter the fastbood mode to flash unlock token, enter the command "fastboot flash cust-unlock<unlock_token.bin>".
By pressing Enter, you would be able to see the results on the screen.
Step 8. To unlock the device models like the OnePlus 10Pro 5G and OnePlus Nord N20 5G, enter the command "fastboot flashing unlock".
If you have any other OnePlus model other than this, enter the command "fastboot oem unlock". Once done, utilize the volume key to choose "unlock the bootloader".
Conclusion
Do you want to perform a OnePlus bootloader unlock? This article has provided you with all the required elements and guideline's that you would need for this process. If you want to backup your phone before unlocking the bootloader, you can try Dr.Fone – Phone Backup (Android) to achieve precise results.