Unlocking the bootloader is the first and most important step for any enthusiast who wants to gain full control of their Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device. This procedure opens the door to install custom recoveries, obtaining root rights, installing global firmware on Chinese versions and deep customization of the HyperOS or MIUI system. Without removing the lock, your options are limited by the standard functionality that the manufacturer provides.
Xiaomi has implemented a multi-layered security system that includes waiting for 168 hours (7 days), linking an account to the IMEI of a device, and using the proprietary Mi Unlock utility. In 2026, requirements have been tightened, and now some models require an active account in the community with a certain level of activity. It is important to know that unlocking the bootloader irreversibly erases all data from the device, so creating a backup is critical.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the preparation steps, tools and possible pitfalls, and we will look at both standard methods through official servers and the nuances that users face this year. Be attentive to the details, as a mistake at any stage can lead to the inability to boot the system or loss of warranty.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start taking action, you need to make sure that your smartphone and computer are fully ready for the procedure. Unlocking the bootloader requires a stable connection and a serviceable one. USB-use of damaged wires or USB-Under-powered ports may interrupt the key exchange process, leading to an authorization error.
You will need a Mi Account that must be linked to a SIM card inserted into your smartphone. This is a must-have security condition. Also, make sure the device has a battery charge of at least 60%.The process can take time, especially if you need a wait of 7 days, and a sudden power outage at a critical moment can be fatal.
⚠️ Before you start any manipulations, be sure to make a full backup of all important data (photos, contacts, documents) to the cloud service or computer.
You will also need a Windows computer (version 7 and above), installed ADB and Fastboot drivers, as well as the official Mi Unlock Tool program. Download utilities should only be from trusted sources, preferably from the official website miui.com/unlock, to avoid malware.
☑️ Preparation for unlocking
Activation of the developer mode and account binding
The first step in the software part is to activate the hidden menu for developers. Go to Settings → About Phone and find the line MIUI Version (or HyperOS Version). You need to quickly click on this line 7-10 times in a row until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
Next, go to the menu Additional → For developers, and you can find the bootloader status (or Mi Unlock status) and click on it. The system will request confirmation via SMS and suggest you link your account. Once you successfully link, the phone will reboot.
In the same menu "For developers" you need to include two critical options:
- 📱 Debugging by USB — Allows the computer to interact with the Android system.
- 🔓 Factory unlocking (OEM Unlocking – gives permission to change the status of the bootloader.
- 🔌 USB-Configuration – Select Charging or File Transfer mode, but not Charging Only».
If you are using a new version of HyperOS, the system may require your account to have a certain level in the Xiaomi Community.This is a new measure to combat spam and resale of unlocked devices.
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If the "Factory Unblocking" item is gray and does not activate, try to switch the Internet to mobile data (by turning off Wi-Fi) and again click on the account binding button in the bootloader status.
Use of Mi Unlock Tool
Once the device is ready, move to the computer, run the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same account. MI, You can connect the phone to your PC, and you can hold the Volume Down button and Power buttons at the same time, and the device will go to Fastboot mode).
In the program, click Unlock. The utility will check the status of the device and account. If the link was successful, but less than 168 hours have passed since the last link, you will see a countdown timer. It is officially impossible to bypass this timer, since Xiaomi servers strictly control time.
If you do that, after the wait period, the program will start the unlock process, the progress bar will fill up, and the phone will automatically restart, and the whole process will take between seconds and a couple of minutes, but then the device will be completely cleaned.
| Status at Mi Unlock | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Connected | Phone's determined. | Press Unlock. |
| Waiting (168h) | Wait 7 days | Waiting without untiing your account |
| Successfully unlocked | Successfully. | You can stitch it. |
| Error 10009 | Server error | Check the Internet/account |
What if the timer is off?
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
Unblocking rarely goes perfectly smoothly for all users, and one of the most common mistakes is the Error 10009 or the message that “account is not authorized,” often due to an unstable Internet connection or the locking of Xiaomi servers in your area. In such cases, the change helps. DNS at 8.8.8.8 or use of VPN European IP-address.
Another common problem is the inability to find the device in Fastboot mode. Make sure that there are no devices with a yellow exclamation mark in the Windows Device Manager section of the USB Controllers section. If the driver is not up, install the Xiaomi USB Drivers package manually.
Also, users often experience an error called "Account isn't bound to this device," which means that the link in the phone menu is incorrect or that you're trying to unlock the phone from another account, and the solution is one: re-enter the linking procedure in the bootloader status menu.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to use modified versions of the Mi Unlock Tool (Bypass tools) unless you are sure of their source. IMEI communication modules of your smartphone.
If the program is stuck at 50% or 99%, don't panic or turn off the cable. Often this is normal behavior when you flash the bootloader, wait for the timeout to end or for a success/error message to appear.
Impact of Unblocking and Security Issues
After successfully unlocking the bootloader, Android security changes irreversibly, and the Bootloader goes into Unlocked status, which is confirmed by the label every time the phone is turned on, meaning that the integrity of the system is no longer guaranteed by the manufacturer.
The most important consequence is the breakdown of the TrustZone and TEE (Trusted Execution Environment) trust chain, which means that applications requiring a high degree of security stop working: Google Pay (or Google Wallet), banking applications with root protection, Netflix in HD quality (Widevine L1 certification disappears, L3 remains).
But there are workarounds for most users: Magisk or KSU patches hide the fact of unlocking from banking apps. Play Integrity Fix often brings contactless payment back to work, even though it’s a constant arms race between Google and developers.
- 🔒 Warranty: In some regions, unlocking the bootloader will automatically void the warranty.
- 📉 Performance: Unlocking by itself doesn’t affect speed, but custom cores can both speed up and slow down work.
- 🛡️ Data protection: Data encryption remains active, but physical access to memory is made easier for an attacker.
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An unlocked bootloader is a trade-off between freedom of customization and data security. For the average user who cares about banking applications and warranty, it’s best to leave the bootloader closed.
How to close the loader back
Many users wonder if it is possible to return everything as it was. The answer is yes, it is possible to close the bootloader (Lock) but only if the device has an official stock firmware installed that corresponds to the region of the device (Global on Global, CN on CN).
To do this, in the off state, press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power before the Recovery menu appears. Select Connect with MiAssistant, connect the cable and in the Mi Flash program (not to be confused with Mi Unlock), select the Clean All and Lock option. Run the firmware in Clean All mode without locking is also possible, but will not return security status.
Trying to close the bootloader on a modified firmware or custom recavator will lead to Hard Brick – the phone will no longer respond to buttons and turn on. In this case, the device can only be restored through the EDL (Emergency Download Mode) service mode, which often requires a paid authorized account or contact the service.