[X 2014 General] invisiblek:
Greetings!

As of today there is a method to completely unlock the bootloader on all variants (yes, this includes the Verizon and AT&T models). The one stipulation is you need to have root.

DISCLAIMER #0: This is NOT MY WORK. I'm merely posting steps to use other peoples' work (with permission) in order to achieve an unlocked device. Do not donate to me for this. Any donations sent to me for this post will be promptly returned and you will be publicly shamed, most likely Game of Thrones style, for not reading the entire OP and following directions.

DISCLAIMER #1: Unlocking your device is dangerous! I am in no way responsible for anything that happens to you, your device, your significant other, or any random person that you feel the need to harm after this destroys your device! You are making the decision to run these tools and you alone are responsible for the consequences!

DISCLAIMER #2: As of right now this method has ONLY been tested on variants running kitkat (4.4) roms/bootloaders. Do not be the first to try it on a lollipop version without first understanding the risks. If you try and successfully use this method on lollipop (5.x) please let me know so I adjust this post accordingly.

DISCLAIMER #3: Do not attempt to re-lock your bootloader after using Sunshine. It is unclear how the device will act and you may end up with one of these.

PREFACE:

- You're going to want adb and fastboot set up on your computer. If you don't know what these are, or don't know how to set them up, google it. Having these tools is insanely helpful anyway for debugging and getting logs for developers later. You're going to want these in the long run.

- This method in the end is going to set you back $25. Sunshine is the tool used to unlock the bootloader and the people that develop this spend insane amounts of time developing/breaking/buying devices. Trust me, its worth it.

- Enable Unknown sources in Settings > Security before starting

STEP 1: Root (This root method only works on 4.4. If you are already rooted, say via mofo or another method, you may skip to step 2)

- You just skipped to this step didn't you? Go read the disclaimers and the preface. They are extremely important.

- Root your phone using KingRoot (obviously click the image with the little android guy on it) mirror

adb install -r <filename>.apk

- Run it from your app drawer and follow the prompts. I did have it fail a couple times, if that happens, try rebooting and running it again. I also had it say it failed a couple times, but still was able to gain root by typing 'su' in an adb shell.

- KingRoot is a temp root, which means upon a reboot, you will lose root and need to run it again. That's fine for our purposes here, it gives us the in we need for the bootloader exploit (see step 2)

STEP 2: Unlock That Bootloader

- This step involves running an app called Sunshine. Download the apk from there and install it:

adb install -r <filename>.apk

- Again, this unlock will cost you a one time fee of $25, more info on their FAQ. There seems to be a lot of animosity about this, but in the end the choice is yours. An extreme amount of development time goes in to these types of exploits and these guys do a fantastic job. It is worth it.

- Follow the prompts, get out the wallet, and enjoy an unlocked bootloader!

STEP 3: Install a custom recovery

- This could be considered an optional step, but there's really no reason to go through all of this if you don't plan to do some custom things. Custom recovery allows you to install/backup/restore ROMs on your phone.

- Follow the instructions here now that you have an unlocked bootloader in order to install TWRP.

STEP 4: Enjoy!

- You now have a completely unlocked phone! Start installing roms, enjoy yourself! Be careful though! Make sure you are only flashing things that are known to work on this device.