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Understanding Security Levels and Bootloader Unlocking

Deep dive into device security levels and how to safely unlock bootloaders.

12 min readadvancedUpdated Dec 20, 2025

Understanding Security Levels and Bootloader Unlocking

What is a Bootloader?

The bootloader is the first program that runs when you power on your device. It verifies the integrity of the operating system.

Security Levels

  • Locked: Default state, only official software
  • Unlocked: Allows custom ROMs and modifications
  • Relocked: Returned to locked state

Unlocking Process

  1. Enable OEM Unlocking in Developer Options
  2. Boot to bootloader mode
  3. Use Pegasus Tool unlock feature
  4. Confirm on device

Risks and Considerations

  • Warranty may be voided
  • Data will be wiped
  • Some features may stop working

Brand-Specific Notes

Xiaomi

Requires Mi Unlock authorization (wait period)

Samsung

Knox will be triggered permanently

OnePlus

Simple unlock process available

Related guidance.

More published documentation from the same area of Pegasus.