Samsung is reportedly removing the bootloader unlocking on all phones with One UI 8 update

One UI 8

Samsung may be tightening control over its smartphones with the upcoming One UI 8 update. According to a report by a contributor on XDA Developers, the company appears to be disabling bootloader unlocking across a broader range of devices, including international models that previously supported it.

Traditionally, Samsung phones in the US did not offer the OEM Unlocking toggle in Developer Options, preventing users from unlocking their bootloaders. However, a change spotted in the latest One UI 8 beta firmware suggests this restriction could now be expanding globally. The key discovery is a new line in the bootloader configuration — androidboot.other.locked=1.

This line disables the OEM Unlock toggle entirely, blocking the initial step required to unlock the bootloader. Its presence in non-US firmware implies that Samsung may no longer allow bootloader unlocking even in regions where it was previously possible.

Initial user reports suggest that devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 running the One UI 8 beta do not show the OEM Unlock option in Developer Options. This was confirmed by users outside the US, indicating the restriction may no longer be region-specific. Some speculate this could be an oversight in the beta, but no clarification has been issued by Samsung yet.

Unlocking the bootloader allows users to install custom ROMs, root their devices, and perform deeper software customizations. This move, if permanent, would be a setback for developers and power users who rely on bootloader access.

As of now, phones not updated to One UI 8 still retain the option to unlock the bootloader. However, once the update rolls out or new models ship with One UI 8 and Android 16, this freedom may be removed entirely.

Samsung has not officially confirmed the policy change. An update or clarification from the company is awaited.