Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the need to modify software, but the first barrier to obtaining root rights or installing custom firmware is the bootloader. Understanding the current status of this component is critical, since trying to firmware a device with a locked bootloader can lead to software errors or complete system failure. Unlike many other manufacturers, the Chinese giant’s ecosystem uses a specific security system that must be considered before starting any manipulation.
Determining the security status is not always easy, as visual indicators may not be available in the normal operating system mode. Users often confuse having superuser rights with unlocking the bootloader, although these are completely different levels of access to the hardware of the smartphone. In this article, we will discuss all available diagnostic methods, from simple visual inspection to the use of specialized console gates.
Visual diagnostics at loading
The fastest and most reliable way to get out of the computer is to watch the screen as you turn on the device. When you put your smartphone into Fastboot mode (clamping the volume down button and the power button), the system gives you service information about the current security status, and you'll see an image of a hare repairing an android on the screen and an orange FASTBOOT sign.
Note the bottom of the display. If the bootloader is locked, you'll see the word Locked (locked). If the protection is removed, it will show the word Unlocked (unlocked). This method works on 99% of modern models, including the Redmi Note series and the flagship Xiaomi Mi. However, if the screen is broken or the sensor does not work, this method becomes inaccessible, and you have to resort to software methods.
Sometimes users ignore this screen, relying only on the phone to work in normal mode. This is a mistake, since the standard Android interface does not have a direct indicator of the status of Bootloader. Only switching to Fastboot mode gives a 100% guarantee of correct status determination without using additional software.
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If the smartphone screen is broken and you don’t see the labels, connect the device to the monitor via a USB-C to HDMI adapter (if the model supports video output) or use the ADB check method described below.
Checking through the Mi Unlock app
The official tool from the manufacturer, known as the Mi Unlock Tool, is designed not only to remove the lock, but also to diagnose the current state. USB-After installing drivers and running the utility, you need to connect the smartphone in Fastboot mode.
The software automatically reads the information from the device. If the bootloader is locked, you'll see a message that you need to wait or bind your account. If the status is unlocked, the utility will immediately prompt you to reset or flash it, warning you of the risks. This is one of the most reliable ways, because it relies on server status check.
It is worth noting that Mi Unlock requires authorization in the Mi Account. This creates an additional layer of verification that confirms the legitimacy of the request. In some cases, if the phone was previously unlocked, but the user forgot about it, the program will simply skip the waiting stage and immediately go to action.
☑️ Checking through Mi Unlock
Diagnostics through ADB and Fastboot teams
For more advanced users who prefer not to rely on a GUI, there is a command line verification method, a "gold standard" diagnostic that gives a technically accurate answer from the bootloader itself. You'll need to install a minimum set of Platform-tools tools on your computer.
After connecting the device in Fastboot mode and opening the command line (CMD or PowerShell) in the tool folder, type in the command fastboot devices. If the computer sees the phone, the serial number will appear. Next, type in the command fastboot getvar all. In the text stream, find the line (bootloader) unlocked.
fastboot getvar all
(bootloader) unlocked: yes
...If the value is yes, the bootloader is unlocked. If no is locked, it's universal and works even when official utilities are giving out connection errors, and it directly accesses the bootloader variables, bypassing the Android operating system.
Why can’t the fastboot team work?
Use of third-party utilities and applications
There are many apps on Google Play, such as Device Info HW or Cpu-Z, that can display bootloader status, but rely on them with caution. These apps read information from Android system files rather than directly from Bootloader, which in some cases (especially on custom firmware) can give incorrect results.
However, for quick checks without a PC connection, they're good. In the "Device" or "System" section, look for the Bootloader Status field. If it says "Unlocked," it probably is. But if the app says "Locked," and you're planning to flash it, you better double-check it through Fastboot to avoid trouble.
Some custom Recovery, such as TWRP, can also display status on the top menu or when you try to write. If TWRP allows you to write to sections without warning, this is an indirect sign of unlocking, but not a direct one.
Comparative table of verification methods
To organize the information and choose the most suitable way for your situation, check out the table below, which will help you quickly navigate the pros and cons of each method.
| Method | I need a PC. | precision | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastboot screen | No. | 100% | Low. |
| Mi Unlock Tool | Yes. | 100% | Medium |
| Fastboot teams | Yes. | 100% | Tall. |
| Android apps | No. | 80-90% | Low. |
Typical errors and false signs
Often users mistakenly believe that having Root rights automatically means unlocking the bootloader. This is a misconception. Some older models or versions of the software could get root rights through vulnerabilities without touching the bootloader. However, on modern devices with Android 10/11/12/13/14, this is almost impossible without removing the lock.
Another common mistake is ignoring boot warnings: If you turn on your phone, you see a message saying, "The system has been destroyed," or a warning that your device is not certified by Google, it's a sure sign that the bootloader is unlocked, and some users try to "remove" that message by flashing the drain, not realizing that Unlocked status will remain until the repeat lock is executed.
Also, be careful when buying a used device, because sellers can hide the fact of unlocking, claiming that the phone is “clean.” Checking through fastboot getvar all is the only way not to be fooled, since software can change this variable back to “Locked” without losing data and resetting the Mi Account.
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Having a Root Rights and an Unblocked bootloader status are two different things. Root gives rights to Android, and unlocking Bootloader gives access to low-level memory partitions.
⚠️ Warning: Re-locking the bootloader on a device with custom firmware installed or a modified system partition will lead to bricking (Hard Brick).The phone will stop turning on and will require disassembling and soldering memory or using a programmer. Always return the stock firmware before blocking.
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (some Redmi and Poco models), the unlocking and validation procedure may differ from those on Snapdragon. Make sure that the instructions are tailored to your platform, as they may call the Fastboot mode Boot Mode or the drivers you need.