How to flash Xiaomi phone with a locked bootloader: all working ways

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and whether it is possible to bypass it

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a standard security measure that the company has implemented since 2016, officially designed to protect users from installing uncertified software, viruses and data theft. However, for enthusiasts who want to install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or obtain root rights, this becomes a serious obstacle.

In 2026, Xiaomi tightened the policy: now even unlocking through the official Mi Unlock Tool requires a binding Mi Account to the device and waiting up to 720 hours (30 days) for new models. But there are also workarounds, from legal (through waiting) to semi-official (using vulnerabilities in older versions of software). POCO with a locked bootloader, including the risks and nuances of each method.

It is important to understand: any manipulation with the bootloader can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the device, cancellation of the warranty or blocking the Mi Account. If your goal is simply to update the firmware, first check for official updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

The safest (but longest) way is to use the official Mi Unlock Tool, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models released after 2016, and consists of three steps: account binding, waiting, and unlocking.

Algorithm of action:

• 🔹 Step 1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Sync and make sure the device is tethered. Without that, the Mi Unlock Tool won't work.
• 🔹 Step 3. Download Mi Unlock Tool: official utility available on Xiaomi website (registration required). Use the latest version to avoid errors.

After connecting to a PC, the utility will show a waiting timer. For new models (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5), it is 720 hours (30 days), for old ones (until 2021) - from 72 to 168 hours.

• 🔄 Changing your Mi Account on your phone.
• 🔄 Hard reset (Wipe Data in Recovery).
• 🔄 Updates to the firmware through Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie your Mi Account. Otherwise, unlocking will not be possible without his data.

Linking your Mi Account to your phone|Enable debugging on USB unlock OEM|Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool|Connect your phone to Fastboot mode|Check the waiting timer in the utility-->

Informal methods: bypassing the wait for unlocking

If you can't wait 30 days, there are alternative ways to unlock the bootloader, based on vulnerabilities in older versions of MIUI or using third-party tools, and the risks are higher, from locking an account to hard-brick.

The most common methods in 2026:

• 🛠️ Downgrade + EDL: rollback MIUI (for example, MIUI 12.5 for Redmi Note 10), then unlock through mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode (ED) with Mi Flash Pro or QFil.
• 🔓 Mi Unlock patches: modified versions of the utility (e.g. Mi Unlock Tool Bypass) that bypass the timer check. ADB-access.
• 📱 Exploitation through Recovery: for some devices (e.g, POCO X3) There are scripts that allow you to unlock the bootloader directly from TWRP, But it requires pre-installing a custom recavery.

Example of a Fastboot rollback command (requires an unlocked bootloader on older models):

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Methods using EDL require an authorized Xiaomi account (e.g. for service centers) and the illegal use of such accounts may result in the blocking of the account. IMEI device.

Unlocking Firmware: What Can Be Done With a Locked bootloader

If unlocking is impossible or too risky, there are legal ways to update the firmware without interfering with the bootloader, and they won't give you root or custom software, but they will allow you to:

• 🔄 Install official updates via About Phone → Updating the system.
• 📦 Swipe your device through the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode (official images only) MIUI).
• 🧹 Remove some embedded applications (bloatware) without root ADB:

Example of commands to remove system applications via ADB:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics

For the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the official MIUI image for your model from Xiaomi’s website (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Select the firmware folder and press Refresh, then Flash.

⚠️ Note: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool with a blocked bootloader is only possible on official images MIUI. Attempting to install custom firmware will lead to an anti-rollback error or a blink.

💡

Before you run through the Mi Flash Tool, check the anti-rollback version in the file. flash_all_lock.bat. If your current firmware is newer than in the image, the device will lock!

Risks and how to minimize them

Any interference with Xiaomi’s bootloader or firmware carries risks, and here are the most common problems and ways to avoid them:

To reduce the likelihood of errors:

• 🔋 Use the original. USB-cable USB 2.0 (on the back of the PC).
• 💾 Backup important data (photos, contacts) via Mi Cloud or ADB backup.
• 🔍 Check firmware compatibility with your model on forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.

If the phone is still turned on:

• 🔄 Try going to Fastboot (Loudness Down). + Meals) and to sew the official image.
• 🔧 Contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase (if the warranty is valid).
• 🛠️ For recovery. IMEI You may need a programmer (UFI Box, EasyJTAG).

💡

Even if the firmware is successful, watch the phone for the first 2-3 days: check the network, camera, sensors. Some errors (for example, with modem) do not appear immediately.

Firmware alternatives: what to do if unlocking is impossible

If you can’t unlock the bootloader, but you need to change the behavior of the phone, consider these options:

• 📱 Use of the ADB for fine-tuning: without root, you can disable advertising in MIUI, remove unnecessary apps or change animations. Example of commands to disable ads:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

• 🔄 Alternative Launcher: Nova Launcher or Lawnchair to Replace the Standard Interface MIUI, Flexibility without risk.
• 🛡️ Configure through hidden menus: many features MIUI For example, to enable USB-Debugging without unlocking enter in dial ##4636##.

For models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi 10A, POCO C40), there is a method of unlocking via the SP Flash Tool, but it requires:

• 🔹 Authorized MediaTek account (for new chips).
• 🔹 Backup of the preloader (its loss will lead to a brick).

If your goal is to speed up your phone, try:

• 🔹 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 🔹 Disable the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions