Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights or restoring the device after software failures. The procedure is officially supported by the company, but has strict restrictions: from binding a Mi Account account to waiting 7-30 days. In this article, we will analyze all current unlock methods (including circumventing restrictions), requirements for the MIUI version, as well as risks that the manufacturer does not mention.
It's important to understand that unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings and cancels the warranty (if it's still valid). L1 (viewable HD-Netflix content may not work properly, and we will explain in detail how to minimize these risks and what to do if something goes wrong.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and why unlock it
Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all its devices for two reasons: security and ecosystem control. A blocked bootloader protects the smartphone from malware installation, unauthorized access to system partitions and data theft. It also prevents the use of unofficial firmware that can disrupt Mi Account, Mi Cloud or Xiaomi Pay services.
However, unlocking the bootloader is required in several cases:
- 🔄 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS, etc.) for advanced customization or update of outdated models.
- 🛠️ Recovery of a bricked-up device (for example, after a failed update or reset via fastboot).
- 🔓 Getting root-rights for deep customization (change system fonts, remove embedded applications, overclock the processor).
- 📱 Transferring data from a damaged device if standard methods (e.g., via Mi) PC Suite not working.
Since 2018, Xiaomi has tightened its unlock policy, requiring a device-based Mi Account and a mandatory wait (7 to 30 days depending on the model) to combat device theft, which means that a thief will not be able to quickly drop the phone and sell it.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader deletes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Even if you back up through Mi Cloud, some settings (such as application data) will not recover. Use adb backup to save critical data.
The official way to unlock through Mi Unlock Tool
This is the only method that Xiaomi has approved, and it works on all models since the Redmi Note 3 (2016), and it consists of three steps: account binding, waiting, and unlocking.
- Link your Mi Account to your device: 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Come in and log in. 🔗 In the Mi Cloud section, enable synchronization and find the “Find device” option – activate it. 🔐 B Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI Tap 7 times to turn on Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and enable "Factory Unlocking" OEM" and "Debugging by" USB".
Download the Mi Unlock Tool
The official utility is available on Xiaomi's website (registration required) and only use the latest version - older versions may not support new models.
Connect the device in Fastboot mode
Turn off the phone, then press the Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the smartphone to your PC.
Launch unlock.
Open the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the same Mi Account as the phone, and follow the instructions. If the device is not identified, install the Mi USB Driver drivers manually.
At this point, you'll likely see a message saying, "You have to wait 168 hours (7 days) before unlocking." This is the standard limit for most models. Some devices (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60) require up to 30 days of waiting time.
Link Mi Account to your device |Enable "OEM Factory Unlock" | Download the latest version of Mi Unlock Tool|Install Mi USB Driver |Connect your phone in Fastboot mode
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List of Xiaomi models with different waiting times to unlock
The wait time before unlocking depends on the device model and the version of MIUI. Below is a table with the current data for 2026. If your model is not on the list, focus on 7 days - this is the minimum period for most devices.
| Model of the device | Waiting time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra | 30 days | Requires the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (4.5.1306.51 and above) |
| Redmi K60/K60 Pro | 15 days | On versions of MIUI 14 and newer |
| POCO F5/F5 Pro | 7 days | Without additional restrictions |
| Redmi Note 12/12 Pro | 7 days | Global Firmware (Global ROM) |
| Xiaomi 12T/12T Pro | 14 days | When unlocking on MIUI 13 and older |
If your device is not identified in the Mi Unlock Tool or the utility gives an error "Couldn't unlock", check:
- 🔌 Cable USB (Use an original or certified USB-C).
- 🖥️ Driver Version (Update with Device Manager in Windows).
- 📱 Firmware region (Chinese versions) MIUI Can block the unlocking of global accounts).
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro|Redmi Note 12|POCO F5|Redmi K60| Another model | Not yet unlocked
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Alternative Unlocking Methods (without waiting)
The official wait-and-see approach is not for everyone, especially if the phone is already bricked or needs to be unlocked urgently, and there are alternatives, but they have risks ranging from loss of warranty to complete failure of the device, and we'll look at two of the more reliable options.
Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)
EDL (Emergency Boot) mode allows you to flash the device directly through the Qualcomm port without the bootloader.This method works on most Xiaomi smartphones running Snapdragon processors (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro).
- 🔧 EDL Cable (special cable with contact closure) or Deep Flash Cable adapter.
- 💻 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model.
- 🔑 Authorized Mi Account (for some models).
Process:
- Turn off the phone and connect it to the PC via EDL Cable (or press the buttons to log in to EDL - the combination depends on the model).
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, select firmware and press Refresh – the device should be defined as COM-port.
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL erase IMEI and serial number on some models (e.g. Redmi 9 or POCO M3). They can only be restored with the help of service utilities (SN Write Tool, which requires authorization from Xiaomi.
Method 2: Bypassing waiting by changing the firmware region
Some users have successfully bypassed the waiting limit by temporarily flashing the device into the Chinese version of MIUI (China ROM), because on Chinese firmware, unlocking sometimes goes without delay.
- Download China ROM for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
- Fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash vendor.img fastboot fastboot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot boot
- After the reboot, link your Mi Account and try unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- If the unlocking is successful, go back to the global firmware.
This method doesn’t work on all devices and can cause problems with Google Services (you’ll have to install them manually), and there’s a risk of an “anti-rollback” error if the firmware version is lower than the current one.
What is Anti-Rollback and Why is it Dangerous?
What to do if unlocking fails: common mistakes and solutions
Even if you follow the instructions, unlocking can lead to an error, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Couldn’t unlock" | Inconsistency of accounts on PC and phone | Make sure you use the same Mi Account everywhere. |
| "Device not connected" | Problems with drivers or cable | Install drivers manually through Device Manager or try another USB cable/port. |
| "Waiting for device" | Phone is not in fastboot mode | Restart the device in fastboot (clip Power + Volume Reduction). |
| "Account not bound" | Mi Account is not linked to your device | Turn on sync in Mi Cloud and activate Find Device. |
If the phone does not turn on after unlocking or is getting stuck on the MIUI logo, follow the following steps:
- Download to fastboot and run the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select the clean all option).
- If the device is not detected, use EDL-the regime (see previous section).
- Check if the IMEI or serial number is lost (enter ##4636## in the engineering menu).
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Risks of unlocking the bootloader: what you should know
Unlocking the bootloader gives you freedom of action, but it deprives you of some of the benefits of official software.
- 🔒 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi officially declares that unlocking will void warranty.Even if you return the bootloader to a locked state, the service center can detect traces of interference.
- 🛡️ Security issues: Unlocked bootloader allows you to install uncertified software, which increases the risk of virus infection or data theft.
- 🎬 Media Limitations: Widevine is lowered to more devices after unlocking L3, What is blocking viewing content in Full? HD on Netflix, Disney.+ and other services.
- 💳 Google Pay, Xiaomi Pay and other services may stop working due to lack of SafetyNet certificate.
These problems are partly being addressed:
- For recovery Widevine L1 sometimes helps firmware original vendor and persist through fastboot.
- SafetyNet can be cheated using the Universal SafetyNet Fix (Magisk) module.
- In some cases, the guarantee can be restored by returning the bootloader to a locked state and asking for the original MIUI.
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How to return the loader to a locked state
If you're selling your phone or re-establishing your warranty, you can Attempt to lock the bootloader again, but it doesn't always go smoothly.
- Sweep the original MIUI firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select the clean all and lock option).
- After the firmware, the phone will automatically block the bootloader.
- Check the status of the lock command: fastboot oem device-info Device unlocked: false and Charger screen enabled: false mean that the bootloader is locked.
Important: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 or Redmi) K50) Re-blocking can lead to an "anti-rollback" error if the firmware version does not meet the requirements. EDL-reinstatement.
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is locked, all data will be erased and the device will return to factory settings. If you plan to sell the phone, back up in advance.