HTC Bootloader Unlocking Policy: Warranty and Support Trade-Offs

What the policy said

With the tool, enthusiasts use the Android SDK to generate an unlock code for their device. Phones sold by carriers come with locked bootloaders, and security must be deliberately compromised to change that. Most customers never need an unlock.

How the process works

1. Register an account on the web tool with a valid email address and accept legal disclaimers.
2. Connect the phone to a computer that has the Android SDK and retrieve a device identifier token.
3. Enter the token into the web tool to receive a unique unlock key by email.
4. Apply the key to the phone to start unlocking.

Which phones were first

HTC aimed to roll out software updates in August supporting unlocking for the global HTC Sensation, followed by the Sensation 4G on T-Mobile and the EVO 3D on Sprint.

Why HTC attached warnings

An unlocked bootloader allows custom ROMs and kernels and can push hardware to its limits. HTC noted that modifications can cause operation, security and experience issues. Anyone familiar with rooting knows about bricked phones and lost data from failed flashes. The writer’s summary was that HTC will help you unlock, but you are on your own afterwards, and expected some careless users to use store return periods.