How to unlock Bootloader on Xiaomi ADB: Complete guidance with mistakes and decisions

Unlocking bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a mandatory step for installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights or restoring the device after software failures. Although the manufacturer officially permits this procedure, it requires precise execution of instructions and consideration of nuances related to the device model and version. MIUI. In 2026, the process has changed a little: Xiaomi has tightened the verification of accounts, and some teams ADB It stopped working on new devices with HyperOS.

This article will help unlock the bootloader through ADB (Android Debug Bridge without the risk of "bricking" the phone:

• 🔹 Why Xiaomi is blocking bootloader and what restrictions it imposes
• 🔹 How to Prepare Your Phone and Computer (including Drivers and Mi Unlock Tool)
• 🔹 Step-by-step instructions with teams ADB Errors like Couldn't unlock or Device not authorized
• 🔹 What to do if Mi Account is blocked or your device is not detected

Important: the procedure will reset all data on the phone! if you use Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 Check compatibility with the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool. 5.5.224.31 — It supports HyperOS and new authentication protocols.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and why unlock it

The manufacturer locks the bootloader on all devices by default, citing data security and protection from unauthorized access.

• 🔒 You will not be able to install custom recovery (TWRP) Alternative Firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔒 It is impossible to get root access through Magisk without first unlocking.
• 🔒 Recovery of the device after a major failure (such as a logo hover) requires an unlocked bootloader.

On the other hand, unlocking gives you full control of the device, but deprives it of an official warranty. Xiaomi can refuse service if it finds traces of interference in system partitions. 12T or Redmi K50) Unlocking results in loss of Widevine support L1 — This means that Netflix, Disney+ Other services will only work in SD-quality.

Before proceeding, check if the bootloader is unlocked on your device:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. If you have Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is already unlocked. If Locked, you need to unlock.

Preparing your phone and computer: what to do before unlocking

Incorrect preparation is the main cause of errors such as Couldn't verify device or Mi Account not bound.

We will examine each item in detail.

1. Linking Mi Account to the device

Without a linked account, Xiaomi won’t allow unlocking. Do this in advance – after activation, the device should take at least 7 days (on some models, up to 30 days!).

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in.
2. Enable data synchronization (required!).
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click 7 times on the line with the version to activate Developer Mode.
4. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔧 Unlocking OEM (If there is no item, see spoiler below)

Once you have your account tied, don’t log out and drop your phone before unlocking is complete, or you’ll have to wait another 7 to 30 days.

Installation of drivers and tools

The computer must be installed:

• 🖥️ ADB Fastboot (download Platform Tools from Google).
• 🖥️ Drivers for your Xiaomi model (can be installed via Mi) PC Suite or manually through Device Manager).
• 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi, download here).

Check the work. ADB:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in File Transfer mode.
2. Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools and type: adb devices
3. If the device is numbered, the drivers are installed correctly. If not, install them manually.

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If adb devices show unauthorized, the phone will receive a request for debugging permission, confirm it and repeat the command.

Step-by-step: unlock bootloader through ADB

Now, the procedure itself, follow the instructions carefully, and an error at any stage can result in an account being blocked or a device being "bricked."

Step 1: Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode

Turn off the device and press the combination:

• 📱 For most models: Volume down + Food (hold 10-15 seconds).
• 📱 For POCO F4/F5: Loudness up + Nutrition.
• 📱 If the phone is not responding, connect it to the PC and enter it into the ADB: adb reboot bootloader

The screen should have a bunny in a Fastboot logo, and if the red sign, This device is locked, instead, you did the right thing.

Step 2: Check the connection via Fastboot

Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools and type:

fastboot devices

If the device is identified (the serial number will appear), you can continue.

• ⚠️ Check the cable (use the original cable) USB Type-C).
• ⚠️ Try another port. USB 2.0 (some models do not work with the USB 3.0).
• ⚠️ Reinstall the driver manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).

Step 3: Starting the Mi Unlock Tool and Unlocking

Follow the algorithm:

1. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (if it is off, repeat Step 1).
4. In the utility, press Unlock and wait for the process to complete (usually 1-3 minutes).

If there is a mistake:

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If the Mi Unlock Tool is stuck at 50% or 99%, it's not always a mistake. On newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), the process can take up to 10 minutes. Don't interrupt it.

How to get around the restrictions: what to do if the Mi Unlock Tool does not work

Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened device verification, and many users are facing bugs even after waiting 30 days.

1. Error "Couldn't unlock.Wait for 168 hours"

This means that the account is blocked for trying to unblock too often.

• ⏳ Wait 7 days (168 hours) and try again with the same IP-address.
• 🌍 Use it. VPN s IP from another region (e.g. Hong Kong or Singapore) some users report that it resets the timer.
• 📧 Create a new Mi Account and link it to your device (but you’ll have to wait another 7-30 days).

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If you use VPN, Disable it immediately after successful unlocking. Otherwise, you may have problems with updates. MIUI.

2 The utility doesn't see the device in Fastboot

The problem often occurs on Windows 11 due to driver conflict.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually Android or Other devices).
3. Right-click. → Update the driver → Perform a search on this computer.
4. Choose the driver manually: Android Bootloader Interface or Xiaomi Fastboot Interface.

If that doesn't help, try:

• 🔌 Use a different cable (preferably the original one from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Run Mi Unlock Tool in Windows 8 Compatibility Mode.
• 🔄 Restart your computer and phone, then try again.

3. Unlock through EDL (emergency)

If the Mi Unlock Tool refuses to work and there is no time to wait 30 days, you can use it. EDL-This is an Emergency Download Mode:

• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi account (required for downloading firmware) EDL).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm devices).
• 🔧 Cable USB supportive EDL (Not all cables fit!).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right EDL This method can turn a phone into a brick, and it's recommended only for advanced users!

Instructions for Qualcomm devices:

1. Download the EDL firmware for your model (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Connect your phone to your PC, press Volume Up. + Loudness down + Power for 10 seconds (to be defined as Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

What to do after successfully unlocking bootloader

Once unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings, depending on your goals:

Installation of custom recovery (TWRP)

Unlocked bootloader allows you to install TWRP — Alternative recovery with extended functions:

1. Download the TWRP image for your model from the official website twrp.me.
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot and connect to the PC.
3. Enter the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img (substitute twrp.img in the name of your file).
4. Recovery: Fastboot Reboot Recovery

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On some models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) after installation TWRP You must disable the recovery section check by the team:

fastboot flash disable_verity ok

2. Getting root rights through Magisk

To obtain root:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (GitHub).
2. Copy the file. Magisk.apk phone-on.
3. Install it as a regular app.
4. Open Magisk, press Install → Direct Install and Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), Magisk may not work properly due to a modified partition structure. In this case, use Magisk Delta or wait for an update from the developer.

3.The restoration of Widevine L1 (if required)

If Widevine is missing after unlocking L1 (Netflix in low quality, try it out:

• 🎬 Install the Magisk Widevine module L1 Fixer.
• 🎬 Swipe the original firmware through Fastboot with a mark clean_all_lock (But it will block the bootloader again!).
• 🎬 Use patched DRM-library (risky, could lead to a ban of Netflix account).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct instructions, there can be problems, and we've collected the most common errors and ways to correct them.

1. Mi Account not bound to this device

This means that the account is not tied to the phone or is not tied to the wrong phone.

• 🔄 Reconnect your account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account, log out and log in again.
• 🔄 Make sure your phone is synchronized (in account settings).
• 🔄 If the used phone is the previous owner must delete the device from his account via the web interface.

2. The utility hangs on the "Checking device"

The problem is related to Xiaomi servers or lockdown IP. Try it:

• 🌐 Use it. VPN (Recommended servers in Hong Kong or Singapore).
• 🌐 Run Mi Unlock Tool in Windows 7 Compatibility Mode.
• 🌐 Disable the firewall and antivirus at the time of unlocking.

3. Once unlocked, the phone does not turn on

If the device does not boot after the procedure (black screen or logo hover), follow the following steps:

1. Hold the Loud up. + Power for 10-15 seconds to reboot in Fastboot.
2. Sweep the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select the clean_all, not clean_all_lock, Not to block the bootloader again).
3. If the phone is not identified, use it. EDL-regime (see section above).

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If after unlocking the bootloader, the phone stopped seeing SIM-maps, run the modem module from the original firmware through Fastboot. This often solves network problems.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions