How to unlock Xiaomi bootloader if the phone has turned into a brick

A locked bootloader on Xiaomi is one of the most frustrating problems users face after a failed firmware, reset or experiment with custom software. If your smartphone stopped booting, got stuck on the Mi logo or does not respond to the power button at all, you most likely have encountered a so-called “brick” – a condition where the device becomes unusable. 90% of the time, the fault is precisely the locked bootloader, which does not allow the system to boot.

In this article, we will break down all the working ways to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi, including the official method through Mi Unlock Tool, Fastboot recovery and emergency mode. EDL. We’ll focus on situations where the phone doesn’t turn on at all, the so-called soft and hard bricks, what tools you’ll need, how to get around Xiaomi’s unlock restrictions, and what to do if standard methods don’t work.

What is a bootloader and why is Xiaomi blocking it?

A bootloader is a program that starts when you turn on your smartphone before the operating system boots, checks the integrity of the firmware and gives the go-ahead for it to run. Xiaomi, like many other manufacturers, blocks the bootloader by default to protect against:

• 🔒 Installation of unofficial firmware that may disrupt the operation of the device.
• 🛡️ Malware that can gain root access and steal data.
• 🔄 Unauthorized data recovery after resetting (e.g., through TWRP).

However, blocking creates problems for users who want to:

• 📱 Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• ⚡ Switch the device after the update failure.
• 🔧 Restore the phone after the brick».

If you are in a situation where Xiaomi does not boot, and the screen says “This device is locked” or “Fastboot mode”, it means that the bootloader is locked and the system can not continue to boot, in which case unlocking is the only way to bring the phone back to life.

Preparation for Unlocking: What Will Be Needed?

Before you start unlocking, make sure you have everything you need, and without proper preparation, you risk making things worse, like permanently killing the motherboard or losing access to data.

Here is the complete list of tools and programs:

Also check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (at least 50%, otherwise the process may be interrupted).
• 🔌 Possibility of work USB-port on PC (it is better to use the rear port of the system unit).
• 📋 Serial number and model phone (on or under the battery).

⚠️ Note: If you have not previously unlocked the bootloader on this device, Xiaomi will require a Mi Account binding and a wait of 7-360 hours (depending on the model).If the phone has already been unlocked but locked again after firmware is installed, this stage can be skipped.

Method 1: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (official method)

This is the most reliable and recommended way for Xiaomi, but it only works if:

• 📱 The phone is enabled in at least Fastboot mode (Power button) + Vol−).
• 🔓 Mi Account was tied to device prior to lockdown.
• ⏳ You can wait from 7 days (up to 360 hours on new models).

If these conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. Download and install Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.
3. Turn off your phone and press the power. + Vol−, To enter Fastboot mode, connect it to the PC.
4. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock and confirm the action. If you receive a waiting message, wait for the specified time.
5. Once unlocked, restart your phone to Fastboot and run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

If the utility gives you an error, Cann't unlock or Current account is different from the account info on the device, then:

• 🔹 Mi Account is not linked to the device (you should have done this before blocking the device).
• 🔹 The phone was dropped before the account was tied.
• 🔹 You're using the wrong account.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13 And the new unlock may take up to 15 If the waiting time has expired, but the utility still does not unlock the bootloader, try changing the account region to China (via the profile settings on the Mi website).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the phone, try reinstalling drivers manually through Device Manager (select “Mi Flash” or “Android Bootloader Interface”).

Method 2: Unlock via Fastboot (if Mi Unlock is not working)

If the official method didn’t work (for example, because there was no linked account), you can try unlocking the bootloader through Fastboot commands, a method that is suitable for soft bricks, where the phone at least responds to buttons and is determined by the computer.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Established ADB & Fastboot (from Android) SDK).
• 📄 File. unlock_code.bin (If available, you can get it through Xiaomi on request).
• 🔧 Knowledge of the phone model (teams may differ).

Instructions:

1. Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode (Power) + Vol−).
2. Connect it to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, continue.
3. Enter the unlock command (for most models): fastboot flashing unlock On the phone will appear a warning – confirm unlock button Vol.+.
4. If the command fails, try the alternative: fastboot oem unlock
5. After successful unlocking, run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) an additional unlock file may be required:

• 📧 Call for Xiaomi Support (purchase check required).
• 🔍 In specialized forums (e.g, XDA Developers or 4PDA).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot oem unlock and fastboot flashing unlock may not work on all devices. (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50 They are often blocked, and only the official Mi Unlock Tool or the official Mi Unlock Tool remains. EDL-regime.

Method 3: Recovery through EDL (hardbrick)

If the phone does not respond to buttons, does not turn on and does not even go to Fastboot, you will only help EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that allows you to restore the device even when the bootloader is completely killed.

To work with EDL need to:

• 🔌 Authorized EDL-cable (or homemade with closed contacts) GND and EDL).
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool (download from official website).
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model.
• 🔑 Mi Account with developer rights (for new models).

Instructions:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool + Qualcomm drivers (if you have a Snapdragon processor).
2. Connect your phone to your PC through EDL-cable (or close the contacts on the board if you make the cable yourself). HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh.The phone should appear in the list.
4. Select firmware mode: 🔄 Clean All – Complete cleanup (deletes all data). 🔄 Clean All and Lock - Cleaning Up + Bootloader lock (if you need to return official status).

Press Flash and wait until the end (usually 5-15 minutes).

If the Mi Flash Tool is an error SLA Auth or Mi Auth, then:

• 🔹 Your Mi Account does not have firmware rights through EDL.
• 🔹 You need to use an authorized account (you can buy on the forums or get through Xiaomi partners).
• 🔹 On some models (Redmi Note 11, POCO F4) Additional firehose file is required.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL If you have the wrong file, you can kill your phone. Always check the firmware compatibility with your model. For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) won't work for the Redmi Note 10 Pro. 5G (camellian).

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EDL-The mode is the last chance to restore the brick, but requires a special cable and an authorized account.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, the following scenarios are possible:

1. Iron problem, if the phone is not detected in the Fastboot or in the EDL, It is possible that the motherboard is damaged (for example, after a fall or short circuit.
2. Lock-in IMEI. On some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Black Shark Bootloader can be blocked at level IMEI. It is only decided through official service.
3. Incompatible firmware. If you've been running custom software, it might not be suitable for your model. EDL.
4. Mi Account error: If your account has been deleted or blocked, you can’t unlock it. Try to restore access or contact Xiaomi for support.

In the most difficult cases, you can try:

• 🔧 Reflash through TestPoint. This requires soldering on the motherboard and is only suitable for power users.
• 📞 Official centers of Xiaomi can unlock the bootloader for a fee (about 1-3 thousand rubles).
• 🛒 Buy authorized EDL-Accounts with firmware rights are sold on forums (price - 500-2000 rubles).

If you decide to contact the service, specify in advance:

• 🔹 The cost of unlocking (sometimes cheaper to buy a new phone).
• 🔹 Work guarantee (some workshops do not give a guarantee to unlock the bootloader).
• 🔹 Data security (in 99% of cases, data is erased when unlocked).

How to avoid a brick in the future?

To avoid encountering a blocked bootloader again, follow these rules:

• 🔄 Always unlock the bootloader officially through the Mi Unlock Tool before firmware custom software.
• 📥 Download firmware only from trusted sources (official Xiaomi website, XDA Developers, 4PDA).
• 🔋 Don’t interrupt the firmware process – even a brief power outage can turn your phone into a brick.
• 🔒 Link your Mi Account to your device immediately after you purchase it, making it easier to unlock in the future.
• 📡 Check firmware compatibility with your model (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro has several modifications: joyeuse, excalibur, curtana).

If you often experiment with firmware, keep on hand:

• 🔧 EDL-cable (you can make it yourself or buy it for 300-500 rubles).
• 💾 Original firmware backup (made via Fastboot or TWRP).
• 📄 Recovery instructions for your model (the forums have guides for each Xiaomi series).

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Before firmware check the hash amount of the downloaded file (MD5 or SHA-1). This will help to avoid errors due to broken archives.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi bootloader