Here’re some FAQ you need to know.
Why did Mi lock the bootloader for Mi devices?
Mi is an international brand now, but it’s only in few countries currently, and is still in the stage of expanding its international market. So it’s difficult for users from countries where Mi is not officially sold to buy Mi phones. Many users have taken the risk of buying from an unofficial reseller. But they sometimes get fake Mi phones, or Mi phones with unofficial ROM loaded with bloatware. You guys must have seen some users asking in the forum whether their Mi phones are genuine, or that they have weird ROM version installed on their new phones. This is really bad for user experience, and it might even cause property loss if some malware are installed. This situation also exists in China market.
Another problem Mi users have often encountered is that, after their Mi phones are lost or stolen, the person who got the device could easily flash a new ROM into it, and makes it almost impossible for our users to get their phones back. In the recent MIUI developer version update, we’ve added a feature that needs users to enter their Mi account info to use the phone after doing a full wipe. But if an ill-intentioned person knows how to use fastboot method to flash ROMs, this will not stop him/her from gaining control of the phone.
Based on the above two reasons, we’ve decided to lock the bootloader. We’ve also made changes to Mi Cloud’s ‘Find Device’ function, and adjusted system update’s verifying logic.By these combined methods, user data can be better protected, and user experience can also be improved.
What Mi devices are locked?
Mi 4c, Redmi Note 3, Mi Note Pro, Redmi 3, Mi 4S, Mi 5 and Mi devices launched in the year 2016 onwards
How to apply?
Head towardshttp://en.miui.com/unlockfor English site and apply for unlocking. You shall reach the page showing application form like this.
If the English site is not working on Chrome, do try on other browsers or clear cache data of your browser. You can also apply using your device with default Mi browser on your phone. It shall automatically detect your logged in Mi account once you’re on the unlocking site.
Please submit the real reason why you want to unlock your phone. Copied reasons from other tutorials/ blog might cause your unlock application to be rejected and even blacklisted.
Many users are stuck in input name section, do apply without number/spaces and symbol.
Examples of copied reason which will cause your application fail immediately
-to install localized firmware
-我明白解锁的设置 它给我的介绍是 重新设置我的原本语言 谢谢
-请批准我的请求开锁。
-我的手机是砖砌在启动循环模式。请批准我的请求开锁
How long does it take to receive the SMS from Xiaomi?
Check what is showing on the webpagehttp://en.miui.com/unlock/occasionally.Once the download Mi Unlock Tool webpage is shown means you’ve been approved. Currently, we only support on Windows.
If your application is rejected then tap on the “reapply” option shown on the webpage or apply here:
http://miui.com/unlock/apply.php?retry=1
Unlocking Bootloader Procedure
Make sure your PC has necessary drivers and you’re on official MIUI ROM before you start to unlock (Mi PC SUITE,Download Mi Flash Here)
What to do after received the approval SMS?
1. Settings—> About phone—> MIUI Version (Keep tapping it to enable developer option).
2. Settings—> Additional settings—> Developer option and bind your approved Mi account under Mi Unlock Status.
1. If you’re facing “10008 参数错误、 请参考API文档” error, kindly use a working VPN and select cities (Eg: Shanghai) in China to bind it. I’ve forwarded this issue to developers, hopefully a new fix will be released soon.2. If you’re facing couldn’t verify, please wait a minute or two/ No Network/ other 8XXXX related errors when adding Mi Account in Mi Unlock Status.
– Remove your current logged in Mi Account (Settings–> Mi Account) from your device.
– Then, head back Settings>Additional Settings>Developers Option>Mi Unlock Status. Tap on the add Mi Account and you’ll be asked to login Mi Account again, you shall be able to bind the account successfully.3. Log into the Mi account which has acquired unlocking permission on your device.
4. Once you logged into the Mi Unlock Tool, tap on the top right gear button to check the update for both USB driver and Mi Unlock Tool. Make sure you’re running the latest version.
5. Turn off your device, press the Power button and Volume – button at the same time to enter bootloader mode
6. Log into the unlocking tool on PC with the same Mi account. Connect the device to the PC using USB cable
7. Press ‘Unlock’. The unlocking process will complete in about 10 seconds
Note:
1. Follow the timer/waiting period shown in the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock successfully, you’ll see this sentence “Couldn’t unlock the device after XXXX hours” which actually means “Please unlock after XXX hours.” There is some translation issue in Mi Unlock Tool.
2. After you’ve successfully bound your Mi Account, do not logout the approved Mi account from your phone. Otherwise, the timer will be reset and you gotta spend more time waiting again.
For those who have bricked device, dovisit the nearest service center to repair your phone or check out unbricking tutorial in your device subforum.
Kedacom USB device problem
For those who received permission to unlock but still stuck, please check out this section. You might be facing problem due to kedacom USB problem especially for those who are using Windows 10 which causes your PC fails to detect the device in fastboot mode.Download Mi Flash Here.
First Method
1. Boot into fastboot mode (Hold Volume Down+Power), a Mi bunny image will be shown. Plug your device into the computer.
2. Open Device Manager and search for Kedacom USB Device, double-click on Android Bootloader Interface,then click Uninstall, tick Delete Driver Software for this device then OK
3. Unplug and reconnect your phone (phone state is still in fastboot mode)
In this stage, you will see that driver is reinstalling and show Android Device as Android Bootloader Interface, once the driver finishedupdating it will revert back to Kedacom. The Kedacom driver won’t allow you to unlock or perform any kind offastbootcommands. To solve this,
4. Double click on Android Bootloader Interface again under Kedacom again
5. Under ‘Driver’ tab, click Roll Back Driver, press OK
Since the driver is all right now, head towards Mi Unlock Tool and you should be able to unlock.
Second Method
1. Open and login your account with Mi Unlock Tool and minimize it.
2. Once you’re logged in then disconnect your internet connection.
3. Boot into fastboot mode (Hold Volume Down+Power), a Mi bunny image will be shown. Plug your device into the computer.
4. Open Device Manager and search for Kedacom USB Device, double click on Android Bootloader Interface,then click Uninstall, tick Delete Driver Software for this device then OK
5. Unplug and reconnect your phone (phone state is still in fastboot mode)
6. Device manager will start blinking and an Android Phone will appear, wait till driver installing window disappear after you plugged your device
7. After the driver installing windows is gone then reconnect your Internet.
8. Open the Mi Unlocking Tool wait till it detects your device.
9. Once it’s shown then tap on Unlock
How to check whether the bootloader is locked/unlocked?
The status of bootloader can be checked in the following process.
-The unlocker tool will show the message of “Unlocked”.
– An “Unlocked” word will be shown when booting.
– Advanced users can check the bootloader status via cmd
Flashing full ROM in unlocked bootloader will lock the bootloader again?
No, the bootloader will remain unlocked unless you choose clean all and lock option duringfastboot.
What do you need to know about unlocking?
First and foremost you can only unlock your own device. This means the unlocking tool you downloaded must be logged in with the same Mi account on your device. One Mi account could only unlock one device within 30 days
Locking bootloader is aimed to provide better user experience, which we’ve been trying to do the whole time. In the meantime, we’ve provided an unlocking tool for senior users who know their ways around flashing and tweaking their devices.
The unlocking procedure will need Internet access to get the unlocking password. Also, the Mi Account logged in on the Mi phone and the unlocking tool needs to be the same. Otherwise, the unlocking request will be denied. This will ensure that ill-intentioned people will not get access to your personal data.
What will change after locking bootloader?
– Locking bootloader will not affect normal OTA updates
– ROOT will be disabled if the user has enabled it before. Enabling ROOT will need to unlock bootloader
– Recovery mode is changed. Updating via Recovery will need to use Mi PC Suite
– Devices with locked bootloader cannot update using Miflash. Users need to unlock bootloader if they want to flash Fastboot ROMs.
The risks stated above do not fully cover changes which may be brought about by Mi Unlock.We will keep improving Mi Unlock in order to prevent the cases when unauthorized vendors unlock Mi devices to install third-party apps which worsen MIUI user experience and cannot to be deleted. Locked devices also provide you with high-quality security features, such as Find device, and other added-value services. We’re sorry for any inconveniences our policies may cause.Please think twice before unlocking if you are not familiar with ROM flashing.
Final note,if you don’t know that much about Android, flashing, custom ROMs etc. It’s not recommended for you to unlock the bootloader. It might cause serious damage to your device or personal data.
Download Mi Unlock App
Download Mi PC Suite
MiSetup3.2.1.3111_2717.zip(38.9 MB, Downloads: 29866)
FAQs
Can you unlock Xiaomi bootloader without waiting? ›
You don't need waiting 168 hours.
How long does it take to unlock Mi bootloader? ›If you own a Xiaomi smartphone and want to unlock the bootloader to execute modifications, this article is for you. Bypassing the bootloader on Mi devices usually takes 168 hours which can be extremely time-taking. However, this article will address how to bypass Xiaomi unlock 168 hours most efficiently.
Is it safe to unlock bootloader Xiaomi? ›Xiaomi is developers friendly. Your warranty is not void even you unlock your bootloader and root your mobile. If you wanna be more safe. Then you can flash stock firmware and lock your bootloader again at any time to bring back your mobile to factory state.
Does unlocking bootloader void warranty Mi? ›Hi, we would like to inform you that by just unlocking the bootloader your device warranty will not be void. However, if the device crashes/bricks due to Custom ROM the device will be serviced out of Warranty. We would strongly recommend you to continue use your device with MIUI.
Is there any risk unlocking bootloader? ›Vulnerabilities are typically caused when the device's bootloader is unlocked, as an unlocked bootloader enables the user to make many different changes to the device that the OEM would not typically allow. This can include flashing custom ROMs, sideloading programs, flashing recoveries and modifying system elements.
Can I get OTA update with unlocked bootloader Xiaomi? ›OTA cannot take place over a rooted device. Yes you can update Stable AND Beta OOS via OTA while Rooted and also with an Unlocked Bootloader. The only thing you have to do after the OTA completes is re-Root (if you were Rooted that is). Your Bootloader should remain unlocked, if not just unlock it again.
Can I flash official ROM without unlocking bootloader? ›Can you flash ROM without unlocking the bootloader? It depends on the bootloader. If the bootloader is designed to allow the ROM installation without unlocking the bootloader then yes.
Can I unlock bootloader using ADB? ›- Enter the command adb reboot bootloader.
- Wait a couple seconds until your device rebooted into the bootloader, then enter the command fastboot flashing unlock.
- Some devices might use the command fastboot oem unlock instead.
Will I have root access after unlocking the bootloader? No, unlocking the bootloader will only allow you to install a custom ROM. To gain root access you need to use a custom ROM that permits root access. You may be able to find such a custom ROM on either the XDA Forums, or the AOSP build instructions.
Can you remove Xiaomi bloatware? ›Smartphone method
The newer smartphones come with fewer pre-installed apps. So our Redmi 9 Power only came with Amazon, Netflix, Facebook and LinkedIn, Mi Remote, Mi Credit, and Mi Doc Viewer as extra third-party apps. Now just select the apps you want to remove and then tap uninstall all.
Can apps detect unlocked bootloader? ›
Members. To flash whatever ROM you want a part from the stock ROM your phone came preinstalled with, yes you bootloader must be unlocked. Apps detect that but there are workarounds. You can relock your bootloader if you install the stock ROM your phone came preinstalled with.
Can bootloader be hacked? ›Chromebooks use custom bootloaders that can be modified or overwritten by removing a Write-protect screw. In 2013, the bootloader of the Chromecast was hacked using an exploit. In 2021, it was hacked again for newer versions.
Does Mi unlock wipe data? ›Unlocking the bootloader will wipe all data, backup before unlocking.
Can I flash stock ROM with locked bootloader? ›By default, most Android devices ship with a locked bootloader, meaning that users can't flash the bootloader or device partitions. If needed, you (and device users with Developer options enabled) can unlock the bootloader to flash new images.
Does unlocking bootloader disable Google pay? ›Your bootloader is stil unlocked, correct? That prevents Google Wallet from working on all recent phones.
What happens if I turn on OEM unlock? ›Enabling a single Android setting called "OEM unlocking" has the potential to prevent your device from falling victim to complete software failure, and it only takes a minute to turn this on. If you'd like to know why this option can cause your device to become bricked, I'll explain it all below.
