How to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi in 2020: the current way without 360 hours of waiting

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones has always been a headache for customization enthusiasts. In 2020, the company tightened the requirements: the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool began to require binding to the Mi Account account and 168-360 hours of waiting. However, the development community found a workaround that allows you to unlock the bootloader without long wait and even without binding to the account on some models.

This method is relevant for Xiaomi devices released before the middle of the year. 2020 Years including Redmi Note series 8/9 Pro, Mi 9/9T, POCO F1/F2 Pro, etc., working on MIUI 11 or MIUI 12. Important: The method does not guarantee 100% Success on all devices, but significantly increases the odds compared to the official tool. In this article, we will discuss step-by-step instructions, possible risks and alternative options for stubborn cases.

Why the official method stopped working in 2020

Since 2019, Xiaomi has been actively fighting against “grey” unlocking methods, citing concern for user safety, and in 2020, changes have been made to:

• 🔒 Mandatory binding to the account - without authorization in Mi Account, unlocking is impossible even through the official tool.
• ⏳ Increased latency from 72 to 360 hours (15 days) for new accounts.
• 📱 Firmware-level locking – some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro on MediaTek) have hardware protection.
• 🔧 Restriction of versions MIUI — Old firmware no longer supports unlocking via fastboot.

The main problem with the official method is that it links latency to your account rather than your device, meaning that even if you bought a used smartphone, the previous owner could have already “spoiled” your account with a long wait, and the alternative method in 2020 bypasses this restriction by exploiting vulnerabilities during the authorization process.

⚠️ Note: Using informal unlocking methods may result in a lock IMEI On models with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro), the risk of bricking is higher due to the features of the bootloader.

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before starting the procedure, several critical steps must be taken, and skipping any of them can make it impossible to restore the device.

Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times press)

Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Annexes → Special rights

Download and install Mi Flash Tool drivers (version 2020.3.14 or later)

Create a backup of data through Settings → Additional → Backup

Charge your phone to at least 60% (optimally 80%)

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Pay special attention to the version MIUI. On firmware newer MIUI 12.0.3 (released after July 2020) an alternative method may not work. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If it is too new, you will need to roll back on the old firmware through fastboot.

If your model is not in the table, check the current information in the forum. XDA Developers in your device section. For models on Snapdragon (such as Mi 9 or Snapdragon). POCO F1) Chances of success are higher than for devices on MediaTek.

Redmi Note 8/8 Pro

Mi 9/9T/9 SE

POCO F1/F2 Pro

Redmi Note 7/7 Pro

Another model-->

Alternative unlock method 2020: step-by-step instructions

This method is based on bypassing the account verification through the modified Mi Unlock Tool and exploiting the vulnerability in the authorization process.

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10 (on macOS/Linux method not tested).
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with allowed debugging USB and on OEM Unlock.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📁 Archive with modified Mi Unlock Tool 2020 (link below).

Download the archive with tools at this link (password: xiaomi2020). You'll find it in the archives:

- MiUnlockTool_mod.exe (modified version)




- adb_fastboot_tools.zip (drivers and utilities)




- bypass_script.bat (script to bypass verification)

Step 1: Installation of drivers and preparation of PC

1. Unpack the archives. adb_fastboot_tools.zip disk-root C:\.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and wait for the drivers to install (if Windows requests the driver manually, specify the path to the folder). C:\adb_fastboot_tools\drivers).
3. Open the Command Prompt on behalf of the administrator and execute: cd C:\adb_fastboot_tools Adb devices make sure your device is listed.

Step 2: Starting a bypass script

Close all Xiaomi-related programs (including Mi) PC Suite. Launch it. bypass_script.bat on behalf of the administrator, the script will execute:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone to fastboot mode.
• 🔑 Substitution of account identifiers in device memory.
• ⏳ Simulating the “countdown time” (can take up to 10 minutes).

Step 3: Unlocking with the modified Mi Unlock Tool

After the script is completed:

1. Launch it. MiUnlockTool_mod.exe.
2. Sign in with any Mi Account (even new ones).
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (the phone connected message should be displayed).
4. Press Unlock – the process will take 1-2 minutes.

If it goes well, you will see a message Unlocked successfully. The phone will automatically reboot with the bootloader unlocked.

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If the tool gives you a Couldn't unlock error, try repeating step 2-3 times, disconnecting the phone from the PC between attempts. USB-port-line.

What to do if the method does not work: alternatives

If the alternative has failed, don't despair. There are a few backup options, although they require more time or technical skills.

Option 1: Official method with acceleration of waiting

If you are not afraid of waiting, but want to shorten the term:

• 📅 Create a new Mi Account and link your phone to it before the unlock procedure begins.
• 🔄 Use an account that has already unlocked other devices (wait time can be reduced to 72 hours).
• 📧 Confirm your email and phone number in your account, which increases your system’s “trust.

Option 2: Unlocking through EDL-mode (for advanced)

Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash a modified bootloader bypassing standard checks:

1. Buy or rent an authorized Mi Authorized Account (cost) ~$5–$10).
2. Use the Mi Flash Pro utility with the clean all and lock option (but this will lock the bootloader back!).
3. Swipe patched aboot or lk through fastboot after exiting EDL.

Option 3: Buying an unlocked device

If all methods fail and unlocking is critical (for example, for Google Camera or Custom installation) ROM), Consider buying a used device with an unlocked bootloader already. 4PDA or XDA These devices are often sold with the mark "Unlocked". BL".

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi 2021 and later models (such as the Redmi Note 10 or Mi 11), the methods described do not work due to hardware changes in the bootloader.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users are faced with errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Anti-rollback check error

This error occurs if you try to flash firmware older than the one already installed on the device. Xiaomi has introduced anti-rollback protection, which blocks downgrade.

• 🔍 Check the current version MIUI and the exact model of the device (for example, Redmi Note) 8 The Pro is available in begonia and begonia_in).
• 📥 Download the firmware with the same or newer build number).
• 🔧 Use the Xiaomi Anti-Rollback Bypass utility (available on the site) XDA).

The Invalid token error

This problem is related to the expiration of the authorization token, to solve it:

1. Close the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Delete the folder. C:\Users\Your username\.miui\unlock.
3. Restart the PC and phone.
4. Repeat the authorization procedure in the tool.

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If none of the methods worked, check if your device is a hardware-locked bootloader model (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro on Snapdragon). 720G In this case, unlocking is only possible through the official method with waiting.

What to do after successful unblocking

Congratulations! Your bootloader is unlocked, but this is just the first step towards full customization.

• 📱 Install custom recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 🔄 Unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS).
• 🎯 Remove the built-in Xiaomi apps (debloat).
• 🔒 Get root rights through Magisk.
• 📸 Install Google Camera with full Night Sight and Astrophotography support.

The first thing to do is to install TWRP

Without custom recovery, you can’t stitch ZIP-Files (such as Magisk or Custom) ROM). Instructions for installation TWRP:

1. Download the current version of TWRP for your model from the official website.
2. Reboot your phone to fastboot (Power) mode + Vol Down).
3. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.5.2_9-0-your_model.img fastboot boot twrp-3.5.2_9-0-your_model.img
4. V TWRP Go to Wipe. → Format Data (this will delete all data, but is necessary to avoid looping loads).

The second is Magisk firmware for root

With Magisk, you will get root rights without violating SafetyNet, which will allow you to use banking applications and Google Pay.

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub.
2. Move the file. Magisk-v23.0.zip phone-on.
3. Boot in. TWRP and select Install → Magisk-v23.0.zip.
4. Check for root through the Magisk Manager app.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi) 9T Pro) after installation, Magisk stops encrypting data. To avoid data loss, make a backup copy to the TWRP before-fixing.

Risks and consequences of unlocking the loader

Unlocking the bootloader is free, but it also carries a number of risks.

• 🔴 Loss of warranty – official Xiaomi service centers refuse to repair devices with unlocked bootloader.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerability – without bootloader protection, an attacker can access data even when the screen is locked.
• 📵 Problems with OTA-Updates – after unlocking, official updates may not be installed.
• 📶 Loss of network or IMEI — on some models (especially MediaTek) after firmware custom software disappears network.
• 🔄 Possibility of “bricking” – the wrong firmware can turn the phone into a “brick".

How to minimize the risks:

• 📌 Always make a backup copy. NVRAM (preserve IMEI) and persist (to save modem settings).
• 🔍 Check the compatibility of firmware and mods with your model on XDA Developers.
• 🔄 Use only proven sources for firmware downloads (e.g. Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠️ Install. TWRP Make a full backup before any manipulations.

Can I get my guarantee back?

Technically yes, but with reservations:

1. Lock the bootloader back through fastboot oem lock.
2. Sweep through the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.
3. Make sure that the bootloader status in fastboot is displayed as Locked.

However, even after that, the service center can detect traces of unlocking on logs. EFS In practice, warranty repair after unlocking is possible only "by acquaintance" or in informal services.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions