OEM Unlock: How to, Uses, Advantages, Disadvantages

If you are a power user or a developer, this is why unlocking the bootloader on Android smartphones is probably the first thing that comes to your mind when trying to restore flash images.

If you plan on customizing your phone or version of Android or just want access to all those apps and features that the big boys won’t let another OEM have connected out of the box, then what is this mythical mode exactly?

In this article, we dive into OEM Unlock and explain how it works with both the benefits and risks of having such a feature enabled in fast boot mode.

What is OEM Unlock in Android Devices?

OEM is the acronym for “Original Equipment Manufacturer.” It is also called “Jailbreaking” sometimes.

OEM unlocking is the process in which the unlock ability flag is set to 1 (Yes) instead of 0 (No) of your device. Generally, this is locked by the original manufacturing company, so its name is OEM Unlocking.

The manufacturer locks the bootloader, so there shouldn’t be any unauthorized access to your device, which we will discuss next.

Original Equipment Manufacturer Unlock or OEM Unlock is a setting on Android devices that allows users to unlock the device bootloader.

Your device must have BootLoader software that runs each time the machine is powered on to instruct your Operating System on how it should be started.

Speaking more colloquially, what the bootloader does is to determine if certain software may be run or not.

Locking the bootloader is a standard practice on most Android phones, which makes sure users receive over-the-air updates with new features and not from third-party developers.

It is actually OEM Unlocking, and its main function gives users the ability to unlock the bootloader which means that you can flash any custom recovery like TWRP or CWM, install new ROMs in your device, or root it without the hassle of breaking trust from manufacturer.

Read More About the Technicalities of Locking/Unlocking the Bootloader

So, let’s discuss the bootloader first.

What is Bootloader?

If you have stepped into the beginning world of technology, then, you might be aware of the word “booting”.

Booting is nothing but a process of running system image files on your device and the program that runs it is called a “bootloader.”

The process of making a bootloader to run that image is called “booting.”

Is Unlocking Bootloader Safe?

Yes, it is safe only if you are techy, as it may cause your device to break.

The only complication in the bootloader comes when it is tried to be locked again.

The process of OEM Unlocking from the manufacturer follows the standard process as and when required. As it may be the case due to software changes, the manufacturer may reject your warranty request.

So, it is recommended only if you know the process well.

Does Unlocking the Bootloader Void My Warranty?

Yes, in some cases, unless some software complications occur while installing custom ROMs and thirty-party apps.

Some smartphone companies like Xiaomi allow it, but others don’t.

So, we request you confirm with your device before doing it.

Why do you want to OEM Unlock your device?

Since OEM Unlock is the first step for anyone looking to personalize their device in ways that respect aftermarket restrictions, it’s a pretty valuable feature.

Some of the main reasons why OEM Unlock is crucial include:

1. Root Access: Rooting an Android allows you to alter system applications and settings, run specialized apps that require administrative privileges(clean master, Titanium backup), or perform other operations(including increasing RAM). Usually, you need to unlock the bootloader on an Android device in order to root it, and that needs enabling OEM Unlock.
2. Custom ROMs: In case you are unfamiliar with them, custom ROMs are essentially aftermarket versions of Android for your device that enhance the overall performance and functionality in contrast with stock OS. So, unlocking the bootloader through OEM Unlock is a must to flash Linux on Android.
3. Custom Recoveries: Custom recovery is a third-party modification of the Android default recovery environment. It has advanced features by which you can create full backups, restore them, and flash custom software. Moreover, in order to install a custom recovery such as TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), you need the bootloader and, thus, OEM Unlock.
4. Kernel Modifications: The core of the Android operating system it handles communication between hardware and software. This change can improve performance, increase battery life, and add new features to the kernel. But this needs the bootloader unlocked, which needs OEM Unlock preinstalled.
5. Access to Developer Options: On Android, OEM Unlock is frequently accompanied by a variety of other developer options. Some of these options allow developers to test applications for it and give users the ability to set some setting values ​​for USB debugging, app debugging, etc.

Why OEM Unlock is Important for Android Customization?

OEM Unlock is very important in terms of Android Customization, as OEM Unlock is the first step towards the whole customization world. And without OEM Unlock, you can’t do any type of customization on your Android smartphone.

Also, Read: What is Magisk | Root Android Device using Magisk

Let’s take a good example, and understand why it is important. Suppose you are using a smartphone from a manufacturer who uses a custom and bulky UI like the Mi 11X with MIUI from Xiaomi, but now you want to try some stock Android experience by flashing the Pixel Experience ROM.

Also, Read: How to Unlock Mi 11X Bootloader (Redmi K40/POCO F3)

So, to do that, you will have first to unlock the bootloader to install a custom recovery and then flash the Pixel Experience ROM. But to unlock the bootloader, you will first have to enable OEM Unlock on your Android smartphone.

Pros and Cons of OEM Unlock

Benefits of OEM Unlock

Now, when you enabled OEM Unlocked, check out its advantages:

1. Full Control Over Your Device: OEM Unlock grants you full administrative control of your Android phone by allowing you to install custom ROMs and kernels.
2. Install Custom ROMs and Kernels: Custom ROMs are simply skins that change the look of Android to give more features or better performance and also allow you to choose another version of Android. On top of that, custom kernels can enhance performance and battery life as well.
3. Remove Bloatware: Unfortunately, many Android devices are credited preinstalled with bloatware that is unneeded. These occupy extra storage space and exert processing power. These apps can be removed if you have root access.
4. Access to Advanced Apps: To run some apps, a root is necessary. After enabling OEM Unlock, you can root your device and use advanced apps.
5. Extended Device Life: This is how we get the latest Android updates and features even after our manufacturer has stopped providing official updates only by installing custom ROMs.

Risks of Enabling OEM Unlock

OEM Unlock allows for access to other benefits, but it also comes with a number of risks that you would probably want the heads up on.

1. Void Warranty: The majority of manufacturers openly say that it will void the warranty havoc. This gives an impression that you are out of warranty, which means if your device breaks a few months after purchasing it, nobody will repair or replace it for free.
2. Security Risks: But you should not do it since unlocking the device bootloader makes your phone more susceptible to malware and unauthorized entry. Root privileges mean elevated(Greater) privileges. Thus, it can harm your security in Android bugs.
3. Data Loss: This will usually wipe full data from your device, app settings, and personal files. Be sure to back up your data every time before proceeding.
4. Potential for Bricking: This poses the greatest risk of bricking your device, that is to say, making it completely unusable if something fails throughout bootloader unlocking or while flashing.
5. No Official Support: Official ROM updates from the manufacturer will no longer come to you after unlocking your bootloader.

Enable OEM Unlock on Android

Step 0: Backup your data

Step 1: Enable Developers Option

• First, we need to enable the Developer Options; on your device, head towards Settings -> About Phone -> Software Information.
• Now in Software Information, tap on Build Number 7 times, and enter your pattern or pin if prompted.
• Now it enables Developers Options.

Step 2: Enable OEM Unlock

• Now, go back to System settings. And tap on the Developers Option.
• In the developer’s options, just toggle the switch towards the right, located in front of OEM Unlock, to enable it.

A few options in your device may differ depending on your device’s build.

Is OEM Unlocking Right for You?

Whether you wish to use either type of OEM Unlock can vary for each person, depending on your technical experience.

OEM Unlocking can be a gateway to the various power user modes that one understandably needs in order to fully maximize their Android experience; it makes almost all other stuff, including “sideloading,” possible.

But if you are a normal user who is happy with the features of your device and wants security assurance, then bootlocking may not be meant for those cases.

Disable OEM Unlock on Android

In case you want to disable OEM Unlock, then follow the similar steps as the above to do so,

• Open the Settings app from the App Drawer or from the Notification/Control Center.
• Then, navigate to the System Settings.
• Now, scroll down to Developer Options.
• Finally, go to the OEM Unlock option and toggle the switch towards the left to disable it.

What Can I Do After Enabling OEM Unlock?

There are tons of things that can be done after enabling OEM Unlock. I am mentioning a few of them just to get started,

• The first thing you can do is unlock the bootloader; as soon as you unlock the bootloader, there is an ocean of opportunities.
• After unlocking the bootloader, you can install/flash a custom recovery(Best Custom Recovery) to take all the customization power at your hand.
• After that, you can flash custom ROMs(How to Flash Custom ROM) as per your preference, like the stock Android (Pixel Experience ROM), Oxygen OS (Ported Version), gaming custom ROM(Best Android Custom ROM for Gaming), etc.
• If you need more system power, you can also root your device. (Root Android Device using Magisk)

Sum Up

So, that’s all we have for you, and at least for now, the pros and cons should be weighed before going.

Knowing what OEM Unlock is, why you might want to use it, and how to enable or disable this feature on an Android device can really help you decide whether the bootloader unlocking option should be used or not.