What is a Bootloader?
Firstly, we need to understand what a bootloader is. This plays a key role on a smartphone in ensuring a secure startup process of the phone by taking the role of a gatekeeper. The bootloader verifies the integrity of the OS and blocks any unauthorised modifications. Though unlocking the bootloader opens up a world of customisations and custom ROMs, there is a potential risk as well. This is the main reason why Xiaomi wants to place a restriction.
On the flip side, Google and OnePlus don’t put any such restrictions to keep the bootloader locked.
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Xiaomi to disable bootloader unlocking on HyperOS
- According to an Android Authority report, Xiaomi confirmed that bootloader unlocking will be disabled by default on HyperOS.
- The company says this move is to protect the device’s security, avoid data leakage and provide users with a more secure and stable user experience.
- Xiaomi mentions that users wanting to unlock the device’s bootloader will have to raise a permission request through the community forum.
- The option to unlock the bootloader won’t be available to everyone.
- Xiaomi is also introducing a new restriction, which permits users to unlock only three devices yearly. There could also be a time-limit for how long the bootloader will be unlocked.
- This restriction will be applicable initially in China but the company is toying with the idea of expanding this to other markets.
- As said, users will not receive HyperOS updates even if the device running on MIUI is unlocked. For the update to resume, customers need to lock the bootloader again.