The Redmi Note 7 remains one of Xiaomiβs most popular smartphones years after its release, thanks to its robust hardware and flexible MIUI firmware. However, many users face the challenge of locking the device through a Xiaomi account (Mi Account), which occurs after resetting, buying a used phone or failing to log in. Unlike a Google account, blocking Mi Account can completely paralyze the smartphone, turning it into a brick.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking β from official (via Xiaomi support) to technical (using Fastboot and other technologies). EDL). Important: The methods vary in complexity, risk, and skill requirements. EDL-The regime may result in loss IMEI, We will also analyze why some "people's" ways (such as deleting files through the use of a file) TWRP) It stopped working after the updates. MIUI 14.
If you bought a Redmi Note 7 with your hands and the previous owner did not untidy the account, do not panic. In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved without contacting the service center, the main thing is to correctly determine the type of lock (account, FRP, hardware protection) and choose the appropriate method.
1.Official way: Unlocking through Xiaomi support
The safest, but also the longest, method is to contact Xiaomiβs support team, which is suitable if:
- π You have a check or document confirming the purchase of the device.
- π You remember the username/password from the attached Mi Account (but the phone does not accept the data).
- π± Phone not stolen (there is no lock on Xiaomi database at the request of law enforcement agencies).
To unlock, follow the steps:
- Go to the support page: account.xiaomi.com.
- Select "Forgot the password?Β» β Β«No phone access?Β».
- Fill out the form by specifying the device IMEI (you can find it on the box or through the menu of the *#06# set).
- Attach scans of documents (passport, check, warranty card).
- Wait for a response (usually 3-7 days).
β οΈ Note: If the Redmi Note 7 was purchased by hand and the previous owner did not untie the account, Xiaomi support will refuse to unlock.In this case, you will need to contact the seller and ask him to remove the device from the list of trusted in the personal account Mi Account.
2. Unlock via Fastboot (for MIUI firmware 12 and below)
This method only works on older versions of MIUI (up to 13 inclusive) and requires an unlocked bootloader.If you upgraded your smartphone to MIUI 14, the method most likely won't work due to the enhanced Anti-Rollback protection.
What you need:
- π» Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux There may be problems with drivers).
- π Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).
- π οΈ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB & Fastboot, firmware for Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender).
Step-by-step:
- Download the firmware from the official website (select the Fastboot version for lavender).
- Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\lavender).
- Turn off the phone, press Power + Volume Down to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool and select the folder with the firmware.
- Press Refresh β the program must identify the device.
- Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
Download firmware for lavender|Install Qualcomm Drivers|Disable Antivirus | Charge phone >50%|Prepare original cable-->
β οΈ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after firmware or freezes on the Mi logo, try repeating the process with Clean All and Lock mode. If this doesn't help, you'll need to unlock through the phone. EDL (see section 4).
Bypassing the lock via TWRP (only for MIUI 11-12)
The TWRP custom Recovery method worked on MIUI 11-12, but after MIUI 13, Xiaomi closed the loophole. However, if your Redmi Note 7 has an old firmware, you can try:
Algorithm of action:
- Install TWRP for lavender (you can download it on the official website).
- Load to TWRP (Put Power + Volume Up).
- Go to Advanced β File Manager.
- Delete the files: /data/system/mi_account_db /data/system/miui_activation_record
- Reboot the phone.
If your phone still requires an account after deleting your files, try flashing Magisk to bypass the check.
- π¨ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
- π Unstable operation of the system (possible lags, overheating).
- π΅ Communication loss (if the firmware is incompatible with your modem version).
What happens if TWRP is not installed?
4. Unlocking through EDL (90% of successful cases)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode is an emergency boot mode that allows you to flash your phone even with a locked bootloader (EDL-cable or Deep Flash Cable and knowledge of QFil or Mi Flash commands.
Advantages of the method:
- β It works on all versions. MIUI (including 14).
- β Does not require an unlocked bootloader.
- β Restores the phone even after the brickΒ».
Disadvantages:
- β Risk of loss IMEI (If you don't back up NV-data).
- β Need skills to work with QFil and Qualcomm drivers.
- β Purchase required EDL-cable (about 500β1000) β½).
Instructions:
- Download the lavender firmware in.mbn format (for example, from here).
- Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (can be found on 4PDA).
- Connect your phone to your PC through EDL-cable (or short test points on the board).
- Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone is not defined in EDL | No drivers or incorrect cable installed | Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager |
| Sahara Communication Failed | Incompatible version of the firmware | Download firmware with the same Anti-Rollback number |
| After the firmware, there's no network. | Lost IMEI or NV-data | Restore IMEI through QCN-file |
adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst1
adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst2It'll help to restore it. IMEI, If it disappears after the firmware.-->
5. Alternative methods: risks and limitations
There are dozens of magical ways to unlock things online, from deleting files via ADB to using paid services like Mi Account Remover, most of which are either outdated or fraudulent.
Method 1: Paid services (e.g. DC-Unlocker)
- π° Cost: 5-20$ unlockable.
- β Pros: fast, does not require technical skills.
- β Cons: High risk of fraud (many services just take money and disappear).
Method 2: Circumventing ADB (for MIUI 10β11)
If USB debugging is enabled on the phone, you can try to delete your account via commands:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/mi_account_db
rm /data/system/miui_activation_record
rebootBut on new firmware, this method is blocked by the system.
Method 3: Flashing to custom firmware (e.g., Pixel Experience)
- β Pros: full control of the device, no binding to the Mi Account.
- β Cons: loss of camera features (due to closed Xiaomi drivers), possible bugs.
π‘
Any alternative methods other than official unlocking or EDL can lead to loss of warranty, unstable operation of the phone or its complete "bricking". If you are not sure of your skills, you should contact the service center.
6.How to avoid blocking in the future
To avoid the problem again, follow the simple rules:
- π Always untie your Xiaomi account before selling or dropping your phone. β Accounts. β Mi Account β Delete the account.
- π± When buying Redmi Note 7 from hand, check your account status through the Settings menu. β The phone. β Mi Account status. If it says "Account active," ask the seller to delete it on you.
- π Update your firmware regularly, but avoid beta versions β they often have lock bugs.
- π Save it. IMEI, Serial number and account details in a secure location (e.g. Google Keep or on paper).
If you frequently reflash your phone, consider unlocking the bootloader through Xiaomiβs official website, which will open up custom firmware and make it easier to recover from crashes. However, remember that unlocking the bootloader resets all data and requires a wait (usually 7-30 days).