How to unlock Samsung bootloader
Samsung devices are released with locked bootloader and it is essential to unlock it before customizing your device from the core. Which means, if you want to root or install custom ROM’s on your Samsung mobile, you must unlock the bootloader.
Unlocking the bootloader of Samsung devices will depend on the processor type (Exynos or Snapdragon), the carrier contract (Ex: AT & T, Verizon) and the firmware version. The basic process is more or less the same.
Mobiles with carrier contracts such as T-Mobile, Verizon etc, have the complete authority over the bootloader status of your device. You need to get them unlocked by contacting the technical team of your carrier (which they wont help at all).
If you buy an unlocked Samsung phone without any carrier contract, the device comes with unlocked bootloader and you can proceed with rooting directly.
As Samsung is incorporating Knox security system into it’s devices there can be some serious risks if you mess with the core file system. Proceed with caution. This process will void warranty of your device and it may also cause irreversible damages. We are not responsible for any damages. Proceed at your own risk.
Before Unlock Samsung bootloader:
- Backup your device to PC. Unlocking bootloader may erase user data.
- Download and install ADB and Fastboot drivers on your PC.
- Enable USB debugging from developer options on your device. If you can’t see developer options in your device settings, open settings – about phone – build number and tap on build number 7 times and developer options will be unlocked.
- Enable OEM unlocking in the developer options.
- Download and save Superboot files (Google it) on your PC in any desired folder.
- Install PDANet files on your PC.
Note that the process described in further steps may vary according the device model, carrier contract and the country. Please proceed after a broad research.
- Connect your device to PC and open command prompt where you have saved Superboot files. Right click in empty space in the folder and click on open command here.
- In the command prompt type the command as “adb-windows reboot bootloader”. This will reboot your device into bootloader mode.
- Now type the command ‘fastboot-windows oem unlock’ and hit enter. The device/mobile prompt for a confirmation, confirm it with volume up button.
- It will show a message as ‘unlocked’. Then type the command “fastboot-windows reboot” to reboot the device normally. The reboot will take a little longer.
Though this process is simple, it may be different for carrier locked devices. You may need to flash temporary carrier files to unlock bootloader via odin and re-flash the stock files. But this process is highly risky process and you may permanently brick your device if misused.
Alternatively you can try a less risky process on your device without the use of PC. Download and install CROM service app on your device and run the app. Click on unlock to unlock the bootloader. This process is just like one click root and you can give it a try.
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