While ZTE might not have a stronghold in India, overseas it is a name to reckon with. Its Nubia series are among the most sought-after devices. Owing to their...
Syed Sadique Hassan
Last updated on May 7, 2026
Syed Sadique Hassan
Author
Did his MBA from Delhi but then something about the Android ecosystem intrigued him so much that he made Tech Blogging his permanent job. And now there's no looking back.
While ZTE might not have a stronghold in India, overseas it is a name to reckon with. Its Nubia series are among the most sought-after devices. Owing to their exceptional build quality and the fact that they never compromise on the software front as well, are some of the reasons why it has managed to catch a few eyeballs. Along the same lines, the device offers tons of features and customizations. You could also head over to the Play Store or sideload many different types of tweaking apps. But the functionality of these is limited up to an extent. There is a certain line drawn beyond which you cannot customize your ZTE smartphone unless it has an unlocked bootloader.
For example, tech geeks usually like to tweak their device’s operating system, replace their stock recovery via a custom recovery like TWRP, or gain administrative privileges via root. Or they even flash various mods and Custom ROMs. But for all of these tweaks to be effectively carried out, your ZTE smartphone should have an unlocked bootloader. Until and unless that is the case, none of the above customizations could be made possible. Therefore in this guide, we will list out the instructions set to unlock the bootloader on your ZTE smartphone. But before that, let us check out what exactly is a bootloader, and what are its associated risks and benefits. Without further ado, let’s begin.
A bootloader is a software program that tells the Android OS what programs the latter has to start at the boot time. Likewise, it also helps to boot your device to recovery. By default, all the OEMs ship their devices with a locked bootloader, with just a single idea in mind. They believe that the users should only use the operating system and settings that they have provided.
While it makes sense from the security aspect, here’s the catch. Not everyone prefers the OS that their device manufacturers ship in. Apart from that, there are some device restrictions as well that the developers put in place. So to escape from these limitations, users find an escape route, and an unlocked bootloader offers just that. With that said, here are all the perks and risks associated with an unlocked bootloader. After that, we will show you how to unlock the bootloader on any ZTE device.
Advantages of an Unlocked Bootloader
There are numerous benefits that an unlocked bootloader brings with it. To begin with, you could install the TWRP custom Recovery, which in itself offers numerous advantages like flashing different types of files, creating a Nandroid backup, etc. Then you could also give a shot at all the famous Custom ROMs and give your device a fresh new outlook with new features too.
Then if you root your device via Magisk, you could gain administrative rights over your device. Likewise, flashing Magisk Modules, Xposed Frameworks, and Substratum Themes also become a possibility. These are the major benefits of an unlocked bootloader. But there’s more to it than what meets the eye.
Risks Associated with an Unlocked Bootloader
Once you have an unlocked device, it is now more prone to security attacks. Likewise, your device’s warranty may also be null and void and a complete device wipe will also take place. Some apps like Google Pay and Pokemon Go might not work at all. And others like Netflix might not function correctly. In the latter, the device’s L1 certification will be degraded to L3 and hence you won’t be able to watch Netflix videos in HD.
Apart from that, the entire process is itself risky and might brick your device or lead it to a boot loop, if steps aren’t performed correctly. With that, you are now aware of the advantages and disadvantages of an unlocked device. If you wish to proceed ahead, then follow the below steps to unlock the bootloader on any ZTE smartphone. Follow along.
Warning
Before we begin with this procedure, I would strongly recommend you to create a backup of your device storage and all your files stored on your device. Moreover, it is advised to follow the steps mentioned in this post very carefully to avoid permanent damage or bricking your device. If anything goes wrong the author or GetDroidTips is not responsible for it.
Supported ZTE Devices:
ZTE S30 Pro
ZTE ZFive 2 LTE
ZTE Grand X Plus Z826
ZTE Blade A3 Plus
ZTE ZFive G LTE
ZTE Blade S6 Plus
ZTE Blade X1 5G
ZTE Valet Z665C
ZTE Skate Acqua
ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G
ZTE Blade V5 Pro
ZTE Warp
ZTE Blade V2020 5G
ZTE Avid Trio
ZTE Grand X Max Plus
ZTE Blade 20 5G
ZTE Blade A506
ZTE Vital N9810
ZTE Blade A7s 2020
ZTE Blade A610
ZTE N880E
ZTE Axon 20 5G Extreme
ZTE Blade A612
ZTE Kis III V790
ZTE Axon 20 5G
ZTE Blade Z Max Z982
ZTE Nubia Z5S mini NX405H
ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G
ZTE R259
ZTE Grand X2
ZTE Blade A7s
ZTE Z792 Cricket
ZTE Blade Apex 3
ZTE Blade 20 Smart
ZTE Z836BL
ZTE Nova 4 V8000
ZTE Blade A7 2020
ZTE Blade A602
ZTE V9 Plus
ZTE Blade A5 2020
ZTE Blade C341
ZTE Blade S6
ZTE Blade A3 Prime
ZTE Blade Spark
ZTE V81
ZTE A1
ZTE Overture 2 Z813
ZTE Grand X LTE T82
ZTE Blade A3 2020
ZTE Z837VL
ZTE Groove X501
ZTE Blade 10 Prime
ZTE Blade X Max
ZTE Warp Sequent
ZTE Blade A7 Prime
ZTE E8QL
ZTE Nubia Red Magic
ZTE Blade Max View
ZTE G R255
ZTE Nubia Red Magic Mars
ZTE Axon 10s Pro 5G
ZTE Grand X4
ZTE Nubia Z9 Max
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 5G
ZTE Overture 3
ZTE Nubia V18
ZTE Axon 11 5G
ZTE Fanfare 3
ZTE Nubia N3
ZTE Axon 11 4G
ZTE Axon 10 Pro
ZTE Nubia X
ZTE Nubia Play
ZTE Blade A3 (2019)
ZTE Blade V8 Mini
ZTE Axon 11 SE 5G
ZTE Blade A5 (2019)
ZTE Optik
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 5G Lite
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 3
ZTE Blade III
ZTE Blade L130
ZTE Blade L8
ZTE Racer
ZTE Avid 579
ZTE Nubia Z20
ZTE FTV phone
ZTE Blade V10 Vita
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 3s
ZTE Blade II V880 Plus
ZTE A530
ZTE Blade 20
ZTE Blade
ZTE Axon M
ZTE Nubia Alpha
ZTE Libra
ZTE Axon Max
ZTE Stratos Z819L
ZTE Nubia Z5
ZTE Axon 7 Mini
ZTE Blade S7
ZTE Anthem 4G
ZTE Axon 7 Max
ZTE Skate
ZTE Flash
ZTE Axon 7
ZTE Grand S II S291
ZTE Maven 2
ZTE Axon 9 Pro
ZTE Star 1
ZTE Maven 3
ZTE Axon Lux
ZTE Nubia Z7 Max
ZTE Cymbal-T
ZTE Axon
ZTE Zinger
ZTE Majesty Pro
ZTE Axon Mini
ZTE Grand S3
ZTE Blade A510
ZTE Axon Elite
ZTE Grand X3
ZTE Acqua
ZTE Axon Pro
ZTE Blade A460
ZTE Avid Plus Z828
ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G
ZTE Maven
ZTE Blade A110
ZTE Blade A520
ZTE Nubia X6
ZTE Blade A6
ZTE Blade A520C
ZTE Nubia Z5S mini NX403A
ZTE Blade A6 Max
ZTE Sonata 3
ZTE Kis 3
ZTE Blade A601
ZTE Spark R84
ZTE Nubia Z7
ZTE Kis 2 Max
ZTE Small Fresh 5s
ZTE Grand S Pro
ZTE Kis Q V795
ZTE Blade V8
ZTE Grand S II
ZTE Atlas W
ZTE Blade V10
ZTE V5 Lux
ZTE Blade Apex 2
ZTE Blade A3
ZTE Blade III Pro
ZTE Blade G T610
ZTE Blade A310
ZTE V96
ZTE Blade A511
ZTE Blade A330
ZTE Grand Memo V9815
ZTE Grand X 4
ZTE Blade V7 Max
ZTE Imperial II
ZTE Max Duo
ZTE Nubia N1 Lite
ZTE Nubia Z9 Mini
ZTE Tempo Go
ZTE Blade A462
ZTE Nubia Z11 Mini
ZTE Tempo T815
ZTE Blade L110
ZTE Light Tab 2 V9A
ZTE Tracfone Z828TL
ZTE Blade V8 Lite
ZTE Speed
ZTE V71B
ZTE Tureis P725A
ZTE Reef
ZTE PF200
ZTE Kis Q
ZTE Grand S
ZTE Avail
ZTE Blade Q3
ZTE Light Tab 3 V9S
ZTE Blade V6
ZTE Paragon Z753G
ZTE Star 2
ZTE Blade V9
ZTE Warp 7
ZTE Blade X3
ZTE Blade V9 Vita
ZTE V765M
ZTE Blade L3 Plus
ZTE Nubia Z11 mini S
ZTE Blade L5
ZTE Blade Q
ZTE Avid Plus
ZTE Trek 2 HD LTE K88
ZTE Blade G2
ZTE Iconic Phablet
ZTE Blade A2 Plus
ZTE Grand X Quad V987
ZTE Warp 4G
ZTE U950
ZTE V887
ZTE Nubia My Prague
ZTE Hawkeye
ZTE Boost Max Plus
ZTE Grand Memo II LTE
ZTE S8Q
ZTE Geek V975
ZTE Grand S Flex
ZTE Citrine LTE
ZTE Grand X IN
ZTE Nubia Prague S
ZTE Blade Plus L2
ZTE Light Tab 300
ZTE Nubia Z7 Mini
ZTE ZMax 2 Z955L
ZTE PF112 HD
ZTE Grand Xmax
ZTE Blade A475
ZTE Style Q
ZTE Amigo
ZTE Quest N817
ZTE Light Tab V9C
ZTE Sonata 4G
ZTE Warp Elite N9518
ZTE V9
ZTE Nubia Z9
ZTE ZMax Pro
ZTE Blade X5
ZTE Blade A5 Pro
ZTE Blade V8 Pro
ZTE Sonata 2
ZTE Blade G V880G
ZTE Blade V Plus
ZTE Director
ZTE Nubia Z5S
ZTE Blade D6
ZTE Grand X V970
ZTE Redbull V5 V9180
ZTE Blade L3
ZTE PF 100
ZTE Zmax
ZTE Blade Q Mini
ZTE Kis V788
ZTE Blade Vec 4G
ZTE Blade Vec 3G
ZTE V875
ZTE Racer II
ZTE Blade C V807
ZTE U900
ZTE Blade V
ZTE Blade V5 V993W
ZTE N721
ZTE Blade Qlux 4G
ZTE Nubia N1
ZTE ZMax 2
ZTE Blade G
ZTE Grand X Max 2
ZTE Imperial
ZTE Blade L2
ZTE Blade V7
ZTE Avid 4G
ZTE Grand X Pro
ZTE Obsidian
ZTE U880E
ZTE V821
ZTE Blade G Lux
ZTE T98
ZTE Nubia Z11
ZTE Blade Q Maxi
ZTE V880E
ZTE Nubia Z11 Max
ZTE Kis 3 Max
ZTE N910
ZTE Nubia Z18
ZTE V889M
ZTE Score
ZTE Nubia Z18 mini
ZTE Prestige
ZTE Blade X9
ZTE Blade L5 Plus
ZTE Blade Buzz
ZTE Majesty
ZTE Blade X
ZTE Blade A2
ZTE Grand X2 In
ZTE Era
ZTE Blade V7 Lite
ZTE Grand Era U895
ZTE Score M
ZTE Nova 3.5
ZTE Blade A72 5G
ZTE V40 Pro
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 7S
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 7S Pro
ZTE Nubia Z40S Pro
ZTE Axon 30S
ZTE Blade V40s
ZTE Axon 40 SE
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Space Edition
ZTE Voyage 40 Pro+
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 7
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 7 Pro
ZTE Blade V40 Vita
ZTE Nubia Z40 Pro
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
ZTE Axon 40 Pro
ZTE Blade A52
ZTE Blade A52 Lite
ZTE Blade A72
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6s Pro
ZTE Blade L9
ZTE Blade A51
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
ZTE Blade A31
ZTE Blade A31 Plus
ZTE Blade A71
ZTE Avid 589
ZTE Voyage 20 Pro
ZTE Blade A7P
ZTE Axon 30 Pro 5G
ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G
ZTE Blade 11 Prime
ZTE Nubia Z30 Pro
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6R
ZTE Blade V30 Vita
ZTE Axon 30 5G
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 6s
ZTE Blade V41 Vita
ZTE Nubia Z50
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8 Pro
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+
ZTE Blade V40 Design
ZTE Blade V40
ZTE Nubia Pad 3D
ZTE Nubia Z50 Ultra
ZTE Axon Pad
ZTE Axon 50 Ultra
ZTE Blade V40 Pro
ZTE V70
ZTE Blade A72s
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8S Pro
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8S Pro+
ZTE Nubia Red Magic Tablet
ZTE Nubia Z50S Pro
ZTE Nubia Neo
ZTE Blade A73 5G
ZTE Blade A73
ZTE Blade A54
ZTE Blade V50 Design
ZTE Blade V50
ZTE Blade V50 Vita
ZTE Blade V50 Design 4G
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro+
ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra
ZTE Nubia Focus
ZTE Nubia Focus Pro
ZTE Axon 60 Ultra
ZTE Axon 60 Lite
ZTE Axon 60
ZTE Voyage 3D
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro+
ZTE Nubia Z60 Ultra Leading
ZTE Nubia Z60S Pro
ZTE Nubia Flip
ZTE Nubia Pad 3D II
ZTE Nubia Music
ZTE Nubia Neo 2
ZTE Blade V60 Design
ZTE Blade A75 4G
ZTE Blade A35
ZTE Blade A55
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro
ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro+
ZTE Blade V70
ZTE Nubia Z70 Ultra
ZTE Blade V70 Design
ZTE Nubia Music 2
ZTE Blade A34
ZTE Nubia Red Magic Nova
ZTE Blade A75 5G
ZTE Blade A33s
ZTE Nubia Z80 Ultra
ZTE Nubia Focus 2 Ultra
ZTE Nubia Flip 3
ZTE Blade V80 Design
ZTE Nubia RedMagic 10 Air
ZTE Nubia Fold
ZTE Blade V80 Pro
ZTE Nubia Pad Pro
ZTE Pad
ZTE Nubia Neo 3
ZTE Nubia Z70S Ultra
ZTE Nubia RedMagic 11 Air
ZTE Nubia Neo 3 GT
ZTE Nubia RedMagic 10S Pro
ZTE Blade V80 Max
ZTE Nubia Focus 2
ZTE Nubia RedMagic 10S Pro+
ZTE Blade A36
ZTE Blade A76 4G
ZTE Blade A76
ZTE Nubia Air
ZTE Nubia RedMagic Astra
ZTE Nubia Flip 2
ZTE Nubia RedMagic 11 Pro
ZTE Blade A56
ZTE Blade V70 Max
ZTE Nubia RedMagic 11 Pro+
Unlock Bootloader on any ZTE Smartphone
To begin with, there are a few requirements that your device should qualify for. Make sure to go through each of the below-mentioned points.
Prerequisites
First off, create a complete backup of your ZTE device. This is because all the data will be wiped off your device when you execute these steps.
Also, enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on your device. The first one is needed to execute ADB Commands which will be used to boot your device to fastboot mode. The second option allows for the unlocking process. To enable both of them, head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable OEM Unlocking > Scroll down a bit and enable USB Debugging.
Similarly, download the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. This is needed so that your PC recognizes your device in ADB and Fastboot mode.
Finally, keep your device sufficiently charged so that it doesn’t turn off mid-way.
These are all the requirements. You may now proceed with the steps to unlock the bootloader on your ZTE device.
Instructions Steps
Connect your device to your PC via USB.
head over to the platform-tools folder type in CMD in the address bar and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
Now execute the below command to boot your device to fastboot/bootloader mode:
adb reboot bootloader
Next up, type in the below command to unlock the bootloader. This will also wipe your data, make sure you have created a backup beforehand.
fastboot oem unlock
The process should only take a few seconds. Once that is done, you might get a confirmation message on your device as well. Use the Volume keys to select Unlock the Bootloader option and then hit the Power key to confirm your decision. A message similar to this might be displayed
That is it. Your device will now reboot to the system. If it stays at the fastboot mode, then use the below command to boot your device to the system:
fastboot reboot
With this, we conclude the guide on how to unlock the bootloader on any ZTE smartphone. Do keep in mind that you will have to set up your device from scratch as a data wipe has taken place. Furthermore, you might get a bootloader unlocked warning message every time you boot up your device. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. On that note, if you have any queries regarding the aforementioned steps, drop your queries in the comments below. Rounding off, here are some iPhone Tips and Tricks, PC tips and tricks, and Android Tips and Trick that you should check out as well.
My Nubia Z11 does not have OEM unlock option under developer options. Can I still proceed to unlock bootloader?
AR
Abd Razaaq
Did you activate the developer option? by tapping on Build number 7-8 times, you can activate developer option.
SC
Stanley Chan
Yes. I have activated the developer option. I’m able to get USB debugging and other developer options except “OEM unlock”.
I’m using the latest International ROM from Germany. I’m guessing this ROM version hide the “OEM unlock”
M
MK_Munich
Nachdem man die Entwickler Optionen mit 7* tippen auf “Über das Telefon -> Build-Nummer” aktiviert hat, erscheinen inden Einstellung unter “Mehr -> Entwickleroptionen”. Darunter befinden sich die “OEM-Entsperrung” und das “USB-Debugging”.
Bei mir geht das Un-Locken ebenfalls nicht. Ich habe die Build-Nummer: NX551_J_ENCommon_V1.11
HILFE!
A
Aj
HELP PLEASE! my ZTE blade A320 wont do the command “adb reboot bootloader” HELP PLEASE
AR
Abd Razaaq
try adb devices command to check if your adb works.
ZB
ZTE Blade A320
About the zte blade A320 “fastboot OEM unlock” doesnt work.
B
Blake
Help me, my ZTE Maven 2 does not boot into bootloader when I run adb reboot bootloader, but the device shows up when I run adb devices.
P
Pedro
NOT NUBIA WORKS IN MI MINI Z17 (NX569H/J. Do you have some solution for this Smartphone? Thank you
Y
YAVUZ
fastboot oem nubia_unlock NUBIA_NX563J
V
Vincent
thanks, that worked!
P
P.Ricard
Hey Stanley Chan,
try “fastboot flashing unlock” :)
C
cris
can you please help me with a zte sonata 3 (z832) when i enter command adb devices nothing appears. up to that point i have followed the instructions exactly. I just cant get further. does this work on my phone or am i doing something wrong? please help
J
J.Martins
Hi, i have a ZTE Blade a520, after turning on the “OEM Unlock” do i still have to insert the “fastboot OEM unlock” on the cmd?
E
Empty
Yes
E
eugene
Help my phone just reboots nothing else i have the ZTE blade zmax (z982)
S
Scott
I have the z965 handset (zte blade x) and when I type the command ‘fastboot oem unlock’ all I get is “waiting for device”. When I type ‘fastboot devices’ it does nothing. Do I have to re-install the drivers for my phone?
AR
Abd Razaaq
If it shows waiting for device, then it means your device is not connected properly. Make sure you have proper drivers installed. Also check if the USB Cable is working properly to transfer data.
R
Rafael
hello, i have the blade L110, and when i type the command “fastboot oem unlock” doest work just appears three dots “…” and nothing happens; I have activated the developer option. I’m able to get USB debugging and OEM unlock. i have too installed the lastest ADB drivers 1.4.3 and the minimal_adb_fastboot in my pc.
Can u help me to unlock my bootloader please?
R
Rafael
after a long long time, cmd show a message response ” FAILED (status read failed (too many links)) finished. total time: 2083.080s
whats means “too many links” ??? am lost -.-´
A
Anonim
does not work. no “OEM unlocking” isn´t here
AR
Abd Razaaq
Which is your phone? Which model?
R
Ryan
so I’m using the zte z899vl and I can get it to connect to adb but when I use the reboot-bootloader command it just reboots the phone back to the default kernel. It also said something about a production model when I tried the adb root command. what should my next step be if I don’t throw it up against a wall first lol?
M
Michael
Hi all,
when typing “fastboot oem unlock” my ZTE Blade v6 asks for confirmation to unlock bootloader on phone screen. I shall press Yes => Volume Up or No => Volume down. But when pressing either volume up or down Nothing happens :-( What can I do?
AR
Abd Razaaq
Only few supported ZTE device can unlock the bootloader
R
Raqiu
Hello, ABD RAZAAQ SAYS, how to unlock ZTE Blade A6 bootloader?
No OEM unlocking in menu.
M
Michael
Can the bootloader on ZTE Z833 Avid Trio be
Unlocked
I
Ibrahim
Thank you for this guide.
AG
Alberto garcia
Me gustaría saber si este método funciona el el zte max pro z981
F
faseeh
i have installed drivers for my nubia z11 from this link https://www.getdroidtips.com/zte-nubia-z11-usb-drivers/ yet when i use adb its not goinng further than “fastboot devices” stage. its not showing the connected devices. i dont know what to do please help me out
L
Lucky
Am using Nubia n3 . It jus shows waiting for device.
R
Rosendo
In your ADB fastboot folder open a command prompt window by pressing Shift Key + Right Mouse Click
where is the adb folder on my computer?
AR
Abd Razaaq
You must first install ADB and Fastboot inside the C:/ Drive to access
T
TK
C:\adb>fastboot oem unlock
……………..
R
Rod
Can this be done without using a pc ?
R
rainai
Hi. Please help.
I have the Nubia Z50 Ultra. It doesn’t get detected by my PC. I have already enabled developer options and USB debugging. But when I run “adb devices” it doesn’t show up. It doesn’t even show as a storage device in Windows Explorer.
I don’t think there’s an issue with my ADB drivers since I have 3 other phones that can connect to my PC through ADB.
S
silas
Ive done every thing in the description and it keeps saying waitin for device. driver is installed and so forth. i have a blade A31 what else can i try?
LI
la ilustres
no me deja desbloquear el bootloader de mi ZTE blade V40 Vita que hago
JC
JUAN CARLOS ROMERO ZAMORA
Hola, tengo un NUBIA Z50s pro y ya logre arrancarlo en modo fastboot, pero los comandos:
fastboot OEM nubia_unlock NUBIA_NX713J no funcionan, dice unknown command “OEM”
E
Ethu
ZTE Blade A612 here. After “adb reboot bootloader” phone goes to META mode and “adb devices” returns my device name and “unauthorized”. When I write “fastboot OEM unlock” I get “”
A
Amir
What to do if after entering fastboot oem unlock / fastboot flashing unlock I get an error C:\Users\amria\OneDrive\Desktop\platform-tools>fastboot flashing unlock
FAILED (remote: ‘unknown command’)
fastboot: error: Command failed
My phone is Nubia redmagic 9 pro nx769j
MK
Marcin Kostański
Hello
Is it possible to unlock the Nubia Z50 Ultra? From the list of phones above, you write that it is. In adb it shows me the phone, but after entering unlock it shows me something like this (adb.exe:unknown command) there is no reaction to the commands. Can you advise something? Regards
MS
Madam Sivaiah
my mobile zte nubia neo 3 i tryed all commands buts its showing failled remote: unknown commandhelp me please.. to unlock bootloader
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My Nubia Z11 does not have OEM unlock option under developer options. Can I still proceed to unlock bootloader?