OnePlus is quietly implementing Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB) at the hardware level. This feature can permanently block the ability to downgrade the system, install custom ROMs, or restore the device using common tools. Caution is especially in order for users who like to experiment with their device's software.
According to the Droidwin website, ARB appeared in updates ColorOS 16.0.3.500, .501 and .503, based on Android 16Once you install these versions, there will be a permanent change at the motherboard level – so-called “e-fuse firing”. This process cannot be reversed, the only solution would be to replace the motherboard.
ARB (Anti-Rollback Protection) is part of Android Verified Boot and protects devices from reverting to less secure versions of the system. On devices with ARB, any attempt to downgrade or flash an incompatible ROM will result in hard locking the phoneStandard recovery tools will stop working.
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Which models should you be careful with?
- OnePlus 13 and 13T (ColorOS 16.0.3.501)
- OnePlus 15 (ColorOS 16.0.3.503)
- OnePlus Ace 5 / Ace 5 Pro (ColorOS 16.0.3.500)
ARB is expected to arrive on OxygenOS as well and older models like OnePlus 11 or 12. The company also downloaded the official downgrade packages for OnePlus 13, which means that even previously safe procedures can now lock the phone.
So if you are planning on unlocking the bootloader or using alternative ROMs, avoid all ColorOS updates ending in .500, .501, or .503.
