How to unlock the bootloader

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earthCallingAngela

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Nov 18, 2016
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Nov 18, 2016 at 1:49 AM
I hope this is useful information. It took me a bit to figure it out due to a lot of conflicting information, since the procedure has changed, perhaps several times, since the first version of Android. Also, I'll probably forget myself.

Please note that I've performed these steps on Linux (Specifically Arch Linux). Others have pointed out that if you have issues executing step 7 from Windows, you may need to follow this post.

1. Install Android Studio, or otherwise obtain the latest versions of the adb and fastboot programs. I think Windows users also need to install a USB driver, but I run Linux, so I am not sure about that procedure.
2. Gain access to the developer options on the tablet. Go to the settings, and find the "about tablet" section. Scroll down to the "Software version" section and tap on that several times until it says that you are now a developer. Feel special.
3. Go to the new "Developer options" setting. Select "OEM unlocking." Also, I selected "USB debugging" as a straightforward way to reboot into the boot loader.
4. Connect to the computer on which you've installed adb and fastboot.
5. Type 'adb devices' to see your device listed. The tablet will ask you if you're sure you want to allow the computer access to it. Answer in the affirmative, and save that option.
6. Type 'adb reboot-bootloader' to do just that.
7. After you see the innards of your 'droid, type 'fastboot flashing unlock' . On Linux, you may need root permissions to do this. The tablet will ask you to confirm (select with up/down volume, and accept with the power button), and will then erase all of your data! I didn't worry about this as I'm all on Google services, and so they can be restored easily enough.
 
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danjac

danjac

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Nov 18, 2016 at 4:55 PM
Huhu

and where is that for? What can I do after the bootloader is unlocked? Is there any alternative bootloader that I can use then?
Click to expand...
you are then able to flash another (custom) recovery, which would let you install unsigned zip-files, e.g. in order to get root.
Unfortunately, there is no recovery port by now.
I don't know if one could use the source code on Lenovo's website to port one, if not we would probably need an image dump directly from the device (if I'm not mistaken you need root to dump the recovery image).

I really would like to have root, but it still seems far away unless there's an experienced developer somewhere who owns the device.
I've already thought of starting a bounty thread...maybe enough people are willing to contribute so that developers might feel attracted.
 
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AndyVerne

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Jan 9, 2017 at 6:26 AM
I faced with one question , when I typed the 'fastboot flashing unlock ', there was nothing occurred except the innards of driod :crying,and I also selected the oem unlocking
(All right, I solved it )
 
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jasonccheng

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Feb 20, 2011
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Jan 17, 2017 at 8:23 AM
Missing Something?

I tried to follow the instructions above, but I might be missing something. After typing in 'adb reboot-bootloader' the Yoga Book reboots into a screen that says 'FASTBOOT MODE.' But when I type 'fastboot flashing unlock' it just says '< waiting for device >' and nothing ends up happening. What am I doing wrong?
 
vogemic

vogemic

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Jan 17, 2017 at 6:46 PM
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carepack

carepack

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Feb 1, 2017 at 11:02 AM
I relocked the bootloader, sinct then I got following message at the boot screen: bootloader error 01, please contact support.

After that the device is booting android properly. Anybody else experienced this and know how to get rid of the message?

Thx.
 
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zamzenos

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Aug 2, 2014
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Feb 1, 2017 at 3:53 PM
carepack said:
I relocked the bootloader, sinct then I got following message at the boot screen: bootloader error 01, please contact support.

After that the device is booting android properly. Anybody else experienced this and know how to get rid of the message?

Thx.
Click to expand...
It's the price you pay for unlocking the bootloader. Affects many lower end devices, presumably using Intel chips. There is a solution for several devices - check around XDA - but I have not been able to get it to work with the YB.

For what it's worth, I would suggest those tempted to unlock the device and root it to check that you will be able to do what you want to do. Even rooted, I have found it impossible to get rid of the junk apps, so the whole exercise for me has been a waste of time. I'm waiting now to see if Lenovo will release the stock firmware. Until then, the YB is back in its box and I am a bit older and a bit wiser. Lenovo is junk.
 
danjac

danjac

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Feb 4, 2012
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Feb 1, 2017 at 8:06 PM
carepack said:
I relocked the bootloader, sinct then I got following message at the boot screen: bootloader error 01, please contact support.

After that the device is booting android properly. Anybody else experienced this and know how to get rid of the message?

Thx.
Click to expand...
i believe, this is due to android's security feature 'verified boot'. it warns that the system was somehow altered and can't be trusted - in other words that it is not an oem stock rom any more.
you might be able to get rid of it by flashing a complete stock rom, but i'm not sure.

zamzenos said:
It's the price you pay for unlocking the bootloader. Affects many lower end devices, presumably using Intel chips. There is a solution for several devices - check around XDA - but I have not been able to get it to work with the YB.

For what it's worth, I would suggest those tempted to unlock the device and root it to check that you will be able to do what you want to do. Even rooted, I have found it impossible to get rid of the junk apps, so the whole exercise for me has been a waste of time. I'm waiting now to see if Lenovo will release the stock firmware. Until then, the YB is back in its box and I am a bit older and a bit wiser. Lenovo is junk.
Click to expand...
firstly, it has nothing to do with intel or lenovo or low end devices, because secure boot or verified boot is part of android - it is nothing more than a security feature to show whether system integrity (as provided by the vendor) is still valid.
secondly, why is Lenovo junk just because you are not able to get things done? i don't get it. i've already told you that it is possible to get rid of system apps, just use the right tools... e.g. 'Sytstem App Entferner' which definitely works. also i helped you to get your twrp backup working and i was also able to use the newest magisk root (v10.2) immediately, which you said was not possible. so i guess you shouldn't blame others for your shortcomings. the yb might surely have it flaws, bur no more or less than devices of other manufacturers.
 
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zamzenos

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Feb 2, 2017 at 4:10 PM
danjac said:
i believe, this is due to android's security feature 'verified boot'. it warns that the system was somehow altered and can't be trusted - in other words that it is not an oem stock rom any more.
you might be able to get rid of it by flashing a complete stock rom, but i'm not sure.



firstly, it has nothing to do with intel or lenovo or low end devices, because secure boot or verified boot is part of android - it is nothing more than a security feature to show whether system integrity (as provided by the vendor) is still valid.
secondly, why is Lenovo junk just because you are not able to get things done? i don't get it. i've already told you that it is possible to get rid of system apps, just use the right tools... e.g. 'Sytstem App Entferner' which definitely works. also i helped you to get your twrp backup working and i was also able to use the newest magisk root (v10.2) immediately, which you said was not possible. so i guess you shouldn't blame others for your shortcomings. the yb might surely have it flaws, bur no more or less than devices of other manufacturers.
Click to expand...
Let me start at the top:
1. My comments on Lenovo are no reflection on the useful tools you have provided us here, for which I have thanked you more than once. So no need to be defensive on that score.

2. If the unlock warning had its source in Android itself, we could expect the warning to bear its logo. I assume it bears the Intel logo because Intel is the author of it. In itself, this is of no importance. What is profoundly irritating is the fact that the security warning is followed by a completely unjustfied 5 second suspension. This is a penalty. Perhaps many do not mind this interference with their use of their devices, but I do. I'm not used to that kind of treatment and I don't take kindly to it.

3. My opinion of Lenovo has always been low, especially since their attempts some years ago to spike their devices with spyware. I regard Lenovo as an exploitative bottom feeder, supplying workaday gear and screwing their customers every way they can for an extra buck or two. I offered the YB to several of my friends. All turned their noses up at the mention of the manufacturer. Don't blame them.

4. If you do want to be of further assistance here, perhaps you can use your obvious technical skills and knowhow to work out how we can replace the Intel penalty with something more benign. I have tried, but can't find where the Intel warning is hidden.

I have downloaded and extracted the apk of the system app remover you mentioned. But until I can get rid of the Intel warning I won't bother to re-root the YB and test if it will clear the junk.

#carepack: at the moment, you must buy the stock firmware (and won't it be expensive!). All part of lenny's screw.
 
carepack

carepack

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Feb 3, 2017 at 9:45 AM
thx to all for youre response. my hope is that with next update the problem will solve by itself. We'll see. I were doin this ooi and was aware of things like that. So no drama for me.

@zamzenos
Buying the stock firmware? Could you provide more info about this?
 
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zamzenos

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Feb 3, 2017 at 8:44 PM
carepack said:
thx to all for youre response. my hope is that with next update the problem will solve by itself. We'll see. I were doin this ooi and was aware of things like that. So no drama for me.

@zamzenos
Buying the stock firmware? Could you provide more info about this?
Click to expand...
Yes, that could well do it. But will there be an update? There's a new 12" YB on offer. Could be our 10" version is history already. But we could then hope that they will release the stock.

Re buying the stock: https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Android-Yoga-Series-Tablets/Lenovo-Yoga-Book-Firmware/td-p/3511903
 
carepack

carepack

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Feb 4, 2017 at 10:07 AM
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