Bootloader unlocking - Revision history

Sojourna: /* Alternative Android-based Operating Systems */ Changed comment to use clarify template.

2026-05-15T00:35:12Z

Alternative Android-based Operating Systems: Changed comment to use clarify template.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:35, 15 May 2026
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	Apple products such as iPhones do not support unlocking the bootloader or verifying the authenticity of the firmware and bootloader with digital signatures, making bootloader unlocking difficult.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=26 Feb 2026 \|title=Apple \|url=https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/main/brands/apple/README.md \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260114112736/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/main/brands/apple/README.md \|archive-date=14 Jan 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Github}}</ref> Instead, People jailbreak their iPhones using 3rd party software.<ref>https://www.quora.com/Can-you-install-a-different-operating-system-on-your-iPhone-if-it-was-not-sold-with-one-built-in-from-Apple</ref><ref>https://youtu.be/O0_Aou3eZl8 ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=O0_Aou3eZl8 Archived])</ref><!-- Requires more reputable citations. -->		Apple products such as iPhones do not support unlocking the bootloader or verifying the authenticity of the firmware and bootloader with digital signatures, making bootloader unlocking difficult.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=26 Feb 2026 \|title=Apple \|url=https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/main/brands/apple/README.md \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260114112736/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/main/brands/apple/README.md \|archive-date=14 Jan 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=Github}}</ref> Instead, People jailbreak their iPhones using 3rd party software.<ref>https://www.quora.com/Can-you-install-a-different-operating-system-on-your-iPhone-if-it-was-not-sold-with-one-built-in-from-Apple</ref><ref>https://youtu.be/O0_Aou3eZl8 ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=O0_Aou3eZl8 Archived])</ref><!-- Requires more reputable citations. -->

	==Alternative Android-based ~~Operating Systems~~==		==Alternative Android-based operating systems==
	These include, but are not limited to:		These include, but are not limited to:

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	*[https://calyxos.org/ CalyxOS]		*[https://calyxos.org/ CalyxOS]

	*[https://source.android.com/ AOSP (Android Open Source Project)] , also known as "stock" Android.<ref>https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115003706/https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm Archived])</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Patel \|first=Pratham \|date=20 Feb 2024 \|title=5 De-Googled Android-based Operating Systems to Free Your Smartphone from Google and other Big Tech \|url=https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707220149/https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025 \|access-date=19 Aug 2025 \|website=It's FOSS}}</ref>~~<!--~~ This part is a bit confusing since "stock ROM" when talking about flashing usually refers to the manufacturer ROM, not vanilla AOSP ~~-->~~		*[https://source.android.com/ AOSP (Android Open Source Project)] , also known as "stock" Android.<ref>https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115003706/https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm Archived])</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Patel \|first=Pratham \|date=20 Feb 2024 \|title=5 De-Googled Android-based Operating Systems to Free Your Smartphone from Google and other Big Tech \|url=https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707220149/https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025 \|access-date=19 Aug 2025 \|website=It's FOSS}}</ref>{{Clarify\|date=14 May 2026\|This part is a bit confusing since "stock ROM" when talking about flashing usually refers to the manufacturer ROM, not vanilla AOSP}}

	==User links==		==User links==

MrTuttle: /* Alternative Android-based Operating Systems */ Added a comment about the term "Stock Android" being ambiguous

2026-05-14T11:23:35Z

Alternative Android-based Operating Systems: Added a comment about the term "Stock Android" being ambiguous

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:23, 14 May 2026
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	*[https://calyxos.org/ CalyxOS]		*[https://calyxos.org/ CalyxOS]

	*[https://source.android.com/ AOSP (Android Open Source Project)] , also known as "stock" Android.<ref>https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115003706/https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm Archived])</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Patel \|first=Pratham \|date=20 Feb 2024 \|title=5 De-Googled Android-based Operating Systems to Free Your Smartphone from Google and other Big Tech \|url=https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707220149/https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025 \|access-date=19 Aug 2025 \|website=It's FOSS}}</ref>		*[https://source.android.com/ AOSP (Android Open Source Project)] , also known as "stock" Android.<ref>https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115003706/https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm Archived])</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Patel \|first=Pratham \|date=20 Feb 2024 \|title=5 De-Googled Android-based Operating Systems to Free Your Smartphone from Google and other Big Tech \|url=https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707220149/https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025 \|access-date=19 Aug 2025 \|website=It's FOSS}}</ref><!-- This part is a bit confusing since "stock ROM" when talking about flashing usually refers to the manufacturer ROM, not vanilla AOSP -->

	==User links==		==User links==

Sojourna at 05:01, 13 May 2026

2026-05-13T05:01:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:01, 13 May 2026
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	Rooting a device allows users to bypass OS restrictions while the device is running. Conversely, bootloader unlocking allows rewriting the storage drive where the OS is installed, but does not grant any further abilities after the OS is loaded. Bootloader unlocking, however, allows users to enable root access by either manually editing the loaded operating system or using an app to do so automatically.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026}}		Rooting a device allows users to bypass OS restrictions while the device is running. Conversely, bootloader unlocking allows rewriting the storage drive where the OS is installed, but does not grant any further abilities after the OS is loaded. Bootloader unlocking, however, allows users to enable root access by either manually editing the loaded operating system or using an app to do so automatically.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026}}

	== How it works ==		==How it works==
	Some manufacturers do not allow unlocking the bootloader even if the device is no longer supported. Some manufacturers only allow unlocking on some regions, or require a payment or an [[Forced cloud\|online connection]] to unlock the phone. Some manufacturers may void the warranty or block certain features permanently if the bootloader is unlocked		Some manufacturers do not allow unlocking the bootloader even if the device is no longer supported. Some manufacturers only allow unlocking on some regions, or require a payment or an [[Forced cloud\|online connection]] to unlock the phone. Some manufacturers may void the warranty or block certain features permanently if the bootloader is unlocked

	== Benefits of unlocked bootloaders ==		==Benefits of unlocked bootloaders==

	===~~'''~~Better Privacy~~'''~~===		===Better Privacy===
	Most custom ROMs do not contain any components that send data to manufacturers, Google, or their partner companies.<ref name=":0" /> In some cases, they even contain components that prevent individual apps from doing so, such as:		Most custom ROMs do not contain any components that send data to manufacturers, Google, or their partner companies.<ref name=":0" /> In some cases, they even contain components that prevent individual apps from doing so, such as:

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	*[https://unifiedpush.org/ Unified Push]		*[https://unifiedpush.org/ Unified Push]

	===~~'''~~Extending device lifespan~~'''~~===		===Extending device lifespan===
	Most custom ROMs do not contain [[bloatware]] and can thus be used to extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to later updates requiring more performance and storage. Especially on low-end phones, these updates often exhaust the built-in storage after as little as two years.{{Citation needed}} This renders the device slow and unstable, without room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer's software.{{Citation needed}} Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they did when new, extending their useful lifespan.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026\|reason=Low verifiability}}<ref>{{Cite web \|title=By how much do custom roms really extend Phone lifespans? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/comment/fpj11ay/ \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Reddit \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033349/https://old.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/by_how_much_do_custom_roms_really_extend_phone/fpj11ay/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-03-10 \|title=Xiaomi Redmi 8a - olivelite with Dual Sim \|url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=/e/OS Community \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907145946/https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref><!-- Please provide better sources than forums and reddits. You can read the citation guide on this wiki for more tips -->		Most custom ROMs do not contain [[bloatware]] and can thus be used to extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to later updates requiring more performance and storage. Especially on low-end phones, these updates often exhaust the built-in storage after as little as two years.{{Citation needed}} This renders the device slow and unstable, without room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer's software.{{Citation needed}} Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they did when new, extending their useful lifespan.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026\|reason=Low verifiability}}<ref>{{Cite web \|title=By how much do custom roms really extend Phone lifespans? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/comment/fpj11ay/ \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Reddit \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033349/https://old.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/by_how_much_do_custom_roms_really_extend_phone/fpj11ay/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-03-10 \|title=Xiaomi Redmi 8a - olivelite with Dual Sim \|url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=/e/OS Community \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907145946/https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref><!-- Please provide better sources than forums and reddits. You can read the citation guide on this wiki for more tips -->

	====~~'''~~Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device~~'''~~====		====Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device====
	Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Android Update Matrix \|url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Android Update Tracker \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, as long as custom ROMs are developed. Popular custom ROMs such as [[wikipedia:LineageOS\|LineageOS]] and [[GrapheneOS]] have lasted over 10 years, and are open source, allowing anyone to maintain them and continue their development. <ref>{{Cite web \|last=ciwrl \|first= \|date=2016-12-24 \|title=A fork in the road \|url=https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225091051/https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road \|archive-date=2016-12-25 \|access-date=2026-02-26 \|website=Cyanogen Mod}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=26 Feb 2026 \|title=History \|url=https://grapheneos.org/history/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225034058/https://grapheneos.org/history/ \|archive-date=25 Feb 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=GrapheneOS}}</ref>		Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Android Update Matrix \|url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Android Update Tracker \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, as long as custom ROMs are developed. Popular custom ROMs such as [[wikipedia:LineageOS\|LineageOS]] and [[GrapheneOS]] have lasted over 10 years, and are open source, allowing anyone to maintain them and continue their development. <ref>{{Cite web \|last=ciwrl \|first= \|date=2016-12-24 \|title=A fork in the road \|url=https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225091051/https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road \|archive-date=2016-12-25 \|access-date=2026-02-26 \|website=Cyanogen Mod}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=26 Feb 2026 \|title=History \|url=https://grapheneos.org/history/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225034058/https://grapheneos.org/history/ \|archive-date=25 Feb 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=GrapheneOS}}</ref>

	===~~'''~~Control~~'''~~===		===Control===
	Some applications cannot be easily removed in the default OS. A custom ROM gives users complete control over what is in their operating system, such as preinstalled apps and system themes. <ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230615024140/https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/ Archived])</ref>{{Citation needed}}		Some applications cannot be easily removed in the default OS. A custom ROM gives users complete control over what is in their operating system, such as preinstalled apps and system themes. <ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230615024140/https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/ Archived])</ref>{{Citation needed}}
	==Why most bootloaders are locked==		==Why most bootloaders are locked==
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	==User links==		==User links==

	*[[User:Rudxain/Unix#Android\|Rudxain/Unix § Android]]		*[[User:Rudxain/Unix#Android\|Rudxain/Unix § Android]]

	==References==		==References==
	~~<references />~~		{{Reflist}}

	[[Category:Common terms]]		[[Category:Common terms]]

Rudxain: copy "How it works" from the phone list article

2026-05-12T05:12:49Z

copy "How it works" from the phone list article

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:12, 12 May 2026
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	Rooting a device allows users to bypass OS restrictions while the device is running. Conversely, bootloader unlocking allows rewriting the storage drive where the OS is installed, but does not grant any further abilities after the OS is loaded. Bootloader unlocking, however, allows users to enable root access by either manually editing the loaded operating system or using an app to do so automatically.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026}}		Rooting a device allows users to bypass OS restrictions while the device is running. Conversely, bootloader unlocking allows rewriting the storage drive where the OS is installed, but does not grant any further abilities after the OS is loaded. Bootloader unlocking, however, allows users to enable root access by either manually editing the loaded operating system or using an app to do so automatically.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026}}
	==Benefits of unlocked bootloaders==
			== How it works ==
			Some manufacturers do not allow unlocking the bootloader even if the device is no longer supported. Some manufacturers only allow unlocking on some regions, or require a payment or an [[Forced cloud\|online connection]] to unlock the phone. Some manufacturers may void the warranty or block certain features permanently if the bootloader is unlocked

