Let’s discuss Bootloaders! If you have ever tried flashing a phone and installing a custom ROM or you are interested in rooting your Android phone, or you’re a phone tinkerer, then you’ve most likely heard of the term bootloader. It would interest you to know that bootloader unlocking is going extinct because companies have declared war on it.
But wait. What exactly is a bootloader? Why are people so interested in unlocking it? And why are companies now trying so hard to keep it locked?
What is a Bootloader?
Simply put, the bootloader is a software program in the phones firmware that kicks into action the moment your phone powers on. Its job is simple: verify and launch the operating system (OS).
You can think of the Bootloader like a security guard installed by the smartphone OEM. The Bootloader stands between the hardware of your phone and the OS that runs on it.
So when you turn on your phone, the phone’s internal firmware security will run a series of system checks. If everything checks out, the bootloader will load the OS. If not, it will refuse to boot or show errors.
Manufacturers use this as a gatekeeping mechanism to maintain control over their hardware and how you can use such hardware. Remember in this era, you don’t really own your phone.
Bootloader Unlocking: Why people do it
Now, why do people want to unlock their bootloaders? Here’s a couple reasons why.
- Custom ROMs – This is the most popular reason. Unlocking the bootloader gives users the freedom to install custom ROMs like LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or crDroid. This often leads to better performance, longer software support, and improved privacy.
- Root Access – Unlocking allows you to gain root access, i.e., full control over your device. You can remove bloatware, tweak performance settings, and even mess with deep system-level tasks.
- Modding – From installing Magisk modules to flashing GCam ports, unlocking opens the door to all sorts of customizations. Although these days, you no longer need to unlock your Bootloader inorder to install Gcam.
- Software Updates – In regions or on phones where manufacturers delay or withhold updates, users can unlock bootloaders to install newer Android versions by themselves.
In essence, bootloader unlocking helps you reclaim the control of your device away from the manufacturer. These manufacturers don’t want you to tinker with your phone and is easily one of the key reasons why bootloader unlocking is going extinct.
The Stance of Companies on Bootloader Unlocking in the past
Companies know that many users like having the option to tinker with their phones and even marketed it as an option once upon a time.
- OnePlus became a darling of the custom ROM crowd with its open stance on bootloader unlocking and developer-friendly policies.
- Google Pixel devices also used to allow straightforward unlocking.
- Xiaomi, while a bit trickier, has a formal bootloader unlock procedure, even if it involves a waiting period.
- Motorola (Lenovo) used to be fairly open, though things have tightened in recent years.
Because of their friendliness towards bootloader unlocking, these companies benefited from developer support and community goodwill, free marketing and feedback, basically.
What are the Dangers of Bootloader Unlocking
Now those who’ve known me for a while, know very well that I’m not a proponent of bootloader unlocking because a lot of things can and do go wrong.
Unfortunately, unlocking a bootloader isn’t as simple as pressing a button. One wrong step can brick your phone, rendering it useless.
Risks include:
- Permanent damage to your device
- Bootloops if critical partitions are corrupted.
- Loss of IMEI or baseband on some Mediatek devices, breaking network functionality.
- Voided warranty in many cases.
- Security vulnerabilities if not handled carefully.
Let’s just say, if you’re unlocking your Bootloader, you had better be good at what you’re doing or you’ll learn the hard way. A lot of companies have said that they want to protect customers from the above repercussions and that is why they are all for bootloader unlocking going extinct.
Bootloader Unlocking is going extinct and here’s why
Now bootloader unlocking was never really a staple of the smartphone industry. In fact the biggest companies hated it and would do everything in their power to prevent it. Even those who once supported it have made a sharp U-turn.
Here’s what the industry is like today:
- Xiaomi is introducing an “official” OS-only policy on new models, blocking bootloader unlocks altogether. Current models can only be unlocked after jumping through hoops in the MI Community app.
- Samsung outright prevents unlocking on many Exynos and carrier-locked Snapdragon variants.
- Huawei dropped bootloader unlock support years ago.
- Vivo, Oppo, and Realme often don’t allow unlocking at all.
- Infinix and Itel use locked bootloaders without any official support to unlock them.
The entire industry is now fully anti-bootloader unlocking. The masks are off, and they’re all showing their true colors without any shame or fear.
Why have these companies taken such a stance though?
Well it’s simple control = profit. If they control your device, then they can control you. They can control the apps and services that you can access with your phone.
Locked bootloaders simply means that users are stuck with the company’s bloatware, limited update schedule, and tightly integrated services (ads, cloud storage, etc.).
These companies will argue that it’s for your security, which does hold some value, but let’s not pretend money isn’t a factor. Money and control. That’s what a lot of them are after. Nothing more and nothing less.
Yes, I have seen a lot of inexperienced people damage their phones trying to root it or install a custom ROM. Yes I have, but the thing is, that’s their device, they paid for it and so they retain the right to do with it as they please.
After all, it’s their phone. It belongs to them. These days, a lot of companies have forgotten what the concept of ‘individual ownership’ means and it’s sad.
This will then lead us to the next question:
Is Bootloader Unlocking Still Necessary Today?
That depends on how you see it.
For the average user? Maybe not. Today’s Android phones are more secure, better optimized, and more frequently updated than a decade ago. A lot of the features that made you unlock your bootloader 8 years ago are now native on Android. From Gcam ports installation to controller support, game emulation and other stuff, you can simply do these all now on Android natively. No need to root your innocent device.
For power users and developers? Yes. Absolutely. These people still want control over their devices, flexibility to tinker with it, and the ability to extend the life of their devices.
Overall tho, I think it’s needed because it’s about ownership. If you buy a device outright with your money, you should be able to use it how you want, responsibly of course.
Imagine buying a car but you’re told that you can’t change the tires or open the engine to tweak the performance either to increase speed or reduce fuel consumption?
So if you ask me that ‘Do Users Still Deserve the Option?’
My answer is absolutely yes.
Even if most people won’t use it, users deserve the right to unlock their bootloaders—just as they deserve the right to repair their phones, uninstall bloatware, and use alternative app stores.
Denying that right turns tech from a helpful tool into a walled garden (a glorified prison) cough…cough…iOS…cough.
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