- OEM unlocking is a setting in Android that lets you unlock the bootloader to customize your phone, but if it's greyed out, you can't do advanced modifications. Common reasons include recent resets, missing s, incorrect settings, or carrier restrictions.
- To fix the greyed-out OEM unlocking, ensure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi, wait 7 days after setup, enable Developer Options, and check date and time settings. For Samsung devices, using Frija or Odin to flash official firmware may help.
- If you're using carrier-locked or company-managed phones, permissions for OEM unlocking might be blocked, so ing the carrier or IT could be necessary. For Xiaomi, Oppo, and Realme phones, additional steps like setups and
If you’re trying to unlock your Android phone’s bootloader and notice that OEM unlocking is greyed out or the option is missing, it can be frustrating. This problem is common, especially on Samsung, Xiaomi, and other Android devices released after 2021. The good news is there are tested solutions that work in 2025.
In this guide, you’ll learn why OEM unlock is greyed out, what causes the issue, and how to fix it step-by-step, without damaging your device or voiding your warranty unnecessarily.
What Is OEM Unlocking? 4n4g52
OEM unlocking is a developer setting in Android that allows you to unlock your device’s bootloader. Once enabled, you can flash custom ROMs, root your phone, and modify the system.
If OEM unlock is disabled or OEM unlocking is greyed out, you won’t be able to unlock the bootloader or make any advanced changes to your phone.
Common Reasons Why OEM Unlock Is Greyed Out 4x5m34
These are the most common causes of the OEM unlocking greyed out issue:
- The phone has been recently factory reset or is less than 7 days old
- The phone is not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data
- No Google or Samsung is signed in
- Developer Options are not enabled
- You’re using a carrier-locked phone that blocks bootloader unlocking
- The phone is managed under MDM (Mobile Device Management)
- The phone has unofficial or region-specific firmware
How to Fix OEM Unlock Greyed Out – Step-by-Step Solutions 593sg
Wait 7 Days with Wi-Fi Connected 39416
For many Samsung devices, the OEM unlock option stays hidden for 7 days after setup or a factory reset. This is part of a security policy.
- Connect your phone to Wi-Fi
- Sign in with your Google (and Samsung if applicable)
- Leave the device powered on and connected continuously for 7 days
- Do not reset the phone or remove the during this time
After 7 days, go to:
- Settings > About phone > Software Information
- Tap Build Number 7 times to enable Developer Options
- Go to Settings > Developer Options
- You should now see the OEM unlocking option enabled
If OEM unlocking is still greyed out, try the next method.
Enable Automatic Date and Time 4933j
Sometimes incorrect date and time settings can prevent the OEM unlock toggle from appearing.
- Go to Settings > General Management > Date and Time
- Enable Automatic date and time
- Restart the phone
- Check Developer Options again
This method works especially on Samsung and OnePlus devices running newer Android versions.
Add a Google or Samsung 426u1m
Many devices require a valid Google or Samsung before allowing bootloader unlock.
- Go to Settings > s
- Add your Google (and Samsung if using a Samsung phone)
- Connect to Wi-Fi and leave the phone idle for a few hours
- Reboot the phone
Check if OEM unlock is now visible and no longer greyed out
Properly Enable Developer Options m1c5p
If you haven’t correctly enabled Developer Options, the OEM unlock setting won’t appear.
- Go to Settings > About phone > Software information
- Tap Build Number 7 times until it says “You are now a developer”
- Go back to Settings
- Tap Developer Options
- Look for OEM unlocking — if it is greyed out, continue with the next solutions
Install the Latest Firmware 57i3h
An outdated Android version may have bugs or carrier restrictions that cause OEM unlocking to be greyed out.
- Go to Settings > Software Update
- Install all available updates
- Reboot your device
- Check Developer Options again
If your phone was region-specific, this update might also unlock OEM settings that were previously blocked.
Use ADB (If USB Debugging Was Enabled Before) 1l6y3w
If you had USB debugging turned on before OEM unlock got disabled, try this method.
- Connect the phone to a computer with ADB and Fastboot installed
- Open a terminal or command prompt
adb devices adb reboot bootloader
- If the phone enters bootloader mode, type:
fastboot oem unlock
Note: This may not work if OEM unlocking is greyed out, but it’s worth trying on certain older devices.
Flash Stock Firmware (Samsung Only) 5d3g1
If you’re using a Samsung phone and OEM unlocking is greyed out, flashing official firmware with Odin can reset restrictions.
Requirements:
- Odin Tool
- Stock firmware for your exact model ( from SamMobile or Frija)
- Windows PC and USB cable
Steps:
- correct firmware and Odin
- Boot phone into Mode
- Flash the firmware using Odin
- After reboot, enable Developer Options and check OEM unlocking
Warning: This may void your warranty. Always use firmware meant for your exact model and region.
Device Management (MDM) or Carrier Lock 7446v
If your phone was given by a company or purchased via a carrier, OEM unlock may be permanently disabled.
In these cases:
- the carrier and request bootloader unlocking (some will refuse)
- If it’s a work phone, ask the IT to remove device management policies
- Consider buying an unlocked version of the same device if modification is necessary
Special Case: Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme 5c4b6e
If you’re using one of these brands:
- Xiaomi requires a Mi and Mi Unlock Tool. There’s also a 168-hour waiting period after applying to unlock.
- Realme and Oppo require submitting a request form through the official developer community before enabling bootloader unlock.
Until those steps are completed, OEM unlocking will remain greyed out.
Bonus Tip: Use Frija or SamFirm (Samsung) 5f149
Tools like Frija and SamFirm help you official Samsung firmware quickly for your exact model and CSC (region).
- and extract firmware
- Use Odin to flash
- This can restore missing settings, including the OEM unlock option
Conclusion 685h2e
If OEM unlocking is greyed out, it’s usually due to issues, recent resets, or software restrictions. Start with the basics — connect to WiFi, sign in to your , wait 7 days, and enable Developer Options properly. If that doesn’t work, try updating your firmware or flashing stock ROM.
Stick to official methods, avoid shortcuts, and always double-check your device model and region. One of these methods will fix the OEM unlock greyed out issue — just follow the steps patiently and in order.
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