How to flash Xiaomi Redmi with a locked bootloader: all working ways in 2026

The firmware of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with a locked bootloader is a challenge that users face after buying used devices, resetting settings or trying to install custom software. The manufacturer intentionally restricts access to system partitions through locking the bootloader to protect the device from unauthorized changes. However, this creates problems: it is impossible to install global firmware on the Chinese version, update the device after a reset or restore functionality after a software failure.

In this article, we will analyze all the current firmware methods for Redmi with a locked bootloader - from the official Mi Flash Tool tools to workarounds through the Internet. EDL-Mi Account mode and unlocking, and we'll focus on the risks of why some methods can lead to a brick and how to avoid them. 2020–2026 years, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and other popular series.

Before you start, check:

• 🔹 Model of the device (on the box or in Settings) → The firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro is not suitable for the Redmi Note 10.
• 🔹 bootloader status: If the sign “This device is locked” is attached when activated, the lock is active.
• 🔹 Is Mi Account linked: after reset, you may need to enter the username / password of the previous owner.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it means for the user

Bootloader locking is a protection against unofficial software installation that Xiaomi introduced in 2017, and since then all new devices have come with the bootloader locked by default.

• 🛡️ Security: Preventing the installation of malware or custom firmware with vulnerabilities.
• 📦 Update control: users are forced to install official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool or OTA.
• 🔒 Mi Account binding: After a reset, the device may require data from the previous owner.

For the user, this means:

1. You can’t install custom recovery (TWRP) without unlocking.
2. Firmware via fastboot or EDL requires official permission (unlock via Mi Unlock Tool).
3. When trying to flash a locked device by unofficial methods, the risk of getting a “hard brick” (complete system failure) is high.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models from 2022 to 2026 (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Xiaomi tightened protection. Now, to unlock the bootloader requires the device to be linked to the account for at least 7 days (previously it was 72 hours).

Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

The only legal method of firmware with a locked bootloader is to unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool.The procedure is free but has strict restrictions.

Requirements for unlocking:

• 📱 The device must be tied to the Mi Account for at least 7 days (for new models).
• 🔌 The phone's debugging on. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11) and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔗 Mi Accounts should not be blocked or suspicious (e.g., with a recent password change).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to the tool under the same account as on the phone.
3. Connect Redmi in fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power).
4. In the program, press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10–30 seconds).

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data, including photos and apps, will be deleted from the device, and Mi Account settings (such as synchronizing notes) will also reset).

Firmware through EDL-Mode: When Unblocking is Not Possible

If unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool is not available (for example, due to linking to someone else’s account or a system failure), the firmware remains in the system. EDL-Emergency Download Mode: This method works even with a locked bootloader, but requires special hardware or paid services.

What's EDL?

This is an emergency boot mode that allows you to flash the device at a low level through the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 port. Used to restore the "bricks" or bypass the Mi Account lock.

Methods of activating EDL:

• 🔌 Hardware: Close test points on the motherboard (requires disassembly of the phone).
• 💻 Software: via adb commands or utilities like Deep Flash Cable (not working on all models).
• 🛠️ Service: contact the repair center, where boxes are used (UFi Box, EasyJTAG).

Risks. EDL-firmware:

Bypassing Mi Account lock after reset

One of the most common problems with buying a used Redmi is requesting the previous owner's data after a reset ("This device is linked to a Mi Account"). Even if the bootloader is unlocked, you can't flash the device without the original login/password.

Legal methods:

• 📧 Ask the previous owner to untie the device via account.xiaomi.com (Device section).
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi with a check (if the phone is new).

Unofficial rounds (at your own risk):

• 🔧 Firmware through EDL Delete Mi Account (requires paid tools like UFi Box).
• 📥 Use of special firmware with a patch (anti-relock), which bypass the account verification.

⚠️ Note: Mi Account circumvention methods may violate Xiaomi’s user agreement.After such manipulation, the device may lose its warranty or access to services (Mi Cloud, Mi Pay).

💡

If you buy a used Redmi, be sure to check Mi Account status before payment. ask the seller to reset your settings in front of you and make sure the phone doesn't require anyone else's data.

Selection of firmware: official vs custom

Once you unlock the bootloader or activate the EDL, you need to select the firmware. Each option has pros and cons:

Official firmware (MIUI):

Castom firmware (AOSP, LineageOS, Pixel Experience):

• ✅ Clean Android without unnecessary services Xiaomi.
• ✅ More opportunities for customization.
• ❌ No official support (risk of bugs).
• ❌ Widevine may not work. L1 (no HD Netflix).

How do you choose a firmware version?

It is important for Redmi to consider:

1. Region: Chinese (CN) firmware does not have Google Services, Global (Global) firmware does.
2. Android Version: For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro can run on Android 11 or 12 depending on the firmware.
3. Anti-Rollback: Some models (e.g. Redmi K40) have rollback protection against the old version.

💡

For models with Anti-Rollback (such as the Redmi Note 11), always flash the newest version of the software available. A rollback to the old firmware will lock the device forever.

Step-by-step: Firmware through Fastboot with unlocked bootloader

If the bootloader is already unlocked, you can flash Redmi through fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool, which is suitable for installing official firmware.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows and Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 Firmware in.tgz format (download from the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Firmware process:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\rom\).
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool and select the folder with the firmware.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. In the program, click Refresh, then select the firmware method: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended when changing the firmware region); Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock the bootloader (if you want to return everything as it was); Save user data - saving data (not always stable).

Flash

⚠️ Note: If an “anti-rollback” error appears during the firmware process, you are trying to install an older version of the software. Download a newer firmware and try again.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you run Redmi firmware with a locked bootloader, you're going to have a problem, and we're going to look at some of the most common ones.

Error: "This device is locked" in fastboot

🔹 Reason: The bootloader is locked and you try to flash through fastboot without unlocking.

🔹 Solution: Use Mi Unlock Tool or Switch through EDL.

Error: "Mi Account Locked" after reset

🔹 Reason: Phone is tied to someone else's Mi Account.

🔹 Decision:

• Contact the previous owner to get out.
• Swipe through EDL with Mi Account deletion (requires special equipment).

Error: Invalid image format in Mi Flash Tool

🔹 Reason: Incorrect firmware format or corrupted file.

🔹 Solution: Download the firmware again and check its integrity (the archive must be unpacked without errors).

Error: The phone does not turn on after the firmware ("brick")

🔹 Reason: Model firmware mismatch or interrupted process.

🔹 Decision:

• Repeat the firmware through EDL.
• If the device is not determined by the computer, contact the service center.

💡

If you've had your phone hang on the Redmi logo for more than 10 minutes, it's a soft brick. + Power) and do wipe data.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions