Xiaomi Certificate is a digital document that authenticates your device, gives you access to advanced features (such as unlocking a bootloader), or allows you to participate in beta testing programs. Without it, many operations with brand technology become impossible, from installing custom firmware to restoring a locked smartphone.
In this article, we will look at all the official ways to obtain Xiaomi certification in 2026: through the Mi Unlock application, the developer site, as well as alternative methods for devices with limited access. You will learn what documents will be needed, how long the procedure will take and how to avoid typical errors.
The important thing is that the certificate and unlocking the bootloader are different things, and the certificate confirms your right to perform certain actions, and unlocking is a technical operation, and we will explain how they are connected and why you can not do the second without the first one.
Why you need a Xiaomi certificate: 5 key reasons
Many users mistakenly believe that the certificate is only required to install custom firmware, but in fact, its functions are much broader:
- 🔓 Unlock bootloader – without a certificate, you will not be able to officially unlock bootloader on Redmi smartphones, POCO Mi, even if you follow instructions from Xiaomi.
- 🧪 Participation in beta testing MIUI — Access to early firmware requires account confirmation through a certificate.
- 🛠️ Restoring a locked device – if the smartphone was blocked due to a failed firmware, the certificate will help bring it back to life.
- 🔄 Transfer data between devices – some Mi Cloud features (e.g., settings backup) require a confirmed account.
- 🛡️ Authentication – The certificate serves as proof that your device is not counterfeit (relevant when selling or warranty repairs).
Without a certificate, you will be limited to standard features. MIUI, Any attempts to modify the system (even legal ones) will be blocked, for example, if you try to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool without a certificate, you will get the error "Couldn't verify the device".
Official ways to get Xiaomi certificate in 2026
Xiaomi offers two main ways to get a certificate: through the Mi Unlock app (to unlock the bootloader) and through the developer portal (for beta testing).
Method 1: Mi Unlock Tool (to unlock the bootloader)
This is the most common method that is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO. You'll need it:
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with a tied Mi Account (mandatory confirmed by the email/phone).
- 💻 Windows computer (Mac is not supported).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (important: not all cables transmit data to unlock!).
- 🔧 The Mi Unlock Tool (you can download it here).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the smartphone developer mode: go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and activate OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
- Link your Mi Account to your device: in the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in under the same Mi Account.
- If done correctly, 72 to 168 hours later (depending on the model) you will receive a notification that you can unlock.
Activate the Developer Mode|Link Mi Account to your device|Turn on OEM-unlocking USB|Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Prepare original USB-cable-->
Note: from 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the rules.Now for new models (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Additional confirmation is required through SMS Or a passport scan, if you don't get it. SMS with the code within 5 minutes, try to repeat the request later or contact for support.
Method 2: Developer portal (for beta testing)
If you need a certificate to participate in a beta test program MIUI, follow this instruction:
- Go to the official website MIUI ROM log in.
- In the Beta Testing section, select your device model and click Apply Now.
- Complete the questionnaire (you will need to specify) IMEI The device that can be recognized by command *#06#).
- Wait for approval (usually 3 to 7 days) and you will receive a certificate via email.
This method is only suitable for experienced users, as beta versions are used in the first place. MIUI Xiaomi also periodically suspends beta tester recruitment – watch out for announcements on the official forum.
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If your Mi Account is not linked, try changing your account region to India or Hong Kong in your profile settings, which often helps bypass regional restrictions.
How long does it take to get the certificate?
The timing depends on the method and model of the device chosen, and the following is the current waiting table for 2026:
| Method of obtaining | Models 2020-2022. | Models 2023-2026. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Mi Unlock Tool | 72-120 hours | 120-168 hours | Redmi Note 12 and newer required SMS-confirmation |
| Through the beta tester portal | 3-5 days | 5-10 days | Depends on the workload of the support service |
| Through support (when lost) | 1-3 days | 2-5 days | Passport scan and purchase check required |
If the deadline has expired and the certificate has not arrived:
- 🔄 Check the spam folder in the mail.
- 📧 Make sure the email in your Mi Account is correct.
- 📱 Reboot the device and repeat the request in the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 💬 Write in support through your personal account, specifying IMEI model.
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To speed up the process, link your phone number to your Mi Account and confirm it. Accounts without a tied phone are processed longer.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
About 40 percent of users experience problems getting a certificate, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
⚠️ Warning: If you see an error "This Mi Account is not bound to this device", it means that the account is not tied to the device. → Xiaomi account → Security and press Add Device.
Error 1: "Couldn't verify the device. Please try again later"
- 🔹 Make sure the device is on. OEM-unlock.
- 🔹 Use the original cable (not all cables support data transmission to unlock).
- 🔹 Try another one. USB-PC port (preferably 2.0, not 3.0).
Error 2: "Your device isn't supported by Mi Unlock"
This error appears on new models (e.g. Xiaomi). 13T or POCO F5), For those that have not yet released a stable version of the Mi Unlock Tool:
- 🔄 Update Mi Unlock to the latest version.
- 📅 Wait 1-2 weeks – support for new models is added gradually.
- 💬 Write in support with the model and IMEI.
Error 3: Hanging in the 50% or 99% stage of the Mi Unlock Tool.
This is a common problem with poor Internet connectivity.
- 🌐 Connect your PC to the network via cable (not Wi-Fi).
- 🔌 Disable the antivirus and firewall while unlocking.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and PC, then repeat the procedure.
What if the certificate does not come in more than a week?
Alternative methods (if the official ones do not work)
If you cannot obtain a certificate using standard methods, there are several workarounds, and note that these methods are not official and may entail risks (for example, blocking an account).
Method 1: Through third-party services (at your own risk)
Some sites offer to "buy" a certificate or unlock a downloader. We do not recommend using such services, as:
- 🚫 You risk losing your guarantee.
- 🔒 Your Mi Account may be blocked for violating the rules.
- 💳 Often this is a scam – after payment you will simply be sent an instruction from open sources.
If you do, choose a service with a proven reputation (for example, XDA Developers) and read reviews.
Method 2: Through EDL-The mode (for advanced users)
This is a good way to use devices with a locked bootloader that don't turn on.
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model.
- 🔌 Cable EDL (or special adapter).
- 💻 Knowledge of fastboot and ADB.
Instructions:
- Put the device in mode EDL (usually by pressing the Volume Up buttons + Volume Down + Power).
- Connect to your PC and check if your device is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in the mode EDL This method should only be used if you know exactly what you're doing or under the guidance of an experienced user.
Method 3: Contacting a service center
If you urgently need a certificate (for example, to recover data after a reset), you can contact the official service center Xiaomi.
- 📄 Passport (for proof of identity).
- 🛒 Check or box from the device (to confirm possession).
- 📱 The device itself (preferably in the on state).
The service center can issue a certificate within 1-3 days, but for this service sometimes charge a fee (from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model).
How to verify the authenticity of Xiaomi certificate?
Once you get the certificate, make sure it's valid.
- Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
- In the Devices section, find your device and check the Unlock Status status.
- If the Unlocked or Eligible for Unlock status is valid, the certificate is valid.
You can also check the certificate via the Mi Unlock Tool:
- Connect the device to the PC.
- Run the utility and log in.
- If instead of an error you see the Unlock button, the certificate is confirmed.
If the certificate is counterfeit (for example, bought from fraudsters), you will see an error "Invalid certificate".
- 🔄 Untie the device from the account immediately in the settings.
- 🔒 Change the password from the Mi Account.
- 💬 Contact Xiaomi with a description of the situation.