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 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 == | ==Background== | ||
History and technical details here... | History and technical details here... | ||
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> | 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''' | |||
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==Benefits of unlocked bootloaders== | ==Benefits of unlocked bootloaders== | ||
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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? --> | 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. | ==='''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 | 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 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 === | ===DRM and ecosystem control=== | ||
Example Text | Example Text | ||
=== Locks from mobile carriers === | ===Locks from mobile carriers=== | ||
Example Text | Example Text | ||