How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi: official instructions with nuances

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. However, the process comes with risks ranging from loss of warranty to complete bricking of the phone if you break the sequence. In 2026, Xiaomi tightened the unlock requirements, so the old instructions (until 2023) may not work.

This guide provides current unlocking methods for all Xiaomi lines (Redmi, POCO, Mi, Black Shark, including models with Qualcomm and Mediatek processors, we will discuss the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, alternative options for blocked accounts, and explain why some devices require waiting. 7–30 The days before unlocking, and we'll focus on the new restrictions on the devices on the MIUI 14/15 HyperOS – here the algorithm is different from the classical.

Why unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi?

By default, all Xiaomi smartphones come with a locked bootloader.This is a security measure to prevent:

• 🔓 Install unofficial firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🛠️ Obtaining superuser rights (root) through Magisk or SuperSU.
• 🔄 Restore your device via fastboot if standard methods don’t work.
• 📱 Removing built-in system applications (bloatver) without consequences.

However, unlocking has a downside:

• ⚠️ Reset to factory settings – all data will be deleted.
• 🔒 Loss of warranty (official service centers will refuse repairs).
• 🛡️ Malware Vulnerability – Without a blocked bootloader, malware can access the system partition.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) unlocking the bootloader automatically activates the recoil protection. MIUI This will cause hard brick (irreparable damage).

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do in advance

Before starting the process, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed. Skipping at least one item can lead to errors such as Couldn't unlock or Current account is different from the account info on the device.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your phone at least 60%

Connect to stable Wi-Fi (not mobile internet!)

Make sure your phone has a Mi Account (not Google!)

Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website

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Pay special attention to linking your Mi Account. If you have previously used another account (for example, when setting up your phone), the system can block unlocking.

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Make sure that the Device section displays your current phone.
3. If the device is not tied, log in again and restart the smartphone.

Xiaomi also requires that the phone has the latest stable version of MIUI installed for your model. You can check the relevance of the firmware in Settings → About Phone → System Update. If an update is available, install it before unlocking.

Redmi (Series Note, K, A)

POCO (F, X, M)

Mi (11, 12, 13, etc.)

Black Shark

Another brand-->

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only Xiaomi-supported method that works on most devices, but since 2023, the company has introduced a mandatory wait (from 7 to 30 days) after tying an account to a phone, which is done to combat device theft.

Step 1: Enable the Developer Mode and Unlock OEM

To activate hidden settings:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate switches: Debugging over USB OEM Unlock (may be called Factory Unlock)

Step 2: Linking your Mi Account to your device

This step is critical, because without it, the Mi Unlock Tool will not be able to send an unlock request.

1. Connect your phone to the internet via Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
3. Turn on sync and make sure the device appears in the list.
4. In the For Developers section, find the Mi Unlock Status item and click Add Account and Device.

⚠️ Note: If you see a message You need to wait 168 hours (7 days) or 720 hours (30 days), it means that Xiaomi takes time to check. Trying to get around the wait will lead to the Couldn't verify device error.

Step 3: Use the Mi Unlock Tool

Download the latest version of the utility from the official website (avoid third-party sources - they may contain viruses).

1. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe (Administrator rights are required).
2. Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Turn off the phone and put it into fastboot mode, clamping Power + Volume down.
4. Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable.
5. In the utility, press Unlock and confirm the action.

Decision:

1. Make sure that the phone has stock firmware (not modified).
2. Check your account binding via Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
3. If the waiting period has not expired, wait or try the EDL method (see below).

Unlocking through EDL (for advanced users)

Emergency Download Mode (EDL) allows you to flash the device directly, bypassing fastboot.

• 🔧 The phone is not switched on (soft brick).
• 🔒 Mi Unlock Tool refuses to unlock the device.
• 📱 The phone has anti-recoil protection (for example, after a failed firmware).

To unlock through EDL you will need:

• 🖥️ PC with Qualcomm drivers installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 📂 Firmware for your model in.mbn or.elf format.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Without an authorized Xiaomi account (for service centers) can lead to a hard brick.This method is recommended only for advanced users or when recovering a device after a failure.

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If you are not sure of your skills, contact the service center with a request to unlock the bootloader through EDL. The cost of the service usually does not exceed 1–2 thousand rubles, which is cheaper than recovery after a failed firmware.

Unlock on new devices with HyperOS

With the release of HyperOS (starting with the Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Turbo and later), the unlocking process has become more complicated.

• 📱 Confirmation through SMS to a number linked to the Mi Account.
• 🔐 Two-factor authentication (if not enabled, unlocking will not be available).
• ⏳ Increased latency – up to 30 days, even for new devices.

Instructions for HyperOS:

1. Follow all steps in Step 1 and 2 (enable OEM Unlock and link your account).
2. In Mi Unlock Tool, after logging into the account, a confirmation request will appear via SMS.
3. Enter the code from the message and wait for the verification to be completed (it can take up to 5 minutes).
4. If you have a Device is locked by FRP error, turn off Reset Protection in Google settings.

What to do after successful unblocking?

Once the bootloader is unlocked, your Xiaomi smartphone will be completely reset.

• 📥 Install custom Recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 🔄 Swipe alternative firmware (e.g. LineageOS, ArrowOS).
• 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk.
• 🗑️ Remove the built-in bloatwer (Xiaomi apps that cannot be removed by standard methods).

However, keep in mind the risks:

• ⚠️ Absence OTA-updates – after installing custom firmware automatic updates MIUI will not work.
• 🔋 Battery problems – some firmware can increase charge consumption.
• 📡 Module malfunction (NFC, camera, sensors) on unofficial assembly.

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Once unlocked, never install firmware designed for other models, which will lead to a hard brick. Always check for compatibility by device code (e.g., tissot for Redmi Note 5).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Refuse the phone to the global version MIUI (If you have Chinese firmware).
• 📧 Contact Xiaomi with a description of the problem (specify the model and version) MIUI).
• 🛠️ Use paid unlock services (for example, DC-Unlocker or UnlockBoot).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions