Android phones have a recovery mode that lets you access the bootloader and wipe data if you're unable to normally boot your phone.

The picture above was taken by Alexei Watson who states that the new stock recovery in Android L has a few new features. You can now Reboot to Bootloader, and Power down.

Here’s an unfun scenario: You’ve got one of the best Android phones or tablets, but things aren’t working right. Typical virus scans and other troubleshooting fixes aren’t working. It is time to use ...

Weâ ll use ADB commands to reboot into fastboot mode and verify the bootloader status. Fastboot is a bootloader mode in Android that lets you check the bootloader state, among other things.

If you want to unlock your phone’s bootloader, then you’re in great luck–we have a step-by-step guide on how to unlock the Galaxy Nexus’ bootloader.

The unlock button will reboot your device, unlock the bootloader, wipe all your data, and then return you to the Android 4.1 setup screen.

9. Wait for your boot screen to appear on your phone. Once it does (it’s a big Android with START), type: fastboot oem unlock (Again, it’s ./fastboot oem unlock on a Mac) 10. A bootloader ...

Unlock your bootloader, but do not flash your custom recovery yet. Reboot. Your device will force-boot into stock recovery, wipe data and cache, then reboot again.