Bootloaders are supposed to be unlocked but unfortunately for some, it can’t be. That’s the issue now with Motorola as the Amazon Prime Exclusive Moto G4 bootloader has been discovered to be unlockable. The standard is that such unlock must be possible on bootloaders on most phones. It’s usually the default setting but since the particular phone is exclusive to Amazon, there are limitations and the unit is subject to the customizations done by the bootloader.
The Prime Exclusive Moto G4 can’t be unlocked even if you have bootloader unlock codes from the manufacturer. It can be frustrating for phone owners but it makes sense because the phone is cheap already from Amazon. Why would Amazon sell a super affordable phone when it will just allow consumers to unlock them. It’s plain business.
If you want the bootloader to work, get the retail version and not this one from Amazon. It may be cheaper by $50 but it’s “locked”. The difference is only small so see if you can take Amazon advertising all over your phone.
If you own an Amazon Prime Exclusive Moto G4, don’t feel bad. This is beyond Motorola’s control. Blame Amazon for this small annoyance but then again, as they always say, you always get what you pay for–or in this case–pay minimally for.
VIA: Android Police
FIFY
“Amazon Prime Exclusive Moto G4 bootloader is NOT unlockable”
Title is misleading. Thought it was UNLOCKABLE, but after reading, it’s about how it is NOT and the reason as to why it is a LOCKED bootloader.
I’m sure many Android enthusiasts knew the reason for it being locked, discounted price in exchange for ad revenue. For those that didn’t put 2+2 together and got the answer 3, well then this story was useful for them and they’ve learned what ANY company or business is about, MONEY.
When I saw this headline, I’m thinking, “GREAT! Now the developer community will put in some work for the Amazon version and have custom ROMs or at the very least remove the pesky ads!”
What many people are unhappy about though is the fact that it was unlockable in the beginning and they then removed that option. I would think that the vast majority of people buying this phone are clueless about rooting and such.
I have the retail version and the boot loader still will not unlock.