The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a popular smartphone with excellent price-performance ratio, but its potential is only revealed after unlocking the bootloader. Without it, you can not install custom software, get root rights or flash global firmware on the Chinese version of the device. However, the process of unlocking Xiaomi has its own nuances, from the mandatory wait of 168 hours to the strict requirements for the Mi Account.
In this article, you will find the latest instructions for unlocking the bootloader for the Redmi Note 10S (codename rosemary), including device preparation, Mi Unlock Tool and solutions to common bugs. We will also discuss why some methods (for example, through fastboot without waiting) no longer work, and how to avoid blocking your account for suspicious activity. If you plan to flash TWRP or install LineageOS, this guide will be your starting point.
Why you should unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 10S
The Xiaomi factory bootloader blocks any changes to the system partition, protecting the device from malware. But for enthusiasts, this limitation becomes an obstacle.
- 🔓 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS)
- 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk for deep system customization
- 🔄 Firmware of the global version MIUI Chinese devices (for example, with the CN Globally)
- ⚡ Remove built-in Bloatware (pre-installed Xiaomi apps)
- 🔧 Use of alternative cores (custom kernels) to improve performance
Without an unlocked bootloader, even official tools like the Mi Flash Tool won’t be able to flash the device — the system will simply return the anti-rollback error or lock the device. However, remember: unlocking resets all data on the phone and can take away warranties (if the device was bought in official stores).
⚠️ Note: Beginning in 2023, Xiaomi has tightened account verification when unlocked. VPN, shifting IP or attempts to unlock on multiple devices at the same time can lead to the blocking of Mi Account for 30 days, we recommend linking your phone number and email to your account for recovery.
Requirements before unlocking: what to prepare
The process of unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 10S requires pre-preparedness. If you miss even one item, the Mi Unlock Tool will give you an error. Here is the full checklist:
Mi Account with confirmed phone number and email
Device with MIUI version not lower than 12.0.3 (check Settings → About phone)
USB debugging enabled and OEM unlocked (Settings → Developer)
USB C-to-A type cable (original or high-quality analogue)
Windows 7/10/11 computer (macOS and Linux may have driver problems)
Disabled antivirus (it can block Mi Unlock Tool)
Backup data (unlocking wipes everything!)
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Pay special attention to the MIUI version. If your device runs on firmware older than 12.0.3, first update it through Settings → System Update. Also check if the phone is factory lock from the operator (for example, if you bought the device in conjunction with the tariff), such devices may require additional actions.
To enable the developer mode, go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. After that, the Settings menu will appear in the section For developers where you need to activate:
- 🔌 Debugging by USB (USB Debugging)
- 🔓 Unlocking OEM (OEM Unlocking)
- 🔄 Factory Unlocking (Factory Unlocking)
⚠️ Note: If the item Unlock OEM Inactive (grey), meaning that the device is locked from the operator or the Mi Account is not tied to the phone, in which case, first reset to factory settings and re-enter the account.
Download and install Mi Unlock Tool
The official unlock tool, the Mi Unlock Tool, is only available on Xiaomi's website, but many users have problems installing it due to antivirus blocking or lack of drivers.
- Download the latest version from the official page (select Mi Unlock Tool for Windows).
- Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiUnlock).
- Disable the antivirus (Avast, Kaspersky, and Windows Defender often delete the file) miflash_unlock.exe).
- Launch on behalf of the administrator file miflash_unlock.exe.
- Install drivers if the system requests them (use Mi Phone Manager to install them automatically).
If you start the Mi Unlock Tool with a "Couldn't connect to the server" error, check:
- 🌐 Internet connection (tool requires online connection to verify account).
- 🕒 Date and time on your computer (if they are shot down, Xiaomi server blocks access).
- 🔒 Firewall settings (add) miflash_unlock.exe excepted).
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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Current account is not bound to this device", log out of the Mi Account on your phone, restart the device and log in again. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
Linking your Mi Account to your device: 168 hours of waiting
The most difficult step is the mandatory waiting of 168 hours (7 days) after the account is linked to the device, which is Xiaomi's requirement to protect against theft and unauthorized unlocking.
- Connect the Redmi Note 10S to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile data).
- Sign in to your Mi Account in your phone settings (Settings → Mi Account).
- Enable data synchronization (this confirms the activity of the account).
- Go to Settings → For developers → Unlock status Mi.
- Click Add Account and Device (or similar).
Then the countdown starts. You can check the status on the same menu, you can see a timer, and if you try to unlock the bootloader before the 168 hours have elapsed, you will get the error "You need to wait XX hours."
| Action. | Minimum waiting time | What happens when you break it? |
|---|---|---|
| First account binding | 168 hours (7 days) | The "Wait XX hours" error |
| Resetting the phone to factory settings | Resetting the timer (starts again) | Repeated waiting 168 hours |
| Changing your Mi Account on your device | New 168-hour countdown | Previous timer is cancelled |
| Using VPN/proxy when linking | — | Account blocking for 30 days |
Can you get around the wait of 168 hours?
Step-by-step: unlocking the loader
After 168 hours, you can start unlocking. Follow the instructions carefully - any error can lead to a knock (inoperability) of the device.
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into fastboot.
- Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable.
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator and log in to your Mi Account.
It takes 1-3 minutes. When it's done, the phone automatically restarts and you'll see the bootloader unlocked (fastboot will say "unlocked" instead of "locked"). You can now install TWRP, flash custom software, or get root rights.
Turn on your phone in fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power)
Make sure the bottom of the screen says “unlocked” (not “locked”).
Connect to the PC and execute the command fastboot oem device-info
The final line should be "Device unlocked: true".
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⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after unlocking or is getting stuck on the Redmi logo, don't panic.This is normal behavior on the first run with the bootloader unlocked. 5–10 For a minute or reset via fastboot command -w (This will delete all data, but restore the functionality).
Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the correct instructions, users encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock | The waiting period of 168 hours has not expired | Wait for the remaining time or check the account link |
| Current account is not bound to this device | The account is not tied to the phone | Log in to your phone account and repeat the link |
| Mi Unlock Tool stuck at 50% | Problems with drivers or USB-connection | Try another cable/port, disable the antivirus |
| This device is locked by operator | The device is blocked by the mobile operator | Contact the operator for unlocking or use third-party services (risky) |
| Server is busy | Overloading Xiaomi servers | Try later or change region in your account settings |
If the Mi Unlock Tool freezes 99% and gives you a Failed to unlock error, it could mean that:
- 🔌 Cable USB Faulty (try the original Xiaomi cable).
- 🖥️ There are no drivers on PCs ADB/Fastboot (Install them with Mi Phone Manager).
- 📱 The device does not support unlocking (check if the firmware with anti-rollback above 3 is worth it).
The device is not recognized in the Mi Unlock Tool.
Error "Couldn't unlock" (waitout time has not expired)
Hanging 50% or 99%
I successfully unlocked the first time.
Another problem.-->
What to do after unlocking the loader
The unlocked bootloader is a great opportunity, but it requires caution. Here's what we can do next:
- 🔧 Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox) for backups and firmware ZIP-file.
- 📱 Switch global firmware (if your device is originally in Chinese) MIUI).
- 🛡️ Get root rights through Magisk for deep system customization.
- 🔄 Remove the built-in Xiaomi apps (bloatware) with the help of ADB Titanium Backup.
- ⚡ Install an alternative core (e.g., FrancoKernel) to improve performance.
Important: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Find My Device and default encryption are disabled. To return encryption, you need to manually enable it in the settings or flash FBE (File-Based Encryption)-enabled firmware.
If you are planning to install TWRP, please note that Redmi Note 10S (rosemary) requires a special version that supports dynamic partitions. You can download it on the official TWRP website (select rosemary model).
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Once the bootloader is unlocked, do not update the device via OTA (over the air).This can result in the bootloader being re-locked or soft-brick. All updates need to be installed manually via TWRP or fastboot.