Samsung’s One UI 8 Blocks Bootloader Unlock for Many Users

Key Points

• Samsung’s One UI 8 Blocks Bootloader Unlock for Many Users
• New Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 ship with locked bootloaders
• Code change hints at stricter security in future updates
• Community fears future Galaxy devices will block custom ROMs

Samsung’s latest software update, One UI 8, might be doing more than just refreshing the interface; it’s quietly shutting down bootloader unlocking for global Galaxy users.

This change has raised red flags across Android development communities, especially among users who love custom ROMs and full control over their devices.

Bootloader unlocking allows users to override stock firmware, install custom operating systems like LineageOS, and make deep-level changes to how their phone works. It’s a vital feature for developers, modders, and power users — but One UI 8 might be the end of that.

BREAKING: Samsung has removed Bootloader Unlocking Option with OneUI 8 builds

Additionally, OneUI 8 internal firmware for Galaxy S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra relock your bootloader if it’s unlocked.

It applies to all OneUI 8 builds of any device, be it S25, S25 Ultra, Z Fold etc. pic.twitter.com/UHaKOLXJRf

— Tech and Leaks (@TechLeaksZone) July 26, 2025

First noticed on the newly released Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7, the feature was found missing in the device settings.

Digging deeper, developers uncovered a line in the system code that reads androidboot.other.locked=1. This line wasn’t present in previous versions — or more accurately, it used to be set to0, enabling bootloader unlocking for users outside the U.S.

Now, even international models — which traditionally allowed unlocking — appear to be following the same restrictions that U.S. devices have faced for years. The limitation was also discovered in One UI 8 beta builds for the upcoming Galaxy S25, pointing toward a wider and more permanent policy shift.

This move has stunned Android enthusiasts who were not expecting such a drastic restriction, especially without an official announcement from Samsung.

This echoes recent changes in the tech world, such as Apple’s shift toward Liquid Glass display tech in iOS 26, where tighter control over hardware is becoming the norm.

Exclusive‼️

Samsung has been deleted OEM Unlocking Option in Developer options!!@UniverseIce @tarunvats33 pic.twitter.com/qSjgqRgRfQ

— 🌟 너때문 🌟 (@ya_sking12767) July 26, 2025

Developers and modders express growing concern

The Android developer community has long relied on Samsung phones for their strong hardware and modding potential. While Samsung wasn’t as open as Google or OnePlus, it at least allowed international users the freedom to unlock bootloaders and install third-party software.

But with One UI 8, this silent policy change is cutting off access without warning.

On forums like XDA Developers, users are already expressing concern over what this means for the future. Some are calling it the “beginning of the end” for custom ROMs on Samsung phones.

For the Samsung enthusiast, OEM unlocking has been removed from OneUI 8. This feature had already been removed in the US. This now applies to all regions.

(Per: @sammygurus @thatjoshguy69) pic.twitter.com/RZtnAzncMZ

— Jason C. (@_TheJasonC) July 27, 2025

Others are holding out hope that the company might introduce an official method for unlocking the bootloader, perhaps through a developer portal or special tool, but so far, there’s no indication that Samsung is considering such an option.

Modders rely on unlocked bootloaders to install lightweight custom ROMs, improve battery life, remove bloatware, and even extend the life of aging phones.

Losing this access reduces the device’s flexibility and discourages developers from using Galaxy devices for testing or building new Android tools — especially as platforms like Google evolve through initiatives like the Opal AI App Builder to attract more developer engagement.

In One UI 8, Samsung has removed the OEM unlock option from the developer settings.

So, rooting and installing custom recovery are no longer possible on One UI 8. pic.twitter.com/4yzCMnMdXR

— Rajesh Rajput (Technobuzz) (@iRaj_r) July 27, 2025

Moreover, it’s not just about flashing ROMs. Rooting, using Magisk modules, custom recoveries, and overclocking all rely on an unlocked bootloader. Without it, Samsung phones essentially become locked-down systems, limiting the power-user experience many have come to expect.

Samsung’s silent shift toward a closed ecosystem?

This change in bootloader policy may be part of a larger trend: Samsung

Samsung removes bootloader unlock in One UI 8 update#Samsung #OneUI8 #BootloaderUnlock #AndroidNews #GalaxyZFold7 pic.twitter.com/KpgWjviBqP

— TechPP (@techpp) July 28, 2025

moving closer to a closed ecosystem, more like Apple.

For years, Samsung has balanced consumer freedom with corporate control — offering flexibility to developers while still maintaining device integrity. But locking bootloaders globally seems like a clear sign that the company may be leaning toward prioritizing security and consistency over openness.

It’s worth noting that a locked bootloader does offer benefits. It strengthens security, prevents unauthorized firmware, and helps with warranty and device integrity. For the average user, this might sound like a good deal.

But the problem lies in the lack of transparency. There was no warning, no changelog mention, and no communication from Samsung about removing such a major feature. That silence is what’s frustrating the developer community the most.

With more users looking to customize and take control of their devices, a locked ecosystem can feel suffocating. It reduces user choice and moves Android further away from its original open-source spirit.

Developers now fear that future Galaxy devices, especially flagships like the Galaxy S25, will ship with full lockdowns and no bootloader access,  anywhere in the world.

Meanwhile, competitors continue to innovate — for instance, Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 5G has positioned itself as a developer-friendly alternative with built-in connectivity, and even wireless standards are shifting with Qi2’s 25W fast charging making headlines for faster, open tech adoption.

What Galaxy users should know before updating

If you’re a Galaxy user interested in custom ROMs, rooting, or deep device customization, here’s the key takeaway: do not update to One UI 8 just yet.

If your device is still on One UI 7 or earlier, and you value the ability to unlock your bootloader, it’s better to hold off on the update until more information is confirmed. Once the update installs and the new bootloader policy takes effect, there may be no going back.

Additionally, if you’re planning to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, or wait for the Galaxy S25, it’s important to note that these phones will likely ship with One UI 8 and a locked bootloader, with no available toggle in the settings to unlock it.

So far, Samsung has not issued any public statements. It remains to be seen whether the tech giant will address the concerns, offer alternatives for developers, or simply continue down this path of tighter control.

Until then, the community is on high alert, and Galaxy phones might lose a loyal portion of their power-user base if this change becomes permanent.

Also, for developers looking to adjust their strategies or explore other tools, Google recently shared a new Web Guide that helps creators adapt to the changing Android and app landscape.