How To: Unlock the Atrix 4G Bootloader

Filed under Development, Guides by Kenneth Pennington on June 23, 2011 at 4:09 PM

Unlock Atrix 4G Bootloader

Just one day after the news of unlocked Gingerbread bootloaders on the Atrix reached the net, developers have packaged up a bootloader unlock file that will allow Atrix users on all builds (even Froyo) to unlock. The full guide resides below this text. It’s a fairly simple process, but we warn you that unlocking your bootloader may void your warranty. BriefMobile cannot be held responsible for any bootloader unlock-caused mayhem. Flash this unlocker at your own risk!

How To: Unlock the Atrix 4G Bootloader

Prerequisites

Backed up /data partition
- You will lose all of your /data during this process!
Unlock SBF file [Mirror]
RSD Lite 5.3.1 or sbf_flash [Download if Atrix is Froyo]
Fastboot package [Mirror]
- Also found in the Android SDK tools folder

Instructions

If you’re on Gingerbread, skip to step 13.
Power down your Motorola Atrix
Take out your microSD card and SIM card for the flashing process
While turning the phone on, hold the Volume Up button until it acknowledges RSD
Your device will say “Starting RSD protocol support”
Run “RSD Lite” on your computer
Press the “. . .” button next to the box labeled “Filename”
Load up the SBF file
- The SBF file is located inside of the .zip file, you must extract it out before loading it into RSD Lite
- Use WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract the .zip file on your computer
Plug your device into your computer
- Use the USB ports on the back side of your computer for safety
RSD Lite should recognize your device and say “Model: NS Flash Olympus” and “Connected…”
Press the “Start” button
Be patient while the phone reboots. It will take a long time.
Open and extract the Fastboot package from above
Open a command prompt window
- On Windows, press Start and type “cmd” then press the enter button
Type the following command. Your directory will be the folder where you extracted the Fastboot package.
(Example: cd C:\Users\Kenneth\Desktop\fastboot-package)
- cd your directory here
Power down your Atrix device
Hold the power button and the downward volume button until you see “Fastboot”
Let go of the buttons and press the upward volume button once
You will now see “Starting Fastboot protocol support”
Plug your device into a USB port in the back slot of your computer
- Front slots sometimes do not have enough power to stay connected to the device.
Type the following command:
- fastboot oem unlock
You will now receive a warning along with a unique device ID
Type the following commands using your unique device ID in place of the ####:
- fastboot oem unlock ####
- fastboot reboot
Wait for your device to reboot. Congratulations! You now have an unlocked bootloader!

Source // the2dcour

Tasty Boy

can’t believe!!
you’re faster than ever!!
Ray Maika

sexy, now the wait for custom kernel’s to be dev’ed and full blown ROMs. fuck i love this stuff.
Inmcc

What about Bell people? I heard this only works for ATT!!!
Soopophishle

its on like popcorn now
http://briefmobile.com Kenneth Pennington

Did you try it? I’m not sure that’s true.
Anonymous

Just awesome. I want to get my comment in here before the hordes of traffic from engadget and others show up soon.

You may want to add a note or step that people can and probably will need to push carrier’s sbf back to their phone after this is done. The sbf that you flash in step 11 is just for unlocking, it probably wont work on most people’s networks.
Boblevel33

Now why should we do this? Moto said they would be unlocking it for us right?
http://briefmobile.com/ Korey Nicholson

Best thing since sliced bread
http://twitter.com/VChan13 V Chantzis

How sweet is that..!
Edgan

DO NOT use sbf_flash to write the whole hktw SBF to your phone. It will screw it up.
Luigi37

Other than the DATA loss, will our phone run the same right after the unlock, or will it basically be clean stock 1.8.3 or whatever?
Anonymous

This works for Atrix from Brazil? Or Just ATT?
Papasboy14

is there a way to re-lock the bootloader on the phone just in case??
Papasboy14

is it common to lose the use of 3g/4g after unlocking???
http://twitter.com/Mgamerz Mgamerz

So… will the OTA to Gingerbread break this?
Guilherme Lucas

no… Just ATT

sec_exception: febe, 35, 35
Gatorp003

Do i have to be stock 1.8.3 to do this?? I am on gingerblur now
Shaydar

Can we flash sbf’s once the Bootloader it Unlocked?
The process does not prevent this ability?
Christian

It works with gingerblur. It even holds over. The only “negative” side effect is that you are able to skip setup by telling it to complete an action with Launcher. Works fine.
Christian

Accually, make sure to tick the box when it asks you to complete with setup or launcher. Otherwise, home button does’nt work correctly (or at all). You get back all the AT&T carp
http://www.facebook.com/sam.cripp Sam Zombi

this erase your /data folder so you need to restore your apn here is a link to a tut i made real quick http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1138648
http://www.facebook.com/couchot Noah Couchot

Sliced Gingerbread?
Novawun

Sweeeeeeet…. cyanogen mod works can commence now I believe
http://twitter.com/Bountykiller22 Homelesskater

My Atrix is now unlocked.
Thank you very much for the great tutorial and support!
http://twitter.com/derrickwillard Derrick Willard

someone correct me if i’m wrong but i would think since this should be a part of the next update from moto after that update we’d just be able to skip to step 14
http://twitter.com/blakerboy777 Blake Runnoe

If you download the Android SDK instead of just the fastboot file you may need to move fastboot from Android-SDK/tools/ to Android-SDK/platform-tools. An ADB dll got moved at some point so that’s what I had to do.
Richard Robinson

What exactly would you need in order for this to work with Bell or other users? Would it just be one or two pieces of info, or would you be starting from scratch?
Andrew

SDL Lite is not showing the SBF file when I click the button to choose which file to use. I’ve unzipped the unlock file and it zomgunlock-lite is a generic “file” and not SBF.
Andrew

RSD Lite*
timeshare

when it says if on Ginerbread does it mean like gingerblur?
timeshare

on the first step is what i am talking about
Floyd

My phone reboots just a few seconds after hitting start on RSD Lite. RSD Lite says it is 100% completed but the phone is still Froyo. I have used RSD Lite before when I flashed 1.26 without any issues. I did update the latest drivers and RSD Lite before I tried to flash.
Artjrv

I am getting the same problem! There is no SBF file! Just a generic file named zomgunlock-lite. How can I flash a SBF file when none is provided in the unlock zip file?
Floyd

my mistake. I thought this was also upgrading to Gingerbread. I am unlocked now.

Thanks
Vo

On the command prompt i keep getting “waiting for device” what am i doing wrong?
timeshare

the same thing happened to me but i think it might be the cord you are using because when i went to root it that is what it said but when i got the cord that came with the phone it worked fine. I guess the other one wasn’t powerful enough. You can check if it is by plugging your phone in and in the notification bar you should have the option to select how you want to conect like none or USB mass storage,
Soopophishle

After unzipping the unlock zip it doesnt have the sbf file. the name of the file zombunlock.file so how do I change the extension?
http://twitter.com/iceberg020 Ice

yup. i jst unlocked bootloader on atrix. thanks xda and all others.
and put sbf extension on that one file. everything else is very simple.
Jordan

months ago i flashed an ATT sbf onto my bell atrix so i could get gingerblur and what not. so all that works. does this mean that all of the unlocking and gingerbread stuff is good for this or no?
http://twitter.com/MdXMaxX MdXMaxX

Worked like a charm! Time to test out HKTW 2.3.4.
http://twitter.com/pache_records Abraham Meza

hi, it´s great !!! but can you help me please, when i plug my phone to the pc the RSD Lite detect it as “SE Flash Olympus” and not as “SN Flash Olympus”, 5 minutes after y click start, in the column named “result” said “FAIL”, at the same time on the phone´s screen apear the legend “sec_exception: febe, 35, 35, any sugestion??

I have a mexican atrix (from america movil / telcel) with gingerblur 4.5.
sheridan23

I unlocked my atrix.. but I don’t no how to get gingerbread
Please help
Reachbalaji78

I have done the bootloader unlock successfully.. but i am still getting the prompt to enter the carrier unlock code. Could any one tell abt this?
johnno84

unlocked atrix just fine (at&t model)
downside is i lost side-loading and root access
reflashing sbf and rooting as i type
dan

my Atrix does not show up in fastboot:( I have the drivers insalled, how can I get this work
Anonymous

RSD Lite isn’t detecting my phone.. what should I do?
Rai

Hi. I unlocked my phone, but the unknown sources option is missing. Is there more I have to do?
dufa

i have a same problem… you are a solution ?
XxxMDKxxx

Broken links for “Unlock SBF file” and “Fastboot Package”
Rocko

Downloads broken !!!!
Atrx4G4Life

Download link dead…
Aklbeach

I’m stuck on the command prompt. When I put in that command it can’t find the file. I extracted fastboot to my desktop and it still didn’t work. not sure what i’m doing wrong
Lnk Rizal26

please help me to popup fastboot,
Abel Vazquez

Same problem here Abraham…

Any sugestion?

“Telcel Atrix with Gingerblur 4.5″ too
Sergio Nayar

Easy as pie!

Thanks!
http://twitter.com/pache_records Abraham Meza

I´m not sure, but may be xda make this possible http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=15562897#post15562897
Bamber

Hey, please help me understand as the Prerequisites say “OR” BUT the Instructions say to run BOTH RSD Lite 5.3.1. (Step 6) and then run sbf file (Step 8)…..? I have Froyo and dont want to mess this up…

”RSD Lite 5.3.1 or sbf_flash [Download if Atrix is Froypleo]”

Also, Step 15 says ” type the followiong command”, then shows an “Example??
Do we type what the example syas?

Sorry for the q’s….seems a littel hard to follow and i want to be sure…..
Motmiluser2

is this good for installing european sbf-s on at&t atrix?
Niyod

can someone please help. i am stuck at “Starting Fastboot protocol support” my screen has been on this screen for 15 mins now and nothing. any ideas? i have removed sim and ext sd card
Niyod

can someone please help. i am stuck at “Starting Fastboot protocol support” my screen has been on this screen for 15 mins now and nothing. any ideas? i have removed sim and ext sd card
http://twitter.com/pache_records Abraham Meza

Thank you now i have an Unlocked Atrix!!! you´re great!!1 thanks a lot!!
Roberto Strempler

Have you guys found a solution. I’m stuck with the same error
Gscastor

Does this works for the brazilian Atrix (OLYLA_U4_0.50.0)?
Lnk Rizal26

hai,i have problem with numb 13 instuction,to extrack fastboot from above..extack to where.to rsd lite
or to window.please guide me..
Lnk Rizal26

please help me guys,,true my email please lnk.rizal26@gmail.com
Lnk Rizal26

i try about 10 time,but still not work..for my atrix 4g at&t..
Atrix User

I followed all the steps and when i typed in fastboot oem unlock the command prompt window told me it is not recognized as an internal or external command and nothing appeared on my phone… HELP ME
Atrix User

i tried again and now it says (bootloader) OEM unlock is not implemented
Nicholas Conrad

same problem here, anyone know how to fix?
Gerrard

que pasos seguiste? tienes el link?
Logansdad1984

WILL NOT WORK ON NEW STOCK 2.3.4 SAYS OEM unlock is not implemented.
Effinwaffles

I had the same problem.
go to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=991072 and download the 1.2.6. Flash it to the phone thru rsd lite. when its done and rsd lite says pass. Start this unlock process all over again
Randy

Using Red lite and flashing the. sbf WILL HARD BRICK YOUR ATRIX WITH 2.3.4 OTA. I got at&t to do a warranty exchange.
Randy

Rsd*
Randy

Mine hard bricked when I flashed the .sbf file and I was on the 2.3.4 OTA.
Effinwaffles

i didnt have 2.3.4. and thats how i got past the error. my phone is unlocked has a custom rom and works
Wallaboom

Umm tried your method on 2.2 and RSD said failed now my phone want do anything but turn the green LED on ?!? what is up with that? easy ? or not
Arilandworth

CD your directory WHERE!?!?!?!
Harris

Will unlocking my boatloader also carrier unlock it….Im trying to use it with a T-mobile sim and it keeps asking me for an unlock code…I thought by doing this hat I would bypass that and be able to use my tmobile sim now…Am I wrong or am I missing something??
Knman00

is it ok to “PRESS START” in RSD LITE even if it says SE OLUMPUS and not NS OLYMPUS ?
http://www.facebook.com/people/Mike-Li/11324007 Mike Li

Yeah definitely don’t do the first few steps as you WILL brick your phone.
Joan Segura

Did not work for me. same problem!!!!

SE instead of SN

any solution
bhanq

I used this guide and my phone says its unlocked but when i put a different sim in its still locked?
Mitchellgoosin

I also bricked following this method, left with only the green LED while connected to USB
beano

Does this mean that I can use a T-Mobile sim card in an AT&T Atrix here in the US?
http://www.facebook.com/austalapasta Austin Lakeman

this is just bootloader unlock, not SIM unlock, you need to get the unlock code from ATT to SIM unlock to use other SIM cards.
http://www.facebook.com/austalapasta Austin Lakeman

this is just bootloader unlock, not SIM unlock, you need to get the unlock code from ATT to SIM unlock to use other SIM cards.
http://www.facebook.com/austalapasta Austin Lakeman

exact same thing i said to bhanq right before you.

“this is just bootloader unlock, not SIM unlock, you need to get the unlock code from ATT to SIM unlock to use other SIM cards.”
http://www.facebook.com/austalapasta Austin Lakeman

exact same thing i said to bhanq right before you.

“this is just bootloader unlock, not SIM unlock, you need to get the unlock code from ATT to SIM unlock to use other SIM cards.”
felipe flores

the fllash didn’t work, I follow all the steps and at the end the message is the same ,…FAIL
felipe flores

help…. the unlook bootloader process is not working on my TELCEL (Mexico) ATRIX. the display says….FAIL …..please help I want to download the GB….thanks
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1496666019 Dominick Dahl-Lacroix

you are a lifesaver my friend, needed to flash to stock 2.2.2 to update to 2.3.4
you saved my bacon
Lost

I’m a N00B, but I’ve spent close to 30 hours reading up on posts the past three days.

I started with an AT&T Atrix. I unlocked the boot loader, put CWM recovery on, put Alien v4 ROM on…then the next day AT&T called me with my unlock code for international use. When I put a new sim in it asked for the code, but did not accept it “Network unlock result unsuccessful” Two other sims just immediately went to “Subsidy Lock …” statement without asking for the unlock code… then my AT&T sim stopped working, and went to asking for an unlock code right away. Phone also will not pick up any signal, nor connect to any networks

I have entered many codes many times, and not circumvented the error, nor permanently locked it…

My next steps are to install the Gingerbread 2.3 ROM available here: https://supportforums.motorola.com/thread/49191?start=0&tstart=0

Then use RSD lite to flash the AT&T 4.5.91 firmware available here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125944

After which I am hoping I can enter the unlock code, then re-unlock the boot loader, and flash back to alien v4 ROM again.

Do you think this will work, or have any other better ideas?

Should I use RSD Lite to flash the original firmware .sbf file?

My best guess is that the unlocked boot loader is preventing the phone from carrier unlocking ???

Extra credit:
- any idea how the phone is not permanently frozen after entering unlock codes up to 50 times?
- Will I need to put CWM recovery on the phone again?
- Any idea how the AT&T sim stopped working (while still working fine in another phone)

Please help :-) and I hope this post will help others…
4ismail

Hi Guys, i am getting ’sec_exception: febe, 35, 35 when i attempt to flash the sbf… and on the RSD – it says fail after 2-3 mins.. what is this ’sec_exception: febe, 35, 35 and what can i do to unlock the boot loader otherwise .. i have 2.2.2 bought internationally - would really appreciate the help.
4ismail

exact spec

Version: 4.4.80
Android Version: 2.2.2
Build : OLYEM_U4_4.8.0
Harleyguy74

I recieve : OEM unlock is not implemented, Not sure what I am doing wrong if anything.
I am on 2.3.4,/ 4.5.91 unrooted. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Zigmig

the sbf must be unsigned. using sbf_flash threw up a sec exception on my device and in win7 i could not get a driver for “SE Flash Olympus”
Devan Suber

fastboot wont recognize my atrix. can someone please help?
Smilescarter2010

it tells me after i have done the cmd step that it is not a command it is under the download folder…wtfe…im done with this free shit and just pay what ever
DawnC

Have not see the different sbfs between ATT and International Phones ‘s. Do they use the same unlock sbf?
DawnC

The thread in XDA (here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1136261) said att & Internatinal Phone should use the different unlock sbfs.
Jon

Ur a bunch of idiots if you cant figure out these simple instructions. I just happen to follow the instructions correctly, start fastboot on my phone but when i run the fastboot oem unlock command i get an OK .. screen instead of displaying my unlock #. THIS IS A REAL QUESTION FOR ONCE. please answer :)
Niccolae

Why help you if you can’t be a little sympathetic to others?
Fatty Bunter

Have gingerbread, skipped to step 13, but when I do step 21 I am not given a unique device ID, it only says: “OEM unlock is not implemented”

Any suggestions?
Fatty Bunter

I had to do all the steps and now it says unlocked. Skipping to step 13 does not work!
http://twitter.com/parat0xical Joseph Choo

step 21.c:root>fastboot oem unlock
… INFOOEM unlock is not implemented
OKAY [ 0.100s]
finished. total time: 0.100s
What happened?? I didnt get any warning…
Ken

After performing the above step on an atrix 2.3.4, upon rebooting I no longer have the slide to unlock option so I really can’t do anything. Running without a sim card and sd
Goran Tepshic

Does this work with European Atrix’s?
grale

Hi to all!
My Atrix is with 2.3.4 OTA updated T-Mobile UK. From what step I have to start?
http://www.facebook.com/mrdjpasaway Don Joseph Buan

Hi, can i use this method on an atrix 4G running on 4.3.6 Android version or do i still need to downgrade it?
stix304

cmd prompt keeps saying waiting on device. help please.
Aditya

My phone doest not show options to reach in RSD while turning the phone on, hold the Volume Up button.the option it shows is AP Flashboot Flash Mode (S) . how can i change it to RDS.
PaulMellothePoet

oh god i thought I had bricked my device thank god
motoman

i keep getting “oem unlock not implemented”. HELP PLEASE!!!

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