Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide with risks and solutions

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or repair of a bricked-up device. However, the process comes with risks ranging from loss of warranty to complete phone failure. In 2026, Xiaomi tightened the requirements, and standard instructions from the Internet often don’t work. This article will help you understand current unlock methods, avoid errors, and prepare for the possible consequences.

It's important to understand that unlocking the bootloader is not just a technical procedure, it's a change in factory protection, and then the device becomes more vulnerable to malware and updates. MIUI We will look at the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, alternative methods for older models, and also explain why some phones (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G) If you have never worked with fastboot or ADB — Don’t worry, we’ll take each step in detail.

If your Redmi is purchased in China (the domestic version), unlocking may not be possible without a Chinese Mi Account (Global/EEA) It's easier, but it still requires preparation, and we start by checking the current status of the bootloader and the conditions that are required.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives the user

The bootloader factory lock is a security measure that Xiaomi has implemented since 2016, which protects the device from:

• 🔓 Unauthorized access to system partitions (e.g., when a phone is stolen).
• 🦠 Malware installations at the firmware level (so-called “rootkits»).
• 🔧 Incorrect user actions leading to a “brick” (breakdown) of the device.
• 📱 Violations of license agreements (for example, when using pirated versions) MIUI).

But locking is a problem for enthusiasts and developers, and without unlocking the bootloader, you can't:

• 🛠️ Install custom restoration (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 📲 Switch alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.).
• 🔑 Get root rights through Magisk.
• 🔄 Restore your phone after a major crash if standard methods don’t work.

Since 2022, Xiaomi has added another limitation: linking the unlock to the Mi Account. Now, even after a successful procedure, the phone can require authorization every time it turns on in fastboot mode, which makes it difficult to sell used devices with an unlocked bootloader.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone to factory settings, including photos, contacts and apps!

Preparation for Unblocking: Requirements and Warnings

Before starting the procedure, make sure that all the conditions are met:

Beginning in 2023, Xiaomi requires that the phone be tied to the account for at least 7 days before unlocking. If you just created an account or reset your phone, you will have to wait.

• 📱 The phone has disabled the function Find the device (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Find the device).
• 🔒 Mi Account password does not contain Chinese characters (they can cause an error in the Mi Unlock Tool).
• 🌐 PC's offline. VPN/Xiaomi servers are blocking suspicious IP.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi was purchased hand-held and has already been unlocked by a previous owner, re-unlocking can result in a hard drive. Check the bootloader status with fastboot oem device-info - if the answer is Device unlocked: True, the phone is already unlocked.

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only method Xiaomi supports, but it doesn't work for all models, such as phones with MediaTek processors (like Redmi). 9A Redmi Note 10 may require additional action:

1. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool (Windows version). Don't use tools from third-party sites - they may contain viruses.
2. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (should match the one tied to your phone!).
4. Turn off your phone and put it into fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds. The hare in the eardress hat will appear on the screen.
5. Connect your phone to your PC via the original cable USB Type-C (cheap cables may not transmit data to fastboot).
6. In Mi Unlock Tool, click Unlock. If all is correct, a timer will appear (usually 168 hours for new accounts or 72 hours for old ones).
7. Wait until the process is complete. The phone will reboot with the bootloader unlocked.

Since 2026, Xiaomi has introduced an additional check: if the phone was purchased less than 30 days ago, unlocking can be delayed by 360 hours (15 days). K60 newer.

Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi website|

Link your Mi Account to your 7-plus phone+ days before|

Enable debugging on USB unlock OEM|

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|

Charge your phone to 60% or more |

Prepare original USB-cable|

Shut down. VPN and antivirus on PC-->

If you click Unlock and the error appears Couldn't unlock or Current account is different from the account info on the device, then:

• 🔄 Mi Account on the phone and Mi Unlock Tool are different.
• 🕒 It has not been 7 days since the account was linked.
• 📵 The phone is not recognized in fastboot mode (check the drivers).

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "This device is locked" try to connect the phone to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC. Some ports USB 3.0 (blue) may not work properly with fastboot.

Alternative Unlocking Methods for Older Models

If the official method does not work (for example, for Redmi). 4X, Redmi 5A Or other models before 2018, you can try workarounds. They're more risky, but sometimes the only way out.

Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

Regime. EDL It allows you to flash your phone directly through the Qualcomm port. Suitable for devices running Snapdragon processors (for example, Redmi Note 5 Pro, Redmi 6 Pro:

• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model.
• 🔌 Cable EDL (circuitry).
• 💻 PC with disabled antivirus (it can block the QDLoader driver).

Instructions:

1. Download the.tgz firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Unpack it and put it in a folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Turn off the phone and transfer to EDL: Hold the volume up + Loudness down + Food (for some models you need to close contacts on the board).
4. Connect the phone to a PC – it should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL erase IMEI on some models (Redmi Note) 4X, Redmi 5 Plus can only be restored through an engineering menu or service center.

Method 2: Use of vulnerabilities (for advanced users)

Some models (Redmi Note) 8 Pro, Redmi K30) They have exploits that can get around the lock. fastboot_oem_unlock_go or scripts based on DirtyCOW:

• 🚨 These methods can permanently block the phone.
• 🔍 Requires knowledge of working with ADB Linux.
• 📵 Xiaomi closes vulnerabilities in new firmware.

What to do if unlocking fails: common mistakes and solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, the process can end in error.

If the Mi Unlock Tool is stuck at 50% or 99%, it can mean:

• 🔌 Connection problems (try another one) USB-port or shut down hubs).
• 📡 Unstable Internet connection (the utility addresses to Xiaomi servers).
• 🛡️ Antivirus blocking (add Mi Unlock Tool to exceptions).

For Redmi Note 11 and later, it can sometimes help to reset to factory settings before unlocking.

(1) Does the Mi Account on the phone match with the Mi Unlock Tool,

(2) Has sufficient time elapsed since the account was linked,

3) Is the phone fastboot correctly detected (fastboot device team must show the serial number).-->

What to do after successfully unlocking the bootloader

Once unlocked, the phone will reboot with the reset settings. Now you can:

• 📱 Install custom restoration (TWRP OrangeFox is available through fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
• 🔓 Get root rights with Magisk (sweep) magisk.zip through TWRP).
• 🔄 Swipe alternative firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience for Redmi Note 10 Pro).
• 🛠️ Restore your phone after a crash if standard methods don’t help.

However, remember the consequences:

• 🔐 The phone will become less protected from malware.
• 📉 Updates MIUI They may be in error or stop coming at all.
• 💸 The warranty is void (even if the bootloader is later blocked back).
• 🔋 Some features (such as Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working.

To return the phone to its original state, you can re-block the bootloader with the command:

fastboot oem lock

But it will erase all data and bring back all restrictions.

⚠️ Warning: After unlocking the bootloader, some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB) may refuse to work because the phone is considered "unsafe" Solution: hide root through MagiskHide or use Island to isolate applications.

Xiaomi Redmi models for which unlocking is difficult or impossible

Not all Xiaomi Redmi phones can be unlocked using standard methods, but here is a list of problem models and their features:

If your model is on this list, be sure to check the thematic forums before unlocking (for example, for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers. They often publish actual workarounds.

For phones running MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10A, Redmi 9C) Unlocking is complicated by the absence of a regime EDL. Sometimes, this helps to get through the SP Flash Tool, but it's risky.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the Xiaomi Redmi bootloader