How to remove Unlocked status with Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

You see "Unlocked" or "This device is unlocked" when you turn on a Xiaomi smartphone and you don't know what to do about it? This status comes after you officially or unofficially unlock the bootloader, and while it doesn't interfere with the device, many users want to get rid of it, and the reasons range from aesthetic discomfort to problems with MIUI updates or banking applications.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove Unlocked status on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from simple reset to deep flashing. Importantly, not all methods are suitable for new models (for example, Xiaomi 13/14 or Redmi Note 12), so we will specify the limitations and risks for each option. If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service center.

We warn you right away that you can only remove Unlocked 100% by locking the bootloader, but this will void the warranty and can cause the device to fail. Let's start with the safest methods.

1.What is the status of “Unlocked” on Xiaomi and why does it appear

Unlocked status is a visual confirmation that your Xiaomi bootloader is unlocked, and it appears on the screen when you turn on or reboot the device and looks like an orange/red inscription, here are the main reasons for its appearance:

• 🔓 Official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool (for example, for custom firmware or root rights installation).
• 🛠️ Unofficial firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience or modified firmware) MIUI).
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings after unlocking the bootloader (status is retained).
• 📦 Buying a used device with an already unlocked loader.

Status alone does not affect performance, but can cause the following problems:

• 🚫 Blocking of banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff due to a trigger on an unlocked bootloader).
• ⚠️ Denial of warranty service (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates (the system may not offer new versions) MIUI).
• 🔒 Inability to use certain features (e.g. Mi Pay or Face Unlock in Chinese firmware).

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (released after 2022), the Unlocked status may be accompanied by encryption blocking, which will make internal memory data unavailable after reset!

Method 2: Reset to factory settings (without data loss)

The easiest and safest method is a soft reset via settings.It won't remove Unlocked status, but it can help if the problem is caused by a system failure.It's suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 12T and later.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Update the system and check the relevance of the firmware.
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting.
3. Select “Reset all settings” (not “Delete all data!”).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

If you have Unlocked status after the reset, but you have no problems with banking applications, it means that the reason was due to the security settings. If not, move on to the next method.

Make a backup copy in Mi Cloud

Record IMEI (type *#06#)

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Unplug your Google account (if you plan to sell your device)-->

3. Method 2: Fastboot flashing (for experienced)

This method removes the Unlocked status completely, but requires an unlocked bootloader and the ability to work with the Fastboot.Suitable for most models, except for the new flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60, etc.), where Xiaomi has blocked the ability to re-lock the bootloader.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📥 Fastboot firmware for your model (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Fastboot (select the Global or EEA version for your region).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\fastboot_rom).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (the device should appear).
6. Select Clean All (not Clean All and Lock if you don’t want to block the bootloader!)
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If you choose Clean all and lock on a device with an unlocked bootloader, there is a risk of getting a "brick.

Once you flash the Unlocked status, it may disappear, but the bootloader will remain unlocked. To check its status, type in the command to Fastboot:

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked.

Yeah, I've stitched it up many times.

Yes, but with the help of instructions.

No, I'm afraid to break my phone.

No, but I want to learn.-->

Method 3: Installation of a custom recapaveri (TWRP) and a modified core

If you need to remove the “Unlocked” label without losing the bootloader unlock (for example, for further use of custom firmware), you can install a modified kernel or patch through TWRP. This method is suitable for models based on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, POCO F3, Redmi K40, Xiaomi Mi 11).

What you need:

• 🔧 Established TWRP Recovery (version for your model).
• 📄 Disable Unlocked Bootloader Warning Patch (Search for Disable Unlocked Bootloader Warning) XDA Developers or 4PDA).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70%.

Instructions:

1. Download the patch (usually this one) ZIP-file, for example, disable_bootwarning.zip).
2. Move the file to internal memory or SD-map.
3. Turn off your phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
4. In TWRP, select Install, find the downloaded ZIP and swipe for installation.
5. After completion, press Reboot System.

This method doesn't block the bootloader, it just hides the word "Unlocked" on the boot screen, and the advantage is that you can still install custom firmware, and the disadvantage is that the patch can fly off after the MIUI update.

5. Method 4: Locking the bootloader (risky method)

This is the only way to remove Unlocked forever, but it comes with serious risks:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (even if it was).
• 💥 Possible “brick” (if the process is interrupted).
• 🔒 Unlockability in the future (on new models, Xiaomi blocks re-unlocking at 30)+ days).

When should I use this method?

• ✅ You sell your phone and want to get it back to the factory.
• ✅ You have an old model (Xiaomi Mi 9, Redmi Note 8 Pro, etc.) where locking the bootloader does not cause problems.
• ✅ You are ready for possible data loss.

Instructions for locking the loader:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and download the official Fastboot firmware for your model.
2. Enter Fastboot (Loudness Down + Nutrition).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All and Lock mode.
4. Press Flash and don’t turn off the device until it’s complete!

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12 And the newer locking of the bootloader through the Mi Flash Tool often leads to an anti-rollback error. EDL-cable.

6. Method 5: Contacting the service center (guarantee and non-guarantee cases)

If you don’t want to take risks or you have a new Xiaomi model (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13), the best option is to contact an authorized service center.

Advantages of the service center:

• 🔧 Work guarantee (usually 3-6 months).
• 🛡️ Safety - No risk of "brike».
• 📄 Official firmware (without custom solutions).

How to choose a service:

• 🔍 Check reviews on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS.
• 📋 Find out if they are working with EDL (new-model).
• 💰 Compare prices (in Moscow and St. Petersburg are usually more expensive than in the regions).

💡

Before you go to the service, make a full data backup via Settings → Additional → Backup or Mi Cloud. After blocking the bootloader, all data will be deleted!

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to remove Unlocked status, users often encounter common problems, including the most common mistakes and solutions:

If you see an error that is not in the table, do not try to solve it yourself – contact the profile forums (4PDA, XDA Developers) or the service.

💡

On new Xiaomi models (2022 and later), locking the bootloader through the Mi Flash Tool often leads to an anti-rollback error. EDL-service centre.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions