Xiaomi confirms disabling bootloader unlocking feature on HyperOS

This duo also comes with the HyperOS user interface instead of MIUI. However, reports suggest that the company will completely prevent users from unlocking bootloaders of HyperOS and MIUI phones for an extended period. While MIUI users face partial unlocking restrictions due to server maintenance, HyperOS users cannot unlock bootloaders until today.

Xiaomi has confirmed to Android Authority that bootloader unlocking will be disabled right from the factory on phones pre-installed with HyperOS. The company revealed this in an email response to Android Authority's inquiry: 'To protect device security, prevent data leaks, and provide a safer and more stable user experience, bootloader unlocking will be disabled by default on Xiaomi HyperOS.'

Instead, Xiaomi states that you will need to apply for bootloader unlocking permission through their community forum. Xiaomi further reveals: 'Please stay tuned for registration portal announcements on the Xiaomi Community website.'

Bootloader unlocking will be disabled right from the factory on MIUI. Users have had to apply for bootloader unlocking permission. You can only unlock the bootloader after a certain period has elapsed since your permission request was submitted, and there are other restrictions around this process.

HyperOS will continue to enforce some of these restrictions, but it seems Xiaomi has added some new requirements to this process. The company has announced new requirements for the bootloader unlocking process in China.

According to MIUI Polska's author, Kacper Skrzypek, users in China will need to reach level 5 on the company's forum to unlock bootloaders on devices using HyperOS. The author's screenshots also indicate that bootloader unlocking rights will depend on time, with a limit of three devices unlocked per year.

Xiaomi has confirmed that the aforementioned restrictions only apply to the Chinese version of HyperOS. Users in international markets need to wait for announcements on the company's forum for further details.

This approach to bootloader unlocking still differs from some other smartphone brands. For example, Google Pixel phones allow you to unlock the bootloader by accessing the developer options menu and running a few commands.

If MIUI users wish to unlock their phone's bootloader, they won't be able to upgrade to HyperOS.

'Previous operating systems, like MIUI 14, still have unlocking capability, but users won't receive any Xiaomi HyperOS updates if they leave their devices unlocked,' the company stated.

The manufacturer has clarified that HyperOS updates will not be provided if you've unlocked your phone's bootloader, whether you're using MIUI 14 or HyperOS. However, the company notes that you'll receive HyperOS updates if you choose to relock your device. This applies to all Xiaomi devices outside China.