How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a software component that controls the launch of the operating system. It is blocked by the manufacturer by default to protect against unauthorized changes, but many users will unlock it to install custom firmware, obtain root rights or restore bricks. However, improper unlocking or lack of information about the current status can lead to serious problems, from loss of warranty to complete inoperability of the device.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to check the status of the bootloader on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — From standard fastboot techniques to little-known engineering menu tricks, you'll learn how to distinguish an officially unlocked bootloader from a "gray" bypass, what risks each method carries, and what to do if status is not determined. 2018–2026 years, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5).

Why it is important to know the status of the bootloader

The Xiaomi bootloader has two key functions: protecting the system from malware and monitoring the integrity of the firmware.

• 🔓 The ability to install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will make this impossible without official unlocking.
• 🛠️ Access to the regime EDL (Emergency Download Mode – if the bootloader is locked, recovery via the Mi Flash Tool may not work.
• 📱 Some modifications: for example, Magisk or Xposed require an unlocked bootloader to install correctly.
• 🔄 Updates by air (OTA): On some devices with the unlocked bootloader, automatic updates may not be installed.

In addition, starting in 2020, Xiaomi has tightened its unlock policy, requiring a Mi Account account to be linked to the device and waiting up to 720 hours (30 days) for new models. If you bought a smartphone with your hands, there is a high risk that the previous owner did not unlock the bootloader legally – which can be problematic when trying to flash the device.

⚠️ Note: On devices with unlocked bootloader, Xiaomi may refuse warranty service, even if the breakdown is not related to firmware!

Method 1: Checking through fastboot mode

The most reliable and versatile method is the use of the fastboot oem device-info command, which works on all Xiaomi models released after 2016, and does not require root rights or special programs.

You'll need:

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

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press the Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears (Android robot with an open belly).
2. Connect the device to the computer.
3. Open the terminal (or cmd in Windows) and go to the folder with the platform-tools.
4. If the device is determined (its serial number appears), continue. If not, install Xiaomi drivers or try another cable.
5. Command: fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, find the line Device unlocked: true/false:

• True - the bootloader is unlocked.
• False: The bootloader is locked.

Download Android Platform Tools| Install Xiaomi | Enable USB debugging in settings |Use the original cable-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) Quickboot Oem Device-info can return the error FAILED (Remote: unknown command means that the manufacturer has blocked access to the information. In this case, use Method 3 (via the Mi Unlock Tool).

Method 2: Visual check at boot

On most Xiaomi devices, the bootloader status is displayed directly when you turn on your smartphone.This method does not require a PC connection, but does not work on all firmware.

How to check:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to vibration (this will trigger Recovery mode).
3. If the bootloader is unlocked, the bottom of the screen will appear the inscription: Orange State or Unlocked (on the new models – the icon of the open lock). 🔓).
4. If it is blocked, there will be no inscriptions, or a lock will appear. 🔒).

Examples of display on different devices:

On MIUI 14+ firmware, visual indication may not be available even when the bootloader is unlocked, in which case use Method 1 or Method 3.

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Method 3: Checking with Mi Unlock Tool

Xiaomi’s official Mi Unlock Tool not only unlocks the bootloader, but also shows its current status, a method that is suitable for devices that don’t run fastboot commands.

Instructions:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version must match your firmware).
2. Install the utility on your PC and run it on behalf of the administrator.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (it should be linked to your device!).
4. Connect your smartphone in fastboot mode (as in Method 1).
5. The utility will automatically determine the status of the bootloader and display it in the program window.

Possible reports:

• 🔓 Unlocked – the bootloader is unlocked.
• 🔒 Locked – the bootloader is blocked.
• ⏳ Waiting for XX hours – the device is in standby mode of unlocking (you need to wait for the specified time).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool shows Locked status, but you are sure that you have unlocked the bootloader before, this may mean that the device was reflashed to the official version. MIUI In this case, the bootloader will automatically lock again!

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't receive device message" error, try disabling the antivirus, using another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) or reinstall drivers manually via Mi Flash Tool.

Method 4: Check through the engineering menu (#4636##)

On some Xiaomi devices, bootloader status can be found through a hidden engineering menu, which doesn’t work on all models, but can be useful if other methods aren’t available.

How to check:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##4636## (on new firmware, you may not be able to use the code #7378423##).
3. Go to the phone information or testing section.
4. Scroll down and find the lines: Bootloader unlock status. Device unlock state.

Possible values:

• 🔓 Unlocked or 1 - Unlocked.
• 🔒 Locked or 0 - Locked.
• ❓ Unknown – the status cannot be determined (use another method).

On MIUI 13/14 firmware, the engineering menu is often hidden or stripped down. If the code doesn't work, try installing the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek-based devices) or Qualcomm EngineerMode (for Snapdragon).

Method 5: Checking through ADB (for power users)

If you have root rights or USB debugging enabled, you can find out the status of the bootloader through ADB. This method is suitable for devices where fastboot does not work (for example, due to a damaged boot partition).

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then go back to Additional Settings → Developer → Debugging by USB.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the terminal and type in: adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

Possible answers:

• Orange - the bootloader is unlocked.
• green - the loader is locked.
• Yellow – the device is in the waiting mode unlock.

You can also check the binding of the Mi Account (important for unlocking):

adb shell getprop ro.frp.pst

• /metadata/xiaomi/frp_info.txt — account.
• Unknown – account is not tied (unblocking may not work).

💡

If the adb shell command getsprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate returns orange, but there are no visual indicators when downloading - this means that the bootloader is unlocked in a "gray" way (for example, via an exploit). OTA-update!

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When checking the status of the bootloader, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, it could mean:

• 🔧 Boot section is damaged (requires flashing through Mi Flash Tool in mode) EDL).
• 🔒 The device is blocked by the operator (for example, smartphones from MTS or Beeline may have additional restrictions).
• 📱 The firmware is heavily modified (for example, custom installed). boot.img, culprit).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions