Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. The procedure requires a PC connection, since the Mi Unlock mobile app only allows unlocking for a limited number of models. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock through your computer, including the official method with a reference to your Mi Account account and alternative solutions for devices that are not supported by the standard tool.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi has tightened security policies, and since 2023, many models (especially on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 chipsets) require additional steps, such as waiting 7-15 days after the account is tied. We have taken these changes into account and adapted the instructions to the latest versions of MIUI 14/15. If you own a Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or a newer model, pay special attention to the section on circumvention of restrictions.
Why you need to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi
The bootloader locking is a measure of protection against unauthorized firmware changes, but it limits the user in the following scenarios:
- 🔧 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS, etc.) for advanced customization or update of outdated devices.
- 🛠️ Brick recovery – if the smartphone stopped booting after a failed update or reset.
- 📱 Getting root rights through Magisk for deep customization (for example, removing embedded applications) MIUI).
- 🔄 Downgraid firmware - a return to a more stable version MIUI, if the new one works with bugs.
Without an unlocked bootloader, even official Xiaomi tools like the Mi Flash Tool won’t be able to flash the device in EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which is critical for models with corrupted firmware that don’t load into Fastboot.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps.It can also lead to a loss of warranty if the device was purchased less than 12 months ago.Be sure to back up through Settings before the procedure. → Additionally. → Backup.
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
The most reliable and recommended way Xiaomi is to use the utility Mi Unlock Tool, but it does not work for all models and requires several conditions:
- 📱 The device must be linked to a Mi Account (with a confirmed phone number).
- 🔗 On the smartphone included debugging on USB and allowed to unlock OEM developer-setting.
- ⏳ From the moment of the account binding, it should take from 7 to 15 days (depending on the model).
- 💻 Used by the original USB-cable (not all third-party cables support data transfer to Fastboot).
If the conditions are met, follow the step-by-step instructions:
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock (the version must match your model).
- Install drivers for Xiaomi via Mi PC Suite or manually (instructions below).
- Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
- Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode: 1. Turn off the device. 2. Press the power button + volume down for 10 seconds. 3. Connect to the PC - a hare in a hat-eared hat (Fastboot logo) will appear on the screen.
- Click Unlock in the program and wait until it is completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes).
Enable USB debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 Taps → Developer Settings)
Allow OEM Unlocking (Developer Settings → OEM Unlock)
Link your Mi Account to your device (Settings → Mi Account → Sync)
Wait 7-15 days after binding (checked in Mi Unlock Tool)
Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (at least 5.5.224.30 for new models)-->
If the utility gives an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device", check:
- 🔌 Connection to USB 2.0 (certain ports) USB 3.0 is incompatible with Fastboot).
- 📋 Coincidence of accounts on PC and phone (go out and re-enter if in doubt).
- ⏱️ Is there enough time since the binding (checked in the Mi Unlock Tool in the Status section).
List of Xiaomi models with unlock features
Not all Xiaomi devices unlock the same way, and here is a table of current data on popular models (based on MIUI 14/15):
| Model | Support for Mi Unlock | Waiting time | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+/13 Pro+ | Yes. | 15 days | Requires anti-rollback protection (you can not roll back firmware below the factory) |
| Xiaomi 13/13 Ultra | Yes (since 2023) | 7 days | Blocking when using non-original cable |
| POCO F5/F5 Pro | Yes. | 7 days | Supports no-wait unlock on older versions of MIUI (below 14.0.3) |
| Redmi 10/10A | Yes. | 0 days | You can unlock immediately after linking the account |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | No. | — | Requires alternative methods (section below) |
For models on the MediaTek chipset (for example, Redmi 12C, POCO M6 Pro), official unlocking is often impossible - you need to use tools like MTK Bypass or SP Flash Tool. If your model is not in the table, check its status on the XDA Developers forum.
Redmi Note 12/13 Series
Xiaomi 13/14 Series
POCO F/X series
Redmi 10/9 Series Series
Another model-->
Alternative Unlocking Methods (if Mi Unlock is not working)
If the official tool refuses to unlock the bootloader, there are several workarounds that are suitable for:
- 📵 Devices with damaged partition EFS (not determined IMEI).
- 🔒 Models that are not supported by Mi Unlock (e.g. Xiaomi Pad 6).
- ⏳ Users who don’t want to wait 7-15 days.
The most viable alternatives are:
1. Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
The method works for most devices on Qualcomm, but requires:
- 🔌 Authorized account EDL (You can buy it on specialized forums).
- 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFil.
- 📄 Firmware file in.mbn format for your model.
Process:
- Transfer the phone to EDL (Testpoint closure or adb reboot edl command).
- Connect to a PC – the device will be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- In Mi Flash Pro, select a firmware file and press Flash.
Risks of the EDL method
2.Use of community utilities (Fastboot Scripts)
For a number of models, enthusiasts have created scripts that bypass the limitations of Mi Unlock.
- XiaomiTool V2 – Automates unlocking for many devices.
- UnlockTool works with Redmi Note 10/11 and POCO X3.
Example of commands to unlock via Fastboot:
fastboot oem unlock-go
fastboot flashing unlock⚠️ Note: Scripts from third-party developers may contain malicious code. Before using, check files on VirusTotal and read reviews on the site. XDA or 4PDA.
Installation of drivers for unlocking (instructions for Windows)
Without properly installed drivers, the PC won’t recognize the phone in Fastboot or EDL modes.
- Download the drivers: 🔗 Official: Mi PC Suite (installs drivers automatically). 🔧 Manual: Android SDK Platform-Tools (for the purposes of ADB/Fastboot).
Turn off driver signature verification
1. Press Win + X → Device Manager.
2.Look for a device with an exclamation point (usually "Android" or "Other devices").
3. Update the driver manually by specifying the folder with the downloaded drivers.Check the connection:
Open the command line and enter:
fastboot devicesIf the device is displayed, the drivers are installed correctly.
For EDL-The mode may require an additional Qualcomm driver.It can be found in the QDLoader archive. HS-USB Driver (search on) 4PDA or XDA).
💡
If Windows doesn’t see a device in Fastboot, try connecting it to another device. USB-port (preferably on the back of the system unit) or use an externally powered hub.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock, 86006 | It has not been 7-15 days since the account was linked. | Wait until the deadline is set or use alternative methods. |
| Device not found | Drivers are not installed or the cable does not support data transmission. | Reinstall the drivers, try another cable/port. |
| Mi account not bound | The Mi Account is not tied to the device. | Go to the account settings on your phone and synchronize the data. |
| Anti-rollback check fail | Trying to sew an older version of MIUI. | Update to the last official firmware before unlocking. |
If the error is not listed in the table, check the Mi Unlock Tool logs (they are saved in the folder C:\Users\Your name\AppData\Local\Xiaomi\MiPhone\Logs). Often the logs indicate a specific error code that can be Googled.
💡
The 86006 error is the most common cause of failure, which means that Xiaomi has not yet allowed unlocking for your account, and the only solution is to wait or use informal methods (with the risk of blocking the account).
What to do after successful unblocking
Once you unlock the bootloader, you will have access to new features, but you will also face some limitations:
- ✅ You can install custom firmware through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.
- ✅ Available root (via Magisk or SuperSU).
- ⚠️ Air updates are disabled (OTA) — You will have to update manually.
- ⚠️ Data is reset every time you flash it (unless you use a Fastboot with a flag). --slot=all).
Recommended first steps:
- Install custom recovery (e.g. TWRP): fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- Make a full backup through TWRP (Boot, System, Data) sections.
- Sweep through Magisk to get root: Download Magisk.apk → Rename to.zip → Sweep through TWRP.
Remember: unlocked bootloader makes the device more vulnerable to malware. Do not install firmware and modules from unverified sources!