Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Poco X3 is a must-have for custom firmware installation, root rights, or device recovery after software failures. However, the procedure involves risks ranging from loss of warranty to full brik. In 2026, Xiaomi tightened unlock requirements, so old instructions often lead to errors like Couldn't unlock or Device is locked.
This article will help unlock the bootloader on the Poco X3 (models M2007J20CG/M2007J20CI) with the current Xiaomi rules, including binding Mi Account and waiting 168 hours. We will analyze the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, circumvent typical errors and give recommendations for preparing the device. Importantly, after unlocking the smartphone will automatically reset to factory settings, back up the data in advance.
Why you should unlock the bootloader on Poco X3
The factory bootloader on Xiaomi devices is blocked by default, which protects the system from unauthorized changes, but limits the user in a number of scenarios:
- 🔄 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS, etc.).
- 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk for deep system customization.
- 🔧 Restore the device after a soft breeze (for example, after a failed update).
- 📱 Removing Xiaomi’s built-in apps (Mi Browser, GetApps, etc.).
Without an unlocked bootloader, even official tools like Fastboot or ADB can’t make changes to the system partition, but remember that unlocking will void the warranty (if it’s still valid) and increase the risk of software failures if you do something wrong.
⚠️ Attention: On Poco X3 firmware MIUI 14+ unlocking the bootloader requires you to link the device to your Mi Account at least 7 days before the procedure.If you just created an account or dropped your phone, wait a week.
Xiaomi Requirements for Unlocking in 2026
Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened its unlock policy, and now it is necessary to:
- Link your Mi Account to your device and use it for at least 7 days (168 hours).
- Enable OEM Unlock in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times tap) → Additional → For developers).
- Connect your device to the Internet via a mobile network (Wi-Fi does not always work for synchronization with Xiaomi servers).
- Use the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (you can download only from the official website).
If at least one of the conditions is not met, the unlock tool will give an error Couldn't verify device or Account not bound to this device. Xiaomi can block the ability to unlock for 30 days with repeated unsuccessful attempts.
| Conditions | What happens if you don't do it? | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Account Account is tied for ≥7 days | Account error not bound | Settings → Xiaomi Account → Device Status |
| OEM Unlock enabled | OEM unlock disabled error | Settings → For developers → OEM Unlock |
| The latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool | Error Tool version too old | Download from en.miui.com/unlock |
| The device is connected to the mobile Internet | Network error | Turn off Wi-Fi, check your mobile data |
Preparing Poco X3 for unlocking: step-by-step checklist
Before starting the procedure, follow all the items on this list to avoid errors:
Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)
Charge your phone at least 60%
Enable debugging over USB (Settings → Developers → Debugging over USB)
Download and install Mi Unlock Tool on PC
Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable (not USB 3.0!)
Disable all antiviruses and firewalls on PC
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Pay special attention to cable: many errors are associated with the use of unoriginal or damaged cables, it is also recommended to use a USB 2.0 port on a PC (USB 3.0 ports sometimes cause problems with device recognition in Fastboot mode).
If you have updated your firmware through MIUI Updater, wait until the system stabilizes (at least 24 hours after the update). Otherwise, Mi Unlock Tool may give you an error Device is locked. Wait for 72 hours.
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If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device in Fastboot mode, try running the program on behalf of the administrator or installing Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager (select Mi Flash Pro for Poco X3).
Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
When preparation is completed, follow this instruction:
- Turn off the Poco X3 and press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (screen with a hare in a hat-eared).
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool (requires login to the same Mi Account as the phone).
- The program will automatically check the status of the device. If everything is in order, the Unlock button will appear.
- Press Unlock and confirm the action. The process will take 10-30 seconds.
- After successful unlocking, the phone will restart and reset to factory settings.
If the Unlocked successfully message appears on the screen, but the phone does not reboot, manually hold the Power Button for 10-15 seconds. The first download after unlocking can take up to 5 minutes.
⚠️ If the Mi Unlock Tool shows progress 50% or 99% It freezes, don't turn off the cable, don't force the phone to restart (10-15 Interrupting the process can lead to a hard brick (irreparable damage to the bootloader).
What to do if the Mi Unlock Tool shows "Current account is not bound to this device"
Typical errors and their solutions
Even when all conditions are met, Poco X3 users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't verify device | Unstable Internet connection or problems with Xiaomi servers | Use the mobile Internet, try again in 1-2 hours |
| Account not bound to this device | Account tied for less than 7 days or synchronization is lost | Check the account status in the settings, wait or reset the phone |
| Device is locked. Wait for 72 hours | Too frequent attempts to unlock or recently updated firmware | Wait 3 days without turning off your phone |
| Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the device | Problems with drivers or cable | Install drivers manually, use the original cable |
If you see a Couldn't unlock error. Try again later, it means that Xiaomi has temporarily blocked the unlock for your account. Usually the lock is valid for 30 days to 3 months, depending on the number of failed attempts, in which case you only have to wait or try to unlock from another account (but this violates Xiaomi's rules and can lead to permanent blocking of IMEI).
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If after unlocking the phone does not turn on or stuck on the logo POCO, Don't panic. It might be due to an automatic reset. Try going to Recovery. + Volume up) and perform Wipe Data manually.
What to do after successful unblocking
Once you unlock the bootloader, your Poco X3 is ready for further modifications, but there are a few important steps:
- Check the status of the bootloader: turn off the phone and go to Fastboot - at the bottom of the screen should be the inscription Unlocked.
- Update your firmware: If you plan to install custom firmware, upgrade to the latest official version first via MIUI Updater.
- Install TWRP: custom firmware or backups require custom recavers. Poco X3 is the official version of TWRP.
- Backup: With TWRP, back up the boot, system, and data section.
If you unlocked the bootloader to obtain root rights, use the latest version of Magisk (installation via TWRP or patching boot.img). Remember that some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online or Google Pay) may stop working on a rooted device.
⚠️ Attention: On Poco X3 firmware MIUI 14+ Magisk installation can lead to a reboot cycle if not disabled AVB 2.0 (Android Verified Boot. This requires editing before Magisk firmware boot.img tool-wise AVB Disabler.
Alternative methods of unlocking (at your own risk)
If the official method didn’t work (for example, because of the account lock), some users resort to alternative methods, which we do not recommend, but for completeness of information, we will give a brief description:
- 🔓 EDL-Mode: Unlocking through Emergency Download Mode with boxes like UFi or EasyJTAG. Requires soldering skills and risks damaging the motherboard.
- 📱 Exploit methods: exploit vulnerabilities in firmware (e.g. DirtyCOW) only works on older versions MIUI and may lead to a brick.
- 🔄 Buying an unlocked IMEI: In some forums, they sell "clean" IMEI It’s a scam, but Xiaomi is blocking these devices forever.
All of these methods violate Xiaomi’s rules and can lead to permanent locking of the device (up to the impossibility of turning on).If official unlocking fails, it is better to wait for the solution of the problem by Xiaomi or contact the service center.