OnePlus in China has announced a change to its Bootloader Unlock policy for models equipped with ColorOS 16.
OnePlus Finally Succumbs
While various companies have been moving towards making bootloader unlocking impossible or more difficult on Android smartphones in recent years, OnePlus, which had previously allowed free Bootloader Unlock (BLU), will now also be adding a restriction.
According to an official post on the OnePlus China community, for smartphones and tablets equipped with ColorOS 16 (Chinese version) from the second half of 2025 onwards, BLU will only be possible after participating in the Deep Testing program.
On previous devices with ColorOS 15 and earlier, BLU can still be done freely.
After applying on the Deep Testing application page that will be released in the future, BLU will be possible upon passing a review, which will take 1-2 business days. It is said that this process will not involve complex quizzes or monthly quotas.
While this is better than OPPO, which completely denies BLU, or realme, which has strict quotas, it is disappointing that even OnePlus, which started with the CyanogenMod-equipped OnePlus One, is now introducing restrictions on BLU.
AndroPlus
AndroPlusThe translation of the content from the ‘OnePlus Deep Testing Announcement & QA’ is as follows.
To ensure the security of user devices and data and to enhance system stability, we will be adjusting the bootloader unlocking method starting from the ColorOS 16 version. Developers and users with specific needs may apply to participate in the Deep Testing program through official channels, only if they fully understand and are willing to bear the risks associated with unlocking and flashing ROMs.
The specific application rules and operating procedures are as follows.
1) [Application Requirements]
To apply for the Deep Testing program, all of the following conditions must be met.
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The device must be running ColorOS 16.0 or a later version
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The account must have no abnormalities or violations of terms of service
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There must be no application record within the last 30 days
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The smartphone or tablet must not be a government, enterprise, or carrier-customized model
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The smartphone or tablet must have been sold in mainland China
2) [Important Notes]
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After joining the program, actions such as unlocking the bootloader or modifying system files may have unpredictable effects on the device. These include, but are not limited to, the following.
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Third-party firmware may cause some device functions, such as the camera, to not work properly. There is also a risk of bricking the device
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Personal security and private information on the device may be compromised, and its safety can no longer be guaranteed
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Some system functions may be altered, affecting system version updates and preventing you from experiencing the latest ColorOS services
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Device data may be corrupted or lost and may not be recoverable. It is recommended to back up your data in advance
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After joining the program, if the product experiences functional failures, it will not be eligible for return or exchange services, but the original product warranty will still apply. If you can successfully restore the official system by flashing a ROM, you will continue to be covered by the ‘Three Guarantees’ service (Note: China’s ‘repair, replacement, and return’ warranty system). If the restoration fails, only the product warranty will apply.
3) How to Apply for Deep Testing
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Please confirm the following points:
1) Your smartphone or tablet meets the application requirements and supports Deep Testing.
2) The system version is the official version and has been upgraded to a version that supports Deep Testing when checking for OTA updates. (How to check: Settings > About device > Version information) -
Please complete the application process on the Deep Testing application page according to the instructions.
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After submitting your application, please wait for the review to be completed. The review is expected to be completed within 1-2 business days.
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Related announcements will be made on the official [ColorOS Upgrade Assistant] account in the OnePlus Community. Please pay attention to receive timely information.
QA
1. Will the bootloader unlock policy for previous ColorOS versions be affected?
The bootloader unlock for previous ColorOS versions will not be affected.
2. When will this bootloader unlock policy be implemented?
This policy will apply to OnePlus smartphones and tablets that are first launched with ColorOS 16 in the second half of this year.
3. When can I apply to participate in Deep Testing?
Related announcements will be made on the official [ColorOS Upgrade Assistant] account in the OnePlus Community. Please pay attention to receive timely information.
4. Is it necessary to answer a quiz to apply for Deep Testing?
No, it is not required. Users can complete the application process on the Deep Testing application page according to the instructions. After passing the review, which takes 1-2 business days, the BL (Bootloader) unlock permission will be granted.
5. Is there a total limit on bootloader unlock applications? Is there a quota for unlocking?
Currently, there is no quota limit.
6. What is the after-sales service policy after unlocking?
After unlocking, if the product experiences functional failures, it will not be eligible for return or exchange services, but the original product warranty will still apply. If you can successfully restore the official system by flashing a ROM, you will continue to be covered by the ‘Three Guarantees’ service. If the restoration fails, only the product warranty will apply.
AndroPlus