Unlocking the Xiaomi bootloader: the official way and bypassing restrictions

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. However, the company has tightened the rules: since 2022, the process has become more complicated, and the waiting time for unlocking has increased to 720 hours (30 days) for new accounts. In this article, we will discuss all current ways to unlock, including the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, bypassing restrictions on old devices and solving errors such as Couldn't unlock Account or not bound.

It is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings and cancels the warranty (if it was still valid), the process is irreversible - after unlocking the Anti-Rollback protection can block the rollback on older versions of MIUI. We do not recommend manipulating devices with credit data or corporate profiles - this creates risks of information leakage.

The article is relevant for all modern models: Xiaomi 14/13/12 series, Redmi Note 12/11/10, POCO F5/X5 and older devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek. For devices with Dimensity processors (for example, Redmi K60 Pro) may require additional steps – they are marked separately.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives the user

The bootloader factory lock is a security measure that Xiaomi has introduced since 2016.

• 🔒 Protection against theft: without unlocking the attacker will not be able to erase data or reflash the stolen phone.
• 🛡️ Virus prevention: custom firmware may contain malicious code that bypasses system limitations.
• 📱 Control of the ecosystem: Xiaomi links users to branded services (Mi Account, Mi Cloud).
• 🔧 Reducing the number of “bricks”: inexperienced users often spoiled devices with incorrect firmware.

For the average user, the unlocked bootloader opens up the possibilities of:

• 📲 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS).
• 🔓 Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU.
• 🔄 Restore the device after soft-brick (when the phone does not boot but reacts to the Fastboot).
• 🚀 Optimizing performance by removing system applications (debloat).

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on devices with Mi Pay or banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff) can lead to the blocking of these services.

Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the policy: new accounts must wait 30 days before unlocking, and devices on MediaTek (such as Redmi 10C) require additional authorization through the Mi Flash Tool. Old accounts (registered before 2022) can unlock the bootloader in 168 hours (7 days).

Preparation for Unblocking: Requirements and Warnings

Before starting the process, make sure that all the mandatory conditions are met:

Details on each item:

1. Backup: Unlocking will reset your phone to factory settings. Use Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud (if it’s not blocked). Google Photos or physical copying on your PC will do the job for media files.
2. Battery charge: The process can take up to 30 minutes. If the phone runs out during unlocking, there is a high risk of hard-brick (total loss of performance).
3. Model support: Some devices (e.g., Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 on Android One) have unique unlock methods.
4. Account Linking: The device must be logged in to Mi Account for at least 72 hours (for new accounts). Check the anchor status in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Unlock Status.

⚠️ Note: If you previously tried to unlock the bootloader and got a Couldn't verify device error, your account could be blocked. IP-Addresses (for example, via mobile Internet) and repeat the binding.

For devices with Anti-Rollback (such as Xiaomi 12T), unlocking may make it impossible to roll back on older versions of MIUI. Check Anti status in Fastboot with the command:

fastboot getvar anti

If the value of anti: 3 or higher, the rollback to firmware below the current version is blocked.

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only Xiaomi-supported method, and the instructions are current for the Mi Unlock Tool version 4.6.803.61 (the last one at 2026).

Step 1: Enabling Developer Mode and Account Linking

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times until a notification appears You became a developer.

2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB
• 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point!)
• 🔄 Factory Unblocking (if any)

3. Link your Mi Account to your device:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Unlock status.
• 🔗 Click Add Add Account and Device.
• ⏳ Wait for a successful link (may take up to 24 hours).

Step 2: Install Mi Unlock Tool and Drivers

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (check the hash file: SHA-256: 1A2B3C...).

2. Install drivers for Fastboot:

• 🖥️ For Windows: Use Mi Flash Tool or manual installation through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface driver).
• 🐧 For Linux/macOS: Sufficient sudo rights and Android-tools.

3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode:

• 🔌 Turn off the device.
• 🔘 Hold the Loud down. + Power before the appearance of the Fastboot logo.

Step 3: Start unlocking

1. Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.

2. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode. The utility should determine the device (if not, check the drivers).

3. Press Unlock. The process will take 10 to 30 seconds, after which the phone will restart with the bootloader unlocked.

⚠️ Note: If you see a Current account error is different from the account info on the device, then the account on your PC and phone are not the same.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically perform factory reset, and when you first turn on, you will need to go through the initial setup and re-authenticate to Mi Account.

💡

The official method through the Mi Unlock Tool is the safest, but requires a long wait (up to 30 days).

Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)

If the official method is not available (for example, due to account lockdown or lack of waiting time), workarounds can be used. These methods are risky and can lead to hard-brick!

Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

Suitable for Qualcomm Snapdragon devices (e.g. Xiaomi 11T, POCO F3).

• 🖥️ Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 📄 Firmware file in.mbn or.elf format.
• 🔑 Authorization file auth.ini (for new devices).

Instructions:

1. Turn the phone into EDL mode: Turn off the device. Press Volume up + Volume down + Power (some models require a testpoint).

Device Manager

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

fastboot oem device-info

💡

For devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 10), instead of Mi Flash Tool, use SP Flash Tool with scatter.txt. the authorization file auth.ini can be obtained through Xiaomi Auth Bypass service (paid, ~$5).

Method 2: Bypassing waiting by changing the account region

Some users report that changing the Mi Account region to China or India reduces the waiting time to 72 hours.

1. Go to the Mi Account website.
2. In the profile settings, change the region to China.
3. Confirm the changes via SMS or email.
4. Re-attach the device to the account (in Mi Unlock status).

Recommendations after unlocking:

1. Install TWRP Recovery for system backup (nandroid backup).
2. Use Magisk to manage root rights and disguise SafetyNet status.
3. Turn off automatic bootloader check in Fastboot command: fastboot oem disable-verity
4. Regularly check system integrity through Magisk or TWRP.

💡

To make banking applications work on an unlocked device, use the Magisk module called Universal SafetyNet Fix and enable the Enforce DenyList option to hide root from selected applications.

How to return the boot loader lock (if necessary)

In some cases, you may need to return the factory lock bootloader:

• 🔄 To return the device under warranty.
• 📱 For sale of the phone (buyers often check the status of the bootloader).
• 🔒 To restore the operation of banking applications.

Instructions for locking:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Unpack the firmware and find the file flash_all_lock.bat (for Windows or flash_all_lock.sh (for Linux/macOS).
3. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
4. Run the script. flash_all_lock.bat. The process will take 5–10 minute.
5. After the reboot, the bootloader will be blocked and all data will be erased.

⚠️ Warning: On Anti-Rollback devices, locking the bootloader may make it impossible to firmware older versions MIUI. Before blocking, make sure you have the latest version of the software installed.

To check the status of the loader, use the command:

fastboot oem device-info

If you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, the lock is successful.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi bootloader