When a device is locked appears on a smartphone screen, it often takes users by surprise, indicating that your device’s bootloader is blocked by the manufacturer, a security measure implemented by Xiaomi to protect the operating system from unauthorized interference and malware.
Many gadget owners face this limitation when trying to install custom firmware or gain advanced access rights. Without unlocking the bootloader, any actions with system partitions will not be possible. In this guide, we will discuss in detail all available methods for solving the problem.
It is important to understand that the process of unblocking requires careful follow-up and instructions. Incorrect actions can lead to data loss or software errors. We will look at the official and alternative methods, and answer frequent questions.
What is the status of Device is locked
The status of the device is locked indicates that the bootloader protection is enabled. This is a fundamental level of security for Android, which checks the digital signatures of all downloaded components of the system. If the signature does not match the manufacturer's key, the download is blocked.
For the average user who doesn’t plan to modify the system, having a lock is a plus, which guarantees data integrity and protection against theft, but it prevents enthusiasts and developers from making profound changes to the smartphone.
Unlocking allows:
- 🔓 Install custom recaves, such as TWRP.
- ⚙️ Get root rights to control the system.
- 🌍 Change the firmware region from Global to China or EEA.
- 🗑️ Completely remove system applications and services.
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Find Device and some banking applications may stop working properly.
The process of removing restrictions involves the forced erasure of all data from the device, this is done specifically so that the new owner can not access the information of the previous user after flashing, so creating a backup is a mandatory stage of preparation.
Preparation of the device and account Mi
Before you start unlocking, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps, without them, the Mi Unlock Tool utility simply will not allow you to start the process. First of all, make sure that your smartphone is signed into your personal Mi Account.
Then activate the developer mode. To do this, go to the Settings → About the phone and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times. After you have become a developer, go back to the main settings menu.
In the advanced settings, find the section Additional → For developers. Here you need to activate two critical parameters:
- 📱 Factory unlocking (OEM unlocking).
- 🔌 Debugging by USB (USB debugging).
Once these options are enabled, the system can request confirmation via SMS or re-enter a password, which is a normal security procedure, and it is also recommended to connect the device to the Wi-Fi network, since it takes time to associate an account with the device.
☑️ Checking before unlocking
It is important to know that it takes a certain amount of time to turn on the Factory Unlock feature, which usually takes 7 to 168 hours (7 days), and if you try to unlock the device earlier, you will get an error stating the remaining waiting time.
The official method is Mi Unlock Tool
The most reliable and safe way to block is to use the official utility from Xiaomi, called Mi Unlock, and it is distributed free of charge on the manufacturer's website, and you should download it only from proven resources to avoid viruses.
Install the program on a Windows computer. Run miunlock.exe and log in using the same Mi Account that is active on your smartphone.
Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. Turn off the device, then press the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android, or a message that says: FASTBOOT. Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable.
In the program, press Unlock. The system will check the status of the device and account. If all the conditions are met, the unlock process will begin, which will take a few minutes.
| Phase | Action. | The result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Account login | Access rights verification |
| 2 | Fastboot connection | Communication with the device |
| 3 | Request unlock | Starting the erasure process |
| 4 | Finalization | Successful completion |
Once the process is complete, the phone will automatically restart, and you'll see an open lock icon on the boot screen, which confirms the success of the operation, and all the data on the device will be deleted, and you'll need to set up the system initially.
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Use the original. USB-cable and connect it directly to the motherboard port (back of the PC) to avoid connection errors.
Alternative methods and service codes
There are situations where the official method is not available or the device is blocked by the previous owner's account, in which cases users are looking for workarounds, but it is worth noting that there are no service codes to remove the bootloader lock.
Some users are trying to use ADB commands to change the bootloader's state.The fastboot oem unlock command on Xiaomi devices doesn't work without authorization through the company's servers. This is done to prevent device theft.
There are paid services that offer remote unlocking via server-side methods, which work by swapping device IDs on the server-side of the verification, which requires payment and transferring access to the computer to specialists.
The main risks of alternative methods:
- 💸 High probability of fraud by services.
- 🦠 Possibility of infecting PC with malware.
- 🚫 Permanent lock – locking the device permanently.
⚠️ Warning: Never enter your Mi Account details on dubious sites promising instant unlocking.This will result in your account being stolen.
If the device is bought from hand and blocked by someone else’s account, the only legal way is to contact the previous owner to untie the device through the i.mi.com website. Without this, the phone turns into a “brick” with the functionality of a simple call.
Solving errors when unlocking
During the unlock process, users often encounter technical problems, and one of the most common mistakes is the Couldn't verify device, which occurs when the accounts on the PC and phone do not match or have not passed the mandatory waiting time.
Another common problem is a 50% or 99% freeze, which can be caused by an unstable Internet connection or an antivirus blocking, in which case it is recommended to temporarily disable the security software and use a wired connection to the router.
If the utility can't see the device, check the drivers. Windows Device Manager should not have any unknown devices with yellow exclamation marks in the Android Device section. If necessary, reinstall the ADB and Fastboot drivers manually.
What to do if you have a 10007 error?
Sometimes it helps to clear the cache of the Mi Unlock Status app on the smartphone itself. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the unlock status and click “Clear Data.” After that, restart the phone and try again.
Recovery after Unblocking
Once the procedure is completed, the device is locked is replaced by the device is unlocked. You can now install third-party recavators. To do this, download the twrp.img file for your model and place it in the folder with ADB.
Run the command line and enter the command to flash the recast:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgAfter installing the custom Recovery, it is important to boot into it immediately so that the standard MIUI system does not replace the modified loader back with the stock one.
You can now install custom firmware such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or modified versions of MIUI. The installation process is usually done via the Install menu in TWRP by selecting a zip archive with firmware.
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An unlocked bootloader opens the door to full customization, but requires the user to be more responsible for data security.
Remember to update the software regularly, even if you use custom builds, which will help to close security vulnerabilities that become available for operation when the system restrictions are removed.