Unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro bootloader: a complete guide with error solutions

Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro is a flagship smartphone with powerful hardware, but its potential is only revealed after unlocking the bootloader. Without it, you can not install custom software, get root rights or even upgrade to informal firmware. However, the process of unlocking on the Mi 10 Pro has nuances, from the mandatory binding of a Mi Account to combating errors like Couldn’t unlock or Device is locked.

In this article, we will look at the current 2026 unlocking methods, including the official Mi Unlock Tool, circumventing restrictions on new MIUI versions, and solutions for cases where the smartphone is not detected by the PC or got stuck during the verification phase. We will analyze each step with the specifics of the Mi 10 Pro (codename cmi) to avoid blinking and data loss.

Why you need to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro

Factory locking of the bootloader on Xiaomi is a security measure, but it limits the user to:

• 🔧 Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience or MIUI Without unlocking the smartphone will only accept official updates through OTA.
• 🛠️ Getting root permissions (via Magisk) is necessary for deep system setup, removing the browser or using modules like ViPER4Android.
• 🔄 Recovery through TWRP. Even a data partition backup requires an unlocked bootloader.
• 📱 Bypassing regional restrictions: some features (e.g. Google Pay or Widevine) L1) It may not work properly on locked devices.

Important: unlocking erases all data on the device (including photos, messages and apps), Mi Account settings are reset after the procedure, and you may need to re-authorize with Xiaomi services.

⚠️ Attention: On the Mi 10 Pro with MIUI 14+ Unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool can require 72-hour waiting after the account is tied.

Preparation for Unblocking: Requirements and Warnings

Before starting the procedure, make sure that all the conditions are met:

Install the latest version of MIUI (via Settings → About Phone → System Update)

Backup your data (photos, contacts, SMS) to your PC or cloud

Battery charge of at least 60%

Connect your smartphone to the original PC USB-cable (better from the set)

Disable all antiviruses and firewalls on your computer

Download Mi Unlock Tool only from the official Xiaomi website

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Pay special attention to the linking of the Mi Account:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in.
2. Enable data synchronization (required!).
3. In the Settings → Additional → For developers, activate options: Debugging by USB Unlock OEM (may be called Factory Unlock)

Connect the smartphone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission (a pop-up window will appear).

If the OEM Unlock option is inactive, it means:

• 🔒 Find My Device protection is enabled on the device (turn it off in your account settings).
• 🔄 The smartphone is not tied to the Mi Account (check sync).
• ⏳ Less than 7 days have passed since the last release (on newer versions) MIUI).

Official Mi Unlock Tool| Custom scripts (e.g. XiaomiTool)|Never unlocked |Another way-->

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only way Xiaomi supports, but it doesn't always work.

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version must correspond to your MIUI).
2. Run the utility on behalf of the administrator (right click → Launch on behalf of the administrator).
3. Sign in to the same Mi Account as you do on your smartphone.
4. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a picture of a rabbit in a hat-eared will appear).
5. Connect the device to your PC. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.

If it goes well, the Unlocked successfully message will appear, the smartphone will automatically restart and the bootloader will be unlocked, but in practice, Mi 10 Pro users often encounter errors:

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone is stuck on the Mi logo after unlocking, don't panic. Turn it off with a long press on Power, then press Volume up. + Power to log in to Recovery and make Wipe Data.

Alternative Unlocking Methods (if Mi Unlock is not working)

If the official tool gives you errors, try these methods (at your own risk!):

1 Unlocking via Fastboot and ADB

It's suitable for power users. You'll need:

• 🖥️ PC with installation ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Smartphone in Fastboot mode.
• 🔑 File. unlock_code.bin (You can get it through Xiaomi Authorized Service or code generators).

fastboot oem unlock-go


fastboot flash unlock unlock_code.bin




fastboot oem unlock

Warning: Wrong unlock_code.bin It can lock the device permanently. Use only verified sources!

2. Waiting bypass 72/168 hours

On the new MIUI versions, Xiaomi has introduced a mandatory wait after the account is tied.

1. Untie your Mi Account on your smartphone (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out).
2. Reset the device to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
3. Create a new Mi Account (preferably with a different email) and link it to your smartphone.
4. Repeat the unlocking procedure through the Mi Unlock Tool.

On the Mi 10 Pro with MIUI 13+, this method works 60% of the time, but may require resetting.

3. Use of custom scripts (XiaomiTool)

XiaomiTool automates unlocking, but requires:

• 🐧 Linux or WSL Windows.
• 🔌 Secure Boot disabled in BIOS (for some PCs).
• 📦 Established dependencies (libusb, adb, fastboot).

git clone https://github.com/francoiscampbell/xiaomi-tool.git


cd xiaomi-tool




chmod +x xiaomi-tool




sudo ./xiaomi-tool unlock

⚠️ Note: XiaomiTool may not support the latest versions MIUI Mi 10 Pro. Check compatibility on the project page before using.

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If the unlock is 99% frozen, don't turn off the cable! wait 10-15 minutes - sometimes the process is delayed due to Xiaomi servers.

What to do after successful unblocking

When the bootloader is unlocked, a warning will appear on the screen when it is turned on, This device is unlocked.

• 🔧 Install TWRP Recovery (Cmi version): Download the official image and run through fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
• 📦 Switch custom software (for example, LineageOS 20 or ArrowOS).
• 🛡️ Get root rights through Magisk (install) Magisk.apk, then stitch magisk_patched.img through TWRP).
• 🔄 Back on the stock. MIUI (If necessary, use the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode.

Important: after installing custom software, you can stop working:

• 📸 Widevine L1 (drop down L3, What will make streaming on Netflix or Disney worse?+).
• 🔐 Google Pay and other banking apps (due to lack of SafetyNet).
• 📡 Some camera functions, for example, 8K video).

💡

Once the bootloader is unlocked, Xiaomi’s warranty is cancelled, but most service centers only check for hardware failures (such as screen or battery damage).

Solving problems after unlocking

Even if the unlocking is successful, there may be problems:

If the IMEI is missing after unlocking:

1. Download QCN Rebuilder.
2. Create a backup of the nvram partition via TWRP.
3. Restore the IMEI with a utility (the original IMEI specified under the battery is required).

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro