Many Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners sooner or later face the desire to gain full control over their device, which goes beyond the standard settings of Android. Unlocking the bootloader is the first and most important step to modify the operating system, install custom firmware like LineageOS or MIUI EU, and completely remove the built-in advertising software. Without this procedure, access to system partitions is closed, making it impossible to deep tune the gadget.
But the process is not without risks and nuances that must be understood before action is taken. Bootloader (BL) acts as a kind of security guard, checking the digital signature of the downloaded software before running the operating system. If the signature does not match the authorized manufacturer, the phone will simply refuse to turn on, protecting user data from malicious code. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to circumvent this protection by legal methods.
It should be noted that unlocking BL is an irreversible action in terms of warranty obligations of the company. Once the bootloader is unlocked, Xiaomi service centers can refuse free repairs, even if the failure is not related to the software. In addition, the procedure will inevitably entail the complete removal of all data from internal memory, so preparing a backup is a critical step.
The concept of the loader and its role in the security system
Bootloader, or Bootloader, is a small program that runs before the Android operating system starts, and its main task is to initialize the hardware and verify the integrity of system partitions. Xiaomi smartphones have a Locked Bootloader installed by default, which means that you can not run any software that does not have an official digital signature of the manufacturer, which creates a closed security perimeter that protects the device from viruses and unauthorized changes.
When a user decides to unlock a bootloader, they put the device into Unlocked BL mode. In this state, the phone stops checking the signature of the kernel and system partitions at launch. This opens the door to install Custom Recovery (such as TWRP), obtaining Root rights, and modifying system files. However, with freedom come vulnerabilities: malware can theoretically access deep layers of the system.
It is important to distinguish between unlocked screen and unlocked bootloader. The first refers to unlocking the interface to access applications, the second to low-level access to hardware. For Android enthusiasts, Unlocked status is the standard for extending the life of a device even after official software updates have stopped. Without this step, installing alternative operating systems is impossible.
⚠️ Warning: After changing the bootloader status to "Unlocked", the screen will forever have an open lock icon on the smartphone boot. You can only remove it back by re-locking it, but this will require the installation of stock firmware.
Technically, unlocking changes the flag in the protected memory area. TrustZone security continues to work, but its checks become less stringent on the code to be downloaded. The user must be aware that he is taking responsibility for the stability of the device.
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Unlocking the bootloader removes the manufacturer’s software limitations, allowing you to modify system partitions, but reduces the overall level of data security.
Consequences of Unblocking: Guarantees, Banking Apps and Widevine
Before you start unlocking, you need to be clear about all the changes that will happen to the device. The first and most noticeable consequence is full Wipe Data. When you unlock it, the phone will be forced to reset to factory settings, removing all photos, contacts and apps, a security measure designed to prevent data from being stolen by attackers who have physical access to the device.
The second important aspect is that banking applications and services with high security requirements work. BL The device’s status on Google Play Protect services will change, and the phone may cease to be certified, often resulting in the failure of applications from banks, Google Pay (now Google Wallet) and Mi Pay. Although there are circumvention techniques (Magisk Hide, Zygisk), this requires additional technical knowledge and constant struggle with detector updates.
Support is also suffering. DRM-content contents, the Widevine protocol L1, high-resolution video playback (HD/4K) On streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime, it often degrades to a level once unlocked. L1. As a result, you can only watch content in low resolution (SD 480p). Get the level back. L1 without re-blocking the bootloader and flashing the original software is almost impossible.
- 📉 Complete deletion of all user data at the time of unlocking.
- 🏦 Possible problems with the launch of banking applications and NFC-payment.
- 📉 Reduced protection DRM Widevine to SD-video quality.
- 🛡️ A warning of an unlocked loader at each turn on.
Don’t forget about the warranty. Xiaomi’s official service centers easily detect the fact of unlocking through diagnostic software. If you plan to rent the device under warranty in the event of a hardware defect (for example, the screen plume has departed), you may be obliged to first lock the bootloader and return the stock firmware. In some cases, if the firmware has not helped to fix the problem, warranty service may be denied.
Can we hide the unlock?
Preparation of smartphone and PC before the procedure
The success of the operation depends on 90% of the correct preparation. You should not try to unlock the bootloader on the fly, without first setting up your account and tools. The first step is to link the phone number and Mi Account account in the settings of your smartphone, and this account will be used to log into the unlock utility, and you will not be able to change it without waiting 7 or 30 days.
Then activate debugging mode and unlock permission. Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version number seven times to unlock the developer menu. Then, in the Additional → Menu, you need to include “Debug on USB” and “Unlock the bootloader.” When you turn on the last item, the system will require you to enter the Mi Account password and warn about the risks.
To work with a PC, you will need a computer running Windows (on macOS and Linux, the process is more complicated and requires emulation or special scripts). miui.com/unlock. Also make sure that the PC has the current drivers installed. ADB and Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers, depending on your smartphone's processor. USB-Cable is critical – cheap cables often cause a connection to break at a critical moment.
☑️ Checking readiness for unlocking
Pay special attention to the waiting time. After the first link of the account to the device, a certain period must pass. Usually it is 7 days (168 hours), but for new accounts or suspicious activity, the period can be extended to 30 days. The timer starts counting only after successful linking in the phone menu, not from the moment of registration of the account. Re-assigning resets the timer.
Step-by-step: how to unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock
Unlocking is done through the official Mi Unlock utility. Launch the program on your computer and log in to your Mi Account (the same as your phone). Then turn off the smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode. For most Xiaomi devices, this is done by pressing the volume button when you connect the cable to the PC. The screen should appear a bunny repairing the android and the inscription "FASTBOOT".
In the Mi Unlock window, press the "Unlock" button. The system will check the status of the device and account. If all conditions are met (account tied, wait time passed, the Internet is stable), a warning will appear about deletion of data. Confirm action. The process will take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, during which time you can not turn off the cable or interrupt the program.
Status: Unlocking...
Progress: 15% ... 50% ... 99% ... 100%
Unlocked successfully!After a successful unlock, the phone will automatically restart. The first download may take longer than usual (5-10 minutes), as the system will reassemble the cache and check the partitions. On the greeting screen, you will be greeted by an open lock icon, and in the settings in the About Phone section, under the MIUI logo, the inscription "Unlocked" will be written.
If the utility gives an error, such as "Couldn't verify device" or "Current account is different", check the account compliance and whether there is an active Internet connection. USB-port (preferably) USB In rare cases, you need to update the Mi Unlock utility to the latest version.
Compatibility table and BL statuses for different series
Not all Xiaomi devices unlock the same way. There are different procedures for global versions, Chinese models and devices with MediaTek processors. Below is a table showing the features of unlocking for different series.
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