Bootloader unlock/re-lock - Xiaomi Poco F1 Questions & Answers

When you do the bootloader unlock you need to wait and get some form of security info from Xiaomi itself, but then you can lock back the bootloader and restore everything to factory-like state (and you will be able to pass the most paranoid checks that you would be able to pass from factory state, obviously not Widevine L1 since you can't do that one in the first place).
The question here is if after that you want to unlock again - do you still need a link / secure token from Xiaomi (and thus you are still subject of their control) or you can do it the same way as with Nexus / Pixel or Oneplus phones in fastboot?
Since if that would be the case it absolutely makes sense to make this unlock + re-lock the first time you get the device just in order to be 100% certain that bootloader unlocking is no longer under Xiaomi's later control but your own!

xclub_101 said:
When you do the bootloader unlock you need to wait and get some form of security info from Xiaomi itself, but then you can lock back the bootloader and restore everything to factory-like state (and you will be able to pass the most paranoid checks that you would be able to pass from factory state, obviously not Widevine L1 since you can't do that one in the first place).
The question here is if after that you want to unlock again - do you still need a link / secure token from Xiaomi (and thus you are still subject of their control) or you can do it the same way as with Nexus / Pixel or Oneplus phones in fastboot?
Since if that would be the case it absolutely makes sense to make this unlock + re-lock the first time you get the device just in order to be 100% certain that bootloader unlocking is no longer under Xiaomi's later control but your own!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK the unlocking is always through the Mi Unlocker, whether it is the first time or after re-locking. The fastboot command for unlock won't work. The only saving grace seems to be that you don't need to make a request and wait for 3 days every time. It is applicable for the first time only.

Related

Huawei Honor 9 DRM

This is the first Huawei device I own and I was wondering, what are the consequences of unlocking the bootloader?
Would DRM be lost forever like in Sony Xperia phones?
And if they are lost, does any software on stock Huawei android OS stop working?
Please give as much detail as possible in your answers since I do not want to mess up my new phone.
Unlocking the bootloader permits you to modify entirely the system.
However it comes up that he puts you an annoying message saying that "this device cannot be trusted" EVERYTIME you restart your phone.
Even when you go to your stock or TWRP recovery, it always says this.
When you're rooted and you decide to relock your bootloader, it'll tell that your device is modified so it failed verification... so it's another message in your face !
You'll lose warranty it seems, you'll lose all your data, and DRM might be deleted too (due to the "factory reset lowlevel")
But there are no losses in functionality like on Sony devices. So in general, if you know what you're doing you won't run up against any problems.

Unlock bootloader of Samsung devices without internet and account, possible?

Hello,
can the bootloaders of Samsung devices be unlocked without internet? So offline unlocking and without online account.
My Xiaomi phone and Realme phone need an internet connection and an online account to unlock the bootloader. There is no local possibility.
How about Samsung devices, e.g. the current Samsung Galaxy Note 20, can you unlock the bootloader locally, i.e. without internet connection and online account?
FidesnsInai said:
Hello,
can the bootloaders of Samsung devices be unlocked without internet? So offline unlocking and without online account.
My Xiaomi phone and Realme phone need an internet connection and an online account to unlock the bootloader. There is no local possibility.
How about Samsung devices, e.g. the current Samsung Galaxy Note 20, can you unlock the bootloader locally, i.e. without internet connection and online account?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u could prolly unlock it give ur model is unlockable.. but ull runvinto issues with kg status being prenormal until u connect to data so u wouldnt b able to flash anything.. theres also a chance itll need to cojnect to data in order for the oem toggle to appear.. so most likely yes , u will need data either way
elliwigy said:
u could prolly unlock it give ur model is unlockable.. but ull runvinto issues with kg status being prenormal until u connect to data so u wouldnt b able to flash anything.. theres also a chance itll need to cojnect to data in order for the oem toggle to appear.. so most likely yes , u will need data either way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by that exactly?
I want to buy a current Samsung Galaxy Note 20 (Snapdragon model) and unlock the bootloader and flash custom ROM.
That means I want to have the general possibility to unlock or lock the bootloader whenever I want to and it must be local.
I do not want these 3 points.
1. Bootloader can only be unlocked with an online account.
2. Request an unlock code on the manufacturer's website. Requires an internet connection to the manufacturer's server and must provide an email address to get the unlock code and then the user can enter it into ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to unlock the bootloader.
3. Install an unlock app (.apk) from the manufacturer and the Android device will be unlocked by the unlock app, but needs an internet connection in the unlock app.
Note:
I have tested everything with current Android 10 devices.
At point 1 I know it on my Xiaomi device.
At point 2 I know it on my Sony, LG and Nokia devices.
At point 3 I know it on my Asus and Realme devices.
I'm looking for Android devices that have a local and direct possibility to unlock the bootloader without online account, without unlock code (online request), without internet connection.
---
Another question you say on Samsung devices there is a KG State, what is that exactly?
I searched the forum, but there was no such clear information. As I understand it, it seems that when this "KG state" is set to "prenormal" on Samsung devices, the user cannot flash custom ROM and unlock the bootloader for about 7 days (168 hours).
Is this true?
What exactly does this KG State solve, how can it be prevented? Does it only happen for Samsung with Snapdragon model or only for Exynos model?
FidesnsInai said:
What do you mean by that exactly?
I want to buy a current Samsung Galaxy Note 20 (Snapdragon model) and unlock the bootloader and flash custom ROM.
That means I want to have the general possibility to unlock or lock the bootloader whenever I want to and it must be local.
I do not want these 3 points.
1. Bootloader can only be unlocked with an online account.
2. Request an unlock code on the manufacturer's website. Requires an internet connection to the manufacturer's server and must provide an email address to get the unlock code and then the user can enter it into ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to unlock the bootloader.
3. Install an unlock app (.apk) from the manufacturer and the Android device will be unlocked by the unlock app, but needs an internet connection in the unlock app.
Note:
I have tested everything with current Android 10 devices.
At point 1 I know it on my Xiaomi device.
At point 2 I know it on my Sony, LG and Nokia devices.
At point 3 I know it on my Asus and Realme devices.
I'm looking for Android devices that have a local and direct possibility to unlock the bootloader without online account, without unlock code (online request), without internet connection.
---
Another question you say on Samsung devices there is a KG State, what is that exactly?
I searched the forum, but there was no such clear information. As I understand it, it seems that when this "KG state" is set to "prenormal" on Samsung devices, the user cannot flash custom ROM and unlock the bootloader for about 7 days (168 hours).
Is this true?
What exactly does this KG State solve, how can it be prevented? Does it only happen for Samsung with Snapdragon model or only for Exynos model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you will need a data connection.. even if bl is unlocked after u unlock it will wipe device.. u then need to reboot and skip through setup wizard and connect to mobile data or else kg status will be "prenormal" and not let you flash anything custom..
kg state is different than the 7day period. kg is also called knox guard and no, theres no way around it, u have to connect to data for it to change. it is on all samsung devices exynos and snapdragon.
and thats if its unlockable.. not all snapdragon devices can b unlocked.
also this isnt a xiaomi or lg or nokia or asus or realme device.. samsung has its own extra security..
theres no easier way to explain it.. i suggest u read up on it and check existing samsung device forums to get more info
I have now tested more Android devices and finally found Android devices where I can locally unlock the bootloader and also flash locally custom ROM without data connection, unlock code, online account and KG State.
It is a Google Pixel 3 and a OnePlus 7T. It is important that it is not the T-Mobile version!
So no provider devices, because when I bought a OnePlus 7T T-Mobile version I could not unlock the bootloader. It needs a unlock code (online request), because of SIM-Lock. It is not possible to unlock the bootloader directly and locally, for example to flash the stock rom (without T-Mobile).
My recommendation to the users, if you are looking for Android devices that can unlock the bootloader locally (via ADB) and flash locally custom ROM. Then Google Pixel and OnePlus devices that can do this, but only the free provider version, very important!
FidesnsInai said:
I have now tested more Android devices and finally found Android devices where I can locally unlock the bootloader and also flash locally custom ROM without data connection, unlock code, online account and KG State.
It is a Google Pixel 3 and a OnePlus 7T. It is important that it is not the T-Mobile version!
So no provider devices, because when I bought a OnePlus 7T T-Mobile version I could not unlock the bootloader. It needs a unlock code (online request), because of SIM-Lock. It is not possible to unlock the bootloader directly and locally, for example to flash the stock rom (without T-Mobile).
My recommendation to the users, if you are looking for Android devices that can unlock the bootloader locally (via ADB) and flash locally custom ROM. Then Google Pixel and OnePlus devices that can do this, but only the free provider version, very important!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
huh? you talk about bl lock because of sim lock (sim lock has nothing to do with it, even agter getting sim unlocked they are still not bl unlockable) then unlock locally via adb (isnt it fastboot which is not adb?) then pixel and one plus (theres many many other devices that are bl unlockable besides these two) then but only free provider version (huh?)
I meant fastboot and not ADB. Sorry, I downloaded this here on XDA forum. I have simply considered ADB as a whole
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2588979
Yes generally do not buy a provider version for all Android devices. There are only additional restrictions and is always dependent on the provider server.
I have to do this here with my OnePlus T-Mobile version, see the OnePlus support page.
https://support.oneplus.com/app/ans...-to-unlock-bootloader-for-oneplus-smart-phone
I need to unlock the SIM and request an OEM code and then I can unlock the bootloader locally and flash locally custom ROM or stock rom (without T-Mobile).
I can confirm that these Android devices Google Pixel and OnePlus without provider version can by default unlock the bootloader locally and flash custom ROM locally.
The user can just buy these Android devices in the store and do everything locally right away. No data connection is required. All you need are the tools and the custom ROM on the computer, which you can download and save to an external hard drive.
Quite simply said. Something similar when the user installs a Linux distribution (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora) on his computer or notebook.
Other Android devices, like I said before, need a data connection to unlock the bootloader, e.g. via app, online account or an unlock code (online request).
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=83480827&postcount=3
Samsung devices I haven't tested, but have the similar problem (needs data connection to flash custom ROM), which you wrote yourself, because of KG State.
This is important to say, thanks. True as it is, only Google and Oneplus devices are free to use (equals root). Google can even accommodate GrapheneOS.
from my poor understanding of the recent 2-3 generations:
Root and developer friendly: google, oneplus
+ GrapheneOS compatible : google
+ Ez single command unlock like when we were young : oneplus
+ OTA Updates when rooted : oneplus
+ flash update without PC : oneplus
+ Encryption never touched : oneplus
Relatively root friendly : xiaomi, asus, sony, lg
+ official "support" of unlocking : all
+ without internet spying aspect of the procedure : none?
+ "featuring" disgusting wait period : xiaomi (realme)
+ chance of losing encryption: high (it is possible to forget ROMs and TWRP and keep it on some models)
Root unfriendly : samsung
+ official "support" of unlocking : no
+ "featuring" knox trip : yes
+ "featuring" key combination to boot : most models
+ can't even unlock : note20?
Root almost impossible : huawei, oppo and other small brands
now i don't care how difficult the first root procedure is or to knock some stupid fuse, but rather care more about how update procedure is, and can't adher to the new "standard" of killing encryption by disablers, so naturally i'm stuck to oneplus for the daily driver device. i can only look at the pictures and reviews of other brands
*people who root will go to heaven*
huh?
lol i dont understand most of last two posts.. i have g988u g986u rooted on unlocked bl no problem, no buttons need to be pressed, twrp exists, custom roms are easy, dunno what grahpOS even is and the list goes on.. if u kno wat ur doing samsung isnt that bad but yes, google 0urchased devices of course are easy
doggydog2 said:
Root and developer friendly: google, oneplus
+ GrapheneOS compatible : google
+ Ez single command unlock like when we were young : oneplus
+ OTA Updates when rooted : oneplus
+ flash update without PC : oneplus
+ Encryption never touched : oneplus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have read all the answers here and would like to add additional points that the OP (original poster) mentioned but did not add to a concise list.
+ Unlock bootloader without network connection and online account : Google, OnePlus
+ Rooting and flashing without network connection and online account : Google, OnePlus
Note: The 2 new points work immediately and only if it is not a provider device. If it is a provider device e.g. from T-Mobile it does not work, in this case (Google and OnePlus) you need for the first step (unlock bootloader) a code from the provider and is dependent on its server so simply put, you need a network connection.
doggydog2 said:
Relatively root friendly : xiaomi, asus, sony, lg
+ official "support" of unlocking : all
+ without internet spying aspect of the procedure : none?
+ "featuring" disgusting wait period : xiaomi (realme)
+ chance of losing encryption: high (it is possible to forget ROMs and TWRP and keep it on some models)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doggydog2 said:
+ without internet spying aspect of the procedure : none?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This point generally applies to almost all Android devices, regardless of whether the manufacturer allows bootloader unlocking or not (e.g. Huawei).
It is confirmed several times by users in recent years see in XDA forums. Some examples Sony, LG, Asus, Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme, vivo, OPPO and Nokia, no matter if provider or non provider device. These Android devices spy because the first step (unlock bootloader), necessarily requires a network connection. For example, via online account, code or app (network connection required, sometimes it works only if the user has mobile data in the app).
Simply put without internet spying is not possible.
If only compare this point with iOS/iPadOS devices, so jailbreak. Then it is almost similar, that is on current iOS/iPadOS devices you also need a network connection first to complete the "iOS Setup", when that is done a jailbreak (if available for the respective iOS/iPadOS version can be made). In some cases, so with very old iOS devices for example the first iPhone you can bypass the iOS setup (so without network connections) and can then, as usual make a jailbreak.
FidesnsInai said:
What do you mean by that exactly?
I want to buy a current Samsung Galaxy Note 20 (Snapdragon model) and unlock the bootloader and flash custom ROM.
That means I want to have the general possibility to unlock or lock the bootloader whenever I want to and it must be local.
I do not want these 3 points.
1. Bootloader can only be unlocked with an online account.
2. Request an unlock code on the manufacturer's website. Requires an internet connection to the manufacturer's server and must provide an email address to get the unlock code and then the user can enter it into ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to unlock the bootloader.
3. Install an unlock app (.apk) from the manufacturer and the Android device will be unlocked by the unlock app, but needs an internet connection in the unlock app.
Note:
I have tested everything with current Android 10 devices.
At point 1 I know it on my Xiaomi device.
At point 2 I know it on my Sony, LG and Nokia devices.
At point 3 I know it on my Asus and Realme devices.
I'm looking for Android devices that have a local and direct possibility to unlock the bootloader without online account, without unlock code (online request), without internet connection.
---
Another question you say on Samsung devices there is a KG State, what is that exactly?
I searched the forum, but there was no such clear information. As I understand it, it seems that when this "KG state" is set to "prenormal" on Samsung devices, the user cannot flash custom ROM and unlock the bootloader for about 7 days (168 hours).
Is this true?
What exactly does this KG State solve, how can it be prevented? Does it only happen for Samsung with Snapdragon model or only for Exynos model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixels from Google and One Plus is what your looking for. In both cases you will have to fully boot the phone skip thru setup unlock developer option oem unlock toggle before you can unlock pixel or one plus
People this is a very big problem with Samsung and other manufacturers. Current smartphones are not independent devices, without server of the manufacturer nothing works.
LG is closing the bootloader unlock program that would help keep its Android phones alive
After ending its mobile business earlier this year, LG has confirmed it will also shut down the bootloader unlock program.
9to5google.com
Here is a very recent example. LG will soon close its key server for unlocking the bootloader. Until December 31, 2021, you still have time to unlock the bootloader of your LG smartphones. Later it is no longer possible.

Unlockable Bootloader - options?

After rooting my Z2 and backing up the TA partition, I've discovered that the bootloader is not unlockable (it's a Vodafone branded device).
Is there a nefarious way in which to bypass this? I understand that the whole point is to keep it locked, but it's an old enough device so I may have missed where it's possible.
Otherwise what are my options for an up-to-date custom rom? As indicated, I've already achieved root and have TWRP installed. I tried flashing Lineage via recovery but got an E: unknown command [log] error.
I'm in the same boat unfortunately. I bought a used phone that had Vodafone UK. It was marked as SIM-unlocked, and that seems to be true; the service info doesn't show any filled checkmarks nor counters in SIM lock information. However, bootloader seems to be locked forever - flashtool reports "Bootloader status : NOT_ROOTABLE" and phone's service menus also say that rooting status is "bootloader unlock allowed: no".
I wasn't even aware there are Sony phones that are not SIM-locked but are still boot-locked without any way to unlock.
I would really want to upgrade from Android 6 to at least 7 because there are some specific apps that work only from A7. Wondering if there is any custom ROM that would run on stock A6 kernel but with everything else from A7? It should be possible to install such a ROM even on a bootlocked device, right?
Since posting I've discovered some answers. The bad news is that, no, custom ROMs are limited without an unlocked bootloader.
The potentially good news is that you can pay for an aftermarket SIM unlock, which has the side effect of also allowing the bootloader to be unlocked.
I've not tried it myself, but do a search for "Sony cable unlock credits" for some leads.
Yea I also am stumbling upon this same news, in my city there are some shady areas so I will ask around and see if anyone is capable of doing it and will let you know.
So far my phone has bootloader locked, sim locked with 3 attempts left so I will work on unlocking those and then rooting the phone and digging deep after
Lets cross our fingers that somethings comes up
So far online , I find only old videos and outdated information, websites down and nothing else.
One thing is for sure, if your bootloader can be unlocked, you just go to sony official website and follow their instructions and its free and easy,
But if it says ""bootloader unlock allowed: no" then...lets see what can we do.
Hey I am willing to pay, why not if its going to unlock the bootloader 100%

Secure while bootloader unlock

I have a few questions about being secure and things with the bootloader, and stuff like that.
#1: Is there anyway to be secure or thiefproof or even law enforcement proof with an unlocked bootloader?
#2: How does encryption work on Android. It Full disk encryption forced on by default, because I don't see the option anymore (except for SD card) How does it work? Does it encrypt the device till turned on? Till lock code in entered? Is it only there when there's a lock code? Does it work like Bitlocker?
#3: I wanna unlock my bootloader and install Lineage or Graphene OS. Since I can't relock the bootloader with custom rom or recovery (considering I have AT&T LG G8 THINQ and Xperia 5 II) can't anyone just flash TWRP or something, and even if the data's encrypted, just delete the security settings to bypass the lockscreen as shown in MANY tutorials and get to all my sensitive info and functions that way?

Question How do I unlock bootloader if I buy directly from OnePlus?

I cannot find ANYTHING on Google telling me if I can unlock the bootloader of the Nord N20. And I also cannot find anything that tells me if I have to wait an amount of time or if I need to have a service plan before unlocking bootloader.
Could anyone tell me what pre-requisites I need to fulfil before I can unlock bootloader if its possible if you buy directly from the OnePlus website. I don't feel like buying the phone, waiting for it to arrive, try to unlock bootloader, then; "Surprise!!! You can't do this until you owned the phone for X number of months. r/FYouInParticular"
Kentazi said:
I cannot find ANYTHING on Google telling me if I can unlock the bootloader of the Nord N20. And I also cannot find anything that tells me if I have to wait an amount of time or if I need to have a service plan before unlocking bootloader.
Could anyone tell me what pre-requisites I need to fulfil before I can unlock bootloader if its possible if you buy directly from the OnePlus website. I don't feel like buying the phone, waiting for it to arrive, try to unlock bootloader, then; "Surprise!!! You can't do this until you owned the phone for X number of months. r/FYouInParticular"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start by going to TWRP main official website and see if the device you want to buy is supported first.
TeamWin - TWRP
This is the Team Win website and the official home of TWRP! Here you will find the list of officially supported devices and instructions for installing TWRP on those devices.
twrp.me
If your device is supported, it usually means the bootloader can also be unlocked
immortalwon said:
Start by going to TWRP main official website and see if the device you want to buy is supported first.
TeamWin - TWRP
This is the Team Win website and the official home of TWRP! Here you will find the list of officially supported devices and instructions for installing TWRP on those devices.
twrp.me
If your device is supported, it usually means the bootloader can also be unlocke
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know for a fact that it can have its boot loader unlocked. I just dont know if I would have to wait a certain amount of months or have a phone plan for a certain amount of time before its available
Kentazi said:
I know for a fact that it can have its boot loader unlocked. I just dont know if I would have to wait a certain amount of months or have a phone plan for a certain amount of time before its available
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy it directly from OnePlus
You do not need to wait for X amount of days.
Just enter the phone, enable developer options, turn on adb debugging, turn on oem unlocking, get adb, type in adb reboot fastboot.
Then type fastboot oem unlock.
Only time you have to wait is if you bought phone carrier phone. Unlocked by factory means no limitations. So from OnePlus means you can do it as soon as you received the phone. If from T-mobile or other carrier, then limited to time of service started. I bought a Nord N200 and it unlocked bootloader as I found how online. BestBuy sells factory unlocked phones. So, right now I own and use this N20, but have not tried unlocking the bootloader but am sure it will if I wanted to. So, it should be same if you bought straight from OnePlus. I just like having security updates. Where you get less updates by rooting, or you have to manually update yourself.

Categories

Resources