How to unlock Xiaomi Mi 7: all ways in 2026

Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Mi 7 is a procedure that allows you to install custom firmware, obtain root rights and other advanced features. However, this process requires caution: improper actions can turn a smartphone into a brick or deprive you of warranties. In this article, we will discuss all the current unlock methods for the 2018 model, taking into account changes in Xiaomi policy and the features of the Snapdragon 845, on which the device is built.

It's important to understand that Mi 7 (codenamed dipper) refers to devices with a locked bootloader by default. The manufacturer has introduced additional restrictions after 2020, so the old instructions may not work. We'll focus on the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, alternative solutions for power users and nuances that are rarely discussed in the general guides.

1.Preparation for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start unlocking, make sure all the preconditions are met. Missing at least one item may result in a Mi Account being blocked or the process being unable to complete.

• 📱 Check the device model: unlocking is only suitable for Xiaomi Mi 7 (dipper). → The phone. → Model.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%.The process can take up to 30 minutes, and discharge during surgery is critical.
• 📶 SIM card and Internet: Insert active SIM (Required to link to your Mi Account. Connect to stable Wi-Fi.
• 🔐 Xiaomi account: register it in advance (at least 72 hours before unlocking). Use a real phone number - virtual will not work.

Pay special attention to linking your account to your device. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and make sure that the phone is tied. Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will not allow you to continue the process. Also, disable Find the device in the security settings is a common cause of errors.

Link Mi Account to phone | Disable "Find device" | Charge battery >60% | Connect stable Wi-Fi | Install the latest version of MIUI-->

If you have previously tried to unlock a bootloader and received a “Couldn’t unlock” error, your account may be locked for 30 days (or forever), in which case try using a different phone number to register a new account.

2.Official method: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only way Xiaomi supports that doesn’t violate the warranty rules (although unlocking the warranty itself voids the Mi Unlock Tool is only available for Windows, so Mac or Linux owners will need a virtual machine.

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (version no lower than 5.5.224.54 for the Mi 7).
2. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.

Link the device to your account

• In the same developer menu, look for Mi Unlock Status.
• Add Add an account and device.
• Wait. SMS with a confirmation code (may not come immediately).
• Launch Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator, log in to Mi Account and follow the instructions.

You can then flash Magisk to get root or custom firmware. Attention: this method bypasses official unlocking, which can lead to IMEI blocking if the firmware fails.

4. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even when you follow the instructions, users have problems.

If none of these methods worked, check if your device is blacklisted by Xiaomi after multiple failed attempts to unlock, and then you only need to contact the service center to request that you unlock the bootloader through EDL (purchase confirmation is required).

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Before unlocking, back up your data via Mi Cloud or ADB backup. After the procedure, all data will be deleted, including photos and messages.

5.What to do after successful unlocking

Once you unlock the bootloader, you get new opportunities, but you get new risks, and here's what you can do next:

• 🔄 Install custom firmware: for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience for pure Android.
• 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk (install modules to fine-tune the system).
• 🔒 Disable Forced Encryption: This Will Speed Up Your Device, But Lower Security.
• 📱 Restore IMEI (If he has been squashed after he has been squashed, QCN-file.

However, remember: an unlocked bootloader makes your device vulnerable to malware. Do not install firmware from unknown sources and regularly check the system for viruses.

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Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Mi 7 voids the warranty, but does not block the possibility of returning to standard firmware. You can always return the official software via Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

6.Security: How not to turn your phone into a brick

The main danger when unlocking is damage to the persist partition, which is responsible for IMEI, cameras and other critical functions.

⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the firmware process, even if it has been getting stuck for a few minutes. On the Mi 7 with the Snapdragon 845, an interruption can result in an inability to recover without specialized hardware (e.g., Qualcomm). HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

• 🔌 Use the original cable: Cheap cables can cause connection breaks.
• 💻 Disable the antivirus: it can block the Mi Unlock Tool or ADB.
• 📡 Check the version. MIUI: On older versions (below 12.0.3), unlock bugs are possible.
• 🔧 Have stock firmware on hand: download it in advance with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

If after unlocking the phone stopped to determine SIM-maps, check the cards. IMEI In the engineering menu (#4636##) if it is missing, restore it through the QCN-On the Mi 7, this problem is often solved by firmware on the modem module via Fastboot:

fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions