How to find out the status of unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi: official and hidden methods

Checking the bootloader status on Xiaomi smartphones is a critical step before you get a firmware, root rights, or custom recover, and whether you can modify the system without the risk of bricking your device is a nuance in 2026, and even on newer models (Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Xiaomi 14 Ultra) the verification procedure is nuanced.

Many users mistakenly believe that if you bought your phone handheld, the bootloader is unlocked. In practice, more than 70% of devices on the secondary market have a locked Bootloader, and trying to sew them without unlocking leads to an anti-rollback error or complete loss of performance. In this article, we will examine all the current methods of status verification, from the official Mi Unlock Tool to hidden engineering commands.

Particular attention will be paid to models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (for example, POCO F5, Redmi K60) and MediaTek (Redmi) 12C, POCO M6 Pro, because they have different lock mechanisms, and consider what to do if the status is determined as relocked after the update. MIUI.

1.What is the bootloader unlock status and why is it important

The bootloader in Xiaomi smartphones is low-level software that runs to the operating system, and its main function is to check the integrity of the firmware and prevent unauthorized changes. If the bootloader is blocked, you can't:

• 🔧 Install custom Recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox)
• 📱 Unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
• 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk
• 🔄 Roll back the version MIUI Older (Anti-rollback risk)

Since 2018, Xiaomi has implemented a mechanism to link the bootloader to the Mi Account.This means that even if the device was unlocked by the previous owner, after resetting the settings or updating the MIUI, the status can be reset to the locked. This is especially true for models with MediaTek chipsets (for example, Redmi 10A, POCO C50), where the unlock procedure is more difficult than on Snapdragon.

Important! On new devices (released after 2022), Xiaomi uses Secure Boot technology, which further complicates modifications. For example, on Xiaomi 13T Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+, unlocking a bootloader requires waiting 720 hours (30 days) after an account is tied, even if the status has already been unlocked before.

2.Official method: check through Mi Unlock Tool

The most reliable method is to use Xiaomi’s Mi Unlock Tool, which works on all models, including the latest flagships (Xiaomi 14, Mix Fold 3), but requires prior preparation.

Step 1 Download the Mi Unlock Tool

• 🌐 Official download page: en.miui.com/unlock
• ⚠️ Use only the latest version (at 2026 — v6.5.404.28 Older versions may not recognize new models.
• 🔗 Alternative link (if the main link does not work): new.c.mi.com/global

Step 2: Connect your phone in Fastboot mode

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the buttons Loud down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC through the original USB-cable (importantly! some cheap cables don't transmit data to Fastboot).

Step 3: Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in

• 📱 In the utility, click Agree (agreement to the terms of the agreement).
• 🔑 Log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone. If your account is not tied, do it first in your phone settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account).
• ⏳ Wait for the utility to identify the device. If a Couldn't verify device error appears, check the drivers (more on this below).

After successful connection, the loader status will appear at the bottom of the window:

• 🔓 Unlocked – Unlocked (can be stitched).
• 🔒 Locked – Locked (unlocked required).
• ⏳ Waiting for XX hours – waiting for the timer to complete (e.g. 720 hours for new models).

Download the latest version of the utility|Install Fastboot drivers (if Windows doesn't recognize the device)|Link Mi Account to your phone|Enable debugging on USB developer-setting|Use the original USB-cable-->

3. Check through Fastboot commands (without Mi Unlock Tool)

If you can’t use the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. on Mac/Linux or when you block an account), you can check the status of the bootloader through standard Fastboot commands, which works on all Xiaomi models, including POCO and Black Shark.

Step 1 Install ADB and Fastboot

• 🖥️ For Windows: Download Android SDK Platform Tools and Unpack to the Root of the Disk C:\.
• 🐧 For Linux/Mac: Install via package manager: sudo apt install fastboot adb # Debian/Ubuntu brew install fastboot # MacOS

Step 2: Connect your phone in Fastboot mode

Like the previous method, turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power. Connect to the PC.

Step 3: Follow the status check command

Open the terminal (Command Line on Windows or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, find the lines:

• Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked.
• Device unlocked: false - bootloader is locked.

For models on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 12C, POCO C55), the command may not work.

fastboot getvar unlocked

If the answer is unlocked: yes, Bootloader is unlocked.

4. Hidden MIUI settings: checking without PC

Few people know, but there is a hidden menu in MIUI firmware where you can find out the status of the bootloader without connecting to a computer, which works on most devices except the newest ones (for example, Xiaomi 14 may not support this method).

Instructions:

1. Open the phone (calling) application.
2. Enter the code ##4636## (Testing menu opens).
3. Go to the phone information section.
4. Scroll down to Bootloader status.

Possible values:

• 🔓 Unlocked - Unlocked.
• 🔒 Locked - Locked.
• ❓ Unknown – status is not determined (often on MediaTek devices).

Alternative code for new models:

On Xiaomi 13/14 and Redmi Note 12, try typing:

##7378423##

From the menu that opens, select Service info → Configuration and find the Bootloader line.

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If hidden codes don’t work, try to turn on Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. After that, Settings → An option for Developers will appear, where you can turn on USB Debugging and OEM Unblocking (if available).

Verification through the Engineering Menu (MTK and Qualcomm)

For advanced users, there is a way to check through an engineering menu that works on both MediaTek and Qualcomm.This method requires caution, as incorrect actions can lead to failures.

For devices on MediaTek (Redmi 10A, POCO C40):

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (root rights are required on some models).
2. Open the app and go to MTK Settings → Connectivity → Bootloader Config.
3. Find the Bootloader Unlock Status option.

For Qualcomm devices (POCO F5, Redmi K60):

1. Install QPST Configuration (for advanced users only!).
2. Connect your phone in Diag Mode (to do this, enter ADB: adb reboot edl)
3. In QPST, select Software Download → Bootloader Status.

⚠️ Attention! Using engineering menus on MediaTek devices can lead to loss IMEI Qualcomm's not getting out of the mode correctly. EDL If you're not sure, use the official Mi Unlock Tool.

Table of compatibility of methods with popular models

Not all validation methods work on all devices, and below is the compatibility table for popular Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models (relevant for MIUI 14/15 firmware):

⚠️ Attention! On devices with HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi, debuted on Xiaomi) 14) Some methods may not work. In this case, use only Mi Unlock Tool or fastboot flashing. get_unlock_ability.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When checking the status of the bootloader, users often encounter errors. Let's consider the most common and ways to eliminate them:

Error 1: "Couldn't verify device" in Mi Unlock Tool

• 🔌 Reason: Fastboot drivers are not installed or non-original cable is used.
• 🛠️ Solution: Download drivers for Xiaomi from the official website. In Device Manager (Windows) update the driver for Android Bootloader Interface. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

Mistake 2: Fastboot commands are not recognized

• 🐧 Reason: Linux/Mac may not have access to /dev-device.
• 🛠️ Add the rule for udev (Linux): sudo nano /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules Add a line: SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="2717", MODE="0666" Restart your PC and reconnect your phone.

Error 3: Waiting for XX hours status

• ⏳ Reason: Xiaomi has introduced a mandatory wait (up to 720 hours) after linking the account.
• 🛠️ Solution: Wait for the specified time (timer can not be reset!) If the device is used, try to log into the Mi Unlock Tool under the account of the previous owner (if he agrees to help).

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If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, be sure to check the status of the bootloader before payment.Unlocking on some models can take up to 30 days, and the seller does not always warn you about this.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions