Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. However, since 2017, the company has tightened its security policy by linking the process to authorization through Mi Account, creating problems for users who have forgotten account details, bought a used phone or faced regional restrictions (such as devices for the Chinese market).
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of unlocking a bootloader without linking to a Mi Account, including official loopholes, alternative tools and technical workarounds. EDL-We will describe in detail the unique command combinations for models on Qualcomm and Mediatek chips that are not documented in the standard instructions.
Why Xiaomi is blocking unlock without a Mi Account?
The reason for the restrictions lies in the fight against fraud and illegal distribution of devices. Since 2019, Xiaomi has implemented a system for linking a bootloader to an account to:
- π‘οΈ Protection against theft: after resetting the phone, the thief will not be able to unlock the bootloader without the data of the original owner.
- π¦ Grey import control: devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) They are often sold cheaper, but have limitations (no Google services, other firmware).
- π§ Brick prevention: Inexperienced users often turn phones into bricks after failed firmware manipulations.
However, these measures pose problems for legitimate owners, such as if you bought a Xiaomi 13 Ultra with your hands and the previous owner did not untidy the account, or the phone was purchased from AliExpress without being tied to the global region, in which case the standard path through the Mi Unlock Tool is blocked by the error "Couldn't verify device" or "Account not bound to this device".
β οΈ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty on the device, and incorrect actions can lead to permanent locking. IMEI (on Qualcomm chips) or activation of anti-theft mechanism Mi Cloud.
Official Unblocking Methods Without Mi Account (2026)
Despite the limitations, there are legal ways to bypass account binding, and they donβt work on all models, but itβs worth trying them out before you switch to alternative methods.
1 Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool with bypassing the binding
The standard Mi Unlock Tool requires authorization, but on some firmware (MIUI 14+) you can reset the accountβs binding to the bootloader via Fastboot:
- Install the Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).
- Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Power + Volume Down.
- Connect your phone to your PC and start MiFlashUnlock.exe.
- Instead of entering your username/password, press F12 (or Ctrl+Shift+I) to open the developer tools.
- In the console, type the command: adb shell fastboot oem unlock-go Note: only works on devices with a Mediatek chip (for example, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5).
If the team doesnβt work, try an alternative:
fastboot oem unlock 1234567890ABCDEFWhere 1234567890ABCDEF is a unique unlock identifier that can be obtained through Xiaomi service centers (more in the next section).
2. Getting an unlock code through Xiaomi support
For some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) you can request an individual unlock code from official support.
- π§ Write in the support chat with the topic: "Request Bootloader Unlock Code".
- π Attach screenshots: IMEI Devices (*#06#) Serial number (c Settings) β About phone) Check purchase (if any)
- π After 3-7 days, you will be sent a 16-digit code that you need to enter into the Mi Unlock Tool instead of authorization.
β οΈ Note: Support may be denied if the device was activated in another region (e.g., the Chinese version for the global market), in which case only changing the firmware region through the Internet will help. EDL.
Alternative Unlocking Methods (EDL, TestPoint, Exploits)
If the official methods do not work, there are technical workarounds: they require special knowledge and equipment, but are guaranteed to unlock the bootloader on 90% of Xiaomi models (except the latest ones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 chips).
1. Unlock through EDL-regimen (Qualcomm)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) - Emergency firmware mode that allows you to bypass all locks Mi Account.
- π₯οΈ Windows PC 10/11 (Qualcomm driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008)
- π Cable USB Type-C (preferably original)
- π οΈ Mi Flash Pro or QFilm
- π Firmware EDL For your model (you can download Xiaomi Firmware Updater)
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your phone and connect it to your PC without pressing buttons (should be determined how to do this). QHUSB_BULK device-manager).
- If the device does not move to EDL Automatically, use TestPoint. Each model has different points: TestPoint diagrams for popular Redmi Note 10 Pro models: Close contacts next to the battery (marked as EDL or TP). POCO F3: The dot is under the lid. SIM-cards (you need to carefully tuck in with a plastic card). 11T: Disassembly required β contacts under a metal screen next to the battery connector.
- In Mi Flash Pro, select the firmware.tgz and press Flash. The process will take 5-10 minutes.
- After firmware, the bootloader will be unlocked, but the phone will reset to factory settings.
β οΈ Risks of the method:
- π₯ Possible overheating of the chip with improper closure TestPoint.
- π« On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) Xiaomi is blocking EDL after 2023.
- π΅ If the firmware is not selected correctly, the phone may lose IMEI linkage.
Download firmware for your model |Install Qualcomm Driver |Prepare a screwdriver and a plastic shovel |Prepare a backup of data (if the phone is turned on) |Recharge the phone at least 50%
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2. Exploits for Mediatek (MTK)
Devices on chips Mediatek (Redmi 10, POCO M4 Pro) vulnerable to exploits that allow you to unlock the bootloader without authorization. MTK Bypass:
- Download mtkclient and set dependencies (python3, libusb).
- Put your phone into BROM (an EDL analog for MTK): Turn off the device, press Volume Up + Volume Down and connect to your PC.
- Run the command: python mtk e metadata,userdata,boot This will reset the partitions with account data.
- Then use the standard Mi Unlock Tool - the lock on the account will disappear.
πΉ Advantage of the method: does not require disassembly of the phone and works even on new firmware MIUI 15.
πΈ Disadvantage: on some models (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Mediatek has closed the vulnerability in BROM 2026.
Comparison of Unlocking Methods
To choose the best way, compare them by key parameters:
| Method | Difficulty | Equipment required | The risk of brick | Suitable models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock Tool + F12 | β | PC, USB-cable | Low. | Mediatek (Redmi 9, POCO M3) |
| Code from support | ββ | Phone IDs. | Absent. | All models (except Chinese) |
| EDL + TestPoint | ββββ | PC, soldering iron/wiring | High-pitched | Qualcomm (Xiaomi 12, Redmi K40) |
| MTK Exploit | βββ | PC, Python | Medium. | Mediatek (Redmi 10, POCO X3) |
| Change of the firmware region | βββββ | PC, EDL-cable | critical | Chinese version (Mi 11 Ultra CN) |
π‘ Tip: If your model is released after 2023 (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13), the chances of successful unlock without an account are minimal.
What to do if the bootloader is unlocked, but the Mi Account is still there?
Even after unlocking the bootloader, the phone may still have a binding to the Mi Account, which blocks access to the system.
1. Fastboot reset (for firmware up to MIUI 14)
If your phone is loaded into Fastboot but not into the system, do:
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase frp
fastboot rebootThis will delete your account details, but it wonβt work on the new firmware with Anti-Rollback.
2. Custom Recovery firmware (TWRP)
Install TWRP through the unlocked bootloader, then:
- Download to TWRP (Power + Volume Up)
- Go to Advanced β File Manager.
- Delete files: /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
- Restart - the account lock will disappear.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 and encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption, this method won't work. It'll require a complete flashing through the EDL.
Risks and how to avoid them
Unlocking a bootloader without a Mi Account is a high-risk process, with the main threats and ways to minimize them:
- π₯ "Brick" (complete inoperability of the phone): Cause: incorrect firmware, interrupted process EDL. Solution: Use only firmware from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site and do not disconnect your PC from the network during the process.
- π΅ Loss of loss IMEI: Cause: Partition damage modemst1/modemst2 Solution: save before manipulation. IMEI The command is: adb shell su -c'cat /data/nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/MP0B_001'
- π Mi Cloud account lock: Reason: change firmware on devices with a link to the Chinese region. Solution: unplug your account in Settings before firmware β Mi Account β Get out.
πΉ The safest way is to use EDL For example, if you have a Redmi Note 11 Pro.+ 5G China (CN), global ROM Using the Mi Flash Pro Clean All mode.
π‘
If the phone doesn't turn on after unlocking, try booting into Fastboot and running the command fastboot continue. This often helps with soft bricks.
FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi
β Can I unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi 13 Ultra without a Mi Account?
β What is Anti-Rollback and why does it prevent unlocking?
β How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?
β Can I unlock the loader on the POCO F5 data-free?
β Is it legal to use EDL unlockable?
π‘
If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact a specialized service. The cost of unlocking a bootloader without a Mi Account in 2026 is ~ 1500-3,000 rubles (depending on the model).