Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must-do step to install custom firmware, obtain superuser rights, or restore the device after software failures. The wrong actions can turn your Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5 In this article, we will break down the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, alternative methods for older models, and explain why Xiaomi has tightened unlock requirements for devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and later since 2023.
Important: the procedure is different for devices with and without Mi Account, and also depends on the region of purchase of the smartphone. 13T Unlock faster than China's Mi 11 Ultra with global firmware. We've collected up-to-date data for May 2026, including bypassing restrictions for devices released after the launch. MIUI 14.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives the user
Factory lock bootloader is standard practice for most Android devices, but Xiaomi is taking it especially strictly.
- 🔒 Theft protection: A blocked bootloader makes it difficult to flash the stolen phone because it requires a link to the original Mi Account.
- 🛡️ Data security: prevents the installation of malware at the system level (e.g., via TWRP).
- 📱 Firmware control: Xiaomi guarantees stability only on official versions MIUI.
- 💰 Marketing restrictions: on some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) unlocking removes restrictions on regional functions.
For the user, the unlocked bootloader opens up the possibilities:
- 🔧 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
- 📲 Getting root rights through Magisk.
- 🔄 Restore the device after a soft brick (for example, after a failed upgrade).
- 🎯 Use of modified kernels (custom kernels) to improve performance.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, including photos in internal memory, messages and installed applications. Even if you make a backup through the Mi Cloud, some data (such as saving games) may be lost.
Since 2022, Xiaomi has introduced an additional restriction: for new models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite or Redmi). K60) It takes 72 hours to wait after you link your account to your device before you unlock it, which is designed to fight fraud, but makes it harder for legitimate users to do so.
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
This is the only Xiaomi-supported method that works on most devices (except some Chinese versions).
- Linking Mi Account to your device (necessarily through settings, not just through the browser).
- Initiation of debugging USB and unlock OEM Unlock in the Developer Menu.
- Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC and log in.
- Connect the phone in Fastboot mode and perform unlocking.
Detailed instructions:
- Activate the Developer Menu: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. After that, in Settings → There will be a paragraph for developers.
- Put the debugging on. USB and OEM Unlock: 🔌 Turn on Debugging. USB. 🔓 Find the Unlock option OEM (It can be called a factory unlock and activate it. 🔄 Reset the device.
Tie up Mi Account:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account.
- 🔗 Make sure your account is linked to the device (the status should indicate the Device is tied).
- ⏳ Wait 72 hours (for new models) or 7 days (for older models).
☑️ Checklist before unlocking
⚠️ Warning: If you see a message saying "This device is locked. Connecting to the server..." but the process is 99% dead - don't turn off the phone! wait for a timeout (up to 10 minutes).Re-starting the Mi Unlock Tool can lead to an increase in latency of up to 360 hours (15 days).
Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)
If the official method does not work (for example, due to a Couldn't verify device error), you can try workarounds.
- 📱 Devices older than 2020 (Redmi Note 9, Mi) 9T).
- 🔧 Models with Mediatek processors (for example, POCO M4 Pro).
- 🌍 Chinese versions (China) ROM), Where Mi Unlock Tool is Refused to Work.
Among the popular methods:
| Method | Suitable models | Risks. | Reference to the instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDL Mode (Emergency Mode) | Qualcomm devices (Xiaomi) 11/12, POCO F3) | High risk of bricks, requires an authorized account | XDA Developers |
| Fastboot teams (bypassing waiting) | Older models (Redmi Note 8, Mi) A3) | It may not work the first time, the lock for 30 days | Telegram channels |
| Mediatek Auth Bypass | Devices on Mediatek (POCO M3, Redmi 10) | Requires special cable and software | GitHub repositories |
| A rollback to the old MIUI | Any model with the possibility of downgrading | Data loss, possible bugs | Xiaomi Firmware Updater |
For example, to unlock through EDL Mode will be required:
- Download Mi Flash Pro and firmware for your model.
- Put the phone on mode EDL (usually through circuiting of contacts on the board or the command adb reboot edl).
- Swipe your device with an authorized account (e.g., through Xiaomi Authorized Service).
What is EDL Mode?
For devices on Mediatek (e.g., Redmi) 9A) frequently used method SP Flash Tool and auth file. But here is a nuance: since 2023, Xiaomi began to encrypt auth files, so for new models this method may not work.
💡
If you unlock the device for installing custom firmware, first check its compatibility in the forum. XDA Developers. some firmware (for example, for Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) require additional patches for the camera or module NFC.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even when following the instructions, users encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to correct them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock (100%) | Unable to meet the waiting period or account problems | Wait for 72 hours, check the Mi Account binding |
| This device is locked (99 percent got stuck) | Xiaomi server fails to respond or lock by region | Try it through. VPN (India or Russia, repeat later |
| No device connected | Problems with drivers or cable | Install drivers manually through Device Manager, use the original cable |
| Account not bound | Mi Account is not tied to your device | Reconnect your account in settings, reboot your phone |
| Device not supported | The device is too new or Chinese version | Use alternative methods (EDL, firmware-roll) |
If you see a Couldn't verify device error, it could mean:
- 🔹 The device was purchased less than 7 days ago (even if the account is tied).
- 🔹 You are trying to unlock the Chinese version (China) ROM) The Mi Unlock Tool is a global tool.
- 🔹 The device has an unofficial firmware (requires to return the stock). MIUI).
Mi Unlock Tool stuck at 50% will help:
- Disable the antivirus on your PC (it can block interaction with Xiaomi servers).
- Use a different version of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. 5.5.224.24 for new models).
- Connect to the Internet via a mobile access point (sometimes the provider blocks requests).
💡
If unlocking is not possible through the official tool, first check the version. MIUI. On some firmware (e.g, MIUI 14.0.4 for Xiaomi 13) requires a rollback to an earlier version before unlocking.
What to do after successful unblocking
Once you unlock the bootloader, you'll see a warning when you turn on the phone: "This device is unlocked." This is normal and means you can now:
- 🔧 Install TWRP ornamental.
- 📲 Swipe custom firmware (for example, ArrowOS or HavocOS).
- 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk.
- 🔄 Restore the device after failures through Fastboot commands.
The first steps after unlocking:
- Install. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img Download the current version TWRP For your model from the official website.
- Make a backup copy through TWRP (Boot, System, Data sections).
- Scroll Magisk to get root: 1. Download. Magisk.apk and rename it.zip. 2. Flow through TWRP: Install → Select a file → Swipe to confirm.
Important: Once Magisk is installed, some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) may stop working.
- 🔹 Enable MagiskHide in the Magisk settings.
- 🔹 Install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.
- 🔹 Clear the data of the banking application and restart the phone.
If you are planning to sew custom firmware, pay attention to:
- 🔋 Compatibility with your model (for example, firmware for POCO X3 Pro's not good for you. POCO X3 NFC).
- 📡 Network support 4G/5G (Some of the firmware may not work VoLTE).
- 📷 Camera operation (for Xiaomi) 12S Ultra requires separate patches for Leica camera).
Risks and how to minimize them
Unlocking a bootloader is always a trade-off between freedom of action and security.
- 💥 "Brick" (complete inoperability of the device) in case of firmware errors.
- 🔓 Security vulnerabilities: Unlocked bootloader makes it easier to access data when stolen.
- 📵 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi does not officially support devices with unlocked bootloader.
- 🔋 Problems with updates: some OTA-Updates may not be installed.
How to reduce the risks:
☑️ Security after unlocking
If the device has turned into a brick, try:
- Hard reset: clamping down on the power supply + Volume up on 10-15 seconds.
- Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot reboot
- EDL Mode (if other methods do not help).
⚠️ Note: If you sell or transfer a device with an unlocked bootloader, be sure to return the stock firmware and lock the bootloader back. Otherwise, the new owner will be able to easily access your data, even after resetting the settings.
To return to stock firmware:
- Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
- Unpack the archive and go through Fastboot:
- Lock the bootloader back through the Mi Unlock Tool (Lock Bootloader option).