How to hide an unlocked bootloader on Xiaomi through Magisk: a step-by-step guide with nuances

Introduction: Why hide an unlocked bootloader on Xiaomi?

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to customization, but has the downside: the MIUI system constantly reminds you of the status of the device through warnings and restrictions. Some applications (such as banking or Google Pay) can block work on devices with the unlocked bootloader, citing an “unsafe environment.” Fortunately, Magisk offers tools to mask this status – but the process requires accuracy and understanding of the mechanisms.

In this article, we will not only discuss the standard method of hiding through MagiskHide, but also alternative methods for modern versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, where classic solutions often stop working. Particular attention will be paid to the problem of “orange lock” in boot mode, its presence can give the status of a device even after masking in the system.

Preparation of the device: what to do before masking

Before you hide the unlocked bootloader, make sure your device meets the key requirements:

• 📱 Smartphone Model: Methods work on most devices Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO with Qualcomm chipsets (Medek may require additional steps), except for models with blocked firmware rollback (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Ultra on HyperOS).
• 🔓 bootloader status: The device must already be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool. if you have used informal methods (e.g., via the official Mi Unlock Tool). EDL), camouflage may not work.
• 🛠️ Installed Magisk: Version no lower than 26.0 (26.4 recommended for HyperOS)+). Make sure that the MagiskHide and Universal SafetyNet Fix modules are activated.
• 📂 Backup: Create a backup of the persist partition (via TWRP or ADB), Because its modification can lead to loss. IMEI or network problems.

It is critical to check the current firmware version. With MIUI 14+ and HyperOS, Xiaomi has tightened control over the integrity of system partitions. If your device is updated “over the air” after unlocking, there is a risk that the cloaking will be partial, in which cases a full rollback to stock firmware may be required, followed by a clean installation of Magisk.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi K70) MagiskHide is often not working due to a new verification mechanism. avb2.0. In this case, you will need to patch. boot.img manually disabling dm-verity.

Method 1: Standard Masking with MagiskHide

This is a basic way that works on most devices before MIUI 14, and it’s about activating Magisk’s built-in mechanism to hide root rights and bootloader status.

1. Open the Magisk app and go to Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
2. Activate the MagiskHide option (in newer versions it may be called DenyList).
3. Return to the home screen and select DenyList (or MagiskHide).
4. Add to the list of applications that should not “see” the unlocked bootloader: Google Play Services, Mi Pay, Banking apps, etc.
5. Reset the device.

After the reboot, check the status through the Root Checker app or the command in ADB:

adb shell su -c "getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate"

If the output shows orange, the cloaking didn't work, in which case, move on to alternative methods.

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5) MagiskHide activation causes a cyclical reboot, in which case you need to roll back to the Magisk version. 25.2 or use the patching method boot.img.

Method 2: Edit vbmeta file to remove orange lock

The “fastboot” orange lock is a visual indicator of the unlocked bootloader that does not disappear after standard cloaking. To remove it, you will need to modify the vbmeta partition responsible for checking the integrity of the system.

Instructions:

1. Download the stock firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Remove the vbmeta.img file from the archive (located in the image folder).
3. Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
4. Check it out. boot.img Magisk: Fastboot Flash boot magisk_patched.img
5. Do a Cache Reset: Fastboot Erase Cache

After this manipulation, the orange lock should disappear and the bootloader status in the system will be displayed as green. DRM-The quality of the Widevine will deteriorate. L3, Netflix will stop working on Netflix HD).

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If after the firmware vbmeta phone does not start, try flashing the original vbmeta.img Then repeat the process with the flag. --disable-verity.

Method 3: Universal SafetyNet Fix module

For applications that check device status through Google SafetyNet (like Google Pay or Pokémon GO), standard Magisk masking may not be enough, in which case the Universal SafetyNet Fix (USNF) module will help.

How to determine:

1. Download the latest version of the module from GitHub (.zip file).
2. In the Magisk app, go to the Modules → Install from storage.
3. Select the downloaded file and wait for the installation to be completed.
4. Reset the device.

After installation, check SafetyNet status through the YASNAC app or command:

adb shell su -c "snet check"

If the test is successful (ctsProfile: true), then the applications will no longer see the unlocked bootloader.

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Cloaking Doesn't Work

Even after completing all the steps, some applications can continue Detect unlocked bootloader.

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot after MagiskHide activation: Reverse to Magisk version 25.2 or boot.img No modules. The problem is common with HyperOS devices.
• 🔒 Bank Apps See Root: Add These to DenyList Magisk and Install Hide My Applist to Hide App List.
• 📱 "Orange Castle Remains in Fastboot: Repeat Vbmeta Firmware with Flag --disable-verification. On some models (Redmi) K50) patch required vbmeta_system.
• 🚫 SafetyNet fails on ctsProfile: Remove all Magisk modules except for the CtsProfile USNF, Check for updates for Google Play Services.

If none of these methods worked, the radical solution is to roll back to the stock firmware, then unlock it and install it manually.

1. Download fastboot firmware for your model.
2. Sweat it through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.
3. After unlocking the bootloader, install Magisk 26.4+ with avb2.0 disabled.

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On HyperOS devices, the only reliable way to hide an unlocked bootloader is to run a custom recavator firmware (such as OrangeFox) followed by installing Magisk in the section. init_boot.

Additional Measures: How to Deceive Apps Verifying the bootloader

Some applications (such as Mi Fit or Xiaomi Cloud) use their own verification mechanisms that are not blocked by MagiskHide.

• 🔄 Change the meanings: Change the meanings in /system/build.prop: ro.boot.verifiedbootstate=green ro.boot.flash.locked=1 ro.boot.veritymode=enforcing
• 📱 Use of the Xposed/LSposed: Hide My Applist or Displax can hide the facts of the modification of the system.
• 🛡️ App isolation: Run problematic applications in Work Profile (via Island or Shelter) where they won't see root.

For advanced users, there is another method, which is to swap the device's fingerprint (fingerprint), which allows you to pretend to be another device where the bootloader is locked, for example, for the Redmi Note 11, you can use the print from the POCO X4 Pro:

ro.build.fingerprint=Redmi/veux_global/veux:13/TP1A.220624.014/V14.0.4.0.TGWMIXM:user/release-keys

⚠️ Warning: Change build.prop may cause inoperability OTA-Updates and some system features (e.g. Mi Share) Always back up the original file!

FAQ: Frequent questions about masking an unlocked bootloader