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”
Great. The only thing is adb command worked for me is
adb reboot-bootloader
also in developer option you need to set oem unlock option
Great. The only thing is adb command worked for me is
adb reboot-bootloader
also in developer option you need to set oem unlock option
Great. The only thing is adb command worked for me is
adb reboot-bootloader
also in developer option you need to set oem unlock option
Great. The only thing is adb command worked for me is
adb reboot-bootloader
also in developer option you need to set oem unlock option
I get message, Waiting on device.
I get message, Waiting on device.
I get message, Waiting on device.
I get message, Waiting on device.
what if when i type “fastboot oem unlock”
then the reply is “oem unlock is not allowed” what’s wrong with it?
go to developer options and enable the option which says ” allow OEM to be unlocked”
When I type command line: “adb reboot bootloader” all it does is restart my devices. Does this mean it’s already completed?
EDIT: I already have OEM option unlocked
what if when i type “fastboot oem unlock”
then the reply is “oem unlock is not allowed” what’s wrong with it?
go to developer options and enable the option which says ” allow OEM to be unlocked”
When I type command line: “adb reboot bootloader” all it does is restart my devices. Does this mean it’s already completed?
EDIT: I already have OEM option unlocked
what if when i type “fastboot oem unlock”
then the reply is “oem unlock is not allowed” what’s wrong with it?
go to developer options and enable the option which says ” allow OEM to be unlocked”
When I type command line: “adb reboot bootloader” all it does is restart my devices. Does this mean it’s already completed?
EDIT: I already have OEM option unlocked
what if when i type “fastboot oem unlock”
then the reply is “oem unlock is not allowed” what’s wrong with it?
its not working im at the db reboot bootloader. Need help! please!
its not working im at the db reboot bootloader. Need help! please!
need help! please skype me! Dennis.sandi1
need help! please skype me! Dennis.sandi1
its says “”adb” is not recognized as an Internal or external command, operable porgram or batch file” need help!
you need to install Minimal ADB Tool
its says “”adb” is not recognized as an Internal or external command, operable porgram or batch file” need help!
you need to install Minimal ADB Tool
its not working im at the db reboot bootloader. Need help! please!
its not working im at the db reboot bootloader. Need help! please!
need help! please skype me! Dennis.sandi1
need help! please skype me! Dennis.sandi1
its says “”adb” is not recognized as an Internal or external command, operable porgram or batch file” need help!
you need to install Minimal ADB Tool
its says “”adb” is not recognized as an Internal or external command, operable porgram or batch file” need help!
Don’t bother trying this, it will not work on your LG Stylo 2 Plus. It WILL Brick your phone and it WILL not be recoverable.
rip my phone…
All I did was run the adb commands as typed, nothing extra, phone is now a brick, won’t do anything.
Don’t bother trying this, it will not work on your LG Stylo 2 Plus. It WILL Brick your phone and it WILL not be recoverable.
rip my phone…
All I did was run the adb commands as typed, nothing extra, phone is now a brick, won’t do anything.
Don’t bother trying this, it will not work on your LG Stylo 2 Plus. It WILL Brick your phone and it WILL not be recoverable.
rip my phone…
All I did was run the adb commands as typed, nothing extra, phone is now a brick, won’t do anything.
Don’t bother trying this, it will not work on your LG Stylo 2 Plus. It WILL Brick your phone and it WILL not be recoverable.
rip my phone…
All I did was run the adb commands as typed, nothing extra, phone is now a brick, won’t do anything.
Got stuck on fastboot oem unlock sais waiting for device
same
Got stuck on fastboot oem unlock sais waiting for device
same
Got stuck on fastboot oem unlock sais waiting for device
Got stuck on fastboot oem unlock sais waiting for device
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
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
My tablet is bootloop, how can i unlock bootloader?
My tablet is Asus MeMopad ME173x
My tablet is bootloop, how can i unlock bootloader?
My tablet is Asus MeMopad ME173x
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
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
will this brick my device
Yes it can. Look for other methods.
will this brick my device
“‘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
“‘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
after the command “fastboot oem unlock” , the device automatically restarts without my command . plz help
after the command “fastboot oem unlock” , the device automatically restarts without my command . plz help
Hello the in the bootloader unlock options my fon volume up is not working to accept unlock bootloader
The volume up button ain’t working to accept bootloader unlock. Is there any command to ulock bootloader?
Hello the in the bootloader unlock options my fon volume up is not working to accept unlock bootloader
The volume up button ain’t working to accept bootloader unlock. Is there any command to ulock bootloader?
press volume up button twice 🙂
Hi, i am using a frp blocked phone. will this work ??
Hi, i am using a frp blocked phone. will this work ??
hey im trying to unlock bootloader but everytime i type in adb reboot bootloader into command prompt my phone goes into odin mode and it says Downloading… Do not turn off target
im using a samsung galaxy A5 (the 2015 one) plz help.
hey im trying to unlock bootloader but everytime i type in adb reboot bootloader into command prompt my phone goes into odin mode and it says Downloading… Do not turn off target
im using a samsung galaxy A5 (the 2015 one) plz help.
i get error:device (null ) not found
what to do if it nothing happens after i type fastboot oem unlock?
anytime I try to reboot to bootloader it just reboots my phone, (smj320a)
Error: device ‘(null)’ not found
I have install edb drivers and all the drivers
I got this error how to fix this plZ tell me plz plz plz
I love u man .
How long does it normally take to download
< waiting for device>
…
FAILED (command write failed (Too many links))
finished. total time : 0.008s
Please Tutorials
after list of devices it blank my device isnt showing up
Hello, I got a Lenovo S5 pro, I tried unlocking the bootloader for hours but I couldn’t. It gives me this error
FAILED (remote: oem unlock is not allowed)
even though my USB debugging and OEM unlock are turned on.
I checked my device ability to be unlocked and it says it’s true.
Any ideas?
the command wont even work for me i need more help
My samsung galaxy tab 2 (GT P5110) has no “OEM Unlock” options. I enter “adb reboot bootloader” and the tablet reboot without entering fastboot mode. What can I do? I’ve read that on older devices the oem option is not there and i don’t need it enabled. Also my tablet is rooted.
Edit: I gave up because someone assured me that I didn’t need to unlock my device since it’s samsung. I also tried to install twrp with the official app on the play store. Hope it works fine
You have to enter the download mode, not fastboot mode. First, power off the device. And then press and hold the Volume down + Home + Power buttons until you see anything on the screen. You will see download mode soon. Install stuff like TWRP here. Or even install a firmware to go back to stock.
Note that you do not need to unlock bootloader on your Tab 2. It’ already unlocked, just use Download mode to flash stuff.
adb reboot bootloader, command works but fastboot flashing unlock command dosen’t work.
by giving command “adb reboot bootloader” mobile restarts and gives screen notice saying “Download unauthorized software can cause your device malfunction, jeopardizing security……”.
In bottom with small font it shows (FASTBOOT MODE…[LONG PRESS POWER KEY TO NORMAL BOOT])
Stuck at this point each time….. Device Coolpad Mega 3
I have a LG k8 and after adm reboot it just restarts the whole phone, when I try to do the fastboot oem unlock it does nothing, what should I do?
i have a Samsung galaxy s9+ and i ran the adb reboot bootloader command through the command console and it says downloading on my phones screen i dont know what it means by downloading it takes for ever and it says “do not turn off target” i need help.
hey i get after the adb reboot bootloader
i get the black screen and stuff
but when i run the next command it says waiting for device.
am i supposed to do something in the bootlaoder
after typing in “fastboot flashing unlock”, it seems to get stuck and reads “waiting for device”. what should i do next??
hello sir ,
actually when i enter into recovery mode there is second option reboot bootloader.
when click on it the phone restart and it get hang in logo screen only so i cant enter in bootloader or fastboot . i tried so many option from phone, from CMD, from Multi tool but before entering into bootloader its hang in logo stage only. please advice how to resolve is there is any hardware or software issue.
please help me
after typing in “fastboot flashing unlock”, it seems to get stuck and it reads “waiting for device”. what should i do next??
Does it support Lg magna?
it only restarts my phone when i type
“adb reboot bootloader”
Which phone do you have?
Does it support lg magna? Tnx in advance
Theoretically, it should support all Android devices. But if it isn’t working, then maybe the OEM has changed or disabled it.
When I try to run the command “fastboot oem unlock”, it just says “< waiting for device >” and in the devices list (adb devices) no devices are shown.
One piece of information that might help is that OEM Unlock isn’t an option in developer options even though I have Android 8.0.0.
hi i have a samsung s8 SM-G950U1 and inputting fastboot oem unlock only causes cmd to display. what do i do
C:WINDOWSsystem32>fastboot oem unlock
…
FAILED (remote: Token Verify Failed, Reboot the device
)
finished. total time: 0.003s
C:WINDOWSsystem32>
Not sure what the Token Verify failed means.
Hello I am using a Samsung J3 6 SM-J320Y. I have a few problems first when I typed adb reboot bootloader in the cmd prompt it had an error. Second is when I pressed the Power Button+Volume UP+Home button it took me to the bios and then i pressed the reboot bootloader and after that i only got an light blue screen with white text saying Downloading… please don’t turn of the target. How to fix? ASAP!!
Hello.I’m trying to unnlock redmi note 5 pro,but every time the screen says failed unknown command and too many links.
Please help me.
Hello. I’m trying to root my Galaxy S7 via TWRP. After inserting “adb reboot bootloader” into the console, a blue screen with white text on my phone reads “Downloading… Do not turn off target.” As the article says nothing about this occurring, is this supposed to happen?
You do not need to unlock the bootloader on the Galaxy S7, or any other Samsung device. They are already bootloader unlocked. But not all of them, for example, as the AT&T and Verizon carrier in the US do not have unlocked bootloader, thus, they you cannot install TWRP on them (unless there is a workaround).
What’s the model of your Galaxy S7? Unless it is G930V/A or G935V/A, you can simply install TWRP uring Odin software and even root it thereafter. You do not need fastboot.
And BTW, what you are seeing (via adb reboot bootloader) is called download mode, or Odin mode (equivalent of fastboot mode on Samsung devices).
Greetings to all..
I typed the command: ‘fastboot oem unlock’ and it says ‘waiting for device’. I realized that adb does not recognize my phone while it is on fastboot mode. I looked for my device on Device manager and found ‘Unknown Device’.
I’ve already installed these drivers:
-UniversalAdbDriverSetup.msi
-LGMobileDriver_WHQL_Ver_4.2.0.exe
-LG-Mobile-Driver_v4.1.1.0.exe (This one is an older version so I cannot install it)
Any ideas on how can I fix this? Can you provide drivers for my device? (LG K10 (2016) K430dsY)
I’ll patiently wait for your assistance. Thanks
By the way does this need root?
no root needed, and it only deletes phone files
By the way will it erase all of the data in my pc too? If yes should i backup my tablet file in there?
Adb only edits files/firmware on android devices, so your computer will not be harmed.
I HAVE A QUESTION CONCERNING A SAMSUNG SM-T377A (AT&T CARRIER PURCHASE VIA CONTRACT) WILL YOUR METHOD UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER ON THIS DEVICE? I WOULD LIKE ROOT AND HAVE TRIED BUT NO SUCCESS. KINGROOT GOT TO 90% AND FAILED. APK AND PC ATTEMPTS. ANDROID 7.1.1 AND LATEST OTA UPDATE WAS 3 WEEKS AGO. MY S7 ACTIVE (AT&T CARRIER) IS ROOTED USING THE METHOD FOUND ON XDA (THOSE GUYS ROCK) JUST CANT INSTALL TWRP BUT HAVE ROOT!!
ANY HELP WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED. THANKS IN ADVANCE.
KIND REGARDS,
MARC
Hi, I have a Samsung galaxy S6 G920F. Cannot boot into download mode to use Odin. When I press the Volume down, power and home buttons together it takes me to Chinese writing which I’m fairly certain is test mode. Volume up and power lets me select recovery mode, fastboot or normal startup. Pls assist in getting phone into download mode.
bro could you help me please ? I want to instal twrp in asus zenfone max pro m1 but i don’t find twrp in official website ? And then i havent ubl this phone. But my friend instal twrp nubia on hisense and it’s work! Then Could you help me to choose twrp that support for asus zenfone max pro m1 ? Please answer my question i need your help??
how do i unlock bootloader for lg k450(cricket)
Hi, I try this method with a ZTE Blade L2 (VTelca Telepatria 2 Venezuela´s Mod), but have pass more than 10 minutes and nothing.. Can help me? Thx!!
Hey I have galaxy s5 sm-g900h I want to install TWRP recovery can you help me please. Tell me what should I do step by step
Download the TWRP recovery from twrp.me, and install it using this guide – https://nerdschalk.com/how-to-install-twrp-recovery-using-odin/ Let me know if you need more help.
Hi, thank for your share. I need help here…
I have Samsung Galaxy J2 prime (it runs Android 6 and has oem unlock option). I successfully rooted it (by turned on first oem unlock and usb debugging under developer mode). My phone ran normal since. But I accidentally turned off the developer option thus it won’t boot (it says: CUSTOM BINARY BLOCKED by FRP ,boot.img.>).
My question is: Can I turn the developer mode (and oem unlock) on in any way without boot to my phone first? Maybe using fastboot or something? and how.
Thank you again
You should install device firmware and and device will get started
Fastboot doesn’t help in the case of Samsung devices.
Do you have TWRP recovery installed?
Anyway, you shall install the firmware on your device using Odin. That should fix it.
Download the firmware from here – https://nerdschalk.com/samsung-galaxy-j2-firmware/
Make sure you download the firmware for your model no. only, so be sure to check that first already. It’s also visible in the Download mode.
Thanks for the reply. I reflashed the rom using odin, like you said, and found no problem. thanks
But OEM unlocking is not there in my samsung GT-S7392..
You don’t need to OEM Unlock the GT-S7392. When the Galaxy Trend was released, there was no option like OEM Unlock on Android. This option arrived only 3-4 years ago. Your device is already factory unlocked. So, ignore the OEM Unlock thing.
May I ask why you needed that? Are you installing a firmware using Odin? Or trying to install TWRP? Whatever it is, just continue to next step.
Thank you Kapil! I have successfully installed TWRP using odin but I am confused in what to do next… I mean whether I should unlock the bootloader or can I proceed to installing custom ROM
thanks this work for i unlock my boot-loader its work for me
my phone says that i cant remote: oem unlock. my phone is lenovo lemon
three
i typed
fastboot oem unlock and its stuck at and downloading blue screen and says do not turn off target its been 10 min
its showing unlock not allowed any suggesetions
anytime I try to reboot to bootloader it just reboots my phone, (smj320a)
what to do if it nothing happens after i type fastboot oem unlock?
i get error:device (null ) not found
hey im trying to unlock bootloader but everytime i type in adb reboot bootloader into command prompt my phone goes into odin mode and it says Downloading… Do not turn off target
im using a samsung galaxy A5 (the 2015 one) plz help.
Hi, i am using a frp blocked phone. will this work ??
Hello the in the bootloader unlock options my fon volume up is not working to accept unlock bootloader
The volume up button ain’t working to accept bootloader unlock. Is there any command to ulock bootloader?
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.