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Have an old JioFi and Jio STB sitting around? Here's how to unlock these devices to get more use out of them
You can now unlock some JioFi and Jio STB models to get the freedom use any SIM card, enable ADB access, and app sideloading. Read on!
Carrier-subsidized devices sound like a great deal on paper. If you're planning to stick with the carrier anyway, it's often a no-brainer to jump onto a new device that they offer. But one of the bigger inconveniences that power users have always faced with carrier-subsidized devices is that there is always some or the other restriction. These restrictions are often arbitrary and unrelated to the actual capabilities of the device, so there are a fair few people who are interested in removing the network lock and doing things like getting rid of the carrier-customized software altogether to utilize the full capabilities of the device. When it comes to India's telecom sector, though, people mostly use smartphones off-contract, which is why we don't really see any carrier-locking here. Having said that, the landscape is slowly changing because of Reliance Jio.
Lockdown Lite is a lightweight app to lock your Android apps behind a PIN, pattern or fingerprint
Lockdown Lite / LockX is a lightweight app locker that can lock down Android apps behind a PIN, pattern or fingerprint. Check it out to know more!
There are several reasons why a user might want to lock apps separately, even in addition to the global lockscreen. For this reason, most Android OEM UX's now come with an app locker baked in, allowing users to quickly lock down app access without needing any extra app. However, if your phone does not have such functionality built-in, you can try any of the countless app lockers on the Google Play Store. To make your hunt easier, check out Lockdown Lite, a lightweight app that can lock Android apps behind a password or fingerprint.
Amazon Fire 7 (5th and 7th gen) can now be unlocked and rooted
Both the 5th generation and 7th generation of the Amazon Fire 7 tablets can now be unlocked and rooted, thanks to hard work from the community.
Unlike some OEMs out there, Amazon isn't a fan of letting their owners unlock the bootloader of their devices. Still, this limitation hasn't stopped the Amazon Fire tablet series from becoming huge sellers for the company. This also doesn't stop our enthusiast user base from hacking into these devices either. A couple of months ago the Amazon Fire HD 8 had been unlocked and rooted and now the same thing is possible on both the 5th generation and 7th generation of the Amazon Fire 7 tablets.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 supports Face Unlock for multiple faces
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 supports face unlock support for multiple faces. This means you can register multiple faces on a single device.
Unlocking your smartphone with your face is becoming a much-wanted feature as of late. With OnePlus offering one of the fastest solutions on the market, and Nokia and Huawei looking to follow suit, the feature is clearly in high demand. There are a few drawbacks, though, including security concerns and the fact that you can only add one face at a time, which is disappointing if you share a device with your family. That's set to change, though, as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 supports face unlock for multiple saved faces at a time.
How to Unlock Bootloader on Honor 8
Get your unlock code for the Honor 8 and unlock your bootloader with ADB. See the full video tutorial on XDA TV on YouTube.
Unlock, TWRP and Root the OnePlus 3
Watch this XDA TV video to see how you can unlock, root and flash TWRP on your device. See the full how-to guide for step by step instructions.
In this XDA TV video, Rawad takes us through the fastest guide on how you can root, unlock and flash TWRP on your OnePlus 3. For those of you that do better with written instructions, follow the steps below.
Tasker Pro: Unlock your Windows PC with your Fingerprint!
This week on Tasker Pro, I will show you how to unlock your Windows 7, 8, or 10 laptop or desktop using your fingerprint on an Android device!
Automation is supposed to be about simplifying everyday tasks to give you more precious time doing the things you love. At XDA, we've shown you how you can use Tasker to secure your device, improve productivity, or make driving safer, all a part of our series called 'Tasker Week.'
Xiaomi Locks Bootloaders; Unlock Approval Takes up to 21 Days, Bricked Devices Must Wait
In an unpopular move, Xiaomi is retroactively locking bootloaders and those of upcoming devices as well. Find out about the lengthy unlock process here.
At XDA, we have a love-hate relationship with Xiaomi: We love the low-cost revolution they and other Chinese manufacturers have brought to the smartphone race, but absolutely detest them for violating the GPLv2 on multiple occasions.
Reminder: Free Your Phone! - American Carrier Unlock
The new CTIA standards mean that top American carriers now allow you to unlock your phone. Learn all about the procedure here!
We've been hearing about unlocking standard laws regarding American carriers and their branded smartphones for years, and it was in late 2013 when the CTIA officially pushed the development through. Something to note from that page is where it says "(...) the Code has a section on Mobile Wireless Device Unlocking, which includes voluntary standards to assist consumers by enhancing transparency and disclosure of wireless providers' device unlocking policies" - that bit implies you shouldn't necessarily expected these standards to make it to every carrier. But with these standards set in place, many of them have clearly defined conditions under which they must unlock your phones, tablets and other electronics that are tied to their network. If your device is paid off, you are eligible for unlocking, and the procedure's details aren't all that complicated.