How to Unlock Bootloader on HTC Phones via KingoRoot

If you own a HTC smartphone and are interested in tech, then there are many terms that might bamboozle you and might end you up with quitting the rooting altogether. Although unlocking the bootloader could void your phone's warranty, it enables you to make tweaks, flash a custom ROM, and root your Android.

What is a Android Bootloader?

The Bootloader is a program that begin whenever a device is powered on to activate the right operating system. The bootloader determines when to run Android or when to enter recovery mode, which is an independent runtime environment in a partition separate from the main Android OS that can be found on all Android devices.

Why the Bootloader is locked?

Although Android is an open source OS, the bootloader is usually locked because the manfacturers want you to stick to their Android Version specifically designed for the device.There are two kinds of phones in this world: Those that let you unlock your bootloader, and those that don’t. HTC Phones are those can be unlocked.

Before Unlock HTC Phones

• 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 HTC Phones

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 - HTC 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 your manufacturer. Run the command: fastboot oem get_identifier_token.
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.

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).

1. Run command fastboot oem unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin, using the Unlock_code.bin file you received from HTC 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.