Unlocking the bootloader on your Samsung device can provide you with various benefits, such as installing custom ROMs, gaining root access, or flashing custom recoveries. However, there might be situations where you need to relock the bootloader, either for warranty purposes or to ensure the security of your device.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of relocking the bootloader in Samsung devices, enabling you to restore your device to its original state.
Understanding Bootloader and Relocking
The bootloader is a piece of software that runs when you start your Samsung device. It loads the operating system and other essential system files. By default, Samsung devices come with a locked bootloader, which prevents users from making unauthorized system modifications. Unlocking the bootloader removes this restriction, allowing users to modify the system. Relocking the bootloader, on the other hand, restores the device to its original locked state.
Reasons to Relock the Bootloader
There are several reasons why you may want to relock the bootloader on your Samsung device:
- Warranty: Relocking the bootloader is often required to maintain the warranty coverage provided by the manufacturer.
- Security: By relocking the bootloader, you can enhance the security of your device by preventing unauthorized access or modifications.
- System Updates: Relocking the bootloader ensures that you can receive official system updates from Samsung without any issues.
- Prerequisites for Relocking the Bootloader:
Before proceeding with the relocking process, ensure that you have the following prerequisites:
- Backup your data: Relocking the bootloader may wipe your device, so it is crucial to back up all your important data.
- USB Cable: A reliable USB cable to connect your Samsung device to the computer.
- Developer Options: Enable Developer Options on your Samsung device by going to Settings > About phone > Software information > Build number. Tap on the build number seven times to unlock Developer Options.
- USB Debugging: Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Options. This allows the device to communicate with the computer.
- ADB and Fastboot Drivers: Install the latest ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer.
Guide To Relock Bootloader in Samsung Devices
Follow these steps carefully to successfully relock the bootloader on your Samsung device
Backup Your Data
Before initiating the relocking process, it is essential to back up all your important data, including contacts, photos, videos, and documents. This step ensures that you won’t lose any crucial information during the process.
Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging
Go to Settings on your Samsung device, scroll down, and select “About phone.” Locate the “Software information” option and tap on it. Find the “Build number” and tap on it seven times to unlock the Developer Options. Once unlocked, go back to the main Settings menu, scroll down, and you will find “Developer Options” listed. Tap on it and toggle the switch to enable Developer Options. Within Developer Options, scroll down and locate “USB Debugging.” Enable USB Debugging by toggling the switch to the “On” position. This will allow your device to communicate with the computer during the relocking process.
Install ADB and Fastboot Drivers
To communicate with your Samsung device via the computer, you need to install the ADB and Fastboot drivers. These drivers facilitate the transfer of commands and data between your device and the computer. You can download the ADB and Fastboot drivers from the official Android Developer website or from reliable third-party sources. Once downloaded, follow the installation instructions provided with the drivers to install them on your computer.
Connect Your Samsung Device to the Computer
Using a USB cable, connect your Samsung device to the computer. Ensure that the connection is secure and stable throughout the relocking process. You may need to change the USB connection mode on your device to “File Transfer” or “MTP” mode to establish a proper connection.
Open Command Prompt or Terminal
On your computer, open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS or Linux) application. This is where you will enter the necessary commands to execute the relocking process.
Boot into Download Mode
To initiate the bootloader relocking process, you need to boot your Samsung device into Download Mode. Power off your device completely. Then, simultaneously press and hold the Volume Down, Home, and Power buttons until the device enters Download Mode. On newer Samsung devices without a physical home button, press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons instead.
Check Device Connection
In the Command Prompt or Terminal, enter the following command to check if your Samsung device is successfully connected to the computer:
Copy code
adb devices
If your device is detected, you will see its serial number along with the “device” message. If you don’t see your device listed, make sure the drivers are installed correctly and that USB Debugging is enabled.
Relock the Bootloader
To relock the bootloader, enter the following command in the Command Prompt or Terminal:
Copy code
fastboot oem lock
This command will initiate the bootloader relocking process on your Samsung device. Wait for the process to complete, and do not disconnect your device during this time.
Verify Bootloader Relock
Once the bootloader relocking process is complete, you can verify whether the bootloader has been successfully relocked. Power off your device, and then power it back on by pressing the Volume Up, Home (if applicable), and Power buttons simultaneously. If the device boots into the standard operating system without any warnings or errors, it indicates that the bootloader has been relocked successfully.
Also read: CHANGE YOUR AIRDROP NAME ON APPLE DEVICES
Conclusion
Relocking the bootloader on your Samsung device is a crucial step to ensure device security, maintain warranty coverage, or receive official system updates. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this comprehensive tutorial, you can relock the bootloader on your Samsung device with confidence. Remember to back up your data before proceeding, enable Developer Options and USB Debugging, and install the necessary ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer. With careful execution, you can restore your Samsung device to its original locked state and enjoy the benefits of enhanced security and official software updates.