Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi Play: the official way without errors

Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Mi Play is a must for custom firmware installation, rooting rights, or restoring the device after software failures, but there are risks ranging from loss of warranty to a full “brick” (turning the smartphone into a “brick”). Unlike the newer Xiaomi models, the Mi Play (codename pyxis) requires a special approach due to the outdated version. EDL-restrictions and restrictions on the part of the manufacturer.

Many users experience errors like Couldn't unlock or This device is locked even when following official instructions, often due to mis-binding of a Mi Account account, an outdated version of the Mi Unlock Tool, or mismatching versions of MIUI. This article provides a step-by-step guide that takes into account all the nuances of 2026, including avoidance of typical errors and security recommendations.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. On Xiaomi Mi Play, Anti-Rollback protection is automatically activated after unlocking, making it impossible to roll back on older versions MIUI Be sure to have a backup of the data and access to the original cable USB Type-C.

Preparation of the device: requirements and limitations

Before you start the process, check if your Xiaomi Mi Play meets the following key requirements:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: At least 10.3.3.0 (Global/Chinese) Unlocking is not possible on older versions due to lack of support for the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 🔋 Battery charge: At least 60%. It can take up to 30 minutes, and discharge during the operation will lead to a blink.
• 🔑 Mi Account: Account must be tied to the device for at least 72 hours (new Xiaomi rule from 2023.
• 🖥️ Computer: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) Hyper-V and BitLocker disabled. Virtual machines are not supported.

On the Mi Play with MIUI 9 or modified builds (for example, from third-party developers), the Mi Unlock Tool will give an error Current account is different from the account info on the device.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought the device with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie their Mi Account in Settings settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete your account. Otherwise, unlocking will be impossible without contacting Xiaomi for support.

2. Installation of drivers and Mi Unlock Tool

The official Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to unlock it, download it from Xiaomi’s official website (version no lower than 5.5.224.54).Older versions of the utility will not recognize Mi Play due to changes in the authentication protocol.

Before installation, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off driver signature verification in Windows: bcdedit /set testsigning on bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on (After unlock, return settings with bcdedit /set testsigning off)
2. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers manually through Device Manager (you can download from XDA Developers).
3. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.

If the utility gives you an error Couldn't get device info, check:

• 🔌 Connection to USB 2.0 (Ports 3.0 may not work).
• 🛠️ Disabling antivirus (for example, Kaspersky or Avast block Qualcomm drivers).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone to Fastboot (clip the power) + Decrease volume by 10 seconds).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool is stuck in the “50%” stage, try connecting your phone to another one. USB-port or use the cable from Xiaomi's original charging.Cheap cables often don't support data transfer to Fastboot

3. Account binding and waiting 72 hours

Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the unlock rules: now, at least 72 hours must pass between binding the Mi Account to the device and unlocking it (previously 360 hours), this timer is reset when:

• 🔄 Resetting the settings (Factory Reset).
• 📱 Change Mi Account in the device settings.
• 🔧 Update your firmware via Fastboot (but not through Recovery).

To check the binding status:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable Mi Unlock Status.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool. If the status shows Added successfully. Wait for 72 hours, the timer is running.

⚠️ Warning: If you see a message This device is bound to another account, it means that the previous owner has not untied his account:

• Contact Xiaomi with a purchase check.
• Use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a Deep Flash cable).

4. Step-by-step unlocking of the loader

After 72 hours, follow the following steps:

Turn off phone |Lock Power + Volume down to log in to Fastboot |Lock up your phone to your PC with the original cable |Run Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator-->

Step 1. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. The utility will start checking the device. If your device isn't supported appears, update the firmware to the latest stable version via Recovery.

Step 2. Confirm unlocking on your phone (if the screen turns on).Some devices may require you to enter a password from Mi Account.

Step 3: Wait until the process is complete (usually 10-15 minutes), the phone will automatically reboot with the bootloader unlocked.

fastboot oem device-info

The answer should be Device unlocked: true.

If the process is 99% frozen:

• 🔌 Turn off and reconnect the cable. USB.
• 🖥️ Re-launch the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 📱 Transfer your phone to Fastboot again.

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Once unlocked, Xiaomi Mi Play will automatically reset to factory settings. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted. Pre-save backup via Settings → Additional → Backup

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, Mi Play users often encounter errors, and here is a table of the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, try an alternative method through the EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable). However, this method is risky - if the device fails, the device may stop turning on.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Mi Play with Helio processor P35 unlock EDL often leads to loss IMEI. It can only be restored with the help of Maui. META or contacting a service center.

6. What to do after unlocking?

The unlocked bootloader opens up new possibilities, but it also adds risks. Here's what we can do next:

• 📲 Install TWRP Recovery (version) 3.7.0_9-0 or newer).
• 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk (recommended version: 26.4).
• 🔄 Switch custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS 18.1 or Pixel Experience).
• 🛡️ Return the bootloader lock (via fastboot oem lock) if you plan to sell the device.

It is important to remember: after unlocking the Xiaomi Mi Play loses support OTA-All firmware will have to be installed manually via Fastboot or Recovery, and Mi Cloud may also stop working).

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware on the Mi Play with unlocked bootloader will void the warranty. If the device fails due to the fault of the user, the Xiaomi service center will refuse free repairs.

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Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with the pyxis model (codename Mi Play). Firmware for the Redmi Note 7 or Mi 9 Lite will not work and will lead to a breeze!

7. How to return the bootloader lock?

If you decide to sell the device or return it to the service center, it is recommended to block the bootloader back.

1. Download the official firmware for Mi Play in.tgz format from MIUI Downloads website.
2. Unpack the archive and move the files to the folder from fastboot.
3. Run the command: fastboot flash all lock.bat (lock.bat file must be present in the firmware archive).
4. After the restart, the bootloader will be locked, and the device will return to the factory settings.

⚠️ Important: Once the bootloader is locked, custom firmware or Magisk will no longer be possible without re-unblocking, Mi Account re-assignment and 72 hours waiting may also be required.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi Play