Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that allows you to install custom firmware, root rights and deep system setup. However, before you start manipulating the device, it is critical to verify the current status of the bootloader. Incorrect interpretation of the state can lead to a βbrickβ (completely inoperable) of the phone or unexpected restrictions after the firmware.
The problem is that MIUI hides this information from the user β there is no direct item on the menu that says "Truckloader Status." But there are both official verification methods through Fastboot and ADB, and hidden combinations for the new MIUI 14-based Redmi/Poco/Mi models. In this article, current ways for 2026, including bypassing restrictions for Anti-Rollback devices.
β οΈ Note: Checking the status of the bootloader through third-party applications (for example, Bootloader Status from Play Market) can give false results on new Xiaomi models due to changes in the fastboot oem device-info protocol.
1.Official method: command fastboot oem device-info
This is the most reliable method that works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note. 12, Poco X5 mi 13. To check you will need a computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable (Chinese "nouneim" cables often do not transmit data to fastboot).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Open the command prompt (Win + R β cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the device is identified (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install the drivers from Google.
- Enter the command: fastboot oem device-info
In the answer, look for the line Device unlocked: true. If there is false - the bootloader is locked. New models (MIUI 14+) may appear an additional option Anti-Rollback: true - this means that the device has protection against firmware rollback.
βοΈ Preparing for inspection through Fastboot
2. Hidden engineering code for MIUI 12-14
On devices with MIUI 12 and later, Xiaomi has added a hidden menu where you can see the status of the bootloader without a PC connection, which works on most models, except for some regional versions (for example, for India or China).
How to open it:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##4636### (if it didn't work, try ##7378423## for older models).
- Go to the section Information about the phone β Status of the loader.
β οΈ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global Stable for Redmi Note 11) this section may not be available. ADB (described below).
If the bootloader is unlocked, you'll see "Unlocked" in green, and the locked devices will have gray text "Locked" or no information at all.
Why does the code not work on some models?
3. Verification through ADB (fastbootless)
If you are uncomfortable rebooting your phone to Fastboot mode, you can check the bootloader status directly from the working system via ADB. This method is suitable for devices with USB debugging enabled.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings β Additional β For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate
Transcription of the answers:
- Orange - the bootloader is unlocked.
- green β the loader is locked (official state).
- Yellow β partially unlocked (found on anti-Rollback devices)
β οΈ Note: On some models (Poco) F5, Redmi K60) The team can return a blank answer. MIUI 14.In this case, use the method with fastboot oem device-info.
4. Visual signs of an unlocked bootloader
If you donβt have access to a PC or donβt want to use commands, look for indirect signs of an unlocked bootloader:
Signs of unlocking:
- π Boot Warning: The on-screen displays the words "This device is unlocked" or "Orange State" (new models).
- π± Absence OTA-Updates: In the Update Settings (Settings) β The phone. β System Update) There are no packages available, although they are for your model.
- π§ Developer settings: In the menu for developers appeared item OEM Unlocking (even if it is inactive).
- π« Blocking Services: Mi Cloud, Find Device, or Mi Pay are a side effect of unlocking.
Signs of a blocked loader:
- π No warnings when switched on (clean logo) MIUI).
- π OTA-Updates come regularly.
- π‘οΈ There is no item in the developer settings OEM Unlocking.
On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the visual unlock warning may not appear due to changes in Qualcomm's security policy.
Verification through third-party annexes (with reservations)
Google Play has apps that promise to show the status of the bootloader, such as:
- Bootloader Status Checker
- MIUI Hidden Settings
- DevCheck
However, these methods have critical shortcomings:
- False positive results: On MIUI 14, applications often show βunlockedβ when in fact the bootloader is locked (due to changes in getprop).
- Lack of support for new models: Applications are not updated with fresh HyperOS firmware.
- Security risk: Some utilities request superuser rights, which can lead to data leakage.
β οΈ Note: If you still decide to use third-party software, pre-disable the Internet on your phone and check the reviews for the last 3 months (many applications stopped working after the update). MIUI 13.5).
π‘
Before using third-party utilities, back up your data via Mi PC Suite.Some apps can reset your network settings or delete Google accounts.
6. Features for Anti-Rollback devices
Starting in 2021, Xiaomi has implemented Anti-Rollback (ARB) protection on most models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco X3 GT, Mi 11 and later), which blocks the firmware rollback to an older version, making it difficult to verify the status of the bootloader.
How to determine the presence of ARB:
- Enter the command: fastboot getvar anti
- If the answer is anti: 3 or anti: 4, the defense is active.
What it means to unlock:
- π If the bootloader is unlocked, but Anti-Rollback = True, you can't run the old version. MIUI (brick-risk").
- π Unlocking on such devices requires official permission from Xiaomi (via the unblocking site).
- β οΈ Forced unlocking by bypass methods (for example, through EDL) This can lead to permanent blocking. IMEI.
| Xiaomi model | Anti-Rollback availability | Method of checking the loader |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Yes (ARB 4) | fastboot oem device-info + fastboot getvar anti |
| Poco F4 GT | Yes (ARB 3) | Code #4636## or ADB |
| Mi 11 Lite | No. | Any method (including third party applications) |
| Redmi 10C | Yes (ARB 2) | fastboot oem device-info (official method only) |
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On Anti-Rollback devices, unlocking the bootloader without Xiaomiβs official permission leads to an irreversible lock of the bootloader after 72 hours (even if you return the stock firmware).
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When checking the status of the loader, users often face typical problems:
Error 1: Device is not defined in fastboot
- π Check the cable β use the original from Xiaomi (Chinese cables often donβt transfer data to fastboot).
- π₯οΈ Install drivers from the official website (section "Tools").
- π Try another one. USB-port USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
Error 2: Fastboot Oem Device-info returns "unknown command"
- π± Make sure the phone is actually in Fastboot mode (screen with robot).
- π Reinstall platform-tools (download the latest version from the Android site).
- π οΈ On some models (Poco) M4 Pro) must first enter: fastboot oem unlock-go (this does not unlock the bootloader, but simply allows access to information).
Error 3: After unlocking the phone will not turn on
- π Wait. 10-15 Minutes β the first download after unlocking can take a long time.
- π If the screen is black, try to pin the volume up. + Power for 20 seconds (forced reboot).
- π¨ If there is a logo MIUI The phone went to bootloop, requires firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.