Unlocking Xiaomi bootloader via command line: a complete guide with commands and nuances

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must-do step for installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights, or restoring the device after software failures. The official way through the Mi Unlock Tool application often faces limitations: waiting 7-360 days, server errors, or locking an account. An alternative method, unlocking through the Windows Command Prompt (CMD) allows you to bypass some of the restrictions, but requires accurate execution of instructions and understanding the risks.

In this article, we will discuss both options for unlocking CMD: Official (using Mi Unlock Tool) and informal (via fastboot and ADB). You will learn which Xiaomi models support unlocking, how to prepare the device, what commands to enter, and how to avoid errors like Couldn't unlock or Device not authorized. IMEI on Xiaomi servers.

Warning: unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, voids the warranty and can lead to a brick if you break the sequence. If you are a beginner, read the Risks and Consequences section first!

1.Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking through a CMD, you need to follow a number of mandatory steps, and skipping any of these can lead to errors such as Mi Account not bound or Device is locked.

First, make sure your device officially supports unlocking. Xiaomi blocks unlockability for some regions (e.g., devices purchased in Europe or India through carriers). The full list of supported models can be checked on the official Mi Unlock website.

📱 Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and log in. Make sure your profile shows a valid email and phone number.
🔗 Turn on data synchronization: without this, the Xiaomi server will not confirm the account binding. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronize and activate all points.
🔧 Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Then on the Settings menu → There will be a new item for developers.
🔓 Permission. OEM-Unlock: In the Developer Menu, find the Unlock option OEM If you don't have a point, your device doesn't support unlocking.

Also check the version MIUI. On devices with MIUI 12.5+ Xiaomi has tightened the requirements: now you need to wait 7 days before unlocking the account (even if you have already unlocked the bootloader on this device). CMD.

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If the option is Unblocked OEM Inactive (grey), try to turn off PIN-code/pattern lock, restart the device and go back to the developer settings.

2. Installation of necessary tools: ADB, Fastboot and drivers

To work with a CMD, you'll need to install several tools on your computer, and without them, the commands won't be recognized by the system.

First, download and install:

🖥️ Google Platform Tools (includes) ADB and Fastboot: official page. Unpack the archive to the root of the disk C:\ (for example, C:\platform-tools\).
🔌 Drivers for Xiaomi: if Windows does not recognize the device in Fastboot mode, download Mi USB Driver.
🔓 Mi Unlock Tool (even if you use the informal method): download from the official website. Install the program, but do not run it until the preparation is complete.

After installation, check the working capacity of the tools:

Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power until a bunny with the word Fastboot appears).
Open the CMD on behalf of the administrator and go to the folder with the platform-tools: cd C:\platform-tools\
If the device is displayed (for example, 1234abcd fastboot) – the drivers are installed correctly.

📊 What Unlocking Method Do You Plan to Use?

Official (via Mi Unlock Tool)

Unofficial (via CMD and Fastboot)

I haven't decided yet.

Another method

3. Official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool + CMD

This method is suitable for users who want to unlock the bootloader legally, but have encountered errors in the standard Mi Unlock Tool interface. Using CMD here helps to bypass problems with connecting to Xiaomi servers or freezing the program.

Algorithm of action:

Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to the device.
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as described above).
Open the CMD in the platform-tools folder and type: fastboot oem device-info In the answer, check the lines: Device unlocked: false Device critical unlocked: false If true - the bootloader is already unlocked.
Return to Mi Unlock Tool and press Unlock. If the program freezes during the verification phase, type in CMD: fastboot oem unlock-go This command forcibly sends a request to unlock, bypassing the GUI.

If you have a Couldn't unlock error.You need to wait 168 hours, then Xiaomi requires you to wait 7 days from the moment of the account's attachment. CMD It's impossible. You'll have to wait.

What to do if Mi Unlock Tool says "Current account is not bound to this device"

This error means that the Mi Account is not tied to the device at the server level of Xiaomi. Solutions: 1. Make sure that the phone’s settings are synced with Mi Cloud and you are authorized. 2. Reboot the device and re-assign the account to Settings → Xiaomi Account. 3. If the phone is new, wait 24 hours: sometimes Xiaomi servers delay the binding confirmation.

4. Unofficial unlock via Fastboot and CMD (for experienced)

This method is suitable for devices that cannot be officially unlocked (for example, due to a region lock or a Device not authorized error), it is based on the use of vulnerabilities in the Fastboot protocol, but has a high risk of brick.

