How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Xiaomi Redmi: official and alternative methods

The bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a software component that controls the launch of the operating system. It is blocked by the manufacturer by default to prevent unauthorized firmware changes, customized recoveries or root rights. However, many users will unlock it for advanced device configuration. If you bought a used Redmi, got the phone out of hand or simply forgot the status of the bootloader, it is important to know its current state before any manipulation with the firmware.

In this article, we will discuss three reliable ways to check the status of the bootloader: through Fastboot mode, ADB command line and hidden MIUI settings. Each method is suitable for different situations - from the full operation of the phone to the "brick" after a failed firmware, you will also learn what non-obvious signs indicate an unlocked bootloader before checking, and why some methods can give false results on new Redmi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Redmi K60).

Why it is important to know the status of the loader before the firmware

Miscalculating the bootloader status is one of the main reasons Xiaomi smartphones get “bricked”: For example, if you try to install a customized TWRP on a device with a locked bootloader, the phone simply won’t boot, and when the bootloader is unlocked, some official MIUI updates can automatically lock it back, leading to a reboot cycle.

In addition, the status of the loader affects:

• 🔓 Possibility to obtain root rights (for example, through Magisk).
• 📱 Installation of alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.).
• 🔧 Work tools like XiaomiTool or Mi Flash.
• 🛡️ Security Level: Unlocked bootloader makes it easier to access data when your phone is lost.

With new Redmi models (released after 2022), Xiaomi has tightened its security policy, and even after unlocking, the bootloader can automatically lock when installing official updates via Ota Updater, so the status check should be done immediately before any manipulation of the system.

Method 1: Checking through Fastboot mode (the most reliable method)

Fastboot mode is a low-level interface that allows you to interact with the bootloader directly, which works even if the phone doesn't turn on (for example, after a failed firmware), but requires you to connect to your computer.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, Linux or macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download it as part of Google’s Platform Tools).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone. Press the Loudness Down + Power buttons for 5-10 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears.
2. Connect the phone to the computer.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
4. Enter the command: fastboot oem device-info
5. Find the Device unlocked: true string. If you have one, the bootloader is unlocked. If false is locked.

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) instead of device-info can work command:

fastboot getvar unlocked

The answer is unlocked: yes will confirm the unlock.

Turn off the phone completely (not restart!)|Make sure the drivers are ADB/Fastboot fixed|Use the back. USB-port (on some PCs, front ports are unstable)|Check the cable – it should support data transfer, not just charging-->

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi 10C) The fastboot oem device-info command may not work. ADB (method 2) or check for visual signs (method 3).

Method 2: Checking through ADB (if the phone is switched on)

If your Redmi is loading normally but you are not sure of the bootloader status, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge).This method does not require a reboot in Fastboot, but you need to activate debugging over USB.

How to enable debugging by USB:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the USB Debugging and OEM Unlock switches (if any).

Now connect the phone to your computer and execute in the command line:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

Possible answers:

If the command returns an empty string or error, try an alternative:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.flash.locked

Here 0 means unlocked bootloader and 1 is locked.

💡

If USB debugging is not enabled due to gray menu items, check if Mi Unlock Status mode is activated in Mi Account settings. Sometimes Xiaomi blocks developers from accessing these options on devices with a tied account.

Method 3: Visual Signs of an Unlocked Booter

You don’t always have a computer or the ability to use ADB/Fastboot on hand, and in this case, look for indirect signs that may indicate an unlocked bootloader:

• 🔓 Upload Message: This device is unlocked or Orange State appears on the turn-on screen (usually in small print at the bottom of the screen).
• 🔄 No Automatic Updates: System Update may miss the Update Check button if the bootloader is unlocked.
• 📦 Presence of custom Recovery: If when loading into recovery mode (Loudness up) + Foods, you see. TWRP Instead of standard MI-Recovery, the bootloader is precisely unlocked.
• 🛡️ Warning in security settings: In the Settings section → Memory. → Encrypted data may be notified of reduced security.

However, these features do not provide a 100% guarantee. For example, on some firmware (MIUI 14 and later), the Orange State message may not appear even when the bootloader is unlocked, and the lack of updates is sometimes due to regional restrictions, not the status of the bootloader.

Common errors and false positives

Even experienced users sometimes get incorrect results when checking the status of the bootloader.

1. Outdated ADB/Fastboot versions: If utilities haven't been updated since 2019-2020, they may not recognize new Redmi models. Always download fresh Platform Tools from Google's site.
2. Driver conflict: On Windows, Xiaomi drivers can conflict with universal ADB drives.The solution is to remove all drivers for Xiaomi through Device Manager and install them again.
3. Fastbootd mode: On some devices (e.g. Redmi K50) after the command fastboot reboot fastboot phone goes to fastbootd mode, where the oem commands do not work. To get out, use fastboot reboot bootloader.
4. Manufacturer Block: On devices for the Chinese market (marked CN in the model), Xiaomi can block verification commands, in which case only visual inspection or firmware test ROM will help.

If all methods are inconsistent, try flashing the official fastboot-ROM through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option. If the firmware is successful, the bootloader has been unlocked. If not, locked.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) When you unlock the bootloader, you can activate the Anti-Rollback protection, which means you can't flash the old version. MIUI, Even if the bootloader is unlocked. Always check the Anti-Rollback version before the downgrade! What to do if the bootloader is locked and you need to unlock if the check shows that the bootloader is locked, but you need to unlock it (for example, to install it) TWRP or Magisk), follow the official procedure from Xiaomi: Link your Mi Account to your phone in settings (Xiaomi Account) → Download the Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi's official website (Windows only). Put your phone in Fastboot mode and connect to your computer. Launch Mi Unlock Tool, log in to Mi Account and follow the instructions. Important nuances: ⏳ 168 hours waiting: On new devices, Xiaomi requires you to link your account to your phone for 7 days before unlocking. 📱 Model Restriction: Some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed) do not support unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool. EDL). 🔒 Blocking after updates: If you unlocked the bootloader but then installed the official update via Ota Updater, it may lock again.For devices that are not supported by the Mi Unlock Tool, there are informal methods of unlocking through mode EDL (However, they require an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable, so are not recommended for beginners. 💡If you bought a used Redmi with an unlocked bootloader, be sure to back up the persist partition before any firmware (via fastboot flash persist) persist.img --backup). It'll help to restore it. IMEI and the data from the communications module if something goes wrong. FAQ: Frequent questions about the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi Can I unlock the bootloader without binding the Mi Account? 2021 Xiaomi requires an account binding to unlock, and there were workarounds (such as Test Point) in the past, but they don't work on new models. 2018 year of release (for example, Redmi Note) 4X), Where old exploits sometimes work, why did the bootloader stop working after unlocking? NFC This is a typical problem on devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi). 9T or Redmi 10). When unlocked, the calibration data for the sensors is reset, the solution is to flash the original vendor and persist through fastboot or install the firmware with corrected partitions (see forums). 4PDA or XDA). How to check the status of the bootloader on Redmi with a MediaTek processor? MTK-Instead, go to Fastboot. Enter the command: fastboot getvar all Find the lines unlocked: yes or boot-state: orange. If nothing is found, try flashing the fastboot-ROM test — if the firmware passes, the bootloader is unlocked. Can the salon or service center unlock the bootloader? Official Xiaomi service centers do not provide this service, since unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty. Some unofficial services offer unlocking through EDL, This violates Xiaomi’s policy and may result in a blocking IMEI. The cost of such a service often exceeds 1000-1500 rubles. There is no guarantee that after unlocking all the functions of the phone will work correctly. It is better to unlock the bootloader yourself through the Mi Unlock Tool, following the official instructions. Why did the bootloader get slower when it was unlocked? Unlocking itself doesn't affect performance. But after it: Thermal-engine settings can reset, causing the processor to trumble earlier. Some firmware (e.g., heat-engine, MIUI Global) automatically disables the optimizations for game mode after unlocking. If you have installed a custom core or Magisk, the conflict of modules can cause lags. The solution is to flash a clean MIUI through fastboot with the clean all option or return the stock core.