The process of unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones in 2022 has undergone a number of significant changes dictated by the new security policies of the company. whereas earlier this process took several days and was available to almost anyone, now the Mi Account system requires stricter compliance with the rules and time limits.
However, gaining superuser rights and accessing the system partition remain popular tasks for enthusiasts who want to install custom firmware or gain full control of the device. In this article, we will detail the current methods, necessary tools and pitfalls that can arise when working with Bootloader in the current environment.
It is important to understand that any manipulation of system partitions carries risks. Violation of the integrity of the bootloader automatically voids the warranty on the device in most service centers. Before proceeding with the actions described below, weigh the pros and cons, as it can be more difficult than it seems at first glance to return everything to its original state.
Preparation of the device and the Mi Account
The first and most critical step is to properly link your account to your device. Without this step, the Mi Unlock Tool will simply prevent you from unlocking. You need to use the SIM card and the account that will be used for authorization in the future, and any data mismatch will lead to an error during the status check phase.
Go to your smartphone settings and find About Phone, where you have to quickly click on the MIUI build number several times to activate the developer menu, then go to the advanced settings and find the Developer section, and that's where the key switches you need to get going are hidden.
⚠️ Note: When you include the item "Factory unlocking" the system will warn about the risks and require confirmation through the SMS or a password. SIM-card inserted into the phone, there is a balance or the ability to receive incoming, otherwise the activation may not pass.
The developer menu also requires you to activate USB debugging, which will allow the computer to exchange commands with the phone in ADB mode. Without this setting, the computer will not be able to correctly identify the device in bootloader mode. Once you turn on all the toggles, be sure to restart the smartphone so that the changes take effect.
☑️ Checklist of account preparation
Required software and drivers
To successfully unlock, you will need specialized software, which is officially provided by Xiaomi.The program is called Mi Unlock Tool.It is extremely important to download the latest version of the utility from the official website, as older versions may not support new server verification protocols or phone models released in 2022.
Beyond the utility itself, it’s critical to install the right drivers. Windows often automatically installs standard ADB drivers that aren’t suitable for Fastboot mode. You need to install the full Xiaomi USB Drivers package. If the drivers are installed incorrectly, you’ll see an unknown device or device with an exclamation mark in the Device Manager.
Using virtual machines or Android emulators is not recommended. Direct connection to the physical port USB 2.0 or 3.0 on the computer motherboard provides the most stable connection. USB-hubs or extension cords can lead to a communication break at a critical moment of firmware, which is fraught with loading problems.
Where to download the official drivers?
Unblocking application process
Once all settings on the phone are activated, you need to link the device to your account. In the Mi Unlock Status menu (which is the same as the unlock switch), click Add Account and Device. The system will require you to enter your Mi Account password.
The successful completion of this operation is confirmed by the message “Added successfully” from which the waiting time begins. in 2022, the standard waiting time is 168 hours (7 days), but in some cases, especially for new accounts or regions with enhanced security measures, this period may be extended.
| Parameter | Value/Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Account age | 30 to 60 days. | Depends on the region of registration |
| Standby time | 168 hours (7 days) | Counted from the time of binding |
| Number of attempts | One in 30 days | One device. |
| Type of connection | Wi-Fi or Mobile Internet | Required for status verification |
It is important to stay on your phone while you are waiting, and if you reset your settings or delete your account before the deadline, the timer will reset and you will have to start again. SIM-cards in a slot that was used to tie.
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
When the wait period has expired, you can immediately unlock. Turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the power and volume buttons at the same time to go to Fastboot mode. The image of a hare repairing an android will appear on the screen, or the word Fastboot will appear.
Connect your phone to your computer through USB-Run the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator. Log in to the same Mi Account that was attached to the phone. The program will automatically check the status of the device and the waiting timer.
If the timer expires, the Unlock button will become active. Press it. A warning will appear that all data on the device will be destroyed. Confirm the action. The process will take a few seconds, after which the phone will restart, and the bootloader will be unlocked. This will be indicated by the words "Unlocked" when the phone is turned on.
⚠️ Warning: When you press Unlock, the phone may reboot or freeze several times on the logo. Do not panic or turn off the cable until the program reports the operation is over or gives a specific error.
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Successful unlocking is always accompanied by a complete reset (Wipe Data).
Typical errors and methods of their solution
The process doesn't always go smoothly, especially given the constant updates to the verification servers, and one of the most common mistakes is "Couldn't verify device" or "Account and device mismatch," which means that the account you signed in to on your PC doesn't match the account you're linked to on your phone, or that there hasn't been enough time since you linked.
Another common problem is network error or connection timeout. Xiaomi servers can be overloaded. In this case, try using mobile Internet on your computer (distribution from your phone) or change the phone. DNS-servers on 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. VPN, Although the official tool sometimes blocks the work through a proxy.
If the program sees the phone but doesn’t start the process, check the Android and MIUI version. Some beta versions of firmware require a pre-rollback to a stable version or, conversely, do not allow you to unlock without switching to a global version of the software. In 2022, IMEI blocking cases for devices purchased in China and re-imployed to the global version without official unlocking also increased.
- 🔌 Driver problem: Go to Device Manager, find the device with the yellow sign, right-click the “Update driver” button and point the way to the folder with Xiaomi drivers.
- 🔌 Error 10008: Often occurs with a bad connection. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) and the original cable.
- 🔌 Timer doesn't go: Make sure that the "Mi Unlock Status" displays the exact time before unlocking. If it's empty, re-tether the device.
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If Mi Unlock is stuck in the Unlocking phase, try running it in Windows 7 or 8 compatibility mode, and temporarily disable the antivirus and firewall.
Consequences of Unblocking and Safety
The unlocked bootloader changes the security status of the device, and some secure features, such as Google Pay (now GPay) and banking applications that verify system integrity through SafetyNet or the new Play Integrity API, are shut down. To get around these restrictions, users have to install Magisk and root-rights-hiding modules, which is a complicated procedure in its own right.
In addition, data in encrypted storage becomes vulnerable if the device falls into the wrong hands before the password is set. With an unlocked bootloader, an attacker could theoretically access the file system by connecting the phone to a PC, although modern versions of Android with default encryption make this task much more difficult.
And there's also the Find My Device feature, which is that once you unlock it and you turn it on, you'll need to enter the password from the Mi Account that you previously linked to, which is anti-theft protection, and if you forget your password, the phone will turn into a brick, and you can only restore it through the service center with receipts.