How to check if the bootloader is blocked on Xiaomi: all working methods

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a software component that controls the launch of the operating system. The manufacturer blocks it by default to protect the device from unauthorized firmware changes. However, many users will unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware, gain root rights or remove system applications. If you bought a used phone or forgot the status of your device, it is important to know exactly whether the bootloader is blocked - this affects the ability to firmware, restore via Fastboot, and even the operation of some MIUI functions.

In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to check the status of the loader – from visual signs to commands through the ADB The methods are suitable for all modern models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (including the Mi series 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F/X/M). We will pay special attention to the nuances for devices with MIUI 14/15 A new anti-Rollback blocking mechanism that could make diagnosis more difficult.

1. Visual signs of a blocked loader

The fastest way to determine bootloader status is to pay attention to the behavior of the phone when you turn on or connect to a PC.

• 🔴 Logo Mi Bunny with lock: when booting in Fastboot mode (keep Volume down) + Power) a hare appears on the screen in a closed-locked eardress cap, which is 100% a sign of a locked bootloader.
• 🟢 Lack of lock: if the hare is displayed without a lock or there is an inscription Unlocked – the bootloader is unlocked.

Note that on devices with MIUI 14+, visual cues may differ. For example, on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, this device is locked in small print at the bottom of the screen instead of the lock, and some firmware from third-party developers (such as Xiaomi.eu) may hide these indicators.

⚠️ Warning: If you see this device is corrupted, it's not a bootloader lock, it's a firmware failure. EDL.

2. Check through Fastboot mode (without PC)

This method does not require a computer connection and works on 90% of Xiaomi devices.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Volume Down + Power buttons at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi Bunny logo appears.
3. Pay attention to the text under the logo: 🔒 Device is locked or the icon of the castle → loader blocked. 🔓 Device is unlocked or lack of lock → loader unlocked. ⚠️ This device is corrupted → Firmware damaged (recovery required).

Some models (e.g. POCO F5) may display color indications instead of text:

- Red background is blocked.

- Green background unlocked.

Orange background – partially unlocked (rarely encountered, usually after unsuccessful unlocking).

3. ADB and Fastboot teams to check status

For accurate diagnosis, use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot tools.This method is suitable for power users and requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.

First, download and install:

Google Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot)

Drivers for your model (can be found on the official website of Xiaomi).

Follow the instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

cmd

platform-tools

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter:

adb reboot bootloader

The phone will reboot to Fastboot mode. Now execute the command:

fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, find the line Device unlocked: true/false:

- False - bootloader locked.

- True - the bootloader is unlocked.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 The new fastboot oem device-info command can return the error. FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State'. In this case, use the alternative command: fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability If the result 0 — Unlocking is not possible without official permission from Xiaomi.

Checking through Mi Unlock Tool (official method)

Xiaomi provides the official software to unlock the bootloader - Mi Unlock Tool. It can also show the lock status. Download the utility from the official website (requires a Mi Account with a linked phone number).

Instructions:

• 📥 Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool (the version should match your model).
• 🔑 Sign in to your Mi Account (it must be tied to the phone for at least 72 hours).
• 📱 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as described in Section 2).
• 🖱️ Launch the utility and press Agree, then Unlock.

If the bootloader is blocked, you will see a message:

“Your device is locked” – with a suggestion to start the unlocking process.

“Couldn’t unlock” – if the device does not support unlocking (for example, due to Anti-Rollback).

If the bootloader is already unlocked, the inscription will appear:

“Your device is unlocked” with a green tick.

Note: Mi Unlock Tool can show false positives on devices with unofficial firmware. In this case, trust the commands of Fastboot (section 3).

5. Check through Engineering Mode (hidden menu)

On some Xiaomi models (mostly older ones like the Mi 8 or Redmi Note 7), bootloader status can be checked through an engineering menu, which doesn’t work on all devices, but can be useful if other methods aren’t available.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Engineering Mode (or Engineering Menu).
3. Go to the Hardware Testing → Device Info section.
4. Find the Bootloader or Lock State line.

Possible values:

- Locked, locked.

- Unlocked - unlocked.

Relocked – was unlocked, but then blocked again (rarely seen).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12+ When you try to enter code on new models (such as Xiaomi 13) you often get this code is not available for your device.

6. Features for Anti-Rollback devices

Since 2019, Xiaomi has been implementing the Anti-Rollback mechanism, which makes it difficult to unlock the bootloader. If your device supports this feature (the list of models is available on XiaomiUI), then:

• 🔒 Unlocking may not be possible without official permission (even through the Mi Unlock Tool).
• ⚠️ Unlocking on Anti-Rollback 3 devices+ (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra will result in a full brik (impossibility to turn on).
• 🔄 Quickboot Oem unlock or fastboot Flashing unlock will return the error FAILED (remote: 'Anti-rollback check fail').

To check for Anti-Rollback, use the command:

fastboot getvar anti

If you have an anti: [number] line in the answer (e.g., anti: 3), the mechanism is active. The higher the number, the stronger the protection.

For anti-Rollback devices, we recommend:

• 🛠️ Do not try to unlock the bootloader without experience.
• 📄 Study thematic forums (e.g, 4PDA) for your model.
• 🔧 Use only official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

💡

If your Anti-Rollback device is already locked, try restoring it via EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable (or circuit test points on the board).

FAQ: Frequent questions about locking Xiaomi bootloader