Unlocking the Xiaomi bootloader via Fastboot: the official way without risks

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. Although the manufacturer officially allows this procedure, it requires care: an error at any stage can lead to locking the device or loss of warranty. In this article, we will discuss the only legal way to unlock through Fastboot - without bypassing security systems and with minimal risks.

It’s important to understand: Xiaomi associates unlocking with your Mi Account, so make sure you have access to your linked phone number or email before starting the procedure. Since 2023, the company has tightened the rules: new models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 14) require a 72-hour waiting period after linking your account to the device. Old models (until 2021 release) can be unlocked immediately.

This guide is suitable for all Xiaomi lines, including Redmi, POCO, But there are nuances, like those on MediaTek-enabled devices like Redmi. 10C) Additional confirmation may be required through EDL-Mode, but we will focus on the universal method through Fastboot.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and why unlock it

The manufacturer blocks the bootloader for two reasons:

• 🔒 Security: Protection against malware installation or uncertified firmware that can steal data.
• 📱 Stability: preventing “bricks” (inoperable devices) due to user errors when firmware.
• 📉 Ecosystem Control: Xiaomi wants users to use official software and services (e.g. Mi Cloud or GetApps).

However, unlocking has a number of advantages:

• 🔧 Ability to install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) for advanced features.
• 🛠️ Installation TWRP — Alternative Recovery for Backups and Recovery.
• 🔓 Getting root rights to deep-set up the system (for example, removing embedded applications).
• 🔄 Restore the device after a failed update or firmware failure.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device to factory settings, including photos, contacts and apps. If you haven't backed up, it won't be possible to recover information.

Please note that after the unblocking:

• 📵 The device may lose support OTA-Updates (you will need to install firmware manually).
• 🔐 Some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) can block work on unlocked devices.
• 🔄 Xiaomi warranty is canceled, but it can be restored by blocking the bootloader back (on some models).

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start unlocking, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Back up your data. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local copying on your PC. Pay special attention: 📸 Photos and video (folder) DCIM). 📞 Contacts (export to.vcf). 📁 Application files (e.g. saving games).

Charge your smartphone at least 60%.

hardware-failure

Make sure the latest version of MIUI is on the device.

Settings → About the phone → System update

Mi Account

Settings → Xiaomi account

Turn on USB debugging.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.

If you are using Windows, install Xiaomi drivers:

• Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
• Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (read the next section).
• Wait for the drivers to be installed automatically or install them manually through Device Manager.

How to enter Fastboot mode on Xiaomi

Fastboot mode is a special state of the device in which you can execute low-level commands, including unlocking the bootloader.

1. Turn off your smartphone. Hold the power button and select Turn off (or wait for a full shutdown).
2. Press the button combination: 🔘 Loudness down + Power for most models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X5 etc.). 🔘 Loudness up + Power for some older devices (Mi 5, Redmi) 4X).

Hold the buttons for 5-10 seconds

Fastboot

Android

FASTBOOT

If the device does not respond to the button combination:

• 🔌 Try to connect it to the charger and try again.
• 🔄 Make sure the battery is not discharged (the charging indicator should burn when the cable is connected).
• 🖥️ In some models (POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T) You may need to activate the unlock first. OEM developer-setting.

After successfully logging in to Fastboot, connect your smartphone to your PC using the original USB-Using uncertified cables can cause connection loss during unlocking.

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If the device is not detected in Fastboot mode, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) or disable all others USB-PC-based.

Step-by-step: unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Now, to the main stage, follow the instructions in strict order.

Wait for completion.

• The process can take anywhere from 1 to 30 minutes (depending on the Xiaomi model and servers).
• Do not turn off the cable or interrupt the process.

If you see a message, Couldn't unlock. Wait for 72 hours

• 🕒 This means that your account is not tied to the device for long enough (it takes 72 hours from the first link).
• 📅 Wait for the time and try again.
• 🔄 On some models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X6) This rule applies even to old accounts.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone does not turn on after unlocking or hovers on the logo MI, Don't panic. It's okay -- just restart it manually, holding the power button for 10 to 15 seconds. If the problem persists, you'll need firmware through Fastboot or EDL.

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After successful unlocking, the bootloader will remain unlocked even after resetting settings or flashing it, unless it is blocked back.

What to do after unlocking: the next steps

When the bootloader is unlocked, you have new opportunities, but you also have risks. Here's what you can do next:

• 🔧 Install TWRP This alternative Recovery will allow you to create backups, install them. ZIP-Getting root rights through Magisk.
• 📱 Popular options: LineageOS is pure Android without Xiaomi's branded apps. Pixel Experience is firmware with Google Pixel features. ArrowOS is a balance between performance and customization.
• 🔓 Get root rights. For this: Install Magisk through TWRP. Sweep the patch. boot.img (The instructions depend on the model).
• 🔄 If custom software is unstable, you can go back to stockware. MIUI via Fastboot.

However, remember the consequences:

• 🚫 Loss of loss OTA-You'll have to manually install firmware.
• 🔐 Security issues: Unlocked bootloader makes it easier for malware to access the system.
• 📵 Incompatibility with some apps: For example, Google Pay or banking apps can block work on root devices.

If you want to lock the bootloader back (for example, to restore the warranty), you can do this through the same Mi Unlock Tool, but only on the official MIUI firmware.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:

One of the most dangerous mistakes is the Anti-rollback check fail, which occurs when you try to flash a firmware with a lower Anti-Rollback number than the current one, which can permanently lock the device (turn it into a brick) to avoid this:

• 🔍 Always check the Anti-Rollback number in the firmware name (e.g., the name of the firmware, V13.0.4.0.SKUCNXM | ARB: 4).
• 📥 Download firmware only from official sources: 🌐 Official website MIUI 🌐 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (for older models)

⚠️ Warning: If you see this device is locked. You need to unlock it first when you try to flash something through Fastboot, it means that the bootloader is still locked. Repeat the unlock procedure or check if the settings have reset after the restart.

Another common problem is loss. IMEI This happens when the modem partition is damaged. IMEI:

1. Download the official firmware for your model.
2. Remove the nvdata.bin file (usually located in the image folder).
3. Fastboot is a fastboot flash nvdata nvdata.bin

Alternative ways to unlock (if the Mi Unlock Tool does not work)

In rare cases, the official Mi Unlock Tool may not work, so you can try alternative methods, but they are not supported by Xiaomi and can lead to locking the device. Use them at your own risk!

• 🔧 Unlocking through EDL. It requires a special cable or testpoints on the board, even on locked devices (for example, after a failed firmware). 🔗 Look for instructions on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers (for example, for Redmi Note 9 Pro or POCO X3 NFC).
• 🔓 Use of informal tools. Examples: XiaomiTool V2, MTKClient (for devices on MediaTek). ⚠️ Risk high: it is possible to block the account Mi Account or "brick".
• 📱 Contact the service center. Some services offer unlocking for a fee (from 500 to 2000 rubles), check whether they give a guarantee for work, often after such manipulations, the device stops turning on.

If you decide to use EDL-regime, consider:

• 🔌 Qualcomm devices will require an authorized Xiaomi account (you can buy it on specialized forums).

For example, unlocking the Redmi Note 10 Pro via EDL requires:

1. Download firmware and firehose files for your model.
2. Connect the phone to EDL-mode (through test points or special cable).
3. Use the Mi Flash Tool or QFil for firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking through EDL on devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13 or X-rays) POCO F5 Pro may result in Mi Account being blocked due to new Anti-Rollback 5 protection system+.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions