How to unlock the bootloader on the Xiaomi smartphone: the official way without risks

Unlock bootloader (bootloader) on Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphones POCO — It is a mandatory step for custom firmware installation, super-user rights (root) or device recovery after software failures. However, Xiaomi strictly controls this process, linking it to the Mi Account and imposing restrictions on the frequency of unlocks. In this article, you will find the instructions that are up to date for 2026, which will help you unlock the bootloader without losing data (with the right approach) and avoid common errors.

It's important to understand that unlocking the bootloader resets all the data on the device to factory settings, even if you follow the official procedure. This is a security measure that can not be circumvented. L1 viewable HD-Netflix content may not work properly. Before you start, make sure you really need to unlock it — maybe you can do it in other ways.

The unlocking process has changed with the release MIUI 14 and tightening Xiaomi's policies.Now new devices require binding SIM-The cards are to be accounted for, and the mandatory wait of 72 to 168 hours after being tied before unlocking. Older models (until 2021) can unlock faster, but they are also subject to limitations.

1. Requirements for unlocking Xiaomi bootloader

Before you start, check if your device meets the following conditions:

• 📱 Supported model: almost all smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (Other than Qualcomm Snapdragon devices 4xx blocked EDL). Exceptions are some models for the Chinese market (e.g. Mi 10 Ultra or Mi Mix Fold), where unlocking may be limited.
• 🔄 Up-to-date version MIUI: firmware must be official (not custom) and not older than 2-3 years. MIUI 12.5 and below may require prior updates.
• 🔐 Linked Mi Account: Xiaomi account must be created at least 30 days ago, have a confirmed email and phone number. New devices (2022-2026) also require binding SIM-map.
• 🕒 Post-binding wait: 3 to 7 days must pass from the moment of linking the account to the device before unlocking (depending on the model and region).
• 💻 Windows computer: to unlock you need a PC running Windows 7/10/11 (On macOS or Linux, the official Mi Unlock tool doesn’t work).

If at least one of the conditions is not met, the Mi Unlock Tool will give an error, for example, trying to unlock the device 24 hours after the account is attached will lead to a message "Couldn't unlock. Wait for 72 hours." IMEI or a non-original motherboard - in this case, repairs will be required.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought a smartphone with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie his Mi Account from the device. Otherwise, unlocking will be impossible without his participation.

2. Preparation of the smartphone for unlocking

Before starting the process, you need to take several critical steps on the device itself, and skipping any of them can lead to unlock errors.

Initiation of the developer mode and debugging by USB

By default, the options for developers are hidden.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row until the notification “You’ve become a developer!” appears.
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
4. Activate the switches: 🔧 Debugging by USB (It involves interaction with the PC through ADB). 🔓 Unlocking OEM (permitting the loader to be changed).

Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or POCO F5) release point OEM It could be hidden:

• Connect the device to the Internet.
• Go to For Developers → Special capabilities of the developer.
• Find and activate Allow unlocking OEM (You may need to enter a password from your Mi Account).

Linking Mi Account to the device

This is the most important step in unlocking success, and without the right account binding, Mi Unlock will not work.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Xiaomi account and log in (if you haven’t already done so).
2. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Security and confidentiality → Linking the account to the device.
3. Click Add Account and confirm the action with a password.
4. If there's a link request SIM-Cards – insert the card of the same operator, which is listed in the Mi Account and confirm.

Once the timer is set, a countdown timer (e.g., "72 hours left") will appear on the screen, and the timer can only be unlocked when the timer is zeroed, and if you try to do so earlier, you will make the error "Current account is different from the account info on the device."

Developer mode activated|Debugging is on. USB|Unblocking permitted OEM|Mi Account is tied to the device|Waiting is held 72+ hours-->

3. Installation of necessary tools on PC

Unlocking will require the official Mi Unlock Tool and drivers to interact with the device, and you only need to download them from official sources to avoid viruses or fake versions.

Download the Mi Unlock Tool

The official version of the tool can only be obtained through the Xiaomi website:

1. Go to the page. en.miui.com/unlock (available in English).
2. Click Unlock Now and log in under the same Mi Account that is linked to your smartphone.
3. Download the archive. miflash_unlock.zip (weight ~50 MB) and unpack it in a separate folder.

The version of the tool should match your model. for example, for Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi. K60 The latest version will be available (at the time of writing — v6.5.224.24), Older devices (e.g. Mi 9) may require an earlier one.

Installation of drivers

Without the right drivers, your PC won't recognize your smartphone in Fastboot mode.

• 🖥️ Xiaomi Drivers for Windows (Select Mi Phone Manager).
• 🔌 Or use the universal Android package SDK Platform-Tools (includes) ADB and Fastboot).

After installing the drivers, connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (read the next section on how to do this) and check for device recognition.

1. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Enter the command: fastboot devices
3. If you see the serial number of the device (for example, 1234abcd fastboot – drivers installed correctly.

⚠️ Note: Do not use drivers from third-party sources (e.g. torrent trackers) that may contain malware or be outdated, leading to errors such as "fastboot not recognized".

4. Step-by-step instruction for unlocking the loader

When all preparations are completed, you can proceed to unlock. Follow the instructions carefully - any missed step can lead to account locking or data loss.

4.1 Transfer of the smartphone to Fastboot mode

To unlock the bootloader, the device must be in Fastboot mode. Here's how to activate it:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press and hold the power buttons. + Volume down before the Fastboot logo appears (Mi Bunny robot with the inscription) FASTBOOT).
3. Connect the device to the PC through the original USB-cable (it is desirable to use the port) USB 2.0 on the back of the system unit).

If the screen is not responding, try another cable or port, POCO X5 Pro) you may need to hold buttons for up to 10-15 seconds to log in to Fastboot.

4.2. Start Mi Unlock Tool and Authorization

Now, download the Mi Unlock Tool:

1. Open the file. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
2. Accept the license agreement.
3. Sign in under the same Mi Account that is tied to your smartphone.
4. If the message “Phone connected” appears, the device is recognized successfully.

If the device does not see the smartphone:

• 🔌 Check the cable connection and port USB.
• 🖥️ Reinstall the drivers (see section 3.2).
• 🔄 Restart your PC and smartphone, then try again.

Start of the unlocking process

When you're done, press the Unlock button in the program.

1. The tool will check the status of the bootloader (should be "Locked").
2. The countdown will begin (usually 10–30 seconds).
3. A warning about the data reset will appear - confirm it.
4. After completion, the smartphone will restart and the bootloader will be unlocked (“Unlocked”).

The entire process takes no more than 5 minutes.

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If the unlock is successful, the next time you turn on, the smartphone will reset to the factory settings. All data (photos, contacts, applications) will be deleted!

5. What to do after unlocking the bootloader

Once successfully unlocked, your smartphone bootloader will be labeled Unlocked. Now you can:

• 📱 Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk.
• 🔄 Restore the device after software failures using Fastboot commands.
• 🌍 Switching a global version MIUI Chinese models.

However, there are limitations:

• 🚫 Widevine L1 may fall to L3, block out HD-content from Netflix, Disney+ and other services.
• 💳 Mi Pay and some banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) may refuse to work.
• 🔒 Official updates MIUI Settings will be unavailable (you will have to update manually).

If you need root rights, the next step is to install Magisk or TWRP. But remember: this voids the warranty and can lead to unstable operation of the device.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error "Couldn't verify device"

This error occurs if:

• 🔗 The device is not tied to the Mi Account.
• 🕒 It hasn't been 72 hours since the tie-up.
• 📱 The smartphone was bought from hand and tied to another account.

Decisions:

• Check that your account is properly linked (section 2.2).
• If the device is used, ask the previous owner to untie your account via account.xiaomi.com.
• Use the original cable and port USB 2.0.

Hanging in the “50%” or “99%” phase

If the unblocking process stops:

• 🖥️ Restart your PC and smartphone.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable.
• 🔄 Install an older version of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g., the Mi Unlock Tool, v5.5.224.24 last).
• 📡 Disable Antivirus and Firewall – They Can Block Connection to Xiaomi Servers.

If nothing helps, try using a different PC or wait for a tool update from Xiaomi.

6.3 The smartphone does not turn on after unlocking

In rare cases, after unlocking, the device may:

• 🔄 Getting fixated on the logo MI.
• 📵 Do not respond to the power button.
• 🤖 Download to Fastboot instead of the system.

Decisions:

• Perform a hard reset through Recovery (clip the power supply) + Volume up when the device is off).
• Swipe your device through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool (download here).
• If the smartphone does not respond at all – contact the service center (possibly damaged firmware). EDL).

⚠️ Note: If the device turns into a brick after unlocking, don’t try to flash it through unofficial tools like Brick. SP Flash Tool.This can permanently bring your smartphone down.Use only official Xiaomi utilities.

7. How to block the loader back

If you need to return the device to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), the bootloader can be locked back.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic symbols on the way.
3. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode.
4. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flashing lock
5. Swipe your device through the Mi Flash Tool by selecting the clean all and lock option.

After that, the bootloader will be locked and all data will be erased. Please note that re-unlocking will require a new wait 72+ hours.

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Before locking the bootloader, make sure that the device does not have important data – the process fully formats the internal memory, including folders. DCIM download.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions