Xiaomi just launched its new “HyperOS” skin for Android devices, but in a bit of a twist of the knife to enthusiasts, the company is not only disabling the option to unlock the bootloader but is also ...

I've been writing about Android since 2011, with a focus on device reviews, Samsung and Google Pixel hardware, and the latest happenings in the ecosystem. In my entire writing career, I've reviewed ...

OnePlus is making a considerable change with its Android 16 update which will require users to fill out an application before having the ability to unlock their bootloader. In a post this week, ...

Xiaomi has confirmed that it is blocking bootloader unlocking by default on HyperOS phones. The company says you’ll need to apply for permission to unlock your HyperOS device via its forum. MIUI and ...

Chris Thomas was a reporter at Android Police from 2022 until 2025. People generally want the ability to use purchased devices how they see fit. Xiaomi, on the other hand, wants to maintain ...

For many Xiaomi fans, using the phone as it comes out of the box is never enough. Some of us want more control. We want to install custom ROMs, root the device, or just explore features hidden under ...

But Xiaomi has confirmed that global devices with an unlocked bootloader won't receive the HyperOS update. And what's more interesting is that the brand is restricting Xiaomi 14 users to unlock the ...

Samsung appears to be disabling bootloader unlocking in One UI 8 on more devices than before. Previously, only US models lacked the OEM Unlock toggle, but the restriction now seems to be spreading to ...

Samsung’s One UI 8 update reportedly removes the option to unlock the bootloader on many Galaxy devices. This change impacts advanced users who customize their phones with custom ROMs or root access.