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The Google Pixel Watch might not be as developer-friendly as you may have expected
Google has published the kernel source code for the Pixel Watch. However, the lack of an unlockable bootloader blocks the modding avenue.
Google's Wear OS has come of age in many ways, and with the introduction of the Pixel Watch, the smartwatch battleground is bound to get more interesting. Thanks to its innovative software features and deep integration with Fitbit’s core health features, Google’s first smartwatch is uniquely positioned to take this market segment by storm.
How to check Android 13's new bootloader version on the Google Pixel 6 series for anti-rollback protection
Android 13 has brought new bootloader updates to the Google Pixel 6 series. Here's how to check the bootloader version for anti-rollback protection.
Android 13 season is officially upon us. The latest iteration of Android brings with it some fresh UI changes and many useful features. For the Google Pixel 6 family, the stable Android 13 update also incremented the anti-rollback version in the bootloader of these devices. As a result, you can't flash back an older Android 12 build after upgrading to Android 13.
LG will shut down its bootloader unlocking service on December 31
LG has announced that it will shut down its official bootloader unlocking tool on December 31, making it difficult for users to install custom ROMs on their devices.
When LG officially announced its exit from the smartphone market earlier this year, it reassured LG smartphone users that it would continue to provide software updates for some devices. However, this software update commitment only applied to a few of LG's recent smartphones. Users with older LG phones were left with no option but to install a custom ROM to get the latest Android releases on their devices. However, that option might not be available for long, as LG has now announced that it's shutting down its bootloader unlock service next month.
Should apps and games prevent users from customizing their smartphones?
Many Android apps and games block users for enabling developer options, rooting, or installing a custom ROM. Should they be allowed to do so?
One of the best things about Android is that it gives power users plenty of options to customize their devices. Users can easily root their phones to install custom ROMs and custom kernels, use powerful automation tools like Tasker, and do much more. However, rooting or modifying an Android phone does have a few downsides. For instance, some apps and games simply refuse to work on modded devices. This brings us to our discussion topic for today.
Samsung kills the cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 if you unlock the bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 reportedly breaks all the camera-related functionalities. Read on to know more!
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 represent the best foldable technologies that Samsung can provide to its consumers. Needless to say, if you are in the market right now for a premium smartphone, the latest Galaxy Z lineup will surely figure in your list as a possible purchase option. While the hardware and software combo make these devices great for most buyers, advanced users and enthusiasts might still feel the need to unlock the bootloader and root these devices to unleash their true potential. Unfortunately, Samsung already makes it extremely difficult to have root access without tripping the security flags, and now the Korean OEM has introduced yet another roadblock for aftermarket development. In its latest move, Samsung disables the cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 after you unlock the bootloader.
This exploit lets you unlock the bootloader of the Google Chromecast with Google TV
You can unlock the bootloader of the Google Chromecast with Google TV to run unsigned code or boot a custom OS, but there are some caveats.
The Google Chromecast with Google TV is one of the best media streaming dongles out there. The little piece of hardware not only unlocks 4K video streaming at 60fps for connected devices, but it also brings support for HDR content, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos audio. The device can even be considered a capable gaming console thanks to receiving official support for Google's Stadia cloud gaming service. Now, developers have been able to successfully unlock its bootloader, opening up even more possibilities.
It's now easy to bypass MediaTek's SP Flash Tool authentication
A group of developers has created a Python utility to bypass the authentication routine of MediaTek SP Flash Tool. Check it out now!
Devices with MediaTek chipsets have a BROM (boot read-only memory), which typically loads the preloader executable and subsequently boots the Android system, but also houses an alternative boot mode known as Download mode. It is strictly intended for OEM servicing and can be used to unbrick a device, just like Qualcomm’s Emergency Download Mode (EDL). A MediaTek-made proprietary program called "SP Flash Tool" can utilize this interface to force flash the system software on a device. Since the low-level download mode effectively has full control over the device’s storage, many OEMs including Xiaomi and Realme have started obfuscating the flashing process. Because of this practice, firmware flashing via download mode can only be performed by a signed “Download Agent” program that has been authorized by the corresponding OEM, essentially meaning that you can't flash or unbrick your own smartphone unless you have permission from the device maker to do so.
Here's how to unlock the bootloader of the Verizon Google Pixel/Pixel XL running Android 10
The Verizon variant of the Google Pixel and the Google Pixel XL running Android 10 can now be bootloader unlocked. Read on to know more!
Back in 2016, Verizon secured a carrier exclusivity deal with Google for sales of the first-generation Google Pixel and Pixel XL within the United States. Unlike the regular variants of the Pixel/Pixel XL, the devices purchased from the carrier came with a permanently locked bootloader. A free-to-use bootloader unlock exploit named dePixel8 was released rather quickly, but Google closed the loophole in a subsequent security update. Another bypass technique popped up in our forums in 2018, which had been patched in a similar manner. It looks like the community has now managed to discover yet another interesting bypass method that can be used to permanently unlock the bootloader of the first-generation Google Pixel and Pixel XL sold by Verizon.
HTC Desire 20 Pro can be bootloader unlocked with a simple Fastboot command
No need to generate any device-specific token - you can unlock the bootloader of the HTC Desire 20 Pro using a regular Fastboot command. Read on!
HTC recently launched a pair of mid-range smartphones in their home country in an effort to make a comeback in the smartphone market. The HTC Desire 20 Pro is one of them, featuring a slightly old Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SoC, a quad-camera array with a 48MP primary sensor, and a reasonably large 5,000 mAh battery that supports Quick Charge 3.0. The company also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, while there is an additional microSD card slot beside the 128GB built-in storage. One can also unlock the bootloader of the HTC Desire 20 Pro, thanks to the OEM's long-known tradition of permitting bootloader unlocking on a majority of its models. The good news is, HTC apparently doesn't enforce users to get an unlock token from them before unlocking anymore, at least in the case of the Desire 20 Pro.
[Update: It's Back] HMD Global's bootloader unlock server for the Nokia 8 has been down for days
The bootloader unlock server has apparently been shut down by HMD Global. The Nokia 8 can no longer be unlocked officially.
HMD Global wasn't the fastest to jump onto the 5G bandwagon, but they did bring the first Android One smartphone with global 5G support. The company has a clear Android 10 update roadmap for its users, and they are not shy to explore the possibility of running a touchless version of Android on feature phones. However, the brand hasn't caught on among a segment of power users due to its controversial bootloader unlock policy. HMD Global took a long time to set up an official method to unlock the bootloader - and it only did so for the Nokia 8 - but it seems that they have now pulled the plug.
Xiaomi India clarifies that bootloader unlocking does not void warranty
Xiaomi India has confirmed that bootloader unlocking will not void the warranty of Xiaomi and Redmi phones in India, except in certain special cases.
Xiaomi and its sub-brand Redmi have always been preferred for the excellent value their phones offer. But that is not the only reason why the community at XDA-Developers is fond of the brand. The other reason power users and developers have been inclined towards Xiaomi's smartphones is that the company has allowed users to unlock their phone's bootloader without invalidating the phone's warranty. This policy has attracted a lot of users to partake in modifying or replacing the pre-loaded software on their Xiaomi and Redmi devices.
Sony Xperia 5 gets bootloader unlock and Open Devices support
The Sony Xperia 5 is the latest smartphone from Sony to be added to the company's Open Devices program, and has received an official bootloader unlock too.
Despite not being the favorite OEM of many, Sony Mobile has done a lot for the Android ecosystem. Between supporting the efforts of open source developers by contributing to AOSP and the advent and upkeep of their Open Devices program, there's a lot to be said for Sony's dedication to Android. The Open Devices program is an initiative that provides working AOSP code for Sony smartphones that are a part of the program. Developers can then use this working AOSP code to make custom ROMs. The Sony Xperia 5 is the latest addition to the Open Devices program.
The European LG V50 ThinQ's bootloader can now be unlocked
LG now allows the European LG V50 ThinQ to be bootloader unlocked. With kernel source code availability, developers can now start porting TWRP.
Alongside the LG G8 ThinQ with its wacky gestures, LG unveiled the 5G LG V50 ThinQ at Mobile World Congress earlier this year. It's basically an LG V40 ThinQ but with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, Snapdragon X50 5G modem, and a larger 4,000mAh battery. The LG V50 is already available in the United States through Sprint and Verizon, but it's also available in the UK through EE. Two months ago, LG released the kernel source code for the Sprint model, but there's no hope for the bootloader being unlockable on that model due to carrier interference. That's not the case for the UK/European model, though.
How to unlock the Nokia 2.1 bootloader
It is now possible to unofficially unlock the bootloader for the Nokia 2.1 - a necessary first step for rooting and flashing custom ROMs.
Nokia 2.1 owners now have a way to unlock their bootloaders thanks to the efforts of XDA Senior Member hikari_calyx. This, of course, is a required first step towards opening up a world of possibilities in the way of rooting and flashing custom ROMs, kernels, and other mods. The procedure described in the forum post involves flashing a "service bootloader" file available via a firmware download link and then unlocking it. Of course, the hope is that enough time passes before Nokia-brand manufacturer HMD Global blocks the procedure for a decent development community to, erm, develop. Of course, since Android Pie is already available for the Nokia 2.1, any custom ROMs that get built will no doubt be based on Pie.
Realme will allow Realme 1 and Realme 2 Pro users to unlock the bootloader
Realme CEO Madhav Sheth has promised that users of Realme 1 and Realme 2 will soon be able to unlock the bootloader of their devices. Read on to know more!
Realme, the OPPO sub brand, made waves in the Indian market with the launch of the Realme 1, selling as many as 400,000 units in 40 days. This was followed up by the launch of the Realme 2, and then the Realme 2 Pro. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 SoC for a starting price of ₹13,990 ($196), the Realme 2 Pro offers serious competition to the likes of established players like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro and the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1.
Unlocking the bootloader no longer breaks the camera on Sony Xperia devices running Android Pie
Unlocking the bootloader of Sony Xperia devices running Android Pie no longer totally breaks the camera like before, but not every feature will work still.
Sony Mobile is one of the most open source and developer friendly OEMs out there with programs like Hero Open Source Developer and Sony Open Devices. Sony has published guides on how to build the Linux 4.4 kernel or the latest Android release, and even how to unlock the bootloader of their devices. Unfortunately, unlocking the bootloader of any Sony Xperia device leads to a lot of undesirable outcomes. For instance, the camera is totally broken, resulting in nothing but green pictures. Other software features like Sony's video and audio enhancements are also broken, even if you stick to the stock ROM. Losing Sony's video and audio tweaks are one thing, but having to deal with a broken camera is a trade-off that many are unwilling to make. Fortunately, it seems that the Android Pie update no longer breaks the camera on Xperia devices with unlocked bootloaders.
Bootloader unlocking is still possible for Huawei and Honor devices, but it'll cost you
Although Huawei shut down bootloader unlock codes for all devices, it's still possible to unlock the bootloader on Huawei and Honor devices - for a fee.
Modding our smartphones and tablets is what XDA is all about. Our site is home to the largest forums for Android enthusiasts who love to tinker with their devices, which sometimes causes clashes with the companies that make these devices. Some companies like Google and OnePlus are friendly towards modders, while many others simply turn a blind eye towards our community. Other companies, however, crack down on the ability to modify the software on their devices because they feel threatened by third-party resellers harming their reputations. Huawei, for example, recently stopped providing bootloader unlock codes for all their smartphones and tablets, sparking a backlash from the community. Although Honor, Huawei's subbrand, re-opened bootloader unlocking on a limited trial, there's only one way to unlock the bootloader of your Huawei or Honor device moving forward—but it'll cost you.
The Nokia 8 bootloader can now be unlocked
HMD Global previously did not allow users to unlock bootloaders. However, that is changing as it's now possible to unlock the Nokia 8 bootloader.
It was almost exactly one year ago when HMD Global said they would look into the possibility of unlocking the bootloader on the Nokia 8. The company's policy does not allow users to unlock bootloaders for security reasons. However, that is changing as it's now possible to unlock the Nokia 8's bootloader.
T-Mobile LG V30 has been rooted, but the procedure is risky
One developer community member has worked hard to keep this possible and their latest work shows us how to gain root access to the T-Mobile LG V30.
LG Mobile has been losing millions of dollars every year and the way they are locking down certain carrier devices isn't helping them when it comes to the enthusiast crowd. Older LG devices sold at wireless carriers in the United States were locked down like normal, but the T-Mobile variants had bootloaders that were easy to unlock. This stopped with the T-Mobile LG G5. While you could unlock the bootloader and boot into fastboot mode, none of the commands worked that let you install TWRP for root and custom ROM purposes. One developer community member has worked hard to keep this possible and their latest work shows us how to gain root access to the T-Mobile LG V30.
Poco F1 users can now unlock the bootloader after 3 days
Poco F1 is a new sub-brand phone from Xiaomi. Owners will only have to wait 3 days until they can unlock the bootloader of the Xiaomi Pocophone F1.
You likely know the importance of unlocking the bootloader of an Android smartphone if you're here on XDA. There are some carriers in the United States who do their best to prevent this from happening, and we've even had some smartphone OEMs begin to tighten up the grip on this ability as well. Xiaomi has been a bit of a mixed bag in this department. They used to be as easy as OnePlus or Pixel phones, but then they started making people wait as long as 2 months before they were allowed to unlock their phone. Poco is a new sub-brand from Xiaomi and they have confirmed owners will only have to wait 3 days until they can unlock the bootloader of the Xiaomi Pocophone F1.