“Unlocked” when downloading Xiaomi: what it is, is it dangerous and how to remove

You've turned on a Xiaomi smartphone, and instead of the usual logo, it's like "Unlocked" with an open lock on it, don't panic, it's not a virus or a malfunction. It appears on devices with a bootloader unlocked, and the reasons for it can be both harmless and attention-seeking.

What does the “Unlocked” status mean on Xiaomi’s screen and why does it appear?

Is it dangerous for data security and can you use the phone any longer?

How to remove the inscription in legal ways (and whether it is worth it).

What if Unlocked appeared on its own without your actions?

Spoiler: 90 percent of the time, it's not critical, but there are nuances to be aware of, and then there's a detailed analysis of the instructions and the warnings.

What does “Unlocked” mean on Xiaomi’s screen when downloading

The open-locked sign that your Xiaomi bootloader is unlocked is a special security mechanism that is locked by default on all of the brand’s smartphones, and unlocking it gives the user extended rights:

• 🔧 Installation of custom firmware (Custom) ROM), LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
• 🛠️ Getting root rights (superuser) for deep system configuration.
• 🔄 Installation of modified kernels or recoveries (TWRP).
• 📱 Recovery of bricks (defaulting devices) via Fastboot.

By default, Xiaomi blocks the bootloader to protect users from:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Malware installations (if the phone is stolen or lost).
• 💥 Incorrect actions leading to a “brick”** (complete inoperability of the device).
• 🚫 Warranty breaches (unblocking usually voids warranty).

If you didn’t consciously unlock the bootloader, but saw Unlocked, it could mean:

1. The phone was bought by hand and the previous owner had already unlocked the bootloader.
2. The device was installed in the service center (sometimes unlocking is necessary for repair).
3. You accidentally confirmed the unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (for example, trying to update the software).

Is Unlocked Dangerous for Your Phone: 3 Risks and How to Avoid Them

The fact that the bootloader is unlocked doesn't break the phone, but it creates potential vulnerabilities. Here are the key risks and ways to minimize them:

⚠️ Warning: If you bought Xiaomi from hand and saw “Unlocked,” there’s a risk that the phone is a “shoot:

• 🔄 It was restored after the "brick"** (possible hidden malfunctions).
• 📦 Unofficial software (may work in an unstable manner).
• 🕵️‍♂️ Contains spyware (check out Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).

To check your device history, type in the command to Fastboot:

fastboot oem device-info

Search for Device unlocked: true and Device critical unlocked: true, which will confirm the unlock status.

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If you're not planning on installing custom firmware, you'd better lock the bootloader back, which will bring back the warranty and virus protection.

How to officially unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi (Step-by-step)

If you wish to unlock the bootloader (for example, to install Custom) ROM), You can follow the official Xiaomi procedure. It's important: it erases all the data from your phone!

Link your Mi Account to your phone (in Settings) → Xiaomi account)|Enable debugging on USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Press 7 times, then additionally → For developers)|Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Make a backup of data (photos, contacts, messages)|Charge your phone at least 60%-->

Instructions:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone. Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Without it, the Mi Unlock Tool won't work.
2. Put the debugging on. USB. Activate Developer Mode (click 7 times on Version) MIUI In Settings → About the phone), then turn on debugging in Additional → For developers.
3. Run the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC. Install the program, log in to your Mi Account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down). + Nutrition).
4. Confirm unlock. The program will show a timer (usually 168 hours for new accounts).

⚠️ Xiaomi has tightened the rules since 2023:

• 🕒 For new accounts, a 7-day (168-hour wait) before unblocking is required.
• 📵 Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) may require additional verification through SMS.
• 🔄 After unlocking the phone will automatically reset to factory settings.

How to remove “Unlocked” from the boot screen: 2 working methods

If the word “Unlocked” annoys you or you want to return the warranty, there are two ways to remove it:

Method 1: Lock the bootloader back (officially)

This is the most reliable method, but it will reset all the data again, which is good if you don't plan to install custom firmware.

1. Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, and press Refresh. The device must be determined.

⚠️ Attention: After this procedure:

• 🔄 The ability to unlock will not be available again until 7 days of waiting.

Method 2: Hide the inscription without blocking (unofficially)

If you just don’t like the label, but want to keep the unlocked bootloader, you can replace the bootload logo:

1. Download modified boot.img for your model (see the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums).
2. Fastboot commands: fastboot flash boot boot.img
3. Reboot the phone.

Important: This method doesn't remove unlock, it only hides it visually, so the bootloader stays unlocked, and all the risks remain.

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You can only lock the bootloader back through the official firmware in the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of clean all and lock mode. Other methods either do not work or are dangerous.

Unlocked came on its own – what to do?

If you have not unlocked the bootloader, but the inscription appeared, the following reasons are possible:

• 🔄 The phone was flashed in the service center (sometimes unlocking is needed to repair the motherboard).
• 📦 The device was bought from hand, and the previous owner hid the fact of unlocking.
• 🔧 You accidentally confirmed the unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (for example, trying to update the software).
• 🕵️‍♂️ The phone was hacked (in this case, check for viruses).

What to do in such a situation:

1. Check the history of the device. Go to the settings. → The phone. → If there's a bootloader status: Unlocked, that confirms the problem.
2. Contact the previous owner. If you bought by hand, check if he unlocked the bootloader. If so, ask for help locking.
3. Check for viruses. Install Malwarebytes or Kaspersky and scan the system. An unlocked bootloader makes it easier to install spyware.
4. Lock the bootloader back. Follow the instructions from the previous section.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was bought as new but already with the bootloader unlocked, this could be a sign:

• 🔄 Restored after the "brick"** device (possible hidden defects).
• 📦 Grey imports (the phone could have been destined for another region).
• 🕵️‍♂️ Fraud (for example, the phone could have been pledged or stolen).

In such cases, we recommend:

1. Check it out. IMEI IMEI.info (Make sure your phone is not blacklisted).
2. Contact the store with the requirement of exchange (if you bought officially).
3. If you bought from hand – return the seller with a claim (unlocked bootloader reduces the cost of the device).

Xiaomi models that “Unlocked” appears most often

Some Xiaomi devices are more likely to face the problem of spontaneously unlocking the bootloader.

• 🔧 Popular among enthusiasts (many are stitching custom). ROM).
• 📦 Frequent repairs (for example, after falls or bays).
• 🔄 Bugs in firmware (in some versions) MIUI unlocking was dropped by itself).

Here is a list of models that most often see “Unlocked”:

If you have one of these models and you see Unlocked without your actions, chances are:

• The phone was flashed in the service (for example, after replacing the display or battery).
• The previous owner experimented with the firmware.
• The device was restored after a software failure.

We recommend checking your phone for:

• 🔋 Battery status (via AccuBattery).
• 📸 Camera operation (sometimes after firmware disappears) HDR night-time).
• 📶 Communication stability (check out) 4G/5G and Wi-Fi).

Frequent errors when working with an unlocked bootloader

Unlocking the bootloader gives you freedom, but it also increases the chances of errors.

• 🔧 The firmware is the wrong version MIUI. For example, an attempt to establish a global ROM on the device for the Chinese market (China) ROM) lead to brik».
• 🔄 Ignoring verification MD5. Downloaded firmware can be damaged – always check the hash amount of the file.
• 📵 Power outage during firmware, even a brief shutdown USB It can turn a phone into a brick».
• 🔒 Mi Unlock Tool will not work without binding and you will have to wait 168 hours.
• 🛠️ Use of unofficial versions of Mi Unlock Tool. Only the official utility from the Xiaomi website guarantees successful unlocking.

⚠️ Note: If after manipulation with the loader phone:

• 🔄 Hangs on the Mi** logo – try going to Fastboot and flashing the official firmware.

In most cases, the bricks are treated via Fastboot or EDL-Mode (you need an authorized Xiaomi account and Qualcomm boxing).

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If you unlock your phone, don’t panic, and 90% of the time, you can restore it with the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode (but the data will be lost).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about “Unlocked” on Xiaomi