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[Q] What is bootloader and do I need to unlock it?

I am completely clueless of what bootloader is and after some googling, I think that it's the locking of a phone's network to a specific company like verizon, at&t etc. But, here in India, we don't have such contracts, so do I need to unlock bootloader before rooting my phone? I previously had galaxy ace and there was no mention of bootloader even when I installed all sorts of custom roms.

nitish159 said:
I am completely clueless of what bootloader is and after some googling, I think that it's the locking of a phone's network to a specific company like verizon, at&t etc. But, here in India, we don't have such contracts, so do I need to unlock bootloader before rooting my phone? I previously had galaxy ace and there was no mention of bootloader even when I installed all sorts of custom roms.
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you just won't get root if your bootloader is locked
Unlock it for root, CWM, ROMs , etc

No, a bootloader doesn't do what you assumed, it just restricts your devices from any alteration by giving you limited access. Region locked or carrier lock is a different thing.

Thanks all, one more thing, if I unlock bootloader then can I get my warranty back?

nitish159 said:
Thanks all, one more thing, if I unlock bootloader then can I get my warranty back?
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NO, you won't. When you apply for the code on Motorola site you lose your warranty. Even if you somehow manage to trick them, Moto G will still show status code as 2 (meaning relocked) instead of 1 (locked) or 3 (unlocked). Anybody feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Rogers D6603 Full Unlock

I just received my Sony D6603 Xperia Z3 from my carrier which is Rogers. Is there a way to fully unlock the device as if it was purchased as an unlocked version? I've tried searching for answers, but only came up with how to unlock the bootloader and rooting instructions. Unless, if by doing those methods, will fully unlock my device including SIM lock. Any help and insight would be greatly appreciated.

Depending on Roger's terms you should be able to have them unlock it. Appears you have to wait 90 days though.
http://www.rogers.com/web/support/wireless/unlock/733?setLanguage=en

Loving this one:
Why do I have to wait 90 days before I can unlock my device?
Your device has been optimized for use on the Rogers network. You may find that some settings or features do not function properly once the device is unlocked and in use with another carrier's SIM card. We want to ensure that you've had the chance to experience the full capabilities of your device on the Rogers network before making the decision to unlock.

Rooting and bootloader unlock will make no difference to SIM unlock.
The two issues are separate.

gregbradley said:
Rooting and bootloader unlock will make no difference to SIM unlock.
The two issues are separate.
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If I unlock the SIM on my device via a code, will it still be unlocked even after re-flashing my device's firmware?
Because I just checked to see if I can unlock my device's bootloader, but I'm not able to at all. Maybe I will be after getting it unlocked by Rogers themselves after the 90 days.

Flava0ne said:
If I unlock the SIM on my device via a code, will it still be unlocked even after re-flashing my device's firmware?
Because I just checked to see if I can unlock my device's bootloader, but I'm not able to at all. Maybe I will be after getting it unlocked by Rogers themselves after the 90 days.
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Once your device is sim free (using code) it will remain unlocked no matter what you do

Flava0ne said:
If I unlock the SIM on my device via a code, will it still be unlocked even after re-flashing my device's firmware?
Because I just checked to see if I can unlock my device's bootloader, but I'm not able to at all. Maybe I will be after getting it unlocked by Rogers themselves after the 90 days.
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Please re-read what I said. Bootloader unlock and SIM unlock are two separate things. One does not affect the other. It does not matter what you do to one it will not change the status of the other.

gregbradley said:
Please re-read what I said. Bootloader unlock and SIM unlock are two separate things. One does not affect the other. It does not matter what you do to one it will not change the status of the other.
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Yes, I understood what you said. What I meant was, when or if I get Rogers to unlock my device, unless they're only unlocking the SIM on it, hopefully I'll be able to unlock the bootloader as if I originally purchased it unlocked to begin with. Because when I checked my device's service menu, the status on the bootloader is that it cannot be unlocked using Sony's official method. If I had purchased an unlocked device instead of getting it through Rogers, the bootloader unlockable status would be different, correct?
When I get home, I'll try and see if I can still unlock the bootloader un-officially using Flashtool, unless for some reason that method won't work at all and my bootloader will not be able to be unlocked at all currently.
Edit: All I basically want to accomplish in my new device is to have root access to it. My previous device was an Xperia PLAY which was also purchased originally locked from Rogers. But after fully unlocking it using the Omnius client, I was able to unlock it's bootloader, flash DooMLorD's kernel and get root access to it. Because all the tutorials I've found on how to access root on the Xperia Z3 involves having the bootloader unlocked.

Flava0ne said:
Yes, I understood what you said. What I meant was, when or if I get Rogers to unlock my device, unless they're only unlocking the SIM on it, hopefully I'll be able to unlock the bootloader as if I originally purchased it unlocked to begin with. Because when I checked my device's service menu, the status on the bootloader is that it cannot be unlocked using Sony's official method. If I had purchased an unlocked device instead of getting it through Rogers, the bootloader unlockable status would be different, correct?
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Probably, but some carrier free devices come with a boot that cannot be unlocked and some devices that are from a carrier can be unlocked. SIM free or SIM locked does not imply the bootloader can or cannot be unlocked.
When I get home, I'll try and see if I can still unlock the bootloader un-officially using Flashtool, unless for some reason that method won't work at all and my bootloader will not be able to be unlocked at all currently.
Edit: All I basically want to accomplish in my new device is to have root access to it. My previous device was an Xperia PLAY which was also purchased originally locked from Rogers. But after fully unlocking it using the Omnius client, I was able to unlock it's bootloader, flash DooMLorD's kernel and get root access to it. Because all the tutorials I've found on how to access root on the Xperia Z3 involves having the bootloader unlocked.
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There is no unofficial bootloader unlock for this device. Its done through sony's official method or not at all.
If Rodgers unlocks the sim for you it will not affect the status of the bootloader at all, unless you ask them to do it and they agree.
To get root access you do not need to be SIM unlocked. The only way to gain root acces on the Z3 currently is to unlock the bootloader, which you cannot do even if Rodgers SIM unlock it
The xperia play is a legacy device and there were unofficial ways to unlock the bootloader. That has not been the case with all new phones for a couple of years now. I believe (Correct me if I am wrong) that the xperia NEO was one of the last to come with an unofficial unlock (The test point method). My old Xperia T was one of the first to come that had no unofficial unlock and the only way to do it was via Sonys unlock site.

gregbradley said:
Probably, but some carrier free devices come with a boot that cannot be unlocked and some devices that are from a carrier can be unlocked. SIM free or SIM locked does not imply the bootloader can or cannot be unlocked.
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That's something I didn't know, I've always thought that when you purchase an unlocked Android device that the bootloader would be unlockable, good to know!
gregbradley said:
If Rodgers unlocks the sim for you it will not affect the status of the bootloader at all, unless you ask them to do it and they agree.
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So they can apparently change the unlock-able status of the bootloader themselves?
gregbradley said:
The xperia play is a legacy device and there were unofficial ways to unlock the bootloader. That has not been the case with all new phones for a couple of years now. I believe (Correct me if I am wrong) that the xperia NEO was one of the last to come with an unofficial unlock (The test point method). My old Xperia T was one of the first to come that had no unofficial unlock and the only way to do it was via Sonys unlock site.
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So basically, unlocking Sony devices unofficially, stopped around the same time Sony Ericsson became only Sony?

Flava0ne said:
That's something I didn't know, I've always thought that when you purchase an unlocked Android device that the bootloader would be unlockable, good to know!
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So they can apparently change the unlock-able status of the bootloader themselves?
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Yes, there have been some posts that some people have managed to do this with some carriers, but I am very sceptical as to this actually happening.
So basically, unlocking Sony devices unofficially, stopped around the same time Sony Ericsson became only Sony?
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That may be coincidence, I believe that Sony made a tactical decision to stop unofficial methods by allowing some devices to be unlocked officially. This saw an almost immediate stop in devs working on unofficial unlocks as you could always get hold of a device that could be unlocked officially and for free. They basically took the need of an unofficial unlock out of the equation.

If Rogers could do that, it really makes me wonder what kind of tool/program that they use to accomplish this.

Probably something similar to Emma or just fastboot and adb. I really do not know that. The problem is they know the keys, without them it needs a good dev to find a vulnerability and write an exploit. That takes time and skill. And since there is an official method there seems no need to spend that time, as people with that skill just get themselves devices which can be unlocked

My 3rd day now with my new Z3 and I'm really missing having root access.

11901
Will SIM unlocking allow you to delete the Rogers apps?
Also, I noticed my phone doesn't let me hide apps, though most people seem to have that option... is that a Rogers thing or is there something wrong with my device?

Sim unlock has nothing to do with root, so sim unlocking will not give you the ability to remove system apps.

msxghost said:
Will SIM unlocking allow you to delete the Rogers apps?
Also, I noticed my phone doesn't let me hide apps, though most people seem to have that option... is that a Rogers thing or is there something wrong with my device?
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What i have done already to my device as soon as i got it, before even turning it on for the first time, was use Flashtool and flashed it with the Global Generic Firmware to get rid of the Rogers branding on it. I was able to disable most of the built in bloatware that originally comes with it.

57147468 said:
What i have done already to my device as soon as i got it, before even turning it on for the first time, was use Flashtool and flashed it with the Global Generic Firmware to get rid of the Rogers branding on it. I was able to disable most of the built in bloatware that originally comes with it.
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Will doing so essentially wipe my phone? Unfortunately I've already downloaded all my apps/customized it how I want otherwise, so I'd like to avoid that if possible. Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, I'm new to Android.

msxghost said:
Will doing so essentially wipe my phone? Unfortunately I've already downloaded all my apps/customized it how I want otherwise, so I'd like to avoid that if possible. Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, I'm new to Android.
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Not if you tick the box to exclude data on flashtool when you flash it

gregbradley said:
Not if you tick the box to exclude data on flashtool when you flash it
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Is there some sort of beginners guide/explanation/walkthrough you can point me towards? I've never had an Android before, so I have no idea what I'm doing and I don't want to screw anything up.

Sprint one plus 7pro oem/root question

I was reading through and people say the OEM was locked. Has anyone found a work around to this I want to get this phone for the mod friendliness however if the OEM unlocking is locked it would be impossible. Any work around? I really want to have access to hotspot with no issues

Not currently. I don't have the phone yet, ordered Friday probably won't be getting it til Monday. If it seems impossible to root, I'll trade it in for the note 10+.

Unfortunately not. You either have to meet Sprints requirements for them to unlock it (phone paid in full and active for 60 days or more on their network) or we have to wait and see if an amazing devs can help us out.

Wait does that mean that sprint will actually unlock the phone for you? If they do, is root possible or would someone still have to develop something for it?

dakoellis said:
Wait does that mean that sprint will actually unlock the phone for you? If they do, is root possible or would someone still have to develop something for it?
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Pretty sure the post about Sprint unlocking the device is confusing SIM unlock with bootloader unlock. Which of course are 2 very different things. I've never heard of carriers having anything to do with unlocking the bootloader. But unlocking the SIM, yes (they have to by law now).
Otherwise, the requirements stated would not be that hard to meet, and plenty of folks would already be unlocking their Sprint 7 Pro bootloaders.
Unlocking the bootloader is the main barrier to root. I don't see why (with an unlocked bootloader) you couldn't just root with one of the existing methods (flash patched boot img with fastboot, or boot TWRP and flash Magisk) and no real development would be needed. But it's that locked bootloader that is the kicker!

So is there any no root workaround for use of the native hotspot on the sprint version of this device?
Or would we just have to use an app?

(Help) Unlocked carrier phone with a greyed out OEM

So I bought a unlocked google pixel 3a on ebay a few months ago and the OEM is greyed out. It says under the OEM that it can't be unlocked because it's carrier locked but I checked and it let me switch carriers. I'm not sure what's wrong with it and any help would be great.

zach183323 said:
So I bought a unlocked google pixel 3a on ebay a few months ago and the OEM is greyed out. It says under the OEM that it can't be unlocked because it's carrier locked but I checked and it let me switch carriers. I'm not sure what's wrong with it and any help would be great.
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There is nothing out of place in your description, what you are asking about is not an issue, it is a matter of you not understanding the difference between bootloader unlock and carrier/network/SIM unlock.
OEM unlock setting and network unlock are two different things.
The OEM unlock setting deals with unlocking bootloader in order to use unapproved/modified software and/or root android devices.
Carrier/network/SIM unlock deals with switching to a different country/region/carrier/network.
You can have a carrier unlocked device while also having a locked bootloader. In your case, your device is not network locked "to" a specific carrier, it is merely bootloader locked "by" a specific carrier.
If it is a US Verizon branded Pixel 3a, the bootloader is locked and cannot be unlocked. I believe the US AT&T Pixel 3a is also bootloader locked, but I could be wrong.
What is your Pixel's exact model number? Is it a carrier branded device? If so, what carrier name is printed on the device or what carrier name shows during boot animation or what kind of carrier bloatware is on the device?
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk

Thanks for the response, my model number is "G020C" and on the ebay page says the locked version is locked to sprint however there aren't any sprint bloatware on the device nor is there any carrier name on the boot up animation just the google logo. Do you think it still would be possible at all to unlock the bootloader at all?

zach183323 said:
Thanks for the response, my model number is "G020C" and on the ebay page says the locked version is locked to sprint however there aren't any sprint bloatware on the device nor is there any carrier name on the boot up animation just the google logo. Do you think it still would be possible at all to unlock the bootloader at all?
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I'm not familiar with your specific device. It seems to me that it is probably a Sprint Pixel 3aXL(your model number shows up as a Pixel 3aXL, not as a Pixel 3a as referenced by your posted above) but has been flashed with the Vanilla Google stock firmware instead of a bloated Sprint stock firmware.
As for unlocking bootloader, you should be able to unlock it, but, you will have to research the exact method to unlock the bootloader, sometimes devices require a method that is specific to that device, the generic bootloader unlock methods do not work on all devices.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk

Droidriven said:
I'm not familiar with your specific device. It seems to me that it is probably a Sprint Pixel 3aXL(your model number shows up as a Pixel 3aXL, not as a Pixel 3a as referenced by your posted above) but has been flashed with the Vanilla Google stock firmware instead of a bloated Sprint stock firmware.
As for unlocking bootloader, you should be able to unlock it, but, you will have to research the exact method to unlock the bootloader, sometimes devices require a method that is specific to that device, the generic bootloader unlock methods do not work on all devices.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
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Okay that actually explains a lot, do you think it would be possible to enable the OEM from a pc? I'm just having trouble finding a guide to unlocking the bootloader because a lot of them require the OEM to be unlocked in the developer options.

zach183323 said:
Okay that actually explains a lot, do you think it would be possible to enable the OEM from a pc? I'm just having trouble finding a guide to unlocking the bootloader because a lot of them require the OEM to be unlocked.
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You may have to wait for a certain period of time before you can enable OEM unlock. Some devices just require being in a powered state with a constant mobile data connection for at least 7 days straight, then the OEM unlock setting can be enabled. Some devices have other additional requirements for unlocking bootloader.
What you probably should have done is unlock the bootloader before you switched the device to a different network, then, after the bootloader was unlocked, then you could have switched networks. An incomplete SIM unlock can cause the OEM unlock setting to be grayed out, correctly or completely unlocking the SIM might make the setting available.
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Droidriven said:
You may have to wait for a certain period of time before you can enable OEM unlock. Some devices just require being in a powered state with a constant mobile data connection for at least 7 days straight, then the OEM unlock setting can be enabled. Some devices have other additional requirements for unlocking bootloader.
What you probably should have done is unlock the bootloader before you switched the device to a different network, then, after the bootloader was unlocked, then you could have switched networks. An incomplete SIM unlock can cause the OEM unlock setting to be grayed out, correctly or completely unlocking the SIM might make the setting available.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
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Yeah I heard about that you have to use a device for a certain amount of time for certain carriers, but I've been using this phone for months now and the option hasn't been available yet. I'm not sure what requirements I have to do since the device is carrier unlocked now. Could I hard reset it and before I put the sim card in would the OEM option be available?

zach183323 said:
Yeah I heard about that you have to use a device for a certain amount of time for certain carriers, but I've been using this phone for months now and the option hasn't been available yet. I'm not sure what requirements I have to do since the device is carrier unlocked now. Could I hard reset it and before I put the sim card in would the OEM option be available?
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You would be better off to ask your questions in the Pixel 3a XL Q&A subforum, the members there are users of that device and would know more about the specifics involved for your specific model number/carrier.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3a-xl/help
Here is a link to the complete Pixel 3a XL forum, search through the subforims for more information about your specific model number.
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Not able to unlock bootloader on Motorola website

Is the Motorola website not working properly for unlocking the bootloader on devices? Every time i try to request the unlock key for it a page that only says "There has been an error with your request." appears. What can i do to unlock the bootloader even with this error?

Where did you get your phone? Some bootloaders are not unlockable.

RETIEF said:
Where did you get your phone? Some bootloaders are not unlockable.
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Its a T-Mobile 5G ace and i bought it used

LazySomeguy said:
Its a T-Mobile 5G ace and i bought it used
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If the previous owner possibly still owes money on it then you can't unlock the bootloader. You'd have to get the unlock app from TMO and they'd have to authorize it to make it unlockable bootloader, which TMO won't do if there's money owed on it.

You should be able to unlock it. The exception is if the previous owner relocked the bootloader. In that case, the bootloader cannot be reunlocked.

FoneWatcher said:
If the previous owner possibly still owes money on it then you can't unlock the bootloader. You'd have to get the unlock app from TMO and they'd have to authorize it to make it unlockable bootloader, which TMO won't do if there's money owed on it.
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the Device Unlock app says that its permantly unlocked
Edit: the seller i bought it from said the IMEI associated with the phone was clean and said it had no problems having to do with not being paid off

I am also having a problem. This seems to be a problem with their website. I tried different browers, computers, and connections. Get that error every time after submitting the device key.

I tried with my new G100, and I have the same error. Any idea of a workaround?

I am having the same error with my Motorola G Stylus 2020 it has to be with their websites ive tried different browsers, computers, they need to solve this issue!!!

same error, i pray their system is down temporarily, G100 with different browsers.

I tried all methods that involve the motorola website I found on the forum but none work. I contacted motorola support, I'll keep you posted if I find anything.

Same here. I called and finally got level 2 support which said they couldn't help. They sent me to the motorola forums where I've asked about it. Will post if I get a reply as well.

Here is a link for the motorola unlock bootloader thread. Post your device ID there
English Community-Lenovo Community

I asked support and they told me the site was down and should be up in a few day. I re-tried now and it worked. I got my code. But the OEM unlock option in the developer settings is still grayed out. Apparently I have to wait which is stupid, I'm very close to just return the phone.

kuon-orochi said:
I asked support and they told me the site was down and should be up in a few day. I re-tried now and it worked. I got my code. But the OEM unlock option in the developer settings is still grayed out. Apparently I have to wait which is stupid, I'm very close to just return the phone.
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Yep. i did it just now and the site seems to be working again

confirmed working again

Ok, for reference, as there are some different things scattered alongside the forum.
I have a G100, german model (I'm in switzerland, but it's considered german).
What I had to do:
- go here <https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a>
- contrary to what customer service told me, the global portal works, even with a german model
- the website was down, but it's up now, if it's down for you, I guess you'll have to try again, customer support did not help me
- BUT, to be able to use the unlock code with `fastboot oem unlock <code>` you need first to activate "OEM unlock" in the Developer settings.
- To access this settings, you need to activate the phone. Some says it works on wifi, but I used LTE for the initial setup, just to be sure. After the setup, I did a few calls, I don't know if this is significant, but the first call took like 5 minutes to connect (I say this because you might be tempted to turn the phone off right after the activation). I applied all the updates, left my phone on my desk, and after 72h this settings was accessible (not grayed).
- After toggling the setting, you can use `fastboot oem unlock` and proceed with lineage installation

I just successfully bootloader unlocked a Moto G 5G (2022) using the website. It took them about five minutes to email me the unlock code after I submitted the string on the website.
Keep in mind that you are referencing two different things: network locks, and bootloader locks. The device may have a clean IMEI and be network unlocked (you can use any carriers SIM in the SIM tray). This doesn't necessarily mean that the bootloader can be unlocked for purposes of flashing custom ROMS. You'll need a phone that is both network unlocked and has an unlockable bootloader.

that's why wiko is better........

I'm having the same issue but with my xt2131-1 model. I received the unique code via email and it says failed to validate code.