Could someone head over to the documentation https://support.fairphone.com/hc/en-us/articles/10492476238865-How-to-unlock-and-re-lock-the-bootloader and remove the (optional) from the last step? Many application need a (boot)locked device. Enabling bootlock later will wipe the phone as is stated. Se…

First of all, the Forum is a user forum, so we cant head over and change. Second, it is optional! Everyone has to and can decide on their own what to do, based on their needs.

But you can use your phone with open bootloader, so in my opinion is optional.

It is not optional if you want to use your phone for something useful like e-banking.

But only if you have checked that it is safe to lock. If the newly installed os is older than the os that used to be on the phone you will brick your phone. A bricked phone can only be solved by sending it to Fairphone and pay about 50 euros.

it might be for you it is not optional, however there are more needs and opinions out there, thus it is optional. Beside what Lidwien says

Dictionaries and technical reality determine that you are objectively wrong. Relocking the bootloader is optional. Period. [image] theking2: It is not optional if you want to use your phone for something useful like e-banking Other people and other opinions exist, countering every such s…

[image] theking2: It is not optional if you want to use your phone for something useful like e-banking. I use my phone with unlocked bootloader for more that 3 years now, and I have no problem with my banking app. Obviously it depends of the bank, but the one I have allows unlocked bootloader…

Banking works for me even with an unlocked bootloader. There should probably be a text explaining why you should probably lock the bootloader, but it is most definitely optional.

I installed an alternative OS then installed a new update, then checked the settings were correct before relocking my bootloader. Bricked my phone and also I couldn’t get into it to unbricked it, had to send it in. Even having a newly uodated OS, months newer than the original OS, didn’t prevent my …

▶ [image] A safe guide to install /e/OS on your Fairphone If you plan to relock the bootloader after the installlation this is not mandatoty, and only available with Official version, why relocking ? Most important thing to take care about is the “android Security Update" aka "Security Patch Le…

Relock the bootloader is not optional

Discuss The Industry

piero-e April 20, 2026, 5:59pm 13

Relock the bootloader is **not** optional

Relock the bootloader is not optional