Block the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: Safe Algorithm 2026

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a software component that controls the launch of the operating system. 10S (The code name rosemary is blocked by the manufacturer by default, but many users will unlock it to install custom firmware or root rights. before selling the device, to restore warranty or to eliminate errors after unsuccessful manipulations.

The process of blocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 10S Unlike unlocking, which is officially supported through the Mi Unlock Tool, the reverse procedure is not documented by Xiaomi and requires care. Errors can lead to a complete loss of the device’s performance (“hard brick”), when the smartphone ceases to respond even to the connection to the PC. In this article, we will analyze the proven methods, their pros and cons, and give recommendations for preparing the device.

If you have previously changed firmware or obtained root rights, locking the bootloader may require additional steps – for example, returning to stock firmware or removing modifications. Please note that after blocking, all data on the device will be deleted without recovery, and some functions (for example, OEM Unlock in Developer Settings will be unavailable until re-unblocked.

Why might I need to lock the loader?

At first glance, a blocked bootloader limits the user’s ability, but there are good reasons to return it to its original state:

• 🔄 Restore warranty: Xiaomi service centers refuse repairs under warranty if they detect an unlocked bootloader or traces of custom firmware.
• 💰 Buyers often check the status of the bootloader through the command fastboot oem device-info.Blocked bootloader increases the trust of the device.
• 🛠️ Fixing software failures: Some errors (e.g., cyclical reboot or modem module problems) may be caused by incorrect manipulation of the bootloader.
• 🔒 Security: An unlocked bootloader makes it easier to access device data in case of theft or loss, even if a pattern lock is installed.

However, locking doesn’t always solve the problem, for example, if the smartphone is already in a soft brick state (it only loads in fastboot), trying to block the bootloader can make things worse, and in such cases, you first need to restore the functionality through the firmware of the stock software.

Please note that after the lockdown:

• ⚠️ You will not be able to install custom recovery (TWRP) LineageOS (Pixel Experience) and Pixel).
• ⚠️ Function OEM Unlock in the developer settings will be disabled.
• ⚠️ Re-unblocking will require waiting 7-15 days (depending on Xiaomi policy).

Preparing the device for locking the loader

Before starting the procedure, several critical steps must be taken, and neglecting them can make it impossible to restore the device even in a service center.

1. Back up your data. Locking the bootloader will reset the device to factory settings. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local copying on your PC.

• 📁 Contacts and Messages (Export through Settings) → Google → Backup).
• 📸 Photo and video (copy folder) DCIM computer).
• 🔑 Passwords from apps (save them in the password manager).

2. Check the firmware version. Blocking is only possible on the official stock firmware for your region. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If you have custom firmware installed, go back to the original firmware first via fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

3. Make sure that you are working USB-The locking process should not be interrupted.Use the original Xiaomi cable and port USB 2.0 on PC (port) USB 3.0 can cause data transmission errors).

4. Disable all defenses:

• Remove the pattern lock/PIN-code.
• Turn off Find My Device in Google Settings.
• Delete your Mi Account (if required, via Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete the account).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously installed a root (Magisk) on your device, you must remove it completely through Magisk Manager (Uninstall option). → Complete Uninstall.Residual files may prevent blocking.

Create a backup copy of the data|Check the version. MIUI (should be official)|Disable all defenses (PIN, Mi Account, Find My Device)|Remove the root rights (if installed)|Prepare original USB-cable USB 2.0-->

The official method of blocking through the Mi Flash Tool

The most reliable way is to use the Mi Flash Tool in combination with fastboot firmware, which is suitable if you already have the bootloader unlocked and the stock firmware installed.

Step 1. Download the required files:

• 📥 Official firmware for Redmi Note 10S (Choose a version for your region, such as Global or EEA).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (Version 2020 or Newer).
• 📥 Xiaomi drivers for fastboot (can be installed via Mi) PC Suite).

Step 2: Put your device into fastboot mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the power buttons. + Reduce volume by 10-15 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears (Mi Bunny robot with the inscription). FASTBOOT).

Step 3: Connect the device to the PC and start locking:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\rosemary_global_images...).
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
3. At the bottom of the window, select Clean All and Lock mode (this is the key point – it will delete all data and block the bootloader).
4. Press Refresh – your Redmi Note should appear in the list of devices. 10S.
5. Click Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

Once the firmware is successful, the device will automatically restart. Check the bootloader status with the command:

fastboot oem device-info

The answer should be Device unlocked: false.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an anti-rollback error, it means that you are trying to install the firmware older than the current one. MIUI.

💡

Clean all and lock mode in the Mi Flash Tool is the only official way to block the bootloader on Xiaomi without the risk of “bricking”.

Alternative method: blocking through ADB and Fastboot

If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t work (for example, due to connection errors), you can try locking the bootloader manually through fastboot commands.This method requires experience and is not recommended for beginners.

Step 1: Install the necessary tools:

• 📥 Download Google’s Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot).
• 📥 Unpack the archive into the root of the disk C:\platform-tools\.

Step 2. Transfer the device to fastboot and check the connection:

fastboot devices

If the device appears in the list, you can continue.

Step 3: Perform the lock:

fastboot flashing lock

After you enter the command, a warning will appear on the smartphone screen. Confirm the action with the Volume Up button.

Step 4: Re-flash the device (required!):

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot reboot

Here. boot.img and recovery.img — files from the official firmware for your model, which must be extracted from the firmware archive.

⚠️ Note: The fastboot flashing lock command may not work if the device has an unofficial firmware installed or the anti partition is changed. In this case, first return the stockware via the Mi Flash Tool.

Checking the status of the loader after blocking

To make sure that the procedure has been successful, follow the following steps:

Method 1. Through fastboot:

fastboot oem device-info

Look for the lines:

• Device unlocked: false – the bootloader is locked.
• Device critical unlocked: false - no critical unlocks.

Method 2. Through device settings:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Check the status of the item OEM Unlock: If it is inactive (grey) – the bootloader is blocked.

Method 3: Visual loading check:

Turn off the device and turn it on while holding power. + Turn up the volume. If the bootloader is locked, you'll see the message. ORANGE STATE (on some firmware) or just a logo MI without further warning.

If the device does not turn on or boots to fastboot after locking, try:

• 🔌 Repeat the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode.
• 🔄 Use a different firmware version (for example, try Global instead of Global). EEA).
• 📞 Contact the service center with an indication that you need a “recovery after a failed firmware".

💡

If after blocking the loader, the smartphone stopped seeing SIM-The map was probably installed for a different region. MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

The process of blocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 10S It can be a mistake. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

This MIUI version cannot be downgraded

This error occurs when you try to run a version. MIUI older than the one that's been installed:

1. Check the current version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Download firmware with a higher build number (for example, take 12.5.7 instead of 12.5.3).

Error: The device loads into fastboot after locking

It's a soft brick sign.

• 🔧 Re-wire your device through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode.
• 🔧 Use the command fastboot flash boot boot.img and fastboot flash recovery recovery.img firmware.
• 🔧 If nothing helps - contact the service center with a request to reflash the device through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

⚠️ Note: If the device stopped turning on after locking the bootloader, do not try to restore it yourself through the test point or EDL. This can lead to a complete failure of the motherboard. In such cases, contact only the official service.

Can I unlock the bootloader after blocking?

Yes, but with limitations. Xiaomi has introduced a security system according to which, after blocking the bootloader, it is possible to re-unlock it only after 7-15 days.

• 📅 Xiaomi policies at the time of the request (period may change).
• 📱 Device models (on new smartphones, the period is longer).
• 🔑 Mi Account Status (for some regions there are additional restrictions).

How to unlock the bootloader after blocking:

1. Connect the device to your Mi Account account in the settings.
2. Activate. OEM Unlock in the Developer Menu.
3. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
4. Follow the instructions of the program. If you receive a message about the need to wait, wait for the specified deadline.

Important: If you sell a device, tell the customer about the waiting time for unlocking. Some custom firmware (such as Pixel Experience) require an unlocked bootloader, and the buyer may be unhappy with the restriction.

How to speed up the unlocking process?

Officially, no, but some users have reported that changing the region of your Mi Account (e.g. from Global to China) may reduce the waiting time.

1. Go to the Mi Account website.
2. In the profile settings, change the region to China (you will need a Chinese phone number to confirm).
3. Repeat the attempt to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ This method does not guarantee the result and may result in the account being blocked.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions