Unlocking the bootloader of your Oppo A72 will allow one to gain somewhat deeper access to your device’s system so that custom ROMs, kernels, and any modifications more difficult to install when in a locked state may be installed. However, some risks are associated with this process: warranty voiding, possible bricking of the device, and compromising your device’s security. We cover everything that you need to know about unlocking the bootloader on the Oppo A72 in great detail, including all the benefits, risks, procedures, and precautions.
Understanding Bootloaders and Why You Might Want to Unlock Yours
What is a Bootloader?
A program by the name of a bootloader loads the operating system into a device each time it is switched on. It initializes the hardware and software, and it makes sure that the operating system boots up correctly. In most smartphones, among them the Oppo A72, the bootloader is locked by default. The reason: to provide security against unauthorized modifications to the system software.
Why Unlock the Bootloader?
Unlocking the bootloader grants direct access to the root directory of the device, enabling system modifications that are not normally possible. Some reasons for unlocking the bootloader are:
Custom ROM Installation: Custom ROMs provide a totally new user interface, additional features, and optimizations that are not available in the stock ROM from Oppo.
Rooting: Unlocking the bootloader is the first step toward rooting, which lets you use apps that require administrative privileges.
Custom Kernel Installation: Custom kernels can be used to improve performance, battery life, or for features such as overclocking.
Removing Bloatware: With root permissions, users could uninstall apps that come pre-installed and cannot be removed via normal means.
Advanced Features: Some advanced features, typically backup solutions, or system tweaks, need an unlocked bootloader.
Risks and Considerations
Before unlocking the bootloader, make sure you are aware of the risks involved:
Warranty Voiding: Once you unlock the bootloader, generally the warranty from the manufacturer ceases. Hence you would be unable to claim any warranty for repairs if anything goes wrong.
Bricking the Device: There is a possibility that when trying to unlock the bootloader or while flashing your device with custom software, the device gets bricked and becomes useless.
Security Threats: With an unlocked bootloader, your device is prone to security risks as unauthorized persons can enter into the system if they want.
Data Loss: Unlocking the bootloader would wipe off everything from your device.Android-Today-Española: It is important to back up all the data before hand.
OTA Updates: You might lose the chance of having OTA updates from Oppo or such updates can cause problems in working with modified systems.
Before unlocking the bootloader
Some prerequisites need to be taken into consideration before unlocking the bootloader of your Oppo A72:
Backup Your Data: Once you unlock the bootloader, it erases all your data stored in the device (apps, settings, files, etc.). Can use the in-built backup tool from Oppo, Google Drive, or some third-party apps for backing up your data.
Install Required Drivers: Make sure that you have the appropriate USB drivers installed on your computer for smooth communication between the Oppo A72 and your PC.
Enable Developer Options: You will need to enable Developer Options on your Oppo A72 in order to access the bootloader unlocking functionalities.
Enable USB Debugging: In Developer Options, enable USB Debugging to allow your computer to communicate with the device using ADB commands.
Charge Your Device: Charge the Oppo A72 to hold 70-80% charge before starting the unlock process to avoid interruption.
Accept the Risks: Be certain you accept all risks that come with it, including the possibility of losing either your warranty or your data.
The Complete Steps to Unlocking the Bootloader on Oppo A72
According to the following method, here is a step-by-step guide for unlocking the bootloader of Oppo A72:
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on the Oppo A72.
About Phone: Scroll down and tap on “About phone.”
Build Number: Locate the “Build Number” and tap on it seven times. A message will pop up saying, “You are now a developer!”
Step 2: Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging
Return to Settings: Go back to the main Settings menu.
Developer Options: Locate and tap “Developer Options”; remember, this menu will now be visible only after Developer Mode is unlocked.
OEM Unlocking: Flip the toggle beside “OEM Unlocking” to under. Confirm any warnings that might show up against”
USB Debugging: Scroll down and enable USB Debugging. Doing this permits your computer to send commands to your device.
Step 3: Installing ADB and Fastboot on Your PC
Download ADB and Fastboot: Download the latest ADB & Fastboot setup from the official Android developer website or any trusted third-party source.
Install Drivers: Install the required drivers on your computer for your Oppo A72.
Step 4: Boot Your Oppo A72 into Fastboot Mode
Power Off: First off, turn off your device.
Fastboot Mode: Now, simultaneously hold the Volume Up and the Power button until the device enters Fastboot Mode.
Step 5: Connect Your Device to the Computer
USB Cable: Connect your Oppo A72 to your computer via USB cable.
Command Prompt: On Windows-based computer, fire up Command Prompt; on Mac or Linux, give Terminal a shot. Be sure to open it in the folder where your ADB and Fastboot stand.
Step 6: Verify the Connection
ADB Command: Now, enter the below given command and hit Enter:
Copy code
adb devices
If you see your device getting listed, then it means it is negotiated well.
Step 7: Unlock the Bootloader
Unlock Command: In this step, run the command below to unlock your bootloader:
Copy code
fastboot oem unlock
Confirmation: You might be required to confirm this operation on your phone; use the Volume keys to navigate and hit the Power button to agree.
Step 8: Reboot Your Device
Reboot Command: After the bootloader gets unlocked, reboot your device by running this command:
Copy code
fastboot reboot
Step 9: Set up Your Device
After the reboot, you may now set up your device as you would with any new phone.
Post-bootloader unlocking procedure
Once you have unlocked the Oppo A72 bootloader, there are numerous things that you can do to best leverage this newfound advantage. Here are some options:
1. Install Custom Recovery
Installation of TWRP Recovery will let you create full backups of your device, flash custom ROMs, and more.
Steps to Install TWRP:
Download TWRP: Download the TWRP recovery image file for Oppo A72.
Fastboot Mode: Reboot into Fastboot Mode.
Flash TWRP:fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
Reboot into Recovery: Once done, reboot your phone into TWRP recovery using:fastboot reboot
2. Root the Device
Rooting an Oppo A72 gives you administrative privileges, thereby allowing you to modify system files, debloat the device, or simply use root-based apps.
Rooting Procedure:
Magisk: Magisk zip file is downloaded for rooting.
TWRP: One boots into TWRP recovery.
Magisk Flashing: Flash Magisk zip to root the device.
Reboot: Afterward, reboot the device and verify if root access is granted using a root checker app.
3. Flashing Custom ROMs
When the bootloader is unlocked and a custom recovery installed, one can flash custom ROMs that offer enhancements in features, UI, and performance.
Custom ROM Flashing Procedures:
Download the ROM: First of all, download the custom ROM you wish to install.
TWRP Backing Up: Before flashing, make a full backup of your current system from TWRP.
Flashing ROM: Wipe the necessary partitions/data/cache/system first in TWRP, followed by flashing of the custom ROM zip file.
GApps: If needed, flash Google Apps (GApps) afterwards.
Reboot: Next, reboot your device and enjoy setting up your new ROM.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
There is always the possibility of an unlocked bootloader and making changes to your device that may cause an issue here or there. Proceeding with common problems and the fixes:
1. Device Stuck at Bootloop
This bootloop stucks your device into boot screen after Flashing Custom Rom or System-level changes.
Solution:
Restore Backup: Boot into TWRP and restore a previous backup.
Re-flash ROM: If the problem still occurs, try re-flashing the custom ROM or going back to the stock ROM.
2. Loss of Data
Unlocking the bootloader wipes all data on the Oppo A72 device. If you have already unlocked the bootloader and find that data is lost, then I am afraid it can never be restored directly from this device. However, preventive measures can be taken and some things can be done after the unlocking to mitigate the problem in the future.
Preventive Steps to be Taken for Any Future Unlocks:
Regular Backups: In other words, keep a habit of backing up your data on a regular basis. You can make use of any cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or even Oppo’s backup service. This will ensure that any accidental data loss occurring during unlock can be restored without a hitch.
Use Custom Recovery: Post bootloader unlocking, install a custom recovery like TWRP immediately. This allows you to create full system backups (Nandroid backups) that can be restored anytime.
App Synchronization: Sync your apps with the Google account for apps like Google Photos, Contacts, and others that need syncing; in this way, photos, contacts, and some other essential data are automatically saved to the cloud.
Data Management After Unlocking:
Set Up Automatic Backups: After unlocking the device, set up automatic backups by using either the custom recovery or other third-party applications requiring root access. This will restore the data should any other issues arise.
Flash Backup-Friendly ROMs: Custom ROMs do tend to have methods for smooth backup and restore of data. Consider flashing a ROM with this feature if data security is paramount.
No Experimental Mods Without a Backup: From the moment your bootloader is unlocked, it is quite tempting to experiment with different mods, kernels, or tweaks. Always make sure that you have an up-to-date backup prior to making any significant changes, especially if they impact system files.
3. The Device Is Not Recognized by ADB and Fastboot
Suppose the ADB and Fastboot system fail to recognize the Oppo, and then you cannot further give commands to unlock the bootloader and flash custom recoveries.
Solution:
Driver Reinstallation- Make sure that the right USB driver is installed on your computer for this device. Sometimes, incorrect drivers might be the cause of this error.
Check the USB Cable and Port- Use the original USB cable and try changing the USB port on the computer. Also, make sure the phone is in Fastboot mode.
Check ADB and Fastboot: In case ADB and Fastboot tools are not installed correctly on your computer, you could test them by hitting adb devices at a command prompt with your device attached.
Change USB Mode: Some devices require changing USB mode from Charging only to File Transfer (MTP) or USB Debugging mode for the connection to be made.
4. OTA Updates Fail to Install
Once the bootloader is unlocked or a custom ROM is flashed, there will be problems receiving and/or installing OTA updates.
Solution:
Re-lock the Bootloader: In case you wish to receive OTA updates, you may need to re-lock the bootloader. However, this will wipe all alterations and restore your device to its factory state.
Flash Stock ROM: If OTA updates are failing on a custom ROM, try flashing the stock ROM. The original state of your device would be restored, and official updates will be delivered to you once again.
Manual Updating: Certain users prefer to install OTA updates manually or flash update packages using custom recovery. This method is a bit more complex, but it bypasses the issues relating to bootloader unlocks.
5. Bootloader Re-locking
If you ever decide to no longer keep your bootloader unlocked, you can always re-lock it. However, re-locking tends to require you to restore the device to its original factory firmware, wiping all the data stored on it.
How to Re-lock the Bootloader:
Restore Stock ROM: Flash the stock ROM using Custom Recovery or Fastboot commands.
Boot into Fastboot Mode: Reboot your device into Fastboot mode just like during the unlocking.
Re-locking Bootloader Command: Use the below command to re-lock the bootloader:
csharp
Copy code
fastboot oem lock
Rebooting: After re-locking, go ahead and reboot your device and the device itself will be set up with factory settings, plus re-locking of the bootloader.
Best Practices After Unlocking the Bootloader
An unlocked bootloader becomes a doorway to customization and tweaking. Yet it is bolstered by a good practice that will ensure your device does not come to harm.
Research Before Flashing: Never flash any custom ROM, kernel, or mod unless you have proper information about it. Read user reviews about it, check for unpatched bugs or known issues, and look for compatibility issues.
Keep a Backup: Always have an up-to-date backup for your current system. This can allow you to revert to a functioning state in case anything goes wrong.
Test New ROMs in Stages: Consider flashing any new ROM and test it over a period of days before throwing further mods or customizations on top of it. This tool aids you in spotting any problems from the get-go.
Join Communities: Engage with community online platforms like XDA Developers, Reddit, or particular Oppo forums. Such platforms help to lend a hand, provide insight from fellow users, and share mutual experiences relating to bootloader unlocking.
Security Awareness: Manual installation of applications requires utmost care in these circumstances, especially those that require root permissions. These malicious applications can take advantage of an exploit due to an open system.
Conclusion
Unlocking the bootloader of Oppo A72 helps you in toto towards customizing the smartphone experience. Meaning, custom ROM installation, root access, and system-level modifications. The caveats include warranty voiding, security risks, or even bricking your device, if executed wrongly.
Following this review will enable you to unlock your bootloader with confidence, knowing the precautions to take, and how to deal with problems should they arise. Besides working on enhancements or custom ROM installations, and deriding bloatware, the freedom to fully control your device rests in unlocking the bootloader. However, this freedom also carries responsibility, so always back up your data, do your homework, and be cautious.