Owning the flagship Xiaomi Mi 9 offers a lot of opportunities, but the manufacturer’s strict security policy often becomes an obstacle for enthusiasts. The process of unlocking the bootloader is the first and necessary step to install custom firmware, obtain root rights or deep modification of the system. Despite the apparent complexity, the procedure is standardized and does not require expensive equipment, if you follow the algorithm of actions.
The main difficulty lies not in technical manipulations, but in the time constraints that Xiaomi imposes. USB-cable and, most importantly, patience, as the wait can last from a few days to a week, in this article we will examine in detail each step, from the account binding to the final reset of the device.
It is worth noting that unlocking Bootloader will inevitably lead to the complete removal of all data from the internal drive, a security measure that prevents theft of personal information in the event of loss of a gadget, so before starting any action, it is critical to back up photos, contacts and documents in the cloud or on the computer.
Preparation of the device and account Mi
The first step is to properly configure the MIUI operating system before you start the procedure, and you need to make sure that the smartphone has activated the developer mode, which is hidden by default. To do this, go to the settings menu and select About Phone, where you need to click on the MIUI version seven times in a row, and then a new section for developers will appear in the advanced settings.
Within the Developer menu, you need to activate two key settings: USB Debugging and Factory Unlocking. The second item connects your device to the company's servers and allows you to initiate the process. When you turn on these features, the system will issue several security risk warnings — they need to be confirmed, because without this, further action will be impossible.
⚠️ Note: When you enable the function "Factory unlock" the device will require confirmation through SMS. Make sure that the smartphone is installed SIM-A card that is linked to your Mi Account and has the means to send a message on your balance if it is paid.
The next critical point is the account binding. In the same menu where you turned on the debugging, click Add Account and Device. The system will perform a status check and report a successful link, and if you see an error message or a timer, it means that Xiaomi servers are temporarily unavailable or require re-authorization.
☑️ Checklist of smartphone preparation
Remember that the unlock utility on your computer will also require authorization from the same account as your phone. Two-factor authentication may require you to enter code from an SMS, so keep the device on hand. This provides a high level of data protection from unauthorized access by third parties.
Installation of drivers and Mi Unlock programs
To interact with Xiaomi Mi 9 at the bootloader level, you will need specialized software on the PC. The official utility is called Mi Unlock Tool, and you should download it exclusively from the official website miui.com. Using third-party versions can lead to communication errors or, in the worst case, to lock the device over IMEI.
The driver installation process often causes difficulties for Windows 10 and 11 users. The system can block the installation of unsigned ADB and Fastboot drivers. To circumvent this limitation, you need to reboot your computer to Diagnostic Mode, select "Find and troubleshoot", then "Additional options" and "Boot Options." After rebooting, press F7 to disable the mandatory driver signature check.
Once you install the utility, run it on behalf of the administrator and log in to your account. The program automatically checks the status of the servers. If the status is green, you can switch to the smartphone connection. USB-cable, preferably original, and connect it directly to the motherboard port, avoiding USB-hub.
💡
Use USB 2.0 ports (black) instead of USB 3.0 (blue) on the back of your computer. Often, Fastboot drivers will not work smoothly with USB 3.0 controllers, which causes connection errors in Mi Unlock.
If the program does not see the phone even after switching to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when the device is turned off), check the Windows Device Manager. USB» If there is an exclamation point, the driver is installed incorrectly and requires manual installation through the file. android_winusb.inf.
Application process and waiting
The longest stage is waiting for permission from the manufacturer. Once the account on the device is successfully linked, Mi Unlock will report that the device is connected to another account when it tries to unlock, or will start a countdown timer. The standard waiting period is 168 hours (7 days), however, during periods of high load or for new accounts, it can be increased to 30 days.
During this time, it is strongly recommended not to log out of your account on your smartphone or reset settings. Any change in the binding status will reset the timer and the wait will begin again. The application status can be tracked directly in the unlocker program interface, connecting the phone periodically.
| Status at Mi Unlock | Meaning | User actions |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting (Waiting) | Application accepted, countdown time is coming | Do nothing, wait 168 hours. |
| Unlocked (Unlocked) | The bootloader is successfully opened | You can install firmware. |
| Account mismatch | Wrong account on PC | Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone |
| Couldn't verify device | Server communication error | Check the Internet, change the network or time |
There is a myth that using a smartphone for the first time speeds up the process, and in fact, Xiaomi’s automatic security algorithm, which analyzes the age of an account and its activity history, makes the decision. For new devices like the Xiaomi Mi 9 (if they are activated for the first time after long storage), the waiting period can be standard.
After the timer has expired, the program will change its status, the Unlock button will become active, and you can click on it for the final stage. If after 7 days the status does not change, try re-tethering the device in the developer menu and wait another 24 hours.
Direct unlocking of the loader
When the timer is up, the moment of truth comes. Put the Xiaomi Mi 9 into Fastboot mode by pressing the volume down button when the power is off. Connect the cable to your PC and press the Unlock button in the utility. The program will warn you that all data will be destroyed. This is the last frontier, after which there will be no going back without losing files.
It takes 10 seconds to a few minutes, and you'll see a command log on your smartphone screen, and you'll see a progress bar on your computer, and you'll be strictly forbidden to disconnect the cable or interrupt the power. Any intervention can lead to a software brick, recovery from which is possible only through the use of a computer. EDL-mode and authorized service.
⚠️ Warning: Once successfully unlocked, the black screen will display the words "Unlocked" with the image of a hare in a hat-eared, which is a standard behavior indicating that the bootloader protection is removed. Once the procedure is complete, the device will automatically restart and begin cleaning the userdata partition. The first boot after unlocking can last until the end of the day. 10-15 minutes, as the system needs to reassemble the cache and reconfigure all services of Google and MIUI. Don't panic if the phone gets stuck on the logo, which is normal, and it's important to understand that with the bootloader unlocked, some security features will stop working. For example, banks’ apps may refuse to launch, and Google Pay (now Google Wallet) may not work without additional manipulation of Magisk modules and hiding root rights. It will also be impossible to use the Find Device feature in some scenarios. 💡Unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible action in terms of data security and security, and after this procedure, the manufacturer can refuse warranty repairs if the fault is software. Separately, you should consider the situation when you need to unlock the Xiaomi Mi 9 from a forgotten Mi Account (Mi Cloud Lock). This happens if you bought a used device and the previous owner did not untie it, or if you forgot your data. Officially, this issue is only resolved by submitting a purchase check to an authorized service center. MIUI. However, on current versions of firmware, these holes are most often closed. Attempts to use third-party software to reset an account often result in the installation of malware or the complete locking of the device over the server. ID. If you are the legal owner but do not remember your password, use the recovery form at i.mi.com. You will need access to your linked phone number or email. Entering the wrong password more than 10 times can temporarily block the ability to log in to your account from this site. IP-address. ⚠️ Warning: Buying Mi Account unlock services from masters online is a risk, often based on fake checks that Xiaomi’s service center can check and permanently lock the device (Blacklist) for fraud. For devices that cannot be unlocked by standard methods due to a forgotten password, sometimes only complete flashing through the device helps. EDL-It is a paid service that requires the physical presence of the gadget in the STS or sending it there. Frequent errors and how to solve them During the unlocking process, users often encounter error codes. One of the most common is the "Couldn't verify device," which occurs when the server can't match the device to the account. Solution: reconnect the cable, change the cable. USB-Check the time and date on your PC (they should sync automatically) and try using mobile internet instead of Wi-Fi. The error "This device couldn't be unlocked" often appears if the device is too old or, conversely, the bet version of the firmware. In such cases, it is recommended to upgrade to a stable version. MIUI You can use the System Update menu before you file for unlock, and you can also clean up the Mi Unlock cache, and if it's stuck at 50% or 99%, it's usually a driver or antivirus problem, and you can temporarily disable the security software and the Windows firewall. Make sure that the antivirus does not add exceptions for the processes miunlock.exe and adb.exe. What to do if the phone went to bootloop after unlocking?If after unlocking the Xiaomi Mi 9 endlessly reboots, try to log in to Recovery (Volume up). + Power. Select Wipe Data -> Wipe All Data. If it doesn't work, you'll need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. USB. If the developer menu does not open, check if the “Memory Error Search” function is activated». On some global firmware, this can block access to engineering menus. In this case, resetting the settings to factory and then trying to activate before entering the main interface (at the stage of choosing the language and Wi-Fi). Question and Answer (FAQ) Will the unlock timer reset if I reset the phone to factory settings? Yes, resetting the device (Wipe Data) before the expiration of 168 hours, you will have to re-enter the account, bind the device and wait for the full timer before reset. Can the bootloader be unlocked without a computer, the official Windows Windows Windows Windows is not available, but the official Windows Windows Windows Windows is not available. Formally, unlocking the bootloader is a violation of the terms of the software and can cause a denial of warranty service, especially if the problem is related to the software. Hardware warranty may persist, but it will be difficult to prove that the failure is not related to a modification of the system. Does Widevine Work? L1 After unlocking the bootloader? On most Xiaomi devices after unlocking the bootloader level DRM Widevine falls off L1 before L3. This means that streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime) will broadcast content only to the Internet. SD-quality (480p), Even if the screen supports 4K. How to return to the locked bootloader? To return to the original state, you need to flash the official global firmware through the Mi Flash Tool program in Clear All mode (not Clean All and Lock, if the firmware region does not coincide with the device region, this can cause a brick). The lock command will return protection, but only if the firmware matches the region.