Ryan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR
- OnePlus has spoken out after some customers skilled bricked units when making an attempt to downgrade their telephones or set up customized ROMs.
- The corporate confirmed that it had “quickly paused” downgrades from 16.0.2.50x firmware variations as a consequence of safety causes.
- OnePlus added that it’s going to restore the flexibility to downgrade in its subsequent common software program replace.
OnePlus drew the ire of some fans final week when it emerged that new firmware for choose units launched Anti-Rollback Safety (ARB). This hardware-level safety measure means customers would brick their units in the event that they tried to downgrade the software program or set up a customized ROM. Happily, OnePlus has revealed that this isn’t a everlasting state of affairs.
OnePlus advised Android Authority in an emailed response that this was a short lived measure to spice up safety:
To additional strengthen machine safety, we’ve quickly paused the flexibility to downgrade from 16.0.2.50x software program builds to older builds. We shall be restoring the flexibility to downgrade software program builds in our subsequent routine software program replace, however within the meantime clients trying to downgrade their construct can contact OnePlus after gross sales channels immediately.
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Affected units reportedly embrace the OnePlus 13, OnePlus 13T, OnePlus 15, and the China-only OnePlus Ace 5 collection. Earlier protection recommended that the problem impacts OnePlus telephones operating ColorOS (used on OnePlus units in China) fairly than the worldwide OxygenOS software program. Nonetheless, OnePlus confirmed to Android Authority that its aforementioned assertion utilized to OxygenOS units. Meaning some international units will also be bricked by making an attempt a firmware downgrade or putting in a customized ROM.
OnePlus’s assertion additionally comes after an unsubstantiated declare that the corporate prevented firmware downgrades as a consequence of a vulnerability that would permit a stolen machine to be cleaned and offered as a totally useful telephone. OnePlus hasn’t confirmed or denied this declare, however we’re nonetheless glad the corporate is taking steps that may forestall such incidents, even when coincidentally.
Customized ROM fans and individuals who merely need to return to older software program variations ought to however be capable of breathe a sigh of aid. However folks with bricked units might want to contact the corporate’s buyer assist for recourse.
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