ReUnlocking converted A2 (6X) - Xiaomi Mi A2 / 6X Questions & Answers

I have a converted A2 (+ARB 4), with UNLOCKED bootloader.
I read somewhere if you relock the BL , you will not able to UNLOCK it again ever after! (is it true?)
and other thing: If it try the MIUI BL Unlocker Official Application to unlock my device (even when it is still unlocked) what could be happen? (I've just followed the steps till the warning msg: "Unlocking Bootloader will erase user Data" ). (I read somewhere else that for unlocking miui devices you need to submit the request and you need to wait for a long time to get the code, and I was going to get the code for a case of necessity in future.)
I need to know how far I can play with these stuffs on my devices and left a practical way to recover a Bricked phone. ( I consider even TEST POINT as a practical option [tried once and it is damn easy and fun ] )

Im sorry bro but the actual model and serial code of your phone is a A2.And that means you probably wont unlock it it will give a hardware error.But pls try it and report.Dont worry there will be a fix!!

Tech_jetoncesaj said:
Im sorry bro but the actual model and serial code of your phone is a A2.And that means you probably wont unlock it it will give a hardware error.But pls try it and report.Dont worry there will be a fix!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it locked again my BL, what would be the solution? I didn't find any.

the mi unlock app requires a mi account with unlock permissions (account! not phone)
if you try to unlock an unlocked a2 you should either get unsuported - it's meant for miui devices - or already unlocked.

The app first checks the account and passes to further steps, then recognizes my phone, and warns me about wiping Data. ( At this step I declined and closed the app)
Your hypothesis seems correct, but if in any circumstances I would be left with relocked converted A2 , ist there any chance to reunlock it again?

that's why the test point method exists, for locked that you try to fastboot flash

I tried, and it just says: Device Unlocked, no need to reunlock again!
So now is it safe to lock my bootloader and try the app again?

if you lock the bootloader via fastboot commands it wont boot any more.
only way to safely lock is with miflash and you cannot miflash a wayne miui on a converted a2. it will see that it's the jasmine.
if you miflash the a2 fastboot rom it will relock ok - if the flashing works...might not cuz of the arb - but you wont be on miui any more.
what are you trying to do anyway?
i think what you dont understand is the unlock on miui and android one are the same end result but different steps. for miui you godda use the mi unlock, for and1 its just the dev options switch

laviniu_c said:
if you lock the bootloader via fastboot commands it wont boot any more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I run the command and re-lock it by Fastboot, how can I re-unlock it again?
laviniu_c said:
only way to safely lock is with miflash and you cannot miflash a wayne miui on a converted a2. it will see that it's the jasmine.
if you miflash the a2 fastboot rom it will relock ok - if the flashing works...might not cuz of the arb - but you wont be on miui any more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do you mean there is no safety way to re-lock a converted A2 which runs MIUI ?
(and If I had a Banking app which needs a Locked BL to work, there will be no chance to run it at all?)
laviniu_c said:
what are you trying to do anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said I want to know all the aspects of practical ways to deal with my phone, right now I am totally happy with it, but actually the opportunity of dealing with all these technical stuffs convinced me to buy this phone.
laviniu_c said:
i think what you dont understand is the unlock on miui and android one are the same end result but different steps. for miui you godda use the mi unlock, for and1 its just the dev options switch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard that some ROMs may re-lock the phone, since then I would like to know if in any circumstances I would be stuck on that situation how can I re-unlock my phone.

any official miui rom that has the firmware folder in it might do it for example, so will bad ports....
try to use the magisk hide options to fix the banking app, add it to the list of apps for which it specifically hides root. add also the google services and make sure you pass the safetynet tests and your device shows as certified in the playstore settings. i think there were some modules to fix the bl check

laviniu_c said:
any official miui rom that has the firmware folder in it might do it for example, so will bad ports....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So lets assume it has been happened, what would be the procedure to rescue my phone? since as you said if the BL locked again it will not boot to OS.
laviniu_c said:
try to use the magisk hide options to fix the banking app, add it to the list of apps for which it specifically hides root. add also the google services and make sure you pass the safetynet tests and your device shows as certified in the playstore settings. i think there were some modules to fix the bl check
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would'nt like to root the phone, isn't there any other option?

if you lock the bootloader with any kind of non official rom for your phone (i.e. jasmine_sprout) which in your case is android one it wont boot. the end. only way out of that is the edl mode and miflash. that's the basic difference between locked and unlocked, it checks what os it loads and it makes sure the loaded os is the official rom for the phone. converting the a2 means it needs to be unlocked and you load a rom that's a ported miui10 from wayne to jasmine_sprout. if you flash the full rom, that has the locked bootloader from wayne which will fail to start since:
1 - the phone still isnt wayne
2- the rom isnt quite the official one (since it's renamed to work on jasmine)
3 - even if the phone was fully wayne, you dont really want the official mi 6x rom since that's china only. i.e. no google services
the only unknown in all this is the ARB, but edl should ignore that.
somehow i was under the impression you already have magisk (root/hide) up and running on the converted miui 10. yes, there are good miui 10 ports (for example xiaomi.eu) that give you the miui experience on a2 except they will never have the full ota support that the official rom has.
my advice? stick to the stock a2 rom. locked and full stock. the moment you need to start experimenting is when the android one support stops OR if you really want root.
if you wanted miui and you're outside china, mi 6x is still NOT the way to go. cuz it doesnt have an official global rom anyway. i dont get why everyone is jumping through hoops to get unofficial roms installed with stock support available.

laviniu_c said:
if you lock the bootloader with any kind of non official rom for your phone (i.e. jasmine_sprout) which in your case is android one it wont boot. the end. only way out of that is the edl mode and miflash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So please consider these situations:
The phone is A2 converted to 6X &
The BL has been re-locked &
ARB 4 has been triggered
how can I use EDL mode to unlock it?
(I think miflash would not help because the LOCKED BL and the phone is actually A2)
(I think also Fastboot wont be able to unlock it since it is A2 Converted to 6X)
laviniu_c said:
yes, there are good miui 10 ports (for example xiaomi.eu) that give you the miui experience on a2 except they will never have the full ota support that the official rom has.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid but I didt't get the point, now every week I receive Pie beta updates (besides there are stable versions too) which actually stable enough, almost Bug & Lag Free (it differs Rom to Rom, but believe me it is COOL ) , and by PitchBlack you can use direct update. (I prefer to install it by myself since I LOVE TWRP & its child PB). so what exactly we miss of original OTA service of XIAOMI?
laviniu_c said:
my advice? stick to the stock a2 rom. locked and full stock. the moment you need to start experimenting is when the android one support stops OR if you really want root..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I think it wouldn't be an option for who has triggered ARB4! isn't it? (I read when you got ARB4 you must forget AndroidOne! even TestPoint won't help)
laviniu_c said:
if you wanted miui and you're outside china, mi 6x is still NOT the way to go. cuz it doesnt have an official global rom anyway. i dont get why everyone is jumping through hoops to get unofficial roms installed with stock support available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again I didn't get what do you mean, could you please explain it a bit more? (since my current MIUI 10.4 has almost everything)

http://bigota.d.miui.com/V10.0.2.0....0.PDIMIFJ_20181206.0000.00_9.0_02b8deeb6d.tgz this should work with the testpoint/edl method and miflash. (unless arb does something to stop it)
there's a few problems with your approach.
1) not official. any time the guys maintaining the custom rom can decide to stop producing it.
2) all work into these custom roms is voluntary. are they sometime better? sure, never said they werent but again, xiaomi/google/android have far far more resources at their disposal and while the phone is under the official period it will be maintained.
3) did you bother to read the first lines in any custom rom? they take 0 responsibility for whatever happens to your phone. they do not intend to break it, but they dont have to support you if you're in trouble either. if you dont have a valid warranty, that's understandable, you don't lose anything. but guess what? there are official vendors for xiaomi all over the world, offering official warranty. that holds as long as you're on STOCK.
4) though most custom roms are well intended, there is nothing assuring you there's nothing inside there that you dont want installed. you move your trust from xiaomi/google/android (which you can hold accountable) to whoever made that rom (who just carpet say, it's your phone you're doing the flashing, anything happens you're on your own). in most cases those devs don't mean harm, but they could and there's nothing to stop them (and they would never put in the hours of work if there was accountability for their action - i perfectly understand them. it's sortof like, i can try to do this, but because my work is not paid for by the end user they do not have any hold over me. it's correct and yet at the same time it's very very dangerous.). ever seen a custom miui built by a shop? i have, it's packed full of junk, bugs and malware. another thing here is testing. the official rom goes through a bunch of tests/beta versions. not saying it's perfect but it's better then the "known bugs: you tell me". custom rom devs cannot do it any other way, they dont have the time to test or the team to test.
5) the official devs don't have this option, they have a job and do it. it's a completely different approach.
this is not a rant against custom rom devs, i understand them 100%, they're trying to help. what i'm saying is there's always 2 sides to each story. there's no right or wrong, there's just what's best for each user. some of us will want the safe and easy way of the stock roms. some will want custom roms. in the end everyone is doing what they choose with their phone.

