Beware: This OnePlus Change Could Permanently Brick Your Phone

OnePlus was the tech fan brand for early tech fans, and in the beginning it became known as the “brand” of a called ‘OnePlus”. For developers and fans who liked flashing custom ROMs, rooted software or simply rolling back to an older version of OxygenOS when a new update was buggy, its devices were the “golden child” for their respective device. Yet, a quiet and newer change in the company’s software strategy is making those days feel like ‘near memory. But new research suggests that OnePlus is using a strict “anti-rollback” hardware level (hardware) system which will brick your phone if you try to install older software versions of the device.

This system, reported by AdaUnlocked on XDA forums, is in the latest editions of ColorOS for the new OnePlus 13 and the brand new version of the upcoming ‘OnePlus 15’. When you install the update, it essentially burns a virtual fuse. A user who attempts to return to an older version of the software enters a state called ‘hard brickr’ when it is used as re-back by the device. This means the phone will be completely useless if it is not used by – ” This.

OnePlus reportedly killed rolling back to older software on their phones

But this move is even more aggressive because there are no recovery options for . Previously, when one user accidentally broken the software of their phone during experiments, they could use special third-party tools to revive it. They are reportedly disabled by this new hardware-level lock, which is said to be the first time can rescue. Technological analysis from the community has shown that when an older software installation blows up the “fuse” (the device) even professional recovery tools fail to recognize the device. Often, the only solution to this problem is total motherboard replacement for a phone in these states.

In some Chinese models with ColorOS running coloros, these systems are now impacted by this system. And despite the codebase that is shared between ColorOS and the global OxygenOS, it’s probably just an evolutionary step before the anti-rollback system hits international units.

Security vs. Freedom

In order to be fair, OnePlus isn’t the first company ever in history to do so. Google and Xiaomi have both taken steps to prevent users from returning to older versions of software. The aim of them is to stop attackers from exploiting security holes. If key patches are active, manufacturers can ensure that users stay on the latest build to keep them updated by ensuring they remain active.

OnePlus has not officially warned people, but the fan base is upset by that it’s been an outspoken insult to its fans. This shift towards a closed ecosystem seems to be an important change for ‘brands that used to tell users “Never Settle” and control their hardware. Any OnePlus owner who likes to try new things for the most part, should check their software version twice before hitting the install button. I think there is no return to .

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