How to Unlock a Chromebook With Just Your Phone for FREE!

Chromebooks have become increasingly popular over the past few years due to their affordability, security, ease of use and seamless integration with Google services. However, one downside of Chromebooks for some users is that they come preloaded with Chrome OS and you cannot install other operating systems on them by default. This means your software choices are limited to web apps and Android apps available on the Google Play store.

If you want more control over your Chromebook and the ability to install Linux or even Windows on it, you will need to unlock the bootloader first. Here is an updated guide for October 2023 on how to unlock your Chromebook bootloader so you can install a new OS, dual boot or replace Chrome OS entirely.

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Prerequisites before Unlocking the Bootloader

Before you unlock the bootloader and make changes to your Chromebook's software, there are some important prerequisites to complete first:

• Back Up Your Data - Make sure to backup any important data, photos, documents etc. Unlocking the bootloader will wipe your Chromebook, so you want to preserve your information first. Copy files to cloud storage or an external hard drive.
• Charge Your Chromebook - Unlocking and installing a new OS will require your battery to be fully charged. Plug in your charger and get the battery to 100% before beginning.
• Get Your Hardware Model - You need to know the exact model of your Chromebook before unlocking. On the underside of most Chromebooks you'll find a sticker with the model number. Write this down.
• Check Developer Mode Switch - Many newer Chromebooks have a physical developer mode switch you need to toggle before unlocking. Check if your device has this switch on the side or back.
• Enable OS Verification Off - In Chrome OS you may need to enable a flag called OS Verification Off first. Open a new browser tab and go to chrome://flags then search for this flag. Click "Enabled" and restart.
• Read Unlock Instructions - Every Chromebook model has different unlock steps. Do some research to find the correct bootloader unlock instructions for your specific model.

Following these prerequisites will ensure you are ready to safely unlock your Chromebook bootloader.

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The Dangers of Unlocking a Chromebook

Before you choose to unlock your Chromebook and tamper with the operating system, it's important to understand the risks and dangers involved:

• Void Your Warranty - Unlocking the bootloader almost always voids your device's warranty from the manufacturer. Any issues that arise may no longer be covered.
• Brick Your Device - If any errors occur during the unlocking process, you could "brick" your Chromebook rendering it unusable. A bricked device is essentially frozen and won't boot up properly anymore.
• Lose Chrome OS - The unlocking process will wipe Chrome OS off your device entirely. You'll need to reinstall it if you want to revert back after installing Linux or Windows.
• Security Risks - With the bootloader unlocked, your Chromebook could be more vulnerable to malware and hacking since you'll have full access.
• Advanced Process - Unlocking and installing operating systems requires some technical knowledge. The process can be tricky if you aren't tech-savvy.

While the dangers may seem scary, for many, the benefits of having full control over their Chromebook outweighs the potential issues. Just be cautious and follow all unlocking steps carefully to avoid problems.

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How to Enter Developer Mode on a Chromebook

The first main step in unlocking the bootloader on your Chromebook is to put the device into Developer Mode. Here's how to do it:

On Newer Chromebooks (2017 and Later)

1. Power off your Chromebook if it's currently on.
2. Locate the physical Developer Mode switch on the side or back of the device. It likely has an icon or text like "Dev Mode".
3. Hold down the Esc and Refresh keys together, then tap the Power button to turn on your Chromebook. Keep holding Esc + Refresh until the screen turns on.
4. The device will boot into recovery mode and display a yellow exclamation mark.
5. Insert a paper clip or pin into the Developer Mode switch hole and press firmly. Your Chromebook's screen will go blank for a minute.
6. When it boots up, you will see a scary warning screen about turning OS verification Off. Press Ctrl + D or Enter to continue.
7. Your Chromebook will boot up and success - you are now in developer mode! You will see "OS verification is OFF" each time you reboot.

On Older Chromebook Models (2016 and Earlier)

The steps are slightly different on older Chromebooks from 2016 and earlier since they lack the physical developer mode switch:

1. Power off your Chromebook.
2. Hold down the Esc and Refresh keys together, then press Power. Keep holding Esc + Refresh keys.
3. Your Chromebook will boot into recovery mode with an exclamation mark.
4. At the recovery screen, press Ctrl + D. Confirm by pressing Enter.
5. Wait for the process to finish. The scary warning screen will appear - press Ctrl + D or Enter to continue.
6. Success! Your older Chromebook is now in developer mode too.

Entering developer mode is required before you can unlock the bootloader and install Linux, Windows or other operating systems on a Chromebook.

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Unlocking the Bootloader on an Acer Chromebook

Acer makes several popular Chromebook models like the R11, 14, 15 and Spin. Here are the steps to unlock the bootloader on an Acer Chromebook:

1. Enable Developer Mode using the steps above.
2. Open a Chrome browser tab and visit chrome://flags. Search for and enable "Enable booting from USB devices". Restart.
3. Power off your Acer Chromebook.
4. Hold Volume Down + Power to boot into the legacy boot menu.
5. On the legacy boot menu, select Boot Maintenance Manager.
6. Choose Developer Options then select Enable Boot from USB.
7. Also select Enable Legacy Options and Enable Developer Firmware Updates.
8. Choose Update Options. The bootloader is now unlocked!

Follow any additional steps to install Linux or Windows from a USB drive. Your Acer Chromebook's bootloader is successfully unlocked.

Bootloader Unlock on an ASUS Chromebook

For ASUS Chromebooks like the Flip C100PA, C201P, C201PA and Flip C302, use these steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode using the instructions above.
2. Open a tab and go to chrome://flags. Enable "Enable booting from USB devices".
3. Power off your ASUS Chromebook. Hold Volume Down + Power to enter the boot menu.
4. Select Boot Maintenance Manager > Developer Options.
5. Choose Enable Boot from USB then Update Options.
6. Also enable Enable Developers Firmware Updates and Legacy Boot Options.
7. Press F10 to save changes and exit. The bootloader is now unlocked on your ASUS Chromebook.

You can now boot Linux or Windows installation media to dual boot or replace Chrome OS.

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Unlocking Bootloader on Samsung Chromebooks

Samsung makes several Chromebook models like the Plus, Pro, 3, Plus V2 and more. Use these steps for Samsung:

1. Enable Developer Mode on your Samsung Chromebook using the steps above.
2. Open chrome://flags and enable "Enable booting from USB devices". Restart.
3. With your device turned off, press & hold Ctrl + Esc + Refresh and tap Power.
4. Your Chromebook will boot to the white Developer Mode screen.
5. Press Ctrl + D to confirm switching to Developer Mode (this will take several minutes to complete).
6. Once back at the login screen, the bootloader is unlocked!

Now you can install Linux, Windows or boot from USB drives on your Samsung Chromebook. The bootloader is successfully unlocked.

Unlocking the Bootloader on an HP Chromebook

For HP Chromebook models like the x360, G1, 14A, x2, 14 and more, use these steps:

1. Enable Developer Mode on your HP Chromebook using the instructions previously covered.
2. Open a browser tab and go to chrome://flags. Search for "Legacy Boot" and enable it. Restart.
3. With your Chromebook powered off, press Esc + Refresh + Power. Keep holding until recovery mode loads.
4. On the recovery screen, press Ctrl + D then Enter to confirm switching to Developer Mode. Wait several minutes for it to finish.
5. Once the process completes, press Ctrl + D again then Enter to return to the login screen.
6. The bootloader is now unlocked on your HP Chromebook!

You can now install or boot different operating systems from USB or SD card.

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Unlocking the Bootloader on Lenovo Chromebooks

For Lenovo Chromebook models like the N23, S330, C340, Flex 3, 100S and more, use these steps:

1. Enable Developer Mode on your Lenovo Chromebook using the instructions covered previously.
2. Open chrome://flags and enable "Legacy Boot" then restart.
3. Press & hold the Refresh and Power buttons together. Keep holding until the Lenovo splash screen appears.
4. Your Chromebook will boot into recovery mode. Press Ctrl + D, then Enter to confirm switching to Developer Mode. Wait for it to finish.
5. Once back at the login screen, the bootloader is successfully unlocked on your Lenovo Chromebook!

You can now install or boot different operating systems like Linux or Windows.

Unlocking the Bootloader on Other Chromebook Models

The steps to unlock the bootloader may be slightly different depending on your exact make and model of Chromebook.

Here are some tips for other common brands:

• Dell - Enable Developer Mode then press Ctrl + Alt + F3 to access the firmware utility and enable boot from USB.
• AOpen - Turn on Developer Mode then press Esc + Refresh + Power and press Ctrl + D to confirm.
• CTL - Enable Developer Mode, press Alt + Ctrl + Forward Delete then Ctrl + D to unlock.
• Edxis - Enter Developer Mode then press Alt + Ctrl + Refresh and Ctrl + D to unlock bootloader.
• Haier - Developer Mode on, press Alt + Ctrl + Back + Refresh, then Ctrl + D.
• Viglen - Enable Developer Mode, press Alt + Ctrl + Refresh, then Ctrl + D.
• ViewSonic - Turn on Developer Mode, hold Esc + Refresh + Power, Ctrl + D to unlock.

Always search for the exact directions tailored to your model of Chromebook. The steps may vary slightly.

Dual Booting Linux and Chrome OS

Once your Chromebook bootloader is unlocked, you can install Linux to dual boot alongside Chrome OS for more flexibility:

• Download your preferred Linux distribution ISO file like Ubuntu, Mint, Zorin, etc.
• Write the ISO image to a USB drive or microSD card using software like Balena Etcher.
• Connect the installation media to your Chromebook and boot into it from the boot menu.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to install Linux. Choose "install alongside Chrome OS".
• After installation, you'll get the option to boot Chrome OS or your new Linux OS at startup!

Dual booting allows you to keep Chrome for secure web browsing while also getting access to a full Linux desktop environment.

How to Replace Chrome OS with Windows or Linux

If you want to completely replace the Chrome OS on your device with Windows, Linux or another operating system, follow these steps:

1. Fully back up your Chromebook's data and take note of your Google login details. Unlocking will erase everything.
2. Unlock the bootloader following the steps for your specific Chromebook model.
3. Download the Windows 10 or Linux ISO file you want and image it to a USB drive or microSD card.
4. Boot from the installation media and select the option to erase disk and perform a clean install.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to install your new OS. The installation will overwrite Chrome OS entirely.
6. Once complete, your Chromebook will boot directly into your freshly installed operating system.

Going this route gives you a Windows laptop, Linux machine or Chromebook running whatever OS you prefer for full control.

Recovering Chrome OS After Unlocking Bootloader

If you change your mind and want to go back to the default Chrome OS on your Chromebook, recovery is pretty straightforward:

On Newer Models With Recovery Button

1. Power off your Chromebook, then hold Refresh + Power.
2. When the recovery screen appears, insert a paperclip into the recovery hole usually located on the side.
3. Press the recovery switch down then reboot. Chrome OS will download and perform a fresh install.

On Older Models Without Recovery Button

1. Power off your Chromebook, then hold Refresh + Power to enter recovery mode.
2. On the recovery screen press Ctrl + D then Enter to confirm.
3. Chrome OS will reset back to factory default. Sign in with your Google account when prompted.

Recovering Chrome OS will delete any Linux, Windows or other operating systems installed and restore your locked down Chromebook to factory settings.

Tips for Maintaining Chromebook Security After Unlocking

While unlocking your Chromebook gives you more options, it also raises security risks. Use these tips to stay safe:

• Only visit trusted sites and stick to the Chrome browser for web security.
• Make sure you logout from your Google account if you let others use your device.
• Enable encryption on new operating systems you install like Linux or Windows.
• Use strong passwords and change them periodically.
• Always keep your Chromebook updated with the latest security patches.
• Use two-factor authentication for Google and other important accounts.
• Don't overwrite Chrome OS entirely if you don't need to - dual booting is safer.
• Revert back to locked down Chrome OS when you aren't using other operating systems.

With some security awareness, you can safely enjoy the benefits of an unlocked Chromebook bootloader when you need it.

Unlocking Your Chromebook in October 2023 and Beyond

Unlocking your Chromebook's bootloader opens up new possibilities that Chrome OS doesn't allow by default. While there are risks involved, many users feel more in control of their device once it is unlocked.

As we head into October 2023, the unlocking process remains relatively unchanged. However, Google could potentially make changes in future Chrome OS releases to restrict unlocking capabilities - similar to restrictions added in 2017 models and beyond.

The Chrome OS team is aware many advanced users depend on unlocked bootloaders for Linux/Windows dual booting. Hopefully they continue supporting this demographic's needs. But if you want more control over your Chromebook, unlocking the bootloader in October 2023 is still required.

Looking ahead, always stay on top of any new Chrome OS changes that could impact methods for unlocking bootloaders. The core process of enabling Developer Mode then resetting certain firmware flags should continue working on most Chromebooks. But manufacturers may add hurdles to prevent tampering with their hardware.

Overall the instructions covered here should allow you to successfully unlock your Chromebook's bootloader in October 2023 and continue installing other operating systems. Just be prepared to alter your steps if Google decides to tighten down screws on security and freedom. With some web searches, you can usually find up-to-date unlocking methods.

Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about unlocking Chromebook bootloaders

Q: Will unlocking my Chromebook void the warranty?

A: Yes, unlocking the bootloader and installing other operating systems almost always voids your Chromebook's manufacturer warranty. Tampering with the software is not covered.

Q: Do I need to be tech-savvy to unlock a Chromebook?

A: Some basic comfort with technology is recommended. You'll need to access recovery modes, use keyboard shortcuts, edit flags in chrome://flags, and follow technical instructions. It's manageable for most users but can be tricky.

Q: Can I still use Android apps if I replace Chrome OS with Linux?

A: Unfortunately Android app support requires Chrome OS. If you fully replace Chrome OS with regular Linux, Android apps will no longer work. Dual booting is better if you want both.

Q: Will unlocking prevent my Chromebook from getting updates?

A: No, you can still receive Chrome OS updates even with the bootloader unlocked. However, major updates may overwrite any other operating systems you have installed.

Q: Is it illegal to unlock my Chromebook bootloader?

A: No, unlocking the bootloader is not illegal, as you own the hardware. However, it does breach your terms of use with Google and voids the warranty. But there are no actual laws preventing you from unlocking your device.

Q: Can I resell my Chromebook after unlocking the bootloader?

A: You can resell an unlocked Chromebook, but you will want to restore it back to factory default Chrome OS first or let the buyer know it is unlocked. Relocking the bootloader is usually not possible.