Unlocking Xiaomi bootloader without waiting in 2021: proven ways

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. However, the official process from the manufacturer involves a 720-hour wait (30 days), which puts many users in a stupor. In 2021, the situation became more complicated: the company tightened control, but workarounds still exist.

In this article, we will analyze the current methods of unlocking without waiting, working on models of 2021 release: Mi 11, Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3, Mi 11 Ultra and others, and it's important to understand that all methods require technical training and carry risks, from loss of warranty to complete "bricking" of the device. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you first learn the theory about fastboot and its operation. EDL-regime.

Note that the methods described below may stop working at any time due to Xiaomi server updates. MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13 Beta in the first half of 2021 If your device is released later or upgraded to a new version of the software, some steps may require adjustments.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and why unlock it

The manufacturer enters the boot loader lock for several reasons:

• 🔒 Data security: protection against theft of information in case of loss of a device.
• 🛡️ Virus protection: preventing the installation of malware at the system level.
• 📱 Control of the ecosystem: linking users to branded services MIUI.
• 💰 Warranty Limits: Unlocking Automatically Cancels Warranty.

However, unlocking gives the user full control of the device, and here are the main reasons why it might be necessary:

• 🔄 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, AOSP).
• 🛠️ Getting root rights for deep system configuration.
• 🔧 Recovery of a “brick” phone through EDL or fastboot.
• 📱 Removing pre-installed applications (bloatware) and optimizing performance.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. be sure to back up via Mi Cloud or locally on your PC before starting the procedure.

In 2021, Xiaomi tightened its unlock policy: now, even after waiting for 720 hours, some models (such as the Mi 11 Ultra) require additional account binding to the device via the Mi Unlock Tool.

The Official Way to Unlock: Why It Doesn't Approve

The standard procedure from Xiaomi includes the following steps:

1. Linking the Mi Account to the device (in the Account settings) → Mi Account).
2. Activation of the Developer Mode and Incorporation OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers.
3. Launching the Mi Unlock Tool utility on the PC and authorization in it.
4. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and send a request to unlock.
5. Wait 720 hours (30 days) with an account tied.

Problems with the official method:

• ⏳ Long wait – not all users are ready to wait a month.
• 🔄 Model restrictions – some devices (e.g, POCO F3) They may require additional steps.
• 🔒 Account locks – if you frequently request to unlock Xiaomi can block the account on suspicion of fraud.
• 📱 Data reset – even after successful unlocking, the phone is completely cleaned.

In 2021, users also faced a new problem: Xiaomi servers began to require confirmation through the Internet. SMS the first unlock request, which makes it difficult to use virtual numbers or accounts without a tied phone.

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If you still decide to wait 720 hours, do not untie the Mi Account from the device and do not reset the phone to factory settings - this will reset the waiting timer.

Method 1: Bypassing waiting EDL-The mode (for advanced users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode is an emergency boot mode that allows you to flash your device directly through the Qualcomm 9008 port. In 2021, this method remains one of the most reliable for bypassing waiting, but requires a lot of work:

• 🔧 Disassembly of the device (for closing contacts) EDL).
• 💻 Special software (Mi Flash Tool, QFil or other software) EDL Authorized Account).
• 📄 Firmware file in.mbn or.elf format.
• 🔑 Authorized Account (for new models).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (available on the Internet) 4PDA or XDA Developers).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in mode. EDL: For most models: Press the Volume up + Loud down and plug in. USB-cable to PC. For Mi. 11/POCO F3: You may need to close the contacts on the board (look for a circuit for your model).

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

Sahara

Firehose

QFil

prog_emmc_firehose.mbn

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL It can permanently damage the memory module (eMMC/UFS). If you are not sure about your actions, contact experienced users on the forums. XDA or 4PDA.

In 2021, Xiaomi began to block EDL-Firmware for new models without an authorized account:

• Buy authorization from trusted sellers (for example, on AliExpress or specialized forums).
• Use bypass scripts (for example, EDL Bypass Tool, but it doesn’t work on all devices).

Method 2: Using Mi Unlock Tool vulnerabilities (2021)

In the first half of 2021, users discovered vulnerabilities in the Mi Unlock Tool that allowed them to bypass the 720-hour timer, which is a method of modifying requests sent to Xiaomi servers.

• 🖥️ Windows PC 7/10 (on macOS/Linux method not tested).
• 📱 Device on OEM Unlock and the associated Mi Account.
• 🔧 Mi Unlock Tool 5.5.224.24 or 6.5.224.28 (new versions may not work).
• 📡 The software for intercepting traffic (Fiddler or Charles Proxy).

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
2. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
3. Run traffic interception through Fiddler and search for a request at api.account.xiaomi.com.
4. Change the parameter in the request "wait_time": 720 on "wait_time": 0.
5. Send a modified request and restart the Mi Unlock Tool utility.

If done correctly, the tool will show the Unlocked successfully message without waiting, but this method does not work on all 2021 models, for example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, it may require additional manipulation of the token account.

Method 3: Unlocking through test firmware (for individual models)

Some Xiaomi 2021 devices (e.g., Xiaomi, POCO F3 Mi 11 Lite and support unlocking via test firmware (Fastboot) ROM). This method does not require waiting, but has limitations:

• ✅ It only works on certain models.
• ⚠️ Could lead to loss IMEI or network problems.
• 🔄 Requires a return to stable firmware after unlocking.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download Fastboot ROM For your model from the official site of Xiaomi (Download section) → Choose your device).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Open the command prompt in this folder and execute: fastboot oem edl If the command is not working, use: fastboot oem unlock
4. If the phone is rebooted in EDL, Run the test firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.
5. After the firmware, turn it on. OEM Unlock and try unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

This method is suitable for devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. For models on MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 10), it does not work - it requires a different approach through the use of a new device. SP Flash Tool.

Method 4: Use of alternative tools (2021)

In 2021, alternative unlocking tools were introduced that automate the process of bypassing the wait.

• 🔓 XiaomiTool V2 — It supports most models, but requires Python 3.8.+.
• 🔧 UnlockTool – a paid utility with support for new devices.
• 📱 MTKClient – for MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi 9).

Example of working with XiaomiTool V2:

1. Install Python and Dependencies: Pip install pyusb libusb
2. Download XiaomiTool from GitHub and unpack.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and start the script: python mi_tool.py
4. Select the Unlock Bootloader option and follow the instructions.

Advantages of alternative tools:

• ✅ Automation of the process (no need to manually edit requests).
• ✅ Support for new models (updates are more common than in the Mi Unlock Tool).
• ✅ Ability to unlock without linking your account (on some devices).

⚠️ Note: Some alternative utilities (e.g. UnlockTool) may contain malware or require payment for unlocking (XDA, GitHub, 4PDA).

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Alternative tools speed up the process, but don’t guarantee 100% success. Before using, check the reviews of a particular utility on the forums.

What to do after successful unblocking

Once the bootloader is unlocked, your device is ready for further manipulation.

• 📱 Install custom restoration (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk.
• 🔄 Swipe custom firmware (for example, LineageOS 18.1 based on Android 11).
• 🗑️ Remove pre-installed applications (bloatware) without rooting ADB.

It's important to remember:

• 🔒 Unlocked bootloader reduces device security.
• 📱 Updates MIUI through OTA They can block the loader again.
• 🔧 Some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) may refuse to work on devices with an unlocked bootloader.

To return the warranty (if it is still valid), you can block the bootloader back through the command:

fastboot oem lock

But this will lead to a complete data cleanup and can cause problems with the operation of the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi in the 2021 year