The process of obtaining superuser rights and installing custom firmware on Xiaomi devices begins with one critical step – unlocking the bootloader.This action opens up access to the system partition, allowing software modifications far beyond the standard capabilities of MIUI or HyperOS. However, the manufacturer has set strict barriers to protect users and the ecosystem, requiring a formal application and a waiting period.
Many users are already experiencing difficulties at the request stage, as the Mi Unlock Tool interface does not always contain clear hints in Russian. The process requires linking an account, checking the status of the device on the servers and meeting time intervals. Errors at this stage can lead to blocking the attempt for a long time or resetting the waiting timer.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions necessary for successful application for unlocking. You will learn about the hidden requirements for the account, the features of working with the user. SIM-And the way to interpret error messages is to be able to do it, and to be able to do it, and to be able to do it, you can do it on the first try.
Preparation of Mi Account and device binding
The first and most important step is to properly set up your profile in the Xiaomi ecosystem: you will need an account that was registered at least 7 days ago, although in practice it is better to use profiles dating back to a month.
The binding process is done directly in the smartphone menu, not on the computer. SIM-the card through which the identification will be carried out, and connect to the Wi-Fi network. Mobile Internet is better to turn off, so that the system correctly determines the priority connection for status verification.
⚠️ Attention: Use of virtual SIM-In some regions, the eSIM or card may cause binding errors. SIM-card.
Then activate the hidden developer menu. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI Version (or OS Version). After you see the "You became a developer" label, go back to the main settings menu, open Additional → Advanced Settings → For developers.
Inside the menu, find the Mi Unlock status item. Click on it and confirm your agreement to the terms. The system will require you to turn on mobile data for verification, even if Wi-Fi is active. After successful verification, you will see a message that your account is linked to this device.
- 🔒 Make sure that the security settings include “Device Protection” and set the screen unlock password.
- 📱 Use the main one. SIM-card, since its number will be assigned to the device in the database.
- 🌐 Check that the device region (in settings) has selected China or India if the feature is not available in your region.
It's important to understand that linking an account is not a one-time action. If you reset your phone to the factory settings (Wipe Data), the link will remain, but retrying to unlock without waiting can be regarded by the system as suspicious activity.
Installation of drivers and preparation of PC
To interact with your smartphone in bootloader mode, your computer needs special drivers. Without them, the Mi Unlock Tool utility simply won’t see the connected device. Standard Windows drivers are often not suitable for Fastboot mode, so installing them is a must.
Download the software exclusively from the official website en.miui.com/unlock. Third-party builds may contain malicious code or work incorrectly with new versions of Xiaomi security protocols. After downloading the archive, unpack it in the root folder of the disk so that the path does not contain Cyrillic characters.
☑️ Preparing the computer for unlocking
Run the program on behalf of the administrator and log in to your Mi Account. The same account should be active on your smartphone. If you use two-factor authorization, make sure you have access to your phone number or authenticator application to enter the confirmation code.
Quality. USB-Cheap charging-only cables don't transmit data, and damaged wires can cause a connection to be interrupted at a critical moment in unlock key transfer. Use the original cable or certified data-enabled counterpart.
Application algorithm via Mi Unlock
Once all of the (preparatory work) is completed, you can proceed to the direct application process, which requires careful attention, because any wrong action can lead to a server error.
Turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the volume down button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until you see an image of a hare repairing a robot or the words FASTBOOT. Connect the phone to your computer with a cable.
In the Mi Unlock Tool window, click the Unlock button, the system will check the device and account. If all parameters meet the requirements, a warning will appear that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action, and the unlock process will begin.
| Status on the programme | Meaning | User actions |
|---|---|---|
| Connected | Device successfully found | Press the Unlock button |
| Unlocking... | The unlocking process is underway. | Don't turn off the cable. |
| Unlocked successfully | Unlocking complete | Reset the device |
| Error 10008 | Account or network error | Check the Internet and the entrance |
If you have a successful application but you have to wait, the program will let you know explicitly, and you will usually need to wait 168 hours (7 days) or 360 hours (15 days) from the time of your account’s attachment.
Server waiting period and limitations
The most difficult part for most users is waiting. Why did Xiaomi implement this mechanism? The main goal is to weed out random actions and give the user time to become familiar with the risks. During this period, the system checks the activity of the account and the absence of complaints about violation of community rules.
There is a common misconception that waiting can be bypassed by flashing or resetting. It is not. The timer ticks on the server side, tied to the unique identifier of your account and device IMEI. Repeated attempts to apply early only reset progress or prolong the lock.
⚠️ Attention: In recent years, the company has tightened the rules, and for new accounts, Mi Community community level must be at least 3rd and the number of points - more than 300.
While you're waiting, you can use your smartphone as normal, but you shouldn't log out of your Mi Account or reset your settings to factory settings, and that can break the connection between the device and the server, and you'll have to start the timer again.
If you don’t unlock after 168 hours, try re-connecting in Fastboot mode. Sometimes servers need extra time to sync statuses, especially during peak hours.
Why is Mi Community status important?
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
It rarely goes perfectly smoothly. Users often encounter error codes that would baffle an inexperienced person, and understanding the cause of a mistake allows them to quickly find a solution without resorting to radical measures.
One of the most common problems is the “Couldn’t verify device” error, which occurs if the account was not tied to the developer’s menu before turning off the phone, or if there are two devices on the device. SIM-map, and the binding did not go through the one that is currently active for data transmission.
Another common problem is the hanging on 50% or 99%. In this case, you can't take the cable out, and most of the time, it's a success, it's just that the interface of the program hasn't been updated. 10-15 Nothing changes for a minute, try changing. USB-port on the computer (preferably on the port) USB 2.0 rear-block).
- 🔄 Network error: change DNS on 8.8.8.8 or use mobile internet instead of Wi-Fi.
- 🔐 Password Error: Make sure you enter your password from Mi Account, not from Google or the lock screen.
- 📉 Android version error: some beta versions MIUI Block unlocking, you need to roll back to a stable version.
💡
Use the built-in Mi Unlock Status tool in your phone’s settings to check your current anchor status, which will help you see if your device is seeing correctly before you connect to your PC.
What to do after successful unblocking
Once the bootloader is unlocked, the device will automatically perform a full Wipe All Data reset, a security measure to prevent the new owner from accessing the previous user's data when changing the firmware, so backups must be done in advance.
The first download after unlocking can take longer than usual, up to 10-15 minutes. This is normal, since the system rebuilds partitions and checks the integrity of files. The screen can display an open lock icon when downloading, which can only be removed by flashing or special scripts.
Now you can install customized recavators (like TWRP) and third-party firmware. However, remember that unlocked bootloader reduces the security level of the device, and the applications of banks and Google Pay can stop working without additional manipulations to hide root rights.
💡
Unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible action in terms of warranty and security. It is officially impossible to return the device to a store-like state with the bootloader closed.
It is also worth noting that the quality of photography on some models may change when installing global firmware on Chinese versions of devices due to differences in image processing algorithms.