Nokia 3.2/4.2 bootloader unlock method has been found, but it requires disassembly

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As many people in the comments are quick to point out, XDA is a site with a strong focus on customizing (read: “rooting”) Android devices. Many people find the idea of rooting their devices attractive, since it allows them to do quite a few things they normally couldn’t, such as fully removing bloatware and installing custom kernels. If you’ve rooted your phone before, chances are it first required that you unlock the bootloader. Unfortunately, if you’re one of the people who owns a Nokia 3.2 or Nokia 4.2, you may have noticed that there’s no official bootloader unlock method.

If you do own a Nokia 3.2 or Nokia 4.2 and you’re missing root, we have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that the Nokia 3.2 and 4.2 can now be bootloader unlocked, thanks to XDA senior member hikari_calyx. The bad news is that you’ll have to open up your device to do so. Standard warnings also apply: because you’re unlocking the bootloader, your warranty is technically void (it’s also void because you’ve opened the phone, though).

Currently, this method only gets you an unlocked bootloader. There isn’t a working root solution, and there’s no TWRP. However, hikari_calyx has promised to release a root guide in the near future.

If you’re comfortable with opening your phone and you don’t care about the warranty, go ahead and visit the thread on our forums, which details how to unlock the bootloader.

How to unlock the Nokia 4.2’s bootloader

How to enter EDL on the Nokia 3.2