Xiaomi Announces Major Changes to Bootloader Rules

Xiaomi has updated its bootloader unlock policy, limiting users to unlocking just one device per year per account. This change, first reported by XiaomiTime, marks a significant shift from the previous limit of three devices annually per account.

Unlocking the bootloader is a crucial step for users looking to install custom ROMs, a practice that has been a cornerstone of Xiaomi’s strong community support. The update adds to the existing challenges, such as the mandatory seven-day waiting period before the unlock process can begin.

This new restriction is expected to affect developers and third-party ROM communities significantly. Xiaomi, along with its sub-brands Redmi and POCO, has traditionally been a favorite among developers for creating custom ROMs. However, the new policy could slow down development efforts and force developers to focus only on the most popular devices.

The custom ROM community has already faced setbacks in recent years, partly due to Google’s Play Integrity API, which complicates modifications. Additionally, many manufacturers, including Xiaomi, now offer more than four years of Android updates, reducing the necessity for custom ROMs.

For custom ROM fans and users dissatisfied with Xiaomi’s default software, the policy change is frustrating. Many see it as an indirect move against the custom ROM community. Enthusiasts are urging Xiaomi to roll back the policy and continue supporting the vibrant developer community.