Galaxy XR Lets You Unlock the Bootloader, Unlike Other Galaxy Devices

The Samsung Galaxy XR is the company’s latest device, currently selling for $1,799. It’s also the world’s first Android XR and runs Google’s brand-new Android XR operating system. You can see what perks are available when you purchase through our link in a separate article. But for now, we’ve got to tell you that you can actually unlock the bootloader on the Galaxy XR.

Does Samsung know you can unlock bootloader on Galaxy XR? That’s something to think about

Surprisingly, Samsung allows bootloader unlocking on the Galaxy XR, even though it restricted the feature on previous Galaxy devices. As spotted by X user Brad Lynch, the Galaxy XR includes an OEM unlocking toggle in Developer Options. This is not just a placeholder. It actually works, letting you unlock the bootloader.

That said, it’s too soon to celebrate because, in practical terms, it is of limited use for now. There are no custom ROMs available for Android XR yet. Hopefully, developers and enthusiasts will bring something to the table soon. But for the moment, the option just sits there. It also remains unclear whether Samsung deliberately left the toggle accessible or if it was an oversight.

Whatever the case, we’ll likely know for sure with the first software update Samsung releases for the Galaxy XR. If Samsung did keep it open intentionally, there could be practical benefits. It could spark community interest, which is crucial for making a device feel like a big hit.

It is worth discussing why Samsung might have kept the bootloader unlock option, since the company removed it from devices running One UI 8. That decision was one of Samsung’s more controversial moves in recent years. SammyGuru writer Josh Skinner called it a “huge blow to the entire Samsung enthusiast community,” which he’s also a part of.