The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is the program responsible for running the operating system. The manufacturer blocks it by default to protect the device from unauthorized firmware changes that can lead to loss of warranty or “bricking” the phone. However, many users want to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware, obtain root rights or restore the device after a failure.
Before you start unlocking, you need to know exactly the current status of the bootloader, which will help avoid errors in further manipulation of the system. In this article, we will look at all the available methods of verification, from official Xiaomi tools to alternative methods for power users. You will also learn how the behavior of the locked and unlocked bootloader differs on different models of Redmi, POCO and Mi.
Why it is important to know the status of the bootloader
The state of the bootloader directly affects the capabilities of your smartphone:
- 🔒 Blocked bootloader – the device is protected from installing unofficial software, but you will not be able to flash custom recovery (TWRP) or modified firmware.
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader - opens access to deep system configuration, but deprives of warranties and increases the risk of firmware damage in case of incorrect actions.
- ⚠️ Semi-unlocked status (rarely encountered) – the bootloader is unlocked, but some features are limited (for example, it is impossible to flash official updates through Mi Flash).
For example, if you try to install TWRP on a device with a locked bootloader through the command fastboot flash recovery twrp.img, you get an error FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State').
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO F3) When you unlock the bootloader, the anti-rollback function automatically activates, which means you won’t be able to return to the older version. MIUI without the risk of turning your phone into a brick".
Method 1: Checking with Fastboot Mode
The most reliable method is to use fastboot mode, which works on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of the version. MIUI You're going to need a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons down at the same time and hold them for 5-10 seconds until the screen with the image of a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot Mode) appears.
- Connect the phone to the computer.
- Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:
fastboot devicesIf the device is determined (its serial number appears), enter the following command:
fastboot oem device-infoIn the conclusion, find the lines:
- Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked.
- Device unlocked: false - bootloader is locked.
☑️ Preparing for inspection through Fastboot
Method 2: Checking with Mi Unlock Status (official method)
Xiaomi provides a built-in tool to check the status of the bootloader directly in the system, which works on most devices with MIUI 12 and later, but may not be available on some models for the global market.
How to check:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to About Phone → click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
- Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → For developers.
- Find the Mi (Mi Unlock Status) unlock status.
Possible statuses:
- 🔒 "This device is locked – the boot loader is blocked.
- 🔓 "This device is unlocked – the bootloader is unlocked.
- ❓ "Unknown status – may mean semi-unlocked status or system error (recommended to check via fastboot).
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) Mi Unlock Status may not be available, in which case use alternative methods.
Method 3: Verification through applications (without PC)
If you don't have access to your computer, you can use third-party apps from Google Play that analyze system files and output bootloader status.
- 📱 Bootloader Status – a simple application with a minimalist interface, shows the status and version of the bootloader.
- 🛠️ DevCheck – provides advanced hardware and software information, including bootloader status in the Hardware section.
- 🔍 MIUI Hidden Settings – reveals hidden settings MIUI, including lockdown data.
An example of working with DevCheck:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Open it and go to the Hardware tab.
- Find the Bootloader section, where you will find the status (Unlocked or Locked).
The advantage of this method is that there is no need for a PC, but some applications may not work properly on custom firmware or older versions of MIUI.
Why can apps get it wrong?
Method 4: Checking through ADB (for power users)
If fastboot is not available for some reason, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires the USB debugging mode and drivers installed.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode (as in Method 2).
- Enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
- Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:
adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstatePossible answers:
- Orange - the bootloader is unlocked.
- green - the loader is locked.
You can also check the property ro.boot.veritymode:
adb shell getprop ro.boot.veritymodeIf the enforcing response is blocked, if logging is unlocked.
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If the adb device command doesn’t find your device, try reinstalling the driver or using another device. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
Method 5: Indirect Signs of Booter Lock
Sometimes the status of the bootloader can be determined by the behavior of the device without using special tools.
| Sign. | Locked loader | Unlocked loader |
|---|---|---|
| Installation OTA-update | It's a no-brainer. | Can't verify update package can't be |
| TWRP launch | Impossible (the device reboots to standard recovery) | Possible (if stitched) |
| Loading message | No warnings. | The name Orange State or Unlocked |
| Magisk's job | Impossible without unlocking | Possible (but requires additional steps) |
For example, if you try flashing TWRP through fastboot and see a message called FAILED (remote:'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State'), it's 100% proof that the bootloader is locked, and if you turn the phone on the boot screen, the message says, "This device is unlocked," the bootloader is unlocked.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13 and later, after unlocking the bootloader, Mi Anti-Rollback protection may work.This means that you will not be able to flash the firmware older than the one installed at the time of unlock. Check the current version of Anti-Rollback through the fastboot getvar anti command.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When checking the status of the bootloader, users often face some problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
- 🔌 "Device not defined in fastboot - check the cable (use the original one), try another USB-Port or reinstall drivers. On Windows, Mi Flash Tool can help, which automatically installs the necessary drivers.
- 🔄 "The fastboot oem device-info command does not work" - on some models (for example, Redmi Note). 9 Pro instead of using fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability. Answer 1 This means that unlocking is possible, 0 — locked at the producer level.
- 📱 "The app shows an incorrect status" - clear the app's cache or use an alternative method (e.g. fastboot.
Also, look for models with anti-rollback protection. For example, on the POCO X3 Pro or Mi 11, you can not install firmware older than a certain version after unlocking the bootloader.
fastboot getvar antiIf the answer contains a value like anti: 3, it means that you can’t flash the firmware with anti: 2 or lower.
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On devices with a Qualcomm processor (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), you can use the QFil utility to check the status of the bootloader, but this requires deep knowledge and can lead to data loss.