In this article, let us discuss OEM unlock in Android and explain how you can easily enable it on your Android device. Are you interested in rooting your smartphone? Getting root access allows you super user permission on your phone. You can customize it by installing a custom OS, recovery, and debloating your phone.
Rooting these days has become relatively more straightforward. To get to the phase of rooting your Android device, you need to perform OEM unlock on your Android device. You will follow that step by unlocking the device bootloader. Then, you can install TWRP or any custom recovery through fast boot access. Then, you may root using apps such as Magisk.
1. What is OEM Unlocking?
While rooting your Android phone may sound cool, your device maker doesnโt want you to do it. As I mentioned, unlocking the OEM is followed by unlocking the bootloader.
An unlocked bootloader will void your Android deviceโs warranty. If you are confused, unlocking the OEM and the bootloader are separate but used stepwise for rooting. The OEM lock is the gateway set by your phoneโs manufacturer. You need to pass this gate to find a way to unlock the bootloader.
OEM unlock doesnโt trigger warranty void. Itโs the bootloader unlock that causes your phoneโs warranty to expire. When the warranty voids your device, you cannot claim free service for any technical issue. Also, any wrong move in unlocking the bootloader can cause your Android device to brick permanently.
To avoid all these issues, the OEM, the abbreviation for Original Equipment Manufacturer [usually the smartphone brand], hides away the option to perform OEM unlock in Android devices.
Usually, rooting an Android device that has passed its warranty period is suggested. Also, if your Android phone is your daily driver, refrain from rooting it. Instead, use a secondary Android device if you have access to one.
2. Steps to Perform OEM Unlock in Android
Important: If your device gets bricked while unlocking the OEM or rooting, the author or TechDator will not be held responsible. Always perform manual smartphone modding with proper knowledge.
Before proceeding towards OEM unlock, back up your data on the phone for safety. You may back up the data to Google Drive or copy and paste it to your PC hard drive.
Those who carry out OEM unlock usually do it as a pre-requisite for rooting their devices. Now, the OEM unlock option is hidden in the Android system settings. You must first enable developer mode on your Android phone to access that option. Here are the steps for that.
2.1 Enable Developer Option on Android Phone
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to About Phone and tap on it.
- Under that, go to Build Number.
- On this build number, tap around 7 times.
- A pop-up messageโYouโre Now a Developerโ will appear on the screen.
The Developer Option tab will now become available in your Android deviceโs system settings.
Now, you have to access the Developer Option, which contains the option to unlock OEM on your Android device.
- Open the Settings app and make your way to the option System. Tap on it.
- Under the System Settings, navigate to Developer Options and tap on it.
- Within Developer Options, scroll to OEM Unlocking. Tap on the switch beside the option.
- You will be asked to provide your phone PIN or pattern to authenticate that you are the device owner who wishes to proceed with the system modification.
- After entering the PIN/pattern a pop-up box will ask you to confirm proceeding with OEM unlock on the Android device.
- Tap on Enable to continue. Thatโs it.
Now, with the OEM unlocked on your Android device, you can unlock the bootloader.
You can try these fixes if you cannot see an option for OEM unlock even after enabling Developer Options. Make sure to update your Android phone to the latest system build available. You may also try setting your deviceโs date to a previous month or year.
Wrapping Up
Android OS is open-source software. It offers so much scope for customization for tech-savvy potential super users. To explore the world of custom ROMs and TWRP, you must root your Android device. You need to know how OEM unlock in Android is done. Now, through this guide, you will be ready to dip your toes in the world of rooting smartphones.