How to Unlock Motorola Bootloader? (Easy Guide)

If you are thinking to make system-level changes to your Motorola Moto G to enjoy more features than what’s normally provided by the manufacturer, the best option is to unlock Motorola bootloader.

So, here in this guide, you are going to learn Motorola bootloader unlocking in detail along with its benefits, implications, and the instructions to unlock it.

So, let’s get started…

What is Bootloader Unlocking?

Unlocking the bootloader on an Android device refers to the process of removing the restrictions imposed by the device manufacturer on the bootloader—the piece of software that loads the operating system.

By removing the restrictions, you gain more control and freedom to customize and personalize your device’s software according to your preferences.

How to Unlock Motorola Bootloader?

Here, we have briefly discussed the step-by-step instructions to unlock bootloader on Motorola phone. But before proceeding with the steps, check out the below prerequisites.

Prerequisites:

• Backup your important data using Android Backup & Restore
• Charge your device to 70%.
• Install Motorola USB drivers on your PC.
• Enable Developer Options & USB Debugging on your Motorola device.
• Install Android SDK Platform Tools on your system.

Once you are ready with the above prerequisites, follow the below steps to unlock the bootloader on Motorola.

Step 1: Enable Developer Options & USB Debugging on your Phone

To start with, you need to enable Developer Options and USB debugging on your phone. For this, go to Settings on your Moto G device and select Additional Settings.

Then, on the Build number, tap 7 times continuously to enable Developer Options.

Now, head back to the Developer Options again. Here, toggle on the buttons for USB debugging and OEM unlocking.

Step 2: Boot Your Phone into Fastboot Mode

On your PC, download and install the Android SDK Platform Tools, which include ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot. You can download it from the official Android developer website.

Use a USB cable to connect your Moto G device to your computer. Make sure USB Debugging is enabled on your phone.

Navigate to the directory where you installed the ADB and Fastboot tools. Then, type cmd in the address bar and press Enter key to launch Command Prompt.

Next, run the adb reboot bootloader command to boot your phone into Fastboot mode.

Step 3: Verify Fastboot Connection

Once your phone is in Fastboot mode, run the fastboot devices on CMD to check if your device is detected.

If your device is listed, you’re ready to proceed. If not, make sure your device is properly connected and that you have the correct drivers installed.

Step 4: Get Bootloader Unlock Key From Motorola

On the CMD panel, run the fastboot oem get_unlock_data command followed by hitting Enter to unlock the data. When done, 5 lines of alphanumeric string will appear on the screen.

Note, down the string on a notepad but remove the bootloader prefix and any spaces between the strings. Copy down the final edited strings.

Now, browse Motorola’s Bootloader Unlock Page and log in using your account credentials. Navigate to the 6^th point and paste the copied string on the provided space.

Tap on the Can my device be unlocked? tab and agree to the agreement on the next screen. Lastly, tap the REQUEST UNLOCK KEY button.

Now, you’ll receive the unlock key on the email that you used to sign into the account.

Step 5: Unlock the Bootloader

Make sure your device is still connected to the PC and is booted into the Fastboot Mode. Now, on cmd, enter the fastboot oem unlock Unlock_Key command to unlock the bootloader. Replace the Unlock_Key with the key that you got in the email.

This command will initiate the bootloader unlocking process. You may see a warning on your device’s screen regarding data erasure. Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to confirm and proceed with the bootloader unlocking.

Note: This process will wipe all data on your device. Therefore, it is recommended to back up data before unlocking the bootloader.

Wait for the process to complete. Once it’s done, your device will reboot automatically.

Congratulations! You have successfully unlocked the bootloader on your Motorola Moto G device using Fastboot.

Benefits of Unlocking the Bootloader

Unlocking the bootloader provides several benefits:

• Custom ROMs: Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can install custom ROMs (customized versions of the Android operating system) on your device. Custom ROMs often offer additional features, performance improvements, and customization options beyond what is available with the stock firmware.
• Custom Recoveries: With an unlocked bootloader, you can install custom recoveries like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). Custom recoveries provide advanced options for creating backups, restoring backups, flashing custom files, and managing your device’s software.
• Root Access: Rooting is the process of obtaining administrative privileges on your device, allowing you to access and modify system files and settings that are typically restricted. Unlocking the bootloader is often a prerequisite for gaining root access to your device.
• Customization and Personalization: With an unlocked bootloader, you have the freedom to customize and personalize your device’s software to a greater extent. You can use custom themes, icons, and fonts, modify the user interface, and tweak various system settings according to your preferences.
• Installation of Custom Kernels: Kernels are the core components of the operating system that manage system resources and hardware. With an unlocked bootloader, you can install custom kernels that are optimized for performance, battery life, or specific functionalities.
• Learning and Experimentation: Unlocking the bootloader and exploring the world of custom ROMs, kernels, and modifications can be a great learning experience for tech enthusiasts.

Potential Risks of Bootloader Unlocking

It’s important to note that Motorola bootloader unlock has some implications:

• Warranty Void: Unlocking the bootloader usually voids the device’s warranty. This means that if you encounter any issues or need repairs, the manufacturer may refuse to provide support or service for your device.
• Security Risks: Unlocking the bootloader can potentially compromise the security of your device. By allowing custom firmware and modifications, it may expose your device to security vulnerabilities or prevent you from receiving official security updates.
• Potential Issues: Modifying system-level software can introduce compatibility issues, instability, or even brick your device if not done correctly. It requires careful research, understanding, and following instructions specific to your device to minimize these risks.
• No Official Updates: After unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware, you may no longer receive official software updates provided by the device manufacturer.

Backup Your Essential Motorola Data with Android Backup & Restore

It has already been mentioned that unlocking the bootloader will completely wipe the data on your device. So, it is important to back up your data before proceeding with bootloader unlocking.

And when we talk about complete backup of data, Android Backup & Restore is the best software that hits the mind.

This software is phenomenally designed to back up your complete device data including videos, audio, photos, SMS, app data, documents, call logs, contacts, and many more.

Besides backing up, you can also use the same for easy restoration of the backed-up data with a few simple clicks.

Moreover, the software is supportable on most Android phones and can easily be operated. So, without a thought, proceed with downloading it and follow its user instructions.

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FAQs Related to Motorola Bootloader Unlocking

Final Words

So, this is all about unlock Motorola bootloader. However, proceed with the unlocking process only if you are confident about your technical knowledge and are comfortable with the risks associated with it.

I hope the article has provided you with enough information and the steps above have helped you to easily unlock Motorola bootloader.

Further, if you have any additional queries or doubts, reach us on Facebook or Twitter.

Harjeet Kour

Harjeet is a professional blogger who loves to write blogs about Android & iOS-related topics. She dedicated her 2+ years in the technology field, tackling all kinds of issues, errors and other problems. Currently, she is contributing to Android Data Recovery Blogs to guide users to solve several Android-related issues or any other problems. Before working for Android Data Recovery, she freelanced for various sites. Apart from writing, Harjeet is a music lover and fond of reading books.