Unlock Bootloader and Root OnePlus One | How-to Guide

In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of unlocking the bootloader and rooting your OnePlus One. The OnePlus One, like many other smartphones, comes with a locked bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader is the first crucial step before you can install a custom recovery like TWRP and gain root access. Rooting your device opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to customize and optimize your smartphone experience beyond the standard limitations.

The OnePlus One, released in 2014, was a flagship killer that packed impressive specs for its time. It features a 5.5-inch Full HD display, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, coupled with 3GB of RAM. The device also comes with a 13MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, and a 3100mAh battery. With these solid specs, unlocking the bootloader and rooting your OnePlus One can help you maximize its potential and keep it running smoothly with the latest custom ROMs and tweaks.

Advantages and Risks of Bootloader Unlock | Root

Unlocking the device’s bootloader opens the gate to a plethora of customizations. To begin with, you could install a custom ROM or a custom recovery like TWRP. The latter beholds a plentitude of features, including a Nandroid Backup, wiping device partitions, etc. Then, an unlocked bootloader also makes it possible to root your device. This, in turn, will give you administrative rights and let you flash plenty of mods and tweaks, etc.

However, these tweaks might come with some uninvited risks as well. For example, unlocking the bootloader might null and void the device warranty. It will also wipe off all the data from your device. Then, some apps like Pokemon Go, Google Pay, and Netflix might not function as expected. The process is risky and could brick your device if not performed correctly. So, with that said, if you are ready to proceed, here are the steps to unlock the bootloader and root OnePlus One.

How to Unlock Bootloader and Root OnePlus One

before we list the instructions steps, there are a couple of requirements for your device to qualify. Make sure to go through them before proceeding with the instructions.

Prerequisites

• First and foremost, create a complete device backup. The process calls for erasing the data partition, which will factory reset your device.
• Then, you should also enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking. Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
  
• Install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC.

STEP 1: Unlock Bootloader OnePlus One

To begin with, you will have to unlock your device’s bootloader. As mentioned, it will wipe off all the data, so ensure you have created a backup beforehand. Once done, proceed with the below steps. For detailed instructions, you should also check out our guide on How To Unlock Bootloader On Any OnePlus Smartphone.

1. Connect your device to your PC via a USB cable (USB Debugging should be enabled).
2. Now go to the platform-tools folder, type CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
3. Execute the following command to boot your device to Fastboot Mode:

   adb reboot bootloader

   

4. Finally, type in the below command to unlock the device’s bootloader

   fastboot oem unlock

   

5. At this point, you will receive a confirmation message on your screen. Use the Volume keys to select the Unlock the Bootloader option, and then press the Power key to confirm the decision.

That’s it. Your device will now boot to the OS, and you will be greeted with the Unlocked Bootloader warning message as well. That is completely normal. Anyway, it’s now time to root the OnePlus One. Follow along.

STEP 2: Root OnePlus One

1. Download the patched boot.img file and transfer it to the platform tools folder. Rename the file to magisk_patched.img.
2. Next up, enable USB Debugging on your device. Although you have enabled it earlier, unlocking the bootloader might have disabled it. Hence, re-enable it from Developer Options.
3. Now connect the device to the PC via a USB cable.
4. Go to the platform-tools folder, type CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command window.
   
5. Type in the below command to boot your device to Fastboot Mode

   adb reboot bootloader

6. It’s now time to flash the patched boot.img file. Execute the below command for that:

   fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

7. It should only take a couple of seconds to flash this file. Once done, type in the below command to boot your device to the OS:

   fastboot reboot

That’s it. These were the steps to unlock the bootloader and root OnePlus One. If you have any queries, do let us know in the comments section below. Rounding off, here are some iPhone Tips and Tricks, PC tips and tricks, and Android Tips and Tricks that you should also check out.