How to disable protection on Xiaomi: a full guide to unlock Mi Account, bootloader and FRP

Xiaomi smartphones are known not only for their value for money, but also for their multi-layered protection system, which sometimes becomes a barrier for users: whether it is factory locking Mi Account after resetting settings, bootloader protection when trying to install custom firmware, or Factory Reset Protection (FRP) – each of these mechanisms requires a separate approach. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable protection on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI 12-14, including official and alternative methods.

It is important to understand that disabling protection can lead to loss of warranty, risk of data loss or even locking the device if you act carelessly. We do not recommend using informal methods without extreme necessity - for example, if you bought a used phone with a tied someone else's account or forgot the login data. For experienced users who want to install TWRP or LineageOS, unlocking the bootloader will be a must.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Model of the device (written on the box or in Settings) → Some methods only work on specific chipsets (Snapdragon vs Mediatek).
• 🔄 Version MIUI (For older versions (below). MIUI 10) other instruments may be required.
• 🔒 bootloader status: blocked or not (checked by the fastboot oem device-info team).

1. disable Mi Account (delete the Xiaomi account link)

The most common problem is that the phone requires you to enter your Mi Account after you reset your settings, which happens if you have previously enabled Find Device or sync with Mi Cloud, and you can only officially untether your username and password, but what if you bought your phone off the hook and the previous owner didn't untie your account?

There are three legal ways to solve the problem:

1. Contact the previous owner and ask them to remove the device from the list in Mi Account (Device → Delete).
2. Contact Xiaomi with a purchase check (if the phone is new) or a purchase agreement (for used) they can unblock after checking the documents.
3. Use an official service center – some of them provide a paid unlock service (cost) ~1500-3000 ₽).

If these methods don’t work, informal solutions remain, but they require technical skills and can lead to IMEI locking (making the phone a brick without the possibility of calling).

• 🛠️ Passage EDL-Mode (for Qualcomm chipsets) with tools like Mi Flash Pro or QFil.
• 🔧 Using vulnerabilities in MIUI (For example, through TestPoint for Mediatek).
• 📱 Fastboot reset (does not work on all models, requires an unlocked bootloader).

⚠️ Note: After unofficially bypassing Mi Account, the device may lose access to Google Play services (due to SafetyNet activation) or become Unlocked in fastboot, which blocks the device from accessing Google Play services. OTA-update.

2 Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is blocked by default, which prevents custom firmware, TWRP or root rights from being installed. The official way to unlock is through the Mi Unlock Tool, but it has limitations:

• 🔗 Requires a tied Mi Account (same as on your phone).
• ⏳ Waiting. 7-15 days after the first account is linked to the device (on new models).
• 📶 You need a stable Internet (unblocking occurs through Xiaomi servers).

Step-by-step instructions for official unlocking:

Turn on USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)|Plug your phone to your PC and confirm debugging resolution |Download Mi Unlock Tool (Windows version)|Authorize to Mi Account on your phone and in the utility |Put your phone to Fastboot mode (Batter + Volume down)

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After preparation:

1. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same account as your phone.
2. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (it must be determined in the program).
3. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete (it may take several attempts).

If you have a "Couldn't unlock" error, check:

• 🔌 Cable and port USB (It is better to use the original cable).
• 🔄 Mi Unlock Tool (new models need the latest version).
• ⏱️ Waiting time (if the account is tied less than 7 days ago).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone (full wipe) and can lead to problems with Widevine L1 (Downgrading streaming quality at Netflix, Disney+ etc.).

3. bypass Factory Reset Protection (FRP) on Xiaomi

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is an Android protection that is activated after resetting if a Google account has been added to the device. On Xiaomi, it works together with Mi Account, which makes it difficult to bypass. If you forget your Google account data, you can officially restore access only through Google's recovery service.

For devices on MIUI 12-14, the following methods are relevant:

• 📞 Through Emergency Call: On the lock screen, press Emergency Call. Enter ##4636## (test menu opens). Go to Settings → Recovery and reset and perform reset.

It doesn’t work on all models, and it’s often patched in new updates.

Through ADB

adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login/


adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login.LoginActivity

Then add a new Google account.

Through Fastboot.

fastboot erase frp

It will remove FRP, but it will not work if the bootloader is locked.

For Mediatek chipsets (e.g. Redmi 9/10, POCO M3), a DA-file-based SP Flash Tool bypass is often used.

• Download firmware for your model (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• SP Flash Tool and Mediatek Drivers.
• Disable protection in Option → Download-Agent (use of the MTK_AllInOne_DA.bin).

This will protect your data and avoid problems for the new owner.

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5. Unlocking the bootloader on new models (2023-2026)

Starting with MIUI 14 and new models (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5), Xiaomi has tightened the unlock rules.

• 📅 15 days waiting after linking the account to the device (previously 7 days).
• 📱 Confirmation through SMS Numbers linked to Mi Account.
• 🔐 Two-factor authentication (2FA) Xiaomi account.