Unlocking Xiaomi bootloader via Mi Unlock: A complete guide to error solutions

Why unlocking Xiaomi bootloader is a necessary step for enthusiasts

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a first and must-see step for those looking to go beyond the standard MIUI capabilities. Without it, you can’t install custom recovery (TWRP), flash alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), get root rights or even upgrade your device through fastboot manually. However, the process is far from as simple as it seems: Xiaomi has introduced many restrictions, including account binding, waiting times and checking the device for originality.

In this article, we will discuss the official method of unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, the only method supported by the manufacturer that does not lead to a loss of warranty (if all conditions are met). You will learn how to prepare your smartphone, avoid common errors (such as Couldn't unlock or This device is locked), and what to do if the tool fails to work. 2018–2026 years, including Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 others.

⚠️ Important: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. All data (photos, messages, apps) will be permanently deleted. Backup is a must!

Requirements for unlocking Xiaomi bootloader

Before you start unlocking, make sure your device and Mi Account meet all the conditions. Xiaomi tightened the rules in 2023, so even minor flaws can lead to a lockdown for 7-30 days.

Here is the full list of requirements:

🔓 Related Mi Account: Your device must have an account that has not changed in the last 7 days (for new devices, 30 days) and must be confirmed by email and phone.
🔄 Waiting time: New devices are subject to a 168-hour (7-day) timer from the first account link. For some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the time limit can be extended to 30 days.

📊 What Xiaomi model do you plan to unlock?

Redmi Note 12/13

POCO F4/F5

Xiaomi 13/14 series

Another model

I haven't decided yet.

Preparing the smartphone for unlocking: step-by-step instructions

Incorrect preparation is the main cause of unblocking errors, and follow the instructions carefully to avoid locking for 30 days.

☑️ Xiaomi Preparing for Unblocking

Link Mi Account to your deviceEnable OEM Unlocking in Developer SettingsActivate USB-debuggingConnect the device to the PC and confirm debuggingMake sure there are no restrictions on your account

Done: 0 / 5

Step 1: Linking your Mi Account

Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account and log in. If the account is new, wait for confirmation by email and SMS. Devices younger than 2022 may require binding SIM-cards (the same as when first included).

Step 2: Activate the Developer Mode

Open Settings → About your phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version. After the notification appears, return to the main settings menu - there will be a paragraph For developers.

Step 3: Inclusion OEM-unlocking

In the Developer Menu, find:

OEM Unlocking – switch to the position on.
USB Debugging – Enable and confirm permission when connecting to your PC.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (POCO X5, Redmi 12) option OEM Unlocking can be hidden. If it's not, update it. MIUI before the latest version or use it ADB-team:

adb shell settings put global oem_unlock_enabled 1

Step 4: Checking the status of the loader

Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode. Connect the device to your PC and type in the command line:

fastboot oem device-info

If you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, the bootloader is locked and ready to unlock. If true, it's already unlocked.

Download and install Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Unlock Tool is the official Xiaomi utility, but it needs to be downloaded from the right source, and using third-party versions can result in account locking.

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Always download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock. The versions from the forums (4PDA, XDA) may contain viruses or outdated certificates.

Where do I download?

The official download page is en.miui.com/unlock. Select the version for your OS (Windows only). At the time of writing, the current version is Mi Unlock Tool 6.5.224.24.

Installation and first launch

After downloading:

Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiUnlock).
Launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
Accept the license agreement and log in under the same Mi Account as on your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If you have a Couldn’t sign in error, check it out:

🌐 Internet connection (utility requires access to Xiaomi servers).
🔒 Absence VPN Proxies (they block access).
⏳ Time on PC and smartphone should coincide (synchronize over the Internet).

Problems with starting on Windows 11

On Windows 11, you may need to disable driver signature verification:

Open Options → Update and Security → Recovery.
In the Special Download Options section, click Reboot Now.
Select Troubleshooting and Finding → Additional settings → Download options → Reboot.
After the reboot, press F7 (disable the mandatory driver signature verification).

Unlocking process: from connectivity to success

Now, to the most critical stage, if all the previous steps are done correctly, it will take no more than 5 minutes to unlock, but the slightest mistake can lead to a lockdown of 720 hours (30 days)!

Step 1: Transferring your smartphone to Fastboot mode

Turn off the device. Press Volume down + Power and hold for 10 seconds until the Mi Bunny logo appears in Fastboot mode.

Step 2: Connect to PC and check drivers

Connect your smartphone to your computer with the original cable, and the Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager, if you see Unknown Device instead:

🔧 Install Mi Phone Manager drivers from the official website.
🔄 Reconnect the cable by changing the port USB (better USB 2.0).

Step 3: Start unlocking in Mi Unlock Tool

In the Mi Unlock Tool window:

Press Agree (Agree with Warnings).
Make sure your device is displayed at the bottom (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G).
Press Unlock.

If it went well, you'll see the Unlocked successfully message, and the smartphone will automatically reboot. If not, read the bug section.

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Once successfully unlocked, the bootloader will remain unlocked even after resetting or flashing, but the binding to the Mi Account remains – login will be required to re-block.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct instructions, the Mi Unlock Tool can still produce errors, and below is the table with the most common problems and ways to fix them.

Error code	Reason.	Decision
Couldn’t unlock	It has not been 168/720 hours since the account was linked.	Wait until the time is set, make sure your account hasn't changed.
This device is locked	The device does not support unlocking (Chinese version) or is locked for violating the rules.	Check out the model on Xiaomi's website. Chinese devices require a China ROM.
Current account is different from the account info on the device	The account on the PC and smartphone do not match.	Sign out on both devices, reboot and log in again.
USB device not recognized	Problems with drivers or cable.	Install the drivers manually through Device Manager. Try another cable/port.
Network error	Blocking access to Xiaomi servers (VPN, firewall).	Turn off the VPN/antivirus. Check your Internet connection.

What if the Mi Unlock Tool is 99% locked?

This problem often arises from a conflict with an antivirus (such as Avast or Kaspersky). miflash_unlock.exe Exceptions. It will also help to run the utility in Windows compatibility mode. 8.

This Mi Account is Not bound to this device

This error occurs if:

🔄 Mi Account has been changed after being linked to the device.
⏱️ It has not been 7 days since the first authorization.
📱 The device was reset to factory settings without detachment of the account.

Solution: return your old account or wait until the timer expires, and if your smartphone is reset, you'll have to wait 30 days from the last time you tied it.

The device is not defined in Fastboot

If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the smartphone:

Check that the Android Bootloader Interface drivers are installed (you can download the Mi Flash Tool).
Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
Turn off all others. USB-devices (mouse, keyboard).
Run the command line from the administrator and type:

fastboot devices

If the command returns an empty list, the problem is in the drivers or cable.

What to do after successful unblocking?

Unlocking the bootloader is just the first step, and now you have new opportunities, but also new risks.

🔧 Install TWRP: Custom restoration will allow you to create backups, sew ZIP-file and get root rights. For each model Xiaomi has its own version TWRP (look XDA Developers or 4PDA).
📱 Swipe custom firmware: Popular options are LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS. They are devoid of advertising and bloatware from Xiaomi, but may lose some features (for example, IR-blaster).
🔓 Get root rights: Magisk gives you complete control of the system. Be sure to study the risks (loss) OTA-Updates, SafetyNet issues).
🔄 Back to stock firmware: If something goes wrong, you can always flash the original MIUI via fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: After unlocking the loader:

🛡️ The device becomes more vulnerable to malware (Verified Boot is disabled).
📵 Some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) can block work on unlocked devices.
🔄 OTA-update MIUI They will not work – the firmware will have to be installed manually.

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Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your model on the XDA Developers forum. The firmware from another model can turn a smartphone into a brick.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi bootloader

❓ Can I unlock the bootloader without waiting? 7/30 days?

No, it’s a technical limitation of Xiaomi. Any attempts to bypass (such as resetting time on the device) lead to an increase in the timer to 30 days, the only exception being devices purchased before 2018, for which unlocking without waiting sometimes works.

❓ Unlocking will reset the data? Can we make a backup?

Yes, unlocking completely erases all data from the device, and we recommend using Mi Cloud to back up contacts, notes and photos, and Titanium Backup for applications.

❓ Can I unlock the bootloader on the Chinese version of Xiaomi (China) ROM)?

Technically, but with reservations: Chinese devices (China ROM) require a Chinese Mi Account with a Chinese phone number attached. Some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro China) can block unlocking outside of China. Once unlocked, you can flash Global ROM, but this will void the warranty.

❓ What happens if you interrupt the unlocking process?

If you turn off your smartphone or PC during unlocking, the device can: 🔄 Hang on the Mi logo (solved by flashing through the Mi Flash Tool). ⏳ Get a 30 day lock (if the interruption occurred during the server verification phase) in most cases, it helps to re-start the Mi Unlock Tool, but do not risk it.

❓ How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?

There are two ways: Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power. If the bottom of the screen says Unlocked, the bootloader is unlocked. Turn on the device and type in the terminal: adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate If orange is unlocked, if green is locked.