Develop Bugs

[Question] Partial bricked - Doesn't recognize SIM card, and IMEI

Hi,
I bought Xiaomi Mi 5s with Global Stable ROM 8.2.1.0, and today I entered the official MIUI website to see what's the latest version that is released, in here:
http://en.miui.com/download-314.html
For some reason at the same moment I thought that 8.0.3.0 is higher version than mine (I missed a zero), and I downloaded the ROM installation file to the phone, and installed it through the updater app.
After the install, the phone loaded and didn't recognize the SIM card anymore, also couldn't enter the Network settings, the phone app or the phone status, and from what I read on the internet it probably don't recognize my IMEI anymore...
It also doesn't let me install my previous version (8.2.1.0) because the updater says it's not verified.
I tried to flash again the same ROM that is installed now (8.0.3.0), but it didn't help.
Also tried to do factory reset but I can't because it doesn't recognize the device id...
Is there something I can do immediately to fix this without applying a request to Xiaomi to unlock the bootloader (which I really don't want to do), and also to be stuck without a phone again for a couple of days?

Updater says it's not verified when you install 8.2.1.0? Maybe you got a wrong phone version?

zew384 said:
Updater says it's not verified when you install 8.2.1.0? Maybe you got a wrong phone version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, it's the right one: http://en.miui.com/thread-567657-1-1.html
From what I read over the internet they canceled this update because it has issues, battery drain mostly, but nothing official that I saw.

I'm not sure,but according to a tutorial I found, which is about down grade from miui 8 to 7. You need to have a factory reset to have imei back
By the way, Mi 5s always comes with Chinese ROM, so maybe you have recovery installed already, where u can flash without verify.

forgivemypoorEN said:
I'm not sure,but according to a tutorial I found, which is about down grade from miui 8 to 7. You need to have a factory reset to have imei back
By the way, Mi 5s always comes with Chinese ROM, so maybe you have recovery installed already, where u can flash without verify.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I don't have recovery, probably when it arrives to the stores here they flash official ROM and remove custom recovery (just guessing).
I see I can't avoid unlocking the device, although I don't want to. In my case I down graded from 8.2.1.0 to 8.0.3.0, but I hope that a factory reset will also help after I'll unlock the device.

forgivemypoorEN said:
I'm not sure,but according to a tutorial I found, which is about down grade from miui 8 to 7. You need to have a factory reset to have imei back
By the way, Mi 5s always comes with Chinese ROM, so maybe you have recovery installed already, where u can flash without verify.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, bull****, mine came with Global rom, and in xiaomi phones after ~2016 there is like ~1% chance that they will came with recovery and unlocked bootloader
to op:
unlock bootloader (developer settings + miunlock tool) and then use miflash to reflash rom

ariel.levin said:
No I don't have recovery, probably when it arrives to the stores here they flash official ROM and remove custom recovery (just guessing).
I see I can't avoid unlocking the device, although I don't want to. In my case I down graded from 8.2.1.0 to 8.0.3.0, but I hope that a factory reset will also help after I'll unlock the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had exactly the same problem as you last month. All i can do is flashing my phone using deep flash cable. Factory reset does solve this problem, but in my case i cant. When hit reset on settings, i must input mi account password and it did nothing after that. I also cant unlock my phone because i forgot binding my device to mi account in developer settings when still in miui 8.2.1.0.

mezutelni said:
Wow, bull****, mine came with Global rom, and in xiaomi phones after ~2016 there is like ~1% chance that they will came with recovery and unlocked bootloader
to op:
unlock bootloader (developer settings + miunlock tool) and then use miflash to reflash rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I didn't know they are selling Mi 5s global versions. I thought Mi 5s was only sold in China. I did google it online and it was not sold elsewhere and there was no global rom then.

Update for people who will encounter this issue and will read this:
What solved it in my case, was to send Xiaomi a request to unlock the device, they returned an answer pretty fast (2 hours later), maybe because I wrote them what happened in the request. I unlocked the device using Mi Unlock tool, downloaded a fastboot version of the global ROM I wanted (8.0.3.0) from the official MIUI website, and flashed it using Mi Flash tool, choosing the option "clean all, flash and unlock". After the flashing succeeded, the IMEI was restored and everything is ok, and also the bootloader is locked again like nothing happened.
pretty much what "mezutelni" said to do

Change from Chinese rom to global rom.

Hi there I have the chance to get two of these good smartphones in China for a good price. The problem is that they have the Chinese rom on it and my parents need the italian language. Will it be possible to flash the global rom or just add the italian language?
Thanks.

barbonjoe said:
Hi there I have the chance to get two of these good smartphones in China for a good price. The problem is that they have the Chinese rom on it and my parents need the italian language. Will it be possible to flash the global rom or just add the italian language?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on my experience b4 unlocking 5A, the only way you can switch from China to Global is to flash it via test point. Unless you've unlocked the phone, you could flash it via fastboot. Is your 5A unlocked yet?

ezrawk said:
Based on my experience b4 unlocking 5A, the only way you can switch from China to Global is to flash it via test point. Unless you've unlocked the phone, you could flash it via fastboot. Is your 5A unlocked yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't bought them yet. So I just need to unlock it and flash the rom?

barbonjoe said:
I haven't bought them yet. So I just need to unlock it and flash the rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's all you need to do. After an unlock, you do have the option to relock your bootloader (which maybe you're already familiar with). The guide is on the miui forums. Good luck!

ezrawk said:
Yep, that's all you need to do. After an unlock, you do have the option to relock your bootloader (which maybe you're already familiar with). The guide is on the miui forums. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!

i did it using xiaomi tool, google it its easy and works.

jasonhelene said:
i did it using xiaomi tool, google it its easy and works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but with a locked bootloader, Xiaomi Tool still can't cross flash between China & Global.

Cinese to Global Redmi 5a. Yes you can
In phone settings >About phone>Miui version (click 7times) you will be a developer. back to settings>additionalSetting> developer option>
Turn_On_developer option
OEM UNLOCK_ON
USB DEBUGING_ON
You have to check here if your (Mi Unlock status)
if it shows your "device is locked" your phone is secured" check bellow there you have to add your Mi account. next turn phone OFF. volume down+power to start phone to FASTBOOT MODE. now login to PC. with same ACCOUNT, GO to miui unlock site download unlock app to pc login with miui account connect to Phone. click unlock. they will give you approx (360Hours)after 360 hours repeat procedure with pc. this time it will Unlocked. check mi status again in your phone. if its unlocked you can now download Miui Stable ROM from their site update your phone legally. i am new user here in xda so i am not allowed to share links here in xda.
,

Possible to flash China MIUI on top of fake global ROM?

Edit:
9.6.6.0 is the official global ROM, so thread is irrelevant
Hey guys,
I just bought my Max 3 today, and sadly, I received it with the fake ROM - 9.6.6.0 "Global" (OEDMIFD).
I began unlocking my bootloader, but it says I should wait 720 hours...
Right now I just want to flash the legitimate, Chinese MIUI, preferably without waiting a month with a buggy, fake, dangerous ROM.
Can anyone 100% confirm whether it's possible and safe to upgrade from the fake ROM to the official Chinese ROM, with a locked bootloader? (using the recovery/updater methods)
I'd like to upgrade to V9.6.11.0.OEDCNFD.
Right now, when trying to check my anti-rollback status, I get "GetVar Variable Not found".
Help would be very appreciated.

benq3000 said:
Hey guys,
I just bought my Max 3 today, and sadly, I received it with the fake ROM - 9.6.6.0 "Global" (OEDMIFD).
I began unlocking my bootloader, but it says I should wait 720 hours...
Right now I just want to flash the legitimate, Chinese MIUI, preferably without waiting a month with a buggy, fake, dangerous ROM.
Can anyone 100% confirm whether it's possible and safe to upgrade from the fake ROM to the official Chinese ROM, with a locked bootloader? (using the recovery/updater methods)
I'd like to upgrade to V9.6.11.0.OEDCNFD.
Right now, when trying to check my anti-rollback status, I get "GetVar Variable Not found".
Help would be very appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you can flash the China Rom in recovery mode, if you don't flash the TWRP first. And to flash the TWRP you need to unlock the bootloader. But since you received the phone with the fake ROM, I wonder you have the locked bootloader...have you checked the first 4 seconds when the phone boots on, if you have the words "UNLOCKED" mentioned on the screen just before the logo and the words " ANDROID"? You should be the first having the fake rom and the locked b.l....
Inviato dal mio Redmi Note 5 utilizzando Tapatalk

tuddu said:
I don't think you can flash the China Rom in recovery mode, if you don't flash the TWRP first. And to flash the TWRP you need to unlock the bootloader. But since you received the phone with the fake ROM, I wonder you have the locked bootloader...have you checked the first 4 seconds when the phone boots on, if you have the words "UNLOCKED" mentioned on the screen just before the logo and the words " ANDROID"? You should be the first having the fake rom and the locked b.l....
Inviato dal mio Redmi Note 5 utilizzando Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for responding!
If I recall correctly, the thing about MIUI ROMs is that they often can be flashed without TWRP, since they're MIUI. Some kind of internal Xiaomi thing that allows you to move between MIUI versions without unlocking your bootloader.
I, too, am very surprised. I suspect the store I bought from received the phones unlocked, and actually relocked them. I checked the moment I got the device, it says it's locked in the settings, in the bootloader and in MiFlash

I am getting my unit this week and I'm sure it's going to come with the fake global rom as well so this thread is pretty interesting.
Is there harm leaving the fake rom on there? I guess that's the part I dont understand yet.
I was kind of hoping to avoid the whole messing around with roms on the phone until that stuff becomes more solid.

Is Mi Unlock really needed to unlock bootloader?

I have searched for a very long time how to unlock the bootloader to this phone. What I came across was the proper way to unlock the bootloader, using Xiaomi's unlocking service. This way tends to take around a week to actually unlock your phone. I am far too impatient for this and have yet to find a better option to get my phone's bootloader unlocked. Is there any better way to do this?

yayimathrowaway said:
I have searched for a very long time how to unlock the bootloader to this phone. What I came across was the proper way to unlock the bootloader, using Xiaomi's unlocking service. This way tends to take around a week to actually unlock your phone. I am far too impatient for this and have yet to find a better option to get my phone's bootloader unlocked. Is there any better way to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you'll have to be patient.

For some reason, mine came unlocked. I bought it from the Xiaomi Ali express store.

I want to buy this phone but am wary because of my past experience with Huawei's locked bootloader, and their requirement to go through them to unlock; which they discontinued right after I bought the damn thing!
This required a payment (about $25 iirc) to a third party in order to get an unlock code.
Is this something I should be worried about with Xiaomi phones?

TiTiB said:
I want to buy this phone but am wary because of my past experience with Huawei's locked bootloader, and their requirement to go through them to unlock; which they discontinued right after I bought the damn thing!
This required a payment (about $25 iirc) to a third party in order to get an unlock code.
Is this something I should be worried about with Xiaomi phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This shouldn't be a concern for now. Xiaomi isn't planning to restrict unlocking the bootloader. Another thing you should consider is that Redmi note 8 pro gets easily bricked by flashing custom twrp, magisk, etc. but it's not easily recovered as it requires xiaomi authorised account.

zaqm said:
This shouldn't be a concern for now. Xiaomi isn't planning to restrict unlocking the bootloader. Another thing you should consider is that Redmi note 8 pro gets easily bricked by flashing custom twrp, magisk, etc. but it's not easily recovered as it requires xiaomi authorised account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that info! I'm thinking I'll go with my other phone choice, as I like to mess around with all that stuff, and custom ROMs.

Can someone explain how is it possible that after unlocking the phone and rooting,it still shows my phone is locked and secured?

ariber14 said:
Can someone explain how is it possible that after unlocking the phone and rooting,it still shows my phone is locked and secured?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are using the stock rom, right? This is a false alarm. If you can flash modules and edit system files you are rooted for sure.

zaqm said:
You are using the stock rom, right? This is a false alarm. If you can flash modules and edit system files you are rooted for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i'm on stock rom. And of course i'm rooted.

spikesmonster said:
For some reason, mine came unlocked. I bought it from the Xiaomi Ali express store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a serious red flag. Make sure you flash every possible firmware from the stocks here...
But if I were you, I'd return it and get it retail properly. Ali Express is notorious for vendors that put spyware and other ****e on their phones prior to shipping.
I got a proper Redmi Note 5 Plus (Vince) once, and retail was supposed to have a locked bootloader in the same fashion as this phone. On Redmi 5, however, there was an even cooler known problem where they would keep people's bootloaders locked, but flash malicious firmware using a testbed by taking the phones apart. So people would receive their Redmi 5's from Ali Express bugged and they would have to wait out those weeks to unlock it and flash clean images.
On an unrelated note, I did use an exploit on that MIUI version by creating two accounts, logging off, signing off, I don't remember. But I unlocked the bootloader the day I got my Vince. I'm not sure if this will work anymore. Not that I needed to. Again, I would never get a phone of Ali Express.

dimapoter said:
That's a serious red flag. Make sure you flash every possible firmware from the stocks here...
But if I were you, I'd return it and get it retail properly. Ali Express is notorious for vendors that put spyware and other ****e on their phones prior to shipping.
I got a proper Redmi Note 5 Plus (Vince) once, and retail was supposed to have a locked bootloader in the same fashion as this phone. On Redmi 5, however, there was an even cooler known problem where they would keep people's bootloaders locked, but flash malicious firmware using a testbed by taking the phones apart. So people would receive their Redmi 5's from Ali Express bugged and they would have to wait out those weeks to unlock it and flash clean images.
On an unrelated note, I did use an exploit on that MIUI version by creating two accounts, logging off, signing off, I don't remember. But I unlocked the bootloader the day I got my Vince. I'm not sure if this will work anymore. Not that I needed to. Again, I would never get a phone of Ali Express.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about spyware but they mainly unlock the bootloader on china variant to flash the global rom and sell it as a global variant. Later the user receives an update notification and installs the update and voala you get your device bricked.

zaqm said:
I don't know about spyware but they mainly unlock the bootloader on china variant to flash the global rom and sell it as a global variant. Later the user receives an update notification and installs the update and voala you get your device bricked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, once in a while they do it just for the sake of putting on a "better" ROM. Some of those Ali Express Note 5's reportedly came with even beta ROMs.
I'm saying just to exercise caution, is all. But a different ROM that would receive the wrong OTA sounds just as bad. I've never even thought about that scenario...

dimapoter said:
Yes, once in a while they do it just for the sake of putting on a "better" ROM. Some of those Ali Express Note 5's reportedly came with even beta ROMs.
I'm saying just to exercise caution, is all. But a different ROM that would receive the wrong OTA sounds just as bad. I've never even thought about that scenario...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fortunately, that has not been the case and I've been able to install several updates to the global rom since purchasing.

Question i heard something about bootloader un/relocking

is it true that relocking a unlocked bootloader erases everything, but you can re-unlock it ever again on xiaomi devices?

testask123 said:
is it true that relocking a unlocked bootloader erases everything, but you can re-unlock it ever again on xiaomi devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep i already tried it

khazzey said:
yep i already tried it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there's no tool to re-unlock it? its forever locked?

testask123 said:
there's no tool to re-unlock it? its forever locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use xiaomi flash tool, as it can also re-lock your bootloader.

Hi,
I am new Poco F3 owner,
I got the Amazon black Friday deal £50 off,
my variant has 8gb of rom & 256gb of ram, all this for £269.00p,
what an Amazing price and also comes with 2 years warranty here in the UK.
I have been a LG users for many years, using the (G2, G4, and for now a G7) .
I have installed many custom roms on these devices over the last 8 years.
Unlocking/locking there bootloader have been relatively straight forward.
I asking the same question that I am sure has been asked many times before,
once my 7 days are up and i have unlocked my bootloader and i then lock it again,
but then further down the line i decide to unlock it again,
do i have to wait another 7 pointless days.
I'm loving the new poco F3, apart from the firmware is a bit restrictive,
hence why I'm unlocking the bootloader.
What a great community the F3 has , long may it continue,
regards,
Johnr64

johnr64 said:
Hi,
I am new Poco F3 owner,
I got the Amazon black Friday deal £50 off,
my variant has 8gb of rom & 256gb of ram, all this for £269.00p,
what an Amazing price and also comes with 2 years warranty here in the UK.
I have been a LG users for many years, using the (G2, G4, and for now a G7) .
I have installed many custom roms on these devices over the last 8 years.
Unlocking/locking there bootloader have been relatively straight forward.
I asking the same question that I am sure has been asked many times before,
once my 7 days are up and i have unlocked my bootloader and i then lock it again,
but then further down the line i decide to unlock it again,
do i have to wait another 7 pointless days.
I'm loving the new poco F3, apart from the firmware is a bit restrictive,
hence why I'm unlocking the bootloader.
What a great community the F3 has , long may it continue,
regards,
Johnr64
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you only have to wait the first time.
This waiting time is not so pointless as it seems however. It is there to discourage a.o. the many traders flashing (often fake) 'global' roms on Chinese phones and selling them as genuine global models for extra profit. So in the end it's only for your protection, because flashing roms invalidates warranty.

so just to clarify there is no limit on unlocking and relocking this phone right?

testask123 said:
there's no tool to re-unlock it? its forever locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xiaomi unlock tool its infinite dont worry, but be extreme cautious when you are locking your bootloader make sure your are in your right stock rom and dont forget to unlock again when you are going to flash custom roms and recovery

To lock the bootloader you can simply use "fastboot oem lock" in fastboot mode. Note that doing so will (obviously) factory reset your phone.

user0u said:
To lock the bootloader you can simply use "fastboot oem lock" in fastboot mode. Note that doing so will (obviously) factory reset your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, another question:
in the event where i lose my phone an unlocked bootloader can bypass any password protection if they have the knowledge right?
is there any way to protect the phone from this?

testask123 said:
ok, another question:
in the event where i lose my phone an unlocked bootloader can bypass any password protection if they have the knowledge right?
is there any way to protect the phone from this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean screen lock, yes they can bypass it. But they cannot get into your banking apps or others which have their own passwords.
If you are really keen on it, just lock the bootloader.