Xiaomi

2025-02-19T11:29:45Z

2A00:1028:9192:788A:C5F3:1125:6D11:8ECE: Added a note about Xiaomi allowing only authorized repair centers to repair broken bootloader thru EDL/Download Mode

Xiaomi is a China-based manufacturer and designer of consumer electronics and software. As of 2021, it is the second largest phone manufacturer in the world.<ref>https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/xiaomi-overtakes-apple-as-the-worlds-number-two-smartphone-maker/</ref>
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Xiaomi
| Type = Public
| Founded = 2010
| Industry = Technology
| Official Website = https://www.mi.com/us/
| Logo = Xiaomi logo (2021-).png
}}

==Controversies==

===Kernel disclosure issues===
''Main Article: [[Xiaomi's disclosure of kernel sources]]''

Although Xiaomi's devices run on an operating system based on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux Linux] kernel, which is licensed under [https://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.en.html GPLv2], the company does not disclose all of their operating system source code on GitHub, as required by GPL terms.

===Unlocking restrictions===
''Main article: [[Xiaomi Phone unlock requirements and procedure]]''

Phones manufactured come with an unlockable bootloader, however the unlocking process is heavily restricted.

=== Certain repairs require an '''authorized service Mi Account'''. ===
For devices with a broken bootloader, recovery typically involves '''reflashing firmware''' through '''[[wikipedia:Qualcomm_EDL_mode|Emergency Download (EDL) mode]]''' (for Qualcomm-based devices) or '''Download Mode''' (for MediaTek-based devices). While '''Qualcomm''' and '''MediaTek''' provide software for these modes, they are only distributed internally to repair centers. However, '''open-source alternatives exist''' that can perform similar functions.

Despite this, '''Xiaomi has implemented additional restrictions''' by requiring '''online authentication''', which is exclusively provided to '''authorized repair centers'''. This prevents users from restoring their own devices in cases of severe software failure.<ref>https://www.xda-developers.com/xiaomi-edl-unbrick-authorized-mi-accounts/</ref>

===Electric vehicle conditional serialization===
Owners of the electric vehicle [[Xiaomi SU7]] report authentication errors after replacing parts such as headlights. Officials have said the Xiaomi SU7 can not complete over the air software updates unless upgradeable parts have Xiaomi approved identification keys.<ref>https://carnewschina.com/2024/08/08/xiaomi-su7-cannot-do-ota-due-to-changed-lights-and-owners-worry-about-flooding-their-frunk/</ref><ref>https://news.mydrivers.com/1/996/996066.htm</ref>

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Mobile phone manufacturers]]

Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Xiaomi