Emir BardakçıXiaomi has adopted stricter bootloader (BL) unlock policies for their devices, the significant changes for this year being rolled out. These changes follow warnings from Xiaomi authorities about the risk associated with [BL unlocking](#, emphasizing security and stability for normal users.
New BL Deactivating Limitations
The updated policy includes some notable changes:
- Users can unlock only one bound device during the permission period
- Binding and unlocking must be completed within 14 days of qualification
- No history of violation for the past 180 days within the Xiaomi community
Official Comment by Xiaomi
Wang Le, director of the Application Software Department of Xiaomi, went online to gather opinions from the users for the sake of BL unlocking. He emphasized, “Unlocking the BL is like holding double swords, and you need to make the decision cautiously by your own ability and need. General users need to keep the official lock state for security and steadiness.”
Comprehensive risk analysis
Security Issues
- Increased exposure to malicious software and unauthorized access
- Potential data encryption violation
- Higher risk when the device is stolen or lost
Technical Implications
- Warranty voidance
- System Instability Risks
- Potential for device bricking
- OTA Update Complications
- Limited ability for some applications and services
Functionality Impact
- Payment and banking app limitations
- Possible DRM service limitations
- Loss of manufacturer-specific features – Potential for hardware stress and deterioration
Community Response
A poll by Wang Le revealed:
- Over 1,400 reported need for BL unlocking (with cause).
- More than 500 citizens protested against the need
- 70 were unfamiliar with BL locking
Source: ITHome
HyperOS Downloader
Easily check if your phone is eligible for HyperOS 2.0 update!
HyperOS update dose not coming
The are people who buy Xiaomi phones just because they offer bootloader unlocking and also the warranty was not void for unlocking bootloader. If they stop bootloader unlocking or make it even harder to unlock, many people will stop buying Xiaomi phones. Xiaomi phones are very well known in custom rom community. All these people buy Xiaomi phones because they can make custom roms, root, install custom roms and learn a lot of things. Even Xiaomi started their journey by making custom roms, they didn’t have smartphones back then, and people loved this. Now if they stop this they are definitely going to loose a lot of customers. When a person unlocks the device bootloader they know the risks associated with it. You can compromise system security especially if not used properly. But it is a choice given to the user. Xiaomi won’t we held accountable for the security of the device if softwares like custom roms are installed. It is the power given to the user on how they want to use their device. So it’s not a right thing to say they are stopping it for user security reasons… Anyways it’s not that everyone is unlocking the bootloader of their device, most people don’t even know what is bootloader unlocking, it is just for the users who know what they are doing and the risks associated with it. And these power users mostly only buy Xiaomi phones because of the option which was given to them, now if the company stops this many including me won’t even buy Xiaomi phone… They will loose a lot of loyal customers.