How to check the status of the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 working ways

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a software component that runs to the operating system and determines which software will be downloaded. Its status (locked or unlocked) is critical for installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights, or restoring your device after a crash. If you plan to flash MIUI through Fastboot, install TWRP, or modify system files, checking the bootloader status is a must-have first step.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to check the status of a bootloader on Xiaomi in 2026, including methods through Fastboot, ADB, the standard MIUI menu, and even without a computer. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13), where the manufacturer has tightened security policy. If you have never unlocked the bootloader officially through the Mi Unlock Tool, most likely it is locked — but how to check it 100%?

1. What is the status of the bootloader and why it is important

The status of the bootloader determines whether you can:

• 🔓 Install unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)
• 🛠️ Get root access via Magisk or SuperSU
• 🔄 Restore the device after a "brick" (software failure)
• 📱 Modify system partitions (e.g., remove embedded applications)

On all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, the bootloader is locked by default. Unlocking requires official permission through the Mi Account account and the Mi Unlock Tool. However, even after unlocking, the status can be reset back (for example, after updating MIUI or resetting to factory settings).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models from 2023-2026 (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60) The manufacturer has introduced an additional protection, Anti-Rollback, which is a validation of the bootloader status on these devices that may show false results if the version is not valid. MIUI below the minimum allowable.

If you bought a smartphone with your hands, the status of the bootloader may be unknown, in which case the check is mandatory: installing custom firmware on the locked bootloader will lead to a “hard brick”.

2. Method 1: Checking through Fastboot (the most reliable method)

This method works on all Xiaomi models, including new ones. 100% You're going to need a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot and USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

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

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number appears), enter:

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

Download Platform Tools (Platform Tools) |

Disable driver signatures (for Windows)|

Use the original USB-cable

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Some models (e.g., POCO F5) may require a command to:

fastboot getvar unlocked

⚠️ Note: If the team returns a mistake FAILED (remote: unknown command, which means your version of Fastboot is outdated. Update Platform Tools to the latest version or use an alternative method (see section 4).

Method 2: Checking through the MIUI menu (without a computer)

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

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to About the Phone. → Version. MIUI.
3. Stick the MIUI version 7-10 times until the message “You’re a developer!” appears.
4. Return to the main Settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
5. Find the bootloader status or Mi Unlock status.

Possible values:

• 🔒 Locked – the bootloader is blocked.
• 🔓 Unlocked – the bootloader is unlocked.
• ❓ Unknown or missing item – the method is not supported by your firmware.

Redmi Note 12/13|

POCO X5/F5|

Xiaomi 13/14|

Another model|-->

On newer versions of MIUI 14+, this item is often missing, so use the methods in Sections 2 or 4.

Method 3: Verification through ADB (Fastboot alternative)

If your smartphone is turned on but the Fastboot is not available (for example, due to a damaged boot partition), you can try to find out the status of the bootloader through ADB.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
3. In the command line, type:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

Possible answers:

• Orange - the bootloader is unlocked.
• green - the loader is locked.
• Yellow is partially unlocked (rarely found).

If the command returns an empty answer or error, try an alternative:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.flash.locked

Here, 1 stands for locked bootloader and 0 stands for unlocked bootloader.

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If ADB does not recognize the device, try switching USB connectivity mode to File Transfer (MTP) and re-enable debugging.

5. Method 4: Verification through third-party applications

There are applications that can show the status of the bootloader without a computer.

• 📱 Bootloader Status Checker (available on Google Play)
• 🔧 DevCheck (shows detailed information about the device, including bootloader status)
• 🛠️ MIUI Hidden Settings (for devices on the MIUI)

An example of working with DevCheck:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open the Hardware tab.
3. Find the Bootloader section, and the status will be indicated.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13) Applications may show incorrect status.
• ❌ Some apps require root rights for accurate verification.
• ❌ There are fraudulent apps on Google Play – only download high-ranking apps (4.5).+).

Method 5: Indirect signs of an unlocked bootloader

If none of the above methods worked, pay attention to the indirect signs:

• 🔄 When you turn on the smartphone, an unlock warning appears (yellow or orange text on a black background).
• 📱 There is no update in the settings MIUI airborne (OTA) — This may mean that the loader is unlocked.
• 🔧 When you try to update the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, the error appears: "Device is unlocked".
• 🛠️ In the Recovery menu (clamping the Volume up) + Power supply) no standard interface MIUI.

On models with Anti-Rollback (e.g. Xiaomi 12S Ultra), an unlocked bootloader can result in:

• 🚫 Denial of encryption of user data.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge (due to switched off optimizations) MIUI).
• 📶 Problems with the module NFC or 5G.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When checking the status of the loader, users often face the following problems:

1. The device is not defined in Fastboot Reason: no drivers or used non-original cable Solution: install Mi Flash Tool (there are drivers included) or use the cable from the kit.
2. The fastboot oem device-info command returns the error Reason: an outdated version of Fastboot or blocked OEM Unlock in the settings. Solution: Update Platform Tools or enable OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers.
3. Apps show conflicting data Reason: on new Xiaomi models, apps don't have access to real status.Solution: Use only Fastboot for accurate verification.

⚠️ Note: On Dynamic Partition devices (all Android 10 models)+) Trying to flash custom firmware on a blocked bootloader will lead to the loss of all data and the need for a complete reset via the Mi Flash Tool.

If you plan to unlock the bootloader, be sure to:

• 🔄 Make a backup of the data (unlocking will reset the device).
• 📋 Link your Mi Account to your device (in Settings) → Xiaomi account).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to 60% or more.

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The only 100% reliable way to check the status of a bootloader is by fastboot oem device-info. All other methods can give false results, especially on new models.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions