Unlocking the bootloader of any smartphone devices such as the Realme 6 would prove to be really beneficial for a user wanting to go beyond the restrictions imposed by the stock software. It gives unrestricted access to the entire device for custom ROM installation, deeper system modifications, and also gives root access. However, great things come with responsibilities, and thus unlocks the bootloader under certain risks and hurdles as well.
In this Article, everything has been summarized for the readers regarding unlocking the bootloader on Realme 6, such as benefits, dangers, stepwise procedures, and effects on the device. By the time you complete reading, you would have a sheer understanding of whether unlocking the bootloader on your Realme 6 is a right thing to do.
1. Bootloader- What Is That?
It is essential to define a bootloader before commencing unlocking on the Realme 6 as it is related to your devices and its functions.
What Bootloader Does?
This is a short program that starts the booting process on the phone. It will run every time you turn on the smartphone so that the right Operating System and software will be loaded. Bootloaders check if the software is intact and that it hasn’t been modified. If everything checks, it will go on booting.
By default on almost all Android devices, including Realme 6, the bootloader is locked. This helps prevent installation of any unauthorized or custom software onto the phone. This thus prevents malignant software and accidental damage to the device; however, it also limits the user willing to play around with the system.
What makes bootloaders locked?
Realme manufacturers, among other manufacturers, lock bootloaders for reasons of stability with security and hence warranty preservation. By keeping the bootloader locked, only such software that has been signed by the manufacturer will be working on the device. On the other hand, unlocking the bootloader provides the option of making relatively drastic changes to the device but has some risks involved with it and it voids the warranty.
2. Advantages of Unlocking the Bootloader of Realme 6
Unlocking the bootloader on Realme 6 devices gives innovative user flag-on benefits, especially for advanced users and developers who would consider exploring every possible wing of a device. Some key benefits are highlighted below:
a. Install Custom ROMs
Q: What is a bootloader? A: The main reason people consider unlocking bootloaders is to flash custom ROMs. A custom ROM is an Android version that is modified and distributed by development communities without any involvement of the mobile manufacturer. Such custom systems deliver features that do not exist in the stock firmware, boost performance, and in many cases, provide newer or the latest Android versions officially unsupported from the manufacturers.
While the Realme 6 features the Realme UI above Android, users can install popular custom ROMs like LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or EvolutionX after unlocking the bootloader, to change the look and feel, improve performance, or even battery life.
b. Require Root Access
The next biggest benefit is having root access on the device. Rooting essentially gives you access to system files and permissions that are denied access to everyone else. Simple uses involving root access can be:
Remove bloatware that comes along with the device;
Install applications that dislike even requiring system-level privileges;
Change the UI significantly;
Enhance the performance by overclocking or undervolting the CPU and GPU;
Set up a global ad-blocker within system files.
c. Kernel Changes
The kernel is the essential core of the Android operating system-the hub between the software and hardware. As bootloaders are unlocked, one can now install custom kernels that optimize battery for more efficient performance, like double-tapping the screen to wake the device.
Realme 6 can also use customized kernels to get the best out of the hardware, the already powerful Helio G90T chipset, to improve gaming performance and extend battery life through power-saving kernel tweaks.
d. Custom Recovery
With an unlocked bootloader, you can install a custom recovery such as TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). Custom recoveries provide more advanced features than the regular stock recovery, such as:
Creating full system backups (Nandroid backups)
Flash custom ROMs, kernels, and mods
Wipe partitions selectively without wiping the entire device
TWRP comes with Realme 6 that’s also good for trying new roms and kernels as it provides backup features up through the process.
e. Complete System Control
Unlocking the bootloader basically gave you the entire control over the device. The manufacturer’s restrictions are no longer applicable, which allows you to utilize that Realme 6 in its complete potential.
3. Risks and Disadvantages of Bootloader Unlocking
It is one of the many opportunities that bootloader unlocking provides and not without drawbacks. These potential disadvantages should be weighed up before any of these proceeds:
a. Voiding the Warranty
It shall most undoubtedly void the warranty provided by the manufacturer if the Realme 6 is unlocked. In other words, if your device encounters a hardware or software problem that is otherwise supposed to be covered by the warranty, Realme does not have any compulsion to repair or replace it. However, this might vary in different regions and under various local laws, so please check your warranty terms.
b. Security Vulnerabilities
An unlocked bootloader makes your device much more vulnerable to security breaches. Malicious software can easily take control of the device because the bootloader does not validate the operating system anymore. This is very important when using the Realme 6 for mobile banking, as you will be dealing with personal data.
Additionally, when you unlock the bootloader, you will disable Google’s SafetyNet, which checks security and could deny some apps to work, for instance: Google Pay, Netflix, and other banking apps.
c. Brick Risk
There is always the possibility of bricking your device while doing this task. Bricking means making your phone unusable, and that mostly happens after a failed installation of software or wrong modifications. While most soft-brick phones can be recovered using custom recovery or flashing stock firmware, a hard brick makes your Realme 6 unusable forever.
d. Data Loss
Unlocking the bootloader on the Realme 6 will erase all data on the device and reset it to factory settings. In effect, you lose all your apps, photos, contacts, and any other personal data unless you back them up beforehand. To back up completely is, therefore, crucial before one starts the unlocking process of the bootloader.
e. Updates and Official Support
When the bootloader is officially unlocked, updates through OTA (Over-the-Air) by Realme might no longer work, or the updates might fail to install. The device could get stuck on some earlier versions, and hence, can be updated only using custom ROMs or reverting back to stock firmware for updating. In addition, Realme stops helping with any troubleshooting in case the unlocked device causes issues post-unlocking.
4. A Step-by-step Guide on Unlocking the Bootloader of Realme 6
Now that you know about the pros and little cons of unlocking the bootloader, let us take you through the stepwise procedure for Realme 6. But first, take care to backup all your important information since this whole procedure is going to wipe your device.
Step 1: Prerequisites Windows or Mac Computer; USB Cable to Connect Realme 6 with the Computer; ADB and Fastboot Should Be Installed on Your Computer; at least 50% Battery Charge on Your Realme 6; Back Up All Your Data.
Step 2: Enable Developer Options Go to Settings on your Realme 6. Scroll down and tap on About Phone. Find Build Number and tap it seven times to unlock Developer Options. You will see a message saying, “You are now a developer.”
Step 3: Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging Go to Settings, Additional Settings. Scroll down and click on Developer Options. Toggle OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging to enabled.
Step 4: Apply for Bootloader Unlocking Permission
Realme needs a request from the user for unlocking the bootloader. To do the same, follow these operations:
Download the Realme Unlock Tool APK from the official Realme website or forums.
Install the APK on your Realme 6 and open the app.
Accept all terms and conditions.
Click Apply Now to submit your application.
Your device will verify the request and after about 15 minutes, if successful, you will see the message: “Review successful”.
Step 5: Unlocking Bootloader
Power down your Realme 6.
Press and hold both Volume Down and Power buttons together to run it in Fastboot Mode.
Use a USB cable to connect your Realme 6 smartphone to a computer.
On your computer, open the ADB and Fastboot command window.
Type the following command to check if your device is connected:
Copy code
fastboot devices
If your device is listed, proceed to the next step.
Type the following command to unlock the bootloader:
Copy code
fastboot flashing unlock When you see what on your Realme 6 will not show here, were prompted to use the Volume Up button to confirm it Bootloader unlock. Your device will reboot now, and the bootloader will be unlocked. However, it will erase every bit of data on your phone so ensure you have backed it all up and proceed.
5. Post-Unlock Considerations for Realme 6
Once you have unlocked the bootloader of your Realme 6, there are also various considerations and processes you should know of in order to enjoy a seamless experience with your device: Read More Here Tags:Bootloader Realme Unlock Bootloader Steps.
a. How to Install a Custom Recovery (Optional)
After unlocking the bootloader, the most sought-after action is installing a custom recovery, such as TWRP. A custom recovery gives you much more control over your device, enabling you to easily flash custom ROMs, kernels, etc. This is also the one through which it is possible to perform full system backups, commonly known as Nandroid backups, which can be used to restore your device in case something goes wrong.
Steps for Installing TWRP Recovery:
1. Download TWRP image file for Realme 6 from the official TWRP website or from any trusted community forums.
2. Now boot your device into Fastboot Mode: by pressing Volume Down and Power buttons.
3. Plug in your Realme 6 and then open up an ADB and Fastboot command window.
4. Type in the following command to flash TWRP:
Copy code
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
(Replace “twrp.img” with the actual filename of the TWRP image you downloaded.)
You can boot into TWRP now by holding Volume Up and Power after the installation process is finished.
Once installed, you can flash custom ROMs, kernels, and much more. You can also make complete backups of your system for safety. You can also root your Realme 6 here by flashing Magisk systemless root, which can preserve some of the system features like SafetyNet checks.
b. Rooting your Realme 6 (Optional)
Rooting your Realme 6 gives full access to the operating system and facilitates modifying system files, performance tweaking, and installation of resource-hungry apps needing root access. Magisk is the most popular way of rooting any Android device.
Steps for Rooting Your Realme 6 Using Magisk:
Download the recent version of Magisk ZIP file by official Magisk site.
Boot into TWRP recovery using Volume Up and Power key.
Then tap Install in TWRP and browse to the Magisk ZIP file.
Swipe to confirm installation.
Finally, reboot the device after installation.
Now, your Realme 6 will be rooted, giving you access to many advanced system tweaks, customizations, and apps requiring root access.
c. Custom ROMs and Kernels
With an unlocked bootloader and TWRP in place, you can witness the magic of custom ROMs and custom kernels. This can really change things for you in terms of performance, appearance, and functions of the mobile device. Some examples of popular custom ROMs available for Realme 6 are LineageOS, Pixel Experience, and ArrowOS.
Custom kernels are useful to tweak the CPU/GPU settings for saving battery or add some custom stuff like double tap to wake, overclocking, etc. Before using any of the above, make sure you read the reviews and know how they work with the hardware of Realme 6 so that you choose a ROM or kernel according to your needs.
6. Restoring Stock Firmware and Relocking Bootloader
If after unlocking the bootloader of your Realme 6 you decide that you want to return to stock firmware or relock the bootloader for some reason (such as preparing the device for sale, or you no longer want to use custom ROMs or root access), it is certainly possible to revert such activities.
a. Flash Stock Firmware
By flashing the stock firmware, your Realme 6 returns to the factory state, undoing any changes made using custom ROMs or root access. Here is the process:
Download the official stock firmware for the Realme 6 from the official Realme support website.
Boot your device into Fastboot Mode (Volume Down + Power).
Open the ADB and Fastboot command window on your computer.
Flash the stock firmware by using the appropriate commands (usually detailed in Realme’s official flashing instructions).
After flashing, your device will reboot with the official Realme UI installed.
b. Re-Locking the Bootloader
If you are looking to restore original security settings on the bootloader, then you have to follow these steps:
Boot the device into Fastboot Mode (Power + Volume Down).
Connect Realme 6 to the computer.
Open ADB and Fastboot command window.
Type the following command:
csharp
Copy code
fastboot oem lock
Confirm on your device by selecting the appropriate option using the volume keys. The device will reboot, and the bootloader will be locked again.
Re-locking the bootloader deprives the memory and thus wipes up all your data, ensure that the backup of vital information is taken before performing this.
FAQs and Common Concerns about Bootloader Unlocking in Realme 6
Q1: Will my warranty get void if I unlock the bootloader of the Realme 6?
Yes, unlocking bootloader would void your warranty in most cases, but in some parts of the world such as in the United States where laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act exist, you may have rights against voiding your warranty through unlocking your bootloader as long as whatever you’re claiming is not directly related to the unlocking of your bootloader. Always check your local laws and the terms of Realme’s warranty.
Q2: Is it possible for me to still receive OTA updates after unlocking the bootloader?
Most of the time, OTA updates do not work with the unlocked bootloader, mainly if the device has been rooted or has custom recovery. In such cases, manual updating of your device will have to be done using custom ROMs and flashing with stock firmware.
Q3: Can I brick my Realme 6 by unlocking the bootloader?
Yes, it can brick your device due to improper following of the instructions, or an error occurring while flashing. Most problems can be solved, though, by tools like TWRP and flashing stock firmware. But backups are always advised before a precautionary measure.
Q4: Will unlocking the bootloader erase all the data on my phone?
The bootloader unlocks factory settings, wiping devices completely, and all data will disappear from every part of the device. Backup data carefully before doing the process.
Q5: Can I lock the bootloader again after unlocking it?
Yes, you can re-lock the bootloader using the fastboot oem lock command at any point of time. However, doing that will wipe all data on your phone. Hence, it would be best to back it up first before trying anything.
Conclusion
Realme 6 bootloader unlocking reveals a whole new world of customizations and control of the device. You want to install custom ROMs, root the devices, or tweak the performance of the device, or maybe just have some more control over the phone; unlocking the bootloader is freedom in itself. However, this incurs some risks such as voiding warranty, vulnerability to security risks, and the chances of brick if undertaken in the wrong way.
For the enthusiasts and those advanced users who know these kinds of risks, this would really make Realme 6 a fresh device because personalizing it will give them a complete user experience. But for a common user, the cost might outweigh the benefits, and it might be better to stick with the stock firmware.
At the end, it is always better to weigh pros and cons before finally deciding to unlock your bootloader. In case you proceed, ensure that each step is followed to a tee and that all your data is backed up to have a smooth experience.
Disclaimer: This guide is meant for educational purposes. Unlocking the bootloader and modifying your device can void your warranty and may cause irreversible damage if not performed properly. Thus, do so at your own risk and caution.