Unlock OnePlus Bootloader With 6 Easy Steps!

If you are using a OnePlus device and thinking to bypass its bootloader, must go through this blog to know the ways to unlock OnePlus bootloader. However, you can easily unlock the bootloader with a few simple fastboot commands.

OnePlus Bootloader is the core part of Android that provides it the instructions on which programs need to be started while booting. It verifies the recovery and boot partitions to make sure that your device runs the software that is authorized by the manufacturer.

However, unlocking the bootloader in the OnePlus phone will wipe all your OnePlus data by factory resetting it. So, it is strictly recommended to create a complete backup of your OnePlus data using Android Data Backup & Restore tool before proceeding for bypassing bootloader on your OnePlus device. Download the software and follow its userguide to back up your phone.

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Why OnePlus Device Comes with a Locked Bootloader?

The bootloader plays the role of a gatekeeper that guards your Android devices. Therefore, most Android devices nowadays come with a locked bootloader in order to prevent the users from flashing the device partitions and ROM.

So, with a locked bootloader, flashing the device firmware or custom ROM becomes a difficult task. Users cannot make any changes to the OS or root their devices without getting the bootloader unlocked. Once the bootloader gets unlocked, one can get full access to the device. Therefore, to maintain the security of the device and the firmware, the OnePlus device mostly comes with a locked bootloader.

If you are still curious and eager to unlock the bootloader then you can easily bypass it with a few command lines. But the question here arises why unlock the bootloader and is it worth taking a risk to unlock it?

Why Unlock Bootloader?

While discussing the bootloader the major question that was brought up is – Why the user may want to unlock the bootloader on OnePlus?

The reason most users want to take the risk of unlocking the bootloader on their OnePlus device is mentioned below:

• To install a custom recovery or custom ROMs.
• Gaining root access to the device.
• Flashing device partitions is strictly prohibited in a locked bootloader.

As the mentioned above actions are not allowed by a locked bootloader, some enthusiasts go for unlocking the bootloader. So, if you are one of those enthusiasts who wish to perform any of the mentioned modifications, you would need to first unlock the bootloader on your OnePlus phone. Moreover, an unlocked bootloader will be required if you ever needed to unbrick your device by flashing the factory image with Fastboot commands.

Now, when all is said, unlocking the bootloader on a device isn’t necessary. Don’t do it unnecessarily. Also, read more to know if it is worth unlocking the bootloader.

Things to Know Before Unlocking Bootloader on OnePlus Phones

Well, before going for unlocking the bootloader, you must know the consequences of unlocking the bootloader.

• Data Loss- The very first thing you need to know before unlocking the bootloader is that you will lose all OnePlus data. So, make sure to create a complete OnePlus data backup before commencing the unlocking process.
• Device warranty gets null and void- With unlock bootloader, your phone’s warranty gets null and void. So, no matter whether your device is in the warranty period if you performed the unlocking process, your remaining period will lapse.
• Few apps become non-functional- Once your OnePlus bootloader is unlocked, some of the apps on your device become non-functional or will start causing issues. Such as Google Pay or Pokemon Go might not going to work.
• Data safety gets hampered- Getting the bootloader unlocked on the OnePlus device, will you’re your device prone to attacks. Moreover, one with physical access to your OnePlus device will be easily able to bypass the pins and password locks to access your data. However, with Android’s real-time data encryption feature, one can easily protect their data from others having the device access from reading it.

How To Unlock OnePlus Bootloader?

Before initializing the unlock process on the OnePlus device, go through the below-mentioned prerequisites:

• Create a complete backup of your OnePlus device data. Otherwise, you have to perform OnePlus Data Recovery later to get back your lost data.
• Download and install the updated USB drivers on OnePlus.
• Charge your OnePlus device Recommended charge is 50% in order to prevent it from turning off midway.

Once having fulfilled the above prerequisites, move ahead and follow the instructions below step by step to unlock the bootloader on the OnePlus.

Step 1: Download & Install Android SDK Platform Tools

Android Platform tools are required while executing the fastboot commands between your PC and OnePlus device. So, the first thing you need to do is to download and install the platform tools on your system.

Download the latest tools package compatible with your system’s OS:

• Windows
• Linux
• macOS

Once done with downloading the tools package, extract the ZIP package and go to the extracted folder. The folder includes the binary files of needed tools like Fastboot and ADB.

Step 2: Launch the Command-Line Window

Now, the second thing you need to do is to launch the command line window within the platform-tools folder. Follow the below instructions to do so on Windows OS:

• Launch the platform-tools folder.
• Next, long-hold the shift key and make right-click on the folder at the same time to launch the submenu.
• Now, on the appeared menu, select the Open PowerShell window here option.

Step 3: Turn on OEM Unlocking

After opening the command-line windows on your desktop, the next thing you have to do is to toggle off the OEM Unlocking switch on your OnePlus device.

OEM Unlocking switch guards the bootloader. It instructs your OnePlus device whether or not to accept the unlock bootloader command.

So, to toggle off the OEM Unlocking switch, follow the steps guide below:

• Visit the Settings app on your OnePlus phone.
• Next, click on About phone under the Settings section.
• Here, tap on Build Number 5 times continuously.

• If prompted, enter your OnePlus phone password or pin.
• Once completed the steps, you will get a notification on your screen stating “You are now a developer!”
• Now, again visit Settings and select System this time.
• Click on Developer options and scroll down to OEM unlocking and toggle on the switch next to it.

• Lastly, click on Enable OEM for final confirmation to enable it on your OnePlus.

Step 4: Boot Your OnePlus Device into Fastboot Mode

Once you have turned on the OEM Unlocking feature, the next thing you need to go for is booting your OnePlus device into Fastboot Mode. As Fastboot tools will be able to connect with your OnePlus phone only when it is in Bootloader Mode.

