Is locking bootloader really dangerous? - Redmi K20 Pro / Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro Questions & Answe

Ive seen a lot of posts saying that locking the bootloader can hardbrick your phone. Really? If im having and official indian unit and i have the unlocked it through mi account, can't i just lock it again without issues? Because ive done this on my other miui phones and they were fine.

As long you stay on the official ROM supplied with your phone, bootloader locking is not a problem. When you flash a Chinese one with indian firmware for example it will brick after locking bootloader.

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From China firmware to international without unlocking the bootloader

Hello guys!
I just got my Mi 5 today and it's gorgeous, but unfortunately it came with the version of miui made for china which, in my case has some annoying blotware (2 additional file managers, some privacy stuff, battery saver and things like these).
All i want to know is if i can flash the international version of stable/beta firmware over the current firmware without having any issues and without unlocking the bootloader(because it's a painfull process).
I've read some things about flashing a stock rom on locked bootloader but all the guys that posted about this had different results: some of them could just flash the stock rom from the updater app and worked, some needed the mi app for pc in order to flash, and for some none of these methods worked.
So, if u can tell me how to flash the international version of the miui without unlocking the bootloader, i would be very thankful.
I am also looking to change from china rom to official global.
any success ?
Me too! With the Updater in factory 7.2.6.0 Stable i get "Unfortunately, Updater stopped" with all the availlable ROMs I found.
i dont think you can do that.you have to unlock your bootloader.i dont understand why you so scare to unlock your bootloader.just like you unlock you can lock it back.
I am not scared ... I dont have so much time to wait for this f*** permission! Atleast they should deliver an installable global ROM with more languages than Chinese and English!!!
i have done flash from chinese rom to global stable rom.. without unlock BL, without prob.. use miflash..
It took me 2 days to get the permission in Germany. But i think you can change it to miui Europe without BL unlock using mi flash. Check the mi forum.
You can flash official ROMs with a locked bootloader via EDL mode. (I would post a link but just signed up so I cant )
Try googling it.
Here a link for edl-flashing. It's safe and the only way to go from china/crappy vendor rom to global with a locked bootloader:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Xiaomi/wiki/roms/flashofficial
got info that you need a special cable to enable edl on the mi5 :/ can't confirm since mine hasn't been delivered yet..

Need help, bought phone, it's on Global ROM but bootloader was relocked

So this is my second Mi Mix. I know my way around it a bit. Anyway I was trying to flash TWRP and it won't work. It appears the bootloader is locked. Apparently the original retailer who sold the phone flashed the global MIUI rom and then relocked the bootloader and reflashed the original recovery.
I have already requested to unlock through Xiaomi but I'm not sure if it will work being on this rom... once I get the text back from them that is.
I'm unable to flash the Chinese stock rom in MiFlash because the bootloader is locked. I've tried just about everything but it appears I'm stuck waiting on Xiaomi to send me the unlock text but my concern is that I won't be able to do it because I'm not on the stock rom.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
NeutronBomb said:
So this is my second Mi Mix. I know my way around it a bit. Anyway I was trying to flash TWRP and it won't work. It appears the bootloader is locked. Apparently the original retailer who sold the phone flashed the global MIUI rom and then relocked the bootloader and reflashed the original recovery.
I have already requested to unlock through Xiaomi but I'm not sure if it will work being on this rom... once I get the text back from them that is.
I'm unable to flash the Chinese stock rom in MiFlash because the bootloader is locked. I've tried just about everything but it appears I'm stuck waiting on Xiaomi to send me the unlock text but my concern is that I won't be able to do it because I'm not on the stock rom.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont need to request for another unlock code. The unlock code is associated with your Mi Account, meaning you can unlock any Xiaomi device once you sign in with your Mi Account on the device. Once signed in, you just need to use the Unlocking app.
Considering this is your 2nd Mix, I'm assuming you had received an unlock code for the first one. If so, you're good to go. You just need to do as I mentioned above.
If you dont have an unlock code yet, once you've received it, the procedure is fairly simple. Just follow one of the guides here and you'll get to wherever you want,be it Official, EU or a custom ROM.
Hope this helps!
Cheers!
The first one I bought already had the bootloader u locked so I don't have a code. Once I receive a reply from Xiaomi with a code will I be able to unlock even though it's on the global ROM and not stock?
NeutronBomb said:
The first one I bought already had the bootloader u locked so I don't have a code. Once I receive a reply from Xiaomi with a code will I be able to unlock even though it's on the global ROM and not stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. once you have the code, you can unlock regardless of whatever ROM is installed on the device. FYI, my phone came with a Vendor ROM but locked bootloader just like yours. I don'"t think the Vendor relocked it. I'm assuming that Vendors receive signed Custom ROMs from Xiaomi which is then flashed by Vendors using stock recovery. If they have a signed ROM file, the bootloader doesnt have to be unlocked. It just installs like an update.
NeutronBomb said:
So this is my second Mi Mix. I know my way around it a bit. Anyway I was trying to flash TWRP and it won't work. It appears the bootloader is locked. Apparently the original retailer who sold the phone flashed the global MIUI rom and then relocked the bootloader and reflashed the original recovery.
I have already requested to unlock through Xiaomi but I'm not sure if it will work being on this rom... once I get the text back from them that is.
I'm unable to flash the Chinese stock rom in MiFlash because the bootloader is locked. I've tried just about everything but it appears I'm stuck waiting on Xiaomi to send me the unlock text but my concern is that I won't be able to do it because I'm not on the stock rom.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't know you had to unlock bootloader for Chinese ROM with miflash, you sure it's not the way you unpacked the file.
Yeah I'm pretty sure it requires bootloader unlock. The first Mix I had was the 128gb version and I sold it last week. Before I sold it the guy wanted me to flash the chinese rom back and I did it using mi flash and it worked just fine. Used the exact same file this time and it won't work, it fails right off the bat. Also in the guide that's posted here for flashing the Chinese rom it says you need the bootloader unlocked.
I guess it's one of those things that people assume the bootloader is already unlocked if you're flashing the Chinese rom since you'd have to have unlocked it already to get off of that rom in the first place.
I'll just sit back and wait for my unlock code I guess. Hopefully they don't take the full 10 days to get back to me.
NeutronBomb said:
Yeah I'm pretty sure it requires bootloader unlock. The first Mix I had was the 128gb version and I sold it last week. Before I sold it the guy wanted me to flash the chinese rom back and I did it using mi flash and it worked just fine. Used the exact same file this time and it won't work, it fails right off the bat. Also in the guide that's posted here for flashing the Chinese rom it says you need the bootloader unlocked.
I guess it's one of those things that people assume the bootloader is already unlocked if you're flashing the Chinese rom since you'd have to have unlocked it already to get off of that rom in the first place.
I'll just sit back and wait for my unlock code I guess. Hopefully they don't take the full 10 days to get back to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://xiaomiadvices.com/flash-fastboot-recovery-rom-on-xiaomi-mi-mix/
Unless you got vendor ROM.
satishp said:
I don'"t think the Vendor relocked it. I'm assuming that Vendors receive signed Custom ROMs from Xiaomi which is then flashed by Vendors using stock recovery. If they have a signed ROM file, the bootloader doesnt have to be unlocked. It just installs like an update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vendor ROMS aren't signed or sanctioned by Xiaomi.
Given Xiaomi doesn't even produce a general Global ROM for some models of it's handsets (such as the Mix) because they only sell them in China, it would make little sense for them to then sign Vendor ROMs for such handsets given they're all but exclusively used by international sellers.

Bricked Mi8

Hello,
I have a mi8 bought at GeekBuying. It had a open bootloader and a "Global Rom". I tried to update to the eu Rom. Now I have a bootloader locked and the phone only goes into safe mode and fastboot mode. I tried to go back to the official Chinese firmware which did not work as the phone is bootlocked. Also can not do the unlock process using the Xiaomi homepage as I can not access the dev settings...
Any suggestions? Send back to China?
How is it possible to lock the bootloader? Did u use fastboot lock bootloader? Or using Mi flash?
Normal u can flash Xiaomi.eu rom without a problem with a unlocked bootloader it isn't possible to lock a bootloader by flash the eu rom in Twrp.
By the way, I never and I mean never seen so much ppl with bricked phones.
bassbounce said:
How is it possible to lock the bootloader? Did u use fastboot lock bootloader? Or using Mi flash?
Normal u can flash Xiaomi.eu rom without a problem with a unlocked bootloader it isn't possible to lock a bootloader by flash the eu rom in Twrp.
By the way, I never and I mean never seen so much ppl with bricked phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used fastboot flash. With the official unzipped Rom from the official site. There was also no option to lock or unlock. Old rom had unlocked written on the bootscreen, now shows nothing about it anymore?
Maybe has to to do with a modified firmware by the shop I bought? I myself did not unlock the phone... Came like this.
I bought it also from Geekbuying. I told them that I want to sent it back, cause the box was not a new one, the box was not sealed and the boot loader was unlocked. I have also a bricked phone and I can't use Mi unlock since my account is not bound to this phone.

