Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to gain full access to their device’s file system. Unlocking the bootloader on Android 10 opens the door to custom firmware installation, superuser rights, and deep customization of the MIUI interface. However, this process requires caution, as improper actions can lead to data loss or software errors.
Android 10 has introduced new security standards, making the hacking procedure more difficult than previous versions: you will need not only specialized software, but also a tied account that must "lie" for a certain time.
In this article, we will take a closer look at every step, from submitting an application to the final firmware. Without an unlocked Bootloader, installing a third-party recovery or custom firmware is impossible. It is a fundamental step for any modder who wants to make the most of their gadget.
Preparation of a smartphone and Mi Account
Before you start technical manipulations, you need to prepare the software environment. First of all, make sure that your device activates the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times. After that, a new section will appear in the menu "Additional".
Next, you'll need a Xiaomi account (Mi Account), sign up on the official website if you don't already have an account, and log in to it in your smartphone settings, which is a critical step, as the company's servers must authorize your device.
⚠️ Note: The account must be linked to SIM-The card that's inserted into your phone. Use the mobile Internet (3G/4G), Not Wi-Fi, when tethered to avoid server errors.
In the Developer menu, find the item "Mi Unlock Status." Click on it and select "Add Account and Device." The system will give a message about successful linking. Now you need to wait from 7 to 168 hours (depending on the region and status of the account) without leaving the account.
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Use the main one. SIM-registration card, as re-binding is possible only 30 days after the old.
Required tools and drivers
To complete the procedure successfully, you will need a personal computer or laptop running Windows. Mobile devices cannot be equipped with the necessary drivers and utilities to work with low-level software.
Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from the developer's website. Also make sure your computer has the current ADB and Fastboot drivers installed. Without them, your computer won't see your smartphone in bootloader mode.
Prepare quality. USB-The cable, preferably original, which came with the kit, can cause a connection to break at a critical time of firmware, with serious consequences for the system.
- 🔌 Official USB-stable-transfer cable.
- 💻 Windows PC 7 or higher (Windows) 10/11 preferably).
- 📱 Charge device at least 60% to avoid shutdown.
- 📂 Backup of all important data (photos, contacts).
Installation of drivers often occurs automatically when you connect your phone, but in some cases, you have to manually install them through Device Manager. If the device is displayed as "Unknown" in the Manager, you will need to manually install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers.
The process of unlocking the loader
Once the required latency has passed (at least 168 hours for new accounts), you can start unlocking. Turn off your smartphone completely. Then press both the power and volume buttons to enter Fastboot mode. The image of a hare repairing an android will appear on the screen.
Connect your phone to your computer through USB-Launch the Mi Unlock Tool program on your PC and log in to your Mi Account. The utility will automatically check the status of the device and the availability of bindings.
☑️ Pre-launch check
If all conditions are met, the Unlock button will be active. Press it. A warning will appear that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will restart.
⚠️ Warning: During the unlocking process, a full Wipe Data reset will occur. Save all important files to a cloud server or computer in advance.
Once you reboot, you'll see the "Unlocked" message at the start of the download or in the settings. Now the bootloader is open, and you can install third-party Recovery like TWRP or custom firmware.
Resetting a forgotten password or pattern lock
Often, when users ask how to unlock, they mean retrieving a forgotten screen password. On Android 10, security is enhanced, and simple methods of bypassing the engineering menu no longer work effectively.
The most reliable way is to completely reset through Recovery Mode. To do this, turn off the device and press the power and volume buttons. From the menu that appears, select the language (if available) and click Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
However, if the phone has been enabled with the Internet and Google account, after the reset, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection will work. You will need to enter the login and password from the Google account that was synced earlier.
| Resetting method | Data retention | Access to the PC is required | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud (remotely) | No (only erasing) | No. | Tall. |
| Recovery Mode (buttons) | No. | No. | Tall. |
| ADB Command | No. | Yes. | Medium (needs debugger) |
| Searching for Google | No. | Yeah (smartphone) | Tall. |
If you don’t remember the data from your Google account, retrieving access becomes extremely difficult and often requires you to contact the service center with a check to buy.
Installation of custom Recovery and Root-right
After successfully unlocking the bootloader, many users tend to get Superuser (Root) rights, most often using a bundle of TWRP Recovery and the magic Magisk file, which allows you to delete system applications and modify system files.
First you need to download the image of the recovery, suitable for your model Xiaomi on Android 10. Don't use universal files, it can lead to a "brick." recovery.img and puts it in a folder with ADB-PC-based.
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot boot recovery.imgThese commands, entered in the PC command line in Fastboot mode, will install and run a custom recovery menu. After logging into TWRP, you need to flash the root archive (Magisk.apk renamed.zip) through the Install menu.
Why are banking applications no longer working?
Remember that having superuser rights reduces the overall security of the device, and malware can gain full access to your data if you install applications from unverified sources.
Possible errors and their solution
Error 10009 code usually indicates an account or server problem, try reconnecting your device or using another network (mobile Internet instead of Wi-Fi).
If the utility is stuck at 50% or 99%, check it out. USB-It can be used to reinstall drivers or run programs on behalf of the administrator, and it can also block Mi Unlock Tool.
Firmware errors through TWRP are often due to version incompatibility. Make sure that the Recovery image is designed for Android 10 of your model, not Android 9 or 11.
- 🔄 Network error: change DNS 8.8.8.8 or use VPN.
- 🔋 Battery discharge: connect your phone to the charger.
- 💾 Memory Lack: Clean the internal storage before firmware.
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90% of unblocking errors are due to improper account linking or using an unstable Internet connection.
If a brick appears (black screen, no reaction), EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode will help, logging in with a combination of buttons or closing contacts on the board, firmware in this mode is only possible through an authorized Mi Service account.