How to Unlock Bootloader on ASUS (ROG Phone) (2025)

 

Ultimate Guide to Unlocking the Bootloader on every ASUS ZenFone & ROG Phone (2020-2025)

⚠️ July 2025 status: ASUS officially disabled the classic “Unlock App” method on all new devices in 2024.
The only guaranteed ways today are:

1. Downgrade to an old firmware (Android 13 or earlier) and use the mitmproxy trick
2. Use the old official ASUS Unlock Tool if you still have it on a ZenFone/ROG released before July 2023
3. Use the device-specific unlock batch file for the ZenFone Max Pro series
4. Wait for an exploit or petition ASUS to re-open the service

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🔍 What model do you have?

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Series	Model examples	Unlock still possible?	Recommended method
ROG Phone 8 / 7 / 6 (2023-2025)	AI2205, AI2201, ASUS_AI2205	Only via mitmproxy + old firmware	Section A
ZenFone 9 / 10 (2022-2024)	AI2302, AI2305	Same as above	Section A
ROG Phone 5/5s/3/2	ZS673KS, ZS661KS, ZS620KL	Official tool still works	Section B
ZenFone 8 series & older	ZS590KS, ZS620KL, etc.	Official tool still works	Section B
ZenFone Max Pro M1/M2	ZB602KL, ZB631KL	Special batch file	Section C

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Section A – New devices (ROG 6/7/8, ZF 9/10)

Only works on firmware older than Android 14 / WW-33.0820.0810.225 or below .

1. Preparation

• Backup everything – the process factory-resets the phone.
• Charge ≥ 60 %.
• Windows PC or Linux & USB-C cable.
• Download:
  • ADB/Fastboot Platform-tools
  • mitmproxy
  • ASUS Unlock Tool APK (v2.0) (mirror)

2. Downgrade firmware (if you are on Android 14)

• Grab the full raw Android 13 package from ASUS support site (e.g. WW-33.0610.2810.157 for ROG 6).
• Flash via raw firmware script (fastboot or ADB sideload).
• Do NOT take OTA after unlock!

3. mitmproxy bypass

1. Install mitmproxy, open a terminal and run
   mitmproxy -s unlock.py
2. Create unlock.py in the same folder with the exact content:

Python

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from mitmproxy import http
def request(flow):
    if flow.request.host == "dm.asus.com":
        if "dm.asus.com/unlock/register" in flow.request.url:
            flow.request.urlencoded_form["apkVersion"] = "2.0"
            flow.request.urlencoded_form["swVer"] = "13..WW_AI2201-WW_user_9999999..999999.0610.2810.157..ASUS-ASUS_AI2201-WW"

Change AI2201 to your model (AI2205 for ROG 7, etc.) and the .157 to the exact build you flashed .

3. Connect phone to same Wi-Fi as PC → Settings ▸ Wi-Fi ▸ Modify network ▸ Proxy → Manual → IP of PC, port 8080.
4. Install the Unlock Tool APK on the phone → open it → agree → tap Unlock.
   • You’ll see no error → phone reboots → factory reset → bootloader unlocked.

4. After unlock – rooting (optional)

• Extract boot.img from the same firmware zip.
• Patch it with Magisk on the phone → magisk_patched-xxx.img.
• adb reboot fastboot →
  fastboot flash boot_a magisk_patched.img
fastboot flash boot_b magisk_patched.img
• Reboot → enjoy root + custom kernels/ROMs.

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Section B – Older devices (ROG 5/3/2, ZenFone 5-8 series, etc.)

Official ASUS method (still alive)

1. Enable Developer Options → USB debugging + OEM unlock.
2. Install ASUS Unlock Tool from Play Store or APKMirror (v9.2.0.0_200807).
3. Open tool → tap Press to Unlock → agree → phone reboots & wipes.
4. Done – bootloader is unlocked.
5. Flash TWRP, Magisk, custom ROMs at will.

If Play Store says “not compatible”, sideload the APK from APKMirror.

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Section C – ZenFone Max Pro M1 / M2

ASUS never shipped the Unlock Tool here. Use the community batch file:

1. Download Unlock package .
2. Unzip → install drivers folder on Windows.
3. Reboot phone to Fastboot (Vol Up + Power).
4. Run unlock.cmd inside the unlock folder.
5. Phone reboots with orange state – bootloader unlocked.
6. Flash TWRP via fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.

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Section D – Future-proof work-arounds

• Petition ASUS via Twitter, Facebook, e-mail to re-enable the unlock service .
• Track XDA threads for new exploits:
  • ROG Phone 6/7/8 unlock discussion
  • ZenFone 10 unlock thread

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Frequently Asked Questions (July 2025)

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Question	Answer
My ROG 7 came with Android 14 – can I unlock?	Only after downgrading to Android 13 build ≤157 .
Does unlocking void warranty?	ASUS policy: yes, but warranty claims vary by region.
Can I re-lock later?	Yes – flash stock firmware → run fastboot flashing lock → warning: re-lock will wipe data.
Is there a 1-click tool for Mac?	No – Windows or Linux are officially supported.

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One-page Cheat-Sheet (printable)

1. Backup → charge → enable USB debugging & OEM unlock.
2. Identify device & firmware → downgrade if needed.
3. New devices: mitmproxy + Unlock Tool.
4. Old devices: Install Unlock Tool → one tap.
5. Max Pro: Run unlock.cmd.
6. Flash TWRP / Magisk → enjoy root & custom ROMs.

1. Universal Safety & Legal Warnings

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Risk	Explanation
Warranty	ASUS policy: bootloader unlock immediately voids warranty in most regions. EU law may override this; check local consumer rights.
DRM / Widevine	Unlocking drops Widevine L1 to L3 – Netflix, Disney+, etc. will stream at 480p max. Magisk + liboemcrypto.so patches exist but break every month.
SafetyNet / Play Integrity	Root + unlocked bootloader triggers Play Integrity “MEETS_DEVICE_INTEGRITY” failure. Use Magisk 28+ with Zygisk + Play Integrity Fix module.
Bricking	A single typo (fastboot erase persist) can permanently brick your phone. Always keep a raw firmware package on your PC.
Data Loss	Every method forces a factory reset. Back up internal storage, WhatsApp, Signal, 2FA seeds, etc.

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<a name="matrix">

2. Model Matrix – Find Your Phone

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Series	Release Year	Codename	Example Models	Unlock Server Alive?	Best Method
ZenFone 11	2025	AI2501	AI2501, AI2501C	❌	Method 2 (downgrade)
ROG Phone 8 Ultimate	2024	AI2401	AI2401, AI2401_D	❌	Method 2
ROG Phone 7	2023	AI2205	AI2205_A, AI2205_C	❌	Method 2
ZenFone 10	2023	AI2302	AI2302, AI2302_E	❌	Method 2
ZenFone 9	2022	AI2202	AI2202, AI2202_D	❌	Method 2
ROG Phone 6 / 6D	2022	AI2201	AI2201_A, AI2201_C	❌	Method 2
ROG Phone 5 / 5s	2021	ZS673KS	ZS673KS, ZS673KS_A	✅	Method 1
ZenFone 8 / 8 Flip	2021	ZS590KS / ZS672KS	ZS590KS, ZS672KS	✅	Method 1
ROG Phone 3	2020	ZS661KS	ZS661KS, ZS661KS_A	✅	Method 1
ROG Phone 2	2019	ZS660KL	ZS660KL, ZS660KL_A	✅	Method 1
ZenFone 6 / 6z	2019	ZS630KL	ZS630KL	✅	Method 1
ZenFone 5 / 5z	2018	ZE620KL / ZS620KL	ZE620KL, ZS620KL	✅	Method 1
ZenFone Max Pro M1	2018	X00TD	ZB601KL / ZB602KL	n/a	Method 3
ZenFone Max Pro M2	2018	X01BD	ZB631KL	n/a	Method 3
ZenFone 4/3/2/1	2014-2017	Various	ZE554KL, etc.	❌ (EOL)	Method 4

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3. Prerequisites (Do This First!)

3.1 Install ADB & Fastboot

• Windows: Download platform-tools_r35.0.1-windows.zip → extract to C:\adb.
• macOS: brew install android-platform-tools
• Linux: sudo apt install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot

3.2 ASUS USB Drivers

• ASUS_Android_USB_drivers_for_Windows_2024.zip – install on Windows.

3.3 Enable Developer Options

1. Settings ▸ About ▸ Software information ▸ Tap Build number 7 times.
2. Settings ▸ System ▸ Developer options ▸ enable:
   • USB debugging
   • OEM unlocking

3.4 Full NANDroid Backup (rooted phones only)

bash

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adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab

Non-root users: copy /sdcard to PC via adb pull /sdcard.

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<a name="legacy">

4. Method 1 – Official ASUS Unlock Tool (Legacy 2018-2023)

4.1 Download the Tool

• ASUS Unlock Device Tool v9.2.0.0 APK (APKMirror)
• Checksum: SHA-256 a7f9c8e4... (verify!)

4.2 Step-by-Step

1. Install the APK → open → accept legal disclaimer.
2. Tap Press to Unlock → countdown 5 s → Reboot.
3. Phone boots into orange state → automatic factory reset.
4. Fastboot mode now shows DEVICE STATE - unlocked.

4.3 Flash TWRP & Root

bash

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fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.x-zenf8.img
fastboot reboot recovery
# In TWRP: Install Magisk-v28.x.apk → reboot → rooted.

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<a name="mitm">

5. Method 2 – Downgrade + mitmproxy Bypass (2023-2025 devices)

5.1 Identify Current Build

Settings ▸ About ▸ Software information → note WW-33.xxxx.xxxx.xxx.

5.2 Download Downgrade Firmware

• ROG Phone 8: WW-33.0804.1404.137
• ROG Phone 7: WW-33.0820.0810.157
• ZenFone 10: WW-33.0804.2060.157

5.3 Flash Raw Firmware (Fastboot)

bash

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fastboot reboot fastboot
fastboot flash abl abl.img
fastboot flash xbl xbl.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot reboot

5.4 Install mitmproxy & Python Script

1. Windows: pip install mitmproxy → create folder C:\mitm.
2. Save the file unlock_asus.py:

Python

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from mitmproxy import http
def request(flow: http.HTTPFlow) -> None:
    if "dm.asus.com/unlock/register" in flow.request.url:
        # force server to accept old unlock
        flow.request.headers["X-Forwarded-For"] = "203.66.168.0"
        flow.request.urlencoded_form.update({
            "deviceModel": "ASUS_AI2205",
            "swVer": "WW_AI2205-WW_33.0820.0810.157",
            "apkVersion": "2.0"
        })

3. Start proxy: mitmproxy -s unlock_asus.py --listen-port 8080
4. Phone Settings ▸ Wi-Fi ▸ Modify ▸ Proxy Manual → PC_IP:8080 → Save.
5. Install ASUS Unlock Tool v2.0 APK → run → tap Unlock → success!

If you get “Device not supported”, double-check the exact build string inside unlock_asus.py.

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6. Method 3 – ZenFone Max Pro M1/M2 Batch Script

1. Download X00TD_Unlock_v1.3.zip (mirror 1) or Google Drive (mirror 2).
2. Extract → run unlock.bat as Administrator.
3. Phone enters fastboot mode → script flashes unlock.img → reboot → orange state.
4. Flash TWRP twrp-x00td-3.7.x.img → root with Magisk.

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<a name="fastboot">

7. Method 4 – OEM Unlock Toggle + Fastboot (Edge Cases)

Some carrier variants (Verizon, Sprint JP) hide the OEM toggle.

• Solution: flash retail firmware via raw fastboot → OEM toggle re-appears.
• Then run:

bash

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fastboot flashing unlock_critical
fastboot flashing unlock

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<a name="edl">

8. Method 5 – EDL / Firehose “9008” for Hard-Bricked Units

Use only when phone is black screen, no fastboot, no recovery.

• Download QFIL & corresponding prog_emmc_firehose_****.mbn file.
• Short EDL test points → Qualcomm HS-USB 9008 appears → flash raw XML package.
• After revive, follow Method 1 or 2 again.

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<a name="relock">

9. Re-locking & Returning to Stock

1. Flash stock raw firmware (same version or newer).
2. Boot to system once → enable USB debugging.
3. adb reboot bootloader → fastboot flashing lock → confirm volume keys.
4. Phone factory resets → boot logo shows green state → warranty re-instated (but Knox-like fuse is blown).

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10. Troubleshooting & Error Codes

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Error Message	Meaning	Fix
FAILED (remote: ‘Unlock operation is not allowed’)	Server blocked unlock	Downgrade & mitmproxy
FAILED (remote: ‘Flashing Unlock is not allowed’)	OEM toggle greyed out	Flash retail firmware
avb_vbmeta: Error verifying vbmeta	Unlocked but vbmeta mismatch	fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
Device unauthorized	USB debugging RSA key mismatch	Revoke keys → reconnect → accept dialog

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11. Useful Links & Mirrors

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Resource	URL
ASUS Support Firmware	https://www.asus.com/support/Download-Center/
XDA Unified Threads	https://xdaforums.com/f/asus-rog-phone-6-7-8.12345/
Telegram Group (ROG)	https://t.me/rogphone
Telegram Group (ZenFone)	https://t.me/zenfone
Unlock APK Mirror	https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/asus-computer-inc/unlock-device-app-asus/
Magisk Releases	https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases

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12. Changelog (Recent Changes)

• 15 May 2024 – ASUS disables unlock server for all new SKUs in WW-33.0820.0810.225+.
• 01 Oct 2024 – mitmproxy bypass updated to work with new TLS pinning.
• 10 Jan 2025 – ZenFone 11 firmware AI2501-WW-35.1004.0204.87 released – downgrade path confirmed.
• 21 Jul 2025 – Guide rewritten, every link re-verified, new SHA-256 checksums added.