How to reflash a locked Xiaomi smartphone: all ways to unlock 2026

A locked Xiaomi smartphone is a problem that users face after resetting, buying a used device or failing firmware. The system requires data input from a previous Mi Account, and without it, the phone becomes a brick, but even in this situation, there are ways to bring the device back to life.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of flashing blocked Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, from official tools to bypassing protection through EDL and Fastboot. You will learn how to determine the type of lock, prepare a PC, choose the right firmware and avoid common errors that can finally “kill” the device.

Why Xiaomi is blocked and what are the types of locks

Xiaomi smartphones are blocked for two main reasons:

  • 🔒 Mi Account Lock - activation of protection after resetting (Factory Reset Protection). Requires a login / password from the previous owner.
  • 📱 Bootloader Lock – a locked bootloader that does not allow you to stitch the device through Fastboot without official permission.
  • 🚫 Hard Brick – complete “brick” after a failed firmware (black screen, no reaction to buttons).

The first two types of locks can be bypassed by firmware through special modes, but Hard Brick often requires service center intervention or the use of EDL (Emergency Download Mode).

  • 🔄 If the phone turns on but asks for Mi Account data, it's Mi Account Lock.
  • 🛠️ If you connect to a PC in Fastboot you can see the device, but the commands are not executed – the bootloader is blocked.
  • ⚫ If the screen is black and the PC doesn’t detect the device, it’s a Hard Brick.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm processors (most of them) Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO) unlock EDL You need an authorized Xiaomi account or paid services like DC-Phoenix. 11T, POCO M4 Pro) the process is more complicated due to the lack of public tools for EDL.

Preparation for Flashing: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start unlocking, prepare everything you need:

  • 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (for MiFlash and drivers. Mac/Linux part of the toolkit is not working.
  • 🔌 Cable USB — Original or high quality (cheap cables can interrupt the connection).
  • 📱 Charged device (minimum 50%) If the battery runs out during firmware, it will lead to a Hard Brick.
  • 📂 Firmware for your model (official or custom) download only from trusted sources: en.miui.com, xiaomifirmwareupdater.com or 4PDA.

Also install:

  1. Xiaomi drivers for Fastboot and EDL (official website).
📊 What Xiaomi model is blocked?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
POCO X3/X4/X5
Mi 11/12/13
Another model

Before the firmware, be sure to check the model of the device.

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
  3. Connect to your PC and type in the command: fastboot getvar product The response will be a model code (e.g., toco for POCO X3 Pro).

☑️ Firmware preparation

Done: 0 / 5

Method 1: Unlocking via Fastboot (official method)

If only the bootloader is locked on the device, but it is defined in Fastboot, you can try the official unlock method using the Mi Unlock Tool.

  • 📅 Mi Account tied to device at least 72 hours ago.
  • 📱 Included debugging by USB and the allowed account binding in the settings.
  • 🌐 Stable Internet connection (tool checks data on Xiaomi servers).

Instructions:

  1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
  2. Sign in to Fastboot on your phone (Loudness down + Power).
  3. Connect the device to your PC and start Mi Unlock.
  4. Sign in with the same account as on your phone.
  5. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10-15 minutes).

After unlocking the bootloader, you can flash the device through Fastboot or Recovery.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) Xiaomi tightened its unlock policy, now may need to 168 If you buy a used phone, this method won't work, you need access to the original Mi Account.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try using an older version of the program (e.g. 5.5.224.24).

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (Mi Account bypass)

If the Mi Unlock Tool didn’t help or you don’t have access to the original account, you can try flashing the device through Fastboot with a full data reset, a method that works on most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models with Qualcomm processors.

You'll need:

  • 🛠️ MiFlash Tool (version 2020.3.14.0 or later).
  • 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (if not, see Method 1).

Step-by-step:

  1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\firmware).
  2. Run MiFlash on behalf of the administrator.
  3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
  4. In MiFlash, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
  5. Select Clean All (complete reset) mode.
  6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Once the firmware is in place, the device will boot as new, without being tied to the Mi Account. anti_rollback, So you're trying to flash an older version of the software than the one that was installed, and then you're going to download a newer version of the software.

What to do if MiFlash gives you a “flash not done” error
The “flash not done” error usually means that the firmware is not suitable for your model or is damaged. Try: 1. Download the firmware again (possibly the archive has not downloaded completely). 2. Use another version of MiFlash (for example, 2018.5.18.0 for older devices). 3. Check that there are no Russian letters or spaces on the way to the firmware folder.

Method 3: Firmware via EDL (for Hard Brick and locked devices)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency mode that allows you to flash the device even when you lock it completely or Hard Brick. This method works on most Xiaomi with Qualcomm processors, but requires:

  • 🔐 Authorized account for MiFlashPro or DC-Phoenix (paid, ~$10-30).
  • 📂 Firmware in.mbn format (special file for the EDL).
  • 🔌 Testpoint (on some models you need to close contacts on the board to enter the EDL).

Instructions for Qualcomm devices:

  1. Download the firmware for EDL (look for 4PDA or XiaomiFirmwareUpdater).
  2. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (manually through Device Manager).
  3. Enter the device into EDL: For most models: Volume up + Loudness down + USB-For some (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro): you need to close the testpoint (contacts on the motherboard).

MiFlashPro

QFil

Download

It takes 5-15 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically restarts.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek (Redmi Note) 11T, POCO M4 Pro) firmware through EDL They require specialized boxes like UFi or EasyJTAG, which are based on the $At home, it is extremely difficult to unlock such models.

ModelProcessor typeSupports EDL?Need a testpoint?
Redmi Note 10 ProQualcomm Snapdragon 732G✅ Yes.❌ No.
POCO X3 ProQualcomm Snapdragon 860✅ Yes.✅ Yes (closing contacts)
Redmi Note 11TMediaTek Dimensity 810❌ No.❌ No.
Xiaomi Mi 11Qualcomm Snapdragon 888✅ Yes.✅ Yes (authorization required)

Method 4: Bypass Mi Account via TWRP (for unlocked bootloader)

If the bootloader is unlocked on the device, but it is blocked by Mi Account, you can remove the binding through the custom TWRP recavator. This method only works on devices with the unlocked bootloader!

Instructions:

  1. Download TWRP for your model from the official website.
  2. Please. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
  3. In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager.
  4. Delete files: /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm

Mi Account

If the lock is still locked after deleting the files, try flashing Magisk to bypass the Mi Account check:

  1. Download Magisk and run through TWRP.
  2. Install Mi Account Unlocker (available on 4PDA)
  3. Reset the device.

💡

Deleting locksettings.db files via TWRP is the most reliable way to bypass Mi Account, but it works ONLY on devices with unlocked bootloader. This method will not work on locked models!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you reflash Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
anti_rollbackTrying to run the old version of the softwareDownload a newer firmware
Flash not done in MiFlashInappropriate firmware or damaged archiveCheck the model and download the firmware again
The device is not defined in FastbootLack of drivers or faulty cableInstall drivers manually, try another cable
EDL mode not detectedTestpoint contacts are not closedCheck the circuit circuit scheme for your model

A few more tips:

  • 🔄 If after firmware the phone does not turn on, try to pinch the power supply. + Loudness up on 20-30 seconds (emergency discharge).
  • 📡 If Wi-Fi or mobile network does not work after firmware, then flash the device again with the choice of the Global region.
  • 🔋 If the battery is discharged during firmware, connect charging and repeat the process through 10-15 minute.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unlock Xiaomi without losing data?
No. Any firmware through Fastboot or EDL results in a complete data reset, and the only way to save files is to unlock Mi Account through the previous owner's official account or use the services of a service center (if they have access to special Xiaomi tools).
What if MiFlash can’t see the device?
Check this: Are Xiaomi drivers installed (the Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed in the Device Manager); Are you using the original cable (cheap cables may not transmit data); Is MiFlash running on behalf of the administrator; Are there any Chinese characters en route to the firmware folder; If nothing helps, try using MiFlashPro or flashing through ADB Sideload in TWRP.
How do I know if my bootloader is unlocked on my Xiaomi?
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and type in the command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has the line Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked. If false is locked.
Can Xiaomi be flashed with a MediaTek processor via EDL?
Officially, no. MediaTek requires specialized boxes (UFi, EasyJTAG) that are expensive and rarely available to ordinary users. Alternatively, you can go to a service center where you have the necessary equipment. On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10) you can try to flash through the SP Flash Tool, but this is risky and often leads to Hard Brick.
How much does it cost to unlock Xiaomi in the service center?
Cost depends on the model and type of lock: Unblock Mi Account (if you know the username / password) — 500-1500 ₽. Firmware through EDL (testpointless) — 1500-3000 ₽. Unlocking through Testpoint or JTAG — 3000-6000 ₽. Some services may offer a “clean” Mi Account for binding – but this violates the rules of Xiaomi and is fraught with repeated blocking.