“bootloader is blocked” on Xiaomi: what it means and how to fix

The “bootloader locked” message on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most common problems users face when trying to install custom firmware, obtain root rights, or even after resetting the settings. Bootloader locking is a protection against unauthorized changes to the system that Xiaomi has implemented to improve security, but for enthusiasts and experienced users, such a lock becomes an obstacle to full control of the device.

In this article, we will discuss why Xiaomi is blocking a bootloader, how to check its status, and most importantly, how to unlock it in official and alternative ways, and we will also look at the risks associated with unlocking and provide security recommendations. The instructions are suitable for most models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, including recent versions MIUI.

Why is Xiaomi blocking the bootloader?

Xiaomi has been actively blocking bootloaders on its devices since 2016, when MIUI 8 was released.

• 🔒 Data security: A blocked bootloader protects the device from malware installation via recovery or fastboot.
• 📱 Stability of work: prevents incorrect firmware, which can lead to a “brick” (breakdown) of the smartphone.
• 📦 Warranty compliance: Unlocking the bootloader automatically voids the warranty on most models.
• 🔄 Ecosystem Control: Xiaomi aims to keep users in its ecosystem by limiting third-party firmware installations.

On the one hand, it is justified – blocking reduces the risk of data theft or damage to the device by inexperienced users, on the other – it makes life difficult for those who want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or simply remove the built-in Xiaomi applications.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader removes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps. be sure to back up before starting the procedure!

How to check if the bootloader is blocked on Xiaomi

Before you try to unlock the bootloader, make sure it's actually locked. There are two reliable ways to do this.

Method 1: Through Fastboot Mode

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the buttons Loud down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
4. Enter the command: fastboot oem device-info
5. Find the Device unlocked: false line, which means that the bootloader is locked.

Method 2: Through the MIUI settings

On some models, you can check the bootloader status in the menu: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (several times tap on the version until the message “You became a developer”). Then go to Settings → Additional → For developers → Mi Unlock status.

If your smartphone shows Locked, move to the next section – there we will tell you how to unlock the bootloader in the official way.

The official way to unlock the Xiaomi bootloader

Xiaomi provides a legal way to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, but the process comes with a number of limitations:

• 📅 Wait 7-15 days: You need to wait after you link your Mi Account to your device (depending on the model and region).
• 🔗 Account Linking: You must use the same Mi Account that was added to your device.
• 📱 Support not all models: some devices (for example, for the Chinese market) may not support unlocking.
• 🔄 Limit the number of unlocks: one account can unlock no more than 1 device per month.

Step-by-step instruction

Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website |Install ADB and Fastboot Drivers |Enable USB debugging in developer settings |Axiety Mi Account to device |Making backup data-->

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock (registration required).

2. Enable debugging over USB:

- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shoot 7 times to activate the developer mode).

- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable:

- USB debugging.

Unlock the OEM (if there is such a point).

3. Link your Mi Account to your device:

Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in.

In the same section, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device.

Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode:

- Turn off the device.

- Press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.

Connect to your computer via USB.

5. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool:

Sign in to the program under the same Mi Account as on your phone.

Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (it may take several attempts).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a Couldn't unlock error or Current account is different from the account info on the device, check: - Account binding correctness. - Internet connection on PC. - Mi Unlock Tool version (sometimes helps rollback to an older version).

Unofficial ways to unlock the bootloader

If the official method doesn’t work (for example, due to an error This device is locked by Mi Cloud or an expired waiting period), alternative solutions can be tried. They are risky and can lead to a loss of warranty or a “brick” of the device, but sometimes remain the only way out.

Method 1: Use EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL is a service mode that allows you to flash your device directly through the Qualcomm port.

• 🔧 Cable EDL (or closing contacts: on some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3) can enter EDL through the closure of test points on the motherboard.
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool: Download it from Xiaomi’s official website.
• 📄 Firmware file in.tgz format: should be designed specifically for your model.

Important: this method requires disassembling the device and can lead to complete loss of functionality if the firmware is not selected correctly.

Method 2: Exploits for older versions of MIUI

Some devices with MIUI versions 10-12 have exploits that allow you to bypass the bootloader lock without waiting.

• 🔓 Exploit for Redmi Note 7/8/9: exploits a vulnerability in fastboot that allows you to reset the waiting counter.
• 🔄 Downgrade firmware: on some models you can roll back to an older version MIUI, lock-out.

Examples of commands for exploit (root or ADB rights required):

adb shell


su




echo 1 > /sys/class/devfreq/ddr_devfreq/force_lock_status

Warning

Mi

💡

Before using informal methods, check the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums, which often provide up-to-date instructions for specific models.

What to do after unlocking the loader

Once you unlock successfully, you will have access to new features, but you will also face some limitations:

✅ What can I do:

• 📱 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HavocOS).
• 🔧 Install TWRP Recovery for backups and modifications.
• 🛠 Get root rights through Magisk.
• ⚡ Remove the built-in Xiaomi apps (bloatware).

❌ Limitations and risks:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty: Most service centers refuse repairs under warranty if the bootloader is unlocked.
• 🔒 Security issues: Device becomes more vulnerable to malware.
• 📵 Unstable work: custom firmware may contain bugs that affect performance.
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates: Official Updates MIUI may not be installed.

If you unlocked the bootloader for installing custom firmware, we recommend:

1. Download firmware only from trusted sources (for example, XDA Developers or official project sites).
2. Before the firmware make a full backup through TWRP.
3. Install Magisk to manage root rights and disguise SafetyNet status (important for banking applications).

💡

Unlocking the bootloader is just the first step, and then you need to install custom recovery (TWRP), otherwise the options for modifying the system will be limited.

How to re-block the bootloader (if necessary)

If you decide to return the device to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), the bootloader can be blocked back.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website.
2. Go to Fastboot Mode (Loudness Down + Nutrition).
3. Connect the device to the PC and start the command: fastboot oem lock
4. Sweep through the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.

After that, the device will return to the factory settings, and the bootloader will be locked.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) After locking the bootloader, it may be necessary to wait 7-15 days for a new unlock.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When unlocking the bootloader, users often encounter errors.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔄 Mi Unlock Tool Version: Sometimes it helps to roll back to an older version (e.g. 5.5.224.24).
• 📱 Firmware region: on Chinese versions (China) ROM) Unlocking may not be available.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions