How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Unlocking the bootloader unlock on Xiaomi smartphones is a key step to install custom firmware, obtain root rights, or restore the device after software failures. However, before you start manipulating the system, you need to know exactly the lock status. An error in determining this parameter can lead to the inability to flash the device, loss of warranty, or even “bricking” the device.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to check the status of the bootloader on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones. POCO — From official methods through Mi Unlock Tool to alternative solutions ADB, Fastboot and even physical testing of the device, and we will focus on the nuances for new models (2023-2026) and changes in Xiaomi policy after the release of the device. MIUI 15.

1. Official method: check through Mi Unlock Tool

The most reliable method is to use Xiaomi’s proprietary Mi Unlock Tool, which works on all devices, including the latest models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+, POCO F6), but requires prior preparation.

To check the status of the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool:

• 📱 Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume down). + Power before the appearance of the Fastboot logo).
• 🖥️ Download and install the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (pay attention to the bitiness of the OS: x64 or x86).
• 🔗 Sign in to the program under the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.
• 🔍 Click Unlock – if the bootloader is locked, a message will appear “This device is locked” with a suggestion to unlock.

⚠️ Note: On new devices (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60 Ultra and newer) Mi Unlock Tool can show "Bound" status instead of "Locked" meaning that the bootloader is tied to the account but is technically unlocked for firmware via Fastboot.

Install Xiaomi drivers (Qualcomm/QDLoader)|Enable USB debugging in developer settings|Axie Mi Account to device (Settings → Xiaomi Account)| Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website-->

2. Check through Fastboot: a team for power users

If you have experience with ADB and Fastboot, you can find out the status of the bootloader without the Mi Unlock Tool.This method is suitable for devices on Qualcomm and Mediatek chips, but requires installed drivers and tools of the Android SDK platform.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as described above).
2. Open the command prompt (CMD or Terminal) in the folder with fastboot.
3. Enter the command: fastboot oem device-info
4. Find Device unlocked: true – bootloader unlocked; false – locked.

💡 Useful advice: On some models (POCO X5 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Turbo) instead of fastboot oem device-info can work:

fastboot getvar unlocked

Answer unlocked: Yes confirms unlocked.

3. Checking through ADB in a working system

If the phone is powered on and working normally, the bootloader status can be found directly from Android using ADB. This method does not require a reboot to Fastboot, but you need to activate debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. In the command line, type: adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

The results are deciphered as follows:

• 🔓 Orange - bootloader unlocked;
• 🔒 green - blocked;
• ⚠️ Yellow – partially unlocked (found on devices with an account link).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14 The command can return the empty value, in which case use an alternative command:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.flash.locked

The answer is 1 means lock, 0 means unlock.

4.Physical check: What the Fastboot screen shows

On most Xiaomi devices, the bootloader status is displayed directly on the Fastboot screen.This method does not require a PC connection and even works on “bricks” (devices that do not boot into the system).

How to check:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
3. Pay attention to the text at the bottom of the screen: 🔓 UNLOCKED — loader unlocked; 🔒 LOCKED — blocked; 🔗 BOUND — tied to the account (unblocked conditionally).

On models from 2023 to 2026 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K70 Pro) the BOUND inscription may be missing - instead, the word LOCKED will simply be absent.

5. Online services and third-party utilities

If official methods are not available (e.g., on devices with a corrupted Fastboot), third-party tools can be used, but these methods carry risks ranging from data leakage to malware installation.

Popular tools:

⚠️ Note: Third-party utilities often request access to Mi Account. Never enter account details on unverified sites - this can lead to theft of the device through remote binding (Find Device feature).

💡

If you use Xiaomi Bootloader Checker, check the APK hash on VirusTotal before installing it. Even popular utilities can contain backdoors.

6. 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:

• 🚫 Mi Unlock Tool: Reason: Mi Account mismatch on phone and software. Solution: Link the device to your account in settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Find the device).
• 🔌 Phone not defined in Fastboot: Reason: no Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers.Solution: Install Xiaomi USB Drivers or use the Mi Flash Tool to install automatically.
• ⏳ Long wait in Mi Unlock Tool: Reason: Xiaomi servers are overloaded or blocking requests from your region.Solution: use VPN servers in China or Singapore.

💡 Key takeaway: If none of the methods worked, chances are your device is using a new lock scheme (e.g. Xiaomi 14 with HyperOS). XDA — They often publish actual workarounds.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions