Learn how to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones to customize your device and unleash its full potential. Follow our step-by-step guide now.
The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a built-in software responsible for launching the OS. In some ways, it is an analogue of the BIOS on a PC. Unlocking the bootloader opens access to a number of features that are not available by default. Among them are installing custom firmware, root rights, and much more. You will learn how to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones from our article.
CQ editors are not responsible for any damage to the device during the bootloader unlocking process. All information is provided for informational purposes only.
Why you might need to unlock your bootloader.
As noted at the beginning of the article, unlocking the bootloader greatly “unties” the user’s hands. After removing the restrictions, you will be able to install third-party firmware that differs from the official ones in extended functionality. Also, without unlocking the bootloader, you will not be able to get root rights.
The most interesting thing is that Xiaomi does not interfere with this procedure in any way. Moreover, the company even released a special utility for unlocking the bootloader. We will tell you about it a little later, because first you need to find out whether the bootloader is unlocked on your smartphone.
How to know if your smartphone bootloader is unlocked.
If you bought a new smartphone from trusted suppliers, then the bootloader on it will be locked with almost 100% probability. However, it is not for nothing that they say “trust, but verify”. And it is very easy to check.
The first way is to reboot the device. If you see the inscription Unlocked on the splash screen at the bottom of the screen, it means that the job is done for you, and you don’t need this guide.
The second way is through settings. We will talk about it below.
How to Unlock Bootloader on MIUI Smartphones
Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones requires two conditions to be met:
- You must have a Mi account registered 30 days ago or earlier;
- To unlock the bootloader, you need to submit a request to the company’s technical support. Review and approval will take from three to seven days, but in rare cases it may take up to a month.
Unlocking the bootloader will delete all data on the device. You can read about how to backup files on Android gadgets here .
Apply for unblocking
Procedure:
- Go to settings and look for the item “About phone”;
- Tap on the item “MIUI version” until the message “You are a developer” appears on the screen;
- Now you need to log in to your Mi account by connecting to the Internet;
- Next, follow the path “Settings” — “Additional Settings” — “Developer options” — “Bootloader status” (Mi Unlock Status);
- In the menu that opens, click “Add account and device”. After that, the timer will start counting down.
Unlocking bootloader using PC
Procedure:
- After the application is approved, you need to download the proprietary Mi Flash Unlock utility ;
- We launch it, log in and agree to install the update if such an offer is received;
- After that, you need to enable USB debugging on your smartphone. Move the slider to the appropriate position in the “For developers” menu;
- Next, activate the Fastboot mode on the gadget. To do this, turn off the device completely, then hold down the power button and the volume down key until the Fastboot inscription appears on the screen;
Now we connect the smartphone to the PC via a USB cable;If everything is done correctly, then in Mi Flash Unlock you will see the inscription Phone Connected;
- Click on Unlock and wait for the unlocking process to complete.
How to Unlock Bootloader on HyperOS Smartphones
If you have a relatively modern smartphone, it most likely already has HyperOS installed, which replaced MIUI. In this case, you need to submit an application through the Mi Community app. It is usually pre-installed. If the program is missing, install it through Google Play .
Next, follow these steps:
- Launch Mi Community, click on “ME” and go to “Settings” (Set up);
- Next, click on “Change region”;
- Set to Global and exit the application;
- Launch Mi Community again and tap on ME;
- Go to the Unlock bootloader section and click Apply for unlocking;
- Once your application is approved, follow the steps in the “Unlocking the bootloader using a PC” section .