Unlocking Xiaomi bootloader: official and alternative ways in 2026

Locking the bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is a standard security measure that the company has implemented to protect devices from unauthorized firmware changes. On the one hand, it prevents malware and unofficial builds from being installed, and on the other hand, it limits the power of power users who want to customize their device.+, POCO F6 Xiaomi, or any other model of 2023-2026, faced with an improved lock system, which requires mandatory binding of the Mi Account account and waiting for confirmation from the company’s servers.

Unlocking the bootloader opens up access to install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), obtain superuser rights (root), and remove system applications. However, the process comes with risks: improper actions can lead to a "brike" (complete failure) of the device or loss of warranty. In this article, we will discuss the official method of unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, alternative methods for older models, as well as solving errors such as Couldn't unlock or This is locked.

Important: Xiaomi has tightened unlocking requirements since 2026, and new devices are now required to be available SIM-The card associated with the account and waiting 72-168 hours after the first link of the Mi Account to the phone, this rule applies even for models bought in official stores.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and why unlock it?

Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader for three main reasons:

• 🔒 Protection against viruses and malware – a closed bootloader does not allow you to install uncertified firmware that may contain backdoors or spyware modules.
• 📦 Compliance with license agreements – many system applications (e.g. Google Services) require firmware integrity confirmation.
• 🛡️ Fraud prevention – blocking makes it harder to steal data when you lose your device, as an attacker will not be able to easily reflash your phone.

However, unlocking the bootloader is in demand among:

• 🔧 Customization enthusiasts – for installation AOSP-firmware, cores with improved performance or modified retavers (TWRP).
• 📱 Developers – to test applications on “pure” Android or debugging through ADB.
• 🔄 Users with outdated devices – when Xiaomi stops releasing updates, custom firmware prolongs the life of the gadget.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device (full wipe). even if you make a backup through the Mi Cloud, some settings (for example, application data) can not be restored. L1, This will lead to a decrease in streaming quality on Netflix or Disney.+ before 480p.

The official method of unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool

It is the only legal way Xiaomi has approved and is suitable for all models released after 2016, including the Redmi 12, POCO X6 Pro and Xiaomi 14. the process consists of three stages: device preparation, account binding and directly unlock.

Requirements for official unlocking:

• 📱 Xiaomi device with version MIUI at least 10.0 for older models — MIUI 8.0+).
• 🔑 Mi Account with confirmed phone number and email.
• 📡 Stable Internet connection (preferably via PC cable).
• ⏳ Wait 72–168 hours after you link your account to your device (for new models).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate debugging on USB: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap the build number 7 times to turn on developer mode. → Additionally. → For developers and include: - Debugging by USB — Unlocking OEM (if there is such a clause).
2. Link Mi Account to your device: In the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. The system will request a username and password from Mi Account. Once successfully linked, a wait message will appear (usually 72 hours, but for some regions up to 168 hours).
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool: The official utility can be downloaded from Xiaomi's website (authentication required). Make sure you download the latest version (current as of 2026). v6.5.424.24).
4. Start unlocking: Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume down). + Open the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and press Unlock. If the wait time is up, it takes 1-2 minutes.

If you see a Couldn't unlock error during the unlock stage, please add your account and device in MIUI, signifier:

• Not enough time has passed since the account was linked (check the timer in the Mi Unlock Tool).
• You are not using the Mi Account that is tied to the device.
• Time or date sync is disabled on the phone (enable automatic settings in Settings) → System system → Date and time).

Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)

If the official method doesn’t work (for example, due to a bug This device is locked on older models), you can try workarounds. They require technical skills and carry risks, so use them at your own risk.

1. Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

The method is suitable for devices on Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro).+, POCO X3 Pro. The essence is to flash the bootloader through a special mode EDL, It's a way to bypass Xiaomi's standard checks:

• 🔌 USB-TypeC cable with data support (not all cables are suitable!).
• 💻 QFil or Mi Flash Tool.
• 📁 Firmware file in.mbn format for your model (can be found on forums) XDA Developers or 4PDA).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in mode. EDL: adb reboot edl If the team is not working, press Volume up + Loudness down + 10 seconds of power (for some models).
2. Connect the device to your PC and check if the Qualcomm port is determined HS-USB QDLoader 9008 in Device Manager.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash. Don't turn off the cable until the process is complete!

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL may result in loss IMEI or inoperability of modules NFC/Wi-Fi, If the firmware file is not selected correctly, make sure you have a backup copy of the persist partition before you start. IMEI).

2. Use of exploits (for older models)

Some devices on the MIUI 8–9 (e.g. Redmi) 4X, Mi 5) have vulnerabilities that allow you to unlock the bootloader without waiting. One of the most famous exploits is DirtyCOW, which was used in 2017-2018.

Compatibility table of unlocking methods

Not all methods are suitable for all devices. Below is a table with the current unlock methods for different Xiaomi models (data for 2026):

If your model is not listed in the table, check it on the official Xiaomi website or forum. XDA Developers.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.Couldn't unlock.Please add your account and device in MIUI"

This is the most common problem that occurs when:

• Not enough time has passed since the account was linked (check the timer in the Mi Unlock Tool).
• You are using the wrong Mi Account that is tied to your device (check Settings). → Xiaomi account).
• Time synchronization is disabled on the phone (enable automatic settings in Settings). → System system → Date and time).
• The device was reflashed with unofficial firmware before unlocking (requires to return the stock). MIUI).

2. "This device is locked" error

This error appears on older models (Redmi) 3S, Mi 4), where bootloader lock is implemented at the hardware level:

• Use it. EDL-firmware prog_emmc_firehose.mbn for your model.
• Try to revert to an older version. MIUI (for example, MIUI 12 on MIUI 10).
• Contact Xiaomi Service Center – some models can be unlocked officially upon request.

3. Mi Unlock Tool fails to see device

If the program does not recognize the phone in fastboot mode, follow the following steps:

• Install the drivers. ADB/Fastboot manually through Device Manager (you can download from the Android site).
• Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• Disable driver signatures in Windows (enable Test Mode via bcdedit) /set Testsigning on the command line on behalf of the administrator).
• Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.

What to do after successful unblocking?

When you unlock the bootloader, you get new opportunities, but you also get risks. Here's what you should do first:

1.Install custom Recovery (TWRP)

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is an alternative Recovery that allows you to:

• 📦 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 Make full backups (nandroid backup).
• 🔄 Recover data after resetting.

To install TWRP:

1. Download the.img image for your model from the official website.
2. Restart your phone to fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-1-redmi_note_12.img
3. Immediately after the firmware reboot to TWRP (Hold the volume up + Food), otherwise the stock firmware will overwrite the recaveri.

2. Get root rights (Magisk)

Magisk is a tool for obtaining superuser rights without changing the systemless root.

• 🎮 Use modifications for games (e.g. GameGuardian).
• 🚀 Remove system applications (bloatware).
• 🔒 Bypass some application restrictions (e.g. geo-blocking).

To install Magisk:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk.zip from GitHub.
2. Reboot to TWRP and file through Install.
3. Restart the device and check for Magisk Manager in the app menu.

⚠️ Note: Installing Magisk can cause banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) to crash, as they detect root. To get around this, use MagiskHide Props Config or SafetyNet Fix module.

3.Sweeten the custom firmware

If you're not happy with it. MIUI, You can install a firmware based on AOSP (For example, LineageOS or ArrowOS:

• 🆕 A more recent version of Android (like Android 14 for devices that don’t officially receive updates).
• 🚀 No Advertising and Unnecessary Xiaomi Services.
• 🔄 Regular security updates.

For installation:

1. Download firmware and GApps (Google Service Package) for your model.
2. Reboot to TWRP and run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
3. Sweep through the firmware, then GApps, and restart the device.

💡

Before you install custom firmware, check its compatibility with your model on the forum. XDA Developers.Some builds may not support cameras, NFC VoLTE.

Risks and consequences of unlocking the loader

Despite all the advantages, unlocking the bootloader has a downside, and here are the main risks to be aware of:

1. Loss of guarantee

Xiaomi officially declares that unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty.

• If the device failed due to the fault of the manufacturer (for example, a defect in the battery), the service center can go to meet.
• If the problem is related to the software part (for example, after firmware the phone does not turn on), warranty repair will be refused.

To return the warranty, you can re-block the bootloader through the Mi Flash Tool (but this will reset all data).

2.Problems with SafetyNet and banking applications

After receiving root or installing custom firmware, the device will not pass SafetyNet check, which will lead to:

• 🎮 Blocking in games with protection (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact).
• 💳 Inability to use banking applications (for example, SberBank Online requires undamaged SafetyNet).
• 📺 Reduced streaming quality on Netflix to 480p (Widevine loss L1).

Decisions:

• Use the MagiskHide module or Universal SafetyNet Fix.
• For banking apps, try Island (sandbox) or Shelter.

3. Possible "brick" of the device

"Brick is a state where a device stops turning on or loads only in a computer. fastboot/EDL. Causes:

• 🔌 Interrupting the firmware process (for example, disabling the cable).
• 📁 Incompatible firmware (e.g., firmware from Redmi Note 11 on Redmi Note 11 Pro).
• 🔧 Error when changing the boot or dtbo partition.

How to restore the device:

• If the phone is loading into fastboot, try flashing stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• If the device does not respond, use EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account for new models).
• In the extreme, contact the service center (recovery through the JTAG or replacement of motherboard).

💡

If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact experienced users on the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers: Incorrect firmware can cost 30-50% of the cost of the device.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions