Guide to Unlock Samsung Galaxy Nexus Bootloader

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Google’s Galaxy Nexus (GT-I9250) ships with a locked bootloader, thus posing a big restriction on the modification of device software. It’s impossible to root your device or install any custom ROM on it unless the device bootloader is unlocked. So, let’s see how you can unlock your Galaxy Nexus with ease using Wug’s Galaxy Nexus Root Toolkit.

NEW – How to Root Galaxy Nexus without unlocking Bootloader

NEW – How to Unlock Galaxy Nexus Bootloader without wiping any data

Note: Unlocking will wipe your entire device data, apps, settings, SD card contents, etc. It’ll factory reset your device, so it’s recommended to take a proper backup first. [See: How to Backup Galaxy Nexus Apps & Data without Rooting]

– Unlocking may also void your device warranty. Be sure before proceeding.

Tutorial – Unlocking Galaxy Nexus Bootloader

1. Make sure you’ve taken a backup of your entire device data.

2. Download Galaxy Nexus Root Toolkit and install it on your computer.

3. Important – You now need to configure ADB and Fastboot drivers for your Galaxy Nexus using the toolkit. Follow this detailed tutorial carefully to setup the drivers.

4. Now enable USB Debugging on your device and connect it to computer via USB. Then open the toolkit (Run as Administrator).

5. In Galaxy Nexus Root Toolkit, select your device model (CDMA or GSM) and click the ‘Unlock’ option. A command prompt window will open up, press any key to continue.

Galaxy Nexus Root Toolkit

6. The device should now reboot into bootloader. A screen titled ‘Unlock Bootloader’ will appear on your phone. Select ‘Yes’ to unlock (use volume keys to navigate and power key to make your selection.)

unlock-bootloader_galaxy-nexus

7. The unlocking process will start and the device will soon boot up.

fastboot-mode_galaxy-nexus

Voila, GN should be unlocked now! You can confirm that by rebooting bootloader and check the device lock state. More easier way to determine it is by rebooting your device normally and look for a small lock image on initial boot screen.

You can now flash the latest stock Android release without rooting the device. 🙂

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Mayur

Mayur Agarwal is the founder and editor-in-chief of WebTrickz. As a Technology enthusiast and an Internet addict, he loves sharing useful How To’s and Tips & Tricks. Follow him @mayurjango on Twitter where he is extremely active.

14 Responses

  1. Jessica says:
    May 25, 2012 at 6:26 pm

    6. The device should now reboot into bootloader. A screen titled ‘Unlock Bootloader’ will appear on your phone. Select ‘Yes’ to unlock (use volume keys to navigate and power key to make your selection.)

    Im stuck there ! :(.

    I did the step 5, but it didnt reboot into bootloader o-o
    What should i do?

    Reply
  2. Jessica says:
    May 25, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    I reboot it and says “Lock Status: UNLOCKED”

    But i dont have that thing that says “FASTBOOT STATUS: DOWNLOAD 128378123”

    I mean, plus, my phone didnt got a factory reset o_o

    What should i do ?

    Reply
  3. hamidhst says:
    June 21, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    Is there an option to close the bootloader after opening it?

    Reply
  4. Shaaz says:
    August 8, 2012 at 12:28 am

    DONE!!!! THANKS MAYUR!!!!

    This guide is BRILLIANT!!!!!

    Reply
  5. ten says:
    August 30, 2012 at 10:20 pm

    i’m now on jb! thanks a bunch! u made it so easy!

    Reply
  6. Ally says:
    September 27, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    THANKS ALOT FOR YOUR SUPPORT. I HAVE CHANGED TO GOOGLE SERVERS DIRECTLY FOR UPDATES….I HOPE THIS WAY I WILL GET ALL FIRST AND FAST UPDATES WITHOUT WAITING FOR SAMSUNG TO RELEASE UPDATE FOR MY GALAXY NEXUS(I9250).

    THANKS AGAIN.

    Reply
  7. Ron says:
    November 30, 2012 at 6:15 am

    Woo Hooo! So long Samsung Servers!!!!

    Reply
  8. riyad says:
    January 24, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    i’m using Galaxy Nexus Root Toolkit 1.6.2 but when i press unlock it get stuck in fastboot menu and shows fastboot device not found. what to tdo? i’ve already installed ADB and fastboot drivers. When it goes into fastboot menu it searches for Android 1.0 driver. Please help.

    Reply
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