Your Xiaomi screen suddenly has a message saying, “This Device is Locked,” and the phone refuses to boot any further, meaning that the device is locked due to Mi Account protection or incorrect firmware actions, a problem typical of Redmi, POCO and Mi models after resetting, Fastboot firmware, or buying a used phone with a tied account.
In this article, we will discuss all the working ways of unlocking, from the official deletion of Mi Account through Xiaomi service to bypassing the lock with the help of engineering modes and third-party tools. Importantly, not all methods are safe, and some can lead to complete data loss or “bricking” of the device, we will explain the risks in detail and give checklists for each option.
If you bought a phone with your hands and the previous owner didn't untie your account, or you forgot your Mi Account, don't panic. In 80 percent of cases, you can fix the problem without going to the service center, and the main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss important steps.
Why does the word “This Device is Locked” appear?
The message "This Device is Locked" (sometimes with additional text Mi Account is locked or Device is bound to a Mi Account) means that the smartphone is locked at the firmware level.
- 🔒 Resetting settings via Recovery or Fastboot without detachment Mi Account.
- 📱 Buying a used phone with a tied account (especially relevant for Redmi Note) 8/9/10, POCO X3).
- 🔧 Unsuccessful firmware through Mi Flash Tool or custom recavery (TWRP).
- 🛡️ Activation of protection after theft/loss (owner has remotely blocked the device).
- ⏳ Expiry of the unlock period (if the official bootloader enloque was previously used).
In the new Xiaomi models (starting with the MIUI 12) the locking is triggered even when trying to flash the device through EDL-The manufacturer has tightened protections to combat theft and illegal use of phones.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone was stolen, unlocking through the Mi Account bypass may be considered a violation of the law.Be sure the device belongs to you legally before starting procedures.
Official method: unlocking through Mi Account
The safest and most recommended method for Xiaomi is to use the original account linked to the device. If you forgot the login details or bought a phone with someone else's account, try:
- Restore access to your Mi Account through email/phone: 📧 Go to account.xiaomi.com → «Forgot the password?» → Provide an attached email or number. 📱 If email/phone has changed, try to restore access through a backup address or security questions.
- Untie the device via the web interface: 🔗 Go to the personal account of Mi Cloud → «Find the device» → Choose a locked smartphone → «Remove the device». ⚠️ The device must be connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
Contact the previous owner
- 💬 Ask the seller to untie the account through Mi Cloud or send a login / password.
- 📄 Save a screenshot of the decoupling confirmation - this is your guarantee.
If the official methods don't work (e.g., the seller doesn't respond or the account is deleted), move to alternative methods, but remember, they can violate the warranty or lead to data loss.
Unlocking via Fastboot (for stitched devices)
If the phone is locked after a failed firmware or Fastboot reset, try reflashing it with official firmware, a method that is suitable for models with unlocked bootloader (if you previously received permission for anlock through the Mi Unlock Tool).
What you need:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool).
- 🔌 Cable USB (original, undamaged).
- 📁 Official firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi website).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to a PC. Install the drivers (if Windows doesn't find them, download Mi USB Driver).
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware (file with the.tgz extension).
- At the bottom, select Clean All mode (complete clean) or Save user data (save data, but may not work when blocked).
- Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). the phone will reboot automatically.
☑️ Preparation for firmware through Fastboot
⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware will reset all data on the phone. If the device was blocked because of Mi Account, this method may not work - additional unlocking of the bootloader will be required.
Bypassing the lock through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)
EDL-The Emergency Download Mode is the only way to flash the phone if it's completely locked and the bootloader is locked (EDL-Cable or Deep Flash Cable and knowledge of fastboot commands. Use only if other methods have not helped!
How to log into EDL:
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC with the Volume Up button clamped + Volume down (for some models you need to close contacts on the board).
- 🖥️ In Device Manager should appear Qualcomm device HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- 📥 Download the firmware for EDL (For example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater and Mi Flash Pro utility.
Risks. EDL-firmware:
- ⚠️ Loss of loss IMEI (The phone won't catch the network).
- ⚠️ Brick of the device with incorrect firmware.
- ⚠️ Security activation (on new Xiaomi models, you may need to log in through Mi Account even in the new model) EDL).
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after EDL?
Alternative methods: bypassing Mi Account without firmware
If the official methods didn’t work and the firmware seems too risky, you can try to bypass the lock through engineering modes or third-party tools, which do not guarantee 100% results and may stop working after MIUI updates.
Method 1: Recovery Menu (for older models)
- Enter Recovery (click Volume Up + Nutrition).
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset).
- After the reboot, try to log in without being tied to Mi Account (sometimes triggered by MIUI 10–11).
Method 2: Mi Account Bypass Tool
- 🖥️ Download the utility (for example, with XDA Developers).
- 🔌 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
- 📝 Follow the instructions of the program (usually you need to enter the command fastboot oem unlock).
⚠️ Note: Using third-party tools can result in a Mi Account ban or a device lock at the server level of Xiaomi.We do not recommend this method for major phones.
Unlocking methods comparison: what to choose?
To make it easier for you to navigate, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Suitable for | Pluses | Cons | Risk of a brick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official (Mi Account) | All models. | ✅ Safe, does not violate the guarantee | ❌ Requires access to the account | ❌ No. |
| Fastboot firmware | Models with unlocked bootloader | ✅ It works in 70% of cases | ❌ Data resets don’t always bypass Mi Accounts | ⚠️ Medium. |
| EDL-regime | Completely locked phones | ✅ Bypasses any lockdown | ❌ Requires equipment, high risk | ⚠️⚠️ High-pitched |
| Bypassing Recovery | Older models (MIUI 10–11) | ✅ Quick, no PC. | ❌ Doesn't work on new firmware. | ❌ No. |
| side of the utility | Any model (at your own risk) | ✅ It may work if other methods do not help. | ❌ Account ban risk, viruses | ⚠️ Medium. |
💡
If you bought a used phone, try contacting the seller to unbundle your Mi Account first.
What do you do if nothing helps?
If you’ve tried all the methods and the phone still shows “This Device is Locked,” there are two options left:
- Contact the Xiaomi Service Center: 📍 Find the official service on the Xiaomi website. 💰 Unblocking cost: from 1,500 to 5,000 ₽ (Depends on the model and the reason for the blockage). ⏳ Period: 1-7 days (it may be necessary to send the device to the regional center).
Buy a new phone
- 📱 If the device is old (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Mi A1), Repairs may be more expensive than buying a used analogue.
- ♻️ A locked phone can be handed over for spare parts (display, battery, camera).
Before visiting the service center:
- 📱 Check by phone if they are unlocking Mi Account (not all centers provide this service).
💡
If your phone is locked after you have your own firmware, don't hide it in the service center, and honesty will help you diagnose the problem faster.