The Xiaomi Mi6, released in 2017, is still popular among Android enthusiasts thanks to its powerful hardware and strong support for custom firmware. However, installing alternative software or obtaining root rights requires unlocking the bootloader, a procedure that is complicated every year due to Xiaomi’s tightening security policy. In this article, we will examine all the current ways to unlock the Mi6, their pros, cons and potential risks.
It's important to understand that unlocking a bootloader isn't just a technical operation, it's an interference with the smartphone's protection system, which makes the device more vulnerable to malware and automatically cancels the warranty (if it's still valid) but for many users, the benefits of being able to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or gain root access outweigh the risks.
We will look at both the official Mi Unlock Tool method and alternative solutions for cases where the standard method does not work, and we will also look at common errors (e.g. Couldn't unlock or This device is locked) and how to get around them.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives the user
Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all its devices for two key reasons: security and ecosystem control.
- 🛡️ Installation of uncertified software that may contain malware or spyware modules.
- 🔄 Unauthorized modification of system partitions, which could lead to the “bricking” of the device.
- 📱 Using a smartphone with firmware not optimized for hardware Mi6 (Ported versions of Android for other models).
On the other hand, unlocking gives the user access to:
- 🔧 Installation of custom firmware (AOSP, MIUI Bloat-free, GrapheneOS for enhanced privacy).
- 🔄 Obtaining superuser rights (root) for deep system customization.
- 📱 Use of alternative cores (kernels) to improve performance or autonomy.
- 🔄 Restore the device through TWRP in case of software failure.
However, there is a downside: once unlocked, the Mi6 stops receiving official OTA updates, and some features (like Find My Device or Mi Cloud) may not work properly.
⚠️ Attention: Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi6 version MIUI 12.5+ The Mi Account requires a device to be linked for up to 720 hours (30 days) without this step, the Mi Unlock Tool will not work.
Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting
Before you start unlocking, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss, account locking, or even turning your smartphone into a brick.
First, check the MIUI version and the status of the bootloader:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Click 7 times on the MIUI version bar to activate Developer Mode.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and find the item Status of the bootloader.
If the status is listed as Locked, you can continue, but if it says Unlocked, your device is already unlocked (possibly by the previous owner).
Next, prepare:
Make a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)|Charge your phone at least 60%|Make sure that drivers are installed on the PC ADB|Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool|Link Mi Account to device (in account settings)-->
| Component | Requirements | Where to download/check |
|---|---|---|
| ADB drivers | Version 1.4.3+ | Official Android website |
| Mi Unlock Tool | The latest stable version | Xiaomi's Unlocking Page |
| Mi Account | Confirmed email and phone | Registration page |
| USB cable | Original or certified | Mi6 delivery kit |
⚠️ Attention: If you are using Mi6 With Global Stable firmware, it is recommended to reflash it on China Stable or Developer before unlocking.This is due to the fact that global versions often have additional unlock restrictions.
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
This is Xiaomi’s most reliable and recommended method, but it requires patience, and the process consists of three steps: account binding, waiting, and unlocking.
Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your device
- Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in.
- Enable data synchronization and confirm device binding via SMS or email.
- In the Developer Settings, activate the OEM unlock and USB debugging options.
Step 2: Waiting (72–720 hours)
Once the account is linked, Xiaomi temporarily blocks the unlock, depending on the account activity:
- 🕒 72 hours for accounts with Xiaomi device usage history.
- 🕒 720 hours (30 days) for new accounts or the first time you unblock.
Step 3: Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
- Download and install Mi Unlock Tool on Windows PC.
- Connect the Mi6 to your computer in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when your phone is off).
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in and follow the program instructions.
If you do it right, in 5-10 minutes you'll see the Unlocked successfully message, and now the bootloader is unlocked, and you can install TWRP or custom firmware.
Alternative methods: when the Mi Unlock Tool does not work
Sometimes the official tool refuses to unlock the Mi6 due to bugs like Couldn't unlock, This device is locked or Account not bound.
Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
EDL mode allows you to flash the device directly through the Qualcomm 9008 port.
- 🔧 Authorized account EDL (You can buy or find it in the open access).
- 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
- 🔧 Firmware in.mbn format for Mi6 (sagit).
Process:
- Transform the Mi6 to EDL mode (close contacts on the board or use the adb reboot edl command).
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- Select the firmware and press Flash.
Risks of using EDL
Method 2: Exploits to bypass waiting
Some users find vulnerabilities in MIUI firmware that allow you to unlock the bootloader without waiting, for example, in 2022, an exploit for MIUI 12.5 was popular, which reset the waiting timer.
- ⚠️ They often stop working after updates.
- ⚠️ May contain malicious code.
- ⚠️ Require root rights that cannot be obtained on a locked device.
We do not recommend using unverified exploits – the risk of losing the device is too great.
What to do after unlocking: installing TWRP and custom firmware
Once you successfully unlock the bootloader, you get new opportunities, and the first thing you need to do is install a custom TWRP recap that allows you to manage firmware, backups and root rights.
Step 1: Installation of TWRP
- Download the latest version of TWRP for Mi6 (codename sagit) from the official website twrp.me.
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode and connect to the PC.
- The command is fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_sagit.img
- Reboot to the recavery, holding Volume up + Nutrition.
Step 2: Install custom firmware
Popular firmware for the Mi6:
- 📱 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) is stable and optimized.
- 📱 Pixel Experience – as close as possible to pure Android.
- 📱 Havoc-OS – for lovers of customization.
- 📱 MIUI Pro - a modified version of the standard firmware without bloat.
Installation instructions:
- Download the firmware in.zip format and place it on the memory card.
- In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
- Select Install and specify the path to the firmware file.
- After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart.
💡
Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with the model Mi6 (codename sagit. firmware for other devices (e.g, Mi6X or Mi6 Pro) will not fit and may damage the system.
Typical errors and their solutions
Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock | The wait for 72/720 hours is not completed | Wait until the time is set or try alternative methods. |
| This device is locked | Mi Account is not tied to the device | Link your account in settings and try again |
| Fastboot not recognized | There are no ADB drivers | Install Platform Tools and drivers for Mi6 |
| Invalid token | Wrong Authorization Token | Re-enter the Mi Account in the Mi Unlock Tool |
If the Mi6 doesn’t turn on or hangs on the MI logo after unlocking, try:
- Keep Power + Volume up 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
- Reflash the device via Fastboot with the original MIUI firmware.
- If it doesn’t work, use EDL to recover.
⚠️ Note: If you have been missing after unlocking IMEI If your mobile network is down, don't try to restore it through the engineering menu (#4636###). This can lead to permanent loss of communication. QCN Rebuilder or contact the service center.
Security after unlocking: how to protect your device
The unlocked bootloader makes the Mi6 vulnerable to attacks, so additional security measures need to be taken:
1. Installation of a reliable antivirus
Recommended solutions:
- 🛡️ Bitdefender Mobile Security – Easy and Effective.
- 🛡️ Malwarebytes – specializes in malware detection.
- 🛡️ Kaspersky Mobile is good for blocking phishing sites.
2. Firewall setup
Applications like NetGuard or AFWall+ (require root) allow you to monitor network traffic and block suspicious connections.
3. Data encryption
In TWRP or custom firmware settings, enable /data partition encryption, which will protect your data even if the phone falls into the wrong hands.
4. Regular backups
Use TWRP to create full backups before any manipulation, save copies on an external drive or in the cloud.
💡
Unlocking the bootloader takes away official Xiaomi support, but gives you full control of the device. The main rule of security after unlocking is not to install software from unverified sources and regularly update the firmware.