Modern Xiaomi smartphones are known for their flexibility in setting up, but access to advanced features often limits the blocked bootloader. Many users face the need to obtain superuser rights or install custom firmware, but the standard procedure requires a strict check through the official server of the company.
Device owners often underestimate the importance of getting the right preparation before starting a procedure, which leads to errors and time wasted. Unlocking a bootloader is not just a formality, but a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and sequence of actions. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to get the necessary code, what tools will be needed, and how to avoid the typical problems that beginners face when working with the Mi Unlock Tool.
It is worth noting that the manufacturer’s security policy changes periodically, and methods that worked a year ago may require adjustments. Using current versions of the software and complying with all the requirements for your Mi Account account significantly increase the chances of successfully completing the operation the first time.
Why you need to unlock the bootloader and what risks exist
The bootloader is a special program that runs in front of the operating system and checks the integrity of the software. By default, it is blocked on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, which prevents installation of modified systems or obtaining root rights. Unlocking the bootloader opens the door to deep customization, allowing you to install global firmware on Chinese versions, remove system debris and use powerful tools like Magisk.
⚠️ Attention: The bootloader unlock procedure results in the complete removal of all user data from the internal device drive.
However, by opening the system, the user assumes certain risks. The manufacturer's warranty obligations can be canceled, although in many service centers this is not a stop factor, unless the failure is associated with software intervention. In addition, some banking applications and services with a high degree of protection (Google Pay, Mir Pay) may cease to work correctly or require additional manipulation to bypass security checks.
It is important to understand the difference between unlocking the screen and unlocking the bootloader. If the first case involves a forgotten pattern lock or password, the second case is access to low-level software. Other methods are used to reset the forgotten screen password, often requiring a complete reset via Recovery, in this case we are talking about a conscious action to remove the restrictions of the Mi Account to modify the system.
Preparation of the device and collection of necessary tools
Before you start getting the code and running the process, you need to carefully prepare the workspace and the device itself. You will need a computer running the Windows operating system, as the official Mi Unlock utility does not have native versions for macOS or Linux without using emulators. Also make sure that the USB cable is healthy and capable of transmitting data, not just charging the battery.
The smartphone must have an authorized Mi Account to be used to unlock, which is critical: the SIM card inserted into the phone must match the one you have registered for if you plan to link the device. In the developer settings, you need to activate points USB-Debugging and Unblocking by the loader.
☑️ Checklist of preparations for unlocking
You'll also need ADB and Fastboot drivers to work, which can be installed alone or with Google's platform tools. Without properly installed drivers, the computer won't be able to recognize the phone in bootloader mode, and the unlocker program will give you a connection error. It's recommended to use the original cable or high-quality analogue with data transfer.
How to get an unlock code through an official server
Getting an unlock code is a process for user verification by a manufacturer. There was a method for getting code through a special MIUI Unlock app on the phone itself, but in recent versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14, the process has become more stringent. It is now often required to apply through an official community or an internal Mi Community app, where you need to type in a certain level of activity.
If your account is already in status or you apply in a region where possible, the code will be sent as a text message or notification. In some cases, the code does not come in the form of numbers, and the system simply remembers that a particular Mi Account has the right to unlock a particular device (IMEI), in which case, in the utility on the PC, the confirmation is automatically after entering the username and password.
What if the code doesn't come?
It is important to note that the unlock code is valid only in conjunction with the specific account and device for which the application was submitted.Using someone else's codes or trying to bypass the system through third-party paid services carries high risks of locking the device via IMEI. The official path, although long, guarantees the security of your gadget.
Step-by-step instructions for unlocking through Mi Unlock
Once you have permission to unlock (code or binding), you can move to the practical part. The first step is to turn your smartphone into Fastboot mode. To do this, turn the device off completely, and then press the volume down and power buttons simultaneously, hold them until an image with a hare repairing an android appears, or the Fastboot inscription on the screen.
Connect your phone to your computer through USB-Launch the previously downloaded Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator. Sign in to your Mi Account in the program using the same data as on your phone. The utility will automatically check the status of the device and whether you have permission to unlock.
adb reboot bootloaderIf you can't log in to Fastboot with buttons, you can use the ADB command by enabling USB debugging. Once you've successfully connected, the Unlock button will appear in the program window. You click on it, you start the process. The system will alert you to the loss of data once again, confirm the action.
| Phase | User action | Expected output |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Entering Mi Account on PC and Phone | Successful authorization in both devices |
| 2.Fastboot mode | Clutch Loudness (-) + Nutrition | Appearance of the Fastboot logo and the hare |
| 3. Launch utility | Open Mi Unlock and press Unlock | Starting of Account Status Check |
| 4. Waiting | Don't turn off the cable. | Progress Bar goes up to 100% |
| Completion | Press "Reboot phone" | First boot of the system (takes 5-10 minutes) |
The process can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, while the MI or Xiaomi logo can be displayed on the phone screen, as well as a progress scale, interruption of the process at this stage is strictly prohibited, as it can damage the boot partition and turn the phone into a “brick”.
Solving Common Errors and Problems When Unlocking
Even if you follow all the instructions, users often encounter errors, one of the most common is Couldn't verify device. Please try again later. This means that the server can't confirm the account's link to the device, often solved by waiting 72 hours (or 168 hours in new versions) from the moment the account is linked to the developer menu.
⚠️ CURRENT account is different from the account info on the device when you try to unlock your phone with an account other than the one that was tied in the developer settings.
Another common problem is that you're stuck at 50 percent or 99 percent. USB-Port (better to use ports) USB 2.0 on the back of the motherboard, replace the cable or reinstall the drivers. Sometimes it helps to disable the antivirus or firewall, which can block the connection of the utility to the server.
If the utility says "Unable to connect to Mi Vertex," check the Internet connection. In rare cases, Xiaomi servers may be unavailable due to technical work or blocking by the provider. Using an alternative DNS or VPN can help establish a connection to the authorization server.
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Use it. USB-hub without external power or connect your phone directly to the motherboard to avoid the voltage shortage problems that often cause firmware failures.
Actions after unlocking and setting up the system
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will restart. The first boot will last longer than usual, up to 10 minutes, the system will report that the bootloader is unlocked, and prompt the device to be reconfigured because all data has been deleted. The boot screen will now display an open padlock icon, which is normal behavior for unlocked devices.
Now you can install custom recavators like TWRP, which will allow you to create full backups of the system and install modified firmware. TWRP usually uses the command Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img. After that, you can boot into the recavator mode and install the archive with the rights of the Magisk superuser.
In particular, Widevine L1 may not be available, which will make streaming services (Netflix, Disney+) play content only in low resolution (SD instead of HD/4K). Returning the L1 protection level on an unlocked bootloader is extremely difficult, and often impossible without soldering the chips.
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Unblocked bootloader gives complete freedom of action, but reduces the level of security and can worsen the quality of video playback in streaming services.