How to unlock a Xiaomi bootloader via PC: the official way of 2026

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. Although the manufacturer officially provides a tool to unlock, the process requires care and strict rules. In 2026, the procedure has undergone changes: the requirements for Mi Account account have been tightened, new restrictions have been introduced for some regions, and the waiting time between attempts has increased to 168 hours (7 days) for new devices.

In this article, you will find the latest step-by-step instructions for unlocking a bootloader via a PC using the official Mi Unlock Tool, as well as analyze typical errors (such as Couldn’t unlock or Current account is different from the account info on the device) and how to solve them. We will focus on the preparation of the device, configuring drivers on Windows, and the nuances of working with models based on Qualcomm and Mediatek. 13T, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5 — This instruction is suitable for them.

What is a Bootloader and Why Unlock It?

Bootloader is a low-level program that starts when you turn on your smartphone before the operating system boots. It checks the digital signatures of the firmware and blocks the launch of uncertified software. Xiaomi, like other manufacturers, blocks the bootloader by default to protect against malware and unauthorized changes.

Unblocking may be necessary in several cases:

• 📱 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS).
• 🔧 Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU.
• 🛠️ Recovery of a “brick” device (if the smartphone does not turn on or is stuck on the logo).
• 🔄 Reverse to an older version MIUI (downgrade).
• 🚫 Removal of embedded system applications (bloatver).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings and deletes all data, including photos, contacts and apps. Also, this will void the warranty on some models (check with the official dealer).

It is important to understand that once unlocked, the smartphone becomes more vulnerable to attacks, as it loses the protection of Verified Boot. In addition, some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) may stop working due to the lack of certified firmware.

Requirements for unlocking Xiaomi bootloader in 2026

Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the rules for unlocking, and now 5 prerequisites must be met to successfully complete the procedure:

1. Mi Account is older than 30 days (for new devices, 7 days after the binding).
2. The smartphone is tied to the account in the settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Status of device).
3. Developer mode is enabled and debugging is allowed USB.
4. The device is added to the unlock list via the Mi Unlock Tool.
5. Official cable is used (not all) USB-cables support data transfer in fastboot mode).

Also consider regional restrictions: devices purchased in China or India may need to be used for the purpose of purchasing a product. VPN with servers in these countries, models for the European market (EEA) They are usually unlocked without additional tricks.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously tried to unlock the bootloader and received the error This device is locked, a second attempt can block the account for 30 days.

Preparing the smartphone for unlocking

Before you connect to a PC, you need to configure the device correctly, which takes no more than 10 minutes, but the success of the entire procedure depends on it.

1. Enabling the developer mode

Go to Settings. → About the phone and tap 7 times on the item Version MIUI. After the notification you became a developer, go back to the main settings menu and open the section Additional → For developers.

2. Set up the developer parameters

In the Developer Menu, activate the following options:

• 🔓 Debugging by USB (USB Debugging)
• 🔄 Unlocking OEM (OEM Unlocking is the most important point!
• 🔌 Debugging by USB (security) → Allow debugging in the mode Only charging

If you're optional OEM Unlocking is not active or non-active, which means that:

• 📱 The device is linked to another Mi Account.
• 🔒 The smartphone has firmware for the Chinese region (requires a change of region through the Mi Flash Tool).
• ⏳ It has not been 7 days since the first account was linked.

3. Linking the Mi Account to the device

Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Device status and make sure your device is linked to your account. If not, click Add Account and follow the instructions. Use the same account you're unlocking the bootloader under!

Developer mode is on|Debugging activated USB|Unblocking permitted OEM|The device is tied to the Mi Account|Recent updates installed MIUI-->

Install drivers and Mi Unlock Tool on PC

Without properly installed drivers, Windows will not be able to recognize a smartphone in fastboot mode. We recommend using official drivers from Xiaomi, rather than universal solutions like the one-stop solution. ADB Driver Installer.

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool

The official utility can only be downloaded from the Xiaomi website (authentication required). At the time of writing, the current version is 6.5.224.30 (from 15.03.2026). Older versions may not support new models!

After downloading, unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiUnlock). Launch the file. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.

2. Installation of drivers for fastboot

If the device does not see the utility when connecting the phone in fastboot mode (see the next section), follow the following steps:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC in fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the phone is off).
2. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
3. Find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually Android Bootloader Interface).
4. Update the driver manually by specifying the folder with drivers from the Mi Unlock Tool archive.

Windows 11 may require you to disable the driver digital signature check. → Update and security → Recovery → Reboot now (with Shift key clamped), then select Troubleshooting and troubleshooting → Additional parameters → Loading parameters → Reboot and press F7 check-out.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a “Couldn’t unlock” error, try connecting your smartphone to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC. Some ports USB 3.0 (blue) can cause recognition problems.

Step-by-step instructions for unlocking the bootloader

Now, let's get to the most critical point.

• 🔋 Charging the smartphone battery more than 60%.
• 🖥️ Antiviruses are disabled on PC (they can block Mi Unlock Tool).
• 🔌 Original cable (not wireless charging!).

Step 1: Transferring your smartphone to fastboot mode

Turn off the device. Press the Volume down buttons at the same time. + Power and hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi Bunny logo appears in fastboot mode).

Step 2: Authorization to Mi Unlock Tool

Launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator, in the program window:

1. Accept the terms of the agreement.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your smartphone.
3. Connect the phone to the PC – the program must recognize it (the serial number will appear).

Step 3: Adding the device to the unlock list

If this is your first attempt, click Unlock. the program will send a request to Xiaomi servers and you will see a message to wait (usually 168 hours).

After this period, repeat steps 1-2. This time, after pressing Unlock, the unlocking process (green progress bar) will begin. Upon completion, the smartphone will automatically restart, and the bootloader will be unlocked.

Step 4: Checking the status of the bootloader

After the reboot, check the bootloader status with the team:

fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, look for the lines:

• Device unlocked: true - bootloader unlocked.
• Device unlocked: false – unblocked.

⚠️ Warning: If after unlocking the smartphone does not turn on or stuck on the logo MI, Don't panic. It's okay -- just run the device through the Mi Flash Tool using the official firmware for your model (choose the clean all option).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, users often encounter errors. We have collected the TOP-5 problems and ways to fix them:

If your error is not listed in the table, check:

• 🕒 Time on PC and smartphone synchronized (a difference of more than 5 minutes can block unlocking).
• 🔄 All antiviruses are disabled (including Windows Defender).
• 📋 The device is supported (some models, such as Xiaomi Mi). A3, have unique limitations).

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If after unlocking the bootloader you plan to install custom firmware, be sure to make a backup of the persist section (responsible for the installation of the bootloader). IMEI It can be lost and the network is missing!

What to do after unlocking?

Now your smartphone is ready for firmware, but before you start experimenting, follow a few important steps:

1. Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP)

Unofficial firmware installation will be required TWRP Download the current version for your model from twrp.me and run it with the team:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

2. Creating a backup of the original firmware

V TWRP Make a full backup of boot, system, vendor, and data partitions, which will help restore the device in case of a failed firmware!

3. Install Magisk for root rights

If you need root rights, download the latest Magisk from GitHub and run it through TWRP or patched boot.img.

Remember: After rooting, some functions will stop working:

• 💳 Google Pay and other contactless payments (due to lack of SafetyNet).
• 🎮 Some games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact can block launch.
• 📱 Updates MIUI "airborne" (OTA) will not be available.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi bootloader