Xiaomi tightens bootloader unlock rules again

Xiaomi made major changes to their BootLoader unlocking policies in China in 2025 with tighter qualification reviews and restrictions that influence the modding community. With this latest change, there is an additional review criterion that looks at if applicants have any history of complaints regarding BootLoader unlocking, which highlights Xiaomi’s more conservative approach to ensuring device security in their ecosystem while offering support for advanced users.

New Qualification Requirements

The revised process of reviewing qualifications now checks some additional factors before issuing unlock permissions:

• Whether there are any issues with BootLoader unlocking
• Utilizing scripts or other unauthorized methods to gain community growth points
• Whether application reasons are sufficient for project requirements
• Utilization of unauthorized means to fill up the requisite questionnaires

Those changes follow close on the heels of Xiaomi’s January 2025 revision that had previously tightened controls substantially.

Reduced Device Limit

As of January 1, 2025, users with BootLoader unlock permissions can only unlock 1 bound device over their permission’s validity. This is a major decrease from up to 3 bound devices previously allowed, capping the number of Xiaomi phones an individual can alter.

Time Constraints and Device Requirements

• Xiaomi’s mid-January 2025 release also brought about two vital requirements:
• All unlock-related activities (answering questions, registering, applying, binding, unlocking, and using unlocked devices) should be done on a single device
• Users are required to perform binding and unlocking procedures within 336 hours (14 days) from acquiring a qualification.
• In addition, a February announcement mandated that applicants have no offense records in the Xiaomi community for the previous 180 days.

Xiaomi’s Official Position

Xiaomi application software department director Wang Le stressed the conservative approach of the company on February 19: “Unlocking BL is a double-edged sword, choosing which you should do based on your own ability and requirements. Normal users should keep it in official locked state for security and stability.”

These developments follow the general industry trend towards tighter security measures since smartphone makers are focusing on system security and anti-malware protection.

Source: ITHome

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