Bootloader unlocking: Difference between revisions

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The bootloader is the core layer of a computerized device that connects the software to the physical hardware. In smartphones, the bootloader allows the mobile device to start up with an operating system such as iOS for iPhones and Android for most other smartphones. Bootloaders are generally established by the manufacturer and are shipped to retailers and consumers in a "locked" state, tying the hardware to a specific operating system chosen by the manufacturer. To unlock a bootloader is to disconnect the physical device from a particular operating system, allowing users more control over their purchased smartphones. This is especially relevant for users who wish to [[de-Google]] their android devices, the act of removing Google products and services for privacy, flexibility, and other concerns.

The bootloader is the core layer of a computerized device that connects the software to the physical hardware. In smartphones, the bootloader allows the mobile device to start up with an operating system such as iOS for iPhones and Android for most other smartphones. Bootloaders are generally established by the manufacturer and are shipped to retailers and consumers in a "locked" state, tying the hardware to a specific operating system chosen by the manufacturer. To [[wikipedia:Bootloader_unlocking|unlock a bootloader]] is to disconnect the physical device from a particular operating system, allowing users more control over their purchased smartphones. This is especially relevant for users who wish to de-Google their android devices, the act of removing Google products and services for privacy, flexibility, and other concerns.

==Background==

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Unlocking the bootloader of a smartphone allows the user to install an alternative system on the device, also more popularly 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>

'''Difference from Rooting'''

Rooting grants runtime privileges, that is while the OS is running.

BL unlock allows rewriting the storage drive where the OS is installed, but only while the OS is not running.

BL unlock allows the user to get root access, either:

*Manually, if the user knows what to do

*Automatically, by using a program

See [[Jailbreak]] for more info.

==Benefits of unlocked bootloaders==

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==='''2. Expanding Device Lifespan'''===

Most custom ROMs are free of bloatware and can thus be used extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to the default system growing larger with each manufacturer update. Especially on low-end phones, these updates usually end up exhausting the built-in storage after sometimes as little as two years. This renders the devices slow and unstable and leaves no room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer software. Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they were when new, thus often more than doubling their useful lifespan.<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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03 |title= |url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=/e/OS Community}}</ref>

Most custom ROMs are free of bloatware and can thus be used extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to the default system growing larger with each manufacturer update. Especially on low-end phones, these updates usually end up exhausting the built-in storage after sometimes as little as two years. This renders the devices slow and unstable and leaves no room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer software. Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they were when new, thus often more than doubling their useful lifespan.<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}}</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}}</ref>

==='''3. Updates after device is abandoned by manufacturer'''===

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}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open source community, installing one of these custom ROMs allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components like web browser engines and PDF readers much longer than with the manufacturer's OS.

==='''4. ~~Customisation~~'''===

==='''4. Customization'''===

Some applications cannot be removed easily with the default OS. A custom ROM can be used to only include the applications the user wants, potentially with ~~customisation~~ that ~~isn~~'t originally available by default.

Some applications cannot be removed easily with the default OS. A custom ROM can be used to only include the applications the user wants, potentially with customization options that aren't originally available by default.

==Why most devices are locked==

===Security===

A locked bootloader protects the device from ~~a so-~~called [[wikipedia:Evil_maid_attack|Evil Maid Attack]]~~, where~~ a person with physical access to ~~the~~ device ~~could~~ manipulate the operating system~~. This can happen in situations where~~ the device is left unattended, or when ~~it is~~ handed over for inspection~~, for example during a border control check of~~ a country.

A locked bootloader protects the device from what is often called an [[wikipedia:Evil_maid_attack|Evil Maid Attack]]. This is when a person with physical access to a device can manipulate the operating system, often when the device is left unattended or when handed over for inspection by authorities such as customs upon entering a country.

A locked bootloader ensures that the operating system is intact and cannot be changed to differ from the state in which the manufacturer has released it.

===DRM and ecosystem control===

~~Example Text~~

Some devices hold DRM keys which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go as far as wiping 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}}</ref>

===Locks from mobile carriers===

~~Example Text~~

Some mobile carriers have fully restricted unlocking the bootloader on certain models of cellphones that they sell.

==Availability==

Unlocking the bootloader is only [[Phones that do not allow bootloader unlock|possible on some, but not all Android devices]]. Apple has measures in place to prevent users from installing third party operating systems on iPhones and iPads.

Unlocking the bootloader is only [[Phones that do not allow bootloader unlock|possible on some, but not all Android devices]].

Apple has measures in place to prevent users from installing third party operating systems on iPhones and iPads.

