How to break Xiaomi: unlock the bootloader, reset Mi Account and bypass locks

The term “break Xiaomi” among users means unlocking the bootloader, bypassing the binding to the Mi Account, resetting the account. FRP These procedures may be necessary when buying a used phone, a forgotten password, locking after firmware or preparing the device for customization. Not all methods are legal, and some can lead to a complete loss of warranty or “bricking” of the device.

In this article, we will discuss the official and informal ways to unlock Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO Black Shark, which is currently in use for 2026, will focus on risks and alternative methods (e.g., through the use of the Internet). EDL or Fastboot) and nuances for different versions MIUI. If you are looking for a way to bypass the lock after reset or remove the binding to the previous owner – here you will find proven solutions.

1.What does it mean to “break Xiaomi” and why it is necessary

Under "piercing" means several procedures:

• 🔓 Bootloader Unlocking – necessary to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), obtain root rights or restore the device after a failure.
• 🔄 Mi Account Reset – Delete the link to the Xiaomi account if the phone is locked after a dump or purchase from hands.
• 🚫 Circumvention FRP (Factory Reset Protection – Unlock after reset to factory settings if you don’t know the password from your previous Google account.
• 🛠️ Recovery through EDL — Emergency mode for “resuscitation” of devices with damaged firmware (requires an authorized Xiaomi account or paid services).

The most common reason is to buy a used phone with a Mi Account tied. The manufacturer locks the device after resetting, requiring the username and password of the previous owner. 2021 Xiaomi tightened the protection: bypass the lock through standard methods (for example, deletion of a file) mi_account Fastboot is not possible without authorization.

Another common situation is the desire to install custom firmware. Without an unlocked bootloader, you can't flash it. TWRP, Get rooted or install Global ROM However, official unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool requires an account to be linked to the device for 7-30 days.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty and may result in some features being blocked (e.g., Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD). On devices with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi Note 12), unlocking through Fastboot often results in loss of power. IMEI.

2. Official unlocking of the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only legal way to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi, which is suitable for most models, but requires several conditions:

• 📱 The device must be linked to the Mi Account for at least 7 days (up to 30 days for new models).
• 🔌 The phone must be connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or mobile network.
• 🔧 The developer’s settings should be enabled OEM Unlock and USB Debugging.
• 💻 The Mi Unlock Tool must be installed on the PC (you can download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
3. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
4. Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot.
5. Connect the device to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in under the same account.
6. Press Unlock and wait until the process is completed (usually takes 1-5 minutes).

If the utility gives you an error called "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported", check:

• 🔹 Has enough time passed since the account was linked (minimum 168 hours).
• 🔹 Does your model support official unlocking (some devices, for example, POCO F5, require additional steps).
• 🔹 Are you using the original? USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data to Fastboot).

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data, including photos and apps, will be deleted from the phone!

3. How to reset Mi Account without password (bypass lock)

If you bought a phone with your hands and the previous owner did not untie the Mi Account, after resetting the device will require you to enter a username and password. IMEI). However, there are some unofficial methods that may work on older versions. MIUI (up to 12.5).

Method 1: Deletion of the file mi_account through TWRP (It only works on an unlocked loader):

1. Install TWRP Recovery for your model (you can download it on the official website).
2. Download to TWRP (Press Power + Volume Up).
3. Go to Advanced. → File Manager and delete the folder /data/system/mi_account.
4. Reset the device.

Method 2: Bypassing ADB (for MIUI 10–11):

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/system/mi_account*




reboot

This method requires root rights and doesn't work on all devices. MIUI 13/14 file mi_account protected and cannot be removed without authorization.

Method 3: Paid services EDL

If the phone is locked at the Fastboot level or EDL, You can use paid services like XiaomiTool V2 Or Mi Flash Pro, which allows you to do it:

• 🔧 Switch the device in mode EDL (Authorized account or access payment is required).
• 🔄 Reset Mi Account through special scripts (cost – from 500 to 2000 rubles).
• 📱 Restore IMEI After a failed unlock (relevant to MediaTek).

⚠️ Note: Using informal methods may lead to blocking IMEI On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Xiaomi 13) bypassing through the EDL requires authorization, which can only be obtained from official partners.

4. Unlock through EDL: When it's the only way out

Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode used to restore brick-and-brick devices, and it allows you to flash your phone even if you're not in a good position:

• 🔥 The device does not turn on or hangs on the Mi logo.
• 🔄 The bootloader is locked and the Mi Unlock Tool is not working.
• 📵 Phone is not defined in Fastboot.

To enter EDL, needle:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Clip Volume Up + Volume Down and connect USB-plug-in.
3. Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (you can download it on XDA).

To run through the EDL, you will need:

• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 📄 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format for your model.
• 🔑 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new devices).

Since 2023, Xiaomi has blocked the firmware through EDL For most models without authorization, you need to contact official service centers or buy access from trusted vendors (for example, on sites like 4PDA).

5. Bypass FRP (Google Account on Xiaomi after reset

If the phone is locked after resetting due to Factory Reset Protection (FRP), You will need to enter data from your previous Google account. Xiaomi is harder to get around this lock than other brands, but there are several working methods.

Method 1: Through Wi-Fi settings (for MIUI 12–14):

1. On the FRP lock screen, connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the password field, then highlight the text and select Share. → Gmail.
3. In the window that opens, click Add Account and log in to your Google account.
4. Go back to the settings and reset. FRP through settings → Accounts.

Method 2: Use of the OTG-cable and file manager:

• 🔌 Connect. OTG-flash-cable APK-File Manager file (for example, FX Explorer).
• 📁 Install a file manager and delete files through it:
• 🔄 Reset the device.

Method 3: Through Fastboot (only for older models):

fastboot erase frp


fastboot reboot

On new devices (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi) 13T) This command will not work – Xiaomi has blocked the possibility of resetting FRP via Fastboot.

💡

If the phone asks for a password from a previous Google account but you don’t know it, try contacting the previous owner via Google’s access recovery service. IMEI This can help prove ownership of the property.

6. Risks and Consequences of Xiaomi's "Punching"

Any manipulation of the bootloader, firmware or accounts is fraught with consequences.

• 🚨 Loss of warranty – unlocking the bootloader automatically voids Xiaomi warranty.
• 📵 Lockdown IMEI — on devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10C) After unlocking, the network may disappear.
• 🔒 Blocking the Mi Account – with frequent use of informal methods, Xiaomi can ban the account.
• 💥 «The “failure to” is a bad snag through EDL Fastboot can make your phone inoperable.
• 🎬 Widevine's loss L1 — After Unlocking the Netflix bootloader, Disney+ Other services may only display content in 480p.

To minimize the risks:

• 🔹 Use only official firmware from the Xiaomi website.
• 🔹 Before unlocking, make a backup copy through Mi PC suite TWRP.
• 🔹 Do not stitch the device through EDL Without authorization, this can lead to hard-brick.

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If you're unsure of your actions, it's best to contact the service center.Restore "brick" Xiaomi through JTAG or ISP It can cost up to 50% of the price of the phone.

7. Alternative ways: what to do if nothing helps

If the standard methods don’t work, try:

• 📞 Call for Xiaomi support – if you have a check or box with IMEI They can reset the Mi Account remotely.
• 🛠️ Use paid services - on 4PDA or XDA There are trusted performers who unlock devices through EDL (cost from 1000 rubles).
• 🔧 Purchase an authorized account EDL — Some sellers offer temporary access to authorization for firmware (price - 500-1500 rubles).
• 📦 Sell the phone for parts – if the device is locked at the hardware level (e.g., an eMMC chip burned), recovery may not be cost-effective.

For devices with a Qualcomm processor (e.g., Xiaomi) 12 or POCO F4) Sometimes firmware through QFil using a file helps prog_emmc_firehose.mbn. However, this method requires knowledge. IMEI and serial number of the device.

If the phone is locked due to a Find Device feature, it can only be unlocked through official Xiaomi support with proof of purchase.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to “break through” Xiaomi users often encounter common mistakes:

If after unlocking the phone stopped turning on or stuck on the logo, try:

1. Swipe the device through Fastboot with the original firmware.
2. Use XiaomiTool to use V2 auto-recover.
3. Contact the service center with an indication of the problem ("failed update").

💡

Never stitch your device through unofficial utilities (e.g, SP Flash Tool for MediaTek) without backup NVRAM. This can lead to loss. IMEI nets!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions