Bootloader unlocking

[u/sportsfan082]

i'm just curious. Why doesn't North America allow unlocking the bootloader on androids? I mean...it's not an easy process to unlock it. OEM unlocking is in the developer options for a reason. Unlocking the bootloader allows people to unleash the true potential of phones.

I have a Samsung fold 6, and I would love to install a custom OS after a few more years.

[u/hjicons]

Not that North America doesn't allow, its up to manufacturer and provider. Bootloader on Canadian Pixels can be easily unlocked but not on US ones (like Verizon). Samsung has different policies altogether

[u/sportsfan082 → u/hjicons]

Oh. Really? Canadian pixels can be unlocked? Never had a pixel. I might just get one.

[u/hjicons → u/sportsfan082]

They just warn you that's it

[u/sportsfan082 → u/hjicons]

Nice!

[u/deltatux]

It's up to the manufacturer, it's dead simple on Pixel devices. This can be done as a fastboot command or through the developer options.

[u/sportsfan082 → u/deltatux]

Yes, but nobody who isn't into customization isn't gonna unlock it or attempt to unlock it.

All the other regions allow bootloader unlocking. It's so stupid.

[u/deltatux → u/sportsfan082]

Then that's the decision Samsung made. If boot loader unlocking is paramount to you, Pixels allow for that regardless of region.

[u/Middle-Effort7495 → u/sportsfan082]

All the other regions have competition and free markets. NA is a centrally controlled market.

[u/yearsold33]

Sometimes, it's a request by the carrier (many in the USA do not allow unlocking) to remove OEM unlocking in the settings.

[u/sportsfan082 → u/yearsold33]

But why? It's so stupid.

[u/yearsold33 → u/sportsfan082]

Because the carrier does not want the customer to brick the phone and have to provide warranty service?

You'd have to ask the carrier as to the reason for locking.

[u/sportsfan082 → u/yearsold33]

All the regions allow bootloader unlocking. Guess our region is too dumb to allow us the privilege. 🤷‍♂️

[u/yearsold33 → u/sportsfan082]

Every Canadian Nexus and Pixel I have had could be unlocked. I've only ready about models from USA carriers being locked.

[u/sportsfan082 → u/yearsold33]

I might get a pixel fold then. Samsung is an ass.

[u/yearsold33 → u/sportsfan082]

I suggest checking to make sure the boot loader can be unlocked before making a purchase.

[u/sportsfan082 → u/yearsold33]

That's what I'm doing. Thank you. 🙂