So I chatted with ZTE today and it's not looking good for unlocking the bootloader. I know we've already kinda known this, but I wanted to find out for myself. I am not a developer in any way, shape or form, I just enjoy root and all things root. I could tell this guy was just giving canned responses but, anyway, here is the transcript:
Justin H.: “Thank you for contacting ZTE’s Chat customer service, we appreciate your business and value our relationship. At the end of this session you will receive a brief three question satisfaction survey on the support you received. Please take the time to provide your feedback on your experience today. Thank you.”
Justin H.: Hello, my name is Justin. How can I help you with the bootloader?
Erik S.: Hi Justin, I was hoping you could provide me with some assistance in unlocking the bootloader on my ZMAX Pro today.
Justin H.: We do not provide information for unlocking the bootloader on the Zmax pro.
Erik S.: Okay. Why is that?
Justin H.: It would void the warranty.
Erik S.: That's fine, I'm not concerned with the warranty. I am a developer and need access to the bootloader. If the bootloader is unlocked, barring any hardware issues I can fix any software related issues myself.
Justin H.: I understand, however we do not have information on how to unlock the bootloader on the device.
Erik S.: What about access to adb and fastboot?
Justin H.: It would be the same thing we do not have information for those items.
Justin H.: You can always search the internet for information on how to unlock the device.
Erik S.: Okay, someone at ZTE must have that information. Who would I need to speak with?
Justin H.: We do not have that information.
Erik S.: Someone does. You can't develop and mass produce Android devices without someone in your company knowing about the bootloader.
Justin H.: The best you can do is to go onto our Z community and see if anyone would be able to to give you that information.
Justin H.: Here is our z community page:
https://community.zteusa.com/welcome
Erik S.: Lol. C'mon now, Justin. You know that effort is futile. Is there a way I can chat with or call your development team?
Justin H.: I understand that you are wanting to have us unlock your device.
Erik S.: Yes, sir.
Justin H.: We do not unlock the Zmax pro.
Justin H.: The only device currently that we are working on unlocking the bootloader for is the Axon 7.
Erik S.: You've mentioned that before. How can I get in touch with your development team?
Justin H.: You can post on the z community forum.
Erik S.: I'm sure the development team isn't very active there. There has to be a way to get in touch with your development team directly.
Justin H.: The development team is not readily available to talk to customers.
Erik S.: I understand if they're not readily available. They are very busy people. They can get in touch with me whenever they have the chance...
Justin H.: You can also see about emailing
mobile@zte.com.cn to see if they can route your question to the development team.
Erik S.: Or if you guys want to swap my ZMAX Pro for an Axon 7. I am specifically working on an application that is having bugs with ZTE handsets in particular and need need access to the bootloader to pull the logs.
Justin H.: Since the Zmax Pro is a carrier device, you would need to return the device to MetroPCS and then order a Axon 7.
Erik S.: You've been an incredible help, Justin. Thank you so much for your insight.
Justin H.: Are there any other questions I can answer today?
Erik S.: Not at all. You have a stupendous day!!!
Justin H.: Thank you for choosing ZTE. Have a nice day and don't forget the short survey at the end of the chat. Just tap on disconnect at the top of the chat.
You have disconnected.