Android Bootloader Unlock Restrictions Why Xiaomi and OnePlus Are Limiting Access
OnePlus and Xiaomi are among a growing number of Android manufacturers prohibiting easier ways for users to unlock the bootloader on their mobile devices. This directly affects not only power users but also the custom firmware community.
What's a Bootloader and Why is it Locked
The bootloader is an initial low-level program responsible for booting the Android OS. Verifying the integrity of the device's firmware is his main function. Manufacturers lock the bootloader to prevent tampering with it to deny users root access or installations of threats that compromise user data.
Benefits of an Unlocked Bootloader
For an Android enthusiast, an unlocked bootloader is the first step for personalizing his device:
- Install Custom Firmware: Users can install on any custom operating system, e.g., that has LineageOS to provide a lot more functionality or GrapheneOS for extra levels of security.
- Extending the Lifespan of Devices: It may provide software updates to a device that received no future support from its manufacturer.
- Gain Superuser Rights: This means full-blown access to the root of the device for intimate system changes and tweaks-not available for stock devices.
While these changes may be very important for a niche community, the vast majority of smartphone owners would remain unaffected since the large majority of them do not even realize that bootloaders exist. For enthusiasts, though, this is a big step toward what we mean by closed ecosystem, like iOS from Apple.
Updates on New Restrictions from Big Brands
Several major companies recently changed their bootloader unlocking options.
Xiaomi
As of early 2025, Xiaomi increasingly complicates the previously easy unlocking process. It is limited to unlocking one device on an account in such a way that the validity of this permission lasts only up to 14 days.
Samsung
The recently released beta version of OneUI 8 excluded the option to allow the bootloader to be unlocked, and there is currently no official solution provided by the vendor to overcome this restriction on the affected devices.
OnePlus
OnePlus has arranged upnew rules for bootloader access that are similar to those of Xiaomi. However, this restriction applies to phones sold in China that are running ColorOS 16 or newer versions.
Addressing the EU Directive Rumor
Certain reports have claimed that an EU directive taking effect on August 1, 2025, would force manufacturers to prevent bootloader unlocking. This is inaccurate. The source document on that directive clearly states that measures for software verification must not prevent independent software use on the devices.
How to Get Xiaomi & OnePlus Bootloader Unlock Authorization
It's no walk in the park to receive an unlock bootloader authorization from Xiaomi. A Xiaomi Account that's at least 30 days old is mandatory. Basically it goes like this:
- First of all, create a Xiaomi account if you haven't got one yet; you can do this directly on your device.
- On the latest Xiaomi Community app, assign your country rules to the area setting to ensure it's set to Global.
- Go through Me, Unlock Bootloader, and the date and time the unlock application form will open for you. On that date, get onto this section again and click the button down there. The number of applications is limited, so you'll have to act quickly.
- Xiaomi will put the user's knowledge to the test.
- Once inside, activate the "Mi Unlock Status" option under developer options.
- Next, install the Mi Unlock app into your computer and log in to your Xiaomi Account to unlock the bootloader.
If your smartphone is OnePlus, the new process of unlocking the bootloader will be valid only if ColorOS 16.0 or more is installed. The user will have to download Deep Testing utility, wait for the application to be verified (within a couple of business days), and receive further directions. (For deep information you can check oneplus chinese website) its Not The same steps as the Xiaomi.
