Unlocking the Xiaomi bootloader is a must for those who want to install custom firmware, obtain root rights or flash the device through Fastboot. The company strictly controls this process, requiring official permission through the Mi Unlock service. Without it, any attempts to modify the software will lead to an error This device is locked and a potential "brick" of the smartphone.
In 2026, the rules for unlocking have been tightened: new models (for example, Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+) require a 30-day binding of a Mi Account to a device, and for some regions, additional checks have been introduced. In this article, we will discuss current ways to obtain permission, from official to workarounds for experienced users, and also explain how to avoid blocking an account for suspicious activity.
Why Xiaomi is blocking firmware and what unlocking gives
Xiaomi is restricting access to the bootloader for three key reasons:
- 🔒 Data security: Closed bootloader protects the device from malware that could replace system files.
- 📱 Stability: Custom firmware often contains bugs that lead to overheating, battery discharge, or camera failures.
- 📉 Ecosystem Control: Xiaomi is promoting its own services (Mi Cloud, Mi Pay) that may not work on third-party firmware.
Unlocking the loader opens up opportunities:
- 🔄 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, MIUI EU).
- 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk for deep system customization.
- 📲 Firmware through Fastboot or EDL (emergency mode) at “brick".
- 🔧 Removing embedded applications (bloatware) and optimizing performance.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps, and it voids Xiaomi’s warranty if the device was purchased less than 12 months ago.
It is important to understand that after unlocking some functions may not work correctly:
- 📸 Widevine L1 (viewable Netflix/Disney+ into HD) downsize L3.
- 📶 Lanes may be missing 5G or VoLTE on unofficial firmware.
- 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge due to unoptimized core.
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
It is the only legal method approved by Xiaomi and is suitable for most models released after 2017 (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T) and takes between 7 and 30 days depending on the region’s policies.
Requirements for official unlocking:
- 📱 Xiaomi device with version MIUI no older than 2 years (e.g. Redmi 9 may require a bypass in 2026).
- 🔑 Mi Accounts tied to your device for at least 7 days (30 days for new models).
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (MacOS is not officially supported).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (required for stable connection in Fastboot mode).
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI 7 times.
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in the Developer Menu.
- Link your Mi Account to your device: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sync.
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool (2026 version) and install the Mi USB drivers.
- Reboot your phone to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
- Connect the device to your PC and start Mi Unlock. Sign in with the same account you have on your phone.
- Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10-15 minutes).
Link Mi Account to your device | Enable debugging on USB| Download Mi Unlock Tool| Install drivers | Transfer your phone to Fastboot-->
If the tool gives you an error, Cann't unlock or Current account is different from the account info on the device, check:
- 🔗 My phone and Mi Unlock account match up.
- 🕒 Enough time has passed since the binding (at least 7 days for old models, 30 days for new ones).
- 🌍 The region of the account corresponds to the region of the device (for example, Mi Account from Russia is not suitable for the global version of Redmi Note 12).
⚠️ Note: After successful unlocking, Xiaomi may temporarily block your account if it notices suspicious activity (such as frequent attempts to unlock different devices), in which case you will have to wait 72 hours or contact support.
Unofficial Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)
If the official method doesn’t work (for example, for devices with MIUI China or older models like the Redmi 4X), you can try workarounds. They are risky and can lead to a “brick” (complete inoperability) of the device.
Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
Suitable for Qualcomm processor devices (e.g., POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 11) requires:
- 💻 PC with installed QDLoader drivers HS-USB.
- 🔧 Mi Flash Pro or QFil.
- 📄 Programr file for your model (can be found on the forums) XDA Developers or 4PDA).
Algorithm:
- Transfer the phone to EDL (closing contacts on the board or through the adb reboot edl command).
- Connect to a PC – the device should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- In Mi Flash Pro, select the programmer file and press Flash.
What happens if you don’t make the right EDL?
Method 2: Waiting bypass 7/30 days
To speed up the process, some users use:
- 🔄 Resetting time on the device (not always working on newer versions) MIUI).
- 📡 Substituting the region of the account through VPN (For example, registering an account in India reduces the wait to 3 days).
- 🛠️ Patched versions of Mi Unlock Tool (risk of account blocking!).
For example, forums often offer “buy unlock” for 500-1500 rubles. This is a scam – Xiaomi does not sell permissions to unlock, and such “services” usually boil down to the use of stolen accounts or vulnerabilities that the company quickly closes.
Waiting times and regional features
The waiting time for resolution depends on the device model, region and version of MIUI. Below is the current table for 2026:
| Region of the account | Models 2020-2022. | Models 2023-2026. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia/CIS | 7 days | 30 days | For the Redmi Note 12 and newer |
| Europe (Global) | 7 days | 14 days | Exclusion: Xiaomi 14 – 30 days |
| India | 3 days | 7 days | Local phone number required |
| China | 14 days | 60 days | Only for devices with MIUI China |
Important: if you change your account region after you start waiting, the counter will zero, for example, if you started the process with a Russian account (30 days), and then changed the region to an Indian one, you will have to wait another 7 days from the change.
How to check the remaining waiting time:
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
- Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
- The following message appears at the bottom of the window: Waiting time: X days Y hours.
💡
If you're in a hurry, you can pair the device with another account (like a relative) and start waiting on it, and when one of the accounts expires, use it to unlock it.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even when following the instructions, users encounter errors.
| Error code | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock 50% | 7/30 days of waiting have passed. | Wait for the specified time or change the region of the account |
| Current account is different | The account on the phone and Mi Unlock are not the same | Reconnect your account and reboot your device |
| Device is not supported | The device is too old or not supported by the tool | Use EDL or patched versions of Mi Unlock |
| Network error | Problems with connecting to Xiaomi servers | Use a VPN (region – India) or try again later |
If the Mi Unlock Tool is 99% or 50% cold, try:
- 🔌 Change. USB-cable (better to use the original from Xiaomi).
- 🖥️ Launch the tool on behalf of the administrator.
- 🔄 Reinstall Mi drivers USB manually through Device Manager.
- 📡 Disable the antivirus (it can block the connection to Xiaomi servers).
⚠️ Warning: If the phone stops turning on after unlocking (black screen, flashes) LED), Don't try to flash it yourself through Fastboot. 80% of the time, it leads to a full "brick." Contact the service center to request that you flash the device through the Fastboot. EDL.
What to do after successful unblocking
When the bootloader is unlocked, the Orange State alert will appear on the screen when it is turned on. This is normal and does not affect the operation of the device.
1.Install custom recovery (TWRP):
- Download TWRP for your model from twrp.me.
- Fastboot command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
2. Swipe custom firmware:
- Popular firmware: LineageOS (pure Android), Pixel Experience (interface like Google Pixel), MIUI EU (optimized version of MIUI without advertising).
- Switch only through TWRP or Fastboot, avoiding tools like Mi Flash (they can lock the bootloader again).
3. Obtain root rights:
- Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub.
- Sweep Magisk.zip through TWRP or patch boot.img manually.
💡
Once root permissions are obtained, disable automatic MIUI updates via Settings → About Phone → System Update. Update "over the air" can cause root loss and the need to re-unblock.
Risks and how to minimize them
Unlocking the bootloader and firmware carry several key risks:
- 🔋 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi refuses repairs if it detects unlocked bootloader.
- 📵 "Brick: Wrong firmware can make your phone inoperable.
- 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: Castom firmware often contains backdoors.
- 📱 Unstable operation: Bugs with camera, network or battery.
How to reduce the risks:
- 📌 Only use the verified scoring XDA Developers or 4PDA.
- 🔋 Before the firmware charge the phone to 80%.
- 💾 Make a backup through TWRP (Boot, Data sections, EFS).
- 🔍 Check it out. MD5-hashes.
If you are not sure about your skills, contact proven masters. The cost of unlocking and firmware in service centers starts from 1000 rubles (for popular models like Redmi Note 11) and reaches 3000 rubles for flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra).