A bootloader (Hboot) is a program that controls the kernel of your device’s operating system so that it boots normally. Moreover, this applies not only to Android, but also to other devices with an OS, such as a PC, laptop, and even an old push-button phone. In addition, it is the bootloader that gives permission to install any programs and firmware. For this reason, users are interested in factory unlocking the bootloader on an Android phone.
Hboot is activated when the device is turned on, and is an analogue of Bios in a computer. It prepares all the data for the kernel, loads it into memory, after which the system starts directly. If its integrity is damaged or something interferes, thanks to the bootloader you can get into recovery mode to clear the data, or perform a reset to factory settings. To do this, before turning on the device, hold down the power and volume down keys and do not release them until booting (in some cases, the combination of buttons may differ).
Why is the bootloader locked?
Manufacturers block for two reasons:
1. Oblige the owner to use the operating system that was developed for his device.
2. Security. Many smartphones and tablets are sold online or in retail stores. In both cases, the seller or intermediary may, at its discretion, add advertising or malicious software that should not exist. For the same reason, Xiaomi began to block the bootloader of devices released after 2016, due to numerous complaints about the presence of viruses in their firmware (which were not initially present).
Benefits of an unlocked bootloader
An unlocked bootloader opens up exactly the same possibilities for the user as on a PC, namely:
- Flash any operating system (available for your device).
- Installation of individual modules, OS kernels, applications, patches.
- Freely migrate between stock firmwares, especially if they are based on different versions of Android.
- Easily create backup copies of the current OS and/or applications, as well as restore them without using a PC.
- Use Dual-Boot and install two or more operating systems, both in internal memory and on an external SD card.
- Wider recovery options in case of unsuccessful firmware.
And this is not the entire list of possibilities after factory unlocking Android.
How to unblock
Each device has its own version of the bootloader, which means the unlocking method will differ depending on the model and manufacturer. When submitting an application, the block can be removed by the company itself (especially if you are an Android developer), but most often, this happens by hacking previously found vulnerabilities in the system.
Risks and consequences
Unauthorized unlocking of the bootloader will void your warranty service. In addition, your device becomes less secure and vulnerable to hacker attacks. An open bootloader allows you to bypass set passwords, gain access to personal information, or erase everything and install different firmware.
Conclusion
There is no need to worry too much about problems with the bootloader, especially when it comes to personal information. Found or stolen devices most often have their data erased, and rarely will anyone restore anything. An open bootloader is more needed by advanced users who know what to do with it, regularly flash something and experiment.
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Xiaomi smartphones for flashing localized software, but that article discussed a specific Redmi Note 3 device. Today we will talk about all Xiaomi devices.
The bootloader unlocking procedure is not at all complicated, but there are several nuances that you need to know to obtain the unlock code. I applied to unlock the bootloader three times, and only the third attempt was successful, and then after a certain trick, but more on that a little later. We will proceed in order.
Applying for bootloader unlocking
The entire procedure for unlocking the bootloader can be divided into two stages: competently filling out an application on the Xiaomi website and unlocking the bootloader itself. Previously, applications had to be submitted in Chinese, but a web page has recently appeared in English. Open the link and click on the Unlock Now button.
Enter the details of the MI account to which your Xiaomi smartphone is connected and click on the orange button. If you don’t have a Mi account yet, you can register by clicking on the lower left hieroglyphs.
On the new page, in the first line, enter your name in English. In the second line, select your country of residence. In the third line, enter the phone number without +7. In the fourth text field, insert the following text:
要安装固件的本地化版本
What does it mean when translated into Russian: To install a localized version of the firmware. Place a checkmark in the bottom line and click on the green button.
A message will be sent to the number you specified, containing a PIN code that must be entered on the new page. After entering, click on the green button.
If you did everything correctly, a congratulations page will appear.
The waiting time for permission to unlock the bootloader is approximately 1 to 10 days. But perhaps they will refuse you or not send you the cherished SMS at all. If after 10 days you still have not received confirmation of your application, then we proceed according to the second scenario.
We write a letter to the support service at [email protected] . In the Subject field we indicate: Unlock Mi Device. In the body of the letter in English we describe the essence of the issue. My text looked like this:
Hello.
I have bought Xiaomi Mi4s and I want to install the firmware with the Russian language. I applied for unlocking the bootloader 10 days ago, but the answer is still no. Please help solve the problem.
Thank you.
The next day a response came asking for the following information:
Original purchase channel (website name):
mi account ID number:
Email address:
Phone number:
Phone model:
Phone system version (settings—about phone for check):
Location:
Having filled out and submitted the necessary information, I prepared to wait a few more days. But by the evening I received an SMS containing a link to the necessary application for unlocking.
Unlocking the bootloader
After receiving an SMS with a positive response, download and unpack the MiFlashUnlock application to your computer. All necessary drivers for your smartphone model must also be installed. When starting the program, we agree to the Disclaimer.
Enter your Mi account details and click on the green button.
The program will check the status of the application and if everything is in order, the following window will appear.
Manually turn off the smartphone. Press and hold the volume down and power buttons simultaneously until a hare appears on the device screen. Release the buttons and connect the phone to the PC.
If the drivers are installed correctly, the application will find the Mi Phone device. After checking the smartphone, the bootloader will be unlocked. Three green checkmarks indicate successful completion of the operation. Now you can install custom TWRP recovery on your smartphone and flash localized versions of the software. In my joy, I forgot to take a screenshot of the successful completion of the unlocking, so I had to borrow the last picture from the Internet.
If the verification stops at 50% and the error Couldn’t verify device appears, this means that your account has not yet been added to the database. You need to wait another 2 to 10 days.
As you can see from the description, the procedure is not complicated, but it is very time-consuming. If you have any difficulties unlocking your Xiaomi device, I will try to solve them.
PS. An article is being prepared that describes the process of unlocking a smartphone's bootloader without submitting an application.
Update. To unlock new devices, use the new version of MiLashUnlock on
The article provides instructions for officially unlocking the bootloader using the example of a Xiaomi Redmi 4A phone.
First of all, to see if your device is locked, since the phone may already be unlocked and the steps below are not required. Go to the settings in the developer menu, open the "Bootloader status" item and look.
If the bootloader is locked, you cannot install custom firmware or root the device. Follow the steps below to unlock.
Go to the Bootloader Unlock Request page to apply. Create an account and log in to the site.
The site may ask you to come up with and enter a nickname for the forum.
Next, a form will appear where you need to indicate your name, country code, phone number, reason for unlocking the phone, enter the captcha, agree and accept the terms of the warning. The data must be filled out in English; if you do not have the necessary knowledge, use Google Translator. Do not try to copy reasons that are available on the Internet; copied reasons will most likely not lead to successful unlocking. Show professionalism. As an example, we wrote (in English) that we want to access system files so that (users of Xiaomi Redmi 4A and others are familiar with this problem).
After clicking the "Apply Now" button, an SMS with a code will be sent to your phone, which you must enter on the next page and click the green "Next" button.
In our case, we did not receive an SMS, but on the 5th day we went back to the unlock page under our account and instead of the request form we saw a large “Download Mi Unlock” button to download the unlock utility.
Download, unpack and run the unlocking program. Agree to the warning by clicking the "Agree" button and log in to your account.
In your phone settings, log in to your Mi account. If you registered using email rather than phone, click on “Other login methods.”
In the developer menu, activate the "Factory unlock" item.
Turn off the phone, then turn it on in "fastboot" mode: hold down the volume down key and the power key, the phone will turn on and a hare will appear poking around in the android.
Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable. The program should automatically detect the device; if this does not happen, install the appropriate drivers. Click on the "Unlock" button and in the pop-up warning, confirm the action by clicking the "Unlock Anyway" button.
If all 3 checkboxes light up green, the unlocking has been completed successfully.
Click on the "Reboot phone" button to reboot your device. Visit the developer menu again to ensure your device is unlocked.
Unlocking errors and their solutions
Current account is not bound to this device
Disconnect the USB cable, reboot the phone while holding the power button, wait for the system to boot, in the Android settings make sure that you are logged into your MIUI account (see above) and have provided all permissions. Reboot into fastboot and try to unlock your device again.
Couldn't unlock
Unlocking is blocked for 3 days (72 hours). Check if the Factory Unlock option is enabled (see above) and try again after 3 days.
If all else fails, try unlocking again.
We recommend using only the latest version of the "Mi Unlock" program, downloaded from the official website, since this software is updated very quickly and those versions that are available on the forums are very likely to not work.
For certain reasons, many users sooner or later face the question of flashing their phone. They often install original firmware, which can be installed on the original hardware without any problems. But it happens that you need to install “custom” (not from the official developer) firmware, and this may cause some difficulties. Many developers block Bootloader on smartphones so that the user uses only original software.
An experienced user of the Android line knows very well which will receive benefits when unlocking Xiaomi bootloader. This is also the ability to install a non-standard Recovery, which will allow you to install various scripts on your smartphone and simplify working with it. And installation of Root rights, with which you can remove system applications that the owner of the device does not use.
Before installing custom firmware, you should check the status of the bootloader to see if it is locked.
Checking if the Xiaomi bootloader is unlocked
You can check the bootloader on any model, for example Xiaomi Redmi 3 or 5, without any additional devices using only your phone:
You can use a PC.
For OS Windows:
First, you should start the device in fast boot. You need to hold down the volume and power buttons with your smartphone turned off. Next, you should connect the device to the PC via USB. Press Win+R and enter “cmd” to open the command line. Type “adb”, press Enter and type fastboot oem device-info. After that, a message will appear with the bootloader status true - if unlocked and false if locked, respectively.
On OSLinux:
- Open a terminal and write adb - sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot.
- Start the device in fast boot mode.
- Next, enter sudo fastboot devices, after which the number identifying the device will be displayed on the screen.
- Then sudo fastboot oem device-info after this command it will show the bootloader status.
Models with a locked bootloader
Not all Xiaomi models come with a locked bootloader. The bootloader is locked on models that have entered the market after November 2015. It started with the Redmi Note 3, Mi4s models.
Unlocking the bootloader
Before you begin to remove the lock, you should obtain official permission from company. To do this you will need:
After these manipulations, a window will be displayed indicating the success of the application. Employees process applications on a first-come, first-served basis, so wait times may vary, from a couple of days to one week. From time to time you need to visit the site and check status submitted application.
Unlock process
For unlocking to be successful, the device must have installed China Developer Version firmware If you use Xiaomi redmi 3 pro and Xiaomi Mi5 devices, the installed Global Developer Version firmware will be sufficient.
Once permission to unlock has been received, you can proceed with the following actions:
Unofficial unlocking method (without obtaining permission)
If for some reason you don’t have time to wait for approval from the manufacturer or you just want to reflash your phone right now, you can use the unofficial method:
- To do this, you need to enable in the settings developer mode. You can do this by opening the “About phone” tab in the settings and clicking on the MIUI version tab many times.
- Go to " For developers", which is located in the settings in the "Advanced" section.
- In the " Mi Unlock status“A line will appear where you need to click “Add account”.
- Then you should download Xiaomi Mi Unlock and use this program to unlock it in one click.
The method is not 100% working because... unofficial and involves the use of third-party programs.
How to unlock Xiaomi on pure Android
There are two ways to unlock Xiaomi Mi series smartphones, such as Mi1 and Mi2, which have pure Android installed without the proprietary MIUI shell:
- using the first official method from our instructions, the procedure is completely identical;
- in the second case, we use ADB, a specialized utility for unlocking Android devices. Launch ADB, how to do this is indicated in. Then enter the commands one by one:
After entering, we will find out whether the device is recognized.
Fastboot oem device-info
Let's get the status of the bootloader - unlocked or not. The inscription Device Unlocked will mean: false - blocked, true - not.
Fastboot oem unlock
Start unlocking.
Fastboot oem device-info
Check the status of the bootloader again. If everything is fine, restart the device using the command:
Fastboot reboot
To lock the bootloader use the command:
Fastboot oem lock
Possible mistakes
Unlocking the bootloader does not always go smoothly, so let’s look at a number of questions that users most often have:
- When an error occurs Network Error:
You need to clear cookies in the browser and change the IP by rebooting the router.
- After 10 minutes Xiaomi send a refusal:
There is a server failure, you need to resubmit your application.
- After successful authorization it requires re-specify nickname:
- Do not enter to Mi account:
Instead of a login number, use your account id.
- Green button inactive:
You need to enable pop-up windows in your browser.
- Error " Your device isn’t supported by Mi Unlock».
Firmware does not match.
- SMS with code no confirmation is received:
Try changing your number.
- After the second step freezes:
Problems with the device's firmware, only versions 5 and 6 work.
- After 50% error " Not connected Mi Phone»:
There is a problem with the drivers, you need to reinstall them.
- Unlock freezes by 50%:
The problem is on the developers' side, please try again later.
How to speed up the permitting process
The only way to speed up the permitting process is activity on the official forum. Register on it and be highly active, engage in constructive debates, give advice and just communicate.
Developers treat such users much better, and the chance that unlocking will happen faster is much higher. Activity data is linked to your account. Users who regularly show interest in the life of the community can be approved almost instantly. Unfortunately, there are no other options to speed up the process.
How many devices can be unlocked?
The official website suggests a limit on the number of unlocked devices. You can unlock from one account per month only one device. After a month, you can apply to unlock another device from the same account. There is no way to bypass this limitation.
How to lock the bootloader
There are times when users need to lock the bootloader or return the phone to its original state. To do this, you can use the method below:
- Download the official firmware.
- Download and install the MiFlash program
- Open the MiFlash program and use Explorer to specify the path to the previously downloaded firmware. Activate function Clean&Lock(if it is not active)
- Start the device in FastBoot mode and connect it to the PC
- Press the Refresh button and after the phone model appears, press Start
- Wait until the firmware is finished and only then disconnect the device from USB.
Common Questions
- Q: Will the data be erased when the lock is removed?
A: The data will be saved.
- Q: How to unlock another new phone?
A: A month after unblocking your previous phone using your old account, you can go to the Mi Unlock program and unlock it.
- Q: When you remove the lock, you are warned that the “Fingerprint Scanner” will be disabled.
A: This error means that the function will work, but its security will be reduced.
- Q: After successful unlocking, the appearance of Recovery has not changed.
A: The appearance after unlocking remains the same.
- Q: Do I need a SIM card when unlocking?
A: A SIM card is not required.
- Q: How long does the unlocking permit last?
A: The permit is unlimited.
- Q: Is Windows bit depth important when unlocking?
A: No. Windows bit depth is only important for some firmware.
Many people are interested in the question of how to unlock the Xiaomi bootloader, why it is needed and what benefits the user receives. After all, the unlocking process takes a lot of time. Let's try to figure out what an unlocked bootloader on your phone will do, read the instructions, tips and try to avoid possible problems.
Navigation
Why unlock the bootloader?
Below we will talk about at least 3 reasons for unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones. We advise you to carefully study each item so that no additional questions arise later.
Chinese version of the phone
When buying phones on sites such as AliExpress or Gearbest, you can find very competitive prices, which may differ from local prices by $20-50. That is why many users buy phones with low price. Sellers, in turn, can sell the phone to the Chinese version under the guise of a global one. The Chinese version is always cheaper and can have MIUI China or MIUI Global installed on it. In both options, you will need to unlock the bootloader to receive updates, otherwise you may get bricked.
Third party firmware
The first and main advantage is possibility of installing custom(unofficial) and localized(official, but with modifications specifically for your region) MIUI firmware. Some Xiaomi models accept third-party software, but in most cases, a locked Bootloader will not allow this. Now, in turn, consider what gives:
- Richer functionality and advanced options that allow you to control the entire operation of your smartphone;
- A simple interface with reduced or improved functionality.
- Advanced and sensitive GPS navigator. The location is determined several times faster than on the standard version.
- A highly optimized operating system kernel that either improves phone performance or increases battery life.
Third Party Recovery
By unlocking the bootloader, you can easily perform CWM recovery, which is necessary not only to obtain root rights, but also for other important operations on your smartphone. Let's take a closer look:
- Access to installing new firmware;
- Opportunity .
- Fast and easy.
- And much more.
Root rights
And, of course, the “Superuser” mode, the benefits of which can be talked about for hours. Having an unlocked bootloader, you can either greatly simplify the process of installing these rights, or get them ready-made along with certain unofficial firmware. The benefits of root rights are enormous, from overclocking the processor to overclocking.
As you can see, changing the firmware, installing recovery and ROOT rights are inextricably linked, and for them to work you simply need an unlocked Bootloader.
3 Ways to Check Bootloader Status on Xiaomi
It happens that from the very beginning the manufacturer will unlock the bootloader and the user gets rid of a number of complex processes. Unfortunately, this happens quite rarely and only on certain models, which we will discuss below. Now let's check what mode it is in.
Via phone
The easiest way, built into your device and does not require additional programs.
- Open the standard “Settings” of the smartphone;
- Go to the “About phone” item;
- Now click on the line “MIUI Version” 5 times, the message “ You have successfully become a developer«.
- We return to the main menu and find the “Advanced settings” item, click on it.
- We look for the “For Developers” item and go to it.
- Now you need to find the line " Mi Unlock status". When you first log in, you must give permission and agree to the warning.
- If the bootloader is locked at the very top there will be a corresponding inscription “ Bootloader locked, device protected". If the bootloader is unlocked, the message “ Bootloader unlocked«.
Via computer
If for some reason the first option does not suit you, you can check whether the bootloader on Xiaomi is unlocked using a PC. Instructions are included for two operating systems - Windows and Linux.
Windows
This is a difficult method, but it is the most accurate.
- Download the archive with ADB files and unpack it to the root of the system drive C, so that the path is like this “ C:/adb/«.
- Turn off the smartphone and put it into fastboot mode. To do this, simultaneously press the power and volume down keys.
- using a USB cable.
- On the PC keyboard press "Win" + "r". The Run window opens.
- Type “cmd” and click “OK”. The system command prompt appears.
- In the command line, write the command “cd c:/adb” and press Enter.
- Now we enter the command “fastboot oem device-info” and we see the inscription we need.
If “true” is specified, the bootloader is unlocked, otherwise “false”, which indicates a locked bootloader.
Linux
- Download the ADB files from the link above and transfer them to the desired folder.
- Open a terminal and write the following command “adb - sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot”.
- We switch the smartphone to fastboot mode, as in the above option. The entered inscription is disconnected, and next to each part of the text we see the necessary information about the bootloader:
sudo fastboot devices– the device number appears here, sometimes the model is added;
sudo fastboot oem device-info– and here the status of the bootloader is similar to that on the Windows operating system.
If the message “ waiting device", most likely, the actions were not performed on behalf of the administrator.
When you turn on the device
And the third way to check the status of the bootloader is to turn on the phone. To do this, you need to turn off your Xiaomi, wait about 20 seconds and turn it on again. If during loading at the bottom of the screen it says “Unlocked” and next to it there is an icon with an open lock- bootloader is unlocked.
Instructions on how to unlock the bootloader on a Xiaomi phone (official method)
Please note: previously you had to get approval to unlock the bootloader and wait several days, now you don’t need to write a letter to support.
Step 1: connect Mi account to phone
To unlock the bootloader A prerequisite is to have a Xiaomi account on the device. If it is not there yet, read on. If an account is already linked on your phone, proceed to the second step.
Step 2: Linking your account to your device
Now you need to link your Mi account to your phone. To do this, follow these steps sequentially. Some of the steps have already been completed when checking the bootloader status using your phone. There are also visual screenshots there.
