The Xiaomi Redmi S2 (codenamed ysl) is a popular budget smartphone, but its potential is only revealed after unlocking the bootloader. Without it, you can not install custom software, get root rights or flash global firmware on the Chinese version of the device. However, the process of unlocking on the Redmi S2 has nuances: Xiaomi has tightened the rules, and the old instructions from 2018-2020 no longer work.
In this article, we're going to present the latest algorithm for 2026, taking into account the latest changes in Mi Unlock policy, and we're going to look at the official Mi Unlock Tool method, Mi Account requirements, the "Couldn't unlock" error, and what to do if the device is not identified, and we're going to look at the risks of unlocking and how to minimize them.
⚠️ Important: The procedure will reset all data on your phone. If you haven't backed up, it won't be possible to recover photos, contacts or messages. Use Mi Mover or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root) in advance.
Why you should unlock the bootloader on the Redmi S2
The factory bootloader Xiaomi blocks:
- 🔄 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HavocOS) without unlocking the system will refuse to boot.
- 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk, even if you sew the patch. boot.img, phone won't load.
- 🌍 Change the firmware region, like switching from Chinese. MIUI China on a global scale MIUI Global.
- 🔧 Using tools like TWRP Or OrangeFox for partition backup.
After unlocking, you will be able to:
- 🚀 Speed up the phone with optimized firmware (for example, Xiaomi.eu without bloat).
- 🔋 Extend battery life through cores with improved power consumption.
- 🎮 Run emulators and games that require root (such as Dolphin) MMJ or PPSSPP high-resolution texture).
⚠️ Note: Unlocking will void Xiaomi’s warranty (even if you then block the bootloader back), and some banking apps (Sberbank, Tinkoff) may refuse to work on unlocked devices due to security policies.
Requirements before unlocking: what to prepare
Before starting the procedure, check:
| Component | Requirement | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI version | Not below MIUI 10. | Go to Settings → About the phone → MIUI version |
| Mi Account | Linked to the device, verified by phone number | Settings → Mi Account should display your email |
| USB-cable | Original or high quality (e.g. from Anker) | Connect to PC – must be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 in Fastboot mode |
| Battery charge | At least 60% | Check the status bar or in Settings → Battery |
| Drivers. | Installed Mi USB Driver and ADB/Fastboot | Device Manager should not have exclamation points next to Android Device |
🔹 Requirement: The device must be tied to the Mi Account for at least 72 hours (3 days) This rule Xiaomi introduced in 2021 to combat phone theft.If you just created an account or reset your phone, unlocking will not be available.
🔹 For users of the Chinese version (ysl with suffix _CN):
To unlock the bootloader, you first need to flash the global firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (instruction below).
Make a backup copy of the data|Charge the phone to 60%+|Install Mi. USB Driver|Link your Mi Account to your device (minimum 3 days)|Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version-->
Step-by-step: unlock through Mi Unlock Tool
The official method from Xiaomi is the only safe way to unlock that does not lead to a “brick” of the device.
Step 1: Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking
1. Go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and Enable:
- USB debugging
- Unlocking OEM (the most important point!)
- Factory Unlocking (if any)
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission (a pop-up window will appear).
Step 2: Put your phone in Fastboot mode
Turn off the Redmi S2, then press simultaneously:
- Power button + Volume reduction for 10-15 seconds.
On the screen will appear a hare in a hat-eared – this is a sign that the device is in Fastboot mode.
Step 3: Launch the Mi Unlock Tool
1. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website (Windows only!).
2. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
3. log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.
4. Connect Redmi S2 in Fastboot mode.The tool must define the device as ysl.
Step 4: Start unlocking
Press Unlock in the program. It takes 1-3 minutes. When it's done, the phone automatically restarts, and all data is erased.
⚠️ If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a "Couldn't unlock. Wait 72 hours" error, it means:
- The Mi Account is tied to the device for less than 3 days.
- You recently dropped your phone to factory settings.
- The original cable is used or USB-Port 3.0 (Try Port 2.0).
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
Unblocking errors and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions, Redmi S2 users face typical problems.
Error: "Current account is different from the account info on the device"
Reason: A different Mi Account is linked to your phone than the one you signed in to the Mi Unlock Tool.
Decision:
1. Go to Settings → Mi Account and delete your current account.
2 Add the same account you use in the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Wait 24 hours (sometimes re-binding is required).
Error: Device is not supported by mi unlock
Reason: You have a Chinese version of Redmi S2 (ysl with China Stable firmware), which requires global firmware.
Decision:
1. Download the latest Fastboot firmware for Redmi S2 Global from MIUI Downloads.
2. Sweat it through the Mi Flash Tool (select the clean all option).
3. After the firmware, repeat the unlocking procedure.
Error: "Couldn't Get the Package"
Reason: Internet connection problems or antivirus blocking.
Decision:
- Turn off the VPN/proxy.
- Add the Mi Unlock Tool to the antivirus exceptions.
- Try connecting to another network (for example, via a mobile hotspot).
💡
If the Mi Unlock Tool is 99% hanging, don't turn off the phone! wait 10-15 minutes - sometimes the process is delayed due to Xiaomi servers.
What to do after unlocking the loader
After successful unlocking:
- Install. TWRP Recovery: Download the latest version TWRP For ysl from twrp.me and click on Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ysl.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ysl.img
- Backup: In TWRP, go to Backup and save the Boot, System, Data, and EFS partitions (important for IMEI!).
- Sweep Magisk for root: Download Magisk with GitHub, patch boot.img I'm going to use Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot. magisk_patched.img
⚠️ Attention: After installation TWRP The stock recovery will be overwritten. To return it, file the original. recovery.img Fastboot firmware:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img🔹 For users planning firmware Xiaomi.eu:
First install TWRP, then run the firmware through Install to recovery. Don't use fastboot update, it'll lead to a blink!
💡
After unlocking the bootloader, never take it. OTA-They'll lead to a logo hanging on the back of the air. MIUI. All updates must be installed manually through TWRP.
How to block the loader back
If you need to return the phone to stock status (for example, for sale or warranty repair), lock the bootloader:
- Swipe the official Fastboot firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select the clean all and lock option).
- Reboot your phone to the Mi Unlock Tool and press Lock (if the option is available).
- Reset the settings to factory in Settings → Reset.
⚠️ Attention: After locking the loader:
- All data will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.
- TWRP and Magisk will stop working.
- To re-unblock, you will have to wait 7 days (the new Xiaomi rule from 2023).