Unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights, or device recovery after software failures. However, many users face the challenge of knowing exactly if a bootloader is unlocked without risking bricking the phone. This article will help determine the status of the bootloader without unnecessary manipulation, from visual features to fastboot commands.
It is important to understand that the status of the bootloader affects the ability to modify the system. TWRP Or LineageOS, and trying to do so will lead to a mistake. FASTBOOT: Error: device is locked. At the same time, the unlocked bootloader opens access to advanced settings, but deprives of warranties (on new Xiaomi models this is checked by using the new ones). IMEI).
We'll look at 5 working methods, from the simplest (via MIUI settings) to the most technically complex (ADB and fastboot commands). Each method has been tested on devices with MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14, but most of the instructions are relevant for older versions as well. If you plan to unlock, check the bootloader status before you start the procedure to avoid unnecessary steps.
1. Check through MIUI settings (fastest way)
On most Xiaomi smartphones, bootloader status can be found directly on the system menu – without connecting to a PC or using commands. This method works on devices with MIUI 12 and later, but may not be available on some regional firmware (for example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro in the version for India).
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- 🔍 Go to About the Phone (or About the Device).
- 📝 Click several times on the line version MIUI, until you have become a developer, you have become a developer!.
- 🔙 Return to the main settings menu and open a new Developer section (usually at the bottom of the list).
- 🔓 Scroll down to Bootloader status, and it says Locked, bootloader closed, Unlocked, bootloader open.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F5) This item may not be available, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.
2. Visual signs of an unlocked bootloader
If access to settings is limited (for example, after a reset or screen breakage), the status of the bootloader can be determined by indirect signs.
The main visual indicators:
- 🔄 Open-lock Mi Bunny logo – when you turn on the device in fastboot mode (hold power) + Volume down 10 seconds. If the lock is open, the bootloader is unlocked.
- ⚡ The Orange State message appears at the top of the screen when the system is booted, indicating an unlocked bootloader (relevant to the user). MIUI 13+).
⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) The visual features may be missing due to security policies. ADB or fastboot.
What is Orange State?
3. Check through Fastboot Mode (for power users)
The method through fastboot is the most reliable, since it directly addresses the hardware level of the device. You will need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and a fastboot utility (part of the Android SDK Platform Tools).
Step-by-step:
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC with a cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
- 🔄 Turn off the device, then pinch the power. + Loudness down for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Bunny logo appears in fastboot mode.
- 📂 Open the command line (CMD) in the folder with fastboot (or use Terminal on the macOS/Linux).
- 💻 Enter the command: fastboot devices Make sure your device appears in the list (e.g, 1234abcd fastboot).
- 🔓 Enter the status check command: fastboot oem device-info In the answer, find the lines: Device unlocked: true - bootloader unlocked. Device unlocked: false - bootloader blocked.
💡 Tip: If the fastboot oem device-info command doesn't work, try an alternative:
fastboot getvar unlockedThe answer is unlocked: yes will confirm the unlock.
☑️ Preparation for checks through fastboot
4. Check through ADB (without rebooting to fastboot)
If you don't want to reboot your phone to fastboot, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on the device on, but requires activated debugging over USB.
Instructions:
- 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB In the settings for developers (see section 1).
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on your smartphone screen.
- 💻 In the command line, type: adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate Possible answers: Answer Value orange bootloader unlocked (Orange State mode) green bootloader blocked (standard mode) yellow bootloader partially unlocked (rarely encountered)
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) The command can return the unknown. In this case, use the method with fastboot.
5. Verification through third-party applications
If you're uncomfortable with the command line, you can use specialized applications from Google Play, which analyze system properties and display the status of the bootloader in a convenient way.
Top.-3 tested applications:
- 🛠️ DevCheck – displays detailed information about the device, including Bootloader in the Hardware section.
💡 Useful tip: Check reviews before installing apps - some utilities may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions. For example, Bootloader Status Checker does not require access to contacts or SMS.
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If the app shows Unknown status, try restarting your phone and running the check again, and sometimes the system services don't have time to initialize.
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When checking the status of the bootloader, users often encounter typical problems, and let's look at the most common and ways to solve them.
Problem 1: The fastboot device command does not show the device.
- 🔌 Check the cable – use the original USB Type-C (cheap cables may not transmit data).
- 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager (download from the official website).
- 🔄 Restart your PC and phone, then reconnect.
Problem 2: When you enter fastboot oem device-info, you get a FAILED (remote: unknown command) error.
- 📋 This means that your model does not support this command. Use the alternative: fastboot getvar unlocked
- 🔧 On some devices (POCO F3, Redmi K40) You need to unlock first. OEM Unlock in the settings for developers.
Issue 3: Appendices show conflicting results.
- 📱 Reboot your phone and check the status again.
- 🔍 Compare results with visual features (e.g., an open-lock logo).
- 💻 If in doubt, use the method with fastboot - it is the most reliable.
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If none of the methods worked, you probably have a non-standard firmware (for example, from a third-party developer) on your device, in which case the bootloader status can only be determined through test commands in EDL mode, but this requires special equipment.