OEM Unlocking Greyed Out? Here’s How to Enable It

If you’re trying to unlock your Android phone’s bootloader and notice that OEM unlocking is greyed out or the option is missing, it can be frustrating. This problem is common, especially on Samsung, Xiaomi, and other Android devices released after 2021. The good news is there are tested solutions that work in 2025.

In this guide, you’ll learn why OEM unlock is greyed out, what causes the issue, and how to fix it step-by-step, without damaging your device or voiding your warranty unnecessarily.

What Is OEM Unlocking?

OEM unlocking is a developer setting in Android that allows you to unlock your device’s bootloader. Once enabled, you can flash custom ROMs, root your phone, and modify the system.

If OEM unlock is disabled or OEM unlocking is greyed out, you won’t be able to unlock the bootloader or make any advanced changes to your phone.

Common Reasons Why OEM Unlock Is Greyed Out

These are the most common causes of the OEM unlocking greyed out issue:

• The phone has been recently factory reset or is less than 7 days old
• The phone is not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data
• No Google or Samsung account is signed in
• Developer Options are not enabled
• You’re using a carrier-locked phone that blocks bootloader unlocking
• The phone is managed under MDM (Mobile Device Management)
• The phone has unofficial or region-specific firmware

How to Fix OEM Unlock Greyed Out – Step-by-Step Solutions

Wait 7 Days with Wi-Fi Connected

For many Samsung devices, the OEM unlock option stays hidden for 7 days after setup or a factory reset. This is part of a security policy.

• Connect your phone to Wi-Fi
• Sign in with your Google account (and Samsung account if applicable)
• Leave the device powered on and connected continuously for 7 days
• Do not reset the phone or remove the account during this time

After 7 days, go to:

• Settings > About phone > Software Information
• Tap Build Number 7 times to enable Developer Options
• Go to Settings > Developer Options
• You should now see the OEM unlocking option enabled

If OEM unlocking is still greyed out, try the next method.

Enable Automatic Date and Time

Sometimes incorrect date and time settings can prevent the OEM unlock toggle from appearing.

• Go to Settings > General Management > Date and Time
• Enable Automatic date and time
• Restart the phone
• Check Developer Options again

This method works especially on Samsung and OnePlus devices running newer Android versions.

Add a Google or Samsung Account

Many devices require a valid Google or Samsung account before allowing bootloader unlock.

• Go to Settings > Accounts
• Add your Google account (and Samsung account if using a Samsung phone)
• Connect to Wi-Fi and leave the phone idle for a few hours
• Reboot the phone

Check if OEM unlock is now visible and no longer greyed out

Properly Enable Developer Options

If you haven’t correctly enabled Developer Options, the OEM unlock setting won’t appear.

• Go to Settings > About phone > Software information
• Tap Build Number 7 times until it says “You are now a developer”
• Go back to Settings
• Tap Developer Options
• Look for OEM unlocking — if it is greyed out, continue with the next solutions

Install the Latest Firmware

An outdated Android version may have bugs or carrier restrictions that cause OEM unlocking to be greyed out.

• Go to Settings > Software Update
• Install all available updates
• Reboot your device
• Check Developer Options again

If your phone was region-specific, this update might also unlock OEM settings that were previously blocked.

Use ADB (If USB Debugging Was Enabled Before)

If you had USB debugging turned on before OEM unlock got disabled, try this method.

• Connect the phone to a computer with ADB and Fastboot installed
• Open a terminal or command prompt

adb devices
adb reboot bootloader

• If the phone enters bootloader mode, type:

fastboot oem unlock

Note: This may not work if OEM unlocking is greyed out, but it’s worth trying on certain older devices.

Flash Stock Firmware (Samsung Only)

If you’re using a Samsung phone and OEM unlocking is greyed out, flashing official firmware with Odin can reset restrictions.

Requirements:

• Odin Tool
• Stock firmware for your exact model (download from SamMobile or Frija)
• Windows PC and USB cable

Steps:

• Download correct firmware and Odin
• Boot phone into Download Mode
• Flash the firmware using Odin
• After reboot, enable Developer Options and check OEM unlocking

Warning: This may void your warranty. Always use firmware meant for your exact model and region.

Device Management (MDM) or Carrier Lock

If your phone was given by a company or purchased via a carrier, OEM unlock may be permanently disabled.

In these cases:

• Contact the carrier and request bootloader unlocking (some will refuse)
• If it’s a work phone, ask the IT administrator to remove device management policies
• Consider buying an unlocked version of the same device if modification is necessary

Special Case: Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme

If you’re using one of these brands:

• Xiaomi requires a Mi Account and Mi Unlock Tool. There’s also a 168-hour waiting period after applying to unlock.
• Realme and Oppo require submitting a request form through the official developer community before enabling bootloader unlock.

Until those steps are completed, OEM unlocking will remain greyed out.

Bonus Tip: Use Frija or SamFirm (Samsung)

Tools like Frija and SamFirm help you download official Samsung firmware quickly for your exact model and CSC (region).

• Download and extract firmware
• Use Odin to flash
• This can restore missing settings, including the OEM unlock option

Conclusion

If OEM unlocking is greyed out, it’s usually due to account issues, recent resets, or software restrictions. Start with the basics — connect to WiFi, sign in to your account, wait 7 days, and enable Developer Options properly. If that doesn’t work, try updating your firmware or flashing stock ROM.

Stick to official methods, avoid shortcuts, and always double-check your device model and region. One of these methods will fix the OEM unlock greyed out issue — just follow the steps patiently and in order.

ALSO READ:

• Fix Start PXE Over IPv4 Error Message While Booting in Windows 11
• How to Update Starlink Firmware 2025 Latest Version List
• Fix: Mouse Pointer Not Changing to Hand or Text Cursor in macOS
• Fix iTunes Cannot Connect To iPhone Unknown Error 0xE80000A
• How to Fix Amazon App Crashing or Not Opening (2025 Guide)