You may have heard of rebooting the bootloader if you're an advanced Android user or if you like to customize your phone. But do you know what this command means and how to use it? In this article, we'll explain what rebooting the bootloader , what it's used for, and how to access it.
What is the bootloader reboot?
This is a program that runs when the phone starts up and loads the operating system into RAM. The bootloader is therefore essential for the phone to function.
Bootloader mode , also called download or fastboot mode , is a special mode that allows communication with the bootloader and sending it commands. For example, bootloader to:
- Unlocking the bootloader allows flashing custom ROMs or recoveries.
- Flashing the phone's firmware means flashing the different partitions that make up the operating system, such as the system, radio, recovery, etc.
- Perform a phone diagnostic or troubleshoot startup problems.
Good to know : It is also possible to reboot your PC
How do I access the bootloader reboot?
There are two ways to access the bootloader reboot : directly from the phone or using commands from your PC.
Access the bootloader reboot from the phone
To access the bootloader reboot from the phone, you must first completely power off the device. Then, you need to press a specific key combination depending on the phone model. Here are a few examples:
Nexus and development devices
Press and hold the volume and power supply simultaneously. Release them when the Google home screen appears.
Samsung devices
Press and hold the volume down and power supply buttons simultaneously. When the Samsung screen appears, release them.
Huawei devices
Press and hold the volume down and power supply buttons simultaneously until you see the Huawei logo.
If you have successfully accessed bootloader , you should see a screen with information about your phone and boot options. You can navigate between options with the volume buttons and select with the power supply .
Access the bootloader reboot from the PC
To access the bootloader reboot from your PC, you first need to install the ADB ( Android Debug Bridge ) and fastboot tools on your computer. These tools allow you to communicate with your phone via a USB connection. You can download them here: https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools
Next, you need to enable USB debugging on your phone. To do this, go to Settings, then to “ About phone ” and tap “ Build number ” seven times. You should see a message indicating that you have become a developer. Then go back to Settings and go to “ Developer options .” Enable the “ USB debugging ” option.
Finally, connect your phone to your PC with a USB cable and open a command prompt. Type the following command:
adb reboot bootloader
Your phone should reboot into bootloader .
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about bootloader reboot :
Does rebooting the bootloader erase the phone's data?
No, rebooting the bootloader does not erase your phone's data. It's simply a boot mode that allows access to the bootloader . However, some operations you can perform in bootloader , such as unlocking or flashing the firmware, can result in data loss. Therefore, it's advisable to back up your data before proceeding.
Does rebooting the bootloader void the phone's warranty?
No, rebooting the bootloader does not void your phone's warranty. It's a native Android feature that doesn't modify the operating system. However, certain operations you can perform in bootloader , such as unlocking or flashing the firmware, can void your phone's warranty. Therefore, it's advisable to check your manufacturer's warranty conditions before proceeding.
Is rebooting the bootloader dangerous for the phone?
No, rebooting the bootloader is not dangerous for the phone. It's a native Android feature that doesn't modify the operating system. However, some operations you can perform in bootloader , such as unlocking or flashing the firmware, can be risky for the phone. Therefore, it's advisable to follow the instructions carefully and not interrupt the process.
How do I exit the bootloader reboot?
To exit bootloader reboot , simply select the “Start” or “Reboot system now” option in the bootloader . Your phone should then restart normally.
How can I tell if my bootloader is locked or unlocked?
To determine if your bootloader is locked or unlocked, simply access bootloader and check the lock status. If you see “Device is LOCKED” or a closed padlock icon, your bootloader is locked. If you see “Device is UNLOCKED” or an open padlock icon, your bootloader is unlocked.
