Xiaomi Changes Bootloader Unlocking Rules for Global/China Users

Xiaomi has announced new rules for unlocking the bootloader on its devices. These changes, which started on January 1, 2025, were first introduced in China. Now, the same rules apply to users all over the world.

HyperOS Updates

What Are the New Rules?

• One Device per Year:
  • You can unlock the bootloader for only one device per Xiaomi account in a year.
  • If you want to unlock another device, you have to wait one full year.
• Reapply for Unlocking Permission:
  • After unlocking a device, you will need to ask Xiaomi for permission again to unlock another one.
  • Xiaomi says the permissions should be approved instantly.
  • However, many users report long delays. Some people have been waiting for more than two months without getting approval.

How Does This Affect Users?

This new rule is bad news for people who like to:

• Install custom ROMs to change how their phone works.
• Root their devices to get more control and features.

Problems Users Are Facing

• The Xiaomi Community app, which is used to request unlocking permissions, often shows errors.
• This issue has been happening for several months.
• Xiaomi has not fixed the problem or explained what is wrong.

Why This Matters

If you like to customize your phone, these new rules will make it harder. You will need to think carefully about which device you want to unlock, as you can only do it once per year.

We hope Xiaomi listens to user feedback and improves the unlocking process soon. Stay tuned for updates!