Android

Xiaomi tightens bootloader unlocking restrictions on HyperOS

Xiaomi just introduced strict restrictions to unlocking the bootloader on its HyperOS-running phones, citing security and data protection. While MIUI devices offer some amount of flexibility in this ...
Android Authority

ASUS refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools as promised

In the UK, a Zenfone buyer sued ASUS over the company’s broken promise to provide bootloader unlocking support for its phones. The buyer won, getting a full refund for the phone and their court fees, ...
Android

Unlocking your Pixel 9's bootloader will disable these AI features

Years ago, unlocking the bootloader on Android phones was more common. While far fewer people do it now, there is still a niche that likes to test advanced software modifications and more. That said, ...
Android Police

Drastically reduced Xiaomi bootloader unlock policy raises questions over device ownership

Chris has reported for various tech and consumer goods outlets over the past decade, including Android Police and MakeUseOf since early 2022. Previously, he has contributed to outlets such as ...
BGR

Some Android Phones Are Becoming More Like iPhones In One Crucial Way

For years, Android users have knocked iOS for being a "walled garden," with the iPhone locking users into Apple's ecosystem and limiting how far they can stray outside of the company's guidelines.
9to5google

Xiaomi makes it harder to unlock your bootloader, stops Android updates if you do

Xiaomi just launched its new “HyperOS” skin for Android devices, but in a bit of a twist of the knife to enthusiasts, the company is not only disabling the option to unlock the bootloader but is also ...
Ars Technica

Asus to unlock Transformer Prime's bootloader, issue Android 4 update

It is interesting that Google videos is requiring the bootloader to be locked? Sounds odd to me... That being said, the asus device is a great tablet... That's just stupid. So Asus should be ...
Android Police

Asus releases Zenfone 9 bootloader unlock tool and kernel code

Sahas is a freelance writer who specializes in writing on tech news & wellness. He has contributed to esteemed digital publications such as Tom's Guide & Digital Trends in the past. Sahas is also ...
The Verge

Samsung’s One UI 8 might shut down bootloader unlocking on Galaxy phones

A toggle that would let Samsung owners install custom software has disappeared on phones shipping with the new OS, and One UI 8 beta builds for the Galaxy S25. A toggle that would let Samsung owners ...
Android Authority

Samsung allows bootloader unlocking on Galaxy XR after killing it on phones

Samsung’s newly released $1,800 Galaxy XR headset includes support for bootloader unlocking. Unlike competitors like Meta Quest or Apple Vision Pro, this makes the Galaxy XR uniquely accessible for ...
Liliputing

Revolutionary: New tool for unlocking bootloader on most HTC Android phones

Unrevoked and AlphaRev, the development teams behind two popular Android hacking tools have teamed up to release a new tool called Revolutionary. It’s an S-OFF Tool that lets you flash a custom ...