On the flip side, we don’t regularly associate custom development with devices from LG. However this time things are different, and for good. The guys over at XDA have already managed to grab hold of all the important tweaks that you could execute on your device. This includes the likes of unlocking the bootloader and then rooting your device via Magisk. As far as this guide is concerned, our focus is on the former one. So without further ado, let’s start off with the instructions to unlock the bootloader on LG G8, G8s, and G8x.
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Benefits and Risks of LG Bootloader Unlocking
Once you unlock the bootloader on your device, there are a plethora of customizations that you could try out. These include the likes of flashing custom recovery like TWRP or getting your hands on a custom ROM. Likewise, you could even gain access to the system partition by rooting it via Magisk. This in turn will allow you to flash Magisk Modules, Substratum Themes, Xposed Frameworks, and the likes. However, these tweaks might bring in a few risks as well. To begin with, the process will wipe off all the data on your device and might make the warranty null and void as well. Likewise, the Widevine L1 will be degraded to L3 and you wouldn’t be able to stream Netflix in HD. Banking apps like Google Pay mighty also not function as expected (though you could hide root bypassing the SafetyNet). So if it’s all well and good, then let’s proceed ahead with the steps to unlock the bootloader on LG G8, G8s, and G8x.
How to Unlock Bootloader on LG G8, G8s, and G8x
Well, the process is somewhat different than how you would have unlocked the bootloader on your device till now. You will have to download a few files for the process to be successfully carried out, so grab them from the below section. This guide would not have been possible without XDA Member Seasee606, so credits go to him for the instructions, and the abl, frp, and firehose files.
Downloads
First off, download the QPST Tool: QPST_Tool_2.7.496.rar.Likewise, also install its associated driver file: QPST_QFIL_QUD.WIN.1.1_Installer-10037.3_Setup.zip.Then you will also have to install Android SDK Platform Tool. This is the official ADB and Fastboot Binary file provided by Google.Also, install the LG USB Drivers from their official site.After this, download the ‘abl’ file (while it is named as abl_a, but it is the same for both the partitions): abl_a.bin.Next up, download the Program Firehose File: prog_ufs_firehose_sm8150_lge.elf.Finally, install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 Drivers. These are required so that your PC is able to identify the connected device in EDL mode.If you are having the Verizon LG G8 device as well, then you need to download its FRP file as well: frp_verizon.img
That’s it, these were the required files. You may now start off with the guide to unlock the bootloader on LG G8, G8s, and G8x. Droidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm doesn’t wake you up, or if anything happens to your device and data by performing the below steps.
Install the Drivers
First and foremost, you will have to download the required driver files. These include the QPST Tool, its Driver files, as well as the LG USB Drivers. Likewise, extract the Android SDK Platform-Tools to any convenient location on your PC.
Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
You will now have to enable both USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking. The former will make your device recognizable by the PC in ADB mode. This will then allow you to boot your device to Fastboot Mode. On the other hand, OEM Unlocking is required to carry out the bootloader unlocking process. So head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
Boot LG G8/G8s/G8x to EDL Mode
The next step in this guide to unlock the bootloader on LG G8, G8s, and G8x requires you to boor your device to the EDL mode. This Emergence Download Mode is mostly used for unbricking the device, but as of now, it will also come in handy while carrying out the unlocking process. So follow the below steps to boot the device to EDL (make sure that your device is currently booted to OS as of now)
Backup LG G8/G8s/G8x abl_a.bin and abl_b.bin Files
In the subsequent section, we will be replacing the stock abl partition file with the engineer mode. So let’s take a backup beforehand of both these files. Likewise, we will also be taking a backup of boot.bin files for both the partition, as it will help us in rooting the device. If you want to take a more secure path, then you may also take a backup of the stock modem files (so that in case of network issues, you may directly flash this modem file and fix the issue). Here are all the instructions for the same: With this, we have backed up all the required files. Let’s now proceed to the final section of this guide to unlock the bootloader on LG G8, G8s, and G8x.
Boot LG G8, G8s, and G8x to Fastboot Mode
As of now, your device is booted to EDL mode, so the normal adb reboot bootloader command wouldn’t work. You will instead have to take the help of hardware key combinations. In this regard, there are two different ways out:
Method 1: Press and hold the Vol Down and Power button together. Then release the Power button as soon as your device reboots when reboot starts. But keep on holding the Volume Down button and your device shall be booted to Fastboot.Method 2: If that doesn’t work out, then unplug the device from the PC and power it off. Now keep on pressing the Volume Down button and plug it back to the PC. The device will be booted to Fastboot.
Once your device is booted to Fastboot, refer to the value next to Active A/B Slot and see if it is _a or _b. Note it down as it will be used later on.
Unlocking the Bootloader on LG G8, G8s, and G8x
So with this, we conclude the guide on how to unlock the bootloader on LG G8, G8s, and G8x. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.
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