What will happen if I Enable OEM unlock? ›The simple function of the OEM Unlock tab in the Developer Options menu is to allow running of the command “fastboot flashing unlock”. The option is hidden from plain sight, since neither Google nor the Android OEM brand of your device wants you to go around tweaking the system beyond what it is intended to do.
What happens if I turn off OEM unlock? ›When try to lock it again the system says: "If OEM unlock is turned off, your phone will be reset to factory default settings after restart. This will erase all of your data... " etc.
Will I get OTA updates if bootloader is unlocked? ›You cannot take OTA updates normally with an unlocked bootloader. The phone will download the update, but the update will fail. You CAN update manually using either OTA or factory images from here and following my guide here. To sideload OTA images using either stock recovery or TWRP, follow the instructions here.
What happens if bootloader is unlocked? ›Unlocking the Bootloader allows you to install custom firmware on your Android phone and gives you full access privileges to make modifications to the phone. Such modifications could involve changing some of the pre-loaded software, or could even include replacing the entire operating system.
How do I force Android OTA to update? ›
The best way to force an Android update is to go to Settings > Software update > Download and install. You can also force Android updates by reinstalling Android OS using a PC or rooting your Android for deeper customizations.
Can I install TWRP with locked bootloader? ›If you want TWRP you need an unlocked bootloader and if you want a locked bootloader you can't have TWRP, deal with it.
What does OEM unlocking means? ›OEM unlock only applies to unlocking the bootloader so that the software on the device can be modified or install custom software.
Can I install TWRP without unlocking bootloader? ›On any Android device, you have to first unlock the bootloader to install TWRP Recovery.
Can bootloader unlock without USB debugging? ›If I recall correctly, USB debugging should not be required to unlock the bootloader as you are using fastboot commands to unlock the bootloader rather than ADB commands.
Why doesn't my phone have OEM unlocking? ›There are many reasons why OEM is not allowed on your phone. For example, you recently unlocked the bootloader, the bootloader is already unlocked, or OEM is not allowed for certain devices or regions.
Which Android apps which require your phone to be rooted? ›- AirDroid.
- OneClickRoot.
- Magisk manager.
- SuperSU.
- Fone.
Unlocking the bootloader is NOT the same as rooting. Unlocking the bootloader is turning off/removing the security flag of the bootloader. When the bootloader is locked, the security flag is on (S-ON) which prevents rooting easily and flashing of roms not made by the company (who made the device).
What is the difference between rooted and unlocked bootloader? ›Rooting lets you have complete admin rights on your phone, eg access to write files to the system partition for example or delete all the files. Or uninstall system apps. Unlocking lets you flash an entire new rom or a custom recovery.
Does Xiaomi have hidden apps? ›The hidden app feature is available in all the Redmi, Xiaomi, and POCO smartphones. You can follow these steps to hide apps in Xiaomi phones: Go to Settings and open Apps. In the App Settings you will find the App Lock feature.
What bloatware to remove from Xiaomi? ›
- com.google.android.apps.docs.
- com.google.android.gm.
- com.google.android.gms.
- com.google.android.apps.wellbeing.
- com.google.android.gms.location.history.
- com.google.android.apps.maps.
- com.google.android.apps.photos.
- com.google.ar.lens.
MIUI Daemon (com. miui. daemon) is a system app which is installed on Xiaomi Devices on Global MIUI ROMs. It is pretty much a tracker that keeps track of certain stats in your system in order to improve the user experience in the later updates.
Can you see who tried to unlock your phone? ›Lockwatch is a great overall app for taking pictures of people trying to unlock your phone. It's a straightforward solution that's easy to use: just enable it and you'll get an email when someone tries to break into your phone. To start using Lockwatch, open the app and enable the Send alert email slider.
Can you tell if your phone was unlocked? ›The best way to quickly check whether a mobile phone is locked or not is to slip the SIM card out, and put in one from another network. If it can make calls, send texts, and connect to the internet, that means your phone is unlocked. Just make sure that the two SIMs don't actually connect to the same network.
What app tells you when someone tries to unlock your phone? ›HiddenEye – This Android app takes a picture when someone tries to unlock your phone by incorrectly guessing your passcode.
What are the two types of bootloader? ›For Linux, the two most common boot loaders are known as LILO (LInux LOader) and LOADLIN (LOAD LINux). An alternative boot loader, called GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader), is used with Red Hat Linux. LILO is the most popular boot loader among computer users that employ Linux as the main, or only, operating system.
Which 2 carriers are known to have locked bootloaders? ›Only Sprint & Verizon manufacturers lock the bootloaders of their phones T-Mobile doesn't.
What is Mi unlock status? ›In the Developer options, go to the “Mi Unlock Status” and tap on “Add account and device” in order to authorize Xiaomi to unlock the device associated with the account. The authorization process will use the mobile data of the carrier. Therefore, make sure you have turned off WiFi before adding the account.
Can I flash fastboot ROM with locked bootloader? ›No, It is not possible! Because bootloader is the software which is responsible for your device to Boot into the system, a locked bootloader will only Boot your device into the system when it has all the required files which is Already Specified by the manufacturer of the device.
Can people access data after factory reset? ›Can my data still be accessed even after resetting my device? The data on most Android phones is encrypted which means that it can't be accessed following a factory reset. As such, you don't need to worry about another person accessing this information if you sell your Android phone.
Is Xiaomi bootloader locked? ›
Reboot your phone. Wait until the Redmi/Xiaomi/POCO logo appears. Once it appears, check if you have a lock icon that is unlocked. If so, that means the device has bootloader unlocked.
Does unlocking bootloader erase SD card? ›Backup (Optional) - Unlocking the bootloader will completely wipe all data from the device. This includes apps, settings and even the contents of the internal sdcard (pictures, music, etc.).
Does unlocking bootloader erase SD card data? ›Yes, it will erase everything on the device, so would do locking the bootloader again. If your device supports SD, plug in one, boot into recovery and choose the backup to SD option, it'll create backup of everything including app data which you can restore later on, again from recovery.
Does unlocking bootloader harm your phone? ›Unlocking your bootloader is not for the faint of heart.
Unlocking your device and installing your own software might cause the device to stop working, disable important features and functionality, and even make the device unsafe to the point of causing you harm.
To prevent any accidental damage to devices the manufacturer of the Android devices has locked the Bootloader. So, in order to unlock Bootloader, you have to enable (Original Equipment Manufacturer) OEM Unlock added into developer options menu of Android OS.
Can you unlock bootloader after locking it? ›Yes, totally. Unlocking a bootloader is done usually by the command : fastboot oem unlock.
Can I flash stock firmware without unlocking bootloader? ›Can you flash ROM without unlocking the bootloader? It depends on the bootloader. If the bootloader is designed to allow the ROM installation without unlocking the bootloader then yes.
Is it necessary to unlock bootloader before rooting? ›No, it's not necessary to unlock bootloader for rooting. But flashing custom ROM or recovery is not possible without unlocking the bootloader because locked bootloader verify the ROM or recovery being flashed for company's official signature and custom ROM doesn't contain the official signature.
What happens if I disable OEM unlock? ›When try to lock it again the system says: "If OEM unlock is turned off, your phone will be reset to factory default settings after restart. This will erase all of your data... " etc.
Can I flash MIUI with locked bootloader? ›Devices with locked bootloaders cannot update using Mi Flash. Users need to unlock the bootloader if they want to flash Fastboot ROMs.
Can I boot TWRP without unlocking bootloader? ›
Go to ADB folder in C drive and press “shift + right click” and click open cmd shell here or powershell in case of windows 10. now your device should be rebooted into download mode or edl mode. 5. Rename the downloaded TWRP to recovery, copy it and paste it in your extracted firmware files and click replace.
Can you root a phone without OEM unlocking? ›Simple answer is: It should not be possible to root Android devices without unlocking bootloader, but is possible for some devices due to security vulnerabilities or bad security implementations.
Which phone are easiest to unlock bootloader? ›- Top Devices. Google Pixel 6 Pro Google Pixel 6 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 OnePlus Nord 2 5G OnePlus 9 Pro Xiaomi Mi 11X.
- New Devices. Pixel 7 Pro Pixel 7 vivo V23 Pro Honor Magic V Huawei P50 Pocket Galaxy S22.
- Topics.