How to unblock Xiaomi: from bootloader to Mi Account – the complete guide

Unlocking Xiaomi devices is one of the most popular procedures among smartphone owners of this brand, and the reasons can range from the desire to install custom firmware to the need to bypass the lock Mi Account after buying a used phone. However, not all methods are equally safe, and some of them can lead to a complete loss of warranty or “brick” of the device if you violate official rules.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to unlock Xiaomi in 2026, from legal removal of restrictions through the Mi Unlock Tool to bypassing the lock on devices with a locked bootloader. We will pay special attention to the nuances for new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13), where the manufacturer has tightened security measures. If you are looking for a way to regain control of your gadget, read more.

1. What does it mean to "unblock Xiaomi"? Types of locks

By “disconnection” Xiaomi users usually mean one of three things:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader - removing restrictions on the installation of informal firmware (required for customized software) ROM, Root rights or recovery via fastboot).
• 📱 Bypass Mi Account – removing the binding to the previous owner (relevant when buying a used phone with a blocked account).
• 🌐 Removing regional restrictions – unlocking frequencies LTE, shutdown MIUI or change the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to global).

Each of these processes has its own risks, such as unlocking a bootloader will void the warranty (even if you return it back), and bypassing Mi Account incorrectly can turn a phone into a brick. In addition, Xiaomi has tightened security policies since 2023, requiring new devices (such as the Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5) to wait up to 720 hours (30 days) after the account is tied before unlocking the bootloader.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 14 Pro) attempt to unlock through informal tools (like EDL) This can lead to a hardware lock eMMC that cannot be removed software.

2. Official unlocking of the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool

The safest (but not the fastest) way to unlock a bootloader is to use Xiaomi’s official Mi Unlock Tool, which works on most devices except some Chinese models (like the Redmi K70 Pro with domestic firmware).

Algorithm of action:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version must match the region of your Mi Account).
2. Enable OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Tap 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers.
3. Link your Mi Account to your device in the Settings menu → Xiaomi Account → Mi Unlock status.
4. Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
5. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and follow the instructions.

On new devices (released after 2022), you will have to wait 7 to 30 days after you have an account attached, which is a Xiaomi security requirement. You can check the waiting status in the same Mi Unlock status menu.

Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Turn it on. OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings|Linking your Mi Account to your device|Connect your phone to fastboot mode|Wait until the end of the waiting period (if required)-->

⚠️ Note: If you see an error "Couldn't unlock. Current account is different from the account info on the device", this means that the phone was linked to another Mi Account. In this case, you will either need to contact the previous owner or use methods of bypassing (see section 4).

3. Alternative methods of unlocking the bootloader (without waiting)

If you don't like the official 30-day wait, there are workarounds, but they all involve increased risks, from account lockdown to hardware damage to your device, and here's a list of methods, sorted by risk level (from least to most risky):

• 🔄 Using an older version of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. 3.5.503.24) Some versions bypass latency checks but may not work on newer devices.
• 📡 EDL-Emergency Download Mode requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.
• 🔧 Exploitation through ADB. For example, the vulnerability of dirtycow for older versions MIUI (It does not work on Android 12 devices.+).
• 💻 TestPoint firmware, an extreme method that requires physical intervention (closing contacts on the board) is used when other methods have failed.

The most reliable alternative is EDL, which requires:

1. USB-TypeC cable with EDL support (normal may not work).
2. Mi Flash Pro or QFil.
3. Authorized Xiaomi account (you can buy access to specialized forums).
4. Firmware in.mbn format for your model.

The firmware process through EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.


2. Press the buttons <Loud up + Volume down> and connect the cable to the PC.




3.The device will be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.




4. In Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Flash.

Official Mi Unlock Tool Officially|EDL-regime|Exploitation through ADB|Firmware through TestPoint|I've tried nothing.-->

4.How to bypass Mi Account on blocked Xiaomi

If you bought a used Xiaomi phone with a linked Mi Account and the previous owner didn't untie it, the device will be locked after resetting. The official solution is to contact the seller and ask them to remove the device from the list at i.mi.com, but if that's not possible, you'll have to use workarounds.

Mi Account bypass methods fall into two categories:

• 🔑 Software - through vulnerabilities in MIUI (for example, bypassing ADB or Fastboot).
• 🔧 The hardware is the firmware through EDL TestPoint, Delete Data Persistently.

The most effective methods for 2026 are:

On devices with MIUI 15 (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), most vulnerabilities are already closed, and the only reliable way to do this is to run through EDL with a full reset of userdata and persist partitions, but this will result in all data loss and require an authorized Xiaomi account.

⚠️ Note: After bypassing Mi Account through EDL TestPoint device may lose communication with Xiaomi servers, which will lead to problems with updates, synchronization and operation of certain functions (for example, Find Device).

5. Unblock regional restrictions (LTE, advertising, firmware)

Many Xiaomi devices, especially those designed for the Chinese market, have regional limitations.

• 📶 Blocked ranges LTE (For example, there is no support. B20 Europe).
• 📺 Built-in advertising in MIUI (even in global firmware).
• 🌍 Restrictions on the installation of some apps (e.g. Google Play is not available in Chinese versions).

To remove these restrictions, you can:

1. Change the firmware region from Chinese (CN) to global (Global) or European (EEA), and you need to unlock the bootloader and flash the device through fastboot or TWRP.
2. Disable Advertising through Settings MIUI or ADB-Adb shell pm hide com.miui.systemAdSolution
3. Unlock. LTE-ranges by editing a file modem_config (root-rights).

To change the firmware region, download the appropriate version from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website and run it through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option. OTA-update.

💡

Before changing the firmware region, back up the persist section (if you have root rights) to avoid problems with the IMEI or modem after the firmware.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you unlock Xiaomi, users often encounter common errors that can have serious consequences, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

One of the most dangerous mistakes is interrupting the firmware process. If the phone disconnects from the PC while writing the system or boot partition, it can lead to hard brick that cannot be fixed without soldering equipment. Always use the original cable and uninterruptible power source for the PC.

fastboot flash boot boot.img

fastboot flash system system.img

If this does not help, you will need to use the EDL.-->

7. Unlock Xiaomi without losing warranty: myth or reality?

Many users are wondering: can you unlock Xiaomi in a way that preserves the warranty? Unfortunately, any unlocking of the bootloader automatically voids the warranty, as stated in the Xiaomi user agreement.

• 🔄 Temporary unlocking. Once you have custom firmware installed, you can lock the bootloader again (fastboot oem lock command). This won't return the warranty, but it will reduce the risk of accidental damage.
• 📄 Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) masks the unlocked status in the device information, but this won’t fool the service center.
• 🔧 Use official firmware if you're running a global version MIUI Using the Mi Flash Tool, it is less risky than custom ROM.

It is important to understand that even if you return the device to the “factory” state, the Xiaomi service center can check the unlock log through the fastboot oem device-info. If the response is Device unlocked: true, warranty repair will be denied.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a MediaTek chipset (e.g., Redmi Note 12 or POCO M6 Pro) locking the bootloader after unlocking can cause data loss in the userdata section. Always back up before manipulation!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions