Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must-have for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. Although the manufacturer tightened the rules in 2023, the process remains possible, although it requires more time and preparation. The unlock code is a unique key that Xiaomi attaches to the Mi Account after verifying user data.
Many people experience errors like Couldn't verify device or This device is locked, which are caused by incorrect steps or outdated instructions. In this article, we'll break down the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, alternative ways to use old models and solve typical problems. Importantly, the procedure will reset all data on the device — back up in advance.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and why unlock it
The manufacturer has been blocking the bootloader on all devices since 2016 for security reasons, which protects the smartphone from:
- 🔓 Installation of malware through custom firmware
- 📱 Unauthorized access to data in case of theft
- 🔄 Disruptions due to incompatible modifications
But locking creates problems for power users, and without unlocked bootloaders, you can't:
- 🛠️ Install TWRP or other custom recovery
- 📲 Run LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other alternative OS
- 🔧 Get root access through Magisk
- 🔄 Restore the brick after a failed update
Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the requirements: now it requires binding to unlock SIM-Card-to-account and waiting up to 720 hours (30 days) for new devices. Older models (until 2021) can unlock faster in 72–168 hours.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the software warranty. In some regions (e.g. EU), this may affect the hardware warranty as well – check with the authorized dealer.
Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting
Before requesting the unlock code, follow the mandatory steps:
Link Mi Account to your device|Enable debugging on USB and OEM-unlock|Make sure the version MIUI less than 12.5|Disable all screen locks (PIN, graphical)|Connect the device to a stable Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)-->
Details on each item:
- Mi Account binding. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in. Make sure your profile has your real name, email and phone number – this will be required to confirm.
- Oh.EM-Unlock it. Activate it in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to turn on Developer Mode, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM
Verification of the MIUI version
Mi Unlock Tool
Settings → Updating the system
If the lock screen is installed PIN-The code or pattern lock must be removed, otherwise the Mi Unlock Tool will give the error Current account is different from the account info on the device.
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If you have a two-sim smartphone, insert SIM-card in slot 1 - this will accelerate the process of linking the account to the device.
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
This is the only legal method that Xiaomi has approved, and it's three steps: linking the device to the account, waiting, and unlocking it, and let's take a closer look at each step.
Step 1: Linking your device to your Mi Account
After logging into Mi Account and enabling OEM-unlock:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC through the original USB-cable.
- Start the Mi Unlock Tool (download the latest version from the official website).
- Sign in to the tool under the same account as on the phone.
- Click on Bind Account and Device.
If you see the Added successfully message. Wait XX hours, the link was successful.
| Year of release of the device | Minimum waiting time | Maximum waiting time |
|---|---|---|
| 2023–2026 | 720 hours (30 days) | — |
| 2021–2022 | 168 hours (7 days) | 720 hours |
| 2019–2020 | 72 hours (3 days) | 168 hours |
| Until 2019 | 0 hours | 72 hours |
Step 2: Unlocking the bootloader
After the waiting time has expired:
- Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Press Unlock and confirm the action.
Instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds to enter the EDL.
- Connect the device to the PC – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.
- Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
⚠️ This method will reset IMEI Recovery will require a backup of the NV data or a service center.
What to do if EDL-no-go?
Method 2: Exploit for MediaTek (MTK)
Devices on MediaTek processors (Redmi 9A, POCO C31) can be unlocked through a vulnerability in BROM.
- 🔧 Programme SP Flash Tool or MTK Bypass Tool
- 📂 Stock firmware in scatter.txt format
- 🖥️ MediaTek Preloader Driver
Algorithm:
- Install the driver and start the SP Flash Tool.
- Select scatter.txt from the firmware.
- Connect the switched off smartphone to the PC – the program must determine it.
- Press Download and wait for the firmware to finish.
After that, the bootloader will be unlocked, but you may need to re-assign the Mi Account.
Typical errors and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users are faced with errors.
| Error code | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t verify device | Disparity of accounts on PC and phone | Re-link your account to Mi Unlock Tool and try again |
| This device is locked | Waiting time has not expired. | Wait for the specified number of hours (check the status in Mi Unlock) |
| Mi Flash not responding | Problems with drivers or cable | Install the LibUSB-Win32 driver and use the original cable |
| Anti-rollback check fail | Trying to flash the old version of MIUI | Update to the latest official firmware before unlocking |
If the Mi Unlock Tool is a Network error, try:
- 🌍 Change region in Mi Account settings to China or India.
- 🔄 Use it. VPN servers in China or Singapore.
- ⏳ Wait 24 hours and try again (sometimes Xiaomi servers are overloaded).
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If the unlock is delayed for more than 30 days, check if the email or phone number in Mi Account has changed. Even small changes in the profile reset the waiting timer.
What to do after successful unblocking
After unlocking the loader:
- Install custom recovery (e.g. TWRP) via the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- Back up the persist section (responsible for IMEI and serial number): adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist persist.img
- Squeeze Magisk to obtain root rights (optional).
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K60) When unlocked, encryption may be lost, so to avoid losing files, transfer them to an external drive before further manipulation.
If you plan to flash custom firmware, make sure it is compatible with your model, for example, for the POCO X3 Pro, Pixel Experience is suitable, and for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, LineageOS 20 is suitable.