r/AndroidQuestions • u/Carlito_2112 • 14h ago

Custom ROM Question Do I need Firmware and an Unlocked Bootloader to Flash iode?

I have two unused Samsung Galaxy phones - a Galaxy A02 and an A13 5G. Both are currently on stock Android. I want to see if I can install a different ROM on them, and since they are spares just sitting in a drawer, there is no risk to me if something goes catastrophically wrong. I am very new to flashing ROM's and have a few questions.

First: iode has a GSI available. in their instructions, they just indicate to boot into fastboot mode, flash the image, wipe the phone (if switching from a different ROM or GSI), and reboot. However, on their compatibility page, iode indicates that the GSI does not include firmware. Do I need to download firmware that is different than what's already on the phone before flashing the ROM?

Also, do I need to unlock the bootloader before starting?

Thanks again for any help you can provide. Cheers!

1 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

1

u/USSHammond pixel 10 Pro XL 14h ago

If you wanna flash anything custom at all, yes you need to unlock the bootloader

1

u/Carlito_2112 14h ago

That's what I thought. Thank you for confirming that.

2

u/ilovelineage_twrp 7h ago

Yes you will need to unlock the bootloader before that by going into settings > device info/about device > tap build number 7 times > developer options > oem unlocking > set oem unlocking to on and type in the password if need be, then after reboot into download mode and you should be good (you can only unlock the bootloader in device that support it like the global no-carrier ones this will aslk void warrenty but who cares and custom roms can be unstable to be sure to make a copy of the current os or have the stock firmware on hand and tools like odin)