How to Open a bootloader on Xiaomi via Fastboot: Official and Secure Way

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware, root rights, or device recovery after software failures. Although the manufacturer officially allows this procedure, it requires care: wrong actions can turn a phone into a brick. In this article, we will discuss the legal way to unlock through the Fastboot, which works on most models, from the Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi put restrictions on unlocking the bootloader in 2017, linking the process to linking the Mi Account account, which means that without official permission, you can’t get around the protection. We won’t be looking at “grey” methods with bypassing waiting — they violate the terms of use and can lead to locking the device. Instead, focus on a safe way that ensures the security guarantee (if it’s still valid) and the health of the smartphone.

The unlocking process takes 3 to 7 days due to the mandatory waiting period Xiaomi has put in place to protect users from random action. If you're willing to wait and follow instructions, let's get going. If not, consider alternatives: You can do this without unlocking (for example, through ADB or standard developer settings).

Why you need to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi

A bootloader is a program that runs to the operating system and controls the boot process. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is locked by default to protect against:

• 🛡️ Malware installations – blocking prevents the launch of uncertified firmware that may contain viruses.
• 🔧 Unauthorized changes – without unlocking, you can not get root access or change system files.
• 📱 Warranty loss – although unlocking the warranty itself will not void the warranty, any consequences after it (for example, damage to the software) will not be considered a warranty event.

However, there are also good reasons to unlock the bootloader:

• 🔄 Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) for advanced features or updates after official support ends.
• 🚀 Remove built-in Bloatware – pre-installed Xiaomi apps that cannot be removed in standard ways.
• 🔧 Recovery after the “brick” – if the smartphone stopped booting due to a firmware error, the unlocked bootloader allows you to reflash it through Fastboot.
• 📱 Testing of new versions MIUI prior to the official release (through MIUI Beta or Ported assemblies).

Before you continue, assess the risks:

⚠️ Note: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Xiaomi does not provide tools to back up blocked data (for example, Xiaomi does not provide tools for backing up blocked data, DRM-keyboard L1). After the procedure, some functions may not work correctly: for example, banking applications will refuse to run on a device with an unlocked bootloader.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do in advance

Before starting the process, make sure all the preliminary steps are followed, and skipping at least one item may result in errors or inability to complete the unlock.

Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your smartphone to 60% or more

Make sure the latest version is installed on the device MIUI

Connect your device to a stable Wi-Fi network (not mobile internet)

Download and install Mi Unlock Tool on PC

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Let’s look at each item in more detail:

1. Data backup

As mentioned earlier, unlocking the bootloader completely erases all data on the device.

• 📸 Photos and videos (including from the DCIM and Pictures).
• 📞 Contacts, messages, call log.
• 🎮 Game saving and application data.
• 🔑 Passwords and keys (for example, for Google Authenticator or banking applications).

Use cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) or local copying on your PC. Please note that some data (such as saving games) may not be restored even after copying - check this for specific applications.

Verification of version 2. MIUI renewal

Xiaomi requires that the device has the latest stable version MIUI You can check the relevance in the settings:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Update Checker and wait for the result.
3. If an update is available, install it.

If your device is on the Beta version MIUI, We recommend you switch to a stable branch:

1. Open the Update app (Updater).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
3. Download the latest stable firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website and install it manually.

3. Linking Mi Account to the device

Unlocking the bootloader requires a Mi Account that is tied to the device for at least 72 hours.If you have just created an account or recently dropped your phone, wait 3 days before trying to unlock.

To link the account:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Sign in to your account (if you haven’t already).
3. Enable the option to Sync Data and Find the device.

⚠️ Note: If you use a Mi Account created through a VPN or suspiciously IP-Xiaomi can block the unlocking of the address, and it is recommended to use an account created at least 30 days ago with a confirmed phone number.

Installation of necessary tools on PC

To unlock the bootloader via Fastboot, you will need a Windows computer (officially, the Mi Unlock Tool does not support macOS or Linux).

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool

The official utility for unlocking the bootloader is available on the Xiaomi website:

1. Go to the Mi Unlock page (may be required) VPN, If the site is blocked in your area).
2. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (at the time of writing, version 6.5.224.24 is current).
3. Unpack the archive in a separate folder (for example, C:\MiUnlock).

Do not download the utility from third-party sites - it can be malware. The official file has a digital signature Xiaomi.

Installation of drivers ADB and Fastboot

To interact with the device via Fastboot, you need drivers, and you can install them in two ways:

• 🔧 Through Mi Unlock Tool – when you first connect your phone in Fastboot mode, the utility will offer to install drivers automatically.
• 🖥️ Manually - download Mi USB Driver from the official Xiaomi website or use Google Universal Drivers for ADB.

For manual installation:

1. Download Android SDK Platform-Tools from Google.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (how to do this is described in the next section).
3. Open Device Manager on PC, and find a device with an exclamation point (usually Android Bootloader Interface).
4. Update the driver by specifying the path to the folder with the platform-tools.

3. Verification of device connection

To make sure your PC recognizes your smartphone in Fastboot mode, follow the following steps:

1. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
2. Go to the folder with the platform-tools (or Mi Unlock Tool): cd C:\platform-tools
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (instruction below) and type in the command: fastboot devices
4. If the device is identified, you'll see its serial number. If it's not, check the drivers or the cable.

Windows 10/11

macOS

Linux

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How to Transform Xiaomi into Fastboot Mode

Fastboot mode (also known as Bootloader Mode) is a special state of the device in which it is ready to receive commands to unlock or firmware.

Method 1: Through the Recovery Menu

This method works if the phone turns on and responds to the presses:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the power and volume reduction buttons at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Fastboot logo appears (an open-belly Android robot).

Method 2: Through commands ADB

If the phone is on and connected to the PC, you can use it. ADB:

1. Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → Press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. In the command line, type: adb reboot bootloader

Method 3: For “bricks” (if the phone is not turned on)

If the device does not respond to buttons but charges (the indicator is on), try:

1. Connect your phone to charge for 10-15 minutes.
2. Press the power + Volume increase for 20-30 seconds.
3. If there is a vibration or logo – release the buttons and immediately press the power. + Reduce the volume for entering the Fastboot.

In Fastboot mode, the phone screen will look like this:

• 📱 Black background with white text FASTBOOT.
• 🤖 Image of Android robot with an open case.
• 🔌 Connected status (if connected to PC).

⚠️ Warning: If this device is locked on the screen after you log in to Fastboot, that's okay -- it should be before you unlock it. If instead you see This device is corrupted, it means the firmware is corrupted and you need to restore it.

Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Now that you're done, you can start unlocking, and the whole process takes about 5 to 10 minutes, but remember to have a 72-hour waiting period after you've linked your account.

Step 1: Launch the Mi Unlock Tool

Open the downloaded Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator (right click) → Launch on behalf of the administrator.A first run may be a warning about an unidentified publisher - ignore it (this is the official Xiaomi software).

Step 2: Authorization in Mi Account

In the utility window:

1. Select a language (if available in Russian).
2. Enter the username and password from the Mi Account associated with the device.
3. Confirm the login via SMS or email (if required).

If the utility gives you an error Couldn't sign in, check:

• 🔌 Internet connection stability (it is better to use a cable connection).
• 🕒 Time on PC – it should coincide with the real one (the error may occur due to the wrong date).
• 📵 Absence VPN Proxies (they can block the connection to Xiaomi servers).

Step 3: Connecting the device

Make sure the phone is in Fastboot mode (as described earlier) and connect it to the PC via the original cable.The Mi Unlock Tool should show a Phone connected message.

If the device is not determined:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers (as described in the section above).
• 📱 Reboot your phone to Fastboot mode again.

Step 4: Starting Unblocking

Press Unlock in the utility, the system will check if it is 72 hours since the account was linked, and if so, a warning about the reset will appear, confirm it.

It takes a few minutes to unlock, and when it's done, the phone automatically restarts, and you'll see the Unlocked successfully message.

Once unlocked, the bootloader will remain open even after flashing it, unless you manually lock it through the fastboot oem lock command. However, some custom firmware can block it again.

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Once successfully unlocked, the phone will be reset to factory settings, and all data, including accounts and apps, will be deleted without recovery.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If your error is not listed in the table, try:

• 🔍 Finding a solution in forums XDA Developers or 4PDA (Specify the exact device model and error text).
• 📡 Use a different PC or cable (sometimes a problem in your computer) USB-port).
• 📱 Switch the device to the latest official version MIUI Using the Mi Flash Tool and try again.

What to do after unlocking the loader

When you unlock successfully, you have new opportunities, but you also have limitations.

1. Checking the status of the loader

To make sure the bootloader is unlocked, reboot the phone to Fastboot mode and check the inscription at the bottom of the screen. It should change from Locked to Unlocked.

You can also check the status through the command:

fastboot oem device-info

In the conclusion, find the lines:

(bootloader) Device unlocked: true


(bootloader) Device critical unlocked: true

Installation of custom recovery (TWRP)

With the bootloader unlocked, you can install an alternative recovery, for example, TWRP. That'll allow it:

• 🔄 Make backups of the entire system (Nandroid backup).
• 📱 Install custom firmware and cores.
• 🔧 Get root access through Magisk.

Instructions for installing TWRP:

1. Download the TWRP image for your model from the official website twrp.me.
2. Reboot your phone to Fastboot.
3. In the command line, type: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot reboot recovery

3. Getting root rights through Magisk

If your goal is root, follow these steps:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub.
2. Copy the file. Magisk.apk phone-on.
3. Reboot to TWRP And install Magisk as ZIP-file.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: After getting root, some apps (such as banking or Netflix) may fail due to the SafetyNet trigger.To get around this, install the MagiskHide Props Config module or use Universal SafetyNet Fix.

4. Data recovery and device setup

Once unlocked, the phone will be reset to factory settings to recover data:

• 📱 Sign in to your Google Account to sync your contacts and apps.
• 📸 Move photos and videos from backup.
• 🔑 Reset two-factor authentication and passwords.

Some data (such as saving games or setting up apps) may be lost irrevocably. If you use Titanium Backup or similar tools, restore backups only after you have fully configured the system, otherwise conflicts may occur.

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If the phone slows down or warms up after unlocking the bootloader, reset to factory settings again, sometimes residual files from the previous firmware conflict with the new system.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions