If you like to tinker with your smartphone, you are certainly not going to like OnePlus’ latest move. The company has radically changed how software updates work for some of its devices, adding limitations that could brick phones.
OnePlus update could brick your phone if you try installing older software
The latest ColorOS update for some OnePlus phones, including the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 13, comes with a drastic Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB) system. According to Droidwin, instead of simple software restrictions, the new system functions at the hardware level and doesn’t allow any software workarounds.
That system won’t affect average users, but anyone who uses a custom ROM could face some serious problems. If you update to the new software and then install an older build, your device will be hard-bricked. That means third-party tools wouldn’t be able to help you unbrick it. The only solution would be to change the motherboard of the device.
ARB is already active on the following devices and software builds:
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OnePlus Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro with ColorOS 16.0.3.500
OnePlus 13 and 13T with ColorOS 16.0.3.501
OnePlus 15 with ColorOS 16.0.3.503
How does ARB work?
Many smartphone companies have an ARB system in place, including Xiaomi and Google. They work with an e-fuse on the motherboard of the device. When tripped, ARB blows the e-fuse and permanently bricks the phone in a way that cannot be reversed with software. The only solution would be replacing the motherboard.
The main goal of such mechanisms is to prevent users from downgrading to firmware with security issues. OnePlus’ implementation is most similar to the Samsung Knox security, which trips the fuse if you unlock the bootloader on a Samsung phone. However, Knox usually doesn’t hard-brick the device and only limits some functions, making it much less stringent than ARB.
Have you ever unlocked the bootloader on your phone?
Yes, I use custom ROMs all the time
20%
Yes, but I don’t do that anymore
40%
No, I don’t like to tinker with my devices
0%
No, and I have no idea what that is
40%
While the change is currently limited to three builds of the Chinese OnePlus software, it may soon arrive on phones outside of China. ColorOS and OnePlus’ global software, OxygenOS, share a codebase, so the update shouldn’t take too long.
That should’ve been announced
While ARB is not so unusual, it’s a big change for OnePlus phones. I am not a tinkerer myself, but I’m sure everyone who’s into custom ROMs would’ve appreciated a warning from the company.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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