Editing Samsung (section)

====Bootloader unlocking====
Unlocking the bootloader of an android device is a way users can take back control of their own device by allowing more customization, better performance, enhancing privacy, allowing choice in what software runs unrestricted or preloaded on the devices.<ref>https://www.androidauthority.com/unique-android-launcher-3477698/ minmal andriod launchers for preformance.</ref> Many Samsung mobile devices outside the US and Canada can have their bootloader unlocked by various means, but this essential feature comes with many restrictions:<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/1g2xhd9/unlock_bootloader_for_newer_samsung_devices_in/</ref>

*When the bootloader is unlocked, Samsung devices have their KNOX fuse tripped, which voids the warranty and restricts access to apps such as: Secure Folder, Samsung Pay, Samsung Pass and Samsung Health. These restrictions apply even after relocking the bootloader, meaning that gaining control over your own device requires you to give away some of the functionality you paid for and possibly hurting its aftermarket value.<ref>https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-for-android/core-platform-security/root-of-trust/#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20the%20Knox,feature%20like%20SELinux%20is%20disabled</ref>
*In some instances, Samsung has sold devices capable of bootloader unlocking, but further restricted it with an update. This happened with the Galaxy Tab A 2019 (SM-T290), which had an update to its bootloader that restricted both the ability to flash new firmware and to downgrade to an older, working firmware,<ref>https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/#special-requirements</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/119nz5t/bootloader_version_not_compatible_with/jabng43/?context=3</ref> therefore restricting users to the sluggish One UI which runs notoriously bad on this device.<ref>https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/</ref>
*<!-- add a link to an internal article about Google Play services custom roms/ rooting / unlocking bootloaders
 ref 
https://www.androidpolice.com/how-google-nerfed-custom-roms-and-rooting/  -->
'''Category: Home appliances'''
*According to iFixit's documentation of Samsung repair, schematic diagrams and service parts were cited in their survey, in collaboration with PIRG<ref>https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/</ref> and Repair.org,<ref>https://www.repair.org/restricting-access</ref> of professional repair technicians as "difficult to find service documentation"<ref name=":6">New article from ifixit

https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation

The investigation by US PIRG, iFixit and Repair.org https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2022-0061-0033

Which is sourced from the below letter to the united states FTC

https://valkyrie.cdn.ifixit.com/media/2023/01/30193712/Repair-Coalition-Letter-for-FTC-Energy-Guide-Ruling-ANPR-R611004.pdf</ref>
*Repair.org  surveyed repair professionals who were able to acquire service manuals from manufactures including Samsung: "Even when they get access to those manuals, technicians sometimes don’t find the information they need. Repair manuals are often lacking fault codes and schematic diagrams needed to complete repairs."<ref name=":6" />