Some of the new AI features that debuted with the Pixel 9 series don’t seem to work on devices with an unlocked bootloader. User reports indicate bootloader unlocking affects features like Pixel ...

Chris Thomas was a reporter at Android Police from 2022 until 2025. People generally want the ability to use purchased devices how they see fit. Xiaomi, on the other hand, wants to maintain ...

Xiaomi has introduced significant changes to its Bootloader (BL) unlocking policy, effective from January 1, 2025. These updates mark a significant shift in the company’s approach to device ...

Samsung is blocking its phones' bootloaders with the upcoming One UI 8 update. A recent report from an XDA Developers contributor says that Samsung has started disabling bootloader unlocking on ...

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, ...

For many Xiaomi fans, using the phone as it comes out of the box is never enough. Some of us want more control. We want to install custom ROMs, root the device, or just explore features hidden under ...

Samsung appears to be disabling bootloader unlocking in One UI 8 on more devices than before. Previously, only US models lacked the OEM Unlock toggle, but the restriction now seems to be spreading to ...

OnePlus is making a considerable change with its Android 16 update which will require users to fill out an application before having the ability to unlock their bootloader. In a post this week, ...

Samsung is apparently removing the option to unlock your bootloader from Galaxy devices with its One UI 8 update, at least in places where that was still available. For Galaxy owners in the US, ...

Samsung’s One UI 8 update reportedly removes the option to unlock the bootloader on many Galaxy devices. This change impacts advanced users who customize their phones with custom ROMs or root access.

People generally want the ability to use purchased devices how they see fit. Xiaomi, on the other hand, wants to maintain significant, long-term control over what software your phone runs. A year ...