How to Safely Unlock the Bootloader on LG Devices

Part 1. All you need to know about LG bootloader

Every LG device requires a bootloader software component that runs before the operating system starts. The bootloader initializes the hardware before loading the system kernel. Manufacturers impose bootloader lock protection on devices. Lock protection safeguards them from unauthorized modifications while preserving device security.

Pros and Cons of Unlocking the LG Bootloader

What You Need Before Unlocking the LG Bootloader

Before moving on to unlocking the LG bootloader, you have to get the following ready:

• Backup Your Data: Unlocking the bootloader will wipe all data on your device. It is strongly recommended that you save important files beforehand.
• USB Data Cable: Use the original cable if one is aligned with your devices.
• Computer: A PC with internet access.
• ADB and Fastboot Tools: They communicate between your device and computer.

Bootloader Unlock Supported LG Smartphones List

The following table is the list of LG devices that allow bootloader unlocking. You should check your smartphone using the list below before moving on to the real procedure of unlocking the bootloader.

Part 2. How do you unlock the bootloader on LG devices?

Depending on when you registered with LG's official unlock service, there are two main approaches to unlocking the bootloader:

• Using Unlock.bin File (For LG Developer Users Before 2021)
• Unlock Without LG Developer Registration (For Non-Registered Users)

Method 1: with Unlock.bin File (For Registered LG Developer Users)

If you previously registered on the LG Developer site, you may have received an email with an Unlock.bin file. This procedure requires these steps:

Step 1: Obtain Your IMEI

To get your will get your IMEI number, Dial #06#.

In case your device has a removable battery, you can easily get your IMEI by checking the back of the Phone.

Step 2: Enable Developer Options

Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Info and Tap Build Number 6–7 times until it says, "You are now a developer."

Step 3: Turn on OEM Unlocking USB Debugging

Go to Settings > Developer Options and enable:

• OEM Unlocking
• USB Debugging

Step 4: Connect to the PC and enter Fastboot Mode

Open Command Prompt (cmd.exe) on your PC, connect your phone via USB, and enter: “adb reboot bootloader”

Step 5: Get Device ID

Type the following command and press Enter: “fastboot oem device-id.” You will get two lines of code (CodeA & CodeB). Combine them into a single line.

Step 6: Get the Unlock.bin File

You received this file via email if you had access to the LG Developer site.

Step 7: Flash the Unlock.bin File

Enter this command: "fastboot flash unlock unlock.bin."

Step 8: Reboot Your Phone

The Unlock.bin file is installed, and your LG phone's bootloader is officially unlocked. Type "fastboot reboot" and hit Enter to wrap up the process. Sit back, wait for your phone to restart, and get ready to explore endless customization possibilities!

Method 2: Unlocking Bootloader Without LG Developer Registration

If you didn't register with the LG Developer site, you can still unlock your bootloader using Fastboot and QFIL tools. This procedure is technical:

Step 1: Enable Developer Options & OEM Unlocking

Go to Settings > System > About Phone > Software Info. Tap Build Number 5–6 times until you see "You are now a developer.” Now return to developer options and enable:

• OEM Unlocking
• USB Debugging

Step 2: Install the Required Tools on the PC

Download and install Minimal ADB & Fastboot. Install QPST & QFIL, essential tools for Qualcomm devices. Download the correct LG V30 Firehose file and Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver.

Step 3: Enter Emergency Download Mode (EDL) Backup Partitions

Boot into EDL Mode: Power off your LG phone. Hold the Volume Up button while connecting the USB cable to your PC.

Open QFIL on your PC and select Port: "Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008".

Build Type: Select "UFS". Back up all partitions before proceeding: Go to Tools > Partition Manager and save each partition to your PC.

Step 4: Flash Bootloader & Unlock the Device

Select abl_b and abl_a partitions and load the Firehose file. Restart your phone by holding Power + Volume Down. Disconnect QFIL and enter Fastboot Mode using: “fastboot device.” Once detected, proceed with unlocking the bootloader using: “fastboot oem unlock.” That's it! Your LG bootloader is now unlocked, and you can install custom ROMs or root your phone.

Bonus Tip: Unlock your LG device without the loss of data with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

Unlocking your Android screen without losing data is a powerful software soution, but it is available exclusively for specific Android devices. Do not worry, Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock comes to the rescue with a seamless, effective solution if you use an LG phone or another unsupported device. It works for all LG lock systems, including PIN and pattern locks and passwords.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

The Best UnlockJunky Alternative to Bypass FRP and Solve Your Screen Locks

• Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
• Bypass the FRP lock of Samsung without a PIN or Google account.
• Everyone can handle the lock screen without any tech knowledge.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

Available on: Windows Mac

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Key Features

• Unlock Android Lock Screen: Bypass all types of locks including password, PIN, pattern as well as fingerprint authentication on Android lock screens.
• Bypass Google FRP Lock: Enables device users to bypass Google FRP Lock protection on multiple compatible device types.
• User-Friendly: A basic operating system that requires no special skills from users.
• Broad Device Compatibility: Works with Android devices from brands like Samsung, LG, Xiaomi, and more.
• Supports Android 2.1 and later: Compatible with older and newer Android versions.
• Cross-Platform: Available for both Windows and macOS.
• Additional Tools: Includes options for system repair and data recovery.

Step 1: Open screen unlock

Proceed by opening the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock app and selecting "Screen Unlock" > "Android" > "Unlock Android Screen" from the options available.

Step 2: Select Your Device and Enter the Right Mode

Choose the right phone brand next. Dr.Fone supports multiple brands, so choose the right one to avoid complications further on. Choose LG for this step.

Step 3: Unlock Complete

You will then be demonstrated how to set your LG phone in specialized mode. Follow the instructions to proceed. You can access all your device data after the password removal process is complete.

Conclusion:

Unlocking your LG phone's bootloader can open up a world of possibilities. You achieve custom ROM installation and root access by using the device to modify it according to your requirements. The purchase of an LG phone from the developer program or missed opportunity does not stop you from unlocking your bootloader, though it carries warranty claims and data safety.

The data protection problems of bootloader unlocking can be solved with the Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock solution. This user-friendly solution operates with a broad range of devices to provide LG phone unlocking without losing your data.

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