==Alternative Android-based Operating Systems==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{ToneWarning}}
+{{Incomplete}}{{ToneWarning}}
-The bootloader is the core layer of a computerized device that connects the software to the physical hardware. In smartphones, the bootloader allows the mobile device to start up with an operating system such as iOS for iPhones and Android for most other smartphones. Bootloaders are generally established by the manufacturer and are shipped to retailers and consumers in a "locked" state, tying the hardware to a specific operating system chosen by the manufacturer. To unlock a bootloader is to disconnect the physical device from a particular operating system, allowing users more control over their purchased smartphones. This is especially relevant for users who wish to [[de-Google]] their android devices, the act of removing Google products and services for privacy, flexibility, and other concerns.
+The bootloader is the core layer of a computerized device that connects the software to the physical hardware. In smartphones, the bootloader allows the mobile device to start up with an operating system such as iOS for iPhones and Android for most other smartphones. Bootloaders are generally established by the manufacturer and are shipped to retailers and consumers in a "locked" state, tying the hardware to a specific operating system chosen by the manufacturer. To [[wikipedia:Bootloader_unlocking|unlock a bootloader]] is to disconnect the physical device from a particular operating system, allowing users more control over their purchased smartphones. This is especially relevant for users who wish to de-Google their android devices, the act of removing Google products and services for privacy, flexibility, and other concerns.
 ==Background==
@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 Unlocking the bootloader of a smartphone allows the user to install an alternative system on the device, also more popularly 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>
+'''Difference from Rooting'''
+Rooting grants runtime privileges, that is while the OS is running.
+BL unlock allows rewriting the storage drive where the OS is installed, but only while the OS is not running.
+BL unlock allows the user to get root access, either:
+*Manually, if the user knows what to do
+*Automatically, by using a program
+See [[Jailbreak]] for more info.
 ==Benefits of unlocked bootloaders==
@@ Line 25: / Line 36: @@
 ==='''2. Expanding Device Lifespan'''===
-Most custom ROMs are free of bloatware and can thus be used extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to the default system growing larger with each manufacturer update. Especially on low-end phones, these updates usually end up exhausting the built-in storage after sometimes as little as two years. This renders the devices slow and unstable and leaves no room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer software. Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they were when new, thus often more than doubling their useful lifespan.<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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03 |title= |url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=/e/OS Community}}</ref><!-- Please provide better sources than forums and reddits. You can read the citation guide on this wiki for more tips -->
+Most custom ROMs are free of bloatware and can thus be used extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to the default system growing larger with each manufacturer update. Especially on low-end phones, these updates usually end up exhausting the built-in storage after sometimes as little as two years. This renders the devices slow and unstable and leaves no room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer software. Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they were when new, thus often more than doubling their useful lifespan.<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}}</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}}</ref><!-- Please provide better sources than forums and reddits. You can read the citation guide on this wiki for more tips -->
 ==='''3. Updates after device is abandoned by manufacturer'''===
 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}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open source community, installing one of these custom ROMs allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components like web browser engines and PDF readers much longer than with the manufacturer's OS.<!-- Source? -->
-==='''4. Customisation'''===
+==='''4. Customization'''===
-Some applications cannot be removed easily with the default OS. A custom ROM can be used to only include the applications the user wants, potentially with customisation that isn't originally available by default.<!-- Source? -->
+Some applications cannot be removed easily with the default OS. A custom ROM can be used to only include the applications the user wants, potentially with customization options that aren't originally available by default.<!-- Source? -->
 ==Why most devices are locked==
 ===Security===
-A locked bootloader protects the device from a so-called [[wikipedia:Evil_maid_attack|Evil Maid Attack]], where a person with physical access to the device could manipulate the operating system. This can happen in situations where the device is left unattended, or when it is handed over for inspection, for example during a border control check of a country.
+A locked bootloader protects the device from what is often called an [[wikipedia:Evil_maid_attack|Evil Maid Attack]]. This is when a person with physical access to a device can manipulate the operating system, often when the device is left unattended or when handed over for inspection by authorities such as customs upon entering a country.
 A locked bootloader ensures that the operating system is intact and cannot be changed to differ from the state in which the manufacturer has released it.
 ===DRM and ecosystem control===
-Example Text
+Some devices hold DRM keys which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go as far as wiping 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}}</ref>
 ===Locks from mobile carriers===
-Example Text
+Some mobile carriers have fully restricted unlocking the bootloader on certain models of cellphones that they sell.
 ==Availability==
-Unlocking the bootloader is only [[Phones that do not allow bootloader unlock|possible on some, but not all Android devices]]. Apple has measures in place to prevent users from installing third party operating systems on iPhones and iPads.<!-- Source? -->
+Unlocking the bootloader is only [[Phones that do not allow bootloader unlock|possible on some, but not all Android devices]].
+Apple has measures in place to prevent users from installing third party operating systems on iPhones and iPads.<!-- Source? -->
 ==Alternative Android-based Operating Systems==