Samsung may be discontinuing bootloader unlocking across its phone lineup with the One UI 8 update. An XDA Developers (via Android Authority) contributor reported the change, indicating that Samsung devices, including international models, may no longer feature the necessary OEM Unlock toggle. Previously, this restriction primarily affected US models.
Samsung phones in the US already lacked the ‘OEM Unlocking’ toggle in Developer Options, preventing custom ROM installations. The restriction now appears to be expanding globally.
Contributor salvo_giangri identified a new bootloader configuration line: androidboot.other.locked=1. This line dictates whether a device permits bootloader unlocking. A value of ‘1’ ensures the Settings app does not display the OEM Unlock option, a prerequisite for unlocking.
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The One UI 8 firmware for non-US devices now includes this line, suggesting the restriction extends beyond specific regions.
Bootloader unlocking is crucial for enthusiasts and developers seeking to install custom ROMs or kernels, achieve root access, or customize devices. Current Samsung devices not yet running One UI 8 may still offer unlockable bootloaders. However, the report suggests this may change with future updates and new devices. An official statement from Samsung on the matter is pending.
