Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a mandatory step for installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights or restoring the device after software failures. The official method from the manufacturer requires a binding account Mi Account, a stable Internet connection and waiting. SMS-So, for example, if you're in a networkless zone, you're using a device with a damaged module. Wi-Fi/4G Or you just want to avoid sending data to Xiaomi servers.
In this article, we will discuss two working ways to unlock without the Internet: through Mi Unlock Tool with bypassing network verification (for new models) and an alternative method using Fastboot commands and modified scripts (for older devices). Both options are tested on MIUI 14/15 firmware and are relevant for most lines: Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5, Mi 11/12 and others. Importantly, the procedure involves the risk of loss of warranty and device blink – follow the instructions carefully.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and can you bypass the restrictions?
The manufacturer blocks the bootloader for three key reasons:
- 🔒 Data security: protection against theft of information in case of loss of a device.
- 🛡️ Firmware control: preventing installation of uncertified software that may disrupt the system.
- 📱 Warranty obligations: Unblocking automatically voids the warranty (except in the case of an official service center).
The limitations can be circumvented by two vulnerabilities:
- Local Authentication: Some versions of the Mi Unlock Tool allow you to use pre-saved Mi Account tokens without re-questing the servers.
- Fastboot exploits: on devices up to 2021 (on Qualcomm chips) commands can be used to force unlock through the Internet EDL-regime.
⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi tightened protections.Devices on MediaTek processors (like Redmi) 10A or POCO M4 Pro) to unlock without the Internet is almost impossible - requires mandatory binding to the account through SMS.
Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
Before starting the procedure, follow the mandatory steps:
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)
Charge your phone to at least 60%
Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC (link in description)
Download archive with utilities (Mi Unlock Tool + modified scripts)
Disable the antivirus (it can block unlock files)
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For Windows, download Google's Platform Tools and Xiaomi's USB Drivers package. There are enough commands on Mac/Linux:
sudo apt install adb fastboot libusb-1.0-0 # For Debian/Ubuntu
brew install android-platform-tools # For macOSAlso check the status of the loader:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume down before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the device to the PC and enter in the terminal: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has the line Device unlocked: false - the bootloader is locked.
Redmi Note 10/11/12
POCO F3/F4/F5
Mi 11/12/13
Other model (specify in the comments)-->
Method 1: Unlock through modified Mi Unlock Tool (for MIUI 12-15)
This is a good way to use a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip-based device from 2020 to 2023, using a local account token that is stored in the system after the first binding.
- 📱 Phone with a linked Mi Account (even if there is no internet connection now).
- 💻 Windows PC 10/11 (on Mac/Linux work is not guaranteed).
- 🔧 Download the Mi Unlock Tool Mod (download here).
Step-by-step:
- Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to turn on Developer Mode). Then to Settings → Additional → For Developers, turn on USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
- Download your account token: Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the platform-tools folder and do: adb shell su -c "cat /data/data/com.xiaomi.account/service/com.xiaomi.account.persistent.AccountPersistService.xml" > token.txt In the token.txt file, find lines from miuiToken and deviceId - you'll need them later.
- Launch the modified Mi Unlock Tool: Unlock the archive, open MiUnlockTool.exe on behalf of the administrator. In the token input field, insert data from token.txt (use the Load Token button). + Volume down) and connect to the PC.
- Start unlocking: In the utility, click Unlock. If the Couldn't unlock error appears, repeat the step with the token or use an alternative script. unlock_bypass.bat archived.
⚠️ Note: If the utility gives an error This device is not supported, your model requires an additional patch. 11 Pro+ and POCO F4 GT Download this script and replace it with the standard one. unlock_bypass.bat.
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
Method 2: Unlocking via Fastboot and EDL (for older models)
This method is suitable for devices from 2018 to 2020 (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9, POCO X3 NFC). It is based on the transition to emergency mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode) and the use of the MiFlash utility with a patch.
Warning: The method is risky - if you make a mistake, your phone can turn into a brick (not even on the Fastboot) only use it if the first method doesn't work!
Files required:
- 📁 Fastboot firmware ROM For your model (download from the official website).
- 🛠️ MiFlash (version 2020.3.14 or later).
- 🔑 Patch. edl_bypass.zip (available on this chat).
Instructions:
- Put the phone in mode. EDL: Turn off the device. Press the volume up. + Loudness down + plug in USB-The screen must remain black (check Device Manager, Qualcomm should appear). HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
- Install the patch: Unpack edl_bypass.zip Replace the original MiFlash.exe file with a modified one.
- Sweat the device: Open MiFlash, select the Fastboot ROM firmware folder. At the bottom of the window, select clean all and lock (this is important!). Press Refresh, your device should appear. Then click Flash.
- Unlock the bootloader: Once you have the firmware, the phone will automatically restart. Now repeat the steps from Method 1 (with the Mi Unlock Tool) - unlocking will be error-free.
| Xiaomi model | Supported method | Risk of a brick | EDL required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9 Pro | Mi Unlock Tool Mod | Low. | No. |
| POCO X3 NFC | Fastboot + EDL | Medium. | Yes. |
| Mi 10T | Mi Unlock Tool Mod | Low. | No. |
| Redmi 9A (MediaTek) | Not supported | — | — |
💡
If you unlock your phone and it's stuck on the MIUI logo, don't panic! Press the power button for 20 seconds to force you to reboot. If that doesn't work, re-sweat the device through MiFlash with the "clean all" option.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.
- 🚫 Couldn't verify device (Mi Unlock Tool): Reason: Wrong token or outdated version of utility Solution: Repeat the step with the token extraction or download the latest modified version.
- 🔌 Waiting for device (Fastboot): Reason: Drivers are not installed or the cable is faulty.Solution: use the original USB-cable and check the connection in Device Manager.
- ⚠️ Anti-rollback check fail (MiFlash): The reason: trying to flash an older version MIUI. Solution: Download the firmware of the same or newer version that is installed now.
- 🔒 Device is locked after unlocking: Reason: Incorrect firmware through EDL. Solution: Repeat the procedure with the clean all option (no lock).
If none of the methods worked, check:
- Compatibility of your model with the chosen method (see table above).
- Integrity of downloaded files (check MD5 hash amounts).
- Updates for utilities are available (e.g., MiFlash 2023.4.1+ may not work with older firmware).
💡
If your device is on a MediaTek processor (e.g., Redmi) 10C or POCO M5), Unlocking without the Internet is impossible – you will need official permission from Xiaomi SMS-code.
What to do after successful unblocking
After unlocking the loader:
- 📱 Install custom recapavere (for example, TWRP) for further manipulation of the firmware.
- 🔄 Make a full backup of the current firmware through adb backup or TWRP.
- 🛡️ Turn off automatic updates MIUI, to avoid accidental locking of the loader.
- 🔧 Install Magisk to obtain root rights (optional).
Important: Unlocked bootloader makes the device vulnerable to attack. Do not install firmware from unknown sources and regularly check the integrity of the system through Magisk SafetyNet.
To install TWRP:
- Download the image of the recovery for your model from the official website.
- Transfer your phone to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-xxx.img
- Immediately after the firmware reboot to the recavery (Nutrition + Volume up) so that MIUI does not overwrite TWRP.