Bootloader on Xiaomi: what it is, why to unlock and how to do it correctly

If you've ever tried to install custom firmware on a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably come across the term bootloader. It's not just technical jargon — the state of the bootloader determines whether you can modify your device's system or stay within the factory software. But what is a bootloader in practice? Why does Xiaomi block it by default, and what are the risks of unlocking it?

In this article, we will understand how the bootloader works on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, Why does the manufacturer impose such restrictions, and how to legally circumvent them without the risk of bricking the phone, you'll also learn which models support official unlocking and where you'll have to use workarounds. And most importantly, we will give you a step-by-step instruction taking into account the current requirements of Xiaomi in 2026, so that you do not step on common rakes.

What is a bootloader and how does it work for Xiaomi

In a nutshell, the bootloader is the first program that starts when you turn on your smartphone, and it's designed to check the integrity of the system and hand over control to the operating system (Android in Xiaomi's case), which is like the gatekeeper between hardware and software: it decides which software to download, and it can block unauthorized changes.

On Xiaomi devices, the default bootloader is locked, which means:

• 🔒 You will not be able to install custom recovery (for example, TWRP).
• 🔒 Unofficial versions are prohibited MIUI Android (for example, LineageOS).
• 🔒 You can’t get root rights through Magisk or SuperSU.
• 🔒 Even official firmware via fastboot is installed only after unlocking.

Why does Xiaomi do this? The official version is security. The blocked bootloader protects against:

• 🛡️ Malware installations at the system level.
• 🛡️ Data theft when the device is lost (the attacker will not be able to easily reset the password through recovery).
• 🛡️ "Phones "tricking" by inexperienced users.

However, many enthusiasts believe the real reason is control of the ecosystem. Xiaomi wants users to stay within the framework MIUI And it's got ads and services, but more on that later.

Why to unlock bootloader on Xiaomi: pros and cons

Unlocking the bootloader opens up a lot of customization, but it also adds to the risks. Let's weigh the pros and cons.

The Benefits of Unlocked Bootloader

• 🚀 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS, etc.) This is relevant if MIUI You are not happy or you don’t like the design.
• 🔧 Getting root-rights for deep system configuration (removal of embedded applications, change of the kernel, overclocking of the processor).
• 🛠️ Possibility to install custom recovery (TWRP), simplifies backups, recovery and firmware experiments.
• 🆕 Early access to updates: some enthusiasts port new versions of Android to older Xiaomi models.
• 🔄 Easy recovery from crashes: with an unlocked bootloader, it’s easier to “resuscitate” the phone if it’s stopped booting.

Disadvantages and risks

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty: Official Xiaomi service centers refuse to repair devices with unlocked bootloader.
• 🛡️ Malware vulnerability: Without bootloader protection, an attacker with physical access to a phone could install spyware.
• 🔋 Problems with OTA-Once unlocked, official "over-the-air" updates may not be installed.
• 💥 Risk of “bricking” (turning the phone into a “brick”) when errors during firmware.
• 📱 Resetting all data. Unlocking erases the phone's internal memory!

Especially careful should be the owners of models with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note 11 or the Redmi Note). POCO M4 On them, unlocking the bootloader often leads to problems with the IMEI, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

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Before unlocking, save IMEI You can find it in your device's settings. → The phone. → General information or dialing in the dialer *#06#.

The official way to unlock bootloader on Xiaomi in 2026

Xiaomi provides a legal way to unlock the bootloader, but with a number of conditions. The process has changed since 2020-2022, so the old instructions may not work.

Requirements for unlocking

• 📱 Xiaomi, Redmi or the device POCO (Not all models are supported!).
• 🔌 Mi Account linked to phone (required with a confirmed number!).
• 💻 Windows computer (official Mi Unlock Tool software does not work on the computer) macOS/Linux).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%.

Step-by-step instruction

1. Activate debugging on USB: Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, To turn on the developer mode. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)

Link your Mi Account to your device

In the same Developer menu, find Mi Unblock Status and click Add Account and Device. The system will ask you to enter the username/password from Mi Account.

Download the Mi Unlock Tool

You can get the official utility here (the 2026 version) and install it on your PC.

Launch unlock.

Turn off the phone, press the volume down. + Power to log into Fastboot.Plug it into your PC, open Mi Unlock Tool and log into your Mi Account.Push Unlock.

Wait 72-168 hours

Since 2023, Xiaomi has increased the waiting time for new accounts to 7 days.If your account is older than 30 days, the wait can be reduced to 3 days.

Complete unlocking.

Once the deadline is up, repeat step 4. If it's successful, you'll see a message Unlocked successfully.

Backup all the data.|Charge the phone. >60%|Download Mi Unlock Tool|Enable debugging on USB unlock OEM|Link Mi Account to your device-->

Important: Once unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted!

Unofficial Unlocking Methods: When the Official Way Doesn't Work

Unfortunately, not all Xiaomi devices support official unlocking, such as models for the Chinese market (China). ROM) They are often blocked at the firmware level, and in these cases, workarounds are necessary, but they are risky and can lead to loss of warranty or failure of the device.

Ways to circumvent restrictions

The most common method — EDL. It allows you to flash the device in emergency mode, bypassing the bootloader check:

• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi account (they are sold on forums, but this violates the company’s rules).
• 💻 Special software (Mi Flash Pro, QFil or other software) EDL Tool).
• 📂 The right firmware for your model (file selection error) = brick-and-mortar).

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Unofficial unlocking methods can lead to irreversible consequences. If you are not sure of your skills, it is better to contact specialists or stay on official firmware.

⚠️ Note: Using unofficial unlock methods may result in the blocking of your Mi Account or IMEI In some cases, this makes the phone unsuitable for calls (network loss).

How to check if bootloader is unlocked on your Xiaomi

Before you try to unlock the bootloader, make sure it's still locked. Here are three reliable ways to check:

Method 1: Through fastboot

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC and type in the command line: fastboot oem device-info
4. If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked.

Method 2: Through MIUI

Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and click on the logo several times. MIUI. If this device is unlocked, bootloader unlocked.

Method 3: Through ADB

Connect the phone to the PC with debugging enabled USB and execute the command:

adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

If the answer is orange, the bootloader is unlocked, green is blocked.

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In some models (for example, POCO F3) After unlocking in fastboot, a warning appears UNLOCKED It's normal and doesn't mean it's a mistake.

Frequent errors when unlocking bootloader and how to avoid them

Even following the instructions, many users are facing problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Error 1: "Couldn't verify device"

Reason: The device is not tied to a Mi Account or the account is too new.

Decision:

• Check what's in the Settings → Mi Accounts display your profile.
• In the menu For developers, click Unlock status Mi → Add an account and device.
• If your account is less than 7 days, wait (see the updated 2026 waiting times).

Error 2: "Current account is different from the account info on the device"

Reason: The phone and Mi Unlock Tool use different accounts.

Solution: Sign out of all Mi accounts on your phone and PC, then log in again using the same login.

Error 3: "Mi Unlock Tool can't see the device"

Reason: Problems with drivers or cable.

Decision:

• Install Mi PC Suite to automatically install drivers.
• Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• Check that the phone is in fastboot mode (screen with a rabbit and a sign). FASTBOOT).

Error 4: "This device is locked. Relocking bootloader"

Reason: Trying to flash custom software onto a locked bootloader.

Solution: First, unlock the bootloader in the official way, then repeat the firmware.

⚠️ Note: If the phone has stopped seeing the network after unlocking (no) IMEI), Don't try to stitch modems at random. XDA Developers or 4PDA Recovery instructions for your model.

Xiaomi models that can’t be unlocked (2026)

Not all Xiaomi devices support bootloader unlocking, here is a current list of models for which official unlocking is not possible (as of June 2026):

If your model is on this list, the official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool won't work. In some cases, changing the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global) helps, but it requires fastboot skills and is risky.

For models on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO C50) TestPoint is sometimes used, but it requires:

• Disassembly of the phone (contact soldering).
• Special equipment (USB-TTL adapter).
• Firmware through SP Flash Tool.

Without experience, it is better not to take risks – a mistake can lead to a loss. IMEI or complete failure of the device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Xiaomi Bootloader