How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Xiaomi Redmi: official and hidden methods

The bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a software “guard” that controls the launch of the operating system. It is blocked by the manufacturer by default to prevent unauthorized firmware changes. However, custom recovery (such as TWRP), root rights or alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) requires its unlocking. The problem is that even after successful unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, some Redmi models can “hide” this fact in standard settings, which leads users to be confused.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 reliable ways to check bootloader status, from the obvious (via Fastboot) to the little-known (hidden MIUI menus), and focus on the nuances of the new Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi K60 and other HyperOS-based devices, where the logic of the check has changed, and if you’re planning to stitch your phone or have experienced errors like Anti-Rollback, this guide will help you avoid the brick and save time.

1. Checking through Fastboot mode (universal method)

The most reliable way to know bootloader status is to put your phone in Fastboot mode and read the lock information, which works on all Redmi models, including the old (Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 5) and the new (Redmi Note 13 Pro+).

How to do this:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears (the Mi Bunny robot with the inscription FASTBOOT).
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Open the Command Prompt (CMD) on your PC and type:

fastboot devices

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

fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, find the lines:

• 🔓 (bootloader) Device unlocked: true - bootloader unlocked.
• 🔒 (bootloader) Device unlocked: false - bootloader blocked.

💡

If the fastboot oem device-info command doesn't work, try fastboot getvar unlocked. On some models (Redmi 9A, Redmi 10), it gives the same result.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Redmi Note) 13) instead of unlocked: true/false may be displayed unlocked: yes/no. This is normal – status is determined by the word yes.

Verification through MIUI settings (without computer)

If you don’t have access to a PC, Attempt can find out the status of the bootloader directly from the MIUI menu. However, this method does not work on all models – on new devices (Redmi Note 12 and later), the item can be hidden.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7-10 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional settings → For developers.
4. Find the Bootloader Status item.

Possible options:

• 🔓 This device is unlocked (This device is unlocked.
• 🔒 This device is locked – the boot loader is locked.
• ❓ No point – go to other methods (see below).

3. Checking through ADB (for advanced users)

If Fastboot is not available for some reason, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) which requires USB debugging mode enabled and works only on MIUI with developer rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
3. In the command line, type:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

Results:

• 🔓 Orange - bootloader unlocked.
• 🔒 green – the loader is blocked.
• ❓ Other values (yellow, red) – additional diagnosis (possibly partial unlocking) is required).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) K50, POCO F4) The command can output the unknown. In this case, use the method with Fastboot (section 1).

4. Hidden MIUI menus: engineering menu and test modes

Xiaomi hides some diagnostic menus where you can find information about the bootloader, which are little known, but sometimes help when the standard methods do not work.

Method 1: Engineering menu (#4636##)

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the Bootloader block.

Method 2: Test menu (#7378423##)

This combination works on some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro):

1. Enter the dialer: ##7378423##.
2. Go to Service info → Configuration.
3. Find the bootloader line.

⚠️ Warning: Not all hidden menus are safe! Avoid changing settings in Engineering Mode if you are not sure what they are intended for. For example, incorrect settings in BandMode can lead to network loss.

Indirect signs of an unlocked loader

If none of the above methods worked, note the indirect signs that may indicate unlocking:

• 📱 Download notification: Your device has been unlocked and can't be trusted appears on the turn on screen. MIUI Global or (na) MIUI China).
• 🔄 Automatic updates: The phone has stopped receiving OTA-Updates (unblocking them often).
• 🛠️ Presence TWRP: If the device is installed custom recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox, the bootloader is guaranteed unlocked.
• 🔓 Root rights: Magisk or other root tools work (e.g., su in terminal).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) K40, POCO X3 Pro) after unlocking, data encryption may disappear. If after rebooting the phone asks for a password but does not accept it, this is a sign of resetting the encryption keys due to unlocking!

1. Check PC connection in Fastboot mode

2. Install official firmware via Mi Flash Tool

3. Check the firmware version for compatibility with Anti-Rollback

4. Contact the service center if you make an error "Invalid image"-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When checking the status of the bootloader, users often face some problems.

Error 1: Device not defined in Fastboot

• 🔌 Check it out. USB-Cable (use the original from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Install Mi Phone Manager drivers or ADB Driver Installer.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone in Fastboot again (sometimes multiple taps help) + Loudness down).

Error 2: The fastboot oem device-info command returns FAILED

This means that:

• 🔒 The bootloader is locked and the command is blocked by the manufacturer.
• 📱 The device does not support this request (rarely, but sometimes it does). POCO).

Error 3: No “loader status” option in the settings

Decisions:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Update to the latest version (sometimes the item appears after the update).
• 📱 Check the firmware region: on MIUI China may not be present, but Global may be absent.

💡

If no method has shown bootloader status, but you are sure that the unlock was successful, most likely, the device has custom firmware that masks the status. In this case, use fastboot getvar all and look for the line unlocked: yes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions