Related
Most prob been asked a million times but I want to root my One but heard bad things about HTC and unlocking bootloaders. Does it 'fully' void my warranty for good and is there a way to root without touching the bootloader? (HTC site says 'May' but I've read fully by some people)
Also if I unlock my bootloader and then lock it (so it says relocked) does that still count as void?
recklesslife85 said:
Most prob been asked a million times but I want to root my One but heard bad things about HTC and unlocking bootloaders. Does it 'fully' void my warranty for good and is there a way to root without touching the bootloader? (HTC site says 'May' but I've read fully by some people)
Also if I unlock my bootloader and then lock it (so it says relocked) does that still count as void?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you'll lose DRM keys. I'll try to look for an exploit on this device once I get it. Will try to find a way to root without unlocking the bootloader.
I would advice against unlocking the bootloader,
A few months back i unlocked my HTC One X
Only done this i the phone was branded by the provider and i can't stand that.
Was not overclocking the cpu or any thing like that just wanted stock unbranded rom's
Any how unlocked it worked well for months then the screen came unresponsive just a thin strip half way down,
Phone still worked very well just need to turn it on its side to text.
Contacted HTC about this told them i unlocked the bootloader,
The minuet i said that you could tell i was not going to get any help,
Pointed out that the Dev site says
It is our responsibility to caution you that not all claims resulting or caused by or from the unlocking of the bootloader may be covered under warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asked if they could confirm what claims would be covered,
Was advised non.
Asked why the dev site said "not all claims" yet when trying to claim you get told "no claim"
Got told to take it up with the dev site.
Few emails later i am still waiting for an answer or for them to update the site.
Asked HTC how much it would cost to repair the phone and was told "you don't want to know"
So got a new HTC One and want to unlock it but no need now as this one is not branded so i am happy with it locked.
Steven_belfast said:
I would advice against unlocking the bootloader,
A few months back i unlocked my HTC One X
Only done this i the phone was branded by the provider and i can't stand that.
Was not overclocking the cpu or any thing like that just wanted stock unbranded rom's
Any how unlocked it worked well for months then the screen came unresponsive just a thin strip half way down,
Phone still worked very well just need to turn it on its side to text.
Contacted HTC about this told them i unlocked the bootloader,
The minuet i said that you could tell i was not going to get any help,
Pointed out that the Dev site says
Asked if they could confirm what claims would be covered,
Was advised non.
Asked why the dev site said "not all claims" yet when trying to claim you get told "no claim"
Got told to take it up with the dev site.
Few emails later i am still waiting for an answer or for them to update the site.
Asked HTC how much it would cost to repair the phone and was told "you don't want to know"
So got a new HTC One and want to unlock it but no need now as this one is not branded so i am happy with it locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First mistake = you told them u unlocked it.
Second mistake or lack of information available to you = you can easily relock and ruu your phone to get it back to stock software. Even if you s off there are ways to put it back to s on. Therefore they will not be able to tell if you have or have not unlocked the bootloader before.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
eg1122 said:
First mistake = you told them u unlocked it.
Second mistake or lack of information available to you = you can easily relock and ruu your phone to get it back to stock software. Even if you s off there are ways to put it back to s on. Therefore they will not be able to tell if you have or have not unlocked the bootloader before.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surely if it says relocked then they know?
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
eg1122 said:
First mistake = you told them u unlocked it.
Second mistake or lack of information available to you = you can easily relock and ruu your phone to get it back to stock software. Even if you s off there are ways to put it back to s on. Therefore they will not be able to tell if you have or have not unlocked the bootloader before.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you can relock it but if you check the Hboot it says "Relocked" and so they can tell if it has been unlocked before.
At least for the evo once you relock it says relock, but once you ruu it goes back to lock. Also on the evo forums we have a tool that customizes the hboot and u can make it say whatever u want. My phone is s off and unlocked yet it says locked and s on. So something like this can also work in case the ruu does not remove the relocked string. But I'm 100% positive it will. Furthermore simply locking and taking a ota will still display relocked.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Why would you tell them you unlocked the bootloader LOL?!?!?
Seriously? HTC WILL repair hardware issues covered that don't involve software. Many, many people have used their warranty despite being bl unlocked.
