Do you want to unlock the bootloader on your LG phone? No problem! This blog post will tell you what a bootloader is, why it’s important to factory reset your device before unlocking, and how to do it. Unlocking allows for more customization options for rooting/flashing custom ROMs or kernels.
Lucky & Goldstar or LG was formed in 1983, with an exceptional motive of designing the world’s best electronic appliances that no one ever have used yet. They worked damn hard and won tremendous awards in creating all our useful stuff, such as Television, Refrigerators, Washing Machines, and Monitors. It’s one of the most respected brands, loved by everyone because of its futuristic appliances.
Well, I’m glad to confirm that once again, that LG is finally coming inside the Smartphone manufacturing era, and has basically developed tremendous models yet. There are lots of Android smartphones I personally love because of their featureful aspects, like the LG Velvet Aurora Silver, LG Wing Aurora, LG G8X ThinQ, and LG V10. Fundamentally, You can call LG the Yoga series developer of Android smartphones as they also have developed enormous flippy smartphones.
Now, Before being the world’s top smartphone manufacturer brand, there are lots of LG users who aren’t satisfied yet. It’s because of the inconvenience they’re finding between unlocking the Bootloader of their LG Smartphones. Unlocking the Bootloader is basically a preliminary process required to be done before making exceptional tweaks, and today, we’re here to introduce you to the simplest and the legit way to unlock Bootloader on LG Smartphones. Let’s get sharply inside it –
What is Bootloader in LG Smartphones?
Do You know that Calling, Video Recording, and Gaming aren’t the only tasks an Android smartphone is supposed to do? Yeah, It’s so far from your belief what it can actually perform! There are so many tweaks you can perform with your Android smartphones, like installing different user interfaces, using different ROMs, and increasing the performance of a low-spec device.
Here comes the Bootloader! It’s a set of programs or codes written for the initialization or origination of all the processes that take place inside our smartphone on a restart. Yeah, I’m talking about the start for all our System applications, Third-party applications, and all the user processes. No matter, what device you’re dealing with, An Android smartphone, A smart television, or a Laptop, Bootloader works the same everywhere!
Why Unlock Bootloader?
As we told you above, that You can do so much stuff with your Android smartphone apart from those calling stuff. So Now, If You’re thinking of making tweaks with your smartphone, gain root access or install any Custom ROM inside it, You need an unlocked Bootloader. Additionally, there are so many different tweaks that require an unlocked Bootloader to work successfully. And You can also go through all the below advantages of unlocking your device’s Bootloader for a broader look –
Advantages
- Unlocking Bootloader will help you in enhancing the overall processing power of your smartphone or in simple words, overclocking its processor. You can fasten its speed and can play all the powerful high-def games simply!
- If You’re deeming rooting your LG Smartphone, then first you need to unlock its Bootloader, before going ahead.
- Unlocking the Bootloader will help you decrease the RAM consumption, as you can use numerous third-party apps now to control the background processes.
- You can use the smarter way of creating data backup after unlocking your Smartphone’s Bootloader, using all those privileged applications.
- Unlocking the Bootloader will open gates for all the modifier add-ons like the Lucky Patcher’s premium services for your device and games.
- You can uninstall all those annoying System apps like Google’s interrupting apps, and Opera News after unlocking your device’s Bootloader.
- Unlocking the Bootloader will help you in installing any Custom ROM or different UI on your smartphone apart from the manufacturer’s one!
Disadvantages
- If You’re going to unlock your smartphone’s Bootloader, then firstly you’re required to become completely acknowledged with the process, since a single mistake can brick your smartphone.
- Unlocking the Bootloader will void your smartphone warranty for its entire life. So If You’re using a brand new smartphone, must perform this for a legit requirement.
- If You’re unlocking your LG device’s Bootloader, You’re indirectly unlocking or disabling all those security modules which are securing your data and payments.
- You can’t use various highly-secured payment applications after unlocking your smartphone’s Bootloader, like the GPAY and PayPal.
- If You’re a gamer, and unlocking your smartphone’s Bootloader to strengthen its processor, then you must need to know that overclocking beyond limits can damage your device’s processor.
- You need to be careful while making every tweak with your smartphone, as modifying a single important setting or system app can brick your device.
- Unlocking the Bootloader will make your smartphone easily hackable and can make an open invitation for all the virtual bugs.
Prerequisites before unlocking Vivo Smartphone Bootloader
If You’ve gone through all the above privileges and the drawbacks of unlocking the LG smartphone’s Bootloader, and are ready to start the process, must complete some of the preliminary processes required to be done before unlocking the Bootloader.
- Backup necessary data – First of all, Create a complete backup of your smartphone’s data before unlocking its Bootloader. Actually, The Bootloader unlocking process will reset your LG Smartphone and wipe the complete data inside it, including all your important photos, documents, contacts, messages, videos, and call logs. So Firstly create the backup using any process, external backup, or the cloud one!
- Keep your LG phone charged – After creating the backup of your data, the next step you need to perform is to charge your smartphone at least 60%. Yeah, You heard right! As we told you above that a single mistake between the process can brick your smartphone forever, so here you need to keep that in mind. Charge your smartphone at least 60% and then start performing the below process!
Methods to Unlock Bootloader On LG Smartphones
Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging
Before going on towards the process of unlocking your smartphone’s Bootloader, firstly you’re required to be sure that you’ve successfully completed both the above preliminary steps. And If You’ve already done them, then let’s get towards the very first step of unlocking our LG Smartphone’s Bootloader.
Okay, So firstly, You’re supposed to make some modifications to the developer settings of your Android smartphone. It’s the mandatory step since there is a Developer option inside your LG Device that you need to enable to unlock your LG Smartphone in an unauthorized way, or without being an official developer. You’re supposed here to enable two Developer options, OEM Unlocking for the access, and the USB Debugging to help ADB drivers recognizing your LG device.
So Let’s not waste a single second and get towards the first unlocking step –
Step 1 – Open the Settings app on your LG Smartphone through the above notification panel or tapping the app icon.
Step 2 – You’re now required to search for the About Phone section and tap it ASAP.
Step 3 – Locate the tab named Software Info by scrolling the list and open it!
Step 4 – Now You’ll find the Build Number there on the Software Info Menu.
Step 5 – Tap that Build Number 7 times repeatedly, and you’ll be popped with a prompt notification saying Developer Options Enabled.
Step 6 – Get back to the Settings menu right now, and navigate towards the newly risen Developer Options tab. Open it ASAP!
Step 7 – Scroll down, and search for the toggle stating OEM Unlocking, and enable that toggle by clicking it.
Step 8 – Scroll down more, and search for one more Developer Option, tagged USB Debugging. Click it too to enable it!
Finally, You’ve completed enabling both the developer options and are ready to go towards the PC-side modifications. Let’s do it –
Download & Install ADB and Fastboot tool for PC
Ultimately, You’re done with the Smartphone-sided settings, and now you’re supposed to make some of the adjustments or installations on your PC too. These installations will help your PC detecting your LG smartphone and unlocking its Bootloader. So You’re supposed here to install two different applications, each for distinct utility.
We’ve provided the web links for both those applications, ADB Driver and Fastboot Tool. You’ll need the ADB Driver to recognize your LG Android smartphone on your PC and complete all the further processes within it. Afterward, You’ll need the Fasboot Tool to complete the entire unlocking process. So click below for each stuff, and download them both ASAP –
ADB Driver – (Link)
Fastboot Tool – (Link)
After installing both these apps, You’re required to install them on your PC without any error. It’s not as complex as it sounds, and moreover, You can also follow the below process to make it –
Step 1 – After successfully downloading both the above files, You’re supposed to move them both inside a specific folder, We’ll recommend you to create a new folder named Bootloader on the Desktop, and save both those files there.
Step 2 – After moving those files to the Bootloader folder, You have to unzip them on the same destination(As these are the .ZIP files).
Step 3 – Now make Right-Click on the ADB Driver file and choose the Run it as Administrator tab.
Step 4 – Afterward, Click the Y/Yes tab to install the ADB Driver.
Step 5 – Now, You’ve to make the same process with the Fastboot tool too! So get back to the folder and Right-click on the Fastboot tool to Run it as Administrator.
Step 6 – Tap the Yes button to install the Fastboot tool directly on your PC.
Connect your LG Device with your PC and Find the Device ID
As of now, You’ve completed all the above processes and made both your smartphone and PC ready to get connected and unlocked. Basically, The LG’s Bootloader unlocking process is entirely different from all the other manufacturer brands. You’re required here to find the unique Device ID for your smartphone to download the unique unlock file for your smartphone.
So make sure that you know all the credentials of your LG account and follow the below process to get that Device ID –
Step 1 – First of all, Connect your LG Smartphone with your PC using the supported USB Cable.
Step 2 – Now, Open the Command Prompt on your PF using the Run command or simple search.
Step 3 – Run the below command to find your connected LG Device.
adb devices
(This command will recognize your connected LG Smartphone, or if you aren’t getting your device listed, You must haven’t enabled USB Debugging)
Step 4 – After hitting enter for the above command, You’ll get a pop-up on your smartphone, so click on Allow Debugging there.
Step 5 – Now, Enter the below command to restart your smartphone in the Bootloader mode.
adb reboot bootloader
Step 6 – One You’ll observe a restart of your LG Smartphone, Enter the below command to get the Device-ID to unlock your LG Smartphone.
fastboot oem device-id
Step 7 – Now You’ll find a command prompt page like the below snapshot, where you can get the Device ID for your smartphone. You’re required to copy this ID and paste it on Notepad.
Find and download the unlock.bin file to the specific folder
After getting the Device ID to unlock your LG Android smartphone, You’re supposed to use it to recover your unique Unlock.bin file. It’s a simplistic process, where you’ll have to open the LG Official website from the below link and log in with both your credentials. If You haven’t created LG Account, You can create a new one, as we also have listed below a link to register for a new account.
LG Account Login Link – (Link)
LG New Account Register Link – (Link)
Perform the below steps for getting your Unlock.bin file ASAP –
Step 1 – Open your PC’s browser and click on the above login link and log in to your LG account there.
Step 2 – After the sign-in process completion, click the above link once again, that’ll redirect you to the process page.
Step 3 – Scroll down, and tap the tab saying “Starting Unlocking the Bootloader.“
Step 4 – On the next page, You’ll have to enter your smartphone’s Device ID and the IMEI Number, which you can find by writing *#06# on your dialing screen.
Step 5 – Copy your IMEI Number and paste it on the required section and copy the Device ID you captured in the previous step on the next Device ID section.
Step 6 – Click on Confirm and accept all the legal terms & conditions asked by the LG’s official website.
Step 7 – Now You’ll get the link to download the Unlock.bin file. Download it ASAP!
Step 8 – Save this Unlock.bin file on the same Bootloader folder on Desktop, where you’ve extracted the ADB Tool and Fastboot Tool.
Unlock the Bootloader for your LG Smartphone
Ultimately, You’re all done with the primary steps and are ready to apply all your gained resources and unlock your LG Smartphone’s Bootloader. This process must have annoyed you a little bit, while finding the Unlock.bin file, but must remember that you can’t find the most fabulous destinations without making the hardest walks.
So Finally We’re ready to take it all together and unlock our smartphone’s Bootloader. Follow the below steps –
Step 1 – Firstly, Open the Bootloader folder that you’ve created on the Desktop folder.
Step 2 – Now on the above location bar, write CMD and hit enter. Or You can also find an empty location, right-click there, and then choose the Open with Command Prompt tab.
Step 3 – Now You’ll observe the command prompt window opened inside the Bootloader folder.
Step 4 – Now, Enter the below command on that cmd window while remembering that you’ve saved the Unlock.bin file on the same folder-
fastboot flash unlock unlock.bin
(This command will unlock the Bootloader of your LG Smartphone without any hassle.)
Step 5 – Wait for the Success message on CMD prompt screen.
Step 6 – After watching a successful message, copy the below command and paste on the cmd to reboot your LG Smartphone –
fastboot reboot
(This command will reboot your LG smartphone in the default mode with a warning reminder of unlocked Bootloader.)
Step 6 – Hit the enter button again!
Congratulations…..! You’ve finally unlocked your LG Smartphone’s Bootloader with the above simplistic process. Now You can again restore the backup you’ve created before starting the process. Moreover, Your Smartphone also became tweaky or compatible to gain root access and install Custom ROMs. Enjoy!!
FAQ
How do I know if my phones’ Bootloader is unlocked?
It’s a simplistic process to check if the Bootloader is unlocked or not. You can do this with both your Smartphone and PC. If You’re convenient with your Smartphone, you’re required to open the dialer and write *#*#7378423#*#*. It’ll automatically redirect you to the Settings, where you have to enter Service Info>Configuration. Now, If there is Yes written under Bootloader, it’s unlocked or opposite for No.
Now, If You’re convenient with the PC, You’re required to follow the below process –
Step 1 – Download the Android SDK Platform-tools, and the drivers compatible with your Smartphone.
Step 2 – Now install these drivers and unzip SDK tools on a specified folder.
Step 3 – Open the folder where you extracted SDK Tools, and press Shift + Right Click on the empty location, and choose “Open with Windows Powershell.”
Step 4 – Switch off your phone with hard pressing Power Button.
Step 5 – Now press the Power button again with the Volume-Up button and Volume Down button together. It’ll start your device in fastboot mode.
Step 6 – Connect your phone with the PC with a USB cable.
Step 7 – Copy the below command on your Windows Powershell screen –
fastboot devices
Step 8 – Soon, your PC will detect the connected Smartphone, and now you’re required to copy the below command there –
fastboot oem device-info
How do I get root access on the LG smartphone?
If You wanna enjoy all those rooting privileges on your own LG Smartphone and make use of all those futuristic modules, You can follow the below-linked process. But before that, You’re required to unlock your smartphone’s Bootloader. So Let’s rise with the one-by-one steps, where we’re firstly required to Unlock the Bootloader through the above process, and afterward root our smartphone using any root method from the below web link!
How to root LG Smartphones – (Link)
Is unlocking the Bootloader the same as rooting?
Nope.! Unlocking the Bootloader and Gaining the Root Access are both different processes for smartphones. If You’re rooting your smartphone, You can enjoy lots of featured modules and you can customize your entire smartphone’s UI with some of the potent modules. But on the other hand, Unlocking the Bootloader won’t give you this privilege. You can call Bootloader Unlocking process the preliminary process to root your smartphone, but still, both these processes have lots of differences.
Does unlocking bootloader erase data?
Absolutely Yes! If You’re going to unlock your smartphone’s Bootloader, You’re firstly required to create an entire backup of your smartphone data, since Unlocking the Bootloader will erase all the available data on your smartphone. It indirectly means resetting your smartphone, as you’re clearing all the important security modules out of your device and making it rootable. So Firstly, Use any convenient method and create a backup of your important data!
What is OEM unlock?
OEM Unlock is a developer option available inside every Android smartphone. It’s a mandatory option that you need to enable before unlocking the Bootloader of your Android smartphone. Meaning-wise, the OEM Unlock option stands for permission required to unlock the smartphone’s Bootloader without being authorized to do that. As You all know that we aren’t the developers, so that we haven’t got any authorized access to do that, so we need to enable it before unlocking Bootloader.
Is OEM unlock safe?
Yes, OEM Unlock is a safe Developer Option, since it’s only linked with the Bootloader of our Android smartphone. There is no linkage of this option with any other security module, and so that you won’t need to worry about anything while enabling the OEM Unlock.
Will I get OTA updates if the Bootloader is unlocked?
Wistfully, It’s impossible to get the OTA updates on any Android smartphone if its Bootloader is unlocked. So You won’t get OTA updates from the manufacturers after unlocking it. But elsewhere, You can root your smartphone and install your favorite UIs to your LG Smartphone, like the OxygenOS UI, MIUI, Samsung UI, and the ColorOS UI. No matter which device You’re using, just unlock its Bootloader, root it, and enjoy the exceptional privileges.
