If you’re in possession of the Moto X (2014) tied to Verizon and want to tinker around with your device, there’s some good news for you.
You can now unlock the bootloader of your Moto X (2014), but it’s only for Verizon. The news came in on the forums from Motorola’s forum manager.
Official Announcement
Matt (forum manager) said on the forums,
Hey, everyone. Just wanted to let you know that we did get the green light to unlock the bootloader on Verizon 2014 Moto X (2nd Gen) devices. Unfortunately, we can’t do this for devices on other carriers. Also, the usual caveats apply – if you unlock your device, you void the warranty. But we know some of you want the flexibility and we’re glad we can offer it.
Unlocking the bootloader allows users to install third-party ROMs and apps on their device, and helps them make the most out of their devices. However, keep this thing in mind that unlocking the bootloader will void your warranty. Secondly, it’s only for Verizon and not for any other carrier.
Benefits and Risks of Unlocking the Bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader can be a game-changer for many users. It provides the freedom to customize the device beyond the limitations set by the manufacturer. For instance, you can install custom ROMs like LineageOS or Paranoid Android, which can offer a different user experience, additional features, and potentially better performance. Additionally, you can gain root access, allowing you to use apps that require administrative permissions, such as Titanium Backup or Greenify.
However, this freedom comes with its own set of risks. As mentioned earlier, unlocking the bootloader will void your warranty. This means that if anything goes wrong with your device, Verizon or Motorola will not cover the repairs. Moreover, the process of unlocking the bootloader and installing custom ROMs can be complex and may lead to bricking your device if not done correctly. Bricking refers to rendering the device unusable, essentially turning it into a “brick.”
Steps to Unlock the Bootloader
If you decide to proceed with unlocking the bootloader, here are the general steps you would follow:
1. Backup Your Data: Before you start, make sure to back up all your important data. Unlocking the bootloader will erase everything on your device.
2. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone and tap on the Build Number seven times to enable Developer Options.
3. Enable OEM Unlocking: In Developer Options, enable the ‘OEM Unlocking’ option.
4. Install ADB and Fastboot: You will need to install ADB and Fastboot on your computer. These tools are essential for communicating with your device.
5. Boot into Fastboot Mode: Turn off your device and then press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously to boot into Fastboot mode.
6. Connect to PC: Connect your Moto X to your computer using a USB cable.
7. Unlock the Bootloader: Open a command prompt on your computer and type `fastboot oem unlock`. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
While unlocking the bootloader on your Moto X (2014) can offer a range of benefits, it is essential to weigh these against the potential risks. The ability to customize your device and install third-party ROMs can be incredibly appealing, but the loss of warranty and the possibility of bricking your device are significant considerations. Always ensure you follow the steps carefully and understand the implications before proceeding.
Source: 9to5Google
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