Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to modify the operating system to gain enhanced access to the file structure. The first and most critical step in this process is unlocking the bootloader, which acts as a kind of doorman, allowing only the components signed by the manufacturer. If you are trying to install custom recoveries or obtain superuser rights, you need to clearly understand the current status of this component.
Many users confuse the concepts, believing that activating debugging over USB or obtaining root rights automatically changes the state of the bootloader. This misconception can lead to firmware errors and even turn the device into a “brick.” Understanding how to visually and programmatically determine the status of Bootloader is a fundamental skill for any modder.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of verification, from simple visual indicators to the use of specialized software, you will learn to accurately interpret the messages of the system and understand the risks that open access to the system partition of your gadget entails.
Visual verification when the device is turned on
The fastest and most reliable way, without having to connect to a computer or install third-party apps, is to watch the screen at the moment of the smartphone launch. When you press the power button, the system begins to undergo the POST (self-testing) procedure, and that is when the bootloader reports its status.
If the system partition is closed, you'll see standard animations of the Mi or Redmi logo, but if the unlock is successful, the picture will change, and the screen will show an open-lock image and a corresponding English wording warning that the device may not work properly.
⚠️ Warning: Having an unlocked bootloader warning at start-up means that the integrity of system files is not guaranteed by the manufacturer and data on the device may be vulnerable.
It's worth noting that some users try to hide this message with patches or modifications, so the absence of a picture does not always guarantee that the bootloader is locked, although in 99% of cases this is the case. If you see the lock logo, then the path to install custom firmware is open.
- 🔓 Open lock on the welcome screen – a direct indicator of modified status.
- 📱 Standard animation Mi without unnecessary inscriptions - a sign of a blocked state.
- ⏱️ The message hangs for a few seconds before booting the OS.
- 🔄 When you reboot, the message appears again each time.
Using Fastboot Mode for Diagnostics
A more technical and informative method is to put the smartphone into Fastboot mode, a low-level protocol that allows you to interact with the device directly, bypassing the Android operating system, and this is where the most accurate technical information about the state of the device is displayed.
To enter this mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely, and then press the power and volume buttons simultaneously. Hold them until the image with the android hare repairing, or the FASTBOOT inscription on a black background appears. At the bottom of the screen or in the status bar, the current status will be indicated.
Device Status: Unlocked
Device Status: LockedIf you see Unlocked, the restrictions are lifted, and Device State status is often displayed in this mode, which is critical information before you try to flash it, because trying to upload a signed image to an unlocked device (or vice versa) can cause verification errors.
Why is the bunny on the screen?
Fastboot also allows you to see the bootloader version and other technical information you may need when selecting a compatible firmware. Beware: while in this mode, any wrong action with the command line can lead to serious consequences.
Checking through the engineering menu and settings
In some versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shells, bootloader status can be found directly in the operating system interface, although Xiaomi often hides this information from ordinary users.
Go to Settings → About your phone and find the line “Device Status” or similar. If the bootloader is unlocked, there may be a marker there. However, this method does not work on all models and versions of the software, so you should not rely on it as the only source of truth.
A more reliable software method is to use the official Mi Unlock Tool on your computer: connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC, launch the utility and log in. The program itself calculates the status and either suggests unlocking the device or writes that it has already been unlocked.
- 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool shows the exact status when connected.
- ⚙️ In the settings of the phone information may be missing or hidden.
- 🔐 “Account associated” status does not mean unblocking.
- 📲 Check through ADB requires installed drivers.
Sometimes users see a message saying, "Device is linked to this account." It doesn't mean that the bootloader is open, it's just a security anchor confirmation. The actual unlock changes the status flag, which is what the diagnostic tools fix.
Analysis through ADB and Command Prompt
For advanced users who prefer not to rely on graphical interfaces, there is a method of checking through the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which requires pre-activation of the developer mode and the inclusion of debugging over USB in the smartphone settings.
Once you connect your device to your computer, open the command line or terminal and enter a command to check the status. Although the direct "get status" command may not be in the standard set, indirect features or specific fastboot commands will help determine the truth.
fastboot getvar allIf you run this command, you'll get a huge list of variables. You'll need to find a bootloader unlocked. If yes, access is open. If no is closed, that's the most technically reliable way that engineers and service center specialists use.
⚠️ Note: Teams in Fastboot mode via ADB Introducing incorrect arguments can lead to erasing memory partitions or disrupting boot sectors.
Using the command line gives you complete control and understanding of what is going on under the hood of your gadget, which is a great way to make sure that no software glitches hide the real state of affairs.
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Install Google’s Platform Tools package officially – this ensures that ADB and Fastboot commands are compatible with the latest Android versions and security protocols.
Comparison of features: Status table
To organize this knowledge and be able to quickly check the symptoms, it's convenient to use a pivot table to help distinguish between regular behavior and signs of modification.
| Sign. | Locked (Locked) | Unlocked (Unlocked) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen when loading | The Mi/Redmi logo | Open lock + text |
| Fastboot mode | Device Status: Locked | Device Status: Unlocked |
| Installation of firmware | Only official. | Any (Global, China, Custom) |
| Work of banking applications | Stable. | Possible blocking (NFC) |
| Getting Root Rights | Impossible without unlocking. | Perhaps (Magisk et al.) |
As you can see from the table, the difference affects not only the visual aspects, but also the functionality of the device. Unlocking opens the door to customization, but also removes a number of defense mechanisms.
Note the banking app item. When the bootloader is unlocked, Google Play Protect may mark the device as unsafe, causing applications that require a high degree of trust to fail.
Impacts and security of data
Understanding the status of the bootloader is directly related to the security of your personal data. When Bootloader is open, the data encryption mechanisms may work differently, and any application with the appropriate permissions can access the file system.
In addition, unlocking often results in a reset of all data on the device (Wipe Data) during the flag switching process itself, which is done specifically to prevent data from being stolen from the stolen phone by changing the firmware.
☑️ Security check after unlocking
It is important to realize that once unlocked, the manufacturer's warranty for the software can be canceled. If the device fails during the firmware experiment, the official service center may refuse free repairs.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader makes the device vulnerable to “Evil Maid” attacks, where an attacker with physical access can inject malicious code while booting.
However, for enthusiasts, it is a necessary step: the main thing is to understand the risks and take precautions, such as using complex screen lock passwords and regularly backing up important information.
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Unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible action in terms of guarantees and security, requiring a conscious approach and regular data backup.