How to Apply for Xiaomi bootloader Unlocking in 2026

Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphones POCO — It is a mandatory step to install custom firmware, obtain root rights or restore a device after software failures, but the company strictly controls this process, requiring users to undergo a formal procedure through the Mi Unlock Tool service. Without a properly submitted application, you will not be able to unlock the bootloader even if you follow all the technical steps.

In this article, we will break down the current application algorithm for 2026, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi policy (including the mandatory binding of the Mi Account account and new waiting time limits), learn how to avoid typical errors, speed up the approval process and what to do if the system refuses to unlock.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and why unlock it

The bootloader lock is a security measure that Xiaomi has implemented to protect users from:

• 🔓 Installation of malware through custom firmware
• 📱 Data theft when the device is lost (without unlocking the attacker will not be able to reset the phone)
• 🛠️ Unauthorized repairs with replacement of components (for example, motherboard)

However, for experienced users, locking creates limitations, and unlocking the bootloader will be required if you plan to:

• 📲 Install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP)
• 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk
• 🔄 Switch to alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
• 🔧 Restore the brick after a failed update

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device (including photos, contacts and apps). Create a backup in advance through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud backup.

Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the rules: it is now mandatory to link the device to the Mi Account to unlock it and wait from 7 to 30 days (depending on model and region), which used to be 72 hours, but due to the increase in fraud, the company has increased the waiting period.

Preparation of the device before submitting the application

Before you submit an application for unlock, you must follow the mandatory preparatory steps, and skipping them will lead to errors in the Mi Unlock Tool or system failure.

1. Linking the Mi Account

Make sure on the phone:

• 📱 Sign in to Mi Account (Settings menu) → Accounts. → Mi Account)
• 🔗 A valid telephone number is attached (for SMS-confirmation)
• ✉️ Confirmed email (it will receive a notification of approval)

If the account is not linked to the device, the system will issue an error, "This device is not bound to this account."

1. Go to Settings. → The phone. → All parameters. → Mi Unlock status.
2. Click "Add Account and Device" (some models call it "Bind Account").
3. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Incorporation of debugging by USB and unlock OEM

Activate the developer modes and the necessary options:

1. Open the Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on "Version" MIUI", Notice: “You have become a developer!".
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Turn it on: 🔌 "Debugging by USB" 🔓 "Unlocking OEM" (on some models, this item is hidden - see spoiler below)

3. Checking the status of the loader

To find out whether the loader is blocked, you can in two ways:

• 📱 Through the phone menu: Settings → The phone. → All parameters. → Mi Unlock status. If the status is "Locked", the bootloader is blocked.
• 💻 Fastboot: fastboot oem device-info Search for Device unlocked: false.

Download and install Mi Unlock Tool

The official Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to unlock the Xiaomi bootloader, and you can only download it from the official website:

1. Go to the page. en.miui.com/unlock (Use Google Translate if you don’t know English).
2. Click Unlock Now and download the latest version of the utility (at the time of 2026 – Mi Unlock Tool 6.5.406.24).
3. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe (Administrator rights are required).

⚠️ Warning: Do not download the utility from third-party sites! fake versions may contain viruses or not work with the latest Xiaomi models.The official file is digitally signed by Xiaomi Inc..

Computer requirements

For Mi Unlock Tool to work properly, your PC must meet the minimum requirements:

If the utility does not start or gives an error "Couldn't load device", install drivers manually:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website.
2. Install the program – it will automatically install the desired drivers.
3. Restart the PC.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device in Fastboot mode, try disabling the driver signature in Windows. To do this, type in the command line (on behalf of the administrator): bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on, then restart the PC.

Step-by-step instructions for applying for unlocking

Once the device and PC are ready, you can start submitting an application, and the entire process takes no more than 10 minutes, but approval can take up to 30 days.

Step 1. Authorization in Mi Unlock Tool

Open the utility and complete the entrance:

1. Select "Agree" to accept the terms of use.
2. Enter your Mi Account (the same account that is linked to your phone!)
3. Confirm the entry via SMS or email code.

If the system gives an error "Account not bound to this device", then you are using another account.

Step 2: Connecting your phone in Fastboot mode

Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot mode:

1. Press the buttons Loudness down + Power for 10 seconds.
2. Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
3. In Mi Unlock Tool, click Refresh – the device must be determined.

If the phone is not recognized:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers through Device Manager.
• 📱 Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged (unlocking consumes a lot of power).

Step 3: Applying for Unblocking

When the device is defined in the utility:

1. Press Unlock (some versions of the button called Unlock Now).
2. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.
3. Wait for the message "Successfully submitted application" - this means that the application has been sent.

The waiting period for approval depends on the model and region: for new flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 Pro) it can reach 30 days, for budget models (Redmi Note 12) – 7-15 days.

💡

Once you apply, you can't unplug the Mi Account from the device or reset the phone to factory settings.

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users are faced with errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

Error: "Couldn't verify device" or "Device not supported"

Causes and solutions:

• 🔧 The Mi Unlock Tool is an outdated version → Download the latest version from the official website.
• 📱 Unbound account → Re-attach Mi Account in your phone settings.
• 🔄 Inconsistency of the firmware region → If the phone is on Chinese firmware and the account is global (or vice versa), unlocking is impossible. MIUI.

Error: "Current account is different from the account info on the device"

This error means that:

• You are logged into the Mi Unlock Tool from a different account than the one linked to your phone.
• Multiple accounts are linked to the phone at the same time (for example, after a reset).

Decision:

1. Delete all accounts in Settings → Accounts.
2. Only log in to the account you used in the utility.
3. Re-tether the device through Mi Unlock Status.

Error: "Waiting time is not enough"

If you see this message, it means:

• 🕒 Not enough time has passed since the account was linked (minimum period is 7 days).
• ⏳ You've tried to unlock this device before and didn't wait for approval.

The only solution is to wait, and you can't speed up the process even if you turn to Xiaomi.

⚠️ Warning: Some craftsmen suggest bypassing the wait by changing the date on the phone or using bypass utilities.This has not worked since 2022 and may result in a complete lockdown of the device (Relocked status").

What to do after approving the application

When the approval notification comes (by email or utility), you can proceed to the final unlock.

1. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC.
2. Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
3. Press Unlock, the process will take 10 to 30 seconds.
4. After successful unlocking, the phone will automatically restart and reset to factory settings.

Check the status of the loader:

• 📱 On the phone menu: Settings → The phone. → Mi Unlock status should show "Unlocked".
• 💻 Fastboot: fastboot oem device-info Search for Device unlocked: true.

Now you can:

• 📲 Install TWRP or another custom recovery.
• 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk.
• 🔄 Switch to alternative firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocked bootloader deprives you of official software warranty. However, hardware malfunctions (such as a screen or battery breakage) remain under warranty unless they are related to your manipulation.

How to return the factory lock loader

If you decide to sell the phone or return it to the service center, it is recommended to block the bootloader back.

• 🔒 Restore the warranty on the software.
• 🛡️ Protecting the new owner’s data.
• 📱 Simplify the firmware of official updates.

For lockdown:

1. Sweep through the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (select the "Clean all and lock" option).
2. Or use the command in Fastboot: fastboot oem lock Attention! This will result in a complete data reset.

After the lockdown:

• The Mi Unlock Tool will change to Locked.
• To re-unblock, you will have to wait a full period of time (7-30 days).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi