Modern Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their functionality, but sometimes users face the need to access system partitions or remove restrictions set by the manufacturer. Standard methods through menu settings do not always work, especially if the device is getting stuck, not booting or locked with a forgotten password. In such situations, Android Debug Bridge, a universal debugging tool built into the Android platform, comes to the rescue.
Using console commands allows you to interact with the operating system at a deep level, bypassing the graphical interface. This opens the door to install custom recavators, flashing or forced reboot of services. However, it is important to understand that unlocking a bootloader through ADB requires prior permission from Xiaomi, without which most actions in Fastboot mode will not be possible.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how you set up your environment, connect your device, and execute key commands. You will learn how to prepare your computer and smartphone to avoid errors and potential system failures. Ready to follow instructions and attentive to detail will be your main allies in this process.
Preparation of the working environment and drivers
The first step is to install the necessary software on your personal computer. Without properly working drivers, communication between the PC and the smartphone is impossible, which will make all further manipulations pointless. You will need to download the Platform Tools package from the official Android developer site, which contains executable files adb.exe and fastboot.exe.
After downloading the archive, it must be unpacked into the root directory of the disk, for example, in a folder. C:\platform-tools, It is also critical for Xiaomi devices to install specific tracks. USB-Drivers that often come bundled with Mi Flash utility or can be found on specialized forums.
β οΈ Note: Using drivers from unverified sources may lead to malware installation or unstable operation USB-port.
Checking the driver installation is done through Windows Device Manager. When you connect your smartphone in debugging mode, the Android Composite ADB Interface device should appear in the list. If an unknown device with an exclamation mark is displayed instead, you must manually update the driver, indicating the path to the folder with platform tools.
Activation of debugging mode on a smartphone
Before a computer can "see" the phone, it is necessary to activate the hidden developer menu on the device itself, which is disabled by default for security reasons so that third-party applications cannot access the system, and the on-boarding process is standard for most versions of the MIUI shell and HyperOS.
You need to go to the Settings β About menu and find the MIUI version. You need to quickly click on it 7-10 times in a row until a pop-up notification appears that you have become a developer. Then a new section βAdditionalβ or βExtended Settingsβ will appear in the main settings menu, where the desired switch is hidden.
βοΈ Checking before connection
In the menu, find the item Debugging by USB And activate it. When you first connect to your computer, you'll see a confirmation request on your smartphone screen. RSA-Make sure to tick "Always allow from this computer" and press "OK," otherwise each command will require confirmation, and in Fastboot mode this can cause a timeout.
Connecting the device and checking the communication
Once you've got the drivers and settings on the phone, you can go to the direct connection. USB-cable, preferably original, and connect the device directly to the motherboard port, avoiding front panels of the case or USB-Hubs that may not provide adequate food.
Open the Windows command line or the terminal in the ADB tool folder. To navigate to the directory, type in the cd C:\platform-tools command. Now try sending a status request to the connected device. If done correctly, you will see your gadget's serial number.
adb devicesThe list should show a device with device status. If you see an unauthorized status, look at the phone screen and confirm the connection. Offline status usually indicates problems with drivers or cable. Successful execution of the adb device command means that the bridge between the PC and Android is installed.
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If ADB Can't see the device, try changing mode USB-Connection in notifications to "File Transfer (MTP)" or"PTP", Sometimes it helps the system to recognize the gadget.
Switching to Fastboot Mode to Unlock
To perform the actions to unlock the bootloader or firmware, you need to transfer the smartphone to a special Fastboot mode. This is a low-level protocol that allows you to change the partitions of flash memory. Standard ADB runs on the running OS, and Fastboot runs before it boots.
There are two ways to go. The first is hardware: turn off the phone completely, then press the volume down button and plug in. USB-And you'll see a picture of a hare repairing an android, and it'll say, FASTBOOT. The second method is software, through the console command, if the phone is on and debugging is active:
adb reboot bootloaderOnce you reboot, check the connection again, but through the fastboot device command. If the serial number is displayed, the device is ready for commands. This is the stage where the bootloader lock status is checked.
| Status | Description | Firmware capability |
|---|---|---|
| Locked | The bootloader is blocked by the manufacturer | Just the official firmware. |
| Unlocked | bootloader unlocked by user | Any firmware and recavery |
| Locked (Test) | Engineering mode (rarely) | Full access |
The process of unlocking and circumventing restrictions
The process of unlocking through ADB Without the use of the official utility Mi Unlock Tool is possible only on some older models or in the presence of specific vulnerabilities. ADB-And the way that you do that is, you go to Fastboot and you put a command in:
fastboot oem unlockIn most cases, modern Xiaomi will refuse to log in through the company's servers, which is done to protect user data, but if you own a device with an unlocked bootloader or a special version of the Developer, the command will be executed successfully and all data will be deleted.
β οΈ Warning: The OEM unlock command initiates a full Wipe Data reset, and all photos, contacts, and applications will be permanently deleted.
For advanced users, there is the option of using EDL mode (Emergency Download Mode), which allows you to flash the device even when the "brick" is used, and entering this mode often requires disassembling the phone and closing contacts on the board, or using special authorized Mi Auth accounts.
What is EDL mode?
Possible errors and methods of their elimination
When you're working with console commands, you often encounter a lot of bugs, and one of the most common is waiting for a device, which means that your computer doesn't see your phone in the right mode. Check the cable, the port, and the drivers in Device Manager.
The FAILED (remote: oem unlock is not allowed) error means that the attempt to unlock is blocked at the server or security policy level, in which case the standard ADB methods will not help, and you will have to wait 168 hours (or 7 days) after submitting an application in the Mi Unlock application.
If the command is executed but the process is stalling, try using another one. USB-port, preferably USB 2.0.Often helps to remove drivers. ADB through the Device Manager with subsequent reinstallation.
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90% of ADB errors are due to faulty cable, lack of drivers, or improper USB connection mode.