Bootloader unlocking

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Unlocking the bootloader of a smartphone allows the user to install an alternative system on the device, also known as a custom ROM.

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.

Features

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 or CalyxOS's Datura Firewall.

Workaround for 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 so that basic system apps are able to function. Alternative systems avoid this process entirely, or use a privacy preserving workaround.

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.

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.