And as some1 above pointed out, there are ways to relock so HTC wont even know you touched the phone.
With huawei no longer providing a code , it looks like DC unlocker only supports android 7.x?
No I just unlocked my bootloader running Oreo with DC yesterday, it works great!
jmiller3342 said:
No I just unlocked my bootloader running Oreo with DC yesterday, it works great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, you're right it does work as I've just done mine too. Strange as DC unlocker site says
"Huawei P10 VTR-xxx upgraded to Android 8x not supported"
f1ux said:
Thanks, you're right it does work as I've just done mine too. Strange as DC unlocker site says
"Huawei P10 VTR-xxx upgraded to Android 8x not supported"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HI! I'm newbie with huawei phones! Tell me please how do I unlock bootloader, it's this DC unlockes free and safe? Do I get official ota updates after I unlocked bootloader? Do you recommend any stable aosp or lineage os? Lots of thanks!
ImPerfectBB said:
HI! I'm newbie with huawei phones! Tell me please how do I unlock bootloader, it's this DC unlockes free and safe? Do I get official ota updates after I unlocked bootloader? Do you recommend any stable aosp or lineage os? Lots of thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DC unlocker costs about 5 USD. So far it worked for many, but it may stop working in the future if Huawei manages to patch the opportunity they are using. You do get OTA's if you just unlock, but not anymore if you root or install twrp.
Openkirin makes good treble roms. Their website is very informative (openkirin.net) and the developers are active on the Telegram support channel.
f1ux said:
Thanks, you're right it does work as I've just done mine too. Strange as DC unlocker site says
"Huawei P10 VTR-xxx upgraded to Android 8x not supported"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried for my P10 and he asks me 15 €.
It's a little excessive because there is no guarantee of a good result
Isn't it there another easier way? goddammit huawei... Top 10 anime betrayals.
++ I have same problem with my P10. Actually i have written Huawei Global and Huawei Turkey to get bootloader unlock code; but they did not give that code because of "ensure customers have the best and safest possible experience". I will apply some legal procedures to give that code.
sinerjik said:
++ I have same problem with my P10. Actually i have written Huawei Global and Huawei Turkey to get bootloader unlock code; but they did not give that code because of "ensure customers have the best and safest possible experience". I will apply some legal procedures to give that code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which ones?
It's just poor for Huawei that they do this to their users.
If I buy something it's mine, it's not the property of the manufacturer anymore.
Even though Huawei added this regulation to their Eula it's just a flaw to their customers and for me a reason to tell everybody they shouldn't buy Huawei anymore. The P10 was my first and my last Huawei device.
I'm happy that I have my unlock code.
I have a little conspiracy: DC Phoenix is driven by Huawei to make some extra money for unlocking devices
Jannomag said:
It's just poor for Huawei that they do this to their users.
If I buy something it's mine, it's not the property of the manufacturer anymore.
Even though Huawei added this regulation to their Eula it's just a flaw to their customers and for me a reason to tell everybody they shouldn't buy Huawei anymore. The P10 was my first and my last Huawei device.
I'm happy that I have my unlock code.
I have a little conspiracy: DC Phoenix is driven by Huawei to make some extra money for unlocking devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats about that but this is not my case, I'm on stock and wonder if I could unlock my bootloader with this people and I was not happy with open Kirin for example, I could go back to the same state of the phone I am now? I need to please that the answer is safe as I can not afford to buy another mobile. Now I have the VTR L09 8.0.0.375 c432 and and I've never done anything to the Phone.
With what service would you make a complete copy of the phone? I know it's two questions, but I need you to help me with the two, please. Thank you.
You need to backup your /system with TWRP before you flash an Open Kirin Rom.
After this you'll be able to go back but you still need to do a factory reset.
You also be aware that stock Android misses some nice features EMUI has like scrolling screenshot or flip cover support.
Jannomag said:
You need to backup your /system with TWRP before you flash an Open Kirin Rom.
After this you'll be able to go back but you still need to do a factory reset.
You also be aware that stock Android misses some nice features EMUI has like scrolling screenshot or flip cover support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I have not unlocked the bootloader, I'm on stock as a virgin, Can I make copy with twrp? How plz?
