What does a locked/unlocked bootloader mean?

[EmilVee]

I know Motorola's not generally good with having unlocked bootloaders on their phones (though I've heard that they plan to change this gradually), but I've never really understood the implications of this.

I assume it has some effect on the ease of rooting or something? Could someone please explain? Thanks.

 

[motoracer1486]

What Is Bootloader And How To Unlock Bootloader On Android Phones [Complete Guide]

 

[903Tex]

Thats fine if it's locked. What i dont want to see or (YOU) is a encrypted locked bootloader. Even though the phone is stock android, doesnt mean that motorola and Virgin mobile want through a curve on the bootloader.


Android Phones with Encrypted Bootloader:Unhackable? | Productive Organizer

 

[EmilVee]

Thanks for the news. Guessing an encrypted locked bootloader would be nightmare mode for devs, then? How much easier would an unencrypted locked bootloader be to handle?

 

[903Tex]

adb oem unlock in command prompt while phone is in fastboot.

Simple as that!!!

 

[EmilVee]

Ah, I read about that in an article, but it pertained to the Nexus S. Really glad to hear it applies universally to unecrypted BLs, though! Hope Motorola goes that route.

 

[903Tex]

Thats if the bootloader comes unlocked. But if not the it'll probably be like the optimus v