How to unlock Bootloader on Xiaomi: the official way without risks

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights or restoring the device after software failures. Despite the fact that the manufacturer officially allows this procedure, it requires care: improper actions can lead to complete loss of warranty and even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will discuss the legal method of unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, relevant for all modern models, from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi has imposed strict restrictions on unlocking the bootloader. Since 2022, new devices have a “72-hour wait” rule after tying a Mi Account to a phone. In addition, some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi K60) may require additional steps like enabling OEM Unlock in the developer. We will describe each step in detail so that you can avoid typical errors.

What is Bootloader and why is it blocked?

A bootloader is a low-level software that runs to the Android operating system, which checks the digital signatures of the firmware and blocks the launch of uncertified software. Xiaomi, like other manufacturers, blocks the bootloader for three key reasons:

• 🔒 Security: Protection from malicious firmware that could steal data or turn a phone into a botnet zombie.
• 📱 Stability: Preventing failures due to incompatible modifications (e.g., cores or recovery).
• 💰 Warranty obligations: unlocking automatically voids hardware warranty.

However, the lock creates problems for enthusiasts: without unlocked bootloader is impossible:

• 🔧 Install TWRP or other custom recovery.
• 📲 Switch to alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🛠️ Get root access through Magisk.
• 🔄 Restore your phone after a soft brick (for example, after a failed update).

Xiaomi has been providing the official Mi Unlock Tool since 2017, but the process has been getting more complicated every year, for example, models from 2023 to 2026 (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 13 Pro+) require SMS confirmation, and some regions (e.g. the EU) have additional restrictions due to GDPR.

Preparing the phone: steps before unlocking

Before you start unlocking, you need to perform a number of mandatory actions, and skipping any of them can lead to errors such as Couldn't unlock or Current account is different from the account info on the device.

Link Mi Account to your phone

Enable debugging over USB

Allow OEM Unlock in Developer Settings

Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC

Download the drivers ADB/Fastboot-->

Let us consider each item in detail:

1. Linking Mi Account to your device Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in. Make sure your profile contains a valid phone number (required for the user to log in). SMS-For models with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14), binding can take up to 24 hours.

On some devices (Redmi 12, Xiaomi Civi 3) the OEM Unlock item appears only after the account is linked and rebooted.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought the phone with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie his Mi Account. otherwise unlocking will be impossible without his data.

It is also recommended that:

• 📶 Connect to stable Wi-Fi (unlocking requires access to Xiaomi servers).
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 60% (the process can take up to an hour).
• 📱 Remove the pattern lock/PIN-code (sometimes they block access to fastboot).

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If the paragraph OEM Unlock is inactive, try connecting your phone to the Internet SIM-Card (Wi-Fi may not work to activate).

Installation of Mi Unlock Tool and drivers

Mi Unlock Tool is the official utility from Xiaomi, but it must be downloaded only from trusted sources, the latest version at 2026 is 6.5.424.26 (for HyperOS), and you can download it on the official website (Unlock Bootloader section).

In addition to the utility, you will need ADB and Fastboot drivers:

• 🖥️ For Windows: Download Android SDK Platform-Tools or use Mi PC Suite.
• 🐧 For Linux/macOS: Install adb and fastboot via the terminal (sudo apt install adb fastboot).

Instructions for installing drivers on Windows:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when your phone is off).
2. Open Device Manager and find a device with an exclamation point (usually Android Bootloader Interface).
3. Update the driver manually by specifying the folder with the platform-tools.

⚠️ Warning: Never download the Mi Unlock Tool from third-party sites! fake versions may contain viruses or block access to Xiaomi servers, leading to 86006 error.

Unlocking process: step-by-step instructions

Once you’re done, you can start unlocking, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to 72 hours (because you’re waiting for confirmation from Xiaomi).

Step 1 Launching the Mi Unlock Tool

1. Open the utility on behalf of the administrator (on Windows).
2. Accept the license agreement and log in under the same Mi Account that is tied to the phone.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (a screen with a rabbit and the inscription FASTBOOT).

Step 2: Checking the Unlocking Status

The utility should show the Phone Connected message and the Unlock button.

• 🚫 Couldn't unlock (86012) - 72 hours after the account was linked.
• 🚫 Current account is different – the phone is linked to another Mi Account.
• 🚫 Device is not supported – the model does not support unlocking (relevant for some). POCO Redmi for the Chinese market).

Step 3: Confirmation of Unlocking

Once you press Unlock, an SMS will arrive with a confirmation code, enter it in the utility window, and the unlock process will take 1-3 minutes, after which the phone will automatically restart with the bootloader unlocked.

After successful unlocking:

• 📱 The phone will reset to factory settings (all data will be deleted!).
• 🔓 In fastboot mode, the inscription Unlocked (previously Locked) will appear).
• 🔧 Now you can install it. TWRP or.

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Unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi is an irreversible process, and you won’t be able to return the official warranty after that, even if you block the bootloader again.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users are faced with errors.

Additional challenges:

• 🔄 The utility freezes by 99%: disconnect your phone from your PC, restart it to fastboot and try again.
• 📵 Phone is not defined: check the cable (you need the original one with data support) and port USB 2.0.
• 🔒 After unlocking the phone does not turn on: run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

If you get an error of 86014 ("Too many attempts"), you have exceeded the limit of attempts (maximum 3 times a month for one account), in which case you will have to wait 30 days or use another Mi Account.

What to do after unlocking?

The unlocked bootloader is a great opportunity, but it requires caution.

• 🔧 Install TWRP: custom recovery for backups and firmware ZIP-Example of installation command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
• 📲 Swipe custom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu.
• 🛡️ Get root access via Magisk (required for system file modifications).
• 🔄 Recover your phone after a brick with the Mi Flash Tool.

However, keep in mind the risks:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty: Even if you block the bootloader again, the service center will see traces of unlocking.
• 🔋 Problems with OTA-Updates: After installing custom recovery, official updates can break the system.
• 🔒 Security vulnerabilities: Unlocked bootloader simplifies fastboot attacks.

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Before installing custom firmware, always make the persist backup (responsible for IMEI and communication modules). Its loss can make the phone unsuitable for calls!

Xiaomi models with unlocking features

Some Xiaomi devices have unique nuances when unlocked, such as:

For HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Turbo 3), additional confirmation may be required via the Mi Unlock app on your phone. download it from the Mi App Store and follow the on-screen instructions.

If your model doesn’t unlock in the standard way, check it out on XDA-Developers or 4PDA forums – often enthusiasts find workarounds for new devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Bootloader