Back in the fall of 2024, it became known that Xiaomi would once again tighten its policy regarding unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi and Redmi, and on January 1 of this year, new requirements began to apply.
According to the innovations added by Xiaomi, users now have to complete the entire unlocking process — passing the test, registering, applying, tethering and unlocking on the same device.
In addition, after granting the right to unlock the bootloader, users have only 14 days (336 hours) to complete the entire process. Skipping this period cancels the permit, which cannot be renewed or reissued.
Xiaomi’s updates to the bootloader unlock policy mark a significant shift in the company’s approach to device configuration, with stricter rules aimed at balancing security concerns and preventing misuse.
Another important change is the reduction of device limits. Previously, users could unlock up to three Xiaomi devices, and the new policy limits this to only one device per account, confirming the company’s move to tighter control over unlock scenarios.
Moreover, the application process for unlocking the Xiaomi or Redmi bootloader has become more demanding – users must pass a complex test designed to identify “non-specialists” and approve the application only to experienced developers.
Also, misuse of the granted permissions, for example, unlocking devices for others, can lead to permanent blocking of the Xiaomi account or legal consequences.
Xiaomi emphasizes that unlocking the bootloader can expose devices to security vulnerabilities and is not recommended for regular users. It is also noted that blocked uploaders are mandatory to receive Xiaomi HyperOS updates.
By implementing these measures, Xiaomi is following the industry’s cautious approach to unlocking the bootloader, paying particular attention to user safety while meeting the falling demand for custom firmware.
Apparently, all the innovations in the procedure for unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi are still in effect in China, but they will gradually move beyond the borders of China.
By the way, there have already been sad cases in Russia when users were denied warranty service for devices with an unlocked bootloader.
P.S. The most interesting news about the Xiaomi HyperOS system, as well as detailed instructions for configuring this software platform, can be found on our website in this section.