Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi: the complete guide with 4PDA-methodologies

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must-do step for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. Despite the official Mi Unlock Tool, the process is often accompanied by errors, especially on newer models Redmi, POCO and Mi. On the 4PDA forum, users share alternative methods that bypass the manufacturer's restrictions.

Many people have a problem of “Unlocked” or “Wait 720 hours” because of Xiaomi’s policy, which makes it difficult for inexperienced users. In this article, we will discuss the official method through Mi Account, as well as the informal workarounds tested by the 4PDA community. It is important to understand that unlocking will void warranty and can lead to a device blink if you do the wrong thing.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives

The manufacturer blocks the bootloader on all devices to protect against unauthorized access.

• 🔓 Installation of pirate firmware and modified cores
• 🛡️ Hacking the system through vulnerabilities in custom recovery (TWRP)
• 📱 Illegal reconstruction IMEI or serial numbers
• 🔄 Reverse to old versions MIUI vulnerable

However, for experienced users, the unlocked bootloader opens up opportunities:

• ⚡ Installation TWRP OrangeFox Recovery for Backups and Recovery
• 🤖 Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU
• 📲 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS)
• 🔧 Optimizing Performance Through Cores (FrancoKernel, ElementalX)

Since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened its policy: it now requires a connection of the Mi Account account to the device for 7+ days (sometimes up to 30 days), and on Redmi Note 12 and later, there is also a firmware region check – if the device is bought for China (CN ROM), unlocking through a global account may not work.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Use the Mi Cloud or local backup before starting the procedure.

The official method: Mi Unlock Tool

The safest method is to use the official Mi Unlock Tool, which works on most models, but has limitations:

1. The device must be tied to the Mi Account for at least 7 days (up to 30 days on new models).
2. The original must be used. USB-cable (not all cables support Fastboot mode).
3. The latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool must be installed on the PC (you can download from the official website).
4. In the developer settings, OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging must be enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔗 OEM Unlocking (unlocking) OEM) 🔌 USB Debugging (debugging by USB)

Mi Account

Settings → Xiaomi account

Loudness down + Nutrition

Fastboot

Mi Unlock Tool

Unlock

Link Mi Account to your device|Turn it on. OEM Unlocking|Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC|Prepare original USB-cable|Make a data backup-->

If the error "Couldn't unlock" or "Wait 168/720 hours" appears, then the device has not passed the waiting period, in which case only time or alternative methods will help (see the next section).

Alternative Unlocking Methods (4PDA)

If the official method doesn’t work, 4PDA users offer several workarounds, which can be risky and require experience with ADB and Fastboot.

Method 1: Bypassing waiting through EDL

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash the device bypassing the bootloader.

• 🖥️ PCs with Qualcomm drivers installed (for Snapdragon processors)
• 📂 Firmware for your model in.mbn or.elf format
• 🔧 Tools: Mi Flash Tool, QFil or EDL Authorizer

Instructions:

1. Transfer the device to EDL: For Snapdragon: Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power with the cable connected. For Mediatek: use the command adb reboot edl (root rights required).

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

After firmware, the bootloader will be unlocked, but the device may require re-associating the account.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL may result in loss IMEI Serial number on some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3). Before the procedure, save NV data via QFil.

Method 2: Use old versions of Mi Unlock

The 4PDA forum often posts modified versions of the Mi Unlock Tool that bypass latency checks, such as 5.5.224.24 for the Redmi Note 10 and POCO F3 models.

Algorithm:

1. Download the archive with an old version of the tool (e.g., from here).
2. Turn off the Internet on your PC so that the tool does not update.
3. Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and press Unlock.

Bypasses for new models:

1. If the device is on CN ROM, run the global firmware through Fastboot (e.g. fastboot flash boot.img).
2. Use EDL with Firehose authorization (available on 4PDA in specific model themes).
3. HyperOS may need to roll back to MIUI 14 before unlocking.

Example of the global firmware command on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+:

fastboot flash boot boot_global.img


fastboot flash dtbo dtbo_global.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: On HyperOS models, unlocking can lead to loss of Widevine features L1 (no HD Netflix, Disney.+). It's about policy change. DRM post-loader modification.

What to do after successful unblocking

After unlocking the bootloader, you can:

• 📱 Install TWRP Recovery with fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
• 🔑 Get root rights with Magisk (install) Magisk.zip through TWRP).
• 📲 Switch custom firmware (LineageOS, ArrowOS).
• 🔧 Optimize the kernel or change the processor frequencies.

However, there are limitations:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty, return the stock firmware before contacting the service).
• 🔒 Unable to use Mi Pay and some banking applications (requires root hiding via Magisk Hide).
• 📵 Risk of loss IMEI Incorrect firmware (especially on Mediatek).

To return the device to its original state:

1. Download the stock firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Sweat it through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
3. Lock the bootloader with the command fastboot oem lock (optional, but recommended for security).

💡

After unlocking the bootloader, always make the backup of the persist partition (IMEI, MAC-This will save the device from critical firmware errors.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common ones:

If the device has turned into a “brick” (does not turn on, does not respond to buttons), try:

1. Connect to your PC and check if Fastboot (fastboot devices) is defined.
2. If not, transfer to EDL (for Snapdragon, close the test points on the board).
3. Sweat through the Mi Flash Tool with Clean All and Lock tick.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions