How to unlock and activate a Xiaomi device if it is locked

A locked Xiaomi device is a problem that users face after resetting, buying a used gadget or activating Mi Account protection. Depending on the reason for blocking (factory protection, account binding, regional restrictions), the solutions are different. This article will help you understand how to properly activate the device without risking turning it into a brick, even if you are not a specialist.

We’ll look at all the current methods, from official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool to bypassing locks on older models using the engineering menu. Particular attention will be paid to the new restrictions that Xiaomi introduced in 2026 for devices with firmware based on HyperOS — they require additional steps when unlocking the bootloader. If your gadget asks for a password from the previous owner or gives an error “This device is locked”, here you will find working solutions.

Why Xiaomi is blocking devices: the main reasons

The locking on Xiaomi devices is not an accident, but part of a system of protection against theft and unauthorized access, and here are the most common scenarios in which the gadget may be blocked:

• 🔒 Mi Account Lock - the device is tied to the account of the previous owner (typical for used phones). Without a login / password from it, it is officially impossible to unlock the smartphone.
• 🏭 Factory lock – activated after reset to factory settings (Hard Reset), if the Find Device protection was not disabled.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions – some models (e.g. for the Chinese market) are blocked when used outside the country of sale.
• 🔧 Lock bootloader – if you tried to flash the device without official unlocking (Bootloader Unlock).
• ⏳ Temporary locking – after several failed password attempts (usually 24–72 hours).

It is important to understand that Xiaomi divides locks into two types: software (related to software) and hardware (included in the eMMC chip). The former can be bypassed by software, the latter often require interference with hardware — for example, soldering of the memory chip. If your device after reset shows the Mi logo and vibrates, but does not boot further — this is a sign of hardware lock.

⚠️ Warning: Buying devices with root access or custom firmware is fraught with permanent locking IMEI. Xiaomi can remotely block such a gadget through servers, and it will be impossible to restore it.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before You Start

Before you try to unlock Xiaomi, follow the mandatory preparatory steps, which will save time and prevent critical errors:

1. Check the model and firmware version. Go to Settings → About the phone (if the device is switched on at all). For fully locked devices, you can find the model by sticker under the lid or by using fastboot command: fastboot getvar product
2. Make sure you have a backup. If the phone is partially working, copy important data to your PC, which may be lost once unlocked.
3. Charge the device to at least 60%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can lead to a breeze (complete failure).
4. Prepare a PC with Windows 7/10/11. To work with the Mi Unlock Tool and fastboot, you will need Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor).

If you are buying a used device, be sure to check the lock status before payment.

• 📱 Exit from Mi Account in the settings.
• 🔄 Do a reset through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
• 🔓 Make sure that after restarting the phone does not require login / password.

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

The most reliable method for Mi Account-based devices is to use the official Mi Unlock Tool, which works for most models released after 2016, but has limitations:

• ✅ Supports smartphones, tablets and some smartwatches (Mi Watch, Redmi Watch).
• ❌ Does not work on devices with HyperOS without prior binding of the account to the device.
• ⏳ Requires waiting 7-15 days after account attachment (for new devices).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock (the version must match your firmware).
2. Sign in to Mi Account on a locked device (if possible) or via PC. Use the same account to which the device is linked!
3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode: Administrator: cmd cd C:\platform-tools fastboot devices If the device is not identified, install Mi USB Driver drivers.
4. Launch Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator, log in to the same account and follow the program instructions.

Once successfully unlocked, the bootloader will be unlocked and you can flash the device through fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.Please note: newer models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12) may require re-activation over the Internet after unlocking.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Account is not bound to this device", then the account was not tied to the device before the lock).

Alternative Unlocking Methods (If Mi Unlock Tool is Not Working)

If the official tool refuses to unlock the device, you can try to circumvent the restrictions using third-party solutions, these methods are suitable for older models (Redmi 4/5, Mi A1/A2) and devices without binding to Mi Account, but have risks:

The most universal method for Qualcomm devices is firmware through EDL-The Emergency Download Mode (ED) is the mode for this:

1. Download firmware in.mbn format for your model (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Connect your phone to a PC with a clamped button combination (depending on the model, for example, Volume).+ and Loudness−).
3. In QFil, select a file prog_emmc_firehose.mbn and start the firmware.

For MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi 9/10), SP Flash Tool is suitable, and it is important to choose the right scatter-file, otherwise you risk losing IMEI.

Unlocking smart watches and fitness bracelets Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartwatches and bracelets (Mi Band, Mi Watch, Redmi Watch) can also be blocked, but the unlock algorithm is different from smartphones.

• 🔐 Linking to another Mi Account Fit/Zepp.
• 🔄 Resetting settings without decoupling from the previous owner.
• 🌐 Regional restrictions (e.g. Mi Band for the Chinese market).

To unlock, do:

1. Install the Mi Fit or Zepp app (depending on the model).
2. Sign in with the same account that your device is attached to. If you don't have data, try resetting your watch through Settings → Reset (press the button for 10 seconds).
3. For the Mi Watch with Wear OS may need to be discharged through ADB: adb reboot recovery adb shell recovery --wipe_data

If the watch gives an error "Device is locked" and the reset does not help, try flashing it through the Mi Band Tool utility (for Mi Band 5/6/7).

• 📱 Download Mi Band Tool from the official website.
• 🔌 Connect the bracelet to the PC via Bluetooth.
• 🔧 Select the Unlock option and follow the instructions.

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If Xiaomi’s smartwatch doesn’t sync with the app after unlocking, try changing the region in the phone’s settings to “China” (even temporarily).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you unlock Xiaomi devices, users often encounter common preventable errors.

• 🚫 Use of informal firmware - custom ROM (For example, LineageOS can be blocked. IMEI or cause sensor problems.
• 🔌 Unstable connection USB — Use the original cable and port USB 2.0 (Port 3.0 may not recognize the device in fastboot).
• ⏱️ Interrupt the process – if the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool is frozen, do not turn off the cable for at least 20 minutes.
• 📱 Firmware version discrepancy – only flash that version MIUI/HyperOS, Designed for your model and region.

One of the most insidious mistakes is Anti Rollback, which is a protection that works if you try to flash the old version of the software on top of the new one. 10 you can't roll back MIUI 14 on MIUI 12 — The device will lock forever. Check the version of Anti-Rollback in the firmware file (anti_version into flash_all.sh).

⚠️ Note: If the device produces an Invalid error after firmware IMEI Baseband unknown means the area has been damaged. NVRAM. It can only be restored through a service center or specialized boxes (for example, UFi or Medusa).

Legal Aspects: What Xiaomi Says About Unblocking

According to Xiaomi’s policy, unlocking the bootloader and firmware devices are not warranty violations, but the company reserves the right to refuse service if problems arise due to unofficial software.

• ✅ Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool is allowed, but voids the software malfunction warranty.
• ❌ Use of informal methods (EDL, Test Point is considered a breach of the license agreement.
• 📱 There are additional restrictions on devices purchased in China, which may not be unlocked without a Chinese phone number.

If you bought a used device with a locked Mi Account, the previous owner is legally obliged to provide the data for unlocking (under consumer law).

• 📄 Request a refund through the platform (if the purchase was on Avito, OLX etc.).
• 🛠️ Contact Xiaomi Service Center with a check and proof of purchase (sometimes helps unlock for a fee).

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Xiaomi can remotely lock a device if it detects unofficial firmware or root access, even for devices legally purchased.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions