Unlocking the bootloader via Fastboot is the easiest thing to do. But not all Android devices support straightforward bootloader unlocking. Many manufacturers put up a setup on their devices to let users unlock bootloader only when they request a bootloader unlock token. This way the manufacturer gets to know that bootloader has been unlocked on the device and thus disables warranty on it.
This guide has bootloader unlocking steps for the devices that support direct bootloader unlocking without the interference of a manufacturer. For your information, most Motorola’s, Sony, LG (flagships only) doesn’t support direct bootloader unlock. It’s okay if you’re not sure about your device though, you can still give with the Fastboot bootloader unlock process shared below. If it passes, good. If it fails, no harm will be done.
To unlock bootloader via Fastboot you’ll need a PC and ADB with Fastboot setup, which can be tricky for some, but we’ll guide you through. Also, make sure your device is at-least 20% charged before you attempt to unlock bootloader.
Note: Unlocking the bootloader will completely wipe/delete all data on your device. Including photos, videos, movies, documents, apps, games, basically everything. So make you backup the important files before unlocking the bootloader.
How to Unlock Bootloader via Fastboot
- Setup ADB and Fastboot on your PC.
- Enable USB debugging and OEM Unlock on your Android device.
- Connect your device to the PC with a USB cable.
- Open a command window on your PC.
- Boot your device into bootloader mode using the following command:
adb reboot bootloader
└ You may get a request to authorize USB debugging on the device, accept it.
- Once your device is in bootloader mode, issue the following command to unlock bootloader:
fastboot flashing unlock
If the above command doesn’t work, run this command (older devices need this): fastboot oem unlock
- (Not applicable for all) If you get a confirmation screen on your device. Press Volume Up button to highlight Yes and press Power button to select it. This will begin the bootloader unlocking process, which shouldn’t last more than a couple of minutes.
- Once the bootloader is unlocked, your device will reboot into bootloader mode. You need to boot it into the system now using the command below:
fastboot reboot
- During reboot, your device will go through a factory reset and then finally boot into system.
That’s all. Your Android device’s bootloader is now unlocked.
Happy Androiding!
152 responses to “How to Unlock Bootloader via Fastboot on Android”
after the command “fastboot oem unlock” , the device automatically restarts without my command . plz help
“‘adb’ is not recognized as an internal or external command,operable program or batch file.”pc said this
you need to install adb on your pc first
will this brick my device
Yes it can. Look for other methods.
It says my device isn’t found
can someone help me?
Have you installed drivers for the make of you phone. Also in developer options change from charging to mtp seeing
My tablet is bootloop, how can i unlock bootloader?
My tablet is Asus MeMopad ME173x
i sorry but i cant choose yes or no on my infinix hot note . (CANT CHOOSE HIGHLIGTH EVEN I PRESS VOLUP OR VOLDOWN ) so i press power button to cancel
Does this help with honor phones in 2020
Doesn’t work with Redmi note 8 pro .
Both commands “fastboot flasshing/oem unlock” result to FAILED (Status read failed(Too many links))- Command failed.
Kindly update your guides, these commands are as good as useless.
I’ve got a question – where do you have this OEM Unlocking ? I don’t have it anywhere in Dev Options. Galaxy S6 G920F
Anyone know the command fastboot oem unlcok without confirmation and without press volume up key?
My android device doesn’t has physical volume key.
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks in advanved.
I don’t think your device is supported.
i have a note 10 does not have an option to unlock the bootloades help
Hello sir…how can I unlock my vivo z1x bootloader using another android phone throw the otg cable..pls help me coz I do not have any pc or laptop
it says “FAILED (remote: ‘check password failed!’)
fastboot: error: Command failed”
what should i do now
How do i fix this
FAILED (remote: Key length error,Please input key)
finished. total time: 0.027s
Thanks for you help. This website helped me a lot
adb reboot bootloader works but then fastboot just says watiing for any device. it never finds the phone. Samsung used to be so cool. I will never buy Samsung again because they lock the bootloader and make it so impossible.