Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi: official and unofficial methods

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. Although the manufacturer officially permits the procedure, it requires strict adherence to instructions and preparation. In 2026, the process became more difficult due to the tightening of the MIUI security policy, but it is still possible to circumvent the restrictions.

In this article, we will discuss two main methods: the official (through permission from Xiaomi) and the alternative (for devices that do not support standard unlock).+, POCO F6 Xiaomi 14 Ultra, where the process may be different, and you will also learn how to avoid common mistakes, such as blocking your Mi Account due to too frequent requests to unlock.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and why unlock it

The manufacturer blocks the bootloader by default to protect users from malware and unauthorized access, but this limits the ability to:

• 🔓 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🛠️ Getting root rights for deep system configuration.
• 🔄 Recovery of the device after a "brick" (software failure).
• 📱 Testing of beta versions MIUI before official release.

On the other hand, unlocking deprives you of an official warranty (if the device is new) and increases the risk of data leakage if you do not act correctly, for example, installing an untested firmware can lead to the loss of IMEI or the failure of the NFC module.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (such as the Xiaomi 14 Pro), unlocking the bootloader resets the data encryption. ADB necessarily!

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only way Xiaomi supports, but it requires a Mi Account and a wait (usually 7-15 days) for most devices released after 2018.

Step 1: Preparation of the device

• 📱 Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the assembly number.
• 🔗 Turn on O.EM-unlocking and debugging USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• 🔒 Link your Mi Account to your device: Settings → Xiaomi account → Synchronization.
• 📡 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (mobile internet may not work).

On some models (e.g. Redmi) K70) post-activation OEM-If you unlock it, you'll see a data reset warning.

Step 2: Requesting permission to unlock

Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi (the version should match your account region) and run it on a Windows PC (no macOS/Linux support) and do:

fastboot oem device-info

If you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, you can proceed to unlock. Otherwise, check the account's link.

Once you send a request, Xiaomi will start counting down (usually 168 hours), trying to unlock before the deadline will lead to the Couldn't unlock error. You can't speed up the process - even appealing for support will not help.

Step 3: Unlocking the bootloader

After the waiting period has expired:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (the process takes 1-3 minutes).

Successful unlocking is confirmed by the words Unlocked successfully and the green tick in the utility. Now you can install TWRP or custom software.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14) you may need to re-activate your Mi Account via Fastboot with the fastboot oem activate command after unlocking.

Alternative methods for devices without official support

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error This device is locked and cannot be unlocked (typical for Redmi 10A or enterprise devices), you can try workarounds. They are risky and can lead to a complete loss of functionality (for example, a “brick” of a 5G module).

Method 1: EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

Suitable for Qualcomm Snapdragon devices.

• 🖥️ Windows PC and QDLoader Drivers HS-USB.
• 🔧 The Mi Flash Pro program or EDL Tool.
• 📄 Programr file for your model (see forums) XDA Developers).

Algorithm:

1. Turn off the phone and transfer it to EDL: For most models: Press Volume up + Volume down + Power for 10 seconds. For POCO F5: use the command adb reboot edl.

Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008

Mi Flash Pro

programmer

⚠️ Risk: The wrong programmer file can turn your phone into a brick. Before the procedure, check the file's compatibility with your model. 4PDA or XDA.

Method 2: Test-mode bypass (for older models)

It works on some 2019-2021 devices (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro).

1. Install. ADB and execute: adb shell setprop sys.oem_unlock_allowed 1
2. Restart your phone to Fastboot and try unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

This method is often blocked by MIUI updates, but can work on firmware older than 2022.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If the phone does not turn on after unlocking or freezes on the MI logo, reset via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot reboot

💡

Before unlocking, check if your device is on the Xiaomi blacklist. Some models (such as the Redmi 9A for the Indian market) have hardware locks that cannot be bypassed software.

What to do after successful unblocking

Now your device is ready to install custom software, but first:

• 🔄 Make a full backup through TWRP or ADB.
• 📥 Download the right firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu for the global version) MIUI).
• 🔧 Install Magisk for root rights management (optional).
• 🛡️ Check the operation of the main functions: camera, communication, biometrics.

On new devices (for example, Xiaomi 13T) after installing custom firmware, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account to work with Mi Cloud and Mi Pay services.

⚠️ Warning: Installing Android 14-based firmware on devices with unlocked bootloader could lead to Widevine issues L1 (Downgrading streaming quality at Netflix and Disney+).

Xiaomi models with unlock features in 2026

Some devices require additional action, and here are the current data for 2026:

For MediaTek devices (like the Redmi Note 12R), unlocking via EDL is often impossible due to hardware constraints, leaving only the official method.

💡

Starting with HyperOS, Xiaomi has implemented an additional bootloader integrity check, which means that once unlocked, some features (such as Mi Share) may not work properly until the account is re-assigned.

Security after unlocking: how to protect your device

An unlocked bootloader makes the phone vulnerable to attack, to minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Set a strong password for downloading (TWRP support).
• 🛡️ Turn it off. OEM-unlocking.
• 📱 Regularly check your device for viruses through Malwarebytes.
• 🔄 Do not install firmware from unknown sources (risk of backdoors).

If you plan to sell the phone, make sure to return the stock firmware and lock the bootloader back, which will increase customer confidence and avoid warranty issues.

fastboot oem lock

⚠️ After that, all data will be erased!

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi bootloader