Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must-do step to install custom firmware, gain root rights, or restore the device after software failures. Although the company has made it easier to do this through the official Mi Unlock Tool app, many users face errors, time constraints, or the need to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to bypass locks. This article will detail how to unlock the bootloader through ADB when it is relevant, and what pitfalls may occur.
It’s important to understand that unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings, deletes all data, and can void the warranty. In addition, Xiaomi has introduced additional security measures, such as binding a Mi Account account and waiting (7 to 360 hours) before unlocking. In some cases – for example, when buying a used phone without access to the original account – ADB becomes the only way to circumvent these restrictions.
Why unlock a Xiaomi bootloader through ADB?
The official Mi Unlock Tool doesn't always work, but here are the situations where ADB can be the solution:
- 🔓 Mi Unlock Tool (Couldn't unlock or Device not connected).
- ⏳ The unlock waiting period (for example, 168 hours) has expired, but the tool still refuses to work.
- 📱 Phone bought with hands and previous owner didn't untie Mi Account blocking unlock.
- 🛠️ You need to flash the device immediately after a “brick” (software failure) when standard methods do not work.
- 🔄 Regional restrictions (e.g., to firmware a global version of the Chinese model) must be circumvented).
However, ADB-It's not universal. It only works on unlocked devices. OEM Unlock is in the developer’s settings and requires pre-preparedness.In addition, Xiaomi regularly closes loopholes, so some teams may stop working after firmware updates.
Preparation of the device: steps before unlocking
Before you start unlocking through ADB, you must follow a number of mandatory steps, and skipping any of them can lead to errors or irreversible damage to the device.
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap it 7 times until a notification appears You became a developer.
- Allow USB debugging: in Settings → Additional → For developers, enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking (the latter may not be available on some models).
- Link your Mi Account: to Settings → Xiaomi account log in and make sure the device is linked to your account (this is mandatory for official unlocking).
- Install ADB drivers: Download Android SDK Platform-Tools and unpack the archive to the root of the C:\ drive (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
- Check the connection: connect the phone to the PC, type in the command line adb devices and make sure the device appears in the list.
If the OEM Unlock option is not in the settings, it may mean that:
- 📱 The device is new and the option will appear 7 days after the first link of the Mi Account.
- 🔒 The phone is blocked by the operator (e.g. models for China Telecom or India-specific).
- 🔄 The firmware is modified (for example, a custom or "service" version is installed).
Developer mode activated | USB |Debugging enabled Device recognized in ADB|Mi Account tied and confirmed |Important data backup made-->
The official unlock method is Mi Unlock Tool + ADB
Even with ADB, pre-unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is often required, and this hybrid method helps bypass connection errors or process freezes.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it.
- Launch the tool on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot: adb reboot bootloader After restart, check the connection: fastboot devices
- If the tool is running an error (e.g., Couldn't unlock 50%), close it and execute it in the command line: fastboot oem unlock Then re-run the Mi Unlock Tool - the process should continue.
This method works on most Xiaomi devices released after 2019.However, the POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and later models may require additional confirmation via SMS or wait up to 360 hours (15 days).
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If the Mi Unlock Tool shows 99% and freezes, try turning off the Internet on your PC before you launch the tool.
Alternative method: Unlocking through ADB without Mi Unlock Tool
If the official tool doesn’t work, you can try unlocking the bootloader directly through ADB. This method is suitable for devices with firmware based on Android 10 and older, but requires caution – the wrong commands can lead to hard brick (irreparable damage).
Note: This method may not work on newer models (Redmi Note 13, POCO X6 and later) due to Xiaomi’s enhanced protection.
- 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%.
- 📡 Data backup (all data will be deleted!).
- 🔌 Used by the original USB-cable (cheap cables can interrupt the connection).
Instructions:
- Transfer your phone to Fastboot: Adb Reboot Bootloader
- Check Connection: Fastboot devices If the device doesn’t show up, install the drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).
- Run the unlock command: fastboot flashing unlock Some devices may require an alternative command: fastboot oem unlock-go
- Confirm unlocking on the phone screen (if you receive a request).
On models with a Qualcomm processor (for example, POCO X3 Pro, Redmi K40) After unlocking, you may need to firmware modified vbmeta, otherwise the device will not boot. XDA Developers or 4PDA.
What to do if the team is not working?
Solving common errors when unlocking
The unlocking process rarely goes smoothly, and below is a table of common errors and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock 50% | Xiaomi servers block unlocking due to frequent requests from one account. | Wait 24 hours and try again. Use another Mi or VPN account (e.g. Hong Kong). |
| Device not connected | Problems with drivers or cable. | Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface). USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). |
| Mi account not bound | The Mi Account is not linked to the device or confirmed. | Log in to your phone account, go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Devices and check the binding. If the device doesn’t show up, reset to factory settings and re-assign the account. |
| Flashing is not allowed | The bootloader is locked at the hardware level (for example, on models for China). | Use the Mi Unlock Tool with a wait of 7-15 days. The alternative is firmware via EDL (requires an authorized Xiaomi account). |
| Invalid token | The authorization token has expired in the Mi Unlock Tool. | Close the tool, delete the folder C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Xiaomi\MiPhone and run the Mi Unlock Tool again. |
If none of the methods worked, check if your model is a “special” series (e.g. Redmi K30 Pro Zoom or Mi 10 Ultra) for which Xiaomi has imposed additional restrictions, in which case you may need to contact a service center or use paid unlock services (e.g., through DC-Unlocker).
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On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO C31), unlocking through ADB is often impossible – a special EDL cable and an authorized service center account are required.
What to do after successful unblocking?
Once the bootloader is unlocked, the device will be reset to factory settings, depending on your goal:
- 📲 Install custom firmware: download the appropriate firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience) and flash it through fastboot or TWRP. Popular resources: XDA Developers, 4PDA.
- 🔧 Getting root rights: install Magisk through patched boot.img. Instructions are available on the official website of Magisk.
- 🔄 Recovery after a blink: Sweeve the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All mode).
- 🌍 Change the firmware region: If you unlock a Chinese model (e.g. Mi 11 China), you can flash the global version to remove Chinese services.
Important: After unlocking the loader:
- 🔒 Data encryption is shut down (FBE), This can cause problems with some apps (e.g. Google Pay will stop working).
- 🛡️ The device becomes more vulnerable to malware (as you can flash any firmware).
- 📱 Certain functions MIUI (Game Turbo or Second Space may not work properly.
If you plan to use your phone for everyday tasks, it is recommended to:
- Swipe stable custom firmware (for example, ArrowOS or HavocOS).
- Install Magisk to manage root rights and hide unlock status from applications (e.g. banking).
- Regularly check firmware updates – unlocked devices do not receive OTA-update.
Risks and how to minimize them
Unlocking a bootloader is always a trade-off between freedom and security, and here are the key risks and ways to mitigate them:
⚠️ Note: Devices with unlocked bootloader do not work services Google Pay, Netflix HD And some banking apps (due to the lack of SafetyNet). To get around this, install Magisk and the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.
- 💀 "Brick" devices: improper firmware can turn your phone into a "brick." To avoid this: Use only firmware designed for your model (check the device code, for example, raphael for Redmi). K20 Do not interrupt the firmware process (even if it is 99% frozen - wait 10-15 minutes). ROM repair.
- 🕵️ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi officially declares that unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty, but some service centers may turn a blind eye if the problem is not related to the software part (for example, a broken screen).
- 🔓 Security vulnerabilities: unlocked bootloader allows uncertified code to run. To mitigate risks: Do not install firmware from unknown sources. Use Magisk instead of the outdated SuperSU. Regularly check your device for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes).
If you are unsure of your skills, consider alternatives:
- 🔄 Use unlocked firmware versions from Xiaomi.eu (they do not require unlocking the bootloader, but have limitations).
- 🛠️ Contact the service center for a paid unlock (cost - from 1000 to 3000 rubles depending on the model).
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On devices with Dynamic Partition (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 NFC) after unlocking the bootloader, you may need to manually change the partition markup via fastboot.