The Xiaomi Mi 3, released back in 2013, has become a legendary device that laid the foundation for the brand’s popularity outside of China. Despite its venerable age, many enthusiasts continue to use the device as a test bed or simply as a reliable “bell ringer”. However, the standard shell MIUI imposes serious limitations on the capabilities of the device, closing access to the system partition.
Unlocking the bootloader is the first and most important step to gaining full control of the gadget, and it opens the door to customized recaps like TWRP and super-user rights (root), without which any manipulation of system files will be impossible.
It's worth noting that this process is not without risks. Interfering with the bootloader cancels the warranty (although it's long overdue for the Mi 3) and requires careful attention to detail. Wrong actions can turn the phone into a brick, so you need to approach the preparation with the most responsible approach.
What gives unlock the bootloader and is it worth the risk
Many users are wondering why they should interfere with a system at all, and the answer lies in the flexibility of the setup: the unlocked bootloader allows you to remove system debris that cannot be removed by standard means, and replace stock firmware with light builds of LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
It’s also the only way to install modern versions of Android on a device that officially stopped receiving updates years ago, and you can run Android 7, 8, and even 9 on the Mi 3, extending the life of the gadget significantly.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking involves completely resetting all data from the device. Backup contacts and photos in advance, as it will be impossible to restore them after formatting.
It is also important to note that some banking applications may stop working or require additional manipulation of Magisk Hide for the correct function.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start taking action, you need to build a set of tools, you need a Windows computer, because Xiaomi's utilities work best in this environment. USB-cable, preferably original, to avoid connection breaks at a critical moment.
On the Xiaomi Mi 3, you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to the settings, select About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times. After that, a new section for developers will appear in the menu.
Within this section, you need to include two critical options: Debug over USB and Allow OEM to unlock. Without activating these functions, the computer will not be able to properly interact with the bootloader of the device.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Don't forget to check the MIUI version. Often, successful unlocking requires a specific version of the shell compatible with the unlock utility on the device, sometimes you have to roll back to an older firmware via Fastboot.
Linking the Mi Account and waiting for a deadline
Xiaomi's security policy requires that you link the device to your Mi Account long before you unlock it, and it's designed to protect against phone theft, so you need to log in to your account in your phone settings and paste it in. SIM-map, as the link often requires SMS-confirmation.
After logging in to your account, go to the "Mi Unlock" application (or the corresponding item in the developer settings) and click the "Add account and device" button.
| Account status | Required waiting time | Risk of discharge |
|---|---|---|
| New account | 360 hours (15 days) | High-pitched |
| Account with history | 168 hours (7 days) | Medium. |
| Privileged account | 0 hours (instantly) | Low. |
The hardest part for beginners is waiting. Once the utility is tied to the PC, it will show the remaining time. No way, including flashing or resetting, will speed up this process, since the timer is kept on Xiaomi servers.
What happens if you leave your account early?
Unlocking process with Mi Unlock Tool
When the wait period has expired, you can move to the practical part: run the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer and log in to the same account that was linked to the phone. Make sure the smartphone is connected in Fastboot mode.
To enter Fastboot mode on the Xiaomi Mi 3 turned off, press the volume and power buttons at the same time. A hare in a repair hat should appear on the screen. Connect the device to the PC with a cable.
fastboot devicesThis command in the command line will help you check if your computer sees your device. If the serial number is displayed, the drivers are installed correctly. In the Mi Unlock utility, press the Unlock button.
It takes a few minutes. The phone automatically restarts, and the data formatting begins. This is normal behavior, confirming that the bootloader has been successfully unlocked.
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Use it. USB-Port 2.0 on the back of the motherboard for maximum compatibility, ports 3.0 sometimes cause bugs when firmware older devices.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
After successfully unlocking, the standard recovery menu is replaced with a more functional one. For the Xiaomi Mi 3 (codenamed Pisces), the best version of the TWRP, adapted specifically for this Snapdragon 800 processor, is the best.
Download the twrp-pisces.img image file and place it in the folder with ADB tools. Transfer the phone back to Fastboot mode and execute the recovery firmware command.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-pisces.imgIt is important to prevent automatic reboot to the system immediately after this command, otherwise the stock recavator may overwrite TWRP. Press the power and volume buttons to immediately get into the recovery menu.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP You'll be loaded into the regular. MIUI, It can automatically return the stock loader. Immediately after installing the receivers, do a data reset (Wipe).
From the TWRP menu, select Wipe and format the Data, Cache, and Dalvik partitions, and then install custom firmware or superuser rights.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Xiaomi Mi 3 owners often encounter a “Couldn’t verify. Device is locked” error when trying to load a custom kernel, which means that the unlock was not completed or a return to the stock firmware with the bootloader locked was made.
Another common problem is the Emergency Download (EDL) brick. If the screen is black and only the red light is on, you will need a special cable to log into the EDL or disassemble the device to close the contacts on the board.
- 🔴 Authorization error: check the Internet connection and correct date/time on PC.
- 🔴 Drivers are not up: try to manually update the driver in Device Manager by selecting "Android Bootloader Interface".
- 🔴 Infinite reboot: most likely damaged system partition, requires a complete flashing through Fastboot.
Sometimes Mi Unlock just hangs up during the verification phase, in which case it helps to restart the service in Task Manager or start the program on behalf of the administrator with the antivirus disabled.
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Successful unlocking of Mi 3 is possible only if the account binding time interval is observed and the original cable is available.