What Is A Bootloader

You Keep Hearing The Term Bootloader Here And There But Your Not Sure What It Means..... No Biggie, We've Got You Covered.

The Bootloader is simply a security gateway or checkpoint. Hmmmm, still confused right? No worries, let me explain further.

The Android Systems storage is basically like a hard drive made up several partitions. One of those partitions holds the Android system files, another holds all the app data you accumulate, and others to handle some under-the-hood stuff.

So, the Bootloader acts as a gateway to all those different partitions. Every computer (Smartphones, Laptops, heck even Microwave Ovens) has one and it is what tells the hardware where to look and how to boot things up when you power on your device. The Bootloader is important because it checks a few things by default to make sure the software you're running is genuine. Most mobile or embedded devices are the same way, and that's because if you're able to swap out what the Manufacturers put on those partitions, you're might break things if you don't know what you're doing, or maybe corrupt software might try to mess with all your stuff.

Well, there are basically two answers. The first and most obvious answer, an unlocked bootloader which doesn't verify the software makes it easy to install and use custom ROMs. The second and the least obvious answer, the manufacturers just dont want you getting cool new features on older phone models so that you can keep buying the newer devices when they release them.

Sadly, all Android phones ship with a locked bootloader, including the most prized of them all, the developer-friendly Nexus devices. While some devices (like Nexus phones and tablets) are easily unlocked with a single command, most bootloaders are locked and encrypted, meaning you need the right security token (think of it as a password) to unlock them. Fortunately, we at Naijadroidtips.com have taken the time to lay out the steps involved in unlocking your android smartphones bootloader. Head over to our giude on Unlocking the bootloader here.

For most of us, having a locked bootloader isn't much of a problem. Some even like knowing there is one more layer of protection each and every time the phone is restarted. But for the people who do want to do a little more with their Android — or support it themselves after the manufacturer decides they are done with it — the bootloader is a very important piece of software. Our advice is to support companies who will sell you the phone that offers the things you like. If that means an unlocked bootloader, buying a phone that offers that ability tells the folks making them that there is a market, and they should continue to make them.

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