Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and can it be unlocked without an account?
The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, a security measure designed to protect the device from unauthorized access and custom firmware installation. However, for enthusiasts who want to install TWRP, get root rights or flash an alternative OS, unlocking becomes a necessary procedure. The main problem: the official method requires binding to a Mi Account and waiting for permission from Xiaomi servers (sometimes up to 720 hours!).
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unlock a Xiaomi bootloader without a Mi Account – from legal workarounds to alternative methods using vulnerabilities (for example, through the use of a new system). EDL-It's important to understand that some of them may violate warranty conditions or carry the risk of "bricking" the device, we will discuss in detail at each stage, warn about pitfalls and give recommendations for recovery in the event of a failure.
Before you start, answer two key questions: 1. Are you ready to lose the warranty? (Unlocking the bootloader automatically cancels it.) 2. Do you have a backup? (The procedure will result in a complete reset of the device.)
The official method of unlocking: why does it not work without an account?
The standard unlock procedure from Xiaomi involves using the Mi Unlock Tool utility and authorization through the Mi Account.
- Link the device to the account in settings (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
- Activate the OEM Unlock option in the developer menu.
- Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and wait for permission.
The problem is that without or when you block an account, that path is closed, and even with an account, users are faced with:
- 🔴 “Couldn’t verify device” error: Device not linked to account.
- 🔴 Add account and wait message – wait time required (3 to 30 days).
- 🔴 Blocking in the region – some models (for example, for the Chinese market) are not unlocked outside of China.
In 2023-2026, Xiaomi tightened its policy: new models (such as the Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) can now unlock without an account in a legal way, but for devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon, alternative methods remain through EDL or exploits in Fastboot.
💡
If your device is released before 2021 (like the Redmi Note 9 Pro or POCO X3 NFC), the chances of successfully unlocking without an account are higher – many exploits run on older chipsets.
Alternative ways to unlock without a Mi Account
If the official method is not available, consider workarounds, which can be divided into three categories:
- Exploits in Fastboot: exploiting vulnerabilities in the unlock protocol (e.g., via fastboot oem unlock-go).
- EDL-Emergency Download Mode – Firmwareing a modified bootloader through a qualification cable or short-circuiting contacts.
- Bypassing test firmware – installing special versions of MIUI, where unlocking is possible without waiting.
Let's look at each one in more detail.
1. Unlock via Fastboot (for older models)
Some devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. Redmi Note 7, POCO F1) support fastboot oem unlock-go command, which bypasses account verification.
Install ADB and Fastboot on PC|Enable debugging on USB and OEM-unlock|Reboot your phone to Fastboot (hold power) + Vol-)|Connect to a PC and check the connection with the command fastboot devices
-->
- Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot oem unlock-go
- If the command works, the bootloader will unlock without being tied to the account.
Restrictions: New devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12) have this command locked, which will result in a FAILED error (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State').
2. Unlock through EDL-The mode (for advanced users)
The method involves switching to EDL (Emergency Boot Mode) and firmware modified aboot or bootloader through utilities like Mi Flash or QFil.
- 🔴 Requires qualification cable or ability to close test points on board.
- 🔴 The wrong actions can turn a phone into a brick".
- 🔴 Xiaomi could be blocked IMEI Devices upon detection of unofficial firmware.
Step-by-step instructions for Qualcomm devices:
- Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
- Unpack the archive and find the file. prog_emmc_firehose_X.X.X.mbn (where X.X.X — version).
- Transfer the phone to EDL: adb reboot edl or through test points (disassembly of the device is required).
- Flip the modified bootloader through QFil or Mi Flash.
What are test points and how to find them?
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without permission, it can lead to a blockage. IMEI. If the phone stops catching the network, it will be extremely difficult to restore it - you will need to contact the service center with proof of purchase.
3. bypass through test firmware (for some models)
Some users have successfully unlocked the bootloader by running a test version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI Internal Beta), which sometimes includes debugging options to bypass account verification.
- Find test firmware for your model on forums (e.g. xiaomi.eu).
- Fastboot or Recovery.
- After booting the system, try unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool – sometimes the wait is reduced to 0 hours.
The downside of the method: test firmware often contains bugs and can be unstable.
Table of compatibility of unlocking methods with popular models
Not all methods work on all devices, and here is the current compatibility table (May 2026):
| Model of the device | Fastboot unlock-go | EDL (no account) | Test firmware | Official method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (test point required) | ⚠️ Partially. | ✅ 72-720 hours |
| POCO F3 | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ 360 hours |
| Xiaomi 12T | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Possibly (the risk of blocking) IMEI) | ❌ No. | ✅ 720 hours |
| Redmi 9A | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ 72 hours |
| POCO X3 Pro | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ 168 hours |
The data in the table is based on user reports from the 4PDA and XDA Developers forums. For accurate information, check out current discussions on your model.
What if nothing works? Alternative solutions
If all of the above methods do not work, the following options remain:
- Contact the service center – some workshops offer paid unlocking through official channels (for example, using Xiaomi service accounts).
- Buy unlocked device – in the secondary market (for example, Avito) often sell phones with an already unlocked bootloader.
- Use cloud-based unlock services – some platforms (e.g. DC-Unlocker) offer remote unlock for a fee (from $10) Risk: fraud or IMEI blocking.
If you decide to contact the service, ask the master the following questions:
- 🔹 Do you guarantee safety? IMEI?
- 🔹 Will you use the official tools of Xiaomi?
- 🔹 Do you provide a guarantee for the service?
⚠️ Attention: There are many fraudulent schemes on the market where the "masters" promise to unlock, but after payment disappear or spoil the device.
Recovery after a failed unlock: what to do if the phone is “bricked”?
If something went wrong during the unlocking process and the device stopped turning on (for example, it hung on the Mi logo or does not respond to buttons at all), act on the following algorithm:
- Try to return stock firmware via Fastboot: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot reboot
- Use EDL for full flashing – download the official firmware from Xiaomi’s website and run through Mi Flash (select Clean All option).
- Contact the service center - if independent attempts did not help, the motherboard may be damaged.
If the phone is not detected by the computer even in Fastboot or EDL, check:
- 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable and computer).
- 🔋 Battery Charge (Plug to Charge for 30 Minutes Before Trying).
- 🛠️ Physical injuries (see the connector) USB oxidize).
💡
If the phone does not turn on after an unsuccessful unlock, DO NOT try to flash it again without diagnosis. There is a high risk of permanently damaging the flash memory or bootloader.