How To Unlock Bootloader On Asus Zenfone Max M1 (ZB555KL)

What is Unlock Bootloader?

A Bootloader is a code which runs when we turn on our device. This code initializes some hardware and then loads the kernel and ramdisk, and gets the boot process going. So this process is known as Bootloader. The same concept applies to all the technical stuff such as Laptop, PC, Smartphones and any such device. Every Android OEM manufacturers lock the bootloader even though it is an Open Source. So if you want to try any CUSTOM ROM, it is impossible to load the CUSTOM ROM without the Unlock Bootloader. So Manufacturer made a policy of making the smartphone with Unlocked Bootloader will void the warranty. They want you to stick with the Stock ROM. Unlock Bootloader allows you to Root your Android smartphone, Flash TWRP and Custom ROM in a simple easy method.

Before doing the methods, I just want to warn you that. By doing this, you will loose the warranty and sometime if you dont read the steps and do something wrong can brick your device. So read carefully before doing something wrong.

Steps to Unlock Bootloader on Asus Zenfone Max M1:

Here we will guide to unlock the bootloader, before that download the drivers and tools on your PC.

What you need:

1. This Update is only for Asus Zenfone Max M1 (ZB555KL) users.
2. You need Laptop or PC
3. Working USB Cable
4. Charge your phone to at least 70% Battery.
5. GetDroidTips.com is not responsible for any damage to your phone while installing this Update.
6. Make sure that you have Asus USB drivers installed. [For others: Latest Android USB Drivers]
7. Download the ADB Fastboot tools.
8. Take a complete backup of your phone and then proceed.
9. Download bootloader unlock app for Zenfone Max M1 ZB555KL

First method: Unlock bootloader using official Unlock App

• First of all, Go to this link and download the bootloader unlock app.
• Now select the OS: Android 
• Now in the utilities section, you will find the Unlock Device APP for Unlock bootloader. Download the app.
• Now move the downloaded app to your phone and install it.
• To Unlock the bootloader, follow the instructions given in the app.
• That’s it! Your device bootloader will be unlocked successfully.

First method: Unlock bootloader using fastboot method

1. First of all, you need to download all the required files.
2. Now enable the USB Debugging on your phone.
3. Now extract the downloaded ADB Fastboot tools to a new folder “ADB Fastboot tools” (or any name you like.)
4. Now Open the CMD Window (Command Window) on your PC from the ADB Fastboot folder by pressing and holding Shift + Right mouse click. 
5. You can now connect your phone to PC using USB Cable.
6. Next step is to boot your phone to bootloader/fastboot by either by following the below two methods. (you can try any of the methods)
   1st Method —-> First Turn off your phone and wait for 4-5 second after the screen goes off. Press and hold Power and Volume Up buttons together until you see anything on the screen. That’s it.
   2nd Method —–> In the same CMD window, you can enter this command: (for this method you need to connect your phone to PC using USB Cable)

   adb reboot-bootloader

7. Now obtain the Unlock key, enter the command given below in the command window:

   echo > key.txt

8. Now Unlock the bootloader by entering the command

   fastboot oem get_unlock_key key.txt

9. That’s it! You have Unlocked Bootloader on Asus Zenfone Max M1 ZB555KL. Enjoy!
10. Now reboot your bootloader again to confirm whether your bootloader has been unlocked. To check, enter the command

    fastboot reboot-bootloader

11. It will show, Unlocked. Now you can boot your phone by either by entering the command given below or by just pressing and holding the power key for few seconds.

    fastboot reboot

12. Now you can enjoy the power to install TWRP Recovery or any mods on your Zenfone Max M1.

I hope this guide was helpful to unlock the bootloader on Asus Zenfone Max M1.