How To Unlock Bootloader On Oneplus Phones Unlocked And T Mobile Variants

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Unlocking the bootloader on your OnePlus phone opens up a world of possibilities, from flashing custom ROMs and kernels to gaining root access. However, it's a process that requires careful attention, as improper steps can lead to a bricked device. This guide will walk you through the process for both unlocked (global/international) and T-Mobile variants of OnePlus phones.

Ready to Unleash Your OnePlus Phone's Full Potential? Let's Get Started!

Before we dive into the technicalities, let's understand what we're about to do and why it's important to proceed with caution. Unlocking the bootloader essentially removes the security restrictions imposed by the manufacturer, allowing you to modify your phone's software at a deeper level. While exciting, this also means you're taking full responsibility for any consequences.

Pre-requisites and Important Warnings

  • Backup EVERYTHING: Unlocking the bootloader will factory reset your phone, wiping all your data, including apps, photos, videos, and contacts. Do not skip this step! Use cloud services, a computer backup, or external storage to save everything important.

  • Battery Life: Ensure your phone has at least 60-70% battery to prevent unexpected shutdowns during the process.

  • Drivers: You'll need the correct OnePlus USB drivers and ADB/Fastboot tools installed on your computer. We'll cover this in Step 1.

  • Warranty: Unlocking the bootloader will void your warranty with OnePlus and potentially with T-Mobile. Be aware of this before proceeding.

  • Risks: There's always a slight risk of soft-bricking your device if the steps aren't followed precisely. This usually means your phone won't boot into the operating system but can often be recovered. A "hard brick" (irrecoverable state) is rare but possible with extreme negligence.

  • Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is required for downloading files.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment (Universal for All Variants)

This initial setup is crucial for communicating with your phone from your computer.

Sub-heading 1.1: Install ADB and Fastboot Tools

These are command-line tools that allow your computer to communicate with your Android device.

  1. Download Platform Tools: Go to the official Android Developers website and download the latest "SDK Platform-Tools" for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

  2. Extract the Files: Once downloaded, unzip the folder (e.g., platform-tools-latest-windows.zip) to a convenient location on your computer. A good practice is to extract it directly to your C: drive and rename the folder to something simple, like C:\adb.

Sub-heading 1.2: Install OnePlus USB Drivers (Windows Only)

For Windows users, installing the correct drivers is essential for your computer to recognize your OnePlus phone in different modes.

  1. OnePlus Driver Download: Search online for "OnePlus USB drivers" and download the latest drivers package. You might find them on the official OnePlus support website or trusted Android development forums like XDA Developers.

  2. Installation: Run the downloaded driver installer. Follow the on-screen prompts. You might need to restart your computer after installation.

Sub-heading 1.3: Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on Your Phone

This step allows your computer to send commands to your phone.

  1. Access Settings: Go to your phone's Settings.

  2. About Phone: Scroll down and tap on About phone or About device.

  3. Build Number: Locate "Build number" and tap on it rapidly, about 7-10 times, until you see a message saying "You are now a developer!" or "Developer options enabled."

  4. Developer Options: Go back to the main Settings menu. You'll now find "Developer options" under System or Additional settings.

  5. Enable OEM Unlocking: Inside Developer options, find and toggle on OEM unlocking. This is a critical step that allows the bootloader unlock command to be executed. Confirm any warnings that appear.

  6. Enable USB Debugging: Also within Developer options, find and toggle on USB debugging.

  7. Connect to PC: Connect your OnePlus phone to your computer using a good quality USB cable.

  8. Authorize USB Debugging: On your phone, you might see a pop-up asking to "Allow USB debugging?" Check the box for "Always allow from this computer" and tap OK.

Sub-heading 1.4: Verify ADB Connection

Let's make sure your computer can communicate with your phone.

  1. Open Command Prompt/Terminal:

    • Windows: Navigate to the adb folder (e.g., C:\adb). In the file explorer address bar, type cmd and press Enter. This will open a command prompt directly in that directory.

    • macOS/Linux: Open Terminal and navigate to your adb folder using the cd command (e.g., cd /Users/YourUsername/Downloads/platform-tools).

  2. ADB Devices Command: In the command prompt/terminal, type:

    adb devices

    Press Enter. You should see a list of connected devices, with your phone's serial number followed by "device." If you see "unauthorized," ensure you authorized USB debugging on your phone as described above. If you don't see your device, double-check your drivers and cable.

