OnePlus tightens ColorOS bootloader unlock policy, adds device quota and 14-day expiry window

OnePlus outlines a stricter bootloader unlock policy for ColorOS 16 and newer in a July 24 announcement, expanding on the Deep Testing Program it introduced in late 2025.

Applicants now need an account that is at least 60 days old with no violations on record, completed real-name and face verification, a bound phone number, and logins on the target device for seven consecutive days. OnePlus caps approvals at four devices per real-name ID per year and keeps the existing 30-day gap between applications.

The policy also introduces a quota system, whereas earlier versions of the program set no stated cap on approvals. Devices that already support Deep Testing receive their first quota release in September, then monthly on the 1st. Quotas for devices launching with ColorOS 17 or later become available one month after release, and devices upgraded to ColorOS 17 follow the same one-month delay after the update lands. OnePlus does not disclose the quota size per batch.

Review time also grows from the one to two days OnePlus quoted when the program launched for the OnePlus 15 to seven working days now. Once granted, unlock access expires after 14 days if unused, and users must reapply.

OnePlus states that unlocking voids eligibility for a return or exchange if the process causes functional damage, though original warranty coverage otherwise stays in effect. The policy applies only to Chinese-market devices running ColorOS 16 or later and excludes carrier-, enterprise-, and government-locked units.

The announcement follows OnePlus's January rollout of hardware-level anti-rollback protection on select ColorOS 16 builds, which permanently blocks firmware downgrades on affected devices. Together, the two changes represent a significant shift for a brand that built much of its reputation on unlock-friendly policies.