The process of obtaining superuser rights and modifying firmware on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones invariably begins with unlocking the bootloader. In 2023, the company significantly tightened the requirements for this procedure, implementing a mandatory wait of 168 hours (7 days) and increasing the binding of the account to a specific device.
Despite the complications, the ability to access Bootloader remains critical for enthusiasts who want to install custom recavators, obtain root rights or change the firmware region. It is important to understand that current security algorithms MIUI and the nascent HyperOS track any attempts at unauthorized interference. In this article, we will analyze the current algorithm of actions that work in the current realities, and warn about typical errors leading to locking the device.
Before we take action, we need to understand the consequences: unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi devices in 2023 automatically results in a complete data reset. This is not just formatting the user partition, but deep cleaning, affecting internal storage. Once the bootloader is unlocked, security features such as Xiaomi Pay and some banking applications can stop working correctly even after obtaining root rights.
Preparation of the device and account Mi
The first step is to properly set up your Mi Account. Unlike in previous years, you now need the SIM card inserted into your smartphone to match your account region and be active in your device for at least 30 days, a new restriction designed to combat massive resetting of statistics to unlock, you need to log into your phone's settings, go to the Mi Account section and make sure that the device status is displayed as "Connected."
Then you activate the developer mode. You need to repeatedly click on the build number in the About Phone menu. Once you get the "You're a developer" notification, you go to the advanced settings. Here, it's important to include two key parameters: Factory unlock and USB debugging. When you turn on the first item, the system will alert you to the risks and the need to wait, which is a regular behavior that can not be ignored.
⚠️ Note: In 2023, when you turn on "Factory Unlocking", the system can request confirmation through the SMS or code from the Mi Community app, make sure that the phone number associated with the account is available to receive messages.
Don’t forget to check the MIUI version. Often users try to unlock the bootloader on beta or global firmware with locked regions. A stable version of the software corresponding to the region of sale of the device reduces the likelihood of errors when linking to the unlock server. It is also recommended to disable the search for the device in the cloud, although if fully unlocked, the data will still be deleted.
Required software and drivers
To successfully perform the procedure on a Windows computer, you will need specialized tools. The main tool remains the Mi Unlock Tool. 6.5, older versions may not recognize new handshake protocols implemented in the 2023 The program should be downloaded exclusively from the official website. miui.com/unlock, to avoid embedded malicious codes.
The critical element is to install the right drivers. The computer must correctly determine the smartphone in Fastboot mode and ADB. Often problems arise because of driver conflict or lack of drivers. Xiaomi universal installer is recommended ADB/Fastboot Tools or manually install drivers through Device Manager by selecting your CPU model (Snapdragon or MediaTek).
☑️ PC preparation checklist
Pay special attention USB-Cheap "charging-only" cables are not suitable for data transfer in Fastboot mode. Use the original cable from the kit or a certified analogue with support for high-speed data transfer. Connect the device better directly to the motherboard (rear PC ports), avoiding the use of the original cable from the kit. USB-hubs and front panels of the case, where voltage may not be enough.
Application process and waiting
After preparation (software and hardware) the application stage begins. In the "Factory unlock" menu on your smartphone, click "Add account and device". The system will contact the Xiaomi server and link the current IMEI and serial number to your Mi Account. This is the moment the waiting timer starts. In 2023, the standard waiting time is 168 hours (7 days), however, for new accounts or devices with suspicious activity, the period can be extended to 30 days.
During the waiting period, it is forbidden to log out of the account on the device, reset settings or change SIM-Any of these actions will reset the timer, and you'll have to start the process again, and you can check the standby status from the same menu on your phone or from the Mi Community app in your profile section. Some users note that active use of the smartphone and Mi services during this period can positively affect the "trust" of the account.
What if the timer is off?
After this time, the status in the application will change to "Unlocked", only after that you can proceed to directly hack the bootloader. Trying to unlock the device before the timer expires will lead to an error with the code indicating the need to wait. Bypassing the timer through third-party paid services in 2023 became extremely risky due to server verification updates.
Instructions for unlocking through Mi Unlock
When the wait period has expired, turn your smartphone into Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off the device and press the power and volume buttons at the same time. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android, or the inscription Fastboot. Connect the phone to the computer running the Mi Unlock Tool utility. The program should identify the device and show its status.
Press Unlock, a warning will appear that all data will be deleted, confirm the action, the unlock process will begin, which can take from 10 seconds to several minutes, during which time the progress bar will be displayed on the phone screen. It is strictly forbidden to turn off the cable or interrupt the process, as this can lead to a “hard brick” state.
fastboot oem unlockIn some cases, especially on global firmware versions, the standard button may not work immediately, so you can use the console command via ADB/Fastboot. Once connected in Fastboot mode, follow the command above. However, in 2023, server verification often requires the use of the Mi Unlock graphical interface to pass authorization.
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If it's stuck at 50 or 99 percent, don't panic. It's often a server delay. Wait up to 10 minutes. If you're not making progress, reboot your phone (it'll go into reboot after a timeout) and try to unlock again without leaving your account.
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
The unlocking process rarely goes perfectly smoothly for all users. The most common problem in 2023 is the "Couldn't verify device" error or code 10008. It means that the server can't match the device to the account. Solution: make sure the phone has the same inserted. SIM-the card to which the account is registered and that the option "Factory Unblocking" is included in the developer settings".
Another common error is, "Account isn't bound to this device." This means that the binding has not passed or the binding token has expired. You need to re-press Add Account and Device in the phone menu and wait for a successful message. Also, the problem can be in an unstable Internet connection; try using a VPN with a region other than yours, or mobile Internet instead of Wi-Fi.
| Error code | Description of the problem | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| 10008 | Server is busy or network error | Change IP, use VPN, repeat in 24 hours |
| 20011 | Wrong account or password | Get out and re-enter, check the keyboard layout |
| 40005 | The device is not tethered. | Re-attach the device to the developer menu |
| 50202 | Exceeded the limit of unlocking | Waiting for the end of the calendar month or changing your account |
If the utility produces an error related to the software version, your version of Mi Unlock may be outdated. Check the updates. It is also worth trying to run the program on behalf of the administrator and in Windows 8 or 7 compatibility mode if you are using Windows 10/11. Sometimes antivirus software can block the utility's connection to the server.
First steps after unlocking
Successful unlocking will result in automatic device reset and complete data reset, the phone will turn on as new, requiring initial setup, and at this stage the bootloader is already open, as evidenced by the inscription. UNLOCKED It's orange when you turn it on (if you don't turn off the Fastboot checker). Now you can install custom Recovery, like, for example, TWRP Or OrangeFox.
To install TWRP, download the recap image corresponding to the code name of your device and connect the phone in Fastboot mode. Follow the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img. Immediately after the firmware is installed, it is important not to boot the system in normal mode, but to pinch the power and volume buttons up to get into the installed Recovery. If you load the system properly, the stock recaveri can overwrite the custom.
⚠️ Attention: Open bootloader reduces device security; malware can access low-level parts of the system; do not install applications from unverified sources; and avoid introductory data on modified firmware.
Once a superuser has been installed (usually through Magisk), many users are confronted with broken banking applications, requiring the use of MagiskHide or Zygisk modules in 2023 to circumvent this restriction, and concealing the very fact that root rights exist. The process of setting up security after unlocking requires special attention and constant updating of detection bypass methods.
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Unlocking the bootloader is a point of no return for warranty service in many service centers, save the stock firmware and know how to return the device to its original state before contacting the service.