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Unlock Bootloader Realme GT Neo 2 Android 13 4.0UI EX1 VERSION

Comprehensive Guide to Unlocking the Realme GT Neo 2 Bootloader on Android 13

We understand the need to unlock the bootloader on the Realme GT Neo 2 running Android 13 with the 4.0UI EX1 version. Unlocking the bootloader is the foundational step for enthusiasts seeking to customize their devices, install custom recoveries like TWRP, or root the device using tools like Magisk. This process, while official, comes with inherent risks that we will detail extensively. Our guide is designed to provide a meticulous, step-by-step walkthrough tailored specifically for the global version of the Realme GT Neo 2 (model number RMX3357) running the EX1 firmware build.

The Android 13 update based on Realme UI 4.0 brings specific changes to the device architecture. The EX1 version denotes the initial rollout of this update for the global market. Before initiating the unlock process, it is imperative to acknowledge that unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on the device. We strongly recommend backing up all critical data, including photos, contacts, and application data, before proceeding. Furthermore, this action trips the SafetyNet integrity, which may affect banking applications and Google Pay services. However, with the use of Magisk and specific modules available on our repository, these limitations can often be circumvented.

We will cover the prerequisites, the official method using Realme’s unlock tool, and the necessary post-unlock procedures to ensure a smooth transition to a rooted environment. Our focus is on accuracy and safety, ensuring that users of the Realme GT Neo 2 can successfully navigate this technical procedure without bricking their devices. The process involves unlocking the OEM lock via the device settings and utilizing the Realme Unlock Tool application provided officially by the manufacturer.

Prerequisites for Unlocking Realme GT Neo 2 (RMX3357) on Android 13

Before attempting to unlock the bootloader on your Realme GT Neo 2 running the 4.0UI EX1 version, specific prerequisites must be met to ensure the process completes without errors. We have categorized these requirements into hardware, software, and data preparations to provide a structured approach.

Hardware Requirements

  1. Realme GT Neo 2 (Global Version): Ensure the device is the global variant, RMX3357. The Chinese variant (RMX3350) may require different tools.
  2. Stable Computer: A Windows, Linux, or macOS computer with administrative privileges. Windows is recommended for driver compatibility.
  3. USB Data Cable: A high-quality USB Type-C cable to prevent connection interruptions during the process.
  4. Sufficient Battery: The device battery should be charged to at least 60% to prevent shutdowns during the critical unlock phase.

Software Requirements

  1. Realme UI 4.0 EX1 Firmware: While the bootloader unlock process generally works across versions, we are focusing on the specific Android 13 EX1 build.
  2. Official Realme Unlock Tool: This is a proprietary application provided by Realme. It is not available on the Google Play Store and must be downloaded from the official Realme community forums.
  3. USB Drivers: For Windows users, generic Android USB drivers or the specific Realme drivers are necessary to ensure the computer recognizes the device in Fastboot mode.
  4. ADB and Fastboot Platform Tools: The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and Fastboot tools are essential for communicating with the device bootloader. We recommend the latest platform-tools from the Android developer website.

Data and Account Preparations

  1. Realme Account: You must be logged into a Realme account on the device. The bootloader unlock tool requires an active login to verify eligibility.
  2. Internet Connection: A stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection is required to download the unlock tool and submit the unlock request.
  3. Data Backup: As previously stated, the unlocking process wipes the device. Utilize Google Backup or local storage solutions to secure your data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking the Bootloader on Android 13 4.0UI

We have divided the unlocking procedure into distinct phases to minimize confusion and maximize success rates. Follow these steps precisely for your Realme GT Neo 2 running the EX1 version.

Phase 1: Enabling Developer Options and OEM Unlocking

The first step involves unlocking the software switches within the Android operating system settings.

  1. Navigate to the Settings menu on your Realme GT Neo 2.
  2. Scroll down to the bottom and select About Phone.
  3. Locate the Version tab. Tap on the Build Number repeatedly (approximately 7 times) until you see the message “You are now a developer!”
  4. Return to the main Settings menu and access Additional Settings.
  5. Open the Developer Options menu at the bottom of the list.
  6. Scroll down to find the OEM Unlocking option. Toggle the switch to enable it. You may need to confirm your device PIN or pattern.
  7. Similarly, enable USB Debugging. This allows the computer to send commands to the device via ADB.

Note: If the OEM unlocking option is greyed out, it may be because the device has been active for less than 72 hours or if the device is not connected to the internet. Ensure you are logged into your Realme account and connected to the internet, then wait for the stipulated time.

Phase 2: Downloading the Official Realme Unlock Tool

Realme provides a dedicated application for bootloader unlocking, unlike other manufacturers that rely solely on Fastboot commands.

  1. On your Realme GT Neo 2, open a web browser and visit the official Realme Unlock Tool page. (Note: We do not provide direct links here as URLs can change; please refer to the official Realme Community website).
  2. Download the Realme Unlock Tool APK compatible with Android 13. Ensure you download the correct version for the GT Neo 2.
  3. Locate the downloaded APK file in your file manager and tap to install. You may need to allow installations from “Unknown Sources” within the Security settings.
  4. Open the Realme Unlock Tool application.

Phase 3: Submitting the Unlock Request

Once the tool is installed, you must submit a request to Realme’s servers to generate an unlock token.

  1. Log in to the Realme Unlock Tool using your Realme Account. This must be the same account used on the device.
  2. Read the terms and conditions carefully. Unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty (though relocking it can sometimes restore it).
  3. Tap the Request Unlock button. The application will send a request to the server.
  4. If eligible, you will receive a notification. The waiting time can vary. Historically, Realme imposed a waiting period (e.g., 72 hours), but this policy changes frequently. For the GT Neo 2 on Android 13, the unlock is often granted immediately if the account is in good standing.
  5. Once approved, the tool will provide an unlock token or automatically proceed to the unlock step. Do not close the app or disconnect the internet during this process.

Phase 4: Unlocking the Bootloader via Fastboot

With the token received (or if the tool handles it automatically), the device will reboot into Fastboot mode to apply the unlock.

  1. The Realme Unlock Tool will prompt you to connect the device to the PC. At this stage, we need to prepare the computer.
  2. Install ADB and Fastboot: Ensure the platform-tools are installed and the path is added to your system environment variables.
  3. Connect the Device: Connect your Realme GT Neo 2 to the computer using the USB cable. Ensure the drivers are installed correctly (Device Manager should show “Android Phone” or “QHSUSB_BULK”).
  4. Reboot to Fastboot: If the tool doesn’t automate this, manually reboot the device into Fastboot mode by typing the following command in the ADB terminal: adb reboot bootloader
  5. Once the device is in Fastboot mode (displaying the Fastboot logo), the Realme Unlock Tool will communicate with the bootloader.
  6. Click Unlock Now in the tool. The process will take approximately 5-10 minutes.
  7. Warning: The device will reboot automatically. During this reboot, the splash screen may show a warning message regarding the unlocked status. This is normal.
  8. The device will factory reset and boot up as a new device. The bootloader is now unlocked.

Post-Unlock Procedures: Rooting with Magisk

Now that the bootloader is unlocked on your Realme GT Neo 2 (Android 13 4.0UI EX1), the next logical step for many users is rooting the device to gain superuser access. We recommend using Magisk for its systemless root capabilities, which minimize the risk of bootloops.

Extracting the Boot Image

To root Android 13 on the Realme GT Neo 2, you need the specific boot image matching your EX1 firmware version.

  1. Download Firmware: Download the official Realme GT Neo 2 (RMX3357) Android 13 EX1 firmware zip file from the official Realme community or firmware databases.
  2. Extract Payload: The firmware usually comes in a payload.bin file. Use a payload dumper tool on your PC to extract the contents. You are looking for the boot.img or init_boot.img (depending on the Android version structure). For Android 13, it may utilize a init_boot partition.
  3. Transfer to Device: Move the extracted boot image file to your Realme GT Neo 2’s internal storage.

Installing Magisk

  1. Download Magisk: Get the latest Magisk APK from the official GitHub repository. Rename the file extension from .apk to .zip if necessary (though Magisk supports direct APK installation on the device).
  2. Patch Boot Image:
    • Open the Magisk app on your device.
    • Tap Install > Select and Patch a File.
    • Navigate to the boot.img file you transferred.
    • Magisk will patch the file and save it as magisk_patched_[random_string].img in the Downloads folder.
  3. Transfer Patched Image: Move the patched image back to your PC in the ADB platform-tools folder.

Flashing Magisk via Fastboot

  1. Reboot your Realme GT Neo 2 into Fastboot mode again: adb reboot bootloader
  2. Flash the patched boot image: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img (or fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched.img if applicable).
  3. Important: Do not flash the recovery partition unless you are installing a custom recovery.
  4. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot
  5. Open the Magisk app. It should show that Magisk is installed with the latest version. You can now use the Magisk Modules Repository hosted on our website, Magisk Modules, to install additional modifications.

Troubleshooting Common Issues on Realme GT Neo 2

Even with a detailed guide, users may encounter specific issues during the bootloader unlock or rooting process on the Android 13 EX1 version. We address the most common problems below.

“Waiting for Device” in Fastboot

If the fastboot command hangs or displays “waiting for device,” the computer cannot communicate with the Realme GT Neo 2.

OEM Unlocking Greyed Out

This is a common security measure on Realme devices running Android 13.

Bootloop After Unlocking or Flashing

If the device gets stuck in a bootloop (continuously restarting) after flashing Magisk or unlocking:

SafetyNet and Play Integrity Failures

After unlocking and rooting, banking apps may refuse to work.

Maintaining Device Integrity and Updates

Once the Realme GT Neo 2 bootloader is unlocked, the Over-The-Air (OTA) update mechanism may stop working or fail to install. We advise on how to handle system updates without losing root.

Manual OTA Updates

  1. Download Firmware: When a new Android 13/14 update is released, download the full firmware zip manually.
  2. Patch Boot Image: If the update includes a new boot image, patch it using Magisk as described earlier.
  3. Install Update:
    • Reboot to Stock Recovery (Volume Down + Power).
    • Apply update from internal storage.
    • Select the firmware zip.
  4. Re-root: After the update installs, do not reboot immediately. Instead, go back to Fastboot and flash the new patched boot image before rebooting.

Re-locking the Bootloader

If you need to return the device to stock for warranty or sale:

  1. Flash the original, unmodified firmware using Fastboot or Realme Flash Tool.
  2. Boot the device and ensure it works correctly.
  3. Enable Developer Options and OEM Unlocking.
  4. Use the fastboot flashing lock command (if supported) or the official Realme tool to relock the bootloader. Note: This will wipe the device again.

Advanced Customization for Realme GT Neo 2

With an unlocked bootloader, the Realme GT Neo 2 becomes a playground for customization. We recommend exploring the following areas via our Magisk Modules Repository:

Conclusion

Unlocking the bootloader on the Realme GT Neo 2 running Android 13 (4.0UI EX1 VERSION) is a gateway to the vast world of Android customization. By following the detailed steps outlined above, you can safely transition from a stock environment to a rooted, highly customizable system. We emphasize the importance of using the official Realme Unlock Tool to ensure compatibility with the global RMX3357 variant. Furthermore, rooting with Magisk provides a systemless approach that preserves the system partition’s integrity, allowing for seamless OTA updates and module management.

We at Magisk Modules are committed to providing the safest and most reliable modules to enhance your Android experience. Whether you are looking to improve performance, battery life, or aesthetics, our repository offers a curated list of modules compatible with the Realme GT Neo 2. Always proceed with caution, verify file integrity, and ensure you understand the risks associated with modifying system software. Your device is a powerful tool; unlocking its bootloader simply allows you to harness its full potential.

Remember to keep your device drivers updated, maintain regular backups, and stay engaged with the community for the latest developments regarding the Realme GT Neo 2 and its software ecosystem. By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure a smooth and productive journey into Android development and customization.

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