Samsung has sparked concern among Android enthusiasts by effectively disabling bootloader unlocking on all devices running its latest One UI 8 software, signaling a major shift in the company’s approach to device openness and customization.
Previously, Samsung limited bootloader unlocks on U.S. models, but left the OEM Unlocking toggle available on global variants—allowing users to flash custom ROMs, root their phones, and install custom kernels. With the rollout of One UI 8, Samsung has removed this critical toggle and the underlying bootloader code, impacting both new devices and existing models that receive the update.
Technical analysis confirms the change is not merely a UI omission: one line in the updated system configuration, androidboot.other.locked=1, explicitly prevents the device from offering unlock options. This affects flagship devices shipping with One UI 8 (such as the Galaxy S25, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7) as well as those updating from older versions.
For users who previously unlocked their bootloaders, reports indicate updating to One UI 8 may automatically re-lock those devices, further restricting modification and customization efforts.
Impact on Enthusiasts and Developers
- Enthusiasts will no longer be able to:
- Flash custom ROMs or kernels
- Obtain root access for deep system modifications
- Use device recovery and repair tools beyond what Samsung provides
- The move severs a historic feature of Android’s open ecosystem—though mainstream users, who never touch these settings, are largely unaffected.
- The change comes despite Samsung’s recent promise of seven years of software updates, possibly lessening the utilitarian need for custom ROMs, but curbing choice for those who value it.
Samsung has yet to officially comment on the rationale for this policy shift, though speculation points to security, regulatory, and carrier requirements as possible reasons.
The Android enthusiast community has widely criticized the move, calling it “a huge blow” to user freedom and device longevity. For now, only devices not updated to One UI 8 retain unlock capability—but that window is rapidly closing.
Anyone planning to update or purchase a new Samsung device should be aware that with One UI 8, bootloader unlocking—a gateway to full system control—is no longer available.