Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro (codenamed sakura) is a must-have for custom firmware installation, root rights, or device recovery after software failures. Although the model was released in 2018, the unlocking procedure remains relevant thanks to an active developer community and support for unofficial MIUI and Android builds.
Many users are facing challenges, from Mi Unlock Tool errors to Mi Account binding issues, and in this article we will discuss the official unlock method for 2026, as well as alternatives for devices with a locked account or outdated firmware, with a focus on common errors (such as Couldn’t unlock or This device is locked) and how to get around them.
⚠️ Important: Unlocking the bootloader will void Xiaomi’s warranty and increase the risk of software failures. After the procedure, the device will be reset to factory settings, and the data on internal memory will be deleted.
Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi 6 Pro
Factory locking of the bootloader on Xiaomi devices is a security measure aimed at protecting against unauthorized access, but it restricts users in the following scenarios:
- 🔄 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS). Without unlocking, the system simply will not boot.
- 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU to deeply customize the system.
- 🔧 Recovery of the device after a “brick” (software failure) using Fastboot or EDL-regime.
- 📱 Removal of pre-installed system applications (bloatware) that cannot be disabled by standard means.
On the Redmi 6 Pro, unlocking is especially in demand due to the limitations of MIUI: for example, the inability to turn off advertising in system applications or reassign hardware buttons. In addition, custom firmware often offers more recent versions of Android (up to the 12th version), while official support for the model stopped on Android 9 Pie.
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the device becomes more vulnerable to malware. Do not install firmware from unverified sources!
Requirements for unlocking the loader
Before starting the procedure, make sure your device and PC meet the following conditions:
| Component | Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| The device | Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro (sakura) | Check the model in Settings → About the phone |
| MIUI version | I recommend MIUI 12+. | On older versions, account binding errors are possible |
| Mi Account | Linked to the device, confirmed by SMS/email | Without an account, unlocking is impossible! |
| Battery charge | At least 60% | 80% recommended to avoid failures |
| USB cable | Original or high quality | Cheap cables can cause connection errors |
Additional requirements will be:
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (64-bit). Nana macOS/Linux Mi Unlock Tool is not working properly.
- 🔌 Disabled antivirus and firewall – they can block the unlock utility.
- 📥 Installed drivers ADB/Fastboot mi USB Driver (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).
⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China ROM), You may need to confirm it via a Chinese phone number to unlock it, so it's easier to flash the global version. MIUI via Fastboot before unlocking.
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If you can’t confirm your Mi Account via SMS, try using email or Mi Account Unlock (available on 4PDA forums).
Preparation of the device for unlocking
Before connecting to the Mi Unlock Tool, you need to follow several critical steps on the smartphone itself:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. After that, the Settings menu → Additional section For Developers will appear.
- Enable debugging on USB unlock OEM: In the section For developers activate: 🔧 Debugging by USB (USB Debugging) 🔓 Unlocking OEM (OEM Unlocking)
If the OEM Unlock option is missing or inactive, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI.
Link the Mi Account to the device:
In the same section for developers, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. The system will request a password from your Mi Account.
Activate Developer Mode |Enable debugging on USB|Enable OEM|Unlocking Attach Mi Account to Device |Enable antivirus on PC-->
After these steps are completed, be sure to restart the device. This is necessary to apply changes to the system settings.
⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 6 Pro with firmware MIUI 10 or older, you may need to wait 72 to 168 hours after you have linked your account, this restriction is introduced to combat device theft.
Installation of Mi Unlock Tool and drivers
Mi Unlock Tool is the official tool from Xiaomi to unlock the bootloader. You can download it only from the official website (authorization is required via Mi Account), versions of the utility from torrents or third-party sites can contain malicious code!
Step-by-step installation:
- Download the archive from the Mi Unlock Tool and unpack it into a folder on the C:\ drive (e.g., C:\MiUnlock).
- Install the drivers: 🖥️ Connect the Redmi 6 Pro off to the PC by clamping Volume down + Food for entering the Fastboot. 🔌 In Device Manager, find a device with an exclamation mark (usually Android Bootloader Interface) and update the driver manually by specifying the driver folder from the Mi Unlock Tool archive.
Launch the utility.
Launch on behalf of the administrator
If you start the Mi Unlock Tool with a Couldn't get device list error, check:
- 🔌 Correct cable connection (try another port) USB).
- 🖥️ The presence of drivers in the Device Manager.
- 🛡️ Is the antivirus disabled (for example, Avast or Kaspersky can block the utility).
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
The process of unlocking the loader
When you're done, you can start unlocking, and the whole process takes 5-10 minutes, but you need to follow the instructions exactly.
- Enter Fastboot: Turn off Redmi 6 Pro and press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the device to a PC.
- Authorization in Mi Unlock Tool: In the utility, click Sign In and enter your Mi Account details (the same one that is tied to the phone!). If this account is not bound to this device, then the account is not tied to the device (see the section "Preparation of the device").
- Start unlocking: Once you have successfully logged in, press Unlock. The utility will start checking the status of the device. If everything is okay, a data reset warning will appear, confirm the action.
- Waiting for completion: The unlocking process will take a few minutes, and when completed, the device will automatically reboot to Recovery mode and reset to factory settings.
🎉 Now your Redmi 6 Pro bootloader is unlocked. Check this out by re-entering Fastboot: Unlocked (not Locked as it used to be) should appear at the bottom of the screen).
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Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the device will be deleted! make a backup of photos, contacts and apps in advance via Mi Cloud or locally on your PC.
Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the correct following of the instructions, users often encounter errors.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock. Wait for 72 hours | 72 hours after the account was linked | Wait for the specified time (check the status in Mi Unlock Status) |
| This device is locked | The device is not in Fastboot mode or is not recognized | Check the drivers and cable, restart the PC |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | The account in the utility does not match the one tied to the phone | Make sure you are logged in under the same account as on your device. |
| Mi Unlock Tool stuck at 50% | Freezing during the verification phase (often due to antivirus) | Turn off antivirus and firewall, try another PC |
If you get a Couldn’t verify device error, it could mean that:
- 📱 The device is not supported by the current version of the Mi Unlock Tool (update the utility).
- 🔄 You use an unofficial firmware (go back to stock). MIUI via Fastboot).
- 🕒 Xiaomi servers are overloaded (try it later).
💡 Advice: If the unlock fails due to an error 72/168 hours, but you're in a hurry, you can try changing your Mi Account region to China (via your Xiaomi account settings.
What to do after unlocking
After successfully unlocking the bootloader, your Redmi 6 Pro is ready for further manipulation.
- 📱 Install custom restoration (TWRP): Download the current version TWRP For sakura from twrp.me and run it through Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- 🔓 Get root rights: Download the latest version of Magisk (GitHub) and run it through TWRP or Fastboot.
- 🔄 Swipe custom firmware: Popular options for Redmi 6 Pro: LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11), Pixel Experience (Android 12) or Havoc-OS. You need to choose firmware strictly for the sakura model!
- 🚀 Optimize your system: Remove unnecessary system applications (bloatware) with Magisk or ADB, turn off the adverts in MIUI via Magisk modules.
⚠️ Note: After installing custom firmware or TWRP If you're concerned about security, turn off encryption in your settings. MIUI before the firmware or use firmware with support FBE (File-Based Encryption).
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Before you run custom firmware, check reviews on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forum.Some builds may have camera, Wi-Fi or sensor bugs.
Alternative methods of unlocking
If the official Mi Unlock Tool method doesn’t work (for example, due to a blocked account or server errors), you can try alternative methods.
1. Unlock through EDL-mode (emergency regime):
- 🔧 Authorized account required EDL (sold on specialized forums or box (e.g. UFi, EasyJTAG).
- 📡 Connection is carried out through test points on the board (a soldering iron and experience are needed).
- ⚠️ Risk of damaging the device if the connection is incorrect!
2.Using unofficial versions of the Mi Unlock Tool:
- 🔓 Some modified versions of the utility (for example, Mi Unlock Tool Bypass) allow you to bypass the latency limit.
- 🛡️ Risk of blocking Mi Account for using unofficial software.
- 📌 You can download such utilities only from trusted sources (for example, XDA-Developers).
3. Unlocking through the firmware of the patched bootloader:
- 🔄 You need to flash a modified bootloader through Fastboot, but it only works on some versions. MIUI.
- 📡 Requires access to Fastboot and ability to work with ADB.
⚠️ Attention: Alternative methods can lead to permanent locking of the device (hard-brick) if performed incorrectly.Without experience, it is better to consult specialists or use the official method, even if it requires waiting.