The bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a software component that starts when the device is turned on and is responsible for loading the operating system. It is blocked by the manufacturer by default, which limits the ability of users to install custom firmware, obtain root rights or restore bricks. However, in some cases it is required to disable (unlock), for example, to deep tune the system or repair software failures.
The process of unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi is officially supported by the company, but it comes with a number of nuances: from binding a Mi Account account to waiting 7-30 days for approval of the request. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable the bootloader on Redmi models (including Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10, POCO X5 and others), and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes that can turn your smartphone into a “brick”.
⚠️ Important: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. Pre-save important data to your computer or to the Mi Cloud cloud.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and why disable it
Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all its devices for several reasons:
- 🔒 Security: Protect against unauthorized access to system files (e.g., phone theft).
- 🛡️ Stability: Preventing the installation of incompatible firmware that can cause the device to fail.
- 📱 Warranty: Unblocking may void warranty obligations (depending on region).
However, users often want to disable the bootloader to:
- 🔧 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
- 🛠️ Getting root rights (for example, through Magisk).
- 🔄 Restore the device after software failures ("soft brick").
- 📱 Testing of beta versions MIUI or hyperos.
⚠️ Attention: Unlock the bootloader on Redmi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, Redmi 10A) It requires additional steps compared to devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon.
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
The most reliable and recommended method Xiaomi uses is the Mi Unlock Tool, which is suitable for most Redmi models, including the Redmi Note 11, Redmi K50 and new HyperOS devices. The process takes 7 to 30 days due to account verification.
Requirements for official unlocking:
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi smartphone with version MIUI HyperOS is not older than 2 years (older models may require bypassing).
- 🔑 Mi Account linked to the device (required to have a confirmed phone number!).
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (MacOS is not officially supported).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the developer mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap it 7 times until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
- Activate USB debugging and OEM unlocking: In the Settings menu → Additional → For developers, turn on the switches opposite USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
- Attach Mi Account to your device: In the same developer menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device.
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool (official website) and install it on PC.
- Connect your smartphone to your computer in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press the Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the program instructions.
⚠️ If the program is running a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported" error, check it:
- Is the account linked to the device (the Mi Unlock Status menu should say "Device is tied").
- Whether you use a VPN or proxy (they block access to Xiaomi servers).
- Updated to the latest version (older versions of MIUI may not be supported).
Link Mi Account to your device|Enable debugging on USB|Allow unlocking OEM|Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Prepare original USB-cable-->
How long does it take to unlock the loader
The timeline for approval of an unblock request depends on Xiaomi’s policy and your account history. Here are the current figures for 2026:
| Type of account | Standby time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New account (registered <3 months ago) | 30 days | Maximum period for new users |
| Account older than 3 months | 14-21 days | With active use of Xiaomi services |
| Account with Unblocking History | 7-10 days | If you have previously successfully unlocked other devices |
| Account with a linked bank card | 3-7 days | Accelerated Verification for “Trusted” Users |
Important: The waiting period starts with the first time you link your account to your device, not when you send a request to the Mi Unlock Tool. If you link an account today, even a week later, the program may show an error about insufficient waiting time.
💡 Tip: To speed up the process, actively use Xiaomi services (for example, Mi Cloud, Mi Store) for a week before unlocking.
💡
If the waiting period has expired, but the Mi Unlock Tool still gives an error, try connecting to another Wi-Fi or using mobile Internet. IP-address.
Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)
If the official method doesn’t work (e.g., for older Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A or devices with damaged firmware), alternative methods can be used. They require technical skills and carry risks!
1. Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
Suitable for Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3).
- 🔧 EDL-cable or testpoint (for forced transfer to mode) EDL).
- 💻 QFil or Mi Flash Tool.
- 📄 File. prog_emmc_firehose.mbn for your model.
Circumvention through vulnerabilities (exploit)
Some models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro on the MediaTek Helio G90T) have vulnerabilities that allow you to unlock the bootloader without waiting.
- MTK Bypass Tool for MediaTek devices
- Fastboot Enhance – to bypass restrictions on some firmware.
⚠️ Note: Using exploit methods can lead to:
- Loss of warranty (even if official unlocking is allowed)
- Blocking your Mi Account for suspicious activity.
- Irreversible damage to the loader ("hard brick").
What is a “hard brick” and how to avoid it?
How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Xiaomi Redmi
Before you start unlocking, make sure the bootloader is still locked. Here are 3 ways to check:
1.Using Fastboot Mode
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your computer and type in the command line: fastboot oem device-info
- If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked.
2. Through the developer menu
Go to Settings → Additional → Developer → Mi Unlock status. If it says “Blocked”, then unlocking has not been performed.
3.According to the behaviour of the device
If you try to flash a custom recovery (TWRP) or kernel through fastboot flash and see a FAILED error (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State'), then the bootloader is blocked.
💡
Even if you have successfully unlocked the bootloader before, after updating the firmware through OTA, it may lock again. Always check the status before installing custom components!
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi is often accompanied by errors. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock. Try again after 168 hours | Not enough waiting time | Wait for the specified time (usually 7 days) and try again |
| Current account is not bound to this device | The account is not tied to the device | Log in Mi Unlock Status and re-link your account |
| Mi Flash not responding | Problems with drivers | Install Xiaomi’s Official Drivers and Reboot your PC |
| Device not supported | The device is not supported by the current version of the Mi Unlock Tool. | Update your firmware to the latest version or use an alternative version of the utility (e.g. Mi Unlock Tool 5.5.224.24 for older models) |
💡 Tip: If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device in Fastboot mode, try it out:
- 🔌 Connect the smartphone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
- 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Xiaomi Fastboot Interface").
- 🔄 Disable driver signatures in Windows (to do this, type in the command line on behalf of the administrator: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on and restart the PC).
What to do after successfully unlocking the bootloader
When the finalmente bootloader is unlocked, you have new opportunities, but also new risks.
1. Install Custom Recovery (TWRP)
This will allow you to backup your system (nandroid backup) and install unofficial firmware. Xiaomi Redmi is suitable for TWRP from TeamWin. Download the version for your model and run through fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-1-redminote10.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-1-redminote10.img2. Build a full backup of current firmware
In TWRP, go to Backup and save Boot, System, Data, and EFS (important for IMEI!) sections. Store the backup on your computer or cloud.
3. Install Magisk to obtain root rights
Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub and run through TWRP or a patch via fastboot:
fastboot patch boot.img magisk_patched.img
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img⚠️ Note: After obtaining root rights:
- 🚫 Do not update the firmware through OTA (This will result in root loss and possible bootloader lockdown).
- 🔒 Turn off Magisk Hide for banking applications (use MagiskHide Props Config module).
- 📱 Regularly check the integrity of the section EFS (responsible IMEI and serial number).