Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or repair of a brick-and-mortar device. Despite the manufacturer’s strict restrictions, the procedure remains legal if the official rules are followed. In 2026, the algorithm changed, requiring the binding of a Mi Account account to the device and waiting for confirmation from Xiaomi servers.
The main problem with the user is the unblocking errors, such as “Couldn’t unlock” or “Device is not bound”. We will discuss current ways to circumvent these limitations, including using the Mi Unlock Tool 7.5.803.51 utility, the only version that works consistently with new Redmi models and the latest version of the tool. POCO In 2026, you will also learn how to speed up the confirmation process (from 720 to 168 hours) and avoid being blocked for “suspicious activity».
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives the user
The manufacturer has been blocking the bootloader on all devices since 2016, arguing that it protects against data theft and prevents the installation of malware.
- 🔒 Impossibility to establish TWRP, OrangeFox or other custom Recovery.
- 🚫 Unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
- ⚠️ Restriction on rollback to the old version MIUI fastboot.
- 🔧 Prohibition of modification of system partitions without unlocking.
After unlocking, you get:
- ✅ The opportunity to make a global ROM Chinese version of the smartphone (and vice versa).
- ✅ Magisk installation for root rights without SafetyNet trigger.
- ✅ Restore the device through EDL Mode (emergency mode) in case of serious failures.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking resets the device to factory settings. If you use data encryption (default enabled in the device) MIUI 14+), All files will be permanently deleted. Backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
It is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader does not void the Xiaomi warranty, but can cause a denial of service if the failure is associated with the installation of unofficial software, for example, if the eMMC chip is damaged after the custom core firmware is installed.
Preparation of the device: mandatory steps before unlocking
Before the procedure, 4 key conditions must be met:
- Link Mi Account to the device. The account must have been created at least 30 days ago and have a confirmed phone number. VPN Change of the account region will result in error 10008.
- Connect your device to the Internet. Unlocking requires verification by Xiaomi servers. Use a mobile network or Wi-Fi, but don't connect through a proxy.
If you are using Xiaomi or Redmi with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 12) 5G or POCO M6 Pro, additionally install the drivers MTK VCOM via Mi Flash Tool. for Qualcomm Snapdragon devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or POCO F5) standardized drivers ADB.
☑️ Checking before unlocking
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
This method works for all Xiaomi models released after 2018, including the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+, Xiaomi 14 and POCO X6 Pro. The process takes 3 to 7 days due to the mandatory waiting period.
Step 1: Linking your account to your device
Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same account that you have attached to your phone.
adb reboot bootloaderIf the command is not working, turn off the phone and press Volume down. + 10 seconds power.
Step 2: Requesting to Unblock
In the utility, click Unlock. Xiaomi server will send a notification of the start of the waiting time.
| Type of account | Standby time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| New account (less than 30 days) | 720 hours (30 days) | Unlocking is impossible |
| Standard account | 168 hours (7 days) | Minimum period for most users |
| Account with a confirmed number | 72 hours (3 days) | Requires a binding SIM-cards to Mi Account |
| Developer/partner of Xiaomi | 0 hours | For official testers only |
To speed up the process, add a second phone number to your Mi Account and confirm it through your account. SMS. This reduces the wait to 72 hours.
Step 3: Final Unlocking
After the waiting period has expired:
- Connect your phone in fastboot mode.
- Open the Mi Unlock Tool and press Unlock.
- Wait for the Unlocked Success message (usually takes a lot of time) 10-15 seconds).
⚠️ If the utility is giving an error, Cann't unlock (0x8000400d), This means that the device is not tied to the account. Repeat step 1, using another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
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If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device, try disabling the driver signature in Windows. To do this, type in the command line on behalf of the administrator: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on, then restart the PC.
Bypassing restrictions: how to unlock the bootloader faster
The official method requires a long wait, but there are legal methods of acceleration:
Method 1: Using “gray” accounts
Some users register Mi Accounts through the VPN In India or Indonesia, where the waiting time is reduced to 72 hours, but it's a risky option:
- 🔴 Accounts may be blocked for “suspicious activity».
- 🔴 It does not work for models with Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
- 🟢 If successful, unlocking is done without additional checks.
Method 2: Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Mode)
This method is suitable for devices that are not defined in fastboot (for example, after a failed firmware).
- 🔧 Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (for Snapdragon).
- 🔧 The Mi Flash Pro utility or EDL Tool.
- 🔧 Authorized developer account (can be obtained through the Xiaomi portal).
Process:
- Put the phone in mode. EDL (Close the contacts test point or use the command adb reboot edl).
- Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Pro.
- Select a file prog_emmc_firehose.mbn firmware for your model.
- Press Unlock and wait until completion (up to 5 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking through EDL drop off IMEI and serial number on some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 A backup copy of the section will be required to restore the modemst1/st2.
List of models with risk of loss IMEI upon EDL-unlock
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Most of the problems when unlocking are due to improper preparation of the device or account.-5 errors and ways of correcting them:
| Error code | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 0x8000400d | The device is not tied to the account | Repeat the binding in the Mi Unlock Tool using the original cable |
| 0x80004005 | Waiting period has not expired | Wait until the specified time or use the method with a “gray” account |
| 0x80004008 | The Mi Unlock Tool is a Compatible Version | Install version 7.5.803.51 and disable the antivirus |
| 0x8000400a | The device does not support unlocking | Check the model on the official website |
| 0x8000400b | Account blocked for frequent requests | Wait 24 hours or use another account |
If you get a mistake 0x8000400d At the binding stage, try it:
- 🔹 Disable Find My Device in Mi Account Settings.
- 🔹 Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
- 🔹 Reinstall drivers ADB through SDK Platform Tools.
For error. 0x80004008 (Incompatible utility) download Mi Unlock Tool from the official mirror and check the checksum of the file (SHA-256: a1b2c3d4...). Fake versions of the utility may contain malware.
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If the unlock ends in an error 0x8000400a, This means that your Xiaomi model does not support unlocking the bootloader. The list of supported devices is updated once a quarter - check it on the site. en.miui.com/unlock.
What to do after unlocking the loader
Successful unlocking opens up access to advanced features, but requires caution:
1. Installation of custom recaveri
The most popular option — TWRP Or OrangeFox. For installation:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot boot twrp.imgAfter the first launch TWRP Offer to install Magisk to save the Recovery after reboot.
2. Custom firmware ROM
To install LineageOS or Pixel Experience:
- Download the firmware for your model with XDA Developers.
- Reboot to TWRP And make a Wipe. → Format Data (required!).
- Install. ZIP-Firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
3. Getting root rights through Magisk
Latest version of Magisk (26.4)+) Supports the concealment from SafetyNet:
- 🔹 Install Magisk through TWRP.
- 🔹 In the settings, enable Zygisk and Enforce DenyList.
- 🔹 Add to DenyList Banks and Google Pay apps.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ and Linux kernel 4.19+ (for example, Xiaomi 13) Magisk must be disabled for proper operation AVB 2.0 via command: fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img Otherwise, the system will boot with an Orange State warning.
How to return the boot loader lock (if necessary)
In some cases, you need to return the factory lock bootloader:
- 🔄 To sell the device (the buyer can request a clean phone).
- 🔄 For warranty repairs (some service centers refuse to service unlocked devices).
- 🔄 For the installation of official OTA-Updates (unlocked bootloader may cause errors when updating over the air).
The process of returning the lock:
- Download stock. ROM For the model from Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
- Unpack the firmware and find the file flash_all_lock.bat (for Windows or flash_all_lock.sh (for Linux/Mac).
- Connect your phone in fastboot mode and start the script.
Once the command is executed, the bootloader will be locked and the device will return to factory condition.
- 🔴 All data will be deleted, including files in internal memory.
- 🔴 In some models (for example, POCO F4 GT) Locking the bootloader requires authorization through the Mi Account, which was previously linked.