How to enable OEM Unlocking on your Android Device?

Android is a very open platform for those looking to customize it according to their tastes. It allows people to add various kinds of launchers, icon packs, and more. But what if you wanted to take your customization a bit further? Fortunately, Android even allows you to root your device and install a custom ROM. For this, you first need to enable the “OEM Unlocking” option.

What is OEM Unlocking?

One of the first steps while deciding which ROM you want to install is to unlock the bootloader of your device. The bootloader is a program that has got instructions for your operating system upon how to boot and operate. However, it is very important to restrict access to the bootloader for the general audience to prevent unintended or misuse.

Unlocking the bootloader might have customization perks, but it also comes with a few disadvantages. For instance, in the majority of Android devices, the warranty will be void once you unlock the bootloader (although there are some exceptions such as OnePlus which doesn’t do that.) Also, your device will be completely wiped after unlocking the bootloader, which is why it is necessary to create a backup. When you root your device, DRM-protected apps like Netflix will not work as well.

OEM Unlocking is an option in the Developer Settings which needs to be enabled to unlock the bootloader of your Android device. This gives you the authority to run the fast boot flashing unlock command. As we earlier mentioned, this option is hidden for preventing unintended use.

Once you get your OEM Unlocking option enabled, you can unlock your bootloader which will give you access to your phone’s existing partitions. Once you get access to that, you need to install a custom recovery like TWRP. And finally, you can root your device. And hence, Enabling the OEM Unlocking is the first step towards rooting.

How to Enable OEM Unlock on your Android Device?

Here are the complete steps to unlock your Android device’s bootloader.

Step 1: Back up your Android Device:

Before performing any customization and rooting, we advise you to backup your Android device. To backup your android device, you can refer to our guide on How to Backup an Android Device.

Step 2: Enable Developer Options:

After a successful backup of your device, you now need to enable the developer options on your Android device. By default, this option is hidden to prevent any accidental usage. To reveal it, follow these steps –

1. Open Settings.

2. Scroll down and you will find “System”. Tap on that.

3. Now find ‘About Phone” and tap on it. You shall find details about your phone in this section.

4. One of these options will include “Build Number”. Tap on that rapidly for 7 times. If you have a password, you would need to enter it to proceed.

5. Then you will get a pop-up saying ‘You are now a Developer!”.

6. Now go back to the “System” and you will find a new “Developer Options” section which is now revealed.

Congrats! You have successfully enabled developer options on your Android device.

Step 3: Enable OEM Unlocking:

Now that we have successfully revealed Developer Options, we can now proceed to the real thing we want to do – Unlocking OEM or the Bootloader of your Android device. To do this, follow these simple steps –

1. Go to “Settings” and then go to “System”.

2. Select “Developer Options” which should now be visible.

3. Now scroll down and go you will find “OEM Unlocking”.

4. Enable it and you should see a warning prompt. Click on “Enable”. Enter password if required again.

Congrats! You have now successfully enabled the OEM Unlocking option. To further unlock the bootloader of your device, you can do so by using Fastboot.

Final Words:

OEM Unlocking is one of the first and key processes that are needed to root an Android device. It gives you access to unlock the bootloader after which you can successfully start your journey to root your Android device. We hope you understand that rooting your Android device might result in some unintended consequences and you do that carefully.

If you have any doubts, let us know in the comments section below. I will be happy to help. Do share the post with your friends in need. And keep visiting HiTricks for the latest tips and tricks.

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Karthik M
Karthik M

Karthik is a BCA student who loves to write about science and technology. He also loves reading encyclopaedia when he's not writing.

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