The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a software component that controls the launch of the operating system. Its state (unlocked or locked) directly affects the ability to install custom firmware, obtain root rights, or even restore the device after a failure. If you plan to flash MIUI through Fastboot, install TWRP or modify system files, knowledge of the bootloader status becomes critical.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to check the status of the bootloader on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO – from standard methods through the Fastboot to hidden engineering menus. We will focus on the nuances for new models (for example, Xiaomi 13/14 or Redmi Note 12), where the manufacturer has tightened the unlock rules, and you will learn how to distinguish a dummy unlock (mythical “OEM Unlock”) from the real status that is displayed in Fastboot mode.
1. Check through Fastboot Mode (the most reliable way)
Fastboot mode is a low-level smartphone interface that allows you to interact with the bootloader directly.This is where the real lock status is displayed, which cannot be tampered with by system settings.
To get into Fastboot:
- 🔌 Turn off your smartphone.
- 🖱️ Press the power button. + Loudness down for 5-10 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat appears (Fastboot logo).
- 📱 Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
There are two options for verification:
- Visual way: The screen under the Fastboot logo will have a Locked (locked) or Unlocked (unlocked) string. On the new models (Xiaomi 12T/13/14), the line can look like Device unlocked: true/false.
- Through ADB: Open the command line on your PC and type: fastboot oem device-info In the answer, find the Device unlocked: true option (bootloader).
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If the fastboot oem device-info command returns the FAILED (remote: unknown command) error, try the alternative command:
fastboot getvar unlocked⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) When the bootloader is unlocked, a warning about an uncertified device may be displayed when booting.
2. Check through Mi Unlock Tool (official method)
Xiaomi’s Mi Unlock Tool not only unlocks the bootloader, but also shows its current status, a method that’s suitable if you’ve already linked your Mi Account to your device and are planning to unlock it.
Instructions:
- 📥 Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version must match your firmware).
- 🖥️ Install the utility on your PC and run it on behalf of the administrator.
- 📱 Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (as described above).
- 🔍 A message will appear in the program window: 🔒 Phone connected. Bootloader is locked. 🔓 Phone connected. Bootloader is unlocked - bootloader unlocked.
If the utility gives an error Couldn't receive device info, check:
- 🔌 Quality. USB-cable (try another port or cable).
- 🛠️ Availability of Xiaomi drivers (install Mi) PC Suite or driver manually through Device Manager).
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and PC.
3. Check through the engineering menu (#4636##)
Xiaomi’s hidden engineering menu contains information about the state of the hardware, including indirect signs of unlocking the bootloader, but this method does not provide a 100% guarantee and only works on some MIUI firmware (mainly on older versions).
How to open the menu:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##4636###.
- Go to the phone information section.
Look for the following parameters:
- 🔒 Bootloader unlock status – if any, the status will be listed right here.
- 📱 Model number – on unlocked devices can be displayed as UNLOCKED at the end (e.g, 2210132G UNLOCKED).
- 🔧 Build number - the presence of postfix -dev or -unlocked indirectly indicates the unblocking.
⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The engineering menu may not display the bootloader status, in which case use the Fastboot or Mi Unlock Tool.
Why is there no information on the engineering menu?
4. Check through ADB (for advanced users)
If you have debugging enabled USB, You can find the status of the bootloader without rebooting in Fastboot. ADB-Drivers and Developer Mode enabled.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version.
USB debugging
Settings → Additional → For Developers
adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstatePossible answers:
| Meaning | Loader status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| orange | Unlocked. | The device was unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool. |
| green | Blocked. | The loader is in factory condition. |
| yellow | Partially unlocked | It is found on devices with OEM Unlock (not fully unlocked). |
| red | Verification error | Diagnosis is required (possibly damaged boot section). |
If the command returns an empty answer or error, try an alternative:
adb shell su -c "getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate"(requires root rights).
Indirect signs of an unlocked loader
Sometimes the bootloader's condition can be determined by the behavior of the smartphone without using a PC or commands, these signs are not absolute, but can serve as a hint:
- 🔄 Boot Warning: This device is unlocked or Orange State appears on the turn-on screen (on the new models – the open-lock Xiaomi logo).
- 📦 Possibility of installation TWRP: If you can sew TWRP Recovery via Fastboot without errors – bootloader unlocked.
- 🔧 Root rights: Unblocking the bootloader is a prerequisite for getting root on Xiaomi.
- 🔄 Factory reset: On unlocked devices, resetting via Recovery can lead to errors (e.g. Can't load Android system).
Note: on some models (for example, POCO X5 Pro) after unlocking the bootloader stops working:
- 🎮 Google Pay (due to SafetyNet activation).
- 📺 Netflix HD-Quality (required Widevine) L1, drop-off).
- 🔒 Some banking applications (due to the Device Integrity trigger).
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If you do not plan to install custom firmware or modify the system, unlocking the bootloader will bring more problems than benefits (refusal of warranty, problems with SafetyNet, the risk of “bricking”).
6. Frequent Mistakes and Myths About Xiaomi Booter
There are many misconceptions about unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi.
- 🚫 Myth 1: “Inclusion OEM Unlock in the developer settings unlocks the bootloader. Reality: Option OEM Unlock only allows you to unlock, but it doesn't. Real unlock requires Mi Unlock Tool and account binding.
- 🚫 Myth 2: "Once unlocked, the bootloader remains unlocked forever. Reality: On new models (Xiaomi) 12/13/14) The boot loader can automatically lock after the firmware is official MIUI recover.
- 🚫 Myth 3: "Unlocking the bootloader removes the warranty." Reality: Xiaomi officially does not cancel the unlock warranty, but refuses to repair devices with corrupted software (for example, after a failed firmware).
Another common mistake is to confuse unlocking the bootloader and unlocking SIM-The latter relates to network constraints (e.g., on devices purchased from an operator), and the former to the possibility of firmware modification.