How to check the bootloader lock on Xiaomi: all ways of 2026

Locking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a security mechanism that limits the ability to install custom firmware, restore via TWRP or rooting. The manufacturer introduced this feature to improve security, but it often becomes an obstacle for enthusiasts who want to deeply customize their device. Before trying to unlock it, it is critical to know the current status of the bootloader — otherwise you risk getting a brick instead of a work phone.

In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to check locks, including official and alternative methods. You will learn how to determine status through Fastboot, hidden engineering menus, Mi Unlock Tool utility and even without connecting to a PC. Special attention will be paid to the nuances for new models on HyperOS and devices with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, where the process may be different. If you plan to unlock for installing Global ROM or custom recaveri, this guide will help avoid typical errors.

1.What is a bootloader lock and why is it checked

A bootloader is a low-level software that runs to the operating system and determines which kernel and firmware to download. On Xiaomi smartphones (as on Redmi, POCO), it is blocked by default to protect against:

• 🔒 Installation of unofficial firmware with viruses or backdoors
• 🛠️ Unauthorized rooting (receiving root rights)
• 🔄 Changes to the recovery section (e.g. installations) TWRP)
• 📱 Data recovery after device theft

However, blocking creates problems for users who want to:

• 🌍 Install Global ROM instead of Chinese firmware (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra for the European region)
• ⚡ Swipe the custom core to overclock the processor or improve autonomy
• 🔧 Recover your phone after a soft brick via Fastboot
• 📱 Reflash a device with a damaged system when standard methods do not work

Checking the status of the bootloader is a must before any firmware manipulation, for example, if you try to install TWRP on a locked bootloader, the phone simply won’t turn on (it will get into Fastboot with an anti-rollback error), and if you unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool without first checking, you can run into a 168-hour delay or a complete loss of warranty.

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

The Fastboot method works on all Xiaomi models, including the new Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 and POCO F6. It does not require root rights and shows the exact status even on devices with a damaged system.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds to enter the Fastboot (some models need to keep Volume Up + Power). The screen should show the hare in a hat-eared with the inscription FASTBOOT.
2. Connect your phone to your PC. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and go to the folder from fastboot.
3. If the device is determined (the serial number appears), continue. If not, install Xiaomi drivers or try another cable.
4. Run the command to check the status: fastboot oem device-info In the answer, find the line Device unlocked: true/false: false - bootloader blocked true - bootloader unlocked

On new devices (2023-2026), instead of oem device-info, the command can work:

fastboot getvar unlocked

Here, unlocked: yes means unlocked, and unlocked: no means lock.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K60) Oem device-info command can return the error FAILED (This does not mean that the bootloader is locked, it is just the manufacturer has restricted access to the information.

Method 2: Checking with Mi Unlock Tool (official method)

Mi Unlock Tool is Xiaomi’s official software for unlocking the bootloader, and it can also show its current status, but with reservations:

• ✅ Only works on accounts that are tied to a device for at least 7 days (168-hour rule)
• ❌ Does not show status on devices with damaged firmware
• ⚠️ Requires authorization in Mi Account (on some models - with a reference) SIM-map)

How to check:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version should correspond to your firmware: for HyperOS, take a new one, for MIUI 12-14 - the old one).
2. Install the utility and run it on behalf of the administrator.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (should match your phone account!).
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as in Method 1).
5. If the utility shows the Unlock button, the bootloader is locked. If the button is active and there is a timer (for example, "72 hours"), the device is already in the process of unlocking. If the button is not there or if it says "Already unlocked", the bootloader is unlocked.

Pay attention to possible errors:

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error of 0x80070005, try disabling the antivirus and running the utility in Windows 8 compatibility mode.

Method 3: Verification through the Engineering Menu (without PC)

On some Xiaomi models, bootloader status can be found directly in the phone’s settings without connecting it to a computer, which works on devices with MIUI 12-14 and partially on HyperOS, but does not guarantee 100% accuracy.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636## This will open the hidden Testing menu.
2. Go to the phone information (or phone information) section.
3. Scroll down to the Lock Status (or Bootloader) block, which may indicate: Locked - Unlocked - Unlocked - Unlocked Relocked - unlocked, but locked again (found on used devices)

If #4636### doesn’t work, try the alternative codes:

• #7378423## - Service information menu (for some Redmi)
• #36446337## - Engineering menu for hardware testing

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) The engineering codes can be disabled. ADB To access hidden settings: adb shell am start -a android.settings.SETTINGS Then manually search the Developer Options section → MIUI Version and tap it. 7 Time to unlock additional options.

5. Method 4: Verification through ADB (for advanced users)

If the Fastboot is not available (for example, the phone does not turn off), and the engineering menu does not show the status, you can use the Fastboot. ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method requires the developer mode to be enabled and USB-debugging.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Tap the MIUI Version 7 times until the notification appears You became a developer!
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔒 Unlocking OEM (point!)
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
4. In the command line, run: adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate Possible answers: orange – bootloader unlocked green – bootloader locked

For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 13T or POCO X6 Pro), an alternative command can work:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.flash.locked

Here, 1 stands for lock and 0 for unlock.

If the commands return an empty answer or an error not found, try to get a full property dump:

adb shell getprop > props.txt

Then open the props.txt file on your PC and find lines with verifiedboot or flash.locked.

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If you see ro.boot.veritymode=enforcing in response to the adb shell getprop command, it indirectly indicates a locked bootloader. However, use a combination of methods to diagnose accurately.

Method 5: Indirect signs of blocking (without technical means)

If you don't have access to a PC or your phone doesn't turn on, you can try to determine the bootloader status by proxy, which is not a 100% guarantee, but it can help you navigate.

Signs of a blocked loader:

• 🔄 The phone doesn't load into TWRP (After the installation attempt, a standard recavery appears MIUI)
• 🚫 When you try to flash custom firmware through Fastboot, an anti-rollback or invalid image error flies out.
• 🔒 In the developer settings option Unlock OEM not active or inactive (in gray)
• ⚠️ When you connect to the Mi Unlock Tool, you need to wait 168 hours.
• 📱 On the lock screen or in Fastboot there is the inscription This device is locked (found on new models)

Signs of an unlocked loader:

• ✅ Successful loading in TWRP ornamental
• 🔓 In Fastboot, the Xiaomi logo has the inscription Unlocked (usually in red)
• 📲 Ability to install firmware through fastboot flash without errors
• 🔧 In the developer settings option Unlock OEM switched on and on

On used devices, pay attention to:

• 🔄 Presence of flashing marks (for example, version discrepancy) MIUI telephone-region)
• 📱 Absence of original packaging or seals (may indicate unlocking by previous owner)
• 🔒 Settings menu → Memory check if custom cores (e.g. KernelSU or Magisk) are installed)

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) 11 or Redmi K40) After unlocking the bootloader, data is reset from internal memory (/data). If you buy a used device, the absence of user files when unlocked may indicate a “cleaning” before selling.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When checking the status of the bootloader, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

A few more nuances:

• 🔌 In some models (for example, POCO F5) To log into Fastboot, you need to use the Volume Up combination + Food, not down.
• 📱 If the phone doesn’t respond to buttons, try plugging the charger in for 10 minutes – sometimes a discharged battery blocks access to the Fastboot.
• 🖥️ Nana macOS/Linux Before using fastboot, you may need to give permission to execute: chmod +x fastboot

8. FAQ: Answers to popular questions