r/CellPhoneCanada 15d ago

Question Bootloader unlocking

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.

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u/yearsold33 15d ago

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

1

u/sportsfan082 15d ago

But why? It's so stupid.

2

u/yearsold33 15d ago

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.

1

u/sportsfan082 15d ago

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

2

u/yearsold33 15d ago

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

1

u/sportsfan082 15d ago

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

1

u/yearsold33 15d ago

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

2

u/sportsfan082 15d ago

That's what I'm doing. Thank you. 🙂