Warning: Xiaomi may block an account for using unofficial methods, and this method does not work on devices with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+).

Instructions:

Download a special script for your model (for example, unlock_bootloader.bat For the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
Unpack the script in the platform-tools folder.
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and start the script on behalf of the administrator. It automatically executes commands such as: fastboot oem unlock fastboot flashing unlock fastboot oem unlock-go

If there is no script for your model, try manually entering:

fastboot oem unlock-bypass [your_imei]

Where [your_imei] — it IMEI Your device (you can find it through the command *#06# or in the phone settings).

☑️ Checking before unofficial unblocking

The device is charged at 80%+Backup copy of data createdFastboot drivers installedScript downloaded for a specific model

Done: 0 / 4

5. Typical errors and their solutions

When unlocking via CMD, users most often encounter the following errors:

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
fastboot: usage: unknown command oem unlock	The device does not support the oem unlock command	Try fastboot flashing unlock or check the model for compatibility
Device is not authorized	Mi Account is not tied to the device	Re-link your account in settings and wait 24 hours
Couldn't unlock. You need to wait 168 hours	It has not been 7 days since the account was linked.	Waiting is impossible to get around
Invalid token	Xiaomi server rejects request	Try again in 1 hour or change your IP.

If after successful unlocking the phone does not start (hangs on the MI logo), reset via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot reboot

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If the unlocking was successful, but the phone does not turn on, do not panic. This is normal: after unlocking the bootloader, you must flash custom or official recovery (for example, TWRP or OrangeFox).

6. Risks and consequences of unlocking the bootloader

Unlocking bootloader gives freedom of action, but has serious disadvantages:

🚫 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi cancels warranty if unlocked bootloader is detected, even if the problem is not related to software.
🛡️ Virus Vulnerability: Without bootloader Protection, Malware Can Access System Partitions.
🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates: Official updates may not be installed or may result in bricks.
📱 Blocking some features: some models stop working Widevine L1 (no HD Netflix, Google Pay and banking apps.

If you unlock the bootloader, but you want to return the warranty, you can Attempt relock. However, this does not work on all devices.

fastboot oem lock

Warning: After this command, the phone will reset to factory settings and may stop loading if a custom firmware was installed before locking.

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Before unlocking, save the persist and nvram partition via Fastboot, which will help restore IMEI and network settings if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi without waiting 7 days?

No, since 2022, Xiaomi has been requiring a 168-hour (7-day) wait after an account is linked, which used to be 360-day, but now it has been reduced, and it is impossible to circumvent the restriction, as all “circumvent” methods (for example, changing the date/time or using a VPN) lead to the Couldn’t unlock error.

Why does Mi Unlock Tool write "Device is locked" even after successful unlocking?

This is normal: after unlocking the bootloader, the status in the Mi Unlock Tool may not be updated. To make sure you are successful, restart the phone in Fastboot and type in the command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked.

Can I unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi with HyperOS?

On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70), unlocking is only possible through the official Mi Unlock Tool. Unofficial methods (e.g., fastboot oem unlock-bypass) do not work due to the modified Fastboot protocol.

What if the phone doesn’t turn on after unlocking?

Solutions: Sweat the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, install custom recovery (TWRP) and run ZIP with firmware. If the phone vibrates but the screen is black, check if dtbo or vbmeta has crashed.

How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Xiaomi?

There are two ways: Turn off your phone, press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot. If there's Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is unlocked. Turn on your phone, install the Fastboot Mode Checker app from Google Play, it'll show lock status.

8.Conclusion: Is unlocking the bootloader worth the effort?

Unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi via a CMD is a process that requires patience and accuracy. The official method with the Mi Unlock Tool is more reliable, but longer; the informal method is faster, but riskier. If you need root rights or custom firmware, there are no alternatives. If the goal is simply to remove embedded applications or optimize the system, consider options without unlocking (for example, ADB App Control).

Remember, since 2026, Xiaomi has tightened its unlock controls, and new devices (especially HyperOS) are almost impossible to get around the restrictions. If your smartphone is released before 2022, the chances of success are higher. Either way, back up and be prepared for the fact that you may need to flash it back.

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If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to consult specialists. The cost of unlocking a bootloader in service centers usually does not exceed 1000-1500 rubles, which is cheaper than restoring a brick.