Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones offer users huge customization potential, but the standard MIUI or HyperOS shell often restricts access to system files. That is why many enthusiasts tend to unlock the bootloader to gain full control of the device, install customized recaps or reflash the device to the global version. However, this process requires caution, since interfering with low-level settings can lead to the loss of warranty or turn the phone into a “brick” with inepticulous actions.
The unlocking procedure is not instantaneous and requires a number of preparatory steps that cannot be ignored.You will need a stable Internet connection, an original USB cable and a little patience, since Xiaomi has implemented a waiting timer. In this article, we will discuss in detail each step, from account binding to the final reset, to minimize risks and ensure a successful result.
Before you start, it is important to realize that unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible action in terms of data security and security. All files on your device will be irretrievably deleted during the reset process, so creating a full backup is a prerequisite. In addition, some banking applications and services with a high degree of protection may stop working or require additional manipulation to run on the unlocked device.
Preparation of the device and account Mi
The first and most critical step is to properly configure the smartphone itself before connecting to the computer.You need to log in to your Mi Account in the system settings, not just in the Security app or browser. Make sure that the SIM card to which the account is linked is installed on the phone and has active mobile Internet, as Wi-Fi in this particular step may not work for verification.
After authorization, you should activate the developer mode. To do this, go to the Settings menu. → On the phone and press quickly 7-10 once on the line “Version” MIUI» or "Version" OS», until you notice that you have become a developer, then in the menu that appears → For developers, you need to include the item “Debugging by USB».
⚠️ Note: After the debugging is enabled USB You'll see a pop-up warning of the risks, and you'll need to tick "Do Not Show Again" and confirm the action, or you'll block the next steps.
The next step is to link the device to the account through the developer menu. Find Mi Unlock Status and click on it. The system will require a network connection, then it will give a message that the account is successfully linked. Remember or record the binding time, since the 168 hours (7 days) wait time is counted from that second, not from the moment you submit your application on the site.
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Use the original cable USB and connect the phone directly to the computer motherboard port, avoiding USB-hubs and front panels of the case to avoid communication interruptions during critical moments.
Required software and drivers
To successfully reflash the bootloader, you will need specialized software on a Windows computer. The main tool is the Mi Unlock Tool, which should be downloaded exclusively from the official website miui.com/unlock. Using third-party versions or “modified” tools from the forums can lead to account lock or leakage of personal data.
In addition to the unlock utility, the correct ADB and Fastboot drivers are critical. Without them, the computer will not be able to recognize the phone in bootloader mode. It is recommended to install the Minimal ADB and Fastboot universal package or the official Xiaomi USB Driver drivers. After installing the drivers, restart the computer to make the changes take effect.
In some cases, if the phone is too new or, conversely, very old version of MIUI, the unlock utility may require updating the firmware to current before starting the procedure.
Application and waiting
Xiaomi has implemented a standby system to prevent massive unlocking of stolen devices and reduce the number of “bricked” phones due to the actions of inexperienced users. Once you have an account on your device, you need to apply through the official community or directly through the Mi Unlock app on your PC, if this feature is available in your region.
The standard waiting period is 7 days (168 hours), but during periods of high load or for new accounts, it can be increased to 15 or even 30 days. SIM-card, otherwise the timer will reset and you will have to start waiting again.
You can check the status of the application in the Mi Unlock application on your computer. Once you connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode, the utility will show how long it is left before unlocking. If the timer has expired, the Unlock button will become active.
The process of unlocking the loader
When the wait period has expired, you can go to direct unlock. Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode, holding the power and volume buttons on the switched-off device simultaneously. The screen should show a hare in headphones fixing an android and the inscription FASTBOOT in orange.
☑️ Ready to unlock
Connect your phone to your computer and start the Mi Unlock Tool. Press Unlock. A warning will appear that all data will be deleted. Agree to the terms, enter the verification code if necessary, and start the process. The progress bar will start filling up, and at some point the phone will automatically restart.
⚠️ Attention: During the process, when the progress bar reaches 99%, the phone may freeze on the Mi logo or reboot several times. This is normal behavior of the system when formatting data sections. Do not turn off the cable until the message "Unlocked successfully" appears).
Once successfully completed, the phone will reset to factory settings and begin initial setup as new.The boot screen will now display an open lock icon or the words "Unlocked" that confirms the successful change in bootloader status.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Unlocking the bootloader is just the first step. To install third-party firmware, kernel modifications or obtain superuser rights (Root), you need to replace the stock recap with a custom one, most often using TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). Before starting the procedure, download the current twrp.img image specifically for your device model.
Place the image file in the folder with the ADB tools. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode and connect to the PC. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and enter the command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf the serial number of the device is displayed in response, the connection is established. Now you can flash the Recovery. It is important to execute the command correctly so that you do not overwrite the other sections:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgOnce you have completed the command, you can’t just reboot the phone in the usual way, as the stock system can overwrite the TWRP back. You need to pinch the button combination (usually Volume Up + Power) and hold them until the MIUI logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume until the TWRP menu loads.
What happens if TWRP doesn’t start?
Possible problems and solutions
The flashing process can cause various errors that are displayed by Mi Unlock, one of the most common problems is the “Couldn’t verify device” error or the requirement to reconfirm your account, which often happens if you logged out of Mi Account on your phone during the waiting period or changed your password.
Another common problem is the hanging on 99%. If the process is more 10-15 In this case, you can try to reconnect the cable to another port without interrupting the process in the utility, or restart the unlock program.
| Error Code / Message | Probable cause | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't connect to Mi Server | Internet problems or server blocking | Use VPN, change DNS, check date and time on PC |
| Current account is different | On PC and on the phone different accounts | Sign in to the same Mi Account that is tied in Mi Unlock status |
| Unlock time expired | It has been too long since the application was submitted. | Repeat and wait again (rarely, but sometimes) |
| Error: 10006 / 10033 | Unstable connection or antivirus | Disable antivirus, use USB 2.0 port, change cable |
If the phone still stopped turning on and only the charging indicator or logo is on, don’t panic. Most likely, the device is in Recovery or Fastboot mode. Try downloading stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool program in Clean All mode, which will return the phone to factory state, but will retain the ability to unlock in the future (if the bootloader has already been unlocked).
⚠️ Note: Using the fastboot oem lock or fastboot flashing lock command on a device with custom firmware installed or a modified system partition is guaranteed to cause the phone to be completely inoperable (Hard Brick).