Bootloader unlocking

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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.

Background

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.

Difference from Rooting

Need to expand on this

Benefits of unlocked bootloaders

1. Better Privacy

Most custom ROMs do not contain any of the components that send data to the manufacturer, Google, and their partner companies. In some cases, they even contain components that prevent individual apps from doing so, such as:

• /e/'s Advanced Privacy
• CalyxOS's Datura Firewall
• iodéOS's blocker

Workaround Google Play Services

On a default Android system there is a deep integration with Google Play Services. This is a system process that requires access to files, contacts, storage, call logs, SMS messages, location, camera and microphone. And without this process running, basic system apps will not function. Alternative systems avoid this process entirely, or use a privacy preserving workaround such as:

• GrapheneOS's Sandboxed Google Play
• MicroG
• Unified Push

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.

3. Updates after device is abandoned by manufacturer

Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates. 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

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.

Why most devices are locked

Security

A locked bootloader protects the device from a so-called 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 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

Locks from mobile carriers

Example Text

Availability

Unlocking the bootloader is only 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

These include, but are not limited to:

• GrapheneOS
• IodéOS
• /e/OS
• LineageOS
• CalyxOS

• AOSP (Android Open Source Project) , also known as "stock" Android.