How to find out the version of the Xiaomi bootloader: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones have complex architectures where the initial bootloader plays a critical role, and many users are faced with the need to recognize its version when trying to unlock, install custom firmware or restore a device after a failure, and Bootloader is responsible for running the operating system and verifying the integrity of the software.

Information about the current version is often required when diagnosing boot issues when the phone is stuck on startup the logo or goes into a cyclical reboot. Knowing the exact build number allows you to find the appropriate patch or determine compatibility with specific recovery methods. In this guide, we will look at all the available ways to get this information, from simple methods through settings to advanced tools for PCs.

It's worth noting that standard MIUI or HyperOS interfaces don't allow you to see the detailed version of the bootloader, and the system hides this data from the average user to avoid accidental changes that could cause the gadget to fail, so you'll have to use special modes or a computer connection to get the full picture.

What is a bootloader and why know its version

Bootloader, or Bootloader, is a low-level program that initializes the hardware of a smartphone before launching the operating system kernel. In Xiaomi devices, it also performs a security function by verifying the digital signature of the downloaded software. If the signature does not match the manufacturer's keys, the download process can be stopped.

The bootloader version is not just a number, but an indicator of the level of security and compatibility with specific versions of Android. When updating the firmware "over the air", this component often updates automatically, but with manual manipulation, the versions can be dissynchronized, which leads to conflicts when the new system can not work correctly with the old bootloader, and vice versa.

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Always write down the original version of the bootloader before any partition manipulations – this is the only way to return to the original state in the event of a critical failure.

Understanding the version structure helps avoid installing incompatible backups or cores. For example, trying to flash custom restores designed for a newer version of Bootloader on an older version can lead to a soft brick.

⚠️ WARNING: Misunderstanding the work of the bootloader and trying to flash it without the relevant knowledge can forever turn the device into a useless brick.

Status check through Fastboot mode

The most reliable and common way to learn detailed information about a bootloader is to use Fastboot mode, which is built into Qualcomm and MediaTek chipsets, which are used in the vast majority of Xiaomi smartphones, and allows the computer to interact with the device's file system at a low level.

To enter this mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Down and Power buttons. Hold them until an image of a hare repairing an android appears, or the FASTBOOT inscription on the black screen. Once you connect the USB cable to the PC, the connection status will appear on the phone screen.

The Fastboot screen often displays Locked or Unlocked status, indicating the bootloader's lock status. However, a specific version number (e.g. 10.3.1 or hash amount) may not be visible here, but it is available for computer reading. The background color of the indicator is also important: orange background usually means unlocked bootloader, black - locked.

If the screen of the smartphone is damaged or does not work touchscreen, Fastboot mode remains the only way to diagnose, in this mode, the device responds to commands even when the display is not working, which allows you to check its “live” and read key parameters through the console.

Use of ADB and PC Command Line

To get the exact version of the bootloader that you can’t see, you need to use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot tools on your computer, a professional method that requires installing drivers and having basic command line skills.

First, make sure your smartphone has USB debugging enabled. Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the build number seven times to activate the developer menu. Then, in the Additional → For developers, activate Debugging by USB.

Connect the device to your PC and open the Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell in the platform tool folder. Enter the following command to check the connection:

adb devices

If the device is determined, transfer it to bootloader mode by command:

adb reboot bootloader

After rebooting to Fastboot mode, enter the command to get all the available information:

fastboot getvar all

In the line list you can look for the bootloader version or (bootloader) version-baseband. This is where you want it to be. Also, look for the bootloader unlocked, where yes is unlocked and no is lock.

Engineering menus and hidden codes

Some Xiaomi smartphones allow you to access technical information through an engineering menu, a software interface designed for testing equipment by factory engineers. USSD-codes in the appendix "Telephone".

The most common codes to enter the test menu are:

• 📱 ##6484## is the main code for entering the CIT (Customer Integration Test).
• 🔧 ##4636## - Menu of testing and information.
• 📶 ##3646633## - Alternative login to the engineering menu (works on older chipsets).

Inside the CIT menu, you can find the Version or Software Version section, which often lists versions of all components, including TrustZone, Modem, and sometimes Bootloader. However, newer versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS often deny access to these codes or only restrict basic information.

It is worth remembering that changing the settings in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose can lead to the radio module or screen calibration malfunctioning. Use this section only to view data, avoiding items with Run or Write buttons if you are not sure about the result.

Analysis of logs and firmware files

For advanced users who are engaged in system modification, the method of analyzing firmware files is relevant. OTA-Update or complete firmware (Recovery or Fastboot) ROM), The bootloader version can be found inside the archive.

Xiaomi firmware often includes abl.elf (Android Boot Loader) or xbl (Qualcomm Boot Loader) file, which is the version of the bootloader, and can be found in log files if the device saves crash reports (pstore or ramdump), but this requires superuser rights (Root).

Comparing the firmware and device versions of files helps you determine whether the bootloader has updated after the last firmware flash, and sometimes the firmware has been installed and the bootloader partition has remained old due to an update script error.

Using specialized software such as Mi Flash Tool or Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools also allows you to read this data. When you connect your phone, these programs automatically query and display device identifiers, including the bootloader version, in the main window or logs.

Frequent problems and solutions in the audit

Users often face a situation where the computer does not see the phone in Fastboot mode. This can be caused by the absence of drivers, faulty USB-cable or port use USB 3.0/3.1, If you're not working properly with the device, try switching to the port. USB 2.0 replace the cable.

Another common problem is the ADB command error message. Often this is because the Platform Tools tool folder is not added to Windows environment variables, or you are in the wrong directory. Always open the command prompt in the executable folder.

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If Fastboot isn’t defined, try installing Google’s Universal USB Driver or Xiaomi’s official drivers through Device Manager manually.

In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, debugging mode can be hidden or blocked by the carrier. If standard methods do not work, all that remains is a visual inspection of the Fastboot screen or the use of paid service boxes (Dongle), which are able to read information directly from the memory chip.

⚠️ Attention: Locking the bootloader is a must for security features like Google Pay and banking apps to work.Unlocking can disrupt their work.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions