Can you switch through official ROMs with the bootloader locked?


swifter8638

Members
Dec 17, 2022
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Hey there, does anybody know if switching through official forms of MIUI is possible with the bootloader unlocked? Like, is it possible to switch to the EEA or TR version with the Global rom being concurrently installed on the system? If not, what is preventing one from doing so?
 
No.
You need to unlock the bootloader.
In order to unlock the bootloader you have to sign on the phone with a valid Miui account, only with that account you will be able to unlock the bootloader.
For more details about the unlock process read the official page: https://en.miui.com/unlock/download_en.html
 
No.
You need to unlock the bootloader.
In order to unlock the bootloader you have to sign on the phone with a valid Miui account, only with that account you will be able to unlock the bootloader.
For more details about the unlock process read the official page: https://en.miui.com/unlock/download_en.html
Hmm... Though, I'm sure you can flash between official Xiaomi ROMs (accept Chinese) and just relock your bootloader without issue, how does that differ?
 
Indeed, once flashed an official firmware you can locked the bootloader without any issue, without an account. Just run a command like:
Code:
fastboot oem lock
(obviously in Fastboot mode)
Only the unlock process require to have a valid Miui account registered on the phone prior unlocking. Because the unlock process require a token from Miui server.
I'm referring to steps used by a regular customer. I don't know what can be done on a service.
 
Indeed, once flashed an official firmware you can locked the bootloader without any issue, without an account. Just run a command like:
Code:
fastboot oem lock
(obviously in Fastboot mode)
Only the unlock process require to have a valid Miui account registered on the phone prior unlocking. Because the unlock process require a token from Miui server.
I'm referring to steps used by a regular customer. I don't know what can be done on a service.
So, if i am not mistaken, i should theoretically be able to get a global device, unlock the bootloader, flash eea, India or any official ROM & lock my bootloader without problem yet i can't do it without unlocking first, right?
 
Yes, you are right.
Are you sure about this? I read on many forums that if you try to lock the bootloader after installing a rom from a different region will brick your phone.
I have tried on a redmi note 12pro plus chinese version to install a stock global version and lock bootloader via miflashtool. I ended up in a maintenance mode after install saying that this MIUI rom can't be installed on this device. So i had no rom running and bootloader locked. Luckily i can get into fastboot mode again and unlock bootloader again (without waiting one week).
What if try your method? Install rom without locking, let it boot once. Then reboot into fastboot and issue your fastbook oem lock command. Will that brick my phone?
 
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You can lock the bootloader having a different region STOCK ROM only, and I repeat ONLY, if your device is a GLOBAL device.
If you have a Chinese device you can lock the bootloader only if you flash a Chinese STOCK ROM.

Here are the rules:
1. Chinese device + Chinese stock ROM + booloader lock = OK
2. Chinese device + any NON Chinese stock ROM + bootloader lock = NOT OK!!!!

3. Global device + any STOCK ROM (global + Chinese) + bootloader lock = OK

4. any device + any custom ROM + bootloade lock = NOT OK!!!!

I played with sock roms on my Mi 10 and Mi 12, both being global versions.
To check the device market version, open into a desktop browser the official page: https://www.mi.com/global/verify#/en/tab/imei
 
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Thanks, so there is no way for me to convert my chinese version to a proper locked global version, right? There is also no xiaomi.eu rom for this model yet that would overcome the security issue imposed by banking apps. So better got used to the chinese rom or sell the phone:S
 
Thanks, so there is no way for me to convert my chinese version to a proper locked global version, right? There is also no xiaomi.eu rom for this model yet that would overcome the security issue imposed by banking apps. So better got used to the chinese rom or sell the phone:S

I would really love to find a solution to lock the bootloader on chinese device with global rom.
Until then, I think you can flash any stock rom you like, then root to be able to hide things from your banking apps.
Not as reliable as having a locked bootloader of course.
 
You can lock the bootloader having a different region STOCK ROM only, and I repeat ONLY, if your device is a GLOBAL device.
If you have a Chinese device you can lock the bootloader only if you flash a Chinese STOCK ROM.

Here are the rules:
1. Chinese device + Chinese stock ROM + booloader lock = OK
2. Chinese device + any NON Chinese stock ROM + bootloader lock = NOT OK!!!!

3. Global device + any STOCK ROM (global + Chinese) + bootloader lock = OK

4. any device + any custom ROM + bootloade lock = NOT OK!!!!

I played with sock roms on my Mi 10 and Mi 12, both being global versions.
To check the device market version, open into a desktop browser the official page: https://www.mi.com/global/verify#/en/tab/imei
Hi there,

I'm about to lock my bootloader on my Poco F3 and I have some concerns.
I hope you can help me

The device is a GLOBAL TR device

the problem is I unlocked the bootloader tried the Chinese ROM and then went back now to GLOBAL EU

Now I want to lock the bootloader again but I'm afraid of bricking the phone after going to the Chinese version even though it's now on the global EU version

what do you think about it?
 
If you have any official Global ROM installed on your device (MI, TR, EU, ID, RU, etc.) you can lock the bootloader.
 
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You can lock the bootloader having a different region STOCK ROM only, and I repeat ONLY, if your device is a GLOBAL device.
If you have a Chinese device you can lock the bootloader only if you flash a Chinese STOCK ROM.

Here are the rules:
1. Chinese device + Chinese stock ROM + booloader lock = OK
2. Chinese device + any NON Chinese stock ROM + bootloader lock = NOT OK!!!!

3. Global device + any STOCK ROM (global + Chinese) + bootloader lock = OK

4. any device + any custom ROM + bootloade lock = NOT OK!!!!

I played with sock roms on my Mi 10 and Mi 12, both being global versions.
To check the device market version, open into a desktop browser the official page: https://www.mi.com/global/verify#/en/tab/imei
Hi Brother,
Sorry for interrupting you, i really need your help on this one,

My real concerning is that, May i be able to install a China Rom on a Global Device and lock a bootloader?
or ill end up brick my phone?

i asked that cause on your comment it's really shows that is possible to do that with a Global Device with any Stock Rom and i prefer China Rom. but the post is from a year ago, so i would like to know if things are changed or is still the same.

Please help to answer me this brother, my Device is Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE im on Xiaomi HyperoS 1.0.3.0.UKOMIXM
Thanks in advance.
 
3. Global device + any STOCK ROM (global + Chinese) + bootloader lock = OK

This is incorrect information.
If you have a Global device you cannot lock the bootloader with a Chinese ROM.
 
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You can lock the bootloader having a different region STOCK ROM only, and I repeat ONLY, if your device is a GLOBAL device.
If you have a Chinese device you can lock the bootloader only if you flash a Chinese STOCK ROM.

Here are the rules:
1. Chinese device + Chinese stock ROM + booloader lock = OK
2. Chinese device + any NON Chinese stock ROM + bootloader lock = NOT OK!!!!

3. Global device + any STOCK ROM (global + Chinese) + bootloader lock = OK

4. any device + any custom ROM + bootloade lock = NOT OK!!!!

I played with sock roms on my Mi 10 and Mi 12, both being global versions.
To check the device market version, open into a desktop browser the official page: https://www.mi.com/global/verify#/en/tab/imei
Hi,
First, thanks for this link to mi official page.
I went there to check my MI 11 Ultra, and got this result:

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra Full Network Edition 12GB Ceramic Black 256GB

As the text was in chinese, I put it in Google Translate.
So, is this a Global or a Chinese version?

The model says: M2102K1G (in settings -> about my device -> detailed info), but the label on the device back says: M2102K1C.

And I remember that the seller told me exactly this: it's a chinese version with a global rom installed.

All my doubts are because I'm still facing restrictions of some app refusing to install because bootloader is unlocked, and I trying to understand the right combination to have it locked again.

Should I follow #3 rule above or the #1?

Currently, I'm running HyperOS 1.0.3.0.UKACNXM (Xiaomi.eu).

Thanks in advance.
Regards,
 
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I just bought a Chinese Redmi Pad SE from the usual chinese site with Global rom, locked bootloader. How are they able to do that?!
I tried to unlock, but as expected, it cannot add account. OTA does not work in china device with global rom (which seller indicated).

Device Model: 23073RPBFC
OS version: 1.0.2.0.UMUMIXM

My problem nowis how do I update my firmware version? I did find the global version v1.0.2.0 -> 1.0.3.0 OTA package (zip) online from miuirom.org, tried to update manually via "about tablet" screen, which didnt work and gave me a pop-up message saying:

"Cant verify update: Current version is invalid. You can only flash the latest stable ROM"

I can download global 1.0.3.0 fastboot rom, but would this brick my tablet like what everyone is saying "china phone + global rom + BL locked = brick device"??
 
Last edited:
I just bought a Chinese Redmi Pad SE from the usual chinese site with Global rom, locked bootloader. How are they able to do that?!
I tried to unlock, but as expected, it cannot add account. OTA does not work in china device with global rom (which seller indicated).

Device Model: 23073RPBFC
OS version: 1.0.2.0.UMUMIXM
My problem nowis how do I update my firmware version? I did find the global version v1.0.2.0 -> 1.0.3.0 OTA package (zip) online from miuirom.org, tried to update manually via "about tablet" screen, which didnt work and gave me a pop-up message saying:

"Cant verify update: Current version is invalid. You can only flash the latest stable ROM"

I can download global 1.0.3.0 fastboot rom, but would this brick my tablet like what everyone is saying "china phone + global rom + BL locked = brick device"??

I would presume they re locked after installing the Global ROM. we can't be their tech support though

I don't believe in permanent bricking.
But they've got you in a situation.

Are you 100% the bootloader is locked

You are not going to be able to put an unofficial ROM on there without it being unlocked

It sounds like they've crippled the official route for you

So I suggest unlocking the bootloader and trying - at this point you have nothing to lose

Might be time to look at Hypersploit or other such tools