One of the more popular questions we hear about new smartphones is “will the bootloader be unlockable”? Often times the answer is no. Especially when it comes to carrier smartphones, as they don’t want you messing around with flashing ROMs, kernels and such. Although T-Mobile and Sprint are usually pretty open about unlocking bootloaders. Verizon and AT&T on the other hand, not so much. The Galaxy Note 4, one of the more popular Samsung phones in recent memory (who are we kidding, they are all popular), and the last smartphone from Samsung with a removable battery, has finally gotten its bootloader unlocked. After 18 months of being available.
Unlocking the bootloader on the Verizon Galaxy Note 4 isn’t that tough. Although we’d recommend you reading through the forum post linked in the source section below. Keep in mind that you will be changing the CID of your device, as well as needing a microSD card that will be formatted to do this. Also important to remember that unlocking the bootloader will indeed void your warranty. So if you’re fine with all of that. Go ahead and unlock that bootloader and start flashing some custom ROMs on that smartphone.
The Galaxy Note 4 was and is a great smartphone. In fact, you can pick one up now for around $250. It’s still one of the best “larger” sized smartphones out there, and if you happen to love the S Pen, then it’s definitely a great smartphone to check out. Those that are looking to flash a ROM onto your Verizon Galaxy Note 4 after unlocking the bootloader, it’s important to remember that if you flash an AOSP custom ROM then your camera isn’t going to work real well afterwards. This is due to the proprietary software used for the camera. The same thing happens with any other smartphone like the HTC One M9 or the LG G4. It’s not unique to the Galaxy Note 4, but it is something to keep in mind.
With that said, those that want to go ahead and unlock your bootloader, remember to be careful as it is possible to brick the device. Although very unlikely. And Happy Flashing!