Here’s a concise write-up explaining why you need to flash the unlock token first on a OnePlus device before unlocking the bootloader — and why doing so gives OnePlus a better, safer unlocking experience compared to other brands.
Step 1: Obtain the Unlock Token
Step 3: Connect Your Device to Your Computer
This comprehensive guide will break down exactly what this error means, why OnePlus implemented it, and—most importantly—how to get a better unlocking experience. We will cover: the distinction between OnePlus’s old and new security policies, the step-by-step process to generate and flash an unlock token, and how to avoid the "token trap" entirely by choosing better models or software versions.
Retrieve Unlock Code: Boot your phone into Fastboot mode and run the command fastboot oem get_unlock_code on your computer.
Download and flash the token:
After 7 days, OnePlus emails you a .bin file. Flash it: