Have you received an SMS or an activation code email from Xiaomi Developer Account, but can’t find a field to enter it on account.xiaomi.com/dev? This problem is familiar to many users who try to unlock the bootloader on Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones. Xiaomi’s official documentation often keeps silent about the nuances of the process, and the interface for developers changes every 1-2 years, confusing even experienced users.
In this article, we will discuss the exact steps where to look for the field for the activation code in the 2026 You will also learn how the processes for new and old Mi Accounts differ, and what hidden restrictions Xiaomi imposes on unlocking the bootloader for users from different regions. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note. 12/13, POCO F5/X5 mi 14.
Why the activation code doesn’t come or work
Before you search for the code input field, make sure you have correctly requested the activation code.
- 📱 Unbound phone number to your Mi Account (required for new accounts).
- 🌍 Regional restrictions: Xiaomi blocks unlocking the bootloader for accounts from some countries (for example, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus).
- ⏳ Too frequent code request – the system can block the sending for 24-72 hours.
- 🔒 Uses VPN Proxy or code request (Xiaomi Detects is a suspicious activity).
If the code doesn’t arrive for more than 10 minutes, check the Spam folder in your email or try to request it again through another browser (e.g. Chrome in incognito mode). Also make sure your Mi Account isn’t blocked for violating the rules (e.g., for trying to unlock too many devices).
Where to enter the activation code on account.xiaomi.com/dev
The activation code field only appears after a few steps have been taken on the developer's website, and many users mistakenly search for it on the home page of account.xiaomi.com/dev, but the way is actually this:
- Log in on the site under your Mi Account (login + password).
- Go to Unlock Bootloader (or Unlock bootloader in Russian).
- Press the Unlock Now button (or Unlock Now).
- The system will request confirmation by SMS/Post – This is where the code field will appear.
If the field does not appear, check:
- 🔄 Update the page (F5 Ctrl+R) – sometimes the interface is not fully loaded.
- 🛡️ Disable ad blockers (like AdBlock) – they can block Xiaomi scripts.
- 🌐 Try another browser (Firefox, Edge) or clear the cache.
Authorize on account.xiaomi.com/dev|Go to the section "Unlock Bootloader"|Press "Unlock Now"|Check the spam folder in the mail|Shut down. VPN/proxy-->
Common Errors When Entering Code and How to Avoid Them
Even if you find a field for code, it can end up in error.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid verification code | The code is incorrect or expired (effective 5-10 minutes). | Request a new code and enter it immediately. |
| Account not bound to device | Your account is not tied to your phone through your Settings → Mi Account. | Link the account on the smartphone and try again. |
| Too many attempts | Too many attempts to enter code in a short period of time. | Wait 24 hours or use another account. |
| Region not supported | Xiaomi blocks the unlock for your region. | Change your account region to a supported one (e.g. India, Hong Kong). |
If you see a Couldn't verify your account error, it means that your Mi Account has not been verified.
- Go to Account Settings → Security.
- Confirm the phone number and email.
- Add a backup email (if not).
What if the code comes in but doesn’t fit?
How to change the account region to unlock the bootloader
Xiaomi is restricting the unlocking of the bootloader for accounts from some countries (including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus).If you see an error This account is not allowed to unlock, you will have to change the account region.
- Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
- In the Personal Info (or Personal Information) section, find the Country/Region field.
- Select a supported region, for example: 🇮🇳 India (India) 🇭🇰 Hong Kong (Hong Kong) 🇮🇩 Indonesia (Indonesia)
Save the changes and wait 24 hours – sometimes the region change is not handled immediately.
⚠️ Note: After changing region, you may need to re-link your phone number (if it was previously linked), and some Xiaomi services (such as Mi Cloud) may become temporarily unavailable until new data is confirmed.
💡
If you change region, you can use a passport to verify your identity, try using an account created through Google or Facebook, which sometimes bypasses additional checks.
What to do if the activation code does not arrive on email or SMS
If you requested a code but it doesn’t come, the problem may be:
- 📧 Mail filters: Check Spam, Promotions (in Gmail) or Unsolicited Mail (in Mail.ru).
- 📵 Blocking SMS: Some operators (e.g, Tele2, Iota is blocked SMS foreign-sender.
- 🕒 Delayed Delivery: Codes from Xiaomi can go up to 30 minutes (especially during peak hours).
- 🔕 Account Limitations: New Accounts (< 72 hours) may not receive codes.
If the code never came in,
- Try requesting it on another email (e.g. @gmail.com instead of @mail.ru).
- Use a different phone number (preferably not a Russian carrier).
- Clear the browser cache or try another browser (Firefox, Safari).
- If nothing works, create a new Mi Account with a different email and repeat the process.
💡
The activation codes from Xiaomi are limited to a limited time (usually 5-10 minutes). If you haven't entered the code, request a new one - the old one won't work anymore.
Alternative ways to unlock the bootloader without an activation code
If you can’t get an activation code, there are workarounds, but they require caution:
- Use of an old account (created before 2021): These accounts are sometimes unlocked without additional verification.
- A supportive appeal for Xiaomi: In rare cases, they can unlock the bootloader manually (good reasons are needed, such as repairing the device).
- Using informal tools (such as the Mi Unlock Tool Bypass), but it is risky – you can lock the device permanently.
⚠️ Note: Unofficial Unlocking Methods May Lead to:
- 🚫 Blocking your Mi Account without the ability to restore.
If you decide to use informal tools, back up all the data and be prepared for the device to require repair.