Here is a complete walk-through and guide on how to unlock bootloader on OnePlus phones. Whether you are looking to install a custom ROM or trying to root your device, bootloader unlock is a prerequisite to all mods. More, it also enables manual flashing of official firmware along with Open Beta builds. A must-do, in our opinion, for all OnePlus owners; read the guide ahead to learn about the official unlock bootloader process.
Being a enthusiast brand, OnePlus officially supports bootloader unlock on all its devices. Due to security concerns and a vast number of users who wont be modifying the system, the brand doesn’t ship each phone unlocked from the factory. Rather, it allows an official unlock built-in that doesn’t require any sort of wait. The procedure is a bit technical but as we have split it into simpler steps, readers can easily unlock bootloader on OnePlus phones.
To unlock bootloader on OnePlus phones, the brand makes use of official ADB and Fastboot utilities — no need for third-party workarounds. More, the process is officially recognized and supported by the brand. Lastly, an unlock will initiate a factory wipe so make sure you have made a backup of all of your data.
Difference Between Unlocked and T-Mobile Variant?
Like most Android phones sold by US carriers, they usually come with a locked bootloader. To unlock it, you need to request an unlock token from OnePlus. The unlocked variant is open for you to do anything with the device, there are security measures in place for the phones sold by T-Mobile – hence, the slightly different method.
Moreover, the T-Mobile version of the OnePlus phone comes loaded with some of their own carrier apps (i.e. bloatware). The rest of the device is the same.
How to Unlock Bootloader on OnePlus (Unlocked and T-Mobile)
We have put together a detailed step-by-step instructions guide on how to unlock bootloader on OnePlus phones. If you are used to unlocking bootloaders on any previous OnePlus devices, then this should be very similar.
Please read every line carefully and make sure you read the tutorial once before actually performing it on your Android device.
To Remember:
- This unlocking bootloader tutorial is only for OnePlus devices. Please don’t try this on any other variants of the phone.
- This tutorial has been performed on Windows, but anyone familiar with Fastboot on Mac or Linux can perform this as well.
- Make sure you backup all your data in your phone before proceeding as it will erase all data.
- You will void your warranty by unlocking the bootloader. (Some warranties might still apply but please consult your seller to make sure)
Complete Tutorial:
These steps will address both standard OnePlus devices as well as OnePlus phones bought with T-Mobile.
Step 1 – Download Android SDK Platform Tools (ADB and Fastboot) package and install on your computer.
Step 2 – Enable USB Debugging mode on your OnePlus phone.
Step 5 – If you already have Android SDK, then you can just download Fastboot and extract it in android-sdk-windows\platform-tools directory. Create directory if not already there.
Step 4 – Enable OEM unlock on your phone. Activating the “Enable OEM unlock” is necessary for the bootloader unlock. To enable OEM unlock, go to Settings > Developer options and check Enable OEM unlock. Don’t see Developer settings? Read: How to Enable Developer Options.
Step 5 – Make sure you have backup your data as it will be erased. Connect your OnePlus phone to your PC.
Step 6 – Navigate to android-sdk-windows\platform-tools directory and open Command Prompt (Shift + Right-click > Open Command Prompt).
From here there is a difference on further steps for each variant, follow the ones for your specific model.
Instructions for Standard OnePlus Phone (Unlocked / Non – T-Mobile)
Step 7 – Now enter into the Bootloader / Fastboot Mode on OnePlus device. How? Type the following command in ADB:
adb reboot bootloader
NOTE: You can also read in detail on how to enter Fastboot Mode on Android.
Step 8 – Now initiate the unlock by typing in the following command.
fastboot oem unlock
NOTE: Depending upon your device’s region, a screen might pop up with Chinese writing. The upper portion roughly translates to confirm and proceed while the bottom one translates to cancel. Touch on the upper part to continue.
Step 9 – Reboot and enjoy!
fastboot reboot
Instructions for T-Mobile OnePlus Devices
Step 7 – Go to your smartphone’s dialer app and type *#06#. This will give you the IMEI number, note it down.
Step 8 – Now enter into the Bootloader / Fastboot Mode on OnePlus phone. How? Type the following command in ADB:
adb reboot bootloader
NOTE: You can also read in detail on how to enter Fastboot Mode on Android.
Step 9 – Get the unlock code for your phone by typing the following command in prompt. Copy the unique code in notepad.
fastboot oem get_unlock_code
Step 10 – Go to this OnePlus support link and fill out the form with all the information.
Step 11 – You can reboot your phone by pressing power button continuously for 15 seconds.
Step 12 – Once you receive your unlock token — should take 1 to 2 weeks — transfer the file to the same location as your ADB and then open command prompt there.
Step 13 – Reboot to bootloader by using this command:
adb reboot bootloader
Step 14 – First flash the file (unlock_token.bin) you downloaded by using this command:
fastboot flash cust-unlock unlock_token.bin
Step 15 – Now proceed to unlock:
fastboot oem unlock
Step 16 – Reboot!
fastboot reboot
Your OnePlus phone should now have an unlocked bootloader!
If you ran into issues with any of the steps, reach us through the comments and we will help you out!
I getting an error saying cannot load UNLOCK.CODE.BIN, I been doing my best to find a solution but can’t
PS C:\Android> adb reboot bootloader
* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *
* daemon started successfully *
PS C:\Android> fastboot oem get_unlock_code
My t-mobile variant is hanging on ” ”
What am I missing? Please advise!
I have done all the steps but when I try to reach the token page the page is blank when it loads.Please help been at this for a few hours with no success.I have unlock just needs to be able for the token page to load so I can get unlock token.Would greatly appreciate it if u can help me out with this matter.I am stuck.
Unlock service link is not working, won’t load the page.
Been waiting over two weeks, but still not receive any code from oneplus (t-mobile version). Is that normal? What should I do? My phone is oneplus 6T.
target reported max download size of 805306368 bytes
sending ‘cust-unlock’ (0 KB)…
OKAY [ 0.016s]
writing ‘cust-unlock’…
FAILED (remote: Error – Verify Failed ! (4:-2))
finished. total time: 0.047s
whats the website ? seems its down ..ive got a token before but my phone bricked and now i need it again to flash ROMs again
been doing this with token codes a long time and i just got returned 4 codes and none worked
writing ‘cust-unlock’…
FAILED (remote: Error – Verify Failed ! (4:-2))
finished. total time: 0.047s
Flashing UnLock token(Oneplus 9Pro LE2117)
Fastboot Error:Unknown Partition,
Cannot determine Image for Cust-Unlock:
What’s a solution here