Unlock The Bootloader Of Your Nexus Device In 5 Simple Steps

By Author: Brooke M. Perry
Total Articles: 84
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Google’s flagship Smartphone Google Nexus is shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat mobile operating system (OS), the latest Android mobile OS. Keeping your gadget up-to-date is the dream of every electronic gadget user, but the question is - can you spare that extra time to clean up or maintain your gadget? The RAM or system’s memory may begin sending signals about their improper functioning and frequent slowdowns over a period of time if you fail to take proper care of these vital components. This is the time, when you might want to install a custom ROM or custom recovery to keep up the speed and performance of your device.

The first thing that will come to your mind will be unlocking the Bootloader to wipe all your data and unlock your device for customizing it. Nexus device(s) can easily be unlocked by installing the Android SDK, connecting it to your PC and running a ‘fastboot oem unlock’ command. You can even unlock the Bootloader by rooting the phone, and installing a custom recovery.

Why unlocking the Bootloader is dangerous?

Unlocking the Bootloader may potentially void your device’s warranty ...
... and may leave you barehanded if anything goes wrong during the process. The process will give you this warning on the confirmation screen, when you try to unlock the Bootloader of your phone. Google has made it very easy for users to unlock the Bootloader on Smartphones and tablets, but the company takes responsibility of the mishaps that you might do with your Nexus. Once the Bootloader is unlocked there are hardly any chances to make a mess as it is quite simple to flash a custom ROM or stock ROM. Think again, and if you’re not comfortable with compromising the warranty, then you should stop right here.

How to unlock?

Just before starting the actual unlocking process, you will need to set up the Android SDK to run ‘adb and fastboot commands.’ You can find several tutorials on the Internet to get this setup installed on your device, and turn in on instantly. All you need to do is to download the latest Android SDK from Google, unzip the contents, and go to the platform-tools folder where ‘adb and fastboot’ will be located. Open a command prompt and then follow the steps mentioned below:

Step1. Enable the ‘Developer’ options by tapping 5 or 6 times on the Build number under the ‘Settings’ section of the ‘About’ tab of the phone.

Step2. After choosing the ‘Developer’ options, put a tick mark in the box for ‘USB debugging.’

Step3. Using the USB cable, plug-in the phone into your PC and give it the access for USB debugging by checking the box.

Step4. Now, type-in a command prompt: ‘adb reboot Bootloader’ and wait for the Bootloader screen to appear.

Step5. After a few minutes, your device will present a big Android icon with a START button on the screen. Now, type ‘fastboot oem unlock’ and proceed.

Step6. Once the command is processed, you will be presented with a Bootloader unlock confirmation page. Tap the ‘Volume Up’ button to highlight ‘Yes,’ and pressed the ‘Power’ button to select it.

Step7. Wait for a minute or two and your phone will then be erased. The Bootloader is unlocked and is ready for ROMs, root and recovery.

Step8. The Bootloader screen will now ask you to ‘Start’ and pressing the ‘Power’ button will reboot your phone.

Step9. Your phone will go through a factory reset during the reboot process and is now as new as it looks during a recent purchase, when boots up again.

Unlocking the Bootloader may sometimes be the only solution for Nexus device users as many of them might face severe slowdowns, frequent shutdown, freezing and other such issues. All Nexus device(s) are designed in such a way that they can be easily unlocked by even a basic user. Once you unlock the Bootloader you will lose the manufacturer’s warranty, the additional encryption layer, and original software, which may leave you worried and confused. You only need the SDK and the knowledge about using the command line, if you are planning to unlock your phone!

About the Author:b Brooke M. Perry is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve online tablet support, with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. With a strong track record of devising effective ways of tablet support and system security, she has so far helped thousands of users across the globe. Her writings on tech issues are the reflection of her in-depth interest and command she carries as a online pc repair technician. Her blogs and articles have been rated high for their lucid style and easy to understand language.