laviniu_c said:
http://bigota.d.miui.com/V10.0.2.0....0.PDIMIFJ_20181206.0000.00_9.0_02b8deeb6d.tgz this should work with the testpoint/edl method and miflash. (unless arb does something to stop it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it will not work, the Actual duty of ARB4 is to preventing you to use these things! as much as I know after ARB4 you have two options: MIUI 10 or custom ROMs such as Havoc or so, for AndroidONE we need to wait a version of AndroidONE which be compatible with ARB4! otherwise flashing STOCK AndroidONE will simply brick your phone! THE whole IDEA of this THREAT is this!
And BTW as much as I know XIAOMI.EU is cooperating now with the XIAOMI ! besides we do not keep a phone for a whole life time, 2-3 years of supports would be far enough. and they do offer it right now!
and I would like to lock the BL for further security reasons but it seems to be impossible so far otherwise someone suggests a practical way for it.

I guess you need to contact me.
sz.hatef said:
If it locked again my BL, what would be the solution? I didn't find any.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey its not very good to talk here in xda.We can try some methods!
Chat with me in telegram.
 @blackgryphon1
Dont worry about brick,bcz im the only one who can unbrick,downgrade a xiaomi phone even if its arb4.
Feel free to contact me.
Also join my group i will be there too.
Since i cant post links,search this on telegram <<its my group>><<iT HAS A BLACK PHONE WALLPAPER AND IT HAS 86 MEMBERS!
Mi A2 & Mi 6X

Tech_jetoncesaj said:
Hey its not very good to talk here in xda.We can try some methods!
Chat with me in telegram.
@blackgryphon1
Dont worry about brick,bcz im the only one who can unbrick,downgrade a xiaomi phone even if its arb4.
Feel free to contact me.
Also join my group i will be there too.
Since i cant post links,search this on telegram <<its my group>><<iT HAS A BLACK PHONE WALLPAPER AND IT HAS 86 MEMBERS!
Mi A2 & Mi 6X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just as I said, I would like to know the possible ways, currently I haven't any problem, could you explain it a bit , how could it possible to reunlock my BL if it get locked on MIUI?

ahem.
There is NO way to unlock an A2 device that has been converted to an 6X with ARB anti 4.
Your bootloaders are important in this case (xbl.elf and abl.elf). ARB and bootloader status is also managed here.
If you are using A2, with 6X system without ARB anti 4, that phone uses A2 bootloader. So if you lock your bootloader, it will brick to fastboot (The system has been destroyed / Press any key to shutdown). EDL will still accept any flashes without authentication. You may or may not be able to unlock it again through fastboot.
If you are using A2, with 6X system and firmware with ARB anti 4, that phone uses 6X bootloader. So if you lock your bootloader, it will brick to fastboot (The system has been destroyed / Press any key to shutdown). EDL will not accept any flashes without authentication*. You cannot unlock the phone through fastboot**.
*There is a workaround to this but you need to open your phone's back.
**Because MIUI devices need Mi Unlock to be unlocked, and Mi Unlock wants you to log in, and the system is not accessible, your phone will stay bricked.
You can still unbrick the phone with the above workaround, but you will be stuck with China MIUI and won't be able to unlock your phone's bootloader even if you logged in because your phone is not registered on Mi Unlock database (since Android One devices do not need/use Mi Unlock because of Google's enforcements).
Too long, didn't read?
Do not attempt to lock your phone. Even if you are on fully stock with your phone's own firmware. Locking is extremely risky due to the fact that even unlocking the bootloader corrupts the system integrity in some way.

Letzen said:
ahem.
There is NO way to unlock an A2 device that has been converted to an 6X with ARB anti 4.
Your bootloaders are important in this case (xbl.elf and abl.elf). ARB and bootloader status is also managed here.
If you are using A2, with 6X system without ARB anti 4, that phone uses A2 bootloader. So if you lock your bootloader, it will brick to fastboot (The system has been destroyed / Press any key to shutdown). EDL will still accept any flashes without authentication. You may or may not be able to unlock it again through fastboot.
If you are using A2, with 6X system and firmware with ARB anti 4, that phone uses 6X bootloader. So if you lock your bootloader, it will brick to fastboot (The system has been destroyed / Press any key to shutdown). EDL will not accept any flashes without authentication*. You cannot unlock the phone through fastboot**.
*There is a workaround to this but you need to open your phone's back.
**Because MIUI devices need Mi Unlock to be unlocked, and Mi Unlock wants you to log in, and the system is not accessible, your phone will stay bricked.
You can still unbrick the phone with the above workaround, but you will be stuck with China MIUI and won't be able to unlock your phone's bootloader even if you logged in because your phone is not registered on Mi Unlock database (since Android One devices do not need/use Mi Unlock because of Google's enforcements).
Too long, didn't read?
Do not attempt to lock your phone. Even if you are on fully stock with your phone's own firmware. Locking is extremely risky due to the fact that even unlocking the bootloader corrupts the system integrity in some way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot, it explains everything and totally sounds right to me,
Just couple questions:
so in any circumstances it could be again usable just with a Chinese ROM, and so there will be no way to install Google Play on it, since there will be no custom recovery , no root accessibility , ... , It will be for ever with a Pure Chinese ROM (which practically would be unusable for us). Am I right?
Considering above situation, sending the device to a Xiaomi Center could help us to get back to any kind of global ROM (AndroidONE / MIUI) or not?
Right now I am totally happy with Xiaomi.eu MIUI BETA roms, no need to switch to other projects, I need to know is there any chance to stuck with a locked BL while attempting the new Beta ROMs? I use PitchBlack to flash new ROMs every week. Or if I want to ask it in short: How to prevent to get a Locked BL?
Thanks a lot again.

sz.hatef said:
Thanks a lot, it explains everything and totally sounds right to me,
Just couple questions:
so in any circumstances it could be again usable just with a Chinese ROM, and so there will be no way to install Google Play on it, since there will be no custom recovery , no root accessibility , ... , It will be for ever with a Pure Chinese ROM (which practically would be unusable for us). Am I right?
Considering above situation, sending the device to a Xiaomi Center could help us to get back to any kind of global ROM (AndroidONE / MIUI) or not?
Right now I am totally happy with Xiaomi.eu MIUI BETA roms, no need to switch to other projects, I need to know is there any chance to stuck with a locked BL while attempting the new Beta ROMs? I use PitchBlack to flash new ROMs every week. Or if I want to ask it in short: How to prevent to get a Locked BL?
Thanks a lot again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does flashing a MIUI.eu beta ROM without deleting the firmware folder lock the bootloader ?
what's the benefit from not deleting the firmware folder?
i'm using a converted MI A2
thanks

Related

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

Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 Unlock security risks

Hi everyone,
I've recently unlocked my Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 that came with the chinese rom so that I could install the global rom.
I've been using it for a while and when I opened a banking app, I get the following message:
Warning
It seems your device has had unauthorized modifications to its operating system. Using this device for your banking could compromise the security of your personal information.
I didn't think unlocking the phone would be this much of a risk. I don't understand too much about the technology behind this so I wanted to see if anyone could explain whats happening and if I should refund my phone.
Thanks!
brian0306 said:
Hi everyone,
I've recently unlocked my Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 that came with the chinese rom so that I could install the global rom.
I've been using it for a while and when I opened a banking app, I get the following message:
Warning
It seems your device has had unauthorized modifications to its operating system. Using this device for your banking could compromise the security of your personal information.
I didn't think unlocking the phone would be this much of a risk. I don't understand too much about the technology behind this so I wanted to see if anyone could explain whats happening and if I should refund my phone.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are probably using the global dev rom which doesn't pass Safetynet for various reasons. You shouldn't have any issues with the global stable rom.
Don't listen to the guy above. Flash Global Stable ROM if you haven't already and lock your bootloader. From then on all will be good.
Mr_Bartek said:
Don't listen to the guy above. Flash Global Stable ROM if you haven't already and lock your bootloader. From then on all will be good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...
I said pretty much exactly the same thing as you?
It won't matter whether he uses Dev or Stable if his bootloader is left unlocked. He needs both Global Stable and a locked bootloader.
Mr_Bartek said:
It won't matter whether he uses Dev or Stable if his bootloader is left unlocked. He needs both Global Stable and a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I lock my bootloader?? I've already unlocked my phone
brian0306 said:
How do I lock my bootloader?? I've already unlocked my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U don't need to lock the bootloader to get it to work, I'm on the global ROM with unlocked bootloader - safety net passes.
It also passes on Xiaomi EU ROM with unlocked bootloader. Just flash one of those ROMs, install magisk, and set magisk to hide.
@brian0306, have a look here: https://youtu.be/6u3Pg1JOXkI
brian0306 said:
Hi everyone,
I've recently unlocked my Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 that came with the chinese rom so that I could install the global rom.
I've been using it for a while and when I opened a banking app, I get the following message:
Warning
It seems your device has had unauthorized modifications to its operating system. Using this device for your banking could compromise the security of your personal information.
I didn't think unlocking the phone would be this much of a risk. I don't understand too much about the technology behind this so I wanted to see if anyone could explain whats happening and if I should refund my phone.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am running Miui 9 global with unlocked bootloader and rooted with Magisk 14.3 and it passes safetynet and Android pay works just fine.
Guys, I know this is XDA but come on. Guy just wants a working phone without the hassle. He didn't ask for root or methods to bypass Safetynet with Magisk! Locking bootloader on an official Global Stable ROM is all he needs.
Mr_Bartek said:
Guys, I know this is XDA but come on. Guy just wants a working phone without the hassle. He didn't ask for root or methods to bypass Safetynet with Magisk! Locking bootloader on an official Global Stable ROM is all he needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You forgot to mention they also didn't ask for locking the bootloader either.
Do you really think someone who says this really cares about bypassing Safetynet?
I didn't think unlocking the phone would be this much of a risk. I don't understand too much about the technology behind this so I wanted to see if anyone could explain whats happening and if I should refund my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, don't quote the post you are replying to if it's right above yours. It's bad netiquette.
Mr_Bartek said:
Do you really think someone who says this really cares about bypassing Safetynet?
Also, don't quote the post you are replying to if it's right above yours. It's bad netiquette.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the poster can decide if they care or not, it's better to have more options than 1.
It's not bad etiquette, it ensures that my comment addresses the comment I want it to address.
Mackay53 said:
Only the poster can decide if they care or not, it's better to have more options than 1.
It's not bad etiquette, it ensures that my comment addresses the comment I want it to address.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1, installing magisk is definitely the easier fix. Won't need to wipe data or anything
@ssojyeti2, locking bootloader doesn't wipe data. Stop spreading misinformation. Also how is it easier if you have to flash (or at least boot TWRP) and then flash Magisk zip? To lock BL you need to run one command (fastboot oem lock) and you're done.
Mr_Bartek said:
@ssojyeti2, locking bootloader doesn't wipe data. Stop spreading misinformation. Also how is it easier if you have to flash (or at least boot TWRP) and then flash Magisk zip? To lock BL you need to run one command (fastboot oem lock) and you're done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How exactly is that spreading misinformation?
Ssojyeti2 just clearly said that flashing magisk doesn't wipe your data or anything. Nothing about locking bootloader...
Mr_Bartek said:
@ssojyeti2, locking bootloader doesn't wipe data. Stop spreading misinformation. Also how is it easier if you have to flash (or at least boot TWRP) and then flash Magisk zip? To lock BL you need to run one command (fastboot oem lock) and you're done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stop being so butthurt bro
Mr_Bartek said:
Guys, I know this is XDA but come on. Guy just wants a working phone without the hassle. He didn't ask for root or methods to bypass Safetynet with Magisk! Locking bootloader on an official Global Stable ROM is all he needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said. I just got my phone and it's on the Chinese rom. I'm not a rom/flash xda member and I'm leaving my phone on the Chinese rom and stock. Bloat removed or frozen already with a 1.5gb update pending for download tonight (a nice option miui gave me) and a smaller update installed as I switched on the phone. I intend to keep this phone for a few years and I'm not f*cking with anything.
Gapps installed and working perfectly, including contacs sync which was an issue at some point. I haven't tried nfc yet but everything works including irrelevant apps asking for nfc access (lol). Nah, I'll stick with the Chinese rom until there's a compelling reason to change it.

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)?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.

chinese rom with locked bootloader to global rom possible?

Hello all,
Yesterday I received a k20 pro from china with an unlocked bootloader.
I wanted to get rid of the spy/bloatware so i went and tried to install twrp to install another ROM, but for some reason TWRP flipped when i installed it (i think i forgot to turn off encryption) and just decided to stop working altogether. Recovery did not work anymore and so i was stuck in fastboot (bootlooping). After some stressfull googling i found out, the only way to get the phone working again is by flashing the (only) fastboot ROM, which was the chinese variant.
I was so stressed out, i forgot to change the flash option in xiaomi flash tool to "clean all" instead of "clean all and lock"(which is the default, fu Xiaomi).
So now my phone has a chinese ROM and the bootloader is locked.
So my question is:
Once i get the bootloader unlocked again (which will take 1 week hopefully), will i be able to install the global ROM (once it is released) or a better, a non-spying ROM?
Also, i tried debloating the chinese rom, but everytime i apparently debloat too much and the phone just stops working and i need to do a reset.
Does anyone have a proper list of xiaomi applications that are safe to remove (trough adb)? the ones i found remove too much.
Thanks in advance.
Yes, once you unlock your bootloader again, you can flash indian global firmware, which has less bloats, google apps and services included, and poco launcher.
For debloating cn rom, there is a tool here, I'll find and link.
May use this for debloating- https://github.com/Saki-EU/XiaomiADBFastbootTools
kibria.mgk said:
May use this for debloating- https://github.com/Saki-EU/XiaomiADBFastbootTools
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, this is the program that i've been using for removing the xiaomi apps, however when some of the listed apps are removed the phone won't be able to restart anymore and i have to do a reset.
For now, i manually removed all the removable spyware by hand and installed blokkada to deny communication to xiaomi servers. I don't dare to remove a lot of system apps trough adb anymore since i had to reset my phone 5 times already... i just want to use it now...
Just endure the pain until bootloader is unlocked again then move over to the Indian rom, its much more tolerable.
Angelina7 said:
Just endure the pain until bootloader is unlocked again then move over to the Indian rom, its much more tolerable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there no mi 9t pro rom yet ?
dev-DaT said:
Hi, this is the program that i've been using for removing the xiaomi apps, however when some of the listed apps are removed the phone won't be able to restart anymore and i have to do a reset.
For now, i manually removed all the removable spyware by hand and installed blokkada to deny communication to xiaomi servers. I don't dare to remove a lot of system apps trough adb anymore since i had to reset my phone 5 times already... i just want to use it now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the safest option. Whilst waiting for bootloader unlocking I just uninstalled anything that could be and disabled anything else that could be disabled. There were still many things I wanted to remove that could not be uninstalled or disabled, but decided I could live with them for a week.
After your week is up, you've got many options. If you like MIUI but not the bloat and spyware, then there are MIUI custom ROMs that remove the junk, xiaomi.eu ROMs being one of the biggest. Otherwise there are AOSP based custom ROMs that are stable enough to use.
Aimara said:
there no mi 9t pro rom yet ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No not yet, we are all waiting for it, it should be released soon.
Robbo.5000 said:
This is the safest option. Whilst waiting for bootloader unlocking I just uninstalled anything that could be and disabled anything else that could be disabled. There were still many things I wanted to remove that could not be uninstalled or disabled, but decided I could live with them for a week.
After your week is up, you've got many options. If you like MIUI but not the bloat and spyware, then there are MIUI custom ROMs that remove the junk, xiaomi.eu ROMs being one of the biggest. Otherwise there are AOSP based custom ROMs that are stable enough to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i guess ill have to endure being tracked 24/7 for a week ... thanks for all your responses. I am happy to know i can just go back to custom rom after the bootloader is unlocked.
I just hope i don't **** it up like last time.
How long it is currently to wait for bootloader unlock approval?
dpdp73 said:
How long it is currently to wait for bootloader unlock approval?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
7 days for me
Hello, I have a cruel doubt. I was really wondering if after I unlock the bootloader (I have a Chinese rom) doing Global installation I can lock the bootloader? Because you have this possibility and I believe we received normally correct updates, can anyone help me?
phkopp said:
Hello, I have a cruel doubt. I was really wondering if after I unlock the bootloader (I have a Chinese rom) doing Global installation I can lock the bootloader? Because you have this possibility and I believe we received normally correct updates, can anyone help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO.
If you try and lock the bootloader with anything that is not the original region you will hard brick the phone.
If you have a Chinese phone, then you can only lock the bootloader when installing an official Chinese ROM.
I think only the account used to unlock the blootloader can relock and re-reunlock it.
If you lock the phone, you won't be able to unlock it again with another account.
It is just a safety mechanism from xiaomi.
ntmalol said:
I think only the account used to unlock the blootloader can relock and re-reunlock it.
If you lock the phone, you won't be able to unlock it again with another account.
It is just a safety mechanism from xiaomi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need an account to lock the bootloader.
Provided that there is not a Mi account linked to a phone, then anyone who has the phone in their possession can unlock it.
When people have bought a phone already unlock, then accidentally locked it, they have been able to unlock it themselves if the seller has already unlinked the phone from the sellers Mi account
Robbo.5000 said:
You don't need an account to lock the bootloader.
Provided that there is not a Mi account linked to a phone, then anyone who has the phone in their possession can unlock it.
When people have bought a phone already unlock, then accidentally locked it, they have been able to unlock it themselves if the seller has already unlinked the phone from the sellers Mi account
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically it is possible, if one gets a k20 pro flashed with global rom, that if the seller forgets to remove his account from the phone, you're stuck using ONLY other roms? In other words, in order to relock the bootloader and install official chinese rom, you need to contact the seller and ask him to go on his mi account to remove your phone?
android2819 said:
So basically it is possible, if one gets a k20 pro flashed with global rom, that if the seller forgets to remove his account from the phone, you're stuck using ONLY other roms? In other words, in order to relock the bootloader and install official chinese rom, you need to contact the seller and ask him to go on his mi account to remove your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there has been a few cases on these forums where this had happened.
However, you can still use official MIUI ROMs, you can still flash the Chinese ROM and lock the bootloader. The problem then is that you cannot unlock the bootloader again if the phone it's still linked to another account.
If you buy a Chinese phone with a global ROM, why would you then want to flash a Chinese ROM and lock the bootloader? You would be better off just buying the phone still with the Chinese ROM and locked, if that's what you wanted.
People have had problems because they've been flashing an official ROM with the Mi Flash Tool and accidentally left the flash option to flash and lock. When flashing with the Mi Flash Tool you just need to remember to change the default flash option every time you use it.
If you never relock the bootloader, then you will never have this problem and can still use official MIUI.
Robbo.5000 said:
NO.
If you try and lock the bootloader with anything that is not the original region you will hard brick the phone.
If you have a Chinese phone, then you can only lock the bootloader when installing an official Chinese ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks for clearing up my doubts.
---------- Post added at 02:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:58 PM ----------
I actually have another one. Can I install bootloader-unlocked update pscotes in the global rom on k20 pro without losing files, or everytime I have to install full rom?
phkopp said:
...
I actually have another one. Can I install bootloader-unlocked update pscotes in the global rom on k20 pro without losing files, or everytime I have to install full rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what you're asking. I'm guessing pscotes is a typing error.
Packages*

[Question] re-lock boot loader

Mi 9t Pro global Rom Miui 10, android 9.
will flash K20 Pro india ROM miui 11, Android 10 fastboot.
why all recommend keeping bootloader unlocked?
i don't want the hassle of banking apps and use Magisk. so what's the problem here of re-lock bootloader after flashing the new ROM?
technical details are most welcome.
Locking bootloader with a different ROM region installed will brick your device. Unbricking will require further wait for bootloader unlock time or you'll need EDL method which I'm not very aware of how it's done.
Sent from my Redmi K20 Pro using Tapatalk
ishaqtkr said:
Locking bootloader with a different ROM region installed will brick your device. Unbricking will require further wait for bootloader unlock time or you'll need EDL method which I'm not very aware of how it's done.
Sent from my Redmi K20 Pro using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why locking bootloader with another region rom installed will brick my phone?
and what you mean by brick that it'll never boot?
i got below reply from reddit, what do you think about it??
You are flashing a different version of MIUI. It's not what a lot of people call a ROM (although you are technically correct) . It's not like if you flashed a third party ROM like Lineage or xiaomi.eu... You can relock the bootloader if you have an original xiaomi system and recovery and did not modify your bootloader through a rooting tool (such as having Magisk installed as they get installed and run through a procedure called k-exec that patches the bootloader instead of the system so the hack is unknown to the OS).
Bootloaders are locked to prevent tampering with such exploits. Magisk is not malware but malware and spying tools can be implemented in the same way.
When the bootloader is locked only a ROM and a recovery made by the company that makes the phone can run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NaAZoOR said:
why locking bootloader with another region rom installed will brick my phone?
and what you mean by brick that it'll never boot?
i got below reply from reddit, what do you think about it??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure about that now. But it bricks because that's how Xiaomi have put. I may be wrong but if many people are saying the same then there should be a reason.
Sent from my Redmi K20 Pro using Tapatalk
With official ROM either Global MI, Global EEA or China, with Xiaomi MI Flahs tool you can block the bootloader without any problem.
If you do not usually change the rom, or to custom rom or recoverys custom, it is advisable to block it since you cannot download netflix from the play store and some bank applications mark errors. Otherwise you can unlock the bootloader.
The most important thing about keeping it unlocked is that you lose the equipment warranty.
And the benefit of having it unlocked is that you can change from rom or custom rom, and you don't have to wait for xiaomi time to unlock it again; but lose the warranty.
But you open custom possibilities.
thank you guys, but i really need to know what is exactly meant by hard brick?
is it not to boot again or what??
alanrochasmx said:
With official ROM either Global MI, Global EEA or China, with Xiaomi MI Flahs tool you can block the bootloader without any problem.
If you do not usually change the rom, or to custom rom or recoverys custom, it is advisable to block it since you cannot download netflix from the play store and some bank applications mark errors. Otherwise you can unlock the bootloader.
The most important thing about keeping it unlocked is that you lose the equipment warranty.
And the benefit of having it unlocked is that you can change from rom or custom rom, and you don't have to wait for xiaomi time to unlock it again; but lose the warranty.
But you open custom possibilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it will be india rom, is it safe to re lock with mi flash after flashing this rom??
also what is hard brick & why everyone keep telling mobile will be hard brick if i re lock bootloader after flashing (any) rom rather than the global rom it came with?
PHP:
NaAZoOR said:
it will be india rom, is it safe to re lock with mi flash after flashing this rom?? YES!!! As long as it is the rom for your model and it is official and you have not modified anything of the rom or the recovery
also what is hard brick & why everyone keep telling mobile will be hard brick if i re lock bootloader after flashing (any) rom rather than the global rom it came with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the Rom India I have not tried but if I have tried from Rom China to Global MI and vs, Global EEA to Global MI and vs. all oficial´s.
alanrochasmx said:
With official ROM either Global MI, Global EEA or China, with Xiaomi MI Flahs tool you can block the bootloader without any problem.
If you do not usually change the rom, or to custom rom or recoverys custom, it is advisable to block it since you cannot download netflix from the play store and some bank applications mark errors. Otherwise you can unlock the bootloader.
The most important thing about keeping it unlocked is that you lose the equipment warranty.
And the benefit of having it unlocked is that you can change from rom or custom rom, and you don't have to wait for xiaomi time to unlock it again; but lose the warranty.
But you open custom possibilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hy!Are you sure that if I own an Chinese variant of k20 pro and if I relockmy bl I won´t brick my device by relocking it?I just unlocked it today and I plan to instal the EU rom and relock my bl.
Just to make it clear...
Chinese K20 Pro needs to have Stock Chinese rom if you want to relock the phone! Without Mods or anything. Just clean Chinese firmware!
The same for indian variant. Only indian firmware without mods.
Also for Mi 9T Pro! Stock rom without mods!
Even TWRP isn't allowed If you wanna relock the bootloader!
If you cross flash roms and relock the bootloader you will brick your device! Your phone won't boot! You will need to open the backcover and boot it into EDL mode and blablabla. There is a thread about that.
Can be found HERE!

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