How to unlock Xiaomi for firmware: official and secure way

Unlocking the Xiaomi bootloader is a must-do step to install custom firmware, obtain root rights, or restore the device after software failures. The manufacturer blocks the bootloader by default to protect users from unauthorized changes that could lead to a loss of warranty or “bricking” the smartphone. However, enthusiasts and experienced users often face the need to circumvent this restriction.

In this article, we will take a look at the official Mi Unlock Tool unlock method, as well as alternatives for devices that are not supported by the standard procedure, how to prepare a smartphone, avoid common errors (such as Couldn’t unlock or Device not connected), and what to do if unlocking is delayed for weeks, and focus on the new 2026 rules that have tightened the requirements for Mi Account accounts and waiting times.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and can it be bypassed?

Xiaomi has been blocking the bootloader on all its devices since the Mi 5 (2016).

🔒 Security: Protection against data theft in case of device loss.
🛡️ Stability: Preventing the installation of uncertified software that may cause failures.
📱 Warranty: Unblocking will void warranty in most markets.
📊 Ecosystem Control: Xiaomi promotes its own services (e.g. Mi Cloud or GetApps).

Bypass the lock is possible, but only through the official tool - Mi Unlock Tool. Alternative methods (for example, exploits or modified firmware) are fraught with:

🚨 Permanent lockdown IMEI (on some models).
🔧 Hardware damage to the memory controller (rarely, but possible when interrupting the process).
📵 Loss of communication with the network due to incompatibility of the modem part of the firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. Create a backup of the data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and Reset or Mi PC Photos and contacts can be synced with Google Account or Mi Cloud.

📊 You’ve already tried to unlock Xiaomi?

Yes, successfully.

Yeah, but it was a mistake.

No, just planning.

I don't know where to start.

Preparation of the device: steps before unlocking

Before using the Mi Unlock Tool, you need to perform several critical actions, skipping any step will lead to errors such as Couldn't verify device or Current account is different from the bound account.

Attach Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and log in. Make sure your profile shows your real phone number (required for you to log in). SMS-Account must be created at least 72 hours ago - new 2026 rule.

Mi Unlock Tool

Connect your smartphone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and log in to the same account you have on your phone. Wait for Added successfully. Bound in X hours (usually 72–168 hours of latency).

Mi Accounts are older than 3 days|Debugging is on. USB|Activated. OEM-unlock|The device is added to the Mi Unlock Tool|Data backup made.-->

If you see a Device not connected error at the binding stage, check:

🔌 Cable USB (Use an original or certified USB Type-C).
🖥️ Drivers. ADB Fastboot (download from the official Android website).
📱 Data mode on the phone (select File Transfer when connected).

Download and install Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Unlock Tool is the only official tool to unlock the bootloader, and you can download it from the official Xiaomi website (Unlock Bootloader section).

🌐 The site can open slowly – use it. VPN, If access is blocked in your area.
📥 Download version no lower than 5.5.224.24 (current for 2026) Older versions may not support newer models.
🛡️ Before installing, disable the antivirus – it can falsely trigger on tool files.

Installation process:

Unpack the archive from the Mi Unlock Tool into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MiUnlock).
Launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool is giving a Network error, check the proxy settings./VPN Or try connecting from another. IP-Often the problem is solved by changing the network (for example, from mobile Internet to Wi-Fi).

What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?

1. Make sure that the Fastboot drivers are installed (check in Device Manager). 2. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). 3. Restart the PC and phone. 4. If a virtual machine is used, connect USB-device to the guest OS. 5. For models on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2+ You may need a special version of the tool (see the forums for thematic ones).

Unlocking process: step-by-step instructions

When the waiting time (usually 72-168 hours) has expired, you can proceed to unlock. Follow the instructions carefully - interruption of the process can lead to complete loss of operation of the device.

Turn your smartphone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
Connect to PC: Use the original cable. The Mi Unlock Tool should have a Phone connected message.
Click Unlock: The tool will start checking the data. If everything is correct, a data reset warning will appear, confirm the action.
Wait until it is completed: The process takes 1-3 minutes. Upon completion, the phone will automatically restart in Recovery mode.

Successful unlocking is confirmed by the message:

Unlocked successfully. Rebooting to system...

If instead you see Couldn't unlock. Wait for X hours, it means:

🕒 Waiting time has not expired (check the unlock time in Mi Unlock Tool).
📱 Device not tied to account (repeat steps from Preparation section").
🔄 You used a different Mi Account (the link must be to one account at all stages).

💡

If you’re dragging on for weeks, try linking your device to your account via Mi Cloud in your browser, which sometimes speeds up the confirmation process.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users encounter errors, and below is a table of the most common problems and ways to fix them:

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
Couldn’t verify device	The device is not tied to an account or different accounts are used.	Repeat the binding in the Mi Unlock Tool and wait SMS-confirmation.
Current account is different from the bound account	There are different Mi Accounts on the phone and in the tool.	Sign out of your account on your phone and log in to the same account as you do in the Mi Unlock Tool.
Device not connected	Problems with drivers or cable.	Install ADB drivers manually through Device Manager.
Network error	IP blockage or problems with Xiaomi servers	Use a VPN (like ProtonVPN) or wait a few hours.
Wait for 168 hours	The new 2026 rule applies to some models.	Wait for the specified time or try to link the device through the Mi Cloud.

For Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13 and later models, additional confirmation via SMS may be required even after the account is attached.

📵 Check if the number is blocked by the operator for SMS from service centers.
🌍 Try using a number from another region (for example, via a virtual one). SIM).

Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)

If the official method does not work (for example, due to the Wait for 360 hours error), there are alternative methods, which are risky and can lead to the loss of warranty or the "brick" of the device.

🔧 You have experience working with ADB/Fastboot.
📱 The device is not the main one (risk of data loss).
🔓 You are ready for a possible blockage. IMEI.

Alternative methods include:

EDL (Emergency Download Mode): Suitable for Qualcomm Snapdragon devices. Requires a special cable (EDL cable) or short circuit test points on the board. Allows you to flash a device even with a locked bootloader, but the risk of damage to the hardware is high.
Use of modified firmware: Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) contain patches to bypass locks. However, they are often unstable and may not support the communication module.
Service centers: Some informal service centers offer unlocking for a fee (from 1000 to 5000 rubles), the risk is the installation of pirated software or data theft.

⚠️ Attention: Method EDL This can lead to permanent locking of the device, if you use unofficial firmware files (firehose" IMEI, recovery after such blocking is possible only through the official service (cost - up to 30% of the price of the device).

💡

The official method through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only safe way to unlock. Use alternative methods only as a last resort and at your own risk.

What to do after unlocking?

Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, your device is ready to install custom firmware or gain root rights, but before further manipulation:

Install custom recovery: Popular options are TWRP or OrangeFox. They will allow you to backup (nandroid backup) and install firmware without a PC. Example of a command to install TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
Check firmware compatibility: Not all custom firmware supports your model. Use resources like XDA Developers or Telegram chats for a particular model.
Make a full backup: In TWRP, select Backup and save the Boot, System, Data, and EFS partitions (responsible for IMEI and communication module).

If you plan to get root rights, use Magisk (up-to-date version: 26.4).+). Installation through TWRP:

Download Magisk-v26.4.zip from GitHub.
In TWRP, select Install and specify the path to the archive.
Reset the device.

After receiving root, check the security status in Magisk Manager (SafetyNet section). If the test fails, install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi

How long does it take to unlock in 2026?

The standard waiting time after an account is tied is 72 hours, but for new models (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13), the period can be increased to 168 hours (7 days), and Xiaomi sometimes introduces additional checks that delay the process up to 14 days.

Can I unlock Xiaomi without waiting?

Officially, no. All alternative methods (e.g., via EDL) carry risks and can lead to IMEI blocking. Some users argue that linking a device to an account via Mi Cloud in a browser reduces latency, but this is not guaranteed.

Will I lose my warranty after I unlock it?

Yes, unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty on most Xiaomi devices, except for service cases that are not related to the software part (for example, a breakdown of the display or battery). In some countries (for example, in the EU), you can restore the warranty by locking the bootloader back, but this does not always work.

How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?

Turn off the device and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot. At the bottom of the screen should be the inscription Unlocked (usually red or orange).

Can I unlock Xiaomi on Mac or Linux?

Yes, but you'll need some extra customization. For Mac: Install Homebrew and android-platform-tools. Download Mi Unlock Tool for macOS (available on unofficial resources). Run the tool through Wine or a Windows virtual machine. For Linux, use fastboot through the terminal, but Mi Unlock Tool will have to run in a virtual machine or through Wine (unstable).