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Before you relock an Android bootloader, confirm that the exact device is running manufacturer-approved, properly signed software and that you have backed up your data. Relocking modified or unsupported software can cause verification to fail and leave the phone unable to boot. There is no universal relock sequence, and these checks reduce risk rather than guarantee a brick-proof result.
Why relocking can make a phone unbootable
An unlocked bootloader can allow software that is not signed by the device’s trusted root. Once locked, the bootloader verifies the operating system against that root of trust. If the installed system does not meet the device’s requirements, verification can fail. The Android Open Source Project explains the relationship between bootloader state and verified boot in its device-state documentation.
For that reason, do not relock while a custom ROM, patched boot image, modified recovery, root modification, or mixed set of firmware components is installed—unless the manufacturer or ROM project documents a supported signed-key relock method for that exact device and configuration. “Looks like stock” is not enough; the software must be accepted by the device when locked.
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Preflight checklist before you relock
- Identify the exact device and build. Record the model, regional variant, Android version, and current build. Instructions for a related model or another region may not apply.
- Find the current official instructions. Use the manufacturer’s relocking and firmware-restoration procedure for that exact model and installed build. A generic command is not a substitute for those instructions.
- Back up your data and recovery access. Treat relocking as a data-erasing operation. AOSP says device-state transitions wipe data partitions, and Google warns that manually locking a Pixel may require a factory reset. Make sure you can restore files and sign back in afterward.
- Restore the supported software state. Remove unsupported modifications and restore the relevant partitions and firmware to the manufacturer-approved state. Follow the exact model’s procedure; do not improvise by mixing images from different builds.
- Boot and verify before locking. Confirm the phone boots successfully and use the manufacturer’s verification method, if available, to check that the installed OS is trusted and unmodified.
- Check boot-slot and anti-rollback requirements. Apply any release-specific sequencing precautions for the model and build before you relock.
- Follow the exact relock steps and watch the device. Be present to confirm any on-screen prompt, let the operation finish, then verify that the phone boots normally and reports the expected locked and verified state.
Why a generic fastboot command is not a universal recipe
AOSP documents fastboot flashing lock as a way to lock the bootloader and reset the device. That describes a generic Android procedure; it does not establish that every manufacturer, model, regional variant, or software build uses the same command or sequence. AOSP also notes the reset in its bootloader locking and unlocking instructions. Use the device maker’s procedure for your exact phone rather than trying the command simply because it appears in general Android documentation.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Pixel-specific checks and current firmware cautions
These details apply to Pixel devices, not Android phones generally. Google’s Android OS verification instructions distinguish bootloader status from the OS boot state. In the Bootloader check, “Locked” needs no further action; “Unlocked” can be manually locked, but Google says a factory reset may be required. Back up first. In the Boot state check, “Verified” means the OS is official and unmodified; “Self-signed” indicates a custom signing key, and “Failed” means the OS is corrupted. Google points users who need repair toward a Google-approved public build or the Pixel Repair tool.
Google’s Factory Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices page, last updated October 6, 2026, includes model- and release-specific anti-rollback and boot-slot precautions. Check it again immediately before acting; these are not general Android rules.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- Some Pixel 6, Pixel 8, and related models: Google says the May 2025 Android 15 update raised the bootloader anti-rollback version for Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a. Affected devices cannot flash and boot older Android 15 builds afterward. Google’s instructions call for updating and booting the release, then sideloading the corresponding full OTA and rebooting to ensure both slots have a bootable image.
- Pixel 10 models: Google says the May 2026 Android 16 update raised the anti-rollback version for Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. It warns that falling back to an inactive slot containing an older bootloader can leave the device unbootable. Follow the current page’s steps for the affected model and build before flashing.
Pixel factory image or full OTA: which route fits?
For Pixel owners restoring software, Google says a full OTA image is typically easier and safer to sideload than a factory image. In most cases, sideloading a full OTA does not require an unlocked bootloader or a data wipe. A factory-image installation erases data; Google recommends relocking after that work is complete. The right route still depends on the exact device, build, and Google’s current instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
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