Many Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners will eventually be faced with the desire to gain full control of their device. Unlocking the bootloader opens the door to custom firmware, root rights, and deep system. However, this process requires care, as it is the first serious step in modifying Android.
Before you start taking action, you need to understand that official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only safe way that will not turn your phone into a brick. All other methods of bypassing account binding or timing expectations often carry risks and can be closed by the manufacturer at any time. In this article, we will discuss the legal algorithm of actions.
It should be noted that the procedure will completely delete all data from the internal memory of the device. Once the bootloader is unlocked, the security system automatically initiates a full reset (Wipe Data), so backing up photos and contacts is a must. Below we will discuss in detail the preparation and the process itself.
What is a bootloader and why unlock it
A bootloader is a small program that runs to the operating system and checks the integrity of the software. In Xiaomi devices, it is blocked by default, which prevents the installation of unofficial modifications. Bootloader ensures that the phone is only certified software from the manufacturer.
Users go to unlock for the sake of enhanced functionality. Open bootloader allows you to install Custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), change the core of the system, remove system debris and even install Android more recent versions that officially do not come to the model.
But there is a downside to this: when you unlock it, you reset the security guarantees of some banking applications and services, like Google Pay or Mi Pay, and while there are ways to circumvent these restrictions, they require additional manipulation of the system.
⚠️ Note: After unlocking the bootloader, some security-related features (e.g., Widevine) L1 for HD-Content streaming, may stop working or be downgraded to low quality.
Preparation of the smartphone and computer for the procedure
90% of the success of the operation depends on proper preparation of the environment. You will need a computer running Windows (preferably version 7, 8, 10 or 11) and a good serviceable computer. USB-Using cheap charging cables without data support often leads to connection errors in the process.
On your smartphone, you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI Version (or HyperOS). After that, a new section will appear in the menu "Additional" or "Extended Settings", where you need to find "For developers".
Inside the developer menu, include two critical parameters: Debugging by USB and Allow unlocking of the bootloader. When you turn on the second item, the system will require you to link your Mi Account to your device and phone number. SIM-The card is inserted into the phone, and the Internet is stable.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Waiting and Linking a Mi Account
Once an account is linked to the developer menu, the system may require you to wait a certain time before unlocking, which is usually 168 hours (7 days), but in some cases the period can be reduced to 3600 seconds (1 hour) or increased to 30 days.
It is important not to log out of your Mi Account on your device during the waiting period. SIM-If you delete your account, the timer will reset and you have to start the process again, it's a security measure to protect your device in the event of theft.
You can check your status periodically by going to the same menu, and once you change the label to "Unlock Allowed" or the timer expires, you can switch to your computer, and don't try to use third-party software to speed up the process, which often leads to account lockdown.
What to do if the timer is not going?
Installation of drivers and Mi Unlock Tool
To connect your PC and smartphone, you need special software. Download the official Mi Unlock utility from miui.com/unlock. Do not use third-party forum versions, as they may contain malicious code or be irrelevant.
After downloading the archive, unpack it and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe. Sign in using the same Mi Account that was attached to your phone. If the program can't see the phone, you'll need to install drivers.
Drivers can be found in a folder with the program (usually a driver) or download ADB Driver separately. In Windows Device Manager, when you connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clamped volume button + USB), an Android Bootloader Interface device without exclamation points should appear.
| Component | Appointment | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock Tool | The main unlock utility | Official MIUI website |
| ADB Drivers | Drivers for PC communication | The driver folder in the archives |
| Fastboot Mode | Low-level access mode | Activated by buttons |
Step-by-step unlocking process via Fastboot
When you're done, turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and plug in. USB-The screen should show the Mi Bunny logo repairing the android, and the inscription FASTBOOT orange.
In the Mi Unlock program you run, click the "Unlock" button. The system will issue a data loss alert. Accept the terms. If the account is tied correctly and the waiting period has expired, the unlocking process will begin, which will take from 30 seconds to several minutes.
During the process, the phone may reboot several times, do not turn off the cable or interrupt the program. Once completed, the window will display a message "Unlocked successfully", and the phone will go to Recovery mode to reset data.
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If it's 50 or 99 percent, don't panic. It's often a visual bug. Wait until the phone restarts itself. If it's more than 10 minutes of progress, try reconnecting the cable to another USB 2.0 port.
⚠️ Warning: During unlocking, the phone will reboot. Make sure the battery is charged at least to the maximum. 50-60%, so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
The most common error is, "Couldn't verify. Could you find me on miui.com?" It means that the Mi Unlock account is not the same as the phone, or the waiting period has not expired.
The error "Unlock failed: Couldn't get device info" most often indicates a problem with drivers or USB-Try another port (preferably) USB 2.0 at the back of the system unit) and make sure there are no unknown gadgets in the Device Manager.
If the program says "Current account is different from the account info on the device", then you are trying to unlock the phone associated with another Mi ID.
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The main reason for failure is inattention when entering account data or using an unstable Internet connection during the check of the Xiaomi server.