How to see the status of the bootloader on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, have a complex security system, the centerpiece of which is the bootloader. This is the code that runs first when you turn on the device and is responsible for initializing the operating system. Many users wonder how to look at the bootloader on Xiaomi to find out its current status: it is locked or unlocked.

There are many reasons why you need to check, because you want to get root rights, you want to install custom firmware, and you just want to diagnose a problem with your phone, and you need to understand the current state of the boot sector before you start any manipulation of the system software.

In this article, we will take a look at all the diagnostic tools available, how to use regular debugging tools, how to read information through Fastboot mode, and what to do if standard methods fail. It is important to understand the difference between a software lock and a hardware malfunction so as not to make things worse.

What is Bootloader and Why Check Its Status

Bootloader is a low-level program that is in the device’s memory before Android launches, and its main task is to verify the integrity and authenticity of the operating system before it boots. If the signatures of the system files do not match the manufacturer’s keys, the locked bootloader will simply prevent the phone from turning on.

Checking the status of the bootloader on Xiaomi is essential to understand the limitations of your device, which is almost always locked in the factory state, which ensures stable operation of the system and the protection of user data from intruders, but for enthusiasts this becomes an obstacle that requires official unlocking through Mi Account servers.

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The status of the bootloader directly affects the ability to install custom recavers, such as TWRP, without which a full backup system is impossible.

It's worth noting that unlocked bootloaders change smartphone behavior. The system may be less stable, some banking apps will stop working, and the quality of photography sometimes decreases due to loss of optimizations. So before you get into the settings, weigh the pros and cons.

Check through the “Developers” menu in MIUI

The easiest and safest way to view a Xiaomi bootloader is to connect to a computer, and all the information is hidden in a special engineering menu that is available after activation of the developer mode, which is a standard method that does not carry risks to the device.

First, you need to activate the hidden settings section. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times in a row on the MIUI Version (or HyperOS Version). After that, a new section will appear in the main settings menu “Additional” → “Developers”.

☑️ Activation of the developer mode

Done: 0 / 1

In the menu that opens, look for Mi Unlock Status, which shows the current status of the bootloader, and if you see the word "Locked," it means that the protection is active, if "Unlocked," the system partition is open, and it can also display the waiting time if you have already applied for unlock.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the Developer Menu unless you know exactly what each setting is responsible for. USB Changes in logical dimensions can lead to unstable work.

Diagnostics through Fastboot mode

If you have limited access to the operating system or want to get the most reliable information, use Fastboot mode. This is a low-level diagnostic protocol built into Qualcomm and MediaTek chipsets, which allows you to interact with your phone directly, bypassing Android.

To get into this mode, turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume down and power button at the same time. Hold them until you see an image of a hare repairing a robot or a sign that says, FASTBOOT Connect the device to the computer through high-quality USB-cable.

📊 What kind of test you use more often?
Through MIUI:Through Fastboot:Through ADB commands:I don't know how to check

On the smartphone screen, in the top corner or in the status bar, you'll see the status of the bootloader. Look for the Device State line. If it says locked, the bootloader is closed. If unlocked, open. And here you'll see the bootloader version, which is useful when looking for compatible firmware tools.

The good thing about this method is that it works even on completely dead devices, as long as the boot sector itself is not damaged, and it is the first step in diagnosing any Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO startup issues.

Use of ADB and Command Line for Advanced

For those who are used to working with the command line, there is a more flexible tool – ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you not only to see the status, but also to get detailed technical information about the state of memory partitions and loader variables.

Make sure that the phone has USB debugging enabled in the developer menu, and the computer has ADB drivers installed. Connect your smartphone and open the console. Enter a command to check the status:

adb reboot bootloader

After switching to Fastboot mode via ADB, type a command to get all the variables:

fastboot getvar all

You'll find a bootloader unlocked: yes/no. This is the most accurate way to program diagnostics, and it's often used by service center wizards when flashing devices.

What if your computer doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot?
If the device is not detected, try replacing it. USB-cable to the original or shorter one, and it often helps to install Qualcomm drivers. HS-USB QDLoader 9008 or standard Android drivers ADB In Windows Device Manager, check if there are any unknown devices with an exclamation mark.> Understanding the terminology is the key to successful device management. Statuses can vary depending on the version MIUI The region, but the basic concepts remain unchanged. Locked Opportunity Status Blocked Only Official Firmware, Full Unlocked Protection Possible TWRP, Root, custom ROM Testing Mode Special Mode for Engineers, Unstable Orange State Warning System modified, confirmation required when downloading Special attention should be paid to the state of Orange State. It appears after unlocking the bootloader and installing the modified software. Whenever turned on, the phone will show a warning for 5 seconds. This is normal behavior for modified devices, but a signal about a decrease in security level. Posible problems and ways of solving them are sometimes associated with the Orange State logo, when the user is affected by the situation or the failure. In such cases, the phone may go into a bootloop cycle, if you see a black screen with the words: FASTBOOT, But the computer is not responding, the drivers may not be installed correctly. SDK Platform Tools. The problem may also be in the physical charging port, which has been shaky from time to time. ⚠️ Note: If the phone spontaneously switched to Fastboot mode and does not leave it, try to press the power button on the phone. 15-20 If it doesn't work, there's a hardware malfunction of the buttons. If it does, the software failures can only help you to completely flash through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode, which will delete all the data, but restore the bootloader and the system to factory status. Remember that interrupting the firmware process can turn a smartphone into a “brick». Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Will the phone reset to factory settings to check the bootloader status? No, the verification process itself (via settings or Fastboot) is secure and does not affect user data. However, unlocking the bootloader (the process of changing the status from Locked to Unlocked) always involves completely removing all data from the device. Can the bootloader be blocked again after unlocking? Yes, this is possible through the official Mi Unlock utility. However, you need to do this extremely carefully: if the phone is running custom firmware or a modified recapital, locking will cause the phone to stop the downloading status. Xiaomi sets a timer (usually 168 hours or 7 days) during which you cannot unlock the device. You just have to wait until the end of the term without leaving your account. Does the unlocked bootloader affect the operation of NFC and bank cards? Yes, it does. When the unlocked bootloader, the Google Play Protect security system marks the device as unsafe. Bank applications and Google Pay (Mir Pay) can refuse to work. To circumvent this restriction, additional manipulations with root rights and device status are often required.