How To Guide The Quest for a Bootloader Unlock (partial guide, T-Mobile variant, may work for MetroPCS/Metro variant)

[elliwigy]

Yes, I rebooted with adb command "adb reboot fastboot".. it says fastbootd tho, I'm assuming that's where I need to be

Yes, bought straight from T-Mobile..build number DE18CB

No emu's or anything.. after disconnecting my device, "fastboot devices" shows nothing

thats bcuz u need to do adb reboot bootloader.. fastbootd is for gsi stuff only

to add, it will say Fastboot Mode and at the top have big green letters saying START like pictures on the first page

 

[elliwigy]

Hmmm... Perhaps an out of date fastboot.exe?

You can use the command

fastboot --version

to check the location your running fastboot.exe from, to ensure you're running it from the install you want it to run from.

his fastboot exe is working its just that his device is in fastbootd instead of fastboot

i just checked and seems thats the only step missing lol.. it assumes you know how to get into "fastboot" mode I guess.. either way, fastbootd is used to flash gsi and stuff as its fastboot loaded in userspace to handle the dynamic partitions aka super but doesnt allow regular fastboot commands

 

[cass89]

thats bcuz u need to do adb reboot bootloader.. fastbootd is for gsi stuff only

to add, it will say Fastboot Mode and at the top have big green letters saying START like pictures on the first page

That was it
Thank you very much

 

[kdm6389]

After unlocking BootLoader, I tried this but no success in Network-Unlock

C:\adb>adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.qualcomm.qti.remoteSimlockAuth
Success


C:\adb>adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.qualcomm.qti.remoteSimlockAuth
Failure [not installed for 0]


C:\adb>adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.qualcomm.qti.uim
Success


C:\adb>

 

[edale1]

After unlocking BootLoader, I tried this but no success in Network-Unlock

Yea, sadly there's no ADB command to SIM unlock.

 

[bleezycheesy]

C:\adb>adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.qualcomm.qti.remoteSimlockAuth
Success


C:\adb>adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.qualcomm.qti.uim
Success
[/QUOTE]
I used both of these and successfully enabled the oem unlock option. Thank you. On to the next step. Friggin excited.

 

[bleezycheesy]

Still learning lol. Thank you for all the serious devs that can help enthusiasts like me. You're all gods in my book thanks for the knowledge. In retrospect, you're all making me lazy copying and pasting jk. Love y'all

 

[kdm6389]

Is there is way to flash op-n200-5g stock-global-unlocked ROM on top of this mobile to make it unlocked phone?

 

[T3CHN0T33N]

Is there is way to flash op-n200-5g stock-global-unlocked ROM on top of this mobile to make it unlocked phone?

You need an unlocked bootloader to flash anything.

 

[kdm6389]

You need an unlocked bootloader to flash anything.

my bootloader is unlocked, thanks

 

[kdm6389]

OK, this process has been hell, but I'm gonna try and consolidate everything I've worked out so far in one place. This all applies only to the T-Mobile variant (ie. it comes preloaded with all the T-Mobile bloatware) of the N200 on the T-Mobile network; and a Windows PC, where a PC is used (though I imagine the Mac/Linux commands are quite similar). This is more to gather the info in one place than to provide step-by-step instructions.

SIM/NETWORK UNLOCK

Before you can unlock the bootloader, the N200 needs to be SIM unlocked. The option to Enable OEM Unlock won't even show up in the developers options until then. A temporary SIM unlock won't work, it needs to be a permanent SIM unlock.

If your N200 is the T-Mobile variant, you can get it SIM unlocked free here (be sure to read the first post thoroughly to be sure you qualify):

[CLOSED][T-Mobile USA] Free SIM Unlocking Service - [OnePlus/Samsung/Google/LG/Moto]

Hello XDA, I am back at it again with the free T-Mobile network unlocks. Yep, you heard that right... 100% FREE. This service will allow you to go into your Settings and perform a network unlock. I've been doing this for over 3 years now with...

forum.xda-developers.com

@mobbdeep had my SIM unlocked within 24 hours of sending him the required info.
You MUST have an active T-Mobile network (not Sprint or Metro) SIM card in the N200 for at least 3 full days before sending your SIM Unlock request in.

---
*edit-
An alternate is to use this debloat script:

Found a chink in the armor... Just enabled OEM unlocking after 11 update...

I haven't got a lot of time to get this out before heading out on a job, so here's the nitty gritty. A few days ago I flashed over "OnePlus_Nord_N10_5G_Metro_by_T-Mobile_OxygenOS_10.5.8" to get a clean start. I then allowed 10.5.14 to install...

forum.xda-developers.com

Which should unlock the OEM Unlock option in the developer options.
This should work with non-T-Mobile variants of the N200 as well.
Thanks to @PopCaps1996 for pointing this option out.
---
*edit2-
Thanks to user @DeadDjembe we now know the specific command from the debloat script which enables OEM Unlocking.

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.qualcomm.qti.uim

Running this ADB command on a stock T-Mobile variant N200 should enable the greyed-out Allow OEM Unlock option in the developers settings, without needing to run the full debloat script.
---

Once your N200 is SIM Unlocked, the Enable OEM Unlock option will show up in the developers options.

USB DRIVERS

You may need to use the Google USB Driver from Android Studio to allow your PC to recognize your phone when it's in fastboot mode.

Download Android Studio & App Tools - Android Developers

Android Studio provides app builders with an integrated development environment (IDE) optimized for Android apps. Download Android Studio today.

developer.android.com

Android Studio won't install the USB Drivers by default, you'll need to install them through the SDK Manager (Android Studio -> Projects -> More Actions -> SDK Manager -> SDK Tools -> Google USB Driver checkbox -> Apply)
You'll need to manually install the drivers through the device manager while the phone is in fastboot mode and connected to the PC (right-click -> Update Drivers -> Browse Computer -> Let Me Pick -> Have Disk).
The drivers should be located at:
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\extras\google\usb_driver\android_winusb.inf
You'll want the 'Android Bootloader Interface' driver.

UNLOCK CODE/TOKEN

Once you can access your phone in fastboot mode, you can try:
'fastboot oem unlock'
But, you'll just get a message asking for an unlock token. Doesn't hurt to try, just in case, though.

What you need to do now, is type:
'fastboot oem get_unlock_code'
This will display both the phone's serial number, plus a 64 digit unlock code. (you might not be able to select the code to copy it, but a ctrl-a / ctrl-c should work, then just paste it in notepad)

Now, on your phone (still in fastboot mode) hit up/down on the volume buttons, until you see "Show Barcode", then tap the power button to select it.
This will bring up a barcode, as well as listing you devices IMEI number. (there are other ways to get the IMEI, but this is quick, and you're already right there)
Copy the IMEI down.

Now go to:
https://www.oneplus.com/unlock_token
You'll need to create an account.

In that form, you'll need to select the phone's model, and then enter the serial number, 64 digit unlock code (no spaces), the IMEI, and your email, as well as checking a box that you acknowledge that you void the warranty by bootloader unlocking the phone.

If all goes well, It should take about a week from submission for them to send you the unlock token.

------

I've just sent in my info an hour or two ago, and am now waiting for my unlock token.
I'll update this with what you need to do with the token once I've gotten mine and figure it out myself, lol.

------

Exactly 7 days (nearly to the minute) after sending the request in, I received the unlock code. So here's the update:

APPLYING THE UNLOCK CODE

You can use this URL to check the status of your Unlock Coed request:

unlock token - OnePlus (United States)

www.oneplus.com

Once your Status is listed as "Finished", there will be a download button at the lower right corner.

Download the "unlock_code.bin" file to your PC.

Place 'unlock_code.bin' in:
C:\Users\[user name]\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\platform-tools\
Or where ever you have your fastboot.exe file.
If you don't know where it is, the command:

fastboot --version

will give your it's location.

Now in command line, navigate to the folder "fastboot.exe" and "unlock_code.bin" are located in. Get your phone connected via USB, and in fastboot mode, and use the following command:

fastboot flash cust-unlock unlock_code.bin

(Thanks to @lentm for posting this command)
After checking the output, to be sure it worked, use this command:

fastboot oem unlock

Follow the on-screen instructions on your phone to finish the bootloader unlock.

how to relock bootloader?

C:\adb>fastboot oem lock
FAILED (remote: 'Please flash unlock token first.')
fastboot: error: Command failed

C:\adb>fastboot flash cust-unlock unlock_code.bin
Sending 'cust-unlock' (0 KB) OKAY [ 0.006s]
Writing 'cust-unlock' FAILED (remote: 'Please turn on OEM unlocking in Settings - Developer option')
fastboot: error: Command failed

and OEM unlocking is disabled in settings-app
tried "pm uninstall --user 0 com.qualcomm.qti.remoteSimlockAuth" but no sucess ?

how to relock bootloader?

 

[edale1]

how to relock bootloader?

I do believe the only way to relock the bootloader, after it's been unlocked, is by using the MSMDownload tools to completely factory reset the device. This will only work for T-Mobile and MetroPCS devices.

MSMDownload Tools: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...l-to-restore-your-device-to-oxygenos.4324431/

This will 100% wipe your phone and reset everything, including relocking the bootloader (the same bootloader unlock token should allow you to unlock the bootloader again). I believe this will also SIM lock you again, if you've SIM unlocked your device.

 

[Bob21lla]

OK, this process has been hell, but I'm gonna try and consolidate everything I've worked out so far in one place. This all applies only to the T-Mobile variant (ie. it comes preloaded with all the T-Mobile bloatware) of the N200 on the T-Mobile network; and a Windows PC, where a PC is used (though I imagine the Mac/Linux commands are quite similar). This is more to gather the info in one place than to provide step-by-step instructions.

SIM/NETWORK UNLOCK

Before you can unlock the bootloader, the N200 needs to be SIM unlocked. The option to Enable OEM Unlock won't even show up in the developers options until then. A temporary SIM unlock won't work, it needs to be a permanent SIM unlock.

If your N200 is the T-Mobile variant, you can get it SIM unlocked free here (be sure to read the first post thoroughly to be sure you qualify):

[CLOSED][T-Mobile USA] Free SIM Unlocking Service - [OnePlus/Samsung/Google/LG/Moto]

Hello XDA, I am back at it again with the free T-Mobile network unlocks. Yep, you heard that right... 100% FREE. This service will allow you to go into your Settings and perform a network unlock. I've been doing this for over 3 years now with...

forum.xda-developers.com

@mobbdeep had my SIM unlocked within 24 hours of sending him the required info.
You MUST have an active T-Mobile network (not Sprint or Metro) SIM card in the N200 for at least 3 full days before sending your SIM Unlock request in.

---
*edit-
An alternate is to use this debloat script:

Found a chink in the armor... Just enabled OEM unlocking after 11 update...

I haven't got a lot of time to get this out before heading out on a job, so here's the nitty gritty. A few days ago I flashed over "OnePlus_Nord_N10_5G_Metro_by_T-Mobile_OxygenOS_10.5.8" to get a clean start. I then allowed 10.5.14 to install...

forum.xda-developers.com

Which should unlock the OEM Unlock option in the developer options.
This should work with non-T-Mobile variants of the N200 as well.
Thanks to @PopCaps1996 for pointing this option out.
---
*edit2-
Thanks to user @DeadDjembe we now know the specific command from the debloat script which enables OEM Unlocking.

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.qualcomm.qti.uim

Running this ADB command on a stock T-Mobile variant N200 should enable the greyed-out Allow OEM Unlock option in the developers settings, without needing to run the full debloat script.
---

Once your N200 is SIM Unlocked, the Enable OEM Unlock option will show up in the developers options.

USB DRIVERS

You may need to use the Google USB Driver from Android Studio to allow your PC to recognize your phone when it's in fastboot mode.

Download Android Studio & App Tools - Android Developers

Android Studio provides app builders with an integrated development environment (IDE) optimized for Android apps. Download Android Studio today.

developer.android.com

Android Studio won't install the USB Drivers by default, you'll need to install them through the SDK Manager (Android Studio -> Projects -> More Actions -> SDK Manager -> SDK Tools -> Google USB Driver checkbox -> Apply)
You'll need to manually install the drivers through the device manager while the phone is in fastboot mode and connected to the PC (right-click -> Update Drivers -> Browse Computer -> Let Me Pick -> Have Disk).
The drivers should be located at:
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\extras\google\usb_driver\android_winusb.inf
You'll want the 'Android Bootloader Interface' driver.

UNLOCK CODE/TOKEN

Once you can access your phone in fastboot mode, you can try:
'fastboot oem unlock'
But, you'll just get a message asking for an unlock token. Doesn't hurt to try, just in case, though.

What you need to do now, is type:
'fastboot oem get_unlock_code'
This will display both the phone's serial number, plus a 64 digit unlock code. (you might not be able to select the code to copy it, but a ctrl-a / ctrl-c should work, then just paste it in notepad)

Now, on your phone (still in fastboot mode) hit up/down on the volume buttons, until you see "Show Barcode", then tap the power button to select it.
This will bring up a barcode, as well as listing you devices IMEI number. (there are other ways to get the IMEI, but this is quick, and you're already right there)
Copy the IMEI down.

Now go to:
https://www.oneplus.com/unlock_token
You'll need to create an account.

In that form, you'll need to select the phone's model, and then enter the serial number, 64 digit unlock code (no spaces), the IMEI, and your email, as well as checking a box that you acknowledge that you void the warranty by bootloader unlocking the phone.

If all goes well, It should take about a week from submission for them to send you the unlock token.

------

I've just sent in my info an hour or two ago, and am now waiting for my unlock token.
I'll update this with what you need to do with the token once I've gotten mine and figure it out myself, lol.

------

Exactly 7 days (nearly to the minute) after sending the request in, I received the unlock code. So here's the update:

APPLYING THE UNLOCK CODE

You can use this URL to check the status of your Unlock Coed request:

unlock token - OnePlus (United States)

www.oneplus.com

Once your Status is listed as "Finished", there will be a download button at the lower right corner.

Download the "unlock_code.bin" file to your PC.

Place 'unlock_code.bin' in:
C:\Users\[user name]\AppData\Local\Android\Sdk\platform-tools\
Or where ever you have your fastboot.exe file.
If you don't know where it is, the command:

fastboot --version

will give your it's location.

Now in command line, navigate to the folder "fastboot.exe" and "unlock_code.bin" are located in. Get your phone connected via USB, and in fastboot mode, and use the following command:

fastboot flash cust-unlock unlock_code.bin

(Thanks to @lentm for posting this command)
After checking the output, to be sure it worked, use this command:

fastboot oem unlock

Follow the on-screen instructions on your phone to finish the bootloader unlock.

You are awesome! Thank you for your guide, it helped me 100% today after I received my bootloader unlock key from OnePlus (yep, exactly 7 days after requested).

 

[HTCore]

Thank you so much for your thorough guide!
I just got my token today (exactly after 7 days!!)but in the meantime my phone is about to restart to update my phone to A12 (T-mobile variant). So at his stage, should I reboot directly fastboot and do the procedure to unlock the bootloader and restart? Or I can do it after updating my phone to A12?

 

[Tyreethetruth]

Thank you so much for your thorough guide!
I just got my token today (exactly after 7 days!!)but in the meantime my phone is about to restart to update my phone to A12 (T-mobile variant). So at his stage, should I reboot directly fastboot and do the procedure to unlock the bootloader and restart? Or I can do it after updating my phone to A12?

Update first then unlock it

 

[HTCore]

Thanks for clarification

 

[PsYk0n4uT]

Issue. I've got the n20 5g...... Used th debloat script and got oem unlock. Got the unlock code but can't request on the site due to serial number only having 7 digits.
Not sure what to do now. I gave tried searching these forums and apparently I'm not the only one who has had this issue but nobody has posted any updates whether they got it resolved or not

 

[Mosher2000]

Issue. I've got the n20 5g...... Used th debloat script and got oem unlock. Got the unlock code but can't request on the site due to serial number only having 7 digits.
Not sure what to do now. I gave tried searching these forums and apparently I'm not the only one who has had this issue but nobody has posted any updates whether they got it resolved or not

Yeah I've got the same problem I've tried customer support but no luck so far

 

[NeonWhitey]

Any ideas about going through this for an unlocked variant?

 

[PsYk0n4uT]

Not sure. Might try using the same unlock portal.

Enable OEM unlock. Reboot to fastboot then fastboot OEM unlock
Or fastboot OEM get_unlock_code. Or something like that. Look in the n200 or n10 threads I'm pretty sure the process is the same