Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights or restoring the device after software failures. The procedure requires care, since improper actions can turn the phone into a “brick.” In this article, we will discuss the official method of unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, alternative methods for older models and nuances that the manufacturer does not advertise.
Since 2017, Xiaomi has tightened its security policy: now you need to link your Mi Account to your device and wait 7-30 days (depending on the model), we will explain how to speed up the process, bypass typical errors (for example, Couldn't unlock or Current account is different from the account info on the device), and what to do if the Mi Unlock Tool can't see the phone, and you will find relevant links to tools and drivers for Windows 10/11.
What is a Bootloader and Why is it Blocked
A bootloader is a program that starts when a smartphone is turned on before the operating system is booted, it checks the firmware's digital signatures and blocks the launch of uncertified software. Xiaomi, like other manufacturers, blocks the bootloader for three reasons:
- 🔒 Security: Protection against viruses and malicious firmware that could steal user data.
- 📱 Stability: preventing failures due to poor-quality custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or LineageOS) AOSP).
- 💰 Control of the ecosystem: binding to branded services (Mi Cloud, Mi Pay) and limiting the installation of third-party app stores.
In practice, locking creates problems even for legitimate users, such as a failed MIUI upgrade via fastboot, which can hover over the Mi logo, and unlocking the bootloader will be the only way to restore it, and some features (like ADB sideload) don’t work properly on locked devices.
Preparation for Unblocking: Requirements and Warnings
Before starting the procedure, make sure that all the conditions are met:
- 📱 Smartphone model: check the unlock support on Xiaomi's official website.Some devices (e.g. Redmi Note) 5A or Mi A1) have a reduced capacity.
- 🔑 Mi Account: Account must be linked to phone in Settings → Xiaomi account and confirmed by SMS/email.
- 🖥️ Computer: Windows 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux Mi Unlock Tool is unstable. Administrator rights required.
- 🔌 Cable: original USB Type-C (Fastboot: Error: Failed to Read Command).
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps. make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and Reset or Mi PC Suite.
Also consider:
- 🕒 Waiting: Once an account is linked to a device, Xiaomi blocks unlocking for 7 to 30 days (depending on model and region) and cannot be circumvented legally.
- 🔄 Updates MIUI: If you update the firmware after unlocking, the bootloader can automatically lock again (relevant to the MIUI 12–14).
- 🚫 Guarantee: Unlocking will void Xiaomi’s official warranty in most countries, including Russia and the European Union.
Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot|Enable debugging on USB and OEM-unlock|Link Mi Account to your device|Make a backup copy of the data-->
Step-by-step: unlock through Mi Unlock Tool
The official method is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models released after 2017.
- Activate the developer modes and OEM-Unlocking: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, To turn on Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (If you don’t have an option, your model doesn’t support unlocking).
Link Mi Account to your device
In the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. The system will request confirmation via SMS/email. Without this step, the Mi Unlock Tool will not be able to unlock the bootloader even if the phone is connected to a PC.
Install drivers and Mi Unlock Tool
Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (at the time of writing v6.5.224.32) and the ADB/Fastboot drivers from the Android site. Set them in the following order:
1. ADB Drivers (via Device Manager)
2. Mi Unlock Tool (launch on behalf of the administrator)
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (see step 4)Transfer the phone to fastboot mode
Turn off the device, then press the Power Button + Volume down for 10 seconds. The screen will show a hare in a fastboot hat. Connect the phone to a PC.
Launch unlock.
In Mi Unlock Tool, log in with the same Mi Account that is attached to your phone. The program must identify the device. Press Unlock and confirm the action. If a message appears Couldn't unlock. Wait for 168 hours, wait for the specified time (usually 7 days).
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart. Check bootloader status with the team in ADB:
fastboot oem device-infoIf the answer is Device unlocked: true, the procedure is successful.
💡
If the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the phone, try connecting it to another phone. USB-port (preferably 2.0), disable antivirus or use another cable. Often the problem is solved by installing drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Install from disk" and specify the path to the folder with the device). ADB).
Unblocking errors and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users are faced with errors, and we've collected the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock. Wait for 168/720 hours | There is no waiting time after the account is linked. | Wait for the specified number of hours (7-30 days). |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | Mi Unlock Tool uses a different account than the one linked to the phone. | Sign in to the same account that was added to Mi Unlock Status on your phone. |
| fastboot: error: Failed to read command | Problems with cable, USB port, or drivers. | Try another cable/port, install drivers manually, disable the antivirus. |
| This device is locked after unlocking | The firmware automatically blocked the bootloader (relevant to MIUI 13+). | Re-unlock or run custom recovery (TWRP) before the first boot. |
| Mi Unlock Tool is not running | Blocking antivirus or lack of administrator rights. | Add the program to the antivirus exceptions and run on behalf of the administrator. |
⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on or freezes on the Mi logo after unlocking, don't panic. Connect it to your PC in fastboot mode and run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (download on the official website.
What if the Mi Unlock Tool requires an older version of MIUI?
Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Older Models)
If your smartphone is released before 2017 (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 5, Redmi Note 3 Pro), the official Mi Unlock Tool may not work.
- 🔓 EDL-regime (9008): Suitable for Qualcomm processor devices (EDL cable) or circuit test points on the board, firmware is carried out through the Mi Flash Tool with a choice of mode EDL. Risk: In case of an error, damage is possible IMEI module Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
- 📱 Exploit through ADB: For some models (e.g., Mi) 4i) There are vulnerabilities that allow you to unlock the bootloader without waiting. -ne '\x00' | dd of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/misc bs=1 seek=53248" Warning: The method may not work on new versions MIUI and requires root rights.
- 🔧 Firmware through TWRP: If the device has already installed custom recovery (for example, TWRP), You can flash a zip file that unlocks the bootloader. XDA Developers for your model.
For devices running Mediatek processors (e.g. Redmi 4A), unlocking is complicated by the lack of official tools, in which case only firmware via the SP Flash Tool with pre-receiving authentication file (you can request it from Xiaomi through support).
💡
Alternative unlocking methods are only suitable for advanced users. Mistakes can lead to a loss of IMEI, a broken touchscreen or a complete failure of the device. If you are not sure, refer to profile forums (for example, 4PDA).
What to do after unlocking the bootloader
After successful unlocking, you can:
- 📲 Install custom firmware: Popular options: LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS. TWRP Download the firmware for your model on XDA Developers and follow the instructions: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot reboot recovery in the TWRP Select "Install" and click. ZIP-firmware
- 🔑 Get root rights: Use Magisk (download on GitHub). Install it through TWRP patchy boot.img: magisk patch boot.img fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
- 🔄 Return the official firmware: If you need to restore the warranty or fix bugs, run the stock MIUI Select the Clean all and lock option to lock the bootloader back.
Please note that after installing custom firmware:
- 📶 VoLTE, Wi-Fi Calling, or Wi-Fi Calling may stop working NFC (firmware-dependent).
- 🔋 Possible increase in battery consumption due to unoptimized core.
- 📱 Some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) will refuse to work due to the presence of root.
Xiaomi models with unlocking features
Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when unlocking the bootloader.
| Model | Feature | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| POCO F1 (beryllium) | It requires an account to be linked to Mi Unlock Status, otherwise the Mi Unlock Tool will give you a 50% error. | Link your account in advance and wait 7 days, even if the phone is new. |
| Redmi Note 8/8T (ginkgo/willow) | On some firmware, the OEM Unlock option disappears after the update. | Back on. MIUI 11 or use EDL-regime. |
| Mi 11 Ultra (star) | The bootloader is automatically locked after the MIUI 13+ firmware is installed. | Install custom recovery immediately after unlocking without booting the system. |
| Redmi 9A/9C (dandelion) | The Mi Unlock Tool does not officially support these models. | Use it. EDL-mode or exploit ADB (For example, fastboot oem unlock-go). |
For devices with a Mediatek processor (e.g. Redmi 10A or POCO C31), unlocking is complicated by the need to obtain an authentication file. It can be requested from Xiaomi through a support request indicating IMEI and the reason for unlocking (e.g., “device should be restored after a failure”).