OEM Unlocking Greyed Out? Here’s How to Enable It uf5w

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? 2k5g1w

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 c55o

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 302w17

Wait 7 Days with Wi-Fi Connected 1y3j56

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 306x5r

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 45v2y

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 1i6m2i

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 2h5b2g

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) 6p3c1i

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) d6l1l

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 3u1l5w

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 3x586e

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) 5d6t4n

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 18a26

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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