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 | 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== | ==Background== | ||
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BL unlock allows rewriting the storage drive where the OS is installed, but only while the OS is not 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: | BL unlock allows the user to get root access, either: | ||
* Manually, if the user knows what to do | *Manually, if the user knows what to do | ||
* Automatically, by using a program | *Automatically, by using a program | ||
See [[Jailbreak]] for more info. | See [[Jailbreak]] for more info. | ||
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===DRM and ecosystem control=== | ===DRM and ecosystem control=== | ||
Some devices hold DRM keys which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go as far as wiping proprietary drivers. | 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=== | ===Locks from mobile carriers=== | ||
Some mobile carriers have fully restricted unlocking the bootloader on certain models of cellphones that they sell. | |||
==Availability== | ==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== | ==Alternative Android-based Operating Systems== | ||