Bootloader unlocking was a popular option for users who wanted to install an alternative ROM. But in the new operating system HyperOS, this option for users will be a bit more complicated.
Major changes in HyperOS for bootloader unlocking
The bootloader and its unlocking are mainly used by experienced users or software developers. It allows you to test software features or install various alternative ROMs. The relatively lenient conditions from the past (three devices per year under one account) have now changed, under the new policy of the Chinese company.
These new regulations will allow every user to unlock the bootloader for only a single Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO device per year. Unlike many other restrictions, however, this is a global rollout, which means it affects global Xiaomi smartphone models.
And users who have already unlocked the bootloader under their account within the last 12 months will simply have to wait until their time window runs out, after which they’ll be able to unlock another device.
What about Chinese versions?
As for Chinese smartphone versions purchased in China, they won’t be unlockable at all outside China and without a Chinese phone number, or a Chinese Xiaomi account. With this move, Xiaomi essentially almost completely eliminates the export of its Chinese smartphone versions to Europe or the USA.
However, we believe well-known resellers such as TradingShenzhen will come up with a solution for getting an official Global ROM onto Chinese versions, or a community-favorite Xiaomi.EU ROM.
After all, there is still the option of EDL flashing, which you can also call “hard flashing”. But only official service centers, or authorized services, have this capability—and you need a special EDL account directly from the manufacturer.
Why this big change?
Although Xiaomi hasn’t explained this officially, here are some possible reasons for the rule changes:
- Security concerns: Allowing a limited number of devices for unlocking reduces Xiaomi’s ability to misuse such a device to perform some unauthorized or potentially harmful activity
- Preventing abuse: The limitation can prevent any misuse of the system during mass modifications or when selling such a device
- Software stability: Xiaomi emphasizes that users typically rely on official software, with manufacturer updates and features before making such changes
Implications for users:
Developers and fans: The new limit will genuinely be a big problem especially for those working with multiple devices at the same time, for development and testing purposes.
Average user: Most regular users won’t be affected by this change. In the current situation, outside of experienced users in the technically skilled community, only a very small number of people actually unlock the bootloader.
Alternative ROM creator community: This step will likely extend the development timeline and delay the release of alternative ROMs, kernels, and various third-party mods.
What happens next?
If you’re planning to unlock the bootloader on your Xiaomi device, you should consider the new one-device-per-12-months limit. Developers will be forced to plan their test device unlocks. However, in any case, we recommend you keep an eye on Xiaomi’s regular official announcements about any further rule changes.
To get more updates from the world of Xiaomi, keep following our Xiaomi Planet website. Join our Facebook group, where we build an active community and help each other out. Subscribe to our Telegram as well, where we add the best deals and coupons from China every day.
Don’t miss the best coupons 📩
Subscribe and we’ll email you new coupons before they expire. We only send it once a month — no spam.
