What is Bootloader?
According to Google “A bootloader is a vendor-proprietary image responsible for bringing up the kernel on a device. It guards the device state and is responsible for initializing the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and binding its root of trust”. Confused? So am I! let us leave all this aside. In simpler terms, a Bootloader is a software that runs every time your phone boots (start). It contains a set of instructions that tells the device which program to load at what instance. It also decides whether to boot your device to ‘Android OS’ or the ‘recovery mode’. Consider it a gateway, leading towards a road having all directions in technical jargon. hence, if you aren’t comfortable with the technical terms, you may get ‘lost’ in the way (if that happens, just remember us!).
Advantages of Bootloader Unlocking
Unlocking your device’s bootloader is like opening the gate to a plethora of opportunities. You could flash various Custom ROMs, install Custom Recovery (like TWRP), try out tons of mods and hacks, and most importantly- root your device. After you get administrative privileges, you could then try out a ton of Magisk Modules, Xposed Framework among others. What is even more interesting is the fact that just by using a single line of code, the bootloader could be unlocked. So what are you waiting for, go ahead and give it a try, or should you? Before beginning with the process, make sure to read the downsides of unlocking it. All this is mentioned in the below article.
Downsides of Unlocking the Bootloader
The biggest downside of unlocking the bootloader is that the warranty of your device would be void. But why do the manufacturers do this? The answer is simple. All the OEMs ship their devices with a locked bootloader so that the users could only use the stock OS that comes pre-installed. The device vendors do not want the users to try out the customized version of the OS as they are launched by third-party sources such as LineageOS or Resurrection Remix. The manufacturers are in no way related to these creators, hence they distance themselves by voiding the warranty of the device.
How To Unlock Bootloader of any Xiaomi Device?
To unlock the bootloader Xiaomi has been very generous and hs provided with a tool called as Xiaomi Mi Unlock tool. The latest version is Mi Unlock Tool v3.5.1128.45. You can download the unlock tool from here.
Some Pre-requisites
A windows PC which has all the device’s drivers installed along with the unlocking tool.Make sure to take the backup of your device since unlocking the bootloader will erase the whole phone.Make sure USB debugging is enabled in your smartphone.Users should have a MI account
Steps to Unlock the Bootloader
First, you need to enable OEM unlocking option from the device which is under the developer options.To enable the developer options go to»About phone> Tap 5 times on MIUI version» enter the password of your phone if prompt» after that you must see a message showing You are now a developer. To enable OEM unlocking go to Additional settings»Developer options» Find OEM Unlocking and enable it. ( It will give you a warning just click on enable it).
Connect your Mi account to your Xiaomi device
Earlier, every phone which needs to be unlocked required permission from Xiaomi directly, which isn’t the case anymore. But you still need to connect your MI account to the device. if you don’t have one create a MI account. Also, sim card of the same number which was registered in MI account should be inside the phone during all of this process and users are strictly requested to use their mobile network internet and turn off the WIFI. After setting up all. go to»settings»additional settings»developer options» MI unlock status on your phone click on ‘Add account and device‘ and log in with your Mi account by following the on-screen instructions.
Once the account has been successfully added you should see a message saying Added successfully. MI account is associated with this device now.
Unlocking the Bootloader using Mi Unlock Tool
Power off the phone.Boot your phone into Fastboot Mode by simultaneously holding the Volume Down and Power buttons together.You should see the Mi fastboot screen with the bunny.Source: Mi ForumsConnect your phone to the PC using a USB cable try to use the cable that came with the phone.Download the Mi Unlock Tool zip file and extract it on your PC.Open the unlock tool on your PC by opening the extracted miflash_unlock.exe.Log into your Mi account in the MI unlock tool’s UI.Agree to the Terms and Conditions. The Unlock tool will first verify your Mi account has been correctly linked to the Xiaomi phone.Once the verification is complete, you must see a window saying Phone is connected. Below it there should be a button written on it “Unlock”. Click on it. It will give you a warning just click on “Unlock anyway”. Now a progress bar will show the process of unlocking the bootloader and after a while, when it is finished.You”ll see a message saying Unlocked successfully. Now reboot your phone and you must see the bootloader unlock warning, congratulations now you have an unlocked bootloader on your Xiaomi device.
Conclusion
Now that you have successfully unlocked the bootloader of your Xiaomi phone, go ahead and try rooting your device, flashing various custom ROMs and installing tons of amazing mods, including GCam. So with that, we conclude this comprehensive guide on how to Unlock the Bootloader of any Xiaomi device. If you are having any issues concerning any part of this guide, do let me know. I will get back to you with a solution.
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