Step 2: Unlocking the Bootloader on Unlocked/Global OnePlus Variants

This process is generally more straightforward for phones purchased directly from OnePlus or unlocked retailers.

Sub-heading 2.1: Reboot to Bootloader Mode

  1. Via ADB Command: In your command prompt/terminal (from your adb folder), type:

    adb reboot bootloader

    Press Enter. Your phone will reboot into Fastboot mode (also known as Bootloader mode). You'll typically see "FASTBOOT mode" or similar text on the screen.

  2. Manual Method (Alternative): Power off your phone completely. Then, press and hold the Volume Up + Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously until you see the Fastboot screen.

Sub-heading 2.2: Execute the Unlock Command

  1. Verify Fastboot Connection: Once in Fastboot mode, in your command prompt/terminal, type:

    fastboot devices

    Press Enter. You should see your device's serial number followed by "fastboot." If not, recheck your drivers and cable.

  2. Unlock Command: This is the critical step. In the command prompt/terminal, type:

    fastboot flashing unlock

    Press Enter.

  3. Confirm on Phone: Look at your phone's screen. You will see a warning message stating that unlocking the bootloader will erase your data and may void your warranty.

    • Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate to the option that says "UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER" (or similar wording, usually in red).

    • Press the Power button to select and confirm.

    • Do NOT select "Do not unlock the bootloader" unless you've changed your mind.

  4. Automatic Wipe and Reboot: After confirmation, your phone will perform a factory reset. This might take several minutes. Once complete, it will automatically reboot. The first boot after an unlock can take significantly longer than usual – be patient. You'll eventually reach the initial setup screen, just like a new phone.

Step 3: Unlocking the Bootloader on T-Mobile OnePlus Variants

Unlocking T-Mobile variants often requires an additional step of obtaining an unlock token from OnePlus, as they have stricter policies. This process can take several days to weeks.

Sub-heading 3.1: Fulfilling T-Mobile's SIM Unlock Requirements

Before OnePlus will provide an unlock token, your phone must be SIM unlocked by T-Mobile.

  1. T-Mobile's Unlock Policy: Familiarize yourself with T-Mobile's device unlock policy. Generally, this involves:

    • The device being active on the T-Mobile network for a certain period (e.g., 40 days for postpaid, 1 year for prepaid).

    • All outstanding balances on the device's payment plan (EIP) being paid off.

    • The device not being reported lost or stolen.

  2. Requesting SIM Unlock:

    • T-Mobile Device Unlock App: Many T-Mobile Android phones have a pre-installed "Device Unlock" app. Open it and select "Permanent Unlock."

    • Contact T-Mobile Support: If the app isn't present or doesn't work, contact T-Mobile customer service (via phone, chat, or in-store) and request a permanent SIM unlock for your device. Explain that you need it for bootloader unlocking.

    • Wait for Confirmation: T-Mobile will process your request. You'll usually receive a notification once your phone is SIM unlocked. This can take a few business days.

Sub-heading 3.2: Obtaining the Unlock Token from OnePlus (for T-Mobile Devices)

This is the unique step for T-Mobile variants.

  1. Enable Developer Options & USB Debugging: Follow the steps in Sub-heading 1.3 to enable these on your T-Mobile OnePlus phone.

  2. Reboot to Fastboot Mode: Use either the adb reboot bootloader command or the manual key combination (Volume Up + Volume Down + Power).

  3. Get Unlock Code: In your command prompt/terminal (from your adb folder), type:

    fastboot oem get_unlock_code

    Press Enter.

    • This command will display a unique string of characters on your computer's screen. Copy this entire code carefully.

  4. Submit Unlock Token Request to OnePlus:

    • Go to the official OnePlus Unlock Token request page (search "OnePlus unlock token request" on Google if you can't find the exact link, it's usually www.oneplus.com/unlock_token).

    • Fill out the application form. You'll need:

      • Your IMEI number (dial *#06# on your phone to get it, or find it in Settings > About phone).

      • The unlock code you just obtained using fastboot oem get_unlock_code.

      • Your reason for unlocking (be honest, e.g., "for development purposes," "to install custom ROMs").

      • Your contact information.

    • Submit the application.

  5. Wait for the Unlock Token (.bin file): OnePlus will review your application. This can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks or even longer. They will email you a .bin file, which is your unlock token.

    • Save this .bin file to your adb folder (e.g., C:\adb). Rename it to something simple like unlock_token.bin for easy use.

    • Important: Do NOT open or try to modify this .bin file.

Sub-heading 3.3: Flashing the Unlock Token and Unlocking the Bootloader

Once you have your unlock_token.bin file, you can proceed with the actual unlock.

  1. Reboot to Fastboot Mode: Ensure your phone is in Fastboot mode (use adb reboot bootloader or the manual method).

  2. Flash the Unlock Token: In your command prompt/terminal (from your adb folder), type:

    fastboot flash cust-unlock unlock_token.bin

    (Replace unlock_token.bin with the exact name of the file you received if it's different). Press Enter.

    • You should see a success message in the command prompt.

  3. Execute the Final Unlock Command: Now, type the universal unlock command:

    fastboot oem unlock

    Press Enter.

  4. Confirm on Phone: Just like with unlocked variants, your phone will display a warning. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to the "UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER" option and press the Power button to confirm.

  5. Automatic Wipe and Reboot: Your phone will perform a factory reset and then reboot. The first boot will take time.

Congratulations! Your OnePlus Bootloader is Now Unlocked!

After the reboot and initial setup, your OnePlus phone's bootloader should be unlocked. You can verify this by going back to Developer options and checking the OEM unlocking toggle – it should be grayed out and state that the bootloader is already unlocked. Alternatively, you can reboot back into Fastboot mode, and the "Device State" or similar information should now show "unlocked."

You are now free to explore custom ROMs, flash custom recoveries like TWRP, root your device with Magisk, and truly personalize your Android experience!

10 Related FAQ Questions

How to check if my OnePlus bootloader is already unlocked?

You can check by going to Settings > System > Developer options. The "OEM unlocking" toggle will be grayed out and state "Bootloader already unlocked" if it is. Alternatively, reboot your phone into Fastboot mode (power off, then hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power) and look for "Device State: unlocked" or similar text.

How to backup my OnePlus phone data before unlocking the bootloader?

You can use OnePlus Switch (OnePlus's official backup tool), Google Drive/Photos for cloud backup, manually copy files to your computer, or use third-party backup software.

How to install ADB and Fastboot drivers on my computer?

Download the "SDK Platform-Tools" from the Android Developers website and extract them. For Windows, also download and install the specific OnePlus USB drivers. macOS and Linux typically don't require separate drivers.

How to enable Developer Options on my OnePlus phone?

Go to Settings > About phone and tap on "Build number" 7-10 times until a message confirms developer options are enabled.

How to get my OnePlus phone into Fastboot (Bootloader) mode?

You can use the ADB command adb reboot bootloader from your computer, or manually by powering off your phone and then holding Volume Up + Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously until the Fastboot screen appears.

How to re-lock the bootloader on my OnePlus phone?

To re-lock, reboot your phone into Fastboot mode and use the command fastboot flashing lock. Be aware that re-locking a device that has had custom software installed can lead to a brick if the software isn't stock.

How to resolve "waiting for device" error during bootloader unlock?

This usually means your computer isn't recognizing your phone. Check your USB cable, try a different USB port, ensure USB drivers are correctly installed, and verify USB Debugging is enabled and authorized on your phone.

How to get an unlock token for my T-Mobile OnePlus phone?

You need to meet T-Mobile's SIM unlock policy, then use the fastboot oem get_unlock_code command in Fastboot mode to get a unique code. Submit this code along with your IMEI on the official OnePlus unlock token request website, and they will email you the .bin unlock file.

How to install a custom recovery like TWRP after unlocking the bootloader?

Once your bootloader is unlocked, you can flash a custom recovery using the fastboot flash recovery <recovery_filename>.img command (or fastboot flash boot <twrp_filename>.img for newer devices with A/B partitions that use boot for recovery).

How to root my OnePlus phone after unlocking the bootloader?

The most common method is using Magisk. Flash the Magisk-patched boot image for your specific device and OxygenOS version via Fastboot, or flash the Magisk zip through a custom recovery like TWRP.

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How To Unlock Bootloader On Oneplus Phones Unlocked And T Mobile Variants

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