The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S (codenamed sagit) is still a popular device among Android customization enthusiasts, but installing custom firmware, root rights, or even official global builds requires unlocking the bootloader, a process that has nuances related to Xiaomi policy and hardware.
In 2026, the official way to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool is still working, but it has become more difficult due to the tightening of account checks. Alternative methods (for example, through EDL or exploits) require deep technical knowledge and carry the risks of “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, their pros and cons, and give recommendations for preparation.
Important: unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings and erases all data, including files in internal memory, also cancels the warranty (if it is still valid) and can affect the operation of certain functions, such as Mi Pay or Widevine L1 (downgraded to L3).
1.Preparation for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting
Before you start unlocking, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, and ignoring them can lead to the blocking of your Xiaomi account or the device is inoperable.
First, check the MIUI version on your phone. Global or Chinese firmware (but not custom!) is required to unlock through the official tool. The version can be found in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have modified builds (such as xiaomi.eu), go back to stock firmware first.
- 📱 Tie it up. SIM-Mi card, which is a requirement for official unlocking. SIM, which you will use constantly and attach it to the Settings → Xiaomi account → Security settings → Tie up SIM-map.
- 🔗 Link the device to your Mi Account. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and make sure the phone is tied. Without it, Mi Unlock Tool will not allow you to continue the process.
- 🔋 Charging at least 60%. Unlocking can take up to 30 minutes, and interruption due to battery discharge is fraught with consequences.
- 🖥️ Install drivers. Drivers should be installed on the PC. ADB Download them from the official Xiaomi website or through the Mi Flash Tool.
It is also recommended to disable all antivirus programs on your PC, which can block the Mi Unlock Tool. If you have two-factor authentication in your Mi Account, temporarily disable it or prepare backup codes.
2.Official method: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool
This is the safest method, but it requires waiting. Xiaomi has introduced a mandatory wait time (usually 7-15 days) between linking an account to a device and unlocking it. If you just created an account or tied a phone, you will have to wait.
Steps for official unlocking:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version should match your firmware). Install the program on your PC.
- Activate Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions, and if you see a waiting message, wait until the deadline.
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and reset, and you can now install custom firmware via TWRP or Fastboot.
Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Connected SIM-map|Debugging is on. USB|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Battery charge >60%-->
3. Alternative Unlocking Methods (EDL, Exploits)
If the official method is not suitable (for example, due to a long wait), alternative methods can be tried: they are more risky and require experience, but sometimes are the only way out for older devices.
The most common alternatives are:
- 🔌 EDL-Emergency Download Mode: Allows you to flash the device in emergency mode, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account or special boxing (for example, Deep Flash Cable.
- 🐞 Exploits (like Dora or Sunny) exploit vulnerabilities in firmware to bypass locks. MIUI and may be closed by updates.
- 🔄 Downgrade firmware. Some versions. MIUI Unlocking is possible without waiting. MIUI 10 on the Mi Mix 2S It allowed the loader to be unlocked immediately.
For EDL-method:
- Deep Flash Cable (or homemade analogue with closing contacts).
- Mi Flash Tool and firmware in.tgz format for your model.
- An authorized Xiaomi account (or access to an authorization server)
The firmware process through EDL:
- Turn off the phone.
- Connect the Deep Flash Cable cable (or close contacts on the USB connector).
- The phone must be identified in Device Manager as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
What is Deep Flash Cable?
Possible errors and their solutions
When unlocking the Mi Mix 2S, users often encounter common errors, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t verify device (50–99%) | Waiting time (7-15 days) has not passed or the account is not tied to the device. | Wait for the specified period or check the binding SIM/account. |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | Different accounts are used on the phone and in the Mi Unlock Tool. | Log out of your phone and PC account, then log in again. |
| Device is locked. Unable to verify | The device was unlocked earlier, but then locked again (for example, after firmware). | Try the official method or EDL. |
| Phone is not defined in Fastboot | There are no drivers or faulty cables. | Install drivers manually through Device Manager or try another USB cable/port. |
If the Mi Unlock Tool is 50% or 99% cold, try:
- 🔄 Restart your PC and phone.
- 🔌 Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
- 🛡️ Disable antivirus and firewall.
- 📥 Download another version of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. 3.5.1118.45 instead of the last one).
💡
If the Mi Unlock Tool fails because of the error "This Mi Account is not bound to this device", try to re-link the account: log out on your phone, reboot, then log in again and wait 24 hours.
5. What to do after unlocking the bootloader
Once successfully unlocked, you will have access to custom firmware, cores and modifications, but there are several important steps that you should follow immediately:
- Install custom recovery (TWRP). This will allow you to create backups and sew ZIP-For the Mi Mix. 2S fitting TWRP 3.7.0 from mauronofrio.
- Make a full backup through TWRP (Boot, System, Data, EFS) sections, which will save your data in case of a failed firmware.
- Check Widevine status. Unlocking often lowers the level to L3, which worsens the quality of streaming (for example, on Netflix or Disney+). L1 can only be returned by flashing stock MIUI with the bootloader locked.
If you plan to install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), consider:
- 🔋 Some firmware may be less optimized for the Snapdragon 845, which will affect the autonomy of the device.
- 📸 Cameras can work incorrectly without ported Mi Camera libraries.
- 🔒 Banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) can block work on unlocked devices.
💡
Unlocking the bootloader on the Mi Mix 2S irreversibly erases data from internal memory, including photos and apps. Always back up to an external drive or cloud before starting the process.
6. Risks and consequences of unblocking
Unlocking the bootloader gives you a lot of freedom, but it also brings with it a number of limitations and potential problems.
- 🚫 Xiaomi officially declares that unlocking will void warranty obligations.Even if the loader is blocked back, the service center can detect signs of interference.
- 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: An unlocked bootloader allows unsigned code to be run, which can be exploited by attackers (e.g., through malicious software). ZIP-file TWRP).
- 📉 Problems with OTA-Once you have custom recavator installed, the stock updates through the Settings won't work.
- 🎮 Incompatible with some games. PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact can block startup on devices with unlocked bootloader (detected via SafetyNet).
Also worth mentioning is the risk of a "brick" (turning a phone into a "brick"), which can occur if:
- Interrupt the process of unlocking or firmware.
- Install firmware that is not designed for sagit (for example, Mi Mix 2 or Mi Mix 3).
- Use unstable nuclei or modifications that conflict with iron.
In most cases, soft breeze (when the phone doesn’t boot but you have access to a Fastboot or EDL) can be fixed by flashing. Hard breeze (a complete lack of button response and PC connection) often requires solder station-level repairs.
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If the phone stopped turning on after unlocking, try flashing stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode. This will return the device to factory condition, but will save the unlocked bootloader.
7. How to block the loader back
If you decide to return the device to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), you can lock the bootloader back.
- Swipe the official stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all and lock mode.
- Use the command in Fastboot: fastboot oem lock Attention: this erases all data and blocks the bootloader.
- After blocking, reset via Settings → Additional → Restore and reset.
Note that locking the bootloader does not always return the Widevine L1 status or remove the unlock mark in Fastboot (checked by the fastboot oem device-info team). Some service centers may refuse warranty repairs if they find signs of unlocking.