- Log out of your Mi account, this is necessary to avoid errors about the impossibility of verifying the device and account.
- Switching from Wi-Fi to mobile Internet. This is a mandatory condition; otherwise the process will not work. Read.
- Go to the “About phone” item - click up to 7 times on the “MIUI Version” line.
- We return to the main settings menu, look for the sections “Advanced settings” - “For developers”.
- Click on the item “Mi Unlock Status”. We confirm our actions by agreeing to the warning that appears.
- Click on the “Link account to device” button.
- The MIUI system will require you to log in to your Mi account, log in.
- After successful login, your account will be linked to your phone.
- If the binding is successful, you will see the corresponding message.
- Ready. Now you need to wait until the mandatory period of 360 or 720 hours has passed.
- You can check how much time is left before unlocking using the final step.
Please note: you need to proceed to the third step only after the waiting period for confirmation of bootloader unlocking has passed. Sometimes Xiaomi developers change the timer, increasing the waiting period or, conversely, decreasing it.
Step 3: download Mi Flash Unlock program
After the mandatory waiting period ends, you will need to download the Mi Flash Unlock program. You can download it from the official website en.miui.com/unlock/. Afterwards, unpack the contents of the archive and, if desired, transfer it to the root of the system disk or leave it on the working disk. I left the archive on drive D and unlocking the bootloader went fine.
If you need a version with Russian language, download the archive on w3bsit3-dns.com. But the steps are extremely simple, use the screenshots below as an example.
Step 4: Launch Mi Flash
Now we open the Mi Flash program as an administrator, we see a white screen with text in Chinese (if the localized version is like mine, then in Russian), where the disclaimer rules are indicated. We agree and click on the appropriate button.
Step 5: Login
We are presented with a new window that requires you to log into your Mi account. Enter your password and your ID(linked phone number or email). We carefully check the specified data and keyboard layout, since it is at this stage that many users have problems with the appearance of such a notification: “ You entered your password and/or login incorrectly" Click “Sign in”.
Sometimes a window with a procedure for checking unlock permission may appear; this may take several minutes.
Step 6: Connect your phone to your computer
Then we return to the smartphone itself. Turn it off and transfer it to , simultaneously holding down the power and volume down keys. Using a USB cable, connect the phone to the computer.
Step 7: Unlock Process
The final final stage: the program checks the device, if all conditions are met, the process of unlocking the bootloader will begin. We wait a few minutes ( in my case 25 seconds), and if everything was done correctly, we receive a notification about successful unlocking - three green ticks. Ready.
Bugs and problems
Most often, problems arise from the company’s server itself; in most cases, it is not the user’s fault. But, nevertheless, you need to know how to deal with them. We offer for your reference an approximate list of known problems and methods for eliminating them:
- Stop removing protection at 50%. The unlocking process gets halfway through and freezes. Unfortunately, this is a problem on the side of the mi.com website; nothing can be done manually. All that remains is to try again periodically.
- Error while linking account. This is also a fairly popular problem among users. To solve this, you need to log out of your Mi account before linking your account to the device and then log in again as indicated in step 2.
- I can’t download Mi Unlock from the official website. If such a problem occurs, download the archive with the program from the forum with w3bsit3-dns.com or c.mi.com.
- Login errorMi-account. Check which keyboard language is enabled, whether you entered the password correctly, and do not confuse your account ID number or linked phone number.
Bootloader unlock error: try again in 360 hours
If, when trying to unlock the bootloader, a red message appears: “Binding time is too short, Less than 72 hours” or “After 360 hours of trying to unlock the device”, then the time for mandatory account verification has not yet passed, I talked about this in the second step! That is, you must wait the specified number of days or hours before repeating the procedure again. There is no way to bypass the timer.
How to re-lock Xiaomi bootloader
If, after unlocking the bootloader, you need to close it back, then you should resort to our separate article. Therefore, this topic is dedicated to where everything is clearly shown.