How to Unlock Bootloader of LG V20 with KingoRoot

What Is a Bootloader?

An Android device includes several pieces of software: the bootloader, radio, recovery, and system. The bootloader is the first piece of software that is run when your device turns on. It decides whether to load the recovery, or load Android and the radio. LG V20 was released in October 2016. Powered by a removable Li-Ion 3200 mAh battery, the V20 runs Android v7.0 (Nougat)

Users who own an Android device can't stop from tweaking, changing, customizing, and optimizing the internal system and OS. They want the smartphone to be more customizable and unique to them. Before any tweaks and tricks, unlocking the bootloader of V20 is the first thing one needs to do.

Before Unlocking the Bootloader of LG V20

• Device is powered on.
• Battery level should be at least 50%
• USB data cable (the original one is recommended)

How to Unlock the Bootloader on LG V20

Step 1: Backup important data

The unlocking process will sweep of all the data of Android. So it is important to backup your precious data. Backup everything you want to keep, then continue to the next step.

Step 2: Free Download KingoRoot

KingoRoot is the best and easiest root tool for free. Here KingoRoot is not used for rooting but an alternative to Android SDK and USB driver. The KingoRoot includes the Android SDK and will download the LG USB driver automatically once connected to the PC.

1. Free download the KingoRoot to the PC.
2. Install the KingoRoot.
3. Connect the device to the PC via an USB cable.
4. Enable USB debugging. If you fail to connect you device to PC, please refer to Device Not Connected.
5. Find the icon of KingoRoot and launch it. After launching the KingoRoot, the PC will download the USB driver of your device automatically. Always connect the computer.
6. Find the folder of KingoRoot where you install it, double click to open the folder of "Kingo ROOT". Then open the folder of "tools" under the folder of "Kingo ROOT".
7. Input the letters "cmd" in the "address bar", and enter.

8. The PC will pop-up a Command Prompt window, then run the command: adb devices

If it shows a serial number, your device is recognized and you can continue with the process. Otherwise, ensure you’ve performed the above steps correctly.

Step 3: Get an Unlock Key.

1. Head to your manufacturer's bootloader unlocking page - LG unlocking page, create an account and then log in.
2. Run the command: adb reboot bootloader in the Command Prompt window. The device will boot into fastboot mode. Always keep the connection.

3. Use the Command Prompt window to retrieve your unlock key as described by LG : fastboot oem device-id.
4. Select the token which is spit out by the Command Prompt window and copy and paste it into the applicable box of the form on your manufacturer's website without any spaces. An example:

Example Device ID (PC User)$ fastboot oem device-id

(bootloader)-----------------------------------------------------------------

(bootloader) Device-ID

(bootloader) CD58B679A38D6B613ED518F37A05E013

(bootloader) F93190BD558261DBBC5584E8EF8789B1

(bootloader)-----------------------------------------------------------------

5. Submit the form and wait for an email with a key or file that you will use in the next step.

Step 4: Unlock your bootloader of your Android device.

Here comes to perform the unlocking process. If you haven't interrupted the connection and your phone still in the fastboot mode ( If your device isn't in the fastboot, then repeat the step 2 or just hold the "Volume Down" and "Power" button for 10 seconds before releasing in order to make the device being in the fastboot mode.

1. Enter fastboot flash unlock unlock.bin in DOS command window. “unlock.bin” is the bootloader unlock key you received in the email.
2. Reboot your device by running command fastboot reboot or using the "Volume" buttons to reboot.

The device will show a message at boot stating that your bootloader is unlocked. With an unlocked bootloader you will be allowed to root your Android, flash a custom recovery or install a custom ROM.