Checking the status of the Xiaomi bootloader through Fastboot: a complete guide with commands and errors

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is low-level software that runs to the Android operating system and is responsible for initializing the hardware, checking the digital signatures of the firmware and transferring control to the OS kernel. The bootloader’s condition is critical when you are firmware, unlocking or restoring the device: a locked bootloader will not allow you to install custom software, and a damaged one can turn the phone into a “brick”.

Fastboot mode is the only legal way to interact with a bootloader on Xiaomi without physical interference. Through it, you can not only check the status of the lock, but also unlock the device (if you have permission from Xiaomi), flash official or custom firmware, and diagnose hardware problems. However, incorrect commands in Fastboot can result in loss of warranty or complete device failure, if you do not consider the nuances of a particular model (for example, Redmi Note 12 requires a different approach than the other model). POCO F5).

In this guide, we will discuss how to safely check the status of the bootloader through Fastboot, what commands to use for diagnostics, how to interpret the system's responses and what to do if the device is not recognized by the computer. POCO 2020–2026 release, including models with Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek processors.

What is Xiaomi bootloader and why you need to check it

The bootloader on Xiaomi devices performs three key functions:

• 🔐 Firmware signature verification: blocks installation of unofficial software without manufacturer’s permission.
• 🛠️ Iron Initialization: Starts the CPU, memory and peripherals before handing over control to Android.
• 🔄 Recovery mode: allows you to boot into Fastboot or Recovery even if the main system is damaged.

By default, all Xiaomi smartphones come with a locked bootloader.This is a security measure that protects against:

• 📱 Install malware at the firmware level (for example, through substitution) boot.img).
• 🔧 Unauthorized access to data when a device is stolen.
• 🔨 «Brick" due to firmware errors by inexperienced users.

However, a blocked bootloader limits the owner’s ability to:

• ❌ You can’t install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• ❌ You can’t get root rights through Magisk.
• ❌ Modification of system partitions (e.g., deletion of bloatware) is prohibited).

Checking the status of the bootloader through Fastboot is necessary in the following cases:

• 🔄 Before the firmware (official or custom).
• 🔓 When buying a used device (to make sure the previous owner didn’t unlock it illegally).
• 🛠️ After a failed update when the phone doesn't boot.
• 📦 Preparing for Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool.

Preparation for the test: what will be needed

To check the status of the bootloader through Fastboot, prepare the following:

• 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO battery-charged 50% (When the charge is low, the device may be switched off during the procedure).
• 💻 Computer running Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux (for macOS or Linux) Mac/Linux Additional drivers will be required).
• 🔌 Cable USB (Preferably original or certified, as cheap cables may not transmit data to Fastboot).
• 🛠️ Tools ADB Fastboot (can be downloaded separately or as part of Android) SDK Platform Tools).
• 🔑 Drivers for your model (Windows often requires manual installation through Device Manager).

Download the official ADB/Fastboot You can use the Android developer website:

• 🔗 Official Android page SDK Platform Tools (Select the version for your OS).

Windows will also require Xiaomi drivers, which can be installed automatically via the Mi Flash Tool or manually:

1. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (how to do this – see the next section).
2. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
3. Find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually displayed as Android Bootloader Interface or Unknown Device).
4. Right-click → Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer.
5. Specify the path to the driver folder (e.g., C:\MiFlash\Driver).

If you are using macOS or Linux, no additional drivers are required, but you may need to configure device access permissions via udev (for Linux).

How to enter Fastboot mode on Xiaomi

There are three ways to get Xiaomi’s smartphone into Fastboot mode:

Method 1: Through a button combination (if the phone is switched off or got stuck)

1. Turn off the device (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it is getting stuck).
2. Press and hold the Power and Volume button down at the same time.
3. Hold until the Fastboot logo appears (an Android robot with an open belly and the Fastboot Mode label).

Method 2: Restore Menu (if the phone is switched on)

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power and Loudness up to enter Recovery.
3. In the recovery menu, select Reboot to Fastboot (navigation – volume buttons, choice – power button).

Method 3: Through the team ADB (if debugging is on)

If the phone is debugging on USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times) → Additional settings → For developers → Debugging by USB), You can log in to Fastboot with a team:

adb reboot bootloader

After you successfully log in, you'll see a screen that says Fastboot and a connected device in Task Manager (for Windows). Mac/Linux Check the connection with the team:

fastboot devices

If the command returns the serial number of the device (for example, 1234abcd fastboot - connection successful. If the list is empty:

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (Try another port, preferably. USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers (for Windows).
• 🔒 Disable the antivirus (it can block it) ADB).
• 📱 Try another way to log in to Fastboot.

💡

If your phone doesn’t recognize in Fastboot, try connecting it to another phone. USB-port (preferably on the back of the PC) or use USB-External powered hubs: Cheap cables often don't support data transfer to Fastboot!

Commands to check the status of the loader

Once you connect your device in Fastboot mode, use the following commands to diagnose the bootloader. All commands are entered in the terminal (Windows: Cmd or PowerShell; Mac/Linux: Terminal).

1. Verification of device connection

Make sure the phone is recognized:

fastboot devices

If the team returns the serial number (for example, abc12345 fastboot) — connection successful. If not, see the section “Eliminating connection errors»**.

2. Checking the status of the loader lock

The main team for status verification:

fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, look for the line (bootloader) Device unlocked: true/false:

• True - the bootloader is unlocked.
• False: The bootloader is locked.

In some models (for example, POCO X3 Pro) instead of device-info use:

fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability

Answers:

• 1 - Unlock is allowed (you can unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool).
• 0 — Unblocking is prohibited (Mi Account binding or waiting is required) 7/168 hours).

3. Verification of the loader version

Find out the bootloader version (useful for finding compatible firmware):

fastboot getvar all

In the conclusion, look for the lines:

• version-bootloader is the version of the bootloader.
• secure: yes/no — Protection status (yes means that the bootloader is blocked).

4.Understand the unblocking support

To see if it is possible to unlock the bootloader on this device:

fastboot oem unlock-info

Answers:

• Unlock ability: 1 — unlocking possible.
• Unlock ability: 0 — Unblocking is prohibited (you need to link your Mi Account or wait for it).

On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) Additional authentication may be required through the Mi Account. FAILED (remote: 'Token Verify Failed' means the device is linked to the previous owner's account.

💡

The fastboot oem device-info command doesn't work on all Xiaomi models.If it returns an error, use fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability or fastboot oem unlock-info.

Decoding answers: what do the status of the loader mean

The answers of Fastboot commands may seem confusing, but they are easy to interpret if you know the key parameters.

If you see is-userspace: no in the fastboot getvar all response, it means that the device is in Fastboot mode, not in user space (Android).

On some models (e.g. Redmi) K50) This can be shown as is-tampered: 1:

• 🔧 The device was previously unlocked or was leaked by unofficial software.
• 🚨 Possible problems with updates OTA (they may not be installed).
• 🔒 To restore the official status will require firmware original boot.img and lock-down.

💡

If you see Device critical unlocked: true in the fastboot oem device-info command response, it means that the bootloader was unlocked in an informal way (for example, via an exploit).

Typical errors and their solutions

When you use Fastboot, you often encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them.

1. Device is not defined (fastboot devices returns an empty list)

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Cable/port problems: Try another cable (preferably original) or port USB 2.0.
• 🖥️ No drivers: Install Xiaomi drivers manually (see Preparation section»**).
• 🛡️ Antivirus is blocking ADB: temporarily disable protection or add an exception for adb.exe and fastboot.exe.
• 📱 Wrong Mode: Make sure the phone is really in Fastboot (android robot screen).

2. FAILED Error (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')

This error means that you are trying to flash a device with a locked bootloader.

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding and waiting).
• 📦 Sweeve the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (some versions allow you to stitch even with a locked bootloader).

3. Mistake FAILED (remote: 'Token Verify Failed')

This error occurs if:

• 🔑 The device is tied to the previous owner’s Mi Account (when buying used one).
• 📱 You are trying to unlock the bootloader without a tied account.

Decisions:

• Link your Mi Account in your phone settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account).
• If the phone used - reset to factory settings (Settings) → Resetting settings).
• For new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) may require waiting 7 days after the account is linked.

4. Mistake FAILED (remote: 'Device is locked. Cannot flash images')

Like the Flashing is not allowed error, the bootloader is locked. Solution is one: unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

5.The device hovers on the Fastboot screen after the command

If after you enter a command (for example, fastboot reboot), the phone does not respond:

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (should be) ≥30%).
• 🔌 Turn off and reconnect the cable.
• 🔄 Forced reboot the device by clamping the Power + Loudness down for 10-15 seconds.

How to unlock the bootloader if it is blocked

If the check shows that the bootloader is locked (Device unlocked: false) and you need to unlock it (for example, to install custom firmware), follow this instruction.

Step 1: Link your Mi Account

1. Turn on your phone and enter Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Sign in or create a new account.
3. Go to Settings. → The phone. → All parameters. → Mi Unlock status.
4. Link your account to your device (you may need an internet connection).

Step 2: Download the Mi Unlock Tool

The official utility for unlocking:

• 🔗 Download page Mi Unlock Tool (authentication required).

Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe (Windows).

Step 3: Connect your phone in Fastboot mode

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Enter the Fastboot (clutch the power supply) + Loudness down).
3. Put it on the computer.

Step 4: Start unlocking

1. In Mi Unlock Tool, log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
2. The utility should detect the device. Press Unlock.
3. Confirm unlocking (a warning may appear on the phone).

On new models (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12) After the account is attached, waiting is required:

• 🕒 7 days for most models.
• 🕒 168 hours (7 days) – for some flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro).

After the expiration of the period, try again to unlock.

Step 5: Checking the Unlocking

After successful unblocking, check the status:

fastboot oem device-info

It should show:

(bootloader) Device unlocked: true

1. Use another Mi Account (sometimes old accounts are blocked).

2. Connect the phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. Reinstall drivers manually.-->

Frequent Questions (FAQ)