How to Unlock Bootloader on any Samsung Device [New VaultKeeper Method]

In this tutorial, we will show you the steps to unlock the bootloader on any Samsung device. The OEM is making some considerable progress when it comes to releasing software upgrades. From OneUI 2.0 to 2.5 and now to 3.0, it has been nothing short of commendable (considering their earlier track records). With each new update, device optimizations and system stability improvements are always there. Apart from that, there are additions of a slew of distinct features. Likewise, the customization opportunities are also quickly expanding with each new bump in the OneUI version.

However, these are just the beginning. There are a plethora of other modifications that you could make full use of. Flashing custom binaries, gaining administrative rights, replacing the device’s stock recovery with a custom one are just some of the noteworthy ones. There is just one prerequisite that you need to a checkmark, and that is an unlocked bootloader. And in this guide, we will help you with just that. Given below are the steps to unlock the bootloader on any Samsung device, keeping in mind the new VaultKeeper security check.

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Unlock Bootloader: Benefits and Risks

Unlocking your device’s bootloader is like opening the gate to a plethora of opportunities. You could flash various Custom ROMs, install Custom Recovery (like TWRP), try out tons of mods and hacks, and most importantly- root your device. The latter could be done via TWRP (flashing Magisk ZIP via TWRP) or without TWRP (by patching and flashing the stock boot. img). After you get administrative privileges, you could then try out a ton of Magisk Modules, Xposed Framework, Substratum Themes, among others.

However, they do bring in a few uninvited risks as well. To begin with, it will trip the Knox counter of your device. This will straightway make your Samsung device’s warranty null and void. Furthermore, all the apps that depend on this Knox will no longer function. These include the likes of Samsung Pay and Secure Folder. Likewise, apps like Google Pay and Pokeom Go might no longer function. Netlfix Widevine L1 Certification will also be degraded to L3, as a result, you wouldn’t be able to watch videos in HD. With that said, if you are ready to proceed ahead, then here are the steps to unlock the bootloader on any Samsung device.

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How to Unlock Bootloader on any Samsung Device [New VaultKeeper Method]

Well, the OEM had already put in a few stringent measures in the form of Prenormal RMM State and DEFEX. Add to it the New Vaultkeeper mechanism, and things turned out to be quite complicated. Fortunately, its fix is relatively simple and we have shared that below. Before this mechanism was introduced, you only had to enable a toggle and your job was done.

However, now you will have to execute a few extra efforts as well. Thankfully, they are easy to do and takes only a few seconds. So on that note, let’s begin the guide to unlock the bootloader on any Samsung device. Droidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm doesn’t wake you up, or if anything happens to your device and data by performing the below steps.

The below process will wipe off all the data from your device. So take a complete device backup and only then proceed ahead.

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STEP 1: Enable Developer Options on Samsung

1. First and foremost, you will have to enable Developer Options on your device.
2. So go to Settings on your device and head over to About phone.
3. Then go to Software information and continuously tap on Build Number 7 times.
4. You will then get a toast message that Developer Options has been enabled.
5. Go back to the Settings page, scroll to the end you should see the Developer Options. [INTERESTING READ: How to Enable USB Debugging on a Broken Android Device’s Screen].

STEP 2: Enable OEM Unlocking on Samsung

1. It’s now time to enable OEM Unlock on your device that will allow you to carry out the unlocking process.
2. So go to Developer Options, and enable the ‘OEM Unlocking’ toggle. [If you don’t see the OEM Unlock option or if it is greyed out, then refer to this guide: How to Fix Missing OEM Unlock in Samsung Devices].
3. Then tap on Turn on in the confirmation dialog box that appears.

STEP 3: Boot Samsung Device to Download Mode

Well, there is no universal method to boot your device to Download Mode. different Samsung devices take diverse routes for the same. Therefore please refer to our guide on How to Boot any Samsung Device to Download Mode. This guide covers all the Samsung devices. Furthermore, we have also shared a method to boot to download mode without any hardware keys, you may try it out as well. Once booted to Download Mode, proceed to the below section to unlock the bootloader on your Samsung device.

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STEP 4: Unlock Bootloader on Samsung via Download Mode

1. Now that your device is booted to Download Mode, press and hold the Volume Up key for a few seconds.
   
2. This will take you to the Device unlock mode (make sure you have taken a backup).
3. You will now get a confirmation message, use the Volume Up button to reply to the affirmation.
   
4. The process will now begin and should be completed within a few seconds. Your device should then automatically boot up.
5. But wait, there’s more! Now the Vaultkeeper mechanism will come into the picture. Let’s deal with it and apply the finishing touch

STEP 5: Verify Samsung Bootloader Status with Vaultkeeper

1. You will now have to notify the Vaultkeeper that you unlocked the device’s bootloader.
2. To do so, head over to Settings and enable Developer Options as mentioned in STEP 1.
3. Then go to Developer options and make sure that the OEM unlocking toggle is turned on and is greyed out as well. That’s it.

With this, we conclude the guide on how to unlock the bootloader on any Samsung device. We have listed the steps keeping in mind the new Vaultkeeper mechanism. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments section below. We will get back to you with the solution at the earliest.

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About Chief Editor

Sadique Hassan

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A technical geek by birth, he always has a keen interest in the Android platform right since the birth of the HTC Dream. The open-source environment always seems to intrigue him with the plethora of options available at his fingertips. “MBA by profession, blogger by choice!”

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