The procedure to unlock the bootloader on the Xiaomi Mi A2 is a fundamental step for those who want to gain full control of their device.A smartphone running on Android One initially has a closed bootloader that prevents changes to the system partition.This restriction serves as a protection against malware, but at the same time blocks the installation of modified backups and obtaining superuser rights.
Opening the bootloader gives access to customized recaps such as TWRP and allows you to replace the stock operating system with custom builds like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. However, this process is not without risks: it will inevitably lead to the complete removal of all user data from the internal drive, including photos, contacts and applications.
Before you start taking action, you need to be clear that you are taking responsibility for the state of the device. Mistaking steps can lead to software errors, although it is usually possible to return the phone to its original state. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparing, setting up an account and the immediate process of unlocking through an official tool.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
The first and most important step is to assemble all the necessary software and check the components. You will need a computer running Windows (versions 7, 8, 10 or 11) as the official Mi Unlock Tool does not have native support for macOS or Linux without using emulators. USB-cable, preferably original, as cheap analogues often support only charging and do not transmit data stably.
On the Xiaomi Mi A2 smartphone itself, the battery should be charged to a minimum of 60-70%.The unlocking process can take time, and a sudden power outage at a critical moment can damage the boot sector. Make a full backup of all important data to an external medium or to the cloud storage in advance, as the internal memory will be completely cleared.
⚠️ Note: The process of unlocking the bootloader automatically performs a full setup reset. All your files, including photos, videos and documents, will be irretrievably deleted from the internal memory of the device.
You will also need a stable Internet connection on your PC to work, as the unlocker program needs to communicate with Xiaomi servers to verify your account status. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock utility from the official website miui.com/unlock to avoid compatibility issues and authorization errors.
Set up a Mi Account and link the device
Xiaomi’s key requirement is to link the device to a Mi Account and wait for a certain period of time, a security measure that is implemented to prevent smartphone theft and unauthorized flashing, and you need to log into the same Mi Account on the phone and in the Mi Unlock program on your computer.
To activate the unlock option, go to the smartphone settings menu. Find the About Phone section and click 7 times in a row on the MIUI Version (or Android Version in case of a clean system) to activate the developer mode. Then a new Developers Item will appear in the Advanced Settings menu.
Inside the developer menu, find the Mi Unlock (Mi Unlock status) option. Click on it and select "Add Account and Device." The system will alert you to the risks and require a mobile Internet connection (Wi-Fi at this point often doesn't work or is unstable). SIM-The card is active and configured mobile Internet.
Settings → About phone → Tap Build number 7 times → Additional settings → Developer options → Mi Unlock status → Add account and deviceOnce successfully linked, a wait time message will appear on the screen, which is usually 168 hours (7 days), but in some cases the period may be shortened to 36 hours or extended. The time counter starts from the moment the device is successfully linked to this menu, not from the moment the acc is registered. During this period, you can not log out of the account on your phone, otherwise the timer will reset.
What to do if the timer does not appear?
Activation of debugging by USB and OEM-unlocking
In addition to linking the account, you need to activate special debugging modes. In the same menu for developers, find the Debugging Switch. USB (USB Debugging) and activate it. When you connect your phone to your computer for the first time, you'll see a request for debugging permission from that computer on your smartphone screen -- be sure to click "Allow".
It is also critical to enable OEM Unlocking. Without activating this option, the unlock button in Mi Unlock Tool will be inactive or will give you an error. If you don't see this item on the developer menu, your region or software version may be hiding it, but on the global versions of Xiaomi Mi A2 it should be present by default.
- 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable to the original port (preferably) USB 2.0).
- 📱 Confirm the debugging request that appeared on the smartphone screen.
- ⚙️ Make sure that both switches are on the developer menu: “Debugging by USB" and “Factory unlocking".
- 🌐 Check that your computer sees the device as Android ADB Interface in Device Manager.
If the computer doesn't see the phone or identifies it as an unknown device, you'll need to install ADB and Fastboot drivers.These often come bundled with Google's platform tools or installed automatically along with Mi Phone Manager drivers.
☑️ Check before launching Mi Unlock
Unlocking process with Mi Unlock Tool
After the wait (168 hours) and all settings have been checked, you can proceed to the immediate procedure: run the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer on behalf of the administrator, log in to the same Mi Account that was linked to the phone, and the program will check the account status and confirm the presence of the associated device.
Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. Turn off the phone completely, then press the power and volume buttons at the same time. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android and the words FASTBOOT. Connect the phone in this mode to the computer.
In the Mi Unlock window, press the Unlock button, a warning will appear that all data will be deleted, confirm the action, the unlock process will begin, which can take from a few seconds to several minutes, during which time you can not turn off the cable or interrupt the program.
⚠️ Warning: If the program produces an error "Couldn't verify device" or "Account mismatch", check if the account in the program and on the phone matches.
When the process is complete, the phone will automatically restart, and the first boot after unlocking the bootloader can last longer than usual, up to 10-15 minutes, which is normal behavior for a system that performs file integrity checks and partition cleansing.
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Successful unlocking is confirmed by the appearance of the inscription "Unlocked" on the start screen when you turn on the phone and in the Fastboot menu.
Solving common mistakes
Despite the fact that the procedure is well-functioning, users often face technical problems, and one of the most common errors is the Error 10009 or problems with connecting to the server, often due to network restrictions or locks on the part of the provider. VPN-Selecting a region from China or India, or using mobile internet instead of home Wi-Fi.
Another common problem is the endless reboot cycle or the Xiaomi logo hanging after unlocking, which may indicate damage to system files in previous experiments or conflicting versions of the software, in which case you need to completely flash the device through Fastboot mode using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| Current account is different | Signing in to Mi Unlock from another account | Sign in to the same Mi Account as on your phone |
| Wait 168 hours | It's been a while. | Wait for the end of the timer without untiing the account |
| Couldn't verify device | Problems with drivers or cable | Replace USB-cable, reinstall drivers ADB |
| Error 10009 | Network restrictions | Use a VPN or change the network (mobile Internet) |
If neither method works, it makes sense to try to do the procedure on another computer with a clean operating system, and sometimes software conflicts or antiviruses can block the Mi Unlock Tool from working.
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Use it. USB-ports on the back of the system unit (direct to the motherboard), as ports on the front panel or through the USB-Hubs may give an insufficient voltage or unstable signal.