OnePlus tightens bootloader unlock rules for ColorOS 16 and newer devices
OnePlus is making it harder to unlock the bootloader on Chinese-market smartphones running ColorOS 16 or later, introducing stricter identity checks, device limits, longer approval times, and a short window to complete the unlock once permission is granted.
The change marks a significant shift for OnePlus, a brand that has long been seen as more open to developers, Android enthusiasts, custom ROM users, and power users who like to modify their devices. With these new rules, bootloader unlocking is becoming more controlled and less convenient, especially for users who manage multiple phones or frequently test custom software.
According to a July 24 announcement from the ColorOS team in the OnePlus community in China, the updated policy expands the Deep Testing Program that was introduced in late 2025. Under the new requirements, users must meet several conditions before they can even apply for bootloader unlock approval.
Applicants now need a OnePlus account that is at least 60 days old and has no violations. They must also complete real-name verification and face verification, bind a phone number to the account, and log in on the target device for seven consecutive days. These steps are designed to make the process more traceable and reduce misuse, but they also add friction for legitimate users who simply want full control over their phones.
OnePlus is also introducing an annual device limit. Each real-name ID can receive bootloader unlock approval for up to four devices per year. The existing rule requiring a 30-day gap between applications remains in place, meaning users cannot rapidly submit unlock requests for multiple phones.
Another major change is the new quota system. Previously, the Deep Testing Program did not clearly state a fixed cap on the number of approvals. Now, OnePlus will release unlock quotas in batches. Devices that already support Deep Testing will receive their first quota release in September, followed by new quota releases on the first day of each month.
For devices launching with ColorOS 17 or later, bootloader unlock quotas will become available one month after the device is released. Phones that are upgraded to ColorOS 17 will follow the same schedule, with quotas opening one month after the update arrives. However, OnePlus has not revealed how many approvals will be available in each batch, leaving users uncertain about their chances of being accepted.
The review process is also getting longer. When the program first arrived for the OnePlus 15, the company listed the review time as one to two days. Under the updated policy, approval can now take up to seven working days. Once a user receives approval, they must complete the unlock within 14 days. If they miss that window, the approval expires and they need to apply again.
OnePlus says that unlocking the bootloader may affect return or exchange eligibility if the unlocking process causes functional damage to the device. However, the original warranty coverage remains in place for issues not caused by the unlock process. This distinction is important for users who are worried about losing all warranty protection simply by entering the Deep Testing Program.
The updated policy applies only to Chinese-market OnePlus devices running ColorOS 16 or newer. It does not apply to carrier-locked, enterprise-locked, or government-locked models, which remain excluded from the unlock process.
These changes arrive alongside stronger anti-rollback protections, making it more difficult for users to downgrade software after updating. Together, the new bootloader unlock restrictions and rollback limits suggest that OnePlus is moving toward a more tightly controlled software environment in China.
For everyday users, the change may have little impact. Most buyers never unlock the bootloader or install custom firmware. But for Android enthusiasts, developers, testers, and modding communities, the new policy is a major step away from the flexibility that helped build OnePlus’ reputation in the first place.
The stricter ColorOS bootloader unlock rules do not completely close the door on modification, but they do make the process slower, more limited, and more dependent on approval availability. Users planning to unlock a OnePlus device in China will now need to prepare early, meet all account requirements, watch for monthly quota releases, and complete the process quickly once approval is granted.
