If you are planning to unlock the bootloader on the Xiaomi Smartphone that you own, then you are in the right place. In this article, we will guide you in unlocking the bootloader of any Xiaomi device from the Note series to the Redmi series.
Xiaomi smartphones are budget-friendly and user-friendly and bring us the satisfaction that a user wants. Many users wish to unlock bootloaders on their Xiaomi smartphones and explore more of the products. Xiaomi is one of the companies that permits almost everyone to unlock its devices’ bootloader. It has made unlocking the bootloaders easy for both technical and non-technical users.
Content Table
What is a Bootloader?
In layman’s terms, a bootloader is software that runs before the phone starts. The liaison between the phone and the hardware tells the phone which programs to load. Hence, the bootloader starts the Android operating system when you press the power button on your phone. Due to the security of the bootloader, many manufacturers lock it so that no one breaches it.
Bootloaders also help start the recovery mode, fast boot mode, etc. Recovery mode is the code in the Android smartphone that can rewrite the Android operating system. To a certain extent, the bootloader is an essential part of the Android smartphone, which helps load both software simultaneously. If the bootloader doesn’t execute the set of programs, then the phone becomes useless.
Why Unlock the Bootloader?
Bootloaders are locked to keep the phone’s security intact, and no other operating system can be loaded apart from the one the manufacturer has shipped. When the bootloader is unlocked, the user can install a custom recovery such as TWRP (widely used) that lets users flash custom ROMs, mods, patches, kernels, etc.
Once you unlock the bootloader on your Xiaomi smartphone, you can install an operating system of your choice, such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Resurrection Remix, etc., that provides efficient performance and stability over Xiaomi’s stock MIUI operating system.
Advantages of Unlocking Bootloader
- Flash various types of custom ROM.
- Flash custom Kernels.
- Root your Xiaomi device.
- Create F2F partitions.
- Take a backup of ROM.
Disadvantages of Unlocking Bootloader
- The warranty is Void; however, in a recent tweet reply to a customer, Xiaomi mentioned that if your device is running on a custom ROM other than MIUI and the device is bricked, then the warranty is void.
- You cannot relock the bootloader.
How To Unlock Bootloader on Xiaomi Smartphones?
Unlocking any Xiaomi device is the same and requires a mandatory computer in the unlocking process. Check out the prerequisites below before Unlocking your Xiaomi smartphone.
Prerequisites
- The battery must be charged above 50%
- Take a backup of your files, data, media, etc. When you unlock the bootloader on the Xiaomi smartphone, it erases everything.
- USB data cable.
- Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed.
- MI Account logged in your Xiaomi smartphone.
Download
Instructions
Step 1: Extract the MI Unlock Tool and the Drivers for Windows on your computer.
Step 2: Install the drivers on your computer.
Step 3: Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock on your Xiaomi smartphone:
- Go to Settings > About > All specs > Tap on MIUI version 5-8 times. You will get a message: “Developer mode enabled.”
- Now go back to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options > Enable OEM unlock and USB Debugging.
Step 4: Open/run miflash_unlock.exe from the extracted MI Unlock Tool folder on your computer.
Step 5: Log in to your MI account associated with your Xiaomi smartphone.
Step 6: Turn off your device and press the Power button + Volume down button together for a few seconds until you see a bunny on the mobile screen.
Step 7: Connect your device to your computer using the USB Data cable.
Step 8: Once your device is detected on the Mi Unlock Tool, click Unlock and wait for the process to complete.
Congratulations! You have successfully unlocked the bootloader.
Conclusion
The process to unlock the bootloader on a Xiaomi smartphone is the same and takes just 10 minutes. Meanwhile, a locked bootloader is secured and still lets you get the OTA updates provided by the company. However, we suggest you unlock the bootloader only if you plan to install a custom ROM or root your device.
List of Xiaomi Devices That Can Be Unlocked
Note Series:
- Mi Note 10
- Redmi Note 8
- Redmi Note 9 Pro (with TWRP)
- Redmi Note 8 Pro (with TWRP)
- Redmi Note 7 Pro (with TWRP)
Redmi Series:
- Redmi K20 Pro (with TWRP)
- Redmi K30
Mi Series:
- Mi 10 Lite
- Mi CC9/Mi 9 Lite (with TWRP)
- Mi 8 Lite (with TWRP)
Other Series:
- Black Shark 2
- POCO X2
- POCO F1 (with TWRP)
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is bootloader unlocking safe?
Yes, when done following official procedures, bootloader unlocking is generally safe. However, it voids the warranty, and improper steps can lead to data loss.
Q2: Can I relock the bootloader?
Yes, Xiaomi allows users to relock the bootloader. Keep in mind that this process erases all data on your device.
Q3: Do I need a computer to unlock the bootloader?
A computer must use the Mi Unlock Tool and complete the unlocking process.
Conclusion
Unlocking the bootloader on your Xiaomi smartphone empowers you to personalize your device like never before. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, keeping in mind the FAQs for a smooth and informed experience. Take control of your Xiaomi device and explore the endless possibilities.