Xiaomi’s “This Device Is Locked” – What It Means and How to Unlock Your Smartphone

The message “This device is locked. Unlock now to use this device” is one of the most frightening mistakes for smartphone owners on the screen of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, which appears after resetting, firmware or buying a used device and completely blocks access to the system. Unlike a standard password request, this lock is associated with binding to a Mi Account and requires specific actions to unlock.

In this article, we will discuss all possible causes of the message, official and informal ways of unlocking (including bypassing via Fastboot and EDL), and give recommendations on how to avoid re-blocking.

If you bought a smartphone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your Mi Account, or you forgot your account details, don't panic. In 80% of cases, you can unlock the device without losing data, but you need to follow the instructions strictly by step.

Why this device is locked on Xiaomi

The message "This device is locked. Unlock now to use this device" appears exclusively on devices with the "Find Device" feature and the associated Mi Account. It's not a standard screen lock, but part of Xiaomi's theft protection system. Here are the main reasons for its activation:

• 🔄 Resetting settings via Recovery or Fastboot without detachment Mi Account.

It is important to understand that this blockage is not related to PIN-It appears at the firmware level and requires proof of ownership through the original Mi Account. If you do not know the account details (or it belongs to the previous owner), the official way to unlock will not be available.

On devices released after 2021, Xiaomi has tightened security policies, and now it may be necessary to unlock:

• 📧 Confirmation by email or SMS, mi-accounted.
• 🔑 Entering a backup code (if it was created in advance).
• ⏱️ Wait 72 hours after unsuccessful input attempts (on some models).

The official way to unlock through Mi Account

If you have access to the Mi Account that was linked to the device, it will take no more than 5 minutes to unlock.

1. Connect the device to Wi-Fi (if the lock allows you to choose the network). On some models, unlocking is possible only through the mobile Internet - insert SIM-card.
2. On the lock screen, enter an email or phone linked to Mi Account and a password. If you don't remember your password, use the recovery function at account.xiaomi.com.
3. Once you have successfully logged in, the device unlocks automatically, and in some cases, you will need to confirm the unlock via SMS or email.

If you don’t remember your account details but your device was yours, try:

• 🔍 Check saved passwords in the browser or password manager.
• 📧 Search for emails from Xiaomi in the mail (theme "Welcome to Mi Account" or "Your verification code»).
• 📱 Remember which email or phone you used when you first set up your smartphone.

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If you have two-factor authentication enabled (2FA) but no access to an application or SMS, try using backup codes. These were sent to your email when you set up 2FA.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, the account is blocked for 24 hours.

Unlocking without Mi Account data: workarounds

If you bought a smartphone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your Mi Account, or you forgot your account details, the official method won't work, and there are a few alternative methods, but they require technical skills and can lead to data loss or IMEI blocking.

Method 1: Unlocking via Fastboot (for devices with unlocked bootloader)

This method is suitable if the bootloader is already unlocked on the device.

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info
4. If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked.

To unlock:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
3. In Fastboot, execute the command: fastboot flash all (this will completely re-flash the device by removing the lock).

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (Device unlocked: false), this method will not work. Trying to flash the device in this state will lead to an anti-rollback error and a possible "brick" (complete failure).

Method 2: EDL bypass (for power users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to reflash a device even with a locked bootloader.

• 🔧 Authorized account EDL (You can buy it from official Xiaomi partners or on specialized forums).
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool and the Right Firmware for Your Model.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C with data support (not all cables are suitable!).

Instructions:

Download Mi Flash Tool from the official website|Find firmware for your model (for example, for Redmi Note) 10 — "curtana_global_images...")|Install Qualcomm drivers 9008|Connect the device in mode EDL (Test-point closure or through a team ADB)|Run the firmware in the Mi Flash Tool with the option "Clean All"-->

Firmware via EDL deletes all data, including Mi Account, but can result in:

• 🚨 Poose. IMEI (Recovery is required QCN-file).
• 🔄 Return to the factory version MIUI (perhaps obsolete).
• 🛑 Blocking your Mi Account (if Xiaomi suspects unauthorized access).

Method 3: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If you are not sure about your skills, the safest way to do this is to contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).
• 📱 The device itself (in some cases, it may require a box).

The service costs range from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles, but you will be guaranteed that the device will not be damaged. The service center uses official Xiaomi tools that do not block IMEI and do not disrupt the communication module.

How to Avoid “This Device Is Locked” in the Future

To avoid this problem, follow simple rules:

• 🔐 Untie Mi Account before selling: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account. Click Delete Account (password required). Reset settings via Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.

Do not buy devices from hand without checking:

• Use verification services, such as the official Xiaomi checker.

Unlock the bootloader in advance

If you plan to install custom firmware, unlock the bootloader before any manipulation of the system. en.miui.com/unlock.

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Even if you unplug Mi Account but didn’t reset through the system menu (and used Recovery or Fastboot), the lock can still be locked. Always reset the settings in the standard way!

If you often experiment with firmware, create a backup copy. QCN-file (contains) IMEI This will help you reconnect after a failed firmware. For backup, use software like this. QPST maui META.

Frequent Unlocking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make things worse by trying to unlock the device in the wrong ways, and here are the most common mistakes:

• 🔄 Multiple entry of the wrong password → This results in a 24-hour account lock.
• 📱 Using unofficial firmware without unlocking the bootloader → jeopardy».
• 🔧 Closing Test Points Without Experience → It can damage the motherboard.
• 💻 Firmware via Fastboot with a blocked bootloader → anti-rollback error.
• 📡 Unblocking without the internet → The device will not be able to communicate with Xiaomi servers.

If you've already made one of these mistakes, don't panic. In most cases, the device can be restored, but it will require a more complex procedure.

• After the anti-rollback error, you need to flash the older version of MIUI corresponding to the current rollback.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) Unlocking through Fastboot often results in loss IMEI. It is better to use these models. EDL or call on the service.

Xiaomi models with enhanced protection: features of unlocking

Starting in 2021, Xiaomi has tightened protection on flagship and some budget models.

• POCO X4 Pro, POCO F3 GT – have additional verification through Xiaomi servers when running firmware.