“Bootloader is locked” on Xiaomi: how to go to recovery and flash your device

The message “Bootloader is locked. Switch to recovery to flash” on Xiaomi’s screen is one of the most common problems when trying to flash a device through Fastboot or EDL. This error means that the bootloader is locked, and the system does not allow you to install unofficial firmware or modified images. In 90% of cases, the solution requires a transition to Recovery Mode, but here users are waiting for new difficulties, from the absence of Install to requesting the Mi-account update password.

In this article, we’ll look at all the workable ways to bypass locks, from official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool to alternative firmware methods via TWRP or Mi Flash. Particular attention will be paid to the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and Mi 11/12/13, where the procedure is nuanced, and you’ll learn how to avoid being permanently tied to your Mi Account after unlocking – a problem that 30% of users face after a Fastboot reset.

Why is the error "Bootloader is locked"?

The bootloader is Xiaomi’s protection against unauthorized firmware changes, introduced in 2017 after a wave of complaints about “bricks” following inept firmware, and has now been activated on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices released since 2016.

The main reasons for the error:

• 🔧 Trying to flash the device through Fastboot without first unlocking.
• 📱 Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) on a locked bootloader.
• 🔄 Automatic reset to factory settings via Recovery if the bootloader was previously unlocked (the system requires re-authorization).
• 🛠️ Damage to system files after failed “over-the-air” update» (OTA).

It’s important to understand that unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. It’s an irreversible process, so make sure to back up before you start.

Method 1: Officially unlock through Mi Unlock Tool

The most reliable and recommended method for Xiaomi is the use of the Mi Unlock Tool utility, which works on all devices except the Xiaomi 13T/14 and some regional versions (for example, for India or China), the process takes from 3 to 7 days due to the mandatory confirmation waiting.

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: 📱 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud. 🔗 Turn on sync and confirm the phone number/email. 🔐 B Settings → Additionally. → For developers, activate OEM Unlocking (if there is no item, tap it) 7 once-over MIUI unlock the developer mode).

Download the Mi Unlock Tool

The official utility is available on Xiaomi's website (authentication required). Use version 6.5.224.24 or later - older versions may not support new models.

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode

1. Turn off the device.


2.Put the Loudness down + Food before the appearance of the bunny (Fastboot Mode).




3. Connect to the PC via the original USB- cable.

Launch unlock.

In Mi Unlock Tool, click Unlock. If you see a message called Couldn't unlock. Wait for 168 hours, wait until the deadline is 7 days.

Once successfully unlocked, the device will automatically restart. You can now flash it through Fastboot or install TWRP.

Link Mi Account to device |Enable OEM Unlocking| Download Mi Unlock Tool|Plug phone to Fastboot|Pending confirmation (up to 7 days)

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⚠️ Attention: If you are using POCO F5 or Redmi K60, Mi Unlock Tool may have this device is not supported, in which case try the utility version 7.5.813.26 or use an alternative method via the EDL (see method 3).

Method 2: Firmware through Recovery Mode (without unlocking bootloader)

If unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool is not available (for example, due to waiting 168 hours), you can try flashing the device through Recovery Mode. This method only works for official firmware in.zip format and is not suitable for custom ROM.

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware: Use the official website MIUI Downloads. Choose the Recovery version. ROM (Not Fastboot! for example, for the Redmi Note. 11 it's a file of view vili_global_images_V13.0.4.0.SGGMIXM_20221010.0000.00_12.0_global.zip.
2. Rename the file: Change the name to update.zip (without spaces!) and place it in the root of the internal memory or on the SD-map.
3. Go to Recovery Mode: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Press Volume Up + Power before the MI.3 logo appears. Select the language (if there is one).
4. Install firmware: From the Recovery menu, select Install update.zip to System One (or similar).

For self-use of EDL will require:

1. Download Mi Flash Tool (version 2020.3.14.0 or later).
2. Find Fastboot ROM for its model (for example, toco_global_images_V14.0.2.0.TKFMIXM_20230310.0000.00_12.0_global for POCO F3).
3. Transfer the phone to EDL: How to enter EDL For some models (for example, Redmi Note) 9 Pro) you can use the command: adb reboot edl If ADB Not working, try the button combination: Volume up + Loudness down + Food (hold on) 10-15 seconds).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode and run the firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Xiaomi models 12S Ultra, Mix Fold 2 and new POCO F5 The Mi Flash Tool requires authorization through the Mi Authorized Account. SLA Auth Error: The solution is to contact a service center or buy an authorized account (risky!).

Method 4: Install TWRP and custom firmware (after unlocking the bootloader)

If you need custom firmware (like LineageOS, ArrowOS or Pixel Experience), you’ll need to install TWRP Recovery after unlocking the bootloader. This is an alternative recovery with advanced features that allows you to flash informal ROMs.

Instructions for installing TWRP:

1. Download. TWRP For its model: Official builds available on twrp.me. For example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro is a file. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img.
2. Please. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img fastboot reboot recovery If after reboot stock recovery overwrites TWRP, The command is: fastboot flash recovery. twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. Install custom firmware: In TWRP, select Install → specify the path to the firmware file (e.g. lineage-20.0-20230510-nightly-sweet-signed.zip) → swipe for confirmation.

Once custom firmware is installed, you may need to flash Magisk to obtain root rights or Disabler to bypass SafetyNet (necessary for banking applications).

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Installing TWRP only erases data when you first start up, and you can then backup directly to recovery (Backup in TWRP).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common ones:

If the phone does not turn on after firmware or hung on the logo, try:

• 🔄 Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Flash All.
• 📱 Keep Volume Up + Nutrition 15-20 second-on-seconds.
• 🛠️ If nothing helps, then I will pass through EDL (see method 3).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions