Unlocking Xiaomi bootloader: a complete guide with risks and solutions

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that opens up deep system settings, allowing custom firmware, super-root rights, or restore the device after software failures. However, this process comes with risks ranging from losing warranty to completely bricking the phone if something goes wrong. In 2026, Xiaomi tightened the unlock requirements, so the old instructions may not work.

In this article, we will discuss the official method of unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, alternative methods for older models, as well as detailing the preparation of the device and typical errors. Particular attention will be paid to the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Xiaomi 14 Ultra and other flagships of 2023-2026, where the procedure is nuanced. If you are a beginner, do not miss the sections on backup and compatibility check!

Why unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi?

The main reasons why users decide to unlock:

• 🔧 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HavocOS) for advanced features or updates to outdated devices.
• 🛠️ Get root rights to remove embedded software (bloatware), fine-tune performance or use specialized applications like Titanium Backup.
• 🔄 Recovery of the phone after a failed upgrade or crash when standard methods don’t help.
• 📱 Testing of beta versions MIUI or ported firmware from other brands (for example, ColorOS on Xiaomi).

However, unlocking has a downside:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty – most service centers refuse repairs if they detect an unlocked bootloader.
• 🔒 Malware vulnerability – without bootloader protection, attackers can access the system even when the screen is locked.
• 📉 Decreased stability – custom firmware may work worse than the regular MIUI, Especially on new chipsets (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Dimensity 9300).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 13T Pro and later unlocking the bootloader leads to blocking the data encryption, which means that after the procedure, all files on the device will be deleted, and recovery from the backup may not work.

Preparation of the device before unlocking

Before you start unlocking, you need to follow a few critical steps, and skipping any of them can lead to the inability to complete the procedure or loss of data.

1. Verification of model compatibility

Not all Xiaomi devices support unlocking, for example, models for the Chinese market (China ROM) often have additional restrictions.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔍 Check the last digit in the build number: C is global (supports unlocking). R is Russian (may require additional steps). I is Indian (unlocking is possible, but with delays). CN — Chinese version (often blocked by Xiaomi servers).

Data backup

Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the device by 100%, including photos, contacts and apps. Use the following backup methods:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud – sync contacts, notes and photos (up to 5GB free).
• 💻 Xiaomi PC Suite – Creates a full backup on your computer (including SMS call logs).
• 📁 Manual copying – transfer files from internal memory to SD-card.

⚠️ Warning: After unlocking, recover data from the Mi Cloud backup may not work – some custom firmware does not support official Xiaomi backups.

3. Linking the Mi Account

Unblocking requires a Mi Account that is tied to the device for at least 7 days (up to 30 days for new models!).If you just created an account or dropped your phone, wait:

• 📅 Go to Settings. → Mi Account and make sure the device is tied.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and check if the tether is maintained.
• ⏳ If the binding period has not passed, try to unlock the bootloader earlier – the Xiaomi server will reject the request.

Verified version. MIUI (global/Chinese)|Complete data backup created|Mi Account is tied to device for more than 7 days|Drivers installed ADB PC-only|Battery charge > 60%-->

The official method of unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only way Xiaomi supports, but it doesn’t work on all devices. Below is a step-by-step guide for MIUI 14/15 (relevant to Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13 and later).

Step 1: Enable the Developer Mode and Unlock OEM

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times until the notification appears You became a developer!.

2. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and Enable:

• 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may be called a factory unlock).
• 🔌 Debugging by USB.

3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission (a pop-up window will appear).

Step 2: Installation of Mi Unlock Tool

1. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (avoid third-party sources!).

2. Install the program on your PC and run it on behalf of the administrator.

3. log in under the same Mi Account as you did on your phone.

Step 3: Connecting your phone and unlocking

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode.

2. connect the device to the PC via USB-cable (preferably original).

3. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. The program will check the account binding date and begin the process.

4. Wait until it is completed (usually takes 1-5 minutes) and the words Unlocked successfully appear.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool shows a Couldn't unlock or Device not supported error, then your model is locked at the server level of Xiaomi).

Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Locked Models)

If the official method didn’t work, you can try to circumvent the restrictions, which are not supported by Xiaomi and can result in the blocking of an account or device.

Method 1: Use the old version of the Mi Unlock Tool

Some devices (e.g., Redmi Note 10 Pro) run Mi Unlock Tool 5.5.224.24.

1. Download the archive with XDA Developers (look for your model theme).
2. Turn off the Internet on your PC before you start the program (so that it does not update).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and try unlocking.

Method 2: EDL-The mode (for experienced users)

Emergency Download Mode (EDL) allows you to stitch your device directly through a Qualcomm chipset, a risky way to turn your phone into a brick if you make a mistake.

It will require:

• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 📄 Firmware file in.mbn format for your model.
• 🔌 Cable EDL (circuitry).

Instructions:

1. Put your phone into EDL mode (usually by closing test points or by adb reboot edl).
2. Connect to a PC – the device should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL on models with MediaTek chipsets (for example, Redmi) 12C) Requires an authorization file auth, which can only be obtained from official Xiaomi partners.

💡

If you are not sure about your skills, contact a service center specializing in Xiaomi. The cost of unlocking through EDL usually does not exceed 1-20 thousand rubles, which is cheaper than the risk of losing the device.

Compatibility table of Xiaomi models with unlock (2026)

Below is the data on the support of unlock for popular models, information is relevant for June 2026:

Data may change – check the current information on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums before unlocking.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even when you follow the instructions, users have problems.

"Couldn't unlock. try again later"

Causes and solutions:

• 🕒 The account has not expired - wait for the specified time (7/15/30 days).
• 🌐 Xiaomi server problems – try later or use them VPN (region).
• 📱 The device is not supported – check the model in the table above.

Error: Device not supported by mi unlock

This error appears on the Chinese versions (CN ROM) or devices with a locked bootloader at the manufacturer level.

• 🔄 Try to run a global version. MIUI via Fastboot (risky!).
• 🛠️ Use it. EDL-mode (solding skills or special cable required).

Mistake: "Mi Unlock Tool can't see the device"

The problem is usually with drivers or cable:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (better on the back of the PC).
• 🖥️ Install drivers manually through Device Manager (look for Android Bootloader Interface).
• 🔄 Reinstall Mi Unlock Tool to another folder (e.g, C:\Unlock\).

💡

If none of these methods worked, check to see if your Mi Account is blocked for frequent attempts to unlock, in which case you will have to create a new account and wait 30 days.

What to do after successful unblocking?

After unlocking the bootloader, you can:

• 📱 Install custom restoration (TWRP or OrangeFox) for backups and firmware.
• 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk (universal method for Android) 13/14).
• 🔄 Swipe custom firmware (for example, LineageOS 20 for Xiaomi) 11T Pro).

But remember:

• ⚠️ Turn off automatic updates – they can block the bootloader back.
• 🔒 Regularly do backups through TWRP — Custom firmware may contain bugs.
• 🛡️ Install Magisk with SafetyNet Fix module to make banking apps work.

Example of the command to install Magisk via TWRP:

adb push Magisk-v26.4.zip /sdcard/


adb shell twrp install /sdcard/Magisk-v26.4.zip

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi bootloader