Bootloader Unlock: Wall of Shame

Keeping track of companies that "care about your data 🥺"

Why?

Over the past few years, a suspicious number of companies have started to "take care of your data", aka block/strictly limit your ability to unlock the bootloader on your own devices.

While this may not affect you directly, it sets a bad precedent and it might be a good idea to keep track of companies and workarounds.

If you know of specific details/unlocking methods, please PR them or drop them in the issues.

The list:

Avoid at all costs!

1. Huawei/Honor

In the past, Huawei allowed you to unlock with a special code you get by submitting some information to emui.com (IMEI, serial, model, and product ID), but in 2018 "corporate values have changed" and the site went down.
Worse, on Android 10+, the unlock command has been completely removed from fastboot.

But for some models, it's still possible to unlock.

Kirin 620, Kirin 650, Kirin 655, Kirin 658, Kirin 659, Kirin 925, Kirin 935, Kirin 950, Kirin 960:
It's possible to unlock using testpoints and https://github.com/mashed-potatoes/PotatoNV (Read the readme)

Older models, through bruteforce:
https://github.com/rainxh11/HuaweiBootloader_Bruteforce
https://github.com/Martazza/Huawei-Bootloader-Unlocker

Paid methods:
I don't recommend paid methods due to general sketchiness. I have used one of these tools a while ago, it was okay.
Through HCU-client (Not everything is supported + incredible prices https://hcu-client.com/buy/) or DC-Unlocker (Same problems as HCU https://www.dc-unlocker.com/buy)

2. Samsung (Qualcomm)

It's not possible. (I think)

3. Vivo/IQOO

The BBK family has an unlocking problem. If in case of OPPO/Realme they at least offer an app in some regions, Vivo is locked completely.

Well, that is if https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/how-to-unlock-bootloader-of-vivo-phones.3686690/ doesn't apply to you.

4. OPPO/Realme (Non CN/IN)

I don't have a lot to say about OPPO.
The most annoying part about them is that you can unlock your bootloader, but only if you can enter fastboot. And guess what? They locked fastboot with an RSA key!
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/discussion-a-thread-to-collate-and-share-what-is-known-about-unlocking-fastboot-on-oppo-devices.4490041/

As per Realme, they decided that segregating people by race their phone's region is cool. If you didn't buy your phone in China or India, chances are you won't be unlocking anything anytime soon.

In April-May 2023 you could unlock any Realme phone using this script https://github.com/turistu/rmx3474-rooting, but on May 26th Realme posted this joke of an announcement on their forum https://c.realme.com/in/post-details/1661960232244367360
The script might still work on some models. (Not a lot of info is available)
If you need DeepTesting, try this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/unlock-bootloader-help.4425415/post-86777721

Older MTK-based models can use the mtkclient method. There might be a Unisoc method, but I've never seen it.

Proceed with caution!

1. Realme (IN/CN)

Seeing how easily Realme dropped the ball on their global users, I personally would be worried about their future plans.

For now you can use any of the guides here https://c.realme.com/in/post-details/1248075024070344704 (They're just copy-pasting the same info as the unlock process didn't change much at all)

If you need DeepTesting, try this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/unlock-bootloader-help.4425415/post-86777721

2. Samsung (Exynos)

If you have an Exynos-based Samsung, you can unlock your phone, but this will permanently trip Knox. As a result any Knox based features will be broken even if you re-lock. This includes, but not limited to: Samsung Pay, Pass, Flow, Health, Secure Folder, Secure Wi-Fi, Smart View. Can you be denied warranty? Probably...

Some of those features can be fixed with this LsPosed module https://github.com/BlackMesa123/KnoxPatch and this Magisk Module https://github.com/BlackMesa123/KnoxPatch#knoxpatch-enhancer.