How to check the bootloader on Xiaomi: unlocked or not?

The bootloader on Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphones is a software component that runs to the operating system and controls the boot process. Its status (unlocked or locked) is critical for users planning to install custom firmware, obtain root rights, or restore a device through Fastboot. If you bought a phone from hand, got it after repair, or simply forgot whether you changed the settings, checking the bootloader is the first step before any manipulation of the system.

In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to check the status of the bootloader on any Xiaomi device, including new models from 2023-2026. You will learn how to determine lock through Fastboot, phone menus, special applications and even without a connection to a PC.

Why check the status of the bootloader on Xiaomi?

The status of the loader affects:

• 🔓 The ability to install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) on a locked device will result in an Anti-Rollback or Brick error".
• 🛠️ Access to Fastboot mode to restore the system. Some operations (such as rolling back firmware) require unlocking.
• 🔒 Data security: Unlocked bootloader makes it easier to access system partitions, which can be exploited by attackers.
• 📱 Official updates work. On some Xiaomi models, unlocking leads to locking OTA-update.

In addition, the status of the bootloader is important when buying a used phone, if the seller claims that the device is “clean”, but the bootloader is unlocked, this may mean that the phone:

• 🔄 Custom firmware (possible hidden bugs).
• 🔧 Renovated with a replacement motherboard (sometimes unlock is reset).
• 🚨 It was used by an “advanced” user who could break the integrity of system partitions.

Method 1: Checking with Fastboot (the most reliable method)

This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note. 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13 And you'll need a computer with drivers installed to check. ADB/Fastboot original USB-cable.

Sequence of action:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the buttons Loud down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot and type:

fastboot oem device-info

Device unlocked: true or false:

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

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader, fastboot oem unlock will not work without first linking the Mi Account in the phone settings. Attempting to unlock without this step will lead to an error This device is locked.

Method 2: Checking through the phone menu (without PC)

If you don’t have access to your computer, you can find out the status of the bootloader directly in the MIUI interface, which works on most devices, but may not be available on some older models (such as Redmi 4X) or firmware from third-party developers.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the line version of MIUI to activate the developer mode.
3. Go back to the basic settings and select Additional settings → For developers.
4. Scroll down and find Bootloader status.

Possible values:

• 🔒 Locked – the bootloader is closed.
• 🔓 Unlocked – the bootloader is open.
• ❓ Unknown – Checking is required via Fastboot.

Enable the developer mode|Connect to Wi-Fi (to activate some points)|Check the version. MIUI (must be at least 10)|Have a charged battery (minimum 30%)-->

Method 3: Use of applications (for beginners)

If Fastboot commands seem complicated, and the phone menu doesn't display bootloader status, you can use specialized applications that analyze system files and output information in a convenient way.

Top.-3 tested applications:

How to use:

1. Install one of the applications from the table.
2. Open it and provide root rights (if required).
3. In the Bootloader or Device Info section, find the status line.

⚠️ Note: Apps may show incorrect status on modified kernel firmware (for example, after installing Magisk.

Method 4: Checking through ADB (Fastboot alternative)

If the phone turns on but doesn’t go into the Fastboot, the bootloader status can be found through ADB. This method is useful if the power or volume buttons are faulty.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (see Method 2).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. In the command line, type:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

Possible answers:

• Orange - the bootloader is unlocked.
• green - the loader is locked.
• Yellow is a device in OEM unlocking mode (unlocking in the process).

💡

If the adb shell command doesn't work, try entering adb devices first to make sure the device is detected. If the list is blank, check the drivers or cable.

Method 5: Visual Signs of an Unlocked Booter

On some Xiaomi models, the unlocked bootloader has external manifestations that can be seen without special tools:

• 🔋 Download Warning: This device is unlocked or Orange State appears on the turn on screen. POCO F3, Redmi K40 etc.).
• 🔄 Absence OTA-Updates: Couldn't verify update error may appear in the update settings.
• 🛡️ Reset protection: After rebooting, some applications (such as banking) require re-authorization.
• 📱 Unstable: Frequent System reboots or errors UI may indicate damage to system partitions after unlocking.

On devices with a Qualcomm processor (for example, Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), an unlocked bootloader can lead to the inability to use the features of Widevine L1 (reducing streaming quality in Netflix, Disney+ to 480p).

What to do if the loader is already unlocked?

If the check showed that the bootloader is unlocked, but you did not do it, the following scenarios are possible:

1. The phone was hand-buyed: The previous owner could unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware.

The device was repaired.

System failure

boot

Mi Flash Tool

If you are planning to return the phone to its original state:

• 🔒 You can only block the bootloader back through the official Mi Unlock Tool, but this requires binding the Mi Account and waiting 7-30 days (on new models).
• 📥 Install the official firmware via Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool by selecting the clean all and lock option.

💡

An unlocked bootloader will not cancel the Xiaomi warranty, but may cause a warranty repair to be denied if the malfunction is due to software modifications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about checking Xiaomi bootloader