Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as Redmi K20 in the Chinese market) remains a popular device even years after its release due to its frameless design and performance. However, owners often face the need to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware or gain advanced access rights to the system, a process that is not without difficulties and requires careful attention to every detail, as error at any stage can lead to data loss.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages: from preparing a Mi Account to directly entering the unlock code through the official utility. FRP-Factory Reset Protection, ways to circumvent regional restrictions and ways to resolve common errors that occur in the process. It is important to understand that unlocking is an irreversible action that removes the security guarantees built into the manufacturer.
Before taking action, you need to be aware of the risks. Unlocked bootloader allows you to make deep changes to the software, but also makes the device more vulnerable to malware.In addition, some banking applications and services with high security requirements can stop working correctly without additional manipulations to hide root rights. The process of unlocking the bootloader is officially authorized by Xiaomi, but requires a wait for 168 hours (7 days) after the account is attached.
Preparation of the device and account Mi
Begin by carefully preparing your software environment. Make sure that your smartphone has the latest available version of MIUI or HyperOS, as older versions of the firmware may contain process-blocking vulnerabilities or may not have the necessary drivers. The first step is to create or use an existing Mi Account, which should be active for at least a month to reduce the likelihood of locks from security servers.
Go to your phone and select Advanced Settings → Developer. If the menu is hidden, you need to quickly click on the build number in About Phone seven times. In the developer menu, find the Mi Unlock Status option and activate it. The system will warn you of the risks and require a connection to Wi-Fi or a mobile network for verification.
Once Mi Unlock status is activated, you need to link your current device to your account, which is a critical step that triggers the wait timer. Without successful binding, the program on your computer will not be able to identify the phone as authorized to unlock. The binding process can take anywhere from seconds to minutes, depending on the load on the company's servers.
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Use a stable Wi-Fi connection when linking your account, as mobile Internet can be interrupted at the most inopportune time, which will require a repetition of the procedure.
Remember to back up all your important data. Unlocking the bootloader will inevitably result in the device being completely reset to factory settings. Photos, contacts, instant messengers will all be deleted. Use cloud services or transfer files to your computer in advance.
Required tools and drivers
You'll need a personal computer running Windows to do the procedure. Although there are methods for Linux and macOS, the official Mi Unlock Tool works best in Windows 10 or 11. USB-ports, preferably located on the back of the system unit to ensure stable power supply.
USB cable is critical. Cheap charging cables often don't support data transmission or have high resistance, leading to connection breaks during firmware. Use the original cable from the kit or a certified high-speed data-enabled counterpart.
You need to install the current ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer, without which the system will not be able to correctly interact with the phone in boot mode, and you will also need to download the Mi Unlock utility from the official website miui.com/unlock.
☑️ Tool preparation
After installing the drivers, it is recommended to restart the computer, which will help the system correctly recognize new components and avoid conflicts when connecting the smartphone in Fastboot mode for the first time.
The process of unlocking the loader
When the wait timer (168 hours) has expired, you can move to the practical part: turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the volume and power buttons at the same time. Hold them until the image of a hare repairing an android appears on the screen, or the inscription FASTBOOT, which means that the device is ready to interact with the PC.
Connect your phone to your computer through USB-Start the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account (the same as your phone) and the utility will automatically check the status of the device. If done correctly, you will see a message that the phone is connected and the unlock status.
Press Unlock. The program will again warn you that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. The unlocking process will begin, which can take from a few seconds to several minutes, at which time the progress bar will be displayed on the phone screen.
⚠️ Attention: During the unlocking process, it is strictly forbidden to disconnect the cable or interrupt the power of the device. Any interference can damage the memory partitions and turn the phone into a brick".
Once successfully completed, the phone will automatically restart. The first boot may take longer than usual - this is normal as the system restructures the file structure. A warning may appear on the screen that the bootloader is unlocked, which will disappear in a few seconds.
Solving Typical Errors and Problems
One of the most common problems is the 10008 error ("Couldn't verify device"), which often occurs due to network connection problems or malfunctioning of authorization servers, in which case try to change the network: If you're using Wi-Fi, switch to mobile Internet via the hotspot or vice versa. Sometimes it helps to change the way you do. DNS-servers in the settings of the network connection of the computer.
Another common problem is the message that "account is different from your current account," which happens if you try to unlock your device by logging in to Mi Unlock from a different Mi Account than the one you're tied to in your phone's settings. Check the login details again.
If the program says "unblocking is not possible at the current time," you may be trying to do the procedure too often, there are limits on the number of unlocks per account per month, and this error can occur if less than 7 days have passed since the last flash or reset.
| Error code | Description | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 10008 | Failed to check the device | Change the network, DNS, restart the program |
| 20001 | Wrong account. | Sign in to the same Mi Account as the phone |
| 50003 | Too many attempts. | Wait 24 hours or change your account/PC |
| 30005 | Unknown mistake | Update Mi Unlock, check drivers |
In some cases, it helps to clear the security app cache on the phone itself before you try again to anchor. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Security and select data cleanup.
FRP bypass and reset Mi Account password
The situation with a forgotten password from a Mi Account or Google account (FRP) requires separate consideration. If you bought a used phone and it is blocked by the previous owner, you can legally unlock it only by contacting the seller.
To bypass FRP on Xiaomi Mi 9T, vulnerabilities are often used in the system via TalkBack or special combinations in the emergency call menu. After resetting to factory settings, when you try to activate, the system will require you to enter a password. If you do not remember it, you can try to log in through the Recovery menu, but on newer versions of MIUI this often requires an Internet connection and a server check.
There is a method of resetting through Fastboot mode and a clearing command, however, starting with certain versions of the firmware, Xiaomi has implemented protection that does not allow you to completely delete an account without a password, even after flashing it, in such cases, the only way out is to contact an authorized service center with a check for a purchase.
TalkBack Method for Bypassing Activation
It is important to note that using third-party account-cutting software carries risks, such as malicious code or backdoors, and use them only at your own risk and only if the device belongs to you.
Install custom Recovery and get Root
Once you successfully unlock the bootloader, you get new opportunities, and the first step is usually to install customized recavers, like the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which allows you to make full system backups, install modified firmware and patches.
To install TWRP on the Mi 9T, you need to download the recovery image corresponding to the device's code name (davinci). Connect the phone in Fastboot mode, open the command line on the PC and type in the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp_davinci.imgImmediately after firmware, it is important not to let the phone boot into the regular system, as a standard Xiaomi bootloader can overwrite custom recaveri with stock. twrp_davinci.img.
⚠️ Note: Installing custom Recovery and obtaining Root rights may disrupt Widevine L1, What is the reason for streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+) Stop showing content in the HD/4K On some devices, this can be fixed by backup and partition restoration persist and drm.
To obtain superuser (Root) rights through TWRP, it is enough to flash the Magisk archive. This gives full control over the file system, allows you to remove system applications, install ad blockers at the system level and fine-tune the processor.
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Unlocked bootloader is the foundation for customization, but the price of this is the loss of warranty and a decrease in the level of security of personal data.