How to check the status of the Xiaomi bootloader: a detailed guide

Owning a Xiaomi device often implies the owner’s desire to go beyond the standard functionality provided by the MIUI or HyperOS shell. One of the first steps on the way to complete customization of the system is working with the bootloader of the operating system. It is this component that is responsible for initializing the hardware and launching the Android kernel, controlling the integrity of the software at the start of the device.

Before you start installing custom recavators or modified firmware, you need to clearly understand the current state of your gadget. The bootloader status can be closed (Locked), which is a standard factory state, or opened (Unlocked), which gives full rights to manage memory partitions. Checking this parameter is a critical procedure, ignoring which can lead to the failure of the smartphone.

There are several proven diagnostic methods, each with its own advantages depending on the toolkit available and the state of the device itself.We will look at both the software methods through console commands and the visual methods available directly on the smartphone screen so that you can choose the most suitable option for your situation.

What is a bootloader and why its status is important

Bootloader is a low-level program that runs immediately after the device is powered on, even before the Android operating system boots. Its main task is to verify the digital signatures of all critical system components and make sure that they have not been changed by unauthorized persons or malware.

The bootloader status directly affects the user's ability to modify the system. If the device is in Locked state, trying to download an unofficial backup or modified boot.img will result in a signature verification error, and the phone will simply refuse to start, remaining on the manufacturer's logo, a security mechanism designed to protect user data and system integrity.

⚠️ Warning: Changing bootloader status from Locked to Unlocked results in the complete removal of all user data from the internal drive. Be sure to back up important information before starting any manipulations.

In addition, the open loader affects the operation of some banking applications and services using Google Pay technology or its analogues. NFC-Payments or applications with high security requirements, such as bank clients.

Visual verification via Fastboot mode

The fastest and most reliable way to know the status of the bootloader is using a special diagnostic mode Fastboot. This mode is built into most Android devices based on Qualcomm and MediaTek processors and allows you to interact with the phone at a low level. To transition to this mode on the switched off Xiaomi device, you need to press the volume button and the power button simultaneously.

When you see a picture of a hare repairing an android, or just a FASTBOOT on an orange background, look at the text at the bottom of the display or in the information box, and that's where the key information about the security status is displayed, and if you see a Locked sign, it means that the protection is active and the bootloader is closed by factory settings.

In the event that the device has previously been unlocked, the same place will show the Unlocked inscription, often accompanied by a warning that the device may be less secure.The color of the text or background in this mode can also change: the orange background usually indicates the standard Fastboot mode, while the blue background often indicates that the bootloader is already unlocked.

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If the smartphone screen is black and does not respond to buttons, try connecting the device to the charger for 10-15 minutes, and then try again to log in to Fastboot mode.

It is important to note that some newer versions of HyperOS firmware may have minimalist visual status displays, so you should take a closer look at the fine text under the Mi or Xiaomi logo. Sometimes status is only displayed within seconds of entering mode, so be careful.

Diagnostics via ADB and Fastboot

For more technically advanced users who have already installed the Android package on their computer SDK Platform Tools, there's a command line status check method that provides accurate information and is convenient if the smartphone screen is damaged or not displaying information correctly. First, you need to put the smartphone into Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC via USB-cable.

Open the command line (CMD) or terminal in the ADB tool folder and enter a command to check the connection with the device. Make sure that the Xiaomi and Android Bootloader Interface drivers are installed correctly, otherwise the computer will not see the smartphone in the desired mode. After successfully connecting, enter the following command for status:

fastboot getvar unlocked

If yes, it means that the bootloader is unlocked. If no, the bootloader is locked. You can also use a more general command that outputs a lot of device variables, among which you need to find the (un)locked string.

Sometimes, when using third-party driver builds or on specific versions of Windows, the command may not execute the first time. USB-port, preferably USB 2.0, as Fastboot mode does not always work correctly with ports USB 3.0 and higher on some motherboards.

Use of engineering menus and codes

Another method that users often look for is checking through an engineering menu or special ones. USSD-However, it is worth clarifying immediately: on modern Xiaomi devices with shells. MIUI 12/13/14 There are almost no direct codes for displaying bootloader status, and manufacturers deliberately hide this information from the average user to prevent accidental changes.

However, there are codes for entering the hardware testing menu where you can indirectly judge the state of the system, such as ##6484### that opens the CIT Engineering Menu. Although there is no direct "Bootloader Status" option, having access to certain tests may indicate the level of access rights, but this method is not a reliable indicator of Locked/Unlocked status.

⚠️ Note: Do not try to change the settings in the engineering menu CIT, If you don't know exactly what a particular parameter is doing, it can cause sensors to malfunction, screen calibration, or even loss of communication.

There is also a myth about ##777## or similar combinations that supposedly show unlock status, and in reality, on global firmware versions, these codes either don't work or output information about a test software version that has nothing to do with bootloader security, so you shouldn't rely on them.

Status analysis through terminal applications

If you have root rights or Magisk installed, you can use terminal applications such as Termux or the built-in terminal in file managers to check the status of the system from inside Android. However, standard Android tools without root rights can not directly access the bootloader flag due to the security limitations of the OS itself.

If you have superuser rights, you can check for files specific to unlocked devices or analyze the output of getprop commands. For example, the property ro.boot.flash.locked can have a value of 1 (locked) or 0 (unlocked).

getprop ro.boot.flash.locked

This method is useful if the smartphone screen is broken, but the touchscreen is partially working, and you can't see the inscription in the Fastboot. However, it requires that the Android system at least partially boot, which is not possible if the bootloader is damaged critically.

Comparative table of verification methods

For ease of perception, we have organized all the above methods into a single table, which will help you quickly choose the right way depending on your current situation and the equipment available.

As you can see from the table, the visual method and the use of the command line Fastboot are the most reliable. They give an unambiguous answer and do not require deep immersion in the Android file system. Applications are only possible with a working system, which in case of problems with the bootloader may not be available.

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The most versatile and secure way to check is to combine the Loudness buttons and Power to log into Fastboot mode, which works even on completely non-functioning software devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)