If you have a Nexus 6 and with updated Android 5.0 Lollipop firmware then you can easily unlock the Nexus 6 bootloader manually with Android SDK and fastboot as Nexus 6 comes with a locked bootloader. Here’s a step by step guide that how to unlock the bootloader of your Nexus 6 successfully without bricking it. To unlock the bootloader is required if you want to install new custom ROMs, custom Recoveries, kernels and other customizations as well as if you want to root its firmware. Actually unlocking the bootloader, removes OEM / manufacturer restrictions imposed on your device, so after unlocking its bootloader, you’ll be able to install third-party root apps and tweaks etc to improved its performance and functionality.
image credit: droid-life.com
Note: This guide is for Motorola Nexus 6 only. Do not attempt this guide on any other phone, as it might brick your device. You can check the model of the device by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
Warning:
AndroidXDA.net will not be held responsible for any damage or lose occurred to the device during or after the unlocking bootloader process. Proceed at your own risk.
Before Getting Started:
- Unlocking the bootloader will completely wipe all data from your phone. Even the internal storage will be deleted. So it is highly recommended to take backup of your important data and settings first.
- Download & Install Nexus 6 USB Drivers
- Enable USB Debugging mode by navigating to Settings > Developer Options.
- Make sure that the battery level is at least about 80% of your Nexus 6.
Steps to Unlock Nexus 6 Bootloader Running Android 5.0 Lollipop:
Step No 1:- Download Android SDK/Fastboot (installer_rXX.X-windows.exe) on your Windows-based PC from this link.
Step No 2:- If you have already installed Android SDK, then just download Fastboot from this link.
Step No 3:- Unzip it to the directory named android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools. If this directory does not exist then create a new one.
Step No 4:- Boot your Nexus 6 into the Bootloader/Fastboot Mode. To do this first Turn Off your Nexus 6 and then press and hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power buttons at the same time for a while, until a message having Start icon displays on the screen.
image credit: droid-life.com
Step No 5:- Navigate to the folder named android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools where you have unzipped files in Step No 3. Now run Command Prompt and type the following command:
fastboot oem unlock
Step No 6:- Finally, complete the bootloader unlocking and data-wiping process on your Nexus 6 by follow on-screen instructions.
Step No 7:- The device will be rebooted automatically after the bootloader is unlocked. Or you can also reboot your Nexus 6 by typing the following command:
fastboot reboot
Done! You have successfully unlocked the bootloader of Nexus 6. Let us know in the comments section below if you have any problem during the process of unlocking the bootloader.
Source: Team Android
