Xiaomi puts users through the ringer in bootloader unlock merry-go-round

Xiaomi smartphones are known to be one of the best options for those that value community development, with devices like the Redmi Note 4 having some of the most impressive custom ROM portfolios ever seen.  That has, of course, been due to Xiaomi having decent bootloader unlock support. The company hasn’t been nice to its enthusiast base of recent, though, as it’s randomly increased the lock time for unlocks to almost obnoxious extents.

A few years ago, Xiaomi devices could be unlocked nigh instantaneously, but the company changed its policy a while ago, because of third-party retailers who’d install vendor ROMs with malware on the devices. Till a few weeks ago, bootloader unlocks had a 360-hour wait time. Xiaomi randomly increased that window to, though—to a nigh-insulting two-month wait. That change led to media outcry by the enthusiast community, and the company has finally reduced the period to 720 hours—one month.

We can’t help but feel that the whole thing was premeditated. 

    • Increase the wait time from 360 to 1440 hours

    • Fans complain

    • Reduce it to 720 hours, so it feels like the company listens to its customer base

    • Fans forget that the wait period was actually doubled and are grudgingly thankful

    • Profit

So, yes, Xiaomi users will now have to wait an entire month before receiving their bootloader unlock codes. The Poco F1—marketed as an enthusiast-centric device—gets a much better treatment, with the unlock wait time currently standing at 3 days. Until Xiaomi decides to switch things up once more, that is.