Well, there are different ways of entering into Bootloader Mode. So, we have covered all the different methods to enter into Fastboot Mode. However, you can refer to any one of them as per your preference.

USB ADB Command

Using the ADB command on your PC you can make your OnePlus phone enter into Fastboot Mode. For this, follow the steps as instructed.

• Firstly, turn on USB debugging on your OnePlus device.
• Connect your OnePlus phone to the PC using the USB cable.
• Now, launch the command-line window and enter the command adb devices to verify the ADB connection.
• Next, click on Allow if prompted to enable allow USB debugging.

• After that enter the command adb reboot bootloader to boot your device into Fastboot Mode.
• Doing this, will reboot your OnePlus device and enter it into Fastboot Mode.

Use the Physical Key Combination

Another way of entering Bootloader mode is by using a physical key combination. This is the highly-recommended method as it is the only way among others that works even while your device is turned off. So, follow the below steps and enter your Oneplus phone into Fastboot Mode:

• Switch off your device.
• Next, hold the combination keys to boot your OnePlus device into Bootloader Mode. Below are the mentioned key combinations as per different OnePlus device models.

Device Name	Key Combinations
OnePlus One	Volume Up + Power
OnePlus 2	Volume Up + Power
OnePlus 3, OnePlus 3T	Volume Up + Power
OnePlus X	Volume Up + Power
OnePlus 6, OnePlus 6T	Volume Down + Power
OnePlus 8, OnePlus 8 Pro, OnePlus 8T	Volume Up + Volume Down + Power
OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus 9R, OnePlus 9RT	Volume Up + Power
OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus 7T, OnePlus 7T Pro	Volume Up + Volume Down + Power
OnePlus 5, OnePlus 5T	Volume Up + Power
OnePlus Nord, OnePlus Nord N10, OnePlus Nord CE, OnePlus Nord 2	Volume Up + Volume Down + Power

Use the Advanced Reboot Menu

Another method you can use to boot your Oneplus device into Fastboot mode is by using the advanced reboot menu. This is the simplest way of entering into Bootloader Mode. Follow the instructions below to do so:

• Visit Settings on your OnePlus device.
• Next, select the System option and go for Developer options.

• Here, look for the Advanced reboot option and once found, turn on the toggle button for it.

• After that, long press the Power key to launch the power menu.

• Once appeared, click on the Bootloader to restart and enter into Fastboot mode.

Step 5: Connect Your Device to the System

Now, when your OnePlus device is in Fastboot Mode, you need to connect it to the PC using a USB cable. Once connected, check the connection and make sure that your system must communicate with your OnePlus phone over the bootloader interface.

To ensure communication between your OnePlus or system, follow the following instructions below as guided:

• Launch the command-line window as guided above.
• Once opened, enter the command fastboot devices and press Enter.
• Now, you’ll be getting the return response message stating a unique ID of your device followed by “fastboot”.

Step 6: Unlock the Bootloader

Once you are done with the above steps, you are all set to unlock the bootloader on your OnePlus phone. You just need to follow a few simple steps t do so:

• Go to the command-line window.
• Here, enter the command fastboot flashing unlock and press Wait for the command to execute.

• Once executed, you’ll receive a confirmation notification on your OnePlus device.
• Use the Volume keys on your device to select the option UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER.

• Once the option is highlighted and selected, press the Power button for final confirmation.

That’s it! Your OnePlus bootloader has been successfully unlocked on your OnePlus device.

How to Relock the Bootloader on Oneplus?

Even unlocking the bootloader is exciting as you can customize ROMs and do many great things. But there will be a time, when you may feel like returning your OnePlus phone to its factory state. So, here’s a quick guide to relocking the bootloader.

To relock the bootloader of your OnePlus phone:

• Turn off your OnePlus phone and boot it into Bootloader Mode.
• Connect the phone to the PC with the USB cable.
• Now, open the command line inside the platform-tools folder.
• Here, enter the command fastboot flashing lock and press Enter to initialize the bootloader locking process.
• Once executed, you’ll receive a confirmation notification on your OnePlus phone.
• Now, use the Volume keys on your phone to choose the LOCK THE BOOTLOADER option and click the Power button for final confirmation.

Bonus Tip: OnePlus Data Recovery Tool

In case you haven’t made the backup of your OnePlus data before performing the unlock bootloader process then retrieve your lost OnePlus data with our professional OnePlus Data Recovery Tool.

OnePlus Data Recovery Tool is professional software that can easily restore missing/inaccessible data from the OnePlus phone. It is the most recommended tool as it has the highest chance of recovering deleted items from the phone. The tool is amazing as it can retrieve any sort of deleted data such as contacts, call logs, videos, etc from the OnePlus phone without backup.

Moreover, it supports all OnePlus phones like OnePlus 3/3T, OnePlus 5/5T, and OnePlus 6/6T to recover deleted data.

OnePlus Data Recovery software is user-friendly and you won’t require any technical knowledge to use it. You need to download the software on your PC and connect your OnePlus Phone to the system and then follow the below user manual instructions to retrieve lost data using the software.

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Final Verdict

Well, unlocking the bootloader isn’t a necessity or a requirement. However, if you still, want to explore your device and are curious to flash ROM or device partitions, gain root access, etc then this article will be helpful. We have prepared this extensive guide that will not only provide you with unlocking bootloader methods but will give you complete information on the topic including the consequences and requirements.

I hope the article serves you well thereby helping you to unlock OnePlus bootloader. In case of any queries or doubts, feel free to comment to us on Twitter or Facebook.