[Question] re-lock boot loader

Mi 9t Pro global Rom Miui 10, android 9.
will flash K20 Pro india ROM miui 11, Android 10 fastboot.
why all recommend keeping bootloader unlocked?
i don't want the hassle of banking apps and use Magisk. so what's the problem here of re-lock bootloader after flashing the new ROM?
technical details are most welcome.
Locking bootloader with a different ROM region installed will brick your device. Unbricking will require further wait for bootloader unlock time or you'll need EDL method which I'm not very aware of how it's done.
Sent from my Redmi K20 Pro using Tapatalk
ishaqtkr said:
Locking bootloader with a different ROM region installed will brick your device. Unbricking will require further wait for bootloader unlock time or you'll need EDL method which I'm not very aware of how it's done.
Sent from my Redmi K20 Pro using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why locking bootloader with another region rom installed will brick my phone?
and what you mean by brick that it'll never boot?
i got below reply from reddit, what do you think about it??
You are flashing a different version of MIUI. It's not what a lot of people call a ROM (although you are technically correct) . It's not like if you flashed a third party ROM like Lineage or xiaomi.eu... You can relock the bootloader if you have an original xiaomi system and recovery and did not modify your bootloader through a rooting tool (such as having Magisk installed as they get installed and run through a procedure called k-exec that patches the bootloader instead of the system so the hack is unknown to the OS).
Bootloaders are locked to prevent tampering with such exploits. Magisk is not malware but malware and spying tools can be implemented in the same way.
When the bootloader is locked only a ROM and a recovery made by the company that makes the phone can run.
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Click to collapse
NaAZoOR said:
why locking bootloader with another region rom installed will brick my phone?
and what you mean by brick that it'll never boot?
i got below reply from reddit, what do you think about it??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure about that now. But it bricks because that's how Xiaomi have put. I may be wrong but if many people are saying the same then there should be a reason.
Sent from my Redmi K20 Pro using Tapatalk
With official ROM either Global MI, Global EEA or China, with Xiaomi MI Flahs tool you can block the bootloader without any problem.
If you do not usually change the rom, or to custom rom or recoverys custom, it is advisable to block it since you cannot download netflix from the play store and some bank applications mark errors. Otherwise you can unlock the bootloader.
The most important thing about keeping it unlocked is that you lose the equipment warranty.
And the benefit of having it unlocked is that you can change from rom or custom rom, and you don't have to wait for xiaomi time to unlock it again; but lose the warranty.
But you open custom possibilities.
thank you guys, but i really need to know what is exactly meant by hard brick?
is it not to boot again or what??
alanrochasmx said:
With official ROM either Global MI, Global EEA or China, with Xiaomi MI Flahs tool you can block the bootloader without any problem.
If you do not usually change the rom, or to custom rom or recoverys custom, it is advisable to block it since you cannot download netflix from the play store and some bank applications mark errors. Otherwise you can unlock the bootloader.
The most important thing about keeping it unlocked is that you lose the equipment warranty.
And the benefit of having it unlocked is that you can change from rom or custom rom, and you don't have to wait for xiaomi time to unlock it again; but lose the warranty.
But you open custom possibilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it will be india rom, is it safe to re lock with mi flash after flashing this rom??
also what is hard brick & why everyone keep telling mobile will be hard brick if i re lock bootloader after flashing (any) rom rather than the global rom it came with?
PHP:
NaAZoOR said:
it will be india rom, is it safe to re lock with mi flash after flashing this rom?? YES!!! As long as it is the rom for your model and it is official and you have not modified anything of the rom or the recovery
also what is hard brick & why everyone keep telling mobile will be hard brick if i re lock bootloader after flashing (any) rom rather than the global rom it came with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the Rom India I have not tried but if I have tried from Rom China to Global MI and vs, Global EEA to Global MI and vs. all oficial´s.
alanrochasmx said:
With official ROM either Global MI, Global EEA or China, with Xiaomi MI Flahs tool you can block the bootloader without any problem.
If you do not usually change the rom, or to custom rom or recoverys custom, it is advisable to block it since you cannot download netflix from the play store and some bank applications mark errors. Otherwise you can unlock the bootloader.
The most important thing about keeping it unlocked is that you lose the equipment warranty.
And the benefit of having it unlocked is that you can change from rom or custom rom, and you don't have to wait for xiaomi time to unlock it again; but lose the warranty.
But you open custom possibilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hy!Are you sure that if I own an Chinese variant of k20 pro and if I relockmy bl I won´t brick my device by relocking it?I just unlocked it today and I plan to instal the EU rom and relock my bl.
Just to make it clear...
Chinese K20 Pro needs to have Stock Chinese rom if you want to relock the phone! Without Mods or anything. Just clean Chinese firmware!
The same for indian variant. Only indian firmware without mods.
Also for Mi 9T Pro! Stock rom without mods!
Even TWRP isn't allowed If you wanna relock the bootloader!
If you cross flash roms and relock the bootloader you will brick your device! Your phone won't boot! You will need to open the backcover and boot it into EDL mode and blablabla. There is a thread about that.
Can be found HERE!

Unlocked the bootloader - no waiting time

I bought a new Mi 8 / dipper and went to unlock the bootloader. Needed a bit of fiddling, but I managed to do it with some helpful posts here on XDA.
To my surprise, there was no waiting time to unlock it – even though everyone else seemed to have to wait for 160 or 360 hours. Even very recent reddit posts (just 2-7 days old when I tried to unlock my phone) mentioned that they had to wait.
It's my first Xiaomi phone and I created a Mi account with the phone to unlock it.
Does anyone know what could've caused this? I certainly won't complain, just wondering if I possibly have a refurbished phone or something like that.
I too bought a Mi8 and when I unlocked it was expecting a waiting period as I have read but instead it unlocked instantly. What I think is the stores bought a Chinese model cause they're cheaper, unlocked the bootloader, flashed Global ROM, re-locked and sold.
MirceaViP said:
What I think is the stores bought a Chinese model cause they're cheaper, unlocked the bootloader, flashed Global ROM, re-locked and sold.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not possible to install global ROM on Chinese version and relock bootloader. You will hard brick your phone in that case. The same with Chinese rom on global version. Bootloader must be unlock to do that.

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