Unlocking Xiaomi bootloader after the “brick”: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi smartphone has turned into a “brick” after a failed firmware, unlocking the bootloader or resetting settings? Don’t panic – in 90% of cases, the device can be restored, even if it does not turn on, hung on the Mi logo or requires authorization in Mi Account after hard reset.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, including work with Fastboot, EDL And bypassing your account, and focusing on the new 2026 restrictions that Xiaomi has put in place to combat unauthorized firmware, if your device doesn't respond to buttons, doesn't detect your computer, or it makes this device is locked, you'll find a solution here.

⚠️ Warning: All manipulations with the bootloader reset data on the device. If the phone was enabled Mi Cloud or backup, you can restore contacts and files after unlocking through the Xiaomi account.

1. Reasons to block the bootloader on Xiaomi

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is blocked for several reasons, each requiring a different recovery approach, most often users encounter a “brick” after:

🔹 Failure to run firmware through Fastboot or Recovery — for example, if the firmware file was corrupted, didn’t fit the model, or the process was interrupted, in which case the device can hang on the Mi logo or go into an endless restart (bootloop).

🔹 Resets without detachment Mi Account. Once reset via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter the username and password from an account that was previously linked. If you don't remember the data or the device was bought with your hands, unlocking becomes more difficult.

🔹 Xiaomi is officially blocked for suspicious activity, the company can remotely block the bootloader if it detects attempts to bypass the protection (for example, the use of unofficial firmware or tools like XiaomiTool).

🔹 Damage to section EFS Or Modem, when you manually edit system files, which causes you to lose your system. IMEI, lack of network and inability to load the OS.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is running this device is locked. Unlock it to use Mi services doesn't always mean hardware locking. Sometimes the problem is solved by simply linking your account through the Mi Unlock Tool, but only if the bootloader has been unlocked before.

2.Diagnosis of the condition of the “brick”: how to determine the type of blocking

Before you start unlocking, you need to understand the state of the device, which determines the choice of recovery method, and diagnose the following criteria:

📌 Phone does not respond to buttons, screen is black, no vibration

→ It's a hard brick, and it's caused by a loader or firmware damage at the level of the machine. EDL. You will need firmware through Qualcomm 9008 or a service center.

📌 The device vibrates when connected to a charge, but does not turn on

→ Maybe the boot or the system partition is damaged.

📌 The phone is loaded to the logo Mi/Redmi and is switched off (or rebooted)

→ Typical bootloop, incompatible firmware, damaged core modules, or vendor, the solution is to run the full Fastboot package. ROM.

📌 After reset, requires Mi Account, but the bootloader is unlocked

→ You need to either remember the account data, or bypass the binding through EDL (Only for older models until 2021).

📌 **Fastboot's phone is identified, but the fastboot oem device-info command shows Device unlocked: false

→ bootloader locked. Official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool (if account is linked to device) or bypassing via EDL.

3.Preparation for unlocking: what will be needed

To successfully restore Xiaomi from the “brick”, prepare in advance:

🔧 Hardware support:

✅ Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged)

✅ Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (For Mi Unlock Tool and QFil)

✅ Charger (the battery must be charged at least 30 times%)

🔧 Software:

✅ Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot firmware)

✅ QFil (Qualcomm Flash Image Loader) EDL-firmware)

✅ ADB & Fastboot Tools (for command line)

✅ Qualcomm Drivers (for 9008 mode)

✅ Fastboot firmware ROM or EDL ROM for your model

🔧 Additional (to bypass Mi Account):

✅ Xiaomi Authorized Account (if you need to unlock it)

✅ Deep Flash Cable or TestPoint (for forced translation to the Internet) EDL new-model)

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12 And the new company has introduced an additional protection, Anti-Rollback, which is that if you run through the old version of the software, the phone can turn into a brick. Always use the latest firmware from the official Xiaomi Firmware website.

Method 1: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (official method)

If the bootloader is locked but the phone is identified in Fastboot, try the official tool from Xiaomi.

✔ Mi Account was tied to the device before being blocked

✔ You have access to the mail/phone linked to your account

✔ At least 72 hours have passed since the last peg (new restrictions of 2026)

📝 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install.

2. log in to the program under the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.

3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (press the Power) + Vol−).

4. Connect the device to the PC and wait until the program determines it.

5. Press Unlock and confirm the action.

⏳ How long to wait?

→ If the account has been linked for a long time (more) 30 days, unlocking will take 5-10 minute.

→ If the account is new or has been tied less than a week ago, 72 hours (Xiaomi blocks instant unlock to protect against theft).

• Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) • Disable driver signatures in Windows • Run the program on behalf of the administrator • Wait 72 hours if the account is new-->

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 and later, official unlocking may require additional verification through the SMS If the phone was purchased by hand, contact the previous owner to untie the account.

5. Method 2: Fastboot firmware (if the bootloader is unlocked)

If the bootloader is already unlocked (Device unlocked: true), but the phone is not booting, the firmware of the full Fastboot package will help. ROM. This method is suitable for eliminating bootloop, corrupted system files or failed updates.

📌 What's the matter:

✅ Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (you can download Xiaomi Firmware Updater)

✅ The Mi Flash Tool

✅ Cable USB Type-C (preferably original)

📝 Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\ROM).

2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.

3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot (Power) + Vol−).

4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.

5. Select firmware mode:

• Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing region or versions) MIUI)

• Clean all and lock - cleaning + Locking the bootloader (only if you need to return the warranty)

Save user data – attempts to save data (not always working)

6. Press Flash and wait until it's over (5-15 minute).

• Reinstall Fastboot drivers • Use another version of the Mi Flash Tool (e.g. 20180528 for older models) • Swipe manually through the command line using fastboot flash-->

🔍 How to Swipe Manually Through the Command Line?

If the Mi Flash Tool doesn't work, you can flash each section separately.

1. Unpack the firmware and go to the folder with the.img files.

2. Open the command line in this folder (Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).

3. Enter the commands in turn:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img




fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img




fastboot reboot

Method 3: Recovery through EDL (full-brick»)

If the phone does not respond to buttons, is not detected in Fastboot and does not charge - only the firmware remains through the Emergency Download Mode (EDL). This mode allows you to flash the device at a low level, even if the bootloader is damaged.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL drop off IMEI, MAC-Addresses and other unique data, and manual recovery may be required after recovery EFS (guideline).

📌 How to enter EDL?

The method depends on the model:

🔹 Older models (until 2020): Press Vol+ + Vol− And connect the cable to the PC.

🔹 New models (2021–2023): Close TestPoint (special contacts on the board) or use Deep Flash Cable.

🔹 2026 models: An authorized Xiaomi account is required to unlock EDL (The round is only possible in service centers).

📝 Firmware through QFil:

1. Download and install QFil + Qualcomm drivers.

2. Transfer the phone to EDL (It should be defined as Qualcomm. HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

3. In QFil, select the firmware *.mbn (for your model).

4. Press Download and wait until it is finished (10-20 minute).

🔧 Recovery IMEI after EDL:

If it's gone after the firmware. IMEI or network functions, you need to restore the partition EFS. For that:

1. Download the utility. SN Writer Tool or Maui META.

2 Enter the original IMEI1 and IMEI2 (They are listed on the box or under the battery).

3.Squeeze modem and EFS via Fastboot:

fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin


fastboot flash fsgs fsgs.img

7. Method 4: Bypassing Mi Account after reset (older models only)

If the phone requires Mi Account after Hard Reset, but you don't remember the account details, you can try to bypass the lock. However, since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened protection, and most cases, the circumvention is possible only through the use of the device. EDL service-centre.

🔹 Methods of bypassing (for models until 2020):

🔸 Through ADB (if debugging is on):

adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1

🔸 via Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader):

fastboot erase frp

🔸 Recovery (for some versions) MIUI):

→ Enter Recovery (Power) + Vol+), Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12 And the newer methods don't work. The only way is through the firmware. EDL with an authorized account or contacting a service center with proof of purchase.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

When unlocking the bootloader, users often encounter common errors, and we have collected the most common and ways to fix them:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot reboot

This often solves the bootloop problem without a complete flashing.-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions