Enabling OEM unlock on your Samsung device allows you to install custom ROMs, root your phone, flash firmware images, and make other system-level modifications. However, it also comes with some risks, like potential security vulnerabilities. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know to safely enable OEM unlock on your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet in 2024.
What is OEM Unlock?
OEM unlock, also known as bootloader unlock, allows you to unlock the bootloader on your Samsung Galaxy device. The bootloader is the low-level software that runs when you first turn on your phone before the operating system loads.
Unlocking the bootloader gives you more control and customization options for your device. For example, you need to unlock the bootloader before you can:
- Install a custom recovery like TWRP to flash mods or take full device backups.
- Root your phone to gain admin access rights.
- Flash a custom ROM like LineageOS.
However, unlocking the bootloader also comes with increased security risks. When the bootloader is unlocked, security features enforcing things like verified boot are disabled. This allows more access to low-level operations but also opens potential vectors for malware.
So in summary – enabling OEM unlock gives you more freedom and customization options but reduces security protections on your device. You have to decide if it’s worth the tradeoff for your usage needs.
Why Is OEM Unlock Missing?
Samsung has restricted the ability to unlock bootloaders on many of their recent devices. So you may find that the OEM unlock option is hidden or missing from your Settings app.
There are a few reasons why OEM unlock could be missing:
Model Specific Restrictions
Certain Samsung models like the Galaxy S21 series and many carrier variants have bootloader unlock permanently disabled. This is likely due to security reasons or carrier restrictions.
If this is the case, unfortunately there is no way currently known to unlock these devices. You will have to either use an older Samsung phone or switch devices altogether.
Software Updates
Software updates past Android 9 Pie on Samsung devices started removing or hiding OEM unlock for most users. This seems to be an attempt to improve security by reducing the number of devices running unlocked.
Carrier Controlled Devices
If you are using a carrier branded device, the carrier may have requested that Samsung disables the setting. This gives them more control and prevents users from tampering with devices on their network.
Regional Restrictions
In some countries like India, regulatory policies require OEM unlock options to be disabled. So Samsung prevents the option from appearing in those regions.
The end result of all these restrictions is that disabling OEM unlock is becoming increasingly common on Samsung devices. Depending on your model variant and software build, the option may legitimately no longer be present at all.
Should You Enable OEM Unlock on Samsung Devices?
Enabling OEM unlock ultimately comes down to personal preference and assessing your own security threat model. Here are some things to consider:
Pros of Enabling OEM Unlock
- Ability to fully customize phone with custom ROMs.
- More control over backup solutions.
- Required first step for rooting.
Cons of Enabling OEM Unlock
- SafetyNet will fail, causing issues with apps relying on certification.
- Increased malware risk from low-level boot exploits.
- Warranty void on most Samsung devices.
- May be irreversible on models with permanent eFuses.
- Resale value impacted from tampered Knox flags.
Evaluate these key factors against your own personal usage. For most average users who just want to use popular apps and services – the extra risks of unlocking likely outweigh the benefits. But for developers, modders, and customization enthusiasts, unlocking can be advantageous.
If you decide to unlock, proceed with caution and understand the irreversible consequences. With safety precautions in place, unlocking can still allow power users great flexibility without too much added risk. But research device-specific caveats first before jumping in.
How to Enable OEM Unlock on Samsung Galaxy Devices
If OEM unlock is present on your Galaxy device, here is how to enable it:
Requirements
- OEM unlock setting must be visible in Developer options. If missing entirely, you cannot proceed with these steps.
- Find bootloader unlock prerequisites for your specific Samsung model. Certain devices have additional steps needed before this main toggle will work.
Instructions
- Open Settings and scroll down to locate Developer options. If hidden, go to About phone and tap Build number 7 times.
- In Developer options, locate and enable the setting for OEM unlock. This is normally under a header like Credential storage or Advanced unlocking options.
- Read the warning prompt carefully. Check the disclaimer box to confirm you understand the security risks with unlocking your device.
- Tap back and perform a reboot on your device for the change to take effect.
And that’s it! With OEM unlock now enabled in settings, your bootloader can be unlocked. Just be aware that the actual unlock process involves wiping user data. So make sure anything important is backed up first.
Fix OEM unlocking not showing
If OEM unlock is legitimately missing entirely from your device, unfortunately your options are limited. Here are a few longshot troubleshooting steps that may restore the toggle:
- Try changing CSC in Service mode. Some models have the toggle present on alternate regional firmwares.
- Contact Samsung Support to submit an unlock request. In rare cases they may provide a special unlock key.
- For carrier devices, try contacting support to remove restrictions. But they likely cannot assist with re-enabling the setting.
- Use a package disabler to revoke permissions from device management apps. If device policy controller is disabled this way, unlock setting may return.
- Short of hardware mods, that’s all you realistically can try. If missing completely software-side then it was likely fused off permanently.
But outside of very complex board-level modifications, most modern Galaxy devices don’t have unlock re-enabled if missing. Your only options are usually using an older device model or switching device brands altogether.
Enable OEM Unlock Without Password
If you get a password prompt when trying to enable OEM unlock, that means your device has screen lock security enabled. This is an anti-theft mechanism intended to require authentication before allowing bootloader changes.
To bypass the password requirement, you can:
- Temporarily remove all lock screen security. Disable password, PIN, pattern, biometrics, etc.
- With all screen lock methods removed, OEM unlock can now be toggled without any authentication prompt.
- Once enabled, go back and re-add your preferred screen lock security.
By removing security temporarily you can sidestep this password gate and keep device encryption intact. Just be sure to immediately re-add a secure lock screen after to prevent unauthorized bootloader access.
Use Unlocking Services DroidKit Apps
If you’ve followed all troubleshooting tips but the OEM unlock toggle remains unavailable, a last resort is to use a Samsung unlock service.
Third party unlocking tools essentially use leaked engineering software to override OEM unlock restrictions imposed by Samsung. By exploiting low-level Qualcomm software vulnerabilities, they can force enable options that are normally hidden or fused off for most end users.
Some popular Samsung unlock services include:
- SunShine: Veteran unlock tool with wide device support. Runs as a desktop application with USB tethering to device.
- DC Unlocker: Web-based unlock client with streamlined unlock process. Marketed heavily in phone repair community.
- DroidKit: Unlock tool for LG and Samsung focused on Android modding. Bundled with Magisk and TWRP in their unlock app package.
The caveat with these solutions is that while they work, they rely on using leaked sensitive tools. So ethical concerns exist around proprietary code theft enabling these unlocks. Not to mention potential malware risks present executing code that tampers with low-level software.
But for some use cases like device development, unlock services remain the only option on highly restricted phones like Galaxy S21. So they still have legitimate purpose until vendors add back consumer friendly unlock paths. Their existence keeps the custom Android community alive even with increasing lock down measures.
Troubleshooting: OEM Unlock Missing in Samsung Android 10/11/12?
If you’re on the latest Android OS versions but OEM unlock has gone missing, here are some troubleshooting areas to investigate:
Software Update Issue
Recent system updates could have removed or hidden the unlock setting. This has become increasingly common on Galaxy devices with Android 11 and 12 updates.
First step is trying to uninstall the latest update:
- Go to Settings > System > System Update > View update history
- Tap the â‹® menu and Uninstall Updates
- Choose to uninstall the most recent package
Once rolled back, check if OEM unlock has reappeared in the original place you found it.
If still missing, the change disabling the toggle was likely included in an even earlier update. So rollback alone won’t restore it in that case.
Restrictions from Device Policy Controller
Modern Galaxy devices include centralized device management called Device Policy Controller. This allows setting various phone policies including OEM unlock restriction.
If recently switched to a work profile or installed any device management apps like for school or business, they could have disabled OEM unlock remotely.
Check Settings > Biometrics and Security > Other Security Settings to see if any policies have been pushed. Tap View to check for any bootloader related restrictions.
To resolve, you’d have to uninstall or disable whichever app is managing that device policy blocking the unlock.
Model Specific Bootloader Lock
On newer models like S21 and many 5G phones, Samsung has started permanently factory locking devices. This prevents OEM unlock being turned on from the GUI for most average users.
Technically bootloaders remain unlockable behind the scenes. But the menu options are disabled and require advanced engineering workarounds.
If missing, it likely means your model has adopted an irreversible bootloader lock by design. You’ll have just live with this restriction or swap devices instead.
Carrier Specific Restrictions
Some carrier sold Galaxy models also enforce similar permanent bootloader locks. This could be in response to Samsung’s tighter policies or their own business interests.
Attempt SIM unlocking to see if that triggers OEM unlock to appear. But often fused bootloader restrictions still persist even after changing SIMs.
Overall if missing, understand that Android platforms continue getting more locked down over time. Allowing bootloader unlocking is quickly being seen as a security liability. So expect unlock ability fading away for average consumer devices going forward.
Fix OEM Unlock Missing by Changing the Date
Here’s an odd troubleshooting trick that has worked to enable OEM unlock on some Samsung phones:
- Go to phone Settings > System > Date & time
- Disable ‘Set date and time automatically’
- Manually set the date to 1 year in the past
- Check if this has made OEM unlock appear now in Developer options
If unlock option shows up after changing the date, great! Quickly turn unlock on before reverting date back. For some reason this little known date reset trick has worked to expose the toggle on various Galaxy models in past years.
Likely related to debug certification expiration checks being dependent on device date. By manually rolling back, it tricks the phone into a development state allowing the otherwise hidden option to become visible.
Worth a quick try even if seems odd! Note it only temporarily surfaces toggle during that incorrect past date period. So tap to enable immediately before resetting clock back to current time.
Fix OEM Unlock Missing via Flash Firmware
If OEM unlock has mysteriously disappeared after a recent update, another troubleshooting option is wiping firmware. This will cleanly flash the OS using stock system images instead of OTA packages.
Flashing with Odin restores your specific Samsung model back to 100% factory condition. If the toggle originally existed on release software, this can make it reappear.
Full firmware flash steps:
- Download firmware for your Galaxy device model and CSC from sammobile.com or updato.com
- Enter download mode by powering off phone and holding Vol Down + Bixby + Power until warning screen appears.
- Open Odin flashing tool on a Windows PC, select AP firmware file ending in .tar or .tar.md5
- Connect phone via USB and tap Start to begin flashing process
- Once complete, reboot phone and unlock option may have been restored in original location
If still missing, then firmware downgrade via Odin rules out any OTA update issue. Confirming OEM unlock has likely been permanently disabled on your variant with no method left to re-enable. Time for a different Samsung model that maintains unlockability!
Fix OEM Unlock Missing by SIM Card Removal
As a last ditch effort, try removing any SIM card from the device. On some carrier branded Galaxy models, having cellular plan activation files present internally can trigger bootloader restrictions.
Power down, pop out SIM card, then reboot and check if OEM unlock now shows.
If option appears with SIM removed that points to carrier enabled restrictions dependent on subscription status. Their internal policy likely blocks making tampering changes on actively used cell network devices.
You can leave SIM out and continue to use phone fine over WiFi instead. Downside is no mobile data obviously.
If missing toggle with SIM removed too, then it’s just disabled unconditionally and unlikely related to cell activation state. Another signal that OEM unlock has been permanently locked down with no way left to restore it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Generally no, Samsung publicly refuses to assist with bootloader unlocks nowadays. Certain carrier models technically allow official unlocks, but still unlikely provided. You need to use 3rd party services.
On older devices yes. But many newer Galaxy models have adopted eFuses which permanently set the Knox warranty bit. So bootloader cannot be restored to fully locked state.
Yes, once bootloader is unlocked you can no longer take full OTA updates. Must manually flash firmware using Odin/Heimdall instead which wipes data.
Extremely difficult. Qualcomm Secure Boot features make bootloader unlocking nearly impossible on newer Snapdragons like 888 onwards. Exynos models are still somewhat friendlier for unlocking.
You will need to recover using emergency download mode and flashing firmware with Odin. Never interrupt a bootloader unlock attempt as corruption can brick device semi-permanently.
A: The direct unlocking process is generally safe when following proper device procedures. But if things go wrong with custom ROMs, you can potentially brick by corrupting bootloader. Higher risk tolerance required.
The Bottom Line
Samsung OEM unlocking to enable custom ROMs used to be straight forward. But increased security priorities have led to progressively more restrictions hampering bootloader access.
Disablement of the unlock setting itself poses a frustrating challenge today for power users wanting low-level control. In some cases this removal is irreversible without advanced engineering workarounds.
If the toggle is present, be sure research your particular Galaxy model before attempting unlock. Each family has nuanced steps around flashing prerequisites, data backups, re-locking ability etc. Never rush into unlocking without understanding the full process and risks involved.
While open Android development faces obstacles on latest devices, much is still possible even within the confines of locked bootloaders. And the enthusiast community continues pushing boundaries however possible – where there is a will for customization, there is a way!