The new OnePlus Android device comes with a locked bootloader. You can’t flash recoveries like TWRP or other .img files until you unlock the bootloader. However, after unlocking the Android bootloader, you can flash any recovery image, modified image file, and even root the device. OnePlus has not released an official bootloader unlock guide, but there is a way to still unlock the bootloader of OnePlus Phones. In this guide, we will share a free method to unlock the OnePlus phone bootloader using the fastboot OEM command.
Unlocking the bootloader is a straightforward process that any Android user can do, including OnePlus users. However, not all Android phones support unlocking the bootloader directly via fastboot. Many Android vendors, including Huawei, LG, HTC, Motorola, and Sony, don’t support direct bootloader unlocking. Instead, you must request the unlock code through their official website, after which you can unlock it. However, OnePlus has not yet launched an official bootloader unlock website; however, an unofficial, free method is available. An XDA forum member has posted a free guide to unlocking the OnePlus bootloader via the fastboot method. We will show you how to do it.
Benefits of Unlocking OnePlus Phone Bootloader:-
After unlocking the Bootloader, you will be able to install TWRP Recovery, root the device, install a custom ROM and customise the device. Also, you can unbrick the device with the flash boot.img, system.img, recovery.img, userdata.img. You can flash a full ROM after unlocking the bootloader.
There are particular disadvantages also. The most critical function of the simple fact your cellphone becomes marginally less protected. If you are not careful, a hacker can compromise your mobile device by installing malicious programs. Some programs, typically from banks, also limit certain aspects of the program’s functionality on unlocked devices. Note: Unlocking the bootloader will completely reset your device. First, back up your apps, Contacts, and Messages before starting the process.
Pre-requisites:
- Before starting the Bootloader Unlock process, complete a full backup of your device, including apps, Contacts, Messages, Gallery files, and Internal Storage Files.
- Charge the device for the installation of the interrupt.
- Install OnePlus ADB-FASTBOOT Driver.
- Enable Developer Options, USB Debugging, and OEM Unlock to connect your device in ADB and fastboot mode.
- Download fastboot Tool ⇒ ADBfastboot Tool
How To Unlock OnePlus Phone Bootloader via Fastboot Method
1. First, read the Prerequisites and Enable Developer Options, USB Debugging, and OEM Unlock.
2. Download and unzip the ADB fastboot Tool.
3. Connect your device to the PC and go to the platform tools folder.
4. Now open the command prompt to the ADB & fastboot folder by holding Shift + Mouse Right Click and typing the command one by one.
adb reboot bootloader
- If you see the “Allow USB Debugging” prompt on your phone, Then Enable the “Always allow from this computer” and tap OK.
- This command will reboot your device into fastboot mode. Alternatively, you can manually enter fastboot mode by holding the Volume UP and Power keys together.
5. Use this command to unlock the OnePlus Phone Bootloader.
fastboot oem unlock
or
fastboot oem unlock-go
or
fastboot flashing unlock
6. Press the Volume Up or Down key on your phone to confirm unlocking. Use fastboot OEM lock to relock the bootloader.
Conclusion
When you unclock the bootloader of your OnePlus phone you will be able to install custom roms (ROMS) to flash TWRP recovery, to get root access and have many different options to customize your phone than are possible with the original firmware. Although the process of unlocking the bootloader is very straightforward through the use of fastboot commands, you should be aware that by doing this, you are going to wipe everything from your phone and there may be issues with the security of your device, and some banking and app usage. Unlocking the bootloader will also provide you a good, safe and easy method. For a list of additional bootloader guides based on specific devices see our “related” section. Have fun testing all the new options of your unlocked OnePlus phone!
More Bootloader Unlock Guide ⇒
- How To Unlock Realme Phones’ Bootloader with Realme Unlocking App
- How to Unlock Android bootloader via Fastboot Command
- Guide To Unlock Bootloader Of Xiaomi Black Shark (Global Version)


