Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are famous for their functionality, but factory restrictions often prevent the full potential of the device. Users face the inability to remove system debris, change the interface or install custom firmware. Unlocking the bootloader is the first and most important step to complete freedom of action.
The procedure for unblocking requires carefulness and understanding of the risks. Wrong actions can lead to loss of warranty or turn the gadget into a brick. However, with all the instructions, you get full control of the file system and the possibility of deep customization. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from applying to installing Mi Unlock.
It is important to understand that once unlocked, all data on the device will be permanently deleted. Android security system forcibly clears the memory when the bootloader status changes. Therefore, preparing a backup of contacts, photos and documents is a prerequisite before starting work.
Preparation of the device and account Mi
The first step is to link your Mi Account to your device, and without that, your servers won't be able to verify your unlock rights. Go to your settings, select About, and click on the MIUI version several times to activate the developer menu.
In the open menu Extended settings → For developers, you need to find the item "Mi Unlock Status," which is where the current device is linked to your account, and make sure that the smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet for successful synchronization.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone battery to at least 60% to avoid shutdown at critical times.
- 🔒 Create a strong password for your Mi Account and write it down as it will be required to log in after a reset.
- 💾 Copy all important files to your computer or cloud storage as a full vape will occur.
Once the account is linked, the system will give a message about a successful operation. Don't try to unlock the device immediately. Xiaomi servers take time (from 72 hours to 7 days) to process the request and remove restrictions on the cloud side.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Installation of drivers and utilities Mi Unlock
To interact with the smartphone in boot mode, special drivers are needed, most often installed automatically with the unlocker program, but in some cases, manual installation through Windows Device Manager is required. Make sure you have the original USB-cable, as cheap analogues may not support data transmission.
Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from the developer's website. Unpack the archive into the root folder of the disk so that the path does not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces. Launch the file. miflash_unlock.exe and log in to your account.
⚠️ Warning: Antivirus programs can block the Mi Unlock utility, considering it potentially dangerous. It is recommended to temporarily disable the protection or add the program to exceptions before the procedure.
If the program can't see the phone, try installing ADB and Fastboot drivers manually. Device Manager may display an unknown device when you connect your smartphone in bootloader mode. Update the driver by pointing the path to the folder with the unlock utility installed.
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Use it. USB-port 2.0 on the computer motherboard (back of the system unit), as ports 3.0 sometimes cause problems with connection stability when firmware is used.
Application process and waiting
The application is submitted directly through the smartphone interface, and once the account is linked to the developer menu, the system sends a request to the server, and the status of the application can be tracked in the same menu or through the official Mi Community community.
Wait times vary. For new accounts or devices that have not been previously unlocked, the deadline can be up to 168 hours (7 days).Re-submitting a request resets the timer, so be patient and do not try to bypass the system with frequent requests.
| Status at Mi Unlock | Meaning | User actions |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting (Waiting) | Application sent, countdown time is coming | Do nothing, wait until the deadline is over. |
| Success (Successful) | The server allowed the unlocking | You can start the unlocking procedure. |
| Failed (Error) | The server rejected the request or the deadline expired | Check the Internet, re-link the account |
| Timer active | We have to wait a while. | Watch the countdown in the clock |
Early access programs exist in some regions or for certain models to reduce latency, but the standard procedure requires strict adherence to the time limits set by the manufacturer to protect user data.
Translation of the smartphone to Fastboot mode
Fastboot mode is required for low-level interaction with the device. To get into it, turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the volume down and power button simultaneously.
Hold the buttons until you see a hare in a hat, a squirrel repairing an android. This is the standard Fastboot mode logo on Xiaomi devices. Connect the device to your computer via a computer. USB-cable.
adb reboot bootloaderAn alternative way to go is through the command line if the PC is installed ADB-Type the command above and the phone will automatically reboot to the desired mode. Make sure that the Mi Unlock utility displays the "Phone connected" and the lock icon.
If the phone goes into a cyclic reboot or the screen remains black, check the integrity of the cable. USB-Do not remove the battery (if it is not removable) during the process, so as not to interrupt critical system processes.
What to do if the Fastboot mode is not turned on?
Direct unlocking of the loader
Once the waiting timer has expired and status has changed to "Success", you can start the final step: run the Mi Unlock utility on your computer, log in to the same account that is linked to the phone, and the program will automatically determine the device.
Press the "Unlock" button. A warning will appear that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. The process will take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, at which time the progress bar will be displayed on the smartphone screen.
- 🔓 The screen will be marked with the words "Unlocked" or "Successfully unlocked", which means the success of the operation.
- 🔄 The device will automatically restart in data cleanup mode (Wipe Data).
- 📱 After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial language and Wi-Fi settings.
It's important to note that the first download after unlocking can take up to 10 minutes. This is normal, the system does file integrity checks and adjusts new security settings. Don't try to interrupt this process.
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Unlocking the bootloader is irreversible without flashing the stock version of the software with a closed bootloader, so weigh all the risks before confirming the action.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, owners often install customized recavers, such as the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which allows you to obtain Root rights, make full system backups and install modified firmware.
To install, download the recovery.img image that matches your smartphone model. Files for different Redmi models are not compatible with each other. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and use the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp_image_name.imgImmediately after the firmware, don't let the phone boot into the system in the standard way. Press the power and volume button "Up" to vibration to force you to enter Recovery mode. If you download Android normally, stock recavers can overwrite custom.
⚠️ Warning: Installing a third-party backup breaches the integrity of the signature verification system.Some Google Pay (Wallet) banking applications and services may stop working without further manipulation to hide the rights of the superuser.
In the TWRP menu, you'll get access to the file manager, terminal, and overclocking settings. This opens up new horizons for performance tuning, but it requires caution. Always check for compatibility of modules and patches before installing them.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
When unlocking, users often encounter errors. Mi Unlock's code 10004 or 10008 usually indicates a network connection problem or an incorrect account password. Try using mobile Internet instead of Wi-Fi or.
If the process is stuck by 50% or 99%, don't panic. Often, simple cable reconnection or restarting of the program on behalf of the administrator helps. Rarely, you need to flash the stock image through EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode.
- ❌ Couldn't verify device error: check if the account is tied in your phone settings and in the PC program.
- ❌ Timer doesn’t go: make sure the date and time on the smartphone are set correctly and synchronized with the network.
- ❌ The program crashes: try to run Mi Unlock in Windows 7 or 8 compatibility mode.
If a critical Hard Brick error occurs (the phone doesn't respond to anything other than charging), it will require opening the case and closing the test points to enter deep firmware mode, a task for experienced users.