Without unlocking the bootloader you can't flash anything on your P10. You need to pay for DC Phoenix if you want to unlock or pray to holy Ren Zhengfei, maybe he listens to you and changes the Huawei policies as CEO...
Jannomag said:
Without unlocking the bootloader you can't flash anything on your P10. You need to pay for DC Phoenix if you want to unlock or pray to holy Ren Zhengfei, maybe he listens to you and changes the Huawei policies as CEO...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, the steps are : unlock, then can use twrp for a full backup or need root?, and finally follow the open kirin instructions for flashing a rom with magisk
P10bcpoat said:
So, the steps are : unlock, then can use twrp for a full backup or need root?, and finally follow the open kirin instructions for flashing a rom with magisk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Did you ever used stock Android? It's not a great experience as you expect, maybe. I tried it for some weeks and turned back to EMUI after missing 100% functionality.
UpI used rr rom in a moto g 4g and I loved this rom, the look overall. I don't use flip covers and scrolling screenshot lucky for me. But what else you loose/miss changing to rr rom plz? And remember my question before about need root besides for backing up with twrp? Nfc works? Another three questions sorry?
Jannomag said:
It's just poor for Huawei that they do this to their users.
If I buy something it's mine, it's not the property of the manufacturer anymore.
Even though Huawei added this regulation to their Eula it's just a flaw to their customers and for me a reason to tell everybody they shouldn't buy Huawei anymore. The P10 was my first and my last Huawei device.
I'm happy that I have my unlock code.
I have a little conspiracy: DC Phoenix is driven by Huawei to make some extra money for unlocking devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1-Yes if you buy the phone its yours. Do whatever do you want to..sorry what you can do (with locked bootloader). The device is maybe yours, but the software isn´t. I repair phones for a friend of mine who has a mobile shop (seeling making repairs). I do only the software things (reflashing roms, unbricking devices, removing FRP, miaccount lock and so on) and 99,7% of coustomers don´t even know what android version they have and what is root. The rest (0,3%) are noobs who don´t understand what to do and they bricked their phone trying to root, instal magisk....
2-The problem is, that unlocking bootloader is matter of maybe 1% of all customers. Then 50% of this 1% claim warranty repair because they bricked their device. so why souhld Huawei deal with that, they just don´t allow unlocking bootloader and tha´t it.
3-DC Phoenix is driven by Huawei. It is some year known fact.
Even if it's just for 0,3% of all Android users it's a matter of Principe.
When I buy something it's mine. As you said, the software license is legally owned by the manufacturer but not the hardware. So, when I buyed a phone I should've the right to install a third party software to remove the ownership by the manufacturer.
When I buy a T-shirt I can modify it by myself as I want even if there's a logo visible, which is official linceses by the manufacturer who isn't allowed to forbid modifications on this T-shirt.
Jannomag said:
Even if it's just for 0,3% of all Android users it's a matter of Principe.
When I buy something it's mine. As you said, the software license is legally owned by the manufacturer but not the hardware. So, when I buyed a phone I should've the right to install a third party software to remove the ownership by the manufacturer.
When I buy a T-shirt I can modify it by myself as I want even if there's a logo visible, which is official linceses by the manufacturer who isn't allowed to forbid modifications on this T-shirt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-shirt is not a smartphone. And when you don't agre with the politic Huawei is doing buy another phone. ?
Note: This Thread is @svetius Approved!
NOTE: Thread locked and link removed until OP returns
SamPWND Bootloader Unlock Service
It is now possible to unlock the bootloader of USA/CAN Samsung S21 Models!
Note2: This is an informational thread that links to a paid service. Paid service is not a service provided by XDA.
The service described in this thread is simply to provide a remote service that will unlock the bootloader on USA Samsung devices released from the S10 and newer devices. This includes S10, N10, S20, N20, S21, Flip/Fold models, Tab S7 etc. devices which typically will have the letter U, U1, W or in some carrier specific cases might have a different letter, for example, N976V is Verizon N10! 5G model which is also unlockable. This service is not for Exynos variants or China/HK variants that are already unlockable by default.
Due to the nature of this service, there is no exploit that exists. It is also device specific so it is impossible to release any sort of exploit or method that would work on every device due to it being device specific. I will explain more of the process below but please understand that individual files are needed for me to purchase to unlock your devices and of course that is why this service is not able to be provided for free. You all know from my past experiences and posts that if I could provide a free method I would have already done so.
Spoiler: Process
1. First you should be sure to read the FAQ's and all other information on the website and in this thread etc. then be 100% sure that unlocking is what you want to do. Read the notes/disclaimers, refund policy, etc. etc.
2. If you decide unlocking through this service is what you want to do, proceed to the website REMOVED and in the menu go to the "Purchase" tab.
3. Be sure to read each step clearly and enter in accurate information. Form is designed to help walk you though getting your OneUI version, bootloader version, the correct DID etc. etc. It also includes a brief description of the refund policy as well as a signature box to sign just iindicating that you have read everything and agree. This is also done so that if you are on a device or a specific update/bootloader version that cannot be unlocked then it will tell you so and will not allow you to make a payment or will show 0$. If you can unlock your device, it will show you the price and allow you to make a payment once you have completed the form.
4. It will take 1-2 business days (not counting weekends, holidays, as well as life events such as if I get sick or life happens or my source is not available at the time etc.) to have the payment hit my bank account at which time I will send to my source to obtain your unlock "token."
5. Once token is received, I will proceed to message you on Telegram or Discord (whichever you prefer, you have the option to leave your username for both when filling out the form) and will send Instrucitons in a txt file along with modded ODIN (in case you don't already have it) as well as your unlock token so that you can unlock your device at your earliest convenience!
Spoiler: Notes
I wanted to try and keep the XDA threads short and clean so any notes or FAQ's you have questions for I suggest you view the website including the FAQ's first as well as the support group on TG is a good place to talk to others who have already unlocked or planning to unlock using this service as well as you can ask in this thread as usual.
The "Purchase Form" on the website when filled out correctly based on your device will tell you if your device is unlockable or not so fill that out first and if unlockable it will tell you the price at the end of which you can either pay or not depending on what you decide!
Spoiler: Disclaimers
-IMPORTANT - Do NOT blindly update if you are unlocked already or if you plan to unlock your bootloader via this service. Sammy has incremented the bootloader and updated some devices to OneUI 3.1 which breaks the BL unlock. Devices still on the same rev (i.e. S20 at time of this writing) then you can just flash back an older OneUI firmware and device will be unlocked again. If you update to OneUI 3.1 on new bootloader version then you likely will lost the unlock and can't downgrade (i.e. S20FE on rev2/3, N20 and S21 Models on rev2). That said, there are some devs posting some "safe" update files to allow you to update to latest firmware without losing your unlock so before taking any updates always check in the support group first. You have been warned!
- This method will unlock the bootloader allowing you to use custom firmware, custom kernels and everything else that is allowed with an unlocked bootloader including Magisk root.
- Please read the policies on the website including refund policy. Proceeding with the unlock service assumes you have read everything including the policies and decided to continue with the service.
- This DOES NOT unlock your SIM or carrier/network. it is NOT a SIM unlock.
- This process modifies the steady partition. Therefore if you end up messing with this partition or get another remote service such as combo flash or sim unlock service etc. that messes with the steady partition then you might overwrite the unlock and essentially relock the bootloader. Chances are if you have no idea what a steady partition is then I would not worry about it at all.
- Knox will be tripped. This means apps that rely on Knox flag not being tripped will no longer work i.e. Secure Folder, Samsung Pay etc.
- Once the device is unlocked, if for whatever reason it is locked again then it cannot be unlocked anymore. So make sure that once you unlock the bootloader that this is the choice you want to make and you want it unlocked.
- This service is strictly to unlock the bootloader. It is not a root thread, ROM service etc. What you choose to do with your device after being unlocked is your choice. Once device is unlocked, this thread/service will have served it's purpose. Links to other threads sources will likely be provided in another post just so users who are unlocking will have an easy reference and to keep this thread clean.
Spoiler: Feedback/Complaints
If you have any complaints about the service or want to provide feedback then please do so via PM and/or the contact page on the website or via TG/Discord if we have already spoke there etc. Do not bother the forum moderators with complaints regarding the service itself because they are not affiliated with the service and I simply got permission to post about and talk about the service. I assume this isn't something usually granted but I'd like to believe due to me being a long time member, contributor, developer and moderator that an exception was made. Keep in mind, if this somehow get's out of hand or goes south I am sure I will end up having to delete this thread. Let's not let it get to that point!
Spoiler: Purpose
- This is not a get rich quick scheme or something to make money. Trust me, I wouldn't even bother with this if my purpose was to make money because it is not very lucrative to say the least. There is cost involved with purchasing the actual unlock, site costs, payment gateway fees to be able to accept payments, time and effort to process the unlocks etc. so take all of that into consideration when weighing the cost.
- It has been years since USA models had a device that could be unlocked. I have spent countless weeks researching security since the S8. I released root methods for S8 devices as well as the S9/N9 devices at a later time which took a long time to figure out and that was just a basic root method. I was skeptical at first about this unlock process but trusted my sources and when I first unlocked my device I did various testing and concluded it is legit! At this time no one else knew about it, couldn't talk about it, etc. By word of mouth (until now), many devs/users have unlocked their device using this service. TWRP threads have popped up, some custom ROM threads have started popping up etc. The hope of going public is we get a lot more users purchasing and unlocking their devices (when it otherwise is not possible) and drives the development for USA devices.
XDA is the ONLY place I have published this post and would like to keep it that way. You are NOT allowed to create your own posts in regards to this service and if I see any other posts around this service I will ask to have it removed. You can however link to this XDA post if anyone has questions as to how your device was unlocked.
Spoiler: Website
Note: If you frequented the website before, I have removed the "forum" function from the website since we can discuss everything here on XDA in this thread so there is no need for a forum to be attached to my website any longer. Registration on the website is not required for anything. You can view the shop and purchase the service or view the ROM's section to see some of my SamPWND ROM's and download them etc. if you like all without registering or anything.
REMOVED
mine...
I wasn't sure where to ask this question, if I need to go somewhere else, please let me know. I am considering getting my ATT Bootloader unlocked - but I have a question - once the bootloader is unlocked, what happens when therre are new firmwear releases? Are we able to update when new Firmware is released? Or will that return the locked bootloader? Just want to be sure I understand potential issues I might have...
Thanks
Geekser said:
I wasn't sure where to ask this question, if I need to go somewhere else, please let me know. I am considering getting my ATT Bootloader unlocked - but I have a question - once the bootloader is unlocked, what happens when therre are new firmwear releases? Are we able to update when new Firmware is released? Or will that return the locked bootloader? Just want to be sure I understand potential issues I might have...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all really depends. Nothing is forever. Only way a update will break things is if samsung updates their security but doesnt usually happen often.
Thaat said, theres ways to update safely so I wouldnt just blind flash updates until its confirmed one way or the other. Usually its important if they increment the BL because then u cant flash older firmwsre.
Welp, I have the desire to get this done sometime soon. I just keep having busy weekends! But I wasn't aware that I'd be able to flash BL update packages so long as they don't relock the BL. Any idea on where I could find out if the next software update contains a BL file that'd relock me? If so, then I'd be doing this ASAP lol.
NippleSauce said:
Welp, I have the desire to get this done sometime soon. I just keep having busy weekends! But I wasn't aware that I'd be able to flash BL update packages so long as they don't relock the BL. Any idea on where I could find out if the next software update contains a BL file that'd relock me? If so, then I'd be doing this ASAP lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
every update has bl files
elliwigy said:
every update has bl files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your repsponse to my previous question - Of course, there is no way to know if and when Samsung will update/increment the bootloader, but if I am not mistaken, it doesn't happen very often. That being said, it sounds like as long as I am careful about updating - waiting to make sure the Bootloader hasn't been updated that way which prevents going backward - I most likely won't lose "the unlocked" when I update new firmware.
One last question (probably a dumb one) so if everything checks out with the Bootloader when new firmware is released, I assume that we can just use Odin to flash the updated firmware - is that correct?
- By the way, thanks for your help with this.
Geekser said:
Thanks for your repsponse to my previous question - Of course, there is no way to know if and when Samsung will update/increment the bootloader, but if I am not mistaken, it doesn't happen very often. That being said, it sounds like as long as I am careful about updating - waiting to make sure the Bootloader hasn't been updated that way which prevents going backward - I most likely won't lose "the unlocked" when I update new firmware.
