Unlock code on Xiaomi: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

You have bought a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, But you're faced with the need to unlock the bootloader, or maybe you're trying to install custom firmware, but the system requires you to enter a mysterious unlock code? This article will help you understand what kind of code is it, why it is needed by the manufacturer, and how to get it legally without the risk of locking the device forever.

Xiaomi’s bootloader unlocking concept is unique: unlike most Android devices, it requires not only confirmation through a Mi Account account, but also special code generated by the company’s servers, with official unlocking procedures that can take anywhere from days to weeks, and unofficial methods can lead to a loss of warranty or even “bricking” the phone.

What is an unlock code and why you need it on Xiaomi

Unlock code (or bootloader unlock code) is a unique numeral combination that Xiaomi servers generate for each particular device, which serves as additional protection against unauthorized firmware changes and is used in two key scenarios:

• 🔓 Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience or modified versions) MIUI). Without an unlocked bootloader, the system simply will not allow you to flash alternative software.
• 🛠️ Recovery after a major crash when standard Recovery reset methods don't work, such as if the phone is stuck on the Mi logo or left in bootloop".
• 🔧 Getting root permissions. Even if you use a utility like Magisk, you'll need to unlock the bootloader first.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi has made it more complicated than that, because it's a security issue, because an unlocked bootloader gives you access to the phone's low-level systems, which can be used to:

• 🕵️ Spyware installations (such as keyloggers or surveillance software).
• 💸 Bypassing factory restrictions (e.g., removing preinstalled applications that cannot be uninstalled by standard methods).
• 🔄 Unauthorized data recovery after reset (which is relevant for phones purchased from hands).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Even if you back up, some protected data (such as keys) DRM Widevine L1) This means that after Netflix is unblocked, Disney will be permanently lost.+ Other streaming services can only work in resolution 480p.

The official way to obtain the unlock code

Xiaomi provides a legal way to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool. The process is multi-step, and it's important to follow the instructions without skipping.

1. Link your Mi Account to your device Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync and make sure your account is tied to your phone.Without this step, Xiaomi servers won't give out the code.
2. Activate the option"OEM Unlock" In Settings → About the phone tap 7 times on the item Version MIUI, To activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔗 OEM Unlock (unlock) OEM). 🔌 Debugging by USB.

Download the Mi Unlock Tool

The official utility can be found on the Xiaomi website (registration required). Windows version, for the first time. Linux/MacOS You'll need an emulator.

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode

Turn off the device, then press the Volume down. + Power to log in to Fastboot Mode.Plug your phone to your PC.

Open the utility and log in to the account

In Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.

Start the unlocking process

Press Unlock, and the utility will send a request to Xiaomi's servers, and if done correctly, you'll see a message that will send the request.

After that, you will start a waiting period, usually 3 to 7 days (sometimes longer), after which you will be able to reconnect the phone to the utility and complete unlocking. In some cases, Xiaomi may request additional information, such as a photo of a box or a purchase check.

Linking your Mi Account to your phone|Turn on OEM Unlock and debugging by USB|Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Connect your phone to Fastboot mode|Sign in to the utility under the same account-->

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, the previous owner could not untie your Mi Account. In this case, unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool will be impossible without his participation. The only way out is to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, warranty card).

How long does it take to unlock?

The timing of obtaining the unlock code depends on several factors:

Important: the deadline starts counting only after the first successful connection to the Mi Unlock Tool. OEM Unlock in settings, but did not run the utility, time does not go.

To speed up the process, you can try:

• 📅 Link your Mi Account to your phone in advance (for the first time) 1-2 weeks before unlocking).
• 📱 Use a stable version MIUI (On beta firmware, unlocking may not work).
• 🌐 Connect to the utility with IP-address of the same country where the phone was purchased (for example, if the phone is purchased in Russia, it is better to use the Russian phone). VPN).

Less. 3 days|3-7 days|More than a week.|I haven't got it yet.-->

Unofficial ways of unlocking: risks and alternatives

If the official method seems too long, you can find "bypass" methods to unlock the bootloader on the network, but most of them are either outdated (for example, exploits for older versions). MIUI), Or they carry serious risks. Let's look at the most common ones, and why they should be avoided.

1. Paid unlocking services

There are many suggestions on the Internet like "unlock the Xiaomi bootloader in 5 minutes."

• 💰 You pay from $5 $30 for a favor.
• 📤 Send the seller your Mi Account details (logins, passwords, sometimes even screens of documents).
• 🔓 You get an unlocked phone...or not.

Risks:

• 🚨 Account theft: Fraudsters can access your data in Mi Cloud (photos, contacts, notes).
• 📱 Device lock: Xiaomi may block IMEI phone for suspicious activity.
• 💸 Loss of money: After payment, the seller may disappear or send a non-working code.

2. Exploits and vulnerabilities

Some enthusiasts find loopholes in Xiaomi firmware to bypass official unlocking, such as:

• 🔗 Use of utilities such as FastbootD or EDL Mode for Forced Unblocking.
• 📱 Flashing through Test Point (special contacts on the board, the closure of which puts the phone in engineering mode).

Problems:

• 🔧 Requires disassembly of the phone (risk of damage to plumes or boards).
• 🚫 Loss of warranty: traces of interference in the hardware cannot be hidden.
• 💥 "Bricking: if you make a mistake, the phone can turn into a brick (not even included in the Fastboot).

The only relatively safe unofficial method is to use older versions of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g., the Mi Unlock Tool, v5.5.224.24), This can sometimes bypass waiting limits, but it doesn't work on all models and can lead to account locks.

⚠️ Note: If you still decide to unblock informally, be sure to back up the data through TWRP (if it is fitted, or Mi PC Suite – After the procedure, the phone will be completely reset and some features (e.g. wireless charging or other features) NFC) They may not work properly.

Xiaomi models for which unlocking is impossible

Not all Xiaomi devices can be unlocked, even in the official way, and the manufacturer has imposed restrictions on some models, especially those sold in heavily regulated markets such as China or India, and here is a list of devices that are locked at the firmware level:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi A1/A2/A3 (Android One series – unlocking is possible, but requires additional firmware manipulation.
• 📱 Redmi Note 5A (Carbon version – some modifications have hardware lock.
• 📱 POCO F1 (Indian versions – restrictions imposed due to local security laws.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 6X (Chinese version – unlocking is only possible for global firmware.
• 📱 Redmi K20 Pro (Chinese market) – requires binding Chinese phone number to Mi Account.

To check if your model can be unlocked, follow the following steps:

1. Install the Mi Unlock Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
2. If the utility shows the message "This device cannot be unlocked" - unlock is impossible.
3. Try changing the firmware region (for example, with China). ROM Globally ROM) — Sometimes it helps to get around the restrictions.

For hardware-locked models (e.g. Redmi Note) 5A) The only way out is to use EDL Mode (emergency download mode), but this requires an authorized Xiaomi account for service centers.Self-trying can lead to permanent lockdown IMEI.

What to do after successful unblocking

When the bootloader is finally unlocked, you have new opportunities — but also new risks. Here's what you need to do first:

1. Install custom recovery (TWRP) This will allow you to backup, install modified firmware and restore the system after failures. TWRP For your model from the official website twrp.me.
2. Make a full backup Use it TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery to save copies of boot, system, data, and vendor partitions, which will save you in case of a failed firmware.
3. Check status. DRM Open the app. DRM Info (available on Google Play) and make sure that the Widevine level is available — L1. If he's changed to L3, Streaming services will only work in low resolution.
4. Update your firmware If you plan to use custom software, first upgrade to the latest official version MIUI through settings → Updating the system.

After unlocking, you can:

• 🔄 Install Global ROM Chinese version of the phone (or vice versa).
• 🛡️ Get root rights through Magisk (but remember, this will disable the ability to use banking apps and Google Pay).
• 🎯 Remove embedded applications (bloatware) with the help of ADB Titanium Backup.
• ⚡ Install cores to overclock the processor or improve autonomy.

💡

If your phone is no longer identified in Fastboot after unlocking, try reinstalling Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor).

⚠️ Warning: An unlocked bootloader makes the device vulnerable to attacks via Fastboot.Never connect the phone to public charging or unfamiliar PCs - this can lead to malware installation at the firmware level.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Unlocking is rarely smooth, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Change the Mi Unlock Tool (for example, from the last to the next version) v3.5.503.24).
• 📡 Connect to another Internet connection (sometimes Xiaomi servers are blocked) IP-address).
• 📱 Refuse the phone to an older version MIUI (For example, if you have MIUI 14, try it. MIUI 12).

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives a "Network error" error, check if your antivirus or firewall is blocking access to Xiaomi servers. Add the utility to exceptions or temporarily disable protection.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions