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Samsung’s One UI 8 update appears to restrict users from unlocking their device’s bootloader to install custom ROMs, as initially reported by SammyGuru. Users on the XDA Developers forum discovered over the weekend that Samsung has seemingly disabled this feature on devices in areas outside the US, a place where this function has been inaccessible for years.
Unlocking the bootloader permits users to install alternative software and make other customizations to their phone. This new limitation came to light when users explored the Settings app code in One UI 8, accompanying the newly launched Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7.
As noted by SammyGuru and Android Authority, the code includes the line “androidboot.other.locked=1.” Setting this line to “1” indicates a locked bootloader, a condition familiar to the US market. Prior to One UI 8, this line was set to “0” to allow bootloader unlocking outside the US. Users also noticed this change in One UI 8 beta versions for the Galaxy S25.
Samsung didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
