How to Unlock Bootloader on Verizon Galaxy S5

The Verizon Galaxy S5 is one of the tricky devices to crack. As the bootloader is locked on the device, it’s not simple to exploit it to obtain root access. However, with the continuous efforts of developers all around the world, the device can finally be rooted. The rooting process is quite tricky, so we have made a detailed tutorial on how to root Verizon Galaxy S5 previously. Your device won’t be unlocked after the rooting process, so you still need to unlock the bootloader on Verizon Galaxy S5 to flash any firmware, etc… The bootloader unlocking process is as tricky as the rooting process, so we have compiled a detailed tutorial to help you unlock the bootloader on Verizon Galaxy S5.

This tutorial is only mean for Verizon Galaxy S5, so don’t try it on any other variant. Also, it works only for users with 15′ Samsung eMMC’s and not for users with 11 Toshiba eMMC’s. You can check it by reading the file “/sys/block/mmcblk0/device/cid” and it should show something like 15xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or 11xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Don’t consider the number of Xs in the above strings. Just consider the first two numerics, and they will give you information about which eMMC your device is using. You should root your Verizon Galaxy S5 before proceeding with this tutorial. So, root your device by following the below link and also install the Safestrap app.

How to root Verizon Galaxy S5

In this tutorial, you’ll need to flash few files from safestrap, so we expect that you have some basic understanding on safestrap. Also, you can’t do anything in this tutorial if your device is not rooted. So, make sure you’ve rooted your device and installed safestrap prior to this tutorial.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with the tutorial, make sure you’ve checked these from your list. Don’t omit any of the below prerequisites or you may end up in a tricky situation which you’ll regret later.

1. Turn OFF Reactivation Lock

Reactivation lock must be disabled on your device. For those of you who don’t know, it’s a safety lock implemented by Samsung to prevent unauthorized access on lost or stolen devices. To do this:

Open Settings » Security and scroll down to Reactivation Lock. Uncheck the box next to it to disable this feature.
You will be prompted to enter your Samsung Account password, to make sure you are the rightful owner of the device. Enter your password and wait till everything’s complete.
You will now see the Reactivation Lock as disabled.
If you do not see the Reactivation Lock option, it means your device is not linked to a Samsung Account. So, you don’t need to do anything in this step.

2. Enable USB Debugging

Go to Settings » About phone » Build number and tap it 7 times to enable Developer options on your device. Then go back to Settings » Developer options and enable USB Debugging and OEM unlocking (if available).
Also, disable “Verify apps over ADB” option in the developer settings.

3. Install USB Drivers and Other tasks

Install the latest Samsung Kies or USB Drivers installed on your PC. Skip this step if you have any of them already installed on your computer.
Backup everything on your device and SDcard as everything will be wiped during the process.
Charge your device to ensure 60% battery level at least.
Download Odin tool: Odin3_v3.10.6.zip