The Chinese giant’s flagship devices often seek full control of the operating system. Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi 13 opens the door to custom firmware such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, and allows system modifications to be implemented through Magisk. However, this process requires care, as interference with low-level partitions of memory carries certain risks.
Before taking action, it is necessary to clearly understand the consequences: the official guarantee on the software will be canceled, and some banking applications may stop working without further manipulation of SafetyNet. Complete data cleanup is a mandatory step in the procedure, so saving backups becomes a critical step, which is categorically impossible to ignore.
In this article, we will take a look at each step, from submitting an application to the final unlock through the Mi Unlock utility. We will look at the nuances of working with HyperOS and MIUI 14, as the security algorithms in new firmware versions have become significantly tightened.
Preparation of the device and account Mi
The first step is to properly configure the smartphone itself. You need to link the current device to your Xiaomi account. To do this, go to Settings → About the phone and click on the MIUI or HyperOS version several times until you notice that you have become a developer.
Then you'll see an expanded settings menu. Find Advanced Settings → For developers. You'll need to activate the Factory Unlock switch. The system will alert you to the risks and require you to enter a confirmation code from the SMS, as well as a password from your Mi Account.
⚠️ Note: Once this feature is enabled, the device will automatically back up important data, but we recommend manually checking the safety of photos and contacts. SIM-card with active mobile Internet, as the link is via the mobile network.
New registrations are often blocked by security when you try to unlock, giving an error about too short a period of use. If you just created an account, just use it on the device as normal for two weeks.
Required software and drivers
You'll need a Windows computer to do it. While there are methods for Linux and macOS, the official Mi Unlock Tool works best in Windows 10 or 11. You'll need to download the latest version from the official miui.com website.
The critical thing is to install the right drivers. The computer must recognize the smartphone in Fastboot mode. Often it happens that the device is identified as unknown, and to correct the situation requires manual installation of ADB and Fastboot drivers.
- 📥 The official Mi Unlock Tool utility of the latest version.
- 🔌 Qualcomm or Xiaomi drivers USB Driver for Windows.
- 🔋 Original. USB-cable (preferably short and without damage).
- 💻 Stable Internet connection on PC for server verification.
It is recommended to use USB 2.0 ports on the back of the system unit, as they provide a more stable connection when you are running a firmware than the hubs or front ports. If you are using a laptop, make sure it is connected to the power supply network to avoid interruption due to energy saving.
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Use the original cable from the supply kit. Cheap charging cables often do not support data transmission at high speeds, which leads to connection errors during the unlocking process.
Application and waiting
Once the device is linked to the account in the phone settings, you need to start the Security app on your smartphone, go to the bootloader section and click "Add Account and Device." Only after the message about the successful link can you go to the computer.
Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and log in to the same Mi Account. The program will check the status of the device. If done correctly, you will see the Unlock button. However, the first time you press the system will likely tell you that unlocking is impossible and indicate the wait time.
| Account status | Waiting time | Probability of success | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New (< 7 days) | Denial of unlocking | 0% | Excerpt required |
| Standard (> 7 days) | 168 hours (7 days) | 95% | Standard procedure |
| Try again | Up to 30 days. | 80% | Frequent discharges |
| Global Beta | Minimum | Tall. | For testers |
This waiting period is necessary to check the account activity by Xiaomi servers. Resetting your phone settings or reinstalling the application during this period can knock the timer, so it is better to just use the device as normal.
☑️ Ready to unlock
Unlocking process through Fastboot
When the wait period is over, you can start the process. Turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time. Hold them until you see a picture of a hare in a hat-husband repairing an android and the words FASTBOOT on the screen.
Connect your phone to your computer with a cable. In the Mi Unlock Tool, press the "Unlock" button. You'll see a warning that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. You'll start the unlocking process, which can take anywhere from seconds to minutes.
Connecting to Mi cloud..
Verifying account..
Account verified.
Unlocking..
Unlock successfully!At this point, the phone will automatically restart and begin the Wipe Data process. The screen can go out and light up several times. Do not interrupt the process or turn off the cable, even if it seems that the device is frozen. Once completed, the smartphone will turn on as a new one, requiring initial setup.
⚠️ Note: If the process is suspended 99% more 10 Forcing the device to restart by pressing the power button on the 10-15 Often the unlock has already been successful, and the phone simply cannot complete the reboot cycle.
Solving typical mistakes
It rarely goes perfectly smoothly for all users, and one of the most common mistakes is, "Couldn't verify device" or "Current account is different." That means de-synchronizing accounts. Make sure that you have the same Mi Account in your phone settings and in your PC program.
Another common problem is server communication error, which often happens due to a ISP or unstable Internet blockage. Try to distribute the Internet from your phone to your PC or use a VPN, although the official Mi Unlock client is often blocked when using a proxy.
- 🚫 Error 10008: A problem with Xiaomi’s network connection or servers.
- 🚫 Error 20003: Account is not tied to the device in the developer menu.
- 🚫 Mistake 20015: Waiting Time Has Not Passed).
- 🚫 Error 20025: Device not found or drivers not installed.
If the utility can't see the phone, check Windows Device Manager. In the "Xiaomi Devices" or "Android" section, there should be no question marks. QHSUSB_BULK, So the phone's gone into mode. EDL, You just need to reboot it with a combination of buttons back to Fastboot.
What if the timer is off?
Consequences and Installation of Magisk
Once successfully unlocked, you get full access to the parts of the system, but that means encryption is changing, and old backups may not work, and applications that are tied to system integrity, such as Google Pay (now Google Wallet) or high-security banking applications, will also stop working.
To get around these restrictions, users install Magisk, a root-rights tool that hides the fact of unlocking from apps, and to install it, you'll need to download boot.img from firmware, patch it through the Magisk app on your phone, and flash the patched image through Fastboot.
⚠️ Attention: Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP) On devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, like the Xiaomi 13, you need to be very careful. The wrong version of the recovery can lead to the inability to boot the system (Bootloop). TWRP with your version of Android.
The unlocked bootloader also allows you to install global firmware on Chinese versions of devices and vice versa, although this is not recommended for beginners. Remember that every step in modifying the system requires responsibility.
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Unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible action for warranty cases, but reversible for the system. You can always block the bootloader back with the fastboot oem lock command, but it will delete all data again.