In this step-by-step article, you will learn how to unlock Bootloader LG in order to later install root rights, as well as flash custom firmware.
Many manufacturers of Android devices, including LG, have made it a rule to block the bootloader. For you and me, this means one more additional step towards obtaining root rights and installing Recovery with custom firmware.
This article was specially prepared to do everything correctly and quickly!
Necessary tools and conditions
- Windows computer
- USB cable (no damage, preferably original)
- LG drivers installed on your computer
- Download and install the Adb Run program (to simplify the procedure)
- Charged LG device
- Enable “USB Debugging” in the Developer Options menu and enable “ OEM Unlock«
Instructions on how to unlock Bootloader LG
All unlocking instructions can be described in several points:
- Registration with LG
- Getting the bootloader unlock code
- Unlock Bootloader
Now let's look at each of them in detail.
Registration with LG
1. To register with LG, follow this link.
2. Select " Countries other than Korea«
3. We agree to license agreements:
4. Fill in your registration information and click “ Save»:
5. Registration is completed.
Obtaining a custom LG bootloader code
1. In order to get an individual LG bootloader code, run the Adb Run program
2. Reboot LG into Bootloader mode; to do this, go to the menu in the program Manual Command -> Unlock Bootloader LG -> Reboot Bootloader
3. Next, in the same menu, select Take Bootloader Code (Device ID), after which it will appear on the desktop text file device-id-lge.txt with the contents of your bootloadera ID:
4. Remove everything (bootloader) and move everything to one line
5. We move on to the stage of obtaining the bootloader unlock code.
Getting the bootloader unlock code
1. Go to the LG website to receive the unlock file.
2. Fill in the data:
- Name - Name
- E-mail - your email
- Phone - model number
- Imei - write the Imei of the device, to find it out, dial *#06# in the dialer
- Device ID - the code you received in Adb Run
3. Click on the button Confirm
4. Then go to the email address you specified and download the file unlock.bin
5. Let's move on to the Bootloader unlocking stage
Unlock Bootloader
1. Downloaded file unlock.bin copy
2. In the Adb Run program, select Firmware unlcok.bin (Bootloader Unlcok )
3. Paste the file into the explorer window that opens unlcok.bin, close and continue in Adb Run.
4. After a couple of seconds, Bootloader will be unlocked.
Despite the fact that the LG smartphone L9 appeared last year and has already lost the right to be called a flagship, its technical characteristics smoothly moved the device into the middle segment, and the cheaper price due to the release of the new version of the Nine will pleasantly please buyers. There’s nothing bad to say about the device’s internals; it’s especially pleasing IPS screen 4.7 inches and gigabytes random access memory. The device will remain relevant for at least another year and will most likely successfully cope with the demands of the upcoming fifth version of the Android OS. The build quality is excellent and the hardware components are excellent, but there are obvious problems with long-term operation - with moderate use, the phone requires feeding it in the late afternoon. If we compare the same indicator with the monster highscreen boost, then 4000 milliamps still has a more pleasant effect on operating time. The retired flagship has half the battery capacity, so you'll have to curb your appetites and keep the charger nearby. During the test, the phone never showed an error message, calmly survived the massive attack by games and applications, all the hits of the modern mobile gaming industry worked without noticeable failures in FPS. Of course, after Full HD screens the picture seems a little pale, but applications that are monstrous in cache size do not begin to thoughtfully search for the meaning of their existence during startup.
Today we will install CWM on nine and rid the bootloader of the ridiculous habit of prohibiting any modification of the smartphone. Let us clarify right away - all of the following leads to voiding the warranty. If you bought a smartphone recently and are not sure that it will live to the end of its warranty without incident, feel free to skip the article. But new roads open to the brave, so let’s begin. Unlike the earlier versions of mockery of this smartphone, inquisitive minds from the far corner of the United States have found an easier way to get what they want, both a first-level novice shaman and a seasoned level 80 flasher can handle it. So, what do we need to successfully complete the event? First of all, drivers for your smartphone. They can be installed through the proprietary program LG MOBILE SUPPORT TOOL ( http://www.lg.com/us/support-mobile/lg-LGP769BK). Moreover, it is highly advisable to install drivers without the checkbox installed in USB debugging (in the settings for developers), since for some reason this label can lead to strange problems in identifying the phone.
Having installed them, restart the computer, and while it slowly and smoothly completes its processes, check the boxes for debugging and safe sources (“security” and “for developers”). Now everything is ready for dancing with a tambourine. First, download the archive with adb files, useful for flashing ( http://yadi.sk/d/UP_O3L-m4WOJm) and unzip it to drive C, in the Android folder (C/Android). Then open the submenu right click mouse while in this folder. Select “open command line here” (the item may have a different name). Of course, from the administrator. In the black-black terminal window, visibly showing how the OS interface has changed since the days of DOS, copy this adb reboot oem-unlock. The phone will restart in the desired mode and suspiciously ask you whether you need an unlock or, better yet, not. To convince him otherwise, press the volume rocker up and wait for the phone to react. It will result in a restart in fastboot mode. While the phone is doing this, download the recovery file ( http://yadi.sk/d/bYknVHkG5XCWi). Move it to the same Android folder, in the command line type fastbootflashrecoveryrecovery-clockwork-6.0.2.9-p760.img. This team will do us a favor by giving us a magic kick to the phone software for its subsequent customization. Everything is ready, the smartphone has received a more functional recovery and the ability to install third-party firmware.
Do you know it?
You can easily unlock the bootloader of yours Android device to install custom ROMs or replace its default existing software.
But, Generally, it is not recommended to unlock your device boot loader. Even so, this is an action or procedure that should be done by only advanced users because it can be quite complicated. Or can put your device into risk. So, I don’t recommend this for regular users. On the other hand, the primary software(s) that comes with your device is rigorously tested and geared towards fitting in for all kinds of users. So, if you are not aware of the high risks involved in unlocking a Sony device boot loader, please, do not attempt to do it; the outcome may be terrible.
What is the boot loader on Android smartphones
First, let's discuss what a bootloader is. A bootloader is a kind of program that initiates the booting process of a mobile operating system or a computer system; that is, a boot loader starts and loads the prior tasks & processes of an operating system.
We can also put it in this way; it is a code that runs on a device before the time the device OS starts up. All operating systems we know have boot loaders; however, the bootloaders you’ll see on different operating systems are not going to be the same. It is in the boot loader that the instructions of how a device should run are contained. Also, it has some connections to the system kernel.
Many Android geeks often love to root their device(s); “Root” is a big word in the Android community; it is an action that grants you “Super User” access to manage/handle/deal with any folder or settings on a device. Unlocking Android device bootloaders allows you to perform administrative actions on the device, such as rooting an Android smartphone, flashing custom ROM to Android devices, or other admin actions associated with the system kernel.
Unlocking an OS boot loader
This is a very high technical action to do. However, for you to root a device successfully or flash custom ROMs, you have to unlock the mobile phone’s bootloader first.
The process of unlocking bootloaders differ based on the device manufacturer, model, and the carrier. In today's article, you will see how to unlock the bootloaders of Android devices.
Risks involved with unlocking the boot loader of a device
Of course, any action that requires you handling the critical aspects of a mobile device by yourself has a lot of high risks associated with it. First, if you do not control the device with care, the outcome can be very disastrous, and once you gain access to your mobile device system files/folders, in most cases, the warranty coverage offered by the manufacturer becomes invalid instantly.
There’s a reason Android devices come with locked bootloaders. However, they can be unlocked at your own risk. To see the dangers involved in unlocking your Android device, check here – the risks of unlocking Android device boot loader .
Most of all, unlocking your device bootloader to flash a custom ROM; a custom ROM does not guarantee full functionality of your device. It might not work correctly on your device, and some functions or features of your device may cease to work after this action.
Necessary Steps
- Charge the device battery to be above 80 percent
- Backup your files; a complete backup is essential. This is because unlocking the bootloader will automatically trigger a factory reset process which will erase every user data, settings, a third-party app, etc. on the device's storage. However, pre-installed Sony apps will not be affected. Also, data saved on removable storages (such as a micro SD card) will not be modified too.
- Download (Windows)/ (Mac) Respective ADB Drivers and Install it your system.
- Download (Windows)/ (Mac) OEM and copy it into the folder
Sony Xperia devices
This action can be done by following the guide provided on Sony’s official Website. However, we will list out the steps/processes to perform this action.
Note : this will void your device warranty support
Getting started…
If your device is supported, then, go ahead with the steps below to unlock the boot loader and flash a custom ROM.
Steps
Open your phone dialer and dial this code – *#*#7378423#*#*
Go to Service Info >>> configuration >>> rooting status >>> Check to see if bootloader unlocking is allowed or not. If it is allowed, then continue below.
Download and Install the Sony PC Companion (Windows)or Sony PC Companion for (Mac)
Get the “download_inf.zip” file and paste it into the folder c:android-sdkextrasgoogleusb_driver
Dial *#06# and copy down your Sony Mobile IMEI number.
Return to the Sony Official page, select your device model and provide your Email Id.
You will receive a link to your Email id, click on the link to get the Unlock code to use and unlock your bootloader
Turn off your device and connect it to PC using a USB cable
Press the menu button or search or volume up button.
Download Windows / Mac OEM and copy it into c:android-sdkextrasgoogleusb_driver.
Now, type the following command in CMD –command prompt.
cd C:android-sdkplatform-tools; fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce getvar version; fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY
Note: you have to replace the key with your own generated Key
Tap “Enter” and wait for some time
Your mobile bootloader is now unlocked, reboot the device.
LG devices
Here I Put only instructions and files that are not in LG devices Page, otherwise follow the instructions from official Page.
Steps
- In your Mobile Go to Setting>Developer options>Enable Oem Unlock.
- Go to and Login With Your Details.
OnePlus Devices
Usually, All OnePlus devices are Bootloader unlocked devices. If you use T-Mobile carrier device, your Bootloader is locked. So you have to unlock your Bootloader.
Steps
- In your Mobile Go to Setting>>About>>Tap 7-10 times on Build number to enable the developer options>>Developer options>Enable Oem Unlock.
- Go to Official unlock OnePlus Page and Login With Your Details.
Google Pixel Devices
Only International devices have unlocked bootloaders; If you use carrier devices like Verizon, T-Mobile, It becomes more specific, so try to follow particular guides for that. In some situations, there is no way to unlock Verizon devices, so be careful before following any steps. You can find them in https://forum.xda-developers.com/. If you have the International version, follow the below steps.
Steps
- In your Mobile Go to Setting>>About>>Tap 7-10 times on Build number to enable the developer options>>Developer options>Enable Oem Unlock.
- Go to Official Google Page and follow the unlock Instructions.
Huawei Devices
Huawei stopped providing an official bootloader unlock support from 24-May-2018. So, if you try other third party techniques, always be aware of the results.
What more?
This is a technical task; if you didn’t know what you are doing, you need to engage an expert technician to help you out so as not to damage your device.
Android users often unlock their bootloaders for rooting their devices and installing custom ROMs. Because users who want to complete these tasks should first unlock the bootloader of the device.
Rooting means that you obtain full administrative rights to the system that enables you to modify the system files. Rooting enables users to improve the performance of the Android, speed up, save battery life, remove ads, uninstall the bloatware and so on. With this in consideration, you can customize everything in your Android.
Flashing a custom ROM provides your more features excluding the default system. After flashing a custom ROM you will find that it is easy to install the latest and greatest OS version that is compatible with your device without waiting.
Before Unlocking the Bootloader of LG Phones
- Device is powered on.
- Battery level should be at least 50%
- USB data cable (the original one is recommended)
How to Unlock the Bootloader on LG Phones
Step 1: Backup important data
The unlocking process will sweep of all the data of Android. So it is important to backup your precious data. Backup everything you want to keep, then continue to the next step.
Step 2: Free Download KingoRoot
KingoRoot is the best and easiest root tool for free. Here KingoRoot is not used for rooting but an alternative to and USB driver. The KingoRoot includes the Android SDK and will download the LG USB driver automatically once connected to the PC.
Step 3: Get an Unlock Key.
Step 4: Unlock your bootloader of your Android device.
Here comes to perform the unlocking process. If you haven"t interrupted the connection and your phone still in the fastboot mode (If your device isn"t in the fastboot, then repeat the step 2 or just hold the "Volume Down" and "Power" button for 10 seconds before releasing in order to make the device being in the fastboot mode.
- Enter fastboot flash unlock unlock.bin in DOS command window. “unlock.bin” is the bootloader unlock key you received in the email.
- Reboot your device by running command fastboot reboot or using the "Volume" buttons to reboot.
The device will show a message at boot stating that your bootloader is unlocked. With an unlocked bootloader you will be allowed to, or.
KingoRoot on Windows
KingoRoot Android on Windows has the highest success rate. It supports almost any Android device and version.
Unlocking the bootloader on your smartphone is the first step to speed it up and install custom firmware. And, contrary to popular belief, this feature is supported on most devices. Below is the official method to unlock the bootloader operating system.
Not every phone will allow you to do this.
There are two types of phones in this world: Those that allow you to unlock the bootloader and those that do not.
The ability to unlock the bootloader depends on your smartphone manufacturer, model, and even your operator. All Nexus smartphones allow you to unlock the bootloader, and many phones from Motorola and HTC will allow you to unlock the bootloader in the same way as on the Nexus.
Other smartphones, as well as operators, do not provide the ability to unlock the bootloader in an official way. In this case, you will have to wait until the developers find vulnerabilities with which you can get root rights and download custom firmware to your phone. If you have such a smartphone, then, alas, this article will not help you.
The best way to find out which category your smartphone belongs to is to look at a specialized website. If you have HTC smartphone or Motorola, then you can also check the possibility of unlocking on the HTC and Motorola websites. If the bootloader of your smartphone cannot be unlocked using the official method, then only the unofficial unlocking or root method, which can usually be found on the XDA Developers forum, will help you.
Step 0: Back up everything you want to keep
Before you begin, it should be noted that this process will erase all of your data. Therefore, if you have any Important files, be it photos, music, videos or anything else, then now is the time to save everything to your computer. In addition, if you have any application settings that you want to save, then use the function Reserve copy to create a backup of your settings, and also save it on your computer.
Here's another tip: since I know I'll want to root my smartphone, I always unlock the bootloader as soon as I buy a new device. This way I don't waste time customizing the phone to suit myself only to delete all the data after a couple of days.
Once you have saved all your important files, you can begin.
Step 1: Android installation SDK and drivers for your phone
You will need two things for this process: Android Debug Bridge, which is a command line for PC that you can use to communicate with your phone, and a USB driver for your device. If you installed them earlier, then you need to update them to the latest version.
Let's give brief instructions for installation:
- 1. Go to the Android SDK download page and scroll down to “SDK Tools Only”. Download ZIP file for your OS and unpack the archive.
- 2. Launch SDK Manager and uncheck all items except “Android SDK Platform-tools”. If you are using a Nexus phone, you can also select “Google USB Driver” to download Google drivers.
- 3. After installation is complete, you can close the SDK manager.
- 4. Install USB drivers for your phone. You can find them on the website of the smartphone manufacturer (eg Motorola or HTC)
- 5. Restart your computer if necessary.
Turn on your phone and connect it to your computer with via USB cable. Open the tools folder in your Android SDK installation folder and Shift+Right Click on an empty area. Select “Open a Command Prompt Here” and run the following command:
adb devices
If it appears serial number, then your phone is detected and you can continue further. Otherwise, make sure you follow all the given steps correctly.
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging
Next, you will need to enable several options on your phone. Go to your phone settings and select "About phone". Scroll down to Build Number and click on this item 7 times. A message should appear indicating that you are logged into developer mode.
Return to home page settings, you should have a new item “For Developers”. Enable “OEM Unlocking” if this option exists (if it doesn't, don't worry - only some phones have this option).
Then enable “USB Debugging”. Enter a password or PIN if required.
Once you do this, connect your phone to your computer. You will see a window on your phone asking “Do you want to enable USB debugging?” Check the box next to “Always allow on this computer” and click OK.
Step 3: Obtain an unlock key (not for Nexus phones)
If you have a Nexus smartphone, then proceed to the next step.
Go to the smartphone manufacturer's website to obtain an unlock key (for example, for Motorola, open this page or this one for HTC), select your device (if required) and drive or create a new account.
Further in this step there may be differences for different phones, but there should be instructions on the steps on the manufacturer’s website. It will be as follows: first, turn off the phone and boot into fastboot mode. On different phones There are different ways, but most often you need to press and hold the power button and volume down key for 10 seconds. Release the buttons and you should be in fastboot mode (HTC users will have to use the volume down key to get to the Fastboot item and use the power key to select this item).
Connect your phone and PC using a USB cable. Your phone must somehow notify you of the connection. Open the tools folder in your Android SDK installation folder and Shift+Right Click on an empty area. Select “Open a Command Prompt Here” and enter the unlock command provided by the manufacturer (for Motorola this is fastboot oem get_unlock_data command , for HTC fastboot oem get_identifier_token).
Long strings of characters will appear on the command line. Copy these characters and make one line of them without spaces and on the website, paste the resulting text into the appropriate field. If your smartphone can be unlocked, you will receive an email with a key or file, which we will use in the next step. If your device cannot be unlocked, you will also be notified about this. If you still want to go all the way and use the unofficial method, then you will need the developers' website.
Step 4: Unlock
Now you are ready to unlock. If your phone is still in fastboot mode, run the command below. If not, then turn off your phone and boot into fastboot mode. There are different methods on different phones, but most often you need to press and hold the power button and volume down key for 10 seconds. Release the buttons and you should be in fastboot mode (HTC users will have to use the volume down key to get to the Fastboot item and use the power key to select this item). Connect your phone and PC with a USB cable.
Open the tools folder in your Android SDK installation folder and Shift+Right Click on an empty area. Select “Open a Command Prompt Here”.
To unlock your device, you will need to run one simple command. For most Nexus devices, this command is:
fastboot oem unlock
If you have a new version Nexus, for example, Nexus 5X or 6P, then the command will be slightly different:
fastboot flashing unlock
If you do not have a Nexus smartphone, then the manufacturer’s website will indicate the command you need. For Motorola devices this is the command fastboot oem unlock UNIQUE_KEY, where UNIQUE_KEY is the code sent to you by email. For HTC, this is the command fastboot oem unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin, where Unlock_code.bin is a file received from the HTC manufacturer.
After running the command, the phone may ask if you really want to unlock. use Volume key to confirm.
When unlocking is complete, use the OSD menu to reboot your phone (or run the fastboot reboot command on your computer). If everything is done correctly, then when you boot the phone you will see a message that the bootloader is unlocked, and then the Android OS will load. It is important to boot Android first before doing anything like installing a custom recovery.
Congratulations on being unlocked! While you won't notice any differences, you can now install a custom recovery, get root access or install a custom firmware.