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Bootloader Unlock Wall of Shame

repository·main·Indexed 26 days ago

https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame

A repository tracking and categorizing mobile device manufacturers based on the difficulty of unlocking their bootloaders. It provides detailed technical guidance and exploit references for brands including Amazon (amonet, cuber), Apple (checkm8, usbliter8, SEP exploits), Fairphone, and others, while warning against devices from Asus, Coolpad, Doogee, and Energizer due to restrictive policies or disabled unlock commands.

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What's inside bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame

  1. Overview of Bootloader Unlock Wall of Shame

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    The Bootloader Unlock Wall of Shame is a project that tracks manufacturers and device types that restrict or block bootloader unlocking. This project categorizes companies based on the difficulty and reliability of their unlocking processes, helping users avoid devices that prevent control over their own hardware.

  4. Bootloader unlock status for Energizer devices

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    Energizer devices (both Android and KaiOS phones) are considered non-unlockable. There is no known method to unlock the bootloader on these devices.

    Additionally, Energizer does not share kernel source code for their devices, which violates the GPLv2 license. This lack of source code makes it difficult or impossible to:

    • Create custom ROMs
    • Root the device
    • Run Generic System Images (GSIs)

  7. Understand bootloader unlocking status for Verizon and its sub-brands

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    Devices associated with Verizon, Visible, Tracfone, Simple Mobile, and Walmart Family Mobile are considered extremely difficult or impossible to unlock. Verizon is known for force-locking bootloaders and has a policy of not providing unlock methods.

    While there are extremely rare historical reports of successful unlocks (e.g., specific Verizon Pixel devices via community exploits), you should assume that bootloader unlocking is not supported for these carriers.

  11. Sony device unlock compatibility and limitations

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    Not all Sony devices are eligible for bootloader unlocking:

    • Xperia Line: Generally unlockable (International variants are 'Proceed with caution'; Japan carrier variants are typically not unlockable; Japanese factory unlocked variants are unaffected).
    • Non-Xperia Devices: Generally not unlockable (e.g., Bravia TVs).
    • Snapdragon Exploit: All Sony devices using the Snapdragon 835 or Snapdragon 845 can be unlocked via the xperable exploit.

  12. Avoid Asus devices for bootloader unlocking

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    Asus devices are categorized as ⛔ Avoid at all costs! due to the discontinuation of their official bootloader unlock program.

    Key constraints and risks:

    • Discontinued Tool: The official Bootloader Unlock Tool has been removed from the ASUS website. ASUS has confirmed that for models released after January 2024, they will no longer actively provide the tool. For models released in 2023 or earlier, the tool has been discontinued due to 'stability considerations'.
    • Anti-Rollback: ASUS has implemented anti-rollback measures to patch unofficial unlocking methods.
    • Warranty Risks: Unlocking the bootloader may lead to denied warranty claims. If a device is replaced under warranty after an unlock attempt, the bootloader will be relocked and cannot be unlocked again.
    • Regional Restrictions: Chinese ROG phones sold under the Tencent ROG brand cannot be unlocked at all.
    • High Costs: There are reports of ASUS offering manual bootloader unlocking for a fee of approximately 200 USD.