How to unlock the bootloader on the Xiaomi phone: a complete guide with nuances

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or brick recovery after a failed update. The procedure is officially supported by the company, but requires strict adherence to the rules: from binding a Mi Account account to waiting for permission to unlock. This article is the current guide for all models of 2018-2026, including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 14, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi’s security policy.

Important: from 2023, the company has tightened the requirements, now new devices must wait 72 hours after the account is tied, and some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T) require additional confirmation via SMS. We will analyze all the stages from preparation to final unlock, and also tell you how to bypass typical errors like Couldn't unlock or Device is locked.

Why you need to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi

The factory bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, which protects the device from unauthorized access, but also limits the user, unlocking the following features:

• 🔧 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, MIUI Pro and others.).
• 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU.
• 🔄 Restore the brick after a failed update or reset.
• 📱 Removing embedded applications (bloatware) and optimizing performance.
• 🔒 Bypassing regional restrictions (for example, for firmware global version on a Chinese smartphone).

However, there are risks: unlocking resets the device to factory settings, voids the warranty (in some markets), and can lead to data loss if you do not make a backup. In addition, on devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon, Widevine L1 may stop working after unlocking (the quality of streaming in Netflix or Disney+ will decrease to 480p).

Preparing the phone for unlocking

Before starting the procedure, you need to follow several critical steps, and skipping any of them can lead to errors such as Mi Unlock says "Add account" or Waiting for device.

Backup all data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your phone to at least 60%

Make sure that the MIUI version is not lower than 10.0

Shut it down. PIN-codes, graphic keys and prints

Connect to stable Wi-Fi (non-mobile internet)-->

First, link your Mi Account to your phone.

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Sign in or create a new account (required to have a valid email and phone number).
3. Enable data synchronization and confirm the binding via SMS.

Then activate the developer mode and allow OEM-unlock:

1. Open Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Activate switches: Debugging over USB OEM Unlock (may be called Factory Unlock)

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or POCO F4), the OEM unlock may be hidden.

1. Connect the phone to the Internet.
2. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
3. Click Add Device and Account (if there is one).

💡

If the item Unlock OEM Inactive, try to temporarily shut down everything. SIM-And you can reboot your phone, and sometimes it works on dual-slot devices.

Obtaining permission to unlock

From 2020, Xiaomi will require proof of right to unlock through the company’s servers, a process that can take anywhere from 72 hours to 15 days, depending on the model and region.

Instructions for linking the account to the device:

1. Make sure your phone is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
3. Click Add Device and Account (or Status → Add Account and Device in English firmware).
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After that, a message will appear on the screen:

🔄 Request for unlock sent. Wait for confirmation. Wait time: 72 hours (3 days).

Important: Don't reset your phone to factory settings while you're waiting, it will reset the timer. Also, don't log out of your Mi Account and don't change your timer. SIM-On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro) when changing SIM Re-binding may be required.

To check the status of the permit:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Start the Mi Unlock Tool (you can download from the official website).
3. Sign in with the same Mi Account.
4. If the status shows Unlocking is allowed, you can proceed to unlock.

Installation of Mi Unlock Tool and drivers

To unlock, you will need the official Mi Unlock Tool utility and correct drivers ADB/Fastboot. You can download the tool only from the official website – versions from third resources may contain viruses or outdated libraries.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (the version should match your firmware: for MIUI 14 fitting miflash_unlock-7.5.801.55 newer).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiUnlock).
3. Install drivers: For Windows: download Mi Phone Manager from the official website - it will automatically install the desired drivers. macOS/Linux: Use fastboot from Android SDK Platform Tools.

Check the correctness of the driver installation:

1. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol− when the device is off).
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type in: fastboot devices
3. If the device serial number appears in the answer, the drivers are installed correctly.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a 99% error, try using an older version of the utility (e.g. 5.5.224.24 for MIUI 12).

The process of unlocking the loader

When all preparations are completed, you can start unlocking. The whole process takes 5-10 minutes, but requires a stable Internet connection (the utility checks the status of the account in real time).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Vol− to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable (it is desirable to use the port) USB 2.0).
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
5. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
6. Press Unlock and confirm the action.

The unlocking process will take place in 3 stages:

1. Check the device (1-2 minutes). The utility checks the IMEI and account status.
2. All files on the phone will be deleted!
3. Unlock (30-60 seconds) The phone will display the word Unlocked.

If it's 99 percent or 50 percent dead, don't turn off your phone. Wait 10 to 15 minutes.

• Restart the PC and phone.
• Try to repeat the procedure with another version of the Mi Unlock Tool.
• Check if the firewall or antivirus is blocking the connection to Xiaomi servers.

💡

On some models (e.g. Redmi K50) the bootloader may lock again when you update via MIUI Updater after unlocking, and to avoid this, disable automatic updates or install firmware only via fastboot.

What to do after unlocking

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and prompt you to set up the system as new, but now you have new opportunities — and risks.

What can be done:

• 📱 Install custom Recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 🔧 Switch alternative firmware (such as LineageOS or ArrowOS).
• 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk.
• 🔄 Restore backup copy through ADB Sideload.

What can't be done:

• ⚠️ Install firmware from other models (even if they are on the same chipset).
• ⚠️ Use unofficial versions of the Mi Unlock Tool to re-block.
• ⚠️ Update through MIUI Updater without prior compatibility check.

The first thing after unlocking is recommended:

1. Make a full backup through TWRP or ADB Backup.
2. Check Widevine status in the DRM Info app (if streaming quality is important).
3. Install Magisk to manage root rights (if necessary).

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to loss of support for VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling. Before firmware check for patches for your model.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with strict adherence to the instructions, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Use a different PC (preferably with Windows) 10/11).
• 📱 Switch your phone to an older version MIUI Mi Flash Tool (for example, from 14th to 13th).
• 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi with the indication IMEI and a screenshot of the error.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) additional authorization may be required after unlocking via the Snapdragon Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. EDL-This requires an authorized Xiaomi account with service center rights.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi