Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a mandatory procedure for installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights or restoring the device after software failures. The manufacturer artificially blocks the bootloader on all models (from budget Redmi to flagship Mi), citing security requirements. However, the official unlock process exists - and it is legal, although it requires patience.
Many users experience errors such as Couldn’t verify device or Current account is different from the account info on the device, or Mi Account info on the device, outdated versions of tools, or inappropriate sequences, and the 2026 methods that work for all Xiaomi devices, including the latest HyperOS models.
⚠️ Critical warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings, deleting all data, and it will void warranty on some models in hard-line regions (e.g. India or the EU). → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and can you bypass the restrictions?
The manufacturer has been blocking the bootloader since 2017, arguing this with protection from:
- 🔒 Installation of malware through custom firmware
- 📱 Data theft in case of loss of the device (the attacker will not be able to reset the password through the TWRP)
- 🛠️ Unauthorized repair (replacement of motherboard without authorization of service center)
However, official unlocking is possible through the Mi Unlock Tool. Alternative methods (for example, exploits via fastboot or bypassing account verification) often lead to a device "brick" - when the smartphone stops loading even in EDL mode.
Among the models with the most stringent protection are the Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO F5, which can take up to 720 hours (30 days) to verify an account instead of the standard 168 hours (7 days), due to Xiaomi’s policy to combat the resale of devices in the gray market.
Preparation of the device: steps before unlocking
Before starting the process, 4 mandatory conditions must be met:
- Link your Mi Account to your device. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sync and make sure your profile is displayed as “Connected.” Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will give you a 10008 error.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed IMEI the device or re-establish it through EDL, The account link may not work, and in this case, you need to reset the persist partition in the service center.
☑️ Checking before unlocking
Download and install Mi Unlock Tool
The official Mi Unlock Tool is only available for Windows, and attempts to run it through emulators (Wine, Parallels) or virtual machines (VirtualBox) result in error 20062.
- Download the latest version of the tool from the official website (at the time of publication - v6.5.424.24).
- Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiUnlock).
- Install Qualcomm and ADB drivers via MiFlashUnlock.exe (they are included in the utility package).
- Launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
At the authorization stage, the utility can request confirmation via SMS or email. If the code does not arrive, check:
- 📧 Spam folder in the mail.
- 📱 Settings SMS-filtering in messages → Settings → spamming
- 🌐 Region of the Mi Account (must match the region) SIM-map)
Critical detail: If you previously locked your device through Find Device, unlocking the bootloader will not be possible until the lock is removed, a common mistake when buying used smartphones.
Unlocking process: step-by-step guide
After preparation, move on to the main stage. The whole process takes from 3 to 30 days, depending on the model and the history of the device.
| Step. | Action. | Possible errors |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connect your phone in fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power) | Fastboot: Error: Failed to boot into fastbootd |
| 2 | In Mi Unlock Tool, click "Unlock" | Cann't verify device - account is not tied |
| 3 | Confirm the unlock on your phone (a warning will appear) | Current account is different... – changed the account Mi after linking |
| 4 | Wait for the timer (168 to 720 hours) | Network error – check the proxy/VPN |
If the utility shows 50% or 99% and freezes, don't turn off the device! This is normal behavior when checked by Xiaomi servers.
What to do if the timer is reset after rebooting?
Common mistakes and their solutions
Most of the unblocking problems are account mismatches, outdated drivers, or incorrect sequences, and the error table and work fixes below:
| Error code | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 86006 | The device is not supported | Check the list of compatible models on the official website |
| 10008 | Account untied | Reconnect your account in settings and reboot your phone |
| 20062 | The Mi Unlock Tool is a Mi Unlock Tool | Download the latest version and remove the old one. |
| Couldn’t verify device | Conflict with antivirus | Add in. miflash_unlock.exe Excluding Windows Defender |
⚠️ Note: If after successful unlocking, the bootloader is blocked again after the update MIUI, This means that the device has activated the Anti-Rollback function, which cannot be turned off software, but requires firmware through the device. EDL downgraded.
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If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device in fastboot, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC. Ports USB 3.0 (blue) sometimes conflict with Qualcomm drivers.
What to do after unlocking the bootloader
Successful unlocking opens up access to:
- 📱 Installation of custom Recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox)
- 🔧 Firmware alternative OS (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS)
- 🛡️ Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU
- 🔄 Recovery via fastboot after soft breeze
However, keep in mind the risks:
- 🚨 Loss of warranty on some models (check the conditions for your region)
- 🔒 Security vulnerabilities – custom firmware may contain backdoors
- 📵 Network problems – on some devices, VoLTE disappears after firmware or 5G
To install TWRP, use the following commands:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot boot twrp.imgWhere twrp.img is the recovery file for your model (download only from the official website).
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Once the bootloader is unlocked, do not update via OTA, which will result in a re-block, and all updates must be installed manually via TWRP or fastboot.
Alternative methods of unlocking (at your own risk)
If the official method does not work (for example, due to a 720 hour error), some users resort to workaround methods:
- Reset the timer by changing your account region. Change region to China in Mi Account settings, then return it.Risk: account may be blocked for suspicious activity.
- Use modified versions of the Mi Unlock Tool. Some versions (such as the Mi Unlock Tool Bypass) promise to zero the timer. Risk: a high chance of infecting a PC with malware.
⚠️ Attention: Methods using EDL (emergency download mode) can lead to hard-brick if the wrong firehose file is selected. For example, the firmware of Redmi Note 10 Pro files from the POCO X3 Pro (despite the same Snapdragon platform) 732G) causes damage to the section modemst1.