Owning a device from Chinese giant Xiaomi often means wanting to access advanced features. However, the first step to install custom firmware or gain super-user rights is checking the current security status. Many users wonder how to find out if a bootloader on the shaomi is unlocked without risking data loss or breaching the warranty.
The answer to this question may lie in the plane of software settings or require a transition to a special diagnostic mode. Bootloader status determines whether a user has the right to make changes to the system partition or install informal software. Understanding the current state of this component is critical before starting any manipulation of the smartphone software.
In this article, we will take a look at all the diagnostic methods available, from simple visual checks to command line use, learn to distinguish between open and closed bootloaders, and understand the risks of changing factory constraints. On global firmware devices, the default status is always “locked,” which is the security standard for most users.
Visual diagnostics when turning on the device
The fastest and safest way to understand the current state of protection is to watch the screen closely as you boot, so when you launch your smartphone or put it into recovery mode, the system outputs service information, and if the bootloader is open, you are almost guaranteed to see a warning.
Usually, this message appears on a black background at the beginning of the process, often along with the Mi or Redmi logo.The text may read "Unlock" or "Unlocked", which is a direct indicator of status. In some cases, especially models with MediaTek chipsets, a specific logo may be displayed as an open lock.
⚠️ Note: If you see the word "Unlocked" when downloading, it means that data protection is reduced.Do not use banking applications without additional security measures, as the system may be vulnerable.
However, you should not rely on visual inspection alone, as some custom themes or modified boot logos may hide the real situation. In addition, there will be no warnings on devices with a closed bootloader, the screen will simply light up with a standard logotip, so this method should be considered as a primary, but not the only one.
Check through the developer settings menu
The second method does not require a reboot of the device and allows you to check the status directly from the operating system MIUI or HyperOS. To do this, you will need to activate the hidden menu, which is not available to the average user by default, this is a standard procedure for anyone who plans to modify their gadget.
You first need to go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI version several times until you notice that you have become a developer, and then a new option, For Developers, appears in the main settings menu, in the “Additional” section, and that’s where the information you’re looking for is hidden.
- 🔍 Find the item “Mi Unlock Status” – it will show the current state.
- 🔒 If it says “Blocked”, access to system partitions is closed.
- 🔓 The inscription “Unblocked” confirms the successful conduct of the procedure before.
- ⚙️ You can also see the Mi Account account here.
It is important to note that if the phone was bought from hand, the presence of an unlocked bootloader in this menu may indicate that the previous owner has conducted experiments with the software. This can be both a plus (if you need root rights) and a minus (the risk of malicious modifications).
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Before buying a used Xiaomi, be sure to check the IMEI in the settings, box and in the engineering check menu (##6484##) to make sure the device is original.
Use of Mi Unlock Tool on PC
The most reliable and official method of verification is the use of specialized software from the manufacturer. Mi Unlock Tool is designed to manage the status of the bootloader and provides complete information about the device when you connect to the computer, This method requires the presence of a Windows PC and an installed ADB driver.
After launching the program and logging into your Mi Account (which should coincide with the account in the phone), you need to transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode. This usually requires pressing the volume button when the device is turned off and connecting the phone to the Fastboot mode. USB-The program automatically reads the data and displays the status.
| Status at Mi Unlock | Meaning | Possible action |
|---|---|---|
| Locked | bootloader locked | You can apply for unblocking |
| Unlocked | The bootloader is unlocked | You can stitch custom software. |
| Unknown | Communication or driver error | Reinstallation of drivers required |
| Locked | Defense active. | Wait 168 hours (7 days) |
| Unlocked | Defense removed. | Re-flashing is required for return |
If the utility shows Locked status, but you suspect that the bootloader was unlocked earlier and locked back, that's a good sign. It means that the device has returned to a safe state. USB-port or cable, as connection quality plays a key role in the transmission of diagnostic data.
☑️ Preparation for checkout via Mi Unlock
Diagnostics through Fastboot mode
Fastboot mode is a debugging protocol that allows you to interact with the device at a low level, which is often necessary for firmware, but also provides comprehensive information about the current state of the device, and this screen displays the logo with the rabbit repairing the android, and technical information.
To get into this mode, turn off your smartphone and press the volume button, then connect the cable to your computer. The screen will show an image, and at the top, usually in red or orange (if unlocked) or black (if blocked), you will write a status. Look for the Device Status line or just the word Unlocked next to the logo.
⚠️ Warning: Fastboot does not allow you to use your phone in normal mode. To exit, press the power button and hold it near it. 10-15 seconds before vibration.
If you see the word "Locked" on the Fastboot screen, it means that the trust chain is intact and the system is integrated. This is standard for 95% of devices sold in retail stores. Having "Unlocked" in this mode is a 100% guarantee that the bootloader is open, regardless of what other verification methods show.
Why is Fastboot status more reliable than Settings?
Use of the ADB command line
For advanced users who prefer to work with the command line, there is a method of checking through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to send commands directly to the operating system, you will need to install the Platform-tools package on your computer and enable debugging over USB in the developer menu on your phone.
After connecting the device and successfully authorizing debugging (you need to confirm the pop-up window on the smartphone screen), open the terminal or command line on the PC. Enter a command to check the status of the bootloader. The system will respond with a specific status, which will avoid guesswork.
adb reboot bootloaderAfter restarting to bootloader mode, you can use the command:
fastboot oem device-infoYou'll get a list of options where the bootloader Device unlocked: true will mean that the bootloader is unlocked. If it's false, the device is protected. This method is especially useful if the phone's screen is broken and you don't see visual indicators, or if the system is loading with errors.
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The fastboot oem device-info command gives the most technically accurate answer from the device controller itself, ignoring possible software cloaking in the Android interface.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
While exploring a topic, users often have additional questions about the security and consequences of changing the status of the bootloader, and the following are answers to the most popular ones that will help you make an informed decision.