The factory reset wiped Developer Options. Go turn them on again.
Unlocking the bootloader on the Asus Zenfone 9 is the first step toward rooting your device, installing custom ROMs, or flashing custom kernels. While Asus is relatively developer-friendly compared to other manufacturers, the process involves using Asus’s official Unlock Device App. zenfone 9 unlock bootloader
: Users in regions like Europe were quoted approximately €185 (~$200 USD) to have their bootloader officially unlocked by an ASUS service center. The factory reset wiped Developer Options
: It disables Verified Boot, making the device more vulnerable to malicious software and unverified firmware. Loss of Features Loss of Features As of May 2026, the
As of May 2026, the status of the is a critical point of frustration for the enthusiast community. While the phone was initially launched with a dedicated unlock tool, ASUS has since discontinued official support, leaving users with very few options for custom ROM installation. Current Official Status (May 2026)
: Disabling the bootloader lock makes the device more vulnerable to unauthorized firmware modifications and may disable security features like Google Play Integrity (affecting banking apps and Netflix). www.oneplus.com on forums like XDA Developers to find a workaround?