How to find out the status of the bootloader on Xiaomi: 4 proven ways

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a critical piece of software that determines which firmware to install on a device, and its status determines whether you can install custom firmware, root rights, or even official updates through the Mi Flash Tool. If you plan to modify your Redmi, POCO, or Mi, the first thing you need to do is check if the bootloader is unlocked, otherwise you risk getting a brick when you try to flash the device.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to check the status of a bootloader on Xiaomi, including methods through fastboot, MIUI menus and third-party utilities. We will focus on the nuances for new models (2023-2026), where the manufacturer has tightened security policies, you will learn how to distinguish a locked bootloader from an unlocked one, what relocked status means, and why some devices may show false data.

What is a Xiaomi bootloader and why check it

Bootloader is a low-level software that runs to the operating system and is responsible for initializing the hardware components of the smartphone. On Xiaomi devices, it is blocked by default, which protects against unauthorized firmware changes, but limits the user’s ability to customize.

Checking the status of the loader is necessary in the following cases:

• 🔓 Before unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool – to confirm that the device supports the procedure.
• 📱 After buying a used smartphone, the seller could hide the fact of unlocking, which affects the warranty.
• 🔧 When installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) – a blocked bootloader will make this impossible.
• ⚠️ After a failed update – if the smartphone stuck on the logo MI, The condition of the loader will help diagnose the problem.

It’s important to understand that on new models (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the manufacturer has introduced additional checks, such as Anti-Rollback, which means that even an unlocked bootloader can limit downgrade firmware to older versions.

Method 1: Checking through Fastboot mode (most reliable)

The fastboot method works on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of the version. MIUI It's going to require a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable (preferably from the set).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the buttons Loud down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot and type:

fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, find the lines:

• Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked.
• Device unlocked: false – the bootloader is locked.

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Download the platform-tools from the Android site

Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings

Use the original USB-cable-->

Nuance for new models: On some devices (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi K60), the command can return Device critical unlocked: true. This means that the bootloader is unlocked, but with limitations - for example, it is impossible to roll back to the old firmware.

⚠️ Note: If you see an error after the fastboot oem device-info command FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed', which means that the device has activated Anti-Rollback. MIUI This will result in a complete loss of smartphone performance.

Method 2: Verification through MIUI settings (without PC)

On some MIUI firmware (mostly older versions before MIUI 12), the bootloader status can be found directly in the settings menu, which does not require a connection to a computer, but does not work on all devices.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version bar to activate Developer Mode.
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → For developers.
4. Scroll down and find Bootloader status.

Possible values:

• 🔒 Locked – a loader in a drain state.
• 🔓 Unlocked – the device can be stitched.
• 🔄 Blocked (unlockable) – Official permission is required via Mi Unlock Tool.

Limitations of the method:

• On MIUI 13/14, the bootloader status is often hidden.
• Some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T) display incorrect information.
• If the smartphone is purchased in China, the developer menu can be in Chinese.

💡

If the bootloader status option is not in the settings, try changing the firmware region to Global or EEA via the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 3: Use of applications (for unlocked devices)

If the bootloader is already unlocked, it can be checked with third-party utilities, which analyze system files and output detailed information about the bootloader status.

Top.-3 check-in:

• 📱 Bootloader Status (from) XDA Developers – shows the status and version of the bootloader.
• 🔍 MIUI Bootloader Checker – a specialized tool for Xiaomi devices.
• 🛠️ DevCheck – a universal utility with a Bootloader section.

How to use:

1. Download. APK-file from the official website (for example, XDA).
2. Install the application by allowing installation from unknown sources.
3. Run the utility and wait for the system analysis.
4. The Bootloader or Device Info section will show the status.

⚠️ Note: Apps can show Unlocked even if the bootloader is locked, if the device has a critical unlock.This is not the same as full unlock.

Method 4: Log analysis at boot (for power users)

If the smartphone is booting, but you suspect problems with the bootloader (for example, a long boot or spontaneous reboots), you can analyze the system logs. ADB.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and activate Debugging via USB.
2. In the command line, type:

adb logcat | grep -i "bootloader"

Look for the following markers in the logs:

Example of analysis: If avb: Verification disabled is found in the logs, but the status of unlocked: false is unlocked in fastboot, this may mean that a patch is installed on the device to bypass the check (for example, through Magisk).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When checking the status of the bootloader, users often encounter false results or technical problems, and here are the most common errors and their solutions:

• 🔌 Device not defined in fastboot: Check the cable (use the original).Install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 for models on Snapdragon. try another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 📱 Fastboot oem device-info does not work: On new devices (Xiaomi) 13/14) You may need to log in to your Mi Account. Try an alternative command: fastboot getvar unlocked.
• 🔒 Apps show "Unlocked" and fastboot shows "Locked": This means that only a critical partition (for example, to install Magisk) is unlocked.

Critical information: On devices with a MediaTek chipset (such as the Redmi Note 12 or POCO M6 Pro), the fastboot oem device-info command may not work.

💡

If your smartphone isn't detected in fastboot, but it's charging, the problem is the drivers, not the bootloader. Never try to flash the device without confirming its status!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi bootloader