ASUS charges for previously free service: Difference between revisions
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{{IncidentCargo | |||
|Company=ASUS | |||
|StartDate=2023-5 | |||
|EndDate= | |||
|Status=Active | |||
|ProductLine=ROG, Zenfone | |||
|Product= | |||
|ArticleType= | |||
|Type=Digital Restrictions, False Advertising, Firmware Lockout | |||
|Description=On May 2023, without giving a notice to the users, ASUS removed the ability for owners of the Zenfone and ROG Android phones to access the bootloader tools. As a follow-up, in Early 2024, ASUS began charging 185 euros for bootloader unlocking. | |||
}} | |||
The ASUS boot loader unlocking tool disappearing is a prime example of how device ownership rights have eroded, where functionality that was present at the time of sale is no longer present years down the line. | The ASUS boot loader unlocking tool disappearing is a prime example of how device ownership rights have eroded, where functionality that was present at the time of sale is no longer present years down the line. | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
ASUS used to provide free bootloader unlocking capabilities for their Zenfone & Republic of Gamers (ROG) Android phones.<ref>https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/</ref> This feature was actively advertised & was part of the company's appeal to tech-savvy consumers. | [[ASUS]] used to provide free bootloader unlocking capabilities for their Zenfone & Republic of Gamers (ROG) Android phones.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=C. Scott |date=2024-04-05 |title=ASUS refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools as promised |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215020008/https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/ |archive-date=2025-12-15 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> This feature was actively advertised & was part of the company's appeal to tech-savvy consumers. | ||
===Timeline of Events=== | ===Timeline of Events=== | ||
*In May 2023, ASUS disabled their bootloader unlocking tools without warning<ref | *In May 2023, ASUS disabled their bootloader unlocking tools without warning<ref name=":0" /> | ||
*The company began removing posts about bootloader unlocking from their ZenTalk forums<ref | *The company began removing posts about bootloader unlocking from their ZenTalk forums<ref name=":0" /> | ||
*Forum moderators claimed the tools were "under maintenance" or being "overhauled for compliance reasons" without providing timeframes for restoration<ref | *Forum moderators claimed the tools were "under maintenance" or being "overhauled for compliance reasons" without providing timeframes for restoration<ref name=":0" /> | ||
*By early 2024, ASUS began charging approximately €185 (excluding VAT) for bootloader unlocking<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/post-89720356</ref> | *By early 2024, ASUS began charging approximately €185 (excluding VAT) for bootloader unlocking<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-06 |title=Asus says they will unlock my bootloader for ...money. |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223031547/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 |archive-date=2026-02-23 |website=xdaforums.com}}</ref> | ||
==Impact== | ==Impact== | ||
| Line 14: | Line 25: | ||
*'''Removal of Advertised Features''': The bootloader unlocking capability was an advertised feature that influenced people's buying decision, which was later removed. | *'''Removal of Advertised Features''': The bootloader unlocking capability was an advertised feature that influenced people's buying decision, which was later removed. | ||
*'''Lack of Transparency''': ASUS provided minimal communication about the change in policy, with documented cases of forum posts being removed & only vague explanations being provided.<ref | *'''Lack of Transparency''': ASUS provided minimal communication about the change in policy, with documented cases of forum posts being removed & only vague explanations being provided.<ref name=":0" /> In one of their communications with a customer, they seem to have accidentaly shared internal communication templates revealing the discontinuation of the bootloader unlock tool, without making any public announcements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-06 |title=UPDATE: Unoff.BL unlock 24.01.20. Asus CLOSED this method! |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/update-unoff-bl-unlock-24-01-20-asus-closed-this-method.4649465/post-89761447/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/hIXtC |archive-date=2026-03-03 |website=xdaforums.com}}</ref> | ||
*'''Monetization of Previously Free Features''': The transition from a free service to a paid one, costing €185 (excluding VAT), is a significant change in the product's pricing structure after purchase<ref | *'''Monetization of Previously Free Features''': The transition from a free service to a paid one, costing €185 (excluding VAT), is a significant change in the product's pricing structure after purchase<ref name=":1" /> | ||
*'''Extended Device Lifespan Impact''': The change affects consumers' ability to maintain & update their devices beyond ASUS's official support window, which has been documented as "one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world"<ref | *'''Extended Device Lifespan Impact''': The change affects consumers' ability to maintain & update their devices beyond ASUS's official support window, which has been documented as "one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world"<ref name=":0" /> | ||
[[File:Lawsuit against asus over bootloader unlocking.jpg|thumb|Document of customer small claims suit against ASUS over bootloader unlocking. Credit Mishaal Rahman on twitter <ref>https://x.com/MishaalRahman/status/1776306579979047083</ref> for this document showing the customer suit against ASUS]] | [[File:Lawsuit against asus over bootloader unlocking.jpg|thumb|Document of customer small claims suit against ASUS over bootloader unlocking. Credit Mishaal Rahman on twitter<ref>https://x.com/MishaalRahman/status/1776306579979047083 ([https://ghostarchive.org/archive/TFKv1 Archived] 2026-03-03 through GhostArchive)</ref> for this document showing the customer suit against ASUS]] | ||
[[File:ASUS concedes defeat to customer who filed small claims court suit.png|alt=email from ASUS in response to customer small claims suit against ASUS over bootloader unlocking. |thumb|email from ASUS in response to customer small claims suit against ASUS over bootloader unlocking. Credit to Mishaal Rahman on twitter for providing the screenshot. <ref>https://x.com/MishaalRahman/status/1776306579979047083/photo/1 | [[File:ASUS concedes defeat to customer who filed small claims court suit.png|alt=email from ASUS in response to customer small claims suit against ASUS over bootloader unlocking. |thumb|email from ASUS in response to customer small claims suit against ASUS over bootloader unlocking. Credit to Mishaal Rahman on twitter for providing the screenshot. <ref>https://x.com/MishaalRahman/status/1776306579979047083/photo/1 ([[:File:Lawsuit against asus over bootloader unlocking.jpg|Lawsuit photo archived]] and [[:File:ASUS concedes defeat to customer who filed small claims court suit.png|response letter photo archived]].) | ||
</ref>]] | </ref>]] | ||
==Legal Implications== | ==Legal Implications== | ||
This led to at least one successful legal challenge. In March 2024, a UK customer took ASUS to small claims court over this and got a full refund for both the device & the court fees, totaling £770 (~$973). This case potentially sets a precedent for other consumers affected by the policy change.<ref | This led to at least one successful legal challenge. In March 2024, a UK customer took ASUS to small claims court over this and got a full refund for both the device & the court fees, totaling £770 (~$973). This case potentially sets a precedent for other consumers affected by the policy change.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
===Consumer Response=== | ===Consumer Response=== | ||
The response from the consumer community has been notably negative, with documented concerns about: | The response from the consumer community has been notably negative, with documented concerns about: | ||
*The high cost of the unlocking service (€185 excluding VAT)<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/post-89720356</ref> | *The high cost of the unlocking service (€185 excluding VAT)<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/post-89720356 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223031547/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 Archived])</ref> | ||
*The principle of charging for a previously free feature<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/</ref> | *The principle of charging for a previously free feature<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260215232054/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 Archived])</ref> | ||
===EU Warranty Implications=== | ===EU Warranty Implications=== | ||
This has additional implications in the European Union, where: | This has additional implications in the European Union, where: | ||
*It is illegal to deny warranty repairs based on software modifications<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/</ref> | *It is illegal to deny warranty repairs based on software modifications<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260215232054/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 Archived])</ref> | ||
*ASUS has been reported to deny warranty service for devices with unlocked bootloaders, despite this legal protection<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/</ref> | *ASUS has been reported to deny warranty service for devices with unlocked bootloaders, despite this legal protection<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260215232054/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 Archived])</ref> | ||
*The company has offered "one time warranty repairs" with the condition of relocking the bootloader<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/</ref> | *The company has offered "one time warranty repairs" with the condition of relocking the bootloader<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260215232054/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 Archived])</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Latest revision as of 02:57, 5 March 2026
The ASUS boot loader unlocking tool disappearing is a prime example of how device ownership rights have eroded, where functionality that was present at the time of sale is no longer present years down the line.
Background
[edit | edit source]ASUS used to provide free bootloader unlocking capabilities for their Zenfone & Republic of Gamers (ROG) Android phones.[1] This feature was actively advertised & was part of the company's appeal to tech-savvy consumers.
Timeline of Events
[edit | edit source]- In May 2023, ASUS disabled their bootloader unlocking tools without warning[1]
- The company began removing posts about bootloader unlocking from their ZenTalk forums[1]
- Forum moderators claimed the tools were "under maintenance" or being "overhauled for compliance reasons" without providing timeframes for restoration[1]
- By early 2024, ASUS began charging approximately €185 (excluding VAT) for bootloader unlocking[2]
Impact
[edit | edit source]This issue goes over several key consumer protection concerns:
- Removal of Advertised Features: The bootloader unlocking capability was an advertised feature that influenced people's buying decision, which was later removed.
- Lack of Transparency: ASUS provided minimal communication about the change in policy, with documented cases of forum posts being removed & only vague explanations being provided.[1] In one of their communications with a customer, they seem to have accidentaly shared internal communication templates revealing the discontinuation of the bootloader unlock tool, without making any public announcements.[3]
- Monetization of Previously Free Features: The transition from a free service to a paid one, costing €185 (excluding VAT), is a significant change in the product's pricing structure after purchase[2]
- Extended Device Lifespan Impact: The change affects consumers' ability to maintain & update their devices beyond ASUS's official support window, which has been documented as "one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world"[1]
Legal Implications
[edit | edit source]This led to at least one successful legal challenge. In March 2024, a UK customer took ASUS to small claims court over this and got a full refund for both the device & the court fees, totaling £770 (~$973). This case potentially sets a precedent for other consumers affected by the policy change.[1]
Consumer Response
[edit | edit source]The response from the consumer community has been notably negative, with documented concerns about:
- The high cost of the unlocking service (€185 excluding VAT)[6]
- The principle of charging for a previously free feature[7]
EU Warranty Implications
[edit | edit source]This has additional implications in the European Union, where:
- It is illegal to deny warranty repairs based on software modifications[8]
- ASUS has been reported to deny warranty service for devices with unlocked bootloaders, despite this legal protection[9]
- The company has offered "one time warranty repairs" with the condition of relocking the bootloader[10]
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Brown, C. Scott (2024-04-05). "ASUS refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools as promised". Android Authority. Archived from the original on 2025-12-15.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Asus says they will unlock my bootloader for ...money". xdaforums.com. 2024-08-06. Archived from the original on 2026-02-23.
- ↑ "UPDATE: Unoff.BL unlock 24.01.20. Asus CLOSED this method!". xdaforums.com. 2024-01-06. Archived from the original on 2026-03-03.
- ↑ https://x.com/MishaalRahman/status/1776306579979047083 (Archived 2026-03-03 through GhostArchive)
- ↑ https://x.com/MishaalRahman/status/1776306579979047083/photo/1 (Lawsuit photo archived and response letter photo archived.)
- ↑ https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/post-89720356 (Archived)
- ↑ https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ (Archived)
- ↑ https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ (Archived)
- ↑ https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ (Archived)
- ↑ https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ (Archived)