illphated
fastboot oem unlock
FAILED (remote: ‘unknown command’)
fastboot: error: Command failed
h, yep — that fastboot oem unlock “unknown command” message means your device doesn’t support standard fastboot OEM unlocking. This is super common for U.S. Samsung Snapdragon models, including Note 20 and S20 series.
Here’s what’s likely going on:
🔒 U.S. Samsung Snapdragon Bootloaders Are Locked
Carrier-locked (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) models can’t be unlocked at all.
Factory unlocked (SM-N981U1) still doesn’t allow bootloader unlock due to Samsung’s U.S. restrictions.
Samsung disables fastboot altogether — it’s not fully supported like on Pixel or OnePlus phones.
You’re seeing that error because Samsung devices don’t use fastboot in the traditional sense.
✅ How Samsung Handles Bootloader Unlocking (When Possible)
If your device was unlockable (mainly international Exynos models like SM-N981B), you would:
Enable OEM Unlock in Developer Options
Reboot to Download Mode (not Fastboot):
Power off phone
Hold Volume Up + Volume Down, then plug in USB to Mac
When in Download Mode, long-press Volume Up to unlock bootloader
You’d see a confirmation screen to unlock it there
🔍 What You Can Do Now
Check Your Model Number
Settings → About Phone → “Model number”
Example: SM-N981U = U.S. Snapdragon (no root)
SM-N981B = Exynos (rootable)
If you have U/U1 model (Snapdragon), rooting is not possible unless you:
Purchase a pre-rooted device
Get a logic board swap from an Exynos version (rare)
If you do have an Exynos model, I can help guide you through a working method to root it on macOS.