Unlock the Power of Your Asus ROG Phone 2: How to Unlock Bootloader in 3 Easy Steps

Unlocking the bootloader of your Asus ROG Phone 2 opens up a world of possibilities, from installing custom ROMs to flashing custom kernels. It’s a powerful tool for enthusiasts who want to push their device to its limits. However, the process can be intimidating for beginners, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the technical aspects involved.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of unlocking the bootloader of your Asus ROG Phone 2, step by step. We’ll cover everything from the prerequisites to the potential risks involved, ensuring you have a smooth and successful experience.

Why Unlock the Bootloader?

Before we delve into the unlocking process, let’s understand why you might want to unlock the bootloader in the first place. Here are some key reasons:

• Install Custom ROMs: Unlocking the bootloader allows you to install custom ROMs, which offer enhanced features, improved performance, and even extended battery life compared to the stock firmware.
• Flash Custom Kernels: Custom kernels can optimize your device’s performance, unlock hidden features, and even improve battery life.
• Root Access: Unlocking the bootloader is a crucial step towards gaining root access, which allows you to gain full control over your device’s system files and customize it to your liking.
• Experimentation: Unlocking the bootloader provides a platform for experimentation and exploration, allowing you to try out different software configurations and push your device’s boundaries.

Prerequisites

Before embarking on the journey of unlocking your bootloader, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:

• Backup Your Data: This is crucial as unlocking the bootloader will wipe your device’s internal storage. Back up all your important data, including contacts, messages, photos, videos, and any other files you wish to preserve.
• Enable USB Debugging: Navigate to “Settings” > “About Phone” > “Software Information” and tap on “Build Number” seven times to enable Developer Options. Then, go to “Settings” > “System” > “Developer Options” and enable “USB Debugging.”
• Download Necessary Files: Download the latest ADB and Fastboot drivers for your computer from the official Asus website. You’ll also need to download the “Unlock Bootloader” tool provided by Asus for your specific ROG Phone 2 model.
• Charge Your Device: Make sure your ROG Phone 2 has at least 50% battery charge to avoid interruptions during the unlocking process.

Understanding the Risks

Unlocking the bootloader comes with certain risks. It’s important to be aware of these potential consequences before you proceed:

• Warranty Void: Unlocking the bootloader may void your device’s warranty, so consider this factor carefully.
• Data Loss: As mentioned earlier, unlocking the bootloader will wipe your device’s internal storage, so make sure you have a complete backup.
• Bricking Your Device: While unlikely, there’s a small chance of bricking your device if the unlocking process is interrupted or if you encounter errors.
• Security Risks: Unlocking the bootloader can potentially expose your device to security vulnerabilities, so ensure you install reputable software and take necessary security precautions.

Steps to Unlock Bootloader Asus ROG Phone 2

Now that you understand the prerequisites and risks, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of unlocking the bootloader:
1. Enable OEM Unlock: This option needs to be enabled in Developer Options. Go to “Settings” > “System” > “Developer Options” and enable “OEM Unlock.”
2. Download and Install ADB and Fastboot Drivers: Install the ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer. You can find the latest drivers on the official Asus website.
3. Connect Your Device: Connect your ROG Phone 2 to your computer using a USB cable.
4. Boot into Fastboot Mode: Turn off your device and press and hold the volume down button while connecting the USB cable to your computer. This will boot your device into Fastboot mode.
5. Open Command Prompt or Terminal: Open a Command Prompt window (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) on your computer.
6. Navigate to ADB and Fastboot Directory: Use the `cd` command to navigate to the directory where you installed the ADB and Fastboot drivers.
7. Verify Connection: Run the command `fastboot devices` to verify that your ROG Phone 2 is connected and recognized by your computer.
8. Download and Extract the Unlock Bootloader Tool: Download the “Unlock Bootloader” tool provided by Asus for your specific ROG Phone 2 model. Extract the contents of the downloaded zip file.
9. Run the Unlock Bootloader Tool: Navigate to the extracted directory and run the Unlock Bootloader tool.
10. Confirm Unlock: You’ll be prompted to confirm that you want to unlock the bootloader. Review the warning message carefully and proceed only if you understand the risks involved.
11. Unlock the Bootloader: The unlocking process will begin, and your device will reboot. It may take a few minutes for the process to complete.

Post-Unlocking Steps

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you’ll need to perform a few additional steps:

• Install TWRP Recovery: TWRP Recovery is a custom recovery image that allows you to flash custom ROMs, kernels, and other files. You can download the latest TWRP recovery image for your ROG Phone 2 model from the official TWRP website.
• Flash TWRP Recovery: Use the `fastboot flash recovery twrp.img` command to flash the TWRP recovery image onto your device.
• Boot into TWRP Recovery: Turn off your device and press and hold the volume up and power buttons to boot into TWRP Recovery.
• Install a Custom ROM (Optional): If you want to install a custom ROM, download the ROM file and flash it using TWRP Recovery.

Final Thoughts: The Journey Beyond

Congratulations! You have successfully unlocked the bootloader of your Asus ROG Phone 2, opening up a world of customization possibilities. Remember to always research and install reputable software, and to back up your data regularly. Enjoy exploring the vast potential of your device and pushing its boundaries to new limits!

Popular Questions

1. What happens if I lock the bootloader again?
Locking the bootloader will revert your device to its stock state, erasing any custom ROMs, kernels, or modifications you’ve installed.
2. Is unlocking the bootloader reversible?
Yes, you can re-lock the bootloader using the “Lock Bootloader” tool provided by Asus. However, this will erase all data on your device.
3. Can I unlock the bootloader of my Asus ROG Phone 2 if it’s running a custom ROM?
No, you need to be on the stock firmware to unlock the bootloader. You’ll need to flash the stock firmware before attempting to unlock the bootloader.
4. Can I unlock the bootloader of my Asus ROG Phone 2 if it’s rooted?
No, you need to unroot your device before unlocking the bootloader. You can use a rooting app to unroot your device.
5. What if I encounter errors during the unlocking process?
If you encounter errors, try restarting your device and repeating the unlocking process. You can also consult online forums or communities for troubleshooting tips.