How to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide with risks and solutions

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a must for custom firmware, root rights, or brick recovery after a failed update. However, the process is far from as simple as it seems: Xiaomi tightened its unlock rules in 2023, adding a mandatory binding to the Mi Account and increasing waiting times for new accounts. In this article, we will discuss all current unlock methods (including circumventing restrictions), detail the risks and give a checklist for the device.

It's important to understand that unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings and erases all data, including photos in internal memory. Even if you use the official Mi Unlock Tool, the warranty on the smartphone is canceled. However, for enthusiasts who want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or just remove preinstalled software from Xiaomi, there are no alternatives. We tested the instructions on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C and POCO X5 Pro (2023-2026) models, all methods work, but with nuances.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives the user

A blocked bootloader is standard practice for most Android devices, but Xiaomi takes the issue particularly strictly.

• 🔒 Protection against theft: without unlocking, an attacker will not be able to erase the device and use it after resetting.
• 🛡️ Data security: preventing the installation of malware at the bootloader level.
• 📦 Firmware Control: Xiaomi wants users to use only official versions MIUI.
• 💰 Warranty obligations: Unblocking automatically voids the warranty.

On the other hand, the unlocked bootloader opens the following possibilities to the user:

• 🔄 Install custom firmware (for example, ArrowOS or HavocOS).
• 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk.
• 🔧 Removing system applications (bloat) without consequences.
• 🆘 Recovery of the brick after a failed update.

However, there is a downside: an unlocked device becomes more vulnerable to attacks, and some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may refuse to work due to the lack of SafetyNet certification. OTA-update MIUI They will stop working, they will have to update manually.

The official method of unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool

The most reliable and recommended way is to use the official Mi Unlock Tool, but since 2023 Xiaomi has tightened the requirements:

1. Linking Mi Account to the device (mandatory at least 7 days).
2. Wait 168 hours (7 days) after the binding for new accounts.
3. Included debugging over USB and allowed OEM-unlocking in the developer settings.

If your Mi Account is older than 30 days, the waiting time can be reduced to 72 hours. Also note that from 2026, Xiaomi will block unlocking for devices purchased in some regions (for example, Redmi for India or China).

Create and confirm Mi Account|Link the account to the device (Settings) → Xiaomi account)|Enable debugging on USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap)|Permission. OEM-unlocking (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers)|Connect the device to the PC and install drivers ADB-->

Step-by-step:

1. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website (Windows only).
2. Launch the tool on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.
3. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode: Turn it off, then press Power + Volume Down.
4. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
5. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock and confirm the action.

If done correctly, in a few minutes you will see the message Unlocked successfully. The phone will automatically restart and reset to factory settings.

Alternative Unlocking Methods (if the Official One is Not Working)

If the Mi Unlock Tool refuses to unlock the bootloader, you can try workarounds.Caution: these methods are not official and can lead to loss of warranty or breakage of the device.

Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL mode allows you to flash the device directly through the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, which works even on locked bootloaders, but requires:

• 🔌 Authorized EDL-Account (can be purchased or found in the public domain).
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model.
• 🔧 Testpoint (for some models you need to close contacts on the board).

Instructions:

1. Put your phone in EDL mode: For most models: turn off your phone, press Volume Up + Volume Down, and connect to your PC. Some devices (like the Redmi Note 11) will require you to close the testpoint.

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL Make sure the firmware is suitable for your model and region (Global, China, India).

Method 2: Use of vulnerabilities (exploits)

Some Redmi models have exploits that allow you to unlock the bootloader without waiting. For example, for Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet), you can use the tool fastboot oem unlock-go, but this does not work on all devices.

Example of command to unlock (if supported):

fastboot flashing unlock


fastboot oem unlock-go

If the command is executed without errors, the bootloader will be unlocked instantly, but on newer models (2023-2026), this method usually does not work.

Compatibility table of unlock methods by Redmi models

Not all methods work on all devices, and the following is a compatibility table for popular models:

The data is up to May 2026, and new models (like the Redmi Note 13) may need to be updated.

💡

If your model doesn't support unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, try upgrading MIUI to the latest version first.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Unlocking is rarely smooth, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

1. Error "Couldn't verify device" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device"

This error means that the Mi Account you signed in to the Mi Unlock Tool is not the same as the one you're attached to your phone.

• 🔄 Reconnect your account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and perform exit/entry.
• 📱 Make sure your phone is syncing with Mi Cloud.
• ⏳ Wait 24 hours – sometimes Xiaomi servers slowly update anchors.

Error "Device is locked. Unlocking is not allowed"

This error occurs if:

• ⏳ It was not enough time (168 or 72 hours).
• 🌍 Device from a restricted region (e.g. Chinese version for domestic market).
• 🔧 The bootloader has already been unlocked before, but then blocked again (for example, after firmware is installed).

Solution: Check the waiting time in the Mi Unlock Tool or try the EDL method.

3.The phone is not identified in Fastboot

If the PC does not see the device in Fastboot mode:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• 💻 Install Google Drivers USB Driver or Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Drivers.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
• 🛠️ In Device Manager, check that the phone is defined as Android Bootloader Interface.

💡

If none of these methods work, check if your model is on the list of devices with a “perpetual lock” (for example, some versions of the Redmi K50 for China).

What to do after successful unblocking

Once the bootloader is unlocked, your device will be reset to factory settings, depending on your goal:

1. Installation of custom firmware

For custom ROM installation (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience):

1. Download the firmware for your model from the XDA Developers forum.
2. Install custom TWRP recavators via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (required!).
4. Install the firmware through Install.

2. Obtaining root rights

To obtain root:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub.
2. Fly Magisk through TWRP patch boot.img: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
3. Install Magisk Manager and check root status.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (such as Redmi Note 11 and later), you may need to adjust Magisk to work properly. OTA-update.

Recovery from the brick

If the device does not turn on after a failed firmware:

• 🔌 Try flashing the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in mode EDL.
• 🔧 If the phone is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, but the firmware is not coming – check the correct version of the selected version MIUI.
• 📱 For some models (for example, Redmi Note 10) can help the utility XiaomiTool V2.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions