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

Why it is important to know the status of the bootloader on Xiaomi

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is the first step to install custom firmware, gain root rights, or restore the device after software failures. However, not all users remember whether they have unlocked it before, especially if the phone was bought by a used one.

The manufacturer deliberately complicates the unlocking process: requires the binding of the Mi Account, waiting 7-30 days and using the official Mi Unlock Tool. But how to find out the current status? In this article, we will look at 5 proven methods - from simple (through the MIUI settings) to technical (ADB and Fastboot commands).

Important: the status of the bootloader does not depend on the version of MIUI or smartphone model (whether it is Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13 Ultra).However, on some devices with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi 10C), some methods may not work – we will warn about this separately.

Method 1: Check through MIUI settings (the easiest)

If your smartphone is on and running smoothly, start with this method. It doesn't require a PC connection or special knowledge.

Open the Settings app and go to About Phone → MIUI version. Tap the MIUI version 7-10 times until the notification “You’re a developer!” appears. Then go back to the main settings menu and select a new Developer option.

In the For Developers section, look for the Mi Unlock Status option (or bootloader Status on newer versions of MIUI).

• 🔓 Unlocked – the bootloader is open for modifications.
• 🔒 Locked – Officially unlocked is required.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global Stable) Mi Unlock status may not be available, in which case use the following method.

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If the Developer section doesn’t appear after the MIUI taps, check if it’s hidden in the app settings. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings and reset the rights.

Method 2: ADB commands (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool provides detailed information about the status of the device, including bootloader status, which is suitable if you have access to a PC and have Xiaomi drivers installed.

First, enable USB Debugging in the developer settings (see Method 1). Then connect your smartphone to your computer and execute it in the command line (cmd or Terminal):

adb devices

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

adb shell getprop ro.boot.bootloader

In the answer you will see one of the lines:

• 🔓 unlocked – the bootloader is unlocked.
• 🔒 Locked – the loader is blocked.
• ❓ Unknown – Unable to determine status (rarely found on MediaTek devices).

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging over USB on your phone | Download ADB Platform Tools| Connect your phone with the original cable-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) getprop ro.boot.bootloader can return the empty value, in which case use the alternative command: adb shell su -c "getprop ro.boot.bootloader But it requires root rights to run it.

Method 3: Fastboot Mode (Universal Method)

If your smartphone doesn’t turn on or you prefer to check status without booting, use Fastboot mode.This method works even on “bricks” (defaulting devices) provided they respond to a PC connection.

Turn off the phone, then press the button combination to log in to Fastboot:

• 📱 For most models: Volume down + Food (hold 5-10 seconds).
• 🔧 On some devices (such as Black Shark): Volume up + Nutrition.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.

Follow the command:

fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, find a line (bootloader). It can contain:

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

Through MIUI | ADB | Commands | Fastboot | Never checked-->

Method 4: Checking with Mi Flash Tool (for flashers)

If you plan to flash your smartphone through the Mi Flash Tool, the program will show the bootloader status when you connect the device in Fastboot mode. This method is convenient for those who already work with firmware.

Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi). Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (see Method 3) and start the program. At the bottom of the window, information about the connected device will appear, including the Bootloader Status bar:

• 🔓 Unlocked - Unlocked.
• 🔒 Locked - Locked.

The advantage of this method is a visual interface and additional information about the model, MIUI version and firmware type (Global/China/EEA).However, the Mi Flash Tool may not recognize devices with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO C31).

Method 5: Log analysis at boot (for "bricks")

If the smartphone does not load even in Fastboot, but reacts to the connection to charging (for example, the indicator flashes), you can try to analyze the download logs through ADB. This method requires experience and is suitable for restoring "bricks".

Connect your phone to your PC and execute in the command line:

adb logcat | find "unlock"

If a line with unlocked: true appears in the logs, the bootloader is unlocked. The absence of such a string usually means that it is locked. However, this method does not provide a 100% guarantee - on some devices, the logs can be empty.

Alternatively, use the QFil utility (for Qualcomm) or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek), which, when connected in EDL mode, can show the status of the bootloader, but their use requires deep knowledge and is risky for beginners.

⚠️ Note: Trying to flash a locked device through EDL Without unlocking the bootloader will lead to a full brik, which can only be fixed with the help of an authorized Xiaomi service center.

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:

• 🔌 Phone is not defined in Fastboot: Check the cable - use the original from Xiaomi. Install drivers manually through Device Manager. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 The fastboot oem device-info command returns the error: Update ADB Run the command line on behalf of the administrator (POCO X3 NFC) First you need to run fastboot oem unlock-go.
• 📱 There is no option in the settings Mi Unlock Status: Update MIUI Check the firmware region in China. ROM The site may not be available. Use alternative methods (ADB or Fastboot).

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If none of these methods worked, you probably have custom firmware installed on your device that hides the bootloader’s real status, in which case the only reliable way is to try to flash the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (but it’s risky!).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions