How to Authorize Xiaomi Account for Firmware: Unlocking the bootloader and Bypassing Restrictions

Xiaomi smartphone firmware is a process that requires not only technical skills, but also pre-authorization in the brand ecosystem. Without binding the Mi Account to the device, it is impossible to unlock the bootloader, which means that installing custom firmware, restoring through Fastboot or even an official update through the Mi Flash Tool will be blocked. The problem is complicated by the fact that Xiaomi tightened the authorization rules in 2023, adding mandatory binding. SIM-Maps and waiting time limits for unlocking.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to authorize an account for firmware, including the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, workarounds for devices with a locked bootloader, as well as error solving such as Couldn’t verify device or Account not bound to this device. We will pay special attention to the nuances for the Redmi Note 12 models, POCO F5 And Xiaomi 13, where the procedure is different from older devices, and if you're planning to stitch your phone for the first time, bookmark this instruction, and without it, the chance of blinking the device is up to 30%.

Why Xiaomi is blocking firmware without account authorization

Since 2017, Xiaomi has implemented a policy of forcing devices to be linked to a Mi Account before unlocking the bootloader, the official reason being to fight smartphone theft and protect user data.

🛡️ Custom firmware protection: Xiaomi is not interested in distributing unofficial builds (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that could disrupt services like Mi Cloud or HyperOS.
📱 Ecosystem Control: Account Linking allows the company to track the number of devices being streamed and block gray sales schemes (e.g., devices bought in China for resale in Europe).
🔄 Forced Updates: Without an unlocked bootloader, users are forced to install official updates, even if they contain ads or unnecessary services.

In practice, this means that without authorization, you will not be able to:

🔓 Unlock bootloader with Mi Unlock Tool.
📥 Install firmware via Fastboot or EDL (emergency).
🔄 Restore your device after a failure if it is not tied to your account in advance.

The only exceptions are devices released before 2016 (such as the Redmi Note 3 Pro or Mi 5), where unlocking is possible without tethering.

📊 What Xiaomi model are you using?

Redmi Note 12/Pro

POCO F5/X5

Xiaomi 13/13T

Redmi 10/9

Another model

Official method: authorization through Mi Unlock Tool

The only legal way to unlock a bootloader is to use the Mi Unlock Tool, which is a three-step process: create/link an account, wait for confirmation, and unlock it. Let's take a closer look at each step.

Step 1: Create and Verify a Mi Account

If you do not already have a Xiaomi account, register it on the official website account.xiaomi.com.

📧 Use a valid email (preferably Gmail or Outlook) – it will receive a confirmation email.
📱 Link a Chinese or international phone number.Unlocking is impossible without this (since 2023, Xiaomi has been requiring a new phone number to be used by the company). SMS-confirmation).
🔐 Enable two-factor authentication in your account settings – this is a prerequisite for unlocking new devices.

After registration, do not change the password and associated number for 72 hours – this can reset the unlock waiting timer.

Step 2: Linking your account to your device

Before unlocking, the account must be tied to the phone for at least 7 days (for new models - up to 30 days).

Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in.
Enable Data Synchronization and Backup.
Connect your device to the Internet via a mobile network (Wi-Fi may not work).
Settings menu → About the phone tap 7 times on the version MIUI, to activate the Developer Mode.
Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)

Created and confirmed Mi-account|The device is tied to the account ≥7 days|Debugging is on. USB|Unlocking activated OEM|The device is connected to the mobile Internet-->

Critical note: if the item Unblock OEM Inactive (in gray), which means:

🔄 The device is not tied to the account for long enough (check the date in Settings). → Xiaomi account).
📶 No connection to the mobile network (Wi-Fi is not considered).
🔒 The device is an anchor or an informal firmware (reset required).

Step 3: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

After waiting (7-30 days), you can start unlocking:

Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the version should match yours) MIUI).
Install ADB and Fastboot drivers (for example, via Mi PC Suite).
Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
Start the Mi Unlock Tool, log in and follow the instructions.

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots with the bootloader unlocked, and you can now flash it through Fastboot or TWRP.

What to do if the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't verify device" error?

This error occurs if: 1. The device is not tied to the account for a long time (at least 7 days for old models, 30 days for new ones). 2. Uses an informal version of the utility (download only from en.miui.com). 3. On the PC there is no administrator rights or the blocker (antivirus / firewall) interferes with work. Solution: check the date of the account, disable the antivirus and try again in 24 hours.

Alternative methods of authorization (if the official does not work)

Sometimes Mi Unlock Tool refuses to unlock the bootloader even after waiting, and the reasons can range from bugs in Xiaomi servers to region-specific restrictions, and workarounds help.

Method 1: Use the old version of the Mi Unlock Tool

Xiaomi regularly updates the utility with new restrictions. Older versions (e.g. 5.5.224.24 or 3.4.612.31) sometimes work where newer ones give up bugs.

🔗 Archives on 4PDA or XDA Developers (Search for themes by your device model).
💾 Local copies from verified users (for example, in telegram channels such as: @miui_updates).

Important: Before using the old version:

Turn off the Internet on your PC (so that the utility does not update automatically).
Run the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
Use the original. USB-cable (not cheap substitutes).

Method 2: Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Mode)

Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode allows you to stitch the device around the bootloader, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account with the right to use it. EDL. This method is suitable for “bricks” (not included phones) or devices with damaged firmware.

To unlock through EDL you will need:

🖥️ PC with Qualcomm drivers installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
📁 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for your model.
🔑 Authorized Mi-account with the right EDL (You can get it through service centers or paid services like DC-Unlocker).

Step-by-step:

Put the device in mode EDL: For work phones: enter in the terminal adb reboot edl For "bricks": close the testpoints on the board (see instructions for your model).

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Xiaomi without authorization can lead to a complete lock IMEI (This device will become a brick without recovery, and only use this method if you are confident in your actions or under the guidance of an experienced craftsman.

Method 3: Paid Unblocking Services

If you don't do it yourself, you can turn to paid services, and they offer:

🔓 Unlock the loader without waiting (from 1 day).
📡 Authorization of the account for EDL-firmware.
🛠️ Recovery IMEI post-failure.

Popular services:

Service	Cost (USD)	Time limit for implementation	Support for models
DC-Unlocker	10–25	1-3 days	All models on the Snapdragon/Mediatek
UnlockUnit	15–30	24-48 hours	Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO (except for the new flagships)
MiUnlock (Telegram)	5–15	12-24 hours	Most of the models 2018-2023.

Warning: Check service reviews before paying. Fraudsters often offer "unlock in 5 minutes" but disappear after payment.

Typical errors in authorization and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users will encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error 1: "Couldn't verify device. Please connect your device and try again"

Causes and solutions:

🔌 Unoriginal USB-cable: use a complete cable or a certified cable USB-C.
🖥️ No drivers: install Mi PC Suite or drivers ADB manually.
🔒 Device not tied to account: check the date of binding in Settings → Xiaomi account.
⏳ Xiaomi servers are overloaded: try in 12-24 hours.

Error 2: "Account is not bound to this device"

This error means that the account is not tied to the device or is not tied for long enough.

📅 Wait for the full 7 days (for new models – 30 days) from the first binding.
📶 Connect your device to the mobile Internet (Wi-Fi is not considered).
🔄 Reset your phone to factory settings and re-link your account.

Error 3: "Device is locked. Wait X hours"

If the Mi Unlock Tool shows a timer (e.g., Wait 168 hours), it means that:

🔙 You have tried to unlock the device and have not waited for the end of the timer.
📱 The device was reset or stitched after linking the account.

The solution is to wait. You can't speed it up, but you can:

Use a different device (if you have multiple Xiaomi phones).
Contact a paid service to bypass the timer (cost) ~10 USD).

⚠️ Warning: If you see a Wait 360 hours (15 days) or longer, it means that Xiaomi has suspected fraud (e.g., attempting to unlock through unofficial tools.

Error 4: "Mi Unlock Tool can't see the device"

The problem is usually with drivers or connection mode.

The device should be in Fastboot mode (a screen with a rabbit and the inscription Fastboot).
Windows Device Manager should display Android Bootloader Interface.
Turn off all others. USB-devices (mouse, keyboards, flash drives).
Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool is 99% frozen, don't turn off the device! wait 10-15 minutes - sometimes the process is completed with a delay.

How to Authorize an Account on HyperOS Devices

In 2026, Xiaomi began the transition from MIUI The process of authorizing an account for firmware on it has its own nuances:

⏳ Extended waiting time: for flagships (Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) — 60 days.

Step-by-step instructions for HyperOS:

Update your device to the latest version of HyperOS via Settings → Updating the system.
Log in to the Mi-account and enable synchronization.
Activate Developer Mode (Tap 7 times on HyperOS Version).
B Settings → Additionally. → For developers, include: Debugging by USB Unlocking OEM (Factory unlock (new item in HyperOS)

Mi Unlock Tool

6.5.408.24

Important: HyperOS item "Unlock" OEM" If you do, repeat steps 3-4 again.

Authorization for firmware through TWRP and custom recovery

If you are planning to install TWRP Or some custom firmware (like LineageOS), you still need to log in to Xiaomi:

🔓 Unlocking the bootloader must be done before installation TWRP. If you flash recovery to a locked bootloader, the phone will turn into a brick".
🔄 After unlocking, you can install TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
📁 For custom firmware ROM You will need to format the data partition (this will delete all data!).

Warning: Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) may block access to Mi Cloud and other Xiaomi services. If you care about these features, stay on the official firmware or use it. MIUI-based castoms (e.g., based on, MIUI EU).

💡

Installation TWRP lock-in = 100% Brick of the device. Always unlock the bootloader before the firmware recovery!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I unlock the bootloader without waiting 7/30 days?

Officially, no. Xiaomi has a tight grip on that deadline, but there are workarounds: using paid services (like DC-Unlocker) that can reduce the wait to 1-3 days. EDL (requires an authorized account with the right to EDL). Buying a device with an already unlocked bootloader (risky, you can run into scammers), ways like "resetting the timer through a change of region" or "using" VPN" not working since 2022.

What to do if you forget your Mi Account password and your phone is locked?

If the device is linked to an account but you don’t remember the password: Try to restore the password through the official website (you will need access to an email or phone number). If the recovery does not help, contact the Xiaomi service center with documents on the phone (check, warranty). HyperOS devices may require video identification (recording a selfie with a passport). ⚠️ Without access to the account, it is impossible to unlock the phone - even through EDL service-centre.

Can I use Xiaomi without logging in?

Technically yes, but with serious limitations: 📥 You can install official updates through Settings → Update the system (without unlocking the bootloader). 🔧 You can stitch the device through the Fastboot only with official firmware (for example, to recover from a crash). ❌ It is impossible to install custom firmware, TWRP If you want complete freedom of action (roots, custom, modifications), authorization is required.

How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on my Xiaomi?

There are two ways: Fastboot: Turn off the phone. Press Volume down. + Power to log into Fastboot. If you have Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is unlocked. If Locked is locked. ADB: adb reboot bootloader fastboot oem device-info Search for Device unlocked: true.

What happens if you interrupt the process of unlocking the bootloader?

The consequences depend on the stage: 🔄 If you interrupt during the account verification stage (the first 50%), the phone will simply restart, but the waiting timer will reset (you will have to wait again). ⚠️ If you interrupt during the unlock stage (after 50%), you risk a breeze (the device will not turn on), in which case only the firmware through the device will help. EDL (logged-in). 💡 Tip: Use a UPS (uninterruptible power source) or a full-charging laptop to avoid interruption due to a power outage.