A new report from XDA Developers contributor suggests that the company could be disabling bootloader unlocking on more devices (even international models that previously allowed it). For context, the bootloader unlocking is typically done first when installing custom ROMs, rooting a phone, or making deeper system-level changes. have long blocked this feature, with no ‘OEM Unlocking’ toggle in the Developer Options menu. In the latest One UI 8 firmware, Samsung has added a new bootloader flag: androidboot.other.locked=1. This setting prevents the OEM Unlock option from appearing in the phone’s settings, effectively killing any official method to unlock the bootloader. For now, devices not updated to One UI 8 still appear to support bootloader unlocking. Xiaomi is further restricting how users can unlock the bootloader on their devices. Now, bootloader unlock requests will only be accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10AM to 4PM each week. Read more in our articles including "Samsung reportedly disables unlocking bootloader in One UI 8, even outside the US" and "Xiaomi Changes Policy for unlocking bootloader".
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May 25, 2026A new report from XDA Developers contributor suggests that the company could be disabling bootloader unlocking on more devices (even international models that previously allowed it). For context, the bootloader unlocking is typically done first when installing custom ROMs, rooting a phone, or making deeper system-level changes.
have long blocked this feature, with no ‘OEM Unlocking’ toggle in the Developer Options menu. In the latest One UI 8 firmware, Samsung has added a new bootloader flag: androidboot.other.locked=1. This setting prevents the OEM Unlock option from appearing in the phone’s settings, effectively killing any official method to unlock the bootloader.
Our coverage of unlocking bootloader includes: "Samsung reportedly disables unlocking bootloader in One UI 8, even outside the US"; "Xiaomi Changes Policy for unlocking bootloader"; "realme C100, C100i now official, specs and price in the Philippines". Each article provides unique insights and information.