Unlocking the Fastboot bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. Although the manufacturer officially allows this procedure, it requires careful attention: errors can lead to a “brick” (complete inoperability) of the phone. In this article, we will discuss all current methods of unlocking, from the official through the Mi Unlock Tool to workarounds for devices with limitations.
It is important to understand that after unlocking, all data on the device is reset, and Xiaomi warranty can be canceled.The process also involves linking the Mi Account to the device - without this, unlocking is impossible. If you plan to use a phone with custom software for a long time, we recommend backing up data and make sure the power source is stable (unlocking takes from 30 minutes to several hours).
What is Fastboot and why unlock it?
Fastboot is an Android bootloader protocol that allows you to install firmware, modify memory partitions, and restore the system. On Xiaomi smartphones (as with most brands), the bootloader is locked by default to protect against unauthorized changes. Unlocking gives the user full control of the device, but deprives it of some security features, such as:
- 🔒 Theft protection: Without unlocking, an attacker will not be able to reset the phone via fastboot.
- 🛡️ Firmware integrity check: A blocked bootloader prevents uncertified software from being installed.
- 🔄 Automatic Updates: Some OTA- Updates may not be installed on unlocked devices.
The main reasons for unlocking:
- 📱 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, MIUI Pro, etc.).
- 🔧 Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU.
- 🔄 Restore the phone after a "brick" (if standard methods don't work).
- 🛠️ Testing beta versions of MIUI prior to official release.
On Xiaomi models after 2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3, Mi 11), unlocking has become more difficult due to the restrictions imposed: it now requires an account to be linked to the device and waits 72-360 hours (depending on the model) before the first unlock, which is done to combat the resale of stolen phones.
Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do in advance
Before starting the procedure, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, and ignoring them can lead to the inability to unlock or loss of data.
Link Mi Account to your device (Settings → Xiaomi Account)
Enable debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 Taps → For Developers → Debugging by USB)
Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC
Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version
Charge your phone at least 60%
Create a backup of your data (unlocking wipes everything!)
Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Unlock Tool)-->
Pay special attention to the binding of the Mi Account.
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in.
- In the Mi Cloud section, enable synchronization (even if you don’t plan to use it).
- In Settings → Additional → Privacy → Special permissions activate the option to Allow OEM- to unlock (if you have one on your model).
On some devices (such as the Redmi Note 9 Pro or POCO X3 NFC), the OEM Unlocking option may not be on the menu.
- 🔄 Reboot the phone and check again.
- 📱 Connect your device to the Internet via a mobile network (not Wi-Fi).
- 🔧 Update MIUI Update (sometimes the option appears after the update).
⚠️ Warning: If you bought your phone with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie your Mi Account from the device. Otherwise, unlocking will be impossible without their involvement (you will need to enter a password from your old account).
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
This is the only way Xiaomi supports unlocking, but it has limitations: it requires waiting. 3 before 15 It doesn't work on all models. It's relevant for the devices on the MIUI 12/13/14.
Step 1: Install drivers and Mi Unlock Tool
Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website. Make sure that the PC has ADB and Fastboot drivers installed (you can download from Minimal ADB and Fastboot or Platform Tools from Google).
After installation:
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power before the Mi Bunny logo appears with the inscription FASTBOOT).
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
- Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
Step 2: Account binding and waiting
When you first connect the device, the Mi Unlock Tool will show a waiting message, depending on the model:
| Xiaomi model | Waiting period (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra | 360 hours (15 days) | Requires active use of the Mi Account (entry at least 1 time in 30 days) |
| POCO F5, Redmi K60 | 168 hours (7 days) | You can reduce to 72 hours with active sync with Mi Cloud |
| Redmi 10, POCO M4 Pro | 72 hours (3 days) | On old firmware, it can work immediately. |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite, Redmi Note 10S | 168 hours (7 days) | Requires SMS confirmation at first connection |
During the wait:
- 📱 Do not drop your phone to factory settings.
- 🔌 Do not untie the Mi Account from the device.
- 🔄 Connect your phone to the Mi Unlock Tool regularly (once every 1-2 days) to speed up the process.
Step 3: Unlocking
After the waiting period has expired:
- Restart your phone to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power).
- Connect to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Press Unlock and confirm the action.
It takes 1-2 minutes, and after successful unlocking, the phone will automatically restart and reset to factory settings.
⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device," then the account is not tied correctly. Solution: re-attach Mi Account, enable Mi Cloud sync and try again in 24 hours.
💡
Even after successful Fastboot unlocking, the Mi Account is still tied, meaning that the next time you reset or lock your phone, you will need to enter your account data.
Alternative Unlocking Methods (if the Official One is Not Working)
On some devices (especially Chinese versions or models with a bootloader locked by an operator), the official method may not work, and in such cases, workarounds are used, but they require experience and carry risks.
Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
EDL is an emergency boot mode that allows you to flash the device without unlocking Fastboot. It requires an authorized Xiaomi account (or bypassing vulnerabilities) to activate it.
Instructions:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model in.tgz format.
- Put your phone in EDL mode: adb reboot edl If the command doesn't work, use the hardware method: press Volume up + Volume down + Power on the phone turned off and plug in the USB cable.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select firmware and press Refresh – the device should be defined as COM-port.
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Risks:
- 🚨 Hard-brick (complete inoperability) is possible if the firmware is not selected correctly.
- 🔒 After firmware is installed through EDL, Mi Account authorization may be required even on an unlocked bootloader.
Method 2: Use of vulnerabilities (for older models)
On devices up to 2018 (e.g. Redmi Note 4X, Mi 5), there are exploits to bypass locks, one of which is using DirtyCOW or CVE-2016-5195 to obtain temporary root and unlock via fastboot oem unlock.
Example of a team to check for a vulnerability:
adb shell
echo 0 > /sys/class/android_usb/android0/enable
suIf the su command is executed without errors, you can try unlocking:
fastboot oem unlock-go⚠️ Warning: On new devices (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2, Dimensity 9000), these methods do not work due to hardware protection. Their use may result in IMEI locking or loss of serial number.
List of models with known vulnerabilities for unlocking
What to do after unlocking Fastboot?
Once successfully unlocked, the bootloader will remain in Unlocked state, which will appear when downloaded to Fastboot (UNLOCKED under the Mi Bunny logo).
- 📦 Install custom firmware via fastboot flash or TWRP.
- 🔧 Get root rights with Magisk (recommended version 26.1+).
- 🔄 Restore the device after failures via fastboot erase userdata.
However, there are limitations:
- 🚫 Widevine L1 may degrade to L3, which will degrade streaming quality on Netflix, Disney+, and others.
- 🔒 Some banking applications (e.g., SberBank Online) may block work on unlocked devices.
- 📡 OTA- updates MIUI may not be installed (you have to stitch manually).
To minimize the risks:
- Install Magisk and activate MagiskHide to mask root.
- Use the SafetyNet Fix module to complete Google certification.
- Regularly do backups through TWRP or adb backup.
💡
If the phone is no longer defined in fastboot after unlocking, try reinstalling drivers manually through Device Manager (select the Android Bootloader Interface driver).
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock. The device is not connected | Drivers are not installed or the cable is faulty | Try another USB- cable (preferably original), install drivers manually through Zadig |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | There are different accounts on the phone and in Mi Unlock Tool | Untie your old account in Settings → Xiaomi account, reboot and link a new one |
| This Mi account has no permission to unlock the device | Account not tied to device or phone bought with hands | Contact the previous owner for an unblock or use EDL (Brick Risk!) |
| Waiting for device (hangs at this stage) | Phone not found in fastboot | Reinstall the drivers, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) |
| Flash is not allowed in Lock State | Trying to flash a locked device | First, unlock fastboot, then stitch it. |
If the error is not listed in the table, check:
- 🔌 Internet connection stability (Mi Unlock Tool requires online authorization).
- 📅 Relevance of the Mi Unlock Tool (download only from the official website).
- 🔧 Presence of the latest updates MIUI (sometimes unlocking only works on certain versions).
How to return the Fastboot lock (if necessary)
If you decide to sell the phone or return it to the service center, you can re-lock the bootloader.
- Restart the device in Fastboot.
- Connect to the PC and execute the command: fastboot oem lock
- Confirm the action on the phone (if you receive a request).
After that:
- 🔒 The device will return to LOCKED state.
- 📱 All data will be erased (as in unlocking).
- 🔄 The Mi Account will remain attached (it must be untieted manually in the settings).
⚠️ Warning: On some models (Redmi K50, Xiaomi 12T), the fastboot oem lock command may not work due to hardware limitations, in which case only firmware through EDL with official software will help.