Mi8 Bootloader and Fashing questions - Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers

Hello everyone, I'm waiting my phone to arrive next week with unlocked bootloader and Official Global ROM (the phone itself is the Chinese version), but after seeing so many threads regarding bricked phones I got afraid I will brick mine too. So I want to ask a few questions and summarize all the things around the Bootloader and ROMs about MI 8.
1. How I can find if the phone's Bootloader is Unlocked for real or not, because i see there are some Fake Unlocks which is not good of course.
2. IF the Bootloader is really unlocked can I flash TWRP through fastboot like on all other devices with these commands:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot reboot
or there is another way to flash TWRP to Mi 8?
3. Can you flash a ROM to Mi8 using TWRP or only through Mi FlashTool? And again - is there something more special or unusual in flashing ROM to Mi8?
4. IF the Bootloader is Unlocked is it possible for the phone to RE-LOCK or getting into boot loop after updating through OTA or by Hard Resetting the phone, because I read here and there people had unlocked Mi 8, but after updating the phone through OTA or after hard resetting the phone they went into boot loop/-relocked. I'm not quite sure if I believe this, based on my previous experience with flashing phones, but who knows... so if someone can confirm or deny this, please answer.

Up

straightup said:
Hello everyone, I'm waiting my phone to arrive next week with unlocked bootloader and Official Global ROM (the phone itself is the Chinese version), but after seeing so many threads regarding bricked phones I got afraid I will brick mine too. So I want to ask a few questions and summarize all the things around the Bootloader and ROMs about MI 8.
1. How I can find if the phone's Bootloader is Unlocked for real or not, because i see there are some Fake Unlocks which is not good of course.
2. IF the Bootloader is really unlocked can I flash TWRP through fastboot like on all other devices with these commands:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot reboot
or there is another way to flash TWRP to Mi 8?
3. Can you flash a ROM to Mi8 using TWRP or only through Mi FlashTool? And again - is there something more special or unusual in flashing ROM to Mi8?
4. IF the Bootloader is Unlocked is it possible for the phone to RE-LOCK or getting into boot loop after updating through OTA or by Hard Resetting the phone, because I read here and there people had unlocked Mi 8, but after updating the phone through OTA or after hard resetting the phone they went into boot loop/-relocked. I'm not quite sure if I believe this, based on my previous experience with flashing phones, but who knows... so if someone can confirm or deny this, please answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You will see a lock icon under the kernel logo if it's unlocked.
2. Yep
3. I use TWRP to flash stuff to my Mi 8 SE, I doubt the Mi 8 is a magical exception
4. Not sure, don't even do a dumb thing like that, use Xiaomi.eu builds instead. I flashed a pure stock firmware once and it only overwrote TWRP with the stock recovery ( it became completely stock, simply put )

Thank you Marionette

Hello guys,
I am new to the forum and a proud owner of Mi 8 /dipper/. I read every post in this tread /and in many others/ and I have some questions:
1. Currently my device is on 8.8.9 eu rom so I would like to update to 8.8.16 eu rom. From settings I check for update and it shows "up to date". My options are that I can download the new rom, transfer it to the phone and from there either hit "choose update package" from settings or flash via twrp. What is the difference between the two choices? I read that if flash via twrp then I need to wipe dalvik/cache, but can I update via os settings and if "yes" do I need then to boot twrp and again wipe dalvik/cache?
2. My device came with unlocked bootloader so I presume it was unlocked with someone else account. If I decide to go china stable/stock for my phone/ and lock the bootloader, then will I apply and wait to unlock it again? If I download Mi unlock and hit "unlock", while the bootloader is unlocked /dont know is it possible/ will my account bind to the device?
Thank you in advance,

s7eVe90 said:
Hello guys,
I am new to the forum and a proud owner of Mi 8 /dipper/. I read every post in this tread /and in many others/ and I have some questions:
1. Currently my device is on 8.8.9 eu rom so I would like to update to 8.8.16 eu rom. From settings I check for update and it shows "up to date". My options are that I can download the new rom, transfer it to the phone and from there either hit "choose update package" from settings or flash via twrp. What is the difference between the two choices? I read that if flash via twrp then I need to wipe dalvik/cache, but can I update via os settings and if "yes" do I need then to boot twrp and again wipe dalvik/cache?
2. My device came with unlocked bootloader so I presume it was unlocked with someone else account. If I decide to go china stable/stock for my phone/ and lock the bootloader, then will I apply and wait to unlock it again? If I download Mi unlock and hit "unlock", while the bootloader is unlocked /dont know is it possible/ will my account bind to the device?
Thank you in advance,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've already received answers to your questions? https://xiaomi.eu/community/threads/8-8-16.45718/post-437870

_katho_ said:
You've already received answers to your questions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Partially I have received answer to my question but its never bad to receive a second opinion. I still don't know am I able to flash china stable, lock the bootloader and everything be okey /there won't be any bricks/. Then if I decide to unlock should I wait to unlock the bootloader and can I bind now my account to the device trough unlocking while its unlocked or smth like that?

Related

Bootloader locked by Xiaomi now, need to fill a form in Chinese and wait to unlock it

Executive summary: If you flash China Developer ROM 6.1.14 or newer, your bootloader will be locked and the root access gone.
Before you upgrade to China Developer ROM 6.1.14 or any later version, make sure you understand the implications. Turns out Xiaomi has decided to lock the bootloader and to unlock it, you'll not only need to wipe your data but file an application with them and wait for their permission. So far, the application is in Chinese only:
View attachment 3610722
More details on en.miui.com in this thread:
Unlocking tool supported devices:
Redmi Note 3, Mi 4c, Mi Note Pro
Note: Forum user groups higher than Diamond member (including Diamond member), and all special teams have been added to unlocking bootloader whitelist. Your unlocking applications will be approved faster than other users.
Unlocking Bootloader Procedure:
1. Download zip file (recovery file) of China developer ROM for your device, put it into phone storage. Go to Updater app, press the three dot on upper right corner, and select 'Choose update package'. Choose the zip file you just put in phone storage. The update will wipe all user data, please make backup beforehand.
2. Log into the Mi account which has acquired unlocking permission on your device
3. Turn off your device, press the Power button and Volume - button at the same time to enter bootloader mode
4. Log into the unlocking tool on PC with the same Mi account. Connect the device with the PC using USB cable
5. Press 'Unlock'. The unlocking process will complete in about 10 seconds
After unlocking bootloader, users will be able to flash fastboot ROMs and custom ROMs. The unlocked device will be marked in the official service end. Users could lock bootloader again by flashing official MIUI ROMs. (This will need to use fastboot oem lock. Please note to flash offcial MIUI ROMs, otherwise your system won't be able to start)
Notes:
1. After getting unlocking permission for a Mi account, users can unlock the verified device immediately. One Mi account could only unlock one device within 30 days
2. Users could require for unlocking permission in this site: http://www.miui.com/unlock/
3. If a prompt says that the current account is not logged into a connected device. Please log in with this account on the device that needs to be unlocked
4. If your device is encrypted, unlocking bootloader will wipe all user data. Please perform a backup beforehand
Unlocking Tool Download:
(Only Chinese supported for now. We're still working on the English version, please stay tuned.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In other news, the root access is also gone by default and will need to be re-enabled with an online check every time you flash a ROM via recovery or fastboot (non-OTA). Details here.
Comment: It all seems a bit ridiculous., especially the online application part.
Please help and share :
https://www.change.org/p/xiaomi-mi-...source=share_for_starters&utm_medium=copyLink
Together we can change that. If unlock bootloader was easy and possible for everyone then problem wasn't exist.
What about anything from xiaomi.eu will that lock the bootloader if I flash an update through twrp?
ethanscooter said:
What about anything from xiaomi.eu will that lock the bootloader if I flash an update through twrp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stayed with version 5.12.31 thus far so I don't know first-hand but according to them, no.
Just avoid the official firmware, including doing anything the Updater app asks you to. I think the app cannot be removed once installed but I posted here how to remove the notification.
Found this on french MIUI works great no locked bootloader.
http://miui-france.fr/TEMPLATES_ROMS/V7/minotepro.php
Flashed via TWRP all still intact.
Thanks to messi89
jazz452 said:
Found this on french MIUI works great no locked bootloader.
http://miui-france.fr/TEMPLATES_ROMS/V7/minotepro.php
Flashed via TWRP all still intact.
Thanks to messi89
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello bro,
can you give me more details about the update log?
Thanks
Had to join for change log, not found 1 problem yet.
Would go as far as to say, probably the best update since I had the mi note pro
Aqq123 said:
Executive summary: If you flash China Developer ROM 6.1.14 or newer, your bootloader will be locked and the root access gone.
Before you upgrade to China Developer ROM 6.1.14 or any later version, make sure you understand the implications. Turns out Xiaomi has decided to lock the bootloader and to unlock it, you'll not only need to wipe your data but file an application with them and wait for their permission. So far, the application is in Chinese only:
View attachment 3610722
More details on en.miui.com in this thread:
In other news, the root access is also gone by default and will need to be re-enabled with an online check every time you flash a ROM via recovery or fastboot (non-OTA). Details here.
Comment: It all seems a bit ridiculous., especially the online application part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's totally ridiculous and the unlocking procedure is taking people a lot of time to get an answer. Very frustrating.
ghfatw said:
It's totally ridiculous and the unlocking procedure is taking people a lot of time to get an answer. Very frustrating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For an even bigger snafu, many people ended up with a boot loop after the first OTA update that also locked the bootloader, and although more than two weeks have passed there's still no way to recover from it as of yet.
This might help those with brick. No it won't ignore me.
I have received Mi Note Pro 64G few days ago
My phone is running Chinese stock rom 7.1.5 without root. I tried to install TWRP but unsuccessful.
I read some Miui forum that update rom to dev rom 6.1.28 would have pre-root but when I update to 6.1.28 via Mi-PCSuite, I still not able to install TWRP
So I read XDA forum that Mi Note Pro have to register to get unlocking bootloader code, but I can not complete the form to get unlock code
Please someone here can help me something to install a proper English rom from en.miui with google service as normal Android phone??
Thank you
Update: I managed to access the form of unlocking code request
Hope Xiaomi will process soon
I got my Mi Note Pro granted open, but i found out is was never locked. I am on Cyanogenmod at the moment. The MIUI thing was too IPhone for me (coming from an iPhone)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-note-pro/help/how-to-unlock-mi-note-pro-100-t3336677
---------- Post added at 08:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:22 PM ----------
denngaxl said:
I got my Mi Note Pro granted open, but i found out is was never locked. I am on Cyanogenmod at the moment. The MIUI thing was too IPhone for me (coming from an iPhone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
goog choice
---------- Post added at 08:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:23 PM ----------
vodanhdaisu said:
I have received Mi Note Pro 64G few days ago
My phone is running Chinese stock rom 7.1.5 without root. I tried to install TWRP but unsuccessful.
I read some Miui forum that update rom to dev rom 6.1.28 would have pre-root but when I update to 6.1.28 via Mi-PCSuite, I still not able to install TWRP
So I read XDA forum that Mi Note Pro have to register to get unlocking bootloader code, but I can not complete the form to get unlock code
Please someone here can help me something to install a proper English rom from en.miui with google service as normal Android phone??
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please install this version by Miflash ---> mega:///#!tcAEkKCa!_7ft1wzFRUgwryxeeNiZQLuyKcTqSZu4wWcfcWPSM18
and the install Flahify and install TWRP by flashify.
So this works to unlock bootlaoder? just read same on different website. Maybe needs seperate thread so people notice it.
http://xiaomi.eu/community/threads/how-to-unlock-bootloader-mi-note-pro-100-works.30557/
not tried it mine isn't locked.
jazz452 said:
So this works to unlock bootlaoder? just read same on different website. Maybe needs seperate thread so people notice it.
http://xiaomi.eu/community/threads/how-to-unlock-bootloader-mi-note-pro-100-works.30557/
not tried it mine isn't locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That guide works very well and is the same posted on miui.com
I was on locked botloader and now I'm on multilanguage with twrp and root with unlocked bootloader.
Works very well with mi note pro in bootloop too
哈哈???:sly:
crisgen said:
That guide works very well and is the same posted on miui.com
I was on locked botloader and now I'm on multilanguage with twrp and root with unlocked bootloader.
Works very well with mi note pro in bootloop too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its work guys, just try ---> http://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-note-pro/help/how-to-unlock-mi-note-pro-100-t3336677
all the new mi note pro now comes with locked bootloader. one has to apply for unlock code at en.miui.com/unlock . also the funny part is that it asks for a "reason" for unlocking and if you don't give a legit one, they might reject your request. once rejected, you will have to wait 90 days for the next request. totally ridiculous but unavoidable for note pro owners.

What to do first when I receive the phone?

Hey everyone,
I was just wondering what I need to do when i receive the device. I am in Australia and the phone might be the Chinese model.
So is there anything I have to do with the phone to make it usable as I've heard you need to flash on the global ROM.
How do I properly set up my device for use?
Thanks
MrMoistWalrus said:
Hey everyone,
I was just wondering what I need to do when i receive the device. I am in Australia and the phone might be the Chinese model.
So is there anything I have to do with the phone to make it usable as I've heard you need to flash on the global ROM.
How do I properly set up my device for use?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not easy.To flash the global version miui,you need to unblock your boolloader, then download the global package,and flash it with the miflash.But to unlock the bootloader,you need a mi account and make a Application.
MrMoistWalrus said:
Hey everyone,
I was just wondering what I need to do when i receive the device. I am in Australia and the phone might be the Chinese model.
So is there anything I have to do with the phone to make it usable as I've heard you need to flash on the global ROM.
How do I properly set up my device for use?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you bought from a chinese-based online store, most likely your device has a fake ROM. To get rid of that ROM, you need to unlock bootloader. No matter if you want to flash an official ROM or unofficial xiaomi.eu. You can try to change ROM with MIUI Updater app, but most probably it will not work from a fake ROM.
To unlock bootloader you need at least a couple of things: a xiaomi account you can create here Mi Account -> account.xiaomi.com
After you create your MI account you need to request unlock here MI Unlock en.miui.com/unlock and wait several days to be approved for unlocking. In my case it took 4 or 5 days before I received an SMS of approval.
Then download MI Unlock app (Windows) and search a manual for unlocking device (you need to activate developer options).
In order to unlock bootloader you need a Chinese ROM (stable or dev) but If I'm not wrong all 'fake' devices come with a chinese-based ROM, otherwise wouldn't be a fake ROM?
After you achieve unlocking you can flash any ROM, Global or China, unofficial like xiaomi.eu, etc..
Flash global rom without unlocking bootloader
There is a way to flash global rom without unlocking bootloader using special USB cable that you can make yourself if you still want to do so i'll gladly show you how I did with my phone.
If you are tired and irked by MIUI, I would strongly recommend you to quickly apply for Bootloader unlocking permission on the official Miui site. Afterwards, unlock your bootloader and install official TWRP recovery and a ROM of your choice such as CM14.1. That way, you will be able to experience the true "openess" and magic of Android!
You can install CyanogenMod ROM, but unfortunately you will get no updates, since project has been discontinued on Dec 31 . Their successor is http://lineageos.org/ but there's nothing on their web yet.
Do create a MiAccount.. and do remember your security pattern... what ever you intend to do next do those two things
no need to unlock bootloader.
Xiaomi flash ROM came with 2 method.
you can flash not only from fastboot mode ( bootloader mode ) but also from edl mode ( QDloader 9008 mode ).
- fastboot method need to unlock bootloader.
- EDL method not need to unlock bootloader .
EDL method even can unlock bootloader with unofficial method

Just want to relock global version 8.2

My frustration level is super high with this brand new Mi Mix I bought from a US reseller that came unlocked with the official latest global rom version. Before I decide to return it, can anyone please tell me a simple way to relock the bootloader so I can download Netflix and use this device like normal? I can't even get the Mi PC suite to recognize its connected. Very annoying!
do you try mi flash? there are options clean install dirty and clean relock install
No, do I need too flash the rom again with the tool to relock or is there an option to just lock the bootloader only? Will I still get Global Rom updates after relocking? Am I able to unlock in the future since it's already been unlocked once by the reseller? Thanks for your earlier response! I'm just not that good with all the modification stuff.
No You cant relock without clean install anda yes You will recieve otas
And for The re unlock You have to need a code if your seller unlock it then You have to get xiaomi unlock permission again once You recieve The code with your acc You can lock relock unlock anytime You want
egentreri said:
No You cant relock without clean install anda yes You will recieve otas
And for The re unlock You have to need a code if your seller unlock it then You have to get xiaomi unlock permission again once You recieve The code with your acc You can lock relock unlock anytime You want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! So can I just do a clean reinstall directly from the phone and will it automatically lock for me? I apologize - I'm not really technical with this stuff. I'm on the latest Global Rom that's on the official site. I don't want to change my rom or root in any manner. I just want keep it the way it is and simply lock the bootloader. I have read some other guides about flashing and downloading a whole bunch of drivers and changing settings on my PC to get it to work. Isn't there any easier way of doing this? I want it to work like if I just bought it at a store and allow me to set it up like have with my S8+.
Then install mı flash and fasboot rom of your choise global stable or global beta then close The phone and open pressing w power button and wolume down button at The same time once You ses The tinker bunny (fasboot mode pic) connect your phone with a cable and install with mı flash of your choise of rom and ext its very easy en.miui.com download section You can fallow The steps there its tooooo easy You can spor
And no You can not lock your bootloader anyother way
Thanks! I got it reflashed and locked! When I searched the Play Store, Netflix showed up right away! Appreciate the help... It was super easy!
gman901 said:
Thanks! I got it reflashed and locked! When I searched the Play Store, Netflix showed up right away! Appreciate the help... It was super easy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have a good day
egentreri said:
Then install mı flash and fasboot rom of your choise global stable or global beta then close The phone and open pressing w power button and wolume down button at The same time once You ses The tinker bunny (fasboot mode pic) connect your phone with a cable and install with mı flash of your choise of rom and ext its very easy en.miui.com download section You can fallow The steps there its tooooo easy You can spor
And no You can not lock your bootloader anyother way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Egentreri,
I am surprised to read by your reply; I thought the bootloader could be relocked using a fastboot command. I have bought a Mi6 a few days ago and it came with an EU rom. I decided to flash the Global Rom using the regular update tool from the rom itself, but unfortunately TWRP was installed, something I hadn't checked... and I bricked the phone. I managed to reflash the stock recovery (in chinese) in fastboot and I the phone some how booted again and I could reflash the rom from the update tool and this seems to have flashed a new stock recovery as it is now in english?
My bootloader is still unlocked, but I guess I could use the fastboot command to relock the phone as I now have a stock recovery along with a stock Global Rom? What do you think?
Thanks,
Alex
nirmnet said:
Hi Egentreri,
I am surprised to read by your reply; I thought the bootloader could be relocked using a fastboot command. I have bought a Mi6 a few days ago and it came with an EU rom. I decided to flash the Global Rom using the regular update tool from the rom itself, but unfortunately TWRP was installed, something I hadn't checked... and I bricked the phone. I managed to reflash the stock recovery (in chinese) in fastboot and I the phone some how booted again and I could reflash the rom from the update tool and this seems to have flashed a new stock recovery as it is now in english?
My bootloader is still unlocked, but I guess I could use the fastboot command to relock the phone as I now have a stock recovery along with a stock Global Rom? What do you think?
Thanks,
Alex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my non expert opinion and little experience flashing som custom roms and then going back to official (beta and stable), and back again to custom with twrp recovery and all... Sure and easiest method for going to any of the official roms and having the bootloader relocked is to flash chosen rom with fastboot update: for the Mix: http://en.miui.com/a-234.html
That way, which I understand is what @gman901 did, with the same package you get back to locked bootloader, stock recovery, etc.
I got my Mix unlocked also, which I didn't mind as I quickly rooted and went to try some fantastic custom roms. But the first weeks, when going back and forth and trying this and that, at some point I wanted to go back to vanilla official global stable, and from there to global developer. To do the first step from custom rom only fastboot update worked.
Hope this helps!

Fake global

Hi.
Unfortunately, I bought a k20 pro in the global version (aliexpress).
What do I have to do to not have brick? log in to mi account on the phone and Install the original china rom in mi flash and tick Clean all "option (not lock). Then wait again for the unlock bootloader?
having a global rom from aliexpress I can flash twrp right away and change rom ? Non Brick?
Radzią said:
Hi.
Unfortunately, I bought a k20 pro in the global version (aliexpress).
What do I have to do to not have brick? log in to mi account on the phone and Install the original china rom in mi flash and tick Clean all "option (not lock). Then wait again for the unlock bootloader?
having a global rom from aliexpress I can flash twrp right away and change rom ? Non Brick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically the trick is to make sure you never accidentally relock the bootloader.
This normally happens if you've stuffed something up and need to flash a fastboot ROM. When this happens ALWAYS remember to change to 'clean All' when flashing with the Mi Flash Tool.
I assume the bootloader is already unlocked. If so, then you're 7 days ahead of the game and can go ahead and install TWRP and any other ROM of your choice. As long as you do everything correctly then you should have no problems.
Robbo.5000 said:
Basically the trick is to make sure you never accidentally relock the bootloader.
This normally happens if you've stuffed something up and need to flash a fastboot ROM. When this happens ALWAYS remember to change to 'clean All' when flashing with the Mi Flash Tool.
I assume the bootloader is already unlocked. If so, then you're 7 days ahead of the game and can go ahead and install TWRP and any other ROM of your choice. As long as you do everything correctly then you should have no problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a fake global and unlocked bootloader. So I can easily install twrp and change rom?
The only one I have to remember is that if I wanted to block bootloader again, I have to do it on china rom?
Radzią said:
I have a fake global and unlocked bootloader. So I can easily install twrp and change rom?
The only one I have to remember is that if I wanted to block bootloader again, I have to do it on china rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can install TWRP and change the ROM.
The normal reason to flash a Chinese fastboot ROM is when you have done something wrong and soft bricked the phone. But yes you would also do this if you wanted to lock the bootloader again.
Robbo.5000 said:
Yes you can install TWRP and change the ROM.
The normal reason to flash a Chinese fastboot ROM is when you have done something wrong and soft bricked the phone. But yes you would also do this if you wanted to lock the bootloader again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks, I wanted to make sure. Nobody would want to Brick a new phone
I was in the same boat. Just flashed the official China ROM via mi flash including bootloader relock. After I applied for an unlock the official way, waited a week to unlock the phone again and finally flashed twrp, magisk and mi-globe Rom.
Guido83 said:
I was in the same boat. Just flashed the official China ROM via mi flash including bootloader relock. After I applied for an unlock the official way, waited a week to unlock the phone again and finally flashed twrp, magisk and mi-globe Rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I will also choose this way and block bootloader again. It will be safer
Guido83 said:
I was in the same boat. Just flashed the official China ROM via mi flash including bootloader relock. After I applied for an unlock the official way, waited a week to unlock the phone again and finally flashed twrp, magisk and mi-globe Rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so you had the 'Global rom' model? Did they leave the phone associated with the Mi account originally? And where did you buy from?
Just curious because my 'Global rom' model K20 Pro arrives tomorrow. Unfortunately ordered the day before all this stuff came out :/
Sorry if this is a bit newby, but I ordered the same (K20 pro) from ali express, there is no way the global rom is official?
If it's not and the bootloader is unlocked, why is this a problem? Because the find my device won't be working? or is the security compromised if it is?
Is the global rom worse than the Chinese? And if the phone isn't disconnected form the Mi account they used to unlock the bootloader with, arn't I screwed?
Sorry for the salvo of questions..
SozzR said:
Sorry if this is a bit newby, but I ordered the same (K20 pro) from ali express, there is no way the global rom is official?
If it's not and the bootloader is unlocked, why is this a problem? Because the find my device won't be working? or is the security compromised if it is?
Is the global rom worse than the Chinese? And if the phone isn't disconnected form the Mi account they used to unlock the bootloader with, arn't I screwed?
Sorry for the salvo of questions..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the moment there is no global version of the phone. So there is no official global ROM. The global ROM versions currently for sale are using a hacked/modified versions of MIUI. These versions are made by people unknown and could possibly contain malware, etc. which could compromise your security. Probably, the ROM will be OK, but you just never know.
Having the bootloader active unlocked isn't a problem normally and gives you the benefit of not having to wait 7 days. You can flash TWRP and install other ROMs with no problem.
But there are a couple of cases on these forums where people have had things go wrong whilst flashing a fastboot ROM using the Mi Flash Tool. They have ended up accidentally relocking the bootloader whilst also corrupting the system partition. Because they haven't unlocked the bootloader themselves originally, they are unable to unlock the phone again and can't install TWRP to install another ROM.
Some people are now choosing to flash an official ROM and relock the bootloader, to allow them to unlock the phone themselves with their own Mi account. So if they end up in the same position as above, they should be able to unlock the bootloader and easily restore the phone.
However some people, when restoring the phone to stock after messing up, have accidentally relocked the phone. When they've tried to go through the unlock process they have found that the phone is still linked to the sellers Mi account and they are unable to link it to their own account and so are unable to unlock it again.
If you never relock the bootloader, either accidentally or deliberately, then you will not have any problems. But if you end up needing to flash a fastboot ROM, then the Mi Flash Tool default option is to flash and relock, so it only takes a brief lapse in concentration to find that you've got a locked bootloader again. If this happens, I would guess that it's far more likely that you won't have any problems and you are able to unlock it again.
---------- Post added at 01:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:18 AM ----------
Radzią said:
I think I will also choose this way and block bootloader again. It will be safer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just be aware that this option also comes with risks. Occasionally some people have found that the phone is still linked to the sellers Mi account, they are then unable to ink it to their own account and so cannot unlock the bootloader again.

Some questions about flashing ROM so I would not end up in EDL again.

Hello, I have a few questions about flashing rom just to make sure I wouldn't end up in EDL mode again. First, let me tell something. I have bought my K20 pro on Aliexpress which come with a firmware that mark as MI 9T pro with bootloader unlocked but without TWRP install. I have tried to flash Android Q beta though fastboot without using the option Flash & Lock but i was end up in locked bootloader and then i got it fixed through EDL mode by paying someone from Russia who i don't know the name. Later on, I got another bad luck again by upgrading my official Chinese firmware through OTA and then the phone suddenly shutdown in the middle of the process which break both my recovery and fastboot so i have to go through EDL again. So, my questions are:
1. If i flash anything such as magisk, viper, or upgrade my xiaomi.eu firmware through TWRP, will something like my second story occur again? Or, does flashing through TWRP will brick both recovery and fastboot in the same or similar case?
2. After EDL mode, bootloader was unlocked by default so, what can I do to bind my MI account with the device? Because in case it locked again, then I can use xiaomi bootloader unlock tools to unlock it. In the first story, the device come with bootloader unlocked, and after flashed Android Q beta, the bootloader was triggered and locked so then I tried to unlocked it but Xiaomi bootloader unlock tools told me that my account is not bind to this device.
3. If i flash magisk, then do i need to always re-flash it on every system upgrade(xiaomi eu firmware)?
supaea said:
Hello, I have a few questions about flashing rom just to make sure I wouldn't end up in EDL mode again. First, let me tell something. I have bought my K20 pro on Aliexpress which come with a firmware that mark as MI 9T pro with bootloader unlocked but without TWRP install. I have tried to flash Android Q beta though fastboot without using the option Flash & Lock but i was end up in locked bootloader and then i got it fixed through EDL mode by paying someone from Russia who i don't know the name. Later on, I got another bad luck again by upgrading my official Chinese firmware through OTA and then the phone suddenly shutdown in the middle of the process which break both my recovery and fastboot so i have to go through EDL again. So, my questions are:
1. If i flash anything such as magisk, viper, or upgrade my xiaomi.eu firmware through TWRP, will something like my second story occur again? Or, does flashing through TWRP will brick both recovery and fastboot in the same or similar case?
2. After EDL mode, bootloader was unlocked by default so, what can I do to bind my MI account with the device? Because in case it locked again, then I can use xiaomi bootloader unlock tools to unlock it. In the first story, the device come with bootloader unlocked, and after flashed Android Q beta, the bootloader was triggered and locked so then I tried to unlocked it but Xiaomi bootloader unlock tools told me that my account is not bind to this device.
3. If i flash magisk, then do i need to always re-flash it on every system upgrade(xiaomi eu firmware)?
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Click to collapse
1. In theory flashing with TWRP shouldn't touch the fastboot or recovery partitions, unless you choose to. If you know what you're doing, then flashing with TWRP is reasonably safe.
2. You could try flashing an official Chinese fastboot ROM and locking the bootloader, then link it to your account. Don't try and install anything else, live with the official Chinese ROM and go through the normal unlock process. Once you've waited and got unlock permission for the phone against your Mi account, then unlock and install the ROM of your choice along with anything else.
But this does come with a small risk that the phone is still linked to the sellers account.
3. I went straight from stock to a GSI, so not sure about eu ROMs. If they have an OTA process that downloads then installs via TWRP (similar to official LOS), then it's possible Magisk will re-install at the same time. Someone who uses eu ROMs will need to confirm what happens.
For anything else, you'll needed to re-install Magisk.
Robbo.5000 said:
2. You could try flashing an official Chinese fastboot ROM and locking the bootloader, then link it to your account. Don't try and install anything else, live with the official Chinese ROM and go through the normal unlock process. Once you've waited and got unlock permission for the phone against your Mi account, then unlock and install the ROM of your choice along with anything else.
But this does come with a small risk that the phone is still linked to the sellers account.
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Click to collapse
I believe it is a risky method because if the bootloader is locked the phone might brick again and I have to do EDL again too. I wish if there is a safer method, because I experienced EDL mode twice already and it is terrible and need to pay lot of money just to fix it. :crying:
supaea said:
I believe it is a risky method because if the bootloader is locked the phone might brick again and I have to do EDL again too. I wish if there is a safer method, because I experienced EDL mode twice already and it is terrible and need to pay lot of money just to fix it. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing an official fastboot ROM in the Mi Flash Tool and selecting 'clean all and lock' "shouldn't" brick the phone. If you're on an official Chinese ROM, then going through the standard unlock process "shouldn't" brick the phone.
The biggest risk in doing this would be finding that the phone is still linked to the sellers account.
If you want to be able to unlock the bootloader with your own Mi account, should it get locked again, then this is your only option.
However, you could leave it as it is and just make sure you never lock it again.
Robbo.5000 said:
Flashing an official fastboot ROM in the Mi Flash Tool and selecting 'clean all and lock' "shouldn't" brick the phone. If you're on an official Chinese ROM, then going through the standard unlock process "shouldn't" brick the phone.
The biggest risk in doing this would be finding that the phone is still linked to the sellers account.
If you want to be able to unlock the bootloader with your own Mi account, should it get locked again, then this is your only option.
However, you could leave it as it is and just make sure you never lock it again.
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Click to collapse
I see. It's too bad to get an unlocked phone. I will need to be more careful next time buying a new phone.

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