One last question (probably a dumb one) so if everything checks out with the Bootloader when new firmware is released, I assume that we can just use Odin to flash the updated firmware - is that correct?
- By the way, thanks for your help with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but each software update has a bootloader update included, hence why I was asking where I could find out whether or not flashing that file via Odin would end up relocking the bootloader... I suppose we'll have to just check around here on the XDA forums to find out whether or not the updates would be flashable whilst having your BL unlocked... =(... So we may have to wait a few months until we start seeing posts discussing exactly that...that is, of course, unless Samsung publicly announces whether or not the BL update will have security changes... But being that I haven't had a Samsung phone for the last decade, I'm not really sure if they'd ever announce that information... But hey, that's the one question that's holding most people back from getting a bootloader unlock ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Geekser said:
Thanks for your repsponse to my previous question - Of course, there is no way to know if and when Samsung will update/increment the bootloader, but if I am not mistaken, it doesn't happen very often. That being said, it sounds like as long as I am careful about updating - waiting to make sure the Bootloader hasn't been updated that way which prevents going backward - I most likely won't lose "the unlocked" when I update new firmware.
One last question (probably a dumb one) so if everything checks out with the Bootloader when new firmware is released, I assume that we can just use Odin to flash the updated firmware - is that correct?
- By the way, thanks for your help with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no.. dont update.. they just incremented to rev2.. looking into it
A newbie question.
If I relock the bootloader will the knox trip be reversed as well ? or is it a thing for ever like everyother bootloader unlock for samsung?
Techvir said:
A newbie question.
If I relock the bootloader will the knox trip be reversed as well ? or is it a thing for ever like everyother bootloader unlock for samsung?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you cannot reset knox.. its a physical efuse
elliwigy said:
elliwigy said:
you cannot reset knox.. its a physical efuse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you got this service up and running. This is just awesome. Should get this stickied because I just found it now and of course was not looking for it because I would not have thought a bootloader unlock was available. Eitherway... off to sampwned.com!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@elliwigy Food for thought: Add on service: TWRP Install?
I would feel a lot better about $150.00 if I at least got a free TWRP install. I mean I bought a $60.00 screen protector and got it installed for free. Unlock phone and get free TWRP install. Advertise it as a limited time deal.
Either way I think it would be a great add-on service even if a small fee applied.
How long does it usually take to get a response back? I got the first email like 4 days ago, this is normal?
Like I'm waiting for the unlock code or whatever it is I use to unlock the bootloader, it's been 5 days now?
Aurey24 said:
Like I'm waiting for the unlock code or whatever it is I use to unlock the bootloader, it's been 5 days now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
send me pm with your email or order number or message me on telegram.
elliwigy said:
send me pm with your email or order number or message me on telegram.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent pm
Aurey24 said:
Sent pm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To you and others who fill out the form:
If you fill it out and it doesnt give you the option to pay or says 0$ then that means your device is not currently unlockable. Hence why you woukdnt get any response from me since I respond to those that are unlockable and have submitted payment.
I dod add yesterday if you are not unlockable itll give you a message saying you cannot unlock at this time to further clarify it.
I will update OP tonight as much has changed since first launching/posting SamPWND services.
Before I buy just want to make sure my bootloader is unlockable. My baseband version is G998U1ES4BULE
joelstitch said:
Before I buy just want to make sure my bootloader is unlockable. My baseband version is G998U1ES4BULE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope
I just bought this phone. It's actually quite nice and better than I expected. Paid 475€ for it brand new in a store here in Italy. I'm coming from the good old XZ1 Compact, aka the best phone ever made. This seems to be a big (too big, tfw no phone under 5.5) improvement over it.
That being said, I was wondering how does Asus react to their phones being unlocked. I come from Sony which does not like unlocking, in fact on the XZ1 and XZ2, unlocking was permanent and you lost drm keys and stock features fOrEveR. How is it on this one? Does it void the warranty forever? Do you lose stock features after unlocking? Can you relock the bootloader and go back to full stock eventually?
I googled and searched all over but I find conflicting and contraddicting informations about this, on top of the usual ****ty websites with ai generated copypaste guides.
Thanks in advance.
MarkMRL said:
I just bought this phone. It's actually quite nice and better than I expected. Paid 475€ for it brand new in a store here in Italy. I'm coming from the good old XZ1 Compact, aka the best phone ever made. This seems to be a big (too big, tfw no phone under 5.5) improvement over it.
That being said, I was wondering how does Asus react to their phones being unlocked. I come from Sony which does not like unlocking, in fact on the XZ1 and XZ2, unlocking was permanent and you lost drm keys and stock features fOrEveR. How is it on this one? Does it void the warranty forever? Do you lose stock features after unlocking? Can you relock the bootloader and go back to full stock eventually?
I googled and searched all over but I find conflicting and contraddicting informations about this, on top of the usual ****ty websites with ai generated copypaste guides.
Thanks in advance.
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Hi
see the readme from the ASUS Unlock tool from here https://www.asus.com/de/Mobile/Phones/ZenFone/Zenfone-8/HelpDesk_Download/
Unlock Device App
NOTICE:
Before you download, install, and use the Unlock Device App (“Service”), you understand that you need to take all risks in terms of quality and performance of the Service, including but not limited to: once you trigger the Service, you’re not able to recover your ASUS products to the original status at the time of manufacturing (“Original Product”) anymore. Original Products which is used with the Service (“Changed Product”) will no longer be regarded as the Original Products. The software updates will not be available to the Changed Product, and the digital content in the Changed Product may no longer be used. In addition, the software and hardware problems of your ASUS product caused by using the Service may not apply to your ASUS Warranty Information, please read ASUS Warranty Information of your ASUS product carefully on ASUS official website.(https://bacchus.asus.com/support/Article/1060/)
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>> Does it void the warranty forever?
I think so
>>Do you lose stock features after unlocking?
I did not find anything that did not work anymore after unlocking (but I tested only the functionality that is important for me ....)
>>Can you relock the bootloader and go back to full stock eventually?
I don't know if you can relock the phone but I doubt it.
You can reinstall the Original ASUS Firmware and it still works like before. You can also install the updates for the original OS manually (I did not test if OTA still works)
regards
Bernd
MarkMRL said:
I just bought this phone. It's actually quite nice and better than I expected. Paid 475€ for it brand new in a store here in Italy. I'm coming from the good old XZ1 Compact, aka the best phone ever made. This seems to be a big (too big, tfw no phone under 5.5) improvement over it.
That being said, I was wondering how does Asus react to their phones being unlocked. I come from Sony which does not like unlocking, in fact on the XZ1 and XZ2, unlocking was permanent and you lost drm keys and stock features fOrEveR. How is it on this one? Does it void the warranty forever? Do you lose stock features after unlocking? Can you relock the bootloader and go back to full stock eventually?
I googled and searched all over but I find conflicting and contraddicting informations about this, on top of the usual ****ty websites with ai generated copypaste guides.
Thanks in advance.
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Click to collapse
To add to bnsmb's response,
When the phone is unlocked, some apps will not work, like google pay for example, but the bootloader can be relocked with one fastboot command and you will get all features back (except OTA updates from the settings, you will have to update manually)
(It is not recommended to relock the bootloader when not on the Stock Asus ROM)
To relock, simply type these two commands
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem asus-csc_lk
reboot
The phone will prompt you to do a factory reset when booting
Adaoh said:
To add to bnsmb's response,
When the phone is unlocked, some apps will not work, like google pay for example, but the bootloader can be relocked with one fastboot command and you will get all features back (except OTA updates from the settings, you will have to update manually)
(It is not recommended to relock the bootloader when not on the Stock Asus ROM)
To relock, simply type these two commands
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem asus-csc_lk
reboot
The phone will prompt you to do a factory reset when booting
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Hi
>>To relock, simply type these two commands
Good to know that but before I test it:
The phone can be unlocked again after the relock?
regards
Bernd
bnsmb said:
Hi
>>To relock, simply type these two commands
Good to know that but before I test it:
The phone can be unlocked again after the relock?
regards
Bernd
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Yes, I have tried it once, but some people reported it does not work depending on the version, I tried on Android 12 and it worked the first time (and on android 11 but that was the first unlock a while ago)
Thank you for the info! I can't find the official manual or faq though, even from the link bnsmb provided :\
That's why I asked here in the first place. From what I can tell after looking through this info, they will know you have unlocked from the imei, considering their unlock tool talks to the mothership before doing the deed. It is still unclear if they will respect the warranty period even after unlocking. I don't care about asking them for support on an unlocked phone, I just want to make sure it will get repaired or replaced for free (in terms of money and hassle) if I get a defect down the line that is unrelated to the unlock, such as a hardwre failure or assembly defect.