			== Benefits of unlocked bootloaders ==

	==='''Better Privacy'''===		==='''Better Privacy'''===

Rudxain: elaborate on carrier perma-lock

2026-05-12T05:01:59Z

elaborate on carrier perma-lock

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:01, 12 May 2026
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	===Locks from mobile carriers===		===Locks from mobile carriers===
	Some mobile carriers have completely restricted the unlocking of bootloaders on specific models of cellphones that they sell to prevent bypassing carrier restrictions.{{Citation needed}}		Some mobile carriers have completely restricted the unlocking of bootloaders on specific models of cellphones that they sell to prevent bypassing carrier restrictions.{{Citation needed}} Even when the contract is no longer applicable, the phone will stay locked.

	==Availability==		==Availability==
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	*[https://source.android.com/ AOSP (Android Open Source Project)] , also known as "stock" Android.<ref>https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115003706/https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm Archived])</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Patel \|first=Pratham \|date=20 Feb 2024 \|title=5 De-Googled Android-based Operating Systems to Free Your Smartphone from Google and other Big Tech \|url=https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707220149/https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025 \|access-date=19 Aug 2025 \|website=It's FOSS}}</ref>		*[https://source.android.com/ AOSP (Android Open Source Project)] , also known as "stock" Android.<ref>https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115003706/https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm Archived])</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Patel \|first=Pratham \|date=20 Feb 2024 \|title=5 De-Googled Android-based Operating Systems to Free Your Smartphone from Google and other Big Tech \|url=https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707220149/https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025 \|access-date=19 Aug 2025 \|website=It's FOSS}}</ref>

	== User links ==		==User links==

	* [[User:Rudxain/Unix#Android\|Rudxain/Unix § Android]]		*[[User:Rudxain/Unix#Android\|Rudxain/Unix § Android]]

	==References==		==References==

Rudxain: add "User links" section with my "shameless plug" on Unix and Waydroid

2026-05-12T04:58:56Z

add "User links" section with my "shameless plug" on Unix and Waydroid

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:58, 12 May 2026
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	*[https://source.android.com/ AOSP (Android Open Source Project)] , also known as "stock" Android.<ref>https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115003706/https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm Archived])</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Patel \|first=Pratham \|date=20 Feb 2024 \|title=5 De-Googled Android-based Operating Systems to Free Your Smartphone from Google and other Big Tech \|url=https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707220149/https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025 \|access-date=19 Aug 2025 \|website=It's FOSS}}</ref>		*[https://source.android.com/ AOSP (Android Open Source Project)] , also known as "stock" Android.<ref>https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115003706/https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm Archived])</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Patel \|first=Pratham \|date=20 Feb 2024 \|title=5 De-Googled Android-based Operating Systems to Free Your Smartphone from Google and other Big Tech \|url=https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707220149/https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025 \|access-date=19 Aug 2025 \|website=It's FOSS}}</ref>

			== User links ==

			* [[User:Rudxain/Unix#Android\|Rudxain/Unix § Android]]

	==References==		==References==

Rudxain: /* DRM and ecosystem control */

2026-05-12T04:53:02Z

DRM and ecosystem control

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:53, 12 May 2026
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	===DRM and ecosystem control===		===DRM and ecosystem control===
	Some devices hold [[Digital_rights_management\|DRM]] keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers. <ref>{{Cite web \|title=Sony wipes TA/ partition \|url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 \|url-status=live \|website=GitHub \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033412/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1 \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This allows manufacturers to force the use of their software and maintain control over devices, preventing unsupported devices from receiving updates, removing some apps and services, and bypassing other DRM, such as the iPhone's component DRM.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026}}		Some devices hold [[Digital_rights_management\|DRM]] keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Sony wipes TA/ partition \|url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 \|url-status=live \|website=GitHub \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033412/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1 \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This allows manufacturers to force the use of their software and maintain control over devices, preventing unsupported devices from receiving updates, removing some apps and services, and bypassing other DRM, such as the iPhone's component DRM.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026}}

