Bootloader unlocking - Revision history

2001:4BC9:82B:F663:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ fix bunch of stuff

2026-03-21T03:55:43Z

References: fix bunch of stuff

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:55, 21 March 2026
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	===='''Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''====		===='''Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''====
	Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Android Update Matrix \|url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Android Update Tracker \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one of these custom ROMs allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, for as long as custom ROMs are developed. Popular custom ROMs such as LineageOS and GrapheneOS have lasted over 10 years, and are open source, allowing anyone to maintain them and continue their development. <ref>{{Cite web \|first=~~ciwrl~~ \|date=2016/12/24 \|title=A fork in the road \|url=https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225091051/https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road \|archive-date=2016-12-25 \|access-date=2026~~/2/~~26 \|website=Cyanogen Mod}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=26 Feb 2026 \|title=History \|url=https://grapheneos.org/history/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225034058/https://grapheneos.org/history/ \|archive-date=26 Feb 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=GrapheneOS}}</ref>		Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Android Update Matrix \|url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Android Update Tracker \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one of these custom ROMs allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, for as long as custom ROMs are developed. Popular custom ROMs such as LineageOS and GrapheneOS have lasted over 10 years, and are open source, allowing anyone to maintain them and continue their development. <ref>{{Cite web \|last=ciwrl \|first= \|date=2016-12-24 \|title=A fork in the road \|url=https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225091051/https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road \|archive-date=2016-12-25 \|access-date=2026-02-26 \|website=Cyanogen Mod}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=26 Feb 2026 \|title=History \|url=https://grapheneos.org/history/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225034058/https://grapheneos.org/history/ \|archive-date=25 Feb 2026 \|access-date=26 Feb 2026 \|website=GrapheneOS}}</ref>
	==='''Control'''===		==='''Control'''===
	Some applications cannot be removed easily with the default OS. A custom ROM gives users complete control over what is in their operating system, such as preinstalled apps and system themes. <ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230615024140/https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/ Archived])</ref>{{Citation needed}}		Some applications cannot be removed easily with the default OS. A custom ROM gives users complete control over what is in their operating system, such as preinstalled apps and system themes. <ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230615024140/https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/ Archived])</ref>{{Citation needed}}

Reform: Citation needed markers have been added

2026-03-12T12:30:58Z

Citation needed markers have been added

Cunningcoder: Impoved tone and grammar to be more formal and consistent. Added some citations and marked where further citations are needed.

2026-02-26T18:38:15Z

Impoved tone and grammar to be more formal and consistent. Added some citations and marked where further citations are needed.

Show changes

Rudxain: Undo revision 39388 by Rudxain (talk)

2026-02-23T21:37:04Z

Undo revision 39388 by Rudxain (talk)

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:37, 23 February 2026
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	===DRM and ecosystem control===		===DRM and ecosystem control===
	Some devices hold DRM keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Sony wipes TA/ partition \|url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 \|url-status=live \|website=GitHub \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033412/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1 \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>		Some devices hold [[Digital_rights_management\|DRM]] keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Sony wipes TA/ partition \|url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 \|url-status=live \|website=GitHub \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033412/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1 \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	===Locks from mobile carriers===		===Locks from mobile carriers===

Rudxain: Undo revision 39387 by Rudxain (talk)

2026-02-23T21:36:25Z

Undo revision 39387 by Rudxain (talk)

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:36, 23 February 2026
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	===DRM and ecosystem control===		===DRM and ecosystem control===
	Some devices hold ~~[[Digital_rights_management\|~~DRM]] keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Sony wipes TA/ partition \|url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 \|url-status=live \|website=GitHub \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033412/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1 \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>		Some devices hold DRM keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Sony wipes TA/ partition \|url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 \|url-status=live \|website=GitHub \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033412/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1 \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	===Locks from mobile carriers===		===Locks from mobile carriers===

Rudxain: link DRM

2026-02-23T21:36:01Z

link DRM

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:36, 23 February 2026
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	===DRM and ecosystem control===		===DRM and ecosystem control===
	Some devices hold DRM keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Sony wipes TA/ partition \|url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 \|url-status=live \|website=GitHub \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033412/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1 \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>		Some devices hold [[Digital_rights_management\|DRM]] keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Sony wipes TA/ partition \|url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 \|url-status=live \|website=GitHub \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033412/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1 \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	===Locks from mobile carriers===		===Locks from mobile carriers===

Rudxain: wanted: iPhone; link: Android

2026-02-23T21:33:15Z

wanted: iPhone; link: Android

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:33, 23 February 2026
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	{{Incomplete}}{{ToneWarning}}		{{Incomplete}}{{ToneWarning}}

	The bootloader is the core layer of a computerized device that connects the software to the physical hardware. In smartphones, the bootloader allows the mobile device to start up with an operating system such as iOS for iPhones and Android for most other smartphones. Bootloaders are typically established by the manufacturer and shipped to retailers and consumers in a "locked" state, thereby tying the hardware to a specific operating system chosen by the manufacturer. To [[wikipedia:Bootloader_unlocking\|unlock a bootloader]] is to disconnect the physical device from a particular operating system, allowing users more control over their purchased smartphones. This is especially relevant for users who wish to de-Google their Android devices, which involves removing Google products and services for privacy, flexibility, and other concerns.		The bootloader is the core layer of a computerized device that connects the software to the physical hardware. In smartphones, the bootloader allows the mobile device to start up with an operating system such as iOS for [[iPhone\|iPhones]] and [[Android]] for most other smartphones. Bootloaders are typically established by the manufacturer and shipped to retailers and consumers in a "locked" state, thereby tying the hardware to a specific operating system chosen by the manufacturer. To [[wikipedia:Bootloader_unlocking\|unlock a bootloader]] is to disconnect the physical device from a particular operating system, allowing users more control over their purchased smartphones. This is especially relevant for users who wish to de-Google their Android devices, which involves removing Google products and services for privacy, flexibility, and other concerns.

	==Background==		==Background==

Rudxain: link bloatware

2026-02-23T21:29:44Z

link bloatware

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:29, 23 February 2026
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	==='''2. Expanding Device Lifespan'''===		==='''2. Expanding Device Lifespan'''===
	Most custom ROMs are free of bloatware and can thus be used to extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to the default system growing larger with each manufacturer update. Especially on low-end phones, these updates often exhaust the built-in storage after as little as two years. This renders the devices slow and unstable, leaving no room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer's software. Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they did when new, thus often more than doubling their useful lifespan.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=By how much do custom roms really extend Phone lifespans? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/comment/fpj11ay/ \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Reddit \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033349/https://old.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/by_how_much_do_custom_roms_really_extend_phone/fpj11ay/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-03-10 \|title=Xiaomi Redmi 8a - olivelite with Dual Sim \|url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=/e/OS Community \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907145946/https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref><!-- Please provide better sources than forums and reddits. You can read the citation guide on this wiki for more tips -->		Most custom ROMs are free of [[bloatware]] and can thus be used to extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to the default system growing larger with each manufacturer update. Especially on low-end phones, these updates often exhaust the built-in storage after as little as two years. This renders the devices slow and unstable, leaving no room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer's software. Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they did when new, thus often more than doubling their useful lifespan.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=By how much do custom roms really extend Phone lifespans? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/comment/fpj11ay/ \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Reddit \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033349/https://old.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/by_how_much_do_custom_roms_really_extend_phone/fpj11ay/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-03-10 \|title=Xiaomi Redmi 8a - olivelite with Dual Sim \|url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=/e/OS Community \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907145946/https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref><!-- Please provide better sources than forums and reddits. You can read the citation guide on this wiki for more tips -->

	==='''3. Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''===		==='''3. Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''===
	Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Android Update Matrix \|url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Android Update Tracker \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one of these custom ROMs allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, for a significantly longer period than with the manufacturer's OS.<!-- Source? -->		Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Android Update Matrix \|url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Android Update Tracker \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one of these custom ROMs allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, for a significantly longer period than with the manufacturer's OS.<!-- Source? -->

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 4 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T03:35:12Z

Added archive URLs for 4 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

Banana: Removed 2 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 2 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-16T06:20:23Z

Removed 2 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 2 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:20, 16 February 2026
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	====Workaround Google Play Services====		====Workaround Google Play Services====
	On a default Android system, there is a deep integration with [[wikipedia:Google_Play_Services\|Google Play Services]] (and [[Google Mobile Services]] (GMS)). This is a system process that requires access to files, contacts, storage, call logs, SMS messages, location, camera, and microphone. And without this process running, basic system apps will not function.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Aragon \|first=Jonah \|date=21 Jul 2024 \|title=Android \|url=https://www.privacyguides.org/en/android/#install-a-custom-distribution \|url-status=live \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Privacy Guides ~~\|url-status=live~~ \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260131014956/https://www.privacyguides.org/en/android/ \|archive-date=31 Jan 2026}}</ref> Alternative systems avoid this process entirely, or use a privacy-preserving workaround such as:		On a default Android system, there is a deep integration with [[wikipedia:Google_Play_Services\|Google Play Services]] (and [[Google Mobile Services]] (GMS)). This is a system process that requires access to files, contacts, storage, call logs, SMS messages, location, camera, and microphone. And without this process running, basic system apps will not function.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Aragon \|first=Jonah \|date=21 Jul 2024 \|title=Android \|url=https://www.privacyguides.org/en/android/#install-a-custom-distribution \|url-status=live \|access-date=17 Aug 2025 \|website=Privacy Guides \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260131014956/https://www.privacyguides.org/en/android/ \|archive-date=31 Jan 2026}}</ref> Alternative systems avoid this process entirely, or use a privacy-preserving workaround such as:

	*[https://grapheneos.org/features#sandboxed-google-play GrapheneOS's Sandboxed Google Play]		*[https://grapheneos.org/features#sandboxed-google-play GrapheneOS's Sandboxed Google Play]
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	==='''2. Expanding Device Lifespan'''===		==='''2. Expanding Device Lifespan'''===
	Most custom ROMs are free of bloatware and can thus be used to extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to the default system growing larger with each manufacturer update. Especially on low-end phones, these updates often exhaust the built-in storage after as little as two years. This renders the devices slow and unstable, leaving no room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer's software. Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they did when new, thus often more than doubling their useful lifespan.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=By how much do custom roms really extend Phone lifespans? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/comment/fpj11ay/ \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-03-10 \|title=Xiaomi Redmi 8a - olivelite with Dual Sim \|url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=/e/OS Community ~~\|url-status=live~~ \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907145946/https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref><!-- Please provide better sources than forums and reddits. You can read the citation guide on this wiki for more tips -->		Most custom ROMs are free of bloatware and can thus be used to extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to the default system growing larger with each manufacturer update. Especially on low-end phones, these updates often exhaust the built-in storage after as little as two years. This renders the devices slow and unstable, leaving no room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer's software. Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they did when new, thus often more than doubling their useful lifespan.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=By how much do custom roms really extend Phone lifespans? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/comment/fpj11ay/ \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-03-10 \|title=Xiaomi Redmi 8a - olivelite with Dual Sim \|url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=/e/OS Community \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907145946/https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref><!-- Please provide better sources than forums and reddits. You can read the citation guide on this wiki for more tips -->
	==='''3. Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''===		==='''3. Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''===
	Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Android Update Matrix \|url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Android Update Tracker \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one of these custom ROMs allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, for a significantly longer period than with the manufacturer's OS.<!-- Source? -->		Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Android Update Matrix \|url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Android Update Tracker \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one of these custom ROMs allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, for a significantly longer period than with the manufacturer's OS.<!-- Source? -->

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:30, 12 March 2026
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	'''Difference from Rooting'''		'''Difference from Rooting'''

