When a smartphone owner is faced with a bootloader lock or forgotten screen password, it is quite common.Users often look for ways to bypass the restrictions set by the manufacturer to gain full access to the file system or restore the device to health after a failure.Unlocking Xiaomi through a personal computer is the most reliable and official method that allows you to remove the restrictions of Bootloader or restore access to the system in the event of loss of credentials.
But it requires care, because incorrect actions can lead to data loss or temporary inoperability of the gadget. It is important to understand the difference between unlocking a bootloader to install custom firmware and resetting a forgotten pattern lock. In both cases, the PC acts as the control center through which critical commands are transmitted to the smartphone system.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at official and alternative methods of working with the bootloader, the necessary drivers and utilities. You will learn how to properly prepare your computer and phone to minimize risks. Note: official unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool completely erases all data from the device, so having a backup is critical.
Preparing a computer and smartphone for the procedure
Before any manipulations begin, you need to ensure a stable connection between the devices and install the required software. Without proper preparation, the computer may simply not see the phone in the right mode, which will lead to errors in the process. First, make sure that on your Windows PC current drivers installed ADB and Fastboot, as well as the original USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery.
Next, you need to set the smartphone itself, and if the device is turned on and you can log in, you need to activate the developer mode. → About the phone and press seven times in a row on the field version MIUI (Then the expanded settings menu will appear optional → For developers.
- 🔌 Find the item "Factory unlock" and activate the switch, confirming the action with the code from SMS.
- 📶 Link your Mi Account in your phone settings, as unlocking is impossible without a binding.
- 🔋 Charge the device to at least 60% to avoid suddenly shutting down at a critical moment.
⚠️ Attention: Linking a Mi Account to unlock a bootloader requires a wait of 7 to 168 hours (1 to 7 days) depending on account status and region.
☑️ Checklist of preparations for unlocking
Installation of drivers and utilities Mi Unlock Tool
The official Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to remove bootloader locks on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, which can only be downloaded from the official MIUI community site, and third-party versions may contain malicious code or work incorrectly.
The driver installation process often causes difficulties for Windows 10 and 11 users. The system can block the installation of unsigned drivers. If you connect your phone in Fastboot mode, your device is identified as “Unknown Device”, you will have to temporarily disable driver signature verification in Windows boot settings or use the command prompt to manually install through Device Manager.
Once you install the Mi Unlock Tool, run the program on behalf of the administrator. Sign in to the same Mi Account that is attached to your phone. The program will automatically check the anchor status and tell you how long it is left to unlock. If the status is "Not tied", check the Internet on your smartphone and repeat the binding procedure in the developer menu.
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Use it. USB-port located on the back of the system unit (directly into the motherboard), as the ports of the front panel often do not give enough voltage or have poor contact.
Transfer of the device to Fastboot mode
To interact with the bootloader, the phone must be in a special diagnostic mode known as Fastboot, in which the operating system does not boot, and the PC has direct access to the device's low-level functions, and a characteristic image of a hare repairing an android will appear on the screen, and the inscription "FASTBOOT" in orange color.
To go into this mode, turn off your smartphone completely. Then press and hold the Volume Down button. Without releasing the button, plug in the USB cable that's second-end inserted into your computer. The screen should light up, and you'll see the Fastboot logo. If the phone just started charging, it's been turned off or the cable is faulty.
Some new models with HyperOS or updated MIUI may have different entry times. If the standard method doesn't work, try Volume Down + Power when the device is off. There is also software input via ADB with adb reboot bootloader, but the phone must already be allowed to debug via USB.
| Mode of work | Screen indication | Appointment | Button combination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastboot | Hare with android, orange text | Firmware, unlock BL | Vol - + USB |
| Recovery | MI-Recovery menu (black/orange) | Reset, clean, upgrade | Vol + + Power |
| EDL (9008) | Black screen (defined as QDLoader) | Brick restoration | Special. cable / Test points |
What if your phone is not included in Fastboot?
The process of unlocking the bootloader through the PC
When the phone is in Fastboot mode and connected to the PC, and Mi Unlock is running and authorized, you can start the main action. Press Unlock in the utility interface. The program will issue a warning that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action by agreeing to the terms.
The unlocking process will begin, which takes from a few seconds to a few minutes, the progress bar will be displayed on the phone screen, at which point it is strictly forbidden to turn off the cable or interrupt the program. Once the process is complete, the phone will automatically restart and begin to clean the data, which may take additional time when you first boot.
If you see a success message (“Unlocked successfully”), it means that the procedure went right. The bootloader is now open, which allows you to install custom recaps (such as TWRP) and modify the system. However, remember that with an open bootloader, some features, such as Google Pay or banking applications, can work with restrictions or require additional security settings.
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Find Device and theft protection may work differently. Do not hand over the unlocked device to third parties without first changing passwords and unbundling accounts.
Solving Common Mistakes When Unlocking
It rarely goes perfectly smoothly for all users. There are often errors with codes such as "Couldn't verify device," "Current account is different" or connection timeouts. The "Current account is different" error means that the program on the PC and the phone have different Mi Account accounts, which is solved by rechecking the login in the phone settings and in the utility authorization window.
If a program writes “Couldn’t verify device,” it may have expired since the account was attached, sometimes it takes longer for servers to sync status, then it’s worth waiting another 24 hours, and the problem may lie in an unstable Internet connection on a PC, since the utility constantly communicates with Xiaomi servers.
Another common problem is the 50% or 99% freeze, often with drivers or antivirus that block the utility. Try temporarily disabling the Windows firewall and antivirus software. Also, reinstalling drivers in Device Manager helps by manually selecting a model from the Android Bootloader Interface list.
- 🔄 Reconnect the cable to another USB-port, preferably USB 2.0.
- 💻 Use the original cable that comes with the device.
- 🌐 Check the stability of the Internet connection and try to change DNS at 8.8.8.8.
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Most unlock errors are solved by re-assigning an account, waiting 168 hours or replacing it. USB-cable-like.
Alternative methods and resetting of forgotten password
If by “unlocking” you meant removing a forgotten pattern lock or password, then the Mi Unlock Tool method will not help here, since it requires access to the phone menu to link the account. In the case of a full lock screen, the only way is to reset via Recovery Mode. To do this, you need to turn off the phone and pinch the Volume Up. + Nutrition.
From the Recovery menu, select the language (English), then click Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. The system will request confirmation, often requiring a password from your Mi Account if protection was enabled. If you do not remember the password from your Mi Account, unlocking the phone without losing data will not work due to Android security mechanisms.
There are also paid service programs to unblock FRP (Google Account) or Mi Account, such as Mi Flash Pro (service version) or UnlockTool. However, their use requires deep knowledge, often paid subscription and carries high risks of turning the phone into a “brick” if you choose the wrong model. For the average user, a safest path is an appeal to an authorized service center with a check of purchase.
It is important to distinguish between locking the screen, locking the account and locking the bootloader. Each type is solved by different methods. Do not try to sew the phone with random files from the Internet found on the request "unlock any Xiaomi", as this is almost guaranteed to lead to software failure.