	===Locks from mobile carriers===		===Locks from mobile carriers===

Rudxain: root: Main: jailbreak

2026-05-12T04:51:02Z

root: Main: jailbreak

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:51, 12 May 2026
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	'''Difference from Rooting'''		'''Difference from Rooting'''

	Rooting a device allows users to bypass OS restrictions while the device is running. Conversely, bootloader unlocking allows rewriting the storage drive where the OS is installed, but does not grant any further abilities after the OS is loaded. Bootloader unlocking, however, allows users to enable root access by either manually editing the loaded operating system or using an app to do so automatically.{{~~Citation needed~~\|~~date=12 Mar 2026~~}}		{{Main\|Jailbreak}}

	~~See [[Jailbreak]] for more info.~~

			Rooting a device allows users to bypass OS restrictions while the device is running. Conversely, bootloader unlocking allows rewriting the storage drive where the OS is installed, but does not grant any further abilities after the OS is loaded. Bootloader unlocking, however, allows users to enable root access by either manually editing the loaded operating system or using an app to do so automatically.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026}}
	==Benefits of unlocked bootloaders==		==Benefits of unlocked bootloaders==

Rudxain: link and reword "custom ROM" part in BG section

2026-04-18T21:35:14Z

link and reword "custom ROM" part in BG section

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:35, 18 April 2026
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	==Background==		==Background==
	Unlocking the bootloader of a smartphone enables the user to install an alternative operating ~~system~~, known as a custom ROM.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=19 Aug 2025 \|title=Android ROM \|url=https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223222958/https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom \|archive-date=23 Dec 2024 \|website=PCMag}}</ref>		Unlocking the bootloader of a smartphone enables the user to install [[wikipedia:List_of_custom_Android_distributions\|alternative operating systems, colloquially known as "custom ROM"]].<ref>{{Cite web \|date=19 Aug 2025 \|title=Android ROM \|url=https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223222958/https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom \|archive-date=23 Dec 2024 \|website=PCMag}}</ref>

	'''Difference from Rooting'''		'''Difference from Rooting'''

Rudxain: link: LOS, GOS

2026-04-17T21:09:32Z

link: LOS, GOS

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:09, 17 April 2026
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	===='''Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''====		===='''Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''====
	Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Android Update Matrix \|url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Android Update Tracker \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, as long as custom ROMs are developed. Popular custom ROMs such as LineageOS and GrapheneOS have lasted over 10 years, and are open source, allowing anyone to maintain them and continue their development. <ref>{{Cite web \|last=ciwrl \|first= \|date=2016-12-24 \|title=A fork in the road \|url=https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225091051/https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road \|archive-date=2016-12-25 \|access-date=2026-02-26 \|website=Cyanogen Mod}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=26 Feb 2026 \|title=History \|url=https://grapheneos.org/history/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225034058/https://grapheneos.org/history/ \|archive-date=25 Feb 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=GrapheneOS}}</ref>		Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Android Update Matrix \|url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Android Update Tracker \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, as long as custom ROMs are developed. Popular custom ROMs such as [[wikipedia:LineageOS\|LineageOS]] and [[GrapheneOS]] have lasted over 10 years, and are open source, allowing anyone to maintain them and continue their development. <ref>{{Cite web \|last=ciwrl \|first= \|date=2016-12-24 \|title=A fork in the road \|url=https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225091051/https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road \|archive-date=2016-12-25 \|access-date=2026-02-26 \|website=Cyanogen Mod}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=26 Feb 2026 \|title=History \|url=https://grapheneos.org/history/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225034058/https://grapheneos.org/history/ \|archive-date=25 Feb 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=GrapheneOS}}</ref>

	==='''Control'''===		==='''Control'''===