Unlocking your BraX3 bootloader gives you full access to the system and allows advanced operations like flashing custom ROMs, rooting, or performing deep-level maintenance. This guide will walk you through the official unlock method for BraX3.
Unlocking the bootloader disables certain security features. While it gives advanced users full control of the device, it also increases the risk of security and data compromise. We recommend relocking the bootloader once you’ve completed the task that required unlocking it.
Please note that locking or relocking your bootloader will erase all stored data on the device
Prerequisites
- Android Platform Tools downloaded and extracted to your Desktop folder.
- You have installed the latest MediaTek USB driver (Windows driver or Linux driver, depending on your Operating System)
So let’s dive into the steps.
1. Enable OEM Unlocking & USB debugging
- Open Settings on your BraX3.
- Tap About phone.
- Tap Build number seven times. You’ll be prompted to enter your screen lock PIN, password, or pattern.
- After unlocking, a message will appear: “You are now a developer!”
- Go back to Settings > System > Developer options.
- Scroll down and enable OEM unlocking.
- Also enable USB debugging.
2. Unlocking the bootloader
- Connect your BraX3 to your PC by using a reliable USB data cable.
- Pres Allow when you’re prompted to Allow USB debugging.
- Open the Command Prompt (press
Win + R
, typecmd
, and hit Enter) for Windows or Open your Terminal for Linux. - Navigate to the Platform Tools folder using the following commands:
For Windows:
cd C:\Users\[Your Username]\Desktop\platform-tools-latest-windows\platform-tools
Tip: You can get the path to your folder by clicking on the navigation bar in your file explorer.
For Linux:
cd ~\Desktop\platform-tools_r34.0.4-windows\platform-tools
- Type
adb devices
and press enter.
If successful, you should see an identifier of your connected device, with the word “device” os its right.
- Type
adb reboot bootloader
and press enter. The phone will now reboot into fastboot mode (when you’re in fastboot, you will see the “Brax” logo and a text “FASTBOOT MODE” at the bottom left of your screen. - Type
fastboot flashing unlock
in your terminal and press enter. Within 3 seconds, press the Volume Up button on your BraX3 to confirm the unlock. - Type
fastboot flashing unlock_critical
in your terminal and press enter. Within 3 seconds, press the Volume Up button on your BraX3 to confirm the unlock.
Congratulations – Your Bootloader is Now Unlocked!
You can now flash custom ROMs, root your device, or perform other advanced operations. If you only needed to unlock temporarily, we recommend relocking the bootloader after you’re done.
Want to Relock the Bootloader?
To relock your bootloader, simply follow the same steps used for unlocking, but replace the command on step 7 with fastboot flashing lock_critical
and Step 8 with fastboot flashing lock
.
As with unlocking, you’ll need to press the Volume Up button within 3 seconds on your BraX3 to confirm each action.
Common Issues When Unlocking the Bootloader (and How to Fix Them)
Even though the unlock process may seem straightforward, a few things can still go wrong. Here are the most common problems users run into — and how to fix them:
1. Device Not Recognized by ADB or Fastboot
Problem:
The adb devices
or fastboot devices
command doesn’t detect your BraX3.
Fix:
- Ensure USB debugging is enabled in Developer Options (see step 1).
- Make sure you’re using a high-quality USB data cable — not just a charging cable.
- Try switching USB ports, especially using USB 2.0 instead of 3.0.
- Reinstall or update your Mediatek USB drivers on your PC.
2. “Waiting for device” in Fastboot Mode
Problem:
Fastboot commands hang and display “waiting for device”.
Fix:
- Use official MediaTek USB drivers (or reinstall them).
- Make sure your device is properly in Fastboot mode (black screen with FASTBOOT MODE text in lower left corner).
- Some systems require admin privileges — try running the Command Prompt as Administrator.
3. Didn’t Press Volume Up in Time
Problem:
You missed the 3-second confirmation window after running the fastboot flashing unlock
or unlock_critical
command.
Fix:
- Re-run the command and be ready to press the Volume Up button quickly.
- If the device reboots before you can respond, repeat the fastboot command.
4. Bootloader Unlock Options Not Available
Problem:
The device doesn’t show the option to unlock even after sending the command.
Fix: Double-check that OEM unlocking is enabled in Developer Options.
5. Command Not Recognized
Problem:
You see an error like `‘adb’ is not recognized as an internal or external command.
Fix: Ensure you’re in the correct directory — where the platform-tools
folder is located.
6. Stuck in Bootloop After Unlock
Problem:
After unlocking, the device doesn’t boot properly or loops at the startup screen.
Fix:
- This is rare, but if it happens, try entering recovery mode and doing a factory reset.
- If that doesn’t work, you may need to flash stock firmware using SP Flash Tool or a similar utility.