How to know if the bootloader is unlocked by Xiaomi: full check

Owning a Xiaomi device often involves wanting to access hidden features of the system. Smartphone owners want to install custom firmware, get super-user rights, or simply install Global ROM on the Chinese version of the device. However, before any manipulations begin, it is critical to know exactly the current status of Bootloader. Misjudgment of the situation can lead to data loss or even the transformation of the smartphone into a “brick”.

There are several proven ways to determine if partitions are open. Some methods require a computer connection, others work directly on the phone. In this article, we will look at each one in detail so that you have no doubt about the state of your device. Accurate diagnosis is the first step to successfully modifying Android.

It's worth noting that the standard MIUI or HyperOS interface doesn't display bootloader status in the normal settings menu. Manufacturers deliberately hide this information from the average user to avoid accidental errors, so we'll have to use engineering modes or specialized software to get reliable data.

Visual verification when the device is turned on

The easiest and fastest way to do initial diagnostics is for every user to see right after you turn on your smartphone, and when you start the device, the operating system does a self-test, and at that point, the Mi or Redmi logo appears on the screen, and if the bootloader is unlocked, you'll see a specific warning.

Usually, under the brand logo, the words "Unlocked" appear with an open lock, which is a direct signal that the Bootloader protection is removed, but on some versions of firmware or when it is loaded quickly, this screen can flash too quickly, and the user simply does not have time to notice an important detail.

💡

To notice the status of the bootloader, turn on the phone in bright light or use the slow-motion video feature on another phone, pointing the camera at the screen of the device being turned on.

It is important to understand that the absence of the "Unlocked" label on the start screen does not always guarantee that the bootloader is locked. In some cases, especially after flashing the custom Recovery, the start screen can be replaced or hidden. Therefore, the visual method should be considered only as a primary indicator, requiring confirmation by more reliable means.

⚠️ Note: If you see the word "Unlocked" but don't remember to unlock yourself, it may have been purchased with the protection already removed, which may mean that the previous owner or seller made changes to system files, potentially reducing the security of your data.

Status check through Fastboot mode

The most reliable and technically correct method of checking is to log into Fastboot mode, which is a low-level protocol that allows you to interact with your phone directly, bypassing the operating system, and it is in this mode that the most complete technical information about the state of the device is displayed.

To enter this mode, you need to turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume down and power button at the same time. Hold them until you see an image of an android repair or FASTBOOT on the screen. Once you connect the cable to your computer, you can see the detailed information.

On the Fastboot screen, the top of the display often spells out status. If it says "Unlocked," the security is removed. If the bootloader is closed, it will say "Locked" or the status may not be explicitly visible at all, which means locking by default. The computer in Device Manager will also define the gadget as "Android Bootloader Interface."

Additionally, you can use console commands if the ADB and Fastboot drivers are installed on the computer. After connecting the phone in the appropriate mode, enter the command:

fastboot getvar all

In the system's answer, look for the line (bootloader) unlocked: yes or (bootloader) unlocked: no. This is the most accurate software way to get an answer from the device's chip itself. The command returns many variables, but what we're interested in is the unlocked parameter.

Use of indicator applications

If you don't want to mess with cables and console commands, you can use specialized applications from the Google Play store. There are a number of utilities created by enthusiasts specifically to check the status of the bootloader, they read the system properties and give the result in an understandable way.

One popular tool is the Device Info HW app or the dedicated Bootloader Checker, which, once installed and launched, will request permission to access system information, and the bootloader section will indicate the current status.

The advantage of software is that it's accessible and simple, you don't need a computer, you don't need a cable, you don't need a command line, but you have to remember that applications require access to sensitive device data, so you only need to download it from reputable developers.

In addition, on devices with heavily modified systems or custom firmware, such applications may not work properly, relying on standard ways of obtaining information that can be changed in a modified Android.

Diagnostics through ADB teams

For advanced users who already have an Android environment set up, USB debugging is a great option. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to get information about the system while the phone is running normally, which is more convenient than constantly rebooting in Fastboot.

First, you need to activate the developer mode. → On the phone and press quickly 7-10 once in the field "Version" MIUI" Or "OS version." Then, in the "Additional" or "Extended settings" menu, turn on "Debugging by" USB".

Connect your smartphone to your computer and enter the command in the terminal:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.flash.locked

The result is very concise. If you see a 0, it means that the bootloader is unlocked. If it returns 1, then Bootloader is locked, which works on most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices.

⚠️ Attention: For work ADB-If the computer does not see the phone in debugging mode, install universal Google drivers. USB Driver or original Xiaomi drivers.

There is also an alternative command that can work if the first one fails:

adb shell cat /proc/cmdline | grep androidboot.bootloader

This method reads the kernel command line parameters when booting. It's less versatile, but on some older models, Xiaomi turns out to be the only working software method without logging into Fastboot. It's always good to have multiple diagnostic tools in your arsenal.

Indirect signs of an unlocked loader

Sometimes you don't have to go into the technical wilds because the state of the system is self-perpetuating, and there are indirect signs that are highly likely to indicate that the Xiaomi bootloader is open, and these symptoms are noticeable even with normal smartphone use.

Here are the main indicators that should alert:

• 🔓 Apps for managing Root rights (e.g. Magisk, SuperSU) in the list of programs.
• 🛠 Possibility of installing custom recavery (TWRP), which has a different interface from the stock.
• 📉 Periodic notifications from banking applications that the device is not certified or in danger.
• 📸 Deterioration of photo quality in some scenarios due to loss of hardware key encryption.

Especially pay attention to the work of NFC and bank cards. When the bootloader is unlocked, the SafetyNet security mechanism or its new counterpart Play Integrity often fails to pass verification. Bank applications block work, and Google Pay (Wallet) may refuse to add cards.

Also, the odd behavior of the system when updating can be a sign: If you are trying to update the firmware "over the air" (OTA), but the process is constantly interrupted or the phone goes into a cyclical restart, it is possible that the integrity of the system partitions is violated due to the open bootloader and the changes made.

Consequences and Risks of Open Booter

Understanding how to know if a bootloader is unlocked by Xiaomi is essential not only for modding, but also for assessing security risks. Open Bootloader gives you complete freedom of action, but at the same time removes protection from unauthorized access to data. Any malware that gains access to a phone can reflash it or steal encryption keys.

In addition, unlocking the bootloader officially through the Mi Unlock site leads to the complete removal of all data from the device (Wipe Data). If you bought a used phone with an already unlocked bootloader, you can not be sure that the previous owner did not leave hidden bookmarks, in which case a complete flashing of the official global version with the bootloader closed back is recommended.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader irreversibly changes the status of the device in the eyes of the security system, and you can only get it back by completely flashing stockware and re-locking it, which will also delete all data.

While formally unlocking a bootloader is not always a reason to refuse warranty service, in the event of a software failure, the service center may request a stock restoration at your expense or refuse free repairs if it is proven that the problem is caused by software interference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)