How to Hide an Unlocked bootloader on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide with Risks and Solutions

Why does Xiaomi display an unlocked bootloader warning and can it be removed?

The unlocked bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a two-way sword. On the one hand, it gives you access to custom firmware, root rights, and deep system customization. On the other, it turns every launch of the device into a reminder of lost warranty and potential security risks. The red inscription "This device is unlocked" or "OrangeState" on the boot screen annoys many users, especially if the unlock was necessary for one-time manipulations (for example, removing embedded applications).

But can you get rid of this warning without locking the bootloader back? Technically, there are several methods, from cosmetic to radical. However, it is important to understand that any way to mask the unlocked bootloader on Xiaomi leads to a violation of the integrity of the system and can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device the next MIUI update. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, their pros/cons and alternatives that will preserve the functionality of the phone.

Before you go into the instructions, answer two questions:

• 🔓 If the goal is to sell the phone, it's better to be honest about the status of the bootloader. If aesthetics are good, consider alternatives like changing the download logo.
• 📱 What is Xiaomi model and version MIUI? The methods are very dependent on firmware. MIUI 14+ Some of the old tricks stopped working because of tighter checks.

Method 1: Masking with logo.bin file modification (for MIUI 12–13)

The most common way is to replace the standard boot logo with a clean black screen or custom image, which does not remove the unlock per se, but visually hides the inscription. The method works on most Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco devices with Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco X3 Pro, Mi 11).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB/Fastboot and drivers for your model.
• 📁 Backup copy of the original logo.bin (kickback).
• 🎨 Ready clean. logo.bin (can be created through AI Logo Maker or download from the forums XDA).

Steps:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
2. In the command line, run: fastboot flash logo.bin where logo.bin is your modified file.
3. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) modification logo.bin It causes the download animation to crash, and then you have to roll back through the command:

fastboot flash logo logo_original.bin

Method 2: Edit boot.img (for advanced users)

A deeper way is to edit the kernel (boot.img), which not only removes the label, but also tricks some applications (like banking) that check the status of the bootloader, but requires:

• 🔧 Skills of working with Magisk or TWRP.
• 📂 Backup copy of the original boot.img.
• 🛡️ Understanding Risks: Incorrect editing will lead to a bootloop (cyclical reboot).

Instructions:

1. Download the original boot.img for your firmware (you can extract from the.tz firmware file via the Mi Flash Tool).
2. Open boot.img in AIK (Android Image Kitchen) or Magisk.
3. Find and delete the lines associated with the bootloader status check (usually in the ramdisk section).=orange
4. Gather a modified one. boot.img You can use fastboot: fastboot flash boot. boot_mod.img

⚠️ Attention: After such intervention OTA-update MIUI They'll stop working. You'll have to manually install firmware through fastboot or TWRP.

Method 3: Install a custom recapvery (TWRP) with hidden verification

Some versions of TWRP (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro or Poco F3) allow you to disable the display of the bootloader status during the initialization stage.

Pros:

• ✅ Does not require deep knowledge in the modification of firmware.
• ✅ It retains the possibility of installation OTA-Updates (unless modified) boot.img).

Cons:

• ❌ New models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K60) It may not work because of a secure boot (AVB 2.0).
• ❌ Not all versions. TWRP support this function.

How to determine:

1. Download the version. TWRP supportive hide_unlocked (look 4PDA or XDA for your model).
2. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp_hide_unlocked.img
3. Reboot to Recovery and select Hide Unlocked Status (if available).

💡

Before installing TWRP, check if your model supports fastboot boot function – this will allow you to test the Recovery without constant firmware.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have put all the methods in a table, taking into account complexity, risks and compatibility:

If your goal is simply to remove the annoying label, start by replacing logo.bin. If you want to cheat apps (like Google Pay or Sberbank Online), you’ll have to modify boot.img, but be prepared for the consequences.

💡

On MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi 10C), fastboot methods may not work because the bootloader is closed, leaving only the custom recaveri firmware.

What happens if you just lock the bootloader back?

Technically, you can return the locked status through the official Mi Flash Tool, but it is extremely risky.

• 💥 Instantly blinks (stop turning on) due to signature discrepancy.
• 🔄 It will require a complete re-flash through EDL-The system (and it is often paid).
• 📵 Lose all data, including internal memory.

The only safe way to return the lock is:

1. Install the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select clean all).
2. Connect to the Mi Account that the bootloader has unlocked.
3. Enter the command: fastboot oem lock

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K70) bootloader lock may require authorization through Xiaomi server, which is only available in official service centers.

Alternative solutions: when masking is not necessary

Before you risk the stability of your phone, consider the alternatives:

• 🛒 As is: Honestly, let the ad know that the bootloader is unlocked. Many buyers (especially geeks) are cheering.
• 📱 Using a second phone: If unlocking is needed for experiments, buy used Poco M3 or Redmi 9A — They're cheap and they forgive mistakes.
• 🔒 Magisk Hide: If the goal is to launch banking applications, it is enough to hide the root through Magisk (without editing) boot.img).

It’s also worth remembering that Xiaomi has tightened security policies on MIUI 14+, and even with a bootloader locked, some features (such as Mi Pay or Face Unlock) may not work if the device was previously unlocked.

💡

If you unlocked the bootloader to remove embedded applications (bloatwer), consider the alternative of disabling them via ADB without unlocking: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.bloatware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding the unlocked bootloader