Database Develop

Unlocking Bootloader and Warranty Return

Just out of interest, has anyone unlocked their bootloader and then successfully had their device repaired under warranty?

Read this forum. It appears that people have better luck with a warranty repair instead of exchanging the device when the bootloader is unlocked.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=681723

I'm waiting to see how this works out for me. I sent my bootloader-unlocked Nexus in because I had dust under the screen. Also... I'm kinda sick of the unlocked padlock appearing on the screen every time I turn my phone on. I hope they relock it as I can root it without unlocking it anyway now. I'll let you guys know how it works out for me.

I opted for the swap when my Nexus One was acting up and my bootloader was unlocked and everything. After they received my old unit, I checked the status site and it shows: "Service is complete. Please visit HTC Customer Survey if you would like to take a quick survey regarding your experience contacting HTC.". They also took the hold off my credit card as well so I think everything is all good!

I sent mine in for repair with an unlocked bootloader and no problems.

Just got mine back today with an unlocked bootloader that was rooted and running a custom recovery with FRF93. No charge whatsoever! An HTC rep told me that they run the phone through a software test that is supposed to determine whether you unlocking/rooting the phone caused the issue. If they deem that you weren't at fault EVEN IF you did unlock/root then they repair the phone free of charge. Otherwise you're at fault and they will charge you.

rickytenzer said:
Just got mine back today with an unlocked bootloader that was rooted and running a custom recovery with FRF93. No charge whatsoever! An HTC rep told me that they run the phone through a software test that is supposed to determine whether you unlocking/rooting the phone caused the issue. If they deem that you weren't at fault EVEN IF you did unlock/root then they repair the phone free of charge. Otherwise you're at fault and they will charge you.
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Hey Ricky was your bootloader still unlocked when you got your phone back?

Nope. Came back locked.

Just got my Nexus One back from HTC. It was bootloader unlocked, but I had installed ERD79 and had everything in the condition in which I originally received it. It came back with a locked bootloader and ERE27 (The 1st official OTA update.) I have now rooted it without unlocking the bootloader and am running CM6 RC1.

Would there be anyway to replace it, then get a fresh and new device?

whats getting me is the fact you guys are missing something here.. you have unlocked the bootloader and get it back locked! so either they jus switch the mobo on the n1 and flashed the original first release rom( seems to be the simple and most likely option)
OR there is an actual way to relock the bootloader that has not been found, to think if there is the way to do this, this will actually save lots of ppl that did software damage and still want to get warranty with you getting charged or getting denied!

ilostchild said:
whats getting me is the fact you guys are missing something here.. you have unlocked the bootloader and get it back locked! so either they jus switch the mobo on the n1 and flashed the original first release rom( seems to be the simple and most likely option)
OR there is an actual way to relock the bootloader that has not been found, to think if there is the way to do this, this will actually save lots of ppl that did software damage and still want to get warranty with you getting charged or getting denied!
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Click to collapse
I'm thinking the 2nd one.

[Q] Can't boot into android, or flash anything

Hi!
Today I updated my Nexus 6 to 5.1 and something is went wrong...
When i try to boot my device into android, i Can't because its shows a dead android with a red triangle
(this is the screen where i can go into the recovery menu by pressing power on+ vol up)
i tried to flash the rom again, but the bootloader is locked because i relocked it after the 5.1 rom flash..
and i cant unlock it again because i cant boot into android to check the OEM unlock box.
i also tried wipe data, factory reset option in the recovery menu... thanks a lot for any suggestions
(sorry for my english)

Welcome to the club!

necroside007 said:
Hi!
Today I updated my Nexus 6 to 5.1 and something is went wrong...
When i try to boot my device into android, i Can't because its shows a dead android with a red triangle
(this is the screen where i can go into the recovery menu by pressing power on+ vol up)
i tried to flash the rom again, but the bootloader is locked because i relocked it after the 5.1 rom flash..
and i cant unlock it again because i cant boot into android to check the OEM unlock box.
i also tried wipe data, factory reset option in the recovery menu... thanks a lot for any suggestions
(sorry for my english)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why in the world would you relock the bootloader? Against commonsense it would seem. Also, there are threads on here dealing with the update and warning against relocking the boot loader. Those threads also describe efforts to recover from the situation.

wtherrell said:
Why in the world would you relock the bootloader? Against commonsense it would seem. Also, there are threads on here dealing with the update and warning against relocking the boot loader. Those threads also describe efforts to recover from the situation.
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Click to collapse
I haven't seen anyone warning against relocking the bootloader - in fact, I see many instruction sets where relocking the bootloader is the final step, before the first reboot. Most are for returning to stock. Go ahead and use your hindsight though, you sound so smart.
And yeah, there are plenty of efforts to recover from the situation, but I'm yet to see anyone do so successfully.

necroside007 said:
Hi!
Today I updated my Nexus 6 to 5.1 and something is went wrong...
When i try to boot my device into android, i Can't because its shows a dead android with a red triangle
(this is the screen where i can go into the recovery menu by pressing power on+ vol up)
i tried to flash the rom again, but the bootloader is locked because i relocked it after the 5.1 rom flash..
and i cant unlock it again because i cant boot into android to check the OEM unlock box.
i also tried wipe data, factory reset option in the recovery menu... thanks a lot for any suggestions
(sorry for my english)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
freeman_g said:
Welcome to the club!
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Click to collapse
AndrewZorn said:
I haven't seen anyone warning against relocking the bootloader - in fact, I see many instruction sets where relocking the bootloader is the final step, before the first reboot. Most are for returning to stock. Go ahead and use your hindsight though, you sound so smart.
And yeah, there are plenty of efforts to recover from the situation, but I'm yet to see anyone do so successfully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to update to the newest OTA you dont need to lock the bootloader back up. The bootloader can remained unlocked when doing this. Its been posted all over XDA about not having to do this. The only time you may want to relock the bootloader is when selling it to someone or trading it in. Thats it.

AndrewZorn said:
I haven't seen anyone warning against relocking the bootloader - in fact, I see many instruction sets where relocking the bootloader is the final step, before the first reboot. Most are for returning to stock. Go ahead and use your hindsight though, you sound so smart.
And yeah, there are plenty of efforts to recover from the situation, but I'm yet to see anyone do so successfully.
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Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3053497.

Well...I'm not browsing the XDA every day, i only come here for solutions for my problems....

wtherrell said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3053497.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, posted this morning. What a warning to everyone who did this before.
And saying not to do something that plenty of people want to do (like, returning to stock) isn't very significant.

necroside007 said:
Well...I'm not browsing the XDA every day, i only come here for solutions for my problems....
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Click to collapse
well not to come off rude but number one rule for xda before u post is search, and as you can tell there are multiple threads on this exact same topic.
---------- Post added at 10:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:51 AM ----------
AndrewZorn said:
Yeah, posted this morning. What a warning to everyone who did this before.
And saying not to do something that plenty of people want to do (like, returning to stock) isn't very significant.
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Click to collapse
returning to stock and relocking the bootloader dont go together. You can return to stock and not lock the bootloader. Locking the bootloader has nothing to do with returning a device back to stock. It returns the device back to factory state if u lock it back up. Locking the device back up only should be used for selling the device, or returning the device for repairs. not for taking a ota.

the_rooter said:
Locking the bootloader has nothing to do with returning a device back to stock. It returns the device back to factory state if u lock it back up. Locking the device back up only should be used for selling the device, or returning the device for repairs. not for taking a ota.
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Click to collapse
Unless I want a secure device.
Unless I worry about warranty/resale in case my device is no longer operable (ie, broken screen, port, or buttons).
Unless I want my device to be stock - actually stock - as sold - which is LOCKED. You're telling me and others there's no downside to an unlocked bootloader. Well, that's wrong, and some people want a locked bootloader.

AndrewZorn said:
Unless I want a secure device.
Unless I worry about warranty/resale in case my device is no longer operable (ie, broken screen, port, or buttons).
Unless I want my device to be stock - actually stock - as sold - which is LOCKED. You're telling me and others there's no downside to an unlocked bootloader. Well, that's wrong, and some people want a locked bootloader.
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Click to collapse
There is no downside to a unlocked bootloader. If i remember correctly a locked bootloader is only for oem to protect for warranty issues nothing to do with security that your describing. A locked bootloader or unlocked bootloader tells the oem that this device was unlocked or locked and will tell the consumer (us) that the warranty was void. Number one rule when taking a device back to OEM for repair is return to stock and lock device like I stated above. Security issues has nothing to do with the bootloader. From my understanding its just for the OEM warranty purposes Only!
Edit: what u described above is the same thing I described. Only need to lock device back up for warranty purposes or reselling. Thats it.

AndrewZorn said:
Unless I want a secure device.
Unless I worry about warranty/resale in case my device is no longer operable (ie, broken screen, port, or buttons).
Unless I want my device to be stock - actually stock - as sold - which is LOCKED. You're telling me and others there's no downside to an unlocked bootloader. Well, that's wrong, and some people want a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted the warning because people are not being careful. They are locking the bootloader without even checking it works. I've edited the post to say that. But if you're the sort of person that will be flashiogn a lot, a locked bootloader is not a good thing to have now because if you break recovery and cannot boot your device, you are at present - completely screwed. If you want to be stock, that shouldn't be an issue. Just be careful is all we're saying. ...and I cannot help it if my warning comes after some people have made this mistake. If no one made the mistake, I wouldn't have needed to post a warning. Can of peanuts "May contain nuts"... You know, because you know someone somewhere who was allergic to nuts, ate the nuts.

rootSU said:
I posted the warning because people are not being careful. They are locking the bootloader without even checking it works. I've edited the post to say that. But if you're the sort of person that will be flashiogn a lot, a locked bootloader is not a good thing to have now because if you break recovery and cannot boot your device, you are at present - completely screwed. If you want to be stock, that shouldn't be an issue. Just be careful is all we're saying. ...and I cannot help it if my warning comes after some people have made this mistake. If no one made the mistake, I wouldn't have needed to post a warning. Can of peanuts "May contain nuts"... You know, because you know someone somewhere who was allergic to nuts, ate the nuts.
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Click to collapse
I have nothing against your warning - I'm glad it's there. I was replying to the other guy, saying your the existence of your warning doesn't make everyone with this problem an idiot.
Locking the bootloader without even checking it works - again - I don't often see the "reboot to make sure it works!" step before the final fastboot oem lock. Maybe I've only been reading the lousy guides.
the_rooter said:
There is no downside to a unlocked bootloader. If i remember correctly a locked bootloader is only for oem to protect for warranty issues nothing to do with security that your describing. A locked bootloader or unlocked bootloader tells the oem that this device was unlocked or locked and will tell the consumer (us) that the warranty was void. Number one rule when taking a device back to OEM for repair is return to stock and lock device like I stated above. Security issues has nothing to do with the bootloader. From my understanding its just for the OEM warranty purposes Only!
Edit: what u described above is the same thing I described. Only need to lock device back up for warranty purposes or reselling. Thats it.
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Click to collapse
I thought that an unlocked bootloader allowed someone without 'normal' access to the files on your phone. That's why the bootloader lock/unlock wipes the device.
You're still completely missing my point with the warranty thing. Suppose my phone's unlocked and my screen breaks. Or my USB port stops working. That big unlocked logo under the Google is going to make getting a replacement really difficult.
By saying there's NO downside to unlocking the bootloader for daily use is absurd. I wanted to go back to as-shipped state for daily use, and locked bootloader is part of that. That's a reasonable goal. I don't care if there's something about the bootloader unlocked that you find valuable. I got tired of the tinkering and decided I just wanted my Nexus 6 to be back the way it was - completely.

AndrewZorn said:
I have nothing against your warning - I'm glad it's there. I was replying to the other guy, saying your the existence of your warning doesn't make everyone with this problem an idiot.
Locking the bootloader without even checking it works - again - I don't often see the "reboot to make sure it works!" step before the final fastboot oem lock. Maybe I've only been reading the lousy guides.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If guides don't say that at the moment, they definitely should now. I'll look at ours here and ask the OP's to update.

AndrewZorn said:
I have nothing against your warning - I'm glad it's there. I was replying to the other guy, saying your the existence of your warning doesn't make everyone with this problem an idiot.
Locking the bootloader without even checking it works - again - I don't often see the "reboot to make sure it works!" step before the final fastboot oem lock. Maybe I've only been reading the lousy guides.
I thought that an unlocked bootloader allowed someone without 'normal' access to the files on your phone. That's why the bootloader lock/unlock wipes the device.
You're still completely missing my point with the warranty thing. Suppose my phone's unlocked and my screen breaks. Or my USB port stops working. That big unlocked logo under the Google is going to make getting a replacement really difficult.
By saying there's NO downside to unlocking the bootloader for daily use is absurd. I wanted to go back to as-shipped state for daily use, and locked bootloader is part of that. That's a reasonable goal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root access is for the special files. and also i had the same issues u mentioned above and i always found a way to return a device to stock.
1) broken screen- repaired myself
2) broken usb port - repaired myself
I only take in for warranties if it has to do with something that I cant fix myself. This is a risk that all users take in this hobby.

the_rooter said:
Root access is for the special files. and also i had the same issues u mentioned above and i always found a way to return a device to stock.
1) broken screen- repaired myself
2) broken usb port - repaired myself
I only take in for warranties if it has to do with something that I cant fix myself. This is a risk that all users take in this hobby.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, so how do I return mine to stock?
Your self-repair solutions are laughable. You're completely missing the point. I'm done arguing this.

AndrewZorn said:
Alright, so how do I return mine to stock?
Your self-repair solutions are laughable. You're completely missing the point. I'm done arguing this.
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Click to collapse
its not laughable. unless u buy an extended warranty the warranty is up after a year so you would have to figure the work yourself. If you are in the boat where u locked it back up and took the ota and bootlooping or whatever. your stuck till there is a solution. if u want to return to stock . Just return to stock but dont lock the bootloader back up, and flash. its that simple.
Edit: we are not arguing. Its just i have my way on repairs and you have yours. its a debate i guess
Edit: this issue has been brought up and is being researched. i was talking about the returning to stock for repairs dont try and put words in my mouth saying i know a fix.

Relocking bootloader

I received warranty replacement phone from Motorola because my original one have some issues with screen and earpiece. Now I need to send my defective phone back to Motorola and I decided that it would be safer if I relock my bootloader. So I did flash stock SU4TL-44 from TheSt33v thread and did "fastboot oem lock". Bootloader status shows "LOCKED" and status code 2 but there is still this unlocked bootloader warning startup screen showed when phone powers up. Is there anything else that I could do to get rid of that screen (beside flashing fixed logo)? I know that I can't change status code and it will always show history of bootloader unlocking but I would like just to make it less obvious

SotYPL said:
I received warranty replacement phone from Motorola because my original one have some issues with screen and earpiece. Now I need to send my defective phone back to Motorola and I decided that it would be safer if I relock my bootloader. So I did flash stock SU4TL-44 from TheSt33v thread and did "fastboot oem lock". Bootloader status shows "LOCKED" and status code 2 but there is still this unlocked bootloader warning startup screen showed when phone powers up. Is there anything else that I could do to get rid of that screen (beside flashing fixed logo)? I know that I can't change status code and it will always show history of bootloader unlocking but I would like just to make it less obvious
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Click to collapse
I doubt that you will be able to flash much of anything now that the bootloader is re-locked. Luckily for you, I don't think Moto cares about the modification status.

TheSt33v said:
I doubt that you will be able to flash much of anything now that the bootloader is re-locked. Luckily for you, I don't think Moto cares about the modification status.
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Click to collapse
I can flash logofixed.bin just fine with locked bootloader. So I guess it's all I can do and hope they really don't care about that if phone is not physically damaged. And my phone looks like brand new and actually better than refurbished replacement that I received (it has small scratch on the bezel).

SotYPL said:
I can flash logofixed.bin just fine with locked bootloader. So I guess it's all I can do and hope they really don't care about that if phone is not physically damaged. And my phone looks like brand new and actually better than refurbished replacement that I received (it has small scratch on the bezel).
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Click to collapse
Interesting. Good to know

The razrm did not require boot loader unlock for the logo as well.
Sent from my DROID Turbo using XDA-Developers mobile app

Just quick update. So I returned my phone with re-locked bootloader and flashed fixed logo with no problems. I was only charged $24 for advanced exchange and they didn't care about modified status I guess.

Has anyone returned their phone after locking the bootloader?

Hello there, I was just wondering if anyone returned their Asus Rog Phone 2 for repair or simply returned it after relocking the bootloader.
On XDA there is a great guide on locking the bootloader here https://forum.xda-developers.com/rog-phone-2/how-to/guide-convert-cn-to-ww-rom-26-08-t3961042http://
So would be interesting to see if locking the bootloader is all we need to peacefully rma the phone or does asus have some other sneaky peaky something going on to detect if we ever rooted.
I am perfectly happy with my phone its just some people on my youtube channel were asking if its safe to return after relocking I just said I haven't heard of anyone doing so, so not 100% sure.

Terminal_Heat_Sink said:
Hello there, I was just wondering if anyone returned their Asus Rog Phone 2 for repair or simply returned it after relocking the bootloader.
On XDA there is a great guide on locking the bootloader here https://forum.xda-developers.com/rog-phone-2/how-to/guide-convert-cn-to-ww-rom-26-08-t3961042http://
So would be interesting to see if locking the bootloader is all we need to peacefully rma the phone or does asus have some other sneaky peaky something going on to detect if we ever rooted.
I am perfectly happy with my phone its just some people on my youtube channel were asking if its safe to return after relocking I just said I haven't heard of anyone doing so, so not 100% sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most Android devices have a record in system chip. Once bootloader has been unlocked it will change status from 0 to 1 and even if you relock the device it will still stay as 1. Since you triggered the log thingy. So Asus techs will still be able to find out that bootloader has been touched. For example on Samsung devices they use something called a KNOX chip and when you unlock bootloader on a Samsung S9 or s10 the Knox chip will break and no longer work and status will say that Knox chip has been triggered with 0 to 1. That's how Samsung finds out if you have unlocked your bootloader on their devices. So Asus have probably a way aswell on their end.
You can return the device for repair but repair service will reject warranty repair and will put a price how much it will cost you to repair the device. Since they will see bootloader has been touched. So then warranty is voided.

I returned my 1st one because of no volte. Bl was unlocked, relocked using asus's app before the tool here was available. No issues, got a full refund.
I doubt they wouldn't repair it under warranty, unless it was actually caused by a bad flash, or something.

suzook said:
I returned my 1st one because of no volte. Bl was unlocked, relocked using asus's app before the tool here was available. No issues, got a full refund.
I doubt they wouldn't repair it under warranty, unless it was actually caused by a bad flash, or something.
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Click to collapse
What Asus app did you use to relock the bootloader? I thought the only way to relock is to use a fastboot command. Asus has an apk for unlocking the phone, haven't heard of one for relocking.

Terminal_Heat_Sink said:
What Asus app did you use to relock the bootloader? I thought the only way to relock is to use a fastboot command. Asus has an apk for unlocking the phone, haven't heard of one for relocking.
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Click to collapse
Sorry, i used app to unlock, and used fastboot to lock

suzook said:
Sorry, i used app to unlock, and used fastboot to lock
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Click to collapse
Ah OK no worries. At least now we know that people can safely return or repair their phones if they relocked the bootloader properly. Thanks for responding.

Terminal_Heat_Sink said:
Ah OK no worries. At least now we know that people can safely return or repair their phones if they relocked the bootloader properly. Thanks for responding.
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Afaik in EU they cant refuse repairing faulty hardware because you tried a software mod.

Need to relock bootloader - make firmware look new to retailer

I need to send in my Xperia 10 dual sim for repair (probably need new battery), it's still on warranty.
Now I had lineageOS on it, and hoped to resolve the battery charging problems by re-flashing the original firmware. I don't have a Winodws computer, so I used XperiFirm and Newflasher on Linux to do that. Everything looks original now, But of course I still have the "your device can't be checked for corruption" effin message popping up, and I don't know if the retailer will service my phone for free if they can see I had the bootloader unlocked.
Now I read that re-locking the bootlaoder will
1) also reset the whole thing to factory settings, delete all data.
2) break the camera?
1.) Is not a problem, they want you to do that before service anyways, and I backed everything up.
2.) Is a problem, because they might yet deduce that I unlocked the bootloader, or give me some other trouble.
However I also saw it hinted in this forum that re-locking the bootloader should be fine if it is done on the original firmware, which would be the case.
...=> If I re -lock, do you think I'll be safe sending it back, regarding signs of the BL being previously unlocked?