Skip to main content

HTC unshackles its Android phones, explains how unlocking bootloaders will work

HTC Sensation 4G front sideRooting your HTC Android phone is about to get a little bit easier. HTC has been publicly working with users via its official Facebook page to learn how people want to use its phones. HTC first asked the question whether people wanted it to unlock bootloaders on HTC phones, and the answer was a resounding yes. On Wednesday, HTC updated the public how the unlocking process will work.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the concept of bootloaders, let us give you a quick recap. Companies like HTC and Motorola spend a lot of time and money making fancy skins on top of Android, and they want phone owners to use that software. In order to make sure that people use this software, the companies build software road blocks to prevent people from removing these skins and other modifications. Those roadblocks are locked bootloaders.

Even though HTC has said that all future Android devices will come with unlocked bootloaders, that leaves a few recent devices in an awkward position. The devices in question are T-Moble’s Sensation 4G and Sprint’s EVO 3D 4G. In order to unlock either of these phones, you will first have to register your phone with HTC, and agree that you are aware that by unlocking the bootloader you are voiding your warranty. Once the legal issues are out the way, you will have to plug your phone into a computer and load some software, and then you are basically home free. Once unlocked you will be able to freely root your phone to your heart’s content.

Even though HTC is making this a public affair it really is one of the last phone makers to unlock the bootloaders on its devices. Some companies like Samsung never locked them in the first place. Sony announced in March that all of its Xperia phones will come unlocked, with some strings attached. In terms of major Android phone makers, this only leaves Motorola with locked bootloaders.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Dunn
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Mike graduated from University of Arizona with a degree in poetry, and made his big break by writing love sonnets to the…
A new Google Pixel Tablet is coming, but it’s not what you think
Google Pixel Tablet on its charging dock.

It's been almost a year since the Google Pixel Tablet went up for preorder, leading many Android tablet fans to wonder when the inevitable Pixel Tablet 2 will arrive. A new rumor suggests that Google could release a new Pixel Tablet as early as next month, but it's probably not what you were expecting or hoping for.

According to @MysteryLupin on X (formerly Twitter), Google is planning to "relaunch" the Pixel Tablet without the charging/speaker dock included in the box. As you'll likely recall, the speaker dock is the Pixel Tablet's standout feature. You can use the Pixel Tablet on its own as a traditional Android tablet when you want, and when you're done, you throw it on the dock to transform it into a smart display. The idea of Google selling the Pixel Tablet without its claim to fame is an interesting one.

Read more
Anker sale: up to 40% off portable chargers, cable, and more
The iPhone 15 Pro Max being charged by the Anker MagGo Power Bank.

If you've been looking to pick up a new charging cable, charger, or all-in-one charging station for your Android phone or iPhone, then you'll be happy to know that Anker is having a rather large Earth-Day sale that you can take advantage of. There are a ton of discounts that you can take advantage of, too, with up to 40% off in some cases. I that wasn't enough, you can even snag yourself some free gifts, for example, one of the best accessories for a Galaxy S24 is the Anker Nano Power Bank if you spend more than $90,  or even an Anker 621 Magnetic Battery if you spend over $120. Either way, there are a lot of options, and while we've shared some of our favorite deals below, it's also worth taking a look at everything Anker has to offer by pressing the button below.

What you should buy during Anker's Sale
One of the most basic things you may need for any device is a charging cable, and Anker has a couple of great options for that. If you're on an older iPhone with a lightning cable, you can grab Anker's Anker 641 USB-C to Lightning Cable that's 6 feet long using the coupon WSPEV2KENJP2. On the other hand, if you need a USB-C to connect and charge your devices, you can grab the 6-foot Anker 543 USB-C to USB-C Cable using the code WSPEV2EHDR0C.

Read more
I keep forgetting about the Apple Watch Series 9’s coolest feature
Apps on the Apple Watch Series 9's screen.

I’m just going to come out and say it: I love the Apple Watch Series 9. A couple of weeks ago, I returned to wearing it every day after an extended period of not doing so. And you know what? I was surprised by how much I’d missed it.

But one thing has bothered me this time around: There's a feature I haven't been using. Not because it’s bad, but because I tend to forget it's there.
Effortless to own and wear

Read more