	Rooting a device allows users to bypass restrictions from within the OS, while it is running. Conversely, bootloader unlocking allows rewriting the storage drive where the OS is installed, but does not grant any further abilities after the OS is loaded. Bootloader unlocking does, however, allow users to enable root access, by either manually editing the loaded operating system or using an app to do so automatically.		Rooting a device allows users to bypass restrictions from within the OS, while it is running. Conversely, bootloader unlocking allows rewriting the storage drive where the OS is installed, but does not grant any further abilities after the OS is loaded. Bootloader unlocking does, however, allow users to enable root access, by either manually editing the loaded operating system or using an app to do so automatically.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026}}

	See [[Jailbreak]] for more info.		See [[Jailbreak]] for more info.
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	==='''Extending device lifespan'''===		==='''Extending device lifespan'''===
	Most custom ROMs do not contain [[bloatware]] and can thus be used to extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to later updates requiring more performance and storage. Especially on low-end phones, these updates often exhaust the built-in storage after as little as two years.{{Citation needed}} This renders the device slow and unstable, without room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer's software.{{Citation needed}} Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they did when new, extending their useful lifespan.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=By how much do custom roms really extend Phone lifespans? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/comment/fpj11ay/ \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Reddit \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033349/https://old.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/by_how_much_do_custom_roms_really_extend_phone/fpj11ay/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-03-10 \|title=Xiaomi Redmi 8a - olivelite with Dual Sim \|url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=/e/OS Community \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907145946/https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref><!-- Please provide better sources than forums and reddits. You can read the citation guide on this wiki for more tips -->		Most custom ROMs do not contain [[bloatware]] and can thus be used to extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to later updates requiring more performance and storage. Especially on low-end phones, these updates often exhaust the built-in storage after as little as two years.{{Citation needed}} This renders the device slow and unstable, without room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer's software.{{Citation needed}} Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they did when new, extending their useful lifespan.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026\|reason=Low verifiability}}<ref>{{Cite web \|title=By how much do custom roms really extend Phone lifespans? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/comment/fpj11ay/ \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Reddit \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033349/https://old.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/by_how_much_do_custom_roms_really_extend_phone/fpj11ay/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-03-10 \|title=Xiaomi Redmi 8a - olivelite with Dual Sim \|url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=/e/OS Community \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907145946/https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref><!-- Please provide better sources than forums and reddits. You can read the citation guide on this wiki for more tips -->

	===='''Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''====		===='''Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''====
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	===Security===		===Security===
	A locked bootloader protects the device from an [[wikipedia:Evil_maid_attack\|Evil Maid Attack]]. This attack occurs when a person with physical access to a device manipulates the operating system, typically when the device is left unattended or when handed over for inspection by authorities. Locking the bootloader ensures that the operating system remains intact and cannot be altered from the state in which the manufacturer released it.		A locked bootloader protects the device from an [[wikipedia:Evil_maid_attack\|Evil Maid Attack]]. This attack occurs when a person with physical access to a device manipulates the operating system, typically when the device is left unattended or when handed over for inspection by authorities. Locking the bootloader ensures that the operating system remains intact and cannot be altered from the state in which the manufacturer released it.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026}}

	===DRM and ecosystem control===		===DRM and ecosystem control===
	Some devices hold [[Digital_rights_management\|DRM]] keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers. <ref>{{Cite web \|title=Sony wipes TA/ partition \|url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 \|url-status=live \|website=GitHub \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033412/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1 \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This allows manufacturers to force the use of their software and maintain control over devices, preventing unsupported devices from receiving updates, the removal of some apps and services, and the bypassing of other DRM such as the iPhone's component DRM.		Some devices hold [[Digital_rights_management\|DRM]] keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers. <ref>{{Cite web \|title=Sony wipes TA/ partition \|url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 \|url-status=live \|website=GitHub \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033412/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1 \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This allows manufacturers to force the use of their software and maintain control over devices, preventing unsupported devices from receiving updates, the removal of some apps and services, and the bypassing of other DRM such as the iPhone's component DRM.{{Citation needed\|date=12 Mar 2026}}

	===Locks from mobile carriers===		===Locks from mobile carriers===

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:35, 23 February 2026
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	==='''2. Expanding Device Lifespan'''===		==='''2. Expanding Device Lifespan'''===
	Most custom ROMs are free of bloatware and can thus be used to extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to the default system growing larger with each manufacturer update. Especially on low-end phones, these updates often exhaust the built-in storage after as little as two years. This renders the devices slow and unstable, leaving no room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer's software. Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they did when new, thus often more than doubling their useful lifespan.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=By how much do custom roms really extend Phone lifespans? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/comment/fpj11ay/ \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-03-10 \|title=Xiaomi Redmi 8a - olivelite with Dual Sim \|url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=/e/OS Community \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907145946/https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref><!-- Please provide better sources than forums and reddits. You can read the citation guide on this wiki for more tips -->		Most custom ROMs are free of bloatware and can thus be used to extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to the default system growing larger with each manufacturer update. Especially on low-end phones, these updates often exhaust the built-in storage after as little as two years. This renders the devices slow and unstable, leaving no room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer's software. Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they did when new, thus often more than doubling their useful lifespan.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=By how much do custom roms really extend Phone lifespans? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/comment/fpj11ay/ \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Reddit \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033349/https://old.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/by_how_much_do_custom_roms_really_extend_phone/fpj11ay/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-03-10 \|title=Xiaomi Redmi 8a - olivelite with Dual Sim \|url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|url-status=live \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=/e/OS Community \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907145946/https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 \|archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref><!-- Please provide better sources than forums and reddits. You can read the citation guide on this wiki for more tips -->
	==='''3. Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''===		==='''3. Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''===
	Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Android Update Matrix \|url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Android Update Tracker \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one of these custom ROMs allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, for a significantly longer period than with the manufacturer's OS.<!-- Source? -->		Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Android Update Matrix \|url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|access-date=2025-08-23 \|website=Android Update Tracker \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one of these custom ROMs allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, for a significantly longer period than with the manufacturer's OS.<!-- Source? -->

	==='''4. Customization'''===		==='''4. Customization'''===
	Some applications cannot be removed easily with the default OS. A custom ROM can be used only to include the applications the user wants, potentially with customization options that aren't initially available by default. <ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/</ref>		Some applications cannot be removed easily with the default OS. A custom ROM can be used only to include the applications the user wants, potentially with customization options that aren't initially available by default. <ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230615024140/https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/ Archived])</ref>
	==Why most devices are locked==		==Why most devices are locked==

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	===DRM and ecosystem control===		===DRM and ecosystem control===
	Some devices hold DRM keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Sony wipes TA/ partition \|url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 \|url-status=live \|website=GitHub}}</ref>		Some devices hold DRM keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Sony wipes TA/ partition \|url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 \|url-status=live \|website=GitHub \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033412/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1 \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

	===Locks from mobile carriers===		===Locks from mobile carriers===
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	*[https://calyxos.org/ CalyxOS]		*[https://calyxos.org/ CalyxOS]

	*[https://source.android.com/ AOSP (Android Open Source Project)] , also known as "stock" Android.<ref>https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Patel \|first=Pratham \|date=20 Feb 2024 \|title=5 De-Googled Android-based Operating Systems to Free Your Smartphone from Google and other Big Tech \|url=https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707220149/https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025 \|access-date=19 Aug 2025 \|website=It's FOSS}}</ref>		*[https://source.android.com/ AOSP (Android Open Source Project)] , also known as "stock" Android.<ref>https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115003706/https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm Archived])</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Patel \|first=Pratham \|date=20 Feb 2024 \|title=5 De-Googled Android-based Operating Systems to Free Your Smartphone from Google and other Big Tech \|url=https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707220149/https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025 \|access-date=19 Aug 2025 \|website=It's FOSS}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==