It seems that finally, we’re now able to Unlock Bootloader on Nokia 7.2 and Nokia 6.2 models for free after almost two years since both these devices launched. Nokia officially offers Bootloader Unlocking option for its users but somehow it’s currently available for Nokia 8 only. So, if you’re one of the Nokia 7.2 or its sibling Nokia 6.2 users then you’ll find our full in-depth guide really helpful.
You can now unlock the bootloader for both 7.2 and 6.2 models running on any Android OS versions (Android 10 or upcoming Android 11) quite easily here. A big thanks to Raghu Varma and his back-end team @hikari_calyx, @singhnsk, and the Nokia 7.2/6.2 community for making it possible for free of cost. If you’re an Android user for a while and still don’t know much about Bootloader Unlocking, let’s a quick look at it.
What is Bootloader?
A Bootloader is a vendor-specific proprietary image that runs the device hardware using the kernel that basically protects your device state and initializes the system boot or recovery on the handset depending on the user command. Each and every smartphone OEM offers a stock (locked) bootloader on their devices to protect them from third-party flash files.
Unlocking the Bootloader will allow you to install custom firmware, mod files, custom recovery, installing root access, and more on your Android device. It’s an entry gate for unlimited customizations on Android. Therefore, whenever the bootloader is unlocked, the security flag gets turned off, and you’ll be able to flash ROMs or other files which aren’t made by the OEM.
Advantages of Bootloader Unlock
There are a couple of major and useful benefits or advantages of having an unlocked bootloader on your Android device. Such as:
- You can easily flash the Custom Recovery like TWRP
- Enable Root access
- Flashing Custom ROMs which are not signed by the vendor or OEM
- Benefits of having overclocking of your device to get extreme performance
- Running Linux (open-source) on the device
- You can also underclock the device to reduce performance or battery draining
- Uninstall System Apps as well as preloaded junk apps (bloatware)
- You should be able to run the latest Android OS version
- Use a Custom Kernel on your handset
Disadvantages of Bootloader Unlock
Well, there are a few solid disadvantages as well that plenty of Android device users not aware of yet most probably. Such as:
- Unlocking the Bootloader will void the manufacturer’s warranty (if any) for most of the devices
- Your device data (internal storage), user settings, installed apps or games will be deleted completely [Also known as Factory Reset]
- A device with an unlocked bootloader is more vulnerable to security risk or malware attacks
- An improper bootloader unlocking method or file can easily brick your device and it may be stuck in the bootloop screen
How To Unlock Bootloader on Nokia 7.2 and 6.2
Before heading over the bootloader unlocking method, keep in mind that you have followed all the possible requirements that are mentioned below. So, let’s jump into it.
Pre-Requisites:
Here we’ve mentioned a couple of requirements that you’ll have to follow carefully. These are really necessary for a successful bootloader unlocking.
#1. Charge Your Phone
It’s highly recommended to charge your handset before unlocking the bootloader to avoid your device from shutting down occasionally while going through the process. Make sure to keep at least 50% of charge or higher for a smooth operation.
#2. Take Backup of your device
Ensure to take a complete data backup of your handset so that all of your important data will be safe even if the factory reset done on your device. As we’ve already mentioned, performing a factory reset on your handset will completely wipe out the internal data.
#3. Download ADB and Fastboot Binaries
Using the ADB and Fastboot command (platform-tools), you’ll be able to boot your Android device into the bootloader mode (download mode) which will be easy for you to proceed with further steps. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) creates a connection or bridge between the device and computer to sideload files.
Whereas Fastboot is a more advanced command utility tool for Android devices that works with computers. You can download ADB and Fastboot Binaries (Platform-Tools) from this link.
#4. Download Nokia USB Drivers
A USB Driver is a set of files that basically allows you to create a successful and strong connection between a mobile device with a computer properly using a USB data cable. It’ll be useful to transfer files between the connected devices, flashing files on the handset, and more.
It’s also worth mentioning that not only mobile devices but also other external devices can use and run USB Drivers on a Windows computer. Such as mouse, keyboard, printer, external hard drives, speakers, USB flash drives, etc. You can grab Nokia USB Drivers here.
Steps to Unlock Bootloader on Nokia 7.2 / 6.2
Once you’ve followed each and every requirement, you’re now ready to start the bootloader unlocking process. If you want to re-flash the stock firmware on your Nokia 7.2 / 6.2 then make sure to download the Nokia 7.2 Stock ROM or Nokia 6.2 Stock ROM flash file right now and move it to the MicroSD card or USB flash drive that’ll come in handy later.
Additionally, make sure to download Sideload Package (specific region variant).
Warning: If you’re not sure what you’re doing then we’ll suggest you not proceed because an improper bootloader unlocking method can lead your device to bricked condition or stuck in a bootloop. GetDroidTips won’t be responsible for any kind of damage or error that may happen on your device by following this guide. So, do this at your own risk.
#1. Enable Developer Option and USB Debugging
First of all, you’ll have to enable the Developer Options on your Nokia 7.2 or Nokia 6.2 device.
- Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap on the Build Number 7 times until you see a message on the screen that ‘You are now a developer’.
- Under the Developer Options, you need to enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging option as well.
- To do that again go to Settings > Developer Options > Turn on OEM Unlocking.
- Once done, scroll down a bit, and you’ll find a USB Debugging toggle. Just enable it too.
#2. Boot into Recovery Mode
- First of all, connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable. [Make sure that you’ve already enabled Developer options > USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking]
- If you haven’t downloaded the latest ADB Platform-Tools from the link given above, then do it right now on your computer.
- Head over to the ADB and Fastboot folder > Now, press and hold the Shift key + right-click on the mouse.
- Then select Open command prompt window here or Open PowerShell window here.
- Next, make sure to type the following command and hit Enter to check whether your device is connected to ADB mode or not:
adb devices
- Now, type the following command and press Enter to restart your device in the stock recovery mode:
adb reboot recovery
- Once your device boot into the stock recovery mode, you can follow the next method.
Please Note: After executing the adb reboot recovery command, if you’re seeing a ‘No Command’ message on the screen, make sure to press & hold the Power button + Volume Up button together for a couple of seconds to automatically boot into the stock recovery mode.
#3. Unlock Bootloader Process
- Make sure to select the Apply update from adb option from the stock recovery menu.
- Open the command prompt window again and execute the following command line: (Select the package according to your variant. For example, Indian variant – DDVA_sprout and Russian variant – DDV and Global variant – DDV_sprout)
adb sideload DDV_XYZ.zip
- Now, wait for around 5 minutes to complete the flashing process. So, have some patience.
- Once the flashing process is complete, make sure to select Reboot to bootloader.
- Now, type the following command and execute it to reboot into fastboot mode:
fastboot devices
- Then you’ll have to execute another command below: (see the phone and select Unlock the Bootloader using Volume keys and press the Power button)
fastboot flashing unlock_critical
- Next, reboot your device to fastboot mode again using the Volume Down + Power button together for a couple of seconds.
- Finally, execute the command line below to completely unlock the bootloader on your Nokia 7.2 / 6.2 device: (check the phone and select Unlock the Bootloader using Volume buttons and press the Power button)
fastboot flashing unlock
Now, you’ve successfully completed bootloader unlock on your handset. So, what to do next? Well, just re-flash the stock firmware or flash a custom firmware according to your preference.
Conclusion
Well, this is how you can easily unlock the bootloader for free on your Nokia 7.2 or 6.2 handset no matter which region variant you’re using. Now, you’re free to start flashing and customizing your device without any issue. We’ll recommend you flash a custom recovery like TWRP for more advanced options. Additionally, you can check out the best custom firmware list below if you want.
Must Read:
That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. Feel free to ask in the comment below for further queries.
Credit: XDA
I get stuck with side upload on my nokia 6.2. The upload process stops with the analogously error message “signature error – aborted”. I have tried all 3 files from here “https://sourceforge.net/projects/sld-sprout/files/HMD-RVDP/” without success.