Hey guys today we will be looking at unlocking your Nexus 4 bootloader. You should note that this will void your device warranty and we take no responsibility for any form of damage made to your devices. But if you have problems you can always drop us a comment and we will try to assist in any way possible. So with that out of the way lets get the party started.
First a few things you need to know:
What is the bootloader? Well basically its a boot component that is usual locked by the device manufacturer of the device to prevent you from messing around with the OS of the device. And that's the reason we need to unlock it to have access to do what we want to do.
NOTE Unlocking your bootloader will wipe all data on your device including your internal sdcard. Please backup your files, photos etc.
Things you will need:
1.
Universal Drivers - Windows 8 users will need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement. (I've uploaded both the Drivers and the Android SDK files needed to this one link)
2. Download the
Android SDK. Once that's complete the folder you need is the platform-tools located inside.
Steps:
- Install the Universal Naked Drivers.
- Backup your data, files, photo etc.
- Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged.
- Enable developer mode. Go to settings -> about phone and tap build number until it say your now developer. Head back to settings and you will see a new option "Developer options". Once you go in there you will see a USB debugging check box, select that then connect the phone.
- Now head to the platform-tools folder inside the Android SDK previously downloaded. Once there hold shift and right click, you will see "Open command window here". Click that and you will have a new command prompt in the folder you are in. Once thats done we can begin the process.
- Power off your Nexus 4, and reboot it into fastboot mode by holding the volume down button and power. You'll see a green robot, and the word "Start" at the top of the screen. Note the last line will read "Lock state - locked". If it says unlocked well lucky you. you can skip ahead.
- Now enter the command "fastboot devices" and hit enter. You should see a list of devices including yours.
- Now to unlock your bootloader enter the command "fastboot oem unlock". You will be presented with a warning message stating that your device will be wiped so just use your volume keys to navigate to the "Yes" and press the power button to confirm your selection.
- You have successfully unlocked your bootloader!
Now the approach to unlocking your bootloader my vary based on the brand phone, but these methods are guaranteed to work on nexus devices.
Also check out our earlier post about
Rooting and Flashing Tools for users who prefer to have the tool do it for you.
