Why unlocking Xiaomi bootloader is not a whim, but a necessity
The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is blocked by default – this is a security measure that protects the device from unauthorized firmware changes. But for enthusiasts who want to install custom software, get root rights, or flash global firmware on the Chinese model, unlocking becomes a must. TWRP, Magisk or alternative builds MIUI/HyperOS.
The process of official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool changed in 2023-2026: Xiaomi tightened the requirements for accounts, latency and supported models. Now, to successfully unlock, you need not only to link the device to the Mi Account, but also to wait 7-30 days depending on the region and model.
Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Launching the Mi Unlock Tool
Before you start unlocking, make sure all the preconditions are met. Non-compliance is the main cause of errors Couldn't unlock or Current account is different from the account info on the device.
- 📱 Check the model of the device: unlocking is possible only on official firmware MIUI You can find out the version at Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
- 🔗 Link your Mi Account: the device must be logged into your Mi Account with a confirmed phone number. Use the same account at all stages!
- 🔌 Battery charge: at least 60%.Mi Unlock Tool will block the process at a charge below 50.
- 🌍 Account Region: If your Mi Account is registered in China and your device is a global version (or vice versa), you may experience problems.
On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the unlock process is identical to MIUI, but the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (at least 6.5.404.28) is required.
Step 1: Linking your device to your Mi Account – Why it’s Critical
The most common unblocking error is trying to use the Mi Unlock Tool without first linking the device to an account. Xiaomi requires that the smartphone be logged in to the Mi Account for at least 7 days (for some models, up to 30 days), a rule introduced in 2023 to combat device theft.
How to tie the device correctly:
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and log in.
- Enable Data Sync and Find the Device (this is a must!).
- Connect to the internet via mobile (not just Wi-Fi!) Xiaomi checks activity SIM-map.
- Use the device in normal mode for at least a week: call, install applications, synchronize data.
You can check the anchor status through Settings → Additional → Developer → Mi Unlock Status. If it says Added successfully. Wait XX days — the device is tied, but you need to wait. If Not bound, repeat authorization.
What to do if the binding does not pass?
Step 2: Enable Developer Mode and Unblock Permissions
Without activating the developer mode and enabling the OEM Unlock Mi Unlock Tool, your device will not see.
- Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version (or HyperOS Version).
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Activate switches: USB Debugging (required!) OEM Unlocking (OEM Unlocking) Factory Unlocking (Mi Unlock status)
Once OEM Unlock is enabled, a reset warning may appear. Don't confirm the reset! Just close the window, which is standard system behavior. If the OEM Unlock option is inactive (grey), then the device is not tied to the account or has not passed the waiting period.
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If the developer menu does not have Mi Unlock status, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware. On some models (for example, POCO F5), this item appears only after the update.
Step 3: Install Mi Unlock Tool and Drivers
Mi Unlock Tool is the official Xiaomi utility, but it needs to be downloaded from the right source, and using older or modified versions leads to 86006 or 86012 errors.
Step-by-step:
- Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (at the time of publication, 6.5.404.28 is current).
- Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
- Sign in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
If your PC doesn’t recognize your device in Fastboot, install the drivers manually:
- 🖥️ For Windows: Download Google’s Platform Tools and Mi Driver USB Driver from Xiaomi website.
- 🐧 For Linux/macOS: Use fastboot from platform-tools (install via sudo apt install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot).
Device tied to Mi Account for at least 7 days|Developer mode is on|Activated. OEM Unlock and USB-debugging|Current drivers installed|Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool-->
Step 4: The Unlocking Process – Step-by-step With Pictures
When you are ready, start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions:
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as described above).
- In the utility, press Unlock. If the device is recognized, a warning will appear about the data reset.
- Confirm the unlock. It'll take 1-3 minutes.
- After successful unlocking, the phone will automatically restart with the cleaned data (full reset!).
If you see a mistake instead of success, check the code:
| Error code | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 86006 | The device is not tied to the account or has not passed the waiting period | Wait 7-30 days to check the status in Mi Unlock status |
| 86012 | Disparity of accounts on PC and phone | Log in to one account everywhere, restart your phone |
| 86001 | The device does not support unlocking | Check the model on the official website |
| 86008 | Too frequent attempts to unlock | Wait 72 hours before trying again |
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Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased! Backup in advance via Settings → Additional → Backup.
What to do after unlocking: the next steps
Successful unlocking is only half the battle. Now you can:
- 🔄 Install TWRP Or another custom recavator through fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
- 🛡️ Get root rights with Magisk (stitched through the Recovery).
- 🌍 Switch global firmware to the Chinese model (for example, with China) ROM Globally ROM).
- 🔧 Install custom cores or modified firmware (Pixel Experience, LineageOS, etc.).
However, keep in mind the risks:
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader will void the Xiaomi warranty (unless the device is unlocked through an official service center.
If you plan to flash HyperOS or MIUI through Fastboot, use official packages from Xiaomi. To install via the Recovery, download firmware in.zip format.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with the exact following of the instructions, it can be difficult.
- 🔄 The utility does not see the device in Fastboot: Check the connection USB (Try another cable/port. Update the drivers through Device Manager (manually specify the path to the device). android_winusb.inf). Disable the antivirus, it can block the Mi Unlock Tool.
- ⏳ Waiting for 720 hours (30 days): This is the norm for some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 It is impossible to get around the wait – only wait or use informal methods (risk of blocking the account!).
- 🔒 Once unlocked, the phone won't turn on: Swipe the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode. EDL, You will need an authorized Xiaomi account for firmware.
⚠️ Warning: If you see an Anti-rollback check fail error when you are firmware, it means you are trying to install an older version of the software than before you unlock it, in which case only the firmware of the new version or contacting the service center will help.
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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you an error 10008, try changing the account region to "Global" in the Mi Account settings (via the browser).