Android Bootloader Unlocking

This cluster focuses on discussions about unlockable bootloaders on Android phones, including availability across devices like Google Pixel, Huawei, and Xiaomi, challenges with locked bootloaders, and implications for security, customization, and warranties.

➡️ Stable 0.6x Hardware
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Sample Comments

volemo Jul 17, 2025 View on HN

Doesn't "unlockable bootloader" requirement solve this problem?

izacus Dec 6, 2017 View on HN

Many devices allow bootloader unlocks on Android.

bcaa7f3a8bbc Oct 14, 2018 View on HN

Yes. Until Huawei started to lockdown the bootloader in recent phones!

marcthe12 Dec 25, 2019 View on HN

You have unlock the bootloader. The govt could easily ban that.

CameronNemo Feb 25, 2023 View on HN

This depends on the phone having an unlockable/relockable bootloader.

rocqua Sep 22, 2024 View on HN

Googles pixel phones have an unlocked bootloader I believe.

pishpash Jun 2, 2019 View on HN

Buy only bootloader unlockable phones. But Googlers are doing their best these days to disable them as "insecure".

lucian1900 Nov 2, 2012 View on HN

Locked bootloader, so it's not an option. Also, only Nexus series phones are really worth it these days.

stormcloud Jan 4, 2016 View on HN

The bootloader is locked by default on most (maybe all?) android phones, so unless the user has explicitly unlocked it, they'll be safe

immibis Dec 17, 2024 View on HN

Is there a way to unlock the bootloader? (The official ways give cryptic error messages on purpose to keep you distracted until your warranty runs out)