Anyway, it seems the only way to shed light on this mystery is to ask Asus themselves. I will report back as soon as they respond to my questions.
Warranty with unlocked bootloader
The warning text of the unlock app links you to the Warranty Policy for ASUS Phones, where the relevant part reads:
6. Exclusions from this limited Warranty Service
[...]
(m) Unusability or damage to hardware of the product caused by installing and using any kind of the Unlock Device App, which is a utility that will unlock your product’s boot loader but will render the warranty null and void.
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So yes as is usual, they will try to use "you having unlocked your bootloader" as an excuse to not repair their broken phones under warranty.
But, depending on your local consumer protection laws, there is a good chance this is actually illegal. In the EU for example, during the 2 years of required warranty THEY have to prove YOU that the defect was ACTUALLY CAUSED by you messing with the phone's software - which generally speaking they can't because it wasn't.
If you haven't seen it i recommend this thread for some details of people who have actually been in that situation - from what i saw after a quick glance through, 3 out of 3 people there got their unlocked&rooted phones replaced under warranty in the end, even it it took some effort to convince the support...
sirozan said:
If you haven't seen it i recommend this thread for some details of people who have actually been in that situation - from what i saw after a quick glance through, 3 out of 3 people there got their unlocked&rooted phones replaced under warranty in the end, even it it took some effort to convince the support...
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The linked thread does tell that one person was successful with the ASUS support, "all other" unfortunately not, see e.g. post #6.
.Michael. said:
The linked thread does tell that one person was successful with the ASUS support, "all other" unfortunately not, see e.g. post #6.
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Reading posts #31 and #38 i am pretty sure the person from post #6 did not have to play in the end as well. I also can't see anyone else in there who reported they tried to get unlocked phone replaced and didn't
Ups my fault, I have not seen the posts after #20 ... So it seems the warranty (given by law) is not void but the guarantee is (given by the company).
Anyway, in the meantime, Asus replied to me saying that if you unlock you lose your entire warranty no matter what. I reiterated, asking if I will also lose my right to a free repair for issues totally unrelated to the unlock, and they said yes, you will lose every right to repair.
So that is the official stance!
Too bad, I'm still in the return period so I might just get rid of it and hunt for a Pixel 5. Kind of sad though, the phone performed pretty well for me so far. But I need muh root and eventually LineageOS...
According to OnePlus I was supposed to get an email with this code when my phone was sim unlocked. They claim they have no idea what I'm talking about and they would never help somebody void their warranty and are forbidden to do so. How the hell do you get this code when they don't even know what it is? I can't get my unlock token without it and they've already tried blaming OnePlus which is not who is responsible for this code. I can't even find someone who knows what unlocking a bootloader means and they keep mixing it up with sim unlock and keep accusing me of trying to switch to another network despite me being with them for 11 years
let us know if you or anykne founded
Try saying root unlock instead. Btw you should be able to do this process online automatically. I could be wrong, but that's how it's always been done with every other device with tokens.
Tilde88 said:
Try saying root unlock instead. Btw you should be able to do this process online automatically. I could be wrong, but that's how it's always been done with every other device with tokens.
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When I go to OnePlus's unlock page it asks for the serial, the IMEI, and the 64 digit code emailed to you by T-Mobile. I have found a possible solution with adb but I don't know if it still works, something like "adb get_oem_unlock_code" or fastboot but I don't have the exact command on me at the moment. They have their own process worked out with T-Mobile but nobody at T-Mobile was taught anything about this
jld2k6 said:
When I go to OnePlus's unlock page it asks for the serial, the IMEI, and the 64 digit code emailed to you by T-Mobile. I have found a possible solution with adb but I don't know if it still works, something like "adb get_oem_unlock_code" or fastboot but I don't have the exact command on me at the moment. They have their own process worked out with T-Mobile but nobody at T-Mobile was taught anything about this
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Wow... now i understand. And... ugh, what a pain to go through tmo >.> sorry, friend