Import a Xiaomi phone? There might be a problem.

For years Xiaomi has turned a blind eye to this, even though it expressly prohibits it for certain areas in the company’s terms and conditions. Now, however, reports are pouring in (via XDA-Developers) that the company changes position. Users in Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Sudan and the Crimea region report their phones being disabled remotely by Xiaomi, along with a message explaining why:

Xiaomi’s policy does not allow the sale or supply of the product in the territory in which you attempted to activate it. Please contact retailers directly for more information.

If you see this message, your imported Xiaomi phone is basically soft brick.