How To Unlock Bootloader On Samsung Galaxy Phones

Getting bored of the old stock UI and want to unlock bootloader on Samsung Galaxy phone and spice things up a bit? Then this guide will be helpful. In this guide, you will get to know how to unlock bootloader on Samsung Galaxy phones.

The Linux platform-based Android OS is easily customizable and can be used for any developer. The Galaxy device bootloader runs when you turn on the device. It decides whether to load the recovery or Android OS. It packs the boot file, kernel, and system framework, helping boost your device smoother and quicker each time.

If you want a new custom recovery or flash a custom firmware, you need to unlock bootloader on Samsung Galaxy phone. Without unlocking the bootloader, you won’t be able to do anything else.

What’s a Bootloader and Why Unlock It?

A Bootloader is a program that starts before any Operating System on a phone or computer. It tells the hardware to start the operating system or recovery mode before you see the boot logo. Android devices usually have locked bootloaders for privacy and security.

Most Android phones have a locked bootloader. This stops you from changing root settings or adding third-party ROMs or Mods. It’s a security feature for Android phones.

Pros and Cons of Unlocking the Bootloader:

Pros:

  • Install Custom Recovery
  • Add Custom ROMs
  • Root the phone using tools like Magisk or SuperSU

Cons:

  • Might void your warranty
  • Erases all data
  • Can brick your phone if done wrong
  • More risk from hackers if not locked

How to unlock bootloader on Samsung Galaxy phones

Bootloader on Samsung

Here are the steps to follow to unlock bootloader on Samsung Galaxy phones using your PC –

These steps are for newer Samsung galaxy devices running newest versions of One UI. Remember unlocking bootloader will void your device’s warranty and tripped the knox security

  • Start by heading over to the Settings
  • Once you’re on the Settings page, scroll down and then tap on “About Phone”
  • Go to Software Information and tap on the Build Number several times until you get the “Developer options have been enabled” prompt
  • Now, you return to the Settings page and tap “Developer Options”
  • In the page that opens up, you should enable the toggle next to OEM Unlocking

Samsung developer options, usb debugging and oem unlocking settings

  • Now, enter your device’s PIN (if you have set one)
  • You will see an “Allow OEM Unlocking?” prompt and you’ll need to tap on “Enable”
  • Scroll down and enable USB Debugging by pressing “OK”
  • Power off your smartphone
  • Once your device is powered off, you should press and hold the Volume Up + Volume Down buttons simultaneously
  • While you’re holding the Volume Up + Volume Down buttons, connect your smartphone to the PC using a USB Cable
  • Once you connect the cable, you’ll be booted to the Recovery screen
  • Now, long press Volume Up button to unlock your device
  • You will now see a screen with “Unlock Bootloader?” prompt
  • Press the Volume Up button to unlock the bootloader (remember that this will void the warranty)
  • Once you press Volume Up, you’ll see a black screen with the message “This phone’s bootloader is unlocked”
  • You should press Power to continue and your smartphone will be booted to the OS

Video Guide Credit: GSM Fix

For Older Models

Before You Start:

Method 1: Enable OEM Unlocking [New VaultKeeper Method]

  • Turn on Developers Options and USB Debugging in your phone settings.
  • Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information.

Enable Samsung Developer Option

  • Tap on Build Number 7 times to enable Developer Options.

Enable Developer Option Samsung Galaxy

  • Then, in Settings, find Developer Options and turn on OEM Unlock.

Unlock Bootloader On Samsung Galaxy Phones

  • Back up your phone.
  • Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down, then connect it to a PC.
  • Hold Volume Up on your phone to unlock the bootloader.

Note: Newer Galaxy devices might need extra steps.

After unlocking, check if the “Vaultkeeper” service allows flashing ROMs.

  • Connect your phone to the internet.
  • In Settings > Developer options, check if OEM Unlocking is ON and greyed out.

Method 2: Using ADB and Fastboot via PC

  • Boot your phone into bootloader mode and connect it to a PC.
  • Open the Command window in the ADB Folder.
  • Now Go To The ADB Folder and open the Command window there (To Do so,  “Shift + Right click” on any empty white space inside the folder and then select “Open command window here” from the context menu) or You can just simply type “CMD” in the address bar to launch the command window.

Open Command window

  • The Command Prompt window will open.
  • Type the following command and hit Enter to check whether your connected device is running in bootloader/fastboot mode or not:
fastboot devices

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  • Now, you will see a device code which means your device is connected to bootloader mode.
  • Type the following command and press Enter to unlock the bootloader easily:
fastboot oem unlock

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  • Wait for the process to complete.
  • Once done, you can either reboot your device manually or type the below command and hit Enter:
fastboot reboot
  • That’s it. Your handset bootloader is now unlocked.

We hope this guide helped you unlock bootloader on Samsung Galaxy smartphone. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to mention them in the comments section.

Aviral Sharma
Aviral Sharma
Aviral Sharma is a talented and passionate writer who has been using words to express his thoughts ever since he learnt how to hold a pen. He is passionate about outer space, history, sports and most importantly technology. Aviral is a regular writer for rootmygalaxy.net and has been getting better by the day. He currently own Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 13 and a HP Pavilion laptop

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