Owning an Android device offers a lot of personalization opportunities, but manufacturers often limit access to deep system settings. Unlocking the bootloader is the first and most important step for anyone who wants to gain full control of their gadget. Without this procedure, installing custom recaps, obtaining superuser rights, or flashing the device to the global version will not be possible.
The process of removing restrictions in Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is formally authorized by the manufacturer, but requires strict adherence to the algorithm of actions. Violation of the sequence of steps can lead to account locking or loss of warranty. In this article, we will discuss in detail each step, from preparing the PC to the final reset, to minimize risks and successfully complete the procedure.
It’s worth noting right away that unlocking is not an instant action, but a process stretched over time.You’ll have to face a 168-hour (7-day) wait that is dictated by the company’s security policies. Bootloader serves as a protective barrier to check the integrity of the operating system every time it’s turned on, and turning it off makes the device vulnerable to malware if not taken care.
Preparation for the procedure: account and backup
Before any manipulation of system software is initiated, it is critical to back up all data. The unlocking process completely removes information from the device's internal memory, including photos, contacts and installed applications. It will be impossible to recover the data after that without a pre-created copy, so do not neglect this step.
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the device will automatically reset to Factory Reset.
The second mandatory step is to link your phone number to your Mi Account, a security requirement that is put in place to prevent device theft and unauthorized access, and make sure that you log in to the phone's About section under the same account you'll be using on your computer.
You also need to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to the Settings → About Phone menu and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI Version (or OS Version). Once the notification “You became a developer” appears, you can move to the advanced settings.
- 📱 Create a full backup of your data in the Mi Cloud or on an external drive.
- 🔗 Link your mobile phone number to your Mi Account in security settings.
- 🔓 Enable the "Factory Unlock" option and «USB-Debugging in the Developer Menu.
- 📶 Make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network to synchronize status.
Installation of ADB drivers and software
The device needs drivers to interact with the smartphone in deep diagnostics. Without ADB and Fastboot drivers, the unlock utility simply won’t see the connected device, and most often, Windows users have problems at this stage, which doesn’t always automatically find the components they need.
It is recommended to install the official Mi Unlock Tool package, which contains the basic drivers, but in some cases requires manual installation through the Device Manager. When connecting the smartphone in Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when turned on), an unknown device may appear in the system, in which case you need to manually specify the path to the drivers, which are usually in the utility installation folder.
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Use the original. USB-cable and connect it directly to the port on the motherboard (back of the system unit), avoiding USB-hubs and front panels of the case.
The connection is checked via the command line, and if done correctly, fastboot devices will return the serial number of your device, confirming that the communication between the PC and the smartphone is correct and you can proceed to the next step.
- 💻 Download the latest version of Mi Unlock Tool from the manufacturer’s official website.
- 🔌 Install drivers manually if there are unknown components in the Device Manager.
- 🔍 Check the connection with the command fastboot devices in the command line Windows.
- 🛡️ Disable the antivirus during the procedure, as it can block system changes.
Linking the device to the Mi Account
The most important software step is to link a particular device to your account through a smartphone menu, which captures the hardware ID of the gadget on the company's servers and triggers a waiting timer. Without this binding, the server will issue an error when it unlocks, stating that the current account does not have the rights to control the device.
To perform the binding, go to Settings → Developer → Mi Unlock Status. Click Add Account and Device. The system will request confirmation via SMS or code from the security application. Successful execution is confirmed by the message “Added successfully”.
⚠️ Warning: After the device is tied, you must wait 168 hours (7 days) and try to unlock before this time will cause an error and reset the timer.
It is important not to log out of your Mi Account on your phone during the waiting period. If you accidentally exit or reset your settings, the timer may reset and you will have to start the procedure again. SIM-the card to which the account is registered, as it sometimes requires re-verification.
- 📲 Enter Mi Unlock status through the Developer Menu.
- ⏱️ Wait for the message of successful binding and start counting down 7 days.
- 🚫 Do not leave your Mi Account or reset your settings during the waiting period.
- 📅 Keep a calendar to know exactly when and when you can start.
Unlocking process with Mi Unlock Tool
When the wait period has expired, you can start the final stage: start the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer and log in to the same account that was used on the phone. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode by holding the volume button and connecting the cable to the PC. The phone screen should display a logo that says Fastboot and an image of a rabbit fixing an android.
In the program, click the "Unlock" button. The utility will check the status of the device on the server. If 168 hours have passed, a warning will appear that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. The process will take from 10 seconds to several minutes, during which the progress bar will be displayed on the phone screen.
Unlocking...
Success: The device is unlocked.Once completed, the phone will automatically restart and begin the initial setup process, as if you had just bought it from a store.This is normal behavior, indicating successful deregulation.The bootloader is now open to make changes.
☑️ Checklist before pressing Unlock
Solving problems and mistakes
It doesn't always go smoothly the first time. One of the most common mistakes is, "Couldn't verify device," which occurs if you try to unlock your device early or use another account, in which case the server rejects the request. Check the anchor date in the Mi Unlock status menu on the phone itself.
Another common problem is that you're stuck at 50 or 99 percent, and it's often associated with unstable conditions. USB-Try replacing the cable, switching the port, or temporarily disabling the security software. Also, an error may occur if the Mi Unlock Tool version is outdated; always use the latest version of the program.
| Mistake. | Probable cause | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| Account isn't bound | The link is not fulfilled or a little time has passed | Check the status on the phone menu, wait 7 days |
| Couldn't connect to Mi server | Internet problems or blocking | Use mobile internet (distribution) or change the DNS |
| Current account is different | Sign in to another Mi-account on PC | Log out and log into the account linked to the phone |
| Device locked (100+ hours) | Attempting to unblock ahead of schedule | Wait for the exact time to expire (168 hours) |
What if the timer is off?
Impact of Unblocking and Security Issues
The opening of the bootloader has implications for everyday smartphone use, primarily affecting some banking applications and services that use Google Pay (now Google Wallet). The security system flags the device as potentially vulnerable, which can block access to the device. NFC-payment.
In addition, at the top of the screen, a warning will appear at each turn on that the bootloader is unlocked. You can remove it, but this will require additional manipulations with flashing or hiding status, which is also not a trivial task. Xiaomi leaves this marker to keep the user always mindful of the reduced level of protection.
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An unlocked bootloader gives you complete freedom of action, but reduces the overall security of the device and can disrupt the operation of banking applications.
However, for enthusiasts, it opens the door to installing global firmware on Chinese versions of phones, installing custom cores to improve performance and deep customization of the interface, the main thing is to be aware of the risks and not install software from unverified sources.
- 🏦 Banking applications may require additional settings (Magisk Hide) to work.
- ⚠️ The unlock warning will be displayed at each start of the system.
- 🔒 The manufacturer’s warranty may be cancelled in case of a software related breakdown.
- 🚀 Possibility of installing custom recavers (TWRP) and modified firmware.