How to reflash a locked Xiaomi phone: unlock and install firmware

A locked Xiaomi phone is a problem that many users face after resetting, buying a used device or failing firmware. Most often, the lock is due to a binding to a Mi Account account that the previous owner did not untidy, or damage to system files, in which case the screen may show messages like “This device is locked”, “Mi Account verification required” or simply hang on the Mi logo.

There are several ways to reflash a blocked Xiaomi, but each requires accuracy and understanding of the process. In this article, we will discuss official and informal methods, including bypassing the lock via Fastboot, using the Fastboot. EDL-It is important to note that some actions can lead to a loss of warranty or complete failure of the device if performed incorrectly.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup (if the phone is still responding), a minimum of 50% battery charge, and all the necessary tools are ready. If you are new to smartphone firmware, we recommend you to carefully study each step or consult a specialist.

Reasons for Xiaomi Phone Lockdown and Can It Be Remedyed

The lock on Xiaomi phones is caused by a variety of reasons, and not all of them require firmware reflashing.

• 🔒 Mi Account binding is the most common case, and if the previous owner has not untied the account, the phone will require you to enter your username and password after the reset, solution: try contacting the seller or use the official Xiaomi service to unlock (you will need purchase documents).
• 📱 Hardware locking (FRP) — Reset protection similar to Google FRP. It is enabled automatically when you add a Mi Account. Solution: Fastboot bypass or EDL, but requires an unlocked bootloader.
• 🔄 Damaged firmware — if the phone is stuck on the logo or rebooted cyclically, the problem is with the system files. Solution: flashing through the Mi Flash Tool or TWRP (if a custom Recovery is installed).
• 🚫 Bootloader lock – new Xiaomi models have the bootloader locked by default.Solution: official unlock via Mi Unlock Tool (requires waiting 7-30 days).

If none of the softer methods work, then you just have to flash it back, but you have to make sure that the lock is not related to IMEI (for example, if the phone is blacklisted by the operator), and then the firmware won't help, you'll need to restore the IMEI through an engineering menu or specialized services.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) if the firmware is incorrect through EDL You can damage your modem, which will cause you to lose your network. Always check that the firmware is compatible with your model!

Preparation for re-flashing: what will be needed

To successfully reflash the blocked Xiaomi, prepare the following tools and files:

Before downloading the firmware, be sure to check the exact model of your phone. For example, the Redmi Note 9 Pro has several modifications: joyeuse (global), curtana (Indian), excalibur (Chinese). Installing the wrong firmware will lead to a "brick" (complete failure).

Also note that unlocking the bootloader requires you to link the device to your Mi Account and wait 7 to 30 days (depending on Xiaomi’s policy).

Method 1: Fastboot Flashing (for unlocked bootloader)

If the bootloader on your Xiaomi is already unlocked, the most reliable way to reflash the phone is to use Fastboot mode, which is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 8/9/10, POCO X3/F3, Mi 10/11.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
2. Unpack the firmware archive (.tgz or.zip format) into a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (screen with a hare in a hat-eared).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and run the Mi Flash Tool. The utility should identify the device.
5. In the Select field, specify the path to the firmware folder. Select Clean all or Clean all and lock. + loader-lock).
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

After successful firmware, the phone will automatically restart. If the screen remains black for more than 10 minutes, try to force the device to restart (clamp the power for 15 seconds).

Make sure the loader is unlocked|Download the firmware for your model|Install Fastboot drivers|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Connect the original USB-cable-->

⚠️ Warning: If you select Clean all and lock mode, the bootloader will lock again, which means you have to wait 7 to 30 days for the firmware to be re-opened!

Method 2: Firmware through EDL (for a locked bootloader)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a firmware emergency mode that works even on locked phones, and is suitable for devices with Qualcomm processors (most Xiaomi and POCO models), but activating EDL will require:

• 🔌 Special cable (or closing contacts on the board).
• 💻 Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format.

The process of firmware through EDL is more risky than Fastboot, as if you make a mistake, you can damage the modem or IMEI. If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service center.

Instructions for experienced users:

1. Download the firmware for EDL (for example, from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site).
2. Install Qualcomm drivers (instructions are available on XDA Developers).
3. Turn off the phone and transfer it to EDL: Method 1: Close the Test Point pins on the motherboard (disassembly required). Method 2: Use the adb reboot edl command (if ADB Method 3: Buy it. EDL-cable (for example, on AliExpress).

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

Firmware via EDL resets all data, including IMEI and serial number, and after the procedure, IMEI recovery may be required through an engineering menu or service utilities (e.g., QCN Rebuilder).

Method 3: Bypass Mi Account without firmware (for some models)

If the phone is locked only because of a binding to the Mi Account, but the firmware is not damaged, you can try to bypass the lock without completely flashing it.This method works on older models (until 2019) and requires access to Fastboot or TWRP.

Roundabout options:

• 🔓 Using Fastboot – using the Mi Account Bypass Tool (for example, XiaomiTool) V2). Suitable for Redmi. 4/5/Note 4/5.
• 📱 Through TWRP — If custom recaps are installed, you can delete your account files manually: rm -rf /data/system/mi_account* rm -rf /data/data/com.xiaomi.account
• 🌐 Through the engineering menu - on some models (for example, Redmi) 3S) You can reset your Mi Account using the code ##3646633## (EngineerMode menu).

Important: on newer models (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 Pro), these methods do not work due to increased security, and bypassing an account can lead to IMEI blocking or update issues.

💡

If you are buying a used Xiaomi phone, always ask the seller to unplug Mi Account with you. To do this, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out and confirm the removal of the device from the trusted list.

What to do if the firmware failed

If you flash it back, you don't turn on, you freeze on your logo, you have a black screen, don't panic, and in most cases, you can restore it, and let's look at the typical problems and their solutions.

If the phone doesn’t respond to the connection to the PC at all (not determined in Device Manager), the memory controller (eMMC) may have failed, in which case only a replacement of the chip or motherboard will help.

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) firmware EDL Impossible – instead, the regime is used BROM utility SP Flash Tool. Instructions for MTK-device!

How to avoid blocking Xiaomi in the future

To avoid getting blocked again, follow these guidelines:

• 🔑 Untie your Mi Account before selling or resetting your phone. → Xiaomi account → Delete the account.
• 🔄 Back up important data (contacts, photos) to the cloud or on your PC. Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 📱 Do not install custom firmware without unlocking the bootloader. This can lead to a "brick".
• 🔒 Use official firmware from Xiaomi or trusted sources (e.g. Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ Update your software on time, but not through third-party utilities. Automatic updates through Settings → It's safer about the phone.

If you’re a frequent firmware experimenter, consider installing TWRP and creating a full Nandroid Backup that will allow you to quickly restore your phone in the event of a crash.

💡

Even if you successfully unlocked your phone, the Mi Account binding can be saved in system files. To completely remove it, after firmware, reset to factory settings via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi flashing